Lon. An' I say that yuh or no swindler like yuh is a goin' t' cheat me out o' it.
Seth. I ain't a swindler, yuh wall-eyed son—
Lon [advancing]. Take it back. Don't yuh call me dissipated names.
Seth. I'll never take it back!
[Lon doubles his fists and strikes; but the blow lands in the air as Seth grabs Lon. They fight furiously and in dead earnest, though there is no ethics to the struggle. The rickety furniture trembles as they advance and retreat. Seth is quicker and lighter and less easily winded; but Lon's bulk is not readily moved, and, despite his "weak back," he can still wield his arms. It looks like a fight to the finish. Isn't their future at stake? And they are giving vent to a hatred bred by their father. But suddenly Pa's voice is heard, calling wildly to Seth. The men do not move: the voice seems to have paralyzed their muscles. For a moment they stand dazed. Then consciousness comes to them: they realize that the waiting is over. They tear to the bedroom. A silence follows. They must be fascinated by the ghost of the old man.]
Seth [in the bedroom; quietly]. He's gone, Lon.
Lon [in the bedroom]. Yer right, Seth.
[Then their voices rise in dispute.]
Don't yuh take it!
Seth. I've got it!