People come in by twos and threes, laughing, joking, horse-plays, gauchily flowered dresses, small waists, bulging hips and busts, hats worn far back on the head, etc. People from Ocala greet others from Palatka, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, etc.
Some find seats in the ante-room, others pass on into the main hall.
Enter the Jacksonville delegation, laughing, pushing proudly.
Dinky. Here we is, folks—here we is. Gointer take dat cake on back tuh Jacksonville where it belongs.
Man. Gwan! Whut wid you mullet-head Jacksonville Coons know whut to do wid a cake. It’s gointer stay right here in Augustine where de good cake walkers grow.
Dinky. Taint no ‘Walkers’ never walked till John and Emmaline prance out—you mighty come a tootin’.
Great laughing and joshing as more people come in. John and Emma are encouraged, urged on to win.
Emma. Let’s we git a seat, John, and set down.
John. Sho will—nice one right over there.
(They push over to wall seat, place basket underneath, and sit. Newcomers shake hands with them and urge them on to win.)