(Enter Joe Clarke and a small group. He is a rotund, expansive man with a liberal watch chain and charm.)
Dinky (slapping Clarke on the back). If you don’t go ’way from here! Lawdy, if it aint Joe.
Clarke (jovially). Ah thought you had done forgot us people in Eatonville since you been living up here in Jacksonville.
Dinky. Course Ah aint. (Turning.) Looka heah folks! Joe Clarke oughta be made chairman uh dis meetin’—Ah mean Past Great-Grand Master of Ceremonies, him being the onliest mayor of de onliest colored town in de state.
General Chorus. Yeah, let him be—thass fine, etc.
Dinky (setting his hat at a new angle and throwing out his chest). And Ah’ll scorch him to de platform. Ahem!
(Sprinkling of laughter as Joe Clarke is escorted into next room by Dinky.)
(The musicians are arriving one by one during this time. A guitar, accordion, mouth organ, banjo, etc. Soon there is a rapping for order heard inside and the voice of Joe Clarke.)
Joe Clarke. Git yo’ partners one an’ all for de gran’ march! Git yo’ partners, gent-mens!
A Man (drawing basket from under bench). Let’s we all eat first.