Raidler: Can’t we shoot even one of them?
Jennings: I’d like to bust that fat, white old bond-worm at the counter, but he’d make a mess. Away we go—to the great open spaces! (they fire a parting volley and ride out as they came; shots and yells outside, and hoof-beats dying away)
Judge (recovering the self-possession of a Southern bank-president): Well, gentlemen, we’ve had an adventure. I think, after that, we’re entitled to a drink. Gather round; I’ll mix them red-hot, in Creole style. (takes a quart bottle from his desk) Mr. Porter, we’re obliged to you.
Dr. Walters (pointing an accusing finger through the grill): Just a moment, here; I don’t like the job of playing detective, but somebody has to do it. How does this man come to know that bandit? (silence) I’ll tell you how; he’s an ex-convict.
Porter: That is not true! (with excitement) No one shall say it of me! I refuse to go through life with that brand upon my forehead!
Dr. Walters: I was the doctor at the Ohio Pen, and I played the detective on him there. Now I’m representing the National Bankers’ Protective Association. Varick is my name—Varick, do you get me? Here’s my shield, if you want to see it.
Judge: Gentlemen, in a case like this the first duty of all loyal Southerners is to have a drink. Joe, bring the glasses. Here comes our able and highly respected shoe-merchant—(Jimmie Valentine enters the front room through the door at right; he is debonair and jaunty, clad in an immaculate business suit, and carrying a suit-case) Gentlemen, meet Mr. James Valentine. I am happy to enliven the festivities by an auspicious announcement. Mr. Valentine, the leading shoe-merchant of our town, has become engaged to my daughter. Let us drink to the happiness of bride and groom.
Valentine: Just a moment, Judge; we’ll have to postpone that liquor. The bride is coming.
Judge: Indeed! We are honored! (he puts away the bottle, and signs Joe to put away the glasses. Faint music, the Lohengrin wedding march. The light fades from red to pale violet. Athol enters at right, in the same costume as Act I, and accompanied by Margaret, in the same costume; also another child, a year or two younger) Gentlemen, my daughter, and her little nieces, my two grand-daughters. (all bow, with elaborate politeness) To what do we owe this honor, daughter?
Athol: Jimmie has to take a business trip, and I’m driving him to the depot. I’m tempted to go with him, Daddy. Wouldn’t I make a nice drummer? (she takes Valentine’s derby hat from his hand and puts it on her head; picks up his suit-case from the floor) My, how heavy it is! Feels like it was full of gold bricks.