Jennings: What can you do?
Porter: At least I can tell him what I think of him and his prison.
Valentine: No, no! (general confusion of protest)
Jennings (leaps up and stops him by main force): Good God, Bill, have you gone crazy?
Porter: I’ve watched the cruelty and the stealing and the rottenness in this place till I’ve been sick at my stomach; I’ve kept my mouth shut, I’ve looked out for myself and my own skin. But this is the limit; I’m going to speak up for Jimmie, if it’s my last act on earth.
Valentine: Forget it, Mr. Porter.
Jennings: Bill, you shan’t do it. Hold him, Joe! Wait, and listen to me!
Joe (helping Jennings): Naw, Misteh Porteh, naw suh!
Raidler (unable to move, but reaching over the table as if to help): Keep your shirt on, Bill!
Valentine: Sit down, Mr. Porter—there’s nothin’ to that.