The Americans Part 24

(_On his way out, points to the notice_)

Look what a d.a.m.n fine hand the old man writes.

(_Goes out right_)

FIRST SENTRY.

(_On his way back, to the Chauffeur_)

It's a good thing that some men never tell.

(_Walks slowly, rifle up; then from rear_)

Hurrah for Egerton for Governor!

VOICE OF SECOND SENTRY.

(_Out right_)

Halt!

(_A pause_)

_Halt!_

(_Buck Bentley rises from the keg and comes forward_)

DO YOU HEAR!

(_The Chauffeur leaps from the car and hurries forward. There is a shot_)

FIRST SENTRY.

(_Running forward_)

Who is it?

MILITIAMAN.

(_Hurrying from the mill-yard_)

What was that?

(_Voices are heard right. A moment later the Second Sentry enters with Harvey Anderson, who carries in his arms fragments of the cast that has been broken by the shot_)

SECOND SENTRY.

Where in the h.e.l.l have you been living That you don't know enough to stop when----

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Pard, If I'd stop every time some man said stop, I'd still be standing somewhere.

(_He walks left, away from the others, who exchange glances as if amazed at the man's audacity. He lays the largest of the pieces upon the ground, then looks among the others in his arms. Donald Egerton and General Chadbourne, both evidently dressed for a function, the latter being in full military uniform, brand new, come quickly from the mill-yard, followed by Jergens and the Chief of Police_)

CHADBOURNE.

What's the trouble?

SECOND SENTRY.

This man came through the line. I called three times.

CHADBOURNE.

(_To Harvey Anderson_)

Don't you know better than do such a thing?

CAPTAIN HASKELL.

(_Comes from the mill-yard, then turns and calls back_)

Stay where you are. We'll attend to this affair.

EGERTON.

What business have you here?

HARVEY ANDERSON.

I just came down To look about a bit.

JERGENS.

To look about!

You think we're running a menagerie?

Didn't you see these soldiers? What do you mean?

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_To the Chief of Police_)

Just step back, pard. I'm neither dog nor bear.

(_Back in the mill-yard militiamen are seen climbing on top of lumber piles to see what the trouble is_)

EGERTON.