Five Plays Part 34

How many have you tried, Jim?

JIM

Oh, I don't know. I've always been at it, working as fast as I can, ever since--ever since--(_Feels his neck meditatively and up toward his ear_) Why, ever since, Bill.

BILL

Why don't you stop it?

JIM

I'm too thirsty, Bill.

BILL

What do you think _I've got_, Jim?

JIM

I don't know. Nothing's any use.

BILL (_as yet another bottle is shown to be empty_)

Who's that laughing, Jim?

JIM (_astonished at such a question, loudly and emphatically_)

Who's that laughing?

BILL (_looks a little disconcerted at having apparently asked a silly question_)

Is it a pal?

JIM

A pal!--(_laughs_) (_The laugh off joins in loudly and for long_)

BILL

Well, I don't know. But, Jim, what do you think I've got?

JIM

It isn't any good to you whatever it is. Not even if it is a ten-pound note.

BILL

It's better than a ten-pound note, Jim. Jim, try and remember, Jim.

Don't you remember the way we used to go for those iron safes? Do you remember anything, Jim?

JIM

Yes, I am beginning to remember now. There used to be sunsets. And then there were great yellow lights. And one went in behind them through a swinging door.

BILL

Yes, yes, Jim. That was the Blue Bear down at Wimbledon.

JIM

Yes, and the room was all full of golden light. And there was beer with light in it, and some would be spilt on the counter and there was light in that too. And there was a girl standing there with yellow hair.

She'd be the other side of that door now, with lamplight in her hair among the angels, and the old smile on her lips if one of them chaffed her, and her pretty teeth a-s.h.i.+ning. She would be very near the throne; there was never any harm in Jane.

BILL

No, there was never any 'arm in Jane, Jim.

JIM

Oh, I don't want to see the angels, Bill. But if I could see Jane again (_points in direction of laugh_) he might laugh as much as he cared to whenever I wanted to cry. You can't cry here, you know, Bill.

BILL

You shall see her again, Jim.

[_Jim takes no interest in this remark; he lowers his eyes and goes on with his work._

BILL

Jim, you shall see her again. You want to get into Heaven, don't you?

JIM (_not raising his eyes_)

Want!

BILL

Jim. Do you know what I've got, Jim?

[_Jim makes no answer, goes on wearily with his work._

BILL

You remember those iron safes, Jim, how we used to knock them open like walnuts with "Old Nut-cracker"?

JIM (_at work, wearily_)

Empty again.