The Pot Boiler: A Comedy in Four Acts Part 12

_Policeman._ Why didn't yez ask him for work?

_Schmidt._ I don't vant his vork. I vant his money, or you takes him to jail.

_Policeman._ An' phat might his bill be?

_Jack._ Thirty-five cents.

_Policeman (to Schmidt)._ Do yez think I've no more to do than arrestin' people for thirty-five cents?

_Schmidt (excitedly)._ Can I feed all the tramps on dis Avenue by my place? I say you arrest him!

_Policeman._ Well, all right--if that's it. Come along here.

_Belle._ Mr. Schmidt.

_Schmidt._ Hey?

_Belle._ Let me pay what he owes you.

_Schmidt._ Hey?

_Jack._ No!

_Belle._ Let me pay it. He's a friend of mine, and I don't want him arrested.

_Jack._ No, no--I won't have it.

_Belle._ You can pay me back. You'll get a job soon. Mr. Schmidt, will you take it out of my next wages?

_Jack._ I say no!

_Belle._ You can't help it. Just take it out of my wages, and let him alone--that'll settle it, won't it?

_Schmidt._ Ja, wohl, if you say it so. I haf no more to do mit it!

_(goes Left in anger)._

_Belle._ That's all right, isn't it, officer?

_Policeman._ Yez kin call yourself lucky, young feller. Next time I'll not let yez off so aisy _(exit Center)._

_Jack (stands gazing at Belle)._ Oh, say! That was awfully decent of you! I don't know how to thank you.

_Belle._ You needn't thank me.

_Jack._ But--why did you do it?

_Belle._ Because I didn't want you to go to jail. A fellow gets started at that, and he doesn't know where to stop.

_Jack._ You make me feel like a dog, because I can't help you. I had no business to come here!

_Belle._ Don't make so much out of it. We have to give each other a hand now and then--we'd none of us pull through if we didn't.

_Jack._ I've done nothing to deserve a hand!

_Belle._ You showed me a little kindness. Can't you understand how that might be worth something?

_Jack (looking at her keenly)._ When you're sick and discouraged and lonely--yes. _(with sudden intensity)_ By Jove, I _do_ understand!

I've wandered up and down these streets all day and all night, and I never dreamed of such loneliness! I could have gone and drowned myself in the river.

_Belle._ I've thought of that too--but did you ever go and look in?

It's even more lonely in the river.

_Jack (hesitates)._ I wish you'd let me be a friend of yours _(laughs with a touch of embarra.s.sment)._ It's a queer way to get an introduction.

_Belle._ I don't mind that. I can see when a man is straight--when I can trust him.

_Jack (looks about)._ Well, I suppose I've got to go _(hesitates)._ Gee! _(looks outside)._ Brr-r! It's cold out there!

_Belle._ Have you no place to go?

_Jack._ I have not _(starts, then hesitates)._ Gee! I wish I had a job here. Somehow it seems kind of homelike in this place!

_(pantomime showing Jack's reluctance)._ Well--I suppose I've got to go on. Say--do you suppose they need another waiter here.

_Belle._ I don't know. You might ask.

_Jack (goes to Schimidt)._ I say, Mr. Schmidt, you couldn't use another waiter here, could you?

_Schmidt._ I could not. Move along now, or I call anodder police!

_Jack (returns to Belle)._ Gee, it must be tough for a girl like you to be ordered about by a great hulking brute of a Dutchman who has no thought in the world but his cash-drawer! Well, I've got to go.

May I come here to eat some time--if I can get the money?

_Belle._ Yes, surely.

_Jack._ Well, good-bye!

_Belle._ Good-bye _(she staggers slightly and he looks at her sharply)._

_Jack._ Why, what's the matter with you?

_Belle._ Nothing. I'm--I'm just a little weak _(catches herself by the chair)._

_Jack (supporting her)._ Why--she's fainting! Here! _(To Schmidt)_ Bring me some water. She is ill.

_Belle (feebly)._ No! I'm all right!

_Jack (to Schmidt)._ Hand me that water here. Quick, man! _(Schmidt obeys, dazed by his vehemence.)_ There, that's better? _(Settles Belle in chair.)_ Didn't you know the girl was ill?