flat. Won’t they laugh at you just the same when you’re working for Timms?
Ben—They wouldn’t dare to. Timms is the best farm hereabouts. They was laughin’ at me for workin’ for you, that’s what! “How’re things up to the Mayo place?” they hollers every mornin’. “What’s Robert doin’ now—pasturin’ the cattle in the corn-lot? Is he seasonin’ his hay with rain this year, same as last?” they shouts. “Or is he inventin’ some ’lectrical milkin’ engine to fool them dry cows o’ his into givin’ hard cider?” [Very much ruffled.] That’s like they talks; and I ain’t goin’ to put up with it no longer. Everyone’s always knowd me as a first-class hand hereabouts, and I ain’t wantin’ ’em to get no different notion. So I’m quittin’ you. And I wants what’s comin’ to me.
Robert—[Coldly.] Oh, if that’s the case, you can go to the devil.
Ben—This farm’d take me there quick ’nuff if I was fool ’nuff to stay.
Robert—[Angrily.] None of your damned cheek! You’ll get your money tomorrow when I get back from town—not before!
Ben—[Turning to doorway to kitchen.] That suits me. [As he goes out he speaks back over his shoulder.] And see that I do get it, or there’ll be trouble. [He disappears and the slamming of the kitchen door is heard.]
Robert—[As Ruth comes from where she has been standing by the doorway and sits down dejectedly
