Page:Plays in Prose and Verse (1922).djvu/51

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THE POT OF BROTH
35

sibby. Give me the loan of the stone itself, and I’ll engage I'll keep a pot for it. . . . Wait now till I’ll make some offer to you. . . .

tramp [aside]. I’d best not be stopping to bargain, the priest might be coming in on me. [Gets up.] Well, ma’am, I’m sorry I can’t oblige you. [Goes to door, shades his eyes and looks out, turns suddenly.] I have no time to lose, ma’am, I’m off. [Comes to table and takes his hat.] Well, ma’am, what offer will you make?

john. You might as well leave it for a day on trial first.

tramp [to john]. I think it likely I'll not be passing this way again. [to sibby] Well, now, ma’am, as you were so kind, and for the sake of the good treatment you gave me I'll ask nothing at all for it. Here it is for you and welcome, and that you may live long to use it. But I’ll just take a little bit in my bag that’ll do for my supper, for fear I mightn’t be in Tubber before night. [He takes up the chicken.] And you won't begrudge me a drop of whisky when you can make plenty for yourself from this out. [Takes the bottle.]

john. You deserve it, you deserve it indeed. You are a very gifted man. Don’t forget the kippeen!

tramp. It’s here! [Slaps his pocket and exit. john follows him.]