Peach. What are you muttering about—don't you know how Byke used to throw you down and trample on you for muttering?
Judas. I'll have you yet, my beauty.
Peach. I think you are a great fool, Judas.
Judas. Likely. Likely.
Peach. Why don't you give up Miss Nina to that handsome young gentleman? He'd pay you well for the secret. He'd give his whole fortune for her, I know, I saw it in his face. And he'd treat you better than Byke does.
Judas. Not yet my chicken; besides, what does he care for her now Isn't he going to marry the other girl—she's the one will pay when the time comes—but we intend to hold the goods till the price is high.
Peach. Then, if you won't, I'll tell all as I knows. I'll tell him all I used to overhear about babies and cradles, and he'll understand it perhaps, if I don't.
Judas. (Aside.) Hang her—she'll make mischief. (Aloud.) Well, come along with me, my beauty, and I'll talk it over with you.
Peach. Don't touch me, I won't trust you with your hands on me. (Judas makes a dart at her.) I knew that was your game. But I'll be even with you yet. (Dancing off tantalizingly before Judas. Both exit R. H.)
(Enter Snorkey R. 1 E.)
Snorkey. (Despondent.) I'm no more use than a gun without a trigger. I tried to follow Byke, but he smoked me in a minute. Then I tried to make up with him, but he swore that I went against him in Court, and so he wouldn't have me at no price. Then I ran after the carriage that he got into with the lady, till a damn'd old woman caught me for upsetting her apple stand and bursting up her business. What am I to do now? I'm afraid to go back to the Cap'n, he won't have me at any price either, I suppose. (Gazing at ballads, hand in his pockets—going from one to the other. Enter Bermudas L. 1 E. with ballads in his hands and preparing to take others off the line as if to shut up shop.
Ber. (After gazing at Snorkey.) What are you a doing of—sa-a-y? (Snorkey takes no notice.) This here's one of the fellows as steals the bread of the poor man. Reading all the songs for nothin, and got bags of gold at home. Sa-a-y!
Snorkey. Well, youngster, what are you groaning about? Have you got the cholera?
Ber. Ah! What are you doing? Taking the bloom off my songs? You're read them 'ere ballads till they're in rags.
Snorkey. I was looking for the "Prairie Bird."
Ber. Perary Bird! eh? There aint no perary bird. There's a "Perary Flower."
Snorkey. Now don't go into convulsions. I'll find it. (Turns to songs.)
Ber. Sa-ay—you needn't look no further for that bird! I've found him, and no mistake. He's a big Shanghae with a red comb and no feathers.
Snorkey. He's dropped on me.
Ber. Ain't you a mean cuss, sa-ay? Why don't you come down with your two cents, and support trade?
Snorkey. But I ain't got two cents. What's a fellow to do if he hasn't got a red?
