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HAWKINS
Bless my life man, what [could ] be a better thing?
SELLERS
O, pshaw! Mules are all well enough for a side speculation, [something to keep your pocket change moving, because 1,000 percent is better than letting your money lie idle.] But when a man wishes to invest his money in this country, he thinks of something of consequence. So, I took your money in my hand and cast a wary eye around. Says I, "Here's the card to put Si Hawkins money on," and I invested it all in a Steamboat.
HAWKINS
Good heavens!
MRS. HAWKINS
Why, if it should sink, or burn, or blow up , we're just about ruined.
SELLERS
[Nancy, its a patent boat and can't sink or bust. Why] Nancy, your Husband owns one sixth of a bran new Steamboat. "There's millions in it"—millions in it! I wouldn't take three million for his chances in the Steamer Amaranth for the next five years.
HAWKINS
The Amaranth ? Why that's the [very boat they say is coming here today.]
SELLERS
That's the one. I've invested all my capital in it—a nest egg for a National Bank. I'll make more money out of that Steamer than any speculation I've gone into for years. [Why Si, all you've got to do is to set on the bow of that boat and hatch out a National Bank.
( HAWKINS looks at MRS. HAWKINS—sighs.)
There's a million in it.]
(Enter NEGRO BOY.)
[Hello, Jerry, you want your pay for bringing me over, eh? Well, well, don't be impatient. No man ever worked for me without getting his money.]
(Fumbles around in his pockets.)
(Aside.)
[Why, I've got my other pants on.] Si, lend me ten cents.
(HAWKINS hands him a dime.)
There you are, my boy, run along. Now as soon as that Steamer arrives, I'm going to walk on board. Says I, "Captain, what's the state of your finances?" And I'll bet you I come off with a large share of the dividend—but come Nancy—come over to the house and see Polly. She'll be expecting you. You glorify no heart in this country but mine. Tuck yourself under my wing.
(Puts her arm in his.)
Daniel, you bring along the children.
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