t it on the table. We're ready.

MARY [stands gazing at him]. It ain't finished.

OFFICER [worn out by his day's work and MARY'S stupidity, from now on
absolutely brutish]. You've had time to cook a dozen meals. You're as
slow as a snail. What did you do all the time we were in the barn?

MARY. I didn't do nothin'.

SERGEANT. You lazy female. Now get a move on, and give us something fit
to eat. Don't try to get rid of any left-overs on us. If you do, you'll
suffer for it.

[MARY stands looking at him.] Don't you know anything, you brainless
farm-drudge? Hurry, I said.

[MARY turns to the stove. THADDEUS sits in chair at left of smaller
table.]

DICK. What a night. My stomach's as hollow as these people's heads.
[Takes towel which hangs above the bench and wipes the barrel of his gun
with it.]

MARY [sees DICK]. That's one of my best towels.

DICK. Can't help it.

SERGEANT. 'Tend to the breakfast. That's enough for you to do at one
time.

[DICK puts his gun on the smaller table, and sits at right of centre
table.]

SERGEANT [quietly to DICK]. I don't see how he gave us the slip.

DICK. He knew we were after him, and drove his horse in here, and went
on afoot. Clever scheme, I must admit.

THADDEUS [endeavoring to get them into conversation]. Have ye rid far
to-night, misters?

DICK [shortly]. Far enough.

THADDEUS. Twenty miles or so?

DICK. Perhaps.

THADDEUS. How long ye been chasin' the critter?

SERGEANT. Shut up, man! Don't you see we don't want to talk to you. Take
hold and hurry, woman. My patience's at an end.

[MARY puts a loaf of bread, some fried eggs, and a coffee pot on the
table.]

MARY. There! I hope ye're satisfied.

[The SERGEANT and DICK pull their chairs to the table, and begin to
eat.]

SERGEANT. Is this all we get? Come, it won't do you any good to be
stingy. [Obviously, from now on, everything the SERGEANT says drives
MARY nearer madness.]

MARY. It's all I got.

SERGEANT. It isn't a mouthful for a chickadee! Give us some butter.

MARY. There ain't none.

SERGEANT. No butter on a farm? God, the way you lie!

MARY. I--

SERGEANT. Shut up!

DICK. Have you got any cider?

SERGEANT. Don't ask. She and the man probably drank themselves stupid on
it. [Throws fork on floor.] I never struck such a place in my life. Get
me another fork. How do you expect me to eat with that bent thing?

[MARY stoops with difficulty and picks up the fork. Gets another from
the cu