inkerton that was shot.

EM'LY. The Pinkerton?

SAM. Yes.

EM'LY. I thought he was dead.

SAM. Oh, that's what Clark said--but the other doctor turned him over
and got him breathing again.

EM'LY. I'm so glad--poor fellow--and Jim kicked him so
yesterday--clean across that stile.

SAM. When he come here?

EM'LY. Yes, with that letter.

SAM. Speakin' of letters, I got one myself this morning.

EM'LY. [_Gets letter from pocket._] Who from?

SAM. Looks like a girl wrote it.

EM'LY. What!

SAM. It's in typewritin' an' so I guess a girl did write it--but its
from the company.

EM'LY. More mean things?

SAM. Nicer than pie. See _here_, [_Reads:_] "_And regretting deeply
our error, we of course cannot deal with any lawyer, but would be
pleased with a personal call from you--your salary awaits you for the
time you have been absent--_"

EM'LY. [_Indignantly._] Been absent!

SAM. And they having me locked up in a hotel.

EM'LY. I should say so.

SAM. [_Reading:_]--"_been absent. And we can guarantee your regular
employment in our offices here or at any other station you may prefer.
Yours very truly, etc.,--Superintendent._"

EM'LY. Well, what do you think?

SAM. Not much--Bollinger says we can get twenty thousand dollars.

EM'LY. I know--that's what he told Jim too--he wanted us to put off
the wedding.

SAM. Jim?

EM'LY. No--Bollinger--

SAM. Why?

EM'LY. He said it would make a stronger case.

SAM. [_Resenting the idea._] Well, see here, Em'ly--

EM'LY. I'm only telling you what Bollinger said.

SAM. Put off our wedding?

EM'LY. He said for about two months.

SAM. What's he take me for?

EM'LY. Jim heard him.

SAM. What did Jim say?

EM'LY. He said--why, he said that was about ten thousand a month, just
for waiting.

SAM. No, sir-ee.

EM'LY. An' Bollinger, tryin' to encourage me, said he'd let his wife
go that long for half the money.

SAM. Well, do you think it's right?

EM'LY. What?

SAM. Why, this postponing for damages.

EM'LY. Not if you don't--only Bollinger said it wouldn't hurt any to
wait.

SAM. See here, Em'ly--seems to me you ain't any too anxious you'self.

EM'LY. Well, how can a girl be, Sam--I can't just up and say I won't
wait--especially when they're your damages--I haven't got any right to
say I'm worth ten thousand dollars a month.

SAM. [_Embracing her._] Well, you bet your life you are.

EM'LY. [_Acquiescing._] Well--

_Enter_ DAVE _and_ LIZBETH