?

UNCLE ABE.

That's what they says, Mis' Martha. Folks calls 'im Laz'rus in ref'ence
to de Bible chil' what riz up jes' same way lak', outen de daid col'
tomb.

_The Indian boy enters from the kitchen, his shoes and trousers
spattered with mud. Uncle Abe looks at him, then at the others, and
whispers to Rhoda. Martha bustles forward, hiding her agitation in
scolding speech._

MARTHA.

Well, did you get my coffee and my sal-soda?

_Lazarus points, without speaking, to the kitchen._

BEELER.

_To Martha._

Did you send him to the store?

MARTHA.

Yes, I did send him to the store. If I had my way, I'd send
him--further.

_The boy hesitates, then goes stolidly out by the stair door. Uncle
Abe lifts his arm ecstatically._

UNCLE ABE.

That's him! I tell ye that's the chil' what's said "Howdy" to the daid
folks down yonder. I'se seen 'im in my dreams, an' now I'se seen 'im
wif dese hyah two eyes.--O Lawd, bless dis hyah house o' grace!

BEELER.

I guess it's about time that fellow come out and exploded some of this
tomfoolery.

_He starts towards his wife's room._

RHODA.

_Stopping him._

Please don't.

BEELER.

_Peevishly._

There's got to be an end to this hoodoo business in my house.

_Annie enters from the kitchen, dabbled with dye. She holds two
colored eggs in her hands._

ANNIE.

Look! I've colored two.

MARTHA.

Good gracious, child. What a mess!

ANNIE.

Pa! Play crack with me! Just once, to see how it goes.

BEELER.

Go in and ask your mother if she'll let you.

_Annie, her eggs in her apron, opens the hall door. About to pass
out, she stops, drops the eggs with a scream, and runs back, gazing
towards the hall as she takes refuge behind Rhoda's skirts._

ANNIE.

Pa! Auntie! Ma's walking!

_Mrs. Beeler enters, walking uncertainly, her face full of intense
exaltation. Michaelis comes just behind her, transfigured by
spiritual excitement._

BEELER AND MARTHA.

_Starting forward._

Mary!

RHODA.

Aunt Mary!

_Mrs. Beeler advances into the room, reaching out her hand to
Annie, who takes it in speechless fright. She bends over and kisses
the child's head, then stretches out her other hand to her
husband._

MRS. BEELER.

Mat, I'm cured! The Lord has heard our prayers, for His saint's sake.

BEELER.

Why, Mary, I can't believe this--it's too--it's not pos