_Alice._ Remember your promise; five hundred dollars--
_Lucy._ Which we gladly renounce, looking for reward in the approval of our friends here.
_Mrs. L._ But will they grant it? If, like me, in your practice they have found a cure for idle complainings, they certainly will; if not, you must all remember the conditions--NO CURE, NO PAY.
L. Susan, Jenny, Lucy, Mrs. Languish, Alice, Aunt Midget. R.
GREENBAX, President of the Broadaxe Horse Railroad. HARTSHORN, a Director. TRUMPS, Superintendent. KNOCKDOWN, Conductor. WHIPSTOCK, Driver. HARDHEAD (a little deaf). FINNEGAN, a Fenian. DAN, a New-York Butcher’s Boy.
SCENE.--_President’s Room. Chair, L. Table, C._
_Knock._ Whipstock, my boy, how goes the strike?
_Whip._ As well as could be expected. It’s evident we shall have to give in. Old Greenbax is still determined not to pay the advance asked for.
_Knock._ Won’t he? We’ll see about that. The strike has continued but eight days, and they have used up all means in their power to get conductors and drivers. I saw the seven o’clock car standing before the station, waiting for somebody to put it through. We have taken good care nobody shall be found; and I rather think this predicament will bring our worthy president to terms. There’s nothing like a little pluck, my boy.
_Whip._ Oh, yes; it’s all very well for you to talk, who have a chance at the pickings; but as for me, I’m pretty well played out; and if old Greenbax don’t come down soon, I shall, with a rush.
_Knock._ Nonsense! Never say die, my boy.
_Whip._ I don’t mean to; but if this thing continues much longer, Mrs. Whipstock will say it for me, emphasized with a broomstick. Halloo! here’s old Greenbax. Now for a breeze.
_Green._ (_As he enters._) Trumps! Trumps! I say, where can that fellow be? Trumps! (_Sees KNOCKDOWN and WHIPSTOCK._) Halloo! what are you doing here? Ready to go to work, hey!
_Knock._ Yes, sir, ready to go to work--at the advance prices.
_Green._ Hum! (_To WHIPSTOCK._) And are you ready to drive?
_Whip._ Certainly--at the advance prices.
_Green._ (_C._) Hum! Will you both serve us faithfully?
_Whip and Knock._ (_Advancing eagerly on each side of him, and speaking quickly._) Oh, yes, sir; yes, indeed!
_Green._ At the advance prices? I’ll see you farther, first, and then I won’t. No, sir; we pay you too much now. Clear out, both of you. I don’t want you around here. Quit! Exit! Vamose!