Go ahead.... I'll wait for you.
JONATHAN
And I'd like to give a show. You know, Hank, I used to want to be an actor....
HANK
Sure, all kids want to be actors or go in a circus or do something where a lot o' people are lookin' on.
JONATHAN
But I can't be an actor now, because n.o.body'd want to look at me.
HANK
You act like that hump's ruined your life, when all you got to do's crouch over a little more and look sad and you can get anything you want. Why, it's money in your pocket, that's what that hump is; it's money in your pocket.
[_He closes the conversation by whistling._
Say, go on over to that house and get us something to eat.
[_Jonathan prepares for the quest and Hank rolls over to go to sleep._
_As Jonathan crosses, lights disclose a hill with pleasant green slopes. At its foot stands a little cottage, all cool and pleasant with great gla.s.s doors. There are no locks and bolts to keep one out or to keep one in. A high plaster and brick wall flanks the cottage._
_As Jonathan nears the cottage he meets Uncle John, whose austerity is more apparent than ever._
_Jonathan cowers a moment, then attempts to smile._
JONATHAN
Hank said you'd turn me away if I came back.
JOHN
Were you talking to me, boy?
JONATHAN
I'm so sorry I ran away, Uncle John.
JOHN
Uncle John?
JONATHAN
Don't you know me, Sir?
JOHN
Indeed I do not.
JONATHAN
I'm Jonathan--
JOHN
Jonathan! My nephew Jonathan?--Ha! Ha!
JONATHAN
Don't you remember I didn't want to study engineering--I didn't want to go to Somerset School?
JOHN
Where is Jonathan?
JONATHAN
I'm Jonathan, sir. You remember I jumped out of the window and I tried to run away.
JOHN
You seem to know a lot about it. Where is Jonathan?
JONATHAN
I tell you I am Jonathan.... Don't you remember you struck me--You struck me across the face--that's what made me run away.
JOHN
I should have whipped him and put him to bed.
JONATHAN
I would have run away just the same, Uncle John.
JOHN
Don't call me Uncle John!
JONATHAN
But you are my Uncle John.
JOHN