I ask you where _is_ Jonathan.

JONATHAN

Would you like to see him?

JOHN

I should like to know what has become of him.

JONATHAN

Would you let him come back home?

JOHN

No. When he ran away, I cast him out forever.

JONATHAN

Couldn't you forgive him if he was very, very sorry for what he had done?... Couldn't you forgive me, sir?... I am Jonathan. Honest I am Jonathan.

JOHN

Don't try to deceive me. Jonathan was impudent as you are; but he was a Clay: he was straight and fine.

JONATHAN

But I broke my back.

JOHN

Tell me where Jonathan is, you imposter.

[_He takes Jonathan by the arm and twists it brutally._

Tell me.... Tell me.

JONATHAN

I don't know.... Let me go.... I'm _not_ Jonathan.

JOHN

Tell me....

JONATHAN (_in desperation_)

He's dead.

JOHN

What!

JONATHAN

He's dead. He died somewhere.

JOHN

And so you tried to palm yourself off as Jonathan.

JONATHAN

I'm sorry.

JOHN

Don't you know you can't make your way with lies?

JONATHAN

Yes, sir.

JOHN

You ought to be whipped, but I suppose you don't know any better. I should have you arrested for vagrancy.

[_Jonathan winces._

But I won't. I pity you, you dirty little beggar.

[_He starts to walk._

You ought to wash your hands and face at least.

JONATHAN

Please, sir--one minute.... How are Mary and John third?

JOHN

Mary is ten--a big girl--and John third is eight--a strapping boy who will be a great help to me.

JONATHAN

And--how is Aunt Let.i.tia?

JOHN