_Policeman._ Why didn't yez ask him for work?
_Schmidt._ I don't vant his vork. I vant his money, or you takes him to jail.
_Policeman._ An' phat might his bill be?
_Jack._ Thirty-five cents.
_Policeman (to Schmidt)._ Do yez think I've no more to do than arrestin' people for thirty-five cents?
_Schmidt (excitedly)._ Can I feed all the tramps on dis Avenue by my place? I say you arrest him!
_Policeman._ Well, all right--if that's it. Come along here.
_Belle._ Mr. Schmidt.
_Schmidt._ Hey?
_Belle._ Let me pay what he owes you.
_Schmidt._ Hey?
_Jack._ No!
_Belle._ Let me pay it. He's a friend of mine, and I don't want him arrested.
_Jack._ No, no--I won't have it.
_Belle._ You can pay me back. You'll get a job soon. Mr. Schmidt, will you take it out of my next wages?
_Jack._ I say no!
_Belle._ You can't help it. Just take it out of my wages, and let him alone--that'll settle it, won't it?
_Schmidt._ Ja, wohl, if you say it so. I haf no more to do mit it!
_(goes Left in anger)._
_Belle._ That's all right, isn't it, officer?
_Policeman._ Yez kin call yourself lucky, young feller. Next time I'll not let yez off so aisy _(exit Center)._
_Jack (stands gazing at Belle)._ Oh, say! That was awfully decent of you! I don't know how to thank you.
_Belle._ You needn't thank me.
_Jack._ But--why did you do it?
_Belle._ Because I didn't want you to go to jail. A fellow gets started at that, and he doesn't know where to stop.
_Jack._ You make me feel like a dog, because I can't help you. I had no business to come here!
_Belle._ Don't make so much out of it. We have to give each other a hand now and then--we'd none of us pull through if we didn't.
_Jack._ I've done nothing to deserve a hand!
_Belle._ You showed me a little kindness. Can't you understand how that might be worth something?
_Jack (looking at her keenly)._ When you're sick and discouraged and lonely--yes. _(with sudden intensity)_ By Jove, I _do_ understand!
I've wandered up and down these streets all day and all night, and I never dreamed of such loneliness! I could have gone and drowned myself in the river.
_Belle._ I've thought of that too--but did you ever go and look in?
It's even more lonely in the river.
_Jack (hesitates)._ I wish you'd let me be a friend of yours _(laughs with a touch of embarra.s.sment)._ It's a queer way to get an introduction.
_Belle._ I don't mind that. I can see when a man is straight--when I can trust him.
_Jack (looks about)._ Well, I suppose I've got to go _(hesitates)._ Gee! _(looks outside)._ Brr-r! It's cold out there!
_Belle._ Have you no place to go?
_Jack._ I have not _(starts, then hesitates)._ Gee! I wish I had a job here. Somehow it seems kind of homelike in this place!
_(pantomime showing Jack's reluctance)._ Well--I suppose I've got to go on. Say--do you suppose they need another waiter here.
_Belle._ I don't know. You might ask.
_Jack (goes to Schimidt)._ I say, Mr. Schmidt, you couldn't use another waiter here, could you?
_Schmidt._ I could not. Move along now, or I call anodder police!
_Jack (returns to Belle)._ Gee, it must be tough for a girl like you to be ordered about by a great hulking brute of a Dutchman who has no thought in the world but his cash-drawer! Well, I've got to go.
May I come here to eat some time--if I can get the money?
_Belle._ Yes, surely.
_Jack._ Well, good-bye!
_Belle._ Good-bye _(she staggers slightly and he looks at her sharply)._
_Jack._ Why, what's the matter with you?
_Belle._ Nothing. I'm--I'm just a little weak _(catches herself by the chair)._
_Jack (supporting her)._ Why--she's fainting! Here! _(To Schmidt)_ Bring me some water. She is ill.
_Belle (feebly)._ No! I'm all right!
_Jack (to Schmidt)._ Hand me that water here. Quick, man! _(Schmidt obeys, dazed by his vehemence.)_ There, that's better? _(Settles Belle in chair.)_ Didn't you know the girl was ill?