Page:Hell-Bent fer Heaven (Hughes 1924).pdf/25

Rh

[Looks at him quickly with a startled expression]

What ever put that notion in your head?

Well, I’ve noticed that you allus pay more attention to the runts among the pigs an’ chickens than you do to the healthy uns.

[ ''appears at the top of the stairs, unobserved by the others. He is thirty, of medium height, with pale face and shifty, uncertain manner''.]

They need more—jist like humans. When the Saviour was on earth he ministered to the halt an’ blind an’ didn’t bother about t’others. What’s the use in doin’ fer folks like you an’ Matt? You’ve neither of you ever been sick a day in your life.

I ain’t complainin’. A man cain’t have everything in this world. An’ as a constancy I’d ruther have a good stomach an’ sound sleep as affection from women.

[Comes downstairs, smiling at with an expression of great compassion and humility]