Page:Icebound.pdf/49

]

Did she look like that, unhappy, all the time?

Yes.

Crow buzzards! God damn the Jordans!

[Front door bell rings sharply, Ben is startled.

Steady there! It ’s just one of the neighbors, I guess. (Bell rings again as Hannah crosses downstairs and to hall) Hannah knows enough not to let any one in.

(slowly)

When I got back, time before this, from France, I tried to go straight, but it wasn’t any good, I just don’t belong

[Hannah enters frightened.

It ’s Jim Jay!

(to Judge)

And you did n’t think my own blood would sell me?

[Jim Jay, a large, kindly man of middle age, enters.

I ’m sorry, Ben, I ’ve come for you!

[Jane wakes, startled, and springs up.

What is it?

I got to take him, Jane.

(turns fiercely)

Have you!

(quietly)

I ’m armed, Ben—better not be foolish!