Page:Zora Neale Hurston - Woofing.pdf/10

9.

(Seats himself)

Lemme hurry and up beat dis game befo' yo' bust yo' britches.

(He wags his finger to indicate moves, scratches his head, but doesn't move. Several men enter and group around the players. All offer suggestions. One says, "You got him, Cliffert. He's locked up just as tight as a keyhole". Another: "Aw, man he kin break out!" Another: "Yesh, but it'll cost him plenty to git out of dat trap".)

Police! Police! He won't move!

Aw, leave go de checkers and less shoot some crap.

(Enter a WOMAN in a house dress, head rag on, run down house shoes. She goes to the edge of the porch and calls inside)

Him there Bertha, what yo' doin'.

Still bumpin' de white folks clothes - hittin' for de sundown man. Come on in and have some sit down.

Ain't got time. Got a house full of company. I took a minute to see if yo' could let me have a little skeeting garret.

How come yo' didn't git yo'self some snuff whilst yo' was at de store? De man ast yo' what else. I ain't no Piggly Wiggly. Reckon I kin spare yo' a dip, tho.

(She hands out the box and the outside woman fills her lip and hands it back)

Much obliged, I thank yo'. Reckon I better heel and toe it on back, to see how de comp'ny is makin' out.

Step inside a minute I want to put a bug in yo' ear.

(She makes an urgent gesture and the other woman goes inside)