What you want me to
play for you?
LUM: Play jus' like I'm in New York, partner. But we gotta try to
catch that jack.
LIGE: (Threateningly) Stick out your hand and draw back a nub.
(WALTER THOMAS plays.)
WALTER: I'm playin' a diamond for you, partner.
LUM: I done tole you you ain't got no partner.
LIGE: Heh, Heh! Partner, we got 'em. Pull off wid your king. Dey got
to play 'em. (When that trick is turned, triumphantly:) Didn't I tell
you, partner? (Stands on his feet and slams down with his ace
violently) Now, come up under this ace. Aw, hah, look at ol' low,
partner. I knew I was gonna catch 'em. (When LUM plays) Ho, ho, there
goes the queen.... Now, the jack's a gentleman.... Now, I'm playin' my
knots. (Everybody plays and the hand is ended.) Partner, high, low,
jack and the game and four.
WALTER: Give me them cards. I believe you-all done give me the cub
that time. Look at me ... this is Booker T Washington dealing these
cards. (Shuffles cards grandly and gives them to LIGE to cut.) Wanta
cut 'em?
LIGE: Yeah, cut 'em and shoot 'em. I'd cut behind my ma. (He cuts the
cards.)
WALTER: (Turning to player at left, FRANK, LIGE'S partner) What you
saying, Frank?
FRANK: I'm beggin'. (LIGE is trying to peep at cards.)
WALTER: (Turning to LIGE) Stop peepin' at them cards, Lige. (To FRANK)
Did you say you was beggin' or standin'?
FRANK: I'm beggin'.
WALTER: Get up off your knees. Go ahead and tell 'em I sent you.
FRANK: Well, that makes us four.
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