o
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.

WALTER: I don't care if you is. (Pulls a quarter out of his pocket and
lays it down on the box.) Twenty-five cents says I know the best one.
Let's go. (Everybody puts down a quarter.)

FRANK: What you want me to play for you partner?

LIGE: Play me a club. (The play goes around to dealer, WALTER, who
gets up and takes the card off the top of the deck and slams it down
on the table.)

WALTER: Get up ol' deuce of deamonds and gallop off with your load.
(TO LUM) Partner, how many times you seen the deck?

LUM: Two times.

WALTER: Well, then I'm gonna pull off, partner. Watch this ol' queen.
(Everyone plays) Ha! Ha! Wash day and no soap. (Takes the jack of
diamonds and sticks him up on his forehead. Stands up on his feet.)
Partner, I'm dumping to you ... play your king. (When it comes to his
play LUM, too, stands up. The others get up and they, too, excitedly
slam their cards down.) Now, come on in this kitchen and let me splice
that cabbage! (He slams down the ace