--That
sort o' thing can't do you no harm.
DR. BOXER
No. And anyhow I ought to stand in with people.
[_He rolls the wheel slowly along; it escapes him and glides
backwards._
EDE
That ain't so easy. Them people has long memories. [_He catches the
wheel._] Hold on there! No goin' backward! I'm for progress, I am,
Doctor! I'm willin' to fight for that!
DR. BOXER
But you must be careful of your fingers. [_He puts on a leathern apron._]
Is Langheinrich going to be gone long?
EDE
[_Whistles._] That depends on how hard it is!
DR. BOXER
Why do you whistle so significantly?
EDE
That's a gift o' my family. All my eleven brothers an' sisters is
musicians. I'm the only one that's a smith. [_For a space both work at
the wheel in silence. Then EDE continues._] 'Twouldn't be a bad stage
play, I tell you. You wouldn't have to be scared o' riskin' somethin' on
that. You'd make money! That's somethin' fine--specially for young
people! You been away here a good long while, that's the reason you don't
know what's what. I could tell you a few little things that happen around
here in bright daylight.--D'you know that Leontine?
DR. BOXER
Very sorry indeed, but I don't.
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