Zora Neale Hurston

“ At rise of curtain NUNKIE is at piano playing. . . Others at table with small stacks of chips before each man, TUSH HAWG is seated at table so that he faces audience. He is expertly riffing the cards. ”

“ No harm! I know all about these no-harm sins! If you don't stop this card playin', all of you all goin' to die and go to Hell.
(Shakes warning finger - exits through portieres - while she is talking the men have been hiding cards out of their hands and pulling aces out of sleeves and vest pockets and shoes - it is done quickly, one does not see the other do it)
NUNKIE
(Shoving a chip forward)
A dollar! ”

“ Oh yeah! I ain't goin' to fit no jail for you and nobody else. I'm to get me a green club and season it over your head. Then I'll give my case to Miss Bush and let Mother Green stand my bond! I got deal them aces-
NUNKIE
That's a lie! Both of you is lyin'! Lyin! like the cross-ties from New York to Key West ! How can you all hold aces when I got four? Somebody is goin' to West hell before midnight !
BECKERWOOD
Don't you woof at Tush Hawg. If you do I'm goin' to bust hell wide open with a man!
BLACK BABY
(Pulls out razor - Bus.) ”