Twist of Gold Read Online Free PDF

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     and winter in the air.
    SEAN: No.
    VILLAGER: So here’s what we’re gonna do: we’ll bring you what you need, and you kin go in with the fish wagon into Boston.
    SEAN: That’s very kind.
    VILLAGER: Hell, yes! (To themselves.) Though you ain’t smelled the fish wagon… (To ANNIE/SEAN .) Follow me.
    * * *
         They do, at a distance. The VILLAGERS bring a fresh set of clothes and two pairs of boots. Music plays under the
     following.
         ANNIE and SEAN change into the clothes.
    ANNIE: They’re too big!
    SEAN: But no holes. And they’re warm. And dry.
    ANNIE: How do you get these boots on? I don’t think I’ve ever worn a pair of boots in my life.
    SEAN: You squeeze ’em on with an oomph – and then stamp around. Just like Father.
         They do so.
    ANNIE: Sean, Sean, I feel like dancing!
         SEAN gets out the fiddle and plays a jig, which ANNIE dances, lifting her new woollen skirt above her
     boots as she does so. The VILLAGERS gather.
    VILLAGER: Where’s you learn to play and dance like that?
    ANNIE: We had a friend. He taught us. But he’s dead now, so we’ll be playing and dancing for him from now on.
    VILLAGER: You take good care in Boston. ’S’a wicked town for young folk like you to be ’lone in.
    VILLAGER: Good luck little people. Safe journey.
         And they leap up onto the cart – driven by MARTY .
    MARTY: You sits on the back thar and I’ll not catch the plague – though judgin’ by the way you dancin’ little lady, if you have
     got the plague then I’d like it too!
    ANNIE: Your wagon’s a bit smelly.
    MARTY: Aw, there are worse smells than fresh fish.
         He chews tobacco and spits impressively.
    SEAN: How do you do that?
    MARTY: Thar’s an art to it. Why, I kin knock a hairy-legged buzzard clean off his post at fifty paces. Don’t kill him of course, but he
     hears it a-coming and he knows it’s one of mine so he don’t wait around, no sir.
    ANNIE: Can I have a go?
    SEAN: Annie!
    MARTY: Why surely, ma’am. Chew on this leathery baccy until your jaw aches – then use your tongue like a catapult.
         She does – spectacularly.
    SEAN: How did you…?
    ANNIE: Away she goes!
         They spit their way to Boston.
    * * *
         Boston: a teeming city of refugees. Cold and grey and snowing.
    SEAN: ‘A Paradise aplenty where the sun’s always shining…’? – not in Boston, not in winter.
    ANNIE: Have you ever seen so many people? Sure ’tis teeming like an anthill.
    MARTY: Well good luck. Here’s half a dollar. And mind whom you talk to.
         And he rides off.
    ANNIE: How will we ever find Father?
    BOSTON CHANCER: (Smiling broadly.) Have you just got in from the Old Country?
         The CHILDREN nod.
        And I suppose you’ll be looking for somewhere to sleep? (Not waiting for an answer.) Well you’ve met the right fellow. I’ve a
     little attic room, just suit you fine. Two dollars a week – ain’t that a bargain?
    ANNIE: But we’ve only half a dollar.
         SEAN looks daggers at ANNIE.
    BOSTON CHANCER: All right, I’m a fair man. You’re down on your luck, I can see that. A dollar and a half, how will that be?
    SEAN: We’re not looking for somewhere to stay, Mister.
    BOSTON CHANCER: In this winter? You’re kidding me! Now what about that fiddle? It must be worth a fair bit. I’ll take it off you and you
     have the room for free for a fortnight.
    SEAN: (Gripping the case tightly to him.) ’Tis not mine to sell.
    BOSTON CHANCER: (Advancing.) Then I’ll just borrow it for a while.
         A tall BLACK MAN appears.
    BLACK MAN: (To BOSTON CHANCER .) You after somethin’ friend?
         The BOSTON CHANCER weighs up the situation.
        ’Cos if you are, you gotta remember that these is my friends, an’ if they don’t like you then I don’t either. Get my
     meanin’, friend?
         The BOSTON CHANCER scarpers.
        Now you two is gonna get into all kinds of trouble. I’s can see I’s gonna