The Travellers And The Hatchet

Augusta Stevenson

THE TRAVELLERS AND THE HATCHET

TIME: last week.
PLACE: a high road.

FIRST TRAVELLER

SECOND TRAVELLER

THE CARPENTER

[The TWO TRAVELLERS journey along the road. A hatchet lies in the dust at one side.]

FIRST TRAVELLER (seeing the hatchet, taking it up). Ah, see what I have found!

SECOND TRAVELLER. Do not say I, but rather, what we have found.

FIRST TRAVELLER. Nonsense! Did I not see the hatchet first? And did I not take it up?

SECOND TRAVELLER. Well, then, claim the hatchet, since that is plainly your wish.

[Enter the CARPENTER.]

CARPENTER (to First Traveller). Aha, thief! Now I have caught you!

[He seizes the First Traveller.]

FIRST TRAVELLER. No thief am I, sir!

CARPENTER. But my own hatchet is in your hand, sir. Come along to the judge, sir!

FIRST TRAVELLER (to Second Traveller). Alas, we are undone!

SECOND TRAVELLER. Do not say we. You are undone, not I. You would not allow me to share the prize; you cannot expect me to share the danger. I bid you good day, sir. (Желаю тебе хорошего дня).