(With simple conviction)

Bert Cates is a good man. Maybe even a great one. And it takes strength for a woman to love such a man. Especially when he’s a pariah in the community.

RACHEL

I’m only confusing Bert. And he’s confused enough as it is.

DRUMMOND

The man who has everything figured out is probably a fool. College examinations notwithstanding, it takes a very smart fella to say “I don’t know the answer!”

(DRUMMOND puts on his hat, touches the brim of it as a gesture of good-bye and goes slowly off.)

Curtain

ACT TWO

ACT TWO

SCENE I

The courthouse lawn. The same night. The oppressive heat of the day has softened into a pleasant summer evening. Two lampposts spread a glow over the town square, and TWO WORKMEN are assembling the platform for the prayer meeting. One of the WORKMEN glances up at the READ YOUR BIBLE banner.

FIRST WORKMAN

What’re we gonna do about this sign?

SECOND WORKMAN

The Devil don’t run this town. Leave it up.

(BRADY enters, followed by a knot of reporters. HORNBECK brings up the rear; he alone is not bothering to take notes. Apparently this informal press conference has been in progress for some time, and BRADY is now bringing it to a climax.)

BRADY

—and I hope that you will tell the readers of your newspapers that here in Hillsboro we are fighting the fight of the Faithful throughout the world!

(All write. BRADY eyes HORNBECK, leaning lazily, not writing.)

REPORTER

(British accent)

A question, Mr. Brady.

BRADY

Certainly. Where are you from, young man?

REPORTER

London, sir. Reuters News Agency.

BRADY

Excellent. I have many friends in the United Kingdom.

REPORTER

What is your personal opinion of Henry Drummond?

BRADY

I’m glad you asked me that. I want people everywhere to know I bear no personal animosity toward Henry Drummond. There was a time when we were on the same side of the fence. He gave me active support in my campaign of 1908—and I welcomed it. (Almost impassioned, speaking at writing tempo, so all the reporters can get it down) But I say that if my own brother challenged the faith of millions, as Mr. Drummond is doing, I would oppose him still! (The WORKMEN pound; the townspeople begin to gather) I think that’s all for this evening, gentlemen. (The reporters scatter. BRADY turns to HORNBECK) Mr. Hornbeck, my clipping service has sent me some of your dispatches.

HORNBECK

How flattering to know I’m being clipped.

BRADY

It grieves me to read reporting that is so—biased.

HORNBECK

I’m no reporter, Colonel. I’m a critic.

BRADY

I hope you will stay for Reverend Brown’s prayer meeting. It may bring you some enlightenment.

HORNBECK

It may. I’m here on a press pass, and I don’t intend

To miss any part of the show.

(REVEREND BROWN enters with MRS. BRADY on his arm. HORNBECK passes them jauntily, and crosses downstage.)

BRADY

Good evening, Reverend. How are you, Mother?

MRS. BRADY

The Reverend Brown was good enough to escort me.