Rose You sure about that?

Albert Yes.

Rose You see, Albert, I was watching you ride ’im.

Albert Oh.

Rose Well done, Albert. He looks in the peak of health. We’ll sell ’im, now. Fetch a good price. You’ve done well with ’im. Supper’s ready.

Exit Rose.

Albert stables Joey (or a stable forms around them).

Albert I have done well with ya, haven’t I? But it means she wants to sell you. To persons unknown. Who aren’t meant ta be with ya like I am … I’ll find a way ta keep ya. I will. I will. I’ll find a way.

Exit Albert.

Offstage, Arthur has provoked Ted into making a bet.

FIVE

Stables. Night, 29 July 1914.

Enter Ted, drunk.

Goose gets involved.

Ted tries to put a collar on Joey.

Joey rejects it.

Ted (to Joey) Don’t mess me about. I’ll whop ya till ya bliddin’.

Ted tries again. He gets the whip and attacks Joey.

Joey kicks Ted.

Ted falls to the floor.

Joey’s agitated.

Enter Albert. He’s torn between his father and his horse.

Fetch my gun! Fetch me my gun! I’m gonna kill ’im!

Enter Rose.

That beast attacked me!

Rose Were you trying ta collar him?

Ted He’s got ter plough!

Rose Ted?

Ted Gun or plough! He’s got ta plough!

Rose No, he has not. He’s a hunter. Albert’s brought him on and he’s now ready to se–

Ted I’ve bet that he will plough. In a week.

Rose Bet money?

Ted Money.

Rose With whom?

Ted Who d’ye think?

Rose Oh no.

Ted Arthur.

Rose Oh no. Aaarrrghhh! How much is at stake?

Ted If we win –

Rose We won’t win –

Ted Thirty-nine guineas, the price we paid for –

Rose This riding horse will not plough, not in a week, not in a year – it’s a ridin’ horse, that’s its value, so what does Arthur win, ’cos you might as well go and pay up now.

Ted … The horse.

Albert No!

Rose What?

Albert What a stupid bet!

Ted Don’t talk ta me like that!

Albert Stupid! Stupid!

Ted What have you bin teachin’ im? You taught him anything? You’ve bin in bliddin’ charge, haven’t yer?

Red mist descends again. Ted approaches Albert. Rose gets in the way, so Ted whops Joey.

You will bliddin’ plough. You will –

Rose Ted, please stop –

Ted You will bliddin’ plou–

Albert I’ll teach him ta plough!

Ted reaches for something more dangerous than his whip.

I’ll teach him ta plough!

Ted You’ll teach him? An’ ya call me stupid? You’re the stupid one … I’d rather shoot him than let the Warrens have him.

Exit Ted.

Joey becomes readier to be calmed by Albert.

Albert He’s drunk, again!

Rose Albert!

Albert Joey can plough in a week?!

Rose Albert –

Albert You agree it’s a stupid bet!

Rose Albert, shut up!

Albert He hasn’t a chance in hell of teaching him ta plough in a week!

Rose I know –