Dramatic Stories: For Reading

THE TRAVELERS AND THE HATCHET

TIME: last week.
PLACE: a high road.

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FIRST TRAVELER.

SECOND TRAVELER.

THE CARPENTER.

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

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

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

FIRST TRAVELER. 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 Traveler). Aha, thief! Now I have caught you!

[He seizes the First Traveler.]

FIRST TRAVELER. No thief am I, sir!

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

FIRST TRAVELER (to Second Traveler). Alas, we are undone!

SECOND TRAVELER. 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.