Chapter-11

-- The Great MacFin --
(An English Crumpet Western)

ACT I

$SCENE IV
[The main ranch house]

[Flourish. Enter Owner, Arthur, McRiffkin, and some cowboys]

Owner
Is execution done on Ol'Cowfish? Did those who did it, done it and come back?

Arthur
No-o-o. They are not come back, yet, Boss. But I spoke To one ol'cowboy that saw him die: and he did report that Cowfish confess'd his treasons ... then ask for your pardon.

I gotta tell ya, Boss, nothing in his life Became him like he was leaving it; he died as if it 'twere a trifle to throw away the dearest thing he owed,

Owner
Yes, but I read him wrong, I thought he was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust.

[Enter MacFin, Langstorm, ROSS]

O worthy MacFin! I am concerned that you might think me ungrateful You deserve more. I can only say, More is thy due ... than I can pay.

MacFin
It's nothing, Boss, I was only do'un m'duty and what you pay me for. which is to take care of your land, cows and see that your kids have something to git, after yer gone.

Owner
Welcome Noble Langstorm, You also deserved, as much, cause you done as much, let me shake your hand.

Langstorm
Like The Great MacFin, Boss, we both owe you everything; and you pay us every month, right on time.

Owner
What a day! I feel G-R-E-A-T ! ... But I gotta tell ya'all ... 'cause I can't hold "it" back,

I want you all to know ... M'oldest son, Arthur, will inherit all m'lands, stock, barns ... well, everything and he will be called, Owner!

He has signs of sure nobleness, and like stars, he shall shine On all deservers.

But time is pass'un let's git on to the North Fork and to the home of the Great MacFin's and on our way, we can talk aboot it.

MacFin
Wait 'til m'wife hear's that yor a'gonna drop in, Boss She'll be damn right pleased.

But first, Boss, I Gotta Git down the road and set it all up!

Owner
O M'worthy Cowfish!

MacFin [Aside]
... So, Arthur is to be the new owner, eh! I just better watch myself lest someone sees just how tee'd off I am, 'bout this.

[Exit]

Owner
You're right, Langstorm; The Great MacFin is too brave, and everything I heard 'bout him really is too much ? But now let's all git after him,

[Flourish. They All Git Out]

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