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Johnathan:

(enters, obviously upset, calling) Martha. Martha! Where are you?

Martha:

(enters) Here I am, dear. I was just tending ...

Johnathan:

I have to hire new shepherds.

Martha:

Why? What happened?

Johnathan:

I can’t find a one of them. I went out to the fields and they’re not there. Here I thought I had hard-working, honest men, and they all disappeared.

Martha:

Now, Johnathan, they might have ...

Johnathan:

(continuing) Probably working for another while drawing full pay from me.

Martha:

But, then, wouldn’t they -

Johnathan:

It’s outrageous!

Martha:

- leave at least -

Johnathan:

If I ever get my hands on them. I’ll ... (thinking)

Martha:

- one in charge?

Johnathan:

They’d probably have the gall to ask if they would get a recommendation from me, but the answer is "No." (pauses, then mor…