Characters: Mr. Horton, his teenage son, James, and the Teacher. They all enter at once and stand on different levels in a closed position [their backs to the audience]. They remain in these places throughout. They do not look at each other when talking, but rather at the audience. Hold for a few seconds before beginning.

FATHER: [turning to audience, speaking irritably] Look at your hands! Those nails! You’ve been out in that workshop again fooling around with a motor or some gadget, haven’t you?

SON: [turning; speaks defensively, looking at fingernails] I tried to get ’em clean!

FATHER: I ought to forbid you to touch another motor or another tool!

SON: Dad! You WOULDN’T! [turns back while FATHER freezes momentarily; freeze means to stand motionless]

TEACHER: [turns after pause; speaks as if i…