Dea. R monologue — Seeking his fortune, and other dialogues

I don’t see but I’ve got to wear these clothes, as long as the others are gone, for the convention meets at nine, and I shan’t have much more’n time to eat my breakfast. But it beats all where them other clothes went to, and where these come from. I declare, I never heard o’ such a thing in my born days. (_He thinks a moment—his face brightens._) Yes, it must be—there’s no other way. Some of my friends here in Rossville must ha’ clubbed together, and bought me this new suit, knowing I was to be here to the convention. But when could they ha’ brought them in, and taken my others away, for I’ve had my door locked ever since I came into the room? Oh, I remember now, last night, when there was an alarm of fire, I slipped on my overcoat, and went into the entry to see where ’twas; but findin’ ’twas a false alarm, I came back in less than ten minutes. They must ha’ been dreadful spry to ha’ made the change so quick. (_Apprehensively—taking up the coat._) I’m afraid they’re too gay for me, but I seem to be ’bleeged to wear ’em. (_Puts on the vest._) I wonder if the coat fits as well as the rest. (_Puts it on and stands up before the glass, R. Complacently._) Well, it’s a complete fit, and it does really improve me amazin’ly—makes me look a good deal younger. The cloth seems good too. They must ha’ cost a good deal. Really, my friends have been very kind, but I do wish they’d brought a different hat. (_Puts on the hat, which looks very jaunty for one of his years._) Perhaps I can exchange it to-morrow, but I’ve got to wear it to-day, at any rate. There’s one thing I haven’t thought of afore (_feeling in pockets_). I wonder whether they thought to change things in the pockets from the old to the new. There aint a single thing in any of ’em. (_Irresolutely._) And what shall I do without money? (_Goes quickly to overcoat, and puts his hand in pocket._) Ah, here is the old wallet. (_With a sigh of relief._) Lucky for me I bought a newspaper last evening, or that pocket-book would ha’ been gone too. I must go down and see if I can hear anything about the rest of the things.