(pleasantly and smoothly) George, I'm an old man, and most people hate me. But I don't like them either, so that makes it all even. You know just as well as I do that I run practically everything in this town but the Bailey Building and Loan. You know, also, that for a number of years I've been trying to get control of it . . . or kill it. But I haven't been able to do it. You have been stopping me. In fact, you have beaten me, George, and as anyone in this county can tell you, that takes some doing. Take during the depression, for instance. You and I were the only ones that kept our heads. You saved the Building and Loan, and I saved all the rest.
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George hurries into scene. He stops to make sure it is the right number before going up the steps.
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UNCLE BILLY (excitedly) We're going to make it, George. They'll never close us up today!
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(to Ed) Here, Ed. You know, you remember last year when things weren't going so well, and you couldn't make your payments. You didn't lose your house, did you? Do you think Potter would have let you keep it?
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The people are still trying to get out, but some of them have stood still, listening to him. George has begun to make an impression on them.
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There is a commotion at the outer doors. A man (Randall) comes in and makes his way up to Tom.
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GEORGE (cont'd) Now look, why don't you all sit down. There are a lot of seats over there. Just make yourselves at home.
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SAM'S VOICE I have a big deal coming up that's going to make us all rich.
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Why, in the twenty-five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn't that right, Uncle Billy? He didn't save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter. And what's wrong with that? Why . . . Here, you're all businessmen here. Doesn't it make them better citizens? Doesn't it make them better customers? You . . . you said . . . What'd you say just a minute ago? . . . They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait! Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they're so old and broken-down that they . . . Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about . . . they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him, but to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be!
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DR. CAMPBELL I think that's all we'll need you for, George. I know you're anxious to make a train.
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GEORGE (thoughtfully) Maybe I could sell tickets. Let's see. No, the point is, in order to get this robe . . . I've got it! I'll make a deal with you, Mary.
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George suddenly sees the old cigar lighter on the counter. He closes his eyes and makes a wish.
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INTERIOR DRUGSTORE �� DAY MEDIUM SHOT �� George comes in and crosses to an old-fashioned cigar lighter on the counter. He shuts his eyes and makes a wish:
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MEDIUM SHOT �� Harry makes his slide very fast. He passes the marks made by the other boys, and his shovel takes him onto the thin ice at the bend of the river. The ice breaks, and Harry disappears into the water.
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