The Second Quote and Qualm

We pan Teaspoon's audience, a line of boys who stand in front of the corral shoulder to shoulder. All are similarly dressed in the style of American Plains, some in buckskins with fancy Indian beadwork. Their faces are tanned and strong though still boyish. They range in age from 15 to 18. The Kid, having made a complete visual change, now attired in his handsome new buckskins and moccasin books, is the last in line.

ANOTHER ANGLE - THE BOYS

The boys catch the scent of the bear grease, some of them wrinkling up their noses in disgust.

Teaspoon puts on his pants and buttons his shirt. He walks to the line and addresses all the boys.

TEASPOON
This here Pony Express is two thousand miles from St. Jo, Missouri all the way to Sacramento Californee. There's one hunnerd and ninety way stations and five hunnerd of the best Injun ponies.
(a beat)
You will ride seventy-five miles. One day. Flat out.

It is a horrendous suggestion, the boys are taken aback.

What would your response have been?

Lisa's response:
Horses? We've got to ride horses? Fuggedaboutit!!
(Typical New York answer)
Bryan's response:
What kind of drugs are you on? And why aren't you sharin'?!?
Aimee's response:
Seventy-five miles a day?! On a horse! Haven't you people heard of cars? Why, just today, I went seventy-five miles in one hour! No way am I going to do this job. Take me back to the 20th century! Oh, and I'd like to take Kid with me please?!
Joanna's response:
("That'd Kill the horses" Cody said)
Even if it DIDN'T kill the horses...I have a pretty good feeling that will kill me! I think I'll get a job at the General store instead.
Beth's response:
Well, okay, just as long as I get to wash down the sweaty riders when they return!
Katya's response:
Well.....ok...but can't we team up..Y'know like me and Jimmy..or me and Kid...or me and Jimmy?
Julie's response:
So, I'll just wait here then? I'll be in the bunkhouse for whoever is still here...and let's hope Buck is one of them. ;o)
Kirsten's response:
You've GOT to be kidding me? You know how sore I'll be? Forget it, the pay, the horses...it ain't worth it! Of course [glancing down the line with a giggle] these boys are soooo cute, so what the heck, I'll stay!

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