(MINGUS is tying up his stolen goods and possessions. On centre stage, ropes and boxes abound. CHARLIE and MINGUS attempt to make some order.)

MINGUS: Come on, Charlie, we gotta load all these things on the G.G.'s truck. Looks like junk doesn't it, Charlie, but we know it's not. Come on, what's in that box? Jewellery! from Katz en Lourie. And that box? No, no, no - you gotta handle it with utmost care. Gently. Put it down. Turn it over now. And do you know what's in that box? Stetson hats. When I get down to Meadowlands, I'll be selling them there. I hear say these trains from Meadowlands are going to be easy pickings, and if the fences keep us in, they'll keep the G-men out - you'll see.

Do you know what's in that box? I thought as much. You don't know a damn thing - all your life you're depending on this brain, living on this man, and what have you learnt? Nothing. Just dumb hands for carrying and dumb legs for running behind my tail.

(Exit CHARLIE.)

Well, four rooms in Meadowlands doesn't seem such a bad prospect.

(Enter CHARLIE with a small tattered suitcase.)

MINGUS: Hey hey hey! What do you think you're doing?

Where you putting that suitcase of yours?

CHARLIE: I'm going to get a house.

MINGUS: (Laughing.) One thing is very clear - that suitcase does not belong to me, Charlie, so the best thing for you to do is move it right away.

CHARLIE: I'll get a house!

MINGUS: Come on Charlie, you'll get a labour camp! I think I'm right in presuming that it is only my assets and properties that are going with me to Meadowlands. So I think the best thing for you to do is to get your suitcase well away!

CHARLIE: No!

MINGUS: What you mean, Charlie? The time has come for you to go your way and I get going my way.

CHARLIE: No!

MINGUS: Look, Charlie, for your own good - just move your stuff away.

CHARLIE: No! I'm going with you.

MINGUS: Just move it away!

CHARLIE: No! I can't stay here. What will I do? Everything I've done for you.