SCENE 11

The Hunters come in deep in conversation.

Second Hunter

I dont mind losing the bet. Not at all dont get me wrong.

Third Hunter

Thats why he bet you.

Second Hunter

Exactly. I knew I would lose.

First Hunter

I dont get it.

Third Hunter

Reverse psychology.

Second Hunter

Exactly.

First Hunter

Reverse psychology on who, on me?

Second Hunter

On the convict.

Third Hunter

Very smart.

First Hunter

I dont get it.

Third Hunter

Hal was psyching out that convict.

First Hunter

“Monster!”

Third Hunter

We shouldnt get on a first name basis with him.

First Hunter

Why not? “Monster!” Im not scared to say his name. And we’ll get real close to him soon enough—

Second Hunter

Cause I bet you. I bet you that he wouldnt come down.

I place such a bet knowing Im an unlucky guy, and therefore knowing that I would more likely than not lose the bet and that me losing the bet would mean he was coming. Me betting you exerted a psychic pull on him.

Third Hunter

Hals bad luck works like a charm.

First Hunter

Im giving you yr money back.

Second Hunter

Yr all right, Hank.

Third Hunter

Whens the last time we did a runthrough? You cant remember, right? Cause its been years.

First Hunter

Its been years cause its lots of work.

Third Hunter

Its also a lot of fun.

Second Hunter

Whats a runthrough?

Third Hunter

The best thing to do to a convict when you catch him. It gets the loudest screams.

First Hunter

You get a hot iron rod and run it up his bottom and out his throat.

Third Hunter

Then you stick the rod in the ground and let him wiggle on the stick.

Second Hunter

Shit.

First Hunter

You wouldnt think they would wiggle for long but they do.

Third Hunter

And the screams—

Second Hunter

Im game to try if you all are.

Third Hunter

We’re gonna find him, I can feel it. And besides getting rich off the money he’ll make us, we’ll have some fun.

First Hunter

Say it come on say it.

Second Hunter

Monster!

Third Hunter

Monster!

Second/Third Hunters

Monster! MONSTER!

First Hunter

Come on lets get to work.

They go on their way.