Connection scene 1 – scene 2
Scene 1: McMurdo arrives in Vermissa Valley by train, meeting other passengers who recognize him as a member of a secret organization.
Scene 2: McMurdo has now reached his lodgings at Shafter’s house and meets the people he’ll be living with.
1. Setting
Location: Shafter’s lodgings, specifically the kitchen
Time: Evening
Atmosphere: Domestic but tense, with characters preparing for daily activities while dealing with underlying concerns about safety and community tensions
2. Characters and Short Introduction
Baldwin: A prominent figure in the community who appears confident and somewhat dismissive of others’ concerns. He seems to have authority and influence.
Ettie: A young woman who appears to be preparing vegetables in the kitchen. She seems helpful, agreeable, and somewhat anxious about the situation in their community.
Shafter: The lodging owner who appears concerned about the safety of his guests and the overall situation. He seems worried about “those people” and their potential threat.
McMurdo: A newcomer who arrives during the scene, carrying a bag. He appears polite and respectful, showing particular interest in Ettie.
Mrs. Nicholson: A neighbor who needs help making blankets. Ettie has agreed to assist her the following evening, which is why she cannot go for a walk with Baldwin.
3. Summary
The lodgers are members of the Scowrers gang.
Shafter hates having these dangerous gang members as lodgers, but he’s too frightened of them to kick them out because they might kill him
Shafter complains about “the lodgers,” he’s mainly referring to McMurdo and Baldwin – the dangerous Scowrer gang members living in his boarding house alongside innocent working men.
The scene opens in Shafter’s kitchen where Ettie is preparing vegetables. Baldwin engages her in conversation, asking if she wants to go for a walk, but she declines, saying she’s too busy with laundry tonight. She mentions she has agreed to help Mrs. Nicholson make blankets tomorrow evening.
Baldwin expresses that he rarely sees Ettie anymore, and when she suggests maybe Friday, he asks if that’s too far off (If I’m wrong about , correct me.). Their conversation is interrupted by Shafter, who announces that their lodgers will be home soon and wanting supper, prompting Ettie to hurry with her preparations.
Baldwin becomes annoyed and tells Shafter it will be Friday, making sure he’s at liberty to walk out with Ettie then. He tips his hat to both Jacob and Shafter before leaving.
After Baldwin’s departure, Shafter expresses his disgust, calling the lodgers “one of those people” and referring to them as scoundrels – “no better than a gang of murderers.” Ettie, frightened by this characterization, insists that many men have had their lives threatened by such people.
Shafter continues his complaints, expressing shame that he doesn’t dare stop these dangerous individuals. He mentions wanting to make dumplings but being unable to go out while “that snake” is present. As Shafter leaves, Ettie continues preparing vegetables.
McMurdo then arrives, carrying his bag, and stands still, apparently admiring Ettie. What did you forget, father?” Then she realizes it’s McMurdo, not her father. She becomes embarrassed and brushes her hair from her face
McMurdo mentions he thought “father” was there and asks if Ettie came to see him, explaining that the father is downtown. There’s a pause as McMurdo continues to look admiringly at Ettie, though she appears embarrassed but not displeased. Finally, McMurdo states he’s in no hurry to see her father, and both McMurdo and Ettie exit the scene.
4. Short Quiz
Question 1: Where does this scene take place?
a) Baldwin’s home b) Shafter’s kitchen c) Mrs. Nicholson’s house d) Downtown
Question 2: What is Ettie doing when the scene begins?
a) Doing laundry b) Preparing vegetables c) Making dinner d) Cleaning
Question 3: Why does Ettie refuse Baldwin’s invitation for a walk?
a) She doesn’t like him b) She’s busy tonight and helping Mrs. Nicholson tomorrow c) Her father forbids it d) She’s afraid to go out
Question 4: How does Shafter feel about certain people in the community?
a) He admires them b) He’s neutral c) He considers them dangerous d) He wants to help them
Question 5: What is McMurdo’s reaction when he sees Ettie? a) He ignores her b) He’s critical c) He shows admiration d) He’s afraid of her
Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-b, 4-c, 5-c