· · ·
turning to page one
turning to page one
The Orleans arrives to the port of New Orleans and docks. The port is one of the busiest in the young nation, vessels of every shape and size, and flying a variety of flags arrive here. On the dock itself there is a bustle of activity as goods are loaded and unloaded. It's a bit of controlled chaos as a VARIETY OF LANGUAGES are spoken and shouted.
Two men - among many - are awaiting the arrival of the Orleans. They are WILLIAMS - Arthur's master - and DAVIS who is the solicitor of Mr. Williams. They both look like they mean business. The moment the gangplank is laid they bum rush the vessel, Williams yelling for Arthur.
WILLIAMS
Arthur...! Arthur!
Arthur, seeing his master, is nearly crazy with delight. He is, uncharacteristically beside himself. Ironically, his master now represents "freedom."
ARTHUR
My master. Master Williams, sir!
Master Williams!
Arthur pulls on his chains for Williams, nearly pulling the other slaves with him.
Davis is no nonsense about the situation.
DAVIS
Who is in charge of this vessel?
CAPTAIN
I am the Captain.
DAVIS
I am the solicitor of Mr. Jonus
Williams. I have documentation
verifying that the Negro named
Arthur is his property.
CAPTAIN
I know nothing of--
DAVIS
You are ordered by court to return
that property immediately, or face
charges of thievery.
CAPTAIN
My duty is to transport goods. I
am not responsible for their
origin.
ARTHUR
Sir...
WILLIAMS
It's all right, Arthur. Your
abductors have been arrested and
confined...
(to the Captain)
Remove these contraptions!
To his mate:
CAPTAIN
Free him!
Biddee does as ordered. Once free, Arthur hugs and sobs over his master as would a lost and then found child.
WILLIAMS
It's all well, now, Arthur. You
will return home with me.
DAVIS
Consider this notice and warning.
Williams, Davis and Arthur head from the ship. Solomon rushes to the rail of the ship. He seems both desperate and hopeful of some aid from Arthur and Williams. But there is none forthcoming. Williams and Arthur continue on - Arthur not so much as even looking back in Solomon's direction. Solomon stands and watches as they fade into the environs and are gone from sight.