Oscar launches into Scene 2, set on a nighttime street corner. A lone child cries as Thomas approaches a limping Soldier wearing a worn Union uniform. Called back to active duty, the Soldier seeks to sell four months' worth of future pay for three months' worth of cash for his family. The Soldier rejects Thomas' $20, until Thomas makes clear it is a free gift. A Young Man in torn working clothes leaps at Thomas like "brute force incarnate," but Thomas subdues him. Bagby, with a Senator and a Tart, approach and are all drunk. The Tart takes compassion on Thomas' scarred cheek, and the Senator orates about the militia draft. The Soldier returns and is assaulted by the Young Man. Oscar asks whether the movie contains these elements, and.....
