EXT. WINER’S HOUSE - DAY

HARDIN

(through the window) What say, Winer?

WINER

(uncertainly) Hidy.

HARDIN

You got a minute? I got a little business I need to talk with you.

WINER

I reckon so. 26.

HARDIN

I hear you run out of a job.

WINER

Yeah. I was working for Weiss.

HARDIN

Me and you might be able to help one another. You need work and I need it done. Hunkering down, Winer begins scratching meaningless hieroglyphics in the earth with a stick.

WINER

What was it you wanted done? Hardin grins.

HARDIN

I ain’t trying to hire you to kill somebody. I don’t sub that work out. (lights a cigarette) You know that buildin’ I’m putting up there? Gonna be a big ol’ honkytonk with a jukebox and a nigger cook in the back fryin’ up hamburgers... But I need some help on it. I hear your daddy was a carpenter.

WINER

That’s right.

HARDIN

I heard he was a damn good worker. I heard lots of folks say you’re a pretty damn good worker yourself.

WINER

I don’t know about that.

HARDIN

I want that place finished before cold weather. What I want is somebody’ll be there to work ever day the weather’s fit and give me a day’s work for a day’s pay. From what I hear that’s you, Winer. 27.

WINER

What are you paying?

HARDIN

I might tell you a dollar an hour and be underpayin’ you. I might say two dollars a day and be paying you too much. What say you come down Monday mornin’ and we’ll try each other out.

WINER

Well, that sounds fair enough to me.

HARDIN

I been lookin’ for a likely feller I could trust. A young man want to make his mark. Despite his doubts, Winer likes the sound of that.

WINER

I’ll see you Monday then.

HARDIN

(nodding toward the house) You get in there and rest up. Me and you’s got a honkytonk to build, Winer. Putting the car in gear, he peels away.