Page 67 - Big Idea

The Big Idea – Act 3

RIVAL 2: He didn’t go down smiling like those clowns, but he went
down just as fast. (puts down club) How come you didn’t let me go
after that other guy, too? We could have saved a lot of time.

RIVAL 1: Like I told you before, the philosopher has to be given
some kind of excuse he can appreciate with his mind. If we had
simply scared him off, he would have used his wits to spread nasty
rumors about us. Instead, he’s on our side, now. As for the one you
did chase down the hill, he won’t use his mind against anyone but
himself.

ENTREPRENEUR: (enters right, carrying sack) Hello, there. Hasn’t
anyone else arrived yet?

RIVAL 1: We’re the only ones here.

ENTREPRENEUR: (puts down sack) Yes, this is going to be very
good for business.

RIVAL 1: Oh? Why is that?

ENTREPRENEUR: Well, of course, there’s the location itself: easy
access to the rivers and a couple of very convenient paths through
the jungle—I can’t tell where you where they are, though: trade
secrets. So I will be able to get the goods here without too much
trouble. And then, naturally, I will have a captive market.

RIVAL 2: What? Are you going to deal in slaves? I could use a
good—

RIVAL 1: Shut up, stupid! He means all the people living up here
will have nobody else to trade with except him.

ENTREPRENEUR: That’s right.

RIVAL 1: Unfortunately, things aren’t likely to work out the way
you’d like them to.

ENTREPRENEUR: Huh? What do you mean?

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