The Adding Machine

Zero is contained within a cage, seated at a table, wearing prison garb and eating from a plate of ham and eggs. It appears he is on display for a group of young schoolchildren led by a guide, who introduces him as the “North American murderer.” The children take notes, while their caretakers converse with the guide. This is the day of Zero’s execution, and he has ordered eight courses of ham and eggs. 

Once the crowd has left, Mrs. Zero enters in mourning clothes and lets herself into the cage. They speak matter-of-factly about the affairs of his death and how much money she has been spending. She has brought him another plate of ham and eggs, which she made herself; he eats the food with gusto. They agree they had a good life together. Zero enquires about a scrapbook he has asked Mrs. Zero to keep on his behalf with all of his appearances in the newspapers; he desires that she give the book to his assistant, Miss Devore, after his death. Mrs. Zero is against this notion, insisting she will pass it to her sister’s child. They fight, resulting in Mrs.