'^y-X. ^^ CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library THE GIFT or TWO FRIENDS OF Cornell University 1934 Cornell University Library PS 1744.G2S4 Secret service a romance of the soutiiern 3 1924 021 986 850 The original of tliis book is in tlie Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924021986850 ecret Service WILLIAM GILLETTE SAMUEL FRENCti 28-30 West 38th St., New York CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library THE GIFT OF TWO FRIENDS OF Cornell University 1934 AN AMERICAN DRAMA ARRANGED IN FOUR ACTS AND ENTITLED SECRET SERVICE A ROMANCE OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY WRITTEN BY WILLIAM GILLETTE COPTBIQHT, 1898, BT WHjIiIAH GUiLBITB CAUTION.—AII persons era hereby warned that " Secret Service," being fully protected under the copyright laws of the United States, Is subject to royalty, and anyone presenting the play without the consent of the author or his authorized agent, will bo liable to 'the penalties by lawr provided. We will be pleased to quote royalty for amateur production en application. CHARACTERS GENERAL NELSON RANDOLPH . „ [Commanding in Elchmond] MRS. GENERAL VARNEY ^„„ ». [Wile of a Confederate OfScer of Higli Eanlc] EDITH VARNEY WILFRED VARNEY .^.°!'. .°^."""^'^ CAROLINE MITFORD '^.^°:^^'^. , _ [From Across the Street] LEWIS DUMONT [United States Secret Service— Known in Richmond as Captain Thome] HENRY DUIVrONT [United States Secret Service— Lewis Dumont's Brother] UR. BENTON ARRELSFORD ,,T„« T,-r™™-„» „ [Confederate Secret Service] IVIISS KITTRIDGE ,,.„„„. [Sewing for the Hospitals] IVIARTHA ^^„ [Negro House Servant] JONAS , .,„„„ , , . „, , , [Negro House Servant] LIEUT. MAXWELL . ^„„„ „„„ . „ [President's Detail] LIEUT. FORAY _ , [First Operator Military Telegraph Lines] LIEUT. ALLISON [Second Operator Military Telegraph Lines] LIEUT. TYREE [Artillery] LIEUT. ENSING [Artillery] SERGEANT WILSON SERGEANT ELLINGTON CORPORAL MATSON CAVALRY ORDERLY ARTILLERY ORDERLY HOSPITAL MESSENGER FIRST WAR DEPT. MESSENGER SECOND WAR DEPT. MESSENGER THIRD WAR DEPT. MESSENGER FOURTH WAR DEPT. MESSENGER TELEGRAPH OFFICE MESSENGER A TELEGRAPH OFFICE MESSENGER B EDDINGER SECRET SERVICE 3 AN EVENING IN RICHMOND DUBING THE WAR OP THE REBELLION AT A TIME WHEN THE NORTHERN PORCE8 WERE ENTRENCHED BEFORE THE CITY AND ENDEAV- ORING BY ALL POSSIBLE MEANS TO BREAK DOWN THE DEFENSES AND CAPTURE THE CONFEDERATE CAPITAL. EIGHT O'CLOCK DRAWING-ROOM AT ACT I GEN. VARNEY's house FRANKLIN STREET APT TT THE SAME PLACE IN llN li ^ ^^ O'CLOCK ACT TTT TELEGRAPH OFFICE 1 LPn WAR DEPARTMENT O'CLOCK A pTp yy DRAWING-ROOM AT THE XiLJCy V LJN VARNE Y HOUSEAGAIN O'CLOCK WHILE NO S PECIAL^ EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE IN THE DIRECTION OF HISTORICAL ACCURACY THE MANAGE- MENT TAKES THE LIBERTY OF REMINDING THE PUB- I Lie THAT THE CITY OP RICHMOND AT THE TIME SET / FORTH IN " SECRET SERVICE " WAS IN A STATE OP THE UTMOST EXCITEMENT AND CONFUSION. WOUNDED AND DYING WERE BEING BROUGHT IN FROM THE DEFENSES BY THE CAR-LOAD. CHURCHES, LIBRARIES AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS WERE CONVERTED INTO HOS- PITALS. OWING TO THE SCARCITY OP SURGEONS AND MEDICAL ATTENDANTS WOMEN AND EVEN YOUNG GIRLS ASSISTED AT THE DRESSING OP WOUNDS AND NURSED THE SUFFERERS DAY AND NIGHT. OTHER WOMEN WERE OCCUPIED SEWING COARSE AND HEAVY SAND BAGS FOR THE STRENGTHENING OF THE FORTI- FICATIONS. STRICT MILITARY DISCIPLINE WAS IM- POSSIBLE. COURTS MARTIAL IP HELD AT ALL WERE COMPOSED OP ANY AVAILABLE MATERIAL EVEN PRI- VATE CITIZENS SERVING IP NECESSARY. TROOPS WERE BEING HURRIED IN FROM THE SOUTH AND NO CARE- SECRET SERVICE FUL SCRUTINY WAS ATTEMPTED. THIS MADE IT POS- SIBLE FOR MANT NORTHERN SECRET SERVICE MEN TO ENTER THE CITY AND REMAIN THERE IN VARIOUS DISGUISES. IN THE MIDST OF THIS TROUBLE A BRAVE ATTEMPT AT OATBTY WAS KEPT UP CHIEFLY BY THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN A DESPERATE ENDEAVOR TO DISTRACT THEIR MINDS FROM THE TERRIBLE SITUA- TION. THERE WERE DANCES AND " STARVATION PARTIES " SO CALLED BECAUSE OF THE NECESSARILY LIMITED FARE PROVIDED AND THE BOOMING OF THE GREAT SIEGE GUNS OFTEN SOUNDED ABOVE THE STRAINS OF A DREAMY WALTZ OR THE LIVELY BEAT OF A FOLXA. SECRET SERVICE Xigbt plot Acts I and IV — Same Foots and 1st Borders : White and Amber Full up. To work down and up on Cues in Act II. 2 Blue Box Lamps lighting Garden Eight. 1 Blue Spot through window 1st E. Eight. Acts II and IV 2 Table lamps on scene 1 l. c. Back. One on desk down stage Eight. These lamps work up and down on Dimmer in Act. II. Eed Lighting in Garden to flash on backing. Strip in Back Entrance (Act I only) Strips in Hallway left and top of stairway to go out on Cue in Act II. Lighting works only on sounds of Cannon, Acts II and IV. Act III 4 Telegraph instruments on Scene — 2 on table down center, 2 on table under mantel piece down right, all to work from ofE and on stage. 1-2 light (imitation) gas bracket over mantel to go off and on at Cue. Foots and 1st Border. White and Amber full up. To work up and down at Cues. 6 6 SECRET SERVICE 2 Box lamps green frosted. Showing through windows down stage left, same on all through Act. Bunches lighting transparency wings back left, cues on Gas Bracket Foots and Border. PropertB plot Act I Interior : — Drawing room in General Varney's house ; Eichmond, Va. 1865. Early evning. Ground- cloth, medallion, rugs — Portieres to draw on L. Tj. E. Portieres to draw on windows e. and E. c. On walls: — Handsome pictures in gilt and walnut frames of the period landscapes, steel engrav- ings and portraits. Furniture: — Colonial mahogany frames and Rep upholstering. Southern Fireplace down L. brass fender, dogs and fireplace furniture. On Mantel: — Clock — ^practical set for 8 o'clock. Vases with glass, bronze ornaments, 3 or 3 books. Flowers in grate. On Table : — l. c. centerpiece, 3 or 3 books, written letter not in envelope. Large plush album. Chair e. and l. of l. c. table) Hassock in front of L. c. table. Bell cord below F. P. Sofa E. c. Tidies, sofa cushions. Table up o. Lighted lamp, work basket fairly large — Pair of scissors, needles, thread, etc. Vase of flowers, one to be removed. Writing desk down E. On desk, writing material, pen, ink and paper, envelopes, etc. Nice old-fashioned ink stand) 2 or 3 books, bowl of flowers, small miniature on easel, waste basket, dark wicker chair in front of desk, chair just above desk, Hassock near desk. Bookcase between windows and 0. doors j(old- fashioned, filled with books.) SECEET SERVICE 7 Stair Carpet. Hanging Lamp in Hall. Lamp on desk or small stand E. Pedestal and vase of flowers between windows — chair between windows. Hall seat in hall. Two chairs, one each side of P. P. Pedestal and statue on landing in hall. Vines and flowers for veranda off e. and E. u. E. SIDE PEOPS For Thome: — Cigar, matches. For Jonas : — ^Writing paper (brown) card, salver, off L. c. For Wilfred: — Pair gray Confederate trousers, legs to cut off about three inches from bottom every night. Confederate gray blouse wrapped in brown paper. For Edith: — (Upstairs l. c.) written note. For Maxwell: — Large official brown envelope con- taining commission. For Miss Kittridge: — (Off c.) Package of lint and package of bandages. For Soldier: — Sling. 8 Springfield rifles and bayonets. Jingle door bell off L. c. Distant cannon effect off K. Effect of passing artillery off e. rumble of cannon wheels, horses galloping, and jingle of swords and harness. Door slam (big) off L. c. See that key is in lock of c. door and that it will work easily. Act II SAME SET AS ACT I Set clock at 9 o'clock. SECRET SERVICE SIDE PEOPS Tor Wilfred: — ^Lot of papers, letters, etc. 1 letter partly written not in envelope. For Martha : — OfE l. 3, large official brown envelope. For Mrs. Varney: — Off L. c. (at top of stairs) Wilfred's cap and belt, roll of gray blankets tied, open written letter. For Arrelsford: — Same paper taken from Jonas, Act I. For Thome: — Sure fire army revolver in holster. Act III Interior: — ^The War Department Telegraph Office. Groundcloth, to represent board floor. Wide mantel shelf and fireplace down E. Front of fireplace plain solid table rather long and narrow. On table, 4 telegraph instruments of the period 1865, connected each separately to sounder and key off stage k. Pens, inkwells, paper (manila), telegraph-blanks (form used by Confederate war department), spindles, etc. On wall : — ^Above mantel Eough hooks to hang coats on. On mantel: — Piles of old messages and books. Plain solid table e. c. fastened firmly to floor. On table: — 2 telegraph instruments of the period connected each separately off stage E. Paper, pens, ink, telegraph forms of the period. Small cup about the size of a sponge cup sunk in table and containing sponge and carmine for Captain Thome's bloody hand business. Pot of paste and brush. Revolver on shelf of table. The Telegraph wires from these instruments on both tables drop down to floor in full view of audience and carried across and out through upper part of fireplace to table off stage. Where each instrument on stage is connected to an instrument off stage; have SECRET SERVICE 9 o£E stage instruments all on one table; the ones for the long table near F. P. are lettered B. and C. those on the table E. c, lettered A. and D. from the top of the F. P. fake wires run up side of scene to ceiling and across stage to center window, out of tihat window and up out of sight ; have large glass insulators such as were used then to carry wires. 2 Common chairs at long table R. 1 Common chair at table e. c. 1 Chair up c. Waste paper basket full of waste paper e. c. In Closet up c. : — Shelves containing battery jars and rubbish natural to a telegraph oflBce. Boxes — Eubbish, etc. Have lot of battery jars under table in front of F. P. with proper connections (faked). Big double break away doors up e. c. These have big iron bar and cleats on audience side. These doors must be very solid and are practically smashed to bits each performance with butts of guns hinges in down stage one should break away. If windows L. are not real glass have glass crash effect off L. supposed to be breaking of glass when shot is fired through window. Lot of waste paper (old despatches on floor). SIDE PKOPS For Thome : — Sure fire revolver, ofiBcial order, official despatch, cigar, matches. For Edith: — Official commission. For Caroline: — Official order. For Eddinger: — Official order. For Arrelsford : — Official order, sure fire revolver. For Messenger: — 1 Official despatch. For Messenger: — 4 Official despatches. For S. M. : — Sure fire revolver. 8 Springfield rifles and bayonets. 10 SECRET SERVICE Act IV SAME SETS AS ACTS I AND II Furniture slightly disarranged as is left after dis- turbance of Act II. Distant cannon effect off e. Distant musketry effect off e. Loud bomb shell effects and flashes; hurried and violent ringing of alarm in distance off E. deep low tone like fire bell (Get as near as possible tone of bell used for purpose in Richmond) . 4 Big toned chimes. Effects of cavalry, artillery, etc., passing horses' hoofs, rattling of sabers and gun carriages, chain effect off K., crunching effect on gravel road. (All the above on cues both very distant and close). SIDE PEOPS For Thome : — FuUer's-earth, dark cloth for bandage, revolver. For "Wilfred : — White neck bandage, fuUer's-earth. For Mrs. Varney: — Ladies' linen handkerchief. For Jonas: — Springfield cartridge with bullet; separate bullet. For Orderly : — FuUer's-earth. For Soldier : — Off l. small basin of water and cloth. For 8 Soldiers: — Dummy Springfield cartridges, powder removed but bullets put back in their cartridge-boxes. EFFECTS DURING THE PLAY:— 4< intervals while the First and Second Acts of this piece are in progress occasional distant thunder of cannon with flashes, etc., and arrange not to interfere with dialogue or scenes. During Last Act, at SECRET SERVICE H periods arranged, the artillery effects become stronger as a desperate attach is then being made upon the Confederate Lines near the Outskirts of the City. But even then these effects should be subdued and distant. The Fortification Lines are from 5 to 10 m.iles out. During First and Fourth Acts — on cues — the passing of regiments hurriedly through the streets outside. Clatter of hoofs, tramp of many feet, rattle of gun-carriages, bugle calls, orders shouted, etc. flbemotanOum on Dialect In several of the Characters " Ah " is used in the place of " I ". This does not signify that it should be pronounced as written. It is only to serve as a reminder that the Southern pronunciation is a trifle away from "I" and toward "Ah"— but not by any means reaching it. SECRET SERVICE ACT I Scene: — Drawing-room in General Varney's House — Franklin Street — Bichmond. Eight o'clock A richly furnished room. — Southern char- acteristics. Fire-place on left side. Wide doors or arch up left set diagonally open to a front hall. Portieres on these doors or arch to draw completely clos- ing opening. Stairway seen through these doors or arch, in the hall, at bach, ascend- ing from a landing a few steps high back of center of opening, and rising off to l. Entrance to street off l. below stairs. Entrance to dining room and kitchen off e. below stairs. Both of these openings are back of double doors or arch up L. c. Wide door at center opening to a bach parlor which is being used for women who come there to sew and work for hospitals. In elaborate production these women are seen in the room at back seated at tables working, when the doors are opened. Two double French windows on right side, one up stage set oblique, and one down, both opening to a wide veranda. Shrubbery, etc., beyond the veranda and vines, etc., on balustrade and posts of veranda — which must be in line of sight for whole house outside the upper of these two windows. Both these windows are " French " extending down to floor, 13 14 SECRET SERVICE and to open and close on hinges. They also have curtains or draperies which can easily be drawn to cover them. Below window down e. a writing desh and chair. Between these win- dows and pedestal and vase of flowers to be hnocked over by Thoene in Act IV, Chair near pedestal — chair and cabinet E. of C. door against wall. Table L. of c. door against wall with lamp and vase of flowers. Couch E. c. Table and 2 chairs l. c. Chair each side of F. p. Left. Hall seat in hall. Pedestal and statue on landing in hall. Darlc or nearly dark outside windows E. with strong moonlight effect. Lights on in hall outside door up Left and in room up Center, but not glaring — Light in the room itself full on but shaded so that it gives subdued effect. No fire in fire-place l. Por- tieres on both windows closed at rise, windows closed at rise. {At rise of curtain low distant boom of cannon- ading rolls in distance and quiets down — then is heard again.) (Miss Kitteidge, one of the women who are sewing for the hospitals, enters o. D. comes down c. a little — -stops, listens to the sound of cannon — with a worried looh — crosses to window up e. loohs out. Flashes on her face, then turns and goes down toward table at l. c. — She gathers up pieces 'of cloth and linen rags that are on the table, looks toward window again, then takes them off at door up c. closing the door carefully after her) (Sounds of a heavy door closing outside L.) (Enter at door up l. Wilfeed Vaenet, a handsome boy of about sixteen or seventeen — impetuous — Southern— black-eyed^dark hair. He is fairly SECRET SERVICE 15 well dressed, hut in a suit of clothes that has evidently been worn some time. Nothing new or " swell " about it. Dark shade. He has a determined look on his face, and comes rapidly into the room looking about. He goes to door up c. opens it a little way and looks off. Closes it. Goes to window up b. Throws open por- tieres and windows and looks anxiously off. Bed flashes on backing. Distant boom and low thunder of cannon.) (Enter Martha, a negro servant up l. coming from door at foot of stairs. Wilfred turning sees her, and crosses toward her.) Wilfred. Where's mother? Martha. She's up staars with Mars Howard sah. Wilfred. Ah've got to see 'er! Martha. Mars Howard he's putty bad dis ebenin' — Ah dunno's she'd want to leave 'im. — Ah'U go up an' see what she says. (Exit door up L. and up the stairway) (Wilfred left alone moves restlessly about, especially when low rumble of distant cannon is heard. Effect of passing artillery in the street outside. On hearing it he hurries to the window and looks out, continuing to do so while the sounds of the passing guns, horses and men are heard. While he is at the window e. Mrs. Varnet enters, coming down the stairway and on at door up left. She is quiet, pale, with white or nearly white hair and a rather young face. Her dress is black and though rich, is plain. Not in the least "dressy" or fashionable. — In manner she is calm and self-possessed. She pauses and looks at Wilfred a moment. He turns and sees her. Martha follows her down and exits door at foot of stairway.) _ Wilfred, (goes toward her — She meeting him c.) Howard isn't worse is he? 16 SECBET SERVICE Mrs. Vaenet. Ah'm afraid so. WiLFEED. Anything Ah can do? Mes. Vaeney. {shakes head) No — no. — "We can only wait — and hope. (Wilfebd walks away a little as if he could not quite say the thing on his mind) Ah'm thankful there's a lull in the cannonading. Do they know why it stopped? {boom of cannon — a low distant rumble) Wilfred, (b. c.) It hasn't stopped altogether — don't you hear? Mes. Vaenet. (c.) Yes, but compared to what it was yesterday — you know it shook the house — and Howard suffered dreadfully! (Wilfeed suddenly faces her) Wilfeed. (e. c.) So did I mother ! {slight pause) {low boom of cannon) Mes. Vaenet. (o.) You! Wilfeed. (e. c.) When Ah hear those guns and know the fighting's on, it makes me Mes. Vaenet. {goes toward table l. c. Interrupt- ing quickly) Yes, yes — we all suffered — we all suffered, dear! {sits e. of table l. c.) Wilfred. Mother, Ah want to speak to you ! You may not like it but you must listen — ^you must let me — {goes toward her) Mes. Vaenet. {motioning so that he stops. Slight pause. She soon speaks in a low voice. She takes his hand in a motherly way) I know — ^what it is. Wilfeed. (l. c.) Ah can't stay back here any longer ! It's worse than being shot to pieces ! Ah can't do it mother ! (Mes. Vaenet looks steadily into Wilfeed's face but says nothing. Soon she turns away a little as if she felt tears coming into her eyes) Why don't you speak? Mes. Vaenet. {turning to him. A faint attempt to smile) Ah don't know what to say. Wilfeed. Say you won't mind if Ah go down there and help 'em! SECRET SERVICE 17 Mks. Vaenet. It wouldn't be true! Wilfred. I can't stay here ! Mks. Vaknet. You're so young "Wilfred ! WiLFEED. No younger than Tom Kittridge — no younger than Ell Stuart — nor cousin Stephen — nor hundreds of the fellows fighting down there ! — See mother — they've called for all over nineteen — that was weeks ago! The eighteen call may be out any minute — ^the next one after that takes me! Do I want to stay back here till they order me out! Ah should think not! {walks about to o. Stops and speaks to Mks. Vaknet) If Ah was hit with a shell an' had to stay it would be different ! But Ah can't stand this — Ah can't do it mother! Mes. Vaeket. {rising and going to "him. After pause — Turns as if she were giving way to him) I'll write to your father. WiLFEED. Why that'll take forever! You don't know where his Division is — they change 'em every day! I can't wait for you to write. Mes. Vaknet. {shakes her head. — Speaks finally) I couldn't let you go without his consent ! You must be patient! (Wilpeed starts slowly toward door L. with head lowered in disappointment, — but not ill-naturedly. Mes. Vaenet looks yearningly after him a moment as he moves away, then goes toward him) Wilfred! (Wileeed turns and meets her and she holds him and smooths his hair a little with her hand) Don't feel bad that you have to stay here with your mother a little longer! WiLFEED. Aw — It isn't that! Mes. Vaknet. My darling boy — I know it ! You want to fight for your country — and I'm proud of you ! I want my sons to do their duty ! But with your father commanding a brigade at the front and one boy lying wounded — perhaps mortally — {pause. Mrs. Vaenet moves away a few steps toward e.) Wilfred, {after pause — goes to her) Well you'll write to father to-night — ^won't you? 18 SECRET SERVICE Mes. Vaenet. Yes — ^yes! {door hell is heard ringing in distant part of the house. Wilfred and Mrs. Vaenet both listen. — Maetha crosses outside door up L. from K. on her way to open the front door. Heavy sound of door off l. In a moment she returns and appears at door up L.) Maetha. Hit's one o' de men fum de hossiple ma'am. (Wilfeed hurries to door up L. and exits to see the messenger) Mes. Vaenet. "We've just sent all the bandages we have. Maetha. He says de's all used up, an' t-wo more trains juss come in crowded full o' wounded sojers — an' mos' all of 'em drefEul bad ! Mes. Vaenet. Is Miss Kittridge here yet? Maetha. Yaas'm. Mes. Vaenet. Ask her if they've got enough to send. Even if it's only a little, let them have it. What they need most is bandages. Maetha. (crossing toward door up c.) Yaas'm. (exits door up c. Mes. Vaenet goes toward the door up L. Stops near the door and speaks a word to Messengee who is waiting at front door, to attract his attention — then iechons him) Mes. Vaenet. Oh — (beckoning) Come in. (she moves toward c. Messengee appears at the door up L. Ee is a cripple soldier in battered Confederate uniform. — His arm is in a sling) What hospital did you come from? Messenger, (remains up near door l.) The Winder, ma'am. Mes. Varnet. Have you been to St. Paul's ? You know the ladies are working there to-night. Messenger. Yes — ^but they hain't a-workin' for the hospitals, mam — they're making sandbags for the fortifications. Mes. Vaenet. Well, I hope we can give you something. (Miss Kittridge enters at door up c. SECRET SERVICE 19 hringing a small bundle of lint, etc. Mes. Vaeney moves down e. C.) Miss Kitteidge. This is all there is now. (She hands the package to the Messbngee) If you'll come back in an hour, we'll have more for you. (Mes- sbngee taJces package and exits door L. Sound of front door closing outside L.) We're all going to stay to-night. Miss Varney. There's so many more wounded come in it won't do to stop now. Mes. Vaenet. (ore sofa) No, no — we mustn't stop. Miss Kitteidge. (up l. c.) Is — is your son — is there any change? Mes. Vaeney. Ah'm afraid the fever's increas- ing. Miss Kitteidge. Has the Surgeon seen him this evening ? Mes. Vaenet. No — oh, no ! (shaking her head) We couldn't ask him to come twice — ^with so many waiting for him at the hospital. Miss Kitteidge. But they couldn't refuse you Mrs. Varney! (a sudden idea) There's that man going right back to the hospital ! I'll call him and send word that — (starting toward the door L. to do so) Mes. Vaenet. (detaining her) No no — I can't let you ! (rises — goes toward her a step) Miss Kitteidge. Not for — ^your own son? Mes. Vaenet. Think how many sons must be entirely neglected to visit mine twice! (sound of door outside i. — Enter Edith Vaenet — a light quick entrance — coming from outside — hat in hand as if just taking it off as she enters) Mes. Vaenet. Edith dear ! How late you are ! You must be tired out! Edith, (shaking head) Ah'm not tired at all ! Besides, I haven't been at the hospital all day. Good- bye, Miss Kittridge ! I want to tell Maina some- thing. 20 SECRET SERVICE Miss Kitteidge. dear ! I'll get out of hearing right quick! (exit at door up C.) Edith, {up to door lightly and calling after Miss Kittkidge) I hope you don't mind ! Miss Kitteidge. {as she exits up c.) Mercy, no! (Edith closes the door and goes to Mes. Vaeney taking her down stage to chair E. of table. Mes. Vaeney sits in chair and Edith on stool close to her on her L. in front of table L. c.) Edith. Mama — what do you think? What do you think? Mes. Vaeney. What is it, dear? Edith. Ah've been to see the President ! Mes. Vaeney. What ! — Mr. Davis ! Edith. Yes ! An' Ah asked him for an appoint- ment for Captain Thorne for the War Department Telegraph Service — an' he gave it to me — a Special Commission! Appointing him to duty here in Eichmond — a very important position — so now he won't have to be sent back to the front — an' it'll be doing his duty just the same. Mes. Vaeney. But Edith — you don't Edith. Yes it will. Mama I The President told me they needed a man who understood telegraphing and who was of high enough rank to take charge of the Service! And you know Cap'n Thorne is an expert! Since he's been here in Eichmond he's helped 'em in the telegraph ofiBce very often — Lieutenant Foray told me so ! (Mes. Vaeney slowly rises and moves away toward c. — After a slight pause) Now, Mama, Ah feel you're going to scold — an' you mustn't because it's all fixed, an' the com- mision'll be sent over here in a few minutes — ^just as soon as it can be made out ! An' the next time he comes Ah'm to hand it to him myself, {crosses down L.) Mes. Vaeney, {moves toward table) He's coming this evening. SECRET SERVICE 21 Edith, {looks at Mrs. Vaeney an instant before speaking. — Then in low voice) How do you know? Mes. Vaeney. {going lack of table) This note came half an hour ago. {about to hand note from table to Edith. — Edith sees note and anticipates her action — picking it up and going quickly E. with it) Edith. Has it been here — all this time ? {she sits on divan E. and opens envelope eagerly, and reads note) Mes. Vaeney. {after a moment) You see what he says ? This'U be his last call. — He's got his orders to leave, {sits e. of table L. c.) Edith, {sitting on divan e. c.) Why, it's too ridiculous ! Just as if the commission from the President wouldn't supersede everything? It puts him at the head of the Telegraph Service ! He'll be in the command of the Department! — He says — {glancing at note) good-by call does he! AU the better — ^ifU be that much more of a surprise! {ris- ing and going toward Mes. Vaeney) Now Mama, don't you breathe — Ah want to tell him myself ! Mes. Vaeney. But Edith dear — ^Ah don't quite approve of your going to the President about this. Edith, {changing from light manner to earnest- ness) But listen, Mama — ^Ah couldn't go to the War Department people — Mr. Arrelsford's there in one of the oflBces — and ever since Ah refused him you know how he's treated me! — {slight deprecatory motion from Miss Vaeney) If Ah'd applied for the appointment there he'd have had it refused — and he'd have got them to order Cap'n Thome away right off — Ah know he would — and — {stands motion- less as she thinks of it) Thaf s where his orders to go came from! Mes. Vaeney. But my dear Edith. It is, Mama! {slight pause) Isn't it 22 SECRET SERVICE lucky I got that commission to-day! {Emphasis on "Isn't." Crossing down K. — at e. c. near lounge) (door bell rings in distant part of the house, — Jonas goes across hall to the door up L. — Mks. Vaeney moves up stage a little waiting to see who it is. — Edith listening. — Heavy sound of door off l. — Jonas enters at the door up L.) Jonas, (coming down e. of Mes. Vaeney) It's a ofiBcer, ma'am. He says he's fum de President — an — (hands a card to Mes. Vaeney) he's got ter see Miss Edith pussonuUy. Edith, (going up c. a little. Low voice) It's come. Mama! Mes. Vaeney. (rises and goes up c. toward Edith) Ask the gentleman in. (hands card to Edith. Jonas exits at door up l.) Edith, (overjoyed but keeping voice low) It's the commission ! Mes. Vaeney. (low voice) Do you know who it is? (showing Edith the card) Edith, (glances at card. Low voice) No! But he's from the President — ^it must be that! (Enter Jonas at door up l. He comes on a little bowing someone in.) (Enter Lieut. Maxwell at door up l. — He is a very dashing young officer, handsome, polite and dressed in a showy and perfectly fitting uniform. Jonas exits at up l. Mes. Vaeney advances a little.) Lieut. Maxwell. Good evening. (bowing) (Mes. Vaeney and Edith bow slightly. To Mes. Vaeney) Have Ah the honah of addressing Miss Vamey ? Mes. Vaeney. (c.) I am Mrs. Varney, sir. (emphasizing "Mrs." a little) Lieut. Maxwell, (l. c. Bowing to Mes. SECRET SERVICE 23 Vaenet) Madam — Ah'm very much afraid this looks like an intrusion on my part, but Ah come from the President and he desires me to see Miss Varney personally ! Mrs. Vaenet. Anyone from the President could not be otherwise than welcome. — ^This is my daughter. {indicating Edith who is e. c.) (Lieut. Maxwell lows to Edith and she returns the salutation. He then walks across to her, talcing a large hrown envelope from his belt.) Lieut. Maxwell. Miss Varney, the President directed me to deliver this into your hands — ^with his compliments, (handing it to Edith) He is glad to be able to do this not only at your request, but as a special favor to your father, General Varney. Edith, (talcing envelope) Oh, thank you! (goes down B. c. a little) Mes. Vaenet. Won't you be seated. Lieutenant ? Edith, (in front of couch e. c.) yes — do! (holds envelope pressed very tight against her side) Lieut. Maxwell, (down c.) Nothing would please me so much, ladies — but Ah have to be back at the President's house right away. Ah'm on duty this evening. — ^Would you mind writing me ofE a line or two, Miss Varney — just to say you have the com- munication ? Edith. Why certainly — (takes a step or two to- ward desk at right) You want a receipt — I — (turns and crosses toward door up L.) I'll go upstairs to my desk — it won't take a moment! (turns at door) And — could I put in how much I thank him for his kindness ? Lieut. Maxwell, (c.) Ah'm sure he'd be more than pleased! (Edith exits at door up l. and hastens up the stairway outside L.) Mes. Vaenet. (moving forward slowly) We 24 SECRET SERVICE haven't heard so much cannonading to-day, Lieu- tenant. Do they know what it means? Lieut. Maxwell, (going forward with Mes. Vaeney) Ah don't think they're quite positive, ma'am, but they can't help lookin' for a violent attack to follow. Mrs. Vaenet. I don't see why it should quiet down before an assault ! Lieut. Maxwell, (near a.) It might be some signal, ma'am, or it might be they're moving their batteries to open on a special point of attack. They're tryin' ev'ry way to break through our defenses you know. (Door hell rings in distant part of house.) Mks. Vaeney. It's very discouraging! (seats herself K. of table l. o.) We can't seem to drive them back this time ! Lieut. Maxwell. We're holding 'em where they are though! They'll never get in unless they do it by some scurvy trick — that's where the danger lies! (heavy sound of door off L.) (Enter Edith coming lightly and quickly down the stairway up l. As Edith speaks Maxwell goes up c. a little to meet her.) Edith, (entering, with a note in her hand, and without the official envelope, which she has left in her room upstairs) Is Lieutenant Maxwell — (See- ing him down stage with Mes. Vaeney and going across toward him) yes ! (Jonas enters at door up l. as Edith reaches up c, showing in Captain Thoene.) Jonas, (as he enters. Low voice) Will you jess kinely step dis way, suh I (Mes. Vaeney rises and moves down in front of and then up l. of table. Maxwell turns and meets Edith up e. c.) SECRET SERVICE 26 Edith, (meeting Maxwell up r. c.) I didn't know but you — (she stops — hearing Jonas up l. and quickly turns, looking off l.) Oh ! — Captain Thome ! (Enter Captain Thoene at door up l. meeting and shaking hands with Edith nearly up c. — Captain Thokne is dressed as a Confederate Captain of Artillery. His uniform is some- what worn and soiled. Lieut. Maxwell turned and moved up a little on Edith's entrance, remaining a little E. of c. Jonas exits up l. c.) Edith, (up c. Giving Thoene her hand Iriefly) We were expecting you! — Here's Captain Thome, mama! (Mes. Vaenet moves up L. meeting Thoene up L. c. and shaking hands with him graciously. — Edith turns away and goes to Lieut. Maxwell up B. c. — Thorne and Mes. Vaeney move up c. near small table and converse, well up out of the way.) Edith, (e. c. Going to Lieut. Maxwell) I wasn't so very long writing it, was I Lieutenant? (she hands Lieut. Maxwell the note she has written to the President) Lieut. Maxwell, (up b. c.) Ah've never seen a quicker piece of work, Miss Varney. (putting note in belt or pocket) When you want a clerkship ovah at the Government offices you must shorely let me know! Edith, (smilingly) You'd better not commit yourself — Ah might take you at your word ! Lieut. Maxwell. Nothing would please me so much Ah'm sure ! All you've got to do is just to apply ! Edith. Lots of the girls are doing it — they have to, to live! Aren't there a good many where you are? 26 SECRET SERVICE Lieut. Maxwell. "Well we don't have so many as they do over at the Treasury. Ah believe there are more ladies there than men ! Mes. Vaeney. {comes down a little) Perhaps you gentlemen have met! — {glancing toward Lieut. Maxwell) (Thokne shakes head a little and steps forward l. c. looking at Maxwell.) Mes. Vakket. {introducing) Cap'n Thome — Lieutenant Maxwell. Thohne. {slight inclination of head) Lieutenant. Lieut. Maxwell, {returning bow pleasantly) I haven't had that pleasure — ^though Ah've heard the Cap'n's name mentioned several times ! Thoene. Yes? (Mes. Vaeney and Edith are looking at Maxwell cheerfully) Lieut. Maxwell, {as if it were rather amusing) In fact Cap'n, there's a gentleman in one of our offices who seems mighty anxious to pick a fight with you! (Edith is suddenly serious and a look of apprehen- sion spreads over Mes. Vaenet's face.) Thoene. {easily) Pick a fight! Eeally! Why what office is that, Lieutenant? Lieut. Maxwell, {slightly annoyed) The War Office, sir! Thoene. Dear, dear ! Ah didn't suppose you had anybody in the War Office who wanted to fight ! Lieut. Maxwell, {almost angry) An' why not, sir? Thoene. {easily) Well if he did he'd hardly be in an office would he — at a time like this? Lieut. Maxwell, {trying to be light again) Ah'd better not tell him that, Cap'n — ^he'd certainly insist on havin' you out ! Thoene. {moving down l. c. with Mes. Vaeney) SECRET SERVICE 27 That would be too bad — to interfere with the gentle- man's ofiSce hours! (Thokne and Mrs. Vaenet move down l. c. near table — in conversation) Lieut. Maxwell, {to Edith) He doesn't believe it, Mfss Varney, — ^but if s certainly true, an' I dare say you know who the Edith. (quicMy interrupting Maxwell — low voice) Please don't Lieutenant! — I — {an apprehen- sive glance toward Thoene) I'd rather not — {with a slight catch of hreath) — ^talk about it! Lieut. Maxwell, {after short pause of surprise) Yes, of course ! — Ah didn't know there was any Edith, {interrupting again, with attempt to turn it off) Yes! (a rather nervous effort to laugh lightly) — You know there's always the weather to fall back on! Lieut. Maxwell, (piching it up easily) Yes — Ah should say so! An' mighty bad weather too — most of the time ! Edith, {laughingly) Yes — isn't it! {they laugh a little and go on talking and laughing to themselves, moving toward E. upper window for a moment and soon move across toward door up l. as if Maxwell were going) Mes. Vaenet. {hacle of table L. c, E. of Thoene) From your note Captain Thome, I suppose you're leaving us soon. Your orders have come. Thoene. {lacTc of table l. c. i. of Mrs. Vaenet) Yes — Mrs. Varney they have. — Ah'm afraid this'll be my last call. Mes. Vaenet. Isn't it rather sudden? It seems to me they ought to give you a little time. Thoene. Ah well {slight smile) we have to be ready for anything you know ! Mes. Vaenet. {with a sigh) Yes — ^I know! — It's been a great pleasure to have you drop in on us while you were here. We shall quite miss your visits. Thoene. (a slight formality in manner) Thank 28 SECRET SERVICE you. I shall never forget what they've been to me. (Maxwell is taking leave of Edith up c.) Edith, (up c.) Lieutenant Maxwell is going, Mama! Mes. Vaenet. So soon! Excuse me a moment, Captain! {goes hurriedly toward Maxwell. — Thoene goes down L. of talle l. c. near mantel) Ah'm right sorry to have you hurry away, Lieutenant. "We shall hope for the pleasure of seeing you again. (e. of Maxwell) Lieut. Maxwell. Ah shall certainly call, Mrs. Varney — if you'll allow me. — Cap'nl {saluting Thoene from near door up l.) Thoene. {turning from mantel. Half salute) Lieutenant ! Maxwell. Miss Varney! Mrs. Vamey! {bow- ing to each. Exits door up l. Mes. Vaenet follows Maxwell off at door up l. — speaking as she goes) (Thoene turns to book or something on table L. c. after saluting Maxwell.) Mes. Vaenet. {as she goes off with Maxwell) Now remember Lieutenant, you're to come sometime when duty doesn't call you away so soon! (Edith turns and moves slowly to table up c. on Maxwell's exit) Lieut. Maxwell, {outside. — Voice getting more distant) Trust me to attend to that, Mrs. Varney ! (Edith at small table up c. — After a little pause Thoene looks toward her. Heavy sound of door Off-L.) Thoene. {moving up a little toward Edith who is up c. near small table) Shall I see Mrs. Vamey again ? Edith, {getting a rose from vase on table up l. c. SECRET SERVICE 29 Turning at table up l. c.) Oh yes — ^you'll see her again! — But not just now. {she moves down c. a little coming even with Thorne who is L. of her) Thoene. I haven't long to stay. - Edith, {moving down c. a little. Thoene moves with her to lack of table) Oh — not long! Thoene. {as he moves down with her) No — I'm sorry to say. Edith, {down c. a little) Well — do you know — Ah think you have more time than you really think you have ! It would be odd if it came out that way — ^wouldn't it? {playing with flower in her hand) Thoene. Yes — ^but it won't come out that way. Edith. Yes — but you — {she stops as Thoene is taking the rose from her hand — which she was hold- ing up in an absent way as she talked. Thoene at the same time holds the hand she had it in. She lets go of the rose and draws away her hand) {Slight pause.) Edith, {a little embarrassed) You know — ^you can sit down if you want to ! {indicating chair at L. of table) Thoene. Yes — I see. Edith, {sits e. of table l. c.) You'd better! — Oh, I've a great many things to say ! Thoene. Oh — ^you have ! Edith, {nodding. — Her left hand is on the table) Yes. Thoene. I have only one. Edith, {looking up at him) And — ^that is — ? Thoene. {taking her l. hand in both of his) Good-bye. Edith. But Ah don't really think you'll have to say it ! Thoene. {looking tenderly down at her) I know I will ! Edith, {low voice — more serious) Then it'll be because you want to ! 30 SECRET SERVICE Thoenb. {quickly leaning forward and down to her) No ! It will be — because I must. Edith, (rising slowly and looking at him a little mischievously as she does so) Oh — ^because you must! (Thoene nods a little — saying "yes" with his lips. Edith walks towards c. thinking whether to tell him or not. — He watches her. — She suddenly turns hack and goes again to table L. c. Leaning toward him a little over the table) You don't know some things I do ! Thoene. (laughing a little first) Ah think that's more than likely, Miss Varney! (Thoene goes to L. of table L. 0.) Would you mind telling me a few so Ah can somewhat approach you in that respect? Edith, (k. of table l. c. Seriously) Ah wouldn't mind telling you one, and that is, it's very wrong for you to think of leaving Eichmond yet ! Thoene. Ah — ^but you don't Edith, (sits in chair e. of table L. o. Breaking in quickly) Oh, yes. Ah do ! Thoene. (sits in chair L. of table L. c. Looking up at her amused) Well — what? Edith. Whatever you were going to say! Most likely it was that there's something or other Ah don't know about! — But Ah know this — (looking away front — eyes lowered a little) you were sent here only a few weeks ago to recover from a very bad wound — (Thoene looks down and a little front quickly, a sudden expression of pain on his face) — and you haven't nearly had time for it yet ! Thoene. (as if amused) Ha ha — ^yes. (looking up at Edith, with usual expression) Ah do look as if the next high wind would blow me away, don't I ? Edith, (turning to him earnestly — half rising) No matter how you look, you ought not — Oh — (rising fully and turning away from him) You're just making fun of it, like you always do ! (goes up o. to near table, — Turns to Thoene again) No matter ! SECRET SERVICE 31 You can make all the fun you like, but the whole thing is settled, and you aren't going away at 'all ! (Thokne has risen when Edith did.) Thoene. Oh — Ah'm not ! Edith. No ! Thoene. Well, that's quite a change for me! (puts hat on table and moves up near Edith going bach of table) Perhaps you wouldn't mind telling me what I am going to do? Edith, (up c. a little. Turning to him) Ah wouldn't mind at all — an' it's this — ^you see Ah've been to the — (hesitates) Now! Ah'm almost afraid to tell you ! Thoene. (near Edith — left of her) Don't tell me Miss Varney — ^because it's really true. I've got my orders — I'm leaving to-night. (Edith loolcs at Thoene an instant — then turns and goes E. and sits on lounge or ottoman, looking at him from there.) Edith, (after looking at Thoene an instant) Where — ^to the front? (Thoene moves over to Edith e.) Thoene. We can't always tell where orders'll take us. (he sits on the lounge beside her—on her left) Edith, (after Thoene is seated near her) But listen ! Supposing there were other orders — from a higher authority — appointing you to duty here ? Thoene. (eyes lowered before him) It wouldn't make any difference. Edith, (sudden alarm) You don't — you don't mean you'd go — in spite of them? (Thoene raises his eyes to hers in slight surprise at her sudden earnestness, and looks at her an instant. Then he nods affirmatively) But if it proved your first order was a mistake — and — (in her earnestness she makes a little motion with her left hand within his reach) 32 SECRET SERVICE Thokne. (taking her hand in his) It wasn't a mistake {they look at one another. — He hesitates. Looks down before him. — Looks up in her face an instant — then releasing her hand rises and moves up K. c. a little standing faced up toward window) (After watching Thoene until he is motionless Edith rises and comes up c. to l. of him.) Edith, (up o. With a new apprehension) Is it — something dangerous ? Thoene. (up e. c. Turning to Edith and speak- ing lightly) Oh, well — (slight laugh) enough to make it interesting! Edith, (low voice) Don't be angry if I ask you again about your orders — I must know ! Thoene. Why? Edith. No matter — tell me ! Thoene. (slight shake of head) I can't do that Miss Varney. Edith. You needn't! Ah know! (Thoene a sudden apprehensive glance to front. Looks back to her at once) The3r're sending you on some mis- sion where death is almost certain. They'll sacrifice your life because they know you are fearless and will do anything ! There's a chance for you to stay here and be ]ust as much use — and Ah'm going to ask you to do this! It isn't your life alone — there are other lives to think of — that's why I ask you! — It may not sound well — ^but — ^you see Thoene. (catching her hands passionately) Ah my — (suddenly recovering and partly turning away — not, however, releasing her hands) N"o no! — You shan't have this against me too ! Edith. Against you! Why? Why? What do you mean? Why is it against you? Thoene. (holding her hands close against him) Because I must go — my business is elsewhere — I ought never to have seen you or spoken to you — but I SECRET SERVICE 33 had to come to this house — and you were here — and how could I help it? Oh — I couldn't — for my whole — ifs only you in the — (stops. Recovers. Re- leases her hands. Turns Mindly E. — Then as if to go L.) Your mother — I'll say good-hye to her! Edith, (o. on his L. Going quichly in his way) No ! — You must listen ! They need you here in Eichmond! — ^The President told me so himself! — Your orders are to stay! You are given a Special Commission on the War Department Telegraph ser- vice, and you Thoene. (c. Quickly, decisively, tut in subdued voice) No! No! I won't take it ! I couldn't take it Miss Varney! Edith. You'll do that much for me ! Thoene. (holding her hands) It's for you that I'll do nothing of the kind ! If you ever think of me again remember I refused it! Edith, (breaking into Thoenb's last few words) You can't refuse! It's the President's request — it's his order ! (leaving him and going toward door) Please wait a minute ! I left it upstairs and you'll see Thoene. No! Don't get it! — (following her) Don't get it 1 I won't look at it ! Edith, (stops and turns) But I want you to see what it is ! It puts you at the head of everything ! You have entire control ! When you see it All know you'll accept! Please wait! (Edith exits at door up 1. and runs up the stairway) Thoene. (as she goes) Miss Varney — I can't Edith, (as she goes) Oh yes you can ! '(Thoene stands looking off after Edith for an instant. Then turns and hurries down to table L. c. and seizing his hat, starts rapidly up to- wards door up L. as if to go. — As Thoene starts down for hat sound of heavy door outside L. opening and closing with a bang.) 34 SECRET SERVICE (Enter at door up l. Caeoline Mitfoed, shipping in lightly and quick after sound of door, crossing hack of Thokne to up c. She is breathless from having run across the street. — Her dress is made of what is supposed to have been a great grand- mother's wedding gown as light and pretty as possible — with a touch of the old-fashioned in cut and pattern. She is very young, girlish, lively and attractive. Has a slight assumption of military air in way of speaking and in her behavior, upon occasions when it comes in.) Caroline, (comes quickly on to c. without seeing Thobne. Seeing Thoene — stops abruptly) Oh ! — Good evening! Thoene. (stepping aside to let her pass, — Mechanical salute with hat in right hand) Miss Mitford ! (stands an instant in the doorway looking up the stairs, uncertain what to do) Caeoline. (saluting) Yes of co'se — Ah forgot! — How lucky this is ! You're just the very person Ah wanted to see ! (going toward lounge e. c.) Ah'U tell you all about it in just a minute ! Goodness me! (sits) Ah'm all out o'breath — just runnin' ovah from our house ! (sitting on the lounge e. c. and devoting herself to breathing for an instant) Thoene. (going quickly down to Caeoline at E. c.) Miss Mitford — would you do something for me Caeoline. Why of co'se Ah would ! Thoene. (rapidly) Thank you very much ! — Tell Miss Varney when she comes down — Just say good- night for me and tell her I've gone! (turns L. quickly and starts toward door. Stops and turns to her when Caroline speaks) Caeoline. (pretending astonishment) Why Ah wouldn't do such a thing for the wide, wide world! It would be a wicked dreadful lie — ^because you won't be gone! SECRET SERVICE 35 Thorne. {loohing at Caroline from near c. for an instant. Then goes down near her) I'm sorry you look at it that way. — Good-night, Miss Mitford ! {turns to go) Caeoline. (jumping to her feet and catching Thorne by right arm, going in front of him and coming round on his left between him and the door) No no ! — You don't seem to understand ! Ah've got something to say to you ! Thorne. (hurriedly) Yes — ^but some other time — (trying to go) Caroline, (detaining him) 'No no no! — ^Wait! (Thorne stops) There isn't any other time! It's to-night ! — ^We're going to have a starvation party ! Thorne. Good heavens — another of those things ! Caroline. Yes — we are ! It's goin' to be ovah at mah house this time ! Now we'll expect you in half an hour, (her finger up to emphasize the time) Thorne. Thank you, Miss Mitford, but I can't come! (indicating off l.) I've got to be — (inter- rupted) Caroline, (interrupting) N — n — n — (until she quiets him) Now that wouldn't do at all ! You went to Mamie Jones's ! Would you treat me like that? Thorne. Mamie Jones — that was last week Thursday — (Caroline trying to stop him with " now now — now!" etc.) Her mother — (Caroline louder with her stammering " now — now! " Thorne raises his voice above the din) Her mother (As Caroline is still going on he gives it up and looks front in despair.) Caroline, (when quiet has come. — Very dis- tinctly) Now there isn't any use o' talkin' ! Thorne. (nod) Yes I see that! Caroline. Didn't you promise to obey when Ah gave orders? Well, these are orders ! (she turns l.) 36 SECRET SERVICE Thoene. (turning to her for a last attempt) Yes, but this time Caroline, (turns on Mm) This time is just the same as all the other times only worse ! (turns away and goes to back of table l. c. and picks up flower) (Thoene looks at her, then turns and goes a little way toward up e. c. as if discouraged) Caroline, (without turning) Besides that she expects it. (Thoene turns at once and looks across at Caeolinb.) Thoene. What did you say ? (he moves down c. toward her) Caeoline. (at table l. c. — Smelling a flower daintily. Facing front) Ah say — she expects it — that's all! Thoene. Who do you mean? Caroline, (turns and looks at him) Who? Thorne. (assent) TJmhml Caroline, (innocently) Who expects you? Thoene. (assent again) Ah ha ! Caeoline. Why Edith of co'se! Who did you s'pose Ah was talkin' about all this time? Thoene. Oh! She expects me to — (gesture up toward door up L.) Caeoline. Why of co'se she does! — ^Just to take her ovah! — Goodness me! You needn't stay if you don't want to! Now Ah'U go an' tell her you're waiting — ^that's what Ah'U do. (starts up toward door up L. 0. — Stops and turns at door) You won't go now? Thoene. If she expects it Miss Mitford (moving up toward Caeoline) I'll wait an' take her over — but I can't stay a minute! Caeoline. Well Ah thought you'd come to your senses some time or other ! — You don't seem to quite realize what you've got to do ! — See here, Mr. Cap- SECRET SERVICE 37 tain — (bringing him down c. a little with her — on her right) Was she most ready? Thoene. (hesitates) Well — e — ^how do I — ^how — Caeoline. What dress did she have on? Thoeiste. (loohs down at Caeoline an instant be- fore speaking) — Dress? Caeoline. Oh, you men! Why she's only got two! Thoene. (relieved) Yes — ^well then very likely this was one of them, Miss Mitford ! Caeoline. (letting go his arm. Starting up to- ward door) Oh, no mattah — Ah'm going up any- way! (Thoene moves up c. as Caroline goes up L. c. Caroline stops up l. c. near door and turns to Thoene) Cap'n Thome — ^you can wait out there on the veranda! (pointing to window up R.) Thoene. (glances where she points — then to her) I know — ^but if I wait right here she'll Caeoline. (majestically) Those are orders! (Thoene looJcs at her an instant — then salutes and wheels about maTcing complete turn to e. and starts toward the window at E. Caeoline is watching him admiringly. As Thoene reaches R. c.) It's cooler outside you know! Thoene. (turning to her at E. c. and standing in stiff military attitude) Pardon me, Miss Mitford — orders never have to be explained! Caeoline. That's right! — I take back the ex- planation ! (with odd little salute stepping one step to her E. on it) Thoene. (with deferential salute in slight imita- tion of hers — but with step to his left) That's right Miss Mitford — ^take it back! (Turns and is reach- ing to pull aside curtains of window with right hand) Caeoline. And — oh yes ! — Cap'n ! (Thoene turns to her again questioningly — right hand still holding curtain behind him.) 38 SECRET SERVICE Caeoline. (a peremptory order) Smoke ! {For an instant Thoene does not understand. Then he sees it and relapses at once into easy manner, stepping forward a little and feeling with right hand in coat front for cigar — turning somewhat to front.) Thoene. (as above — after seeing it) Oh — ^ha ha — (smiling) you mean one of those Nashville sto — Caeoline. Silence sir ! (Thoene looks round at her quickly) Orders never have to be explained ! Thoene. (with salute) Right again Miss Mit- ford — orders never have to be explained ! (Exits at window up E.) Caeoline. (looks admiringly after Thoene) He's splendid! If "Wilfred was only like that! (thinks) But then — our engagement's broken off anyway so what's the diff! — Only — if he was like that — Ah'd — no! Ah don't think Ah'd — (shakes head) (Enter Mes. Vaenet at door Left. Caroline does not notice her until she comes near — then breaks off in middle of sentence about Wilfeed and goes right on in same breath.) Why how dy do ! Mes. Vaenet. Why Caroline dear! What are you talking about all to yourself ! Caeoline. (confused) Oh — just — Ah was just saying you know — ^that— why Ah don't know — Ah don't really know what Ah was goin' to — e — Do you think it's goin' to rain? Mes. Vaenet. Dear me, child — I haven't thought about it ! — ^Why what have you got on ? — Is that a new dress? Caeoline. New dress \ Well Ah should think so! These are my great grandmother's mother's weddin' clothes! Aren't they just the most beau- SECRET SERVICE 39 fleist you ever saw! Just in the nick of time too! Ah was on my very last rags, an' Ah didn't know what to do — an' Mama gave me a key and told me to open an old horsehair trunk in the garret — an' Ah did — and these were in it! {takes a dance step or two, holding it out) Just in time for the starvation party to-night ! Ean ovah here to show it to Edith — where is she? Mes. Yaenet. She won't be over to-night, I'm afraid, (crosses to e. c.) Caeolinb. (c.) Oh yes she will! Mes. Vaenet. But I've just come down dear! Caroline. Yes — ^but Ah'm just going up dear! (Caeoline turns and runs quichly up the stairs and off to Left. Mes. Vaenet alone a moment. After a little she moves down front in thought. Then turns to desk e. and prepares to write a letter. Sud- denly Caroline races down the stairs again and runs lightly on at door up L. Mes. Vaeney loohs up sur- prised. Caeoline hurries across toward window up E. as if going out) You see Caroline, it was no use ! Caeolibte. (turning) 'No use ! (comes down in front of couch near Mes. Vaenet) Mes. Vaenet (at desk e.) Why you don't mean — in this short time Caeoline. Goodness me ! Ah didn't stop , to argue with her — Ah just told her ! Mes. Vaenet. Told her what, child ! Caeoline. Why — that Cap'n Thorne was waitin' for her out yere on the v'randah ! Mes. Vaenet. She isn't going is she? Caeoline. Well, Ah wouldn't like to say for sure — (moving nearer Mes. Vaenet and lower voice) but you just watch which dress she has on when she comes down ! Now Ah'U go out there an' tell him she'll be down in a minute — then the whole thing's finished up all round ! Ah have more trouble getting people fixed so they can come to my party than it 40 SECRET SERVICE wo\ild take to run a blockade into Savannah every fifteen minutes ! {she runs off at window up e. going around in front of couch to do) , (Mes. Vaeney loohs after Caeoline with a smile for a moment, and then taking some paper and envelopes in her hand, rises and moves as if to go to door up L. Enter Wilfeed at door up i. coming in as if he wished to avoid being seen, and looking off up stairway as he enters. Be carries a package under his coat, which is done up in a paper loosely. Wilfeed turns quickly seeing Mes. Vaeney and makes a very slight movement as if to conceal the package he carries. He stands looking at her.) Mes. Vaeney. What have you got there Wilfred ? Wilfeed. Here? (brings out package) — it's only — (looks at her a little guiltily) Have you written that letter yet? Mes. Vaeney. No dear — I've been too busy. But I'm going to do it right now. (Mes. Vaeney goes across to door at l. Near the door she glances round a little anxiously at Wilfeed. Wilfeed is looking at her. Then she exits at door up l. and goes up the stairs) (Wilfeed turns away after she has gone. Glances round room. — Goes down to table L. c. and begins to undo the package cautiously. He has hardly got the paper loosened — just enough to enable audience to see that it contains a pair of military trousers, when Caeoline appears at window up e.) Caeoline. (speaking off at window e.) Those are orders Cap'n — an' orders never have to be explained ! (Wilfeed hurriedly stuffs the trousers inside his coat and buttons it over them.) SECRET SERVICE 41 Thokne. (outside up k. — at a little distance) Perfectly right Miss Mitford! (Caroline enters through window up E. closing it after her, but does not close portieres. Wilfeed is about to start toward down l. Caeoline turn- ing from window e. sees Wilfeed.) Caeoline. Good evening Mr. Varney. Wilfeed. (coldly) Good evening Miss Mitford! (both now start rapidly toward door up l. but as it brings them toward each other they stop simultane- ously up stage in order to avoid meeting) Caeoline. Excuse me — Ah'm in a hurry! Wilfeed. Thafs plain enough! (looks at her) Another party Ah reckon! Caeoline. (c.) You reckon perfectly correct — it is another party! Wilfred, (l. c.) Dancing! Caroline, (speaks emphatically) What of it? What's the matter with dancing Ah'd like to know! Wilfeed. Nothing's the matter with it — if you want to do it ! Caeoline. Well Ah want to do it fast enough if that's all you mean ! Wilfeed. But I must say it's a pretty way to carry on — ^with the sound of the cannon not six miles away! (goes down stage i^.) (Wilfeed is dead in earnest not only in this scene but in all his scenes.) Caroline, (turns and comes down a little c. after him) What do you want us to do? Sit down and cry about it?— That would do a heap o' good now wouldn't it? Wilfeed. Oh — I haven't time to talk about it! (starts to go) Caroline. Well it was you who started out to talk about it — Ah'm right sure Ah didn't ! 42 SECRET SERVICE WiLFEED. (up L. c. After glance to see that no one is near turns on her) Oh — ^you needn't try to fool me! Ah know well enough how you've been carrying on since our engagement was broken off! Half a dozen officers proposing to you — a dozen for all Ah know ! Caroline, {down c. a little) "What difference does it make ? Ah haven't got to marry 'em have I ? WiLPEED. (l. c.) Well — (twist of head) it isn't very nice to go on like that Ah must say — ^proposals by the wholesale ! (turning away) Caroline, (h. c.) Goodness gracious — ^whafs the use of talking to me about it? They're the ones that propose — Ah don't! Wilfred, (l. c. turning on her) Well what do you let 'em do it for ? Caroline, (b. c.) How can Ah help it? Wilfred, (l. o.) Ho! (sneer) Any girl can help it! You helped it with me all right! Caroline, (e. c.) Well — that was different! (a queer look at him) Wilfred, (l. c.) And ever since you threw me ovah — Caroline, (r. c. indignantly) Oh! — Ah didn't throw you ovah — ^you just went ovah! (turns away to R. a little) Wilfred, (l. c.) Well — Ah went over because you walked off alone with Major Sillsby that night we were at Drury's Bluff an' encouraged him to pro- pose — (Caroline looks round in wrath) Yes — en- couraged him! Caroline, (b. c.) Of co'se Ah did! Ah didn't want 'im hangin' round forever did Ah? That's the on'y way to finish 'em off ! Wilfred, (l. c.) You want to finish too many of 'em off ! Nearly every officer in the 17th Virginyah Ah'll be sworn! Caroline, (b. c.) What do you want me to do — SECRET SERVICE 43 string a placard round my neck saying "No pro- posals received here — apply at the office ! " Would that make you feel any better? Wilfred, (l. c.) (throwing it off with pretended carelessness) Oh — it doesn't make any difference to me what you do! Caeolinb. Well if it doesn't make any difference to you, it doesn't even make as much as that to me ! (turns and sits on end of couch k. c.) Wilfred, (turning on her again and going toward her to down c.) Oh — it doesn't! Ah think it does though ! — You looked as if you enjoyed it pretty well while the 3rd Virginyah was in the city ! Caroline. Enjoyed it ! Ah should think Ah did ! (jumping up) Ah just love every one of 'em! — They're on their way to the front ! They're going to fight for us — an' an' die for us — an' Ah love 'em (turns away) Wilfred, (c.) Well why don't you accept one of 'em an' done with it ! Caroline, (r. c. turning on him) How do you know but what Ah'm going to? Wilfred, (goes toward her a little) Ah suppose it'll be one of those smart young fellows with a cavalry uniform ! Caroline, (r. c.) It'll be some kind of a uni- form ! It won't be anyone that stays in Eichmond — Ah can tell you that ! Wilfred, (a little r. of c.) (after looking at her — unable for a moment to speak — Looks round room helplessly) (low voice) Kow I see what it was ! I had to stay in Richmond — an' so you — (unable to go on) Caroline, (in front of couch r. c.) Well — (Look- ing down — playing with something with her foot) that made a heap o' difference! (looks up.— Dif- ferent tone) Why Ah was the on'y girl on Franklin Street that didn't have a — a — (hesitates) — someone 44 SECRET SERVICE she was engaged to at the front! The on'y onel Just think what it was — to be out of it like that! (Wilfred simply looks at her) Why you've no idea what Ah suffered ! Besides, it's our — our duty to help all we can ! Wilfred, (near her on her l.) (hoarsely) Help ! (thinking of his trousers) Caroline. Yes — help ! There aren't many things we girls can do — ^Ah know that well enough! But Colonel Woodbridge — ^he's one o' Morgan's men you know — well he told MoUie Pickens that the boys fight twice as well when they have a — a sweetheart at home! (Wilfred glances about quickly) Wilfred, (after glance about) He said that did he? Caroline. Yes — an' if we can make 'em fight twice as well — ^why we just ought to do it — ^that's all ! We girls can't do much but we can do something ! Wilfred, (short pause. — He makes an absent- minded motion of feeling of the package under his arm) You're in earnest are you? Caroline. Earnest ! Wilfred. You really want to help — all you can ! Caroline. Well Ah should think so ! Wilfred. An' if Ah was — (glances around cau- tiously) If I was going to join the army would you help me ? Caroline, (looking front and down. Slight em- barrassment) Why of co'se Ah would — if it was anything Ah could do ! Wilfred, (earnestly — quite near her) Oh it's something you can do all right — Ah'm sure o' that ! Caroline, (r. c. Hardly daring to look up) What is it? Wilfred. (C. Unrolling a pair of old gray army trousers taking them from under his coat so that they spread before her on cue) Cut these ofE! (Short pa/use. Caroline looking at trousers. Wilfefrd SECRET SERVICE 45 looking at her. Wilfred soon goes on very earnestly, holding them before his own legs to measure) They're about twice too long! All you got to do is to cut 'em off about there — an' sew up the ends so they won't ravel out ! Caeoline. (r. c. The idea beginning to dawn on her) Why they're for the Army! (taking trousers and hugging them to her — legs hanging down) WiLFFEED. (c.) Sh! — Don't speak so loud for heaven's sake ! (a glance lack as if afraid of being overheard) Ah've got a jacket here too! (shows her a small army coat) Nearly a fit — came from the hospital — Johnny Seldon wore it — ^he won't want it any more you know an' he was just about my size! Caroline, (e. c. Low voice) No — ^he won't want it any more, (stands thinking) Wilfred, (c. After a slight pause) Well ! — Ah thought you said you wanted to help ! Caroline, (r. c. Quickly) Oh yes — Ah do ! Ah do! Wilfred, (c.) Well go on — ^what are you waiting for? Caroline, (e. c. near end of couch) Yes ! Yes ! (hurriedly drops on knees on floor and takes hold spreading trousers out exactly and patting them smooth) This is the place isn't it? (pointing to near the knees) Wilfred. No — ^not up there — Here ! (indicating about 3 inches from the bottom of the trouser leg) Caroline. Oh yes ! Ah see ! (hurriedly snatches pins from her dress. Puts one in mouth and one in place Wilfred indicates. — All very rapid and earnest. — Takes hold of other leg of trousers) (NOTE : Only motions of putting pins in mouth — do not actually use pins. Stage Manager see to this without fail.) 46 SECRET SERVICE {Speaking as if pin in moutJi. Innocently — and without looking up) The other one just the same? (a musical rise to voice at end of this. Wilfred does not deign to reply. Caroline hearing nothing looks up at him) Oh yes, o' eo'se ! (she quickly puts pin in other leg of trousers) (NOTE: From trouser business Caroline's de- meanor toward Wilfred is entirely changed. It is because he is going to join the Army.) (Caroline on floor with trousers and coat takes hold of the work with enthusiasm — very busy — pins — etc. — etc.) Do you see any scissors around anywhere! (Wilfred dashes about looking on tables, after putting jacket on end of couch R. C.) This won't never tear — (trying to tear off the trousers' leg) — for all Ah can do ! Wilfred, (first looking on table down l. c. and picking up paper jacket was wrapped in. Getting a work-basket from table up c. and quickly bringing it) There must be some in here! (hands the scissors out of the basket to Caroline. — As she reaches up from her position on the floor to take them, she looks in Wilfred's face an instant — then quickly down to work again. Then she works with head down. Wilfred leaves wrapping paper up stage out of the way) (Slight pause.) Caroline, (on her knees e. c. near couch. Low voice — not looking up at him) When are you goin' to wear 'em? Wilfred, (c.) When they're cut ofE I (Caroline looks up at him. Thread or scissors in mouth.) Caroline. You mean — ^you're really Wilfred. Um hm ! (assent) Caroline. But your mother SECRET SERVICE 47 Wilfred. She knows it. Caroline. Oh ! Wilfred. She's going to write the General to- night. Caeoline. But how about if he won't let you? Wilfred, (wilh boyish determination — but keep- ing voice down) Ah'U go just the same! Caroline, (suddenly jumps to her feet drop- ping everything on the floor and catches his hand) Oh Ah'm so glad! Why it makes another thing of it! When Ah said that about staying in Eichmond Ah didn't know ! Oh, Ah do want to help all I can ! Wilfred, (who has been regarding her burst of enthusiasm rather coldly) You do! Caroline. Indeed — indeed Ah do ! Wilfred. Then cut those off for Heaven's sake! Caroline. Oh yes! (she catches up trousers,, jachet, etc., and sits quickly on lounge and excitedly paws them over) Where shall Ah cut 'em? Wilfred. The same place — Ah haven't grown any! Caroline. Dear me — Ah don't know where it was! Wilfred. You stuck some pins in ! Caroline, {finding pins) Oh yes — ^here they are ! {seizing the trousers and going to work soon cutting off one of the trousers' legs) Wilfred. That's it! Caroline. When did you say she was going to write. Wilfred. To-night. Caroline, {looking up with distrust) She doesn't want you to go does she? Wilfred. Ah don't reckon she does — very much ! Caroline. She'll tell him not to let you ! Wilfred, {looks at her with wide open eyes) No! Caroline. That's the way they always do I WiiiFEED. The devil! 48 SECRET SERVICE Caeoline. Ah should think so ! WiLFSED. What can Ah do ! Caroline. Write to him yourself. WiLFEED. Good idea! CAKOLiira. Then you can just tell him what you like! Wilfred. Ah'U tell him Ah can't stay here! Caroline, (excitedly rising — letting the jacket fall on floor at one side) Tell him you're coming anyhow ! i Wilfred. Ah will! Caroline. Whether he says so or not! Wilfred. Then he'll say so won't he? Caroline. 0' co'se he will — there ain't anything else to say! Wilfred. Ah'll do it ! {starts to go up l. Stops and goes back to Caroline') Say — you're pretty good! (catching one of Caroline's hands impul- sively. Caroline looks down at work in her hand) Ah'll go upstairs an' write it now! (starts toward door up L. Caroline watches him. — He turns back and she looks quickly down at her work again) Finish those things as soon as you can an' leave 'em here — in the hall closet! (indicating outside L.) Caroline, (nodding her head) Yes! Wilfred. An' don't let anyone see 'em whatever you do! Caroline., (shaking her head) No! (Wilfred hurries off at door up l. Caroline looks after him with expression of ecstasy — lapsing into dreaminess as she turns to front. Suddenly bethinks herself with a start and a little " " and slipping down on floor near chair she goes excitedly to work on the trousers cutting at the other leg with violence and rapidly, getting it nearly cut through so that later it dangles by a few threads. Suddenly she stops work and SECRET SERVICE 49 listens. Then with great haste she gathers up all the things she can, leaving the jacket how- ever where it fell, and jumps to her feet with them in her arms, hugging the confused bundle close against her and hastily tucking in portions that hang out so that Mks. Vaknex won't see what it is.) {Enter Mks. Vaeney up l. coming down the stair- way and into the room.) Mes. Vaenet. Oh — ^you haven't gone yet ! Caroline. Not quite! — I mean not yet! — It dofisn't begin for an hour you know ! Mrs. Vaenet. What doesn't begin? Caroline. The party! Mrs. Vaenet. Oh — ^then you have plenty of time ! {turning as if to go up c.) Caroline, {hastening across toward door L. with her arms full of things) Yes — ^but Ah'U have to go now sure enough ! {near c. she drops the scissors) Mrs. Varnkt. {up c. Turning) You dropped your scissors dear! Caroline. Oh ! {coming back for them) I — I thought I heard something! {in picking them up she lets the cut-off end of a trouser leg fall but does not notice it and goes toward door up l.) Mrs. Varnet. {coming down c.) What are you making, Caroline? Caroline, {turning near door up l.) Oh — Ah was just altering a dress — ^that's all! {turning to Mrs. Vaenet. {stooping and picking up the piece of trouser leg) Here, Carrie! — ^you dropped a — a — {looks at it) Caroline, {hurrying to Mrs. Varnet and snatch- ing the piece — stuffing it in with rest) Oh yes! — {looks at Mrs. Varnet_ an instant. The other piece of the trouser leg is hanging by its shred in full 50 SECRET SERVICE sight) That — that was one of the sleeves! {turns and hurries off at door up L. and exits door e. below stairway) (Mrs. Vaknet after a moment turns and goes toward door up c. Seeing something on the couch E. C. she stops and goes to pick it up. On com- ing to it she finds the little gray soldier's jaclcet left by Cakoline in her hasty scramble. Mrs. Vaenet stoops and picks it up and stands look- ing at it facing front.) (After a brief pause the loud sound of hurried opening of front door outside left and tramp of heavy feet on the floor is heard.) (Mes. Vaenet looks up and across left, letting the coat fall on end of couch e. c.) (Enter Mr. Benton Aeeelsfoed — up l. from l. — a tall fine looking Southern man of about 35 or 40 dressed in citizen's clothes — black Prince Albert coat, etc. — Rather distinguished appear- ance. He is seen outside door up l. hurriedly placing a guard of Confederate soldiers at doors outside up left, also at foot of stairs, and at any other exit in sight. Mes. Vaenet much sur- prised, moves toward door L. Me. Aeeelsfoed at the same time and as noiselessly as possible, hastens into the room.) Mrs. Varnet. (as he enters) Mr. ArrelsfordI (goes toward c. up a little) Arrelsford. (comes quickly across to Mes. Varnet. Speaks in a low voice and rapidly) Ah was obliged to come in without ceremony, Mrs. Varney. You'll understand when I tell you what it is! Mrs. Varnet. And those men — (motions toward the men outside door up o. L. c.) Areelsfoed. (low voice) They're on guard at the doors out there ! SECRET SERVICE 51 Mbs. Vaknet. (low voice) On guard! — ^You mean Aeeelsfoeb. Ah'm very much afraid we've got to put you to a little inconvenience, Mrs. Varney! (glances about cautiously. Mes. Vaenet stands astonished) Is there anybody in that room ? (point- ing to door up c.) Mes. Vaeney. Yes — a number of ladies sewing for the hospitals. Aeeelsfoed. Kindly come this way a little. (going down l. c. with Mrs. Vaeney) One of your servants has got himself into trouble, Mrs. Varney, an' we're compelled to have him watched ! Mes. Varney. What kind of trouble ? Aeeelseoed. (low voice) Pretty serious ma'am! That's the way it looks now! — You've got an old white-haired niggah here Mrs. Varney. You mean Jonas? Aerelsfoed. Ah believe that's his name ! Mes. Vaeney. You suspect him of something! Aeeelseoed. (keeping voice down) We don't suspect — we know what he's done ! (glances round before going on) He's been down in the Libby Prison under pretense of selling something to the Yankees we've got in there, an' he now has on his person a written communication from one of them which he intends to deliver to some Yankee agent here in Eiehmond! (Arrelsford goes around in front of table and up l. of it to near door up l. c.) (Mes. Vaeney motionless a second looking at Aeeelsfoed. She soon recovers.) Mrs. Vaeney. Send for the man! (starting to move up stage and toward l.) Let us see if this — Areelsford. (up L. c. near r. upper corner of table L. c. Quickly stopping her) No ! Not yet ! (Glances quickly round at doors and windows — then speaks in lowered voice but with great intensity and 62 SECRET SERVICE clearness) Ah've got to get that paper! If he's alarmed he'll destroy it ! Ah've got to have it ! It'll give us the clue to one o' their cursed plots ! They've been right close on this town for months — trying to break down our defenses and get in on us. This is some rascally game they're at to weaken us from the inside ! Two weeks ago we got word from our agents that we keep over there in the Yankee lines telling us that two brothers — Lewis and Henry Dumont — have been under Secret Service orders to do some rascally piece of work here in Richmond. We had close descriptions of these fellows but we've never been able to lay our hands on 'em till last night ! Mrs. Vaknet. (up c. and a little l. near Aeeels- FOKD. Intense whisper) You've got them ? Akkelsfoed. (up L. c. Low voice, but intense) We've got one o' them ! An* it won't take long to run down the othah ! Mrs. Vaeney. (low voice, great intensity) The one — the one you caught — was he here in Eichmond ? Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) No — ^he was brought in last night with a lot o' men we captured making a raid. Mrs. Vaeney. Taken prisoner ! Aeeelsfoed. (nods affirmatively, glances round) Let himself be taken ! That's one of their tricks for getting through our lines when they want to bring a message or give some signal. Mes. Vaeney, You mean, they get into Libby Prison ? Aeeelsfoed. (low voice. Great intensity) Yes! Damn them! (this oath indistinctly between his teeth) But we were on the lookout for this man and we spotted him pretty quick. I gave orders not to search him or to take away his clothes but to put him in with the others and keep the closest watch on him that was ever kept on a man ! We knew from his coming in that his brother must be here in the city SECRET SERVICE 63 and he'd send a message to him the first chance he got. Mrs. Vaenet. {low voice) But Jonas! — How could he Aeeelsford. (low and intense) Easy enough! He comes down to Libby to sell goubers to the prisoners — we let 'im pass in — ^he fools around awhile until he gets a chance to brush against this man Dumont — we're watching an' we see a bit of paper pass between 'em! The old rascal's got that paper now ma'am, an' besides these men in heah I've got a dozen more on the outside watching him through the windows! {turns and moves up glancing off up l. with some anxiety) Mks. Vaenet. {after slight pause. Turns. Speaks in intense but subdued voice. Almost whisper) The man he gives it to! He's the one you want ! Aerelsfoed. {approaching her quickly, low voice but intense) Yes! But I can't wait long! If the niggah sees a man or hears a sound he'll destroy it before we can jump in on 'im — an' I must have that paper ! {strides quickly up, Mrs. Vaenet following a step or two. Speaking off up l. in low but sharp voice) Corporal! {Enter Coepoeal at door up L. from L. he salutes and stands.) How is it now ? Corporal. (Zow voice) All quiet sir! (Aeeelsford and Mrs. Vaenet face each other.) Arrelsford. {low, intense) It won't do to wait — I've got to get that paper ! It's the key to the game they're trying to play against us ! Mrs. Varnet. {intense. Half whisper) No no ! The man he's going to give it to ! Get him ! Aerelsfoed. {low — intense) That paper might give us a clue! If not I'll make the niggah tell! 54 SECRET SERVICE Damn it — I'll shoot it out of him! {turns to Coeporal) How quick can you get at him from that door! {pointing off up L.) CoEPOEAL. {no salute, low voice) It's through a hallway — and across the dining-room. Aeeelsfoed. {low voice) Well, take two men and Mes. Vaenet. {interrupting — touching Aeeels- POED to stop him. Low voice) Why not keep your men out of sight and let me send for him — ^here? Aeeelsfoed. {after a second's thought. Low voice) That's better ! We'll get 'im in here ! While you're talking to him they can nab him from behind ! {turns to Coeporal) You heard! Coeporal. {low voice) Yes, sir. Aeeelsfoed. {low voice) Keep your men out of sight — get 'em back there in the hall — an' while we're making him talk send a man down each side and pin him ! Hold 'im stiff ! He mustn't destroy any paper he's got ! (Coeporal salutes and exits with men up l. and off L. Mrs. Varnet turns to Aeeelsfoed who is well up c. with her hand on the bell rope.) Mes. Vaenet. {low voice) Now, Mr. Arrelsford? Aeeelsfoed. Yes. (Mes. Vaenet rings the hell. Short pause. Enter Maetha at door up l. She stands in the doorway.) Mes. Vaenet. {down l. near mantel) Is there anyone I can send to the hospital, Martha? Maetha. .{up l. c. in doorway) Luther's out yere, mam. Mes. Vaenet. Luther? {considers) No — he's too small. I don't want a boy. Maetha. Jonas is yere, mam — if you want him. Mes. Vaenet. Oh, Jonas — ^yes ! Tell 'im to come in here right away. SECRET SERVICE 55 Mabtha. Yaas'm. (exits at door up l.) (Mrs. Vaeney crosses lack of table l. c. goes toward E. c. and sits on couch, Aeeelsfoed waits up o.) (Old Jonas appears at the door up L. coming from door E. ielow stairs. He is a thicle-set gray- haired old negro. He comes a few steps into the room.) (Mes. Vaeney looTcs at Jonas and he at her. — At first he is entirely unsuspecting, hut in a moment, seeing Aeeelsfoed standing up c, his eyes shift about restlessly for an instant.) Mes. Vaeney. {on couch e. c.) Jonas Jonas, {up l. o.) Yes mam. Mes. Vaeney. Have you any idea why I sent for you? Jonas. Ah heers you was wantin' to sen' to de hossiple ma'am. (Coepoeal and Men enters L. to lehind Jonas.) Mes. Vaeney. Oh — ^then Martha told you. (Coepoeal motions to Men and they instantly step forward — one on each side of Jonas, and stand motionless.) Jonas. Waal she didn't ezzackly say whut you — {sees man each side of him and stops in the midst of his speech. He does not start, but is frozen with terror. Stands motionless. Expression of face scarcely changes. Soon he lowers his eyes and then begins stealthily to get his right hand toward his inside breast pochet) (Coepoeal gives a sharp order. The Men instantly seize Jonas. Coepoeal quickly feels in his pocTcet. Jonas struggles desperately hut in an instant the Coepoeal has the paper which he hands — with a salute — to Aeeelsfoed — coming 66 SECRET SERVICE forward in front of Men and Jonas to do so — then goes back to L. of Men and Jonas.) (Mhs. Vaeney rises as men seize Jonas.) Aeeelsfoed. (down e. of Men and Jonas) See if there's anything more ! (Aeeelsfoed goes up bach of men to lamp) (CoEPOEAL quichly searches Jonas. Men still hold- ing him, raising his arms above his head, etc. After the search Men release Jonas and stand guard one on each side of him.) CoEPOEAL. {on salute) That's all sir. (Aeeelsfoed turns to lamp on table up c. opening the paper as he does so, while Coepoeal is searching Jonas. Mes. Vaeney watches him intently. Aeeelsfoed reads the paper quichly and at once wheels round on Jonas coming down E. of him and Men.) Aeeelsfoed. {low voice — but sharp and telling) Who was this for? (Jonas stands silent) If you don't tell it's going to be mighty bad for you ! — (Jonas stands silent loohing at Aeeelsfoed. After pause Aeeelsfoed turns to Mes. Vaeney) I'm right sorry ma'am, but it looks like we've got to shoot 'im! {eyeing Jonas. Goes down c.) Corporal! {Motions Coepoeal to approach. — Coepoeal steps to Aeeelsfoed on salute. To Coepoeal. — Low voice) Take him outside and get it out of him ! String him up till he talks ! You understand ! (Coepoeal salutes and is about to turn) Here! (Coepoeal turns bach to Aeeelsfoed on salute. Aeeelsfoed glances toward the window at r. and bach L.) Go down on that side — ^back of the house ! {pointing up L.) And keep it quiet! Nobody must know of this! Not a soul! (Coepoeal salutes again. — Goes up to Men. — Gives SECRET SERVICE 57 an order. Men turn on order and march Jonas off at door up l. and off L. All very quick with military precision. The Coepoeal goes with them. Aekelsfoed stands watching exit of Jonas and Men until they are gone and the sound of the closing of heavy front door is heard outside left. He then turns to Mrs. Vaeney. Aeeelsfoed and Mes. Vaeney keep voices down to nearly a whisper in the coming scene — but with utmost force and intensity.) Mes. Vabnet. (indicating the paper in his hand) "Was there anything in that Aeeelsfoed. (near Mes. Vaeney on her l.) We've got the trick they want to play ! Mes. Vaeney. But not the man — ^not the man who is to play it ! Aeeelsfoed. I didn't say that ! Mes. Vaeney. There's a clue ? Aeeelsfoed. There is a clue ! Mes. Vaeney. "Will it answer? Do you know who Aeeelsfoed. (interrupting) As plain as if we had his name ! Mes. Vaeney. Thank God! (motionless an instant. Then she extends her hand for the paper) Let me see ! (Aeeelsfoed momentary hesitation — then hands her the paper. She looks at paper, then reads it aloud) "ATTACK TO-NIGHT— PLAN 3— TJSE TEIjEGEAPE."— (slight motion or sound from Aeeelsfoed to quiet her and a quick glance round. Low voice — half whisper) What does it mean ? Aeeelsfoed. (takes paper. Low voice lut incisive) They attack to-night! — The place where they strike is indicated by " Plan 3." (finger on the words on paper in his hand) Mes. Vaeney. Plan three? 58 SECRET SERVICE Akeelsfoed. He knows what they mean by that ! — It's arranged beforehand ! Mes. Vaenet. And — the last — the last there! (quick look at the paper in Aeeelsfoed's hands) " Use Telegraph ? " Aeeblsfoed. He's to use our War Department Telegraph Lines to send some false order and weaken that position — ^the one they indicate by "Plan Three " — so they can break through and come down on the city ! Mes. Vaenet. Oh ! (a hreathless exclamation of indignation. A second's pause — then suddenly) But the one — the man who is to do this — there's nothing about him! Aeeelsfoed. There is something about him! Mes. Vaenet. (rapidly — almost run together) What? Where? I don't see it! Aeeelspoed. "Use Telegraph!" (the two stand looking at one another) We know every man on the Telegraph Service — and every man of them's true! But there's some who want to get into that service that we don't know quite so well! Mes. Vaenet. He would be one ! Aeeelsfoed. There aren't so very many ! (these speeches given suggestively — with slight pause after each. All very low voice and intense) It isn't every man that's an expert ! — The niggah brought this paper to your house, Mrs. Varney? Mes. Vaenet. My — (hesitates — te^inning to realize) Aeeelsfoed. (wait for above hesitation hy Mes. Vaenet) For more than a month your daughter has been working to get an appointment for someone on the Telegraph Service — ^perhaps she could give us some idea (A moment's pause — the two looking at one another. Suddenly Mas. Vaenet turns and hurries to SECRET SERVICE 59 window up e. and quickly pulls curtains together, turning and facing back to Aeeelsfokd at same instant.) Aeeelsfobd. (almost whisper — but with utmost intensity) IS HE THEEB? (Mes. Vaenet nods affirmatively. She comes down toward Aeeelsfoed) Could he hear what we said ? Mes. Vaenet. (shakes head negatively. Almost whisper) He's at the further end! (comes back to E. of Aeeelsfoed. Aeeelsfoed glances at windows e. nervously. Mrs. Vaenet — after a pause — low voice) You have a description you say! Aeeelsfoed. Yes — at the office. Mrs. Vaenet. Then this man — ^this Captain Thome — (interrupted) Aeeelsfoed. (low voice — but with vehemence) There is no Captain Thorne ! This fellow you have in your house is Lewis Dumont ! (short pause) Mes. Vaenet. You mean — ^he came here to — (interrupted) Aeeelsfoed. (with vindictive fury breaking through in spite of himself — yet voice subdued almost to a sharp whisper) He came to this town — ^he came to this house — ^knowing your position and the in- fluence of your name — for the sole purpose of getting some hold on our Department Telegraph Line! He's corrupted your servants — ^he's thick with the men in the telegraph office — what he hasn't done God A'mighty knows! But Washington ain't the only place where there's a Secret Service! We've got one here in Richmond! Oh — (a shake of his head) two can play at that game — an it's my move now! (Goes up e. c. a few steps) (Enter Edith Vaenet running rapidly down stair- way up left and calling out excitedly as she comes. She wears a white dress and has in her hand the large official envelope which she took 60 SECRET SERVICE upstairs in an earlier scene. Aerelsfoed goes toward windows up k.) Edith, (as she runs down the stairway) Mama! Mama! — Quick Mama! (Mes. Vaeney hurries to- ward door up L. to meet her. Aerelsfoed turns in surprise loohing toward door up L. Edith meeting Mrs. Varney) Under my window — in the bushes — they're hurting someone frightfully ! — Ah'm sure they are ! Oh — come ! {starting toward door to lead the way. Mrs. Vaeney stands loohing at Edith. Edith stops surprised that Mes. Varney does not follow) If you aren't coming Ah'll go myself! (turning to go) Mrs. Vaeney. "Wait, Edith! (Edith stops up L. c. and turns back to Mes. Vaeney) I must tell you something — it'll be a terrible shock I'm afraid ! (Edith goes toward Mes. Vaeney. Aeeelsfoed turns away a little — standing near E. C. watching window) A man we trusted as a friend has shown himself a treacherous conspirator against us ! Edith, {up t. c. After a slight pause — low voice) Who? {pause. Mes. Varney up c. cannot bring herself to speak the name. After a slight pause — in the same low voice) Who is it? Aeeelsfoed. {down e. c. a little. Swinging round on her. Low voice but with vindictiveness) It is the gentleman, Miss Varney, whose attentions you have been pleased to accept in the place of mine ! {Short pause. Edith looking at Aeeelsfoed, white and motionless. Then she turns her face appeal- ing to her mother. — Mes. Vaeney nods slowly in affirmation. Edith puts the envelope with Commission in belt or bosom of dress in an absent manner.) Edith, {low voice) Is it Mr. Arrelsford who makes this accusation? SECRET SERVICE 61 Aeeelsfoed. {breaking out hotly tut Jceeping voice down) Yes — since you wish to know! From the first I've had my suspicions that this — {he stops on seeing Edith's move toward the window up e.) (Edith turns on cue " Since you wish to know " and goes quickly toward the window up e. crossing Mes. Vaenet. Aeeelsfoed breaks off in his speech and steps before her.) Aeeelsfoed. (r. c. low voice — speaking rapidly) Where are you going? Edith, (c. low voice) For Captain Thorne. Aeeelsfoed. {low voice) S'otnow! Edith, {turning with flashing indignation on Aeeelsfoed. Low voice) Mr. Arrelsford if this is something you're afraid to say to him — don't you dare say it to me! Aeeelsfoed. {indignantly. Low voice) Miss Varney, if you Mes. Vaenet. (l. c. Interrupting quickly, low voice) Edith, he has good reasons for not meeting Captain Thorne now! Edith, {turning quickly to Mes. Vaenet) Ah should think he had ! The man who said that to his face wouldn't live to speak again! Mes. Vaeney. My dear, you don't Edith, (c.) Mama — this man has left his desk in the War Department so that he can have the pleasure of persecuting me! He's never attempted anything in the active service before ! And when I ask him to face the man he accuses he turns like a coward ! Aeeelsfoed. {angrily, but keeping voice subdued) Mrs. Vamey, if she thinks — {interrupted) Edith, {low voice) I think nothing! I know a man of Captain Thome's character is above suspicion ! Aeeelsfoed. {low voice) His character! Ha ha! {a sneer) Where did he come from? — ^Who is he? 62 SECRET SERVICE Edith, (low voice) Wto are you? Aeeelsfoed. That's not the question ! Edith, {low voice) Neither is it the question who is he ! If it were I'd answer it — I'd tell you he's a soldier who has fought and been wounded for his country ! Aeeelsfoed. (low voice hut incisive) We're not so sure of that! Edith, {after a pause of indignation) He brought us letters from General Stonewall Jackson and — {interrupted)' Aeeelsfoed. {quiclc and sharp) General Jackson was killed before his letter was presented! Edith. What does that signify if he wrote it? Aeeelsfoed. Nothing — if he wrote it! {accent strong on 'if') Edith. Mr. Arrelsford, if you mean — (Mes. Vaenet goes to Edith putting her hand on Edith's arm) Mes. Vaeket. {low voice) Listen Edith! They have proofs of a conspiracy on our Government Tele- graph Lines. (Aeeelsfoed says " Sh " and goes to window up e. Edith turns from Aeeelsfoed and looks before her listening on mention of " Telegraph Lines." Mes. Vaenet leads Edith a little l. of c. Aeeelsfoed stands near window up k.) Two men in the Northern Secret Service have been sent here to do this work. One is in Libby Prison. Our old Jonas went there to-day — secretly took a message from him and brought it here — to the other ! (Edith turns toward Mes. Vaenbt sharply) We've just had Jonas in here and found that paper on him! (Aeeelsfoed comes down e. looking off through curtains at windows down e.) Edith, {rapidly, desperately. In low voice) But be hasn't sg,id it was for ^ SECRET SERVICE 63 (Dull heavy sound of front door closing outside up L.) Aeeelsfoed. (low voice but incisively) Not yet — but he will ! (Edith loohs at Aeeelsford not com- prehending. Enter Coepoeal at door up l. stands on salute. Ladies turn to him. Edith breathless with anxiety. Mes. Vaenet calm but intent. Aeeelsfoed goes across from e. to Corporal up L. c. Low voice) "Well — what does he say? Corporal, {low voice) Nothing sir — ^he won't speak ! Areelsford. (sharply, but voice subdued) What have you done? CoRPOEAL. Strung him up three times and Aeeelsford. (enraged but keeping his voice down) Well string him up again ! If he won't speak shoot it out of him! Kill the dog! (comes blindly down L. Coepoeal salutes and exits at door up l. Aeeelsford turns to ladies and goes down l. back of table — gets hat from table) We don't need the niggah's evidence — there's enough without it! Edith, (up c. Low voice) There's nothing! Aeeelsfoed. (l. of table l. c. Low voice) By twelve o'clock to-night you'll have all the proof you want! Edith, (low voice) There's no proof at all! Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) I'll show it to you at the telegraph ofiBee ! Do you dare go with me ? Edith, (low voice) Dare! (moves toward him) I will go with you ! Aeeelsford. (low voice) I'll call for you in half an hour! (goes up toward door up l.) Edith. Wait! — ^what are you going to do? Aerelsfoed. (comes down back of table. Low voice but incisive) I'm going to let him get this paper ! He'll know what they want him to do — and then we'll see him try to do it! 64 SECRET SERVICE Edith, (l. c.) You're going to spy on him — hound him like a criminal ! Aeeelsfoed. I'm going to prove what he is! Edith, (e. of table l. c. Low voice) Then prove it openly! Prove it at once! It's a shame to let a suspicion like that rest on an honorable man! Let him come in here and — {interrupted) Aeeelsfoed. {low voice) Impossible! {goes down L. of table a little) Edith, {low voice) Then do something else but do it now ! {turning away goes up c. a little, speaks desperately) We must know that he is — that he's innocent ! We must know that ! {a thought. Turns to Aeeelsfoed) You say the prisoner in Libby. is his brother — that's what you said — ^his brother! Bring him here! Go to the prison and bring that man here ! Aeeelsfoed. (l. of table speahing across it. Sub- dued exclamation) What! Edith. Let them meet ! Bring them face to face ! Then you can see whether Aeeelsfoed. {low voice, speaks rapidly) You mean — ^bring them together here? Edith. Yes ! Aeeelsfoed. As if the prisoner was trying to escape ? Edith. Any way you like — but end it ! Aeeelsfoed. When ? Edith. Now ! Aeeelsfoed. {after instant's thought) I'm will- ing to try that ! — Can you keep him here ? {with a motion toward windows e.) Edith, {scarcely more than a movement of lips) Yes. Aeeelsfoed. It won't be more than half an hour. Be out there on the veranda. When I tap on the glass bring him into this room and leave him alone ! SECRET SERVICE 65 Edith, {hardly more than a nod and a whisper) Yes. (turns away towards front) Aekelsford. (goes rapidly toward door up L., stops and turns near door) I rely on you Miss Varney to give him no hint or sign that we suspect — {inter- rupted) (Mrs. Varney and Edith both turn indignantly on Areelsfoed. Mrs. Varney with slight ex- clamation.) Edith, (c. down a little. Interrupting Arrels- ford on cue) Mr. Arrelsford! (Aeeelsford stands an instant — then hows stiffly and exits at door up L. Edith stands where she was as if stunned. Mrs. Varney remains R. c. looking after Arrelsford — then turns to Edith.) Edith, {after pause — not loohing round — nearly whisper) Mama ! {reaches out her hand as if feel- ing for help or support. Mrs. Varney comes down to Edith on her left and takes her hand) Mama! Mrs. Varney. {low voice) I'm here, Edith! {Pause. Edith thinking of something — her eyes wide open — staring vacantly before her.) Edith, {holding tight to Mrs. Faeney's hand) Do you think — do you think — that could be what he meant? (Mrs. Varney looking intently at Edith) The Commission I got for him — this afternoon. Mrs. Varney. {low voice) Yes — ^yes! Edith. The Commission you know — from the President — for the — for the Telegraph Service ! He — ^he — refused to take it ! Mrs. Varney. Eefused ! Edith, {nodding a little — hardly able to speak) He said— he said it was for me that he could not ! Mrs. Varney. It's true then! Edith, {turning quickly to Mrs. Varney and try- 66 SECRET SERVICE ing to stop her by putting her hand over her mouth. Speaking rapidly , breathlessly — yet not in loud voice) No no ! Don't say it ! Mrs. Vaknet. {putting Edith's hand away) Yes! Edith. Oh, no! Mrs. Vaeney. Infamous traitor ! They ought to lash him through the streets of Eiehmond ! Edith, {impulsively trying to stop Mrs. Vaenet) No Mama ! No — no — no ! {she stops — a moment's pause, she realizes the truth. Speaks in almost a whisper) Yes — ^yes — {fainter and fainter) Yes — yes — {stops — pauses — stands erect — looks about — motions Mrs. Vaenet to go) (Mrs. Vaenet turns quietly and leaves the room going out at the door up l. and off l. Edith stands supporting herself without knowing that she does so — one hand on a table or back of chair. — Soon coming to herself she turns and goes toward the window up R. When near c. she stops. Stands there a moment looking toward the window. Then brushes her hand quickly across her eyes and takes the President's Com- mission from the bosom of dress. She looks at it as if thinking, folds it slowly and puts it back again. Walks to the window, throws aside the curtains and pushes it open.) {Upon Edith pushing open the window up e. Captain Thorne outside R. at some dis- tance, makes sound with chair as though he rose and pushed or set it back and the sound of his footsteps outside approaching briskly follows at once. Edith moves back away from the window and across to up L. o. near table and stands there looking at the window up r. After footsteps and after Edith is motionless at up L. 0, Captain Thorne walks briskly and SECRET SERVICE 67 unsuspiciously into the room at window up e. glancing about as he does so — not seeing Edith until he is a Utile way in. Upon seeing her he stops an instant where he is, and then goes di- rectly across to her and is about to take her hand as he speaks.) Thoene. (coming to Edith up l. c.) Miss Varney Edith, (as she snatches her hand away and shrinks bach slightly up L. Breathless) No — don't touch me ! (a second's pause. She recovers almost in- stantly) Oh — it was you! (smiling as if at her own stupidity) Why how perfectly absurd I am ! (cross- ing in front of Thoene lightly and going to window at up E.) Ah'm sure Ah ought to be ashamed of myself! (turns to him at e.) Do come out a minute — on the veranda — Ah want to talk to you about a whole lot o' things ! There's half an hour yet before the party! (turning to go) Isn't it a lovely night ! (she exits at the window up e. with forced gaiety of manner disappearing in the dark- ness) Oh, come along! (Thoene stands looking at Edith when she first speaks. As she crosses e. he is looking down a little but looks slowly up toward front and turns a little after her cross, looking at her as she stands for a moment in the window up e. After her exit he slowly turns toward front and his eyes glance about and down once as he weighs the chances.) Edith, (after brief pause for above' — calling gaily from outside up e. not too near the window) Oh, Cap'n Thorne ! (emphasis on 'oh') (Thoene turns quickly looking off e. again — Hesi- tates an instant — Makes up his mind. Walks rapidly 68 SECRET SERVICE to window up h. A very slight hesitating there — without stopping. Exits at window up e. Bing as Thohne exits) CTJETAIN Time of playing — 43 minutes. Wait between Acts I and II — 4 minutes. ACT II Scene: — The same room. Fine o'clock Furniture as in Act I. Electric calciums for strong moonlight outside both windows at e. Portieres are closed at both windows. (Mes. Vaeney discovered seated at desh E. 1. — She is not busy with anything but sits watching that no one goes out to the veranda at e. Sound of closing of door outside l. Enter Miss KiTTEiDGE at door up c. which stands ajar as if she had recently come out.) Mes. Vaeney. Was it the same man? Miss Kitteidge. (pausing up c.) No; they sent another one this time. Mrs. Vaenet. Did you have anything ready? Miss Kitteidge. Oh yes — Ah gave 'em quite a lot. We've all been at the bandages — that's what they need most. (Mes. Vaeney rises. Seems pre- occupied. Goes across to l. and looks off. Miss Kitteidge watches her rather anxiously a moment) Did you vrant anjrthing, Mrs. Varney? Mes. Vaeney. (turning at up l.) No — I — noth- ing, thank you. (Miss Kitteidge is turning to go^ but stops when Mes. Vaeney speaks again. Mes. SECRET SERVICE 69 Vaenet goes nearer to Miss Kitteigb) Perhaps it would be just as well if any of the ladies want to go, to let them out the other way. You can open the door into the dining-room. We're expecting someone here on important business. Miss Kittkidge. Ah'U see to it, Mrs. Varney. Mbs. Vaenet. Thank you. {Exit Miss Kit- tkidge at door up c. Mes. Vaenet stands a moment. Then goes down l. and rings lell. Crosses to e. c, going bach of table l. c. Then goes slowly up c. waiting) (Enter Maetha at door up l. from door E. of stairway. Mes. Vaenet up c.) Did Miss Car- oline go home? Maetha. (up l. c. near door) No'm. She's been out yere in de kitchen fur a while. Mes. Vaenet. In the kitchen ! Maetha. Yaas'm. Mes. Vaenet. What is she doing? Maetha. She's been mostly sewin' and behavin' mighty strange about sumfin a great deal o' de time. Ah bleeve she's gittin' ready to go home now. Mes. Vaenet. Ask her to come here a moment. Maetha. Yaas'm. (Maetha turns and exits up L. and off door e. of stairway) (Mes. Vaenet waits a little. Then goes forward E. c. a few steps) (Enter Caeolinb at door up L. from door e. of stairway. She comes into the room trying to look very innocent) Mes. Vaenet. (e. c.) Caroline — (Caeoline goes down c. with Mes. Vaenet. She is expecting to hear something said about the sewing she has been doing) Are you in a hurry to get home? Because if you can wait a few minutes while I go upstairs to Howard it'll be a great help. Caeoline. (looking around in some doubt) You want me to — just wait? Is that all? Mbs. Vaenet. I — (hesitates a little)-~-I don't want anyone to go out on the veranda just now. 70 SECRET SERVICE (Caroline looks toward veranda k.) Edith's there — with Caeoline. (suddenly comprehending) Oh yes! (glances toward windows e.) Ah know how that is — Ah'U attend to it! (crosses to up E. c.) Mes. Vaeney. Just while I'm upstairs — it won't be long ! (goes to door up l. Turns at door) Be careful won't you dear! (exit at door up l. and up the stairway) Caeoline. (up e. c.) Careful ! — ^Well Ah should think so! As if Ah didn't know enough for that! (goes toward window up E. and pauses up E. c. Her face is radiant with the imagined romance of the situation. Peeps out slyly through curtains. After a moment she turns, an idea having occurred to her, and quickly rolls the lounge up across before the win- dow. Kneels on it with her hack to the audience and tries to peep through curtains) (Enter Wilfeed Vaenet door up l. coming in cautiously and as if he had been watching for an opportunity. He stops just within the door and looks back up stairway. He has on the trousers which Caeoline fixed for him ACT I, and also the Army Jacket — Caeoline rises and turns up e. from the lounge and sees Wilfeed, startled at first. He turns to her. She stands ador- ing him in his uniform) (NOTE : These clothes are not by any means new. — The trousers must be all right as to length though showing strange folds and awkwardness at bottom from being cut off and sewed by an amateur. But on no account must there be any- thing grotesque or laughable) Caroline, (up e. Subdued exclamation as she sees Wilfeed in uniform) Oh ! Wilfeed. (l. o. Low voice — speaking across from door) Mother isn't anywhere around is she? SECRET SERVICE 71 Caroline, (coming out to up o.) She — she just went upstairs. Wilfred, {down l. c. a little) Ah'm not running away — but if she saw me with these things on she might feel funny. Caroline, (half to herself) She might not feel so very funny ! Wilfred. Well — you know — (going over to desk down R. and talcing papers and letters from pockets) how it is with a feller's mother. (Caroline nods affirmatively from up c.) (Wilfred business of hurriedly finding letter among others — feeling in different pockets for it — so that he speaks without much thinking what he says) Other people don't care — ^but mothers — ^well — they're different. Caroline, (c. Speaks absently) Yes — other people don't care! (moves over toward up L. — The thought of Wilfred actually going gives her a slight sinking of the heart at which she herself is sur- prised) Wilfred. Ah've written that letter to the Gen- eral ! — Here it is — on'y Ah've got to end it off some way! (pulls a chair sideways to desk and half sits on it — intent on finishing the letter. — Business with pen, etc. and running hand into his hair impetuously) Ah'm not going to say " Your loving son " or any such rubbish as that ! It would be an almighty let- down! Ah love him of course — but this isn't that kind of a letter ! (Pointing out writing on letter and speaking as if he supposed Caroline was at his shoulder) Ah've been telling him — (looking round sees that Caroline is standing at a considerable dis- tance up L. c. looking at him) — ^What's the matter? Caroline. Nothing — ! Wilfred. Ah thought you wanted to help! Caroline, (quickly) Oh yes — Ah do! Ah do! (goes down at once to Wilfred at desk) Wilfred, (looks in her face an instant. — Second 72 SECRET SERVICE or two pause) (Caeoline stammeringly aslcs) The — the — {indicating his trousers by a little gesture) — are they how you wanted 'em ? "WiLFEED. What ? Caeoline. Those things, (pointing to trousers WiLFEED has on) WiLFEED. (glances at legs) Oh — they're all right ! Pine! — Now about this letter — tell me what you think! (turning to letter again) Caeoline. Tell me what you said ! WiLFEED. Want to hear it? Caeoline. Ah've got to haven't I? How could Ah help you if I didn't know what it was all about ! WiLFEED. You're pretty good! (looks at her briefly) You will help me won't you? (catching hold of her E. hand as she stands near htm on his L.) Caeoline. Oh' co'se Ah will — (after an instant's pause draws hand away from him) about the let- ter! WiLFEED. That's what I mean !— ^It's mighty im- portant you know ! Everything depends on it ! Caeoline. Well Ah should think so ! (Caeoline gets chair from up between windows and pulls it around near Wilfeed on his left, and sits looking over the letter while he reads — showing deep in- terest) WiLFEED. Ah just gave it to him strong! Caroline. That's the way to give it to him ! WiLFEED. You can't fool round with him much! He means business! But he'll find out Ah mean business too ! Caeoline. That's right — everybody means busi- ness! — ^What did you say? Wilfeed. Ah said this! — (reads letter) "Gen- eral Eansom Varney — Commanding Division Army of the Northern Virginia — Dear Papa — ^This is to notify you that Ah want you to let me come right DOW I If you don't Ah'U come anyhow — ^thafs ajll SECRET SERVICE 73 The eighteen call is out — the seventeen comes next an' Ah'm not going to wait for it! Do you think Ah'm a damned coward? Tom Kittridge has gone! He was killed yesterday at Cold Harbor. Billy Fisher has gone. So has Cousin Stephen and he ain't sixteen. He lied about his age but Ah don't want to do that unless yon make me. Answer this right now or not at all ! " Caeoline. That's splendid! WiLFEED. Do you think so? Caeoline. Why it's just the thing! WiLFEED. But ho w'm Ah going to end it? Caroline. Just end it ! WiLFEED. How ? Caeoline. Sign your name. WiLFEED. Nothing else ? Caroline. What else is there ? WiLFEED. Just "Wilfred?" Caeoline. 0' co'se! Wilfred, (holes at her an instant then turns sud- denly to desk and writes his name) That's the thing ! (holds it up) Will the rest of it do? Caroline. Do ! Ah should think so ! (rising) Ah wish he had it now! (goes toward c.) Wilfred, (rising) So do I ! — It might take two or three days ! (moves toward c.) Ah can't wait that long! — ^Why the Seventeen call might — (stops. Thinks frowningly) Caroline, (suddenly turning at c.) Ah'll tell you what to do ! — Telegraph ! (Wilfred looks at her — she at him. After an instant he glances at the letter) Wilfred, (c. at R.) Whew! (a whistle) Ah haven't got money enough for that ! Caroline, (c. at l.) 'Twon't take so very much! Wilfred. Do you know what they're charging now ? Over seven dollars a word ! Caroline. Let 'em charge ! We can cut it down so there's only a few words an' it means just the 74 SECRET SERVICE same! {they both go at the letter each holding it on his or her side) The address won't cost a thing! WlLFKED. Won't it? Caeoline. No ! They never do ! There's a heap o' money saved right now ! We can use that to pay for the rest ! (Wilfred loohs at her a little puzzled) What comes next? {both look over the letter) WiLFEED. {looks at letter) " Dear Papa " — (Caeoline. Leave that out! {both scratch at it with pens or percils) Wilfred. Ah didn't care much for it anyway 1 Caeoline. He knew it before. WiLFEED. Ah'm glad it's out! Caeoline. So'm I! What's next? {reading) " This - is - to-notify-you-that-Ah-want-you-to-let-me- come-right-now." We might leave out that last " to." WiLFEED and Caeoline. {reciting it of together experimentally to see how it reads without the " to ") " Ah-want-you — let-me-come-right-now." {after in- stant's thought both shake heads) WiLFEED. {shaking head) No ! Caeoline. {shaking head) No ! WiLFEED. It doesn't sound right. Caeoline.~ That's only a little word anyhow ! WiLFEED. So it is. What's after that? {both eagerly look at letter) __ Caroline. Wait — here it is ! {reads) " iPyou^ don't — Ah'll — come — anyhow — that's — all." ( They consider) WiLFEED. We might leave out " that's all." Caeoline. {quickly) No! Don't leave that out ! It's very important. It doesn't seem so but it is ! It shows — {hesitates) well — it shows that's all there is about it! That one thing might convince him! WiLFEED. We've got to leave out something! Caeoline. Yes — but not that! Perhaps there's something in the next! {reads) " The-eighteen- call-is-out — " That's got to stay ! SECRET SERVICE 75 Wilfred, (reads) " The-seventeen-eomes-next." Caeoline. That's got to stay ! Wilfred, (shaking head) Yes ! Caroline, (taking it up) " Ah'm-not-going-to- ■wait-for-it ! " (shaking head without looking up) No ! ISTo ! Wilfred, (shaking head) IsTo! Caroline. We'll find something in just a minute ! (reading. Wait for quiet on this — hut follow in close so as not to drop) " Do-you-think-Ah'm-a-damned- coward!" (ioth look up from the letter simultane- ously and gaze at each other in silence for an instant) Wilfred, (after the pause) We might leave out the Caroline, (breaking in on him with almost a scream) No no! (they again regard each other) Wilfred, (after the pause) That " damn " 's going to cost us seven dollars and a half ! Caroline. It's worth it ! Why it's the best thing you've got in the whole thing! Your papa's a gen- eral in the army! He'll understand that! What's next? Ah know there's something now. Wilfred. (reads) " Tom-Kittridge-has-gone. He-was-killed-yesterday-at-Cold-Harbor." Caroline, (slight change in tone — a little lower) Leave out that about his (very slight catch of breath) about his Eeing killed. Wilfred, (looking at Caroline) But he was! Caroline, (she is suddenly very quiet) Ah know he was — but you haven't got to tell him the news — have you? Wilfred. That's so! (they both cross of the words) Caroline, (becoming cheerful again) How does it read now? (they are both looking over the letter) Wilfred. It reads just the same — except that about Tom Kittridge. 76 SECRET SERVICE Caboline. {loohing at Wilfeed astonished) Just the same! After all this work! {They look at one another rather astounded for an instant, then suddenly turn to the letter again and study over it earnestly. Sound of door bell in distant part of house. Soon after Martha crosses outside L. coming from door e. of stairway to go to door. Sound of door off L. A moment later she is seen going up the stairway carrying a large envelope. Wilfred and Caro- line are so absorbed in worh that they do not observe the bell or Martha's movements outside up L.) Caroline, (loohing up from letter) Everything else has got to stay ! Wilfred. Then we can't telegraph — ^it would take hundreds of dollars! Caroline, (with determination) Yes we can! (Wilfred looks at her. She takes the letter) Ah'U send it! (backing up a little toward door up L.) Wilfred. How can you — (interrupted) Caroline. Never you mind ! Wilfred, (follows her up a little) See here! (taking hold of the letter) Ah'm not going to have you spending money! Caroline. Ha ! There's no danger ! Ah haven't got any to spend ! Wilfred, (releases hold on letter) Then what are you going to do? Caroline, (turning up toward door up l. with letter) Oh — Ah know! (turns toward Wilfred) Ah reckon Douglass Stafford'U send it for me ! Wilfred, (quickly to her) No he won't! (they face each other. Caroline surprised) Caroline. What's the reason he won't? Wilfeed. (slight pause) If he wants to send it for me he can — ^but he won't send it for you! SECRET SERVICE 77 Cakoline, What do you care s' long as he sends it? WiLFEED. (up c. Looking at Caroline — slight change of tone — softer) Well — Ah care! That's enough! {they look at each other, then both lower eyes, looking in different directions) Caeoline. (up L. c.) Oh, well — if you feel like that about it — ! {turns away down L. c.) WiLFKED. {up c. eyes lowered) That's the way Ah feel! {pause — Wilfeed looks up at her — goes down toward her) You — you won't give up the idea of helping me because I feel like that — will you? Caeoline. {impulsively, with start and turn toward Wilfeed) Mercy no — Ah'll help you all I can ! (Wilfred impulsively takes her hand as if in gratitude and so quick that she draws it away and goes on with only a slight break) About the letter ! Wilfeed. That's what Ah mean ! {they stand an instant, Caeoline looking down, Wilfeed at her) Caeoline. {suddenly turning toward desk and crossing him to E.) Ah'm going to see if we can't leave out something else! {sits at desk. Wilfeed goes down e. near her on her L. and stands looking over her, intent on the letter) {Enter Mrs. Varnet, coming down the stairway and into the room at door up L. She has an open letter in her hand. Also brings a bell and cap rolled up together. She pauses at the door and motions someone who is outside L. to come in. Martha follows her down and exits through door E. of stairway.) (Enter an orderly up L. just from his horse after a long ride. Dusty, faded and bloody uniform; yellow stripes. Face sunburned and grim. He stands near the door up L. waiting, without effort to be precise or formal, but nevertheless being entirely soldierly. Mes. Varnet waits until he enters.) 78 SECRET SERVICE Mes. Vaenet. (comes down c. a little) Wilfred ! (WiLFEED and Caeoline turn quickly. They both stare motionless for a moment) Here's a letter from, your father. He sent it by the orderly. (Wilfeed moves a step or two toward Mes. Vaenet and stands looking at her. Caeoline slowly rises with her eyes on Mks. Vaenet. Mes. Vaenet speaks calmly hut with the measured quietness of one who is controlling herself) He tells me — {she stops a little hut it is only her voice that falls. She does not hreak down or shotv emotion. Holds letter toward Wilfeed) You read it! (Wilfeed, after glance at Caroline, steps quickly to Mes. Vaenet and takes the letter. Reads it — Mes. Vaenet looking away a little as he does so. Caeoline's eyes upon Wilfeed as he reads. The orderly faced to E. on ohliqued line of door. Wilfeed finishes very soon — only two or three seconds necessary. He glances at the orderly, then hands the letter to his mother as he steps across to him.) Wilfeed. (standing before the orderly) The General says Ah'm going back with you! Oedeelt. (saluting) His orders, sir ! Wilfeed. When do we start? Oedeelt. Soon as you can sir — Ah'm waiting ! Wilfeed. We'll make it right now! (Wilfeed turns and walks quickly to his mother) You won't mind, mother. (Mes. Vaenet does not speak, hut quietly strokes the hair hack from his forehead with a tremhling hand — and only once. She then hands him the helt and cap. Old and worn cap. Belt that has seen service.) Mes. Vaenet. (low voice) Your brother wanted you to take these — I told him you were going. (Wil- SECRET SERVICE 79 FEED takes them. Puts on the belt at once) He says lie can get another belt — when he wants it. You're to have his blankets too — Ah'll get them, (she crosses Wilfred and goes off at door up l. and off to L. going back of orderly) (WiLFEED finishing adjusting the belt. Caeoline motionless E. but now looking down at the floor — facing nearly front.) Wilpeed. (suppresses excitement) Fits as if it was made for me! (to orderly) Ah'll be with you in a jiffy! (Wilfeed goes to Caeoline) We won't have to send that now — (indicating letter they have been working on) will we? (Wilfeed stands on her L. Caeoline shakes her head a little without looking up — then slowly raises left hand in which she has the letter and holds it out to him, her eyes still on the floor. Wilfeed takes the letter mechanically and keeps it in his hand during the next few lines, tearing it up absent-mindedly) You're pretty good — ^to help me like you did ! You can help me again if you — ^if you want to ! (Caeoline raises her eyes and looks at him) Ah'd like to fight twice as well if — (hesitates. Caroline looks at him an instant longer and then looks down without speak- ing) Good-bye! (Wilfeed holds out his hand. Caeoline puts her hand in his without looking at him) Perhaps you'll write to me about — about help- ing me fight twice as well ! Ah wouldn't mind if you telegraphed! That is — if you telegraphed that you would ! (slight pause. Wilfeed holding Caroline's hand boyishly. Caeoline looking down. Wilfeed trying to say something but not flnding the words. Enter Mes. Vaenet at door up l. Wilfeed hears her and turns — leaving Caeoline and meeting his mother near c. She brings an army blanket rolled and tied. Wilfeed takes it and slings it over his shoulder) Good-bye mother! (he kisses her rather 80 SECRET SERVICE hurriedly. Mrs. Varnet stands passive) You won't mind, will you. (Wilfred crosses at once to orderly with eagerness and enthusiasm) Eeadysir! (salut- ing. Orderly turns and marches off at door up left. Wilfred follows the orderly. Brief pause) {The opening and heavy closing of the door outside left is heard, and then it is still. Mrs. Varney is the first to move. She turns and walks slowly up a few steps, her bach to the audience, but with no visible emotion. It is as if her eyes filled with tears and she turned away. When Mrs. Varney stops up c. Caroline moves a little, her eyes still down, walking slowly across toward door left, but not with emphasized deliberation. Merely not with her usual alacrity. Mrs. Var- ney hears her going and turns in time to speak just before she reaches the door up l. c.) Mrs. Varney. Going, dear? (Caroline nods her head a little without looking round) Oh yes! {speaks with a shade of forced cheerfulness) Your party of course ! You ought to be there ! (Caroline stops and speaks back into the room without looking at Mrs. Varney) Caroline, (subdued voice. With a sad little shake of head) There won't — (shakes head again a little) There won't be any party to-night. (Exit at door up l. and off l.) Mrs. Varney. (after an instant's wait starts toward door up Ij.) Caroline! Stop a moment ! (at door) I don't want you to go home alone ! (she goes down L. and rings the bell) Caroline, (outside u) Oh Ah don't mind ! (Sounds of front door and heavy steps of men out- side, up left. Mrs. Varney goes up l. looks off and then retires back a little into the room to up c.) {Enter Arrelsford and two soldiers at the door up SECRET SERVICE 81 li. Aeeelsfoed motions men to stand at the door and goes quickly to Mes. Vaenet up c.) Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) Is he — ? (a motion toward window at e.) Mes. Vaenet. {to Aeeelsfoed, hardly above a whisper) Yes! {Glances round toward window 'R.) {Enter Caeoline at door up left from off L.) Caeoline. {up L. c.) Oh Mrs. Varney — there's a heap o' soldiers out yere ! You don't reckon any- thing's the mattah do you? {Enter Maetha at door up l. from door e. of stairway. Aeeelsfoed goes back of Mes. Vae- net to window up e. Looks through curtains of window down e.) ~ Mes. Vaenet. {hastening to Caeoline) Sh! — No — there's nothing the matter! Martha, I want you to go home with Miss Mitford — at once ! urging Caeoline off) Good night dear! {kissing her) Caeoline. {up l. c.) Good night! {looks up in Mes. Vaenet's face) You don't reckon she could go with me to — {hesitates) somewhere else, do you? Mes. Vaenet. {up l. c, e. of Caeoline) Why where do you want to go ? Caeoline. Just to — just to the telegraph oflBce! (Aeeelsfoed turns sharply and looks at Caeoline from window down e.) Mes. Vaenet. ISTow ! At this time of night ! Caroline. Ah've got to ! Oh, if s very important business ! (Aeeelsfoed down e. watching Caeoline.) Mes. Vaenet. Of course, then Martha must go with you ! Good night I Caeoline. Good night! {exit Caeoline and JIaetha. at door up i. and off L.) 82 SECRET SERVICE Mes. Vaenet. {calling off to Maetha) Martha, don't leave her an instant ! Maetha. (outside l. or just going) No'm — Ali'll take care ! (Maetha does not come into room for foregoing scene. She remains bach of archway or opening up L. c. Heavy sound of door outside up l.) Aeeelsfoed. (going up c. quickly — low, sharp voice) What is she gong to do at the telegraph office? Mes. Vahnet. (going down l. c. a little. Low voice) I've no idea! (accent on the " i") Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) Has she had any con- versation with him? (motion toward e.) Mes. Vaenet. (low voice) Why — they were talk- ing together here — early this evening! But it isn't possible she could Aeeelsfoed. (interrupting; low voice) Anything is possible ! (goes over to Coepoeal at up l. quickly, passing lack of Mes. Vaenet. Mes Vaeney moves to up E. c. CLs Aeeelsfoed crosses at lack) Have Eddinger follow that girl! Don't let any dispatch go out until I see it ! Make no mistake about that ! (Coepoeal exits with salute at door up l. and off l. Brief pause. Aeeelsfoed turns to Mes. Vaenet) Are they both out there? (motions toward E.) Mes. Vaenet. (up e. c. Low tone. A glance lack at E. first) Yes ! Did you bring the man from Libby Prison. Aeeelsfoed. (l. of her. Low voice) The guard's holding him in the street. When we get Thorne in here alone I'll have him brought up to that window {pointing at window up e.) an' shoved into the room ! (Coepoeal re-appears at the door up l. and waits for further orders. Aeeelsfoed and Mes. Vae- net continue in low tones) SECRET SERVICE 83 Vaenet. (e. c.) Where shall I- Aeeelsford. Out there (pointing up jj. and going toward door a little) where you can get a view of this room! Mes. Vaenet. But if he sees me Aeeelsfoed. He won't if it's dark in the hall! {turns to CoEPOEAL and gives order in low distinct voice) Shut off those lights out there ! {indicating lights outside the door or archway up left. Coepoeal exits up L. Lights off) We can close these curtains can't we? Mes. Vaenet. Yes. (Aeeelsfoed draws cur- tains at door or archway up l.) Aeeelsfoed. I don't want much light in here! {indicating drawing-room. Coepokal and Men exit up Left) (Aeeelsfoed goes to table up l. c. and turns gas or lamp down. Mes. Vaenet turns down lamp on desh E. 1. — Stage in half light.) Aeeelsfoed. {carefully moves couch away from window up e. and opens portieres of window. — Almost in a whisper) Now open those curtains! Carefully! Don't attract attention! {indicating window down E.) (Mes. Vaenet very quietly draws iacTc the curtains to window down e. Moonlight on through window down e. covering as much of stage as possible. Moonlight also strong on lacTcing up Aeeelsfoed. {moving over to up l. c. Speaking across to Mes. Vaenet after the lights are down) Are those women in there yet? {indicating door up c.) Mes. Vaenet. Yes. Aeeelsfoed. Where's the key? (Mes. Vaenet moves noiselessly to the door up c.) Is it on the inside? 84 SECRET SERVICE (Mrs. Vaeney turns and nods affirmatively.) Aebelsfoed. Lock the door ! (Mes. Vaenet turns the key as noiselessly as possible. Edith suddenly appears at window up E. coming on quickly and closing the windows after her. — Mes. Vaenet and Areelsfoed both turn and stand looking at her. — Edith turns to them and stands an instant.) Edith, (going down e. c. and stretching out left hand toward Mes. Varney — Very low voice — but breathlessly and with intensity) Mama! (Mes. Vaenet hurries forward with her c. Edith on her E. Areelsfoed remains up l. o. looking on) I want to speak to you! Aeeelsfoed. (l. c. Low tone — Stepping for- ward) We can't wait! Edith, (c.) You must! (Aeeelsfoed moves back protestingly. Edith turns to Mes. Vaenet — Almost a whisper) I can't — I can't do it! Oh — let me go ! Mes. Vaenet. (c. Very low voice) Edith ! You were the one who Edith, (almost a whisper) I was sure then! Mes. Vaenet. Has he confessed? Edith. (quickly) No no! (glance toward Aeeelsfoed) Aeeelsfoed. (low j)oice — sharp) Don't speak so loud! Mes. Vaenet. (low voice) "What is it Edith — You must tell me ! Edith, (almost a whisper) Mama — ^he loves me ! (breathless with emotion) — Yes — and I Oh — let someone else do it! Mes. Vaenet. You don't mean that you — (Aeeelsfoed comes forward quickly l. c.) SECRET SERVICE 85 Edith, (seeing Abeelsfoed approach and crossing . Vaeney to him) No no! Not now! Not now! Mes. Vaenet. (c. e. Low voice) More reason now than ever ! Aeeelsfoed. (c. L. Low voice) We must go on\ Edith, (c. Turning desperately upon Aeeels- foed. Low voice) Why are you doing this? Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) Because I please ! ^-""^ Edith, (low voice — but with force) You never pleased before! Hundreds of suspicious cases have come up — ^hundreds of men have been run down — but you preferred to sit at your desk in the War Department. Mes. Vaenet. (low voice) Edith! Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) We won't discuss that now! Edith, (low voice) No — we'll end it! I'll have nothing more to do with the affair! Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) You won't! Mes. Vaeitet. (low voice) You won't! Edith, (low voice) Nothing at all! — Nothing! — Nothing ! Aeeelsfoed. (low voice hut with vehemence) At your own suggestion Miss Varney, I agreed to a plan by which we could criminate this friend of yours — or establish his innocence. At the critical moment — when everything's ready you propose to withdraw — making it a failure and perhaps allowing him to escape altogether! Mes. Vaenet. (low voice) You mustn't do this Edith! Edith, (low voice — But desperately) He's there ! The man is there — at the further end of the veranda ! What more do you want of me ! Aeeelsfoed. (low voice. Sharp. Intense) Call 'im into this room ! If anyone else should do it he'd suspect ! He'd be on his guard ! 86 SECRET SERVICE Edith, {after pause. Low voice) Very well — I'll call 'im into this room, (moves as if to do so) Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) One thing more ! I want 'im to have this paper! (holding out paper that was taken from Jonas in Act I) Tell 'im where it came from — tell 'im the old niggah got it from a prisoner in Libby ! Edith, (quietly. Low voice) Why am I to do this? Aeeelsfoed. (low but very strong) Why not? If he's innocent where's the harm? — If not — if he's in this plot — the message on that paper will send 'im to the telegraph ofQee to-night and that's just where we want him ! Edith, (low voice) I never promised that ! Aeeelsfoed. (hard sharp voice though subdued) Do you still believe him innocent? (Pause. Edith slowly raises her head erect. Looks Aeeelsfoed full in the face.) Edith, (almost whisper) I still — believe him — innocent ! Aeeelsfoed. Then why are you afraid to give him this? (indicating paper) (Pause. Edith turns to Aeeelsfoed. Stretches out her hand for the paper. — Aeeelsfoed puts the paper in Edith's hand. She pauses a mo- ment. — Aeeelsfoed and Mes. Vaenet watch her. She turns and moves up a few steps toward the window. Stops and stands listening up c. Noise of chair off R.) Edith, (low voice) Captain Thome's coming. Aeeelsfoed. (going to door up l. c. and holding curtain back) This way Mrs. Varney! Quick! Quick! (Aeeelsfoed and Mes. Varney hasten off at the door up l. closing portieres after them) SECRET SERVICE 87 (Edith moves down l. c. and stands near table. — Sound of Thoenb's footsteps on veranda outside windows E. — Edith slowly turns toward the window up e. and stands looking at it with a fascinated dread. Thoene opens the window up E. and enters at once, coming a few steps into the room, when he stops and stands an instant looking at Edith as she looks strangely at him. Then he goes to her.) Thoene. (low voice — near Edith) Is anything the matter? Edith, (slightly shakes her head before speaking. Nearly a whisper) Oh no ! (emphasize " no." Stands looking up in his face) Thoene. (low voice) You've been away such a long time ! Edith, (low voice) Only a few minutes ! Thoene. (low voice) Only a few years. Edith, (easier) Oh — if that's a few years — (turn- ing away front a little) what a lot of time there is! Thoene. (low voice) No. — There's only to-night I Edith, (turning to him. A breathless interroga- tion) What! Thoene. (taking her hands) There's only to- night and you in the world! — Oh — see what I've been doing ! I came here determined not to tell you I love you — and for the last half hour I've been telling you nothing else ! Ah, my darling — there's only to-night and you ! Edith, (suddenly moving back a little from him. Nearly a breathless whisper) 'No no — you mustn't! (a quick apprehensive glance around down toward left and back) — not now! (Edith speaks the above very fast — and as if afraid she would be overheard. She stands turned away from him to front) (Thoene holds position he was in an instant. Then moves hack slightly, and as she is looking front 88 SECRET SERVICE he darts a quick suspicious glance toward cur- tains up L. and instantly hack to her. Edith moves forward a little, Thoene slowly releasing her hand. — After looking at her there an instant Thoene darts another swift glance — this time toward the window up e. and the same instant hack to her again.) Thoene. (low voice. From where he stands — above her) Don't mind what I said Miss Varney — I must have forgotten myself, (brief pause. He steps down to right of Edith) Believe me I came to make a friendly call and — and say good-bye. (bowing slightly) Permit me to do so now. (turns up at once making turn to l. and walks toward door up Left) Edith, (quickly across to e. c. as Thoene goes up) Oh! — Cap'n Thome! (this is timed to stop Thoene just before he reaches the closed portieres of door up L. Thoene turns up l. c. and looks at Edith. Calcium across from window E. on him. Edith trying to be natural — hut her lightness some- what forced) Before you go I — (slight quiver in her voice) — I wanted to ask your advice about some- thing ! (she stands turned a little to front) (Thoene looks at her motionless an instant longer, then turns his head slowly toward the portieres on his left. Turns back to Edith at e. c. again and at once moves down to her on her l.) Thoene. (as he comes down to Edith) Yes? Edith, (a little e. of c.) What do you think this means? (holds the piece of paper out toward him but avoids looking in his face) Thoene. (l. of Edith. Stepping quickly to her and taking the paper easily) Why, what is it? (a half-glance at the paper as he takes it) Edith. Ifs a — (hesitates slightly. Recovers at SECRET SERVICE 89 once and looks up at him brightly) That's what I want you to tell me. Thokne. (looking at the paper) Oh — ^you don't know! Edith, (shaking her head slightly) No. (stands waiting — eyes averted) (Thoene glances quickly at her an instant on peculiar tone of " no ") Thobne. (looking again at the paper) A note from someone? Edith. It might be. Thoene. (glancing about) Well, it's pretty dark here ! (glances e. toward low-turned lamp on desk. Grosses to it) If you'll excuse me I'll turn up this lamp a little more — (going e. to desk) then we can see what it is. (turns up lamp. Lights on foot 1-2) There we are ! (looks at paper. As soon as he sees it, looks front quickly showing that he recognizes it. But no start. Slow turn to Edith. Then looks at the paper again — Beads as if with difficulty) " At- tack .... to-night" .... There's something about " Attack to-night " — (turns to Edith) Could you make out what it was ? (Edith shakes head negatively. Her lips move, but she cannot speak. She turns away.) (Thoene looks at her a second — then a slow turn of head, looking up stage — then turns to examine the paper again) "Attack .... to-night .... plan .... three." (Looks up to front as if considering. Repeats) Plan three! (Considering again — slight laugh) 'Well— this thing must he a puzzle of some kind, Miss Varney. (Turning to Edith) _ Edith, (slowly. Strained voice, as if forcing herself to speak) It was taken from a Yankee pris- oner ! Thoene. (instantly coming from former easy at- titude into one showing interest and surprise. Look- 90 SECRET SERVICE ing at Edith) So! — Yankee prisoner eh? {while speaking he is instinctively holding paper in right hand as if to look at it again when he finishes speak- ing to Edith) Edith. Yes — down in Libby ! — He gave it to one of our servants — old Jonas ! Thoene. (turns quickly to paper) Why here! This might be something — (Looks again at the paper) " Attack to-night — plan three — use Tele- graph — " (second's pause. He looks up front) Use telegraph! (turns quickly to Edith and goes toward her) This might be something important Miss Varney ! Looks like a plot on our Department Telegraph Lines ! Who did Jonas give it to ? Edith. No one ! Thoene. Well — how — ^how — (interrupted) Edith. We took it away from him ! Thoene. Oh! (long 'Oh' of 'How could you.' Starting at once as if to cross above Edith to l.) That was a mistake ! Edith, (detaining him. Speaks rapidly — almost a whisper) What are you going to do ? Thoene. (strong. Determined) Find that nigger and make him tell who this paper was for — he's the man we want! (crossing back of her to L. and up toward door) Edith, (turning quickly to him) Cap'n Thome — they've lied about you ! Thoene. (wheeling round like a flash^and coming down quickly L. of her) Lied about me! What do you mean? (seizing her hands and looking in her face to read what it is) Edith. (quick — breathless — very low — almost whisper) Don't be angry — I didn't think it would be like this ! Thoene. (with great force) Yes — ^but what have you done ? Edith, (breaking loose from him and crossing to SECRET SERVICE 91 L.) No! (almost a quick cry spohen close on his speech) Thoenb. (as she crosses before him — trying to de- tain her) But I must know ! {Heavy sound of door outside l. and of steps and voices in the hall — 'Here! This way!' etc.) CoEPOEAL. (off L. SpeaJcing outside door up l.) This way ! Look out on that side will you ? (Thoene stands near c. listening.) Edith. Oh! (going rapidly up l.) — I don't want to be here ! (she exits door up L. and goes up stairs out of the way of the soldiers. Thokne in- stantly iachs down to e. of c. drawing revolver and stands ready for attack from up l.) (Enter at once on exit of Edith, Coepoeai with two men at door up l. They cross rapidly toward window up e. — Coepoeal leading, carrying a lighted lantern. Thoeite, seeing Coepoeal, at once breaks position and moves across towards up c. as men cross, watching Coepoeal who is up E. c.) CoBFOBAJs. (near window up n.) Out here! Look out now ! (The men exit at window up E.) Thoene. (quick on Coepoeal's speech so as to stop him at n. c.) What is it Corporal? (putting revolver back into holster) (Thoene stands up c. in light of calcium from win- dow up E. facing Coepoeal e.) Coepoeal. (turning at up e. and saluting) Pris- oner sir — ^broke out o' Libby ! We've run him down the street— ie turned in here somewhere! If he 92 SECRET SERVICE comes in that way would you be good enough to let us know! (pointing to the window down s.) Thokne. Go on, Corporal ! (starts across to win- dow down E.) I'll look out for this window I (Exit CoEPOEAL window up E.) (Thoene strides rapidly to window down E. — Pushes curtains hacTc each side and stands within the window looking of. Right hand on revolver. L. hand holding curtains hack. Moonlight on through window down E. across stage and also from window up E. Dead pause for an instant. Suddenly the two men who crossed with Coe- POEAL appear at window up E. holding Henet DiTMONT. With a sudden movement they force him on through the window and disappear quickly outside of to E. Dumont stands where he landed up e. c. looking hack through win- dow not comprehending what is going on. He gives a quick glance about the room. Dumont wears uniform of United States Cavalry, worn with service. He is pale as from lack of food — but not emaciated or ill. Hold this Tableau: — Thoene down e. standing motionless near win- dow waiting — Dumont up e. c, holding position he struck on entrance. Enough light on him to show the blue United States uniform. After a second's pause Dumont turns from the window and looks slowly about the room, taking in the various points like a caged animal, turning his head very slowly as he looks one way and another. Soon he moves a few steps down e. c. and pauses. Turns and makes out a doorway up L., and after a glance round, he walks rapidly toward it. Just before he reaches the door there is a slight sound outside, and the blades of two or three bayonets come down into position through the cwrtains^ SECRET SERVICE 93 showing at the door and barring his exit. He stops on seeing the bayonets. Slight click of bayonets striking together as they come into po- sition. Set light outside window E. to strike across on blades of bayonets.) {On noise of bayonets up L. Thokne turns quickly and moves a few steps into the room, trying to see who is there. He sees Dumont up l. and stands looking across at him. Bayonets with- drawn at once after they are shown. Dumont turns from the door and begins to move slowly down stage at L., along the wall. Just as he is coming around table down L. toward c. he sees Thoene and stops dead. Both men motionless, their eyes upon each other. Hold it several seconds. Dumostt makes a start as if to escape through window up E., moving across toward it.) Thokne. (quick and loud order as Dumont starts toward window) Halt ! — You're a prisoner ! (Dumont, after instant's hesitation on Thoene's order, starts rapidly toward window up e. Thoene heads him off, meeting him up E. c. and seizes him.) Thoene. '(as he heads Dumont off) Halt! I say! (The two men struggle together, moving quickly down stage to l. c, very close to front — get- ting as far as possible from those who are watching them.) Thoene. (loud voice, as they struggle down stage) here's your man Corporal ! What are you doing there? 94 SECRET SERVICE DuMONT. (when down as far as possible — holding Thoene motionless an instant and hissing out be- tween his teeth, without pause or inflection on words) ATTACK TO-NIGHT— PLAN THEEE — TELEGEAPH— DO YOU GET IT? Thoene. (quick on it) YES ! (This dialogue in capitals shot at each other with great force and rapidity — and so low that peo- ple outside door up l. could not hear.) DuMONT. (low voice — almost whisper) They're watching us ! Shoot me in the leg ! Thoene. (holding Dumont motionless) No no ! I can't do that! Dumont. You must! Thoene. (quick on it) I can't sheet my own brother ! Dumont, It's the only way to throw 'em off the scent ! Thoene. Well I won't do it anyhow! Dumont. If you won't do it I will! Give me that revolver! (pushing left arm out to get re- volver) Thoene. (holding Dumont's arm bach motion- less) No no Harry! You'll hurt yourself! Dumont. (beginning struggle to get revolver) I don't care ! Let me have it ! (etc., as they strug- gle up c.) (They struggle quickly up c. a little to e. — so that they are in light from window down e.) Thoene. (calling out as he struggles up c. with Dumont) Here's your man Corporal ! What's the matter with you! Dumont. (holding Thoene motionless up c. in light and trying to get at his revolver) Give me that gun! SECRET SERVICE 95 Thoene. (as DuMONT holds him up c. and is just getting revolver) (Loud — aspirated — sharp!) Look out Harry! You'll hurt yourself! {Gets his R. hand on revolver to hold it) (Dumont manages with his L. to wrench Thoene's hand loose from the revolver and hold it up while he seizes the weapon with his E. hand and pulls it out of the holster. At the same time he shoves Thokne off to E.) Thoene. (as Dumont throws him off B.) Look out! (this follows right on last speech 'hurt your- self ') . (DuMONT m,oves back to up c. attempting to fire the gun at himself. Before Thoene can recover and turn at right Dumont fires. There is a quick sharp scream from ladies outside L. Dumont with a groan, staggers down toward c. and falls mortally wounded holding the revolver in his hand until he is down and thefi releasing it, so that Thoene can find it near.) Thoene. (hack against chair at e. — which he was flung against and nearly upset. On shot and scream) Harry — ^you've shot yourself! (instantly on this he dives for the revolver that Dumont has dropped and gets it, coming up on same motion with it in right hand and stands in careless attitude just over Dumont's body to e. of it. Men's voices heard outside up L. Aeeelsfoed giving an order) (Enter Aeeelsfoed and men from door up left, followed by Edith, Mes. Vaenet and Miss KiTTEiDGE. — Enter Coepoeal and men from the window up e. Aeeelsfoed runs at once to table up G. and turns up lamp. Others stand on tableau — Mes. Vaenet and Edith at left Miss Kitteidge up l. Men in doorway and up E. c. — near window. Aeeelsfoed's cue to enter is Thoene's getting revolver. Others on with him, with quick exclamations as helow, and 96 SECRET SERVICE stand at once on tableau — so that Thoene's line comes right on their entrance and lights up and all quiet.) (Lights full on instantly on Aekelsfoed reaching lamp. Should come nearly on entrance of people) Aeeelsfokd, Mes. Vaenet, Edith, Miss Kit- TEIDGE, COKPORAL, Men. (as they enter) Where is he ! What has he done ! He's shot the man ! This way now! (etc. etc. These different exclamations nearly together as they rush into the room) (Exclamations stop at once on lights on.) Thoene. (with careless swing of revolver across him toward c. as he brings it up to put back into holster — as the people stop quiet) There's your prisoner Corporal — ^look out for him ! (stands at E. c. putting revolver bach into holster) CUETAIF Time of playing — 23 minutes. Wait between Acts II and III — 9 minutes. ACT III Scenes: — The War Department Telegraph Office. Ten o^clock Plain and somewhat battered and grimy room. Stained and smoky walls. Large windows — the glass covered with grime and cobwebs. Plaster off walls and ceiling in some places. All this from neglect — not from bomba/rdrnent. It is q, SECRET SERVICE 97 room in a public building which was formerly somewhat handsome. Moldings and stucco- work broken and discolored. It is on the second floor of the building. Very large and high door or double doors up E. c. obliqued. This door opens to a corridor showing plain corridor-backing of a public building. This door must lead off well to k. so that it shall not interfere with window showing street up l. c. Three wide French windows up L. c. obliqued a little — opening down to floor, with balcony outside extending E. and l. and showing several massive white columns, bases at balcony and extending up out of sight as if for several stories above. Part of the building with columns shown in perspective, as if a wing. Backing of windows showing night view of city roofs and buildings as from height of second floor. Large disused fireplace with elaborate marble mantel in bad repair and very dirty on E. side behind telegraph tables. Door up c. opening to cupboard with shelves on which are Battery Jars and Telegraph Office truck of various kinds. Room lighted by gas on E. to turn out easily on stage. Show even- ing through window up l. — dark, with lights of buildings very faint and distant, keeping general effect outside window of darkness — to avoid distracting attention from interior of room. Electric Calciums (moonlight) to throw on at window on cues and also hold it on the massive white columns — and on the characters who go out on the balcony. Corridor outside door up E. c. not strongly illuminated. In the room itself fair light but not brilliant. Plain, solid table with telegraph instruments down 98 SECERT SERVICE E. c. Other tables with instruments along wall at right side. Table down e. c. braced to looh as if fastened securely to the floor. Also see that wire connections are properly made from all the instruments in the room to wires run- ning up the wall on right side, thence across along ceiling to up l. and out through broken lights in upper part of windows up L. This large bunch of wires leading out, in plain sight, is most important. Large office clock over mantel set at 10 o'clock at opening and to run without fail during the Act. Two instruments A. and D. on table down e. c. — A. is at R. end of table and is only one used at that table, d. being for safety, b. and c. on long table against fireplace. B. is at lower end of table, c. at upper end; one chair at table down E. c. Two chairs at table E. One chair up c. No sound of cannonading in this Act. (At opening there are two operators at work, one at table down e. c. one at one of the tables on E. side. They are in old gray uniforms, but in shirt sleeves. Coats are hung up or thrown on chairs one side. Give busy click-effects of in- struments — but do not over-do it. After first continued clicking for a moment there are occasional pauses. Messengers a. and b. near door up E. c. Messenger No. 3 in front of door c. talking to messenger No. 4 Messenger No. 2 looking out of middle window over l.) Second Opeeatoe. (Lieut. Allison) (At table H. instrument B. finishing writing a dispatch) Ready here! (Messenger a. steps quickly forward and takes dispatch) Department! The Secretary must have it to-night! (Messengee salutes and SECRET SERVICE 99 exits quickly at door up e. with dispatch. Short pause. Other Messengee standing on attention) FiEST Opeeatoe. (Lieut. Poeat) {At table down E. 0. instrument a.) Eeady here ! (Messengee b. — steps quickly down and takes dispatch from Fiest Opeeatoe) To the President — General Watson — marked private ! (Messengee b., salutes and of quickly door up e.) {Business continues a short time as before. Second Opeeatoe at e. moves to another instrument when it begins to click and answers call) (Messengee 1. enters hurriedly at door up e. and comes down L. of table K. c. with dispatch.) Messengee 1. Major Bridgman! PiEST Opeeatoe. {looking up from work) Bridgman! Where's that? Messengee 1. {glances at dispatch) Long- street's Corp. Fiest Opeeatoe. That's yours Allison, '{resumes work at instrument a.) (Second Opeeatoe holds out hand for dispatch. Messengee 1 crosses back of table e. c. gives it to him and exits at door up k. Bus. continues as before. Second Opeeatoe sends message on in- instrument B. Sound of hand of music in dis- tance beginning very pp. increasing very grad- ually. Messengees go to windows up L. and look out but glance now and then at operators.) Messengee 2. {opening c. window and looking out while music is coming on and still distant) What's that going up Main Street? Messenger 3. {looks out) Eichmond Grays! Messengees 2 and 4. {together) Fo! {All look out through middle window up l.) 100 SECRET SERVICE Messengee 2. That's what they are, sure enough 1 Messenger 3. They're sending 'em down the river Messengee 2. Not to-night ! Messengee 4. Seems like they was, though! Messenger 3. I didn't reckon they'd send the Grays out without there was something going on ! Messenger 4. How do you know but what there is? Messenger 2. To-night! Why good God! It's as quiet as a tomb! " Messenger 4. Ah reckon that's what's worrying 'em! It's so damned unusual! (Sound of hand gradually dies away. Before music dies away. First Operator finishes a dispatch from instrument a. and calls.) First Operator. Eeady here! (Messenger 3. down to him to l. of table r. c. and takes dispatch) Department — from General Lee — duplicate to the President ! (Messenger 3 salutes and exits quickly up R. Busi- ness goes on. Enter an Oedeelt, door up e. Ooes quickly down to First Opeeatoe. Mes- SENGEEs 2 and 4 stand, talking near windows l.) Oedeely. (l. of table e. c. salutes) The Secre- tary wants to know if there's anything from General Lee come in to-night? FiEST Opeeator. Just sent one over an' a dupli- cate went out to the President. Orderly. The President's with the Cabinet yet — he didn't go home! They want an operator right quick to take down a cipher. Fiest Opeeatoe. {calling out to Second Opera- tor) Got anything on, Charlie? Second Opeeatoe. Fot right now! SECRET SERVICE 101 First Operator. Well go over to the Depart- ment — they want to take down a cipher. (Second Operator gets coat and exits door up e. putting coat ori^as he goes, followed by the Orderly who came for him. Business and clich of^ instruments goes on. Boor up R. is opened from outside by a couple of young officers in showy and untarnished uniforms, who stand in most polite attitudes waiting for a lady to pass in. First Operator very busy writing at table e. c. talcing message from instrument A but stops this message for Caroline scene.) First Young Officer. Eight this way. Miss Mit- ford! Second Young Officer. Allow me, Miss Mit- ford! This is the Department Telegraph ofiBce! (Enter at the door up e. Caroline Mitford. The young officers follow her in. Martha enters after the officers, and waits near door well up stage.) Caroline, (coming down c. as she comes in, speaks in rather subdued manner and without vivac- ity, as if her mind were upon what she came for — hardly giving a thought to the young officers) Thank you! First Young Officer, (on her l.) Ah'm afraid you've gone back on the Army, Miss Mitford! (Caroline loohs at First Young Officer question- ingly.) Caroline, (c.) Gone where? Second Young Officer, (on Caroline's e.) Seems like we ought to a' got a salute as you went by I 102 SECRET SERVICE Caroline. Oh yes ! {salutes in perfunctory and absent-minded manner and turns away glancing about room and moving down a step or two) Good evening ! {nodding to one of the Messenger's wait- ing up L. 0.) Messenger 2. {touching cap and stepping quichly to Caroline l. of First Young Officer) Good evening, Miss Mitford! Could we do anything for you in the ofiBee to-night? (Messenger a. remains up near upper window l.) Caroline. Ah want to send a telegram! {The three officers stand looTcing at Caroline quieted for a moment ty her serious tone.) Second Young Officer. Ah'm afraid you've been havin' bad news, Miss Mitford? Caroline, (c.) No — {shaking her head) no! First Young Officer, (l. o.) Maybe some friend o' yours has gone down to the front ! Caroline, {beginning to be interested) Well — supposing he had — would you call that bad news? First Young Officer. Well Ah didn't know as you'd exactly like to Caroline. Then let me tell you — as you didn'j/ know — that all my friends go down to the front ! Second Young Officer, I hope not all Miss Mitford ! Caroline. Yes — all! If they didn't they wouldn't be my friends. First Young Officer. But some of us are obliged to stay back here to take care of you. Caroline. Well there's altogether too many try- ing to take care of me! You're all discharged! {crosses to L. corner) (Messenger No. 3 enters door up e. c. and joins SECRET SERVICE 103 Messengee No. 4 up l. o. near upper window. Officers fall tack a little, looking rather foolish hut entirely good-natured.) Second Youkg Officek. (c. good-naturedly) If we're really discharged Miss Mitford, looks like we'd have to go! First Young Officer, (l. c.) Yes — ^but we're mighty sorry to see you in such bad spirits Miss Mitford ! Second Young Officer and Messenger 3. l. c. and c. together) Yes indeed we are, Miss Mitford ! Caroline, (l. turning) Would you like to put me in real good spirits? First Young Officer. Would we ! Second Young Officer. You try us once ! Messenger 3. Ah reckon there ain't anything we'd like bettah! Caroline, (l.) Then Ah'll tell you just what to do ! {they listen eagerly) Start out this very night and never stop till you get to where my friends are — lying in trenches and ditches and earthworks between us and the Yankee guns! ''^ Second Young Officer, First Young Officer, Messenger 3. {remonstrating) But really. Miss — you don't mean — (etc.) Caroline. Fight Yankees a few days and lie in ditches a few nights till those uniforms you've got on look like they^d been some use to somebody! If you're so mighty anxious to do something for me, that's what you can do! {turning away to l.) It's the only thing Ah want! {The young officers stand rather discouraged an in- stant L. c.) First Operator. {business) Ready here! ^Messenger 3 steps quickly down to l. of talle e. c.) 104 SECRET SERVICE Department ! Commissary General's office ! (Mes- senger 3 salutes, takes dispatch and exits up e. c. Messenger 2 returns to Messengr 4 during this, and stands with him near window up l. c.) (Messenger a. enters quicTcly at door up E. c. and comes down to Operator 1, l. of table e. o. handing him a dispatch and at once makes his exit again doors E. c. First and Second Young Officers exit dejectedly at door up e. c. after this Messengee.) Caeoline. (going across with determined air to E. c. near Opeeatoe 1 when she sees an opportunity) Oh Lieutenant Poray! (accent on "Oh") FiEST Opeeatoe. (turns and rises quickly with half salute. Caroline gives a little attempt at a military salute) I beg your pardon, Miss ! (grabs at his coat which is on a chair or table near at e. and hastily starts to put it on) I didn't know Caroline, (up c. a little. Remonstrating) No no — don't ! Ah don't mind. You see — Ah came on business ! First Operator, (puts on coat) Want to send something out? Caroline. Yes I FiEST Operator, (going to her, crossing lack of table E. c.) 'Fraid we can't do anything for you here! This is the "War Department, Miss. Caeoline. Ah know that — ^but it's the on'y way to send, an' Ah — (sudden loud click of instrument on instrument B. Table E. Fiest Operator turns and listens) First Operator, (crossing bach of table e. c.) Excuse me a minute, won't you? (going to instru- ment on lower table E. and answering. Writing down message, etc.) Caroline. Yes — Ah will, (a trifle disconcerted, stands uneasily up c.) SECRET SERVICE 105 FiBST Opeeatoe. Ready here! (Messengee 3 down quickly to L. of Fiest Opeeatoe at table e.) Department ! Quick as you can — ^they're waiting for it ! (Messestgee 2 takes dispatch — salutes and exits at door up e. First Opeeatoe rises and crosses to Caeoline who is up c. To Caeoline) Now what was it you wanted us to do, Miss? Caroline, (c.) Just to {short gasp) to send a telegram. Fiest Opeeatoe. (e. c.) I reckon ifs private business ? Caeoline. (c. Looking at him with wide open eyes) Ye — yes ! It's — ^private ! First Opeeatoe. Then you'll have to get an order from some one in the department, {goes down to back of table e. c. and picks up papers) Caeoline. That's what Ah thought {taking out a paper) so Ah got it. {hands it to Opeeatoe) Fiest Opeeatoe. {glancing at paper) Oh — Major Selwin! Caroline. Yes — ^he — ^he's one of my Fiest Opeeatoe. Ifs all right then! {instru- ment B. calls. Quickly picks up a small sheet of paper and a pen and places them on table L. c. near Caeoline and pushes chair up with almost the same movement) You can write it here Miss, {this is on upper side of the telegraph table down E. c.) Caeoline. Thank you. {sits at table — looks at small sheet of paper — picks out large sheet — smooths it out. Business of writing) (First Operator returns to table at down e. and answers call and sits — writes hurriedly, taking down dispatch. Caroline earnestly writing — pausing an instant to think once or twice and a nervous glance toward First Opeeatoe. Fiest Opeeatoe very busy. Maetha standing mo- tionless up stage, waiting — her eyes fixed on the 106 SECRET SERVICE telegraph instruments. Caroline 6ms. of start and drawing away suspiciously on loud click of instrument A. near her. Moves over to L. side of table, looking suspiciously at the instrument — puts pen in mouth — gets ink on tongue — makes wry face. Caroline carefully folds up her despatch when she has written it, and turns down a corner. First Operator when nearly through, motions to Messenger 4 and speaks hurriedly.) First Operator, (still writing) Here! (Mes- senger 4 comes down quickly L. of First Operator and business) Department! Try to get it in be- fore the President goes! (handing Messenger 4 dispatch. Messenger 4 salutes and exits at door up R. First Operator rising, to Caroline) Is that ready yet, Miss? Caroline, (rising, hesitating, getting l. of and a little above table R. c.) Yes, but I — (finally starts to hand it up to him) Of course you've — (hesitates) You've got to take it! First Operator, (near Caroline on her b. A brief puzzled look at her) Yes, of course. (She hands him the dispatch. He at once opens it.) Caroline, (sharp scream) Oh! (quickly seizes the paper out of his hand. They stand looking at one another a little L. of and above table r. c.) Ah didn't tell you to read it ! First Operator, (after look at her) What did you want? Caroline. Ah want you to send it! First Operator. How am I going to send it if I don't read it? Caroline, (after looking at him in consternor tion) Do — ^you — ^mean — ^to — saj-y SECRET SERVICE 107 FiEST Opeeatoe. I've got to spell out every word ! Didn't you know that? Caeoline. {sadly, and shaking her head from side to side) Oh — Ah must have — ^but Ah — (Caeoline pauses trying to thinh what to do) FiEST Opeeatoe. Would there be any harm in my Caeoline. (turning on him with sudden vehem- ence) Why Ah wouldn't have you see it for worlds ! My gracious ! (she soon opens the dispatch and looks at it) FiEST Opeeatoe. (good-naturedly) Is it as bad as all that! Caeoline. Bad ! It isn't bad at all ! On'y — Ah only don't want it to get out all over the town — that's all ! PiEST Opeeatoe. It won't ever get out from this ofiBce, Miss. (Caeoline looks steadfastly at Fiest Opeeatoe) We wouldn't be allowed to mention anything outside ! Caeoline. (a doubtful look at him) You wouldn't ! Fiest Opeeatoe. Fo Miss. All sorts of private stuff goes through here. Caeoline. (with new hope) Does it? Fiest Opeeatoe. Every day ! Now if that's any- thing important Caeoline. (impulsively) yes — it's — (recov- ering herself) — it is ! Fiest Opeeatoe. Then I reckon you'd better trust it to me. (Caeoline looks at Opeeatoe a moment.) Caeoline. Ye — yes — Ah reckon Ah had! (she hesitatingly hands him her telegram) [(Fiest Opeeatoe takes the paper and at once turns 108 SECRET SERVICE away to the table e. as if to go to "business of sending it on instrument B.) Caeoline. (quicMy) Oh stop! (First Opera- tor turns and looks at her from table down E.) "Wait till I — (going up stage toward door hurriedly) Ah don't want to be here — while you spell out every word! Ah couldn't stand that! (First Operator stands good-naturedly waiting. Caroline takes hold of Martha to start out of door with her. Enter Eddinger — a private in a gray uniform — at door up R. Caroline and Martha stand back out of his way. He glances at them and at once goes down to First Opera- tor on his L., salutes and hands him a written order and crosses in front of table E. c. to L. c, wheels and stands at attention facing e. First Operator looks at the order, glances at Eddinger, then at Caroline. Caroline and Martha move as if to go out at door up E.) First Operator. Wait a minute, please ! (stand- ing near table down r. Caroline and Maetha stop and turn toward First Opeeatoe) Are. you Miss Mitford? Caroline. Yes — ^Ah'm Miss Mitford! First Operator. I don't understand this ! Here's an order just come in to hold back any dispatch you give us. Caroline, (after looking speechless at First Operator a moment) Hold back any — ^hold back — First Operator. Yes Miss. And that ain't the worst of it! Caroline. Wh — what else is there? (comes down c. a little way looking at First Operator with wide open eyes. Martha remains up near door up B.) SECRET SERVICE 109 First Opekatoe. (e.) This man has orders to take it back with him. (slight pause) Caeoline. (c.) Take it back with him? Take what back with him? FiEST Opeeatoe. (near table down e.) Your dis- patch Miss. (Caeoline simply opens mouth and slowly draws in Tier breath) There must be some mistake, but that's what the order says. Caeoline. (with unnatural calmness) And where does it say to take it back to? FiEST Opeeatoe. (looJcs at the order) The name is Arrelsford! (brief pause) Caeoline. The order is for that man — (indicat- ing Eddingee l. 0.) to take my dispatch back to Mr. Arrelsford? FiEST Opeeatoe. Yes Miss. Caeoline. An' does it say anything in there about what Ah'm goin' to be doin' in the meantime? FiEST Opeeatoe. ISTo. Caeoline. That's too bad ! Fiest Opeeatoe. I'm right sorry this has oc- curred Miss, and — (interrupted) Caeoline. Oh — (shaking head) there isn't any occasion for your feeling sorry — ^because it hasn't occurred ! And besides that it isn't goin' to occur ! (becoming excited) When it does you can go aroun' bein' sorry all you like! Have you got the faintest idea that Ah'm goin' to let him take my telegram away with him and show it to that man! Do you suppose Maetha. (coming forward a step from up E. c. near the door. Breahing in in a voice lihe a siren) No, sir ! You ain't a goin' ter do it — you can be right sure you ain't! Fiest Opeeatoe. (e.) But what can I do, Miss? Caeoline. (c. advancing) You can either send it or hand it back to me — ^that's what you can do! no SECRET SERVICE Martha, (calling out from up e. c.) Yes suh — that's the very best thing you can do ! An' the sooner you do it the quicker it'll be done — Ah kin tell you that right now I First Opeeatoe. But this man has come here with orders to Caeoline. (going defiantly to Eddingee and facing him) Well this man can go straight back and report to Mr. Arrelsford that he was unable to carry out his orders ! (defiant attitude toward Ed- dingee L. c.) That's what he can do ! Maetha. (from up e. c. — now thoroughly roused and coming to a sense of her responsibility) Let 'ira take it! Let 'im take it ef he wants to so pow'fle bad! Just let the other one there give it to him — an' then see 'im try an' git out through this do' with it ! (standing solidly before door up E. C. with folded arms and ominously shaking head. Maetha talks and mumbles on half to herself) Ah want to see him go by! Ah'm just a' waitin' fur a sight o' him gittin' past dis do' ! That's what ah'm waitin' fur ! (goes on talking half to herself, quieting down grad- ually) Ah'd like to know what they s'pose it was Ah comeda round yere for anjrway — these men with their orders an' fussin' an' FiEST Opeeatoe. (down e. when quiet is restored) Miss Mitford, if I was to give this dispatch back to you now it would get me into a heap o' trouble. Caeoline. (c. looking at him) What kind of trouble ? FiEST Opeeatoe. (e.) Might be put in prison — might be shot! Caroline. You mean they might First Opeeatoe. Sure to do one or the other! Caeoline. Just for givin' it back to me? First Operator. That's all. Caroline, (after looking silently at First Opeea- toe a moment) Then you'll have to keep it! SECRET SERVICE 111 First Operator, (after slight pause, sincerely) Thank you Miss Mitford! Caroline, (a sigh — reconciling herself to the situation) Very well — that's understood ! You don't give it back to me — an' you can't give it to him — so nobody's disobeying any orders at all! (going up and getting a chair from up C. and bringing it for- ward) And that's the way it stands! (banging chair down to emphasize her words close to Eddingee and directly between him and the First Operator, then plumps herself down on the chair and facing e., loolcs unconcerned) Ah reckon Ah can stay as long as he can ! (half to herself) Ah haven't got much to do! First Operator. But Miss Mitford Caroline. Now there ain't any good o' talkin'! If you've got any telegraphin' to do you better do it. Ah won't disturb you! (Rapid steps heard in corridor outside up R. Enter Mr. AitEELSFORD door up r. coming in hurriedly, somewhat flushed and excited. He loolcs hastily about, and goes at once down H. o. toward First Operator.) Arrelsford. (b. 0.) Whaf s this ! Didn't he get here in time? First Operator, (b.) Are you Mr. Arrelsford? Arrelsford. Yes. (sharp glance at Caroline) Are you holding back a dispatch? First Operator. Yes sir. Arrelsford. Why didn't he bring it? First Operator. Well, Miss Mitford — (hesitates, with a motion toward Caroline) Arrelsford. (comprehending) Oh! (crosses back of Caroline and Eddinger to l.) Eddinger! (Eddinger wheels to l. facing him) Eeport back to Corporal Matson. Tell him to send a surgeon to 112 SECRET SERVICE ^ the prisoner who was wounded at General Varney's house — if he isn't dead by this time ! {moves over to L. as Eddingek goes up. Cakoline turns and looks at Areelsfoed on hearing cue " prisoner," rising at same time and pushing chair lack up c. Eddin- GEE salutes and exits quickly up E. c, going hack of Caeoline. Aeeelsfoed turns and starts toward PiEST Opeeatoe) Let me see what that dispatch — (FiEST Opeeatoe stands e. with Caeoline's dispatch in his hand. Caeoline steps quickly in front of Aeeelsfoed. Aeeelsfotd stops in some sur- prise at Caeoline's sudden move.) Caeoline. (facing Aeeelsfoed) Ah expect you think you're going to get my telegram an' read it? Aeeelsfoed. (l. c.) I certainly intend to do so! Caeoline. (c.) Well there's a great big disap- pointment loomin' up right in front of you ! Aeeelsfoed. (with suspicion) So ! You've been trying to send out something you don't want us to see Caeoline. What if Ah have? Aeeelsfoed. Just this ! You won't send it— and I'll see it! {about to pass Caeoline) This is a case where — (Caeoline steps in front of Ae- eelsfoed again so that he has to stop) Caeoline. This is a case where you ain't goin' to read my private writin' {stands looking at him with Mazing eyes) Aeeelsfoed. Lieutenant — I have an order here putting me in charge ! Bring that dispatch to me ! (FiEST Opeeatoe about to move toward Aeeelsfoed with the dispatch. Maetha suddenly steps down in front of Fiest Opeeatoe with ponder- ous tread and stands facing him.) SECRET SERVICE 113 Maetha. (e. c.) Mistah Lieutenant can stay juss about whar he is! (brief pause) Abbelsfoed. (l. to PiEST Opeeatoh) Is that Miss Mitford's dispatch? FiEST Operatoe. (e.) Yes sir! Aeeelsfoed. Read it! (Caeoline turns with a gasp of horror. Maetha turns in slow anger. FiEST Opeeatoe stands surprised for an instant) Eead it out! Caeoline. You shan't do such a thing! You have no right to read a private telegram — (etc.) Maetha. {speaking with Caeoline) No sah! He ain't no business to read her letters — none what- somever! (etc.) Aeeelsfoed. (angrnZy) Silence! (Caroline and Maetha stop talking) If you interfere any further ■with the business of this oflSce I'll have you both put under arrest ! to Piest Opeeatoe) Eead that dispatch ! (Caroline gasps breathless at Aeeelsfoed — then turns and buries her face on Maetha's shoulder sobbing.) FiEST Opeeatoe. (reads with some difficulty) " forgive me — Wilfred darling — please — forgive me and I will help you all I can." Aeeelsfoed. That dispatch can't go! (turns and moves left a few steps) Caroline, (turning and facing Aeeelsfoed. Al- most calm with anger) That dispatch can go ! An' that dispatch will go ! (Aeeelsfoed turns and looks at Caeoline from l. Maetha moves up on right side ready to exit, standing well up c. and turning toward Aeeelsfoed) Ah know someone whose orders even you are bound to respect and someone who'll come here with me an' see that you do it! Aeeelsfoed. (l.) I can show good and sufBcient reasons for what I do ! 114 SECRET SERVICE Caroline, (c.) Well you'll have to show good and sufScienter reasons than you've shown to me — Ah can tell you that, Mr. Arrelsford! Aeeelsfoed. I give my reasons to my superiors, Miss Mitford ! Cakoline. Then you'll have to go 'round givin' 'em to everybody in Eichmond, Mr. Arrelsford ! {saying which Caroline makes a deep courtesy and turns and sweeps out through door up B. followed in the same spirit by Maetha who turns at the door and also mahes a profound courtesy to Aeeelsford, going off haughtily) (FiEST Opeeatoe sits down at table e. c. and begins to write. Aeeelspoed loolcs after Caeoline an instant and then goes rapidly over to Fiest Opeeatoe.) Aeeelspoed. Let me see that dispatch! Fiest Opeeatoe. (slight doubt) You said you had an order, sir. Aeeelspoed. (impatiently) Yes — yes ! (throws order down on telegraph table) Don't waste time ! (Fiest Opeeatoe pichs up order and loolcs closely at it for an instant.) Fiest Opeeatoe. Department order sir? Aeeelspoed. (assenting shortly) Yes. Fiest Opeeatoe. I suppose you're Mr. Arrels- ford all right? Aeeelspoed. Of course! Fiest Opeeatoe. We have to be pretty careful sir! (hands him Caeoline's telegram and goes on writing. Aeeelspoed takes Caeoline's telegram eagerly and reads it. ThinJcs an instant. Going toward L. to c. turns to First Opeeatoe) Aeeelspoed. (c.) Did she seem nervous or ex- cited when she handed this in? SECRET SERVICE 115 FiEST Opeeatoe. (at table e. c.) She certainly did! Aeeelsfoed. Anxious not to have it seen? FiEST Opeeatoe. Anxious ! I should say so ! She didn't want me to see it! Aeeelsfoed. We've got a case on here and she's mixed up in it ! FiEST Opeeatoe. But that dispatch is to young Varney — the General's son! Aeeelsfoed. (shortly) So much the worse ! It's one of the ugliest affairs we ever had ! I had them put me on it and I've got it down pretty close ! (going across to l. c.) We'll end it right here in this oflSce inside of thirty minutes ! (Enter a Peivate at door up e. He comes down at once to Aeeelsfoed.) Aeeelsfoed. (l. c. turning to Peivate) Well, what is it? Peivate. (l. c. e. of Aeeelsfoed. Reporting) The lady's here sir! Aeeelsfoed. Where is she? Peivate. Waiting down below — at the front en- trance. Aeeelsfoed. Did she come alone? Peivate. Yes sir. Aeeelsfoed. Show her the way up. (Private salutes and exits at door up e. Aeeelsfoed comes c. to PiEST Opeeatoe) I suppose you've got a revolver there? (Fisst Opeeatoe Irings up revolver in matter-of-fact way from beneath his table and puts it on table, resuming business of writing, etc.) I'd rather handle this thing myself— but I might call on you. Be ready — that's all! FiEST Opeeatoe. Yes sir. Aeeelsfoed. Obey any orders you get an' send out all dispatches unless I stop you. 116 SECRET SERVICE FiEST Opeeatoe. Very well sir. {Door up E. is opening ly the Peivate last on, and Edith is shown in. Aeeelsfoed meets her. The Peivate exits at door up E.) Edith, (c. pretty well up, in a low voice) I — I've accepted your invitation ! Aeeelsfoed. {up c. on Edith's l.) Fm greatly obliged Miss Varney ! As a matter of justice to me it was — (EiEST Opeeatoe puts revolver hack on shelf under table l. c.) Edith, {interrupting) I didn't come to oblige you! Fm here to see that no more — {pause) mur- ders are committed in order to satisfy your singular curiosity. Aeeelsfoed. {low voice) Where has he been? Aeeelsfoed. {after hrief pause) Is the man dead? Edith, '{looking at Aeeelsfoed steadily) The man is dead, {short pause) Aeeelsfoed. {going down l. o. a little turns to her. With cutting emphasis but low voice — so as not to he overheard) It's a curious thing, Miss Varney, that a Yankee prisoner more or less should make so much difference to you. They're dying down in Libby by the hundreds! Edith. At least they're not killed in our houses — before our very eyes! {Enter an Oedeelt who is a Special Agent of the War Department at door up E. He comes quickly in and crosses to Aeeelsfoed l. c. then glances round towa/rd Piest Opeeatoe. Aeeels- foed moves down stage to speak to the Oedeely. Edith remains up c.) Aeeelsfoed. (i. low voice) Well, have you kept track of him? SECRET SERVICE 117 Oederlt. (l. c. low voice) He's coming up Fourth Street, sir! Aeeelsfoed. {low voice) "Where has he been? Oedeelt. (low voice) To his quarters on Gary Street. We got in the next room and watched him through a transom. Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) What was he doing ? Oederly. (low voice) Working at some papers or documents. Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) Could you see them? Could you see what it was? Oedeelt. (low voice) Headings looked like orders from the War Department. Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) He's coming in here with forged orders! Oedeelt. (low voice) Yes sir. Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) His game is to get con- trol of these wires and then send out dispatches to the front that'll take away a battery from some vital point ! Oedeelt. (low voice) Looks like it sir. Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) And that vital point is what the Yankees mean by Plan Three! That's where they'll hit us. (glances round quickly consid- ering — goes up L. to above line of middle window — turns to Oedeelt) Is there a guard in this build- ing? Oedeelt. (going up near Aeeelsfoed on Ms e. low voice) Not inside — ^there's a guard in front and sentries around the barracks over in the square. Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) They could hear me from this window, couldn't they? Oedeelt. (low voice) The guard could hear you. (a glance toward door h.) He must be nearly here sir, you'd better look out ! Edith, (up c. low voice) Where shall I go? Aeeelsfoed. (up l. low voice) Outside here- on the balcony — I'll be with you! 118 SECRET SERVICE Edith, (low voice) But — if he comes to the window ! Areelsford. (low voice) "We'll step in at the next one. {to Okdbrlt) See if the window of the Commissary-General's office is open. (Oedeelt crosses Akeelsfoed and steps quicTcly out of window up L. through middle window, and goes off along halcony to L. He returns at once re-entering through middle window.) Oedeelt. The next window's open sir. Aeeelsfoed. That's all I want of you — report back to Corporal Matson. Tell him to get the body of that prisoner out of the Varney house — ^he knows where it's to go! Oedeelt. Very well sirl (salutes, crosses and exits door up R.) Aeeelsfoed. (to Edith) This way please! (conducts Edith out through middle window to the balcony up L. She exits to L. Aeeelsfoed is closing the window to follow when he sees a Messenger enter up E. and thereupon he stops just in the window keeping out of sight behind window frame) (Enter Messenger 1 at door up e. c. Ee takes his position up stage waiting for messages as before. Aeeelsfoed eyes him sharply an instant — then comes forward a step.) Aeeelsfoed. (from window up l.) Where did you come from? Messengee 1. (up c.) War Department sir. Aeeelsfoed. Carrying dispatches? Messengee 1. Yes sir. Aeeelsfoed. You know me don't you? Messengee 1. I've seen you at the office sir. SECRET SERVICE 119 Aeeelsfoed. I'm here on Department business. All you've got to do is to keep quiet about it ! {Exit Aeeelsfoed at middle window up L. which he closes after him and then disappears from view along balcony to L. Messengee 1 moves well over up l.) (Enter Messengee 2 at door up E. c. He takes his place at up l. with Messengee 1. Fiest Opee- ATOE busy at table e. c. Moment's wait. Enter Captain Thoenb at door up e. c. As he comes down he gives one quick glance about the room and to L. but almost instantly to front again, so that it would hardly be noticed. He wears cap and carries an order in his belt. Thoenb goes down at once to L. of table E. o. and faces Piest Opeeatoe.) Thoene. {saluting) Lieutenant! {hands Fiest Opeeatoe the order which he carried in his belt.) (PiEST Opeeatoe turns, sees Thoene, rises, saluting briefly, takes the order, opens and looks at it.) FiEST Opeeatoe. Order from the Department. {moves E. a little to give Thoene chance to get to back of table) Thoene. {motionless, facing fo e.) I believe so. {quickly glances at door up e. as Opeeatoe is look- ing at the order) FiEST Opeeatoe. They want me to take a cipher dispatch ovah to the President's house. Thoene. {moving to take Fiest Opeeatoe's place at table — pulls chair back a little and then tosses cap over on table E.) Yes — I'm ordered on here till you get back, {goes to place back of table E. c. and stands arranging things on the table) Fiest Opeeatoe. {at table e. looking front or to E. a little) That's an odd thing. They told me 120 SECRET SERVICE the President was down here with the Cabinet ! He must have just now gone home I reckon. Thoene. (standing at table e. C. and arranging papers, etc. on it) Looks like it. — If he isn't there you'd better wait, (loolcing through a bunch of dis- patches as he speaks above) FiEST Opebatoe. (gets his cap from table e. puts it on. At table e.) Yes — I'll wait! (pause) You'll have to look out for Allison's wires, Cap'n. He was called ovah to the Department. (Thoene stops and looTcs front an instant on men- tion of Allison.) Thoene. (easy manner again) Ah ha — Allison! PissT Opeeatoe. Yes. Thoene. Be gone long? (Thoene business of throwing used sheets in waste-basTcet and fixing a couple of large envelopes ready for quick use) FiEST Opeeatoe. Well, you know how it is — they generally whip around quite a while before they make up their minds what they want to do. I don't expect they'll trouble you much! It's as quiet as a church down the river, (starting up toward door up E.) Thoene. (seeing a cigar on the table near instru- ment) See here — wait a minute — ^you'd better not walk out and leave a — no matter I (Fiest Opeeatoe stops and turns back to Thoene — comes c. a little) It's none of my business, (tapping with the end of a long envelope on table where the cigar is) Still, if you want some good advice, thaf s a dangerous thing to do! Fiest Opeeatoe. (coming down) What is it Cap'n? Thoene. Leave a cigar lying around this office like that! (picks it up with l. hand and lights a match with e.) Somebody might walk in here SECRET SERVICE 121 any minute and take it away! (about to light cigar) I can't watch your cigars all day {lighting cigar) FiEST Opekatoe. (laughing) Oh! Help your- self Cap'n! Thoene. (suddenly snatching cigar out of mouth with L. hand and looking at it) What's the matter with it? Oh well — I'll take a chance, (puts it in his mouth and resum,es lighting) [(PiEST Opeeatoe hesitates a moment, then goes down near Thoeke on his L., L. of table e. c.) FiEST Opeeatoe. (a little above Thoene, confi- dentially) Cap'n, if there's any trouble around here you'll find a revolver under there, (indicating shelf under table. Thoene stops lighting cigar an instant. Eyes motionless front. Match blazes up) Thoene. (at once resuming nonchalance — finish- ing lighting cigar) "What about that ? What makes you think — (pulling in to light cigar) there's going to be trouble ? PiEST Opeeatoe. Oh well, there might be! Thoene. (tossing m,atch away) Been having a dream ? PiEST Opeeatoe. Oh no — ^but you never can tell ! (starts up e. toward door) Thoene. (cigar in mouth. Going at papers again) That's right ! You never can tell. But see here — ^hold on a minute ! (reaching down and get- ting revolver from shelf and tossing it on table near L. end) If you never can tell you'd better take that along with you. I've got one of my own. (rather sotto voce) I can tell ! (CKch of instrument a. Thoene answers on in- strument A. at E. end of table e. c. and slides into chair.) 122 SECRET SERVICE First Opekatoe. Well, if you've got one here, I might as well, (takes revolver) Look out for yourself, Cap'n! (goes up. Instrument A. begins clicking off a message. Thoene sits at table k. o. listening and ready to take down what comes) Thoene. (listening to instrument at e.) Same to you old man — and many happy returns of the day! (Exit FiEST Opeeatoe door up e. c. Thoene writes message, Iriefly addresses long envelope. In- strument A. stops receiving as Thoene addresses envelope. Thoene 0. K.'s dispatch) Ready here! Messengee 1 down to Thoene and salutes l. of table E. c.) Quartermaster-General, (handing dis- patch to Messenger) Messenger 1. Not at his office, sir ! Thoene, Find him ! He's got to haTe it ! Messenger 1. Very well sir! (salutes. Exits quickly up R.) (Thoene turns slowly L. looking to see if there is a Messengee there. Sees there is one without looking entirely around. A second's wait. In- strument c. upper end of table R. begins to click. Thoene quickly rises and going to instrument c. answers call — on instrument — drops into chair up E. and writes message — puts it in, envelope. 0. K.'s call.) Thoene. Eeady here! (Messenger 3 goes quickly across to Thoene l. of table e. and salutes) Secretary of the Treasury — ^marked private. Take it to his house, (begins to read a dispatch he twitched off from a file) Messengee 2. He's down yere at the cabinet, sir. Thoene. Take it to his house and wait till he comes ! (Messengee 2 salutes and exits door up e. c. closing the door after him. On the slam of door after SECRET SERVICE 123 Messenger 2 Thoene crushes dispatch in e. hand and throws it to floor — and wheels front — his eyes on the instrument down E. c. All one quich movement. Then he rises and with cat-like swiftness springs to the door up R. and listens — opens the door a little and loohs off. Closes it quichly, turning swiftly to c. and opens the door up C. glancing in. Then goes to the window up L. c. — the nearest. Pushes it open a little and looTcs off through window and begins at same time to unbuckle belt and unbutton coat. Turns and moves down toward the telegraph table e. c. at same time throwing belt over to E. above E. table, and taking off coat. Glances back up l. — looks to see that a document is in breast pocket of coat — letting audience see that it is there — and lays coat over back of chair above table e. c. with document in sight so that he can get it without delay. Takes revolver from hip pocket and quickly but quietly lays it on the table E. c. just to right of the instrument and then seizes key of instrument A. and gives a certain call; ( — ) Waits. A glance rapidly to left. He is standing at table — cigar in mouth. Makes the call again: ( — ) Waits again. Gives the call third time : ( — . . ) Goes to lower end of table E. and half sits on it, folding arms, eyes on instrument, chewing cigar, with a glance or two up stage, but his eyes come quickly back to the instrument. Slides off table — takes cigar out of his mouth with L. hand and gives the call again with right : ( — ) putting cigar in mouth again and turning and walking up stage looking about. Soon he carelessly throws papers which he took from e. pocket — off up stage. Just as he throws papers — facing to L. — the call is 124 SECRET SERVICE answered: ( — ) Thoene is bach at the table K. c. in an instant and telegraph- ing rapidly — cigar in mouth. When he has sent for about five seconds steps are heard in corridor outside up h. Thoene quickly strilces a match — which is close at hand to E. of instru- ment — and sinks into the chair, appearing to be lazily lighting his cigar as a Messengee comes in at door up e. c. Messenger 4 enters as soon as he hears match strike at door up E. c. — He goes down at once to Thoene with dispatch. Salutes and extends it toward Thoene — on Thoene's left.) Messengee 4. Secretary of "War, Cap'n ! Wants to go out right now! (Thoene tosses away match, takes dispatch and opens it. Messengee 4 salutes, turns and starts up toward door) Thoene. Here ! Here ! "What's all this ! {look- ing at the dispatch. Messenger 4 returns to Thoene — salutes) Is that the Secretary's signa- ture? Messenger 4. Yes sir — I saw him sign it. (Thoene looks closely /it the signature. Turns it so as to get gas light. Turns and looks sharply at the Messengee. Back to dispatch again. Puts it on table and writes an 0. K. on it.) Thoene. (writing) TJia. hm — saw him sign it did you? Messengee 4. Yes sir. Thoene. (writing) Got to be a little careful to- night! (holding dispatch up from table in L. hand, so that audience can see it is the same one — with the Secretary's signature) Messengee 4. I can swear to that one, sir. {salutes — turns and goes up and exits at door up E.) SECRET SERVICE 125 (Thoene listens — faced front for exit of Messengeh. Dispatch in L. hand. Instantly on slam of door up L. 0. he puts cigar down at end of table, rises, laying the dispatch down flat on table. QuicMy folds and very dexterously and rapidly cuts off the lower part of the paper which has the signa- ture of the Secretary of War upon it, holds it between his teeth and tears the rest of the order in pieces, which he is on the point of throwing into waste-basket at l. of table when he stops and changes his mind, stuffing the torn-up dispatch into his E. hand trousers pocket. Picks up coat from lack of chair and takes the document out of inside breast pocket. Opens it out on table and quickly pastes to it the piece of the real order hearing the signature, wipes quickly with handkerchief, puts handkerchief back into pocket, picks up cigar which he laid down on table and puts it in mouth, at same time sitting and at once beginning to tele- graph rapidly on instrument a. rapid click of the instrument. Thorns intent, yet vigilant. During business of Thoene pasting dispatch, Aeeelseoed appears outside windows up l. at side of columns. He motions off toward L. Edith comes into view there also. Aeeelsfoed points toward Thoene, calling her attention to what he is doing. They stand at the window watching Thoene — the strong moonlight bring- ing them out sharply. After a few seconds Ae- eelsfoed accidentally makes a slight noise with latch of window. Instantly on this faint click of latch Thoene stops telegraphing and sits abso- lutely motionless — his eyes front. — Akeelsfoed and Edith exit quickly and noiselessly on balcony to l. Dead silence. After a motion- less pause, Thoene's hand very quietly glides from the telegraph instrument to the revolver — 126 SECRET SERVICE which is just to right of it, and raising i. hand to cigar to twist it or some movement to cover lus. he slides revolver off table at H. and gets it down on his E. side. He then begins io push things about on the table with L. hand as if looTc- ing for something and soon rises as if not able to find it, and looMng still more carefully. Thokne Iceeps revolver close against E. side — looJcs about on table, glances over to table on e. as if looMng for what he wanted there, puts cigar down on table before him — after about to do so once and taking a final puff — and steps over to table at e. still loohing for something, and keeping revolver out of sight of anyone at window up L. As he looks he raises l. hand carelessly to the cock of the gas bracket and instantly shuts off light. Stage dark. Instantly on lights off, Thoene drops on one knee behind — that is to E. of table e. c. — facing toward L. Revolver covering up L. Light from windows up L. c. gauged to strike across to Thoene at table with revolver. After holding it a short time, he begins slowly to edge up stage — holding to chair-backs at e. He then edges cautiously up on E. until within reach of the door, when he suddenly slides the heavy bolt, thus locking the doors on the inside. From doors up H. Thoene glides with a dash — throwing aside the chair in the way — at the door of closet up c. which opens down stage and hinges on its L. side. With motion of reaching it he has it open — if not already open — and pushing it along before him as he moves left toward window. When moving slowly behind this door with is eyes and revolver on window the telegraph instru- ment down E. c. suddenly gives two or three sharp clicks. Thoene makes an instantaneous turn front covering the instrument with revolver. SECRET SERVICE 127 Sees what it was. Turns l. again. Just as he gets door nearly wide open against wall at bach he dashes at windows up l. c. and bangs them open with L. hand covering all outside with revolver in his e. In an instant sees that no one is there. Straightens up — loohing. Quich spring past first window stopping close behind the upright between first and second windows, and at same time banging these windows open and covering with revolver. Sees no one. Looks this way and that. MaJces quick dash outside and covers over balustrade — as if someone might be below. In again quick. Looks about with one or two quick glances. Concludes he must have been mistaken, and starts down toward table E. c. — stops after going two or three steps and looks back. Turns and goes rapidly down to table. Picks up cigar with L. hand. Puts revolver at E. end of table with E. hand, and gets a match with that hand. Stands an instant looking L. Strikes match and is about to relight cigar. Pause — eyes front. Match burning. Listening. Looks L. — lights cigar — as he is lighting cigar thinks of gas being out, and steps to right, turns it on and lights it. Lights full on. Thoene turns quickly, looking left as lights on. Then steps at once — after glancing quickly about room — to telegraph table, puts down cigar near upper e. corner of table with L. hand and begins to telegraph with L. hand, facing front. Suddenly sharp report of revolver outside through lower window, up L. with crash of glass and on it Aeeelsfoed springs on at middle window 1. with revolver in his hand. Thorio! does not move on shot except quick recoil from instrument, leaning back a little, expression of pain an instant. His l. hand — with which he was telegraphing — is covered with 128 SECRET SERVICE Hood. He stands motionless an instant. Eyes then down toward his own revolver. Slight pause. He makes a sudden plunge for it getting it in his H. hand. At same instant quick turn on Aeeelsford hut before he can raise the weapon Ahkelsfoed covers him with revolver and Thoene stops where he is, holding position.) Aeeelsfoed. (l. c. covering Thoene) Drop it! (pause) Drop that gun or you're a dead man ! Drop it I say! (a moment's pause. Thoene gradually recovers to erect position again, looking easily front, and puts revolver on the table, picking up cigar with same hand and putting it casually into his mouth as if he thought he'd have a smoke after all, instead of killing a man. He then gets handkerchief out of pocket with E. hand and gets hold of a corner of it not using his L. Aeeelsfoed advances a step or two, lowering revolver, but holding it ready) Do you know why I didn't kill you like a dog just now? Thoene. {back of table e. c. as he twists hand- kerchief around his wounded hand) Because you're such a damn bad shot. Aeeelsfoed. Maybe you'll change your mind about that! Thoene. {arranging handkerchief to cover his wounded hand — leaving fingers free. Speaks easily and pleasantly) Well I hope so I'm sure. It isn't pleasant to be riddled up this way you know ! Aeeelsfoed. Next time you'll be riddled some- where else besides the hand! There's only one rea- son why you're not lying there now with a bullet through your head! Thoene. Only one, eh? Aeeelsfoed. Only one ! Thoene. {still fixing hand and sleeve) Do I hear it? Aeeelsfoed. Simply because I gave my word of SECRET SERVICE 129 honor to someone outside there that I wouldn't kill you now! (Thokne on hearing " Someone outside there " turns and loohs at Arbelsfoed with interest.) Thoene. (taking cigar out of mouth and holding it in E. hand as he moves toward Aeeelsfoed) Ah ! Then it isn't a litle tete-a-tete between ourselves ! You have someone with you! (stopping near c. coolly facing Aekelspoed) Aeeelsfoed. (sarcastically) I have someone with me Captain Thome ! Someone who takes quite an interest in what you're doing to-night ! Thoene. (puts cigar in mouth) Quite an inter- est, eh! That's kind I'm sure, (takes cigar out of mouthjaiing front) Is the gentleman going to stay -oufr'tnere all alone on the cold balcony, or shall I have the pleasure — (enter Edith from lalcony up L. through the upper window, where she stands sup- porting herself by the sides. She is looking toward E. as if intending to go, hut not able for a moment, to move. Avoids looking at Thoeke) — of inviting him in here and having a charming little three- handed — (glancing up toward window he sees Edith and stops motionless. Looks at her quietly a moment — then turns slowly and looks at Aerelsfoed — who has a slight smile on his lips; then turns front and holds position motionless) Edith, (does not speak until after Thoene looks front. Low voice) I'll go, Mr. Arrelsford! Aeeelsfoed. Not yet, Miss Varney! Edith, (coming blindly into the room a few steps as if to get across to the door up '&.) I don't wish to stay — any longer! Aeeelsfoed. (down l. c.) One moment please! We need you ! (Edith stops.) 130 SECRET SERVICE Edith, (up c.) For what? Aehelsfokd. a witness. Edith. You can send for me. I'll be at home. (about to start toward door) Aerelsfohd. (sharply) I'll have to detain you till I turn him over to the guard — it won't take a moment ! (steps to the middle window, still keeping an eye on Thokne, and calls off in loud voice) Corporal o' the guard ! Corporal o' the guard ! Send up the guard will you! (Edith shrinks back up c. not knowing what to do.) Voice, (outside up l. in distance — as if down be- low in the street. Be sure to get distance for this or it will be ruined) What's the matter up there ! Who's calling the guard! Areelsford. (at window) Up here! Depart- ment Telegraph ! Send 'em up quick ! Voices, (outside distant as before) Corporal of the Guard Post Pour ! (repeated more distant) Corporal of the Guard Post Pour ! (repeated again almost inaudible) Corporal of the Guard Post Pour ! Pall in the guard ! Fall in ! (these orders gruff — in- distinct — distant. Give effect of quick gruff shouts of orders barely audibly) Edith, (up c. turning suddenly upon Areels- foed) I'm not going to stay ! I don't wish to be a witness ! Aeeelsfoed. (l. c. after an instant's look at Edith — suspecting the reason for her refusal) Whatever your feelings may be Miss Varney, we can't permit you to refuse ! Edith, (with determination) I do refuse! If you won't take me down to the street I'll find the way out myself ! (stops as she is turning to go, on hearing the Guard outside) (Sound of Guard running through lower corridors. SECRET SERVICE 131 tramp of men coming up stairway and along hallways outside up k. Thoenb holds position looking steadily front, cigar in k. hand.) Aekelsfoed. {loud voice to stop Edith) Too late! The guard is here! {steps down l. c. with revolver, his eyes on Thokne) (Edith stands an instant and then as the Guaed is heard nearer in the corridor up e. she moves up to window up L. and remains there until sound of Guaed breaking in the door. Then she makes her exit off to L. on balcony. Disap- pearing so as to attract no attention.) Aeeelsfoed. {shouting across to Thoene) I've got you about where I want you at last ! (Thoene motionless. Sound of hurried tread of men outside up E. as if coming on double quick toward the door, on bare floor of corridor) You thought you was al- mighty smart — ^but you'll find we can match your tricks every time! {Sound of the Guaed coming suddenly ceases close outside the door up E.) Seegeant of the Guaed. {close outside door up E. c.) What's the matter here! Let us in! Thoene. {loud, incisive voice. Still facing front) Break down the door Sergeant! Break it down! (as he calls begins to bach up stage toward up e. c.) {Officers and men outside at once begin to smash in the door with the butts of their muskets.) Aeeelsfoed. (l. c. surprised) What are you saying about it I Thoene. {up e. c.) You want 'im in here, don't you! 132 SECRET SERVICE (Aeeelsfoed moves up a little as Thoenb doesj and covers him with revolver.) Aeeelsfoed. (l. c. through noise of breaking door) Stand where you are! (Thoene has hacked up e. c. until nearly between Aeeelsfoed and the door, so that the latter cannot fire on him without hitting others. But he must stand a trifle to right of line the men will take in rushing across to Aeeelsfoed.) Thoene. (up e. c. facing Aeeelsfoed) Smash in the door! What are you waiting for! Smash it in Sergeant! (keeps up this call till door breaks down and men rush in — which must be at once. — Door is quickly battered in and Seegeant and men rush on. Thoene, continuing without break from last speech, above all the noise, pointing to Aeeels- foed with L. hand) Arrest that man! (Seegeant of the Guaed and six men spring forward past Thoene and seize Aeeelsfoed before he can recover from his astonishment, throwing him nearly down in the first struggle, but pulling him to his feet and holding him fast. Two men throwing their guns to two others — seize Thoene. An instant motionless on this. Aeeelsfoed held fast down l. Thoene pointing to him up E. c. As soon as quiet Thoene moves down c.) He's got in here with a revolver and he's playing Hell with it ! Aeeelsfoed. (l. c.) Sergeant — ^my orders are — Thoene. (at c. facing Aeeelsfoed) Damn your orders! You haven't got orders to shoot everybody you see in this office ! (Aeeelsfoed makes a sudden effort to break loose) Get his gun away — ^he'll hurt himself! (turns e. at once and goes to table E. c. putting his coat in better position on back of chair, and then getting things in shape on the table. At SECRET SERVICE 133 same time putting cigar back in mouth and smoking. Seegeant and men quick bus. of twisting revolver out of Ahkelsfoed's hands) Aeeelsfoed. (l. c. continuing to struggle and protest) Listen to me! Arrest him! He's sending out a false Sergeant of the Guaed. (l. c.) Now that'll do ! (silencing Aeeelsfoed roughly hy hand across his mouth. — To Thoene) "What's it all about, Cap'n? Thoene. (at table arranging things) All about! I haven't got the slightest — (sudden snatch of cigar out of mouth with E. hand and then to Sergeant as if remembering something) He says he came out of some office ! Sending out dispatches here he began letting off his gun at me. (go right on half sotto voce as he again turns arranging things on table) Crazy lunatic ! Arrelsfoed. (struggling to speak. On cue "gun at me ") It's a lie ! Let me speak — I'm from the — Sergeant of the Guard, (quietly to avoid laugh) Here ! That'll do now ! (silencing Arrelsfoed. To Thorne) What shall we do with him? Thorne. (tossing things into place on table with one hand) I don't care a damn — ^get him out o' here — that's all I want ! Sergeant of the Guard. Much hurt, Cap'n ? Thorne. (carelessly) Oh no. Did up one hand a little — I can get along with the other all right. (sits at table and begins telegraphing) Aeeelsfoed. (struggling desperately) Stop him ! He's sending a — wait ! Ask Miss Varney ! She saw him! Ask her! Ask Miss Varney! (speaks until stopped. Wildly — losing all control of himself) Seegeant of the Guaed. (breaking in on Aeeelsfoed) Here ! Fall in there. We'll get him out. (the guard quickly falls in behind Aeeelsfoed, who is still struggling) Forward 134 SECRET SERVICE {Enter quicMy an Officer striding in to c.) Officek. {loud voice — above the noise) Halt! The General! (Officer remains up stage standing L. of door E.) Sergeant of the Guard, {to men quichly) Halt! {men on motion from Sergeant stand hack, forming a double ranTc behind Arrelsfoed. Two men hold- ing him in front rank. All facing to c. Sergeant up L. c.) (Enter Major General Harrison Eandolph striding in at door up R. c. Caroline comes to door after the General, and stands just within, up R. c. Areelsford has been so astonished and indignant at his treatment that he can't find his voice at first. — Officers salute as General Eandolph comes in. Thorne goes on working instrument at table down r. c. cigar between his teeth. He has the dispatch with signature pasted on it spread on table before 'him.) General Eandolph. {comes down c. and stops) What's all this about refusing to send Miss Mitford's telegram ! Is it some of your -work Arrelsford ? Aerelsford. {breathless, violent, excited) Gen- eral ! They've arrested me A conspiracy ! A — {sees Thorne working at telegraph instrument) Stop that man — for God's sake stop him before it's too late! (Caroline edging gradually up e. c. quietly slips out at door up R. c. Make this exit unnoticed if possible.) General Eanbolph. (c.) Stop him! What do you mean? Thorne. (r. o. back at table. Rising quickly so SECRET SERVICE 135 as to speak on cue, with salute) He means me sir! He's got an idea some dispatch I'm sending out is a trick of the Yankees ! Aheelsfoed. {excitedly) it's a conspiracy. He's an impostor — a — a Thoene. Why the man must have gone crazy General ! (Thoene stands facing l. motionless) Aeeelsfoed. I came here on a case for Geneeal Eandolph. {sharply) Wait! I'll get at this! {to Seegeant without turning to him) What was he doing? Seegeant of the Guaed. {up l. c. with salute) He was firing on the Cap'n sir. Aeeelsfoed. He was sending out a false order to weaken our lines at Cemetery Hill and I — ah — {sud- denly recollecting) Miss Varney! {looTcing ex- citedly about) She was here — she saw it all! Geneeal Eandolph. {gruffly) Miss Varney ! Aeeelsfoed. Yes sir! Geneeal Eandolph. The General's daughter? Aeeelsfoed. {nodding affirmatively with excited eagerness) Yes sir ! Geneeal Eandolph. What was she doing here? Aeeelsfoed. She came to see for herself whether he was guilty or not ! Geneeal Randolph. Is this some personal mat- ter of yours? Aeeelsfoed. He was a visitor at their house — I wanted her to know ! Geneeal Eandolph. Where is she now? Where is Miss Varney? Aeeelsfoed. {looTcing about excitedly) She must be out there on the balcony ! Send for her ! General Eandolph. Sergeant! (Sergeant steps down L. of General Eandolph and salutes) Step out there on the balcony. . Present my compli- ments to Miss Varney and ask her to come in ! 136 SECRET SERVICE (Saegent salutes and steps quickly out through mid- dle window on the balcony up L. Walks off at L. Re-appears walking back as far as balcony goes. Turns and re-enters room, coming down L. c. and saluting.) Sergeant of the Guaed. (saluting) No one there sir ! (Thokne turns and begins to send dispatch, picking up the forged order with l. hand as if sending from that copy and quickly opening instrument A. and telegraphing with E. all on nearly same motion.) Aehelsford. She must be there! She's in the next office! The other window. Tell him to — {sees Thoene working at instrument A.) Ah! {almost screaming) Stop him! He's sending it now ! General Eanbolph. {to Thoene) One moment Cap'n! (Thokne stops. Salutes. Drops dispatch in L. hand to table. Pause for an instant — all hold- ing their positions. Geneeal Eandolph after above pause — to Aeeelsfoed) What have you got to do with this ? Aeeelsfoed. It's a Department Case! They as- signed it to me ! Geneeal Randolph. What's a Department Case ? Aeeelsfoed. The whole plot — ^to send the order — it's the Yankee Secret Service ! His brother brought in the signal to-night! (Geneeal Randolph looks sharply at Aeeelsfoed.) Thoene. {very quiet, matter-of-fact) This ought to go out sir — ^it's very important. General Randolph. Go ahead with it ! SECRET SERVICE 137 (Thokne salutes and quichly turns to instrument A. dropping dispatch on table and begins send- ing rapidly as he stands before the table, glanc- ing at the dispatch as he does so as if sending from it.) Aeeelsfoed. (seeing what is going on) N"o no ! It's a General Eandolph. Silence ! Aeeelsfoed, (excitedly) Do you know what he's telling them ! General Eandolph. ISTo ! Do you ? Aeeelsfoed. Yes ! If you'll General Eandolph. (to Thoene) Wait! (Thohne stops telegraphing, coming at once to salute, military position a step bach from table facing front) Where's that dispatch? (Thoene goes to Geneeal Eandolph and hands him the dispatch. Then bach a step. Geneeal Eandolph tahes the dispatch. To Aeeelsfoed) What was it? What has he been telling them? (loohs at dispatch in his hand) Areelsford. (excitedly) He began to give an order to withdraw Marston's Division from its pres- ent position ! General Eandolph. That is perfectly correct. Arrelsford. Yes — by that dispatch — ^but that dispatch is a forgery! (Thorne with a looh of sur- prise turns sharply toward Arrelsford) It's an order to withdraw a whole division from a vital point! A false order! He wrote it himself! (Thorne stands as if astounded) General Ea'ndolph. Why should he write it ? If he wanted to send out a false order he could do it without setting it down on paper, couldn't he? Arrelsford. Yes — ^but if any of the operators came back they'd catch him doing it! With that 138 SECRET SERVICE order and the Secretary's signature he could go right on ! He could even order one of them to send it ! General Eandolph. How did he get the Secre- tary's signature? Aeeelsfoed. He tore it off from a genuine dis- patch ! Why General — ^look at that dispatch in your hand! The Secretary's signature is pasted on! I saw him do it ! Thoene. (e. c.) Why — ^they often come that way! (turns away nonchalantly toward front) Aerelsfoed. (l. c.) He's a liar! They never do! (Thoene turns indignantly on " liar " and the two men glare at each other a moment.) Thoene. (e. c. recovering himself, after lus. and pause) General, if you have any doubts about that dispatch send it back to the War Office and have it verified! (Aeeelsfoed is so thundertsruch that he starts lack a little unable to speak. Stands with his eyes riveted to Thoene until cue of telegraph click below.) Geneeal Eandolph. (c. slowly, his eyes on Thoene) Quite a good idea! {brief pause) Ser- geant ! {holding out the dispatch. Sergeant of THE Guard salutes and waits for orders) Take this dispatch over to the Secretary's office and — {sudden loud click of telegraph instrument a. on table e. c. General Eandolph stops — listening. To Thorne) What's that? (Areelsfoed looking at the instrument. Thoene stands motionless, excepting that he took his eyes off Areelsfoed and looked front listening on click of instrument.) SECRET SERVICE 139 Thoene. (after slight wait — motionless) Adju- tant-General Chesney. General Eandolph. Prom the front ? Thoene. Yes sir. General Eandolph. What does he say ? (Thoene turns and steps to table. Stands eyes front, listening to instrument.) Thoene. His compliments sir — (Pause — Con- tinued click of instrument) He asks — (Pause. — Continued click of instrument) for the rest- — (Pause — continued click of instrument) of that dispatch — (Pause — continued click of instrument. Then stops) It's of vital importance. (Thoene stands motion- less) General Eandolph. (after very slight pause abruptly turns and hands the dispatch back to Thoene) Let him have it! (Thoene hurried salute, takes dispatch — sits at table and begins sending) Aeeelsfoed. General — if you Geneeal Eandolph. (sharply to Aeeelsfoed) That's enough! "We'll have you examined at head- quarters ! (hurried steps in corridor outside up R. and enter quickly at door up E. the First Operator. He is breathless and excited) Aeeelsfoed. (catching sight of Fiest Opeea- TOE as he comes in) Ah ! Thank God ! There's a ness! He was sent away on a forged order! Ask him ! Ask him ! (pause. Piest Opeeatoe stand- ing up stage e. c. looking at others surprised. Thoene who goes on with bus. at instrument) General Eandolph. (after instant's pause dur- ing which click of instrument is heard) Wait a moment, Cap'n ! (Thoene stops telegraphing, sits motionless, hand 140 SECRET SERVICE on the key. An instant of dead silence. Gen- eral Eandolph moves up c. to speak to First Operator.) General Eandolph. (up c. to First Operator. Gruffly) Where did you come from? First Operator, (up r. o. Not understanding exactly what is going on. Salutes) There was some mistake sir ! .(Arrelsford gives gasp of triumph quick on cue. Brief pause of dead silence.) General Eandolph. Mistake eh? Who made it? First Operator. I got an order to go to the President's house, and when I got there the Presi- dent ! Thorne. (rising at telegraph table, on cue " President's house ") This delay will be disastrous sir ! Permit me to go on — if there's any mistake we can rectify it afterwards! (turns to instrument and begins sending as he stands before it) Arrelsford. (half suppressed cry of remon- strance) No! General Eandolph. (who has not given heed to Thorne's speech — to First Operator) Where did you get the order? Arrelsford. He's at it again sir ! General Eandolph. (suddenly sees what Thorne is doing) Halt there ! (Thorne stops tele- graphing) What are you doing! I ordered you to wait! Thorne. (turns l. to General Eandolph) I was sent here to attend to the business of this oflBce and that business is going on! (turning again as if to telegraph) General Eandolph, (coming down c. a stef. SECRET SERVICE 141 His temper rising) It's not going on sir, nntil I'm ready for it! Thoene. (turning bacJc to the Gekeeai. Loud voice, angrily) My orders come from the War Department — not from you ! This dispatch came in half an hour ago — they're calling for it — and it's my business to send it out! (turning at end of speech and seizing the hey endeavors to rush off the dispatch) General Eandolph. Halt! (Thokne goes on telegraphing. To Sergeant op the Guard) Ser- geant! (Sergeant salutes) Hold that machine fiiere ! (pointing at telegraph instrument. Sergeant OF THE Guard and two men spring quickly across to B. Sergeant rushes against Thorne with arm across his breast forcing him over to e. against chair and table on right — chair a little away from table to em- phasize with crash as Thorne is flung against it — and holds him there. The two men cross bayonets over instrument and stand motionless. All done quickly, business-like and with as little disturbance as possible. One man back of table e. c. another L. of table R. c. General Eandolph strides down c. and speaks across to Thoene) I'll have you court- martialed for this ! Thoene. (breaking loose from Seegeant and coming down E.) You'll answer yourself sir, for delaying a dispatch of vital importance I Genbeal Eandolph. (sharply) Do you mean that! Thoene. I mean that ! And I demand that you let me proceed with the business of this ofiSce ! Geneeal Eandolph. By what authority do you send that dispatch? Thoene. I refer you to the Department ! General Eandolph. Show me your order for taking charge of this ofiBce ! Thoene. I refer you to the Department 1 (standi motionless facing across to L.) 142 SECRET SERVICE (Edith appears at upper window up l. coming on from balcony left, and moves a little into room up L. 0. Sergeant of the Guard remains at E. ahove table when Thoene broke away from him.) General Eandolph. By God then I'll go to the Department ! {swings round and striding up c. a little way) Sergeant! (Sergeant of the Guard salutes) Leave your men on guard there and go over to the War OflRce — ^my compliments to the Sec- retary and will he be so good as to Areelsford. {suddenly breaking out on seeing Edith up l.) Ah! General! {pointing to Edith) Another witness ! Miss Varney 1 She was here ! She saw it all ! (Thoene on Arrelseord's mention of another wit- ness glances quickly up L. toward Edith, and at once turns front and stands motionless, waiting. General Eandolph turns left and sees Edith.) General Eandolph. {up c. on e. bluffly touch- ing hat) Miss Varney! (Edith comes forward a little L. of c.) Do you know anything about this? Edith, {speaks in low voice) About what, sir? General Eandolph. Mr. Arrelsford here claims that Captain Thome is acting without authority in this ofBce and that you can testify to that efEect. Edith, {very quietly, in low voice) Mr. Arrels- ford is mistaken! He has the highest authority! (Aeeelsford aghast, General Eandolph sur- prised. Thoene facing l. listening — motion- less.) Geneeal Eandolph. {after an instant's pause of surprise) What authority has he? SECRET SERVICE 143 Edith, (drawing the commission used in Act I, from her dress) The authority of the President of the Confederate States of America ! (handing the commission to General Eandolph. Geneeal Eandolph takes the commission and at once opens and examines it. Edith stands a moment where she was, looking neither at Akeelsfoed nor Thoene, then slowly retires up and stands back of others out of the way) General Eandolph. (up c. Looking at the com- mission) Whaf s this ! Major's Commission ! As- signed to duty on the Signal Corps! In command of the Telegraph Department ! Aeeelsfoeed. (l. c. breaking out) That com- mission — let me explain how she Geneeal Eandolph. That'll do ! — I suppose this is a forgery too? Aeeelspoed. Let me tell you sir Geneeal Eandolph. You've told me enough! Sergeant — take him to headquarters ! Sergeant of the Guard, (quick salute) Fall in there ! (motioning men at instrument. Men at in- strument hurry across to L. and fall into rank) Forward march! (Sergeant and Guard quickly rush Aerels- FOED across to door up e. and off.) Arrelsfoed. (resisting and protesting as he is forced across and off at r.) No! For God's sake, General, listen to me ! It's the Yankee Secret Serv- ice ! Never mind me, but don't let that dispatch go out ! He's a damned Yankee Secret Agent ! His brother brought in the signal to-night! (etc.) (Sound of footsteps of the Guard outside dying away down the corridor and of Aeeelsfoed's voice protesting and calling for justice. Short pause, 144 SECRET SERVICE Thokne motionless through above looking front. Geneeal Randolph, who crossed to up l. o. on men forcing Aeeelsfohd off goes down c. and looks across at Thoene.) Geneeal Eandolph. (gruffly) Cap'n Thome! (Thoene comes to straight military position, goes to the Geneeal at o. and salutes. Geneeal l. gruffly) It's your own fault Cap'n! If you'd had the sense to mention this before we'd have been saved a damned lot o' trouble! There's your commission! (handing commission to Thoene. Thoene takes it saluting. — Geneeal turns to go) I can't understand why they have to be so cursed shy about their Secret Service Orders ! (goes up toward door up E. c. Stops and speaks to Fiest Opeeatoe who is standing at e. of door) Lieutenant ! (Fiest Opeeatoe salutes. Very gruffly) Take your orders from Cap'n Thorne ! ( turns and goes heavily off at door up E. very much out of temper) (Fiest Opeeatoe goes down e. and sits at telegraph table on extreme e. Busy with papers. No noise. Thoene stands facing l. commission in E. hand, until the Geneeal is off. Turns e. glancing round to see that he is gone, and at once glides to telegraph instrument A. and begins sending with E. hand — still holding commission in it. Edith comes quickly down to Thoene E. C.) Edith, (at l. upper corner of table — very near Thoene) Cap'n Thorne! (Thoene stops tele- graphing and turns quickly to her — hand still on key, She goes on in low voice, hurried — breathless) That gives you authority — long enough to escape from Eichmond ! Thoene. Escape ? Impossible ! (Seizes key and begins to send) SECRET SERVICE 146 Edith. Oh ! You wouldn't do it now ! (Thoene turns and looks at her. Stopping bus. of sending) Edith. I brought it — to save your life ! I didn't think you'd use it — for anything else! Oh — ^you wouldn't ! (Thorne stands looking at her. Sudden sharp call from instrument a. turns him back to it. Edith looks at him — covers her face and moans, at same time turning away l. She moves up to the door up E. and goes out. Thoene stands in a desperate struggle with himself as instru- ment A. is clicking off the same signal that he made when calling up the front. He almost seizes the key — then resists — and finally, with a bang of right fist on the table, turns and strides up L. c. the Commission crushed in his e. hand.) EiEST Opeeatoe. (who has been listening to calls of instrument on table E. c. rising as Thoene comes to a stand up l. c.) They're calling for that dispatch sir! What shall I do? Thoene. (turning quickly) Send it! (FiEST Opeeatoe drops into seat at table e. c. and begins sending.) Note: — He arranges dispatch at L. of table for Thoene to seize. (Thoene stands motionless on the order an instant. As Opeeatoe begins to send he turns round a little up to E. slowly and painfully, e. arm up across eyes in a struggle with himself. Sud- denly he breaks away and dashes toward table E. 0.) Thobne, No no — stop! (seizes the dispatch 146 SECRET SERVICE from the table in Ms e. hand which still has the commission crumpled in it) I won't do it ! I won't do it ! (First Operator rises in surprise on Thorne seizing the dispatch, and stands facing him. Thoenb points at instrument unsteadily) Revoke the order! It was a mistake ! I refuse to act under this com- mission! {throwing the papers in his E. hand down on the floor and standing o. slightly turned away to L.) CURTAIN Time of playing — 30 minutes. Wait between Acts III and IV — eight minutes. ACT IV Eleven o'clock (Scene: — drawing room at General Vaeney's. This is the same set as in Acts I and II. The furniture is somewhat disordered as if left as it was after the disturbances at the close of the second act. 'Couch up e. where Aeeelsford put it end of Act II. Nothing is brohen or upset. Half light on in room. Lamps lighted but not strong on. See that portieres on window down E. are closed. Thunder of distant cannonading and sounds of volleys of muslcetry and exploding shells on very strong at times during this act. Quivering and rather subdued flashes of light — as the artillery is some miles distant — shown at windows R. on cues. Violent and hurried ring- ing of church bells in distant parts of the city — deep, low tones booming out like a fire bell. Sounds of hurried passing in the street outside, of bodies of soldiers — artillery — cavalry, etc. on SECRET SERVICE 147 cues, with many horse-hoof and rattling gun car- riage and chain effects — shouting to horses — orders, bugle calls, etc., etc.) Note: — This thunder of cannonading, shelling fortifications, mushetry, flashes, etc., must he Tcept up during the act, coming in now and then where it will not interfere with dialogue, and so arranged that the idea of a desperate attack will not he lost. Possible places for this effect will be marked thus in the manuscript — (XXX) (At rise of curtain, thunder of artillery and flashes of light now and then. Ringing of church and fire bells in distance.) (Caroline is discovered in window up e. shrink- ing back against a curtain and looking over toward window up e. She starts toward win- dow after a moment, but shrinks back at a blind- ing flash.) (XXX) (Enter Mes. Vaenet coming hurriedly down the stairs from up l. and in at door.) Mes. Vaenet. Caroline ! (Caeoline goes to her. Takes Caeoline forward a little o.) Tell me what happened ? She won't speak ! Where has she been ? Where was it? Caeoline. (frightened) It was at the telegraph office! Mes. Vaenet. What did she do? What hap- pened? Try to tell! (Flashes — cannonading — bells, etc., kept up strong. Effect of passing artillery begins in the dis- tance very pp.) 148 SECRET SERVICE Caroline. Ah don't know! Ah was afraid and ran out! (alarm bell very strong) It's the alarm bell, Mrs. Varney — to call out the reserves! Mes. Vaenet. Yes — yes! (a glance of anxiety toward windows right) They're making a terrible attack to-night. Lieutenant Maxwell was right! That quiet spell was the signal! (artillery effect louder) (Caeoline goes to window up a.) Caroline, (turning to Mrs. Varnet and speak- ing above noise, which is not yet on full) It's an- other regiment of artillery goin' by ! They're sendin' 'em all over to Cemetery Hill! That's where the fighting is ! Cemetery Hill ! (effect on loud) (Caroline watches from window. Mrs. Varnet from up R. c. Mrs. Varnet crosses over left and rings bell. As effect dies away Martha enters up left from door e. of stairs.) Mrs. Vaenet. Go up and stay with Miss Edith till I come. Don't leave her a moment ! (Maetha turns and hurries up the stairway and exits up L. Alarm bell and cannon on strong) Shut the curtains Caroline ! (comes c. up a little) (Caeoline closes the window curtains at right.) Caeoline. Ah'm afraid they're goin' to have a right bad time to-night ! (going to Mrs. Varnet c.) Mrs. Varnet. (c. l.) Indeed I'm afraid so! Now try to think dear, who was at the telegraph oflBce ? Can't you tell me something ? Caroline, (c. e. shaking her head) No — only — they arrested Mr. Arrelsford ! Mes. Vaenet. Mr. Arrelsford! Why you don't mean that ! SECRET SERVICE 149 Caroline. Yes Ah do ! An' General Eandolph— he came — Ah went an' brought him there — an' oh — he was in a frightful temper I Mes. Vaknet. And Edith— now you can tell me— what — what did she do ? Caroline. Ah can't Mrs. Varney. Ah don't know ! Ah just waited for her outside — an' when she came out she couldn't speak — an' then we hurried home ! That's all Ah know, Mrs. Varney — ^truly ! (Loud ringing of door hell in another part of the house. Caroline and Mrs. Varney turn to- ward door up L. Noise of heavy steps outside left and Arrelsford almost immediately strides into the room, followed by two privates, who stand at the door.) (Caroline steps hack up stage a little as Arrelsford enters, and Mrs. Varney faces him.) (XXX) Arrelsford. (l. c. roughly, as he advances on Mrs. Varney) Is your daughter in the house? Mrs. Varney. (c. after a second's pause) Yesl (XXX) Arrelsford. I'll see her if you please ! Mrs. Varney. I don't know that she'll care to receive you at present. Arrelsford. What she cares to do at present is of small consequence ! Shall I go up to her room with these men or will you have her come down ? Mrs. Varney. Neither one nor the other until I know your business. (Effect of passing cavalry and artillery — strong.) Arrelsford. (l. c. excitedly) My business ! I've 150 SECRET SERVICE got a few questions to ask ! Listen to that ! (XXX on strong) InTow you know what " Attack To-night Plan Three " means ! Mes. Vaenet. (c. change of manner. Surprise) Is that — the attack! Aeeelsfoed. That's the attack Madam ! They're breaking through our lines at Cemetery Hill ! That was PLAN THEEE! We're rushing over the re- serves but they may not get there in time ! [(XXX) (Caeoline has crossed at hacTc to l. door as if going out, hut waits to see what happens.) Mks. Vaenet. What has my daughter to do with this? Aeeelseoed. Do with it ! She did it ! Mes. Vaenet. {astonished) What ! [(Noise of passing Cavalry Officer going by singly.) Aeeelsfoed. We had him in his own trap — under arrest — ^the telegraph under guard — when she brought in that commission! Mes. Vaenet. (horrified) You don't mean she — Aeeelseoed. Yes — that's it! She put the game in his hands. He got the wires ! His cursed dispatch went through. As soon as I got to headquarters they saw the trick! They rushed the guard back — the scoundrel had got away! But we're after him hot, an' if she knows where he is — (about to turn to and go toward door up i.) I'll get it out of her ! ;(XXX) Mes. Vaenet. You don't suppose my daughter would — (interrupted) SECRET SERVICE 151 Areelsfoed. {ireaJcing in on " suppose ") I sup- pose anything! Mrs. Vaenet. I'll not believe it ! Aeeelspoed. We can't stop for what you believe I {as if to go L. to stairs) {Stop alarm bells.) Mes. Yaenet. Let me speak to her! {Passing cavalry effect has died away hy this time.) Aeeelsfoed. I'll see her myself! {going up l.) (Caeolinb has stepped quietly down so that as Ae- eelsfoed turns to go toward stairway she con- fronts him.) Caeoline. {up L. c. between Aeeelsfoed and door. Almost on cue of his last speech) Where is your order for this? Aeeelsfoed. (l. c. after instant's surprise) I've got a word or two to say to you — after I've been upstairs ! Caeoline. Show me your order for going up- stairs ! Aeeelsfoed. Department business — I don't re- quire an order! Caeoline. {shaking head) Oh, you've made a mistake about that ! This is a private house ! It isn't the telegraph oflBce ! If you want to go up any stairs or see anybody about anything you'll have to bring an order ! Ah don't know much — ^but Ah know enough for that! {exit upstairs) (XXX light) Aeeelsfoed. {after pause, turns sharply to Mrs. Vaenfit, who is e. c.) Aih I to understand Madam, that jovl— (break, interrupted by noise of bell and steps outside) 152 SECRET SERVICE (Loud ringing of door hell in distant part of house, following almost immediately after by the sound of door outside l. and tramp of many feet in the hallway.) XXXX cavalry effect begins again) (Aerelsfoed and Mes. Varnet turn.) (Enter striding on quichly a Sergeant and four men. Men are halted near l. Officer advances to Mrs. Varnet. Areelsford steps hack a little up 0.) Sergeant, (-c. touching his cap roughly) Are yoTi the lady that lives here, ma'am ? Mes. Vaenet. (e. c.) I am Mrs. Vamey! Seegeant. (o. interrupting) I've got an order to search the house! (showing Mes. Varnet the order) Aerelsford. Just in time ! (coming down L. 0.) I'll go through the house if you please ! Sergeant, (shortly) You can't go through on this order — it was issued to me ! Mes. Varnet. You were sent here to Sergeant. Yes ma'am! Sorry to trouble you but we'll have to be quick about it! If we don't get him here we've got to follow down Franklin Street — he's over this way somewhere! (turns L. about to give orders to men) Mrs. Varnet. Who ? Who is it you Sergeant, (l. c. up. Hurriedly) Man named Thorne — Cap'n of Artillery — that's what he went by ! (turns to his men) Here — this way! That room in there! (indicating room up G.) Two of you out- side ! (pointing to windows) Cut off those win- dows. (Two men run into room up o. and two off at win- SECRET SERVICE 153 dows R. as indicated, throwing open curtains and windows as they do so. Mrs. Varnet stands aside h. c. Sergeant glances quickly round the room — pushing desk out and looking behind it, etc. Keep up cavalry effects and flashes during business. Artillery strong during this. These effects distant — as if going down another street several blocks away. During &ms. Arrelsford goes to door l. and gives an order to his men. Then he exits door left. Men who came with Abrelspoed exit after him.) (XXX) (The two men who went off at door up c. to search, re-enter shoving the old negro Jonas roughly into the room. He is torn and dirty and shows signs of rough handling. They force him down c. a little way and he stands crouch- ing.) Sergeant, (r. c. to men) Where did you get that? Private, (c.) Hiding in a closet sir. Sergeant, (going c. To Jonas) What are you doing in there? If you don't answer me we'll kick the life out of you ! (short pause. To Mrs. Varney) Belongs to you Ah reckon? Mrs. Varnet. (r. a little) Yes — ^but they want him for carrying a message Sergeant, (interrupting) Well if they want him they can get him — we're looking for someone else ! (motions to men) Throw him back in there ! (men shove Jonas off at door up c. Other men re- enter from windows at right) Here — ^this room! Be quick now! Cover that door! (two men have quick business of searching room down r. and L. The other two men stand on guard door up L.) Sorry to disturb you ma'am ! (bell rings off i.) 154 SECRET SERVICE Mks. Vaknet. Do what you please — I have noth- ing to conceal! {sound of door outside up L.) (XXX) (Voice of Orderly calling outside up L.) Orderly, (outside door up l.) Here! Lend a hand will you ! (Two men at door up left exit at left to help some- one outside.) (Enter the Orderly who took Wil- fred away in Act II. coming on hurriedly at door up left. Stands just below door — a few steps into room He is splashed with foam and mud from hard riding. He sees Sergeant and salutes) (Sergeant salutes Orderly and goes over, looking out of window up r. Mrs. Varney upon seeing the Orderly gives a cry of alarm) Orderly. Ah've brought back the boy ma'am ! Mrs. Varney. (r. c. starting forward) Oh! What do you — (breathless) What Orderly. We never got out there at all! The Yankees made a raid down at Mechanicsville not three miles out ! The Home Guard was goin' by on the dead run to head 'em off an' before I knew it he was in with 'em riding like mad! There was a bit of a skirmish an' he got a clip across the neck — nothing at all ma'am — ^he rode back all the way an' — (Cavalry effects die away gradually) Mrs. Varney. Oh — he's hurt — ^he's hurt ! Orderly. Nothing bad ma'am — don't upset your- self. Mrs. Varney. (starts toward the door) Where did you — (stops on seeing Wilfred) (enter Wil- fred at door left supported by two of the Men. He is pale and has a bandage about neck. Mns. Varney after the slight pause on his entrance goes to him at once) Mrs. Varney. (going to Wilfred) Oh Wilfred! SECRET SERVICE 155 Wilfred, {motioning Mrs. Varney off) It's all right — ^you don't understand! {Tries to free him- self from the man who is supporting him) What do you want to hold me like that for ? {Frees himself and walks toward c. a few steps a little unsteadily but not too much so) — ^You see — I can walk all right ! (Mrs. Vabney comes down anxiously on his right and holds him) (Wilfred turns and sees his mother and takes her hand with an effort to do it in as casual a manner as possible) How-dy-do Mother! — Didn't expect me back so soon, did you? — Tell you how it was — {turns and sees Orderly. To Orderly) Don't you go away now — Ah'm going back with you — just wait till I rest about a minute. See here! They're ringing the bells to call out the reserves! {Starting weakly toward door l.) Ah'U go right now! (XXX) Mrs. Varney. '{gently holding him hack) ISo no Wilfred — ^not now ! (Note : Wilfred must get well over to R. c. when he speaks to Mrs. Varney, and not move back to left more than a step or two, in order to be near lounge.) (XXX louder) Wilfred, {weakly) Not now ! — You hear that — you hear those bells— and tell me— not now!— I— {sways a little) I— (Mrs. Varney gives a cry of alarm seeing Wilfred is going to faint) Sergeant, {quick undertone to Men) Stand by there! (Wilfred faints. Mrs. Varney supports him hut almost immediately the Two Men come to her assistance. Sergeant and Two Men push lounge 156 SECRET SERVICE forward down e. o. and they quickly lay him on it, head to the k. Mes. Vaenet goes to head of couch, and holds Wilfeed's head as they lay him down) {Cannonading gradually ceases.) Seegeant. {to one of the men) Find some water will you? {to Mes. Vaeney) Put his head down ma'am — ^he'll be all right in a minute ! {A Peivate hurries off at door up L. on order to get water. Sergeant gets chair from up c. puts it back of couch. Mes. Vaenet goes bach of couch, attending to Wilfeed. Peivate re-enters with basin of water and gives it to Mes. Vaeney) Officee. (fo Men) This way now! (Men move quickly to door up left. Offices gives quick directions to Men at door up l. All exit. One or two go e. Officee with most of men are seen going up the stairway. Oedeely is left standing l. a little below door, exactly as he was. Mes. Vaeney kneeling back of Wilfeed and bathing his head tenderly — u^ing her handker- chief) Oedeely. {after brief pause) If there ain't any- anything else ma'am, Ah'd better report back. Mrs. Vaeney. Yes — don't wait ! — The wound is dressed isn't it? Orderly. Yes'm. I took him to the Winder Hos- pital — they said he'd be on his feet in a day or two — but he wants to keep quiet a bit. Mrs. Vaeney. Tell the General just how it hap- pened ! Oedeely. {touching cap) Very well ma'am. {exit at door up l.) SECRET SERVICE 157 (Short pause. Mrs. Varnet gently bathing Wil- fred's head and wrists) (Alarm bells die away excepting one which continues to ring in muffled tones) (Caroline appears coming down the stairway absent-mindedly, stopping when part way down. Sees somebody in the room. Looks more intently Suddenly runs down the rest of the way and into the room at door up l. stop- ping dead when a little way in and looJcing at what is going on. Mrs. Varney does not see her at first — Caroline stands motionless — face very white. Mrs. Varnet after a moment's pause for above, sees Caroline) (XXX) Mrs. Varnet. (rising quichly) Caroline dear! (goes to Caroline c.) It's nothing \ (holds Caro- line, though the girl seems not to know it, her face expressionless and her eyes fixed on Wilfred) He's hardly hurt at all! There — ^there — don't you faint too, dear! Caroline, (very low voice) Ah'm not going to faint! (sees the handkerchief in Mrs. Varnet's hand) Let me — (takes handkerchief and goes across toward Wilfred, toward front of couch. Turns to Mrs. Varnet) — Ah can take care of him. Ah don't need anybody here at all ! (goes toward Wil- fred) Mrs. Varnet. But Caroline Caroline, (still with a strange quiet. Looks calmly at Mrs. Varnet) Mrs. Varney — there's a heap o' soldiers goin' round upstairs^-lookin' in all the rooms. Ah reckon you'd better go an' attend to 'em. Mrs. Varnet. Yes yes — I must go a moment! (going up toward door up i. stops and turns to Caroline) You know what to do? 158 SECRET SERVICE Caeoune. Oh yes! (dropping down on the floor beside Wilfred in front of couch) Mrs. Varnet. Bathe his forehead — he isn't badly hurt ! — I won't be long ! (exit hurriedly up l. closing the portieres or curtains together after her) (Caroline on her hnees close to Wilfred, tenderly bathing his forehead and smoothing his hair) (Wilfred soon begins to show signs of revival.) Caeolne. (speaking to Wilfred in low tone as he revives. Not a continued speech, but with pauses — business, etc.) Wilfred dear ! — Wilfred ! You're not hurt much are you ? — Oh no — you're not ! There there ! — You'll feel better in just a minute ! — ^Yes — just a minute ! (etc.) WiLFEED. (weakly. Before he realizes what has happened) Is there — are you — (looks round with wide open eyes) Caroline. Oh Wilfred — don't you know me? Wilfred, (looks at her} What are you talking about — of course Ah know you! — Say — ^what am I doing anyhow — taking a bath? Caroline. No no ! — You see Wilfred — ^you just fainted a little an' •Wilfred. Painted! (Caroline no^s) I fainted! (A weak attempt to rise. Begins to remember) Oh — (sinks bach weakly) — Yes of course! — Ah was in a fight with the Yanks — an' got knocked — (begins to remember that he was wounded. He thinks about it a moment, then looks strangely at Caroline) Caroline, (after looking at Wilfred in silence) Oh, what is it ? Wilfred. Ah'll tell you one thing right yere! Ah'm not going to load you up with a cripple ! Not much! Caroline. Cripple ! Wilfred. Ah reckon Ah've got an arm knocked off haven't I? SECRET SERVICE 159 Caroline, {quickly) Ko no ! You haven't Wil- fred ! (shaking head emphatically) They're both on all right ! Wilfred, (after thinking a moment) Maybe I had a hand shot away? Caroline. Oh — not a single one ! Wilfred. Are my — are my ears on all right? Caroline, (looks on both sides of his head) Oh yes ! You needn't trouble about them a minute ! (Wilfred thinks a moment Then turns his eyes slowly upon her) Wilfred. How many legs have Ah got left? Caroline, (looks to see) All of 'em — Every one ! (Last alarm hell ceases.) Wilfred, (after pause) Then — if there's enough of me left to — to amount to anything — (looks in Caroline's face a moment) you'll take charge of it just the same? — How about that? Caroline, (after pause) Thafs all right too! (Caroline suddenly huries face on his shoulder) (Wilfred gets hold of her hand and kisses it) (Suddenly raising head and looking at him) Ah tried to send you a telegram — an' they wouldii't let me ! Wilfred. Did you? (Caroline nods) Wliat did you say in it? (pause) Tell me what you said ! Caroline. It was something nice ! (looks away) Wilfred. It was, eh? (Caroline nods with her head turned away from him) (Wilfred reaches up and turns her head toward him again) You're sure it was something nice! Caroline. Well Ah wouldn't have gone to work an' telegraphed if it was something bad would Ah? Wilfred. Well if it was good, why didn't you send it? Caroline. Goodness gracious! How could Ah when they wouldn't let me! 160 SECRET SERVICE Wilfred. Wouldn't let you! Caroline. Ah should think not! {moves back for Wilfred's business of getting up) Oh they had a dreadful time at the telegraph office ! Wilfred. Telegraph office, {tries to recollect) Telegr — were you there when — {raising himself) {alarm bell begins to ring again.) (XXX) (Caroline moves bach a little frightened — without getting up — watching him. Wilfred suddenly tries to get up) That was it ! — They told me at the hospital! {attempts to rise) (XXX) Caroline, {rising. Trying to prevent him) Oh, you mustn't I Wilfred, {gets partly on his feet and pushes Caroline away with one hand, holding to the chair near the desk r. 1 for support with the other) He gets hold of our Department Telegraph — sends out a false order — weakens our defense at Cemetery Hill — an' they're down on us in a minute! An' she gave it to him! The Commission! — My sister Edith! (XXX) Caroline, (l. of Wilfred) Oh you don't know — {interrupted) Wilfred, {imperiously) Ah know this — if the General was here he'd see her! The General isn't here — Ah'll attend to it ! (XXX) (Wilfred begins to feel a dizziness and holds on to SECRET SERVICE 161 desk for support. Caroline starts toward him in alarm. He braces himself erect again with an effort and motions her off. — She stops.) WiLFKED. (after htis. — Weakly hut with clear voice, and commandingly) Send her to me ! (Caeoline stands almost frightened with her eyes upon him) (Enter Mrs. Vaeney at door up L. Caroline hur- ries toward Mrs. Varnet in a frightened way — glancing hack at Wilfred.) Caroline. He wants to see Edith! Mrs. Varnet. (going toward Wilfred) Not now Wilfred — ^you're too weak and ill! (Caroline remains up c.) Wilfred, (r.) Tell her to come here ! Mrs. Varnet. (l. of Wilfred) It won't do any good — she won't speak I Wilfred. Ah don't want her to speak — Ah'm going to speak to her ! Mrs. Varnet. Some other time ! Wilfred, (leaves the chair that he held to and moves toward door up L. as if to pass his mother and Caroline) If you won't send her to me — Ah'U Mrs. Varnet. (stopping Mm) There there! If you insist I'll call her! Wilfred. Ah insist ! (XXX) Mrs. Varnet. (turns toward door and gOes a few steps, crossing Caroline. Stops. Turns hack to Caroline) Stay with him, dear! Wilfred, (weak voice hut commandingly) Ah'U see her alone ! 162 SECRET SERVICE (Mes. Vaenet loohs at him an instant. Sees that he means what he says. Motions Caroline to come. Caroline looks at Wilfred a moment, then turns and slowly goes to door up L. where Mrs. Vaeney is waiting for her, holes sadly hack at Wilfred again, and then they hoth go of at door up l.) (XXX) (Wilfred stands motionless an instant down E. c. as he was when the two ladies left the room. Noise of approaching men — low shouts ■ — steps on gravel, etc., outside up R., begins in distance. On this Wilfred turns and moves up 0. looking off to right. Then goes behind thickness of door up c. but does not open the door.) (XXX) (Alarm bell ceases. Low sound of distant voices and the tramp of hurrying feet quickly growing louder and louder outside right. When it is on strong, Thorne appears springing over balustrade of veranda above window up R. and instantly runs forward into the room — knock- ing over pedestal and vase at e. but quickly back against wall or curtains at right so that he will not be seen. He stands there panting — face pale — eyes hunted and desperate. His left hand is bandaged roughly. He has no hat, or coat, hair is disheveled, shoes dusty, trousers and shirt torn and soiled. As the noise of his pursuers dies away he turns into the room and makes a rapid start across toward L. Looking quickly about as if searching for someone.) (Wilfred — who has been watching him from up 0. SECRET SERVICE 163 darts down c. as Thoene goes across and comes down right of him catching hold of him by right arm and shoulder.) WiLFEED. (on Thoene's e. near c. Seizing hold of Thohne's right arm and shoulder as Thorite passes him) Halt! You're under arrest! Thoene. (with a quicTc glance bach at Wilpeed) "Wait a minute ! {shaTcing loose from Wilfeed and turning up L. c.) Wait a minute an' I'll go with you! {going up L., looking this way and that) "WiLEEED. {a step toward Thoene as if to fol- low) Halt I say. You're my prisoner ! Thoene. (turning and going quicTcly down to Wilfeed) All right — ^prisoner — an3d;hing you like ! (drawing revolver from right hip poclcet and push- ing it into his hands) Take this — shoot the life out of me — ^but let me see my brother first! Wilfeed. (talcing the revolver) Your brother! Thoene. (nods — breathless) One look in his face — thafs all! Wilfeed. Where is he? Thoene. (l. of c. a little. Quich glance about. Points toward the door up c.) Maybe they took him in there! (striding up c. toward door as he speaks) Wilfeed. (e. of c. a little. Springing up and covering Thoene with revolver) What is he doing? Thoene;. (facing Wilfeed half way up c.) Ha! Wilfeed. (still covering Thoene) What's he doing in there? Thoene. Nothing! . . . He's dead! (stands motionless facing E.) (Wilfeed looks at Thoene a moment. Then begins to back slowly up to door up c, keeping eyes on Thoene and revolver ready but not aimed. — Opens door up c. Quick look into the room. Faces Thobne again.) X64 SECRET SERVICE WiLFHED. It's a lie ! Thoene. {turning up toward Wilfvl^d) What! WiLPEED. There's no one there! — It's another trick of yours ! {starts toward window up n.) Call in the Guard ! Call the Guard ! Captain Thome is here in the house ! (WiLPEED exits at window E. calling the Guabd. His voice is heard outside E., becoming more and more distant.) (Thoene stands a moment until Wilfeed is off then springs to the door up o. — opens it and looks into the room, going part way off at the door. He glances this way and that within room then attitude of failure — left hand dropping from frame of door to his side as he comes to erect position. Bight hand retaining hold of knob of door, which he pushed open.) {On Thoene standing erect, Edith enters through the portieres of the door up l. — expect- ing to find Wilfeed. She stands just within the doorway to the l. of it.) (Thoene turns and comes out of room up c, closing the door as he does so. Turning away from the door — right hand still on the knob — he sees Edith and stops motionless facing her.) Thoene. {going to Edith up l. o.) You wouldn't tell me would you! He was shot in this room — an hour ago — my brother Harry! — I'd like one look in his dead face before they send me the same way ! Can't you tell me that much Miss Vamey ? Is he in the house. (Edith looks in his face an instant mo- tionless — then turns and moves slowly down l. 0. and stands near the table there) SECRET SERVICE 165 Thoene. (turns and moves toward window up B.) (A sudden burst of shouts and calls outside up e. in distance on Thorne's turning away to E. as if WiL- FEED had reached a posse of the Guard) {Turning near c. — a flash of distant artillery on him from outside up r.) Ha ha — they're on the scent you see ! — They'll get me in a minute — an' when they do it won't take long to finish me off! {looks at her) And as that'll be the last of me — {moves toward her) as that'll be the last of me Miss Varney — maybe you'll listen to one thing! We can't all die a soldier's death — in the roar and glory of battle — our friends around us — under the flag we love ! — no — not all ! Some of us have orders for another kind of work — desperate — dare-devil work — ^the haz- ardous schemes of the Secret Service ! We fight our battles alone — ^no comrades to cheer us on — ten thou- sand to one against us — death at every turn ! If we win we escape with our lives — if we lose — dragged out and butchered like dogs — no soldier's grave — not even a trench with the rest of the boys — alone — de- spised — forgotten ! These were my orders Miss Var- ney — ^this is the death I die to-night — and I don't want you to think for one minute that I'm ashamed of it — not for one minute ! (Suddenly shouts and noise of many men running up outside up e. and also outside up L. — ^Thoene swings round and walks up c. in u^ual nonchal- ant manner, and stands up c. waiting and faced a little to E. of front, leaning on side of door with outstretched right arm) (Edith moves to left and stands near mantel.) (As shouts become nearer, Thoene turns and stands waiting, faced to front. No assumption of bravado. Simply waiting without troubling himself about the affair one way or the other) 166 SECRET SERVICE (Enter from loth windows on right — bursting open the one down right — and from door up L. a Squad of Confederate Soldiers in gray uni- forms — not too old and dirty— those on right headed by the Sergeant who searched the house early in this act, and those on left by Cokpoeal, etc., etc., of former acts. Wilfred Varnby with revolver still in his hand, enters at windows down R. in lead of others, coming to R. c. — All the available and effective force possible for this. The men themselves must be solid and capable of effective work. Upon no account allow boys in this squad. — They rush on at climax of noise of feet and voices outside, and with a shout of ex- ultation, and stand on charge at each side) Wilfred, (r. c. to Sergeant) There's your man Sergeant — I hand him over to you ! Sergeant. {Up r. c. — Advancing to Thoene and putting hand roughly on his shoulder) Prisoner ! (XXX) {Enter Aerelsford hurriedly at door up L.) Arrelsfoed. {breaking through between men at left and standing l. c.) Where is he? {Sees Thorne) Ah ! We've got him have we ! Sergeant. Young Varney here captured him, sir ! {enter Mrs. Varney up l. She goes down left side near F. p. and stands loohing on) Arrelsfoed. {left of Thorne) So! — Eun down at last ! (Thorne pays no attention to Arrelsfoed. — He merely waits for the end of the disturbance) Now you'll find out what it costs to play your little game with our Government Telegraph Lines ! (Thoene does not even listen. — Aerelsford turns to Sergeant) Don't waste any time! Take him down the street and shoot him full of lead! — Out SECRET SERVICE 167 with him! {going down L. c. on last of speech) (Low shouts of approval from men, and general movement as if to start, the Sergeant at same time shoving Thoene a little toward l.) Seegeant. (gruffly— as he starts. With other shouts) Come along! WiLFEED. (a step toward c. — revolver still in hand) Ko! {on Wilf:rbd's ' no ' all stop. During the rest of Wilfeed's speech Thorne turns wearily away to l. — which brings him around facing up stage a little — near the door up c.) — ^Whatever he is — whatever he's done — ^he has the right to a trial! (Thoene turns suddenly round and looTcs at Wil- fred) Aerelsford. {down l. c.) General Tarleton said to me, " If you find him shoot him on sight ! " Wilfred, (down r. c.) I don't care what General Tarleton said — I captured the man — he's in this house — and he's not going out without he's treated fair ! (Wilffed loohs up toward Thoene. Their eyes meet. Then Thoene turns away up stage, rest- ing left hand against l. side of door frame) Aeeblsford. {suddenly. Angrily) Well — ^let him have it ! — We'll give him a drum-head, boys — but it'll be the quickest drum-head ever held on earth ! {to Sergeant) Stack muskets here an' run 'em in for the court ! Sergeant, {stepping a little down c. and facing about — hacle to audience) Pall in here ! Men treah positions each side and run up stage, falling quichly into a double rank just above Sergeant) Fall in the Prisoner ! (Men separate e. & l. leaving space at c. Thoene steps down into position and stands) Stack — arms ! {front rank men stack. — Rear rank men pass pieces forward. Front rank men lay them on stacks. — Turning right to Mes. Varnet and touching cap) Where shall we find a vacant room, ma'am? 168 SECRET SERVICE Mes. Vabney. At the head of the stairs — ^there's none on this floor. Sergeant, {turning up to men) Escort — ^left face! {men left face — Thorne obeying the order with them) Forward — ^marchl — File leftl {etc.) (Soldiers with Thorne march rapidly out of the room at door up L. and disappear up the stair- way outside up i. The Sergeant exits up l. after men.) (Aerblsford exits after men up l. following them closely up the stairway and off l. Wilfred goes off and up the stairway with some effort, following the Sergeant. Mrs. Varnet exits at door up left and off to left.) "Note: — The foregoing scene to he played very rapidly and at high tension. The rush of men on — the capture — Thorne's cool nonchalance — Edith motionless down left. The few words and the hur- ried exit to drum-head the prisoner — all a sweep of sudden vengeance, with the lurid flashes seen at win- dows R. and the sullen roar of cannon in distance. (XXX) (Edith turns and crosses slowly to window at right. Pauses a moment. Flashes of light from dis- tant cannonading on her face. She stands in window right — partly hidden by curtains — look- ing off.) (XXX) {The door up c. slowly opens a little way so that someone can looh through the crack. Soon the old negro Jonas enters cautiously — almost crawling on. He looks this way and that and off at door up left and up the stairway, 8ud- SECRET SERVICE 169 denly his eyes light on the stacks of muskets. He goes to the one up L. c. — looks about fear- fully — apprehensively. Hesitates an instant. During Jonas* business — artillery and cavalry effects on strong. Cannon and musketry fire in distance — alarm iells on strong — begin as men go upstairs.) (XXX) (Jonas makes up his mind to do it. Drops down on hnees by stack of muskets up l. c. — snaps the breech lock of one — without moving it from the stack — gets out the cartridge, looks at it, bites it with his teeth and looks at it again. Bites again and makes motions of getting the ball off and putting it in his pocket. Puts cartridge back in the musket, snaps the loch shut, and moves on to the next. Repeats bus. of cartridge out, but is much quicker, biting off the ball at once. Repeats more rapidly and quickly with another musket, crawling quickly round the stack. Moves over to stack at e. c. Same bus. Make scene as rapidly as possible.) ((As Jonas gets well to work on muskets Edith turns at window up e. and sees him. She stands a moment motionless — then comes down on right, and stands looking at him without moving. Jonas, who began after leaving stack l. c. at upper side of stack E. c. has worked around down stage on the stack, and has come to the lower side. Edith stands near the desk at e. and drops a book upon it on cue to make Jonas look up after the last musket but one. Jonas looks up and sees Edith watching him. He stops.) (XXX) 170 SECRET SERVICE [{Stop loud effects as Jonas speaks — hut Tceep up bells and far distant cannon.) Jonas, (after pause. Very low voice) Dhey's a-goin' ter shoot 'im — shoot 'im down like a dog, Missy — an' Ah couldn't b'ar to see 'em do dat! Ah wouldn't like to see 'im killed — Ah wouldn't like it noways! You won't say nuffin' 'bout dis — fer de sake of ole Jonas what was always so fond o' you — ebber sense ye was a little chile ! {he sees that Edith does not appear angry, and goes on with his work of drawing the bullets out of the last musket) Ye see — I jiss take away dis yer — an' den dar won't be no harm to 'im what-some-ebber — ^less'n day loads 'em up agin! {slowly hollies to his feet as he speaks) When dey shoots — an' he jiss draps down, dey^U roll 'im over inter de gutter an' be ofE like dey was mad ! Den Ah can be near by — an' — {suddenly thinks of something. A look of consternation comes over his face. He speaks in almost whisper) How's he goin' ter know ! Ef he don't drap down dey'U shoot him agin — an dey'U hab bullets in 'em nex' time! {anx- iously glances around an instant) Dey'U hab bullets in 'em next time ! {looks about. Suddenly to Edith) You tell 'im ! You tell him Missy — it's de ony-est way! Tell 'im to drap down! {supplicatingly) Do dis fur ole Jonas, honey — do it fur me — an' Ah'U be a slabe to ye ez long ez Ah lib! {slight pause. Sudden suldued yell outside up left sounding as if from men shut inside a room on the floor above. Jonas starts and turns on the yell. Half whisper) Dey's a-goin' ter kill 'im! (XXX) {Noise of heavy tramp of feet outside l. above — doors opening, etc. An indistinct order or two before regular order heard. Jonas goes hurriedly up to door up 0.) SECRET SERVICE 171 Sergeant. (outside l. — Above) — Fall in! — Eight face ! — Forward — March ! Jonas, (at door up c.) Oh tell 'im Missy! Tell 'im to drap down for God's sake! (exit Jonas at door up c. carefully closing it after him) (XXX) (Edith crosses to l. c. and stands waiting, her face expressionless, in front of table l. c.) (XXX) (Enter Wilphed up l. coming down the stairs. He enters the room coming down c. Enter Caeo- LiNE at door up l. as "Wilfred goes down c. She hurries to him with an anxious glance up stairway as she passes.) Caroline, (c. on Wilfred's l. Almost whisper) What are they — agoing to do? Wilfred, (c.) Shoot him! Caroline. When ? Wilfred. Now. Caroline, {low exclamation of pity) Oh! (Wilfred goes e. c. below lounge. Caroline stands near him on his L. looking on as Soldiers and others enter.) (Enter, coming down stairway up left at bach the Sergeant, followed b'y escort of Soldiers. They enter room at door or archway up L. and turn H. marching to position they were formerly in above the stacks of muskets.) (Enter Arrelsford l., following down the stair- way after the escort of Men. He goes across to 172 SECRET SERVICE up K. c. JMes. Vahnet enters at door up L. and goes down Jj. Stands l.) Seegbant. {Who is at c. facing up. When men have come to proper place) Halt! (Men halt) Left face ! (Men face front) {Enter Thoene up L. coming^ down the stairway, followed hy Coepoeal with his carbine. Thoene comes into position at l. of front line of men. Coeporal stands at h. of Thoene.) Seegeant. {after Thoene is in position at t. of Men) Take arms! (Men at once take muskets. All very quick) Carry arms ! {Bus. Men stand in line waiting) Fall in the Prisoner ! (Thoene walks in front of Men to c. and falls into position) Left face! (Thoene and Men face to left on order, ready to march out) Forward — {interrupted) Edith, {in front of the table L. c.) Wait! — (mo- tion of hand to stop them without looking round) Who is the officer in command? Seegeant. (e. c. down) I'm in command, Miss ! {touching cap) Edith, {to Seegeant) I'd like to — speak to the prisoner! Seegeant. Sorry Miss, but we haven't got time ! {turning as though to give orders) Edith, {sudden turn on him and hand out) Only a word ! (Seegeant stops c. looking at her — hesitates an in- stant — turns to Men. Stepping up l. c.) Seegeant. Eight face ! (Men face to front again on order. Thoene obeying order with others) Fall out the prisoner! (Thoene moves forward one step out of rank and stands motionless) Now Miss ! SECRET SERVICE 173 WiLFKED. (starting indignantly toward Centre) No! (Tableau an instant. Seegeant turns in surprise.) Caeoline. (holding to Wilfred and speaking in a low voice full of feeling) Oh Wilfred — ^let her speak to him — ^let her eay good-bye! (Wilfred looks at Caboline a moment. Then with gesture to Sehgkant indicates that he may go on, and turns away E. with Caroline.) Sergeant, (turning to Thoene) The lady I (A brief motionless pause — Thoene looking front as before. Then he turns slowly and looks at Ser- geant — Sergeant turns and looks meaningly toward Edith. Thoene walks down to her, stopping close on her right, standing in military position, faced, as he walked, a little to L. of, front.) ( Aeeelsfoed up E. c. looking at Edith and Thoene. Caeoline with Wilfred down e. c. gives an occasional awed and frightened glance at Thoene and Edith. All this arranged so that there is no movement after the Sergeant's order to "fall out the prisoner.") (Edith, after slight pause, speaks slowly in almost a whisper and as if with an effort, but without apparent feeling, and without turning to Thoene.) 1 Edith. (voice for Thoene alone to hear. ' Slowly. Distinctly. Without inflection. A slight occasional tremor. Pauses as indicated) One of 174 SECRET SERVICE the servants — has taken the musket balls — out of the guns. If you care to fall on the ground when they fire — you may escape with your life! Thoene. {after pause. To Edith. Low voice) Do you wish me to do this? Edith. {Low voice — without turning) It's noth- ing to me. (Thoene, with slight sudden movement at the cue, turns slowly away to front. — Brief pause. He turns toward her again.) Thoene. {very low voice) "Were you responsi- ble in any way for — (Edith shakes her head slightly without looking at him. Thoene turns and walks right a step or two to c. — Makes turn there and walks up c. and turns to L. facing the Seegeant a little e. of c. and out of the way of bayonets in coming busi- ness. Saluting) Sergeant — {as if making an ordi- nary military report) You'd better take a look at your muskets — they've been tampered with. Seegeant. {snatching musket from man nearest him) What the — {quickly snaps it open. Car- tridge drops to floor. Seegeant picks it up and looks at it) Here ! — {handing musket back to man. Turns to squad and gives orders quickly as follows: Business on these orders very effective if carried out promptly and with precision) Squad — ready! (Men come in one movement from " carry " to posi- tion for loading) Draw — cartridge! (Men draw cartridges. The click and snap of locks and levers ringing out simultaneously along the line) With ball cartridge — ^reload ! (Men quickly reload. Same bus. of rapid click of locks and levers down the line) Carry — arms! (Men come to carry on the instant. Motionless. Eyes front. To Thoene — with off-hand salute) Much obliged sir! Thoene. {low voice. Off-hand— as if of no con- 11 SECRET SERVICE 176 sequence) That's all right, (stands facing L. wait- ing for order to fall in. "Wilfeed, after Thoenb's warning to officer about muskets, watches him with undisguised admiration) Wilfeed. {suddenly walking up to Thoenb) Ah'd like to shake hands with you ! (Thoene turns and looks at Wilfred, who is just helow him a little to his right. A smile breaks gradually over his face.) Thoene. (smiling) Is this for yourself — or your father? Wilfeed. (earnestly) For both of us sir! (putting out his hand a little way — not raising it much) (Thoene grasps his hand, they look into each other's faces a moment, let go hands, Wilfeed turns away to down e. c. and goes up back of couch to Caeoline. Thoene looks after Wilfeed to front an instant — then turns l.) That's all, Sergeant! Seegeant. (lower voice than before) Pall in the Prisoner ! (Thoene steps to place in the line and turns front) Escort — ^left face! (Men with Thoene left face) Forward ma — (sharp cry of "Halt! Halt!" outside up L., followed by bang of heavy door outside L.) Seegeant. Halt! (Men — who have not started — stand motionless at left face. On seeing the Oedeelt approaching — just before he is on) Eight face! (Men with Thoene face to front.) (Enter quickly at door up l. an Aid — wearing Lieur tenant's uniform. Seegeant, faced front up l. c. just forward of his men, salutes. Aid Seegeant. [{low voice to Men) Present — arms! 176 SECRET SERVICE (Men Present) Carry— arms! (Men come to carry again) (Wilfred and Caroline move quietly around right end of lounge to k. o. above it. Come to posi- tion before Aid speaks.) (XXX) Aid. (standing up L. c. — facing r.) General Randolph's compliments sir, and he's on the way with orders! Areelsfoed. (up E. c.) What orders. Lieuten- ant? — Anything to do with this case? Aid. (no salute to Arrelsford) I don't know what the orders are, sir. He's been with the Presi- dent. Aeeelsford. I sent word to the Department we'd got the man and were going to drum-head him on the spot. Aid. Then this must be the case sir. I believe the General wishes to be present. Aeeelsford. Impossible! We've held the court and I've sent the finding to the Secretary ! The mes- senger is to get his approval and meet us at the corner of Copley Street. Aid. I have no further orders sir! (retires up with quick military movement and turns facing front. Stands motionless) (XXX) (Sound of door outside up l. and the heavy tread of the General as he strides across the hall.) Sergeant, (low voice to Men) Present — arms! (Men present) (Seeqeant, Orderly, etc., on salute.) SECRET SERVICE 177 (Enter Geneeal Randolph at door up l., striding on hurriedly — returning salutes as he crosses to e. o. glancing about.) (Enter, after General Eandolph, as if he had come with him, the First Telegraph Operator, (Lieutenant Foray) He stands waiting near door, faced front, military position.) Sergeant, (low order to Men) Carry — arms! (Men come to carry again) General Randolph. Ah, Sergeant! — (going down and across td R.) Got the prisoner in here have you? Sergeant, (saluting) Just taking him out sir! General Randolph, (r.) Prison? Sergeant. N"o sir! To execute the sentence of the Court! General Randolph. Had his trial then ! Aeeelsford. (stopping down R. c. with a salute) All done according to regulations, sir! The finding has gone to the Secretary ! General Randolph. J[e. to Arrelsford) Pound guilty I judge? Arrelsford. Pound guilty sir! — No time for hanging now — ^the court ordered him shot ! General Randolph. What were the grounds for this? Arrelsford. Conspiracy against our government and the success of our arms by sending a false and misleading dispatch containing forged orders! General Randolph. Court's been misinformed. The dispatch wasn't sent! (Edith loohs up with sudden breathless exclama- tion. Wilfred turns with surprise. General astonishment.) 178 SECRET SERVICE Areelsfoed. (recovering) Why General — the dispatch — I saw him Geneeal Eandolph. I say the dispatch wasn't sent ! I expected to arrive in time for the trial and brought Foray here to testify, (calls to Lieuten- ant FoEAT without looking round) Lieutenant! (Lieutenant Foeay comes quichly down l. c. fac- ing Geneeal Randolph. — Salutes.) Did Captain Thorne send out any dispatches after we left you with him in the office an hour ago? Lieutenant Foeat. No sir. I was just going to send one under his order, but he countermanded it. Geneeal Eandolph. What were his words at the time? Lieutenant Foeat. He said he refused to act under that commission. (Edith turns toward Thokne and looTcs at him steadfastly.) Geneeal Randolph. That'll do, Lieutenant! (Lieutenant Foeay salutes and retires up l.) In addition we learn from General Chesney that no orders were received over the wire — that Marston's Division was not withdravsm — and that our position was not weakened in any way. The attack at that point has been repulsed. It's plain that the Court has been acting under error. The President is there- fore compelled to disapprove the finding and it is set aside. Aeeelsfoed. (c. With great indignation) Gen- eral Eandolph, this case was put in my hands and General Randolph, (interrupting hluffly, tut without temper) Well I take it out of your hands I Report back to the War Office with my compliments I SECRET SERVICE 179 (Aehelsfoed turns and starts toward up l.) Aeeelsfoed. (after going a few steps turns hack again) Hadn't I better wait and see — Geneeal Eandolph. No — don't wait to see any- thing! (Aeeelsfoed looks at General Eandolph an instant. Then turns and exits at door up l. Sound of door outside up L. closed with force. General Eandolph in front of lounge) Ser- geant! (Sergeant quickly down to General Ean- dolph on salute. Standing on his L.) Hold your men back there. I'll see the prisoner. (Seegeant salutes, turns, marches straight up from where he is to the right division of the escort so that he is a little to right of Thoene and turns front) Seegeant. Order — arms! (Squad obeys with precision) Parade — ^restl (Squad obeys order) Fall out the Prisoner ! (Thoene steps forward one step out of the rank and stands) The General! (Thoene starts down o. to go to Geneeal Eandolph. As Thoene steps forward on order — " The General " — to walk down c. Edith starts quickly toward c. and intercepts him about two-thirds of the way down, on his left. Thoene stopped by Edith shows slight surprise for an instant, but quickly recovers and looks straight front) Edith, (to Thoene as she meets Mm. Im- pulsively. But low voice) Oh — why didn't you tell me ! — I thought you sent it ! I thought you — Geneeal Eandolph. (surprised) Miss Varney! Edith, (crossing Thoene and speaking impetu- ously to the Geneeal) There's nothing against him, General Eandolph ! — He didn't send it ! — There's nothing to try him for now! Geneeal Eandolph. You're very much mis- taken, Miss Varney. The fact of his being caught in our lines without his uniform is enough to swing bim off in ten minixtes, 180 SECRET SERVICE (Edith moans a little, at same time moving hack from General a trifle.) Geneeal Eandolph. Cap'ii Thorne — (Thoene steps down and faces Geneeal) or whatever your name may be — ^the President is fully informed re- garding the circumstances of your case, and I needn't say that we look on you as a cursed dangerous char- acter! There isn't any doubt whatever that you'd ought to be exterminated right now ! — But consider- ing the damned peculiarity of your behavior — and that you refused for some reason — ^to send that dis- patch when you might have done so, we've decided to keep you out of mischief some other way. The Ser- geant will turn you over to Major Whitfield sir! (Sergeant up e. c. salutes) You'll be held as a prisoner of war! {turns and goes e. a few steps) (Edith turns suddenly to Thoene, coming down before him as he faces E.) Edith, (loohing in his face) Oh — ^that isn't nearly so bad! (Thoene holds her hand in his right.) Thoene. No ? Edith. ISTo ! — Because — sometime — (hesitates) Thoene. (his face nearer hers) Aii — if it's sometime, that's enough ! (Slight pause. Edith sees Mes. Vaenet at l. and crosses to her, Thoene retaining her hand as she crosses — a step hach to let her pass — fol- lowing her with his eyes — releasing her hand only when he has to.) Edith. Mamma, won't you speak to him ? (Mes. Vaenet and Edith l. talh quietly.) SECRET SERVICE 181 Wilfred, (suddenly leaving Caeoline up e. c. and striding down from behind couch to Thokne, extending hand) I'd like to shake hands with you ! Thoene. (turning to Wilfred) What, again? (taking Wilfeed's hand. Under breath as he does so) All right — go ahead. (Wilfred, shaking hands with Thoene and crossing him to L. as he does so — back to audience, laugh- ing and very happy about it.) Caroline, (coming quickly down, pushing Ser- geant back out of the way as she goes) So would I ! (holding out her hand) (Thorne let go Wilfred's hand — now on his left and takes Caroline's. — ^Wilfred a little below on his left — Caroline level on his right.) Wilfred. Don't you be afraid now — ^ifU be all right! They'll give you a parole and Caroline, (breaking in enthusiastically) A parole! Goodness gracious! Why they'll give you hundreds of 'em ! turning away with funny little comprehensive gesture of both hands on end of her speech) Geneeal Eandolph. (gruffly) One moment if you please ! Thoene turns at once, facing General Eandolph near c. Caroline and Wilfred go up R. c. to above couch. Edith stands L. c. Mrs. Vaenet near table L.) There's only one reason on earth why the President has set aside a certain ver- dict of death. You held up that false order and made a turn in our favor. We expect you to make the turn complete and enter our service. (All motionless — watching the 'scene.) Thoene. (after instant's pause. Quietly) Why General — ^that's impossible ! 182 SECRET SERVICE General Randolph, (r.) You can give us your answer later! Thoene. (c.) You have it nowl General Randolph. You'll be kept in close con- finement until you come to our terms ! Thorne. You're making me a prisoner for life! General Randolph. You'll see it in another light before many days. And it wouldn't surprise me if Miss Varney had something to do with your change of views! Edith, (coming toward c.) You're mistaken General Randolph — I think he's perfectly right! (Thorne turns to Edith and moves toward her getting her hand in his R.) General Randolph. Very well — we'll see what a little prison life will do. (a sharp order) Ser- geant! (Sergeant comes down r. c. and salutes) Report with the prisoner to Major Whitfield ! {turns away to front) (Sergeant turns at once to Thorne. — Thorne and Edith look in each other's eyes.) Thorne. (low voice to Edith) What is it — ^love and Good-bye? Edith, (almost a whisper) Oh no — only the first! — And that one every day — every hour — every minute — until we meet again! Thorne. Until we meet again! Sergeant, (r. c. up) Fall in the Prisoner! (Thorne turns and walks up, quickly taking his place in the Squad. — Edith follows him up a step or two as he goes, stopping a little L. of c.) Sergeant. J^quich orders) Attention! (Squad SECRET SERVICE 183 obeys order) Carry — arms! (Squad obeys order) Escort — left — face ! (Squad with Thoene — left face on the order) Forward — marcli! (Escort with Thoenb marches out at door up L. and off to L.) CUBTAIN Time of playing — 25 minutes. m:m^^ 7'^ 'hM ^-^ .. V