PS 635 fO PLAYS EXCHANGED. .Z9 B61747 — — I o„v . 7\HCR'3 Edition or PL7\Y3 Petrel, The Storm-Child Price, 25 Cents B. U3. Pinero's Plays Price, 50 e^^nts €acD THF AMA7nW^ Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, five fe- lIlEi /\.lfli\£«V/liwJ males. Costumes, modern; scenery, not difficult. Plays a full evening. THE CABINET MINISTER maS, ^Sine^^^emales! Co" tumes, modern society; scenery, tlir^e interiors. Plays a full evening. HAlSinY mr'ir Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, four fe- UJ\ijUl l/ivIV males. Costumes, modern; scenery, two inte- riors. Plays two hours and a half. TUr r" AV I ADrtk ATTI7Y comedy in Four Acts. Fourmales, ini!. VjAI LUIVLP VfUl^A ten females. Costumes, modern; scenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. HTQ HniTQr IM fH?ni?I? Comedy in Four Acts. Nine males, lUiJ lHJUOEi in WAl/EifV four females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. TUC UADDV UA1I?QC Comedy in Three Acts. Ten males, inr. nUDDI ni/il\t3E. five females. Costumes, modern; scenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. fniQ Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, il\lij modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. I AHY RnilMTIFfTT Play in Four Acts. Eight males, seven 1^*»1/ 1 DUUlilirULi females. Costumes, modern; scen- ery, four interiors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I FTXY T)raraa in Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five IdLtl 1 I females. Costumes, modern; scenery complicated. Plays a full evening. THI7 IWAr'IQTR ATP Farce in Three Acts. Twelve males, lIlCi illflVliO i IVil 1 £i four females. Costumes, modern; SOeuery, all interior. Plays two hours and a half. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by ^^altet ^. l^aUv & Companp No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts Petrel, the Storm Child A Drama in Three Acts By CHARLES S. BIRD Author of *^At the Junction,^* ''Pa's New House^ keeper" *'How Jim Made Good" "Elm* wood Folks" etc. NOTE This play may be performed by amateurs free of royalty and without express permission. The professional stage-rights are, however, strictly reserved, and performance by professional actors, given in advertised places of amusement and for profit, is forbidden. Persons who may v/ish to produce this play publicly and professionally should apply to the author in care of the publishers. BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 1916 .^ Petrel, the Storm Child * CHARACTERS {In order of appearance) Captain Stubbs, a retired skipper. Sim Freeman, the constable at "Bay View " iZ^'r':.^'''''''^^' "^""T^^'' '^ >^^^' but' known as Pet LEM Gale, a sad sea dog. Amanda LiBBY. a spinster, but 7iot wiUinglv. JABEZ Kingman, keeper of the village store. Bob Braxton, a young yachtsman. Harry James, Bob's chum. Ezra Green, always buttin in. Mr. Brief, a lawyer. Cecile, a 77iaid. Bay View Folks. The parts of Lem and Brief may be doubled. SYNOPSIS Act I. The village store. Act II. The home of the Kingmans. Act III. Same as Act II. Three months are supposed to elapse between Acts I and II One week between Acts II and III. ^^"'ccn /icts i ana ll. Copyright, 1916, by Charles S. Bird As author and proprietor Professional and moving picture rights reserved jj ^ MAV -4 l9l6©Gt.O 48812 S^O TMP92-008654 STORY OF THE PLAY The play opens in the village store of Jabez Kingman, at " Bay View," a small seaport town on the New England coast. Jabez's daughter " Petrel " helps him in the store. Captain Stubbs, a re- tired mariner, and Sim Freeman, the local constable, are playing checkers near the stove. The village dressmaker drops in with gossip (and an eye for Ezra Green). Bob Braxton and Harry James — two young yachtsmen — come in to buy supplies. Bessie Stubbs, the .Captain's daughter, arrives. Lem Gale, an old sea- man, who "chores" around the store, enters the play story through a story which Captain Stubbs tells Bob. Bob tells a story too. Captain Stubbs gets something to think about. Ezra Green blows in with a piece of news. " The bank has been robbed." Through envy and jealousy he incites the constable to arrest Bob and Harry as bank burglars. The second act takes place in the home of the Kingmans. Pet, the daughter, is entertaining Bess Stubbs, Bob, and Harry, at a birthday supper. A scene of mirth and jolhty occurs. The village friends arrive with gifts for Pet. The Captain has gone on a mys- terious errand. A love scene between Bob and Pet. Jabez in financial trouble. Old Lem's gift. Mandy Libby, the village gossip, pays a visit. The Captain returns. His actions a mystery. Pet asks her mother about herself. There are things she does not understand. She is then told about her childhood. She was rescued from the sea by Jabez when he was a hghthouse keeper. Her parentage unknown. She shows her devotion. Act III has same setting as Act H. The troubles of Jabez increase. Ruin impends. Captain Stubbs a true friend. Mandy Libby gets a legacy. "Poor old Lem." Ezra Green has a change of heart. Harry is some love maker. A telegram for the Captain. A lawyer and a mysterious lady arrive. The history of the " Storm Child " is revealed. Bob's " Hope " is reahzed, also Harry's, and the end is a happy one for all concerned, including Ezra Green. COSTUMES Time. — Summer. Capt. Age fifty -five. Iron-gray wig and short chin beard, ordinary suit with a sea touch, for first act. A business suit for other acts. JABEZ. Dark vest and trousers, no coat, black tie for first act. Business suit for other acts ; gray wig. Same age as Captain. Bob and Harry. Yachting suits for first, neat summer suits for other acts. Sim. Policeman's helmet, blue coat with bright buttons, gray trousers— all rather seedy — belt and mace ; large star on breast, spectacles, thin sandy beard, wig of same ; comedy tie. Age fifty. Ezra. Rough suit, no vest, flannel shirt, no tie, straw hat the worse for wear for first act. A better suit for other acts, but with comedy touch ; trousers hitched high, etc. Age thirty-five. Lem. Sea rig, sou'wester hat, pea jacket, overalls or oilskin trousers, flannel shirt, black tie, gray whiskers under chin and cheeks, wig to match. A very old man. Brief. Neat business suit, straw hat. Mrs. Kingman. Has on her best dress in Act H. House dress for Act III. Pet. Dark skirt, shirt-waist, apron, for Act I. Dressed for party in Act II. Neat house dress for Act III. Bessie. Street dress, hat, parasol for Act I. Same as Pet for Act II. Summer dress, hat, for Act III. Amanda. Costumes suggesting her character — comedy touch ; same all through, or change if desired. Cecile. Dressed in black, hat and veil. Middle age. Petrel, the Storm Child ACT I SCENE. — An interior. A small general store in a village on the New England coast. Stove, c, with a few cofnmon chairs mid some boxes for seats around it. At r., extend- ing up and down stage, a counter with showcase, a?id desk at upper end. Practical door, b. l. , near end of coufiter. Entrance, l. ; entrance, R., near front end of counter. Shelves with various supplies, also boxes and barrels about room to add to effect. This scene may be made effective by adding as much to these suggestions as possible, or if not practicable to do this, a few things to carry out the idea will suffice very well. {At curtain rise, the followifig characters are disclosed: Jabez Kingman, behind counter ; Petrel Kingman, also behind counter writing at desk ; Captain Stubbs and Sim Freeman, the constable, are seated near stove deeply en- grossed in a gatne of checkers ; Lem Gale is busy filling a fid cleaning some lamps at a small table on L.) Capt. {tnaking a move). Your next move, Sim. {Sits back and laughs.^ Sim. Don't be in sech a rush, Cap'n Stubbs. Wait. {Holds up his ha7id.') Humph ! lemme see. (Sim is very near-sighted.) Yew think you're tarnal smart, don't ye, Stubbs? {Gives it up.) But lemme tell ye, ye wouldn't 'a' won that one ef I hadn't made sech a fool play back there where yew Capt. Oh, yes, I know, Sim ; you've got t' have some ex- cuse. Why can't ye be a sport an' own up t' bein' beat because you was playin' with a better man ? {Winks at Jabez, who laughs quietly.') Sim {nettled). Oh, ef that's what ye think, I'll jest play ye 5 6 PETREL, THE STORM CHILD one more. {Arranges men again,) An' 'member, this'll be th' rubber. Humph ! An' say, yew talk so much about bein' a "sport " ; I'll bet ye th' cheroots thet I take thet tough sea- tanned hide offn ye this time. Capt. (^laughing), I'll go ye, Sim. Don't mind smokin' at your expense; 'tain't so ofn I git a chance. {To Jabez.) Jabez, I guess you'd better charge Sim up with a couple o' cheroots in case he should want t' back out after th' game. Sim. Talk's cheap, Cap'n Stubbs. {Moves.) Go ahead with th' game, why don't ye ? ( The game proceeds. ) Pet. {looking up from her work and calling loudly). Lem 1 {No answer.) Lem! {Louder; no reply. \,ym works away ; he is very deaf.) Oh, dear {comi7ig around y.), what a bother the poor old man is, anyway. ( Crosses to Lem and shouts in his ear.) Lem ! Ij^m {Jumpi7ig). H-H-H-Hey? {Lem, besides being deaf ^ stammers in a rather high-keyed voice. Puts his ha?id to his ear.) D-D-D-D-Did y-y-y-y-ou s-s-s-speak? Pet. {laughing). " Speak " ? I should say I did. {hi his ear.) When you get through with these lamps I want you to sweep the floor. Do you hear ? Lem. Y-Y-Y-Yes, c-c-c-course I d-d-do; m-m-m-my h-h- hearin's a-a-a-g-g-g-gittin' b-b-better all t-t-t-th' t-t-t-time. (Pet. laughs doubtfully and returns to her station. Enter Amanda Libby, door r. Lem chuckles^ W-W-W-W-When I w-w-w-was a-c-c-c-cruisin' o-o-o-off'n th-th-th-the B-B-B-B- Bar-b-b-b-badoes Aman. Good-mornin', everybody. {She nods to each in turn, who respond.) Lem. He, he, he ! {Chuckles as he works.) Aman. It is such a fine mornin' out, but good land Jabez. What can we do for you to-day, Mandy ? Aman. Wait a minnit; no hurry, Jabez. I've just been down by the ^^pot and took a turn 'round up Water Street, but, as I said before, good land, there ain't a soul stirrin' in this whole blessed village; it's as dead as a herrin'. If it gets much more so, I shouldn't wonder if it dried up an' blew away some of these days. Capt. {looking up). Don't worry, Mandy; there's no PETREL, THE STORM CHILD 7 danger of any extensive stagnation in Bay View as long as we have you around to keep things stirred up. (Laughs to hijnself.') Aman. (Partly). Well, somebody's got to have a little life if the community's goin' to be saved from the dry rot, Cap'n Stubbs. I'm sure it don't make it no livelier to have most of the able-bodied men in the place settin' around a cold stove on a warm day playin' checkers from mornin' to night. Capt. Haw, haw, haw I Keelhauled, by cracky ! No use t' argue with you, Mandy. {They all laughy and Capt. resumes his game. Lem gets through with the lamps. Gets broom and sweeps j mak- ing first Sim and then Capt. movet much to their atmoy- ance.^ Aman. Yes, it's awful quiet here this summer. I don't think Jabez. You are right, Mandy ; it is quiet, too quiet. Since these new people have come in over at Gull Point, built a hotel and started a store, we feel the difference. (Sighs.) If things get much worse I'm afraid I shall Pet. Now, daddy dear, don't you go to fretting about the business again. (Puts her arm about him.) I am sure every- thing will come out all right ; business will pick up by an' by. Jabez (patting her cheek). Well, Pet, I hope it will. I wish I could be as sanguine about it as you are. Aman. Of course it will, Jabez. I didn't mean more'n half what I said. One has to have something to talk about, you know, and that makes me think, I want to buy somethin' myself (Opens her purse.) Jabez. What will it be, Mandy ? Aman. (thinking). Let me see. Oh, yes ; I would like a paper of pins. (Jabez gets them.) Jabez. What else ? Aman. That's all, I guess, to-day. (Starts to go ; returns,') I almost forgot, there was a little life out on the harbor. Pet. Was there ? What was it, Mandy ? Aman. A pretty little yacht. Must have come some time in the night and anchored a little way south of Taber's wharf. There was folks aboard of her this mornin', but I couldn't make out how many there was, or whether they were men or women, or both. I wonder what she is doing in here ? There'll 8 PETREL, THE STORM CHILD be somebody ashore, I shouldn't be a bit surprised. But I must be goin'. {Goes to door ; turns ; hesitates.') I don't suppose Ezra's been in this mornin', has he? • Jabez. Didn't see him. Aman. Oh, it's no matter. Good-bye. \Exit, door b. Pet. {smiling). Amanda's courage in regard to Ezra Green surely ought to be well pricked up by this time if pins will do it. This is the third paper she has bought this week on the chance of running across him here. Capt. Makes me think of th' old sayin', " Where there's life there's hope." Guess that may account for Mandy's anx- iety about the lack of life in Bay View. Ha, ha ! E7iter Bob Braxton and Harry James, door b. Bob {breezily t to Jabez). Good-morning, sir. A fine day. Jabez. It is ; very fine, indeed. What can we do for you this morning ? Bob. I have just put in at your port in my boat, and I find I am a little short of supplies. I suppose — {looking around; he and Capt. eyeing one another curiously) I suppose I can ob- tain what I require here? {Looks at Capt. again.) Jabez {brightening). I hope so, I am sure. What do you wish ? (Lem, who has finished his sweeping and go?ie off L. , now enters and beckons rather mysteriously to Jabez. The two young men glance at him with lively curiosity.) What is it, Lem? (Lem co7itinues to beckon.) Humph! No use to talk to him. I suppose I'll have to go and see what he wants. You attend to the wants of this gentleman, will you ? Pet. All right, daddy. I'll take the order. (Jabez fol- lows Lem off \.. Pet. to Bob.) What did you wish, sir? Bob {raising his cap). If you will pardon the question, I would like very much to know if that — that person I saw just now was the shade of the ''Ancient Mariner," or the celebrated old fellow himself ? Pet. {smiling). He is almost ancient enough, likewise a mariner, but decidedly not the personage to whom you refer. But in regard to your order. {Takes book atid pencil.) Bob. Oh, yes, certainly. Pray pardon my curiosity. {Takes paper from pocket.) I have a list all made out. If you would be good enough to send these things down to the wharf some time to-day I will have them taken aboard. Pet. {running over the list). Bread, butter, eggs, cheese, PETREL, THE STORM CHILD 9 pickles, olives, flour, matches, tobacco. Yes, sir, we can have them down there by four o'clock. Will that do? ( While Bob is ordering Har. has gone over and stands watching the game of checkers.') Bob. I think so, and thank you very much. (71? Har.) We will not have to sail before five o'clock to make the point before dark, will we, Harry ? Har. {coiniTig over). No, I don't think so; why? Bob. On account of these groceries. Pet. Is there anything more, sir ? Bob (try i fig to think up something). N-o, I do not know of anything else. Did you want anything, Harry ? Har. {also trying to think of something). Let me see ; oh, yes, I believe I'd Uke to get some perfectos. {To Pet.) Do you have any ? Pet. {puzzled). I — I think not. What are they, please ? Har. {blankly). ''What are they"? Oh, pray excuse me. It's a brand of cigars. Pet. We have hardly any call for the better grades of smok- ing material, I am sorry to say, so I am afraid we cannot sup- ply you with what you wish. Har. It does not matter in the least. Something else will do as well. I suppose you have some cheroots ? Pet. Oh, yes, we have those. Har. They will do. Please put in a box. I am very fond of them. {Makes grimace aside.) Enter Jabez a7id Lem, l. Jabez {to Bob). Well, sir, did you find what you wished ? Bob. Yes, sir, and I Enter Ezra Green hurriedly at door b. Ezra. Say, Cap'n, say, Sim, did ye hear th' news ? Capt. {dryly). No, Ez, what is it ? Been doin' a day's work ? Ezra {excitedly). Somebody broke inter th' bank last night. Lem {puttifig hand to ear). H-H-Hay? Capt. Sho ! ye don't say so? Sim. Great lobsters ! {Jumps up wildly excited ; grabs his mace; settles his helmet on his head.) Who? Where? Did they git away ? {Squints at Ezra.) 10 PETREL, THE STORM CHILD Ezra. I dunno; you're th' constable; you'd better be a Sim. I'll git 'em. I'll git 'em. Come on, Cap'n Stubbs, come on, Ez. We'll git up a posse and {^Hurries off at door b.) Capt. {laughing^. Yes, you'll git 'em. Mebby. Ha, ha! \^Exit after Sim. Lem {doddering around the store^. He, he ! w-w-w-when I wa-wa-wa-vvas a-cu-cu-cu-cruisin' or-or-or-off th-th-th-the B-B-B-Bar-b-b-b-badoes Jabez. Never mind now, Lem. {In his ear.') Go down to the depot and see if there is any freight there for us. (Lem nods ; goes off, l., stammering and nodding.) Bob (looking after him). What a quaint old barnacle, eh, Harry ? Har. Ha, ha ! a "sad sea dog," sure enough. Come on. Bob. Let's go see the constable arrest some one. (Starts toward door b.) Bob. All right, in a moment. (To Pet.) If there is any- thing more I can possibly think of that we need I will return and order it. (They appear to be inutually attracted to each other,) Pet. Very well, sir. Jabez. Good-day, gentlemen. Bob. Good-day. Har. Good-day, sir^ (Raising their caps the young men exeunt , door b.) Jabez. Now, I suppose I will have to go into the other room and look over those goods. Pet. All right, daddy, I'll attend to the store. (Exit Jabez, l. Pet. goes to the door, looks out, returns to her writing lost in thought. She sighs as she resumes her pen. Ezra, who has remained in the store watching the others, now gets up from where he has been seated and crosses over and leans on the counter. Pet. looks up.) Do you want anything, Ezra? PETREL, THE STORM CHILD II Ezra. No, nothin' in pertick'lar. Who was them two fel- lers what jest went out ? Pet. I did not know them, Ezra, but I suppose from what they said they were from the yacht that came into the harbor last night. Ezra. More'n likely some more o' them smart Alecks who are alius a-runnin' up an' down th' coast. I hate 'em like pizen. Pet. I hardly see why you should. They are usually very kind and well bred. Ezra {sneering). Yah, "well bred"; that sort o' thing seems t' suit you all right, but it makes me sick. Pet. {pleasantly). Of course it suits me ; why shouldn't it ? Ezra {shrugging his shoulders). Oh, well, everybody to their likin', but I know one thing, I wisht you'd give up your foolin' an' settle down t' somethin'. Pet. {amused). " Settle down " ? What do you mean by that, Ezra? Ezra. You know well enough what I mean. You know what I asked you th' other night when I cum 'round t' your house. Pet. Oh, I do know what you mean now, but {gently) you must remember what I told you at that time, that you must not think of such a thing, and I can only repeat now what I said then : the great disparity in our ages, and — and — oh, many, many other things, render what you have asked impossible. Please try to think of me as a friend, a very good friend, and be satisfied with that, won't you? Ezra {angrily). No, I won't. I want ye t' be Pet. {with dignity). Very well, then, I think we need say no more on the subject. Ezra {tauntingly). Oh, yes, I can see how 'tis with you ; let some o' these here summer folks cum 'round, an' you are all eyes an' ears to 'em ; seem t' think ye are one on 'em, I guess, by th' way ye act, an' sum on 'em acts th' same way with you. Huh, ye 'pear t' look down on "Bay View" folks since ye got out'n short skirts. But I don't see's ye need ter. Why, ef it hadn't 'a' been fer Pet. Mr. Green, you have said quite enough. Either you will leave the store at once or I will call my father, and Ezra. Your " father " ? Huh, all right, I'll leave. But ril bet ye one thing, and that is that some time you'll be made a fool on by one o' these summer jays, an' then ( Goes,) 12 PETREL, THE STORM CHILD Efiter Bessie Stubbs, door b. Bess, {pleasantly'). Good-morning, Ezra. What appears to be wrong with you to-day ? Cheer up. I just saw Mandy Libby looking around down by the depot. I think she was looking for Ezra. Mandy Libby? Shucks! (^Goes out slamming the door,) Bess. Oh, my, what a grouch. What's wrong with Ezra Green this morning. Pet ? Pet. {coming around). Oh, you know, Bess. {Half vexed.) I told you all about our conversation the other night. He has just had another attack and provoked me into being a little too severe with him perhaps. Bess, {laughing). You, severe? Well, that's a good one. Sorry I did not arrive in time for the exhibition, though I cer- tainly wouldn't have blamed you if you had been, for he is a pest and a trial, always "butting in," as father says. Pet. And he taunted me with trying to be agreeable and social with the summer people whom we meet once in a while Of course I am, but I do not have to try to be, as Ezra seems to think. Some way, I hardly know how to express it, Bess, I always feel, when with them, as though I was where I had a perfect right to be. Why is it, dear? It is not that I do not love our dear Bay View people with all my heart, daddy and you, and your father and all the rest, for I do, still Bess, {hugging her). Whatever it is, it is no fault of yours, anyway, so why bother your head about it, you silly child ? {Shakes her.) What do you care what Ezra Green says> But what I dropped in to ask you was this : Who were those two howling swells I saw coming out of the store a little while ago? Pet. {laughing). Why, Bess, you are as curious as Ezra Green. How should / know who they were ? Just customers, '?^\^ ^}}\ , ^^^"^ ^^^^ ^ ^°°^ ^^^^^> ^vhich pleased daddy, and that s all I know about them. Bess. But not all you are likely to. Pet. How is that? Bess. Because, having seen you once, they are sure to re- turn for another look. {Laughs ; hu^s her again ) ^Ki. {breaking away). Bess Stubbs, you horrid thing! {S'oes behind counter,) Is there anything you desire to pur- chase this morning, Miss Stubbs? We have sonae excellent taffy. I think your supply must be running low. ( They both laugh. ) Enter Capt., door b. Capt. What's the joke, girls? By cracky, I believe you two would find something to laugh about at a funeral. Enter Bob and Har. at door b. Pet. Only some more of Bessie's foolishness, Captain. Capt. I dare say ; and if Bess had as much money as she has foolishness she'd be mighty well off. Wouldn't you, puss? {Puts his arm about her.) Bess. Perhaps I would, pa, but I guess I came by it honestly as an inheritance from the paternal side of the house. (They laugh.) Bob {to Capt., comi?ig dowti). Pardon me, sir, but may I inquire if you are not the Captain Stubbs who was down at Crescent beach three years ago taking parties out fishing and sailing ? Capt. {looking at him closely). I am, young man, and I believe there's somethin' about your face that I ought to re- niember, but (Bob tenders his card.) Oh, yes, sure enough; Braxton. I thought you looked kinder familiar. {Shakes ha?ids.) How's your father and mother? Bob. Very well indeed, thank you. They often speak of the day you took us out fishing, and the glorious luck we had with the bluefish. Capt. {pleased). Sho, do they, now? Well, well, they were fine folks an' I took a big likin' to 'em, that's a fact. {Looks Bob over.) But you're a good bit bigger' n ye was three years ago. Bob {laughing). I suppose so. A few years makes quite a difference with a fellow who still has a little to grow. Capt. That's right. But say, here I am gossiping away like Mandy Libby with two nice girls — at least / think they are pretty nice — waiting here for an introduction. {Laughs.) Girls, I want ye to meet Mr. Braxton, I knew him when he was a boy, knew his father and mother ; and I want to say 14 PETREL, THE STORM CHILD right here, that if he is anythin' at all like them he's made o' about the right sort o' stuff. Mr. Braxton, this is my daughter Bessie and her bosom friend, Miss Kingman. {All three bow.) Bob. This is a delightful surprise, Captain and ladies. I did not expect to find any old acquaintances or make any new ones in Bay View. And now you must all meet my friend, Mr. Harry James. Harry, Captain Stubbs, Miss Stubbs and Miss Kingman. (Acknowledg77ie?its all around.') Har. Very glad to meet you, I am sure. It appears to be a very fortunate thing for Bob and me that he should have for- gotten part of his needs and had to return for them. {Mis- chievously.) What was it you forgot, Bob ? Bob {puzzled). H'm, what was it, now ? Oh, never mind ; it will come to me later. What do you say, Harry, to inviting the Captain and the ladies for a little sail to-morrow ? That is, if they would Har. That would be fine. What do you say, ladies ? Bess. / think it would be jolly. Would you go, pa ? Pet. It is very kind of you, I am sure. What do you think, Captain Stubbs ? Capt. I don't see anything t' hinder, for my part. Enter Ezra, door b. He looks at the group very sourly ; sits near stove. Pet. But I thought you were to leave port this evening ? Bob {aside). Humph ! I forgot about that. What excuse can I invent? {Gets idea.) I believe that was per schedule. Miss Kingman, but it was not at all important, and — ahem — and since we have heard of this burglary {winking at Har., who laughs aside ; Ezra watches them) we have decided to remain in port a while and see if they succeed in arresting the criminal ; and being in search of adventure, we might lend a hand if assistance should be required. {They all laugh ^ Enter Sim, door b. ; squints around. Ezra beckons to hintf very mysterious. He sits beside Ezra, and they talk in whispers, looking toward group at counter once in a while. PETREL, THE STORM CHILD 1 5 Har. Yes, we might turn in and do a little detective work ourselves if your constable should happen to fall down on the job. (Ezra nudges Sim, who does not seem to he very much pleased with Har.'s remark. The young people chat — Har. with Bess, Bob with Pet., Capt. looking on ap- provingly.') Ezra {aside to Sim). Yes, sir, Sim. It jest struck me all on a sudden as I set here a-watchin' 'em. What be them two fellers hangin' 'round here fer? No good, I bet ye. It's jest as I tell ye \ I shouldn't wonder a mite ef it was them that broke inter th' bank last night ; they look t' me like slick ones an' none too good fer it. Sim {aside to Ezra, slapping him on the knee). By th* great lobsters, I b'lieve ye're right, Ez. It's a wonder we didn't think on it afore. (Sim tiptoes across and looks Bob a7id Har. over nearsightedly, much to their amusement as well as mystification ; retur?is to Ezra. ) Yes, sir, dummed ef I don't b'lieve you're right, Ez; they do look like a pair o' jail birds when ye git a good look at 'em. What'U we do, hey? Ezra. Do? 'Rest 'em, of course. (^Eagerly.) Sim {a Itttle doubtfully). But ye got t' have evidence, ye know. Ezra. Evidence? Well, hain't ye got it? What more d'ye want ? Wasn't th' winder open ? Sim. So 'twas. I snum I'll do it, but we must go down t' th' bank fust an' look 'round agin. There might be suthin' more. (He crosses and looks the boys over again. Same business as before ; returiis ; beckons mysteriously to Ezra, and they tiptoe off stage, L., bumping i7ito Lem, who enters at the same time.) Bob. Ha, ha ! I wonder what your chief of police is doing the gum-shoe act around here for, instead of looking for a trail nearer the scene of the robbery ? Capt. Him ? Ho ! He couldn't see a trail if 'twas right under his nose, and 'twouldn't do him any good if he could, for he wouldn't know what 'twas. (All laugh, "Lem. joining in.') i6 PETREL, THE STORM CHILD Lem. He, he ! Wh-wh-wh-when I wa-wa-wa-was a-cu-cu- cu-cruisin' or-or-or-off'n th-th-the B-B-B-Bar-b-b-b-ba Enter Jabez, l. Jabez {bawling). Never mind, Lem. You go into the other room now and sort those potatoes. Lem. H-H-Hay? Jabez (shouthig). Po-ta-toes ! Lem. D-D-D-Does it? He, he! Ye or-or-or-ought-t-ter s-s-s-seen it b-b-b-blow wh-wh-when hi^Zl^ ^!'pff ^f ^ ^entrance, r., points off and shouts in nM r V^^''^'''"- ^^^'^ods and shuffles off ^.\ Poor old chap, he seems to be getting worse and worse (Lhs ) Bess. This will not do for me ; I must be going. Pet Are you gomg home now, pa? ^ ^' Capt. Not just now, Bess. Har. {quickly). I have to go also. May I walk alon^ with you as far as the post-office? ^ ^ Go^d-bye.^"''^'''^^ ^^" ""^^^ ^'- J^"^^'- ^^' '^' ^^^O {All respond. Exeunt, door b.) Pet. {calling after the?n). Bess-Bess. {To the others ^ morrX."' ' "''"'"' ' ^'"^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^-^^ing about ^^ iSheruns off after the other two. Jabez goes behind counter. Thl'/n . '''''''^''' '''''' i^i^^^^iove and sit down, j hey fall into conversation, during the progress of which there shoud be a side action of customer s^omin^ in Td o7^!rfi''' /^ ^"'"' ""''"^ '^^'^^'^'^ '' ^^^^-' Giving an tiZttZ?^^ f TZf^'''''' '^'y^'' ^f odd characters fhfZ- I ^^oj^taNew England seaport town. But this action should not be accented to the extent of inter- fere?ice with the dialogue.) ^ Bob Do you smoke, Captain? {Offers a ci Bess.) 1 d'no, Miss Stubbs. I knocked a couple o' times an' couldn't raise nobody, so, findin' th' door open I jest walked in a minnit bein's I was kinder lookin' 'round fer Ez Green. Somebody said they seen him comin' in here. Har. You must have just missed him, Mr. Freeman. We met him a short time ago walking down the street with Miss Libby. Sim (disappointed). By th' great lobsters ! I wonder now Bess. And I suppose you have heard about Mandy's legacy, Mr. Freeman ? Is it not splendid ? I am so glad for her. Sim (a little testily). Course I heerd about it. Ain't I a offi- cer o' th' law? Why, I never said nothin' about it as long as poor ole Lem was alive, but I alius sespected that he was Har. (winking at Bess.). Well, I suppose you are pretty well convinced now that my friend Bob and myself had noth- ing to do with the affair at the bank that night, eh ? Sim (suspiciously). No, I ain't. There's some other pints about that business that ain't bin cleared up yit t' my satisfac- tion, an' when they air — mebby you an' that other galoot won't be s' frisky 'round th' port o' Bay View as yew hev Har. Oh, come on, I don't Ezra. Oh, come off, I dew. [Exit in a huffy L. (Har. and Bess, laugh.) Har. "There's no fool like an old fool," is there? But perhaps I shouldn't say that, for Mr. Freeman seems to be a very zealous officer, notwithstanding his absurd suspicion of Bob and me. Enough, however, of Mr. Simeon Freeman. The question before the house just now is, Is there any one in it ? Any remarks ? Ha, ha ! Bess. There must be. (Looks around; moves toward R.) I am going to call Pet. PETREL, THE STORM CHILD 47 Har. (detaining her). No, no, not just yet. Perhaps she is out; and if she is, why then— then you couldn't see her; and if she should chance to be in, we don't want to see her. That is, not just yet. Bess, {astonished). Not want to see her? Of course we want to; that's what I came for. Har Oh, yes, I know {twirling his hat and seeming a lit- tle nervous), but you know it— it— sort of looks as though we were alone here, at least for a Uttle while, and so I— I thought perhaps it might be a good time for you— I mean for me to— Bess. Alone? {Looks around apprehettsively.) Oh, then we had better go. {She starts l. He detains her,) Har I_I— mean in the room, not in the house. Ha, ha ! Bess. Oh, but {Aside.) How queer he acts. I must {She tries to escape l., but Har. blocks the way.) Har. {desperately). You see. Miss Bessie, I want to say- to say— er Won't you sit down ? {Places chair C.) Bess. Oh, no, I Har. Please. {He is a little firm, and she yields.) Bess, {soniewhat mystified). But what is the meaning of all this, Mr. James? {Aside, rather nervous.) Oh, I wish Pet would come. {Makes another tmsuccessful attempt to go.) Har. Thank you, that is much better. The fact is, I want to ask— to ask you if you do not think you could— that is if you do not \)\\\\V— {rattled) \\im\i—{looseni7ig his collar a little) do not think it's— er— awfully hot to-day ? {Aside.) Whew ! {Takes turn across stage ; mops his face.) Bess, {seeing a light at last). Why, I didn't notice. Per- perhaps we'd better go out and {Toys with her rings.) Har. {returning qtcickly). Sure it's hot. {Aside.) Nmety in the shade. {To Bess.) But I rather like it, don't you ? Bess, {demurely). Oh, I don't mind it, Mr. James. At least it does not seem to affect me the way it does some people. {Laughs aside.) 48 PETREL, THE STORM CHILD Har. (aside). H'm— wonder what she means by that? (TV Bess.) What was I saying? Bess, {laughing ifi spite of herself). I am sufe I don't know. Your remarks seem to be of a rather wandermg nature this morning. Har. {gelling a little more courage). Then I'll come to the point. What I have been trying to say is — is just this : I want to tell you, Miss Bessie, that I am desperately— des — des Oh, say, couldn't you help a fellow out a little bit? Bess. Help you ? How absurd ! I cannot imagine what you are endeavoring to ( Tartly.) And besides, I believe I was only invited to listen. Har. Oh, now, I say, don't be cruel. Bess. Cruel? Well— I like that. Mr. James, you will really {risitig) have to excuse me. (She starts ; he blocks the way again.) Har. Not until you hear me out. ( Takes both her hands.) Bessie, I love you— distractedly — can't you see? Didn't you know? '^YJi<&. (teasingly). You do? Well! Har. (blankly). Well? Bess. Well, what of it ? (Laughs aside.) Har. (stumped). " What of it " ? Why, everything of it. Can't you — don't you love me a little? Bess. Blind man, blind man. Har. Blind ? Bess. Yes, blind. (Honestly.) Haven't you seen all along Har. You don't mean (Rapturously.) Bessie ! (Takes her in his arms. Kisses her. During the latter part of this scene Capt. enters quickly, l. He stops in asto7iish7nent, is pleased, but assumes ster?iness as he speaks.) Capt. Here, here, what's th' meaning of this ? ^^s>s. (screaj?iifig). Oh, daddy ! (Covers her face.) Har. (rattled). I— I— oh, sir, I didn't mean Capt. What, you didn't mean it ? Am I to understand, sir, that you were trifling with my daughter's affections? Har. No, sir, never. I love her truly, dearly, and Capt. Humph! You do? (TV Bess.) What have you to say to this, miss ? PETREL, THE STORM CHILD 49 Bess, {recovering poise). What have /to say? (Steps to Har.'s sidef proudly.) I say that I am glad, glad, for I love him, too. (Har. puts arm around her. Tableau. Capt. looks at them a mome?it, then changes his mood. Laughs.) Capt. Ha, ha, ha ! Spoken like your father's own daugh- ter. [To Har.) Young man, I suppose you were not aware of the fact, but I have seen how things were drifting with you two young people for some little time, so when I was in New York I took occasion to look up your pedigree and make th' acquaintance of your folks, and I am mighty glad to say I found everything to my satisfaction, so Har. (eagerly). Then you are willing, Captain Stubbs. You consent to our Capt. Yes, eventually, but I guess there's no hurry about it. I am not at all anxious to give up my little girl yet a while, nor do I want her to leave the town, so I will make this condi- tion. I understand that you are going to be a lawyer? Har. Yes, sir, as soon as I can prepare myself. Capt. Very well, then listen. I am getting along in years, and, as I have said, cannot bear the idea of Bessie's leaving me alone. My house is large enough for us all, and all I possess will be hers some day. I have reason to believe that things will so shape themselves here in Bay View during the next few years that this will be a good field for a lawyer here ; perhaps for other professional men, too. (At this point Jabez, Mrs. K. and Pet. enter from r. They show sigTis of recent enio- tioji, and Vet. is wiping her eyes. All three pause R., somewhat surprised at what they hear.) Now, would you be contented to settle here and become a resident of the place if I give my consent to Har. (laith enthusiasm). Would I? Why — nothing would please me more. {To Bess.) What do you say, dear? Bess, {throwing herself into her father's arms impulsively). I say that if there is such a thing as a man-angel, my daddy is one. {All laugh.) Pet. {coming down). Oh, Bess, I am so glad. {Kisses her. The three young people retire up.) 50 PETREL, THE STORM CHILD Jabez. This is indeed a pleasant surprise, and you have our most sincere good wishes, all of you. We will be glad to talk it over together later. Now, however, we are very Anxious to learn the result of your interview with Peckham. You saw him ? Capt. H'mm ! Yes, I talked the matter over with him, and — well, the fact is, Jabez, there's nothin' more t' be hoped for in that quarter. Jabez. It's nothing more than I expected. We are very grateful for all your kindness. Captain Stubbs, but it does seem hard, very hard. (^Qiiite downcast.) Mrs. K. Don't, Jabez, try to {A dista?it whistle is heard.) Capt. Hark ! {Looks at watch.) Wasn't that the down train? I snum, I'm late; got t' meet a party. {Goes.) Say, Jabez, you folks ain't goin' out anywhere, are ye ? Jabez (jvonderifigly). No ; why ? Capt. Oh, nothin' much. Might drop in again on my way back. Somethin' more I wanted t' say. Jabez. All right, I think you will find us here. {Bitterly.) There's little danger of our leaving the old place until we have to. {Exit J R. Capt. hurries out L. Bob enters at same time. They collide.) Capt. {jokingly). Start)oard your helm, young man ; you're on th' wrong tack. Bob {touching his hat). Aye, aye, sir; starboard 'tis. {All laugh. Capt. hurries off l.) Bob {coming over). The Captain seemed to be in a hurry ; acted as though all hands had been piped to plum duff, and he was afraid he wouldn't get his share. {Laughter.) Mrs. K. He was in a hurry to get to the depot. He said he had to see some one. {Sits r.) Bob. Oh, was that it? Well, he hasn't much time to spare; the train's just pulling in. (7^. factotum of the ''Clarion." John Drew Irving, advance agent and drummer* Will Sellum, a traveling salesman. Bill, a bell-boy. George, another. Dave Crane, the college chap. Sallie Crane, in love with Art, Mrs. Jane Crane, the jtiother. Madge Clay, the girl. Gertie P^lye, the news stand girl. Mrs. Mortimer Jones-Brown, a progressive woman. Mrs. Heziah Jenks, of the Chester Culture Club. Miss Margaret Seymour, secretary of Chester Culture Club, SYNOPSIS Act I.— Office of the Occidental Hotel. Act II.— Office of the Chester Clarion, six months later. Act Ili.— Office of the Occidental Hotel, eight months later. A TELEGRAM FROM DAD A Farce in One Act By J. M. Taylor Six males, one female ; the latter can be played by a man. Costumes, modern; scene, an interior. Plays thirty minutes. A college farce, very swift and snappy. Recommended. IVice, 15 cents. SPECIAL DELIVERY A Farce in Une Act By D. M. Henderson Three males, two females. Costumes modern ; scenery, one interior. Plays twenty minutes. A brisk and snappy little farce, easy and amusing. Suited for any use. Price, ij ctnts New Plays MR. EASYMAN'S NIECE A Farcical Comedy in Four Acts By Belle Marshall Locke Six males, four females. Costumes modern ; scenery, two interiors and one easy exterior that may be played indoors if desired. Plays a full even- ing. A clever and vivacious play, full of fun and action. Mr. Easyman's fad of spiritualism leads him into a difiiculty that is a source of endless amusement to the audience. Irish and old maid comedy parts. Can b« recommended. Price, 2_5 cents CHARACTERS Mr. Stephen Easyman, a wealthy Mr. Sharpe, a detective, broker. Miss Judith Carroll, a maidei Mr. Carew Carlton, ^/j nephew. au?it. Mr. Tom Ashleigh. Mrs. Easyman, ) her Jackson, a servajit. Miss Bessie Carroll, j nieces„ Michael Flynn. Desdemona, the ghost, A PAIR OF BURGLARS By Byroft P, Glenn Two males, two females. One act. Costumes modern ; scenery, an easy interior. Plays half an hour. A brisk little curtain raiser of the " vaudeville " type, moving all the time. Easy and effective j all the parts young people and well-dressed. Strongly recommended. Price y i^ cents DANE'S DRESS-SUIT CASE By Robert C, K Meyert Two males, one female. One act. Cost luiies modern ; scene, an easy interior. Plays fifteen minutes. An exce-i ut short play to fill out a bil or to fill in an intermission. All action and lots of fun. All parts yooi^ and well-dressed. Pric€, IS cents New Plays RED ACRE FARM A Rural Comedy Drama in Three Acts By Gordan K May Author of "Bar Haven," "At Random Run,'* etc. Seven males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior, one exterior. Plays Uvo hours. An easy and entertaining play with a well-balanced cast of characters. The story is stiong an, 1 sympathetic and the comedy element varied and amusing. Barnaby Strutt is a great part for a good comedian ; '« Junior " a close second. Strongly recommended. Price t 2^ cents CHARACTERS JosiAH Armstrong, the owner of Red Acre Farm, Colonel Barnaby Strutt, "Crawling Codwoliopers*'"' Jonah Jones, a farm helper. Squire Harcourt, who holds a mortgage, Harry Harcourt, his profligate son. Dick Randall, who seeks his fortune, Tom Busby, a traveling merchant. Amanda Armstrong, Josians wife. Nellie Armstrong, drivetifrom home. Laura Armstrong, a poor, weak sinner. Mrs. Barnaby Strutt, the Colonel's wife, ** Junior," adopted daughter of the Si'utts, SYNOPSIS Act I. — Living-room of Armstrong's home. Spring. Act n. — Garden in front of Armstrong's home. Summeffo Act HL — Same as Act L Winter. THE SPEED LIMIT A Sketch in Two Scenes By Ernest M. Gould Five males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, unnecessary. Plays twenty minutes. A good-natured and effective skit on automobiling, very funny and very easy to get up. It requires no scenery or stage, but can be done on a platform just as well. Its fun is extravagant, but it is otherwise suited for school performance. Pricey ij cents « WILLIAM " A Farce in One Act By W, C. Parker Two ma^es, two females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior* Plays twenty minutes. A brisk httle piece of the vaudeville order, easy siad full of laughs. All three parts are good ; strongly recommendedL Pries f dj i;ems New Farces and Comedies GADSBY^S GIRLS . A Farce in Three Acts ^V Bertha Currier Porter Five males, four females. Costumes modern ; scenery, an exterior and an interior. Plays an hour and a half. An exceptionally bright and vivacious little piece, full of action. The irrepressible Gadsby's adven- tures with the fiancees of three of his friends are full of interest and fun, ^1 the parts good. Well suited for High School performance. Price, 25 cents CHARACTERS Richard Stanley, a lawyer, Joseph Parker, a clerk, Morris Young, a medical student. Steve, the farm boy. Friendly, but not kquacious, Mabel Y^^ya^^, frivolous and dressy ; engaged to Richard, Esther Carroll, botanical and birdy ; engaged to Joseph, Grace Chester, just girl; engaged to Morris. Mrs. Dodge, who takes boarders. Maximilian Hunnewell Gadsby, a butterfly, THE GIRL WHO PAID THE BILLS A Comedy in One Act By Nina Rhoades Two males, four females. Costumes modern ; scene, an easy interior. Plays thirty-five minutes. A clever piece of high class, admirably written and suited to the best taste. A pretty little love story, wholesome and un- seutimental in tone. Well recommended. Pricey 75" cents THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT A Play in One Act By Willis Steel! Three males, one female. Costumes modem ; scene, an interior. Plays twenty minutes. An easy piece of strong dramatic interest, origi- nally produced in Vaudeville by Julius Steger. Free to amateurs; royalty required for professional performance. j Price i i^ cents B. UJ. Piiiero's Plays Price, 50 0e U^ €acb IVIin.rHANNFT Play in Four Acts. Six males, five females. iniu ViiAiiiii^Li Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays two and a half hours. THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH ^l^r^E^^Tt males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interiors. Plays a full evening. THF PROFIiriATF Playin Four Acts. Seven males, five AtiLi 1 A\v/£ l^ivi/^ 1 Lj females. Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening, THE SCHOOLMISTRESS £,";»",? 'fe;!;^S.^"&SeTmo'd: ern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY l]lirIS!^,Xe females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. CWFFT T AVFWnFR Comedyln Three Acts. Seven males, OTTLiL.! JL./\Vi:.llLri:.IV four females. Scene, a single interior, costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THF THITNnFRRniT comedy in Four Acts. Ten males, lllL, l^^%J^^Ul:,S\0\JL,l nine females. Scenery, three interi- ors} costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THF TIMF^ Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. lltLi milLiU Scene. a single interior; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THF WFAK'FR SFY comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, 1111:1 TT i:ii^l\.i:il\ OSJA. eight females. Costumes, modern; scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE ^SL,^,;^^^,^ Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Walttv H. pafeer & Company Noo 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts C|)e l^illiam 5^arren Ctiition of ^lapfi AS Yftll I \KV IT Comedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four AO IVD LtiikL, If females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- ried. Plays a full evening. CAIWFIIF I^^ai^a in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. Cos- s/aanLtLiLi tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. INHOMAR ^^^^ "^ ^'^^® ^^*^- Thirteen males, three females. iMUViTiAiy Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. IWARY STUART Tragedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- iiiniyt >j ivi\n.M. males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening, TBE MERCHANT OF VENICE S°aTet?^?eIiZtS IV^^!^. picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. RICHFI IFF ^^*y ^° ^^"^^ ^<^ts. Fifteen males, two females. Scen- nivitL(LfiLru ery elaborate ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. THF RfVAT S comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. M. HI, 111 f rttfk? Scenery varied ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER S,X%i? Sencen^/^t"^ ried ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. TWELFTH NIfiHT; OR, WHAT YOU WILL Sr^eo^ma"™ three females. Costumes, picturesque : scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. » j > j Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Salter 1^, OBafeer & Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts •. J. PARKHIUL a CO.. PRINTERS, BOSTON. U.S.A. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 102 399 1 # HoUinger pH 8^ MOl Run F03.2193