Entered. accorditiKto Act of ConpreM, \n the yearlE"'! by GjcoKOE M. Bakkk, in the Office of the Librariaa of Concrens, at Wasmuicton. SPENCER'S UNIVERSAL STAGE. A Collection of COMEDIES, DRAMAS, and FARCES, adapted to either PubUc or Private Performance. Containing a full description of all the necessary Stage Business. i) PRICE, 15 CENTS BACH. ^^^ No Plays exchanged. 2. liost ill IL.oiiclon. A Drama in Three Acts. G Male, 4 Female char- acters. Nicliolas Flam. A Comedy in Two Acts, liy J. IJ. Buckstone. 5 Male, 3 Female characters. The W^elslx «irl. A Comedy in One Act. J5y Jlrs. Planche. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. John Wopps. A Farce in One Act. By \y. E. Sutcr. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. The Turkish Batli. A Farce in One Act. By Montague Williams and F. C. Burnand. G Male, 1 Fe- male cliaracter. Tlie Two Pudtlifoots. A Farce in One Act. By J. 31. Morton. 3 Blalc, 3 Female characters. Old IFoiiesty. A Comic Drama in Two Acts. By J. M. Morton. 6 Male, 2 Female characters. T-tvo Gentlemen in a Fix. A Farce in One Act. By AV. E. Suter. 2 3Jale characters. Smash! ii^ton Goit. A Farce in One Act. ^By T. J. Williams. 5 Male, 3 Female characters. T^vo Heads Better thanOiie. A Farce in One Act. By Lenox Home. 4 Male, 1 Female character. John l>obbs. A Farce in One Act. iU J. 31. IMorton. 6 Male, 2 Female characters. 12. The I>aughter of the Regi- ment. A Drama in Two Acts. By Edward Fitzball. G Male, 2 Female cliaracters. Aunt Charlotte's Maid. A Farce ill One Act. By J, JI. Morton. 3 ]Malo, 3 Female characters. lii' other Bill and Me. A Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 4 Male, 3 Female cliaracters. I>«:;ne on Both Sides. A Farce in On Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. 1^- .T>uudiicketty's Picnic. A Farce in One Act. By T. J. Williams. 6 •-^ Male, 3 Female characters. 17. I've -^vritten to BroAvne. A Farce in One Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 Male, 3 Female characters. 10 11. 13, 14 15, 19. 20. I Lending a Iland. A Farce in One Act. By Viniam8. 4 Male, 3 Fe- male riia-;. tors 21. ]Viiie PoSrti ? of the LaAV. A Com cdy in *Ji)-^ Act. By Tom Taylor, 4 Male, 3 lemale characters. (P 22. The Phantom Breakfast. A ^ P'arce in One Act. By Cliailcs Sel- ^ by. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. 4^ 23. Bandelions Bodges. A Farce in ^ One Acf. By T. J. Williams. 4 ^. Male, 2 Female characters. 24. A Slice of I^uck. A Farce in One Act. ry J. M. Morton. 4 Male, 2 Female ehaiacters. 25. Al^vays Intended. A Comedy in One Act. Jiy Horace Wigan. 3 Male, 3 Female characters. A Bull ill a China Shoii. A Com- edy in Two Acts. By Charles IMat- thews. G Male, 4 Female characters. Another Glass. A. Drama in One Act. By Thomas Morton. 6 Male, 3 Female characters. BoAvled Out, A Farce in One Act. By II. T. Craven. 4 Male, 3 Female characters. 29. Cousin Tom. A Commedietta in One Act. By George Roberts. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. Sarah's Young Man. A Farce in One Act. Bv W 26. 27. 28. 30. P 3 Female characters. By W. E. Suter. 3 Male, ( j. 31. Hit Ilim, He has IVo Friends. (B) A Farce in One Act. By E. Yates ( ) and N. H. Harrington. 7 Male, 3 ^ Female characters. o 3?- The Christening. A Farce in One Act. iJyJ.B. Buckstone. 5 Male <5 Female characters. 33. ' ^QCXpJoOCQC^OOQCQOOOQOOOQOQOgOOO^oOQQaQCOQQ' A Race for a "Widow. A Farce ^ in One Act. By Tliomas J. Wii- ()) liams. 5 Male, 4 Female characters. 34. Your T^ife's in Banger. A Farce in One Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 Male, 3 Female characters. 35. True unto Beath. A Drama in Two Acts. By J. Sheridan Knowles. G Male, 2 Female characters. , LITTLE BROWN JUG. 1 I ( BY THE AUrnOH OF "Sylvia's Soldier; " "Once on a Tiin<^;" "Down by the fioa; " "Bread on the Waters;" "The Last Loaf;" "Stand l.y the Flaj:;" "'Jlie Tempter-" ' A. Drop Too Muchr*- "We're All Teetotalkrs;" "A Little Jlore Cidc'r; "' "Thirty Minutes for Kefrehhmenls;" "Wanted, a Jialo Cook;" "A Sea of Troubles;" " Freedom of the Press; " "A Close Shave;" " The Great Elixir ;" " The Slan with the Demijohn ;" " New lirooras Sweep Clean;" "Humors of the Strike;" "Sly Cnclc the Captuin;" "The Greatest riajrue in Life;" "Xo Cure, No I'ay;" "The Grecian Bend;" "The W;ir of the Koses ;" " Ligli'hearfs Pilgrimage ; " "The Sculptor's Triumph;" "Too Late for the Train; " " Snow -Bound ; " "The Peddler of Very Nice ; " " Bonbons ; ' UAjl^i "Capuletta;" "An Original ' y^iH *-"' vO n Idea;" Jtc. / yy^ '' ^^ |G£ 1673 ,,V > BOSTON! GEO. \\. BAKER & CO. 149 Washington Street. Entered, accordino- to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, By GEORGE M. BAKER, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Stereotyped at the iroston Stereotype Foundry, 19 Spring Lane. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG, A DRAMA IN THREE ACTS. CHARACTERS. John Nutter, a Shoemaker. Will Nutter, his Son. Ned Hartshorn, his Apprentice. Henry Douglas, a Spendthrift. Jarius Jordan, a Yankee Speculator. Hannah Nutter, John's Wife. Mary Nutter, John's Daughter. Sally Peeslee, Yankee Help. COSTUMES. John. Act 1, Bald, gray wig, gray sidQ whiskers, dark pants, colored shirt, sleeves rolled up, leather apron. Act 2, Drab clothes, calico dressing gown. Act 3, same as Act 2. Will. Act 1, Dark pants, colored shirt, sleeves rolled up, leather apron, short coat to put on. Act 2, Rusty velvet coat, flaming necktie, dark pants and vest, gold cliain, jockey cap, ail soiled and worn. Act 3, Neat and tasty dress. Ned. Act 1, About the same as Wills. Act 2, Dark pants, white sliirt, with black tie, dressing-gown. Act 3, Neat busi- ness suit. 8 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. printer, a book-binder, a counter-jumper, and an insur- ance agent, and other things too numerous to mention. There's three things I never took a hand in — swearin', lyin', and drinkin'. I've got a clean conscience and a bank-book full of figgcrs. I despise meanness, hate misers, and am down on rascality like all possessed. So, you see, John, with all my rolling, I've gathered some moss, and am none the avuss for it. Will. No, indeed. There's not a better fellow living than Jarius Jordan. Jarius. O, git eout ! Don't yeou go to tootin' the horn. Ned. It's the truth. 'T would have been a hard win- ter for widow Black, but for the kind care Jarius Jordan bestowed upon her. Jarius. Sho ! Don't you tell tales out of school, young feller. Will. Then there's old Pearson. Who'd have kept him out of the poor-house, when he broke his leg, if Ja- rius Jordan hadn't stepped in, housed him all winter, and paid the doctor's bill? Jarius. O, go along! D'ye want to spile my com- plexion? Now, John, you just give Will a chance. You'll never regret it. John. I tell you, what's good enough for the old man is good enough for the boy. I'll never give my consent to his going into the city — never. I'm not going to send my boy into that sink of iniquity, to be overcome by temptation. So you jest shut up, Jarius. I've got an awful temper, and if you rile me, I won't answer for the consequences. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. » Jarius. Jes' so. But, speaking of temptations — Enter Hannah, l., loith a small brown jug. Hannah. Here, father, here's your " 'leven o'clock." John. {Dropping his work, and taking the jug.) Ah, that's good. Hannah. Why, law sakes,Mr. Jerden! * How do you do ? The sight of you's good for sore eyes. Jarius. Thank you, marm. I'm pretty well, consid- erin'. Hope you're hearty. Hannah. Me ? Sakes alive ! I never had an ache or a pain in my life, and I'm goin' on for sixty. There's nothin' like good, wholesome work to keep off sickness. Jarius. Jes so, Mrs. Nutter. " Rubbin' and scrubbin' Gives rust a drubbin'." John. {After a long pull at the jug.). Ah, that's good ! The raal Holland, sweetened to taste, and rousing hot ! Take a pull, Jarius? Jarius. No, I thank ye. John.- {Takes a drink.) Ah ! Here, Will. {Passes jug to Will, who grasps it eagerly, and drinks.) Jarius. Sho ! Yeou ain't a going to drink that stuff! Will. Stuff? Hullo ! John. Stuff? Hear the critter ! Hannah. Stuff, indeed! When I mixed it myself, and in the little brown jug, that's been in the family years and years ! * Hannah and Sally should follow this pronunciation. 10 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Jarius. Jes* so. The jug is a relic? Hannah. Yes, indeed ; and we wouldn't part with it for the world. It's been handed down from father to son ever since the first Nutter landed in America. John. And used year in and year out. It's seasoned with the good grog of live generations. Jarius. Jes' so. Seen some tight times, I reckon. Come, Ned, it's your turn. iVecZ. No, I thank you. I never drink. Will. {Drinks.) No? I stand his watch. Jarius. Jes' so. So Ned don't like it, hey? Ned. Ned never tasted it, Mr. Jordan. My poor mother's last request was that" I should never touch it. Don't you think a mother's last request should be sa- cred ? Jarius. Don't I? As sacred as the family Bible. Ned. As sacred as the memory of the loved and lost, I had a good mother, Mr. Jordan. Jarius. Jes so. You show it. Hannah. Yes, indeed ; a poor, hard-working womau was Marcy Hartshorn : the best washer and ironer in the place ; and such a cook ! Her pies would make your mouth water. And turnovers ! the young ones would cry for them. O, dear ! such a pity she thiew herself away on that drunken sot — Jim Hartshorn. Why,wheQ he died — John. Hush, mother, liush ! Hannah. Dear me ! I forgot. But it always makes me mad when I think — (sniffs). Bless me! What's that? [Sniffs.) I smell something. Jarius. Jes' so — gin and sugar. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 11 Hannah. It's my pies a-burniug, as sure as I live ! Aud I here gossiping. 0, dear ! there's a whole oven- fiil spoiled by my neglect ! '[_Exit., l. John. Don't mind her, Ned. She didn't mean to hurt your feelings. She'd do anything in the world for you. Ned. I know she would. Ileaveu bless her ! You see, Mr. Jordan, liquor has left a stain on my family name ; and I'm not likely to be friendly with it. Jarius. Jes' so. Stick to the last request, young fel- ler, and you'll wipe it out. And if ever you want a friend, don't forget the undersigned, Jarius Jordan, for you'll find him on hand, like a picked-up dinner. John. There ; that job's done. Here, Will, drop that jug. It's a leetle strong to-day. Put ou'your coat, and tak"fe these shoes to Mrs. Douglas. Will. {Rises while speaking, takes off apron, puts on"* coat and hat, sets the jug on the floor beside John Nut- ter's bench.) That's just the job for me. Hen Douglas sent me word he wanted to see me.. So I can kill two birds with one stone. (Takes shoes.) The Holland is a leetle strong, and no mistake. \^Exit, c. Jarius. See here, John Nutter, I'm a b'ilin' and a b'ilin', an' if I don't let off steam, there'll be a case of spontaneous combustion in my in'ards. You're a good deal older than J am ; but we've been good friends ever since I was knee high to a woodchuck ; so, hear me fust, and lick me arterwards, if you don't like it. Here you've been a talking about the temptations of the city, and put- ting that inter your boy's moutli that will work his etarnal destruction ! Your little brown jug will be his evil genius. Mind what I say. He hankers arter it now ; 12 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. and you, here in the country, are tempting him, and making an appetite that'll eat him up soul and body. And now he's off to meet that air Douglas, who always has a bottle at his elbow. He's a dangerous chap. John. Much you know about it. He's Will's friend. He's taken a shine to him, and, if I'd say the word, would give him a great lift in the city. He's a well-meaning chap, that Douglas. He's got a rich father, and need not work. He's well edicated, and has got good manners. Will's all the better for being in company with such a man. As for the little brown jug, don't abuse that. It never did me any harm, and I was as young a's Will when I took my first pull at it. So, don't you meddle, Jarius. When I find things going wrong in my family, I'll take *em in hand myself. Jarius. Jes' so. Look here, John. I've taken a fancy to that boy myself. Give me his time, and I'll put in your hand, to-day, five hundred dollars, and guar- antee you a thousand more, if I don't make a man of him when he's twenty-one. John. (^Rising.) You can't have him. I've just had enough of your meddling. If I wanted him to go, I'd make terms with Mr. Douglas, and not you. He shall never go w^ith my leave ; and he knows that if he goes without, he never returns here. You're pretty flush with your money, Jarius, but you haven't enough to buy that boy's time, nor logic enough, sharp as you think yourself, to turn my purpose. [JS'xi^, L. Jarius. Jes' so. Stubborn as a mule. Douglas will get that boy in spite of thunder. I do hate to see that young feller go to the dogs ; as he's sure to do if some- THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 13 thing dou't hinder. He's jest the chap to go into Stiu- sou's good graces, and gain a complete knowledge of agricultural implements in his concern, and. jest tlie lad to keep a sharp eye on my interest in the patent reaper. I do liate to get eucred ; but old Nutter's a hard lot when he gets his back up. Enter Sally, c. Salhj. Goodness gracious ! If I've been here once, I've been here twenty times for Mrs. Douglas's shoes, and she ravin' distracted about 'em ! Such a dawdliu* set as you shoemakers are! — Sakes, Mr. Jerden, heow dew yeou dew ? I didn't see yeou before. Jarius. {^On her entrance -puts up his knife^ takes off his haf^ and tries to smooth his hair, and appears very sheepish and aiukward while she remains.) Jes' so, Miss Higgins ; business first, and pleasure arterwards. Ned. Dou't fret about the shoes, Sally. Will haa just taken them to the house. Salhj. Well, thank goodness, that's settled. Jarius. Heow's yeour marm. Miss Peeslee? Salhj. Kather peaked, Mr. Jerden ; and jest when I ought to be at home, I'm kept at the big house and worked like a dog. Such a set of cross-grained folks you never did see. Old Mr. Douglas as proud and stilF as a gran- uydear, Mrs. Douglas frettin' and worryin' the livelong day about nothin', and that good-for-nothin' Hen of theirs a carryiu' on all sorts of didos. He and the old geaile- man had an awful quarrel this moruiu'. Somehow Mr. Douglas got it into his head that Hen was sparking Mary 14 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Nutter ia airnest. Dou't believe such a notion ever en- tered the feller's head afore. He's only flirtin' with her, same as he has with twenty other girls ; but, to spite the old man, he SAVore — O, awful! — he'd marry her, if he was turned out of doors for it. Ned. He marry our Mary ! Sally. Why not? He's none too good for her. Ned. She's too good for him. Sally. Why, Ned, you ain't sweet on her — are you? Ned. Me ? I should not dare. But he's a worthless spendthrift, thinks only of his own pleasure, regardless of others' feelings, selfish, dissipated, cunning, and crafty. He marry Mary ! Heaven forbid ! Jarius. Jes' so. He cuts a mighty big swell on an awful small capital. Sally. He's good looking, and that goes a long way with girls. I don't think Mary would break her heart if she knew she was to be his wife, Ned. No ; but, once i-n his possession, he would break it. Many whispers of his wild life in the city have been blown to our ears, Sally. He's a communion merchant — ain't he ? Ned. A commission merchant, Sally. Jarius. Jes' so. I've heard of him. He's got a a shingle, a desk, and a chair. The shingle hangs at the door ; he sits in the chair ttnd watches his legs on the desk, through tobacco smoke ; and that's the extent of his business. Sally. He wants to take Will Nutter off there, to learn the business. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 15 Jarius. Jes' so. And, with the edicatiou he's receiv- ing here, he'll make a capital assistant in the smoking de- partment. Sally. Land sakcs ! I can't stop here spinning shop yarn. Good by. Nothing new — is there? I haven't been out of the house for a week. Jarius. Nothing special. Miss Peeslee. Harris has lost the suit and the cow. Sally. I want to know ! Jarius. Mrs. Prime as buried her husband last week ; has gone to Jarsey to modify her grief. Sally. Poor Mrs. Prime ! How I pity her ! Jarius. Jes' so. She lost a prime husband, that's a fact. He was the best feller on a fishing frolic you ever see. Parson Lucas has resigned, and they do say the parish is resigned to his resigning, too. Tliey've got a new bell-rope onto the second parish. Mrs. Jones's* expectations has turned out a bouncing boy — Sally. What! another? Jarius. That's what they say. Molly Moses had a candy scrape last night, and Si Jones went home with his hair full. Bunsen has got a new lot of calicoes — prime ones, fast colors. And Joe Britton has killed his hog. But there's no news. Sally. No weddin', no nothin'? I don't hear anythm' about your marriage, Mr. Jerden. Jarius. Don't you ? Well, that's queer. I ben about it every time I come iiome. But it's all talk and no cider. No, Miss Peeslee, I'm an nnplucked apple on the tree of life. But, to return the compliment, I don't hear nothin' 'bout your gittiu' spliced. 16 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Sally. Me? I gness not. It's time enough to think about that wlieu mother is able to take care of herself. I won't say I haven't had a chance, Mr. Jcrdeu ; "but my first duty is to her ; and I mean to work my fingers to the bone, if need be, that the old home may shelter her as long as she lives. Jariiis. Jes' so. So you gave Si Slocum the mitten? Sally. Yes, I did, — the worthless scamp ! Jarius. Then Deacon Sassafras wanted you to take the place of his late departed — didn't he? Sally. He wanted a drudge, the mean old skinflint ! Jarius, Why, he's rich — the deacon is. Sally. But awful mean. I don't see how they trust him up behind the singing-seats with the contribution box Sundays. T wouldn't. Jarius. Jes' so. Josh Higgins was. kinder smitten .one time — hey, Miss Peeslee. Sally. Well, p'raps he was, and p'raps he wasn't. He was too much smitten with whiskey for me. Jarius. Jes' so. Well, Sally — Miss Peeslee — you're a smart gal ; and if I want so pesky busy with my uevv reaper — I'd — I'd — Sally. Well, what would you do, Mr. Jerden? Jarius. I'd jest look round and pick out a smart hus- band for you. Sally. You needn't trouble yourself, Mr. Jerden. I can pick for myself when I git ready. Better be lookin' out for yourself. You do Avant slicking up, and a wife . would soou reduce that crop of hair to its proper dimen- sions, mend that hole in your elbow, iron op.t that ruf- fled, seedy-looking hat, and find a blacking-brush for THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 17 those rusty boots. If I wasn't so busy, Jiirias — Mr. Jerden — I'd look round and find you a wife, for you do need one awfully. iFxit, o. Jarius. Jes' so. Neow there's a gal I've been han- kerin' arter for five years, and never so much as dared ask her to lecter or singiu'-school. Consarn it, Jarius, you're a mealy-mouthed critter among the gals, smart as you are at tradin' and swappin'. It's no sorter use ; the minute that gal comes a-near me, there's a sinkin' at my stomach that no end of vittles can't fill up. Smart? Why, she beats all nater ; and I kinder think she likes me, and gin those chaps the go-by on my account. Come, come, Jarius, spunk up! Don't be a fool! Say the word, and she's yourn for better or for wus. I'll put arter her, and spit it out to once. {Goes to door, c.) Enter Sally, c. Salhj. Here, Ned ; I forgot to pay for the boots. ^ Gives money.) Ned. One dollar. All right. Thank you, Sally. Sally. Was you going my way, Mr. Jerden ? Jarius. Yes — no — no. I was going to see Joe Bristles' hog. Sally. O, yes. "Birds of a feather," you know. \_Exit., c. to u. Jarius. Jes' so. Consarn it, Jarius, you are a hog, and no mistake. [^Exit c. to L. Ned. Hen Douglas marry Mary Nutter ! O, Heaven forbid ! What a dear good girl she is ! The sound of her voice, as she merrily sings at her work, sets my ham- mer flying glibly, and my heart beating quickly, too. 2 18 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 'Twill be called a good match, for he has money, and she is the most capable girl in the place. She would grace the.handsoinest house that his money could furnish. But could he make her happy? He, with his foppish airs, his love of display, delight in reckless dissipatiou ! No, no. He would tire of her in a week, and then, with some new fancy luring him, turn coldly from her, perhaps abuse her, and break her heart. Break her heart ! O, Mary, Mary ! For the first time in my life I long for wealth, for then I should have the power to enter the field, and, if I could not win you for myself, at least save you from a heartless man. Mary. (^Outside,, l., sings.) " Come, arouse tliee, arouse thee, My merry Swiss maid ; Take thy pail, and to labor away." Enter, L., luith pail. Ah, Ned, all alone, and still at work? The old adage will never do for you — " When the cat's away, the mice will play." Ned. No, indeed, Mary. I like work too well to slight it when the master's eye is not upon me. It's such a jolly companion ! With every peg I drive away poverty ; with every punch of my awl I see success ; with every pull of the threads I gain a long pull and a strong pull up the ladder of life. O, work is a man's best t'liend, and when he turns his back upon that, he richly deserves what he is sure to get — a gloomy life and a nameless grave. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 19 Mary. Well done, Ned ! " With bench for horse, and awl for lance, Through stubborn leather you gayly prance; Shouting your war-cry, with cheery ring, 'Make way, make way for the slioeniaker king I ' " Ned. Mary, Mary, don't laugh at me ! Mary. Laugh at you ? No, indeed ; not I. You •were philosophical, so I, to keep you company, became poetical. But you're right, Ned, as you always are. Work has beeu your best friend, for it has enabled all of us to find in you its best companion — merit. Ned. Ah ! thank you, Mary. If you only knew how proud I feel to hear you praise me ! Mary. If I did? Why, then, I suppose I should feel it my .duty to be silent. So don't let me know it. Good by. Ned. Where are you going? Mary. To the well lor water. Ned. No; I'll go for you. {Jumping up.) Give me the pail. Mary. Thank you. (Gives pail. Ned goes to door.) I say, Ned, ain't you afraid to leave your awl behind? Ned. {At door.) Mary, you're laughing at me. — {Aside.) She little knows I leave my all — my heart — behind. [^Exit^ l. Mary. {Sits on bench.) Dear fellow ! What a shame his father turned out so bad ! And no mother to care for him ! {Takes up lapstone and strap.) I wonder what kind of a shoemaker I should make ! {Takes awl.) Dear me, I've pricked my finger ! Where's the hammer? 20 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. O, here it is. I don't believe it's very hard work to mend a shoe. As he is doing my work, I should be Iip, bip, hooray ! " Hullo, there's the little brown jug ! I'll driuk your health again. Hip, hip, hooray! {Drinks.) I say ! what's the mat- ter with you? Douglas. I have been insulted. .Will. Been what? Say that again. Show me the man, woman, or child that has insulted Hen Douglas, — hip,hip,booray! — and I'll— I'll wipe him out. Fetch 'em ^ on, one at a time, or all together. I'm the friend of the ' oppressed— I am. Feel my muscle ! so don't you be afraid. Say, who's the feller or fellerers? Douglas. Fellow, indeed ! That miserable whelp, Ned Hartshorn, here in this place, and in the presence of your sister. But I've done wiih you alL I'll not be dis- graced by such associates. Good by, Will. You Hike, and if ever you get into trouble, come to me in the city, and I'll stand your friend. Will. Say ! hold on ! Let's settle this thing. You shall have satisfaction. If Ned Hartshorn has dared to insult my friend, — my friend, Hen Douglas ; hip, hip, hooray ! — I'll trounce him. Now you just wait and see me do it. Going to the city? All right. I'll go with you, spite of the old man. Douglas. No, no, dont pick a quarrel on my account. Perhaps he didn't mean to insult me. Perhaps he was blinded by his love for your sister. Will. What? Ned Hartshorn in love with my sister ! I'll trounce him for that. Now you see me do it. Insult my friend, and in love with my sister ! O, I'll lix him ! Doi glas. Hush ! Plere he is. . 24 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Enter Ned, l. Ned. Ah, Will, back again? Will. Ay, back agaia, you sneaking thief! Ned. How, Will? You forget yourself. Will. Indeed ! You forgot yourself when you made 'love to my sister and insulted my friend, you mean, con- temptible sneak ! Ned. Will, you've been drinking. Will. {Throws off his coat.) You're right. I've just enough liquid lightning in my hide to rouse my manhood. You've insulted my friend. Beg his pardon at once. Ned. 1 shall do nothing of the kind. If he has told you I insulted him, he must have told you, also, that I made love to your sister ; and he's a liar. Douglas. Liar? This to me? Ned. Ay, to you. 'Tis you who have turned Weill's head, you who have tempted him to drink, you who, with a lying tongue, now seek to make us quarrel. Bah ! you're a coward! You dare not face me yourself; you dare not ask me to beg your pardon ; for, if you did, you know rd knock you down quicker than I did when you insulted Patty Moore. V/ill. But I dare, and mean you shall. So, solemn, pious, temperate Ned Hartshorn, obey at once ! Ned. Will, I'd do anything in reason to oblige you. But I can't do that. Will. Then I'll thrash you within an inch of your life. Ned. O no, you won't, Will. Will. I say I wi^l, sneak, coward, son of a drunkard ! THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 25 Ned. Careful, Will, careful ! Will. Come on. My blood's up. If you won't apol- ogize, you must fight. ^Ned. Keep off! keep off, I say! You'll get hurt. Will Shall I? I'll risk it. {They strwgrjle. Ned , throws Will across stage. Re falls on bench, l.) Douglas. That won't do. {Seizes jug, steps up behind Nkd, and strikes him on the head. Jauius appears m the door, C.) Ned. O, my head, my head ! {Staggers, and falls on bench, R.) Jarius. JeV so. {Disappears.) ■ Douglas. {Runs to Will, and places the jug in his hand.) Are you hurt, Will? Will. Hurt? No. Let me come at him. Let me — Douglas. No, no. You have nearly killed him with the jug. Will. The jug? Douglas. Yes ; you seized it, and struck him before I could interfere. Will. Did I? Then I'll give him another. Enter John, l. John. What's going on here? Fighting? Ned hurt? Who has done this? Elder Jarius, c. . Jarius. {Goes to Ned.) The boy's senseless. Wa- ter, water! quick! {Enter Mary, l.) Mary, bring water 1 quick 4 Ned's hurt. 3Iarij. Ned hurt? 0, mercy ! lExit, L. John. Who struck him? 2G THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Douglas. Will, but quite accidentally.- You see, Ned provoked him, and, quite accidentally — Will. No such thing. Don't play sneak. Hen. I did it, old man, to uphold the honor of the family. John. Will Nutter, you're drunk. Will. Drunk yourself, you old fool. O, I ain't afraid of you. I've been tied to your leather apron long enough. Now I'm going to see the world. D'ye hear that, old man? No more pegs for raie. You can have the little brown jug to yourself now. I've had a taste of something better — something stronger. It's roused the man in me. So I'm otF. Good by. Enter 'Mary, l. with loater. She rims to Ned, and Jarius and she try to revive Ned. John. Stop, Will Nutter. If you leave this place now, you can never return to it. Will. That's all right — just the sort. Don't want to see it again. Hope you'll live long and prosper, and, when you die, leave a nice little fortune to yours, truly. Good by. Douglas. Don't mind him, sir. I'll take care of him. You see how he is. Come, Will. (Drags him to the door, C.) Will. I say, old man, I'm off to fame and fortune. John. Fame and fortune? Disgrace and infamy! Will, I'll give you one more chance. Return to your bench, and all shall be forgotten. Leave this place now, and its doors shall never be opened to you again, tliough you were dying on the doorstep. Choose now, and choose quickly. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 27 Will. Quick enough. I'm off. John. Then go ; and, as you desert me, may you, in turn, be deserted. May all your plans fail you, your enterprises prove unsuccessful, poverty and ruin dog your steps, and life -be to you a failure and a burden. Away, and bear vv^ith you a father's bitter, bitter — Mary. (^Banning to him^ and putting her arms around his neck.) No, father, don't say that, don't say that ! Poor boy, his will be a bitter life without his father's curse. TABLEAU. Will in door, c, his left arm raised defiantly. Douglas has left hand on Will's shoulder, his right hand in Will's right, dragging him out. Jakius bending over Ned, r. John, l., with right hand raised; Mary, with her arms ahout his neck, looking into his face. Slow curtain. ACT SECOND. Scene. — Boom in Nutter's House. Lounge, r., 07i which Ned is lying asleep. Small table near lounge, at which Mary is seated, sewing. Lamp on table. Arm-chair, l. c. Table with plants, R. corner, back ; if scenery is used, window in flat, R. c. Door, c, shut. Moonlight through iui?idow. Sally, asleep in arm-chair, l. C. Mary. Poor fellow, he's asleep at last. What a ter- rible year it has been for him ! That cruel blow stretched him on a bed of sickness, from which we feared he never 28 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. would rise. Only a good coustitutioQ and cai'efiil nurs- ing have saved him from death, and saved Wifl from worse than death — the stain of murder. O, Will, if you only knew how we have fought to save you from that, how we have prayed for Ned's recovery, your heart migiit be touched with remorse. Surely Henry Douglas must have told him of his danger. He says he has. But not a word, not a line comes from him. A whole year has passed. We have watched and waited. Mother's once bright cheek has grown pale. Father, though he says not a word, starts at every footfall. But yet no sign of his return. Sally. Now, Jarius, if you don't stop, I'll scream. Murder, murder! (IFaZjes.) Bless my soul! Have I been dreaming? Manj. Yes, Sally, of Jarius. Sally. It's no sech thing. Leastwise, dreams go by contraries. I thought that Jarius Jerden had his arm around my neck, and was going to kiss me ; so I hol- lered. Mary. As dreams go by contraries, you wouldn't scream if he really had. Sally. Yes, I would. What do I care for Jarius Jer- den? He's forever pokin' his nose in here when he ain't wanted. I'll give him a piece of my mind some day, see if I don't. Mary. That will be very satisfactory to him, no doubt, v/hen he pops the important question. Sally. He? Jarius Jerden pop the question? He'll never do it. He hain't the courage. He jest comes here, and sits and whistles, sighs and whittles, and talks about. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 29 Squire Jones aud his cattle, and sich nonsense. I'v^e no patience with him. If I was a man, I'd just know which side my bread was buttered on in short order. Hannah. {Outside, Jj.) Sally, Sally ! Sally. Yes, marm. Hannah. {Outside., L.) Your bread's run onto the floor, the fire's all out, and the cat's in the cream. — Scat ! scat ! Sally. Dear nie ! What a chapter of accidents ! And I here dreaming! O, these men, these men! \_Exit, L. 3Iary. Ah, Sally, 'twill be a happy day for you when Jarius Jordan musters up courage enough to ask you to be his wife. There'll be a prompt answer on your part, I'll warrant. (Enter Douglas, c.) And a happy life, which you so richly deserve, will be the sequel to this queer wooing. Heigho ! Douglas. ( Who has crept up behind her chair.) Tiiat sigh was touching, Mary. Was it meant for me? Mary. {Starting up.) Mr. Douglas ! You here? Douglas. Does that surprise you? Where should I be but in the presence of her I love — of the angelic be- ing who has promised to be my wife? (Ned wakes, and, leaning on his elhow, listens.) llary. -That was a great M-hile ago. Douglas. A year only. Surely you have not repented of your promise. Mary. I have. Douglas. Ho, ho ! So tliis is the meaning of the coldness which I have felt creeping into our intercourse of late — you repent your promise ! 30 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Mary. Mr. Douglas, listen to me. A year ago I was a giddy girl, proud to be noticed by one so high in the social sphere as you. Your attentions to me, while other girls in vain sought to attract you, dazzled me, caused a fluttering in my silly bosom, which I then thought was love, and I gave you encouragement ; nay, I will confess it, promised to be your wife. We were very happy here in our family circle then — very. But, alas! trouble came. You know how. My brother fled ; our. dear Ned was struck down ; I became his nurse'; by night and by day I watched by his couch ; and in those long hours what could I do but think, think, think? I thought of the wide difference in our social position, how uusuited w^e were for each other — you, with your fine talents and rich connections, I, a poor girl, reared to hard work, with no knowledge of the world outside our little village ; and then I looked into my heart, and somehow, I can't ex- plain it, I felt there was no love there ; that I never could be happy as your wife ; and so to-night I ask you to re- lease me. Douglas. Well, 'pon my w^ord, here's a confession ! Here's a fine position for the heir of the Douglas name and state. After ray unremitting attentions for a year, I am to be thrown aside, like a country bumpkin, at the whim of a girl who don't know her own mind ! No, no, Mary, I shall not release you. You'll think better of it to-morrow. Mary. Yes, better, for my resolve will be stronger. Douglas. And that resolve is — Mary. Never to marry you, Henry Douglas. It is best we have no misunderstanding now. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 31 Douglas. It is, indeed. So, so ! While I have been absent, my place has been taken in your heart by that fool, Ned Hartshorn. 3Iary. Mr. Douglas ! Douglas. Yes ; it's as plain as the sun at noonday. Stunned by a slight blow, he made that the pretext for a long season of wasting sickness, that he might secure your attention, that he might bill and coo in your face, excite your compassion, and awake in your heart an an- swer to his love. The hypocrite ! With his youth and strength, the blow he received should not have kept him from his work a day. 'Twas a crafty trick. 3Iary. Mr. Doughis ! Douglas. Ay, a crafty trick. But it shall not suc- ceed. I have your promise ; I have your father's con- sent. I will not release you. MarTf. Henry Douglas, you have spoken plainly, and you have spoken falsely. 'Tis true he who lies there loves me. I have read it in his pleading eyes ; I have heard it in the delirium of fever from his lips. But he is as incapable of the meanness you would ascribe to him as you are of an honorable thought. Shame, shame ! He has worked hard for an honest name. Poor fellow ; 'tis all he has in the world ! — and you, rich and power- ful, seek to rob him of that. Douglas. Mary ! Mary. Silence ! . I will not hear you. . You have at- tacked the honor of a dear friend, dearer for the infirmity which has fallen upon him through the instrumentality of one of my name. 'Tis but right I should stand forth in his defence. Hear me. I asked you to release me 32 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. from my promise ; I gave you the reasoQS, good, true reasons, which would have couvinced au iionorable man. I have one more to give, which must conviuce you. I can never be your wife, for your attack has revealed something I hardly dreamed. I love Ned Hartshorn as I can never love another. Douglas. Ha ! The truth at last ! Tliere is no mis- understanding now. Your last reason has convinced me. Now hear one which must overpoAver yours, which must convince you that I will not be trifled with. Your brother Will and I parted company this morning. Mary. Will und you! What mean you? Douglas. Yesterday, being the first of the month, my book was returned to me from the Phoenix Bank, with the checks which I had drawn during the month. I say, which I had drawn. I'm wrong. There was one there for two hundred dollars, signed by a clever imitation of my name, of which I had no knowledge. It. was a forgery. Mary. A forgery ! Well ? Douglas. Nay, 'twas very bad, for I found, upon in- vestigation, it had been done by your brother. Mary. Will? No, no; you do not suspect him. Douglas. I know he forged that check. This morn- ing I charged him with it. Of course he indignan'tly denied it. 1 informed him, quietly, that I had no further need of his services. He took his hat, and departed ; and there the matter rests. Of course I might have called in an officer, and had him arrested ; but, as he was in a fair way to become my brother-in-law, that would have been injudicious, to say the least. Mary. It would have killed my mother. But Will — where is he now ? THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 33 Douglas. I haven't the least idea. Of one thing be certain — he will never trouble you with his presence. His city life has not been a success. He will not return to boast of it. Besides, should he appear here, I must arrest him. Mary. You arrest him ? No, no ; that would be in- famous. Douglas. He is a criminal ; he has robbed me, and squandered my money. Why should I pardon him? 3Iary. Because — because — {Aside.) O, Heavens, I have lost the power to plead for him ! Douglas. Mary, you will think better of your resolve. You love your brother ; he is in danger. If I but raise my finger, disgrace and infamy are fastened upon hiin forever. I would not willingly be the instrument of jus- tice in this case. I would not rob him of liberty ; of the opportunity to wipe out this disgrace. But you, to-night, propose to rob me of my happiness ; to blight my life by withholding the treasure I covet — yourself. Think you not, in such a case, revenge is justice? Mary. What would you have me do ? Douglas. Fulfil your promise. Become my wife. Mary. Still loving Ned Hartshorn? Douglas. Love that fool ! I do not believe it. You are too sensible a girl, Mary. No, no. When you are Uiy wife, this idle folly will be but a dream. Mary. Yes, when 1 am your wife ! And if 1 keep my promise, my brother — Douglas. Shall not be molested. More, I will be- faieud him, and place him in a good position. Mary. Indeed ! So I am to save my brother at the 3 34 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. cost of my love ! Henry Douglas, the trick is worthy of you ; but it shall not move me. I love my brother. Heaven knows ; but not even to save him from prison would I marry one who has suffered at his hands, by cou- senting to become your wife. Douglas. I have done. Justice must take its course. Nay, I will not be conquered by so mean a foe. Your father, your father, Mary, he shall decide whom he will accept as his daughter's husband, — I, rich, accomplished, of good family, or that' low, gawky clown. Mary. Silence ! He is a brave, noble, true man, who would scorn to stoop to the petty tricks' of the rich and accomplished Henry Douglas. Let my father decide. I care not. Every threat you utter but strengthens my res- olution. Do your worst. From your arms I would fly to his, though I knew poverty and toil should be our portion. Douglas. As you please. But I shall not release you, Mary Nutter. My wife you shall, you must be. You've a stubborn father and a stubborn lover to fight. Arm yourself, Mary ; you Avill need all your strength, and then — I shall win. Good night. \_Exlt^ C. Mary. Ah, while there is life there is hope, even in a bad cause. {Turns, and sees Ned looking at her.) Why, Ned, you awake? Ned. Yes, Mary. I have heard all. Mary. What ! No, no, Ned, not all ! Ned. Yes, Mary, every word. O, it seems as though a reviving draught had been poured through my veins, and life, strong, healthy life was coming back to me. Now I can speak, give utterance to that which you have THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 35 discovered, but whicli I, weak, distrustful, hid in my own bosom. Now, Mary, I can tell you I love you. Ilary. Ned, have I done right to break my promise? Ned. Yes, Mary. You have obeyed the dictates of your heart. Douglas is unworthy the rich prize he seeks. 3Iary. Had I known you were listening, Ned, 1 fear my tongue would have refused to do its duty. Ned. And you love me ? 3Iary. Yes, Ned, with all my heart. Ned. O, you make me so happy ! An hour ago life seemed not worth living for ; but now, with your love to cheer me, all is bright and hopeful. It's a glorious world ! and never fear but I will find a way to lead you, not to toil and poverty, not to wealth and luxury, but to a comfortable home, where the ring of my hammer and the sound of your voice shall blend in sweet accord. Mary. Why, Ned, what magic's here? Your eye is bright, your cheek. glowing, your whole manner so unlike you ! I'm frightened. Ned. Magic? The magic of a woman's love, which can transform age to youth, and make the dull heart beat with healthy power. You smile on me, and I am strong again. Mary. Now be careful. Remember you are an inva- lid. Bless me ! how late it is ! Come, you must to bed at once. Remember I am your nurse still. Ned. O, I'll obey. But I shan't sleep a wink. Mary, are you sure I'm not dreaming? Mary. There's my hand. When you ask it, it is yours. 36 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Ned. {Places his arm around her waist^ takes her hand and raises it to his lips.) Mine ! heart and hand mine ! No ; I'm not dreaming. 'Tis a blessed reality. [^JExeunt^ r. {Knock at door^ c, then it opens, and Jarius sticks his head in.) Jarius. Jes' so. (Enters.) Nobody to hum, or all gone to roost, except Sally. That air female I jest seen through the kitchen winder a slashin' away in the bread trough like all possessed. She's a powerful gal — she is. Her washin' don't hang round long arter breakfast, I reckon. O, Sally, ef yeou only knew what a powerful drubbin' was goin' on behind ray ribs on your account, you'd take pity and help a feller out somehow. Plau^ue take it ! She knows it well enough. Didn't I start right off, a year ago, on her hint, and git my hair cropped so short that I couldn't lay on a piller, and sneezed and snorted, and w^ore out handkerchers with the influenza? Didn't I go and git measured for a new pair of boots, so tight that I hobbled all day and howled all night with aching toes? Didn't I git fitted to a bran new coat, that bust up the back the fust time I wore it? Ef that ain't showin' off one's love, I'd like to know it ! But it's no use. She won't help a feller a bit. She knows every time I come I'm a burnin' to ask her to be my wife. But I can't say it. It gits jes' so fur, and there it sticks. Sally, I love you. Four words. I' in blamed ef they ain't a bigger load to git rid of than a Fourth er July oration ! But it's no use. It's got to come. So, Jarius, don't be a fool. Spit it out, and she's youru. I will, the minute I see her. I won't wait TliE LITTLE BrwOW-N JUG. 37 for nothiu', but jest sl.ont,.^ally — (Enter Sally, l., with her hands and arms covered ivith fl.our). Sh, sli ! How do you do? {Shakes hands quickly.) Sally. Law sakes, Mr. Jcrden, you've caught mc thl3 time, sure enou-h ! I'm up to my elbows in flour. So jest excuse me a miuute. . {Going, ^i.. ^ Jarius. No, hold on a minute, or I shall bust. Now's the appointed time, Sally. Sally, I've got somethinir particular to say— Sally — Sally — old Hopkins has got the yaller janders. Sally. Wal, I declare! Is that the particular some- thin'? {Going, L.) Jarius. No, no. Hold on a minute. {Catches her Inj the arm; gets flour on his hands.) 'Tain't that. {Aside.) Consayu it, there's a cold chill runs up my back, aud my face i-i burnin' up. {Wipes his face with his hands, leav- ing flour on it.) Sally. Why, Mr. Jerden, what is the matter with you ? You're as pale«as a ghost ! Jarius. Jes' so. O, Sally, hear me. Don't look at me, but open your ears. Pally Seeslee,-^no, Sally Pees- lee, — I — I — I thiuk it's going to rain. {Aside.) I can't do it. Sally. Wal, what of it? Jarius. Jes' so. It'll put an end to the dry spell. Sally. It seems to me that you are having a very dry i^peU about somethin', Mr. Jerden. Jarius. Yes ; jes' so. Ha, ha, ha-h I That's very good ! Sally, ril be back before you want me, I guess. {Going, L.) 38 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Jarius. Don't leave me. ••'Hear me first, for I'm on an awful strain, and if I once let up I'm a gone coon. Sally, I want to say — I must say — » Sally, I mean to say — how's your marm ? Salhj. Why, Mr. Jerden, are you crazy? Mother's been dead and buried this six months. Jarius. So she has. It's no use asking arter her — is it? That wan't what I was going to say. To come to the p'int, Sally, to come to the p'int, I — I — I don't feel we'd. Sally. Then you'd better go home, tie up your ears, and get to bed. Xt's my opinion you've had a pint too much, Jarius Jerden ; and if ever you show yourself here in that condition again, I'll drown the pizen out of yer with a kittle of hot waler. Ain't ye ashamed of yourself, at your time of life, making a fool of yourself in this way, Jarius Jerden ? I did think you had some sense; but you're nothing but a fool, arter all. Go home. Don't stand there staring at me in that way. Go to bed, sleep it off, and rise in the morning a sadder and a wiser man. O, Jarius, you, of all men ! Wal, I never ! [£'x/7, l. Jarius. Jes' so. vSold again. And she 'thinks I'm drunk ! Never was drunk in all my life ; but if the sen- sation is anything like beiu' in love without the power of tellin' on it, then all I've got to say, it's an all-fired mean feelin'. Wal, things is gittin' on backwards mighty fast, anyhow. I've made a darned goose.of myself, that's sartin. Go home and sleep it off? Yes, I guess not. I'll just hang round here a little longer, and if there's another chance, I'll make one mouthful of it, and say, THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 39 *' Sally — " O, consarn it, Jjirius, you darsu't. You're a riiean, mealy-mouthed critter, and no mistake. [^Exit^ C. Enter Mary, r. Mary. Who's that? Somebody just left the house. Who could it have been? It must have been Jarius, on his nightly visit. Sally's light is still burning in the kitchen. I'll just pick up my work, and off' to bed. Can it be possible that Will forged that check? I don't be- lieve it. Henry Douglas must have invented that story to frighten me. Enter Will, c, softly. Poor boy, I wish he were safe home again ! Will. Mary — sister! ' Mary. {Rushing into his arms.) O, Will, dear Will, is it you at last? Will. Hush ! Don't. wake anybody. I wouldn't be seen by any one but you for the world. You see, I got awful homesick, wanted to have a look at the old home, and, if possible, speak with you. But I don't want to meet father or mother. 3Iary. Don't want to meet them ! O, Will, your city life — Will. Is splendid! I'm rising in the world — I am. That's the place for me. Busy all day, aud at night see- ing the sights. O, it's gay ! I'm doing well. But I shall never meet father until I am rich enough to say, "I was right, and you were wrong. I should have been ou the bench now had I listened to you ; but I asserted 40 THE I^ITTLE BROWN JUG. ray rights, went iuto the world, aud have come back rich, powerful, iufluen-iaL" Aheui. That's the style in which I shall meet him one of these days. Mary. Will, are you still in the employ of Mr. Doug- las? Will, No. I'm on my own account. Mary. O, Heavens ! 'tis true, 'tis true ! Will. What's true, Mary ? Mary. The forged check. Will. Eh ? What forged check ? Mary. Henry Douglas told me to-night that you had forged his name to a check for two hundred dollars. Will. 'Tis a lie ! an infamous lie ! Mary. He said you denied it. Will. We have never spoken concerning a check. I have had nothing to do with his money matters. Mary. But you have parted? Will. Because lie wished me to testify falsely in a case in which he was concerned — to perjure myself. I refused ; and for that reason, and that alone, we parted. Mary, I may be wild and reckless, but, believe me, I have, never committed a crime — never. Mary. I do believe you, Will. 'Tis but another proof of his perfidy. Will. Never mind him, Mary. He's not worthy of a thought. Tell me of father aud mother. Are they well? Mary. Ah, Will, your conduct has made them ten years older. Father will not allow your name to be mentiofied, and mother, at his bidding, is silent ; but her face is careworn, her step feeble, aud the nervous start THE LI'iTLE BROWN JUG. 41 she gives wheu the door opens tells how anxiously she awaits your return. You will see her, Will? Will. Not to-night, Mary. In an hour I must be ou my way back to the city. Mary, I wish I had not come here. There's a power in the old house that makes my heart ache, it awakens such memories ! And mother, dear soul, how sadly her ^bright hopes of her boy have been shattered ! Though I have dashed into the city, and been swept along by its hurry and whiil, I have often thought of this quiet house, and ached, fairly ached, to feel motlier's arms around my neck, and her good- night kiss upon my brow. O, Mary, be tender, very tender with her. Don't let her hear a word against me. Sometimes I think that fierce temptation will overwhelm me, ruin me, body and soul ; and that would break her heart. Mary. O, Will, stay with us. Plere you are safe from all temptations. Will. Here ? Why, Mary, you forget the little brown jug, which first tempted me to drink, which created a thirst, which, fight against as I will, must be quenched. Mary. Ah; but the little brown jug will not tempt you now. Since that day there has been no more brew- ing of strong drink. Father has abandoned it, and the old jug has been put to a better use. Will. . A better use ? Mary. Yes. 'Tis now placed in the cupboard in fa- ther's room, and every Saturday night he places in it the sum of money he would have expended for liquor during the week. There's quite a large sum there. 42 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Will. That's very queer. In father's cupboard, you say? Mary. Yes. But yon do not inquire after Ned. Will. Ned Hartshorn? Is he here still? Mary. Will, are you ignorant of his severe illness? Did not Mr. Douglas tell you? Will. Nothingconcerning Ned Hartshorn. I haven't heard his name before for a year. Mary. Douglas's deceit again ! Will, for a year he has not left the house. That blow with the jug, a year ago, nearly killed him. Will. What! And I knew nothing of it? O, this is terrible ! That man is a fiend ! He has tried to keep from me all knowledge of you and my family, for what reason I cannot guess. But I will know. Ned Harts- horn nearly killed, and by my hand ! I am accursed ! Let me fly from this place ! Mary. No, no. Will ; not now, not now ! Will. I will ! I must!' What right have I to stand beneath this roof? I have defied my father, chosen my own path in life, turned my back upon you all, and have no right to claim kindred here. Let me go, Mary. 'Tis better for all. There's a curse upon me, a bitter curse. Let me go ! let me go ! Mary. No, no, brother. (Clings about his neck.) I will not release you. We love you dearly. ]Vul. Then pray for me, think of me kindly if you can; but part we must. (Kisses her.) Mary, sister, Heaven bless you ! (Bushes out, c.) Mary. Gone. Poor boy ! I tremble for him, swayed by every impulse of his wayward nature, in the midst m THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 43 of temptation ; his young life already poisoned by the love of drink, what must be his fate ! O, brother, may Heaven send some good angel to reclaim you, and hear a moth- er's and a sister's prayers in your behalf. {Takes light from tahle^ and exits, R.) Door opens, softly. Enter Will, c. Will. Homeless and friendless ! She little knows it has come to that. She little knows that my threat to acquaint my father with his wild doings parted Douglas and I. He marry her ! Not if I can prevent it. But what power have I with my stubborn father? Douglas has trumped up his charge of forgery to frighten "me and intimidate her. How can I alarm her and father? I canie to tell her, and have not spoken a word against him. But I will find a way. Just now 1 must care for myself. I haven't had a morsel to eat to-day, so my good mother's cupboard must provide. If I could only have one good pull at the little brown jug ! I forgot. 'Tis now put to better use. Better? There's money in it ; and money will provide both food and shelter. Why not? Haven't I a right to put my fingers in it? Yes, you have put it to a better use, father, and, with your good leave, I'll have a pull at it, as in former days. Egad, it's a capital joke. There's no crime about it, for it's all in the family, and one member mustn't starve while oth- ers hoard wealth. I'll creep into father's room, secure the jug, help myself, and nobody shall be the wiser. Softly, my boy, softly. {Creeps out^ l.) 44 THE LITTLE BROWN JU.G. Jarius appears at luindow^ or door, c. Jarius. Consarn it ! somebody's been sneaking round this house for the hist half hour. Wonder if he's arter Sally! (Enters loindow^ or door.) Blamed if I aiu"t going to know what it's all about ! If it's a thief, then all I've got to say, there'll be some spry wrastling around here afore he gits off with much plunder. Enter Will, l., with jug of money. Will, All right. I've got it. {Runs into Jarius's arms.) Jarius. (^Seizing him by collar.) Jes' so. So have I. Will. Ah! Discovered! Who are you, scoundrel ? Jarius. Who are you, thief? (^Drags him to moon' light.) Will Nutter ! Will. Jarius Jordan ! Jarius. Wal, I never ! Will Nutter a thief! Will. Thief? 'Tis false. Jarius. (Snatching jug from him.) Here is the proof. O, Will, young feller, has it come to this? Will. What right have you meddling here ? This is my father's house. Haven't I a right to pass in and out of it when I please? Jarius. Jes' so ; but not to rob the old man. What right have I to meddle? The right which every honest mau should be proud to exercise — the right to battle wrong wherever found. Young feller, you've made my heart ache to-night. To see the boy we were all so proud THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 45 of sneaking out of Lis father's bouse a thief! It's too bad! Will. Jarius Jordan, once more I tell you I'm no thief. Jarius. Will you tell your father so, vvhen I arouse biiu, as I mean to? Will. No, no, Jarius ; don't do that. Let me go as I came. Keep the jug, if you please ; only let me go. Jarius. Will Nutter, young feller, you're going to destruction as fast as your legs can carry you. Where's your pride? Where's your grand expectations, that you raved so about, a year ago? Why, you're ihe meanest of all critters — a thief. Will. That name ilgain ? Jarius. Yes ; again and again. I ain't agoiu' to be mealy-mouthed on this subject, anyhow. You see what yer fine friend has brought ye to ; for it's all his work. I've watched ye in the city all through yer year of service with him. I've seen the temptations spread by him like a spider, and you, poor little fly, walk into them. It all came of his trickery. And now here you are, crawling into the room where your poor mother is sleeping — •^ Will. O, don't, Jarius ; don't speak of my, mother 1 What would she say to know that her poor boy was a — a — Jarius. Thief! Say it, Will, young feller. Git the bile all out of yer system. Look at yerself as ye are ; feel as mean as ye look. You are — Will. A thief! Yes, Jarius, it's the truth. O, why did I come here? Why add this horror to a life already made wretched by my folly ? I never dreamed of this. It 46 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. was a sudden impulse. I never gave a thought to it. It came upon me unawares. But now I see its wicked- ness. O, Jarius, wh}' can't I die? (Sinks on floor ^ covers face with hands.) Why can't I die? I haven't a friend in the world to care for mfe now. Jarius. Yes, you have. Look up, Will. I never went back on a feller-critter, good or bad, when in dis- tress, and I ain't a goiu' to do it now. Look up, young feller. I'll help you out; Will. Help me? You ! Then show me how to help myself. Show me some way to wipe out this disgrace, and I will bless you. Jarius. Listen to me. A year ago, of your own ac- cord, you set out to seek your forum'"» with Hen Doug- las — Will. Yesterday we parted, for his service was too mean for me to perform. Jarius. Jes' so. You've had a year of his tuition ; will you now take a year of .mine ? Will. Yours, Jarius? Jarius. Yes, mine. I wanted you then, but Douglas eucred me. I want you now. Will you serve me ? Will." Willingly, and bless you for the chance. Jarius. Jes' so. Young feller, you've only seen the dark side of life. You've been dipped into temptation ; but hang on to me and I'll pull you out. There's my hand. Will. And there's mine. Jarius. Hold on a minute. Let's understand things. There's got to be a rippin' away of old associations — no billiards, no cards, no theatres. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 4:7 Will There's my hand. Jarius. Hold on a minute. You're to stick to all I ask, although it goes agin the grain. 'Will. There's my hand. Jarius. Hold on a minute. Here's the hardest. You must solemnly promise that for one year you will never totich, taste, or handle liquor, plain or embellished, raw or fancy. It's hard, young feller, for you, but it's your only hope. Will. It is, indeed, Jarius. Heaven bless you ! You are a true friend. As you speak, I feel the strength of your good, noble heart animating mine. Yours is tho first warning voice that has ever reached my ears, and I will heed it. Do with me as you will. I promise. Jarius. Jes' so. NufF sed ; shake. {They stand in centre of stage, with clasped hands, as the curtain slowly descends.) ACT THIRD. Scene. — Same as Act 2. Table, l. Arm-chair l. of table, in which is seated John Nutter. Lounge, r. Chair, R., back. Table, with plants, L., back. Door, C, open. Ned standing r. of table. John. It's no use argifying, Ned. It can't be ; it shan't be. Mary gin her promise to Henry Douglas more than a year ago, an' she's got to stick tew it. 1 ain't a goin' to have no flirts about me. Ned. But she does not love him, sir ; she is truly at- 48 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. tached to me. Yon surely would not have her break her liear^. John. Better break it than break her promise, and break his heart. Ned. There is no fear of breaking his ; he has none. He is unworthy of her. John. Now, Ned, don't be mean. Don't speak ill of a man because he is likely to win where you may lose. Ned. I speak the truth. Mary has tolcP'him she did not love him, and asked him to release her. He refused. He's a mean, contemptible sneak, unworthy any woman's love. That one act stamps him so. John. Now stop. That's enough. I know Henry Douglas better than you. He has been a good friend to me, and I won't have him abused. When, a year ago, I emptied the little brown jug of my savings, and found,, to my. surprise, a handsome sum, he showed me a grand chance for a safe investment. I took his advice, and doubled my money in a month. He helped me to other investments. Ned. I know. Some of them paid and some didn't. The balance is on the wrong side, for your money has vanished, and there's a mortgage of a thousand dollars on your property, which he holds. Pretty frieud he ! John. Well, what of it? Them as win must expect to lose sometimes. It's no use your talkin' agin him. He's smart, and he'll help me out, with a handsome profit, when the time comes right. Ned. And for his sake you refuse to let Mary marry the man of her choice :' THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 49 John. He was the man of her choice. Fm only a givin' him justice. Now look a-here, Ned ; let's have no more of this. I think a heap of you. You're a smart workman ; and I'd like to see you married. Mary's al- ready engaged. {Bises.) Think no more of her. If you want a smart wife, * Enter Jarius, c. take Sally Peeslee. She's a bouncer. [_Exit, L. Jarius. (Aside.) Jes' so. Guess I didn't come back any tew soon. {Aloud.) Ned ! Ned. {Turning^ sees Jarius.) Jarius Jordan ! Jarius. Jes' so. Heow air yer, young feller ? {Shake hands.) And heow's everybody? JVed. Glad to see you once more. It must be a year since you were here. Jarius. Jes' so ; a year to-day. Folks all well ? Ned. Yes — no ; Mother Nutter is poorly ; the rest are hearty. Jarius. Sally Peeslee smart — hey? By the by, didn't I hear John Nutter say somethin' about your mak- in' up to her? Ned. You need fear no rival in me, Mr. Jordan. Jarius. Jes' so. Expected you and Mary would have made a match. P'raps you have. Ned. No. We are warmly attached ; but Mr. Nut- ter will not hear of our marrying. He wants to give her to Henry Douglas. Jarius. The old fool ! Nothin'" personal in that re- mark. But he's wus than a nine-days' -old pup — hain't 4 60 THE LITTLE BROA^TN JUG. got his eyes open. Wal, what air ye goin' to do 'bout it — give her up? * Ned. Never ! I scarcely know what to do. Douglas has almost ruined the old man with speculation. Every- thing is mortgaged to him ; and if Mary does not marry him, he will turn them out of their home. Jarius. Sho ! How much is the mortgage? Ned. A thousand dollars. Jarius. Wal, don't yeou fret, young feller. I'll see yeou through. I've got a bone to pick with that air chap ; and, keen as he thinks himself, he's got to git up airly if he gits ahead of Jarius Jordan. Hullo, here's Mary ! Enter Mary, r. Mary. Well, Ned, what does he say? — Why, Mr. Jordan ! Jarius. , Jes' so. Heow d'ye do? {Shake hands.) Prettier than ever, I declare ! Mary. This is an unexpected pleasure. We haven't seen you for a long time. Jarius. Jes' so. But Ned don't say what he said. Ned. He refused me, Mary. He says you must keep your promise to Douglas. 3Iary. Never. I'll die first. Jarius. Jes' so. Good grit. Neow, young folks, I always was famous for meddlin' ; and I'm goin' to heVp you in this matter, if you'll let me. Douglas has a hold on the old gent with a mortgage. I understand that. Anything else ? Mary. He holds a check, which he declares was forged, THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 51 his name used, and the money drawn from the bank by "Will. This he has threatened to use against my brother. Jarius. Jes' so. A forged check? That's an old trick. You don't happen to know what bank it was drawn on — do you ? Mary. He told me. Let me think a moment. The Phcenix Bank. Jarius. The Phoenix? Sho ! I've got him ! {Goes, to table, takes a tablet from his pocket, and writes iuith''a pencil.) Neow, then, young feller, I w^ant to use yer. If yeou want'Mary, jest put on your hat, and leg it to the 'telegraph office. Here's a message ; put it through, and wait for an answer. {Tears out leaf, and gives it to Ned.) Ned. But .what does this mean ? Jarius. Business. Don't ask any questions ; but go. If yeou git the answer I expect, I'll eucre Douglas in spite of thunder. Ned. Will you? Then I'm off. — Will you go, *3Mary ? Jarius. No ; Mary will stay here. Where's your po- liteness? Ain't I company? Ned. All right, Mr. Jordan. I'm oiF. \_Exit, c. Jarius. Well, Mary, heow's yer marm? Mary. She's very sick, Mr. Jordan. She keeps her room most of the time. My brother's conduct, my fa- ther's wild speculations, and the persistent wooing of Henry Douglas, — whom she detests, — have made her very miserable. Jarius. Jes' so. Wal, we'll see if we can't doctor her up. Now, Mary, the next time Douglas comes here 52 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. don't you be mealy-mouthed. Let him have it r^ght and left. Tell him jest what you think of him, and defy him to do his worst. Mary. I dure not. He is wicked enough to crush father with the mortgage he holds, and mean enough to kill mother by disclosing Will's connection with the forged check. Jarius. Let him do his worst, Mary. He's a crafty ch«lp, a-schemin to snare the old man and get your hand ; but there's a weak p'int somewhere in his net, and if I can find it I'll holier. Mary. I'll obey you, Mr. Jordan. Only put an end to this terrible persecution, and you will make, me happy. Jarius. Jes' so. Hullo ! there's Sally. Now I'ye got something particular to say to her, and if you don't mind taking a hasty leave, I'll be obliged to ye. Mary. O, certainly. Ahem! Mr. Jordan, you're sure you have the courage to speak now? Jarius. Neow yeou git eout ! Want to make a fel- ler feel cheap ■ — don't yeou ? Mary. Ha, ha ! Mr. Jordan, you've a brave heart, but you dare not ask her. See if I am not right. Good by. \_Exit, R. Jarius. Darsn't ask Sally to be my wife ? Don't think I'm such a blarsted fool neow. Arter staying away a year, guess I've about screwed my courage up to do it, or bust. Sally. ( Outside^ l.) Mary, Mary ! Where on airth • is them mangoes ? {Enter ^ l.) Jarius. Dunno, Sally. Here's a man come. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 53 Sally. Jarius Jerden ! Wal, I never ! How d' ye do? Jarius. Purty well, Sally. (Shake hands.) Sally, you are a bouncer, and no mistake ! Sally. Where yeou been this long while ? Come back for good? Jarius. Wal, that depends. Sally, yeou dew look jest about good enough to eat. Sally. Do I? {Aside.) Law sakes ; how his eyes blaze ! T believe he's going to pop. (Aloud.) I'm mak- ing pickles. Jarius. Making pickles? (Aside.) She's pickled me, long ago. Sally. Yes ; and I want the mangoes. Somebody's hid 'em. I must find Mary. (Crosses to R.) Jarius. Don't go, Sally ; I want to speak to yeou. If you leave me ueow, I won't answer for the consequences. Sally. (Aside.) O, dear ; I'm afraid of him ! (Aloud.) What is it, Mr. Jerden ? (Edging, off., r.) Jarius. .(Aside.) How skeery she is! Wonder what's the matter ! (Aloud.) Sally, I'm goin' to do somethin' desperate, for the sight of yeou has set me on fire. I feel — I feel that the hour has come — Sally. (Aside.) 1 can't bear it. (Aloud.) Dear me; this place hain't been dusted to-day. (Takes her apron, and runs about dusting table, chair, and lounge.) Jarius. (Aside.) I swow, she's skeered ! All right, Jarius ; now's yer ciiauce. (Buns after Sally ; brings her doion, c.) Sally, it's no use ; yeou must hear me. Sally, do yeou know what it is to be in — in — in — love ? Sally. (Aside.) He's going to pop ! (Aloud.) O, 54 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. them plants ! {Runs up, J..C.) They haven't been watered to-day. Jarius. (Aside.) How she does carry on ! (Buns after her, and brings her down^ c.) Now look a-here, Sally ; it's no use. You'll spile everything. Sally. 0, my pickles ! they'll spile ! Do let me go, Mr. Jerden. Jarius. (Putting his arm round her waist.) Let 'era spile ! I've got yeou fast, Sally, and I'm going to try and keep yeou for ever and ever, Sally. (Struggling to get away.) Mr. Jerden, I'm ashamed of you. Jarius. I'm ashamed of myself, Sally. To think I've been so mealy-mouthed ! What bright eyes you've got ! and rosy cheeks ! and such a mouth ! I declare, I must have a kiss ! Sally, Don't yeou dew it, Mr. Jerden. Jarius. I can't help it, Sally. I never saw a sugar bowl but what I wanted to git my fingers into it, or a 'lasses barrel but what I wanted to lick it. And a taouth like yours ! — Jehu, don't stop me ! (Kisses her.) Enter Douglas, c. Douglas. Aha ! (Sally screams^ and runs off., L.) Jarius. Jes' so. Aha, yerself, and see heow yeou like it. • Douglas. Jarius Jordan ! You back again ? Jarius. Jes' so, and likely to stop a spell. Douglas. I should judge so from the warm welcome you have just received. Is the day fixed — hey? THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. * 55 Jarius. Wal, not exactly. I'm kinder waitin' for you and Mary. Is the day fixed — hey? Douglas, Ila ! You are sarcastic. They tell me you have made a great deal of money, Jordan. Jarius. Wal, I ain't as poor as a church mouse. Douglas. That's good. Our old friend Nutter has got into difficulties ; wants money. Now you are just the chap to help him. Jarius. Guess not. I don't throw my money away for nothin'. What I git I keep. Douglas. {Aside.) Good. No fear of him. (Aloud.) That's right. Don't let him wheedle you out of it ; for, between you and me, he's a ruined man. Jarius. Jes' so. He's a good old chap ; but I've heard he's been speculatin', and is bound to end in the poorhouse. Wal, they've got a purty good one here, and'il make him comfortable. Here comes his darter. I won^t spile your fun as you did mine. I've got a heap of business to attend tew. Good day. (Aside.) Darn your ugly picter, your day is fixed. \_Exit, c. Douglas. Rich and mean. All the better for me ; he will not mar my project ; and to-day I will give Mary my ultimatum — her hand, or her father's ruin. Enter Mary, r. Ah, Mary, you are looking finely to-day ! 3Iary. Thank you, Mr. Douglas. Father is at home. I will call him. (Crosses to l.) Douglas. No. By your leave, I would have a word with you. 56 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Mary, Certainly, if you wish it. {^Sits in chair l. of table.) Douglas. (Brings chair doivn C, and sits.) Mary, I have come to-day to revive a topic upoa which I have been silent a year. Mary. You come again to ask me to .marry you. I have been expecting this visit. Douglas. And you are prepared with an answer? Mary. I am. Douglas. Stop. one moment, Mary. Before you give me that answer, hear me. You must believe that I love you. This long year, during which I have been almost a constant visitor, looking upon you with wistful eyes, yet w^ith a silent tongue, for fear of your displeasure, coming and going, must be convincing proof that, spite of your coldness, your image is enshrined within my heart. Mary. Mr. Douglas, the man who truly loves a wo- man shows his devotion by making her happy, even at the cost of his own happiness. Douglas. You're right, Mary. 'Tis your happiness I seek when I ask you to become my wife. I would not see you throw yourself away upon a poor man, when I h'ave the power to surround you with every comfort, and a heart overflowing with love, that cannot fail to make you happy. Mary. Enough. You and I can never agree. My answer a year ago was finah Douglas. Pray reconsider it. If not for my sake, for that of your father. THE LITTLE BllOWN JUG. 57 Mary. Wliom you have persistently wooed for the last year. What of him? Douglas. He has met with reverse of fortune. He is now a poor man, so poor that, but for my friendly aid, he would have no home to shelter him. 3Iarij. {Rising.) Your friendly aid! 'Twas you who led him into speculation ; you who, by crafty advice, swept away his little store of hard-earned savings; you, who now stand over his home ready to crush it if I, his daughter, dare refuse you my hand ! Douglas. Nay, Mary, you are harsh. Calm yourself. Out of my deep love for you I liave endeavored to belter his worldly condition. If I liave failed in my designs — Mary. You have failed, Henry Douglas. My father is in youi power, 'tis true. You can at any moment drive him from his home. In that design you have tri- umphed. But beyond that you have miserably failed. Though my father should curse me, should drive me from my home for my disobedience, I will never marry you — never 1 Douglas. Ah, you'll think better of it, Mary. I have spent a great deal of money to help him. He owes me a large sum. With you my wife, I could not be hard with him. Without you, I must deal with him justly, man to man, and claim my own. Mary. Claim it at once. Driv^e us forth, for then comes my triumph. There's a brave, true man waiting for me. Already we have planned a new home, where my parents will be tenderly cared for, and two loving hearts and four willing hands will rebuild all your craft 58 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. has destroyed. Ay, Henry Douglas, do your worst ! You are a villain, and I hate and defy yon ! Douglas. (Eising.) Enough. Mary Nutter, I will take you at your word. I will do my worst. You have turned all my love to hate. I'll woo no more. But, mark me, your father shall be driven from" his home; your lover — curse him! — shall be shot like a dog, though I hang for it ! Hannah. (Outside,!,.) Mary, dear ! Mary! Douglas. Hark ! There's the voice of one very, very dear to you. You have defied me, Mary. I'll strike my first blow there. Mary. My mother! No, no. You would not be so cruel. Spare her, I entreat you ! Douglas. No, no. You are too late. Enter Hannah, feebly^ r., in a white lurapper. Ea^mah. Mary, Mary, dear ! don't you hear me? llary. (Running to her, and leading her to lounge.) Yes, mother ; I was just coming. Why did you leave your room? Hannah. It Avas so lonesome there, Mary, dear ; and, yoa know, to-day is Will's birthday. Yes, to-day he is a man. And I have felt all day that I should see him ; thp,t to-day he would think of his poor mother, and find the way home to her. Mai'y. Yes, mother, it is his birthday ; but he is far, far away. Hannah. Yes; but not too far away to reach his mother. I remember, as though it were but yesterday. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 59 when he was twelve years old. Wliat a bright, noble boy he was ! He came to my side, put his arms about my neck, and said, " Mother, I shall soon be a man ! " Dear boy, he was a brave little man then. " And when I am a man, the first thing I shall do will be to run to you and kiss you, and thank you for making me a good, true man.*' Dear boy ! and I haven't seen him for two years ! and he don't write to me ; and you all look strange when I ask for him. But he'll come to-day, I know he will, for he promised ; and he never broke a promise he gave his mother — never. Douglas. Ah, it's shameful, shameful that a boy with so good a mother should turn out so bad ! Mary. (To Douglas.) Hush! For Heaven's sake be merciful ! Hannah. What's that ! Who spoke? Who said my boy turned out bad ? Mary. Nobody, mother. Don't mind that man. He's deceived himself. It's Henry Douglas. Hannah. Henry Douglas? What does he know about my Will? Douglas. Too much. He has deceived me. I thought him a true, noble boy ; but he robbed me. Enter Jarius, c. Jarius. {Aside.) Jes' so. He's got to work. Where on airth is that Ned ? Hannah. Robbed you ! My Will ? 'Tis false ! Douglas. I'm sorry to say 'tis true. Mary. Mr. Douglas, have you no pity? 60 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Douglas. You would have it so, Mary. I am not to blame. Jarius. (Aside.) Consarn it, -why don't that boy come. (He fidgets in the dooriuay^ looking off^ and then watching Douglas.) Douglas. Yes," Mrs. Nutter; I am sorry to distress you ; but 'tis best you know the truth. While in my employ, Will robbed me of two hundred dollars. Hannah. No, no ; you are mistaken. My boy, my noble boy ! I'll not believe it. Jarius. (Aside.) Consarn his ugly picter ! I shall split ! Where is that boy? Douglas. Yes, he robbed me; forged my name to a check. 'Tis here. (Showing check.) Hannah. O, Heavens ! My boy ! my boy ! Douglas. Drew the money from the bank — (Ned appears, c. Gives Jakius a telegram.) Mary. Villain, you are killing her. — Mother, 'tis false ! 'tis false ! Douglas. 'Tis true. I can prove it. Jarius. (Coming doivn c, with' telegram.) Jes' so. (Snatches the check.) Phoenix Bank: two hundred- dol- lars. Humbug ! that's no forgery. Douglas. No forgery? Is not that my name? Jarius. Jes' so. But here's a little telegram from the Phoenix Bank. (Pleads.) " Have examined the books. Henry Douglas never had funds in our bank." Douglas. Fool ! what business have you to meddle in this matter? THE LITTLK BROWN JUG. Gl Jarius^ Why, bless your soul, I'm one of the direc- tors in that air Phoenix. Douglas. Confusion ! Jarius. Jes' so. Mrs. Nutter, don't be scart. Will's all right on that p'int. Hannah. I knew he was. Poor boy, he has enemies who would rob him of his good name. Jarius. Jes' so. But this ere sneak didn't make much of a speck when he tried it on. Mr. Douglas, Pd git eout if I was in yeour place. Douglas. Mr. Jarius Jordan, your bare assertion that you are a director in this bank will not serve. I still hold my charge of forgery against Will Nutter. Jarius. Jes' so. Well, you hold it. It won't hurt anybody if it goes off; but I'm inclined to think it'll kick like thunder. Enter John, l. John. Ah, Douglas! I've been up to see you. I'm all anxiety to hear from the Carom stock. Has it gone up ? Douglas. No; but-the mine has. John. Gracious Heaven ! Then I am ruined ! {Sinks into chair l. of table^ and buries his face in his hands.) Douglas. Yes, old man, you've nothing left but your house and shop ; and they must go to repay me. Joh7i. What ! You will not close on me? Douglas I must. I want the money. John. Why, you told me you would wait ; that when you married Mary you would give it up. Won't you wait? Douglas. No ; that would be too long. 62 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. Mary. I shall never marry him, father. John. But you must — you si^all. I'll have no diso- bedience. Hannah. Father, father, Mary is a good girl. Don't speak of disobedience. John. She shall marry Henry Douglas. Douglas. Never, John Nutter! I would not marry your daughter were she at my feet entreatiug me to take her to my arms. {Folds his arms.) She's not my style. John. What, you miserable whelp ! Do you know where you are — who you are speaking to ? You have entreated me to give her -to you ; you have begged me to exert my power, and drive her to your arms ; and, now that you have me in your power, you dare to jnsult her ! Vil- hiin, I'll strangle you ! {Bushes at DouGlas.) Jarius. {Rushing between.) Hold on. Keep cool, Mr. Nutter. Douglas. I want nothing that belongs to you, old man, but my money; that I will have. Pay me one thousand dollars, or I take immediate possession of your property.- John. O, I am justly served! I listened to your voice, embarked in speculation, turned against my daugh- ter's love, and now, in my old age, must wander forth without a home. Douglas. It's rather hard. Keep the home, and pay the money. It's easy enough. Jarius. Jes' so. Pay the money, and let the sneak go. t/o/m. How can I? I haven't a cent in the world. Jarius. Jes' so. Where's the little brown jug? THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 63 Mary. Alas, that is empty ! Jarius. Sho ! Let's have a look at it. John. 'Tis useless. I haven't put a copper into it for a year. Everything has gone to that villain. Jarius. Jes' so. Let's see the jug lor old acquaint- ance' sake. {Exit, Mary, l.) It's a bad thing to give up putting away a little somethin' for a rainy day, ain't it, Mrs. Nutter? Hannah. Yes. John always did save until that Henry Douglas showed him how to spend. Jarius. Jes' so. It's a great pity. I could tell you a story about a boy I knowed. Hannah. A boy ! What boy ? Jarius. Why, how bright you are looking, Mrs. Nut- ter ! Guess you feel better. Douglas. Well, is my money coming ? Jarius. Hold on. Don't git into a sweat. I want to tell yer about that air boy. Yer see, about a year ago L came across a poor chap, who'd run down hill awful fast ; he'd got into temptation, and tripped. A good deal like your boy, Mrs. Nutter. Hannah. My Will? He was a good boy. He's a man to-day. Jarius, Jes' so. Wal, this here chap wanted work. He was as penitent as could be ; so I set him to work among agricultural implements, as a sort of salesman, paid him fair wages, and a smarter chap you never see. I noticed he never spent much, and so one day I asked him what he did with his savings. He didn't like to tell at first ; but arter a while he told me that his daddy had a kind' of saviag-up place — a sugar-bowl, or 64 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. a cofFee-pot, or a jug, somewhere, and he used to walk off every Saturday night ten miles, creep into the house, and put it away in the old ju — savings bank. Wal, I had a reapin* machine that I had a patent onto, that I thought a heap on ; but, somehow, it wouldn't work. When they got the horses in, and a boy on top of it, and started the thiug off, for a little while 'twould go first rate ; when, all at once, there'd be a h'ist and spill, and machine, and horse, and boy would all be mixed up 'in a heap. It was a bust. Wal, that air boy would look, and look, and look at that machine, and one day he says to me, "I've found what's the matter." And I'll be hanged if he hadn't. I was so tickled that I jest drew my check for a thousand dollars, and made him a pres- ent of it ; and I'll be hound that air check is in the old gentleman's little brown jug.* Mary, (^Outside.) O, father! mother! (^Buns in, ■L., with jug, followed hy Sally.) The jug! the jug! It's heaped full of bank notes. (^Emptyiiig it upon table.) Sally. Heaps and heaps ! John. Bank notes, and— What's this? {Takes up check.) A check ! " Pay to William Nutter, or order, one thousand dollars." Signed, " Jarius Jordan." Jor- dan, is this your work? Jarius. Look at the back. John. (Reads.) *' William Nutter." My son ! Hannah. Our Will ! My boy ! O, Jarius Jordan ! what does this mean ? Jarius. It means^lory ! Hallelu^jah ! Fourth of July ! Kingdom come ! It's a grand emancipation jubilee. The THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. 65 boy I've been telling you about is the same boy thiatnond. An In- terlude in One Act. liy W. II. Mur- ray. 10 Male, 1 Female character. Look after RroAVii. A Farce in One Act. By Georg^e A. Stuart, M. D. () JIale, 1 Female character. Moiiseigneiir. A Drama in Three Acts. By Thomas Archer. 15 Male, 3 Female characters. A very pleasant Evening. A Farce in One Act. By \V. E. Suter. 3 ilale characters. Brother Ben. A Farce in One Act. l$y. J. M. Morton. 3 Male, 3 Female characters. Only a Clod. A Comic Drama in One Act. liy.J. P. Simpson. 4 Male, 1 Female character. Gaspardo tlie <«ondolier. A Drama in Three Acta. By George Almar. 10 Male, 2 Female charac- ters. ^ 43. Sunshine through the Clouds. ' ^ A Drama in One Act. By Slin<;-sby Lawrence. 3 Male, 3 Female char- acters. Don't Judge by Appearances. A Farce in One Act. By J. M. 3Ior- ton. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. Wursey Chick-*veed. A Farce in One Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. Mary Moo; or, "Which shall I Marry? A Farce in One Act. By ^\^ F. Siiter. 2 Male, 1 Female character. East r.ynne. A Drama in Five Acts. 8 Male, 7 Female characters. The Hidden Hand. A Drama in Five Acts. By Kobert Jones. 10 Male, 7 Female characters. Silverstone'slVager. A fommedi- etta in One Act. By K. K. Andrews. 4 JIale, 3 Female characters. Dora. A Pastoral Drama in Three Acts. By Charles Keade. 5 Male, 2 Female character-!. Blanks and Prizes. A Farce in One Act. l?y Dexter Smith. 5 jMale, 2 Female characters. 52. Old LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Plays for Amateur I. i 8 W 015 785 400 8 By GEORGE M. B^ jv^^.. 1 Author of " Amateur Dramas," " The Mimic Smge.'' " The Social Stage,' 'A Bakvr s Dozen," li,c. Titles in this Type "re IVetv Plays. The Drawing-room Stage,' dhamas. In Three Acts. Cts. My Brother's Keeper, 5 male, 3 female characters 15 In Two Ads. Among the Breakers. 6 male, 4 female characters 15 Sylvia's Soldier. 3 male, 2 female char- acters 15 Once on a Time. 4 male, 2 female char- acters 15 Down by the Sea. 6 male, 3 female characters 15 Bread on the Waters. 5 male, 3 fe- male characters 15 The Last Loaf. 5 ma]e, 3 female char- acters 15 In One A ct. Stand BY the Flag. 5 male characters. 15 The Tempter. 3 male, i female charac. 15 COMEDIES and FA!ICES. The Boston T>ip. 4 male, 3 female characters The Duchess of Bublin. 6 male, 4 female characters We'ke all Teetotaler.s. 4 male, 2 female characters A Drop too Much. 4 male, 2 female characters Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 4 male, 3 female characters A Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 fe- male characters Male Characters Only. Oentlemen of the Jury. 12 char. A Tender Attachment. 7 char. . . The Thief of Time. 6 char. . . . The Hypochondriac. 5 chav. . . A Puhlic Benefactor. 6 char. . . The Runaways. 4 char Coals of Fire. 6 char Wanted, a Male Cook. 4 char. . . . A Sea of Troubles. 8 char FARCES. char. Freedom of the Press. A Close Shave. 6 char The Great Elixir, g char The Man with the DcMijohn. 4char. Humors of the Strike. 8 char. . . . New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . . My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. ... Female Characters Only. The Red Chignon. 6 char Using the Weed. 7 char A Hiove of a Bonnet. 5 char. . . . A Precious Pickle. 6 char .... The Greatest Plague in Life. Scha. No Cure, no Pay. 7 char The Grecian Bend. 7 char. ...... ALLEGOaiES. Arranged for Music and Tableaux. The Revolt of the Bees. 9 female characters Lightheart's Pilgrimage. 8 femaL- characters The War of the Roses. 8 female char- acters The SctiLPTOR's Triumph, i male, 4 fe- male characters MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. The Seven Ages. A Tablea\i En- tertainment. Numerous male and fe- male characters Too Late for the Train. 2 male char- acters Snow bound ; or. Alonko thh Brave AND ThE Fair Imcgene. 3 male, i female character Bonbons; or. The Paint-King. 3 male, I female character The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male characters ^N Original Idea, i male, 1 female ^^Fcliaractcr ■P!Bi>LETTA : or, Romeo and Juliet ^ Restored. 3 male, 1 female character. TEMFEBA^'CE J'lECES. The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female characters The Tempter. 3 male, i female character We're all Teetotalers. 4 nial>-, 2 female characters. A Drop too Much. 4 male, 2 female characters. . . . A Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 female characters. . The Man with the Demijohn. 4 characters A LIBRARY OF CONGRESS lilliliiililiilillH 015 785 400 8 i| u^ll: ^^ r.