Class _-l ^ . ^ 3 5 L5 Authors:- , •> A.L.anr. TAisan lljitlook,0-^ I San Antonio.Tcxfts. 'L.'S 5^ BLACKMAILER ^^B^^ '"^ A Comedy In Three Acts . ' Time — The Present. Length Of Time — Two weeks. Place — Dallas, Texas. number Of Characters — Twelve. Characters :- Judge Benjamin Bethel. Doctor Samuel Smallwood. Reverened David Devine. Mrs. Benjamin Bethel. Mrs. Samuel Smallwood, lirs. David Devine. Pat Gully — The Detective. William IIcManus — Ranch-man. Elizabeth Brown — The Blackmailer. The Kid. Stenographer. Office Boy. Co^^rirht Applied ?or September I9I3. :i D 3 4 3 (5 a C ^ SHE liMC£[iAIIiilR, ■Q.Ct 1. Judge Bengamin Bethel's law office to right of stage* X)Oor to ri ht of lav7 office; door to roar, oponing into room v/liere liis stenographer sits, "i^ivate" on outside of door to right. Qhair near lawyer's desk, doctor LJ.'Tmuol bTnallw. od*c office to loft of stage; vrall hetweon the two officesf Door to loft of doctor's office; door to roar of Jjoctor's office opening into v;]iere the office girl stays* "Private" on outside of door to left* Chair neuv doctor's desk. Interior of Judge iJotliol's office; door to rear slightly opon; Judge Bethel seated at desk opening mail* Ho tosses some letters to one side, as of no /lomont* He places so .e in a pile to ho ansr-ered* lie takes up a snaLl square letter from the unopened pile; frowns as he looks at it; Jerks the envelope open J Judge bethel:- (ivliile reading letter j^peaks aiigrlly) "Darm5"- (Door to roar opens, iars. yrmmcl L>mallT700d enters) Mrs. yraallwood:- (coraing "n; is e::ccited} "Good norning, Judgo Bethel." Judge Bethel:- (turns; coos her; hurriedly pu: hes tho letter he I:as heen reading under so e looso papers on ^lis desk; jumjps up; is face clears of tlie frownt "Why, good raoming, Mrs. ismallwood, you are out early.' How is the I>octor?" (Ho gets her a cho.ir; she sits in it near ]:iia) Mrs. amallwood:- "I don't knou, aad I don't co.re* I haven't seen him since yesterday, and I never trant to soo hin again.'" (she tooces lier lioad; looks c.n{yry) Judge Bethel:- (showG groat actonislffiient) "why, whn , Is the matter?" Mrs. Bmallwood:- (talces a tolecrajn from hand hag; speaks viciously) "Matter onoughi-Read thati" (she roars hack in her chair; lookc vory angry) Judgo Bethel:- (takos tologram; reads aloud) "Doctor LiarrEiel anallwood:- aond money immediately. Littlo yam lie needs nov? salt. isnswer. Bessie." (He looks ar tonished) "What does it me an? 8 Mrs. smallTOOOd:- (jerks her head detor linedly) "A divorce, and the custody of mj little c^xl ^Little sanmie* indeed i" Judge Bethel:- "ivhat does tlie Itoc ' or say? Does lie admit the inference 3n this telegram?" Mrs. araall7;ood:- (angrily) "He admits nothing-the wretchi-says I had no husjnese to open his telegramsii— that I am a .jealous, suspicious T7oman4--fivon dares no to rrove anything by a 'simple telegram"- (she mimics him v/iiiii great scorn) Says it could be from a friendly patient, or a creditori— Friendly patienti yhe's friendly alrlght-tho hussyi axid (she pounds the desk) beioro I an t]>rouf?h with him ; 1*11 be ' is creditor. I'll sue l:im— .1*11 sue him for everything in tn.e world-I*ll sue him for a divorcoZ I'll sue him for Hellie laayli — I'll sue hin for our home J 1 I'll sue him for all the other property-I'll oven ue him for hj.s S. IS^ jBLACKUAEOEK. golf sticks then lie can taire Boscle and 'Little bamnie * and get liim a new ouit every day If ho cani. (She grows very much ezcited; takes her hana:feerchlGf and datlDlec her eyes) Judge Bethel:- (Gravely) "There may "be sone explan-^-tion to this-(E3iakes teicgram)- It'8 drea ful to "break up a happy home." Mrs. c allwood:- (s:':±illy) "Ebrplanatipnil (she , rabs telogran from him; xjavcs it ■before his eyes) This Bessie wires for noney to huy new suits for 'Little yamrnieJi — (She rises looks and speaks very venenouoly)She*ll get a suit alright, and I>octor binllwood will got noro than jie bar- gained fori I'his Bescio creature telegraphing hira for money, and new suits for little ^JOTimiei-Llttle cJamnieJ- Judge Bethel, I vxuit you to file siiit against the wretches at once." Jadge Bethel:- (looks rave) "where is this Bessie, anci who is slie any way?" Mrs. Smallwood:- "I don't know. If I did ; there wouldn't "be any Bessie, nor any little t3Ginmie either vciy long — I'd — I'd — (she grits lier teeth; holds her hands like outstretched clav;s, and looks very vicious) Judge Bethei:- "Well, we r.-ill liave to locate this Bessie-first, and then if you are determined to bring suit for divorce, I will take your case, but ±lf I would advise careful consideration before you take such n radical step, there nay be some exfcenuating circumstances. ilrs. tJiaallwood:- (rising-speaks grimly) 4. , gHE EL.lCKI.LAILait. " Little :jrjarnlo is eircumstance enoucli for nei— 1*11 find tliat xjoslio croaturo, I'll get c. detoctive, do you know of a good ono? J^dge Bothel:- (takes a newspaper from hie desk; turns it over; finds an article in it; folds paper so as to show the article; hands to her) "Here is a piece of fine work done l)y "Detective Gully", that I noticed this morning-You might try liim* I hear he is con- sidered the best." Mrs. bTnallwood:- (takes paper; reads article, T/ritos address on paper from her "bag; hands newspaper hack to him, he puts it on dock J "-Ohaak you. Judge, I will go and see 1 im, and I'll ho back for you to i'ile stiit as soon as I locate tlmt vile woman, and little oamnie >" (exits door to right) Judge i3ethol:- (gets up, walks around room; hands in his packets; looks serious) "Geei Isn't sho viciousi — Poor iJevili — roor tmallwoodi Ye Godsi I wonder if all wives are like that?- (he walks slowly to his desk-cits in his c .air-ronches slowly for tlie letter, that he had pushed under the other papers VThon Mrs* biaallwood entered; takes it out; reads it, frowning dreadfully as ho does so; then he takes larger envelope from pile-opens it-looks admiringly at photograph enclosed- turns it over-reads-looks sheepish; the telephone on his desk rings; he Jumps up; pushes letter and photograph hack under papers; takes up the receiver; newspr,per drops to floorj "Yes, this is Bethel, wliat i Are 2z ; ou ]iere{ — In this town? (he acts o:>:cltod) — what did you come .lore for? — Yes- (sullenly) I got your letter, hut do you t-iink I am jiiade of money-ivhnt 's thati — TlliJ BMCKT-LlILliK, Going to tafce the cl.ild to nj 7±tQ}ll -I* 11 "broak your infernal neckjfc wlaat's that?-- Meet you at— v/Mt hotel? — All right (sullenly) IIo feelluf for the cliild?~jUEt cut tliat out, will you — if it uasn't for him, you r/o;iia have "been a "baclc nuin'ber lonjj af;o Yoc, i got his picture — he*s a fine lookinfj 'boy--think he looks like ne?~ (his tone changes to a kindlier one) Yes, I'm coming, iDUt I will havG to go "by tl e bank first*" (he pullc; dovrn the roll top of Iiis desk; it fails to fasten ruid lock, as io catches on some of tlie letters, which ho fails to notice; ho steps to the rear door, opens it and speaks to his stenographer*) "Miss Cjameron, I have to go to tlie Court Eoueo for an hour, if any one comes in, hax'o them vrait if you can*" (takes his hat from the rack, and exits tiarough door to rigl:t) Interior of Doctor's office to left of stage. Dr. yaimel LTiiallwood:- (opens rear door; Mrs. David Devine slightly "behind him; he notions lier in) "Walk right in, Mrs. Devine, I sr.i sorry tliat I kept you waiting-. Taut I an not feeling very v-ell myself today, and got behind with ray calls- (Mrs Devine comes in, followed "by the Doctor, ^^he has on a heavy veil, which she thji-or/s hacJc as she takes a chair* Ho sits at his desk) Uov; whit's wrong witli you?" Mrs. Devine:- (trornbles; looks miserable; then bc^^ins to weop) "Doctor, I on awfully sick* I think I an going- to cliol" Dr. amallr/ood:- (kindly) "'SutiiMti not a bit of it-Let's see your tongue, (she sticks out her tongue; continuos to cry) Your toiigue looks clean- (ho feels her pulse; counts it r^ith his v;atch) Have you arxi/ T)ain?" t^k 6. i THP; BLilCK.M;:iLJ-H» Mrs. i'evlnoHprcGsee her hand t® hor heart) "fioro, "but I ara aide all ovor; I can't nleep; I can't eat— I am goiiig to-d-i-ei" (she sho^eo v.itli her sobs) Doctor briallwood:- (gets tlior; lO eter frcci his pocket; sticks it in her mouth-takes hor temperature) "You haven *t any temperature." (ho looks non-prass^i) iVbat has upset you so?-- (she contlnuGs to weep; he speaks very kindly) Does x,ir. nevlne Isxlot. of yoia^ condition?" Mrs. Dovine:- (still v/eoping) "i!J-0." Dr. ianallwood;- (soothingly) "IJow try to composo yourself-seo if you can't toll no mat seens to be -che trouble* Are any of t] e chldron ill?" Mrs. Devine:- (neops more v/ildly) "U-o-but — I--wish-they r/ere-all-d-d-d-cad tooi" Dr. •^inallwood:- (sliocked tones) "Madami- -are you crasyli" Mrs. L'evino:- (weeping) "ii-a-no, but ho's cr-cr-cr-crr.r,y— ho has been getting letters from a ^7oman £Uid drav/in; chequos payable to bearer to buy things for a little Davio — and. ny little iiavle ain't that little DavieiJiJ-lshe grows convulsed; Dr. i^noaiTrood gets up and looks at hor Tdldly) Dr. amallwood:- "uadcun, you certainly need troatment* Try to compose yourself and explain." •lEa BLACJSLLliLSH. Jiirs. Devine:- (still weeping; gets n piece of a letter fro!;i Iior iiaiid bag; liondD to the Doctor) "Oaxi you give r.e aedicino for this ?" Doctor braallwood:- (reads o^loud) "I havG .aitod a week — I must liavo some inore moiiey to pay the doctor's "bills for our little i»av e, who has beon very sick with diphtheri*. I have vqoh on ray feet night atid day for ti-roe weeks, and "lo nee4s ne?r slices to go to school. If I do not get the money at once, I v;ill be conipelled to virit to you r ^ " (he looks 8,t hor in consternation) "wliere iflLd you get tiiic?" Urc. Devine: - "I was cleaning up his study, and fomid tliat piece of a lottor-(she points to it)- in t'le leaves of his last Sunday's sermon; tlie test was:- 'Bo ye porfoct, as your father in Heaven v/as perfect '(she collapses a[j:ain rrith v/ecping) and I heard hin tele ihon- ing this morning to some one, r;ho TTanted to see him — I on dvxq tliat I heard hin use a. horrible rord—he said somet" ing about iiell fire cuid damiaation, hut ho might Iiave been rehearsing his sermon, " Dr. Smallwoodi- (in ar.tonishnont) "Is it possiblel" Mrs. Dovine;- "3}hen I uent through his desk, but didn't find the rest of the letter-that *s typet/ritten, you see, hut I found a lot of old stuts to his clieques thero are any number of the narked payable to boarer I'iliO is bearer? It mast be the mother of that little Davi^ — I knov7 thoy aro (pointing to piece of letter in his ]iands)t}ie mother of ^ little Davie didn't g t those cheques 1 2- (she collapses 8. . TIffi £L.XIC:.1IL^H. again) Aiid I liavenH" liad but one new hat tlrlc year, aad n^ little i)avio*s GliOGO are all scratclicd up, and r.iy little ;:irl*s loair rilDbons liave all been waslied and they they — none of them, have a bracelet to their name the-the-Prosiding Elder's little girl hiis-a g-g-£,old necklace, and tT/o b-b-bracletsi {weoiDS despairingly) Dr. Smallwood:- (pours some medicine into a glass , while trying to hide a laugh) "Drink this itrs. Dev±no; try and ciuiot yourself, this may not be go bad after all»" (she drinka the raedicino, while he is writing a prescription) Mrs. Dovino:- "Doctor, I T/aiit to find out who the 'bearer* on tliooo cheques ic." Dr. Smallwood: - "You will liave to get a dotoctivo for that Job; that's not in my lino, beci os-(acido) I've got trouljlos of my oroi. How got t his filled (he hands her tlie prescription) and take according to directions, and take n-^ advice about tliis matter- (he hands her the piece of letter) forget this; your husband is a preacher and it can't be so- (he turns aside to hide a grin) you liavo seven c'dldron- so forget it." Mrs. Devine:- (puts piece of letter and prescription in her hand- bag, wipes her eyes; rices) "Uhaiik you. Doctor, v.liere did you say I could find a good detective?" -.^weops) Dr. Smallwood:- (throws up his hands) "Oh, women, women 1 1 — (then clianging his tone to a life- 9» xmc BLACKM/gLL'.H . lecG one) Pat G-olly ic oaid to be an expert • Tliero i£3 a lot about Mm in tl.is morning's paper." Mrs. Devinei- (still weeping, tumc to door to leJTt) "Doctor, please don't mention this-for-for-the Prodd- ing aider's T7lfG would bo sure and toll it at the nest prayer me t- ing slio ould toll tlie Bishop's wife about tliero being two little D-D-jjavieslll (slio goes but tlie door to left crying bitterly) Bjr. Gnall?/ood;- (loans back in Ms cliair; looks after her) "21ie Colonel's lady, aiid Judy 0» Grady, ai^e sisters under tlie skin." (door to rear opens; David Devino-tlie preacher ontors) "Why, hello. Parson, come inj Do you need a pill pusher too?" David Devlne ;- (comes solonmly in; carefully shuts the door after him; takes the chair that his wife has just left) "Doctor, I am not foolinp very well; I think I need sorao kind of a tonic, maybe." Dr. Smallwood:- (hides a grin) "Lets see your tongue." (- reacher sticks out Idr.: ton^e; Doctor examines it carefully) "Wliy, Pajyson, you've got a good tongue-a fine tongniol ^ybe you've sod it a little too much t]iough."-( doctor grins a^ide) David Devinei- (gloomily; shakos his head) "I don't fool well:- I can't sleep at night." Dr. aaallwood:- (solicitously) "How, that's too bad (gets themomoter from his pocket; sticks it in Preacher's mouth; tal^os his Iiand; takes out hs watch; ^ 10, "ZEIj BLilCEMILj^ . coimts liiD pulso; looks very era,VG; shakos Ms head solGinnly ,) Your heart action is v/ild-too much action. (Doctor t'^kos th-erinoneter from tlie proachor's mouth; looks at it; sliakes hie head) Too nuch teaper- atureii Blood too hotlii- — You \Till have to be careful. Parson, you have "been overdoing; yourself, remember you have a large family to take care of-a family of fiiie children-seven, isn't it?-^the preacher looks miserable)— You liave one fine little fellow, Davie, named for you, I believe I A fine old fellow Kinr; David r/as, he and old King Solomon wero gr at old boys: wlmt's tlrnt little j ingle :- "King Solomon and King David, Led merry, merry lives, They ec.ch load maiiy lady friends, (grin) Any ma.T3y, mr.ny wives. But when old ago overtook tliom, with many, many ciualms. King »^olonon wrote the Proverbs, And King David wrote the Psclms." (Preacher grins sheepishly, folloT/efl by a sanctimonious look; Doctor is writing- a prescription) They had a great time In thoir day-a great time j- a time to conjure withlj-but old Father Time got ti.o best of them after all tlieir high jinks; and all t'oy could do was to sit in the shade, v.Tite Psalms and Proverbs, and make fac^is at their doddery old legs." (hands the prescription to preacher) TaJre tl^is according to direc- tioiis, and don't get e::cited about anything;- (preacher puts pro crip- tion iA his pocket) oxeltoment ic bad for preachers. You liavon't anything on your mind, have you Parson, that keeps you awake at night?'' (Doctor grins acide) # II. SHE BLACKLIAILIia^. I»,I»evine*'- (looks norvctis; fiti£;ors play on oacli kneo) "I Mvo many dutiec, and. niy scrrnons occupy niucli of r:iy tirn9»" Dr, Smallv700d:- (nods) "IVatohinn: tho moro.l conduct of your flock roust woigli heavily on your mind»" D.Devine;- (sd so do I, for I am ?7orn out nursing him# Ho is thxc very linage of you , as you can see from the picture I send you "by tliis mail* I an thinlclng- of moving to your totm, 80 tliat r;o can to lieav you, and you can direct h.is education. Yours as ever, Bettio," P.c. Don't fail to send t" money* I d liate to have to go to your wife to got it" (she looks at hira v/ith a horrified face) Isn't that horrilDlel Miat slieai I-do? Oh, Hoavenoi vrlia.t sliall I do?- (she T/alks u;o and dOTTn the rcom) — -ITlie picture isn't in the lotter-Ican't find it either.-- (sh.o looks OTer the letters and papers on the desk) — - Isn't it too dreadfullJ The creature coming herolJ Ohl-^''^°"" could he h"ve tr ated me soJJ- I— loved— him-so-muehlJI--0-0-OhlL!ii" (she clenches her hands; twists her ho^idkerchief ; walks the floor; the preacher looks at her in solemn silence for a moaent) D.Devine;^ (soleimily) "11^ dear Sister, this is an awful trial, but listen to 14. ) im^ BLxCKLLillER . mo for a moment- (slio stops a:ad looks at liiia)- Your Im; /band "iis evidently boon a frr at s inner * (he si; aires liia head sadly) So err is huin£>n-to forgive dovlne~you are a gocd v.'orian; T^^uld it not he a great trinraph for your and h's soul, if you took tliis cliild of sin and der:radation-(he looks piously upward) and raise hin in your ovni home, rather than liave the n-»ther cone liere to drag your hushand diovm from his high position- — x'ay hori— (loudly)— Pay horl (more loudly) Pay h^r, hor own price j (vory loud) but get rid of lier—You have no child of your orai-you are rich in this v/orld's goods, and your husband is a po~er in our clxorch here, and his donations V70uld he sadly missed , if he had to leave on aceouiit of this-tliis- (he points to the letter, in her lioiid)-- hideous affair i (he shiiddors)-- — Jud.^o Bethel -wOuld never renoin in this tovm, if you should divorce him# He intends to run for rrovoraor, and this — (he t^.udders again) -matter— (nods to letter again)-v;oultL kill his cliances were it to got out, hut if you pay the sinful p/oman enough money, she might give the child to you and loave the state; then you, and the Judge T70uld got thjs credit tf-f adopting an orphan child, and Ms election \70uld "bo assured. !rhi23k over this matter, my clear sister in Clirist, and act not Imstily, for it v/ould ho a great thin{^^ for oiir cinireh to liavo one of its mcanbors in the Gubernatorial chair, atid we could get inany things accoraplislied tliroiigji the Legislature, for the good of tlie Lord — and OTirselves." (he cor.ts his eyes piously up\7ard) Mrs. Bethel:- (listone attentively, mops hor ey sjsiglis) "Yes, Brother Bovine ,;: our words are words of wiijdon, as your own deeds have alv/ayc boon pure.- (he fidgets anc sqn.irms 15» \ THE BLACEJAJL^. atoVut ., "bTit Go ill looks pious, ac lie clasps Ms Iiaods moolcly in froiit of liin) — I sliould love to life in t'le Gorernor's Ilansion — and.— and— all t'lo rest ox it~I*ll do as yoii siig^es;. 1*11 koop iny plan a secret from liim— the mckod v.T:otchi-(she do.bliles her eyes ag-ain) 1*11 hunt for this orril3le v.onian, "but tlixs letter is tjrpevnritton and gives no address- ( she looks at letter)- and I will pajr her to give the child to me, and then go ar/ay- — then 1*31 Dho\7 him the cliild— and lot him Idiow thfit I^ know all I guoos ho TTill do as I say, from noT7 on, vrheai he has to look at little Bonnie every day--tho little Devill (vie ioiisly) --Pardon me. Brother Devine, hut t'lis is a terrihle griSf and sliock to iae-(sho weops)- and I thir-k that he oug-ht to "bo ashainod of liiraG8lf-Don*t you?" D . I)evine:-(turnin;-, to door to rin:ht) "Ho certainly should, "but;-*nian is fire;v70mon are tov/j tho Devil cones, and begins to hlOT7." I most go- (he shakos her Iiand)-&od he uith you, my dear sister, and rononiber ahout the Governor's Ilansion." (he e::its door to rioJit) (Lire. Bothol picks up the newspaper on the floor; turns it over; {^ots pencil and paper from the desk; takos dovni 3)etective Gully's address; puts addross in h r hand-bag; then she hogins another search rmder papers on deskj. slio finds the picture of the child; something is written on aloud; " tho hotton of tho picture; she roads/ "Little Bonnie to his daddy" ■"fudn aloud ^ov"^'- (she turns picture over/^on back - — 'His hair Is yellow likd yours, Bettie," (she takes out hor Tvatch-opens t:ie "back of the case; ess^nlnes the picture of her husband in the T7atch;compares it \:ith the picture of the child . IVIiile she is doiiog tMs Mrs. anallv.ood ontors her husband's office from tho rear door; cl\e 16. ' 2HE BLAOEmiLIH. jerks up hio deck; gOGO tlacougli o,ll tliC. papers; slie lookr. in the waste paper Taaoket; finds pieces of a letter; slie puts tlie pieces tofjether; locks ang-ry; puts the pieces carefu3.1y av,a^ in her hand-bafj; then she comes to a drawer tliat vrlll not open; she prices it open r/ith some instnanents; ;erks t^io drawer open; seises a picture .similar to the one that ilrs» Bethel is looking at in her husTDaiid's office to tlie rights turns pictui-e over; roads something? on "back; then she tlirows photograph on tlie floor; stamps on it) (Curtain) Snd of Act I. SEP ^ \ r -Ov o ^ The Blackm ail er. Act II, Suae day- Afternoon. Interior of Detective Pat Cully's office. A de8k;seyeral chairs, and other furniture used in a detective's private office. Door to rear, and door to left of room. )Ci,D 343(VJ 16. The Blac3nnaller . Act II. Interior of Detective Pat Giaiy*s office. Pat Gully: -( seated at his desk; smoking a cigar;reading a report) Office hoy.-'i opens door;ushers Mrs.Smallwood in) Mrs.Sinallwood:-( walks to desk) '• Is this Mr.Pat Gtaiy?" Pat Gully: -( removes cigar) " That's my name." Mrs.Smallwood:- " You're the detective?" Pat Gully :- " I am." Mrs • Smallwood : - " I have a case for you." Pat Gully: -( motions her to a chair) " Won't you have that chair, Madam." Mrs.Smallwood: -( takes a chair; opens her hand-hag; takes out a bundle of papers, and a photograph) " My hushsind is a villian .and I am going to get even with him; I am going to divorce himl I am going to make a beggar out of himj-' I am going to let this whole town ioiow that he spends his time buying new suits for his little Sammiei — { she fairly spits the name out)— * and getting telegrams from Bessie J — ( she hands him the telegram and the photograph)— I am going to ruin his practice 1 1 And then I am going to attend to Bessie and little Sammie ii — but I've got to find them first; that's why I've come to employ you — ( Pat Gully listens attentively to all that she says; chews on his unlighted cigar; says nothing) 17. . The 31ac3aar.llor. I got that telegram the other d&y, before he did-( she points to the tol-* egran)-! found the picture in his deskJ - hidden away in a locked up draweriJ — ( her voice expresses great scom)~Look at Itl— { her voice grows shrill) Pat Gully: -( reads aloud from bottom of picture) "•Little Sammie to his Daddy-Big Sanmie*-- ^ take it, that you got this-( he shakes photograph) -from your husband's desk." Mrs,Emallwood:-(nods her head) " And I got this noto-( she takes another paper from her hand- bag)-from the waste-paper basket;it was torn up, but I pasted the p-i-caor^ on that r^-:.iOe of paper— Just read itl— she has the nerve to talk about how much that little Bevil-( she points to the photograph) -looks like him, evex: to the color of his hair] J I — ( she weeps angrily) Pat Gully: -( looking at photograph) 'nVhat color is his hair?" Mrs,Smallwood:-{ wipes her eyes) " Turn the picture over." Pat Gully:-( turns photograph over;reads aloud) " His hair is auburn, like yours. Bessie." Mr s . Smal Iwo d : - " Auburn: It's redj-a nasty, ugly, villainous red] I I hate iti— 'I hate him, and I want to X-I-L-L ^essie and that little red head- ed toad of a Sammie .* .'i — ( she looks dangerous) Pat Gully: - " You \mnt me to locate this woman and this child, so that you can bring your suit for divorce ?" Mrs . Smallwood : - " Yes-That's all my lawyer-Judge Bethel-needs; Just her address. n 18. The Blackmailer . Pat Gully: -( opens book on his desk;takes pen and ink;starts to write) " iVhat is your name?" Mrs Smallwood:- " Mr S.Samuel Smallwood." Pat Gully: -( looks surprised) " Wife of Doctor Smallwood?" Mrs. Smallwood:-( speaks grimly) " At present I am, until you find where Bessie and little Sammie live." Pat Gully: -( writes in book) " Well,Madam,I'll get busy on this case at once, and will report to you in a few days." Mrs.Smallwood:-{ rises) " Or you might deliver everything to Judge Bethel, and if I find any more evidence against them-the vipersi-I'll bring it to you. I'll pay anything on Earth, Just to find that little Sammie J I "-(she grits her teeth; shakes her head; clenches her hands, as she exits) /Pat Gully picks up the photograph;looks carefully at it;lays it on the desk;takes the telegram; rereads it;takes the patched up pi^lly:-( jumps in his chair) " ViTiat:— Another?" Mrs.Devine:-( rocks br.ck and forth in her chair;hands to hor face) " look at theseIi-( she opens her hand-bag; takes out a sheet of note paper;a photograph; several stubs of bank cheques. He takes them all in ?iis hands ;looks at photograph in great astonishment ;looi:s blankly at her;takes the port of a letter, and the stubs;looks at them.) I found them all in his desk, where his sermons were." Pat Sully: -( reads aloud from bottom of photograph) " Little Davie to his Daddy. — Are you the Sky-pilot *s wife?" Mrs.Devine:-( primly) " I am the wife of the Reverened Dnvid i'evine." ■fat Gully: - " Is his hair red, or yellow?" Mrs.-iJevine:-( weeping wildly) "iIo.it is black, and she v;r4tes that the other little Davie's is black too-look on the back of the pictureii" Pat '^hilly:-( turns photograph over;reads aloud) " His hair is black, like his Daddy' s.L;:zzie." 23. The Blackmallar . Mrs.Devine:-( weeps wildly) " Blacki — blackil — Llacki : .' — -^nd so is my little Davie's-his is black too, Just like his papa's — Oh J — Ain't it awful 1 1 — Loth to have black hairlll-^ — all my other children's hair is brown;only Davie's — that's blacki — And tlie other little [fevie's had to go and be black tooIII OhJ — If it had only been red, or yellow; anything but black J 1 1 -( she rocks back and forth;weops convulsively) Pat Gully: -(desperately) " Say, here nowJ-Iion't cry like that;maybe she made a mistake, and it i_s red or yellow; or maybe its both.'" Mrs.Devlne:-( still weeping) " But those cheques]— See hov; many are made out payable to:- 'bearer' on the stubs 1 v/ant to find out who 'bearer' is. I Imow its this woman-Li zzie-but who is she? — Vvhore does she live?— I want you to find out for rae.iJo ^ou think you can?" Pat Gully: -( confidently) " I think I can," Mrs,Devine:-'( rising) " Please don't let anybody, but Dr.Smallwood know about this. You can tell him when you find them, for he is my doctor and is giving me nerve treatment .since I foxmd out about all these cheques, and that other horrid, horrid little DavieiiJ-( she dropw hor veil;goes out weeping) Pat G-ully:-( grabs the other two photographs, from under the papers on his desk;holds them all three in hlB hands ;whistles long and loud) " Por the love of Miko l — IIo,for the love of? — Lets see?-(he takes all the papers in tho tli»ee cases; shuffles them in his hands; 24, ) The Blackmailer , spreads them all out on the deslc;holds the three photographs in his left hand) 13essie--tJettie-Li2sle ; -three frail ladies, and three brave, honorable gentlemen-an M.D. ,a D.D. and a L.L.D. — Three angry weeping wives, and three sturdy little results of sub-rosa affairs ( he ex- amines the three photographs more closely; jumps up and walks around the room) — •^y George! This is a funny caseJ i— Hed-yellow-black — ( he still looks at the tliree photographs; squints his eyes)— they 're alike as peas in a ]~>od — but,red?--yellow? — black? — iJow this is a mixup;a real puzzle, { He lays the photographs down on the desk;walks aroiind the room;his hands to his head;runs his fingers through his hair;looks wild) — Same eyes, same nose, same mouth and chin, same shaped head;but ,red, yellov7 and black hairi — GadB,t,his is a mysteiyi — Bessie, Lizzie, -i^ettie- ( he goes to his desk;beginB to figure, and write) — Three mothers, three daddies-a Saw-bones, a Sky-pilot , and a Li-yer; result: -one kid with dif- ferent colored hairi-( he walks aroimd the room; seems in a deep study )- Three mothers;three daddies;Bame kid, with a red head, a yellow head, and a black headiJ— 'My Godi Its a chameleon J -Its got three heads, and on- ly one body! — Its got three mothers! — Its got three daddies! !-and its name is:-little Cammie;little Bemiie;and little Davie! ! I — By George! its hydra-headed !!! -Red, black and yellow!!! I'm bug-house! bug-house sure!lBut I'll find that striped headed kid, with three naraes;his three mothers, and three daddies, if it takes as long, as it takes the Kevolu- tion in Mexico, to stop revoluting! ! !-( he looks at his watch;goeB back to his desk;looks in the telephone book;takes do^'^i the receiver; calls) Central, give rao ^lain 7654.— That you. Judge Sethel?— This is (haiy Pat Giaiy.at -lieadqiiarterB. Will you step round to my off ice, within the next thirty minutes? I want to get a little information .relative to a matter that is of int^ros-lf to you— a matter that I am working on. 25. t The BlackmallGr . All right Thanl: jou, Judge.I '11 be here.-( He hangs the receiver up for a moment ;looks in telephone book; takes receiver down)— '-entral, give mc ll?j,in 9938. I want to speak to Dr.Smallwood.please. I'hat you. Doctor? — This is -^at Gully at Headquairters— 'yes.Pat Gully. I want to see you about a matter that it; of interest to ;,'0u. Will you kindly come to my office an hour from now ; say , ab out four O'clock-(he takes out his watch;looks at it)— Shank you»2octor. -( he hangs the receiver up; looks in telephone book; takes the receiver dov/n again) — Central, give me Cliff 1346. Is this the Heverened David Devine's residence? I want to speak to him, please. Your daddy , Soimy, not little Davio J — ( he grins) Is that yoii,rir.DevineY — This is Pat Gull^' speaking Gully — &-u^l-ly ,at i'olice Headquarters.— -Yes— I want to see you at my office say, about four thirty this afternoon on an important matter that interests you. — Thank you.Parson."— ( he grins as he hangs up the receiver. — A few mo- ments elapse ;he makes notes in hie book;lcoks at the photographs and papers in the case.) Judge 3ethel:-{ door opens;offic8 boy ushert him in;he looks anxious; hurries up to Gully's desk) " Want to see me, Gully?" Pat Gully :-( looks cordial ;holds out his hands ;they shake hands;Bethel looks worried) " Hello, Judgei I hope I did'nt hurry you." Judge Bethel :-(8Jixiously and nervously) " Uo,no,I v/as coming this way, so I came right on-I 'm on my way home.V.hat did you want to sec me about, Gully?" Pat Gully •-( very cordially) " why sit down, Judge, won't you have a cigar? "-(he offert^ him a cigar, wliich ho takes from his ;Ocket) Judge Bethel: -(waves the cigar away;looks nervous) 26. The Blaokinailer « " Wo thank you- I don't sraoko." Pat Gully;-( looks astonished) " VVhy when did you quit, Judge?" Judge Bethel :-( looks conf sed.and rather despenite) " I-I-inean-I'iu not smoking today ." Pat Gully :-{ lights the cigarjstarts to smoke) " You don't object. to my smoking — Do you, Judge?" ITudge Bethel :- " Certainly not-( rube his hands)-I'm in a little of a hurry today, Gully, anything special?" Pat Gully: -( looks at hiui through the cigrr smoke) " Bettor sit dovm,Judge,I want to tr.lk to you about the Smallwood case.'' ( he puts the cigar back in his moith) Judge j3ethel:-( heaves a sigh of relief;looks releived;sitt; in the chair) " Smallwood case J Oh yes!" Pat Gully:-( takes the cigar from his mouth;holds it between himself and Judge Bethel; grins a wicked grin) " IVliy yes. Judge, v;hat other case could I mean?— Mrs. Small wood told me that you were her lawyer, and to confer with you.( Gully looks inno- centl^' curious; Judge Bethel looks nervous) — She wants me to locate this Bessie woman, and the child-little -i^ennie- Jud^-.e i3ethel:-( jumps excitedly up) "i-ittle v7ho?" Pat Gully:- " I mean littl*^ Sammio-( Judge -^^ethel calms down; sits again )-so that you can proceed at once v/ith her petition for divorce. Seems to mo that the Doctor has gotten himself into a oad mess." Judge B ethel: - " He has indeed:" Pat Gxiiiy:- " He was certainly careless to keep a photograph of the child in 27. The Blackmailer . his desk, with'-' little isananie to his Daddy-big Sanmie-* written on the hack of it." Judge Bethel :-( jumps up) " By George.that's so,GullyJ-He's a fool-a fool-a big fool .'-any man v^oiild bei — say, I '11 see you later-I've got to go back to my office a mo- ment— I-I-I-l oft something there— a-a-present for my wife~I-I-l'm afraid the janitor might steal it." Pat Gully: -( looks at his watch; smiles) " Miy its too early for the janitor to clean up now-It's only three thirty. Just 7ra.it a moment-I won't keep you long. I am forming a theory regarding the Cmallwood case, and I xvant to test it. I find that Urs.Smallwood has a very great regard for your opinion -( Judge ij jthel looks important )- she will do about as you say in the mattor-( Judge Bethel looks pleased) -I want you to induce her to be guided by me also- in other words, to follow my plan to the letter. I am going to sift this matter to the bottom-in other words :find Bettie,and little Sammie for her Judge Bethel: ( jumps up;looks excited) " Bettie i" Pat Gully: ( waves his hand) " I mean Be3Sie -( Judge Bethel calms down; takes his seat again) How, -Judge, I have'nt your high standing in the community, being as you are a lawyer with a fine reputation,and I'M nothing but a detective with nothing but a good character;but before I'd a dealt my -.vife f..m\ family-if I owned such things-the hand that Dr. Small wood has dealt his wife ..nrt little girl, with this Bessie creature and that little Boimie— Judge Bethel :-( jumps again) " Little Benniell" 28. \ The Blackmailer . Pat Gully: -( waves his hand reassuringly) " I mean Sammie- ( Judge Bethel calns dov/n;sits again)-I'd-I 'd-I 'd a joined the white ribboners and took up sky-piloting for a real living, instead of for a diversion.'' Judge Bethel :-( frov^TxS dis^approvingly ) " Does look bad for a man, who is a father already." Pat Gully: -( looks keenly at him) " iuid a husband already." Judge Bethel :-( confusedly) " That's so-That's so — ( he rises;tums to the door)-All right, Cully, I'll see my client, and urge her to be guided by osiir plans that you may makev-Good morning." — — — ( He esitr, — a few momc-ntn elapse-door opens ngai n- office boy shows Dr. Small wood in-eloses door) Dr.Smallwood:-( walks hurriedly up to the desk) " '.Veil, Gully, what can 1 dc for?-V.'ant your appendix cut cat?" Pat Gully: -( laughs ;holds out hie hand;thoy shake hands) " Hello, Doc. , no, not today thanks-later on you may feel more like carv- ing me up.j^ake that chair. -( •'^octor sits in the chair) Dr. ;:>mallwood • - '• »Veli, what's the good word?" Pat Cully :- " I want to talk to you about the ' Dovlne and little^ lavie' case. Krs.Devine has employed me to v/crk on it for her." Dr.Smallwood:- r " l»ve got a hurry call for that woman nowi — She's got the 'V/illies' . Becauce the parson's been acting like a David, instead of a Joseph — sVonen are so unreasonable] — 2:hey jeer at the shirt tail grabbing Josephs, and fall all over themselves about the sweet singing, women hugging Davids; yet .they ( demand that their own husbands grab their coat tails anl run, when a Mrs. 29. The Blaclonallor. Potiphar snilesi — queer things, females areiJ — f ho shakes his head, as If puzzled ) Pat Gully: -( pensively) " I don*t own one." Doctor £inallwood:-( eciphatieally) " TrJrc my advice, Gully, never o-wn one;through the Church door, or the haCi': door. Chen yoiT're your o;m man, end can snap your fingers r.t the whole drum sex J" Pat Gully: -( reflectively) " Doc, you speak feelingly." Dr.Cniallwood:-( sighing) •• ..'ell, Gully,. I'm a huslirnd and a phyBician;end I-I-focl sor.-y for ^t poor Dcvil-^evine— Vshat dii"; he go and get caught for?— i.liy did'nt he lie like a man about it?" Pat GrJ.ly:- "«hy,she found the picture of the kid in his desk, with this written on the "back:-' his hr.ir ic black, like his daddy-David *d, from -'•'i2?:ie*; besides a lot of other dope, enough to queer any man ^7iti■l his wife-even a sky-pil oti' Doctor £nall>700d:-( drops his mouth open) I "Is that sog-^The silly assJi — ( he jumps up) — Say, Gully, I'm a lit- tle rushed this morning, ?!.nd I forgot — I forgot — a-a-box of iierve pills for the Parson's wife poor womanI-( he starts for the door) — I'll cee you another time." Pat Gully: - " iVait just a minute, Doc. ,-( the doctor pauses)-! won't keep you Long.-( the doctor slov/ly returns ;fidgets about the desk) — Mrs.Devine thinks !a lot of you-you're her doctor, and she knows that you are a fine upstand- jing man, with nothing to be ashamed of." Doctor Smallwood:-( jeers) 30. f The Blackmailer , " Aw, cut that out, Gully-cut out tho flulidut^-You did'nt get me here to soft soap iae did you?" Pat ^iaiy:-( grins) " I am telling you what Llrn .Deviae thln3:s of you, Doc." Doctor Smallwood:-( grins sheepishly) " Oh.yesJ-ehe thinks I ara a Hell of a fine raan;you think I may he a Hell of a felloe: —Well, out with it?— What in the Hell do you want me to do? I've got to get back to my office ,to keep from getting into some protty real Hell of my ovm,may"be — ( ha looks as if he had said too much) — and — and — to get those nerve pills, so get a move on yourself — out with it — get it out of your systeml" Pat Gully: -t laughs aloiid) " I only wint yo;; to induce Mrs.Devine to do as I suggest to her, in her case-follow mjr trail. '2311 her that I v;lll lead her out of the wilderness, and get rid of her present bug-a-hoo-little Sammie " Doctor Smallwood:-( eyos pop;h0 jumps) " Little Caiumiei:" Pat Gully :- " I mean little Davie - ( the doctor grins )-I've got a hunch that I wil^ be able to clear the atmosphere for her in a short time — Tell her so for toe, and impress upon her mind to do exactly as I say. I'm sure sorry for her. The sky-pilot ought to be ashamed of himstlf for sicj'-larking with Beside? I iDootor Smallv;ood:-( jumps) ^ " The Hall.'" Pat Gftiiy: -(hurriedly) " I mean Li sale." jl Doctor Smallwood:-( quiets down) " He has been a bit too frisky for a father of seven other little 31. psalra singors.All right .Gully, I'll tr;- to get his '.vespirg spouse to go it blind, jind do as yoii say;sho may listen to us,ar. she is marriefl. to anothor man."-{ he starts tovrcirfl the door) Pat Gully: -( laughs) ■ Thank you, Doc, If you ever need my help; just lot no loiow," Doctor DEiallwood:-( waves his. hand €>t the dctective,:i3 ho loaves the door) "I'm ono of the sinless Josephs, Gully ;'beEict.eE, I know how to lie liJ:e a gontlsi:iau."-{ both men l£.ugh;Doctor Smallwood escits A fev; momenti: elapse; the office boy opens the door;ushers the Severened David Dovino into the room;closeG the door. The preacher f)t07>fi irresolutely near thv: inside of the doer) Pat Gully: -f encouragingly ) " Come in; take that chair; I uon't hurt you." David -.)evine:-i iidva,nces to the desk; sits in chair;looks piously frightened) " Ho\Y csn £ serve i>ou,Kr. Mr.Tully?" Pat Gaily :-{ emx^hatically) " Gully , Oully -Pat Gully, detcctiv:; for unearthing hidden crimes-" I uess you nay have heard of me;I'vo heard a lot ahout you." D.Devino:-( rubs his handp nervously;looks frightened and ralseraole) " Yes?" Pat Gully :- " ^QS — Mrs. -Bethel ym.-s telling ne ho\7 much she valued your friendship and advice ,.-:inoo she has discovered that the dudgo has frisky habits, and she is In so much distress." D.Devine:-( looks releived;sigh£;rollr. hit eyes upward ;f olds his hands over hiG stomach) " Yes indeed, this is truly a horrible affair.'" Pataully:- " So horrible, that she has -employed me to discover the whereabouts 32, f The r^laolcnailer . of thia Lxz.i.ie " ]).Devine:-( Ji^aps high in his chair) " Liz25ie;:" Pat Gully :- ^ I mean Bettie and little P.emiie-' D.Dovino resumes his devout at- titude) — She w:intB to heap coals of fire on the Judge's head by adopting the ohild-owiiig to your divino influence for good- (D.De vine looks voxy pious and good)-thQn she v^ill have a stick to belabor him with for life," D.rjovine:-( piously ;his hjindc devoutly folded) " I fe;jl sure that Sister Bethel's motives ai*e pure in the matter." Pat Cully :- " Sure thingi-tVorueii's ffiotives are alxrays pure, but you can't tell what iK back of the r>iotivfif?." D.J)evlne:-( i^icusl^' ; " Tjieter Bethel is doiug a Christian a.(at,iu rciurii for a great wrong-r. terrible sini"-( he roll hie eyec ux>;Ghakes his head) Pat Gull,v:-( looka tjneeringly at him;grins) " And Ehu wante me to be her 'go getter 'lor little Bem;ie.I'in on to my job all right ;but i want you to influence her, to give rae a lone hand and follow jjoy lead an I deal the cards." D-r)evino:-( apparently greatly shocked) " Do 1 understand that you v/ant her to angage in a gaiabling gameii" Pat Gully :-{ genially) " IJot the kind you arc thinking of-Don't worry, Birson, I '11 not oorirupt the lady — I'll be as pure-a^. pure as you are — God save the mark!- ( aside )-I only n'ant to find little Davie " D.i)ovinG:-( spring up wildly) '* Littlo Davie; i J" Pat iiully:-( soothingly) S3. '^ The Blackmailer, " I mean little Bennie for her, but 1 want to do it in my ovm way — See?" D.Devine:-( rolls his eyes;looks bewildered) " I-I-I-guess so, Mr. Sully." Pat Gully: -( shouts) " Gully-Gully G-U-L"L~Y-Gully. the detective ] 1 1 " D.r'evine:-( meekly) " Yes, G-u-1-l-y, Gully." Pat Gully: -{ gruffly] I " Its a weakness of mine to have my name called right. How Judge Bethel kept a photograph of that kid in his desk; of coixrse his wife found it-wives always do, sooner or later,and— — > D.Devine:-( jumps wildly up; starts for the door) "I've got to go— -I'm in an awful hurry— '-My GodiJ — I've got to go to mjt study at once— and--and — finish my sermonil" Pat ^ully:-( seems astonished) "Wait a minute, Par son, You've got five days to finish that sermon," D.Devine:-f rushes to the door;looks back;Pat Gully follows him;grabs at his coat tails) " Yes-yes-I know, but I just thought of something to-to -,f;et out — no-no-no-I mean to put in — and I've got to hurry — I'll tell Mrs. Bethel to do just what you say, Mr. Bully " , Pat Gully :-( falls against the door jamb;laughB loudly) i " Well, I '11 be damned '.'i" Curtain. \ Interval of tv/o weeks. 34. •7 The .Blackmailer . Same scene-Two weeks later. Interior of Detective 'b office. Pat Gully: -( comes briskly in;walkF to his desk;takes telephone boo2i;looks up number, takes receiver down) " Hello! -That you, Central? — Give me Llain 8432.-- Is this Judge Bethel's residence? — I would like, to speak to Mrs. Bethel, please. — Yes. Mrs . Bethel I knov7 the Judge is at his office. 1 v/ant to speak to his wife , Mrs. Bethel -none of your business who it is-( angrily) That you, Mrs. Bethel?- (he speaks very politely now)— This is Pat G lly. — I've located Bettie and little Bennie for you Yes Yes Yes Eere-in this town. — I can take you :jid the Parson there any time, but I would 'nt be in such a hurry about the adoption papers Come to my office first Yes — any time — Yes— this morning will suit me. — Yes, good looking kid. — Only so, so- her mouth too big. All right— that's all right Hair yellow? — Yes — I'll tell you all about him.v.'hen I see you. — -In a few moments? All right. ( ue laughs as he hangs up the receiver; takes telephone book;looks for nui-iber; takes receiver dovm) " This Central? — Give me Cliff 6782. This Joctor Smallwood's residence? I know the Doctor's making his calls — I want to speak to Mrs. I Smallwood ^ill right Is this Mrs. Smallwood?— This is Pat Gully speaking* Yes-Yes-Yes,! have-Here , in this tovm— Don't be in such a hurry-( he puts h; hand over the receiver;laughs)— Bessie and little Sammie v/ill keep— ^ >/ant to see you first before you go there Yes, that will ruit me— I'll ■ o here all morning Got red hair?— sure thing.— Pretty?— IJo, she's ugly . a mud fence. t^ood bye That's all right.— Coming at once in a taxi? AH right. — ( he laughs, as he hangs receiver up;looks for number in tele- phone book;takes receiver down) " Central'— Gimme Cliff 1346.— Is this the residence of the j^verened David Devino?--IsJie in?-Out,is he?-f j,e puts bif. Vard over 35. The Blaokmaller . the mouth-pi doe, and grins ; saying :)-' That's just what I'lowed' — ( then he removes his hernd from the mouth-pi^ ce of the telephone; continues to talk over it)-''I would like to speak to llrB.De vine, pi ease. — «In the bath-room, "bathing little Davie? — —Well, ask her to step to the phone a moment, while you go and scrub little Davie awnile. iJo, Sissy, I'm not crazy now, but I was bug-house awhile about a little Davie — Is that you.Mrs.Devine? (his voice grows respectful) — This is Pat Giaiy. I've found little Davie and Lizzie, for you: Don't cry] I ( his voice grows desperate ] — Please don't ' OTjlll-( he turns and speaks aside;puts his hand over the mouth-piaoe ) — My GodJ-she's bawling like a calf J J — ( he takes his hand from the mouth- 1 piGoe;talks over the telephone again) — Black hair? Sometimes— Say now, liadam. please don't cry like that] — I want to talk to you about it Ho , she's ugly as the very DevilJi ^es- u^ly as siniJI All right — ^That's talking] i J Yes — Here in this town. My God. PLEASE don't cry any moreJi ( he shows all the signs of an exasperated man) — go — Ho— certainly I wont tell the Presiding Elder — ( aside )-'v;hoever the Guy is'— nor the Bishop's wife about little Davie Coming to my office at once? All right I Doctor Smallwood's out making calls ;you can see him later — Good bye—" ( he hangs up the receiver; opens a drawer of his desk; takes out the three j photographs; lays them on the desk;gets three bundles of papers;lays tliom ' by the photographs; gets a cigar from his pocket ; lights it; leans back in (his ohair;looks pleased;blows rings of smoke to the ceiling; watches the , rings, with half closed eyes;says:-) " After this, the fireworks.' i J" ( Door opens) }. Mrs.Smallwood:-( comes hurriedly in;goes to desk;spaaks in an excited manner) " Well?" Pat Gully: -( throws his cigar away;looks at her) " Good moming,iirs.Smallwood." ( Door opens again) '^ 36. The Elaclcnialler . Mrs.Bethel:-{ comes hurriedly in;goes to desk;speaks in an excited and anxious manner) " Well?" — ( she looks at Mrs. Small wood in surprise, v/ho returns the look in iiind) — »>hy,good morning, Mrs. Smallwood,I-I-did'nt know tliat you h; d "business with Mr,Gully.*" ( Door opens) Mrs.revine:-( comes hurriedly in;goes to deok;speaks in an excited, ^ weepy, and anxious manner. The other tv70 women look at her in surprise; she has on a thick veil ) " ^Vell? ( she looks at the other two women;raises her veil) ^^'hjfgood. morning, Sister Bethel, and Sister Small^70od:I did'nt knov/ that you had business with Mr, Gully?" Mrs. Bethel and MrB.Smallwood:-( in unison) " neither did I ahoat youJJ" { All three ladies look at each other curiously, and with suspicion) Pat Gully: -( waves his hajid to three chair near his desk) " Have seats, ladies, I can talk to you all at once, as well as singly. — ( all three take seats ;look wonderingly at him, and suspicioiis- ly at each other ;he takes the three photographs from the desk; shuffles them in his hands, and hands them, one by one, to each lady;then leans back in his chair, looking earnestly at them; they glance at each other; I then glance hurx'iedly.each at the picture given them;hide it behind their hand-bags; look sideways at each other; then at him) All three womcin:-( in unison) " Well?" Pat Giilly:-{ takes another cigar from hir pocket ; examines it) " Look again at your pictures, Ladies." ( puts unlighted cigar in his raouth;chews on it;watches thorn, xhe^- 37. The Blackiiiailer . all grab their photographs ;look at the picture of the child, holding the photograph out of the view of the others) All three woman: -( sharply, and in unison) " Well?" Pat Gully: -( calmly; cigar on one side of his mouth) " Look at the hottom of your pictures .Ladies." (All three women again grah their photographs; read what is at the bottom; they jump up; crowd to his desk) Mrs.Smallwobd:-( holds out her photograph) " This isn't the picture I gave you;itB the same picture, but its not the one I had i— -This one says:-' Little Bennie to his DaddyiJi" { she looks suspiciously at him;then at Mrs. Bethel) Mrs.Bethel:-( holds out her photograph) " This says: -'Little Davie to his DaddyJ.'i" ( she looks wildly at him; and suspiciously at Mrs.Devine) Mrs.Devine:-( holds out her photograph) " And this one says:-' Little Sammie to his Daddy-Big Saimniei.'I" ( uhe looks wildly at him; suspiciously at Mrs.SmallwoodJ Pat Gully:-( calmly;cigar in one corner of has mouth;8peaks to all three women) " Its the same picture, isn't it?" All three wonien:-{ in chorus) " Yes, but f I they point to the writing at the bottom of each photograph) Pat Gully: -( laconically) " Txim em over". ( Each woman flops her photograph over; read what is at the top; look \7ildly at him;sur.piciously,at each other-Mrs. Bethel, at Mrs.Devine; ■^ 38. The Blackmailer . Mrs. Small wood, at Mrs. Bethel ;Mrs.Devine at Mts.Smallwood. ) Mrs.Smallwood:-( holds her photograph out to him) " This isn't my picture nt all*— l-ook what Ib on the back:-' His hair if. yellow , like hiJ3 daddy's, from Bettlo J] ' — rind there is a lot of poetry too-( she speaks in great scorn; angrily shakes the photograph)-- This means, that little Sammie isn't little Sammie at all ; he is little Bennie l * — And he has yellow hairill and — and — he belongs to your - ( she turns angrily to LIrs. Bethel )-blond, brute of a husband, who tried to induce me to divorce my own poor , injured husband i!.' — The yellow headed wretchiil ( she angrily ws,ves the photograph in the air) Mrs,i3ethel:-( holds out her photograph; speaks excitedly) " This isn't mine either — ListenJ — ' Kis hair is black, Hike yours, from Lizzie '— —That proves . that little Bennie is little Davie.' — f she looks condemningly at I'lrs.Devine )-• *'black,like yours] i' — every^ body loiows that yellow hair can't be mistaken for black hair, but som^ people -( here she looks contemptuously at Ltrs.Smallwood) might call rdd hair, yellow — ( she shakes her head;looks di8gusted)and Bessie could easily changed into -Bettie .by people who did'nt care for forgery.' J I There's poetry on mine too]-( she looks disgusted) — And you can tell that old hypocrite of a husband of yours-( she turns to Mrs.Devine)- who is always preaching to other people- that he can induce yo u to adopt thiB-( she waves the photograph in the face of LIrs.Devine) horrid littl.. Bennie, who has now turned out to be a black haired little Davie I.* J ( she looks daggers at the other two women) Mrs.Devine:-( waves her photograph in the air;gasps;weeps;seems about to have a fit) " Its not black — its not black — it can't be blacki — listen to this:- { she reads from her photograph)- 'His hair is red. like his daddy^'s. 39. The Blackmailer. from Bessie'—- See? — Its not black 4-llttle Davie isn't little Davie eitherll — -He's turned out to be little Sammlei He's got red hair J i- if he was a Davie, he'd have to have black hair, but its red . and nobody could ever say that red was blacklll — Could they?-( she asks this of the detective ,as she weeps wildly. They are all excited ;he is calmly contemplative of them all) And this Bessie thing has written poetry to your mean, old husband too, who said that a preacher s family was like an omnibus-always room for one more-( she says this to Mrs.Smallwood) and that I ought not to object ajiother,lf it was another little DavieiJI ( she boo-hoos) Pat Gully :-( quietly) " Ladies, read the verses on the back." *All three women :-( read aloud; in concert) " Fair Lizzie, gay Bessie, plump Bettie,and Bess, w'ent out one fine day to feather their nest; They each found a man, whose leg they could pull; Till the whole pile of gold, would fill a jug full. UsinfT Bennie.and Davio,and Billie,and Sammie; Each dad was soon made to shell out for his lambie. With red hair and black, light brovm and bright yellow. Each kidlet was voted 'a fine little f ellowl ' These daddies grinned wide, like a fat Chesire cnt; V.liile the three Bs.and Lizzie bought many a hat; ^or the sub-rosa gold seemed never to stop, I Though things at three homes buzi^ed around, like a top. ■But matters at last grew so terribly mixed. That the multiplied dads found themselves in a fix. Three rampagious v/ives made their own homes so hot. That they each felt condemned to a terrible lot!" All three women :-{ in an astonished chorus) " V/hat is it?" Pat Gully :- " A conundrum." All:-( in chorus) " lShat*s the ajaswer?" 40. The Blackmailer. Mrs . Smallwood : - " Is it red?" Mrs.Bethel:- " Is it yellow?" Mrs.Devine:-( sobs J " Is it black?" Pat Gully:-( chews on his cigar;speaks mysteriously; the three women listen;look excited;stand around his desk;look deeply interested ;hold their photographs in their hands) " Come alone tonight to room twenty one of the St. Joseph's Hotel. Be there promptly at eight o'clock ^ell no one" * You will then get an answer to the conundrumi" ( He rises ns he delivers the above; stands with his hands on his desk, in an impressive attitude. The three women stand in front of him, with the photographs in their hands; an expression of complete mystification on their faces. Stage darkened. Lights flashed on their faces before the curtain descends, iheir faces express every emotion: wonder, curiosity, mystification, and the most intense interest. >^ 41. The Blaokmailer . He looks like some kind of a seer, or a Sherlock Holmes) Curtain- End to ACt II. i^ SVi' ^ ^^'^ ^^.j'lU The Blackmailer . ■^^ \ 3 Act III. ^%^^ That Same HiKht, Interior of two bed-rooms, t-lde hy side, at the St Joseph Hotel. ©cio 3430-> gho Dlacknailor. Act IjCI . That nlrJht . ^ -WO bed-roomc side by side. Poor in ymll between, noar footlights. \ oom to ri(^t — hue a door to rii:ht near footlights ; telephone on vtall to left of this door;table iicar centre of room.A dresser, washetand; a bed and a chair about the room. •ooQ to left— -has a door to r<»ir; on rear vmll of room, to ri^t of ^ roar door, is a telephone ;bed, to rear right of room.(Jaa this bed are several elaborate hats; several hat boxes under bed.Dresser against left vjall of room near f ootlights-this droooer is Just opposite tho door bet neon the t?70 rocansia table, betwoon the dresser and tho door in wall between the two xoosm; on the table is a lottor and a tolegram, . rockor ana a straight ohalr on each side of t^^ble.A tvash-ctand.with bowl and pitcher, aad towels, Gainst left ?»aH of rocan. oa drossor, are toilet article8;a hrjnd-ba{j;a nioke-up box;c<»ib oni brash ;r>o;7der- I box etc. In the top drawer of dresser, are three curlv child's wige- | red, yellow, and blaok;a pair of 8oissor8;a roll of adhesive plaster; four largo photographs-one of Judge Bethel, one of Doctor :3aallwood, one of David Devinejand one of The ^.ld,like the ones used in the other Acts. A set of building blooks;a roci:iiig~horso;and a srmll wngon are on the floor, in front of tho table. Kid's cap.irx drepsor drawer, Three white suits fox The Ilid-oiae. trii-ir.Gd in blue, one in red,and ^ane plain white one-in dresoor drawer. ■ The iiid, seated on floor, placing with the buildino; blocks. Elizabeth Brown is trying on j \ A3, glie lOacIonailer. a lirit i.i front of t]io nirror of drosijor. Tlie Kid:- (piling up the blocks in a liigh pilo) "Cay IlaT?, I*m hiuigry." Elisaboth BroT<'Ti:~ (turning to first one nlde and then the othor; looking at herself 5 spesirs abEontly) "AH right. Kid, in a r.iinute." (continuos to tr/ict .iibout before the mirror; takes off hat; puts it on t]ie hed; £ets onothor one; trie;.: it on before tjio Liirror) The Kid:- ( throat eningly) "I*n lu iuf^y , I tell you J If you don't r^ct a move on you— 1*11 toll all my daddies on youj" Elisabeth Br \rai- (sharply) "Thon yoa r/culdii't get any laoro candy and play pretties." The Kid : - ( cunningly ) "And ^pvL wouldn't gftt no more money to buy hats tvith neither!" Eliisabeth Brorm:- i>'?j;i;-:rlly) "Oh, sJut up, you 1 ttl3 devili — You run me crazyi" The Kid:-(k(iocks tlie pile of blocks do\?n; i.penkG rof].octively and philOGophienlly ) "Gittiii* mad, don't buy you nothin* -you'd ortor cTo like ciy preaciiln* daddy says:-'K.ine rrordf- t"um a',7ay v^^tli, but fToacy T/ordo stirry up angryi" Elisabeth Bro\rn:- "I'll see that stingy old raut shovelling- coal doun below, before I list on to any moro of his dope. "(puts on a street hat from the bed; gets the Kid's co-p from the dresser; tlirows it to hin; he 44. She l5]L0,el2nailer» Jtimps up; puto tlio cap on; she carefully lookc tl-c top drav/er of the drccf;or; puto tlie koy in lior hand-liag, wh.ich olio tafeo frora tlio di'GOcor; ooc to t".o door bot^voai i.I:.e tvTO rocnis* tries tho key in fi-.G lock, to seo tlif.t t}io door 3b locked; takes a key froa }ier hfiiid- "bag; puts it in tlio door to r^ar- opons door- child follor;3 her) Tjie Kid:- (c'lriouoly) " When ic my preaching daddy soi^x> "to Sell, iaav;?" (they c.-^rit; Lhe locks fliO doer "behind thoro) At the l)sr;i:.-jrii r; ci" the conv.orcation in the room to tlic left; tho door, to rifrht of room to right of ?tage, ope.-sj aiid Pat Gully enters. Ho carries .? bundle in his arms. lie lays the 'bundle dov/n on the tahlo; locks the door to right; spreads the contents of the hi.mdle on tbe table* The contents of bundle are:-a pair of ha.id- euffs» several large nails, a lumo of putty, a Esnall paint bruoh, a can of paint- the color of tiie :?loor7 a lar^je brace & bit, some v.dre, and a larno bundle of a.oor keys. He tiptoes about the room; goes to the door betxreon tlio t\70 roor.s; listens i hears ■"jliom tallring; gets a ch.air; puto it by tho door; cits in th.e chair; listens; grins as tho lock is tried to the door betv;een two roonis* *''hen he h.ears t!\c outside door to tho other ri^om locked; he juinps up; gets tho bimc of keys; trios them until he finds one tioat will fit t>.o lock; he opens the door; walks in; looks arotuid the room; notes tlic loca- tion of each piece of f'lrniture; reads the letters aaid telograms on tho tabic; lays thorn back carefully as tr.cy were; hurries back into his room; gets the br9«e and bit; ^ ores throe holes in th^e door about five feet sis Inches high; then bores three more bout tirroe foot Mgh; carefully scrapes up the oar/-dust fron the floor; fits putty into the holes*, sticks a n.iiil ijito oach piece of jmtty; 45. Tlie Blacfaiallor . nith the na.ll projecting; into liic room; t ictc tlio putty aroiind in tj!e laoles so tl\at it cen easily he remcved, "by piillinr^ it out by tie nail; gets tlio esja of pQ,i..it, and tho brusli; paints over the liolee, po that they vrcn't sJiow; sliuts and locks tho door o.{:oln. In a fen ininutos Elisabeth and the Zid return. She takes off :.nr hat; TDe[!:ins a^^ain to try on the others, that are in the "box under the iDod. The Kid:- (tosses his cop on the floor; r^es to the rockin;:-horoo; plays with i'v> tail) "Say Maw, why didn't God raako four daddies for that little hoy 'jpstairs? He's a o^ood little hoyj- (spealcc ar. if a hrich^ thought had suddenly etruch him J --I'm r-oin' to ^^-ive him one of nine- Say ,JIfew, I'm jroin' to rlvo him n^ proocher daddy, wouldn't yoii?--lIo don't ive mo any nielrl.es- Jtiist old pennioG."~(he cpeaks in tonec of great diij^oust) Elisahoth Bror:n:- (openo her Iiajid-l ag: taken out a roll of hills, coimtG thorn; speaks r''i; gaintecily) "He'c some tifh.t-wad, rure; hut y u laustn't toll other little hoyo ^^hout your aat'^diosJJ (oho opoako very sternly to hinj The 2:idj- (geto on hi? roekinf horBo) "imy?" Elisahoth Brown: - (sliarply) "Because J" The Kid:- (rocking: r.iipidly on home) " .ill I he damned, if I do?" Eli-oheth BroT.Ta:- (acliiionishinr:ly) "Don't talk ugly." 46. glie Blaclnnailor . The Kid-j- (still roeldln^j) "Lly doctor daddy oayrs tliat." Elizal)*tli Erovm:- (puts money "b.-^clc in :iand-"bag;put8 it in tlio draw- er of the clroccor; unclGr Gcmo th ngs) "Don't talk 00 nucli," Tlie Kid:- ( ctiil rocking^ "I like ny yellow lieadod daddy, lie give d me thic horco; lie talks lota too— Say, Usxi, v7iion*s ray daddy coming back-tho one witli the "bi !o.at— (ho -iunrps off the liorso-'bogiiiD to '-a3,k about the room eo\7-boy like- grabr ono of trie lolg hate on the bed, pxito it on on Jiis liead; sr/aggero aroiind the room, swin e hat around; t?i:.ox7s it on the flour- aiizabeth B^ G\rloks; r:rabs vqy the hat and shakos him) •The kid;- "^I like niy covz-boy dadd; the bent anyhow. I»ra going to toll him on you. I don't Iiavo to v/ear an old t;ig vihen lie'e- hero." Elizabeth 13r w.u:- (amoothinr; out her hat J "I like liira best too, but you muat beliavo youruolf. " (when tiie kid begins to walk around tho ro::m like a cow-boy^ Pat Gully, in the ncrit rocm, takers telephone book; looks for number; takes dOTOi the rocoivor from the \7allJ Pat Gully:- (in hi a ov/n natural tone of voice) "Contra:., give no liain 7654 (he nor; chane;0s li4c tone of voice to imitate Eli^aboth BroTOi»s voice)— I v;:^nt to cpoojc to Judg Bctliel, ploaso This is Eettio, 1 must soo yo tonight at 8 o'clock— cono tonight, inr:tead Yov.—Vn going av;ay 47. TIio Blackraallor . tornorrov;. If you bring th© J500.00 v/'itli you — v;lll you?— —All riglit. (liG chnjiijes lii£; voice to Ita natural tono, hangs up tlio ro- ceivor a momont, teJcoa it dcv.Ta at^iin-callo)- — "Is tlila tlio ofxioo? Connect me witli teiopiioiiu to rooii 2^ please, (then he initatiiGS Jud^ro Bethel's voice) Is tli;it you Jiettie? " Eli::abeth Brovm;- (at phone) u)his is i;ie-Is th-'t you?" Pat rriilly:- (at phono) "Yes, I'n coi.'ilii^- to sec lit Lie Bennie tind you tonight about G o*clock-I*vo go \; the money for you." Eliaabeth Erotm:- (at phono) "You ImvoJi 1 neoa it arrfully i*m broke." Pat Sully:- (at phono) ''All rlc^t, 1*11 flj; you up for a ^/hile "oodbyo." (both han( up tl^o r eeiver ftf tlioir srosoective phones) The Kid:- "iniich daddy \7o.g tl'iat?'' (playing with his blocks) Elisabeth BroTTu:- "Oh, oiiat was your yellow headed daddy . He*c; coning to soo you tonir:ht and you*vo .-"^ot to bo a good boy." (she then dances around the rasmas if very mucli pleased) Pat Gul?uy:- (4n Jiis room, looks in t^ie telephone book; to-kes down receiver-calls in his natural voice) "Is t-.is Central? 1 T7.?Jit i.:ain ?OSG (he mV-.ics Eliaabeth Brcraa'a voice) i^liat you doctor?- This is Bessie — I have decideo to £;o— I've t7ot to have O^OO.OO first I'm. botmd to have that rauch or I can't ro— Cone tonight if you get it — - 9 o'clock 1*11 f.ct off tomorrow; sure you*ll got lt?-All 48. ghG Blackmail or > riii'ht— (}i«m2;s up rocoivor; oatos It cIovtii a^^aini callc in his natural voice) In this the offlcG*?- — Glvo ne roon 2G. fSlizahoth Byovni's phorio rings— slo stops; darxln{^-, rune to the phono; takes do\m t:.e rocoivor; puts it to hor ear) Pat Gullsr:- (ii/iitatin^^ Doctor Gmall^Tood's voice) "Is tliat ij-ouy Bessio?'' Elizaheth Brov/n:- (at phone) "Siire thini-;" Pat Gully J- (et phono) " 1*11 he there at 9 o'clock to coe :-;iy little Cainmio and you— I caii* u come .ednecday- — I iiave tliat money you v/ant." Elizaheth Brov-Ti;- (delic.htcd) "That*!; finc4-you'rc all right— I'm hroke— I neod it sur'?- — little Sariniic hro^ce the looking gfiass to the dresser in my room- — had to pay for it h of ore they \70uld give rao a nov; dresser. " Ihe Kid:- (jhuaps av froni the floor ) "ilaw, L:}Kit*s a hi£: lierf" Pat Oullyi- fat phone) "Hg'g a d.'.indyi" Eli^ahetli Bvoxnii- (at phono; speaJcs in tone?: of atlniration) "Ke's just lilce you- — hair and all," Pat CH'lly:- (at phone walces a *jriiaace; puts hio hand over tlie moufch piece) " I'm a cl o,ndy-nevcr even cav- mo. (takes hif.^ hand atray) Is nine tliat rod?" Elisaheth Bro\m:-(at ohone) gliG BlactoiiailGr * "Ho, not rGd-Gul;iirn- I love aiiljiiini hair like yours and Sanraio'si" Che Kld:- "Ilaw, tli.-?t**3 anotlior "bi ' story-you nai; red waa tlio dcv*l*B o\ra. oolor," Pa-b Gully:- (at phone) "Well, I'll see yo;i aaid SaiTimie at 9 tonif,lit~So long." (Both harg uo thoir rGceivors; lilizaDoth dancoo tlie turkey trot; turns on the llchta-looks at lior v/atcli-jiimps-goes to the droocor- jorkn open top drawer — take'5 out a yellor/ cnrly \7ig~and a v/' ite siiit ti'imr.ied In hluo— graljR tlie child up from tho floor— a^id he- ginn to nndrssrj him hurriedly--ho 1iov;1d vrinn -le coest'io wig) Pat Gully:- (looks In t'o telephone book- tc'?lres do\-ai receiver-calls in M.ic natural voice) "Give ne. Central— Central — C-ive no Cliff 7/1346 (then in a tone of voico as if he were lonc-; distance — )Long' MEjtaaeo ~.anto llr. Devlne(then imitating Elizabeth Bro\m*s voice) I'lmt you+I liad to tell her I was long distance— I *m (X>xiiq to take your aeviee and leave— I tloiiik so too — I've fot to have ylOO.OO before I rot off — I Icio'-' all about tJiat— ( speaJrs hatefully) Bring tlB heatjien money like yoii did before— you donH want ne to go to t'le Bishop, do you?- Con~ after prayor raeeting— Hot before lOlo'cloek-i-that suits ae- 10 *'elock»" (while th^ above was going on Elisabeth war- dressing tlie kid) She Kid:- (Jerking away) "I won't pu.t on tlic-in old Iiot curls— I don't want to see that ugly old dadcly,"^ (howls) JO. TIio BlacIj"i£iilor » Elizateth Brovm:- (T7af:}ier! t'.e Irid*r. fo-co— ^erkc off 'ilo cuit-clips on clefica vftite suit trimmed in "blue) "How, "be a £:ocd "coj^ trciA I'll taico yo:^ to tlio novi {j pieturoG." She Fia.:- (bolicerantly) "Bixt I T/on't put on tlieni old carle." (he points to tlie ElizalDetji Browa:- "Yonr daddy v/on*t civo you any uionoy, if you don't look nice*" (teleplione rings; she ctops fixinfi- child, takes do'-'n tl:e rocdiver- Hollol Pat L>ully:- (imitating' tlie proacher) "!l?nat Lijjr/.ie?" B3.1saT3etli Brovm:- (at Plione) "YoD — .liore are you?— At lionie-^f while thxo is rpiiig on tl}9 kid puts the \7ir on t'le rockinij horEe'o head fastening ic on with strips of ad-.esiva olanter) Pat Gully:- (at PIio e) "ifo, I'm on ny T;ay to proyor mooting, hut I'm coming to see little Davie and you after its ovor#" Elizabeth Brovra:- "He's been crying all day to see ycu— I'm afraid lie is going to "be sick again — he may liave to have a doctor — hat time will you get here?" The Kid I- (uiD£-UEtcdly) "MsviT, I never lis;.: heon sick and you know it." 5l< ^yiio Blo^ctoiallor , Pat Gully;- (at phone) "Hot until aljout 10 o'clock--! liavo ruide greet oacri- ficos, and have soeurod that moiioy for you — hut It'B riiAnin^; iie." Elizabeth Bxomii- (consolingly) "Mayhe you i7lll r'et a grooa cclloction nest yimaay," Pat irully:- (at phone) "Maybo so- for the orph-a^c»" Elizabeth BrOTOi:- (at plicne) "Good-bye, until you £et hero — ac:a*t fors:et that none." (Eharply-toth hang up their receivera; she raohes to t:..e Id.d; orks tho v;i£v from off the lioad of the rocking Iiortje; ruches to the dross- or; fcaJces cciLsorc cute tiome more slips of adheoive plactar;Gticks to the \7ig; go tliat it vfUl etick to tiia child's hjsad; jerks tlie child tu tho droGCor; put& the wig oarefully on liis head, stiekin=; the piaster to hia forehead, so that it Tvill not eh.ov/, tJien p fil- ing the eiirls do\7n over v/hero the plas'cer is; he vrig^Tles all tho t-ime while site "s doing thJ.s, i'at Gully takes donn nlc reeeivor; calls) Pat Giaiy;- "Contral? 1 r-ant lon^; dict;:j3.ce, plea; c 'i'l.is long Distsjice? Got Ft. ..orth on tho wire— —Bill IlcrlarLuus- — At the Westbrook Hotei— Yes, Iho vyostbrook Ihis is Hocra 21 at tlie Dt. Josephs' Hotel — Just call up room LI, it will he paid for at the office, and charged to niy aecoxmt. (he liangs rip the receiver, for a moEient; then takes it dovvn ag-ain) This tl'C office? 5?his io Gully, in kooo 21 I've put in a call to Ft. Worth, for a fellow named McLiannus O.K. the call please, (he hangs p the receiver; 52, glie Blaclflnallor . looks at Ills v/atcli; walks around the room^ soon liis toleplione riiigs-. tfillo lie is T?aiting for Ms call.Eliza'beth and The Kid talk) The Kid:- (dolefully, as die ties his TdIug tie) "Do all littlo hoys have lots of daddies, and liavo to wear these hateful old r/lgs I'm eoin{T to pull it off" (he otarts to do so) Blizaheth BrOT/n:- (sternly) "If you say anything aljout tlmt vjxq to your daddy, when he comes 1*11 hefet you for a noek, and never lot you liavc aiiy more ice-croaa# Don't talk about the other daddies either- — If you do he won't give you any more nickles to "buy candy with." (he looks impressed) (telephone in Oully's room rings; he qoqh to it; t.^kes dotm the receiver) (r.-hilo he is talking over the long distance to Mcllannus in Ji"t. r/orth, Blisaheth Bro^m takes a large photograph of Judge Bethel, and places it in a prominent place on tliedrGSser hy the sido of the one of th.o kid) Pat Sully;- (in his own tones of voice) "Yes — Yes — Yes — (h±s voice now changes to tliat of Elizaheth Brown) Tliat you, iir. McMc.nnus? — I'his is Boss — He's well- — 2alks ahout you all the time — ay, can't you run ovor to- night on tlie interurhan?- You coji get back in time tomorrow for the oponin;: of tlie convention- — we^ll go hack with you — ell rirht — I'll wait up — ten, thirty — 'no tliat's not too late all right ."(he hoji£:s up the receiver; knock at his door; he opens it J "Come in, ladies"* (Mrs. Bethel, Mrs. Smallwood aad huts. Devine all file in, v;ith their pictures in their Iiands each seemingly trying to ironviice the 53. 'JIxo Blaclgnaller» otlior vroraan that tlie photograph is of a child that belongs to the Imsband of the other v/onian; Mrs. Bethel, tliat he TDolongs to Doviie, Mrs. bmallwood, that hie "belnngs to Jiidg- Bethel; Mrs. JJevine, that he heloiif'D to Dr. ^mallwood. All look suspiciously , and ajagtily at eadi other. Gully shuts the door after then) Gully:- (to thmi all) *" Ladles, you liave promised to do as I say for th.is even- ing« rleaso koep caliii, no matter what you liear, or see- (ho looks at his v.atch)- in side of three hours, you will know all that there is to know; all tliat I know, and all that lioc h.idden hehind tJiat door- Bessie is there, Bettie is thorc and Lls^ie is there i so is Beanie, uammie and jjavie-(he points to the door "between the two rooms; the thxoe wonon crov/d to tlie door; he enjoins silonco, with his finger to his lips; points to the sis nails sticking from the door; mentions ea,eh women to a nail; theii look curiously at the nails; touch the putty in th.e holes; begin to Imist the putty a- round, as ho turns off tho light in h.is room; ho puts an unlighted cig§r in his mouth; chovrs on it; the th-ree women pull out tho round piece of putty by the nails; glue their eyes to tho holes; they see Elisabeth primping at tlie mirror; tho detective stands noar iirs» Bethel; he also twists out the putty; the tlireo women see th^ largo photograph of Judge Bethel on the drosserj Mrs. Bothol begins to faint; drops her photogra})h on the floor; he holds hor up; takes a bottle from hs pocket; "olds it to her nose; she revives; the other tv/o v/omen, whisper together; show Mrs. Bethel the tr/o photo- graphs in their hands and point to tjio 210C0; tho door to the roar 54. The BlacIgiir.ilGr , of Elisabeth's room opens — Judge Bethel enters; ho has a paekaee in hlG arnc) The Kid:- (nmD to him) "Hellol Daddy, V7liat you ^ot for me tills time?" (Judge Bethel Gives the child the package, xvlio opens it. T)cre is a train of toy cars; a set of child's harness and r. "bcz of candy in it,: The child dances around in delight; opens the "box of candy; plays v;ith the train of cars; eats the candy- jumps about the room, plays with the harness) Elisabeth BrOTm:- "You always spoil him so." Judge Bethel ; - ( indulgent ly ) "He is all I have." (In the other room, the three wDmen look excitedly throug]i the t/jree holes in tlie door; Mrs. Snallwo d and ^irs. Devine whisper together; point at the pictures in their hands; then to the room tlirough the door; showing that they feel sure tliat tlie child belongs to fudge Bethel, and that their husbands aie in the clear; they ^low their delight; Mrs. Bethel shows anger, excitement and groat interest; the detective chews on ttos his cigax) Elisabeth Brov.-n;- (goes up to Judge Bethel; places her hand foniliar- ly on his arm) "Did you briiig me the money? — I haven't a cent leftJ" Judge Betheli- (ta^s out Ms pocket book, coiiiits out a lot of bills, liands them to : er) "Here it is-=-:fivc hundred dollars," 55 ) Tlio 131ac]cmallor » (Mtg. Bethel seonc to have sone kind of a fit in t^io ne^rb roon; so &e the other t\70 worien-they look at Mrs. Bethel ao if slie had eomnitt- ed a crime herself) Elioahoth Brovm:- (takes the money; showing great surprise, and do- light, as she counts the money; thon tiirns in astonishment to hi i) ^>"~ ^i?^ hundred dollars»l"(she puts the money in the top dra\7or of her dresser) Jiidc:e Bethel;- (sullenly) "Yes, I maaared to ^et itJ— and I'm fjlad you've at last decided to leave hero." KLisaheth Brovm:- (shrilly) "To leave hereli" The Zid:- (ptaiin^r at liis v/ig) "Maw, take these curls off; they hurt me." Elisaheth BroTOi:- (rushes to }iim; shakes hira; pats the ciirls in place) "Bennie, don't muss up yop.r lir.ir tlmt Tmyl" Judge Bethel;- (takes tlie child on Ms knwBJ "Come here, son, tell Daddy wliat's the matter." (The \70mon in the nesi; ro m liavo a fer/ more fits; the Hotective chev/s on his cigar, and listens) Elizabeth Brown:- (hastily says) "Get yoiir daddy to play horso \7ith you." The Kid;- (jumps dovni frifc^ the Judge's Imee) "Cone on, fiaddy, lot me rid you ag-aini" (The Judge gets dovm on his knees, the kid and i^ettie put the har- ness on; the kid gets astride of ]iis "back, axid ridos; tlio Judge 56, ) The iilaelnnallor. gooo aroinid on all foiirc on tlio floor, r/itli the liamesD aromid his neck; the kid yelliiig) The kid:- "Git up, Dadi— Git a move on yor, liorsioi- — ivhoailluliel-" (The r/omea in the next room have some more fits; tho detective applies the smelling salts again to Jlirs. liethel's nose; Blizaheth looks at than as if amused) Blizateth Broun: - "Eliat vrill do-let your daddy got up now."( ahe looks at her TOtch; tho Judge gets up from the floor; holds the "boy up in the air) The Kid:- (delightedly) "Daddy, you sure make a fine dcnkoy." isiisahoth BroT/n:- (looks at her v/atch tlie Judge looks at his; starts to go) "Toll your daddy good-nl.;;ht-ho*s got to go nov/- and you have got to z^ "to "bed." (Judge Bethel kissec tJie kid; and gets his liat to leave) KLisahoth Bro?7n:- (goes up to the Judge; kissos him) "I' 11 let you know v;hen i need more money." The Kid;- " Daddy, I want some raoney-my other daddy gives mo sone#" Elizabeth lirovmi- (outs licr hand over the child's moutli) "He calls the bell-hoy dadcly, because hs has yollov; h;^ir too." Judge Bethel:- (laughs; roachee in Iils pocket; gets so no loose coins; gives to tho child) Tlie ^lackraallo r. "Well, good-bye, yotmg oan-lDpoakc to tlio vA)r.ian)-Lot ne hear frora you about iil;i»" — -(ho erits, door to roar) (Burliit' tills scene, ^rs. Bethel in tlie room to the ric:lit shor/s all the Gvidonce of an angry excited \7oman; the iJetectlvo ko ps her from leaving the room; the other txTO -woraen, vrhisper together; point to their pictures and to tlio next roo ., as if they were hot; sure tliat the child belonged to Judge Bethel, and they go to oro. Bethel show her the pictures, and motion to tlie next room as if nor/ tlie matter woro settled. V/hen the door closes on Judge Bethel; Elizabeth BroMi graib!S the child; Jerks off the yellow wig; the clilld screams; all three Trouon return to the lioles in the door; Elizabeth tosses the yellov; ijig into the top drav/er of dresser; takes out the red v;ig,; sticks it to the child's head as slio had t]« blond one; tlie eldld squirms about and rosifets; the tlireo v/oraon in the next ro m shov; all evidence of intense and breathless int erect) The Kid:- (vriggling about) "You hurt mo-I*n goinr:; to toll my other daddy xflien he gets here! -the one uith l:air like t'-ose old curlsir'-f jerks an^-rily at the wig) Elizabeth Brovm:-^ (oarne: tly, as she pats the v;ig over his forehe d) "lov; bo a good boy, Bamrale, and your other daddy r;ill bring you something nice — and — and-i;;ive you some nicies JJ" (slie tal|es off his suit, trimmed with blue-puts on another triiamod which she setF frc^ tho dresser, with redR takes the picture of Judge Bethel from off the dressori tosses it in the top dra or ox tlio dresser; takes the one of Dr. Umallv/ood out; jjuts it in the place of tlie one of Bethel- — as she does this tlrs.Sr.iallwood seems to be tlie one in the next room to have the fit-T o Detective gives tlie smelling salts to her; the other 58« 'I'lio l>lackr.iallGr » two women vsliispor together, tlie roar door opens and Dr. Smallwood walks jauntily in* Ho lia;- a bundle in his arms) The Kid:- (rims t hin) "Hollo, Uaddyi — Look what ny other Daddy "bringed nielJ- (ho points to the other presents) — r.liat you got melr'' Elizabeth Brown:- (hurries to the child-puts her iiand over Iiis mouth) ■p. "He calls the bell-hoy 'daddy* too because-beeaaso- he has auburn h-air- — and gives hi;n things to play with." — (s}}.e kicks the things tliat Judge Bethel has brought under the oedj- Dir» Smallwood:- (opens his bundle; the child looking on with great interest; he givec the child sone toys, a lo.iife ojid a lot of marbles. The child seems delighted; Jumps abou the room, tokes tlie knife; holds it toward the doctor) "Hero, Kid, how do you like these?" The Kid:- (holds the knife to the doctor) "Open it; I'm going to cut off this durned old hair.'" - (he starts to jerk at Iiis hair; Elizabeth Brown:- (jumps tov7ard the clilld) "JDon't cut your pretty hair."-(sho tokos hold of him; takes the loaife from Mm; shakos hin a little; looks tliroatoniniyly at him) The Kid:- (howls) "Taint prettyj— — You said tliat this old daddy(points to the doctor-^-had hair like •" Elizabeth Brown: -(catches him, shakes him a bit) "look at these pretty raarble3lJ"-(she shows the cMld the marbles; he takes them; looks at them) 59. Tlie Blaclrraallor . Dr. Smallr/ood;- (drgtly) "Well, lie's franlc, to say the least* V/ell here Ic tliat money."- (ho takes out his piiro ; takes oat a uinaber of Mils; counts then out; hands tliem to her; sho eagerly rrrahs them; loois theiri over; seems very much astonished) Elizabeth Brown:- " ^^-ree' hundroa dollars:::" Dr. !imallT7o od : - ( surli ly ) "Yos, hut I hati a Devil of a time to get iti — I*m glad you have at least decided to leave It's entirely too dangerous for you and tlio child too, to remain here — my rd-fe's moving Heaven and Earth now to find v?here you are and if it v/asn*t that I'm too smart for Iier; she Trould he in this hotel now»" (Mrs. oBallTTOod tries to get through the small hole through v^.ieh siie is looking at them;the Detective holds her quiet; the other tvjo v/oraon catc3i her by the arms also , and implore her to he quiet) Elizabeth BroTm:- (takes the money; puts it in the top drawer. of the bureau; shuts tlio drav/or) "V.hat about my leaving?" Dr • Smallwo o d : - ( ar; t oni shed ) You said ." The Kid:- (shov;ing him the nickles) "Say Daddy, are you going to give :ne any nickles too?— % other ." (Doctor Snallv;ood looks mystified) %i3aboth Erovmi- (catches the boy- muzzles Ms mouth) "Don't you vant to play xrltJi yoirr marbles- — juct look at them." 60. The Blaclo.milor . ITlie Zidx- (crawlc under the had; ce'^s the hJimess-crawl;; out) "lJo~I want tills daddy to he ny doiikey too; like my other dad-" (Elizahoth catches him; niusszlos hira) T>r* Smallwood:- (looks puznlod) "i.ljat the Devil, does he mean?" Ihe Kid:- (squirming oxit of hor aras; runs to the doctor; holds out the harness) "Play donkeyi- — Play DonkeylJ (the doctor lots the child liarness hin up; then rans around the room for the child) Elizaheth Brorai:- (gets vor;,- norvoiis; looks at her r;ateh) "Samrnie, you will have to tell your daddy good-night— You nnist QO tc hGd«"-(KT.e doctor also looks at his uateh) Dr. SmallTvoodi- ( "By G-eorge, it's almost ten o'clock - I must go." (ho kisses the child; the xvoaan hurriedly kisses the doctor; lirs. Snallwood seems to liave a fit In the otlier roora; the other tv.'o v/oiien look at each other and giggle^ tlie Detective chews on his ciggiJi' and holds Hrs. anallwood hack from hrealcinc the door down) — Well, Bessie, I'll tell you good-bye now— Take good care of Saramie*" (he exits rear door; Elizabeth jerks the child; snatches off his red T;7ig;the child howls again; she tosses the wig in the top drawer of the dresser; jorks out tlio black wig; puts it on the head of tlie child; fixes it down as sJie did tlio otJier ones; gets a plain wliite suit from f^G dresFor drr.wer: puts it on the child; taEes the photograph of the doctor, tosses it in the dro.wer; gets the one of the preacher; puts that on the dresser by the one of the child; the rear door opens, and the Ecv. Devine walks in on his tip toes; looking, around as if he was afraid 61, The Blaclfl3!iallur » of Ms Diiadow; lie lias aBible in his hands nd looks very dotyout, TliG women in tlie other room are vory auch esicited- Jilro. Devine weeps, and gasps; the other tvro women Widsper together, otc.) The Kid:- (runs to the preacher; takes hold of his lonr: coat tail) "Daddy, what did you "bring ne?- — My other (Eli;:ahoth stops his mouth, with her hand) J:^eacher jJevine:- (puts his liand in the tail pocket of his lOii^- 00 at; gets out a very siaall apple; hands to the child, who throws it under the hod, aaci turns away in disgust; the preacher speaks ad!?.onishingly ) " on't you like applG0?8 (then 2ie turns to Slisaheth, takes out his purse; hrmde her a rollof hills, she takes then; looks at them; then she gasps out delightedly) Elisaheth Brown: - "You g0t §100.00!" Devine:- (ddjoctedly) "Yog, hut I had to take tiie Heathen money again." (slie puts the roll of hills in her huroau,drav/er; the child stands and looks at the preacher contenplatively) !nhe Kid:- (pulling at tlie proachor's coat again) "Daddy, give ne some Heaven money too. "(the preacher sighs, puts his liands in his pocket; gets a cent; hands to the child ) Devlme : - "Hero is a nice penny for you- you can put it In tVe Sun- day sclicol. — (Mrs. Deviiie wo:ps in tiie next room; the other women look at their pictures and whirjper together; preacher speaks despond- 6£. Bhe Blaclaaailer * ontly to tlie v/oraanj-Llzsie, this is a terrilsle situation for me; If tJie Bishop learns of it ho wDuld suroly have ne up heforo the Church 1 an tnily thanfcful that-^. The Kid:- (liolds out his penny) "I don't want one cent raoney-I v.ant er niekle* Give this to the heyensi" — All my other dad •" Elizabeth Brovzn:- (looks desperate, pits lier hand over his raouth) t Don't he look like ycu'r" (The Kid ho-\7ls; his mouth open;Jt'reaeher looks at hia in fear and astonishment. Elisabeth picks the child up; puts him on the preacher's lap; the kid claws at his face ) Devine:- (shakos the kid) "Vi/iiy, you are a very had hoyiJJ — " The Kid:* (s uirms av;ay; jumps from the proaclier's lap) "And, you arc th.o haddect daddy I've notJ — Mam oays- (dGfiantly)-you*re-you»re a sanctum old hypopoti" Blizabet Brovm:- "\Vhy, Davie, you laust'nt be so badi" The Kid:- (points At the preacher) "He's bad-I'm £;oinf; to tell ray cow-boy dad on himi" Devin©:- (astonislied) tJ ow-boy dadi" Elizabeth liromi:- (nervously) "He calls the not el clerk that." (slio looks at 3ior watch) My, its ten fortyi I've got to put Uavio to bod." Devine:- ^Ten Forty? — " 65. The Bl acknialler . (lio jiijai^ up; gralts Ms liat) 1 must go J Jfrayer me ting liafs boon over an hourl" ElizaTaetli Bromi:- (goec uv to liiit ;puts hor axras arotmd his neelt, kissoB hin) Devine:- (rolls up his oyesr-plants a piour> Ms on lior forehend) "Good night, CrOd hloaa you," (exitcj The Kid:- (as preacher goes out tho door enlls oxitj "Good-hye, old iiypor' (Elizabeth Betowu dances the Highland flin^^; ^rahs the kid; ^erks off wig; rushes to dresser, hides the picture of 'he preacher and wig in the dresser dra\ er» ivMle this scene is going on, Lirs. Devine throvrs her arms to Heaven;' fa,ints in tlie Dotective'^s arras, v;iio applies tlie sraelling salts, i'he otlier t\70 women loolr at oach other; look tlirough the holes in the door; jumps up and dOTm, sJiow surprise mingled v;ith delight tMt the Preacher Ir caught also. Elizabeth Brovna begins to pro aro th.o kid for bed and straightens up hor room) Pat Gully:- (oarnectly) "Uow, ladies, you've seen wMt you've seon~keep quiet for a fetr minutes, and I'll bring this to a focus. (The three vronon look broathJLesrly at him; Pat Gully goes to the phone, rii^gs) Centra]., give me Llain 84S2 -Hello, is that Judge Bethel? This is Mr. Husk- Come quick to the yt. Josepli's Hotel-Koora £1, iirs. Betliel has been terribly injured- — Come quick, (he puts up the receiver a momeiit; tnkes dovm again) Central, give me cliff 6702, Tliat Dr. Snallwood? — This Ic ;ur. Knight — ars. Sraallwood is hurt badly — Yes — very bad — at room £1, ot. Josephs Hotel Hurryi (hangs up rec<^lvor; grins; tnkes dorai receiver) Tliis Central — Give me cliff 1S46. i 64, glie Blacfcmallor * Is that Mr. Oevlaet This is iJrother snith yistor J^vine hae. liad a heart attack-fell Oii the street-at ^t. Josopii's Hotel, Yes — Room 21 irr. liusk is Tvith hor Yec Yec — cone quickl (ho hangs up receivor; takoci out a eigar; puts in his nouth unliglited; turns facing tho vvoinon, who stand gasin^*; at hira in uttor vrondemont, speafcs calnly) IJow, ladios, keep your heads cool," (a knock at Elizabeth Brown's door; the tliree women and the JJetoctive run and glue their cyos to tlio holos in tho door) Elischeth Brown:- (open;^ tlie door; Bill M li-mnus stops In; she looks astonished and surprised) "W]3y, Mr. LJc-i^iannus , where did you come from? — I am so glad to see youj" (they shake hands; th kid runs to him) The Kid:- "lily Daddyl-zly .l)addyJ"fho takes the kid in his arms;hiifes liim; kisses hira) IScMannus : - "ly Boy— DadcUe's BoyJ — My, hasn't he srov7nt"(turr!iD to Blizaheth Brown) -T/asn't you looking for mo? 1 told you I'd conei" (while this is going on in room 23; the three hushands - Bethel, Smallvrood, and .Devine one after tho otlier-rush into itoom 21, greatly excited. I'he three women leave the door between tho rooms; rush to^rardc thoir rospectivo husbands) Mrs. Bmallwood:- (grabs Dr. oinallwood by the ear) "You vrretchj — (leads him to the door between rooms; jabs his face to one of tho }iOles; stands behind him; one hand on each ear)- — LoofciiJ there's your Beseic txnd. Little oamraielli'* Mrs. Bethel:- 65. She BlacIniiE-iler » "You YillianJ" (GTabs Judf;e Bethel by the oar; leads Mm to the door; puehoc "liis face to one of the iioles) — -seoJiJ — 'there's yoiir Bettio and Littlo Bemilei" Mrs . Pev ino : - ( V/e ep iiigly ) "Yoii eld h-ypocritej (grahs Devino "by the whiskers; leads him to the donr; jtihs hlo faco to one of the holes) Lock in there J There's your darling Lizzie, and jcoiir little DavieJI" (while the three vronaen are holding their husband's e;;oc to the hol^s in tl:e door; p-iindlng then on the hack; shaking them; Gully is walking around the room- a cig-ar in hie mouth; a smile on his face; adjusting the pair of haud-euffs) McJJannus:- (holding the kid in his lap; takes a toy from his pocket; hands to the kid; "boimces him up and dovTn on his loieej child siiows delight) The Kid:- "Daddy, I Imto all my other daddies J" McMo^jinus:- "l^Tmt other daddies, son? Elizabeth Brotmi- (stands back of Mcilaiinus* cliair; shows great agitation) "Ho colic; the bell boy, '.he hotel clerk and the porter, "Hadfly: — Don't you Billy?" (she node for him to anr.;\ror i/ec) Tlie Kid:- (looks eaime tly into lIcMaimus » c faco) "lUhat's a lie, Daadyi—Thore ^vua tiireo old daddies here tonight, old red hc-dod daddy, old yollow headed daddy, aixl that old black Iieaded h.Trpopot daddy, that don't give me nothing: but red apples •" 66. 'riie Blacljaaller . Mcliannuc:- (v;lieels in Mc e::alr) "Miss BroTm, vrlmt does thic moan?" (At that point i'at ^naiy pushes the men and vonen from the do or; inserts t'le key; jerks the door open) Pat Gully :- "I ?d.ll answer timt, Mr. HcMannus, This woman is a hiackmaileri EaL been using your child to eari^' out her hellish purposes J" McMannus;- ( jiimps up excitedly; puts his hand on his gun in his hip pocket) "Wliat in the Hell do you noani— vho in the Devil are you?" Pat Gully :- "Keep quiet, Mx» ^Llannus, I am Pat Chilly, the detective; you sliall Iiave a full o^lanation." McMannus:- "Expiaiu yourself, damn quickiJ" (ho trcratles with rage; his eyes flash vcngonce. V?Mlo tliis co vorsation is goinp on, the uhroe v;ives, with the tiiroo husbands, have crowded into the room, the men r/ith a hang-dog look on tlieir faces, and in their manner; while the three women gatlier around Elizabeth IJroTai, like a hunch of laad hens^ Siie 'hacks off into the comer greatly ggtMVayfa frightened) Pat Gully:- (pointing his finger at Siizateth Brown) "This woman is an adventurGS{i--'you believed her a ;:^ood woaian--you gave lior the care of your child— slie lias deceived you-- she ]xas clalT^ed tlae child qm her o?m-made these tlireo gentlemen believe they were it's daddy-has been OKtortinf money from them for years-has taught the child to call her "Itow" and those tliroe non 67. The -^laclaiialler * "daddy"- (hero lio opens the drawer of the dresser; takes ott the throe wigsj holds then up) with tliese she has "been ahle to co/ivince each of these gentlemen that he was It's daddy, (ho turns to the tlrreo raen)— Gentlemen , Is not this true?" (they all maJfee a deep, and solemn sala:?jn) I'he Kid:- "Yes, Daddy^ all throe oi' tliem T7ere here tonight, aiid I had to T/oar tliom old \7igs-I liate emi-" MeMannus:- (turns savagely to JSlizahetli Brovm) "Is this true?" (Elizaljoth Brown, crouches guiltily in the corner) MeMannus : - "Daian youj- ton don't deny it i- (takes his child in his arms; hugs him to his "breast)- Uy poor ■t)oyJ- (holding; the cliild in his left arm; ho points at Slisahoth Brown with his right^- Would to Ood that you were a mani- Your life would pay for tliisi— I trusted you witji Loy dead -ivlfe's childl-^aid you well to care for him, and this is what I get4 '' (exits with child in his arms) Mr:.;. Sraallwood:- " And yoii got threo hundred dollars out of ny hus"band to- night J- Hand that overi"-(she holds out her Ijand) Mrs. Sethel:- "You got fiv e hundred out of mino-I saw him pay it to youi " Mrs. Devine:- "Ajid a whole hundred - (in ar/ed and iiorrified tones) -out of mine," 68, i:*.:.!; ^nilly:- (takes t'lo hand-cuff.'' from liio pocket; advancoo to ElizalDeth Brown) ♦■'Miss j^rcv/n, I'm sorry, hvA I v/ill licve to ack you to - ■ v tlist; 3 brae clots (he liand-cuff ts iior)- Hoy; v/liore is tlL?.! money?' rJXi a:i)on?ii Bro\7:'i:- (sulleuly points to the dresaer drawer) "In that drawer. " Pat Gully:- (goetj to drawer, takes out tlireo rolls of money; hands roll to each lady) "i*adies, here's li-it money for sorao tlLie t<) come. Tue riddle is solved. For the real dad of Billie enms o.it of tlio west. Made the hogus dads seo oh.eir ovm. v.lves ere the hest. And tlmt Bessie, and i^ottie, o-iid Lisale so fair, uB.0 most wicked \7Dman that liod about h:-ir»" iirs. ::maillwood:- (takes Dr. amallwood "by idoE his ear) "But you tiiought he was yours i" Mrs. Bethel:- (takes Judgo Bethel "by his ear) "You LolievGd ho ".:as yours." Mrc. Levine:- (takes .uevino ty his •Brlilskors} "And you knew ho v. as yours." (Detective in cliarge of Elizabeth Bro\7n follows) Curtai-n. BUD. •J LBAp3C