IN Finn f*^'"'- l"»it»lojraeH Hcnt fr^««. Apj I''*y. DlaloRO" A ^lUMVJ Bo*)k, Speakfi-, (Juiile Book, Wicru Rnrl Beards— in , jou waul will be seut by AMES' PUB. CO., Clyde, Ohio. ^ AMES' SERIES OF STANDARD AND MINOR DRAMA. P S fe35 No. 479. Z9Y74 „_. Backtown Spirits. FAEOE. WITH OAST OP CHARACTERS, ENTRANCES AND EXITS, RELATIVE POSITION8 OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS ; CARE- FULLY MARKED FROM THE MOST AP- PROVED ACTING COPY. Thi.s Book will not l)o exchanged. TRUE 15 CEISTS. CLYDE. OHIO. AMES' PUBLISHING CO. n K Class PS b ?? 5" . Book .7 3Y74 CoppghtN" COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. \^ (p ( "^ Baektown Spirits; 6>/ OR- Two Under the Table. IN ONE ACT. — I'.Y — 0. E. Young. 'lO WHICH IS ADDKI) A OKSr'KIP'rioN OKTH K COS'IHIM KS-OAST OF THE T'TT ARAO- 'rKi:s KN'n{AN<;ios and ioxits-ri<:lamm\ k I'osmoxs OF THK iM':ui'()UMi':us on: tuf t^TAiJio. and TdE WHOI.K OF THF ST AH 10 lUISlNFSci, -X Enfpi-Hc^ ivofordinor to act of (■<)iiore«js in the y^ar 1909 by ill tlie office ui' ihe Lil)rari:ni of Ooiiiiress at VVa:sliiiigLoii, AMES' IM'HMSHING 00. {.\\i\L. OHIO: BA CKI X) I ( .V SPIR ITS. <0^ s/ ^ ^ CAST OF CHA RACTKRS. y]J\ ^ Johnnie Mugbi, ; . .4 welUo-do jarmer of Bdrkioivn, JlMMlK JUMPEE, I If / • / 8am Soijd, ) ^^^''^^-'/^ '^' ^^■"'^^^'■'^■• MADiiE 31lGBY, Johnnie Mniibifs da iiy liter. TIME. Kvenincj oi Ike jjresmf day. TIME OF FLAYING— 1 hour PROPERTIES. Tab]e and two clfiirs; flat-iron and clotlies to iioii for MaLige; new s[)hj)!'!". {jeiicil and paper for Jounuic, [jencil and i)aper for Sam. COSTUMES. Johnnie. — Slio.uld be tall and slender, appears quite deat; weai's fanner cosinnie, low trodden-oyer ^boe.s, reil woolen so(^ks and lin^e black felt^ luit — uses .■• pectaeles wliHii reading- ov writ ing - sliaggy gray wig and wluskers. JlMMiE. hlioidd be smali, quick sj)oken and active, wears a neat suit and a small nnistacln^. ISAM. — Should be lar<;e, slt)w-^poken, clumsy and red faced wears a blond n\ ig, swallow tailed coni. iiat and an immense standing collai- witli a ilandng i-ed scajd* tied in a huge bow. Madge. -A neat print di'ess and apron, with sleeves rolled up to elbows. STA G/i' niUhU'TlON'S. B., means Right: l., Lt'li : n. ii.? liiuht Hand : l. h.. Tielt Hand; cCeultH-: s. E., (2d ifi. ) SccrMul jlv.it r:iiiro : r. k... Upp.M- lOiil raiice; M. D., Middle Door; f.. tlu'.l;>rr; i>. f., Door in Flat; k. c, Ili.^lit of Center; l. c, Left of Center. K. R. C. C. L. C. L. ^j% The reader is supposed to be upon tlie slaur fai-iny the audience. ©C(.D 17417 TMP92-007604 BacktovT^n Spirits. SCENE. — Mugby's kUchen, b. nnd l. e., wwdow in flai — Madcie (hsc(>ver<'(l, as rin-/ain rises, a! Uible, L. c, tro/i/////y Johnnie seated u. of table reading newspaper; chair n. — Madgi<; appeal's uneasy and frequently looks anj ionsly off n., andfinall/j speaks in ordinary tone. Madge, (aside) Oh deaj-, wliy won't daddy go out soiiiewlieres! Of courst^ lie'd have to stay at home to- night, of all nights, just because Jiuiiuie Jumper is com- ing to see me. L doiTt think he likes Jiunuie \ery well — 1 don't care. 1 do, ill marry Jimmie Jumper in spite ot datidy and everylxuly else, or my n/ime isn't Madge Mugoy. {irons spitefntly Jij/uinie. (reads alond) Jane Doodle and Hi Skinner is married. Al((d(;e. (toud) Yes, daddy! (in ordinary ion c ) There! if that isn't aggravatin*! How am I ever to git a husband if hi s goiu' to stay to home and watch the court in' ev'ry time I have a beau? (hangs flat-iror Joliini ie. ( toolcs np inqniringly ) Hey ? Madfie. (lond) Nothin', daddy. 1 was jest sayiu' I was sick of seein' 'eni lallygaggin' 'round everywhere. ( JoHNNiR resnmes reading, Madge continues spcal:ing in toiler tone) I'd like to know why 1 can't git mariied jest as well as Jane Doodle. I'm two months older'n she is — - and lot's better lookin'. (fosse-- head and, irons spitefnlly Johnnie, { ret ids atond) 'Mandy Johnson's havin' a pretty hard time, L reckon, the paper says she's got the shingles. Madge, (spitefnjly ) Hope she gits ihe clapboards too! She's tryin' to ketch my -Jimmie. (innis Johnnie, (looks around) Hey? 4 BA CK TO WX SPIRITS, Mddge. {loud ) I said it's too bail — {in ordin'nnj fn Johnnir. Sartiu! Yoa allers did have a tender iieart, Madge, {redds) The paper says they've got most 'round her. Mad(/e. Lordy! there must be more'n a yard of 'em {spitefidlf/) She's got a waist like a pork barrel. Johnnie, {reads) "I'hey had a big pound party over to widder Jones's night at'ore last; ev rybody got out." Mddye. {(ingry) And Mndg^^ Magl)y can't hav' even one i)eaii, jest 'clause her own d iddy won't git out. Oh, I think it's jest mean! {slams ji(d -iron do'Cii Johnnie. {Icoks around i'lqniringltj) Ye act kind o' cross, Madge; what's the matter? Has yer bile l)iled over? M(id(/e. {loud) Say, daddy, wiiy don't ye go over to Snodgrass' this ev'uin'? I lieard the deacon hail tapped a new barrel o' cider this week, and ev'rybody says it's jest prime. Johnnie, {shakes head) No, I don't want no cider t r- night. {confideniidlly) Say, Madge, I got somthin" pretty impnrtant ter say to you. Madge, {eagerly, loud) Ye don't say so! What is it, daddy ? John inc. {lowers voice, wafcJicH her) Look o' here, Madge, did ye ever stop to think you're old enougii to git married? Madge, {slo/rts violently and drops fl(d-iron) Massy sak's! {picks up iron, aside) Can he 1>e goin' to let me marry Jimmie after all? Johnnie, {watches her) Well, what say, Madge? Did ye? Madge, {hashfidly, looks down and plays loith apron) Well — yes, daddy — a little — once in a great while. John lie. { puts h(uid to ear) Hey? Madge, {louder) Yes, daddy defir; be you willin'? Johnnie, {nyith eulhusia^m) Willin'? Course 1 am! I'm as anxious 'bout it as you be. Madge, {enthusiast icaily) Oh, you darlin' old daddy! I really must kiss you for sayin' that! Madge flings arms around, Johnnie's neck and gives him a resounding smack. Johnnie. There, there! child, don't smack so hard or BACKTO \VN SPIR ITS. 5 else try an' hit me so lue where else. Ye'll bust my rooter Hu" knock the filliiT all out of your teerh it' ye don't look out. ( /er s nose M(nl(l(\ {claxfnng /uukIs, loud) I couldn't help it, daildv, I'm so ha[)i)y! Johnnie. Theu it's all right? Ye really will marry him? Mudgr. {loud) Of course I will, and glad of tlie chance, but— but I alwa\s thought you was agin him. Johnnie. Agin him? Not much I but I alh^rs thought you was. Madge, {shakes head) No — {aside} only my mouth once in a while. Johnnie. (wUh saiisf(irNon) I'm glad it's all light, 'cause Sam an' 1 was talkin' 'bout it this very mornin'. He thought — Madge. { interrup/s ) Sam ? Madge clasps hands and stares at him in astonish incnl, month half open. Johmtie. Sartin, Sam Solid, ye know, he's well otf an' will make ye a tarnation good husband, even if he is a leetle slow tei- speak an' act. Madge. {lonAl tnd hesitatingty) But — but 1 thought you meant Jinjjnie Jumper. Jotinnie. dim Jumper? Not much! {('.i'aspern, may be tei-iiight — so L reck'f)ii I will 540 over to the Deacon's an' give Jiiut a leetle cliauce to court ye, if he does come, [rises) Ni>w remembei- wiiat L said "bout haviu" Jim Jumper hangin' 'round, (cfeln h(it (did (/ors io n. E. ) Hope that cider is as good as Mjidge beared it w as! {exit K. E. Mibdije. { solus) Now what am I goiu' to do? 1 never will Jiiaiiy anybody but Jimniie— and bere I've promised to have Sam. t won't go back on my w<>rd at any rate, not yet — but somethin's goiiT to be done 'boat it later, and Sam Solid liad l>etter KK)k out. Ive got liaddy off before Jimmie came, anyway, that's one gootl job done. (irons, ivrap heard id R. E. — Madge (joes to R. E. qniclcly Enter Jimmie Jumper, it. e. Jimnde, Good evenin', Matlgi(- d«'ar. M(id(je. Clood eveni n", Jini]uie; lak<^ <>tT your overcont and sit down, {fakes his coal und lial ond }nds them (two if) Oh, Jimmie, I'm so glad to see you. I've been liavin' sech a time with datldy. Jiniuiie. \(n\ poor little gal, you! {puis arm around Madge and 1,-isses her) What's the matter with your father now? Madc/e. (>•/'/////) lit' he says I must many Sam Solid —anil — ^and I don't want to, Jimioie. ( hides face (ni his shoulder Jimmie. Marry Sam Solid? That old slow-poke? {excited) Weil, I i-athcr guess not mncii — not while there's any jump le^t in Jim Jum})er! You re goin' to marry me, Mad-e. Madge, {bashfidlij) II hope so, Jimmie -(/oo/v8 u/>) i)ut but you see, 1 ])!'omised daddy I'd hav*' Sam. Jinnnie. (offended, pnsfies her airay ) Oh, all right — if you want to marry a feller so slow he has to take an X-rav apparattus to find out wliether his blood is really circulatii),' I don't care. Jim Jumper ain't built that way. {toohs around) Where's my liat? Madge. Oli Jimnjie. as it' I wanted any old Sam Solid when — when you are all the l)oy in the world i keer for! And iu)w when I'm in troubh', and feel as if I didn't have a friend in the world, you -you want to know w h«^i-(' your hal is. {puts handkerchiej to etjes BA CKTO WN SPIE I TS. 7 Jiwmie. ((/ops to Madgk qinckly, laLcf^ doiru tier hands and ki:ises her forehead ) You leetle (iarlin'! if you want me yon shall have me. au' if you don't waot Sam Solid, yon shan't have hina. I'm yours forever, soul an* body, heart an' gizzard, boots, brains an' stummick. Hurray! {hugs her Madge, {looks up at him) Of course I don't want him but I don't see how I'm goin' to keep from takiu' him after 1 said I would; do you, Jimmie? Jinnnie. Do I? {exciied, rushes around stage) Of course I do! I'll go and kill him; that'll put a stop to it. (looks aronnd) Where's my hat? Madge, (lays hand on his arm) There, there! Jimmie, don't j^et excited. I begin to see what we must do. Jimmie. Do you? L don't— without you let me shut his win i oif. I can't see a blessed thing but just you, Madge. {puts arm around her and offers to kiss he)- Madge, {pushes his face auay) ]No, no, not yet. Jimmie, you jest kissed me once. Jimmie. {eagerly) I don't care if I did. Give me one more, darlin' — jest one —to keep tlio other one from beiu' lonesome. Madge, (pushes his face agaiu) No, sir! not now, I ain't a kissin -niHchine. Jimmie. But why not? I want to see if they all taste as good as that one did. Madge. Nonsense, Jimmie; behave yourself. This is a serious matter and we must d scuss it seriously. Jimmie. All right, darlin', jest as you say. I'll cuss it seriously if you want me to, if I die a-tryin'. {pulls chin doum urilh le.fl hand and assumes preleruatu rally solemn air) How's this for a {)hiz? Don't 1 look like the head mourner to a monkey funeral? Madge, {laughs in spile of herself) Shut up! you ailly boy. {boxes his ear lightly, he jumps aud clasps haud to ear) Didn't I tell yon I had made mv ])lans? Jimmie. No, did you? Sit down a minute and tell me over again, {sits R. of table, Madge l. ) What are your plans? Mffdge. First of all, you mustn't quarrel with Sam Solid. Jimmie. Nope not if you say not. He's too bii; ter quarrel with atiy-wny "thuut 1 have a shot-gun. But say I ^ BACKTO WN SPIRI TS, 'st)ose he's bound ter quarrel with me? Madge. Oh, in that case yfxi must get away from him. Jittimir. AW right, h)Tey, I'll try — but it's a [)ooty tough proposition. I liate to spend so much time squintin' by rHiice-f)osts to find out vvliich way I must go to get away from liiin. Mdihje. And you nnistn't quarrel w4th dadd}^ either- even if he don't like you or treat you very well. Jhnmie. Nope, J li liMve another reason for gettin' out o' old Johnnie's way, 'sides your tell in" me to. M'ldf/e. What is it, JiniinieV Jimrnie. 1 migld get liuit if \. didn't. Your pa's feet ttin't built much like your dainty little ones, pussie. ( leans arcmnd edge of hdtle to see her shors Madge, [smiles) Behave yours^df, vou silly l>oy! (cuff's hint verfj soffljj) A nil you mustn't come to see nie any ruore at present, either. Jintmie. Gee whiz! JiMMiE draws back and stares at her in open-}nontlred astonish ment. Madge. It's true, you mustn't. Jimmie. What shall I do when I feel as if I must hug suthin or bust? Madge. Oh, you naughty Jimmie! When youfeel like that youM better go out to the barn and hug a bag o" bran. Jimmie. isholxes head) Don't want to. [\[ think I was enibracin' 'Mandy Johnson. Madge, {angri/, starts up) How do you know? Did you ever try it, sir? Jimmie. ( ri. tirr, fries to stiff onii (iroiimt tier) But Madge, darliir. I - Madge, {juis/ies /tint se i'd keer auy thing 'hout lier wiieii you was fouud? Mndf/r. Th— that's jest it; I — I'ui 'afraid youM care for her when 1 wasu'r around. {ss Jinnnie. Can you see any reasou why 1 sh(»idd want to swap you for her? Madge, {sobs, face Iiiddeu) Ye — yes, sir; I can. Jiiiintie. Why? Mad(/e. Oh, because — because there's so much more of her. Jiinniie. {in disgust) Oh fudge! I'heie's more o' Sam JSolid thau there is o' me, but you say y«)uM rather- have me.. xV buzzard is bigger'n a partridge, but give me the partridge, any time — 's{)ecially secli a plump little partridge as you be. We've got enough to thiuk on in this scjape, 'tliout Hghriii'. C/(une. Madgie, let's iriake it all up. {('oaxiiigfy, Iciieeis on one k'nee and fitits arm around Iwr) Forgive me, won't von, deai ? Madge, Jinimie. Won't you ever quarrel with me again (steals took at fiitn, then Jiides f.iee agaen Never! so lielp me David Kazoi I {holds np left hand Madge. Nor witii (laddy? Jimmie. No, 1 won't — honest injuu! Madge. Nor with Sam Holid? Jimmie. (hesitates) No -o-nol if L can lielp it. Madge. You must lielp it -aiul I'll tell you how. Jimmie. How, sweetheart? Its goin' to l>e niiglity hard to keep from quarrelin' with that lummox, if I hapjien to get in sight o* him- -an' lie's big enough to see with the naked eye. Madge. Just this way: If you ever see Sani a-con«in' — or daddy either — you must get out o' sight soujewhetes. (io and hide if you can't keep from quarrelin' with 'em anv other way. Jimmie. (resolnfeli/) I'll do it, if you w(Ui't be mad with me any more— even if it does make me look find act 10 BA CKTO WN SPIRITS. like a fool. Evry time 1 see either ot: 'em comin', I'll ran Tip stairs and hide under marm's bed. Madije. [smiles a hi in) That's the way to do it. Jimmie. All rii^lit, then -but how's that goin' to help us to get married? Madge. Oh, I hav«^u't gtt astVir as that yet We must tind some way to get daddy down on Sam, so he'll let me take hack my promise 'bout Mr. Solid. Trust me to hnd some way. Jiwmie. 'Iheii Til do it, Madgie; I'll do jest as ye tell me in ev'rythiug. Say, h)vey, (co(u:inglij) liow 'bout that air kiss now? Madge, {coquettishlij) Will just one do? .1 imnue. {rriefidhj) U its all I can liave, t s'pose it'll have to — leastways for a minute or to. JL4urry up, Madgie, put it right on where it b' longs. Madge, [pouls coqneHish/t/ and lo(>k.> don-n) if you knew half as niuclias Sam So. id, you wouldiri staid there all night, coaxin' me foi- a kiss. Jimmie. {ink emphasis, fion risking lefi fisi ) Darn Sam Solid! What would iie do? Madge, {soflh}) He — he'd just up and take it. Jimmie. Drat W\\n\ He'd jest better hailn't. I can do bnsiness enough in that line f«>r both of us. Poke up your l)ill. birdie, I'm comin". Jimmie sloops orer Madgi^ -fearful coughing and slam/p- ing <>J fei I heard off K. — Madge breaks aicay and darts L. Madge. We're umhme! Jimmie. That s so and nobody to do us up ag'in. Plague take it! Why don't folks know when they ain't jjeecled? Who is it, M?ulgie? Madge. ( kesilafingly ) i — 1 don't know, unless — uidess it's Sam Solid. Jimmie. {angrif) Daru his pictur! What ye havin' him come to see y()u for? Madge. I never- asked him to come, Jimmie; it w;is daddy, i doiTt want him. .fimniie. J'hen it'll l)e me that asks him to go ag'in — an' if he don't go, it'll be me that's roostin' on his w ish- bone, to. [l/oes B., flourishes Jisis Madge, (rushes quickly forward and seizes lum by I he arm ) Oh .limnjie, you mustn't do that. You'll ruin evfiy- BA CKTO WN SPIE ITS. It thing. Ton promisesii nie y^>^i wonici hiile away from Sain rather than quarrel with him, atid now's the time to kee*.* your word, (coiic/hiiig and stamping of feci renewed ont- aide) Quick! he's coming. Jiinniie. All right, I" 11 do it - hut where can I hide? Behind the clock or in the stove-oven? {ho/h run (Hxml atage in great cjcifement, stamping of fccf rrnenie(t) I reckon I'll haA^e to make the table do, so here g«)esl JlMMiE dives under table from B.., Madge snatc/ies fl(d-iron and irons Juj'io.isly. Enter Sam Solid, k. e. Sam. (appy'oarJies slowly and awkicardly, lad in hand) Good even in", Miss Mugby; L thought 1 wouhl c<»rne ovei* te \v - t e w — te w — ( h es it a fes Madge, {pertly) I didn't know yt)U stuttered, Mr. Solid. Sam. I don't. I jest come over 'cause 1 wanttd tew — tew - {stops Madge. Two what, Mr. Solid? Sant. No, not tew what. Tew a.sk you tew — tew — tew — Madge, {infrrrni)!.^) If you're goin' to he "tewin" 'round all night, ye [getter sit dow n. Theres a cheer ovei' there. ( ixnuls to chair i,. Sam. Thanky; I reckon I l)etter sot tlown right here, Miss Mugby, so's tew — tew — - Sam places hat carefnJly on floor and sits R of lable while talking JiMMlE peeps at him from n' dcr lable, places hand on stomach and makes face as if sick. Madge. All right, suit yourself, Mr. Solid. {irons Sam. 'Ijiaidvy, my dear. («llMM[E sha\rs fist at him from nndcr t^tblr) Ye see, Miss Madge, L jest come over so as tew- as tew — {stops and mops face with bandana handkerchief Madge. How come ye in sech a stew, Mr. Solid? Sam. i — 1 dunno, Miss Madge. JiMMlK cle. Madge, (hastily) Never luiiul daddy, Mr. Solid, he'll he in i)ooty soon. Make yourselt* right ter home till he gits bnck. 8((ni. Thanky, Miss Mugby; 1 suttinly will, [di'ops liearily into chair) Oh, lordy inighty! Sam spreads fingers to their vlmost and stares at Madge fi(H-ror-stricI\'en, month open and eyes bnlging. Mbtinn* must Iimvh shtick t endways. Sam. {wiih griert'd air) Why, Miss Mn^hy, 'twas imh that sti'iick it that way, 1 sot ontew it. Jimmie. [aside, f^vntU-hes his head vyoroiislt/ (tiid peeps af Sam) IMI bat he killed some of 'em! Mad ye. {surprised) Sot ontew it? What foi-? Sam, [rueiiiUy) That's j(^st what I want ter know. (looks at hat) Couldn't lia' been i^v make it look [)ooty, iH>w could it? Jimmie. (aside) Looked as pooty as when ye wore it wdjere ye generally dew, Madge. Wiiat made ye |)ut it in yei* cheer? Sam. Didn't know T did, thonght I |)ut it on tfie floor. 'I'liere must be spirits 'round her*^. ( looks arounil tri/dly Jiiumie. (asidr, peeping) Tlien iifive us a snitter, ye stingy old soap-barrel! Madge. Spirits? Nonsense! I don't believe ni 'em. You must have put the hat on your cliair and then forgot it. Sam. {puis h(d on floor agavn) Then i kuow wliat it was made me, Miss Mngby.' Sam rises and leans pituderovslfj over the table toicards Mabg^, planting one foot sqnavelij on >}imuie'^ fingers as fie is f^lyly trying to get 2^ossess on of file hat ogain. — lie mattes hideons faees ami vainly tries to drair his hand away. Madge. (hastilyY There, there! Mr. Solid, sit down, you make me nervous, leaiiin' on my ironin'-table like that. Sam. All right, Miss Mugby, anything tew obleege a lady, (sits down and releases Jimmie's fingers, wlio first claps them into tiis moidh, tlien sfiakes tJiem and. matves another face) Sfiy\—( stutlering) d-d-do ye know what it was that sorter—sorter mixed me up, my d~dear? Sam puts arm on table and stares at her witli hole of mingled terror and stupid admiration. Jimmie. (aside, angry) Gosh darn his pictur! {starts to crawl out tonard Madge, aside) I say, Matige, I can't stand ev'rything, more'n a woman. I'll — MAdge wildly lluealens him witli flat-iron and he dratrs back. U BA CKTO H W SFl R ITS. M<((Jge. [aside to ilWKY?.) For lieaveii s sjike, keep back: [to Sam) VVbat— wlml (itd yon say, Mr. Holitl? S r)ti. {(leapevately) I — I said you was my d— tl— dear! Oh lor! {chfps hrnid over his oini inoiiih in terror Jitnmie. (aiigrili/, starling lo craict out again — aside) AJtove I'll let auy mascaliiie binich o' soapfat call my gal his dear — oh lor', I'll — M((dge. ( iiiterrirpts, aside to Jimmie) No, no, get l>Hck, qirick! (kicks at him icildly Jitnmie. O — ooch! (hastily draivs hack and pokes his head out front, holduig on to nose, aside) Don't like pokin' my nose in other folks' business— 'speshily the shew -business. Madge, (to Sam) Don't call me that ag'in, Mr. Solid. Sa.m. All right, I won't, I'll caM ye — {scrtricken with moutli ludfopen. Jimmie. Leetle artichokes an' mighty puukins! I'll mash that feller's head if it takes ev'ry jiose I've got in the world! Jimmie .v/ar/s (mce more to crawl out and Sam sees his h'-ad above table-top, nnth tlie table-cover over it. S(fm. (ttirows uf* hands witJi fingeis spread wide in fear) Massyfnl Moses! tliere be spirits here, there comes (Hie of 'em. Madge, (in, conslernation) Yes, yes, it's a spirit — but 1 can driv<> it off. [pnts iron on Jimmtk's tieaeMU hnds hisseU' the wust cou- ilensed Solitl there ever was yet. (subsides, grumljling Sam. (sta/ring) H-has it gone? Madge, (hastily) Yes, the spirit has gone. I've drovv-^ it off. Sa.m. { caulionsly) AVon't it couie bac^k ag'in? Madge. Not if you wftn't call me any more pet names. That's what makes it mad. If you make love to me any BACKTO WN S/'IJ^ I TS. r.> more, it will coiu« back to stay, and I won't 1)p MiisweinUlt* for the consequences, so be caielul. Jimmic. { aside, grunibliu(/) Tliat's right, by jiiuiny! S(im. If it don't hear me make love tew ye, yt)irre sure it won't come back? Md'igf. No, no, of course not! S to now? Sam. (enthusiastically) Hooray! I've got it! Sam leans over table and ivrites very slowly, screwing up his ,ace and chewing out the letters one at a ttme. Madge, (quickly) Got what, Mr. Solid? Or -up? Sani. No, no, Miss Mugby; wusser than that. It's poetiy. (nrites lalxn-.oushi Madge. Oh my! (tickled) I never knowed you was 16 BA CKTO WX SPl R 1 TS. H po^^ter. Who is it to? Me? J.nmiie. {aside, peeping ) The lunkhead is writin' — • Hii' lie says it's {)oetry! It must be pooty paiiitiil business. He lo(»k« like he was chawiii' shew-iuaker's wax. {siibsidei^ S((m. Sar tin it's ter you. There! You've «;()t my idees all saitMiuibol)uhited. Let's see, what was it I was goiii' lee say iiextV {bite's pencil and s1w. {ivrites, same business as bejore Jinnnie. (aside, peeping) Grosh! 1 should thiidc so! He acts as if he was makin' a sweet mess of it. yfadije. Oh, hurry up! i. can't wait till L see it 'cause I allers did love sweet poetry. Sa\n. Don't be so umpalient, Miss Mugby. Ain't I hurry in' jest as fast as 1 can? ( ir riles laborii/nsly Jimniir. {asi'lf, watchiny) Sartin! Jest watch that pencil go. Must be 'lectricity in it. Mur'n teched 'em off. 1 feel now as if the whole Nine Mousers was trav'lin' round and round on the top o" my ilicky an' breatliin' sweet nothing in my ears as they go by. ( n'vites Jimmie. (aside, scoynfulltf) Yes — and ye look as if the breath of evry on© o' them Nine Mousers must smeb like a glue-fact'ry. Madge, (eagerltj) Ain't ye got it 'most done? S((nL Yes — jest a minute now. M — y d— e— a— r— (ivrih'S Jimmie. (angrili/, aside) Here! Ye shan't write no sech stuff ter my gal. 'thout 1 have a hand in it. Hurry up, old boss! if-eizes table-leg and shakes it violcnllt/ Sam. {straightemng up) Hold on, Miss Mugby. don't joggle this table so. That last g of mine's got a tail to it more'n four inches long. Madge, nh, i never! You must have dreamed I jog- o|h(1. Never mind; finish ray poem, quick! Sam. Wall, i will— only sech disturbances git me ail BA CKTO \VN sri II I TS. 17 flabbergasted up so 1 cbii skuisley tell the j^ecoiid staiizy from tiiH fust afxistroplie. Hold yev breath now, so's not terjar ixtthiij'. ( inUifares af idhlr. in horroy Madge, {hasfily Irijing to look under /able from l., afiide) Stop, Jiiuinie, it's all right, {to Sam) What's the uiHttf^r, Mr. Solid? Sam. {leirijied) Matter! That darned old table I "Was tryin' ter write ojj is (MH\Aliir all over the kiteheu. Madge, (hastily ) Oh, no, it isirt — or it it wms, it must have l>een an eai'thqnake. It's all rioht now. Sam. {brightens up) Mebbe it was an Miitli(|UHke; 1 uevei' thon<>ht o' that — or piapa ifs loose in the jiiita souiers. ( tries table iriih his hands ) it does seem })nlii{«k- \j stiddy MOW. Madge. O' cour^^e it'^< stiildy ! 1 told you it's all rioht. Jimniie. (aside, peetii'ng ) You bet! Sam. Then I'll tinish the poeiry. Le.*s see, w her*^ was I? (leans over t(d)l(' and ran Ills off' letters o}i pa/)er iriih motions of his pencil) M-a-d-i; Oh yes, e comes next. (ivriies, Jimmik lifts tmeid\ then, hears di-wn on table with both hands, Jim Mil-: lets it drop n-ith a bang) Holy Moses! what's sjOt inter tliat table 7iow? {rises Madge. Oh, nothirt'! - (A /r/.s tcildly under table) J mean there's spirits in it. They must liave come back, arter all. Didn't yee\er heni" o' spirits lippin' tabh^s? Sam. (wildly) Spirits agin? Oh, gorry mighty! (clasps hfuids and sinli'S hack to chtn'r irith alook i? Was ye tired? JinDnle. {(iside) 1 reckon lie must liev \>emn. Hb made it)© tired. Sam. 1 didn't; I sot down on tlmt pesky cbeer — anil it wa'ij't there. Madge, {(mxiously) But y© tlidn't really break uotliin' — I mean none o' yonr mfiriiintTy or inside fixiiTs? Jimmie. (aside) It* lie didnt lie's tougii. [snickers Sam. No, 1 reckon not, but my liver is joltt^d cleHu down into my shoes, {/yirks up chair) i woiuiei- what got inter this blame thinj^, anyway. {examines it Jiininie. (aside) ion didn't, tiiat's sartin. ( snioker.^ uyain Madge. It must liev been them spirits what <»:ot int<» Jimmie. (aside) Spirits! (vknekles Madije. Don't let them hinder you from finishing- the verses. They are all gone now. [kicks irarningly a! fllMMlK) The charni is broken. Si I in. I'm begin idiT ter thiid\ so by the way it feels. Oh! [groans and rubs injuries J ininiie. (aside) Keep on an' it will be, it 'tnin't now. (shakes fist id Sam and. do iges back Madj/e. Come! here's yonr pa()er all ready. Sam. 1 can't jBinish your poem ter-day. 1 ain't trans- Hguied any more, it's jolted all out <»' me. Jiiumir. (aside, drawling derisively ) Ya-as! Madge. Come, do finish it, Mr. Solid jest to please me. Sam. Wall, mel)l)e I'll try once more, for yonr sake. (re.^ls cJiair on one leg alter the oilier and triers il by bear- ing do IV n heavily on ttie back oj d ) Tli« cheer seems all right now; 1 can't stait it nowhere. Jimmie. (aside) lean. {snickers Madge. Of c »urse you can't. What did I tell ye? Sam. (slowly api>roaches table with cfrair ) Wall, here gctes l)utev'ry blamed idee lever had, Seems ter be jolted clean down inter my wind peep. Jimmie. (aside) There won't be encnigh tfer choke ye. Sa,m. I'm some 'fraid «>' thom spirits yit, but mebVje they won't trouVjle me any more.. Madge. Have no fears, I'll see they do not. (kicks Jimmie under table, he conipla ns in dumb show Sam. ( phtces <-h(n'r (it lithlc) The tfiMe sHf*,ms all right, tew, {ivies it) 1 can't start uothiu'. [leans on fable and sits almost down in chair with great dcliberaiian, Ihen st((,rii< up suddf^idi/ h! i dout teel well that way uuther. i groans and /fops over on hands and knees Madge, (in alarm) Oii, oh! is there a spirit under the cheer now? Sam. L reckon there must l)e — (on hands and knees, Jadng G. } an' by the great horu tnnkett, there's another one under the table fin' ill luassMcre him. r^AM. rises and limps toward table with difliruUy, all douhlsd, up, reaches under it after Jimmie, wfro cranh out from under otlier end, snatrhes off the cloth and throws , it over Sam, giving him a push that sends him sprawl- ing. Jimmie. Allers ketch yer skunk afore ye skin him, Mr. Solid. Madge, (waves arms in wild excitement) You've done it now! Kun, Jimmie, run, atoro he gits unki\eied, and he'll never know who ye l)e. [J IM.M. LV. darts off L. and Madge I allows Sam. {solns, unwinding himselldnd gelling on his feet with great difficntiy and nunifj groans) L thought and hoped L was dead at fust, but I'm goin' ter live for my revenge. 1 In^ared suthin' 'bOut Jimmie. if Jimmie Jumper is here, he's my me.tt. Somebody run off inter 'tother room -and somebody can't git out o' the house any way but through tiiis one. (puts rtolh on tahte, sets c/iair K. (f it, and sets everythiiiq in order) I'll lay for that Jiui when he comes back — and if I can once git him inter- this cheer, I'll give him a dose o" s|.iiit« in the table that'll 20 BA( \KTO II X SPJ II I VS. make his hair curl. ( crawh under itthle wifh inany groann Enter Madge i.. e. Madge. Come on, Jiiuiuie; he's g(>iie. Tt's your turn now. ( c(.nu s doirn Sam. (peeping out front, asid/') 'Tain't uutlit-r; it's my turu now. Enter Jimmie, l. e. Jimmie. All ri^ht, Madgie dear; I' in with yon if Fatty riolid's gone. {'>^\M snntes fists together In d n nth show — noise hetird (\ff ^.) Oli, Lord! {exit i,. k. /// hnste Madge. ( exf>resses (tisnurtf in dnmh s/khv ) Oh, lieavens! he's ba(5k agin. Sam. (aside not seeing) Yis - fie's back agin —now ter give hiin a taste o' my spirit. I'll fixtiiat Jim Jmnpar in 'bout a minute. Enter Johnnie, r. e. Madge, {loud, impatiently) Well, what (io you waut now V Johnnie. I want ter git this ere business tixad all up ter-night; that's what I want. Sam. {aside) So dew I. Johnnie. Has he been here? Madge, {nods) Yes. Johnnie. And gone agin? Madge, (land) Yes. Sam. {asids) Don't be ter dumb sartin. Johnnie. ( hangs np hat) Js everything all right? Madge, (hesitafing, loud) I — 1 think so. Sam. {aside) if 'tain't, we'll make it all lighi as so()n as 1 git the critter inter that cheer, I'll show him spirits Johnnie, {sits R. of table ) (rood! (rit nie suthin' ter writ© with, so I can send for the rainistt^r right otf. Madge. All right, I will, {goes np c.) Oh, what shall I do now! (ivrings hands Johnnie. Hustle 'round, now; I'm in a hurry. Sam. {aside) Ye can't write on this table -there's spirits in it. Madge. { takes paper and pencil from shelf and goes to table) Here they be -there's the paper and there's a BA CKTO WX SPTR TTS. 21 pencil, (pfifs fhfnnoH lahle) >»'('>\v I'll tinisli my ironin' Wonder if the flMt-ii-oiTH nil cnldF {}}'Js Jinf/cr in mxiih a}Kl tries iron) Tooly nigli, l»ut 1 reckon it'll iiMvetordo. ( ircyns Johimip. {n'rHea lahorioHslt/) I'm glad I don't hav niMny letters ter write, 'cause I never was no scholar. It's 'nn)st done, thank I'ortin! Le's see wh?it I've written. {reads) That's all right— (jiods head in salisf(irfion) only 1 forgot ter cross that t. ISaiN. ((iside) I'll help ye. {joiinli's idhlr as Johnnie (joes In m*o.?.«f it Johnnie. (looLs nf) angrilq) Sto[) that pcskx jigglin', Madge. Ye made me make a cross ter that t as long as my linger. M((d>\m'h he all right. Ye jest had a poultice on 'em, ye luu>w. [all lanyh) By the way, Jim)uie, w hat are you liere for? Jimmie. (pronipffy) T'ew marry yer darter. Can [ have her? Johnnie, (driili/) [ thought likely, (/o M adgk) Well, Madge, what do ye say te?- th;it? Madge, {hanys head <(ud hrisfs fiioiers hashfnlly in ofn'on) I — I ,s'ay^ — thaid< ye! Madge steals a look ut JiWjMII and then lhrt. St. Mori-is, a tig for yoar grihled casties l>uilt on air'— Pirates rob the honse -Krisky's .oin- inniiiufi^ — She ;i nf Uriow- |ed;ie nnder the tahle-~(11yde shows his colors aud plays his Jirst c;i rd - "Then niy answsr mnst be yes, thon^jh it brejHks the heart of iny child" Th^ old ncm tries to drown his sorrt»« - Pepper jjoes for clams — Entrance of Lilli;in -'Ye.«, pir;ite tboajJ^h yon are, and ciiicltain of the hunted cre'w, I love yon still! The lime will come when yon will find I am the truest friend yon ever hiid" -Aunt Ke.'ky relieves hei-self ofa few ideas juid Pepper j^ives ber a few more Tlic (»l.l lishermaii falls a victiiw to lutein per;tn<-e. and Aunt Becky expresses hei- oxjinion of "sich doiiis" — Meeting of Clyde .ind St. Morris The trombat Death Ml t'lyde -"Oh. Heaven! Iain his wife" — Tableau — One year later -('otnpany ext»ected — Pej>per has a "wery curis' dream -('apt. St. Klorris relates a stot > to sasie — Lo^e-making' interrupted l)y the old tisherniati - His n^sohition to vt-- form -Aunt Becky thinks slie is "Slurred ' rjllian comnuiius with her own thon<;hts- The C'olonel arrives- Pepper laUes him in cliar<>e anti relates a won- derful whalinjf story — Restoration of the stolen uione>--"'J'he swrne face, Heavens! 1 cannot be mista ken'" "II "s a II out'- -The t:«>lonel finds a daughter --H«>. tells tiie story of hi« escape from the wrecl< -Old fi lends mc.-l The t'olouel's proposal and ai-ceptauce "Bress de Lawd !" - Ha p|)\ en.lini.'. wiib •oug »Hii chorus, "Wait vo^ the tihx tF the tide.'" ' Price, jiScts. -fe»NE W FLAYS.m^ i\>Jlo\N iiig are the Plays recently ndded to tlie list of Ames' Series of Standard and MinorDrama Pheelim O'Hooke's Curse. All irish Drama in 4 Acts, lor 15 male and 4 female characters ; doubles in cast sotliatit can be produced by 7 males and 3 females. The author, Geo. A. Simms, is rapidly coming to the front as a play writer, and in tins piece he seems to have displayed his talent in a marked degree. In this piece abounds tine situatioos, uiilookc^d lor developments, etc. ; can be produced by amateurs. SYXOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT r. Scene 1st — Laurel Court, Euo^land. 'J'he niipe.il and rr- rn:^al. riiewhip. Threat. Curse of Pheelim O'Kookc. Tin- hnnl- i 1 1^' party. Hn.j^li Carlion. A datiiierous servant. Sou,^, "IJivant Olin I" 'J'lie accident. Mrs. Carlton and Olin. Scene 2d — Plieelini O'Booke. "Kevenue is sweet !" Sc'ue 3d — Deatli ot Lord Carlton. '*Fheelim O'Rooke it was!" ACT IL Sc'uie 1st — Bryant Olin and Huo^h. A peiiloii-j undor- takin^r. Hui>li in dani>er. Scene i^d — AtUiUipt lo kidnap Wwrh hustrated by Bryant. 'A cowardly blow. Scene 3d — Mrs. Carlton at home. News of IJnwii. Despnir. The i)r(Mnise. Scene //tk — On the coast. Bryant Olin ns a detective; disouises as a tiddler, and meets the ^-an;^. Scene 5th — Biddy McGee, the "Island star." Hu^rh and PlH^elinK "Cuo-ed at last.'" The idiot boy. The wreck. Bryant Olin rtnds Hugh, and i- discovered by Biddy, who gives the alarm. Scene 6th — WooiJs. ICscape of Bryant. ACT III. Scene Ut — America. II iii-h as newsboy. Ira Colton, a friend. Scene 2d. — Otlice «»r Ira Colton. Hno;h as Peter Donelli. Olin in America, in search ot Hnoh." Svene Sd — The den. Pheelim and Peter. Peter tcUs his adventure. Scene 4th— Gvo^j^^Uot^. Peter and Bryant. Bar-room tight. Scene 5th— V\\^ den. Peter and O'Rooke. Capt. Lennox. Peter's illness. Suspicions, Trouble ahead. Apian. O'Rooke drunk. Capt. Lennox carries off Hn^h. Bryant in search of Hugh. "Too late!" Mrs. Donn(;yhue. The cui-se. ACT IV. /Scene /sf— Club room. News of Hu <:;]»' s escape. Len- nox and Clemment to the rescue. Scene Sd — Huoh escapes from window. Capt. Lennox and Clemment. The arrest of Capt. Lennox. Scene 3d — Capture of Huiili by O'Rooke. Scene 4th — The de>i. Thebaii:ain. Son.i>;. Rescue of Hugh. Death of O'Rooke. Meeting of mother and son. End ot the Curse of Pheelim (/Rooke. THE CnMAIEHCIAL IIRUMMER. A Drama m 3 Acts, by Thorn Melross, for male and 2 female ckaracters. This piece is immense. It is printed f'om the author's original manuscript, and has been pro- ciuced with great success by the American Theatre Co. ACT r. Home or tlif 1m1<^ Jvicliard Mnrlow. Interview IjfMween Frank Ross and Lawyer J)ii«il«'y. The |)i<>us deacon nnd Verda Miiki-. HcMdinsj tiie w ill. Joe's doo- collar. KicliartI Marlow, the iMJ-e lieir. The child of rlie Darlv Continent in tronMe. Three vijJains. "Ten t!»ons.ind lo silence my tongue. I" Zadie. the de- serted uife of Jo] in Dudley. An attempted mnrder. Joe's little "harkcr'" interleres. i'l-acon and Joe. Frank and Verdn ; his resolve to beconie a 'M.'onnneivial I'rnmmer." Zadie uives Verda a lu.Miie. Mr. l)ndlev'.« ])ropotsai to Verda, and the misnndeistandiu^. Murder ot' Deacon FooU', and Frank accused. 'J'he striiotjle, "life or death !" ACT II. Zadie, V.-ida. and the tramp. "Fainted honches." "My kinjdom for >onie sonj>l" Booth and Zadie. Attempted mnrder otZndie : A-Jhtor. the tramp inlerteref*. and make?< Dudley hand oAcr a "WiiliaJn." K.>«>th and the Indian, 'i'oo much beer. The stolen will. Joe in the bairel. 'I'artret shootiiiif. V^erda'^ refusal to marry Dudley. Abduction of Verda. and Joe knocked down. AC'J' lU. Ashtor and R.>'>fh. Corn planters: '"['here's millions in them!" Olief the Swede. Zadie', the Census taker. Two •hTimmersI" Kej-cne of Venhi by Zadie. Frank di-covered by Kiehard, as Booih. -'He must, die!" A job tor Oiie. 'Tn the s rescue of 7.;t\^U\ Explanations. A new version o( McGinty. A love scene, (apt ore of Verda. S'lnposed dear/h of Booth. Frlg-ht and death of J>nd.ey. CaiHnre of Kichard. Frank and Verda secure the fortune at la.si! Zadie avenged and the ''Coiumercial Drnmnu'r" sells corn j>lasiierj no more. THE IntEllig-EncE nfficB. An original Ethiopian SiNetcji in 1 Sc(^ne for 3 male char- ncters— as produced at Ton\' Pastor's Opera House. This sketch is extremely ludicrous costtimos modern — time in representation 15 minutes. A NEW PLAY BY LIZZIE MAY ELV/YN. AUTHOR OF DOT. THE MINER'S DAUGHTER, ENTIFLED H"^ ^ _ >i^ Rachel, the Fire WaifJ A Dvamd m 4 ads, for 7 male and 4 female characters. Time of po-formanre, 2 hours. srwopsrs of f: vents. ^(^^IT^' I.—Natiian Ellsworth's liomp— Ray a.sloop — Alarm of firp— Ra>- arid Drusilla— "1 am a Fire AViiif* — Tlie iwo papers— Hoport of Euafne liiivleij-irs death" — A mil Sophy and Barney get. into a row 'I'abitha pacrks lier valise — Elmer and Ray -N;itli:in and Barnf^y arrive witli liarvey Jackson, who h;is :issiini.'d the name of Eutrm*' Rurleipii, who has been rescned from the lire — Drnsilla f«',co.u-ni/,ps him— The threat of murder— Barney sinh reception — Tliuncicr Jind I i eh tnin- day" —"lean and will save him" — Mary intercedes with tlnniovernor for a reprieve— Tlie reprie\e granted — "A ride for a life" — Walker t(^lls the Cio\ernor tlnithe murdered Col. Harrington, in order to sa\ f Rogers — Arrest of Walker, when Louise, Wilson's wife arrives. :ind swears she saw Lester Wilson murder the Colonel — Wilson and Dan, the bribe rejected— ^ Rog-ers in prison — Wilson visits Rogers — The insuU— Arrival of Mary with the reprieve — "Saved, John saved." ACT III. — A hipse of one year — Home of John and Mary Rogers — Walker and Annie as lo\ers — News of Lester Wilson's escape from prison — Mary's forbodings — Lester W^ilson's attempt to kill John Rogers, but is foiled by Louise— Dan arrests Lester — "Lester Wilst»n, you have wroni;ed me deeply, but I forgive you" — '*Ct)me frien(Js, let, us go in, night's shadows are closing around us. Its gloomy shades are too suggestive of the p;isl. nnd around the cheery fii-e- place 1 can see the faces of the friends, whose love for me waa luy iaivatiou, in the dark days before 1 was Reprieved. NOV 171909 ]VIy ^^Avful AVife. Comedy in 4 acts, by Joseph H. Slater, for 8 male, {can double to 7 male) aiixi 3 feviule charneters. Costumes modern. A <• Letter piece, clean, Itrigkt and i/Uere.stiiii/. Thrilling cUltnaxex and comical sduations. OhaV' actera all huce profiuneni parts. iSot a dull inoiiieiU in the Entire pieo: TiriU of per/or mu nee. 2 hours and 30 oiinuic.i. .^i^ » ^» t -^mm- SYNOPSIS OF b^VKNTS. Hoiue rtf Jasper J. Muddle— Cliarles ;iud Ad.i— "You bet she's coming-, look oul. for tlif lOL'ouiOtiVf " — Arriv.-il of tlie "A>vliil WitV" wlio pioi-eeds to utaUo liiiiigs lively — "Ever simre I iiiiiriied .vour ir-spt-cted mamma, I havf f der asloiiinied — "1 iiiU.>5t iuloriii Mrs. Muddle ol' tbe outi a;.'eou^' (ouduct ol her lui.sbaiiler txplains lo Jaspt-r J. his ( 'oue«-nl rated Essence of Tlie Milk of Human Kimlness, whi<-h thev aj?ree to try on Mrs. Miidtlle -More (auiili .iars — Sammy Dohl>s, who applies for a situation, is hiir-ti by Ja^i>ftr .1 . and is tired, immedialeiy, by Mr^.. Muildie, who di.slilves liis red hair— Sally , by mistake, mixes Dabbler's Infallible Eradieater and Clapill.iry I'ra iismoufritif r and uses th»* wron^i one On Sainnn's red hair — " A f ter three I'.o^e.s hi.s mother wont know him" — Ja.spei* J. t^ives liis wife an overdose of Dabbler's Milk i>f Human Kindness — Deaeoa Spyder overliears an injvmrtant eonversatlon — "Til have them arrested for murder"— .\ lai-ge order for ice— Sammy looses all hi* red hail- The Deacon speaks iiis mind -The lost antidote — J.i>!per, who is thouifht to be insane, meets the doctor — Disastrons results — Mrs. Mndtlle re- turns t© life to thwart lier enemies— Deacon Spyder rt^ceives his just deserts —"Crushed again and by nay 'Awful Wife'" — "It's a terrible thing to Ite a heu- peeked husband." Price, :i5cts Old Phil's Birthday A Serio Comic Drama in 2 acts, by J. P. Wooler, Esq., for 5 maU and 2 female characters. Time of perfomance, 1 hour arxd 45 minutes. SYNO/'SIS OF EVKNTS. Conrtyard of Harddress and Co.— Bl««iche and Marion— Give and take— Phil tells the story of his life — Lionel r«>bs his father's safe — A confession to Franlc wlio furnishes the mone.> to hiile his crime -A promise -Phil in a passion — The die is cast, hope is extin'aciers. Time oj piaying, 1 kour and 45 minutes. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT I. — Jack and Harry — The warning of counterfeiters — Julia KeuipLoii and Charles Deaii — Florence overhears iier iiusbaiids soliloquy — "V\n your wife and you will lind nie a thorn of the worsl kind" "Florence's story— -The murder — Florence mortally wounded and found by Jack, \viu> discovers iier to be his sister, she tells hiui It was Charles Dean who stabbed her — Death of Florence— Jack laivi's an oath to avenge her death— An attempt to murder Jack Sianion foiled — The broken engagement of Julia and Dean — 'J'he ilut-at Jack interferes — "Curse him" — Dean meets his accompiies - Tiie compact, "$80U each if we get rid of him" — An attemjU, \o uiiirdrr Jack, which failed — Jack finds a letter and his sister's I.iciure., which was lost in the tussle, which reveals to hiui that Deau is his sister's murderer and Charles Clark. ACT I!. — A girl with an interesting story — Lee's suspicion — "No mail from Jack"— Charles Dean disguiseil as Mr. Lee and Harry's IrientI, secures package of money from Mr. Kempton's desk and srcrets it in Harry's valise — The missing money found in the valise -Harry accused —"Father, lam innocent" — "Ulticer, doyourduty" — Fsca[)e of Harry — Grimes overiiears a conversation between Julia and Lee — Julia's dream. A('T HL — Grfimes' and Lee's plot to abduct Julia — Harry returns liome Meeting of brotiier a.nd sister — Jack's absence unaccounted for —Lee informs Mr. Kempton that he saw Harry take the money Julia pleads for Harry — Harry takes Grimes for a thief — Alice reads a little story for Lee's amusement — Mr. Kempion discovers Ilany - Lee denounces him — Julia comes to iier brother's aid — Alice, Lee's de.serted \\ ife confronts him — Grimes, who is Jack Slanion in dis- guise, takes off disguise and accuses Lee of his sister's murder — Lee atiempls lo shoot Jack, but is foiled by Alice, then shoots liiinself - iTariy vindicated by Uur Jack. Price, 15 cents. .A^f tei- tlie Cir-cus. Farce in 1 act, by Lawrence Chenoweth, author of "The Hoarding Hou.se Troubles," etc., for 4 male and 3 female characters. A typical l''aiiner, Doctor, witii an eye for girls, a Dutchman, who i.s a dinger, a Diidr out for a lark, a widow of forty-nine, and two mauls who fiiioy a fliiiation, make up the cast. Specialties can be intro dueed. T'ostumes modern. Time of performance, 45 miimies. Price. 15 dent* LATEST COiMEDY DRAMA, Uncle Jed's Fidelity; OR The Returned Cowboy. A Covwdy Drn}}i(t, by Bert C. Rawley, for 7 male and S /emale characlers. Costumes modenu Time of playing^ 2 hours. SYIfOPSI^ OF EVENTS. Mr. Western, a strong willed man, objects t(» his daughter marrv- iiig a poctr but honest man, and resolves slie siiall marry his frieiui, IJonald Reeves, a rich man — Isabel refuses — Uncle Jed arrives rr.mi the country and intercedes for Isabel, but Mr. Western retusrs lu believe Donald Rreve a villain — Donald Reeve's forsaken wife ai- riv^-s aiul iorbids Donald's attention to Isabel — l*eregrine Splattei- u\erht':irs Dnnahl threaten his wife, and becomes his partner for tin- purpose of bringing him to justice — Col. Western drives Isabel from his house— i5he reiurns with Uncle Jed to his country home — Donakl Reeve^s murtlershis wife and throws the guilt on Isabel's lover, RoberL Shelden — His ari'est and imprisonment — Robert escitpes and at last brings proof that Donald Reeves is the murderer — Donald arrested. Uncie Jed, Jasper, tlie negro, Polly and Peregrine Splatter make up the comedy parts— This is a play in which all the cliaracters are evenly balanced. Amateurs will find it a good one. Price 15 cis. The Obstinate Family. A faroe in 1 act, for 3 male and 3 female charactei'.-*. Scene, plain room. Everyday costumes. Ti.ne, 40 minutes. A lover's quarrel between two servants, grows by a verv natural proc^ess, into what threatens to Ije a ilomestic cyclone of vast proportions. The piece is a mere trifle but a. very cutertttining one. /C0P?ri^, 15 oenta. 9^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 793 151 9 » ^ .^ -^p A^mes* T^lavs-Continiaed. Bi MO Our Hot«l g 8 W4 OHvet 8 ? '"I Onr ff-amllv T^^'brHIa"'.".".'.'..! i i ♦00 Obstinate Family, The 8 8 f^T Paddy Miles' Boy B 3 t\7 Patent Washing Machine. ... 4 1 Iffi Per«»ecuted Dutchman ^ 8 186 PpofeR«ional Gardener ..41 !» PoorPllicody 2 S ^09 ©at WoTPwao -y ^ 412 Popping the Question 2 4 276 Printer and His Derils .The 8 1 1R9 Quiet Family 4 4 1«P ^'•o-nlarFix. 6 4 IRO Ripples ■■ '... 2 f^ 171 Ronqrh Diamond 6 8 367 Room 44 ."..*.'.'. 2 S1f> Rascal Pat. That. ' 8 2 416 l>n>>«"i Rube. .■.." 2 1 «R Rham ProfesHcr.The.. ..4 29B Sppllin' Skewl, The 7 6 300 <'«nta nano' r>auehter ^ 7 1S« Hpwincr Circle of Period 5 11!S 8. H. A. M. Pinafore 5 3 RR Somebody's Nobody... 3 2 JI27 «