IMIItg ^illllillilllllli' PS 3503 .R53 M3 1921 Copy 1 ^enisorHs Select T^lays VI Plays for Schools and Collegi AARON BOGGS, FRESHMAN By Walter Ben Hare. Comedy in 3 acts; 8 malej females. Time. 2^^ hours. Price, 35 Cei AFTER THE GAME~~ By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy in 2 acts; 1 male females. Time, ll^ tiours. Price, 25 Ce ALL A MISTAKE By W. C. Parker. Farce-comedy in S acts; 4 male females. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Ce ALL ON ACCOUNT OF POLLY By Harry L. Newton. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, females. Time, 2i/4. hours. Price, 35 Cei AS A WOMAN THINKETH V. By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Comedy in 3 acts; 9 ma 7 females. Time, 2i^ hours. Price, 35 Ce AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 14 males. Time, 2^^ hours. Price, 35 Ce THE CLASS SHIP By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Commencement p] let; 3 males, 8 females. Time, 35 minutes. Price, 25 Ce CLUBBING A HUSBAND By Edith F. A. U. Painton, Comedy in 3 acts; 12 males. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Ce A COLLEGE TOWN By Walter Ben Hare. Farce-comedy in 3 acts; 9 ms 8 females. Time, 2V4 hours. Price, 35 Ce THE DEACON ENTANGLED By Harry Osborne. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 4 males. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Ce AN EARLY BIRD By Walter B. Hare. Comedy in 3 acts; 7 males, 7 males. Time, 214. hours. Price, 35 Ce THE FIFTEENTH OF JANUARY By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy in 3 acts; 11 males females. Time, 214 hours. Price, 35 Ce THE GRADUATE'S CHOICE By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Commencement playlet females. Time, 35 minutes. Price, 25 Ce T. S. Denison & Company, Publishers 623 S. Wabash Ave. ' CHICA WAY DOWN ALONG A Cape Cod Comedy in Prologue and Two Acts Gladys Ruth Bridgham AUTHOR OK "Step Lively," " Bro^cn-tyed Betty," "At the Sij^n of the Shooting Star," "Mrs. Haywood's Help," 'Excuse Me!" " The Hurdy-Gurdy Girl," " The Thirteenth Star," "A Regular Rah! Rah! Boy," "Sally Lunn," Etc. CHICAGO T. S. DENISON & COMPANY Publishers C112.13 WAY DOWN ALONG ?^^' t.) v-."^ NOTICE Production of this play is free to amateurs, but the sole professional nshts are reserved bj- \\w autlior, who may be ad- dressed in tare of the Publish- ers. Moving picture rights re- served. COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY GLADYS RUTH BRIDGHAM ©CI.D 587:^1 St? 26 '21 WAY DOWN ALONG FOR SEVEN MEN AND THREE WOMEN CAST OF CHARACTERS Cap'n Enoch Denning. .Shipper of the ''Lila Belle'* Cap'n Perez Xickerson. .Skipper of the ''Xellie Dar- ling'*; later Keeper of '* Harbor View Light.'" Joe Cruger Nickersons Nephew Thomas Bangs The Doctor Tony Alve The Town Crier John Nelson A Business Man Oliver Hastings Nelsons Valet Ketury Bangs Tom's Mother Margaret Mathewson The School Teacher Betty Nickerson's Waj'd Time — Prologue, Springtime, Eighteen Years ago. Acts I and H, The Present; Late Afternoon and the Next Morning. Place — Down Along Cape Cod Way. Time of Playing — About Two Hours. Prologue — Living room called the "cabin" of Cap'n Denning's home on the shore, Harbor View, Cape Cod ; spring, eighteen years ago. Acts I and II — Room in the Harbor View Light- House, V^ay Down Along. WAY DOWN ALONG STORY OF THE PLAY Cap'n Nickerson and Cap'n Denning who are old shipmates make their home in Cap'n Denning's house on the shore of Harhor A'iew, Cape Cod. Each is about to start on a voyage. Before leaving, Cap'n Denning writes a letter which he gives to Nickerson with in- structions to open after he has gone, and with the information that it contains a secret of his life which he holds Nickerson on his word of honor never to tell. Denning had a daughter Anna, who had gone away and married and he had never heard from her since. Just after he leaves, Tom Bangs, who is studying med- icine in Boston, comes home with Anna's baby and the news that Anna has died the night before in a Boston hospital. Nickerson opens Denning's letter to find that his shipmate is never coming back and circumstances lead them to believe that Denning has committed suicide. Nickerson carelessly leaves the letter on the table, where it is taken by Tony Alve, the Town Crier, wlio is simple-minded, and uses it to write down a jingle he has composed. Nickerson decides that it is his duty to give up the sea and become a grandfather to his sliipmate's granddaughter. Eigliteen years later finds Nickerson the keeper of the Harbor View^ Light. Anna's daughter, Betty, lias grown into a charming girl loved by everyone, and the idol of Nickerson's life. Tom, who loved Anna in his younger days, now finds h.imself in love \v\ih the daugh- ter, but believes his case is hopeless because of the dif- ference in their years. During a storm a \'acht is WAY DOWN ALONG wrecked on the cliffs and one of the party, John Nelson, is hurt. They seek shelter in the light-house. Nelson proves to be Betty's father and Nickerson thinks it is her duty to go away with her father, who is a wealthy man and can give her every advantage in life. Den- ning, who is of the party, is Nelson's partner. He has changed from a rough sea-faring man to a hard- headed man of business. He now tells Nelson that lie has ruined him; that he left Harbor View to find Anna's husband and get revenge; that Nelson once took away from him all that life held dear and that now he has taken from him all that he has in life. Tony Alve is dying and Tom is attending him. Among Tony's things Tom finds the letter which Den- ning wrote eighteen years ago. It contains the infor- mation that Anna was not Denning's daughter, but Tony Alve's, and Betty is Alve's granddaughter. Alve dies leaving Betty a little fortune. She turns to her father saying that she doesn't believe her mother would have wished for revenge and asks him to take her money to start life again. This leaves her free to decide upon her future for herself, and her choice is to remain with Tom, Way Down Along. COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS THE PROLOGUE Denning and Nickerson — Are Cape Cod skippers, about forty-five years old. Rather rough in man- ners and sea lingo. Nickerson easily excited and explosive in his remarks ; both are tanned by sun and sea. They wear blue uniforms. WAY DOWN ALONG Joe Cruger — Twenty-five ; the ordinary sea-faring young man — blue uniform. Tony Alve — Forty; an old sailor rig. He is simple- minded, has a vacant stare. Tom Bangs — About twenty. Gray business suit. A trifle self-important. Ketury — Forty. Calico dress, shawl. Tall and thin, sharp-featured and sharp-tongued. the play (The Characters are all eighteen years older than in prologue. ) Denning — Has snow-white hair and beard; he has dropped his sea lingo and developed into hard- headed business man. Dark-blue business suit. NicKERsoN — Is more refined in manners and conversa- tion. Has grown into a lovable old man. Wears uniform of light-house keeper. Joe Cruger — A present-day skipper. Nelson — Is* thirty-eight. Typical young business man. Oliver — About twenty-one. English servant — might, be dressed as chauffeur. Ketury — Black dress, heavy coat, hat and veil. Margaret — About thirty. Serge suit, silk waist, sailor hat. Sweet type of young woman, not very strong and rather sad. Betty — Eighteen. Blue middy suit, with bright red cap and tie. Change for act three to plaid ging- ham. Bright, lively, strong, rosy ; loved by every- one. WAY DOWN ALONG LIST OF PROPERTIES Prologue Center table. On table paper, pen, bottle of ink. Old-fashioned hair cloth sofa. Two small chairs. Arm chair with cushion seat. Rocking chair off stage which is brouglit in by Nick- ERSON. Small table. On table glass case with shells and sea curios. Chest. On chest model of ship. Clock. Picture frame, without picture. Bag and letter for Denning. Telegram for Ketury. Paper and bell for Tony. Acts I and II. Dining table. Red cover and lantern on table. Four dining chairs. Arm chair. Rocking chair. Cupboard. Table cloth and dishes in cupboai-d. Small bookcase with open shelves, containing books. Lantern chimney for Nickerson. Packages for Betty. Wine glass for Betty. Doctor's case for Betty. Dust pan and brush for Betty. Letter for Tom. 8 WAY DOWN ALONG Act II. Dishes for Oliver and Ketury. Towel for Ketury. Pitcher for Betty. SCENE PLOT Prologue. Back Drop -Ocean Riqhl Door Windov CciocK Chair □ HalrCloth^ Q DChaii Table- _^ . ., - Glass Case d^^'-'^l^.^^^ir , Table Q ^nest-^ on Top C.sh,on5e3t chaIr MoSdofn Ship on Top V-J Acts I and II. White Wall Back Drop Ocean Back Drop .Door. / Window CupboarcJ ^. Chair^^ Winciow \\ Door O D/o^Chair ru ■ A r Rockrn^ Chair \^ O Chair dY /y Small Red Cover ^ Door Ri^ht /^^°°^ ^''^ Arm Chair \ Left Stage Directions. R. means right of stage; C, center; R, C, right center; L., left; 1 E., first entrance; U. E., upper entrance; R. 3 E., right entrance, up stage; D. F., door in flat, or scene running across the back of the stage, etc. ; up stage, away from footlights ; down stage, near footlights. The actor is supposed to be facing the audience. WAY DOWN ALONG Prologue. Scene: Cabin of Cap'n Enoch Denning's home. Door at left; windozc at left center, door at right center in back fiat, through both is a view of the sea. Table and two chairs at center. On this are a bottle of ink, pen and paper. Arm chair down right, clock at right up stage. Chair down left center which Nickerson drags in near the end of the prologue. At right down stage, a table on which is a glass case containing shells and other sea curios. On wall left picture frame with- out picture. At left np stage, an old haircloth sofa; at left down stage, chest on which is a model of a ship. On floor near door in back flat, is Denning's bag. LrGHTs : Full on, as it is afternoon, three o'clock. At curtain Denning sits at center table writing a letter, he folds the letter, places it in envelope and seals if. Clock strikes three. Cap'n Perez Nickerson comes to door at L. Nickerson {from door). Six bells and all's well. Denning. Riglit you are, mate. Mighty nigh time for me to pull up anchor. Nickerson entering L. Nickerson. I can't see no way the sense in you leaving the Lila Belle in Boston. Dkxning (rising). I've told you steen times she sprung a leak aft. Nickerson. Well, Mat Freeman has always been 9 10 WAY DOWN ALONG good enough to do the job afore. Wliat's the matter witli liiiii now? Di:nnixg. Not a thing. Not a tiling. I jest wanted a little land travel for a change. NicKERSON. Well, everyone for his fancy as the old lady said when she got her first ride in a ortymobile, but personally I miss the horse. Gorry mighty, when I get shet up in one of them cars I feel like a clam in a bucket and personally I miss the sea. And by Chris- mus, if I couldn't see the Nellie Darling off to eastward V(] feel as if Vd been cast ashore fifty thousand miles from home and not a sail in sight. (Dexxixg picks up his bag.) I'll trot along down to the train with ye. Denxing. No, I don't want you should, Perez. NicKERSOX. Well, gorry mighty, if you're getting so all fired tony — Denning. No, 'taint that! 'Taint that! Vou know better. I been writing you a letter, Perez, an' I want you to stay right here and read it. NicKERSON (staggered). A letter? Me? You? Read it? " Dexxixg. There, there, Perez! Don't get so ex- cited. NiCKERSON. Me? Excited? I ain't nothin' o' the kind. Tm calm as a sou'west breeze, but gorry mighty, you're plumb loony. Denning. No, I ain't. Now, listen, Perez. You're the best friend I ever had. There's something I want you to know and I can't tell you, so I've written it. It will explain something I'm going to do. The train goes out at three-twenty. After it has been gone ten WAV DOWN ALONC minutes if you're alone here, read the letter. If you don't get no other ehance, read it tonight in the cabin o' the Nellie Darling. I want your word of honor that you won't tell no one as long as you live what's in that letter. NicKERSON. Here's my hand, I reckon you can trust me, Enoch. Denning. With my very life, Perez, with my very life. We wuz shij^mates a good many years and I know you pretty well. NicKERsoN. I don't need to wish you luck. You always have it. The luckiest skipper that ever sailed from Harbor View. Denning. You haven't got much to complain about yourself. NicKERSON. Not now, I ain't. That's a fact. Denning. And may this trip be the best yet. {Looks around room.) We — we been quite snug and comfortable here, Perez, when we wanted to anchor a spell. Nickerson. I reckon we have. Not much wrong with the cabin. Neat little place you got here when you get round to settling down. Denning. Sec here, ain't I always told you what's nnne is vours :? NicKERSON. V^ou have that. Denning. Then don't talk any more about my place. This is where you're going to settle down. NicKERSON. All right, mate, jes' as you say. This is where we settle down. But gorry mighty it's going to be one while afore we get around to it. Denning. I reckon you're right. Here's the letter. 12 WAY DOWN ALONG {Hands it to him.) And now good-bye, Perez. Good- bye! {Wrings Ms hcmd.) NiCKERSON. Good-bye ! Denning {breaks away from him abruptly, walks quickly to door R. C, turns, takes a long look). Good-bye. {Exits quickly R. C.) (NiCKERSON is puzzled a/nd somewhat troubled; he goes to door R. C, looks after Denning, then to wi/ri- dow and looks out.) Enter Joe Cruger through door R. C. Cruger. Hello, uncle! NiCKERSON {without turning). Hello, Joe I Cruger. What's the trouble? NiCKERSON {turning slowly). Nothing, I guess. Nothing. I was watching Enoch. He — he — gorry mighty, he acted queer, and, and — gorry mighty, he talked queer. Cruger. He's beginning to get old, I suppose. NiCKERSON. Old? Nothing o' the kind ! What you talking about? Next thing you'll be saying I'm get- ting old. Cruger {laughing). Well, aren't you.^ NiCKERSON {at the top of his voice). Old? Me? No! Gorry mighty! Blast y'r win'ard sails! I'm worth a dozen cubs like you. I know what you want. You want to be a skipper o' the Nellie Darling. Well, you ain't going to be ! Cruger. Never? NiCKERSON {wrathfuUy). No, never! Cruger. I thought it was all understood that you would sell out to me some day. WAY DOWN ALONG 13 NicKERSON. H'm ! Well, maybe — but it will be a late day. As long as I have strength to move a muscle it would take a strong anchor to hold me to this point. Ketury {otit side). Enoch! Enoch! Be you home? NicKERSON. Come in, Ketury, I'm here and Joe's here. Enter Ketury from door R. C. NicKERSON. Anything we can do for you? Ketury (out of breath). It's Enoch I want. NicKERSON. Enoch's gone. Ketury. Gone? On a voyage, you mean? NicKERSON. Yes. Ketury. Well, stop him ! NicKERSON. Good land o' goshen how can I do that? Train goes in a few minutes. Ketury. For mercy's sake, has he shipped aboard a land craft? NicKERSON. As far as Boston. Ketury. Well, we can stop him there, can't we? O' course we can. We can telegraf, too. NicKERSON. What you talking about? Ketury. Tom did. Cruger. Did what? Ketury. Telegrafed. Nickerson. What for? Ketury. Land only knows. A tellegraf never says anything. Y"ou can read it. (Hands him a tele- gram.) Nickerson (reads it, looks at Ketury). What's he mean ? Ketttry. How should I know? I didn't write it. 14 WAY DOWN ALONG NicKERSON. What you make of this, Joe? Cruger (takes up telegram^ reads). "Keep Enoch Denning at home. Anna coming on three thirty-five. Tom." (Looks up startled.) Anna.^^ You don't sup- pose it's possible he's bringing Anna home.^ Ketury. That's the way it sounds. Did you ever.'' Where do you suppose he ever found her? Nickerson. And gorry mighty, Enoch's gone ! Joe, get to that train as fast as you can get tlicre and if you miss it, tellegraf to Boston. Don't let him get aboard the Lila Belle! Cruger. Do the best I can. (Hurries out door R. C.) Nickerson (looks at clock). To think o' Enoch missing Anna by about five minutes ! Ketury (fans herself). My land, I never hurried so in my life. I didn't know as I'd have breath left to ever speak another word. Nickerson. That would o' been a calamity. Ketury. Where do you suppose Tom ever found Anna? And where do you suppose her husband is? And what do you suppose Enoch'll say? And how do you suppose — Nickerson. Hold on ! Gorry mighty, Ketury, hold on ! Ketury. It's jest like Tom. He's always doing something unexpected. I don't know I'm sure how Keziah and I ever raised such a son. Nickerson. You ain't got nothin' to complain of. Tom's a durned good boy. Ketury. Am I sayin' he ain't. He's good as gold, but he never did nothing yet that he was expected to WAY DOWN ALONG 15 do. Alius wanted to stay in school when his father expected him to go to sea with him. Alius studying one thing when the teacher expected liim to study tother. Alius going fishin' when the minister ex- pected him to go to Sunday School. Alius running around with Anna Denning when I expected him to go with Lucy Scott and then making a doctor of him- self when his father expected to make a skipper of him. NiCKERSON. By Chrismus, Ketury, you'd be a sight o' help in a sail boat in a calm. Ketury. O' course it would be Tom who found Anna. NiCKERSON. If she'd only married Tom. Ketury. Or Joe. NiCKERSON. Yep. She had two mighty good chances. Ketury. And had to go and marry someone none of us ever see. Do you suppose he's deserted her? NiCKERSON. How in tarnation should I know.^* Ketury. I alius knowed no good could come o' her kiting up to Boston to study music. When her mother died, Enoch should o' given up the sea and stayed right here. NiCKERSON. Maybe so. Maybe so. Ketury. I guess he sees it himself now. NiCKERSON. It jest about killed him losing Anna. (Turns to look at picture, starts to his feet in sur- prise.) Well, gorry mighty! Look at that! Ketury. What ? NiCKERSON. He's took Anna's picture out o' the frame. (Crosses to wall L.) Ketury (following him). Well, did you ever? He 16 WAY DOWN ALONG must o' took it with him. Don't that look like all possessed? A empty frame! NicKERSON. By Chrismus, that's a queer thing for him 'to do ! Ketury. Where in the name o' goodness do you suppose she's been all this time? NicKERSoN {impatiently). Gorry mighty, how should I know? Ketury. Maybe if she's in trouble or anything he'll settle down to home for a spell. NiCKERSON. Maybe so, more'n likely I should think. ( Voice of Tony, the totem crier, is heard in the distance. ) Ketury. There's the crier. Wonder what he's say- ing. {Goes to door R. C.) You any idea? Can you hear? NiCKERSON. Gorry mighty, no! I can't hear noth- ing outside. Ketury {calls). Tony! To-ny ! Come, up here! {Pauses, turns from door.) He's coming. He's loony as a coot, Perez. I believe he grows worse every day. And don't he run on? I declare I see him yesterday and he wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise. NiCKERSON. Gorry mighty, how'd he manage it? Enter Tony, door R. C. with a slip of paper in h's hand, and a hell. Tony. Hello, Cap'n. {Turns to Ketury.) Fair- est of the fair, I salute you. Ketury {to Nickerson). Will you listen to that? {Turns to Tony.) What's going on? What be you crying? WAY DOWN ALONG 17 Tony (consulting slip of paper) : Through the town I walk and call Meeting tonight in the town hall Harbor Lodge of Odd Fellows To keep your fire going, use your bellows. Ketury. Ain't it awful? Talks in rhymes most of the time. Tony (turns to Nickerson) : Cap'n Enoch's gone to sea He'll come back no more to thee In his dory staunch and tried He goes to meet tlie incoming tide. Ketury. Did you ever? Nickerson (somewhat startled). Wonder what made him say that? Tony, Cap'n Enoch's gone to the train. What made you say he was in his dor}^'' Now don't talk in rhymes. Tell me straight. Tony. Tell what? Nickerson. About Cap'n Enoch and his dory. Tony. Tony saw him drifting, drifting away. Cruger enters hurridly, at door R. C. Nickerson. Joe! Back already? Cruger. Yes, tlie train's gone. T met Pete Simms coming up. Uncle, Cap'n Enoch didn't go on the train. Ketury and Nickerson (together). Didn't go? Cruger. There were just four people left on the three thirty and Cap'n Enoch wasn't one of them. Ketury. But didn't he say — Nickerson (frightened). Wait! Tony, where did you see the Cap'n? 18 WAY DOWN ALONG Tony. Drifting, drifting. NicKERsoN {sharply). Where? Tony. Around the point — along the shore Out to sea — tlien seen no more. {All eocchdnge starihd looks.) Ketury. Good land! We mustn't listen to the poor, crazy thing. NicKERsoN. (jorry mighty, the letter! (Hurries to table, picks up letter, tears it open. Begins to read, suddenly gives choking cry.) He ain't coming back! He's gone for good ! Cruger. What? Are you sure? Ketury {fanning herself). My land! My land! Tm limp as a herring. Cruger. What else does he say? NicKERSON {choking over his words). This house's mine and the I.ila Belle's yours, Joe. Cruger. But where's he gone? What's he doing? NicKERSON. I'm afraid, I'm afraid — {Stops). Cruger. You mean, he — he — . He wouldn't do that. What else does he say? Does he give a reason? NicKERSON {reading letter, suddenly crushes it in his hand). My God, yes! Joe, quick as you can go! Take Tony. Hev him show you where he see Enoch last. Telephone the Life Savers. Rouse the town, Cruger. All right. Come, Tony. {Grabs Tony by the arm and pulls him ont door H. C.) Ketury. My land ! My land ! I'm fainting dead away. NicKERSON {picking up letter^ smooths it out). No, WAY DOWN ALONG 19 you be n't. You ain't that kind. Talk awhile. It'll revive you. Ketury. Perez Nickerson, what's in that letter.'' NicKERSoN. That's something you can't never know, Ketury. Ketury. What.^^ Nickerson. No one can ever know. Ketury. Have you gone crazy? Nickerson. No, I promised Enoch on my word o' honor that I wouldn't never tell a living soul what's in that letter. Ketury. And you intend to keep your word when — when — Nickerson. I do. Ketury (desperately). Perez Nickerson, you'll have to tell me. If Enoch Denning has gone and drowned himself and I got to live on knowing that you know why he did it and won't tell, I can't never stand it. I shall be in an asylum afore the summer's out. Enter Tom door R. C, with a bundle in his arms. Nickerson and Ketury (together). Tom! Ketury. Land sakes, it's you! Nickerson. What's the news.^ Ketury. We thought you was bringing Anna home.'' Tom. No, not Anna. (Opens bundle.) Her daughter. Ketury. What.? Nickerson. Gorry mighty, a baby.? Ketury. Oh, my soul and body ! Tom Bangs, give 20 WAY DOWN ALONG her to me this minute. {Tales babtj from Tom's arms.) NiCKERSON {choking). You mean — that — that — is really — Tom. Anna's daughter. NicKERsox. Where is Anna.f^ Tom. Dead. Ketury AND XicKERsox (/o^^//i^r). Dead? Anna? Where ? Tom. In a lio.spital in Boston last night. It was her last request that I bring tlie baby to her father. He is here? Ketury. Oh, Tom! Oh, ain't this terrible? NicKERsox. I — I'm afraid, Tom, that Enoch is dead, too. Tom {aghast). What in heaven's name do jtou mean ? Nickersox. We thought he'd taken the train for Boston. Instead he was seen putting out to sea in his old fishing dory. Tom. To the Lila Belle, of course. Nickersox. The Lila Belle is in Boston. Ketury. He left a letter. Nickersox. Saying he'd gone on his last voyage, giving me this house and Joe the Lila Belle. Tom. You mean — you think — that he — Oh, but you aren't sure ! Nickersox. Joe has gone out to see what he can find out. Tom. Did he give any reason for such an act? Ketury {excited). Yes, he did, and Perez is such a simpleton lie won't tell it. WAY DOWN ALONG 21 XiCKERSox. I promised lum. To^r. But surely under the circumstances. NicKEKsox. I gave him my hand. Tom, where is that child's father? Tom. Xo one knows. He deserted Anna soon after he married her. KETr-Kv. Oh, this poor little waif. We'll take her right home, Tom. Tom. Of course, Anna's child — NK■KEH^()^. Ilohl Oil! Not so fast. This is her grandfather's house. It was her mother's home. I reckon she belongs Way Down Along. Here she stays. What's her name? Has she got any? Tom. Yes, Elizabeth. Her mother called her Betty. NicKERSON. A durned good Cape Cod name. Ketury. But, Perez Nickerson, be you crazy? How are you going to take care of a baby? NrcKERSON. Plenty of women in town that'll be glad of a job. Ketury, that's Anna's little girl. Enocli was the best friend I ever had. I reckon I can be a grandfather if I try hard. Tom. Cap'n Perez, you're a brick. The poor little mite couldn't have fallen into better hands. Kett'rv. Land sakes ! Fm so upset. NicKERsox. You can stay tonight, Ketury. Help me out till we get a regular housekeeper. Keturv. Of course T will. Tom, we'll go over to the house and get what's needed, and I'll come right back. Tom. And Fll come back and help. 2^ WAY DOWN ALONG XlCKERSON. Y about a baby? Tom. Well, I'iti pretty well ac(iuainted with this little one. Please remember I brought her all the way from Boston. Ketijry. Jest like Tom. Didn't I tell you he was always doing the most unexpected things.'^ NicKERSox. Well, he hez this time, that's a fact. Tom. And I guess you forget I'm an M. L). NicKERsoN. Yes. I do, Tom. It's hard to remem- ber it. Kettrv. You're right it is. Tom. Welt, I'm going to settle down here pretty soon and after you've called me for Betty a few times, it will be easier to remember. Kettry {puts hahy in Nk kerson's arms). Now for the land's sakes, be careful! NiCKERSON. Trust me, Ketury. I'll be right at the helm. (Ketury cjcits door R. C. Tom follows to door.) Don't sch' Joe coming, I suppose.'' Tom {looking hack). No. Ketury {calling from outside). Not a sign of any- one. NicKERSON. Well, o' course he ain't had time — Tom. Cheer up. Captain. I don't believe what you say about Cap'n Enoch. Not a word of it. NrcKERSON. I got an awful fear, Tom, an awful fear. Tom. Well, go get rid of it, (juick. You know it's the thing we fear that's sure tS come upon us. We'll be back in no time. {Exits R, C.) Nk KERsoN {looking at the child in his arms). WAY DOWN ALONc; 23 Anna's little girl! Anna's little girl. (Puts the habtj in an arm chair which has a cushion seat, places an- other chair in front of her so she cant fall out. Exits door L., slight pause.) Enter Tony at door R. C. ToxY. He put to sea in a dory. (Looks about vaguelfi and repeats.) He put to s(^a in a dory — (Goes to table, picks up a pencil.) Alas, alas, alas! (Picks up letter uhich Nick, left on table, writes on back of letter. Speaks as he writes.) He put to sea in a dory Alas, what a tragic story * Ne'er again we'll see Ins face Cap'n Enoch's run his race. (Folds the letter and pwt^ it in his pocket. Exits door E. C.) Enter Nickerson from L.; drags rocking chair into room, takes np the baby, sits down in rocking chair. Enter Cruger at door R. C. Cruger. Uncle, I telephoned the Station. Cap'n Enoch's dory went ashore on their beach. Nickerson. And Enoch.'^ Cri^ger. Nobody knows. I've roused the town. Of course we can't be sure. NicKERSox. We are sure as we need to be. • Cruger. What in heaven's name are you holding? Nickerson. Anna's little girl. Cruger (with a cry). Anna? Nickerson. Joe, you can have tlie Nellie Darling. I'm staying home for a spell. I've found my anchor. CURTAIX. WAY DOWN ALONG The I'irst Act. Scene: Boom in the Harbor View Light House. Plain white walls, narrow windows at center and upper left. Doors right, left and at right of center in hack flat. At center dining table with red table cloth, on which is a lantern. Two chairs at this table, one at right of center window and one near door at left. Rocking chair at right of stage and an arm chair down left. Cupboard left of center window in which are dishes, table cloth and towel. At right near foot- lights, small book case, showing shelves of books. White wall backing at right center door, with view of ocean through center window. At curtain Nickersox sits by table. A lantern on table; he is polishing the chimney. Margaret Mathewson outside, raps at door R. C, Margaret. Captain Nickcrson, are you in? Nickersox. I am. Margaret. May I como in? Nickersox. Sartain. {Goes to door R. C. and opens it.) Margaret enters. Margaret. How do you do, Captain Nickerson? I don't suppose you know who I am? Nickersox. Yes, I do. You're Miss Mathewson, the school marm. 25 26 WAY DOWN ALONG Margaret (smiling). That Is correct. NicKERSox (sliakes hands xvith her). I'm glad to see you. Did you come over witli Betty? Margaret. No, I came alone. I wanted to see you about your granddaughter. NicKERSON. What's the trouble? Getting so bad you can't manage her? ]\rARGARET {Uiughing). No, notliing like that. We are tlie best of friends, Ca])'n Nickerson. NicKERSox. Sit down, sit down! (Sits hi/ table and tales up the chimnei) again. Margaret sits near.) Margaret. Thank you. Witli the close of this term of school my work here is over. Nickerson. T am sorry to hear that. Margaret. T am sorry, too, in some ways, although I am glad to be able to return to my home once more. NicKERSox\ You are feeling all right again? iNlARGARET. Ycs, thank you. Your wonderful ocean air has given me back the strength I was afraid I had lost forever. NicKERSox. I'm mighty glad for you. Tliere ain't no loss so great as your health. ]\Iargaret. I quite agree with you. Without it existence is a dreary thing. Before I went home I felt I must come here and talk with you about Betty. Do you reali/e that she is a very remarkable gii'l? Nickerson. I ho])e you haven't told her that. Margaret. No, I haven't told her. She wouldn't have believed me if I had. I hope you are not going to take the same stand. Nickersox. Wliy? Margaret. Because I want to make you see that WAY DOWN ALONG 27 she should have a chance in the world. The chance nIic can't have if you are going to keep her forever on this lonely point. NicKERsoN. I suppose it's niy business where I keep her.? Margarp:t. Oh, certainly. NicKERSON. She don't look starved, half clad, abused ? Margaret. Far from it. You have done your duty, Ca})'n Nickerson. Her own stories testify to a lifetime of devotion on your part. I know^ that you have been not only grandfather, but mother and father as well. And loving her as you do, it seems as if you must want to give her some of the advantages that girls like Betty should have. Nickersox. How do you know I'm not going to give her some.? Margaret. I don't know. That's why I came. If you have the means and you are planning to send her away, why, just forget this visit. On the other hand, if you are not in a ])osition to do anything more for her than you have done, I wanted to make an offer. I am going to Boston to my home, and I would be glad to take her with me. I can help her prepare for college and then get her a chance to work her way through. Nickerson. So that's it.? Y^ou want to transplant my ocean lass to the heart of a city like Boston.? Margaret. Isn't it her right? Nickerson. Have you mentioned this to her.? Margaret. Certainly not. Nickerson. Has she mentioned it to you? 28 WAY DOWN ALONG Margarkt. No. If she thinks anything about hei future, she keeps it to herself. NicKERSON (with a sudden laugh). Gorry mighty I don't know which would get the greatest surprise Boston or the girl? Margaret. She isn't just like other girls, I'll ad- mit. NicKERsox. And yet you seem to like her pretty well. jNIargaret. Like her? I love her. • NicKERSON. Perhaps that is why you are so anxiouj to take the sunlight away from me? ALargaret. I suppose it would be just that, Captair Nickerson, but I believe you are the kind of a mar who would make the sacrifice to give the girl her chance and it would only be for a time. Nickerson (rising impatieuflt/). How do I know ii would only be for a time? How do I know she w^oulc ever want to come back to me? Margarkt. How do you know that the sun wil rise again? The stars come out? The tide will turni Her love for you is just as sure. Nickerson. I don't know. I don't know. I'll hav( to think. (Slowly.) I know another girl that wen away from Harbor View to Boston. Didn't no goo( come of it that I could see. (Walks to window L.] You didn't choose a very good day for your first visii to the point. Did you notice what's coming? Margaret (joins him at window). Yes, a storm I never noticed until I was nearly over here. I lefl the school house thinking of you and Betty, and noth ing else. WAY DOWN ALONG 29 NicKERSON. Here's the girl ! Margaret. Why don't you say, Here's the fish? She could live as well on or in tlie water as on the land. NicKERSON. Why shouldn't she? She doesn't know anything else. She's lived all her life down along. (Turns away suddenly, walks to window L. C.) Margaret. Isn't it rough ? Just look at the waves ! NicKERSON. If you think it's rough inside the point, come over here and look out across the cliffs. Margaret (crosses to window L. C). Oh, it's going to be terrible. NicKERSON. It sartain is. Regular tempest sweep- ing up the coast. Hello ! Here's Joe making port ! Sure as you're born. Margaret. Captain Cruger? NiCKERSON. That's who. Margaret. How can you possibly tell? NicKERSON. Well, if every time I saw you for fif- teen years, you were wearing the same clothes, I should be likely to recognize you. Joe made his first trip as skipper o' the Lila Belle the same day I came to this light-house as keeper. Margaret (laughing). Well, all sails look alike to me. Betty enters from R. C, her arms full of himdles. Betty (as she enters). Are you here, grandfather? (Stops surprised as she discovers Margaret.) Miss Mathewson? Why didn't you tell me you were coming over? How did you come? Margaret. By land. 30 WAY DOWN ALONG Betty. Way round by the point? When I coul have sailed you across in a third the time? Margaret. But I beat you just the same! Betty {throwing her bundles on table). But I hai errands galore before I started. Margaret. I wanted to see your grandfather alon before you got here. Betty. Goodness ! That sounds startling, but think my conscience is fairly clear. NicKERsoN. Well for you that it is. Betty (throreing her arms around his neck and kiss ing him). Oh, grandfather, you would never do thing. You would scold the wind and the waves an( the stars and the moon, but never Betty ! NicKERSON. Here, here ! What are you trying t do? Make it out that T spoil you? Betty. No, dearest, I spoil you. (Turns to Mar GARET.) Y"ou cheated me of your company. Now yoi will have to give it to me. There is a storm coming that will keep you here until morning. Grandfather please invite Miss Mathewson to stay ove-r night wit] us. NiCKERsoN. Glad to have her! Glad to have her There's some things I want to talk with her about And we are going to have more company. Joe is mak ing port. Betty (running to window L. C). Reall}^? Dea old uncle Joe ! NicKERSON. H'm! Not so terrible old. ^Iargaret (joining Betty at zvindow). He's realb WAY DOWN ALONG 31 made the point. How did he ever do it? Hear the wind ! Betty. He's having lots of fun. Uncle Joe likes a gale. He'll be with us in no time. Oliver Hastings (outside). 'Elp ! 'Elp ! Hi say ! 'Elp! 'Elp! Margaret (startled). Who's that? Betty (hurrying to door R. C). Somebody calling for lielp? Oliver (calling again). Anybody 'ome? Hi need 'elp ! Betty (as she exits through door R. C). Yes, we are home. Come in. Betty enters from door R. C, followed by Oliver. Oliver (breathlessly) . Hi thank God there's some- body 'ome. Hi'm jolly well hall hin. The bloomin' wind drove hour sail ashore down below the bloomin' clifFs. NicKERSON. Y^ou at the helm? Oliver. No, sir, Mr. Widener was hour skipper, sir, an' 'ee's a jolly good one, but hit was a hegg shell we wuz hout in, sir, an' the bloomin' wind come hup in such a 'urry. We tried to climb hup the cliffs an' Mr. Nelson, the man hi works for, he slipped an' 'ee's 'alf dead. Can we bring him in 'ere if you please? NicKERsoN AND Betty (together). Sartain! Of course. Betty. I'll go out with you. Want to come. Miss Mathewson ? Margaret. I'll go out, but I won't promise how • far. .12 WAY DOWN ALONG Oliver. Hits bloomin' kind. (Exits B. C, fol- lozced hy Betty tvnd Margaret.) NicKERsoN goes to window L. C, looks out. Exits door L. Joe Cruger enters door R. C. Cruger. Ship ahoy, uncle! Where are you? NicKERSON {off stage). Here. NicKERsoN enters from L. NicKERSON. How are you, boy? (Shakes hands with Cruger.) Cruger. Sickly, uncle, living on tea and toast. NicKERSON. Yes, you look it. Some gale we going to get. Cruger. Going to? I should say we were get- ting it. NicKERSON. Someone's hurt down here on tlie cliffs. They're going to bring him here. Cruger. So? Better go down, hadn't I? NicKERsoN. No, there's two men to liandle one. I don't know where you'd get a hand in. Cruger. Betty come over yet? NiCKERSON. Yes. She and Miss Mathewson's gone out on the cliffs. Cruger. Miss Mathewson? She's a new-comer over this way, isn't she? NicKERSON. Yes. This is her first visit. Tom (opens door R. C. and looks in). Hello, Cap'n. (Looks hack over his shoulder.) All right, mother, he is here. NicKERsoN (surprised). Why, hello ! WAY DOWN y\LONG 33 Ketury enters door R. C, follozved hy Tom. Keturv. Here we are! Well, if it ain't Joe! {Crosses to Cruger; shakes hands with him.) Tom {crosses to Cruger). Hello, Joe! When did you get in? {Shakes hands with him.) Cruger. Just now. NicKERSON. What in the name o' all fog horns brought you down here in this gale? Ketury. I don't wonder you ask. It's perfectly ridiculous, but Tom would come. We been up to Alves'. I been helping Melissy. Poor Tony, he ain't going to last much longer, and the way he's saying rhymes is a caution. I declare it would be comical if it weren't so awful. And nothing for it but Tom would bring me clean down here before we started for home. Tom. I had to come. I wanted to see Cap'n Nick- erson. Ketury. Well, goodness knows, you'll have plenty o' time. We can't never start back before tomorrow. Tom. I can. I'll leave you here after I talk with the Captain. Ketury. Tom Bangs, you can't never run that car up the point in all this — Tom {interrupting). Oh, yes, I can, mother. I'll have to get back to Tony and all my other patients. NicKERSON. You've come right in the nick of time, both of you. We'll need some help. There's been an accident down below and we're going to have a house full over night. Ketury. I want to know. Who is it and what hap- 34 WAY DOWN ALONG peiied and how many and where be they from and — - NicKERSON. Gorry mighty, Ketury, I don't know. I ain't seen them yet. Kp:tury. Did you put on a kettle of water? NicKERSoN. Good Lord, no ! Ketury. Ain't that like a man? I'll go right out and put some on. (Starts for door L.) NicKERsoN. What for? Ketury. Never can tell how much hot water you'll need and anyway we'll all want a cup o' tea. (Exits L.) Nickerson. Can you beat that? Tom. Leave it to mother ! Nickerson. I'm glad 30U boys are here. I want some advice. IVIiss Mathewson wants to take Betty up to Boston with her. Tom. She does? Cruger. What for? Nickerson. Get her ready for college. Tom. Good-night ! Cruger. Who started that idea? Nickerson. Miss Mathewson. Tom. Does Betty want to go? Nickerson. It hasn't been mentioned to her. Cruger. Maybe she won't take kindly to the idea. Nickerson. You know very well she will take kindly to whatever I tell her is the best thing for her to do. Tom {impatiently). Well, who knows it's the best thing for her? Nickerson. Miss Mathewson. She is in a position to know. She savs Betty should have the chance and WAY DOWN ALONG 35 she will help her to work her way through. Tom and Cruger (together). Work? Betty? Now look here ! I won't listen to that. NicKERsoN. Wait a minute! Wait a minute 1 One at a time. Tom. I'll pay what you can't, Cap'n. Cruger. I'm in on this, too. NicKERSON. Betty wouldn't accept her education that way, boys. You know it as well as I do. Tom. But if she's going, we want her to go right. To have hats and dresses and a good time and get real college life. We don't want to see Betty make a drudge of herself. Cruger. Of course we don't. Now I have made some money out of the Lila Belle. That was her grand- father's property, why shouldn't she be allowed to have some of the proceeds? We want to see her go right. NicKERSON. She goes with a healthy mind and a healthy body. I reckon that's about right. Cruger. Do you want her to go, uncle? NICKERSON. What I want ain't the question. If it's her right I ain't standing in the way. Tom. But after the way you have .taken care of her and brought her up — NicKERSON (interrupting). That ain't got nothing to do with it. Cruger. Do you realize what this place will be when she's gone? NicKERSON. Yes, I reckon. The wind, the waves, the light, the stars, the moon, a deadly silence. Cruger. Well, I guess I've made my last voyage. 36 WAY DOWN ALONG You've been teasing me to stay here as your assistai If Betty Is going to leave you, I stay. NicKEKsoN. Tluinks, Joe. Tom (rather crosshj). Slie liasn't gone yet. J( I want a word witli Caj^tain Perez and I (looks at i watch) haven't any too much time. Do you mind (hesitates). Cruger. Of course not. I'll go out and hel|) bri the cripple in. Y^ou won't go until you see what we' got on our hands? Tom. No, indeed. I'll stay as long as necessa and do whatever is needed. Ckt^ger. Good enough. (Ea^its R. C.) Tom. Cap'n Perez, you remember the day I brou^ Betty to you.'^ NicKERSON. Think I'm ever likely to forget it? Tom. And Captain Enoch's letter that was lost? NiCKERSON. Never'll forget that either. Tom (takes a letter fro7n his pocket). Here is. NiCKERSON (astonished). What do you mean? Tom. Tony Alve had it. I was hunting throu his things for something his mother wanted and I r across it. NiCKERSON. But how — Tom. No use to ask. One of his jingles is writt on the back. (Hands it to Nickerson.) NiCKERSON (wonderingly) . After eighteen years Tom. Lucky I was the one to find it. NiCKERSON. You read it? Tom. Yes. I didn't realize at first what it wj WAY DOWN ALONG 37 You have known all these years that Anna wasn't Dcnning's daughter? NicKERSON. Y^es. Tom. Have you any idea who she was? NicKERSoN. Not the least. Tom. And who is Betty? NicKERSON. Anna's daughter. Tom. But not Denning's granddaughter, and you have cared for her all these years, given her a home and name. NicKERSON. Why not? Wouldn't Enoch have wished it? You read all the letter? Tom. Y^es. He loved Anna and she thought he was her father. Then she went off and married unbeknown to him. No wonder he couldn't stand it any longer. NiCKERSON. That's what I've never been able to get at. How could he have loved her that way when he brought her up and was old enough to be her father. Tom. That doesn't make any difference. I'm old enough to be Betty's. NicKERSox. Well, what's that got to do with it? Tofvi. I love Betty. NicKERSON {staggered). Tom! Tom. I think it began the day I brought her to you. I imagined then I had loved Anna. I didn't know what love was. But don't worry, Cap'n Perez, I'm an old man to Betty. She will never know. She looks upon me as an older brother and always will. NiCKERSON. By Chrismus, Tom — Tom {waminghj). Hush! Betty enters R. C. 38 WAY DOWN ALONG Betty. Right in this way. Cruger and Oliver help John Nelson in. D NiNG follows. Denning discovers Nickerson and sta at one side gazing at him. Betty. Grandfather, this is Mr. Nelson, the gen man wlio was hurt. (Nickerson steps forward to gi Xklson. Betty discovers Tom and goes to him.) Nickerson {shakes hands with Nelson). I'm g it happened near us. (Cruger pushes a chair forwa Nelson drops into it.) Nelson. Thank you. It didn't seem very near Tom (steps forward). What is the trouble.'^ Nelson. I slipped and twisted my ankle. CRtJGE.R. He can't step. It was all we could do get him up here. Tom. Bring him out here. We'll see what can done. (Leads the way L. Cruger and Oliver h Nelson to exit L.) Betty. Grandfather, this is Mr. Widener. ( Denning.) Was that the name? Denning. Yes. Nickerson. I'm glad to know yer. (Shakes hm with Denning, who is somewhat overcome.) \ ain't hurt, be yer? Denning (taking chair). No. Merely tired. Betty. I'll get you something to take. (Exits i Nickerson. Quite a little gale we're having. Denning. Yes. It's a bad one. I was a skip] in my younger days and I know something ab( storms. WAY DOWN ALONG 3Q NicKERSON. I followed the sea, too. I reckon we'll have something to talk about. Denning. I think we shall. NiCKERSON. Yes, sir. I was a skipper for a good many years, but something happened that made me give it up. Denning {looking at him J^eenly). Married, per- haps? NiCKERSON. Not on your starboard watch ! Denning {trying to appear unconcerned). Oh! I thought the young lady called you grandfather. NijCKERSON. She did and always has, but she isn't really any relation to me. She's the granddaughter of the best friend I ever had. (Denning leans forward.) He started on his last voyage eighteen years ago this month, and I been bringing the girl up for him. (Den- ning sinks hack in Ms chair.) Say, you're pretty well tuckered out. Denning. Yes. Betty enters from L. with a glass of — -.{Contents left to the discretion of the producers of the play.) Betty {hands glass to Denning). Here, sir. Grandfather, Tom wants you. NiCKERSON. All right. {Exits L.) Betty. Do you feel better.? Denning. Yes. Betty. Y^ou had a hard experience. We are used to rough weather on the Cape and don't mind it as much as strangers, although we aren^t often shipwrecked, even on a small scale. 40 WAY DOWN ALONG Denning. You've lived here all your life, I sup- pose? Betty. Yes. My mother died in a hospital in Bos- fon when I was a baby and they brought nie here. Not to this light — To a little house just above here. Denning. And your grandfather brought you up, Betty. Not really. My grandfather was Enocli Denning, but (as glass slips out of Denning" s hand) Oh ! Denning. I beg your •|3ardon. Betty (picking up the pieces). I. beg yours, sir. I should have taken the glass. I forgot how shaken you are. Ketury enters L. Ketury. Betty, Tom wants you to run out to the car and get his case. Betty. All right. (Erits R, C.) Denning. Is my friend much hurt.^ Ketury. No, it's his ankle. The doctor — (im- portantly) is my own boy, Tom. The doctor says it'll be quite a spell before he walks on that ankle again. Land sakes, break a glass? (Kneels near Denning's cliair and picks up a piece of glass.) Denning. Yes. I am very sorry. Ketury. Land, tain't any matter. Never cry over broken glass I alius says, and — (looks at Denning, suddenly gives a cry). Enoch Denning? Be it you or be I looking at a hant? Denning (warningly). Hush, Ketury ! The others didn't recognize me. Ketury. And don't vou want 'em to? WAY DOWN ALONG 41 f Denning. Not now anywav. Kett'ry. Enoch Denning, wliai (lid you romniit sui- cide for? I been waiting eighteen years to find out and now I'm going to know. Betty enters R. C. with case. Betty. Here's tlic case. Kett;ry. Ho, give hit to Holiver and 'e'll 'old hit for the blooniin' doctor. Betty (huighmg). Why, Aunt Ketury, I didn't think you capable of that. (Eaits L.) Denning. Ketury, you've got to keep my secret. I may decide to tell them. I may not. It depends. Ketury. Great land o' goshen ! I can't never live through it to Inuow it's you and not tell anyone. But my land, I will though — jest to get even with Perez. Nickerson enters L. NicKERSON. What's that about Perez .^ Ketury. Nothing, nothing whate\er. You needn't think you're the only interesting thing there is to talk about. I was jest sayin' — that — that — the wind is blowing like blazes. Nickerson. Gorry mighty, Ketury, get tin' vi'lent, ain't ycr? Ketury. IFm ! Some other people'll be gettin' the same if Betty an' I don't see about some supper. Nickerson. I be'en thinking, Ketury, this room in here (turns to door 7?.)will be a good one for our vis- itors. What do you think? Ketury. I don't see why not. 42 WAY DOWN ALONG Denning. We arc making vou a great deal of trou- ble I am afraid. NicKERSoN. Not a bit of it. The room's some cluttered up, but 'twon't take but a few minutes to straighten it out. Kctury, tell that Oliver chap to come in here and lend a hand. Keturv. ril tell him but, land knows, it'll be more cluttered than it is now if he gets to dropping his h's around. {Eocits L.) NicKERSOx (caUing after he?'). Look out! You'll be getting yourself in the newspapers if vou ain't care- ful. Denning (rising). Let me help.^ NicKERSON. Sure, if you feel like it. Everybody lend a hand. (They exit R. Slight pause.) Cruger and Oliver help Nelson in from I.. They are followed hij Tom. They help Nelson to a chair. Tom. There! How's that? Nelson. Yery comfortable, thank you. Tom. Good. (Exits L.) Oliver. Hi say, sir, which is the room the lady mentioned, hif you please? Cruger. In there (points R. Ojavet{ exits R.) Well, John Nelson, I never hoped foi a chance like this. Nelson (surprised). I don't believe I understand. Crhger. Don't remember me? Nelson. I'm afraid not. Cruger. Wouldn't know you ever saw me before? (Nelson shakes his head.) Well, maybe you ain't very observing. Did yoii notice Betty? WAY DOWN AT.ONG 43 Nelson. Betty? Mr. Nickerson's granddaughter? Crt'ger. That's who I mean. Nelson. Why, I didn't notice her especially. I was suffering so — Cruger (inferrupting). Well, notice her especially. She is your daughter. Nelson. What in heaven's name do you mean? Crttger. What I say. Nelson. Are you^mad? CsT^GER. Not much. I know what I'm talking about. I was a witness when you married Anna Den- ning. Betty enters from L. with a dustpan and brush. BeT^ty. We'll have a room ready for you in no time, Mr. Nelson. Nelson {trying to speak naturally). Thank yoii. (Betty exits R.) Tell me what became of Anna? Cruger. Died soon after you deserted her. Nelson. I never intended to desert her. Cruger. You can explain all that to the man who brought your daughter up. You'll have to. make up a pretty good one if you don't want him to wring your neck and feed you to the fishes. I just as soonjielp him. You will find that all the people in this town were your wife's friends. Nelson. Was this her home? I never thought to ask where we are. Cruger. Yes, this is Harbor View. Nelson. Do these people know that you — {hesi- tates), Cruger. No, they don't. I promised Anna that I 44 WAY DOWN ALONG wouldn't tell and I never have. I'm not going to now. You are going to do your own telling. Nelson. Why should I believe all that you say? Cruger. Do you admit that I was present when you were married.^ Nelson. Yes, I remember you now. Cruger. Well, there's plenty of proof of the other things. I've g'ot my eye on you and I'm going to keep it there for the rest of your life* You deserted your wife, but you are going to stand by your daughter. Y^ou've got plenty of money, haven't you? Nelson. Well, I don't have to worry about any- thing. Crtger. Captain Nickerson has done the best he could by the girl. Now you are going to give her the education and advantages that are rightfully hers. Nelson. Do you think I wouldn't be willing and glad to do it for her? Cruger. Well, I'm not so durned certain about the glad business, but I know you are going to be willing. I'm going to see to that. {Exits R.) Slight pause. Margaret enters R. C. Margaret (steps forward). John! Net^son (in astonishment). .Margaret! My God! It nmst have been fate that sent me to this house today. Margaret. I recognized you when they brought you in. I stayed outside as long as I could. I dreaded to see you so. I don't see wliy I had to meet you again, just when I was learning to forget. WAY DOWN ALONG Nelson. Margaret, liavc you never come to look at things in a more charitable way? Margaret. How could I? Leading me almost to the altar when you were a married man. Nelson. But I hadn't seen my wife for years, couldn't find any trace of her. I knew she must be dead. Margar.et. No, you didn't know. That was just the awful part of it. Nelson. I know it now, Margaret. She has been dead for eighteen years. Margaret. But you didn't know it then. Betty enters /?., followed hy Oliver. Betty. Oh, Miss Mathewson, you know Mr. Nel- son ? Margaret. We have met before. Some time ago. Betty. Oh, that makes it pleasant for Mr. Nelson. INIargaret. Very. Betty, let me do something to help. Betty. Sure. Supper. We have a regular hotel tonight. Margaret exits L, Oliver. Your room is habout ready, sir. Would you like to rest? Nelson {wearily). I should be glad to. Betty. I'll help. (Betty and Oliver help Nelson to exit R.) Nelson (as they exit). I am afraid I .shall tire you. Miss Betty. Betty. Not I. I'm as strong as the gale. A reg- 46 WAY DOWN ALONG ular child of the sea. {Returns at once, takes a cloth and some dishes from cupboard and begins to set table for supper.) NicKERSOx enters from R. NicKEKsoN. Well, we got liiiii comfortable, (iorry mighty, Betty, I don't know just where we are going to put everybody, but I suppose we can manage some way. Betty. Of course we can. Let the storm rage. Who cares? We'll be a happy family within. NicKERsox. Betty, light the lantern for me. It's time I was going aloft. Betty. Yes, sir. (Lights the lantern for him.) NicKERsox. Betty, did you ever think about your future? • Betty (surprised). My future? NicKERsox. Do you want to spend all your days on this lonely point? Betty. Do you want me to? Nick?:rsox. I want you to answer me truthfully. What do you want to do? Betty. Just what you want me to do. Don't you suppose I realize my duty to you? XicKERsoN'. Leave me out of the question. Did you e:ver thiiik you would like to go away to college? Betty. Why, grandfather, I know you couldn't do a thing like that for me. What I have really thought is that it was time I was doing something to help you. Time I was turning in some mone^^ NicKERSox. Betty, I demand an an-swer to my WAY DOWN ALONG 47 question. Have you ever felt that you would like to go away to college? Betty. Once — when Miss Mathewson was telling me some stories of her college days. NicKERSON. Careful not to say anything about it, weren't you, la«s? Betty. I ought not to have even thought about it. You have taken care of me all my life and I am satis- fied with what you have done. NickersoK. You are easily satisfied. Miss Mathewson came over here today to offer to help you get a chance to work your way through. Betty. Did she.^ That was kind of her. She is always kind. Nickerson. You don't seem to enthuse any.^ Betty. Maybe I would if things were different. It is my duty now to try to make a return for at least some of the things you have done for me. Nickerson. Even if I wanted a return there is plenty of time ahead to do it, and you would be in a position maybe to make a better return if you went through college. Betty. I didn't think of that. Well, of course, if you think it's best I'll do it. Nickerson. You are going to decide yourself, Betty. Do you want to do it? Betty. I'm not sure. Do you think maybe people who have been through college themselves would think I ought to go? Do you think maybe they might like me better if I went? Nickerson. Like you better? Gorry might}^, what (lO 3'ou mean 48 WAY DOWN ALONG Tom enters L. NicKERSON. Tom, come and find out what Betty' talking about. I got to light up. (Exits R.) Tom. What is it, Betty.? Betty. I was talking with grandfather about co] lege. Tom. Oh, yes. Betty. Oh, do you know about it? Tom. He mentioned it to me. (Sits in an an chair.) Betty. Well, what do you think.? Tom. What do you think ? Betty (sits on arm of chair and puts her arri around his neck). Tom, do you want me to go awa; from Harbor View? Tom (sits quite still for a second. Suddenly un K'itids her arm, rises). Betty, what I think has noth ing to do with this matter. Betty. Oh, but it has. I care so much about wha you think. Tom. I don't see why you should. (Betty stand in front of him and holds him hy the coat.) Betty. Because I am so fond of vou. Dear ok Tom. Tom. Yes, dear old Tom, exactly. Betty. Do you think every girl ought to go t( college? Tom. Not necessarily. It is to her advantage oj course. Betty (points to chair at head of table). Please sit there just a minute, Tom. (Tom sits as directed.] WAY DOWN ALONG 49 Now a girl doesn't have to go to college to set the table and cook a nice dinner and — (sits opposite him) and sit like this opposite ,so)fie one. Now does she? Tom (rises abrupfl/j). Betty, if you will be serious I will tell you what I think. Betty (quietly). Yes, Tom? Tom. It is for Captain Perez to say what he wants you to do. Betty. Yes, it must be as he says. Tom. He is your guardian until you are twenty- one. After that if there is something you have in mind that you want to do — Betty. Yes, there is. Tom. Would you mind telling me what it is? I didn't know you had formed any definite plans for the future. Betty. I guess maybe I'd better not tell you, Tom. Tom (so7newhat hurt). Oh, certainly not, if you don't care to. I must go. I'll be over in the morning after mother. Good-night. Betty. Good-night. (Tom e.rits H. C. Betty stands for a moment undecided, then runs to door — calls. ) Tom ! Dear old Tom ! Tom (outside). Yes, Betty? Betty. I guess I'll tell you. After I'm twenty-one I'm coming home to you. (Closes the door quickly, leans back against it laughing and somewhat breath- less. ) Curtain. WAY DOWN ALONG The Second Acx. Scene: Same as the first act. The next viorning. At curtain Cruger stands by window L. C. lookitig out. Nelson sits in arm chair down R. Nickerson sits hy center table facing Nelson. Nickerson. Well, gorrj mighty, it's so, I suppose since you both say so, but it's durned hard to sense it. Nelson. I hope you'll believe me when I say that I didn't desert Anna. We quarreled, I'll admit it needn't have been. I was more to blame than she. I'm will- ing to admit all the blame. I went back and did my best to find her. She seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. Mr. Cruger doesn't believe me. {Glances toward Cruger.) Won't you, Captain Nick- erson ? Nickerson (slowly). Wal, I don't know any reason why we shouldn't believe it. Gorry mighty, we don't none of us know anything about it. Nelson. I had to suffer. Nickerson. I reckon. We can't any of us make a mess of our lives without suffering. Nelson. I have lived through years of uncertainty. A year ago I wanted to marry again and this very uncertainty stood in the way. Of course, appearances are against me, but I can try now to do something to SI 52 WAY DOWN ALONG convince you that I want to do the right thing. There's my daugliter. NiCKERSON. Yes, tliere's Betty. Nelson. Y"ou will let me make up to lier for what I didn't do for her mother? NiCKERSON. It's your right. I wouldn't be the one to take it from you. Nelson. When I think what you have done all these years ! You will at least let me return some of the money you have spent on my daughter? NiCKERSON. No, you can't do that. Betty has been my life. I couldn't take money for what has been a joy and a blessing. Seems as if you ought to be able to see that. Nelson. I do see it. I beg your pardon. And what shall we do now? I would like to take Betty away with me, but I can't feel that I have the right to take her away from you. NiCKERSON. Y^es, you have. I have had your daughter all these years. Y'ou weren't in no way to blame for not knowing that you had a daughter. Do you suppose I would keep her away from you any longer ? Cruger {turning impatiently). Give the girl her- self a voice in the matter. Mr. Nelson can do his duty by her without taking her away. NiCKERSON. Well, what about her duty to him? He is her father. Cruger. I don't see that has anything to do with the case. (Turns away.) Nelson. I don't believe it has under the circum- WAY DOWN ALONG 53 stances. Let us consult the young lady herself. NicKERSON. Very well. I'll find her. I think she and Miss Mathewson went out on the cliffs. {Exits R. C.) Cruger (turns from window). Well, you lied your- self proud. Nelson. I don't know what position you are in to judge the veracity of my statements. Cruger. Huh ! If you had ever been very anxious about finding Anna, you could have come to Cape Cod to do it. My uncle is one of the most generous minded men who ever lived. He is ready always to believe the best about anyone. You could easily put it over on him. But believe me, you don't fool Joe Cruger. (Exits L.) Denning enters from R. Denning. You don't fool me either. Nelson (surprised). Mr. Widener? Denning. I have been standing right there by the door. I heard all the conversation. Nelson (astonished). You were listening? Denning (coolly). I was. Nelson. Well, I must say, Mr. Widener, I hardly expected that sort of thing from you. Denning. Probably not, but you see this thing in- terests me. John Nelson, I had an object in bringing you down here. Nelson. I am glad to know you had a hand in it. I had begun to think that fate alone was running things. Denning. INIavbe vou won't be so glad when you 54 WAY DOWN ALONG find out wliy I bad my hand in it. Eiglitcen years ago I left this town to find you. Nelson. What in the name of common sense do you mean .^ Denning. I am Enocli Denning. Nelson. Are you crazy? Enoch Denning died yeai's ago. Denning. No, he didn't. He is right here talk- ing to you. Nelson. And do you suppose you can make me be- lieve tliat.^ Why these people would have recognized you in a minute. Denning. One of them did, but I asked for silence. I have changed, and thinking me dead, the others haven't recognized me yet. Nelson (uneasily). If this is true, you — you have known all this time we have been in business together? Denning. Yes. Nelson. And you knew Anna was dead. Denning. I didn't know it when I left Harbor View. I found it out later. Nelson. Why didn't you tell me? Denning. I wasn't ready. Nelson. And I suppose you knew that I had a daughter. Denning. No, I didn't know about Betty. If I had, it might possibly have made a difference. Nelson. Made a difference in what? Denning. In what I have done to you. Nelson. Done to me? What in heaven's name are you talking about? WAY DOWN ALONG 55 Denning. I have ruined you. As soon as you are able to investigate the business you will find that I have every cent of your money and I have done it in such a way that the law can't touch me. I made you trust me and I haven't left you even a penny. I brought you down here to Anna's home to tell you, so that you would understand. Nelson. You couldn't have done such a thing. Denning. I not only could, but have. Nelson (begiuning io he convinced). My God! Denning. That was why I went into business with you. Nelson (choking). Why — you — you — (Tries to rise, sinks hack with a groan.) Denning. You aren't in a position to strike back. Nelson. And you are the kind of a man to strike a man when he is down.^ I can't believe it. Denning. I wouldn't care what I did to you. It's taken me years to get you, but I have done it. I had to train myself to meet you on your own level. It wasn't easy. I was a rough sea-faring man. Nelson. And — and you deliberately left this place and set out to find me with revenge in your heart ? All these years? It's a wonder you hadn't murdered me. Denning. That wouldn't have accomplished any- thing. I left this place to find you. I didn't know then that Anna was dead or that you had deserted her. It was when I found that out that I planned to take all you had in life away from you just as you had taken my life away from me. Well, this has even worked out better than I could have hoped for. You think now 56 WAY DOWN ALONG that you can have this girl and make up to her for your treatment of her mother? Well, you can't. You haven't a damned cent to give her. Oliver and Ketury eiiter L. with dishes. Oliver places them on table. Ketury transfers them to cup- hoard. Ketury. Thank you, Mr. Oliver. I must say you're really handy to have around. {To Nelson.) He washed up all the breakfast dishes as good as I could myself. Nelson. I am glad some of us can make ourselves useful. Oliver, help me to my room. I am getting pretty well done out. Oliver. Y^'es, sir. {Helps Nelson to room R.) Ketury {to Nel«on). You hadn't ought to overdo. Y^ou got quite a shock yesterday. Tom'll be along pretty soon. (Nelson and Oliver exit R.) I de- clare, Enoch, I like that Mr. Nelson first rate. How do you happen to.be in with him? Denning. That's too long a story to tell now, Ketury. Ketury. Enoch, ben't you going to tell these peo- ple who you are? Seems as if I should collapse, think- ing about what they'll say. Denning. Yes, I'm going to let them know. I'll let you tell them, Ketury. Ketury. Enoch Denning, do you mean that? Denning. Y^es. Ketury. My land o' goshen ! When? Denning. When I say the word. WAY DOWN ALONG 57 Ketury {desperately). Will it be much longer? Denning. No, probably this morning. (Looks out window.) Here's Tom. I'll go out in the kitchen. I don't want anyone to recognize me until I'm ready. (Denning exits L., slight pause.) Tom enters door R. C. Tom. Good morning, mother. {Kisses her.) Did Betty go over to school? Ketury. No. It was too rough to sail across and it seemed as if it would be pretty hard walking around until the wind died down some. Miss Mathewson was worried about not being there. Tom. That's all right. I telephoned down to the school and told the principal where she was. Will you be ready to go back with me after I have seen Mr. Nelson? Ketury. No, I shan't. Tom. Oh, you are going to stay to lielp Betty. Ketury. No, tain't that. She's got help enough around here. I got something to do before I leave this house. Tom {looks at her curiously). Something to do? Ketury. Yes, something to say and I don't know just when I'm going to say it, but wild horses won't drag me away from here before I got a chance to say it. Tom. For goodness' sake, mother, what do you mean ? Ketury. Y^ou'U know later. Don't ask me any questions now. I'm ready to explode as it is. 58 WAY DOWN ALONG Tom. Oh, all right, if it is as bad as that. Where's ]Mr. Nelson? {Turns H.) In here? Ketury. Yes. (Tom exits H., slight pause.) Olivek enters R. Oliver. Hif you please, ma'am, the doctor wants a towel and some warm water. Ketury. Oh, he does? Well, he's mighty mde- pendent giving off orders to his own mother. Oliver. Hi'll get them, ma'am, hif you tell me where. Ketury. My land, I alius hearn tell an Englishman had to be waited on hand and foot. I'll tell the next one that says that, I know one that didn't have to be. (Takes towel from cupboard drawer.) Oliver. Hand hi 'ave halways 'eard has 'ow han Hamerican never looks hout for none but number one. Hi'll tell the next one has says that, hi know some Hamericans that looks hout for the other chap first. Ketury. Well, the idea of their daring to talk about us like that. Here's the towel. I'll get the water. (Exits L.) NicKERsoN enters R. C. NicKERSON. Well, it's calming down some. Oliver. Y"es, sir; hit is. That was a storm as I'll never forget, sir. NicKERSON (slowly) . I dou't believc any of us ever will. I guess we got cause to always remember. Betty enters with a pitcher, from L. Betty. Here is the water. (Hands the pitcher to Oliver.) Oliver. Thank you, miss. (Exits R.) WAY DOWN ALONG 59 NicKERSON. I have been looking for you, Betty. I tliought you went with Miss Mathewson. Betty. Too much to do in the house. NicKERSON. All this crowd has made it hard for you. Betty. Gracious, grandfather, as if I minded that. I'm glad we could take care of them all. NicKERSON. Betty, you have been thinking over what I said to you last night? Betty. You mean college? NicKERSOx. Yes. Betty. Yes, I have thought about it. NicKERSON. Well? Betty {indijfereiifli/). I will go if you want me to. NicKERSON. But you don't want to yourself? Perhaps you don't like the idea of working your way? Betty. Oh, it isn't that. Indeed it isn't. I'm not afraid of work. It's just that I don't seem real anx- ious to go away from Harbor View. Are you anxious to have me go, grandfather? NicKERSON. Betty, it isn't a question any more of what I want. There is another who has a right to <])eak. This Mr. Nelson who has come to us, is your father. Betty. My father? Why, grandfather, what do vou mean? How can he be? Where has he been? Why have I never seen him? NicKERSON. I don't believe I will undertake to ex- ]^lain much of anything. He can take care of that him- self. He man-led your mother nineteen years ago. I ^upposed he was dead and he didn't dream that he had a daughter. 60 WAY DOWN ALONG Betty. Grandfatlier, you arc sure? Sure? NicKERsoN. Yes. Betty. My father? NicKERSON. Mr. Nelson is a man wlio is well off. You can have from your father what other girls receive from wealthy fathers. Betty. But I don't want it. You can't ]iossibly expect me to accept anything from this stranger. Nickekson. Yes, I do expect it. Betty (clesperateUi). But, grandfather, I — don't even like the man. It is hard to be courteous to him. NicKERSox. That doesn't make any difference. Betty. But — what is it I am to do? NicKERSON. You will have to go to his home, of course. Betty. Grandfather! No! Never! NicKERSON. Will you make me force you to do the right? Betty. Why is it right ? Oh, how can you want me to go with a man like him? NicKERSON. You have only talked with your father a few minutes. What right have you to say " a man like him?" I never knew you to make such a hasty judgment. You are pretty likely to be fair. What's the matter with you now? Betty. I don't know. I don't remember that I ever felt just the same towards anyone before. NrcKERsoN. Well, that's too bad, but you will have to get over it. He isn't to blame for not knowing he had a daughter. He lost his wife. Can't you under- stand how he must feel now to find a daughter he can love and care for? WAY DOWN ALONG 61 Betty. Oh, I don't soe why this liad to liappcn. NicKiRsox {taking Betty in his arms). For years I have been blessed with tlic affection and devotion of a dautrliter, a blessing tliat belonged to another man. We don't f (nvay. Nelsox turns to Betty). Nelson. And now, little ^irl, there is onh' one who has any right to say Avhat your future shall be. (Point s to NicKERSON.) The man to whom you owe everything. Bettv {turns to Nickersox). That is right. Grandfather, what do you want me to do.'^ Nickersox. The thing that will make you happiest. Bettv. Then there is no question. I am going to stay with Tom, way down along. Tom joins them anil Nickersox stands with one arm around Bettv, the other around Tom. Curtain. tys for Schools and Colleges HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN By Charles Ulrich. Comedy in 3 acts; 12 males. Time, hours. Price, 25 Cents. KINGDOM OF HEART'S CONTENT By Lln.dsey Barbee. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 12 fe- iles. Time, 2^ hours. Price, 35 Cents. BETH A LA m7)DE By Walter Ben Hare. Burletta in 3 acts; 7 males, 7 nales. Time, 1V4 hours. Price, 25 Cents. 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