TffAKH-fJP' BOOK— HOW TO'^MAKE-UP.- A prsetiisal fToMi for Ajuateun^ iritb Twenty three Colored Illuatratioof^ yews AMERICAN ACTING EDITION No. 9. ^^^^"dm I UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS I P S ;| ^3 5 a S)rama tn XEbree Bets S Z9 'I BY \ WM. AND JOSEPHINE GILES Copyright, 1909, by Samuel French PRICE 25 CENTS New York SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER • 24 WEST 22D STREET London ! SAMUEL FRENdn, I^td. 26 Southampton St. .. stran'd' Authors of "Rube and His Ma," "The Hoosier School" j| NOTICE.- The professional acting rights of this play are reserved j^ by the publisher, and permission for such performances must be ob- ^ tained before performances are given. This notice does not apply to ^ amateurs, who may. perform the play without permission. All pro- ^ fessional unauthorized productions will be prosecuted to the full Q extent of the law. .w ^ MAKKaUP BOX. QhMMiik Kowfk, PMTl Powdtr, Whltini^, Mongolian, Ruddy Rmi^ flHik Pomdm Bqk and Puff; Chrem^ Blue, Burnt Corit, Pencili for the cyelidt, Spirit un^ ladla lal^ Camel Hair Brushes, Hare's Foot, Wool, Craped Hair, Cold Cream, Joininf Patte, Mt» kturt Puffs, Scisaors and Lookine Glass t packed neatljr In Strong Fancy ^Card boa^Lra (.(. UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS % 2Drama in €f)ree %tt$ By WM. AND JOSEPHINE GILES AUTHORS OF "rube AND HIS MA," "THE HOOSIER SCHOOI*. " Copyright, 1909, by Samuel French NOTICE.— The professional acting rights of this play are reserved by the publisher, and permission for such performances must be obtained before performances are given. This notice does not apply to amateurs, who may perform the play without permission. All professional unauthorized pro<> ductions will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. PRICE 25 CENTS NEW YORK SAMUBI/ FR:eNCH Publishers 24 w:EST aad STREET I^ONDON SAMU]^!, FRENCH, I.td. a6 Southampton Street, STRAND, I^ONDON ^ 'A h'^c.K UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. Cast ot Cbaracters* Jack Gordon Lead. Richard M ari,ow Heavy. UncIvE Josh Old Farmer. John Vernon Ruth's Father. Jake Turner Country Rube. Officer. Ruth Vernon (Ruth Gordon) Lead. Mrs. Gordon Old Woman. Katherine Vernon. (Mrs. Brown) Ruth's Mother. Hui^da Soubrette. ©CID 17420 TMP92-009235 V Costumes* Jack Gordon. Age twenty-three. Act I. A light summer suit, no vest, shirtwaist, straw hat. Act II. Dark traveling suit, stiff hat. Act III. Same as Act I. Richard Mari^ow. Age, forty. Act I. First appearance, coat split down the back, collar broken loose, etc. Then well dressed throughout the play, first appearance in Act III. Must be dressed in auto traveling style. Uncle Josh. Age, fifty-five. Old farmer. Act I. Over- alls, boots, straw hat, red handkerchief around neck. Act II. Linen duster, red tie, red handkerchief in top pocket, straw hat, umbrella, old and faded. Act III. Same as Act I. John Vernon. Age, forty. Well dressed, black suit throughout the play. His first appearance in Acts I and III. Must be dressed in auto traveling style. Jake Turner. Age, eighteen. Act I. Overalls, boots, big straw hat. Act II. Light plaid suit, two sizes too small red socks, small straw hat, light green tie. Ruth Vernon. Age, seventeen. Act I. Plain lawn dress, very neat and pretty. Acts II and III. Dressed very stylish and neat. First appearance in Act III. Must be dressed in auto traveling style. Mrs. Gordon. Age, fifty. Act I. Calico dress, gingham apron. Act II. Brown dress, bonnet, with roses and tie under chin. Act III. Same as Act I. KaTherine Vernon. Age, thirty-five. Act I. All in black. Act II. All in black, with white collar and cuffs. Glasses and wig, to represent Mrs. Brown. Act III. First ap- pearance in auto traveling style. Then as Act II, until remove disguise. HuLDA. Age, sixteen. Act I. Lawn dress with white ruffled apron. Very neat and pretty. Act II. Short lawn dress, very neat, large pretty summer hat. 6 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. p..) Wal, I swan, if I don't believe they are com- ing up the lane. (Waz'cs hand.) Yes, it be them, and Jack is waving his hat, and Josh is whipping np the horses. I believe I'll just run down the lane and meet them. (Starts to house and then turns.) Oh, J don't need my bonnet. (Mrs. Gordon starts to exit at r. just as Jake enters and she runs into his arms.) (Enter Hulda from house.) Hulda. Oh, Jake's got another girl. (Exit into house crying.) Mrs. Gordon (throws Jake oif). Land sakes, Jake, get out of my road, can't you see I'm in a hurry? Jake (getting out of the zcay). Wal, I didn't go ter do it, I was just coming ter tell ye the folks air coming up the lane. Mrs. Gordon. Wal, I know it. (Exit at r.) Jake (looking after her). Wal, I never seen the like. Aunt Rhoda acts as if Jack had been away twenty years, but I am gol durn glad ter see him myself. (Halloas into house.) Hey, Hulda, hey, Ruth, Jack's come, hurry up. (Enter Ruth from house.) Ruth. Has he really come, Jake? (Looks oif R.) Yes, there he is, hugging mother. O how glad I am, (waves hand) it won't be lonely here now, Jake. ACT I. SCENE I. 7 Jake. Huh, 'pears to me it ain't been so lone- some with all them spellin' bees and singing-schools we've been havin' lately. Enter Jack, Mrs. Gordon and Josh. Mrs. Gor- don has hold of Jack's arm, and Josh zvith suit- case.) . Jack {takes Ruth's hands). Hello, sis, you seem glad to see me. Ruth. O Jack, you don't know how we have missed you. Jack. Glad to hear that, why, hello, Jake ! {Shakes hands with Jake.) How are you, old fellow ? Jake. O, I be feelin' fine, huh, I got a gal now. Mrs. Gordon. Now, Jake, you can tell your troubles some other time, come on in the house everybody, for dinner is ready, and I want to talk to Jack myself. (Mrs. Gordon exit in house followed by Jack and Ruth.) Josh. Wal, I guess I'll have to wait till I get him out ter the barn. [^Exit in house.'] Jake. Gee I wish they would make a fuss over me, like that. Wal, I guess I'll just go out to the barn, I can talk ter old Dolly's colt anyhow. {Starts to exit at r., looks off.) Wal, what is that? {Calls into house.) Hey, there, all you folks, come out here and see what this is coming across the field. 8 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. (Enter Jack and Ruth from house. Looks off at R.) Jake. I'll be gol dinged! what is it, anyhow? I kin make out two legs, but I'll be switched if it's got a head. (Halloas.) Hold on ter that knap- sack, pard, or old Red'll rob you if he get's it. Gee whilicans ! Red's caught him right between the fence and the hog pen, and he's sending him this way, wal I'll be gol dinged, it's a man. (Enter Richard Marlow at r. running with suit- case in hand, coat split down the back, collar broke loose in front, no hat, throws himself on chair at r. all out of wind.) Jake (goes to him). Hello there, feller, you're a pretty good runner, ain't ye, but old Red has you all beat, he's had lots of practice, he runs me home every whip stitch, but ye see I've got on to his curves. Ruth. Maybe the gentleman's hurt. Jack! Marlow (bozvs). Thank you, lady. My feelings are hurt that I should have to appear in your pres- ence in such a condition. Jake. O sis, don't mind that, yer ought ter be glad yer got any clothes on at all. Jack (takes him by the arm and helps him up). Never mind, stranger, come with me to my room and we will soon make you presentable. (Jack and Marlow exit into house.) 'Jake. Wal, I tell ye, Ruth, I'll be hanged if I like the looks of that feller, his eyes look too much like ACT L SCENE I. 9 a snake's eyes when it's charming a bird. He's a schemer and a fraud, I'll bet my old straw hat on that. Ruth. You must not form opinions of people so readily, Jake, for you will often find that you're in the wrong, but I must go and help mother. ■, (Exit into house.) 'Jake. But you can bet your boots, sis, that I won't be in this case. (Enter Hulda l., from around the house, whirls past Jake, turns nose up at him, goes and set on rustic seat r. with back to him.) Jake (scratches head). Huh, must be something doing. Ahem, say Hulda, is dinner 'bout ready. Hidda (angrily). Oh, go and see. Jake (jumps and falls over chair r., getting up). Wal, now that beats me. Say, Hulda, (going closer to her) what's the matter with you? JIulda (independent). Oh, there ain't nothing the matter with me. Jake. Wal, gosh hang it all, I'd like ter know what makes you act this way. JIulda. O, I ain't acting any way, I think it's you that's doing the acting, here only a few min- utes ago I come out and caught you hugging an- other girl, and you told me only yesterday that I was the only girl you ever loved. (Begins to cry aloud. ) Jake (laughing). Wal, I'll be switched if she 10 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. ain't jealous. {Goes and puts arm around her.) Why, what be the matter with you, Hulda? Why, that was Aunt Rhoda. Hulda {throws him from her very angry, stamps foot). Aunt Rhoda, that's worse still, land sakes I could have stood it if it had been a young girl, but Aunt Rhoda, well that's the limit. Jake Turner, I never want anything more to do with you. {Cry- mg.) Jake. Gosh hang it all, Hulda, yer don't under- stand me, it wasn't my fault. Hidda {angrily). I'd like to know whose fault it was, you didn't have to hug somebody against your will, do you? Jake. Wal, you don't think I love anybody but you, do ye? Hulda. Oh, I don't know, and I don't care either, I'm going to get another fellow anyhow, you're getting too gay for me. Jake. Now, Hulda, let me tell yer just how that was. Aunt Rhoda thought I was Uncle Josh, coming from the barn and — Hidda {laughing). You don't mean to say, Jake Turner, that Aunt Rhoda took you for Uncle Josh ? Well, if I thought you looked as old as that, Fd never have anything to do with you again. But didn't have to hug her. Jake. Wal, you see, Hulda, I thought it was you. Hidda {throws head up in the air disdainfully) . Well, that does settle it between you and me, Jake Turner. To think, took me for Aunt Rhoda, well that's the limit. ACT I. SCENE I. II (HuLDA exit into house.) Jake {throws himself down on chair at R. with despair). Stung. {Enter Uncle Josh, Marlow and Jack from house. Marlow well dressed.) Uncle Josh. Wal, you fellers, come out ter the barn now, and see the new mare I got the other day. I found her to be all she was claimed ter be, and I tell yer that's something these days. Jack. Will you join us, Mr. Marlow? Marlow, No, thank you, I am very tired, and I'll just set down here and wait till you come back. Jack. All right, I will be back in a few minutes. (Uncle Josh and Jack exit at r. Marlow sits on chair at l.) Jake. Wal, I tell ye, you look different now. Marlow {takes cigar from pocket and lights it). Yes, and I believe I feel different too. Jake. O well, old Red didn't mean any harm, he just done that for fun, but I've got a gal now. Mrs. Gordon {from in house). Jake, come and get your dinner. Jake {gets up). Wal, I am not hungry, but I might as well go and try and eat a little. You just make yerself at home, I'll be out in a few minutes. {Exit into house.) Marlow {rises and crosses to r.). All right I'll wait on you. Well, what a lucky thing it was that I happen along here this morning. Who would of 12 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. thought that I would find down here among the hills, the very one that I have been looking for, for seventeen years. (Enter Katherine Vernon at R., crosses and stands at l. and listens.) The min- ute my eyes rested upon her I knew she was John Vernon's daughter, and the information that I got out of that servant girl has confirmed my belief, I know I can't be mistaken. I have despatched a boy to the station with a telegram for John Vernon to come at once. I suppose we will have a time getting her away, but Vernon's millions will accomplish that, The message will bring him here this evening, per- haps he's on the road now. I'll just take a walk out and see the new mare, (Katherine exit at l.) and try to have a talk with this young college chap. I don't like the way the girl and him act toward one another; I am afraid there is a little love affair back of it, but I'll soon cut that out. (Exit at r.) (Enter Katherine Vernon at l.) Katherine (looks after him). So you are still plotting the ruin of a woman's life, after seven- teen years, you are still unsatisfied, but you are near- ing your end, you have a woman to deal with now, whose heart was robbed of all it held dear by you. I was little more than a child then, while you was one of Satan's imps, but I am your match now, and will deal it all back to you as you have dealt it out to me, and more. (Looks toward house.) Here she comes now, my child, beautiful as the morning rose, and pure and innocent as the snow-white lily. Oh, how I have longed all these years to hold you ACT I. SCENE I. 13 to my heart, and feel your arms around my neck, and hear your sweet voice lisp the one word mother. All this has been denied me, through that man's villainy. {Looking off r.) But God has said ven- gence is mine, and I know he will not forget. (Enter Ruth from house.) Ruth. Why, good afternoon! I didn't know- anyone was here. Katherine. I was just passing, and being a little tired, I thought perhaps you wouldn't care if I rested here just a few moments. Ruth. Why, certainly, you may rest just as long as you care to, come sit down here. {Motions her to rustic seat.) I will go and get you a nice cool drink of water. Katherine. Please, don't, I would much rather that you stay and talk to me. Come and sit down. {Both sit on rustic seat.) Have you lived in this beautiful place all your life? Ruth. Yes, I have never known another home. These dear kind folks have always seemed so good to me that I cannot realize they are not my own. Katherine. Are they not your own? Ruth. No, Mr. Gordon found me when I was a little baby and he brought me home with him, but no one ever came to claim me. . Katherine. How very romantic, but did it ever occur to you that some one might claim-you yet? Ruth. I hardly think so, after all these years. Katherine. Strange things happen in a life. You cannot tell what a day may bring forth. 14 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. Ruth. Yes, I know, but I would rather stay here, than to have all the riches in the world. Katherine. I cannot blame you, but I must be going now. (Both rise.) Good-bye. Ruth. Good-bye. (Katherine exit at l.) Ruth. Why, what a strange, beautiful woman. (Enter Jack at r.) Jack. Alone? I thought I saw some one with you, when I was coming from the barn. Ruth. There was such a strange, beautiful wo- man here. Jack, it seems to me that I have seen her before somewhere, yet I cannot remember. Jack. O, you never met a stranger, Ruth. (Enter Mrs. Gordon from house.) Mrs. Gordon. O Jack, where did you leave your Pa? I am afraid something will happen to him. Are you sure that new mare he bought is perfectly safe? Jack. Why, yes, I think she is, mother. Mrs. Gordon. But law me, your Pap bought a cow about a month ago, the man he bought her from said she was so gentle that a child could milk her; but, land sakes, when Josh went to milk her she kicked him clean over the fence into the field with old Red, and Red caught him and tossed him back, and if it hadn't been for Jake coming to his rescue, I expect they would be playing ball with him yet, they both had a good work out on him. ACT I. SCENE I. IS {Enter Uncle Josh at r.) Mrs. Gordon. O Josh, I am so glad you have come, I have been so worried about you. {Enter Jake at r.) Jake {halloaing looking hack). Hi, hi, there! What's that coming out the lane? {All look off at E.) Uncle Josh. O that's one of them thar new automobubles. Why I wonder what in the tarna- tion they be coming here for? {Enter Hulda from house.) Hulda. O Jake, what is it? Jake. Uncle Josh says it's an automobuble, what- ever that be? {Halloas off.) Just hitch right thar to our hitching post. Ruth. O Jack, maybe it is some of your college chums. Jack. No, they are strangers to me. Why no! one is our guest, Mr, Marlow. {Enter Marlow and John Vernon at r. Auto- mobile heard off r.) Marlow. Allow me to present my friend, Mr. John Vernon, to you all. John Vernon {takes off hat). Ladies and gentle- men! Vncle Josh {takes his hand). I be very glad to meet yer, Mr. Vernon, come take a chair. i6 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. John Vernon. No, thank you, I have a Httle bus- iness with you, Mr. Gordon, and I might as well proceed at once. {Looks at Ruth.) First I wish to learn the identity of this young lady. (Ruth and Jack start and exchange looks.) Jack. Why, what does this mean? Uncle Josh. Wal, Mr. Vernon, when it comes ter that, I guess you know purty nigh as much as I do. I found my little gal over here along the road side, about seventeen years ago she was a little baby then. We have always felt that she belonged ter us, and seeing we raised her and educated her, of course she does belong to us. John Vernon. Was there anything on the child when you found her that would lead to proving who she might belong to ? Mrs. Gordon. O yes, she had a locket on with two pictures in it. Uncle Josh. Yes, that be true. Ruth, have you that locket? Ruth (takes locket from around her neck and hands it to Uncle Josh). Yes, here it is, father. (Aside to Jack.) Jack, I know now why that wo- man's face looked familiar to me, it is the face in my locket. Jack. And there stands the man. (Points to Vernon.) Ruth, are they going to take you from us? Ruth. Never. U^icle Josh (hands locket to Vernon). Here is the locket, Mr. Vernon. ACT I. SCENE I. 17 John Vernon {opens locket and presses it to lips). Katherine, my wronged wife, O God, help me to find you. Mr. Gordon this young lady is my daughter. For years I have searched for her ; my friend here, Mr. Marlow recognized her, by her striking resemblance to her dear mother. Mr. Gor- don, I am a broken-hearted man, my life is robbed of all that makes it worth living. I am many times over a millionaire ; but my wealth brings me no hap- piness because I have no dear one to share it with me. Will you folks relinquish your claim upon her, and allow me to place her in her rightful position ? Uncle Josh. We will never cease to call her our own, Mr. Vernon, but we will leave it to our little gal ter herself to decide. John Vernon {to Ruth). My child, will you go with me, to brighten my lonely home, and cheer my life with your bright presence? Ruth. You are my father, you have the right to command me. John Vernon {takes her hand). No, child, I will never command you, I have no right to do that. My heart and my home need you, will you come ? Ruth {goes to Jack). Jack, tell me, advise me what to do! Jack {takes her hand laying it in John Ver- non's). He is your father, Ruth, your first duty is to him. (Ruth lays head on Jack's shoulder. Aunt Rhoda zvipes eyes, Huldy zvipcs eyes. Uncle Josh and Jake drop their heads.\ CURTAIN. Pf^'^I^^^S !S1 i ^ S^^^PmE ^^^^^ 5!^ C7^JlSu-^2^£^^ ACT II. Scene. — A library at John Vernon's City Home. Door R. L. c. Desk at r. Easy chairs r. and l. Library table at l. with books on. See stage setting. (Enter Marlow at c.) Marlow. Well, I think I am progressing rapidly in my scheme to get the Vernon millions, but what gets me is that companion, Vernon has secured for Ruth. Every time she looks at me, I feel as if some- body had thrown a bucket of ice water on me, and she treats me with the utmost disdain, but she can't interfere with me in any way. But if she attempts it, I'll set her down so hard she won't try it again. How easy Vernon has always been, his wife hated me too, and — well, I soon settled her. (Takes large envelope from pocket.) I have the missing bonds, they are all I need, it won't be long until I have Ruth Vernon, and her father's millions in my possession. i8 ACT II. SCENE I. 19 (Enter Mrs. Brown at c.) (Marlow attempts to put paper back in pocket, but drops them on floor.) Mrs. Brown. O, I beg your pardon, but I have some writing to do for Miss Vernon. I hope I don't intrude. (Sits at desk.) Marlow. Not in the least, Mrs. Brown. Good- morning. (Exit at c.) Mrs. Brown (rises, goes pick up paper, fakes papers from envelope). The missing bonds! O, you scoundrel, nothing is too low for you to do, but I am not blind, and two can play at this game of yours. (Places bonds in her bosom, replaces en- velope on floor, sits at desk.) (Enter Marlow at c. hurriedly.) Marlow (looking over stage). I don't want to annoy you, Mrs. Brown, but I dropped some papers ; did you see anything of them? (Picks up envelope and puts it in pocket). O, I have found them. (Aside.) What luck! (Aloud.) I will not dis- turb you again. Good-morning ! (Exit at c.) (Mrs. Brown inclines head, goes on with her writ- ing.) Mrs. Brown (rising. No, you will not disturb me again, but maybe 1 will you. (Exit at c.) 20 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. (Enter Ruth at r.) Ritth (sits at desk wearily). Oh, I am so tired of all this glitter and show — nothing seems real. How I long for the dear ones at home ! Father is very kind to me; he leaves nothing undone that he thinks would add to my pleasure and happiness, and although I try, I cannot overcome the longing for the old home. (Enter Jack at c.) Jack (with outstretched anus). Ruth! Ruth (starts up in surprise). Jack! (Runs to him.) Gh, I am so glad to see you! Is it really you, Jack, or am I dreaming? Jack (takes her hands). Yes, it's me, Ruth. I just wanted to see you so bad, that I could not wait any longer, and so here I am. I was a little afraid you would turn the cold shoulder on me though. How swell you look, but you are the same Ruth ! Ruth. Never that. Jack, but come let us sit down and have a long talk. I have so many things to ask you. (Ruth and Jack sit on sofa at l.) Jack. It seems awfully nice to find you the same girl that used to live with us down on the farm. Ruth. How are father and mother, Jack, and the rest? Do they miss me too? Jack. I should say they do, and they are on their way up here now. ACT 11. SCENE I. 21 Ruth (clasps hands). Oh, are they, Jack? My, but I am so glad ! Jack. Are you sure you won't be ashamed of them, Ruth? Ruth. Why, Jack, I thought you had a better opinion of me than that. Jack (takes the stage). You don't know my opinion of you, Ruth, but I am very serious in what I am about to say to you. I did not reaHze, Ruth, until you had left us how dear you are to me. Ruth, I cannot ask you to go back down on the farm, after having tasted all this wealth and luxury, but I want to tell you that I love you, not as a brother loves a sister, or a friend loves a friend, but my love for you is far deeper and truer. Ruth, I cannot live without you. Tell me, dear, do you think that you could care for me. While you were with us, Ruth, I regarded you as a sister, but after you had gone, I realized that we were parted forever, unless you become my wife, my life, my very existence, is centered in you. Will you come? (Ruth goes to him, Jack takes her in his arms.) (Marlow appears at door c. and listens.) Ruth. Yes, Jack, and I have learned many things, too, since I left the dear old home, and one of these is this, my life would be very lonely with- out you. Jack. I love you, but I never knew until the last few months how much. Jack. Ruth dear, do you mean this ? Would you give up this beautiful home and wealth for me? Ruth. Yes, Jack, and a thousand times more, if I had it to give. .; 22 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. Jack. May God help me to prove myself worthy of your love and trust. I am going now to take my place with that great army of workers, who are trying to climb the ladder of success, and I feel, with the words that you have just spoken ringing in my ears, that I shall win. Good-bye, darling. Ruth {clinging to him). But, Jack, you will write to me often, won't you? Jack. Yes, dear, every day if you wish it. Ruth. I do, Jack, and I shall not be so lonely now. Jack (kisses her). Good-bye, dear. It won't be long until I can come and ask your father to give you to me. (Marlow disappears.) (Jack exit at c.) Ruth (going to door c, looks after him^, I never knew until now how much I love you, Jack. The thought that you love me thrills me with joy. What is all this luxury compared to a life spent with him. Poverty could hold no fear for me, if it was shared with Jack. (Enter Mrs. Brown at r.) 'Mrs. Brozvn. Miss Vernon, your father has just told me that your folks are expected to arrive to- day. Have you any orders you wish conveyed to the housekeeper? Ruth. Yes, dear, but I shall go with you for I ACT II. SCENE I. 23 wish to oversee the preparations for their comfort myself. (Ruth and Mrs. Brown exit r.) {Enter John Vernon and Marlow at c.) Marlow {seating himself on sofa). Do you in- tend to allow these country hoosiers to visit you here, in your city home, John Vernon? Why you will be the laughing-stock of everybody. John Vernon {seats himself at desk). Why, yes, Richard, I am glad they are coming. Ruth loves them, and well she might, considering what they have done for her. Why they could have allowed her to grow into womanhood ignorant, uneducated, instead of fitting her for the position she now holds. They are good, kind generous people, Richard ; they are diamonds in the rough. Marlow {takes the stage). But couldn't you pay them for what they have done and then let them drop ? John Vernon. I offered to settle some money on them, but they refused, they wouldn't ever listen to such a thing. Marlow. That is only a scheme of theirs, John. Maybe you didn't make the amount large enough. John Vernon. No sum was mentioned. I think you're mistaken in your opinion of them, and I know their visit here will be a great benefit to Ruth, for I know she is longing to see them. But, Richard, I am in deep trouble ; you remember those bonds that were entrusted to me a few months ago ! 24 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. Well, they are missing. Ruth, Mrs. Brown, and myself have searched every available place that I could possibly have placed them. If I do not find them it will be a serious thing for me. Marlow (seats himself on sofa). Perhaps Mrs. Brown could enlighten you as to their whereabouts, if she cared to. You trust people too much, John. Joliji Vernon. I haven't had the least cause to suspect anyone, Richard, and she above anyone, out- side of you and Ruth. (Gets up.) But I shall go and search again, perhaps we have only overlooked them. I will join you in a few minutes. (Exit at c.) Marlow (gets up). There is only one way for you to find the missing bonds, John Vernon ; that will be by making Ruth my wife and signing over your millions to me. (Enter Ruth at r.) Ruth (starts). Oh, I did not know anyone w^as here. Marlozv. Why, good-morning, Miss Vernon, this is quite a pleasure, as I have something that I wish to say to you. Ruth (in surprise). Something to say to me! Marlozv. Yes, Miss Vernon, you • have always treated me as though we were strangers, and I have done everything in my power, to overcome this formality, but to no avail. Your father and I have been friends from boyhood, surely that is enough to make you trust me. Ruth. I do not mistrust you, Mr. Marlow, but you forget that I have only known you a few ACT II. SCENE I. 25 months ; even my father was a stranger to me until then. Marlow. But you show affection for your father, for me aversion. Rtith. You are mistaken, Mr. Marlow. (Starts to go.) Marlozv (going closer to her). Don't be in a hurry to go; I have not finished. What I wish to say to you is this : Ruth, I love you. Will you give me permission to try to win your love? Ruth. No, Mr. Marlow, I cannot encourage you in this, for I can never care for you. Marlow. But, Ruth, I know I can win your love, if you will only let me try. Ruth. Mr. Marlow, I do not care to continue this conversation any longer; please let this drop between us forever. Marlow. No, I have decided that you shall be- come my wife ! If you will not yield by persuasion, then I will use other means. Ruth (proudly). Sir, you insult me. I wish you good-morning. (Starts to exit at r.) Marlow (catches her hand and draws her back). Wait and hear me out. I'our father will soon be under arrest, accused of stealing bonds. Disgrace and the prison stares him in the face. I can clear him and will, under one consideration: that you consent to be my wife. Ruth (scornfully). And you claim to be my father's friend ! Marlotv. I was, until 3'ou came into my life; love for you has made me what I am; you can reclaim me or make a fiend of me, I will give you 26 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. time to decide. As you value your life keep silent, but remember, the bonds must be produced, or the prison doors will close upon your father. Ruth. Mr. Marlow, you have had my final answer. {Exit at r.) Marlow {laughing). You'll change your mind, my lady. Every woman has that privilege ; wait until I get you in my power, I'll make you pay for this. {Exit at l.) {Enter Uncle Josh, Mrs. Gordon, Jake and HULDA at c.) Jake. Come on, Hulda, ain't this fine? Gosh, I wonder what room this are! Uncle Josh. Now, Jake, don't get excited, you'll see lots of queer things before ye get back home. Mrs. Gordon. Now I don't want you folks to forget that you are to act just as if you had always been used to all these fine things; land sakes, I'd hate to think after all the rehearsing I have given you in the last month, that you would go ahead and make laughing-stocks out of all of us. (Jake and Uncle Josh sit on sofa and bounce up and down.) Jake. Whee — ain't we going some ! Uncle Josh {hat falls hack of sofa). Oh, there goes my hat ! Mrs. Gordon {goes back of sofa). I'll get it for you, Josh. (Jake and Uncle Josh both jump up, backs to each other; in the attempt to look under sofa, bump seats together and fall to floor.)] ACT II. SCENE I. 27 Jake {reaching under sofa). I've got it, Uncle Josh. Mrs. Gordon {screams). Oh, Jake, let go of my foot! Jake {sitting on floor). Stung! Uncle Josh {gets up, brushes himself off, looks at sofa, then sits on chair at r.). Huh, gosh hang it all I believe that goldurn thing's alive. Hidda. If I was you, Jake Turner, I'd try and have a little sense; you ain't got as much as a pig. Jake {getting up). Wal, goldurn it, Hulda, that's just what they told me down at the pen. Mrs. Gordon {sits on sofa). Now, Josh, you've said and done enough for a while. {Hands him his hat.) Now, here's your hat ; but for goodness' sake don't put it on in the house ! Jake. But hold fast to it. Uncle Josh, or ye might not have it to put on when you go out-doors, and I don't want to grab any more hats very soon again. Hidda. I think you had better look after your own things, Jake, and not have so much to say. {Enter Ruth at r.) Ruth {kisses Mrs. Gordon and Hulda, shakes hands with Uncle Josh and Jake). Oh, mother, I am so glad to see you, and Hulda, and father, and Jake — it seems too good to be true that you're all here. Jake {grinning. Aside). Gee, I was kinder in hopes them kisses were goin' around, but don't Ruth look stunnin' ! 28 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. Mrs. Gordon (lays hands on Ruth's shoulder). Ruth, my child, you don't look well. I am afraid all this finery don't just exactly agree with you; what do you think, Pa? Uncle Josh. Wal, I think you be right. Ma ; she is a lookin' a little peaked. Mrs. Gordon. I just believe I'll coax her Pa to let her go back home with us a spell. Ruth. I would dearly love to go, mother. Joke. It's been awful lonesome since you left, Ruth. There ain't anybody ter play the pianner now but Hulda, and she can't play anything but Yankee Doodle. Hidda. That's more than you can play. Uncle Josh {takes money from pocket). Now, I am going to give you all a present, for I want you all to have a good time, and go home satisfied. Here, Ma, is five hundred dollars for you, and a hundred for you, Hulda, and a hundred for you, Jake. (Hands them money.) Jake (looks at money, grins). Gee, goldurn it, I kin buy nearly everything in New York. Uncle Josh. I want -ye all ter buy something that ye can keep to remember this trip with. Hidda. Thank you, Uncle Josh. Jake. I'll do that all right. Uncle Josh. Ma, I want you ter get a fine new dress. Ruth will help you buy it. Ruth. Of course I will, mother. Mrs. Gordon. I'll see what I can do, but I don't think this will be enough. Uncle Josh (in surprise). Gosh, I wonder what it takes to buy a dress in New York ? Why, down ACT II. SCENE I. 29 our way you could buy a dozen dresses and a woman throwed in, for that amount. Ruth. I expect you are all tired, so I will show you to your rooms. Dinner will be served in an hour. {All gather up baggage.) Jake. Dinner! Gee, I thought I'd had my din- ner. I wonder what time they have supper. {All exit at R.) '{Enter John Vernon at c.) John Vernon {seated at desk). I wonder what could have become of those bonds ? I have always been so careful in all my business transactions, and I felt certain that I had locked them in the safe. {Enter Mrs. Brown, r.)] John Vernon. Was your search successful, Mrs. Brown ? Mrs. Brown. I am sorry to say it was not, Mr. Vernon. John Vernon. Sit down, my dear, you have cer- tainly been very faithful in trying to fmd them. Mrs. Brown {seated on sofa). 1 have only done my duty, Mr. Vernon. John Vernon. I cannot think they have been stolen. I still have hopes that I may find them ; if I don't, their value is so large that it will sweep away my entire fortune. Mrs. Brown. Is it so bad as that ? John Vernon. Yes, and not only that, but the 30 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. shadow of disgrace that will fall upon innocent shoulders. Adrs. Brown. You mean your daughter? John Vernon. Yes, and I dare not tell her. Mrs. Brown, my life has been a failure. I look back over it and see only a pile of ruins. I would give my life to undo a crime I committed against the only woman I ever loved. I believed her false, and I drove her out into the world, only to find when it was too late, that she was innocent. The name of the person that committed the crime against her I have never been able to learn. To-night this all comes back to me, and my heart longs for some one to confide in. {Paces stage slozvly.) I cannot tell Ruth ; she would turn from me when she learned of the cruel treatment her poor innocent mother re- ceived at my hands. Forgive me, Mrs. Brown, for burdening you with my troubles, but somehow I have felt strangely drawn toward you from the first; I feel that I can trust you. Mrs. Brozvn. I am glad, Mr. Vernon, that you trust me ; you will find that I will never betray your confidence. (Enter Ruth at c.) Ruth (going to her father). Have you found the missing bonds yet, father? John Vernon. No, dear, but don't you worry pbout them. I know I have only overlooked them in my search. (Aside.) Oh, if I only had. Ruth (seated beside Mrs. Brown on sofa). Have you met the folks yet, Mrs. Brown? ACT II. SCENE I. 31 Mrs. Brown. Yes, I have had quite a little chat with Mrs. Gordon. Isn't she a dear, good old- fashioned soul! (Enter Jake at c.J Jake (with an Irish mail, and some bundles, lay- ing them on floor at back). How do, Mr. Vernon. I have just been out buying some things to take home with me. John Vernon (shakes hands with Jake). Yes, I see you have, but what are you going to do with that? (Points to mail.) Jake. Oh, that's an automobubble that I bought. I'm going ter ride on that. I bet I'll give old Red a chase now. (Enter Uncle Josh, Mrs. Gordon and HULDA at R.) John Vernon (shaking hands with them). Glad to see you. I have looked forward to your visit to help cheer Ruth up a little. She hasn't complained, but I could see she was grieving for you. Mrs. Gordon. Yes, indeed, I knew there was something wrong with her the minute I laid eyes on her, and I want you to let her go back home with us a spell till she gets to looking better. Jake (brings Irish mail forward). Hey there, everybody, see what I bought. Uncle Josh. What in the 'tarnation is that any- how. Jake. Why don*t you know what that is? Just wait till we get home and I'll show you. 32 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. Hiilda. A fool and his money soon part. Jake. Huh ! Hulda. I say, I thought you had a good start. Ruth. Never mind, Jake, you'll come out all right. {Enter Police at c. All stand with a look of surprise. ) Police. Mr. John Vernon, Grant and Ripley have sent me for some bonds that you have in your possession. You were to have delivered them yesterday. {Enter Marlow at c. and stands by Ruth.) John Vernon. I am sorry, Officer, but I have lost or mislaid the bonds somewhere, and although T have searched diligently for days I cannot find them. Officer. Then I have a warrant for your arrest. Uncle Josh. What be that for? Mr. Vernon did not steal them bonds. Ye wouldn't take him to prison, would ye ? Officer. I must do my duty. Marlow' (to Ruth). You can save your father. Officer {talzes out Jtandcuffs). Mr. Vernon Ruth {throwing herself at Officer's feet). Oh, please dp not arrest my father. He is innocent, give him only one day more, and maybe he can find the bonds. Officer. I am sorry, but it is not in my power to grant your request. ACT II. SCENE I. 33 Uncle Josh. I'll stand good for them goldurn old bonds. How much are they? You see us struck oil down on my farm a few weeks ago, and I'll spend every dollar 'ter save ye, Mr. Vernon, for I know ye are innocent. Ruth {to Marlow). Save my father and I will be your wife. Marlow {steps forward). There is no need of all this display, Mr. Gordon ; I happened to find the missing bonds only a few minutes ago. Here they are. {Hands envelope to Officer.) Officer {opens envelope). I beg your pardon, Mr. Marlow, there are no bonds here. Marlow {starts). What do you mean, man? Officer. That the bonds are still missing. JaJ^e. Stung ! Mrs. Brown {aside). My time has not come yet. CURTAIN. ACT III. Scene. — Same as Act I. '(Jack discovered seated on rustic seat.) Jack (with paper in hand). I cannot believe it. Ruth, little sister, sweetheart, all that life holds for me — ^^f alse ! It seems impossible, yet here it is in black and white {gets up and paces stage), the an- nouncement of her approaching marriage to Richard Marlow. I have written to her repeatedly, but have received no answer to any of my letters. I can*t understand it. Sometimes when I think of it all, it seems as though I shall go mad. Oh, Ruth ! Ruth, what is this, that has come between us, when only a few short weeks ago you told me, with eyes that shone with love and truth, that you loved me, and would be my wife? To-day I seem to be in total darkness, the sun seems to be hidden in clouds of doubt and heartaches. I cannot remain here and see her wed another ! I am going away, so far away that I shall never hear of her again. Oh, my darl- ing! I can't believe that you are false to me. (Sits on rustic seat) 34 ACT III. SCENE i. 35 (Enter Mrs. Gordon from house.) Mrs. Gordon. Why, Jack, what be the matter with you. (Places hand on his shoidder.) You 'pear to be downhearted about something, but good- ness' sake I don't know what it could be. Here we have lots and lots of money since we struck oil, and you have finished your education and got a good position with them big lawyers, where ye can learn all you want to. Why I think you ought to be jumpin' around here like a yearlin' colt, instead of settin' around with yer head down like this. (Sits on rustic seat. ) Jack (getting up, crosses stage to l.). Mother, I can't tell you now what troubles me, but some time I will; but I have decided to take the position offered me by Fauffman & Co., to look after some interests of theirs in Australia. I shall be gone five years. Mrs. Gordon. Oh, Jack! we can never let you go that far away. Land sakes, we could all be dead and buried in that time ! Jack. Yes, but as far as that goes, mother, we could all be in our graves in a week. This is a good chance for me, and I would be a fool not to accept it. '(Enter Hulda at r., laughing, waving hand offR.) Hulda. Oh, Aunt Rhoda, Jack, here comes Ruth, and her father and Mrs. Brown and Mr. Marlow. (All look oif r.) 36 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. Mrs. Gordon. Wal for goodness' sake, if it ain't them coming in that new automogle that Ruth's Pa got her. {Waves hand.) (Automobile heard off r.) Jack (coming tip l.). I wonder what this means? Not satisfied with what she has ah-eady done, she is comi;ig here to flaunt their happiness in my face ! (Enter Ruth, John Vernon, Mrs. Brown and Marlow at r.) Mrs. Gordon (catching Ruth in her arms, kisses her). Oh, how glad I be to see you! (Holding her at arm's length.) But, land sakes, Ruth, have you been sick ? John Vernon. Yes, Mrs. Gordon, her health is failing fast. Acting upon the advice of Mrs. Brown, I have brought her to you; the old home will help her. Marlow (aside). He didn't take my advice or she wouldn't be here, but that woman seems to checkmate me in everything. Mrs. Brown. Yes, dear Mrs. Gordon, I thought the fresh country air and the old home would do her more good than all the doctors in the city. (Jack and Ruth look at each other, start, Jack ttirns away.) Jack (aside). Heavens, how frail she looks. I cannot stand this ! ACT III. SCENE I. 37 Mrs. Gordon, You done just right in bringing her to me, seein' I nursed her through the scarlet fever and the whooping cough and the measles. Ain't I her real mother after all, didn't I raise her? John Vernon (sadly). Yes, Mrs. Gordon, I can't deny that. Mrs. Brown (aside). While her own mother's heart almost broke with longing for her. Mrs. Gordon. Josh will be just tickled to death to see 3^ou all. Hulda, go and call him. Hidda. All right, Aunt Rhoda. (Starts hack of house L.) Ruth (stopping her). Hulda, are you not glad to see me? Hidda (embracing her). I should say I am, Ruth, but you seemed so grand, and far above us now, that I felt like you didn't care for me any longer. Ruth. Oh, Hulda, do you have so little faith in me? Hidda. We all love you and miss you, Ruth dear, and Uncle Josh will be so glad to see you. I must hurry and call him. (Exit at l.) Marlozv. I think, John Vernon, that Ruth had better go to her room; she looks all tired out. (Enter Uncle Josh and Hulda at -l.) Uncle Josh (laughing, shaking hands zvith them all). Wal, I'll be goldurned if this ain't the pleasantest surprise I've had since they struck oil on the farm. Why, Ruth, what is the matter? Ruth (placing hand to head). Father, mother, I— I-- 38 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. Jack {running to her and catches her in his arms). Ruth has fainted. (All gather around Jack.)' Jack. Stand aside and let me take her to her room. (Jack exit into the house with Ruth, followed by Mrs. Gordon, Uncle Josh, Mrs. Brown and Hulda.) Marlow {seated on rustic seat. Aside). I have one more card to play. If I do not win, it means ruin and defeat. Jake. I wonder what be the matter with Ruth? T never seen her act like that before.. Marlow. Oh, there's nothing the matter with her; you" forget she's not a big overgrown country hoosier. Jake. Huh ! Marlow. To make things plainer, she don't be- long here, and John Vernon was a fool to bring her here. Jake. Huh, it wasn't so bad him bringin' Ruth down here as some others he brought. {Enter Hulda from house.) Hidda. Ruth is better. Jake, Aunt Rhoda wants you to go down to the spring after some water. Jake. All right, Hulda. {Exit at l.) Hulda. Mr. Marlow, Uncle Josh said for you to come into the house. ACT III. SCENE I. 39 Marlozv (rising). Thank you. (HuLDA exit into honse.y Marlow. I'll keep a close watch, or that woman will foil me yet. I am almost certain she has the missing bonds, and to win Ruth Vernon I will stop at nothing. Her money will save me from prison, for John Vernon will never let his son-in-law go to prison for forgery. {Exit into house.) (Mrs. Brown at l.) Mrs. Brown. My heart aches for Ruth and Jack, to think they are the victims of that coward. Ruth is better, but her heart is breaking, and Marlow is trying to hold her to a promise of marriage, but I have a few accounts to check up with him. Ruth does not need me now, so I will take a little stroll. It seems so beautiful down that long shady lane. ,,,,«««^- (Exit at ^.) {Enter /ake at l. on Irish mail, wearing goggles, cap, ulster, etc., regular automobile style. ) 'Jake {halloaing) . Get out of my way, by gurri, or ril run over you. {Enter Uncle Josh from out of the house just as Jake passes the door. Josh jumps and Jake goes under him.) 7ake, Got through that tunnel all right. '' 40 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. ***" ' '( Jake exit at l.) Uncle Josh (after him). If I don't give that boy a good floggin' it will be a funny thing to me. (Exit at L.) (Enter Ruth from house.) Ruth. I wish I had not allowed them to persuade me to come here. The sight of all these dear familiar faces, and the dear old home, only add to my sorrow. Oh, Jack, Jack, if you had only re- mained true to me, how different my life would have been ! (Sits on rustic seat, places arm on back, lays head on it,) (Enter Jack from house.) Jack. Ruth, I did not know you were out here, or I would not have intruded. Ruth (rising). Do you dislike me so much. Jack? Jack. Dislike you? No, what do you mean? Ruth. You never talked that way to me before, Jack. . Jack. But things are different now. (Turns away. ) Ruth (sadly). Yes, Jack, I am well aware of that. (Aside.) Oh, how happy we were in the old days ! Jack (turning to her). Well, Ruth, all that I can say is that I hope you will be happy as Richard Marlow's wife. ACT III. SCENE I.. 41 Ruth (pleadingly). Jack! Jack. I do not care to hear. I might have known from the first that you could never care for me, a country hoosier, after you became accustomed to the ways of the city. I was a fool to follow you there to lay my heart at your feet, only to have you tread on it. When I think of what we were to each other, through all our young lives, and how we planned for a future full of sunshine and love, and contentment, I wish that we had both died in child- hood. Ruth. Oh, Jack. Jack. Don't speak to me! Your voice maddens me, your face so full of pleading, your eyes so full of sadness, almost make me forget that you belong to another. To save my reason, and maybe my poor miserable life, I am going away, and I hope I shall never look upon your face again. Ruth. Jack, you are unreasonable, you do not understand. Jack. Unreasonable? My God! Ruth, is it un- reasonable for me to curse the day that took you from me, you, my life, my inspiration, my star of hope! Oh, Ruth, Ruth, I wish that I were dead! (Falls on rustic seat and buries face in hands.)^ • (Ruth starts toward him.)] (Enter Marlow from house.'f^ Marlow. Ruth, your father wished to see you at once. 42 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. (Ruth looks longingly at Jack.) Marlow. Ruth, come at once as your father is in great haste. (Ruth exit into house, followed by Marlow.) Jack (rising). Oh, heavens! I cannot stand this. (Enter Mrs. Brown at r.) Mrs. Brown (going to him). I am very glad to find you alone. I wish to tell you something. Mr. Gordon, you have been deceived. Ruth loves you, trust her. Jack (starts). Why, woman, what do you mean? Mrs. Brown. Wait and see. Jack. Oh, if I only knew you spoke the truth. Mrs. Brown. Mr. Gordon, trust me, you will find that I am right. Mrs. Gordon (from in house). Come, folks, dinner is ready. Jack. Mrs. Brown, I will try to take your advice. (Mrs. Brown and Jack exit into house.) [ (Enter Jake at r. with one broken and bent wheel from Irish mail. Jake all banged up and clothes all torn.) (Enter Hulda ffom house.) Hulda. Why, Jake, what is the matter?, ACT III. SCENE I. 43 Jake {crestfallen). Oh, I run against old Red. Hulda. Are you hurt, Jake? Jake. Huh ! Hulda. Are you hurt? Jake. I don't know, am I? Hidda. And Uncle Josh told you to buy some- thing that you could remember that trip to New York with. Jake {looks at wheel). Wal I can keep this wheel, can't I? Hulda. Where is the rest of the mail. Jake. Huh — old Red's got it, he's trimmin' his horns w^ith it, but say, Hulda, do you have any idea where I can find another suit to put on, I don't feel right in this suit. I can't turn around. Hulda. Maybe Jack's got one he don't need any longer, and will give it to you, come on into the house, and we'll see. (Hulda exit into house followed by Jake walking sideways with back to scene.) {Enter Marlow at l.) Marlow. I see I have got to get Jack Gordon out of the way, or I can never hope to marry Ruth. I just happened along in time a while ago; if Jack finds out that Ruth is true to him I might as well, say amen, and shake the dust of this country off my feet. But I have a little scheme that I believe will work. I must do something and the sooner the better. I can get Jack Gordon into a quarrel and kill him in self defense; suchthingshave_been 44 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. done, and then this Mrs. Brown will turn up miss- ing in a little while. The dead tell no tales or de- liver no bonds. (Laughs.) (Enter Jack from house,) Marlow (aside). Things are coming my way already. (Aloud.) Why, hello, Mr. Gordon, I thought you had accepted a position with Kauff- man & Co.? Jack. I have, but have not gone yet, I go in ten days. Marlow. I thought of taking Ruth down there on our honeymoon. Jack (starts). Honeymoon, — O I forgot. Marlow (laughing). I suppose it does seem strange to you. Ruth didn't want me to say any- thing to you about it, but I feel so elated over it that I couldn't keep silent. Jack. It seems Marlow, that you want to gloat over me; you must know that I love Ruth, and I can't understand how she could change in so short a time. Marlow. Why Mr. Gordon, you didn't think that she would marry a man of your standing would you? why she would never have the courage to in- troduce you to her friends in New York. Look at your parents, it was all Ruth could do to tolerate them when they came to visit her. Jack (angrily). You lie. (Starts toward Mar- low.) Marlow (drawing dagger). If you lay hands on me your a dead man. ACT III. SCENE I. 45 'Jack. Take back what you have said, Richard Marlow, or I will kill you. (They clinch, Jack throws Marlow to the Hoor, Marlow jumps up and raises dagger to strike Jack, just as Uncle Josh efiters at r. with shot gun. Ruth runs out of house, grabs gun and shoots.) . Ruth. Drop that dagger, Marlow, there is an- other load in this gun. {Points gun at him.) {Enter Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Gordon, Hulda, John Vernon, and Jake. Jake falls out the door. All enter from house.) (Marlow starts hack and drops dagger.) Uncle Josh {takes gun from Ruth). Give me the gun, Ruth, I'll keep him quiet, by gum. Jack. Ruth, why did you do this when you be- long to another? Ruth {goes to Jack). Jack, I belong to you, alone. Jack {takes her in his arms). Ruth! Mrs. Brown. Yes, she has always belonged to ,' you. That was a clever ruse of Marlow's, to have *^ that announcement inserted in the paper and sent to you, Mr. Gordon, Ruth and her father knew nothing of it, she has never been engaged to this man. Richard Marlow, you have gone your limit. {Enter Officer at r.) OfUcer. I have here a warrant for Richard Mar- loWi 46 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. Marlow. What do you mean, I have done noth- ing. Officer. This warrant says you have in your possession the missing bonds of Grant & Ripley. Marlow. It's a He. Mrs. Brown. Search the gentleman, officer. {Aside.) I put them in his coat and then notified the officer. Officer {searches, finds large envelope, opens it, takes out the bonds). Here are the bonds, Mr. Marlow. ■ Marlow {starts). I had no knowledge of them being in my pocket. Offcer. They all say that. {Handcuffs him.) You are my prisoner. Mrs. Brown. Officer, I have something that I would like to say to your prisoner before you re- move him. Richard Marlow, you have run your course. It was you, who broke up the home of John Vernon, causing his young wife to be driven with her baby, out into the world, you poisoned his mind against her, and then hired a man to embrace her in the garden one moonlight night, while you pointed the scene out to him, but you kept him from seeing his wife throw the man aside, and go quickly into the house to tell her husband of the encounter, only to be faced by an irate man, urged on by a coward and a villain. John Vernon. Woman, how did you find this out? Mrs. Brown. The man that assisted him re- pented and made a written confession and gave it ACT III. SCENE I. 47 to me, I have it here. (Hands John Vernon the paper.) (John Vernon opens paper and looks at it.) Uncle Josh. Wal, I'll be gol durned, Rhoda, what do you think of that. Mrs. Gordon. Tears to me, Josh, that he must be the devil. Mrs. Brown. And besides all this, he has by some underhanded v^ay, secured all letters that Ruth and Jack have written to each other, that I hap- pened to find. (Hands letters to Jack.) Jack. The dog? O Ruth, Ruth, can you ever forgive me. My only plea is, that I loved you so. Ruth. Jack, I have nothing to forgive, you were deceived, as we all have been ; you have more to for- give than I, but Jack, I love you. (Jack and Ruth embrace.) John Vernon. Richard Marlow, this proof of your villainy is conclusive. How you have deceived me all these years I do not know. I believed you my friend, I find you my worst enemy, the wrecker of my life, the destroyer of my home. O Katherine, my poor wronged wife, if I could only find you, I would give my life in atonement, for the wrong I have done you. Mrs. Brown. You were not entirely to blame, Mr. Vernon, but if you had only let her speak in her own defense, instead of turning her out into the world. O the heartaches ! the weary years of pain and longing it would have saved ! Richard Marlow, your reward will soon be meted out to you, NOV 17 1909 48 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. and when the prison doors close upon you, remem- ber the long years that a woman suffered by your treachery, and be thankful that your punishment is not greater. (Removes zvig and glasses.) Marlow. My God, Katherine Vernon. Ruth. Mother! John Vernon {extending arms to her). Kather- ine, my wife, forgive my cruel doubts, and let us begin life over again, satisfied in each other's love. Katherine and John Vernon embrace.)^ CURTAIN. FRENCH'S MINOR DRAMA. ui> || Price 15 Cents each.— Bound LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS VOL. I. 1 Th« Irtth Attorney SBooU at the Swan 8 How to Pfcy tli» R«nt 4 The LoMi of a Lorer 6 The Dead Shot ( Hti Last '*« 1 The Invis.ble Prince • The Goliien FArmer VOL. IL f Pride of the Market 10 Uied Up 1 1 The Irlih Tutor 18 The Barrack Room 18 Luke the Laborer 14 Beauty and the Beatt 16 St. Patrick'* Eve 16 CapUln of the Watoh VOL. IIL IT The Secret fper Pep 18 White Hone of the 19 The Jacobit* SO The Bottle 91 Box and Cox t9 Bambooillnf 53 Wldow'i Victim 54 Robert Macalr* VOL. IV. 55 Secret Service 26 Otnnlbu* 37 Iriih Lion 28 Maid of CroUir 89 The Old Guard 80 RaiiinK the Wind 81 Slather and Grnsher 88 Naval EngagemenU VOL. V. 88 Coukni«> in CalifomU 34 Who gpeaks FIrit 35 Bombajtei Furioto 81 Macbeth Travestle 87 Irlih Amba»iador 88 DelicaU Ground 89 The Weathercock [Gold 40 All that Glitters ti iNot VOL. VL 41 Qrlmthaw, Bagshaw and Bradshaw 49 Rough Diamond 48 Bloomer Costume 14 Two Bonnycastles tl Born to Good Luok 1« RIbs In the Dark [jarei 47 'Twould Putale a Con- 18 Kill or Cure VOL. vn. 49 Box and Coz Married and 60 St. Cu»ld [Settled 61 Go-to-bed Tom 19 The Lawyer* 68 Jack Sheppard 64 The Toodlee 66 The Mobcap 66 Ladles Beware VOL. VIIL 87 Morning Call 68 Popping the Questloa 69 Deaf a* a Poit 60 Ne .7 Footman 61 Pleasant Neighbor 68 Paddy the Piper 63 Brian O'Llnn 64 Irish Assurance VOL. IX. 66 Temptation 66 Paddr Carev 67 Two <3regorle* 68 King Charming 69 Po-oa-hon-Us 70 Clockmaker's Hal 71 Married Rake 78 Lore and Murder VOL. X. 78 Ireland and America 74 Pretty Piece of Business 76 Irish Broom-maker 76 To Paris and Back f Five Pound* 77 That Blessed Baby 78 Our Gal 79 Swiss Cottage 80 Young Widow VOL. XI. 81 O'FUnuigan and the Fai- 82 Irish Post [ries 83 My Neighbor'* Wife 84 Irish Tiger 85 P. P., or Man and Tiger 86 To Oblige Benson 87 SUte SecreU 88 Irish Yankee VOL. XII. 89 A Good Fellow 90 Cherry and Fair Star 91 Gale Breeiely 99 Our Jemituy 93 Miller'* Maid 94 Awkward Arrival 96 Crostiug the Line 96 Conjugal Lesson VOL. XHI. ?7 My Wife'* Mirror 98 Life In New York 99 Middy Ashore 1 00 Crown Prince 101 Two QueeL* 102 Thumping Legacy 103 Unfinished 0»ntleman 104 House Dog VOL. XIV. 06 The Demon Lover 106 Matrimony 107 In and Out of Place 108 I Dine with My Mother 109 Hi-a-wa-tha no Andv Blake 111 Love In '76 [ties 112 Romance under Difflcul- VOL, XV. 118 One Coat for J Suit* 14 A Decided Case 16 Daughter [norltv 116 No; or, the Glorious Mi- 117 Coroner's Inquisition 18 Love in Humble Life 119 Family Jar* 130 I'ersouatlon VOL. XVI. 121 Children In the Wood 122 Winning a Husband 123 Day After the Fair 124 Makd Your Will* 125 Rendesvous 126 My Wife's Husband 1 27 Monsieur Tonson 128 lllustrlou* Stranger VOL. XVII. 129 Mischief-Making [Ml nes 1 30 A Live Woman In the 131 The Corsair 132 Shy lock 133 Spoiled Child 134 Evil Eye 136 Nothing to Nurse 136 WanUd m Widow VOL. XVIIL 137 Lottery Ticket 138 Fortune's Frolic 139 Is he Jealous! 140 Married Bachelor 141 Husband at Sight 142 Irishman In London 143 Animal Magnetism 144 Highways and By-W ays VOL. XIX. 146 Columbu* 146 Harlequin Bluebeard 147 Ladies at Home 148 Phenomenon In a Smocft Frock 149 Coinedy and Tragedy 150 Opposite Neighbors 151 Dutchman's Ghost 152 Pwsecuted Dutchman VOL. XX. i63Mn*ard Ball .54 Great Tragic Revival 156 High Low Jack A Game 166 A Gentleman from Ire- 157 Tom and Jerry [land 158 Village Lawyer 169 Captain's not A-mlM 160 Amateur* and Actors 161 Prom 162 A F 163 Mrs. 164 Shak( 166 NepV 1«6 Lady 167 Take i68 Irish V 169 Yankee Peddler 170 Hiram Hireont 171 Double-Bedded Room 172 The Drama Defended 173 Vermont Wool Dealer 174 Ebene»er Venture [ter 176 Principles from Charac- 176 Lady of the Lake (Trav) VOL. XXIII. 177 Mad Dog* 178 Bnrney the Baron 179 Swiss Swains 180 Bachelor's Bedroom 181 A Roland for an Oliver 18i More Blunder* than One 188 Dumb Belle 1»4 Limerick Boy VOL. XXIV. 1S5 Nature and Philosophy 186 Teddy the Tiler 187 Spectre BrideRrooia 188 Matieo Falcone 189 Jenny Llnd 190 Two BuBzarde 191 Happy M.'W 192 Betsy Baker Vol. XXV, 193 No. 1 Round the Corner 194 Teddy Roe 195 Object of Interest 196 My Fellow Clerk 191 Bengal Tiger U8 Lnizhlng Hyena 199 i'he Victor V mquldied 200 Our Wife VOL. XXVI. 801 My Husband'* Mirrtw 208 Yankee Land 903 Norah Crelna 204 Good for Nothing 206 The First Night 206 The Eton Boy 207 Wandering Minstrel 208 Wanted, 1000 Millineri VOL. XXVIL 909 Poor Pilcoddy 210 The Mummy [Glasses 211 Don't Forget your Opera 219 Love in Livery 218 Anthony and Cleopatra 214 Trylng_lt On 215 Stage Struck Yankee 216 Young Wife A Old Um- brella VOL. xxvnL 217 Crir.illne 218 A FatnUv Falling 219 Adopted'Chlld 220 Turned Head* 221 A Match In the Dark 228 Advice to Husband* 228 Siamese Twins 224 Sent to the Towe» VOL. XXIX. 296 Somebody Else 2 6 Ladies' Battle 227 \Ti of Acting 228 The Lady ofthe Lion* 229 The Rigfits of Man 280 My Huioand's Ghost 231 Two Can Play at that Game 839 FIghtine by Proxy VOL. XXa* 016 103 327 3 238 Unprotected Female 234 Pet of the Petticoat* 235 Forty and Fifty [book 2.<)6 Who Stole the Pocket- 937 My Son Diana^ [slon 2.38 Unwarrantable Int 239 Mr. and Mrs. WhiU 240 A Quiet Family (Frettch'i Minor Drama Continued on jdpa^e of Cover.) X4Sf UT. Uilw Ttu Out to Nurse 251 A Lucky Hit 252 The Dowager 253 Metamor^ (Burlesque) 254 Dream: i f Delusion 255 The Shaker Lover* 266 Ticklish Time* VOL. XXXIIL v67 20 Minute* with a Tiger Vliralda, or, the Justice of Tacou 269 A Soldier'* Courtship Servants by Legacy 261 Dying for Love 268 Alarmlnii gaurlflce 863 Valet de Sham iholas NIckleby VOL. XXXIV. 365 The Las of the Pirtalls 266 King Re '.e's Daughter 267 The Gru to Nymph 268 A Devil jh Good Joke 269 A Twice Told Tale 870 Pas de I asclnation Revoluti 'nary Soldier 378 A Man V/lthout a Head VOL. XXXV. 978 The Olio, Part 1 974 The Oil. , Part « 276 The 01i< , Part 8 [ter 876 The Tru upeUr's Deufb. 277 Sreing V '»rren 278 Green M mUln Boy 279 That No 280 lorn No. Iv'i Secret VOL XXXVT. 281 Shocklnj, ; -wnU 288 A Regub Fix 283 Dick Turr>ln 984 Young Sc -mp 88 S Young A (ties* 986 Call at No. 1— -7 887 One Toucn of Natni* 288 Two B'hcy* VOL. xxxvn. 889 All the World's a Staf* 290 Quash, or Nigger trto- 291 Turn Him Out [tlee 998 Pretty Girls of Stillberg 398 Angel of the Attio 294 ClrcumstancesalterOasee 295 Katty O'Sheal 296 A Supper In Dixie VOL. xxxvin. 297 Id on Parle Francal* 298 Who Killed Cock Robin 299 Declaration of Independ- 300 Heads or Tails [enoe 801 Obstinate Family 308 My Aunt 303 That Rascal Pat 304 Don Paddy de Baaan VOL. XXXIX. [ture 805 Too Much for Good Na- 806 Cure for the Fidgets 307 Jack's the Lad 308 Much Ado AboutNothlng 309 Artful D<.deer 310 Winning Haxard 31 1 Day's Fishing [*C 818 Did you ev»r send your, VOL. XL. 318 An Irishman's Manenrer 814 Cousin Fsnnie 315 'TIs the Darkest Hour be- 316 Masquerade [fore Dawn 317 Crowding the Season 31* Good Niirht's Rest 819 Man with the Carpet Bag 390 Terrible Tinker 5AMUEL FRENCH a6 Wert 33(i Street. New York City. Hew and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 103 327 3