ct. J COP/RIGHT, 1889, BY HAROLD ROORBACH '^' '9 full DesrriJIJtlbe Catalogue of Dramas, Comedies, Comediettas, Farces, ' ^gide-books. Novel Entertainments for Church, School and Parlor ' 'ning complete and explicit information, will be sent to any address "*n postage. Address as above. ROORBACH'S AMERICAN EDITION PRICE, 15 CENTS EACH. This series embraces the best of plays, suited to the present time. The reprints ha-* been rigidly comp;ireH with the original acting copies, so that absolute purity •> text and stage business is warranted. Each play is furnished with an introductio of the greatest value to the stage m.tnagei, containing the argument or synopsis f incidents, complete lists of properties and costumes, diagrams of the stage setting and practicable scene-pints, with the fullest stage directions. They are hanci somely printed from new electrotype plates, in readable type, on fine papeJ Their complete introductions, textual accuracy, and mechanical excellence rendei these books far superior in every respect to all editions of acting plays hithert published. I. ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. A comic drama in two acts. Sij male, three female characters. Time, two hours. ! a. A SCRAP OF PAPER, A comic drama in three acts. Six male, six female characters. Time, two hours. 3. MY LORD IN LIVERY. A farce in one act. Five male, three female char- ters. Time, fifty minutes. 4. CABMAN No. 93. A farce in one act. Two male, two female characte Time, forty minutes, 5. MILKY WHITE. A domestic drama in two acts. Four male, two female cha. acters. Time, one hour and three quarters. 6. PARTNERS FOR LIFE. A comedy in three acts. Seven male, four female characters. Time, two hours. | 7. WOODCOCK'S LITTLE GAME. A comedy-farce in two acts. Four male! four female char. cters. Timr, one hour. ; 8. HOW TO TAME YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW. A farce in one act. Four male, two female characters. Time, thirty-five minutes. 9. LADY AUDLEY'S SECRET. A drama in two acts. Four male, three female characters. Time, one hour and a quarter. 10. NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL. A comedy in three acts. Six male, five female characters. Time, one hour and forty minutes. II. WHICH IS ""A^HICH ? A comedietta in one act. Three male, three female characters. Time, fifty minutes. 1 12. ICI ON PARLE FRAN^AIS. A farce in one act. Three male, four female i characters. Time, forty-five minutes. i^ 13. DAISY FARM. A drama in four acts. Ten male, four female character^. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. ' j 14. MARRIED LIFE. A comedy in three acts. Five male, five female characters.' Time, two hours, 15. A PRETTY PIECE OF BUSINESS, A comedietta in one act. Two male, three female characters. Time, fifty minutes. 16. LEND ME FIVE SHILLINGS, A farce in one act. Five male, two female characters. Time, one hour. 17. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.— Original Version. A drama in six acts. Fifteen male, seven female characters. Time, three hours. 18. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.— New Version. A drama in five acts. Seven male, five female characters. Time, two hours and a quarter. 19. LONDON ASSURANCE. A comedy in five acts. Ten male, three female characters. Time, two hours and three quarters, 20. ATCHI ! A comedietta in one act. Three male, two female characters. Tirni forty minutes. 31. WHO IS WHO ? A farce in one act. Three male, two female charactei 10 Time, forty minutes. 22. THE WOVEN WEB. A drama in four acts. Seven male, three female cha^ acters. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. 23. MISS MADCAP. A comedietta in one act. Two male, one female charr Time, twenty minutes. 24. THE DARKEY WOOD DEALER. A farce in one act. Twn male characters. Time, twenty minutes. ale STRIFE AN ORIGINAL COMEDY DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS BY ^ HORACE C. DALE Author's Edition correctly printed from the Prompt Copy, with the Original Cast of the Characters, Synopsis of Incidents, Time of Representation, Description of the Costumes, Scene and Prop- erty Plots, Diagrams of the Stage Set- tings, Sides of Entrance and Exit, Relative Positions of the Per- formers, and all of the Stage Business. Copyright, 1890, by Horace C. Dale All rights reserved. nk^js NEW YORK HAROLD ROORBACH PUBLISHER Note : The acting rights of this play are expressly reserved by the author. Theatrical Managers desiring to produce it should apply to the author in care of the publisher. Amateur representation may be made without such application and without charge. STRIFE. CAST OF CHARACTERS. Grand Opera House, Reading, Pa., May 2jth, 1887. Judge Henry Buttons, [ ct retired Judge, and 1 Mr. William Ward. •' ' ( wealthy null-owner, j ']A.K?.o\AiTYio^K'i, a gentleman of leisure Mr, Thomas Barrett. Henry Hansell, a mechanic Mr. Horace C. Dale. Aristotle Thompkins, 1 the Judge's most in- ( Mr. George R. Rice. Horatio Squash, j timate friends. \ Mr. D. H. Purnell. Hans Von Sandt, his cook Mr. J. W. Lark. JV^^^^' \ his servants I ^M^'A^w i".'' Neb, j \ Mr. L. F. Welsh. Policeman, Mr. William Bowen. Laura Bell, the Judge's ward. Miss Claribel Lewis. Mrs. Hansell, Henry's mother. Miss Nina Monteith. Dolly, a maid. Miss Clara Younge. Mary Harris, Miss Annie James. Mob, etc., by the company. Thompkins can be doubled and played by Hansell ; Squash by the Policeman ; and Mary by Dolly. Time of Playing. — Two Hours and a Quarter. Time, the Present. Locality, Wheeling, West Va. STRIFE. 3 SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS. Act I. — Reception-room in Judge Buttons' mansion. — An eavesdrop- per. — The Judge in a tantrum. — Guardian and ward. — "A frog he would a wooing go."^ — Some pointed observations. — The cause of human- ity. — A timely warning. — " Go ; and don't enter my house again unless I send for you ! " — Echoes of the past. — A gentleman of leisure. — Mistaken identity. — Recognition. — An insult and a blow. — Threatened exposure. — Brought to bay. — A murderous assault.— A son's defence. — Humiliation. — Tableau. Act II, Scene i. A street. — Julius goes « a-sparkin'." — Love at first sight. — Neb's peculiar method of " raising the wind." — Gentleman and workingman. — Rejection of proffered aid. — " Strike ! " — " Lead on ; I follow, to seal his fate ! " Scene 2. Mrs. Hansell's home. — A mother's anxiety. — An excited visitor. — Welcome tidings. — Mother and son. — . *« Nobly spoken ! Go, and may Heaven's blessing attend you." Scene ^. A street. — A villain's resolve. — Hans Von Sandt in the clutches of the law. — Neb in luck. Scene 4. Exterior of Judge Buttons' residence. — - The mob's assault. — The mechanic's impassioned appeal. — Conflagration. — ■ " Back, every man of you ! " — Tableau. Act HL — The Judge's reception-room. — An embarrassing situation. — Hansell is sent for. — Good intentions, and an offered reward. — Some more pointed observations. — The workingman's ultimatum. — Reinstatement. — A question of duty. — An interruption. — A cowardly scheme. — Strange revelations. — The serpent's sting. — An interesting episode. — " Hail fel- lows, well met." — A slight unpleasantness in which Germany goes to the wall. — Tableau. Act. IV. — Same as before. — War declared against Hans. — A false attack. — Consternation. — The Judge secures his assailant. — Alienation. — A noble woman's defiance. — Indignation. — Accused of crime. — Impend- ing disgrace. — A mother's intervention. — Villainy unmasked. — Foiled ! — A great wrong righted. — " Nothing but sunshine." — Tableau. COSTUMES. Judge Buttons. — Black Prince Albert coat ; black trousers ; white vest ; standing collar ; black tie ; patent leather shoes. Iron gray wig, side whiskers and moustache. Harold Thomas. — Act I. Prince Albert coat ; black vest and trous- ers ; patent leather shoes ; white tie ; standing collar ; kid gloves ; black wig and moustache. Act II. Scenes i and 3, same as Act I, with silk hat. Scene 4, An old dark sack coat, vest and trousers ; black felt hat pulled down over eyes. Acts III and IV. Dress as per Act I. Henry Hansell. — Act I. A neat dark sack coat, vest and trousers ; light gray bicycle shirt ; light four in-hand tie ; neatly blackened shoes ; dark derby hat, carried in hand ; light wig and moustache. Act II. Scenes i and 2, same as Act I. Scene 4, same as Act I, without coat and hat. 4 STRIFE. Acts III and IV. — Dress as per Act I. Horatio Squash. — Prince Albert coat ; light plaid trousers ; standing collar; white tie; rosebud in lapel of coat ; half-bald white wig, and white throat whiskers, Aristotle Thompkins. — Prince Albert coat; dark vest and trousers ; turn down collar ; light silk cravat ; half-bald gray-mixed wig ; side whis- kers and moustache of same color. Hans. — Acts I, III and IV. White vest and trousers ; white shirt and apron ; paper cap ; light crop wig. Act II. Scenes 3 and 4, same as Act I, with linen duster and light felt hat. Policeman. — Double-breasted blue coat, vest and trousers ; light hel- met, star and club, Julius. — Acts I, III and IV. Linen sack coat, vest and trousers ; percale shirt and collar ; negro wig. Act II. Scenes i and 3. Black cutaway coat ; light plaid trousers ; white vest ; silk hat ; light kid gloves ; standing collar ; broad red tie ; heavy gaudy watch chain ; fancy cane. Scene 4. Same, without hat. Neb. — Acts I and IV. Linen sack coat, dark vest and trousers ; per- cale shirt and collar, negro wig. Act II. Scene i. Bright, large-figured calico dress; broad summer hat with red trimmings ; red bow at throat ; immense high bustle ; fan attached at belt with red ribbon. Scenes 2 and 4. Same as in Act I, with soft felt hat. Scene 3. Dress as per Act I, with hat. Policeman's disguise over clothes — see description. Act III. Light checkered trousers; black cutaway coat and vest; white shirt; immense standing collar; cuffs; red tie. Laura. — Act I. A handsome tea gown. Blonde wig. Act II. Scene 2. A fashionable street dress ; kid gloves ; summer hat. Scene 4. White evening dress, trimmed with lace ; low neck, short sleeves ; jewelry. Act III. Black lace and amber dress. Act IV. A cream colored decollete reception gown, with train. Mrs. Hansell. — Act II. A plain black house dress ; iron gray wig. Act IV. Black street dress ; black bonnet and gloves ; heavy black veil. Dolly. — Acts I and IV. A plain light house dress ; white apron ; chestnut wig. Act III. Same as Act I, with the addition of a dusting cap. Mary. — Night dress ; light girlish wig. Mob. — Red, blue and gray flannel shirts ; sleeves partly rolled up ; shabby trousers ; rough boots ; hats of various textures, shapes and colors ; hands and faces begrimed ; general appearance repulsive. PROPERTY PLOT. Act I. — Furniture as per scene plot. Table cover. Call bell. Dish and cut flowers. Magazines. Vases for organ. Sheet music. Three rugs. Easels and paintings. Whip. Pistol. Dagger. STRIFE. § Act II. — Cane, Seven silver dollars. Handcuffs. Lamp. Bible. Pitcher, and one tumbler. Basket, $4.50 in silver. Stuffed billy. Money for Thomas, Coffee sack for Neb, Two bags of shavings for fagots. Coal oil barrel. Conflagration pot. Gun, Pistol. Coverlet for couch. Furni- ture as per scene plot. Act III. — Dust pan, brush and rag. Waiter. Two bottles of wine, (weak tea to represent wine) Three wine glasses. Three bottles for Julius, One demijohn. Cane. Bladder for Hans. Act IV.— Letter for Laura, Two putty blowers. Two bladders. Flour for Hans. Pistol, loaded, for Judge. Cleaver and gun. Letter for Hansell. Horse pistol for Julius. Dagger for Thomas. Pistol, loaded, for property man. STAGE SETTINGS. Acts I, III and IV. Act II — Scene 2. STRIFE. Act II — Scene 4. Street ^miSeiHo. SCENE PLOT. Acts I, III and IV. Reception-room in Judge Buttons' mansion. Fancy chamber boxed in 4 G., backed with hall or corridor backing in 5 G. Practicable door L. 2 E. Practicable double or folding doors C, in flat. Table L. C, opposite L. I E., with chairs R. and L. of it. Another chair down R., and easy chair up r. C. Open cabinet organ, with stool, across R. 2 E. Sofa across extreme upper l. corner, leaving sufficient room for Neb to get behind sofa. Carpet down. Lights up. In Act IV the lights are to be lowered and flashed up at the prompter's signal. Act II. Scenes i and 3. — Street in i g. Scene 2. — Plain chamber in 3 o., backed with landscape in 4 c. Prac- ticable door R. F. Window L. F. Common square table R. c, with chairs R. and L. of it. Chair at L. 2 E. Couch up l. Scene 4. — A street in 5 g. Set house, with practicable door and steps, across R. 2 e. and r. 3 e. The scene on the flat represents a continuation of the street on which the house is situated. In the l. background are seen the blazing ruins of Judge Buttons' mill. Sky illumined. ■ Lights low throughout. STAGE DIRECTIONS. In observing, the player is supposed to face the audience. R. means right; L., left; c, centre; R. c, right of centre ; L. C, left of centre ; D. P., door in the flat or back scene; R. f., right side of the flat; L. F., left side of the flat; R. D., right door; L. D., left door; c. D., centre door; I e., first entrance ; 2 e., second entrance ; u. e., upper entrance ; i, 2 or 3 g., first, second or third grooves ; Up Stage, toward the back ; Down Stage, toward the foot-lights. R- R. C. C. L.C. L. STRIFE. ACT I, Scene. — Reception-room in Judge Buttons* mansion, luxuriously furnished — table, covered, ivith call bell, books and cut flowers on it — vases of cut flowers on organ top — sheetmusic on rack — skin or Persian -rugs under table, at orga^i and at sofa — handso?ne paintings on easels around room — Julius kneeling with haiids clasped, down C, crying — Dolly standing over him, enraged, with uplifted riding whip — curtain rises to lively 7nusic. Julius, [sobbing) P-l-e-a-s-e don't! I'll n-e-b-b-e-r, ne b-b er ieW on yo' ag'in ! Dolly, {with wannth) Will you promise always to call me Miss Dolly hereafter? Julius. Yes — yes — mum. Dolly. And you pledge yourself never to listen again at the key- hole when Miss Laura and I are talking privately ? Julius. No, mum, dat I'll nebber do ag'in. Dolly. You won't repeat anything you hear to that Mr. Thomas? (Julius hesitates) You won't answer, eh ? [makes feint as though to strike Julius with whip) Julius, [quickly) No, no, mum, 'deed and double ' deed I won't ! Dolly. Swear it, then. Julius, [expostulating) Miss Dolly, I'se don't know how. Dis child nebber swore in his life. Dolly. What ! Do you forget what I heard you saying to Neb last night? Now I think it about time you were taught to have some regard for the truth, so prepare yourself for your first lesson. [starts to slightly roll up right sleeve, talking the while) Now say your prayers ! Julius. "Now I lay me down to sleep — '' [breaking off abruptly) Oh, Miss Dolly, I 'spects I can do it. It hab just cum to me. 8 STRIFE. {slightly raises index finger of right hand and speaks solemnly) I'se swear nebber to tell nuthin' Dolly, {interrupting) Anything ! Julius, {quickly correcting himself) Anything dat I don't hear Dolly, {quickly) Do hear ! Julius. Do hear to dat Mr. Thomas, no matter what it am. Dolly. That will do. Now remember that oath and don't you ever let me catch you at any of your badness again, (going) for if you do, this will not be a circumstance to what you will receive next time. Exit C. D, ; takes whip with her. Julius, {rising and talking to audience) If eber she catches dis chile ag'in in such a ticklish situation as she did dis mornin', den I'se don't know hisself. She t'inks dat I took de oath, {laughs) but I didn't, kase yo' mus' kiss de Bible or hold up yo' hand dis way — {elevates right arm to fullest extent) to swear, an' I'se only raised dis finger, {chuckles to self) She can't git ahead ob dis son ob "Old Nick," as de Judge calls me. I jest 'spects dat Neb done went and laid Miss Laura's riding-whip on dat table [points to table, L.) on purpose. He's de meanest black niggar dat eber I seed, and Dolly is de wustest poor white trash ob a gal dat eber wus born. So I'se not to listen at de keyhole any more ? Nor tell Massa Thomas what I hear? We'll see ! As long as dat man treats me to dese fellahs {displays silver dollars) he can count on Julius' influence at de court whar de Judge presides. Dat Dolly 'siders herself de boss of dis abode of Justice. (Dolly is seen softly entering C. D. , stands a motJtent near door, then quietly approaches back of Julius) She puts on more airs dan de Judge hisself {con- temptuously) Call her Miss ! I'll see her in Guinea fust. As Julius stops speaking, Dolly catches him by coat collar with her left hand, boxing him terrifically over ear with her right — Neb peeps in from C. D., and seems fairly wild with joy at Julius* pre- dicament. Dolly, {boxiftg him vigorously) So, you won't " miss'' me, eh? Julius, {ducking and trying to break away) Yes, I will ; 'deed I will, Miss Dolly. I wus no 'ferring to yo'. I meant dat Dolly who brings us de milk. Oh, Lor', Lor', what shall I do ? {dances and howls) Dolly, {still boxijig him) I guess you forgot some one else could listen at door cracks besides yourself. Take that, and that and that! Julius, {howls) Oh, oh, oh ! Dolly. Now then — {gives him an extra cuff and releases him) go and attend to your duties, {goes toward c. d. — Neb quickly disap- pears as he sees Dolly turn) and mind, don't you let me see you here when I return. Exit CD., zuith spirit, and slams it after her. STRIFE. 9 Julius, [rubbing ears and wiping tears from eyes) Darn her pic- ture ! I'll paralyze her yet. Enter Neb, c. d, , stands near door. Neb. [affecting surprise) Why, Jule, what's de mattah? Julius. None ob yo' bis'ness, yo' mean, black niggah, yo' ! Neb. [assuming a threatening attitude) Who's yo's a-callin' a black niggah, hey ? Does yo' want me to knock de blackin' off ob dat ole skillet ob yourn ag'in ? Julius, [slightly recedes, speaks quickly) No, no ; but what fur yo' lebe dat ridin'-whip ob Miss Laura's in dis room ? Neb. [aside) Oh, ho, I see! [to Julius) Say, Jule, wus dat yo' I heard hollerin' so a moment ago? Julius. No, it wasn't ! Neb. Who wus it den ? Julius. I dunno. Neb. Wusn't Dolly a lickin' ob yo's? Julius, [affecting surprise) Dolly a-lickin' ob me ? I guess not, an' she'd better not try it, neider. Neb. Why, I seed her wid my own eyes. Julius. Whar wus yo' ? Neb. Lookin' at yo' thro' de door dar ! [points to C. D.) Julius. [co7ifidentially) I say, Neb, I'll gib yo' a pinter, if yo* kin keep it to yo'self. When anybody is a-]ickin' ob yo', jest hol- ler out Uke as if dey wus a murderin' ob yo' an' den yo'll not git hurt. Neb. [looks at him a moment) So dat is de way yo' does, am it? Julius. Ebbery time. Neb. Den yd wus a playin' 'possum an' I didn't hurt yo' last night when I lammed yo' in de boss trough, [advances angrily upon Julius who appears laieasy and slowly backs toward sofa) Julius, [alarmed) Yes, yo' did. I wus not 'ludin' to dat kind ob a lickin'. Neb. Yes, yo' wus too, an' now I 'tend to do yo' up brown. [strikes Julius who falls backzvard upon sofa; gets on top of him, and proceeds to pummel him lively ; protesting voices mingle) Don't yo' holler, kase if yo' do I'll murder yo'. [work scene up ivell) Julius, [trying to throiv Neb off) Don't, don't, Nebby, yo're a smotherin' ob me. Git off quick, I'se most dead. Judge, [c alii fig off, L. 2 e. ) Julius! Neb! You Julius ! Julius. Dar's Massa comin' in ! {^y.^ jumps up quickly and runs out c. Ti., followed by Julius — Neb closes door and prevents Julius, who is thoroughly frightened, from leaving the room — tries door and speaks beseeclmigly) Oh, Nebby, please let me out. (Neb opens door just wide enough to allow his grinning face to be seen, then closes it again) Judge, [calling off, l. 2 e.) You Juhus! You Neb! 10 S7R/FE. Julius seems frantic with fear, tries door again, see?ns undecided, but finally darts behind sofa — Judge enters in a towering passion, D. L. 2 E., looks around room and goes to table. Judge. Not here either ! {taps call bell ajigrily several times in rapid succession, walks across front excitedly, talking — Julius watches hijnfrom behind sofa and appears immensely tickled) Con- found it ! Plague take these easy-going, iijdependent, infernal servants ! Here I have one for nearly every room in the house, yet they are never within calling distance when wanted, [taps bell viciously) Hang it ! I'd drown or murder in cold blood every mother's son of them, if I only dared. Why don't some one come ? I shall go frantic ! [goes to c. D,, and calls) Neb ! Julius ! Hans! Dolly! [returns to table talking, stands back of it ajid vig- orously plies bell) Just let me lay my hands on those black apes. (Julius' 'head is seen above sofa back, grinning) I'll make them remember this morning 'till their dying hour. (Julius comes from behind sofa and statids erect, C, appeara7ice of having just entered the rooni — The Judge, as bell stops tinging, passes arou7id\.. of table toward footlights) That ought to be sufficient to awaken and sum- mon the slumbering spirits of Hades. Julius, [innocence itself) Did yo' ring, sah ? Judge, [looks at him a moment, and then in a burst of passion) Did yo* ring, sah? Did yo' ring, sah? [starts for ]\2y.ws> who evades hiin) I'll wring your black neck for you when I lay my hands upon you. [as he reaches c. d., Neb enters hastily) Neb. [speaking as he enters^ Did yo' ring, sah ? (//?^ Judge turns furiously up07i Neb — they collide. Neb falls — Julius down r. ) Judge, [kicking the prostrate fo7'm of Neb who rolls over and over) Where have you been? I've been ringing the last hour and a half, [turns R., and stasis for Julius — Neb rises and goes down L.. limping and rubbing hi7nself—t.n\tx DoLLY, L. D., speaks the insta7it she enters) Dolly. Were you ringing, sir ? Judge. [upB..\ throws lip both hands with horror depicted upon countena7ice) Heaven preserve me ! [turns as though to leave room hurriedly) Enter Hans, hurriedly, c. D. Hans. Vas dot you ring — [seeing the JVBGE furiously adva7ici7ig up07i him, he turtis quickly to exit, but the JUDGE gives him a vio- lent kick as he leaves the rooni) Judge, [slightly advancing c, greatly excited, imitates Hans) Vos dot you ring? Goto the devil, every one of you ! (Dolly tosses head and exits, L. D., slai7i7ning it after her — Neb stands still — Julius starts c. d., but is halted just in fro7it of the ]\5TiGE by his commanding to7te) STRIFE. 1 1 Judge, [to Julius) Where are you going ? Julius, [terribly frightened, trembles and stamtners) I wus goin' — comin' to de debbil. Judge, [grabs him and shakes him furiously) You were coming to the devil— to me, you black rascal, were you ! [cuff's him on ear and kicks him oi4t Q. D.; then walks down R. very excited /y) Was ever mortal so tried before, by a lot of block-headed servants ? I really hardly know whether I am myself or not. I'm in a pas- sion. I know I am, but how could one keep cool under such ex- asperating circumstances ? (^^^^ Neb) Neb! Neb. Sah! Judge. Who made my tea this morning ? Neb, Why, Hans, Massa. Judge. Go send him to me this instant. Neb. Yes, Massa. Exit C. D. Judge, [crossing to table, takes seat L.) My breakfast ruined ! A morning's pleasure destroyed ! My amiable disposition soured all on account of the incompetence, stupidity and indifference of my servants, who seem to run this house to suit their incHnations, while I— [bitterly) /enjoy the exquisite pleasure of paying them for the privilege ! Enter '^'EBfollozued by Hans who pauses at threshold, looks R. and L., but enters boldly when he perceives the position of the Judge — stands C, Neb by his R. Judge, [angrily to Hans) What did you do to my tea you made for breakfast ? Hans. Vot vos de matter mit dot tay ? Judge. I could not drink the vile stuff. Ugh ! It tasted hke a mixture of salts and senna. Hans. Dot tay vos goot. Dere vos noddings de matter mit it. Judge, [sternly) There ivas, I tell you. What do you mean by standing there and contradicting met Do you think me bereft of the sense of taste? Don't you suppose I am able to distinguish the difference in taste between tea and — and — good whiskey ? Hans. Any von dot knows you, knows dot ! Judge, [irritated) What do you mean ? Knows what? Hans. Dot you vos von good whiskey judge ! Judge, [picks up call bell) You infernal Neb. [quickly interrupting) Massa, I 'spects dat Hans got hold ob de senna caddy, 'stead ob de tea, an' dat sumbody put salt m de sugar bowl. I seed Julius a-meddlin' wid dose tings early dis mavvnin'. Judge. I suppose Julius' interference will account for the eggs being fried in sweet oil, and the gravy being seasoned with sugar and emery sand, too, will it? 12 STRIFE; Hans, [efuphaiica/ly) Dot ^rrt?^^' vos all right. Judge, [nettled) How do you know? Hans. I tasted it mine self. Judge, {horrified) You tasted it? Hans. Yah. Judge. In what manner ? Hans. Mid de spoon. Judge. The one you were stirring it with ? Hans. Yah. Judge, [rising, speaks angrily) Have you the impudence to stand there and tell me that you taste articles of food intended for my table before sending them in? Neb. Why, Massa, all good cooks taste ebery t'ing 'fore sendin' dem in, to see if dey is all right. Judge, (/^ Neb) Hold your tongue, you imp of Satan! [ludi- crous attempt of '^K^ trying to literally hold his tongue — ]VTyG'E. goes back of table, Neb and Hans slowly backing) Get out of my sight, both of you, quick, or you will soon be fit subjects for an under- taker, [the Judge walks excitedly toward M^w— Hans and Neb frightened, break for c. D.; Neb trips and falls — Hans falls heavily upon him. Neb screams in abject terror ) Neb. Mercy, Massa, mercy! (Hans quickly springs to his feet, darts a startled look over his shoulder at the Judge and runs out c. D., followed by Neb — the Judge is excitedly pacing stage and does not notice the collision) Judge. What is the world coming to? To have one's food sam- pled — tasted — before it is set before him ! Ugh ! It is enough to irritate a saint, and make him sigh for a resting-place amid the suburbs of Paradise ! Enter Laura, l. d.; she stands a moment in astonishment, looking at the Judge. Laura. Why, what is the matter, sir? Judge, [cooling down) Nothing, my dear, that is, nothing of particular importance. I have just been trying to obtain a solu- tion of a mystery from my servants. But be seated, my dear. [places chair R. of table and occupies the one L — looks at her fondly) Your early rising, combined with your daily habit of riding is fast bringing back the roses to your cheeks. Laura. Do you really think so ? I am so glad, for you know how fond I am of your approbation. Judge, [aside) Yes, I know you are, you sly puss, [aloud) You are positively becoming pretty, I fear it will not be long ere some gallant knight will come along and want to carry off my treasure as his prize, Laura. Never fear on that score. I am too well satisfied to be STRIFE. 1 3 with you, and love you too dearly to sever the pleasant relationship existing between us at present. Judge, [to audience, rubbing hands, and mantfesiing pleasure) She loves me ! {^elevates eyebrows) I have known it all along, Laura. You are the only father I ever knew and I am sure my own could not have been kinder to me than you have been. Judge. No doubt of it, no doubt of it, my child. Laura. There has not been a wish of mine you have left unsat- isfied thus far, and I feel at a loss how to testify my gratitude. Judge. Tut ! tut ! You must not think of such matters. I have only done my duty to my dying friend, your father, who left you in my care. Providence will yet open a way for you to attest your love, [aside) Now if I could only muster up courage I would propose to her right away. I know she would accept me, for she loves me I Laura. I sincerely trust so, and that I may not be found lacking in those noble attributes of woman, devotion and love. Judge, [aside) Now is your chance ! Oh, for a little of my boy- ish nerve ! [aloud, nenwusly) You say you love me ? Laura. Most devotedly. Judge, [aside) That's encouraging ! [aloud) Have always done so.^ Laura. Ever since I learned to talk and yoit taught me what love was. Judge, [aside— gleefully rubs hands) Better yet. [aloud) And that you will always continue to do so? Laura. As long as I live and retain your memory. Judge, [aside — smiling) Was ever man so blest before ? She literally forces a declaradon from me. [aloud] Will you never al- low another to usurp my position in your heart's affection? Laura, [firmly) Never! for it is too deeply imbedded therein. Judge, [aside, immensely tickled) Now, watch for her exhibition of gratitude and behold her lovely arms encircling her guardian's neck, while her melodious voice whispers, " I atn thine, forever I " [aloud, clears throat) Laura, I think it about time you were married. Laura, [rises and stands R. of table) Oh, please, sir, don't send me away from you just now ! Judge, [aside) She's mine beyond question ! [aloud) Who said anything about sending you away ? I mean you ought to be set- tled in life — provided with a husband. Laura, [nervously) But — but — 1 don't want to be married just yet. Judge, [aside) She thinks I don't know she's in love with me, and that I wish to banish her from my presence. Sly rogues, these young girls! [aloud — reassuringly) Of course not, there's .no hurry. But I thought it advisable to tell you, [fairly beams upon her) that I know some one who \q\q% you — fairly dotes upon you — and wants to marry you, too. 14 STRIFE. Laura, [aside] Could Henry have been so unwise as to disclose his sentiments toward me? Judge. And you love him, too. [raises right hand in playful, 'war7iing manner, smiling) Now don't attempt to deny it! Laura. How did you guess my secret? Judge, [laughing) Oh, you hinocent rogue ! I saw it in your eyes, [affectionately) You could not conceal it from me. Laura. You will consider what you have discovered in the light of confidence, won't you ? Judge. Oh, certainly, my dear. Until you are ready to name the wedding-day I shall not breathe a word of this to a living soul. I am so happy ! I wish I were a boy again and at liberty to give vent to my exuberance of spirits. Laura, [smiling) And I am so glad you approve of my choice, and that / have made you happy. Judge, [rising) You are a noble girl ! The very image of the one I have oft seen in my dreams, whom fate decreed should bless with her sweet smile my dechning years. When we are near Re-enter Neb c. d., followed by Henry Hansell. Neb. [bowing) A gem'man to see de Judge, [stands up R.) Laura, [to Judge) Excuse me, sir. With your permission I will retire, [goes to L. d., and glances at Hansell as she exits) Judge, [takes seat at table L. — a hard cold repulsive expression re- places the smiling tenderness of his features — Neb slips behind sofa as Hansell advances C. — Judge toys with bell but speaks sarcas- tically) To what am I indebted for the honor of this visit ? Hansell. The cause of humanity, sir. Judge. Meaning, I presume, that you have been sent as a com- mittee of one by the members of Celestial Union, No. 14, to pre- sent me with a testimonial extolling my many virtues and express- ive liberal warm-heartedness in being the instrument that has caused misery, pestilence and want to bloom where heretofore the flowers of health, happiness and plenty were wont to flourish ! Hansell. I am very sorry to find that you feel so bitterly toward your men. I had hoped that the breech was not so wide, but even yet it might be bridged over. Judge. Never ! The chasm is too wide and too deep for my men and myself to shake hands across. Either they or /must go down its yawning abyss. Only yesterday your committeemen told me / was starving their wives and little ones, and that /was ac- countable for rt// their sufferings the past six months. I have been branded as a bloated capitalist, accused of being devoid of feeling and a worthy subject for a hangman's knot. And for what? Be- cause competition and a dullness of trade prohibited me from ac- ceding to their demanded increase of wages. STRIFE. 1 5 Hansell. But you forget that your men offered to return and re- sume work at their old wages. Judge. No, I do not. Neither do I forget that the season's trade was ruined before that kind offer was made me. Now that my men are out, they can remain there until they agree to my con- ditions and sign my articles. Hansell. [jvith zvarmth) That they will never do ! The death- knell of slavery was sounded years ago, and the chains of serfdom which fell clanging from the hmbs of their imprisoned victims, will ne'er re-echo through the realms of this free country, until the blue vault of heaven above us is rent in twain and the heart of man proves false to its own best interest ! Judge, {emphatically) Then, sir, my mill remains closed. Hansell. But, sir Judge, [interrupting) You have heard my final decision. En- treaties are useless. Hansell. Listen to me but one moment Judge. Not a word Hansell. [quickly) But you shall ! Judge, [rising quickly and speaking angrily) Do you dare ? Hansell. [quickly) Ay, I dare anything when the lives of human beings are in jeopardy. You do not understand the temper of your men, nor their vindictiveness, else you would be more reason- able. I came here to warn you that your hfe and property are in great danger. Judge. You were sent here to threaten me, you mean. Hansell. No, sir. I came of my own free will. Were my fel- low workmen aware of my mission here, my life would not be worth two straws. Judge, [significantly) So you risk your hfe in my behalf, do you .'' [sneerifigly) What a noble exhibition of heroism ! Hansell. When threats are openly made against the life and property of a fellow being, a man would disgrace his Maker did he refrain from warning him of his danger, even though he be his most bitter enemy. Judge, [sarcastically) Thank you, vay friend. I am deeply sen- sible of the debt of gratitude I owe you, and [sneeringly) also of the motives governing your actions. Hansell. I have done but my duty — less I could not do. I desire no ill to befall you Judge, [quickly interrupting aftd closely watching the effect of his words) Nor my ward and presumed heiress, Laura Bell ! Hansell. She has nothing to do with the case ! Judge. Hasn't she ? Do you expect me to believe that? Hansell. [with warmth) You are at liberty to believe what you please, and put whatever construction you see fit upon my motives, as long as /know them to be pure. « . l6 STRIFE. Judge. (ire7nbiing with passion) Hark ye, Mr. Highstrung Han- sell, I am aware of your presumptuous aspirations and secret intrigues for the heart and hand of my ^ard, but tuver, sir, never, shall site be the wife of a low born, arrogant, poverty-stricken wretch like yourself. Hansell. Poverty, sir, is no disgrace — and that reminds me — that the mantle of true gentlemanliness is more frequently found in the homes of the lowly of our land, than among the wealthy who dwell in gilded palaces. Judge, [goes slightly back of table) You forget, sir, where you ar'e and whom you are addressing. Hansell. [quickly) No, sir, I do not. Judge, [sneeringly) You are but a common mechanic Hansell. {^interrupting) And you? Judge. A wealthy, Qd\xc2i\e(\ getttle7nan/ Hansell. Nature draws no distinction between the two. Judge, [afftazed) What! Do you consider f??/?- social positions the same? You the offspring of >^zy.?//;/^j-, and /the descendant of culture, refinement and wealth ? Hansell. In the eyes of Nature all men are born equal, die equal and have a common hereafter. Judge, [slightly adzuuices toward Hansell, laboring under ex- citement ; speaks significantly) In the eyes of Nature some men are born fools, while othe?'s make fools of themselves. Hansell. [significantly) Equally is it that the cloak of wealth, culture and refinement is oft used as a disguise to conceal the mean, grasping, unrelenting disposition of the being it envelopes ! Judge, [in a passio7i) Get out of my house, this instant ; your language and insinuations are unbearable, sir ! (Hansell hesitates \ Judge points to C. d. as he advances) Go, and don't you enter my house again, unless I send for you ! (exit Hansell c. d. ) His manner and language was offensive, very offensive, yet — [thought- fully — soft music) his independence of spirit I cannot help admir- ing, while his appearance suggested a superior order of being. Of whom does he remind me ? Features, spirit, address, all sug- gest some familiar one of the dim past. When e'er I see him, his vision haunts me for days and racks my brain with conflicting emotions, as the barriers of the Past are torn down and their scenes re-enacted. Oh, for the power to obliterate from memory the scenes of my younger days! [assumes naturahiess) But why allow the vision of 3. mere mechanic to distract me ? 'Tis childish ! I will order some wine and dispel these unpleasant thoughts, [music ceases — starts for table l. ) Re-enter Julius l. d., followed by Thomas. Julius. Mr. Thomas to see yo,' sah. [bows and exits L. D.) STRIFE. ly Judge, [^pieasantly') Good morning, Mr. Thomas, good morning, sir. [shakes hand and offers him a seat R. ) I am happy to see you. Take a seat. Thomas. Thank you. I suppose you are aware of my object in visiting you this morning, as you received my note last evening.? Judge, [seated at table) Yes, sir, and I assure you I appreciate your meditated honor — but Thomas, [quickly) I hope you will raise no objection to my hon- orable proposition. I am aware you have known me but a short time, yet my letters of introduction Judge. [i7iterrupting) Were all right. I have no objection* to your paying attentions to my ward — none at all, and if you win her heart I will gladly give my consent to your union — only Thomas. Only what? Judge, [pauses) Only I consider your case hopeless. Thomas. Why? Judge. I have every reason for thinking her affections are centered upon another. Thomas, [eagerly) Whom ? Judge, [smiling) Well — really — I — I — you must excuse me. I am not at liberty to tell you. Thomas. There must be a mistake. I really can't believe it ! Can I see Miss Bell? Judge, [rising) Certainly, and if you will excuse me, I will call her myself. Exit, L. d. Thomas, [rises, comes R. C.) I cannot believe the Judge is right in his suspicion, or else Laura is a most consummate coquette ! [thoughtful ly) I wonder who it is the Judge thinks has won her affections. Re-enter Hansell, C. d. — speaks as he enters. Hansel!. Judge, I — [starts as he perceives Thomas) I beg your pardon, I thought j^« were the Judge ! Thomas, [aside) Here may be a solution of the mystery, [to Hansell ; speaks as he advances) So we have met at last, in spite of your artful dodging ! Hansell, I do not understand you. Thomas. Don' t you ? What business have you to enter this room as though you were lord and master here ? Hansell. That is an affair of my own and does not concern you. Thomas, [at Hansell's R. side) Don't it though ? Perhaps you pretend not to recognize me ? Hansell. [zuith dignity) Truly can I answer, / do not ! Thomas. And in doing it, you add another falsehood to your already long category of sins. Hansell. [angrily) You lie ! 1 8 ' STRIFE. Thomas. What's that? Hansen. I presume you understood me, I spoke plainly enough. Thomas, {anorily) Yes, too plainly— take that, {slaps Han- SELL's/?a') and let it be a warning to you to be more choice in the selection of epithets in the future, when you address 2i gentleman. Hansen, {restraining his passion) Agentletnan, sir, would disdain to abuse the hospitality of his host and be guilty of _;j/^^^r contemp- tible action. I shall not attempt to resent it here. Thomas, {sneeringly) No ! nor anywhere else, you cowardly cur. iiansell. We shall meet again where the courtesies of society do not prohibit a man from resenting an insult. Thomas, [coolly) As you please ; I waive all rights. Let it be shotguns at ten paces, pistols at five, or knives face to face. It is all the same to me. Hansen. You shall hear from me in a few days. Thomas. The sooner, the better. Now I wish to know whether the rumor be true, that you aspire to be the husband of Miss Bell. Hansen. I decline to answer your impertinent question. Thomas, {angrily) I demand an answer! Hansen, {coolly) You do, eh? Pray, upon what grounds? Thomas. That if you refuse, I'll reveal to the Judge and Miss Bell Hansen, {quickly ifiterruptittg) You are then Thomas. The gentleman who knows a chapter of your past that would not be well for you to have related to the Judge and Miss Bell. Hansen, {quickly) You surely would not attempt to injure me— Thomas. {i?iterrupting) Build not a castle of hopes upon my generosity. Hansen, {bitterly) No fear of that. I know you too well ever to expect anything at your hands, but treachery and deceit. Thomas, {adva^icing, enraged) What's that? Hansen, {threateningly) Be careful ! Don't attempt to repeat your insult, or /may forget where /am and resent it. Thomas. Do you refuse to answer my question ? Hansen. I do ! Thomas, {down R. Hansell c.) Then I'll reveal to the Judge your true character. Hansen. Well? Thomas. Communicate to Miss Bell your crime. Hansen. No doubt of it ! Thomas. Publish to the world the perjury committed by your sister and Hansell. {passionately) Stop ! Don't you dare cast reflections upon my mother and sister. STRIFE. 19 Thomas, [qidckly] You know what they did, and I will. Hansell. [iviih pcnuer) No, you won't, not while I am Uving to protect them. They swore to what they considered to be true, v^\\\\q. you tried to place a halter around an innocent man's neck. Thomas. 'Tis false ! Hansell. It is true, and you will yet suffer iox your ioWy , Thomas, {slightly agitated) What do you mean } Hansell. [watclmtg him) Ah, you tremble ! Thomas. Not ixovafear — but passion — that you Hansell. [quickly) The guilty are always fearful lest their crimes be found out. Thomas, (passionately) Dare you accuse jne of crime? I, whose, tender mercy helped save you from a felon's just doom? [draws dagger from waist and rushes at Hanseli Neb's eyes open wide with fright) Son of a perjured mother, I'll Hansell. [quickly drajvs revolver from hip pocket and presenting it, halts Thomas) You scoundrel, don't you attempt it. [advances threatingly) Down on your knees and swear you lie when you accuse tny mother of perjury. (Thomas hesitates) Down, or by the memory of my mother, I swear I'll kill you! Down! down! down ! (Thomas drops knife, a7td falling to knees conceals it) Swear it, you cowardly libel of humanity ! Swear it ! {doors L. afid c, are throivn open: enter JUDGE rt;/c/LAURA L.; Dolly, Julius and Hans c; Neb standing back of sofa— all form circle with amaze- ?nent depicted upon their countenances) Thomas, [kneeling, with uplifted right hand) I swear it I QUICK DROP. ACT II. Scene I. — A street in l G — time flight — curtain rises to lively music. Enter Julius, l.; general make-up dudish ; crosses R., then returns and stands at extrejne L. ; talks as he walks. Julius. Well, I guess I'se done up fine 'nough to please de taste ob eben Malinda Aramintha, Dat gal am so proud an' stuck up datshe nebber steps out ob doors when de sun or moon am shinin' for fear dat she'll fall in lub wid her own shadder an' disgrace herself, [examines himself) Say, dese am mighty fine clothes. Dar's not anoder coon in dis town dat kin 'ford a rig like dis. I 'spect all de gals will be fussin' fur me. [laughs) Neb, he wanted fur to walk out wid me dis ebening, kase he knowed I 'tended to 20 STRIFE. tackle de ice cream, but dis chile am 'shamed to be seen in de street wid him ; he's a common niggah ! [contemptuously] an' can't 'ford to dress. He don't know how to raise dese fellers. [displays a hand/ui of silver dollars) Dat niggah am a tryin' to play sharp on dis child all de time, but he can't pick my pocket, kase I alius totes my money in de bank, [slaps pants pocket and puts money in right vest pocket) He's got to get up early when he cotches me a-sleepin' wid both eyes shut! [looks off k.) Fo' de land sakes, who am dat a comin' ? Whew, but she am dressed scrumptious ! [tidys himself) I 'spect she'll die right off [laughs) as soon as she sees dese clo's. Enter Neb, r., disguised as a woman; stands R. Neb. [fa7is himself, coyly, aside) A culled Adonis ! Julius, [admiringly, aside) De Queen ob Sheba! Neb. [aside) Oh, dear, I wish he would say sumfin'. Julius, [aside) I'll try de 'feet ob my new rig. [advances^ raises hat and bows) 'Scuse me for 'suming to 'dress de beauteous luminary orb dat shines so brightly afore me, but 'pears ter me dat yo'r lubly self has considered de condescentin' ob yo'r 'quaint- ance 'pon me afore. Neb. [aside) He don't know me. [aloud] I wus just cognatin' wid myself whar'bouts I had de felicitous pleasure of meetin' yo', sah. May I 'quire de name ob de gem'man } Julius. Sartinly, miss, Julius Caesar Augustus Thomas Jefferson Crobar, Esq. Neb. [coquettishly] Thank yo*. Well, Jule — may I call yo' Jule for short ? Julius. Call me anything yo' like, [aside, tickled) She's a goner. Neb. [edging toward Jvhius) Don't yo' think it am berry warm ? Julius, [approaching ) It am so. Neb. [close] Dis wedder am so tiresome ! [leans against JVLivs) Julius. [d?-acing himself ) Dat am true, [smiles) Neb. I wish I could rest somewhar. [drops fan and works right hand toward ]\}1l.i\]sI vest pocket) Julius, [putting right af7n around Neb) I'se at yo'r sarvice. Neb. Oh, thank yo', yo' am so kind an' gem'manly. [looks at Julius lovingly) Julius. Am yo' satisfied now ? Neb. [takijtg jnoney from ]w\A\5'S>' pocket) Puffec'ly ! Julius, [smilitig] And happy ? Neb. Yes, wus nebber more so. [continues removing money un- til Julius' pocket is empty ; places mojiey in left hand— audience must see ///^/—Julius seems carried aiv ay with joy] Julius. Say, does anybody keep yo' reg'lar company ? Neb. No. STRIFE. 21 Julius. Dat am good, [doubtfully) Maybe you don't want any, eh ? [gives Neb rt playful squeeze') Neb. [springing quickly I.,, screams — Julius sways but recovers himself) Oh! Julius, [afuazed) Wot' s de matter ? Neb. [angrily) Yo's a mean niggah to tickle me. Julius, [coaxingly) Now don't git mad. I didn't mean to. Let's go and git some ice cream. Neb. I'll hab nuffin more to do wid you ; go an' get your own ice cream. Yo's insultin', dat's wat yo' am. Julius. I didn't mean to 'fend you. Come, an' I treat yo' to ebbery t'ing yo' wants. I'se got loads ob money, just see. [puts hand in vest pocket ; seems puzzled ; searches trousers pocket ; looks a moment in bewilderi7ie7it at Neb ivho is slowly walking L.) Hold on dar, yo' black huzzy ! Yo's picked my pocket. Neb. [turnijig angrily) Who am yo' 'ludin' to, an' 'cusing ob stealin' ? Julius, [excitedly) Yo' ! Gib me my money, or I'll call de per- lice, and hab yo' 'rested. Neb. Gib yo' back what money ? Julius. De money you stole frum me. Neb. [advances atid speaks significa?itly) Stole frum you? Julius. Yes, took frum my pocket. Neb. Look heah, Mr. Niggah, do yo' know who yo's a talkin' to.? Julius. Yes, I do, and if yo' don't hand ober dat money, I'll bust your old cocoanut fur yo'. [holds cane aloft) Neb. [threateningly) Yo' will, will yo' ? Take that ! [strikes Jul- ius and knocks him down — quickly removing hat and wig, he changes silver dollars fro7ti left to right hand, one at a time, exclaim^ ing) Julius Caesar Augustus Thomas Jefferson Crobar, Esq.^ [slwxkes mo7tey at him) Good ebening. I'll buy my own ice creaiji. [gathering dress in hajtd, runs off R. — Julius springs to feet, picks up hat and cane quickly, talking) Julius. De blamed black niggah, he'll nebber fool me ag'in. I hope dat ice cream will choke him ; if it don't, I will, sartin' and sure, [run off, R.) Enter OFFICER with Hansell, handcuffed, L.; at same instant en- ter Thomas R. — as they pass, a look of mutual hatred passes be- tween Hansell and Thomas — as Thomas reaches l., he stops and whistles softly — Officer and Hansell turn — Thomas ap- proaches, calls Officer aside. Thomas, [places coin in Ofyicek's hand) I would like to have a few moment's private conversation whh that man. [pointing to 22 STRIFE. Hansell) Will you step aside and leave us alone for five min- utes ? Officer. {looking at coin ; hesitates) I — don't know — that — lean trust you Thomas, {handing him another coin) Perhaps that will help you decide. Officer, [examing coin) Think of my responsibility, were he to escape Thomas. No danger of that, T assure you. You know me too well to suppose / would lend him assistance to effect that. How- ever, if you have any fears for the safety of your prisoner, or apprehension in regard to yourself-^this {adding another coin) will no doubt dispel them. Officer, {doming) Thank you, I will step aside, but, mark me, {smi/es) I shall keep a strict watch upon you both, {crosses to Hansell) Remain here a moment while I speak to Coons over there, {points toward and exits R. ) Thomas, {crosses to Hansell) I am sorry, Hansell, to see you publicly disgraced. Hansell. Your sympathy is not desired, and it is as insultittg as it is uncalled for. Thomas. Believe me, Hansell, your arrest was not made at my instigation. My wishes were not consulted The Judge, whose guest I was, took the whole matter into his own hands, and made 7ny quarrel, his own. Hansell. Quite likely ! Thomas. You doubt me ? Hansell. I do, and ever shall ! Thomas. You speak bitterly ; yet I bear you no malice, and shall even yet try to aid you. I presume you are on your way to the magistrate's office for a hearing ? Hansell. I am. Thomas. As the evidence now stands, what do you expect ? Hansell. The full penalty of the law. Thomas. Suppose a way were to be opened up whereby you could be acquitted of the charge preferred against you, what would you do ? Hansell. That would depend upon circumstances, and to whom I would be indebted. Thomas. Suppose I were to perform that act of kindness. Hansell. {quickly) You? Thomas. Yes, /. Hansell. How? Thomas. Listen. The Judge and his househould were witnesses of your deadly assault upon me, yet they know absolutely noth- ing of what provoked it. Suppose, on the witness stand, I deny STRIFE. 23 what you will allege, that you acted in self-defense, what proof have you to sustain you ? Hansell. The kjiife you dropped when thwarted by me ! Thomas, No one saw that knife but yourself. When I fell, the skirt of my coat concealed it, and when I rose that tell-tale evi- dence was missing. Hansell. Then indeed is my case hopeless ! Thomas. Just so, unless I aid you. Suppose I sustain your evidence by acknowledging /was the aggressive party Hansell. Well? Thomas. What will you do? ^ Hansell. Thank you for being honest enough once in your life to tell the truth ! Thomas. Be careful, Hansell, and remember you are in my power. Hansell. I realize my position thoroughly. Upon what condi- tions do you propose to tell the truth ? Thomas. That you cease your attentions to Miss Bell, and use your influence with her in my behalf. Hansell. Then I am to purchase my liberty at the expense of my heart's sufferings ? Thomas. If you so consider it, yes. Hansell. [sneeringly) Your kindtiess is indeed affecting ! Thomas. I cannot help it, it's my nature, you know. Hansell. Well, sir Thomas, [interrupting) Before you decide, weigh well your answer. Hansell. I have. Thomas. Think of your mother and sister. Hansell. They are ever present in my thoughts. Thomas. The privations and sufferings they must endure if the means of their support is cut off by your imprisonment Hansell. I have. Thomas. And your answer ? Hansell. Were I relieved of these irons, I would throttle you un- til your lying, deceitful tongue were stilled in the embrace of death. Thomas, {advancing in a passion, with uplifted fist) You insult- ing, ungrateful cur, I'll Hansell. Strike! Now your true nature is asserting itself, [speaks vehemently) Sooner than obtain freedom on your conditions and be under obhgations \.o you, I would see my loved ones consigned to pauperism, and myself \n the toils of starvation. Thomas, [passionately) Go to your doom then. I am dphe with you. Re-enter Officer, r. 24 STRIFE. Officer, {taking Hansell by arm) Come, time's up. Exeunt, R. Thomas, {following) Lead on ! I follow to j'^rt;/ his fate. *,| Exit, R. — scene changes to Scene II. — Home of Mrs. Hansell — table r. 2 e. with lighted lamp, pitcher of water, glass and open old family Bible on it — Mrs. Hansell seated at table — yih.^Y lying on couch — softmusic. Mrs. H. {closhig Bible) I wish this cruel suspense were over and I knew what to expect. That Henry would attempt to take a fel- low-being's life in other than self-defense, I cannot beheve. The magistrate must beheve what Henry says is true, even if the evi- dence of others contradicts his. If I were only permitted to be present at his hearing, to encourage him and let him know that there was at least one near him who believed what he said ! But, vain regret ! How long, oh, how long must the shadow con- tinue to mock the substance ! Would it not be better to throw off the mask and reveal Mary, {interrupting) Mrs. Hansell. Mrs. H. {rises, and approaches bed) "What is it, darling? Mary. Please give me a drink. Mrs. H. {goi7ig to table) Certainly, my dear, [fil Is glass and re- turns to bed ; raises Mary with right arm, and gives her water) Are you feeling better, now ? Mary. Yes, ma'am, thank you. Mrs. H. You must try to go to sleep again. Mary. Where is papa ? Mrs. H. He went out a few moments ago. Mary. Will he be in again soon ? Mrs. H. I hope so, dear. Mary, {half rises, leans on elbow) I wish he were here. I had such a horrid dream about him, 1 thought he was with a lot of bad men who were setting fire to houses and burning them up. Oh, dear, 1 wish he were here ! Mrs. H. Don't worry, Mary ; lie down and go to sleep, and per- haps your next dream will be a pleasant one. (Mary restimes for- mer position) Papa will soon be in again, I hope, {goes to table) I, too, wish he were here. Henry feared this morning that night would usher in a reign of arson and terror. The mill hands have become desperate and beyond control, but I hope and pray no violence may be done to man or property, {knock at door) Come in. Enter Laura hastily ; she glances — back at door and seems startled — goes to yiKS. 'i:iA.l>iSELLls side — music stops. Laura. May I remain here a few moments, Mrs. Hansell? {ap- pears neri'ous) STRIFE. 25 Mrs. H. {rising) Certainly, my child. Why, what has alarmed you ? Laura. I was being followed by some vicious looking men, who appeared bereft of reason. Mrs. H. {astonished) " Followed by men who seemed bereft of reason ! " Why, Laura, what do you mean! < Laura. Just what I said. They hooted at me, taunted me about my " fine clothing," "jaunty airs," and "proud carriage," and said that before the sun rose to-morrow /would know what it was to be homeless. Mrs. H. What caused them to follow you ? Laura. I know not. They were standing on the corner, and as I passed through their midst some one called out " There goes the Judge's treasure," and then they all laughed, After I had gone a few steps I noticed that they were following me. As I quickened my pace so did they, keeping up a running exchange of the most brutal expressions I ever heard. Seeking to escape them, I thought of you and hastened here, knowing you would shelter me until all danger was past. Mrs. H. Certainly I will. Laura. I never knew we had so many vicious looking m.en in our town as I saw on the streets to-night. The corners were lined with them and all seemed to be laboring under the most intense excitement. I fear there is trouble ahead for. some one. Mrs. H. {aside) And /fear so, too. {aloud) What were you do- ing in the street at this hour, unattended ? Laura. I was just returning from your son's examination. I was summoned as a witness. You know I saw the {cotitemptuously) assault. Mrs. H. {anxiously) Yes, but you don't really think Henry in- tended to kill Mr. Thomas, do you ? Laura, {with spirit) I cannot say, but if he did, I know he would \i2LV^ just cause for the act. Mrs. H. {eagerly) Why? Laura, {quickly) Because he is too noble — too good — to be guilty of — {embarrassed) Oh, Mrs. Hansell, please excuse me, I did not mean to — Oh, what have I done ? Mrs. H. {quickly) Filled my heart with joy unspeakable to know that there is another who considers my son incapable of being in- fluenced by the motives that govern the average man's action. Laura, {sees bed) Oh, Mrs. Hansell, whom have you there? {pointing to bed) Mrs. H. Joe Harris's child. Poor Joe was turned out of his house to-day, because he was unable to pay his rent, and he sought temporary shelter here for his sick child. These are terrible times for the poor. Miss Laura. No work and no near prospect of any ! 26 STRIFE. Laura. I know it. I do wish the Judge would re-open his mill. I have pleaded with him again and again, but all to no purpose. Mrs. H. I fear if he does not soon relent he will regret his action, for Henry told me — {abruptly, with earnestness) Oh, Miss Laura, tell me, do you think there is a possibility of Henry's being able to clear himself of the charges preferred against him ? Laura. I — [hesitates) Mrs. H. {grasping her by arm) Tell me the truth ! Laura, [sadly) No, I fear not, for the testimony of Mr. Thomas, the Judge, our servants and iny own was all against him. I did not wait to hear what his plea was, but left as soon as I was released from duty. (Mrs. Hansell seems distressed) But no matter, Mrs. Hansell, what occurs, you need have no uneasiness as to your ivXwx^, for as long as I have a dollar in this world to call my own, it shall be shared with you. Mrs. H. Noble girl ! I thank you for this proof of your love and generosity, but it was not of myself I was thinking, it was Henry's sufterings. Laura. Let us hope for the best, trust in " Him who never for- sakes," and do our duty. May I inquire why you were not pres- ent this evening to cheer and comfort your son? I was somewhat surprised at your absence. Mrs. H. [distressed) I cannot tell you. My only excuse must be my aversion to appearing in pubHc. Laura. Pardon me, if I distress you, but may I inquire why you are so closely veiled whenever you appear on the street? Mrs. H. [appears agitated) No, no, my child, you must not ask ; it is a mere whim — a fancy of mine contracted long, long ago, which still clings to me. Ask not the grave to give up its dead ! Ah, but it does, of its own free will, too ! Its hideous spectral forms, unmasked, stalk forth, chilling the sunbeams and blasting hfe's sweetest blessings. How much longer must I bear this torture? (Laura approaches and lays her hand upoti Mrs. Hansell' s shoulder) Laura, [soothingly) There, there, Mrs. Hansell, I am sorry my rudeness awakened unpleasant memories ; let — [the door is opened quickly and Neb bounds in, unnoticed by Mrs. Hansell and Laura) Neb. [swinging hat and manifesting great joy) Hurrah! (Mrs. Hansell and Laura scream — Mary, startled, rises ofi left elbow) Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! [twirls roimd oti heel and seems de- f?iefited) Laura, [commandingly) What do you mean, Neb, by entering here so abruptly, and yelling as though you were crazy? See — [points to Mary) You have roused that poor sick child from her slumbers and frightened her terribly. Neb. [joyously) I can't help it. Miss Laura. By golly, if I don't STRIFE. 27 holler, I'll bust. I'se feel so happy an' good, dat I could jine meeting widout any preparation whatsumeber. [goes to bed abruptly) Say, little one, yo' must 'scuse me if I skeered yo', kase I didn't mean to. I didn't know you wus sick, {with energy) Yo' must hurry up an' git well, an' I'll buy you lots ob t'ings, see if I don't, [throws hat on floor and kicks it up stage) Whoop! I 'spects, Miss Laura, yo'd better be a gvvine home, fur de Judge wus all fired mad when he found you had left afore him. [goes to hat, takes it on toe of shoe, tosses it up and catches it, laughing to himself) Laura. What is the matter with you, Neb, are you crazy ? Neb. [grinning) Really, Miss Laura, I dunno ; 'spects I is, or nigh about dat. De fact is — [suddenly to Mrs. Hansell) I 'clar to goodness, I forgot to tell yo', mum, what I ran all de way here fur. Massa Henry am cl'ared, gone free ! Mrs. H. [sinking to chair) Thank Heaven ! Laura, [eagerly'^at Mrs. Hansell's l. side ; Neb, l. 2 e.) Who told you ? Neb. Nobody told me. /sot him free ! Laura, [amazed) You set him free } Neb. Dat am a fact, sure. Laura. How ? Neb. By my ev'dence 'roberating de testimony ob de pris'ner. Dat's wat de mag'strate said. Laura. Your evidence I Why, what did you know about the case? You were not in the house when the trouble occurred. I had sent you for some lemons. Neb. 'Sidering de sarvice I'se rendered justice, I hope. Miss Laura, yo'U 'scuse me, but I forgot all 'bout dem lemons. Laura. Then you 7vere in the house, after all ? Neb. Yes, mum, my ev'dence proved dat fo' sure. Laura. Where ? Neb. In de 'ception-room. Laura, [looking at hitn se arc hingly) Neb! Neb. Mum. Laura. Are you telling the truth ? Neb. [rolling his eyes) I 'clare, Miss Laura, yo'r 'spicions am unjust. Laura. I am sorry. Neb, that circumstances justify them. I did not %QQ: you in the reception-room when I entered it, nor while, I remained there. I cannot believe you were present. Neb. But I wus, tho', all de same. Laura. Where were you then ? Neb. Behind de sofa. Laura, [surprised) Behind the sofa ! Neb. Yes, mum. Laura. What were you doing there ? 28 STRIFE. Neb. Layin' low for dat black Julius, an' if I had kotched him 'bout dat time, he'd seed shootin' stars for sartin. Yo' see he — Laura. [mtermpHng) Yes, yes, you can tell me another time what he did. I want to know Neb. [inierriipiing] Yo' wants to know what I seed? Well, I'll tell yo'. [talks rapidly) Arter de Judge an' Massa Henry done been talking a while dey got to sassin' one anoder. Massa Henry was spunky, an' de way he sassed de Judge 'twas wond'ful. Soon de Judge he got mad an' ordered Massa Henry out de house. I jest wish you could a seed de Judge ; he swelled out 'till he most filled de room, [laifglis] By golly, I 'spected ebbery minnit to see him bust! Den in comes Mr. Thomas; an' de Judge an' him talks a few minnits 'bout you — [^abruptly) Say, do yo' know dat feller 'tends to lub yo', but {chuckles) I 'spects he'd better switch off ob de main line an' lay ober, for when de bull-gine comes a thundenn* along wid Massa Henry as de eng'neer, I 'spects to see yo' step aboard his train, eh? Laura, [quickly interrupting and looking anxiously at Mks. Han- sell) Hush ! hush ! Neb. [resimiing narrative) Soon de Judge leaves de room to call yo', when back comes Massa Henry. He an' old Thomas flare up as soon as dey seed one anoder, hke two fightin' roosters. Massa Henry was slow to come to time, so Mr. Thomas got in de fust lick — a slappin' blow on Massa Henry's cheek — an' called him a coward an* a lot ob sich mean names. I 'spected ebbery minnit to see Massa Henry rise right up an' wipe up de floor wid him ; but he didn't, he kept cool an' made 'rangements right dar to fit Mr. Thomas in a few days wid shot guns, pistols an' knives. I'se gwine to be on hand when dat comes off! Mrs. H. [alarmed) You do not mean there is to be a duel be- tween them, do you ? Neb. I dunno, but I guess dat's what dey meant. Arter de 'rangements, dey took breff, den dey began calhn' each odder names right. Mr. Thomas started fur Massa Henry ag'in, but he wus ready fur him dis time, so Thomas he skeered. Den he com- menced callin' yo', [to Mrs. Hansell) mum, names. Den yo' — [enthusiastically) ought to seed Massa Henry. He rose taller' n de stove pipe, his eyes spread out like saucers, an' looked like two red hot furnaces, his fists swelled up till dey wus as big as mountains. Thomas wus no whar, so he pulls out a knife so long [extends hands apart, suiting action to each word) rushes at Massa Henry who draws a shootin' iron, an' made Mr. Thomas swear dat what he said 'bout yo', mum, [to Mrs. Hansell) wus a lie. [rubbing hands) Jiminy crickitees ! it wus better' n a play, [tosses hat in air and laughs to himself) Laura. So, then, your testimony proved Mr. Hansell's plea of self-defense ? STRIFE. 29 Enter Hansell, unperceived, except by Neb ; approaches softly toward Mrs. Hansell, shaking finger warnmgly at Neb. Neb. [seejtts tickled) Dat's it, exactly. Mrs. H. Where is Henry? Hansell. [at back of chair) Here, mother, [lays hand on her shoulder) Sit still, do not rise, please, [bows to Laura) Excuse me, Miss Bell, for presuming to advise you, but the sooner ^ow reach your home, the less will be the danger you run of being seen on the streets. Neb, there, who has proved himself a /m«^ to me, will afford you ample protection. Mrs. H. Henry, don't you \\\\vik you had better accompany Miss Bell ? She was compelled to seek shelter here but a short time ago, to escape a crowd of men who were following her. Hansell. I cannot. It is impossible. My services are needed elsewhere this very moment. There is not a possibility of Miss Bell's meeting any one between here and her residence, provided she^leaves at once, [speaks rapidly) Laura. 1 will follow your advice. Good-night, Mrs. Hansell, I thank you for your kindness. Come, Neb. [starts for door pre- ceded by Hansel'l who holds it opeft, and bows as Laura and Neb pass ojit ; closes door and goes down C. quickly) Mrs. H. Henry, need I say how rejoiced I am to see you free and Hansell. [interrupting) Excuse me, mother, I well know how thankful you feel at my release, and your joy finds a response within tny heart, that I am enabled once more to help support and sustain you ; but talking ]\\%\. now is out of the question, for I must away, [starts for door, but stops as Mrs. Hansell speaks) Mrs. H. [surprised) Where? Hansell. Excuse me, again, mother Mrs. H. [alarmed) Henry, you are not going to Hansell. [quickly) Pardon me, dear mother, but I would rather not tell you. I should not have come directly home after my release, had I known Neb had informed you of it, but attended first to the business I now seek to transact. Mrs. H. [leaving table atid coining to Henry's r. side) Henry ! Hansell. [beseechingly) Please, mother, do not attempt to detain me. What I can do must be done quickly. I Avill soon return. Mrs. H. [significantly) Yes, but will it be dead ox alive? Hansell. [surprised) Why, what do you mean ? Mrs. H. [slowly , walkiiig backward toward door — Hansell /?/fr«5 so as to face her) I know of your contemplated duel with Mr. Thomas. Hansell. [starts) Who told you ? Mrs. H. [keeps her eyes fastened upon him) Neb ! 30 STRIFE. Hansell. [quickly) But my going out has no reference to that. Mrs. H. [at door) We shall see. Hansell. Mother, do you doubt me ? Mrs. H. For the first time in my life I am compelled X.o say I do. Hansell. [quickly) Then doubt me no longer, for I will tell you my mission. There is to be an attempt made to burn the Judge's mill, and I fear, his residence, too, to-night. Knowing my influ- ence with the men. I intend using it to get them to abandon their rash project if possible. Mrs. H. [significantly) Was it not the Judge who had you arrested ? Hansell. [quickly) I believe it was. Mrs. H. And was it not the Judge who caused our neighbors and ourselves to suffer the pangs of hunger during the past six months ? Hansell. Partly so. Mrs. H. Is he not responsible for the desperate straits in which the poor of our town find themselves ? Hansell. To a certain extent, yes. Mrs. H. Is he your friend 1 Hansell. No I Mrs. H. Is he mine ? Hansell. No! Mrs. H. Is he your fellow workmen's ? Hansell. No I Mrs. H. And yet you seek to do him a kindness ? Hansell. I do. Mrs. H. Knowing him to be a bitter foe of your mother's, an enemy of your neighbors', and a purse-ptoud unfeeling aristocrat.'' Hansell. I cannot help that. Mrs. H. Have you no desn-e to revenge his cruelty to you ? Hansell. Not at the expense of his property. Mrs. H. Nor resent the injury diOViQ. your 0^)71 mother? Hansell. Not by the torch. Mrs. H. Not even if your mother were to plead with you upon her bended knees ? Hansell. Never ! There is a law and love above even the sanctity of a mother's, and he who transgresses it by applying the torch of malice to a fellow-being's property, disgraces the mother who bore him, and covers with infamy the heritage left him by his father ! Mrs, H. Henry ! Hansell, Listen, mother. As a loyal man, my duty is to pre- serve the Judge's property from destruction, if it be in my power ; and that duly I ivill perform, even though it cost me all I possess, including my mother's cherished love. STRIFE. 31 Mrs. H. Thamk Heaven ! you are above yielding to the petty passions that warp and sway the actions of your sex. This is the proudest moment of my hfe. In carrying out your purpose you fulfil 7ny wishes and prove to the world the nobility of your char- acter. Hansen, [starts for door) There, mother, that will do. Mrs. H. Stop one moment, please. Before you leave this room you must promise me to give up your contemplated duel with Mr. Thomas. Hansen. I cannot. My word of honor is pledged to resent his insult. Mrs. H. [barring door with body) T'/^^w you cannot leave — except hy force. Hansell. But, mother Mrs. H. Entreaties are vain, arguments useless ! The field of so-called " honor'" is one of disgrace, and no true man would ever seek to avenge a fancied or a real injury at the price of a human soul. Hansell. You do not understand. Mrs. H. I understand enough to know that if you carry out your intention you will transgress a commandment of your Maker's and break your mother's heart. Hansell. Sooner than do that I will submit to any shame, bear all the taunting jeers of my companions bravely, and be hapPy amid them, knowing that my action has brought peace and happi- ness to you. Mrs. H. Nobly spoken ! [throws door open, steps R. of it and points with left hand out of ope7i door) Go, and may Heaven's bles- sing attend you and crown your mission with success. (Hansell quickly exits ; scene closed in) Scene III. — A street in first grooves. Enter Thomas, r. ; comes C Thomas. The miscarriage of justice, occasioned by the shrewd- ness of that infernal Neb, has again given Hansell a chance to win Laura. That was a blundering piece of work of mine and will cost me the Judge's friendship. How to regain it, is what is now troubling me. [thinks) Ah, I have an idea! — that's capital! What is to prevent me from disguising myself as a mechanic, joining the horde that intend burning the Judge's mill and residence, rescuing Laura, becoming a hero, and eventually, out of gratitude, Laura's husband? Nothing! I'll do it. [starts for "L.—^nXtx ]\5\A^5?> L., passes to R. <7/"Thomas) Julius, [raises hat) Good eben', Massa Thomas. Thomas, (l.) Anything new ? 32 STRIFE. Julius. No, sah, 'ceptin' de Judge am all fired mad at yo' for try- ing dat knife bis'ness. Thomas. You must think I'm a fool not to be aware of that ! Julius, [raises hat) T'ank yo', sah. Thomas. Yov what ? Julius. For telling me yo' am not a fool. Thomas, [starts for ]\}i.l\JS) You impertinent black Julius. {pullUig off hat afid starting to run) It am no use, yo' can't kotch me. (Thomas stops l. c, and retraces his steps l.; ]\}\A\}'& comes R. c.) Say, Massa Thomas. (Thomas stops a?id tur?is) Yo' forgot sumfin' ! [slaps pocket) Thomas, [takes coin from pocket and tosses it at Julius' feet) There, you dog, take it. It will be the last you get from me for some time. Exit L. Julius, [picking lip coin) Dat's what he alius says, but I guess I kin fotch him again, when I'se ready, [examines coin) Whew ; five dollars ! I must make two more to get even with what Neb stole. Exit R. Enter Hans, r., walking backward with both hands grasping hajidles of covered market basket, ]\5\AVi'S> following, t7ying to pull basket fj'om him. Hans. Dot vos a lie. I didn't steal nodings. Julius. You did. Whar did yo' git dis basket ? Hans. Dot be mine peesness. Julius. Yo' stole it. Now, if yo* don't hand me over two dollars at once, I'll hab yo' 'rested by de fust perlice I meets. Enter Neb, l., disguised as policema7i — wears moustache ajtd side whiskers, helmet over his own hat ; breast padded with coffee sack ; carries stuffed billy in right hand — slowly approaches back of Hans. Hans. I tells you dot I steals nodings, und I kin shust lick enny purleece dot efer drew brefif. Julius, [sees policeman, lets go of basket) Oh, Lor' ! Oh, Lor' ! [pulls off hat and runs out R. — at saine instant Neb, who has reached Hans, strikes him on back of head with billy) Hans, [alarmed) Mein Gott, vot vos dot? Neb. [changes voice) What's that? Hans, [turns, drops basket, a7id see)ns terribly frightened) Meester purleece, I vos shust foolin' mit dot poy. Neb. I can't help that. Yo' are my pris'ner now ; [lays right hand on Hans' shoulder) an' must go wid me. Hans. Vere to ? Neb. To de station house. STRIFE. 33 Hans, {^affrighted ) An' schleep mit de rats und mice all grawlin' over me ? Neb. Dat's Avhar yo'll hab to sleep to-night, an' it will cost yo' four dollars an' fifty cents to get out in de mavvnin'. Hans. Mein Gott, dot will broke me ! Let me see ; [fakes iiioney from right trousers pocket and coimts it) ein, zwei, drei, vier, und ein halber thaler. Neb. [slightly advances) It will cost yo' four dollars and a half to git out in de morning, and it will cost yo' four dollars an' tifty cents to keep out to-night, [looks ahead of him) Hans, [not comprehending) Vot ish dot ? Neb. [impatiently) P^ork ober, an' [poiiiting with left hajid, L.) git! [ViK^^ places money ift Neb's 7ight hajid, picks up basket, walks slowly L. glanci7ig uneasily at Neb, till tiear wirig, then rushes out l, — Neb examines money eagerly) Haul No. 2 ! [looks off R. ; startled, resumes origitial tone of voice) By Jupiter, if dar ain't a reg'lar cop a comin' dis way ! [quickly pulls off helmet and coat, picks up coffee sack, hastily puts coat, helmet and billy in it, rolls it up and tucks it under left arm) Seven from Julius, four fifty from Hans — eleven dollars an' fifty cents. My new suit am all right ! [starts R. singing softly, ''In de morning by de bright light.'" Exit R., scene changes. Scene IV. — The exterior of Judge Buttons' house — enter mob, L., with axes, ropes and lanterns, led by Thomas, disguised ; range along L. wings and up L. — Thomas up l. Thomas, [aside) Now, for my last bold move, and then for ! Laura, opulence and ease! [alotid to 7nen) Boys, yonder stands [pointiffo to house) the palatial residence of our common foe — the king of monopolists ! Shall it remain standing as a gigantic hydra, menacing the liberties of our children, or shall it return to the dust from which it sprang? Mob. [in unison) Fire it, burn it to the ground ! [txi\&x two men L., carrying bags filled with shavings — at saine instant txi\.tx Han- SELL L., with coat and hat off ; he pushes men aside arid ascends steps R.) Hansell. Men, brothers, fellow- workmen, in Heaven's name, desist ! Think of what you are doing ! Already the Judge's mill lies in ashes. Are you not satisfied? Is not your vengeance appeased ? For the love of your mothers, wives and little ones, add not this crime to the many already laid at the door of Labor, Thomas, {to men) Remove him! [two men spring to obey; they seize Hansell aiui force him out R. as Thomas speaks) He is no friend of ours. He is a traito?'. Pile up the fagots, [men place bags against house, bri?ig on coal oil barrel with co7ifiagration pot inside, place it 7iear bags a7id ig7iite fire in pot, Thomas talki7ig all 34 STRIFE. the time) and let the heavens above us reecho Labor's cheers as the despot's wealth ascends in smoke and flame. Re-enter Hansell, r., followed by Hans and Neb ; seizing barrel, they start for C. when tnob makes a rush for them — simultaneously door is opened and Laura, dressed in pure white, appears with revolver in haiid, followed by Julius with blunderbuss. Laura, (l. on steps, presenting revolver) Back, every man of you ! The first one who steps forward is a dead man ! {mob falls back, L.) Julius, (r., on steps, coveriftg meti) Yes, an' de next dozen and a half ob yo's. {descends steps as Hansell, Hans a7id ^kb, place barrel c.) Come on, yo's a bully set of fellers, I'se ready for yo' ! Neb. [back of barrel, swi^iging hat and cheering lustily) De Judge's home am safe ! Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! Mob. l. a7id up L., huddled together crestfallen — Thomas upi.., trying to pull hat over eyes — Laura on steps with revolver directed at men — Hans on her R. — Hansell l., with gaze riveted upon Thomas — Julius up r., with gun at shoulder, covering men — Neb c, back of barrel, waving hat ajid cheering, PICTURE. SLOW DROP. ACT 111. Scene. — Sa7ne as Act I— as curtain rises Dolly is wiping organ with cloth — Julius dusting sofa with brush — curtain rises to lively mus\c. Dolly. I don't believe it ! Julius. Well, I jest guess I heerd de Jedge say so. Dolly. When? Julius. Las' night, arter de mob left. Dolly. Where? Julius. In dis berry room. Dolly. To whom was he talking ? Julius. To me, Dolly. To you ! [laughs) That's a likely story. Do you expect me to believe it? Julius. Blamed if I care wedder you do or no. [brushes vigor- ously) II STRIFE. 35 Dolly. The idea of the Judge making a confidant of you! {laughs) It's too absurd for anything. Julius, ^pausing in work) Look a heah, Dolly Dolly, {sharply, interrupting) Whom are you addressing ? Julius, {quickly) Miss Dolly, den. [aside) Darn her rubbers ! [aloud) I 'spose yo' t'inks de Jedge nebber confides in me ; but he does, all de same. Of en an' of en he's told me heaps of t'ings dat he wouldn't t'ink ob tellin* [conteinptuously) de rest ob de sarvents. Dolly. I don't believe the Judge ever told you he intended re- building his mill. Julius. Yo' don't, eh? [with importance) I guess dat wusn't all de Jedge told me e'der. Dolly. It wasn't? Julius. No, it wusn't. Dolly. What else did he tell you ? Julius. I won't tell yo', it am none ob your bis'nes. Dolly, [laughs in an irritating manner) Oh, no ; of course you won't tell me ! Julius, [irritated) No, I won't. Dolly, [irritatingly) Certainly not, that's right ! I wouldn't if I were you, either. When persons/r7 Hans, [angrily, advancing upon Julius) Who tells dem lies ? Julius, [retreating down L.) Keep away from me, or yo'll git hurt! Dolly, [authoritatively] Stop your quarrelling this instant, both of you ! Hans, return to your duties in the kitchen. Hans, [shaking fist at Julius) Youst you come ouf in meine kitchen. I youst bounds you up mit mein fists till you looks like ein sausage meat ! [going] Come ouf, come ouf ! Exit c. D. Dolly, (c, speaks pleasantly] Now, Julius, I'm ready to hear your story. Don't waste any time or some one may come in and interrupt you again. Julius. If I tells yo', yo'll let dat turkey stuffin' bis'nes pass, won't yo' ? Dolly. Yes, yes. Julius. Kase yo* see, I didn't mean nuffin' by it. Dat Dutch- man b'lieves ennyt'ing dat yo' tells him. Dolly, [figgetty] Yes, yes, I know all that — go on with your story ! Julius, [aside) She's gettin' de figgits ! Wimmin folks has de mostest cur'osity ob enny an'mal dat breeves. [aloud] De Jedge tole me dat on 'count ob de sarvice we did him las' night, dat he 'tended to 'crease mine, an' Neb's, an' Hans' wages a dollar a week, an' make us a present besides, and dat he 'tended to build up his mill ag'in an' make dat Mr. Hansell de superintendent ob it. Dolly, [joyously] Did he really and truly tell you that? Julius, [tickled] As suah as yo' am a libin', he did. Dolly. Do you think he was in earnest? Julius. He wus dat. Yo' oughter seed him a walkin' up an' down dis room ; he wus a-cryin' one minnit, an' cussin' de next ; swearin' dat me, Neb an' Hans wus sum 'count arter all. Oh, he wus all worked up, an' I 'spected ebbery minnit dat he'd hab a fit of night sweats or sumfin* else. Dolly, [joyously] Oh, I'm so glad! If Henry — I mean Mr. Hansell — should get that position it would be just delightful ! Julius. 'Pears dat yo' am mighty int' rested in dat Mr. Hansell. Dolly. So I am ! Jalius. [grinning] Oh, I see ; yo' am kinder gone on him, but yo' needn't be skeered, I'll not tell on yo' ! Dolly. There's nothing to tell. Mr. Hansell is my [aside] I came near letting out my secret! [aloud] Now go on with your work, [Y)o\.\x goes to melodeon and ]\5'Ll\5S to sofa; both resume work — Dolly with back to l. d. talking] For my part. I don't be- lieve the Judge — (enter Judge l. d. quietly ; he stands near table L., looki?ig at Dolly, while rapid transitions of feeling play upon his features — Julius notices him the instant he eiders, seems startled, casts a quick glance at Dolly and quietly sneaks out of C. D., 38 STRIFE. but ivimediately reappears; peeps in and enjoys the scene — as Dolly screams he springs up as though affrighted) — will carry- out the promises he made last night. You can't place any depend- ence on anything he says. One moment he'll say he'll do this, and the next do the opposite. In the morning he'll be pleasant, in the afternoon cross, snappish and surly, and in the evening \i€\\. be storming around and almost take your head off if you look at him. He's a nasty, ill-tempered old thing, more like a brute \\\-SiVL a man. I just wish 1 had the handhng of him for a year or two, I'd Judge. Dolly ! Dolly, [^screams, jumps backward, overwhehned with confusion, and gasps for breath as she speaks) Oh, gracious goodness, how you frightened me ! I beg — your — pardon — sir — 1 — thought — I — thought Judge, {calmly) That I was not around! Dolly, {humbly) I hope — I have not offended you Judge. Oh, no, certainly not! To whom were you talking? {goes to table and faces audience) Dolly, (scans room quickly, eyes rest a mometit upon Julius at C. D., who gesticulates wildly to her not to tell) Excuse — me — sir — {curtsies) but — I — think I must have been talking to you. {]\}'Li\5S listens atte7ttively, as he hears Dolly's reply, rubs hands and gesticulates his thanks) Judge, {looks steadily a mornent at Dolly, who hangs her head and plays confusedly with cloth — Julius moves slightly l. , so that the Judge cannot see him — watches him sharply and disappears L. , as soon as he gives his orders) That will do, now, {poititingto C. D.) leave the room I (Dolly cufisies, starts, then hesitates) Dolly, {humbly) I hope, sir — {]\i\A\}^ peeps in) Judge, {explosively) Go ! (Julius jumps back l., as though struck — Dolly starts, then quickly exits C. D., frightetied — Judge watches her exit, then slowly facirig audience, drops his head one moinent in thought, then speaks in measured tones) Ser- vants are proverbial for their frankness when released from all re- straint, and under such circumstances, one need never sigh, "Oh, for the gift to see ourselves as others see us ! " I never knew until a moment ago that I was devoid of stability of purpose, and was {imitates Dolly's totie of voice) a cross, snappish, surly old brute l Ah, well ! what is the use of Enter Hansell, c. d., ushered in by Julius. Julius, {bowing) Mr, Hansell, sah. {bows and exits c. D.) Hansell. {advancing) I believe you sent for me, sir Judge. Yes, but it is unnecessary for you to remind me of my harshness to you yesterday, by emphasizing my sending for you. Hansell. [bowing) Pardon me then for doing so. STRIFE. 39 Judge. In fact, I am heartily sorry for the manner in which I ordered you out of my house, and the annoyance you were sub- jected to by your false arrest. I sent for you for the purpose of apologizing for my lack of courtesy, and to thank you for the no- bility of character you displayed in saving my home from de- struction. Hansell. Apologies are useless and thanks unnecessary. My duty was plain. Judge. And you performed it like a man. You proved your- self, though you be but a mechanic, one of nature's noblemen ! There — [extending hand) is my hand ; if I have not offended you too deeply, accept it as an evidence that your manliness extends eveft to the forgiveness of your most bitter enemy. Hansell. [grasping his hand) I never refuse a hand offered in friendship or in penitence. Judge. Thank you. Now, Hansell, I had a double object in wanting to see you. I intend immediately to rebuild my mill de- stroyed last night, and to you I offer its superintendency as a re- ward for your fidelity to my interests. Hansell. [surprised) To me, sir.-* Judge. Yes, that is what I said. Hansell. Really, sir, I hardly know how to thank you. Judge, [drily) Then don't attempt it. Hansell. I meant it Judge, [interrupting) Never mind what you meant. That's all right ; I understand. I suppose you will accept the trust? Hansell. Yes, sir, — or, rather, conditionally. Judge. Name your conditions. Hansell. That you will allow me to re-engage the men formerly in your employ. Judge, [surprised) What! the men who burned my mill ? Hansell. Yes, sir, Judge. The men who tried to fire my residence ? Hansell. The same, Judge. And would not have hesitated to take my life had it been exposed to their fury ! Hansell. The truth of that I cannot vouch for ; but remember, sir, in yonr future dealings with those men, the desperate straits to which they were driven, iind your own participation in their crime of last night. Judge, {surprised) I do not understand you. Do you charge me v^^ith being an accessory to their crime of arson ? Hansell. I do ; for by your repeated refusals to grant their en- treaties for work, unless they renounced their birthright by signing slavish articles of agreement, you drove them to starvation and frenzy, closed their eyes to all sense of honor, excited the demon 40 STRIFE. of revenge within their breasts and furnished the venomous oil of malice that lighted the torch of destruction. Judge. You are putting the case pretty strongly, Hansell. Hansell. But not stronger than the facts warrant. Judge, {sternly) I do not wish to be insulted in my own house. Hansell. {quickly) I do not wish to insult you, but I do desire that you may see yourself as others see you. Judge, [irritated) Thank you. I well know how I appear to others, [aside) Dolly informed me. [aloud) Is there no other con- dition upon which you will accept the position offered you ? Hansell. Absolutely none. My lot is cast with my fellow work- men's, and if you cannot extend your kindness to them, you de- bar me from accepting it. Judge. Are you in earnest? Hansell. I am, sir. My word of honor is at stake. Judge. For the sake of a foolish sentiment of honor, will you allow a lucrative position to shp through your grasp ? Hansell. [looks at him a moment) I would permit a kingdom to slip through it, rather than prove a traitor to my fellow work- men, diX\d false to my sworn obligations. Judge, [musing ) You are a strange being ! Hansell. Perhaps I am, but it is better to be warm-hearted, for- giving and true to your fellow-men, than to be the monarch of the universe and devoid of principle. Judge. If I thought there were others in your order who hold to your lofty ideas of true manhood, I might be tempted to accept your conditions. Hansell. [quickly) Tliere are others — hundreds of them — truer, better and nobler men than I, who see the folly of their hasty ac- tion in striking, and only await your pleasure to acknowledge their error and make you what amends they can. Oh, sir, if you would add brilliancy to the glorious sunhght of this morning and fill the air with gladness and song, accept 7ny condition. Judge. If I consent to the re-engagement of my former men, it must be at your expense. Hansell. [quickly) In what way ? Judge. By the loss of the position I offered you a moment ago. Hansell. I will cheerfully submit to that, knowing the joy my sacrifice will bring to many an aching heart. Judge. There ;z clasp a pure innocent girl by the throat and throttle her till was extinct ! Udge. [horrified) What ! homas. 'Tis true. As he flung her lifeless form among the ikers on the beach, and stood there with his face wreathed in a smile of diabolical hatred, he looked like a fiend incarnate. Do you remember the case of Lillian Duer? Judge. The girl who was murdered at Swansville, some three years ago ? Thomas. The same. Judge. I do. Thomas. She was his victim ! Judge. That cannot be. Thomas. Was not the man who was arrested for the crime, named Hansell? Judge. I believe so. Thomas. And your Hansell entered your employ — when ? Judge. A little over two years ago. Thomas. Just so. He was driven from his former home by the indignation of his neighbors, about that time, and settled here. Judge. Can it be possible ? He was tried for the crime, was he not? 46 STRIFE. Thomas. He was. Judge. You saw him commit the deed ? Thomas. I did. Judge. He was acquitted ? Thomas. Yes. Judge. You were a witness against him? Thomas. I was. Judge. Then how was he freed ? Thomas. By the perjured evidence of his mother and sister, who swore he never left his home the night of the murder. Judge. Was there no other evidence than yours offered against him? Thomas. -Yes. Footprints leading to and from the body were found to correspond exactly to the shoes worn by Hansell. Judge. Then there was no doubt of Hansell' s guilt, provided his mother and sister swore falsely ? Thomas. None whatever. So general was the belief in his guilt, that had he remained in town another week he would have been lynched. Judge. And this is the man I thought so noble and true ! Thomas. Now, Judge, imagine my feehngs when I met that man — a murderer — yesterday in this room, seemingly enjoying the freedom of your house. Judge. I cannot ! Thomas. I felt assured you were not aware of his true character, else you would discourage the intimacy existing between him and your ward. Judge, [astounded^ What's that? He intimate \i\\\\\jaMX2.1 Thomas. That's what I said. Judge. Why, man, they don't know each other. Thomas, [significantly) Don't they? You must be blind !] Judge. Bhnd to what ? Thomas. The affection existing between them. Why, it is known all over town. Judge. I do not believe it. Thomas. Perhaps not. Yet it was to save you the disgrace of that knowledge, that I quarreled with Hansell yesterday. Judge, [excited) Laura does not love Hansell ! Thomas. I tell you she does. Judge. It's false ! I guess I know whoin she loves. Thomas. Perhaps you think so. Judge. I tell you / do know ! Don't you contradict me again, sir. Thomas. Certainly not, yet I can't help feeling sorry for you. Judge. Sorry for me! Thomas. Yes, sir. Judge. Why? STRIFE. 47 Thomas. Because of the deception being practiced upon you. Judge. By whom ? Thomas. Hansell and Miss Laura. Judge, [irritated] I tell you, you are mistaken. Don't you sup- pose I know ? [with importance) Laura loves 7ne, sir ! Thomas, [astonished) Yon, s\xl Judge. Yes, me. Is there anything astonishing in that? Thomas. No, nothing particularly, [aside) I understand now. [aloud] Did she ever say so ? Judge. Not in so many words, but her actions plainly showed it. Thomas, [significantly] I suppose //i2/z.9ee/>s in C. d., looks savagely, and shakes fist at Neb, but disappears L. before Neb turns) to bring yo' in some wine, {bo-cus andexits C. D.) Thompkins. {seated L. of table) As I was saying when I entered, the Judge was much more passionate in his younger days than he is now. Squash, (r.) Ah, indeed ! Thompkins. Yes, his wife ran away from him — or rather his brutality drove her away. Squash, {astonished) His wife? Thompkins. Didn't you know he had been married ? Squash. No. Thompkins. What? Squash. It's a fact. Thompkins. She left him one night over twenty years ago. Squash. You don't say so ! Thompkins. And took her two children, a boy and girl, with her. Squash. Do tell ! Thompkins. The affair created quite a stir at the time. Squash. No doubt of it. Thompkins. A regular breeze, in fact, for it blew the Judge out of Roxford and landed him here. Squash. You don't say so! But what became of his wife ? Thompkins. She died some ten years ago. Squash. And the children ? Thompkins. The Lord only knows. No one, not even the Judge, could ever find out. But, hush ! here comes the Judge. Re-enter Judge c. d., takes seat behind table — ]u\aus folloius him, bearing tray, with two bottles of wine and three ivine glasses ; ap- pears indignant — 'Hk^ follozvs him to C. D., elated — Julius places bottles and glasses upon table, goes tip c, tosses tray on sofa, and stands directly back ^ Judge — when he and Jiis guests begin to drink, Julius takes bottle from breast pocket ajtd does likewise, never removing his gaze from the Judge. Judge. Ah, gentlemen, judging from the animated tone of your conversation, I should say my presence was not missed, {sits) STRIFE. 49 Squash, [with emphasis) Not at all, not at all, sir ! Judge, [looks hard at Squash a moment ; drily) Thank you. [half rises) Perhaps it would have been more agreeable to you if I had remained out altogether. Squash, [confused) Excuse — me — Judge, do not leave — sit still — I meant — I meant — to Thompkins. [quickly) He meant to convey the impression that considering your absence we got along remarkably well. Squash, [quickly) Yes, that's it. [to Thompkins) Thank you. [to Judge) You really must excuse me, Judge. Judge, [interrupting, smiles) Certainly, sir. Your embarrass- ment proves that you meant no offence. Here, gentlemen, [hands each a bottle) is some grape wine over six years old, that I would hke you to try. Help yourselves. We'll dispense with ceremony. infills glasses) Julius, [holding up bottle, aside) An' here's de remnant ob de champagne. We'll 'spense wid ceremony, too. Here's lookin' at yo'. [is about to place bottle to mouth, when Neb sneaks up be- hind him and snatches bottle out of his hand, guying ]ulivs, who shows fight — ^'SJ^ makes feint to strike him with bottle — Jui.ius re- treats, stands a moment pouting, then brightens up with an idea and runs out rapidly c. D. — Neb cippears joyous, — dritiks) Thompkins. [drinking) That's splendid ! Squash, [draining glass) I never tasted better, [re-fills glass, smiling) Excuse me^ Judge. That's right. Help yourself. Squash, [fervently) Thank you, thank you. I am doing so, as you see. There's noXhmg like making yourself at home, and being free and easy under all circumstances. Judge. That's true. It adds to our pleasure and dispenses with the necessity of formality. We are old friends who know one another well, and never meet but to enjoy ourselves. Eh, Thompkins ? Re-enter Julius C. d. ; has bottles sticking out R. and l. pockets, demijohn in hand— takes former position — makes a face at Neb and drinks from demijohn, evincing pleasure — watches Judge closely. Thompkins. Yes, sir, you hit the nail square on the head that time. Our motto is when together, " Drink and be merry." Squash, [helping himself) Thanks, I have no objection whatever. (Thompkins ^/z^^ Judge laugh) Judge, [pointing to Squash) An offspring of a crawler, becom- ing merry at the expense of a climber I [laughs) Thompkins. [appears not to comprehend at first) Ah, yes! [sud- denly) By jove, not so bad, Judge. I didn't see the point at first. {Jaugks) A Squash feeding oxi grapes. 50 STRIFE. Neb quietly placing bottle on sofa, steals bottles from JVLWS' pockets — placing them beside others, he returns and snatches demijohn from Julius — commences to drink fro7n it, guarding sofa — Julius appears C7-estf alien, then grins and searches pockets ; finding bot- tles go fie, he approaches Neb and engages him in an animated dumb conversation, features and form depicting atiger, gesticulat- ing with rapidity. Squash. All right, gentlemen. Enjoy yourselves at my expense as much as you can. [refills glasses) I'm perfectly happy, [if talent will permit, holds glass aloft and cominences singing the chorus of the Drinking Song fro7n " Girofie Girofia'' — Judge ««rt?THOMPKiNS joining, with glasses raised — Neb ««^ Julius seize each other and comiftence tussling) Thompkins. [at conclusion of song) That burst of melody from our friend reminds me, Judge, that the last time we were here, you promised to make Neb sing for us. I believe that was the agree- ment, wasn't it, Squash? Squash. Certainly, and we expect the Judge to redeem his promise. Judge. All right, gentlemen, I will do so. [turning, calls) Julius ! [sees him and Neb butting each other) What in thunder are you boys doing? (Thompkins nudges Squash; both look at boys and laugh ; boys separate) Julius. He was 'posing on me again. I'll bust his old cocoanut for him yet, see if I don't. Neb. [angrily) Yo' can't do it, yo' black Guinea nigger I Judge. There, there, boys, that will do. Come he-re. Neb. I wish you to sing for these gentlemen. Will you do it ? Thompkins. [handing him money) There's a half dollar for you to buy your girl some taffy with, if you sing. Neb. [bows, takes coin, laughs) T'ank you, sah, but my gal dun need for me to buy her taffy. She jest t'inks I'se a barrel > of m'lasses myself, [to Judge, with alacrity) Sartinly I'll sing, but wot am it to be, Massa? Judge. Oh, that new piece you were singing the other night. Neb. Oh, yes, I know. All right, sah. Yo' just tune up de music, while I gits my hat and cane, [runs out C. D. — ]\]T>ge. goes to organ and plays a prelude — Julius goes down and stands L. i wing — Squash turns chair and faces audience, holding glass in L.- hand, leaning back in chair — Thompkins seizes bottle and keeps Squash' s glass full during song) Julius, [speaks through tnusic, contemptuously!) Dat niggah am de conceitedest feller dat ebber lived. He can't sing. I can ; knock de stuffin' out ob him in dat line any day. (re-enter Neb C. D.; has silk hat on and cane tucked under ann ; assumes a dudish air) Look at him ! He's degustin * ! STRIFE. 51 Neb. [cotningc) I'se ready, [to audience) Dis am my new suit. Song and ehorus introduced — walks up aiid dow7i front ; every time he approaches Julius he assumes a tantilizing air — Julius is first irritated, thejt mad, and finally gets into a passion — makes feint to strike Neb, who threatens him with cane — at conclusion of first verse and chorus Julius exclaims Julius, [aside) Dem am de clothes he got wid de money he stole from me. I don't care if I nebber speak to him again. Neb sings second verse atid chorus — at conclusion TnouvKi'iiS and Squash applaud vigorously — Judge continues to play a few bars — if there is no encore Neb approaches Julius who has been in- tently gazing at hat worn by Neb, ivho makes a face at hitn — Julius snatches hat off Neb as he comes near him. Neb. [in undertone, threatenittgly) Mind what yo' am about, niggah ! Julius, [in undertone, angrily) What yo' mean by wearin' my hat fur? Neb. [increasing tone) Kase I wanted to. Julius, [raising voice) Yo' had better not do it ag'in. [in this scene Neb and ]\]L.i\]S increase the tone of voice in each passage un- til both become thoroughly a?tgry) Neb. I will if I want to. Julius. No, yo' won't. Neb. Yo' can't hinder me. Julius. Yo' see wedder I kin or no. Neb. "We will see. Gib me dat hat ag'in, Julius. I won't. Neb. Gib it to me, I say. Julius. I sha'n't. Neb. Gib it to me, 'fore I kick de crown off it. Julius. If yo' kick dis hat yo' have got me fur to Hck. Neb. I'll do it, suah, if yo' don't fork it over. Julius. Keep away from me, niggah. Neb. Don't yo' be caUin' me names, or I'll lam yo' right here 'fore dese gem' men. Julius. Yo' can't do it. Judge, [rises from instrument, sees Julius and Neb quarreling — Thompkins and Squash have been silently enjoying the scene) What in the deuce is the matter with you boys, ftoiv .^"(Julius and Neb^^ C, back of table quickly ; both talk rapidly to Judge) Julius. He wus tryin* to make me gib him my hat. Neb. He snatched it right of 'en my head widout axin' fur it. Julius. He's no business wearin' ob it. 52 STRIFE. Neb. I 'tend to wear it wheneber I feels 'clined to, Mr. Nig- gah. Julius. Dem clothes he bought wid the money he Uole frum me. Neb. Dat's a lie. Julius. It am de gospel truth, Massa. Neb. Even if I did, it am not half as bad as pickin* Massa' s pockets. Julius. Who picked Massa' s pockets ? Neb. Yo' did ! Julius, [shaking fist under ^'E.^'s nose) I'll make yo' prove dat 'fore a 'Squire. Neb. Yo' hab me 'rested if yo' dare. Julius. Den yo'll have to take dat 'sinuation back. Neb. I'll not do it, an' de hkes ob yo' can't m.ake me, either. Julius. But yo'll hab to do it. Neb. [close to hmi) Who'll make me ? Julius. I will. Neb. Do it now ! Yo's 'fraid, yo' am a coward. Squash. Go for him, Julius. Don't take that. Julius. I don't 'tend to. [strikes Neb, clinch and tussle — Thomp- KiNS rises, all laugh — Squash attempts to rise, upsets chair and falls over — Judge rtw^THOMPKiNS ^/^/ hands — SQUASH rises, seems a little unsteady) Judge. There, boys, that will do. T. and S. [in unison) No, no, let them go. Judge. All right then, fight it out. Thompkins. I'll bet on Neb. Squash. Juhus is my boy. Go for him, Julius. If you lick him, I'll give you a dollar. (Judge, Thompkins and Squash evince much pleasure) Thompkins. [going behind Neb) Squash, second your man. ( Squash ^^^^5 ^^/^zW Julius) Judge, you act as referee and time- keeper, [the boys separate, ^¥.-2,1.., Julius r. ; stand panting and glaring at each other — Thompkins a7id Squash urge them on — they approach and strike without ej'ect— Neb rushes at Julius who steps aside — Neb plants both fists in Squash's sto?nach, which floors him — Julius rushes at Neb, who stops him — Neb throws right arm back and knocks (7Z/^;' Thompkins, who falls across doorway c. Enter Hans, hurriedly, C. D. Hans. Meester [trips f77/^r Thompkins and falls' forward- springing quickly to feet, he darts a hurried glance around roo?n — sees Neb and Julius tussli7ig up C, goes for them, snatches them apart and hits them on side of head; is raving mad) You dinks you be schmart : putty soon you dink STRIFE. 53 Julius, [rushing at Hans) Come on, Neb, [both attack Hans and drive him up c. — Julius strikes Hans on stomach and bursts a bladder concealed under his clothitig — Wh.YkS falls on stomach) Neb. [at Hans' /^f?/) wSour krout has taken a tumble ! Julius, {moimting Hans* shoulders) De war am ended. Ger- many has fallen. De zu orl d 3.m our own I (Judge r. i e.; Squash R. 2 E.; Thompkins l. I E.; Neb l. 2 e. ; Julius standing on Hans' shoulders) QUICK DROP. ACT IV. Scene. — Same as Act III. Front part of organ is jnoved slightly away fro7n wing, displaying Neb secreted behind it — top of Jul- ius' head is seen projecting above sofa, L. — as curtain rises Laura steps in from c. d., looks around room, and advances a few steps down C. , talking to herself, holding in R. hand a letter sealed and stamped — lively music. Laura. I wonder where those boys are ! (Neb and Julius peep at her from hiding places) I have searched this house over and can't find them anywhere. It is too bad. I want this letter mailed, [holding up letter) and there is no one to take it to the office. I do wish there was some system used in running this house, then perhaps there would be more regularity in the attend- ance of our servants. Enter Dolly, c. d. Dolly, have you seen Neb or Julius lately ? Dolly. No, ma'am, not since dinner. Laura. Have you any idea where I would be likely to find one of them? Dolly. No, indeed. Meal hour is the only time one can feel certain as to their whereabouts. Laura. If you come across either one of them, send him to my room. I have an errand I wish performed. Exit c, d. Dolly. Yes, ma'am. I will. It's a shame the way the Judge al- lows those boys to neglect their work. He has lost all control over them, and yet, they are not such bad boys after all — full of mis- chief, and Julius, [behind sofa) Hoop ! 54 STRIFE. . Dolly, startled, looks toward sofa — Neb peeps over organ at her, raises putty blower to mouth, and shoots Dolly on side of head — she starts and brushes object away. Dolly. What was that ? {looks R. ; Julius shoots her : she turns L.; Neb blows again; turns R., then ]\3\A\3S shoots \ turns \.., then quickly R., sees Neb's head, walks to instrument) Oh, ho; so it was you ! Neb. [coming from hiding place) Whar'sHans? Julius, (l.) Yes, whar is he.'' Dolly. Why, how do I know ? Neb. We thought he wuz comin' in here. Dolly. So you were hiding, to surprise him ? Julius. Yes, we 'tended to gib him 'ticular fits. Dolly. Didn't you hear Miss Laura asking for you two ? Neb. No, we closed our ears. Julius. Say, you ought to hab seen me an' Neb do up Hans dis mornin' ! Neb. Jule busted his wind fur him. Dolly. " Busted his wind " ? Why, what do you mean? Neb. Why, he knocked him out ob time. Say, I'll show yo'. [catches hold of ]\5Ll\3s, pulls him c. and gets in front of him) Yo', see dar [pointing to Julius) stood Hans. Now, I'se Jule. He doubled up his fists dis way, [suit action) an' rushed at Hans, an* hit him square in his stump-jack dis way. [rushes at ]\]l.i\3S who steps quickly aside ; Nkb falls fat on stomach) Julius, [quickly, pointing at Neb) And down he went jist like dat. (Julius and Dolly }augh) Neb. [rises, crestfallen) Yo' am a mean niggah to sarve me like dat! Julius. Yo' don't suppose /wanted to be winded, did yo' ? Neb. [rubbing hifnse If ) Yo' might hab let me, it wouldn't hab hurted yo' much, anyhow. Julius. No, sir, I'm not takin' nuffin like dat jist now. Say, [eagerly to Dolly) does yo' want to see sum fun ? Dolly. Why? Julius. If yo' does, jist go an' send Hans in dis room fur sum- fin', an' den yo' come back an' peep in de do' dar. [pointing C. D. ) Dolly. Why, what are you going to do? Julius. Nebber yo' mind. Yo'U see. We's 'pared to 'ceive him, ain't we. Neb ? Neb. Yes, siree, we'll warm his jacket fur him. Dolly, (going) Promise you'll not hurt him if I send him in. Neb. Oh, no, we'll not hurt him ! Julius. Ob course we won't ! Dolly. Very well, then, I'll do it. Neb. Say, will yo' please do us anoder favor? STRIFE. 55 Dolly. What is it ? Neb. Close de shutters ob dis room, so it am dark. De light hurts my eyes. Julius. By golly, but dat am an idea, {to Dolly) Yo'll do it, won't yo' ? Dolly, {laughing) Yes, I'll do that, too ; but, remember boys, Miss Laura wants one of you to do an errand for her. Julius. All right. 77/ do it. It won't take me two minnits to go to de office fur her. Dolly, {at Q. door) What office ? Julius. De pos'-office. Dolly. How do you know she wants you to go there ? Julius. Hasn't she got a letter fur to mail ? Dolly. Has she ? Julius. Ob course she hab. Dolly. How do you know ? Julius. Didn't I heerd her say so ? Dolly. When? Julius. Only a minnit ago, when she was in here. Dolly. Then your ears were not closed, after all ? Julius, {making a face) Yo' cotched me dat time, but I'll take dat letter all de same. Dolly. Very well, see that you don't forget it. Exit C. D. Julius. Neb, dat wus a bully idea ob yo's, ter hab de shelters closed. Whar did yo' git it ? Neb. Out ob my head. Julius. Go way from me. Yo' did nuffin' ob de kind. Neb. Ob course I did. Julius. Yo' can't make me believe dat. Neb. Why ? Julius. 'Kase yo' am not got larnin' 'nough ! Neb. It does not 'quire larnin' to discog'tate a t'ing like dat. Julius. No — o Neb. It am de 'suit ob de nat'ral 'specity ob de equi — liver — dum. Julius. Oh, yes, now I un'stand. But, say, Neb, hadn't we better be a sneakin' ? {lights are gradually lowered) See, Dolly am a closin' de shelters. Neb. 'Spects we had. {both return to hiding places, lights very low) Julius. Neb ! Neb. What? Julius. Am it dark ober dar ? Neb. I should say so ! Julius. Is yo' 'fraid ? Neb. No, ob course, I isn't. Am yo' ? Julius. No— but I feel sort of lonesome. Say, Neb ! 56 STRIFE. Neb. What am it ? Julius. Yo' won't run away, will yo* ? Neb. Ob course not. Julius. Yo' will stick to me ? Neb. No matter wot turns up. But say, Jule! Julius. Hush! he am a comin'. Neb. Yo' can 'pend on me. Julius. Hush ! Enter Judge c. d., quickly — Julius and Neb attack him sitnulta- neously, beating him over head with bladders covered with jnuslin. Judge, [screaming) Murder ! robbers ! Exit L. D. — boys come c, startled. Julius. By golly, Neb, now we's done it ! Neb. We hab, fur suah ! Julius. Did yo' know it wus de Jedge 'fore he hollered ? Neb. No. Julius. I thought he wus Hans. Neb. So did I. Julius. Wot' 11 we do? Neb. I dunno ! Julius. We had better skip ! Neb. Dat's so. [both start for Q.. D.; when near it they stop and listen) Julius. Hush ! sum one's comin' ! Neb. It am Hans. Julius. Dat am so. Yo' git on one side ob de door an' I'll git on de Oder, [rubbing hands) an' we'll gib him thunder ! (Julius L., Neb r.) Enter Hans c. d. ; has fioiir concealed in palm of hands — Julius and Neb attack him vigorously, beat him over head, face and shoulders, drive Imn C. — Hans places hajids over face and gets flour in mouth, nose and eyes — the boys start for CD., throiv blad- der bags in front of them, jump on thein ; they explode — Hans jumps ; the boys pick up bags a ;z^ exeunt quickly CD. Enter Judge l. d. with pistol— sees Hans. Judge. Surrender, you villain ! [discharges pistol — Hans screams and jumps) Surrender, you scoundrel! [fires; lights are up quickly — Hans C ; drops to knees, working eyes to get out flour ; nose, eyes and mouth appear full of it — Judge goes to Hans, catches him by collar, lifts hi?n up and applies boot, talking) Judge, [in a rage) You incorrigible Dutchman ! How dare you assault me in my own house ? I'll teach you a lesson you will not soon forget. How does that feel ? [kicking Hans) And that ? and that 1 i\ STRIFE. 57 Enter Julius, c. d. ivith blunderbuss followed by Neb and Dolly — Neb has a cleaver in his hand. Julius. Where am de assassin ? Show me dem ! {pointing guft aro7i7id room) Neb. Jist let 7ne git at dem. I'll make mince meat ob de blood- thirsty varmints in two seconds. (Dolly statids up c, siletttly laughing) Judge, {violently shaking Hans) Will you ever attempt another trick like that on me? [VIat^s attempts to s_peak) Don't you open your lips, or I'll discharge you on the spot. Enter Laura c. d., in a state of trepidation. Laura. In heaven's name, what is the meaning of this uproar? I heard pistol shots and a scream, and I thought some one was being murdered. Judge. And so there was ; that is, an attempt was made to murder vie. ( places pistol in hip pocket) Laura. To murder you ? Judge. Yes, I was knocked down and beaten shamefully. Laura. Where ? Judge. In this room. Laura. Then it was j^c//r cries I heard? Judge. Yes, I narrowly escaped with my life. By a superhuman effort I released myself from the grasp of my assailant, hurled him to the floor, ran out, got my revolver and returned in time to pre- vent his escape, {delivered rapidly, with action — Neb, Julius and Dolly glance at one another and smile) Laura. Who was your assailant ? Judge, {sternly) Why, Hans there ! {pointing) Laura. Hans? {the boys appear tickled) Hans. Meester Schudge ! Judge. Not a word ! Hans. But /2/z7/ say sumdings. You shust mistaken be ! Judge. About what ? Hans. Dot I strikes you ! Judge. Didn't I see you do it? Hans. Nein ! Judge. What? Hans. Nein, it vas some oder fellow. I vas almost kilt to deff mein self. Judge. You were ? Hans. Yah, und mein head shust feel like it vos stuffed mit snitz und vasser, und it — all — {perplexed) Julius. Sort o' swelled like ? Hans, {quickly) Yah, dot's so. 58 STRIFE. Judge, {advancing angrily toward hitn, Hans retreating) You lying scoundrel, get out of this room. You can't blarney me. (Hans hesitates and attempts to speak) Not another word, go! [points c. D., Hans exits quickly) I'll attend to your case later. Now I wish to know who closed the window shutters and what for? [consternation seizes Dolly, Neb and]\2iA\5^) Julius. I 'spects it wus de wind dat blowed dem shet. Neb. So do I. Judge. Why do you? (Neb is embarrassed) Julius. 'Kase when I opened dose on dat side (r. ) dey wus not fastened. Neb. Neider wus dose on dis side, (l.) Judge, [sarcastically) No doubt the shutters closed themselves. I shall investigate this matter thoroughly and fix the blame where it belongs. Julius. Well, I didn't tech de blamed old shetters. Judge, [angrily) What do you mean by using such language in my presence"? Julius. Well, yo' needn't 'spicion in'cent pussons den. Neb. (/^ Judge) I'se gibs yo' a week's notice. I'm a gwine to leave yo'r sarvice. Julius. An' I too. I'se tired ob habin' my 'racity 'peached on ebbery 'casion. Judge, [emphatically) You can leave now for all I care. Clear out of here, both of you — [to Dolly) and you, too ; I wish to see Miss Bell alone, (exeunt Neb o:;/^ Julius c. ly., grnmblitig to them- selves, Dolly following, half laughing — Laura hands her letter and points to boys — Dolly nods head) Laura. Don't you think, sir, you are a little too severe upon the boys? Judge, [snrly) No, they deserve all they get. Laura. Suppose they should leave you? Judge, [interrupting) There is no danger of that. I couldn't drive them away. They have too easy a time of it here, and the rascals well know it. Now, Laura, [goes to table, sits L., Laura following to back of it) I wish to ask you a few questions. Laura. And I shall be most happy to answer them. Judge. Don't be too sure of that. Laura. Why not ? Judge. Wait and see. I have heard reports of you that are far from flattering. Laura, [surprised ) Why, what do you mean ? Judge. I beheve you know a young mechanic by the name of Hansen ? Laura. The one who was here this morning? Judge. The same. Laura. I do. STRIFE. 59 Judge, [slightly sneering) A most estimable young man ? Laura. He is generally so considered. Judge. Of incorruptible principles ? Laura. I believe so. Judge. Worthy the love of even a nobk-hom woman ? Laura. That's true. Judge. Incapable of deceit.'' Laura. That's his reputation. Judge. A fit associate for the pure and innocent ? Laura. Certainly, sir. Judge. Of course. I was foolish to ask that question. Laura. Why, sir? Judge. Because your actions plainly show you so consider him. Laura. I do not understand you. Judge. Laura, you have deceived and grieved me beyond measure. Laura. In what way ? Judge. By your indiscretion. Laura. Why, what have I done? Judge. You have caused yourself to become the target for the gossips of our town. Laura. Indeed, sir, there must be some mistake. I am innocent of any wrong-doing. Judge. Your innocence robs the blow, so far as you are con- cerned, of half its sting. Laura. Again I ask what have I done ? How have I deceived you? Judge. By leading me to believe that you loved me, when your affections were centred upon another. Laura. I have not deceived you, for I do love you dearly. Judge. Ah ! Laura. Yes ; sir, that's true. Judge, [aside, smiling) I knew she couldn't resist me. [aloud, pleasantly) Well, my dear, that alters the case. Then you really love me ? Laura. I do. Judge. Certainly you do. I am glad to hear you say so. You will never have cause to be sorry for it, Laura. Laura. Thank you, sir, you have always been kind to me. Judge, [tenderly) And ahvays will be, dear. When we are married Laura, [surprised) Married, sir? Judge, [taken aback) Yes, that is what I said. Laura. We? You and /? Judge. Certainly. Didn't I speak plainly enough ? Laura. Yes, but it seems so strange. Judge. What's strange? 6o STRIFE. Laura. That you, who are old enough to be my father, should think of marrying. Judge. It may seem strange, but I intend doing it. Laura. But surely, sir, you will seek some one near your own age? Judge. {_ playfully') Not unless ^j/^w refuse me. Laura. I? What have /to do with the case? Judge. Oh, you Httle innocent dear ! •' What have / to do with the case?" [laughs) As if you don't know ! Laura. Indeed, sir, I don't. Judge. Didn't you say you loved me ? Laura. I did. Judge. Didn't I ask you to marry me? Laura. No, sir ! Judge. I did, and you accepted me, too. Laura, [startled) Indeed, sir, I did not. I misunderstood you. Judge, [nettled) What ! then you don't love me after all ? Laura, [quickly) Not in the sense you mean, but as a father. Judge, [quickly) I do not want your love as a father — but as a husband. Laura. That cannot be ! Judge. Why? Laura. Because — [hesitates) Judge. You love Hansell ? Laura. I did not say so. Judge. No, not in so many words, but you might as well. Now let me tell you that the sooner you forget that man, the better it will be for all concerned, for 7narry him you shall not. I have been disgraced by you enough already. Laura. Disgraced by me ? In what way ? Judge, [abruptly) What do you mean by meeting Hansell secretly. Laura. Who says I do ? Judge. Everybody. Your disgraceful conduct has become town talk. Only last night you visited his house and were seen talking to him. Laura. Who told you that ? Judge. Never mind. Do you deny it? Laura. I do not. Judge, [excitedly) Then it is true ? Laura. It is. Judge, [sneeringly) Yet you wonder "how you have deceived and grieved me," when you, whom I have reared as my own child, so far forget maidenly modesty as to force yourself upon the notice of that low-born fellow, who Laura, [interrupting — speaks with power) Stop! you have gone STRIFE, 6 1 too far. Henry Hansell may be a "low-born'' man, but he has never by word, look or action, attempted to insult a defenceless woman. Judge, [angrily] Oh, ho ! so you defend him? Laura. As I would defend you were one to unjustly assail you! Judge. And at my expense, too ! Laura. You left me no alternative. Judge, {excitedly) Mark me, Laura, your cavaHer Hansell is not what he seems to be. Laura. He's as true a knight as ever wielded lance in defence of his country's honor ! Judge, [passionately) No doubt you think so. And yet, you shall see his lance broken in twain, and his proud plumes trailing in the dust of his dishonor. Laura. Never ! if he be shown fair play ! Judge. That he shall have, but his disgrace is inevitable. Be- fore this day is over, I promise you he shall stand revealed in his true character, (enter Thomas, C. d.) But leave me now, I will call you when I am ready for you. Exit Laura, c. d. — as she passes Thomas he bows — she looks at him searchingly — as she reaches c. D., she is met by Hansell — they engage in earnest conversation outside c. D., Thomas ^ false? Mrs. H. [in surprise) What do you mean ? Judge. That he didXedive his home, and that you knew it. Mrs. H. No, I was not aware of that fact, neither is it true. Hansell. [quickly, with eagerness) Mother, do you really mean that? Mrs. H. I do. It is the truth. Hansell. [with feeling) At last peace has been found. Pardon me for doubting you, but I have always thought you knew of my absence, but believing \n my innocence testified as you did to save me from the gallows. 6S STRIFE. Mrs. H. My son, how could you ever believe me guilty of such a crime ? Hansell. I know noiv how unjustly I have wronged you, and beg your forgiveness. Thomas. Judge, why pursue this matter further ? He has con- fessed his guilt by acknowledging his absence from his home the night of the murder. Hansell. [angrily to Thomas) Suggestions ixova you are not re- quired, and I have confessed nothing that imphcates me in any crime. Thomas. Haven't you? Do you deny seeing Lillian Duer the night of her murde Hansell. Alive? Yes. Thomas. Dead ? Hansell. No. Thomas. You were seen bending over her form. Hansell. I am aware of that — hy you, Thomas. Yes, and by some otie else. Hansell. [surprised) Who? Thomas. By Juhus there. Judge. If you are innocent as you claim, explain what you were doing when seen by Mr. Thomas. Hansell. I was probably examining the body, to see if I could identify it. Thomas, [sneeringly) A likely story ! Judge. What excuse have you to offer for leaving your home at that particular time? Hansell. {^significantly') Suppose you ask Thomas there the same question. Thomas. That's unnecessary ; besides, I can make a satisfactory answer. Judge. I addressed my request to you — will you answer? Hansell. I will, but I do not expect you to believe me. I was simply taking a walk. Judge. For what purpose ? Hansell. To obtain comfort. The heat in my bedroom was so oppressive I could not rest ; so I rose, dressed myself and was walk- ing along the beach, when I came across the body of her whose life you accuse me of taking. Judge. Well — proceed. Hansell. Stooping down, I examined it and found it to be the lifeless form of my old playmate. I then — {brokenly) Excuse me from saying anything more, excepting that I returned home horror- stricken, {averts head; appearance of sadness) Thomas, {stniles knoivingly) Adroitly explained, Judge, Cor- roborates my statement to a nicety ! STRIFE. 69 Judge. True ! Thomas, {pointing exultingly) Look at him ! Has he the ap- pearance of an innocent man ? Do you longer doubt his guilt? Judge. No, nor can any one else. Laura, [quickly) Well, / do. Shame upon you both for your lack of charity. Judge. Laura, do you still believe in his innocence after what you have heard ? Laura. I do, and ever shall believe him what I do now — a pure, noble, innocent man. And all you two may do and say will never shake my faith in his declarations. Julius, [quickly, aside) Bully fur her! Judge. He is my son ; would to Heaven I had your confidence. I would gladly share your belief, but when I remember that Mr. Thomas saw him commit his foul deed, I cannot. Mrs. H. [agitated) Henry, is that so ? Hansell. [quickly) As God is my witness — it is not ! Thomas, [excitedly to Hansell) I sa%v you commit the deed. Hansell. [with ivarmth) You did not! Thomas. I did, and can prove by Julius, here, that I did. Hansell. What does he know about the affair ? Julius. Heaps mor'n yo' s'pose. Thomas. He was a witness of your act. Julius. Yes, dat's so. Thomas, [exultingly) Now, are all satisfied? Laura. No, sir, I'm 710 1 1 Thomas, [quickly) Then you shall be. Juhus, didn't you see Miss Duer strangled ? Julius. Yes, sah. Thomas. And didn't that man [pointing to Hansell) perform the deed ? Julius, [emphatically) No, sah, he didn't. Thomas, [excitedly) What ! Julius. No, sah ; yo' did it yo'se'f. Thomas, [drawing knife and springing at JULius) You lying scoundrel ! I'll cut your throat Julius, [quickly drawing horse pistol and covering Tuou as) No, yo' won't, fur I'll let daylight fro' yo' fust. (Thomas stops— Mks. H. and Laura slightly retreat l., alarmed) Yo' tho't I only seed Massa Henry dar dat night, but I seed yo' kill dat gal afore he cum, an' hide ahind de rocks. (Thomas starts for Julius) Stop, or I'll pull on yo' fur sartin. Thomas. Curse you, you shall pay dearly for your treachery !^ Julius. P'raps I may, but not in dis world if I'se knows myse'f. Laura, [to Judge) Have him arrested ! Thomas, [starting quickly for Q. d.) I'll not be taken alive ! 70 STRIFE. Judge, [loudly) Stop him ! Stop him ! Neb. [excitedly, as Thomas passes him) Pull on him, Jule, pull on him ! [as Thomas reaches c. d. he is met by Hans ; they collide — Thomas sends Hans sprawling r. and rushes out l. — Neb follows him out) Julius, [replacing pistol) Let him go, he'll not git furder dan de front door, fur I'se got a perhce dar to 'rest him. Judge, [to Julius) How is that ? Julius. Why, you see, I 'tended to blow on him, anyhow, 'kase he wus a gittin too ind' pendent an' sassy-like fur me. He 'tended not to know a feller when he met me on de street. So when I seed him cum in here, knowin' he wus workin' agin' Massa Henry dar, I jist scooted out an' posted de perlice to watch de doors an' not let him 'scape. Laura, [to Judge) I can't conceive how you allowed yourself to be imposed upon by that man Thomas 1 Judge. It is a mystery to me, also. I shall never forgive my- self for the injustice done my own flesh and blood, [pistol shots heard off back ) What's that ? Julius. Oh, I guess de perlice am a gibin' Thomas a dose ob pills to swaller. Hansen, [to Julius) How came you in Swansville? (Mrs. H. crosses to Dolly, and they engage in earnest conversatioti) Julius. I used ter lib dar, 'fore I took sarvice wid de Jedge. Hansell. Then why didn't you come forward at my trial and ex- pose Thomas ? Julius. Kase it wus no use, you got free any how ; 'sides I wus 'fraid Thomas might [imitates throttling) me. He nebber knowed I seed him kill de gal. Yo' see, I wus a comin' home frumacoon hunt, when all ob a sudden I came across Thomas an' a gal quar- relin'. I got 'hind a tree to see de fun. Dey wus bofe mad as fire. Thomas wanted de gal to piomise him sumfin' an' she wouldn't, so he chokes her. Den I 'spects he seed yo' comin' down de beach, kase he got 'hind some rocks an' hid. Putty soon yo' cum 'long, 'zamined de gal, muttered sumfin' sort o' mournful like an' went away. Hansell. And Thomas, what did he do then ? Julius. He cotched sight ob me, so he cum right ober to whar I wus — I wus skeered so bad I couldn't run. He grabs me by de neck an' says, " 'Member, if yo's am called 'pon, dat dat man," pointing to yo', "killed dat gal." I said "all right." He gib me sum money an' went away. I don't know how /got home. Hansell. If you were in league with Thomas, why didn't he call you to strengthen his testimony at my trial. Julius. I dunno, guess he wus 'fraid I knowed mor'n I 'tended to. He of 'en axed me 'bout de matter when I tackled him fur STRIFE. 71 money, but I nebber gave him any satisfaction. But I alius got my money all de same. Enter Neb excitedly, c. D. Neb. De perlice am got him now, but dey hab to shoot him fust, he fit like a wild cat. {stands L. of Mrs. H.) Mrs. H. Poor man, I pity him ! Judge. Pity is wasted upon a man of his brutal instincts. Let us rather hope he will repent of his misdeeds before his day of reck- oning comes, [to Hansell) Henry, I feel it is almost like adding insult to injury to ask your forgiveness for the harsh treatment you have received from me. Hansell. {interrupting) You could not well do otherwise, for appearances certainly were against me. f Judge. Yet they should not have influenced me, after your re- peated declarations of innocence. There {extending hand) is my hand. Let not your duty as a son sway you one iota, but if as a man you will accept it, I solemnly promise to make you what atonement lies in my power. Hansell. I accept it, both as a man and a so7i, desiring nothing more but justice for my mother and sister. Judge. That both shall have. The past has taught me a lesson I shall never forget. My house, fortune, all I possess, is theirs to command. Dolly, {quickly) Which would be worthless to us unless you shared it. Judge, {sadly) That cannot be. My transgressions against your mother are too great ever for me to obtain pardon. Dolly. Ask and Mrs. H. {interrupting) No, no — do not urge that now. Let us return to our humble home and resume our old ways. If in the future a reconciliation is considered best for the advancement of your interests, my dear children, I will gladly forget my past suf- ferings and do all in my power to effect it. Hansell. Nobly spoken, mother. That ensures us a reunited family in the near future. Judge. Then with Laura for your wife, your name at the head of our firm, and my dear wife once more sharing our hap- piness Dolly, {interrupting) Ar\d I io irsim you Judge, {smiling) There will be nothing but sunshine to make glad our remaining days. Julius, {dolefully) May I ax wot yo' 'tend to do wid me an' Neb? Judge. Why, I thought you both were going to leave me. 72 STRIFE. Julius. Well, we might stay wid yo' if yo' 'siiaded us hard 'nough. Judge. That will depend upon your future conduct. Neb. All right, den we'll be a part ob de great Buttons family. Judge down r. c; Hansell and Laura down l. c. ; Mrs. Hansell r. c, back ^ Judge; Dolly l. c, back of Hansell and Laura ; Julius down R. ^ Judge ; Neb up c.; Hans in doorway c. CURTAIN— QUICK DROP. ROORBACH'S AMERICAN EDITION.— Continued, 25. MURDER WILL OUT. A farce in one act. Six female characters. Time, thirty ininiites. a6. APRIL FOOLS. A farce in one act. Three mal6 characters. Time, thirty minutes. 27. OLD CRONIES. A comedietta in one act. Two male characters. Time, thirty minutes. 23, CUT OFF WITH A SHILLING. A comedietta in one act. Two male, one female characters. Time, forty-five minutes. 29. A CASE FOR EVICTION. A comedietta in one act. One male, two female characters, lime, thirty minutes. 30. A HAPPY PAIR. A comedietta in one act. One male, one female characters. Time, forty-five minutes. 31. UNCLE'S W^ILL. A comedietta in one act. Two male, one female charac- ters. Time, thirty m'nutes. 32. POPPING THE QUESTION. A farce in one act. Two male, four female characters. Time, forty minutes. 33. THAT RASCAL PAT. A farce ia one act. Three male, two female charac- ters. Time, th'rty minutes. 34. SOLON SHINGLE. A comedy in two acts. Seven male, two female charac- ters. Time, one hour and a half. 35. NOT SUCH A FOOL AS HE LOOKS. A comedy in three acts. Five male, four female characters. Time, two hours and a half. 36. OUR BOYS. A comedy in three acts. Six male, four female characters. Time, two hours. 37. CASTE. A comedy in three acts. Five male, three female characters. Time, two hours and half. 38. HOME. A comedy in three acts. Four male, three female characters. Time, two hours. 39. MEG'S DIVERSION. A drama in two acts. Five male, three female charac- ters. Time, one hour and three quarters. 40. MIRIAM'S CRIME. A drama in three acts. Five male, three female charac- ters. Time, two hours. 41. BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. A drama in three acts. Nine male, three female characters. Time, two hours and a half, 42. BETWEEN TWO FIRES. A comedy-drama in three acts. Eight male, three female characters. Time, two hours and a half. 43. SAVED FROM THE WRECK. A drama in three acts. Eight male, three female characters. Time, two hours and a half. 44. A LESSON IN ELEGANCE. A comedietta in one act. Four female ;,harac- ters. Time, thirty minutest 45. WANTED, A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK. A farce in one act. Six male characters. Time, thirty minutes. 46. THE TRIPLE WEDDING. A drama in three acts. Four male, four female characters. Time, one hour and a quarter. 47. SECOND SIGHT; OR, YOUR FORTUNE FOR A DOLLAR. A farce in one act. Four male, one female characters. Time, one hour. 48. UNDER A CLOUD. A comedy-drama in two acts. Five male, two female characters. Time, one hour and a half. 49. STRIFE. A comedy-drama in four acts. Nine male, four female characters. Time, two hours and a quarter. 50. TRIED AND TRUE. A drama in three acts. Eight male, three female char- ters. Time, two hours and a quarter. 51. CRAWFORD'S CLAIM. A drama in prologue and three acts. Nine male, three female characters. Time, two hours and a quarter. 52. TEN NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM. New Copyright Version. A drama in five acts. Seven male, four female characters. Time, two hours. K^°" A ny o/the above will be sent by tnail, post-paid, to any address, on receipt HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York. 015 775 606 # TOWNSEND'S ^'AMATEUR THEATRICALS, A Practual Guide /or Amateur Actors. J ) PRICE, 25 CENTS. This work, without a rival in the field of dramatic literature, covers the entire sub- ject of amateur acting, and answers the thousand and one questions that arise constantly to worry and perplex both actor and manager. It tells how to select plays and what plays to select ; how to get up a dramatic club— whom to choose and whom to avoid ; how to select characters, showing who should as-;ume particular roles : how to rehearse a play properlj' — including stage business, by-play, voice, gestures, action, etc.; how to represent all the passions and emotions, from Love to Hate (this chapter is worth many times the price of the book, as the same information cannot be found in any similar work) ; how to costume modern plays. All is told in such a plain, simple style that the veriest tyro can understand. The details are so complete and the descriptions so clear that the most inexperienced can follow them readily. The book is full of breezy anecdotes that illustrate different points. But its crowning merit is that it is thoroughly PKACTiCAL — it is the result of the author's long experience as an actor and manager. Every drimalic club in the land should possess a copy of this book, and no actor can afford to be without it. It contains so much valuable information that even old stagers will consult it with advantage. H ELMER'S ACTOR'S MAKE-UP BOOK. A Practical and Systematic Guide to the Art of Alaking up for the Stage, PRICE, 25 CENTS. Facial make-up has much to do with an actor's success. This manual is a perfect •encyclopedia of a branch of knowledge most essential to all players. It is well written, ■systematic, exhaustive, practical, unique. Professional and amateur actors and act- resses alike pronounce it thk best make-up book ever published. It is simply indis pensable to those who cannot command the services of a perruquier. CONTENTS. Chapter I. Theatrical Wigs.— The Style and Form of Theatrical Wigs and Beards. The Color and Shading of Theatrical Wigs and Beards. Directions for Measuring the Head. To put on a Wig properly. Chapter II. Theatrical Beards. — How to fashion a Beard out of Crepe Hair. How to make Beards of Wool. The growth of Beard simulated. Chapter III. The Make-up. — A successful Character Mask, and how to make it. Perspiration during performance, how removed. Chapter IV. The Make-up Box. — Grease Paints. Grease Paints in Sticks ; Flesh Cream ; Face Powder ; How to use Face Powder as a Liquid Cream ; The various shades of Face Powder. Water Cosmetique. Nose Putty. Court Plaster. Cocoa Butter. Crepe Hair and Prepared Wool. Grenadine. Dorin's Rouge. " Old Man's" Rouge. "Juvenile" Rouge. Spirit Gum. Email Noir. Bear's Grease. Eyebrow Pencils. Artist's Stomps. Powder Puffs. Hare's Feet. Camel's-hair Brushes. Chapter V. The Features and their Treat.ment. — The Eyes: Blindness. The Eyelids. The Eyebrows : How to paint out an eyebrow or mustache ; How to paste on eyebrows ; How to regulate bushy eyebrows. The Eyelashes : To alter the appear- ance of the eyes. The Ears. The Nose : A Roman nose ; How to use the nose putty ; a pug nose; an African nose; a large nose apparently reduced in size. The Mouth and Lips : a juvenile mouth ; an old mouth ; a sensuous mouth ; a satirical mouth ; a one-sided mouth ; a merry mouth ; a sullen mouth. The Teeth. The Neck, Arms, Hands and Finger-nails : Fineer-nails lengthened. Wrinkles: Friendliness and Sullen- ness indicated by wrinkles. Shading. A Starving Character. A Cut in the Face. A Thin Face made Fleshy. Chapter VI. Typical Character Masks. — The Make-up for Youth : Dimpled Cheeks. Manhood. Middle Age. Making up as a Drunkard : One method ; another method. Old Age. Negroes. Moors. Chinese. King Lear. Shylock. Macbeth. Richelieu. Statuary. Clowns. Chapter VII. Special Hints to Ladies. — The Make-up. Theatrical Wigs and Hair Goods. |p§^ Copies n/ the above tvill be mailed, post-paid, to any address, on receipt of the n>inexed prices. ,^^^ HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York. 1^0A*J LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 775 606 #