\^ i. i|i A Drama in Three Acts [h SAMUEL R. ADAMS m m m Price, 25 Cents .«>,.'•. ^/Tr-f-^ Pin:; I ^ ^1 JM'a,) ill A Drama in Three Acts — BY— SAMUEL R, ADAMS Price, 25 Cents Copyrighted b}' Samuel R. Adams No. 3935 Ivocust Street . Philadelphia, Pa. 4^ ,i- LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, to wit : Be it retnembered, That on the twenty -fourth day of May, 1906, Samuel R. Adams of Philadelphia, Pa., hath deposited in this office the title of a Dramatic Compositon, the title of which is in the following words, to wit : "Ittiifr % Qlnlora" the rights whereof he claims as author and proprietor in conformity with the laws of the United States re- specting Copyrights. Herbert Putnam, Librarian of Congress. Thorwald Solberg, Register of Coy rights. Office of the Register of Copyrights, Washington, D. C. Sy traDRfAr AUG u 190, TMP92-008542 UNDER THE COLORS. Act I. — Scene i, Exterior of Barracks. Place, Island of Negriots. Time, Afternoon. Scene 2, Zaidee's Hacienda near a Tagalog village. Time, Evening. Act II. — Defending the Stockade. Time, Mid- night. Act III. — Division Headquarters Island of Luzon Time. — A. D. 1900. Place. — Phillipine Islands. ACT I. Scene I. (Lt. Douglass and Grant seated as though carrying on a conversation.) Grant. Your story interests me very much, Lieu- tenant, and almost makes me wish I had been a sol- dier instead of a news vending newsy old war corre- spondent. Lt. Douglass. You would change your mind once you were in the army, for it's a dog's life on begin- ning, but once you've tasted of its delicate and none too digestible flavor, nothing else seems to suit your palate. Grant. But you have no right to complain, fortune has been kind to you. Yoii're second in command in your company, with the full confidence of your com- mander, and the good will of your men. Lt. Douglass. Through your spectacles all seems plain sailing, but an officer has more to disturb his peace of mind than his superiors' distrust with the en- mity of his men thrown in. Grant. Perhaps so, in some cases. Lt. DbUGLASS. In' all cases, and more especially mine. 4 UNDER THE COLORS. Grant. Why so, Lieutenant? Lt. Dougu^ss. Well, in the first place, there is the woman, and the next the other man. Grant. Ha, ha ! You don't mean to tell me you've lost your heart to one of these half-breed matichia girls, do you? Lt. Douglass. It's quite true, and the worst of it is. she loves another man, and will have none of me. Grant. Well, I say, old chap, you're to be congratu- lated to have him take her ofif your hands, for they are too handy with that little sticker of theirs for mine. Who might the unlucky dog be? Lt. Douglass. My first sergeant. Grant. Nbt Grayson Brown? Lt. DbuGLASs. The same. But, I tell you, Grant, it's no jesting matter, for I really love the girl, and if it wasn't for this fellow Brown, I believe §he would re- turn my love. Grant. That shouldn't weary you in the least ; you're his commander, why not make him surrender voluntarily ? Lt. Douglass. You don't know Brown as I do, or else you'd think differently. Grant. Well, may be an in grate fishia will cut short his career some day, and there is always the code of honor left to fall back upon, when all else fails. Lt. Douglass. It's no use. He seems to bear a charmed life. I've known men tO' be shot down by his side time and time again, and yet he escaped un- scathed. Grant. Well, there is still the other remedy ; make him fight you a duel. Lt. Douglass. I'm not quite ready yet to try con- clusions with the best shot in the command, and be- sides we manage things dififerentlv out here. Grant. In what wav? Explain yourself. Lt. Douglass. Well, T don't like to talk too much before a war correspondent, because some day I may regret it. Grant. Right you are, old bov, for the Tribune is just itching to get hold of something out of the ordi- nary. But have no fear of me ; let's have your plan of action. Lt. Douglass. Well, suppose for instance. Sergeant Brown should be ordered to search for arms and am- UNDER THE COLORS. 5 munition that did not exist on the premises of the wo- man he loves. He, of course, would find nothing, and suppose in the meantime I should contrive to have those ammunitions of war placed there after he'd re- ported, and not taking his word make a search myself. Now, what do you think would happen? Grant. Why, he'd be court-martialed for neglect of duty. Lt. Douglass. Precisely so ! His career would be ruined, which would end in disgrace and perhaps dis- charge from the service, while I'd be left a clear field to woo and win my lady at leisure. Grant. But what of the woman? Would not she be considered guilty of aiding her countrymen? Lt. Douglass. That's easily arranged. We can not make war on women, and besides I, as commander of this prc'vince, have full charge, and my word is law. You can guess the rest. Grant. You may be right. Lieutenant, but I can't see it that way, and it's too great a wrong to be per- petrated upon a brave and innocent man. Lt. Douglass. It's the t'.'de of war, old man. As the saying goes, "All is fair is love and war." Come, have another smile. Guasimas ! Guasimas. GuASiMAS. Here I is, Lieutenant. Lt. Douglass. Another bottle for Mr. Grant and myself. Guasimas. Right yer be, LFeutenant. Grant. That boy seems to be rather an odd char- acter. How came you to have him with you ? Lt. Douglass. Guasimas is quite a soldier, having followed the regiment all the way from Tampa, at the outbreak of the war, being wounded at Las Guasimas, while holding one of the general's horses, so we nick- named him "Guasimas." I'll ask him to tell you his story. Grant. Do so, bv all means. Another hero for the Tribune to publish. Guasimas. Here you is. Lieutenant. It's jes' ripe enough to oil yer palate all ther way down. Lt. Douglass. Good boy, Guasimas. Here, take that and buy some cigarettes. Guasimas. Thank yer, boss. You bet I will. Lt. Douglass. Stay a moment, and tell Mr. Grant about your fight in Cuba. 6 UNDER THE COLORS. GuASiMAS. Well, it twre'nt much fightin' I done. Cos' dem Spanii'ards didn't give me no chance. I'se jes standin' dere in Cuby holdin' der Gineral's hoss when one of dem greasers ups and pops me. Grant and Douglass (iji unison) : Ha, ha, ha! GuASiMAs. Bvit dat weren't all, Gineral Young and I gits sick, and hafter stay on board der transport while der boys did ther fiteing, but I ain't got no cause to grumble, and you kin bet when I goes to war agin I takes me a razzer. {Exits.) AjRANT. Ha, ha, ha! The Tribune will get that story by the first transport out. Lt. Douglass. Brave boy, Guasimas is, and the men just dote on him. Grant. Quite Hkely ! And now I must be off. I've dispensed quite freely of your hospiitality, and wish you success in your love affair. Lt. Douglass. Thank you. Grant. I wish you also luck, but be careful and don't let no Irrogates behead you. Grant. Trust me for that. This old dog never fails to bark. {Exits.) {Enter Orderly.) Orderly. Sergeant Brown has returned, sir, and wishes to make a report. Lt. Douglass. Show Sergeant Brown in. {Enter Brozvn.) Lt. Douglass. Well, Sergeant? Serg. Brown. I've obeyed your orders, sir, and find nothing that would indicate Senorita Zaidee as being in league with the enemy. Lt. Douglass. Are you sure. Sergeant? For you must remember, she's a Tagalog, and although they are friendly now, since Aguinaldo has been captured, yet there is no telling when they may break out again. Serg. Brown. Quite sure. Lieutenant. I would stake my life on her fidelity. Lt. Douglass. It is well, and I hope we'll have no cause to be deceived in her. You may go. {Exits.) Lt. Douglass. And so, my fine fellow! you would stake your life on her fidelity. Well, perhaps you may and that soon. {Exits.) {Enter Zaidee, accompanied by the boys.) Corp. D^xon. Come on, no>w. Zaidee, give us a song. Don't be selfish. UNDER THE COLORS. 7 Boys. Yes, sing for us, Zaidee. Zaidee. No, not now, boys. Wait some otlier time. Corp. Dixon. Oh ! come on now ; you ain't going back on old comrades, are you ? Zaidee. Well, I sing just one, and no more. (Sings.) {Boys applaud.) Boys. Bravo, Zaidee ! Three cheers for Senorita Zaidee ! Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! Zaidee. Now, that will do, boys, and here's some cigaros for you, and take this (throivs tlicm a coin) and drink to my health. (After a hilarious outbreak they exit.) {Enter Serg. Brown, zvho appears not to notice Zaidee.) Zaidee. (scoldingly) Well, Sergeant, are you going to stand there and dream all day. Serg. Brown. Ah, pardon me, Zaidee, but I was just thinking. Zaidee. And pray, what may you have been think- ing about? Serg. Brown. I was thinking how long it would be before my enlistment expired, so I could then take my own little girl to my home across the sea. Zaidee. You have forgot what you did this morn- ing. Serg. Brown. Don't blame me, Zaidee. Rather blame those that sent me ; you know all the time I never suspected you. Zaidee. Yet you searched my house just the same. Why did you do it? Serg. Brown. There ! Don't talk like that, little girl ; you almost make a traitor of me. Zaidee. I wish I could. Then we'd win some vic- tories, mot having you tO' fight against. Serg. Brown. Zaidee ! Surely you don't mean that I'm a traitor. Never! Zaidee. No, no! I take it all back, Senor ; of course I don't mean it. But will you really take me home with you? Serg. Brown. You know I would, Zaidee. Already there awaits in a little vine-covered cottage in old Vir- ginia a fond and loving mother waiting tO' greet her long lost son and new found daughter. I've told her all, sweetheart. Zaidee. Ah, Senor ! How happy you make me ; but 8 UNDER THE COLORS. if you should forget. Serg. Brown. There is nothing, love, for me tO' for- get, save that I love you and you alone, and without you life is empty, and when you go out of it my wish is that I may soon follow. Zaidee. But, Senor, in your country I be as nothing to them who knew you first. Serg. Brown. Zaidee, my country-women would do well to learn from you the sweet simplicity and love- able nature bred only in the child of sunshine, who lives its short life amid the flowers and rippling brooks of God's own handiwork, and learns from them a les- son of Innocence and DiVlne Purity enough to tame the beastly nature of the wildest of men. Zaidee. I believe you, Senor, for none ever talked like that to me before, and I trust you. You are all I have to love me, and life with you will be sweet to me, though I be nothing but a simple savage girl, yet I love you. Serg. Brown. Ah ! Zaidee, a queen would be glad to possess your beauty and sweet simplicity ; but en- ough of that. Let us think of the future. My term of enlistment will soon be over, and I have no doubt that I can retire with a lieutenant's commission. Al- ready my name has been mentioned in special orders with a recommendation for bravery and much hard service, and when I have won my honors, no more of this life, but home to mother with my own little Zaidee. (Embraces her.) (Re-enter Lt. Douglass.) Lt. Douglass. Well, Sergeant! Is that the way ycu do your duty ? Back to your post, sir. (Sergeant salutes and retires.) Lt. Douglass. Howdy, Zaidee. What ! won't shake hands with me? Now, don't be a cruel girl. Zaidee. Why do you wish to throw yourself upon me? You must know ere this how much I hate you. Lt. Douglass. Your hate means just so much love to me. Why do you insist upon it when you see how madly I love you? Zaidee. Don't speak of your love to me. Lieutenant Douglass, for I have told you time and time again I could never love such as you. Lt. Douglass. But, look what I have to offer, name, honor and position, with a heart full of love to over- UNDER THE COLORS. g riowmg. Ah, Zaidee, your very beauty n:iaddens me. Say the word, g.rl, say the word. (Tries to embrace her.) Zaidee. Don't touch me, monster, or I might for- get myself. Lt. Douglass. I know why you don't love me. It's because of that dog Brown — nothmg but a pauper. \ou are just throwmg yourself awav on a man who will desert you at the first opportunity. Zaidee. Lieutenant Douglass, I know this pauper, as you call him, and a braver and truer man never lived, and I also know your kind. You come here and steal away the virtue and purity of us poor savage girls, as yoii call us, and then sail' proudly to your own country as honored gentlemen ; but I for one refuse to be your mistress, and I'd rather share poverty with Grayson Brown than to be dishonored by you. Lt. Douglass. You lie. It is mot true; but take your lover as you will. I'll find a way, my proud lady, to bring you imploring at my feet for mercv. I'm mas- ter here, and my subjects must obey. Zaidee. Have a care, Lieutenant, or you might awake the savage nature that's in me, for we matichio girls know how to avenge our wrongs. Harm Gray- son Brown if you will, and this (snafches dagger) will find its home in your bosom. So, beware ! Lt. Douglass. Those half-breed savages are the very devil limself. But she shall be mine if I have to do murder to make her so. (Enter one of the Guards.) Guard, (saluting) Lieutenant! Lt. Douglass. Well, what is it? Guard. A Negriots warrior has been captured on the outpost, sir. Lt. Douglass. Go bring him here. (Exit Guard and returns unth prisoner.) Lt. Douglass. You may leave now, and if I want you I'll call. (Guard salutes and exits.) Lt. Douglass, (to prisoner) What brought vou in our line? Jose. I hungry, Senor. I starve. Me no fight; warriors drive me out. Lt. Douglass. I believe you lie. Jose. .No, no, Senor ; me speak true, me hungry. Lt. Douglass. If I thought you were trying to'de- lO UNDER THE COLORS. ceive me, I'd shoot you like a dog. Jose. Mercy, Senor, mercy, i be dog for you. Lt. Douglass. Well, get up and go to the mess room. {He rises and starts out.) Stop a moment. (Aside) I might use that fellow. I'll give you your liberty on one condition. Jose, (falling on knees) Name it, Senor; name it. I so hungry. Lt. Douglass. Does your tribe still hate the Taga- logs? Jose, (getting up excitedly) Caramba ! I hate! I kill them ! Tell me, Senor, quickly ! L.T. Douglass, (aside) Seems as though I've struck the right chord this time. (Aloud) Know you where the Senoirita Zaidee's hacienda is? Jose. Zaidee ! Si, si, Senor, si. I bin dere. Me hate her, too. Lt. Douglass. Well, what I want you to do is this : Contrive to place in a hidden spot at her hacienda some arms and ammunition, which you must take from the quartermaster's stores, without anyone seeing you. Do you understand ? Jose. Si, Senor, si. Lt. Douglass. No' one must know of it, and mind you don't play me false, or this (producing gun) will send you to kingdom come. Jose. Ah ! Senor, you no kill me. Lt. Douglass. Well, you do as I tell you, and all will be well. Jose. I go, Senor. I do' it, I so hungry. Lt. Douglass, (writes and gives Jose paper) This friendly Negriot (to Jose) what's your name? Jose. Jose, Senor. Lt. Douglass. Jose is free to come and go in and out the lines at all times. Signed, Douglass, Com- mander Negriots Province. Lt. Douglass. Now, take this and be gone. No — not that way, but this way (he exits). The first move, and I hold the pawn. If Jose accomplishes his mission, Sergeant Brown will be ruined, and then the fair Zaidee will be in' my power. Ha ! ha ! ha ! W^hat a victory ! (Curtain.) UNDER THE COLORS. II ACT 11. Scene I. (Enter Jose, -who secretly hides arms and ammunition under porch and then exits.) {Enter Mother Carmenata.) Carmenata. Here it is night fall, and that g-irl Zaidee hasn't returned yet. Always pestering after them Yankee p-gs. Caramba! how I hate them. If that white livered Aggy hadn't been' fool enough to be captured, we'd bin fighting yet. Oh! If I was only a man, I'd show them a thing or two. Zaidee! Zaidee! {Enter Zaidee.) Zaidee. Here I am, mother. ■Carmenat.\. Where in the world have you been all this time? Zaidee. Just been out for a stroll. Is it late? Carmenata. Late! Well, I should say so, and I jest bet that stroll of yours led straight to them Yan- kee pigs' pen. Zaidee. O'h, don't talk like that. Mother. They all ain't alike. 1 nere are some good ones among them. Carmenata. Yes, just good enough to break your heart in two. Carmenata knows what she's talking about. Zaidee. But, Mother, you said no longer than yes- terday that you liked him.. Carmenata. Well, who in the name of thunder is this him you're talking about? Zaidee. Why, Senor Grayscn. Carmenata. Ah, the lovely Senor; but, tell me, Zaidee, do you think he loves you and means well ? Zaidee. Why, of course he does. He couldn't do a wrong to any one. Carmenata. Now, be careful, Zaidee, because you know what happened in the village. There is no one now to look after you but me since we left our people, and even now I fear Aggy might become naughty some day and cause trouble. Zaidee. Don't fear for me. Mother, and besides, ^SSY ^s well looked after. T2 UNDER THE COLORS. Carmenata. Don't be too sure of that, for if ever those Negriots should go on the war path, he might in the confusicii give them the shp. But tell me how do you know this soldier man loves you? Zaidee. Why, every girl knows that. No longer than yesterday he took my hand in his and said, "Zaidee. before I met you I was a wild ogre, thirsting for blood, and thought of nothing but how I might kill and slay the foe, but to-day, I wouldn't harm my worst enemy. You, child, have made me like a saint," and he gazed so deeply in my eyes and looked so lov- ing like. There, Mother, I can't tell you any more. Carmenata. Saint like, hey? Well, the ogre soon returned when he came here searching our hacienda this morning. Zaidee. He had to obey orders. Carmenata. Orders be blowed ! Why didn't he refuse? Zaidee. Then I would consider him a poor soldier that didn't do his duty. I must go and eat supper, for I'm nearly starved. {Exits.) Carmenata. Well, I guess the girl is right. Now, why don't some feller love me like that? Here I am, sweet sixteen, and have never been kissed — and I ex- pect I'll die of joy if I get one. I do believe if scnne lovely, handsome young man would make love to me, I'd kiss him. {Enter Grant.) Grant. Did you have reference to me, Senora? Carmenata. {frii^hteued) Caramba ! and how did you get here? Grant. Why, I just walked here. Am I in time? Carmenata. Begone ! I want no dealings with Yankee pigs. An vant, sir. Gtant. Didn't you just say you was looking for a lovely handsome man ? Carmenata. And do you call yourself handsome? Grant. Why not? I'm as good as they generally run, and may be somewhat better. Larmenata. But you're Yankee, Senor. Grant. What has that to do with it? I'm not a soldier. If a gun was fired, I'd run. Carmenata. Then what you do here, Senor? Grant. I represent the onlv reliable right-on-the- spot article, the Philadelphia Tribune. UNDER THE COLORS. I3 Carmenata. Is that g-ood to eat? Grant. Oh, no ! You don't understand me. Why, that's what people read. I write the news telHng all about the wars, send it by cable, they print it with a great big macnine. iNiow, do you see? Gvrmenata. And is that a little machine what you print with ? Grant. Why, no! This is a camera. I take pic- tures with it. Carmenata. And do' they read the pictures, too? Grant. They can't read pictures ; they are only too look at. Carmenata. Oh ! Senor, open it and let me look at one. Grant. You can't see them ; they have to be taken first. Come sit down, let me take yours. (Places cauhcra on table and sits douni beside her.) (Zaidee enters.) Zaidee. Why, Mr. Grant! {Both jump up.) Carmenata. Oh, come, Senor, and let's have them taken inside. (Exits.) (Signal from Brown.) Serg. Brown. Cuckoo, cuckoo. Zaidee. (answering same) Cuckoo. Serg. Brown, (emerging) Ah, Zaidee, did you think I wasn't coming? Zaidee. You've been aw^ay a long time, Senor. I grew weary waiting for you. Serg. Brown. I know, little girl, but you don't real- ize how hard it is for me to get even a moment's lei- sure. Seemis as though Douglass makes my lot harder and harder every day. Yet one moment with you re- pays it all. Zaidee. Ah, Senor, it's because of me. I see it all. Serg. Brown. So I think, Zaidee. He wishes to make me resign, so he can ruin you, like he has done a score of others ; but let hiin take care, for he might go too far. Zaidee. Now, don't be rash, Grayson, for if any- thing happened to you at would break my heart. Serg. Brown. You are right, little one ; even his brutality shall not stand between me and the woman I love. But it will soon be over. There, there ; don't be sad hearted. 14 UNDER THE COLORS. Zaidee. It's all right now,, but look, see what I've piade for you. {^Presenting a token.) Serg. Brown. This for me? Zaidee. Yes, all for you, and you must wear it in every battle and think of your Zaidee, praying for you at home. Serg. Brown. That I will, for no knight errant ever donned a brighter color from his lady love than this. {Enter Lt. Douglass with a guard, placing Brown under arrest.) Lt. Douglass. Sergeant Brown, consider yourself under arrest. Serg. Brown. Lieutenant! What does this mean? Lt. Douglass. It means that I arrest you for ne- glecting your duty. You have failed to report arms and ammunition hidden on these premises. Serg. Brown. It is false! Before God I speak the truth. Lt. Douglass. We'll soon see. Jose, come here. Where did you see those guns hidden? Jose. There, Senor, under the porch. Lt. Douglass. ]\Iake a search, Quartermaster Holi- day. {He searches and finds them.) Quartermaster Holiday. It's true. Lieutenant, and the very arms that were stolen from the stores about two hours ago. Lt. Douglass. And, so, my fine Sergeant, I've caught you at last. Serg. Brown. Lieutenant, this is treachery ; I know notjhing about them. Even Zaidee knows I speak the truth. Lt. Dougl-^ss. Ah. bosh ! Do you think I'd believe either of you? Why, of course your mistress would tell any lie to shield you. Serg. Brown. Take that back (starts to reach for hi'- gun. but is disarmed.) Lt. Douglass. So, trying to make a little gun-play, hey? Well, you won't try much longer, for I'll have you court-martialled and shot down like a dog. Guard him close. (Enter Dick Woodson, e.vcitcdly.) Dick W^oodson. Lieutenant, the Xegriots warriors are massing a thousand strong and intend to charge the stockade at midnight, so there is no time to lose. (Jose makes his escape and joins his tribe.) UNDER THE COLORS. 75 Lt. Douglass. Guns and cannons! Is this true? Dick Woodson. Without a doubt. I've just cut through their runners in order to get here and warn you in time. Lt. Douglass. Fall in, men; we must get back to camp in double-quick time. Come with us, Woodson. Dick Woodson. Impossible. I must reach Troop I's headquarters in an hour's time, in order to send up a reHef to support you, so I'm off. (Exits.) Lt. Douglass. Get ready, men. Grant, you take charge of the prisoner, and follow on soom as possible, and if he attempts to escape, shoot him down like a dog. Forward! we are on to victory! (Exits.) Serg. Brown. Speak, Zaidee, and tell me you knew naught of this. Zaidee. Grayson, I swear to you by the Virgin Mother, I knew nothing until now. Serg. Brown, (half doubtingly refuses to speak). Zaidee. Do not doubt. Senior; do not doubt me. If you believe me guilty, kill me. (Falls on knees im- ploringly. ) Serg. Brown. I do believe you. No matter how it seems, but this disgrace is more than I can bear. Think of it, Zaidee, think of it. Zaidee. It's hard, Senor, but I too suffer. Serg. Brown. I care not so much for myself, but to think the boys will be fighting unto death, and I powerless to help them. Already I see a huddled mass of brown demons charging the outworks, and the boys whom I love anid led in battle falling and dying, while I — ^a prisoiner. Horrible ! horrible ! (Carmenata makes a hasty exit.) Zaidee. No. Senor, it shall not be. I'll ride to my people, the friendly Tagalogs, and bring assistance. I'll do' it or die in the attempt. Grant. Bully for you. Serg. Brown. God bless you, Zaidee, and ma}^ you succeed. Zaidee. Good-bye, Grayson, and if I fail, remember I did my duty. At midnight I'll be there. (Exits.) (Brown bozvs his head in anguish.) Grant. Come, brace up, old chap; it might have been worse. (Curtain.) lO UNDER THE COLORS. Scene II. Lt, Douglass. Cease firing, men, and rest a spell, for it'll be an all-night siege. Those brown devils are fighting like demons, and our only salvation is that Gatling gun. If we could but man that we could hold out till morning, or till help came. Corporal Dixon. Then why not try it, Lieutenant? Lt. Douglass. I wish I could, but the only man capable of firing that gun i,s a prisoner. {Enter Grant.) vjRANt. Lieutenant, Sergeant Brown begs to be pa- roled and allowed to take part in the fighting. Lt. Douglass. Impossible. He's a disgraced rene- gade, and such a maiii is not wanted here. Grant. Now, Douglass, don't be a fool. Give the man a fighting chance. /r. Douglass. N'o, it's useless to argue. It cannot be. Corporal Dixon. Lieuteniant, hear me a moment. Brown is my friend, and as such I speak for him. He has followed you throughout all this campaign, and stuck by you like a brother, and the boys all love him. He'd share the last crust of bread with his comrades. I've known him to give his last drop of water to cool tiie parchmg tongue of a fever-stricken pal. Now, don't let your personal animosity stand between you and duty, by depriving us of cur leader. Give him a show. The Boys. Yes, Lieutenant, give him a show. Lt. Douglass. You are right, boys ; he shall have a chance. Grant, release him. Serg. Brown. Lieutenant, how can I thank you? Lt. Douglass. Say nothing of it, Brown, but prom- ise you'll not break your parole and wiill fight like a man. Serg. £>rown. I swear it. Lt. DbUGLASs. Then take your post and give it to them thick and fast. Back to your guns, boys. Fire away. {.After five minutes' firing. Zaidee is sighted bringing relief. ) Corporal Dixon. They retreated. Zaidee has come with the Tagalogs. {Opens barricade and lets thou in.) Zaidee. {in the lead carryr'ng U. S. Flag) Grayson! (Falls into his arms.) Serg. Brown, (clasping her to Jiini) Zaidee! ■ . {Curtain.) UNDER THE COLORS. 1/ ACT III. Scene I. (Captain Young seated until a censored nezcspaf^er dispatch in his hand.) Capt. Young. I wonder what can be the meaning of this ? A censored war d.'spatch addressed to the As- sociated Press, returned with the signet of disapproval. X iiey seem to be getting mighty parbxular of late, lest the outside world shcadd know too much of our doings here. But what is this? (Opens and reads dispatch.) Surely there can be no truth im that, for I don't be- lieve there is a man in my whole command could be guilty of such calumny. Til leave the matter rest until Douglass' arrival, and perhaps he can throw some light on the matter. {Proceeds to write.) {The dismount call is sounded.) Capt. Young. Ah! there's Douglass now. {Enter Orderly, saluting.) O'RDERLY. Sir, Lieutenant Douglass has arrived with the first detachment, be'ng relieved by Company Fs detachment. Capt. Young. Tell Lieutenant Douglass I am ready to receive his report. (Orderly salutes and retires.) {Enter Douglass.) Lt. Douglass. Sir, I wish to report all well, casu- alties none, and one prisoner for neglect of duty. Capt. Young. I am glad to hear such a good report, Lieutenant, but sorry to know you have a disgraced man within your ranks. His name? Lt. Douglass. Grayson Brown, my first sergeant. Capt. Young. Impossible ! Lt. Douglass. T regret to say it's only too true. He was ordered to search the premises of a Tagalog girl living apart from her people outside of our lines, who was suspected of aiding her people by receiving arms and ammunitions conveyed from the coast by Aguin- aldo's agents, and in turn given over tO' the insurgents. He failed to report the same. l8 UNDER THE COLORS. Capt. Young. Lieutenant, this is a very serious of- fense, and needs to be investigated. Let the prisoner be brought in. Lt. Dougl.\ss. Orderly, tell the guard to bring in Sergeant Brown. {Enter Brown li'ith Guard, Zaidee folloziAng.) Capt. Young. Sergeant Brown, I find you charged with neglect oif dutv. What defence have vou to of- fer? Serg. Brown. Sli'r, I have none to offer, save to say I'm innocent, and wish to be tried at once. Capt. Young. You shall have a fair trial, anl I only hope that such a brave soldier as you have been proved to be, may be able to prove your innocence. Z.\iDEE. Senor Captain, allow me tO' speak a word in his defence. If he is guilty I am also guilty, for it was at my hacienda the gims were found. Capt. Young. And so you are the girl, hey? Well, no wonder a brave man fell from grace ; but this mat- ter needs deep investigation, and I will have to keep you both under strict guard until thoroughly settled. Lt. DbUGLASS. Captain, I wish to speak a word in Senorita's favor. It was through her bringing the friendly Tagalogs to our assistance that we were able io beat back the Negriots' attack until I's detachment arrived. Capt. Young. That's one point in your favor, Se- norita, and shall be duly recognized. But tell me, Douglass, do' you know anything about this dispatch, as to its origination? {Shozmng him dispatch.) Lt. Douglass. (looking amazed) No, Captain, I do not. Capt. Young. That wiill also have tO' be investigated. {Enter Orderly.) Orderly. Sir, Scout Woodson has arrived with dis- patches and a wounded Negriots warrior. Capt. Young. Show Scout Woodsoin in. {Enter Woodson.) Woodson. Sir, I've just arrived from the Governor- General's headquarters with these dispatches, and on my way picked up a wounded warrior, who begged me not to kill him, but bring h'm here, as he had infor- mation of importance to convey to y