.-X9 F3»2~ ^je THE PET OF PARSONS' RANCH. A Ocmedy-Drama in Five Acts. W. F. FELCH. I^R/IOB IB CENTS. OBIOAOO! T. 9. DENIS ON. NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. THE STAR DRAMA. Price, FIFTEEN CIS. EACH, Postpaid. This series includes only plays of the highest order of merit. They arc the very best before the public. These plays are rich in variety of incident, and spirited in action. The dramas combine tender pathos, delightful humor, and sparkling wit. The farces are brimful of the rarest fun. This series is very carefully revised by an experienced editor. Each play is un- abridged. They are unequaled in fullness of stage directions, typography, and print. Every play on this list is a success. This series includes only plays suited to the present day. ALIi THAT &L.ITTJERS IS MOT OOIiI>.-A comic drama in two acts. Time, two hours. Six males, three females, CASTE.— A comedy in five acts. Time, two hours and thirty minutes. Five males, three females, EAST liYNHfE.— A drama in five acts. Time, two hours and thirty minutes. Eight males, seven females. FRUITS OF THE WINE CUP.-A temperance drama in three acts. Time fifty minutes. Six males, four females. HOME, — A comedy in five acts. Time, two hours. Four males, three females. ICI OK PARL.E FRAWCAIS.— A farce. Time forty minutes. Four males, three females. IN THE WRON<;} HOUSE, (two T. J.'s) A farce. Time thirty minutes. Four males, two females. I'M NOT MESIL-F AT Alili,— A farce. Time, twenty -five minutes. Three males, two females. JOHN SMITH.— A farce. Time thirty-five min. Five males, three females. JBlISS in the O ark..— a sketch. Time thirty minutes. Three males, two females. liAH Y OF li YONS.— A drama in five acts. Time, two hours and forty-five minutes. Twelve males, four females. IiARKINS' liOVE liETTERS.— A farce. Time, forty minutes. Four males, two females. * IiOUVA, THE PAUPER.— A drama in five acts. Time, one hour and forty-five minutes. Nine males, four females. lilMERICK BOY. (THE)- A farce. Time, forty-five minutes. Five males, two females, KY WIFE'S REIiATIONS.— Comedietta. Time, one hour. Four males, six females. MY TURN NEXT.— A farce. Time forty-five min. Four males, three females. MY NEIf^HBOR'S IVIFE.— A farce. Time forty -five minutes. Three males, three females. NOT SUCH A FOOIi AS HE liOORS.— A farcical drama in three acts. Time, two hours. Five male?, four females. Pi&RSECUTED DUTCHMAN. (THE) —A farce. Time, fifty minutes. six males, three females. QUIET FAMIIiY, (A)— A farce. Time, forty-five minutes. Four males, four females, BEGUIiAR FIX, (A)— A farce. Time, forty min. Six males, four females. ROUGH DIAMOND. (THE) (Country Cousin)— A farce. Time, forty minutes. Four males, three females. SOl^DIER OF FORTUNE. (A>— A comedy drama in five acts. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. Eight males, three females. SPARKL.IN€^ CUP, (THE)— A temperance play in five acts. Time, one hour and forty-five minutes. Twelve males, four females. fEN NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM.— A temperance drama In five acts. Time, two hours. Twelve males, four females . TOODIiES, (THE)— A drama In two acts. Time, one hour and fifteen min. Six males, two females. TURN HIM OUT.— A farce. Time, forty-five min. Three males, two females. THE T^VO PUDDIFOOTS.— A farce. Time, forty minutes. Three males, three females. UNDER THE liAUREIiS.— A drama in five acts. Time, one hour and forty-five minutes. Five males, four females. T. S. DENISON; Publisher^ Chicago. PET OF PARSONS' RANCH A COMEDY-DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. BY V W. FARRAND FELCH. i WITH THE CAST OF CHARACTERS, COSTUMES, SCENES AND PROPERTIES, RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE DRAMATIS PERSONS, ETC., ETC. CHICAGO: T. S. DENISON, Publisher, ibj Randolph Street. Copyright iSS6, by T. S. Denison. THE PET OF PARSONS' RANCH, CHARACTERS. "Pet" Parsons, a child of nature. Aaron Parsons, her father, keeper of " Parsons' Ranch," a hotel on the overland stage route. Jeff Rogers, an old stager and a whole-souled fellow. Neil Norris, alias Tom Hart, alias Tom Ambrose, a gambler, " road agent," etc. " Lariat Joe," Norris' partner in iniquity. Harry Grosvenor, a cultured tourist from the East, but true blue. Mr. Stalkenlily, a matter-of-fact detective, with a case of his own. Father Flynn, a real missionary, among " heretics." " Pap" Reeder, an old ''■49er," slow and easy. Alec. Bartlett, an Eastern capitalist, bluff and middle-aged. Gertie Grosvenor, Harry's sister, from Boston. Miners, Stage Passengers, and Vigilantes._ Time — Prior to the buildiitg of the Union Pacific Railroad, Place — " Parsons'' Ranch " in the Sierras. Time of flaying two hours. COSTUMES. Father Flynn. — Long black coat, high cut vest buttoning to throat, smooth shaven. Miners. — Brown duck overalls and sack coats of same material, greasy and well-worn mostly; woolen shirts; slouch wool hats; heavy boots; some with shaggy whiskers and unkempt appearance, others neater; belts and revolvers. Jeff Rogers. — Corduroy trousers worn inside boot tops; velvet vest and coat; fancv woolen shirt, showing some kind of tie at throat; white sombrero; buckskin driving gloves with very long tops; hair rather (2) TMP92-008887 CHARACTERS, COSTUMES, ETC. 3 long and inclined to curl (black or brown). Make-up of a " crack" stage driver of the gold hunting days. If obtainable, may wear buck- skin trousers with a fancy stripe and row of buckskin fringe up legs. In scene I of fifth act, semi-dress suit and more nearly costume of the day, to end of play. Neil Norris. — Rough and ready business suit, somewhat better than the average. Stalkenlily and Harry. — Costumes of the day, excepting they wear woolen shirts. Lariat Joe may be smooth shaven, and for disguise change clothing and wear whiskers. Pet. — Neat dress of plain materials ; hair dressed very simply or falling in natural ringlets; tidy and attractive. BILL OF THE PLAY. Act I. — The hotel at Parsons' Ranch in the Sierras. The miners have a quiet game of poker. Neil Norris proposes to Pet Parsons ; threatens her when she scorns his offer. " A father in the penitentiary." Old Si Smiles, his mewl and his dawg. Aaron Parsons' secret. Act II.— Stalkenlily the detective. Aaron Pardons "spotted." Plan to rob the Wells-Fargo stage coach. Parsons forced to join the gang. Act III. — The robbery on the " Divide." Parsons seen with the gang unmasked. Pet's night ride to save him. In the hands of Norris. Her rescue. Act IV. — Pet nurses Harry, who was wounded in her rescue. Parsons in danger. The lynch court. Escape. Disappearance of Parsons and Pet Act V. — Jeif Rogers the "crack" stage driver, is sent on the hazardous mission of escorting a handsome young lady across the plains with disastrous consequences to his heart. Return of Parsons and Pet to Parsons' Ranch. Arrest of Norris and disclosure of the secret. Par- sons' dying bequest. The double wedding. STAGE DIRECTIONS. R means right — the actor facing the audience; Z., left; C, center; R C, right center ; U B^ upper entrance ; / G", first groove, etc. Note. — Persons desiring to present this play, will please address the author, at Hartford, Conn., for additional suggestions, directions, and other gratuitous assist- ance, which he will be pleased to offer, in order that it may be successfully produced. THE PET OF PARSONS' RANCH, ACT I. Evening.— -/?rere you listening.? Mr. S. Yes I'm a sly dog — devilish sly. Have to be in my business — detective, you know. But if you stay here much longer, Pet will have a new proselyte for Father Flynn. They all give in to her, somehow. Every man in the camp loves that little woman, Harry. You seem to know something of her, sir.? Mr. S. It s in my line of business, you know. Used to know them at Seabrook. Parsons was cashier of the bank ; wife died ; pretty little prop- THE PET OF parsons' RANCH. 1 5 erty of his own. They say he educated Pet, and she took the lead in society there. They got into trouble and left there suddenly. But thereby hangs a tale. I'll tell you some other time. Ah, here comes Aaron. Good-afternoon. I would like to see him alone, if you please. Harry. Oh, certainly. I will withdraw. {Exit L. Enter Aaron R. with express box.) Mr. S. No time for ceremony. Do you know this Mr. Neil Norris? Aaron {friglitened^ Ye — e — s. Mr. S. Did you know him when he was Tom Hart.? Aaron. N — n — o. Mr. S. Nor when he was Tom Ambrose.? {Aaron turns away J rig-Jit- ened.) Confound it, man, I'm not after you. I'm after him. If you had any pluck now, you would help me, and thus help yourself out of diffi- culty. He got you into a scrape once, and you owe him one for that. Take care he don't get you into another. My name's Stalkenlily ; there's my card sir, {hands card. Unfolds an old scrap oj paper vjhich he shotus to Aaron.) That zuas a check for $10,000 on the Seabrook Bank, and that's my name to it, if I didnH xvrite it. Seen it before, eh } {Aaron sinks helpless in a chair.) Well, it'you can't talk / can't. I shall be back in a few daj's, and you'll think better of it. Good- day, sir. {exit Aaron, with box L, C.) Mr. S. The man's innocent. But what a fool ! I thought he would give me the evidence to fix the other fellow ; but down he goes in a heap. He may warn Ambrose, and what would Wells- Fargo say to me then.? But, pshaw! After this affair is off of my hands, I'll come back here, and sit square down to it, and have the truth out of him. If I can't go for Mr. Ambrose I have a good case against Mr. Hart; and I suspect I'm just in time to spoil a neat little game for Mr. Norris. A three-handed reel. Ha, ha. {Exit C.) {Stage coach is backed tip L. outside of door, so as to shoxv hind wheels. Business of carrying out trunks and loading boot of coach, under the direct- ion of Aaron, who comes on L. txvo miners assisting. Pet and Harry come on R. and stand conversing aside R. ^eff watcftes them closely^ Jeff. Pet don't treat people that way, first go-off. That's queer now; a little too kind, and yet not kind enough. Bids him good-bye as if she had known him for years, and yet as cheerful and jolly as if he was com- ing back to-morrow. I'll find out how the land lies. {Pet and Harry shake hands at parting. Harry %valks tozvard door L. exit Pet R.) ycf {intercepting Harry.) I say, partner, you'd better sit up on the front seat with me. Harry. All right sir, and thank you for the privilege, as it will give me an opportunity of observing the scenery. It is simply grand here. '^ejf. You may well say that. There's nothing sir, to beat the Sierras except the Rockies and the Himalayas. Some folks bet on one and some on t'other ; but there's not many that have seen them all three as I have. As for me, give me the Himalayas for once in my life, the Yosemite once a year, and the Divide here for a steady beverage. Harry. Do you often meet with accidents.? yeff". You^may well ask that. Right about here is whar ''Cumber- l6 THE PET OF parsons' RANCH. land Mike" met with the closest shave ever he had. You see he was coming down the grade on a steady trot, traces all swinging, when one of the wheels struck a stone and the jar broke the brake-baron both sides. That left the coach free to run right onto the bosses, and all Mike could do was to give the whip to the bosses, and do his level best to keep in the road. What he didn't know about driving wasn't possible to ten fingers and two eyes. Jest as they jerked around this corner here, what should Mike see but an eight-ox team putty near the middle of the road. One second more and the bosses would have jumped over the cliff, and that coach with nine passengers inside and nine out could not have been insured at 99 per cent, without a bonus. But the boys said nothing as one of the passengers was a lady and thar was no use to scare her, hey, boys ? Harry. Well, go on. Jeff- Go on ? I believe you. Go on it was, or go over, but the boys were game and they scrambled over to the side of the coach nighest the hill, when Mike yelled at them. And Mike — well, Mike he just laid on the whip, yelled like a hull tribe of Injuns and drove straight lor the strip of road between the ox- wagon and the edge. The outside bosses knocked plenty of stones and dirt down the canyon, but none of them fell. The coach had two wheels on solid ground and two in the air, and before she had time to upset all four of them struck solid ground and the trick was trumped. The boys gave Mike the biggest watch in the States, as big as a Contra costapear, and it weighed fourteen ounces before the works went into it. Harry. But the woman? How did she behave through it all.^ Jeff. Je!-t as you might expect from that woman, and not from any average speciment. She never spoke a word until it was all over. It was "Pet" Parsons and thar aint no such gals on the Pacific Slope! Harry. Well, I should say she is a brave girl! 'Jeff'. Yes, as I was saying, thar's nobody jest like Pet. She jest sat thar like a knot on a pine log, never hollered or tried to get out! Harry. You seem to be intimate with Pet — Miss Parsons I mean.? Jeff. Pet? She's been an angel to me. I've knocked about the world so much that the polish, what little thar was, has putty well rubbed ofl^". P act is when I lost all my money in that mining company that Tom Hart broke up, I v as so cut up about it that I came near taking to liquor and cards and worse, but Pet saved me just in time — or God Almighty did, it's all the same, for he operates through his angels and she's one of them, fixed to suit the Pacific Coast, the nineteenth century, and the gellorious climate of Californy. In fact she is — ahem — she is my sister, — and a great deal too good for me — hey, boys.? Harry. Your sister ? Jeff. Well, I don't mind saying to you that that is the best that can be done at present — for marryin' ain't in my line. Sometimes I'm in- clined to think if the old man,— but thar, I won't say anything more about it. {turns atuay.) I say. Pap Reeder, have you got any buckskin handy. I've lost the popper "off my "whip-lash. Pap. I'll slit ye off a piece of my hunting shirt. Step right in here whar we can get the benefit of the candle. Jeff and Pap exit L. Harry exit R. enter Neil and Joe C. Joe disguised. THE PET OF PARSONS RANCH. I7 Neil. What infernal foolery is this? Can't you wait until to-morrow, but you must be trying it on with teamsters and mules? The whole country will be up after you. Joe. Now, don't you worry. Cap, We will get a good haul in money and dust out of that coach. Neil. Well, you are a fool, and so are all the rest. However, it's too late to talk about that. But mind what I tell you, if any one of you does any more fooling beforehand I'll lead the vigilantes to hang him myself. Every one of you has the rope around his neck if 1 chose to say the word. Now, listen to me. Have everybody on the divide above here to-morrow night when the coach comes along. You know what to do then, and how to do it. Aaron Parsons will be there. Joe. What's the use of letting in any more? There's too many claims for the pay streak, already. What's the use of old Aaron? Neil. He knows nothing about it, but I mean to have him on the s^ot without a mask^ do you see ? Joe. Oho! I see it. So suspicion will fall on him. You are a sharp one. Cap. You are. {Joe goes off'L. mid Neil exits C.) Jef (enters L. -watches Neil closely.) There's some deviltry afoot and as near as I could tell from a look at that felloAV with Neil, it's that same sulking villain that played partner to Neil. But I can't make it out. All aboard. {Exit L. all rush out L.) Mr. S. {enter from R.) I see what they mean to do. Luckily I over- heard the conversation between Mr. Norris and his pal. Mr. Norris is sent as messenger to guard the treasure box on the return trip, and it will of course be stolen from him. But I will have that box filled with nails instead of gold. Ha, ha, ha, Wells-Fargo carriers of the U. S. Nails. Good joke. {Exit C. Noise of retreating xvheels heard off\^\ enter Aaron and Pet^ L.) Aaron {agitated.) My darling, we must fly again. All is lost. That man knew me. Fool that I was, whv did I not recognize him at first? Pet. What is it, father? What ma"'n ? Not Mr. Grosvenor? Aaron. No, no. But let us go at once — here — now. Pet {firmly.) Father, you must not speak so. Listen. I will do whatever you wish — to-morrorv. There is no need for hurry. If it is that Mr. Stalkenlily that has so alarmed you, he is going beyond the town. He said so at supper. He can't be back then for two days. So we can make our preparations to go to-morrow, and leave at night after both coaches have gone. Aaron. Yes, yes, to-morrow night. I forgot. I have an engagement to-morrow. Pet. What engagement? Aaron. I must go up to the half-way cabin to meet — Pet. Not Mr. Norris ? Oh, father, I wish you were more afraid of him ? Aaron. Afraid of him? So I am. But he means well — he means well by me. He says he will save me — Pet. Save you. ^— from what? No, no, don't look so. I didn't mean to ask. You know I promised you I would never ask you what misfor- tune has come over you—though I feel it would be better, far better, if you would tell me all. Nothing could be worse to me than not knowing; l8 THE PET OF parsons' RANCH. but there, never mind now, father. To morrow I will do anything you ask. Good-night, father. (Kisses him; exits R.) {Father F. enters L.) Aaron {goes up to Father Flynn.) I've got something to tell you sir- It aint about myself. It's about my girl. Have you taken any notice of her actions lately.^ Father F. Yis I've noticed she seems more quiet this last toime. What's up.'' Aaron. That's jest it. It ain't nateral for her to be so quiet. She's always been chipper and gay, and flying around; but lately I've seen her sitting so quiet like you'd think she was a stone. Father F. Well, what's up wid the blissed girrul ? If you want me to help you in any way av coorse I will. So spake out. Aaron. Yes, yes, thank ye. I come to yo' cause it appeared to me you belonged to us folks. I've figgered and figgered on it and I can't make out nothing but that she is in love. Father F. I think you're mistaken, Aaron. The girrul's got too much sense to fall in love while she has you to keer for. Ye didn't think she would shake you, did yc? Aaron. I see you don't understand me, I never was much of a hand to talk, nohow — but there's only one man it is safe for her to marry, and she don't love him. Father F. Eh ? And that is Neil Norris.? Aaron. Yes. Father F. Oho! Theomadhaun! Ye don't mean to give yer dar- ther to the loikes of him, eh ? Aaron. I don't mean to, if I can help myself — but — I cannot. Father F. Look here, Aaron, it's about toime for you to come to con- fession. You've got something on your moind. Now, out wid it. Aaron, Yes, I have. It is a terrible secret. If I tell you, will you swear — Father F. Me swear .^ A praste of the Catholic Church swear to kape a sacret.? Oh, no — thafs our business^ but I forgive ye, me man. Aaron. Forgive me, Father Flynn. I know I can trust you. Well, then — this man Norris has me in his power. Father F. Yes, I kin see that wid me eyes shut. Aaron. And he wants me to give him my darter — jny Pet. Father F. Oho, the blagyard! Does he think he is good enough for the loikes of her ? Oh no, oh no. Aarofi. But if I do not give her up to him he threatens me. Father F. Now look a here, Aaron. We all know you are a real born gintlemon, — and now, wovild ye be afther giving away yer darter to save yer own carcass ? Not if j^ou are a gintlemon, Sir. Aaron. N-o-o-o. But I can't help myself — I can't indeed. Father F. A darter that ye think more of than of your own life — a dear swate girrul that any of the byes in the camp would give his life to save from any harrum/ And yii ye would sacrifice her to this mon to save yerself — shame on ye. Aaron. Yes, yes, — that is all too true — but I should save her from dis- THE PET OF PARSONS RANCH. I9 grace, for if I am disgraced she would have to share it and that would kill her. It would kill me. When I first told her he wanted to rnarry her she looked up at me sudden like, and I had to hold to the fence for a minute, for her eyes kinder knocked me so. I felt as if I had stabbed her to the heart. She was all fired up. Her mother was one of them fiery kind, you know. Then her eyes grew sort of soft and shiny like and she said, "Father, I'll do anything else in the world for you, but don't ask me that, don't ask me that." Now whatww I to do.-* Father F. Do.-* Do nothing. Or, phwateyer ye do, don't play the coward. Ye have too many friends here and she has more than you have, so ye needn't be afraid, old man. Depend on it I'll see you through it all. Good-night, {exit L.) {Stage grotxjs dark, Aaron sits in a study. Door C. opens, enter two masked men zv/io come up behind him and cover him -with revolvers.) First Man. {Joe^ Not a word if you value yer life. You must go with us at once. ( To the other 7nan.) You see that the gal don't foller. She's too good for an old bilk like him. Aaron. For God's sake respect her — for my sake, — for — First Man. Shut up your trap, old man, or we will take her along with us. Second Man. Shut up yourself. Pears like you done talk too much. First Man. Well, you ain't no call to be shooting off your mouth at all. Secofid Man. Which I say quit yerself. You done got the old man hyar, and ye mout let him rest easy ; that's all I've got to say. First Man. Douse yer glim, or you'll have the gal out here in an- other minute. Second Alan. Well, leastways hold yer tongue about the gal, or I'll shoot ye, sure as my name is Dave. First Man. Hist man, or you'll peach on the hull crowd. No names before present company or ye are a dead man. {to Aaron.) Come along, old man, you're wanted. {They drag Aaron off Q. door. Enter Pet R. runs to door C. and screams.) Second Man {Pap Feeder. Returns to door C.) Do ye know me, Pet.^* {lifts mask.) Don't peach on me, and I'll take good keer of yer dad, I'm Pap Reeder. I don't mean any harm by yer dad. It's one of Mr. Nor- ris' plans but ye see that 'are detective is as smart as he is, and so he put me inter these togs, and I got inter Norris' gang of road agents, so I could take good keer of yer dad for him. Pet. Oh, thank God for that, I know you are my friend and his, and I can trust him in your hands. But, I am going ahead of you, to warn the stage, if Selim can carry me that far lo-night. Pap. No, gal. It's too far and too risky. Ye mustn't go. Pet. Yes, I can reach the stage before the robbers do, and all will be well. Do not stop me. I'm afraid harm will come to him. Pap. What? To yer dad. Not while he is in my keer. Pet. No, no, not father, but some one I love — Oh, what am I saying? Pap. Well, in that case I spose ye must go. But it's dark and the mountain road is dangerous arter dark. Pet. I have ridden darker nights than this down the grade, and I am 20 THE PET OF PARSONS' RANCH. not a bit afraid. Selim knows the way, and he knows me. I must go — I shall go and may heaven protect me. (She kneels 07i one knee. Pap un- covers his head, and looks at her.) (picture, curtain.) (Second Picture. Pap supporting her.) ACT III. {Cut wood and rocks back. Night. Stage very dark. Sound of zvheels coming off L. Enter two masked men with Aaron in custody not masked. Joe ^oes back and hJds up letter, as stage appears L., behind rocks. Wheels stop.) Joe. You're covered, Jeff Rogers. Don't you stir or you will get the top (-f your head blowt d off. (J^ff g^ts out his revolver, tries to shoot, but finds every chamber empty). No use, cap'n. Why don't you carry a shot- gun.? Six shooters ain't no account against a road agent. Jeff (to Barry). They've got us! All we can do is to give in and keep our wits about us, so we can recognize the rascals. Harry. But the passengers — they are armed. Jeff. The passengers won't waste their powder, nor take any risks for the stage company, and besides, the road agents won't trouble them! Joe. Tumble out; one at a time. Hold up your hands. Handover the treasure box, Jeff Rogers, and be lively about it. (Business). (Joe kicks the treasure box to see if it is heavy. Aaron breaks away., runs across road front of stage., and disappears.) Harry. That was Mr. Parsons, by all that's wonderful. Jeff. Yes, but be silent. It was only a part of the plot to have him here, and I'll vouch for his innocence. Neil. There's one of them villains got away. Je.;ff. Now, that's what I call a shame. Here's Mr. Norris thinks he has caught the hull crowd except one. Don't let the rest get away, now don't, Mr. Norris (Neil winces. The robbers take up treasure box and exeunt R. Neil and passengers come up C). Joe. {goitig off R. after robbers). You're bound to stay thar until moon-down, afore you go to go any furder, if you know what's good for you. (Exit R). Neil (to the passengers.) Boys, did they get all your shooting irons.-* Eirst Passenger. No, you bet. We are heeled yet. Got a revolver apiece. Neil. Well, who will follow the trail with me? We can catch them yet, for they'll have to carry that box or else stop to break it open. All. We will follow. (They all rush off "K., shouting.) Neil (zvhoop heard offK. in distance). The scoundrels. I'll make them pay for that. (Starts' to folloxv passengers off R). Jeff (coolly). Hadn't you better make haste, Mr. Hart.'' You might not catch those road agents unless you know jest whar they are going. Neil (aside). He knows that I am Tom Hart, eh I Well, I can't THE PET OF parsons' RANCH. 21 afford to drop the mask now. {aloud). I think I can overtake them, and I am certain I know one of the fellows. yeff. And so do I. The scoundrel that put a new cylinder into my revolver, and has got my cylinder this minute in his'n. But I have a derringer handy, thank fortune, so jest lay down your pistol, Mr. Hart. Hold up your hands, Mr. Hart. Mr. Grosvenor, have the kindness to go through Mr. Hart while I explain the operations of this derringer. You see it takes one hand to hold the team and the other to explain. {Points derringer at Neil.) A derringer, Mr. Hart, is cal'lated for close quarters. Don't forget that inside breast pocket, Mr. Grosvenor, where he carries the way-mail. You see it is all for your good, Mr, Hart. It wouldn't look nice for the company's box to be robbed, and the com- pany's messenger to be omitted in the distribution. Besides, I can take better care of that mail than you can. Now, git, you jackass rabbit. Make yerself scarce, or you'll be lynched. {Exit Norris R. During Jeff''s speech Harry has searched Neil.) Harry. Why didn't you keep him while you had him.? yeff. Because we don't want him jest yet. Can you ride a horse.? Harry. Yes; why do you ask.? Jeff. Because we must ride ten miles while they walk two. Who gets to Parsons' ranch first — that's the question. Harry. Then you think Miss Parsons is in danger.? yeff. I think it's my business to go at once and see. Strip the leaders of their harness as quick as you can. Thar's an old saddle in the boot of the coach; you take that; I'll ride bareback. Come, let's be off. {Exit yeffand Harry L. Re-enter Neil R. Looks off L.) Neil. The scoundrels ! They have gone, but I have one more chance at them, {Shoots off L, after them) Missed him. Damnation! But what does it matter now.? I'll be even with him yet. But I must hasten after the boys, and get my share of the plunder. {Looks off R.) What's that coming.? By all the fates, it's Pet, {Noise of footsteps com- ing near). Now is my only chance, I'll take her over to Pap Reeder's cabin, and let him take care of her until I am ready for her. She shall go with me now, whether she will or not. This treasure is worth more to me than all the gold. Pet {Coming on R. Rtcnntng and out of breath). Oh, sir, Mr, Norris, where is my father — tell me. Where is he.? Neil. Your father has escaped. Pet. Thank God for that. Neil. But he will be captured. You forget what I told you about a father in the penitentiary. And T am sorry to say that he was in the gang of road agents that just robbed this coach. Pet, That is not true. You know — Neil. I know nothing more than I saw with my own eyes. Pet. Sir, it is false. This was part of your plot — to have him here in order to shield yourself, for you are the guilty man. Tou would throw this wretched crime on my father. Neil, /would do that,? You think we capable of that.? I am the ex- press messenger set to guard the treasure box, not to rob it. 22 THE PET OF PARSONS RANCH. Pet. Yes, but jou did rob it. You are capable of anything? You sent men after my father to be sure of having him on the spot, and you have him in hiding now. Where is he? {Puts out her hands in a plead- ing manner. He seizes her, draws her to him, struggling). Release me. (JShe screams). Neil. You are in my power now, my beauty, and I can do wi!h you as 1 v/ish. I love you, and have sworn that you shall be mine. Co'me. Pet. Never! Release m.e, I say. Neil. You must go with me. Luckily I have a friend ready who will take care of you for me in his cabin until I call for you. {Struggles.) Fat Iter F. {Appears L. C. -with revolver.) Not so fasht, my iriend. {Neil attempts to draw; Pet gets one hand loose arid draws her revolver on him. Picture). Pet. Not so fast, Mr. Norris. You are in my power now. ACT IV. (Parsons' ranch. Harry lying on a cot. Pet and Jeff bending over him.) Jeff. I told you so, Pet. He's come to. Now let's see what is the damage. Lucky I know something about breaks and bruises {to Harry). Feel faint, eh.? That's nateral. 'Hem, this cut on your forehead's no account. Wash it, Pet. Vinegar and brown paper is too expensive for that scratch. Can't move this arm, eh.? Pet. Oh, maybe it is broken. Jeff. No, it is onlv out at the shoulder; ribs all right. Now tliat's queer. Wlien I break anything, it's allers a rib. So many of 'em, you know, that the chances are allers in favor of a rib. Thighs.? Knee-pans.? All right. Thank the Lord they're not pulverized. They allers get me. Bad shape, and nothing to splice 'em to. What's this.? A broken leg.? Well, you'll have to lie still awhile, partner, and Pet and I will pull you through all right. Hey, boys.? Pet. Oh, Jeff, can you do anything for him.? Jeff. Well, I'm up to most of the tricks of the surgeons. Quite a bone-sharp, in fact. I'll try. I'll attend to the shoulder first. Now we must make him sit up a minute. Oh, if we had a doctor here, how he would make you holler ; how he would jerk you round. But / won't hurt you a bit. {Bares Harry'' s arm; raises it horizontally; moves it hack and forth., then gives it a gentle rotary motion). Jeff. There it goes. Did you hear it snap back in place.? It's a good deal like a bayonet joint. Get the right hitch on her and in she goes. Any hostler knows that that ever put the bottom on a stable lantern. Hey, boys? But these doctors haven't found it out. {Enter Aaron C, pale and panting. Sinks into a chair.) Pet {rushes to him and clasps him round the 7ieck.) Oh, father, I am so glad you are safe at last, and that I have you home once again. Jeff {comes forward). Hello, Aaron, here's a pretty mess. Good thing you have come. Stage robbed upon the divide. All the passengers THE PET OF parsons' RANCH. 22 hunting for the road agents. Mighty brash about it after the thing is all over. Pe/ (aside). Hush, Jeff, not a word about that now. jfej {aside). All right, Pet; I won't hurt your feelings, nor his'n. {aloud) And here's my partner and me rode down the grade like mad, for fear they'd play off suthin or nuther on Pet and you. And Mr. Grosvenor was in such a hurry he got off his boss the wrong way, and knocked at the door with his head and his shoulders, and his shins all in aheap. Tie him together with a string. Oho! I see Mr. Norris has made so bold as to return. {Looks L). Aaron. Oh, I must go. He must not see me here {attempts to rise.) Pet. No, father, you shall tiot go while / am here. You shall stay and see the thing out. He daresnH touch you. J'lf (^^ Aaro)i). Just keep quiet and let me drive. I'll bring you through all right, or my name ain't JefF. {aside.) I can't quite make the thing out, but Norris has some new deviltry afoot, {to Pet and Harry) Pet and you ought to be armed. {Takes a revolver from Harris pockety and puts it under Harris pillow. Offers a revolver to Pet) Pet, I haven't had time to explain things to you, and I couldn't exactly if I had time, for I don't fully see through Norris' hand. But this pop may come handy to you. Pet {takes her oivn revolver prom her pocket) I don't care to shoot ex- cept at hill-grouse or two-bit pieces. But a pistol is a handy thing to show, I have found out; and I'd just like to see Neil Norris lay a hand on dad. {Enter Norris L, followed by three passengers who had been accomplices in the stage robbery.) Jeff {off-hand). Well, Neil, what luck.? Did you catch them.? Neil. No, but the company don't lose much. We found the treas- ure box broken open and full of horse- shoe nails. Jeff" {astonished) The devil you did.? Precious cargo.? A mighty pretty game of the road agents to pull the treasure box beforehand, and then fill her up with nails, and let her be lost on the road. Beats Pap Reeder's box for a gold extraction process. Neil {the accomplices look suspiciously at Neil). It will go hard with any- body that was concerned in this affair if he is found out. Wells-Fargo never lets up on a man that has tampered with the treasure box ; no matter what's in it. Jeff. That's so. {Enter Aaron with candle^ R.) yoe. {at a glance from Neil). Thar's the man. That was one of them. The one without a mask on. {Aaron drops candle; Pet flics to him). Pet. Oh, sir, you are mistaken. My father is too well known to bear such an accusation. Speak to them, father. You were not there. Aaron {to Pet). I was there, Pet; God help me, I was there. Pet. He does not know what he is saying. You could not have seen him.? yoe. Boy§, it's mighty rough on the gal, but he was thar. 24 Pet. You will not let them take him away. {Aside to Neil.) Neil (aside to Iter.) If I save him, you know the price {She sinks at his feet in despair. Jejff makes a step forward but stops, Harry rises on his elbovJ). Jef. Will Pet be true to herself now? Hoiv can I save her? Harry. Will she sacrifice herself to save her father? Then I am lost. {Pet wrings hands .^ faints. Father catches her and carries her of^.) Aaron. Thank God, she has not made the sacrifice for my sake. {Exit L). Neil. I am glad the young lady is insensible, for I am obliged to confess I distinctly saw her father among the robbers of the coach. Probably it will be best to arrest him until we can hear from the sheriff, and meanwhile the house can be searched for the money stolen from these passengers. yeff. No you don't. No sending for the sheriff while /'/» around. This is my affair. They stopped my coach. People don't stop my coach and get off easy — hey, Neil? We can't get along without a sheriff, boys. I guess we know how to run a trial by lynch law. Some of you escort the man out doors and we'll organize. {One man starts to rummage bar and express room L. Another starts toward door of Pefs room R. Harry points revolver at him.) Second Man {Pap Reeder disguised as Georgia Dave.) 'Pears like you had better pleasure the Kernal, thar. He's got the dead-wood on ye. His weepin' is done drawed; hit's a pore show for you, and yer bound to git. ( The man leaves door). Neil. Well, gentlemen, we must have a quorum in order to lynch this man? {Enter Aaron R.) Aaron {aside). What's that he said? yeff. This place ain't quiet enough. We don't need any witnesses beyond ourselves — hey, Neil? When you made a hole in old Si Small's head, you didn't have any witnesses, did you? '^oe. Drop that. Old Si war my paid. feff. Excuse me; I wasn't aware of that, but it's all right you know. The jury said it Avas all right, only / wasn't on the jury. I wish old Si was here now, for he was an excellent hand on a vigilance committee. Hey, Neil? Neil {aside). He seems to know all about my past, but I do not fear him {aloud). You don't seem in any hurry for business. yef. Start your team easy, is my motto. Well, I allow that's a good place up thar on the edge of the canyon, under the pines. Mr. Ncrris will please step up thar and look if thar's any one coming up the grade; and by the time he gets back our little business will be attended to. And perhaps this gentleman {to first passenger) will look down the road. There's half a mile ot moonshine, yet. Neil exits C, and First Man L.) Second Man {Pap Reeder). I allow I'll stay right here and see the thing through, partner. THE PET OK parsons' RANCH. 25 Jeff. That's right. Prisoner, stand up. Gentlemen of the jury, thar's no need of making a long rigmarole about this matter. My coach was stopped and cleaned out on the divide three hours ago, and jou all know that. Hey, boys.? If anybody says this prisoner ain't guilty, let him say so. It's unanimous. Prisoner, what have you got to say.? The prisoner has nothing to say. Prisoner, if you have any little messages to leave, now is your time to speak. These gentlemen will do the fair thing by you. Aaron. A message.? Yes, yes — {to Pet). I will tell hernow. Why was I tongue-tied before.? My God! you will not kill me, gentlemen. I — I — Jeff. You've got no time to lose. We don't hang people because they are guilty, but because they are Joimd guilty ; but if you want to give any private messages, we'll step out thar, and these gentlemen will keep the time for us. Eight minutes, gentlemen. {Exit L. Jeff leading Aaron, A pistol shot is heard outside and Jeff returns). Jeff. Gentlemen, the prisoner attempted to escape, and I was obliged to draw on him. I reckon it hurt him some, for he proceeded in the wrong direction, and went over the edge of the bluff. I presume this explanation is satisfactory. If any man ain't satislied, let him step out and say so. It's unanimous. This court is hereby adjourned. If any of you boys had a horse hitched up the glen thar, that man Norris has -stolen it. All. Sold. {All exeunt except Georgia Dave., otherwise Pap Reeder.) Jeff, {turns on him). You're another of them. Do you think I don't know you, you peanut-eating, snuff-dipping, yaller old headlight.? Dave. Easy, stranger, easy. Don't say no mo' of that talk. Hit*s mighty onpleasant, and nary good in it. Whar's the ole man.? Jeff. Out of the way ; found guilty, and Neil Norris has run away to tell on the rest of you, %o you had better be gone too. Dave. You didn't done kill the ole man, did you.? I reckon I'm bound to hunt up the ole man, and I'm gwine to do it shore. Jeff. And / reckon you'd better get out of this, unless you want to be derricked. If you care anything about Aaron — he's safe enough. It ain't more than ten minutes since I fired my pistol over his head, and told him to git — all on account of the girl. Dave. Mought have knowed that, but the ole man ain't guilty. He's wind-shaken. I done see the hull thing. 'Ho^l ain't afeerd. Here's my passport. Jeff {takes paper and reads). " Aaron Parsons or Jeff Rogers may trust the bearer. Stalkenlily." {Hands it back.) Keep the paper. I'm sorry I was so hard on ye. The best thing ye can do is to hang around for a day or two, for Aaron will be back to see his daughter. {They exit C. Stage grorvs dark. Pet comes on ^vith a bundle glistens to their conversation unseen. Goes up to cot where Harry is asleep^ and kisses him on the forehead.) Pet. God bless and keep this noble man, who has nearly sacrificed 26 THE PET OF PAKSOXs' RANCH. his life to save mine. I shall never forget him as long as I live — even if it were possible to forget the man I love. (Kisses hhn again^ and exit R. Jeff at door^ C, looking after her in a dazed manner. Kisses his hand to her. Harry starts up and looks at him wildly.) Jeff. She's jest gone, partner, arter her ole man, and w^e needn't ex- pect her back here any more. PICTURE CURTAIN. ACT V. Scene — Same as last act. Intermission betiveeji acts^ five to ten mimites. Harry lying on sofa. Enter Jeff R, reading a note. Jeff. Here is a note, partner, I just found on the table in Pet's room — her bo-door., I suppose you Eastern folks call it. Harry. Well, what does it say.-* Does it explain why she went away .? Jeff. Jest wait till I read it to you, will you.? {reads sloivly). "Dear Jeff." First time she ever called me dear. "I am going with my father, why or where I do not know. He says you spared his life, but he wishes you had not." Now what's the use of a man talking that way, Harry.'' If Aaron wasn't sech an infernal coward — but excuse me — I see you do not know him as well as I do. But, here, you read it, pard. Your ej'es are better than mine. {Dashes aivay tears; gives note to Harry^ Harry {reading). "Do not follow or try to find us. It will only make things worse, and perhaps kill him. I must have him alone for awhile, to have him regain his strength and — " Jeff. Thar she goes again. She fairly worships that old dad of hern. I'll be blowed if I don't sometimes think she ain't his darter, for she is as brave as a grizzly, and he hain't no more spunk than a coyote. But go on, pard, go on. Harry {reading). "If you will take the ranch and run it until 3'ou hear from me, or always if you will, it will be better than to have it jumped. You deserve to own it." Jeff. Thar she goes again. She has given up everything for that dad, and now she wants to give me a clear title to the ranch. But go on. Harry. "The safe key is buried in the corral. My father will not tell me what happened last night, and I don't wish to keep his thoughts on the subject by asking needless questions. But I believe I understand it all now, and I have trusted jow always. My dear brother, I will never doubt you again, nor cease to bless you." Jeff. There it is again about being a brother. I don't mind telling you, pard, I tried to get a little promotion on that, but she wouldn't have it, as she thought more of her old dad than me, and ever since then I have been a little jealous of the old man. Harry^ Here is a postscript to it. {reads.) "Of course you will take good care of Mr. Grosvenor and cure him. I am afraid I must have seemed to him rather forward and familiar. It he ever says so, tell him I have met him before in the old days at Seabrook. Please give him my regards. I cannot think of anything more — or rather I think of too many things. God bless and keep you both. Good-bye. From Pet." THE PET OF parsons' RANCH. 27 Jeff. Now, look here, partner, she sends her regards to you^ and not a word to me. You see you stand in better with the little woman than I do, but then she gives me a clear title to the ranch, and I ought to be satisfied with that, even if I can't have her along with it. But I won't be jealous of you old boy, and here's my hand on it. {They shake). Ha ry. I wish I could think as you do, partner. Jeff. Oh, it will all come round'right. I guess Pet is about right. My business is to stick by you, and not go gallivanting after her. She will take care of herself and the old man too; and some of these days maybe they'll come back. I'd go on the trail it I was alone, but Pet says stay, and she knows best. Isow, most women you've got to look out for and judge for, and help 'em in spite of 'em. But if Pet needs my help she'll let me know in time. M}'. S. {enter C.) Well, boys, how d'ye do.? What does this mean.? The young man is injured.-* Jeff. Yes, he's down on his luck, bad. But how about the robbers.? Mr. S. Oh, we needn't track them. The company don't care to spend money in a case where they haven't lost any. And it's only a ques- tion of time, for they won't go far, and if we keep quiet they'll all turn up here by spring, and then we can bag them all. Jeff. Well, whose trail are you on now. Mr. S. Neil Norris', and I .must go right back to town. I only came down to see how you all were. Sorry Pet and her father are gone; but let the old man rest for awhile and lie low. It will do him good. You keep station here, and let Mr. Grosvenor be temporary express agent. Harry. Do you suppose Pet will be back soon with her father.? Mr. S. Can't say. Poor Parsons is the queerest man I ever saw. Can't quite make up my mind this minute whether he is innocent. I don't mean about this last business they got him in, but an affair in Sea- brook. Jeff. What was it about.? Mr. S. Oh, a supposed forgery. He never owned up, but ran away. Suspicion fell on him; always said he was innocent, and I believe it yet. Will ferret it out some day. Well, take care of yourselves. I'm off. Day, day. {Exit C). Jeff. "There's a man that don't stand on ceremony. Well ! 1 begin to see through Aaron, and maybe I ^vas a trifle too hard on him. I never could get my proper bearings about him. You see it's all very well jest for fun to try to see the inside of your own head ; but if you keep it up you'll get cross-eyed, so I never studied him out. Harry. " Yes, he is a strange man, but I would as soon think of Pet committing a forgery. Jefj. Well, I don't suppose thar are two such men as he on the Pa- cificslope, no more than thar are two such gals as Pet. By the powers, pard, I wish she was here to nurse you as you ought to be. You do need female protection and sympath3^ Harry. Well, there is my sister at Boston. How I wish she was here, Jeff. Send for her ; I would really like to meet her, as well as have her here for your sake. Harry. But it would take three weeks for her to come as far as Atchi- 28 THE PET OF son, by railroad, and by stage the rest of the way. Then she has no one to accompany her. Jeff. I will meet her at Atchison. Come, that's fair enough. Harry. Well, I will write the telegram, just to see how it will look anyhow. {Jeff gets telegraph blanks fro7)i behmd counter. Harry sits up 071 cot and ivrites). "Leg broken, but doing well. Can you come on at once.'' Jeff Rogers will meet vou at Atchison." Jeff. That sounds all rightl Well, shall I send it? Harry. Yes. {J ff g'oes behind bar or counter^ L. C. Sound of telegraph instrument clicking behind counter. Close in quickly ivith street scene). Scene II. Depot. Enter from R. Jff in long linen duster^ open, dis- playing dress suit., silk hat, kid gloves, etc. Enter frotn L. Miss Gertie Grosvenor in traveling costume. Jeff lifts hat and bows atukwardly. Jeff (aside.) There's no discount on her. {aloud) Miss Grosvenor I believe.? Gertie. Yes. Is this Mr. Rogers.-* Oh, I am so glad, as I was afraid- afraid — Jeff. Afraid I wouldn't come.'' Now you kin jest bet your bottom dollar — I beg your pardon — 1 mean you needn't be afraid of that. Gertie. And I am so glad that you and my brother are friends and have stood by each other in danger. It was just what Harry needed to bring him out — a friend of your experience. Jeff. Oh, thank you mum. I'm much obleeged to you for the com- pliment. But I haven't asked after my old friend, Jim Lossing, that lives in Boston, and your brother said you knew him well. Gertie {looks dotvn, blushing.) He is quite well. Jeff, {zualks R.. aside.) Blundered agin. Well, it*s none of my busi- ness. She's just one of my passengers and I've no call to be twittin' her about her sweetheart. But then I only wanted to find out how the land lay, for I am interested in her somehow. Gertie. Mr. Rogers, I ought to have asked after Miss Parsons and her father. Harry has written me often of her and I know I shall like her. Jeff. Pet and Aaron have gone away, nobody knows whar. They clared out in the night after the stage robbery. But I'll tell you all about that on the road. No use stakin' our whole stock of news on the first deal. But don't you be afraid about Pet. She can take care of herself and the old man too. And if she wants any help from me, she'll let me know in time. Thar's no fooling about Pet. No more like any other woman — than — present company excepted. Gertie. Harry seemed to like her very much. Jeff. I should think so. Who don't.? If you had seen the way she watched and tended him there in the midst of her own troubles, you'd believed in her too. But thar's our stage and we must be goin.' {They exit L.) '{Enter from R. Mr. Alec Bartlett, the president of Seabrook Batik, sur- veying a bank note. Hatidsotnely dressed.) Alec. Well, here I've been in this city for a week, and no clue yet to THE PET OF parsons' RANCH. 29 the one who passed this bank note. It is extremely odd I should find this note in circulation after so many years, and coming from the bank here; but nobody at the bank remembered who passed it. Well, I feel as if my road had changed into a squirrel-track and run up a tree, as these Westerners say. {Enter Mr. Stalke?ilily R. disguised. Aside. Looks R.) Mr. S. It's Tom Hart, as sure as my name is Stalkenlily. Alec, (aside.) Sure as fate — it ?5 Stalkenlily. {aloud.) How do you do} Mr. S. Why, this must be Mr. Bartlett. My name's Stalkenlily as you say. Beautiful name ain't it.'' But how the devil did you know me.'' You see that man out there. {Points R.) Well, that is Tom Ambrose alias Tom Hart, alias Neil Norris and the devil only knows what else, — and he's the man you and I are after. Alec. No! Don't let him get away for heaven's sake. Air. S. Keep cool. No hurry. He can't get away now. I have been tracking this AmbroseHart-Norris around town for three days, and never came up with him until this minute. But we'll not lose him now. Ah, he's coming this way. Turn your back so he won't recognize you while I put the grippers on him. {Enter Norris from R. ivith heavy beard and othertvise disguised. Stalkenlily approaches and lays a hand on hivi.) Air. S. I have a warrant for you, Mr. Norris. You needn't make any resistance, it's too public a place, besides my papers are made out in regular form. It's best to rest easy. You might gain some time until a requisition should 'oe made out for you from the Governor of California, but when the State of California gets hold of you she'll charge double. That's right. Surrender like a man. {Puts hand cuffs on Norris.) I sup- pose you know Mr. Alec Bartlett, of the Seabrook Bank.? You see his father was president of the bank you robbed, Air. Tom Ambrose. Neil. Is that going down in the bill.'' Alec. No, we only want to get the facts about that matter. Air. S. We want to clear Aaron Parsons, whether we do it by trying you or not. If this Seabrook business goes into court we'll try that first, and after we get through with that we will call on you again Mr. Hart. Wells-Fargo can wait. Then there's old Si Small's murder. Neil. You needn't squeeze so hard. I've no objection to clearing that old fool for his daughter's sake if for nothing else. If he had had her spirit he would have cleared himself long ago. Air. S. But as he hadn't lier spunk, you persecuted him in order to get her ? Why a7iy fool would have known he couldn't get her that way. Well, we'll escort you to a place where we shall be free from observation and hear your story. I think it will remove a cloud from the character of an innocent man. {Exit L.) Scene III. Parsons' Ranch as iti last act. Gertie discovered seatecf by Harry'' s couch. Jeff seated near by. Enter Pet with -water-stained and bedraggled riding habit. Jeff. By all the powers at once, it is Pet. {Gertie rises.) Pet, this is Gertie — Miss Grosvenor, I mean. Pet. {smiling.) I am glad you have come. Miss Grosvenor, for your brother's sa^e. We have not treated him well out here in the moun- 30 THE PET OF PARSONS RANCH. tains, {turns to Jef) Jeff, I want you. Father is not well. He is sink- ing every day. I am afraid he will die. Come with me and see what you can do for him. {Jeff aud Harry start up eagerly^ Harry. Let us all go at once. Gertie. I can help you watch over him. Pet. Oh, thank you, but — Gertie. Oh let me go. Men are not good nurses, you know. Pet. I am afraid you do not know how good men are, and how had^ for your life has not been like mine. But I shall be glad to have you go if only for company, {aside.) Glad indeed. His sister must be my Jriend. Jeff- Don't you think, Pet, it will be best to have him here,? You don't know what might happen. Pet. But it would be impossible to have him brought here to-night for the river is very high, and the quicksands are bad. I had a hard struggle on the treacherous river bottom, myself, and but for my sure- footed mustang I would not be here now. And where I do not dare to go, no man would dare. Jeff. Hey, boys? No man.? Well, /dare, {exits hastily C.) Pet {attempts to go after him ) Oh, he shall not go; the brave fellow would sacrifice his life for my sake — for father's, but — {rushes to door C.) Gertie {restraining Pet.) You must not go back to night. You can not. It would be death. Listen \.ome. Trust him. You must stay here. Pet {relenting^ Ah, I had forgotten courtesy and hospitality in my fear for my father. I had forgotten you are my guests, {sighs) Yes, I will stay, and trust to Jeff. He knows what is best. Gertie. You will stay.? I have been occupying your room, but I will surrender it cheerfully to you. Pet. No, I will take Jefi's room since he's gone. We are more used to inconveniences than you Eastern folks. Gertie. That's pretty talk to a girl who has been traveling and sleep- ing for a fortnight in a stage-coach. But I wish you would take your own room again— and let me share it with you.? Pet. Very well, 3'ou shall. {Noise heard -without. Enter Mr. Stalk- enlily and Alec Bartlett^ C.) Mr. S. Here we all are again, a pretty little party. And here's Pet. Pet, Mr. Bartlett. Mr. Bartlett, you know the rest of them. Now to business and tell your little story. Alec. Well, it seems abrupt, after meeting friends one has not seen for years, like Miss Parsons. But an act of justice can not be done too soon. I have been all these years vainly endeavoring to follow out an injunction my father left me when he died, — to detect the real forger and to clear your father from any odious stigma that — that might have attached to his name. Pet. Why, sir, was my father acciised of a forgery ? Oh, no, no, no, — Mr. S. Accused, but innocent. That was the secret he has kept from you all these years, {aside to Bartlett^ Why the deuce didn't you cut it short. Don't harrow the girl's feelings, {aloud.) You see, Pet, Neil Norris a//(75 Tom Hart, alias Tom Ambrose, is now in jaif in Atchison for a complication of crimes, and awaiting further proceedings. He's the man Pet, he's the man that did the forgery. THE PET OF parsons' RANCH. 3I Alec. Yes, he's the man, and now I want to make restitution to yon^ for all the misunderstandings and injuries you have received. Mr. S. There you go again. Be brief, my son, be brief. Pet, he's got a title deed for you for the Seabrook Villa your father owned. You're an heiress. Alec. Yes to be brief — it's all arranged. You see my father never would believe yovir father was guilty, and he bought the villa of the bank and held it until he died and we talked it over a hundred times. He said if I ever found Mr. Parsons and his daughter to give them back their property, and lake a mortgage on it for the amount he paid for it. And he also said to give you the mortgage as a present on your wedding day. Pet. Oh, Mr. Bartlett, you must keep the mortgage yourself. I can not take it from you, and I shall never marry. Alec. Tut, tut, I've heard girls talk that way before. You can give the mortgage to any fellow you choose, (aside.) Jeff or Harry or — jne, but, there, I won't be siily. I didn't mean anything by that. But my time here is short. You will let me obey my father's injunctions, will you not.-* Pet. It is very generous in you; but have it as you will. Alec. Well, business is business, — and here's some more of it. Lots have gone up in Seabrook since the war, and no end of people have been after your place, but I wouldn't sell it at any price. But there's a fellow M-ants to pay $50,000 for it — magnificent price with the mortgage paid off. I advise yoti to sell. Pet. Whatever you think best; you are the judge. Alec. Well, then, I'll sell for $50,000 as soon as I get back. And there's • another item — ten thousand and interest due you from the bank. 1 believe that is all, except to say good-bye. I'm afraid you'll be lonesome. You must keep me posted about your address, and — Miss Parsons, come and visit us. Well, that's all. Good-bye. {Pet gives hivi her hand.) Pet. Good-bye, Mr. Bartlett, and may heaven bless you for your kindness. Alec. Oh, no, there's one thing more. Just step this way. {They come up C.) I say, Pet, Miss Parsons, I mean, you mustn't feel offended at what I said a minute ago about choosing the fellow you like best. I didn't mean anything, 'pon my soul I didn't. But you see I wish I was your brother, then you wouldn't feel offended at what I said ; or else something a little nearer than a brother.? Eh.? No? 'Pshaw. Well, I'm getting to be nearly middle-aged, and couldn't cut quite the proper caper beside a very young and pretty wife. Pet. Mr. Bartlett, you are flattering me. Alec. No. Oh, no. 'Pon my soul. But / ain't blind. Now I can see that Jeff is dead in love with"^ Gertie. I saw them meet at Atchison, and he was struck dead in love at first sight. Poor fellow, I pitied him, I did indeed, for I've been there myself, and got the mitten from Gertie. So did Joe Lossing. One pair of mittens was just enough to go around with us. Well, there's Jeff and Gertie. Pet. Jeff and Gertie.? Are you sure.? Alec. As sure as you are alive; but don't mix yourself up with it, for it will settle itself all right. Well, that puts Jeff out of the way as a suitor for your hand. Now, couldn't xve join hands. Pet. 32 THE PET OF PARSONS' RANCH. Pet. I cannot think of such a thing now, for my father is at tTie point of death. I hope we will be good friends, however, for you have been very kind to me. {Gives her hand to him and crosses over?) Alec {goes L, aside). It seems I must be getting too old to move young hearts. At all events, I could not have thrown away $50,000 of my fortune on a worthier object, but I thought the little sweetheart of my boyish days would at least remember me kindly. Well, she let me down easy, anyhow. {Enter Jeff^ Pap Reeder and others L, bearing Aaron oji a litter. They set him doxvn C. {The dying man looks from one to another^ and does not recognize ajiy one. Jeff in front of cot, and Pet on other side facing audience. Aaron feels for Jeff '5 hand, and then for Pefs. Puts them together. They look down embarrassed, but holdfast. Aaron closes his eyes and lifts his hands as if to bless them.) Pet. {lets go of Jef's hand and falls at her father'' s feet clinging to Iiim.) Father, father; waken, waken. Do not leave me. Alec {comes and touches her on shoulder^ Tell him all. Pet (looks up, and nods that she tmder stands). Father, father, you are innocent. They all know you are innocent. They want you to go back to Seabrook. Indeed it is all so, and here are Mr. Stalkenlily and Mr. Bartlett come to tell you so. See ! {Aaron looks around -wildly^ tries to rise, but falls back on cot. Stalken- lily and Bartlett go to him, kneel by cot and converse. Pet {calls Jeff. C.) Jeff, you look pale. Something worries you. You must tell me what it is. When father put our hands together I remem- bered that we had shaken hands once before over a promise to trust one another — and you are still my brother. Jef. I remember that time well, and what I offered once, I will stand by now, and thar's nothing that will prevent you from taking a rough fellow like me, is thar.? Pet. Not too rough for any good woman's hand, Jeff, but I must te'il 3^ou again as I told you then that you are merely thinking how to help and protect me, and I wouldn't marry you under those circumstances, nor any othei. Never, never, never. Jeff. But, Pet, you won't go back on the old man at the last, will you } Pet. You dear old fellow, you'll have to be refused a dozen times be- fore you'll give up what you don't want. But I hope this time will do. ( y^.f looks blank). Well, then, I don't think it is necessary to take a husband / doji't xvant, in order to lose a friend and brother. Jeff. Pet, you know the old man's wish.-* Pet. Yes, and I know Miss Grosvenor's wish. Jeff. Why, Pet, she's engaged to Mr. Bartlett, here. Pet. I know better, for he told me so just now. Jeff. But, Pet, she wouldn't listen to me. Pet. I think you'd better rt5^ her j)/c»«^'5e//. {Jeff goes to Gertie, and THE PET OF parsons' RANCH, 33 Pet goes back to her father aud attends to him, Harry limps over to bedside of Aaron, yeff and Gertie come up C.) Jeff, {aside to Gertie^ C.) Miss Gertie, will you hear me for a minute. I — I — thought — you were engaged to — Mr. Bartlett. If it is not so — Gertie {confused^ looks dovj7i). No, it is not so. Jeff'. Then you must hear me, and you will not refuse me a little word. I have loved you ever since I knew you — and it must be you or no one. Gertie. And I — ever since the Indians attacked the coach on the over- land trip. Do you remember what I said then.!* Jeff. That you would do as I wished. Gertie. And I also told you that I had rather stay with you. {gives him her hand). Father F. {enters C.) Oh, this is sad, sad. Aaron, do you know me.^ {kneels by him). Aaron {axvakening). It is Father Flynn. God has been good to me at last. I have only one more wish to make, and that is, that these two be made one. {He joins Harry'' s and Pefs hands. They look at each other intently. Aaron sees his mistake tti joining their hands^ then looks tip and sees Jeff xvith his arm around Gertie.) It is better this way then, but promise me, my son, that you will protect my little girl, as you would your own life. Promise me that. Harry. {Draxvs Pet to him and folds her in his arms. She clings to him.) Yes, I will promise that, for she has become dearer to me than my own life. But 2ire you satisfied, Pet ? Pet. I never felt so happy in all my life, and never so miserable, be- tween love and duty, for l" shall lose my dearest friend on earth — my father. Aaron. But you have won another who loves you dearly — and I can die in peace. (Sinks back on his pillozv and dies. Pet kneels beside her father* s cot^ C, and all gather near. Father F. It is God's will. CURTAIN DESCENDS TO SLOW MUSIC. NOTHING BETTER"sr«- Now Ready, No. 1. Price, postpaid, * Paper, 25 cents. ^' The selections are choice in quality and in large variety.'*— Inter-Ocean, Chicago. " It excels anything we have seen for the purpose." — BclecUe Teacher. " The latest and best things from our popular writers appear here." — Normal Teach&r. CONTENTS OF NO. 1 Keep the Mill A-going. Faces in the Fire. In School Days. The Two Roads. Extreme Unction. Baron Grimalkin's Death. Words and Their Uses. Fritz's Troubles. Two Christmas Eves. An Interview Between the School Directors and the Janitor. To the Memory of the late Brigham Young. How Liab and I Parted. Old Grimes' Hen. The Average Modern Traveler. At My Motner's Grave. The Newsboy's Debt. Mrs. Potts' Dissipated Husband. I See the Point. The Professor in Shafts. Mr. Sprechelheimer'H Mistake. God's Time. The Little Folks. The Old Schoolmaster. The Revolutionary Rising. Pat's Letter. How to Go to Sleep. Nothing. De Pen and De Swoard. .\ GreypcH't Legend— 1797. ^he Lile-Boat is a gallant Bark. Birthday Gifts. The Superfluous Man. Sockery Setting a Hen. The Water that Has Passed. Medley— Mary's Little Lamb, The Launch of the Ship. Aunt Kindly. Evening at the Farm. Battle of Beal An' Duine. Passing Away. Mark Twain and the Interviewetv Daybreak. True Life. Modern Loyalty. Unfinished Still. Allow for the Crawl. The Silent Tower of Bottreaus, Gentility. I The Drunkard. The Poetical Patch Quilt. What is Life? Art Thou Living Yet? New Year's Chime. Song of the Chimney. A Domestic Tempest. Common Sense. How Mr. Coffin Spelled it. The Old Man in the Palace Car. Ego and Echo. A Night Picture. A Penitent. Rum's Ruin. The Babies. What Is It to Me? Our First Commander. Horseradish. The Doom of Claudius and Cynthia. For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price. THE ETHIOPIAN DRAMA. Price, xs cis. each, pout-paid. These plays are all short, and very funny. Nothing' poor in the list. They serve admirably to g'ive variety to a proerainme. The female characters may be assumed by males in most cases. Where something' thoroughly comical, but unobjectionable is wanted, they are just the thing. STAGE STRUCK DARKT. A very funny " take-off" on trag'edy ; 2 male, i female. Time 10 minutes. STOCKS UP— STOCKS DOWN, 2 males; a played-out author and his sympathizing friend; very funny and full of •• business " and practical jokes. Time 10 minutes. DEAF— IN A HORN. 2 inales; negro musician and a deaf pupil. A very interesting^ question sudden- ly enables the latter to hear. P'ull of first-class •' business." Time S minutes. HANDY ANDY, 2 males; master and servant. The old man is petulant and the servant makes all sorts of ludicrous mistakes and misunderstands every order. Very lively in action. Time 10 minutes. THE MISCHIEVOUS NIGGER. A farce; 4 males, 2 females. Characters: The mischievous nigger, old man, French barber, Irishman, viridow, nurse. Time 20 minuies. THE SHAM DOCTOR. A negro farce; 4 males, 2 females. This is a tip-top farce. The "sham doctor" can not fail to bring dovsrn the house. Time 15 minutes. NO CURE, NO PAY. 3 males, i female. Doctor Ipecac has a theory that excessive terror will cure people who are deaf and dumb. His daughter's lover is mistaken for the patient to the terror of all. Only one darky. A capital little piece for schools or parlor. Time 10 minutes. TRICKS. 5 males, 2 females. (Only two darkys, i male, i female.) A designing old step-father wishes to marry his step-daughter for her money. She and her lover plan an elopement. The old man discovers it and has an ingenious counter-plot— which fails completely, to his discomfiture. Time 10 minutes. Suited to parlor performance. HAUNTED HOUSE. 2 males. A white-washer encounters "spirits" in a house he has agreed to white-wash. Plenty of business. Time 8 minutes. THE TWO POMPEYS. 4 males. A challenge to a duel is worked up in a very funny way. Time 8 minutes. AN UNHAPPY PAIR. 3 males, and males for a band. Two hungry niggers strike the musician? for a square meal. Good for school or parlor, and very funny. Time lo minutes. Any Piay on this List 1 6 Cts. Po LlBRftR^ OF COSmI Plays by T. S. DENISON. ODDS WITH THE ENEMY. A drama in five acts ; 7 male and 4 fe- male characters. Time, 2 hours. SETH GREENBACK. A drama in four acts ; 7 male and 3 fe- male. Time, i hour 15 m. INITIATING A GRANGER. A ludicrous farce ; 8 male. Time, 25 m. TWO GHOSTS IN WHITE. A humorous farce based on boarding- school life ; 7 female characters. Time, 25 m. THE ASSESSOR. A humorous sketch; 3 male and 2 fe- male. Time, 15 m. BORROWING TROUBLE. A ludicrous farce; 3 male and 5 fe- male. Time, 30 m. COUNTRY JUSTICE. A very amusing- country law suit; 8 male characters. (May admit 14.) Time, '^"'" THE PULL-BACK. A laughable farce; 6 female. Time, ao min. HANS VON SMASH. A roaring farce in a prologue and one act; 4 male and 3 female. Time, 30 m. OUR COUNTRY. A patriotic drama in three parts. Re- quires 9 male, 3 female, (Admits 9 male 11; female.) Four fine tableaux. Time, about I hour. THE SCHOOL MA'AM, A briliant comedy in four acts; 6 male, 5 female. Time, i hour 45 min. THE IRISH LINEN PEDDLER. A lively farce ; 3 male, 3 female. Time, 45 m- Or, the THE KANSAS IMMIGRANTS Great Exodus. A roaring farce; 5 male, i female. "nme, 30 m. TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING. A splendid farce; 3 male, 6 female. Time, 45 m. IS THE EDITOR IN? A farce ; 4 male and 2 female. AN ONLY DAUGHTER. A drama in three acts ; 5 male and 2 female. Time, i hour 15 m. PETS OF SOCIETY. A farce in high life ; 7 females. Time, 30 m. T. S. nour 45 m. UNDER THE LAURELS. A drama in five acts; a stirring play, fully equal to Louva the Pauper. Five male, 4 female. Time, i hour 45 m. THE SPARKLING CUP. A temperance drama in five acts; 13 male and ,\ female. Plays by H. Ellio tt MoBride. ON THE BRINK. A temperance drama in two acts; 13 male, 3 female. Time, i hour 45 m. A BAD JOB. A farce; 3 male, 2 female. Time, 30 m, PLAYED AND LOST. A sketch; 3 male, 2 female. Time, ao m. MY JEREMIAH. A farce; 3 male, 2 female. Time, 35 m- LUCY'S OLD MAN. A sketch; 2 male, 3 female. Time, 30 m. THE COW THAT KICKED CHICAGO. A farce; 3 male, 2 female. Time, 25 m. I'LL STAY AWHILE. A farce; 4 male. Time, 25 m. THE FRIDAY AFTERN30N DIALOGUES, Short and lively. For boys and girls . -Price 26 cts. FRIDAY AFTERNOON SPEAKER- A clioice collection. Three parts: for little folks, for older boys and girls, short pithy dialogues. — Price 26 cts. SCRAP BOOK READINGS. Latest and best pieces. — Price per No. {paper cover) 26 cts, WORK AND PLAY. BY MARY J. JACqUES. A gem for the little folks. This is a book of both instruction and amusement. Part I consists of a large variety of very easy progressive exercises in letters, numbers, objects, geography, language, animated nature, motion, songs, etc. Part IT consists of dialogues, charades, pantomimes, etc. ALL original.— Price, in Manilla boards, post paid, 50 cts. DENISON, Publisher, CHICAGO.