OF ,
NEW AMSTERDAM,
A DRAMA IN 5 ACTS
HENRY^FUEHRER.
1. Refused.
2. A Successful Lover.
3. The Murder.
4. The Arrest.
5. Arducted.
6. In Prison.
7. Among the Indians. X
8. Virtue is He warded. ' '
BROOKLYN, N. Y. :
Jftcob F. Becker, Printer. 149 Scholes Street.
1882.
/
■4
r
r
m.TTy O^T
NEW AMSTERDAM,
A DRAMA IN 5 ACTS
7
HENRY FUEHRER.
4
1. Refused.
2. A Successful Lover.
3. The Murder.
4. The Arrest.
5. Abducted.
6. Ix Prison.
7. Among the K^diaxs.
8. Virtue is Rewarded.
FEB .Viili^*^
BROOKLYN, N. Y. : ~-^^iyi5f_^^-^^'
Jacob F. Becker, Printer. 149 Scpoles Stieet.
1882.
6
PERSONS REPRESENTED:
XTlrick Yax Zandt, an inn -keeper.
LiLLiE, his daughter.
Miss Shreutendeock, his housekeeper.
Zachakiah Stevenson, a retired merchant.
Bernard, his son.
Harry Dare, a fisherman.
John Tinker, his mate.
KiTTiE, servant of Van Zandt.
Arnoux, a viUain.
Tom, the prison keeper.
Kapahoe, an Indian.
Dan, a sailor.
Four Citizens.
Two Constabh^s.
Citizens, Sailors, Indians, &c., &g.
Scene of action: New Amsterdam and Elizabethtown.
Time : 1664.
THP96-0 06417
Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1881, by Hbhry Fitkhker, in
the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
ACT T.
Front of Yun ZandCi^ inn. On the left side of the
stage is a suminerhouse, decked with shrubberi/ and con-
taining a table and a bench. On the right side in front
of the inn a table and chairs.
Scene I. Kittie [sweeping in front of the inn.) It's
going to be a fine day; perliaps Jolm will come to town.
John is my beau, you must know, and oh ! I love him so !
Scene II. John [steals up from behind and holds his
hand to KittieJ's eyes.)
Kittie. {gives a little scream.)
John. Guess, wdio it is ?
Kittie. As if I did not know your voice; it's John,
John, {^releasing her eyes and taking her hand.) Yes, it
is John. And do you still love your Johnny with all
your heart?
Kittie. Indeed I do, although you certainly do not
deserve it. For here you haven't been down to see me
these eight days and never a word did I hear from you.
Joh)i.. But my master has not been to see his beloved
either for that length of time and I am sure he loves his
Lillie as well as I love you.
Kittle. Pst ! Silly boy ! How can you speak of your
master's affairs and those of our young lady in such a
free and easy manner. He certainly did not tell yoii,
that he loves Miss Lillie.
John. Oh, no. But then, there are unmistakable signs
and don't I know them by heart? [embracing Kittie)
Why, I know how it is myself ! [tries to kiss Kittie.)
Kittie. Oh, you naughty fellow !
John [again attenipting to kiss Kittle^ who offers but
little resistence) It's naught}^, but it's nice, oh, so nice !
(kisses Kittie.)
Kittie. Now stop; it's enough !
John. Is it? I would rather have a little more.
Kittie. You had better go about your business now
and let me attend to mine.
John. Ah, that reminds me of something. You see
Kittie, I had a long row and a good walk this morning,
and while my boat was skipping over the placid waters
of tlie river, and while I was walking from the shore up
here, I was constantly thinking of something.
Jxittie. You were thinking of me, wasn't you, dear?
Joh)i. Of you ? No. I was thinking of the tooth-
>some pancakes I would eat after I got here.
Katie. Pshaw! how prosaic !
John. Prosaic? Well, that may be; but I will enjoy
them nevertheless. And after I have had my breakfast,
I will think of you again.
Kittie. V'ery well, dear. I will fetch you some pan-
cakes out here.
, John. You will see how quickly they will disappear.
Kittle. All right, {starts to c/o.)
John. And Kittie, bring me a nice cup of coffee too.
Kittle. All right, {starts to go.)
John . And Kittie, bring me some molasses too, please?
Kittle {turns back.) And, Jolmny Tinker, don't you
want some reddishes and some champaign and some
roast duck too?
John. Well, yes. I shouldn't mind, if it is no
trouble to you.
Kittle {sarcasticaUy.) Oh no, no trouble at all to l)ring
out the whole kitchen, {exit Into inn.)
JohiK [looks after Kittle) A splendid girl is Kittie
and some day^not too far distant I hope — I Avill make
her Mrs. John Tinker. Wouldn't that be nice?
S<'-ene III. JJlriek Yan Zandt {enters from inn yavn-
iny) 11 oa! Hoa ! Good morning, sir.
John. Good morning, mine host !
Ulrh'k. You're out early, young man. How is your
master ?
John.
Ulrick.
John
He is well, thank you. God preserve him !
You seem to be greatly attached to him.
I love him dearly, as I would love a brother,
if I had one.
Ulrick. But he is an Indian, is he not?
John. He an Indian ? Well, I guess not. But if he
was, I would love him all the same.
Vlrick. Come, now; isn't he a full-blooded Indian?
./ohn. He is a man and you can't find his equal in all
New Netherlands. As for liis being^ an Indian — I know
he is not, altlioiigli he was brought up right in tlie midst
of an Indian tribe. He is a direct descendent of the
first child born of English parents on the American con-
tinent. His grandmother's name was Virginia Dare and
she was of pure English stock. Of course, his long as-
sociation with the Indian tribes has left its impress upon
his outward form. All that is excellent in the character
of the Indian maj' be found in his, and withal there is
not a truer man, a more devout Christian or a better
citizen in all the towns from New Amsterdam to the
Virginian settlements.
Z^lrlck. Why, young man, you grow quite enthusi-
astic in his praise. I must cultivate your excellent mas-
ter's acquaintance. But how did you fall in with hira ?
John. Ah, the recollection of it ever swells my heart
with gratitude towards him, the preserver of my life.
Ulriek. The preserver of your life ? Tell me how it
happened.
Joh)i. {((ccompruiied by sioeet music from, the orchestixf)
It was on the day after my arrival here from the English
settlement. Being a fisherman by trade, I came here
with the intention of plying my trade in these waters,
which for their splendid fisheries were known, as far as
Cape Henlopen. But not being acquainted with ,the
many eddies of the waters surrounding the islands at
the entrance to the sound, my boat became almost un-
manageable. A sudden gust of wind upset it and I
found myself in the water right on the edge of a terrible
whirlpool. Though a good swimmer, I felt myself ir-
resistibly drawn towards the greedy circle. My cries
for help were heard by other fishermen — but no one
dared, to come to my assistance — except one !
Ulriek. And that was he y
John. Indeed it was. Regardless of the danger his
boat shot out from the rest, right up to where I was
struggling with the seething waters. In a moment he
had me in his boat, and with a few powerful strokes of
the oar, his boat shot out of danger and I was saved !
Ulriek. A daring deed.
John. And one I shall remember to my grave.
Scene IV. Kittie. (enters irith various edibles) Oh,
there's my master.
John. Come, come lassie^^my appetite is strong, I
was impatiently waiting for you.
6
Kittle . ^placing edibles on the table) I hope you will
liketllem. I made tliem myself.
John, {falls to)
Xlirick. Indeed, that smells inviting. Kittie, my
dear, fix me some of these pancakes too.
Kittie. Your breakfast, sir, is ready in the dining-
room.
[Tlrich. Bring it out here, girl. If you have no ob-
jectidn, sir, I will keep you company.
John. Not the slightest. I rather prefer to take my
nleals in company. [Exit Kittie.)
Ulrick. You s^em to be blessed Avith a splendid a])-
petite ?
John. And so I am. {always eating.) My work is
hard, and he who works hard ought to eat heartily.
Scene V. Kittie {return.^ itnth ljlriek''s hreakfast.)
There is your breakfast, sir. {Keit Kittie.)
ITlrick. {falling to) I am almost famished.
John, [finishing] I must go and meet my master now.
Perhaps both of us will pay you a visit later in the day.
lUrick. Both of you are always welcome. [Exit John)
Yes, they are good fellows, both of them. I am really
sorry they don't come often er. I have no doubt this
young fellow has his eye on that little minx Kittie.
W'ell, Kittie is a diligent, good little creature and she
can cook^it's a caution, I tell you. He won't make such
a l)ad bargain when lie gets her for his wife.
/Scene YI. Enter Zacliariah Stevenson and Bernard.^
his son.
Stevenson. Good morning to thee, neighbor.
Bernard. Good morning, sir.
JJlriGk. {receiving them courteouslg.) Well, this is
an unexpected pleasure. Gentlemen, what can I do for
you ? I have some excellent apple-jack in my cellar.
Stevenson. Neighbor, friend. We did not come to fall
victims to thine temptations in the form of spirits. I
came here with my son, Bernard, to speak to thee of a
friendly family affair, dost thou understand, my friend?
Ulrick. A family affair? Well sir, speak.
■Stevenson. My dear boy Bernard has arrived at that
age, when he should no longer remain alone, but when
a helpmate ought to adorn his household. Dost thou
understand, my friend ? I pressed him to take to his
bosom a wife, and he confessed to me, that he had fallen
ill love with thy daughter. Dost thou understand, my
friend ?
Ulrl('h. (afifo/ilshsd) With my dauo-hter? With my
Lillie?
IStevenso)i. Even so. I should have preferred some
one else to the daughter of one who deals in intoxicating
liquors— booooh ! — but my son insisted, and so I con-
sented to come with him and arrange the matter and fix
the day. Dost thou understand, my friend ?
TJlrick. I understand fully. But how do you know,
that my daughter will be willing to take your son ?
/Sferejiso/i. [smyrlsed) Wha-what ? Your daughter —
take my son — . Well, well, is it possible? — I never
thought of that.
Ulrlck. She ought to have something to say in the
matter — dost thou understand — my friend ?
iSterenson. Yes, j^es, of course. Forms must be ob-
served. Thou perceivest, my friend, that ray dear boy is
a good-looking lad and a good lad too. He is my only
son and when I die, he inherits all I have — ^mind you,
before I die he gets nothing, but after I die, he gets all
I have, dost thou understand, my friend ?
Ulrlck. Well, my daughter is not penniless either.
She too is my only child, and if she consents to take a
good man for her husband, I wouldn't object to his
taking charge of my business at once, provided I would
have a home in this house as long as I live.
Stevenson. Very well, my friend. Let me speak to
thy daughter.
Bernard. No, father. I have humored you so far.
But I can s])eak to Lillie myself.
Stevenson. See, see, the bold boy. Thou hadst better
let me advocate thy cause, young man. Oh, I have great
influence over the female portion of the community, and
none of them can resist my arguments, dost thou under-
stand, my friend ?
Ulrlck. Your son is right. In such matters a young
man ought to speak for himself. My daughter will be
down presently and then you can press your suit.
Scene VII. Enter Miss Shrentendrock, Van Zandfs
housektt^per.
Ulrlck. Miss Shreudendrock — has my daughter risen ?
Miss S. Slie has, and will be down presently.
I Irlck. Will vou have the kindness to conduct Mr.
Stevenson to tlie parlor and entertain liim there for a
little while ?
J/i'-ts jS. immodestly) I — entertain a gentleman? oh, sir !
Xllrick. You know Mr. Stevenson, do you not? He
is our next-door neighbor; {introducing) Mr. Stevenson.
Menenson. Zachariah Stevenson, Esq., at thy service.
UlrioJc. Miss Caroline Shreutendrock, my housekeeper.
,, .Miss B. I am happy, sir, to make your acquaintance —
but I am afraid, I shall not be capable of entertaining
you as I should. Oh, sir, I am so modest.
Stevenson. Fear not, I will entertain thee then. Dost
thou understand, my friend ? I will speak to thee of the
time, when my own beloved Amarintha, (she, was my
wife) was still living, and when my dear boy Bernard
Avas still a prattling babe — dost thou understand, my
friend?
.{-.Miss-S. A baby — oh sir, you shock my modesty !
Stevenson. Why, my dear woman, thou wert a baby
thyself ouce. Come, lead me to the parlor. I will in-
struct thee in real modesty, for I see thou art sadly
wanting in the quality of which thou wouldst brag.
Dost thou understand, my friend ?
J^.rit Miss S. and Stevenson.
ZJ^lrick. {to 13ernard) And I will send my daughter
down to you directly, sir. [Exit.)
Bernard. Thanks, {alone) At last the hour for which
I have so ardently hoped, has arrived. Does she love
me ? I do not know. It was impossible to approach her.
But of one thing I am convinced: she loves no one else.
How I tremble. If my friend Aynoux could see me now,
vi-Ouldn't lie laugh at my expense ? We have robbed and
killed together, we have faced a thousand dangers to-
gether without flinching, and now I stand here like a
trembling schoolboy, at the prospect of asking a timid
girl for her hand. The girl is a treasure. Bad as I
have been, I think with that girl for my wife I will be-
come a better man.
Seene^^III. Enter JJlUe froni the house.
LiUie. Good morning, sir. Papa told me that you
Avished to see me.
Bernard, [bowing low; aside) How beautiful she is !
[to. Lillie) Miss Van Zandt — you will hardly recollect me.
J^illie. I do sir. You are our next door neighbor,
Mr. Stevenson.
Bernard. I feel liigHly flattered to be known to you.
lAllie. You have taken great pains not to let me for-
get the fact, for you will remember, that you have
greatly annoyed me lately by following me wherever I
went, by staring at me continually at church and else-
where. I could hardly explain your strange conduct.
Jiernard. I have come to explain and apologize.
ZiiUle. No apology is necessary, sir, if you will only
cease your annoying attentions.
Bernard {chagrhied) Anwojing'i
Lillie. To a high degree, sir.
BeDiard. Miss Van Zandt — I regret deeply, that my
conduct has displeased you. But I came here to-day to
pay you the highest compliment, which a man can pay
to a lady — I came to ask for your hand in marriage.
JAllie. I was prepared for this declaration on your
part — I do not wish to pain you— but — it can never be.
Bernard. Never — never — why not ?
Lillie. {firmly) Because I do not love you.
Bernard, [aside) The devil ! {to Lillie) Miss Van
Zandt, pardon me. I have taken you by surprise. I
should have asked you first for permission to visit your
family — I should have cultivated your acquaintance and
afterwards, when you had learned to love me, pressed
my suit. Oh, I was too hasty — pardon me !
IJllie. It would have made no difference, Mr. Steven-
son. I could never love you.
Bernard, [in great excitement) Oh, then you love
some one else ! —
lAllie. Be it so, if you will have it.
Bernard, {losing all coohtess) Who is it ? Ha ! Tell
me the name of the villain !
Lillie. {pointedly) I will not tell you the name of
the VILLAIN, sir !
Bernard. Ha ! I will find him. Let him beware of
my revenge I
LAllie. I will listen to you no longer, sir. Adieu.
{turns to go.)
Bernard, {aside) Damn it ! I have spoiled all, through
my rashness ! {to LAllie) Miss Van Zandt — Lillie — I was
rash — thoughtless, pardon me. I did not mean what I
said— oh, how can 1 make reparation ?
Lillie. By acting like a gentleman in the future, {exit)
Bernard, [in a rage) Ha ! Refused ! Refused ! She
loves some one else. I will find out who it is and tear
10
his heart out. If she had yielded to my suit, I woukl
have striven hard to be a better man. Now I will be as
heartless as a tiger. My revenge will be as cruel as
death. Yes, I Avill humble her, the jade — kneeling be-
fore me in the dust she shall beg of me the privilege of
becoming my wife. Then I will treat her as she spurned
Ine now. lla ! I will push her from me with my foot,
abandon her to desperation and dishonor !
Scene IJl. Miter ZTlrich.
JJiriek. Alone ! Well, what success did you have !
Bernard. Ah, it's you ? Success ? Hahaha ! She has
refused me — hahahaha ! [e-x-it qnicMy.)
XJlriGk. [alone?) Well, I expected that. I would not
have him myself, if I was a young girl. And just now
he had a look in his eye, that niade me shiver all over.
Scene Jl. Enter Stevenson and Miss Shreiitendrock.
Stevenson. Well, have the two children settled the
thing between them ?
Jflrick. (aside) They have settled it, but not the
way you expect.
■Stevenson. And when will the happy day be — dost
thou understand my friend ?
Ulrick. Never.
Stevenson. What? Dost thou mean to tell me, that
my son, w?,^y son has been refused by thy daughter?
Ulrick. Alas, it's a fact.
Stemnson. This is astonishing.
3Iiss S. Well I never. And such a nice-looking
young man too. Why, I would have taken him myself,
if he had only asked me.
Stevenson. Then I will go. I will remain no longer
on the premises, where my son has been insulted. I go.
God speed thee. Miss Bulenwhack.
Miss S. Shreutendrock, if you please, kind sir.
(G-U7'tesymg .) ■
I Stevenson, [to Ulrick) As for thee and thy daughter
(■snaps his fingers) Dost thou understand my friend ?
(exit.)
■■.■■■■Miss S. Oh, isn't he a nice man? — So kind, so pious
and so eloquent !
Ulrick. But what did he mean by snapping his fin-
gers ? If I thought he meant to insult me or my daugh-
tei-— why, I M^ould break every bone in his body, (starts
to folio Id Stevenson.)
11
3fiss S. {holds hhn back) Don't sir, don't. You
frighten me !
ITlrick. The lank skeleton. I feel like following
him and kicking him down his own front stoop, the
blarsted "dost thou understand, my friend", [exit.)
Miss S. {(done) Now I don't care, if he is a little
queer, he is a kind, amiable, well-disposed person. And
he gave me such good advice to repress my modesty;;
and in such an insinuating manner too, when he spoke
about his departed wife, that I actually thought he vv^as
going to propose to me. And if he had, I really don't
know what I would have done — there— there is my
modesty again. Yes, I do know what I would have
done — I would have said "yes," and if my modesty had
killed me the next moment. The trouble is: nobody
ever proposed to me yet — they know, I am too modest,
,too modest altogether, (exit.)
Change of Scene.
Scene JCT. Garden and W>ods behind J^an Zandfs
inn. ZTlrich and IJllie enter.
JJlrick. Now, my dear Lillie. I found no opportuni-
ty yet to-day to speak to yon about this Bernard Steven-
son and his proposal.
Lillie. There is time enough now, father.
ZTlrick. You know, I am a matter of fact man. Don't
liesitate to tell me all. Why did you refuse him, child ?
Lillie. Because I do not love him, father, and be-
cause — he is not a good man.
Ulrick. Not a good man ? How do you know ? Did
he do anything dishonorable?
Lillie. God has stamped his character upon his face.
But his conduct to-day has amply A^eritied my suspicion.
After I refused him, his passion overmastered him, and
he indulged in language which no honest man would
use. Now I know that he is a villain.
Ulrick. Then God be thanked, that you did not ac-
cept him. You see, his father is rich ; he is not a bad-
looking young man, and if you had chosen •him for your
husband, I would have given you my blessing.
TAllie. I know you love me, father, and you will
never stand in the way of my happiness.
Ulrick. Certainly not, my child. Choose whom you
will. If lie be a man in the true sense of the word, and
1 know your choice would fall on no other, you and he
shall have mv bless i no-.
12
JJMie. Thank yon, dear father, thank yon.
Xlh'iek. I will retnrn to the honse now. Follow me
soon, child, {exit.)
Lillie. {alone) And yet, dear father, I dare not reveal
to you the secret of my heart, for fear you would not
approve of my choice. People say he is an Indian, or
at least that he has Indian blood in his veins. But I
care not if he has— he is the hero of my imagination.
His brow bears the imprint of perfect manliness, his
heart is good and gentle, his soul the very image of my
God and I love him, oh, so dearly, so devotedly 1
Seene XII. Harry Dare, enters through the bushes.
Harry. Miss Van Zandt, pardon my intrusion. I
intended to go to your father's inn, and the nearest way
from the river leads through this part of the garden.
Lillie. Oh, I am rather glad you came— that is — oh,
pardon me^I, 1 — {stops in great confusion.)
Harry, {aside^ What means this confusion? Great
heavens, is it possible ! Does she return my love ?
lAlUe. {recovering shnoly) You see, Mr. Dare, former-
ly you came to our house often er and I did riot feel
abashed in the least — but now, why, one hardly sees you
two or three times in a year, and you appear more like
a stranger, than a friend.
Harry. A friend ! Ah, how sweet that name sounds
from your lips. Did you really miss me then '? I thought
you would never obserA^e my absence.
Lillie. Oh, how could you !
Harry .{resolutely) Miss Van Zandt — I will tell you the
reason I came to your house less frequently. I thought
1 would be able to subdue and, if possible, entirely to
control my passion. But my attempt has been useless.
No one can control his heart. It is possible that what
I have to say may wound you deeply. Do not be angry.
I must speak at last. For after having spoken, I shall
know at least, that want of courage to speak did not de-
prive me of the greatest happiness in store for any mortal !
Lillie. You frighten me— you —
i Harry. Nay, Miss Van Zandt, fear not. I have but
a few words to say to you, and whatever your answer
may be— I shall never cease to worship the very ground
you tread on. Lillie — I love you, have loved you since
I first beheld you !
Lillie. Loved me !
13
Harry, {takes her hand) Yos, loved you, adored you
with all my heart. But do I see aright — you do not
grow angry at my presumption — do not repel me — allow
your hand to rest in mine — oh, Lillie — is it possible that
after all my wildest hopes may be realized !
ZilUe. Oh, Harry!
Harry, [ernhraeing IJlUe rapttiroushf) That name
from your lips. Oh, confirmation of my fondest wish !
But tell me, Lillie, let me hear the sweet words froni
your own lips, lest I doubt the evidence of my senses.
Do you really love me ?
Lillie. Yes, Harry, I do.
While they speak the last seatenees, sweet musie is
2)h(yed by the orchestra, growirtg wilder as the scene pro-
ceeds. Btirnard h((s shown hi nisei f hidden behind some
shrnbbery. He noto advances and draws his hunting
knife to stab Harry. Behind Harry and Lillie, John
appears. TJnperceired by Bernard, he glides behind that
worthy, grasps the arm with which he holds the knife and
without a, word bids him go. During this pantomime,
Harry and JJllie enqar/e in earnest conversation.
Tableau.
THE CFRTAIX FALLS.
ACT IT.
Square in front of the cou/rt-ho^ise in New Amsterdam.
Harry Hare and John Tinker stand in. front of the court-
house, around them are groups of citizens in animated
eonversation. It is growing dark.
Scene I. Bernard and Arnou.v enter leading Han, a
drunken sailor.
Bernard, {to Han) Xow then, old man, sit down here
on the steps of the court-house.
Arnoux. Yes, take a rest.
Bernard {per ceiving Hafrry) Ha, he is here too. Could
I but murder him.
Arnmm. {to Bernard) Don't look so savage; some
one will observe you.
Bernard [laughing) Oh yes, I forgot we are not alone.
{to Han) Well, old fellow, how do you feel now ^
14
I)an. {j.n a'maiidlin voice) Oh, I feel pretty well —
pretty well. His Highness, the duke of York would
laugh, if he could see me iu this (hie) condition, wouldn't
he thoug-h ?
JBernard. You're all right. Take a nap here and after-
wards my friend and I will lead you down to the river.
Dan. {falling asleep) Yes, yes— down to the river —
down to the river.
Arnoii,v. Let him lie now till the crowd disperses.
His belt is well filled with gold. I saw several crowns,
when he paid for the last drink, (they slink to the rea.r )
First Citizen. I tell you, citizens, StuyA-esant had no
business to surrender to the English Man of war. He
should have inquired first, whether the citizens were
willing to surrender.
Second Citizen. So he should. We want to fight the
English.
■■;, All. Yes, we want to fight !
Second Citizen. Come, comrades — to arms ! to arms !
All. {shoating in disorder) Yes to arms! Come, let us
fight!
Harry. Gentlemen, hear me.
Second Citizen. Hear what Harry lias to say.
Smne. Yes listen !
Harry. Do not be hasty, citizens, lest you make
yourselves amenable to the law. Stuyvesant, the Go-
vernor set over you by the Dutch government, has form-
ally surrendered this province to the Duke of York.
The English king is now the ruler of this land. Believe
me, you lose nothing by this change. For what ad-
vantage was it to you to be citizens of this colony? Did
you have a voice in any public affair? Could you in any
wise control the management of the public treasury?
Oh, no. Your right as citizens amounted to nothing,
but a mere license to trade. AH this will be different
under English rule. By your vote you will be entitled
to take part in the administration of public affairs. You
will be as free, as sovereign as an Englishman in old
England.
.First Citizen.' I have nothing to say against that.
But why do they take away from our town the name of
New Amsterdam and call it New York ? {^derisively)
New York ! bah !
H'7'ry. What's in a name?
15
Sf^cond Citizen. Yes, why do they change the name
ot" oiir town, tliat's what I would like to know !
Third Citizen. Well, I guess York is right about
tliat. If I had captured the town, I would change the
name too.
Second Citizen, [laughlnf/) And that would be a funny
name too: New Van Arsdale, hahahaha !
All the Citizens ( laugh. )
Third Citizen.. Your name wouldn't sound any better.
Shooting of cannon behind the scenes.
Harry. The change of government is now complete.
These salutes thunder fortih to the world the fact, that
Governor Stuyvesant surrend€*l"s to the Duke of York,
and that New Amsterdam has become New York.
F'ourth Citizen {shofit.s) Long live our Governoi", the
Duke of York !
Citizens ishont) Hail, hail, hurrah !
Beating of drums, ringing of bells and shooting be-
hind the scenes.
John. Now the retinue of the new Governor comes
up the main streets.
J^irst Citizen. Will they pass by here ?
Second Citizen. No; don't you see, tliey turn down
towards the North River.
First Citizen. Let us go nearer to the spectacle.
Citizens. Yes come. Come on.
All citizens hurry ofi ; It grotos dark.
John. It is growing late. We ougiit to be on the
way to our island.
Hcirry. Keally, it is time Ave should start. Go and put
our boat in readiness; I will join you in a few minutes.
John. Do not remain here alone. But a few mo-
ments ago I saw" Bernard lurking about. He may return
and take you unaAvares.
Heirry. I do not fear him; he is a coward.
John. But a coward strikes from behind. Remember
the attempt he made in the garden.
Jlarry. Fear not for me, my friend. I Avill be on
my guard.
John. Very well, sir. (e.t'lt.)
Jlarry. {alone) John is a good boy; he loves me like
a brother. I intended to go to Van Zandt's inn, before
turning homew^ard, in the hope of catching a glimpse
of my sweet Lillie. But for John's sake, to relieve him
of his anxiety, I will forego that pleasure and follow
16
liim straight. What a calm, sweet night it is. How
kindly the stars twinkle clown upon this beautiful land,
Avhich has to-day become an English colony ! This
change of government was a necessary step towards the
complete liberty of the people of this country. Hence-
forth English liberty and thought ayIU here be freely
taught. Unrestrained by territorial limits, with inex-
haustible resources at their command, the people of this
land will soon develop liberty and thoughts unparalled
in history for their grandeur. In my minds eye I see
this very s])ot the centre of a new civilization, of a na-
tion l)reathing liberty anj^l noble aspiration. A century
or two will convert this island, rugged noAV and desolate,
into a human beehive full of life and animation ! {exit.)
Scfne II. Enter Bernard <(nd Arnou.v ste/flthiJi/.
Armmx. He still sleeps.
Take the money quickly.
Hold your knife ready in case he should
Bernard.
Arnoifx.
awake.
Bernard.
Arnoux.
Bernard.
Arnou
Go on, I am rea>/. [utteinpts to rise fei^enson . I did — I did !
Citizens. Who was it ?
Stevenson. {i7i terrible agonif) It was — it was— Harry
Dare ! {turns around^ clasps his hands and looks heaven-
ward.)
Tableau.
' Scene V. Governor"^ s Island; on one side a craggy
rocJi\ on the other the water of the East River. A wind-
niill at the shore in the rear. The fishery of Harry
Dare; several accoutrements of his trade lying about.
Harry, {alone) Morning is fast approaching, and soon
the sun will bathe the sky in crimson. Sweet Lillie, I
did not see you last night, and now I feel such an irre-
sistible longing for you I
Scene ^^I. John {comes rushing npon the scene breath-
lessly) Harry, friend — master !
liarry. What is it, John, what means this excite-
ment ?
John. A crowd of people are coming from toAvn —
they want to arrest you.
Harry. Arrest me— for whatl''
John. For mui-der, they say.
Harry, [recoiling) For murder ?
John. They utter terrible threats. Oh, I'm afraid
they will commit some Violence !
Harry, {calmly) Let them come. Who could make
such a ridiculous charge against me?
John. I know not. But fly — ere they come. Take
your boat — fly down the sound to the English settlement.
I will keep them at bay, till you are out of danger.
Harry. John, you mean well. But I am innocent.
I will remain !
John. Here they come.
Scetie VTJ. Enter two Constables, Citizens, Bernard
and Arnou,r.
Eirst Constable. We are seeking Harry Dare.
Harry. Well, I am he.
Eirst Constable. We have a Avai-rant for your arrest.
Harry. Of what am I accused ?
Second Constable. Of murdering a sailor, named Dan.
Harry. Who makes this charge ?
Bernard, {advancing) I do !
Harry, {nnth siq^reme contempt) Ah, you ! That ex-
plains all. Citizens, I am innocent of this crime. But
19
T will show j^ou that I respect the law. I will go with
you in a moment.
Bernard. The scoundrel ought to be hung without
any further ceremony,
Arnoux. Yes, hang him, hang him !
Third Citizen. Hang him to the nearest tree !
Citizens, (in wild disorder) Hang him ! Hang him !
J'^lrst Constable. One moment. Citizens, friends; tlie
prisoner is in my charge and under my protection. If
he is guilty, he will not escape just punishment. But
the first man, who threatens violence to my prisoner
now, will have to deal with me and my pistol, (places
him.self In front of Harry and cocks pistol. )
Second Constcible. Keep back, friends.
Fh^st Citizen. That's right, that's the talk.
First Constable. {toJIar?y) You will have to follow us.
Harry. I will go with you willingly, {to John) Old
friend — there is nothing for you to do here now. But
let me ask one favor.
John. Whatever it may be, I'll do it.
Harry. Whatever my arrest may purtend, coming
through the agency of that man, it means some danger
to my bride — to Lillie !
John. Speak, what shall I do?
Harry. During my imprisonment do not lose sight
of her for a moment. Guard her as if she were your
own — promise me that, and I will be content.
John, {earnestly) I will — I swear it.
Harry. Then I am satisfied. Goodbye, John, {shaking
John^s hand warmly) Farewell ! And now I am at
your disposal:
Tableau.
THE CITKTAIN FALLS.
ACT III.
On one side is the house of Van Zandi with the window
of Lillieh room overlookiny the garden. On the other
side is a cistern and a bench in front of the house.
Scene I. Miss Shreutendrock {sits upon the bench hiit-
ting) Evening has come again and I have not seen my
beloved Zachariah. Zachariah Stevenson, oh beautiful
20
name ! The more I dwell upon and think of my belov-
ed, the better I love him — the more vanishes my mod-
esty. I nsed to blush to myself when I thought of a
man, but now I can think of my Stevenson, of my Zach-
ariah Stevenson — beautiful name — without the blush
and with the most exquisite feeling of bliss and exalta-
tion. Perliaps I might have loved some one long ago,
perhaps I might have been rid of my excessive modesty
long ago, if only some man had had sufficient courage to
speak to me as this dear Zachariah Stevenson did— oh,
the dear soul. But nobody ever spoke to me that way —
they knew I was too modest to be spoken to in that
manner — too modest altogether ! {exit.)
Soene II. Utiter Van Zandt and HI lie.
Ulrick. So, my child, you want to speak to me. Here
we are quite alone and you can talk to your heart's con-
tent. I knew there was something gloomy upon your
mind all day. My pet, you can't conceal your emotions
from me. Now, what is it ?
Lillle. Father, I wanted to tell you last night, but
found no opportunity, and this morning— oh, what a
dreadful change had taken place ! [loeeps.)
Ulrick. Now don't — don't cliild. You know I cannot
see you Aveep.
Lillle. Yesterday, after yon left me in the garden,
after -you told me to accept no one but the man of my
own selection —
Ulrick. Yes, I recollect.
mile. Harry Dare accidently met ine— -he declared
his love and I accepted him.
Ulrick. What? Plarry Dare, the— who was arrested
for murder ?
Lillle.
innocent.
Ulrick
lAllie.
Ulrick
Lillle.
Ulrick
weeping bitterly) Oh father, he is, lie must be
and
Poor child, then you love him ?
I do, father, Avith all my heart.
Even now, after this has happened;
I do and always Avill !
{aside) Then she will stick to him too,
if they hang him. {to Llllie) Poor child, poor child.
Lillle. Pity him rather. Oh, what cruel torture must
he suffer under this false accusation. But I will not
stand idly by and see him perish, without making an at-
tempt to save him.
Ulrick. liash child, what would vou do ?
21
LllUe. Discover the veal perpetrator of this crime,
bring him to justice and thus clear Harry from all sus-
picion.
Ulriek. Impossible, hopeless task. Three witnesses
say, they saw him do the bloody deed. Ah, I fear you
love a person unworthy of your affection.
LilUe. Oh, father, you too turn from him in his hour
of need, you too condemn him instead of aiding him to
prove his innocence.
ZTlrlck. What would you have me do ?
LUlle. Go with me to-morrow to his prison-cell, ask
him where he was and what he did last night, whom he
suspects — in short, do that for him which may be neces-
sary for his defense — You will do this for me, dear fa-
ther, will you not ?
Ulrick. Girl, you may be right after all. There might
be a conspiracy. Bernard I heard this morning, is a
profligate, not of the best character.
L'dlie. And his rival too !
Ulrlck. {with a start) True, I never thought of that.
And Arnoux, the other witness, has been punished for
stealing — but then there is old Stevenson; he is a truth-
ful, much respected man; his word can be relied on,
and he corroborates the stoiy of his son and Arnoux.
Llllie. We must see him an/l get the story from his
own lips — oh, there must be some mistake.
ITlriek. Well, child, be it so. I will go with you to-
morrow and see \vdiat we can do.
Llllie. Thank you. And now I will retire to my room
and pray to God for Harry's delivery. God will not
forsake him, if he is forsaken by everyone else, {exit
into the house.)
ZTlrick. {alone) Poor child, poor child ! I told you to
listen to your heart's voice, but I did not expect that
you would choose a murderer. — But is he really guilty
of that crime? Three witnesses swear to his guilt, it is
true ; but then he has always borne a good character.
Why, I have known him myself these last ten years,
but I never heard anything against him. He never as-
sociated with suspicious characters; not the slightest
suspicion has ever been raised against him. He must be
in quite comfortable circumstances too; he was always
diligent and knew how to save his earnings. Why then
should he commit a robbery ? Ah, but there is old Ste-
venson; he saw it done. There's no getting over that.
22
Scene ill. Miss Shreiitendrock enters from the house.
Miss S. A nice business-man you are, Mr.Van Zandt,
to leave the front door wide open and to stand here in
the garden a — moonshining.
XJlrick. Indeed, I did leave the door cTpen — I will go
and close the inn now.
MlssS. I have done it for you already.
Uh'ick. Thank you.
Miss S. I will go to my room now — unless you wish
for anything.
Zririck. Wait a moment, Miss Shreutendrock. (aside)
T ought to tell her. She has been a member of the fami-
ly so long, has been as a mother to my Lillie — and yet-
Miss S. (aside) What does he mean? He bids
{aside) What does he mean? He bids me
stay and then stops in confusion !— Is it possible, that
he intends to propose to me ? Oh, blissful idea !
Ulrick. Miss Shreutendrock, you have been in my
employ a good many years —
Miss S. Yes sir, nigh on to fifteen years and always
did my duty as well as I knew how. (aside) He never
spoke in that solemn way before. No doubt at all, he
wants to propo>se to me. Oh, that would be just splendid.
Ulrick. My daughter has grown up under your moth-
erly care until now she is a young woman, old enough —
Miss^S. Old enough to be married, that's a fact.
(aside) Yes, I'm convinced of it now, he wants to pro-
pose to me and don't know hoAv to do it. Poor man, I
will help him. (to CTlrick) And you will bo so lonely
afterwards, so lonely, that's a fact.
Ulrick. Well, I wouldn't be so very lonely, seeing
I have you left
Miss S. True, Mr. Van Zandt, and seeing that you
don't know how to express what you want to say, I will
confess to you, that I have often wondered, why you
did not ask me to be your wife, yes, I have often won-
dered at it.
Ulrick. (af/hast) Wha — Avhat ? Asked \o\\ to be my
wife ! —
Miss S. Yes, poor man and since you are so very
bashful, I will confess to you, I have loved you all this
time, all these fifteen years. But virtue and silent en-
durance are at last to find their reward — there Mr. Van
Zandt, Ulrick — there, you may have me. (falls on his
breast a,nd embraces him.)
Ulrick. {recoiling) Well, well, well I
23
ML^s S. [astonished) What are you welling about?
Ulrick. That wasn't what I wanted to say to you at all.
Miss S. {gas-ping) What? That wasn't what you
wanted to say to me?
Ulrick. Why no, j^ou didn't give me a chance to
speak — I wanted to speak to you about the love —
Miss S. Well — about the love —
Ulrick. Of my daughter !
Miss S. So, that is the way you want to turn it around
now, is it. Mr. Van Zandt, you ought to be ashamed of
yourself, {crying) I didn't deserve such treatment from
you. Waiting for fifteen years, and then to be disap-
pointed in such a way. Oh, it's too provoking, too pro-
voking — I shall never speak to you again sir, never,
there now ! [elicit in a rage).
ZTlrick. What's that, she loves me, me ? {breaks into
a laugh.) I never thought of such a thing. I always
thought she was too modest to marry. Still, she is a
good housekeeper, she knows all my little wants and
habits. It would not be such a bad thing for me after
all, to marry her. Well, I will think of it. Uxit into
the house.)
Scene TV. I^ernard and Arnoux enter stealthily . It
groiGs quite day'k.
Arnoux. A storm is drawing near. Soon the rain will
be pouring down, {distant lightning.) Do you see the
lightning ?
Bernard. All the better for our plan. But wait a
moment. I saw a dark figure crouching behind a tree
only a few steps from here.
Atmoux. The devil !
Bernard. Do not betray the fact, that we know of
his presence. I will lay him low presently. It is that
fellow, John, Harry's companion.
Arnoux. We must get him out of the way.
Bernard. We will presently. Then you climb up
into the giii's room. My wagon is waiting in the road
right opposite the inn. I will help you carry the girl
and go inside with her. You jump on the front seat and
drive as fast as you can towards the river where my
boat is anchored. Afterwards everything will be easy.
Thunder and lightning.
Arnoux. Rely on me.
Beiviard. (aside) And then, proud hussy, our i-eckon-
ing will come.
24
Arnotcx. Ltook ont I That fellow approaches !
. I>e7'nar(h {retreMing) Back 1 I will give him a dose
of this, {shows a slung shot.)
Scene J^. Thunder and lightning.
Enter John. I saw them approach the house in a sus-
picious manner. They must be up to some deviltry. I
think I will wake up the inmates of the house, {'walks
tovHtrds the house.) l^ernard raises the slungshot and
'inlth one blow fells John to the ground. John gives a loud:
groan and then lies motionless.
It begins to rain.
Arnoux. I hope no one heard that groan. Look there —
she has heard it, she opens the window.
' iBernard. Good, I have a splendid plan, step aside.
. jScene YI. Lillie {in a night-robe., opens the window
and listens.) What was that ? {louder) Who is out there ?
Bernard, {imitating Johri's voice) It is I, John Tinker.
IMlie. Harry's servant — what do you Avish ?
Bernard. I have news for you from him and a letter.
Lillie. A letter — thank heaven — I will come down.
{closes vnndo'w) Thunder and lightning.
Bernard. Now we will seize her as soon as she comes
out. Here's a gag. She must not give a sound of alarm.
JMlie enters from, the house. The tvjo villains seize her,
she gives a piercing scream, they over^jower her and carry
her away. Thunder and lightning . John {ashiadreani.)
That scream ! oh, my liead— Harry ! Lillie! {tries to
raise himself, succeeds j>artly and then falls in a dead
swoon.)
Ch((nge of Scene.
Scene YII. Prison. On one side is the cell of Harry,
in which he /.s- locked. The cell is ojyen toivards the au-
dience.
Harry, {in his cell) John lias not been here yet.
Something must have happened to him or perhaps to
her. Maybe she is in danger. If I were fiT^e I might
come to her assistance. Now I begin to know, what it ,
is to be bereft of liberty. For myself I would not care
so much, but this uncertainty about the fate of my be-
loved is doubly galling^ because I cannot fly to her suc-
cor. Perhaps Tom, the keeper, will soon return. He
promised me to go down to Van Zandt's inn to-day and
inquire about Lil lie's safety. Perhaps he will bring me
good news. John promised me faithfully to bring me
25
word of her every day, and I know he wouhl have done
so— had not some awful fate overtaken him and — her —
Scene YIIT. Tom enters.
Harry. Speak, man, were you down at the inn ?
Tom. Aye, poor fellow, I was, and sorrowful news
I bring you.
Harry. What is it — speak — don't torture me.
Tom. She's gone.
Harry, [dumhforoided) Gone! Where?
Tojii. Kidnapped^ niglit before last !
Harry. Great God, by whom ?
T>m. Alas, no one knows.
Harry. Bernard, this is your work ! But John — have
you seen John?
Tom. I could not find him anywhere.
Harry. Ah, then perhaps it is not yet too late !
Tom. Heaven grant it, sir.
Harry. Tom, you are an honest fellow^ — you see my
anxiety — my bitter, bitter woe —
Tom. I see it, poor fellow, and my heart goes out to you.
Harry. You can help me, Tom.
Torn.. I ?
Harry. Set me free, and I promise you by all that's
sacred, by my mother's grave, I will be back as soon as
I have saved her.
Tom. Ah, I believe you would — honestly, I do. But
to let you go would be deliberately breaking the oath of
office which I took when I assumed my position and,
man, would you ask me to break my oath?
Harry. True, I forgot. No, no, I do not wish to
purchase my salvation at the price of your perdition !
(drops on his bed in despair.) There is no hope then — no
hope at all, except through John ! {buries his /ace with
his hands.)
Tom. Poor fellow, I feel sorely tempted to break my
oath — he is such a good, frank fellow. But I would
never dare to show my face again after that. Poor fel-
low, poor fellow — I really don't know what to do. (e.xit
shaking his head.)
Harry, {suddenly starting up) Escape — I haven't
thought of it yet — or rather I have scorned the idea.
But now, for Lillie's sake, I would even incur the sus-
picion of cowardice. Let me see, if it is possible, {m.oimts
upon his bed and looks through the grated windoiv.)
26
Great heaven, there is John iiliiig away at the iron bars !
Ah! I feel new hope filling my heart; he mnst have
some good news for me. P'aithful fellow, and his head
is all bandaged up — he must have been wounded, {^peers
thy^ough the grating at his door.) Tom is far away; I
will give him some sign of recognition, {calls guardedly)
John — hey — John ! — He stops — he hears me. Now he
goes to work again, the file is nearly through —there he
inserts a crowbar — the grating breaks, he comes !
Scene IX^. John enters through the "iclndoir.
John [en ihracinq Harry.) Master ! Friend !
Harry. Faithful boy ! But Lillie ?—
John. Alas, she was kidnapped and carried away.
Harry. By whom ?
John. By Bernard — the miserable dog.
Harry. I knew it was his work. But you ? —
John. I did all in my power.
Harry. Oli, I am sure of that.
John. They beat me with a slungshot till I lost my
senses, but upon recovering consciousness, I followed up
their trail. It led down to the river.
Harry. And do you know where they are now ?
John. I do. They brought her to an old blockhouse
near Elizabethtown. There she is now, guarded by In-
dians and desperadoes. Upon ascertaining that fact, I
had my wounds dressed and came hither at once to set
you free.
Harry. My noble friend !
John. But come quickly. Let us escape ere ray
presence is discovered.
Harry. Oh, great heaven ! Tom returns ! Quickly hide.
John hides hinise.lf in the corner hy the door.
tSce^te Jl. Hnter Tom.
Tom. I am positive I heard conversation in his cell.
All is not right. Here, ho, Harry !
Harry. Well, Tom, what do you wish ?
Tom. Who is with you in your cell "i
Harry. Why, no one.
Tom. I thought I heard some one speak.
Harry. I may have spoken to myself.
Tom. Nay, nay, that's not your wont. It Is my duty
-—I must enter and see for myself.
Harry, [aside) Oh, great heaven !
27
John, [pnlls his pi'^tol and motions to Harry.)
Tom. {opens IIarry''s cell and enters) As soon as Tom
enters, holds Harry doirn.)
I
29
Ihirry. {In denj^air) Heaven ! All is lost ! [suddenly
recor/nlzing llapahoe.) Why — Rapalioe !
Ilapahoe {loho is m the act of braining Harry viith
his toniahaiok) Yoii know me ? {looks at Harry closely)
Harry — Harry Dare ! releases his hold and assists Har-
ry up) Much heap luck I know you — else {brandishes
his toniahicwk.)
Harry. It's you, Rapalioe, Oh, then all is well ! \^ou
remember, when I saved your life ?
jRapahoe. Many moons gone by since then, but Ra-
palioe remembers.
Harry. I would never have reminded you of it. But
now I must. You then swore that whenever opportuni-
ty offered, you would return the favor.
Rapahoe. Ra])ahoe always keeps word.
Harry. Well, then, I have come to ask the favor now.
liapahoe. What do you want ?
Harry. Promise to do as I request.
Rapahoe. I promise !
At this point Bernard, and Arnoux appear in the rear
of the bl')ekhous('.
Harry. Deliver the girl you hold captive to me !
liapahoe. {i^eGoiUng) Ha !
Harry. Remember your promise.
Ilapahoe. Come — you shall have her.
Scene J'^. Rernard and Arnoux advance., and when
Harry and Rapahoe approach the blockhouse., they cov-
er them with their pistol,^.
Bernard . Hold, traitor !
Harry, {throvs hijnself npo)i Bernard and icrestUng
with him throv^s- him to the gronnd)
Bernard. Damnation ! I am wounded — oh !
Arnonx. (fghts vuth Rapahoe. Both discharge their
weapons at the same time and bothfcdl mortally icounded.)
The Indians enter from all sides.
Berncird. Too late — I die— (c?i6,s'.)
Harry, {assisting Rapahoe) How are you, my friend ?
Indians croiod around Rapcdioe.
Rapahoe. {gasping) I go to happy hunting grounds.
There is the girl — take her.
Harry, {opens the door to the blockhouse. Lillie enters
ani falls sobbing on Harry'' s breast.)
H rrry. My sweetheart !
30
Eapahoe, {to the liidians) Let tliem go. Don't liarm
tliem [—{Harry takes his hand) Good-bye — (dies)
: TaUeau.
THE CURTAIN FALLS.
ACT V.
In front of the eourt-house in New A^nsterdam.
-Scene I. Tom leads John manacled to^ the court-house.
Citizens cross the scene and enter court-house.
John. Wait a moment, please, before entering the
conrt-room. I see my sweetheart approaching yonder.
I would like to say good-bye to her.
Tom. All right. But don't try to escape, I'll keep
my eye on you.
John. Escape ? Pshaw ! I wouldn't escape if I could.
Tom. English law prevails here now. And the Eng-
lish hang a man on very slight grounds.
John. Don't be afraid. I'll not escape.
Scene II. Kittle enters and falls on JohrPs breast
sobbin(/ cojtvulsivelj/.
luttie. Poor John, poor John ! I heard they had you
instead of Harry Dare, and that they would hang you
instead of him. Oh, John, John, this will break my
heart, {^i^eeps bitterly.)
John. There now, darling, don't cry so. You make
my eyes water in spite of me. It isn't quite as bad as
you think. Hari-y will be back before they hang me
and til en —
Kittle. But, if he should not come back ?
John. He will ! (aside) Unless — well in that case I
do not desire to live, but will share his fate.
7hm. Come now, young man. We can't keep the
court waiting for us.
. John. Yev J weU, I'm coming. Courage, Kittie. Have
faith in God, who ever protects the righteous. Some-
thing in my heart tells me, that all will come out rigtit.
Good-bye, darling, good-bye — till I see you again, {em-
braces Kittle who cllnffs to him: until he a.^cend,-^ the steps
81
ter^than vnli'T^ ''°'"' ^"^^ 7"'' '"^^'^ ^our master bet-
tei tlian you love me. And vet, if you were different
from what you are, I would uot love you ^1 do!
Scene III. Enter Stevenson.
lt IS my guilty conscience. Nowliere oin I find rest
TelTZ ZJr.^"' "••'''"" '^^.^■''''^'•t^ Tell thetruh'.i
lell the tiuth ! I cannot still it, cannot escape it T
have tried to pray to the Almighty, but my Ihs refuse
The • ■'IP^J'^'-fy ^«7 he'irt ioaths at mv h iqtiity
rhere is the court-house. Alas, perhaps they are^eve^n
elth 7^"? ''°°'' ^V\' r'^'"'-^' conctemniig him to
eath for a crime which he never committedf a crime
my son comm.tted-my son ! Oh, it is too horS-
ihe trmh"'' ^/^r'" 'r '••'^'^ ""^ ='^'^"' -J*^"™ l>y telUng
f IL VJ! The orchestra i,l.a,,s a sweet melody. Ah, but
*' w-\ Ylr°'!''' ''^"S ™.y s«n -my only child. («7roL>,l!
the'^i^n^cei':*''"' "^ '""""' ^ '"''■'-^ ''^ ^o" '» Pr-eet
|<««6«.o« (,,;„fe o» A,:., knees) This prayer, oh heaven '
^ittie. Guide the hearts of the judges, who are even
now considering his fate, that they mfv be mei^iful
St-evenson. Amen ! Amen !
JCittie. Or let those, whose hearts are steened in-
gmlt, step forward and confess the truth '
Stevenson (rises abruptly) Amen ! Amen ! Girl thon
lias touched me with thy praver ! The vei falls from
™«h f-'ri/tM/;r'^r';f'" "^ answered^itm 't:i?tr
c™ Fvel tl«.,V»th' "".matter what the consequen-
mo,\^liCT T' } '^'P ""° >'''"''<'•• court-room and
proclaim the^ truth ! (exit into the conrt-home.)
see. {.follovs Steren.-»ni.}
Scene IV. Enter LiUie and Ilarr,/.
Harry And now, dearest, farewell. Return to vour
bid vo,r"" ?""'' f, "''- *''"*'^*'"' f'--l -mp'els' m
10 Did you now farewell.
jmie. Must it be then ? Is there no other way ?
^rrny. He took my place to enable me to come to
32
your rescue. Even now his life may be in danger. I
must, I will relieve him. You know what they told us
down at the river. He is being tried now.
Lillie {striving to retain her composure) Then Harry,
kiss me once more, before you go.
Harry, {kissing Lillie'' s forehead) Good-bye, darling
— {embraces her once more) good-bye !
Lillie. {almost fainting) Good-bye !
^cene Y. As Lillie and Harry part., the door to the
conrt-house is throimi open and John ru.^hes out followed
by Kittie.
The scene fills with citizens.
JJlrick and Miss Shretitendrock enter from the side.
John. What do I see ? — Harry and Miss Lillie too !
Hurrah ! Hurrah !
Harry {e'lnbracing John) You are free ?
Joh7i. Yes, and you too ! All is as clear as daylight
now. It was Bernard who murdered the sailor. Old
Stevenson, who saw the deed done, has confessed all.
We are free, free ! But where is the scoundrel ?
Harry. He is no more. God has punished him. -^am^
Citize7is. Long live Harry Dare ! Hurrah !
UlricJc. {icho has meamohile embraced his daughter)
All is well now. {unites their hands) Children take my
blessing — be happy ! And in taking my blessing, let
me introduce you to your future mother, Miss Shreuten-
drock, who will become Mrs. Van Zandt on the same
day on which Lillie will become Mrs. Dare.
Miss S. Oh, you shock my modesty.
John. Well, if everybody is going to get married,
then let me introduce you to the future Mrs. Tinker.
{takes J\ittie''s hand.)
THE CUIITAIN FALLS.
Finis.
IBRftRY OF CONGRESS
016 103 789 8