PS 3503 .E717 U6 1910 Copy 1 No, 13 ENCH'S AMERICAN ACTING EDITION DER THE FLAG I SI Jflomantic 2Drama in prologue anti four BY FRANKLIN BERNARD, L.L,B. Copyright, 1910, by Samuel French NOTICE.— The Professional acting rights of this play are reserved by the publisher, and permission for such performances must be obtained before performances are given. This notice does not apply to amateurs, who may perform the play without permission. All professional un- authorized productions will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. PRICE, 25 CENTS. NEW YORK SAMUEi/ fr:rnch Publishers a8-30 WEST 38th STREET I/ONDON SAMU:^I< FRENCH, I,td. 26 Southampton Street, STRAND, I^ONDOM f'Hri>^HrlrHrHrHrHrHri"i''i-'i''iri''i^^ FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA. Prlc« 19 Cent* M«h.— Bound Volumes $1.25. i ImAj »t hfmt «BM*Un • n* wih • Tb* HMMTtnMa 1 Tb* S«hMil In iamiit • M«Mr VOL. IL t Tk« Gtruigtr I* anndfkttitr Vn>IUh*wi II Btthwd III It L«T<'i SMrifIc* II Tk* Otattttr 14 A Cnn far tti< HMrtuh. I* Tk« HuBchbkck It Dm Cmau d« Bum VOL. III. IT Tb* Toot Qntl*mka II HunUt It Gbarln II M Vwlea Pr«MrT«4 II Piurro t> Th* Lera CbaM M Olbello M Lnd m* Flrt ShllUnp VOL, IV. t( Tlrglnlui SI Kins of tb« Ceininoi» 11 LoDCen Auuranc* M Tht Root Day n Two Gentieoieti ofVw»nt tItTbt J»lout Wif« 11 Tht Rlrali It r*rfMtl0B VOL. V. IDebU U A tf«w W»y to P»y Old M I>ook Btrom Yau I/t*p II Kliif JahB M N«rvoui Man IT iHmsii and PTthlu II CUndMtlDt MsrrUg* It William T«ll M Day afur tha Wadding VOL. VL 41 8Ma4 tba PlaDgb 41 Hamao and JuHat 41 Paadal Tiinat 44 Cbarlai tba Twalftb U Tba Brida 4ITbaF»lU«aoraNtgbl 41 Iroa Chtal [ralr Lady a Falut Heart Navar Won VOL. VIL 4t Road to RulB M Mackatb II Tampar IT Eradna 13 Bartram MTha Duanna It Mucb Ado About Notbjng II Tba CriUo VOL. vni. IT Tba AposUU It Twelftb Nigbt It Brutua to Simpion k Co II Merchant of Vanica It OldHaadiAVoungHaarti U Mountainaera [rtage MTbra* Waaka after Mar- VOL. UL •I Lot* M Ai Ton LIka It tt Tba Elder Brotb« tt Warner M Qiiippna TO Town and Counliy Tl King Lear Tl BUa OaTll* VOL. X. Tl Haary VIII T4 Married and Sta(i* Tl Henry IV Tl Paul Pry TT Qnj Mannarinr Tt awe*tb*arta anl WW** Tt Sarioa* Family H Sb* Staop* t* C«B4a*r VOL. XI. II Jallui e*<*r IT Vleaf at W*](*fl*14 19 L**p Year 14 Tbe Oatepaw U The Paaiing Cloai M Drunkard 81 Rob Rot W GaorgT Barnwell VOL. XIL M Ingomar 9U Skeichei in India 91 Two Friend* 9) Jane Shore 93 CorElcan Brother* 94 Mind your own Bualnees 9i Writing on tb* Wall 91 Hall at Law VOL. xni. tl Soldler'i Daugbtar 8:1 Douglas 99 bl.trce Spada 100 Nature'! Noblasxa iOl Sardanapalui 102 ClTillsatton 103 The Robber* 104 Katharine and Petruchio VOL. XiV. IDS Game ol Love 108 Midsum;.>r NIgbt'a 101 Erneatine [Dream 105 Rag Picker of Paria 109 Flying Dutcbmaa lit Hypocrit* 111 Ther».e lit La Tour d« N**]* VOL. XV. llSTreiand At It I* tU Sea of lea lU Seven Clerk* III Game of Life 111 Forty Thievee 118 Bryan Boroihme 119 Romance and Reality 190 Ugolino V.:.. xvL 121 The Tempert 159 The Pilot 133 Carpenter of Rouaa 1K4 King'" Rival 156 Little TreMure 196 Dombey and Son 19" Parent* and Guardians ltd Jawees VOL. XVIL m Camllle 130 Married Llf* 131 Wenlock of Wtnlock 139 Rosa of Etlrickval* 133 David Copperfield 134 Aline, or tbe Rose of 135 Pauline [KiUarney 136 Jane £yr* VOL. XVIIL 13T Night and Morning 138 .£thiop 139 Three Guardsmen 140 Tom Cringle 141 Hanriette, the Forsaken 149 Eustache Baudin 143 Ernest Maltraver* 144 Bold Dragoons VOU XIX. 145 Dred, or the Dismal ' [Swamp 146 Last Days of Pompeii 141 Esmeralda 148 Peter Wilkin* 149 Ben the Boitswaln 150 Jonathan Bradford 151 Retribution 169 Mineral! VOL. XX. 163 French Spy 154 Wept of Wish-ton Wish 155 Evil Geniu* 156 Ben Bolt 151 Sailor of Franc* 151 Red Mask lit Mfeof an Actr*** 160 W*dding Day [Moscow VOL. XXI. 161 AIHs Fair in Lot* 169 Hofer IMBeif 114 Cinderella Its Phantom 161 Franklin 161 Tb* Gunm*k*r'of Its Tb* Lor* 01 a Frinca V®L. XXIi. 16t Son of th* Might no Rory O'More 111 Golden Eagl* 119 Risnxl 113 Br«ken Sword 114 Rip Van Wiukla 116 Isabel!* 116 M«*rt of Mid Lothian VOL. XXIII. 177 Actress of Padua nn Floating Beacon 119 Bride ofLammermoor 180 Cataract of the Ganges 181 Robber ofth* Rhin* 189 School ot Reform 183 Wandering Soys 154 Mazeppa VOL. XXIV. !« Young New York 186 The Victim* 181 Romance aft«r Marriage 188 Brigand 189 Poor of New York 190 Ambrose Gwinett 191 Raymond ami Agn** 199 Gambler's Fate VOL. XXV. 193 Father and Son 194 Massaniello 196 Sixteen String Jack 196 ifonthlul Queen 191 Skeleton Witness 198 Innkeeper of AbbeTllI* 199 Miller and bU Men 9CU Aladdin VOL. XXVL 201 Adrlenne the Actr*** iOi Undine 903 Jesse Brown 904 Asmodeus 905 Mormons 906 Blanch* of Brandy wine 201 Viola 908 Deseret Deserted VOL. xxvn. 209 Americans in Pari* 210 Victorlne 211 Wizard of th* W*T* 212 Castle Spectre 213 Horse-shoe Robinson 21.' Armand, Mrs. Mowatt 21S F»*hion, Mrs. Mowatt 916 Glance at New York VOL. XXVIU. 911 Inconstant 918 Uncle Tom's Cabin 919 Guide to th* Stag* 290 Veteran 921 Miller of New Jersey 922 Dark Hour before Dawn 923 Midsum'rNlgbt's Dream [Laura Keene's Edition 224 Art and Artifice VOL. XXIX. 296 Poor Young Man 926 Ossawattomie Browo 921 Pope of Rome 228 Oliver Twist 2'J9 P.luvrett* 230 Man in the Iron Mask 231 Knight "of Arva 232 Moll Pitcher VOL. XXX. 933 Black Eyed Susan 2.i4 Satan in Paris 235 Roeina Meadows [ess 236 West End, or Irlsh^Heir- 231 Sii Degrees of Crime 238 The Lady and the Devil 239 A veneer, or Moor of Sici- 240 Ma*k* and Faces [ly VOL. XXXL 941 Merry Wires otWiodMr 2*2 Mary's Birthday 949 Sbaydy Uaguir* 944 Wild OaU 94* Michael ErI* 946 Idiot WItnau 947 Willow Cops* 948 P*OTil*'s Lawy«r VOL. XXXIL 949 Ths Boy Martyr* KO Lucrctia Borgia 981 Surgeon of Pari* 962 Patrician's Danght** 953 Shoemaker of Toulous* 954 Moui*iiton> Question 255 Lot* and Loyalty 956 Robber's Wife VOL. xxxin. 257 Dumb Girl of Genoa 9«8 Wreck Aahon 959 Clari 260 Rural FcIIcHt 261 Wallace 962 Madelaln* 263 The Fireman 964 Grist to the Mill VOL. XXXIV. 265 Two Lores and a Ltib 266 Annie Blak* 267 Steward 968 Captain Kyd 969 Niik of the Wood* 210 Marble Heart 91 1 Second Love 912 Dream at Sea Vvh. XXXV. 313 Breach of Promis* 214 Review 915 Lady of the Lak* 276 Still Water Run* D**p 217 The Scholar 278 Helping Hand* 979 Faust and Margncrlt* 980 Last M.in VOL. XXXVI. 81 Belle's Stratagem 282 Old and Young 213 RaGTaella 984 Ruth Oakley 986 British Sir ve 966 A Life's itansom 281 Giralda Time Tries All VOL. XXXVIL 989 Ella Rosenburg 99U Warlock of tbe Olaa 991 Zellna 999 Beatrice in Neighbor Jackwood 2»4 Wonder 295 Robert Emmet 396 Green Buthes VOL. XXXVIIL 297 Flowers of the Foreat 998 A Bachelor of ArU 299 The &lidnlght Banquet 300 Husband of tn Hour 301 Love's Labor Lost 309 Naiad Queen 303 Caprice 304 Cradle of Liberty VOL. XXXIX. 301 The Lost Ship 806 Country Squire 307 Fraud and It* Victim* 308 Putnam 309 King and Deserter 310 La Fiammina 311 A Hard Struggle 319 Gwinnette Vaughaa. VOU XL. ' 318 The I.OTe Knot [Jodg« 314 Lavater, or Not a 'Bad. 315 The Nuble Heart ' 316 Coriolanus 317 The Winter's TiU* 318 Evelecn Wilson 319 iTanbo* 390 Jonathan In England (Ftetub's Standard Drama Continued on 3d page of Cover.) •AMUBL FRENCH. 28-30 Weat dSth Street. New York Cttjr. Vfffi^ >W?<j», xt^nvn.^ UNDER THE FLAG ^ ilomantic iDrama in ^^rologue anti four ^tt^ BY FRANKLIN BERNARD, L.L.R. NOTICE— Amateurs do not require permission to produce tliis play. Copyright, 1910, by Samuel French New York | LoimoN SAMUEL FRENCH SAMUEL FRENCH. tTD. publisheu 26 southamp-ow street 28 & 30 West 38 Street Strand UNDER THE FLAG. Iproloaue. CHARACTERS IN PROLOGUE. "WiLLARD Blake Diamond Broker George Morris Chief Clerk Larry O'Toole Second Clerk Gerald Firman George Morris' Friend John Firman Gerald's Father Rastu-s Hemingway Janitoj- Jerre Donne Blake's Pal. Cbaracters in iplai?, George Morris Superintendent of Firman's Plantation WiLLARD Blake In disguise. Jerre Dunne In disguise. RiCARDO Gutierrez. .Governor of the Province of Santiago, Cuba Larry O'toole John Firman Owner of the Plantation Gerald Firman His son. Rastus Hemingway . . A faithful Servant and Friend William Ewing An American in the Cuban army Father Delgato A priest Sanchez A farmhand. Antonio A farmhand Pedro , .... A negro jailer. Farmhands, Soldiers, Insurgents, etc. UNDER THE FLAG PROLOGUE. WiLLARD Blake, diamond hrol-er's office, practical door and window r. in hack; partition to r. running from hacJc to front; safe {for diamonds) to R. against partition; desk at l. with chair, etc.; desTt and chairs in small room made hy par- tition, being private office of Blake. Desk with high stool behind in left corner. Door at at back in private office. Hooks for hats, etc., and small mirror. Blake, discovered seated at office desk l. searching through drawers {fac- ing audience). Music at rise. Blake. Where did I put that letter from Dunne & Harens — {searching in pockets and desk) I intended to destroy it at once — I am sure I put it in the drawer with some other papers ! Should it happen to fall into the hands of the police, I, Honorable Willard Blake, the wealthy and respected diamond merchant and candidate for Congress and also for the hand of Miss Alice Firman, an heiress of the wealthiest and most honorable family in America — would — {still searching) find myself in a cell of the Tombs prison instead of a comfortable seat in Congress at Washing- ton. No — not here^ — I must have left it at home — No, I'm sure I put it in here — as I was about to destroy it when a customer entered — I told that fool never to write anything — I feel a trifle nervous, think I will take something to pull myself together, {goes 3 UNDER THE FLAG. into .rivaU office. unUclcs cupioard, takes out MM and 'glass and pours out hquor, ^s about to dnnic, then listens, then about to dnnh agam) tSnter Jerke Dunne at D. bach in main #^«' ««« * t oZthen goes to door between r^^n office and private office, looks tn at Blake) Well, here's health and success to my own particular '"donne. Jerre Dunne '.-Why - '^at'^.f ^ ^t*^^^ iiSai°aro".-raS:,ritraS^^^^^^^^^^^ °"DrNE*ZtTneve%oldn.n„ttostea^^^^ iJ%.\ Whit's the matter with yer any way— ^h^l^i^^ as a jack-rabbit, bow you la\t that way when we were doin' the smugghng act between Mexico and Texas and -Rt attf Silence ! I say never mention that again. In t™' days T was in for anything that brought adveXre and wild excitement, but here I am an pennT; no mtto ?^w ifis ob^ined, ehl (pours out another drinh) Well here's ! (Enter Georgia Morris d. in retain office and hears ^ voiTsin next room-ahout to hang up hat, and listens.) That the next paper of ^^f --^« ^.^^^f ^^Twaf a he worth double the last one. Oh, but that was «* lucky haul— noAV tJNDER THE FLAG. 5 Blake. Enough of this, I say- DuNNE (drinks). I'm sorry, there's not enougli of this, I say! George. But this is enough for me. {exit d. iri main ofjice) Blake (going to d., letween office, and looJcs out into main office). Come now, what's the news? Dunne. You know there was a terrible racket over that last package of diamonds that was missed out of the custom-house. Blake. Yes — But no one suspects Dunne. But they do! Blake. Whom ? Dunne. Me ! of course ; no one would suspect sucK a fine gentleman as you. How could they I Blake. Of course not — well — tell me how you know — they suspect you. Dunne. I've been in the sweat box, as the officers call it — but I swore till I was black in the face that I knew nothing — Don't I look a little on the brunette order ? — and as they had no proofs against me, I was allowed to depart in peace. Blake. Good — we are then safe, but double your caution for the next haul. By the way, don't write me any more on these matters, as letters are dangerous and I am afraid I've lost the last one you wrote to me. Dunne. I do hope you haven't, for there's enough in it to send us both to the pen for a thousand years. Can you trust your ink-slingers? Blake. No, one of them, Toole, is a thick-headed Irishman, but he's dangerous on account of his honesty ; the other one, Morris, is too shrewd and he is therefore more dangerous. Dunne. Then take him in the deal with us. Blake. I offered him a partnership but he declined in such a way that I imagine he suspects something is wrong in the ' asiness. Dunne. Then take m^ advice and bounce him I B UNDER THE FLAG. Blake (laughingly). Oh, trust me for that — we are both suitors for the hand of the same: Dunne. Charming young lady, (laugh) Blake. Exactly ! — At one blow I intend ridding myself of my dangerous enemy and my rival by^ • Dunne (drawing his finger over his throat). Blake. Ko, I might have resorted to such des- perate means in Mexico, but here in New York, I have a more genteel way of transacting such business. Dunne. Hire some one to do it for you — me, for instance — Well, you know me. Blake. A much better way : I intend to send him to jail. Dunne. Wliere you should be if you got your dues. Blake Yes — but we don't always get our dues! And thus ruin his character and good name. Dunne, Well I must say that's exceedingly gener- ous of you. (laughingly) Blake (low tone). Someone is coming — quick — ^get out — (pushes Dunne out of d. in private office) (Enter Larry Toole, d., in main office, hangs up his hat on hook, smoking stogy.) Blake (coming into main office). Late this morning, Larry ! Toole (wiping his face from perspiration) . Yis, sor. You see, sor, I wint away from the office very early yesterday afternoon, sor, and I came late this mornin' so as to make up the difference; do you mind, sor ! (going to desk hack and facing audience) Blake. Oh ! I see, Larry — (going to his desk down in front) it's quite clear, but it is a peculiar course of reasoning, (looking straight at him) Larry. Of course it is ! It's a peculiar case, (very excited) and besides I met with an accident, (putting lighted end of cigar in his mouth, then spitting out and jumping around) . Blake. So I see. UNDER THE FLAG. 7 Larry. And I therefore couldn't get here any later (aside) Oh ! This stogie, 'twill be the death of me — (hides it in his hands) Blake. I'm very sorry. Larry. So am I sor! (about to go to seat and watching Blake) Blake (aside) . I must conceive some means of enlisting this honest fellow's sympathies against Morris, (walks up to him deliberately) Larry (drops his stogie on the floor and tries to hide it with his foot, while it smoJces furiously) . Oh ! that piece of rope ! My, oh my ! How it smells ! I'll be fired — I wish I Blake. Larry, I am forced to the belief that there is a thief in this office. Larry. Holy smoke! (looTcing at stogie) Where is he? (running about office looking for supposed thief) Blake, Stop! One moment, Larry, (feHngr fco?fZ of Larry) You don't appear to catch my idea! Larry. No, I want to catch the thief, sor ! Blake. That's just precisely -what I want you to help me accomplish. Larry. But it seems you don't want me to find him (tries to get away) — (aside) I want to get that stogie. Blake. One moment, Larry, and I will attempt to make myself clear to you. Listen ! Larry. I listen, (looking at stogie smoking: bus.) Blake. I mean to say, Larry, that I have in my employment in this office a thief ! Larry (jumps). By the shade of St. Patrick — I hope you don't mean me, sor ! Blake. I am pleased to tell you that I do not. Larry. I breathe once more! (looking at stogie) — (aside) I wish that Havana would stop breathing. Phew ! how it smells ! 8 UNDER THE FLAG. Blake. Within the past month I have missed several diamonds from the safe. Larry. How can that be when they are kept in the little safe on the inside and no one has the key to it but yourself — and a Yale lock at that ? Blake. To convince you of my confidence in your honesty and sound judgment — I will raise your salary $10 a month, Larry. You take my breath away — (aside) that stogie will take his breath away, if he gets a whiff of it. Blake. Kow whom do you suspect is the thief ? Larry. I suspect no one, sor — not even meself ! Blake. Not even — for instance — Mr. Morris? Larry. No, sor ! not even for wan instant ! George Morris — a thief! — a — why — he is the best friend I have on earth — and a nobler, truer heart niver bate in the human breast. Blake. Well, I am pleased to know you admire 'Mr. Morris so profoundly and I will therefore ask you not to mention a word to him concerning what I have just narrated, (going towards D. in main office, takes hat from hoolc and puts it on) Larry (picks up stogie). Not a word! — on the word of a Toole which was never broken — when it was easier to keep it Blake. I will step around to the Police Station and see what the detective department has done in ferreting out who the thief can be and in the mean- time, Larry, let this grasp of my hand (Larry ex- tends hand, Blake takes hold of it and draws his away quickly: the stogie is supposed to hum it) My, what's that? Larry (changing cigar to other hand). My hand is very hot, sor! The excitement of the dis- closure you made has made me very feverish ! Blake. As I was about to say, let this grasp of my hand evince my most perfect confidence in your man- UNDER THE FLAG. ^ 9 hood, honesty and integrity, {exit at D. in main office hack) Larry. " Let me evince my most perfect con- fidence in your manhood, honesty and integrity" — now if he had said that without the correlative adjunct, as we say at College, that is: the ten per month extra, it wouldn't have carried much weight, but as it carries two pounds — as we would say in Ireland — every month for a year, making twinty-four pounds, all told — it's therefore a very weighty re- mark: for it carries with it much conviction and disarves my most favorable consideration — which I will now proceed to consider — {sits on stool at desk, taking up pen and writing) Now let me see; tin times twelve are twelve times tin (dips pen in ink) and vice versa, making in all wan {dips pen in ink again and upsets inkstand, takes handkerchief and wipes up ink, puts it hack again in his pocket) — ■ hoondred and twinty dollars for the year — {takes handkerchief and wipes his nose, getting ink all over it, pretending all the time to he very much ahsorhed in his figuring) Now those hundred and sixty dol- lars, me present magnificent salary per annoom, plus wan hundred and twinty makes the grand and munificent total of four hundred and eighty dollars — {puts down pen, his elbows on the desk with his face between his hands and looks at audience) — Is there so much money in the world — I wonder! — {thinks— gets down from stool — c, hack) No longer will I wear this. toggery which bespeaks me humble plane in society — no longer will I wear these celular- loyd appendages — {tears off collar, takes match, lights it and holds it up while burning) Thus do I cast all evidence of me poverty to the four winds of heaven ! Hereafter will I bedeck myself with purple and fine linen {dives in desk and brings out collar and shirt newly laundried) — and now to arrange me twilight in a manner becoming a gentle- man of culture, wealth and refinement {takes off coat. id UNDER THE FLAG. showing red undershirt and paper shirt-front — looks out of window) Great heavens — some one is coming ! (grabs up collar, shirt and coat and rushes off l. 2 e.) (Enter Eastus d., hacJc in main office with pail, mop, sponge and large rag — looJcs around.) Eastus (negro dialect). Hullo! nobody hyer, mighty strange seems to me ! — leavin' all dem dimons to take care of themselves — why some of des fine mornin's some one will cum in hyer and carry off dat safte — dimons and all (sets down pail and things except mop — goes up to door and looJcs into private office). Well, I do declar — I was goin' to wash dat window — guess I better not do it now fo' fear some one might see into dis yer place and findin' no one in will jess naturally sneak in and carry off dat safte ! (Enter Larry d. l. 2 e. ; clean collar and shirt, dif- ferent coat, looking very neat with his nose still covered with ink.) Eastus (sees him, not recognizing him: aside and frightened; bus.). Fo' de Lor's sake a bugler wid a mask on too; what'll I do? — (Larry goes down to- ward safe, pretending not to see Eastus) He's goin* to steal dat safte — (rushes down quickly at charge bayonets) Hyer! you bans off, I say; h^ns off or I'll choke yer te deth wid dis yer mop ! Larry (much astonished). What in the wur- ruld is the matter with you, you crazy nigger! (drawing back) Eastus. Oh! it's Massa Larry! (laughs heartily, doubling himself up) I thought fo' shure ! you was a shure enuff bugler — pon my soul I did — (laughs again). Larry. Didn't you ever see an Irish gintleman before? Eastus (laughing). No! not like you, Massa ILarry [ UNDER THE FLAG. 11 Larry. Av coorse yer didn't — there's very few loike me ! Bastus. I never saw but one orter — he was in a circus! (laughing) Larry. What do you mean? {going towards him) Rastus {taking hold of Larry's arm, both at c. facing audience). Did you ever see a tattooed man? Larry. Faith, I did not — but I have heard of them ! Rastus. Would yer like to see one? {loolcing intently at each other) Larry, Faith, I wud Eastus. Come with me — {they turn face ah out, walk grotesquely up to mirror at hack) Look in there and you'll see one. {pointing to mirror) Larry. Oh ! be the powers ! ink ! indelible ! {bus.) Evidence of me occupation indelibly written upon me features; I have heard of such things before! How will I ever be able to efface this from this er face. {hus.) Rastus {laughing heartily). Dat's a mighty serious mattah, Massa Larry. Larry. Serious — it's lamentable! {hus.) How can I ever get it off? {hus.) (walking down to desk in front and throwing himself into chair in despair) Rastus (gazing at Larry, looks around at pail, suddenly rushes down to c). I've got it, Massa Larry ; I've solved de difficult problem ! Larry (rising quickly). What do you mane? Rastus. Cat I am now prepared fo' to erase de obliteration on your physermerhogony dis very ink- stand ! Larry (looking at him inquiringly, shakes his head). Too deep for me ! (sits again in despair) Rastus. Why, what's de mattah wid you, Massa Larry? I said I would take dat ink off on yer nose in about two minutes ! Larry. You will ! (jumping up) Rastus. Dat's what I will — come here — (takes 12 UNDER THE FLAG, liold of Mm and takes Mm to c.) — stand dar and doan yer move, {goes up, gets pail and Irings it down) Larry. I was never more subdued in my life. Eastus (sets down pail, talces out soap). And here yer are ! Larry. What's that — soap? Eastus. No! Soapolio! Larry. Will that take it off? Eastus. It takes paint off on boards and I reckon it oughter take ink off on yer nose. Larry. Well, we'll try it, desperate diseases de- mand desperate remedies. Let her go Gallagher! Eastus. All right, den you jest sit in dis yer cheer! — (sets Larry in office chair wMcJi he brings near c.) now put yer head back — so — (puts Larry's head on, hacTc of chair, tips chin 'back) now you jest wait one minute and I will show you how I kin do de kalsminin' — (gets pail, sponge, mop and his rag: the pail must have a strong lather of soap-suds in it) Larry. I fondly hope this operation will be suc- cessful. (Eastus brings down articles mentioned, throws rag over Larry's breast and tucks end between his collar and throat.) Larry. Here ! Here ! Don't choke me ! Eastus. Never mind — I won't hurt you — Dat*s de way — dis reminds me of my old perfession Larry. Were you ever a barber? Eastus. No, sir! a tonsorial artist! (singing "Now close yer eyes (putting hand over Ms eyes) and cover up yer head, de bogy-man (goes to pail, takes sponge, souses it in pail, getting it all over suds) will catch yer if yer cry" (humming air of song) " Go to sleep, etc., (putting hand over Larry's face like a barber before shaving.) Now how will you you have it, with or without Larry, With or without what ? Kastus. Chloroform ! UNDER THE FLAG. 13 Laert. Without, to be certain. Eastus. All right, here she goes — {rubs sponge all over his head and face, while Larry sits up in chair, struggles, spits and tries to talk; Eastus shoves him hack in chair). Hold on ! hold on ! Larry. I am holdin' on — ain't I Eastus. Now just be quiet for fo' minutes and de operation will be completed, (takes sponge and wipes Larry's face, leaving it clean, the ink removed) and dar you are ! Now what will you have, Floridy water. Pond's extract or bay-rum. Larry {getting up and taking of rag). Eum of some kind, get over to Flaherty's for tin cents — the Dutchman on the corner charges fifteen. It is all off? Eastus. It is all off — come — {takes Larry hy the arm to mirror as before). Behold! Look upon dis picter and think of de other, {they turn around and face audience) Larry. If ink upon your nose you throw. Eastus. Eemove it with soapolio. — {goes down and brings his things to desk l. at back) — Well, I guess I'll wash dis yer window — it needs it, the Lord only knows — Oh, Massa Larry, I almost done forgot — here's a letter I picked up dis mornin' on de flo' here in the office, it may be important, so I thought I'd keep it safte till I got a chance to hand it to some one in hyer. {hands letter to Larry and proceeds to wash window singing) "Go to sleep etc. — (Larry reads letter, keeping time to Eastus' song) " Close yer eyes — will catch yer — " {keeps on humming air through Larry's speech) Larry. . By the jumping jumuny Moses ! {looks at Eastus, then coming down; intensely) What's this • — the last package of diamonds was stolen — {looks at letter again) and sent to Mr. Blake who is in on the game — one hundred and twenty-five carats, valued at $25,000.— Why this a "fence" and we're all liable to be pinched, {putting letter bach into envelope 14 .UNDER THE FLAG. and anxiously looTcing round) I'll get rid of this infernal thing and this job here pretty quickly — I'll just put it in this drawer with the other papers; luckily it is open and so no one will ever suspect that I have read it Rastus. Well now dat I've finished, I'll just have ter quit yer, Massa Larry, and I'll say good-bye tei you now, fo' I doan' tiuk I shall eber see yer again. Larry, Why {going up to him) are you going to lave us, you're not ? Rastus. Yes, I be; I've been done and hired out with Massa John Firman who is goin' to Cuba to his plantation and we will stay dar a long time, he tells me. Larry, To Cuba! Why you'll be a dead nigger in twenty-four hours after you get there ! Rastus {frightened). Why, how yer talk, man! — what do yer mean? Larry. There's a revolutionary war down there — ■ and they kill niggers on sight, Rastus, Oh ! My ! You doan' tell me — guess I won't go — safter to stay here — doan' yer think so? Larry {thinks). Ah! An idea — {aside) I won't stay in this place any longer— perhaps I may be able to get a job with Mr. Firman myself — he is going to be George's father-in-law very soon and I know he will fix it for me. {aloud) Not if I should go with you to protect you ! Rastus {delighted). Oh, Massa Larry will you go too? Den I'll go shure enough, — fo' you're so smart all de Cubans and Spaniards in de world couldn't catch me den. Larry. No, I'll warrant yer they won't — all yer have to do is just let them know in a gentle but emphatic way that you are an American citizen and they'll not only lave you alone — ^but they'll pretend to respect you if they really don't in their hearts, and it amounts to the same thing in the end. Rastus. I do wish you can fis it up with Massa UNDER THE FLAG. 15 Firman ; den I'll go shure enough — good-bye {exit d. at bach main office) Larry. Well there's a light already breaking through the dark clouds, (goes to desk L., takes up pen and proceeds to write in hooJc). (Enter George Morris d. at hack main office.) George. Good morning, Larry {hangs up hat) hard at work as usual I see ! Larry. Strict attention to business is my chief characteristic as you must be aware by this time. George (going down to r. near desk). Yes, I've observed it quite frequently. Larry (looking at him, getting off stool and gO' ing down towards him and looking furtively at door hack). What's the matter, George? You don't look like yourself at all — you seem worried, is anything the matter with you? Come now, if you are in trouble confide in me — I'm your friend — and I'll do any- thing in the world to help you. George. Yes, that's true, Larry (taking his hand). You're a good kind-hearted chap and I will tell you what troubles me as it will relieve my feelings and you may be able to help me Larry. Count on me, George, to the death ! George. Thank you, old man, but I'm afraid no one can help me (bus.) Larry. Well tell me all and then we can better decide the question! (George looking around) There's no one here; Mr. Blake has gone down to the police station to get a detective to try and discover, who the thief in this office is. George. Then I am afraid it's too late (bus.) — Larry. Why, what do you mean ? George. Listen ! — You know Miss Firman ? Larry. The daughter of Mr. Firman, the wealth- iest and best customer the boss has — Oh, don't I ? George. Well you never knew I loved her, did i3[ou ?: 16 UNDER THE FLAG. * Larry. Never knew it! I never knew it\{hus.) Well as you happen to receive an eight page four- times-erossed-over letter every day, signed Alice; and as you are continually singing, " Alice, where art thou " — christen the office cat " Alice " which is un- questionably a " Thomas William Henry Jeremiah " — reading every minute you get a chance the novel entitled " Alice in Wonderland " — buy loaf sugar for the expressman's horse, because its name is Alice — Well I should think I did know that you were head over heels, ears and boots in love with Miss Alice Firman and you should therefore be happy; for I know she is dangerously afflicted with the same dis- ease. George. I am happy in the knowledge that my affection is reciprocated by her, but I have a danger- ous rival. Larry. Who can it be ? George. Blake. Larry. Ah ! Ha ! I begin to smell a rat ! George. A few days since he proposed to her and, of course, he was rejected. Larry (delighted). Bully for her — I'm afraid I'll fall in love with her myself ! What did he say ? George. He hinted strongly to her that I was dis- honest and that he would blast my character. Larry. Blast him ! if he tries it ; have no fear ! George. On the other hand, I do fear him greatly. No villainy is too deep for him to descend to. While he pretends to be a respectable member of society, I know him to be an unscrupulous scoundrel and he will hesitate at nothing to accomplish my ruin. Larry. Ha! Ha! Ha! your on to him as well as I — well! George. For some time my suspicions have been awaken to the fact that there is something crooked in his diamond transactions. Larry. In what way ? George. The bills accompanying the packages UNDER THE FLAG. 17 contain the name of a firm which has no existence in the diamond business. Larry. How do you know? George. I have made inquiries through Brad- streets and they report no such firm in existence ! Some one has informed Blake concerning that inquiry and he became suspicious — he offered me a partner- ship in the business and I refused. Larry. Why don't you inform the police about him? George. Because I have no convincing proof of his rascality — and this morning I overheard a few words of conversation between him and another man which confirmed my suspicions. Larry (aside). That letter is all he wants — I'll tell him. (bus.) (JcnocJc at door in main office) Covae in! (Enter Gerald Firman d. hach main office) George (goes to meet Gerald) . Good morning, Gerald! (they shake hands) What brings you here — no bad news of — er (excited: bus.) Gerald (laughing). Alice, my sister! Oh! No! but good news, I hope, at least I trust you will accept it in that spirit. George. What is it? Larry. Here's my chance to go over to Flaherty and get that drink — I'm a trifle nervous — it will brace me up, (tal-es hat, exit d. back main office) Gerald. You know the revolution in Cuba has become a very serious matter and the people of this country are clamoring for our government to inter- fere in favor of the rebels ; the situation is therefore very delicate between Spain and the United States. George. Yes — so I conclude from what I read in the papers. Gerald. Father, I presume you know, owns a very large sugar plantation in Cuba and on that account I 18 UNDER THE FLAG. presume the President has appointed him consul there. And we all leave for Cuba next month. George (in despair). And I may not see Alice again — You call this good news, Gerald? — Ah, I see it all now — Your father not approving of my engage- ment to your sister has determined to separate us. Gerald. There, you are mistaken ! George. What do you mean ? ( hus. ) Gerald. He approves of his daughter's choice in you and said he admired you for your many manly qualities. George. But why take her away? Gerald. One moment, not so hasty, please! On account of his duties as Consul, father has concluded that he will be unable to attend to the affairs of his plantation; and if you will accept, he offers you the position of his manager. George. You overwhelm me with joy ! Gerald. I expect him here every moment now, when he will talk the matter over with you and Mr. Blake. (Enter Blake unoiserved d. in private of/ice.) Blake. My name — what does this mean — her brother here! Gerald. You will accept, I hope, and go with us ? George. Can you doubt it ! and let me thank you most heartily and sincerely, (shake hands) Blake. What does this mean — I must discover by talking to young Firman alone — but how get Morris out of the way — ah! I have it — (coming doivn) Good morning, Mr. Firman! Gerald. Good morning, Mr, Blake! Blake. Ah ! Mr. Morris, will you kindly run down to the post-office and get my mail, I forgot it this morning in my haste, here is the key. (hands him the Tcey) George. Yes, sir! (going to door hack, takes UNDER THE FLAG. 19 hat) Good morning, Gerald ! (looTcs lack inquiringly and suspiciously, bus.; exit d. hack) Blake, Mr. Firman, I desire to say a few words in explanation of what I said concerning Mr. Morris to your sister the other day, no doubt she has told you! (offering him chair) Gerald. She has, sir! (sitting) Blake. You are also aware that I offered my hand to your sister. Gerald. And were promptly rejected ! Blake. Mr. Firman, I cannot and will not take " no," for an answer ! Gerald (rising). Mr. Blake, the heart and hand of my sister is her own property and she possesses the natural, legal and absolute right to give or refuse them to whom she pleases' and being an honorable girl she could not give them to you when they are promised to another. Blake. Then she is engaged? (rising) Gerald. She is — and to one of the noblest fellows on earth. Blake (excitedly). To whom? Gerald. George Morris — your chief clerk — (gO' ing) Blake. If there is anything that can add bitter- ness to the rejection of my suit, it is the knowledge that your sister has given her hand to one who is totally unworthy of her, unworthy even of her ac- quaintance, let alone Gerald (stopping) . What do you mean, sir? (Enter Larry d. at hack, very quietly, listens, assum- ing a position to he ready to appear as though he just entered should Blake see him.) Blake. I mean, sir, that George Morris, the young man whom you consider the soul of honor, is a com- mon thief ! Gerald (about to strike him hut refrains: hus.) 30 UNDER THE FLAG. Be careful, sir ! how you traduce the character of the man who is about to become my brother. Blake. I repeat it, sir : he is a thief ! Gerald. You lie! (excited and nervous) I do not know what foul plot your villainy has invented to ruin the character and good name of my friend George Morris — but the one thing I do know: that it will fail — for I will at once inform him of this terrible accusation, so that he may be on his guard and thus be able to protect himself (going to d.). Larry. I'll find George and tell him about the letter, so that he can get it as soon as he comes in (exit quickly). Blake. Go, then and tell him what I have re- lated to you; YOU will then discover who trembles — for the very moment you inform him — that mo- ment will I cause his arrest and he is at once dis- graced. Gerald. If you cause his arrest, I have no fear but that he will vindicate his honor and prove his entire innocence ! You have invented some fiendish plot to ruin him, because he is my sister's affianced husband, but let me inform you, Mr. Willard Blake, if he were sunk so low as your perfidy and villainy would have him, she would still honor, love and respect him and so would I ! (going towards d. in hacTc; Blake facing audience and is much confused and agitated) (Enter Larry d. at hach, going down and slaps Blake on the hacJc.) Larry. Well, George, old boy, how d'ye feel, that last — (Blake turns around) Oh! Holy Moses! I'm in for it now up to my neck. I'll go out and get another, that will give me courage to face him. (exit D. hacJc) (Gerald loohing hard at Blake exit same door.) Blake. I'm afraid I have gone a little too far bo UNDER THE FLAG. 31 early in the game ; now let me see (sitting at desk in front) if Morris is not informed of what has just transpired here, I will have him execute my little plot against him; his honesty will greatly aid me and at the same time hasten his own ruin: well, the devil generally takes care of his own, they say, and I'll have to depend very largely on his aid this time, (looJcs at watch) It's time he was here — what can be detaining him — has Gerald met him, if so — I'm sure I will fail (looks at watch again) how nervous I am getting! (Enter Morris d. at bach m. o.) Here he is ; what a debt of gratitude I owe Satan ! George (coming down and handing him letters). Here's the mail ! Blake. Thank you. (takes letters) Did you meet young Mr. Firman? George. No, sir! (bus. Mr. Blake pleased)' and now can I have a few minutes conversation with you? Blake. With pleasure, but as I have some very important business to attend to, you would do me a great favor by postponing it until this afternoon and in the meantime, if you will attend to a little business matter for me, I will be greatly obliged to you. George. Very well, sir I Let it be three o'clock, will that hour be convenient for you ? Blake. Yes, that will do. (looking at watch) ten o'clock (going to safe, takes out money and an envelope; aside) At' three o'clock you will be in a cell at the police station (coming down to desk) Now, Mr. Morris, if you will kindly go to the New York Central ticket office on Broadway and get a ticket for Mont- real, also a lower berth, you will oblige me — (hands him money) there is the money. George. For yourself, sir? Blake. No, for a friend of mine: James Walker of Stamford, Connecticut. I expect him here this afternoon — you may sign the ticket for Mr. Walker — 22 UNDER THE FLAG. as it is a lirst-class ticket, it makes no difference, you know. George. Very well, sir — (going) Blake. Ah ! one moment, Mr. Morris, when you return, I want you to take this paper of diamonds- there are ten stones in it— to Mr. Watson, Twenty-six Wall Street, and allow him to select one— as he has no time to call around here himself— I promised to send him a few, from which he might make a selection. George. Why not permit me to take them now ? Blake. I do not want you to carry them around with you any longer than is absolutely necessary. I have put them in this drawer (showing him package) and will give you the key (takes key off ring and gives it to him) so that if I should not be here when you return, you may get them. George. But isn't it just as dangerous to leave them in the desk as it would be for me to carry them on my person ? Blake. No, I will wait here until Larry returns and he will remain here until you come back again George. All right, Mr. Blake (going). Blake. Oh ! by the way, Mr. Morris, I have with- drawn all pretensions to Miss Firman's hand and instructed her brother this morning to inform her of my resolution — and I wish you all the joy in the world. George. I thank you very much— then at three o'clock, Mr. Blake (going). Blake. At three o'clock, Mr. Morris— (George exit D. at back in M. o.) Blake. At three o'clock you will hold an inter- view with the jailer, if anyone, for it will not be me— my scheme will work— thus far it has succeeded be- yond my fondest expectations. Oh ! experience you are the greatest teacher after all— no matter whether it be good or evil, it can be used to one's advantage— and now, Mr. Morris, you shall nev^ wed the beauti- ful and accomplished Miss Firman. UNDER THE FLAG. 23 (Enter Larry d. laclc.) Ah ! Larry, back so soon — I notice you have been very attentive to business to-day. Laery {hanging up hat and sits on stool behind desk L,). Yis, sor! strict attention to business is one of me great failings, (takes up pen and appears to he busily writing) Blake, Did you meet Mr. Morris? Larry. No, sir ! But I met Mr. Firman and his son Mr. Gerald and they'll be here in a few minutes. Blake. Good, everything works into my hands like a charm — Larry, go out by the private door and bring a police officer in that way. Larry. Yes, sir! (gets hat; aside:) a police officer — a copper — a fly mug — oh ! me ! oh my ! what does this all mean! (exit) Blake. The game is a desperate one — and I shall win — (rising) — Alice Firman and her fortune will procure for me both social and political success — and now, George Morris, you are a ruined man ! — for the prison doors are now open to you — in a few moments they will close upon you and you will be lost forever — (Enter JdHN Firman and Gerald d. hack M. o.) Blake. Good morning, Mr. Firman — We have met before, Mr. Gerald. Firman. What is the meaning of these terrible accusations you make against Mr. Morris? (lower key of voice) Blake. Their meaning is simple, for they are true (enter Larry with policeman d. in private office) Oh ! here is the officer — Mr. Toole, have the kindness to look out of the window and inform me when you see Mr. Morris approaching, (officer and Larry appear at door of private office — Larry enters main) Larry. I'm sorry that nigger washed this win- dow! 34 UNDER THE FLAG. Firman. You must be aware, Mr. Blake, that if these accusations be not true, that Mr. Morris has a legal remedy for heavy damages. Blake. I do not fear that part of it, as I can very soon convince you of their absolute truth. For some time past I have suffered a number of robberies of diamonds ; at first I suspected this clerk Larry. Oh ! murder, suicide and sudden death ! Blake. But I was very soon convinced of his innocence. Larry. I breathe again ! Blake. And careful watching proved the guilt of George Morris. Larry. Oh ! No, I don't breathe again ! Firman. Mr. Blake, you astonish me beyond ex- pression. Mr. Morris is a young man in whom I had implicit confidence and in whom I reposed unbounded faith, so much so, that I was about to offer him a position of great trust and responsibility on my plant- ation in Cuba where I am about to go very shortly, and I have already consented to his marriage with my daughter. Blake. In that case I presume you prefer that I should hush the matter up. Gerald. No, a thousand times no ! — let these base charges be sifted to the very bottom. (Enter messenger hoy with letter d. hach M. o.) Blake (takes letter). From whom do you come? Mess. The ticket agent of the N. Y. Central Rail- Mess. Letter for Mr. Blake. Blake. Good ! You may go and thank the road. gentleman for his promptness and courtesy, (exit Mess. d. hacJc m. o.) and now I repeat, George Morris is a thief. Gerald. And I repeat it is false, Willard Blake! Firman. Be quiet, Gerald; reason not passion best serves a friend. UNDER THE FLAG. 25 Blake. Morris is about to steal some diamonds he saw me put in that drawer, for I saw him closely watching me when I placed them there. Now this letter informs me that he has purchased a ticket and berth on the N. Y. Central train that leaves this evening for Canada at 11 : 40 and it is my firm belief that he intends to steal those diamonds and abscond to Canada. Firman. Suspicion is no evidence of guilt: Blake. That I will admit. Firman. Has he bought the ticket in his own name? Blake. No, but under the convenient name of Walker. Firman. How do you know it was Mr. Morris who bought the ticket you mention? Blake. I have had detectives on his track for the past two weeks and they immediately inform me of his every action. Larry (aside). Hlustrious Cassar! He's had one on my track, too, T suppose ; he knows every drink I've had at Flaherty's ! (aloud) Mr. Morris has just turned the corner, sir ! (aside) I'll give him the tip. (going to door) Blake. You will remain where you are, Mr. Toole. Larry. With the most agonizing pleasure ! Blake. Now we'll soon see; let us retire and watch his movements. If he takes the diamonds from the drawer his guilt is proven ; if he does not, then I have misjudged him and will make every reparation that is possible to be made by an honest man. Gerald. I will not consent to this arrangement! Larry. Nor will I ! Gerald. It is some foul plot! Larry. It is ! Blake. Should they refuse, I am lost ! Firman. What objection can you have to the 2G UNDER THE FLAG. arrangement. If our friend is innocent, there can be nothing to fear ! Blake. Certainly Mr. I'irnian is right — ^let his innocence be his shield and protection — quick, then, quick ! Gerald. I'm afraid we are aiding in his ruin ! Blake. Quick ! Quick in here ! (Firman, Ger- ald and Larry exit in d. l. e. Blake and officer into D. to private office) {Enter George d. hach in ir. o.) George. Hello! {hangs up hat) No one here, why, where is Larry — taking a nap, I'll warrant, poor fellow, he's all worked up to-day; that letter has made him so nervous that he has been over to see his friend Flaherty about twenty times {laughs; goes to d. l., opens it slightly, calling:) Larry! Larry! I say, {closes door again) no, not there! {crosses over to d. leading into private office) {tries door) it's locked! Blake must be out also — strange ! leaving those dia- monds unprotected in this manner {going down to desh and sits; Blake and officer looTcing out of door; Firman and Gerald the same) This appears to be very mysterious business I am employed upon and how strangely the ticket agent looked at me, when I bought that ticket — {unlocks drawer) Ah! Here are the diamonds {taking them up and laying them down again) Ah! Here's the letter Larry told me about ; the very thing I need to protect myself against Blake, for he is a dangerous man ; now shall I execute his order or read the letter? (George tahes pacTcet out of drawer and puts it in his coat pocJcet rises, buttons up his coat, closes drawer, as he does so officer comes down c.) Officer. You are my prisoner ! George. Prisoner ! On what charge, pray ? Officer (l. a little up). Grand larceny in the first degree. UNDER THE FLAG. 27 George. Why, what does this mean? Blake (coming down e. c). It means, ungrate- ful young man, that you are caught at last! (goes to D. L., throws it open, enter Firman, Gerald and Larry) Now, Mr. Gerald, will you believe the ac- cusation ? George. Oh ! I see it all now ; oh ! you villain ! you unscrupulous scoundrel ! — With all the over- whelming proof, Mr. Firman — Gerald — do you be- lieve me guilty? — (bus. weeps) Gerald. No, George ! I do not believe you guilty. Larry. • Nor do I now, George Morris ! and I never will ! Gerald. George, you and I have been bosom friends since boyhood and no one knows you in this whole world better than I and if the proofs were a thousand times stronger than they now appear to be, I would still honor and respect you ! and I would be- lieve you innocent! (tahes him by the hand) Larry. And so will I ! Blake. We will soon put an end to these heroics ! That is my private drawer, and no one has any right to open it except myself. Come now, sir! how did you get possession of that key? George. You well know that you gave it to me yourself and instructed me to take the diamonds from the drawer and bring them to Mr. Watson in Wall Street. Blake. A pretty story indeed ! Now, first, there is but one key to that drawer — here it is — (showing Icey on ring) the one you have is a duplicate, obtained by you I know not in what manner ! — Second : I know no such person as Mr. Watson of Wall Street, and thirdly: you have purchased a ticket for Canada on the N. Y. Central train, which leaves to-night at 11:40 under the name of Walker, and fourthly: where are your witnesses to prove that what I say is not true. George. You, Willard Blake, shall be my witness 28 UNDER THE FLAG. and the only one I shall require. — Now, sir, what is your base accusation? Blake. Is it not plain to every honest man that you intended to steal those diamonds and abscond with them to Canada ; which diamonds you now have in your possession, for we all saw you take them George, You lie ! base villain that you are ! The plot was cleverly laid, Willard Blake, but it has failed ; the packet I took from that drawer was not the diamonds, but this letter from Jerre Dunne, which contains proof enough to send you to prison, for twenty years. {Holds up letter, Gerald grasps him hy both hands; Larry dances r. h. corner; Blake falls into chair hy desk as officer places his hand on his shoulders in obedience to a gesture from Firman.) CUETAIK. ACT I. Scene: Rural — Drop showing fort and tower of Mora Castle in distance — water at foot of fort — which is slightly elevated — set trees at R. and l. — Shelving as much semi-tropical scenery as stock will permit. Seat under tree L. — Music at rise. Larry and Eastus coming on r. u. e. Larry is dressed in ivhite linen suit, large East Indian helmet, which works backwards and forwards; Eastus in blue overalls, light thin shirt and a very broad-brimmed straw hat with string tied around it. Larry is seated and is fanning himself with large palm leaf fan, while Eastus is holding a large parasol over his head — Larry has field glass slung over his shoulders and is smoking a very long cigar and looks su- premely happy. UNDER THE FLAG. 29 Eastus. And now Massa Larry, as our celebrated Congressman from my very important state — Go'gie — once said — where are we at? Larry. I presume you are aware that we are still on Mr. Firman's sugar plantation Rastus. No, I'm not — my, he must be an awful rich man to own so much land — I'm all turned round Larry. Why we're home again — there's Mr. Morris's house ! Rastus, Why, so it is — I'm so glad — I thought we nebber would git home again Larry. Well, you see, being the overseer I must attend to me business or I'll lose me job. Rastus. Yes, you always did attend very strictly, to business — when you worked for Mr. Blake. Larry. And that was a lucky day for me, when I put that letter in his desk-drawer. Rastus. Luckier for you, when I found it ! Larry (looJcs at Eas. — thinks). You're right, Rastus — and you're me friend — and now let us form a compact between the two nations that no enemy, can never break, {takes Ras. riglit hand in his left, loth face audience; Larry puts right hand over Ras. right shoulder, Ras. sarhe each puts his right foot across the left, putting toes on floor. Song.) — Africa and Ireland — (they keep this pose for a few seconds) — And now you would like to know something of this neighborhood, I presume, Rastus ? Rastus. Deed I would, Massa Larry. Larry (takes field-glasses from case, looks through them towards r., hat falls over his eyes — Rastus highly amused) Rastus. What are you looking at, Massa Larry? Larry. Nothing ! Rastus. Wat I thought! Larry (looks again this time all right, appears to see something and is satisfied) . Ah, yes — ^there it ig 30 UNDER THE FLAG. — they haven't moved yet — there will be some fun around here pretty soon, I'll warrant. Eastus. Dat'll suit me — I'm always looking for fun! Larry, Well you'll have to excuse me — I don't want any of it — there's not much fun in it. {looks towards l. hacJc with glasses) Eastus. Why what does yer mean — I'm kinder uneasy. Larry. Yes, there's the other; they'll not he sparring much longer I'll warrant. Eastus. What did you say? Larry. Look here ! take the glasses ! — Now look over to the left there! Eastus {looks through wrong end). Oh! my! Larry. Do you see anything? Eastus. Yes, but everything looks about four hundred miles away — I can't tell what it is. Larry {laughing). Well, no wonder; you're looking through the wrong end of the glasses. Eastus {hands them to Larry). Well, you ought to know fo' certain which end to look through, an if I looked through as many glasses as you did Larry {laughing). Over at Flaherty's! Ah, I wish I could see him now, he'd set 'em up ! Eastus. I'd know too. Larry. Well, here look through this way — now try if you can see anything. Eastus. Oh, my, how near everything is and I do see lots of things, dat I couldn't see without dem — Larry. Well, do you see anything now ? Eastus. Yes, a flag. Larry. Describe it! Eastus. It has red and white stripes wid a blue triangle at the end near the staff wid one white star in it — what flag is dat? Larry. The flag of Cuba and the holy cause of liberty. Long may it wave over this beautiful island, UNDER THE FLAG. 31 which God intended should be the home of the free. Eastus. And what is it doin' over dar? Larry. That is the headquarters of Colonel Wash- ington Eyan, a young Irish American who has joined the insurgents in their struggle for freedom — and may he succeed in his noble mission ! and he has with him over there a battalion of Gomez' soldiers. Eastus. Oh, Lor' ! {about to run away, Larry grabs him) Larry. Come back — come back! — I'm not half through with the scene. Eastus. I doan' know whether I wants any more or not. Larry. Oh yes, you do! Now look over there! — Now what do you see ? I want to show you where you are at! Eastus. Why, ah see another flag and it's a different one. Larry. Can you describe it to me ? Eastus. Yes, it has yellow and red stripes. Larry. The Spanish flag; the first one that was planted on the shores of America, which land became the refuge and home of the downtrodden and op- pressed of the whole world and I'm ashamed to see it flying there. Eastus. Why so ! What is it doin' dar ? Larry. There are stationed a detachment of Spanish soldiers under Major Bernoe. These two forces have been sparring with each other for some time past, I am told, and I wouldn't be a bit sur- prised, if they should get into a regular battle before very long. Eastus. Oh, Lord ! Oh, Lord ! Oh, Lord ! Larry. What's the matter? Eastus. I'm skeered to death! Larry. You look it ! Are you not old enough to know how to protect yourself? Eastus. I'm afraid not — Are you? Larry. I'm old enough to try ! and my experience 32 UNDER THE FLAG. has taught me that only three little things are neces- sary to one's complete protection in this country. Eastus. Tell me what they be, Massa Larry, so I kin git 'em; fo' the Lord knows I need dem bad! Larry. They are very simple and easily obtained. Number one: For the protection of my health which of course is the basis of all happiness, this (pulling out a flask of whishey and takes a stvig). Eastus. Then give me some protection right now — I need it ! Larry. Hold on! (grabs bottle) You appear to be a strong protectionist (puts bottle in pocket) Second: This (points big revolver at Eastus who hollers and runs). Eastus. Don't, it might go off Larry. For the protection of the lives and prop- erty of my friends and mine own (puts it back) Third : This (pulls out a silk American flag). Eastus. Oh, my, dat beats dem all (takes hold of it fondly). Larry. To protect the lives, honor and dignity of every American citizen in every land on God's green earth. Eastus. Bully for you, Massa Larry, you're the smartest Irishman I ever knew Larry. Then your acquaintance with the sons of the Emerald Isle must be exceedingly limited ! (puis flag back in pocket) That'll make the Spanish gentlemen wince if they ever come up against it, I'll warrant yer, and they'll find one stout Irish heart behind it to follow it no matter where it leads. Eastus. Three cheers for the red, white and blue ! Larry. Now let us come down to business — you know my past weakness is strict attention to business. Eastus. Deed ah do ! — wat honey — deed I do ! Larry, We took on two new hands to work on the plantation the other day, and I don't like the looks of either of them. Eastus. How so? UNDER THE FLAG. 33 Larry. One of them reminds me so much of that scoundrel Blake — I'll bet my life, that that fellow's hair and beard are false and one of these very fine days, in the near future, I'm going to find out what the real color of that fellow's hair is. Kastds. Why, you doan't mean to say Larry. I'm say in' nothing just now, but I'm keepin' up the devil of a thinkin', I can tell you. Rastus. You frighten me Larry. You've nothing to fear, {shots heard off R. to rear) Rastus {frightened, grabs 'Labry), Oh! Haven't I — save me ! Save me ! Larry, {throws him off) Oh, brace up! {runs lack and looks through glass, hat works as before) A skirmish between a small number of both forces, probably the picket line — that's nothing serious {com- ing down c, Rastus very frightened, looking at watch) It's about time for you to ring the bell to call the hands up for dinner. So I'll just run over to the house for orders and will he back in a few minutes. Rastus. Oh ! doan' leave me here ; dem Spanish soldiers will kill me, I know dey will ! Larry {going.) Have no fear! they are not after Americans. They only kill their own people {exit L.) Rastus {teeth chattering) . I'm so frightened — ah can^t move — Oh! what'll ah do — {grabs parasol, opens it, sits R. of c. putting parasol behind him; noise of horse galloping getting nearer; Ras. rolls his eyes around, tries to get up and cant do it) Oh ! my ! wish I could run — ah can't even stand up ! {Enter Spanish private in uniform, carrying gun and large bag fastened to strap, slung over his shoulder, comes down to r, of Ras. pretends not to see him, takes out printed notice and tacks it on a free) (Rastus quickly turns around, gets his bach and parasol toward soldier) Oh me! Oh my! I 34 UNDER THE FLAG, t nebber saw a sheriff like dat fellow befo'. If he sees me ah'm a dad nigger ! Soldier (turning around, about to go, sees parasol). Ah! what's this — (goes around slowly, Ras. heeps turning so as to keep parasol between him and soldier till latter has made complete circle; when parasol gets between Eas. and audience, soldier jumps round quickly and catches Els. facing him,; puts up gun as if to shoot Eas. — Eas. yells and screams and puts parasol between him and soldier, jumping up) Murder ! Watch ! Police ! Larry ! Everybody ! Help ! Oh help ! Massa Larry ! Quick ! Help ! (Larry rushes on l., revolver in hand pointing at soldier, who does not see him while Eas. does.) Eastus. I'm saved! Larry. Halt ! (Soldier looks around and sees him, frightened puts stock of gun on ground, holding it by the barrel.) Larry. Attention ! (soldier always obeys) Eastus (gets to back of soldier, closes up parasol). Well, I guess we've got him now — -Oh ! I dun no ! Larry. Shoulder arms! — eyes right! — eyes left! — eyes front ! — eyes back ! — Attention ! — carry arms ! — mark time! (Larry counts, the manual of arms is gone through — after every command given Eastus kicks and cuffs soldier: oh, I dun no! ad lib.) About face! — (Soldier turns his back to audience, faces Eas. who steps back) Charge baj^onets! — (charge on Eas. who runs and yells up stage) Halt! — about face ! — forward ! march ! — halt ! — left face ! — ( he turns toward Larry, while Eas. comes to the right of Larry) charge! bayonets! — (soldier rushes at Larry, whose hat falls over his eyes — Eas. yells, grabs hat and throws it up) Halt! — (soldier halts just as his bayonet is about to touch Larry's coat) Eastus. I dun saved yer life dat time ! Larry. Shoulder arms ! — right about face ! — for- ward — double quick — march ! {soldier rushes off) UNDER THE FLAG. 35 Eastus {shaking hands with Larry). That's the way to fix him ! Larry. Me military tactics may be a little crude, but me moral tactics are all right — Number two — (looking at revolver) Rastus. V/liy it makes me brave just to look at you, Massa Larry. (Enter William Ewing head down, very limp and walking very slowly as if in pain. Comes down to c.) Eastus (very frightened). Oh, my! another Spaniard! (goes near Larry) Ewing (puts his hand to breast, looks at Larry). You are an American? Thank God! Larry. ) No, an Irishman 1 — but it's the same thing ! Ewing. I'm mortally wounded, I'm afraid, will, you assist me? (totters) Larry (holds him up) . What a question ! Will an Irishman assist a fellow-being in distress ? Come, sit down here ! — Here, take some of this, it will revive you ! — Eastus, run quick over to the house and bring Mr. Morris here! — quick now! tell what's happened quick ! Eastus. All right. Sir ! Larry (unhuttoning Swing's coat, showing hadge on his left breast). Why, you are a member of the grand army of the Eepublic, how is this? Ewing. Yes, Abraham Lincoln Post No. 6, New York. I served in the 17th U. S. Infantry during the entire war under Grant. Larry. Poor fellow, I see it all — the spirit of liberty burns so strongly in this noble fellow's breast that he is willing to sacrifice his life in aiding these struggling Cubans to obtain their freedom and in- dependence. Oh, that the world possessed more of you! 36 UNDER THE FLAG. {Enter George Morris, Father Jose Delgato, a ^ priest, and Eastus u. l. e.) George. What is the matter, Larry? {coming doiV7i R. of Larry) Larry. Here is one of our people, a,ncl a veteran of the civil war, wounded to death, I'm afraid. George. Poor fellow. {addressing Ewing) Have you any strength to talk. What is your name? EwiiNG. i think so — Ewing — from New York City. I enlisted in the cause of liberty with these poor persecuted Cubans; and if my life would bring them their freedom, I would gladly give it ! George. Noble fellow! Larry. After my own heart ! Delgato. Our duty first is to attend to his physical needs so as to prepare a safe journey for his soul should it be released from his body. George. You are right. Father; let us take him to the house. (Larry and George eacJi put tJieir arms under each arm of Ewing and they go off very slowly towards l. 2 e.) Delgato {following). And may the great Father Avho with loving kindness cares for all, bless this unfortunate child and have mercy on his soul. {Exit L. 3 E. Eastus fi?'st, Larry and George with Ewing, Priest following.) ' {Enter Blake disguised with wig and heard r. u. e. looking after them.) Blake. Little you thought, George Morris, that I would dare to follow you here, but there is no more fit place in this wide world where circumstances can be turned to my account and against you than here in Cuba, and this little circumstance I 'U'ill try to work against you with the Governor of this Province. He hates the Americans because the insurgents love UNDER THE FLAG. Z% them. This is true of all Spaniards here and if he hesitates to kill you, — well it's easy, enough to get some one else to do it for him. Then my turn will come. Oh, Revenge, but you are a sweet morsel! (looking) Here comes that nigger, he must not see me alone. (Exit quickly r. u. e.) (Enter Eastus l. 2 e. crosses to e. 2 e. and rings hell about a dozen taps.) Eastus. Dars a couple of dem farm hands I don't like; dey may be Cubans but I doubt it. Larry nebber makes a mistake. Oh ! He's so smart, (exit L. 2 E.) (Enter r. u. e. Blake and Dunn" disguised witK wigs and l cards, Sanchez, and farm hands all dressed in overalls, jumpers and hroad-hrim straw hats, looking pretty rough. All sit down eX' cept Blake. Chorus may he sung.) Sanchez. Well, (looking around) where's the dinner, I'm hungry as a bear. Omnes. So am I. Where's the nigger? Sanchez. Here he comes. (Enter Eastus l. 2 e. with large hasket containing dinner and a hig jug of coffee tvith cups on top; sets it down very timidly, says nothing and exits quickly same as entrance. The men all take sandwiches out of the hasket and commence eat- ing.) Dunn. Eat heartily, lads, for you will need strength for our work this afternoon and evening ! Sanchez (to Blake). Have all the arrange- ments been made so there's no chance of failure. Blake. Well, ask Antonio, he's been selected our Captain. Omnes. tWhat is it, Antonio, what is it about ? Dunn. I — thought you all knew the details. Sanchez. No, two of our gang were not present as UNDER THE FLAG. when we arranged the affair, so tell it for their benefit. Blake (sitting on bench under tree). Not too loud, that nigger might be loitering around. Remem- ber this is dangerous business ! Be cautious ! Dunn. Let Sanchez tell it. He's the strongest patriotic spirit among us. Omnes. Sanchez ! Sanchez ! Go on ! (ad lib.) Sanchez (rising). Well, boys, I think it is a great crime for us to be lying around here enjoying three square meals a day and some of the comforts of life, while our brothers are in the field fighting, bleeding, and dying in the cause of liberty, and I think it is our duty to help them in this desperate struggle ! Omnes. Hea^ ! Hear ! Bravo ! (fl(i Zi&. Bus.) Blake (rising). Bravo! We are with you to a man ! Men, what say you ? (he sits again) Omnes. We are! We are! to a man! (bus.) Sanchez. The other day I was informed by a reliable person that there is at this minute nearly fifty thousand dollars in gold in the Governor's house with which to pay the Spanish troops ! Omnes. Yes! Well! Can we get the money? Sanchez. We can. Omnes. How ? Sanchez. By raiding the house, of course. And this money will buy lots of provisions, clothing and ammunition for our heart-broken brothers in arms and with the money and ourselves added to the cause, they will be greatly aided. Voice. Wouldn't that be robbery? Sanchez. Xo, everything is fair in war. Blake. And in love ! Voice. Suppose the Governor himself should be met? Blake (rising and vehemently). If ill him of course. In war it would not be murder; do not the Spanish soldiers kill your brothers, do they consider UNDER THE FLAG. 39 it murder? Do not the Spanish soldiers burn your brothers' homes? Do they call it arson? NO, Sanchez is right, we will do as he bids. Omnes. We will! We will! (bus.) Voice. But how can we overcome the guard ? Blake. Antonio, who has been chosen captain, he will tell you how to turn that little trick. Dunn. I will arrange to have the Governor away from his house when the time comes and to have the guard sent on a wild goose chase by a false order. Omnes. Good! It wiW work \ (ad lib.) Dunn. Now then, boys, let us procure our arms. I have arranged to have the guard sent off, and at the sound of the bell — two taps and three shots will be the signal for marching at once to the Governor's house. I will be there as soon as you will and I appoint Sanchez first lientenant whose orders you will obey until I arrive, Omnes. We will ! All right ! We will ! (going) Dunn. Then good luck to you and prepare your- selves well. Omnes. We will ! We will ! (exeunt, omnes, eX' cept Dunn and Blake^ l. u. e.) Ddnn (coming to center). What's the matter, Willard, you don't seem to take as much interest in this matter as you did yesterday. Blake (rising). Oh! Yes I do. (aside) I must turn this trick to my own advantage, (walking towards r. 2 E.) I must get that money first and then — (sees notice on tree, stops and reads) Dunn (sits on bench under tree r.). Let me study the program so there will be no mistake. (takes out paper — appears to be deeply reading papers) Blake. What's this! (reaJs woh'ce) Any and all persons within the Province of Santiago de Cuba giving information of any kind to the rebels or any one in sympathy with them or their cause or in any manner rendering any aid, succor or help to them or 40 UNDER THE FLAG. any of them, or harboring, sheltering or feeding them or any of them shall be deemed guilty of treason and upon conviction shall be hanged, all in accordance with section fifty-three. Military Code. (Signed) Martinez De Campos. Captain- General, Isle de Cuba. (turning towards audience intensely). Ah! Ha, George Morris, my work is easy. In New York your honesty ruined me ! Here your sympathies will ruin you and save me. (thinks) I have it. Dunn (putting paper in pocket, rising and corri' ing down R., Blake crosses to l.). Well, Willard, you seem to be doing a lot of thinking just now. Blake. Yes ! I am ; this job requires a lot of it. We are taking desperate chances. I>DNN. No greater than when we tried to steal the money ourselves last month ; and we got away. Blake. Yes, but we didn't get the money ! Dunn. But if we hadn't got away ; what then ? Blake. Well I don't care to hear ancient history. Dunn. What's in your head now; some scheme I'll bet you. Blake (angrily). Yes, there is, and it's this: you know in this affair some one is going to be stretched out for good ; and I don't propose it shall be me. Dunn. What do you mean ! Blake. Let's give the Governor the tip. We'll get a large reward. Dunn (angrily). What, give away our pals ! Blake. You've hit the nail on the head ! Dunn. And curse you ! Willard Blake. I've a good mind (pulls pistol) to hit you a clip on your head with this, so hard that you'll never be able to use it again for any purpose, let alone anything so infernal, low and mean as what you've just proposed. It was you, Willard Blake, who made me the scoundrel and criminal that I am. But remember one thing! UNDER THE FLAG. 41 I'll not go back on my pals ! and I will stick to them through thick and thin. So go steady, Mr. Blake, or rather Mr. Hernandez ! Go steady ! Blake. Ha ! ha ! Here's my hand, Jerry. I was only trying you out. Dunn. Well, Willard, don't try me out again in the same way ; if you do you'll never live to try it on any one else. Understand ! (exit l. u. e.) Blake. I'll have to get rid of you Mr. Dunn. You are getting altogether too moral for my com- pany. A clip on my head, eh? Well, I guess a clip under your ear will do as good work for me. Why should I take any chances. Luck seems to be with me and in the scuffle I'll manage to land a bullet in George Morris's head so as to be doubly sure of him I (Enter Senor Eicardo Gutierrez, quickly r. 1 e.) Blake. May I speak a word to your excellency ? Eicardo. Not now I'm in a great hurry. Blake. It is a matter of vast importance to you and to your government. Eicardo. In that case I'll listen. What is it, quick ? Blake. You know Mr. Morris, the superintendent of this plantation. Eicardo. Yes? what of him? (loohing at Blake intently) Ah! Ha! and I know you now? you scoundrel ! You are the man who attempted to bur- glarize my house about a month ago and steal the money you know I had there. Blake. Well what are you going to do about it? (pulls revolver) Eicardo. Why, call the guard yonder, have you arrested and then hang you. Blake. That's easier said than done. Eicardo (excitedly). What do you mean, you scoundrel, (hu^.) Blake. I mean that your guard is now far away, decoyed by a false order supposed to be signed by J[OU. 42 UNDER THE FLAG. RiCARDO (excitedly looTcs off R,, comes hack, stands k. of c. ) . 'Tis true ! Speak, man ! What does this mean ! (hus.) Blake. Ah ! Ha ! You'll listen now. You hate Americans because they are secretly aiding your enemies and you would like to rid your province of every one of them. Is it not true? EicARDO. It is but natural for every patriotic Spaniard to think and feel that way. Go on. Blake. Agree to my terms and I will give you enough evidence to prove Morris guilty of treason, the punishment of which is death ! EiCARDO. You can do this? {excited and nerv- ous) Blake, Yes and more, I can prove him a con- spirator against your life and to rob your house of the money now in it ! RiCARDO {very excited). Your terms then, what are they? Blake. A pardon for my offence against you ; ten thousand dollars in gold and a passport out of the country. RiCARDO I agree to — {about to extend his hand). Blake. Where's the security? RiCARDO. The word of a Spanish gentleman. {bus.) Blake. I must have something more substantial than that, you are known as a proud, cruel, and stern man. Now listen ; everything has been carefully prepared for the organization of the farm hands on this plantation into a company which, with George Morris at its head, will join the insurgents. Their first move will be to loot your house and kill you if necessary in accomplishing that end. RiCARDO. Your proofs ! (bus.) Blake. First: George Morris has now in his house a wounded insurgent attended by a priest in violation of that notice; (pointing to notice on tree) eecond — in less than half an hour the signal, two taps UNDER THE FLAG. 43 of a bell aad three shots, will be given when the work will begin. EiCARDO. If I can prevent this thing it will greatly advance me and ray interest with the home government and I will receive fresh honors and a high office. But can I trust you in this matter ? Blake. Is it not to my interest to do so ? EiCARDO. Good! Then depend on me, for it is to my interest to avert this uprising and to punish the conspirators! {takes booh out of pocket, writes in it, tears out leaf) Take my horse yonder {pointing r.) Eide for your life after the file of men and give this to the officer in command. Blake {crosses to r.). Do not fear me sir! {going) Now, Mr. George Morris, you succeeded in foiling me in one plot ! I wonder if you will succeed so well in this one. {laughs — exit r. 1 e.) EiCARDO. Can I trust this fellow? He has be- trayed his comrades, he may betray me ! Wealth and Jiigh position for me is the stake and I'll risk it. I am safe at least, for where martial law reigns I am supreme, {exit R. 1 E.) {Enter George Morris, Priest and Gerald, l. 2 e.) George {coming on, going r.). I'm afraid poor Ewing has received his death, but he shall at least have every tender care that is possible to be given to him during his last moments. Delgato. I trust your fears are unwarranted ; he is now sleeping soundly and with great care and care- ful nursing he may recover. Gerald. We fondly hope so ! George {sees notice on tree and reads it). What's this! I cannot translate it all. {to Priest) Father Delgato, will you kindly translate that notice for us. Delgato {going to notice). Briefly it states that any one giving aid or comfort in any manner to any of the insurgents will be guilty of treason, the punish- ment of which is death by hanging. 44 UNDER THE FLAG. Gerald. Then we must all be very careful con- cerning poor Ewing. George. Yes, luckily no one knows of the circum- stances but ourselves, except Eastus and Larry and with them our secret is safe. Delegato. The Lord will not permit the punish- ment of those who perform works of mercy upon their fellow man, for the great law is " Sow to yourself righteousness and ye reap in mercy." George. But I fear the Governor of this province on account of his extreme hatred towards Americans. He is ambitious and is therefore dangerous; and I also fear for your safety, good Father, for you too have broken the law. Delgato. Why fear him? Hath not our blessed Savior taught us in these words : " And fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul ; but rather fear, him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." George. You are right, good Father Delgato, your advice is consoling and it gives me strength. Delgato. "The Lord is my strength and my song and He is my salvation." Gerald. We are indeed in a very uncomfortable position to say the least. George, here comes father and the Governor, (looJcing off R.) and judging from appearances we are in trouble. (Enter r. 1 e. Eicardo, Firman and several armed servants to the Governor.) Firman. I say, sir, you have been deceived; the whole affair is simply absurd. Eicardo. Absurd or not I am obliged to act on the information given me; it is sufficient; (to atten- dants) arrest those two men. (pointing to Delgato and George — they are placed under arrest at once by two attendants each standing beside them) George. Are you in your right senses, Senor Gutierrez ? UNDER THE FLAG. 45 EiCAEDO. Sufficiently to ^now that I will be responsible for arresting a would-be robber and murderer ; a treasonist and felon. George. Take care sir! Although I am a pns- oner to you, you will discover that you cannot heap such wrongs and insults as these upon an American " EiCARDO. Do you deny that you have given aid and assistance to an insurgent soldier. GEORGE. No, I gave aid to a ^y^ng American soldidr, the same aid I would extend to one of jour own It matters not to me whether a man be Cuban or Spanish, I would not deny him succor m an hour "^ FmMAm Bravely spoken, George, and if there be any power left in the Stars and Stripes you shall not 3e? for this humane act. (/. Eicardo) And why do you arrest this reverend gentleman? Great Heavens! Has the proud and once all-powerful nation, Spain, fallen so low ! . ■, ^ Gerald. Seiior Gutierrez, I once thought you a man of honor; there must be some stronger motive than the one you mention. What is it . Eicaedo. The danger is too imminent to talU further on the subiect. ihell rings twice and three allots J.) Ah! Ha! The signal. Seize and bind them lest they escape to their friends (they are quicUy seized and ropes are tied around tleir arms) George. Seiior Gutierrez, do you call yourselt a ""'EicARDO. I call myself the Governor of this province and you are my prisoner. (Enter Larry running on as fast as possible l. u. e.) Larry. There is going to be trouble here mighty soon, (at c.) . • \ J- ^^ Gerald. We are having our share right now. Larry (loohing around and seeing George and Delgato prisoners) . What does this mean, George ? 46 UNDER THE FLAG. (going toward him the guards advance threateningly. Larry pulls revolver) George. Don't, Larry, I beg of you, don't get yourself in trouble as I may need your assistance. Larry. And you need it now. {noise and shots heard off l. u. e. and r. u. e.) I'm sure of it. {bus.) Gerald. What does all this mean? {consterna- tion by every one except Eicardo) EiCARDO. It means that I am saved ! Larry. Well I'm dam sorry for it ! (Spanish soldiers commander by officer rush* in, double quicTc, R. 1 e., cross and go a little up stage to l., form in line facing r. u. e. Blake sneaTcs in, stands behind them.) Officer. Take aim! {they aim. guns) (Farm hands rush on n. u. e.) Dunn (leading them). Forward, lads, quick! (they see soldiers and all stop and crouch doivn) Dunn. AH ! HA ! We have been betrayed ; but by whom ! Blake (rushing through ranlcs to c). By me, Hernandez, a Spanish sympathizer. And now your excellency, is it death to traitors ? Eicardo. Ay ! to all ! None shall be spared ! Blake (tahing out revolver and aiming it at George). Then I will set the example by ridding you of their leader, George Morris. Larry (Larry hnocks revolver out of his hand, tears off his wig and beard). The precepts and ex- ample have both failed, Willard Blake ! (pointing his revolver at Blake who cowers down low) CURTAIN". UNDER THE FLAG. 47 ACT II. Scene : A prison, window high up with bars, l. of c. Iron barred door c. back — two stools — very dark back, light arranged so as to be full on door, dark either side. George and Priest discovered. George sitting on stool L. in shirt sleeves. GeorgEw Oh ! Father, this is terrible ! More than I can bear. I am afraid ; and to be thus humiliated and abused. Oh! it is awful, (hides face in his hands) Delgato. Do not think so, my son, but remem- ber " Those who walk in pride. He is able to abase. For whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted. George (rising). Ah! Yes, Father, your faith is fresh and I feel it will save our souls, but I fear great harm to our bodies. Delgato. Who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good ? George. Your life has been a better one than mine and it is therefore harder for me to bear up under these false accusations. Delgato. Having a good conscience that whereas they speak evil of you they may be punished that falsely accuse you ! George. Ah ! Father, but to be forced to suffer innocently when I have done nothing but good seems hardly right to me. JDoes it seem right to you^ good Father? Delgato. It is written " For it will be better if the will of God be so that ye suffer for well doing than for evil doing ; for Christ also hath suffered for our sins : the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God!" (bus. George bows his head) 48 UNDER THE FLAG. Pedeo (with lantern at hack gate, reading order). A gentleman to see Father Delgato. {he opens gate) {Enter Larry quichly going to George. They shalce hands warmly and crossing to Father Delgato, shakes hand with Priest.) Larry {quietly to priest). How does he bear up beneath this terrible ordeal? Delgato. His faith in God makes his burden easy and he has no fear of death ! Larry, And such a disgraceful death ; accused of being implicated in a plot of which he is as innocent as you are. Father Delgato ? convicted upon the testi- mony of the blackest and lowest scoundrel that ever escaped the gallows and sentenced by a man who dis- graces the sacred name of Justice simply to gratify his personal and political ambitions. It is the foulest and blackest crime imaginable and I intend to prevent it, this very night, George {coming toivard him,). How, Larry! Tell me ! Larry {going up to door looking out through tars, then coming down earnestly and quietly). You know the other jailer, Sancho the negro, relieves Pedro here at eight-thirty this evening. Well, he'll not be here, George. What do you mean? {nervously) Larry. Well he'll not be here this evening ! George. How so? Larry. He's three miles away, fast asleep and he'll not wake up until to-morrow afternoon about three p. m. George, Wliat has happened to him? Larry {taking out bottle). I gave him some of my protection, so he's safe. Do you mind? (wink- ing) George. Ah ! I understand now. But why did you do this ? Larry. Eastus is dressed in Sancho's clothes; he UNDER THE FLAG. 49 will be here on time to relieve Pedro. The guards nor any one else will recognize him. I couldn't my- self, for all coons look alike to me any way ! George. Ah ! Larry ; I comprehend now what you intend doing. Don't, I beg of you, get that faithful fellow in my position. LAtoY. Never mmd now; I'll be here with him. I got two orders, one to see the priest and one to see you, do you understand now? This time I came to see Father Delgato, the next time I will come not only to see you but to George. Hush ! I hear some one. Come now, tell me the news! Larry. The Governor is deaf to the entreaties and threats of Mr. Firman and all the American residents of the Province. George, Did they capture the farm hands, poor fellows ! Larry. No ! By some strategy they managed to escape and I'll warrant yer they'll be after me high and mighty Lord Duke Gutierrez before long. Pedro (opening door). Time's up, sir! Larry. Farewell, George ! Farewell — old — boy — I — Heaven Bless you! (putting hand to throat and brushing aivaij tear. Exits rapidly and JcnocJcs over Pedro.) George. The many friends I have in this over- whelming trouble gives me heart to bear up beneath it ! Pray for me. Father, I fear my life on earth is now very short and my hours of adversity will soon pass away. Delgato. Cheer up, my son, and have no fear; bodily harm passes soon away, therefore have strength to meet it. For '^ if thou faint in the day of adversity thy strength is small." (bus.) (Enter Eastus dad in uniform of jailer at d. bach.) George. Oh! Eastus, my friend, how — (about to 50 UNDER THE FLAG. advance toward Mm. Rastus frlgliiened and tries to he gruff) Rastus. You've made a mistake, I'm not Rastus. My name is Sancho. (bus. Aside) Ah'm seared 'bout to death! {leaves door open — aside) Why don't he run out. {ivalTcinq around in cell, not noticing George. Aside) I nebber seen such a man in my life. I've hear of people dat didn't know- enough to go in de house when it rained. He don't know nuff to go out of de house when de door is open. {noise as if some was approaching outside, Rastus rushes out, closes door) It's Larry, ah'm so glad! {opens door again and they whisper at the door) Larry {going to quicJcly to George). The door is unlocked, Rastus is on watch and the coast is clear, the guard is not there. Here, put this coat on and your escape is certain. Now quick ! George. Oh, Larry! you are too generous and good. Your love for me is so strong that you would sacrifice your own life to save mine. Noble fellow! No, Larry! The sacrifice is too great! Larry {excited). Never mind me! Me Irish wit will save my life. George. Don't press it too far, it might fail you. Larry. We have no time to lose. Quick, I say! George. The guard will return at nine-fifteen. Well, be it so and may heaven help us both ! {puts on Larry's coat alout to go) Rastus {at door). Gentlemali to see Mr. Morris, {Enter Blake, Rastus closes door hut does not loci; it. Larry goes up to door and shahes it.) Larry. Sancho ! Jailer ! Oh, Sancho ! (Rastus comes to door, they speak in dumb show) {alone) You understand now ? Rastus {alone). Oh! I understand everything will go off right, it's all fixed ! Nine o'clock then ! Larry {coming down c). Well, you infernal UNDER THE FLAG. 51 scoundrel! {makes a drive at Jiim and pulls a gun) George (taJcing hold of Larry). Not now, Larry. Not now, Larry, his time will come, later ! Blake {crossing and aside). What does this mean. Ha! Ha! a plot arranged for his escape! {bus.) Larry. Well, what do you want then. Haven't you performed enough deviltry already? You're here for no good purpose I'll warrant you ! Blake, There you are mistaken, Mr. Toole, I am here to perform a good deed. Larry. I doubt it I {turning away) I'll keep my eyes on liim all the same. George. Can any good come from you, Willard Blake. Blake. You shall soon see. The Governor has consented to sign your pardon at my earnest request. George and Larry. A pardon! Blake. Yes, conditionally ! Larry. That's different. George. I presume on conditions which are more disgraceful than the death to which I am sentenced. Blake, The conditions are these : First, that you sign this paper setting forth a confession of your guilt, I can take no chances as the pressure upon the Governor in his favor is getting very strong. Second : George. Enough ! I see through your fiendish plot. Go and never let me see your face again, {bus. Turning aivay and going up to Delgato tJiey speah in dumb show) Blake. Very well then, Mr. Morris, in a few hours your neck will be stretched to such an extent that it will never be any use to you again, {clock strikes one outside) Larry. And you're a liar! George Morris has fooled you and it's your neck, not his, that will be stretched ! Blake {looking anxiously around). What does 52 UNDER THE FLAQ, this mean ? {He appears frightened. Second stroke of Ml) Larry {to George). {Whispers so Blake can hear him) Now's your chance, {lus.) It's all arranged. George. Good! Then I'll be free, {third stroTce of hell) Blake. Free! Ah, ha! I will prevent it. {hus. Fourth stroTce) Larry. The door is unlocked, see! {running to door throws it open. Fifth stroJce of hell) Blake {down r.). I'll call for help! {ahout to run across stage to d.) (Larry draws revolver, points it at Blake.) Larry. Do at your peril, {sixth stroTce of hell) Pelgato {coming to Larry), My son thou shalt do no murder, {seventh stroke of dell) (Larry turns to speah to Delgato, when off his guard, Blake draws his revolver and has Larry at his mercy.) Blake. 'Now, sir, attempt to detain me and you die like a dog. {eighth stroke of lell) George. Larry, we are lost! (Blake hacks to door quickly.) Larry {loudly). No, but he is! {ninth stroke of hell; as Blake rushes out of door shot heard off r. Blake throivs up his hands and falls at door.) Larry {gi-ahhing George hy the hand). Eastus has done his work ! PICTUEE— END OF ACT IL JJNDER THE FLAGL g3 !;iCT III. Scene: 'Open country, perspective drop, full stage. (Larry and Eastus coming on r. 2 e. at c.) Larry {looking hack and pointing). Well I suppose that it is here that the hellish work of Willard Blake will be accomplished. I'm sorry you didn't kill him, Eastus. Eastus. I tried putty hard, Massa Larry, but I guess on account of bein' jes' a little 'cited my aim wa'n't quite as true as it might have been under mo' favorable circumstances. Larry. I'm sorry I didn't finish the devil in the prison ! Eastus. So am I; and when will poor Massa George be hung. Larry. Never if I can help. Eastus. I'm afraid you can't help it now! Larry. Well I can try, can't I ? Eastus. You've been done tryin' all de time but you ain't done nothin' yit. Larry. Well I'm going to do something now. Look here, Eastus (6ws.) George Morris won't hang, not if a stout Irish heart can prevent it. Eastus. Well I wish you luck, and plenty of it, Massa Larry. Larry. Here comes Mr. Firman and the Gov- ernor, let us step back here and listen to their con- versation. I may learn something. Eastus. Listeners nebber learn anything good ob demselves. (Eastus and Larry get behind r. 2 E.y (Enter Firman. aw(^ the Governor r. 1 e.) Firman. Once more Senor Gutierrez, as the 54 , UNDER THE FLAG. representative of the U. S. Government, I now not only utter to you my official protest but serve you with a copy of the same; the original I will retain, upon which I will transcribe my affidavit of service upon you. (takes two papers out. of his pocket, hands one to EiCAEDO, the other he writes upon and places hack in his pocket) You may accept it or not. EicARDO (takes it, puts it in his pocket). It is my duty to be courteous to the representatives of every nation and in my official capacity I shall accept the service upon me. But, sir ! I must inform you that both of these protests are useless. This province is, as you are aware, under martial law, and it is necessary for me to make a severe example. FiEMAN. But why with an innocent man ? EicAKDO. The evidence against him is overwhelm- ing. Firman. O'verwhelming ! Why it is only the unsupported testimony of the blackest villain who disgraces the form and name of man. EicARDO. The attempt to escape last night is the strongest evidence of his guilt that I could wish for. Firman. Then, sir, I appeal to you at least for a postponement of this horrible affair, until such time as will enable you to capture some of those farm hands and obtain their evidence to show whether Morris is guilty of these charges or not ! Eicardo. That would avail me nothing, for they would certainly swear he was innocent. Firman. Then, sir, I appeal to your honor as a man. Your ambition to rise in the estimation of your government must certainly be accompanied with that degree of honor which should impel you to give every one chargea with crime, no matter how lowly he may be, the fullest opportunity to prove his innocence. Eicardo. When George Morris attempted to escape he lost that opportunity ; his sentence must be executed, and at once, (looking at his watch) - UNDER THE FLAG. 55 FiRMANT. Very well, Senor, I shall be obliged to submit to your uncharitable resolution. EiCARDO. There is one concession, however, I have made in consideration of the government of which he is a citizen; that is, he shall be shot instead of hanged. Firman. I doubt if he will appreciate the con- cession. For it matters not in what manner the crime of assassination is committed the penalty will be the same. Senor Gutierrez, George Morris is a free- born American citizen, the proudest boast that can be made by any living being who walks the earth. He is the citizen of a country whose greatest pride and glory is its flag which has never yet been lowered in disgrace before the most powerful nations of the whole world ; under its stripes and starry field the humblest citizen receives the fullest protection its great power can give, and mark me, sir ! if you persist in this cruel assassination of George Morris a citizen of the United States, she will expect from Spain for this terrible outrage a bitter and awful ret- ribution. {Exit R. 1 E.) EicARDO. Dare I defy the powerful nation he represents? I'm not quite sure whether I have gone too far or not ! No, I cannot stop now, if I should, ridicule and scorn from my superiors would be my reward. On the other hand praise and preferment will be given me. Already General Campos has recommended that I be favorably considered for an appointment to a ministry at the court of some Euro- pean nation. No, he must die. A ministry and the social status it will bring me is worth more than all the lives of all the Americans in Cuba. {Exit r. 1 e.) Larry {at c). He don't seem to have much faith in the evidence against Morris and he didn't feel very comfortable when Mr. Firman presented to him what my adopted country would do to his native one. In his present state of mind the proper sort of inducements might bring him to his proper senses. 56 UNDER THE FI.AG. I have an idea. I'll try it on if I get the chance. Come, Eastus, we've business to attend to. (going) Eastus. Yes, you always was very attentive to business. Ha ! ha ! (Larry and Eastus exit l. 1 e.) (Enter Firman and Gerald, r. 2 E.y Gerald. And this is the place where poor George is to be executed. Firman. Bather say murdered. Oh! this is terrible! What can I do to prevent this terrible crime, (bus.) Gerald. Have you heard nothing from your messengers to the Consul-general ? Firman. No, not yet, and I am afraid they will be too late even should they have been successful. Gerald (affected). Oh! George, I am afraid in- deed that you are surely lost, (he puts hands over eyes and weeps. Distant music and muffled drums are heard approaching off l. Trumpet call — Firman and Gerald both start and look off l. 2 e.) Firman. Good heaven be merciful ! they are com- ing! Gerald. Oh ! George ! Oh ! George ! Can no one save you now. (Enter Larry and Eastus l. 2 e. quickly.) Larry (going up to Gerald). A man by the name of Larry Toole is goin' to try mighty hard. Gerald (takes Larry by the hand). Oh! Larry, I'm afraid your big, noble and generous heart has run away with your head ! Larry. No I think my head's in the right place, although it's doin' a heap of spinnin' of late. Now cheer up, Mr. Gerald ; I think more of George Morris than my brother, aft' I never had one, and I'd lay me life down this minute for him, the poor — (breaks down and cries bus.) Gerald. There now, Larry, I thought you were UNDER THE FLAG. 51- so brave and cheerful ; and you're crying like a child. Larry (looking round at him and sobbing and trying to look cheerful). Why! I'm — not — crying. Gerald. Well what are you doing then. Larry. That's the way I laugh, (tries to laugh) Eastus (has been looking of r. 2 e. coming down). De soldiers am — bringing — po' — ^Massa — George — an' Larry (looks off right). Yes, curse them! (bracing up) But I'll be with them and in " at the death ! " FiRMAN" (Gerald and Eastus stand l. with heads bowed while music and drums grow louder. Enter George Morris, Delgato between two soldiers, in front bound. Soldiers with officer following them. Eicardo and Blake in rear with head bandaged, blood on bandage. Priest and George are led up to c. back. Soldiers form line on left of stage a little down from c. Firman goes up and stands beside George. Larry beside Firman's left. Gerald to R. of Priest. Eicardo and Blake to n. down.). Officer. Halt ! Present arms ! Eicardo (aside to Blake). Now that the mo- ment arrives I almost falter! Blake. Fail now and you will be ridiculed ! And remember! your reward. (Gerald goes up to George, also Firman and Larry.) Gerald. Oh! my poor friend and brother! It is hard for me to ask you to have courage at an hour like this. But have courage, George. Father's mes- sengers may now arrive at any moment ! George. I have courage and it is in the knowl- edge that through life I have always tried to do what I thought was right and I now ask you, Gerald, as I am about to die Gerald. Oh! my God! (bus.) George. iThat you grant me one last request. Sa UNDER THE FLAG. Gerald. A hundred if you ask them. What is it, George ? George. You are still a very young man and the world before you is still bright and you have every prospect in future, which if you deport yourself in a manly manner will make you happy. Gerald. I will try to do so. George. Then live not for yourself but for your fellow men; not for the pleasures in this life but for the benefits and happiness you can bestow upon others. Never permit a soul to suffer when you can alleviate the distress; never allow sorrow to come to a fellow creature when you can soothe it. Be true to yourself and to my memory and you will then be true to every living creature, and when death arrives, it will not be an ignominious one like mine, I know, and the kindly acts and righteous deeds you have performed will forever be a monument to your memory in the lives of^ those who live after you. Farewell! (he faints and falls to his feet, he is assisted to his feet again hy Gerald and Firman) Larry (very excited, coming down to c). Seiior Guttierrez ! Have you any heart left in your body, when in the presence of these your own soldiers — and there's not a dry eye amongst them — you will bid them to murder so noble a man as George Morris? And there's not a man amongst them who wants to do the deed ! (Blake pulls Eicardo's coat; he turns; they whisper. ) EiCARDO. You may consider yourself lucky that I do not command them to execute you, as you attempted to secure his escape last night. Larry. Then do it, (he is standing very straight) and if it will save the life of that man (pointing to George) I will die the happiest man on the island. George. Oh ! Larry ! Larry ! you noble fellow 1 [{drops head) UNDER THE FLAG. 59 EiCAEDO. I have seen and heard enough of these dramatics and the execution must proceed. Father Delgato, have you anything to say why the sentence of death should not now be executed upon you? Delgato (straightening up and steps forward one or two steps). For myself, no! but for this young man I ask you in the name of Heaven, stay your hand ! My association with him in your foul and noisome prison cell has convinced me that he is innocent of the violation of any law against his God, no matter what you or your martial law may adjudge him. And if he be innocent before God he is there- fore innocent before men. RiCARDO. True, but you teach us to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and I have been set to judge that which is Caesar's. Delgato. And our Blessed Lord and Master speaking to such as you, said " I speak to your shame. Is it so that there is not a wise man among you? No, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren ! " (Noise heard off l. of horse galloping rapidly and a faint voice crying " Hold I hold! " and continues to grow louder.) RicARDO. Not learned in Ecclesiastical Law I am unable to answer you; and I must carry out the judgment of the court ! Have you done ! Delgato. Yes. (turns) And may God have mercy on you ! (Noise of horses' hoofs very loud and near. ''Hold! hold!" Gerald and Larry looMng off l.) Gerald. It's the reprieve, (excitement and mov- ing about) George, you are saved! at last! at last! (bus.) Enter Messenger. A reprieve, sir ! ( crosses to RicARDO, hands him paper Ricardo tahes it, reads) Blake. Foiled again! (bus.) 60 UNDER THE FLAG, EicARDO. A paper granting pardon to Father Delgato. Signed by General Martinez de Campos, Captain General, Isle de Cuba. (Larry, Gerald, Firman", Eastus and others show disappointment.) Firman (coming doivn). May I read the paper, sir? EiCARDO. With pleasure ! Firman" (reads). Too true! (bus. going up and standing beside George.) EiCARDO. Eelease Father Delgato ! (he is re- leased and is handed paper; he puts it in his belt) And now, George Morris, have you anything to say why sentence of death should not now be executed upon you. George. Nothing! Except that you are com- mitting a foul and dastardly murder and I leave you to yourself and to your God ! EiCARDO. Is there nothing more? George. Nothing except — that I forgive you. EiCARDO. Prepare him for death. (soldiers about to blindfold him and turning his bach to soldiers) And ask him to kneel. George. No ! I kneel to no one but my Maker and if I die, it will be facing my foe, like a brave American. EiCARDO. Officer, give the proper commands; at the word three you will order them to fire. Officer. Attention ! Take aim !^ EiCARDO. One — two Firm AN" (jumps in front of George). Hold I say! Once more I defy you to deny the official petition of the United States Government ! EicARDO. Take him away or I will fire on him. Firman. Then fire on me, and such vengeance will be wrought, that Spain will no longer stand among the nations of the earth. UNDER THE FLAG. 61 (FiEMAN is torn away hy soldiers who attended Priest.) EiCAEDO. One — two — th Larry {jumps behind George, wraps American flag about him). Fire upon that (pointing) and pollute it with your dirty, murderous hand, if you dare ! PICTURE— CUETAIN—STAK SPANGLED BANNER. ACT IV. Scene : Landscape drop, rocTcs r. u. e. ; trees r. and L. 2 E. A sort of woodland, trees around where convenient. Lights not full on. Blake (enters from l. u. e. ; head tied up as before, no coat on and pants ragged, shirt torn, no hat and looking very rough). The devils, they'll not catch me here, they'll never dare to come so near the Governor's house and they'll not expect I'm here. I must arrange some way to creep in by the secret door, get some of that money and escape from this cursed place — my course will then be easy. Curse them ! they'll show me no mercy for having deceived them and I can expect none from Gutierrez. I'm hemmed in on every side and hunted like a dog but I'll fight like a tiger and to the death, (at c.) Ah! Ha! Some one is coming. Who can it be? Not a friend I know, for every man's hand is now against me. (hides behind rocks R. u. e.) (Enter Firman, Ricardo and Larry l, 2 e.) RiCARDO. While I dare not insult the powerful nation you represent by firing upon its flag, yet surely George Morris' offence against our law merits some punishment. Firman. Senor Gutierrez, is not the fact that he 63 UNDER THE FLAG. is an American citizen the only crime that you can charge against George Morris and your hatred of his countrymen together with your unswerving ambition to hold high political honors impelled you to act so severely against him and me? EiCARDO. The open moral and the secret financial aid the citizens of your country are giving to the insurgents justifies every patriotic Spaniard to be suspicious of Americans, to say the least. Firman. Again, the accusation of that scoundrel, Willard Blake, whom you know as Hernandez, impli- cating him in the plot with my employees is utterly groundless, EiCARDO. What motive could induce him to make such a charge against Morris? Why charge him with attempting to take my life if there were no truth in it? FiRMAN". Well, I am glad of this opportunity to inform you. In my excitement I forgot to do so. In New York he was apparently a thriving and respected diamond broker. He sought my daughter's hand in marriage and was rejected; she had already given it to Morris who was his clerk. In his chagrin, anger and disappointment he attempted to ruin Morris' character by charging him with the theft of his diamonds, but by the merest accident, at the time, George discovered he was dealing in stolen goods. He was arrested, jumped his bail bond and followed Morris here, where the villain has attempted to wreak his vengeance on this innocent young man by charging him with another crime the penalty of which is death. EiCARDO. Your explanation places the matter in a new light before me and I hope that I can atone for the wrong I have done him by asking him to forgive me! Firman. And he will gladly grant it, a generous impulsive nature like his requires nothing more than you suggest. Ah ! here he comes now. UNDER THE FLAG. 63 (Enter George, Gerald and Rastus e. 2 e.) EiCARDO. Mr. Morris, I am satisfied that I have been imposed upon by a scoundrel and have in my effort to protect my country done a grievous wrong. As a man I ask your forgiveness. George. Your confession, Senor Gutierrez, carries forgiveness with it. Henceforth I hope we will be friends, (extends hand to Ricardo and they shake hands) Rastus (aside). Wouldn't dat feller kill yer? Now I wouldn't do dat fo' all Larry. Well I dunno! (bus.) (Distant shots heard off r. also shouts.) Ricardo (looking off -r. Excited). The revolters are about to carry out their threat by attacking the tower. Let us hasten to the barracks. Are you all armed ? Omnes. We are, George. I have nothing. Ricardo. For fear of some encounter on the way you had better be prepared. Step into the house, here, take this, (writes order in hook, tears out leaf and hands it to George) You will find a guard at the door and he will supply you with arms. We will not proceed very rapidly and you will overtake us in a few moments. Come on then. (Exit Firman, Gerald, Ricardo, and Rastus, r. 2 E.) Larry. I think, George, I had better remain here with you as there's no telling where that scoundrel Blake is ; and should he catch you unarmed he would delight in killing you. George. I have no fear of him here, as he would not dare to come so near to the Governor's house. (noise distance off R.) Larey. .You can bet he's not ofE there, for if those 64 UNDER THE FLAG. fellows get him he'll pay the penalty to them for his treachery. George, And should the Governor lay hold of him his fate will be no better. Well, it is the punish- ment he has brought on his own head through his own evil deeds. Larry. And well he deserves it. George. Well, you walk along slowly and I will get a gun in a few moments and will be with you. Larry All right (going) but I'll keep my eye open for that fellow Blake, (exit r. 2 e.) (Blake sliows himself, draws hnife, and comes down behind George.) George. Well, thank Heaven ! I have passed safely through that terrible ordeal, by the aid of my good friends and particularly through the clever wit of my dear good, brave Larry. Oh ! what misanthrope says there is no such thing as a friend. And Blake. He'll never trouble me again, {turns to go, sees Blake, starts! hus.) Blake. He will give you more trouble, I'll war- rant you, after he is through with you this time! (Bent forward with hnife in his hand which he holds behind him) George. What do you mean to do now, you mis- erable scoundrel ! Blake (sneaking down). I mean to kill you! and thus free myself of the bitterest enemy I have on earth ! George. If I am your enemy I have not shown it by anything I have done towards you, Blake. You ruined my good name and reputa- tion and made me a fugitive on the face of the earth. George. You ruined yourself by your own dis- honesty ! Blake. And by your taunts you have sealed your doom, (rushes toward them) Geoege {getting out of his way quicTcly). Would UNDER THE FLAG. 65 you attempt to murder me ! I am unarmed ! {ioing round Blake trying to clinch him) Blake. So much the better for me. My danger is then small, (rushes quickly on George, clinches him, George grabs Blake's right hand, holds it up so that he cannot he stabbed with Jcnife, they struggle.) Larry (rushing on r. 3 e. holding revolver, aiming it at Blake). Drop that knife or I'll shoot it out of your hand and then I'll kill you afterwards ! Blake (sees him, jumps away from George and drops Jcnife, and cowers down on his knees before Larry). Have mercy! Larry. Pick up that knife, George. (George picJcs it up and holds it in his hand) Mercy ! Mercy ? Did you say mercy, Willard Blake, you contemptible murderous villain? I spared your life in the prison cell, but thanks to the good old flag no harm came from that mistake. This time I'll not make any mistake, I'm going to make you a good man now. Blake. Oh ! I promise you that hereafter I will do nothing but good and will always be good. Larry. Then I'll help you to do it ! (still pointing revolver) Blake (pleased). You will? (air of satisfac- tion) Larry. Yes by killing you! For you'll only be good when you're a dead one. Now prepare yourself (mocking Eicardo's speech) Willard Blake, have you anything to say why the sentence of death upon you should not now be executed. Blake. Oh! spare me! spare me! (trembling visibly) I will make amends for every wrong I have committed in my life by acts of charity and mercy to my fellow beings. Do not have the guilt upon your soul of murdering an unarmed, miserable and wretched being. I am now prepared to begin a new life and atone for my past sins. Larry (very much affected). I can't resist such 66 UNDER THE FLAG. a 'heart-rending appeal. I can't kill you. No ! Fll not do it. {turns from him) Blake {jumping up in glee). Then I'm free! Free to live again and Larry {hands his gun to George). You're his game and the honor of killing you — you miserable viper is his. Kill him George, as you would a crawl- ing poisonous snake. George {takes gun and points it at Blake). Now, sir, the tables are turned and you die! Blake {down on his Tcnees again as hefore). Would you kill me, an unarmed man. {bus.) George. My danger is then small ! Blake. Oh ! No ! No 1 Do not I pray you ! George. Lie there! you heartless villain and now grovel at the feet of the man whom you have tried so hard to kill ! {distant shots and shouts) Shall I drag you to your companions whom you have be- trayed ! Blake. No ! No ! Not that, I beg of you, they will tear me limb from limb ! George. Shall I bring you before Senor Gutierrez whom you have deceived and who is now seeking you? Blake. No! No! Not that! I will be shot or hanged. George. Ay ! It mattered little to you whether I was shot or hanged, and it is not your fault that I now live ! Blake. Forgive me! Oh! For God's sake for- give me ! I was maddened with a spirit for revenge for the wrong you heaped upon me. George. Then can you blame me if I revenge my- self on you now for the awful and cruel wrongs you have heaped upon me ? Blake, If our positions were reversed I would forgive you, I swear before my Maker, I would ! Larky. In a pig's eye you would! UNDER THE FLAG. 67 Blake. I would spare your life as I now beg you to spare mine and ask your forgiveness. George. Liar ! You despicable wretch you would kill me as I now Larry (jumps with glee). Good! George. — forgive you. (putting down revolver) Go, Willard Blake. Eight or wrong I have spared your miserable life, in the hope that you will become a better man. Larry. Never! (bus. of disgust) Just my infer- nal luck, I was born on Friday. George. Go your way, Willard Blake, and may we never meet again. (Blake rises and moves slowly toivards l. u. e, hus.) George (talcing Larry hy hand). Again you have saved my life. How can I ever repay you. Larry. By killing that scoundrel, (pointing to Blake) George. No — no matter what his crimes may be I do not possess the right to take away his life, so by handing me the revolver you see you saved two lives instead of one. Oh ! (joyfully) Larry, you're a great fellow, (going left) Larry (going with him). Yes, I wish I was just half as great. (Exit Larry and George r. 2 e.) Blake. Yes, you've spared the life of the viper but you forgot to pull its fangs ! (about to go r.) (Dunn followed by his companions rush on r. u. e. making great noise. Blake about to run off l.) Dunn {pointing revolver). One mom.ent, Wil- lard, here are some gentlemen who .would like to say good-bye to you before you leave us. (Blake looks around, cowers and stops, two of the mob rush up, take hold of him and bring him, to center) Now boys, here is the man who has proved himself a traitor. What is the punishment of traitors? 68 UNDER THE FLAG. Omnes. Hanging! (Blake in great fear and tremhling) Dunn. Where is the rope? Voice. Here I have it ! {man brings rope to Dunn) Blake. Not so! {he grabs pistol from belt of one of his captors and shoots himself, falls and dies.) {Enter e. 1 e. Eicardo, Firman, Gerald, Larry, Eastus, Priest and George followed by Offi- cer commanding squad of soldiers who cross stage and stand l. down.) Delgato {going up to Blake, standing beside him and pointing to him). The wages of sin is death, for as ye sow so shall ye reap and with what measure ye mete unto others it will be measured unto you again, and may the Lord have mercy on him. Officer. Take aim! Delgato. Poor misguided man you have run your wicked course — may Heaven grant that you sorrowful fate be a warning to all who seek the destruction of their fellow beings, {coming down and standing in front of the soldier). Stay! Let there be no useless and cruel shedding of blood. H those men {pointing to insurgents) have anything to say in their defense, let them be heard, and I beg of you, Senor Eicardo, to give them a respectful hearing and generous treatment. Larry. I'm sorry that man {pointing to Priest) isn't an Irishman, he ought to be one. Eicardo {to Dunn). Have you anything to say? {at some time motions soldiers to desist) Dunn. Seiior Gutierrez, we surrender. This up- rising was planned by Willard Blake who will do you and us no more harm. His charges against George Morris were all utterly false. We as well as you have been deceived by him and we ask that you use your influence with your government to secure our pardon. UNDER Tmi FLAG. 69 EiCARDO. Spoken like a brave man. I will do as you ask and have no fear but that it will be granted at once. Larry. Thank Heavens! We are all saved at last! Gerald (to Firman). And now let us all re- turn to God's country! Firman. Yes, the United States of America! (Goes up to EiCARDO and they shake hands) Larry. First cousin to Ireland, the land of the brave and the home of the free, {dancing in glee) PICTURE— CURTAIN'— MUSIC ; COLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN. JUST PUBLISHED. CHRISTOPHER JUNIOR A Comedy in 4 Acts. By Madeleine Lucette Ryley. Modem cos- tume. Time, 2 J hours. Three interior scenes; 8 males, 4 females. Christopher Jedbury, Jr., having accidentally placed himself in an unfortunate position with a lady in the West Indies, is forced t© marry her without seeing her. He returns to England. His father finds out about the marriage, quarrels with him, and turns him out. Jedbury, Jr., goes to India as a clerk in his father's office, there discovers defalcations by the manager, and falls in love with Dora Hedway. He is reconciled to his father, and Dora turns out to be his vrif e. Highly recommended for amateurs. PRICE, 50 CENTS MICE AND MEN A Romantic Comedy. Four Acts. By Madeleine Lucette Ryley, Costume about 1786. Time, 2 hours, 30 minutes. Three interior, one exterior scene; 7 males, 5 females. Mark Embury, a man of over forty, is of opinion that the perfect wife must be educated from a state of ignorance and simphcity to the ideal of the man she is about to marry. He accordingly proceeds to impart his views to a girl fresh from the Fovmdling. His young nephew comes on the scene, and Embury realizes that nature intended the young to mate with the young. This beautifiol costume comedy can be played by all females, and is highly recommended for use by girls' schools and colleges. This play was originally produced by Mr. Charles Froh- man with Miss Annie Russell in the leading role. PRICE, 50 CENTS / SNUG LITTLE KINGDOM A Comedy in 3 Acts. By Mark Ambient. Modern costume. Time, 2 J hovirs. One interior scene throughout; 3 males, 4 females. Bernard Gray, a composer of music, lives in a garret in Soho. Under his charge is a young girl in the ballet, whose mother had died when she was young. Hubert Gray, the brother of Bernard, rescues a wealthy old gentleman from an accident, the latter eventually txu:n- Ing out to be the girl's father. PRICE, 50 CENTS THE BUTTERFLIES A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS By HENRY GUY CARLETON CAST OF CHARACTERS Frederick Ossian Mr. John Drew. Andrew Strong Mr. Lewis Baker. Hiram Green Mr. Harry Harwood. Harrington, his son Mr. Arthur Byron. Nathaniel Bilser, on business Mr. Leslie Allen. Coddle, butler to Green Mr. Frank E. Lamb. Mrs. Ossian Mrs. Annie Adams. Suzanne Elise, daughter to Green Miss Olive May. Mrs. Beverly Stuart-Dodge Miss Kate Meek. MnuAM, her daughter Miss Maude Adams. ACT. I. — Drawing-room in Green's Cottage, San Augustine, Florida. ACT II. — Another drawing-room in Green's Cottage, San Augustine, Florida. ACT III. — Green's house near Lenox, Mass. This comedy was produced by Mr. Charles Frohman with Mr. John Drew and Miss Maude Adams, and was an enormous s.uccess. We take great pleasure in specially recommending this Comedy for amateur production. PRICE, 25 CENTS. The Famous Farcical Comedy Played by the late Roland Reed over 1,500 times, entitled THE WOMAN HATER A FARCICAL COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS By DAVID DEMAREST LLOYD Author of " The Senator," " For Congress," Etc. CAST OF CHARACTERS Samttel Bundt Mrs. Luct Jot Professor Horace Mullbbidge Miss Alice Lanb Dr. Lane Mrs. Walton George Dobbins Thompson Tom Ripley William Orlando Hawkins James SYNOPSIS OF SCENES ACT I. — Mrs. Joy's private apartments in the Fifth Avenue Hotd, New York City. Interval, one week. "Engaged." ACT II. — Same scene. Interval, two weeks. "Disengaged." ACT III. — Parlors, Fifth Avenue Hotel. Interval, one hour. "A Weddiac on the Sly." ACT IV. — Consultation room. Dr. Lane's house, Washington Heights, New York City. "Of Course You Know I ft.m not Insane." "This com'^'^v is as full of fuu as a shad is full of bones." — New York Time*. PRICE, 25 CERTS. FRENCH'S AflERICAN EDITION. PRICE, 35 CENTS PER COPY. JT7BT PUBLISHED. "A COUNTRY KID." A BuBAX Mbbrt Ahbtkican Comedy in Three Acts. This play is particularly adapted to amateurs and is one of the beat " Kube" plays that has been puWished In recent years, Mr. Scoville, the author, having toured the United States with the play for two or three seasons with enormous success. The play is full of comedy and stroag situations. It has six male and three female char- acters. There - le good parts for a villain, a tramp, and a farmer, to say nothing of the "CoQntry Kid," which is a rip-roarer. The parts for a leading juvenile, a sou- brette, and a character old wooaan are exceedingly good. Songs and dances and •tker specialties can be introduced in the play if so desired. It is sure to be a great hit wherever produced. PEICK, 25 CENTS. JUST PUBLISHED. "MINE FALLS; OR, The MILLER'S DAUGHTER.* (An Idyl of Tankeeland.) A. RTTRAL COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS. By HERBERT DURRELL SHART. Etoht Male, Three Female Characters. Scenery Easily Arranged, Costumes Modem. Amateurs will find this one of the easiest, brightest and most mirthful of comedies t« produce. The play is built on the life and character of a typical old New England miller, who Is also Justice of the Peace. This piece, which is biimful of comedy and good BituatioBB, affords scope for easy character acting, and creates unlimited merri- meat. Humor, wit, sentiment and pathos are most ingeniously interwoven, and engage the delighted interest of spectators from first to last. It will make a sure l]it in all looalities. Price, 26 cents. JUST PUBLISHED. THE VILLAGE BELLE. A NEW SURAL COMEDY IN THREE ACTS. By HERBERT DURRELL SMART, / Author of "Mine Falls," "A Rustic Wooing," etc, etc. Mr. Smart's play, "Mine Falls, or. The Miller's Daughter," has made such 8 tremendous success that we take pleasure in offering " The Village Belle." EiRht mfde, three female characters. Scenery easily arranged. Costumes modern and rustic. The story of the play is laid in a New Hampshire village, not far from Concora, •■d the rural life and character of that vicinity is truthfully depicted. This Is > particularly effective and easy play on the " rural " order, containing plenty of humor and dramatic incident. It is an admirable play for amateurs, with plenty of g«od character and comedy part* The leading parts are particularly good ani ttnout •»r Valient* 3U5 FoMtt Rom 326 Dnke't Daughter 327 Caniilla'< Hutbt.^ 3'i8 Fure liold VOL. XLII. 329 Ticket ut' Leave Mu 330 Fool'i Revenge 331 O'Neil tbe Ureat 332 Handy Andy 3^3 Piraie ol the UIm 8:i4 Fanchon 336 Liule Barefoot 336 Wild Irish Uirl VOL. XLIIL 337 Pearl of Savoy 338 Dead }lean 3;i9 TeuNieht«lnaBar-r Peep O' Day I Life 360 Evarybody'a Friend 360sen. Grant 362^^thleeB Mavnurasea VOL. XLV. 3(3 Nick Wbifflei 364 Fruit! of t)ie Wine Cup 35b Orunkkid'e Warning 3S6 Temperanc* Doctor 367 Aunt Dinah 358 Widow Freehmt 36» Frou Froo 360 Long Strike VOU XLTL 361 Iju'cere 362 Lu' ille SeSRsodairiTbumk 364 Wicked World 366 Two Orpbana 3«6 C'Jlleen Bawn 367 'Twixt Axs and Crown 363 Lady Clancartliy ▼OL. XLTO. 8»»S«wton 37* Nertr Teo Lattto Mtad 371 UIr*fFraiM« 372 Led AetraT 373 Henry V 374 Unequal Match 375 Mny or DolU'* Odwlon 376 Allatoo»a VOL. XLVIIl. 377 Enoch Arden 37$i Under the Gaa Light 37» Daniel Rochkt 380 Caste 381 School SV'i Home 383 David Quilek 384 Ouri VOL. XUS. 3«5 Social Glaai. 386 Daniel Druo* 387 Two Rotea 383 Adrlenne 389 The Bella 390 Uncle 891 Courtihip 392 Not Such » F'o«l ▼OU u m fum r«MiMn 8*4 PrMiptw'e B« 896 Iran Haitw 396 Eog«g«l 397 PyrmalloaAC 398 Leah 399 Scrap of Taper 400 L»it in Leodo* VOL. LI. 401 OrtorooD 40! Confederate Spy 403 Uariner'i R«t«i« 404 Ruined by Dltak 405 Dreamt 406 M. P. 407 War 408BlrU rOL. LU. 409 NIghtlngal* 410 Progreia 411 Play 419 Midnight Chun 413CoDfidentUlCl«fk 414 Snowball 416 Our Revlmmifc 416 Married for Monev Hamlet In Three Art* QatU* it Oitlpll FRENCH'S INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHTED EDITION OF THE WORKS OF THE BEST AUTHORS. The following very successful plays have Just been Issued at 25 cents per copy. A PAIR OF SPECTACLES. Cdmedy In 3 Actr by SvDNhv Grunpv, author of "Sowing the Wind,'- &c. 8 male, 3 female charactere. A FOOL'S PAHADISE. An ortfrlnal play In 3 Acts bv SvDNnv Gkunty, author of "Sowing the Wind,'^ Ac. 6 male, 4 female characters. THE SILVER SHIELD. An original comedy In S Act* by SVdnry Grundy, author of "Sowing the Wind," ac. 5 male, 3 female charoctera. THE OLA88 OP fASHION. An original com- edy in 4 Acte by SYn>KV Grvxdv, author of "Sowing ih» Wind," dtc. 6 male. 6 female charactera. THE BALLOON. Farcical comedy In 1 Acte ky J. H. D/kRNi.sy and Manvills Fknh. • male, 4 femal* characters. MISS C LEOFATRA. Farce In S AcU by A»rairm SuiBLSV. 7 male, 3 female character!. SIX PERSONS. Comedy Act by I. ZaKawn.L. 1 male, 1 female character. FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE. Comedi- etta in 1 Act by Pkscy Fendall. 1 male, 1 (enuia cha .*Bcter. HIGHLAND LEOAC7. Comedy In I Aet to Brandon Thomas, author of "Charley'* Aaal.* 6 male, 2 female character!. Contents of Catalogue which is sent Free. Amateur Drama Amateur Operas Articles Needed by Amatenit An of Scene Painting Baker's Rending; Club Beards, Whiskers, Mustache!, etc Bound Sets of I'lavs Bulwer Lylton's Play* Burlesque' Dramas Burnt Cork Cabman's Story Carnival of Author! Chara.le Plavs Chlldr.-n'5 Plays Comic Drauias for Male Charactan only Costume Books Crape Hair Cumberland Edition Darkey Drantas Dramas for Boys Drawing-room MonoTopueB Elocution, Reciters and Speakers Ethiopian Dramas Evening:'& Entertainment Fairy and Home Plays French's Costumes French's Editions French's Italian Operas French's Parlor Comedies French's Standard and 7.?inor Drama French's Standard and Minor Drama, bound French's Scenes for Amateurs Frobisher's I'opular Recitals Grand Army Dramas (iuid3 Books for Amuteun Guide to Selecting Playa Mints on Costumes Home Plays for Ladlw Irish Plavs Irving's Plavs Juvenile Plays Make-Up Book Make-Up Box Mock Trial Mrs. Jarlcy's Wax Works New Plays New Recitation Hooka Nigger Jokes and StOBf flftsAsa Parlor Magic Parlor Pantomimes Pieces of Pleasantry Poems for Recitations Plays for Mi.. Cfaaractan only Round Games Scenery Scriptural and Historical Dranuu Sensation Draukas Serio-Comic Dramas Shadow Pantomimes Shakespeare's Plays for Anuktsut Shakespeare's Plays Stanley's Dwarfs Spirit Gum Tableaux Vivanti Talma Actor's Art Temperance Plays Vocal Music of Shakesmara'i naj^i Webster's Acting Edltioa Wigs, etc. I Love [Letter VOL. XLT, S21 Adventures of SSr2 I ost Child 393 Court Cards 354 Cox and Box 355 Forty Winks 396 Wonderful Woman 321 Curious Case S38 Twwdleton's Tail Coat {French's Minor Drama ContiitueJfrom 4th page of Cover.) VOL. XLIT. 346 Who's To Win Him :«« Which is Which 347 Cup of Tea 31*^ .^arah's Young Man VOL. XLII. 329 As Like as Tvvo Peas 330 Presumptive Evidence 331 Happy Band 332 I'inafore 333 Mock Trial 3:i4 My Uncle's Will 335 Happy Pair 33ii My Turn Next VOL. XLIII. 3.37 Snnset 33M For Half a MlUioi 33H Cible Car ;Ui) Early Bird Ml Alumni I'lay 34-.' Show of Hands 1 343 Barbara 1344 Who's Who 349 Hearts 350 In Honor Beund [Law 351 Freesing a Mother-in 359 My Lord In Llvary 5AMUBL FRENCH, 28-30 West aSth Street, New York City. 'jcf^' ^mt- m,n* ^rsyiivM r'p^r.HijrWws CJefifiOsjipifikS ff&fH^ Ppjts .seas R»9M«eft; VOL. XU, 891 The Plr4t«'« Legacy HS The Charoo«l Bunisr S» AdtilgtUia 834 Staor VailesU 8«t Forett Roas lit Duke's Daiightcr »V> Camilla's Ho«hL„ 888 Para (ioli VOL. XUI. 8W Ticket at Lure Mut 830 Fool's ReT«ug« 831 O'.Neil tbe Qreat 83i HaRdy Aod; 3Sil Piraiu of tbe Islei 834 taiichon 836 Little Barefoot 336 Wild IriebOirl VOL. XLllV 837 Pearl of Saroy 388 Dead >lean Sii Tu Nlghta In a Bar-room S40 Pomb Boyof MaocbMt«r Ml BelphegoftheMouoteb'k 341) Crlvket on the Hearth 843 Printer's Oerll 844 Meg's Dirertloc (Fretub't Standard Drama C^nHaucdfrom id pagi qf Cover.) VOL. XLP 845 Dmskwd'e i>o 348 ChtanvT 0>n> MinftMnYtart* MS N* Tbor»a(iii) 84|2eep 0*0*7 8UEr«rTbod7'iI ajbOas. Onat SSnUthlMB M* VOL. XI 853 Nick WblCBe sMrmusfUi* 8(6 Onufcaol'i 1 8S6 Ttmparaacw Doctor 8M jLust Dhiah 8M WUow FrMKean f>» Froa Frou 360 LoBg Strik* VOL. XLVl 8(1 Larsera 86f Ln'lUe .leaRakdaU'eThaml S»4 Wicked World ses Two Orphant SUCulieen BawD 8ST 'Twixt Ai* and OrcwD 868 Lady Olaacartfaf TOkZLVa. VOL L. t«*nMFnlb«n 381 School 8tl! Home 383 Dartd Quilok 384 Dare VOUXUX. 8^4 Bodal Olaar. 884 DaaM Onto* 887 Two Bo*M 888AdH«aBt 881 The Bell* SiO Unci* 8»1 Canrbifalp 381 Nat Buch a F«oj VOL. UL 408 Nltihtlnfale 410 Fragraea 411 Plar 411 Uidnlghl diaiB* 418 Ceatdeatlal Otnk 414 Baawball 415 Oar Ravtmeni 416Marriair«tMoDef Hanlel In Three Ael8 Snitk 4i Qulftt FRENCH'S INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHTED EDITION OF THE WORKS OF THE BEST AUTHORS. The following very suecMsftil play» h»vo Just be«n iuucd «t 25 cants p«r copy. A PAIR or 8?BCTAGLB8, OomodT In f Act* by 8vD»iaY Gbuhpy, author of " gewlnf iba Wind,' Ac. 8 male, 3 female ibaractere. A rOOL.'B TARADISB. An orlirtna! play In 8 Acts bv 6vt.>i«Y Ordkby, author of "Sowing the Wind,'' Ac. i male, 4 female cbaraotars. THa SILVXR 8HIBLTt. An original comedy tn 9 Actt by Stdn«y OauMDY, aathor of "Sowing the Wind," Ae. t mala, 8 female charaotara. THB OZiASS OP yABHIOW. Aa orlrlnal com- edy Id 4 Acte by Sylniy OauMov, anlbor of "Sowing tbr Wind," Ac. 5 male. 6 female chaioctera. THB BAIXOON. Fardeal eomedy lo 8 Aeta by J. H. DAkNLCV and UaaTiLta Fsmn. 6 nutla, 4 femMa obaractara. IfflSS CliEOPATKA. Farea in 8 Aota by Abthd« SaiBLBi. t male, 8 female charaetere. SIX PBB80N8. Cemcdy Aot by L ZAiawTLU 1 male, I female character. FA8EIONABLE INTaiiUOBITOB. Comedi- etta In 1 Act by PiBcv Fsmdall. I male, 1 (eiaala cbo .-aoter. HIOHLAND LEaAOT. Comedy Id f Aat by Bkakoon Tho«*8, author of "Chkrley't Aut." 8 male, 8 female oharacta-t. Contents of Catalogue which is .sent Free. Amateur Drama Amateur Operai Articles Needed by Amatem Art of Sc«ne Fainting Baker's Reading Clutt Beards, Whitkers, Mustschei, ato. Bound Sets of Plars Bnlwer Lyttoo's Play* Burleeque' Dramai Burnt Cork Cabman's Story Carnival of Autbon Charade Plavs Children's Plays Comic Dramas for Ma3« Choncten only Costume Booka Crape Hair Cumberland EdltloL Darkej- Dramas Dramas for Boys Drawing-room MoaoTopies Elocution, Reciters and .Speakers Ethiopian Drsmas Evening's EaterUlnment Fairy aud Home Plays French's Costumes French's Editions French's Italian Operas French's Parlor Comedies French's Standard and Minor Drams French's Standard and Minor Drama, boimd French's Scenes for Amatann Frobisher's Popular Recitals Grantl Army Dramas Oulde Books for Amiiteun Oulde to Selecting Play* Hints on Cestames Home Plays for Ladla* Irish Plays Irring's Plays Juvenile Plays Make-Up Book Make-Up Box Mock Trial Mrs. Jarley'a Wax Worki New Playa New Reeiutlon Books Nigger Jokes t Parlor Magic Parlor Pantomlmas Pieoet of Pleasantry Poems for Recitations Plays for M&'i- Chaiscten onlj Round Games Scenery Scriptural and Hlstorloal Dramas Sensation Dramas Serlo-Comio I>ramaa Shadow Pantomim«e Shakespears's Plays fur Amatson Shakespeare's Plays Stanley's Dwarfk Spirit Qam 'Tableaux Vlvantl Talma Actor's Art Temperanca Plays Vocal Music of !^hake«ri6&r3>» Piayt Webster's Acting Editloa Wtgi,ete. VOL XU. 821 Advent»ires of a Love W I ost Child [LeHer 883 Court Cards 384 Cox and Box 8S5 Fortv Winks 386 Wonderful Woman 381 Curious Case 8SS Twaedleton's Tall Coat (French's Minor Drama Continued from 4tb page of Cover.") VOL. XLII. 389 As Like as Two Peas 330 Presumptive Evidence .331 Happy Band 3S8 Pinafore 333 Mock Trial 334 My Uncle's Will 836 Happy Pair 336 Mj' 'Turn Next VOL. XLtVI. 337 Sunset 338 For Half a Million 338 Cable Car 340 Early Bird .341 Alumni Play 348 Show of Hinds [343 Barbara 1 344 Who's Wyo VOL. xtm 848 Who's To Win Him .346 Which Is Whl^Ji 347 Cup of Tea 34S Sarah's Yeung VC 848 Hearte 860 In Honor Koosd [Law 361 Freeilug a Matbar-ia- 8SS My Loril tu Ltvery SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 W«8t 38th Strett, New York CIti ^5e«r mn* BirolMt S>*,«cir»i^v4 fl?45??»f ?*?*»■ SfS R««'a»ffS5