. 635 :9 M13 /vi/S INTRIGUE A DRAMA IN PROLOGUE! Five Acts, Entered f I ccordlng to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, by B. Mc- Crnryjin the office of the TAhrariayiof Congress, at Washington. MARSHALL, TEXAS: Jt^NNlNGS HROS., STEAM PRINTERS, BINDERS AND STATIONERS. \ 1883. y 'C. JQ PROLOGUE. Fortune Telling, GlfST GOLDSCHMIDT, - - - German Immigrant. GEO. WEST, Intriguing Lawyer. MILES McCART, Irish Footman JACK WARD, --.--.- Highwayman. BILL HUNT, Pal to Jack. CHIN SIN, - - - - - - - Chinaman. ROSEN A MILLER, - - - - . Harvest Maiden. OLLIE WEST, Cousin to George. MOTHER WARD, Fortune Teller. NINA GOLDSCHMIDT, - - - Little Sister to Gust. Traveler, Speculator, Preacher, Indians. SCENE— CITY PARK. A'ttfer Jack and Mother Ward [L], Jack withblack eye ; she carrying camp stool, tray, coffee-pot, cups, saucers, etc. Mother spreads things on ground and sits on stool. Jack. Well, mother, I've just seed the ferry-boat, and thar's a big crowd of 'em. I tells yer. Tellin' of fortunes to-day ought to pay. Mind now, if any of yer customers acknowledges havin' got any swag, tip me the wink and I'll be on to 'em. I need some money in my business jest n^w. I'm a briiiser, and was busted last night. [Displaying black eye.] Mother. Times good, money plenty ; times bad, the devil's to pay, and we no without liquor all day. There's money in fortunes, told jiist so, the customer may know— not all— only enough to tease, and then I bleed them as I please. Jack. Yer a trump of a mother. Here comes a sucker. See if you can fruit him . [Retires and lights cigar stump . Enter George, L. Mother. Mister, buy some ceffee, and for a shilling I'll tell your fortune from the bottom of the cup . Geo. [Aside] In luck. I'm just in the frame of mind this morning to 2 INTRIGUE. patronize such an institution, as this. [Aloud] Nary darn cent but this madam. [Hands mother money. Jack. Nary draw there. He can't he touched. [Sits down by tree and falls usleep. Geo. I'de just like to know a few hints of my future, for I'm be dam.ned if it isn't more than I can guess, in my present uncertain circumstances. Give us a cup of your erebus nectar, and lets see what's at the bottom of it. [ilother pours coffee; he drinks ; she examines grounds in bottom of cup and proceeds. Mother. A very dark present — Qeo. Yes, damned dark. Mother. And still darker future— Geo. That's consoling. Mo. Providing, you dispel the cloiids as I direct— Geo. Oh, certainly. Mo. You will become a lawyer— Geo. Tuat is my intention. Mo. Court a very fascinating young lady, whom you would make your wife— Geo. Oh, I guess not. Mo. You will handle a great deal of money— Geo. Will this fascinating creature, aforesaid, be the possessor thereof ? Mo. The young lady will become very wealthy, and— Geo. There. You needn't go any further. That's just what I wanted to know. J didn't care a damn about the girl, so she had the money, ^e's mine Good-day. [Exit. R. Jack. [Yawning] I'm outer that chap. If ever he gets any monej'', thar will be a divv for me. Here comes one of yer dolly tolly things. They never carries any svrag. Enter Rosena, L. Mo. Only a shilling, miss, for a cup of coffee, and I will tell your for- tune. Ros. Indeed ; I would like that, just splendid. Here is the shilling— all I have. [Drinks coffee and mother proceeds as before. Mo. Your's is wonderful and romantic. Your life will be one of clouds and sunshine; tears and sorrow ; poverty, plenty and great wealth. You will have two suitors, and experience great trouble in your choice. Ros. Is that all? Mo. All at present. When in doubt or trouble, come to me, and I will read the stars for you. I can see things away off, which this cup be too shallow to tell. The stars will reveal them, (.'ome some night. Ros. Indeed, that is too provoking. [Exits, R. Jack [ Yawning and rising] Well, this is gettin' to be dull business. You are making all the money, to-day, mother. You'le have to divy up for liquor pretty soon, unless I get some sucker fruit myself. Damn it, here comes (ine of your plodding Paddy's, that looks like he'd just stepped over from the tater patch on the other side of the pond. They never has nuthin'. [Retires to tree. Enter Miles, L., singvig and carrying small handkerchief bundle on end of stick. Miles. Hellow, ould ooman, phould yees be after telling a man, phere he was going to, bow far it was, and could he be after getting any work whin he rached the intinded point of his distination ? Mo. Yes, sir, I can tell you all about it. Miles. Thin, phoi the divil don't you spake out and not sit thare loike and auld stoomp to scur the life out of skittish horses. Mo. Give me a shilling, drink this cup of coffee, and I will tell jour fortune. ,, , Miles. Ah, the divil ye will. I can tell thot raeself for nothing. Does ye see that boondle of clane shirts ? {bundle on end of stick) That consists of me INTRIGUE. 3 intire wardrobe of parsonal effects, except phat ye l)ehold adornin' me parson . Mo. Yes, but I will tell you what is to happen to yoii in the future. Would you like to know how much money you will have and how your wife will look? Miles. Bedad thot's purty cliver. I niver had a swate heart in all me loif, and phot sort of a looken animal she Avas oi phould loike to know, in- dade. Yees wos a quare ould ooman. Have you a hoosband? Mo. I am a widow. ' Miles. A phidder. {Aside) Phouldn't it be a good joke to marry this phidder, and thin me fortune phould be alrady tould. {Looks at her and shakes head) But I guess not, this time. She is too young and handsome. Somebody might run away wid her and lave me a phidder. {Takes money out of pocket book. Jack watches him). Her's the shilling. Fill the cup full and show me how yees tell these things. {Takes cup) Her's to the bloosh- ing maiden thot stands foruint me, and maj'^ she never grow ould. {Drinks. Hands cup to mother, who examines bottom) Hould on. Did I lave anything in thare. It must have been the swatenin. You musn't charge extra for that. (Aside) If that fortune she tells me be as wake as the coffee, I will surely doi in a poor-house. Mo. \_Takes cup and proceeds] You will be trusted with a great deal of — Miles. Money. Mo. Important business. Miles. Tnat's meself. Mo. You will do one great act of kindness for which you will be well rewarded. Miles. Yes, that's meself . Mo, You may never marry. Miles. That s—yes— maybe that was meself. Was that so, indade? Look agaia and see if you can't see some kind of a famale ghost for me. Mo. Then come close and observe. [ While Miles looks into cup. Jack, in the meantime having pulled off boots, slips to Miles' rear and steals pocket-book and retires to tree. Miles. Och, shame on yees. It's a black face. Does yees think I phould be after marrying a nagar. Mo. I can see a pale wan face peeping in Sit a window. Miles. Hould on wid yer. That will do. If it had been a swate faee at the phinder,she might do. I've seen ould poor horses stand around me bed at night while ould crows and buzzards were roosting on the posts, and phin I phould wake big, black snakes phould be in me butes in the morning. If I should see a pale wan face peeping in at the phinder at me, I would see ghosts or the divil himself phould have hould of me nixt. I bid yees good day me foine lady. [Exit. E. Jack. [Comes down rubbing pocket book] We'le not go to bed dry to-night mother. Swag, oh no. Let's go and moisten. Here comes a Dutchman; try him. [Retires. Enter Gust leading Nina, L . Gtist. Mine goot laty, ve peen loosj und vas hoonting a blaces ter stay. Can you tole us antyting apoud id ? Mo. I can tell you all about it and more too. Give me a shilling, drink this cup of coffee, and I will tell you what your whole life will be. Gust. 1 knows partly dat alreaty mineselve. Nina, maype she tole us somedings apout dose coundries. [Takes shilling from pocket-book and hands to mother, who proceeds as before. Jack again ^ulls off boots. Mo. Yours will be a wonderfully romantic future. You will take a great journey. Gust. I yoost done dot alreaty. Mo. You will fall in love. -• Gust. Veil I nefer done dot pefore, oxcebt mit mine leedle kister, Nina. Mo. You will part. Gust. Dot vas too pad. 4 INTRIGUE. Mo. You will go far towards the setting sun, seeking a fortune. You will have many obstacles in your way. Oiist. "Vere vas der opstatles ? Mo. Come close and observe them. [While Gust is looking in cup, Jack slips behind and steals pocket book. Gust. 1 see nodings in dere oxcept dose plack grounds. Mo. That is all I can tell you at present. I will have to consult the Gust. I guess I done dot mineselve. I tlnk your fortune-telling vas like your coffee— a leedle too tin. Soosh foolishense will done for leedle shilt- reus. Come, Nina, lets gone from here. She looks like a vitches. [Exit. i?. Jack. I guess we'le have something stronger than cider now. [Produces the two stolen pocket-bonks] What a lovely pair. Foreign presents bestowed upon me by Ireland and Germaay. [Noise within by Miles] Here, mother, hide them away. [Mother hides pocket-books in her bosom]. Enter Miles, greatly excited, B. Miles. And did yees be after foinding a stfay pocket-book. Meintire fortune was locked up in it, consisting principally of a britches buckle, two horn buttons, a nadle and thrad and slip of paper, tilling whin and phere oi was born . [More noise within . Enter Gust, R. Gust. I loose me dot bocket pook. Can you tole me vhere I finds him? Jack. What do you all come to me for. I dou't know anything about your old empty pocket books. Miles. Ah, be dad, I smell amice. Say, Dutchie, I have lost wan, too. Did yees have a fortune tould here ? Gust. Dot vas so. Miles. Thin t.iis is a robbers nest. Gust. Vas dot so? Miles. Indade it is. A foineland of liberty this was, whin a furiner can't be on its soil forty-eight hours before he is stolen of his birth papers and money. Out wid 'em. Guet. I can vip dot olt vomans. Miles . Lave that job to me . Jack. Here, get out or I'll clean you both up. [Gust jumps in tray of cups and saxicers and smashes them, while Miles splits tray over Jack's head . CURTAIN. ACT I. SCENE I.— Geo. ■w;*:st's Law Officer:. [George discovered at table perusing Law Book. Rises and soliloquizes.} Geo. The law, and the requirement of fame therein, is a most arduous task of one's lifetime. And to succeed, one has to make a pleasant and entertaining compainon of such dry, old sticks as Blackstone, Coke and Littleton, buch old fossils as these are the dust of ages, whom we lawyers of the present day tread beneath our feet. We must have something of the vim and snap of shrewdness. Technicalities, rather than a practice of equity and precedents. Money ; money will purchase fame, and the sharp lawyer makes the money now days. When men get into the web of the law it is because of some difference of opinion, in regard to business matters : the opinion of the one or the other often depending on the amount to be INTRIGUE. 5 lost or gaiaed, and not from a sense of right or wrong. When a client has a bad ease, but in the event of success he should gain that which does not belong to him, he retains the services of a lawyer, who like himself is on the make. A criminal, wiio has committed a crime and been arraigned before a bar of justice desires the services of a lawyer whose conscience is of the pliable Kind ; will believe him innocent, m-ake murder justihable homicide, and work with zeal lor his acquittal ; the amount o i the fee toutroling the attorney's belief in the innocence of his client and tempering the zeal exercised in his behalf [Knock at door] Ah, disturbed, in my reveries and plans of the future. Wiles! MiJesi [Door bell rings again] Miles, you sleepy headed rascal. [Enter Miles Jrom recess, yawning. Miles. Phat is it? Geo. See who is at the door, at once. [Miles obeys and returns. Miles. It is a woman, soir. Geo. t^how her m. Miles. Yes, but be dad, she may be after eolUcting the wash-bill. Geo. Show her in. I tell you. Miles, Indade I will. [Returns to door and bows in Miss Ollie and retires slowly to his quarters. Geo. Cousin Ollie. good morning. You rogue, you, to steal in upon me thus. "What on earth has brought you into a lawyer's office, Ollie. Well, Cousin George, as you well know I am not married, so it is not to consult you about a divorce, nor is h about a brc'ch of promise case , but simply through curiosity, to see what kind of estaolishments you old, crusty laAvyers Inhabit, and what it is that makes you all so cruel to the feelings of others, especially while in the court room. Geo. Well, you see the evidences around you. Here [pointing to books] are the old, dry, musty loaves on which we' lawyers feed.. When people will go into court asking for bread, we give them a stone— Blackstojie— and. sometimes we feed them on Coke. These digests are somewhat indigestible to most of our stomachs, hence we become dyspeptics, as it were, and expecto- rate our sourness into each others faces, until we become so warped in our opinions of inate honesty m human nature, that we believe all people to be alike, guilty and dishonest, until proven the contrary; even then denounc- ing as wrong, the verdict of our peers, and appeal to higher tribunals popu- larly called supreme courts, oftener noted for their suprem,e ignorance. Ollie. I do know I should nev^r marry a lawyer. I would demur to his pleadings, at once, and dismiss his suit before it got fail ly into court — ing. Geo. Ah, you little thief. Where did you steal all of that learning? Don't you want to borrow Bouvier's Law Dictionary? You are almost proficient enough to be admitted to the bar. Ollie. I ask not that privilege for myself, if you please, but for our sex, we ask the right. I, sir, have no ambition to become a dyspeptic, as you term yourselves. A woman's heart can only be made happy in the belief of innocence. I don't wish to spoil mine in your way. Geo. You are right, cousin. I have seen enough of the law, unless there should be better pay. Money, cousin, money. [Knock at door] Miles, Miles! [Ee-enter Miles as before] Attend the door. [Miles obeys and returns. Miles. A man wida note in his hand, soir. Geo. Why didn't you admit him? Miles. An bedad I didn't know but phat it was a bill for coal or gas he had wid 'im, soir. Geo. Receive the note. [Miles returns to door and brings note and hands to George, who reads it' while Miles retires. Ollie starting to go] Come again, cousin, I want to see you on business. Ollie. I don't desire a partner in the law business, but if it relates to counsel in regard to some other kind of partnership, to which you are not to be considered a party — for 1 don't like old bachelors — 111 come. [Exit. D. Geo. [Reading note] "Sir, your services are professionally required, im- mediately, at the residence of Elisha Miller. He is rapidly sinking, and desires that his will be written." Mow, perhaps, will the opportunity pre- sent itself. Old Elisha Miller is worth a quarter million dollars— an old bachelor— miser — no heirs apparent. This, indeed, is a big case, and may turn out the fee for which I have long been waiting. Wills hardly ever 6 INTRIGUE. stick, especially, if the legacy be large. Estates never go begging ♦for the want of inheritors. Miles! [Re-enter Miles] Put up the books and close the office- [Exit. D. Miles. Oih. bedad. that was aquareman. I've been working for him now these saveral months, and he pays me on flattery. Says that I would make a foin lawyer meself. Not a bit of it. I tried this here Blockstone phat said something about John Doe vs. (which in law means fornint) Rich- ard Roe. The divii himself couldn't make it out. [Going over hooks] There was chitty's Pladings, Kt^nt's Commentaries, Ram on Fiicts— Ah, the divil pother fhem, [Puts up hooks] I phould lave this law bizness, for I don't like the kind of prartiee I have, hut I belave something w?is going to happen and 1 will stay and see it out. Phen I see a good looking woman like that one in the office this morning, there is going to be trouble to somebody. Well I guess I'll lock oop and go and coonsult that motherly ould forttine teller again . The better she gets acquainted phid me the more she tells me about meself. [Locks office and retires singing. SCENE II— Yard in Front ofRosena's House. Nina discoyered playing. Nina. Won't I he glad, though, when I grow up to be a big girl, so that I can help brother Gust. Then I can go out into the harvest field with him, like Rosena does. I know brother likes^me. for I am the only sister he has on earth and we are two lonely orphans, our mother dying in Germany when I was a little bit of a baby. But I am getting jealous of Rosena Brother is with her nearly all the time, and he is loving her, too. Now you just waich him when they come home from the field. Here they come now. [Oust and Rosena singing in the distance. See the merry farmer boy, tramp the meadows through. Swinging his" hoe in careless joy. while dashing off the dew. Bobolink in maples high, trills his notes of glee, Farmer boy a gay reply, now whistles cheerily. [All whistle the chorus. Enter Gust and Rosena, C, he carrying reaping cradle, she a sheaf of wheal. Gust. Hare ve peen to hime againt, Nina, und a goot tay's vork, Eosena und minselves hef layet oop to der Lort— y marcy how diret I vas. Rosena. And indeed, Nina, a good day's work it has been. The harvest is finished and we did it all by ourselves. Nina [Aside] Yes. and I believe they are sorry it didn't last till Christmas so they could be together all the time. I wish I had a little feller to be with me all the time. No i don't. Gust is my only brother and there is nobody else as good as him. [Retires to rear. Rosena. How is papa, Nina ? Nina. He has been resting easily all day. Rosena. I'll step in and see him. [goes within. Gust. Vel, how diret I vas. I done like to see Rosena vorking in der hafvest fielt anty more. Olt Chon Miller, hern fater, vas all creepled oop mit der roomatics, like dot, und can do nodings poot sit orount, eat and feed his jaisery. Dot olt, vealty, pachelor prooder ouf his, whose name peen Elisha— und he has peeg vads of moneys— he ought to sent some poteys down hare to help do der vork. Ash der harfest vas now feenished, I peen vants to go ouet Vest, young mans, und see der gountry grows oop. I done vants to vork mineselve into coffin, mit der oondertaker's shop and go mit der grafeyards, yoost for a leedle bits of moneys- 1 vants to peen ritch und I goin to done it too, und done you forgot it. Rosena peen der bestest frow forn somepoty's vat all I knows apouet und I vouldu't gare I peen some glose connections mit her ash a hoospant. I dinks, ven she come bank, I tole her on mineselve, ouf I ton't plush too much. Nina. [Laughing] And what a good joke that will be. Gust. You tog on leedle vitches, I taut all der vile I peen dalking mid mineselves und dot you vas in der house mit Rosena. Nina, [going to Gust.] No. brother, don't hate me. I've been waiting to learn your secret, and now that I know it, I hope my good brother will not think hard of me for what I have done. INTRiaUE. 7 Gust. Nodings could make me tink mad mit you. I vas only plagued— dot ish kind a pashful mit ralneselve— ven I saw you hare und listen to vat I say apoutmineselve und Rosena. [Takes Nina on knee.'\ Dare shall pe no secrats mit us. You vas too leedle to know anty dings ven our mooter diet und left you alone mit me. Somedimes ven I peen sleep, I treams dat she comes town all ter vay from Hefen, dressed like angel, goes to der ped vere you vas sleep, leans ofer und kisses you on der foreheat. like dot. und den she come und vi.sper in mine ear so glose I can feel her breath ven she say, yoost like der night she diet, " Gust, my good boy, take care mit leedle Nina. " she den fly avay und I vake oop und vas crying. Nina, I haf learn you all you know. Ven you vas a leedle fellows, like dot high, you vould gry like plitzen. Den I vould take some leedle lumps ouf sugar und tie oop mit a rag. und poot indo your mouth. Dare vould peen no more grying ash long ash dat sugar vould last, I bet you. I guess dots vets makes you so sweet. Nina. Then you love some one else besides Rosena. I was afraid you was going to forget me, for you said that you was going away out West. What will become of me? Gust. {Am,de) Dot vas a fact. Dot vas de vorstest gonsiteration of der whole pizness. (Aloud) Vouldn't you like to stay mit Rosena, vile I peen gone? I vas coming pack again. Nina. Yes, brother, if Rosena will let me, bmtit will be mighty lonesome without you. Gust. Dot vas a goot leedle kister, and may the hefenly smiles of our mooter efer keep pack der lines of sorrow from your sweet face. Be enter Rosena. Rosena. Papa is very well this evening and I feel in better spirits now. ]^Songs and recitations ad lib.'] Gust. Vot you say to a leedle valtz ? Rosena and Nina. Oh ! a waltz, a waltz ! [Both waltzing. Gust. Vait for me und der music. [All waltz until Gust gives out and sits down.] I pen tiret out mit dot valse. Ouf she only stop I tole her apout mineselves. [Catches Rosena. sits her down but she slips away and still waltzes. Gust takes reaping cradle and throius around her, she taking hold of the handle and they continue the waltz in imitation of cutting wheat. He seats her and holds cradle still in front of her.] You look so sveet in doc cradle. Say, leedle Nina ? Nina. {Aside) I know what he is going to say. (Aloud) What, brother? Gust. Id vas growing late. You hat petter poot some of dot leedle petts on. Nina. Ah, ha. I saw chickens out there just now that hadn't yet gone to roost. But then, when young folks grow spoony, old folks and little folks must go to bed early. [Exit. C. Gust. Rosena, I loves you— likes to valse, done you ? Rosena. Indeed, I do. [Tryiny to getup. ■ Gust. Now holt cm. I like somepoty better as I done a valse, und Rosena, I vants to tell you I peen going to Californias. [Releasing her. Rosena. Gust, what do you tell me? (Aside) I expected it some day. Can it be possible that he has made up his mind to leave ? Indeed, it can not be. {Commencing to cry. Gust. Now done you gry, or I gry mineselve some. I gome pack agaiat ven I peen a reech man, ouf you bromise me— dot ven I gome— dot you vill peen— here ven I gome. Rosena. When are you going to start? Gust. Dright strate avay in der morning. Rosena. Will you let Nina stay with me, for then I know you will come back to us again ? Gust. I vould leave her mit no potty else put you, for I know you vill make her your leedle kister, too. I must go and got oop my glodings und ouf you lofe me, you peen here early in der mornings, pefore it vas goot taylight und der soon vas not oop, und I tole you goot py. Eosena, give 8 INTBIGUE. me dot bicture of yours. I vill peen gone dree years und I vants to see your sweet face efery days vile I peen gone. [Exit. C. Eosena. I cannot bear to see iiim go. By association, I have learned to love bim: ; for who, when they should once know him, could resist the in- fluences of a heart that is so kind and big. But neither tears nor love's persuasion could make him stay after his mind has once determined. I will go, return early in the morning with the picture, and bid him good bye, though how sad and sorrowful it will be. [Exit. C. Enter George. L. Geo. He, he. All right this time. A better coup de etat was not per- formed by either of the. Napoleons. But, unlike theirs, mine shall never be overwhelmed by a Waterloo. As this fortunate house lay in my way, and as I was deputized to do, I thought I would drop in and impart the sad— though fortunate news to this family— of the death of old Elisha Miller, and that Rosena, niece to the deceased, has succeeded, by will, to his estate, and I, George West, attorney-at-law, am executor of the will and guardian of the estate of the aforesaid Miss Rosena Miller. fLooks at watch.] As it is quite late in the evening, perhaps I had better defer 'till morning. I will then spare them a night's rest and give myself time for reflection, how I shall best proceed in the manner of attending to the interests of my ward, as well as that of my own. I wrote the old man's will with a will, and thanks be to the swift winged messenger of death, he died in ten minutes after it was signed. George West, attorney-at law, executor of the will, guardian of a large estate, belonging to a fine young girl, just turned fifteen, with no re- lations to interfere and no questions were asked. [Exit. B. Enter Miles. L. Miles. Phere the divil did that crazy fellow go to ? I do belave he has gone crazy within the last few hours. There was a lunattic woman at the office waiting to consult him about a divorce, because her ..husband was so ugly that the artist could not take his picture. 1 took an advantage of the occasion and proposed to her on the spot, providing she got her divorce, and would you belave me, she gave me the bag ? Said that I was no improvement on her present misfortune. I tould her that I was a lawyer meself and that her case would not stick. She flew in a most terrible rage and told me to go to the divil and I went in sarch of Mr. West. But ould Nick himself could not kapeupwid'im to-night. Hemustbegomgcrazy or is planning a robbery,for he come down the road just ahead of me, walking like the divil and talking to himself about money, money, money. I'lt ioUy him oop, aud if there is any money to be had, I think I am capable meself of appraciating its value to the amount of a few dollars. [Exit E. Enter Gust, G., with traveling grip. Early dawn. Gust. I don't like to lefe her vile Nina vas so small und olt man Mille^ vas so pad. But I helps dem ven I gomes pack from Californias. I pring dem lods of moneys. Ven I tole olt man Miller goot py he say : "Gust, you peen goot poy und may der sbirits vatcb ofer you und pring you pack againt." I feel so foony about it dot I vas grying. [Clock strikes. Ee-enter Eosena. C] Dot peen a nice, pooty girl, vat you vas. Rosena, vat you say apout some dings vat I tole you ? Vill you bromise dot you vill vait mit der dree years vas out for me to coom pack to you ? Eosena. I promise you. Here is the picture; {gives picture) there my hand, {gives hand) and with it my whole heart. Gust. Rosena, I yoost so happy ash nefer I vas. I vants you to take good care mid leedle Nina. I vill poot your bicture mit dot von. Dot peen my mooter. [Eosena takes it, kisses it and returns it.} Veu I vas a poy und Nina a wee papy, across der vide ocean, in der fater landt, und our mooter peen tying on her ped— Got in Hefen bless her goot oldt soul— she lay her hsnd on my heat, like dot, und mit accents loud and firm she say ; " Gust, my tarling poy, ven you peen grown oop. go to der United States ouf America, vere dere is liperty for der poor and oomple ash veil ash for der ritch und aristograt." INTRIGUE. ?' Dot'svilpeen here. Rosena, darlint. tlnk ouf ycur poor frieiidt ven he peen gone. He vill gome agaiut, not as he vonce dit, to your fater's hous •. a poor, orphan^ poy, Jioonting for vork, poot a pig, rich man, to spend der rest ouf hees tays in beace as yourn huspant, und peen happy mit you forn life. Goot py, darlint [Kisses her and starts. Enter Nina ( C) dressed in night gown. Nina. Ob, my darling brother, I could not sleep all night, when you told tne good bve. 1 heard vour voice out here and I jumped cut of bed and ran for fear I would not see you again, Teil me good bye once more, [kneeling.] Oust. It vould pe cruel to dink it, poot ouf dot leedle bright vone vas m hefen, vota sweet leedle cheerup she vould make forn our mooter up dere. Goot py, Nina, {Kisses her.) Dot vas more as I could say. [Retiring. E. CURTAIN, ACT II. SCENE— Flat on Rollers Repeesenting the Plains, Foot Hills and Rocky Mountains in the Distance. Enter Gust, K., leading pack mule or donkey. Gust. Vay, Chan wary. {Talking to mule,) How vas you? I peen raueh diret ouetmineselve, valkingall dese six veeks from Sauk Louis.verel getfeoff der poat from Peetsburg. bese blains vas so vide ouet ve neter gone aon ss him, heh. De beoples vats ve meets say dem Inguns arount here und I guess ve peiter vatch a leedle ouet. deh.^ [^Scene shifts on rollers and wild animah of the plains are intro- duced. The animals being made of papier mache, life size, or of wires covered ivith the skins of animah represented. They must he -so constructed that their heads and legs can be worked by wires across hack of stage, their feet receiving the stepping motion by striking against projecting studs counter-sunk on the stage floor j as the body of t >e animal is drawn across stage on supporting wires. First ani- mal entered is a wolf.l Gust. Vol vas dot. 1 guess I shoots him [While taking gun off of pack mule, wolf runs off from L. to R.] Dot vas only a tog. He vasn't goot to eat no vay. [Antelope is presented. L.] Now I got him I pets you dees tim'^s. [Gust slips up behind mule, levels gun across pack and fires, the rebound of gun laying him on his back. Antelope runs off, R.] Say, Chan wary, vat you done dot for? You kick me dot vay againt and ve peen not acquaintance anty more. Now you see dot animal got avay yoost pecause ouf dot treek you blayed on me. Dot makes seferal occasions you done me dot vay. [Buffalo eiders. L.] Vot der tiful vas dot ? I peen afrait ouf I done shoot heem, he get avay mit us. Look how 1 vas a shaking. Poot I vas not skared, vas I Chanwary? Say, Chanwary, ouf I done hit him dese dime's, und he run after oos. you keek him like you done me. [Tunis back to animal and cocks gun,} I vas so trembling I peen afrait I not hit heem. Poot I vas not scared, vas T Chanwary? Now ouf I could shoot dright queek und choomp on Chanwary. [While shaking, the gun goes off accidentally, kicks him backwards and buffalo runs over him. Rises.'l Vere vas I Chanwary ? Dot vas better ash you done it. 1!) INTRIGUE. [Enter Traveler. L.] Trav. Hello, captain, you had better get up and dust back the other way- The Indians are capturing all of the emigrants who travel on this road, You had better turn back and go up the South Platte towards Pike's Peak. Gust. Ish dot some jacdts you tola me, und dey keel efery poteys? Trav . Yes, nearly every body who travel this road. I was the only person who escaped out of a party of twelve men and two women. I was shot through the coat tail with this arrow. [Shoivs arrow. Gu9t. Ha. ha, ha, dot vas so fooney. You rooned und dey shoots you mid dot Slick— der ramrots mit a goon. I gone aheat. I peen not afrait. Trav. Hold on. You will be killed and get your head peeled. See how sharp the point of this arrow is. Gust. [Exajnining arrow .] Ooch! Dot peen so? He vas sharp, Trav. They shoot them from bows with such force, that they will go clear through a man at a distance of two hundred yards. Gust. Lef me see. Ven I peen down here der roat fork out like dot. f inspect I vast not trafel der right roat. Trav. The lower is the military road and is well protected with soldiers. Gust. Yah, dot vas so, I taut all der vile I peen not dright. So I yoost gone pack und trafel mit dot ooter roat. You gone dot vay ? Trav. All right. I'll go back with you to the forks of the road. Gust. Gome along queek. I valks mighty fast somedimea. Gone aheat Chanwary, [All exit. E. Enter Indian chief, L.j on pony, followed by squad of Indians. They discover tracks of Gust and Traveler ^ make signs and exit, E. Indians yell within. Gust. [Within.] Gome aheat, gome aheat, I pen here first. Oust enters, L., onmule. Indians enter from both sides, yelling, and surround him. Gust jumps off of mule, comes to front, followed by chief. Gust. 1 no likes dot fellers. I peen not acquaintance mit him. Chief. How. Gust. Nix fern stay. Chief. How. Nje big Comanche— friend— white man. Gust. Ish dot so. I likes dot flrsdrateyou lule me ^o. Chief. Tobac ? Gust. Yah, I got top'icker. Do you vants to smoke a leedle? Chief. Heep-good-whtte man. Gust. Dot vas so too. VVho lote you dot? Chief. Pipe. [Produces long stem pipe.'] Sraoke-calumet. Gust, Der gal y 'U met. Mister, you mistook ray sexes. [Chief fills pipe from Gust's tobacco ] Y^ou vants me to smoke mit you ? You vas a nice ret colored chentlemens vats I like and 1 done it, [They all sit in a circle and pass the pipe around.] Dat vas a fooney vay to schmoke, done it? {Aside) I no likes der gountenauces of dese fellers such mooch. 1 fonder how I gone away from 'em ? I yoost see if dey cna't all sing a leedle song. {Aloud Can you all sing a leedle song mit a tance ? ^Indians all grunt assent. They form a. half circle and go through the Indian song and da'^ice. The chief brandishes knife and toma- hawk and bounds to the centre. Gust jumps on chief s pony and runs q^, R. Indians all try to get on pack mide to pursue him, while some run after him on foot. A trick mule would answer the better pur- pose here. They all finally get started on the chase, yelling, and, pursue Gust across stage from L. to R. several times, he finally escap- ing with coat tail and cap pierced with arrows. CURTAIN. INTRIGUE. 11 ACT III. SCENE— Stueet. Enter George, L. Geo, Well, it has been quite awhile since I told Rosena of her good for- tune, but she sniveled so much about her old dead uncle, it was useless to say anything then about the plans for the future. It is said, though, that success demands instantaneous action, and my success in this case depends, in a great measure, upon the instantaneous death of old John ufiller. Miss Rosena's rheumatic father. I don't want him around in the way any longer while administering on so large an estate, and attending to the affairs of so promising a ward as is Miss Rosena. Enter Ollie, R. Ollie. Good morning. Cousin George. You look quite sad. Is there any- thing Lean do for you ? Geo. Yes, cousin. You have ever been a good, confidential friend of mine, and I have a part, on the stage of life, for you to play. A little meKJdrama, as it were, and I want vou to play it to the life. 01. Well, what is it ? Geo. You know Miss Rosena Miller. 01. Yes, sir. Geo. Well, I want you to become very friendly to her. Be her confiden- tial adviser in her present bereaved moments of distress. You understand. And I want you to tell her that I love her, and note how she receives it and what she says. 01. What, George, you don't mean to flirt with that poor girl, do you ? Geo. Ask not my intentions. Obey me. Play your part, and mind that you play it well. I will be back shortly and wish to see you further in re- gard to this matter. [Exit, E. 01. This is something new and a delicate matter at that. I don't under- stand what it means. I would not be instrumental in harrring poor Rosena for anything, nor for the sake of anyone in the world. She is a good, kind girl, and if I really thought Cousin George's motives in this were improper, I would not undertake it. But, like the majority of our sex, my curiosity has been excited, and I must see what is his intent. I will just step over that way. [Exit, R. Enter Nina, L. George, R. George. {Aside) That is the little orphan that is living with Miss Rosena. She don't seem to take very kindly towards me. I will try to make a pet of her. She may be of service to me. {Aloud) Say, my sweet little one, come lets go and gather some flowers. I like pretty little girls like you. JSina. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, you ugly, mean man. Grandpa Miller is dying, and you coming around trying to make love to Miss Rosena. Don't look at me. I hate you. [Exit. L. Geo. Not much assistance to be obtained from her source. I think I will have to send her to some foundling asylum to get her out of the way. I have it. She shall not be greatly harmed. Jack Hunt is just the man for the emergency. I'll return and see him. [Exit towards R, and meets Ollie returning.] Well, cousin, what success. How is my little birdie ? Do you think we can succeed in getting her into my cage ? Why, what's the matter with you ? You look almost as mournful as did Miss Rosena herself, the last time I was to see her. I begin to fear that your recently assumed confi- dential relationship with her has become a reality, and that you are par- taking of the same disposition as she, of late. 01. Cousin George. I have been performing a sad duty. Geo. Well, I should Judge so. 01. I have been waiting on the dead. Geo. The dead ! Who the devil is dead now ? 12 INTRIGUE. 01 Rosena's father breathed his last a few inoments ago. Geo, Well, I am very sorry . But people will die; so there is no use of sniveling about it. Rosena is still alive, though. We had better defer our little scheme a day or so. In the meantime you comfort her all you can. Give her this little some of money, {hands money] advanced from her own estate, that it may decently bury the dead, and yet not make too much of a display over the obsequies. {^Aside) You must sow if you would reap. Ta, ta. {Exit R, 01. L. SCENE II. Rosena's home. Nina discovered consoling Rosena. Ros. 'Tis hard, 'tis indeed unbearable Not long ago I parted with Gust, who will not return for a good many months, perhaps never. Then the death of dear, old Uncle Elisha, and now that of my father. Were it not that Gust still lives, I should wish that i too, might sleep in the same cham- ber of eternal night w^th them. Can I, must I, live on hope alone? Will I ever be left thus, to mokli alone, solitary ! sorrowful ! friendless ! Nina. Am I so smalt, that you think I haven't a heart large enough for grief or^ympathy ? Sister Rosena, for you shall ever be my sister after this, let me fiieer you, wont you ? Ros. [Kissing her] You are the only light now left in our darkened home, to illume the gloom of sorrow. Enter Ollie, C. 01. I have come to cheer yo«i up. Mis* Rosena, and also my cousin, Mr. West, sends his sympathies. Nina. The villain ! 01. And do you know. Miss Rosena, I sometimes believe that he is in love with you. ■Ros. Oh, Miss West, spare my feelings. I know Mr. West has been good tome, helped me when I needed it most, but you must not meniiou the subject again. OL. Well, but didn't you ever love anybody? Why not talk about it? There can be no harm in expressing our sentiments on such subjects. I'm quite sure. We all like to talk about our sweethearts ; at leasi 1 do about mine. We would almost die if we were compelled to be silent. Ros. I shall never love but once. 01. And whom do you love, then ? Ros. The sadness of the hour should occasion us to speak the truth. He is far away towards the setting of the sun, and his heart is as pure and rich as its golden rays . Nina. [ With hands clasped as in prayer] Amen ! Ros. I will give you no name. Come, let us walk into the garden, I feel oppressed. [All exit, C. . » SCENE III-Street. Enter Jack, L. Jack. [Displaying ragged suit for little boy] I guess them will about fit 'em. Kidnapping kids is mere child's play, if yer know how to do it. Mother an me have caught enough to start a first-class foundling asylum. Wait till I get the little female kid in these garments and her parents wouldn't know her. That Mr. West is a purty dog goned clever feller. I wouldn't mind taking him in as a partner of mine. Now fer biz. [Exit, R. Enter George, L. Geo. I wonder what my ward thinks of me. I am getting Impatient, Now that all of the feeble ones are out of the way, we will have no breakers on our voyage, and I hope the conquest will be made by sailing over a smooth sea. i guess people will think I make her a pretty latherly looking guardian. I suppose by this time Jack has done his work. INTRIGUE. 13 Filter OlUe. E— greatly excited. 01. Oh, Cousin George, what do you think, Geo. [Leisurely meditating] v\ ell— I— dont— know. 01. Little Nina has committed suicide. She left her clothes on the bank of the river and jumped in, while Kosena and I were gathering flowers. Geo. Indeed! Quite a romantic ending for one so young. Miss Rosena 1 hope, was not quite so romantic as to follow suit? 01. She is nearly distracted. Geo. Not about me, I hope. 01. You haven't the sj'mpathy of a cat. You needn't go about her any more . Geo. What now? 01. Previously engaged. Geo. A previous engagement. Who is the objective personality of my opposition ? 01. Somebody away out West. She would tell no name. I must go home and hurry back to Rosena. [Exit, L. Geo. I'll fix that business at once. I rather suspected as much . Being her guardian I propose to have more than a voice, but a hand in this matter. Now for a shoit interview with trusty Jack Ward. He is an old forty-niner, and knows all about California. But first I must return and start Miles out to raising the neighborliood towards helping to find the body of the poor, drowned child. Boo, hoo, hop ! [Exit, L Enter Jack, R, with Nina dressed in boys' suit, with handkerchief tied around jaws. Jack. Now, kid, you jest squeal once and into the devil's den you go. He, he, he, a dozen fools have met me and told all about the child's drowning itself, [ililes ringing dinner belt and hallooing, lost child, within] What crazy fool is that ? Enter Miles, L, ringing and hallooing. Jack. Here, you crazy fool, what do you mean ? Miles. An phat do I mane? A shild has jumped into the river and drowned. She was a beautiful famale shild about the size of that boy, soir, and I want the paples to turn out in a congregation and sarch for her miss- ing body . [Starts ringing and hallooing , Jack. Here, stop that noise. Let me show you how to ring that bell, that will make three times as much noise as that. Miles. Faith, and that is what I'm after doing— getting a grate deal of noise out of it. I wouldn't care if I were a whole cathedral of bells. [Hands Jack the bell, who steps to the left and throws it into the river.] Phat for you do that ? Jack. I thought to soak the bell awhile in the river it would ring better, when you fish it out. Miles. [Pulling off his coat pugilistically] Mister, T niver went a fishing in me loife, but I want that bell out of that river. If j^ou don't leap in and get it 1 will take your dirty carcass for bait to fish it out wid. Jack. He, he, he. Do you see this little chap here ? Miles. Yes, I see that little chap thare, and I propose to do your jaw up in a sling just like his. Jack. You don't know what is the matter with that 6hild. He's got the mumps. Miles. [Greatly excited] The mimps. [Exit in hurry, E. Jack. Ha, ha, ha. Stratagim thou art quite muscular on some occasions. Now, kid, you must go down here with mother, and let me give you some advice. If you ever attemp to tell or ren away, your ears will be split and the devils witches will keep after you until you die Walk on. [Exit L. Enter George, R Geo. Jack did his work well. Now, if he can only succeed as happily with the California business. The Union Pacific road has been finished, and it will take but a few days to reach the Rocky Mountains. Ah, here 14 INTRIGUE. comes Jack now. [Enter Jack, L ] You are a good one. [Shaking hands and laughing. Jack. Them kids are no trouble. Wait until you try to move a regular duffer. Geo. By the way, Jack, I have a little trip for you. How would you like to go to California on a little business. jack. That's just my hand. I been wanting to go out thar all summer, but didn't have the stuff. I know every diggin' in Califorhia. Is it a pav job? Oeo. You will be well rewarded if you succeed. I have written full instructions ; here they are. [Hands papers] Also contains a contract. Here is money for your current expenses. I want you to start to-night. Jack, t can do it. I have a good old pal in the Rocky's, by the name of Bill Hunt. I will hunt him up as soon as I land, and tlien to biz. Ta. ta, Mr, West. Geo. Success to your undertaking. Jack. lExit both, Jack R, and Geo. L. SCENE IV. Gusfs Camp in moimtains. Enter Gust, C, carrying mining tools. Gust. Vel I peen here all dright now. I yoost vish Rosena could se n me, how I vork forn her in d^se golt mines. I peleef I gatch a fortune yed pefore der dree years dimes gones arount, yen T gone pack to Pennsylwania. I pet you I do.' [Enter Chin Sin, L.] Vat peen dot. Vas der vitches apout ? Vat a dails he got und dose long finger nails. I'd most peen kinfolks mitt dgr tiefel. Sin. Washee heap, Melican man's shirtee. Gust. Yah. I tole you so I'd peen a vasher voman's. I fonder vot Rosenia say she see me here, allalone, onprotected mit dose vasher vomans. I in- spec Rosena vould make some jeaiisense mit me. Maype id sing petter ash she dalk. Vould yon sUjig a leedle song? Sin. Chin Sin singee Melican Dutchman leedle songee. [Sings Song.} Gust. Dot peen foorstrate. Petter ash I done it myselves. Hn. Play die ploke, Melican Dutchman? Gust. Blay die bloke. Vat der tiefel vas dot? [Sin begins to shuffle pack of cards] T now see vat he say. I pet you I blays dot boker {Aside) I nefer blays mooch mitt any potty pefore, poot 1 can peet a fellers like dot. He vas a soocker. ' [They spread blanket, sit down and commence. Sin dealing. Gust shows his hand to light and has four aces and a king. They bet all they have. Sin throws down his hand, pockets money. Giist takes Siii's hand to light— five aces] I nix fornstay dees peesness. I dinks now I knows who dot fellers peen una for vays dot peen tark, und driks dot peen wain, he has some vays dot vas beculiar. Mister, led me spoke to you. [Takes Sin by collar.] Now you geef dot moneys ouet or I makes some droubles mit you. [In the scuffle Sin runs out of his coat [E.cit, L.] Gust examines the sleeves turning them, insidB out, from which quite a number of packs of cards fall to the floor. SCENE V— Highway. Enter Jack Ward and Bill Hunt, R. Enter Sin, L., on run. Jack. Hold up, pig-tail John. [Points pistol at Sin. Sin. Inotalkee. Inofightee. Jack. Trow up your hands. [Sin obeys and they proceed to rob him. After taking money Jack throws Sin off stage, R.] Bill, 1 thonght I smelled a rat, aufl this one ha-* just run out of the hole. It is a good vein and one that will pan out well, if successfully worked. He. he. Now, old boy, be yee true, as in the past— and ye are a kmife with such high nittal that ye never need grinding. You know that Dutchie who worked down here on the drain of the Gulch? Well, he mane money, I am told, but had to give up ' his station, and' since then has sunk a shaft on the north side of the moun- tain, between the Big Horn and Little Thunder — calls it the Heidelberg, and is making it all along. I have a very good contract, in which there is money, for his dispo^^al— put him out of the way mysteriously, you know. But lets work him for all he is worth beforehand, &o lets tap him. INTRIGUE. 16 Bill. All right. How shall we proceed? Jack. Make out like we own the claim and blackmail him. Leave the job to me, I'le tip him. You attend to outside business. He may be along here pretty soon after that Chinaman, for I know what has ha,ppened. Ah, here he comes now. Enter Gust, L. Gust. Good evening, yentlemens. How you vas. [The robbers shake hands with him and hold on to their grip on each hand. Jack. Hold on, fat and jolly Dutchie ; we have a little business with you. Gust. Vel gom down to mine houes. Bill. We will not go just yet. See that ? [Presents pistol. Gtist. Toorn dot beestle avay. Id might gone off. Jack. Be still, or you are a dead man. Why have you gone and jumped our claim? For ten cents I would skin you. [Produces knife. Gust. I yoomp no glaims. 1 puy dot glaims f ron anooter mans. Jack. He never oM^ned it. We are the owners and you have got to get off or we will hang you. Let him go. Bill, and if he starts to run, shoot him. Gust. Ivantroon. I vant roon. Jack. How much did you pay that man for our claim? Gu^t. Tree hoondret und dirty-doo toller. Jack. Well, sir, if you will pay us the same, you may have it. If you don't, we will have the vigilants to hang you for a thief. Gust. Oh, der vigilants. I give you all der moneys vat I gots. Jack. All right. Give us that and we will call again for the remainder. Shell out. Gust. Here id vas— dwo hoontret und sexty toller. Jack. Now, Dutchie, hunt up the balance. Mind, after this, how you buy claims. Gust. I pet you I minds dot. Poot I vould like to hef some writen apout dese laud p-esness. Jack. Well, Bill, we will make him out a deed. I have one of our blanks here in my pocket. Fill it out for him. [Bill fills out blank, they both sign it, and give it to Gust. Gust. Tank yoti, yentlemens. Jack. Hold up those hands until we get out of sight. [Gust holds up hands] Good bye, Dutchie. Ta, ta. We hope to meet you again . [Exit, L. Gu^t. Vel, I done hope so much ash dot. Dey seart my life ©uet ven dey show dot bistals und powie knife. Poot I peen no more afrait ash 1 vas. Dotfoorst manshe dreat me pad. He solt me glaims ven he don't got some. I keel heem ven I seen him. Dese dwo vellers, dey vas awful mat mit me. poot I could nix helfa. I taut I vas dright. I got some writen fron dese vellers. I yoost reat dose leedle instruments. [Reads] " Know all men by these presents, (dot vas not a bresent, I buys him) dot ve, this day grant, pargain und sell unto Gust Goldschmidt, Dutchman, {Dot vas me) all our 1 ight, title and interest in any land which belongs to us, and he may find. {I pet you I finds him alreaty) We furthermore, in consideration of $72. money yet due us, agree that if he will pay the same, not to kill the said Gust Goldschmidt, Dutchman, (dot surely vas not me) but grant him fur- ther life. Done on the highway and in a neat and substantial manner, this the first day and time.we ever met him, the said Gust Goldschjaidt, Dutch- man, on professional business. Jack Ward, Bill Hunt." I no like dot writen. 1 pel'^fe dey blay some foollshense mit me. Schtop a leedle. I vas oufteiidimes pefortj here apout dot Jack Vard und Peel Hoont.und dey vas der vorstest roppers in der whole countries I yoost so mat mit mineselve I peen such a fools, I tout vants auty potys to know dot I hef any beesness dran- sactious mid dese Jack Vard and Peel Hoont. [Tears up deed] I yoost go home und says moom to efery potys vat I speaks to apouetit. [Exit, JB. Re-enter Jack and Bill. Jack. Sh. Darker work and better pay. We are on the way to fortune. Don't you want to hear the contract. [Reads] **To whom it may concern : 16 INTRIGUE. Know ye, that I, George West, of the State of Pennsylvania, have this day placed to the credit of Jack Ward, the sum of $2000, In the Occidenial Bank of California, to be paid him on considerations verbally stipulated between myself and the said Jack Ward." That is sufl&cient. I fully understand the conditions. We are to kill that Dutchman. That is, put him out of the way mysteriously. There is no use of delaying the job. I think the best plan will be to tie him in his cabin and burn it down on him. Bill. Yes, that is best, and besides it will seem like there hadn't been foul play dealt, by consuming his carcass and destroying evidences of his former existence. Jack. Remember then that we will catch him in his cabin, muzzle his mouth, secure him with ropes, bar the door, and send the whole thing iip in smoke. [Exit, E. SCENE VI— Gust's Cabin. Gust discovered in cabin. Sings a song and commences to cook supper. While grinding on coffee mill, robbers enter from rear, sieze him, tie handkerchief over mouth, bind him to chair, retire and set fire to cabin. Tableau. CURTAIN. ACT IV. SCENE I,— RosENA's Home. [Miles discovered dusting room .] Miles. Bedad, its a foine chamber maid Mister Wist is making of me. Batwane the keeping of his office, coming down here working for this pretty little Miss Rosena and foinding out all their sacrets, it will be the death of me, so it will. And sure he come down here a few days asro and was rading in the papers about a Dutchman that was kilt out in California and she fainted away. There is getting to be a great deal of mystery about this place and I am all the time looking for ghosts and divils— there is one now. \ Knock at door. Enter George L. Geo. Miles, you can return to the office after telling Miss Rosena of my visit. [Exit 3Iiles. C. Enter Rosena. C] Miss Rosena, pardon the intru- sion. A little business, as well as pleasure, brings me here this morning. I have made arrangements for quarters more becoming your station and fortune I have purchased the Smilhson mansion, which you may choose to occTipy at once, or wait until you may wish to take a life partner with you. Eos. Mr. West, I admire your taste in choosing such an elegant situation and I thank you for your observation on the latter consideration. As long as I am Rosena Miller, allow me to remain with the silent memories of the past— this dear, old home, though however humble it may be. Geo. [Eising a7id aside] Never mind, she may stay here if she desires, but a trusty servant of mine own choosing will ever see that none other enter without my permission. Eos. Mr. West, have you made all the search possible to find poor, little Nina's body? Geo. I have had the river dredged for miles. iTer body must have gone out with the tide and went to sea. Eos . How terrible a fate. And have you never seen a contradiction of the fate that befell poor Gust ? Do you really thinii he is dead ? INTRIGUE. 17 Geo. I don't think anything about it. I know" it. Therp can be no dcubt of it, at all. I saw a man today, just arrived from California, and he says the report is true and that his ca'bin was burned and his bones found among the ashes. Eos. Oh, how cruel and hard my fate! My last hope on earth is lost, forever lost! Geo. Miss Rosena, we huve to lose our best friends. 'Twill too often happen. And now, Miss Kosena, yovi need comfort and assistance and I hope to be a friend to you indeed, since the deatli of poor Gust. As Hove you, Kosena, I hope you will Jearn to give me yours in return. Come, cheer up, I am your guardian by law, and am capable of giving advice. Leave this lonesome place, with its sad and mournful past, and go with me to ihe Bmithson mansion. jRos. But what if — Geo. If what? Has. If he still lives? Geo. Why doubt longer? Can you not believe me ? Ros. 1 believe you would tell me the truth. He was to have been back in three years. They have come and gone, and yet I have seen his dear face never more. Geo. Then, will you trust your hand and fortune with me? Ros You are the only one to whom I can go for council. But I can't just now. Please call when I am in a better mood. Geo. Thank vou, Miss Rosena. lam pleased and honored to have you consider my proposition . Good day, [Exit. L. Ros. Am I right? Does Heaven sanction my actions? "If he lives" rings in my ears withdoleJul cadences of misery! Oh, if dead or alive, may some angelic messenger, at this dreadful, torturing moment, inform me, that my mind may be satisfied and free from doubt. If alive— why do I speak the doubting words ?— none but he should ever have my hand and the heart that went with it, and buried be ic in the grave with him, now and forever. If dead— why do I repeat the torturing words?— Heaven, then, cau not hold me responsible if I should marry Mr. George West. If I do, my bridal trousseau, then, s-hall carry its mourning for the dead; that shall be'one of the conditions of the troth. [Exit, C. SCENE II.— In Mountain Highway, Enter Jack and Bill . R. Jack. Bill, it has been a week since we penned that Dutchman. His bones would have been into ashes before this, had it not been for the rain that put out the fire after we left that night. Bill. I was near there to-day. The rain put out the fire before it got much headway and the cabin still stands. Jack. Well, then, we will go back to-night and examine matters and take down the evidences that are to secure us $1000 apiece. He could'nt make his escape and the ropes of course still hold his carcass to the chair we tied him in . Bill. Yes, we will have nothing to do ; for of course he is dead. Jack. And smells worse than a barrel of sauer kraut by this time. Bill, I have a pretty tender stomach, and a dead Dutchman smells worse than a carbolic soap factory. I want you to handle him. Shall we chuck his carcass or shall we try to burn the durned old thing down again ? Bill. Fire would be better, but perhaps we had better chuck his remains. I'll go an 1 prejjare a hole for the carcass, while you go to the cabin and prepare for the funeral procession. [Both exit, L. SCENE III.— Gust's Cabin. Gust still tied to chair, ivith haggard, starved look. Gust. Vill no help efer come? I gant stood dis manty hours longer. Dere vas pread in der pox but I can't get id. I dried tree tays to pite der toor town, poot gouldn't done it. Dot poocket of vaters has peen vort more ash such muchgolt; forn id keep me alife dese long. My stomachs vas 18 INTRIGUE. poorning oop und dare vas fefer in my het. I moost hef some more vaters u\id I feel so veak und steef T p^eii afraU I gant holt der pucket mit mine mouet. [Hobbles t» bucket on table, takes hold of edge of bucket with teeth and while drinKing turns over bucket and spills water.] viine Got in Bimel, der vasser vas all spilt ! gone ! Ouf I could only stoop town und lap it oop ouf der floor, like a dog! I can leefe no longer. Rosenaund Nina, myahants peen tied; send der anchels to vipe der tears fron my eyes. Vas id I treams. Efery dings vas- so tatk. My heat roars like der vas a rifer rooning ofer id. I can henr nodings, [Enter Jack, C, passing stealthily back. \ Der vas a rifer und sum vone vas vaving a lantern for me to follow agrosa, but der rifer vas plack, deep und vide. [ Wakes ] Vas I peen asleep ? Vere vas I ? [Jack levels a revolver at GusVs head from rear. A knock at the door disturbs him] Vas dot somepotys knock at der toor? Has Rosena sent some vone? No^ id vas ontly der vinds a plowing [Knocks] Dot vas somepotys. Der light preak ofer my heat. I peen af rait to seen anypoty, for I peen so hungry I could eat a mans. [Knocks] Knock der toor down und gone in , Enter Specidator, C. Spec Is this where Gust Goldschmidt lives ? Gicst. Veil, 1 peen stay here. Der lifen vas apouet blayed ouet. You seen I peen tied und can do nodings. Spec. Who did this, and how long have yon been in this fix? Gust. Der robbers tied me und tried to purn down der house, poot Hefen sent town der rain und der plazes vent ouet. Vat tay peen dis ? Spec. Saturday. Gust. Den dot makes a veek I peen tied und got nodings to ead. Spec. A week! Then you must be about starved. I will release you. [Cuts ropes . Gitst. Meister, may Hefen rewart you forn deese, fori peen not rich enough to done id miaeselve. Spec. I ask no reward ; though I must say that your wealth is doubtless greater than you suppose and that is my mission here— to add to ic. [Jack listens ivith great interest.] That is, providing we can agree to a trade for your mining property. I represent an Eastern company arid came to offer you a good round sum. for it. As you have had nothing to ea^/ for so long a time we will defer business until your system is noiirished Come with me and I will furnish you with something to stimulate yourself. Gust. I vill go mid you und ead und drink somedings, den ve dalks apouet der pisness. I peen so steef und veak I can hardtly valk. l,Exit. C. Jack. [Coming down and stecdthlly examining door, etc.] Sh— sh. Perhaps it was best that we did not kill t e Dutchie after all. What a sheet-iron stomach he must have. He is worse than a cat with nine lives. The price he may get for his mine may be worth lying in wait for. We are the boys as has never failed on a tap, when the swag was worth the display of first class ability. Now, if Bill will only come in time. I will stay concealed in the room and take down the dot of the trade. Sh— they are coming. [Jack retires. Re-enter Gust and Speculator. Gust. Vel, I feel some petter ash I did. If ve makes some trade out for dot golt mine. I vants to leefe dright strate avay forn Pennsylwania py der next drain, Vot dime o'clock does dot start ouet? Spec. At eight to night. Now sir, I am authorized to pay you two hun- dred thousand dollars for your mine. Gust. I say, meister, couldn't you poot foofty more tousand to it und make it a quarter millions ? Dot vould sound so peeg to tell Rosena. Spec. I am limited in my negotiations and can not bid beyond what I have offered you . Gust. Vel, I dakes him. Spec. We will fill out the papers at once. I will give you a gold draft on the. Bank of ( 'aliforuia. Gust. Dot vas goot. I dakes him too. [They fill out and exchange papers. Jack stealthily watching the proceedings . Spec. Now, my friend, as I found you almost in a dying condition, I hope your future may be void of all bad luck. Do not let the robbers get INTRIGUE. 19 hold of you again . Call at our offi3e when you come to town to-night. So good-day. [Exit. C. Gust. Is it vakendoti trearas'' Vas dis mlneselve? I vish Rosena vas here to binch me und see ouf it vas. It vill dake a peeg sachel to carry dot sheck in. I pet you I looks out for dose