9 S 635 Z9 :8968 *opy 1 in ft All nT&l re O I» filling all orders is always a feature of our business. ' H I I IW1 K I N I- \ \ Catalogues sent free. Any Play, Dialogue Book, Speaker, l,L - ww Guide Book, Wigs and Beards— in fact anything you AMES' PUBLISHING CO., Clyde, Ohio. Tfl AMES' SERIES OF 1DARD AND MINOR DRAMA, No. 331. The Old Wayside Inn (DRAMA.) WITH (ART OF CHARACTERS, ENTRANCES AND EXITS. RELATIVE POSITIONS OP THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS! CAREFULLY MARKED FROM THE MOST APPROVED ACTING COPY. PRICE 15 CENTS. CLYDE, OHIO : AMES' PUBLISHING CO, tfL J$ No goods sent C. O. D. Money MUST accompany all orders. f**"" ALPHABETICAL LIST DF .£LmBS ? Edition of Flays. FIFTEEN CENTS EACH UNLES3 OTHERWISE MARKED. 104 39 13 100 125 S9 113 220 14 321 272 160 2HS 310 101 152 L73 143 It 12 300 311 141 191 KM 163 81 is Sl DRAMAS. Arthur Kustsi 1" A Desperate Game '* After Ten Years 7 A Life's Revenge Arrah de Baugh 7 Aurora Floyd 7 Auld Robin Gray 25e ... Beauty of Lyons Bill Detrl. * 7 Brae, the Poor House Girl.... t Brigand* of Cilabria ' Br ken Lin! Beyond Pardon " Conn; or. L. ng the Mist; I lllilll Niil"!' Dora Driventothe Wall I" Driven from Home 7 Dutch .1 il Easl Lynne Emigrant's Daughter Fielding .Manor 9 Gen ie's Vindication ( irandinother Hildebrn Legacy, 25c I l.iunti-il bv n Slid ' Hal Hazard, 25c Grandeh... He Did It.... Hidd< n Treasures t Hunter of the Alps V' Hidden Hand In and Shadows ot.the Great Rebellion, La.lv of Lyons Lady Audley's Secret fi Lost in Loncb ti i. In \ 1 1 .... 5 ' . i'. Trip 7 3 Li a! Holi n Afflicted Family .... " 3 jfe The Old Wayside Inn. A DRAMA, IN FIVE ACTS, J. E. Crary, Author of "Jacob Schlofs Mistake," "Alma, or United at La>it y " etc. TO WHICH IS ADDED A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES— CAST OF THE CHARACTERS— I ENTRANCES AND EXITS— RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. Entered accordino to the act of Congress in the year 1894, by AMES' PUBLISHING CO., I-d 1~) ( ^ *" t'»i the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. -CLYDE, OHIO:- AMES' PUBLISHING CO* CAST OF CHARACTERS. Jack Bf.Ckwith..... Landlord of the Tnn. BartJua* Capt. of Robbers. £ Rl ™ Stillweli Anearl. PatO'Flaghrrty, ) t> , .■ JLRitz DvxuKRHOFTra. I Dtechves. Washington Jone* Servant: l-»LE Blackhart, ") Dick Blackhart, >- Rollers. Bed Btackhart, j Groom and Footman. Gypsy Beckwith Lost hevreaa- I . I nVc CKWITH Wife of Jack Beckwifh. lmdy Stilt well Rfice'a mother. i;ADY Arley ....................................;.... Mother of Gypev. i'KBTBUDis Roseli jfcfo, of Lady StillweU. "iibSMoOR .Gypsy's companion. Lady Stillwell, } n , ,,„ Lady Akley, / Can « onl,le - Gertrude Roseli, 1 n , , , Miss Moor, } Cm double. COSTUMES.-Modem. Jack-Beckutth— Full black beard. Bart Juan— Hea\y black mus'acbe. Bruce Sttllwell— Brown mustache. Ole B. ") Red B }■ Heavy black beard. Dick B. J Pat— S^nrt red beard. Fritz— Grey throat whisker. SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS. ACT I.— The Wayside Tnn. Storm on the Moor. Arrival of Lady A VI v ;>nd inf >nt daughter. Lill Beokwith warns her. "It is death to remain longer." Arrival of Jac'- beokwith. Murder of Lady Arley Lill saves the child. ACT TT — A lapse of fifteen years. Lill and Gypsy. The dying woman. "T am not. yrur mother." The secret revealed. Jack arrives. A death led Jack'- des- pair. Gvpsy discovers ' er mother's paper c , wh'ch reveals her mother's history Bart Juan and Jac'- meet. "T know your secret .." "My silence i«, the hand of Gypsv " Buice Sti'fwll. lost en the Moor. Seeks shelter, and is wrned by Gvnsy His escape. Jack'« oath ct his wife's grave. Murder of Jack and abduct' on of Gypsy, bv Bart Juan and hi-* men. Bruce discovers Jack in time to learn of the abduction. Death of Jack. ACT TTJ.— The Tii5. Tfd E.J Second Entrance: rr. v.. Unner Entrance; u. d.. Middle Door; p., the Flat; P. f., Door in Flat; R. c. Right of Center; L. c. Left of Center. r. r. c. c. L. c. r« ,% The readerjs supposed to be upon the stage facing the audience. TMP92-008966 The Old Wayside Inn: act r. SCENES.— A dimly lit bar-room in Beckwith's Inn. Bar in left corner at back of stage, bottles, signs, etc. Table l. c, stove, chairs, r., at back. Lill Beckwith discovered sitting back of bar. Light- ning and thunder as curtain rises. As a loud clap of thunder and flash of lightning is heard, Lill speaks. Lill. If it only would strike me. If it only would end this mis- erable life of mine, how thankful I would be. (covers face with, hand — loud knocking at door, l.) Another victim, (rises) Oh !l heaven, how many more ? Is another life to end suddenly — awfully ? Not if 1 can help it. (does to door, which is blown open by wind Enter, Lady Arley, l. e. Shut the iloor quick. (shuts door as they move to C. Lady A. My good woman, how frightened you look; but you see I am quite harmless, we have been ov, rtaken by the storm and come to ask for shelter. Lill. Not here, go on your way— your carriage is safer than this house. Listen to the wind, every minute I am expecting the bricks and tiles to fall about my ears. Lady A. Nonsense! (goes behind counter, takes chair vacated by Lill) The house is strong enough. If you have no bed for visitors, we can rest beside the fire for the night. Lill. Do not. (coming close to her) Go, I implore you. This is no place for a laly like you. Lady A. It is far better than bein<; out in this storm, with noth- ing between me, and it but a frail carriage, (shows baby, ivhich she has kept under cloak) And there's the little one, if you could ba hard hearted to me, I am sure you could not be to my baby. Per- haps you have some little one's of your own ? Lill. No, I never had a baby. May I— may I hold it for a mo- ment. Lady A. Of course you may, see she is waking up now. (starts to take it, then draws back Lill. Loose not a moment, but go! Our beds are damp, the rain. 4 THE OLD WAYSIDE INK. comes through the roof; we have nothing to give you that you couhl eat. You had better go. Lady A. Who lives here with you? Lill. My husband. Lady A. He will be more hospitable than you, I am sure. The cottage does not look so very damp, anyway I am not half as fright- ened in it as I was In the carriage. You cannot refuse to let me stay. (voices heard outside, l. — knock at door Lill. (coming close, speaks quick) I say you must go, say you came to get some milk lor the child; say there is some one coming after vou, who will know you have stayed here. As von value your life, don't linger. (repeated knocks Lady A. In heaven's name, madam, what do you mean? (knocks repeated Lill, Keep this secret, because I am his wife, and through all, he is dear to me in a way, though I shudder at his crimes. It would mean death for you to stay. Lady A. Death? Lill. Yes, death. I must open the door now, but go — go at once and keep your jeweled hands under your clo.ik. Don't look fright- ened, or he will suspect me and then perhaps— (blows on door — Lill opens door Enter, Jack Beckwith, l. e., closes door as he spunks— coat wet. Jack. What the devil do you mean by keeping me waiting out- side on such a night as this? Most wives wait for their husbands But ah ! I see vou have company. Beg your pardon, Madam. Lady A. Oh! it was my fault, I was selfishly keeping your wife doing something for me. But now I must hurry away, and thank you lor your hospitality. Jack. You'll not stay then? Lady A. (raises hand to her head for a moment) No, thank you. Jack. Then all we can do is to wish you a pleasant journey. It's a night upon which I wouldn't turn my dog out. but if you will go, you will, (moves toward door, followed close by Lill, starts to open it) You'd better change your mind, it's a terrible night. Lady A. (coming nearer) No, it is no question ot choice, I must go on. He starts to open door, then as if changing his mind, he turns and draws knife, stabs her inback, she falls backwards dead — he turns to his wife, catching her by the wrists. Jack. You have warned her, you she devil you. See what you made me do. I might have only robbed her, had you let her stay. Now, she is dead. Lill. No! no! not dead, Jack, not dead. She kneels by the body, Jack grabs her by the arm and throivs her to other end of bar. Jack. Yes, dead, (throws back cloak and sees child, staggers back) A child! a child ! and I must kill that too, or the murder may be traced to me, but it will be hard to do. Lill, Jack, you shall not do it. (takes hold his arm) Is one THE OLD WAYSIDE £2T2fc 5 murder on your soul, not enough for one night? Let me have the child. Jack. You? What could you do vvifh it? No! no! I mnst kill it. It won't take a big blow to do it. Why did she flaunt her jewels before me to tempt me? I'd have let her go, had 1 not seen them. Leave go of me, I must kill it. Lill. You shall not, or you shall kill me first. Do I ever speak to anyone about here? Does anyone ever see me? Can anyone swear that I have not a little baby of my own? Give it to me Jack, I will have it. Jack. Have it, then, dam it. It's horrible to see it there — per- hans I'll let yon keep it, and perhaps I won't. (Lill takes child Lill. Are you quite sure she is dead? Jack. Quite sure. Open the door of your room, I'm going to take her in there. , Lill. In there? No, no, Jack, not in there! I Jack. Yes, in there! open the door woniin, or I'll kill the child. (Lill opens door, l., Jack carries body in lie-enter, Jack, l. e. Take the child in there and shut the door, I must see to those men. Lill. Jack. Jack, you are not going to do more murder to-night? Jack. Hush ! Do you suppose I am jroin^ to put the hang-man's rope about my neck? That would be murder. Go into that room and ask no questions. (exit, Lill, l. k. | Jack, (opens door — in a loud voice to men) Your good lady is going to stay all night; come into the bar and I'll take the horses around to the stable. (ex>t, R. e. Footman, (outside) There'll be more comfort in the bar, can you manage the horses, mate? Jack, (outside) I rather think so. Go in, I'll be with you in a moment. Enter, Groom and Footman, r. e.— business of taking off coats and getting warm. Re-enter, Jack r. e. Now for something hot, swe.'t and strong, (laughs) You must spend the night by the fire. I hope you will be able to keep your- selves comfortable. Groom. Comfortable enough, mite; as soon as you've mixed us s^me of that good spirit of yours. By jove ! it's a pleasant change from what it was outside. (Jack dmg8 wi £ Jack. It will be pleas, liter soon ; you'll drink and then sit by the fire and doze, then by and by you'll fall into a quiet sleep. Ha' ha! Now mates, your very good health, (they drink at bar and then sit at stove) Now, tor some good cold beef. You must excuse my wife, not coming to look after you, for vour lady must be attended to. Footman. Oh! we'll not grumble if you look after us well Ladies as ornaments is all very well, but give me a man for useful- ness, (exit, Jack, l. e., two men, go to sleep, then fall on floor. I THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. He-enter, Jack, l. e. Jack. Ah! that drug has clone it's work well. Now to finish it. (goes to door and looks out) What a night to be out. (goes l., calls) Lill, come out here! Enter, Lill, l. e., drops into a chair and covers face. Ha! ha! after all these years a cowardly sniveling booby still, Lill. Bah ! you ought to know better than to feel tear, and really what have I clone? All lives are more full of sadness than joy, and 1 have made it impossible for trouble to aftect these people longer. I am a public benefactor. They are a great deal better oft* than they were an hour ago. Get up girl and tell me if you would like any of this woman's clothes? (standing in door while he speaks, she shakes her head) That's well, it's safest so, but I will trouble the lady for her rings and valuables, (exit, into room, returns with body of Lady Arley in his arms, he lays her on floor) Come Lill, rouse up! (shakes her) I'm going out, if anybody comes, I have not been in to-night, no carriage has been here. •Pushes Lill into room, l., closes door and carries the dead bodies out, R. E. Enter, Lill, l. e., seats herself by stove. Lill. Oh! heavens, will this ever end. Jack! Jack! why do I love him. He leads me a life of misery, a life of hell, but I love him in spite of all. Oh! Jack, Jack, once we were happy, Oh! why, was I doomed thus to suffer. 0!i ! God in heaven, have pity on me. Will it never end? Enter, Jack, r. e. Jack. Will what end? Never fear, I have thrown off all possi- bility of tracing this nights work to me. I placed the two men on the box and the lady inside, and started the horses on the run ; where they will go I do not know, nor do I care, only that they get far a>v«y trom here, (he pulls off his boots, rubber coat and sits by the fire) Has any one been here? (he sits on the opposite side of the stove from Lill Lill. No! is it likely anyone would come upon such a night ? Jack. Then remember, I came home at six and have not been out since. Where is the child ? Lill. Asleep in my room. Jack. All right, she is yours. Now come here my beauty ! I wish to talk with you. (she does not more) Come here Lill. Lill. No, no ! I — I can't have you touch me ; it's too — too terrible ! That poor trusting lady, how could you? Oil ! how could you? Jack. Come here, or by heaven's, the child shall follow the, mother! (she comes slowly and kneels at h : s side, he throws his arm around her — she shudders) My beauty! my beautiful wife! Kiss me Lill. Lill. Spare me that! don't — don't make me kiss you now! Jack, (forces her face up to hi*, he kisses her) By my soul, you'r a tine wife, but you can't split on me, Lill, the law does not allow a wile to split on her husband. Aid you would not if you could. THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. 7 would you, my girl ? You have a little love for me still? Lill. Heaven knows I do love you with all my heart! But steeped in blood and crime, how can I love you? Jack. But you do — you do. See here Lill, when you cease to love me, that child shall follow the mother. You understand me? And you love me? Lill. Yes! yes! (head drops on his knee CUB TAIN. Note. — The storm should be kept up pretty much all through this Act, but not enough to drown the voice of the speakers. END OF ACT I. A lapse of fifteen years between Act 1st and Act 2nd. ACT II. SCENE. — Lill Beckwith's room. Lill in bed, Gyp sits by the bed, which is on l., door, r. Lill. What is the time, Gypsy? Gyp. Ten o'clock, mother. Lill. Ten o'clock! I wish your father woukl come. Gyp. Are you feeling worse, mother? Lill. I know that I am dying, and if it was not for you Gypsy, I should be glad. Gyp. Oh ! no, no, mother ! Lill. Ah ! but it's yes, Gypsy. (>he raises up a little Gup. Darling mother, you cannot die and leave me alone. What shall 1 do without you in this terrible place? I would rather die with you than live. Lill. You don't love your father, do you Gypsy? Gyp. Oh! mothey, how on I love him when I know — Lill. And yet I have known. And yes, though I shudderel and s'ckened at the thought ot Ids terrihl" deeds, still I have loved him for twenty years, and he has lov± 1 me. But you are diderenfc, you are not h : s wife — his poor wife whom his sins have killed; you are not — you are not even Ids d iug.it r ! (■iyp. Mother ! Lill. It is true, you are neither his daughter nor mine. G;ip. Oil! mother, mother, m>t yours? Oh! please, dearest — don't say tli it — please, do not say 1 a u not your child. (Gyp kneels at bedside and weeps Lll. Hush! Listen, I had meant to ask your father, if I might tell you; hut now I see that it is right that 1 should, whether he sanctions it or not. Onlv promise, by the love you bear me, that to giin-your rights, you will do nothing to harm him. Gyp. Mother, I promise. Lill. Then listen, darling, ritteen years a?o your mother came here with you one stormy night; she was richly clad, and with lovely iewels on her hands. She never left the house alive ; but she was * THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. found murderer], in her carriage, five miles from here, the coachman a i fo ? tman on th e hox-seat, both dead. The murder of Lady Arley is well known in the=e parts; you have no doubt heard of it, and of the missing child. Lady Arley was your mother — you are the child that was missing Gyp. Mother ! Lill. I begared your father— no, my husband, to let me keep you, lw fi ** e W!,s never susnected of the crime, and no one knew but that you were my child. Your mother left you a great heiress. I Gyp. But mother darling, how could I claim my rights — who would believe me? Lill. No one, had you no proofs, but I have them for you safe; no one knows I have them, not even Jack. Your mother in'her agi- tation, dropped a little bag on the night that she was murdered, and jincling that it contained papers of importance to you, I hid it under isto St .l ne ° f the— water ! ( Gyp 9 ioes brandy from bottle) Under the Gyp. Yes, mother, yes. Lill. Under the st — Gyp. Never mind, mother. What does it matter, I do not want the paper*. j^ But you must, you must. Under the— Gypsy, Gypsy, (knock at door, Gyp opens door, R. Enter, Jack, r. e. Jack. How's von r mother? Gyp. She has fainted. 1— T think she is dyingr. Jack, (throwing himself on kveps, by bed) My beau f y. my lovelv wife, my darling; sppak to me, Lill— Lill, you're not. cjoinsr without one word. Lill, for heaven's sake, speak to me. (kisses her hand) Brandv, Gyn. she is sinking for the want of it. Could you not look after her better than this? There mv beautv, mv darling wife. Are you better? (raises her head— she dies) Oh! my G-xl, Lill! speak, speak— qronp— Li II ! Dead— dead. (Jack holds Lill in his arms, Gyp kneels at foot of bed CHANGE TO SCENE I, ACT II. SCENE II. — Same as Act ls\. Gyp discovered sitting by stove — knock heard at door, i.., Gyp opens. Enter, Bart Juan, l. e. Hart. Miss Beck with, T believe? (?yp. Yps sir! what cm I do for yon? Bart. Yps sir! (mocking) I'd just as lief you'd not sir me, Miss t want tpr fee your father, girl — where is he? Gyp. Fathpris slopping, t %x \\\ ca n ],;,„. (exit, l. e. Bart. Well, by hokey, she's a stunner, jes as pretty as an apple THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. $ blossom. By gad, Bart Juan, you'r a lucky dog; she's an heiress, and if you play your cards well, you've got a prize. Hi ! ha! I've got it, I know Jack Beckwith's secret, and h% sha'l give me that girl for a wife, or he will swing. Or if he don't consent, I'll tap his juglar and carry her off to the roost. Once there she shall be mine. Luck has been agin me lately, but I think my star shines once more. Ah ! here comes Jack. Enter, Jack, l. e. Jack. What do you want? Bart. Ha! ha! ha! Jack Beckw'.th, yer don't find a victim in me and you'd better look a bit plea-anter too. Don't yer know me? Did yer ever hear of Bart Juan? Jack. My God ! Black Bart, I thought you were dead. Bart. No, Jack Beckwith, I didn't die. yer see ine don't ye? I've come to settle old scores, but I'll let yo i off easy. Jack. What will you take for your silence, Bart Juan ? Bart. Well Jack, there's no use bein' hot. about it. Let's drink, I'll take cherry. (Jack iiqu>-s drinks, the;/ drink) Now jest come and sit down by this table here and let's have a talk. (Bart seated r., Jack l.) I'm one of them kind as don't like beaten bush, so I'll jes tell yer what's what. Yer ask me what I'll take fer my silence I'll tell yer, yer darter Gyp's haul in marriage. Jack. Man! (rises) villain ! never ! she is not my daughter and you know it. She is of aristocratic stock, and too good and pure to mate with a murdering cut-throat like Bart Juan. Bart. Gol darned complimentary, ain't yer Jack? Say, whose the worst, you or I ? Jack. She is not my daughter. Bart. So much the better, so what do you care. If yer don't do as I said, I'll squeal. Think it over old man, and I'll call again. I'll have her any way, consent or no consent, an' swing you in the bargin, darn my pelt if I don't. So beware, I'll come to-morrow fer my answer, so be smart. Farewell, (exit, r. e. Jack. Well, what's the difference, she ain't mine, let him have her, if he can get her. It's getting dark, I'll go and do the chores. (takes drink from bottle and exit, R. e. Enter, Gypsy, l. e., lights lamp and pulls down b'ind. Gyp. I don't wan'tto lure anv travelers here, he would do as he has so olten done in the pa«t, and then heaven help them, (sits by stove) It is horrible ! horrible! I seem surrounded by those, whom that dreadful man, I call father, has murdered — I seem to see the ghost of my poor murdered mother, and yet 1 dare not go. Here I can watch and prevent more harm, and yet it is a hard life. Perhaps if I could find the papers, I would go. Where can the papers be? Her eyes looked towards this door, what stone could she have meant ? Ah ! could she have meant the hearth stone? I will see anyway. Takes poker, pries tip stone and finds baa, and replaces stone, rises as she hears steps and secrets them in her bosom. Enter, Jack, r. e. Jack. I had a strange fancy, Gyp. I thought I sh >uld see youi JO THE OLD WAYSIDE I NX. mother sitting there, but she's dead, ain't she. Kiss me girl, kiss me. Ain't you happy here, Gyp? (kisses her by forcing her fa e up to his Gyp. You lor>k as though you needed rest, you are cold — I'll have something for you to eat in a moment or two. Jack. Hark! what's that, some one coming! Gyp. Not here? Jack. Yes. here! Where e'se should a traveler stop for rest, if not here? Why is'nt the blind pulled up? Do it at once, or he'll not see the light. Gyp. I'll not do it. (knock at door, Jack goes to door, Gyp lays hand on his arm) Who ever he is, I will have no harm come to him, remember that. I am not your wife and the law would allow me to speak against you. Jak. I don't know what you mean, you are not my wife, of course, but you are my daughter. Gyp. No, lam not even your daughter. We will talk of that some ethei time; but give mc your word — swear by your wife's grave, that this stranger, who ever he or she may be, shall leave this house unharmed. i Jack. I'll do no such a thing, (pushes her away) Keep vour tongue between your teeth, or, daughter as I have called you these many years, although you deny the relationship now, it will be the worst for you. (throws door open Enter, Bruce Stillwell, r. k. Bruce. You give but a sorry welcome and a tardy one. No lights gleam in your windows, to light the traveler, and one has to knock loud enough to wake the deal. Can you put me an I my horse up for the night? Gyp. We are sorry, sir! but we have accommodations for neither horse or man. Jack. For shame, Gvpsy, on such a dark, cold night as this, no man, with a roof over his head, should deny admitance toothers. It is true sir! that the accommodation that we can offer, is but poor, but such as it is, you are welcome to it, very welcome. Bruce. And what ever it is, I accept it most gratefully, unless, indeed, I shall give too much trouble to — Jack. My daughter, sir! No, you'll give no trouble to her, I will wait upon you, as I have to wait upon her. Poor men's daughters are tine ladies now days and want waiting upon. Bruce. Your daughter lo#ks ill, sir! Jack. Oh! girls were healthier when they worked harder. Gyp. Never mind me. If this gentleman has ridden hard and means to stav, his horse ought to be taken care of. Bruce. Wisely spoken, I have ridden far and harJ. Perhaps you will make him comfortable as you can, at once. (Jack lights lantern and gives to Gyp Jack. Take the horse 'round to the stable, Gypsy, unsaddle him, wipe him clown, give him a good feed and lock him in. Bruce. No! no! I could not think of such a thing, it is snowing fast, the night is bitter cold and very dark. Show me the way, sir! and I will make my horse comfortable for the night. Gyp. I will do it, sir! J had rather — (takes lantern and puts shuw on head — aside, up stage-* Bruce wanning at stove) He will do uoth THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. « ingyet — nothing until I have gone to rest. The stranger is safe at present. (exit, R, e. Jack. Have a drink sir? What is your favorite drink? Bruce. I have no favorite, sir! Perhaps a little brandy would do me good, half frozen as I am. {they drink Enter, Gyp, r. k. J< ck. You've made short business of it. Gyp. It is not often I act as stable boy. (to Bruce) I will get you some supper, (sets table — as Jack turns to bar, she hands Bruce note, he reads crumbles and puts in pocket) Ready for supper ? This is all we ea i offer you. (Biuice and Jack sit at table, eat Bruce. It U good enough, with some ol your father's good brandy to warm mo, I ask for n >thing better, and I consider myself a lucky man this col 1 night. I am glad, sir! that your heart is less hard than your daughter's. I shall be more comfortable under your ho-pitable roof, than to be riding tiirourh this storm. Jack. Gyp, go and get the gent's room rea ly. (they eat and drink Bruce. It'- an uncany sort of a place about here, and if what I have heard is true, it has not the best of names; men have been missing, again and again, who were known to have come in this di- rection. Jack. Yes, there is a bog in the middle of the mo r; I should say thev had sunk in there and been sufloeated; that is my opinion. Bruce. Or, they have been killed by footpads and been sunk afterwards. Jack. Perhaps, but I have lived fere all my life, and I have mver heard of footpads in these par s, and what's more, I've never heard of any other that had. Bruce. And yet it seems strange that so many should sink into the bog. Jack. Not stranger that six should, or sixty, than one. Some of those who have been missing, mu-t have had fire-arm*, just a« you may. sir ! Bruce. Oh! yes sir, I have. (pulls a small revolver from pocket Jack. And had they been interfered with, they would have de- fended themselves. May I see that, sir? Brace. By all means, (hands to Jack) Anorlinarv colt; you see, rhis (pulls another from his pocket) is a different make. 1 find no difficulty in snuffing a candle with either of them at any reasona- ble distance. (Jack returns colt and lake* the other Jack. You do go well armed to take care ot yourself, don't 3011? No one could get the better of you, 1 should think, unless they caught you napping. Bruce. And I am the lightest sleeper in the world. Jack, (aside) Well, if I hurt him, it will be his own fault. Enter, Gyp, r., 2 E., comes up to bar, Bkuce rises to his feet. Bruce. I've had a long day and am tired; will you mind if I wish you good night? (s'takes hands with Jack, who shakes heartily Jack. 1 hope you'll sleep well? JJruce. Oil! I'm sure 1 shall. (!o Gyp) Good- nizht. and thank 12 THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. you for the trouble you have taken for me. (takes her hand Gyp. Good-night. (exit, Bruce, r., 2 e. Jack. It's about lime you went to bed. Gyp. I'm not going yet, I'm cold. (st : rs fire with poker Jack. What do you want to do that for? We'll be going to bed soon. Gyp. You won't, our guest has your room and you must lie on the mat here, for the night. Jack. True, true, but he's going very early in the morning, so you won't get to see him anv way, and I'll get to sleep in my bed after all. (clatter of horses hoofs heard) Some one else coming? Gyp. No! the sound of that horses' feet is dying away. Jack. But, no one hns passed, or we should have heard them. (*p ringing to door of room) Sir! sir! open the door! (breaks it open, comes back and crab* Gyp by arm) This is some of your work. Gyp. Yes, it is, you have done murd r enough. If lean prevent it, you shall do no more! (he strikes her, she staggers against bar Jack. You — you Ju las! Take eare, lest [ murder yon. Gyp. As you murdered my mother? (he recoils Jack. My God ! so you know that, do you? Gyp. I know that y >u murdered her and her two servants. I know who 1 am, and have proofs of whom lam, safely hidden away, where you will never find them. My own mother gave them to your wife, and she kept them for me, and gave them to me on her dying bed, making me promise that I would not try to prove my rights un- til you were dead, lest your sins should find you out and justice overtake you. I will keep my word, I will not try to prove my rights until you are dead, but 1 will have no more murder done. The woman, whom I loved and called mother so long, was weak, I !>m strong. Swear by her grave that you will kill no more, or, as there is a heaven above me, I will inform again-t you. (he comes close to her and draws a pistol from pocket Jack. Take care how you tempt me. Take care how far you drive a desperate man ! None of my blood flows in your veins — why should I mind spilling it? Gyp. Why indeed ! you have spilled plenty before, but you will not spill mine. Put down that pistol, and promise me, swear by your wife's grave; it is the only oath you will hold sacred. (puts pistol down Jack. I'll not swear. What is it to vou, you are no child of mine. Go to your room, I will do as I will. Enter, Bart Juan, l. e., unobserved by Jack and Gyp, and listens. Gyp. When you have taken the oath I will, but not until then. Do you know that your wicked sins killed your wile? Would you keep her spirit in hell, as it were, with your murderous deeds now? Is it not enough to have made her life a hell here? Must she look down and see the man who, with all his vileness, she loved, per- suing the same course still? (catches Gyp's hand in his Jack. Do you think she can see me now? Gyp. 1 believe she can. Jack. And I'm spoiling her heaven? Gyp. Yes. Jack. Then I'll swear, Lill, my beauty, my wife. I swear I'll do V THE OLD WAYSIDE ItfN. ^ no more murder. By your grave, I'll take rr j oath I won't. He has dropped on his knees, exit, Gyp, l. e. — Bart comes near and taps him on the shoulder, as he kneels with his face in his hands. Bart. Fool! Where is your manhood, that ye allow yerself to be bambozeled and humbled by a chit of a girl? Stand up, be a man. Give us something to drink. (Jack rises, noes to bar, pours out liquor, they drink) Well, how do you feel now? I've come for my bride. Jack. Bart Juan, T have no bride for you. Sooner than see that pure girl your wife, I would drive a dagger to her heart. Hart. Fool! as you sai 1 to that Jade. Beware, how you goad a desperate man. Come — Jack. Bait Juan, you have my answer. Now go! (Jack presents a cocked pistol at Bart's heart. Bart. Fool ! you have sealed your own doom. Bart throws billy and knocks pistol out of Jack's hand, Bart draws knife and advances toward end of bar. Jack. Ha! ha! Think you I fear you? I will meet you on equal ground, with equal weapons. Come! here i* the time and place. {draws danger and advances around bar to center of stage) Now B trt Juan, one of us must die — come ! They approach each other, watching each other closely — Bart thrusts knife into Jack, he falls apparently dead. Enter, Gyp, l. e., as Jack falls — screams— falls faint ing . Bart. Ah! now T will see about my pretty bird. Ah! here she is and in a faint. Now Miss Lillian Ar'ey and her fortune shall be mine. A lit tie of Jack's brandy will restore her. egad, (gets boltle and pours a Jew drops between her lips, she revives, he h'-lps her to a\ chair) Now, how do you feel my beauty? Miss, y A u ire my pri- soner, d"n"t attempt any dang foolishness, or you'll ^-t what your father got, egad. I'd like to know what became of my men. (goes to door and ichistles several times Enter, Red Blackhart, Ole Blackhart and Dick Blackhart, L. E. Well, you fellows must have been deaf, or you would have heard his pistol shot, egad, but I downed him. Now, I'll jest get rid of the gal, and then for a little drink. (ties Gyp's hands and carries her into bedroom, L. Re-enter, Bart, l. e. There, I gue=s she'll stay, she seems kind o' dazed and doesn't speak much, but when I get her to the roost, I'll make her speak. Now for something to drink, and then for the roost, we must reach there before daylight. (Baht pours liquor, they drink Bed B. Not a bad looking: lout that. (points to Jack Ole B. Looks like he was a hard cuss to handle, pals. iJick B, Yes, but Bart Joan would handle the devil, (all lauqh U THE OLD WAYSIDE IXX. Bart. You fellows woulil have thought he was the devil, if you'd have had hold of him. He fought like a lion, but I got the best ol him. And now the poor cuss is defunct, l'llgo and put that gal to sleep, and we will be on our way. (exit, into room, L. Red B. Wat we goiu' ter do wid his carcus, pals? Ole B. Du de devil, let her lay an' rot, it nobody finds it. Dick B. Say, while Clap's in there, let's have some licker. (they drink Bed B. Say pals, w'at dos' Cap intend ter do wid dat gal? Dick. I expect lie intends ter marry her. She wasn't that feller's daughter, so I understand it. Ole B. No, she's de darter of a female dat Beckwith put to sleep about fifteen years ago. That fellow was a hard one. He has car- ried on his wholesale minder for outer twenty-rive ye'rs now. Eater, Bart, l. e. Bart. Here, you fellows hadn't better drink any more of that stuff until we get to the roost. Ye mav have to tight goin' home, and 1 want you to be on yer guard. That gal means a big fortune t > me, and besides that, a mighty nice wife, and if we are interfered with when we're goin' home, I want you fellows to be on yer guard. I had some trouble in gettin' the beauty to sleep. You fellows gee the carriage around here and we'll be a goin'. (exit, Dick and Red, r. e. Ole B. Is there anything in this ere shanty worth goin' through? Do you think Beck had anv stuff? Bart. Not unless it's in his pocket. Ole B. Well, if he's got anvthing in his pocket*, I'll find out pretty quick, (examines Jack's pockets) I've got a little stuff and a good pop gun. Now let's have one more drink before the boys come. (they drink Enter, Dick, r. e. Dick B. The rig is ready, so bring on yer gal, Cap., and let's be off. (exit, Ole B., r. k. Bart goes into room, returns, carrying Gyp, who is unconscious, car- ries her out r. e. Re-enter, Bart, r. e. Bart. Rest in peace Jack, o'd boy. You can let yer ghost run de shanty awhile. My fortunes already made; Lillian Arley in my hands, I have the cards that will rake in a mighty big jack pot. I'll just blow this light out, so as not ter hurt yer eye sight, (blows light out) So fare-well, and peace to your ashes. Ha! ha! ha! Exit, Bart, r. e. — pause — a rap is heard on the door, winch is re- peated several times. Enter, Bruce, r. e. Bruce. Landlord ! where are you, landlor 1 ! This is another nice reception. Something has happened, I will get a light, (lights candle) What this! Jack Beckwith dead ! What does this mean? THE OLD WAT SIDE INN. 15 Where can Gypsy be. Perhaps he is not, yet quite dead, and will tell me. (looks at him, gets branch/ bottle and gives him some — he groans) Where is Gypsy? Tell me man, where is she? (heptits his head down to Jack's) Oh ! my God, Blaek Bart, kidnapped ! Oh! God, have mercy on that poor girl. He can tell me no more, so I must leave. I will rind her though, and Black Bart, beware. 1 will get the Irish detective to work for me. and this man must be run to earth. Oh! Gypsy! Gypsy! where are you now? What will mother say to this mad love of mine. She must be found, ehe faved my life, and now I will find her and save her from a fate worse than death. CURTAIN. END OF ACT II. act in. SCENE T.— Sitting room at Lady Sttllwell's — Lady Stillwell and Bruce discovered seated c, Bruce r., Lady Stillwell l, of table. Lady S- Bruce, there has been something on my mind for a long time, and now I must tell you. Bruce. What is it mother? Lady S. There's one wish of my life, that you have never ful- filled, but which you can. : Bruce. Mother, why do yon keep me in suspense? What is it? ThU wish of your life; speak, and if it lays within my power, it shall be granted. Ijndy S. Thank you Bruce, you make me very happy. My wish is this, that vou marry your cousin Gertrude. Bruce. Mother, I don't love Gerty, and I can iW m-irry her. Lady S. Why can you not marry her, Biucp? She is good, she would make you a s:ood wife, besides, it is the wish of mv life. Bruce. Mother, I will tell you why, I told vou of the girl that saved mv life. I love her. I must find her. If we ever meet ao-ain, ■I sha 1 ask her to be my wife, for I love her with a deep love,°and have onlv seen her once. Lady S. Br'ice Stillwell, I am ashamed of vou. A murderer? daughter! For shame! Where is your Stillwell pride? Bruce. Mother, lean not help it. Lady S. W< 11, well, we will not quarrel, but I wish you to make me a promise, Br ce. Bruce. What is it mother? Lady S. This that you promise me, if you do not meet this young Lvlv in three years, you will then ask Gertv to marry you. Bruce. I nromise. Lady S. Thank you Bruce, and now I must go and prepare for the companv. ( exit Lt E> Bruce. Yes, if I do not find her in three years, I will ask Gerty to marry me. but I must find her, and look for a good detective to hunt to? BlackJJart. lexiu Lt B# *6 THE OLD WAYSIDE INK. SCENE II. — Office of the Detective, who is discovered sitting at the table as curtain rises — bell rings. Pat. Ah! there me shwatc heart, (ring) Yissir! yis sir! com- ing right away, me hearty coming right away, sur! Enter, Bruce Stillwell, r. e. Come in me bye. Take a cheer, (sits) An' what can Pat O'Fla- gherty do for ye to-day, Mr. S illwell. Sure yer not looking well at-all, ar-all. Phat, the divils alio' ye my bye. If there's anything I can do for ye. ju-t sphit er right out. Bruce. Yes, Pat, I want you to help me. Pat. Just g ve us yer case me bye, and if Pat and Fritz don't raise the divil, you can call us N". G. I (produces note book and jots doion Bruce's story Bruce. Well Pat, I'll commence at the beginning. Night before last I was riding over the Moor a :d got caught in a snow storm. [ stopped at the Wayside Inn an 1 asked for lodging. There was an ol 1 man and a lady there. The young lady warned me to flee for my life, so I escaped out of the bedroom window. Towards morn- ing I went back, for I feared that man would harm the young lady, if he found out that she had warned me. When I got there, the lights were out, and when I lit them, there lay the Landlord dead, or nearly so; by giving him some brandy, I revived him a little. I asked for the younglady and he said, <,; Black Bart kidnapped!" and he was dead, his name was J.-ick Beckwith, and his daughter's name Gypsy. I wish you to find the young lady for me, and to bring that man Black Bart to justice. I will give you and your partner, each $.•{,000 for the job. Pat. Howl'y murther. but that's a regular dime novel affair and that Black Bart is a hard case, he is a cut-throat, counterfeiter, and the divil knows what all. And if he's to be found, ye may be sure that Patrick O'Flagherty and Fritz Dunderhoftin wi.l rind them. We are the bye s that are always on hand, and divil a drop of whiskey will me pinin' constitution get, until Black Bart and his low-lived crew are behind the bar. Yes sur! Bruce. Well Pat, do your best and go to work at once. Good-by and good luck. (exit, r. e. Pat. Ah ! the time will now come when we can show to the aworld that roe are the Detectives. I wish that dirty Dutchman would get a move on him and get here. The dirty divil goes to the saloon too much for my company, and bejabers, it's got to be stopped. Enter, Fritz, r. e., singing. Dry up ye noisy galoot, and sit down here — I got a case. Frits. So, s — o. Ish dot so? Pat. You jest bet yer loife it's so, and bad lu'k to the loiks of ye, if ye don't l'ave the mug alone. Fritz. Say Pat, maby you tol' me dot case, don't it. Pat. Yes sir! A young bye goes to the Old Wayside Inn, and is warned by a girl to flee. Frits. S— o. Pat. An' he flew. Fritz. Ish dot so ? THE OLD WAYSIDE WN. If Pat. He skips and comes back in the morning and finds the owld man did, b a jabers. Fritz. Oc — du — leva — Gut — im — himmel. Pat. That's phat, and the girl was carried off by a fellow called Black Bart. Fritz. Dunter nn blitzen, vos dot son of a cork-schrew de feliovr vot kilt.de innn? P it. That's me logick, Dutchey. Fritz. Gif us your paw, Pat, ve vos kotch dot fellow, musn't we ? Pat. That's so. (shake hands CHANGE TO CAVE SCENE. SCENE III. — Rubbers den — cave E., R. — cell clour L. Empty boxes and kegs littered around, four stools and a table. Enter, Washington, from cell — p'le of boxes r., dimhj lit byoillimp. Wash, (down stane) Oh! Golly, 1'se dat tired dat Gabriels l/iumphet wouldn't 'feet me if 'twa- blown right in rav ears. Dog- gon-'t, l's gettin' mity tired ofdis roost. Dar am too much work for dis chile. An' den 1'se gettin' dat shakey dat de leas' noise gi's me de ague. Oh! I ain't a coward, but 1'se gettin' scared. Dat Bart ij'in de debil hisself. I'd like to know what he's up to. He calls me a dirty nigger and says, I don't know nuftin', but he'll t'ink he's worf sumtin' if dis chile gits mad. Go ly, der's someone coming. (three raps on door, r., Washington opens Enter, Men, r. e., followed by Bart, carrying Gyp. Bart. Wash, did you fix the bed n t e cell for this gal, as I told yon ? Wash. Yes, sah ! I did, an' I cleaned up de kitchen and washed de clothes nn' fed de rats an — an — (all very J as t Bart. Well never mind, but open that cell door. (Washinton opens door, l., Bart carries Gyp in Re-enter, Bart, l. e. I must prepare fome better accommodation for that gal, so you fel- lows wait here till T cora^ hack. (exit, R. e. Ole B. Well, if dis ain't de darnde-t job I've seen for a long spell. Let's have something to drink and plav a little game of card-. Pull up here. (th»y pull up, Ot.Eo< R., Dick at back andB.KD, l.) Coma yn nigger, get ns some licker. Wash. Yes, sah! (aside) I'd like to lick yer. Rid B. Come, move on there, we are thirsty. (exit, Washing ion, in cell and gets bottle Re-enter, Washington, l. e., pours liquor in wine glasses. Fill her up and drink to the health of our Cap's, wife, or her as is to be. (Washington looks on Dick. Cards ain't lively enough for me, let's have something more st iring. Come here you nigger and dance. Wash. Oh! Lor' Massey' T can't dance, I'ss got de lumbago In de stomach, an* I'se nearly dead. •" THE OLD WAYSIDE IXN. D ck. Como boys, let's make him dance, or he'll get killed. (all draw near and Washington kneels Wash. Oh! Lor', Oh! Lor', don'tjshoot massy Dick, don't shoot, I'll do anything, but don't shoot. D ck. Well dance. They shoot at his feet as he dances — rap heard at door, r. — Washington goes to door. Enter, Bart, r. e., who has been rapping while Washington was dancing. Bart. Damn you fellows, thi> is prettv conduct for men. I' 1 learn von fellows to ' e more quiet, if you don't look out. Still well has hired that cursed Irish sluth to hunt for the gal, and if he should come here, our roost would he broken up. You fellows can go t~> the fi'reet and keep a loo'cout, and you — you bl lek dog, keep your tongue between your teeth and watch sharp for those detective *. Now go! (the three brothers exit, R. e. Wash. Yes Mns^y, I'll look sharp. (exit, AVashington, r. e. B irt. Now for an interview with that sal. (goes to ceil and opzns door) Come my pretty bird I have something to tell you. Enter, Gyp, from c 11. Sit do -. n here on this sk> >1 and listen, but first give me a k's*. (he advances Gyp. Back sir! if vou dare touch me I' 1 call for help. Bart. Well mv fine lady, you may cry for help till you are black in the face, for all the good 'twill do. Do you know where you arc? Do vou know whose hands you are in ? Gyp. Sir! I do not know where I am, but what ever your pur- pose is. you will fin ' that I am no weak woman. Bart. Ha! ha! I'll soon make you change your tune my tine gal, I have brnu'.ht yo-i h°re to make vou my wife. Gyp. That I will never be. You in iy Kill me, but I will never marry you. Bart. Ha! ha! w»'ll see. Tiiis young laxly, is an underground retreat, it Is called Back Bart's roos''. I am Black Bart, (strikes hand onbreas:) Lseape is useless, and you will becomo my wife or suffer torment wore than de th, worse than hell itself. Gyp. Sir! I have heard of Black Bart and know he is a terrible man, and even if vou be he, T do not foar you. Bart. By heavens! your a brave gal, I'd let you go if I had your f itune. Gyp. Sir: you may have mv fortune if you w 11 but let me go. ^art. No, your too fine a gnl to loase, ye must be my wie. Gyp, Oh sir' I p'ead to vou, let me go. Not one word of what I have seen and heard, will I ever disclose. Sir! for the love you bore your mother, 1 he:* of vou, let me go. Bart! Hush! Never say mother to me, I never had one. She turned me to the doss when I wa=» hut ten vear-? old, and I live only for revenue. Never speak that word to me alo v it want here? Who are you? Bart. I am Black Birt, 1 have come, Bruce SMllwell, to demand sat Ufaction at your hands. If you are not a miserable coward, you will ^ive me wh-.it I ask. Bruce. Black Bart, what can you demand satisfaction from me for ? Burt. You, Bruce Still well, love the s ime girl that I do. I am I) ttheroueh, uneducated cut-thro it you take me for. No, Bruce Stillwed, I love Gypsy Beckwith, and you love her too. The world can not hold us both-=you know me well—you or I must die— I give z * THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. you a chance for your life. Fight me to my face, or by heaven! I will kill you like a dog. Gerty appears at l. d. Bruce. Black B.irt, be it as you say, you will find that Still well blood is hard to spill. 1 will meet you when and where you will. Hart. Ah! fool, we will see who will win Gyp Bcckwith now. (goes to door, r., laughing— at door) Meet me at the old grove, 7 a. m.. with your man and this will be settled. Farewell, {exit, R. e. Bruce. Now to pay the score I owe that vi lain, I will go and make arrangements. (exit, r. e. Enter, Gerty, l. e. Gerty. Oh! my God, what shall I do? He fight that terrible man at 7 a. m. — (takes watch) it is now 6 o'clock, only one hour. Where is the old grove? Oh! Bruce! Bruce! you shall not die. (exit, R. e. CHANGE to wood scene. SCENE IV.— Grove. Enter, Bart and second, R. e. Bart. Now for victory or death. Ah ! they come. Enter, Bruce and second, l. e. — each of seconds carry a sword. Bruce. Well, we ;ire here. We fight with swords, do we not? Bart. Yes! are you ready ? If so, begin at once, I want this j b on" my hands. Take any position you wish, but fight. Come on. iThey take swords from secondhand cross in center — Bruce's second holds sworl betmeen and he counts o»e, two, three, and steps back. Bruce, r. c., Bart, l. c. — Bruce's second stands to his l. and Bart's the same. They fight and do not see Gerty as she enters, L. v., on Bart's r. Bruch; knocks Barts sword from his hand, and with a curse, Bart steps back and draws revolver — Gerty screams and throws herself between them and receives shot — she falls. Enter, Pat, Fritz and Washington, r. e., with leveled revolvers and shoot Bart, toko falls. They gather around Gerty andjorm tableau — Bruce holds Gerty up. Gerty. Bruce! Bruce! good-by, good-by, I— die — for— you. CURTAIN. END OF ACT IV. ACT V. SCENE I. — A neatly furnished room — table c. Enter, Lady Stillwell, r. e. Lady S. (seating herself l. of table) Now to meet that woman. Enter, Miss MoQR, R, E, [rising) Mies Fresider, I believe ?_ THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. 25 Miss M. You can surely never have seen Miss Fresider, Lady Stillwell, or you would not take me for her. I am her friend and companion. Miss Fresider has scarcely finished dressing, but she will be here in a moment. {exit, R. e. Lady S. I suppose she is painting her face and dressing herself in silk or someth ng of that sort, but she will find that my eyes are sharper than my son's. Enter, Gyp, r. e. Gyp. You will excuse my having kept you w liting, but my work keeps me up late nights, so I am obliged to rest late in the morning. Lady S. I am fortunate in finding von nltvady up. Will you excuse me if I go straight to the object of my visit at once? Gyp. Certainly. Lndy S. I wish to speak of mv son. I understand he lias been coming here a great deal, that he beli :ves himself to be foolishly in Jove with you. i Gyp. He has not told mo so. {they are seated l. and R. of table Lady S. All the more fortunate for you then, Miss Fresider. Believe me it would not be for your happiness, to marry my son. You have made for yourself a name, as a come ly actress, but your origin was, through no fault of \ our own, of course, very humble. Did my son marry you, none of bis family would recogn'zeyou, and you would be miserable. Added to that, my son, though a wealthy man now, may be a poor man at any moment. You lived, L under- stand, near the scene of the tragedy. So you have heard of tlu murder of Lady Arley. Whether her little child was murdered nlso, or stolen, no one knows. Any day she may be discovere I, then my son, though an earl, will be a poor man, and a la ly of your talent, would scarcely enjoy poverty. , Gyp. I suppose no one really cares for poverty, but if I loved a poor man, that surely would not prevent me from marrying him. Lady S. Do you me n th.it you will not give up my son? Gyp. He is not mine to give up. He has made no declaration of love 10 me; but if he loved me, and I him, I should consider it right to marry him, whether his family appoved or not. Lady S. Then yours would be a selfish love, indeel. A man of my son's position, should many from among the daughters of the highest in theland;an earl who marries beneath him, commits social suicide, and the woman who marr'es him, ruins his life. Ambition might make you marry my s mi, but did you love him, you would give him up. I have come here to- .lay to ask you to give him up. Will you do so? Gyp. Believe me, you trouble yourself too much; your son has said no word of love to me. But you must forgive me, if I do not agree with you, that a marriage with me would be so very terrible. I assure you that the doors of society are thrown open to me. Lady S. You will not promise then ? Gyp. No, I canno:. promise; and I think, that if ev r I am your daughter, you will have reasons to be glad, not- sorry. You take it for granted that my birth was lowiy ; it may be that it was nearly, if not quite as good as your own. Lady S. I do not understand— Gyp. Not now, but some dav you may; and believe me, Lady StUlweU. sometimes that which looks like our greatest trouble, turns 86 THE OLD WAYSIDE IXN. out to b" our dearest blessin*. (Lady Stillwklt, rises Lad>/ S. I was fool sh to come. Good-morning Miss Fresider, I am sorry [ troubled you. lent, l. e., angry Gyp. Bruce ha« never said one word of love to me. yet I know he loves me. His mother, of course, does nof know of our relationship. If she knew that, would she not I)' srla 1 to receive me as her daugh- ter then? If lie asks me io he his wife, [ will consent. And then I will tell him who I am, and he shall tak • the news to hi- mother and the weigh' oil' her heart at the same time. (Bruce raps at door, L.) Oh ! here he comes now. ( goes to door Enter, Bruce, l. e. Bruce, (takes her hand) All alone? I am glad of that, fur I wis' ed to s*e von alone, Miss Fresider, or Beckwith, I don't know which to call you. Gyp. I hate the name Beckwith. Bruce. Then Miss Fresider. My mother has. just left you? Gyp. Yes. (draws It r hand from /it's Bruce. Will you tell me why she came? Gyp, It was a mistake her coining, she had heard exagera f ed re- p rts of our friend-hip. (she sits r. <le Bruce. Of our friend-hip? Mis< Fresider, you must ku >\v that it is something more than friendship that 1 feel for you; you must know that it is lov>\ deep intense love. Gyp. (shyly) That is what your mother feared. Bruce. Oh! that is nonsen-e, 1 can guess what my mother has siid to you. She means well, hut s le mig'it have done us both harm. J love you with my whole heart, my lite must he but a bar- ren desert of unh ppiness, if you do not love me. (kneels) I loved you upon that night, when you saved my life; through three long years, during which time I nev. r saw \ our face, knev not whether you were living or dead. I love you still, I shall love you until I die. Mis- Fleshier, Mona, have you no love to give me in return ? Gyp. Think, before j*ou ask me for my (lakes her hand) lov , who and what I am. Though that terrible sin stained man, who wood have taken your life, had I not warned you, wa- not indeed my father, hut lie hadstoo I in that rel itionship to me all my life; hi- wife, whose memory is «aered to me, was the oulv m >t';er I ever knew. 1 lived all my childlc od, all mv girlhood in that tenih'e, gha-tly place, where murder alter murder was committed. Could I blame anvone if they thought I wa- tainted with the sins ami crimes c >m- niitted there? From there, as you know, I wascarried aw iy by that terrible man, hut thmk God, I escaped. Without friends, almost without nionev, I entered a profession, which is held in detesta'ion by many. Your mother would shrink troni recogniz ng me as a daughier, your frii nils would not receive me. Think well — wo nl I mv love compensate you fir the .oss ot a mother's love and the af- fection of friends? Bruce. I shall loose neither my mother's love, nor the aftection of my friends, hut even were it so, I would lather have your love. Mona. wont you tell me whether or not, 1 have any hope? Gyp. Not vet. (strokes his hair Bruce. Mona. I know in asking vou to give your love to me, that I ask a great d 'al. I ask ' on to give up the prou 1 name you h vo won in "your prot'essi >n, but dear, you shall never regret it. 1 will THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. 27 love you so! I will make your life so happy! Will you tell me now darling, whether there is hope for me. (she bends forward Gyp. There is every hope. Bruce. Every hope! Do you mean, Mona, do you mean that you do love me ? {both rise Gyp. Ye?, I do love you, but wait; think one moment more be- fore you make up your mind, that it is best for you to love me. Bruce. I will not wait, I know that it is best, (puts arm about her waist) And you darling, don't you know that it is best? What a lucky fellow I am, to win your love? Gyp. I quite agree with you. You are a lucky fellow, and now Bruce, I want to tell you a secret. Bruce. A secret? Is it that you love me with all your heart, dearest? Gyp. That can scarcely be my secret. No, Bruce, my secret is, I am a princess in disguise. Bruce. More than that, a queen among women without any dis- guise. Gyp. No! no! I am not joking:. Bruce, you know where I was brought up; you know that your aunt was murdered on that moor, that herlittleehild was missing. Dearest, I was that little child, I am your cousin. Bruce. You ! you are surely joking. Gyp. No! here are the papers that will prove (gives papers) my lights. Now, that \ am to be your wife, I shall never claim them. Your mother must know who I am. Let the rest of the world be- lieve that you have married simply Mona Fresider, the actress. Brncr. (reads papers, then looks up) I am no match for you now. Why did you not tell me this before? Gyp. Because I wanted to make sure that I was loved as few tvornen have ever been loved. And if you had no title at all, I should be thankful for your love alone. I never will claim my ri'zht, unless you wish the world to know, vou are marrying some one of your own rank in iife, but I ivould be very much disappointed if you did. Bruce. You shall never be disappointed in me, Mona, if I can help it. But dear, most all I have is yours. ; Gyp. And when I am your wife, all you have will be mine, so I will be better off still. CHANGE TO HOUSE SCENE. SCENE II. — Detective headquarters — table c, Pat in chair R. ot table — two arm chairs l. of table— books, pens and paper on table. Pat. Well, we the great detective? have conquered one of the most dirtr spallpeens in the county, and three of his b'oody fol- lower-. But it is hard to think that — that poor °:M should have to die. I exnect Bruce here to-dav to pay us off, and then for a bum. (rap heard, k.) Come in! come in! Enter, Bruce, r. e. Bruce. Well Pat, {shake hands) I have come to settle UD with "<* THE OLD WAYSIDE I NIT. you and your partners. You put those men out of the way and you < eserve your pav. She is to be my wife now, and I can afford to give you each $5,000. Where are the boys? Pat. Oh! they are gone for a drink, I suppose. Whist now, tliey'r coining— just hear that now. Och, sure an they are a happy lot. Enter, Fritz and Washington, arm in arm, singing Bazzle, Dazzle. Bruce. Howde do boy?, been having some sport? Well, I don't blame you. (shake hands Fritz. Say, Mester Bruce, how vos dot gal vot ve found? Bruce. Slip is well and will be my wife. Fritz. Polly for you Mester Pruce. She vos i'ne pretty nice gal, py shiineny Christmas. Pat. Never mind yer palaver, Fritz, let's recite our piece. They swing into line before Bruce and speak — they jestulate and each speak in a different brogue. Pat t We've done our duty, Bruce Stillwell, jr r ,'tz ' And sent tho*e villains all to — Was^h ' ^ e know vou'H to your word be true, J And tha: $10,000 now is due. Bruce. Indeed boys it is, and you shall each have $5,000. (seats and writes checks) He e is a check on my bank for each of you. (hands check to each — they bow 1 Now, Mr. Stillwell, we're through, you see; p ai Mav yon marv an I happy be, Wash ' W' tn a peaceful home, a loving wife, Fritz' ' ^ dozen kids to cheer your life; j A >'d with trust and friendship true, j We bid you now a fond adieu. (they bow Bruce. Thank you bovs. Good-by. (exit, r. e. Pat. Ain't he the broth of a bve? Fritz. Yah! he v >s a rose pti 1. Don 'tit Wash? (noise outside Wash. By srollv, he am dot. S iy boss, dere's some one co ning. 1 ain't got no head for business dismorniu', so I'll retire. Comin' Fri'z? Fritz. Yah ! (exit, Washington and Fritz, l. e. — knock at door, R. Pat. Come in ! come in ! Who the divil can want us now? Enter, Lady Stillwell, r. e. Take a chair, madam. What can I do for you? Lady S. Are yon the detective? Pat. Yes. mam. at your serv'ce. Lady 8. Well, I have a very hard case, it is no new one. You have heard of the murder of Lady Arley, have you not? Pat. Yes, mam. Lady S. I think that her child lives, and I want you and your partners to work on this case. I want you to find her arid restore to bur, her rights, WW you take the case, THE OLD WAYSIDE INN. 29 Pat. Yes, madam, we never let a case go by. And yon may be sure, that if she can be found, we will And her. Lady S. Do it sir ! and I will reward you well, (aside) Gerty is dead. Oh! poor — poor girl, dead, and on his account. But I shall have revenue, even though he be my son. The heiress shall be found and restored to her property, and you mv obstinate son sh ill go penniless. Enter, Washington and Fritz, l. e. Pat. Lady Stillvvell, my partners, (botes) By's, this lady wishes to find Miss Lillian Arley, daughter of the woman that was murdered at the Old Wayside Inn, eighteen years ago. We'll take the job. Wash. I Now dear Lady, if you'll give us some dust, Frits. J We'll find the young lady, dear Madam, or bust. CHANGE TO SCENE I, ACT III. SCENE III. — Same as scene 1st. in Act 3d. — Lady Stillwell pacing floor. Lady S. Will they never come. Oh! will she ever forgive me for talking so to her. I might have known she was not a low bore girl by her looks. Ah ! here they are. Enter, Bruce and Gyp, l. e. — Lady Stillwell and Gyp embrace, Can you forgive me dear? It was love and anxiety for mv son, that made me so cruel to you. Oyp. Then I will forgive you. And now Lady Stillwell, you are willing: to receive me as your daughter? Lady S. More than willing — glad! (kisses her — Bruce, r.. Lady Stillwell and Gyp, c. Gyp. Ours is a real romance. I did not dream that I would ever s°e you again, and discover in you a near relative. Although I al- wavs remembered you. Bruc": But I believe 1 that T should meet vou sooner or later. I could not get you out of ray mind, after I had looked upon your face. Gyp. And you will always love me, Bruce? Bruce. Could vou do'ibt me, dearest? Gyp. No, for e life she endeavored to save. Bruce. But she is glad that she did make an impression, is she not? Gyp. Yes, very glad dear Bruce. w THE OLD WAYSIDE J.ViV. Enter, Pat, Washington and Fritz, arm in arm. Pit ^ Wash i We ' ve come to tell you Madam, dear, Fritz.' I r ^ he Ion " ^ ost neir ss stands right here. (point to Gyp Lady S. We are well aware of ihe fact, but you shall he rewarded for your bravery in your work for my son. (gives money Pat. So you got onto the heiress before we came, did you? Lady S. Yes, but you did a great deal for my son. Gyp, Allow me to thank you for what you have done for me. (gives each a check Pat. Thank ye mum, and may the saints ever bless ye and thh good bye, who is to be yer partner through life. He is a brave bye, mum, and it is the wish of Patrick O'Flagher y, t iat ye miy live long and happy. An' Bruce, me lad never regret yer adventure at the Old Wayside Inn, for it hasatlast brought you h-'ppiness. May the Holy Saints bless ye foivy. r, for giving Pat and Fritz a ease. Wash. ) Fritz. \ Amen! Bruce. Thank you Pat, and may you and your good company ever florish, and may yon ever be as successful as in the case of the "Old Wayside Inn." CURTAIN. Happy Frank's SONGSTER. A collection of Original Songs, Jokes, Farces, Conundrums, Stump Speeches, Lectures, Sketches, etc., embraced in the rep- ertoire of the Prince of Comedians, F. L. CUTLER CONTENTS. PAGE. A Leedle Experience, Dutch Lecture, 3 As I said before, Negro Slump Speech, 4 Come Back Steven, Banjo Solo, 5 Encore Verse, Banjo Solo, 6 Machine Poetry, Banjo Solo, 6 Break de Bone, Banjo So^, 7 Cnff's Luck, Ehiopean Farce, 10 Oh Susan, Ba jo Sole, 15 Dot Peautiful Awkward Squad, Dutch Song, 17 Dhe Vicked Voraan, Dutch Lec'ure, 19 Old Pompoy, A Sketch " 20 Pete's Face, End Man's Gag 24 Happy Frank's Medley, No. 1, 25 Johannes don't you do it, Dutch Song ; . . . 26 My Darling Clementine, Banjo Solo, 28 Wanted a Husband, A Farce in. one Act, 30 PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. Order a copy of Ames' Publishing Co., T uock Box 152, . Clyde. Ohio. +^Gyp, the Heiress;-^ OR, The Bead Witness. A Drama in 4 acts by Len Ware, for 5 male and 4 female ckaracters. The cast contains a good villain, a soubrette, a chinaman; a "deown East" aunt, and an insurance agent make up the rest. Costumes to suit characters. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT I.— Drawing-room of Oscar Royalton, Silver City, Nevada. Aunt Rachel — Oscars Aunt, from down East — Hezekiah Hopeful, a tramp — "No mustach near me" — Gyp — a-b-c — Thornton the Villain — A sacred trust — Royalton depart for the East — Clara and Thornton — lie demands the papers — "I'll guard them with my life — Supposed murder of Clara and Hezekiah — "Heavens! I'm a murderer — I'll burn the house and conceal my crime — Exciting fire 6cene. ACT II.— Hop Sing's Laundry. Takemquick — A live Insurance man — Rachel and Gyp — Hop Sing and Rachel — The fight — Takemquick on hand — Sister Carmeta re- veals a secret to Gyp and Rachel — Thornton's demand of Hop Sing, his accomplice — The refusal — An attempt to murder Hop Sing— The Dead Witness appears. ACT III.— Thornton's Law Office. Hezekiah the tramp, secures a position in Thornton's office — Takemquick — Hezekiah reveals to Gyp who her enemy is — "Trust me I'll get your fortune for you" — Hezekiah's novel — Sister Carmeta — '•I'm here to avenge the death of Clara Royalton" — The shot — I am the Dead Witness — "A colt revolver" — Oscar disguised — A game of cards — "Discovered" — Oath of vengeance-~Hezekiah holds both bowers. ACT IV.— Same Scene as Act III. Love scene between Hezekiah and Rachel — Proposal — Two notes : — Thornton shot by Hop Sino; — Oscar in disguise — Clara is the Dead "Witness, who escaped death in the burning house — Oscar throws oft disguise and introduces Gyp as his wife — Death of Thornton — Devils toast — Hezekiah presents papers to prove Gyp's inheritance and is ready for matrimony — Aunt Rachel finally surrenders and all are happy. Time of playing 1 hour and 40 minutes. Price 25 Cents, I gj ^ iimes' Plays— G nntinuEii. Comedies Continued. ITi} Factory Girl .: '-'i!, Heroic Dutchman ol [99 Hotn 174 Love's Labor Not Lost I5S Mr.Hudson's Tiger Hunt.... 119 New Years in X. \ 37 Nol So Bad After All ih » F ol :is II" Loo] .. S li igand the Baby li I Passions Experience ) :' 219 Rags and J l h Sharps and Flat 11 2 aa Tw- Bad Hoy- 7 3 87 The Biti .. 3 ■' 131 TheCigarette i - 240 J2.00tl Ri ward 2 TRAGEDIES. .... (5 :; FARCES & COMEDIETTA S. . . 2 I - nt 1 i ir| '. Capita Match 2 in the Dark 2 3 ATexan Mother-in-Law 4 (> A h.-n Well Spent 7 s A Regular Fix 2 1 A Profession i : : .' rdoner 4 2 Aiarmi'. is 4 3 An Awfi 1 Criminal A .Vlatclini .k;iv Father 2 2 4 2 A Thrilling Item Leave Betsev Baker 2 2 Half -. White Captain Smith •"• 3 Will Win 3 ii Cousin Toaiah 1 1 Cupids Capers id s K ■ eptioi) Party. 5 n it 1 i Surprises 1 1 Deuce is iti Him 5 1 Did Dream it -I 3 1 1 D-tfeh Prize Fighter Dutchy vs. Nil - ,; " Rh? W at Did You Saj Hven hod.v Astonished t Pooling with the Wrone Man 2 I ig a Mother -in-Law... 2 ! Fun in a Post Office 4 2 '. NO. 184 274 ., 2H9 ., 13 3 1 307 316 \-l llnes Btatz's Mistake Jumbo Jum Killing Time Kittie's Wedding Cake Lick Skillet Wedding Lauderbach's Little Surprise Locked in a Drcs Boom Lodgings for Two Love in all i ioroers Matrimonial Bliss Match f or a other Min Law.. .More Blunders than one Fool Vfy Heart's in Highlands My Precious Betsey ii Next M Wife'? Relations My Day and Now n Days My Neighbor's Wife Leap *> ear Venture.. Nobody's M,,ke Obedience <>n the Slv P.ohly .Mil,.. s ' Boy Paten Washing Machine Persecuted Dutchman Poor Pilicody Qniet Family Rough Diamond Hippies I S;p ta < ' I er Sowing Circle of Period S. II. A. M. Pinafore Somebody's Nobody Stage Struck Yankee Struck by Lightning Slick umI Skinner Slasher and Crasher Taking the Census . fill Carpet Pair.. Thai Rascal Pat Tli it Mysterious B'dle 5 1 :: & LIBRARY OF CONGRESS V 016 102 83 1 9 *, J5_mBS ? Plays— LantinuBd. NO. 38 101 167 308 285 liS 295 54 28 292 142 271 i 263 7 281 312 269 170 213 151 56 7(1 135 147 155 111 157 The Bewitched Closet The Coming l| an ■'> 1 Turn Him Out '■' '-' The Actor's Scheme 4 4 The Irish Squire of Squash Ridge I I The Mashers Mashed & ^ The Sham Professor 4 The Spellin' Skewl < *> The Two T.J's 4 2 Thirty-three Next Birthday.. 4 2 Tim Flannigan 5 Tit for Tat - J The Printer and His Devils 3 1 Trials of a Country Editor.... 6 2 The Wonderful Telephone.... 8 1 Two Aunt Emily " ° Uncle Ethan ' 3 Unjust Justice 6 '- 11.8. Mail 2 2 Vermont Wool Dealer 5 3 Wanted a Husband - I Wooing Under Difficultie 5 3 Which will he Marry 2 8 Widowc's Trials 4 5 Wakmg Him Up 1 2 Why they Joined the Re- beccas ° j Yankee Duelist 3 1 Ya' kee Peddler i ■'< ETHIOPIAN FARCES. 204 32". 65 II 172 VIS "2'' 2T4" 145 190 27 23H 15:-; 103 24 236 47 Acadenn of Stars 6 \ ' 'oincidence 8 An Unwelcome Return "• 1 An Unhappj Pair 1 1 Black Shoemaker 4 2 Black Statue 4 2 Colored Senators 3 Chops 3 Cuff's Luck 2 1 Crimps Trip 5 Fetter Lane to Gravesend Hamlet the Dainty 6 1 Haunted House How Sister Paxey got her Child Baptized \11dy 2 Hypochondriac The' 2 In For ll 3 I In the Wrong Box 3 Joe's Vis t 2 1 Mischievous Nigger 4 2 n t o. m. r. 256 Midnight Colic 2 1 12S Musical Darkey 2 90 No Cure \o Pay 3 1 61 Not as Deaf as He Seems 8 244 Old Clothes 3 234 Old Dad's Cabin 2 1 150 OldPomney 1 1 246 Othello.: 4 1 109 Other People's Children 3 2 297 Pomp Green's Snakes 2 134 Pomp's Pranks 2 258 Prof.Bones'Latest Invention 5 177 Quarrelsome Servants 3 96 Rooms to Let 2 1 107 School 133 Seeins Bostit^ 170 Sham Doctor.. 3 3 34 16,000 Years Ago 3 243 Snorts on a Lark 3 25 Sport with a Sportsman 2 92 Stage Struck Darkey 2 1 238 Strawberry Shortcake 2 10 Stocks lip. Stocks Down 2 64 That Bov Sam 3 1 2.".;; The Best Cure *4 1 282 The Intelligence Office 3 122 The Select School .. . IIS The Popcorn Man 6 TheStulio 108 Tho-e Awful Boys 245 Ticket Taker I 4'wa.n's Dodging 107 Tricks 198 Cn.-le Jeff 216 V-u-e Versa 206 Villkens and Dinah I 1 210 Virginia Mummv 6 1 203 Who Stole the Chickens 1 I 205 William Tell 4 1.56 Witr-Maker and His Servants 3 GUIDE BOOKS. "17 Hints od Elocution 13(1 Hints to Amateurs CANTATA. 215 On to Victory TABLEAUX. 250 Festival of Days PANTOMIME. 260 Cousin John's Album MAKE YOUR OWN WIGS ! PREPARED WOOL Is an article that everyone without any experience can mike into WIGS, BEARDS, MUSTACHES, ETC., At very little cost, and will be sure to give satisfaction. Price 50 cents per ounce. Lock Box 152, rh Addr 1HE AMES PUBLISHING CO., UL YDE, OHIO. xE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 102 831 9 *