PS 635 .Z9 B329 Copy 1 jJanger Point Light AN ENTIRELY ORIGINAL PROTEAN yVlELODI\AMA In Three Acts by George W Batjeman CINCINNATI : PRINTED BY THE AUTHOR Copyrighted January 1882 by George W Bateman . J TNIP92-008628 •^ k, i,^ *<> DANGEK POINT LIGnT. CHARACTERS Old Thornton [Old Man bus noes] _ Harry Burleigh (his nephew) * fcJt . a^uminK disgu.K-8 -I V— — STARTAET. { Teddy I«lynn [IiihIi business] < Waiter [Neat Colored bus ties*^ — (.Arthur Purspul [Swell business/]-!;. LAWYER l.'AYNHAM ...TTravy. Bill J orsitt ) character Heavies. Dick Cowler__ > > Old Lerder German Comedy. Johnny Harvey --* thy Comedy, Harriet Thornton Beading Lady. Tilly: Lebder -— '-, Soubrctte. The Cook \jnay be double! hj Lerderja S< eo< d Old Man. Jack " 4 * J.dnn.y. Utility. Housekeeper " " Td!y Old Woman. Small Parts, Guests, Etc. Scesb.— Xcw Jersey (feast Pexjod.— The IVcscnt Day, daxcer foist light. act i.— Tin: crmiE. SCEXE I. — Wcod rx I. Ehvuts for rise of Curtain. Merry farmer hoys and girh cross font L., talklnj and l at Dinger Point Joire, w'len we've bin *p r-uilly invite I by Squire fborn'on ii iih- f— un thing retna k ;hl • — ':e Was sixty-seven laet year ; it he'd been s .xfy-six- this, it might uave been extra- Oidin ny. J. .Now, lo)k here. Tilly, th re's Pometbin' wrong with you; and 1 think y^u'd Ought er U II a f Her as loves y- u .-h nm h as I u 1 d Luifci; ^.i^e on you than on the pootiest ckromo I ever see — md so [ vvoud. T. Well? J. And then 1 pqneedged and squcedged your dear little hand, and— and mnybft ( put my arm "i on ml \ er fcraUt. T. Well? was iJlUrII? J. Why^er-h-i me see T (ho// ' ciy':t. th" othrr? to give you it cli nee to shogf me you hive me as nm h t< .- i:< y \ sot-liny) ami — and — j on — ihm't — s! ow— your— love— at — all i o.-^oo! 1 shall go right s raight ba< k home ag in (yoiny L ) J. Heavens ! s that nil ? Here, hold up a minute, ducky. (Puts arm anund her and kisses her numerously ) T. There, thai'ii do ! (ii-lywy hcrjnouth and crossing Ii.) I guess we/il go to the party now. J* (fol!ow>»q her) Say, Till \ I T. (at R. E) Wei? J. A'u t a your turn to sh^w h^w you love me now ? T. Johnny ! behave your-elf, s r J [Exeunt R. Eitrr Raynham, L. ivalks Inch and forth. R. Pah ! T:'s sick ning to any on- with an ounre of sense! An oil dofr-rl like T. or n ton, unable *o m. ke a bet'er us<- of h s money than in junketing w ; th hay- fee-Is on his birthd y ; while I the in .n o' brain?, w jo lo k alter the old fjol'g iu- tcrosis, haven t enough to pay a trifling bid wlncu falls due en this Ao/or/ d.iy. IT T p/>ntd ^n\v pet tint new tp'll, aid dr-cfny if ! (looking J, ) fT* ! h r ■ crimes «uy fine lady I'll settle with A/"* pome day. I'm in no uiuod to m et her now. I'll hide tili she pisses, (yoes behind form ntor L.) E.iler Harriet, L. IT. Ah, hrr^'s t!m place. No more approp-iate spot could he foil d. in w'.ioli f'k glance oyer poor II r \'s n°uly arrived letter, th i" here vv.V re w<- n-ed u» w,lk together. T : iere will t> ; no op r J 1 1 till ! — ' s I ii:ue almost succ. e I d in the ta k ! imposed on mys It." Uf course he,"!! smcc d (reads.) It. (aside) Sv> ! the whelp's (oai'n^ back, is he ? Then something must bo done at once. H. 11*1, ha ! you Tor-ie, yon! "My dear fririid Rayiiham will, doubile-s, be de- lighted tn lienr <-t my appr iaebirtj* rtn n." (r*. I'm a hi DTa >truijer ,\U ut L'eie, you seej an I'm so tired I'm afer 1 I'd never cret so far to-diy. Would it be trcub'in' ye too mm-li to a k ve fo the t me. nfH«'£ ? II. Not tall ( prodt/ces watch) I is l'>. {matching to itch) Her , give if to me, w'V you? I'll cairy this for you, and then I won t h v • to liother people for the hour. II. O ka me back mv w iteli, you vi 1 mi ! B. Ah, what ^o you t ke me for ! Von ratist b* crazy, my rlnotv cv< etnr, fo a A'. „„,/ w > s )y« .'tv ) A » 'ake tint ! Sony to appear aorupf, my b.au v. liui ic. i w.tvs travel pi\nued f*r eimrgeneKS alsj. K k I) II a. hi. h*'u.ve critcher, and it sort o' poea agin the gam w;ta hiia tj Kl . J minv CViYmis! Did it I -idv=e ye to dnw it mild? My pardner and mex fvvj n ;oT e n i •!*♦ ehristi-n ^nt emnn, a^ never m^ans no harm to nobo iy : soHvJ n-iti's \n i to h^nd ->ver v»r r>or-m >wni"r gojJ natured, Lke, aud spa.e ui a-hir'n' (oir d lik't fe^l'n'a "- f Mk ! n' it from you. II. 1 iv;ll not, Willing! v" Live you one cut. O.JO V , B. [seizing her) Go for hor t oekets, Dick ; I gue?S tbe folks at the neatest LtrtiSC Won't interfere. [DiCK searches for purse ) 11. (aside) Tins will btlp me entirely, it's needless for me to interfere. Dick produces purse. Hill releases her, takes it and goes L. D. {step-ping back) Oh, thanks, pooty cr'tchcr, tor a our gentrousness ! Tiny al- low me lo wish you a very go< d even in'. (poi. (locking of R , revolver in left hand behind him) Give our regrets at the half- mile bouse; we won't ocj a*de to call there this eve. (stands laughing.) Uaymiam crosses down guicl.h/, revolver, in left hand, seizes Dice's rtv^lver with right and stands (J. pointing a weapon at each. D. (instantly) S y I— Bill and Dick turn and confront RaynhaM. ft. The u\ v : l! Who are you 7 D. Hanged if you ha'n't took my best bower, Cap., ard won the tr*e up i little, major, and let's reason with you a bit K. Uooie, < ome; you'll waste yi ur time reasoning w.th me, Dick Cowler, or you Cither. Bill For- in. B. Who ..r«- you railing Bill Fo'sitt? D. Giiess you've, kind o' j.ot us mixed up with some o' ycr other gentleman. frit n Is, ha'n't ye, colonel ? R. N i. 1 h iven't got you mixed up, exactly ; I have you at a respectable — and resp a « t ul— distance. B. Bur, look heie— ^- K. L s'eu to me a moment. Do you remember a little misfortune that orcurrctl to you two out west a tew years ago and the lawyer who got you cleat ed, tkoi gli he knew j ou m re <. U Ity, tor the sake of j ractiee ? B l.iiwv r kavnham ! U. Ex-act'y. 1). V\ t.v, hang me if we ha'n't repaid you a hundred t'me? over with gratifdod) R. H'ni ! very kind; bdt i ow 1 require mote substantial payment. I) Ha id hru over the ticke , B.ll, and don't let's have no fuss about it. 15. Well, but R. P»haw! Keep your tongues still, ard y ur crs open, till I ret throrgh. t 1 aV3 some very important business on hand just m w,and you two have turned up in the very niek of time to assist ine. The, work 1 r qu'te of you is s'i i« t'y in your fedilinr line, and you will either undertake it or <. o with me immedht.]\ before 4 magistrate and account for y< ur possession of tint lady's property. (takes stage L J Now, I know e.ich or you too w. 1 to ov> itix vour bravery, so — to eoi vime v n that the task is within your limited capacity ai d courage— I «ill explain that all you have to do is to ttep through an open window, take up a small package, auti walk out. D. Gosh I two on us oughter be able to get away with a job like that J B Bit what ort o' i ntic.u'. 1>. Ye-, that sounds pooto teiuptin' ; but Fd lik to know what the r'ek h for. It. I w .1 eise >our minds, (comes C) Bri« fly, then, the g'rT you have j ist rebb d i^ the adbpted d. lighter cf an o'd simpleton who owns a b g pla^e up there (/?), and mor-- besides. He haa no rlations except a good for-;iothn_j ncpVw, and it is to foil him 1 aai wo.kin^. While uticud.ng to old Thornton's iuuivsts I never luSv s.^h* of my owu. D. You ha'n't no occasion to tell us that, lawyer. R. As our fine nephew, Harry Burleigh, was getting too smart for me, I worked things so, that one day the old man gave his nephew a most severe lecture and or- dered him out of his sight. My young emperor gets highly indignant at this, and packs off immediately, declaring he will never enter the old boy's presence again till he has earned a position by his own exertions. He's off now, somewhere, earn- ing a position in the rogue's gallery, I suspect. The old fellow was so sore over the boy's ingratitude, as he called it, that he immediately made a will, leaving two- thirds of his property to that girl, and the other third to me for acting as her sole guardian till she is twenty-one. D. Bully for you, lawyer ; pears to me you holds the trumps every time, and knows jest when to play 'em. B. Trumps, my eyel Some people's alius lucky. R. {pacing.) Lucky ? Fool ! do you think 1 didn't have to work hard for all this ? (C) Let me finish. This girl, Harriet, being madly in love with her sweet cousin, of course worked on the old man, and to such a degree that he has, this week, make a new will, dividing everything between those two and leaving me a .paltry trifle, (pacing) D. Blamed old mutton-head I B. Is the new will in the package you mentioned? R. It is. Meet me near the back of the big house on the hill, in an hour, and I will give you your final instructions, [going R.) One thing more: Old Thornton is building a lighthouse. When it is handed over to the authorities, my influence can rorke you its keepers. If you fail me, you're lost (at R) D. But say, lawyer, if we stay here for the lighthouse job, her nibs '11 spot us ! " K. Stuff! Use some of her money to buy a cake of soop. If you apply it regu- larly, you won't even recognise each other ! Be punctual. [Exit R. B. Well, this is a queer go ; what do you think on it, Dick ? D. Blamed if I know what to think, Bill; what do you say? B. Are we going to do the job ? D. Well, I should grin. Two hundred dollars and a lighthouse I We're settled for life. B. Yes, but recollect he ha'n't got no principle, and he knows how to keep his Self clear o' the law. D. That's so, but By Jo, pard, I've hit it J^ We'll jest freeze onto that there packet, and let on as we had to destroy it.j B. Then he won't give us nothin' ! D. Ob yes he will. We'll be his bosses arter to-night. B. Dick, you're a genus I You're a durn sight too ready wi' yer tongue, times, but yer smart when it comes to business, (going L.) Come on; I suppose we'll have to waste some money on that soap. [Exit L. D. (following) Lighthouse keepers, eh ? Lawyer keepers too, I guess. \Exit L. DRA W OFF. SCENE II.— Interior of Thornton's Drawing Room; Full Stage. * Handsome chamber, boxed. Centre door. Doors R. and L. U. E. Window (practicable) L.2. Bureau, with drawers, against C. of L. flat. Handsome furniture. A table R. 2. Lamps lighted. Eveaing party of farmers and villagers At rise of curtain, dance inprogresss. Harriet sitting, looking on, down L. Tilly and Johnny danging, then come down R T. Well, I guess it's time to be going" H. Don't hurry off, friends ; Mr. Thornton will return in a moment.* J. I propose T. Johnny I behave yourself, sir ! Propose, indeed— (aside) this isn t a barroom Omnks. Here's Mr. Thornton. Enter Thornton, C. D. Comes down C.\ Th. Here, how's this, friends ? What, are you all tired? You mustn't all bun- dle off in a hurry, just because friend Jones and his wife had to leave us. You've not all got families waiting at home — though I hope you will, some day. J. (aside io T.) D'ye hear that, Tilly ? T. Johnny I behave yourself, sir I (to Th.)* BgT'You sing us one of your old Bongs, sir, and then we must go. Th. Certainly I will ; anything to please you all. OLD MAN SPECIALTIES. General movement preparatory to leave-taking. -Tjj%, Th. Well, well; the best of friends must part. Good night, all. Hand shaking and departure of guests, L. U. door. Harriet accompanies Tilly to door ; kisses her. J. Me too ? T. Johnny ! behave yourself, sir I [Exeunt T. and J. H. (comes down L. C.) Now, good night, dear papa ; don't stay up long. Th. (takes her up L.) No, my darling, only a few moments, (at R. U. door) Good night ; God bless my child ! [Exit Harriet, R. U. Th. (turning out lights except lamp on R. table) I suppose it's natural one should feel doubly anxious for the success of an act of justice tardily done. I shall not feel safe about that will till Raynham places it in security to-morrow. I wish he'd come, and let me get to bed. (opens L. window. Moonlight.) How I hope I may live long enough to see a beam, bright as this moonlight, shining out over the sea, like a ray of hope for all — good and evil — on the ocean ot life, from my pet project, Danger Point Light ! (Partly closes window. Goes to R. table, sits. Takes roll of greenbacks from pocket, runs them over and places them on table.) Ah, that's Rayn- ham, I hope, (goes up L. Knocking at L. U. door. He goes out and returns) Come in, Raynham, come in. Enter Raynham, L. U. E. R. Good evening, sir. (coming down L. C.) Th. (coming down R. C.) My dear friend, good evening. I'm sorry you were not at our little party, (sits at R. table) Sit down. R. (sitting L. C.) I regret having lost the pleasure, sir, but I was busy at the lighthouse works and other matters. Th. Yes, I know you work too hard. But what business have we on hand now? I want to go to bed. R. There is nothing that needs detrain you, sir. Th. I'm glad of it. By the way, Raynham, there's that will; I shan't rest comfortably till that's properly settled. R. I'll attend to it the first thing in the morning, sir. (rises, takes chair L.) Is everything secure? I'll fasten this window, (arranges window.) Th. (bus. at table) Do, please ; I forgot it. R. (going up L.) Now, good night, sir, and many happy returns of the day. Th. {rises, goes up) Thanks, Raynham ; goodnight. Exit R&ynham, L. XI. door, followed by Thornton. A door slams. A chain rattles. Re-enter Thornton. Th. (coming down to table R.) Dear, how tired I am ! (takes lamp, goes up 0.) I'm glad to-morrow will see my mind at rest — no one knows what might happen. [Exit a Dark Strge. Window pushed cautiously open. Moonlight. Bill and Dick peer in. D. All hunk. B. Well, in we go— and keep your mouth shut. D. (enters and crosses to table) Come here, paid, (takes greenbacks.) B. (enter, stands near window) That a'n't the way. To the right, he said. D. Yes, but focus yer eyes on these elegant chromos ! (crosses to Bill.) * The part of Old Thornton may be doubled by Lerder, when the specialties can be omitted and the following line substituted for those within indices: We really must be going, sir. Then go on, as in text. B. Focus yer tongue, idiot, {takes money, pockets it) Here, give 'em to me, and attend to business. ( They go up to bureau.) B. Second drawer — red pocket-book Ah, here it is ! D. Let's make sure it's all right afore we go. (They stand up L. C, bachs to C. door, intent on book.) Enter Thornton, C. door. T/h. I'll take it up-stairs. (sees them) Hullo ! who are you ? Help ! Thieves ! Struggle. They pass him and get near window. Enter Harriet, with pistol. Runs to Thornton, who stands up L. C. in moonlight. Exit Dick through window. Bill at window. Harriet fires. .Bill turns, fires, exit. Thornton staggers down C. and falls. Harriet kneels and raises his head. H. Father! father! Th. Too late ! Poor boy (dies.) Harriet's head sinks. SLOW CURTAIN. AN INTERVAL OF ONE YEAR BETWEEN ACTS I. AND II. ACT II. — THE PURSUIT. SCENE II. — Garden of Danger Point House. Garden flats in 2 Arbor, with small table and chair, to work off at change, across L. 2 E. Raynham discovered, seated at R. of table, with letter. R. Oh, yes ; the i nportunate creditor of a year ago is the " My dear friend " of tb-day. Everything depends on position, (reading) "My dear friend: As my son Arthur will, in about a week from now, visit the east, where he is entirely unac- quainted, I write in advance, asking you to show him the same friendship and hospitality I am sure you would readily offar Yours, very truly, W. Pursful." H'm ! there's no choice — I'll have to welcome him. Those two villains have been so extravagant that I may soon have to draw on William Pursful again. Well, it shall all come out of Harriet's money — and I'll have to invent some reason for her. Here she comes now. I'll broach the subject at once Enter Harriet, sloivly, R 1. Raynham advances to meet her. R. Good morning, my dear Miss Thornton. H. [bowing distantly) What commands have you for me this morning, Mr. Rayn- ham ? R* Commands, my dear young lady ! ^This is unkind in the adopted daughter of my lamented friend. H. Mr. Ravnham, you scarcely contrived this meeting for the purpose of talking sentiment, or to indulge in contrasting me with my murdered benefactor. If you did, the time was exceedingly ill chosen, on this, the anniversary of that awful day when he poured out his life-blood in my poor arms ! (covers her face and weeps) R. Miss Thornton, I pity you sincerely, and have no doubt your grief is almost as .great as if he had indeed been your father. H. {aroused) He was my father, in all that paternal solicitude and kindness could do. — And now, enough of this. What is your business ? R. Well, Harriet, if my heartfelt sympathy only irritates you, I am done.' (wdlks L.) I wished to consult you on business scarcely suited to thts day, but of a most urgent character. H. Then tell me your wishes in as few words as possible, and omit this affect ation of consulting me. , R. As you please, (sits, tapping fingers on table) Well, then, the painful fact is, that Mr. Thornton was not so well off as was supposed.— In short, he left scarcely anything unincumbered. H. Well, sir ? 8 R, Well ! — don't you see, my young friend, that this indicates we may soon be penniless ? H. {advancing) This is, indeed, unexpected ; and I fear his indulgence of me may have been the cause. But I do not fear poverty — I have experienced it. R. Yes ; but you were a child then. You have been accustomed, for years, to a , life of ease. You would find the change back again very different. H. That may be true ; but why dwell on the inevitable ? R. {coming down) Because I have a plan for surmounting these difficulties, E. Well, sir ? Proceed. R. Briefly, then : Before the shocking death of Mr. Thornton, both he and my- self were under great business obligations to a western gentleman. I have a letter from him announcing a visit shortly from his son. In view of future necessity it would be politic to show this Arthur Pursful every consideration. H. Mr. Raynham, I can be of no assistance in this matter. To work out schemes like this would be harder to me than to face poverty, {crosses) I can only say that the son of my father's friend shall not find my welcome wanting. R. That is amply satisfactory. H. I suppose it isjjuseless to ask if you have heard yet of my poor cousin Harry ? R. Indeed I have not — nor do I expect to. [lightly) No doubt he has gained the high position he sought, and forgets old friends and H. {stamping) How dare you, sir? I cannot compel your silence, but I can re- fuse to listen to your sneers, [going L.) I leave you, sir, doubting it you ever made so good a resolution as that of my poor Harry. [Exit L. R. That's settled ; my little fiction was a success, [sits) Now, let me see : There must be a party, and Enter a Man Servant, R 2. R. Well? M. The two lighthouse keepers wish to see you, sir. R. I am very busy now, and Bill and Dick stroll on R. 2. Dick lounges against R. wing. Bill stands L. of Mm D. That's all right, 'squire; we won't detain you long, [to Man) You may skip, sonny. R. William, have my horse ready in half an hour. M. Yes, sir. [Exit Man, R 2 R. You infernal idiots! Have you lost what little sense you ever had? B. Here — if you want to start off with hard words, we c:m D. Now, gentlemen ! gentlemen ! Let me settle this he re little discussion, afore it goes too far. Squire, what's the trouble, anyhow ? R. Trouble, fools! Are you not satisfied to have escaped, so far, the consequences of the accident of a year ago, but you must arouse suspicion i*. the mind of that servant by your free and easy behavior in this place? D. {to Rayn.) Well — how do you feel yourself, pardner, about that lucky escape ? B. Yes ; how does a whole year's security strike the head o' the firm o' Rayn- ham, Forsitt and Cowler ? R. {rising) Insolent vagabonds I B. {advancing a step) Ab, sit down ! What's the matter with yer? D. Now, look here, Raynie, old boy; what's the use of you a-carryin' on like this here ? Your safety depends on ours, and there's two of us to one of you; so let's get down to business, and stop foolin'. R. {sits) Business ! The old bnsiness, I suppose — money. D. Look at that, Bill ! Didn't I tell you he was a smait 'un ? You've guessed right the first time. R. Well, I have no money for you. I kept my word with you about the $200 and the iighthouse, although you did not deliver me the pocket-book — your nat- ural cowardice prompting you to destroy it — but nothing satisfies you. D. Well, but B. See here ; let me have a say. Me and Dick's settled this here thing long ago, Raynham, and there a'n't no use o' argyin'. We're all three in one boat, and we all has equal rights to the profits. We distinctly told you, in the first place, as we didn't want to go into the business, but you forced us into it ; and though us two thought it best to let .you pl.y tlie gentleman here, we means to have our share of the plunder. Am I right , Dick ? D Right? Well, I should coincide! R. Bali ! A fiu; iur your idle threats. How much do you want this time? B. Fifty dollars ; and not a cent less. R. Fifty d.,1 ars ! D. You see, 'squire, there's a big harvest spree down at the village, and we want to be flu ii. R. Indeed? Wtll, all I car, spaie to-day is twenty dollars; and there they are. K. (fakes money) Well, we want the balance to-morrow, and no excuses. D Come on, B 1! ; [going R. 2) let's hurry pown to Lerder's-. [Bill follows] Enter Harriet, L. 1 — sees them — stops. R. (seeing her, rises and follows them) And be very careful to keep a good look out D. (seeing her) That we will, sir. My parduer an' nie's two kind christian gentle- men, as alius does our dooty. Good day, 'squire. [Exeunt B. and D., R. 2 Harriet advances quickly toward R. 2. Raynham confronts her. H (excited) Slay! stay! V\ ho are those mm ? Call them back. R. Why, what's the malter, Miss Thornton? H. Call those men back, sir, or let me pass. R. Really, you surprise me ! Those gentkm- n called to see me, on business. H. Business! with them ! R. Certainly. What do you want of them. H. I suspect them of having robbed me and killed my benefactor ! R. Hn, ha ! This is too ridiculous ! H. Then why prevent my following them ? R. Because, as your guardian, I wish to prevent your making an absurd exhibi- tion of yourself. H. (attempts to pass) Stand aside, I say ; 1 will pas?. Raynham catches her by right arm and pushes her violently toward R. C, where she falls on her knees, he still holding her wrist. R. Come, come, my high flying charity girl ; if you can't be checked by gentle means, I must try force. H. Oh, why was I not killed also ? s Enter Harry— as TEDDY FLYNN— quickly, R. 1. Har. Hillo, hillo, here ! (seizes Rayn. and jerks him to R.^ standing between him and Harriet — who rises and runs off R. unperceived.) , Come out o' that, ye villain, ye ! and lave the poor girrul alone. R. What do you mean, you impudent scoundrel? How dare you intrude Har. Go on, now, or I'll brain ye ! R. (going R.) You shall repent this within ten minutes, my man. [Exit R. 1 Har. And now, darlint (turns around — natural voice) What? Confound the luck ! After all my trouble, I've only succeeded in scaring poor, dear Harriet away and half choking that wretch Raynham. Well, there's some consolation in the knowledge that he deserved his part of the picnic. Poor Harriet ! It's evident I have not arrived too soon. Luckily, they did not recognise me. (looks R.) Here he comes, with assistance. I'll frighten him a little. (L. C) Enter Raynham, followed by Two Men, R. 1 R. (r. c.) There is your man.. Har. See here, Misther Raynham, there's nothln' I'd loike betther, just now, than to take a shmack at your whole gang — yerself included, wid yer honor's lave ; but I'm thinkin' the governor 'ud object to it, and feel sorry I didn't lave him to settle wid ye for the way ye're thratin' me. R. Governor, indeed ! Who are you talking about ? Har. You'll know soon enough, faith, whin Misther Arthur Pursful comes to tache ye the way to trate his confidintial man, Teddy Flynn, so you will. R. (surprised) Mr. Pursful ! Did you come from him ? Har. Throth, I did; and I'm going back to him now. (going L.) R. One moment, please ; there is some mistake, (to men) You may go [men exit R 10 R. Why didn't you tell me this before ? Har. Why didn't ye ax me, instead of ihryin' to put m" in j til ? R My good fellow how could I know it was llr. Pu'Sfal s man who so nearly bhook my breath away ? Har. Well, why were you ill-tbiat f u' the young lady? R. Ha, ha, ha! Why, my dear fellow, v,e were rehearsing some little private theatricals for Mr. Pursful's entertainment next woek. Come in t.:e house (points R) and I'll explain it all and bear your message. Har. No, thank ye ; I'll not put a fat in that house, nor ?pake another wurd to ye, till Misther Pursful comes, [going L.) I'm £oiiv to stay in the village, away from your wicked play-actin' rehearsals, as you call 'em. \_Exii L. R. But, I say — look here, my friend [folloivs him off. BRA W OFF. SCENE II.— Lerder's Public Room ; Full Stage. c> D> _ Fiddlers /&> TABLES - — AND CHAIRS o* to§ to Villagers, male and female, seated at tables, laughing, playing cards, etc. Table with mark * empty. Lerder behind bar. Johnny waiter. Bill (seated at t) Say, I wonder if we can't give the old man a stand off? Dick (seated at §) What tor ? We've got the sug., ha'n't we ? B. Well, 1 know ; but bang me if it don't go ag'in me to pay for anytnin' when I can get it on tick. D. Well, that's so, too; let's try it. (knocking and calling) Johnny ! Oh, Johnny! J. (up R.) Coming ! coming ! Johnny comes to table. J. Well, gents, what shall it be ? D. Say, Johnny, fill 'em up ag'in, and stick it on the wall for a few hours. J. Can't do it. We've just run out of chalk, and the old man won't buy any. B. The diggin's he won't ! I guess our names is good at most places; eh, Dick? Man (at next table L. ) Oh, Johnny ! [Three people at this table.'] J. Coming, (about to go) D. Say ! are you going to set 'em up ? J. You'll have to tackle the boss, (goes to next table) Bill looks at Dick, then slowly rises and crosses to lower end of bar. J. (crosses to upper part of bar calling) Zwei lager und ein bretzel ! Bill leans on table, wailing. Johnny takes things to table. Bill and Lerder pantomime conversation. J. (at table) Your half dollar, sir ? Let's see : two beers, twenty cents ; bretzel five eents ; that's thirty cents ; ten cents change. Thank you, sir. Ler. (to Bill) Schmart poy, iss dot Shonny; undt don'd you git ofer id! B. Yes, but — I say (converse) D. (to man at J next table) I tell you Jimmy the Duffer can chew his ear off in- side o' ten minutes. Man. Pshaw ! You don't know what you're talking about. D. I don't, eh? (emphatically) Why, blame me, he'd conquer him and eight more ! L. Chentlemins, ve don'd allow no dispudes aboud bolidigs mit de 'ouse to-day. D. Politics be blowed ! We was a-talkin' about a dog fight. L. Veil, I heerd you say ass Blaine vould lick Conklin in eighty-four, and dey vass bolidigs, I guess ; vhad ? 11 D. Got out, you thick headed Dutchman ! I said : Blame me. he'd conquer him and ei^ lit more. L. Veil, dot iss vhad I say ! Ve dou'd vand some Blainey undt Conklin in eigh- ty-four to-day. B. Well, what do you say, Lerder? 1 L. I tell you vhad, Mr. Four-seats ; you undt your freund, Mr. Deeks, sing some- di.iks t) amuse de gombany, undt I dingks him ofer. B. Sing be hanged ! (crossing) Omnes. Yes, yes; give us a song. Go it, Lights, etc. D. Blowed if we don't do it, pard. B. Well, come on; we'll have to make fools of ourselves, I suppose. BILL and DICK SING. Applause. They sit. Johnny brings them drinks. L. Now, ladies undt chentlemius, keeb id co,> ! keeb id oop ! Vhadnegst? I prings mine Tilly in poody'soon, to sing some dingks. Singing heard outside, C. D. Hullo ! Who's that? Omnes. Come in ! Come inM Enter Harry— as TEDDY FLYNN—C. D. Hah. Good day to yez, ladies an' jintlern'm. Good day, ian'lord. L. Goot day mit yourself, sir. Har. Fwat's goin' on here ? L. Oh, shoost a leedle vhad you call " merry ole dime." End of harvest, you see. Har. Oh ; that's it, is it? Well, I'd loike to take a hand at the fun myself, so I would. L. You vass a Irishman, eh ? Har. Was I ? Sure I'm wan yet. L. Veil, mine vife vass one, too. Har. She was one, two, eh ? And were you three, four, or nothin' at all ? L. Nein. Har. Nine ! Holy poker ! L. I vass a Cherman ; but mine vife, vhad iss dett, she come from Clonakakility — her name vass Son-of-a-gun ; you might know her? Har. No, I did not. I come from Carrick-ma-Clannery. L. Veil, she tole me Irishmens vass alvays full of singin' undt dancin' undt Har. Whiskey — yiss, and so they are, fwhiniver they can get it. L. Veil, auf you sing for the gombany I dringks mit you. H. All right ! Shthrike upj IRISH SPECIALTIES. After, Enter Tilly, R. 1, goes up a, little, looking at Har. . Har. (indicates T .) And who's the purty colleen yonther? I wance knew a nate I ittle gurrul, and if she was aloive now she'd be almost as charmin' as she is. J. (approaching him L.) Say, my friend, you're welcome to make yourself free, but no remarks about the ladies, please. T. Johnny ! behave yourself, sir ! Har. See here, avick. (whispers to J.) J. (astonished) Eh ? Har. There, be aisy a whoile— I want to hear the colleen sing. L. Ya, dot iss mine dochter. I tell you, she iss a— a— himmel ! vhad you call dot sewin' misheen ? Har. A Domestic, perhaps ? L. Nein. A — Singer! Ya, she voss a singer. Omnes. Sing,'Tilly, etc. Harry sits at * TILLY SINGS. Note. — General Spscialty Bill in this scene, according to abilities of company / John- ny, Lerder, etc. •D. Well, this lays over the spree up nt Thornton's a year age. J. Yes; and nothin' unpleasant likely to follow. B. Not unless some 'un was to go for old Lerder, thei'e, to-night. [laugh] L. Ach ! dundhtr ! Mr. Pill, con'd yoa talk dot fays ! Har Excuse me; is it tLe big Louse on the hill ye're talkin' about ? D. You've struck it, Mick. Har. Sure, I was up there a while ago, and the boss of the place came near hav- in' me arrested. B. What for? Har. Faith, only for givin' him a bit o' my mind. D. Ha, ha ! I'd like to see him arrest us. for givin' him the whole of our minds, eh, Rill? B. Cheese it, you chatterin' fool ; yer drunk, (to Har.) Did you see my lady ? Har. If ye mane a sweet, purty young woman, I did. B. Sweet, pooty gran'mother ! She's a good-for-nothin', pauperous Har. (jumps up and seizes him by the throat) Say another wnrd, ye blaigiard, an' I'll brain ye ! D. Now, look here, gentlemen ; let me settle this little misunderstandin' B. Misunderstandin', the devil I Le'go my neck, you're chokih' o' me. I didn't say nothin' ag'in you. Har. {releases him) That's all right — I'm a fool for interferin' ; but, ladies and jintlemin, I can't sit still and hear a woman spoken ill of behind her back, (cheers) As Har. crosses up R> C. Johnny comes to him. (Company play cards, etc.) J. Say, my friend, I'd like to have a little explanation with you. Har. Have ye ony little private room convaynient? J. Yes ; come this way. As they come down (award L., CLOSE IN ; and they enter directly as indicated. SCENE III.— Plain Interior in 1. Door L. in flat. Enter Har. and J., D. L. J. Now, then ; why did you whisper me, "If you're a friend of Harriet Thorn- ton, keep still" ? (L. C.) Har. Well, you see, I've come here to thry snd warn her agen her good-for- rothin' runaway lover. (R. C.) J. Are you talkin' about Mr. Harry Burleigh? Har, Throth, I am; the vill'in ! J. Well, then, let me tell you you've struck the wrong party. I a'n't very much on the fight, but I can do my best to lick any man that says a word ag'in him. Har. Pshaw ! I know him better than you do, and I say he's no account. J. And /say he's a gentleman, and I know him well. Har. Why, I don't believe you'd know him if you Baw him. J. (turn L.) Oh, come ; you're crazy ! You'd best go to Washington. H. (pulls off wig, etc.— natural voice) Johnny! behave yourself, sir! J. (turns quickly) Eh? What? Mr. Harry! Well, well! (grasps Harry's hand and shahes like everything.) Har. Come, Johnny, my boy, don't lose your head, or I fear you'll have to go to Washington. v J. Oh, but you don't know ! Har. Don't I? Then tell me. J. Why, Tilly, you know— -won't marry till Miss Harriet is happy — now you've come back — everything lovely ! Har. Yes, but there's lots to do yet. J. Oh, that's all right, now you're here. But how you did disguise yourself! Har. W T ell, you know I was always doing such things in the old days, and since I've been away I have made some success as an actor. 1 think ihis ixpmenie will aid me considerably just now. But who are those two men with whom I had that little fuss ? J. They are the lighthouse keepers. Har. Indeed ! And what do they know of Miss Thornton and Raynham ? J. I only know that Mr. Raynham got them the job. 13 Hab. H'm ! {suddenly) Johnny, what sort of a night do you think it will be? J. I'm afraid there'll be a storm. Har. Afraid, eh ? Speaking of Tilly— do you know she's a remarkably smart girl, Johnny ? J. You bet she is ! / know it ! Hab. Why, she recognised me before she'd been in the room five minutes J. No! Har. She did, though. So I think you had best go in there againj before those men suspeci anything, and send Tilly to me; will you ? J. Certainly, (going to D. L.) Well, she is a smart one ! [Exit. Har. They say a woman can't keep a secret ; now, / believe she can — especially i fit affects herself. So 1 must caution Tilly against any premature disclosures. Enter Tilly, D. L. T. Where is he ? Oh, Mr. Burleigh, I was sure it was you ! Har. Yes, ye-j; I know you were — hut don't let any one Lear you. T. Whv. is it a se^er ? Oh, how jolly ! Har. Yes, Tilly, it in a secret; and i want you to vindicate your sex t'y keep- ing it, T. Tlnit I will But what does it all mean, sir? Har. That 1 have d;s^uis?d myselt to lind my uncle's murdciers aud to get Miss Thornton her rights T. Tilsit's ju t 1 ke you, Mr. Burleigh. Can't I assist yon ? Hah. Thai you certainly can. Do you see Miss Thorn on oi'ten ? T. Yes, indeed; she goes nowhere, and I often go up to sew for her and cheer her up a bit. Har. Very well, then; you shall take her a message. I depend on your good sense to manage properly. T. You may, sir. Wh*t is the message f Har. I would like you to see Miss Thornton as soon as possible and tell her that the Irishman who protected her this morning gave you this not* for her. (giving note) Will jou do this ? T. (takes note) Gl dly, sir. Hab. In order that you may assist us still more, I w'll tell \o\\ that it is an ur- gent request to be present at the reception of Arthur Purslul, when she will hear great news of Harry Burleigh ; and I want you to use all your power of persuasion to, induce h< r to lie there. T. She shall be there X words ban influence her. I'll go and see her this very evening. Har. Thai k you, Tilly. Now I must leave you. (going R.) I left ray things at the station, so i'll cut across the fields. I don't know how soon I shall return, but I depend on you and Johnny. Good bye. [Exit R. T. (R.C.) Good luck. Hi, hi, hi! Oh, my ! isn't this lovely ! Mr. Burleigh's! what /call