THE PIEKEE TBAIL. A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. By Dr. Albert Carr. THE PIERRE TRAIL. A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. By Dr. Albert Carr. MS. Copyriqht by the avthor, July 3, 1911. Copyright, 1911 by Albert Carr. All rights reserved. OAUTIGN. The) presentation of this drama for profit withont the permission of it's proprietor is strictly forbidden. Managers desiring to proAac* this drama are respectfully reqnewted to eonimanieate with the author. HIX.L CITY 8. D. 1911 <^r^ CAST OP CHARACTERS. HAM MORDEN . A squaw-man living on the Cheyenne river. MAJOR DAN CORBIN. A young trader keeping store at the Pierre crossing on the Cheyenne river. Commissioned by the governor to command cowboy and settler against the Sioux, MARK NEWELL. An early emigrant to tha Black Hills. A seeker of gold. JIM OKOBOJI. A half-breed educated by the government. Horse thief and all around bad man, HANS FLEDERMAUS, A German in search of a homestead, "SMUDGE." A white boy brought up by Jim Okoboji's mother. MAHZAHSKAH. A Sioux Indian. The white man's f nend: RED DOG. Shunksba, a Sioux chief. ROSE. A white girl claimed by Ham Morden as his daughter. She is engaged to Maj. Corbin. WIX, Morden's squaw. Sister of Red Dog, KATREENA. Wife of Hans. SYNOPSIS. ACT I, R,-im Morden's crime. ACT II. To be shot at midnight. ACT III. Not guilty. ACT IV. Death of the squaw. ACT V, Christmas eve. ©CID 24790 THE PIERRE TRAIL. ACT I. SCENE. Home of Ham Morden on the border of the Sioux reserva- tion. Long, low, log-house R. Buffalo skull over door. Cheyenne river winding, rear. Clayey walls of the Bad-lands in distance. Rough bench near house. Paddle on bench. Rude, rustic, chair with wolf skin robe, back under low cottonwood in R. Enter Wix from ho-um. Wix. Wanneechee! Lahkohtah wash- tay. [Exit, L. Enter Ham Morden from house. Ham. Last night, I could not sleep. The moaDingr wind and coyote's whine stretched out the lonesome hours. At last, my mind broke from me like a frightened horse. T'was then— Oh, horror!— I saw it all acfaio. The flicker- ing fire— the ghostly canvas of the i irlE FiKKKE TitAlL. wH'^na —her outstretched arms — the chWd — [Crazed, j^oints wildly.] There- there she is now! Enter Wix, L. with a bundle '^/ faggots. Wix. What mntter, Ham? Ham. Nothing-only one of my BpellE. Wix. No like um spell. Me kill somebody, no have spell all tim*^ Ham You hag of darkness! [Pick a up paddle. Wix. Me Wix, Ham's squaw Ham. Begone, hellion! [Threatens her with paddle. She hankies to house. Wix. {Afiide.) llim crazy. Get too crazy, kill um. (7'o Hani,) Where iro? Ham. Up ^-he river. Wix. Better stay eat. Ham. No. (Astde.) I must keep her, or kill her. JShe knows more than — Well, I can't kill anymore. {Starting, points) Ha, t-ee t (lure I Wix. {Jumping.) No, see nottin. Ham. {Recovering.) Where's Rose? Wix. {Sulkily.) Went way early. Take gun. Want to hunt jack-rabbit— maybe wolf. Ham, Deinr Rose! Wix. (Aside.) Me kill herbycn-by. [Ham goes up stage—^turns, Ham. {Ahide, raising hand to heaven.) Oh, God! if I am good and kind to Rose, will you forgive me the crime against the mother? [Sfarts, and points.] Ha, there! Wix. Got um spell 'gam, huh? Ham. (Fiercely.) Devil! Wix. (Yowling.) Wan't to say, goo- by. Ham. Weil, good-by. Wix. ( With smile,— zery soft . ) Goo-by ! [Ham goes down to river, springs into boat and paddles up stream. Wix culls tu him,. ] Goo- by ! [Ham paddles off, E.] Dear Rose! No say, dear Wix; say, d — m Wix. Me love Ham. Hate Rose. Kill her bym-by. Jim Okoboji shoot her father by wagon. Mother kill, too. Ham see her all time. Say, hah! [Jumps and points in imitation of Ham.] Kah! [Jumps and points.]' B.B.h\ [Jumps and points.] Ugh, Ham big, big fool! Heap big fool! [Several shots off, L.] Plenty shoot! [Looks off, L.) Jim. Okoboji — white man — white man Bhoot — Jim whip horse— ride fast — [Sliots off, L.) Ugh, plenty shot! Jim Okoboji, rifle in hands, backs on, L. '' 6 IHK PJEFiRt] TRAIL. Jiuj. Course those Vigilantes! [Looks off, L.\ Tlieie comes Smudge over the divide Willi the ht)rees. Now tbey see hira. [Shot off, L.] Secbedo, they've hit him! No— he straighteos up in the saddle, and down over the bluff he goes with the Vigilantes after him. Good boy! Good boy! [Taps rifle.] Come, (yoyote, let me hear you whine. We'll scare the white dogs back to the settle- ment. [Fires off, L.J There goes one of them out of the saddle. They turn— they've got enough— away tbey go back to the settlement. [Gives wild ivhoop.] I'll teach them to let Jim Okoboji alone when he pi.rks up a stray horse or two. Wix. [Advancing to Jini.\ Hah, Lakotah! Jim. Why, hello, Wix. Wix. Hal-lo Jim! What matter? Jim. Vigilantes. Wix. Get more hoes? Jim. Yes, three more. Last night. Vigilantes chase me all morning. Wix Kill some? Jim, Yes, one. Wix. Ugh, washtay! Jim. Body up on bluff. [Points up to,L. Ti[E PIERRE TRAIL. 7 Wix. While man no stop pick up man shot? Jim. No. Wix. Where dead man's horse? Jim. Vigilante caught bridle, when white man fall off. Wix. Sechedo? Jim. Where's Ham Morden? Wtx. Gone up river. Jim. Good! When go? Wix. Him go; you come. Jim. When come bacK? Wix. Maybe sundown. Jim. Ugh, heap good! Wix. Where got horses? Jim. JSmudge run them down on the Cheyenne. Look, see~lPoints to L.M.E.] over there on river bottom. Wix. Washtay! White man dead, think sure? Jim. 1 saw him fall out of the saddle. They didn't slop to picK him up. I guess he's dead. Wix. Me go take um scalp. [Draw^ long knife from folds of dress. Exit, L. Jim. Ham Morden drove me away from here four years ago. No, he didn't drive me,— he wouldn't dare do that-— but he made it unpleasant for me- THE PIERRE TRAIL. Unpleasant, just because I made love lo Rose. I ought to have taken her iu the begining instead of the kid, Smudge. Well, I've got the boy, and I'll have the girl, too, in spite of Ham Morden. I'll make her my wife, as sure as I am a scholar. Enter Smudge, L. crying. Jim. What you sniveling about, Smudge? Smudge. I'.m shot. Jim. They hit you, did Ihey? Smudge. Yes — Jim. Where? SmutJge. In the arm. [Shows left arm. Jim. {Examining wound.) That's nothing! Smudge. It makes me eiok. Eater Rose R.R.E. Has rifle in one hand, jackrabbit in other. Jim /ta.s back to her. Jim. It makes you sick, hey ! Well, I'll make you sick, you papoose. {Raises hand to strike Smudge.) Stop your yowling! Smudge. {Raising arm.) Don't hit me, Jim. I saved the horses. {Pointing THE PIERRE TRAIL. to L.R.) Th«y are all there. Onh! I am so weak! [Rose drops jackrahhit. Jim. Weak! I'll kick the weakness out of you — Rose. (Leveling rifle at Jim.) It will be your last Kick, Jim Okoboji. [Smudge runs to Rose, drops on knees, and clings to her skirts. Smudtje. Oh, Rose! Jim. You, here! Rose. Yes, Jim Okobuji, I am here — here to rescue this poor boy from your savage brutality. Jim. (Aside.) I'll throw her off her guard. [To Rose.] Rose, you know how I love you. Rose. And you know, how I despise both you and your love. Jim. 1 am a scholar. Rose. The education the white man gave you has only increased yoin- capacity to do evil. Jim. To convince you that my love is sincere, I will warn you of a great dan- ger, a danger that even now threatens your life as you do mine. (Suddenly.) Look, Wix is behind you. She is going to stab you. [Ro.ou, now. Rose. Dog of a half-breed! \Jim wrenches rifle from her still holding her. Smudge. {Staggering towdrds R.) Don't kill her, Jim! [Falls and faiuts. Rose. Vile wretch raleaee me! Enter Hans Fledemaus with carpet-bag, L. Jim. No use, Rose. I've got you now, and I'm going to keep you in spite of Ham Morden . [Rose and Jim struggle. Hans drops carpetbag and takes out of it tivo large pistols. Rose. Help! Help! Jim. I tell you, you are mine. Hans. {Pointing pistols at Jim.) How you know dot? [Jim turns, sees Hans. Jim. Curse the luck, beat again! Hans. Put her down or I plo you oop. [Jim releases Rose. She crosses to Smudge. Jim. {7\o Hans.) Who the d«Til are you? TlIE PIERRE TRAIL. li Hans. Hans Pledermaus. I come von der fort dowu. Lay dose rifles by der j^rouDt dowo. [Jim lays rifles down.] Now hit der trail for Doijtown. Jim. {Backing tvwards, L.R. Hans with pistols pointed at him.) Robs MordeD, you have escaped me this time, but I'll have you yet, In spite of Ham Morden, in spite of yourself. I go now, but I'll return. And, when I do, I'll not come alone, but with the whole Sioux nation behind me. Rose. Let me tell you, Jim Okoboji, — and if you love yourself as cowards always do, you'll heed my warning;— croas not my path again, nor claim this boy, or my rifle will do, what it might have, done a moment ago. Now leave this place and take those stolen horses with you. This is no rendezvous for thieves and cut-throats. Begone! Hans. Don't you hear vot der girl toltyou? Git, or I plo your het off, of you vas olt Zitting Bulls himself. Jim. {Going.) I'll return, when I'm not expected. Hans. Of you do, dere vill be a goot Injin. Sky-doo! [Hans fires pistols, Jim ducks, and dodges off L.R. E. 12 THE PJERRE TRAIL. Rose. {Kneeling, raises Smudge's head in her arms.) Speak to me, Smudge! fepeak, dear! He has fainted. [She rubs his face. Hans. Mein Gott, vol a blaces! [To Rose.] Iss der liddle poy deat? Rose. No, he has fainted. If we had something to revive him — some brandy or whisky. Hans. Visky! Dot's schnaps. Yah, I got him in mine garpet-bag. [Puts pistols in carpet bag, arid takes out bot- tle of liquor.] Here it is. [Hunds bottle to Jttose.] Don't make him drunk. He's too young to slant it. [Rose moistens Smudge^s lips with the liquor. Rose. To think they would shoot a boy! I must gel Smudge back to the Agency, or he is ruined. [Puts bottle to Smudge^s lips.) Drink, dear, Hans. Der poor hddlepoy! Rose. His lips move- Hans. Der schuaps iss goot. Dey vake him oop. Rose. ^Giving Smudge liquor) The color is coming back to his cheeks — Hans. Yah! Yah! Rose. He moves- Hans. {Stooping over Smudge ) Yah, THE PIERRE TRAIL. 13 I Bee his eye vink. Smudge, [Coming to.] Don't hit me, Jim ! Rose. He speaks. Hans. Vot is it? Smudge. Don't kill me, Jim. Hans. Vot Shim is it? Rose. Jim Okoboji, that viliainous half-breed from whom yon rescued me. Hans. Oh, dot feller! Rose. Smudge, dear — Smudge. Oh. don't! Rose. It is Rose, Smudge. Smudge.. Rose! [Opena eyes.] Now I can die. Hans. Don't do it, doi/s a goot liddle poy . Smudge. {Staring at Hans.) Who is that? Is it, Jim? Hans. No, it's me, Hans Plederraaus. Smudge. I don't know you. Hans. Neft'er mint, mein poy, I be a rater lo you of you don't got vone. RoBe. Whoever he is. Smudge, he is a good, kind man, .mu a friend to the helpless in distress. Hans. You can take your oat on dot. Vhen I get me dot heimstet, dot varm picked oud, und mein frau, Katreeaa, comes down von der fort, I take you to THE PJEKKE TKAIL. MieiQ house, una make you tneio owd Jiddle poy. How you like dot? Smudge. You are a good man, but you talk so fuuny. Hans. I bin a Dutehman, uod mein frau, Katreena, she's a Dutchman too, aber she don't vas so funny as I bin. Smudge. Rose, have you seen aiy dog. Bow-wow? Hose. No, Smudge. Have you a dog"? Smudge. Yes, Bow-wow. Shunka washtay wan! He was with me on the bluif, when they shot me. [Whistles.] Maybe they shot him, and Bow-wow jb dead. [Whistles.] He don't come. Rose. He may have gone with Jim Okoboji. Smudge. That's so. Rose. Can you stand up, Smudge? Smudge. I'll try. [After an effort he stands up.] 1 don't think I'd 'a' caved, Rose, if Jim hadn't 'a' grabbed you. Huns. I'll lix dot Shim, of he tries some more foolin aruunt here. Rose. Hans, 1 like you. Give me your hand. Hans. {Shaking her hand.) Yah, ve be friente. Smudge. {Extending hand.) If Roiee THE PIERRE TRAIL. 15 is your friend, Hans, I am your friend. Hans. {Shaking Smudge* s hand.) I'll be your fater. Smudge. I wish Rose was my sister. Then I'd have some one to own me. Jim says, I have no father, and I know old mammy Okoboji isn't my' mother. Rose. I'll be a sister to yuu, Smudge, for I love you as a brother. Hans. Dot's right. She can be your sister, I'll be your mutter, und Katreena your fater. No, dot's not itl I'll be your sister, Katreena your fater— Ach, I bin mixed oop in der bet! Rose. Here is your liquor, Hans. [Gives Hans bottle. Hans. Oxcuse me. Miss. [Takes a drink.'] Dot settles mein het. [Puta bottle in carpet-bag,] Veil, Miss- Rose. My name is Rose— Rose Mor- den. Hans. I call you, Rosy. [Looks off L.J You denk dot feller gomea back? Rose. The most I fear, Hans, is he will not leave, but lurk around here in hope to accomplish his evil designs against this boy and me. Hans. Let him try dot! Of be do, Mr. Smart-injin vill go oud by der long drail. 16 THE PJERIIE TRAIT.. Kose. I must go in the house, and get some bandage for Smudge's arm. [Exit into house. Smudge $its down on bench, E. Hans. I might as veil take it easy too. [Takes goose-neck pipe and wooden stool out of carpet-bag. Sits down on stool, fills pipe, lights it, and smokes. Smudge watches him ivith amused interest.] How you feels by dis time, Smooch? Smudge. Better. • Hans. [Smokes, then.— l Of you don't mordify, you be all right. Smudge. Oh, I'll be ail right. Hans. [Smokes, then—^] Dit dot feller nhoot you. Smudge. What feller, Hans? Hans. Shim Chokeababy. Smudge. No. [Laughs.] You talk awful queer. Hans. (Suddenly.) Dit you gooait zuzenzide? Smudge. What's that? Hans. Try to kill yourzelf. Smudge. No — no. Hans. Veil, who dit shoot you? Smudge. I don't know. Hans. Dot's funny! [Smokes, then— \ How.olt vas you? THE PIERRE TRAIL. 17 Smudge. I don't know, Hans. Dot's funny! [Smoketf,then-^] You know vhtjre you vay porn? Smudge. No. Hans. Dot's f u n ny ! [Sm@ke8, tJienr--] You live mit Shim? Smudge. When 4 am not at the Agency at the Mission school. Hans. You know dot, anyv.ty. You vai a smart poy. Enter Rose from house with water and bandage. Rob©. Now Smudge, I'll fix your arm. [Fixes 8mudge^8 arm. Hans. {Smoking and muttering to himself.) I don't got somedings to eat since morning. I eat everydings oop vot I hat all day yesterday. A Dutch- man can't live midout eating. Rose. Are you hungry, Hans? Hans. {Lifting up carpet-bag.) Shoost so empty as dot garpet-bag. [Drops carpet-bag. It flops to- gether. Rose. Go into the house and help yourself to whatever you find. Hans. {Rising.) I'll do dot, nnd der feller vot gomes next, gets nix. [Pwfs 18 THE PJEKHE TRAIL stool and pipe into carpet-bag. Takes up carpet-bag and starts for hou»e, — turns.] You sail votever I tint. Rose. Ever} tbiog, Haas. Hans. EfferydiDtrs! Dot's petter yet. [Exit into house. Rgetj. (To Smudge*) Yes, I saw it all. Saaudge. I didn't eee you. Rose. No; I was io the plum thicket oD the other side of the bluff. You are a brave fellow, Smudge. But to think, you'd steal horses! Smudge. 1 cjouldn't help it. Rose. 1 bad to do what Jim told me. He'd kill me, if I didn't. {Sniveling, wipes nose on coat-sleeve.] I don't want to go borae stealing. Rose. Do you know what the Vigi- lantes would have done with you, if they had caught you? Smudg©. {With hesitancy.) Yes. Rose. Hung you. Smudge. {Falling on his knees.) Rose, dear Rose, I promise you on my knees, and God hears me, I'll never do anything wrong again. {Rising to feet.) No, not if I die for it; not if Jim kills me. Rose. {Embracing him.) My own boy! Smudge. Jim stole me away from the agency this time. You wont let him TKE PIEKKE iUAIL. 19 steal me ftgHin? Rose. No, no! You were brought to the Agency through my efforts. I told the agent and the good lady of the Mission about you. With her help, I persuaded the agent to eeod after you, and briag you in. You were a perfect little savage then, and would dance and whoop, and talk Sioux and broken English all in one breath. But you took kindly \o what was taught you, and your Bchooiing at the agency changed you in a few years, yes, more than my schooling did me in the eame time. My father retained the manners of civilization, and had taught me much before J went to the Mission. Smudge. Do you believe Ham Mor- den is your real father? Rose. Of course, I do. Smudge. Wix isn't your mother. You're no Indian—no half-breed. - Rose. My father brought me with him when he came here. Smudge. Where is your mother? Hose. Father said she died back in the states. Smudge. Jim Okoboji says. Ham Morden used to get drunk, and do deviltry just like the Indians. 20 THE PIERRE TRAIL. Rose. That ie a half-breed lie. Smudge, I'm no Indien. I'd like to know where I came from. I coulden't, have just come up out of the ground like one of mammy Okoboji's turnips. Rose. There is a great mystery about your origen. Some day we'll solve it, and tind out who you are. Smudge. Jim must know, for he's a scholar. Rose. Yes, Jim's a scholar. The kind the goverment makes over at the Indian schools in the states, and calls civilizeti Yes, Jim may know all about you, but will Jim tell? Smudge. Jim is a bad man. If he heard me say that, he'd kill me, but I'll tell the truth if I die for it, {Rose takes gold cross off of neck. Rose. Here is a golden cross, the good bishop gave me when h« visited the Agency. Wear this, {PuU cross on Smudgea neck.] and whenever yon are tempted to do wrong, look at it and think of poor Rose, and do right. Smudge. [Grasmng her hand.] Yes, yes, if I'm killed for it. Enter Hans from house with carpet-bag. THE PIERRE TRAIL. 21 Hans. [Aside.) I ate me a whole ahaokrabbit. Rose. Did >oii find enough to eat. Hana? Hans. Yah, blenty, bleoty. Dere is some left — (Aside.) for kitty. Snte7- Wix, L. dragging dead dog by hind legs. It is a small black and white shepherd. She does not immediately see Hans, Hose and Smudge. They are, R. Wix. No find white man. G«t dog- gy. Make nice stew. Hans. {Sees Wix— snatches pistols from carpet-bag.) Indians! Indians! [Aims pistols at Wix. Wix. (Dodging.) No shoote, no shoote! Me Lahkotah — white man squaw. Rosy, Rosy, no let una ehoote. Rose. Don't shoot, Hans, That is my father'*? iquaw. Hans. Is dot so! (Lowering pistols.) Den I vait 'dil your fater comes, und shoot him. Smudge. That's my dog. Bowwow. And he's dead! Wix. Nice doggy. Cook um. Make good etew. Smudge. Don't let her oook Bowwow. 2-2 THE PIERRE TRAIL. Hans. {To Wix, pointing pistols at her.) Drop dot dog, or I drop you. Wix. Ugh! Ugh! [Drops dog, and sidles across stage to hovse. Rose. {To Wix.) Father forbid any of your savage cookery in the house. If h© hears of this, he will drive you back to your tribe. Wix. Secheedo! [Exit into house. Smudge. {Crossing to dog.) Poor Bowwow! [Takes dog up in arms, and exits, R. with him. Blubbers. Hans. {Aside.) Dot squaw vas going to cook Bowwow. [Mmkes a sick face.'] Maype dot don't vae a shack rabbit vot I ate me so quick down. [Gags, with gulping sound, several times. Rose picks up rifles. Rose. Poor Snaudge— his heart ie broken. [Sets rifles against house. Hans. Dit dot Indianer voman kill dot dog? Rose. No, I think the Vigilantes shot him. Didn't you see them? Hans. I saw noddings vot shot dot dog. THE PIERRE TRAIL. 23 Enter Smudge, R. Throws him- self down on bench. Buries head in arms. Ro9e. You came down the trail, didn't you? Hans. Yab, by der bluflf. Ro8e. Did you see some men on horseback, up on the biutf, ndinij away? Hans. I saw sooaedings moving. I dought it might be Indians. Enter Mahzaliskah on horse- back, L.R.E. Dashss across rear of stage and off R.R.E. Rose. {Turns — sees Mahzahskah.) Mahzahskah! Hans. {Turning, with a jump.) Vot's dot! Enter Mahzahskah on foot, R. R.E. Comes down center of stage . Rose. It is Mahzakiskab. Haos. Indians! Indians! Mahzahskah. {Advancing towards Rose.) Wahzhinzhinkah! Hans. {Pointing pistols at Mahzah- skah.) Stant, or I ehoot you det in vone second. 24 THE PIERRE TRAIL. [Rose rushes to Mahzdhskah. Rose. {Grasping his hand.) Mahza'V skah, Mahzahskuh, I am so glad vol ^ have come! HaDS. {Lowering pistols, aside) Aa- Dodder vone of der family. [Smudge advances to Rose and Mahzahskah. Mahzahskah. (To > Rose.) Zitkahdan skah wash lay, how! {Shaking her hand.) How!^ How! Smudge. {Extending hand to Mah- zahskah.) How, Mahzahskah, JLahkotah washtay! Mahzahskah. {Shaking Smudge^ s hand,) How, hokshinnah ciBtinnab! How! How! {To Rose, pointing to Hans.) De taku hay? Rose. Wiheashtah washtay. Mahzahskah. Hah. Haas. {To Mahzahskah.) Kcennen sie Deutsch ■prechen? [Mahzahskah looks at Rose, then shakes head negatively.] Nein? Rose. This is Mahzahskah, Hams, a friendly Indian. Hans. Is dot so! Veil, I go id und aae vol your mutter is cooking. Rose. That squaw is not my molher. Hans. Den vhere iss your mutter? Ti{E PIERRE TRAIL. 25 Rose. My mother is dead. Hans. Dot's too bad. Veil, I see anyvay, rot dot squaw is cooking. [Goes towards house. Aside, making a sick face.] She vas going to cook Bowwow. Goo — 00 ! [Exit into house. Mahzahekah. When come back from Agency? Rose. A week ago. [Smudge retires to bench and lies down on it. Mahzahskah. Major Dan hear um, no blieve um. Sen me to see. Rose. Well, you see I am here, whether Mr. Dan Corbin believes it or not. I am glad to see you, Maz, but I think Dan might have come himself. Mahzahsknh. No can come right away. Sioux heart bad. Want to fiight. Gov' nor sen Major Dan paper, say: Watch Indian. All cowboy com© down to Major Dan. Plenty gun, plenty powder- Rose. Jim Okoboji was here. Mahzahskah. Jim Okoboji! Ugh, bad man! Seoheedo! Rose. He has been stealing horses. Mahzahskah. Steal horse all time. Rose. I fear he is lurking around here now. {Suddenlg grasps Mahzah- 26 THE PIERRE TRAIL. skah'fi arm, and speaks iwhemently.) Mahzahskah, this place is full of iiiyster}', and perhaps murder -but my father is good. Mahzahskah. Him squaw-raan. Rose. Those words burn, Mahzah- skah. My mind is made up. I shall leave this place forever. {Takes ring from finger.) Here, take this ring, and give it to Dan. {Gives Mahzahskah ring.) He gave it to me the last time he was at the Agency. Teli him to come to me at once, or keep the ring until he finds another to wear il, Mahzahskah. Major Dan love Rose- Rose. Tell him the half-breed is here. Mahzahskah. Rose 'fraid, me stay. Rose. No, Mahzahskah, but do as I bid you. If you ride at your best speed, you will reach the trading post and return with Dan before sunrise. Go, friend of the white man, my life and happiness may depend upon your haste. Mahzahskah. No slop. Go fast. No see tree. Goo- by ! Rose. Good-by, Mahzahskah, and may the spirit of the great Wahkan go with you. Mahzahskah. Ugh, got good horse. Shunkahkah washtay. THE FIEKRE TKAIL. [Runs to R.R.E. and exits. Iinmedi- ately reenters on horseback, dashes across rear stage, and waves hand to Rose. She waves hand to him. He exits L.R.E. Enter Hans from house fol- lowed by Wix. Hans has pistols, one in each trouser''s pocket, handle sticking out. Has frijing pan in hand. In it are several half-cooked pieces of jack-rabbit. Wix. {Grabbing at frying pan.) Eat all up! Wanneechee! Wanneechee! Hans. Veil, of you got der itchee, Bcratchee, scratehee. [Wix snatches frying pan from Hans. Wix. Uifh, secheedo! [Dodges into house. Rose. {Advancing to Hans.) Fliet! Hans, there ib a dead white man up on that bluff. [Points up and to L . HanB. Is dot so! Rose. The man was shot by Jim Okoboji. I want to get the body away from the wolves to-night. I wish you would go up and bury him. THE PIERRE TRAIL. fjans. I do dot, Koey — you bet I do dot. R®se. I'll get you the pick and spade. [Goes to rear of house and gets pick and spade. Hans. I take meia pipe mit me. [Takes pipe out of carpet-bug. Rose. Here they are, Hans, Hans. Yi-yah! [Puts pipe in coat pocket, takes pick and spade from R&se, and picks up carpet-hag.] Aber here— here is mem garpet-bag. Take it, und don't lose it undil I gome back. "Rose. {Taking carpet-hag.) I'll keep it safe. Hans. Dank you, Rosy, dank you. I Takes out pipe and lights it. Puts pick and spade on shoulder. Smokes — QQing.] Now, I bin a funeral. [Exit, L Rose. Mans is a good man. I must get Smudge away from here,— out of the power of that half-breed. If Hani will take nim, he will be safe. Hans will care for him, and protect him. (Puts earpet-hag down, E.) I have determined ta leave this place. But why should I! My father loves me, is kind to me, and will protect me. I should have remained at the Agency but for Jim Okoboji He THE PIERRE TRAIL. 29 insulted me, at every turn, with his attentions. In vain, I besouorht the agent to ^ relieve me of this persecution. He seemed entirely under the influence of the half-breed. I left the Agency in despair, and returned to my father. But even here he dares to obtrut?e his hateful presence. iVIy rifle simll befriend me. Oh, Dan have you forgotten me! Enter Hans, L. with pick and .spade. Hans. He don't vas dere. Rose, Not there! Hans. No, not even der place vhore he iait. Rose. More mystery. [Takes pick and spade and places them rear of house. Hans. Veil, Miss Rosy, of you oxcuse iiie, I go und look me some farms oud. Rose. You better not go, Hans. T fear for your safety. I am fill-ni with a sense of mistrust. You better stay. Hans- Do you denk I'm afrait, vhen I got dese can-nones? [Draws pistols from pockets. Rose. {Weirdly, clutching his arm..) Man, I tell you there is danirer— danger which like the wolf is slowly creeping from itu lair. 30 THE PIERRE TRAIL. Hans. You scare me to del! Rose. (Pleadingly.) Don't go, Hans. Hans. Rosy, you don't know me. 1 looks me like a fool oufcsite, bnt insite, I bin shoost so cunning as der fox, und shooet Go pizen as der raddleschnake. Rose. I believe you are a brave* stirewd man, but I— Hans. I vas in der Chermao army for seven years. Und I vights like der tevii. [F'o'urishes pistols. Rose. Yes, Hans — but don't go. Some lurking foe might shoot you. Hans. Den I shoot too. Rose. I fear the Sioux are stirring. And we need you— yes. need you, Hans. Veil, veil. Rosy, you vas a goot girl. Und kint, sho(J6t like rnein Katreena. Don't make yourzelf any vorry. 1 be back before die sun falls down, goot und hoongry, und all retty for annodor shack-rabbit. (Aside.) May. be dot don't vas a shaok-rabbit vot I — (Gags.) Goo-ooo! (To hose.) I dells you vone dings, Miss Rosy, of dot Shim Ohokeababy - Rose. Okoboji, Hans. Hans. Yah! Yah! Pokochoby.. Of he ooraes 'rount here, vhil^ I am gone, TilE PIERRE TRAIL. 31 I gitf him der grant rahzoo by der bone- yard oud, 60 soon as I come pack. [Exit, R.R.E. Smudge is asleep on bench. ^R. Rose crosses to bench. Rose. Poor tired boy. sleep on. Fatherless, motherless, beateo, mis- guided, and wounded, but not forsaken. [Tiu'iis and gazes towards river.] The day closet-, and the Cheyenne flows placidly on with the passing hours. [SunBet glow.] Oh, river, I would you could speak, and tell me the wild stories of the past — the savage wars, the deeds of tomahawk and knife, the midnight surprise, the torture and the dance, and k\\ the joys and sorrows of the simple people, who for ages have dwelt along thy shores. [Drops doimi into rustic chair.] I have a strange forboding of evil to day. Can it be, my father is in league with horse thieves! His gloomy muttenngs, his starts and tits of frenzy^ and the weird hag with whom he com- panions, all awake in me a dreadful suspicion, I strive in vain to drive away. And when I ask him of my mother, he starts as thought a serpent stung him. Can she have wionged him! No, no, for she would love as I would love, with all her heart, all her soul. {Clasping her 32 THE PIERRE TRAIL. hands.) Mother! .Mother! Oh, when I speak that word, dim memories creep upon rae which I cannot connect— other faces which I seem to know, and yet know not. I may have dreamt these things, but it is strange, very strange, a dream should so impress rne, {Grows drowsy.) Mother -dear mother. {Sinks back in chair ) Mother -mother — [Sleeps. Enter Wix from house, stealthily. Wix. Rosy sleep. Ham gone. Good time kill her. [Draws knife] Tell Ham, Jim kill her. Mam love Wix more, no got datter. Rosy no Ham's dattei% anyway. Kill her this time sure. Knife Bhnvp—lSte.ils slowly vp to Rose. Just as she is about to stab her, shot off L,R. Rose springs to feet. Smudge sits tip on bench. Wix steps back, dropping hand ivith knife behind her concealing knife. Smiles blandly.] Rosy sleep, hear shot, wake up. Rose. {Commavdingly, and pointing to house.) Go into the house. Wix {Cringing, picks up jack rabbit dropped by Rose. Still holds knife behind her.) Nice rabbit. Mal^e supper, tend house —tepea washtay. TilE PIERRE TRAIL. 33 IBacks into house. Smudge. {Rubbing eyes.) Rose, I heard a shot. Rose. Yes, off there. [Point a to L. Smudge. {Springing to feet.) Are you hurt? Rose. No. {Shot off L. Smudi^'e. Another shot. Rose. More murder! {Looks off L.) See, a man rides madly down the bluff— DOW he turns in the saddle — [Shot off L.] he fires back as though pursued. He approaches— he is here. Mark Newell backs on L. rifle in hands, Mark. {Turning.) Thank God, a house at last! Rose. Who are you? Mark. Mark Newell. Rot^e. Are you hurt, sir? Mark. No, but by the number o shots fired at me by some concealed foe -{Notices loose's face,) My God, that face! Girl, who are you? Rose. Rose Morden. Mark. And this place? Mark. Ham Morden's ranch. 34 THE PIERRE TRAIL. Mark At last, at last! Rose. I pray you leave this place, before further harm befall you. Ride to the north west, and tarry not until you reach the fort. Mark. Girl, danger and I are too well acquainted for me to act the coward now. I urn in search of my children. I lost them fourteen years ago. I was coming to those hills whose dark peaks, you may see rising to the heavens, from yonder bluff. [Points to L, Rose. The Black Hills. Mark. Yes, the Black Hills. Excited by soma rumors of their great mineral wealth, I rushed on witbout considering the danger— the peril of such unpro- tected haste. Rose. {Aside.) That voice! Mark. Three days out from fort Pierre, at midnight, I was attack by H half breed ruffian, a white man, and a squaw; my horses and cattle run off; my wife murdered, and as I then supposed, my children too. Wounded and bleeding, I crept under the wagon to die. An Indian boy passing by in the morning found me in a weak and helpless state. Moved by some good spirit, he Tl£E PIERHE TRAIL. 35 brought me food and water, and when I recovered so I could move, he guided and assisted me back t© Pierre. God bless that Indian boy! Rose. What became of the boy? Mark. We parted at th*^ fort. Before he left, I gave him twenty five dollars, all in silver quarters. With this, he was delighted. I also gave him my pocket piece. It was a brass Chinese coin with a square hole in the center. Rose. {Aside.) Mahzahskah wears such a coin upon his neck. Mark. (Taking letter from pocket.) Look girl, I hold in my hand a letter from one Daniel Corbin of these parts- Rose. From Dan Corbin! Mark. Yes,— a young man I have known from childhood. Here is the letter — read. [Ease takes letter. Rose. Dan writes: (Reads.) Informed by Mahzahskah, friendly Indian— from, other Indians — other sources — traced from point to point — Mark. I find in that communication that which, not alone encourages me, but convinces m», my children etill live. Read en. Rose. (Reads.) Certain Indian camped 36 THE PIERRE TRAIL. on creek below hearing shot ran up to where y@u were camped —saw squaw standing near fire with white baby — fire smoJcing — half-breed looking at fire aaid smudge — aquaw smiled, held up baby and named it. Smudge. [Rose stares at letter. Smudge with wonder and amaze uunt advances towai'ds her. Mark. Read on, read on. Rose. {^Reads.) Ham Morden, a white man ; Jim Okoboji, a young half breed, and a fierce squaw named, Wix—{To Mark.) Oh, sir! I can^read no more. [Extends letter to Mark. Mark. {Taking letter.) I know it, girl; the truth is too apparent. Rose. What was your daughter's name? Mark. Rose. My wife screamed it, when the half-breed shot me down. Then I fainted from shock and loss of blood. When I came to, all was dark and still. 'Twas then I crept under the wagon to die. Rose. Did you iind any trace of your little daughier and the baby, in the morning? Mark. No. The white man took my daughter: the equaw, my baby boy. THE PIERRE TRAIL. 37 Rose. Did the squaw keep the baby? Mark. No, she afterwards gave the baby to an old squaw, the mother of the balf-breed. Rone. How do you know all this? Mark. {Tapping letter.) It is all in this letter, and more--much more. And girl, until Romoone can prove by evidence as indisputable as the water running in yonder river, that you are not my child, I'll ciaira you as my danghter. Rose. Oh. pir! there is a name, and memory links it with a face — a gentle, loving face. The name is Ruth. Mark. That was your mother's name. [Takes picture, from pocket.^ 8ee, here is her face. [R&se seizes picture. Smudge eomes close to her side. Both gaze intently at picture. Rose. This is the face. It is— it is my moiher. Mark. {Throwing arms about her.) My daughter! My daughter! {Noticing Smudge.) What boy is that? Rose. That is Smudge. Mark. {Throwing his arms about Smudge.) My baby, Mark -my son! Smudge. Someone owns me at last. 38 THE PIERRE TRAIL. and Rose is my sister, \They sob and cry with arms about one another. Ham Morden, in boat, paddles on from H. down river to rear center. Jumps out of boat and fastens it to shore. Advances with paddle in hand. Rose. Oh! sir, if I am your daughter, who— who then is Ham Morden? Mark. Your mother's murderer. [Ham drops paddle. Ham. {Looking up.) May God have mercy upon bis soul! [Rose, Mark, and Smudge turn and stare at Ham. Then they part, giving full view of Ham, C. Rose, and Smudge to R. Mark te L.] Why do you stare? I am Ham Morden. Mark. And I am Mark Newell, the father of these stolen children — the husband of the woman you murdered. It was on that night- Ham. {Staring abstractedly into space.) Yes— yes — it was on thai night. Mark. {Raising rifle.) Ham Morden, guilty, or not guilty? Ham. {Loudly.) Guilty. Mark. Then, life for life. [Levels ri fie at Ham. Rose THE PIERRE TRAIL. 39 rushes between Mark and Ham. Rose. (Wildly.) Oh, Ham— father. Ham, recall that awful word. It cannot, cannot be! Ham. But it is, child, it is. (Holds up hands.) These hands are red with your mother's blood. [Rose shrinks from Ham. Mark. Back, daughter, back. The heartless, villainous, wretch must die. [Rose turns, seizes barrel of Mark^s extended rifle, and presses it down. Rose. If Ham Morden is guilty, he must die. But not with such eager, relentless haste, tie must have time to repent — time to pray, [Tableau. DROP-CURTAIN. 40 THE PIERRE TRAIL. ACT II. SCENE. Same as in act first- Time, evening. Large, round, yellow harvest moon. Discovered : Ham Morden, R. seated on bench with legs bound and arms tied behind him. Mark Newell with rifle. C. Rose, L.C. Mark. Ham Morden, at midnight, I will execute upon you, the seotence of your crime. Your kindness to my dautihter through the Jong years of our separation; your severe repentance; your yielding to justice and acknowl- edgment of guilt, together with the fatherly care so long extended to the child whose mother you " murdered, IHam groans.] may be of advantage to you, when you stand before the great judgment aeal of Him whose law, you have violated. I leave you for the present to God and your conscience. [Exit into house. TUE PIP^RE TRAIL. 41 Ham. Rose. Rose. 8ir? Ham. Come am] kneel by me here. Keye. (Sorrowfully.) I want to forot. 62 THE PIERRE TRAIL. {Wix stops.) Come here mit dot gfarbet- bag. [Wix adv.inces ivith carpet-hag. \ Drop it. [She drops carpet-bag. ^^ Now. sit down on dot bench. [She sits down on bench ivith a bump.] Dot's right. Alvays do vot I tola you, oddervise you might die suddenly. [Lights match, holds it close to her face, looks at her and laughs^] Veil, you vas a sunflower, anyvay. You don't get avay again. [Calls.) xM-iss. Rosy! Miss. Rosy! Enter Hose from house. Rose. What is it, Hans? Enter Mark 'Newell from house. Has rifle. Hans, Here is dot squaw, V'lx. 1 vant some rope to tie her mit. Mark. {Starting for Wix.) Stand back-^you'll need no rope. [Ro.'ie grasps MarVs arm and speaks in low voice. Rose. Father, Ham gave strict orders not to harm Wix. He said, thouijh Jim Okoboji had nearly destroyed his influence with the tribe, th»t if finally attacked by the Indians and overcotrie before Dan arrived, he was confident he could persuade Wix to intercede for our THE PIERRE TRAIL. 63 lives. Mark. And what would her inter- cession avail? Rose. Everything. She is the sister of Red Dog, the Sioux chief who is now dowh on the river with his band. Mark. Rose, you have thwarted me at every turn. But for you, I should not now be etrugglinjr between duty to your mother, and gratitude for the preservation of your life and honor. Rose. Ham says, if they find W\x dead- Mark. They need not tind her. We can dispose of the body. [Pushes Rose aside and advances upon Wix. Rose follows him. Wix. {Springing up) Hah! White man no doad! White squaw dead sure. Mark. {Seizing Wix by the throat.) L«et me strangle her. Rose. No, father, no! Wait. [Removes Mark^s hand from Wix^s throat. Rose. Hans, take the squaw into the house, bind her securely, and return to me. Smudge. Why not put her in the cellar. Rose? Mark. A good idea! Then we'll liave 64 THE PJERRE TRAIL. the hideous thing out of sight. I can hardly bear to -look at her. 1» the cellar secure? Rose. Yes, father. Mark. Then put her in the cellar. Hans, {T&uching hat) 1 do dot, mein herr. {Pushes IVix towards house.) Id you go, olt laty ! Enter ,Ham from house with clock and lighted lantern, Wix. Ham, Hc^m, no let um. ^ Hatn. {Apparavtly demented.) Away hag, touch me not! What woman is this? Hans. {Pushing Wix into house.) In mit you! In mit you! [Exeunt Wix, Hans, and Smudge into house. Ham. I have twenty minuets yet. [Sets clock and lantern on bench. \ I must have some rope — some rope to bind me with. Will you bind me, Rose? I might escape, if you do not bind me. {Starting and pointing.) Ha, look Newell — there! Mark. {Wildly.) Oh, God! Ham. {Staring and dazed.) Whot^e God? uo8e. {Teii.derly.) Come, father Hun; THE PIERRE TRAIL. 65 Come into the house. My mother has spoken to my henrt. j Turning to Mark suddenly.] Father, «]o you know my conclusion? Kam Morden is not guily. Mark. (With a groan.) 1 would, it wer« sol Ham. But I am guilty. Come, bind me. Bind me. [Puts hands behind him. Rose. With my arms, poor Ham, with my arms. [Puts arm around Ham and leads him into house. Mark. Greater is the struggle within me to iDfliot":. the penalty, than for him to bear it. I swore to kill the man who killed my wife. And shall I perjure myself! Jei)htha swore to sacrifice first whom he met. He met his daughter, but he kept his vow. This is my precedent, set down in God's own book. I'll keep my vow. Enter Rose from house. She has rifle. Sets rifle down near door and advances to Mark. Rose. Father? Mark. Well, what now? Rose. Nothing, only- Mark. Weil? 66 THE PIERRE TRAIL. Rose. I fear, Ham will lose hie reason. Mark. 1 fear, I shall lose mine. Rose. Father, you do not mean to— Mark. Time will tell. Rose. I do not like your answer. Mark. I will do nothing but what God justifies. Let that be your conso- lation. Watch roe — watch the clock. [Exit into house. Rose. He means to shoot Ham. Oh, what can be done to save Ham's reason? What done to save my father from so rash an act? My mind is set in the belief that Ham is not guilty. The half-breed and the squaw to make themselves secure against his conscience, may have told him, that he shot my mother. If Ham was drunk enough to entertain an act so cruel, he was too drunk to shoot with any aim. And besides, my father positively declares, he found no gunshot wound upon my poor mother's body. She was stabbed — stabbed from behind. Ham says, he shot her, but positively denies he stabbed her. There is some mistake — some savage lie. If my father should shoot Ham, and then find out he had killed an innocsnt man, such horror THE PIERRE TRAIL. 67 aod remorse would arise witbiD him, that he would go raving mad. I must do something to prevent it. Enter Huns with rifte from house. Han8. Veil, Miss Rosy, I put her in der cellar. Rose. Did you pull up the ladder.? Hans. I ditn't see none. Rose. Didn't she go down the ladder? Hans. No; I shooat dropped her in, kerplunk. Rose. I hope you didn't hurt her. Hans. She diin'l sa} noddmgs. Rose. {Going towads house,) Well, watch the river, and warn us of any danger. Hans. You bet, I do dot. Rose. Have you plenty of ammuni- tion? Hans. Mein belt is full. Rose. Be on your guard, Hans. {Turns light in lantern down low.) The Sioux are very cunning. Haofi. Yah, dese Indians vae achly. Dey shump up ven you don't oxspect dem. Rose. Watch the river. Hans. Yah, I do dot. {Exit Rose 68 THE PIERRE TRAIL into house.) 1 can see better rait dot liijhtoop. {Turns light in lanten up.) It gets priddy dark by midnight, ven der moon goes down. Dose Indians is more quiet as diey vere. [Wix appears at rear end of house, gives terrific whoop, and vanishes. Hans jumps and shoots rifle in air. Yells—] Indiane! Indians! Mark with rifle rushes from house. Mark. What's the matter, sir? Hans. [Sheepishly.) 1 heard someding yell. Mark. I heard it, too. Hans. Yah, it vas loud. Mark. It couldn't have been a coyote. Hans. It djtn't sount like it. Mark. It was a terrific screech, Hans. It must 'a peen Indians. Mark. I heard a shot, also. Hnns. Yah, dot vas me. Mark. Did you shoot at something? Hans. I dita'i see, vol it vas. Mark. You better put that lantern under the bench. It exposes you to the tire of any bidden foe. Hans. Dot lighi ;s ail right Of der Indians come. I Jsee dem by dot lurht. THE PIERRE TRAIL. 69 Mark. Ruh! the Indiana wili see you by dot light, and put a bullet throngh you. Hans. (SircasticaUy.) You denk eo? Mark. You better keep your eyes and ears open. Hans. I keep dem oben. [Beating of Indian drum off, R. h. E. Mark. The Indians are still stirrinjjf- [Indian chant and drum off, R.R.E. Hans. Dey must be having ein surbrise barty. Mark. If they don't surprise us, I shall be thankful. Look sharp, sir. Hans. Yah, mein herr— [Exit Mark into house.] — pumperknickel. I dun't like dot olt grank. He's too stiff in der back oop. He all der vhile vants to kill dot oter olt feller. I keep meIn eye on him. Of he gets too shmart, I tell him vot it is. Enter Rose from house. Rose Hans, I fear Wix has escaped. I looked down the collar with a candl*», and saw nothing there but a great pile of wood and brush. Hans. Is dot so! {Rushes info hoi<^c 70 THE PIERRE TRAIL Rose. Now, may God help me! [Turns rustic chair around, back of chair to audience. Piills it hack some distance in rear of bench and in line with left half of bench, the lantern and clock being on right. Picks up robe from rustic chair and spreads it over chair. Gets gun cautiously from against house. Returns to chair and hides under rbbe. Eater Hans from house ivith rifle. Hans. She grawled oud. Vhere iss Rosy ! [Looks around. Enter Ham from house with rope. Ham. {Looking at clock,) The time is nearly up. I must be bound. ('J'o Hans.) Oh, sir! won't you bind me? Hans. Nod by a t— m sight! [Exit into house Ham. Then I must bind myself. {Sits down, on left of bench and binds his legs.) There, — but I can't bind my arms behind me. [Enter Smudge from house.] Come, Smudge, my boy. bind THE PIERRE TRAIL. 71 my arms, and I'll Bpealc a good word for you, up above. Stpudge. No, Ham, T wouldn't tie a cord on you for all that is in the world. [Exit into house. Ham. There is no one to bind me, and I must be bound. The love of life is strong, and near it's close, the strongest break in resolution. [Enter ]\fnrk from house ivith rifle.] Come, Mark, bind ray hands. [Looks at clock.] I have ten minuets yet. Come, Mark, come! Bind me — you are the execu- tioner. [Mark groans.] I tell you, Mark^ I must be bound. Come, bind my arms behind me. [Mark binds Ham^s arms behind back. Exit Mark into house with bowed head.] Seven minuets more, and I shall meet her face to face. Do I dred death? I killed the mother, but I saved the children. (Rises to feet.) No, I do not fear to die. {With deep mental agony.) But. Oh! I wish I ne^er had been wrong. {Starting and staring into space.) Hah, Hbere she is nowf Liook! upon her breast, bright red upon her snowy garment, Is the bloody mark of my cruel crime. [8ink$ down on bench and moans. 72 THE PIERRE TRAIL. Enter Wix, E, She steals up behind Ham and binds red bundana handkerchief over his mouth. Draws knife and walks around in front of him. Wix. Wot think 'bout old liag, Wix, DOW? She no fool. Ham big fool. [Mark appears in door of houae ; pauses and listens] Got to die to night 'caupe kill nobody. Kara no kill white squaw. Ha in shoot — too drunk — shoot up in air. Me stand 'hind white equaw — Ham shoot up in air — me stab whitb squaw — stab her in back. {Mark overcome grasps side of door.] Ham no love Wix, anymore -no, no more. Know it, now. Find out. Say |ove me — shake head, yes — out cord — PJam go loose. Do all, Ham want done. [Ham shahes head "mo."] Got die then—die to-night— no help. Die, 'cause kill nobody. Hani fool — big fool. Ugh, heaj) big fool! Time pritty soon — white man come — take gun— shoot Ham. [Clock strikes twelve. Ham tiii^ns back to clock. Sits 071 bench facing L. Wix sidelcs around to left of bench and facing Ham Mark sinkn back in door. Wix looks towards house, but does not see Mark] Clock TICE PIERRE TRAIL. 73 strike— white man not come. White man no come, (Flourishes knife and hisses.) me kill you [Shot fired by Rose from rustic chair. Wix falh with a. screech, throicing Jcnife from her. Ham springs to his feet. ^ Rose slips out from under robe and steals off, R. H. E. Mark staggers to Ham,' and releases his hands. Ham tears handkerchief from face. ^ Ham. Mark, I am not guilty. I did not kill your wife. {With puin and dejection.) But— but I was there. Mark. Thank God, you were! By God's providence you were there to save my children. Ham, I never thougrht of that! f nov^er thoujjht of that. How wonderful are the ways of providence! Mark. What if I had killed you! Ham. Think not of it! Who shot Wix? Did you? Mark. No. [Kneels and releases Hani's legs. Ham. Who did? Mark. I don't know. [Rises to feet. Ham. The shot was tired closo to me I could smell the powder. For the 74 THE PIERRE TRAIL. instant, I thought il was you —that I was shot. Mark. I saw the flash of the shot It was over there. [Points to rufitic chair. HaiTi. Where is Rose? Mark. She left the house- Ham. Mark, God has avenged us '—both. [Throivs arms about Mark. Mark. Thank God, I didn't shoot >-u! Rose rushes on from H.R.E., screaming. Ham, It is Rosel Mark. What's the matter, daughter? Rose. The half-breed— the Indians! [Great burst of lurid red light from off, R. Stage lit up from that side. Ham. They have fired the barn, and the stacks. Enter Hans from house. Hans. Vot. iss it tay light, alretty! Enter Smudge from house. Smudge. Oh, my! Whai is it, Rose? What has happened? Rose. The Indians have set fire to THE PIERRE TRAIL. the barn aod haystacks. [Long ivhoop off, R. R. E. Ham. Tliey will attack us. [^Whoops and yells off, R. h'. E.] They are upon us! My rifle! {Starts for Iwuse. Mark. Daughter, get my rifle. It in the door. [Rose starts for house. Enter Jim Okoboji and Indians stealthily from R. R. E. Snaudge. Look, father] {Ham picks up Mark^s rifle in door. Rose. The half-breed! [Mark turns. Okoboji raises rifle and shoots him. Mark. My God, I am shot! [Reels and falls. Rose screams. Indians yell aud advance. Hans draws pi.Hto!s. Hans, Back. Smooch! Get pehind me, l?osy. [Hans advances upon Jim and Indians, firing pistols. Ham rushes to Mark, and fires at Jim and Indians over him. Cheers and shouts off L. R. E, Jim and Indians retreat to right rear. 76 THE PIERRE TRAIL. Major Dan Corbin and Coiu- boys rush O'l from L. skouting and firing. Major. Chase the red devils across the river, boys. {Rushes to Rose and throws arms around her.) Rose, Rose, my darling. Rose. Oh, Dan, have you come ut last! [Jim and Indiayis retreat off R. R^ E. followed by coivboijs shouting and shooting.} My father- Major, Your father! Rose. Yes. See! {Points to Mark.) The half-breed shot him. [Major, Rose and Smudge go to Mark, and kneel around him. Rose raises his head into her arms. Major takes Mark's hand in his. Major. He is living. Rose. Father? Mark. {Rousing up.) I— yes— What is it, daughter? Rose. Major Corbin is here. He is holding your hand. Mark. {Feebly.) Ah, Dan, I am thankful you have come. I hardly ihougnt, when I left you yesterday morning, that I should be lying here. I guess the villain has finished rne. Major. You should have waited. THE PIERRE TRAIL. 77 Mr. Newell, and come with me. Mark. Perhaps, I should, my young friend. But I nevt^r waited yet because of dangrer. Major. We must get your father into the house, at once. Rose. He is covered with blood. We must hurry. Rose. - Do you think, father, if we assist you, you could walk. Mark. I can try. [Ham and Hans ntand R. R. looking off R . Yells off R; then, cheers, then shots Horn and Hans rush off R. Major. We must hurry. There mav be more fighting out here, [Major, Rose, and Smudge assist Mark into house. Enter Katreena Fledermaus, L. Katreena. It may be Hans is here. He sail he looks him a heimstet oud, down on der Chf^yenne riffer by der Pierre crossing. Der Indians is gone. Oh. dot vas awful shooting! [Several shots off , R] Der Indians! [Starts towards, L. Hans backs on from, K. with drawn pistols 78 THE PIERRE TRAIL. Haus. {Speaking to off R.) Der cow- poys vill drive dem into der riv^er. [Katreena turns, sees Hans. Katreena. Hans! Hans! Hana. {Turning .) Vot, Katreena! How dit you get here — in a paloon? Katreena. No; by der stage, Hans - by Major Corbin's. You glat I come? Hans. Yahhhhhh! [ They rush into each other''s arms. As Hans' arms close around her one of the jnotols in his hands goes off. Katreena screams. Katreena. Ach,dergun! Hans. It vent off, dot's all. Veil, cdme, ve go in der house. Rosy is dere Katreena, Rosy? Hans. Yah— a fine young vomans. Karreena. {Notices fire.) Oh my, vot a fire! Hans. Der Indians done it. [Katreena sees Wix. Jumps hack with slight scream. Katreena. Vot's dot! Hans. Dot's a deat— I naean a goot Injin. Come, ve go in der house. [Exeunt Hans and Katreena into house. Enter Ham Morderi E. R. E. THE PIERRE TRAIL. 79 Turns, looks off, then advances. [Wix raises up on hands. Wix. {In very feeble voice.) Ham! Ham! [Ham pauses and looks doion upon her. Ham. Well? Wix. Goin die. Ham. Come close. Been Ham's squaw long time. Goin die, DOW. Come, Ham. Wan say, sorry. {Ham kneels down by her. Hnra. Well— I'm sorry, loo. [Wix snatches knife from Ham's belt and tries to stab him. Ham catches her arm and wrenches knife gently from her hand. Rises to feet J takes up lantern and clock. Exit into house. Closes door. Enter Jim Okoboji and Red Dog cautiously, R. They speak in low voice. Jim. Wix! Wbat's the matter? Wix. Sbot. Jim. Who shot you? Wix. No see. Jim. Here is your brother, the chief, Red Dog. Wix. Shunksha! Shunksba! 80 THE PJERRE TRAIL Red Dog. {Bending over her:) Hah — secheedo! Who shoot? Wix. Not koovv — wanneechee. Jim. The cowboys are after the band. We slipped into the grove, and they passed us by. If we could get into the house and kill all but the girl before the cowboys return — W;x. Me get in house. Got hole in cellar. Got wood,— got brush in cellar. Make fire in cellar -house burn — white man run out— Shunksha shoot—Jim shoot — get girl. Red Dog. Ugh! Ugh! Waehtay! Jino. Wix can't do anything. Show me the plac*>. I'll g© into the cellar. Wix. No. Me go. I — you — me — put in cellar. Like to light fire. Make heart feel good. Kill me— yes. No matter— got die soon— too bad shoot. Jim. What do you say, Red Dog? Red Dog Barn house. Kill Kolah- skah. Jim. Good! We'll drop Wix in the cellar. Wix. Yes— yes^-me go in cellar. Red Dog. I— me— go too. Make fire. Shoot— kill— Ugh, washtay! [Jim and Red Dog lift Wix up by the arms and assist her off i?. THE PIERRE TRAIL. 81 Enter Major Dan Corbin and Rose from house They sfand in door. Major. Everything is quiet. Rose. The barn is still burning. Major. The boys will drive the red- skins across the river back on to the reservation. Rose. We will leave here in the morning. Major. Yes, most certainly, in the morning. Rose. Father is very weak. Ma]Or. He will die, dear. Rose. Come, let us go to hitu. {Exeunt Rose and Major into house. Jim Okoboji steals on from R. Jim. I heard voices — the door is open. Enter Rose from house. Rose. {Wipiyig eyes with handker- chief.) Poor father! [Jim aims rifle at her, Jim. Silence! Come to me, or I fire [Cowboys steal on along river from /i*. R. E. Rose dodges into house.. Jim fires. Cowboys advance with a 82 THE PIERRE TRAIL. yell. They spread out whole width of stage, enveloping Jim. Jim rushes towards L. Is intereepted by cowboy. Cowboy wrenches rifle from him. Jim di'aws knife, and backs to C. endeavoring to find opening for escape. Major rushes from house with pistol in hand Is followed by Hans with pistols, and Ham with rifle. Smudge appears in door. Jim turns, and faces Major. Major shoots him. Jiin. D — ID you Corbin, you have killed me. [Falls and dies, DROP' CURTAIN. TitE PIERRE TRAIL. 83 ACT IV. SCENE. Inside Ham Morden's house. Door in rear scene, C. Door, L. Bunk in wall of rear scene, extreme L. Bed in right corner. Small table near head of bed with lamp on it, lit. Lighted lamp with reflector on each side of center door. Chairs, furs and beaded robes about room. Deer head over center door. Guns on wall, and various Indian weapons such as war-clubs, bows and arrows etc. Large ivar-bonnet on wall over head of bed. Discovered: Mark lying in bed. Ham seated in large chair near bed. Major and Rose seated, C. Hans and Katreenu seated in front of bunk, L. Smudge asleep on some furs, right of center door. Major. It was late, Rose, but not too lato. 84 THE PIERRE TRAIL Rose. My father — Major. Too bad! Sorry— Rose. Half an hour sooner — Major. I made all possible haste. The ranch was surrounded by the treacherous dogs. We hud to drive them back to get to you- I hope you will forgive m^^, Rose. Rose. What for? You did the best you could. Who can do more? [Major takes ring from pocket. Major. May I place this ring again upon your finger? [Rose extends hand. Major puts ring on her Jinger. Hans and Katreena converce apart in low voice. Hans. Yah, I got me dot farm picked oud. Katreena. Dit you, Hans! Hans. Yah; und it's fine. Katreena. Von't ve be happy! Hans. It is down by der river. Katreena, By der riffer? Hans. Yahhh. Und dere is a nice bluff rait a voots on it. Katreena. A voots? Hans, Yah, cedar — fine cedar. Katreena. Dot is shoost der ding for tire-vood und post-holes. THE PIEiRRE TRAIL. 85 Hans. Yah.— Und ven ve got some slaldrens — Katreena. Kush! der peobles vill hear you. Hans. Der olt man in der bed is priddy bat hurt. Kalreena. (Shaking head.) 1 don't denk he gets petler. Enter Mahzahskah at door, L. Mahzfihskah. Cowboy conae; say, white man wan see me. [Major and Rose arise. Rose. Yes, come — the white ^man is my father. Ho is lying in the bed. The half-breed, OUoboji, shot him. Mahzahskah. Okoboji shoot him! Ugh, s e-e e cheedo! [Rose leads Mahzahskah to bedside. Rose. Here, father, is Mahzahskah, the friendly Indian mentioned in your letter. Mark. Mahzahskah, you have seen my face before. Mahzahskah. Ugh! see you, sure. Long go — when boy. {With wave of hand towards Hara.) Kohlahskah send me. Sring you dinner — bring water — bring pony. Got penny — you give. (Takes string with Chinese coin on it from neek, and holds it up before THE PIERRE TRAIL. Mark.) See, same penny. Got hole in it. Mark. It is the same. Mahzahskah. Take money — you give me -when come back — give mother — mother olap han -say, washtay! Then call me, Mahzahskah. Mahzahskah mean money in Sioux. Mark' God bless yuu, Mahzahskah! (Takes Mahzahskah's hand.) God bless you for your kindness io me! But Jim Okoboji has finished me. Mahzahskah. Jim Okoboji— secheedo! Major Dan shoot him— m» take him scalp. [Holds up scalp; draws knife-, flourishes it; gives low whoop. Returns scalp and knife to belt. Extends hand to Mark. Mark grasps it. Mark. God bless you, Mahzahskah! Mahzahskah. White man go spirit — Wahkahn! [Retires to L.C. Major advances to bedside. Major. I hope, ,Mr. Newell, you are feeling better. Mark. I anci so near dead, I hardly feel at all. Rose. {Kneeling at bedside.) Oh father, have hope! THE PIERRE TRAIL. 87 Mark. I fear, hope will not avail me. Rosf^. {HiHing.) Have some more brandy. Mark. {Faintly.) Yes, more brandy, daughter. yRose gives him brandy from small table,] There! I feel better. Major Corbin give me your hand. IMajor gives hand to Mark.] In your le^.ter. you wrote me, you loved this girl, and desired to make her your wife. Major. I did. , Mark. Rose, come close. {Puts jRose\s hand in Major^s) Take her, Daniel - love her — protect her. Major. With my life. Mark. That is all for the present. I must rest. [Major retires to C Rose kneels at bedside. Takes fQther''s hand and bows head upon it. Major. Mahzahskah, I received word, yesterday, that two troops of cavalry had left Fort Mead for the Cheyenne. They ma,y be camped a few miles from here. 1 wish you would ride up the Dead wood trail, and if you come upon them, hurry them along. Mahzahskah. Fetch'um quick. All on jump, [Exit at door, L. 88 THE PIERRE TRAIL. Major. You beUer get some sleep. Rose. [/I'o.se rHses to her feet. Ham. Yes, Rose, you must get aome sleep. I'll watch your father to-night. If he grows worse, I'll call you. Major. I have stationed the boys at various points around the ranch, and I must go and visit them, or they'll think I've forgotten them. [Rose goes to Major. Rose. Do you think the Indians will come again to-night? Major. No, not tonight. I am .quite confident of that. They've had enough for a few hours. I am sure the cavalry will be along some time in the morning, so don't worry any more, dear, about the Indians. Ham will wfitch your father, and I will watch the Indians, while you sleep. Good night! {Kisses her.) Hans, secure the door after me. [Hana and Katreena arise. Hans advances to Major, and Katreena crosses ^> Rose. Hans, {Assumes position of a soldier^ and salutes Major.) Yah, mein herr Major. [Major returns salute and exits at door, L. Hans secures door. THE PIERRE TRAIL, 89 Rose Ham, you go an