The Horse Thief. A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. By Dr. Albert Carr. Printed in the office of the Harney Peak Mining News at Hill City, S. D. The Horse Thief, A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. By Dr Albert Carr. Author of The Irish Prince; The Shining Mystery; The Bedrock Flume; The Wife and the Sword; The Miaer^s Dream; The Pierre Trails and other dramas. Copyright^ 1914 by Albert Carr. CAUTION:!!^" The performance of this drama for profit without the consent of the author is strictly forbidden. HILL CITY, S. D. 1914. ..--J \ly *V^ OAST OF CHARACTEKS. ROBERT BARDOAN. A wealthy horse rancher and widower. MILES CORSON. A banker. The secret accomplice of a band of desperate horse thieves. HAL UALPIN. A cowboy on his way back to home and civilization. SHERIFF GRANSON. "Tom" Gran- son, the sheriff of the county. WILLIE WYM. A girlish young man. Traveling salesman for a Boston millinery house. JACK HIGGINS. A horse thief. '^MEXICAN" PETE. A horse thief. "WILDCAT" JAKE. A bad man. Sheriff's posse. HELEN BARDOAN. Bardoan's only child and daughter. A brave girl and a dead shot. KATE O'BRIAN. An Irieh bachelor girl. Bardoan's neighbor. Known on the range as the Horse Queen of Elk creek, «OJ?HRONIA SIMPSON. A wealthy old maid from Boston. Friend of Wil- lie's grandmother. WAY -5 1914 ©CI.D 36936 The Horse Thief, ACT I. SCENE. Trout fisher's camp in the mountains— the Black Hills. Heavy spruce and pine on mountain sides. Rough log bridge over stream running across stage^ rear. Spruce tre«t R. Extinguished fire^ coffeepot ect. near it. Tent, L. with camp-chairs, boxes, etc. scattered about it. Enter Kate O'Brian from R. over bridge. Has fishing-rod and long string of trout. Kate. The fresh mountain air gives the throut a graite appetite. They gobble the bait, fishhook, feathers, and and all. [^Holds up string of trout. That's as tine a string o' throut as was iver caught in the Black Hills. Enter Willie Wym from R, over bridge. Has fishing-rod 1 THE HORSE THIEF. and one little trout. Willie. Is that you, Katy? Kate. Yes, Willie. Did you catch any? Willie. Yes— one. [Holds up one little trout. Kate. Sure, the throut are playin' with you. Willie. Do trout play with a fellow, Katy? Kate. Yes, whin girly-boys try to catch them. Willie, I think they are just like girls. When you want them,, they won't bite. Kate. You're right, Willie. Throut and girrels are jist alike. Whin you think you've got thim, they wiggle off your hook, and are gone. If you are as successful with the girrels as you are with the throut, I'm afraid you'll be a long time gettin' a wife. Willie. The trees were so green; the sky so blue; and the birdies chirpped so sweetly, I could not keep my mind on the trout. Kate. It is not the trees; nor the sky; nor the burdies that's turnin' jour little head, but thoughts of swate Helen Bardoan. Willie. T never thought of her once. THE HOUSE THIEF. 5 while J was fishing. Kate. May'be it was Sophronia? Willie. What, that awful, old maid! Think of her? Kate. Why not, Willie? She'll bite aisy and without much angling. Willie. Why, she talks to me like I was a little boy, and tries to hug me. Kate. Why don't you let her? Willie. Because I don't allow women to hug me. Kate. That's right, Willie; protect yourself and be dacint. Enter Robert Bardoan H . over bridge. Has fisking-rod and string of trout. Robert. You quit, Willie? How many did you get? [Willie holds up one little trout. {Laughs) Only one, Willie? Willie. That's all, Robert. It was awful game. Robert. It must have been, to take you all the morning to catch ii. [Holds up string of tront. That's what I call luck! The Bardoans are all good fishers. Kate. (Holding up her string of trout.) So are the O'Brians. Robert. By my feelings, Kate, its about dinner time. 6 THE HORSE THIE|h\ Kate. All rigbt, Robert. You start the tire, and I'll tind to the aitables. Robert. Well, .here we go. [Robert and Kate busy themsel'^e» getting lunch. Robert builds fire under spruce tree, R. Ki^te ex- temporize table of boxes and boards, C. and sets table . Robert. Have you seen, Sophronia? Kate. No, Robert; not since she started off after, Willie. Robert. Willie 's here. [Hangs coffee-pot on fire. Kate. Well, she's not far away, Willie. She cnaoes me everywhere. Robert. She's a chaser, is she? W^illie. Something awful! Enter Sophronia Simpson from R. over bridge. She has fishing-rod with large black fish on it . . Sophronia. Ijook, Robert, I've caught a great, big, Dlack trout. \Holds up fish, Willie. (Aside.) There's that horrid old woman! [Runs off, R. Robert. A black trout, Sophronia? Sophronia. Yes, and its the first time I ever fished for trout in my life. Robert. That's a supker^-a big black sucker. THE HUKISE THIEF. 7 Sophronia. U g-g-h! What shall I do with it? Robert. Cook it for Willie. Willie. {Looking on at H.) I'll never eat it, — no, never! It would give qcie appendicitis. {^Disappears. Sophronia. {Dropping rod and fish) Well, 1 declare if there isn't little Willie! Willie! WilHe! {Runs off, R. Robert. {Laughing) Poor little Willie! Kate. She's awful fond of him. Robert. Yes, but Willie doesn't seem to take to her. Kate. No, he bakes to the woods. Robert. I don't see why she should think Willie possible. She is old enough to be his mother. Kate. She's tried her luck on all the rist of you, but couldn't get a bite. Willie 's all that's left. Robert. He may be the sucker, Kate. They say she's worth a hun- dred thousand dollars. Willie may bite at that. Robert. Well, Willie needs a guar- dian, anyway, {Willie runs aaross ptage from R. to L. folloived by Sophronia. Willie. It IS just terrible! [Exit, L 8 THUi HURSiiS THIEr. Sophronia. Now, Willie dear, do wait. [Exit, L. Kate. Willie 'b playin' throut with her. If she iver catches him, she'll have to put him in an aquarium. Robert. The coffee is boilingf. You you better call Sophronia and Willie. Kate. They'll come when Willie gets out of breath. But Robert, Helen ought to be here by this time. Robert. She is with tJorson. They know its dinner time. They ought to be here. [Qoen upon bridge and looks off R. I don't see anything of them. [Advanaes. Did they follow us up stream? Kate. Really, I didn't observe. Kobert. Oh, well! daughter will come. I don't think she would stray away from Corson. Kate. May'be not. Robert. Are you ready for the coffee? Kate. Yes, Robert. Robert. Well, here it is, hot and strong. [Pours coffee in two tin cups. They sit down at table, C. Hands Kate cup of coffee. They eat and drink. I'm glad the members of our fishing party are enjoying themselves. They THE HORSE THIEF. all seem to have paired off but you and r. Kate. Will you have some sugar in your coffee? [Hands Robert sugar > Robert. {Putting sugar in eoffee.) What do you say to our taking a little affectonate interest in each other? Kate. Here's the craime. [Hands Robert can of crtam. He pours cream in coffee. Robert. Our ranches join; our horses Tun on the same range; and are branded in the same corral. You are a woman of twenty eight, and I am a widower of forty four. If this affectonate interest, of which I speak, should be- come serious, we can do as others have done, — get married. Kfite. You and I, Robert Bardoan, have be«n the bist of f rinds ever since I came to the Hills and took the claim. You've made money in harses, and I've made money in harses — Have a spoon for your coffee. [Gives hirti large iron spoon. Robert, {Taking spoon.) Yeu don't mean — {Aside) Spoon means spooney. This IS a hint. A big one too, judging from the size of the spoon. {To Kate, sheepishly.) Kate, what did you really 10 ,THfi HORS E THIEF. give me this spoon for? Kate. As a soUvenir. Robert. When I get back to the ranch, I'll tie a blue ribbon on it and hang it up in the best room in the house. Kate. Very good, jist so you don't hang it over that blue ribbon cupboard of yours. [Robert grins and wink$ at audi- ence. Robert. Say, Kate, did^you ever have a lover? Kate. Yes; a conductor. Robert. Where is he now? Kate. In jail. Robert. Huh I Did that conductor make love to you? Kate. Sure. , Robert. How did he begin? Kate, He ask«d me, if I'd ever loved a man. ^ Robert. What did you tell him? Kate. I told him, yes. Robert. Did you tell him who the man was? Kate. I did. Robert. Will you tell me? Kate. Why, sure. Robert. Who was it? Kate. Me father. [A pause. Robert eat». THE HORSE THIEF. 11 Robert. {Aside.) I wonder, if IMl ever succeed in making a bejfinning with her? {To Kate.) Say, Kate, barring your father, who was the first man you ever took an affectonate interest in? Kate. An old man. Robert. {Chterfully,) Who was hel Kate. The milkman. I was raised on the bottle. Robert. Oh, bosh! [Takes iron spoon out of pocket, and lays it on table, Kate, is there anything in this world I can do to obtain your serious con- deration? Kate. Yes, Robert. Robert. Speak, dear girl, what is it? Kate. Let me ait me dinner. Robert. Roped again I Enter Sophronia, L„ leading Willie by the hand. He hangs back like an unwilling child. Kate. That's right, Sophronja, bring him to dinner. Sophronia, Dinner I And all ready! [Trips to table f nips up a piece of cake deftly with her fingers and eats. This is that lovely ginger-bread. Robert. Have some coffee, Sophro- nia. 12 THE HORSE THIEF. [Pours coffee into a tin cup and hands it to Sophronia. Come, Willie. [Pours coffee into a tin cup and gives it to Willie. Sophronia, Come, sit by me, Willie dear. Willie. No; I want to eat my dinner. Kate. Have a sandwich, Willie. [Willie takei sandwich. Sophronia. And here is some of that lovely ginger-bread. Willie. {Loftily.) I don't want any ginger-bread. I never eat any kind of cake but lady's fingers and summer dreams. Robert, Here is some summer sausage, Willie. Willie. Oh, heavens — no I Kate. Have some olives. Willie. Olives! Castor oil — u-g-g-h! No. Kate, Have some salmon. Willie. Yes. I am fond of fish. [Takes $ome on a plate. When I eat fish, I think of the sea; not what you see, but the sea, in which you see the water. [Give* his little laugh, Kate. Will yop have a lemon? Willie, les, give me a lemonl Kate. Well, here it is. THE HURSE THIEF. 13 [Gives him lemon. Willie. 1 must be brave and learn to love the lemon, because — Sophronia. You silly child! Sit down and eat your little dinner. [Willie sits down at good distance from Sophronia rights and eats. / Robert. {Rising.) I don't see why Helen doesn't come. She promised to be here by noon. She has always kept her word with me before. I will take my rifle and walk down stream and see if I can find her. [Get rifle out of tent. Cross bridge and exit^ L. Kate. Have you seen anything of Helen, Willie? Willie. No, Katy. She went with Mr. Corson. Kate. She was with him the last I saw of her. You haven't seen her any- wheer along the creek have you, Sophronia? Sophronia. No; I was with Willie. Willie. {Aside.) I could not get away from her. I wish she was on Pike's Peak. Kate. I'll put the fish in the tank, and take a look meself. [Put fish in tank right of bridge. Sophronia. Won't you have some cheese, Willie? 14 THE HORSE THIEF. Willie. I never eat cheese. I'm no mouse. [Gives his little laugh. Sophronia. Have some beans. Willie. {Jumping up.) Beans! Oh, Horrors, no! [Kate advances, draw* revolver from belt, examines it, and puts it back in belt. Kate. Well, I'm going to take a stroll up the creek, and see if I can find Helen. Take care o' yersele till I come back. [Crosi bridge and exit, R. Willie. I'm going, too, [Places cup and plate »n table, C. Sophronia. {Jumping up.) No, stay, Willie. Willie. You can stay. Sophronia. If you go; I go. Willie. Well, I'm going. [Run across bridge and exit, H . Sophronia. {Running after him across bridge.) Willie! Willie! Wait for mej Wait for me! [Exit, R. Jack Higgins and Mexican Pete steal on, R Jack. Here's the camp, Pete. Pete. Liook in that tent. [Jack looks in tent. THE HUKSE THIEF. 15 Jack. All clear. Pete. I« Corson with them? Jack. Yes. He induced Bardoan to come up into the mountains after trout, so that Bardoan would be away while the boys were down on his range picking up his horses. Pete. No like this way, Jack. Jack. Corson is here with Bardoan, where he can watch him and warn us. Pete. Oh, hell! Jack. Its the right thing, Pete. We have eleven of Bardoan's horses up in the old stockade. Pete, Ali in stockade, hah? Jack. Every hoof. The stockade is about three miles from here. Pete. I know those place. Boys said, I should to come up and help you^ Jack, Corson sent word by one of the boys, to move on into Wyoming to- night. Pete. With the whole bunch? Jack. Yes, Pete. They are good stock, aqd gentle as sheep. Bardoan's pet is among them. Our first stop will be at old Frenchie's, just over the line. He will fix up the brands. Pete. To-night to go to Wyoming? Jack. Yes. Once in Wyoming, we are safe. We've converted the stockade into a corral. It is a fine place. So hid- 16 THJii llORSili THIEF den and out of the way. Pete. Miles Corson is a smart fellow. He has a bank, and he is go to the church that no one is suspicion that be *s of the horse thief to make his money. Jack. Hush! Don't talk so loud. Pete. No one here Jack. Well, you go up to the stock- ade, rU be there shortly. I'm going to hang 'round here awhile, and see if I can get a word with Corson, Pete. Get some money and some whiskey. Jack. Yes, if he has the stuff with him. Pete, S'long! Jack. S'long, Pete! [Exit, Pete, R. I must see, Corson. I — some one coming. [Hurries off^ R- Enter Helen Bardoan and Miles Corson, L. Throw fish- ing rods down near tent. Miles lays fish-hasket on table . Miles. {Advancing.) I must have an answer. Helen. You mustt Miles. My love for you, Helen, grows impatient. | Helen. True love never grows impa- THE HOtilSE THIEF. 17 tient. Its patience is as enduring as its hope Better wait, Miles. I do not care to answer to-day. Miles. (Sulkily.) I must know my fate. Helen. Your fate! Miles. {Aggressively.) I must have a an answer now. Helen. You are quite positive in your demand. Miles. The madness of my love drives me to it. I can bear this suspence no longer. Helen. What would you do, were I to answer, no? Miles. What would any man do, whose love for a woman consumes him? {Desperately.) It must be, yes. Helen. I fear, I do not understand you. Miles. We are alone in this silent forest. I am your protector, your friend, your lover — Helen. Miles Corson, I realize we are alone. I have been alone — alone on the range at midnight, with nothing to break its wide silence but the bark of the coyote or the hoot of the ground owl. I needed no one to protect me then; I need no one to protect me now. I feel perfectly able to protect myself. [Draws revolver from pocket. Miles. (Aside.) She is a dead shot. 18 THE HORSJii THIEF Helen. Come, have toaie dinner. [Low whistle off, R. Miles. {Startled.) No— I am not hungry. Helen. Not hungry! You haven't eaten since morning. [Picks up sandwich from table and eats. I am hungry. [Low whistle ojf, R. Helen notices it. Better have some coffee. Miles. No — not now. Helen. It is still warm. [Pours coffee in tin cup and drinks. Won't you have a cup? Miles. No! [Low whistle off, R. {Aside.) That is one of the men. Surely, he will not come hereJ Helen What has occurred? You appear quite uneasy. Miles. I wish you would put up that pistol. Helen. Not until papa comes. [Low whistle off, R. Miles very uneasy. Helen bocks toward bridge . Miles. Where are you going? Helen. To look for papa. Miles. {Savagely.) Then, go! THE HOR1SE THIEF. 19 1 Turns hack to her and walks to extreme^ R. and looks off. Helen dodges behind tent, L. Miles turn* and looks for her. Gone to find papa. Let her go! Bar- doan won't believe her. He thinks, I am the only man in the country. I don't believe she noticed that whistle. She could hardly distinguish it from the call of a bird. It may be Jack. [Gives low bird-like whi»tle. Enter Jack Higgins cautiously , hi. Jack. I've found you at last. Miles. You knew, I was on the creek. Jack. Yes, but I had to locate you. I couldn't come here and ask for you. Miles. Certainly not! Jack. Any one around? Miles. No — but some one may come any moment. Jack. The horses are all up in the stockade. Miles. Are they all Bardoan's? Jack. Everyone of them. The gen- tlest and best of hi^ bunch. Even his pet is among them. Miles. How many, in all? Jack. Eleven. Miles. "^ ou got my word, to pull for Wyoming to-night? 20 THE HORSE THIEF Jack. Yes. \ Miles. I'll put up some excuse \.o get away from here, and come over to the stockade just about dark. Who have you vi^ith you? Jack. Mexican Pete. Miles. He'll do. Jack. Have you any money? Miles. ^ es. Here's a hundred. [Oives Jack money. Jack. Got any whisky? Miles. Yes, four quart bottles. They are cached behind that white rock yonder. [Points to off, R. But, Jack, a man needs a clear head in business of this kind. I know you never drink to excess when on duty. But with Pete it is whisky first, and duty afterwards. You will have to give it to him in nips. Jack. I'll hold the rope on Pete. We'll expect you about dark. Miles. I will be there, unless so me- thing unusual detains me. If I fail to come, that is certain evidence that you should move. Jack. I understand. Come, get me the whisky. \ Exeunt Jack qnd Miles, R. Helen steals forth from behind tent. Helen. I heard them say something THE HOKSE THIEF. 21 about horses — fiardoan's horses — and an old stockade — then the command to move on into Wyoming to-night. There can be no delay! I suspicion horse thieves. Can it be the good citizen, the influential banker, Miles Corson, is the accomplice of horse thieves! His words and actions before I left him were strange and alarming. My father trusts and believes in him greatly. So he dues in most anyone until he in imposed upon or robbed. That is his weakness. Poor, kind, Robert Bardoan! [Dodget behind tenU L. Enter Miles Cprspn, R. Miles. I'll start the horses in the stockade for Wyoming to-night, and then assist Bardoan to find the bunch, the boys bring up from below to-morrow.* This will put me in high favor with him I was a little too aggessive with Helen But I must have her and will have her in spite of herself. I'll smooth the mat- ter over with her father. He will believe me. He is easy as an old shoe. I will go and hunt him up. \^Exit, L. Helen ateaU forth right of tent She hurries cautiously across to R, L9oks off right earnestly and searching ly. 22 THE HORSH; THIEF'. Helen. I see the burly, nard-faced man — he ie jusl mounting his horse. He will have to ride slow through the tim- ber. I must tind out who and what this friend of Corson's is. I will follow him, danger or no danger. [Moves off. R. shadowing Jack. Revolver in hand. Enter Kate from R. over bridge. Kate. I didn't find^ her. I'll wash up the dishes, and thin start out and take another look. yBusies herself with dishes. Enter Robert Bardoan from L. ever bridge. Robert. Is Helen here? Kate. No, Robert. Robert. J can find no trace of her. She may be lost. Kate, May 'be she has found a good fishing place, and hates to lave it. Robert. I am worried about her. Has Corson been in since I left? Kate. No, sir, — not that I know of. Robert. Where are Sophronia and Wilhe? Kate. Off sparking somewheer, I suppose. THE HOUSE THIEF. 23 Enter Sophronia and Willie from H. over bridge, Sophronia leading Willie. , Sophronia. We didn't find Helen. Willie. Sophronia, you did not try. Sophronia. We searched everywhere, Robert. Willie. Oh, pickles! she hasn't done a thing but hug me. Sophronia Now, Willie Wym! Willie. It 's just terrible. tlobert. Corae, Kate, we'll try the south aide of the creek. Kate. We'll find her this time. Robert. Willie, there are a couple of pistols in the tent. You will have to look out for Sophronia and yourself for awhile. Willie. I never shot a pistol in my life. Sophronia. I have. [Rushes into tent. Comes out flour - ing pistols. If any vile man — Willie. Put up those pistols. They might go off and scare the birdies. Sophronia. Now lean defend myself. Willie. {Aside.) I wish [ could defend myself against her. Robert. I wish I had brought Skip. The wagon horses are too heavy for •24 IHE HORSJli THIEF. saddle work in the timber. Art* you ready, Kate? Kate. Yes, Robert. Willie. Are you going to leave me? Kate. Are you afraid, Willie? Willie. No, but I want to go with you. Kate. And lave Sophronia? A bear might come and hug her to death. Willie. Sh« would Uie happy. Sophronia You horrid boy! Willie. Please let me go, Katy. Kate. No, ye'll have to stay and protect Sophronia. Sophronia. I'll not stay alone. Willie. Let me go, and let Robert stay and protect Sophronia. He can protect her better than I can. Robert. (Quickly.) Come, Kate, we have no time to lose. [Exeunt Hohert and Kate, R. Sophronia. [Tragically.) At last, we are alone. Willie. I wish you wonld n't flourish those pistols in that frightful manuer. Sophronia. Willie. I am rich. I came to this country seeking investment for my money. Mr. Corson has placed sev-^ eral thousand dollars for me in excellent loans. Willie. You have told me all this belore. Why do you tell it to me again? THE HOKSE THIEF. 25 Sophronia. Because I love you, Wil- lie, and want you to share my fortune with me. [Lays pistols on table. Willie. [Aside.) I'm a goner! I see the posies growing on my little grave. Sophronia. Come, share my fortune with me. Willie. Are you proposing to me? Sophronia. Yes, sweetness, this is leapyear. [Rushes to him and throivs arms around his neck. How I love you! Willie. How dare you! Sophronia Love knows no restraint. Willie. (Helplessly.) I wish it did. Don't! you'll bend ray neck and make it crooked. [Breaks from her and cresses to, R. Stay where you are— let me think a moment. {Aside.) She has a hundred thousand dollars: and she says, she will share it with me. It is a hard way to make money, but it is the best I can do. {Aloud) Sophronia, you may kiss me. Sophronia. {Rushing to him) Oh, rapture! Willie, {Aside.) Whew! chewing- gum — spearmint — digestion. Sophronia. Just one more, love, {Starts to kiss him. 26 THE HORSE THIEF. Enter Miles Corson, L. Miles. {Atide.) The old fool! {Aloud.) Where is Bardoan? [Sophronia screams and releases Willie Where is Kace? Sophronia. How you startled me. I thought it was a bear. Willie. And she couldn't bear it. [Gives his little laugh . Sophronia. Mr. Bardoan and Kate have gone up the south side of the creek in search of Miss Helen. MileB. {With excitement.) In search of Helen! Why, Helen went — no — can it be — possibly — {Aside.) The stockade is back from the south side of the creek about a mile up. What if Bardoan and Kate should wander there. I must be with them to warn the boys and play my card, {Aloud,) I hope I can find them. Willie. If you think you can't, you stay with Sophronia, and let me go. Miles. Not this time. {Exit hurriedly, R. Sophronia. That man acts like he had lost his mind. Willie. Most men do when trailing a woman. Sophronia. {Pinching him.) You cute, THE HORSE THIEF. 27 little thing! Willie You aaid, I was to have half of your fortune? * Sophronia. Yes, deary — fifty thou- sand. Willie. {Resignedly.) I do not believe, I can resist you any longer. Sophronia. I knew you could not resist my love, dewdrop. Willi*. No fellow could, unless he was armed. Sophronia. Now, Willie! Willie. When do I get the money ? Sophronia. The day we are married, and go on our honeymoon. Willie. I accept you, Sophronia. But after this, I^ll do the hugging" [Grabs her and huqs her {Aside.) What can't a brave man do, when he makes up his mind! Sophronia. You don't kuow how hap- py you make me, Willie! Willie. You couldn't give me a check for a thousand to-day, could you? Sophronia. No, my love, not until we are married. Willie. 1 ought to have something in advance. Sophronia. You have me, birdie. Willie. Yqb,— {Desperately.) but I want money . [Picks up pistols^ 28 THE HORSJfi THIEF. Sophronia. Why, Willie, what are you going to do? Willie. Hunt for Helen. Sophronia. t shall go with you. Willie. {Flourishing pistols.) No. Positively, No. Sophronia. You terrible man! Willie. I am simply awful when I am all roused up. Once when I was like that 1 killed a eleven live cats— % Sophronia You did! Willie. Yes, I dropped them into a pail of cold water. [Oives his little laugh. Sophronia. Willie Wym! Willie. Well, I'm going. Sophronia I shall go, too. Willie. Then, come on. [ Going. Sophronia. What if we should get lost? Willie. I am lost already. Sophronia. Let us go back to Boston. Willie. We must get out of the woods first. Sophronia. Oh, why did I come! Willie. I told you, not to. Sophronia. Poor, trusting, woman! Willie. Yes, she'll trust you with everything but her money. Sophronia. Oh, Willie! Willie. Well, I'm going. THE HORSE THIEF. 29 [Going. Sophronia. Are you not afraid? Willie. I am not afraid of anything aince I conaented to marry you. Sophronia. Then we will go. [Takea Willie by left ear. Willie. Sophronia, you are just awful! [Sophronia leads him off, R. by ear. DROP-CURTAIN. 30 THE HORSHi THIEF. ACT II. SCENE. The old stockade. An open park in the mountains surrounded by low mountain peaks heavily timbered with spruce and pine. Log wall of stockade across stage, rear. Heavy wooden gates in center of stockade vjall. Saddles, bridles, and lariats, lying left of gate. Old, low. log-cabin, L. Log and large rock, R. Enter Hal Halpin, L.U.E, He is in full cowboy costume and trappings, Hal. I thought, I was on the right road to Sundance. I've rode all night and part of a day since I got off the wide trail, and here I am way up in the mountains somewhere. Just where, J am not quite clear in my understanding. I guess, I'm lost. I may have to ride around for a few days, but I'll make civilization finally. I wonder how it will seem to get back again, where one can see people all the time, and hear the sweet voice of a woman once in awhile. It was a long, hard, ride, but there was no other way out of the sagebrush. No THE HOKSE THIEF. 31 more Wyomiflg for me, I am dead sick of the range. As soon as I reach a rail- road town, I'll sell ray outfit, and make for the old home down in Iowa. I have a thousand dollars in cash and other valuable paper in my belt, and if I ever get out of this country with it still there, I'll stay out. But it is pleasant up here in the mountains. The smell of pines and the cool air braces a fellow up. I Look a big drink at a clear mouatain spring below, and it sure freshened me up. Pony spread his nostrils when he poked his nose into it Everything is very quiet here. [Looks around. Goes to stockade gate and looks in. (Advancing.) This is the old stockade. I have heard of it down on the range. It was built by some early prospectors. I know where I am now, It is a queer place for a corral. Aad here is a cabin. I wonder if there is anything" to eat in that cabin. I haven't hod anything to eat since yesterday nooo. 1 am about as hungry as a fellow ever gets, before starving. Don't see anybody around. Guess, I'll have to help myself, and apologise afterwards, if anyone comes. (Yawns.) I am awful sleepy. If there is a bunk in that cabin, I'll borrow that too. 32 THE HORSili THIEF. \Exits into cabin closing door behind him. Enter Mexican Pete L.UE. Looks cautiously about before advancing. Pete. All quiet here. ^ [Ooes to stockade and looks in Advances to i-ock, R. Horse all right. Up all night, and to ride all day makes oae to want sleep, I'll take a nap by this old rook. [Drops down, back against rock. If I had some whisky— [Pulls hat down over eyes and dozes. Enter Jack Higgins L. U. E. Has small sack qn back. Looks cautiously about advancing to Pete. Jack. {In low voice.) Pete. Pete. {Rousing up,) What gets th* matter now? Jack. I thought I saw some one. Pete. May'be me. I was to corral. Jack. It might have been you. Pete, Did you see Coreon? Jack. Yes, I saw him. Pete. Get any money? Jack. Yes, a hundred dollars. THE HOKSE THIEF. 33 Pete. {Rising to feet.) Any whisky? Jack. Yes, plenty for the trip. Pete. Gi'me some. Jack. Not here. Corson is cooaing over. Pete. When is he to come? Jack. Shortly before dark. Pete. Want drink bad! Jack. Come, we will go over to the dog-tent in the draw. Pete. Gi'me drink! Jack. When we get over in the draw. Pete. Caramba! Jack. I never like to be around the horses in the daytime. Some fool might, come along and — Pete. Kill the fool! Jack. We don't want to do any killing until vre have to. Killing" is bad business. They hang men for killing, any old time. ^ Pete. For horsestealing, too. Jack. Yes, m this country. That's what makes this careful business. Pete. {In louder voice.) Gi'me to drink. Jack. Hush! Come along! [Going Pete. Whisky you got in bag? Jack. Yes, in the bag. Pete. How much? Jack. Never mind! I'll give you t 34 THE HORSi^i THIEF drink as bood as we get to the tent. Pete. All right. Jack. Hark! I thought I heard some ODe snoring. Pete. One o' ohe horses blowing. Jack. Well, come on. [Exeunt Jack and Pete, R.U E. Enter Helen Bardoan L.U.E. revolver in hand. Looks cau- tiously around, advancing. Helen. Here is the old stockade. \^Enter8 stockade. Comes out, clos- ing gate behind her. Advances, looking around cautiously. Yes, they are all papa's horses I counted eleven. Skip is among them. This is a very dangerous place. No girl but one brought up on the range would dare do as I have done Enter Pete and Jack, R.U.S. stealthily . [They rush upon Helen. Pete thrusts up her pistol hand and pistol goes off. Jack wrenches pistol out of her havid, drop- ping it on stage. She screc^ms^ Hal rushes from cabin bare- headed with pistol in hand. Pete. We're caught! THE HOKSE THIEF. 35 Jack. Hold the girl in front of us. [Jack fires at Hal. Hal ducks, dodging bullet. Fete holds Helen in front of him and Jack, backing to right. As soon as they reach extreme R. Fete gives Helen a push towards Hal, and Jack and Fete dash off stage, R. Helen rushe^ into HaVs arms. He swings her around behind him ^ and fires at retreating horse thieves. Helen L Oh, bave mel Hal, XoM are saved, sweetheart. They have hit the high places. They have skipped. Helen. Where did you come from? Hal. I waa asleep in the cabin. Helen. In that cabin? Hal. Yes, thai cabin. But I heard the shot and your scream, and it woke me up in a hurry. Helen. Do you stay here? Hal. N6, I am from Wyoming. Helen. What is your name? Hal, Hal Halpia. Helen. Are you a horse thief? Hal. Well, no. I have only one horse, and I'll sell him a^s soon as I j?ei. to a railroad town. 36 THE HORSJii THIEF. Helen. But you were here, and asleep in that cabin. Hal. Yes, I was asleep in that cabin —mi^jhty dead, sound asleep. Helen. There are eleven of nay father's horses in that stockade. They wera brought by unknown men from my father's range down on Elk creek, fifty or sixty miles below here. Hal. It struck me, this was a queer place for a corral. . Helen. I hope aud pray, I am not deceivtd in you. You have saved me from those evil men, and for that 1 feel a gratitude that prompts me to both hope and pray, you are not a horse thief. Hal. Why. bless you, I am a cowboy. Helen- How came you here? Hal. I was on my way to Sundance, but somehow got off the trail last night. After a long ride, I arrived here tired and hungry. I found something to eat in that cabin, and after eating what I found, dropped into one of the old bunks and went to sleep. This is the whole story. Helen. My name* is Helen Bardoan. [Extends hand. Here is my hand. [He takes her hand. You defend a woman, and that speaks for your honor and manhood IKE HOKSE THIEF. 37 Hal. {Holding her hand,) It was a woman who watched over me, cared for me, and nourished me with her life's blood in the most helpless period of my existence. Why shouldn't 1 defend a woman? {Releases her hand. Helen. I am convinced. I trust you. I ana deeply thankful to the providence that guided you to this meeting. Hal. Indeed, 1 am too, for I haven't seen the sweet face of a woman for a whole long year. [Sees revolver. Picks it up. They left a six-shooter. Helen. It is mine. [He gives revolver to her. It was wrenched from me in my struggle. [Thrusts pistol iri belt. Hal. I fear we will need all the pistols and ammunition we have. This is a robber's den; the secluded retreat of a band of desperate horse thieves. [Hslen crowds close to him. He puts arm around her. Pear noti I will defend you A^ith my life. Helen. Wbat had we better do? Hal. We better pull out of here, and be quick about it.. HarkI what was chat? Sh-h-h! — above the cabin— listen. [Helen drawn piHtol 38 THE HOR8J11 THIEF. It may be another of the gang. Come! [They hurry noiselessly off L. around lower end of cabin. E'i.ter Miles Corson, L.U.E. Advances cautiously looking around . Miles. Everything quiet. The boys cannot be far away. [Gives low whistle. Enter Jack and Pete, R. cauti- ously. Jack. Talk low. Miles. What's the matter? Pete. We're spotted. Miles. What has happened? Jack. Bardoan's daughter was here with a strange cowboy. He drove us off with a gun. Miles. Both of you? Pete Yes, both of us. He is all the time know what he is to do next. He is onto his job. Jack. Did you see him dodge that bullet, Pete? Pete. He's dam' quick. Miles. Who is be? Pete. He may be the devil for all I know who he is. This whole business, fool business. When it is to gather horses no use to have people all around THE HOHSE THI^F. 39 • to catching fish. Bab I * Miles. It seems like two ought to have been able to hold up one cowboy. Pete. He's loo quick. MilesL Wb must get the horses away trom here. As for that cowboy, I'll undertake to round him up, myself. Who's horse is that yonder? yPointato L.U.E. Jack, It, must be his — the cowbo>'s. Miles, It is his, hey? VVell, I'll wait for him. And I'll get him. Jack. Well, something: musi; be done, and done quickly. Mies. That's right. Jack. But we'll wait awhile for Mr. Cowboy. Pete. Better pull for Wyoming, Jack. I tell you, Corson, you don't want that girl or that cowboy to see you with us. if they du, it'll ba all otf with you in town. Miles. Oh, well, I'll tix that. ISriiilen sneering ly. I will tell them, 1 was held up and captured by . the horse thieves. They will^ believe me. I have the money. And the people in town, you know, worship the golden calf. jPete. {Surlily.) Or the golden jackass Miles. What's the matter with you? Pete. Pool business — whole thing. Miles. We must get that cowboy 40 THE HOR8ili THIEF. And when we do, put him where only the pines will whisper of his where- abouts. He is a cowboy and won't give up his horse. He is pretty sure to sneak back after it before going with Bardoan's daughter to camp. He has tied his horse to a tree and he'll come — Pete. And Bardoan with him. Miles. I tell you, Pete, he'll take a long chance for his tiorse. He'll sur- mise, that having been discovered, you will start out with the horses at once, and take his along. Jack, He may be hiding around here now. Pete. He may be in the cabin. [All draw pistols. Miles. We better get out of sight. We will watch awhile, and if he doesn't put in an appearance, you can start out with the horses. But I am sure he will take a chance, Pete. He's that kind. Miles. But, Jack, the girl— are you sure it was Bardoan's daughter? Jack. It was Helen Bardoan. Miles. I must get that cowboy! Jack, you go to tbe south side of the corral. [Exit Jack, R.U.E, Pete, you come with me. ' ( Exeunt Miles and Pete, L. U,E, A pause - THE HOKSE THIEF. 41 Enter Hal and Helen with raised pistols^ cautiously, L. — below cabin. Th»y talk in low voice. Hal. I thought, I heard voices. Helen. It is very quiet. Hal. Now . is my only chance. My hat is in the cabin, and my horse on the north side of the stockade. Stay right here while I make a dash for my hat. [Raises pistol, steals into cabin, gets hat and returns to Helen. I've got the hat. Now to get the horse. Perhaps, I ought not try that. It might be better we went to the camp at once and notified your father of what we have discovered. Helen. Papa's pet saddle-horse, Skip, is in the stockade. We must get him and take him with us. There is no one around. Hal. We better keep away from that corral. Helen. The horse thieves will Start for Wyoming as soon as they recover from their fright, and take Skip with them. It will take two hours, at the least, to find our camp and return. By that time the thieves will have vanished with the horses, and night coming on. We cannot trail them in the dark. 42 THE HORSE THIEF. Papa could not bear to lose Skip. Hal. I don't like to lose Pony. Helen. There is a saddle and bridle at the stockade gate. We can get Skip; bridle and saddle him; thn)w op^n the gates; let the horses out, and away. Hal. It sounds good, and I would go in after your father's pet were it not for you. I am afraid to leave you alone a moment. The horse thieves may be hiding, and watching for our return. Helen, You got your hat. If the horse thieves had been watching, they would have rushed forth, or fired upon you. You stand at the stockade gate, and I will go in and get Skip. Hal, No, they may be hiding behind the stockade, and shoot you through a crevice in the rotting wall. Helen, I must have Skip. Hal. If I go into the corral and leave you outside, they may capture you and shoot me through a crevice in the wall. The wall would piHect them from my fire. If we both go icto the corral, so much the worse. If they are watching, or should come, we would be in a trap. Out here in the open, we can move and fight. Helen. {Desperately.) Can't we do Bomething? Hal, Yes. I can open the gate and THE HORSE THIEF. 43 let the horses out. And really, I think that is the proper thing to do. The horses, most of them, will go back to their own range, providing the thieves do not round them up ag-ain before they get out of the timber. Helen. (Persistently.) They will move the horses as soon as we leave. Hal. I tell you, my girl, the further we keep away from that corral, and the quicker we get out of here, the better it will be for you^-the better for me. We must not separate. Whether I guard the gate and you go in, or you guard the gate and I go in, the risk is the same. If we keep away from that corral, the horse thieves will keep away from us. They want the horses. To move toward that corral is, to provoke attack 1 Helen. 1 will stand at the gate with my pistol while you go in, slip the bridle on Skip and lead him out. We will then throw the saddle on Skip; open the gate and let the horses out; pick up your horse, and strike for camp. I will ride Skip. The other horses will follow him. You can follow and guard our retreat. Hal. 1 fear it cannot be done with safety. In fact," I am sure it can't. Helen. Come, I will point Skip out 44 THE HORSE THIEF. to you. He has a heavy forelock and a single white spot on his breast. Come. [Hal hesitates. It will break papa's heart lo lose Skip. Hal. Better lose Skip than lose you. Helen. (Aside.) it canuot be possible, that such a manly fellow is one of the horse thieves, and wants to hold Skip! {To Hal.) Ltel me tell you, my friend, I am a frontier girl, and not afraid of a little mix-up. If any of those sneaking cowards should come while I guard the gate, the report of my pistol will tell you there is one less. I uever^waste a car- tridge. My bead is death. Hal. By George, girly. you got the nerve! I'll do as you say. But it 's risky — risky. 1 hope you ^will be able to plunk them. If you don't, we're gone. Say, — won't you let me kiss your hand, before I go? [Helen puts up her mouth. He kisses her^ Helen. That is for Skip. I never was so bold in my life before. But I can, at least, give you a kiss for what you have done for me, and what you are going to do for papa. Hal. I'd go into that corral now, if old death stood at the gate rattling his bones. Well, here we go for Skip. Keep your eyes open, and your pistol THE HOKSE THIKF. 45 ready. [Hal and Helen move cautous- ly to stockade gate. Hal partly opens gate. Helen points to object inside. Hal enters stockade edging through gate. Helen closes gate and stands watchfully and guard edly, ivith pistol raised. Low whistle off, jK. Helen startled , gazes inteydly at R. Enter Pete, L.U.E. sneaking along stockade wall, hat down over eyes. Seizes Helen from be- hind, left hand over her mouth, his right grasping her pistol arm. Pistol goes off. Jack runs on, R.U.E, Wrenches pistol^ out of Helen's hand Bars gate. Pete and Jack drag Helen off, R. Hal, pistol in hayid, and ivithout hat, appears on wall over stockade gate. Enter Miles Corson, L.U. E. crouching close to stockade ivall, pistol in hand. Hal jumps to stage, falling and throwing pistol. Miles picks up club near gate and strikes 16 THE HORSE THIEF. Hal on head with it. Hal drops and rolls over on back unconscious. Miles picks up lariaf^ and hinds Hal hand and foot. Miles. The maverick is roped! [Drags Hal into cabin. Closes door and secures it, taking key from above door and replacing it. Helen is in my power at last! And tiie boys will finish the maverick. Dead men tell no tales! [Picks up HaVs pistol. Gives low whistle. DROP-CUKTAIM. THE HORSE THIEF. 47 ACT III. SCENE 1. The old stockade. Same as in act second. Helen discovered seated •n log, R. Her limbs are hound and her hands tied behind her. Heleu. Oh, why was 1 so raeh! But I must be brave. If my friend has es- caped, he will surely come to my rescue. Enter Jack and Pete from stockade. Pete in first stage of intoxication. Pete. Give me to drink one more. Jack. Not aliaother drop. You have had mWe than you ought to have already. Pete. Just one more. Jack. Not a drop! [Pete draws pistol and goes to cabin door. Jack. What are you going to do now? Pete. Shoot him. Boss is to give me hundred dollars. I want money. I want whisky. [Helen alarmed. Jack. Nonsense!. - Helen. (Aside.) He has not escaped! 48 THE HOR8K THIEF. He is a prisoner and in that cabin. All hope is gone. Jack, Come away from that cabin. Wait till we start. Pete. Maybe better. [Puts up pistol. Jack. I'll ^o and gfet a bunch of the horses ready. [Picks up bridle and goes into stockade^ closing gate behind him, Pete advances to Helen. Pete. Hello! little wildcat, how you get 'long? Come to kiss pretty senorita. Senoritasay, no; senor me say, yes. [Throws arm about Helen. Helen screams. Jack Higgias comes from stockade on the run. Jack. What are you doing, you drunken brute! ^urls Pete to C. Let me be what I may, I am still a man; and I am going to see, that this girl is treated like i, decent woman. Now you keep away from her. Pete. No whisky! No girl! Maybe you too smart. Big Jack. Maybe you want girl for yourself? Jack. {Advancing to Pete.) JLook here, Pete,* we're going to have no more fooling. You've had too much whisky. Take your horse and go over in the draw and get the dog-tent and coffee- THE HOKSE THIKP. 49 pot. Petfe. Dam' dog-tent! Dam' coffee- pot! Go yourself. Jack. I've told you vvhab to do. Now go and do it. [Pushes Pete roughly. Pete. Ton push me! I settle you. [Draius pistol quickly and shoots Jack . Jack staggers, falls U. and dies. Helen sinks down on log. He's thiak he's too smart. Get some whisky now. [Takes bottle from Jack's pocket and takes long drink. Horse go to h — II Corson go to h — 1! Jack gone to h — 1. Mora whisky at gate in sack. To drink now I have plenty. [Drinks. Puts bottle in pocket. Draws knife and approaches Helen. Just to cut rope, [Cuts rope that binds Helen's limbs. Slips rope through Helenas belt and holds ends. She resists slightly. He threatens her with knife. Come. [Pulls her to feet by rope. Helen. {Aside.) I am lost. I will force him to kill me. [Pulls her by rope. She resists— holds back. Pete, {Roughly.) Count three— not 50 THE HORSiii THIEF come— snoot. Puts knife in belt and draws pistol. ODe— two — [Helen follows. He leads her by rope, Muy bueno! better to live. Not so good to die. Come! [Leads Helen to stockade gate-, gets sack containing bottles, and leads her off stage, R. U.E. Enter Miles Corson, L.U.E. Miles. I heard a pistol shot. They may be making an early start. [Sees Jack's body What's this! It is Higgins! [Examtnes body. Shot dead! What has happened! [Runs to stockade, looks in, and then advances. The horses are all in the stockade. [Looks into cabin ivindow. The prisoner is still in the cabin. Can it be — Yes, I understand it all — Pete has shot Jack to get the whisky. [Hv.rries to R., and looks off. Pete drunk and Helen with him! My nerve is beginning to forsake me. The ice-cold hand of a horrible crime clutches at my heart. The only thing for me to do now is to extricate myself. I will turn the horses loose. THE HOUSE THIEF. 51 [Startft for stockade. Enter Robert Bardoan and Kate O' Brian, L.U.E. Robert has rifle. Robert. Hello, Corson! You looking for Helen, too? [Sees Jack^n body. Js that man dead? [Examines Juckh body. Who shot this man? Miles. I did. He is- a horse thief. The other is bound and in the cabin. In that stockade are eleven of your horses. Uo look for yourself, [Robert hurries to stockade and looks in. Whinny of horse heard. Returns to Miles and Kate. Robert. You are right, Corbon. Those are my horses. Skip recognized me with a whinny as soon as I looked in. You have done good work, Corson. You are a man of courttge and quick action. Kate. Have you seen Helen? Miles. I have not. I fear something has happened to her. She may have fallen into the hands of the horse thieves. There may be more of them. Robert. We will make short work of them, if we find them. Let me see the scoundrel you have in the cabin. 52 THE HORSiii THl£lF. . Miles. Yes, we will take a look at hiiD. .1 don't think 1 killed him, I knocked him down at the gate with a heavy popple stick [Goes to cSibin. Robert and Kate follow him. He gets key quickly from above cabin doer. Unlocks and opens door. Kate. {Aside.) By hivinsl he knows where they kape the kay. [Miles enters cabin and drags Hal out. HaVs face is covered with blood. Miles. Here is the horse thief in his war paint. Kate. Wait! I'll get some water and wash the blood off of his face. There may be some water in the cabin. [Exit into cabin. Robert. Young man, yon'll have to give a very honorable account of your- self, or there will be something doing, Hal. Who are you? Robert. 1 am Robert Bardoan, the owner of those horses in that stockade corral. They are all mine. Hal. I don't care whose horses they are. If they are yours, I am glad you have found them. [Enter Ka^,e from cabin with an old totvel and tin can of water. Kate. Here is the water and a towel. THE HOUSE THIEF. 53 The towel 's not the clanest, but it's the bist they have iu this robber's rooet. Come, let me wash the blood from his face, and sal if he looks like a harse thaif. [Washes blood from HaVs face and head. {To Hal.) Your head is badly skinned. That was a hard rap his nibbs ^ave you. [Dries HaVs face with towel. {Aside,) He's a foine lookin' young man. ' My woman's instinct tells me, he's no harse thaif. Its my first impression, and I'll stay by it. Hal. That rope on my limbs has cut into the flesh. It hurts me unmerci- fully. Robert. You might as well get used to it. There may be more of it for you. Hal. No matter, only take off this one. Kate. Take it off, Robert. He's m awful misery with it. Robert. Take it off, Corson, an'd l^t him stand up. He'll not gwt away . I will see to that. [Miles removes rope from Hal's limbs. After considerable effort Hal rises to his feet . Glees Mile s a tremendous kiqk that sends him rolling to front of stage. 5 4 THE HORSiJ^ _™I?^'-_ _ Hal. That's, what I've been waiting for all the afternoon. Kate. (Aside.) If he had the rope off of his airma he'd clane up the bunch. He's a darlingl [Miles ^scrambles to his feet ; draws pistol, and starts toward Hal. Kate steps in front of Hal. (Aloud.) Not yet, Mr. Corson. [Bar do an raises rifle. Mr. Bardoan, kape that rifle o' yours quiet. There may be a mistake. ^ This may not be a harse thief. Miles. He certainly is. Hal. And you are certainly a iiar, Kate. Put up that pistol, Mr. Corson, until you know more about this young man. Hf.l. Where is Miss Bardoan? Robert. Why do you ask? Hal. She was with me at the corrah Robert. With you! Hal Yes, sir, with me. If she is not here, you better release my hands, and let mfe go in search of her. [Sees Jack^s body. Dead! That is one of them. She is at the mercy of the other. Bardoan, if you love your daughter, and would save her from a horrible fate, take that rope off my hands. Miles. The scoundrel is trying to THE HOKSE THIKP. 5o deceive you, Bardoau. He is here; iJio horses are here; und, perhaps, your daughter is lying dead somewhere, the victim of hiB vile npsault. Robert. {Pereintorily .) Stand back, Kate.— You belter go to the corrai and look the horses over. There may be some of yours among them. IKate steps back reluctantly. Young man, your time has come. If you have anytliing to say, you better say it now, [Raises rifle. Hal. Are you going to shoot me, sir? Robert. Yes, I am going to shoot you, Hal. Let me step back from you. I am too close. You wiU liil my face with powder. [Backa toward nppf'r end of cabin and stops. Please let this good young woman loosen the clothes aroun'd my neck. Your shot may not kill me outright. I would like to have my neck free in my death struggle— while 1 am dying. Robert. Do as he requests, Kate. [Kate goes up in front of Hal, between him and Bardoan. Loosens HaVs shirt collar. IVhile she is doing this, Hal backs little by little above upper end of cabin. Kate 56 THE HOR8i^ THIEF. raises her face as if to speak to him. He kisses her. She gives a slight scream, turns and faces Bardoan. Hal gives a spring and passes off stage around upper end of e ibia. Robert and Miles start for him, Kate screams and clings to Miles* pushing him in front of and a- gainst Bardoan. Kate. No use! No use! He's gone! He's gone! Miles. Let goof me! Kate. No use! He's gone. Miles. What the devil 'e the matter with you? Let go of mel He will feBcape. Kate. He has escaiped. Miles. {Breaking from Kate.) I'll get him! Kate, ^e might as well hunt for a chipmunk in a brush pile. Miles, {Aside.) The Irish hussy has helped him to escape. Roberti Did the thief hurt you, Kate? Kate. No, he didn't hurt^ me. Robert. What did he do to you? Kate. {Boldly.) He kissed me for his mother. SCENE 2. In the pines. Enter Sophronia and Willie^L. Willie has pistols. Sophronia. Willie, we are lost. What THE HOKSE THIEF. 57 shall we do? Willie. Don't ask me. My wheel has stopped. Sophronia. Can't you find the way? Willie. Maybe if you would give me that cheuk, I might find the way to the bank. Sophronia Silly boy! Don't you know night is coming on, and that this dreadful forest is full of wild animals? What if a bear — [Crash as of breaking br^isli off, U. There is some wild creature now. Willie. {Sinking into Sophroniu^s arms.) Save me! Enter Hal on the run, R. Hands tied behind him. Hal. Thank aodl Willie. (Reviving.) That's what 1 say, if you know the countrv . Hal. Well, what I don'c know I'll guess at. Willie, We are lobt. Sophronia. liost but found! You dear, young man! ^ [Embraces Hal. How can we repay you! Hal. By untying my hands. Sophronia, Who tied them? Hal. A horse thief. Sophronia. A horse thief! 58 rrlE HORSili THIEF. Hal. Come, release ine. [Sophronia witk considerable effort releases HaVs hands. Good! I am free again. Willie. Are you a cowboy? Hal. Yes, a cowboy; What do you do for a living? > Willie. I sell milliDery goods for a Boston house. Hal. (Smiling.) 1 thought so. What brought you people here anyway? Willie. We came up after trout. Sophroniu caught a sucker. Hal. Are you with the Bardoans? Sophronia. Yes, and we are looking for Helen. t Hal. I am too. Young gentleman, I'll trouble you for those pistols. Willie. Take tliera and welcome. They have troubled me over since I took them from Sophronia. . [Gives Hal pistols. Hal. Any ammunition? Willie. ' Do you take me for a walking arBenal? {Hal smiles. Hal. (Aside.) Queer combination! [Examines pistols. Both loaded. It is a wondesr they didn't go off and kill one or the other of them. The horse thieves appeared to come from some place south of the corral. THE HOKSE THIBP. 50 I'll strike for Ihat part of the compass. [Siartfi low ivdi (l. Sophronia, {Widi alirni.) You aiw not going to leave uk?'* Hal. Come — wo lauiil hurry. [TUvy harry tuatK>a me now. ihe Qo .^^j, Beema to .mother me mvself— I ur,i T LE. Motions to ITn io\e'int. Heleoses ?! She grasps hU arm, buries ::.or:urtor stockade. «-".rMr""- the other Hal. Not hini, x s ^^^e. The one that scatterea my h:^" ---elre^re'-head. Hal. Yes, rapped me on iri ml settle with that «eatle- "aelea. Do you mean Gurson^ Slo^trhe-roneo. the horse THE HOKSE TH1EL^\ 61 thieves. \ Hal. I saspicioQ9d as much. 6ul we must make for the stockade. I doa't want any pistol play with this fellow here at present. I probably would wing him, but hirf shot might catch you or drop me; then everything would be in bad shape agam. Your safety first, then to round up the horse thieves. "" Helen, He is very drunk. Hal. He'ii probably stay here then until I return. Gomel lExeiint Hal and Helen, L.U.E. Enter Fete, r(.. with, coffee-pot. Looks around' Pete. Where zhe girl? Zae Lrae izh here, but ziie giri ziie izti t;one, Idtuyyera off, U. with coffee-pot. Eater Sophroaia Simpson, L.L.E. Sophronia. Wnere is the dear youag manl dLe is so iiandsome! 1 oaa hnrdiy bear to be away from him a moment. I wonder if he h;is a sweetheart. Enter Pete with coffee-pot, R. Very drunk. Hat down over eyes. Pete. 1 got zno waz — hic — zha. bophroaia. There he is uow! {R.ushes to Pete and embraces him. 62 THE HORSJji THIEF. I have found you at lastl Pete. Oh. well if you love me like zhat— all — all right. Sophronia. Good gracious! this is not the same man. [Pushes up Peters hat. Screams. It is another man — and he is drunk, Pete. Zhis noszh zhame gir — hie — el. Sophronia. {Aside.) lie may be a wealthy rancher. They always get drunk, I hear, when they go fishing. {To Pete.) You are not the same man, but still very delightful. Would you like to kiss me? Pete. Kizh you! — Yesh, if I can make it. Maybe I too drunk. Sophronia. {Aside) If he kisses me, I'll sue him for breach of promise, and send Willie back to his grandmother. {To Pete.) Kiss me if you want to, [Puts up mouth. Pete after many misses and staggers finally kisses her. Pete. {Spits,) Pah, old mackerel! {To Sophronia.) How iszh it to come zhat you change so quick? Where zhe rope? Sophronia. What rope? Pete. Zhe rope zhat had you picketed wiszh, Sophronia. You are drunk and think- ing of your horse. Pete. Horsze — no! Have girl tie fast THE HOK»E THIBb\ 63 zhattree. Coino back -no «irl— tind old woman, P&hy (Spits) old tnacuerel! Sophronia. You black whiskered wretch, call me an old woman! [Jumps at him and pulls his beard. He backs down on fire, falls back- ward over cross stick spilling contents of coffee-pot over him Pete. Caramba! [Sophronia picks up rope, throws it over his neck, and holds ends. Pulls him to feet by rope. She takes pistol from his belt. Sophronia 1 shall take you to camp and sue you for breach of promise. [Leads him off, L. UE. by rope SUENE 4. In the pines. Enter Sophronia, R. leading Pete by rope, She has pistol. Pete. Where you go wizh me? iSophronia. To camp. Pete. I don' wan' zh' go to camp. Sophronia. Where would you like to go? Pete. To an-— hie -noztier state. Sophronia, You are already in a state of intoxication. Pete, I wan' to go to Wyoming. Sophronia, Is Wyoming very far from here? Pete. Jus' 'cross the line. G4 THE HORS±i THIEF. Sophronia. Well, you are too drunk to find the line, so I'll take you to camp. Pete. Diablo! Sophronia. Corae along! [Leads him off, L. SCENE 5. A spruce opening. Enter Hal and Helen, R. Hal- I begin to think that tnaa, Corson, is the brains oE tbe whole ras- cality. How fortunate you found hun out! Helen. To you I owe oay life aud honor. Hal. I may be a horse thief. Helen. I fear you have stolen more hearts than horses. Hal. Have I — pardon me 1— Come, there are anxious hearts waiting for you at the stockade. [Exeunt Hal and Helen, L,UM- Ent^r Sophronia, R- leading Pete by rope. She /la.s pistol. Pete. Zhay, are you a wood-chopper? Sophronia. A wood-chopper, you drunken idiot! Pete. I zhought you wazh a girl, but you're an old, old woman. (Spits.) Mackerel —pah! Sophronia If you are a horse thief, I'll have you hung. THE HOKSE THIEF. 65 Pete. We'll have to build a fire. Sophronia. You'll find a fire waiting for you at camp. Pete. Do you know who I am? I'm Megxzhioan Pete. Sophronia. Well, I didn't take you for Peter the Great. [Drags him towards^ L. Pete. Hold on, I want to laugh. Sophronia. Wait till to-morrow, (Leads him off, L.U.E. by rope. DBOP-CURTAIW. 66 THE HOR8iii THIEF. ACT IV. SCENE. The old stockade. Same as in act second. Jack^s body removed. Robert Bardoan and Kate O^ Brian discovered. Robert has rifle. Robert. I am distracted! [Walks up and down. Kate. I am worried meself. Robert, My daughter in the power of a vile horse thief! Kate. Helen is brave and will defind herself Robert. What to do or where to go I know not. Kate. The young man '11 find her. Robert. He's quite handy with him- self. I Kate. There's no doubt about that. Robert. That was a great kick he gave Corson. Kate. A broncho couldn't do better. Robert, He's quite handy with his lip, too, Kate. Indade, he's a handy lad. Maybe his name is Handy Andy. Robert. Where's Corson. THE HORSE THIEF. 67 Kate. In the cabin. He's awful nairvous. Robert. He is worried about Helen. Enter Miles Corson from cabin. He is depressed with criminal fear. Miles. Robert, if you will let me have Skip, I will ride the country over in search of Helen. Kate. The young q;ian '11 find her; bring her back to her father, and prove himself a haro. Miles, fetuff! Kate. Mr. Corson, I never did have any confidence in you. You always appeared to me like an oily snake. Robert. Kate, what's the matter with you? Kate. Miles Corson is too anxious to convince you, that that young man is a scoundrel. There's a motive behind it, and one, I'm confident, there is no good in. Miles. Are you talking about me? Kate. Sure, I'm not talkin' about the weather. You can hear and under- stand what I say. Miles. You are expressing a very offensive opinion. Kate. In plain English, Miles Corson, do you know what I think of you? G8 THE HQR8E THIEF, Miles. I never inquired. Kate. Well, to save you that trouble* I'll tell you. I think you're a dirty, two-faced, deeaivin', yankee rasoal. And I tell you, Robert Bardoan, if you kape that man for a frind, you'll niver have m* for a wife. Robert. Then I'll have to give him up. Miles. {To Bardoan.) Will you let me have your horse? I will go back to town. Robert. Kate is an excellent judge of horses, and has a remarkable intuition. You better stay awhile. Miles. No— I feel that I ought to go. Robert. {Firmly.) You stay here. Enter Hal and Helen^ R.U.E. Kate. liookl Didn't I tell you I There she is, and there he is. [tiobert handt rifle to Kate and rushes to Helen. Robert. {Embracing her.) My poor, poor, little girl! Hal. I hope you will pardon me, Mr. Bardoan, for leaving you so abruptly. But here I am. You may now do with me as will. Robert, What have you to »ay, my daughter, Helen. {Pointing to Hal.) To that THE HOKSE THIEF. 69 young man I owe my life and honor. {Pointing to Miles.) There stands the leader of the worst" gang of horse thieves that ever infested a country. Miles, There is some mistake. Bar- doan, your daughter is deluded. She always seemed unfavorable to our friendship. Liike most women, she is readily moved by a broad chest, and a few grand stand plays. If you want a , horse thief for a son in iaw, take him. Kate. How do you know he is « harse thaif? Miles. How do you know he is not? Helen is deluded. [Draws pistol and crosses to right front. Stand back, every one of you. If you shoot, I will shoot. All my shots count. If I go, one of you will go with me. Robert. Let' the young man give au account of himself. Hal. I have told my story to MiSs Bardoan, — how I came hero, and how I came to be asle-.^p in that cabin. 1 have no evidence that Gorson is a horse thief, but your daughter's word. My grievance with him is a personal one, which I wlil settle as soon as the proper moment presents itself. Miles. Why not now? 70 THE HOR8iii THIEF. IRaises pistol. Hal. Very well. Come. [Draws pistol and starts for rear. Helen. {Grasping HaVs arm.) No, my friend, you might get shot. Miles. {Lowering pistol.) There, Bardoan, is the explanation. She is in love with the horse thief. Robert. Helen, I do not know what to say — what to think. There must be some mistake. Before we can accuse Mr. Corson, we must have positive evi- dence. We should not be carried away by feeling and suspicion. Enter Sophronia, R. U.S. lead- ing Pete by rope. She has pistol. Pete still drunk. Sophronia. I have captured a man. Helen. {Pointing to Pete.) There is the other horse thief. Pete. {Rousing up and snatching pistol from Sophronia.) Who says I'm a horse thief? Hal. {Raising pistol.) I do. [Pete, C.—back. Pete, Well, I am. [Sophronia runs to Helen and Kate, L. Sophronia. I captured a real horse thief. Pete. Yes, I am a horse thief. But THE HOKSE THIEF. 71 I am not the only one. [Points to Miles. Pete. There is the bass of the whole gang — Miles Corson. The fool that brings Bardoan to tish up where is the place we have his horses cached. Miles. You are drunk. [Points to Hal. Don't you know that he is one of your gang? Pete. Know nothing of that kind. That is a strange cowboy. Where the devil he came from to know I do not. Miles. You traitorl You coward! lou liar! Pete. {Advancing towards Miles.) Who's a traitor! Who's a coward! Who's a liar! Miles. You are, you drunken greaser. Pete. 1 know you'll tight, Miles Corson — that I will admit. But you are a horse thief and a hypocrite. I am a horse thief too, but no hypocrite. Now you come on. — Any old thing goes with me. Miles. {Aiming pistol at Pete.) I'll kill you! [Works pistol — does not go off. My God! I forgot to load the pistol. {Aside.) I have only rifle cartridges in my belt. Pete. What comes to be the matter THE HORSi^ THIEF. with you? Miles. My pistol is unloaded. Pete. (Covering Corson with pistol ) Then throw up your hands and sur- render, and to jail go where you belong to. You're a fool too big to gather horses any more. My head it is clearer now. I see the beautiful daughter of Bardoin whose life to death and ruin I might have made, and the strauge lady who captured me when from the liquor I was too much in the intoxication. Miles. Listen man, whoever you are. Pete, Don't you know who 1 am? [ Threatens Miles with pistol- Miles. Hold! — but a moment, man. ( Throws pistol down on stage. You see I am unarmed. Surely you will not shoot down an unarmed man for no cause — Pete. You skunk! Miles. Be patient man — be patient! I have money, but I value my life more than my money. Lower your pistol, spare my life, and I will give you ten thousand dollars and go with you until it is paid. You know I am an innocent man . Pete. I know that now, that though you got the cunning of the devil, you got a dog's heart and a coward's liver. [Threatens Miles with pistol. THE HORSE THIEF 73 Miles. Don't fire— for God sake — think of the money, man, l.hink of the money ! Pete. To the devil's pot with your money, you trembling coward! If you to me was of a^Ilountain of gold to offer, it would not be to change me more than a mountain of sand. I am going to kill you. Miles Corsou, and these people won't interfere. IBardoan starts towards Pete. Kate pulls him back. I killed Higgins — and here you go to keep him company! [Aims pistol at Corson; works pistol, but it does not go off. What the devil- Miles. Your pistol is empty! Now we will see who is the best man. You are drunk; I am sober. [Rushes upon Pete- Pete throws pistol away and grapples with Miles. Pete. So you want a close hug with old bear, Mexican Pete? You are caught, you cunning fool. [Miles tries to snatch Peters knife from his belt- Oh, no! [They struggle. You ate close to death. Miles Corson. [Suddenly draws knife. Throws 74 THE HORSHi rHIBb\ left arm about Miles neck. Closer— closer — [Draws Miles suddenly to him and stijibs him several times in baek. It 'e got youl [Throws Miles from him. Miles falls heavily near R,L,E. Pete flourishes knife. Mexican Pete was never captured by a man. but he .vas by a woman. Advances t9 Miles and looks down upon him. That settles him [Wipes knifs on bandana. No fool can win in the rogue business. He had of the cunning plenty, but not of the common sense. He was only a cunning fool. [Slips knife into sheath ; step» 6«tcfc and draws bottle from pocket. There''^ some left. [Holds up bottle. Here is to Senorita Bardona and to that quick young fellow who is rescue her from the horse thief. [Drinks. H*re is to Senor Bardona whose horse we did not get. [Drinks, Here is to the Horse Queen of Elk creek. Kate. Drink hearty! \Pete drinks, throws bottle off THE HORSE THIEF. 75 rights and picks up pistol . Backs slowly up stage slipping cartridges into pistol while talking. Pete, it is that I bave my horse tied to a place above the corral. It is time I should bring hitn to water. I am of many thanks to Senor Bardona and to the young Seoor, the vaquero, that you have not come to prevent me when it was that I should smliIh with Corson. T» remain would give me of pleasure, but of that you must excuse me, for I have important business in Wyoming. IBeport of rifle at distance off^ R. Pete glances to R., and dashes off stage, L.U.E, Bardoan. What, now! Kate, It may be the sheriff. Sheriff Oranson and posse rush on, H.U.E, Bardoan. It is the sheriff — and a posse ! Sheriff. Hello, Bardoan I How do you do, ladies. {Touches hat. We are out after horse thieves. We captured part of the gang, below. One of th«m gave up the combination. He led us to a corral in the Bald Hills. There we picked up two more of the gang, and fqund seven of the Queen's 7(3 THE HORSjbi THIEF. horses in the corral. I sent them baek to >our ranch, Kate. They were a tine bunch. Kate. Sure, you're the right raan for your place, Tom Granson, There is no long hair and chape gun play about you. [Hal steps forward and gazes at sheriff with interest. Sheriff. You muRt he a friend of mine, Kate. Kate. So I am— and of ivery other man in this country who has th' courage and the manhood to face fche powerful villany of the range and do his duty. Sheriff. Well, to continue my story — The thief that led us to the Bald Hills corral said there was more of the gang; that they had another corral up at the old stockade near the Wyoming line. Bardoan. This is the place. There are eleven of my horses here. Sheriff. The thief also declared that a certain wealthy and prominet man of this county was secretly connected with the gang and had been working with it ever since he came into the country. He said, that while he knew of the fact, he did not know who the man was. — That he was known only to certain leaders of the gang. Have you seen any horse thieves up here? THE HOKSE THIBb\ 77 Kate. Yes, sir, we saw all three of thim. One of thim killed the other two, and thin struck out for Wyoming. Sheriff How long ago? Kate. Long enough, that no man could catch up with hini unless he had wings. Sheriff. Well, I haven't any wings. Who was the fellow that did the killing? Bardoan. He called himself Mexican Pete. Sheriff. Bad man I I have had sever- al calls for that scoundrel dead or alive. Where are the thieves the Mexican killed? Bardoan. One is in the cabin; the other over there. [All advance to Cor son's body. Sheriff. Why, it is Corson! I tell you, Bardoan, I have been suspicious of that gentleman for some time. But he was too firmly intrenched behind the wall of organized and private interest to tackle him on suspicion alone. Bardoan. I am convinced of his ras- cality. It is certain he was an accom- plice of the gang. [Bardoan and Sheriff converse aside. Sheriff. Did you see the Mexican finish him? Bardoan. Yes, we all saw it. THE HORSE THIBB\ Sheriff. Did Corson show the white feather? Bardoan. He offered the Mexican ten thousand to spare his hfe. Sheriff. That settles it — he is guilty. There is alwEjys cowardice in the blood of a knave, and he will show it when it comes to the test. The man who does not show it is never morally guilty. He is either the victim of circumstances or the unconscious instrument of extenu- ating causes. Let the evidence be what it may, at heart, I am always that man's friend. I never condemn a man for not knowing what he cannot know, or for not having what he cannot possess. [ Wildcat Jake in loud voice outside^ i2.:"Uome along and shut up, or I'll fill you so full of lead they kin sell you fer junk" Sheriff runs up stage and looks off. R.U.E. Sheriff. {To posse.) Here comes that Wildcat Jake! I thought I had lost him. The fool 'fired into that dog-tent before. I could stop him. He might have killed an innocent person, Had there been any horse thieves around his shot would have warned them of our presence. He crowded into the posse — but I've made up ray mirXd what to do with him. He was Corson's man, Friday. I have a strong suspicion that he is connected THE HOKSE THIEb\ 79 with the gang, and serving them as a spy. I shall act on my suspicion. Enter Wildcat Jake leading Willie by collar, R.U.E. Jake is an old time specimen of frontier '■'had man.''' Has long hair, and spread out mustache and beard. Has rifle in hand, and boivie knife and two pistols in belt. Belt is filled with car- tridges. [Fosse crowds around them. Wildcat Jake. Look here, Sheriff, 1 found this feller holierin' an' runnin' around in the timber like he didn't know where he wuz. I stole up on him and held him up with my ritie, 1 though t it might be a horse thief. But as soon I saw him I knew it was that feller from Boston. As soon as he saw me he tore 'round like he wuz loony. I thought mebbe he wuz one of them eujoniks wot's bin in an asylum and wuz out of dope, so I brought him in. Sheriff. Well, you drop that young man from Boston. [Wildcat Jake releases Willie^ Willie runs to Sophronia. Sophronia. Why, it is Willie! Sheriff. {Seizing Wildcat Jake bi/ collar.) You come with me, Wildcat. '80 THE HORSili THIEF. I've had all of your nonsense and offi- ciousness J want. {T& one of the posse.) Here, Brown, relieve this gentleman of his hardware, . {One of the posse takes from Jake his rifle, bowie knife, pistols, and belt of cartridges. Wildcat Jake. Why, Sheriff, what's the matter? What hev I done? What are you goin' to do with me? Sheriff. I haven't quite made up my ^mind. When I have, I'll let you know. Come, I have something to show you. [Walks hurriedly to Mile's body, pulling Wildcat Jake along by collar. There's a friend of yours. [At sight of Miles, Wildcat starts and cowers with criminal con- sciousness. There is another friend of yours in the cabin, ' v [Jerks Wildcat along over to cabin door. Opens door. You go in there, and you'll stay in there until I call for you. [Thrusts Wildcat roughly into cabin. Gome, men, we'll put Mr. Corson in with his friend. [Posse piek up Corson tmd put him in cabin. THE HOKBE THIEF. 81 Vic, you guard that door. If Wildcat attempts to come out, shoot him. [One of posse steps to door, salutes Sherijf, and guards door. Sheriff notices Hal. Who ia that young man? I don't know him. (To Hal — sharply.) Where are you from, sir? Hah Prom Wyoming. [Helen steps up close to Hal . Sheriff. What is your name? Hal. Hal Halpin. [Kate, Robert, Sophronia, and Willie advance to Hal and Helen. Sheriff. {In gentler voice.) Hal Halpin 1 Why, — you are not Mary Hal- pin's son? Hal. Mary Halpin is my mother's name. Her maiden name was Mary Granson. Here is her picture. [Opens locket on watch chain and ahow& Sheriff. Sheriff. {Grasping HaVs hand.) Why, boy, you are my sister's son. [Bardoan and Kate converse aside. Bardoan The young man is all right — just as you said, Kate. You seem to know at sight. Kate. Sure, I'm a mind raider. Hal, Mother has often written me about my uncle Tom in the Black Hills, Several times I have determined to,come 82 THE HORiSlli THIEF. over aad hunt you up, but eonieihiog intervened each time to prevent rae. Sberifif. How do you happen here? Hal. I am on my way to the old home down in Iowa. Last ni^ht I wandered off the trail somehow and about noon^to-day struck this place. Sheriff. How long have you been in Wyoming? Hal. About ten years. When but a mere boy, I started west to find you. but drifted into Wyoming and have been there ever since. Sheriff. Well, you have found me, Hal, and you better remain with me. Your aunt will be rejoiced to have you with us. We have no children. Hal. Have you met this young lady, uncle? Tnis is Miss Bardoan. Sheriff. {Shaking Helen's hand.) Helen and I are old friends. Hal. She was captured by ihe horse thieves. Sheriff. You don't say ! Helen. Yes, but I was rescued by your nephew. But for him, I was lost. Sheriff. Is that sol lSl(ji,ps Hal on shoulder. Why, boy, you 'r a hero I Helen must tell me all about it. yTurns to posse. We will camp here to-night, men. Two THE dOKSE rHlbiB\ S3 of you go over the hill and get that dog-tent and the coffee-pot. 1 will call up the rest of the posse with the horses and pack. • [Posse retires up stage, two exeunt R.U.E. Sheriff walks half up stage and with back to audience fires three shots in air from pistol. Sheriff. (Turniag.) Come, Bardoan^ we will go to the corral and look the horses over. The rest of the posse will soon be here with the horses and packi Bardoau. Just a moment Sheriff. Halpiu,>ou and Willie better start back with the ladies to our camp. Helen will find the way. She is sure on ground she has once been over. I will follow shortly. \Exeu7it Hal, Helen, Sophronia, and Willie, L.L.E. Kate. {Lingering.) I'll have a hot cup 'o coffee for you, Robert. Bardoan. Thank you, Kate. [Exit Kate L.L.E, Bardoan joins Sheriff. Sheriff. Where have the folks gone? Baadoan. To my camp on the creek. Sheriff. Very good! It will soon be dark. [Exeunt Sheriff, Bardojin, and all of posse, except guard at cabin, 84 THE HORSE THIEP. into stockade closing gate behind them. Lights slightly lowered as of approaching twilight. Guard paces up and down befor cabin. DROP-CURTAIN. THE HOUSE THIEP. 85 ACT V. SCENE. Same as scene in act first with the following changes: teat re- moved and all other properties of the camp except camp fire, R., several camp chairs, coffee-pot, frying-pan and box with some dishes on it. Camp fire burning; coffee-pot and frying-pan close to fire; camp chuirs around fire; box with dishes on rear of fire. Robert Bardoan discovered seated in camp chair near camp fiire reading a news- paper and smoking a cigar. Robert. This is the tirst newspaper I've had for a week. The Sheriff gave it to me. And t.o find out that young man is his nephewl What if Ihad shot the boy? K must try and forget that. But for Kate, 1 would have done it. By heavens, I'll wear shamrocks for the rest of my lifel Enter Sheriff Oranson, R. Sheriff. Good morning, Bardoan! Robert. {Rising and advancing to meet Sheriff.) Good morning. Sheriff! 86 THE tiORSl?: THIEF. Sheriff. I have sent all your horses, except Skip, down to your ranch. I wish you would let me have Skip for a few days. My horse is completely fagged. Robert. Take him, Sheriff, with many thanks for the service you have renderd me and the county. Sheriff. There is a fellow just over the Wyoming line I want. They call him Old Prenchie. He is sort of a brand artist. I have a scheme to decoy him over the line into this state, if the Mexican hasn't warned him. Once in Dakota, he's my bird. It may take me a few days. Wildcat Jake weakened about midnight and confessed his com- plicity. He said: ''He didn't mind goin' to jail, but that it was agin his nater to live in a morgue." So I toolc him out. of the cabin, gave him a big feed and about daylight sent him to town with ray deputy and a couple of the posse. Well, I must return to the stockade. {Goinc/. t/ien returning i Say, Bardoan, I am impressed Hal is struck with Helen. Robert. That 's generally the way, Sheriff. A fellow rescues a girl, then marries her. {Aside.) I'm d — d glad he he didn't rescue Kate. Sheriff. Helen will make the boy a TtiK HUKSE THIEF. 87 noble wife. Well, good-b)'! I will be with you in a few days. [Exit Sheriff, E. Robert, b^ineiuaa! tial is very much like him. hJlood ivill tell. There's no mistake aoont that. Asorub 'ts a scrub, in the house or m the corral. Enter Hat Halpiu, L. Hal. I have fed the wa^joa norses. Everything is ready for the move. Etobert. Weil., we'll atari out after dinner. Hal. i'he ivlexioau took my tioise. I'll have to ride to town with you. Robert. iVly friend, 1 have a propo- sition to make to you. J need a good foreman, and if you care to remain with us, tne place is opeu fo you, Hal. I did think, i'd quit the range. Not because i naven't done well ou the range, but because I've grown tired of living so mucu alone. Guesa I've grown tired oi my o^a company. How- ever. 1 have saved my money and made good aeais. ± nave a tuourf^md doii.trs in cHiU iQ iuy OdlL, aud foar moadaiia dollars lu uegotiaole paper, i nave uo need to hunt a job, out you may put me down for yours. Robert Young man, my gratitude to you for what you have done for me and THE HORSJi: THlEt^ mine, caQoot be expressed in words. Is there anything in the world lean do for you. Hal. (jrive me your daughter. [Robert stares at Hal for a moment, then throws away cigar. I may appear a little previous in this, but that is my way. I am plain and direct in whatever I do. Robert, Win her and she is yours. Hal. Thank you! I hope I shall succeed in winning her regard — her love. Robert. I am impressed, that you are inclined to play the sure game. Hal. That's the way I made my money. Robert. Very good; and it gives me pleasure and happiness to think of you as a son. Hal. Thank you. Your daughter is the grandest, bravest, noblest girl in the world. Robert. She has found her kind. Hal. I am of the range. Robert. Yes, (Grasps HaVs hand.) and one, I believe, who has all the virtues of the range and none of its vices.— A gentleman of the hat and spur. Hal. Thank you again, sir. Helen is waiting at the wagon. TKili HO K8E THIEIJ\ 89 [Exity L Robert. There's matrimony in the air, I am in the humor of it myself. I'll rope Kate to-day or quit the range. Enter Kate O'Brian. L. Kate. Everyt.hing is ready, tiobert. to move for town. Robert. We'll start after dinner. Kate. You don't seem to be in any hurry. Robert. Oh, I take the world easy. Kate. An' how does the world take you? Robert. I guess in the same way. Kate. You 'r quite a guesser. Can you guess what is next on your calendar? Elobert. My wedding. Kate. What put that idea into your cauliflower? Robert. What you said yesterday at the stockade. Kate. I said a whole lot of things at the stockade, yesterday. To which of my sayings do you particularly refer? Robert. You said if I did not discard Corson, you would never become ray wife. Kate. Well, what of it? Robert. I inferred from that remark, that if I did discard him, you would 90 THE HORBili THIEF. become my wife. Was my inference correct? Kate. {Confused.) Yes, Robert. Robert. Will you be my wife, Kate? [Throws arm about Kate. Kate. Yes, Robert. Robert. I had an intuition anyway, Kate, that you had made up your mind to become my wife. What do you think of my intuition? Kate. It may be very good iu respict to women, but it is very poor in respict to harse thaives. Robert. I've thought for quite a- while we ought to be married. Kate. And I've been suspicious for quite awhile, that you had designs upon my comfort and paice of mind. Robert. Why, Kate, you'll be com- fortable with me. Kate. Well, if I'm not, you'll be very uncomfortable with me. Enter Hal and Helen, L. Helen. {Laughing.) Mammal [ Robert and Kate startled. Robert steps quickly to, R. Kate. Yes. Helen, I am goin' to be your mamma. Helen. {Hugging Kate.) My dear, dear Kate! Kate. {Hugging Helen.) My own THE HOKSE THIEF. 91 darlin' girrell I'd marry your father, if for no other raisoD but to be near you. Robert. Well, get the rods Kate, and we'll go up stream and catch some tish for dinner. I have an intuition that these young folks would like to visit by themselves for awhile. Kate. (Going.) You're getting quite intuitive, Robert. Robert. {Taking off hat.) Ah, Kate, I can see ahead. Kate. So can I, [Glances at Robert* s head. But there's nothin' in it. [Runs off, L. Robert. I'll get even with her for that. [Puts on hat. Enter Kate L, icith fishing- rods. Throws rods down L. Selects rod for herself and goes up on bridge and fishes off left of bridge Kate. Come, Robert. Robert. Good- by, Helen. [Kisses her. My own dear, little daughter! All right, now. — And so happy! I hope you and Hal will be able to entertain each other. Helen. I hope you and Kate will 92 THE HORSiii THIEF. catch some fish [Robert gets fishing-rod, L. Robert. Kate and I are good fishers. Kate. I've caught a sucker already 1 Robert. The deuce you have! Kate. (Holding up fish.) This is is number two. [Laughs . Sophronia caught number one. Robert. {Crossing bridge.) Come on, or I'll send for the conductor. Kate. Or the milkman. Robert. Sure!— We may need him. [Runs from bridge towards right. Kate follows whacking him with rod. He dodges and runs off, R. Kate follows him laughing and flourishing rod. Helen. You will go to the ranch with us? Hal. Yes. Helen. And work for papa? Hal. I did intend to leave the range. Helen. But you won't? Hal. No — I don't want to leave you. Helen. I see no reason why you should. I want you to stay. Hal. My dear girl, in spite of our short acquaintance, w© have been quite free in expressing our appreciation of each other. Helen. Why not? THE HOKSE rHIEb\ 93 Hal* I may not prove to be the man your grateful heart has pictured to your mind. Helen. My heart has never yet de- ceived me. Hal. I am a simple cowboy. I am strong of body, stout of heart, and true of purpose, but my mind has had but little cultivation. It is true I have read much, thought much, but to what real gain to my character and understanding, you will have to be the judge. Helen. My mother died at my birth. Since then I have been under the care of my grandmother, my father's mother. She has lived with us ever since we came to the ranch. A teacher herself, and a woman of high character and intel- ligence, she has taught and guided me in the ways of knowledge and truth. Aside from this, I have grown up on the range, and am of the range. Experience and familiarity with danger have taught rqe some things which could have been learned in no other school. 1 know the true manhood of the range, and that you possess it. The instant I recog- nized it in you, it was impossible for me to conceal the interest and regard it awoke in me for you. Hal. I am happy in your favorable opinion. What do you say, we set aside 94 THE HORSE THlfiF. all parlor preliminaries, and be as if we had always koowo oneaootber? Helen. When we know; to wait, to hesitate, to talk, is mere formality. Hal. Shall we set it aside? Helen. I am willing. Hal. The divine purpose of man's love for woman, woman's love for man, is marriage. Helen. I do not want to part with you. [Slips her arm in his. Hal. I do not want to part with you. [Raises arm around her neck. Helen. Then we better not part. [Drops head on his shoulder. Hal. Will you be my wife. Helen. Yes, dear. Hal. And we'll be married soon? Helen. Yes, dear. [Hal kisses her. Hah There I I think we've quite disposed of all formality. Enter Kate and Robert from R. over bridae. Kate. She has captured the harse thaif. [Helen and Hal startled^ turn. Don't let us interrupt you. Hal. How many fish did you two catch? THE HOUSE THIEF. 95 Robert. Not a trout. Hal. That 's what I thought. Come, Helen, you and I will try our luck. Helen. Here are the rods. [Hal and Helen get fi$hing-r0d»j L, liy-by, papal Hal. {Qoingr-waving hand to Kate.) By-by, mammal Kate. {Laughing and shaking her rod at him.) You thaif 1 [Exeunt Hal anrf Helen over bridge^ Robert. We might as well start din- ner. Kate. Yes, Robert, they'll soon be back. [Robert and Kate buay themeelvee getting dinner. They take food out of b0x. Robert. The lish don't seem to bite to-day. Kate. {Slapifaoe.) But the flies do. Robert. Kate, I beliere Hal has proposed to Helen, Kate. No doubt. Robert. I'm mighty glad be didn't propose to you. Kate. I am, too. Robert. Would you have accepted him, Kate? Kate. Of course not! I couldn't marry both o' you. 96 THE HOR8iii THIEF. Robert. I never thought of that. Kate. There's a whole lot of things you never thought of. Robert. What do you suppose, (bran- ny, will say when she hears of all this matrimony? Kate. Poor Kate! Robert. Nonsense! Kate. Well, I hope she'll be plaised. Robert. Why, Kate, she loves you more than I do, and I've nearly lost my appetite thinking how I love you, Kate. I suppose you call that a lover's appetite you had at brickfast this mornin'? You ate twilve throut; four slices of bacon, a foot long; half a loaf of bread; and drank three cups of coffee. If you call that a sintamintal appetite, God hilp the woman that cooks for you whin you get back to your rigular feed. Robert. You are a bird! [Shakes with laughter, Kate. Well, I'm no camp-robber. Robert. Why, here 's that souvenir spoon of mine! [Takes large iron spoon from box and advances to Kate with spoon in hand. Kate, when you gave me this spoon, I knew I'd won. Kate. Yes, you'd won but I'd lost. THE HQ KSE THIKB\ 97 Kobert. No, Kate, we bolh won. It is a game ia wuich both win if played according to the rules of providence. Kate. Maybe you *r right, Robert. Anyway, it 's a game I niver played before. Robert. How about the conductor? Kate. A joke— forget it. Robert. Ah, Kata, we'll be very happy together. [Puts arm around her luuist. We'll live smiling on each other. Kate Yes, Robert, like two sun- flowers in a gairden. Robert. Oli, you are so full of spirits! Kate. I take after me granfather. He was so full o' shpirrits, he died. Robert. Well, I'd 'a' dieJ, Kate, if I hadn't 'a' won you. Kate. Died laffiu Robert. Ob, plague take you! Enter Sophronui Simprm and Willie Wym from L. over briage. They have fishing rods [Robert still has arm around Kate^s waist. Sophronia. {Pointing to Robert and Kate.) Look, Willie! How lovely! [Robert and Kate startled, turn. Robert. Get any trout? Willie. Not one. 98 THE HOR8J1. THIEF. Robert. Didn't catch anything? Willie. Yes, I caught my breath several times. Robert. (Laughing.) But no fish? Willie. No; the fish seemed ashamed to look us in the face. Kate. An' why, Willie? Willie. Because— Oh, well! — Sophro- nia and I are to be married. Sophronia. ^ es, Willie and I are going to b» married day after to-morrow, and start on our honeymoon. And then honey, honey, all honey. Willie. (Aside.) Pooh, molasses — all molases! I am a poor little fly stuck fast in the fly-paper of matrimony — three shedts for a nickle. It is just terrible what a man will endure for money ! Sophronia. Do you talk in your sleep, Willie? Willie. No, but I sleep sometimes when I hear other people talk. Sophronia (Ecstatically.) To think, we will be married day after to-morrowl Kate, when are you and Robert to be married? Kate. Ask Robert. Robert. Kate and I will be married as soon as we get to town . I shall greet my grand old mother at the ranch, this time, with a wife. THE HOKSE THIEF. 99 Willie. Say, Robert, you marry Sophronia, and let me marry Katy. You'd marry me, wouldn't you, Katy? Kate. Yes, Willie, if I had nothing else to do. Robert. {LauQhing.) There'll be no swapping, sonny. I've won the Horse Queen of Elk creek and I shall keap her. Sophroaia. Robert, yon are happy; Kate is happy; I am happy, and Wihie is happy. Willie. False! False I I am on the verge of suicide. [StarU towards H. Sophronia. {Alarmzd.) Where are you going, Willie? Willie. Insane. Sophronia. Insane, Willie! Willie. Yes, insane! I see things crawling all over iha grjun J. and the air is full of stuffed bluabirdi. E^rery- thing loak3 lik.^Siotoh pi lid, and I feel a horrible appetite cjmin^ oa ma for beer and pig's feet. Sophronia. Willie, Willie! What shall I do! Willie. Give me that check for a thousand. It is the only thing that will save me. Sophronia. You shall have it, love, just as soon as we are married. Willie. {Aiide.) I ean't get away. 100 THE HORSiii THIEF. Sophronia. Where is Helen? Kate. Up the straim with that young harse thaif. Sophronia. Is she going to marry him? Kate. No; he's going to marry her. Willie. That 's the way it is, Katy, with Sophroaia and me. I am not going to marry her; she is going to marry me. Sophronia. Willie, talk sense. Willie. How can I? I haven't any to talk. Sophronia When we are married you will know I am your wife. Willie. No— no! I won't know any- thing. Sophronia. No need to. You shall forget everything in the joy of my love. Willie. That Scotch plaid is coming again! Kate. Come, Robert, boil the coffee. [Robert pats coffee-pot on fire. Helen and that thaif of a cowboy '11 soon be back. I don't suppose, he'll catch anything but a shtrong appetite for dinner. Robert. Well, the coffee 's on. [Kate takes apron from boxx Kate, Well, put on this apron and slice the bacon while I get the throut. [Robert takes off coat, puts on apron, endeavoring to tie strings. THE HOKSE THIEF. 101 Sophronia, you cau look these service berries over. [Getapail of berries and pan out of box and gives them to Sophronia. Robert. Kate, 1 wish you'd tie these aproa strings. I can't make it. [Kate ties apron strings for Robert. Kate. Sure, man. it 's a long ways around you. Robert. I am rather full in the the waist. Kate. A rigular Anheuser., [Robert winks at audience and shakes with laughter. Sophronia. Come, Willie, help me with the berries. You can hold the pan. [Willie and Sophronia get camp chairsy sit left and busy themselves with berri&s. Kate goes to tank for fiah. Robert takes slab of bacon from box and proceeas to slice it, laying slices on a tin piate, Sophronia. Now, Willie, you hold the pan in your lap and I'll put the berries in it as I look them over. Do you like berries, Willie? Willie. Yes, with plenty of cream on them. I am very fond of cream — ice cream. Oh, T could live on cream! When you give me that check, I will buy a small cow and we'll take her ^with U8 on our wedding trip. 102 I'dE aOHciii. iillhib'. [Sophrouia stares at Willie with alarm.. The Batf^'age Man can f«»ed her and the breakman inilk her. The pifj'e feet we oan take m the sleeper with us. Sophronia. Why, Willie, what is the matter with you? Willie. My uainti is waadermt^ again. JiJophionia. (Sharply.) Is there insan- ity in your family? Willie. Yes, my stepfather died m an asylum, f don't think I ought to marry. Sophronia. Oh, you'll be all right after we are married. Willie. {Aside.) No use! I can't get. iivvay. Enter Hal and Helen R. over bridge. Without fishing-rods J'hey pduse on bridue. Robert. Heilof What luck? Hal. Not a tish. Robert. I thought you wouldn't get any. J didn't. Hal. 1 don't belie v* there's a tisb in the creek. Robert. Seems like it, to-day. Helen. Why, papa, who put that apron on you? Robert. Kate. I'm chief cook aod bottle washer. THE dOKSE THlhiF. 103 [Kate advunces with pan of trout. Kate. {To Hal and Helen.) Where are your fisb? Hal. We haven't caught them yet. Kate. Ah-ha! An' your fish-poles, where are they? IHelen looks at her hands and then * at Hat. Hal. Why — er — er — we loaned thetn to a couple o' fellows up the creek. I guess they belonged to the posse. Kate, Oh, that's it! Hal. Yes, they thought they could catch some fish. Kate. I suppose they were welcome to those poles? [Sets pun of trout on box. Hal. Most assuredly. Helen and I were glad to get rid of them. We were disgusted with the fishing. Kate. A foiue fish story ! [Hal and Helen advance- I'll buy you a little hachet as soon as we get to town. Hal. And I will buy you the finest silk in town, as a slight token of my thankfulness to you for the good you did me at the most trying moment of my life. Kate. Faith! I'll wear that silk at your widding. Sophronia. {To Mal^ rising.) When 104 THE HOR81li THIEF. are you and Helen to be married? [Sets pail of berries on chciir. Hal. Three weeks from to-day. SophroQia. Where? Helen. At the old ranch. [Willie rises, drops pan in chair and advances to Sophronia. Robert. (To audience.) And we ex- tend to all a cordial invitation to be present at the wedding. Kate. The harse thaif is caught, an' the day is set for his ixecution. Robert and Kate, R.C. Hal and Helen, C. Sophronia and Willie, L.C. CURTAIN. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS