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A WATCH, A WALLET 
 AND A JACK OF SPADES 
 
 A COMEDY IN ONE ACT 
 
 FOR THREE MEN AND SIX WOMEN 
 
 BY 
 
 LINDSEY BARBEE 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 'After the Game" ''At the End of the Rainbow^ '/The Call of 
 
 IVohelo," "The Dream That Came True," ''The Fifteenth of 
 
 January" "Then Greek Met Greek" "Her First Scoop" "The ^ 
 
 Kingdom of Heart's Content" "The Promise of Tomor- 
 
 rozu" "Sing a Song of Seniors" "The Spell of the 
 
 Image" "The Thread of Destiny" "Tomorrow 
 
 at Ten" "A Trial of Hearts," "When the 
 
 Clock Strikes Twelve," "The Whole 
 
 Truth," "In the College Days," "Let's 
 
 Pretend — A Book of Children's 
 
 Plays," Etc. 
 
 CHICAGO 
 
 T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 
 
 Publishers 
 
A WATCH, A WALLET AND A 
 JACK OF SPADES 
 
 CHARACTERS. 
 
 ^^%«,\n 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway A Widow 
 
 Anne Ridgway A .Playwright 
 
 Jane Ridgway , . Her Sister 
 
 Celeste A Maid 
 
 Bridget A Laundress 
 
 Melinda A Cook 
 
 LOCKHER ShOLMES 
 
 Baffles [ ' Detectives 
 
 Keg Crennedy. . . 
 
 Place — Living Room of the Ridgway Llome. 
 
 Time — The Present. 
 
 Time of Playing — About Forty Minutes. 
 
 COPYRIGHT. 1917, BY EBEIN H. NORRIS. 
 
 ©Cl.D 47788 
 2 
 
 SEP 12 1317 
 
 0^6 I ^ 
 
A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 STORY OF THE PLAY. 
 
 Anne Ridgway, a playwright, summons three detectives — 
 Shohnes, Baffles and Crennedy — to unravel a mystery sur- 
 rounding the disappearance of a lodger in her home. Nu- 
 merous clues are discovei-;ed ; many complications arise ; 
 each detective advances his own theory, and a dramatic 
 crisis is the result. At this point i\Iiss Ridgway confesses 
 that the lodger is her own creation ; that he has existed only 
 in her imagination, and that she has invented this particular 
 situation in order to obtain a plot or basis for a mystery 
 play which she has been asked to write. She laughingly 
 invites the detectives to a consolatory dinner ; they forget 
 their resentment and the experiment ends happily. 
 
 CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway, Anne and Jane wear pretty dinner 
 gowns. Mrs. Ridgway is nervous and hysterical. Anne 
 is dignified, self-poised and gracious. Jane is assertive and 
 independent. 
 
 Celeste — Pert and Frenchy. Wears conventional maid's 
 costume of- black, with sheer white apron, collar, cufTs and 
 cap. 
 
 Bridget — Free and easy. Wears gingham dress and 
 apron. 
 
 Melinda — Sulky. Wears gingham dress and apron wnth 
 red bandanna around her head. 
 
 Sholmes and Crennedy wear plain business suits. Baf- 
 fles is in full evening attire. Sholmes is quiet and impres- 
 sive in manner and a trifle dictatorial. Baffles is smooth 
 and gallant. Crennedy is matter-of-fact and straight to 
 the point. 
 
A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 PROPERTIES. 
 
 Rugs ; large portrait ; portieres ; window curtains. Large 
 davenport; desk and desk chair; two large chairs; table 
 with lamp, flowers, books, etc. Bell button. Watch, glove 
 and wallet for table drawer. Jack of Spades for wallet. 
 Mechanical instrument with mirror and mechanical instru- 
 ment with long cord for Crennedy. Small package with 
 scarab for Celeste. Card for Baffles. Handkerchief and 
 half scarab for Sholmes. 
 
 SCENE PLOT. 
 
 H Hall 
 
 & 
 
 Window Doorway 
 
 Tal 
 Davenport ^^^j, 
 
 Door 
 
 Desk Door 
 
 O Desk Chair ChalrO'Y 
 
 STAGE DIRECTIONS. 
 
 R. means right of the stage; C, center; R. C, right cen- 
 ter; L., left; U.E., upper entrance; D.F., door in flat or 
 scene running across the back of the stage ; up stage, away 
 from footlights ; down stage, near footlights, etc. The actor 
 is supposed to be facing the audience. 
 
A WATCH, A WALLET AND A JACK OF SPADES 
 
 Scene: Living room in the Ridgway home. Large hall 
 door zi'itli portieres L. of C. in F., revealing wainseot drop. 
 Curtained zuindow R. of C. in F . Practical doors dozun R. 
 and at L. 2 E. Davenport at R. U . E. Desk and desk 
 chair at R. 2 E. Portrait above desk. Large chair L. 2 E. 
 Table zvith lamp, books, flozvers, etc., at L. U. E. Large 
 chair R. of table. Articles for table drazver. Bell button 
 L. of door to hall. Pictures, rugs, etc. 
 
 At rise, stage is zvell illuminated. Discovered, Mrs. Ridg- 
 WAY, seated at L. 2 E.; Jane in desk chair; Anne, stand- 
 ing by desk and Bridget and Melinda at C. 
 
 Anne. Now, Melinda, are you sure that you understand? 
 
 Melinda. Lan' sakes. Miss Anne, ah ain't sure of nuffin', 
 but ah reckon ahVe got gumption enough to do what you've 
 done tole me. 
 
 Anne. How about you^ Bridget? 
 
 Bridget. Faith, and I'm not sayin' what I think. 
 
 Anne. I'm not asking you what you think. 
 
 Bridget. But I'm a-thinkin' of what ye ask — and, be- 
 gorry, Miss Anne, it's the first time ye've iver been a-telhn' 
 of me to He. 
 
 Anne. But I explained — zvhy. 
 
 Bridget. Sure, and I'm intendin' to do it for ye. 
 {Crosses herself.) Howly Saint Pathrick, save me soul! 
 
 Anne. Then — that will do. (Bridget and ^Melinda 
 start tozvard R.) And remember my instructions. (Exeunt 
 Bridget and Melinda at R.) 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway {zimnging hands). Oh, this is terrible, 
 terrible ! I never thought that such a disgrace would come 
 upon me! {Pleadingly.) Don't go any further, Anne — 
 
 Anne. I've gone too far to back out, mother dear. 
 
 5 
 
6 A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 Jane. And even the prospect of a sojourn in the city 
 jail seems alluring, when compared with the monotony of 
 our present existence. 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway. Jane! Don't! I can't bear it. Never 
 before has the Ridgway name been associated with — 
 {hesitates) 
 
 Jane. Crime ! Say it out — and get accustomed to it. 
 From this time on it will be the most prominent word in 
 our vocabulary. 
 
 Anne {crossing to Mrs. Ridgway and placing arm about 
 her shoulder). Now — now — mother, don't mind Jane and 
 don't worry. It will come out just as I've planned — and — 
 
 Enter Celeste at hall door. 
 
 Celeste. Ze trois messieurs — zey are vaiting. 
 
 Anne. Then show them in. Celeste. {Exit Celeste.) 
 Now let me do all the talking — you understand ? 
 
 Jane. Perfectly. And it's your affair, my dear sister, 
 your affair. 
 
 Anne crosses to L. of hall door as Celeste appears, fol- 
 lowed by Sholmes, Baffles and Crennedy, who stand 
 behind her. 
 
 Celeste. M'sieur Sholmes! {Enter Sholmes.) 
 
 Anne {extending hand). Mr. Sholmes, I am Miss Ridg- 
 way. 
 
 Celeste. M'sieur Baffles! {Enter Baffles). 
 
 Anne {extending hand). Mr. Baffles. 
 
 Celeste. M'sieur Crennedy! {Enter Crennedy. Exit 
 Celeste.) 
 
 Anne {extending hand). Mr. Crennedy. {Motions to 
 Mrs. Ridgway and Jane, who acknowledge the introduc- 
 tion.) My mother and sister, gentlemen. {Points to daven- 
 port.) Won't you be seated? {The three men sit on daven- 
 port and Anne seats herself R. of table.) You are doubt- 
 less wondering what has occasioned this imperative sum- 
 mons. 
 
 Sholmes. In our profession, Miss Ridgway, we cease 
 to wonder. 
 
A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OI' SPADKS 7 
 
 Crennedv. And we regard an in][)cralivc' suniinons as 
 our own particular inheritancr'. 
 
 Baffles. Especially wlu^n the summons is from a la(l\- ' 
 
 Anne (graciously). How very obligin<j you are 1 It 
 makes it three times as easy to tell my story. 
 
 Crennedy. And three times easier to solve the ni\stery, 
 I hope. 
 
 Anne {szvcctly). Are all great men as friendly and as 
 generous as you three? Someway, I imagined that every 
 genius is a Httle bit jealous of every other genius. 
 
 S HOLMES. Perhaps w^e three are the exception. 
 
 Anne {leaning forzvard). And you don't mind combin- 
 ing forces on a case? 
 
 Baffles. Depends on the case. 
 
 Anne. Then Td better be stating my own so that you 
 may pass judgment. (Pauses.) Three months ago, gentle- 
 men, my mother, my sister and myself, who, wdth two 
 maids are quite alone in this large house, decided to rent 
 one of the rooms on the second floor — in fact, the one 
 above us. A quiet, middle-aged man, by name, Amos Rol- 
 lins, fell to our lot, and a model lodger he proved to be. 
 Three days .ago he mysteriously disappeared. 
 
 Sholmes. Mysteriously ? 
 
 Anne. Mysteriously. For he gave us no intimation of 
 his departure. 
 
 Crennedy. There has been no word of him? 
 
 Anne (after a moment). Yes, there has been word. 
 (Opens table drawer.) Yesterday morning — tJiis — (taking 
 watch from drawer) came to us by mail. I presume I 
 might label it Exhibit A. 
 
 (The three men rise hastily and cross to her^ standing in 
 half circle, Baffles in advance. He stands back of cJiair 
 with Sholmes at his right and Crennedy at Sholmes" 
 right, and takes watch from her.) 
 
 Baffles (examining it). An old-fashioned watch, with 
 A. R. on the case. 
 
 Anne. His watch. I have often seen it. Again, this 
 
8 A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 morning, in the same way, we received his wallet and a 
 single glove. {Takes articles from drawer,) 
 
 (Baffles passes the watch to Sholmes, who also takes 
 the glove from Anne, while Crennedy examines the wal- 
 let,) 
 
 Sholmes {as he and Baffles hend over the glove), Mr. 
 Rollins must be a tall, soldierly man with the third finger 
 of his left hand gone. 
 
 Anne {in astonishment). Why— why — yes. But how 
 could yon know? 
 
 Sholmes. The watch bears the unmistakable dent of a 
 bullet; the glove is the size which belongs to a man of 
 height, and the third finger is smooth and uncreased — quite 
 a contrast to the others. 
 
 Anne. Wonderful ! 
 
 Crennedy {who has been looking at the wallet through 
 the mirror of a mechanical instrument which he has taken 
 from his pocket). There is a small blood stain on the wal- 
 let — quite inconspicuous to the inexperienced eye. 
 
 Baffles. How do you know it's a blood stain, my dear 
 fellow? 
 
 Crennedy. This is a little instrument which registers 
 net only the particular kind of stain but pictures the weapon 
 with which it is made. This spot is the direct result of 
 a stab with a hat-pin. {Passes it to Sholmes, zvho in turn 
 gives him watch and glove.) 
 
 Sholmes {rtmning his finger over the wallet). Ah! 
 This portion of the leather is a trifle more worn than the 
 rest — that must mean something. {With evident pride as 
 he discovers the inner pocket.) A cleverly placed secret 
 pocket! {Draws out Jack of Spades.) And this! 
 
 Anne {rising). What — what does it mean? 
 
 Sholmes. Probably a threat. You say that these ar- 
 ticles came to you by post? 
 
 Anne. Yes — without a word of explanation. 
 
 (Crennedy lays glove on table and, nnperceived, slips 
 watch into pocket.) 
 
A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF Si\\DES 9 
 
 Sholmes. Then where is the paper whieli eame around 
 them ? 
 
 Anne. I destroyed it. 
 
 SiiOLMES {excitedly). Destroyed it? ]\Iy dear madam, 
 it would probably have given us a elue. It would — 
 
 Baffles (calmly fakes wallet from Siiolmes and re- 
 turning it to table, at the same time, unperceived, slipping 
 Jack of Spades into his oztni pocket). Remember, Sholmes, 
 that jNIiss Ridgway has not yet finished her story. (To 
 Anne.) Won't you go on? 
 
 Anne (reseating herself as men return to davenport). 
 There is so little to tell. ]\Ir. Rollins usually left the house 
 about ten in the morning and returned shortly after our 
 evening meal. If he had business, we never knew of it; 
 if he had friends, they never came to his room. He re- 
 ceived no mail ; he shunned companionship ; he was inva- 
 riably distant in his manner, and our acquaintance with 
 him was only of a business nature. 
 
 Crennedy. Will you describe him to us? 
 
 Anne. Mr. Sholmes has already done that in a surpris- 
 ingly accurate way. Tall, soldierly, with the third finger 
 of his left hand gone. His clothes were expensive, though 
 old-fashioned in cut ; his tastes were invariably quiet — • 
 (Iiesitates) save in one respect. 
 
 Baffles (leaning forward). And that? 
 
 Anne. He w^ore — conspicuously — on his vest a large 
 Egyptian scarab. He was never without it. 
 
 Sholmes. When was he last seen? 
 
 Anne. Presumably — Monday morning. Our laundress 
 met him as she came to work. 
 
 Sholmes. And he did not come again to the house? 
 
 Anne. So far as we know he did not. We were out in 
 the evening and returned late. Next morning there came 
 a telephone message for him — something which had never 
 before happened — and I sent Celeste, my maid, to call him. 
 (Pattses.) 
 
 Baffles (eagerly). Well? 
 
 Anne. He was not there — and the bed had not been 
 
10 A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 occupied. We were naturally puzzled, but did not think 
 seriously of his disappearance until the first anonymous 
 package came. 
 
 Crennedy. And just what significance have you attached 
 to the anonymous packages? 
 
 Anne. They are either a signal for help or a ghastly 
 method of announcing his death. 
 
 Celeste enters from hall. 
 
 Anne. What is it, Celeste? 
 
 Celeste (holding out small package). A package, 
 mademoiselle, lef on ze doorstep. 
 
 Anne (taking it). You will pardon me, gentlemen, if I 
 open it. It may bear upon the case. (Celeste t^irns to 
 leave.) 
 
 Sholmes (rising). Celeste! (She turns.) 
 
 Celeste. M'sieur? 
 
 Sholmes (crossing to R. of hall door). You were the 
 first to discover that Mr. Rollins was not in his room Mon- 
 day morning? 
 
 Celeste. Oui, m'sieur. 
 
 Sholmes. Did you notice anything strange in the ap- 
 pearance of the room? 
 
 Anne (quickly turning). Celeste is not in the habit 
 of straightening the room. She would notice no disarrange- 
 ment. 
 
 Sholmes. I see. (Pauses.) You have seen Mr. Rollins, 
 of course? 
 
 Celeste. Oui, m'sieur. In ze morning when I dust ze 
 hall he come down ze stairway. 
 
 Sholmes. Pretty tall, isn't he? 
 
 Celeste (hesitating and glancing at Anne, zvho nods 
 almost imperceptibly). Oui, m'sieur. Vairy tall. 
 
 Sholmes. Friendly ? 
 
 Celeste. Oui, m'sieur — vairy friendly. He joke — he 
 laugh — he smile. 
 
 Sholmes. That will do, Celeste. (Exit Celeste at 
 hall.) You spoke of Mr. Rollins as invariably distant in his 
 
A WATCPI, WALLET AXI) JACK OI- SPADl-S 11 
 
 manner, did you not, Miss IvidiL^way? {Slaiuls a! Av.\i-:'s 
 right.) 
 
 Anne. I did, Mr. Sholmes. {Uiidcs packaijc.) 
 
 Sholmes. Evidently with servants he chouses 1(3 assunu' 
 another pose. 
 
 Anne (coldly). As to that, of course, I cannot say. 
 (Tears off paper and looks hi package.) The scarab! 
 (Holds up scarab. Baffles and Crennedy rise hastily and 
 stand back of Anne.) 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway (rising). The scarab! (At a 7^'aniing 
 look from Anne she sinks into chair again.) 
 
 Anne (examining it closely). Part of the scarab — for 
 it has been broken squarely in two. Gentlemen, I feel as 
 if we now hold the key to the mystery. 
 
 Baffles. A^ou mean — 
 
 Anne (rising). That when we find the other half of 
 the scarab our task is ended. (Amotions to door.) Doubt- 
 less you wish to examine the room above? 
 
 Crennedy (crossing to C). Just a moment! May I 
 question your laundress who — I believe — was the last one 
 of your household to see Mr. Rollins? 
 
 Anne. Certainly. Will you ring, Mr. Baffles? 
 Baffles pushes bell button and Celeste enters from hall. 
 
 Anne. Celeste, ask Bridget to come here. (Exit Ce- 
 leste at R.) I asked her to be present tonight, thinking 
 you might wish to question her. 
 
 Crennedy. If I remember correctly, you mentioned two 
 maids. 
 
 Anne. Yes. 
 
 Crennedy. Does this include the laundress? 
 
 Anne. No. Bridget comes only two days in each week. 
 I referred to the cook, Melinda, and my own maid, Celeste. 
 
 Enter Bridget at R. 
 
 Anne. Bridget, this gentleman (motioning to Cren- 
 nedy) wishes to ask you some questions. Answer care- 
 fully and correctly. 
 
 Bridget (standing by door at R.). Yes, Miss Anne. 
 (To Crennedy). And what would ye be a-knowin'? 
 
12 A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 Crennedy (at Bridget's left). Miss Ridgway tells me 
 that you saw Mr. Rollins on Monday morning. 
 
 Bridget (defiantly). And what of it? 
 
 Crennedy. Nothing — perhaps. What time do you usu- 
 ally reach the house ? 
 
 Bridget. Eight o'clock. 
 
 Crennedy. And Mr. Rollins was leaving just as you 
 arrived ? 
 
 Bridget. Faith and is there anything strange about that ? 
 
 Crennedy. Only the fact that Mr. Rollins always left 
 the house at ten o'clock. 
 
 Anne. Generally— not always, Mr. Crennedy. 
 
 Crennedy. He spoke pleasantly, of course. 
 
 Bridget. Spoke pleasantly? Loike a tombstone, he did. 
 
 Crennedy. But he was in the habit of joking with 
 Celeste. 
 
 Bridget. Sure and it's different with Miss Celeste. 
 
 Crennedy (quickly). Miss Celeste? 
 
 Bridget. Faith and was I a-callin' that stuck-up little 
 whippersnapper. Miss? 
 
 Anne (reprovingly), Bridget! 
 
 Bridget. And she's a-makin' eyes at ivery man that 
 passes ! Sure and if that Rollins person had been a-takin' 
 liberties with me, I'd a-picked him up and stuffed him in 
 my pocket. 
 
 Crennedy. Is he as small as all that? 
 
 Bridget. Begorry and there ain't nothin' much smaller. 
 
 Anne (warningly). Bridget! 
 
 Crennedy. And is his disfigurement very noticeable? 
 
 Bridget. Faith and I'm wonderin' what ye mean by 
 disfigurement. 
 
 Crennedy. Is the whole member gone or is it partly 
 mutilated ? 
 
 (Bridget glances in bewilderment at Anne, who covertly 
 makes a motion as if cutting off finger.) 
 
 Bridget (misunderstanding Anne"^ motion). Sure and 
 it's the whole hand that's missin' if that's what ye're askin'. 
 
A WATCH, WALLET A\D JACK Ol' SLADICS L5 
 
 Crennedv. That will do, Bridget. ( /:.r/7 l>Rii)(;i:T nl l\ .) 
 Mr. Rollins' appearance seems to ])e a ])it deceptive. 
 
 Anne. The word of a servant against mine, Air. Cren- 
 nedy. {Haughtily.) Shall we go upstairs? 
 
 {Exeunt Anne, Sholmes and Baffles at hall door. 
 Crennedy folloK^s slowly and stands outside, visible to 
 audience hut unseen by Jane a}id Mrs. Ividc.wan'. As sooji 
 as they are alone, Jane and Mrs. Ridgway visibly relax.) 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway. I just can't go on with it, Jane — I ju-t 
 can't. 
 
 Jane (rising). How can you help yourself, mother? 
 I'm enjoying myself immensely — and if Anne would only 
 let ine talk — 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway {weeping). Talk! There's too much talk- 
 ing as it is. What we have needed from the first is silence. 
 
 Anne {calling from off stage). Jane! 
 
 Jane. I'm coming. {Pats Mrs. Ridgway on shoulder.) 
 Sit still, mother — be calm — hold your peace — and let us 
 turn the trick. {Exit at IialL Crennedy hiding behind por- 
 tiere as she passes.) 
 
 Enter Crennedy. 
 
 Crennedy. Mrs. Ridgway! {She looks around ner- 
 vously.) I beg your pardon for startling you, but there 
 are a few questions I wish to ask you in the absence of 
 the others. 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway {nervously). But I don't care to answer 
 questions. My daughters can supply you with any needed 
 information. 
 
 Crennedy {sternly). It is not wise to oppose the law, 
 Mrs. Ridgway. 
 
 Mrs. Ridgw^ay. I'm not opposing the law — I'm keeping 
 out of it. 
 
 Crennedy. Then I'm obliged to try a little experiment. 
 {Takes mechanical instrument zvith long cord from pocket.) 
 Will you hold this for a moment? {Offers cord.) 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway {shrinking). Oh, no — no! 
 
 Crennedy. 'Tis quite harmless and gives no electrical 
 shock. {She refuses.) I insist, ]\Irs. Ridgway. {She takes 
 
14 A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 the end of the cord reluctantly.) Now, you will look stead- 
 ily at me as I repeat a few words — as follows — {speaks 
 slowly and impressively) Rollins! Watch! Picture! {Takes 
 cord from her,) That will do — and, thank you. {Exam- 
 ines instrument carefully.) 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway {rising). What is the meaning of all 
 this? 
 
 Crennedy. Just an experiment. I have here a little in- 
 strument whose purpose it is to record emotions , which are 
 inspired by the mention of certain words. Fear is regis- 
 tered in one way ; grief in another, and guilt in still another. 
 {Looks more closely at instrument.) I find that at the 
 sound of the three words — Rollins, watch and picture — 
 there was great mental disturbance, with the element of 
 fear predominant. 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway {crossing to R.). What nonsense! I never 
 spoke to the man. 
 
 Crennedy {nodding toward portrait). Your portrait, I 
 suppose ? 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway. Yes. What has that to do with the 
 matter in hand? 
 
 Crennedy. Everything. For if you never spoke to Mr. 
 Rollins and had no interest in him, it is exceedingly strange 
 that an exact copy of this portrait — which you say is of 
 you — should be placed in the back of the watch. {Takes 
 watch from pocket.) Here — see for yourself. {Holds out 
 zvatch.) 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway {distractedly), I don't understand. 
 
 Crennedy. Nor do I. 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway. And I can make no explanation. 
 
 Crennedy. Suppose you try. {Voices off stage are 
 heard.) Someone is coming. {Glances around.) In here! 
 {Points to L. 2 E. Hurries her, reluctant, to L. 2 £. 
 Exeunt.) 
 
 Enter Jane and Baffles from hall. 
 
 Jane {looking around). There is no one here. Perhaps 
 you will explain now why you wish to see me alone. 
 {Crosses to C.) 
 
A WATCH, WALLl'/r AM) ].\CK 01- SI'A1)I-:S IS 
 
 Baffles {slaiid'nuj hack of her). ^li^s [\i(l^\\a\-, \vli\' 
 did you give Air. Rollins the Jack of Si)adcs? 
 
 Jane {carelessly). Are you quite crazy, 'Mr. liafllcs? 
 
 Baffles. Only inquisitive. Unfortunately, it's a char- 
 acteristic of my profession. 
 
 Jane. Is rudeness also a characteristic? 
 
 Baffles. When it becomes necessary to use it. (Pauses.) 
 I repeat — whv did you give ]\Ir. Rollins the Jack of Spades? 
 
 Jane. And I reply — that if you were not in the employ- 
 ment of my sister, I should ask you to leave the house. 
 
 Baffles. My question does not necessarily infer that 
 you are involved in the particular mystery which we are 
 attempting to unravel. It is given in the hope that you may 
 furnish us a clue. 
 
 Jane (Hcrning), My curiosity gets the better of me. 
 Why do you single me out as the one associated with the 
 fatal card? 
 
 Baffles. Because — in a search of your room — a pack 
 of cards was discovered — with the Jack of Spades missing. 
 
 Jane (shrtigging shoulders). Poor evidence, Fm think- 
 ing. 
 
 Baffles. Not when the fatal card, as you call it, matches 
 those in your particular pack. (Takes Jack of Spades from 
 pocket, also another card.) Compare them yourself. 
 (Pauses.) Well? 
 
 Jane (sarcastically). Well — what? 
 
 Baffles. Tm waiting for your explanation. 
 
 Jane (suddenly). Very well — hear it. That Jack of 
 Spades -was taken from my pack of cards. I admit it. But 
 it was taken by Mr. Rollins himself. 
 
 Baffles (in surprise), Mr. Rollins! 
 
 Jane. Yes, Mr. Rollins. I was playing solitaire last 
 Saturday, and as I went upstairs I threw my pack of cards 
 carelessly on the hall table. As I reached the top of the 
 stairs the door opened and Mr. Rollins entered. He spied 
 the cards, hesitated, quickly extracted one, placed it in his 
 pocket and went to his room. He did not see me and I did 
 not mention the matter to my sister. 
 
16 A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 Baffles. Why not? * 
 
 Jane. Because I did not think it necessary. 
 
 Baffles. And even when the card was found in the 
 wallet you were silent? 
 
 Jane. Naturally I did not care for suspicion to fall 
 upon me. 
 
 Baffles (after a moment). Your story does not ring 
 true, Miss Ridgway. 
 
 Jane (ironically) . Oh, doesn't it? What do you intend 
 to do about it? 
 
 Enter Sholmes hurriedly from hall. 
 
 Sholmes. Who is in the habit of attending to Mr. Rol- 
 lins' room? (Crosses to Jane's right.) 
 
 Jane. Why — Melinda, the cook. 
 
 Sholmes. Will you call her? (Jane, followed by Baf- 
 fles^ crosses to bell and touches it.) 
 
 Enter Celeste from hall. 
 
 Jane. Celeste, ask Melinda to step here. (Exit Celeste 
 at R.) Have you found a clue, Mr. Sholmes? 
 
 Sholmes (holding out handkerchief). A lady's hand- 
 
 Enter Melinda at R. 
 
 Jane. Melinda, the detective has asked to interview you. 
 
 Melinda, Land sakes, chile, ah don't know nuffin' 'bout 
 this here murder. 
 
 Sholmes (sharply). What makes you call it murder? 
 
 Melinda (very ill at ease). Ain't it a murder? 
 
 Sholmes (quickly). Do you know that it is? 
 
 Melinda (sulkily). Don't know nujffin'. 
 
 Sholmes. Do you know Mr. Rollins? 
 
 Melinda. Ain't never seed him. 
 
 Sholmes. But I thought you attended to his room. 
 
 Melinda. Ain't 'tending it when he's thar, is ah? 
 
 Sholmes. What inference concerning his personal hab- 
 its did you form? 
 
 Melinda (puzzled). Lawsy, Miss Jane, what's he talkin' 
 'bout? 
 
A WATCH, WALLET AM) JACK OI« M'ADl-S 17 
 
 Jane. How did he leave his room? 'I'liat's what he 
 means. 
 
 Melinda. Neat as a pin, ]\[assa 'tective ; neat as a ])in. 
 Nuffin' ever out of place — nuffin' ever thrown 'round. 
 
 SiiOLMES {zvaving JiandkcrcJiicf) . Do you reco^ni/e tlie 
 scent on this handkerchief? 
 
 Melinda {sniffing). Yas suh. Dat are ]\liss Celeste's 
 perfumery. 
 
 Jane (warningly). IMelinda ! 
 
 Sholmes. Why do you call her Miss Celeste? 
 
 Melinda (sfill more sulkily). Ah call her dat kase Ah 
 want to. It ain't nobody's business what ah call her. 
 
 Sholmes {turning to Jane). Will you ring for Celeste? 
 
 Jane obeys. Enter Celeste from hall. 
 
 Jane. Mr. Sholmes has more questions to ask you, 
 Celeste. 
 
 Celeste {crossing to C). Oui, m'sieur. 
 
 Sholmes {holding out handkerchief). Is this your 
 handkerchief, Celeste? 
 
 Celeste {shaking head). No, no, m'sieur. 
 
 Sholmes. Is this the perfume you use? 
 
 Celeste. No, no, m'sieur. 
 
 Sliolmes. But IMelinda says it is. 
 
 Celeste {saucily), Zen — IMelinda — she make ze mis- 
 take. 
 
 Melinda. Ah ain't said nuffin'. 
 
 Sholmes. You may go, Melinda. (Esit IMelinda at 
 R.) Do you see the stain on this handkerchief, Celeste? 
 {Holds handkerchief close to her.) 
 
 Celeste {airily), Oui, m'sieur — eet ees red ink, n'est- 
 ce-pas ? 
 
 Sholmes {impressively) , It is — blood. {Sternly.) Hold 
 up your right hand, Celeste. 
 
 Celeste {sattcily). Pourquoi, m'sieur? 
 
 Sholmes. Because it has a little wound on one finger — • 
 caused by the prick of the hat-pin as you hastily jammed 
 it through your hat. 
 
 Jane. Nonsense, IMr. Sholmes. In that case the left 
 
18 A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 hand would have been pricked. As a rule, a woman uses 
 the right hand to manipulate a hat-pin. 
 
 Sholmes. But Celeste is left-handed. I noticed that — 
 when she opened the door to me. Hold up your hand, 
 Celeste. (She obeys reluctantly.) Just as I thought. The 
 wound is here. (She snatches her hand away.) 
 
 Jane (impatienily). Still, what has all this to do with 
 the subject in hand? 
 
 Sholmes. Only this. When she pricked her finger. 
 Celeste staunched the blood with this handkerchief — but 
 not sufficiently. For as she tore the wallet from Mr. Rol- 
 lins' pocket it left a stain. (To Celeste.) Whether you 
 originated the plan or were only an accomplice, I haven't 
 decided, but the articles were sent by you to Miss Ridgway. 
 
 Crennedy and Mrs, Ridgway appear at L. 2 B. 
 
 Baffles (coming forward as Celeste moves from C. to 
 desk chair, where she stands facing audience). Hold on, 
 Sholmes, and let me have an inning. Miss Jane Ridgway 
 confesses that the Jack of Spades found in the wallet was 
 taken from her pack of cards by Rollins himself. How's 
 that for a bit of evidence? 
 
 Sholmes (complacently rubbing his hands together). 
 Just as I thought. We'll have one discovery dove-tailing 
 into another until the picture puzzle is complete. 
 
 Crennedy (coming forward as Mrs. Ridgway sinks in 
 chair at L. 2 £.). Don't leave me out, for I've made some- 
 thing of a scoop myself. (The three detectives stand to- 
 gether at C) 
 
 Jane. Mother! (Rushes to Mrs. Ridgway.) 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway (weeping), I didn't say a word, Jane — 
 I didn't say a word. 
 
 Crennedy. Nor did she. It wasn't necessary — for ac- 
 tions speak more clearly than words. (To Baffles and 
 Sholmes.) In the mysterious gentleman's watch is a pic- 
 ture of Mrs. Ridgway herself — a copy of the portrait which 
 adorns the wall. (Points to it.) And yet she has had no 
 acquaintance with him — no interest in him — in fact, has 
 never spoken to him! 
 
A WATCH, WALLET AXD TACK ()!• SPADLS 19 
 
 Janl IMother! (SUuids Ihick of cluiir.) 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway. I haven't said a word, Jane — I liaN-ciTt 
 said a word ! 
 
 Jane. Where is Anne? 
 
 SllOLMES. Hunting for something-, T fancy. 
 
 Jane. Hiintini; for what? 
 
 SiiOLMES. Aiiothef piece of tlie picture puzzle, I shall 
 call it. 
 
 Jane (angrily). Please explain yourself. 
 
 Sholmes. Rather let her make the explanation. (Crosses 
 to hall door and calls.) Miss Ridgway! Come down — for 
 it's no use to look further. I happened upon the ol)ject of 
 your search a few minutes ago. (Crosses to davenport.) 
 
 Enter xAnne from hall. 
 
 Anne (looking around). Why, what is the matter? 
 (Gazes sternly ar Sholmes.) And will you explain your 
 very unintelligible remark, Mr. Sholmes? (Baffles and 
 Crennedy join Sholmes at R. U. E.) 
 
 Sholmes. One question at a time. Miss Ridgway — one 
 question at a time. You ask the meaning of — all this? 
 (Gestures.) Well, we've each found a portion of the pic- 
 ture puzzle — that s all. And as to my remark — I think you 
 understand without my explanation. 
 
 Anne. Parcl/n me, Mr. Sholmes, if I presume to dis- 
 agree. (Sits in chair R, of table. Baffles and Crexxfdy 
 sit on davenport.^ 
 
 Sholmes. Then I shall explain. (Crosses to hack of 
 her chair.) Do 3 ou remember making a statement sor.ic- 
 thing like this: * 'When we find the other half of the scared) 
 our task is ended"? 
 
 Anne (coldly). I remember perfectly. 
 
 Sholmes (taking scarab from pocket). \\'ell, here is 
 the other half of the scarab. I found it, ]\Iiss Ridgwa} , in 
 the secret drawer of your desk. 
 
 Anne (clasping hands). Oh! 
 
 Sholmes. Yon were hunting for it a moment ago, were 
 you not? 
 
 Anne (after c pause). I was hunting for it. (Gaccs 
 
20 A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 defiantly at the three men.) Well, what are you going to 
 do about it? 
 
 Sholmes (crossing to C). One moment! Let me give 
 my solution of the affair before my colleagues have the 
 floor. With the aid of Celest^., Miss Ridgway, for reasons 
 which I must yet fathom, has in some way effected the 
 disappearance — I do not say death — bi Amos Rollins. Fur- 
 ther endeavors will bring further disclosures. {Returns to 
 davenport and seats himself.) Mr. Baffles! 
 
 Baffles {rising). My solution of the matter Is different. 
 Miss Ridgway cleverly contrived this plot as a sudden end- 
 ing to the violent attachment which Mr. Rollins entertained 
 for her sister. Miss Jane returned his affection and despite 
 her sister's opposition determined to leave with him. As 
 a pledge of her promise she sent him a Jack of Spades. 
 
 Jane {coyly). How stupid of me! Queen of Hearts 
 would have been so much more fitting. 
 
 Sholmes. But the scarab — 
 
 Baffles. Merely a part of the scheme to deport the un- 
 welcome suitor and to present the matter to the family as a 
 mysterious disappearance. 
 
 Anne {despairingly). Dear me. There seems to be no 
 escape for me ! 
 
 Baffles {turning to Crennedy). And now, Crennedy, 
 what is your opinion? {Sits.) 
 
 Crennedy {rising). Amos Rollins was really Amos 
 Ridgway — the master of the house and the husband of this 
 lady. {Points to Mrs. Ridgway.) Where they have sent 
 him or what they have done to him or what was their object 
 must be ferreted out. 
 
 Jane {in a hurst of laughter). Isn't it delicious? Abso- 
 lutely delicious? Oh, Anne, I can't thank you enough for 
 this evening of unalloyed pleasure! 
 
 Anne {excitedly). Didn't I tell you it would work? 
 And hasn't it been fun? 
 
 Mrs. Ridgway. Speak only for yourselves. I have never 
 had a more wretched experience. It was thoughtless of 
 you to impose it upon me. {Weeps.) 
 
A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK Ol- SI\\l)l-;s 2\ 
 
 Sholmes (rising). Pardon nu-, my drar \nunL;- ladies, 
 if I remark that this is no laughing- mailer. 
 
 Anne (rising ajid facing the iJivcc). Oh, l)ul il is. 
 Listen — all of you! I did do away with ]\lr. Jvolhii^, l)iu I 
 created him as well — and there's no such crealure I C)i(hCt 
 the inaccuracies of my maids tell you that? (Pauses.) 
 
 Baffles (rising). Aliss Ridgway! 
 
 Anne. I am a dramatist, gentlemen, and I've heen asked 
 to write a m\^terv play. I longed for experience — in fact, 
 I had to have it — so I planned this little event, much against 
 the wishes of my mother. Mr. Rollins w^as created from 
 the airy nothings of imagination ; he w^as invested wdth my 
 father's watch — which explains the picture and the initials 
 — my father's wallet — over which Celeste obligingly pricked 
 her finger — the glove of an accommodatmg friend., who, 
 bv the wav, has all hi^ fin<rers — and a scarab which h mv 
 ow^n property. Our scheme w^as doubtless illogical— in 
 many respects crude — but it has given me the basis of a 
 ripping drama, anel I am duly grateful to you three gentle- 
 men ! (Bows.) 
 
 Sholmls (angrily). Do you mean to say that you have 
 summoned us three busy men on a ridiculous, fooii^ii and 
 fruitless pretext? 
 
 Anne (pointing to desk). It need not be a fruitless 
 evening, gentlemen, for my check book is at hand and it 
 is my pleasure to compensate you for the time and energy 
 spent in my behalf. 
 
 Celeste (demurely). May I be introduced? 
 
 Anne. My sister, gentlemen, my youngest sister. (Ce- 
 leste curtseys.) AAHiich explains the puzzling Miss which 
 the maids let fall so often. 
 
 Baffles. This is rather a blow^ to our reputations I'ui 
 thinking. 
 
 Anne. Hardly. Rather let us call it a positive triumph. 
 (Takes Sholmes' arm.) Come, Mr. Sholmes. (Beckons 
 Jane, who crosses and takes Baffles' arm.) Come. ]\Ir. 
 Baffles! (Beckons Mrs. Rjdcww, wJio croS'^'.\'^ reluctantly 
 and takes Crennedy's arm.) Come, ]\Ir. Crennedy ! Please 
 
22 A WATCH, WALLET AND JACK OF SPADES 
 
 forgive me and help us partake of the feast which Melinda 
 has prepared as a penance for her lack of veracity. Shall 
 we all drink a health to Amos Rollins? 
 
 Sholmes. And also to a Watch, a Wallet and a Jack 
 of Spades? 
 
 (As Celf.ste holds open the door at R., they all pass 
 slowly out, with Anne and Sholmes in the lead,) 
 
 Curtain. 
 
Then Greek Met Greek 
 
 By LINDSEY BARBEE 
 
 Price, 25 Cents 
 
 Comedy in one act; 12 females. (In the original prochution. all 
 parts were taken by women. However, the chciracters (jf I'o.seidon, 
 Hermes and Apollo may be assumed by men and those of Kros 
 and Hebe by children or by those of small stature.) Time, 1 Ik ur. 
 Scene: Hera's living- room in the Olympus apartment house. Ch .r- 
 acters: Hera, possessor of a shield. Hestia, of conservative ten- 
 dencies. Demeter, adorned witli poppies. Athene, holding the key 
 to a higher life. Poseidon, wielding a trident. Hermes, a messen- 
 ger boy. Barbara, a mortal. Apollo, a ladic^s' man. Artemis, god- 
 dess of the Crescent Moon. Aphrodite, with an anchor. Eros, 
 armed with an arrow. Hebe, youngest of Olympians. Plot: A 
 parody upon the "rushing- season" of college sororities and at the 
 same time a plea for a better Panhellenic spirit. The symbols of 
 well known Greek letter societies distinguish the various charac- 
 ters and the flattering attentions heaped upon the little "barbarian" 
 will remind college women of similar occasions when "a choice 
 of Greeks" was deemed the most important step of any fresli- 
 man. This comedy is especially appropriate for the Panhellenic 
 Associations which are being- so rapidly organized and will pro- 
 mote an enthusiasm of friendliness and good fellowship among- the 
 rivals of other days. 
 
 The Lau^hin^ Cure 
 
 By EDITH F. A. U. PAINTON 
 
 Price, 25 Cents 
 
 Comedy in 2 acts; 4 males, 5 females. Tim.e, 1% hours. Scene: 
 1 interior. A woman without a sense of humor is the cause of 
 much distress to herself and those about her. Her mental atti- 
 tude leads to chronic dispepsia and her old physician places the 
 case wath his nephew, a young M. D. just out of college, who 
 prescribes one laugh regularly, every thirty minutes. Full of fun 
 and action. An old lady of the Auntie Doleful type, in direct 
 contrast to the cheerful spirit of the play, supplies excellent 
 comedy. The young- doctor is brimful of philosophy — "Laughing 
 is the best beauty dope on the market. It will relieve every 
 wrinkle from both brow and brain." 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 Act I. — The Hansons are discouraged over the condition of 
 Mrs. Hanson's health. Mrs. Perry comes to cheer Mrs. Hanson and 
 prepare her for the end. The doctor prescribes his novel remedy. 
 *'But, doctor, I never laugh." The first dose is administered, 
 and the doctor performs for the amusement of his patient with 
 discouraging effect. "You're funny, aren't you?" Jimmie and 
 Gay join in the "best joke of the season." 
 
 Act II. — Mr. Hanson is shocked by his wife's peculiar con- 
 duct. "Is she intoxicated or delirious?" Mrs. Perry is worried over 
 the matter. The doctor explains the situation. The gentle art 
 of laughing. The talk of the towm. Treatment concludes in 
 triumph. Mrs. Perry is "converted" to the laughing gospel, even 
 against her will. "He who laughs most, laughs best." 
 
 T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 
 
 154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 
 
The Call o£ Wohelo 
 
 By LINDSEY BARBEE. 
 Price^ 25 Cents 
 
 A comedy drama in 3 acts; 10 females. Time, 1% hours. 
 Scene: 1 exterior. Characters: Ellen Ferris, Guardian of the 
 Camp. Mrs. Vale, Camp mother. Blue Bird (Owaissa — Blue Bird), 
 her young daughter. Wah-wah-taysee (Firefly), an Indian girl. 
 Sylvia (Wayaka— See Beauty), a Camp "Misfit." Amy (Kee-wee— 
 Rainbow Maid), a Torch Bearer. Marian (Disyadi — Moon Maid), A 
 Fire Maker. Emily (Minnehaha — Laughing Water), a Wood 
 Gatherer. Constance (Gaoh — Spirit of the Wind), a Wood Gatherer. 
 Dorothy (To-he -ha— Humming Bird), a Wood Gatherer. 
 
 SYNOPSIS. 
 
 Act I. — Blue Bird runs errands for the busy Camp Fire girls, 
 among whom Sylvia alone is idle. Sylvia is declared a Camp 
 "misfit," and Miss Ferris decides to make one last effort to interest 
 her in Camp Fire life. A visitor. Miss Marshall, a noted Camp 
 Fire worker, is promised and Amy tells a ghost story in which she 
 herself is heroine. Wah-wah-taysee chants magic words and 
 Sylvia promises to seek "the treasure." 
 
 Act 11. — Under Wah-wah-taysee's tutelage, Sylvia becomes a 
 very different girl, but the intimacy with the Indian girl brings 
 criticism from her Camp Fire friends. The mention of Amy's ghost 
 produces peals of laughter, for constant watching has failed to 
 detect "The Lady in White." Miss Ferris announces that Miss 
 Marshall will be present at the Council Fire. Amy persuades Marian 
 and Sylvia to keep a last vigil for the ghost and they consent. 
 (Constance's money disappears and suspicion turns to the Indian. 
 Wah-wah-taysee sends a message. The ghost proves something cf 
 a sensation. 
 
 Act III. — The Council Fire. Miss Marshall and the Indian are 
 discovered to be the same. Wah-wah-taysee tells her story and 
 Sylvia is admitted to the rank of Wood Gatherer. 
 
 The Whole Truth 
 
 By LINDSEY BARBEE. 
 Price, 15 Cents 
 
 Comedy; 5 males, 4 females. Time, 40 minutes. At a dinner 
 party on Midsummer Eve, a wish is made that each guest for the 
 evening speaks nothing but the truth. Complexities arise, difficul- 
 ties are straightened, the bogus English lord is unmasked and the 
 mystery of the heiress is solved. Clever and humorous. 
 
 Her First Scoop 
 
 By LINDSEY BARBEE. 
 Price, 15 Cents 
 
 Comedy; 1 male, 2 females. Time, 45 minutes. A young news- 
 paper woman, through nerve and clever strategy gains a coveted 
 interview, thereby beating the rival papers with a story of special 
 interest, which in a newspaper office is known as a "scoop." The 
 parley of wit and the scintillating dialogue will charm and delight. 
 
 T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 
 
 154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 
 
DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 
 
 Price 15 Cents Each, Poetpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 
 
 M. 1-. 
 
 Winning Widow, 2 acts, ly^ hrs. 
 
 (25c) 2 4 
 
 Women Who Did, 1 lir...(25c) 17 
 Yankee Detective, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 8 3 
 
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 Billy's Mishap, 20 min... 
 
 Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 
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 Is the Editor In? 20 min.., 4 
 
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 min. . . , 3 
 
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 Yankee Peddler, 1 hr 7 3 
 
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 Colored Honeymoon, 25 min... 2 2 
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 Dutch Cocktail, 20 min 2 
 
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 Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 
 
 Home Run, 15 min 1 
 
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 Love and Lather, 35 min 3 
 
 Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 
 
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 Mischievous Nigger, 25 min.. 4 
 
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 Mr. and Mrs. Fido, 20 min 1 
 
 Oh, Doctor! 30 min 6 
 
 One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 
 Oshkosh Next Week, 20 min . . 4 
 
 Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 
 
 Pete Yansen's Gurl's Moder, 10m. 1 
 
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 Pooh Bah of Peacetown, 35 min. 2 
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 Time Table, 20 min 1 
 
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 What Happened to Hannah, 15m. 1 
 
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 Wide Awake Dialogues. 
 
 Original successful. 
 
 SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 
 
 Choice Pieces for Little People. 
 
 A child's speaker. 
 The Comic Entertainer. 
 
 Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
 Dialect Readings. 
 
 Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. 
 The Favorite Speaker. 
 
 Choice prose and poetry. 
 The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 
 
 For pupils of all ages. 
 Humorous Monologues. 
 
 Particularly for ladies. 
 Monologues for Young Folks. 
 
 Clever, humorous, original. 
 
 ryionoio 
 
 D raiTiatrc~aTra~iruinorDxr5. — 
 
 Scrap- Book Recitations. 
 
 Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
 morous, descriptive, prose, 
 poetry. 15 Nos., per No. 25c 
 
 DRILLS 
 
 The Best Drill Book. 
 
 Very popular drills and marches. 
 The Favorite Book of Drills. 
 
 Drills that sparkle with originality. 
 Little Plays With Drills. 
 
 For children from 6 -to 11 years. 
 The Surprise Drill Book. 
 
 Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 
 
 SPECIALTIES 
 
 The Boys' L ntertainer. 
 
 Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
 Children's Party Book. 
 
 Invitations, decorations, games. 
 The Days v e Celebrate. 
 
 Entertainments for all the holidays. 
 Good Things for Christmas. 
 
 Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
 Good Things for Sunday Schools. 
 
 Dialogues, exerc. es, recitations. 
 Good Things for Thanksgiving. 
 
 A gem of a book. 
 Good Things ;for Washington 
 
 and LincoJh Birthdays. 
 Little Folks' Budget. 
 
 Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
 One Hundred Entertainments. 
 
 New parlor diversions, socials. 
 Patriotic Celebrations. 
 
 Great variety of material. 
 Pictured Readings and Tableaux, 
 
 Entirely c riginal features. 
 Pranks and Pastimes. 
 
 Parlor games for children. 
 Private Theatricals. 
 
 How to put on plays. 
 Chadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 
 
 Charades, and how to prepare. 
 Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 
 
 New and novel; for all ages. 
 Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
 ing Figures. For little tots. 
 Yuletide Entertainments. 
 
 A choice Christmas collection. 
 
 MINSTRELS, JOKES 
 
 Black American Joker. 
 
 ]\Iin?trels' and end men's gags. 
 A Bundle cf Burnt Cork Comedy. 
 
 Monologues, stump speeches, etc, 
 Laughland, via the Ha-Ha Route. 
 
 A merry trip for fun tourists. 
 Negro Minstrels. 
 
 All about the business. 
 The New Joliy Jester. 
 
 Funry stories, jolc^o, gags» etc. 
 
 Large Illustrated Catalogue Free 
 
 T.S.DENISON & COIViPANY, Publi$hersJ54 W. Randolph St. , Chicago