fi 
 
 PS lOS^ 
 
 1 /Its 
 
■^ -all, 
 
 Jwst Published. The "Popular Edition" of Baker's Keading Club and 
 Haudy Speaker. Nos, 1, 2, 3, and 4, 50 selections in each. Price 15 cents each. 
 
 l!int6ied,aCCOldijlgtoActof Congress, in the year 16^0, iiy George M. Bakes, in the Offic oi Uie 
 Librarian of Concress.at Wasliinaton. 
 
% SPEKTCEH'S UNIVEHSAL STAGE. 
 
 r Collection of COMEDIES, DRAMAS, and FARCES, adapted to either Public 
 or Private Performance. Containinr/ u full description of all 
 tlie necessary Stage liusiness. 
 
 % 
 
 I 
 
 r5 
 
 *! 
 
 '■■} 8- 
 
 PltTCE, 15 CENTS EACH. C^^JVo Plays exchanged. 
 
 U 4. 
 
 Liost v.M Iiondon. A Drama in 
 , Tlircc Acts. Mi.ic, 4 Female char- 
 acters. 
 r^'ichnlas Flam. A Comedy in Two 
 Acts. l!y J. 1!. Buckstoue. 5 Jlale, 
 3 Female cliaractcrs. 
 
 Tlie ■\Vel.s»i <;irl. A Comedy in 
 One Act. Jfy Jlrs. Planche. 3 Male, 
 2 Fcm-ile cHaracters. 
 
 John ^Vopps. A Farce in One Act. 
 I5y \V. K. Suter. 4 Male, 2 F<;male 
 characters. 
 
 Tlie Tiirlitsli ISath. A Farce in 
 One Act. liy JMontague Williams 
 and F. C. IJurnaad. (i Male, 1 Fe- 
 male character. 
 
 The Two Pinldifoots. A Farce 
 in One Act. JSy .1. JI. Morton. 3 
 JIale, 3 Female characler.s. 
 
 Old Iloiiesty. A Comic Drama in 
 Two Acts. J!y J. M. Jlortou. 6 
 Illalc, 2 l''omnle cliaracters. 
 
 T^vo Gentlemen in a Fix. A 
 
 Farce in One Act. liy ^V. E. Suter. 
 
 2 JIale characters. 
 Smashin^ton Goit. A Farce in 
 
 Olio Act. 'UyT..). Williams. 5 Male, 
 
 3 Female characters. 
 
 Two Heads Better thanOiie. A 
 Fiircc in One Act. IJ.v Lenox Home. 
 
 4 Male, 1 Feraulo character. 
 
 John TJohbs. A Farce in One Act. 
 15v J. JI. ]\lortou. 5 Male, 2 Female 
 characters. 
 
 The I>a\iglliter of the Uegi- 
 nient. A Drama in Two Acts. By 
 Fdward Fitzball. Male, 2 Female 
 characters. 
 
 Aitnt Charlotte's Blaid. A Farce 
 in One Act. l!y .1. 1\I. Jlortou. 3 
 Male, 3 Female characters. 
 
 Brother Bill and ^re. A Farce in 
 One Act. I!y \V. ll. Suter. 4 Male, 
 3 Fcnialn characters. 
 
 Done on Both Sides. A Farce in 
 Our Act. IJy J, j\I. Jlorton. 3 
 Male, 2 Female characters. 
 
 T*nnducketty's Picnic. A Farce 
 in One Act. l!y T. J. AVilliams. 6 
 JMale, 3 Female characters. 
 
 I've -written to Bro-wne. A Farce 
 in One Act. By T. J. '\^■illiams. 4 
 Male, 3 Female characters. 
 
 IS. Lendinj^ a TIand. A Farce in One 
 Act. By u. A. A'Beckct. 3 Male, 
 
 2 1' emale oharactcrs. 
 
 19. My Precious Betsy. A Farce in 
 
 One Act By J. M. Morton. 4 Male, 
 4 FcniMk characters. 
 
 20. MyTwrnlVext. A Farce in One Act. 
 
 By T. J. AVilliams. 4 JIalo, 3 Fe- 
 male cha!,'..acrs. 
 
 21. Nine Po:«s 5 of the Law. A Com- 
 
 edy in Odo Act. By Tom Taylor. 
 4 Male, .> Female characters. 
 
 22. The Phantom Breakfast. A 
 
 Farce in One Act. By Charles Scl- 
 by. 3 Jlale, 2 Female characters. 
 
 23. Dandelions Oodges. A Farce in 
 
 One Act. J!v T. J. Williams. 4 
 Blale, 2 Female characters. 
 
 24. A Slice of fyisck. A Farce in One 
 
 Act. rv J. M. Morton. 4 Mule, 2 
 Female c^;^.■^.cters. 
 
 25. Always Intended. A Com?dy in 
 
 One Act. <iy Horace Wigan. 3 
 Blalc. 3 Female characters. 
 20. A Bull in a China Shop. A Com- 
 edy iu Two Acts. By Charles Slat- 
 thews. Male, 4 Female characicrs. 
 
 27. Another (>lass. A Drama in One 
 
 Act. By Thomas Morton. Blalc, 
 
 3 Female characters. 
 
 28. Bowled Out, A Farce in One Act. 
 
 By II. T. Craven. 4 Male, 3 Female 
 cliaracters. 
 20. Cousin Tom. A Commedietta in 
 Om- Act. By Gcorpe Bobcrts. 3 
 3Iale, 2 Female characters. 
 
 30. Sarah's lioung Man,, A Farce in 
 
 One Act. By \V. K. Suter. 3 3Iale, 
 3 Female characters. 
 
 31. Hit Him, He has IVo Friends. 
 
 A Farce in One Act. By E, Yates 
 
 and N. II. Harrington. 7 Male, 3 
 
 Female characters. 
 S?- The Christening. A Farce in One 
 
 Act. By J. B. Buckstoue. 5 Male, 
 
 b Female characters. 
 3;». A Race for a 'IVidow. A Farce 
 
 in Ouc Act. By Thomas J. ^Vil- 
 
 liaras. 5 3Ialc, 4 Female characicrs. 
 3- Your Tvife's in Danger. A Farce 
 
 in One A-t. By J. ":M. Morton. 3 
 
 Jlale, 3 Female characters. 
 3t, True tiiito Death. A Drama in 
 
 Two Acts. By J. Sheridan Knowlos. 
 
 Male, 2 Female characters. 
 
 aor>Qt:kQCOr-.QL)^uOP^QQtiOO£)^OCOCQC£)CQO£)QgCeOQi 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 
 
 A FARCE. 
 
 BT THE AUTHOR ©F 
 
 •Sylvia'i Soldier,- "Once on a Time,'V D6wn by the Se»," "Bread on the Waters," 
 
 "The Last Ijjai," " Stand by tlie Flag," " Tliu '^einpter," "A Drop Too Much," "We're 
 All Teetuulf.s," "A L,Ufle Mure Cider," "Tliirty Minutes for Kefreshmcnts," 
 " VVantcU, a .Yale Cook," " A Sea of Troubles," " Freedom of the i'ress," " A 
 Close Suave," "The Ureat Klixir," "TiSi.* Man with the Ueniijohn," "Nc* 
 Brooms Sweep Clean, ' " Humors of the Strike, ' " My Uncle the Captain," 
 "The Greatest Plague ui Life, '"Ko Cure, No fay, ""The Ureciuu 
 Bend," "The War of the Koses," " Lightheart'i Pilgrimage," 
 " The Sculptor's Triumph," " Too Late for the Train," " Snow- 
 Bound." "Tlie Peddler of Very Nice," " Bonbons," " Capu- 
 letta," "An Original Idea," " Enlisted for the War," 
 "Never say Die," "The Champion of her Sex," 
 "The 'Visions of Freedom," "The Merry Christ- 
 mas of the Old Woman who lived in a 
 Shoe," " The Tournament of Idylcourt, 
 " A Thorn among the Hoses," 
 "A Christmas Carol," 
 "One Hundred 
 Vears Ago," 
 
 tiO. 
 
 BOSTON : 
 G20RGE M. BAKER AND COJklPANY, 
 
 41-45 Fkankus, Street. 
 

 Copyright 
 
 Bj Geoboe M. Baeeb, 
 
 1876. 
 
 Electrotyped at the Boston Stereotj-pe Foundry, 
 19 Spring Laue. 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 
 
 A FARCE. 
 
 CHARACTERS. 
 
 Captain Boliver BoBsxAy, " ^Mysteriously disappeared. 
 
 Chaules Cleverly, an Amateur Farmer. 
 
 Dixon Dolby, out for a Day's Sport. 
 
 Carlos Carrots, a Farm Hand. 
 
 Mrs. Cleverly, Charles's Wife. 
 
 Nellt Cleverlx. Charles's Sister. 
 
 Miss Peksis Grievous, " Widow Bobstay." 
 
 COSTUMES. 
 
 Captain. Wide-bottomed^trouscrs, and "Reefer" of blue; 
 blue shirt; black handkerchief; bald wig for own; black 
 wig and big black whiskers for dis^guise. 
 
 Dolby. Ciieckered suit; gaiters; Jock 03' cap. 
 
 Charles. Blue flannel suit; wide-brimmod straw hat. - • 
 
 Carlos. Wide straw hat ; heavy shoes ; blue stockings ; short 
 pants; and jacket open; with red or yellow waistcoat; red 
 wig. 
 
 Nelly. Pretty muslin dress, with apron and morning cap. 
 
 Mrs. C. Morning dress. 
 
 Miss Pkrsis. Red wig, with long curls. Dress very high- 
 colored; spectacles of aliglit blue; hat. She is rather old, 
 w.it^ affecti^d girlish dress aud ways. 
 
 73 
 
74 A MYSTEKIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 
 
 • 
 Scene. — Sitting-room ui farm-house. Door in flat 
 c. , ^indoio in flat l. Loxwqq .under wi^idoxo, 
 'i^cjme IT..* corner, hack, with cover,- hhofch^ cind flbw- 
 ers. Small table, r. c. Arm-chair, l. c. Chair, 
 L., near flrst entrance. Door e. and l. Nelly dis- 
 covered dusting. 
 
 Nelly {throwing brush on lounge). That ■will clo for 
 to-day. It's time Carlos were tack from the post-office. 
 I am anxious to obtain a letter from my invisible 
 adorer, Dixon Dolby. How my good brother would 
 open his eyes if he knew the extent of my wickedness. 
 Three months ago, six of us girls at school, desirous of 
 acquiring proficiency in correspondence, agreed to write 
 to gentlemen whom we had never met, but whom we 
 knew by reputation to be gentlemen. My choice was 
 my brother's chum before his marriage, Dixon Dolby. 
 My plan succeeded admirably. Ho answered the note 
 signed. Rosa Bean. The most tender and impassioned 
 epistles followed on both sides, until at last he liad the 
 impudence to request an exchange of photographs. I 
 consented, but was not fool enough to allow hirn to 
 discover my identity ; so, to secure his, I sent instead 
 a? photograph of my brother's wife. I knew they had 
 fiever met, but they must; and when they do, won't 
 there be fun. I only hope I shall be at the denouement^ 
 Ah ! here's Carlos. -ti .nin*"- 
 
 {Enter Carlos, c, with two letters ptrid ajypper.) 
 Well, Carlos, what success? - 
 
 Carlos {putting letters behind him). Hey? What'U 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEAliANOlS. 75 
 
 you give to know ? Ought to give a fcUcr somethin* 
 piirtv sweet, cos 1 ran all the way, 
 
 Nelly. Iiidecil I will, Carlos. My warmest thanks ■ 
 and my sweetest smile. ' ' ''"y^K) vA>»Vi. 
 
 Carlos. Is that all? Well, here's a letter {gives 
 her a letter). ' 
 
 Kelhj: O, thank you, Carlos. YWre a^ dear, good 
 boy (takes lettdr, and sits in arm-chair, l.). 
 
 Carlos {comes down r., puts nexospaper on table). 
 Kinder thought I might get somethin' sweeter ; a kiss, 
 jierhnps. But I s'posc she was afraid somebody might' 
 be lookin'. I wouidn't a cared if they had. She's jest 
 as purty as a pictur ; and I kinder think she hankers 
 arter me. I jest like her, you bet! Wish sometimes 
 I could be a caterpillar, and ci'awl under l)er purty feet. 
 I- couldn't be n>ore smashed than I am now. Wal, I'll 
 go and hunt up Mr. Cleverly Avitli the other letter {goes 
 vjJ c): Nothiii' wanlin', Miss Nelly ? 
 
 Nelly. Nothing ; thank you, Carlos. '' 
 
 Carlos (at door). O, she's a beauty. Takes such 
 pains to call me Carlos. Mr. Cleverly he always calls 
 me Careless, 'cause he says it's my natur. [Ji^it c. 
 
 Nelly {takes photograph from letter). There he is ; 
 charming fellow. He has no idea I am the sister of his 
 best fiien<l. Not bad-looking {Jiolds photograph up). 
 {Enter Musv Cleverly with hat and shawl, door l.' 
 
 She looks oyer Nelly's shoidder at incture.) 
 A <:i:l might be happy with such a man. I've no doubt 
 I shall blush' when we meet. ( To photograph.) You 
 dear fellow, you are good-looking and smart — • 
 
 Mrs. C. ladeed he is, Nelly. . ' '• ■ ' ' ;« : 
 
7.6 . A. MYSXJ5RK)US DISAPPEARANCE. 
 
 Nelly (^jumping up). O, good gracious! you here?, 
 
 3Irs. C. ILive I disturbed your devotions? Who 
 i$ lie ? Wlicu ,Avi.Il it be ? 
 
 Nelhj {liuts photorjrapJi in her hosom). Nonsense; 
 it's only a isliglii ncqiiniiitance. > 
 
 3frs. C. You do not slight liis picture, I sliould' 
 say lie was. a bosonirfriend. Where's Charley? 
 
 Nelly. Out on the farm, hilling corn, I believe. - 
 
 Mrs. C. ■ Poor fellow ! how his corns must aclie! 
 and his back. Ha, ha, ha! lie works! so hard to mnkel 
 a pleasure of what he does not enjoy. Nell, tell him, 
 if he comes in, I've run over to Mrs. Young's to borrow 
 her pat. I won't be gone long. \_Exit c. 
 
 Nelly. She saw him, but she doesn't know him. If 
 she only knew what he received in exchange. :W€l.l,j 
 I'm not going to spoil d frolic for fear of .the c6nse-l 
 quences. i 
 
 Charles {outside). Hang the corn, Careless; ray> 
 back 's nearly broken now. 
 
 {Enter c. with a hoe, followed hy Carlos.) 
 
 Cq^rlos. How about theionions, sir? 
 
 Charles. How about them -as much as you like, but 
 no hoe about them for me. 
 
 Carlos. They won't be worth a cent. 
 
 Charles. Well, don't get ' sentimehtal over them, 
 Car(;less. They're not worth weeping over ; no. Care- 
 less. (I've set myself up for an independent firmer, 
 and there's no clause regarding hoeing in my declara- 
 tion ofindepender.ee. You shall have a hdiday : you 
 needn't AViOrk to-day. You're not very fond of it at 
 any time ; but this day we have a visitor. ' . 
 
 Nelly. A visitor? 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPICARANCE. 77 
 
 Charles.' Yes, Nelly. I've got vronl from liim ; lio's 
 coming clown for a day's sport. • Tii-,' very m.ui I've 
 picked out to lead yoti to llie Jiynienc.d altar. 
 
 Carlos. Gosh njl hemlock ! 
 
 Charles. What's the matter, Careless ? 
 
 Carlos. Me — I — notliin'; only a darned skcctcr 
 up my nose. ~ 
 
 Nelli/. Picked out for mc ? Thank you ; I can do 
 my own picking. 
 
 Charles. And your own leading too. You're smart 
 enough to do the leading business. Where's Jenny, 
 ♦' the girl I left behind me " ? 
 
 Nelly. She left before you — came in. She ran 
 over to Mrs. Young's to borrow her J5at. 
 
 Charles. Her Pat ? Haven't I told her I wouldn't 
 have an Irishmnn on the place? 
 
 Nelly. Ha, ha, ha ! It's a- butter pat. 
 
 Carlos. IIo, ho, ho ! 
 
 Charles. What's the matter with you, Careless? 
 {Carlos looJcs sober.) Do thrtt again, and you'll get 
 anything but a pat. Go, make yourself presentable ; 
 put your auburn locks in curl-papers, and wash your 
 face. You shall guide my friend in his day's sport. 
 
 Carlos. Yes, sir. {Aside) lie's going to lead her 
 with a halter, is he? I'll show liim sport. \_ExU c. 
 
 Charles. Yes, ^Nelly, we're to have a visit from my 
 old chum, Dixie Dolby. 
 
 Nelly. Good gracious ! he coming here ? 
 
 Charles. Yes; for the first time; and to the coun- 
 try for the first time, too. This little matrimonial 
 scheme of mine is the only secret I ever bad fi-om him. 
 
78 A MYSTEEIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 
 
 He didn't know I was courting Jcriny Bolistay until 
 he received my wedding-cards. Wasn't lie surprised? 
 No more tlian I, liowever. Just a year ago, that high- 
 ly respectable old maiinor, Captain Boliver Bobstay, 
 mysteriously disappeared from Valparaiso, where the 
 stanch bark "Indigo Blue" was waiting for a cargo. 
 His coat and liat were found upon the pier ; but the 
 wearer never did appear upon tliat pier again. 
 
 Nelly. And he was not lieard of again ? 
 
 Charles. No. Yes. Six months ago, Jenny re- 
 ccive<l a deed of this place from Uncle Bobstay. How 
 it came, or where it came liom, nobody knew; but it 
 was found all right, and being a nice cosy place here, 
 we married and settled u])On it three months ago. 
 
 Nelly. Bui, Charley, your friend — : 
 
 Charles. O, yes ; Dolby — clever fellow. You've 
 never met him, Nelly ,? 
 
 Nelly. No. I've often lieard you speak of him, 
 and feel inclined to like him. 
 
 Charles. I know you will,: Nelly. Now let's have 
 something nice for dinner, in honor of our guest ; some- 
 thing extra, you know. 
 
 Nelly. I'll look after the dinner. When hc,comes, 
 we shall have something extra, [^Exit n. 
 
 Charles. She's a nice girl. I hope Dixie will like 
 her. To think of his coming down here to see me a 
 mari'ied man. Why, I should almost as soon expect 
 Uncle Bobstay to walk in at 'my door. ^v 
 
 {Eater c. Bobstay. He has a hlach . wiy and hlacJc 
 whiskers.) 
 
 Bobstay {at door). Avast there 1 ^j-^. the . deck^ 
 clear? Sh— 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPIPEARANCB.' 79 
 
 Charles. Hnllo ! Who have \vo liore ? Cnmcii^. 
 
 Hohstay {comes down r.). All right, my ]i<';fity. 
 Whoii ;i inossmiitc 's g'>ing down in (he biiny — - f-r tlie 
 last time, mind — what do wo do ? Why, we extends 
 a helping hand, and grabs him by the hair of the head, 
 don't we ? 
 
 Charles. That is tlie first impulse — unless he's bald. 
 
 ^BdbsUiy' {extending hand). Put it there; give us 
 your flip])er {they shake hands). All right. Here's 
 your 1i;mi<1 -jxnd 'ero's my head: Take a good hidd of 
 it, as if I was agoin' down for the hist tiiiie. Xow, 
 steady. (Charles talces hold of his toiy^ and '!)<»b- 
 STAY seizes his beard.) Let fall nil ! {/Te stands buck, 
 2MUin(/ off whiskers. Charles jyO'lls off wiy.) 
 
 Charles. Uncle Bobstny ! 
 
 Bobstay. Hush ! Ensy, Clnirley, easy. ' Bobstay 
 of the Indigo Blue, he went up — no, down — least- 
 wise he went off. I'm a sperit, you uiiderstaiid ? Fm 
 the Ancient Mariner — Captnin KyU— the Great Un- 
 known — anything you please but Bobstny. He mys- 
 teriously dis.-ippeared ; let him be'inissed. 
 
 Charles. But what have you been doing? What's 
 the trou-ble? 
 
 Bobstay. A deep one — deeper than the sea. Hush ! 
 Put it there {shakes hands). There's a woman at the 
 bottom. : ' 
 
 ' Charles. At the bottom of the sea ? Good gra- 
 cious! 
 
 Bobstay. No. I wish she was, Charley.' ' Pat it 
 there {shakes hands).' You've heard me 'speak of 
 Spanker, skipper of the Venetian Red? 
 
80 
 
 A MYSTEBIOUS DISAPPEARANGB*^ 
 
 Charles. Many a time. He was' a particular friend 
 of yours, I believe. 
 
 BoUtay. Chailey, listen to a talc that would make 
 the marines blush. When I reached Valparaiso on 
 my last run, I found the Venetian Red there before 
 me ; but I found that Spanker had " mysteriously dis- 
 appeared."* His hat and coat were found upon the 
 pier,- and he was supposed to be beneath the waves. 
 Charles. Wli;it a coincidence! 
 Bohstay. Charley, he left a widow. I found her 
 
 in Venetian Red onboard the mourning black, — no 
 
 in mourning red on board the Venetian — 
 Charles. No matter about the colors ; go on. 
 Bohstay. Charley, she was in distress ; and did you 
 ever hear of a tar who found a lass in distress, and 
 deserted her? Never. In a week I had asked her to 
 marry me. In ten days we were married in church. 
 Charles. Married! Then you are — 
 Bohstay. Mysterious'y disappeared ; that's the p'int. 
 \V<i. were married in church. And now for an aston- 
 ishing disclosure. When we came out of church, who 
 should I see but Spanker — the dead and gone Spank- 
 er—peeping round a corner, with a grin on hi^ face 
 and a finger on his nose. 
 
 Charles. What ! Why, this is bigamy ! 
 Bohstay. What-amy ? 'Twas a swindle ! 
 Charles. Unhappy man ! How did you act ? What 
 did you say ? 
 
 Bohstay. I said nothing; put the lady, M^s... Spank- 
 er Bohstay, into the carriage, shut the door, ^nd niyste-, 
 riously disappeared; i 
 
 * A wink and finger on side of nose when these words are 
 ased through the play. 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. ^ 
 
 Charles. And your wife ? 
 
 Bobstay. Av;ist there ! She's Spanker's wife. 
 
 Charles. But he basely deserted her. 
 
 Bobstay. So did I. Mysteriously disappearedV'"' 
 
 Charles. But \vhere(have, you been? What have 
 you been doing all this time? 
 
 Bobstay. Pursuing the phantom ship, Sylvester 
 Spanker. 
 
 Charles. ' Have you any trace of him? 
 
 Bobstay. Trace, my hearty ? He's made a clean 
 run, blast his toplights ! 
 
 Charles. Then she is yours now. 
 
 Bobstay. Is she? Tliat's a ])'int for the sharks to 
 argue. I didn't marry his widow ; I couldn't marry 
 his wife ; and yet I'm a married man. 
 
 Charles. But you love her, captain ? 
 
 Bobstay. Ease oif a bit. If Spanker mysteriously 
 disappeared, there's reason for Spanker's disappearance. 
 And as the aforesaid widow, when I married her, wTho 
 didn't prove to be a widow after I mairied her, boxeil 
 my ears twice afore the ceremony, the p'ints of my 
 matrimonial compass don't p'int that way much. 
 
 Charles. But where is she ? 
 
 Bobstay. In chase of another craft, my boy. Close- 
 reefed, to overhaul a young spark, with a view to en- 
 gage him. Shall I destroy liis happiness? That's a 
 p'int. Shall I appear like a spectre and foi'biU ihe 
 banns? That s another p'int. No, my boy. I'lrset... 
 down here; keep under water till she's fairly hooked. 
 
 Charles. But suppose Spanker should turn up? 
 
 Bobstay. That's a p'int we can't argue. Mum's the 
 6 
 
82 A JfYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 
 
 word. I'm a si)irit. Bobstaj 's gone up. Keep dark. 
 Not a word to your wife now. 
 
 Charles. But Jenny don't know yon are liere!, 
 
 JBqbstay.. No? I'll hide in the barn^ — in the pig- 
 sty — anywhere until the widow 's hooked. 
 {Enter Carlos, o.fro7n l.) 
 
 Carlo^^ Say, Mr> C^pverly, here's a woman wants 
 to see you. [^Exit c. to E. 
 
 Bohstay. A woman ?. Then I'll get under hatches 
 (runs to table r. c. and puts on loig and whiskers). 
 That used to be my state-room. I'll look it over. Mind, 
 Charley, mum's the word. I'mi a spirit; mysteriously 
 disappeared. , You understand ? [_Exit door r. 
 
 Charles. But I say, captnin ! — He's pitched into 
 Nelly's room. N(> matter. I'll have him out as soon 
 as I've finished with my visitor. Wiio can she be? 
 {Enter c, Miss Persis Grievous, trar/ically.) . 
 
 Persis, c. You are Mr. Charles Cleverly ? 
 
 Cliarles. At your service, madam. 
 
 Persis. Monster! Traitor! Arch conspirator! 
 
 Charles. Madam ! 
 
 Persis. You are the friend pf Dixon Dolby. My 
 Dixie. You liave enticed him from my loving pres- 
 ence ; from mo, the woman who adores him ; for what? 
 
 Charles. A day's sport, he snys. 
 
 Persis. Sport! You are like the wicked boy, and 
 I the innocent frog. Whnt's sport to you is death .to, 
 me. L;ist nigiit he told me of ids ]>roposed visit. This, 
 morning I found in his room beneath his pillow — for, 
 we both lodge beneath tlie same roof; and I, in his 
 absence, enter his sanctum as a privileged guest of 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANOB. 83 
 
 that dear nnd worthy Mrs. Sprygs, who lets rooms at 
 five (lolhirs per week, lights inclu<Ie(l — 
 
 Charles {aside). For particulars, see small bills. 
 Persis. — Beneath the pillow, which his ambrosial 
 Jocks had pressed, I found this note, and this picture 
 (shows photograj)]i). Do yoii recognize it ? 
 
 Charles {looks at photograph). Good heavens! 
 My wife! 
 
 jPersis. Your wife ? Then you, like me, are a vic- 
 tim. I blush for my anger. Let us in each other's 
 arms mingle our tears (approaching Charles with 
 arms extended). 
 
 Charles (backing to e.). Not just yet. Explain 
 this, and at onco. 
 
 Persis. Docs it need explanation ? Here is the 
 picture, and here the note signed Rosa Benn. A elan- 
 destine correspondence. I see it all, at once. Under 
 the pretext of a day's sport, he comes here to mal^e 
 love to your wife. 
 
 Charles. The confounded scoundrel ! 
 Persis. Speak gently of the erring. I love him. 
 Yes, spite his faults, I love him still. I am here to 
 save him — to save you. I am a succoring angel. 
 
 Charles. Give me that note (toites no^e). Not ray 
 wife's handwriting; evidently disguised. O, Jenny, 
 Jenny, have I lost -you ? 
 
 Persis. O, Dixie, Dixie, have I lost you ? 
 Polbg (oictside). Hallo ! Charley, old boy, where 
 "are you? 
 
 Persis. Hi« voice. How it thr-r-r-ills me ! But he 
 must not see me here. Where can I hide ? ,(Goes (o 
 
84 A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 
 
 door L.) In this room ? Get liini away, and I will 
 return. Then we can make plans to cirt-iimvent thorn. 
 
 J_£Jxit door L. 
 
 Charles. But, madam, that's my wife's room. Siie's 
 gone. Can I be awake? My Jenny coiresponding 
 with my friend ! And he in love? O, it's absurd! 
 
 (DoMJY appears at door with a fishing-rod in case, 
 a gun, and a scoop-net vjltJi handle, clumsily held in 
 his arms / a game-hag swung one side, and a fishing- 
 basket the other.) 
 
 DoTbg. Ah, there yon are, Charley. And here I am, 
 armed and equipped as the law <lireets. {^Attempts to 
 enter,' gun gets across the doorway. JBacJcs and \ries 
 again ; net gets across the doorway, Business re- 
 peated.) Well, well, this is getting interesting (enters). 
 Ah! liere we are {drops everything on floor, and runs 
 to Chari^es, hands extended). How are yon, old fel- 
 low ? Alive and kicking? Domestic bliss and rural 
 felicity? Happy chap! 
 
 Charles {shakes hands). Glad to see you, Dixie. 
 Welcome. . . 
 
 Dolby. That's hearty. Wl^ve?s your wife ? Must 
 see her, you know. I came to enj(n''the beauties of the 
 country, and you've the brightest and lovelk'st. I 
 know you know — of course you know. 
 
 Charles (aside). He knows, confound him ! (^Aloud) 
 She's out just now. You shall see her. 
 
 Dolby. Now let's see what shall we do first? 
 
 There's fishing, hunting, and making love to a pretty 
 girl. I've only a day, and we must crowd lots of fun 
 iato teu hours. '' . 
 
A MTSTERTOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 85 
 
 Charles. Well, what say you to lunch first ? 
 
 Dolby. Nothing for me, save a glass of warm milk 
 from the hands of a (hurymaid. I've come down here 
 to breathe tlie country air. Stop a moment. I forgot 
 that {runs tip ta door c. and stands breathing hard, and 
 striking his breast). Ah, that's the sort; the iiivigor- 
 fiting air of the country. Ah ! {loith a long breath) 
 there's the first dose. 
 
 {Enter Nelly, r. Dolby comes doion l.) 
 
 Charles. And here's tlie dairymaid. My sister,* 
 Dixie. Mr. Dixon Dolby, Nelly. 
 
 I)olby. Ah, delightful (JoMs). What a pretty girl ! 
 What cheeks ! What a shape! 
 
 Nelly. Your first visit to the country, Mr. Dolby? : 
 
 Dolby. I'm ashamed to say it is, Miss Nelly. But 
 it's delightfid ; such a quantity of trees and grass ; 
 houses not quite so plenty. 
 
 Charles. Mr. Dolby wouhl like a glass of milk. 
 
 Dolby. Yes, thank you ; cow's milk, if the cows are 
 at leisure. 
 
 Nelly. O, quite. Til bring it at once. \_Exit r. 
 
 Dolby. Charley, my boy, your sister 's a perfect 
 beauty. 
 
 Charles. Sit down, Dolby (Dolby brings chair up 
 to table L. Charles brings one down from back ; they 
 sit R. and I..) I had hopes that you would come down 
 here heart-whole ; but I learn that you are already 
 engaged iii a love affair. 
 
 Dolby. Don't, mention it (Peesis 02jens door, steps 
 out, and listens). The most absurd thing; a little 
 country-house flirtation with a lady old enough to be 
 my mother. 
 
86 A' MYSTEEIOUS DISAPPEAKANCB. 
 
 Persis. The wretcli ! 
 
 Dolby. Unfortiinately, one evening I lay upon my 
 bed, smoking and reading, with my door ofien into 
 the passage, on the farther side of winch is located the 
 room of Miss Persis Grievous. Well, I dropped off' to 
 sleep, the pipe dropped from my mouth, and I was 
 awakened by the cry of " fire," and a brisk shaking 
 from my female iViend across the passage. I had set 
 fire to the bed, wliicU was easily put out ; not so the 
 flame which had been kindled in the breast of my fair 
 but aged deliverer. 
 
 Persis. The heartless scoundrel ! 
 
 Polby. From that time she has pursued me with 
 a relentless love. I cannot escape her. 
 
 Charles. And you are engaged ? 
 
 Polby. Not exactly. Pegoty is willing, but Barkis 
 is not ; for, Charley, I am in love with a phantom. 
 
 Charles. Then you'd better give up the ghost, and 
 make Persis happy. 
 
 Polby. No ; I can never love but one, " Rosa Bean:" 
 Isn't that a pretty name? I'll show you her face 
 {Jiunts pockets^. Confound it, I've left her photograjsh 
 under my ])illow ! 
 
 Persis. O, the wretch ! I'll never forgive liim — 
 never — (disajyiears into room l.). 
 {Enter Nelly, r. with glass pitcher of milk and goblet.) 
 
 Nelly. Here's the milk, Mr. Dolby. 
 
 Dolby. O, thank you {she fills goblet^ standing be- 
 hind toMe. Dolhy drinks). line's jour best health. 
 Ah, what milk ! I haven't tasted anything like that 
 since I was — a very little child. 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE, 87 
 
 iTdly. Can I bring yru .inything else ? 
 
 ]Jolb>/. No, I'm obliged to you. By the way, is 
 tberc a young lady in the neighborhood named "Rosa 
 Bean"?" 
 
 JSTelbj. « Benn " — « Bean " — No. There are no 
 Beans here ; there's a Rosa Higgins about half a mile 
 I'rom here. 
 
 Dolby, O, she won't do. 
 
 Charles. Tliere are Rows of Beans in the garden ; 
 liow will those suit, Dixie? Ha, ha, ha! 
 
 Nelly. To whifh I will introduce you at dinner. 
 Good-bye till then. \_£Jxit R. 
 
 Dolby. G- od-bye {rises and jnits bade chair to l. 
 CiiAUi.ES rises). Now, then, Charley, let's try the fish 
 {takes his pole and net). 
 
 Charles. Really, Dixie, I cannot leave the house 
 just now. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll send my man 
 with you, and join you soon {goes to door c). Here, 
 Careless ! Careless ! 
 
 Carlos {enter c). Yes, sir. Here I am ! 
 
 Charles. Careless, show this gentleman to the fish- 
 ing-pond^. {Dol'fy at back, busies himself with tackle.) 
 
 Carlos. Fishing-pond! Where 's that? 
 
 Charles {aside). Shut up, you fool ! Behind the 
 barn. 
 
 Carlos. Ho, ho, ho ! that 's a pretty fishing-pond ! 
 Why, there's nothin' there 'cept skeeters! • 
 
 Charles. Well, they bite, don't they ? You'd bet- 
 ter take Towzer along with you, he wants exercise. 
 
 Carlos. Towzer? Why, he's not sociable with 
 strangers. 
 
88 A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 
 
 Charles. Do as I bid you. 
 
 Carlos. All right, Mister. Come along, sir — I'll 
 show you sport! 
 
 Dolby. That's the sort. 
 
 Carlos. What kind of fishing do you like, best? 
 Do'nt make any difference here. {Aside) Have to fish 
 a darn long spell afore you get any. 
 
 Dolby. Well, s'pose we try for cod — ^ no, I. mean 
 mackerel. Any blue-fish about here ? 
 
 Carlos. Ho, ho, ho ! 
 
 Charles. Careless! 
 
 Carlos. Bine-fish? Wal, no; we're out of blue-fish 
 to-day. {Aside) Lord, he is green ! 
 
 Dolby. No matter ; lead me to the lake where sport 
 the finny tribe. 
 
 Carlos. Funny what ? Gosh all hemlock ! thought 
 you was going a fishing ! 
 
 Dolby. O, come along, it's getting late. Good- 
 bye, Charley. Don't forget I must see your wife. 
 
 \_Exit c. 
 
 Carlos. Say, Mister, who's agoin' to dig the bait, 
 sfty ? [^Exit c. 
 
 Charles. Still harping on my wife. I'll know the 
 meaning of this ere I am an hour older. 
 {Enter PERSis/rom door l.) 
 
 Persis. At last he is gone, and we may arrange 
 our plans. 
 
 Bobstay {opens doorr^.).. Ahoy, Charley ! (Persis 
 screams, and runs into room l. Enter Bobstay.) 
 Aha! a woman ! Who is it? {Creeps across stage 
 on tiptoe^ and peeps into keyhole^ dQ,Qri..) 
 
A MYSTEEIOUS DISAPPEAKANCE. 89 
 
 Charles {seizes him by arm and whirls him to e.). 
 What are you about, captain ? There's a lady in that 
 room. ' 
 
 Bohstay. I must have a peep at her {runs up and 
 looks into keyhole). Ah, ha! 'tis she J {falls back into 
 Charles's arm.9). 
 
 Charles. She ! Who ? 
 Bobstay {recovering himself). Hush ! Spanker's wife ! 
 My widow, yoii know ! Our evil genius!' It's a judg- 
 ment on me for giving up the search for the lost S|>.'in- 
 ker. I must be ofi: G(>od-bye ; put it there {they shake 
 hands). If Pm asked for, you know — mysteriduBly 
 disappeared — {goes up to door c). 
 
 Mrs. C. {outside c.) Cliarley! Charley! -.J. 
 
 Bobstay {comes doion i?.). < There's a craft beia'iing 
 down this way; mum 's the word, Charley. I : 
 
 \_Exit doorXa.. 
 {Miter Persis from, room 1,.) 
 
 J^ersis. Shall we never be alone ? 
 
 Charles. Hush ! go back ; my wife is here ! 
 
 J'ersis. Your wife ? Rosa Bean? I'll scratdb her 
 eyes out! , ,. ; 
 
 Charles {pushing her into room). No,. no; you'll 
 spoil all. They meet! — 'twould never do (/oc/vs <:?oor'. 
 and takes out key: Mrs. C. appears at door c), 
 
 Mrs. C. Why, Charles, what arc you doing ? Lock- 
 ing my door ? 
 
 Charles {confused),. Yes — no — that is, I waat 
 afraid the cat would get in there, and so I locked it. 
 
 Mrs. C. I want to put my things away. 
 ^JJharl^^jJl wouldn't take them off now, it's a little, 
 chilly here. 
 
90 A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 
 
 Mrs. C. Cliilly! Why, Charles, are ymi ill ? HoT\r 
 pale you look ! It it were anybtxly else, I should 8:iy a 
 guilty look was on your faee. 
 
 diaries (aside). A jruilty look! nn>l she in clandes- 
 tine eorrespon(1e4ice with Doll>y! (Aloud) Guilty? 
 absurd! (Aside) What have I done? L<H'.kecl a wo- 
 man in her room, — and I suspect her? O, here's a 
 muddle ! 
 
 3frs. C. Well, as you do not seem inclined 1o let 
 me into my room, I will lay-off my things in Nelly's 
 ((joes to door r.). Why, this is locked too ! 
 
 Charles. O, yes, yes; I -forgot to tell you. I — I 
 locked up the dog in th'i're. 
 
 3Irs. C. Thedog Towzer! What for? 
 
 Cftarles. Well, I was just going tosit<lown to read, 
 and I didn't want to be disturbed. 
 
 JDog outside. " Bow, wow, wow ! " 
 
 Mrs. C. Ah, Towzer seems to have found the way 
 out. 
 
 Charles. I wish I could. (Dog barksS) 
 
 Dolby (outside). Hilp! murder! help! (Comes 
 tumbling in through the icindoio on to lounge / rolls on 
 to floor^ Confound that do^ ! i^gets vp rubbing his 
 knees.) 
 
 Charles. What luck, Dolby. Did you get a bite? 
 
 Dolby. Yes ; two of them ; and if my legs hadn't 
 done good service, tliAt confounded dog woidd Ijave 
 made a meal of me (still rubbing his knees, not look- 
 ing up. Mrs. Clkverly, doicn n.). 
 
 Charles. Sorry, Dolby, you didn't have better luck. 
 (Aside) Now to test ray wife (steps c). Allo^v me to 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 91 
 
 present you to my wife. Mrs. Cleverly, my fiiend 
 Dixon Dolby. Dixie, this is tlie lady you have 
 longed to meet. 
 
 Dolby {comes down l. ; looks across). Rosa Bean ! 
 Gooil gracious ! 
 
 Charles. No, no. My poor fiiend, you are growing 
 crazy with your absuixl j)hnntom, Rosa Bean. 
 
 Dolhy. Good gracious, it's her ! And I — I — un- 
 happy wretch ! — am in love with Charley'^s wifefl 
 Wliat will become of me ? I shall be found o\\t{%oxpes 
 face xoith handkerchief). 
 
 3Irs. C. • I hope you are enjoying your^ day's sport, 
 Mr. Dolby. 
 
 Dolby. O, immensely ! You pec avc took the dog 
 along for a photogr.iph — no, for company. Don Car- 
 los said we'd better ; and he got interested in my ar- 
 rangements ; and just as I stoopeil over to put on a 
 bait, somebody said, "St' boy .'"and I sup])ose hq mis- 
 took me for the boy, — at any rate, took a bite. Then 
 it suddenly occurred to me that there \yjjs-.''iio place 
 like home." ijoilivin' 
 
 {Enter Caklos, c.) 
 
 Carlos. Say, Mister, what did you want to scoot 
 for jist as it was gettin' interesting? 
 
 Dolby. Interesting, Don Carlos? It ^yas getting 
 exciting! {Aside) Heavens! how sliall I get out of 
 tliis scrajie ? — Charley's wife! — He'll murder me! 
 {Aloud) Charley, I really believe 111 take the next 
 train. 
 
 Charles. Nonsense. You've not tried the gunning 
 yet. Finish your day's sport. 
 
92 A Mr5?STEEI0US DISAPP^AEANCll. 
 
 DoTby (aside). I wish I could, at drice. 
 
 Charles. Careless will t:ike yon to the game; 
 
 JJolby {takes gun). All right, Don Carlos, we'll try 
 the game; (aside) and I'm ofF'to the train. No more 
 of this sport for me, thank you, 
 
 Carlos. Say, what do you want to shoot ? 
 
 Dolhij.- How's the deer ? 
 
 Carlos. Deer? Ho, ho, ho ! They're 'party well ; 
 but we're out on 'em jist now, - . (!• \yvif 
 
 J)olby. Well, a buff ilo or two. 
 
 Carlos. Ho, ho, ho ! 
 
 Dolby. Hnng it! don't stand there grinning; let's 
 shoot something quick. \^Exit c, and off h. 
 
 Carlos {aside). Darned if I don't take liim down 
 into Buffalo Blli's paster. He'll shoot the fence quicker 
 than scat. \_Exit c. 
 
 3Irs. C. Now that the dog is out of the way, I 
 supppse you can have no objection to — 
 
 Charles. By the way, Jenny, I'd jiearly forgotten 
 it ; but Mrs. Jenks, our neighbor, was here just now, and 
 her baby 's taken sick — awful ; wants you. It's got a 
 sudden attack of squills, I think she said. 
 
 Mrs. C. Indeed ! I'll run over at once; that is, if 
 -you can spare nie. 
 
 Charles. O, certainly — that is, no — yes. They're 
 not catching, are they? 
 
 3IrS. C. I think not. Good-bye {goes tqj c). 
 (Aside) There's something wiong with Charh'v, I'll 
 not go far. [^Jxit c. 
 
 Charles. Now to get that confounded Bobstay out 
 of the way (j/oes towards door k.). 
 
A MYSTEEIOUS DISAPPEAEANCS, 93 
 
 (^/i^gr Nelly, r. 1 e.) 
 Nelly, Chnrlcy, what do you want in my room ? 
 Charles. O, nothing — tliat is — I was looking for 
 
 you. 
 
 JVelli/. And having found me — 
 
 Charles. I want you to advise me. Read that. ( Gives 
 note.)' 
 • Nkllij {aside). Nobody can do it better than I 
 {redds). Weil, Charley ? 
 
 Charles. Well, ChnrWy. No,, ili. Charley; a de- 
 cidedly badly-used Charley. Do you know that photo- 
 graph ? 
 
 Nelly. It's our Jenny. 
 
 Charles. Our Jenny ! And it's sent to my friend 
 Dolby. I'll murder him ! 
 
 Nelly. Now, Charley, don't be j,Q!jlous. I've no 
 •doubt Jennyi will explain matters to your enlire satis- 
 faction. (Pkrsis knocks at door l.) Ah, who's that?, 
 
 Charles {moving to door l.). It's the cat. Scat, 
 pussy, pussy, pussy ! > 
 
 Nelly., K. {changes photograph in n,ote for another). 
 I'll see if we cannot put a new face u|)on tlie nuitter. 
 {Aloud) Here's your note, Charley. Don't be jValous; 
 it doesn't look well in a man at all. \_^xit u. 
 
 diaries. Now to let the captain out. ( Goes to door 
 R. ; rap'i). I say, captain — coast clear ! 
 {Enter Bobstay, with a. calico skirt pinned about his 
 
 icaisty a red shawl over his. shoulders^ and a straw 
 
 bonnet on his head) i 
 Gnicious! what's the meaning of that rig?. 
 
 Sobstay. Disguise j run the gautlet ; slip; jfty cable. 
 
9i A MYSTERiaUS DISAPPEARANCB. 
 
 Sep, Vm liere — I'm gone. If anjbody nsks for Bobstny, 
 
 you know — inj'^stt'vioiisly (lis.ippe.-ircd. [ Goes to door c. 
 
 {filter Mrs. Cleveki-Yj c.) 
 
 3fj's. C. One; niomont, if you j'lease. 
 
 J^ohstay (aside). Sliiver my timbers, it's Jenny! 
 
 Charles. Slie 's found him out ! 
 
 Mrs. C. (leading Bobstay down R. bt/ arm). I have 
 no objections to my husb.-uid's entertaining ladies in 
 my absence ; but I have decided objections to their 
 leaving my house with property not tbeir own. Til 
 thajik you for that shawl. 
 
 Jjohstay. Ay, ay. {Takes off shawl.) 
 
 Mrs. C. And that bonnet. 
 
 Uohstay (takes off bonnet). Ay, ay. 
 
 Mrs. C. C.iptain Bobstay ! Uncle Bolivert 
 "^ (JS/i^er Miss Persis, f^oor I..) 
 
 Persis. Captain Bobstay ! ]\Iy luisband ! {Shrieks, 
 and falls into Charles''s arins.) 
 
 J3obstay. 'Tis she ; support me, Jenny {falls into 
 Mrs. C.'s arms). 
 
 {Report of gun outside c.) 
 
 Dolby. Help! mur<ler! help! {Runs in through 
 door c>, turns and shuts door / puis his back against 
 it.) HaUo! what's tlie matter here ? 
 
 Mrs. C. So, sir, you have deceived me. AajJ this 
 lady is • — 
 
 Charles. Your aunt, Mrs. Captain Bobstay. 
 
 Bobstay. 'Tis false ! , 
 
 Persis. Boliver! my own — (approachij^ghim.) 
 
 Pobstay. No, nothing of the kind, madam. You 
 married m.e aad I married you under a mistake. When 
 
A MYSTERIOUS, DISAPPEARANCE. 95 
 
 you can bring me convincing proof of the death of 
 your husband Spanker, — a leg or an arm of the afore- 
 said will be sufficient proof, — I am ready to talk busi- 
 ness. Till then, madam, I am free. 
 
 Persis. Boliver — ■ P 
 
 Bobstay. O^ I shall boil over if you are not silent 
 {jsiU at table e., takes up paper/ reads. Miss Persis 
 mooes about him, trying to get^ sight of his face / he 
 keeps the pa2Jer before him). 
 
 Charles. Now, Mrs. Cleverly, having cleared my- 
 self to your satisfaction, I hope — {sees Dolby) Hallo I 
 Dolby, what are you doing there ? 
 , Dolby. Fact is, Charley, I've shot something! 
 (Carlos sticks his head into loiiuloic.) 
 
 Carlos. Yes, darn you, you shot a calf! But Buf- 
 falo Bill, our black bull, tossed you over the fence in 
 no time. Ho, ho, ho ! You'^ a sportsmijn, you are ! 
 
 . t^ff'.n 1 • \_Exit c. 
 
 Dolby. Charley, I guess I'll go home. I've lost my 
 net, my rod, and my gun ; and if your game are as 
 active ^s your friend Buffalo William, I'd rather not 
 be Imnting, thank you. ; 
 
 Charles. Do you recognize that note, Dolby?, 
 {Gives 7iote.) .-.ri mu irtii- ' 
 
 • Dolby. O, Lord, it's ! coming ! Here's a pretty day's 
 sport ! That note ? O, yes. That note is — 
 
 Charles. From my wife, I believe. 
 
 Dolby. 0, heavens, it's all over! Charley, 'pon 
 my word, I hadn't the least idea that Rosa Bean was 
 your wife. If I had — 
 
 Charles. Silence ! {^Snatches note from Doi<by, 
 
96 A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEABANCE.' 
 
 and runs to c.) And y6u,"'ntadara, what have you' 
 to ssiy to it? {Gives note to Mrs. C.) 
 {Enter Nellt, c.) 
 
 Mrs. C. {looking at it.) Say! What can I say? 
 This in no way concerns me. 
 
 Charles. Indeed ! And the picture ? 
 
 Mrs.C. 0, the picture. \Looks at it.) Why,ll*s 
 our Nelly. 
 
 Charles and Dolby. Our Nelly! 
 
 Nelly. Yes, our Nelly — who is answerable foV all 
 this mischief. She is the writer of the note — the un- 
 known correspondent of our friend Mr. Dixon Dolby, 
 Rosa Bean. *' ■ •' "■ ' 
 
 Dolby, Well, that's clever {runs Hp'fo her, c). 
 How do you do {shakes hands). { They go to lounge 
 and sit talking.) 
 
 Mrs C. And you suspected me, Charley ! 
 
 Charles. What could I do ? Your aunt Bobstay 
 brought me your picture, which somehow has mysteri- 
 ously disappeared. ; -• 
 
 Bobstay {jumping x(p). " Mysteriously disippeared." 
 Hark ! listen ! {reads.) " All friends of the supposed- 
 to-be-drowned Sylvester Spanker, especially his widow, 
 ate hereby notified that he has returned to his ship, the 
 Venetian Red, and will sail this day for Valparaiso." 
 Ha, ha ! ho, ho ! He 's found, and I am free ! Widow, 
 I congratulate you. ' ' 
 
 Persis. Spanker alive ! Thank fortune, I am no 
 longer dependent on the cold charities of the' world ! 
 
 Bobstay. Madam, put it there {they shdke hands). 
 We'll go aboard the Venetian Red thisvfery day. I'll 
 
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. 97 
 
 return property, and take my receipt, tear up our cer- 
 tificate, give you my blessing, and mysteriously disap- 
 pear. 
 
 Dolby {comes down with Nelly). But what's to 
 become of me? Will you desert the life you saved ? 
 Persis — 
 
 Persis. Bother ! You'd better be silent. I was in 
 that room when you told the story with such compli- 
 mentary allusions to me. 
 
 Dolby. Ahem ! Mum's the word. 
 
 Charles. Come, Nelly, let's have dinner. {Exit 
 Nelly l.) This little muddle is happily ended. 
 
 Dolby. I've had my day's sport; not just what I 
 expected, but it's ending happily. 
 
 Charles. The widow has found her husband. 
 
 Dobstay. For which we return thanks. 
 
 (Caklos sticks his head in wi?idoto.) 
 
 Carlos. Say, you'll never see that calf again ; she's 
 gin ber last blat. 
 
 {Miter Nelly, r.) 
 
 Nelly. Dinner's ready. 
 
 Charles {gives his wife his arm, c). Come, let's to 
 dinner. (Dolby and Nelly arm in arm, r. ; Captain 
 and Miss Persis artn in arm, l.) Are you ready, 
 captain ? 
 
 Bobstay. Ay, ay, Charley, with a rousing appetite. 
 So heave ahead ; we'll follow in your wake. I'm hap- 
 py. You are happy, widow. Yes, we're all happy — 
 for we've had a day's sport, and all our troubles have 
 — mysteriously disappeared. 
 
 l^Curtain."] 
 
i \JjOOOQ:(yQiOQ>(JQj(ja(JQjG-QiOQa-Q.(JQjaQj(JO0X:i 
 
 rQaaOQOQ<JQiOO(J ^^ 
 
 SPEHCER'S UNIVERSAL STAGE, 
 
 36. nSainoncl cut I>iainond. An In- 
 terlude in One Act. liy \V. H. Mur- 
 ray. 10 Male, 1 Female character. 
 
 37. liook after Brown. A Farce in 
 One Act. By George A. Stuart, 
 M. D. (i JIale, 1 Female character. 
 
 38. Monseigiieur. A Drama in Three 
 Acts, liy Thomas Archer. 15 Male, 
 3 Female characters. 
 
 30. A very pleasant evening. A 
 Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 
 
 3 JIale characters. 
 9) 40. Brother Ben. A F'arce in One 
 
 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 Male, 3 
 Female characters. 
 Only a Clod. A Comic Drama in 
 One Act. Hy J. P. Simpson. 4 Male, 
 
 1 Female character. 
 Gaspardo tlie Gondolier. A 
 
 Drama in Three Acts. By George 
 Almar. 10 Male, 2 Female charac- 
 ters. 
 ^ 43. Sunshine through the Clouds. 
 A Drama in (^ne Act. By Slingshy 
 Lawrence. 3 Male, 3 Female char- 
 acters. 
 Don't Judge by Appearances. 
 -J. A Farce in One Act. By J. M. Mor- 
 
 "Jp ton. 3 Slale, 2 Female characters. 
 
 45. iViivsey Chiclcweed. A P\irce in 
 One Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 
 Mule, 2 Female characters. 
 
 46. Maiy Moo; or, Whicli shall I 
 Marry.' A Farce in One Act. By 
 \V. E. Suter, 2 Male, 1 Female 
 character. 
 
 47. Cast ILiynne. A Drama in Five 
 Acts. 8 Male, 7 Female characters. 
 
 48. The Hidden Hand. A Drama in 
 Five Acts. By Robert Jones. 10 
 Male, 7 Female characters. 
 
 4'J. Silverstone's^Vager. ACommedi- 
 et(a in One Act. By K. U. Andrews. 
 
 4 Male, 3 Female characters. 
 
 50. Dora. A Pastoral Drama in Three 
 Acts. Hy Charles Keade. 5 Male, 
 
 2 Female characters. 
 
 51. Blanks and Prizes. A Farce in 
 One Act. By Dexter Smith. 5 
 Male, 2 Female chaiacters. 
 
 ^ 52. Old Gooseberry. A Farce in One 
 Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 Male, 
 2 Female characters. 
 
 C) 
 
 5.3. TVho's W^ho. A Farce in One Act. 
 By T. J. Williams. 3 Male, 2 Fe- 
 male characters. 
 
 54. Bouquet. A Farce in One Act. 2 
 
 JNIale, 3 Female characters. 
 
 55. The TVife's Secret. A Play in 
 
 Five Acts. By George W. Lovell. 
 10 Male, 2 Female characters. 
 
 5C, The Babes in the TV'ood. A 
 
 Comedy in Three Acts. By Tom 
 Taylor. 10 Male, 3 Female charac- 
 ters. 
 
 57. Putkins : Heir to Castles in the 
 
 Air. A Comic Drama in One Act. 
 By W. K. Emerson. 2 Male, 2 Fe- 
 male characters. 
 
 58. AnXTgly Customer. A Farce in 
 
 One Act. By Thomas J. Will'imii. 
 3 Male, 2 Female characters. 
 
 59. Blue and Cherry. A Comedy in 
 
 One Act. 3 Male, 2 Female charac- 
 ters. 
 
 60. A Doubtful Victory. A Cumedy 
 
 in One Act. 3 Male, 2 Female char- 
 acters, 
 r:. The Scarlet tetter. A Drama n 
 Three Acts. 8 Male, 7 Female Cuar- 
 acters. 
 
 62. TVhich M^ill have Htm P A Vau- 
 
 deville. 1 Male, 2 Female charac- 
 ters. 
 
 63. Madam is Abed. A Vaudeville in 
 
 One Act. 2 Male, 2 Female charac- 
 ters. 
 
 64. The Anonymous Kiss. A Vaude- 
 
 ville. 2 Male, 2 Female characters. 
 
 65. The Cleft Stick. A Comedy in 
 
 Three Acts. 5 Male, 3 F'emale char- 
 acters. 
 
 66. A Soldier, a Sailor, a Tinker, 
 
 and a Tailor. A Farce in One 
 Act. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. 
 
 67. Give a Bog a Bad Name. A 
 
 Farce. 2 Male, ;' Female Characters. 
 
 68. Bamon and Pythias. A Farce. 
 
 (i IMale, 4 Female characters. 
 
 69. A Husband to Order. A Serio- 
 
 comic Drama in Two Acts. 5 Male, 
 3 Female char.ncters. 
 
 70. Payable on Demand. A Domes- 
 
 tic DraiTiii in Twn Acts. 7 Male, I 
 Female character. 
 
 Price, IS cents each. Descriptive Catalogue mailed free on application to 
 CEO. M. BAKER &, CO., 
 
 Nos. 41-45 Franklin Street, Boston. 
 
 1 ,3O.QOD'D.0O-Qt)gO£)Q0'D£)'D 0'OQ'0Q'*:)QXjQ<0Q'0Q'0Qt)Q'0Q'0QZ, i 
 
?lky^ foi^ Snikteuf ¥l\ 
 
 015 785 403 3 
 
 BY GEORGE M. BAKER, 
 
 Author of '■'■Amateur Dramas" " The Mimic Stage" " The Social Stage" " The Drawing-Room 
 Stage," " Handj/ Dramas" " The Exhibition Drama" '■'■A Baker's Dozen" &c. 
 
 Titles in this Type are JlVevr Plays. 
 Titles in this Type are Tetnperunce Plays. 
 
 dhamas. 
 
 /n 77iree Acts. 
 Tlie Flower ol tlie Family. 5 
 
 male, ^ female char 
 
 Enlisted for the War. 7 male, 3 fe- 
 male characters 
 
 My Brother's Keeper, s male, 3 fe- 
 male ch.ir 
 
 The Little Jirotvn Jug, 5 male, 3 
 
 female char 
 
 In Two Acts. 
 
 Above the Clouds. 7 male, 3 female 
 characters 
 
 One lluiidred Years Ago. 7 male, 
 4 female char 
 
 Among the Breakers. 6 male, 4 female 
 char. 
 
 Bread ON THE Waters. 5 male, 3 female 
 char 
 
 Down by the Sea. 6 male, 3 female 
 char 
 
 Once cv* a Time. 4 male, 2 female char. 
 
 The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female char. 
 In One Act. 
 
 Stand bv the Flag. 5 male char . . . 
 
 The Tenijiter. 3 male, i female char. 
 
 COMEDIES AND FARCES. 
 
 A Mysterious Disappearance. 4 
 
 male, 3 female char 
 
 Pacldle Your 0-»vn Canoe. 7 male, 
 T, female char 
 
 A Ltrop too JUucIl. 4 male, 2 female 
 characters 
 
 A Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 fe- 
 male char 
 
 A Thorn Among the Roses. 2 male, 6 
 female char 
 
 Never Say Die. 3 male, 3 female char. 
 
 Seeing the Elephant. 6 male, 3 female 
 char 
 
 The Boston Dip. 4 male, 3 female char. 
 
 TuH Duchess of Dublin. 6 male, 4 fe- 
 male char 
 
 Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 
 
 4 male, 3 female char 
 
 We're all Teetotalers. 4 male, 2 fe- 
 male char 
 
 Mnle Characters Only. 
 
 A Close Shave. 6 char 
 
 A Public Benefactor. 6 char 
 
 A Sea of Troubles. 8 char 
 
 A Tender Attachment. 7 char. . . . 
 
 Coals of Fire. 6 char 
 
 Freedom of the Press. 8 char. . . . 
 
 CEO. M. BAKER 
 
 COMEDIES, &c., continued. 
 
 Shall Our Mothers Vote p n char. 15 
 
 Gentlemen of the Jury. 12 char. . . 15 
 
 Humors of 'the Strike. 8 char. . . 15 
 
 My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. . . 15 
 
 New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . 15 
 
 The Great Elixir. 9 char 15 
 
 The Hypochondriac. 5 char 15 
 
 The Man with the Demijohn. 4 
 
 char 15 
 
 The Runaways. 4 char. 15 
 
 The Thief of Time. 6 char 15 
 
 Wanted, a Male Cook. 4 char. ... 15 
 
 Female Characters Otily. 
 
 A Love of a Bonnet. 5 char. ... 15 
 
 A Precious Pickle. 6 char 15 
 
 No Ci.RE NO Pay. 7 char 15 
 
 The Champion of Her Sex. 8 char. . 15 
 
 The Greatest Plague in Life. 8cha. 15 
 
 The Grecian Bend. 7 char 15 
 
 The Red Chignon. 6 char. .... 15 
 
 Using the Weed. 7 char 15 
 
 ALLEGOEIES. 
 
 Arranged for Music and Tableaux. 
 
 Lightheart's Pilgrimage. 8 female 
 char IS 
 
 The Revolt of the Bees. 9 female 
 char 15 
 
 The Sculptor's Triumph, i male, 4 fe- 
 male char IS 
 
 The Tournament of Idvlcourt. 10 
 female char 15 
 
 The War of the Rosf,s. S female char. is 
 
 MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. 
 
 An Original Idea, i male, i female 
 char, IS 
 
 Bonbons ; or, the Paint King. 6 male, 
 I female char 25 
 
 Capuletta ; or, Romeo and Juliet 
 Restored. 3 male, i female char. . 15 
 
 Santa Claus' Frolics 15 
 
 Snow-bound ; or, Alonzo the Brave 
 AND the Fair Imogene. 3 male, i 
 female char 25 
 
 The Merry Christmas of the Old 
 Woman who lived in a Shoe. . . 
 
 The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male 
 char • 
 
 The Seven Ages. A Tableau Entertain- 
 ment. Numerous male and female char. 
 
 Too Late for the Train. 2 male char. 
 
 The Visions of Freedom, ii female 
 char 
 
 & CO., 41-45 Franklin St., Boston. 
 
 Baker's Humorous Dialogues. 
 Baker's Humorous Dialogues. 
 
 Male characters only. 25 cents. 
 Female characters only. 20 centa. 
 
limiS,,,Sr CONGRESS 
 
 015 785 403 3 |