Book ..__ ; „ , : o Copyright N^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THREE PLAYS ^^ CURTAIN RAISER BY JOSEPH NOEL THE CLARIDGE PRESS NEW YORK THREE PLAYS and a CURTAIN RAISER BY 3 jt JOSEPH NOEL 77J" Author of Lo've'' s Breadline THE CLARIDGE PRESS NEW YORK Copyright 1916 By Joseph Noel k\\ rights Reserved. OGLD 4 3460 MUR 27 1916 CONTENTS Page The House of Rest 11 Terms of Peace . . . . , 23 Wild Oats 101 The Wasters 167 INTRODUCTION The plays in this vokime are in a sense an attempt to translate into terms of the stage a strip or two of reality. TERMS OF PEACE, although written before the present debacle in Europe, comes under this head. While it has been modified recently, it was first copyrighted in 1912. At that time an astute Broadway manager, after seriously con- sidering a production, refused it because the conditions de- picted were too far away. Now no doubt they are too near. A combination of two ideas gave birth to THE WASTERS. One of these was furnished by Laurence Shubert of the well known theatrical family. Against a background of divorce and its effect on children with two houses to live in and no home, which I had long con- templated as the basis of a drama, I laid in Mr. Shubert's conception of tit for tat. Credit is therefore due him for suggesting that a play might be fashioned out of a brother seeking revenge in kind for an injury done his sister. The Author. authors' league a'kolian building new york city THE HOUSE OF REST THE HOUSE OF REST CHARACTERS Louis A Man about town Fanchon A truth-seeking young woman able to reason from cause to effect. Curiosity seekers, and a gendarme. Scene — Interior of the Paris morgue. Entire rear of stage is encased in glass. Behind the glass are a half do^en suicides. These are : AN ANARCHIST A BEGGAR . A BUSINESS MAN A MIDINETTE A BOULEVARDIER THE WIFE Fanchon is one of the morbid crowd moving from figure to figure that enters L. and exits R. A Sister of Charity enters and tells her beads in front of each figure as she moves slowly along. A Gendarme sits on a chair and searches his pocket for tobacco for his pipe. He finds it, and makes it obinous that he goes off to smoke. Time — Early morning. Enter Louis R. He wears evening clothes, silk hat and overcoat. He carries a cane, and is quite tipsy. Louis {Addressing no one in particular) — What hotel is this? Passer-by — This is not a hotel, monsieur. Louis — Strange {Comes dozvn). And I haven't been drink- ing more than usual. {Addresses a zvoman) What church is this? I always like to know the name of the saint that 11 12 THE HOUSE OF REST protects the church I pray in. {The woman moves away without speaking.) {Louis grabs a man by arm) What's the name of this church? Man — This is not a church, monsieur. Louis — No! You surprise me {The man breaks aiuay). Then it's a museum. Man {Going up toivard figures) — It's not a museum either. Louis {Looking at figures) — I have it. It's silent vaude- ville. What an improvement ! I'll recommend this. {Fan- chon moves near him) Pardon me, but can vou tell me the inventor of this inarticulate cabaret? Fanchon — This is not a cabaret, monsieur. It is the morgue. Louis — The two are not so far apart as you think. This is the real house of mirth. {With slight laugh) And these {Indicating figures) are all life's comedians grown tired of the applause. Fanchon — Possibly, monsieur. Louis — It's not merely possible. It's true. Are they here for good ? Fanchon — No. Only until they are identified. Louis — They sit there grinning at us until we discover what label they used among us, then we tuck them away and make room for more. In my opinion the government should freeze these and let them stay here permanently as a warning. Fanchon — More room would have to be furnished for those who decided today that the Seine makes a nice bed. Louis — But these would be here as horrible examples. Fanchon — That wouldn't reduce the disenchantment with life. Then there's tomorrow's disenchantment to be reck- oned with, and next week and next year's. A definite per- centage of Paris' population goes out by the back door every day. Louis {Soberly) — A definite percentage! You seem to have considered this subject very curiously. Fanchon — You flatter me, monsieur. THE HOUSE OF REST 13 Louis — Do I? Well, I didn't intend to. You see, a person that knows the arithmetic of disenchantment must be immune to anything so ordinary as a compliment. Fanci-ion (Retreating as if offended) — Bon jour, mon- sieur, I only answered your questions. Louis — Yes, that's right you did. Only you seem to have figured out the answers in advance. That's enough to make one lose his sense of humor. Do you lose yours in this place ? Fanchon — I don't know, monsieur. Louis — You come here often? Fanchon — Yes. Louis — Looking for some one? Fanchon (Making it obvious that she is not taking him into her confidence) — Well, just to see the latest additions. Louis — Mon Dieu, you never had a sense of humor to lose. Fanchon (Going toivard R.) — Thank you — for nothing. Louis (Follozving her, indifferent to her displeasure) — Do you know any of the guests? (Takes off hat and bows) Ladies and gentlemen, at your service. Fanchon — I know all that I want to know. Louis — Ah, indeed ! Before or after ? Fanchon — Both. There's little new to be said about any of us after we kiss the lips of the one true democracy. Louis — Do we all become so hopelessly and emphatically similar after we cross the border? Fanchon — We don't become — we are. Nothing is being said that hasn't been said ; nothing is being done that hasn't been done. By the clothes a man wears, more than anything else, you can determine his life, what he thinks and what he is. Louis — Well, my vocabulary in skirts, unfold me the private life of yon grizzly customer. (He indicates one of the figures.) 14 THE HOUSE OF REST Fanchon {After glancing at figure) — Anarchist. A pro- duct of Montmartre tainted by philosophy just enough to keep from being a brawler. To prove his own individuahty he denied the individuality of everyone else that didn't thinlc as he did. Louis — Right. Went to meetings nightly where the mem- bers practice their discourtesies on one another. {Goes up to figure) Bon jour, you quenched fire-brand! Are you a Syndicalist over there? Do you still screech for the pro- letariat that in your heart you despise? You turned your back on God. Now God turns his back on you ! Fanchon — Pardon, monsieur, you are showing heat. You are vindictive beyond the grave. Louis {Comes down) — The enemies of our social order must be taught their place, living or dead. Fanchon — That's why you would use God as a scourge? Louis — When God ceases to be a scourge, he ceases to be God. Fanchon — Indeed. Evidently your God is the creation of a moralist who needed help to inflict his morality. Louis {Addressing another figure) — What do you think of that ? Is it true ? You know everything there is to know. You tore aside the veil. What's on the other side? Fanchon— That fellow was a grocer. His desertion of life was not that he might pursue knowledge. Louis — He looks as if his soul had the double chin of success. It is evident that he took a headlong plunge into the hereafter to escape the need of meeting himself face to face every morning. Fanchon^ — Where do you think his double-chined soul is now ? Louis — Haggling with Charon at the St3^x. He'll cheat the ferryman out of his fare. Fanchon — Possibly trick him out of his boat and get a monopoly of the right of way. Louis — When we go, we may be compelled to ride on the Styx Limited, and pay tribute to a corporation. Fanchon — Old Cinquocento seems quite calm about it. THE HOUSE OF REST 15 Louis — That's the cahnness of superior stupidity. Leave him to his ledgers. Do you know Celestin? (Indicating figure of girl.) Fanciion (She shozvs that she is affected) — A little. LouLS — She brought her smiles to market. Yes? Fanciion (Sadly) — With few buyers at the end. Louis (Addressing female figure) — Your face I have for- gotten, ma belle, and I knew them all. Fanchon — The river washed away the rouge that made recognition possible. Louis (To figure) — You were no cloistered Venus. Neither fear nor reason held your emotions in check. What of those glances you hungered for? What of those nights inacarnadined — ? (Turns to Fanchon) Come to think of it, this sad-e3fed daughter of Joy was no better and no worse than every charming woman I have ever met. Fanciion — Do you wish to compliment the dead or reflect on the living? Louis — Merely state a truth. Like them she was gra- ciously immoral without a feeling of guilt. Fanchon — Ah, you are a student of the sex. Louis — Just that. A student. At the end of my millionth reincarnation, Ell still be just a student. This much I do know : the more men any normal woman can be faithful to at one time, the happier she is. Fanciion — Evidently you have made your investigations pay you in exact knowledge. Louis — I wonder if Celestin found in her multiplicity of loves all the platitudes of marriage? Fanchon — What do you think? You have had a great deal of experience. Louis — That's why she's here. Having nothing left in life to be curious about, she put an end to it. Fanchon (Showing that the talk about Celestin is more or less displeasing) — Do you consider the old gentleman in- teresting? (Indicating old man's figure.) 16 THE HOUSE OF REST Louis — Looks as if he had a soft boiled intellect. (Makes a closer inspection.) Why he's the old beggar that used to stand near the bridge. Poor old devil, life had become to him just a dull headache on a noisy street. Fanchon — He did well to stuff his ears with the cotton of oblivion. Louis — I'm sorry to see him go — this way. Fanchon — How like a man! The latch string of your sympathy is out for him. Why? Because as a beggar he was never possible as a rival. You could never imagine him robbing you of a kiss or taking the bread out of your mouth. In payment for his discretion you dole him out a tear. Louis — Do you think you have me on the operating table searching for my soul with a scalpel ? Fanchon — I have no curiosity about your soul. 1 know it too well. Louis — When did it receive an introduction to you ? Fanchon — When I first met your type. Your three meals a day, your bed, your coat, your hat, your habit of thought, your left-handed love affairs — how different are they from his? (Indicating figure of Boulevardier) Instead of waiting until Saturday as you are doing, he died on Monday and gained a whole week on eternity. Louis (Looking closely at the figure) — I knew him. That is my friend Gilbert Goncourt. Fanchon — You do know him ! Louis — And you? Fanchon — Oh, yes. I knew him. We're all of a family here this morning. Gilbert found life a continual recurrence of minor idiocies. Louis — Celestin might have been one of them. Fanchon — She was. Louis — Strange they should both be here at once. Was she his ? Fanchon (Gloomily) — For a week, a month, a year. He plucked the blossom of her youth, then tossed her away. THE HOUSE OF REST 17 Louis (Lightly) — Well, someone else would have plucked the blossom if he had overlooked the chance. Fanchon — True, monsieur. Louis — She had the laughter and the song. Fanchon — ^The song, I remember, had a sob in it. The laughter — ! There was no laughter. Louis — You knew her very well? Fanchon — She was my sister. Louis — Pardon me, but do you think this is the place to keep her on exhibition ? Fanchon — How tender we are of our wrecks once we prove our success as wreckers. I kept her here until he should come. Louis (Starting) — You knew he would come? Fanchon — I did. Louis — Perhaps you brought him to this? Fanchon — He rushed headlong into it — our little Celestin here died because she couldn't satisfy desires for luxury he had cultivated in her. Louis — At least he gave her one sip of the wine of life. Fanchon — But the dregs were near the rim of the cup. He left her to gulp them while he went off to drink deep. Louis — Of happiness with someone else. Did it ever strike you as odd that the joy water of existence must be taken in company? Fanchon — The company this time had a triple veil on her face. Louis — Ah! Literesting. Married, no doubt. (Turns to figure) Gilbert, you always were a rogue. Fanchon — I was never able to penetrate her identity, but I learned that she Avas the wife of his best friend. Louis (Laughing) — His best friend! Oh, Gilbert! You rascal, you carry your sense of humor beyond the grave. That's one of the finest things I've heard in a month. Fanchon — That's the laughter that puts a halo on the head of Sin. 18 THE HOUSE OF REST Louis — I agree with you. Sin needs a halo once in a while. Fanchon — Do you know what his actions meant? Louis — Assuredly, Happiness ! Stolen happiness, the sweetest. Think of all those kisses and caresses ! They belonged to someone else and he collected them. Oh, if you were only married ! What joy to hoodwink a stupid hus- band. All husbands are stupid. Fanchon — I believe you. Louis — I can see her going home — {Looks at figure of Boulevardier.) Oh, you rogue! She is quite sedate. Very gentle, very kind. Ah, much kinder than usual. There's an air of lassitude about her. She looks as if she were praying. The husband is sure that she is going in for charity, possibly religion. Oh, the clown ! What a joke on him! Fanchon — Yes, monsieur, but it was a sad joke for me when I found my little Celestin here last night. Louis — Oh, well, that's all in the game. I'd like to know that other one. Is she waiting for him at their rendezvous ? Perhaps the husband found him out. That's why he's here. Fanchon — No, I found him out, monsieur. Louis — I knew you had a hand in it, you kill- joy. What did you do? Fanchon — Last night I left my little Celestin at the end of her journey, and went in search of the man who had started her on the road. Louis — You're making a tragedy of nothing. Wasn't it better for her after all, this taste of life, than an eternity of thoroughly domesticated passion? Fanchon — Be that as it may, I arrived at his hotel in time to see the woman of the triple veil enter. Louis — The wife of his best friend ! Fanchon — I waited. Louis — That was considerate of you. Nothing equals that first ten minutes of heaven — with the wife of your best friend. THE HOUSE OF REST 19 Fanchon — Then I bought the services of an Apache that I knew. Together we dashed at the door of their room. I screamed for her to run as all was discovered. She jumped out of the window. Louis — And Gilbert ? Fanchon — I was one of a mob that chased him to the river. There was a splash. Here he is. Louis — What a climax to such a tender romance! You have no mercy. Tell me, what became of the wife of his best friend? Fanchon — ^The fall killed her. She is also here, mon- sieur. Louis — Here! {Looks around) Where? Fanchon {Points to female figure) — There she is. Louis {Goes to figure) — It is possible that I may know her — good God, it's my wife. Fanchon {Afraid) — Your wife! Louis {Shakes fist at wife's figure) — Oh — you — to be- tray — {JFIe turns to Boulevardier) And you, you dog. You cur. You robbed me of everything worth while in my life. Fanchon {Grimly) — Things look just a little different now. Louis — ^They are different. {Goes to Fanchon) You are responsible for it all. I was going along with my eyes shut. Happy. We all have to keep our eyes shut to be happy. Then you came looking for justice and truth and morality. You broke into her life {Indicating Celestin), then into his {Indicating Boulevardier), then into hers {Indicating wife), and mine. Mine worst of all. But, by God, you're going to pay. Fanchon {Trying to get past him) — Help! Louis {Grasping her by throat) — Too late. {Enter Gendarme and some of the crowd. They rush to Louis and seize him. Fanchon falls from his grasp. One of the crowd bends over her and feels her heart.) Man — She is dead. Louis — An addition to your collection, gentlemen. She was too moral for this world. Curtain TERA/IS OF PEACE TERMS OF PEACE CHARACTERS John Stevenson An American Millionaire, appointed del- egate to the PEACE CONGRESS at the Hague. Crandall Deposed delegate to the Congress Carin Meredith With zvhom Stevenson is in love Prince Soblov Russian delegate Mannie Secretary to Stevenson Pascual Assistant to Carin Ming Servant Von Holst German delegate to the Congress Graham English delegate Takahari Japanese delegate Mrs. Pierson Carin' s sister Delpiiine Mrs. Pierson' s daughter Commandant, General, stretcher hearers, soldiers, etc. Synopsis of Scenes ACT I The first act takes place in the living room of the American Peace Mansion. ACT II Act two takes place in the same room, next day. ACT III Act three takes place in the living room of an old chateau at the front. 23 'WAR- ACT I Scene — Interior of well-furnished living room in the Amer- ican Mansion of Peace. Entrances rear and R. and L. There is a window on an angle in upper L. corner. Curtains are draped in front of it, and as it is in a sort of recess, a bench or couch, with cushions, is built in so as to conform to the shape of the recess. Between this zvindow, and door rear, is a good sized desk. Down front is a large library table on which arc books and papers and a telephone. Right is a couch. There are two chairs near table and a few other chairs scattered about room. All shozv, with the rest of the surroundings, the dignity of the position held by the occupants. At rise Carin and Pascual are discovered. Pascual is operating typeivriter at desk. Carin is glancing through official papers at table. Carin (Looking up from document she is reading) — Are you nearly done, Pascual? Pascual (Stops zvriting) — Your ladyship shall have the last page in two more minutes. (Writes. House bell rings. Enter Ming with card. He is in dress of high class Chinese servant.) Ming — Mr. Crandall, him not here ? (Pascual stops writ- ing and reads MSS., though shozving that he is listening. Carin takes quick look at him.) Carin (Taking card from salver held my Ming) — Show Prince Soblov in. (Pascual resumes zvriting.) Mr. Crandall will be disengaged shortly. (Exit Ming, rear.) Carin (To Pascual) — Are you nearly through, Pascual? Pascual — Your Highness shall have the last page in two minutes. Carin — It is five minutes since you said that before. 24 TERMS OF PEACE 25 Pascual — Your Supreme Graciousness is right. ( Writes very fast. Enter Ming showing in Sohlov. Rear exit Ming. Soblov advances and kisses Carin's hand.) Carin — Good evening. Soblov — You grow more charming every day, Miss Mere- dith. Carin {Lightly) — Pm afraid you formed the habit of saying that in Washington, and now think you must keep it up in Europe. {Goes L.) Soblov — Wait, I have news for you. {She stops at door) John Stevenson has arrived from America. {She turns) I thought that would interest you. Carin {Coldly) — Have you a special reason for thinking so, Prince Soblov? Soblov — ^Ask your heart that question. Carin — You seem to forget that I am engaged to marry Mr. Crandall. Soblov {Quizzically) — ^We have records of hands being bound and hearts remaining free. Carin — I see you are not in a serious mood. I'll tell Mr. Crandall you are here. {Exit L. Soblov gives a pectdiar snapping signal with his fingers. Pascual comes to him.) SoBLOv — Well ? Pascual {After furtively looking around) — ^The Prime Minister of England sent two messages, your highness. Soblov — One yesterday, the other this morning. Pascual — Your Highness has said it. Soblov — I know all about them. What else? Pascual — Andraive sent a message from Russia. Soblov — What? {Starts). Another! How did it come? Pascual — An English gentleman brought it. Soblov {Half to himself) — ^The devil! These peace fan- atics are becoming tricky; calling on an English gentleman for courier! {Takes Pascual by arm). Andraive is now close to the Czar. He may mean defeat of our plans to stop 26 TERMS OF PEACE the destruction of the Russian Army, and the Russian Em- pire under guise of peace. You must learn the contents of that letter. Sh — {Enter Ming rear. Ming goes to win- dozv and pulls hack curtain and exits R.) Pascual (Goes up to desk) — I am on the last page of the answer, your highness. SoBLOV {Watching Ming as he goes) — Takahari should change his man. Pascual {Comes zvith sheet of paper taken from type- writer. Holding out letter) — Here's the answer, Prince. SoBLOV {Knocking letter from his hand) — Fool. That's not an answer to Andraive's letter. If they trust you to copy it, there is nothing in it to interest me. Pascual {Picking up letter humbly) — Right, my prince. {Sohlov gives peculiar signal again zvith his fingers. Pas- cual stands erect and tense). SoBLOv {Under his breath) — Go. {Pascual starts rear. Enter Crandall L. He is a direct, straightforward man with one idea. He is somewhat of an idealist and dreamer, though trying to he practical and is ahout fifty years of age.) Crandall — Good evening, Prince Soblov. SoBLOV {Shaking hands with him) — There's always a wel- come in your handclasp. Crandall {To Pascual) — You may go, Pascual. Leave that letter. {Pascual lays letter on tahle and exits rear.) Soblov — You sent for me? Crandall — A very important matter has come up. Soblov — Ah, the leader of our great movement to estab- lish peace in the world needs my humble services ? Crandall — Prince Soblov, I sometimes question if some who identify themselves with the peace movement are not fervent advocates of war. Soblov {Surprise simulated) — You think we have traitors in our camp? Crandall — I know we have {Looks directly at Soblov). SoBLOV — That is unfortunate. Still, we need have no concern. The delegates to the Peace Congress will vote to TERMS OF PEACE 27 forbid this war. Universal disarmament will follow as a matter of course. Crandall — The delegates to the Peace Congress are evenly divided. SoBLOV (Making light of it) — Then you as President of the Congress will cast the deciding vote. Crandall — I'll cast the deciding vote if I am permitted to cast it. Prince Soblov. SoBLOv — Why, who can stop you? Crandall — The enemies of Peace are powerful. There has been a presidential election at home since my appoint- ment. SoBLOv (Evidently relieved) — ^Ah, I see. You wish me to use v/hatever influence I possess to have you retained as delegate? I shall be honored. Crandall — This is the crucial period of modern history. The change of one vote from the side of peace in this Con- gress to the side of war will leave the destructive element in the ascendency. SoBLOv (Seriously) — Such a change is to be regretted. Crandall — You know what it will mean, Prince Soblov? The vast armies taken from the shop and the plough to learn the trade of murder in a uniform, will continue to learn that trade. The waste to maintain those armies will continue. Every working man will have a soldier on his back. The crushing of the hearts of the wives and mothers of the world will go on. Soblov (Affected)- — A horrible picture. Can it be pos- sible there are traitors among us who want that? Crandall (Leaning over table close to Soblov) — There is one traitor among us. SoBLOv — You know who he is? Crandall — I do. Soblov — ^Who? Crandall — ^You. Soblov (Puts hand in breast as if for weapon) — Be careful ! 28 TERMS OF PEACE • Crandall — Put that away — {They hold steady look for a second, then Sohlov drops his eyes, and takes hand from breast.) I say nothing I cannot prove. (Pause.) I intend to place my proofs before your master. SoBLOv — The Czar? Crandall — The Czar. The meeting of the Peace Con- ference will be postponed. I leave tonight for St. Peters- burg. The audience has been arranged. SoBLOV — By Andraive? Crandall — By Andraive. A true friend of peace ! The one man of Russia who, if he had been sent to this confer- ence in your place, would have obeyed the mandate of the Czar and forbidden this war the militarists have set their hearts on. SoBLOV — ^What's your price? Crandall — Now we'll talk business. Sit down. (They sit.) My price is your resignation, Prince Soblov. (Soblov makes vigorous movement.) Soblov — No. Crandall — You must resign immediately as delegate to THE PEACE CONGRESS. Soblov — Never ! Crandall — And in a letter to his Imperial Majesty, the Czar of Russia, you will clear the way for Andraive to be appointed your successor immediately. Soblov — May I burn in hell if I do. Crandall (Rising as if thing was settled) — Very good. War or no war, you will be dismissed in disgrace. I have documents to prove that you are in league with the military cliques in every European capital. You are not only a traitor to peace, you are a traitor to Russia, to the Russian people, to the Russian Czar. Soblov (Stopping in front of Crandall. He has recov- ered his poise) — You have played the great American game of poker ? Crandall — Some. TERMS OF PEACE 29 SoBLOv — You bluffed. Crandall — One doesn't last long otherwise. SoBLOV — You are bluffing now. Crandall — You think so, Prince Soblov? You have heard of that inner circle of men in every European nation who call themselves The State? They are looked upon as The State no matter who may be the ruler, no matter what the form of government? Soblov — Who has not? Crandall — The group of men that constitute the Inner State in each country of Europe is a military group. They alone know the general who will lead an invasion or repel invaders. They know the secret formulae for the manu- facture of explosives. Soblov — What has this to do with me ? Crandall — This. You are a secret member of the Inner State of Russia. (Soblov shoivs that he is hit.) That group has entered into an alliance with every other military group in Europe to maintain the prestige of the Military caste. Soblov — Where are your proofs ? Show them to me. Crandall — I'll show them to his Imperial Majesty, the Czar of Russia. Soblov (After long pause) — ^When shall I resign? Crandall — At once. I want two copies of the resigna- tion, both signed by you, Soblov — Call your secretary. (Crandall goes to door L. and opens it. He calls.) Crandall — Carin — Soblov — Just a minute. I don't want her to know. (Carin appears at door L.) Crandall (After second of hesitation. To Carin) — Pas- cual has finished the letter. (Takes letter from table and gives it to her.) Look it over. Carin — Shall I send it off? Crandall — If you please. If it's alright. (Exit Carin.) 30 TERMS OF PEACE SoBLOv — Thank you. I'll write the resignation myself. (Sits at table and picks tip pen. By his attitude he gives the impression that he will trick Crandall.) Crandall (Thoughtfully. He suspects a trick) — I want them worded exactly alike. Can you use a typewriter? (Crandall brings typewriter to table.) SoBLOv — I'm going to write in Russian. Crandall — You're going to write in English. SoBLOv — I'm a little afraid of my English. Make it French. Crandall (Bringing down box of carbons to table) — - English. Do you use the machine? SoBLOV (Glad at last) — Never touched one in my life. Crandall (Placing sheet of carbon between two sheets of paper) — Very good, I'll act as your secretary. (Sits at machine.) SoBLOV — What shall I say? Crandall — Write the letter to me as President of the Peace Congress. SoBLOV — Go on. Crandall (Writes as he talks) — To the President of The Peace Congress, The Hague. Dear Sir : Owing to the fact that my heart is no longer with the mandate of my Imperial Master, the Czar, to have peace at any price SoBLOv — No. I'll write a straightforward resignation — nothing else. Crandall — (Writing) — And because I am a member of the Military Organi- zation existing only for the purpose of strangling peace SoBLOV — That will do. Crandall (Looking up) — That's enough. (Writes.) I hereby tender my resignation as a member of the Peace Congress, TERMS OF PEACE 31 SoBLOV — Do you want to ruin my life? One of those copies is for Andraive ! Crandall — Sign. (Lays sheets on table, the carbon still between.) SoBLOV — I won't. Crandall — ^Very good. I'll see the Czar. SoBLOV — You are bent on my destruction. Crandall — You are bent on your own destruction. It must be written so to keep you in your proper place, Prince Soblov. (Soblov seises pen and signs.) SoBLOV — ^You always win. In our first encounter while I was still an attache of the Russian legation at Washing- ton, you won. (Crandall pulls sheet of carbon from be- tzveen the sheets of paper.) Crandall — Why rake up the past? We have enough in the present on which to base antagonism. See, you have signed both copies at once. One is a carbon copy. Soblov — Shall I sign it twice? (Reaching for carbon copy.) Crandall — No, this will do. You cannot deny your sig- nature. You will not dare. Soblov — Dare ! Crandall — I still hold the proofs. (Laying carbon sheet in box of carbons.) Soblov — Those proofs come to me now for these. It's a fair exchange. (He lays hand on resignations.) Crandall — What? Give up the weapon that defeated you? You could easily say that I coerced you to sign that. (Indicating resignation.) You can never deny my proofs that you betrayed your master, the Czar. Soblov — (Placing resignations in pocket) — ^Unless you give me your proofs so that I can destroy them, I cannot give you these. Crandall — Very good. You know the price. If you are willing to fight, alright. Soblov — ^We have run counter to one another, Crandall, since we first met. 32 TERMS OF PEACE Crandall — No doubt we always shall. SoBLOV — It is sometimes a hard matter for an intelligent man to forgive. Crandall — When I ask forgiveness, Prince Soblov, you may grant it. Soblov — I only want to warn you not to interfere with my life. Crandall — Is that a threat ? Soblov — Call it what you like — {Pause.) Do you go to St. Petersburg? Crandall — My train leaves at midnight. Soblov — Very good. This is au revoir. {At door rear.) I'll return to say good bye. {Exit rear. Crandall pushes button. Enter Carin L.) Crandall — I must go to St. Petersburg. Carin — You could not force a resignation? Crandall — He wanted to see my proofs. God, I wish they were real. I wish they were not so indefinite, so non- conclusive. Carin — You must see the Czar. Crandall — I will. Let him decide. With Andraive in Soblov's place, peace would have a chance, even with a United States delegate in my place voting for militarism. Carin — Hush — {Going up. Quietly opens door, rear. Enter Pascual with letters. It is evident that he has been listening.) Thank you, Pascual. {Taking letters. EI e bows and exits rear. She waits at door until sure he has gone, then turns to Crandall.) Has the news that you are no longer delegate been given to the embassies? Crandall — They have an inkling of it somehow. My forced resignation should be in the hands of the President today. I firmly believe that's why the opposition is ready to set a time for the vote. Carin — They know you'll be unable to vote. I wonder who will be appointed your successor ! TERMS OF PEACE 33 Crandall — Someone who will come full-armed to tear down in a day what it has taken me a lifetime to build up. Carin, dear, the world is turned wrong. Carin — We are here to turn it right. Crandall — Brave as ever ! If I had only ten days more, if I had five, I'd place in your lap the victory for which you have fought so well. I'd give, my life, for just ten days as delegate. Do you know the fear that's pressing in on me, Carin? {Dejected.) Carin — What is it? Crandall — With every ring of the door bell I expect to see my successor, a believer in legalized murder, enter with his credentials from the President of the United States, and order me out and war in. {Enter Ming.) Ming {Announcing) — Mr. John Stevenson, Crandall — I knew it! There he is. {To Ming) Show him in. {Exit Ming.) Carin — He's the man! {Enter Stevenson, rear. They look at him strangely.) Steven.son {To Crandall and coming down) — You don't seem particularly glad to see me, Mr, Crandall, Crandall — I was just talking about you, John Stevenson. Stevenson — I am honored. {To Carin) You had some- thing to say, too? Carin {Intense) — Why did you come here now? Stevenson — Shall I tell you? Carin — Yes. Stevenson — In the presence of Mr. Crandall ? Crandall — Perhaps if I withdraw. {Goes to door L.) Carin — Wait. {Crandall stops.) There is nothing Mr. Stevenson has to say to me that cannot be said in public. Stevenson — Very well, Carin. I have the reputation of being a simple man and a direct one. I came here to get you. I want you to be my wife. You broke off our engage- ment in response to a whim, Crandall {Surprised) — Huh! 34 TERMS OF PEACE CiiANDALL — Is that all you came to — to see about? Carin — I am engaged to marry Mr. Crandall. Stevenson — Is that not enough? Stevenson (Shows he is hit, hut recovers) — Engaged! I beg your pardon. {Goes to Crandall.) Permit me to con- gratulate you. {Shakes hands with him.) Of course, I'm sorry I intruded. Crandall {Warmly) — Why, I thought you came to dis- place me as delegate to the Peace Congress, Stevenson. That accounts for the coldness of. my welcome. Won't you sit down? {Takes his arm and. leads him to chair. To Carin) Let's make amends, Carin^ Let Ming fetch some refresh- ments. Carin {Grudgingly). — I'll, get them. {Carin goes out R.) Crandall — You know, Stevenson, although we're on dif- ferent sides of this war question, I'm really glad to see you. Stevenson — Thank you. Crandall — Most of you millionaires at home are so busy piling up more millions that you don't have time to study social forces. There's no reflection intended, Stevenson, none whatever. You simply don't have time, that's all. Stevenson — Some haven't the inclination. Crandall — Don't tell me you're one of those. I won't believe it. Stevenson — You forget that I am a manufacturer of armor plate. I thrive on war. Crandall — I don't forget it, Stevenson. But you are too big a man, you have too big a brain to let your economic chains bind you to the destructive forces of society. Some day when you realize there are blood stains on your divi- dends, you'll refuse to take them. Stevenson — I'll travel long on the present road before I reach that turning. Crandall — You'll reach it quicker than you think. Re- member the lowly Nazarene. His gospel of peace and good will to man grips the heart Avhen you least expect it. Yours is an American heart. TERMS OF PEACE 35 Stevenson — Men are alike the world over. Their hearts are the same where profits are concerned. Crandall — Maybe. Anyhow, I want you to stay and see us turn Europe from a military camp, where half the people are ready to cut the throats of the other half, into a group of peace-loving countries, where the brotherhood of man will have a chance to get a foothold. Make this your headquarters. Stevenson — You forget that I came here to take Carin away. Crandall {Indifferently) — ^Well ? Stevenson — You are going to marry her. Crandall — What has that to do with it? Our engage- ment was so sudden and unexpected I haven't quite ad- justed myself to it yet. Stevenson {Anxiously and zvith suggestion of surprise) — Indeed ! When did it happen ? Crandall — Last Thursday. Stevenson {Thoughtfully) — You became engaged last Thursday ? Crandall — Yes, Thursday. Stevenson — That was the very day the newspapers an- nounced my arrival in Europe. When will the marriage take place? Crandall {Tenderly) — You'll have to ask Carin. She says it would be criminal to let love interfere with our work of the Peace Congress. Stevenson — That sounds like her. (Enter Carin zvith tray, liquor and glasses.) Crandall — Doesn't it? Stevenson {Obviously trying to change the subject) — You say the Peace Congress will soon vote on the all-im- portant question of war or no war. Crandall {Hesitating, yet sticking to his ideal of truth- fulness) — Well, I cannot say. You see, I have been afraid of forcing it to a decision right now. The elements we have to deal with are uncertain. You understand, Steven- 36 TERMS OF PEACE son, there's a traitor in our camp. There are traitor gov- ernments, too, working openly for peace and secretly for war. Carin {Offering liquor to Stevenson. Filling glasses.) — In spite of that we are in hopes that orders will go forth to beat the swords into plowshares. Stevenson (To Crandall) — If the dove of peace builds a permanent nest in the world, Crandall, most of the credit goes to you. Crandall — Oh, no, Carin deserves more than I. Carin {Giving him liquor) — I was the clerk, the book- keeper of the movement. That's all. Crandall — You always kept a stout heart. Many of us stumbled, some fell by the wayside. Even in our darkest days, when we were forcing on the consciousness of the world the possibility of democracy compelling the govern- ments of Europe to forbid war, you never faltered. {Enter Mannie, rear. About 24.) Mannie {To Stevenson) — Excuse me. This is an im- portant telegram. Stevenson {To Crandall and Carin. Takes telegram.) — This is my private secretary, Mr. Mannie. Miss Meredith, Mr. Crandall. {They hozv in acknowledgment.) Mannie — I'm glad to meet you. {Exit Mannie, rear.) Stevenson — A valuable man, that. Used to be an actor. Pardon me. {Opens and glances at telegram.) Carin {To Stevenson) — He seemed to think that you are master of the house. Crandall {Fearfully) — ^You are the delegate come to displace me ! Stevenson — Have I presented any credentials? Has the President sent you a cablegram accepting your resignation? And naming your successor ? Crandall — You know that my resignation is on the way to him ? Stevenson {Assuming indifference) — Oh, many of us on the other side know that. As a matter of fact, it was ex- pected long ago. TERMS OF PEACE 37 Crandall (Overcome) — I forced delay to the very last minute. I want the vote against this war to be taken before I am compelled to retire. Carin (To Stevenson) — Mr. Stevenson, I believe that you were the direct cause of Mr. Crandall being eliminated as delegate. Stevenson (With non-committal air) — You over-estimate my powers, Carin. Crandall (To Stevenson) — You were a strong factor in my defeat, Stevenson. Can you deny it? Stevenson (Laughingly) — Oh, we all play politics more or less at home. Carin — This is not politics. War is never politics. It's murder. (Enter Ming with card.) Crandall (Reading card) — The German Delegate, the Baron Von Hoist. Show him into my study. I'll see him at once. (Exit Ming, rear. Crandall goes L.) I'm leaving for St. Petersburg at midnight, Stevenson. I want to talk to you before I go. Stevenson — If Carin lets me stay until you get back, I'll be here. Crandall — She will let you stay. There's not much she wouldn't do to win you to the side of peace. (Exit L.) Stevenson (To Carin) — You'd do anything but give up the desire for individual war. Carin — I am quite ready to war with you. You can't object. Those who advocate the sword should be willing to perish by the sword. Stevenson — Did you break off our engagement and run away from America through fear that you might be tempted to use the sword on me? Carin — I came here to aid Mr. Crandall in his work. Stevenson — Of converting men into milk sops. Carin — That's the usual argument. You would draw imaginary lines across a continent, give the inhabitants on either side a different language, and a different uniform, then order them to kill one another on sight. Stevenson — You express nationality in the simplest terms. 38 TERMS OF PEACE Carin — In its truest terms. Stevenson — The development of a people and their insti- tutions, backed up by manly courage, make a nation. The men and the institutions that survive do so because they are fittest. Carin — The egotism of success is now talking. Every- body is successful in America. I ran away to Europe to escape the echo of it. Stevenson — You ran away to Europe, Carin Meredith, to escape marriage. Carin — You forget, Mr. Stevenson, that I am engaged to marry Mr. Crandall. He is here. Stevenson — You engaged yourself to him on Thursday, the day I arrived in Europe. Shall I tell you why? Carin — Suppose you try. Stevenson — Because you love me. Carin — You forget the respect due the woman who is virtually the wife of your host. Stevenson — I forget nothing. You once were engaged to me. You broke that engagement without cause. You broke it in spite of the fact that you love me and I love you. I never went after anything in my life that I didn't get. (She is held by his eyes as if fascinated, then recovers and backs away.) And I never wanted anything in my life so much as I want you. (Pascual appears rear.) Carin (Seeing Pascual) — Pascual! Pascual (Comes down) — Yes, your highness. Carin — There is an American church on King William street, two blocks from here. Pascual — I know where it is, your highness. Carin — Go there at once. Get the Rev. Mr. Vedder. Tell him that I want to see him. Pascual — Yes, madame. (Goes up.) Carin — Tell him to come ready to perform a marriage ceremony. Pascual — Tis done, your supreme graciousness. (Exit Pascual rear.) TERMS OF PEACE 39 Carin (T'urning to Stevenson) — There's your answer. Stevenson — You are going to marry him now ? Carin — When Mr. Crandall goes to St. Petersburg to- night, he shall leave me the protection of his name. Stevenson — You do not love Crandall. Carin — I love the nobility of his life. Stevenson — But you don't love the man. Carin — I love him enough to marry him. Stevenson — There is room in your heart for only one man. You cannot forget those hours we spent together when you were trying to win me to your cause. You said it was the sweetest time of your life. It was the dearest time of mine. Your eyes told me that your soul belonged to me. They tell it to me now, Carin. (She backs away sloivly from him.) See the tears. Just as in the old days. You sway. I keep you from falling. {He takes her in his arms.) As in the old days Carin — Good God ! (She covers her face ivith her hands and goes up.) Stevenson — You are mine, Carin Meredith. You belong to me. Carin {Turning quickly) — No {Comes down to table. Stevenson is on the other side. She speaks slowly and dis- tinctly, placing emphasis on every zvord.) If ever a woman hated a man, John Stevenson, I hate you. I hate your suc- cess, I hate your life, I hate what you stand for before the world. {Enter Crandall L. folloived by Von Hoist.) Crandall — The Baron Von Hoist wants to greet you, Stevenson. Stevenson {Shaking hands ivith Von Hoist) — How do you do, Baron? Von Holst — I'm glad to see you again, Herr Stevenson. {To Carin) — Fraulein Meredith, good evening. {Bowing to her.) Carin — Good evening, Baron Von Hoist. Von Holst {To Stevenson) — Fraulein Meredith is con- verting you to her ideas about the pending war, Herr Stev- enson! 40 TERMS OF PEACE Stevenson — Her success has been slight. Carin — No, Herr Baron, he is just as anxious for main- tenance of the war spirit as you are yourself. He has as much at stake. Von Holst — I'm glad to hear it. War is needed to keep the race from becoming enfeebled. Crandall — But chiefly is war needed to secure the old aristocracy of blood in its special privilege niche in the world. Carin (Looking significantly at Stevenson) — And to guarantee the new aristocracy of money its dividends. {Enter Ming followed by Takahari rear.) Ming — Count Takahari. Von Holst — Takahari here, too? Stevenson — This is becoming the rendezvous of the war party in the Peace Congress. Crandall (To Takahari, bowing) — My dear Count, this is an honor. Takahari ( With dignity) — 'Tis an honor to be received in such noble company. {Bowing slowly.) Von Holst — Count Takahari, we were just wondering what was the special attraction for the advocates of war in this abode of peace. Takahari — Peace is such a beautiful ideal, it attracts even the warriors who are determined to maintain war to achieve it. VoN Holst — I'll confess that the Fraulein Meredith was the magnet that drew my feet. Carin — Are you sure it wasn't Mr. Stevenson that at- tracted you both ? ( Von Hoist seems to resent the implica- tion. He assumes a stern expression.) Stevenson — Why should I draw the Baron Von Hoist and Count Takahari here ? Carin — Shall I tell you? Stevenson — Go ahead. Carin {To Stevenson) — You are the most important manufacturer of armor plate in the United States. (He TERMS OF PEACE 41 nods.) After you have the ships and the forts of the world covered with your armor, it is to your interest to find some- thing that will penetrate it — a torpedo! (Von Hoist and Takahari register this. She watches the effect.) I am right. (To Stevenson) You have found a torpedo. You are here making the nations of Europe bid against one another to get possession of it. Crandall — Are you sure of your facts, Carin? Carin — Yes, I am sure. I am also sure that Mr. Steven- son has found his proper level. Crandall — His proper level ! Carin — He is a peddler. Crandall — Remember he is my guest. Carin — He was the first to forget it. (Enter Pascual rear, followed by Sohlov.) Pascual (To Carin) — Your highness, the Rev. Mr. Ved- der will be here in five minutes. Carin — I wish to bid the gentlemen present to remain for the marriage ceremony, Soblov (Coming down) — Am I included? May I offer my congratulations ? Crandall — What does this mean, Carin? Carin — It means, with your permission, that. before you leave tonight for Russia, I shall be your wife. I want the protection that position warrants. Crandall — You mean it, Carin? (Takes her hands in his.) VoN HoLST (To Crandall) — You are the only man in the world I envy. Takahari (To Crandall) — The honorable lady will con- fer much honor upon your household. Stevenson (To Crandall) — You leave for St. Peters- burg soon? (Enter Ming with liquors R.) Crandall — At midnight. Soblov (With meaning) — You are going to St. Peters- burg, Mr. Crandall? 42 TERMS OF PEACE Crandall (Sloivly and zvith emphasis) — At midnight, Prince Soblov. Stevenson (Goes «/>)— Good-bye. Carin (Insinuatingly) — Won't you stay to see the mar- riage, Mr. Stevenson? Stevenson — Thank you, no. Can you spare Mr. Cran- dall for a few seconds; I want to talk to him. (She bozvs acquiescence.) Carin — Don't keep him long. Crandall (To Stevenson) — Fll walk with you as far as the gate. Pardon me, gentlemen. I'll be back immediately. Stevenson — Good evening. SoBLOV — Good-bye. (Exeunt Stevenson and Crandall, rear. Soblov gives the peculiar signal with his fingers. Pas- cual comes dozvn and busies himself with glasses. He takes tray from Ming, ivho protests in Chinese. Takahari says something to Ming in Chinese that causes him to zvithdraw. Enter Mannie L. He surveys the scene, getting intimatiott of correspondence between Soblov and Pascual. Von Hoist and Carin are up stage.) VoN Holst (Advancing to Takahari) — Count Takahari, Miss Meredith suggests that we draw lots for the honor of being groomsman at her marriage. Takahari — If I win, I shall make a memorial of it as the brightest historical event in the annals of the Takahari family. VoN Holst — If the honor falls to me, I shall consider it v/orth a chapter in my memoirs. (During this Soblov has been tapping zvine glass with his nails. Pascual has been anszvering by tapping tray. Mannie observes the two closely. Exit Pascual rear. Soblov looks suspiciously at Mannie, who goes up as if going out rear.) SoBLOV (To Mannie. It is evident that he wants to keep Mannie azvay from Stevenson) — Just a minute, Mr. Secre- tary. (Mannie stops.) Mr. Stevenson asked me to have you take this document to compare with one you will find on the desk in that room. (Leads Mannie R.) Mannie (Taking paper) — This? TERMS OF PEACE 43 SoBLOv — Yes, Mr. Secretary. When you read you will understand. {He urges Mannie into room R. and doses the door. Sohlov turns up and joins Carin, Von Hoist and Takahari. Enter Ming with card.) Carin {Taking card and reading it.) Show him in. {Exit Ming.) The Rev. Mr. Vedder has arrived, gentle- men. {Enter Mr. Vedder rear.) Carin — I'm glad to see you. {Shakes hands with him.) You have met Prince Soblov and Count Takahari and Baron Von Hoist. {He bozvs to each. They acknowledge the salutation.) Soblov {To Carin from near zvindow) — You are fully decided to marry Mr. Crandall? Carin — I am. When Mr. Crandall was born God leaned out of Heaven and breathed into his heart a prayer that has become a benediction to the entire race. {Soblov goes near zvindozv. A shot is fired off.) What's that? {They all rush to zvindow.) SoBLOv — A signal of some kind. Wait. {Carin is about to go out of window. He holds her back.) Here comes some one. Carin — Somebody may be injured. I hear cries. VoN HoLST {Holding Carin back from zvindow) — Let the men look after that. You stay here. {Enter Ming rear.) Ming — Mr. Crandall. Pie is shot! Carin — My God! Ming — Him shot in garden. Takahari {In Chinese to Ming) — Shut up, you fool. Carin {Going rear) — I must go to him. SoBLOv — You'll find that it is a mistake. {Exit Ming L. Von Hoist, Carin and Takahari and Soblov go off rear quickly. Pascual crawls into room through window. Pas- cual crosses to rear. Enter Ming L. He looks at Pascual closely.) Ming — You here all the time? Pascual {Frightened) — Yes, yes. I was in Mr. Cran- dall's study. {Exit rear.) 44 TERMS OF PEACE Ming {Lookmg after him) — Maybe. {Ming looks at window, then bends down on knees and picks up mud from carpet, studies it. Enter Mannie R., who sees Ming rising from knees and looking as if he had just entered through the windozv. He withdraws R. Enter Takahari and Von Hoist and Rev. Vedder rear. Ming goes in alcove, closed window and pulls down curtains.) Von Holst — We can only wait the decision of the doc- tors. {Enter Stevenson rear zvith Soblov.) Stevenson — It's the most cowardly thing I've ever heard of. Von Holst {To Stevenson) — You think he'll die? SoBLOV — The doctor announces that his death is only a matter of hours. Stevenson — It seems impossible. I just left him a sec- ond or two before the shot was fired. SoBLOv — You are to be congratulated just the same. Stevenson — Congratulations over the possible death of Mr. Crandall? What do you mean? {Carin appears rear.) SoBLOV — It clears the way for you to assume his duties as delegate to this Peace Conference at once. Stevenson — Do you think I needed to wait for some one to shoot him for that? VoN Holst — Then you are the delegate! {Shakes Stev- enson's hand.) Carin {To Stevenson, advancing into room.) You are? Stevenson — My credentials are here. {Taps his pocket.) Carin — Our suspicions were right. You are for war. The people of the United States are for peace. In a final test the people are the government. Now when you vote in the conference, what government will you represent? Stevenson — I shall represent the silent government of finance. Curtain End of Act I TERMS OF PEACE ACT II Scene — Same as Act I. Time — The next evening. Mannie and Stevenson are dis- covered. Mannie is on his knees near ivindow. Stevenson is watching him. Mannie — It looked as if Ming was crawling through the window just that way. Stevenson — But there was no motive for Ming to do the shooting. Mannie (Rising) — You forget Takahari? Stevenson — Less motive than ever. Takahari knew Crandall was no longer delegate. Mannie — The bullet may have been meant for you. Stevenson — Impossible. Mannie — Now you're on the ground, you must agree that nothing's impossible to the war party. Stevenson (With suggestion of impatience) — But I'm one of that party. Mannie — ^And the strongest one. Don't forget that. {Pause.) Stevenson — ^Well, where are you leading? Mannie — To the torpedo. Takahari may think he stands no show to buy it and if you die the secret of manufactur- ing it will die with you. Stevenson {Doubtfully) — That might be. What have the police done? Mannie — Surrounded the house and talked Dutch to one another in relays. Why they don't know their own names. 45 46 TERMS OF PEACE I'm sure they don't know ours. I was saluted as Herr Stev- enson as I came in just now. Stevenson — We must clear this murder up ourselves. Wire Scotland Yard for a detective. Get Takahari here first. I'll try him out. Mannie — Takahari is on the way. (Enter Pascual L. with box of papers that he proceeds to lay on table. They zvatch him.) Stevenson (To Pascual) — Where were you when Mr. Crandall was shot? Pascual (After a moment of hesitation) — In the blue room, your honor, closing the windows. Stevenson — That's on this side of the house, isn't it? (hidicating R.) Mannie — It adjoins this room on the north. Stevenson (To Pascual) — If you were closing the win- dows, you saw the man run this way after the shot was fired! Pascual (Off his guard) — No, he ran away from the house out of the garden. Stevenson — Oh, you did see someone? What did he look like? Pascual (Nonplussed) — Why, it vvas so dark, your honor. Stevenson — Can't you give any idea ?. Was he tall ? Pascual — No, not tall, your highness. Mannie — Did he wear European clothes? Pascual (Craftily) — It might be he had on a robe. Mannie — Chinese ? Pascual — Perhaps. Stevenson — Then you'd have said a woman did it. Pascual — No, it was a man, your highness. Stevenson (Emphatically) — ^Wearing a Chinese robe, he'd have looked in the dim light of the garden like a woman. TERMS OF PEACE 47 Pascual — It was a man, your worship. And he wore a robe. (Goes toivards door L.) Mannie— Oh, would you mind letting Count Takahari in when he calls. Stevenson (To Pascual) — You'd better take charge of our visiting list until we are settled. Let no one in you don't know personally. (Exit Stevenson R.) Pascual — It shall be as you command, your honor. (Exit L. Enter Ming rear.) Ming (Announcing) — Mrs. Pierson. Mannie^ — Miss Meredith's sister. (Goes R. then turns to Ming at door) — Is Mrs. Pierson's daughter with her?" Ming — She is. (Enter Mrs. Pierson rear. Mannie glances at her quickly, and ejcits R. Delphine enters rear. Enter Carin L. She exes and kisses Mrs. Pierson and Del- phine.) Mrs. Pierson — How terrible, sister ! Carin — Yes, terrible is the word. We'll talk it over later. (To Ming) — Tell Mr. Stevenson that I am ready to go, and will turn over the documents of the office to him in a few minutes. We'll check them off here. Ming — Yes, madame. (Exit Ming R.) Mrs. Pierson (To Carin) — We came right back as soon as we heard. Carin — Thank you. Delphine (Goes to Carin with shozv of affection) — I'm so sorry for you, auntv. Carin — Thank you, Delphine. I gave orders to pack your things so we can leave at once. Mr. Stevenson is in a great hurry to get possession. Mrs. Pierson — Not John Stevenson? (Carin nods ac- quiescence.) Delphine — He's a horrid thing. He's always bobbing up to interfere. Carin (Quickly) — You mustn't speak that way about him. 48 TERMS OF PEACE Delphine {Looking quizzically at her) — Oh, is that so? And I thought all along you hated him! Carin {To Mrs. Pierson) — Let us get ready to go. {Exit Delphine — I think she'd better go after that. Mrs. Pierson — What do you mean, child? Delphine — Do you know, you're getting so simple, mother, I can't trust you out of my sight. Mrs. Pierson — Don't talk nonsense. Delphine — Didn't you see how she flared up when I said that little nothing about Mr. Stevenson? Mrs. Pierson — Well? Delphine — Well. There's only one answer to it. Mrs. Pierson — What is it? Delphine — She's in love with him. Mrs. Pierson — How you go on! You know more about affairs of the heart than I ever did. Delphine — No wonder. I began where you left off. Mrs. Pierson — You'd better leave off before I begin — • again. Delphine — Don't threaten me with a stepfather. Mrs. Pierson {Going L.) — I've a notion to marry some- one that will keep you in your place. {Exit L. Enter Man- nie R.) Delphine {Calling after her) — If you do, I'll elope with him. Mannie — Did you mention my name? Delphine {To Mannie) — You? Mannie — Glad as if you saw your own funeral, aren't you? Delphine — Don't you know my mother's here? Mannie — It's your mother's daughter that keeps mc guessing. TERMS OF PEACE 49 Delphine — How ever did you get away from America? And how did you get here? You didn't break into the house, did you? (Enter Pascual rear with bundle of docu- ments, which he lays on table. Mannie goes over and looks through them with business-like air.) Mannie {To Pascual) — Bring the others later. I want to check these off now. Pascual (Going rear) — It shall be as you command, your highness. (Mannie sits and sorts over the papers indifferent to Delphine, ivho stands watching him.) Delphine — Well, I never! Mannie (With dignity) — I beg your pardon, Miss. Were you speaking? Delphine (Disarranges papers on table) — What's the meaning of all this ? Mannie (Fearfully) — Don't touch those. Delphine (Starting back) — What are they? Mannie (Indicates documents) — They are the tail feathers of the Dove of Peace. Delphine — Look as if they'd just been plucked. What have you to do v/ith them? What have you to do with this place ? Why did Pascual bow before you and take your commands? Why did he call you "your highness"? Mannie — Oh — (Indifferently) That — well (Looking through papers) That, you see — it's this way. I rather like being called "your highness." Sort of fits in with my person- ality. (Engrossed with document.) Delphine — Oh, you — (Snatching documents from him and stamping her foot.) Mannie (Indifferently picking up document) — Um — no — that's wrong. I'll change that. This one, too. Your punctuation marks are all wrong. Plenty of periods, but no full stop. Delphine — Stop this nonsense. Why are you here? What are you doing? What's your office? Mannie — I am a true patriot. Delphine — For a living? What else have you been do- ing since I saw you? 50 TERMS OF PEACE Mannie — Nothing. Delphine — Innocent ! Mannie — Cross my heart. I'm really here because I wouldn't do something. Delphine — ^What ? Man nie — Marry. Delphine — Who ? Mannie — Janet Craden. Delphine — That cat? Mannie — Janet's a nice girl. Delphine {Huffed) — Why don't you marry her? Mannie {Indifferently) — Oh, I may. Delphine — She has scads of money. Mannie — Come to think of it, she does resemble a bank roll. A nice fat one. Delphine — Well, why don't you marry her? Mannie — Shall I tell you? Delphine {Assuming indifference) — I don't care. Mannie — I'll tell you, anyhow. I didn't marry her be- cause I'm in love with someone else. Delphine — What has love to do with it? Mannie — Just this. {Kisses her.) Delphine — What will mamma say? Mannie — Are you going to take her into your confidence? Delphine — I always do. Mannie — Under similar circumstances? Delphine — Under exactly similar circumstances. Mannie {Quickly) — Oh, then you've had some experi- ence of the same nature? Delphine {Deliberately) — Of exactly the same nature. Do you think I'm an amateur? TERMS OF PEACE 51 Mannie (Throws documents down and shows that he is angry) — ^That's what you meant when you spoke of eloping a minute ago. Delphine — Well, suppose it is? Mannie (Towering over her) — Who is the man? Delphine — That's right, strike me. Mannie — I will not. Delphine — Then don't. Though I expect it from you. You're with the military party. Liable to hit anyone just to see him fall. Mannie — I am. We need wars ! You understand, wars ! There are too many people in the world. Delphine — Horrors ! Mannie — Too many women, especially. Delphine — When you stopped my runaway horse in Central Park I thought you were just a nice movie leading man. Mannie — I want to play all parts. I entered this branch of activity so I could learn character. You know my range, from light comedian to heavy old man. I have all my make- up wigs and everything with me. Carin — As long as you're for war why not play the part of a butcher ! Mannie — Wait! Butcher! Did you say butcher? (Changing) As a matter of cold-blooded fact, I am dead set against the military party. I think war should be abol- ished. Delphine (Taking opposite position) — Is that so? Well, I think war is just splendid. We ought to have a new war every week. Just think how grand the soldiers look on parade. Mannie — That's right. I forgot. Women always fall for a uniform. That's what keeps the military bunk going. Delphine — Well, why not?' Mannie — I know )'-ou're going to elope with some cheap little whipper-snapper with gold braid on his sleeve. Delphine (Mischievously) — How did you ever guess it? 52 TERMS OF PEACE Mannie — All right, I'm through. Voice {Off) — Delphine! {They look at one another.) Delphine {To Mannie) — It's about time. Mannie — That's your mother calling? Delphine {Exes L) — I'm going right now to tell her you stole a kiss from me. Mannie — Heavens, don't. Delphine — I will, unless you give it right back. Mannie — Wait a minute. {Going to her. He almost has Delphine in his arms. Enter Mrs. Pierson L. Mannie keeps on ivalking past Delphine zuith indifference. Mrs. Pierson zvatches him. Exit Mannie L.) Mrs. Pierson — Wasn't that your Central Park hero? Delphine {Innocently) — Who do you mean, Mamma? Mrs. Pierson — You know very weW whom I mean. The scamp of an actor that scared your horse so it ran away. Delphine {Snapping) — He didn't. Mrs. Pierson — Then chased you, and rescued you, and — Delphine — That's all he did. Mrs. Pierson — Kept on chasing you so he could rescue your fortune. Delphine — You don't give my fatal attractiveness any credit at all. Mrs. Pierson — I know him. He's just an ordinary for- tune hunter. Delphine — Does an ordinary fortune hunter turn up his nose at a fat one? Mrs. Pierson — Fat what? Delphine — Fortune. And female to go with it. Mrs. Pierson — He wouldn't. Delphine — Pie did. Mrs, Pierson — Who? Delphine — Janet Craden, TERMS OF PEACE 53 Mrs. Pierson — Lucky for her. You introduced him to Janet, didn't you? Delphine — I did. To put your theory to the test. All the Craden family just went wild to have him marry Janet. AIrs. Pierson — Fools. They accepted him socially at your valuation. Delphine — Oh no, they accepted him on Janet's. She thought him some Prince out of the Arabian Nights, cause she had seen him play in "Kismet." Mrs. Pierson — You think something similar. I'm very glad Carin is through here so I'll be at liberty to take you away. Delphine (With mock seriousness) — I'm afraid he'll follow us. Mrs. Pierson— You're afraid he won't. For that reason you'll send the address. {Enter Mannie rear. He comes down to the table. Mrs. Pierson looks at him through lorgnette.) Evidently the clerk wishes to use the room, Del- phine. We'd better go. (Exes L.) Delphine (Innocently. To Mannie.) — Do you wish to use this room, Mr. Clerk? (Enter Pascual imth Ming R. Ming goes to table with documents.) Mannie (To Pascual) — Would you kindly show the la- dies through the building, Pascual? And, oh, yes, send word to Cook's that the House of Peace is closed to visitors. (Delphine registers enjoyment.) Mrs. Pierson — Who is this person, Pascual? Mannie (To Pascual with command) — The ladies are waiting for you, Pascual. Take them away. Pascual — Yes, your highness. Delphine — Come, Mamma. He's simply awful when he's cross. (Exit Pascual, Delphine and Mrs. Pierson. Enter Stevenson R. zvith bundle of documents and bundle of red tape.) Stevenson (To Ming) — Here, Ming, I want you to make neat bundles of all the documents. Ming (Beginning to tie the documents ivith the tape) — Yes, sir. 54 TERMS OF PEACE Stevenson (Signs to Mannie to zvatch Ming) — Do you recollect just where you were when Mr. Crandall was shot? Ming — I Avas upstairs. Stevenson — Didn't you see anyone through a window, say? Ming — Not look through window. Mannie — Did anyone see you? Ming — Nobody see me, I see nobody. I hear nothing, I see nothing, I know nothing. {Enter Pascual rear.) Pascual — Count Takahari. Stevenson {To Pascual, after significant look at Mannie) — Tell him Fll see him in the blue room. You keep on Ming. {Exit Stevenson rear. Mannie hides hack of curtains at recess. Ming after hasty look around extracts document from bundle and hides it in blouse. Mannie appears from behind curtain. Ming takes another document from one of the bundles and slips it in blouse.) Mannie {Coming to table) — Hadn't you better sit down, Ming ? ( Pushes chair over. Ming sits. Mannie stands be- hind Ming and watches him.) Ming — Very kind. Mannie — Would you like to stay on and work for Mr. Stevenson ? Ming — Very much. Mr. Stevenson delegate to Peace Congress. He take all these papers over. Mannie — Well he'll take over what's left of them. I'll tell him that you want to stay on. Shall I? Ming — Very kind. Mannie (Toying with end of Ming's queue) — Not at all. Of course there are a few little things. Concessions, you know. Things you must give up before you get the job. Ming — I knovv^, liken. All same graft. How much? Mannie (Wrapping end of queue around back of chair and tying it) — Oh, we won't split hairs over that, {(roes to other side of table and faces Ming, who still ties up the papers.) It will all depend on how much you get for the information. TERMS OF PEACE 55 Ming (Quickly) — Information? What information? Mannie — The letters you just stole from this bundle. Ming (Jumping to his feet) — You say I stole letters? (When he jumps, the queue which is tied to chair comes' off, showing Ming to he a Japanese.) Mannie — I meant hair. You've lost your queue. Ming — You Yankee pig! (Ming takes queue from hack of chair and rushes at Mannie. They struggle towards re- cess. Mannie is home back, hut recovers and hears Ming to floor. He snatches queue from Ming and zvraps it around his throat and pulls it until Ming is senseless, then drags Ming to recess and is seen exchanging clothes with him. Enter Takahari rear. Mannie zvraps handkerchief around face and enters.) Takahari (Quickly) — What's wrong? ( Mannie mak- ing signs that his jaw is szvollen and makes gutteral sounds. He hands two documents to Takahari. Takahari glances at them.) Good. Now, who fired the shot? You must find out. If Stevenson did it, the torpedo belongs to Japan without spending a yen. Mannie — Sh — (He disappears quickly in recess. Enter Stevenson rear.) Stevenson^ — Pardon me for keeping you waiting, Count. My secretary made a mistake in the room. Takahari — I am much honored for being privileged to wait for you, Mr. Stevenson. Stevenson — ^Won't you sit down? (They sit.) Takahari — Of course you know why I imposed mysell on your honorable privacy at this hour. Stevenson — The torpedo? Takahari — You are right, as is your habit, Mr. Steven- son. War will be declared very soon. Japan wants to be ready. Stevenson — Well, the torpedo is for sale. Takahari — How much? Stevenson — Ten million dollars. Takahari — You will permit a brief investigation? 56 TERMS OF PEACE Stevenson — None whatever. Your government must purchase it on the strength of the official tests already made. You must judge by the results. The time is too short be- fore fighting begins. Takahari — With your honorable permission we should like to see it manufactured. Stevenson — A great many people would like to see it manufactured. When the money is paid, I'll teach the secret of making the torpedo, not before. {Enter Pascual followed by Von Hoist rear.) Pascual — Pardon, your highness. I thought you were in the blue room. Stevenson — It's all right, Pascual. (Exit Pascual.) Glad to see you, Baron Von Hoist. VoN Holst — I am happy to meet you. (Shaking Steven- son's hand.) And you, too. Count Takahari. (Takahari has risen.) You are not going? (Takahari bows.) Takahari — Yes, Baron Von Hoist, I just called to ex- tend my congratulations to the honorable successor of the honorable Mr. Crandall. Good evening. (Goes tip.) Stevenson — Good evening. Count Takahari. (Exit Tak- ahari rear.) VoN HoLST (Looks after Takahari dubiously) — Remem- ber, Stevenson, these new people that sprang up over night in the far Pacific, are the Greeks bearing gifts of destruc- tion to our civilization. Stevenson — Unless I am mistaken. Baron, you are here now to secure one of my personal gifts of destruction. VoN Holst — I am here to buy, Mr. Stevenson. Stevenson — Takahari also wants to buy. VoN HoLST — You don't seem to grasp my meaning. Stevenson — Very clearly, Herr Baron. You say in es- sence : "Don't sell your torpedo to the Japanese. They might use it to hurt us." VoN HoLST — They would use it to destroy European civilization. Stevenson — I have no sentimentalities about European civilization. If Japan pays me my price, the torpedo will go to Tokio. TERMS OF PEACE 57 Von Holst — You wouldn't use the yellow peril as a factor in our bargaining? Stevenson — Now look here, Baron Von Hoist, I have a torpedo that has almost human intelligence. By means of a certain ray discovered by me, it can be guided anywhere within a radius of twenty miles on land or sea, against any fort or any ship. I offered it to Japan for ten million dol- lars. Do you raise me? VoN Holst — Then you do use the Japanese as a factor? You know that race is beyond the pale. Their culture is not our culture. Stevenson — I'm not going to haggle about cultures or the people that developed them. I'm now a salesman, pure and simple. Von Holst — It is money, pure and simple — money. Stevenson — Right. i Von Holst — What's your lowest figure? Stevenson — As much as I can get over ten millions. Von Holst — I want an option at ten million dollars. Stevenson — There shall be no option. The torpedo goes to the first person that brings a certified check for ten mil- lion dollars. In three seconds he can have in his possession the documents containing the secret of the torpedo. Like all great inventions it is very simple. Von Holst — But that's hardly business-like, do you think ? Stevenson — The torpedo has been on the market fully tested for six months. You have all been waiting to see how this vote on war or no war would go before buying it. Now that war is inevitable you all want it. Von Holst — You seem to forget that you and I are in agreement about the horrors of peace. Stevenson — I don't forget it. But, also, I don't forget that during the agitation for disarmament my factories were compelled to shut down. Von Holst — You can't expect me to sympathize with business reverses. 58 TERMS OF PEACF Stevenson — I don't want your sympathy at all, Baron Von Hoist. I have no use for sympathy. I want you to know, however, that it cost the manufacturers of war ma- terial in the United States seven million dollars to throttle the peace movement there. (Enter Pascual rear.) Pascual {To Stevenson) — Sir Edward Graham craves to be permitted to see you. Stevenson — Send him in. {Exit Pascual rear.) VoN HoLST — I don't want to meet the Englishman here. Stevenson — He's one of the genuine peace advocates, isn't he? Von Holst — Well, before you came he was. Do you mind if I go out this way? {Goes L.) Stevenson — Not at all. VoN Holst {Turning at door) — You'll find the English delegate very charming. And a good man at a bargain. Promise you won't sell the torpedo until you hear from me. Stevenson — I promise. {Exit Von Hoist L. Enter Gra- ham rear, escorted by Pascual.) Graham — Good afternoon, Stevenson. Stevenson {Shaking hands) — Very glad to see you. Sir Edward. Graham — I have called to ask you some questions about your latest engine of destruction. Stevenson — My torpedo? I have made public all the data possible until it is sold. Graham — I was in hopes that I could persuade you not to sell it, Stevenson. I know what it can do. Stevenson — Glad to hear you know something of the technique of my little pacifier. Graham — Yes. I know your little pacifier can kill as many peasants or fishermen as can be crowded into a fortress or battleship. Stevenson — Well ? Graham — It can add to the fictitious glory of a number of gentlemen who sit comfortably in their offices wearing high hats and frock coats. TERMS OF PEACE 59 Stevenson — Anything else? Graham — It can make profits for you. Stevenson — There you've said all that need be said. Graham — Do you know, Stevenson, I think that the mis- sion of America is to tear the mask of glorified hypocrisy from the face of war. You reduce militarism to terms of dollars and cents. Stevenson — War was never anything else but a struggle over dollars and cents. Do you want to buy my torpedo? Graham — Personally, if I had the m.oney I should pur- chase it and destroy it and its secret forever. Stevenson — My price is ten million dollars, to be paid at once. Graham — Ten million? May I request you not to sell it until you hear from me again? Stevenson — You'll have to hurry. You Englishmen have fallen into the easy habit of thinking that the universe will wait your convenience. My torpedo goes to the first that planks down the change. We are in for a war, Graham. You'll have to act quickly to beat the thunder of the guns. Graham — I believe you are right. War is merely a mat- ter of hours now. That's why I have put aside, by this visit, my conviction that the world had arrived at a sane, normal, man-to-man way of dealing with international prob- lems. I see how impossible that ideal is so long as the freemasonry of destruction is allowed to persist. Stevenson — Freemasonry of destruction? Graham — That is the web and woof of a cold, calculating patriotism. That is why the Hun is at the gate. All the institutions built up by a plodding, inefficient, but kindly and tolerant democracy will go down before the oncoming mili- tary machine driven by an autocrat. And all because this freemasonry of destruction, which is the archenemy of free, institutions, has its ramifications everywhere. The question you have to ask yourself is this : "Are you going to allow your torpedo to become an integral part of the paraphernalia of terror?" Stevenson — My torpedo goes to the first comer with the cnsh. The people of Europe want war; I am not going to 60 TERMS OF PEACE stop them. If they didn't want it, they would wipe out this freemasonry of destruction of yours in a day, with all its secret treaties and its hidden, treacherous diplomacy. Do you know why they want war? Graham — I have spent some time trying to find out. Stevenson — Each national group is impelled toward war by a sort of divine egoism, back of which is the dominating desire for loot. You Englishmen, with your far-flung em- pire of self-governing units, are the greatest egoists of all. You think that because any given question is settled for you, it becomes automatically settled for the rest of mankind. Because you find easy pickings on every shore of the Seven Seas, and are well fed in consequence, you imagine that no one in the world should complain of hunger. Graham — You are a gross materialist. Your sense of national morality is atrophied. Stevenson — National morality stops at the water's edge. After that it becomes the cant of statesmen to cover a hid- den design of aggression. Graham — I have muddled through so far with an entirely different conception. Stevenson — The days of successful muddling are over. A hammer is being forged in Fate's blacksmith shop for muddlers that v/ill beat them to their knees. Graham — Once on my knees, I'll pray to the God of my fathers for you, Stevenson. I'll pray that your eyes may be opened, your heart softened. (Enter Carin L.) Carin— Pardon me. (Is about to return L.) Stevenson (To Carin) — Don't leave us, please. Graham — I'm sorry you weren't here earlier. Miss Mere- dith. Carin — Yes? Graham — You would have learned that we, in our dream of universal democratic control of the war spirit, were living a truth that time has turned to lies. Good-bye. Carin — Good-bye. (Exit Graham, rear. Carin follovus him to door, and looks after him. Enter Mannie from re- cess. ) TERMS OF PEACE 61 Mannie (Crossing to Stevenson quickly) — We are on the wrong track. Takahari had no hand in the killing of Crandall. Stevenson — Sh — Carin (Coming down) — I'm very glad you have a few- minutes to spare, Mr. Stevenson. Stevenson — I am always at your service, Carin. Carin — Thank you. I'll detain you just long enough to comply with the usual formalities incident to turning the office over to you. Stevenson — That can wait. Why not keep on as before? Now your sister and niece are here you. . . . Carin — Thank you, no. Stevenson — It will take my secretary some time to learn all the ins and outs of the office. Carin — I wish to leave at once. Mannie — It will take only a few days until I get the routine. Carin — It is my intention to leave within the hour. Stevenson — You can't run off that way. (To Mannie) Get that large portfolio on my desk. I want to ask some questions about its contents. (To Carin) We can't be left in the dark about everything. (Ming's head appears at al- cove. He is dressed in blouse, and has his Chinese wig on.) Mannie (Seeing Ming) — Come along, Ming, and help me. Ming (In halting dazed fashion) — What's matter? (Feels head and throat.) Mannie (Putting arm through Ming's) — You've been dreaming, Ming. Wake up. (Exeunt Ming and Mannie L.) Carin (Exes L.) — I'll go and instruct your secretary just what the portfolio contains. Stevenson (Interrupting her) — Don't go, please. I want to ask you what has been done about trying to capture the assassin of Mr. Crandall. Carin — That matter is in the hands of the American Consul. 62 TERMS OF PEACE Stevenson — Is there anyone you suspect? Carin — No one. Stevenson — You don't seem over-anxious. Carin — Possibly I have become reconciled to the methods of the war party. Stevenson — But this is murder. Carin — Well, you justify murder, don't you? Militarists do automatically. Stevenson — I stand for war. That's different. Carin — When one man is killed, it's murder. When a thousand or a hundred thousand are killed, it's war. Per- sonally I can see no difference. Stevenson — I'll not follow the argument. My one wish is that we be friends. Carin — You lost your opportunity, Mr. Stevenson, in this room — yesterday. Stevenson — Let me ask forgiveness. Crandall forgave me the hatred I confessed I felt. Carin (With touch of surprise) — You hated Mr. Cran- dall? Stevenson — As I would hate any man that would come between us. Carin (Watching him curiously) — You actually hated him ? Stevenson — I did, for a minute. What strikes me as strange is the coincidence that Fate should remove him within the hour I learned he had won you. Carin — You think Fate was fighting on your side? Stevenson — Oh, no. If Fate had been fighting on my side, you'd never have broken off our engagement. We would be married by now, Carin (Interrupting him) — I will not hear another word. You took advantage yesterday of a temporary weakness. Today ! Well, it's different. Stevenson — What are you going to do? TERMS OF PEACE 63 Carin — I am going back to America. Stevenson — You think you will put the barrier of the ocean between us? Pascual and Sohlov appear rear. Soh- lov signals for Pascual to leave. Pascual exits without be- ing seen by Carin or Stevenson.) SoBLOV (Entering rear) — Pardon me. Do I intrude? (Looks from one' to the other.) Carin (Joyously) — Why, no, not at all. On the con- trary, Prince Soblov. SoBLOV (To Stevenson, with cunning sneer) — Then I am not sorry I made a mistake. Your man said I should find you in the blue room. Isn't this it? Carin (Shaking head) — No. Stevenson — One is permitted to be color blind on occa- sion. (Going towards door L and turning handle.) SoBLOv (Bozving to Stevenson) — Thank you. Don't leave us, Mr. Stevenson. I want to see you. Stevenson (Turning) — Yes? Anything particular? SoBLOV — Very particular. I want to warn you. Stevenson — Warn me? About what? SoBLOV — Your life is in danger. Carin ( With anxiety, thereby betraying her genuine feel- ing for Stevenson) — His life! (The men pause and look at her. She proceeds with touch of embarrassment.) Why .... what is wrong? SoBLOV (To Carin) — I am afraid it would affect you too much to know. Carin — I insist on knowing. (She turns and sees Steven- son zvatching her, then speaks lightly.) Of course, if you don't wish to tell me, Prince Soblov, there is no harm done. You see, in addition to being a fellow human being, Mr. Stevenson is one of our representative Americans. I am still national enough in feeling to be interested. You un- derstand . . SoBLOV (With meaning) — ^Yes, I understand. Carin (Laughing to cover her real feelings) — Pm so glad. I'll go now. I'll leave you and Mr. Stevenson to 64 TERMS OF PEACE talk this matter over. Then come back. You see, I don't want to hear a word about it — not a word. (Exit R.) SoBLOV (Going to all doors, opening them, looking out, then closing them) — Do you mind? Stevenson — Not at all. I like privacy. SoBLOV— If we work in harmony, Mr. Stevenson, we can both make a good bargain. Stevenson — Bargain ! You are using the language I can understand. But is this what you want to warn me about? Does my life hang on making a bargain? SoBLOV — It does. Stevenson — Indeed ! Go on. SoBLOV — You personally own and control this new tor- pedo? Stevenson — I am the inventor. I alone know its mech- anism. SoBLOV — You have always confined yourself to armor plate heretofore, for ships and steel coverings for forts. Stevenson — At home we call that working both ends against the middle. I build the house, then find a new way to set fire to it. SoBLOV — Very good. But my government paid your com- pany very well for armor plate, because it was impenetrable. Stevenson — There was no guarantee given that some- thing would NOT be invented to penetrate it. SoBLOV — When your new torpedo is sold, you will at once try to make armor plate that it cannot penetrate. Stevenson — I am on the track of such an improvement right now. SoBLOV — One might call that the vicious circle. Where is it going to stop ? Stevenson — Come now. Prince Soblov, we understand one another. You don't want it stopped any more than I do. I know it. SoBLOV — You do ? Stevenson — If it ever stopped you would be worse ofif than most men. Armor plate, guns, torpedoes, armies and TERMS OF PEACE 65 army officers create war. War creates jobs for kings, cour- tiers, generals, diplomats (Pause) and peace envoys. SoBLOV — You are very cynical. Stevenson — Merely truthful. If your country wants this torpedo you will have to bid against the other nations that are burdened as she is with military caste. SoBLOv — Leave my country out of the discussion. We are going to deal for this torpedo man to man. Stevenson — Oh, a personal purchase! SoBLOV — Yes, a personal purchase. Stevenson — Very good. I have been offered ten million dollars for the secret of its manufacture. I'll warrant it to float in the air or on the water. It will. go straight to any battleship or fort within a radius of twenty miles, and put them out of business. SoBLOV — You were offered ten million dollars ? Stevenson — Do you offer more? SoBLOv — I do. Stevenson— You're my man. SoBLOV — I offer you silence. Stevenson — What ? SoBLOV — I offer you silence. Stevenson (As if about to go out of room) — This is a serious question. When you are in a serious mood, I'll take it up with you, SoBLOV — I am serious, Mr. Stevenson. When I offer you silence in exchange for your torpedo, I am offering you your life. Stevenson — You may talk English, but you think in a language I don't quite get. SoBLOV (Comes close to Stevenson) — I'll make myself clear. Who fired the shot at Mr. Crandall? Stevenson — Oh, that's it? SoBLOV — An American-made revolver was found in the garden. One chamber was empty. It still smelled of smoke. 66 TERMS OF PEACE Stevenson— Well, Europe is full of American-made re- volvers. . SoBLOV — Who went out of this room with Mr. Crandall ten minutes before he died? Stevenson — I did. SoBLOV — You were seen by two witnesses leave Mr. Cran- dall in the garden, {Pause) after a quarrel with him. Stevenson — So that's the game. What else? SoBLOV — You were seen to turn and whip out a revolver and fire. Stevenson {Quietly) — Of course, the nationality of those two witnesses is the same as yours? SoBLOv — It is. But what has that to do with it? Stevenson — Oh, nothing. Only little details like that help out where it's a frame-up. Well, understand once for all. Prince Soblov, that I won't make the least concession to a blackmailer. Mr. Crandall and I were good friends. There was no motive for me to kill him. SoBLOV — No motive ! At your trial it will be shown that you had him removed from the position of Peace Envoy on the very eve of a vote to forbid this war. He gave his life to peace ; you were on the side of militarism. You defeated him ; it made you enemies. Stevenson — I stood for militarism right out in the open, not as a damned hypocrite like yourself. SoBLOV — This is not going to be reduced to bickering be- tween us. I'm giving you the motive for the murder of Mr. Crandall. Stevenson — The motive you give wouldn't carry enough weight in court to attract the judge's attention. SoBLOV — Then I'll give the real motive. Stevenson — Oh, after you've given the motive, you'll give the real motive. SoBLOV — Yes. Jealousy. Stevenson — Jealousy ! ! SoBLOV — You love Carin Meredith. TERMS OF PEACE 67 Stevenson (Threateningly) — Keep her name out of this. SoBLOV — ^You came here and learned that she was goin^ to marry Mr. Crandall. In this very room you forced your attentions on her. You seized her in your arms. Stevenson (Jumps at Sohlov and grabs him by the throat) — Damn you. SoBLOV (Crying aloud) — Help! Help! (Carin enters hurriedly R.) Carin — What is it? (Stevenson sees her and lets Soblov go.) What does it mean? SoBLOV — He would murder me as he murdered Mr. Cran- dall. Carin — Murder ! Great God ! Is it possible ! SoBLOv (To Carin) — He told you there was nothing he wouldn't do to get you. Carin — No, I'll never believe it. Stevenson (Advancing toivards her) — I knew you wouldn't, Carin. Carin (Horrified, drawing away from him) — Keep away from me. That good old man. I brought his death on him. I didn't love him. He didn't love me. Our engagement was — Our engagement was — Stevenson — Yes, I know, it was a foil ; a barrier be- tween us. Carin (Half to herself) — It brought his death about — It cannot be! No, no. SoBLOv — I'll prove that it did. Carin (To Soblov) — You can prove it? SoBLOV — Come with me and I shall. (She goes up.) Stevenson — No, Carin. For God's sake, don't go. Give me a chance. Let's fight this out in the open. I am ready to go into the courts. SoBLOV — You'll have your day in court, Stevenson. It will be a brief one. The evidence against you is over- whelming. (To Carin) I have witnesses who saw him fire the shot. (Enter Pascual rear.) 68 TERMS OF PEACE Stevenson (Indicating Pascual) — Is this one of them? SOBLOV — It is. Stevenson {To Carin) — The other is also a spy in his pay. He is holding this charge over my head to blackmail me into giving him the secret of my torpedo. Carin {To Pascual., excitedly) — Where were you when Mr. Crandall was killed ? Were you in the garden ? Were you close enough to see — to see Mr. Stevenson? Pascual {Doubtfully watching Soblov) — I — I — Go — {Sohlov strikes eyeglass case with finger nails, and gives signal to Pascual. Stevenson watches Soblov.) Carin {To Pascual) — Where did you go? Where were you when the shot was fired? Pascual {Shoiving that he is paying attention to the sic/nal) — I will tell what I know when the time comes. {Exit R.) SoBLOV — He will have much to tell. {Enter Mrs. Pierson and Delphine L. They have grips and are dressed to travel.) Carin {To Mrs. Pierson) — I see you are ready. {Goes up zuith Mrs. Pierson.) Stevenson {To Carin) — You are going? Carin— Yes, Mr. Stevenson. Good-bye. {To Mrs. Pier- son) Let us go. {Exeunt Carin, Mrs. Pierson, Delphine, rear. ) Soblov — When you change your mind about that torpedo, send for me. {Exit rear. Stevenson comes dozvn to tabic and sits dejected. Delphine enters L.) Delphine — Oh, I just ran around by the side door to tell you that — eh — that women are funny. Stevenson — Indeed ? Delphine — And say what they don't mean. Stevenson — Yes? {Enter Mannie R. He listens.) Delphine — Sometimes they love most where they pre- tend to hate most. TERMS OF PEACE 69 Stevenson — Do all women love most where they pretend to hate most ? Delphine (Tossing her head when she sees Mannie) — Oh, no, just a few. Mannie (To Delphine) — Do you love most where you pretend to hate most? Delphine — No, I hate most where I pretend to love most. (Exit Delphine rear.) Stevenson (Drumming on table) — Did you ever hear Soblov signal to any one that way? Mannie — Why, yes. To Pascual. On the side of a wine glass, once. Stevenson — When ? Mannie — Not five minutes before Crandall was shot. It was just before Soblov told me to get busy with that letter. You remember, said you told him to have me compare it. Stevenson (Rising) — Get Pascual here, quick. (Mannie presses button of call bell. Stevenson taps, in imitation of Soblov, on the side of his eyeglass case.) I wonder! Could that be the Morse Code in Russian ? Mannie — Let's try Pascual out. He's as superstitious as a Russian. You'd better dictate a letter to him. (Goes to typetvriter.) Stevenson — Turn that table so I can watch his face. (Mannie turns table. He arranges paper and carbons.) Mannie — What's this? (Holds up carbon.) A fresh carbon with a perfect letter on it! Stevenson — Is it important? Mannie — Read it. (Holds carbon up to light.) Stevenson — Soblov's resignation from the Peace Con- ference. It is signed by him. Mannie — The date is yesterday. Stevenson — Crandall was shot last night. (Enter Pas- cual rear. He is dressed for the street. They hide the carbon.) You are not going to leave us, Pascual? Pascual — Would your highness want me to remain in his service after — after — Well, your highness knows I am to appear at his trial for killing Mr. Crandall. 70 TERMS OF PEACE Mannie {To Stevenson) — Do they accuse you? Stevenson — Yes. {To Pascual) That will be all right, Pascual. You are going to tell only the truth. Pascual — Only the truth, your highness. Stevenson— I cannot take oiTense at that. In the mean- time, retain your old position. You are the only one ac- quainted with the routine of the office. Kindly take a letter. {Pascual seats himself at typewriter.) Pascual — I am ready, your highness. Stevenson — "To the PTonorable James F. Burton, United States Ambassador to Russia, Dear Sir: Owing to the delegates to the Peace Conference failing in their efforts to avert or even to postpone the war that is inevitable between the nations of Europe, many of us feel that further efforts are useless. Prominent among these is Prince Soblov, dele- gate representing Russia. He tendered his resignation to my predecessor, Mr. Crandall, one hour before the latter was shot to death by a cowardly assassin — " (Stops dictat- ing) You know how to spell cowardly assassin, Pascual? Pascual {Trembling) — Yes, your highness. Stevenson — ^Very good. You'll have occasion to write it frequently while in my service. Pascual — Yes, your highness. Stevenson — Write. {Pascu-ol writes.) "I wish to con- firm that resignation, a certified copy of which I herewith send you. I hold the original." Pascual {hi surprise) — You have the original? Stevenson — Why not? Pascual — I thought it was destroyed. Stevenson — All 3^ou know is that an attempt vs'as made to destroy it! Of course that failed. Perhaps you could tell us why Prince Soblov resigned? Pascual — I don't know, your highness. Stevenson — You know the resignation was written, that it was signed. Now why? Was it forced from Prince Soblov ? Pascual — I don't know. TERMS OF PEACE 71 Stevenson — Well, why did he try to destroy the resigna- tion ? At least you know that. Pascual — I cannot tell, your highness. Stevenson — You mean you won't tell. Very good. I see you are faithful to the Prince. That is a recommenda- tion. Pascual — Thank you, your highness. Stevenson — I have the original resignation in my room. I'll bring it to you to copy. In the meantime, busy yourself with this letter. (Gives Pascual paper to copy. Exit Stevenson L. Pascual zvorks typewriter. The lights are lowered. A reproduction of Sohlov's signal is heard. Pas- cual looks up. Mannie disguised as Crandall appears L. A spot light shines on him. Pascual sits awe-struck at the apparition.) Mannie {Imitating voice of Crandall) — I return to bring the judgment of God unto the soul of him that kills his fellow man. Pie shall be as a weed that rots in the garden of life. What seeds he gives forth shall grow again in poison stocks and they shall bear bitter fruit from generation unto generation. For him that lives by the sword shall perish by the sword. The lowly Nazarene, Who brought the message of peace and good will to men, has conquered where the battalions of the marshals have failed. I charge you, wear His message in your heart, for there lies the profit that shall be stored against your need in the day of days. Pascual— Mercy ! Mercy ! Mannie — Mercy is for him that repents. Pascual {Backing azuay towards R) — My soul is damned! My soul is damned! {Exit Pascual R. Mannie snatches off disguise and turns up light. Enter Carin rear. She gives evidence of being excited.) Carin — Where is Mr. Stevenson? Quick. Mannie — He's somewhere about. Carin — They are coming for him. They are going to arrest him. Mannie — Arrest him! What for? Carin — Murder. {Noise of door closing off.) There they are. {Enter policemen rear.) Too late. 72 TERMS OF PEACE Policeman {Speaking Dutch) — I have a warrant for John Stevenson. Mannie — Go away. I don't understand. {Goes tozvards L.) Nicht for stay. Policeman {Seising Mannie. Two policemen advance and stand on either side of Mannie) — Are you Herr Steven- son ? Carin {Speaking Dutch) — Yes, that's your man. Policeman {To Mannie. Still speaking Dutch) — Now, will you come? Mannie — Go on, you big saphead. You're in Dutch, I tell you. {To Carin) What did you say to him? Policeman {Addressing the two gendarmes) — March. {Exeunt Mannie and Policemen rear, Mannie protesting.) Mannie {As he is taken off) — Wait till I turn the United States army on you for this. You wait! {Carin goes up and hastily shuts door rear as Stevenson enters L.) Stevenson— Fm glad you changed your mind, Carin, and came back. Carin {Nervously) — I just . . just came in to see you. Stevenson — You are in trouble. What is it? Sit down. You know, anything I can do would be happiness for me. Carin {Sitting) — Anything? Stevenson — Try me. Carin — Suppose I asked you to go away at once? Stevenson — Go away at once? What's on your mind? Carin — Will you go? Stevenson — Where ? Carin — Home. Get over the border. Go anywhere so you go right now. Stevenson {Thoughtfully) — Oh, I see. Andraive is on the way to take Soblov's place in the congress, and with me out of it, the peace party will have a clear majority. Carin — Will you go? TERMS OF PEACE 73 Stevenson — No. I'm not fighting on your side of this war question, Carin (Rising quickly) — It's not that. I want to save you. They are going to arrest you for the murder of Mr. Crandall. Stevenson — Ah, Soblov wants a clear field. Carin — While you are searching for the motive, you are losing your chance to escape. The police have already been here. Stevenson (Going to door rear) — Police here! Carin (Running up and getting between Stevenson and door) — Don't go there. They arrested your secretary, thinking it was you. Stevenson — Arrested Mannie! You saw them take him? (She nods acquiescence.) You saw them take him? Then you did it ! You identified Mannie as John Stevenson ! Carin — Will you go? Stevenson — You are the one that must go now. Help- ing a criminal to escape is worse in Europe than being the criminal. Carin — But you! The proofs against you are over- whelming. I saw them. Stevenson (Holds handle of door rear) — All the more reason why you should leave at once. Get your sister and niece and go over the border as soon as you can. Quick. That way. (Indicating L.) I hear them. Carin — Are you sure they are the police? Stevenson — Run. I have a way to save myself. Get a good start. I'll hold them back. (Holds handle of door rear. ) Carin — Well, I did the best I could for you. Good-bye. (Exit L. Enter Ming R.) Ming — Honorable Takahari he say he have much gold for you. He come here quick to see you. You stay? Stevenson (Holding door handle) — Oh, I'll stay. Some- thing tells me I'll stay. (Boom of cannon is heard off.) 74 TERMS OF PEACE Ming — Ah, you hear. ONE! {Takes quick backward step R. Cannon booms out again.) TWO!! {Takes an- other backward step. Cannon repeats.) THREE!!! {Ming ,pulls off Chinese wig and blouse, shoiving dapper^ young Japanese.) Banzai! Banzai!! I am done with these honorable garments, honorable sir. {Exit Ming R.) Stevenson {Takes step or tzvo towards door R.) — Well, what struck him? {Enter Von Hoist rear.) Von Holst— Pardon the lack of ceremony, Herr Stev- enson. Here is that check for your money. Give me the instructions. Stevenson — Things are moving rapidly, aren't they? {Takes check and gives Von Hoist documents which he takes from breast pocket.) VoN Holst— They are. {Goes up, reading documents. Turns at door rear.) Did you hear the guns? Stevenson — What did they mean? VoN Holst — War has been declared. {Exit Von Hoist rear.) Stevenson {Goes rear) — War! {He opens door R. and hurriedly shuts it.) The police! {Goes L. Opens door and shuts it quickly.) There, too. {Goes to door rear and opens it. Beckons for policeman. Enter policeman. He leads policeman down stage.) Look, I have a check for ten million dollars here. {Shows check. The policeman nods.) I want to go out and spend it. {Switches off lights and exit closing door. Enter Von Hoist L. He turns on lights.) VoN Holst — Did he go? Policeman — Yes. VoN Holst — Off with that coat. {Policeman takes off coat, so do the other policemen, who enter from doors R. and L. Von Hoist picks up telephone.) Hello, get me the chief of police. {Pause.) Thank you. Is this the chief of police? Good evening, your honor. This is Baron Von Hoist talking. Your men made a mistake. Oh, yes, I as- sure you. You wanted them to get John Stevenson for this Crandall affair, didn't you? Well, they arrested his secretary instead. It's true. If you want Stevenson, stay close to the Hague National Bank. I know. He'll go there to verify a certified check. Don't mention it. Good-bye. TERMS OF PEACE 75 (Hangs up receiver. {Enter Carin L.) Von Hoist does not see her. He addresses the policemen) — Get ready for a jail delivery tomorrow morning. Policeman — You want someone rescued, your honor? \'"oN HoLST — Yes. At no matter what cost, I want )'-ou to get John Stevenson over the border. Carin — Thank you. Baron Von Hoist. Curtain End of Act II ACT III Scene — Living room of an old chateau converted into a hospital near the front of a small neutral coun- try that has been invaded. More than half of the rear wall has been shot away. Doors L. and R. Table center on zvhich are hospital supplies. The hangings and pictures show that the owner of the house was a person of taste. Through the opening in the rear is seen a garden in the Italian style. Soldiers and Red Cross nurses are seen at intervals going back and forth. DELPHINE and other women in Red Cross dresses are discovered at rise of cur- tain. A wounded soldier is being carried out. Delphine is bandaging eyes of a boy. A DOC- TOR turns away from the boy's cot as though he had just concluded an examination. Time — Late afternoon, a few months after previous Act. Delphine — It's the same story, doctor. {The boy on cot shows that he is paying attention.) Doctor — Yes. Delphine — No chance whatever? {Doctor shakes his head.) Boy {Rising on elbow) — Well, why don't you answer, doctor? Is there no chance for me? Am I goins^ to be blind? {Pause.) Blind! Mother, I am blind. The eyes you kissed before I left home are of no use any more. I'll never see your face. I'll never be able to tell you the roses are blooming at the end of the garden walk. I'll never be able to see the roses. I'll never be able to see the day. It's going to be night always where I am. Always night. {To doctor, fiercely) — Is it? Why don't you answer, doctor? Delphine — Lie down, now. Boy — Why should I lie down? Why should I do any- thing? Who cares for me? Who? The government that 77 78 TERMS OF PEACE took me away without asking me? The government that made treaties without asking me? The government that broke treaties without asking me ? And then stole the eyes that God gave me. Not all the treaties that were ever writ- ten or ever broken were worth my two eyes. Do you hear ? Not all the treaties in the world. Doctor — Take him away. (Enter CARIN L.) Carin (As stretcher hearers pick up cot with hoy) — Gently. He is so young. (To boy) I have written to your mother. Boy (Clinging to her) — Don't let them take me away from you. Your voice is like a prayer said at dusk. Keep me near you until my mother comes for me. Delpiiine — Do let him stay. He won't be a bit in our way here. (Doctor shakes his head.) Boy (Turning tozvards doctor. After Pause) — You don't answer. I'm headed for the scrap heap, eternal night clinging to my eyelashes. Do you hear me? Go tell the government officials what I think. Tell them I am blind and they can see, but that I can look into the future as far as they. Tell them I wished I had been born of the strong peoples that are trampling us under foot. Tell them that from the depth of darkness into which they have plunged me, I send up a prayer for the great dominating nation to swallow us at a gulp and put an end for all time to the bates born of differences of language. Tell them that the future holds only scorn for their betrayals and their little- ness. Tell them that they are so small, history will dis- miss them with a footnote — just a footnote. (Exeunt stretcher hearers zvith hoy R. Delphine follozvs sympa- thetically.) Carin {Looking after hoy) — A boy. Suffering has made him a poet ; possibly a prophet. (Enter stretcher bearers zvith another zvounded man on cot.) Bearer — That's all in this load, sir. (Sits on edge of cot.) I'm all in. Doctor— How many altogether? Bearer — Seventy-eight. More coming soon, though. I hear we've got to fall back again. Carin — Not another retreat? TERMS OF PEACE 79 Doctor — Our left wing's in danger. Bearer — So's our center. The other fellows have the guns, the gas, the get-up and go. Say, what took us into this mix-up anyhow? We have nothing; they have everything. Doctor — The enemy has eA^erything on their side but right. Bearer — After their guns blow all our forts into king- dom come, they'll have all the right on their side they'll be able to use. It's that way. Make a gun big enough to blow a country off the map and you can make anything you want right. (Whirring of aeroplane is heard. The stretcher hearer runs rear and looks up.) Gee, that plane's hit. Look at it. {The doctor and Car in go rear and look up.) Carin — The poor fellows ! They'll be killed ! Doctor — Well played ! He got under the wind. That's volplaning for you. (The aeroplane glides to ground out- side of the zuindozvs rear. STEVENSON is at the zvheel. Mannie is wounded. Stevenson affects the dialect of a French-Canadian, has a beard and. wears goggles.) Stevenson — Lend one hand here, please. (Doctor and stretcher bearer go out and assist in carrying Mannie into room. Carin goes to table and prepares bandages.) Stretcher Bearer — Pretty limp. But he'll pull through. Stevenson — Pretty sure you been. How you can know? Bearer (Goes up) — Oh, from the wav he hangs. I'm getting to be able to spot the guys that'll kick out before sundown as soon as I squint them. (Exit stretcher bearer rear.) Stevenson (Helping doctor) — Quick, doctor. I'm afraid they've what you call, got him. Ah, Ma Belle, the nurse, you help heim? Carin (Advances to cot. Looks at Mannie in surprise) — Mr. Mannie! (Looks closely at Stevenson.) Doctor — You know him? Carin (Ignoring Stevenson' s signs to her)— Yes. Doctor — American ? 80 TERMS OF PEACE • Carin (As Stevenson places finger on lips, Carin hesi- tates) — I first met him in Europe. Doctor — Well, it doesn't look serious. Concussion mostly, I think. Stevenson — Thank le Bon Dieu. A valuable man he is. Know each cloud and call him by name, just so quick. Say hello, there snow cap; ah there drizzle. Speak to the stars the same way. Laugh in the face of the bullets. But one get him, and he no laugh. You are sure, Monsieur le doc- tor, that he is not killed dead? Doctor — Come back in an hour or so. He'll be able to talk to you. Stevenson — Just so. I'll come and tell him that the big gun with the voice of le tonner it get the rea<:h of le diable, too. {Exit rear.) Bearer {Enters R.) — -Chief wants you. Doc. {Exit.) Doctor — Right. {To Carin) Force a drop or two of this between his teeth. Carin — May I let him stay here a while? Doctor — Well, being he's a countryman of yours, yes. Until we clear the place for the staff. You know the head- quarters are going ta be located here. {Exit R. Enter Stevenson; takes off goggles.) Stevenson — Carin ! Carin {She busies herself zvith Mannie and looks up only occasionally during the scene zvith Stevenson) — What is it? Stevenson — I heard you had joined this corps. Carin — Well? Stevenson — Dropped in to see you. Thought your an- tagonism for a certain self-made American millionaire would vanish with his millions. {Pause.) Would you like to hear that with the millions v/ent my reverence for the maker ? Carin — I have no time to waste solving puzzles. Stevenson — Come to think of it, poverty is a puzzle, and I'm as poor as a neutral country between tv;o bel- ligerents. TERMS OF PEACE 81 Carin — What do you want to prove by that? Stevenson — Oh, nothing, on]y I thought that it might make me more interesting. Carin — Indeed? Stevenson — Yes, indeed. Would you Hke some details about my factory being blown up by a good American with a dialect in his citizenship? Carin (Abruptly) — It will be an easy matter to rebuild with the ten million dollars you received for that death- dealing torpedo. Stevenson (Sitting doivn)- — Argument is the sincerest form of flattery. If I'd got that money you'd display as much curiosity as if I told you that I had rabbit stew for lunch. By the way, lunches are quite intermittent around here, aren't they? Rabbits are, too. Carin (Exasperated) — You are very serious! Stevenson — When I used to be a malefactor of great wealth and paid my rent in advance to prove it, I was seri- ous enough. You showed it by keeping far away from me. Now I'm broke. Carin (With rising anger) — Don't tell me you didn't sell your torpedo ! Stevenson — It depends on what you call selling. Carin — Selling is selling. The invaders are using that very torpedo to crush this helpless country. Over half our patients, soldiers and civilians alike, are victims of the liquid fire it lets loose. Just now a mere boy was taken away from here a raving maniac because it had burned his eyes out. Stevenson — Liquid fire! That's the kindly, intellectual improvement made on my handiwork by the enemy. I con- tributed a dirigible torpedo, designed to carry dynamite against a fort or ship. That's war. They put in acids, gases, liquid fire and that's — something else. Carin — Anyhow, you took money for it. Stevenson (Pulls out blank piece of paper) — Do you call that money? Carin (Looking at paper) — It's blank. 82 TERMS OF PEACE Stevenson — That immaculate bit of paper was once an order on the Hague National Bank for ten million dollars in gold. Do you remember how I used to insist on gold ! Those good old times ! Anyhow, this called for the gold and I called for the gold. I yelled for it. Then the police came. I was arrested. Carin — How did you escape? Stevenson — Wait, one thing at a time. Do you know, there was an Oriental touch about that arrest. Sometimes I see the long, lean hand of Takahari in it. Do you think Von Plolst and Takahari went fifty-fifty on that torpedo? Carin — I don't know anything about it. Stevenson — I was just wondering. Anyhow, I had a brief but exciting introduction to a Dutch jail. Were you ever in a Dutch jail? Carin — Acting on your advice, no. Stevenson — Lucky for you. They're the worst ever. Carin — Is that where you found Mr. Mannie? Stevenson — Yes. By the way, he sent his regards to you as soon as he saw me. It was Mannie that convinced me I was going to be railroaded. He had studied the mass of evidence Soblov had accumulated against me. With the war on and everybody's sense of justice cut on the bias, do you blame me for accepting Von Hoist's help and get- ting away in a sort of informal manner? Carin— Why didn't you go home? Stevenson — Home? I'm a celebrated case! I couldn't move without being discovered. Everything's dead set against me. Why, when it comes to a frame-up we in America are mere amateurs compared with these highly civilized Europeans that are giving each other the gas route. Look at that as just a little bit of an indication. {Holds out the blank check.) Everything, even the print- ing, faded out in twenty-four hours. Then think of Von Hoist giving the police the tip they'll get me at the bank, and, on the heels of that, organizing a rescue party with a little trip over the border. Why, all the time I was one of the predatory rich, I never suspected that life was such a joke. TERMS OF PEACE 83 Carin — I'm glad you find it funny. SiTEVENSON — Who said anything about it being funny? It's a joke. J-O-K-E. (Enter bearer R.) Bearer (To Carin) — Chief wants you. Carin (Ta bearer) — I'll be right in. (Exit bearer R. Stevenson folds up check.) No doubt you'll be able to get some chemical to revive the ink on that check. I know your fingers must itch to count those ten million ... in gold. (Exit R.) Stevenson — Itch! Well, do they! (He puts on gog- gles. Goes up. Enter SOBLOV and COMMANDANT rear. Stevenson steps back, salutes and goes rear.) SoBLOv (Thoughtfully) — Pardon me, my friend. I seem to have met you before. Stevenson (Coming doivn and effusively shaking hands with Soblov) — Jean Baptist Moreau has the fine honor to know you, monsieur? Good. Maybe I see you when hab- itant in Canada, I not can say. Soblov (To Commandant) — What branch of the service is he in? Stevenson (Deliberately takes off goggles) — Ah, mon- sieur, over there, I learn the what you call, to fly. With all my money I buy one aeroplane. When the war come, I give my aeroplane. Commandant — He is our most valued air scout. Stevenson (To Soblov) — Think, monsieur, I won this, the medal of le merit. (Shoivs medal.) And this. (Shoivs shoulder straps under his cloak.) Soblov (Looking at shoulder straps) — An officer! Commandant — He's division commander of our air forces. Came up from the line. Stevenson — My wings are there (Indicating plane rear.) Much wounded. Very much wounded. There is him also, my comrade of the aeroplane, also much wounded. Just now, I bring him here. Soblov — I'm very glad you did. It gave me a chance to meet you. I always like to shake hands with a brave man. 84 TERMS OF PEACE Stevenson {They shake hands) — Merci, monsieur. Brave men are brothers. I know monsieur is brave. {Exit Stevenson rear after salute.) .SoBLOV {Looking after Jiim) — I was mistaken. Mannie {Moves on cot as if in pain) — Water. For God's sake, water. {Soblov starts at the sound of the voice. Mannie gets up on his elbow. Soblov watches him.) Commandant — Here — {Pours out zvater from pitcher to tin cup) my poor fellow. wSoBLOV {With suggestion of sneer) — Just a moment. {Taking cup from commandant.) I wish the honor of serving one who serves his country. {He gives Mannie the cup; Mannie is about to drink when his eyes meet Soblov's. He stops.) Soblov — Why don't you drink? Mai