Scene.—Same as Act I.: three months later. Time—evening.Pete,asButtons,discovered lighting the lamps;Pollyarranging papers on table, and putting room in order, generally.
Polly.Now, Pete, make everything bright and cheerful. Mr. Roger is expected home to-night; we must do our share towards a warm welcome. The poor colonel is so unhappy. Between the treachery of his friend, and Mr. Roger's brave deed, he is torn with conflicting emotions.
Pete.I's powerful sorry for dear Massa Colonel. Wish I could do somefin for him.
Polly.You do your work well, that will satisfy him. (Takes banjo from corner.) But I tell you what, Pete, you can do something for me. Play a dance tune on this banjo. I haven't heard one since I left Oldtown. I can tell you what, Pete, I knew how to dance once.
Pete.Yer don't need to tell me dat, Polly; I kin see de dancin' peeking out ob yer shoes. What yer gwine ter have?
Polly.Give me a Virginia Reel. My gracious! I just adored that dance.
Pete.All right, Polly. You do der dancin', an' I play de tune. (Plays banjo.)
(Pollykeeps time with head and hands; growing interested, enters into the dance; advances with right hand extended, pretends to swing partner; then left hand; then both hands; marches, slapping hands; grows more interested; finally swingsPeteand banjo; then sinks into chair, laughing;Kil.,in livery, appears at door,C.)
Pete(overcome with surprise). Golly, Polly, yer jest took my bref away. You must have been to a powerful heap of corn shuckings; an' de gennlemen dey must lub to dancewid you. Golly, 'specs dey don't all hab a 'sprise party like I did.
Polly.Pete, that was just glorious! I'm ever so much obliged to you for playing.
Pete.I's right proud ob you, I is. If dis yer heart ob mine didn't belong to a nigger, 'specs I should frow it at yer feet.
Kil.Faith, and it's an Irish heart she can have, anyway.
Polly(turning). Pity sakes alive! What are you doing here?
Kil.It's a missage I have for the colonel.
Pete.Lor, Polly. Dis yer is de soger what didn't shoot when dis yer nigger crossed de line. (SalutesKil.) I's heaps glad to see you, sah. Does yer disremember me?
Kil.Faith, an' it's Pete, the colonel's guard. (Shaking hands with him.) What a foine by yees grown to. Shure it's a betther fitting coat yees have on, anyway.
Pete.Yas, indeed. I's Buttons, now, I is. Don't yer tink dis yer coat obercomes me?
Kil.Faith, it's a foine picture yees look in it.
Polly.I remember; you are the soldier that was so kind to Pete.
Kil.Oh, yees make me blush,—the sight of those bright eyes, and the swate words yees be afther saying. Shure, a foiner jig I never saw in the ould country. Will yees be afther telling the colonel I am here?
Polly.Yes, Pete will do that. Ask if the messenger shall be sent to his room.
Pete.All right, Polly. Who is de message from, sah?
Kil.Mr. Randolph Newcomb, if yees plaze.
(ExitPete,L.)
Polly.Should think that Mr. Newcomb had done mischief enough. You can't be very proud of your master.
Kil.Faith, and it's little I care about him. I applied for the situation to plaze Mr. Roger. Shure, it's a policeman I am in foine livery.
Polly.Oh, I see, something more mysterious.
(EnterPete.)
Pete.Massa Colonel will receib de message, sah. Yer is to follow me.
Kil.An' phat if that foine man, the divil, be afther kaping me company?
Pete.Den I goes first, massa, ebery time. I wouldn't for de world disturb de confections dat exist between you two.
Kil.Faith, an' if yees have a foiner coat, you're ablack guardshtill.
(ExeuntKil.andPete;the latter making fun ofKil.)
Polly.Pete's bright enough for him. I've taken quite a shine to my black diamond. (Bijahappears in door,C.) How devoted he is to the colonel! Heigho! wish some one was devoted to me. Nonsense; I don't care. I am so happy, now that horrid war is over. I am ready to embrace anybody and everybody. (Extends arms;Bijahsteps quickly, andPollyembraces him.)
Bijah.And I am just the man to appreciate it, Polly.
Polly.Bijah Bright! Bless my soul, how you frighten me! Back from the war, are you?
Bijah.Yes, Polly. When I left you, patriotism filled my breast. I carried the flag, torn and tattered as it was, and, contrary to your expectations, was not suspended in mid-air. I lived for glory by day, and at night dreamed sweet dreams. They were all of you, Polly.
Polly.Dreaming of me! Stuff and nonsense. Do you take me for a brainless Down-Easter, that you come with your sweet words and “palaverin” smiles. (Dramatically.) Away! “I'll have none of you.”
Bijah(sinks into chair). Won't you ever forgive me, Polly, for that day in camp?
Polly.Never!
Think of me, dream of me,Whatever you will,That hour, that moment,It rankles me still.
Think of me, dream of me,Whatever you will,That hour, that moment,It rankles me still.
Besides, what should I have to say to you? A man who carries in his pocket other girls' pictures, and spends all his time kissing them.
Bijah(aside). Oho! I see where the shoe pinches. (ToPolly.) Why shouldn't I? That's what I'd like to know. One moment you smile upon me, and my blood frantically and joyfully perambulates through my veins; and the next time my eager orbs behold you, an animated iceberg would be a more cheerful companion. You needn't flatter yourself that because you don't want me, no one else does. You can bet your sweet life, Bijah Bright doesn't mean to get left. No, ma'am. (Taking picture out of pocket.) Not when he has such a sweet face as this to look at.
Polly(tossing head). Don't flatter yourself that you can make me jealous. Precious little thought I give to you or your picture.
Bijah.You are just dying to see who it is.
Polly.Indeed, I'm not. Some baby-faced simpleton.
Bijah.Come, Polly, it is too bad for you to treat me so when I returned, hoping to share with you a secret.
Polly.Secret! Oh, tell it to me, do.
Bijah.Oh, no, Miss Primrose; I only make a confidant of my friends.
Polly.Well, I'll be friends for just ten minutes.
Bijah.Will you though? Not by a large majority. No friendship for me on the instalment plan.
Polly.I'll be friends. (Gives her hand.) Now, tell me quick.
Bijah.Ha, ha, ho, ho! I thought that would fetch it. A woman's curiosity is not fireproof against a volley of gossip.
Polly.If you talk like that, I shall leave the room.
Bijah(taking her arm; brings her down front). No, you won't, you are just dying to stay here. (Holds picture and forcesPollyto look at it;Pollylooks at picture, then atBijah.)
Polly.Oh, Bijah! (Hides her face on his shoulder.)
Bijah(laughing). You had better hide your face, Polly. Jealous of your own picture. That settles it: no more “Nays” for me. We'll give the folks in Oldtown a surprise, Polly, and the wedding shall be in the old church.
Polly.Oh, Bijah! But don't be in a hurry. Be serious and tell me about Mr. Roger.
Bijah.You know how he did old Newcomb up that day in camp?
Polly.Yes, that was the time when Pete was injured and was sent home by the colonel.
Bijah.Wal, Newcomb ain't done for yet. You see, when Mr. Roger was in the bank, I was there too. Of course, I wasn't president or director, Polly; only had to sorter keep my eye on everybody, and I jest did. I saw something that when it's known will be worse than dynamite, you jest bet.
Polly.It seems to me that you are a rolling-stone, Bijah. The last time I heard of you before the war, you were poultry farming in Oldtown.
Bijah.I could not make that work. I had read about the money in raising poultry. Fortunes made in no time; and my fancy pictured this enormous poultry farm. The name of Bijah Bright immortalized. Oh, yes, there's money in it, Polly; for I left all mine there, and had only experience to put in my pocket.
Polly.But what is the wonderful news you have to tell?
Bijah.Just wait. You want to be proud of me. It will be a scorcher.
Polly.Don't be so mysterious, Bijah; you don't know everything in this world.
Bijah.No, and I don't want to. Let me be sure that the heart of Miss Polly Primrose beats for me alone, and that will satisfy my cravings for knowledge. Come, let us depart to the charms of the culinary department. Methinks I see visions of your pies, Polly. There in each other's genial society we will partake of pie, and talk over that coming wedding in Oldtown. (ExeuntPollyandBijah,R.;enterColonelandKilroy,L.)
Col.Tell your master, Mr. Newcomb, that I will see him this evening.
Kil.Indade, sir, he shall have your orders. (Aside.) Faith, it's a foine pie they be afther baking for Newcomb. By me powers, I wouldn't loike to be here at the cutting of it. (ExitKilroy,C.)
Col.(sinks into chair at table). It is hard to believe in Newcomb's treachery; he has always seemed so warm a friend. (EnterRuth,R.)
Ruth(goes toColonel). Gordon, what did that messenger want? Who sent him?
Col.Randolph Newcomb.
Ruth.I thought as much; what was the message?
Col.Asking permission to see me!
Ruth.You did not consent?
Col.Yes, Ruth, I am to see him this evening.
Ruth.He shall not see you.
Col.Ruth!
Ruth(kneels and takesColonel'shand; music). Gordon, why will you let him poison your heart against Roger? He is wily and cunning; you have proof of his treachery, yet your heart, once loyal to your friend, cannot without a struggle believe in his dishonor. Think no more of this man, but tell me of Roger, and that night in camp.
Col.Poor fellow, his experience has been a bitter one. Shall I tell you the whole story, little one?
Ruth.Yes, Gordon, every word.
Col.(holdingRuth'shand). When the call for volunteers was heard throughout the country, Roger's heart responded to the call. Entering the service as a private, he tried to forget his wrongs in earnest work. Knowing the attempt upon my life, he sought the man who fired the shot. Dowling was confined as prisoner, awaiting sentence. Roger promised to help him, if he would confess the name of theinstigator of the crime. Dowling at last did so, and you know who the guilty one proved to be. Oh, Ruth, to think a tried and old friend could be so base. (Covers face with hands.)
Ruth.Never mind, Gordon; perhaps better now to learn his falseness than later; go on.
Col.Roger, knowing that Newcomb would not stop at one attempt, determined to place himself in his way and act the knave. Assuming a disguise, he so completely lost his identity that Newcomb was well deceived, and before many meetings employed Roger to finish the work which had proved a blunder in the beginning. It was, as you know, planned for the night that Roger would act as my sentinel: the time after taps. Newcomb, always solicitous for my welfare, was a daily visitor in camp, and that night was on the watch to be sure that there was no blundering in the work.
Ruth.Gordon, it chills my blood to think of it.
Col.To deceive him, Roger aimed at me, but fired at him, and would have killed him on the spot, but Pete, having been warned that my life was in danger, was on the watch, and sprang upon Roger's back and caught his arm; the shot grazed Newcomb's wrist.
Ruth.Brave Pete and noble Roger.
Col.And to think, Ruth, that this was all for revenge. Thank Heaven, he did not succeed in winning the heart that, full of love and noble devotion, has been my inspiration in my darkest hours. (Embraces her; music ceases.)
Ruth.Yet you will see Newcomb again.
Col.He wishes to compromise. (Rises.) Ruth, how pale you look. When are the roses coming back to your cheeks?
Ruth.When all is well with Roger, and you are happy again.
Col.My heart will not be lighter until I ask Roger's forgiveness for doubting him. I wonder why he does not return?
Ruth.He is seeking more evidence to clear his name.
Col.I am going to my study, Ruth. My head feels heavy; perhaps a short sleep will refresh me. Ruth, you too have much to forgive. I have doubted your brother.
Ruth.But not in your heart, Gordon. I have always been sure of that.
Col.Thank Heaven that my harsh words have not crushed out all your faith. (ExeuntColonelandRuth,L.;enterPottsandDorothy,R.)
Dor.Go on, Pinky, I am just dying to hear.
Potts.You see, we knew it all the time, but just how and when Roger was to square it with Newcomb was beyond our knowledge. You ought to have been there—just a jolly row. When Roger threw off his disguise, you should have seen Newcomb's face. Old Nick himself could not have looked more insane.
Dor.Then the plot I overheard was no news to Roger?
Potts.No, for under the disguise of Gibbs he held that interview with Newcomb.
Dor.Right in this room, and I didn't know it. Well, I never! But isn't it just glorious, Pinky. How did Roger escape arrest?
Potts.Hard as it was for the colonel to believe Newcomb guilty, he, of course, took Roger's side. Newcomb tried a game of bluff, but it didn't work. He is at large, but we are only waiting for some new development. It will come, and with it the downfall of Newcomb.
Dor.He richly deserves it. Think of the wrong he has done Roger.
Potts(taking both her hands). Your faith and devotion to Roger have just made me hungry. I want some one to have faith in me, too. Now, don't breathe it, but I've just “gone and done” it myself.
Dor.Pinky, what do you mean? You are in love with a girl?
Potts.Why, of course. You would not have me fall in love with a spinster of many summers, would you? Guess who it is.
Dor.(trying to think). I cannot for the very life of me imagine who it can be.
Potts.Let me whisper it. (Whispers.)
Dor.(delighted). No, really? Mollie? My dearest friend. There, I knew she had some secret. Pinky, I could just hug you, but I won't. I will reserve that demonstration for Mollie. (Rings bell.) Do you remember what I told you about the fascinating little woman? Now Roger will have an opportunity to return some of your happy remarks. (EnterPolly.) Polly, my hat and wrap.
Polly.Yes, miss. (Brings them from door,R.)
Potts.Why, where are you going?
(PollyhelpsDorothywith wrap and exit.)
Dor.To see Mollie, of course, and talk it all over. I will tell her what a sweet lamb I think you are. (Exit,C.)
Potts(laughing). Good enough, Potts: your ears willburn steadily for just one hour. No, I will follow and save my reputation. (Exit.)
(EnterNewcombandPete.)
New.The colonel will see me in his private room?
Pete.Yes, sah; dis way, sah. (Goes towards door,L.;Ruthenters, closes door, and stands before it.)
Ruth.What would you have, Mr. Newcomb?
New.I would speak with the colonel, madam.
Ruth.Not in this house. You have done mischief enough with your treachery. My house shall see no more of it.
New.Harsh words from you, an old friend, Mrs. Graham.
Ruth.Don't call us friends, Mr. Newcomb. The time is past for that. From the first, your presence has been distasteful to me. I tried to be courteous, for you posed as my husband's friend. Now that we know you in your true colors, I can speak freely. I loathe and despise you; leave this house.
New.Excuse me, Mrs. Graham, but your husband has given me his word that he will see me.
Ruth.And you have mine—you shall not see him.
New.You are a clever woman, Mrs. Graham, and though you once scorned my love, I cannot but admire your courage.
Ruth(scornfully). Your love! That is an emotion which has never entered your being. Your heart is too cold and treacherous; it cannot harbor that which is loyal and true. I am only too thankful that I escaped such pretensions.
New.Have a care, madam; I am too dangerous to trifle with. Let me pass! No woman shall stand in my way! (Tries to take her from door by force;Rogerenters, takesNewcombby shoulder and turns him round.)
Roger.What are you trying to do, sir?
New.Roger Carruth! You here?
Roger.Yes, I am here.
Ruth.He wishes to hold a private interview with the colonel, and I object.
Roger.Pete, tell your master I would like to see him here.
Pete.Yas, massa. (Aside.) Golly, tribulations am a-comin'. Massa Newcomb wish he were a deader.
[Exit,L.
New.Mr. Carruth, this interview is for the colonel alone.
Roger.Sorry, Newcomb, but as I take an active interest in your welfare, you must submit to my presence.
Col.(enters). Roger and Newcomb together?
Roger.Yes, colonel. Newcomb wishes to see you on a matter of business; I surely think I have the right to hear.
Col.No one has a better. Speak, Newcomb, before us all.
New.Very well; I have no hesitancy. I thought possibly Mrs. Graham—
Roger.If you have anything worth saying, speak, and don't waste words.
New.(cool but angry; turns toRoger). Your scheme was a bold one, young man, and perhaps you think that we are quits; but you have not yet been acquitted of the crime of forgery. I alone hold the key to that mystery (enterBijah), and it will be well for you to listen to what I have to say. You accuse me as instigator of the crime of attempting the life of the colonel. Branded as a forger, who will take your word for that?
Col.Newcomb, leave this house!
Roger.Wait, colonel. Let me deal with him. What compromise do you wish to make?
New.Let all suspicion fall from me, and I will give you my word that your name shall be cleared.
Roger.You would buy my silence, sir, as you thought you did that of your accomplice. You, deeply scarred as you are by depravity and guilt, dare to make me such an offer? No; a thousand times, no.Youwill meet your deserts. For myself, time will prove my innocence.
New.Will it, indeed? You overrate your ability. I hold you in my power.
Bijah(comes forward). And I hold you in mine.
Roger.Bijah!
New.Bright, the bank's private detective!
Bijah.Exactly so. Mr. Newcomb, I am afraid your nice little scheme will be “smashed to smithereens,” for it's my turn to play my hand. You forget that, as private detective, it was my duty to shadow every one (New.starts),—even your Royal Highness; and you can jest bet your life, I did my duty.
Roger.What is it? Have you any proofs?
Bijah.Proofs? Yes; that Roger Carruth is innocent of forgery, and that Mr. Randolph Newcomb has that honor.
Roger.Newcomb!
New.Man, it is false.
Bijah.Don't blacken your soul with another lie. (Holds up papers.) I hold the trump card.
(EnterPolly.)
Polly.Two gentlemen are at the door.
Bijah.Yes; friends of Mr. Newcomb. Colonel, shall we not bid him good-evening?
Col.Newcomb, leave my house; and may you never enter it again.
Bijah.No fear of that. He has two accounts to settle. (New.glares atBijah;bows toRuth,and exit.)
Roger(holding out hand toBijah). Bijah, how much I have to thank you for!
Col.Mr. Bright, you have done your work well. I have seen your bravery on the battlefield, your honor and loyalty here. Your country may well be proud of you.
Bijah(salutes). Thank you, colonel. If I could only hear Polly say that.
Polly.Indeed I will, if you will give me the chance.
Bijah.That's well said, Polly. (Puts arm about her.)
We'll all be bright and gayWhen Polly names the day.
We'll all be bright and gayWhen Polly names the day.
(Both laugh and walk up stage to window.)
Ruth.Gordon, are you satisfied?
Col.Roger, can you ever forgive me?
Roger(taking his hand). With my whole heart, sir. We have much to be grateful for, that fate led me into Newcomb's way. But where is Dorothy?
(Dor.laughs outside.)
Ruth.Here she comes, laughing as usual. If she were wrecked in mid ocean, that silvery laugh of hers would wake echoes on the waves.
(EnterDor.andPotts;Dor.does not seeRoger,who stands in window.)
Dor.(putting arms aboutRuth,who is seated by table). Another ripple on the matrimonial sea. Somebody's engaged. Guess who it is.
Ruth.Engaged? I give it up.
Dor.Allow me to present Major Pinkerton Potts as the culprit, and his victim is (turns around; seesRoger,and rushes into his arms)—Roger! (All laugh.)
Roger.That is news to me, major.
Potts.Back again, old man. I am glad to see you. (Shakes hands withRoger.)
Dor.Well, you needn't make fun of me. It's my dearest friend Mollie.
Col.Major, I indeed congratulate you.
Roger.Thought you would follow my example, eh, old man?
Potts.Yes; yours was such a lucky prize, thought I would try my hand.
Ruth.Mollie is well worth winning, major.
Potts.Thank you, Mrs. Graham.
Roger.Dorothy, what is the best news you could wish for?
Dor.Your name cleared, and all happy once more.
Roger.Then it is yours. I am an accused man no longer.
Dor.Honor bright? How did you find it out?
Roger.Through that good friend of ours, Bijah Bright.
Dor.(goes toBijah). Mr. Bright, I come to thank you once more. Polly, you can trust this man. He has proved loyal every time.
Polly.Thank you, Miss Dorothy. It's pleased I am to hear you say so.
Bijah.She has promised to marry me, and we invite you to Oldtown for the wedding.
Dor.I accept upon the spot. Be good to him, Polly; he deserves it.
Bijah.That she will. I can trust her for that.
(EnterPete,C.)
Pete.O Massa Colonel, such a time; it's jest orful. Massa Newcomb he jests rants and tears like a house afire. Down in de hall am two gennlemen a-talking to him right smart. Shall I ax 'em up?
Col.No, Pete. They will settle it amongst themselves. Do you remember what I promised you? That when the war was over I would help you find your mammy.
Pete.'Deed, Massa Colonel, I 'members, but 'specs der ain't no great hurry for dat. Yer's been so good to me, an' de missis, too. I should jes lub to stay wid you. Please massa, don't send me away. (Petewipes eyes on sleeve.)
Col.No; no fear of that. As long as you are a good boy, you shall stay with me. I shall not forget what you did for me.
Pete.Please, massa, I done de bes I knows.
Col.We all know that, and when your mammy does find you, she will be proud of her boy. And now, Pete, for the sake of the good old times in camp, give us one of your songs.
(Petebrings banjo; takes stage,C.,and sings something pathetic.)
Roger.Those songs brought the tears to our eyes when we thought of you all at home.
Dor.But no more tears now. No more trouble: only sunshine. Just think of it, Roger. Pinky is to be married, you his best man, and I maid of honor.
Roger.I like that. Why not reverse things?
Dor.Oh, no; my last chance for that dignity. Wouldn't miss it for worlds. Besides, I promised for us both; didn't I, Pinky?
Potts.Indeed you did. No backsliding, old man.
Roger.As this little maid has signed the compact, I will help her keep it. (Arm aboutDor.)
Ruth.Is your heart lighter, Gordon?
Col.Yes, Ruth; and already the color is coming to your cheeks. That, with Roger's forgiveness, makes me happy again. Ah! we all have suffered much, and have gained the happiness which I trust the future will bring. (Music.) Ruth, the household enemy is routed at last. There are bright days before us, but ever and anon will cross our paths memories of these dark days: the treachery of a friend; the bravery of our brother (takesRoger'shand), who could forget and forgive, and, at the risk of his own life, come to your husband's rescue “After Taps.” (Tableau.)
CURTAIN.
ENTERTAINMENTS FOR GIRLS.
TheBookofDrills.
PART I.
A group of entertainments for stage or floor performance, byMary B. Horne, the author of “The Peak Sisters,” etc.
Price, 30 cents.
CONTENTS.
A NATIONAL FLAG DRILL(As presented by children in Belmont, Mass., at a Fair given by the Arachne, in December, 1888. Also as given by ten young ladies of the Unity Club, in Watertown, Mass., February 22, 1889.)
THE SHEPHERD'S DRILL.
THE TAMBOURINE DRILL(As given at a Rainbow Party by twelve little girls of the Third Congregational Society, Austin St., Cambridgeport, May 2, 1889.)
THE MOTHER GOOSE QUADRILLE(As danced at the Belmont Town Hall, May 10, 1889.)
TheChronothanatoletron;OR, OLD TIMES MADE NEW.
An entertainment in one act for sixteen girls, written for the Class Day Exercises at Dana Hall School, Wellesley, Mass., by two members of the Class of '87 and first performed before members of the school and their friends, June 18, 1887, and later at Ellsworth, Maine April 6th, 1888.
Price, 25 cents.
The idea of this cleverly conceived but quaintly named piece may be briefly described as follows: The “Genius of the Nineteenth Century,” although congratulating herself upon the achievements of the age, still longs for some means of recalling to earth the prominent characters of the past. Her wish is granted by the “Inventress” who produces the “marvelous machine,” the “Chronothanatoletron” (or Time and Death Annihilator), by means of which any woman of any epoch can be brought at once into the presence of the “operator.”
Out of his Sphere.
A Comedy in Three Acts by the Author of the Popular Military Drama
“FORCED TO THE WAR.”
Price, 15 cents.
Five male, three female characters. Scenery, two simple interiors. The leading character is an old farmer, whose wish for the comforts of city life and the luxuries of wealth is answered in an unexpected and embarrassing manner. The piece abounds in rustic humor, the contrast between the simple old countryman and his city surroundings being ludicrously emphasized. All the characters are good and the piece easy to produce.
SYNOPSIS.
Act I.Kitchen in Jedediah's house. A stormy night. Family jar. Jedediah's return. A much abused man. “Hain't I been wrecked with floods, an' blizzards, an' hurricanes, an' every other calamity under the sun?” Dissatisfied with his sphere in life. “I want ter be rich, that's what I want, an' with nuthin' ter du but jest sit around an' take life easy.” Mr. Markham seeks shelter from the storm. Jedediah, relates his troubles, after which he retires. Scheme between Mrs. Blood and Mr. Markham to cure Jedediah from grumbling. The Dutchman let into the secret. “You vhas der doctor, und I vhas der general superintendent. Pizness is pizness.” Jedediah; placed under the influence of anæsthetics and taken to the mansion of Mr. Markham.
Act II.Room in Markham's mansion. Jedediah awakes from his stupor. A bewildered man. “What—on—airth—Why! where am I, anyhow!” Female servants not wanted. Believes himself to be dreaming and endeavors to awake. “I've hern tell if you could shout, or thrash yourself about, it would wake you from the toughest nightmare on record. So here goes.” Interview between Jedediah and John. “Wise man holds tongue. Old proverb. Better follow it.” Fun by the bushel. More and more bewildered. Mrs. Blood as Mrs. Southernwood. An explanation wanted. “For Heaven's sake tell me where I am an' what's the matter.” Old home the best. Asleep or crazy—which? “Oh, Lord, I'm in a lunatic asylum, an' these servants are my keepers.” Jedediah retires. Once more returned to his old home.
Act III.Same as Act I. Conundrums. “Why do some ladies who do up their hair imitate a rooster?” The Dutchman's conundrum. “Vy does der hen move his head back und forth vhen she vhalks?” Something about baseball. Jedediah awakes. “I've had a dream.” So have Thomas and the Dutchman. Jedediah's story. A permanent cure. “No matter under what circumstances I am placed, or how poor my condition may be, I will never again find fault with my sphere in life.”
THE BAT AND THE BALL.
A Farce in one Act.
Price, 15 cents.
Four male, three female characters. Scenery, costumes and properties simple. Time in playing about 40 minutes. Showing the difficulties that may arise from the practice of Amateur Photography. A roaring farce.
In the Enemy's Camp;OR, THE STOLEN DESPATCHES.
A Drama in Three Acts, byS.J. BROWN.
Price, 15 cents.
Eight male, two female characters. Good leading part, genteel villain, Irish and negro character. Time of playing about two hours. While not distinctively a war-play its incidents are concerned with imaginary events of the Rebellion, and it is not unsuited to the needs of Grand Army Posts. Scenery, simple interiors and landscape drops, very easy camp scene.
SYNOPSIS.
ACT I. Capt. Oliphant's home in the North. An unfinished honeymoon. The call of duty. A wife's anguish. “My hand girt on the sword that will be raised against my father!” The rebel spy.The Stolen Despatches.“He is Madge's father! Rather a thousand times my own disgrace, than be his executioner.” The penalty of silence.Disgraced.
ACT II.Scene I.Irish and negro. Colored dentistry.Scene II.The prison. A little story over a bottle of wine. “I understand. Good bye, old friend, and may Heaven bless you.”The Escape.A shot in the dark. “Now, my lady Madge, by fair or foul means you must be mine.”Scene III.Dead to the world. A wife's devotion. “I must bear it all for Malcolm's sake.” A warning. “There is peril everywhere for friends of rebels.” A false knave. “To remain is certain death!”To the Rescue.
ACT III.Scene I.The camp. “If I could only hear from Madge!” The flower girl. The price of a passport. “I pay it, but to only one.” Husband and wife. “What is this woman to you?” A conundrum whose answer is death. “For the love of Heaven, get me the pass!”The Deserter.Scene II.The villain's suit renewed. “Why not; your husband no longer lives.” The lie in his teeth. Misunderstood. “Can you not trust your wife?”Recaptured.Scene III.Sentenced to Death.“You will sometime know that Malcolm Oliphant died for another's crime—true to the Union—true to the last.”A Reprieve.The spy's death. “We have plotted together and die together.”Reunited.