Scene—Dawn of the following morning—exterior of theBartletthome, showing the main entrance, facing left, toward the harbor. On either side of the door, two large windows, their heavy green shutters tightly closed. In front of the door, a small porch, the roof supported by four white column. A flight of three steps goes up to this porch from the ground. Two paths lead to the steps through the straggly patches of grass, one around the corner of the house to the rear, the other straight to the left to the edge of the cliff where there is a small projecting iron platform, fenced in by a rail. The top of a steel ladder can be seen. This ladder leads up the side or the cliff from the shore below to the platform. The edge of the cliff extends from the left corner front, half-diagonally back to the right, rear-center.In the grey half-light of the dawn,Horne,Cates,andJimmy Kanakaare discovered.Horneis standing on the steel platform looking down at the shore below.Catesis sprawled on the ground nearby.Jimmysquats on hishaunches, his eyes staring out to sea as if he were trying to pierce the distance to the warm islands of his birth.Cateswears dungarees,Jimmydungaree pants and a black jersey;Horne,the same as inAct Two.
Scene—Dawn of the following morning—exterior of theBartletthome, showing the main entrance, facing left, toward the harbor. On either side of the door, two large windows, their heavy green shutters tightly closed. In front of the door, a small porch, the roof supported by four white column. A flight of three steps goes up to this porch from the ground. Two paths lead to the steps through the straggly patches of grass, one around the corner of the house to the rear, the other straight to the left to the edge of the cliff where there is a small projecting iron platform, fenced in by a rail. The top of a steel ladder can be seen. This ladder leads up the side or the cliff from the shore below to the platform. The edge of the cliff extends from the left corner front, half-diagonally back to the right, rear-center.
In the grey half-light of the dawn,Horne,Cates,andJimmy Kanakaare discovered.Horneis standing on the steel platform looking down at the shore below.Catesis sprawled on the ground nearby.Jimmysquats on hishaunches, his eyes staring out to sea as if he were trying to pierce the distance to the warm islands of his birth.Cateswears dungarees,Jimmydungaree pants and a black jersey;Horne,the same as inAct Two.
Cates—[With sluggish indifference.] Ain’t she finished with it yet?
Horne—[Irritably.] No, damn her! I kin see ’em all together on the wharf at the bow o’ the schooner. That old crow o’ a woman o’ his! Why the hell don’t she christen her and be done with it and let us make sail?
Cates—[After a pause.] Funny, ain’t it—his orderin’ us to come up here and wait till it’s all done.
Horne—[Angrily.] That’s her doin’, too. She thinks we ain’t good enough to be where she is. [After a pause.] But there’s nothin’ funny to me that he does no more. He’s still out o’ his head, d’ye know that, Cates?
Cates—[Stupidly.] I ain’t noticed nothin’ diff’rent ’bout him.
Horne—[Scornfully.] He axed me if I ever seen them two in my sleep—that cook and the boy o’ the Triton. Said he did often.
Cates—[Immediately protesting uneasily as if he had been accused.] They was with us in the boat b’fore we fetched the island, that’s all ’bout ’em I remember. I was crazy, after.
Horne—[Looking at him with contempt.] So was we all crazy, for the matter o’ that. I’ll not call ye a liar, Cates, but—a hell o’ a man ye be! You wasn’t so out o’ your head that ye forgot the gold, was ye?
Cates—[His eyes glistening.] That’s diff’rent. Any man’d remember that, even if he was crazy.
Horne—[With a greedy grin.] Aye. That’s the one thing I see in my sleep. [Gloatingly.] We’ll dig it up soon now. In three months we’d ought to be there—an’ then we’ll be rich, by Christ! [There is the faint sound of cries from the beach below.Hornestarts and turns to look down again.] They must ’a’ finished it. [CatesandJimmycome to the edge to look down.]
Jimmy—[Suddenly—with an eager childish curiosity.] That falla wife Captain she make strong falla spell on ship, we sail fast, plenty good wind?
Horne—[Contemptuously.] Aye, that’s as near as ye’ll come to it. She’s makin’ a spell. Ye stay here, Jimmy, and tell us when the Old Man is comin’. [Jimmyremains looking down.HornemotionsCatesto follow him, front—then in a low voice, disgustedly.] Did ye hear that damn fool nigger?
Cates—[Grumblingly.] Why the hell is the Old Man givin’ him a full share? One piece o’ it’d be enough for a nigger like him.
Horne—[Craftily.] There’s a way to get rid o’ him—if it comes to that. He knifed them two, ye remember.
Cates—Aye.
Horne—The two o’ us can take oath to that in any court.
Cates—Aye.
Horne—[After a calculating look into his companion’s greedy eyes—meaningly.] We’re two sane men, Cates—and the other two to share is a lunatic and a nigger. The skipper’s showed me where there’s a copy o’ his map o’ the island locked up in the cabin—in case anything happens to him I’m to bring back the gold to his woman, he says. [He laughs harshly.] Bring it back! Catch me! The fool! I’ll be open with ye, Cates. If I could navigate and find the island myself I wouldn’t wait for a cracked man to take me there. No, be damned if I would! Me and you’d chance it alone someway or other.
Cates—[Greedily.] The two o’ us—share and share alike! [Then shaking his head warningly.] But he’s a hard man to git the best on.
Horne—[Grimly.] And I be a hard man, too. And he’s not right in his head. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for a chance. Something may turn up—and maybe—
Jimmy—[Turning to them.] Captain, he come. [CatesandHorneseparate hastily.Bartlettclimbs into sight up the ladder to the platform. Heis breathing heavily but his expression is one of triumphant exultation.]
Bartlett—[Motions with his arms.] Down with ye and git aboard. The schooner’s got a name now—a name that’ll bring us luck. We’ll sail on this tide.
Horne—Aye—aye, sir.
Bartlett—I got to wait here till they climb up the path. I’ll be aboard afore long. See that ye have her ready to cast off by then.
Horne—Aye—aye, sir. [He andCatesdisappear down the ladder.Jimmylingers, looking sidewise at his Captain.]
Bartlett—[Noticing him—gruffly but almost kindly.] What are ye waitin’ for?
Jimmy—[Volubly.] That old falla wife belong you, Captain, she make strong falla spell for wind blow plenty? She catch strong devil charm for schooner, Captain?
Bartlett—[Scowling.] What’s that, ye brown devil? [Then suddenly laughing harshly.] Yes—a strong spell to bring us luck. [Roughly.] Git aboard, ye dog! Don’t let her find ye here with me. [Jimmydisappears hurriedly down the ladder.Bartlettremains at the edge looking down after him. There is a sound of voices from the right and presentlyMrs. Bartlett,Sue,DrewandNatenter, coming around the house from the rear.NatandDrewwalk at either side ofMrs. Bartlett,who isin a state of complete collapse, so that they are practically carrying her.Suefollows, her handkerchief to her eyes.Natkeeps his eyes on the ground, his expression fixed and gloomy.Drewcasts a glance of angry indignation at the Captain, who, after one indifferent look at them, has turned back to watch the operations on the schooner below.]
Bartlett—[As they reach the steps of the house—intent on the work below—makes a megaphone of his hands and shouts in stentorian tones.] Look lively there, Horne!
Sue—[Protestingly.] Pa!
Bartlett—[Wheels about. When he meets his daughter’s eyes he controls his angry impatience and speaks gently.] What d’ye want, Sue?
Sue—[Pointing to her mother who is being assisted through the door—her voice trembling.] You mustn’t shout. She’s very sick.
Bartlett—[Dully, as if he didn’t understand.] Sick?
Sue—[Turning to the door.] Wait. I’ll be right back. [She enters the house. As soon as she is gone all ofBartlett’sexcitement returns. He paces up and down with nervous impatience.Natcomes out of the house.]
Nat—[In a tone of anxiety.] Ma seems bad. We can’t do anything. I’m going for the doctor. [As his father doesn’t seem to hear him—tapping him on the shoulder, his voice breaking.] Why did you makeher do it, Pa? It was too much for her strength. Wouldn’t anyone else or any other name have done just as well?
Bartlett—[Impatiently.] No. It had to be.
Nat—When she spoke the words—and fell back in a faint—I thought she was dead.
Bartlett—[Vaguely.] Weakness. She’ll be all right again after a rest. [He drawsNat’sattention to the schooner.] Smart lines on that schooner, boy. She’ll sail hell bent in a breeze. I knowed what I was about when I bought her.
Nat—[Staring down fascinatedly.] How long will the voyage take?
Bartlett—[Preoccupied.] How long?
Nat—[Insinuatingly.] To get to the island.
Bartlett—Three months at most—with fair luck. [Exultantly.] And I’ll have luck now!
Nat—Then in six months you may be back—withit?
Bartlett—Aye, with—[Stopping abruptly, turns and stares into his son’s eyes—angrily.] With what? What boy’s foolishness be ye talkin’?
Nat—[Pleading fiercely.] I want to go, Pa! There’s no good in my staying here any more. I can’t think of anything but—Oh, why don’t you be fair and let me sail with you!
Bartlett—[Sternly, to conceal his uneasiness.] Keep clear o’ this, boy, I’ve warned ye!
Sue—[Appearing in doorway—indignantly.] Nat! Haven’t you gone for the doctor yet?
Nat—[Shame-facedly.] I forgot.
Sue—Forgot!
Nat—[Starting off.] I’m going, Sue. [Then over his shoulder.] You won’t sail before I come back, Pa? [Bartlettdoes not answer.Natstands miserably hesitating.]
Sue—Nat! For heaven’s sake! [Nathurries off around the corner of the house, rear. Sue comes to her father who is watching her with a queer, humble, hunted expression.]
Bartlett—Well, Sue?
Sue—[Her voice trembling.] Oh, Pa, how can you do such terrible things. How could you drag Ma out of bed at dawn to christen your old boat—when you knew how sick she’s been!
Bartlett—[Avoiding her eyes.] It’s only weakness. She’ll get well o’ it soon.
Sue—Pa! How can you say things like that—as if you didn’t care! [Accusingly.] The way you’ve acted ever since you’ve been home almost, anyone would think—youhatedher!
Bartlett—[Wincing.] No!
Sue—Oh, Pa, what is it that has come between you? Can’t you tell me? Can’t I help to set things right again?
Bartlett—[Mumblingly.] Nothin’—nothin’ yekin help—nor me. Keep clear o’ it, Sue. Danny—ye think o’ him, that’s enough for ye.
Sue—But things can’t go on like this. Don’t you see how it’s killing Ma?
Bartlett—She’ll forget her stubborn notions, now I be sailin’ away.
Sue—But you’re not—not going for a while now, are you?
Bartlett—Ain’t I been sayin’ I’d sail at dawn today? They’re makin’ her ready to cast off. I’m waitin’ for Horne to hail.
Sue—[Looking at him for a moment with shocked amazement.] But—you can’t mean—right now!
Bartlett—[Keeping his face averted.] Aye—or we’ll miss this tide.
Sue—[Putting her hands on his shoulders and trying to look into his face.] Pa! You can’t mean that! [His face is set with his obsessed determination. She lets her hands fall with a shudder.] You can’t be as cruel as that! Why, I thought, of course, you’d put off—[Wildly.] You have, haven’t you, Pa? You did tell those men you couldn’t sail when you saw how sick Ma was, didn’t you—when she fainted down on the wharf?
Bartlett—[Implacably.] I said I was sailin’ by this tide—and sail I will, by thunder!
Sue—Pa! [Then pleadingly.] When the doctor comes and you hear what he says—
Bartlett—[Roughly.] I ain’t stoppin’ on hisword nor any man’s. I know what’s best to do. [Intensely.] That schooner’s been fit to sail these two weeks past. I been waitin’ on her stubborn will [he gestures toward the house], eatin’ my heart out day and night. Then I swore I’d sail today. I tell ye, Sue, I got a feelin’ in my bones if I don’t put out now I never will. Aye, I feel it deep down inside me. [In a tone of superstitious awe.] And when she christened the schooner—jest to the minute, mind ye!—a fair breeze sprung up and come down out o’ the land to blow her out to sea—like a sign o’ good luck.
Sue—[Aroused to angry indignation.] What kind of a man have you become—to think of such things now! Oh, I can’t believe you’re the same man who used to be my father!
Bartlett—Sue!
Sue—To talk cold-bloodedly of sailing away on a long voyage when Ma’s inside—dying for all you seem to know or care! Oh, I hate you when you’re like this! You’re not the father I love! You’ve changed into someone else—hateful and cruel—and I hate him, I hate him! [She breaks down, sobbing hysterically.]
Bartlett—[Who has listened to her with a face suddenly stricken by fear and torturing remorse.] Sue! Ye don’t know what ye be sayin’, do ye?
Sue—I do! You’re not the same to me any more—or to any of us. I’m afraid of you. And whenyou coldly propose to go away—now—I hate you, yes I do! And I hate those three awful men who make you act this way. I hate the schooner! I wish she and they were at the bottom of the sea!
Bartlett—[Frenziedly—putting his hand over her mouth to stop her words.] Stop, girl! Don’t ye dare—
Sue—[Shrinking away from him—frightenedly.] Pa!
Bartlett—[Bewilderedly, pleading for forgiveness.] Don’t heed that, Sue—I didn’t mean—ye git me so riled—I’d not hurt ye for all the gold in the world. But don’t ye talk wrong o’ things ye can’t know on.
Sue—Oh, Pa, what kind of things must they be—when you’re ashamed to tell them!
Bartlett—I ain’t ashamed. It ain’t that. On’y they be things a girl’s no call to meddle in. They be men’s business and I be man enough to carry ’em out alone. Ye’ll know all they be to know—and your Ma and Nat, too—when I come back from this vige. And the sooner I sail, the quicker I’ll be back to ye. Oh, ye’ll be glad enough then—when ye see with your own eyes! Ye’ll bless me then ’stead o’ turning agin me! [Hesitating for a second—then somberly.] On’y now—till it’s all over and done—ye’d best keep clear o’ it.
Sue—[Passionately.] I don’t care—I don’t want to know anything about it. What I do know is thatyou can’t sail now. Oh, Pa, don’t you see you can’t? Haven’t you any heart at all? Can’t you see how bad Ma is?
Bartlett—It’s the sight o’ me sickens her. She’ll git better with me away from her.
Sue—No. She needs you. She doesn’t want you to go. She called your name just a while ago—the only word she’s spoken since she christened the ship. Come in to her, Pa! Tell her you won’t go!
Bartlett—[Desperately.] I got to git away from her, I tell ye, Sue! She’s been houndin’ me ever since I got back—houndin’ me with her stubborn tongue till she’s druv me mad, a’most! Ye’ve been on’y givin’ thought to her, not me. They’s my side to it, too!
Sue—I’ll talk to her, Pa. She can’t realize she’s hurting you or she wouldn’t—And then everything will be just the same as it used to be again.
Bartlett—[Shaking his head.] They be too much between. The only chance for that be my plan—to sail away and come back with—what I be seekin’. Then she’ll give over her stubborn naggin’—if she’s human woman. It’s for her sake as much as my own I’m goin’—for her and you and Nat. [With a sudden return of his old resolution.] I’ve made up my mind, I tell ye, and in the end ye’ll know I be right. [A hail inHorne’svoice comes thinly up from the shore below.Bartlettstarts, his eyes gleaming.] Ye hear? It’s Horne hailin’ me to come.They be ready to cast off. I’ll git aboard. [He starts for the ladder.]
Sue—Pa! After all I’ve said—without one word of good-bye to Ma! [Hysterically.] Oh, what can I do, what can I say to stop you! She hasn’t spoken but that one call for you. She hardly seems to breathe. If it weren’t for her eyes I’d believe she was dead—but her eyes look for you. She’ll die if you go, Pa!
Bartlett—No!
Sue—You might just as well kill her now in cold blood as murder her that way!
Bartlett—[Shaken—raising his hands as if to put them over his ears to shut out her words—hoarsely.] No! Ye lie! She’ll live till I git back and all’ll be as it was again!
Drew—[Appearing in the doorway, his face working with grief and anger—harshly.] Captain Bartlett! [Then lowering his voice as he sees Sue.] Mrs. Bartlett is asking to see you, Captain, before you go.
Sue—There! Didn’t I tell you, Pa!
Bartlett—[Struggling with himself—dully.] She’s wantin’ to bound me again, that be all.
Sue—[Seeing him weakening—grasps his hand persuasively.] Pa! Come with me. She won’t hound you. How silly you are! Come! [Hesitatingly, head bowed, he follows her toward the door.]
Bartlett—[As he comes toDrewhe stops and looks into the young man’s angry, accusing face. Hemutters half mockingly.] So ye, too, be agin me, Danny?
Drew—[Unable to restrain his indignation.] What man that’s a real man wouldn’t be against you, sir?
Sue—[Frightenedly.] Danny! Pa!
Bartlett—[In a sudden rage draws back his fist threateningly.Drewstares into his eyes unflinchingly—Bartlettcontrols himself with an effort and lets his arm fall to his side—scornfully.] Big words from a boy, Danny. I’ll forget them this time—on account o’ Sue. [He turns to her.] I’m goin’ in to her to please ye, Sue—but if ye think any words that she kin say’ll change my mind, ye make a mistake—for I be sailin’ out as I planned I would in spite o’ all hell! [He walks resolutely into the house.Suefollows him after exchanging a hopeless glance withDanny.]
Drew—[To himself—with a shudder.] He’s mad, damn him! [He paces up and down.Horneappears on the ladder from below, followed byCates.]
Horne—[Coming forward and addressingDrew.] Is the skipper about?
Drew—[Curtly.] He’s in the house. You can’t speak to him now.
Horne—She’s ready to cast off. I hailed him from below but I ’spect he didn’t hear. [AsDrewmakes no comment—impatiently.] If he don’t shake a leg, we’ll miss the tide. There’s a bit o’ fair breeze, too.
Drew—[Glancing at him resentfully.] Don’t count on his sailing today. It’s just as likely he’ll change his mind.
Horne—[Angrily.] Change his mind again? After us waitin’ and wastin’ time for weeks! [ToCatesin a loud tone soDrewcan hear.] What did I tell ye, Cates? He’s crazy as hell.
Drew—[Sharply.] What’s that?
Horne—I was tellin’ Cates the skipper’s not right in his head [Angrily.] What man in his senses’d do the way he does?
Drew—[Letting his resentment escape him.] That’s no lie, damn it!
Horne—[Surprised.] Aye, ye’ve seen it, too, have ye? [After a pause.] Now I axe ye, as a sailor, how’d ye like to be puttin’ out on a vige with a cracked man for skipper? [Suecomes out of the door, stops with a shudder of disgust as she sees the two sailors, and stands listening. They do not notice her presence.]
Drew—It seems to me a crazy voyage all round. What kind of trading is it you’re to do?
Horne—[Suspiciously.] Ye’ll have to ask the skipper that.
Drew—[With a scornful shrug.] I was forgetting it’s such a dead secret. That the craziest part, eh? [With sudden interest as if a new idea had come to him.] But you know all about it, don’t you—what the Captain plans to do on this voyage—and all that?
Horne—[Dryly.] Aye, as well as himself—but I’m tellin’ no man.
Drew—And I’m not asking. What do you suppose I care about any sneaking trade deal in the Islands he may have up his sleeve? What I want to find out is: Do you know enough about this business to make this one voyage alone and attend to everything—in case the Captain can’t go?
Horne—[Exchanging a quick glance with Cates—trying to hide his eagerness.] Aye, I could do as well as any man alive. I’ve been sailin’ this sea for twenty year or more and I know the Island trade inside and out. He could trust me for it—and I’d make more money for him than he’s likely to make with his head out o’ gear. [Then scowling.] On’y trouble is, who’d Captain her if he ain’t goin’?
Drew—[Disappointedly.] Then you don’t know navigation enough for that?
Horne—I’ve never riz above bo’sun. [Then after a pause in which he appears to be calculating something—curiously.] Why d’ye ask me them questions? [Insinuatingly—almost in a whisper.] It can’t be done ’less we got an officer like you aboard.
Drew—[Angrily.] Eh? What’re you driving at? D’you think I—
Sue—[Who has been listening with aroused interest.] Danny! [She comes down to him.HorneandCatesbob their heads respectfully and move back near the platform.HornewatchesSueandDrewout of the corner of his eye.] Danny, I’ve been listening to what you were saying, but I don’t understand. What are you thinking of?
Drew[Excitedly.] I was thinking—Listen, Sue! Seems to me from what I saw your Pa’s out of his right mind, and, being that way, he’s sure bound to go unless someone or something steps in to stop him. D’you think your Ma——?
Sue—[Shaking her head—sadly.] No, I’m afraid anything she says will only make things worse.
Drew—Then you’ve no hope—? No more have I. Something’s got to be done to keep him home in spite of himself. Even leaving your Ma out of it, he’s not in any fit state to take a ship to sea; and I was thinking if we could fix it some way so that fellow Horne could take her out on this voyage—
Sue—But, Danny, Pa’d never give in to that.
Drew—I wasn’t thinking he would. It’d have to be done on the sly. We—you’d have to give the word—and keep him in the house somehow—and then when he did come out it’d be too late. The schooner’d be gone.
Sue—[Disturbed, but showing that this plan has caught her mind.] But—would it be fair?—he’d never forgive—
Drew—When he’s back in his right mind again, he would. [Earnestly.] I’m not fond of lying andtricks myself, Sue, but this is a case where you can’t pick and choose. You can’t let him sail, and wreck his ship and himself in the bargain, likely. Then, there’s your Ma——
Sue—No, no, we can’t let him. [With a glance atHorneandCates.] But I don’t trust those men.
Drew—No more do I; but it would be better to chance them than—[Suddenly interrupting himself—with a shrug of his shoulders.] But there’s no good talking of that. I was forgetting. None of them can navigate. They couldn’t take her out.
Sue—But didn’t I hear him say—if they had an officer on board—like you—
Drew—Yes, but where’ll you find one at a second’s notice?
Sue—[Meaningly.] And you told me, didn’t you, that you’d just got your master’s papers. Then you’re a captain by rights.
Drew—[Looking at her with stunned astonishment.] Sue! D’you mean—
Sue—[A light coming over her face.] Oh, Danny, we could trust you! He’d trust you! And after he’d calmed down I know he wouldn’t mind so much. Oh, Danny, it’ll break my heart to have you go, to send you away just after you’ve come back. But I don’t see any other way. I wouldn’t ask—if it wasn’t for Ma being, this way—and him—Oh, Danny, can’t you see your way to do it—for my sake?
Drew—[Bewilderedly.] Why, Sue, I—I never thought—[Then as he sees the look of disappointment which comes over her face at his hesitancy—resolutely.] Why sure, Sue, I’ll do it—if you want me to. I’ll do it if it can be done. But we’ve got to hustle. You stand in the door, Sue. You’ve got to keep him in the house some way if he aims to come out. And I’ll talk to them. [Suegoes to the doorway.Drewgoes over toHorneandCates.]
Sue—[After listening.] He’s still in with Ma. It’s all right.
Drew—[ToHorne,with forced joviality.] How would you like me for skipper on this one voyage?
Horne—[Craftily.] Ye got your skipper’s papers all reg’lar?
Drew—Yes, that part of it’s all right and square. Listen here. Miss Sue’s decided her father isn’t in a fit state to Captain this trip. It’d mean danger for him and the schooner—and for you.
Horne—That’s no lie.
Cates—[ToHorneprotestingly.] But if we git ketched the Old Man’ll take it out o’ our hides, not his’n.
Horne—[Savagely.] Shut up, ye fool! [ToDrew,craftily.] Cates is right, jest the same. Ye are as good as his married son and she’s his daughter. He’d not blame you if things went wrong. He’d take it out on us.
Drew—[Impatiently.] I’ll shoulder all that risk, man!
Sue—[Earnestly.] No harm will come to any of you, I promise you. This is all my plan, and I’ll tell my father I’m alone to blame.
Horne—[In the tone of one clinching a bargain.] Then we’ll chance it. [Warningly.] But it’s got to be done smart, sir. Ye’d best look lively.
Drew—I’ve got to get my dunnage. I’ll be right back and we’ll tumble aboard. [He goes to the door.] Hold him, Sue, on some excuse if he’s coming. Only a second now and it’ll all be safe. [He goes into the house. She follows him in.]
Cates—[With stupid anger.] This is a hell o’ a mess we’re gettin’ in, if ye axe me.
Horne—And I tell ye it’s a great stroke o’ luck. It couldn’t o’ come out better.
Cates—He’ll be aboard to spy on us.
Horne—Let him! What does he know? He thinks we’re goin’ tradin’, and there’s no one to tell him diff’rent but me.
Cates—He’ll know better afore long. He’ll s’pect—
Horne—’Bout the gold? He ain’t that kind. He’s a soft young swab o’ a lady steamer’s mate. Leave me to fool him. And when the time comes to git rid o’ him, I’ll find a means some way or other. But can’t ye see, ye fool, it’s luck to have him with us till we git clear o’ civilized ports? He kin navigateand he’s got skipper’s papers that’ll come in handy if there’s any trouble. And if anythin’ goes wrong at the start and we’re brung back, him and the girl’ll take the blame.
Cates—[Stupidly.] S’long as he don’t git no share o’ the gold——
Horne—[Contemptuously.] Share, ye dumbhead! I’d see him in hell first—and send him there myself. [Drewcomes out of the house carrying his bag which he hands toCates.Suefollows him.]
Drew—Look lively now! Let’s hustle aboard and get her under way.
Horne—Aye—aye, sir. [He andCatesclamber hurriedly down the ladder.]
Sue—[Throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.] Good-bye, Danny. It’s so fine of you to do this for us! I’ll never forget——
Drew—[Tenderly.] Ssssh! It’s nothing, Sue.
Sue—[Tearfully.] Oh, Danny, I hope I’m doing right! I’ll miss you so dreadfully! But you’ll come back just as soon as you can—
Drew—Of course!
Sue—Danny! Danny! I love you so!
Drew—And I guess you know I love you, don’t you? [Kisses her.] And we’ll be married when I come back this timesure?
Sue—Yes—yes—Danny—sure!
Drew—I’ve got to run. Good-bye, Sue.
Sue—Good-bye, dear. [They kiss for the last timeand he disappears down the ladder. She stands at the top, sobbing, following him with her eyes.Natcomes around the house from the rear and goes to the front door.]
Nat—[Seeing his sister.] Sue! He hasn’t gone yet, has he? [She doesn’t hear him. He hesitates in the doorway for a moment, listening for the sound of his father’s voice from inside. Then, very careful to make no noise, he tiptoes carefully into the house.Suewaves her hand toDrewwho has evidently now got aboard the ship. Then she covers her face with her hands, sobbing.Natcomes out of the house again and goes to his sister. As she sees him approaching, she dries her eyes hastily, trying to smile.]
Sue—Did you get the doctor, Nat?
Nat—Yes, he’s coming right away, he promised. [Looking at her face.] What—have you been crying?
Sue—No. [She walks away from the edge of the cliff, drawing him with her.]
Nat—Yes, you have. Look at your eyes.
Sue—Oh, Nat, everything’s so awful! [She breaks down again.]
Nat—[Trying to comfort her in an absentminded way.] There, don’t get worked up. Ma’ll be all right as soon as the doctor comes. [Then curiously.] Pa’s inside with her. They were arguing—have they made it up, d’you think?
Sue—Oh, Nat, I don’t know. I don’t think so.
Nat—The strain’s been too much for him—waiting and hiding his secret from all of us. What do you suppose it is, Sue—ambergris?
Sue—[Wildly.] I don’t know and I don’t care! [Noticing the strange preoccupied look in his eyes—trying to bring him back to earth—scornfully.] Ambergris! Are you going crazy? Don’t you remember you’ve always been the first one to laugh at that silly idea?
Nat—Well, there’s something—— [Starts for the platform.Suedoes her best to interpose to hold him back.] Are they all ready on the schooner. He’ll have to hurry if she’s going to sail on this tide. [With sudden passion.] Oh, I’ve got to go! I can’t stay here! [Pleadingly.] Don’t you think, Sue, if you were to ask him for me he’d—You’re the only one he seems to act sane with or care about any more.
Sue—No! I won’t! I can’t!
Nat—[Angrily.] Haven’t you any sense? Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if I went in his place?
Sue—No. You know that’s a lie. Ma would lose her mind if you went.
Nat—And I’ll lose mine if I stay! [Half aware ofSue’sintention to keep him from looking down at the schooner—irritably.] What are you holding my arm for, Sue? I want to see what they’re doing.[He pushes her aside and goes to the platform—excitedly.] Hello, they’ve got the fores’l and mains’l set. They’re setting the stays’l. [In amazement.] Why—they’re casting off! She’s moving away from the wharf! [More and more excitedly.] I see four of them on board! Who—who is that, Sue?
Sue—It’s Danny.
Nat—[Furiously.] Danny! What right has he—when I can’t! Sue, call Pa! They’re sailing, I tell you, you little fool!
Sue—[Trying to calm him—her voice trembling.] Nat! Don’t be such a donkey! Danny’s only going a little way—just trying the boat to see how she sails while they’re waiting for Pa.
Nat—[Uncertainly.] Oh. [Then bitterly.] I was never allowed to do even that—his own son! Look, Sue, that must be Danny at the stern waving.
Sue—[Brokenly.] Yes. [She waves her handkerchief over her head—then breaks down, sobbing again. There is the noise ofBartlett’svoice from inside and a moment later he appears in the doorway. He seems terribly shattered, at the end of his tether. He hesitates uncertainly, looking about him wildly as if he didn’t know what to do or where to go.]
Sue—[After one look at his face, runs to him and flings her arms about his neck.] Pa! [She weeps on his shoulder.]
Bartlett—Sue, ye did wrong beggin’ me to seeher. I knowed it’d do no good. Ye promised she’d not hound me——“Confess,” she says—when they be naught to tell that couldn’t be swore to in any court. “Don’t go on this vige,” she says, “there be the curse o’ God on it.” [With a note of baffled anguish.] She kin say that after givin’ the ship her own name! [With wild, haggard defiance.] But curse or no curse, I be goin’! [He moves toward the platform,Sueclinging to his arm.]
Sue—[Frightenedly.] Pa! Go back in the house, won’t you?
Bartlett—I be sorry to go agin your will, Sue, but it’s got to be. Ye’ll know the reason some day—and be glad o’ it. And now good-bye to ye. [With a sudden strange tenderness he bends and kisses his daughter. Then as she seems about to protest further, his expression becomes stern and inflexible.] No more o’ talk, Sue! I be bound out. [He takes her hand off his arm and strides to the platform. One look down at the harbor and he stands transfixed—in a hoarse whisper.] What damned trick be this? [He points to the schooner and turns toNatbewilderedly.] Ain’t that my schooner, boy—the Sarah Allen—reachin’ toward the p’int?
Nat—[Surprised.] Yes, certainly. Didn’t you know? Danny’s trying her to see how she sails while they’re waiting for you.
Bartlett—[With a tremendous sigh of relief.]
Aye. [Then angrily.] He takes a lot o’ rope to himself without askin’ leave o’ me. Don’t he know they’s no time to waste on boy’s foolin’? [Then with admiration.] She sails smart, don’t she, boy? I knowed she’d show a pair o’ heels.
Nat—[With enthusiasm.] Yes, she’s a daisy! Say, Danny’s taking her pretty far out, isn’t he?
Bartlett—[Anxiously.] He’d ought to come about now if he’s to tack back inside the p’int. [Furiously.] Come about, damn ye! The swab! That’s what comes o’ steamer trainin’. I’d sooner trust Sue to sail her nor him. [Waves his arm and shouts.] Come about!
Nat—[Bitterly.] He seems to be heading straight for the open sea. He’s taking quite a sail, it seems to me.
Bartlett—[As if he couldn’t believe his eyes.] He’s passed the p’int—and now—headin’ her out to sea—so’east by east. By God, that be the course I charted for her! [Suebursts out sobbing. He wheels on her, his mouth fallen open, his face full of a stupid despair.] They be somethin’ wrong here. What be it, Sue? What be it, Nat? [His voice has begun to quiver with passion.] That schooner—she’s sailin’ without me—— [He suddenly springs atNatand grabs him by the throat—with hoarse fury, shaking him.] What be it, ye whelp? It’s your doin’—because I wouldn’t let ye go. Answer me!
Sue—[Rushing to them with a scream.] Pa! [She tugs frantically at his hands.Bartlettlets them fall to his side, stepping back fromNatwho sinks weakly to the ground, gasping for breath.Bartlettstands looking at him wildly.]
Sue—Nat didn’t know, Pa. It’s all my fault. I had to do it. There was no other way——
Bartlett—[Raging.] What d’ye mean, girl? What is it ye’ve done? Tell me, I say! Tell me or I’ll——
Sue—[Unflinchingly.] You had to be stopped from going someway. You wouldn’t listen to reason. So I asked Danny if he wouldn’t make the trip in your place. He’s just got his captain’s papers—and oh, Pa, you can trust him, you know that! That man Horne said he knows about everything you wanted done, and he promised to tell Danny, and Danny’ll come back——
Bartlett—[Chokingly.] So—that be it—— [Shaking his clenched fist at the sky as if visualizing the fate he feels in all of this.] Curse ye! Curse ye! [He subsides weakly, his strength spent, his hand falls limply at his side.]
Mrs. Bartlett—[Appears in the doorway. Her face is pale with anguish. She gives a cry of joy when she sees her son.] Nat! [Then with a start of horror at her eyes fall on her husband.] Isaiah! [He doesn’t seem to hear.] Then—you ain’t sailed yet?
Sue—[Going to her—gently.] No, Ma, he isn’t going to sail. He’s going to stay home with you. But the schooner’s gone. See. [She points and her mother’s eyes turn seaward.]
Bartlett—[Aloud to himself—in a tone of groping superstitious awe and bewildered fear.] They be somethin’ queer—somethin’ wrong—they be a curse in this somewhere——
Mrs. Bartlett—[Turning accusing eyes on him—with a sort of fanatical triumph.] I’m glad to hear you confess that, Isaiah. Yes, there be a curse—God’s curse on the wicked sinfulness o’ men—and I thank God He’s saved you from the evil of that voyage, and I’ll pray Him to visit His punishment and His curse on them three men on that craft you forced me to give my name—— [She has raised her hand as if calling down retribution on the schooner she can dimly see.]
Sue—[Terrified.] Ma!
Bartlett—[Starting toward his wife with an insane yell of fury.] Stop it, I tell ye! [He towers over her with upraised fist as if to crush her.]
Sue—Pa!
Nat—[Starting to his feet from where he has been sitting on the ground—hoarsely.] Pa! For God’s sake!
Mrs. Bartlett—[Gives a weak, frightened gasp.] Would you murder me too, Isaiah? [She closes her eyes and collapses inSue’sarms.]
Sue—[Tremblingly.] Nat! Help me! Quick! We must carry her to bed. [They take their mother in their arms, carrying her inside the house.]
Bartlett—[While they are doing this, rushes in his mad frenzy to the platform over the edge of the cliff. He puts his hands to his mouth, megaphone-fashion, and yells with despairing rage.] Ahoy! Ahoy! Sarah Allen! Put back! Put back! [as
[The Curtain Falls]