The Ghost Breaker, Act IIThe Ghost BreakerSeePage 34
The Ghost BreakerSeePage 34
Princess.(Very seriously) Call it anything youlike, but the castle is haunted, just the same. My grandfather was one of the wealthiest nobles in Spain. When he died my father went to take possession of his estate in Segura. He found the town full of weird stories of uncanny happenings—the castle was deserted, everyone had fled and all told of something in armor that stalked the halls at night.
Jarvis.O-o-o-o-o-o-o-h!
Princess.My father laughed at the silly natives and said he would go into the castle and show them how foolish their fears were. He went, and was never seen again.
Jarvis.(Naturally deeply interested) What happened to him?
Princess.No one knows. He disappeared—vanished utterly, without leaving a single clue—and the treasure's gone.
Jarvis.(More interested at word Treasure) Treasure—what treasure?
Princess.My grandfather is known to have converted all his wealth into Spanish gold. It amounted to about a million dollars in your money.
Jarvis.How long ago was that?
Princess.Fifteen years ago. Since then two other men have disappeared—just as my father did—and now, the Duke tells me that my brother has entered the castle. You see it runs in the blood. Up to a week ago my brother had sent me a cable every day, then suddenly the messages ceased. All this week not a word. Now I know—my brother has entered the castle, and—well, that is the end.
Jarvis.Why did you leave Spain?
Princess.A part of the legend was that a plan had been made showing just where the treasure was located—but this plan could never be found. Only by accident I learned that this plan had been hidden in the back of a locket and the locket, I discovered,had been sold and was in America. It was to find this locket that I left my brother and came here.
Jarvis.Then my work now is to find your brother and solve the mystery? All right! We'll explain to the Duke that you are taking me to Spain for no other purpose than to solve the mystery. In America we've had trust-breakers and strike-breakers, and now why not Jarvis, the Ghost Breaker?
Princess.Why, yes, why not? Carlos would believe almost anything of you Americans.
Jarvis.(Whimsically) And you will tell him you have made me a—er—what is it? A vassal?
Princess.(Almost shyly) I think not—not just yet.
Jarvis.By the way, your—er—just how should a perfectly good vassal address his Princess?
Princess.(Hesitatingly) Highness—is correct.
Jarvis.Highness—tell me, your Highness, a vassal doesn't amount to much, does he? I thought he was a piker.
Princess.(Mystified) A piker—a man who carries a pike?
Jarvis.(Trying to explain) No, no—a piker is a tin horn.
Princess.Tin horn?
Jarvis.Well, a sort of pawn in this game of chess—along with your kings and queens and castles and things. (Seriously, yet playfully) Could a good, hard-working, reliable vassal work his way up to be a Duke or a Lord, or something like that?
Princess.(Almost playing with him) You're an ambitious vassal, aren't you? I'm afraid you wouldn't be content with being anything less than a king.
Jarvis.(Meaningly) A king—a prince—or a bandit.
Princess.A bandit? And why a bandit?
Jarvis.A king might command—a prince request—a bandit seize.
Princess.Seize what?
Jarvis.(Daringly) That which a mere vassal can only admire. (Knock at door. Both brought back to earth.)
Princess.There he is now.
Jarvis.Hooray!
Princess.What shall I call you?
Jarvis.(Whispering) Oh, any old thing—Warren, Mr. Warren. (Pause.Princesscrosses to door, hesitates a moment, then opens it.)
Princess.Come in.
(EnterDuke.Stops at sight ofJarvis.)
Duke.Oh, I'm intruding. (Spoken as though he expectedJarvisto go.)
Princess.Allow me to present Mr. Warren, whom I am bringing from America to solve the mystery of the castle. My cousin, Duke D'Alva. (She crossesl.)
Jarvis.(Cross toDuke—easily) Glad to know You. (Princessbackr.)
Duke.(Patronizingly) I am honored. Interesting task you have undertaken. May I ask if that is your regular profession?
Jarvis.That is my business, solving mysteries, looking up the family skeleton, hunting out spooks. What we call in America a Ghost Breaker!
Duke.Ghost Breaker? A strange calling. I indeed never heard of anything more extraordinary.
Jarvis.It is not surprising, your Excellency. We are living in an age of specialists—and like every other profession, this calls for its own peculiar training.
Princess.(Interrupting) I am so glad you arehere, cousin—you will be able to tell Mr. Warren, so much better than I, all the circumstances.
Duke.I'll be delighted to throw any light I can on the mystery, but first tell me—(ToPrincess)—why did you leave your brother to come to America?
Princess.(Takes locket from reticule) This little locket is what brought me to America.
Duke.(Crosses to her, holding out hand to take it) May I see it?
Princess.(Takes out memo.) No, Carlos, you may see the locket—no one must see the memorandum.
Duke.Memorandum?
Princess.Yes.
Jarvis.(Seated on trunk—toDuke) A wise precaution.
Duke.(Picking up locket) Curious old piece of work—and you came all the way to America for this?
Princess.Yes.
Duke.You were very fortunate to find it so soon. (Crossr.)
Princess.I knew where to go to find it—and yet I was nearly too late. Think of it, after that dear old locket had lain in an antique shop for ten years, suddenly in one day there came two inquiries for it. (Jarvissits looking atCarlos.) Mine was the second. A distinguished-looking gentleman had been there in the morning, described it roughly to the old man and got him to hunt for it. He had just found it when I came in. I doubled the distinguished-looking gentleman's offer and got it. (Another look atDuke.) Who do you suppose wanted that locket, Carlos?
Duke.(r., being cornered and with effort to throw it off lightly) I see that it has alreadyoccurred to you that I am the distinguished-looking gentleman whose offer you doubled.
Princess.(With curiosity) But how did you learn about the memorandum, Carlos? (Jarvissits on trunk.)
Duke.I didn't, Cousin. I had not the slightest suspicion that the locket contained the supposed secret. I was merely following my pet hobby, trying to recover some of those precious heirlooms which have been scattered to the four winds. (Quickly) You would be surprised, Mr. Warren, to see the collection I have already rescued and which some day may be yours, Maria.
Jarvis.(Breaking in impatiently) Well, so much for the treasure. Now let's hear about the ghost. What's your opinion of this, your Excellency? Do you put any stock in ghosts?
Duke.Yes, Mr. Warren, I am convinced there are such things.
Jarvis.You believe that this castle is haunted?
Duke.I know it.
Jarvis.You think this ghost is dangerous to encounter—that it is the cause of the deaths and disappearances in the castle?
Duke.I do.
Jarvis.Well, what do you think about that? Ghosts—— That's a pretty broad term, your Excellency. Can you tell me just what you believe this ghost is?
Duke.There are certain occult forces in this world, Mr. Warren, that science cannot fathom, and some of them are manifested in that castle now. A priest might call it a demon or a fiend; a psychologist, perhaps a returning spirit. I can't say—but I know there is something real, a malignant force which lurks in that castle, and while it haunts those halls, it is madness for any man to expose himself there.
Jarvis.Have you ever seen this ghost?
Princess.My brother has.
Jarvis.What?
Princess.Twice.
Jarvis.Good night!
Princess.So has my father, and the others when they disappeared. No one has seen it three times and lived.
Jarvis.(Interrupting and looking atDuke) In just what way do you connect this spook with the treasure?
Duke.Spook? I see no connection. What do you mean?
Jarvis.Oh, there is always money where the ghost walks.
Duke.I don't know what your experience has been, Mr. Warren. You are evidently a brave man—but you have yet to encounter a real ghost.
Jarvis.Brave! It takes no bravery to fight a coward. That is what this ghost is—it's a coward like every other ghost. I tell you that men are not half so afraid of spirits as spirits are afraid of men. Face the supernatural—and it is beaten to a frazzle before the fight begins. Spooks—horse-thieves—and peevish wild-cats can all be tamed by the same little charm.
Princess.(Mystified) Charm?
Duke.(Leaning forward) What is it?
Jarvis.I'd hate to tell you. It's part of my system. (Taking out pistol.)
Duke.(Scornfully) I had been hoping, Mr. Warren, that you had some subtle method of handling this problem, but you evidently propose to meet the forces of the supernatural with firearms. I—I may tell you that this specter has been shot at before without the slightest effect.
Jarvis.(Smiling) Quite likely, your Excellency. I have seen rifle fire that had not the slightesteffect on a wild-cat for the very reason that the firing was wilder than the cat.
Duke.(As though pitying him) I am sorry for you Mr. Warren. You will find the ghost more real than the treasure.
Princess.(Rising) But the treasure is real, Carlos. Would I have crossed the ocean for this locket unless I knew? Why, with this paper anybody—a total stranger—could walk right up to the very stone that hides it——
Jarvis.(Meaningly) Pretty dangerous paper to have around. Look out somebody does not get there ahead of you.
Duke.(Meaningly toJarvis) Yes, it is a dangerous paper—if it leads anyone into the castle.
Jarvis.(Laughingly) Well, your Excellency, I'd go a long way for the fun of unravelling a good mystery with a little spice of danger thrown in.
Duke.You needn't have gone so far, Mr. Warren. You are leaving a very unusual case behind you in New York. The papers are full of it. Have you read them? (Picking up newspaper.) It will interest you too, Cousin. You were at the Manhattan last night, I believe.
Princess.Yes! (JarvisandPrincesslook at each other andDukereads from newspaper.)
Jarvis.Why, no—— (Glancing at trunk.) I was so wrapped up in my baggage I really didn't have a chance. (Looks atPrincess.)
Duke."Pistol duel in Manhattan Hotel. Colonel James Marcum, a prominent and wealthy Kentuckian, nearly met his death at five o'clock this morning in a pistol duel in his room at the Manhattan Hotel." (Glancing down a little further) "At a late hour the police had no clue to the identity of his assailant, except the remarkable fact that the person is still hiding somewhere in the hotel."
Jarvis.(Interrupting) He's probably a long way from the hotel by this time.
Duke.(Looking at paper) They say that he couldn't have gotten out without being seen.
Jarvis.That's the theory of the police or reporters.
Duke.What do you think?
Jarvis.He might have escaped in a thousand ways—but that work is hardly in my line. That belongs to the "Gum-shoes."
Duke.Gum-shoes?
Jarvis.Yes, ordinary detectives. (EnterNita.)
Nita.Excuse, Madame——
Princess.No, Nita! Not just yet. I'll call you when I want you.
Jarvis.We are keeping you from getting settled, I am afraid. (Cross toward door.) So, if you will excuse me, I'll see you at luncheon, perhaps. Hooray! I am glad to have made your acquaintance, your Excellency.
Duke.Thank you, Mr. Warren, I find you most interesting. I shall be glad to hear more of your remarkable profession. (Warrencrosses to door and opens it, disclosing two detectives and steward.)
Detective.Are you Miss M. T. Ar—ra—gan?
Princess.(l.c.) Yes!
Detective.You was at the Manhattan Hotel last night?
Princess.Yes.
Detective.The lock on your door was broken?
Princess.Yes.
Detective.(Removes hat) I am from headquarters, Madame, and I have orders to clear up one or two little matters with that affair at the hotel last night.
Duke.Orders, orders! To break in here—what headquarters?
Detective.Police headquarters.
Duke.Do you know whom you are addressing?
Detective.Say—that will be about all from you!
Princess.Yes, Carlos. Please let me attend to this matter. Won't you come in, gentlemen?
Detective.Thanks. (Realizing they are already in the room) That's all, Steward. (ExitSteward;enterDetectives,closing door.Jarvisslips wounded hand into coat pocket.)
Jarvis.Yes, we were just discussing that mystery, Inspector.
Duke.You are, I take it, one of the—er—gum-shoes? (Jarvislaughs and goes up stage.)
Detective.(Glaring angrily for a moment, walks over toward him and shouts in his face) Gum-shoe! Say, are you trying to be funny?
Duke.Well, sir, you are talking rather loud and with undue asperity. I presume I have offended you.
Detective.You presume!That's a hot one! Say, who are you, anyhow?
Duke.I am Carlos Hernando Duke D'Alva. I have other titles, but they would hardly interest you.
Detective.Dook de Alver—and then some, eh? Ain't that nice? Well, if you was the Archbishop of Canterbury I'd run yer in and take yer 'shore if yer give me any more lip! (ToPrincess,sucks his teeth contemptuously and turns his back onDuke.Produces notebook from pocket and addressesPrincess.) As you was saying when we was interrupted, you was in the hotel when the shooting occurred. Did you hear it?
Princess.Yes, I heard two shots.
Detective.Did you hear anything else?
Princess.Yes, I heard some people running near my door.
Detective.Any one come in?
Princess.Yes, my maid was frightened and came in.
Detective.Aha! How did the lock on your door get broken?
Princess.It was broken when I came. I explained all that at the hotel.
Detective.Um—all right. What about the colored man who came to your room and carried away a large bundle.
Princess.That was my servant. I sent for him. They were purchases I made too late to put in my trunk. They are here, unopened; you may examine them if you wish.
Detective.That's all right, Miss, but what do you know about this? (Produces knife from pocket—walks slowly to her, examining it.) The initial on it is "W."
Princess.Did I leave that? Thank you. I'm so glad you found it.
Detective.Then it's yours? Who is W? Your name is Aragon, I believe.
Princess.I am Maria Theresa of Aragon.
Detective.But who is W?
Princess.Why, er, it isn't W—you had it upside down. It is M—Maria Theresa.
Detective.That's all right, ma'am. Now there's just one thing more.
Duke.(Cross and touchDetectiveon arm) You will pardon me, but I wish to inform you that this man's name is Warren——
Detective.(Crossing toward him) Say! Who's conducting this inquiry, you er me?
Duke.But, my dear man——
Detective.I am not your dear man. Cut that! You get out of here. (Forces him toward door.)
Princess.Yes, do go, Carlos. Leave us to attend to this matter. I am sure we can finish this better without you.
Duke.I merely wished to point out——
Detective.(Interrupting and hustlingDukeout) You hear what the lady says. (Second Detectivecross toDuke.) Cut it, or out yer goes, and if ye butt in again I'll fan yer. Do you hear? (Second DetectiveslapsDukeon arm, motions him to doorr.)
Duke.(At door) Infernal outrage! I shall report this to the King!
Detective.To the King, huh? Did you get that, Tom? Well, what do you know about that? (Second Detectivecloses door.)
Jarvis.Don't be disturbed, gentlemen; he's quite harmless. You heard him talking about the King—he suffers from Regalmania. He has grandiose ideas.
Detective.(Aside) What does that mean, Tom?
Second Detective.(With gesture to head) Wheels.
Detective.You mean he is crazy?
Jarvis.Yes, he is at times; but he is not at all dangerous.
Detective.You lookin' out for him?
Jarvis.Yes, that's my job.
Detective.Sorry I had to be rough with him like that, Miss, but you saw he was gumming the game. I'm going back to New York in the pilot boat shortly and there wasn't no time to waste. Now just one question more. How do you account for the blood on that knob of your door?
Princess.Blood, on my door—— Why, I——
Jarvis.I think I can explain that, Inspector.
Detective.Go ahead, then.
Jarvis.(Crossc.) Allow me.
Princess.Certainly.
Jarvis.The colored man, the one you were talking about, the one who brought the bundle, that bundle there, carelessly broke the blade of that knifeand cut his hand. That was it, wasn't it? You see the large blade is snapped off near the handle.
Detective.Where is this colored man now?
Princess.He is in stateroom 729.
Detective.All right, I will just take a look at him. 729? Sorry to bother you. They was the Chief's orders. Good-bye. (Exit.)
Princess.But his hand isn't cut.
Jarvis.(Cross to 'phone) No, not yet—but it soon will be. Hello, give me 729. (Pause.) Hello, hello, hello, Rusty? Damn it all, answer me, do you hear me? (Pause.) Yes, I know I did, but I am telling you to talk now. Do just what I tell you and do it quick. Take your knife and cut your left hand. What? No, no, you a—damned fool, don't cut it off, but just enough to make it bleed a little and then tie it up with a handkerchief. Never mind. Do it quick, and remember, don't answer questions. You're deaf and dumb again. (Hangs up receiver and turns toPrincess.) By gee, you're game! You certainly buffaloed that Detective. Then your cousin Carlos broke in at the psychological moment to scatter their gum-shoe wits. (Laugh.)
Princess.They believe he's crazy.
Jarvis.That's just it. Now they won't listen to him. Yes, he'll be crazy, all right. Do you think you can handle him?
Princess.Yes, you have your hand dressed.
Jarvis.Then I'll hunt up the ship's surgeon—and be back directly. Gee, you're game! (Cross to doorr.Dukeenters at doorr.Jarvisturns.) Crazy! That's funny! (Jarvisexits, laughing.)
Duke.(Showing suppressed emotion, standsr.c.glaring atPrincess) Well!
Princess.Well!
Duke.Well, I'm waiting!
Princess.For what, Carlos?
Duke.For some explanation. Who is this man Warren?
Princess.He is a professional ghost breaker, as he explained.
Duke.How did you find him?
Princess.I met him quite by accident.
Duke.What do you know about him?
Princess.Why, he is as well known in America as you are in Spain.
Duke.Indeed! (Cross to center.) Well, he will be better known when I turn him over to the police.
Princess.Why, Carlos, what do you mean?
Duke.I think you know that which I mean, Maria. (Detectivesticks head in door.)
Detective.It's all right, Madame, but you might have told us that your nigger was a dummy.
Duke.(ToPrincess) One moment, gentlemen, one moment. (Detectivesenter.) If this person is famous, these gentlemen should know him. Do you know Warren, the Ghost Breaker?
Detective.The what?
Duke.The Ghost Breaker!
Detective.(Both grinning) He's off again, Tom. (EnterJarvis.)
Duke.Now we'll see. Is this man Warren, the Ghost Breaker? (Warren winks atDetectives.)
Detective.(ToSecond Detective) He's hip, all right.
Jarvis.Agree with anything he says.
Duke.(Furiously) Answer my question—is this man Warren, the Ghost Breaker?
Detective.Now, that's all right, Dook. Sure he's a Ghost Breaker, ain't he, Tom?
Second Detective.Surest thing you know.
Duke.Sacristi, am I, Carlos Hernando D'Alva, to be mocked at by two grinning, bull-necked scullions? (Ship's officer appears in door.)
Ship's Officer.Hurry up, there, if you're going ashore with the pilot!
Detectives.(As they go through door) You're all right, Dook, old boy! Ghost Breaker! Ha, ha! (They exit.)
Duke.(Crossing toward door) I'll see the Captain.
Jarvis.(Back against door) I think not just yet!
CURTAIN
Scene:The main room of an Old Spanish tavern, Segura, Spain. Singing and mandolins heard from Wine Room.
At Rise, Maximo,an old discharged Spanish veteran, andGaspar,a villager, discovered playing cards at table downc.This continues some time.Maximoslaps down cards exultantly, leans back in chair and laughs.Gasparstares peevishly at cards.
Doloresdiscovered gazing out of window,d.l.EnterVardos,old follower ofPrince Basillio,c.l.,carrying basket, covered by lid or napkin. SeeingDolores.Spaniard on steps.
Lights full up, amber and white. Blue lights behind in windows,r.andl.
Vardos.Still watching for a signal, Senorita?
Dolores.(Turning toVardos) Yes, Vardos. Have you any news?
Vardos.Nothing. Here's the basket of food untouched as usual. This is the fifteenth night.
Dolores.Once tonight I thought I saw a light in the tower, Vardos.
Vardos.If you did, Senorita, it was an unblessed flame.
Dolores.You haven't given up hope, have you, Vardos?
Vardos.I gave up hope when the Prince went into the castle. Tonight I waited till an hour past sundown, and twice I called. Once a wail came backto me. It sounded like a sigh of the damned. When I called the second time, something moved in the turret of the keep, like a man waving; and my heart leaped for joy. Then, with a harsh cry, a black, ugly bird flew from the turret straight toward where the sun had set—on my left, mind you, the sinister side, the left, the left! (Castanets heard off stage, left.)
Dolores. Oh, if her Highness were only here.
Vardos. What can she do?
Dolores. She would go straight to the castle, and will Segura have it said that they let her go alone as they did the Prince?
Vardos. God forbid it should come to that. (Gives basket.) Good night, Senorita. (Start for door downr.)
Dolores. Good night—(Crossesc.)—Vardos. You will go again tomorrow night?
Vardos. Yes, Senorita, willingly, until I know it is useless. (Off stage voice: "Bravo, Senorita!") Good night! (Off stage voice: "Bravo, Senorita!" Laughing and clapping of hands. Exitc.Vardos.)
(ExitMaximo, GasparandSpaniard,doorr.Doloreslifts napkin and looks into basket; crosses and exitsd.r.Enter doorl.c.Robledo;stands, looks about insolently for a second.)
Robledo. Eh—hey, you, Pedro! (Receiving no answer, he crosses to tablel.c.,bangs crop on table and shouts again.) Hey, you, Pedro! What's the matter here? Where are you? (EnterPedro,doorr.SeeingRobledo,is immediately scared and anxious to please.)
Pedro. Oh, Senor Robledo!
Robledo. Wake up! What's the matter with you?
Pedro. One thousand pardons, Senor. What can I do for you?
Robledo. My horse is outside; he has had a hard ride. Wash him off, and don't give him any water until he is cool.
Pedro. Yes, Senor, it shall be just as you say. (Starting.)
Robledo. And leave the saddle on. I may want to use him again.
Pedro. Yes, Senor. Yes, Senor. (Starts toward doorc.Robledohalts him.)
Robledo. Where is your daughter?
Pedro. I will call her, Senor. (He crosses to doorr.,calling.) Dolores, Dolores! She will come, Senor. She will come. (Cross to doorl.c.)
Robledo. And, Pedro——
Pedro.Yes, Senor——
Robledo. If that rat-infested larder of yours is empty, get it filled before the Duke arrives.
Pedro.The Duke coming here, Senor! When?
Robledo.Tonight! Don't stand and stare. Hurry up and see to my horse.
Pedro.Yes, Senor. Yes, Senor. (Exit doorl.c.Doloresenteringr.)
Dolores.Yes, Father? (SeesRobledo.) Oh, it's you.
Robledo. (Pause—cross toward her) Well, well! Can't you say you're glad to see me?
Dolores. I can, but I won't. Where's my father?
Robledo. Never mind your father. I want to talk to you.
Dolores.You do? Well, you won't in that tone. (Start to cross left.)
Robledo. (Intercepting herc.) I won't hey?—And why not? You little spit-fire!
Dolores. What do you want to say to me?
Robledo.You little devil! (She starts away; he grasps her wrist.) Come here! (Throws her quickly and easily around stagel.,still holding her wrist.) Say, what's come over you these days? You are about as fond of me and as sweet tempered as a tigress. What have I done?
Dolores.It is what you have not done, Don Robledo. For fifteen days your Prince has been in need of you and you have not had the courage to go to him. (EnterMaximodoorr.and beckonsGasparandVillagersup.) Let go my wrist! (Struggling.Maximo,GasparandVillagerswatch end of scene.) Let go my wrist!
Robledo.Wait a minute! Wait a minute! You can't get away. Do not try. (She strikes him, frees herself and crossesl.to window.) You little cat, I'll trim those claws! (Villagerslaugh.MaximonudgesGaspar.)
Gaspar.Sh! sh! sh! Look out!
Robledo.(To them) Well, what are you laughing at?
Maximo.Why, why—— (Stammering.)
Gaspar.A jest in the wine room, Senor.
Robledo.Huh! Lucky for you! Get out of my way! (Pushes them aside and swaggers through doorr.)
Dolores.Gaspar! Maximo! Come here quickly!
Maximo.(Crossing toDolores) What is it?
Gaspar.What is the matter? (Crossing toDolores.)
Dolores.A light! A light in the castle!
Gaspar.I thought I saw it a while ago.
Maximo.I don't see it.
Dolores.But I tell you I did see it. (She runsr.c.,calling) Father—Father—come quickly.
Pedro.(Enteringr.) What is it? What are you looking at? (Crossc.)
Dolores.(l.c.,pointing out window) A light—a light in the castle. I saw it!
Pedro.(Going to window) Nombre de Dios. (MaximoandGasparback tol.c.)
Dolores.(c.toGasparandMaximo) Well, why don't you do something? Are you going to stand there like scared sheep, and let a man, your Prince, signal to you in vain?
Robledo.Who's the little devil tearing to pieces now? (c.cross toDolores.)
Dolores.You, Don Robledo, sword-fighter, toreador, fire-eater, hero of a hundred duels—you—Don Robledo—coward! (He chucksDoloresunder the chin. She throws his hand off.) I asked you to go into the castle and rescue your Prince. I ask you now to answer the signal that I just saw in the tower window. Perhaps your Prince has just crawled to that tower window where he can see our lights. Perhaps he has burned something, a scrap of paper, in the hope that some of you gentlemen would notice it and come to his assistance, but he doesn't know what cowards you are or he wouldn't have wasted his matches. Don Robledo—coward!
Robledo.Coward, never! A fair fight in the open and I'll meet the best man that walks the earth. (Turns toVillagers.) Any two or three! (To tablel.)
Dolores.I don't ask you to kill one or two or three of these poor whimpering sheep! I ask you to dare something. (Dukeentersc.) I ask you and these gentlemen—(Point toVillagers)—to go to the aid of your Prince—and there isn't a man among you who dares! God, how I could love such a man!
Duke.(Downc.,sarcastically toDolores) A pretty speech, Senorita!
Robledo.(SeeingDuke,removes hat and bows) Your Excellency!
Gaspar.The Duke D'Alva! (Villagersremove hats and bow toDuke.)
Pedro.His Excellency!
Villagers.The Duke, His Excellency, etc.
Duke.Charming sentiments you express for your fellow townsmen, whose healthy common-sense prevents them from rushing to a fool's death. Still, all fools are not dead yet. One of them will be here tonight. And you, Senorita, will doubtless be pleased to look upon him, as he has come all the way from America for the privilege of entering the castle and playing your hero.
Dolores.(ToRobledo) And did her Highness have to go all the way to America to find him?
Duke.Yes, he's from America, where all the fools come from. (Everybody laughs butDolores.ToRobledo) A word with you alone, Senor.
(Robledolooks atGasparandMaximo.Pedro,scared, motionsVillagersoff tor.Pedro,MaximoandVillagersexit doorr.)
Dolores.Can I get your Excellency anything?
Duke.Don't mind me. I'll look out for myself. Her Highness will be here very soon and will doubtless remain here for the night. I drove ahead to prepare you.
Dolores.Yes, your Excellency! (Bowing—exit doorr.)
Duke.(Half sits on tablel.,watchesDoloresoff.ToRobledo) You've got work before you—Robledo.
Robledo.(Center) I'm ready, Excellency.
Duke.(Rising, across toRobledo) Yes, but this American may be dangerous.
Robledo.In what way?
Duke.Unless he is stopped he will go into that castle tonight—and I look upon you to stop him.He is coming here to solve the mystery and to find the Prince. I shall endeavor to stop him, but if I fail, Robledo, it rests with you.
Robledo.I can assure your Excellency I will convince the American that his presence in the castle tonight is quite unnecessary. Have you any instructions?
Duke.Any way you please, Robledo—means are of no consequence in this world. What I want is results. Only don't underestimate your man. He will shoot, and I think he will shoot quick.
Robledo.Good! (EnterPedrodoorr.with tray and bottles and two glasses. Cross and put them on table upc.)
Duke.(Taking coin from pocket) Here, take this and have them drink to my health and that of her Highness! (Robledobows and exitsr.)
Pedro.Is there anything else your Excellency desires?
Duke.Yes, hot water, soap and towels. (Looks at hands.)
Pedro.This way, your Excellency. (ExitDukeandPedroupstairs and offl.)
Robledo.(Heard off stager.) To his Gracious Excellency, the Duke D'Alva!
Villagers.(Off stage) The Duke! The Duke! The Duke!
(EnterDoloresr.,crossing to windowl.)
Robledo.Louder, you beggars, louder, or I'll give you something to yell for!
Villagers.(Much louder) The Duke! The Duke! Long live the Duke! The Duke! etc.
(Lights seen of automobile approaching.)
Dolores.Her Highness! (Calls) Father! Father!
Pedro.(Entering) What is it, Dolores?
Dolores.Quick! Her Highness is here!
Pedro.Her Highness! (He bustles downstairs.) Her Highness! (Calls offr.) Her Highness!
(Villagersenter doorr.EnterPrincess,NitaandJosein motor clothes.Princesscomesc.Josedoorl.Nitaleft center up stage.Doloresl.c.Pedroright center,c.Villagersin doorr.,bowing low.)
Pedro.Your Highness does my humble inn great honor—— (Villagersbow.)
Princess.Thank you. (She nods toVillagers,extends her hand toDolores,who carries it to her lips, curtseying.)
Dolores.Your gracious Highness, we are ill prepared for this great favor. Your exalted cousin gave but short warning of your coming.
Princess.My child, any place to remove the dust of travel will do for the present. Jose, I shall want the car later.
Nita.(l.c.) Your Highness is not thinking of going on to the castle tonight?
Princess.I must have news.
Nita.But you're all worn out. You're all unstrung.
Princess.When Mr. Warren comes, tell him I will be down directly.
Dolores.I will tell the Senor American, your Highness.
Princess.Thank you. (ExitPrincessandNita,Pedroshowing them upstairs.)
(EnterJarvisd.c.;followed byRusty,both carrying suitcases.Doloresbows.Rustycomes toDolores.Jarvisl.c.RustycrossesJarvistol.Doloresreturns bow.)
Dolores.Gentlemen—a man!
Jarvis.Rusty, we're discovered! Did you by any chance address me, Senorita?
Dolores.I called the attention of these valiant gentlemen of Segura to the only man who dares to enter the castle.
Jarvis.How did you know?
Dolores.All Segura knows by this time.
(EnterRobledodoorr.,pushing throughVillagers;Dolorestries to stop him; he pushes her aside, swaggering towardJarvis.)
Robledo.So you're the brave American, Senor?
Jarvis.I'm an American. (Turning toRustyonl.) Here's another one. (Rustysalutes.) We're both Americans.
Robledo.And you both want to die? (Rustymakes wry face and big eyes.)
Jarvis.(l.c.) Well, I'm not really anxious about it, Senor.
Robledo.Better keep out of the castle, then.
Jarvis.Oh, you mean that ghost? Oh, I'm not afraid of a little thing like that, Senor.
Robledo.No? (Turns toDoloresc.) Well, Senorita, we gentlemen of Segura will drink to your American. (ToJarvis) The maddest fool that ever came to Spain! (Robledocrosses toDolores,chucks her under chin, laughing.Doloresthrows his hand off; motions Villagers off, and exits after them.JarvisandRustywatch them off.)
Rusty.He's a nice man.
Jarvis.Pile the bags up there, Rusty. (Put bags on tablel.)
Rusty.Yas, sir.
Jarvis.Looks like we were in for a warm reception.
Rusty.Yas, sir, 'tis a trifle warm. (Crosses below tablel.,back to audience.)
Dolores.Pardon, Senor. Her Highness wishes me to tell you that she will be down directly.
Jarvis.Thank you, Senorita, and who, may I ask, was the cheerful individual that flattered me with such a toast?
Dolores.(Atc.,looking afterRobledo—crosses toJarvis) Don Robledo, Senor.
Jarvis.Don Robledo—sounds dangerous, but doesn't mean much to me.
Dolores.It may mean much before you reach the castle. Let me tell you something. Quick, your hand, Senor! No, the other one. (Grasps his hand.) I'll pretend to read your palm. Every one of those breaks in your life-line means a moment when you stood face to face with death, and yet, see those little squares of protection around each break! Senor American, there is one break which you have not yet reached, and the protecting square is not perfect like the others.
Jarvis.I reckon that square will take care of itself when the time comes.
Dolores.But the time is now, Senor.
Jarvis.So—and are the senorita's eyes so sharp that she can tell the day and the hour?
Dolores.Not my eyes, Senor American, but my ears. (Dukecomes downstairs.) In all my experience I have seen but one hand like yours—it speaks of danger, and that hand belongs to Don Robledo.
Duke.(Still on stairs) Well, Mr. Warren!
Dolores.Pardon, Senor! (Curtsies toJarvisand steps back from him.)
Jarvis.Good-bye, Senorita. Many thanks for your occult wisdom. I'll take good care of that littlesquare. (Dolorescrosses, bows toDuke,exitsr.,closing door.)