The Ghost Breaker, Act IIIThe Ghost BreakerSeePage 46
The Ghost BreakerSeePage 46
Duke.(Coming down) Well, Mr. Warren, looking into the future? (Lays coat on tablec.Jarvisl.c.)
Jarvis.Yes, Duke. The immediate future promises to be very interesting. A dark man is to cross my path.
Duke.(r.c.) Do you believe in such foolery?
Jarvis.I like to, on this occasion, for I hope it means someone I very much want to meet.
Duke.Mr. Warren, I feel a certain responsibility for Her Highness' actions, and the prospect of your death tonight is most uncomfortable.
Jarvis.You think I won't come back?
Duke.I think if you go to that castle tonight you take your life in your hands.
Jarvis.I've got a pretty good grip.
Duke.Look here. You Americans are shrewd traders. You get dollar for dollar when you bargain. You are not giving away your life for nothing. Now, what was the price?
Jarvis.Oh, not very much. The deal was made on bargain day. My life happened to be a little below par.
Duke.Very well, I will release you from your end of the bargain.
Jarvis.Your Excellency, I am overwhelmed, but the price is paid and we're on the job, aren't we, Rusty?
Rusty.Yas, sir, we most certainly is!
Duke.I suppose that means that you will keep faith with Her Highness?
Jarvis.Yes.
Duke.I never saw a man quite so anxious to be killed; but there it is: Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Jarvis.I'd rather be an energetic fool than an angel with cold feet.
Duke.I am sorry for you.
Jarvis.(Crossing toDuke) Your Excellency, I decline your offer and your advice and your sympathy, and I'll tell you why. I once saw a gambler lay down four aces. Just think of it: four fat aces. He looked the dealer straight in the eye and said: "The play ain't natural." Now, you tried to have me arrested on the steamer, you have tried to block me in every move I have made. Now, all of a sudden you express the utmost anxiety as to what's going to happen to me in the castle. You even offer to buy me off. You advise me to stay out. Shall I take your advice? No. "The play ain't natural."
Duke.You have intruded into a matter which you neither understand nor appreciate. If, as you say, the play seems unnatural, throw the cards and stay out of the game.
Jarvis.No, I'll stay right in the game, but I am going to watch the dealer. Well, come along, Rusty. (Cross toRusty.) Let's see if we can find the landlord. (Picking up bags.)
Rusty.I'd like to find a piece of chicken.
Jarvis.Chicken, Rusty? What put that in your head?
Rusty.I's powerful hungry, Marse Warren.
Jarvis.What—again?
Rusty.No, sir—it's the same old hunger.
Jarvis.Well, Rusty, you are not going to get anything to eat until we finish the job.
Rusty.Good Lord, have I got to wait till you're dead before I eat? (They start with bags to cross to stairway. EnterPrincesson stairs.)
Duke.Well, all Segura will be buzzing with your ghost hunt tonight. The whole town will sit up to hear of the outcome.
Jarvis.And where are you going to get the returns, Duke?
Duke.Unfortunately, I must leave at once. I have an urgent summons to Madrid.
Jarvis.Well, that's too bad. I'm sorry you're leaving us. Won't you even be around at the finish, your Excellency?
Duke.I am sorry, Mr. Warren, but I must go.
Jarvis.Well, I call that a shame.
Princess.(Coming downstairs—toPedroenteringr.) Pedro, this is Mr. Warren. Attend to his wants.
Pedro.(Bowing) Yes, your Highness! (Princesscrossesl.c.Pedrogoes upstairs.) This way. (JarvisandRustyfollowingPedroupstairs.)
Jarvis.Your Highness, I'd like a couple of good horses and two good lanterns.
Princess.Pedro.
Pedro.Yes, your Highness. (Pedroexits.)
Duke.Lanterns? Looking for an honest man, Mr. Warren? (c.Lays hat on tablec.)
Jarvis.(Over banister) Not in this neck of the woods, your Excellency. (ExitJarvisandRusty.)
Princess.Carlos, what news of my brother have you heard?
Duke.(l.c.) Nothing, Maria.
Princess.And yet you are leaving for Madrid.
Duke.The message is from His Majesty.
Princess.But why must you go so soon?
Duke.You know my ride is a long one.
Princess.But, Carlos, my brother may be dying, dead—and yet you have not the time and the courage to help me find him.
Duke.What need of me? You have your Ghost Breaker.
Princess.So, Carlos, that is your excuse?
Duke.I make no excuse, Maria. I need none. That Yankee adventurer stands between you andme. Send him away, and I will do anything you ask. I'll put off my journey now to the King. I'll send one of my men into the castle to find your brother.
Princess.Yes, you will send one of your men—but you are not brave enough to go there yourself. Yet you ask me to send away this man who of all is willing to sacrifice even his life for me.
Duke.If he stays, I'll go.
Princess.Very well, then you force me to choose. I do. I choose a man.
Duke.You love him?
Princess.Perhaps. (r.Turns away.)
Duke.Well, Maria, you are sending him to his death. (EnterJarvison stairs.) Success to you, Mr. Ghost Breaker, when you beard the spectre in his den. (Takes hat and coat from table.)
Jarvis.(Coming downstairs) Thank you, your Excellency. (With mock dignity) I'll do my best. (Changes expression.) To put salt on the spectre's tail.
Duke.Good-bye! (Exitl.c.)
Jarvis.Good-bye.
Princess.(c.) Mr. Warren, we must start at once.
Jarvis.Courage—if your brother is there, I'll find him. You must be patient and remain here where you are safe, and try to rest.
Princess.I cannot rest until I know what has happened to him. I shall go mad if I am left alone.
Jarvis.But it is not safe for you to go.
Princess.Nevertheless, Mr. Warren, I will go to my brother tonight.
Jarvis.Now, my dear child! (Pause.) I beg your pardon, but please—oh, please let me insist on one condition.
Princess.Name it.
Jarvis.Let me go ahead and look over the ground. I will signal when it is safe to follow.
Princess.How can you signal?
Jarvis.With a light—(Cross to windowl.)—from one of those towers. You can see it from here. You won't have long to wait. It will shine within an hour.
Princess.(l.c.) But if you—if it does not shine?
Jarvis.Well, then I'll be too busy swapping lead for brimstone with Mr. Spook to stop and hang a lantern.
Princess.Oh, but you are brave! You must have the locket with the memorandum. (Start to stairs.)
Jarvis.Yes, of course, where is it?
Princess.It's in my room. I won't be long. (On stairs.)
Jarvis.Suppose you give me that, and we'll start at once.
Princess.Very well. (Exit upstairs and off.)
Jarvis.(Calling) Rusty! Oh, Rusty!
Rusty.(Off) Yas, sir! Yas, sir!
Jarvis.Bring down my hat and coat. We're starting.
Rusty.Yas, sir.
Jarvis.(l.c.) I wouldn't change places with that spook for all the gold—(EnterRusty)—that she thinks is in that castle. (Rustycomes down with hat and coat.) Oh, don't hurry like that, Rusty—I hate to see you hurry.
Rusty. (On bottom step) I smell something cooking—smells like a Spanish pork chop. (Gives hat and coat to Jarvis.)
Princess.(Calling from upstairs) Mr. Warren—Mr. Warren—— (Darts up steps; is met half-way byPrincess.) Mr. Warren——
Jarvis.Well?
Princess.The locket!
Jarvis.The locket gone?
Princess.Yes.
Jarvis.And the memorandum?
Princess.Gone, too.
Jarvis.Quick, Rusty! The horses!
Rusty.Yas, sir.
Jarvis.We've no time to lose.
Rusty.Yas, sir. (Exits.)
Jarvis.(Both on stairs) Your Highness, I've struck the first trail of the spook that is haunting your castle.
Princess.You think——
Jarvis.I think your cousin has not gone to Madrid. Time is everything now.
Princess.You know the way?
Jarvis.North road—second turn to the right.
Princess.Yes, that leads to the postern gate.
(EnterRobledo—stands in arch under stairs, revolver drawn.)
Jarvis.I understand. (Starting.)
Princess.Wait! This little cross! Will you wear it for me tonight? (Slips chain overJarvis'head.Robledolooks up and steps back in alcove.)
Jarvis.Only for tonight?
Princess.You may never see tomorrow.
Jarvis.If I don't see you tomorrow, forgive me for telling you tonight that I love you. (Raises hand to stop her reply.) Don't rebuke me tonight. Wait until tomorrow, if tomorrow ever comes. (Pause.) And now your humble vassal goes forth in his lady's cause—and while all Segura waits, ghosts and Ghost Breaker shall stalk those halls. Your Highness, within the hour I will hang your signal from the castle. (Carries her hands to his lips.)
Princess.God be with you! (Exits upstairs.)
Jarvis.(Watching her off) Highness.—Highness—— (Starts to go.Robledococks revolver.Jarvisstops, listens, looks around, starts to fold coat, whistles "Dixie," moves downstairs until near lamp, throws coat at lamp—lights out. Pause. Two shots are fired in the dark.Jarviscrosses leftc.Robledocrosses downr.c.,falls on second shot. Pause.Jarviswhistles "Dixie."Exits doorl.c.)
CURTAIN
Scene:The Hall of the Knights, in the haunted castle. On walls a few old weapons, thick dust everywhere. Moonlight streams through round window high in wallr.,striking picture. Curtain rises slowly while orchestra plays "I Dreamed I Dwelt in Marble Halls." Wind moans through grated windows, rats squeal and cross moonlight on floor; light flickers on tower wall.
(EnterJarvisfrom doorl.with lantern unlit—turns and calls cautiously.)
Jarvis.Come on in, Rusty. (EnterRustywith lighted lantern.) They've been in this room. Do you smell that, Rusty? (Crossr.)
Rusty.(l.c.) Marse Warren, I'm so scared I can't smell nothin'.
Jarvis.The room's full of it—somebody's been carrying a smoky lantern. (Dull thud off left.)
Rusty.Good God Almighty, what's that? (Jarviscrossesr.c.over table, lights lantern and then stands looking around room.) I want to go home! (Put lantern downc.)
Jarvis.(Looking about) We've been in this room before.
Rusty.Is this where that poundin' came from? (Crossc.to Jarvis.)
Jarvis.I reckon that pounding and the smoky lanterns went together. (Rustysees armor on stairs; backs intoJarvisand sinks to knees; head on floor.)
The Ghost Breaker, Act IVThe Ghost BreakerSeePage 62
The Ghost BreakerSeePage 62
Rusty.O—— oh!
Jarvis.(Whirls with gun drawn) What's the matter?
Rusty.(Pointing to armor on stairs) Look—look—look at them big black things—see 'em standin' there?
Jarvis.(Laughing; putting away gun) These are the same black things that scared you before—don't you remember?
Rusty.I'm so scared I can't remember anything!
Jarvis.They're nothing but suits of armor. Get up on your pins and don't you bump me again. (Rustyrises.) The next one of those rear-end collisions and I'm liable to let some moonlight into you. You've been treading on my heels ever since we came in here, and when I stop you bump into me.
Rusty.I'm powerful scared I might lose you!
Jarvis.A fine chance! (Looking about.) Well, Rusty, we've been through this old castle pretty thoroughly now, from dungeon to tower, and not a sign of the Prince or the Duke or any one else, unless they pound or carry a smoky lantern. It's a clue, Rusty, it's a clue. We'll stick right here till we find out where it leads. I'll swear the Duke never went to Madrid, but came straight here from the inn. (Jarviscrosses to fireplacer.Rustyfollows.) Get away from me. (Strikes a match and holds in chimney.) There's a fine chance for a fire. Good, it draws. The chimney's clear. Now, then, bust up the table and start a fire.
Rusty.How can I break it? Oh, it's rotten!
Jarvis.You won't feel half so scared with a good blaze behind you. (Rustypicks up pieces of table.) I'll scout around a bit.
Rusty.(Drops pieces of table) Don't you do no scoutin' outside this room!
Jarvis.Well, come on, Rusty—get busy and build that fire.
Rusty.(Dropping to floor and begins fussing with foot) Just as soon as I get this here shoe off.
Jarvis.(Looking at him) What's the matter with your shoes? (Crossl.c.)
Rusty.'Tain't my shoe—it's my foot. You know I was holdin' them horses and waitin' and waitin' for you to come out. Dem guns went off and all dem horses jumped right on me.
Jarvis.There were only two horses, Rusty.
Rusty.I was countin' their feet.
Jarvis.Well, tie up your shoe and get busy. (Looking around.)
Rusty.Yas, sir. (Rises, picks up pieces of table, crosses to fireplace.)
Jarvis.This room was probably used as a banquet hall.
Rusty.(Gathering up few pieces of table and taking them to fireplace, puts them on fire; looks up) Yeah—when we goin' to eat?
Jarvis.Not till we have finished this job.
Rusty.(Putting pieces of table on fire—still at fireplace, back to audience) Tuesday—Wednesday—Thursday—— Ah can't wait no longer than Saturday. (Strikes match and lights fire. Glow from fire.)
Jarvis.(Runs up steps at back, looking left) That way leads through those two long rooms to the postern gate.
Rusty.(Looking up) That's where that black thing followed me. (Crosses toJarvisl.c.slowly.)
Jarvis.Well, a black thing followed me, treading on my heels every step I've taken.
Rusty.Oh, I couldn't see where I was steppin'.
Jarvis.(Looking about) That goes to the Armory.
Rusty.(l.c.Jarvison steps) Ah seen eyes in there, and a cold, grimy, green, slimy smell in there. Ain't that where that broad-faced bird flew at me and I fell down them slippery stairs?
Jarvis.(Laughing) That broad-faced bird was an owl, Rusty—just a common, ordinary owl. You know what an owl is.
Rusty.O—ooh—ooh!
Jarvis.(Sees doorr.c.) Where can that door lead to? That's it. (Jarvisgoes to the door inr.c.Steps on trap and falls suddenly.) Wow! That was a close one. (Lantern goes out.)
Rusty.(Advancing) Lord, Marse Warren, what is it? (Starts up to Jarvis.)
Jarvis.Get back! Give me that lantern. (Rustyhands lantern.) Give me your hand. Can you hold me? (Rustyholds out hand andJarviscautiously steps on trap door; it sinks and other end rises.) God! I thought so. Water and a long drop! No wonder people disappear in this castle. Good Lord, what if her brother went down there? Rusty, whatever happens, keep clear of this. If you step on this you will never see Kentucky again for sure. (Groan heard off left.)
Rusty.Did you hear that groan? (Wind changes to low moan.)
Jarvis.Groan—— There it is again. It sounded just like a man.
Rusty.Ough! Ough!
Jarvis.Shut up! (Crosses tol.c.)
Rusty.Marse Warren—look out!
Jarvis.Listen! (Crosses and stands moment at door. Wind moans.) I guess it's the wind. (He crosses to fireplace.) This place is getting on my nerves.
Rusty.(r.c.) That wasn't no wind, MarseWarren. Ah hope to die if that wasn't a sure enough human groan. (He looks at picturel.) And Ah want to tell you som'pin' else. Have you ever been in church or somewhere and all of a sudden a feelin' come over you that there was eyes a-starin' at the back of your head? You just knowed it—until you couldn't stand it no longer, and just turned around and see who it was?
Jarvis.Why, yes, Rusty, I have had that happen. Why?
Rusty.That's just the way I feel now, like there was eyes a-lookin' at me. (Turns to picture.) You see that picture? Seems like that feller was lookin' at me—like he'd step right out of the frame. (He points to armor on steps.) Or them two battleship boogies—just jump right down here.
Jarvis.It's been a good many years since those boys jumped, Rusty. (Noise off stage of running.) Hark! Listen! (He crosses tol.c.,pistol drawn; stands listening.) Somebody's running—coming this way—— (Dull thud at back.)
Rusty.I want to go home!
Jarvis.What do you know about that?
Rusty.I don't want to know nothin' about it.
Jarvis.I thought so.
Rusty.What is it?
Jarvis.The man with a smoky lantern has been up those stairs.
Rusty.You ain't goin' up there, is you?
Jarvis.I am not—because the Duke or some of his men are probably waiting for me at the top of the stairs with a big long gun, and I'm no book hero.
Rusty.Suppose it's the Prince?
Jarvis.Well, suppose it is the Prince. He might blow my head off, because he doesn't know what I came here for—and if it's someone else, they'll blow my head off, because they do know.
Rusty.(Looks at ceiling and following supposedsounds with headr.c.) Sounds like somebody was runnin' round.
Jarvis.(c.) They're trying to scare us, Rusty. They're probably watching every move we make. That's where that pounding comes from. Why don't they shoot? They're trying to scare us, like they did the poor boobs down in the village. (Rustycrosses to fireplace.) They want to get us out of here. They want to get us out of this room. Rusty, someone was working in the room. Now, where was he working? Where was he——
Rusty.(Meanwhile has crossed to mantel and picked up hammer and chisel) Look here, Marse Warren—look y'ere! (A few steps from fireplace.)
Jarvis.(Crossing toRusty) What is it, Rusty?
Rusty.(Handing them toJarvis) Look at them.
Jarvis.Where did you find them, Rusty?
Rusty.(Pointing to mantel) Up there.
Jarvis.Good boy, Rusty! Now I'll tell you something. These are his tools. Someone was working in this room, so we've beaten him to it. Now, where was he working? (Hands on floor.) Mortar on floor. (Hands on mantel.) Mortar on the mantel—— (Puts down tools, looking up and pointing.) Look at that! That's where he was working, Rusty, and we've beat him to it—we've beat him!
(Long pause. Both turn simultaneously and look at picture.Jarvisdraws revolver.Rustyturns toJarvisand sees that he looks at picture.)
Rusty.(Scared voice) Did you feel that, too?
(Jarviscrosses slowly and cautiously to picture; feels all around picture and lights a match to examine it; passes light all around frame.)
Jarvis.(Backing away) By God, that's weird! You could feel that just as plain—— (Backs to steps and sits on balustrade, over which figure in armor is standing.) By God, that's weird! (In awedvoice. Figure in armor raises sword slowly directly behindJarvis.)
Rusty.(Looking at picture) It sure is, Marse Warren, it sure is—— (Rustyturns just in time to see sword raised above Jarvis' head; screams) Look out! (Ducks behind table in turretr.Fight then takes place between figure in armor andJarvis.Figure finally gets on trapr.c.and disappears out of sight.) Where is he? (From behind hiding-place.)
Jarvis.Water and a long drop. There's another of the Duke's men gone to hell.
Rusty.I knowed them battleship boogies was spooks.
Jarvis.(Picks up sword man in armor dropped;c.) We'll just take a look at this other fellow. (He goes to make a swipe at figure on other side of stairs—seesRusty.) What's the matter? Are you scared?
Rusty.You can't scare me—I'm scared already.
(Jarvismakes feint at figure. No response; feints again, as though to strike, meaning to draw man out if he is in armor; no response; goes up steps, knocks armor over.)
Jarvis.I guess he's harmless. (Drops sword at foot of steps.)
Rusty.A—ah! (Running up steps and picking up armor.) I'll just fix him so he won't jump no more! (Cross to trap.)
Jarvis.What are you going to do?
Rusty.I'm going to sink this other battleship!
Jarvis.Hold on—wait a minute. I reckon we can use that. It takes a thief to catch a thief, they say. We'll just outspook Mr. Ghost. Now, come on, Rusty. Get into this hardware as fast as you can.
Rusty.Marse Warren, I don't want to be no spook!
Jarvis.Listen! Somebody was working in this room. It's a cinch that the treasure is here, and it's a bigger cinch he'll come back to get it when we've gone.
Rusty.You ain't going to leave me here alone?
Jarvis.Sure, I'm going to put you in this, so you can watch. I'm going to make a bluff that we're both gone. You'll be as safe as a church in this. No one would ever think of looking for one of us in this armor. You watch, and when he starts to work, then yell your head off.
Rusty.I'll yell so loud they will hear me in Kentucky.
Jarvis.You give your best yell, and then I'll nail him.
Rusty.If you don't nail him—he'll nail me!
(BusinessJarvisputting armor onRusty.Breastplate, back and legs are put on together; belt fastened around waist first, then legs; next collar; then arms; last helmet; this done during the following dialogue.)
Rusty.Marse Warren, you must think a heap of Miss Princess to go prowling around in this boogy house in the dark.
Jarvis.What makes you think that?
Rusty.Marse Warren, I knowed you since you was a baby.
Jarvis.What's that got to do with it?
Rusty.She 'gin you that jewelry that's hanging round your neck, didn't she? She's kind of crazy about you, too, ain't she?
Jarvis.How do you know?
Rusty.Aw—I know, all right.
Jarvis.But how do you know?
Rusty.Waal, I'm goin' to tell you, and thenyou'll know how I know. Just before them horses all jumped on me, when I was waitin' for you in the road, I heard a window go up, slap, and there was the Princess a-lookin' at the moon, just like a picture in the moonlight; just a-lookin' at the moon, and she says—she says——
Jarvis.What did she say?
Rusty.Well, no lady never talks that way at the moon unless she's in love.
Jarvis.What did she say?
Rusty.She says—looking at the moon, she says, "The world has begun all over again for me." And then she went right on and says, "God be with you, my American!" I'm the only American around here 'cept you, Marse Warren.
Jarvis.You heard her say that? God bless you for that, Rusty! (With helmet in hand.) Here, put your head into this Stetson.
Rusty.Oh! Oh!
Jarvis.What's the matter?
Rusty.Full of spider webs.
(Jarvisputs helmet on again.)
Jarvis.Gloves—here. How do you feel?
Rusty.All in. Do I look like a spook?
Jarvis.You're a wonderful sight! (Pushing him away.) Now, Rusty, get over here. Where is your sword? (Jarvisdown steps;Rustysneezes.) I never heard of a ghost sneezing before.
Rusty.Marse Warren, I'm catching cold.
Jarvis.(Up steps toRusty) Now, Rusty, keep your ears and eyes open. Don't move a muscle. If any one comes, yell your head off, but don't sneeze.
Rusty.Marse Warren, I want to go home!
Jarvis.We haven't any home, Rusty.
Rusty.Marse Warren, I don't ever expect to get out of this boogy house nohow. (Call is heard off stagel.)
Jarvis.Well, Rusty, there is something. (Faintcall heard; very indistinct.) What's that? I'd almost swear that was a call or a groan. (Another call;Jarvisblows out lantern.) There it is again. (Light is thrown on door as by someone carrying lantern. Pause.) Hark! Listen! There's a light, Rusty. It's coming this way. It's coming, Rusty! It's coming back. Remember the high sign, Rusty, and don't sneeze.
(Jarvishides above doorl.EnterDoloresand thePrincessandMaximocarrying lanternd.l.,cautiously coming forward.)
Dolores. No one here either, your Highness. (Cross stager.c.)
Princess. (c.) We must go on, Dolores. We must find him before it's too late. Oh, I never will forgive myself for sending him to this dreadful place!
Dolores. (Cross to fire) Look! Here is a fire. They've been in this room. (Maximocomes across at back with lighted lantern tor.c.)
Princess. Perhaps they have already been killed.
Jarvis. Your Highness! (l.c.)
Princess. Mr. Warren—Mr. Warren! Thank God you are still alive!
Jarvis. Your Highness—it's madness for you to come to this place. How did you get here?
Princess. (Crossing toward him) Heaven only knows. We have been wandering through this dreadful place for hours, calling to you—trying to find you before it was too late.
Jarvis. Too late? What do you mean?
Princess. My brother is safe, thank God!
Jarvis. Where is he?
Princess. On his way to get help from the King.
Jarvis. Where has he been?
Princess. Right here in this castle, a prisoner—since the day he entered.
Jarvis. A prisoner?
Princess. Yes, he succeeded in making hisescape tonight, and has gone direct to the King for help.
Jarvis. How did you learn this?
Dolores. (c.) From Robledo. Your bullet went straight, Senor. He is dying. He confessed to the Holy Father. I promised to be with him at the end. (Weeps.)
Jarvis. (Crosses toDolores,c.) The end—— (RealizingDolorescared for Robledo.) Then—you—— I didn't know. I might have—— I'm sorry.
Dolores. 'Tis better so, Senor. My Prince still lives. (Jarvissteps backc.)
Princess. (Cross toDolores) Oh, Dolores, my poor child! Maximo, take her back to the inn as quietly as possible. (They exit.) Oh, Mr. Warren, let us leave this dreadful place!
Jarvis. Not I, your Highness. You go with them, and wait for me at the inn.
Princess. You cannot persuade me again, Mr. Warren. I will remain.
Jarvis. Please.
Princess. Return with us, then.
Jarvis. Your Highness, I promised to solve the mystery of this castle and to find the treasure. My task is an easy one now.
Princess. Then I will share it with you.
Jarvis. And you groped your way through this old castle to find me. You are game.
Princess. You faced death, perhaps, for me.
Jarvis. You're trembling—you're frightened—you're cold—your hands are cold!
Princess. Oh, I'm not——
(JarvistakesPrincessto fire; she sits.)
Jarvis. Come over here. You must have been scared to death prowling through the blackness.
Princess. Every nerve of my body is on edge with the happenings of this dreadful place!
Jarvis. Oh, don't cry! Go on, then—cry—cry—cry some more. Just forget you are a Princess and cry, that's it. That's fine. I'll round up this spook tonight for good, and then the vassal's task is done. His fate is in your hands, Highness. What's to become of him? (Love scene.) Don't send me away. I've loved you from the first, and I shall always love you. I'm no Prince or Duke. I know I'm just a plain American citizen, a man—and all the man in me cries out that I love you! Don't send me away.
Princess. You must go.
Jarvis. You're going to send me away?
Princess. Yes, you must leave Spain. Your life would never be safe here. (Dukesneezes from behind picture.)
Princess. What was that? (She goes to lower end of fireplace;Jarvisr.c.)
Jarvis. Oh, see, that—that's Rusty.
Princess. That would frighten anyone.
Jarvis. I figured that I might need a ghost myself, but Rusty disobeyed orders. Rusty, I told you not to sneeze.
Rusty. Dat was somebody else, Marse Warren! I didn't sneeze!
Princess. Mr. Warren.
Jarvis. Don't move. Your Highness, I've got your ghost at last. (Pointing gun at picture.) There is somebody behind that picture! Come out, or I'll shoot you full of holes.
Duke. (Lights at window change to red.Dukecoming out) Don't shoot.
Jarvis. (c.) Your Excellency, you're a long way from Madrid.
Duke. Madrid—— You fool, you have fallen right into the trap. (Crossesc.) What I have done has been for your sake, Maria. I purposely deceived him, so that I might get here ahead of him andwatch. See, there are his tools. (Crossesr.) And you yourself interrupted him at his work. (Points over mantel.)
Jarvis. That's an unlucky gesture. How did you know the treasure was there?
Duke. That's where you were working.
Jarvis. You forgot I have never seen the memorandum.
Duke. Until you stole it. Can't you see, Maria?
Princess. Yes, one of you two stole the locket.
Jarvis. Which one of us two? (Walking over toDuke.) You can't lie yourself out of this. Twice tonight you tried to have me murdered. Why didn't you have the nerve to come out in the open? I told you all ghosts were cowards—but you haven't got the courage of a rabbit. If it weren't for her, I'd blow your damned head off, and send you down after that other poor devil! You've got him to answer for, sooner or later. Now, see here—give me that locket—— No, give her the locket—or, by the living God, I'll break your—— Come on!
Princess. (Light outside and first border and foots change to amber) Carlos!
Duke. (Cross toc.andPrincess;gives locket) You play a good game, Mr. Warren. Are all Americans like you?
Jarvis. They all play the game in Kentucky.
Duke. (Cross to doorl.) And I thought all Americans were fools.
Jarvis. I saw that from the first, and it helped.
Duke. Mr. Warren, take her advice, and return to Kentucky. (Exitl.)
Jarvis. Say, hold on——
Princess. (StoppingJarvisc.) What kind of a place is Kentucky?
Jarvis. God's good country, lady. Must I go back alone?
Princess. You must go, but you need not go alone.
Jarvis. You mean——? Say it! Say it!
Princess. I love you! (They embrace.)
SLOW CURTAIN
(Second Curtain)
(Rustycomes down steps and offl.)
Act I—Manhattan Hotel at five o'clock in the morning. Stage dimly lighted by night lamp from side of bed. Theresa is sleeping. Modern, up-to-date hotel room. Furniture dark and a general atmosphere of the best.
Act II—Stateroom on S.S. "Aquitania," with doors leading off to bath and bedroom of the suite. White walls, dark plush hangings and gold furniture. Dark carpet. Atmosphere of a liner just before leaving dock.
Act III—An old Spanish tavern on the outskirts of Segura with a suggestion of past refinement, but now in a condition of decay. Mandolin and guitar heard in wine room at opening, with singing.
ACT IV—An old Spanish castle, deserted, crumbling, covered with the dust of ages. Wind effect, etc., to create an atmosphere of spookiness at rise.
The House Detective in the First Act doubles Pedro, the innkeeper, in the Third Act.
Hotel Porter in First Act doubles Vardos in Third Act. Also can do the fight in armor.
Steward in Second Act doubles Jose in Third Act.
Maximo and Gaspar are unimportant characters in the opening of the Third and can be played by extras.
The best results in this play are obtained from a fast, snappy tempo throughout.
ACT I—Interior as per diagram.1 Horizon drop.3 Backings.2 Doors, down left and right.Window backr.andl.center.
ACT II—Ship's Stateroom:3 Doors,r.c.,r.1 andl.3.1 Horizon ring.1 Backing.
ACT III—Interior Spanish Inn:Stairwayc.Leading into upper part of house.Door tol.of staircase.Doorr.1 leading to wine room.Window left 1.Door left 1.3 Backings.Stairs, platforms, and parallels.
ACT IV—Interior Old Spanish Castle:Stone masonry in ruins.Heavy stone windows with bars.Fireplacer.1.Stairwayc.four steps with heavy balustradeleading through heavy door to armory.Break-away picture immediatelyl.of stairway.Doorr.1l.2c.2 Backings.Trap through stagec.r.above the middle line.
ACT I—1 Dressing Table.1 Toilet Set.1 Locket in case.1 Settee.2 Armchairs.1 Telephone.1 Canopy over bed.Curtains and window shades.1 large flat trunk.2 Steamer Rugs with strap handles.2 Small Trays in trunk.Scissors, Knife, and Trunk Truck.
ACT II—1 Gold Settee.2 Gold Armchairs.2 Gold Side chairs.1 Pedestal with silver tray and pitcher.1 Long Bench with cushions.1 Telephone.4 Small Curtains.Newspapers, Magazines.Knife.Steamer Rugs.Hand Baggage.Locket and Case.Boat Whistle (suggest compressed air auto tank).
ACT III—2 Stools.2 Tables, old and heavy Spanish.1 Set Bench and Arm.Lunch Basket.Tray, with wine bottle and two glasses.Hand Baggage.Playing Cards.2 Pistols.1 Long Chain Necklace, with gold cross.
ACT IV—2 Suits Armor.2 Swords.1 Break-away Table.1 Break-away Chair.1 Break-away life-size picture of Henry V.1 Set Fire-Dogs.Hammer and Chisel.Wind effect.Stand for Armor.3 Lanterns.1 Revolver and Cartridges.Locket and Case.Fan for fire.Trap through stage.
ACT I—Rise dark, two blue pan lights back of window, two baby spots off left; one focussed on bed and the other on door downr.1. Red fire-escape light shows doorr.when opened. Night lamp on table near bed.
ACT II—Lights full up, white and amber, strip light off door right. Lights straw for sun effect at back.
ACT III—Blue on back drop. Stage full up, amber and white. Strips off right and left. Large lamp on newell post at foot of stairs. Stage dark at lamp crash.
ACT IV—Stage dark, blue baby spot for moonlight,through window right. Blue on back drop. Fire glow, half up with lanterns on your foots and borders.