Glass, "COLLEGE CHUM S t " A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS, BY IRON LEEEINGWELL. COPYRIGHTED 1911, BY ALEX. BYERS, NOTE. Under the new copyright law the rights of production of a play are not secured "by the purchase of a manuscript of it, and copying of a copyrighted play and sale of copies of it are offences, punishable hy fine, and if done wilfully, hy imprison- ment* Eor manuscripts of this play, and rights to produce it, apply to THE CHICAGO -MANUSCRIPT CO., 144 LA SALLE ST. , CHICAGO, ILL.-. \ 1 L CCI.D 252 42 1-E "COLLEGE CHUMS . " A C medy in ?our Acts, toy- tti'ran Lef f ingwell . CA3T. x , n,**^ Yale '07. Just an ordinary f el- John Hammond-- ^ ^.^ p 3d ^ lo0d in his veinq . Arthur B 3 gl 3 y His chum. Some blue blood in his, Christopher Kurtz Of the Shef field Scientif icSchooi; 11 ^ who is working his way. Prof. Labney S.T.D. A Gastl-Lgh SYost Q "Jitney" tragedian. "Superflu- a uasxi.ign xut, o ^ s iags tl ^ vat3r ^ n on the stage" Brigham Haywood An Idaho Sheriff. Kelly Dabney — '^ Professor's Daughter, Pauline liatzgar ^° tends the cigar couir Miss Hogg- ^o *** B hoarders. SY3J0I-SIS Tr"irTr"irTrTT*ir*Tr Act l:- ■ ' . Mew Haven. Garden at ±uss Hogg's. Act 2 ' ** Kew Haven. Sitting room at Miss Hogg's. ACt **~ The Cour d'Alens country. Idaho . Office of the "3-urple Monkey" mine. Act 4-E , _, , TT The Dabney Mansion. Kelly's Idaho Home. oooOOOOOOOooo— — 2-E Act 1. SCEHE:— Garden at Miss Hogg's Boarding House. / 7 / 6/ |!i'll M- / -F EXPLANATION ■ . , II I! II II II IF II II II II II 1- Street drop for "backing. 2- Cut wood and foliage. 3- Lott stone fence a"bout 5 feat in front of Cut Drop. 4- Gate. 5-" J-orch overgrown with vines. 6- Door. 7" Large set house "dth poroli and steps leading to door. 8- A large set tree with seat surrounding it down L. of C . strongly "braced. 9- Hammock hung from tree to wing I. 10- ^/ings. 11- Steps. Ground cloth down, grass mats. The stone fsnce is overgrown with shuhbery and hushes. J-ots of plants scattered around. Garden "bench down R. in front of house facing foots. 5IME: — Afternoon, early Spring. oooOOOOOOOooq- — 3-E Act 1. SCENE: — N s w Haven. Garden zt Kiss Hoggs. At rise: — Mr. Frost, a palmy day "Legit" is discovered over in hammock L. with, yellow play "book. His silk hat with newspapers and manuscript rolls in it is on stage beside him. Frost is eccentric "but not "burlesqued. Frost (Reads.) "■ "Out, out, "brief candlet Life's "but a walking shadow; a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more, it is a tale, Told "by an idiot full of sound and fury , Signifying nothing. (Enter Pauline R.U.E. She i s an attrative looking girl, "but rather flashily dressed in this act as if trying to make a front On very little money. Christopher follows her. He wears dark ill- fitting clothes, "but is neat. TT e is pale and agitated on his first entrance. Chr i s Pauline, wontt you listen to me? Pauline I'm tired of listening, you always say the same thing. Chris But — Pauline "Won't you love me." Why don't you love me?" Who do you love if you don't love me?" What is there about you that a girl like myself should pine away for anyway? Tell me that, Chris (Turns away.) I - I don't know. Pauline No more do I. We agree in that. You haven't any money* Chris No. Pauline You're not goodlooking. Chr i s . Never claimed to be. Pauline You have brains - some braiys. Chris Thanks. Pauline Of a certain kind. Not the kind I care for though, Chris I'm sorry for that. Pauline It doesn't matter. I don't know a fellow who has as little to back him up as you. you have one quality" though, which awes me, and fills me with wonder? Chris And that is Your collossal nerve. Pauline Chris Pauline, I adore you. I would die for you. Pai line That's very kind of you, but there are too many dead ones around now. I'm more interested in the live ones. 4-E Chris John Haunond for example. Pauline John Hammond! (Laughs.) Well, ain't you clever guessing names? Chris Kurtz, you're a mind reader. You knew I was thinking of John Hammond I John I I always think of him as Jack though. (Sighs.) Jackl Ah, there is a man. iEVost (Reads from another play "book.) "His life was gentlem and the elements so Mixed in him, that nature might stand up t o all. The world and say, "This was a man." Chris (Surlily.) Say, what's the matter with you? ?rost (Waves hi© back loftily.) Let me alone. I am but talking with myself. Pauline (Takes Chris by the arm.) You'd better keep away from that old lobster. He's a "Bug house." Chris I wish you would stop that slang. It doesn't become you at all. Pauline ion't you like it? Chris No„ I do not. Pauline Then Chris, I'll stop it. I didn't know that you cared. Work- ing behind the cigar counter, I hear all sorts of expressions and seem to enjoy it, but you are so serious. Chris, you're not like the others. (Lays her hand on his during speech, turns away at end . ) Chris (Restraining hero) Pauline, I'm serious with you. You've wound yourself about my heart until I haven't a thought in the world but you. When I try to study, I see your image pictured on every page. The letters all seem to spell your name. Pauline Truly? Surely. Pauline Then you really do love me? Chris I worship, I adore you. Pauline And you want to elevate me - to raise me to your level - to be refined - and all the rest of it? No slang - but dainty and - and fresh - eh? Chris Yes , t as . Pauline Say Chris, where in Hades, did you get that "Kelly." It's Kat- eesh. You ought to "tie a can" to it and to those syncopations" 1 too. Get a gait on. Have some class, or you won't have a "look in" with me. Chris (Reproachfully ,. ) Oh Pauline. Pai line Oh piffle, paf f le , on your way. Beat it, beat it and let me alon Chris 5-E Mis s Hogg (Outside in novae R. calls.) Christopher I Christopher! (Enters on porch.) Oh, there you are. I might remind you that there are duties to preform inside, and you might "be more profi- tably employed than lally gagging out here. Pauline That's just what I've be en telling him, Miss Hogg. Mi ss Hogg (Coldly,) I'm telling him now and at the same time, I'll tell you something. I'd be just as well pleased if you - you Metzger person wouldn't come around here wearing a sinful "hat" and flirting with my rOaders. Mo matter if they is students that pay, oif students that don't pay, but work out their keeps as Christopher Kurtz here is supposed to but ain't a doin' -- Pauline I don't want to come near your hash foundry except when I have to. Miss Hogg Hash foundry? Think of it - to call my hotel a hash foundry and I advertise home comforts and all the delicatessen of the the season. Are you aware I roast my own coffee-- Pauline You ought to roast it. T f it's as bad as i hear it is it's like your nerve to call it coffee . Mi ss Hogg Bold, brazen creature. Get of f my land. Your presence blights the very flowers in my garding — Pauline (Looks around.) That ain't so much. Miss Hogg ■Pheir fragrant perfume is lizened. Pauline Ho wonder with the smell of cornbeef and cabbage from your joint. Don't you give the students anything aelse? Miss Hogg Put her out, Christopher, put her out! Pauline He "dassent" and if you try it, I'll put a puncture in your tire. I'm here on business. Miss Hogg Business 1 What business? Pauline None of your business, i want to see Jack Hammond. Mis s Hogg "Jack# - "Jack" ~ Mr. Hammond is not at home. Pauline How about "Arty Begley." Miss Hogg Mr . Arthur Begley is not at home either. Pauline Either. Well wouldn't that inebriate you? I'll tallfc to King Lear here. (Goes over to Frost.) Say! (Shakes his ahoulders) Frost in® (Starts up. ) Pauline Move over Romeo. Make room for me. (Frost does to and moves over to l. of hammock. Pauline plums herself down on hi8 R. hand.) Claude Eclair, wilt thou do something for me? 7-B Pai line Thanks, and the next time you act in New naven, I'll come and 3ee you. Brost Thank you, but T am done with lew ^aven. I 're cut it out off my itinerary. I am a big favorite in "South M or walk. " Come and see me there. Pauline I was in front here. T ne y night you played "behind the net. l?f o st I always play bahind a net. Pauline The play was "Virginius", I enjoyed it myself immensely. Brost I am glad to hear it. Paaline I never laughed so much in my life. Brost Yes "Virginius" is a rollicking , gingery, frace comedy-- Pauline Oh, the play wasn't so much. I like "Parted and not ■ Wedded* "better. But you were as funny, as funny could be. Brost v es, I do get a good many laughs in "Virginius." I am a scream- ing hit, especially here. Your audiences! Peevish school boys, malignant shallow apes, muddy ; ated knaves, reek of the rotten fens. They call themselves students. They are sneering diobolical barbarians! I loathe them. (Getting moff4 excited,) They have curdled the milk of human kindness. I despise their applause! I give them back scorn for scorn, hate for hate! (Rises and strides around, shouting, ^lie others dodge him.) Uncompromising hate! Eternal as infinity I, Black as the lowest depths of Hell! Such is the hate that gnaws me, gnaws me, gnaws me. (Grabs Pauline by the wrist suddenly anot.) Say sister, you haven*t got a stamp about you, have you? Pai line (Alarmed at Frost's manner.) Bo - no I ain't got nothing. What do you want it for? Brost I have just this moment decided to go into vaudeville, I wabt to book my time. I'll take you with me. You shall support me - - Pauline Nothing doing. It's all I can do So support myself. Brost I will do Samson and Delilah in tabloid form. I want a Deliah. A Sedutive - vampiris h siren - a devil in petticoats. Where shall I find one? Pauline Try your landlady there, Miss Hoggs? Hi ss Hoggs The idea! TO chris.) I could have arrest her for that. Pauline He Ho. Day here comes Jack Hammond now. I'll give him the ci- gars myself. (Grabs package away from Frost , runs up to C, exits R.U.E.) Miss Hoggs The forward creature* She'd take any excuse to come here and carry on with my boarders. I'd think Mr. Hammond would have 8-E &Or*e sense than to look at her, and then --rrr. Begley shakin' dice with, her, she scandalises the community. ]?rost (Half to himself.) I«ll do it: I'll do it! I'll take the act down to Bridgeport and try it. on the "Dog." Miss Hoggs? Miss Hoggs Mr. SVost'. Frost A confidential word in your ear. Miss Hoggs Is it 'about your b^a-d bill? There's tlr ee weeks due now. Frost (Airily.) A trifle! Don't think of it. I assure you, I don't. This is a matter of importance. Miss Hoggs So is the bill. Three weeks at seven per, makes twenty one dollars, and I have to pay my rent on the first. Frost You have be en in my thoughts much of late* .: Miss Hoggs A nd you have be en in mine, -provisions is high. Frost you must feel you are following an unproftable game. Miss Hoggs I°d feel better if you were more prompt. ' Frost Did I ever tell you what my friend Belasco did for Mrs, Carter? Miss Hoggs ■No. Did she keep a boarding house? Frost - He devolped her art by hauling her half way across the stage hy the hair. Miss Hoggs Mercy.' Frost I would do asmuch for you, if I thought I could make fifty thousand dollars a year off you. But soft (Looks at Chris) Men- ials mustnot overhear our "heart to heart" talk. Gome, we will go into your parlor and "I will a tale unfold whose light- est word etc. etc." Sir Henry Irving Once Said to me at the "Haunch and Skewer." Gcfstleigh, me boy "Pipe his jags your valet. He's rubbering, Gastleigh, rubbering. Let us dissem- hie Top 1 till we make our exit. So we'll dissemble -Hoggy - Old girl, we'll didsemble. (-Frost leads Miss Hogg off into 'house.) (John Hammond enters R.U.W. with Pauline. John is in "boating fannels.) John Of course, it is is as you say , Pauline, I will accept Arty's ■ present, but. --(Pauline indicates Chris apparently checking John from continuing.) Eh ? (Sees Chris.) Hello Chris ,were you out to the trail races? Chris fto. (Shortly.) I have no time for frivolous amusements. I'm at college for work - not nonsense! John Well, if you don't think pulling a b ,at is work, you ought to get out a ni try it. Don't be such a grouch, Chris. Here, have a cigar. (Starts to undo package.) 9-E Chris Ho thank you. j don't smoke cigars. John Ho' Chris No. I cannot afford them. Pauline A student lamp is more in Chris's way. John Pauline John A student lamp? Yes , a cigarette. Oh, I see. Chris X can't afford cigarettes, either. John Confound it Chris, you're getting worse and worse. You exult in your poverty and keep throwing it up to everyone as.it "because of it, you are somebody apart from your neighbors. You're not the only one, there are others who are poor. Don't think you are specually distinguished. I could tell things about myself if I wanted. Chris You don't wait on the table. You don't clean knives and --ash dishes in Miss Hogg's kitchen. You're not called a Menial as I am just because I am. trying* to work my way through college. John I never called you a Menial c^is, an d indeed I never heard anyone else call you that. Chris That "ham" tragedian G-astleigh Frist, call me one five min- utes ago. John Oh well, hes-not responsible. He's lived 'n an imaginary world so long, that he can't c erne down to earth. TT e carries the tinsel and painted canvas of stage lands into the TT most ordinary affairs of life. He can't separate one from the others. Think of what the poor old fellow's been through. The bad parts, he's had to study, they must hant him. "Robber thief s , and bandit kings, bloody barons, and stand pat statesman." He's only a step removed from thelunatic who imagines he's Napoleon Bonaparte, or a poached egg. ih- e °nly difference is - one is in a mad house, the other isn't. Mis sHoggs (In hours.) Christopher! Christopher! Chris Yes. Miss Hogg Qome into the house immediately. John By the way, old man, drop this box into iny roo, as you go in, won't you? (Gives Chris box. - x e tak?s it without a word and exits into house. ) Pauline Don't you know what is the matter with him? John His liver is bad, I think. Pauline He's jealous. 10-B John Jealous of what - of whom? Pauline Of you and met John I MKdon't understand. Pauline He's desperately in love with me. John Is he? Poor fellow! x didn't know things were as "bad as that, Pauline ^nd he thinks you are .in love with me, too. John "here did he ever get that insane delusion. Did you set him right? Pauline No. John Why didn't you? Pauline It was too much fun. John But the fun is all on your side. Where do I come in? Pauline Oh, I don't care about that. John what a sweet girl you are. Pauline Besides, while he has his eye on you, he'll never think of Arty. I wouldn't like him to guess the truth about Arty and me, "because - "because - John Yes. Pauline Because Chris Kurtz is really a dangerous young man. He wouldn't hesitate to stick a knife into Arty in he caught him at night up a dark alley somewhere. I wouldn't like Arty to get hurt. Mo more, should I. But fromJwhat you tell me about Chris's "blood thiesty longings , I must say you are making it infernally pleasant for "Yours trult." I'd like awfully to serve Arty, because he's my chum, but that "Night and dark ;al ley business* gets on my nerves. Couldn't you turn his suspicions on someone else. Gastleigh Erost for in 'tance? Pauline what , that old fossil? Eot on your life. John I appreciate the compliment you are paying me, but I think poor Chris had better be undeceived. Why do you taltalize the boy? Pauline Oh, just to get even. John Even? Pauline Yes. I have to take it out on someone. John Take what out? Pauline A grouch, I»ve got. You swell fellows think here in New Haven, that a girl who works as I do has no feelings. You flatter and 11-E you jolly Her, and she falls for your glad rags, your xomedy and your bluff . You don^t mean anything serious We're fair game with you college bous. We're your amusement for your idle ISurs! Yo/go away and forget us . Oh , I 'm wise, I know, I know. We ain't in your class, and you don,t marry us and take us home to your famulies. You he ashamed. We can't get hack to vou fellows as we'd like to, so we are apt to pass it up to the hone hous. The shoe clerk, the honest mechanic, the factory hand the men we marry when we're lucky enough to get husbands, and so we put them on the griddle, and watch them squirm and give 1 them a taste of shell fire, hecause we can't hand it to you, John Pauline, I domt want tod efend myself , and I know that we have some hla ckguards among college men, Taut they ire not all alike. I-auline, you are a hright girl, you are an attract ice girl, and -- Pauline D0n t t hand me that. John My dear child, I an not handing you anything, except some good advice. You have philosophy mixed with your cusseddness. You say "You are wise" you know that fire burns. Why do you stick your rosy taper fingers into the flame? How long have you known Chris? Pauline Since childhood. My father and his came cross from the old country together. John And your father thinks well of hi©? Pauline Oh, yes. They are mixed up some way together, in some sort of a lodge of social politics or other.. Dad says, that Chris is going to do big things in the world* John I hope he may, **e is an earnest student. He's particularly distinguished in chemistry, Ihear. You say he cares a great deal for you? Pauline • (Simply.) Why of course, he does. John Well, why don't you care for him? Pauline I do a little - but - Oh, what's the use? 1,1 willing to be a s'sis;er to him, but there's Arthur - you see. You surely wouldn't compare Chris Kurtz with Arthur ^egley , wouldn't you? John It wouldn f t be fair for me t^ compare him with Arty Begley because Arty is my' chum. A kind brother so to speak, I would be prejudiced. But you are not thinking seriouslu of Arthur, are you my child? Pauline Look here. Dontt "child# me. That-Qfatherty " gag of yours don't go, (suddenly with temper) T see how it is. You'd like to queer me'with him. Sou don.t think I am good enough for your friend. You,ve got the prejudices of class, dad talks about. YOu«ra like the rest. (Bursts out crying.) John Pauline, Pauline, donit, don't! I b 3j--(ihde«.Vvrs to tauie ner nana. Cnris enters from house sees action.) 12- E Pauline Let me alone. I don't want you to touch ins. It's ijarriagel want and it's honorable marriage I'm going to have and if you' do anything to make me loose my hopes , or make my friends ash- amed of me , I'll pay you up Mr. Han, i I have to keep it up till my dying day. (Exits R .U.E.) John Well "by thunder. (They see Chris.) ITello Chris. Did you hear that ? Chris (Remains silent, glares at him.) £ohn You? -To hell with you, (ExitsR.U.E. ) John Lonely, lonely.' (Yurns over, sees Frost's hat.) Hello. A hat. Vintage of 1898. I never see a hatlike that, but that I want to take a kick at it, but with the luck I have to-day, beaten in the trial races, abused by the coach, hauled up before the faculty on account of Arty's debt to Moseheirmer , roasted by Pauline, and sent to a warm climate by Chris. If I kicked that hat, there would be sure to be a brick in it. Ho^ (Examines it) Documents and newspaper clippings. Ah, Frost's hat. I wonder if he's as bad an actor as they say he is, poor old scout. (Reads newspaper notice. Sits on tree bench, haton knees.) "Frost the tragedian opened last night. He also closed. The others were good." (Reads another.) "Frost appeared on the incubating circuit supported by a company of "high binders ". Frost knocked his, audience cold. He always does. "(Read- another* ) "Sad case. Frost lead ing lady breaks her, breaks her engagement.. Manager is in a padded cell. (Frost enters f r jm house sees John goes over to him, grabs hat away from him.) Frost Profane and snakey dastard* Would 1 s$ pry into the secrets of my mystery and make me a jeer -a scoff - a scorn, to be baited by the rablle's curse. John Beg pardon, come again. "Avaunt and quit my sight But — "Let the earth hide thee. Say- Fro sy Hence, horrible kshadow. Unreal mockery. Hence. (Exits into house.) John (Pause*) I seem to be "in bad" there too. Miss Hogg (in house.) Oh, he's out there is he? (Enters from house.) Mr. Hammond, I was just thinking of you. You are always pro pt pay, but your roQm-mate-- John Arty? Miss Hogg Yes. Mr. Begley is somewhat tardy. I hate to make "odorous com- parisons" but altho* his folks is rich and you ain't got no- Frost i John Frost John 13-E folks to speak of. men you are paid up, he,s always behind andl want to tell you that the whole business has got to be stopped. John In th*r words you want a "better average. Either Arty has got to "be more prompt, or j must fall behind a little- Miss Hogg (Severely.) _hat do you meaii by that , Mr. Hammond? Are you hinting that "you may be deleterious in your pay too? John Oh no, Miss Hogg, only a little joke of mine. Hi ss Hogg You might be better employed than joking a poor lone woman who has her living to make and who malignant boarders may drive her On the stage to earn her daily bread. On the stage I Miss Hogg, yoilo&an't mean it? Mi ss Hogg My intentions are serious J, Mr, Erost said that Garter woman made fifty thousand- a year* j would be satisfied with forty; but to return, Mr, TJ ammond , to what is nearest my heart, I expert you to influence your chum and room-mate to pay his bills more regularly. John , I - I influence him Why don't yuu talk to him yourself?- Miss Hogg I respect his family and I don,t want to hurt his feelings. John But— Miss Hogg Of course, if you won°t do it - you won't, but I expected you'd have some of the finer feelings. But no - you'll occupy apartments - when one half of them ain,t paid for. You'll stuff yourself with my luxuries of the season and your intimate friend owes me money-- John But he owes it, doesn't he? I dont . Miss Hogg It doesn't make a bit of difference. jTe»s your friend and if you don't make him pay up, Mr. -pammond, you ain't the man I took you for. John My dear Mi ss Hogg — Mi ss Hogg Don't "dear" me* I ain't to be "deared." You pretend to be a friend of your friend. Tf you was a friend you would encourage to do what is right and honorable and pay his debts. You ought to be ashamed for him. Don»t be so stuck on yourself. Remember what the good Book says about stiff necksx "I-harasees and sich — (Exits into house.) John EextJ I wonder who's next. In in bad with--(B gley enters L.U.ElJ Hello Arty-, Djgley Hello Jack! (Begley looks agitated.) John "hy, what's the matter? Begley Letter from the governor. Things are all -\rong. John How wrong? Hobody ill at hone , is there? 14-E • Begley Ho, He didn't Sent me any money, say-;, I must live within my allowance. John Well, that isn't much "bad news. You ought to do that* By the way,'l was hauled up "before the "Press" this morning-- Beg How was that? John Your Mosenheimer "business They got the names mixed somehow. Mistook me for you o Mosenheimer ' s collector, demanded his Dill he paid immediately and -- Begley What did you do? Refer him to me? John Eo 7 I went around with him to his lawyer and paid the bill, took the receipt. Here it is. I took the liberty old man. It cut off all scandal. It was the easiest way. You can pay me when 'you get the money* Begley That infernal swindler Mosenheimer 1 I won't patronize him again, John Mo t I wouldnit. Say Arty, hu # touch do you owe Hfiss Hogg? Begley I don't know. John Don't tyou think you'd "better pay her a little on account. She's apt to "be short,, you know. Begley I hav en ' t any mon ey . John I haven't very much, hut I'll squeeze twenty out for her. Take it and give it to her, will you? (Handshim hill.) Begley Of course. John And there's noahter matter. Begley ^at's that? John Pauline. Begley What ahout -pauline? John Don't you think you'd "better cry a halt for her. Begley I don't know what you mean? John The girl has partly confided in me. Arthur, she knows that you and I are pretty close friends, and I think she has the idea that I am trying to influence you against her, You k understand of course I don't want to do thhat , hut --(Pause.) Begley But what? John You regard the affair as an ordinary flirtation, and she -- well. it has grown to he so serious matter with her, and the condition' will soon present itself thatyou will in deference to your own manhood and sense of honor give her your name - or - 15-E Begley What I Marry her? John Jack, as the Englishman saygfii "Are you spoofing ras?" John In was never more earnest in my life. Begley Marry a girl of her type, take her hoke to the Governor, introduce her into my set? Well, that would create a sensation. John Then you have the choice of two other alternations. you can hreak off matters now and give her a chance with a certain good square honest fellow, viio will he glad to take her for the good qualities he e >3S in her, and pass over the slang - had grammer , family antecedents - type, and all, or you can go on and do the devil's work. You can compromise her, you can make her a thing of reproach, to her folks, you can "break her heart, degrade her, in short you can do everything that the thorough paced h lack- guard can do; hut if you act the part of one, Arty Begley, I can't call you my friend. I'd wipe you off my calling list. Even if you were my owi "brother. begley Why jack, I never knew you were so unsophisticated, and you who have lived out in the world and had your freedom "before you came to college. John yes, I. worked for the money to take me through here, and f was free to live y life as I saw it; hut I never lost my reverence for the sex that gave me a mother, Arty, and I trust to God I never will. Begley yes, I guess you're the kind of a fellow who will he a mark all your life. You've given me advice. I could give you some. You have natural advantages and properly introduces into my set, you might copp off a girl with money, hut you are falling over head and ears in love with Belly Dahney., the Professor's daught er . John Cut, that , Arty. Begley Well, you are. You're the mushiest case I ever saw. The old Professor, I hear is going to he asked to resign at the end of this ter m« if you marry her, you'll have to take care of them "both, A nice mill-stone you are preparing to hang around your neck. (Enter Chris R.U.E. He carries a cigar "box, stands watch- ing them. Continuing.) Oh, "by the way, who is the good, honest, square fellow, who wants to make lauline his wife? John Chris Kurtz. Begley W e ll, if she comes "bothering you with her troubles again, tell her to marry him. Miss Boggs (Enters from house*) Ah, Mr, Begley, you're here are you? There's a telegram inside for you. Begley Telegraml (Starts to house.) John (^hir^ers, catches his arm.) Give her the twenty now. 16-E Begley Eh? Oh. yes, "by the way Hoggie, dear, hereis a sawbuck for you on account.. (Handing money.) Miss Hogg (atking it) Oh, don't trouble yourself , ]\jr. Begley. Any time ■ will do for you, Begley I'$ glad to hear that, Miss Hogg. Miss Hogg Oh yes. (Glares at John.) pjid it wouldn't be well for me to hear anyone insinuating different* Begley Excuse me. I'll get my "telegram*" I wonder what is in it. (Exits into house*) Miss Hogg (Sees chris. ) You're still loafing around', Mr. Chris. T fyou can't attend to your work, I'll get someone who can.. (Enter prof, and JTelly L.U.K. John goes to them.) Chris ' , The sooner you get someone tor eplace me, the better I will be pleased. Miss Hogg what do you mean by that? Chris Just what I say. Miss Hogg Are you tired of your joh? Are you tired of being pampered and p et t ed — Chris ■ I'm tired of the whole business. I'm particularly tired of your vinegar voice, and your face always reminds me of a plate of cold victuals* Miss Hogg Tkke your belongings out of my establishment before night, Chris I'll have them out in fifteen minutes. Miss Hogg You ungrateful scorpion, I scorr. you.' (Exits into house) prof. (Mildly.) Chris, my oung friend, will you allow me to-- Chr i s Pardon me, professor, but this is entirely a personal matter and out of your jurisdiction (exits into house) He ( S a surly fellow papa, a&ilupwrothy the kindly, interest you would show -him, , • prof. ut tut, Nelly. w e's a bright boy ? he only lacks the virtue of self control. Some witty Frenchman said our "Vices are our vir- tues carried to excess 1 " and it is true. A bad temper is merely a strong will uncontrolled. ™ r e are full of forces. Out of the soul come desires like strong currents of electricity - stream of powers.Itts foolish to call ny of them bad. The Creator made them. These forces are what make a man - a real man . They are steam in a boiler, Belly You were not like him, -when you were his age. prof. U-o_, if .1 had been, I would probably have not been such - such - an old fat head. 17-S Belly ' ■■' (Horrified-*) Papal It of. T certainly would have succeeded "better in life. Ah, my child, so many persons are spoken Of for their goodness who is r-eality 4re nothing. They have no force - no passion - no strong de- ^slres - no fise - no go. Their heads are stored with choice mutton. It's a travesty on virtue to call such as these, vir- tuous, 'i wish I had "been "born more pugnacious. Belly Papa! That is not of the gospel of love and peace? Pr of . My child, no one can love, who does not know how to hate« John what, is the old saying Professo-, "All the world loves a lover." prof. The worldloves a good hater, and has no use for the love that's notf carried along by the flood of enthusiasm for one thing, into sweeping opposition to other thing^s. For example, no man loves truth who does not hate lie. (Sighs.) W e ll dear, I'll go inside, j want to write a couple of letter, ^hen tea is ready call me. (Exits into house.) Belly Poor papa, I know he's worried, although he tries to conceal his trouble from me • John ' Tell me ftelly , what is there in the rumor? Belly That he has been asked for his resignation, ^t is trite, he leaves at the end of the term. They have treated him unjustly, dnuelly, and we will probably go out West to my uncle. Oh, I don't care T ack for the possible pinch of poverty that we may have to endure, I could meet it with a smile, and cheerfully do my best to help him, but the blow to his pride is severe-, He feels it keenly , I know. John Let's walk to the further end of the garden, Eelly, and talk of ways ani plans. You know if you are going to make me your big brother, I mustn ' t be ke]bt in the dark in anything. (P TT ts his arm in hers leading her. They exuent L.3.E. behind hammock. Chris enters from house with cigar box wrapped in brown paper which Pauline has brought on at beginning of act. Hq unwraps paper, looks around carefully goes up to bushes on L.U. ^here he has concealed the other box oh his Hast scene, he handles this box very gingerly, he wraps it up in the paper of the first box, and then leaves it on bench in front of house. Pauline appears up at back during the business of sub- stituting one or the other* He takes up first box and hides it ih bushes, she draws back concealing herself*) (He returns to bench, lifts up box which he haswrappedup and is about to ^exit into the house, when Miss Hogg appears in the doorway.) Miss T Iogg (Bar-s his entrance.) Where are „ -u g oinga? Chris To take John Hammond his present from Pauline. Miss Hogg I thought you had taken those beastly cigars to his room al- ready. 18-E Chris No. 1H.3S Hogg Well, I don't wanr your swooping around the house mo more than, long enough, to pack up and get out. I'll take this package xx&ra myself and leave it in Mr. Hammond's room. (Takes "box from Chris and exits into the house.) ■ Chris (Looks after her and laughs, then turns up stage, meets Pauline who has lifted other "box out of pushes and examines it«) Pauline (Holds out "box to him. ) Say , what in the biases are you up to anyway ? Chris Ah, you say? Pauline Yes . Chris All the better* Ttfhen your lover gets to Kingdom Come, jaou will know you had a hand in sending him there. Pauline Chris, are you crazy? Chris Almost is not quite. Pauline What was that box you put in the platfe of this? Chr i s Do you want to know? It's a little idea of my own. Pauline mhat was in it? Chris An eight ounch vial .of picric acid, some clay, a little gun powder, matches and sand paper, when your dear .jaesk attempts to sample your gift, theopening of the box will scratch the matches on the sand paper, the powder will ignite, the concussion will jar the picric acid and-- An Pauline xstx- infernal machine. Chris Exactly I Pauline You murderer, you madman! Wlaat do you hope to gain by this? Revenge «n Jack Han mond ( Jack Hammond is nothing to ,me. Claris You told me, he was Chris I lied to you. Chris I heard you talk with him. You're lying now. (Pulls out his handkerchief.) Pauline He is an innocent man. Chris rphen name the man you really love? Pauline Why — (Pause.) I will not waste further words with you. 1*11 warn him of his danger, and you, I will denounce you to the law. Chris (Produces vial, saturating handkerchief.) Try it, and you'll send your own father to a felon's call. Ah, we are joined, your 19-E father and I , in the "brotherhood of "blood. We devote our "brains, our lives to the removal of the 30iC enemies of the social revol- ution. Pauline (Rushes ap steps of house.) Open, I say! Help, help! (Chris runs after her, grabs her from behind "by the throat, stifling her cries, drags her up stage. He holds handkerchief over her face, she finally falls stupifiied, he lets her down "behind wall at "back L. of opening concealing her from view. Enter Begley, he carries suit and hand "bag, cane, umbrella, coat, etc Pretty well laden down, prof. Dabney and Erost following him on») Erost Therei s no questions, my boy, you must go by the first train. Begley Of course. (Chris is behind felce at back. Begley sees him.) Oh Chris, see if there,s a taxis or a hack in front of the hotel, will you? (Chris exits R.U.E.) I wonder where jack is? prof- I left him here withJJelly* There they are, (Pointing off L.) . * Begley Jack, jack, come here- John (Off l. ) Hello, what's the flatter. (Enters L. with Nelly.) (Miss Hogg appears on the doorway.) Are you going on a journey? Begley yes. Eather has met with a serious accident. I had a telegram. Say, will you let ms have some money? John Surely. (I-ulls out bills and hands some to Begley.) Begley I'll stop at Pauline's and get some cigars. The trainer's cut off my smoking, but - but this is somewhat different. John Ahem! You needn't stop at Paulines, Arty. I have the box you sent to me from her. You shall have itg Begley I don't want to rob you. John Not at all old man, I would much prefer you having that box, I'll get it. It's in my room. (Starts for house) Hiss Hoggs It hasn't 1© en taken to your room yet, Mr. Hammond, Here it is. (Steps inside of door. Re-appears with box. jjands it to John.) John Thanks, Will you have one now. (Apparently about to open the box.) Arty No on the train will do. John Room for it in this bag? Begley Yes. (John opens the club bttg, puts in the box, and then snaps the bag. ) Chris (Re-enters.) There's no taxi in front of the hotel. Begley Then I'll have to take the street car. I must get thatnfirst train. Chris! r^ive m e a band with my baggage, will you? (Hands 20~E Chris "bag containing "box and suit case, in faist nearly everything except cane.) Well, good-bye everybody. (Chris exits R.U.E.) Begley (Shakes hands all around, starts up stage, Pauline rises half dazed.) Pauline Ar "ty, you - you are going away? Begley Yes, what's the matter with you? (Noticing her condition) Good- bye, haven't time to talk now. Pauline (Clinging to him.) Save Jack, save him. That box - danger, Ohl (Staggers.) Begley She is talking about you Jack. You attend to her, won't you? (Breaks away from her, ratherimpatiently . She reels and John supports her.) John What is it, Pauline. What is the matter? Pauline The box of cigars. Give it back to me, won't you? John I give it to Arty, It's in his traveling bag* Pauline My God, my God J John Chris is carrying it to the station. (Loud explosion heard off R.U.E. Erost and Begley rush off R.U.E. prof. Babney follows. Exclamations from everybody. General excitement. Pauline has fallen on her knees, and is clinging to Jack sobbing..) Prof. (Re-appears.) Phone for a physician quick. (Miss Hog exitws into house. ) John What has happened? (prof, points to R.U.E. Begley and Erost app- ear bearing on Chris whoc 3 face is blackened and bleeding. Clothes torn showing the effects of the explosion. They lay him down R.C . ) . Prof. That is a mystery. If he lives he will always be a cripple. Pauline (shudders.) The rath of God, in payment for his sin. iC U R T_ A I B !1 II tl II II II II Positions:-Miss Hogg is on steps. R. Erost, Chris, Begley and Babney are R. Pauline is C. Jack and Belly L. ) oOoOOOOOOOooo--- ACT II Three months later. New Haven. Sitting room at Hogg'sfl comfortably furnished interior. Iiss Interior backing _ . .; ^. Interior backing __, 5 \ 8 X L_9 — I - X8 (i) French window curtained C at back. Exterior backing, (2) Arch R of C- — with steps leading up to platform, Platform runs off R Interior backing. (3) Door DUE (4) Door R, L. E, (5) Arch Interior backing (6) Steps (7) Fire-place, (8) Chairs. (9) Table (10) Sofa. (II) Interior backing. oooOOOOOOOooo 2-S ACT II AT RISE: — John Hammond and Arthur Begley are discovered seated R and L of table R) John, (in chair R of table.) Arty old man — I'm glad to see you back, but I wish for our own sake you had brought better news .. Beg. I couldnS bring much worse could I? J ohn . And your father is in the- sanitarium. Beg. Yes, they put him there after he made tiiat unsuccessful attempt to kill himself. John. What ever drove him to that mad act? Beg. His business troubles. He was beaten in the law-suit on which depended every dollar he had in the world, and when he was deprieved of his "God" he was "buffaloed." You see the governor' afairs have been going from bad to worse for some time. I never realized the condition of things until the lawyers opened my eyes. I've got to earn my own daily bread. Think — what a prospect. And I haven't trained for the event. Isn't it lovely? John. Oh well--dOn't give up. You know fate sometimes hammers us to ■ find out whether we ring of the true metal.. Beg. I wish s^e had lost her hammer before she got a chance to knock me. It's "Commencement" to-morrow — John, Yes-- ■ ■ Beg You get your sheep-siiin and I don't. John, You might make a plea to the faculty considering the extraordinary circumstances, and ask for a special examination. Beg. Ye Gods£ Where would I get off, if they concluded to give it to me? mJohn. Why "cram" and pass it. I'll stay over a.nd coach you. Beg. My dear Jack, I have been in the "saddle" for four years. I hate the sight of a Latin crib, or a Greek "Pony." If it hadn't been for your help, I never could have flunked through so far. But for me to attempt to go up before those classical, amthematical philosphical and philogogical auatomists — alone — I'd feel as if I were on a table in a clinic with an army of vulture vividrctionists around me all clamoring for the first chance at my vitals. John D But Arthy, what do you rporpose to do? Beg, "Propose" Yes, that's the word "Propose," Well, if it wasn't for a certain obstacle, I'd propose to the first femal who had "Dough" enough to adopt me? John. Talk sense — Arty? 3- 2-S % Beg, I*m talking dollars, that's better? J ohn , You're not the man to marry for money anymore than I am. Beg. Ahl You're still thinking of lore "in a cottage" Honeysuckle over the proach, "bread and cheese and kisses, with that amiable nomentity— Nelly Babney," ' John, Stop that J (aroused.) Beg. "Dabney" that name makes me grit ray teeth everytime I think of it . John. Then I'd stop thinking of it? Beg.- "Dabney" is the name of the man who beat the father in that law-suit and has brought me to the border-line of tra mpdon. Damn Dabney, I say, and all his family, John, I don't see why — he may have had right on his side, he certainly had the law— where was the case tried? Beg. In the North-west in Idahp — in Dabney 's own stamping grounds. John, "What was the case about? Beg The ownership of mines* John. Was Richard M. Dabney the man? Beg. Yes, ever heard of him? J ohn , I shoula say I had, he's the power in that section, and he's Nelly's uncfe and the. prof essor ' s only brother. Beg. (In affedted s urprise.) Well — by thunder! No wonder I don't like them, John, The professor and he are not on good terms, haven't seen each other for years. Beg. I don't care for that, they are of the same blood, I'll have to swear the venaetta against them, (half jokingly) J ohn , Arty — you're a great big baby. The professor's present troubles would command the sympathy of anyone but a yellow wolf. Beg. What is he going to do, now he's lost his job at the university, John, He has an idea of staying here ana coaching back -ward students, A poor outlook. Beg. I suppose Nelly will stay too and help her father out by working in a bakery, unless you marry her anu take her away with you. John, Arty — I love Nelly devotedly, but until my own position is assured, I wouldn't dream of as ing her to be my wife. But I'm going to toil with the hope of winning her in the end. 4-S Beg. v ery commendable. Speaking of lore, have you seen my lady friend of the cigar counter here of late? J ohn . Pauline? No„ Beg. nothing's been done about that explosion mystery. (Miss Hoggs enters R sits down) John. Nothing has eve re been explained- Both Sauline and Chris during the investigation were daggedly silent, and after it, Pauline mysteriously disappeared leaving no trace. I could tell nothing. You 'were absent There wasn't enough of your travelling bag left to "wad" a gun, and poor Chris is a cripple for life. Beg. "Poor Chris" as you cal him, was probaly carrying around an Anarachist bomb with him, and got what he deserved? Miss Hogg. That's what I say. He belongs to a bad set. Them furriners are awful.. They ought to take him and that Pauline Met zgar and her father and the whole crew and set them do wn on a "deserted island, and let them blow each other up until there was nothing left to blow," Them furriners, have no business here among us. John, Where were you bron, Miss Hogg? Miss Hogg In "Birmingham" dear old England. God love her. John, Oh, I see, you're an English Hogg, not a German Hogg. Miss Hogg I'm a "Brummagem" button why do you ask? J ohn , Chris and Pauline were both born in America, that's all, (enter Prof Dabney and Nelly R) Prof Dabney, Miss Hog- -what is this — you have been saying to Nelly? Miss Hogg I have been saying just what I meant, Professor. Your mouth is up to-morrow, and I woula like to have your rooms. Of course you may mean all right, but I ain't taking no chances. You've lost your job at college, and really I don't see how you're going to pay your wgr. Prof Dab. I have al' ays paid it Madame? Miss Hoggs I ain't denying that, but things as was, and things as is to be— is— very very different. There's Prost the tragedian, he never thinka of paying(Prost enters R) he's got me used to the idea. I don't look for no money from him, but you have always been £o punctual, if you fall down on me I couldn't survive. And without visible means of support you're bound to hand somebody a lemon. I don't want it, so I thought I woula let you down easy* by te lling your daughter. Frost (half to himself,) »My daughter, oh my daughter! 5-S Miss Hogg Mi* Frost 1 Frost Brabant io t the Duke, second scene. Miss Hogg Besides Prof Dabney I'm going to close up the h use for the summer anyway. I am going in "Vaudeveal" with Mr. Frost . Frost "Angels and Ministers of Grace, defend us." Miss Hogg ■What 's that? Frost AhemJ Hamlet to the ghost, fourth scene. Miss Hogg I am to fo Delilat o Mts Frost's Samson. My costpne arrived this morning* I intend to wear it around the house and get use to it. I feel so fo lish in it now. Arty Who's looney now? Miss Hogg Yes, I feel like a perfect goose. Frost "The devil damn the black. Thou cream faced lemon. Where gotst thou that goose look? Miss Hogg Shi Frost MacBeth last act. Miss Hogg I wish you would stop saying them things at least them as has curse words in them. Frost They are "curses" not loud but deep." "Evangeline." Miss Hogg AhemJ "Evangeline" that's my stage name. Instead of Sarah Hogg I amto be Evangeline Bacon. Frost "Hog" and "Bacon" Both suggesting — hams. Miss Hogg Of course I hate to lower my family pride by this stage business and putting myself within reach of the foot -lights with all their temptations and such, but the work is so easy and the rewards so big. I heard that Julia Marlowe gets three thousand a week? Frost (dreamily.) On the alfalfa circuit, they do eighteen sho s a day and average six and cakes, but no matter. Miss Hogg What are you saying? Frost I am but communing with myself. Miss Hogg You'd better go and get ready for our rehearsel. That's what I'm going to do, (exits R) Frost Lead on, I follow thee. Oh wha_t have I tumbled up against. Oh the "Rumfe d rongon," But, no matter. Why then "¥low wind" Come wrack 1 . At least we'll die with a harne.-s on our back* (exits R) 6-S Beg. Professor-- I should think you'd be glad to get out of this made -house? Prof Dabney, (abstractedly.) Yes, yes, the notice is so sudd n, though, I am used to the place, and, ah, well, Nelly we must look for other quarters, Nelly Yes father at once. I'll get my hat. Prof Dab. Ho dear you gather up your things and pack them. We'll save that much time. I'll go and look for a place. Nelly Let jack go with you if he will. John Of course jack will. There are xozen of places in the neighborhood, where you will be more comfortable than you are here? Prof Dab. . When we get back dear, I'll get together my books, and other p ssessions. I don't want to remain in this house longer , now than absolutely necessary. Come Jack. John Excuse me Arty. ■' Certainly, (John and Prof Dab e.:cits L U E.) Don't run away Nelly. (As Nelly starts to go R U E e ) You haven't even said "Hello " to a fellow yet. (Nelly pauses, then comes down and offers her hand) BNlly jack told me Mr Segley, that you had a great deal of trouble lately. Believe me-- 1 am very — very sorry. / Begley / My troubles, Nelly, are not unmissed with blessings when I hear sweet words of sympathy from you, (Holds her hand looks steaaily at her») NO, you havenf changed a bit, Nelly (laughs.) Why how could I in three short months? Beg They have seemed long months to me dear. I counted the hours, the days the minutes I have been away, (she tries to release her hand.) Don't hurry so 1 . Tell me, do you know what brought me back to New Haven? Nelly I would have thought it strange if you wouldn't have come back to see your frienas. Of course we all hear that you decided to leave college and we were sorry that you didn't remain to take your degree, but you and Jack have been such close friends — have been like brothers for nearly four years. I never doubted but that you would be here to see him receive his honors? Beg That would be a great pleasure no doubt. But I must confess, my visit here is more connected with a matter of supreme interest to myself , Nelly Indeedi 7-S Yes, and I hope of interest to you too. Nelly, you must have suspected w^at „as in ray heart? Nelly Really, I never had the slightest idea. Beg I have never breathed a word of it before, but the time has come when I must ana will speak. Nelly, I love you I want you for my wife, Nelly Mr, Begley? Beg y love for you absorbs every passion in my breast. If you refa refuse it t I don't know what will become of me . I have stood aloft before^ because of my friendship for Jack Hammond, I thought you and he cared for each other, but he confided to me to-day that he had never breathed a word of love to you. He woulu not care to be saddled with the burden of your father besides, he has another infatuation, Nelly I have lost the hjbpes of a large fortune, but I still have a competence left, I will cheerfully share it with you and that grand old gentleman your father, T brought this ring, this engagement ring, it was my mothers, let me put it on 3. uur finger, won't you? Please say yes, Nelly I can't say that Mr. Begley, I can only say thank you and "Good-bye . Beg Good-bye? What,* You refuse me? Nelly It looks that way. Beg Because of jack Hammond. Do you know what jack Hammond is? Really is? Nelly Yes, he's a real man, a man among men. One who has always been your friend, and I may add, your staunch defender. Mr Begley you have needed defense many many times. The world at large don't regard your faults as virtues, many things are said not alatgether complimentary, and y^u owe Jack Hammond for his never failing trust in you, more than you can ever repay, Beg, But you shall know the truth about him. I will tear the sheep-skin off this wolf and reveal him for what he is. I may have many faults, but I don't go around, temtping young girls, breaking their hearts and covering their parents with disgrace and shame, but jack Hammond does this self same thing and I can prove it. Ask him the truth about Pauline Metzgar, and hear what he will say. Nelly Our interview is at an end, Mr Begley? Beg (seising her.) No, it is not. Not until I've had my say. that unfortunate Pauline has had to leave her home because of jack Hammond, I blush when I think of what that poor girl has endured because of this man to whom i'v e been a brother. 8-3 Nelly (struggling.) Let me go. Let me go. Beg Hot until you promise to ask him about Pauline Metzger, Make him tell all the details of her miserable story? Pauline (enters C window.) Pauline can do that herself. Arrthur Begleyl Beg •(starts?) Pauline 1 Pauline ..Yes Arty, only Pauline. I am sorry that I have to disturb yotf love making, but when you try to make use of my "miserable story" as you call it, and juggle with my name in such a careless way it's about time for me to "butt in" Miss Dabney you're not afraid of this man are you? Nelly Why no, I -: . Pauline That's right my dear. He's- not at all dangerous. He was going to tear the sheep-skin off of X jack Hammond a few minutes ago, and prove him a wolf. If he gets unpleasant dear, I can' show you how to pull off his mark and make him a monkey . Beg. I have no time to talk to you now, so please leave this house at once. Pauline Yi/hat a conceited monkey you are. Don't flatter yourself. I didn't come here to see you, Miss Dabney, is your father at horn Nelly He has gone out for a little while. Pauline My business is with him? Nelly He will return short ly, Pauline I will wait, (sits R at table. Pause.) Don't let me interfere. Miss Dabney with anything you have to do, Mr Bag-ihey and I can entertain each other until your father returns? Nelly I have a great deal to do, Miss Metzger, go if you y/ill please excuse me- — Pauline Certainly* (Nelly exits RUE) Beg (crosses over to Pauline 1 w and intense.) Damn you; Pauline I*d say the same thing to you, only that you're not worth a damn. Beg Why did you follow me here? Pauline I dian*t„ Don't be so stuck on yourself* Beg. Don't lie to me? Pauline Thank you, I don't care to emulate your chief talent. People lie through fear, interest or malice. I don't fear you. g-s Beg You don't? Pauline (cooly.) Not the least little 'itty 'itty bit, and-I haven't any particular interest in you. You are about to join the down and out club, and then as to malice, oh slush. I've done a heap of thinking the last three months, Mr Man, and the conclusion is not flattering to you in anyway. Beg Oh than I'm not your "hero " anymore. Your "Big brave hero," Pauline Don't make me laugh, it cracks my lip, I've stacked up against some men as cowarfily as you, some as cruel, a few as mean, and a very few with your "lovely gall." There may be just a-s great liars I haven't met them thiugh, you see I have lived only a few months in New York and was never in Chicago at all. But for a co -binatiojj. of cheap shaktes, white liver and tin horn gazabos, you can fly the pennant. You are the world's champion. Beg . Your vocabularly like yuur mind still reeks of the gutter. Pauline Y/ell you see I've gor you in my mind, and it's hard to describe with nice words, things that are not nice. Beg Where have you been these three months? Pauline Not very far from you, in New York City, Beg And what doing there? Pauline Earning my living by punching a typewriter for a prominent firm of lawyers. "White Wolcott and Bamberger. They are the attorneys for the man who beat your father in that big mining suit , Beg. What, you know? Pau ine Oh yes, I know. I know that the man's name was Dabney. I know that the young girl here just now is his neice, I know more—that she is his heriess. I "typed" his last will and testament. I know also why you came up here and are trying to win her out. Would you like to hear anything more that I icnow? Beg Then your business with the professor- Pauline Is to tell him of his daughter's prospects, and put him wise to you. Beg Any blow you strike at me, will only re-act on yoaurself , You will be the real sufferer in the end. You had bet to be sensible, Pauline. Circumstanced as I am I can do nothing for you, however, I might desire to do so, but with the control of Nelly Dabney's fortune, I could place you where your heart's fondest hopes would lead you. •tenter Miss Hogg R she stands ilistening. Se is dressed as Delilah) Pauline Where is that? Beg As ray Empress. The sole arbiter of my future, the only being in this worlf I love, for I do love you Pauline, in spite of all the cruel things you say e I love you devotedly ardently, (approaching her) Pau line Oh "Guffle." Beg What! What is "Guffle." Pauline A conbination of "Guff" and "Piffle," Miss Hogg What is going on here. You shameless creature* How dare you set in my setting room, and have my boardes talk to you about love. There can't be no love where I am. You scheming hussy , you are worser than the awful seductive Jazebel that I'm going to be in vaudeville, and that's saying a good aeal. Pauline How did "This" blow in (looking at Miss Hogg) Why it's Hoggie. Hoggie. Go put on more clothes. You make me "blush for ray sex. What are you made up for anyway. Miss Hogg ^eave my house at once. If you don r t take her away Mr Begley, I'll send for a policeman. Beg • (expostulating,) My dear Miss Hogg. Miss Hogg Don*t "dear" me? Pauline Don't "dear", her, she's cheap. Miss Hogg Mt Begley I am surprised at you, (calls,) Mr. prost. Mr, prost* Gastleigh, (at uoor.) Come here, (entering. Dressed as Samson.Fffestrears colored Ikassc tunic and sandals, has long haired wig and flesh tights and flesh shirt. His arras and legs have lumps and "bumps all over them representing muscles. ) What is it, Delilah? Miss Hogg I want a policeman? Prost I've no objection? Miss Ho, g Go and get me one — quick, prost What— ma oe up as I am, nothing doing. How do you do Pauline, How do you like my make up. Pauline Hello, store hatchet. Yoy look sweftl in spots? Prost Swell in spots. Oh yes, you refer to ray muscles? Pauline Are they real? II-S prost Of course. This is the \i.ay I look after I have killed five thousand Philistines* I make my first entrance with the jaw bone of an ass. Beg You can't help having that sort of a jaw bone, .Frost. Miss Hogg If you won't go after one, I'll get an Oxficer mys elf. (exits L U E) Frost She means what She says, she's an extraordinary woman. You had better make your escape while you can. In the 'language of Shakespeare "Go chase yourself" Into the garaei with you.. TT asten beautiful Pauline _, hasten. Beg Yes, come into the garden, we will talk things over,. Pauline You can talk and taik until you're blue in the face, MtMan, I am on to all your curves, (Pauline exits window C Beg ley follows her) JTOSt She's right-, the time for talk is passed. Actions follows now. I wish I could have a little "chills and fever music," It would help some . (hums a few bars of melodramic music "hurry"*) "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood leads on to a fortune Nelly is going to have money, I have neglected jjelly, I n..ver have seen Nelly's good points before. Begley has wooed her and she has turnea him down, jack hasn't woed her yet, but worships her from afar off as s is poor captive might a star whose slippery beam he gazes on, while squatting amiBd the venemous toa^s in his dismal dark abd doleful dungeon. While Jack and Segley quarrel, I can carry off the prize, Aha, "If jac^ kill Begley, or Begley him, either way makes my game. I— 'Tis here-- (tapping his forehead.) but yet confused. Knavery's plain face is never seen till used, (Nelly outside sings a few bars of song.) Ah, she is singing,, or thinks she is. She must cut that when we are married, I hear the patter of her little feet upon the stair. "Like mice, her little feet peep out from under neath ner petticoat. First I paralize her with my shape (assumes ponpous pose. Nelly enters RUE she catches sight of Frost utters a little scream) Nelly Ohi (starts badk) . Frost Fear not Nelly, it is only I* A gastliehg Frost. You can cAerish the memory at this moment through all your life, ¥ou can tell your children about it, how you saw their father made up as "Samson the mighty" before the hyara headed multitude ever feasted their vulgar gaze upon him* Nelly (bewildered.) Mr prost? T2-S Frost You may call me by my first name c "Alcibiades" Alcibiades, as your father will infrom you, was the handsomest man o f his time I don't want to appear egotistical but with the name — some of his striking points are re-incarnated in me* (stalks around 'the stage) Nelly OhJ Mr prost go to bed please do. I'll send for a doctor? Frost Nay,. Nayi I neea no doctor "Throw physic to the dogs " I'll none of it." Nelly I love you, you must be my wife. The pent up parsion is pallpitating in my breast. My manly bosom is bursting, (she runs away from him he follows her up.) The niagric torrent of my adoration for thee, has broken from its bonds, I can no longer disguise my feelin, Nelly. I am offering you the chance of your life* Be rained Be mine J , Jelly, (cals,) Miss Hogg. Miss Hogg, Oh where is Miss Hoggs, (Miss Hoggs enters L door,) Frost Don't profane this sacred hour with her name, Poor deluded wretch, I have used her simply as a stepping stone, to win my heart's best hope, 'Tis true that I have played the villain but you ? Nelly , you were the prize. Be mine. Be mine, « I will can her name in all my contracts and put in yours. Cornel ComeJ In the sweet deliruim of love we will forget "Ho;.gie" her very existence. We will sgut her out , Mi,ss Hog She will shut you out first. Frost AhJ What horrid sounds salute my ear. Ah. You, Evangeline? Miss Hogg It's Sarah Hog g talking now. "You git" "Can" me will you, Get out of my setting room get out of my house you don't board here no more* Git, (picks up broom,) Beats him with it ) i'rost Let me go to my eoom and get my clothes. Miss Hogg " Git" nothing, y ' 11 keep them for the ooard that ou owe me. Out. Out before I massacre you. 'beats him out of window) Frost (at window, ) Woman, at least let me have a pair of — 111 ss Hogg (slams him with the broom,) Not ever a pair of socks. Frost To cover ray — Miss Hogg (Business slams him again.) Not even a collar button I'm going to put a padlock on your door, no to be "took" off until you pay me up. Frost Oh Delilah. . ' Miss Hogg I'll Deliah you. Give me all that stuff I paid for. (Grabs his long wig pulls it off pursues him around the stage, and .lib business chases him off through window) ' ; I3-S Prof Pabney / off t' \ Coem in mv Toot come in, I'm sure Nelly _ will be delighted to see you. (Prof Pabney enters L U E assistm t Cnris who is very pallid, bent and walks with a crutch) Nelly (Goes to him,) Chris. So you are out at last? v Chris Yes, Miss Nelly, and I want d my first visit to he to you. Believe me, I am not ungrateful to you and your father for all you have done for me . Prof Pahney Pshaw Chris, we did nothing. Chr i s You sympathy meant an awful lot to me as friendless as I am It proved to me that there as some good in this world after all, Nelly {1 ads him to chair R«) Rest over here Chris, and tell me of your future plans and hopes a Chris I don't know yet, my career here at the scientific school is ended — and — (pase) Nelly Where is jack, papa? Prof pahney I left him bargaining with Mrs Apple-gate, He's trying to arrange for us to take up our quarters there. Oh hy the way, I have a letter, here a special delivery letter, I have not opened it yet, (producing letter , ) Entertain Chris dear, whe-ile I see what it is (Opens letter reads first line s starts pause,) Nellyi Nelly (who is talking in dumh show to Chris*) Yes, papa. Prof Pahney (with emotion,,) Your uncle Pick — Nelly is the letter from him, papa? Prof Pah, He is dead my child. This is from his lawyers* You read it dear I — I cannot (unahle to control his feelings Pauline and Begley appear at the window) Nelly (has gone over to him tekes the letter and reads) "We regret to infrom you of the sudden demise of your hr other the late Richard M Pal, 3y, who passed away in Idaho last Tuesday. He has been our. client for many yearsand he depssited with us his last will and testament, on his vist to New York several week ago. By the terms, (John enters L) of this insturment yourself and daughter are sole legates to his large property subject to certain trifling provisoes the principle one is that you abandon your present professorship and remove at on e to Idaho ; there to carry on certain operations inaugurated by your brother, and which he desires should not cease with hss death* jf you will call at our office we will put you in possession of all facts and details there. Respectfully White Woolcoth and Bamberger, Att orney's at lav/. I4-S Prof Dabney Dick reaches out the olive branch, to me from the great "beyond. Nelly And has relieved you from all vare for the future — (Goes to John , ) Dia you hear jack? John Yes, you are rich now/ Welly, I wish you joy from the "bo torn of my heart? Nelly Anci we must go to idaho. Prof pabney Idaho, (squinning.) The old point of difference between Dick and his "Fossilized" brother as he used to call me. "What use am I in Idaho. I don't know anything about mines? ITelly ,ack here does, you must engage him to help you. Prof Dabney Will you help me, jack? J ohn As well as I can? Prof Dabney I'll pay you handsomely, I love to scatter money when I have it, Jgg, Chris Don't forget me when you are distributing your favors. Professors, j'd like to have a j ob out there too. Prof nabney If I can give you one, you certainly shall Chris, my boy, you shall finish your course at the Sheffield. I'll do that much for' you, (Professor is beaming with good nature) Nelly. jacks John Yes, Nelly, Nelly This is a uay of events, while you were out now with papa I had two ptoposals of marriage, ana I said No to both of them, Jack, jack, you don't think the less of me do you, now that I havethe prospect of being very very rich. I was sort of expecting that you would propose to me also, but you haven't, I suppose I will have too, J ohn . Nelly! (puts his arm around her and kisses her quickly) Miss Hoggs entering C carrying Frost's wig and Samson's tunic, sees action) Miss Hogg Ah! (Points at them everybody turns John and Nelly stands demurely L) Miss Hogg What is this, what is going on here? Pauline Why Hoggie, Prof Dabney has just been left a million dollars Miss Hogg What? (astounded) I5-S Prof pabney Or two million, I don't know how much "brother Dick was worth? Miss Hogg And I ordered you from the house. How can I sqaure it? What can I do? What can I do, (Flourishes wig. and tunis in distress) Prof Pabney Never mindi I forgive you, and if I can do anything for you I will. Just ask it « I want to be of use to all my friends, I'll lend them money, I'l-- Prost (sticks head around edge of window,,) Professor I Proflabney Eh, PrOst? Prost Lend me a pair of pants, (enter in barrel) CURTAIN ri "ff TT TT IT ~ TT 1-K "College Chums," Act Third. In the "Cour d' Alene" mountains, Idaho, Mountain Drop. 2 Cut drop. 1- Mountain drop at "back, 2- Cut drop, of wooded mountains in front of same c 3- A set hut with door, and window piece return down 1. Sign office of the Purple Monkey Mine » 3 - A fence all overgrown, with weeds, • supposed to guard opening of abandoned shaft., upper 1 of ' C 5-r, Stump wood wings and rock rows, A -cross back about 12 f t o high in wire, on this travels an ore car or carrier during act o Tree stumps R and 1 Wp against wall of hut is a pile of pickaxes lanterns, a wheel-barrow, coil of rope with hook on end, mass of miners tools. At Rise:- Pauline is discovered seated on stump' down L/with pencil and pad of paper taking diet at ion . John ia in C Nelly is over right upper gazing at the ore car as it journeys across on cable) John » (Is dressed as raining superintendent, high laced boots, rough tweed suit, soft hat., etc) Sit herel (Spreads his handkerchief on stump R) One moment, Nelly dear, until I've finished* (Turns to Pauline) Let me see, Where were we.' Sauline (Reads') "We will continue our shipments over your line as here tofore." John Oh yes , (Dictating) "Provided the impending strike is adjusted and we are able to ship any ore at all." Period. In reference to hint in your last concerning rebates our president Mr* Dabney is 'he art il; opposed to accepting any such favors. His principles favor strict compliance with not only the letter, but the spirit of the law* I am respectfully, yours, etc." Now Miss Metzger kindly t$tpe this with the others, I have given y&u, and I will sign them, (Pauline gathers up papers exit into house) John* You say Nelly, your father isn't much better? N-elly No Jacki He is still confined to his room* 2-K John I wonder if hewill be able to receive me to-night, 1 have so many things I want to talk ah out = I don't like to go ahead without his authority, and— Belly why, you know he has perfect confidence in you» John I want to deserve that confidence, dear, and not make any mistakes. We are confronted hy some critical conditions. Nelly Connected with the strike you say is threatening, John Yes„ Belly How have these troubles come about. Jack? John Through the disturbing and disorganizing influence of a couple of persons who should he the very last to desire to cause your father or myself any worry* Belly "Who are these people Jacka" John- People we brought from the East a Belly Pauline Metzger in there? (Pointing to- office) John Bo, she is faithful, industrious and attends strictly to business » Belly "Who then? John First, Chris, Kurts c Belly Chris? "What J Poor crippS.ldd Chris John Chris is a natural born agitator, he is like a fire brand thrown into a powder magazine „ He always reminds me of that supposi- tions gentlemen from abroad, whose first inquiry when he lands at Ellis Island is -"Have you a government here? If you have, I'm against it" That individual makes mevery tired who seeks shelter under the bene-ficent and protecting wings of the American Eagle and who grab the chance immediately to pull out the tail' feathers of that noble bird of freedom and wonder that he s creams » Belly And has Chris been making mischief? John Chris is an ungrateful "lad" pedantic- gindictive- and it will be money in your father's pocket to pension him for life, and banish him from these enterprises, He is making fresh trouble every day with his wild visionary theories of what he terms the "right" of Man" and the "Social revolution" „ Your father thought his know- ledge of chemistry would he useful in the labratory, so it might 9 but his principal accomplishment here seems to be in the nature of inciting this content among the men and subserving all discip- line© Belly Why don't you give him a friendly word of warning, Jack? John I have tried to, he dislikes me intensely for some mysterious reason that I cannot fathom 9 His forlorn condition has always appealed to my sympathy, and I have put up with a great deal more from him on that account, but the time has come when my good ' nature and my duty to your father must go to the mat to gether* 3~K My good nature hasto "be licked. The work of disorganization must stop* In plain words, ¥elly 3 Chris has to get out* Nolly Jack] I'm so sorry, so sorryj John So am la I*m sorry for Chris, I'm sorry also for Arthur Begley, The way things have tui" ed out with him, hurts me more than I can tell a Belly (Has glanced off 1 U E lays hand on Jack's arm) Hush Jack! He's walking this way now, John Go into the office, Nelly <, I have something to say to him, and I would spare him the humiliation of anyone "being present, except the two of us, (Nelly cfosses L exits into office I*) (Beg enters I U E He is not dressed in working clothes like Jack, "but wears fashionable sack suit) Beg Hello Jack! John Hello I Beg I heard you wanted to see me John Yes. Beg "What is it? John (Pause) It comes hard for me to tell it, Arty, Say old man! Send in your resignation won't you? Beg That's pretty good! Sounds well, the way you say it « Are you talking for old Dabney, or showing your own authority? John Don't take that tone, Arthur „ ' Beg Mr. Begley, if you p^.®se John But I don't please, see here, you know you haven't been doing right by the company with us, out here, it isn't play, but work, hard work and plenty of it* I warned you before you came, it wasn't an outing, but you insisted on coming. There's not a piece of work, or bit of business wMbhwhich you have been entrusted, but what has suffered. The apreeing, and the gambling, the all night carouses in Wardner, you dubious associates of both sexes. Beg Cut that, I"ve hard enough of your sermon. Come down to the tacks? Are you acting under old Dabney 's instructions, or not? John Mr Dabney will approve of everything I do. Beg • Don't be so damned sure of that. You're not making such a hit as ' you would like him to believe. You've got the men all disatisfiedo If you don't know it, I'll tell you, y&u are mighty unpopular here, and when Dabney is put in possession of the facts, you may get your own walking papers. So don't get so chesty John (Slowly and quietly) You had better give in your resignation Begley. 4*K Seg I'll see you in hell first. John Begley, you are discharged „ Beg. ' I won't take a discharge from you. John I know you haven't any money, your accounts are all over-iiasta' drawn I prepared for your departure from the service of the company., Here. (Takes out pocket-book, from it a check, hands it to Begley) Beg (Hesitates) what's this? John My checque for five hundred dollars, take it J (Begley does so) I hate to think of you Toeing entirely "broke; If you will take my advice, you'd better start East immediately „ ' Bag . I don't want your advice , John Good~bye/ Beg This is refreshing. I must say, and to think that all this property belonged to my father and was stolen from him by the juggling lawyers of old Dabney's swindling brother, and here am I ? his son "Discharged", that ~/as the word you used wasn't it? ^Discharged" by you whom I tolerated as an acquaintance at College whom I patronized in a way my inferior socially, financially, er - er~ John Go on, make it intellectually, physically, morally, I don't care. Beg I know what's the matter with you, you're jealous , you're afraid if I stay, I'll cut you out with Nelly , John Kindly leave Nelly's name out of your ravings, will you? Beg I'll do as I please about that, what I think best. (Cris limps on L U E stands listening) John No you won't* Your best isn't good enough for me » In this matter, you'll do as I please , See here, Begley, I've put up with all year infernal nonsense I intend to, I have been your friend ever since we met o I helped you with my purssc, I helped you with my brains when we were at college together.-, I was loyal all through, I've stood your friend out here as best I could, I have put up with your slurs, I have closed my eyes to your sneaking underhand con- spiracies, but Satience has its limits. Don't trespass on mine anymore „ If you do, I'm going to take the hardest punch at you„ I ever took at a human being in my life, and it's dollars to doughnut; I "II lick you, Arty Begley, I'll lick you to a frazzle. Pauline (Enters from office) Mr„ Hammond, 1 They are "phoning" to you from the mine, there is more trouble, I fear,, Chris (Chuckles) HumphJ And there's more to come, there's trouble on all sides, I don't wonder at it a (Pauline exits into office*) John (Has started for office, stops) No more do II Kurtz, let me give you a tip, and in all friendliness, if you want to retain your job here, attend to it and .to nothing else*, 5-K Chris What do you mean "by that? John You talk too much. You're too much among the men, sowing the seeds ©f discontent and insubordination- Chris You can't gag me, I'm not a slave. I don't owe my place here to yftu, "but to my abilities, which professor Dabney recognizes, (Works himself into passion) If I had my strength and was not a cripple, you "big blustering bully, you wouldn't dare attempt to bPErw-beat mei (Sheriff Haywood enters L U E) Beg That's right Chris, give him. blazes. If he lays a finger on you, He'll have to deal with me. Nelly (Entering from office) Will you come to- the phone, lack? It must be urgent, the way they are calling you. John Business before pleasure! I'll attend to the company's affairs first, then Begley I'll accommodate you with any sort of a game you want to play, (exit into office,' passing Nelly in before him) Sheriff H. What's going on here, sounds like fighting talk? Beg I am only interfering to protect my friend here* You can see for yourself Sheriff Haywood, he's not able to defend himself. Sheriff What? What was he misusin this poor boy. Seg He threatened to, the coward, but he shan't do it, while I'm ar>ound, Sheriff By thunderj He shan't neither, when I'm around, I don't like the bread of those fellers as meddle with the unfortunate.. Beg (Chris annoyed at being patronized limps off RUE) His position of power here in' the mine has swelled his head, so that there's no living with him. We knew him in the East, he ammounted to nothing there. He's a bad cas-e all around. Sheriff he owes me borrowed money to-day. He'd never have got through college if I hadn't helped him with his studies. Why you can judge what sort of man he is, he's trying to marry old Dabney' s daughter, and — Sheriff Well, you can't blame him for that, I'd like to marry her myself Beg Well, you' wouldn ' t insult her and do her the foul wrong, he's doing her. Sheriff How is that? Beg That new stenographer he has in there- (Pointing to office) Sherriff Yes, sheds a peach. Beg ' She was his mistress in the east. Sheriff What? Beg ' . I'm telling you facts. Half the people in New Haven know it. That poor cripple there, (pointing right) It's broken his heart he wanted to marry the girl, honorably. Oh I tell you, Sheriff, there' ! goingto be a lively time here in your baliwick, when things all come out. 1 won T t be here to see it, I've just resigned. I'm going away. 6-K Sheriff Well it strikes me that typewrit in' gal in there is not the kind to stand "by and see some one else take away the man,' she cares for. Seg Oh, that fellow will get rid of her some way or other, why he's none too scrupulous to push her over into the canyon some.' dark night. Sheriff Go slow.' Go slow! Pard- Do you know you're suggesting murder? Bog I wouldn't put even that "beyond him. Sheriff Sufferin' mackeral, you don't mean it. 3eg But I do. Hello whom have we here? (Pointing off L "0" E) Sheriff (Strolling up) Them? Oh them is the gshow troupe" who's going to "cut up didys" at the Opry to-night, looks like a bum show all right. If I'm judge it's on its last legs. I wonder if that spring chicken is the "Salomy" dancer they advertise, Seg (starts) (aside) By George I It's Prostl If he sees me, he'll try- to touch-Excuse me, Sheriff, I want to talk to my friend a minute . (exits R U E) (Pause) (Prost and Miss Hoggs enter wearily I U $ They are carrying suit cases, and a roll of scenery between them) Prost ""Thus far into the bowels of the land have we marched on with- out indepdiment" Miss Hogg Cut that out, and ask that ugly man where the hotel is. Prost (Approaches Sheriff R) My dear sir: Sheriff What, Prost My dear si. Sheriff ■ I'm not your dear sir: I'm the sheriff. Prost The what? Sheriff The sheriff. Srost I never meet sheriffs on coming to town, but I never fail to meet them when I leave, "We will assume that you are not the sheriff at present. Sheriff we won't assume no such thing, I am the sheriff « Prost A truce to your persiflage. Sheriff Eh. What's that? . \ . Prost "Will you kindly direct us to the worst hotel you have in this rotten burgh? Sheriff The worst hot'el? The worst hotel here is the best hotel and don't you forget it . Prost Then I suppose the best is the worse. 7-K Sherif There's only one hotel here. Erost Oh I see, then it couldn't "be worse. Sheriff My wife keeps that. It's the occidental 1 Erost The Accidental, eh? Sheriff Occidental, I said* Erost Same thing. Is it near the Theatre? Sheriff You mean the "Opery"? It's the same building, My brother runs the "Opery" ITrost Your brother runs the show shop, and your wife keeps the hotel* ■Where is it? She riff (Pointing R) Up the mountains about a mile„ You can't miss it, You stop just before you come to the grave- yard. You'd better give me your baggage checks. My son hauls the baggage * Erost Eh J Your wife keeps the hotel, your brother runs the grave-yard I mean the theatre* Sheriff OperyJ OperyJ Erost Your son hauls the baggage, anymore of your family busy hkre? Sheriff Oh yep.' My father-in-law is ticket agant in the "deepo% Erost (Goes to Miss Hogg) Evangeline, have you heard, this is our finish we haven't a chance I beg your pardon Sheriff, what is your name? Sheriff Haywood*' Erost Well, then Hayweed, are you an Eagle? • , Sheriff No, I ain't „ Erost The last hope is gone c Sheriff ...', And there ain't no Eagles here. This is a prohibition district,. If you want a drink you'll have to go to Wardner Erost ' "We have jurt escaped from Wardner, Sheriff You orther stayed there This town ainSt no good for ? show ' troupes, when we uns want to go to a show, we go to "Wardner, Erost Come ErangelineJ (They gather up traps,,) Sheriff "' ' Where be you going, to the hotel? Erost . • I think We'll keep right on to the grave- yard, you said it was next door e She riff You'd better be keerful about that grave->yard« Y/e're particular about it o Remember we don l t allow no M promiscuous dying" in this town* (Re— enter John and Nelly from office) 8-K John The strike is on. See J (Points to ore car at hack) See] They have even left the ore-car midway across the Canyon* Well, nothing can "be done to-night „ I will attend the meeting of the man, and ask permission to address them* You go home dear and-- Nelly { Interruptin) (Pointing to Miss Hogg' and Prosy) Y/hom have we here? Old friends. Well; Well - Weill John Ehi Miss Hogg] (Advances to her shaking hands) Nelly And Mr/Prost 5 Prost (Rushes to her) Aha] "It is my love that calls' upon my name* How silver sweet sound lover's tongues at night » Like softest music to attending ears" Romeoi "balcony scene 4 John Mr Prost I What are you doing here? Prost Don't you read the papers? We are knocking them cold in the one- night stands <, We are a riot everywhere* John Then you are meeting with success. Prost More or less a Miss Hogg Generally less, I wish I could get a situation as plain cook somewhere, this play acting ain't what it's cracked up to "be. Do you know-( Gra"bs Nelly, whispers in her ear* Nelly evinces surprise,, Prost' tries to "butt .In, they ignore him Pauline appears at door* Prost shakes hands effusively with her* Nelly and Miss Hogg exit into office, Prost and Pauline follow) Sheriff (Touches John on shoulder) I've got something to say to you a John What is it? Sheriff I understand that you have "been making cracks at that lame "boy Chris c Take my tip and drop it, John What do you mean by "Cracks"? Sheriff Why threatening him with physical violence « John You have "been misinformed Ste riff, I'm not huilil that way-. I wouldn't think of laying a finger on him Sheriff Well, don' t„' That 's all e Our boys here wouldn't stand for nothin 3 of that sort c They don't like you Very well anyway, they think you and old Dahney put on too many airs e Him g goin ! , and huildin' a swell house like he has, and a roll in v in luxury, his "brother whei he was here was content to stop at the hot el , my wife keeps R J6.hn ' ' Yes I know, and he died of liver troubles I presume Mr a Dabney has a right' to spend his money as he chooses, and if it pleased him to "build a comfortaole home for himself and daughter 1 that is his affair and the. "business of nobody else* Sheriff Well- 9-K John He's making his home here, and devoting all his energies to "building the country and the state Now in regard to myself, I wan", to treat every one fairly and I shall demand fair treatment in return. The dislike of the "boys as you put it, I don't regard' any more than a tinker's damn. I shall do my duty as I see it a You have given me a tip, I'll give you one, I don ! t hit cripples In fact I don't like to hit anybody, but if it becomes necessary I'll pick out some fellow just above your size, who has the use of all his limbs and who by his insfelence and bjallying impertinence leads me to think' he'^s looking for trouble, and 1*11 land on him for all I'm worth. You know my hand, Sheriff, you can lead to suit yourself „ (exit L U E) Sheriff (Meditating) Who is it that's just about my size? I winder if he msns me? That young feller will bear watching* Anyways, what Begley told me about him and that typewriter of his'n ought to "be investigated: Them morals may do east« They're too much for this pure air of Idaho I'll put old Dabhey wise, that there feller is a scandal and menace to our community* (exit RUE) (Re-enter from office Nelly, Miss Hogg, Frost and Pauline) Nelly Miss Hoggjif you want to take the position and act as our housekeeper you will "be more than welcome* Miss Hogg I'll "be your housekeeper all right, but leave out that' word "act" I hate "acting" and everything connected with it a Frost (To Pauline) She never could "act" in a million' years Evengeline ? am I to understand that you have "trun me down Miss Hogg I renounce the devil and all his works, and that includes your play* Erost It was a "hell of a play" that's a fact, Tout it could lave been played "better Miss--Jtfelly„ • ' s ITelly Mr<= Eros 1 1 ■ Erost Do you know youa re_ disrupting my organization, this woman— Miss Hogg Who ' s a woman? Erost Is under contract to me» I could sue you under the unfair trading' decision, but I won't, Earev/ell Evangeline, farewell- "Away to pots and kettles and your kitchen stove- While Erost soars upward Phoenix like to love I (to Pauline) Ring me up an aeroplane, will you? Nelly I'm sorry, -Mr Erost if I am doing you an injury,, ' Erost Othello's occupation gone. Nelly Erom what I hear, you have had a bad season Erost The worst but nine I have ever had e Nelly Possibly you might be able to turn your abilities to something here,. IO~K ' ' Pauline Why yes„., . ■ , Prost What could I do here? Pauline Well, there ! s work' in the mines, you are a husky invidualo Prost" What? (Roars) What? Turn my talents to "base mechanical uses Wield the plebian pick axe* Pauline If you had any capital, you might embark in trade. There's a small grocery to let near the station* Prost Grocery stored Oh J Oh J Coriolanus sealing oleomargarine! Perish the thought „ Miss Hogg "Well s Nelly Dr.bneyi Let 's get on, we're wastin' time with him , It ? getting late too 5 the sun is a settin' , (Picks up suit case, Nelly and she exit R) . ■ ■ Prost Wastin-' Gettin 1 * Settin' * doin ! „ Paulinel our pathway across the continent this season might "be tracked Toy the "gs" that woman has dropped In. every town we have appeared „ Pauline What are you going to do 5 now you've lost her? Prost Give, some ambitious, talented, and beautiful girl a ch?.nce, AhemJ Are you saitsfied in your present environment? Pauline Quite- Prost You wouldn't like to s Pauline No- . . ., Prost I would promise you, more salary, than I promised her^ Pau line- As I told you once before, Prosty, nothing doing. It's getting late<> I'm going to- lick up s • Prost Do you look up the office 9 Pauline Of course, why" (Locking the door) Prost I was just thinking of my baggage and scenery,, I don't want the risk of having it attcthed, owing to Evangeline's unwarranted defection* I can ; t show tp-night/I wonder where I could hide my stuff Ah behind this fence',, (Props roll of scenery and bag' behind set piece L upper C) Bless me,* That's extraordinary! Pauline What's that? (Turns' to him) Prost All I possess on earth has disappeared I dropped them behind this fence, there's a hole there. Pauline I should say there was. They started a shaft there, and abandoned it a That fence is there' to prevent people falling m. It's only about sixteen feet deep c Prost Only? How am I to get my stuff? Pauline Wait till morning* It's getting late now c Prost Don't be' so flippant I The bag of mine contains a priceless treasure*" 11-K Pauline What? Prost The manuscript of my nW play* All the, managers of the country are crazy to get -hold 'of it« When I stopped at a hotel in Chicafcp. I got "Oscar" to keep it in thesafe e Hare you a ladder? Pauline All out of ladders* Prost Have you a rope? Pauline What do you want with a rope? To hang yourself? Erost Nay, nay Pauline J ; "Hang cats and blind puppies" AhJ What have we here? (Picks up coil of rope with hook "by office) This will do* Pauline What are you going to do? (Business he fastens rope to fence-rail) Prost I am going to descend into the Stygian darkness » Pauline Oh, be careful, Mr Prost , Prost Pear not, Pauline,' there is no danger*. The rope is strong, why I have decended many times' "by means by knotted sheets from hotel rooms on the* third "floor « (Sings "We fly Toy night" "We fly "by might" Pauline I suppose you can get down, hut how will you get up? Prost Pauline, you can't keep a good man* (Disappears "behind fence) Beg (Outside) How Chris, don't he a fool, hut take my advice Chris Talk low! Talk low] She may not have left the office yet* (Pauline draws hack upperL) 3eg (Enters R Chris limps on after him, Beg a crosses to office door tries ' it)She's locked up and gone* I tell you Chris my way is the best „ He'll he at the meeting Hall to-night, and will try to speak to the men. You keep close to him, I will take care of the lights,, at a given signal they will go out Sank your knife then to the hilt of his shoulder "blades. Cold steel is surer than a bullet* Ho one will know who did the deed,, You will pay him up for the Pauline business, and your own crippled ooonditmon and I will have a free field with Mary. c Pauline (Coming down) Don't be to& sure of that Arthur Begley? So you have fallen as' low as that eh?- Plotting murder? And you Chris you poor idiot „ You are willing to serve this devil here and like an ungrateful dog sink your fangs into the hand of the mass, who showered you with benefits « Chris You've been listening eh? Pauline Yes, haven't you suffered enough through your madness, mis«a~ happen wreck that you are, afflicted by the Avenging hand of fate* ( - Chris I don't know what fiend brought you here, , Pauline Ho fiend ChrisJ But the will of Heaven which in mercy w&uld save you from a cowardly crime. 12~K * Beg Come- Chris. ? away, let's leave her, It's only her word against ours, She' can't do, anything „ Pauline Oh yes j she can= She can tell your dupe about you* She can tear off your mask 'and show you for what you are„ Listen Chris, you "blame Jack Hammond for me having jilted you , ' Chris Yes j damn him. Pauline He is an innocent man 5 If you would know the real tempter! Behold him there The man who deceived me with a false marriage. Beg That's a llel , Pauline It's the truth,, I carry the" certificate here in my "breast 9 It "bears your name and mine, and the signature of the "bogus priest^ your conf ederate* '-Oh I'jaekkept the secret all this time, while my good name was. "besmir&ched "by slander, tout the moment has come when concealment must oe thrown to the winds a If you value your safety, leave this place "before the- sun rises on another day, or I'll have you in jail for ■ conspiring to murder* You coward, you sneak you lowest of mankind „ Beg I f ve hard enough from you. no more' or I'll send you to Hell to prepare a welcome for Jack Hammondo You- you she devil! (seizes her) ; , Chris (©ets in "between thfim) No you won't „ You let her alone J Beg What j you dare to interfere, Chris I dare! Beg Again r t me Chris Yes, against you.. She must have a chance to prove what she says, and if she proves it-~ •Beg Well, what then.? Chris What rhen? What then? Why the knife you have given me to use on Jack Hammond, This knif e } '( Flourishing it) I'll sink into your own heart o Pauline No, no, think no more of murder' Chris J Bo not add to the weight of sin already on your soul, Chris Then from your charges against this man, prove them I say, or I'll think you are trying, to shield Jack Hammond Beg That's What she's doing* She wou^d sacrifice any oneto save her lover„ Pauline Jack, my lover „ Oh you lie, you lie most foully J I would have spared you Now Arthur Beglpy, look to yourself. Here is the certificate, here is a "bundle of letters written to me, with your own hand, (Flourishing packet) I will make our secret puiblic 3 and you shall "be shown to the world for what you really are c ' " Beg Give me those. '.let ers I 'Give them I sayi;( Seizes her suddenly) (They struggle) Sag 13-K • . '•* Pauline STo — No—Chris — Chris— (The letters fall to stage) Chris (Picking them up) I have them,' Beg, - Give them to me! (Throws Pauline down I, 'she falls half fainting) - Chris NoJ I'll read them first! (Begley advances on him) Back J' Back J I say, rememher what I told you„ (Puts letters in "breast *) Begley I°ve had enough of this .(Rushes on Chris ^ho menaces him with knife Begley grafts his arm, the knife falls) Seg You whelp j you'll threaten me, will you? Well, here's an end of your snarling,? (Drags Chris up to hack 1 C -flhrows him over set piece ' .' - Pauline (Reviving) You murder erV You mu&erer! (Unlockd door Qf office) hut I will denounce you. Beg You'll n-cer live to do it J (Advancing on her) PaMne What would^ you do? . - Silence you forever!. • Pauline (Screams) Help.' Help.? (Runs into office) (Begley pursues her into hut) (Noise of scuffle heard inside) (Pauling muffled screams, sound of "blows then silence) (Begley r e- appear s^ looks cautiously around then at his hands, which are "blood stained picks up handkerchief which 2ohn has left an stump, looks at it, speaks. ) ' ' ' John 2J«Ho" His handkerchief I (Wipes "blood from hands, drops handkerchief "by door way, sees Shris's knife, on stage, picks it up, goes to set piece) (Apparently throws knife down shaft ) Prost (outside) (Behind set piece in muffled voice) Ouch J Say cut that out„ (Begley starts , • looks fearfully around as if not exactly certain whether he is "bewitched or not) Sheriff (Outside) The cries came from this way, sounded like z woman! (Begley gets "behind rock piece at "back) (Pause) (Sheriff Haywood Nelly and Miss Hogg re-enter R ) Nelly The office door is open, where is Pauline? (At this point Pauline appears in door way, on her knees, her face is covered with "blood her hair dishereled, she tries staggeringly to raise to her feet, then pitches" headlong to stage outside door 'down L) Nelly (Screams) Ah! Sheriff Those cries were hers. Nelly Who, who has done" this? Pauline. Pauline,, Poor Pauling, speak to me, speak. (Going down I raisagg Pauline's head) Get some water! %uick<, Quick. (Miss Hogg exits into office) i9~K Sheriff There's no sign of robbery, Ahl What is that? (Picks up ' handkerchieg ) A blood stained handkerchief! Marked J„ H JTelly J H» Why that is Jack, Sheriff Is it? Well it makes things "look pretty had for him, Per Jack Haimiond is the only one who had an interest in getting this poor gal out of the way e Nelly What ars you saying? ShEiff Only what I can "back up, Miss-Mr Begley warned ine this evening that Jack Hammond would murder this gal, Tout what he'd rid himself of her They were -sweethearts in the East and now he wants to marry you* ■ Nelly Then Arthur Begley slandered this girl and lied about his friendo Bring them fact to face, and John Hammond will answer the false- hood and punish him as he deserves „ (Miss gogg hrings water, she and Nelly "bathe Pauline's face*) Nelly The cruel - cruel wretch. Use the phone B ShEiff Haywood] Don't stand gaping there like a fool, get a physician quick! Sheriff My business is to arrest the criminal*. John (Enter L U E) What's the matter here? Sheriff (With leveled pistol) Th w up your handsS You're under arrest, . John What is the charge? Sheriff Mudirer, Your victim liees there, •John Ah Pauline* Who has committee this awful crime? - Sheriff You can best answer that. Begley (Coming down R) What's you prophesied would, He's murdered the gal. Nelly . • Not so fast Sheriff, Pauline is still alive She may revive and tell who the real criminal is, Prost (Appeals over set-piece) And if she does not, there's some one down in the shaft, who will . Omns Who? Prost Christ Kurtz, the lame -boy, the same coward who tried to murder Pauline, threw Chris 'down the shaft, he may die down thBe„ Who'll help me to draw him up, John I will. Sheriff You stand where you are, you're under arrest a John Sheriff HaywoodJ After we get that boy out of the pit, I'll yield myself your prisoner, and if you don't agree to t hat- Sheriff fhich I don' , John 15 -E Tim you can go to HellJ '(Turns up to Frost, they commence to haul on rope) (Sheriff" H« levels pistol, Nelly rushes with a scream clings to his R, - hand with famth of hers, she kneels) C U R T A I No Positions at end« Frost „ lohn Sheriff • - Miss Hogg Beg, Nelly, Pauline, N e B e Prom John's entrance everything should go very rapidly. Act 4th. SCENE: — The Dabney Mansion. A handsome interior 11 10 7 \ / "1\ \ -^\ 9 \ ^2 i — t '-' x 7x 6 ! x 7 / / B L_l xX 8 \ EXPLANATION 1- Large bay window. 29 Door. 3- Eireplace with mantel and mirror. (4) Stairway and platform running off R. Arch at head of stairway. 5- Door - 6- Table. 7- Chairs. 8- Large couch, 9- Interior backing. 10- Interior backing. 11-Exterior backing. Handsome chandelier, bric-a-brac, jardiniers etc. Decorative furniture. Curtains to windows, rugs etc. The stairway should hare handsome balustrades to bre&k away. Window has pain of glass to break, oooOOOOOOOo ; j IE ■ ACT EOUR SCENE: — The Babney Mansion. A handsome interior. At rise: --Erost id discovered seated R. at table T. on which, is the remains- of a repast. There are couple of smpty beer "bottles on the table. Sheriff Haywood is C. looking at Erost who is eat- ing heartily. Miss Hogg is down R, Sheriff H. Say, you've got a good appetite, haven't you? Erost Oh yes, 1 ear heartfly, when I have anything to eat, and drink deeply, when I have anything to drink. Evangeline, I would like some more beer* Miss Hogg You've had two bottles now, that's enough. Erost Two bottles I. What ' s two bottles to a Milwaukee thirst? (Nelly enters from arch above at back coming down stairs.) Miss Nelly — - Belly Mr. Erost, Erost Am I to b'e stinted in my malt I Your "factotum" here - (Pointing to Miss Hogg, ) Miss Hogg What's that you called me? Erost (Ignoring her.) "Is endeavoring to limit your hospitality. I asked for "more beer" and she cheerlishly denies me — Nelly Oh, please Miss Hoggs, let Mr, Erost have all the beer he wants. Erost Thank youl Dost hear, Evageline? Miss Hogg I dost. Erost Then dust away and get me four bottles this time. Miss Hogg Eourl Well, 1*11 go, but — Er jst "Stand not upon the order of going, but go at once." Macbeth, banquet scene. And how are the patients, Miss Nelly? Belly Chris is delirious, Pauline is mending fast. Sheriff H. Then I suppose I can question her. Nelly The doctor forbids her being disturbed. Sheriff H D But I am the law, and the law ain't to be interfered ■with. We want to get at the facts. The whole community is stirred up over this outrage. It'smighty funny that you were in thaft and didn't hear nothing, Erost Dogberry, that shaft was sis teen feet deep, j was at the bottom. You would understand that I c ould hear anything of what was going on some distance from it's mouth, if you had the brains of a hen.. 2-E Sheriff H. You stop that insult in' talk or I'll run you in. Nelly Gentlemen-, gentlemen, Sheriff, I "beg of you - - Sheriff H. You tell*me one thing. Why did you go down to the shaft any- way? Frost To red.eem from thence a priceless treasure. (Lifts up suit- case which is beside him.) Sheriff H. What is in that bag? I'll open it and see. (Takes suit case away from Forst who vainly tries to prevent him.) Frost Forehearl "FbrehearJ Do not with sacrilegious touch profane the sanctuary. Sheriff H. Rats J (OPens the "bag.) (Re-enter Miss Hogg with the four hottles of "beer*) She lays them on ta"ble and exits L.IXLE. ) Sheriff H. What's this? (Holds up grease paint.) Frost Item-one stick of grease paint , Eo, 5. Sheriff H. (Holds up 'collar and loud vest.) what's that? Frost My slasher and crasher waistcoat. Sheriff S. (Holds up -pair of old tights.) Humph! These are a pair of Frost Those a.re my Romeo tights. Sheriff H. The moths have got into them. Frost Handle them with reverence. They "belonged to Shakaspearel Sheriff Who is he? Frost Alas, he's a dead one. That small "box there is a "box of "wrin- kles." That other one contains "laughs." I'm making a collect- ion of them. Ahemi I haven't had many of them lately. Sheriff H. Here's a hammer. (Holds up hammer.) Frost Yes , I carry that to knock all the other actors I know. Sheri f f (Holds up large key.) What's this, the Key of -- Crost The key of C. I mean the kye of the curtain. T se it to play jokes on Reuben, Sheriffs and other puriden headed yaps. Sheriff I know what this is. (Holds up book.) This is a bible. Frost Yes. Sheriff Oh yes. (Reads on fly leaf.) "Stolen from the Northern pacific Railroad," What thing] It looks like a rool of sausage, (Holds up script L.) 3~E Hi ss Hogg That.' The play he speaks of Sheriff - look out for it, it's piaen. Sheriff And it was for this trash, you went down the shaft? Frost (Bristling up.) Don't you call my play trashl Don't you dare! Sheriff (Knocks down Frost wth manuscript,) Shut up. Belly Gentlemen, gentlemen! Frost (Getting up,) Why pluraliae. There is only one gantleman pres- ent. This "anthropophagus" dontt co^nt. Sheriff Answer me. You went down the shaft to get this stuff? Frost Stuff? you're a stuff yourself- Sheriff You went down the shaft? Frost T did. Sheriff What did you* do then? Frost I tied the rope to my "belongings and started to climb up. Sheriff The rope? Frost Yes, the rope. R-O-P-E- rope! Sheriff I always spell it , R - - p„ I "believe in the "phonographic spelling. The "e" is supercillious » Well, you started to climb up the R - - 1 •- Frost I had almost reached the top, when an object fell with crushing violence on my head. Sheriff What! Frost Chris, the lame "boy. The shock jarred my hold on the R - - P - e and we fell to the bottom together, -phat is j fell first. He fell on top of me, But he was inseisible. I struck a match and found out who it was. I fastened the rope then to him, and started to ascend again, when another object struck me on the head. Sheriff What was it this time? Frost A knife. Here it is. (produces knife. . Belly I knew that knife. It belongs to Arthur egley. Sheriff "" ^Takes knife) Humph! Now see here, it aintt no use your trying to connect , r r, Begley with this affair. ITelly I an not, Sheriff.. When Pauline and Chris are able to speak they will fasten the guilt on the man who deserves it. 4-E Sheriff Well, if their evidence will clear Jack Hammond, theyd better hurry up and peak soon* j- can it stand against public sentiment much longer. ITelly What do you mean "by that? Sheriff Why the feelings all against him. Everybody., s talking about lynch law being the Je at law. Them striking miners only need some loafer filled with Wardner "red-eye" to lead them, and they'll storm that old jail and take him out andhang him. ITelly And have you taken any steps for his protection? Sh er iff Well, I'm in a peculiar position, i wouldn't like to fire On any of my constituents, but of course, if things do - come to -* to - a - Frost Crisisl Sheriff Yes, that's it, a crisis. I'll do the test j kin. any I thought as much . Your best isn't very good, and that is why ,'y father has left his sick bed, and gone personally to Col- oenl Haines, At thi s moment a detachmentpf troops is on the way from the £ost. Sheriff For what ? ITelly To see that that the law is respected. As you present it } it's nothing but a ghastly mockery. You knew the condition of affairs, and it was your duty to have seen that Mt. Hammond was conveyed to a palce of safety. Sheriff Eobody kin tell me my business and don't you try. Frost (Taps forehead.) Solid ivory. They '.will make Billiard balls of his d^ad some day. (Clanging of bell heard in distance. Shouts. Scattering shots. H;B t use carriage cushion and rattan effect. Belly What is that? Sheriff The alarm bell of the jail. Your soldiers- had better get here pretty quick, or they'll be too late. (Shouts. Bell and shots) Hiss Hogg (Entering.) The mob areattacking the lock up. They say they're going to take Jack Hammond out and hang him. Bellly Quick sheriff, to your post. Sheriff Why , what can I do? What can one man do against a hundred? Frost He can at least die like a man in defense of justice and the right. Sheriff, I think you are a" coward, Sh erif f ■What's that? 5-E Prost An infernal coward, T fyou're not, you'll follow me, (Picks up Sheriffft s gun, ) ITelly what are you going to do? Prost I'm going to the jail and emptythis gun of fair play, and Jack Hammon my friend. Cone on, you Damned Hayseed Bluff, come on! (Exits L-pU.E^ Sheriff follows. iToise outside kept up.) ITelly God grant that the troops arrive in time. (Up at L-U.E. looking off. Pauline in white negigee appears at head of stairs R.U.E.) Hiss Hogg Ahl Look there. (I-aulice tries to descend stairs clinging to "balustrade. Palls into arms of Nelly and Miss Hogg who rush to her a ) ITelly PaulineJ Pauline! You did wrong to leave your "bed, (Noise out- side of bell etc) Pauline That noise? What is it? Hiss Hogg The mOb, They accuse jack Han mond of the attack on you. (They are oyer R.C ) Pauline Jack is innocent,, Save - save Chris, he is at the hot torn of the shaft, j - oh - (Half faints away.) ITelly Who is the guilty one? paulise - speak! Paulines Why - why - (Sees Begley who eiiters L«U.E. stands in doorway. Screams.) Ah! Take me way! Take me away! Collpasing. ) ITelly Bear her to the couch within, (They s uppo.rt her off R door. Bugle sounds and drum; shouts again. ITelly (Going off R.) The troop have come.; The soldiers are here* Jack will be saved* (Th e y exuent R„) ITelly (Outside ) You mremain here with her" Mi ss Hogg, I'll phone for tin doctor. You receive him when he comes, j can stand this sus- pense no longer, I must learn about Jack (Enters R.) Begley Jack is dead, Hel^y. ITelly Dead! (Staggers.) Begley He's just b4en lynched by the mob. ITelly My god, the soldiers -- Begley They arrived too late. Oh, believe me, I sympathize wth you in your affliction and what help I can give you is freely y ours ■> ITelly (Dazed o) Dad! Dead, lost to me/ Wen, well, I'll go to him. They cannot refuse to let me see him now. (Sobbing.) Begley Don't go yet. However the manier of his taking off, He de- s erv ed it « 6-E ITelly what? Segley He confessed his guilt, others can corroborate what I say. His friends who were there, -would have saved him hut for that. ITelly He died and J. not therel He died without giving me a kiss of love. Oh mercy, mercy I (Falling on her knees sobbing.) Begley I own, I myself ,. who have always be ?n like a brother to him, I was appalled at his crime. Kelly (Rising.) He committed no crime. Begley How listen to me. he told us all. How he had quarreled last night with his victim, how lie had >e en secretly married to her two years ago. She tired of her ambiguous position had de- manded her rights before the world, and threatened i :." he refused, to ruin him with j^our father and you. Maddened by her words, he seized her by the throat and sought to strangle her to death, T t was at this moment that Chris interfered. Hethrew the poor helpless cripple down the shaft and then re- turned to complete his work of death. What ae Helly What are you saying? Begley The truth. Nelly, cane with me. This place kk can no longer afford security to your father or yourself. His action with the soldiers will never be forgiven. You will meet insults on all sides, come witn me. Jack Hanmond is dead. We will marry, and by a life of devtion and fend ernes s , I will make you forget this false lover, this would be assassion, this murderer of the mistress. He would have deceived you for 9 £puts his arm around h er . ) H el ly (Breaking loose.) Wretch, you have lied to me. Slanderer of the dead - defamer of the livingk, leave the house. T f Jack is dead ? I'll cherish his memory, his truth against all the world. Begley His memory J What, do you .eight my love against that, of this dog who confessed his guilt! Seizing her.) HeUy (Breaks away.) i/et me go I Let me go, (Rushes up to door.) L.U.E. beats on tke door,) It's locked. Begley Yes, I have the key. (Nelly runs to R. door.) That's locked also. You're shut in here with me. I tell you, you're mire , mine - and I'm going to have you_ (He seizes her, she tries to run up stairs screaming. As she reaches the top he hears noise at door steps, listens, drawing pistol. The window is crashed and John enters through it throws himself on Begley's back dis - arming him of pistol, which falls to stage. He throws Begley over R, ) John That makes things more even Arthur Begley. You've reached the limit, ijow, I'll give you the licking i promised and I'm going to give it to you good. (Begley throw's bottle from table at Jack who misses it. Crashes through chandelier. Jack punches Begley. They fightto couch together, falling over it. As they rise Begley goes again for bottles on table, fires them at Jack, who dodges and they go through mirror, over mantel. Jack retorts with jardirtier, masses Begley. Begley runs up the stair-way , 7-E Jack afee him, hits him across the head with "bottle* He stag- gers "back, hut they slug each other on the stairs. Finally clinch going against "balustrade On L. side wh^ch "breaks with them* They fall to C 4 Jack overpowers Begley. Frost and Sheriff come through window. , r i ss' Hogg "batters down door R. appears with axe and lauline* Chris enters at h*ad of the stairs R U,E«) Chris Sheriff, arrest Arthur Begley, I charge him with attempted murd er . - Sheriff and others Begleyl Yes, he is the man. Pauline CURTAIN fi 11 ii ii it n TT m ooo0000000ooo~— SEP 18 19H