fl-BrotfiGr's Datfi, or, tne Two flvenoBrs. 
 
 \\ ' Mary, Frank and Kate sit at tJie tabh. r Xv^^^^jj.^ 
 
 '^J\ Fkaxk. Oh, }^es, Mary, luck has followed us here and I 
 C think we shall always be hapj^y, if we are separated from all 
 we know. 
 
 Kate. Dad, I think I should like to see New York once, 
 the}' say it is such a fine i)lace. 
 
 Frank. You are right, Kate, and you will see it. Kemem- 
 ))er our nugget, when I get another like it, we will all go to 
 New Y'ork and live like kings. 
 
 Kate. You don't mean that, dad ? 
 
 Frank. Yes, and it will not be long, for old Joe says I have 
 made one of the richest strikes that has ))een made in these 
 parts for twenty years. 
 
 Mary. Frank, do you think we would be as happy in New 
 York as we are here? 
 
 Frank. Well, I suppose we would. I think there is some- 
 thing brighter in store for us ; but I must be going now, I 
 ought to have been to work an hour ago, and the good book 
 says "Man shall earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. 
 
 Mary. No, let the mine go for awhile Frank, I want to ask 
 you a question. I know it will seem strange that I never 
 asked before, but I found an old letter on the floor that led 
 me to ask you such a question. 
 
 Frank. Well, what is it, Mary? 
 
 Mary*. AVhy is it, Frank, that you are out here, separated 
 from your home and friends ? 
 
 Frank. Don't ask me for that sad story which has black- 
 ened my life, and friends I have none but you and Kate, and 
 one younger brother, God bless him. 
 
 Kate. Yes, dad tell us. Remem]>er, she is your wife and 
 I am your child, and we will sink or swim together. 
 
 Frank. You are right, Kate. I will tell you, but it is a 
 sad story for you to know. {Frank sits doirn). When I lived 
 in New York with my father, he was very rich at one tin)e, 
 but misfortune followed him. Ke took in a partner, for lie 
 was ver}^ old. The man was supposed to have money, but 
 was not worth a cent. He squandered my father's money at 
 the gambling tables and other dissipations, and I alone knew 
 it, therefore he hated me. Father was on the verge of ruin. 
 They dissolved partnershi]), and not many nights after that, 
 when I returned from my office a little later than usual, I 
 found my father lying on the floor, dead, with a knife wound 
 through his heart. Then's when the web was placed over me 
 and my sorrows commenced, for it w^as a deep laid plot. My 
 brother came home, only to see the same as I did. Poor mo- 
 
tlier, on being brought to the scene, had to be taken to her 
 bed, unconscious, never to rise again, for in six weeks after 
 she die<l. In the mean-time, when my brother and I were 
 about to inform the police, in came tlie man who was my fa- 
 thers partner, with two officers and ordered my arrest for the 
 murder of my father. I pleaded with them, but it was no 
 use. There were forged papers found on me, but how they 
 got there I do not know, and the house had been robbed". 
 When they were taking me away, my brother, young as he 
 was, swore an oath to hunt down the miserable <log that conf- 
 mitted such a crime and drag him to Justice. I will never 
 forget how that man's face colored when my brother looked 
 at him. I was taken away, tried in Court and sentenced to 
 twenty years in State Prison. 
 
 Mary. Would you know that man if you were ever to see 
 him again? 
 
 Frank. Know him ! Why, Mary, I would know that face 
 among a thousand ; and if we ever meet, I would kill him as 
 I would a dog. 
 
 Mary. But you never served your sentence. 
 
 Frank. Well, I will tell you how it was. If you remem- 
 ber well, I was absent from home a year. You were told by 
 my brother that I Avas sent away on "business, but, that year I 
 occupied a prison cell, praying night and day that my brother 
 might succeed in his determination to set me free. One day, 
 while he was wandering about the lower parts of New York 
 City, he was called to the death-l:)ed of an Italian. He made 
 my brother a written confession of the crime, how it was done 
 and who struck the blow. Richard sent it to the Governor 
 and I was pardoned out. The real murderer was my father's 
 partner, Carl Bradford. He escaped and could never be 
 found, but I believe he is in these hills, and some day we 
 shall meet. When I got free from 2:)rison, my friends treated 
 me with scorn and contempt. To getaway from it all, I came 
 out here with you and Kate as my only' friends. Now you 
 have heard my story and I suppose you will be ashamed of 
 me too. 
 
 Frank gets up. Mary gets up. 
 
 Mary. No ! No ! You are too true and noble, and I love 
 you the more for it. 
 
 Frank. Yes, God bless you, Mary, you have been the only 
 hope and happiness to me, an outcast. I must be going to 
 work now, and I can go with a lighter heart. 
 
 Kate. Say, dad, can I go along too. 
 
 Frank. No, Kate, you better stay home and help your mo- 
 ther. Be a good girl. I am off. {Frank leaves). 
 
 Kate. (Speaks aside). There he goes, poor dad, how he 
 must have suffered. 
 
 Mary. Yes, my child, he has, but come, I want you. 
 
 Kate. All right, mother. 
 
Mary and Kate go in the cabin. Delmont and Jim enter. 
 
 Delmont. So, we have our birds caged at last. Jim, the 
 man -who lives here is Frank Rockford, how I hate him. I 
 roV)bed and murdered his father, and had him arrested for it, 
 but through the aid of his l)rother, he pulled throuoh, but I 
 will fix him yet, curse him. I was in partnershi]) with his 
 father, and it was through him that I was turned out. What I 
 want here is this. You see, he has a secret mine about here 
 somewhere and plenty of gold in the cabin. We must have it 
 if we have to kill the whole family. 
 
 Jim. How many are there, Caj)? 
 
 Delmont. Three, Rockford, his wife and child, a girl, but 
 I would not kill the girl if we can help it. Some one is com- 
 ing this way, we must see who it is. 
 
 Delmont and Jim leave. Mary enters with bucket. Delmont and 
 Jim enter. 
 
 Delmont. Good evening, Ma.'ni, is your husband at home? 
 
 INIary. Well, Sir, why do you ask that question? 
 
 Delmont. Oh, nothing, only we were old friends. 
 
 Mary. No, he is not at home. What is your business here? 
 
 Delmont. Well, to make it ])lain, my business is this. 
 \ our husband has gold in that cal)in, and a secret mine some- 
 where, I want it and will have it by fair or foul means. 
 
 Mary. Oh, but you are a l^rave man. You know my hus- 
 band is not here. You will not enter that cabin, unless you 
 do it over my dead body, so you had better leave this ])lace at 
 once. 
 
 D-ETuMosT {langhing). So the tigress is showing her teeth. 
 Stand aside and let me pass, or I will cut your infernal tongue 
 out. 
 
 Delmont draws a knife, runs at Mary. Mary draws a j)istol. 
 
 Mary. Keep back, you cowardly dogs. If you came here 
 to prey upon a helpless woman, you have got youi' match 
 this time. 
 
 Delmont. Seize her, Jim. 
 
 Delmont grabs Mary''s hand with the imtol. The straggle. 
 
 Delmont. Now, Jim, search the cabin. 
 
 Kate opens the door with two pistols. 
 
 Kate. Let that woman go, or I wdll give you a dose of pills. 
 Let go, I say. What do you mean, cur, by insulting mother? 
 
 Delmont. Curse you, I will get even with you for this. 
 
 Kate. .1 know you will, but if both of you are not otf this 
 place when I count three, I will put enough of holes in you 
 both that the wind will whistle "Yankee Doodle" through' to- 
 night. 
 
 Delmont. Bah ! 
 
 Kate. Oh, you can't scare me by your black looks. Now, 
 go. One — two — 
 
 Delmont. We will meet again. 
 
 Delmont and Jim leave. 
 
Kate. Yes we will, on the ice. Don't let me see you here 
 again, or I will turn up your toes the next time. They are 
 gone. Why, mother, you look as if you were scared almost 
 to death. 
 
 Mary. I am, my child, lor we are lost. They know ahout 
 our gold, and I fear this is the beginning of our sorrows. 
 
 Kate. No, cheer up mother. We will go inside and hold 
 the fort till dad comes. 
 
 Mary dad Kate go in the cahiti. Fr<ink enters, qjeaks aside. 
 
 Frank. I Avonder what terrible feeling this is over me. I 
 could not work. I feel as though it is a presentiment^of com- 
 ing danger. Oh, God ! what if danger should come to us now ? 
 My brain burns and reels like a ship on a stormy sea, and my 
 heart hangs heavy within my body. I fear not for myself, 
 but for my wife and child. {Frank sits down). Bah ! What 
 am I talking about? Here I am, shaking like a child. 
 Joe enters 
 
 Joe. Frank ! Frank ! {Frank gets up). 
 
 Frank. Well, Joe old friend, what is it? 
 
 Joe. It is this. Your nuggets have been discovered, and 
 they are threatening to have them. I came as quick as I 
 could to tell you. 
 
 Frank. Joe, here comes my wife. She must not know it. 
 
 Joe. Well, 1 don't guess they will come before night. I 
 will go right back to camp and get some of the boys. When 
 I return, my signal will be a whistle like this. So, I am otf. 
 Good-bye, Frank, and don't forget my signal. 
 Joe leaves. Delrnont listens to conversation, shakes his fist and 
 leaves. Mary and Kate enter. 
 
 Mary. Whj^ Frank, what is the matter? 
 
 Frank. There is nothing, only — 
 
 Mary. Yes, Frank, I know it all, and I, as your wife, will 
 share it with you. 
 
 Frank. God bless you! But we must leave it all in the 
 hands of Providence. Let us go in, and when they come, we 
 Mill give them a happy time, won't we, Kate? 
 
 Kate. Yes, we will ; some one is going to get liurt. Say, 
 mother, I wonder if those two men are going to be in it. I 
 wish I had killed them both. 
 
 Frank. What two men ? 
 
 Mary. While you were away, two men came here and 
 tried to force me to give up the gold. If it had not been for 
 the timely arrival of Kate, they would have made a success 
 of their game. 
 
 Frank. Why, the scoundrels ! But I must say, Kate, you 
 are a jewel. But, come, let us get in. 
 
 Mary, Kate and Frank go in the cabin. Delrnont, Jim and four 
 men enter. 
 
 Delmont. Now, some of you go to the rear of the cabin. 
 
{tiro men leure). Now, Jim, we haven't much time, for old Joe 
 will be back soon, so when I give him the signal and he comes 
 out, you give him the knife. Ready ! 
 
 Jim. All right. Cap. 
 Jim stands by the door. Delmont irhistlea Joe's signal. Frank 
 enters. Jim stabs him in eth back. Frank cries murder and falls. 
 Mary enters and is shot. Jim runs in the cabea. A shot is fired 
 inside. Jim runs out. 
 
 Ji>r. Be off. Cap, they are coming. 
 
 They all leave. Kate enters and kneels by her mother. 
 
 Kate. Mother, mother, speak to me, it is Kate. 
 Joe enters with men. 
 
 Joe. My God ! Have I been too late. After them, boys, 
 after them. {Men leave). Dead, and me too late. {Frank 
 moves). No, tliere is still life. {Joe kneels by Frank\s side). 
 
 Frank. Joe, you have come too late ; the fiends have done 
 their work. 
 
 Joe. Aye, too late. 
 
 Frank. Never mind, old friend, I know you have dene 
 your best. Soon I will be gone from this world ; but, Joe, 
 where is my wife? 
 
 Joe. She is dead. 
 
 Frank. Oh, the scoundrels ! They have done their worst. 
 Where is Kate, my child? 
 
 Kate. Here I am, dad. {Kneels by Frank's side). 
 
 Frank. Now, listen to what I have to say. Joe, you have 
 been a friend to me in life, be one to me in death. Swear to 
 me that you will be a father to my child. Swear it, Joe, 
 swear it. 
 
 Joe. By all that I hold sacred to my own dead wife, I 
 swear I will protect j^our child till death. 
 , Frank. That's right, and God bless you both. Now, Kate, 
 remember, Joe is your father, do for him as you would for 
 me. Joe, I have a brother, his name is Richard. If you can 
 ever find him, tell him how I lived and died. I can't hold 
 out much longer, for I am getting weaker and weaker from 
 the loss of blood. Here, Kate, take this paper, it may be of 
 some use when you grow up. See, there stands my brother 
 now. Dick ! Dick ! He will not speak to me. His eyes 
 flash like flames of fire, his hands are stained with blood and 
 he cries : Revenge ! Revenge. {Frank's death). 
 End of Act First. 
 
 ACT SECOND. 
 
 Sam enters singing, stretches himself, 
 Sam. Oh, Lord, but I am tired. I wish I couM find some 
 
 good place to sleep. {Sam sits down. Walter enters). 
 Walter. Tired, tired, my friend you are sick, you want 
 
 medicine. 
 
 Walter hits Sam wilh umbrella. Sam runs at Walter tcith razor. 
 
Sam. Look here man, don't you do that no more, 'cause I 
 is a bad nigger, and I will cut you deep. 
 
 Walter. Back ! Back ! You black son of Africa ! Per- 
 haps, you do not know wlio I am. I am a spirit of an un- 
 known kingdom. Around your form I place the circle of our 
 holy church, place one foot without its sacred bound, and I 
 will strangle you to death. Bah ! You say you are tired. 
 You have a touch of Consumption, Take a l)ox of my pills 
 for one dollar, it will cure you. I have it here to cure any 
 disease in the world. If you will buy a box of this medicine, 
 you can sa}' no more you are tired. It cures coughs, colds, 
 sore throats, &c., &c., &c. {Sam falh on f lie floor). 
 
 Sam. Go on, you are crazy, 
 
 AV ALTER. No, my dark cloud, you are wrong, I am insane. 
 
 Sam. I thought you were some kind of a sane. 
 
 Walter. Say, nigger, don't you want some of my medicine "^ 
 
 Sam. Look here, you long-eared tarrier, don't you call me 
 a nigger, for I is got a razor here, and I will cut your heart 
 out. You are only mad because vou amn'tas good as a nigger. 
 
 Walter. What's that? 
 
 Sam. Go on now, man, for I don't want none of your fool- 
 ishness — ness — ness 
 
 Walter. Ness— ness — ness. Go on nigger. 
 
 Sam. See, he called me a nigger again. I will swipe him 
 yet. {Sam rolls wp Ms sleeves). 
 
 Walter. He must mean fight. I guess I will have to get 
 ready for him. 
 
 They fight. Walter knocks Sam down. 
 
 Walter. The down-fall of Africa ! 
 
 Miss Carter enter with bucket. 
 
 Mlss Carter. Here, here, what are you doing, fighting? . 
 Walter stands in the door. 
 
 Walter. Now, for the kitchen and revenge. 
 Walter leaves Miss Carter. 
 
 Miss Carter.. Sam, you Sam, come here. What are you 
 fighting about, Sam ? 
 
 Sam. Nothing, only that walking drug-store called me a 
 nigger. 
 
 Miss Carter. Well, that's nothing. What are you but a 
 nigger ? 
 
 Sam. I is no nigger. I is a colored gentleman. 
 
 Miss Carter. Oh, you are, eh ! Go and get me a bucket ot 
 water, or I will— 
 
 Sam. All right, I am going. (Sam leaves). 
 
 Miss Carter. That's the laziest nigger I ever saw in my 
 life ; and he is all the time fighting. I wish I had left the 
 boys hang him when they started. But, I am forgetting al)out 
 my guest. I have one of the prettiest young ladies I ever saw, 
 and she is from New York too. 
 
.Miss Carter leaves and screams iusicle. Walter is thrown) out the 
 door on the right. 
 
 Walter. Oh, heartless wretch, that you are! How could 
 you deprive a hungry man, who has eaten nothing l)ut pills 
 for six months. Beware ! As the ghost of Hamlet, I will eat 
 from your table. But, how is that to be done? I am no 
 ghost. I have it. I will go to the rear of the licjuse and sing 
 for my fair damsel. Perhaps, I can turn her heart to buy 
 some of my pills. 
 
 Walter leaves on right. DelmoRt and Jim enter from left and sit 
 at the table. 
 
 Delmont. That was a neat little piece of work we did with 
 the stage the other night, Jim. 
 
 Jim. Yes, it was, Cap. A few more hauls like that and we 
 will be all right, if they don't hunt us down too hard before 
 we are done. 
 
 Delmont. Have no fear of that, Jim, for when it gets too 
 hot for us here, we will skip. The rest of the band can go to 
 the devil for mj'' part. 
 
 Jim. You see, Cap, old Joe and his men are searching high 
 and low for us now. 
 
 Delmont. Yes, but they will never lind us, for we have too 
 good a strong-hold in the mountains for that ; but, now to 
 business. {The?/ look around). Have you seen the strange 
 girl that stays here? 
 
 Jim. Yes. 
 
 Delmont. Well, she is the daughter of the old man we 
 have at the cave, and she too must be mine. Once we get her 
 to the cave, I will force her to marry me. If the old man 
 does not consent for me to share his wealth, I will kill him, 
 and she will know nothing about it. The old man out of 
 the way, I can go to New York with a forged will and claim 
 his fortune with her as my wife. 
 
 Jim. You are a smart man, Cap. 
 
 Delmont. Yes, and a desperate one. To play this game 
 takes desperate means. 
 
 Jim. Then I suppose I'll be out. 
 
 Delmont. No, you help me with this job and you will be 
 well paid. {Sam enters from left with letter). 
 
 Sam. For Miss Rose. 
 
 Delmont. Here, nigger, let me see that letter. 
 
 Sam. Not much, I won't. It am for Miss Rose, not you. 
 
 Delmont. Give me that letter I say, or I will cut your 
 throat and feed you to the dogs. 
 
 Delmont draws a knife. Sam draws a pistol. 
 
 Sam. Keei3 your distance, Mister Tarriers, for dogs don't 
 like niggers no-how. This letter goes into the house where 
 it belongs. 
 
 Delmont. I say it belongs to me, for I am her husband. 
 
Sam. Well, I don't care if you are lier grandfather's uncle, 
 it says Miss Rose on here and to her it am going. So, bye-bye. 
 Delmont. Curse j^ou ! You will pay for this. 
 Sam. So will you, if you come any further. Bye-bye, baby, 
 I don't like to see you cry, but I can't help it this time. ' 
 Sam goes in the house. 
 Del^font. Curse that nigger ! I would like to know what 
 was in that letter. I guess it is from a detective about her 
 father. {Rose enters from house with letter). 
 
 Rose. They can find no trace of father. What, if he is 
 dead ? 
 Delmont. Why, Miss, you seem to be in trouble. 
 Rose. {S2)eaks aside). What, that voice ! It seems to me 
 I have heard it l)ef<jre, somewhere. {Speaks to Belmont). Yes 
 Sir. I and my father came out here two months ago, and he 
 .has not been heard of since. 
 
 Delmont. That is bad news, indeed. I sifppose j^ou are in 
 search of him. 
 
 Rose. Yes Sir. This is the last place we heard from him. 
 I had detectives on the trail, but they gave it up. 
 
 Delmont. {S'peaks aside). So much the better for me. {To 
 Rose). I su])pose you think you will find him. 
 
 Rose. Yes Sir, I will, sooner or later, dead or alive. 
 Delmont. Well, you talk very brave for a new-comer, and 
 I will help you all I can. 
 
 Delmont walks away, talks to Jim. Rose speaks aside. 
 Rose. I believe that man is no other than Carl Bradford. 
 If it is, he is at the bottom of all this. {Rose sits down). 
 Gang. {Speaks outside). AVe shout your music, Joe. 
 
 Joe enters with gang from left. 
 Joe. I tell you boys, it isn't right. We, as Citizens of this 
 here place, ought not let it go on every time a stage goes 
 through here with respectable people. 
 
 Kate. Oh, dad, don't say that word any more, you will 
 hurt yourself. 
 
 Joe. Go away, gal, I know what I am talking about. I 
 used to be a lawyer. 
 
 Kate. A liar you mean. 
 
 Joe. I don't know what it is ; but, I do know that every 
 time there is any money in the stage, it is robbed and we poor 
 miners have to suffer for it. I tell you, boys, it is wrong and 
 we must stop it. 
 
 Delmont. How are you going to stop it? 
 Joe. Hunt them down and kill them, one by one. 
 Delmont. Well, I will help you for one. It should be 
 stopped, and I, as a land-owner, don't care to be robbed. 
 
 Kate. Yes, it ought ; and I would not be afraid to bet my 
 life that you are one of them. 
 Delmont. What's that vou sav ? 
 
9 
 
 Delmont draws a knife. Joe draics a phtol. 
 
 Joe. Stop, Sir ! Harm a hair in that girl's head, and I will 
 yend a bullet through your ugly carcass as quick as lightning 
 can go through an empty barn. {Walter enters from the right). 
 
 Walter. Don't do it. Let me sell him some of my medi- 
 cine. {Sam enters from honse). 
 
 Sam. There's that old pill doctor again. Hello, Pill ! 
 
 Walter. Say, Mister, give me your gun, I want to kill the 
 nigger. 
 
 Joe. W^hat do you want to kill him for ? 
 
 Walter. Oh, just for fun. I never did like a nigger. 
 Give me the gun, will you ? 
 
 Joe. No. 
 
 Walter. Say, nigger, I will meet you after awhile. 
 
 Sam. Meet me now, you old tarrier. 
 
 Kate. That's right, Sam, talk to him. 
 Kate sits with Rose. 
 
 Walter. Do you hear that? Go on, nigger, nigger. 
 
 Sam. Well, if I am a nigger, I am as good as you are. 
 
 Walter. Listen to that. Will you shoot the nigger? 
 
 Joe. No — no. 
 
 AValter. Well, all right. Now, gentlemen, I have here 
 medicines of all kinds for coughs, colds, &c., &c., &c. 
 
 Joe. Shut up, we don't want any of your stuff. 
 
 Walter. Well, haven't I. 
 
 Joe. Well, shut up. {Joe draics a jnstol). 
 
 AValter. You bet. 
 
 Joe, Say, Sam, give us a little song. 
 
 Walter. Say, is the nigger going to sing? 
 
 Joe. Yes, he is. 
 
 Walter. AVell, I said he was. 
 
 Song by Sam. 
 
 Kate. Say, Splinter, suppose you give us a song. 
 
 Walter. No, I never sing. 
 
 Kate draws a pistol . 
 
 Kate, What's that you said? 
 
 Walter. Oh, all right, I'll sing. 
 
 Song by Walter. 
 
 Joe. Well, boys, suppose we go down to Red Rock Gulch, 
 and see if we can find any trace of the stage robbers. We 
 must stop it, or after awhile we will be afraid to sleej). Are 
 you all with me ? {The gang say yes). 
 
 Joe. Well, let's be off. 
 They all leave on left but Delmont and Jim. Rose and Kate go in 
 the house 
 
 Delmont, That's right. Run on, fools, after something 
 you will never find. Come, Jim, we will helj) them hunt and 
 if they do strike a trail, we can throw them off. 
 
 Both laugh and leave on left. Dick eaters fro)n left. 
 
 Dick. Travelers' Rest, but none for me. For two long and 
 
10 
 
 weary years have I searched for my brother, but no tidings of 
 
 liim yet. Ah ! If we could meet, so I couhl grasp his hand 
 
 as I did when he left me in New York. But that dream! 
 
 If it be true, we shall never meet again, for it haunts me like 
 
 a spirit from the other "world, saying, Dick, your brother is 
 
 dead. 
 
 Dick sits on table. Kit enters from Jiouse, slajjs Dick on shoulder. 
 
 Kit. Hello, stranger ! You look sad. 
 
 Dick. Yes, little one, I was thinking of days gone by. 
 
 Kit. Give us five, for I like you already. 
 
 Dick. Ah, get out ! 
 
 Kit. Yes, I do, for you put me in mind of a man I saw 
 once. His name was Rattle Snake Dick. 
 
 Dick. Well, my little bird, you are talkingto that man now. 
 
 Kit. Oh, go on ! Are you really Rattle Snake Dick ? 
 
 Dick. Yes. 
 
 Kit. Well, you are the very man I want to see now, you 
 must come to our cabin. 
 
 Dick. Not to-night, but I will come to-morrow. 
 
 Kit. All right. Come, I will show you where it is. (Dick 
 and Kit go back of stage). Do you see the cabin that sets 
 against the bluff yonder ? 
 
 Dick. Yes. 
 
 Kit. Well, that's where dad and I live. Now, don't for- 
 get to come. 
 
 Dick. All right, little bright eyes, I won't forget to come. 
 
 Kit. Good-bye, Dick. 
 
 Kit leaves on left. Rose enters from house and sits doion. 
 
 Rose. I wonder where my poor father is. He should not 
 have come out here alone. If I could only find Richard 
 Rockford. He must be out here somewhere, but I suppose 
 he is dead by this time. He was so good and true, and if he 
 was here, I would have one friend, but, as it is, I am alone in 
 this wild place. {Rose reads from pajwr). Returned to the 
 mountains, the notorious gambler. Rattle Snake Dick, a great 
 man for fair play and a square deal. So, beware ! Do not 
 try to play him foul. Rattle Snake Dick ! Thats a queer 
 name. {Dick walks to the front and speaks aside). 
 
 Dick. Rose AVainwright ! What brings her here? There 
 is something wrong, and I must find it out. But, how? I 
 don't want her to know me. Ah ! I have it. 
 
 Dick throws a Jiandkerchief by her side. 
 
 Dick Miss, excuse me, but you have dropped your hand- 
 kerchief. 
 
 Rose. Oh, thank you. Sir, but I think it is yours. 
 
 Dick. AVell, I declare ! How did it get over here? 
 
 Rose. I don't know, Sir, but I am sure it belougs to you. 
 
 Dick. Oh, its mine, of course it is. Let me see. Oh, yes, 
 thats mine, and I am very glad you found it. I say, Miss, 
 
11 
 
 tliats a nice flower you have. Would you mind giving it to 
 me? 
 
 Rose. Well, Sir, you may have it, here it is. 
 
 Dick. Oh, thank you, Miss. This is very pretty, but it is 
 ; ot half as pretty as you are. 
 
 Rose. Now, Sir, you are flattering me. 
 
 Dick. No, I am not, for that is the truth. By the way. 
 Miss, if you have no objections, I would like to know your 
 name. 
 
 Rose. My name is Rose Wainwright. 
 
 Dick. Rose is a very pretty name. I loved a girl by the 
 name of Rose. 
 
 Rose. What was her full name? 
 
 Dick. That I will tell you some other time, for I have a 
 story to tell you about a rose. 
 
 Rose. Why not tell me now ? 
 
 Dick. No, you must wait until this flower is withered, but 
 tell me, Miss Rose, are you out here alone? 
 
 Rose. Yes, Dick. 
 
 Dick. Are you not afraid, when these hills are full of rob- 
 bers and outlaAvs? {,Ros6 gets up). 
 
 Rose. I might have been afraid, but trouble and sorrow 
 have taken all my fears away. 
 
 Dick. In trouble ! Well ! There's my hand, Miss. It 
 must never be said that Rattle Snake Dick ever deserted a 
 lady in distress. 
 
 Rose sjjea'ks aside 
 
 Rose. Rattle Snake Dick ! I must make this man my 
 friend. (Rose speaks to Dick). Are you Rattle Suake Dick, 
 the great gambler? 
 
 Dick. Yes, Miss, I am a gambler, but, I only do it to drown 
 the load of sorrow that weighs upon my heart. 
 
 Rose. Oh, Sir, if I have offended you, I did not mean it. 
 
 Dick. There, there, Miss, you have not. It makes no 
 difference what I am, so my heart is in the right place. Our 
 lives are but games of cards and we all have a game to play. 
 Some are dealt riches, others poverty. We play through life's 
 long and weary game until the Maker calls to see our hands. 
 What are the stakes ? The grave is all, for rich and poor 
 alike. They bury a rich man by the side of a drunkard. As 
 the years of time' roll by, none of us can tell, even though we 
 raise the mouldy bones", which grave holds the riches. There 
 is an old saying. Miss, and a true one: "There's many an 
 honest heart beats under an old rag". Now, Miss, if I can 
 help you, tell me your trouble and I swear to be your friend. 
 
 Rose. I believe you. Mister. 
 
 Dick. Just call me plain Dick. (Rose sits down). 
 
 Rose. Well, Dick, my trouble is this. Two months ago, my 
 father left his home in "New York to attend to some business 
 
12 
 
 in San Francisco and he has not been heard of since. This 
 is tlie hist i)lace we heard from him and no one knows where 
 lie is. I fear he is dead. 
 
 Dick. No, no, Miss, not that bad I hope. Did lie have any 
 money wdth him ? 
 
 Rose. He had but very little. 
 
 Dick. Do you know of any enemy that might have done 
 him harm ? 
 
 Rose. Yes, Dick, one. A man sjwke to me to-day, whose 
 voice I recognized. If my suspicions be true, he is at the bot- 
 tohi of it all. His name is Carl Bradford. 
 
 Dick. Carl Bradford? My God! How that name burns 
 my very heart ' {Rose gets ^qf). 
 
 Rose. Dick, you are not well. I will call Miss Carter. 
 
 Dick. No, no. Miss. It is only a little nervous shock, I 
 have travelled so far to-day. You can depend on me, I hope 
 to find your father for you, alive and well. Now, Miss, as I 
 am verry tired, I must seek the hospitality of the old Rest for 
 awhile. ' So, good-bye, till we meet again. {Bick goes in house). 
 
 Rose. {Speaks aside). What a strange man he is. I won- 
 der who that girl. Rose, is, he spoke of. How he started at 
 the name of Carl Bradford. Can it be Richard? No, no. 
 AVhy should he change his name? 
 
 Miss Carter enters from house. 
 
 Miss Carter. Miss Rose. Miss Rose. Oh, there you are. 
 I was worried about you. Where have you been? 
 
 Rose. I have been right here talking to Rattle Snake Dick. 
 Is he not a strange man ? 
 
 Miss Carter. Yes, but a truer hearted man never was born. 
 Why, Miss, he has a heart as big as that house. If you ever 
 get into trouble, call on him. He is right there every time. 
 
 Rose. Then you know him. 
 
 Miss Carter. Yes. He saved my brother's life once and I 
 can never forget him. Come, let us go in, supper is ready. 
 Rose and Miss Carter go in the house. Sam enters from left 
 
 Sam. {Speaks aside). 1 don't like the way those two greasere 
 are sneaking around here. It looks like there is going to be 
 some trouble. I am going to stay right here and the first ons 
 of those two fellows that comes fooling around here, I will 
 dislocate his smeller. I will make him think he was struck 
 by lightning. 
 
 Sam goes in the house. Belmont and Jim enter from left. 
 
 Delmont. Jim, we must try our hand to-night. Have you 
 got the cloak? 
 
 Jim. Yes,^ Cap, here it is. {Jim looks in the door). See, 
 Cap, luck is in our favor. She is coming this way. 
 
 Delmont. Good. Now, Jim, when she comes out, you 
 throw the cloak over her and we can take her to the cave 
 without any noise. 
 
13 
 
 Jim. All right, Cap, and if we need any help, I have brought 
 8ome of the boys with me. 
 
 Rofie enters froDi house, speaks aside. 
 Rose. The more I see of that man, the more I— 
 
 Jim tJu'ows the cloak. 
 Delmont. Away with her, Jim. 
 
 Kate enters fro )/i left with pistols^ 
 Kate. Here, drop that lady, or I'll drop you, 
 Delmont. Curse you, I will— 
 
 Sam enters from right tnth pistol. 
 Sam. No, you won't 
 Delmont. She must go with me, for she is my wife. 
 
 Dick enters from right. 
 Dick. You lie. 
 Delmont. What's that, you — 
 Delmont draws a \inife. Dick grabs his arm, throws the knife 
 away. 
 Dick. I said you lie. 
 
 Delmont. I say she is my wife and I can prove it. 
 Dick. Stop where you are. The lady shall speak for her- 
 self. Miss, are you his wife ? 
 
 Rose. No, Dick. It is some plot of his to get me in his 
 power. 
 Dick. And I believe you. 
 Kit. So do I, every time. 
 
 Dick. Why, you white- livered scoundrel. Your wife. If 
 I knew she was, I would swear that the last day had come, 
 and the devil was a friend to an angel. Now, Sir, if j^ou want 
 her, come and take her. 
 Kit. And I am with you, Dick. 
 
 Delmont hloiDS a u^histle. 
 Dick. Yes, I see your dogs are well trained. 
 
 The gang enter from left. 
 Delmont. Now, I say that woman is my wife and she 
 must go with me. Down with him, boys. 
 Dic\i drairs two pistols. 
 Dick. Stand back. I will shoot the first man that dares to 
 move another inch. 
 
 Jim comes behind Dick with a knife. 
 Rose. My God ! Dick ! 
 Kit fires at Jim. Jim drops his knife and holds his torist. 
 
 Tableau 
 
 End of Second Act. 
 
 ACT THIRD. 
 
 Sam enters with a bottle. 
 Sam. I don't know why it is I'm not afraid of spirits. My 
 mother used to keep a spirit boarding house and those spirits 
 were the ghostliest looking people I ever saw in my life, but 
 
14 
 
 I never was afraid of them when I got them by the neck. 
 Wei] I guess I will have my morning drink. Here she goes. 
 {Sam drinks). Oh, there is nothing like a good old drink of 
 gin. Have another, Sam. AVell, bless j^our old soul, I don't 
 care if I do. {Sam drinks). Now, I feel like another man. 
 Well, I guess I will give the other man a drink. {Drinks). 
 Kate enters from back. 
 
 Kate. Sam, what are you doing? 
 
 Sam. Nothing, only talking to myself, its a very bad habit 
 I have. 
 
 Kate. Yes, I should say it was. What is that you have 
 behind you? 
 
 Sam. I isn't got nothing. 
 
 Kate, Yes, you have. Let me see your hand. Now, the 
 other one. 
 
 Sam. See, I isn't got nothing. 
 
 Kate. Let me see them both. 
 8am. sets tlie bottle on the floor, holds out both hands. Kate walks 
 behind Sam. 
 
 Kate. What do you call this? 
 
 Sam. Call what? Me? I is a colored gentleman. 
 
 Kate. No. This. 
 
 Sam. Now, Miss Kit, I just seen you put that there, 'cause 
 I did not know anything about it. Suppose I had knocked it 
 over. 
 
 Kate. No, I did not set it there. 
 
 Sam. Well, who did? Say, Miss Kit, I believe there is 
 spirits around here, 'cause it" must have been one put that 
 bottle there. 
 
 Kate. Yes, I guess there is, Sam, plenty, and if you keep 
 on drinking them, you will see snakes. Here, I want you to 
 take a message for me. 
 
 Sam. All right. Miss Kit. 
 
 Kate. Take this note to Rattle Snake Dick if you can find 
 him, and to no one else. 
 
 Sam. All right. Miss Kit, but, look out for the spirits. 
 Sam leaves in back. 
 
 Kate. {Speaks aside). Poor Miss Rose. They have suc- 
 ceeded in carrying her off, but she must be found at all haz- 
 ards. I wonder what keeps Dick. He is here one minute 
 and gone the next. Poor fellow, he has a secret that no one 
 knows but himself. 
 Kate leaves in back. Miss Carter and Walter enter from the back. 
 
 Miss Carter. Oh, Mister Splinter, how could you be so 
 cruel ? 
 
 Walter. Oh, Prusilla, come to my arms. If you only 
 knew how I love you, how my heart is going flippety-flop in 
 my bosom, you would not turn from me. You are the first 
 and only one of your fair sex I ever loved. I can not live with- 
 
15 
 
 out you. I Would give worlds and kingdoms to possess your 
 love. Oh, heavens ! Do not drive me mad. 
 
 Miss Carter. Oh, Mister Splinter ! 
 
 AValter. Oh, Prusilla, just call me Walter. 
 
 Miss Carter. AValter, do you really love me? 
 
 AValter. Oh, Prusilla, I love you so well, I could eat you. 
 
 Miss Carter. What? 
 
 AValter. I mean that— that I adore you. There is no other 
 woman in this great world that has such beauty, such violet 
 blue eyes, such lovely hair, such features of innocence and 
 purity. Who could help but love 3'ou? 
 
 Miss Carter. Oh, AV alter ! 
 
 AValter. Oh, Prusilla ! 
 
 Miss Carter. AA^alter, I am yours. {They embrace) 
 
 AA^alter Mine at last. I have won the queen of the moun- 
 tains. 
 
 Miss Carter. Oh, AValter ! {Kate txiid Sam listen) 
 
 Kate. Oh, rats ! {Walter sta nds behind Miss Carter) 
 AVai.ter. Fear not, Prusilla, for I swear to protect you with 
 mv life. 
 
 Miss Carter. Oh, AValter ! 
 
 Walter. Come, Prusilla, let us go and look at the beautiful 
 flowers growing. There we can talk of love and not be dis- 
 turbed in our happy dreams. Come my darling, if you are 
 weak, lean on my strong arm. 
 
 Walter and Miss Carter leave in back. Kit and Sam enter from> 
 the back. 
 
 Sam. Come my darling, if you are weak, lean on my strong 
 arm. Oh, AA^'alter ! [^Sam laughs] 
 
 Kate. Say, Sam, they've got them bad. 
 
 Sam. AA^ell, I should smile. But, Miss Kit, I could not find 
 Dick. 
 
 Kate. All right, Sam, you stay here and look out for 
 things, while I go and find dad. [^Kate leaves in back] 
 
 Sam. [Spectks aside]. AA^ell, old Splinter is in love. I wish 
 I was in love. Its like — its like — what the devil is it like ? 
 I've never been there myself, but know where there is a 
 black gal and she is a dandy too. To-morrow night I am go- 
 ing to see her, and if she don't either marry me, or become 
 my wife, why she won't, thats all about it. 
 Sam gets doioi behind the bar. Belmont aJid Jim enter from back. 
 
 Delmont. No one about? Jim, that was a pretty slick 
 trick we did in getting the girl. 
 
 Jim. Yes, Cap, but, where did you take her? 
 
 Delmont. To the cave. 
 
 Jim. But, suppose this Rattle Snake Dick finds it out? 
 ^ Delmont. Let him find it out, curse him ! He will never 
 find the cave, I will kill him the next time we meet for block- 
 ing my game at the Rest. 
 
16 
 
 Jnr. Yes, he came very near laying me out, but, beware 
 Cap, for he is a dead-shot and every time he pulls trigger, 
 something drops. 
 
 Delmont. Bah ! I do not fear him, but I must be going 
 Jim, for they may suspect me. You stay here and learn all 
 you can. If that Rattle Snake Dick comes around and you 
 get a chance, drive a knife in his ribs. Don't forget to find 
 out what they are going to do about the girl. 
 
 Jim. All right, Cap, I will see to it. 
 
 [Delmont leaves in back. Sam gets up, speaks aside] 
 
 Sam. So they've got Miss Rose, and they are going to drive 
 a knife in Master Dick's ribs, but they aint if this nigger 
 knows his business, 'cause I is going to watch him with both 
 eyes open. 
 
 [Joe enters with gang in the back] 
 
 Joe. AVell, boys, we are here. Ther's that greaser's friend. 
 
 Jim. Come, boys, have a drink with me. 
 [Walter enters with gang]. 
 
 Walter. Did you say a drink, Sir ? 
 
 Jim. Yes. 
 
 Walter. I don't care if I do. Sam give me a bottle of 
 champagne. 
 
 Sam. All right, Splinter, here you are. 
 
 [Walter drinks, spits it out] 
 
 Walter. Look here, nigger. What are you trying to do, 
 poison me? You knew what was in that bottle. It is horse 
 medicine. Now, Sir, remember you are playing j^mr tricks 
 on a lawyer and I won't have it. I will send your case to 
 Court, so beware, for I see snakes. 
 
 Sam. I know you do, for that bottle was full of them. 
 
 AValter. What's that, you dark cloud of Africa? 
 
 Joe. Say, boys, throw that pill-box out. 
 
 [The gang throw Walter out. Jim and Jake speak aside) 
 
 Jake. I tell you, Jim, we are hunted too close. They are 
 on us like bloodhounds. That Rattle Snake Dick is well 
 named, for he is as much like a snake as he is a man. If 
 something isn't done, and quick too, we are lost. Do you hear? 
 
 Jim. Yes. Curse him ! We must put him out of the way. 
 [Walter enters] 
 
 Walter. Say, nigger, I will lay for you outside. 
 
 Joe. Get out. 
 
 (Walter goes out. Kate enters from back) 
 
 Kate. Why, hello, dad. I have been looking every where 
 for you. 
 
 (Walter enters while thej^ are talking, takes a drink, lights a 
 cigar, takes a paper and sits at the table) 
 
 Joe. Hello, Kit. I have good news for you. Rattle Snake 
 Dick is coming to-night. 
 
 Kate. All right, dad. We will have a good time, for it is 
 my birthday. I will go and meet Dick. 
 
(Kate leaves in the back) 
 Sam. Three cheers for Keiio Kit ! Hip — hip ! All join in. 
 Dick, (speaks outside) Hello, 3'ou little rat. Yonaretry- 
 inir to play a joke on me, hey ! 
 
 (Dick enters langhino; with Kate from Ijack. Jim walks to 
 Dick with lit cigarette) 
 Jim. HeUo, friemh Yon seem to he thick with that littler 
 Jial. 
 
 (Dick takes Jim's cigarette, tlirows it away) 
 Dick. Well, yes. Haven't I a right to? 
 Jim. Say, who the devil are you? And where did you 
 come from ? 
 
 Dick. I am a man wlio always wants a square deal, and 
 when I don't get it, some one gets hurt. 
 
 Jim. Stranger I like your nerve. Give me your hand. 
 Dick. When we are i)etter acquainted. There's my card. 
 (Jim runs at Dick with a knife) 
 
 Jim. Curse you ! I will kill you. 
 
 (Dick graV)s Jim's arm) 
 Dick. That's only a bluff. Put that knife up, (;»r you'll get 
 euchered. 
 
 [Jim walks away. Jake goes to Dick] 
 Jake. Say, you don't know me. I am Wild Jake, the ter- 
 ror of these parts for miles around. When you get me mad 
 enough to fight, I am worse than a flock of wild cats. When 
 I roar, you think the whole world is in an eartlKpiake. When 
 I move, I go like a streak of greased lightning. I never went 
 after a man yet, but that died before got to him. If you 
 are not away from here when I count three, I will be on you 
 like a grizzly. 
 
 Dick. Well, are you through? 
 Jake. No. 
 [Dick grabs Jake, throws him on his knees, points a pistol in 
 his face] 
 Dick. Up with your hands. 
 
 [Jake throws up his hands] 
 Dick. Well, thunderbolt, where would you like to be Iniried? 
 Jake. Don't kill me. Mister Rattle Snake Dick, please don't. 
 Dick. No, get up, you are too l)ig a coward to die now. 
 Boys, have a drink with me. 
 
 [They all drink but Jim] 
 Dick. AVon't you have a drink with me? 
 Jim. No, I never drink with strangers. 
 Dick. Well, here she goes, boys. 
 [Walter gives a toast on Dick's treat. Dick walks to the front. 
 Jim goes behind him with a knife. Dick turns] 
 Jim. Stranger, will you take a hand in the game? 
 Dick. No, I prefer to be a looker-on. 
 
 [Jim, Jake and Joe play cards] 
 
IS 
 
 Joe. Sam, you and Splinter amuse tlie boys for awhile. 
 
 Kate. Yes, Sam, you start the ball rollinu'. 
 
 [Songs by Sam, Splinter and Kate] 
 
 Joe. Iwill go all I've got on this hand. 
 
 Ji.M. Then I call you. The money is mine. 
 
 Dick. No, it is mine. 
 [Dick throws Jim off the chair, draws pistol and shoots Jake. 
 The gang runs at Dick] 
 
 Kate. Stop, boys. What do you mean? 
 
 Dick. Drop that weapon, or by the Eternal you'll go un- 
 der. Drop it, I say. 
 
 (Jim droi)s the knife) 
 
 Dick, Men and pards, I am not one that has come here to 
 be shot down like a dog by these cut-throats, who are so vile 
 as to cheat this old man, and I don't believe your sense of 
 justice will allow it. I caught these men cheating. They 
 each have a pack of cards about them, similar to the ones 
 they are playing with. Now, is this right to one with gray 
 hair, a man, old enough to command respect, not to be de- 
 frauded of his gold. {The gang say it isn't right) 
 
 Dick. Then, I demand they give back the money they 
 have cheated him out of. Do you agree with me in this, boys? 
 {The gang say yes) 
 
 Dick. You have heard what they said, so give up the gold. 
 
 Jim. Stranger, you have chipped in pretty well for an un- 
 known pilgrim. To accuse me of cheating with your soft 
 tongue, has turned the heads of these fools against me, so I 
 yield. The old man shall have back his gold. There laj^s 
 my pile as I won it, but no mam can come into these camps 
 and accuse me of cheating without fighting. So, I say you can 
 prepare for music at the drop of a hat. There is going to be 
 more toes turned up here to-night. You must play me a 
 game. It may show these fools that I am square, and if you 
 lose, you better prepare to joass in your chips. Do you hear ? 
 
 Kate. Yes, we do. Now, listen to me. You and your 
 dead pard have made it your business to play cards with my 
 dad whenever you had a chance, and always to cheat him. I 
 thought that was what you did, and now, this man has proved 
 it. You have robbed him of many a dollar, for you knew his 
 weakness in gambling ; but let that pass for I have something 
 important to say to you. We are to play a game for life or 
 death. The loser is to stand five paces in front of the winner 
 and meet his death. Both are not to be armed mind you, 
 only the winner, and the loser is to die. Come, if you win, 
 you are to kill me. 
 
 Jim. I am not the man to kill a girl, even though I won. 
 
 Kate. Bah ! You are the man to commit any crime under 
 the sun. 
 
 Jim, AVhat is this game to be? 
 
 Kate. Call it poker, the highest cards to win. Let the 
 
10 
 
 stakes be your life and mine, your weapons and mine. Do 
 you understand ? 
 
 Jim. Yes, but the boys would not let me go if I killed you. 
 
 Kate. Oh, yes, they will, for they must promise me that. 
 Men, do you pledge me your word to let this man go if he 
 wins this game and kills me? 
 
 Dick. Stop men, if you call yourselv€'S such. This must 
 not be. Kit, for I will take your place. 
 
 Kate. But, sup])ose you lose, Dick? 
 
 Dick. Then, all I ask is for 3 on never to forget the name 
 of Rattle Snake Dick. But, lose I will not, for I always play 
 to win and never give up while there is one chip left on the 
 Ijoard. Now, Sir, you will have to play a game with me. 
 Put your weapons on the table and take your seat, 
 bring me a new pack of cards. 
 
 Sa:m. Here you are. Master Dick. 
 
 The game. They cut for deal. 
 
 Kate. Lost ! {Jim gets uj)) 
 
 Jim. You have lost, for I hold four kings. 
 
 Dick. Yes, that is a good hand, but it is your time to die 
 for I hold four aces. Take your stand. 
 
 Kate. Bravo, Dick ! 
 
 Dick. Joe, you measure five ])aces. Kit, you count. Now 
 Sir, you have played and lost. Your time has come. 
 
 Kate. One — two — three — 
 
 Joe grabs Dick's arm 
 
 Joe. Hold, Dick, he is not fit to die. Novr, Sir I have 
 spared your life. Go. (Jim leaves in back) 
 
 Kate. Now, boys, bury this one. Y"ou see who it is. 
 77/(7/ ^*^^^ carri/ out the body of Wild Jake in back but Kit, Dick 
 and Joe. 
 
 Dick. I say. Kit, you have made him one of your worst 
 enemies in the camp. 
 
 Kate. Oh, I don't care, Dick, for I will kill him on sight 
 the next time we meet. I have a pai:)er to show 3'ou, Dick. 
 
 Dick. Well, my little rosebud, where is it ? 
 
 Kate. I'm not your rosebud. Miss Ri;se is, eh, Dick? 
 
 Dick. Oh, get out ! 
 
 Kate. All right, Dick, I will get the paper. 
 
 Kate leaves on right. Dick speaks aside. 
 
 Dick. There she goes. The more I see her the more she 
 reminds me of my brother's wife. I say, Joe, tell me the 
 truth. Is that girl your child ? 
 
 Dick and Joe drink at bar. 
 
 Joe. Well, pard Dick, I don't mind telling you, for I think 
 you are square. I don't think I shall live much longer, for I 
 am getting old. I remember her dear father's words to this 
 day. They were : "Swear to me, Joe, that you will protect 
 my child". Pard Dick, I have done it, but some one else 
 must know, so she will have a friend when I am gone. Sit 
 
20 
 
 down, Dick, and I will tell you her .story. To hegin with, up 
 in the mountains lived a man and wife. A truer and braver 
 man was never born. Kit was their only child. He had a 
 mine, a good one, and plenty of gold in the cabin. The last 
 nugget he found, the poor fellow showed it to me. He said 
 when he found another like it, he was going home to New 
 York. We thought we were the only ones that knew any- 
 thing about it, but we were not. Everything went well 
 till one day I was going to camp I heard two men talking. 1 
 could not get close enough to see their faces, but tne few 
 words I could hear were about the gold. I hastened back to 
 his cabin and told him what I had heard, that he was to be 
 robbed. I told him I would get help. Not thinking they 
 would come so early, I left to get help. I got back, only to 
 tind them both weltering in their blood. I sent tlie boys 
 after the robbers, but they could not be caught. Not long 
 since, I found out that it was a band known as the "Black 
 Bravos". No one knows who they are, where they stay, or 
 who is their chief. 
 
 Dick. Are you sure it was that band that murdered them? 
 I must say, Joe, I am interested in this game, for I like the 
 little girl. You can rest assured that if anything happens to 
 you, I will be her sworn friend. 
 
 Joe. -Thank you, Dick, I think you will, for you have a 
 true heart. 
 
 Dick. By the way, Joe, did you know her father's name? 
 
 Joe. Yes. His name was Frank Ilockford. 
 
 Dick. My God ! My brother ! At last I have heard the 
 first sad news of him. My brother dead ! Oh, Frank, Frank, 
 why did you leave New York! I am too late. You have 
 been murdered for gold. Oh, Father of eternal mercy look 
 down on me and calm my burning brain. Do not leave me 
 here to go mad ! Mad ! 
 
 A shot is fired in the door by Jim. Joe falls. Kate enters frow 
 right and kneels by Joe^s side. 
 
 Kate. My God, Dick ! They have killed dad. 
 
 Dick. Yes, little one. That shot was intended for me, not 
 him. May your spirit rest in peace, Joe. For every drop of 
 blood you shed to-night, each member of that band sliall shed 
 two. 
 
 Kate. Dead ! Oh, why can't I die? 
 The oath. 
 
 Dick. Die ! No, you must live ; live to help me in this 
 mission of vengeance, live to see my father's and brother's 
 assassins lay dying at your feet, live to see my knife do its 
 deadly work like a creeping adder, in the silent hours of 
 night, pouring forth its poison in the veins of its chosen vic- 
 tims. Over this faithful Ijody which has breathed its last, 
 I rencAV a brother's oath. I will not rest day or night, nor 
 will I leave one crevice in these hills unsearched, nor one 
 
21 
 
 stone unturneil. AVe, as two avengers, will follow them, step 
 
 ])y step, to their doom, if it be from the rising to the setting 
 
 sun, or to a land where no human foot has ever trod. ^Nlay I 
 
 become one of the commonest curs on earth in the eyes of 
 
 God and man if I fail to do as we have sworn. 
 
 Tableau. 
 
 End of Third Act, 
 
 ACT FOURTH, Scene First. 
 
 Delmont and Jim enter from right. 
 
 Delmont. I say, Jim, all the boys are up in arms about the 
 last robbery, and the disappearance of the girl. {Delmont 
 liiighs) So we better keep shady for awhile at least. 
 
 Jim. That's so, Cap, but we will never be troubled with 
 that that Rattle Snake Dick, as he calls himself, again. 
 
 Delmont. Why so, Jim? 
 
 Jim. I shot liim last night at old Joe's ranch. 
 
 Delmont. Are you sure you killed him? 
 
 Jim. Yes, Cap, I aimed for his heart. 
 
 Delmont. Well, I am glad of that, for he was in our w^ay, 
 as he was a dangerous man. He will never cross my path 
 again, curse him. But, we must look out. Let us go to the 
 cave. 
 
 Jim. All right. Cap. 
 
 Jim leaves on left. Belmont speaks aside. 
 
 Delmont. Now to see that old fool at the cave. If he 
 don't sign this paper making me his heir to his property and 
 his daughter my wife, I will feed his carcass to the wolves. 
 Delmont laughs and, leaves on left. Dick enters from right. 
 
 Dick. {Speaks aside) My brother's murderers ! Go on 
 blind fools, for I am on your trail. I will stick to it like a 
 hound. Hello ! Thej^ disappear in that canyon. I bet my 
 life they have a hiding place in it. Some one coming this 
 way. Why, it is Kit, the brightest ray of sunshine that ever 
 shone upon my life. {Kate enters from right) 
 
 IvATe. Hello, Dick ! What are you doing here? 
 
 Dick. Do you see that canyon yonder ? 
 
 Kate. Yes, Dick. 
 
 Dick. I saw those two men, whom we suppose are "Black 
 Bravos", go in there. I mean to track them to their doom. 
 
 Kate. But you must not go alone. They will kill you. 
 
 Dick. Thatmatters not. They killed my brother, why 
 not kill me also. But before I die, I will leave my mark 
 among them. 
 
 Kate. {Speaks aside) Then what will become of me, and 
 and how will it all end? 
 
 Dick. There, there, cheer up, little one. Remember we 
 are two avengers now, l^ound together by an oath which must 
 not be broken. It is to me like a knife thrust into my heart, 
 causing a w-ound which will never heal until the last of my 
 brother's assassins lies at my feet, gasping for breath, and 
 
cursing the motlier that gave him birth. But see, Kit, these 
 foot-prints. They have taken Rose this way. I am surely 
 on the riglit trail, and must go alone. You go back to camj). 
 and two hours before the sun goes down, follow my trail, if I 
 am not back, I will mark it for you with this handkerchief. 
 If I do return, it will be marked with l)]ood. Good-bye, Kit, 
 and don't forget the hour. 
 
 Dick leaves on left. Kate speaks aside. 
 
 Kate. Yes, I will be on hand, you can depend on me. 
 Now to get some of the boys to go with me, and I will follow 
 at once. If harm comes to him, it would have been better 
 for every mem]:>er of that band if they had died when they 
 were born. They have wrung the death blood from many an 
 honest man and woman. {Kate lectres on right) 
 
 Scene opens. Robert Wainwright bound a 2)risoner. 
 
 Robert. Why don't help come and deliver me from this 
 prison ? 
 
 Dehnont enters from left. 
 
 Delmont. Well, Sir, how do you feel to-day ? I hope you 
 are enjoying good health. 
 
 Robert. Yes, I am. I demand to know why I am kei)t in 
 this- place. {Delmont laughs) 
 
 Delmont. Oh, you would? AVell I will tell j'ou. It is re- 
 venge. I supjwse you know who I am, by this time. Do you 
 remember the blows you made your servants strike me, when 
 I came to see your daughter, for I loved her? 
 
 Robert. Carl Bradford, you lie! You talk of love? It 
 was some hellish scheme of yours to get me and my child in 
 your power, but it failed, as this one will, for the justice of 
 heaven will come sooner or later. I did tell my servants to 
 drive you from the place and as old a man as I am to-day, if 
 my hands were loose I would thrash you within an inch of 
 your life, but you have me Ijound up like a dog, so do your 
 worst. I do not fear you nor your threats. 
 
 Delmont. You talk rather fast for a man in your standing, 
 I have your daughter in my power also. She came out here 
 in search of you. 
 
 Robert. My child here. In heaven's name, man, what 
 do you mean? Where is she? 
 
 Delmont. {Laughing) I thought you would come down a 
 little, but you will never see her only on one condition. 
 
 Robert. And that is? 
 
 Delmont. That you sign this paper which will make me 
 heir to your property whgn I marry your daughter. Refuse 
 and I will force her to become my wife, go away from here 
 and leave you to die by slow starvation, for no one knows 
 where this place is. Now, will you sign? 
 
 Robert. No, a hundred times, no. Death is preferable to 
 sacrificing mj' daughter's life and lionor to such a villain as 
 
28 
 
 you. Now, you have my answer. It is no. So leave me to 
 iny fate. 
 
 Delmont. Well, Sir, you have seale<l your own doom. 
 Delinont cdlU Jim. 
 
 Robert. {Speaks dskle) My child in his ])Ower. What 
 shall I do ? Wliat shail I do ? 
 
 Jim enters with gang from left. 
 
 Jim. Well, I am here, Cap. 
 
 Delmont. Take that old fool, Ijind him hand and foot, and 
 put him in yonder cliff. Do you hear? 
 
 Jim. All right, Cap. Come on, boys. 
 
 Robert. Carl Bradford, if any harm comes to my child 
 from you or yours, my curse will follow you to the grave. 
 
 Delmont. Bah ! Take him away, boys. 
 
 The gang leave with Robert in back. 
 
 Delmont. {Speaks aside) Yes, old friend, I have your 
 daughter and I am going to keep her. Oh, I will make a good 
 son-in-law. {Laughs) 
 
 The gang enter from back. 
 
 Delmont. Now, boys, you may go. 
 
 2he gang leave on left. 
 
 Jim. Say, Cap, what are you going to do with the old man? 
 
 Delmont. Kill him. He refused to sign the paper. Jim, 
 where is the girl? 
 
 Jim. She is locked up in yonder. 
 
 Delmont. Bring her here. 
 
 Jim. All right. Cap. {Jim leaves on left) 
 
 Del:mont. {Speaks aside) Now^ to see wdiat the fair Rose 
 has to say. {Jim enters from left with Rose) 
 
 Jim. There she is. Cap. 
 
 Delmont. Jim, you may go. (/^ leaves on left) 
 
 .Delmont. Well, Miss Rose, hoAV do you like your new 
 home? 
 
 Rose. Carl Bradford, wdiy did you bring me here? Where 
 is my father, whom you said 1 would see? I see it all now. 
 You told me that, so that I would come without force, but I 
 might have known what a villain you are. You have lied to 
 me. Now, I demand to leave this place at once. 
 
 Delmont. That you will never do until you become my 
 w'ife. Listen to me. Rose. I love you. I loved you from 
 the first day we met. Every time I saw you in New York, I 
 loved you more and more, until it turned to madness, and I 
 swore to make you mine. I asked you then to be my wife, 
 but you refused. I ask you now, will you consent? Let by- 
 gones be by-gones, and forget the past. Rose, think of how I 
 love you. With you, I could be a better man. Now% what is 
 your answer? 
 
 Rose. No ! I refused you once, and I refuse you now\ 
 What, wreck my life and happiness with you, who have com- 
 mitted a hundred crimes, you, who have tried your best to 
 
24 
 
 ruin my father? You talk of love. You Jo not know what 
 the word means. Do the little birds love the cold winter's 
 blast that covers the land with snow ? Do the shepherds love 
 the wolves that steal in under cover of night to devour their 
 flocks and drive the innocent lamb astray? Do the lions love 
 the hunters who are always in search of their young? No! 
 Nor do I love you. Your talk is insulting to a lady, you cow- 
 ardly villain and murderer. 
 
 Delmont. Take care, girl ! 
 
 JJelmord draws a knife. Rose draws a pistol. 
 
 Rose. Stop where you are, or 1 will send a Inillet crashing 
 through your brain. 
 
 DEL:NroxT. Seize her, Jim. 
 Delmont grahs Rose, takes airay the j)istol and calls the gancj. Jiin 
 enters with gang from left. 
 
 Delmoxt. Here, boys, tie her up. 
 
 Rose. Cowards ! {Gang tie Rose on right) 
 
 Delmont. So you are getting dangerous, my proud beauty, 
 but listen to me. I have your father here, and here he stays. 
 When we are far away, living on the luxuries of his wealth, 
 he will stay here to die. I have tried you with fair means, 
 now I will try foul, for I swore you should lie my wife, or no 
 one's. If I am a murderer, it was you and yours who made 
 me what I am. I have not forgotten the night your father 
 had me kicked from his house like a dog. 
 
 Rose. Oh, Sir, do what von will with me. but spare mv fa- 
 ther. 
 
 Delmoxt. Oh yes, you are getting tamed. You haven't 
 your noble gam])rer. Rattle Snake Dick, as he call himself, to 
 take your part this time, nor never will again, for he is dead. 
 
 Rose. {Speaks aside) r%ad ! My God, we are lost. 
 
 Delj\[oxt. I will free vou both on one condition. 
 
 Rose. What is that ? " 
 
 Delmont. That you become my wife. 
 
 Rose. No ! You may kill me if you will, but become your 
 Avife ! Never ! You have my answer now and forever. 
 Your time will soon come, and heaven's judgement must fall. 
 Now, do your worst, I defy you. 
 
 Delmoxt. Then I will see what force will do. 
 
 Ji.>[. Hello ! I say, Cap, here comes some of the boys witli 
 a prisoner. {Men enter from right with Dick bound) 
 
 Dick. So that's your little game, is it, preying upon a help- 
 less girl? But take care how you play, for this is a four- 
 handed game, and one false move means death to you. 
 
 Jim. Curse you, man ! Do you bear a charmed life? I 
 shot you yesterday and saw you fall. 
 
 Dick. Then you are the man who killed old Joe Williams. 
 You black-hearted cur, if my hands were loose, I would tear 
 vou to pieces, limb from liml). Well, Sir, whv am I brousht 
 here? 
 
25 
 
 Delmont. To keep you from minding other people's 
 business. 
 
 Dick. Well, I like that. {Laughs) I only did as every 
 honest man should do when he sees such a cur insulting a de- 
 fenceless woman. 
 
 Delmont (hvnrs a knife. 
 
 Delmont. Take care, or I'll — 
 
 Dick. Strike your blow, Carl Bradford. It may ])e your 
 last chance. 
 
 Delmont. {SjjeaJcs anide) What? He knows me. 
 
 Dick. Oh, you see I know you better than you thought. 
 
 Delmont. No, for I have a better way of getting rid of such 
 as you. 
 
 Dick. Then you are going to kill me, eh ? 
 
 Delmont. Yes. 
 
 Dick. Well, I am glad of it. But listen to me. Before I 
 depart from this world, I have something to say to you. Do 
 you know anything of a man named Frank Rockford ? 
 
 Delmont. Yes, we sent him where you are going very 
 soon. He has a brother, Richard, who won't live long if we 
 ever meet. 
 
 Dick. Then you killed him? 
 
 Delmont. Yes ! AVhat is that to you? 
 
 Dick. It is this. Before another sunset in the western 
 skies, you and your whole band are doomed. If I live, that 
 much sooner will it be sealed. If I die here, my spirit will be 
 standing before you when you are breathing your last, like a 
 demon from the other world, heaping curses upon your brows, 
 and crushing you down deeper, deeper and ddeper into 
 the bottomless pits of hell where you will pay the penalty of 
 your crimes. 
 
 Delmont. Bah] We don't want any sermons preached 
 here. Tie him up, boys. {The gang take hold of Dick) 
 
 Dick. Lay on cowards, its your play now. 
 Dick struggles, throics men off. Delmont holds a pistol to Dick^s 
 head. The gang tie Dick to stake on left. 
 
 Delmont. So, my brave gambler, you have played your 
 last game. I hold the winning cards this time. Your "time 
 on earth is pretty short. At your feet is a shell loaded and a 
 fuse that runs to the top of this box. Here, Jim, light this 
 piece of candle, and place it at the end of the fuse, so that 
 when it burns out, it will explode the shell. Think then, my 
 brave fellow, while you have time, while that candle is burn- 
 ing shorter and shorter, and before those bullets drink vour 
 heart's blood, think how much longer you might have lived, 
 had you not crossed Raymond Delmont'spath. And you, my 
 proud beauty, I will leave you here to see your lover die, and 
 if you do not come to terms, you will go the same way. Do 
 you hear ? 
 
2(3 
 
 Dick. Why of course she does. Do you suppose she is 
 (leaf? 
 
 Jim. You had better he sayino; your prayers. {Laughs) 
 
 Delmont. Yes, I think so. Well boys, let's have a game 
 of cards before the funeral. 
 
 Delmont laughs and leaves icith gang on left. Jim remains. 
 
 Jim. So you've got yourself into a fix at last. 
 
 Dick. Well, it seems so. Say, Jim Ashton, I spared j^our 
 life once, now, I ask a life in return. 
 
 Jim. What, you? 
 
 Dick. Oh, no, not mine. I do not fear death. I ask you 
 to set that girl free. She is rich and will reward you. 
 
 Jim. Oh, no ! She is to be the Captain's wife. We have 
 the old man locked up in yonder, also. So, good-bye. Your 
 four aces beat my four kings. I hope you will be happy 
 where you are going. 
 
 Jim laughs and leaves on left. 
 
 Dick. (Speaks aside) Yes, but yours won't be if I am re- 
 leased from these ropes. 
 
 Rose. Oh, Dick, why did you follow me here to meet such 
 a horrible death. 
 
 Dick. Do not think of me, Rose, but only what will be- 
 come of you when I am gone. I fear not death. I have a 
 little angel w^ho watches over me. She Mdll not see ine die. 
 I seem to see her face before me now, her bright eyes shining 
 like the stars in heaven. She is saying : "Courage, Dick, 
 courage, for I am coming to save you." (Speaks aside) Only a 
 half inch of candle between me and eternity. I am shaking 
 like a leaf. Can it be my nerves are failing me for the first 
 time in my life? The sun must be near down. What if Kit 
 don't get here in time? We are lost. Am I bound to die 
 here, tied like a dog, when two helpless lives depend on my 
 freedom. (Struggles) Oh, Father of infinite justice, if I must 
 die here, lead the helpless ones I leave behind from the 
 clutches of these villains. May they reach their homes in 
 safety. Find a true friend for my brother's little child. 
 
 Rose. Dick, you must not die there. How can we escape? 
 
 Dick. We must leave it to the power of heaven. 
 
 Rose. My God ! Is there no power on earth that can re- 
 lease one of us? (Kate enters quickly from right) 
 
 Kate. Yes! Hello, Dick ! What are you doing there? 
 
 Dick. Quick, Kit, remove the candle. 
 
 Kate removes the candle and releases Dick and Rose. 
 
 Dick. Kit, have you got a knife? 
 
 Kate gives Dick a knife. 
 
 Dick. Now, Kit, you release the old man, wdiile I give 
 them the death they were going to give me. You will find 
 him in there, bound. 
 
 Kate. All right Dick. 
 
Kate leaves on right. Dick takes the shell behind the scene on left. 
 Kate enters from right irith Robert. 
 Rose. Father ! 
 RoHERT. Rose, my child ! 
 
 They embrace. Dick enters from left. 
 Dick. Now, you two go and wait for me at the entrance to 
 the cave. Go quick, delays are dangerous. 
 Robert and Kate leave on right. Dick takes keg of powder behind 
 scenes on left. Dick enters from left, lays a fuse and lights a 
 touch. The gang laugh behind the scenes. 
 Dick. That's right ; laugh on, fools. If die it is, we will 
 all die together. 
 
 Dick lights a fuse. Jim enters from left. 
 Jim. what does this mean? {Kate enters from right. 
 Kate. It means that your time has come. 
 
 Kate fires a jyistol. Jim's death. 
 Dick. Down, Kit, down, for the explosion. 
 
 The e.rjjlosion. Kate reels and falls in Dick's arons. 
 Dick. God forjjid that this innocent child should l)e a vic- 
 tim of thy vengeance. {Dick kneels) 
 Tableau. 
 End of Fourth Act. 
 
 ACT FIFTH. 
 
 Sam enters from left laughing. 
 
 Sam. Well, I never had so much fun in all my life. Splin- 
 ter and Miss Carter were sitting down here in a gulch. Oh, 
 you just ought to have seen them. They were kissing and 
 hugging and talking of love. Oh, love, love ! I wish I was 
 in love. I tixed myself up like an Indian, and you ought to 
 have seen Splinter run when I yelled. Oh, golly, how he 
 flew. {Laughs) He ran in the cabin, and I aint seen him 
 since. I expect he is deach 
 
 Walter yells behind scene. Sam laughs. 
 
 Sam. There he is now. I guess I better hide. 
 
 Sam hides on right. Walter enters from left. 
 
 Walter. Oh, Lord! My heart is in my feet. {Yells) 
 AVell, upon my soul, I never ran so fast in all my life I wish 
 I was back home. There he is again. {Yells) I am going to 
 leave here, for I have no wool to spare. I thought I was gone 
 that time. And Prusilla ! I expect they have chewed her up 
 by this time. That Indian was about nine feet high. He 
 had seventeen dirk knives and ten revolvers. He is around 
 here somewhere, and I am going, for if he catches me, he 
 will use me for a tooth -pick. Oh, Lord ! 
 
 Sam yells and cqypears. Walter kneels doirn. 
 
 Walter. Oh, Mister Indian, don't kill me. Go, get the 
 nigger. {Sam laughs) 
 
 Sam. Say, Splinter, what's the matter? {Walter gets up) 
 
 Walter. Did vou see the Indian ? 
 
28 
 
 Sam No ! You're crazy. There aint any Indians around 
 here. 
 
 Walter. I will be, if I see many of them. 
 
 Sam. Of what? 
 
 Walter. Of — There he is now ! 
 
 Sam. Where? Where? 
 
 AValter. Say, I thought you were not afraid of Indians. 
 
 Sam, I aint, but you are. 
 
 Walter. Well, I should say I am. I suppose the reason 
 you are not, they would have to get an electric light to 
 find you. 
 
 Sam. Well, Splinter, let us drop the Indian subject, and 
 have a little fun. 
 
 Walter. I can't drop him when I haven't got him yet, anil 
 I have had enough of fun already, for when that re<lskin got 
 after me, I had to keep my hand over my mouth to keep my 
 heart from jumping out. I don't want any more fun. 
 
 Sam. {Laughing) You don't know what I mean. 
 
 Walter. Well, its nothing to laugh at when a man has to 
 run like the devil to save his wool. 
 
 Sam. That's fun, but you must not run. 
 
 Walter. Must not run ? What will I do, stand there and 
 let him kill me? Well, I guess not. 
 
 Sam. That's all right. 
 
 Walter. Don't I know its all right when I run, l>ut when 
 I don't run, I don't run. 
 
 Sam. What are you talking about ? 
 
 Walter. About when I don't run. 
 
 Sam. Say, Splinter, have you had a drink to-day yet? 
 
 Walter. Not a drop. 
 
 Sam. I thought so. Here is some. 
 
 Walter. Now you are talking. Why in the devil didn't 
 you say that in the first place? {Sam and Walter drink) 
 
 Sam. Now, Splinter, while we are here all alone, let's have 
 a little song. 
 
 Walter. Well, I don't mind if I do sing. 
 Songs by Sam and Walter. Miss Carter enters from left scream- 
 ing. They run across the stage three times and leave. Kate enters 
 from left. 
 
 Kate. I wonder where Dick is. Miss Rose sent me to find 
 him. fie is the funnieat fellow I ever saw. If you're not 
 w^alking at his heels all the time, you will never find him. I 
 guess I will try down towards the" camp. 
 
 K(tte leaves on right. D^ck enters from left, 
 
 Dick. How strange the hand of Providence works. Here 
 I am ai my brother's mine, and it is one of the richest in these 
 parts. But what good is his gold to me, wdien he lies beneath 
 the sod. 
 
 Dick sits down. Kate enters from right, hides behind scenery and 
 throws something on floor. 
 
29 
 
 Dick. There must be a squirrel about here. {Kate throws) 
 
 Dick. I see its a Ijig one. I bet I can knock its eye out the 
 lirst shot. {Kate runs to Dick) 
 
 Kate. Don't shoot, Dick, its me. 
 
 Dick. Yes, I see its you. 
 
 Kate. You would not shoot me, would you, Dick ? 
 
 Dick. Oh, no, I guess not. But what do you mean by 
 climbing trees like a squirrel? Look at your shoes. What 
 do you call this ? {Dick catches her apron) 
 
 Kate. That's my apron. 
 
 Dick. No, this. 
 
 Kate. That's a hole. 
 
 Dick. Yes, and a big one. AVhy don't you sew them up, 
 lace your shoes, and not be running around here like you are 
 wild"? 
 
 Kate. I can't help it, Dick. I was raised in these hills. 
 You're not mad, are you? 
 
 Dick. Oh, no, little one, I could not get mad with you if I 
 were to try. 
 
 Kate. Say, Dick, Miss Rose wants to see you. {Sits by Dick) 
 She sent me to find you. I would like to be as fine a lady as 
 Miss Rose. She has such nice dresses, nice hats and plenty 
 of money. 
 
 Dick. There, there, little one, so you will. For every 
 dress she has, you will have two. When God made the little 
 apple, he made it for you as well as for her or any one. 
 
 Kate. Oh, no, Dick, I will never be any more than Keno 
 Kit. 
 
 Dick. Yes, you will, for when Rose and her father go to 
 New York, I will ask them to take you along. I know they 
 wdll do it, for it was you who saved their lives, not I. When 
 you go there, you will have everything you want, fine dresses 
 a piano to play on and a horse and carriage to drive out in. 
 Then j^ou will be a grand lady. 
 
 Kate. Won't that be nice. But I say, Dick, I believe 
 Miss Rose loves you. All through her sickness, she was say- 
 ing, "Dick, Dick, you must not die there, my true and noble 
 Dick" 
 
 Dick. I guess not, little one. That Avas only talk in her 
 delirium. Love is something you are too young to understand , 
 Love makes some hearts happy, while to others, it is misery. 
 To some, love is like a mid-summer-night's dream, Avhich 
 lasts until broken in upon by an early dawn. Others love at 
 first sight, which fades away in a few short years, then shame, 
 disgrace, poverty, degradation and often crime ends that un- 
 happy couple. But the true love, little one, is until death. 
 It lasts through thick and thin, in poverty and wealth, in old 
 age and affliction, down to the grave. When that heart is 
 covered over with cold earth, then here the bond is broken. 
 
30 
 
 but when they reach heaven, their love is again united, never 
 more to be filled with sorrow, or broken by death. 
 
 Kate. Dick, I believe you were cut out for a parson instead 
 of a gambler. 
 
 Dick. Perhaps I was, little one, but got on the wrong trail. 
 
 Kate. Say, Dick, when I go to New York, and have all 
 those nice things, are you going too? " 
 
 Dick. No, not yet. My oath is not fulfilled. Carl Brad- 
 ford still lives. How he escaped is a mystery to me. 
 Kate gets vp. 
 
 Kate. Then I'm not either. 
 
 Dick. Why not, Kit? You must not grow up in ignorance 
 of the world. You must learn to read and write, and not run 
 around these hills all your life. 
 
 Kate. I know that, but you are so good. Dad used to tell 
 us about you, and since we have met, I like you. I like to be 
 by your side, and hear you talk and tell stories. Don't ask 
 me to leave you now, Dick and go to strangers, fori wouhl 
 not be happy. Give me these hills, a rifle and a horse, and 
 with you, I would sooner be the way I am. 
 
 Dick. AVell, all right, little one, we will never part, for 
 from the first time I met you, you have been like a ray of sun- 
 shine over my darkened life. To hear your chatter and laugh- 
 ter, put me in mind of my once happy home. When I look 
 into your bright eyes and see your smiling face, I am always 
 happy. But," there, run along to the cabin, and tell Miss 
 Rose that I am coming. 
 
 Kate. All right, Dick. {Kate leaves on left) 
 
 Dick. There she goes. Her little life is like my own, 
 shadowed with crime. Father, mother and friend after friend 
 torn from her side, until she clings to her last hope like a 
 drowning seaman clings to a broken spar. I wonder what 
 Rose can want with me. Perhaps anotherfancy others. Oh, 
 Rose, Rose, if I could only take courage enough to reveal to 
 you who I am. Does she still love me. How strange fate 
 has thrown us together in these wild parts. 
 Rose enters from left. 
 
 Rose. Dick ! 
 
 Dick. Oh, there you are, Miss Rose. I am glad to see you 
 are getting better. [^Dick takes her Jiand] 
 
 Rose. Yes, Dick, I am getting along nicely. I thought I 
 would take a little walk, as the mountain air will dome good. 
 
 Dick, Yes Miss, the pure air in these hills will soon bring 
 the roses back to your cheeks. In two days time the stage 
 makes her returntrip. I will take you and your father to it. 
 Then you can reach your homes in safety. Rose, there is one 
 thing I wish to ask you. AVill you take my little pard along, 
 and he kind to her for my sake ? 
 
 Rose. Yes, Dick, I will be a sister to her. But must we go 
 so soon? 
 
31 
 
 Dick. AVell, no, Miss. If the hospitality of this humble 
 place suits you, you can remain as long as you please. I will 
 be glad to have your company. 
 
 Rose. Thank you, Dick. I know my father will reward 
 you for your kindness. We owe you our lives. 
 
 Dick. Miss, you owe me nothing. I only did as every 
 honest man should do. I am already rewarded, for your 
 bright face has driven away the dark cloud that hangs over 
 this old home. It once had a woman like you here, true and 
 noble. A better one never breathed the breath of life. She 
 was so good, I often thought she was an angel. Now, I know 
 it, for she was murdered with my brother. [Aside] Oh, God ! 
 What terrible sin has been committed, that all this should fall 
 on me ? 
 
 Rose. Keep your courage, Dick. Cheer up and be a man. 
 Some day everything will come right. 
 
 Dick. I hope so, Miss. For your sake, I will try. 
 
 Rose. Dick, I have a question to ask you. 
 
 Dick. Well, Rose, what is it? 
 
 Rose, Why don't you give up gambling, go to some other 
 part of the world, there start life anew, and be the brave and 
 honest man that you are. I know that some terrible secret 
 has driven you to it, AVhat little I know of human nature 
 tells me that you have seen better days. Can you promise 
 me to give it up? I will do all I can to aid you, 
 
 Dick, I will. Rose, I promise you never to deal another 
 card across the table. May I ask you why you wish me to 
 make you such an everlasting promise? 
 
 Rose. Yes, Dick. Because you are so good and true. 
 While you follow such a life, there is danger lurking in your 
 every step. There is some one always seeking to take your 
 life. And, because you risked your life to save others. You 
 remind me of some one I have met before, and I fear will 
 never meet again. 
 
 Dick. Well, Rose, we have met before. 
 
 Rose. Where, Dick? 
 
 Dick. Oh, at the cave where you were a prisoner, and 
 several other places in these hills. 
 
 Rose. No. I mean in New York, some one that I love. 
 
 Dick, (Aside) Loves! Can there still be hope? I must 
 speak. Rose, do you remember our fisrt meeting at the 
 "Travellers' Rest"? 
 
 Rose, Yes, Dick, well, 
 
 Dick, I promised to tell you a story. Will you listen to it 
 now ? 
 
 Rose. Yes, Dick. 
 
 Dick, Well, sit down, and I will try. 
 
 Rose sits down. The story. 
 
 Dick. Rose, the story I am about to tell you may bring 
 you joy, perhaps, sorrow. It will recall to your memory 
 
32 
 
 sweet visions of childhood. Its a simple little story of t\YO 
 playmates, a boy and girl. They were each loved most dearly 
 by Iheir parents. Then they knew no sorrow. The world 
 la}'- before them like a bed of roses swaying to and fro in the 
 gentle breezes and clothed with the golden sun, their bright 
 colors shining forth to show the glory of God. But these two 
 little ones are grown now, the girl to' be a young and beautiful 
 woman with the same bright eyes and smiling face. With the 
 boy, life has been almost a burden to him, for, hardly had 
 those happy days passed, before shame and desolation entered 
 his happy home. He was thrown upon the world, looked 
 upon as a criminal, shunned by everyone, and as miserable 
 as a dog without a master, but through it all, he loved his 
 little playmate. Aye, he worshipped her. Her name was 
 Rose AVainwright. {Rose stands) Rose, I am that miserable 
 man. I am unhappy Richard Rockford. Rose, do not con- 
 demn me for loving you, for God knows I have tried hard 
 enough to forget you since we parted in New York, but I 
 could not. Our meeting here aroused new feelings of love in 
 my heart. The words rose in my throat to speak, but I 
 choked them down, knowing my poverty. I am almost a 
 beggar. {Holds Base's hands) Rose, now, as j^ou know who I 
 really am, give me one Avord of hope, tell me I have 
 not loved in vain. Surely you have not forgotten those happy 
 days. Is there not one spark of love in your heart for me, 
 when mine is overflowing. I want to make you more than a 
 mere friend, aye, more than lovers. I want you for my wife. 
 Give me that right, and if it lies in the power of man to make 
 woman happy, you will be one of the happiest. I will throw 
 no obstacle in your way to cloud your happy life. Rose, you 
 hold my life in your hands. You can make me one of the 
 happiest men in the world, or you can make me as miserable 
 as a condemned criminal, who is counting his steps to the 
 gallows. Think, little one. My love for you is not the mere 
 vision of a day. It is the love of years, and cannot be thrown 
 aside like a child will do a worn-out play toy. I have laid my 
 heart before you, and am waiting for my fate. {Steps aside) 
 Then your silence is your answer? I see it all now. There 
 is a gulf between us, too wide to be crossed by either. 
 The smal Iconveyance, love, is too weak to stand the heavy seas. 
 It is not a rival in human form, but our difference in life. So 
 we had better part. If I have caused you pain, forgive me. 
 It was my great passion of love that made me forget tliat I am 
 only a gambler. I would sooner have ni}^ body seared with a 
 branding iron, than cause you to shed one tear, or speak one 
 word you would afterwards regret. I will see to your safety 
 at once. The only little favor I ask of you is, when you are 
 happy as in days gone by, you will spare one little thought on 
 the name of Richard Rockford. So, good bye. Rose. Good 
 bye, forever. {Dick goes to the back) 
 
33 
 
 EosE. Richard, I was only thinking of it. Eeally, were 
 you ? 
 
 Dick. Then you do love me?. {They embrace) 
 
 Rose. Yes, Dick, I love you now, and I always loved you. 
 You were my childhood's hope and happiness. Asleep or 
 awake your honest face was pictured before me as a ray of 
 bright sunshine that could never be darkened by a cloud of 
 sorrow, but at last it has though. As the little bird loves the 
 bright summer after a cold and stormy winter, I love you. 
 As the flowers love the morning dew, and the bright spring 
 opens the bud, so their bright colors shine forth as pure as the 
 celestial shore of heaven, I love you. Oh, Richard, do not 
 think you have loved in vain. Only tell me if I am worthy of 
 your love. 
 
 Dick. "Worthy? Oh, yes, Rose. You are too much so. 
 Are the angels worthy of the glory that God bestows upon 
 them? At last my darkened life has taken another turn, the 
 clouds are bursting overhead, and I see a bright future before 
 me. The Rose I thought I had lost forever is again by my side. 
 
 Rose. Yes. My happiness is so great, it appears like a 
 dream that will vanish if I open my eyes. 
 
 Dick. So it shall be one long and peaceful dream, like the 
 wanderer who dreams of home and turns his weary foot-steps 
 back to his mother's out-stretched arms and everlasting love. 
 
 Rose. Yes. How glad father will be to see you still alive. 
 
 Dick. Perhaps so. Rose. I hope he will. 
 
 Rose and Dick walk aside. Robert enters from left. 
 
 Robert. Oh, there you are my child. 
 
 Dick. Good morning, Mister Wainwright. I am glad to 
 see you looking so well. 
 
 Robert. Yes, thanks to you my kind friend for it. But 
 Rose, where have you been? I was looking all over the place 
 for you. You must take care that you do not get into another 
 trap. 
 
 Rose. Why, father I thought you were asleep. The day 
 is so beautiful I am taking a little walk. I came down here 
 and met Dick, and I think I am quite safe with him. 
 
 Robert. Yes, Dick, we owe you much. I am glad to find 
 you here, for I want to both thank and pay you for saving our 
 lives. 
 
 Dick. Sir, I accept your thanks, but your pay I do not 
 want, for I only did my duty. A man who would not do it, 
 is not fit to live. 
 
 Robert. AVell, Dick, if you call that doing your duty, you 
 did it nobly. Why do you refuse my money? I am rich and 
 have plenty to spare for such a brave man as you are. ^ If 
 there is anything in this world I can do for you, I will do it. 
 
 Dick. Now, Sir, you are putting too much confidence in 
 me, for it was not I that saved your lives. It was my little 
 pard. 
 
34 
 
 EoEEET. No, Dick, it was you. If you had not been there, 
 she would not have come near the place. You marked your 
 trail which led her there to save us all. If I go home with- 
 out giving you something, I could never be at rest. 
 
 Dick. Well, Sir, if you insist upon paying me, you can 
 doubly repay me by answerinji; one question. 
 
 EoEERT. And that is? 
 
 Dick. That I may have your daughter for my wife. 
 
 Ro: ERT. I — I would — 
 
 Dick. Well, Sir, you need say no more. I know she i^'. all 
 you hvae to live for in your old a^ie. You have raised her up 
 in truth and hono^ty, and she has been as a shining light in 
 your household. She has smoothed your gray hairs, and you 
 are happy when she is by your side. You want her to marry 
 a man like yourself with plenty of money, not a notorious 
 gambler like me. So, Robert VVainwright, you turn from me 
 too, and well you may. But remember, I was not always the 
 man I am now. I was once a rich man's son in New York. 
 Then I loved your daughter with a love that no heart has 
 ever felt but mine. But it is all over now. I must bear my 
 load of misery like a man. Rose, I have fulfilled my promise 
 to you. I have found your father for you alive and well. 
 Now, I will put you in the hands of the vigilance committee. 
 When you start on your journey home, heaven forbid that we 
 should ever meet again. 
 
 Rose. No, no, Dick, j'-ou must not do that. Speak, father. 
 Think of my life and happiness, for I love him. I could not 
 part from him again. It is Richard Rockford. 
 
 Robert. Richard Rockford? My son, forgive me for 
 treating you so. Shake hands and tell me I am forgiven. 
 Yes, I can see now, the bright eyed boy who was to me as a 
 son, I did not know you at first. You can have my child, 
 and with her you shall have my fortune. Take her, lad, and 
 may she be one happiness in your life for what you have 
 suffered. 
 
 Dick. Thank you, it is happiness for me. You don't know 
 how I felt when away from all I knew and loved. Ah, Sir ! 
 With Rose by my side, I sliall always be happy. 
 Sam enters from Hglii out of breath. 
 
 Sam. Say, Master Dick ! 
 
 Dick. Well, Sam, what is it? 
 
 Sam. Wait till I get my breath, will you? I never ran so 
 fast since I was born. 
 
 Dick. Well, hurry u}). What's the matter? 
 
 Sam, The boj^s want you down to camp right away. They 
 are full of booze, and this here nigger aint nowhere. 
 
 Dick. All right, Sam. Perhaps they have struck a new 
 trail. Rose, I will be back shotrtly. 
 
 Dick and Sam leave on right quick. 
 
Robert. There he goes, one of the bravest fellows that 
 ever lived. 
 
 Rose. Yes, father, I fear he is too brave, for some one will 
 kill him. 
 
 Robert. Have no fear, my child, for God always takes 
 care of his own. But I must be going back to the cabin, the 
 air is too chilly for me. 
 
 Rose. All right, father, I will follow in a few minutes. 
 Robert leaves on left. Rose sits doion. 
 
 Rose. Poor Richard ! How he must have suffered ! Am 
 I really worthy of his love ? 
 
 Kate enters from left, speaks aside. 
 
 Kate. The boys are all up in arms. They are on the track 
 of a man, who they suppose is Raymond Delmont, the leader 
 of the "Black Bravos". If it is, his life isn't worth much. 
 {Speaks to Rose) Why, hello, Miss Rose, you are looking well, 
 how am I ? 
 
 Rose. Well, I don't know. Kit, but you seem right lively. 
 
 Kate. Yes, Miss, I am always that way. I guess it isn't 
 right, but I can't help it. 
 
 Rose. Oh, yes. Kit, it is all right. I was that way myself, 
 when like you. I am going to take you to New York with me. 
 
 Kate. No, you're not, without you take Dick too. 
 
 Rose. Then I will take Dick along too. 
 
 Kate. But, suppose he don't go? 
 
 Rose. I will make him go for your sake. 
 
 Kate. All rigbt. Miss Rose, we will have lots of fun to- 
 gether. If Dick goes, I am with you every time. But I must 
 be going. I have a message to take to camp, and if I stand 
 here talking to you all day, I will be late. So here I go. I 
 will see you later. 
 
 Kate leaves on right quick. Rose speaks aside. 
 
 Rose. There she goes, running down the side of the moun- 
 tain like a deer. Kit is a good girl, rough on the outside, but 
 her heart is true as steel. 
 
 Delmont eniers from left, speaks aside. 
 
 Delmont. Curse them ! They are hunting me down like a 
 dog. They have hounds on my trail, but I will slip them all. 
 Raymond Delmont never did give up, nor won't this time. 
 What, Rose, here? This is my last chance. She must be 
 mine, or I will kill her. {Changes his voice and speaks to Rose) 
 
 Delmont. I sa)'-, mam, can you let an old man stay here 
 over night? You see I have lost my way, and I think there 
 is a storm coming up. 
 
 Rose. Yes Sir, you can stay at the cabin. 
 
 Delmont. Thanks, mam. Is your husband at home? 
 Maybe he can tell me something al)out where I want to go. 
 
 Rose. I have no husband. Sir. The man who lives here 
 has gone to camp, and may not be back for some time now. 
 If you will go to the cabin, I will get you something to eat. 
 
36 
 
 Delmont. (Aside) So much the better. (Removes Ids dis- 
 guise) So my proud beauty, 3^ou are alone and in my power. 
 The gang growl outside. 
 
 EosE. Carl Bradford, you here ! 
 
 Delmont. Yes, if you choose to call me that. Eose, you 
 see I am hunted down, for they want to kill me. I am goinjj; 
 to leave this j^lace, and you must go with me. You dare not 
 refuse. Eemember I am desperate now, and will stand no 
 bluffs. With this disguise, I can pass their lines in safety. 
 Now, what is your answer? 
 
 EosE. My answer is now what I have told you before. 
 No ! Coward that you are, no ! 
 
 Delmont. Then, curse you, I will kill j^ou ! 
 
 Delmont draws a knife. Bose draws a pistol. 
 
 Eose. Stop where you are. I might kill you, for there is a 
 reward for you, dead or alive. Now, Carl Bradford, you have 
 done me a great many wrongs, but if you will leave this place 
 without trying to harm me, I will give you a chance for your 
 life. Will you go? 
 
 Delmont. Not without you. Seize her, Jim. 
 Kate enters from left with 2nstols. 
 
 Kate. Drop her, Jim. 
 
 Delmont. What do you mean ? 
 
 Kate. It means that you are kerflopped. 
 
 Sam enters from, right with pistol. 
 
 Sam. Yes, Mister Stickum, you are kerfluked. Look out 
 there, don't draw any of them guns on me, or your funeral 
 will be to-morrOw. 
 
 Dick enters from right. 
 
 Dick. So, Carl Bradford, you are caught in your own trap. 
 The gang grovel outside. 
 
 Delaiont. Man, who are you that seeks after my life like a 
 dog ? (Dick throws off his disguise) 
 
 Dick. Look again, and see if you do not know me. 
 The gang groivl outside. 
 
 Delmont. What, Eichard Eockford? 
 
 Dick. Aye, Eichard Eockford, the man you had standing 
 on the l)rink of the grave, but you lacked courage to linish 
 5'our hellish work. 
 
 The gang enter from left with ropes. 
 
 Walter. There he is boys. String him up. 
 Dick runs in front of them. 
 
 Dk'k. Stop, boys ! ?Iis life belongs to me. All I ask of 
 you is to 1)0 Judge and Jury. I will be the Executioner. 
 
 Walter. Is it a go, boys? (The gang say yes) 
 
 Dick. Now, Sir, prepare to meet your maker. 
 
 Eose. Dick, you would not stain your hands with human 
 blood? 
 
 Dick. Human blood? Why, girl, you know not of what 
 you speak. That man is not "human. The wildest beast of 
 
37 
 
 the African jungle is more human than he. Rose, ask me to 
 forget my love for you, ask me to hurl myself down yonder 
 shaft, ask me anything, but do not say Dick forget your oath^ 
 Fate has extracted it from me, word for word. It has been 
 registered anew with every mornmg sun. It has knawed at 
 my heart until the last drop of humanity is gone, and nothing 
 remains but an empty shell. There, Rose, you're too weak to 
 witness this bloody scene. Leave it, girl, and pray for me. 
 Go ! 
 
 Robert. Yes, come my child, this is too much for us both, 
 and we must pray for our savior. Come ! 
 
 Roocrt and Rose leave on left. 
 
 Det MONT. Spare me. 
 
 Dick. Spare you ? How can you ask a man you have so 
 cruelly wronged to spare you? Did you spare that girl and 
 her father of any m'^ery you could put upon them ? Did you 
 spa 'e old Joe? {2 ne gang gn wl) You shot him down like a 
 dog with a bullet that was intended for me. Did you spare 
 my brother and wife, whom you killed without a moment's 
 warnhig? Did you spare my father, whom you robbed and 
 murdered? No! You swe^t them off the face of the earth, 
 like so many grains of sanci before a cyclone. God knows 
 how many mo/e have fallen by your steel and lead. Spare 
 you? No, I would sooner spare the sneaking panther that 
 "svas about to spring- upon me. I could see his glittering eyes, 
 feel h's hot breath against my throat, then I would lie down 
 and let the beast devour me sooner than spare you. But I 
 will give you a hotter chance tb^n you have given any of 
 them. It shall be man to man and knife to knife until one 
 of us enters the eternal world for better or for worse. So rise 
 to your feet, you cowardly dog, and defend yourself. 
 
 Delmont. So you thins to kill me, but I will fight my way 
 through you all, curse you ! 
 
 The duel. Becith of Delmont. 
 
 Dick, His death ends the name of Rattle Snake Dick, and 
 fulfils a brother's oath. 
 
 Rose and her father enter from left. Join hands. 
 
 Dick. Well, Kit, the dark clouds that overshadowed our 
 lives are gone at last, and the bright sunshine will make the 
 flowers bloom along our path. And, Rose, as we go through 
 life together, when everything is bright and happy, you must 
 never forget the true love of the two avengers, 
 
 THE END. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS