PROMPTNESS want will be sent by In tilling all orders is always a ieature of our business. Catalogues sent free. Any Play.Dialogue Book,Speaker, Guide Book, Wigs and Beards— in fact anything you AMES' PUBLISHING CO., Clyde, Ohio. ^ AMES' SERIES OF ^ STANDARD AND MINOR DRAMA. No. 293. Tom Blossom, (DRAMA.) WITH CAST OP OHARACTRRS, ENTRANCES, AND EXITS, SELATIVE POSITIONS OF THK PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, DESCRIPTION OP COSTUMES AND THE WHOLE OP THE STAGE bUSINESS, CA.REFULLY MARKED PROM THE MOST APPROVED ACTING COPY. PRICE 15 CENTS. CLYDE, OHIO : AMES' PUBLISHING CO, te. j^ No goods sent C. 0. D. Money MUST accompany all orders. ^ ALPHAHETIUAL LIST DF "^ -ZimBs' Editian of Flays. FIFTEEN CENTS EACH UNLESS OTHERWItS MARKED. 2 164 39 43 100 125 89 113 226 14 272 160 268 161 60 152 173 143 176 162 255 117 207 52 76 141 26 191 194 3 -9 261 46 227 211 251 163 91 :if> 34 229 22:3 81 85 83 196 29 18 lb 4.5 79 275 266 144 67 97 119 DRAMAS. A Desperate Game 3 2 After Ten Years 7 5 A Life's Revenge 7 5 Arrah de Baugh 7 5 Aurora Floyd. 7 2 Auld Robin Gray 25c 13 8 Beauty of Lyons 11 2 Bill Detrick 7 3 Brae, the Poor House Girl,... 4 4 Brigands of Calabria 6 1 Beyond Pardon 7 5 Conn; or, Love's Victory 11 3 Cleiringthe Mists 5 3 Dora 5 2 Driven to the Wall 10 3 Driven from Home 7 4 East Lynne 8 7 Emigrant's Daughter 8 3 Factory Girl 6 3 Fielding Manor 9 6 (xertie's Vindication 3 3 Hal Hazard, 25c 10 3 Heroic Dutchman of '76 8 3 Henrv Granden 11 8 IlowHeDid It 3 2 Hiddon Treasures 4 2 Hunter of the Alps 9 4 Hidden Hand 15 7 Lights and Shadows ot the . Great Rebellion, 25c 10 5 Lady of Lyons 12 5 Lady Audley's Secret 6 4 Lost in London 6 4 Man and Wife 12 7 Maud's Peril 5 3 Midnight Mi.-take 6 2 Millie, the Quadr«^on 4 i Miriam's Crime 5 2 Michael Erie 8 3 Miller of Derwent Water 5 2 Mistletoe Bough 7 3 Mountebanks (The) 6. 2 Old Honesty 5 2 Old Phi 's Birthday 5 3 Outcast's Wife 12 3 Out on the Wo Id 5 4 Oath Bound 6 2 Painter of Ghent 5 3 Poacher's Doom 8 3 Phyllis, the Beggar Gir! 6 3 Reverses 12 6 Rock Allen 5 3 Spy of Atlanta, 2">c 14 3 Simple Si'a-' 6 3 Sweetbrier 11 •'■> Thekia 9 4 The False Friend 6 1 The Fiital Blow 7 1 The Forty-Niners 10 4 NO. 212 92 112 71 105 201 193 277 200 121 41 192 M. F. The Dutch Recruit 25c 14 3 The Gentleman in Black 9 4 The New Magdalen 8 3 The Reward of Crime 5 3 Through Snow and Sunshine 6 4 Ticket of Leave Man 9 3 Toodles 7 2 The Musical aptain 15 2 Uncle Tom's Cabin 15 7 Will-o'-the-Wisp, Won at Last. Zion TEMPERANCE PLAYS. 73 At Last 7 1 75 Adrift 5 4 187 Aunt Dinah's Pledge 6 3 254 Dot; the Miner's Daughttr... 9 5 202 Drunkard [The] 13 5 185 Drunkari's Warning 6 3 189 Drunkfird's Doom ..15 5 181 Fiftern Years of a Drunk- ard's Life 13 4 183 Fruits of the Wine Cup 6 3 104 Lost 2 146 Our Awful Aunt 4 4 5;^ Out in the Streets 6 4 51 Rescued 5 3 59 Saved 2 3 102 Turn of the Tide 7 4 63 Three Glasses a Day 4 2 62 Ten Nights in a Bar-Room... 7 3 58 Wreck d 9 3 COMEDIES. 168 A Pleasure Trip 7 136 A Legal Holiday 5 124 An AlBicted Family 7 257 'aught in the Act ~ 248 Ca|.tur«d 6 178 Caste S 199 Home 4 174 Love's Labor Not Lost 3 149 New Years in N. Y 7 37 Not So Bad After All 6 257 Not Such a F-ol as He Looks 6 126 Our Daughters 8 265 Piigandthe B.iby 5 114 Passions 8 264 Prof. Ja'.nes' Experience Trachiu-' Country School 4 219 Rags and Bottles 4 239 Scale with Sharps and Flats.. 3 221 Solon Shingle 14 262 TwM Bad Boys 7 87 The Biter Bit 3 249 $2,0i)0 Reward 2 TRAGEDIES. 16 The S«rf 6 ax .r€ TOM BLOSSOM — OR — The Spider^s Web. A ROMANTIC DRAMA, IN A PROLOGUE AND FOUR ACTS, BY- "HZ". A. SiBgfrlBd, Author of ^'Phyllis, the Beggar GirW^ TO WHICH IS ADDED A DESCRITTION OF THE COSTUMES— CAST OF THE CHARACTERS- EKTRAKCES AND EXITS— RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. PKINTED FKOM THE AUTHOK'S 0KIGII!^AL Intcrcd accordinp to ad of Congress in the year 1891, by AMES' PUBLISHING CO. ii. tlivfcc of tie Librarian of Congress at WasJiington. CLYDE, OHIO: AMES' PUBLISHING CO TOM HLOSSOM; OB, THE SPIDER'S WEB,: ^: — ^^~7[Q^r^ — CAST OF CHABACTEBS. Pom Blossom In the spiders* web ^DAM Kossipp The spider Luke Diamond ) Of Fernoaks Tack Hawkins J Liahthouse keeper VViLLAED RossiPP The spider's son Prof. Christopher Sunshine The liver pad agent Solomon Isaacs A very pio is man Oarl Schmidt The coachman Uncle Eufus An old relic N^ellie Blossom Tom's wife Charm Hawkins Jack^s daughter Bessie Blank A servant in. love with the professor Widow Lannigan The terror of the community TIME OF FLAYING— TWO HO UBS. COST UMES—MODEBK, SYNOPSIS. PBOLOGTJE. SCENE— Fernoaks' Park. A midnicrlit storm. The Spider's web— "Murder !" A drunkard's oath — Accused. "My Mife!" The village clock — The arrest. "He is my husband, and 1 will protect him !" ACT I. Scene — Fernoaks^ (ten years later) The Professor. The Spider's discovery. "A very pious man." "Wieck the Silver City!" Carl and the Widow. Uncle Rufiis — The spider's manly son. A bold stroke. A wife's devotion — The outcast. ACT II. Scene — Lighthouse, Cape May, N. J. The Spider and the Professor. A false message. "The danger signal!" Charm to the rescue — Off for the wr^k. — "He shall not escape me!" Saved from the wreck. The pious man's discovery. "Who is this man?" "Tom Blossom !" ACT III. /Scene— The old cabin. "Home, Sweet Home!" A storm — "The shelter is poor, but tlie welcome is rich." A sad story. "Tom Blossom!" The recognition — The mystery deepens. The Spider's disguise. "My son I" Tom to the rescue. "She is my wife!" "And my daughter!" ACT IV. Scene — Fernoaks. The Spider in a rage. — "If this fails, "we are lost!" The Widow and Carl. The Professor happy. Tom Blossom. — "The proof of my innocence!" The Spider fails. — "I believe him innocent I" The Spider caught. The mystery solved. A day of reckoning. The living witness. The Spider's last curse. Death. The pious man chained. Tom and Nellie re-united. Fern- oaks. Spider's web b»-^^--" TMPS6-006782 K. means Right; l.. Left; r. h., Right Hand; l. h.. Left Hand; 8. E. (2d E.) Second Entrance; u. e.. Upper Entrance; m. d. Middle Door; f., the Flat; d. f., Door in Flat; r. c. Right of Cenre; l. c, Left of Centre. R. R. C. C. L. C. L. *** The reader is supposed to be upon the Stage facing the audience. Tom Blossom; or, The Spider's Wet PROLOGUE. SCENE— Wyod—Fernoaks Park, Near Cape May, N. J.— Winter. Enter, l. 1 e., as curtain rises, Carl Schmidt, walking backwards-^ muttering to himself, Carl Schmidt. Py himmel, ven I vas git holdt of dot veller, I vas hit him puty quick! {looks i..) Och, I vas mistooken— no, py liimmel, it vas dot old laoferl I tinks I hides mineself a leetle vile. (goes R.) I tinks I goes me back of dis tree. (goes back of tree, r. Enter, Adam Eossipp, l. 3 e. Adam Bossipp. It's a cold winter's night! I think I have tauo"ht that heathenish Dutchman a pretty good lesson in manners. ^ Carl, {aside) If Ischust git me von crack a4; dot old loafer. {shakes fist Bossipp. Let me see! (pause) I have it! Tom and Luke are coming this way on their way home from the reception, thanks to my shrewdness, both on a spree. My plans are to get them to quar- reling, and arm Tom with a small knife, (pause) In fact, I am bound and determined to be possessor of Fernoaks. When Luke married Clara Blake against his fathei-'s wishes, I induced the old man to make me heir to Fernoaks, after Luke's death, which the old gentleman kindly did; now I have determined to s^et Luke out of the way, and Tom Blossom must be the victim, (looks o^ l.) Both are coming; my plans must be set in operation at once. "The end always justifies the means." (retires back of stage Enter, Tom Blossom and Luke Diamond, l. 1 e. — quarreling, —Good! (slow music Tom Blossom. I say, hie, Luke, have you hie got my watcli ? I hie— I— Luke Diamond. You're-hic-a liar, Tom ! I — I-hic-ain't got vnur watch. (strikes Tom JRossipj>» Good I f TOM BLOSSOM; 01?, THE SPIDER'S WEB. Enter, Prof. Sunshine, l. 1 e. Frof, Sunshine. The devH ' WlnL's all the fuss about? Tom, You have it-hic-for i— {they struggle near Rossipp, who stabs Luke— (Zrops knife Hossipp. (aside) There, I triumph! Luke, (staggers) Tom, Tom, what have you done ! (falls — Rossipp turns l. JProf, Stay and see the end of this, Adam Rossipp ! Hossipp, (advances) I shall go. Prof. You shall not go! (folds arms Tom. (sees JjVKis,) Luke! My God, what have I done? (gets down on one knee and feels Luke's head) Dead — no, no! (rising up) Luke dead ? (starts back) I see it all, now— my senses return ! (looks at 'Ltjk-e) And am I to be branded a murderer ! No, no— it shall not, it must not be ! Prof, (aside) I'll return with an officer. (exit l. 2 e. Tom. (kneeling) Here on my bended knees, I swear before God, never to touch another drop of that which steals away man's brains ; that robs them of their homes and their lives, (looks at IjVKk— pause) Oh, Nellie I God forgive me, a murderer, but I love you ! I should have taken your advice — not to touch another drop of the damnable stuff, (pauses) What will Nellie say? Nellie, oh, Nellie! lost, lost to me forever ! (falls on seat, with head bowed in hands Hossipp. (aside) Damn that imp ! I must silence him this very night. Carl, (aside) If I schust git mine hands on dot old loafer a couple of dimes, I makes him puty sick, puty quick, too ! (exit R. 3 E. Tom. (groaning) Oh, what a fate awaits me, no one can tell. Possipp. (to Tom) Tom ! Tom I Tom Blossom I (Tom rises quickly) Do you know what you have done? (Tom gets excited) Do you know that you have murdered Luke — Tom. No, no ! My God, am I found out already ? Is there no hope of escaping? Enter, Nellie Blossom, l. 2 e. — ^My wife ! Nellie, I have disgraced you and yours forever. Nellie Blossom, (going to Tom) Tom ! Tom ! (crying) What do you mean? (sees Luke) What! Have you done this? Tom, Don't touch me, Nellie — you don't know what I am ! I am branded as a murderer. Oh, Nellie ! Teach our daughter to forget and forgive her father. Enter , Professor, l. 2 e. — picks up small knife. Nellie. Oh, Tom, I don't believe you are guilty ! Tom. (holds out both hands to her — she takes them) God bless you, Nellie, God bless you for that ! Possipp. (to her) As a representative of the law, I must arrest your husband for this crime. Nellie, Prove it! I don't believe he is guilty. (village clock strikes three, slowly Possipp. But, my good lady, I must arrest your husband; then let him prove his innocence afterwards. Nellie. What business have you with this affair? What are you doing out at three o'clock in the morning? TOM BLOSSOM; OB, THE SPIDEB^S WEB. S ,. . r^.iri^^ rnr«ieher! (aloud) Madam, this has gone too mme. Sir, I will never believe it. He ^ my husband, .nd^I -will protect mm. ^ CTJBTAIN-END OF FBOLOGUE. A period of ten y^^^.^.^^^^^^^ between t.o THE DRAMA: ACT I. SCENE— Library at FernoaTcs* As curtain rises, Bessie Blank is discovered dusting off cUirs, etc.; singing, ■Ro.sie Blank. I do wonder what makes Mr. Rossipp so cranky fhat^r man's way-it's the nature of the beast, you know I ^ tnat s a man & w aj (Professor appears at window Prof, ioutside) The devil-what a charming damsel I Enter, Professor, c. "Sr you '^ Who are you? We have nothing for you to eat. Pro/, (aside) She takes me for a tramp, (aloud) See here, my ^^BlsliT'l'Im not your dear and we have nothing for you to-day. "^^Znf^ T^hl am 1 9 Why, bless my cork leg, I can soon tell you who fkmT lam the first aid only Jon of Jacob and Myrah Sun- l^np of^unshinetown, on the Moon river away up yonder. I am th^on^v a i^hodzedlgent for the new and successful, always cura- te LivL Pad ("afc^ one out of pocket) It only costs you ten cents ^nd is surfto cure any case of rheumatism, cramps, bunions pams 'n he back and guaranteed to purify the blood. Remember it costs vou but the small sum of a dime. Do you grasp the situation? ^L<,sie No I donH grasp the situation! {stamps foot— goes i.. fZ (Mahtened) Oh, Lord! Don't scare the life out of me. Say, my coming lad,^ does that cook always giggle when she sees, ^^B^ssf/"^ Oh, yes: she often laughs at nothing. , ^^ , ^ ,^ Prof (serms expression on face) Oh, she doesi Thanks for the inSrmktion ^^''' «^ ^^"^^^' ^^^^^^^ Bessie. Can you sing t » ZOJf BLOSSOM; OS, THE SPIDEB'S WEB. Pr^f ^^"^J T^' . . . , (specialty business llf/:- -^v ' ^ 7''"^ ^"^ '^^ ^^^•'^•^ Rossipp. Does he live here ? ^e^sie Yes; (grom^r L.) I'll call Mm. (e^^^L mio-hf \^Ip'I f*']f ^'' iT*'^^ ^. ^'*^^1 ^ charmin.o: lady, and one which S alTif. iff """^^'^^'^^^^^^^^^^^^ comfortable the rest of hi,s 1^ J .^L I^less my cork leo:, if 1 don't ask her to hitch up with me, just as sure as there's a bald spot on my cranium. {exit c Enter, Rossipp, ^.—takes off hat, overcoat and gloves, goes to rack in hallway c, then returns. Bossipp I ran across a new coachman to-day and must tell the widow or there'll be war in the kitchen. ^ {ri^shm Enter, Bessie, l. —Bessie, tell the widow I want to speak to her at once. Bessie. Yes, sir. / .. ■Rossipp- {seated at table ivriting) Well, well, I am very glad that Isaacs will arrive to-day. ^ ^ Enter, Widow Lunnigan, l. ^i^o^ Lunnigan. Be the howly powers! Sure, an' what the divil did the ould mon sind for me for ? ' ^"® x, . /. . , (•^^^*" ^^ ^^"** «"^ ^ooks over his shoulder Bossipp. {turning to her) Well ! ^'ouiuaer qiSn.'^''"'^ me,sor,but 1 want to be after axin yer honors Bossipp. (ivriting) Well ? Wid. Did yese sind for me ? Bossipp {turning lo her) Yes; I want to tell you that I have a new coachman, and if he comes into the kitchen 1 want you to treat him civil. Do you understand, widow? ^ ^ Wid, (going L.) I thinks I do. (aside) Bad luck to yese! Bossipp. Well I am comfortably well situated here a/'master and possessor of Fernoaks; but I often see that midnight scTnefn the park (Professor appears at loindow) I dream it all over a"ain I have often wondered what became of poor Ton, Blossom the" vi": tim of my treachery. Oh, well, such is life ! Luke was taken to a ]Sevv York hospital where he died. Nellie and her daucrhter\ere sent to some home for such people; but she reiurned, without he? ??T o'n^lH^ T"'' .^^ ^^^^ .^""" ^^^P^^^^ ^y '^'^^ unknown person sLlltall Z^^f^'^'''''''''^^^^^^^^^^ ^^'^^'^ Solomon c^omesi wb i flo. I-T/"^'* S"^^'"' ^"^'^ '^^ '^ '^"^^ i^^''»" cannot be laid by which that child can be put in my power. I alwavs s-iid fw ruL end justified the means. (n-.^«^)^ I'll go and- ^ ^ '^® Enter, Solomon Isaacs, c. —Solomon Isaacs! Why, the very man I was wishincr to see Solomon Isaacs. Veil, you vas de very von I vant 'to speak mit und right avay, so helup me Moses ! ^ ^^^' Bossipp. Anything wrong, Solomon? Sol, Veil, just sit down mit me, und I vill tell you. (^both sU TOM BLOSSOM; OS, THE SriDEBS WEB. 7 Filter Peofessor, c— pauses at door. Possipp Col^ SoLon, don't keep me waiting -, you know I'm Sol. I speak just ^ en 1 f'V/' ;/;, '^^^^^ Adam Rossipp, I tinks '-S:Z. (S '' wK ';n'^"^;orto^kSoaks in sue. a .-amo '^^l''%\^ I'll tell you, Adam. I saw Dick Blo.som rait a New "=Z:*p!' Whi^tshail we do? Solomon, Tom Blossom ranstn^ever "'i^-t^Iut^'^o^^^'?^^ know I'm such a pious man, vy I vonldn't hurt a fly, so hellup me, Moses! Sossipp. I have it! . , It.".*" Wrock'the ".^."v J Cily'!" The end justifies the means '"pJoA^'asm Tl>e devil you say! Go on, Adam Eossipp, I'm ^^';r(-"^rAaeuccd Clever man yo--, Adam ! ^ rU J,e 3; ti«enS^..?"t'r^^= -^ iriorpJitj - jrKTnev— dot's all dot's necessary. , . to1^Hou^t'.""vdri lnu7l.iesmeout.too (.o».p^^^^^ ?^.^itrttrj'n:'st'^:,rr, .Vy^o^^^^^^ 1,-0, I Wouldn't, so hellup me gracious! «<^«' "^y^^, „„^ ,^„ c. £„(er. Professor, c.-cIo(Aes aU torn and dinij.^ £o\\ri's:'^teZ';^rt\\rct"f "ty!,I wondd-what I'll look '^4^^^kuS %.Vlo d l^SroCrc,-;, scoot; and I'll fol. Pro/, (iliiienng) ^^h (^exit c, Inirnedlu low suit! 9 TOM BLOSSOM; OB, THE SPIDEB'S WEB. Enter, Widow, l. Wid. Now, what in the divil did the ould mon mane whin he brought that dirty Dutchmon home wid him? Bad luck to him— I'll scald him, so I will ! Enter, Carl, c. — singing. Carl. Hallo — you vas here? Py himmel, I tinks I gits me a resi from you for a vile. Say, I vas giitin' hungry for sumting to eat. Wid. Bad luck to ye, ye are always atiii' ! {txit l. Carl. Dot voman vas a holy fright. I don't know vot to do mit mineself ; she doan vas let me alone mit myself. Veil, ven she doati stop puty quick, I schust knocks her down und sits on her mit both feet. {exit l. Enter, Uncle Rufus, c. Uncle Bufus, I'se dun gone and fotched missus Xellie for dat ole man ; but he won't hurt her. Enter, Nellie, c. Nellie. Oh, Uncle Rufus, I am so much afraid of that man. T know he means harm. {goes to r. Enter, Professor, c. Prof. Not while I'm around, Miss Nellie! You just keep up your courage, and don't break down ; you have lots of help. Here's Uncle Rufus and myself, a whole army — (aside) — of cowards! {aloud) Hark ! The spider comes ! (exit c. Enter, Rossipp, l. Bossipp. (bowing) So you have arrived. I sent for you. Rufus, you may go. Bufus. Yes, sah! I'se a gwine, sah ! (aside to 'Nkj.-lj-e) Don't git skeered, missus Nellie, I'se you friend. (exit c. Nellie, (aside) Poor faithful Rufus! (advancing toward Ros- sipp) Adam Rossipp, you sent for me. What do you want? Willard Rossipp appears at window. Willard Bossipp. (aside) Some more of my honorable parent's devilish work. My father has disowned me, simply because I have determined to marry the old lighthouse keeper's daughter; but I will marry her. (pauses) But now I will stay and see what all this means. Bossipp. (gets chair) Sit down, Nellie; make yourself at home. Will, (aside) Although you are my father, you shall not insult this helpless woman. Bossipp. You are aware, madam, that you are depending upon my charity for your existance, and that I can throw you out upon the world at any moment, and — Nellie, (rising) Stop ! I am aware of all this. I know, too well, the power you have over me and the misery you have brought upon me. I shall not hear any more of it. TOM BLOSSOM; OB, THE SPIDER'S WEB, S Bossipp. (advancing) Nellie, I can heal your broken heart in one way only. Nellie, (gladly) And you will do it? Bossipp. Certainly ; I want to make you my wife, and — Nellie. Sir I I can endure all the misery and torture you have brought upon me, but your insults — never I Will, (aside) Good ! It's getting interesting now. Bossipp, Nellie, don't make me cross! Will you marry me? Nellie. Me marry you? Not for the whole world I Bossipp, (angrily) Nellie Blossom, do you realize what yor- e- fusal means? I will turn you out of house and home — Nellie. I would rather beg from door to door, and sleep upf»,i the cold earth, than to disgrace myself by marrying such a thiJig as you! I would rather die than depend upon your charity and gold, which rightfully belongs to some one else ! I — Bossipp. (seizes her arm) Have a care, or — Nellie. Unhand me, villain ! (she screams Enter, Willard, c— parts them. Will. Stand back! Although you are my father, I shall not stand by and see you insult any helpless woman ; a man of your age should set a much better example. Shame upon you ! (Uncle Rufus appears at roindow — Professor at door, l. ' Bossipp. Willard Rossipp, from this hour you are no son of mine! I disown you forever — go! (points to c. — Willard ^oes out slowly, c. END OF ACT I, CUKTAIN. ACT II. , SCENE — Lighthouse— Cape, May, N. J, Jack Hawkins discovered reaving red lantern at large window, c— thu7ider, lightning and rain until entrance of Eossipp. Jack Hawkins, (coming down, c.) This is certainly one of the roughest days I've seen on this coast for many a year. The "Silver City" was wrecked and is being towed in to port. Enter, Professor, r. —Hallo, a stranger in these parts? Prof, (smiling) Well, yes, I reckon I am ; never been here be- fore. In fact, never been much farther than Sunsliiuetovvn, on tlie Moon river, up yonder, (going to Jack and speaking low) Can you give me a job for a few days? (smiling Jack. A job? Well, I guess there ain't hardly work enough lor us two that's here now, without giving you a job. Say, siranger, (locking at him steadily ) what's your game? Prof. Why, bless my cork leg — 1 don't know what you mean! Jack. Mean? See here, stranger, around these parts we ain't used to any devilish work, and, if you're up to any you'd better scoot I (pointing l. to TOM BLOSSOM; OB, THE SPIDEB'S WEB, Prof. Well, stranger, my name is Professor Christoplier Sim- shine, first and only son of Jacob and Myriah Sunshine from Sun- Bhinetown on the Moon river, away up yonder, (quickly) I am the only authorized agent for the Safety Liver Pad, which cures rheumatism, aches and pains; will remove all corns and bunions, (Jack falL^ into chair, J..) and is guaranteed lo cure the grip. Do yon cave, do you grasp the situation? It costs you but ten cents and is cruaranteed to cure the worst case of hydrophobia. Kemem- ber it costs vou the small sum of a dune, (taking out handkerchief and wipinq face— aside) Oh, Lord, if that lie don't make a sale, 1 11 quit the business! (aloud) Can't I supply you with one of my Pads? Jack, (rising) Yes; I'll talvC one and stop your tongue. (goes to windoio, C Prof. Vm a heap obliged to you for the compliment; but what's your name? . t i tt i • a Jack, {coming down c, smiling) My name is Jack Hawkins, bay, Professor, what game are you up to? ,.,-,. -u Prof, (seriously) I rather think it will be more likely to be seven up than anything"else I know of just now. ^ Jack, (seated on cot) Professor, you excite my curiosity ; what s the matter? If you can't tell me, spit it out and I'll pick it up and put it together. .„ , , , . .7 \ tt Prof {going to window, c.) The devil you will! {whistles) How very thoughtful of you! (coming doton c.) Thanks! Well, Jack, I'm goino- to spit it out now, and I want you to pick it up and put it together, (laughing) No boquets, please ! Jack, I want you to loan"me an old suit. You're going to have a visitor to-day— a devil- ish tough one, too. I know his game ; Pm on to him ! Come, Jack, what's your answer? , . ., . .^ o 1 Jack. I'm agreed! (rising) but who is the visitor? | Prof. Adam Kossipp, of Fernoaks ! .,,*-, ^ Jack, {starting) What— Adam Rossipp coming here! And for wh'it^ vyi^'5^ to L. Prof Jack, what's the trouble? If you're sick, we'll apply one of my Safety Liver Pads; remember, it costs you only the small sum of a dime. Jack, Adam Kossipp ! « ^ , Prof. Why, Jack, why do you speak that way? Do you know him ? / N -u i. Jack. Yes, I once knew him to my sorrow ; (goes l.) but never mind that now. , ^ i, i. i i Prof Jack, o-et me an old pair of boots, trousers, hat and red flaum-l shirts, lor I'm going to see this thing out if it costs me my life [ will— 1 swear by the ghost of Hamlet, I will ! Jack. In yonder room (points 1..) you'll find everything you need and plenty of them ; pick the best. ^Prof. Beggars are no choosers. Thanks! (exit J^. Jack, (coming down c.) Adam Rossipp here— and for what? (pauses) 'Tis only too true that the ill-fated "Silver City" is being towed into this port, (pauses) I have out my usual danger signal and she will not run this wav. But what if she should ? Has Adam Rossipp another damnable game to play ? Can I doubt it? Can I— no 1 do not doubt it! I repent what is past; but if that man tempts me {looks out of window i..) I'll throw his worthless body out into the deep bltie sea. Hark, someone comes! TOM BLOSSOM; OB, THE SPIDEKS WEB, 11 Enter, Rossipp, r. — disguised, Bossipp. Sir, as I chanced to pass your humble cottage up yon- der, I heard a cry for help. I entered but found nothing wron<;^, although I was told to hasten to the lighthouse and tell Jack to some home at once. I'll remain here until you return. Jack. I'm much obliged to you, stranger. {exit, R. Bossipp, {taking off disguise) Now for a thorough investigation of this place. I must secure the secret of the danger signal. {exit R. Enter, Professor, l., dressed loithold hat, boots, trousers and flannel shirt on. ProJ. {looking at himself) Oh, what a daisy Liver Pad agent I am ! If my charming Bessie could only see me now ! {goes to win- dow c.) If a fellow would fall out here {looks out) he'd surely go to the bottom of the sea, and keep company with McGinty. Look I A ship ! a ship ! {exit l., quickly Enter, Rossipp, r. Bossipp. All is well ! I've run out the safety signal and the *'Silver City" is destined. {exit u.— thunder, lightning and rain Enter, Charm Hawkins, r. — hurriedly. Charm Hawkins, {excitedly) Too late ! {runs out large red lan- tern) Look ! A wreck ! {pacing up and down stage Enter, Professor, i. — Jack, r. Charm. Oh, father, look! look! A wreck — the danger signal was Dot out— and see ! {points Jack, Here, professor, bring the rope and I'll go to the rescue! {puts on rubber boots Prof, {gets rope) What next, Jack? Jack. Come quickly, or it will be too late ! {both exit Charm, {at window, c.) Oh, I am so afraid my father will be lost! {exit L. Enter, Rossipp and Solomon, r. Sol. Vot you tinks of dot? Ve vas de divel, so hellup me, Moses ! Dot's de vay ve do it over by Baxter street. Bossipp. Yes, Solomon, we have succeeded, and — Sol. Veil, I bet you ve have ! I vish I may die if ve don't und — Bossipp. (going to windoio, 0.) Solomon, that cursed lighthouse keeper has gone to the rescue! Curses upon him! He shall not es- cape me now, I swear it ! {exit r. Sol. By himmel, dot man vas mat, und no mistake about it — so hellup me gootness ! I vi.^h 1 vas down by Chatham street. I guess I don't stay all by meself. I looks a leedle after Adam, perhaps he jumps mit de vater. I vouhhi't vant to see him hurt— not for the world! I'm so pious, you kuow ! I vouUln't hurt a vorm ! {exit R. Enter, Professor, l. Prof, Curse such a night ! It's raining for all its worth, {thun- der and lightning) Hark ! A. noise below ! I must see what's up I {exit R. 12 TOM BLOSSOM; OB, THE SPIDEB'S WEB, Enter, Jack, Willard and Professor, r., sloioly, carrying Tom, followed by Solomon and Chap.m. Prof. Hallo, what have we here? Sol. Yes, my friends, vot you got? Vot's all de troubles about anyhow? (they lay him on the cot softly, then pull cot l. c. Charm, (bending over cot) A man ! Jack. Hush! He loas saved from the wreck! Rossipp appears at door, r. Bossipp. (aside) Tom Blossom — just as sure as fate! He shall not escape me, I swear it! (exit r. Sol. Maybe he vas ship-wrecked. (slow musso Tom. (raising up — looking around) Ship-wrecked? Yes, ship- wrecked on the sea of life. Tossed about by the wild waves of treachery; with all the masts of home and love shattered by the winds of bitter recollections; (excitedly) and none to rescue me! (sinks back on cot Charm. Poor soul; Heaven bless him ! (to Tom) Don't despair, sir, there is some one to rescue you, for I shall nurse you back to life again, and when the storm of villiany has passed over, you will be free once more to continue your voyage on the sea of life. Sol. (wiping eyes) By himmel ! dot vas the first tear in twent}'- fivp years ! I'm such a pious man — vy, I vouldn't hurt a fly I Tom. (rising) There seems no future for me but death. "To be or not to be" — is the very question for mo. Shall it be death or shall it be lite? Would that I might travel that road from whence no traveler ever returns ! Fate — yes, 'tis never to late to confess our sins to Him. Help me now, and in all my trials that are to come — (falls back Charm, (bending over him) Come, come! Cheer up, my good man; don't worry. Fortune smiles on all. You need rest, (to Jack) Father, let us remove him to the cabin yonder, where we can attend to his wants. Jack, (going to cot) Come on, Willard and Professor ! (taking hold of head of cot Enter, Rossipp, r. Prof, (looking at Rossipp) The devil! Bossipp. No, not tlie devil ! Prof. Ko, not the devil, but one of his angels I Bossip>p. Sir! What do you mean? Drawing knife — raises it and rushes at Tom — Professor draws re- volver and shoots knife out of his hand — knife falls — Rossipp starts back. — Sir! Who are you? I shall have your worthless life, and now! (starts forward Prof. Hold on, Adam Rossipp! Willard ] Jack ]■ Charm. J Bossipp. I demand of you, who is this man? (Tom sits up on cot— looks at Rossipp Prof. Tom Blossom — do you know himf (tableau END OF ACT II. CURTAIN. TOM BLOSSOM; OP., TUB SPIDEH'S WEB. IS ACT III. SCENE— The old cabin— plainly furnished— Night. As curtain rises, Tom discovered seated at fire-place, r., in deep thought — Charm is looking out of loindow, R. c, singing '■^Home, Sweet Home," — table set for s^ijyper— thunder, lightning and rain^ Charm. This is a terrible ni<;ht on the coast, {coming down c.) I do wish father and Willard would come, (going to Tom) Come, come, my good friend, don't worry yourself sick again. Tom. (turning to her) Worry? Oh, what pangs have I endured! Would to God that I had perisiied with the "Silver City." (goes to window) Hark I Someone approaches ! (goes to fire-place) What a terrible night this is. (sits Charm. Yes ; this is a terrible night. Heaven help those at sea on any night like this. Enter, Willard, c. Will, (kissing Charm) This is terrible weather. Tom. (turning to them) Yes, my friends; "It never rains but it pours." Jack, (outside) Come on, Professor; never mind that net, you'll get wet. Enter, Jack, c. —Hallo ! All ready for supper ? Charm. Yes, father ; where did you leave the Professor? Jack. ( going to fire) He's fixing an old net, and getting pretty wet, in the bargain. Enter, Professor, c, whistling. Prof, (going to fire) Well, I'll be darned if it ai'.i't raining! (to Tom) Well, old man, how are you? Tom. I am thinking, "am I safe from th" chitches of the demon. Fate? Have I been saved from a wreck at sea, only to be lost in an- other wreck on the sea of villainy?" Prof. Come now, old man, brace up! We won't allow anything to happen you now. Jack. Well, supper is ready. Come on, everybody ! (goes to table and sits at head ' Tom. I am thankful to you, kind friends, but I do noc care for anything. Jack. The fare is poor, I'll admit; but the welcome is rich. Will. Come on, Professor ! [sits Prof. Well, I won't object; you can call this rooster anything you please, only don't call liim too late for supper. (sits Tom. \\ hile you are enjoying your supper, let me tell you my story. Jack. Why, certainly, friend — go on ! Charm ^ Prof. }■ Yes, do! Will. ) Tom (slow music) Ten years ago I was a happy man ; but fate overtook me, and I— poor fool— took to much of that which robs meQ_of their brains, home and happiness, and killed a bosom friend U TOM BLOSSOM; OR, THE SPIDEM'S WE6. during a social spree. Oh, my God — look! {raising up) I can see it all over again ! laike ! Luke ! (falls heavily in chair Jack. ( rising quickly) Luke who? Speak! (going to ToM Tom. Why do you start — did you know Luke Diamond? Jack. Yes, but never mind now; go on. (goes back to table Tom. (slow music) I escaped and lied from my home, my wife and child, like a mad man. 1 went across the deep blue sea to seek repentance and fortune. I believe I have both. I have confessed to Him, repented the past and started on my way homeward to see my loved ones; but suddenly I was taken ill, and as I lay on my pillow, I dreamed a dream. I saw the crime repeated — but 'twas not done by me. (rising) I believe I am not guilty! ProJ. I know it! Tom. You know what? Speak — or I shall go mad ! Jack. Nevermind now — goon! Tom, When I recovered I again started homeward. -All went well until the wreck of the "Silver City," and why I wa? saved from that wreck I can not tell. Charm. Perhaps to find yourself innocent. Tom. Innocent? Oh. what sounds of joy are in those words 1 Oh, that I might find her whom I loved, then I could die happy. {pause) Happy? 2^ o, happiness for me is a thing of the past. For my Nellie and my girl I would die — Prof. Nonsense, man, don't die for them — live for them and be happy. I know something of you and your life. Tom. (rising suddenly) You, whom I have never seen ! Prof, My name is Sunshine, and your name is Tom Blcasom. Jack, (rushes at Tom — then catches his hand) Tom Blossom I Prof. And Jack, your name is Luke Diamond! Tom. (as they embrace) Innocent, thank God! Jack. Yes, and Tom, there is your daughter Nellie, whom we call Charm. Charm, (going to him) Father ! Tom. {kisses her) My long lost child I God bless you all ! (falls into chair Jack. Why, Tom, what's the trouble ? Tom. {looking up) I thought that joy and happiness for me, was a thing of the past. I can scarcely believe it all. Prof, (aside) I'm in luck! (exit c, Tom. Luke, Luke! Tell me all! (pauses) Who is he, that stands yonder. (points to Willakd Jack. Tom, that is Nellie's husband, Willard Kossipp! Tom. (rising — Zoo^•s «« Charm, Men a« Jack) Rossipp! RossippI I hate the sound of that infernal name. Jack. But a nobler man than Willard never lived — for I am told he has saved your Nellie from the claws of his iron-hearted father time and again. Tom. (reaches for Willard's hand) God bless you, my noble son I Will. I ask for no thanks. I simply did my duty. Jack, Tom, that's the talk of an honest man. Tom. Yes, and may God bless you both ! Charm, Father, you need rest ; come, and I will fix you com- fortable. ro.-:> y^J, 3^ •« tired, nervous and excited, and need rest. {hoth €Xit h^ TOM BL0SS02i; OB, TIIH SPIDEB'S \Ve:B, IS Enter, Professor, c. Jack. Now what's the matter with the Liver Pad fraud? Prof. Thanks ! Keep quiet — Adam Rossipp is coming. Will. What, my father? (exit Ti, Prof. Jack, are you armed? Jack. Yes ; are you ? Prof. Bet your sweet existence I am I Enter, Kossipp, c, disguised as an officer. Bossipp. (coming down c.) I am an officer of the law and must search this property. Enter, Charm, l. Charm. You shall not! Jack. What do you want? Bossipp. I am here to arrest Tom Blossom. Prof. On what charge? Bossipp. Murder ! Jack. Murder of whom ? Bossipp. For the murder of Luke Diamond of Fernoaks! Prof, [pulling off Rossjpp's breard) You lie, Adam Rossipp ! There stands Luke Diamond ! (points Bossipp. You lie, you scoundrel! Enter, "VVillard, r. — Charm goes to him. — My son ! Will. No — your son no longer! (Solomon appears at iKindow, R. c. Bossipp. (going to Willard and raising knife quickly) Who is this woman ? Will. Don't touch her — she is my wife! Enter, Tom, quickly— rushes at Rossipp, catching his arm. Tom. And m}^ daughter! (throv)s him on floor — tableau END OF ACT III. CURTAIN. ACT IV. SCENE — Fernoaks. Same as Act 1st, Rossipp discovered seated at table l., writing in a small diary, Bossipp. (rising) By jove! Just ten years ago tliis very night! I've kept a full account of this damnable aftair, even up to this date. (picks up book and reads) "Jan'y 10, 18 — Afternoon. Went to the old cabhi, accompanied by Solomon, demanded arrest of Tom Blos- t^om. Metmy son Willard, who is married to Tom's daughter; met Blossom, face to face. Professor has positive proof against me — " Oh, pshaw ! (throws book on table, carelessly) Now for the last chance. If she refuses me— ah, well ! (calls) RufusI le TOM BLOSSOM; OB, TEE SPIDEH'S WEB. Enter, Eufus, c. l. b. Jiujiis. {coming down c.) Yas, sah ! I'se heah ! Bossipp. Don't you suppose I see you? You're big enough and black enough and ugly enough for any one to see you. {goes R. Bufus. Yes, sah ; I thought 'case you been out mighty late last night, you wouldn't a seed me on account ob your big head. Dat's all, massa, dat's all! (Professor appears at window Bossipp. That's all, is it? Kiifus, I sent for Nellie Blossom about two hours ago; she has not put in an appearance yet; you go down to her and see what detains her. Prof. Some more of the spider's web. I'll be right here when it takes place and I'll save Nellie Blossom from his clutches, if I have to burst my suspender ! (disappears , Bufui. (going up c.) Yes, sah! yes, sah! (exit L. ' Bossipp. Now then, she must yield ! I have striven to become master of Fernoaks for these many years; I'm not to be trifled with. The end always justifies the means. Enter, Solomon, c. l. — Solomon! Just the ver}^ man I most desired. (going L. Sol. (coming down c.) Veil, vat's up now? Some more tricks of your smart head? Veil, I vas here, und so hellup me Levi I I vas used de joker to hellup j^ou out. (Professor appears at window Bossipp, Solomon, I am going to force Nellie Blossom to marry me, and you — are to be the minister! Prof. The devil you say ! Eossipp, your time on earth is short — make good use of it! Sol. Me? Vy, I vouldn't hurt a fly so hellup me Moses! You know I vas such a pious man. Prof. Another fool who will aoon be behind the bars. Go on, gentlemen, I'm a listening! Sol. You vants me to act as minister. Adam, dot vas a big head of yours to think of all dot thing. Vy, goodness gracious, Levi, I vas the very man for dot thing you know — I vas such a pious man ; but if dot fails, vot next? Bossipp. If this fails, we are lost! (going up stage Prof. Good! I'll see that it does fail. (disappears Bossipp. Solomon, come with me for a short stroll into the park. (hands him a cigar — both light them Sol. Thanks — vy, certainly, so hellup me Moses ! Bossipp. Now for a short rest, then for work! (exeunt c.l. Enter, Widow, c. r., with bandboxes, packages, etc. Wid. Ov all the saints in Ireland! (looks about) Howly St. Michael — if I had that hathen Dutchman, I'd brain him, sol would, bedad ! Makin' a dacint Irish gal loike mesilf carry the loikes ov all these bundles home from town, about five miles, so it was! be- dad and I'll scald him, so I will I (goes l. Enter, Eufus, c. l. Bufus, Dot you, you ole wind bag ? Wid, (drops boxes, etc., rolls up sleeves) Git out ov here, you dirty nager I I'll be after crackin' your black head ! (throws booki at him as he exits c. l.) Do you moind the loikes of that dirty black TOM BLOSSOM; OH, THE STIDEB'S WEB. 11 trash? Bedad an' I'll scald him, so I will I {picks up hoxp.s—hiin- ness) Howly St. Murphy! Sure an' I had a good time last nio-hr. I wint down to O'Mnlligan's raffle; thin I wint over to O'Flacr- gerty's dance ; thin I came up to McGinnes' party and thin I wint over to Muldoon's wake and Faddy Mulcahy fotched me home nnd we had a divil ov a time gittin' here ! {business of boxes dropping — Carl sings outside, "3/// Name Vas Heinrioh Hans^') By the powers I {drops everything) I'll brain that Dutch hathen, so I will! Enter, Carl, l. Carl. Hallo! Yon vas here, nnd py hinimel, I vas hunt you all over, und I vas puty glad I don't fin(l you. {picks up boxes — thows them at her, out of doom. Wid. Bedad. I'll git even wid you, so I will! {exit, r. Carl. Oh, pyhimmel! dot vidder used makes me crazy rait foolishments. I used vants to ask your attention for a couple of years, vile I sings you a leedle song. {sings ^^Dere Vas Ein Leedle Deitcher Maid'^ — exit Enter, Rufus, c. r. Bufus. I done tole missus Nellie. I golly Fs afraid de ole man means mischief to dat chile. I 'clare to goodness I belebe massa Tom's gwine to come home agin. I tell you dey doan hurt missus Nellie while dis ole chile am live and feelin' well ! {exit c. l. Enter, Professor and Bessie, l. Prof. Yes, Bessie, I've come back, with plenty of good news — and a new stock of Safety Liver Pads, that will make you so happy, Bessie, I come back to — to — to — yes, that's it! {going l. Bessie. What, Christopher? Prof. To make you mj — my — my cook. Bessie, {horrified) Your cook? Prof. No; did I say cook? Darn it — I meant my wife. If you are willing, come to my arms. Bessie. That's business, Christopher I {they embrace Enter, Uncle Rufus, c. l. Bufus. {looking on with delight) Hallo! What's de mattab, Bessie, can't you git youse'f loose? Prof. Oh, Lord! {exit i.., hurriedly Bessie. Rufus, you're always in the way! {exit l., quickh/ Bufus. Alius in de way, eh? Well, dis chile's gwine to be in de way ob Rossipp. I'se gwine to sabe missus Nellie if I'se done git killed for it ! {exit r. Enter, Tom, c. l. Tom. Fernoaks once more ! The end of my long unhnppiness is near at hand, {coming c.) Adam Rossipp, when once in my pow er your future is dark; but what if he should escape ! I will hunt him out and kill him! {pauses) Nellie, once more we'll meet! {goe^ to table, picks up Rossipp's diary — reads — throws up hands, excitedly) My God— the proof of my innocence ! Adam Rossipp, if I had yon woto I would kill you ! (pauses) Hark! (puts book in pocket) Aduui Kossipp, beware I The hand of justice will soon overtake y<»u, {exit Ih ^ 18 T02r BLO^SOJI; Oi?, THE SPlDEIl'S WEB. Enter, Nellie, c. l. Nellie, (pacing up and do^'-'^ "fn-e) Oh, what shall I do? Will this misery and snflering never end ? (Tom appears at door l.) When will the hand of justice stop this brutes insults and threats? Tom, {aside) My God I My wife ! Enter, Rufus, c. l. Nellie. Uncle Rufiis, I am so glad you're here; you have been so faithful to me. Help me to escape, for pity's sake — for the sake of the love you once bore Tom ! Bufus. Hush — Tom is not dead I Nellie. Thank God I Tom ! Bufus. Hush I De massa am comin' I I seed massa Tom in a dream las' nioht and you'se gwine to see him before long. Be ob good cheer, I'se not far away. (exit l. Tom. {aside) Noble Uncle Rufus I He has been a true friend to both. Caught at last ! ■Enter, Rossipp, c. l. Bossipp. So you are here? Nellie, Yes, to demand justice ! Bossipp. {laijs hat and gloves on table) And you shall have it. Be ray wife, and — Nellie. Never I I would rather die than marry such a man as you! Bossipp. Have a care, my dear Nellie, or — Nellie. Don't call me your dear ! I can bear your threats, but not your insults ! I shall call an otflcer (turns Bossipp. I shall allow no one to enter my house. You must be- come my wife — and now. (seizes her Enter, Tom, l. — catches Rossipp by the arm, and throws him back, Tom. She must not become your wife ! Nellie ! Nellie, (rushes to his arms) Tom ! Bossipp. Tom Blossom ! (Professor appears at window Tom. Yes; you are caught at last! (quickly) Adam Rossipp, ten years ago you tried to murder Luke Diamond in order to become possessor of Fernoaks, fastened the murder on me, and— Bossipp. It's a lie I Tom. (taking dairy from pocket) Here's the proof ! Bossipp. My God — lost! Enter, Professor, l., with knife. Prof, Yes ; you are lost, for I saw it, and here is Adam Rossippi's knife. Enter, Luke, c. l. Luke. And I am the living witness I Bossipp. It's all a lie I I'll — Enter, Carl, r. Carl. No, it vas no lie ! I vas dere und I see it, too — und, py himmel, you vas der feller vot kicked me ten years ago ! Dere's vou more man vot I vant und I git him. ( exit c. l. TOM BLOSSOM; OB, THE SFIDEB'S WEB. li Tom. Friends, leave us ! (exit Professor and luke, l. Nellie. (>h, Tom, come home with me! Tom. Nellie, go! (pointing— she exits l. c.—to Eossipp) ^ Now, sir, are you prepared? (hands two revolvers) Take your choice! Bossipp, (takes revolver) A duel? (business — shooting — Eossipp falls c. Tom, There ! (drops revolver Enter, Nellie, Bessie and Professor, c. l.— Luke at door, l., ana Widow, r. Omnes. Dead ? -, Bossipp. (rising) I curse you— curse— you ! (falls back dea^ Enter, Carl, c. l., with Solomon, Carl. Here he vas ! Vot I do mit him ? Frof. Throw him in the sewer ! Carl. All right — come on, you pious man! (both exit n, Luke. And now let happiness reign at Fernoaks. Enter, Willard and Charm, l. — I make you a present of Fernoaks. (hands her deed Tom. Nellie, this is our daughter! Nellie. My child! (they embrace Tom. (co7ning to c, withl^TVTT7 NEW PL AYS. ^ Following are the Plays recently added to the list of Ames' Series of Standard and l^inor Drama PKICE 15 CEWTS KAt;M. Pheelim O'Rooke's Curse. An Irish Drama in 4 Acts, for 15 male and 4 female characters ; doubles in cast so that it can be produced by 7 males and 3 females. The author, Geo. A. Simms, is rapidly coming to the front as a play writer, and in this piece he seems to have displayed his talent in a marked degree. In this piece abounds fine situations, unlooked for developments, etc. ; can be produced by amateurs. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS, ACT I. Scene 1st — Laurel Court, Eno^land. The appeal and re- fusal. The whip. Threat. Curse of Pheelim O'Eooke. The hunt- ing party. Hugh Carlton. A dangerous servaut. Son^, "Bryant Olinl" The accident. Mrs. Carlton and Olin. Scene ^d — Pheelira O'Rooke. "Revenge is sweet!" Scene Sd — Death of Lord Carlton. "Pheelim O'Booke it was I" ACT II. Scene 1st — Bryant Olin and Hugh. A perilous under- taking. Hugh in danger. Scene ^d— Attempt to kidnap Hugh frustrated by Bryant. A cowardly blow. Scene Sd — Mrs. Carlton at home. News of Hugh. Despair. The promise. Scene 4th— On the coast. Bryant Olin as a detective; disguises as a fiddler, and meets the gang. Scene 5th — Biddy McGee, the "Island star." Hugh and Pheelim. "Caged at last!" The idiot boy. The wreck. Bryant Olin finds Hugh, and is discovered by Biddy, who gives the alarm. Scene 6«/i— Woods. Escape of Bryant. ACT III. Scene 1st — America. Hugh as newsboy. Ira Colton, a friend. Scene 2d.—0e^ce of Ira Colton. Hugh as Peter Donelli. Olin in America, in search of Hugh." Scene Sd — The den. Pheelim and Peter. Peter tells his adventure. Scene 4th — Grogshop, Peter and Bryant. Bar-room fight. Scene 6th — The den. Peter and O'Rooke. Capt. Lennox. Peter's illness. Suspicions. Trouble ahead. A plan. O'Rooke drunk. Capt. Lennox carries oflf Hugh. Bryant in search of Hugh. "Too late I" Mrs. Donneyhue. The curse. ACT IV. Scene 1st— Q\ub room. News of Hugh's escape. I^en- nox and Clemment to the rescue. Scene 2d — Hugh escapes from window. Capt. Lennox and Clemment. Th« arrest of Capt. Lennox. Scene Sd — Capture of Hugh by O'Rooke. Scene 4th — The den. The bargain. Song. Rescue of Hugh. Death of O'Rooke. Meeting of mother and son. End of the Curse of Pheelim O'Rooke. THE CDMMERGIiLL DRUMMER. A Drama in 3 Acts, by Thorn Melross, for 6 male and 2 female cliai'acters. This piece is immense. It is printed from the author's original manuscript, and has been pro- duced with great success by the American Theatre Co. SYNOPSIS. ACT I. Home of the late Richard Marlow. Interview between Frank Eoss and Lawyer Dad ley. The pious deacon and Verda MiJler. Reading the will. Joe's do;^ collar. Richard Marlow, th« false heir. The child of the Dark Continent in trouble. Three villains. "Ten thousand to silence my tongue!" Zadie, the de- serted wife of John Dudley. An nttemptod murder. Joe's little "barker" interferes. Deacon and Joe. Frank and Verda; his resolve to become a "Commercial Drummer." Zadie gives Verda a home. Mr. Dudley's proposal to Verda, and the misunderstanding. Murder of Deacon Foote, and Frank accused. The struggle, "life or death !" ACTir. Zadie, Verda, and the tramp. "Painted benches." "My kingdom for some soup!" Booth and Zadie. Attempted murder of Zadie; Ashtor, the tramp interferes, and makes Dudley hand over a "William." Booth and the Indian. Too much beer. The stolen will. Joe in the barrel. Target shooting. Verda's refusal to marry Dudley. Abduction of Verda, and Joe knocked down. ACT III. Ashtor and Booth. Corn plasters; "There's millions in them!" Olie, the Swede. Zadie, the Census taker. Two "bummers!" Rescue of Verda by Zadie. Frank discovered by Richard, as Booth. "He must die!" A job for Olie. "In the soup!" Hot and cold boxes. Olie and Booth to the rescue of Zadie. Explanations. A new version of McGinty. A love scene. Capture of Verda. Supposed death of Booth. Fright and death of Dudley. Capture of Richard. Frank and Verda secure the fortune at last. Zadie avenged and the "Commercial Drummer" sells corr plasters no more. THE Intellig'EncB DfficG. An original Ethiopian Sketch in 1 Scene for 3 male char- acters — as produced at Tony Pastor's Opera House. This sketch is extremely ludicrous — costumes modern — time in representation 15 minutes. HAUNTED gY A S HADOW ; —OK,— Hunted -: A Drama in 4 Acts for 8 male and 2 female characters, by Geo. B. Ghase. Costumes modern, characters excel- lent ; and amateurs can easily produce it. SYNOPSIS, ACT I. Scene 1st — Home of Judge Dean— Mrs. Warren meets her son, Will Warren, (a/ia« Frank Hayes) whom she has not seen for years — l^ora and her boy lover — Interview between Ralph Monksly and Frank — A plan to get rid of Mrs. Warren — The "shadow" — Kora and. Frank — The "ghost." Ceesar Orangeblossom — Lost papers — Felix Bolton, the detective, on the trail. Scene iSnd — Caesar visits the office of Ralph Monksly — The drugged wine — "Caught in his own trap" — The quarrel — Dr. Radcliff — The bargain c'osed. ACT II. Scene ^si— Judge Dean and the dectective Bolton^— Frank's villainy exposed to the Judge. Scene Snd — The lunatic asylum — An answer to the advertisement — "H-a-n-k Hank F-i-n-n Finn — Hank Finn — Hank and ihe dog — Mrs. Warren, an inmate of the asylum — The brutal doctor- Rescue of Mrs. Warren by Hank. ACT III. Scene 1st — The proposal — Judge Dean's request of Nora — Nora refuses Frank — His anger and threat — Legal papers — An English fortune — Mrs. Warren's decision — Abduction of Nora — The detective to the rescue. Scene 2nd — Nora in the asylum — E-Jcape of Nora — Death of Dr. Radcliff— Papers found. ACT IV. Scene 1st — Barney O'Toole in possession — He discovers a plan of robbery — The detective as a Dutch peddler — Frank and Ralph recognize him, capture and confine hitn in trunk — Barney releases him — The robbery — Death of Ralph — "I have kept my oath!" — Scene 2nd — Frank's villainy exposed — Barney, the rightful heir and sou — Shadowed — The criminals to justice — Happy ending:. Two Annt Emilys;or,Qmts. A Farce in 1 Act, by Martie E. Tibbets, for 8 female characters. This is an excellent little farce, consisting of light comedy, easy acting, racy dialogue and a good moral. SYNOPSIS. Quarrel between Dinah and Biddy. Aunt Emily, whose money the girls are trying to get. Mrs. Morton and the telegram. Dismay of Helen and Grace. Dinah lays down the law. Onions and cayenne pepper. Arrival of Belle Morton and her teacher, who is the rich Aunt Emily. Belle's joke on Aunt Emily. The long unheard of sister found. Be-lle'a joke on the girls discovered. The poor Aunt Emily secures a home. IJjile gets even and calls it "Quits." PUBLICATIONS OFTHfi Natianal H Schonl Elncutinn DF — TJl □ratnry. Child's Own Speaker. This book is adapted for cliildren of five years of age and contains a collection of Recitations, Motion Songs, Concert Pieces, Dialogues and Tableaux, for the very little children of five years and thereabouts. 100 pieces attractively bound in paper, 15c ; boards, 25 cents. Little People's Speaker. Adapted to children of ten years of age, and suited to every occasion in which the little folks are called upon to take part. 100 pages, attractively bound, 15 ots ; boards, 25c. Young Folks' Recitations. Adapted to young people of fif- teen years, in Numbers 1 and 2, and contains Readings, Recitations, Dialogues and Tableaux. Paper binding, each number, 15c ; boards, 25 cents. Little People's Dialogues. Everytliing original and written specially for this book by Clara J. Denton for children of ten years of age. All the dialogues being prepared specially for this book in- sures for them a freshness seldom found in publications of this class. Handsomely engraved cover with 120 pages; paper binding, 25 cts. Young Folks' Dialogues. These dialogues are suited to voung people of fifteen years ot age, and are adapted to every form of pub- lic and private entertoinment. Everything new and original in 120 pages, attractively bound. Paper biading, 25 cts; boards, 40c. Young Folks' Entertainments. These entertainments consist of Motion Songs, Cliarades, Tableaux, Dialogupc. Concert Recita- tions, Motion Pieces, etc., by C. G. and L. J. Rook. Absolutely new and original. Bound in an appropriately engraved cover with 115 pages. Two pretty drills, for fan and tambourine, modeled after the famous broom brigade are great features in this work. Paper binding, 25 cents. My Country. An exercise for the celebration of the Fourth of July. This exercise, having for its basis the promotion of good citizenship, appeals to every boy and girl in America. It tells, by means of short recitations, songs, and action pieces, the history of the Union, and encourages loyalty to its flag. The quotations to be learned are all so brief that no boy or girl of ten or fifteen need ex- perience any difficulty in committing them to memory. The eongs are written to national airs, already familiar to most schoolchildren. With these simple elements an exercise has been compiled, which is at once varied, instructive and interesting. It may be performed in a school-room or hall; or out of dr>ors, as a part of a picnic enter- tainment. It contains about thirty short prose extracts for recita- tion, some consisting of only a few words, from Washington, Adams, Madison, Webster, Everett, Lowell, and others; and three scenic pieces, consisting of songs and recitations in verse, representing: 1. The Federation of the States; 2. Young America: 3. Our Adopted Citizens' Allegiance to the American Flag. The whole representation occupies about an hour's time. Paper biuUinSi L6 cents. rUBLtCAtloNS OP NaTTOKaL ScHOOL OF ELOCUTION AND OrATORY. Holiday Entertainments. The book is made up of short Dramas, Dialogues, Tableaux, Stories, Kecitations, containing fea- tures specially prepared for Kew Years, Washington's Birthday, Easter, Decoration Day, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. Hand- somely engraved cover with 200 page^j. Taper binding, 80 cts. Sunday School and Church Entertainments. The demand for works of this ciiaracter has not only been widespread but of long duration as well ; and it is seldom so many requests have been made for a work suitable for entertainments o;iven by Sunday Schools and Churches. The contents are largely in the nature of Dialogues, 'J ableaux. Recitations, Concert Pieces, Motion Songs and Short Dramas, all based upon or illustrating some biblical truths. Paper bindins: with handsomely engraved cover, 30 cts. Choice Humor, for reading and recitation. Adapted for use in public and private. The latest and best book of humor published. Paper binding, 30 cts. Choice Dialect and Other Characterizations for Reading and Recitation. 'J'his volume contains a rare collection of choice dialect of every variety, covering a broad range of s&ntiment, and suited to almost every occasion. 200 pages with beautifully engraved cover, bound in paper for 30 cts. Choice Dialogues for School and Social Entertainment. En- tirely new and original. 12mo. Handsomely engraved cover with paper binding, 30 cts. How to Become a Public Speaker ; by William Pittenger, author of "Oratory," Extempore Speech," Etc. 12mo. Hand- somely engraved cover witli paper binding, 30 cents. Reading as a Fine Art. By Ernest Legouve, of the Academie Francaise and translated from the Ninth Edition by Abby Langdon Alger. 16mo. Cloth, 50c. Classic Dialogues and Dramas. This book embraces scenes and dialogues selected with the greatest care from writings of the best dramatists. Handsomely engraved cover with paper binding, 30 cents. Humorous Dialogues and Dramas. The dialogues are humor- ous without being coarse, and funny without being vulgar. Bound in paper, 30 cents. Oratory. By Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. Tlie attention of all persons interested in the Art of Expression is invited to our new issue of Henry Ward Beecher's unique and masterly exposition of true oratory. Neatly bound in cloth, 40 cts. Extempore Speech. How to acquire and practice it. By Wm. Pittenger, author of "Oratory," "How to become a public speaker," etc. A manual of the science and art of extemporaneous speech. Handsomely bound, $1.25. Illustrated Tableaux for Amateurs, by Martha Coles Welds. A new series of living pictures for Churcli, School and Parlor En- tertainments in two parts. This is by far the best collection of tableaux ever arranged for publication. Part I contains a general introduction (Platform, Dressing-Rooms, Frame, Lightning, Cur- tain, Manager, Costumes, Announcements, Music, etc.), together with twelve Tableaux, accompanied with twelve full page illustra- tions. Part II contains twelve tableaux fully described, each being embelished with a full page illustration. Paper binding, 30 cts, s«nd Orders u Amcs' Publishing Company, ^ly^^ ^^^ &J" iimes' Plays — CDntinuBd. ^ FARCES & COMEDIETTAS. 129 132 12 166 30 169 80 78 65 31 21 123 20 175 8 86 22 84 225 49 72 19 42 188 220 148 218 224 2;« 1.54 184 274 209 13 (56 271 116 120 103 60 UO 74 35 47 95 11 99 82 182 127 228 1(X) 139 231 2;55 69 15S 23 208 212 32 Aar-u-ag-oos 2 1 Actor and Servant 1 1 A Capital Match 3 2 ATexan Mother-in-Law 4 6 A Day Well Spent 7 5 A Regular Fix 2 4 Alarmingly Suspicious.. 4 3 AnAwfi.l Criminal 3 3 An Unwelcome Return 3 1 A Pet of the Public 4 2 A Romant c Attachment 3 3 A Thrilling Item 3 1 A Ticket of Leave 3 2 Betsey Baker 2 2 Better Half 5 2 Black vs. White 4 2 Captain Smith ^ 3 3 Cheek Will Win 3 U Cupi s Capers 4 4 Der Two Surprises 1 1 De"ce is in Him 5 1 Did Dream it 4 3 Domestic Felicity 1 1 Dutch Prize Fighter 3 Dutchy vs. Nigger 3 Eh? W at Did You Say 3 1 Everybody Astonished 4 Fooling with the Wrong Man 2 1 Freezing a Mother-in-Law... 2 1 Fun in a Post Office 4 2 Family Discipline 1 Family Jars 5 2 Goose with the Golden Eggs,. 5 3 Give Me My Wife 3 3 Han?, the Dutch J. P 3 1 Hans Brummel's Cafe 5 Hash 4 2 H. M. S. Plum 1 1 How Sister Paxey got her Child B!iptiz d 2 1 How She ha.^ Own Way 1 3 How He Popped the Quest'n. 1 1 How 1 1 Tame M-in-Law 4 2 How Stout Vour Gettin^r 5 2 In the Wrong Box 3 In the Wrong Clothes 5 3 John Smith 5 3 Jumbo Jum 4 3 Killing Time 1 1 Kittie'. Wedding Cake 1 3 Lick Skillet Wedding 2 2 Lauderbach's Little Surprise 3 Lodgings for Two 3 Matrimonial Bliss 1 1 Match for a Mother-in-Law.. 2 2 More Blunders than one 4 3 Mother's Fool 6 1 Mr. Hudson's Tiger Hunt 1 1 My Heart's in Highlands 4 3 y Precious Betsey 4 4 My Turn Next 4 3 M Wif«'.- Relations 4 4 186 My Day and Now-a-Dayi 1 273 My Neighbor's Wife 3 3 44 Obedience >.. 1 2 244 Old Clothes 3 33 On the Sly ^ 3 2 246 Othello 4 1 57 Paddy Miles' Boy 5 2 217 Paten- Washing Machine 4 1 165 Persecuted Dutchman 6 3 195 Poor Pilicody.....* 2 3 258 Prof.Bones'L«test Invention 5 159 Quiet Family 4 4 171 Rough Diamond 4 3 180 Ripples „ 2 267 Room 44 2 48 Schnaps 1 1 138 Sewing Circle of Period > 5 115 S. H. A. M. Pinafore 3 3 o5 Somebody's Nobody 3 2 24^ Sports on a Lark 3 232 Stage Struck Yankee 4 2 238 Strawberry Shortcake 2 270 Slick and Skinner 5 I Slasher and Crasher 5 2 137 Taking the Census 1 1 40 Th. t Mysterious B'dle 2 2 245 Ticket Taker 3 38 Tiie Bewitched Closet 5 2 131 The Cigarette 4 2 101 The Ccmiing Man 3 1 167 Turn Him Out _ 3 2 68 The Sham Professor 4 54 TheTwoT.J's ^ „. 4 2 253 The Best Cure 4 1 28 Thirty-three Next Birthday.. 4 2 142 Tit for Tat 2 1 276 The Printer and His Devilg.. 3 1 263 Trials of a Country Editor..., 6 2 7 The Wonderful Telephone.... 3 1 269 Unjust Justice 6 2 213 Vermont Wool Dealer 5 3 151 Wanted a Husband 2 1 56 Wooing Under DiflScultie •».,. 5 3 70 Which will he Marry 2 8 I:i5 Widower's Trials «.,.. 4 5 147 Waki-g Him Up 1 2 155 Why they Joined the Re- becca* 4 111 Yankee Duelist 3 1 157 Ya- kee Peddler 7 3 ETHIOPIAN FARCES. 204 Academy of Stars ^... 6 15 An Unhappy Pair ,. 1 1 172 Black Shoemaker 4 2 98 Black Statue 4 2 222 Colored Senators 3 n 214 Chops 3 14,5 Cuff's Luck 2 Y 190 Crimps Trip _5 n 249 Double Electi n 9 j 27 Fetter Lane to Gravesend...- 2 n 230 Hamlet the Dainty 6 i 153 Haunte*d House 2 q ii. 9J" LIBRARY OF CONGRESS iimes' Plays-- ETHIOPIAN FARCE 3- M V. CONTUED. L'4 2:-!() 247 .SS 25(i 128 259 61 234 loO 109 l;i4 177 96 107 i;« 179 94 25 92 241 10 64 2.-)2 122 Handy Andy 2 Hypochondriac The 2 lncouii>atibility of Temper... 1 Joe's Vis t. 2 Mischievous Nigger 4 Midnight Colic 2 Musical Darkey 2 Nobody's Moke 5 No Cure No Pay ^^ Not as Deaf as lie Soeviis 3 Old Dad's Cabin 2 OldPorapey 1 Other People's Children ;-i Pomp's Pranks. 2 Quarrel, ome Servants 3 Koom.s to Let 2 ] School 5 Seeing Boating -3 ' Sham Doctor 3 3 16,000 Wars Ago _ 3 Sport with a Sportsman 2 Stage Struck Darkey 2 1 Struck by Lightninir 2 2 Stocks Up, Stocks Down 2 That Boy Sam 3 1 That Awful Carpet Bag 3 3 The Select School 5 Twaih^s Dodging Tricks Uiicle Jetf U.S. Mail .;. Vice Versa , Villkens and Dinah Virginia Mummy Who Stole the Chickens. William Tell Wig-Maker aud His Servants 3 GUIDE BOOKS. 17 Hints on Elocution. l.iO Hints 10 Amaffeurs.. CANTATA. 215 On to Victory 4 TABL iAUX. 250 Festival of Days PANTOMIME. 260 Cousin John's Album MAKE YOUR OWN WIGS! PREPARED WOOL. PREPARhW WOOL IS AN ARTJCLE THAT E VEHY ONE, WITHOUT ANY ENPEBIENi h:, CAS MAKE INiO WIGS ! BEARDS! MUSTACHES ! ETC., ETC. AT VERY JJITLE COST AM) Wli.L BE SUHE TO GIVE SATJSFaC J ION. ^^^ PRICE 50 CENTS PER OUNCE. ^^^^ A'ldr.s>. AMES' PUBLISHING CO., Lock box 152. CLYDE, OHIO * r fi