NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. Edition or Pl7\y3 B7\HER'5 j ■I Bound by An Oath COPYRIGHT, 1889, BY WALTER H. BAKER A, CO. piays for /Amateur Styeatrieals. Author cf*^ Amateur Dramas,''* "The Mimic Stage^'' "The Social Stage^" "The Drawing* Room Stage** "Handy Dramas^** "The Exhibition Dramas^** "A Baker* s Dozen^* etc. Titles in this Type are New Plays. Titles in this I'ype are Temperance Tlays, DRAMAS. In Four A cis. Better tban Gold. 7 male, 4 female char In Three Acts, Onr Folks. 6 male, 5 female char. The Flower of the Family. 5 male, 3 female char Eniisted for the War. 7 male, 3 fe- male char. .... V ..... . My Brother's Keeper. 5 male, 3 fe- male char Tlie Little Srown Jug, 5 male, 3 female char In Two A cts. Above the Clouds. 7 male, 3 female char. . One Hundred Years Ago. 7 male, 4 female char Among the Breakers. 6 male, 4 female char Bread on the Waters. 5 male, 3 female char Down by the Sea. 6 male, 3 female char • Once on a Time. 4 male, 2 female char. The Last Loaf, 5 male, 3 female char. In One A ct. Stand by the Flag. 5 male char. . . Tlie Tempter, 3 male, i female char. COMEDIES AND FARCES. A Mysterious Disappearance. 4 male, 3 female char Paddle Your Own Canoe. 7 male 3 female char. , , A. Drop too Much, 4 male, % female char A. Little More Cider, 5 male, 3 fe- male char A Thorn Among the Roses. 2 male, 6 female char Never Say Die. 3 male, 3 female char. Seeing the Elephant. 6 male, 3 female char The Boston Dip. 4 male, 3 female char. The Duchess of Dublin. 6 male, 4 fe- male char Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 4 male, 3 female char We're all Teetotalers, 4 male, 2 fe- male char Male Characters Only, A Close Shave, ft char A Public Brnefactor. 6 char. . . . A Sea of Troubles. 8 char COMEDIES, etc., continued. Male Characters Only. A Tender Attachment. 7 char. . . 15 Coals OF Fire. 6 char 15 Freedom of the Press. 8 char. , . . ^hall Oor Mothers Vote? 11 char. Gentlemen of thk Jury. 12 char. . • Humors of the Strike. 8 char. . . . My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. . . • New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. • The Great Elixir. 9 char. . .... (hi? Hypochondriac. 3 char I he Man with the Demijohn, 4 char • >5 The Runaways. 4 char 15 The Thief of Time. 6 char 15 Wanted, a Male Cook. 4 char. . • • 15 Female Characters Only, A Love of a Bonnet. 5 char *$ A Precious Pickle. 6 char 15 No Cure No Pay. 7 char 15 The Champion of Her Sex. 8 char. . 15 The Greatest Plague in Life. 8 char. ^5 Thk Grecian Bend. 7 chai-. .... 15 The Red Chignon. 6 ch;ir is Using the Weed. 7 char 15 ALLEGORIES. Arranged for Music and Tableaux, Pilgrimage. 8 female 9 female Lighthart's char. ........ The Revolt of the Bees. char. The Sculptor's Triumph, i male. 4 fe- male char The Tournament of Idylcourt. lo fe- male char The War of the Roses. 8 female char. The Voyage of Life. 8 female char, . MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. An Original Idea, i male, i iemale Bonbons; or, the Paint King. 6 male, I female char Capuletta; or, Romeo and Juliet Restored. 3 male, i female char. Santa Claus' Frolics Snow-bound; or, Alonzo the Bravr. AND the Fair Imogene. 3 male, i female char The Meri«y Christmas of the Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe. . . • The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male char The Seven Ages. A Tableau Entertain- ment. Numerous male and female char. Too Late for the Train. 2 male char. The Visions of Freedom, ii female char WALTER H. BAKER & CO., 23 Winter St„ Boston. BOUND BY AN OATH a ©omegtic Bratna m jFour ^cts anti a prologue BY DAVID HILL AUTHOR OF "FORCED TO THE WAR,'* ** OUT OF HIS SPHERE," "PLACER GOLD," ETC. First produced hy the Thespian Society of Barton Landing' ^ Vt,, February 28^ 1888 t ^ BOSTON ^aJl^//yC^a.^£^^^ j:> 1890 CHARACTERS. (As originally PHILIP RAYMOND JACOB JOHNSON . SETH RANDOLPH EDWARD LE ROY ELLA.S AMSDEN . SAMBO DRUCILLA JOHNSON LUCY SNUFF . . MRS. RAYMOND . MABEL RAYMOND OFFICER, ETC. . cast by ''The Thespian Society**) A blind 7niller , A speculator A vagabond In love with Mabel , ''Bound by an Oath " , Servant to Jacob Sister to Jacob . Thomas Landon N. L. Stimpson D. W. HlLDRETII . Ed. Merrel , Will Allen . I. M. Conner Miss L. M. Robbins A lone widow . Mrs. D. W. Hildreth Wi/e of Philip . Miss Myrtie Stimpson Daughter of Philip . Mrs. H.W. Buchanan "The Thespian Society'* was organized in December, 1873, by Capt. S. B. Tucker. From that time until the present (1890) it has continued to flourish, and is still running with many of the original cast. No other country Dramatic Society, I think, can be found that has held together for this number of years, or that has received so many comments from the press in its own as well as other States. In 18S7, D. W. Hildreth (David Hill) took charge of the club, and presented his new play, '• Forced to the War," which was received with phenomenal success. This induced him to try his hand at another production, and in 18S8, "Bound by an Oath" was pre- sented with like, if not better, results. The members most worthy of men- tion in making this club a success are S. B. Tucker, C. H. CoUey, H. W. and E. M. Buchanan, N. L. Stimpson, C. Ford and wife, E. Merrel, T. Lan- don, Miss C. Parker, Miss L. M. Robbins, Miss May Johnson, Miss L. Rogers, and Mrs. H. W. Buchanan, not to mention your humble servant and wife. D. W. HILDRETH. Copyright, 1890, by D. W. Hildreth. TMP92-0092C8 PROPERTIES. PROLOGUE. — Gun cotton, for lightning. Knives, revolvers and torch for light. ACT I. — Scene i. Table, chairs, sofa, books, pen, ink, paper, cabinet, etc., etc. Large hanging mirror, r. c. Knife and revolvers for Seth. Tumbler, bottle, tray, etc. — Scene 2. Bundles for Lucy, and letter for Sambo. — Scenk 3. Wheelbarrow, bundles, rustic chair, letter, Bible, small bundle, etc. ACT 2. — Scene 1. A cot, stand, stool and candle for each room. Tumbler, pipe, small box, wallet, false money, long wallet, and dark lantern. — Scene 2. Bundles, box containing old glass arranged to break down. — Scene 3. Same as in Act I ; also fan, packages of false money, large book, notes, etc. ACT 3. — Scene 1. Same as in Act i. Scene i. Also letter, revolver and phial. — Scene 2. Bible and cane for Phillip. — Scene 3. Table, chairs, etc. Furniture plain. Gun cotton, cup and saucer, large candle, letter, etc. — Scene 4. — Gun cotton, zinc for thunder, rain box, wind, smoke pots, red lights, candles, phial, wallets, paper-knife, revolvers, pan of coal, check, bottle and tumbler. ACT 4. — Scene i. Shawl, sunbonnet, Bible, etc. — Scene 2. Wallet and paper. — Scene 3. Phial, knife, revolver, handcuffs, etc. COSTUMES MODERN AND APPROPRIATE. Description of Fire Scene (Act 3, scene 5), Take three blocks eight inches square, and bore six holes in each block an inch in diameter, and two inches deep. Fill these holes with red fire, placing a fuse in each for quick lighting. Place one directly under trap, one outside of room occupied by Seth, and the other out- side of room occupied by Elias. Then take three iron plates (spiders with handles attached will be found the most convenient) and after saturating a quan- tity of wicking with turpentine mixed with resin, cover each plate with a small amount, and place with red fire. Keep a quantity near at hand to feed fire if it should diminish. If help is scarce, the work can be accomplished in the fol- lowing manner: When Jacob starts to fire the mill, he does so by lighting the red fire, one tub at a time as needed, and also the wicking, both of which are directly under Seth's window outside. Edward, who is beneath the trap, cautiously removes a board, previously arranged in the floor of room occupied by Seth, and lights wicking underneath. This causes flames and a dense smoke to pour into the room. This smoke has an agreeable odor, and can be inhaled without chok- ing or any dire effects whatever, and is perfectly safe. Just before Seth enters trap, Edward lights red fire beneath it and hastens out by a back exit. When Seth lifts trap door, which same must lift toward audience, the red light and fire is distinctly seen and into which he descends. He then controls this part of the fire himself. The fire outside of the room occupied by Elias is run the same way. Care must be taken to not let the lights diminish until scene closes. I have worked this scene several times as described, and find it can be easily done, and with little expense. The mill Fcene is also simple. Tuck cotton cloth upon frames for the sides, back and centre, and paint it a dirty yellow, excepting two feet and a half which is painted to represent sheathing. Wall paper can be used if necessary. In Seth's room, window should be back, and door L. c. In room occupied by Elias, door should be back, and small window r. c. Centre scene should contain a square aperture closed up with boards arranged to remove. The Author. SYNOPSIS. PROLOGUE. Interior of cave. The storm. Robbery and murder. Bound by an oath : " As God is my witness, I will keep this secret until my dving day." Tableau. {^Lapse of Jive years betiveen Prologue and First Act.) ACT I. SCENE T. Parlor in Johnson's house. Surrounded by wealth. Sambo in trouble. Return of Seth Randolph. A murder prevented by a mirror. Dru- cilla's courage. " Rats." Seth runs the establishment. SCENE n. Highway. Interview between Sambo and Lucy. " Hev you got the valerian cremens, or are you clean gone crazy." SCENE in. Yard in Jront oj Raymond" s hoiixe. The blind miller and his family. Jacob Johnson again. His demand for the hand of Mabel. The refusal. Jacob's threat. The blind miller's opinion of Jacob. " It ain't for me to murmur agin the Lord — it ain't my way ; but when he put that theer man together He made a great mistake." Edward and Mabel. Elias the oath-bound. Face to face. " For God's sake, who are you?" ** Elias Ams- den, the lad ye bound by an oath." ACT. II. SCENE I. Interior oj mill. Elias and Edward. The hidden money. Elias and his secret. "O money! money! you are the bane of ray life; but I worship you as a God ! " SCENE II. Highway. Sambo and Lucy again. "Lor a-mighty! who crushed de tea-set .'' who broke down de box ? Who de — " A ludicrous scene. SCENE III. Roojn inJohnso)i! s house. Jacob and Drucilla. The wolf and the lamb. Mabel pleads for her parents. Jacob's demand. Seth interferes. Edward and Elias. They pay Raymond's notes. Jacob's discovery. " Every dollar of that money is a base counterfeit," Edward and Elias charged with counterfeiting. Deeper in the toils than ever. Seth Randolph's remorse. Elias driven to despair. " Oh, I be doomed — doomed." ACT III. SCENE I. Parlor in Johnson^ s house. Two rogues well met. Plan to secure Mabel. Seth refuses to act. Face to face with Elias. His curse. Jacob's villainy. Plan to drug Seth Randolph and Elias, and burn them together with the mill. A diabolical plot. SCENE II. Highway. Turned into the streets. Phillip's trust in the Lord. " He w^ill guide us through the wilderness like as he did the Israelites of old, if we're not afeer'd to trust Him." Discovered by Lucy. A friend in need. " Now you just follow me and I'll take you home in a half a jiffy." .SCENE III. Room in Lucy s house. Mabel and the letter. The hound still upon the track. Mother and daughter. '* Then, though I crush my heart in doing it, I will marry Jacob Johnson." SCENE IV. Highway. Jacob started to burn the mill. SCENE V. Interior oJ mill. Edward and Elias. Edward in hiding. Elias contemplates suicide in order to reveal the oath. Seth and Jacob. The check. T.he drugged wine. Seth outwitted. ** Oh, I am lost ! lost ! " Jacob fires the mill. Storm, flames and smoke. Seth recovers. Locked in. To the rescue of Elias. Edward beneath the trap. A double rescue. Seth Randolph saved but dying. " Let — let me speak ! Ja — Jacob — O God ! — he — Jacob — he done this — he — " ACT IV. SCENE I. Room in Lucy^s house. Mabel and Lucy. Phillip's anxiety. Learns of Mabel's object. Off to the rescue. " Lead the way, Betty, and I'll follow you with the strength of a giant." SCENE II. A wood. Confession and deathof Seth Randolph. " Place me where the birds can sing over me and where streaks of sunshine can reach my trave.'' ;NE III. Parlor in J acoV s house. Drucilla and Jacob, She criticises his actions. ** Mr. Johnson, outside from bombast and cynicism, you are of little account." The dove in the eagle's claw, Elias to the rescue. Phillip, Mrs. Raymond and Lucy. Elias attempts suicide. Timely arrival of Edward. " Kill the fatted calf, the prodigal has returned." Jacobin the toils. Return of the money. A happy termination. BOUND BY AN OATH. PROLOGUE. SCENE. — Interior of cave. Dark stage. Lightning and thunder J with wind and rain. As curtain rises ^ Elias Amsden rushes infro7n R. i e. Elias. There ! now I be safe from the storm. Swift as I was it nearly overtook me before I reached the cave. How dark it grows ! And the wind, how it moans ! {^Lightning and heavy thunder.^ Heavens! what a flash! That must ha' struck somewheres. Outside the cave is a big hemlock — (^Goes to motith of cave and looks offK. IE.) Mercy ! it's all ablaze. How quickly the lightning set it on fire. (^Lightning and thu?tder .^ There goes another flash ! (^Retreating back into cave.^ It be safer in here, though I ha' no love for the darkness. {Cries of ''Help! help!'''' heard off K. IE.) Hark! what was that? Did I not hear cries for help? {Cries repeated.) There it is again. {Goes to mouth of cave and looks offK. IE.) Oh, Heavens ! there be two men bearing the body of another between them. They be passing the burning hemlock. Why, they be coming this way. {Rmtning back into cave.) Oh, what shall I do ! If I be seen I shall surely share the same fate. {Noise outside.) They be close at hand. I will hide if there be a place to put me. {Goes down cave c. l., and hides behind big boulder. Storm dies away as scene pro- gresses.) (Jacob Johnson and Seth Randolph enter r. i e., with the body of their victim. They deposit body near cetiter of stage.) Seth. Hark'ee, now, Jacob, I'm a second Pilate. I wash my hands of this murder. Understand? Jacob. You do — eh? Wash your hands of a murder which you helped to commit. Slip your own neck out of the noose, and leave me to hang. Help get me into the trap, and then desert me because I happened to strike the blow. Seth. Yes, yes, Jacob; but you struck too hard — altogether too hard. Murder was not my intention. We wanted the money — that was natural. To secure it, it 5 O BOUND BY AN OATH. necessitated a blow ; but that blow should have been given gently — gently, Jacob. Indeed! so gently, that the spark of life would have remained. You overdid the job, Jacob. Jacob. Well, it's done, and can't be undone. I struck too hard, I admit that, but he should not have struggled. He aggravated the assault through his own desperate endeavor to escape. Had he yielded to our demand, no trouble would have ensued. However, now that the deed is done, what are you going to do about it? Seth. I don't know, Jacob. On that point my heart is exceptionally tender. I long for his resuscitation. Bring him to life, Jacob, and I'll return my half of the boodle without a struggle. Jacob. Bah ! this accident has frightened you. It has made you tender and chicken-hearted as a woman; and women are cow^ards. Seth. Not always, Jacob. The most heroic act I ever witnessed was performed by a woman. That act was the saving of my miserable carcass from a watery grave. Indeed ! she rescued me from a position so perilous, that even men shuddered to make the attempt. Don't stigmatize a woman, Jacob, because if you do, what little sense of manhood I have left will rebel in an instant. Jacob {^after a pause) . Well ! Seth. Well, Jacob. Jacob. Something must be done. Seth. There must ! I admit that. Jacob. What shall it be? Seth {advancing frorit) . I pass ; you can play it alone. Jacob {following and tapping him on shoulder). Seth, come back. {They go down stage. Seth, l., Jacob, r.) This is no place to show the white feather. The deed is done, and you must help cover it up. This cave is rarely if ever visited. The stranger whom we have disposed of is unknown in these parts, and will never be missed. I have a few suggestions to make. Seth. Make them. Jacob. Let us bury the body, divide the money, swear eternal secrecy to each other, and part for ever. Seth. Your suggestions are adopted, especially the latter. To one, however, I object. Jacob. What is that? BOUND BY AN OATH. / Seth. Dividing the money. I want none of it. My conscience is against it. Jacob. You are a coward. Seth (^tur7ii7ig 7{po?i him fiercely) . You lie. Jacob {touching revolver) . What ! Seth. I mean, in the present sense of the word. I am a coward only as a guilty conscience makes me one. No matter how much I craved that money under ordinary circumstances, it has no charms for me when bathed in human blood. You struck the blow, and have earned the reward. I won't touch it. Jacob. Well, will you help to bury the body? Seth. I suppose I must. Jacob. Then search with me for a fagot. We need a ligh t . ( They search for fagot. ) Seth {ft?iding fagot). Here is your fagot — light it. (Jacob lights it.) Jacob. Now for an examination of the cave. {Goes doum stage followed ^/ Seth.) The Devil could not have chosen a better place. Seth {sarcastically). Or better subjects for it, eh, Jacob ? Jacob. Silence! your remarks are too pointed. Here! look at this boulder. It juts out over, leaving a large cavity underneath. Stow the body in there, and only the resurrec- tion can find it. {Discovers Elias, and juinps back i}i stir- prise, ) The Ifevil ! Seth {starting) . Eh — what ! have you found him already ? Jacob. The Devil? No; would that I had. {Dragging Y.i.iASfro?n behind rock.) How came you here? Seth. I should remark the same. Elias. I was sheltering myself from the storm. I saw you coming, and so concealed myself. Jacob. Have you overheard our conversation? Elias. I have, sir; but I could not help it — indeed I could not. Jacob. Do you know who we are? Elias. I do, sir ; but I be not t' blame for that. I be not f blame for knowing you, sir. Jacob. Here, remain where you are. Move, and your life shall pay the forfeit. Seth? 8 BOUND BY AN OATH. Seth. Jacob ! Jacob. Follow me. {They advance to front of stage. ^ We are discovered — mined. Seth. We are, Jacob. Jacob. What is to be done? Seth {slowly). Hang! Jacob {starting). Hang? Not while this right arm can strike. The sod that covers one can cover two ; and a dead tongue is ever silent. He must die. Seth. Must? Jacob. So I remarked. To avoid any disagreement between ourselves, we will settle the question by tossing a coin. Whoever the choice falls upon, must dispose of the boy. Do you consent? Seth {after a pause). I consent. Jacob {taking coin from his pocket). Well, here goes. {Tossing coin into the air.) Name your choice. Seth. Heads you win. Jacob {holds torch and looks at 'coin). It is heads. You are the boy's executioner. Perform your duty. {Goes up R. I E.) , Seth. Very well. (Seth looks toward boy, then turns , and goes down L. i E. Pauses a moment, then takes long dirk knife from his pocket and feels the edge. At last he tur7is and goes down center to Eli as. Slow music.) Boy, you see the exit to this cave? To the left is a path that leads to your father's cottage. Take it, and §o home. Jacob {spri?iging down front) . What! Seth. Jacob, stand back. This boy is in my hands — I shall dispose of him. Jacob. Yes, but you would set him free. Once free, and you know the consequences. Seth. V\\ take the consequences. Though the gallows stared me in the face, and the rope was already around my neck, I would not harm a hair of that boy's head to save my lite. Jacob. Are you determined? Seth {^oing down c. l.). I am adamant. Jacob {going k. i e. ; aside). No power can move him when once he has decided. Something must be done, and quickly, too. {Aloud.) Seth? Seth. Jacob ! BOUND BV AN OATH. 9 Jacob. Come here. Seth {to Elias). Boy, don't move from your tracks until I return. {Advances fro7it.) Well? Jacob. If you refuse to dispose of him, you must frighten him into silence. I have known him. from an infant. When once his word is given he is as immovable as yourself. Extort from him a promise to keep this a secret, and we are .^afe ; otherwise, you know the consequences. Are you for, or against it ? Seth. I am for it, Jacob, just so long as it don^t take blood. If it comes to that, I enter a protest. You are bet- ter adapted for the frightening process than I am, so I sur- render the case into your hands. Do it gently, though, as gently as possible without resorting to force. Jacob. Leave that to me. (Jacob goes dow7i r. with torch. Seth turns l.) Seth. Boy, I have changed my mind. Unless you swear eternal secrecy in this matter, — well, youVe got to go under, that's all. You had better swear. This man will do the business, I can't. Elias {clinging to Seth). Oh, no — no! For the love of Heaven, let me live ! Oh, I beg of you not f murder me ! Jacob. Shut up! (Seth pushes him over to Jacob.) Another word, and it's all over with you. Now listen. Our conversation must have convinced you that this murder was unintentional. The law, however, knows no difference. Swear upon your sacred honor to keep it a secret, and you are safe. Refuse, and your body shall rot in the same hole as the one beside you. Down and swear. Elias {kneeling back of corpse^. I swear it. Jacob {stands r. with revolver pointed at Elias, Seth stands 1.. the same). Then say, **As God is my witness, I will keep this secret until my dying day." Elias {lifting his hands to Heaven). As God is my wit- ness, I will keep this secret until my dying day. Jacob. You swear it ? Elias. I swear it. {Tableau.) Jacob. Elias. Seth. Corpse. R. CURTAIN. L. Lapse of five years bet7veen Prologue and first Act. lO BOUND BY AN OATH. ACT I. SCENE I. — Parlor in Johnson's house. Folding doors back looking into room beyond. Table with books ^ etc., L. i E. Side entrances L. and R. Lounge C.L. Large ha^tging mirror c. R. Secretary L. Altogether, a richly furnished apart- ment. As curtain rises, Jacob and Drucilla enter from R. 3 E. Jacob comes'^doivn l. Drucilla, r. Jacob {impatiently^. Come, come, Drucilla, youVe harped on that long enough. The girl suits me, and if I can win her hand it's a privilege I have. Besides, this house has been without a mistress long enough. Drucilla {with toss of head). Indeed! without a mis- tress. Is this my recompense for all these years of toil and drudgery ? Are you aware, Mr. Johnson, that I am mistress here ? Jacob. Yes, you are mistress here, that is evident. But recollect, Drucilla, you are only a sister. As such, you can- not expect to supply the place of a loving and devoted wife. Dru. a loving and devoted fiddlestick ! What does a man at your time of life want of a wife, I wonder. Besides, the girl donH love you, and never will. If she does, she's a downright fool, that's all. Jacob. That is, in your estimation. Remember, though, that your way of thinking is as different from mine as black is from white. You have no affection for anything, unless I except the love for darning a stocking, or sewing on a patch, which, I believe, you are especially fond of. (Drucilla shrugs her shoulders.) This girl may not love me now, but she will after marriage ; at least, I will take the chances. Dru. Well, I declare ! One would think to hear you ■ talk that the girl was already at your command. What does Mabel want of you ? Are you aware that she is already in love with Edward 1 What are you, with your sour visage, and ungainly figure, compared with him ? If Fm any judge of character, your proposition will meet with a prompt refusal ; and it ought to. Jacob. Not so fast, Drucilla. You do not consider that I hold the family within my power, and she dare not refuse. BOUND BY AN OATH. II I could turn them into the street if I desired ; and as for Phillip, her father, you know the hold I have upon him ? Dru. Yes, I do ; and if you take advantage of it, you are a greater rascal than I take you to be, and goodness knows you are enough of one already. However, have your own way. You always w^ould be headstrong and unreason- able, and I expect you will in this. Remember, though, I will tolerate no undue extravagance. I won^t stand it. (^Exii R. c. D.) Jacob {^coining down c). Ma! ha! ha! how little she knows of the rod I hold over the Raymond family. Every dollar they possess, the honor of the family even, is in my hands, and it rests with me to save them from poverty and disgrace. The old man is blind and helpless. The forgery that was committed, and for which he mortgaged me his place, I still hold against him ; and though he was innocent, it is impossible for him to prove it. (Sambo enters unper- ceived, c.) Before I yield up that girl, I will foreclose on the mortgage, turn the whole family into the street — aye! and place Phillip Raymond in a prison cell. Such is my vindictiveness towards those who w^ork against me. Sambo. MasV Johnson ? Jacob (turning q7uckly^. How now, you black rascal! How dare you intrude upon me thus unceremoniously ! Sambo. 'Spects I have 'casion, MasV Johnson. Jacob. What do you want ? Sambo. Fse gwine to tole you, sah, gwine to squatulate dis yer minute. Lor a mighty ! MasV Johnson, what you tink ? Dar's a man outside what says he's a gwine to enter dis yer tickler compartment spite of de debbil sure. He tole me so with his own mouf, sah. Jacob. He told you so, did he.^ What does he look Hke? Sambo. Dass it, Mas'r Johnson, daf s de tickler question I was tinking on. ' Pears to me, if I disremember perzactly, he was a resemblance to de scare-crow in Mas'r Wottle's cora field, sah. Jacob. A beggar — eh? Tell him to be off with him- self. I have no patience with any such trash. Sambo {going). Yes, sah, Fse gone, sah. (Stops.) Jacob. Well, why don't you go? Sambo. I was tinking dat de genPman might refuse to go, sah. 12 BOUND BY AN OATH. Jacob. Well? Sambo. Under de circumstances, de situation would be werry disembarrassing, sah. Jacob. You are a coward. Tell him to begone, or I will order his arrest. That will settle the question at once. Sambo. And if he don't go den, sah? Jacob. Clear out and do as I command you. Sambo. Tse gone, sah. (^Exit c. d.) Jacob. That negro is a regular nuisance. {Seats himself at the table and writes.^ I will write to this Raymond family stating that I shall call upon them at two o'clock sharp. I may as well decide my fate first as last. That the girl will refuse my hand, I haven't a doubt; but the knowledge of her fathers affairs will soon bring her to terms. After that I shall have nothing to fear. {Co7nmotion outside,^ Just as I ex- pected ! That negro's cowardice has got him into trouble. {Rising from table.) Sambo {without) . Lor a mighty ! don't shoot ! don't shoot, sah ! Ise not prepared to die — indeed ! I isn't, sah. {Backing in c. T>., followed by Seth Randolph, with pointed revolve?\ Sambo runs behind ]acob, who advances front .) O Mas'r Johnson ! for de love of de Lord, save me — save me, MasY Johnson. Jacob. Shut up! you black imp. {Turning /^ Seth.) Well, sir, by what authority do you enter here ? Seth (r. ofc). Oh, I was only trying to look Erebus . out of countenance. I trust the endeavor has not occasioned you any displeasure ? Jacob. Villain ! you are insolent. Leave the room, or I shall be under the necessity of resorting to force. Sambo {behind Johnson) . Dar's gwine to be a murder in dis yer house sure's you're born. Jacob. Are you going, sir? ^ Seth. Oh, not just at present. A call that is too short is as unpolished as a call that is too long. Custom has taught me to adhere strictly to etiquette. The rules of eti- quette must govern my departure. {Passing down R. h. corner.) Jacob. Your audacity is without precedent. Sambo, show him out of the house. Sambo {retreating down l. h. corner). O MasV John- son! BOUND BY AN OATH. I3 Jacob. Do as I command you. Sambo. I couldn^t do it, MasV Johnson. I couldn't do it nohow. Jacob. Will you obey me, you black rascal? Why are you shivering as if stricken with the ague ? Put this vaga- bond out of the house. Sambo (^shivering). Lor a mighty! Fse dun gone for. Ise tooken wid de cranks, MasY Johnson. I can't move — indeed I can't, sah. Jacob {startifig toward him'). You cowardly wretch ! Seth. Hold on there, friend ! An ungovernable temper is man's worst enemy. Learn to bridle the tongue, and half of the battle is accomplished. I perceive my counte- nance is not familiar to you, although it is wreathed in smiles. Jacob, have you visited the old cave lately, Jacob (^starting) . How ! What ! Seth. Oh, nothing. I was merely talking as one m a dream. Look at me, Jacob. Behold in my face the old familiar land-marks of friendship. Has five years served to obliterate me from your memory ? Jacob {looking at him sharply) . Seth Randolph ! Seth. The recognition is complete. Jacob? Jacob. Well ! Seth. Shake. (Jacob gives hand reluctantly,) Jacob, do you know why I am here? Jacob. No. Seth. I want money. Jacob {starting back) . Money ? Do you expect to find it here? Why, man, I haven't a dollar at my disposal. Seth {advancing front) , Avoid the law, and cheat the lawyer. That's my motto in rainy weather. I shall not resort to the law to get my half of this estate. Jacob ? Jacob. Well ! Seth {pointing to Sambo) . Let Erebus pass out. Jacob. What! Seth. Let him pass out. Jacob {aside). Curse it ! I must obey him. {Aloud,) Sambo, you can go. Sambo {starting off) . Bress de Lord ! I'se jess gwinc to fly. Seth. Here you, Erebus, come back. 14 BOUND BY AN OATH, Sambo {making off). Couldn't tink of it, sah, couldn't tink of it nohow. (Seth points revolver at him. Sambo re~ turns.) Lor a mighty ! Tse a-coming. Put up yer popping iron, MasV Somebody, Fse right here. Seth. Bring me a bottle of wine. ( Sambo looks at Jacob) . Jacob. You can bring it. Sy^th (J)oi7tting off). Go. {Saubo runs out c, T>,) Jacob, it has been five years since we parted with each other at the mouth of the old cave, Jacob, Well! Seth. Since that time my conscience has undergone a wonderful change. Indeed, so case-hardened has it become that I now demand my share of that money. Jacob. What ! would you rob me ? Never ! Before I will yield up that money, the law shall take its course, Seth, And when it does it will find you upon the gallows. Kind of makes you wince now, don't it ? Come ; give me my share — you dare not refiise it, Jacob, Dare not — dare not! say you.^ Bah ! who rec- ognizes you? What jury, after one glance at your face, would convict me on your testimony? I defy you. Seth. Well, my face is against me, that's a fact, - The face is a mirror to the heart ; and when the heart is evil, the evil seems to crop out and show all over the man. However, there's the lad — Jacob, What of him? He is demented, broken down in spirits, and no longer responsible for what he does, Seth, And we are the cause of all this ? Jaco'b, Call it as you please, Seth, Jacob, listen to me. To kill a nian outright, is murder. To murder his peace of mind, is no crime. Now, to my thinking, he who ruins the happiness of another, com- pelling him to live in perpetual torture and mental anguish, is a greater murderer than he who robs a man of life. We are the murderers of that boy. How does it make you feel, Jacob ? Jacob, You are mad. Seth. Mad ? Then is a guilty conscience a species of insanity. Now to show you how far that insanity has taken me. {Taking paper from his pocket.) When I parted from BOUND BY AN OATH. 1 5 you, fivQ years ago, I compelled you to write down every par- ticular of that murder, and affix your signature, {Showing paper. ^ Here is the paper — I perceive you recognize it. Now, Jacob, unless you place five thousand dollars at my disposal, I will hand this paper to the proper authorities, and by so doing show up that murder to the eyes of the world. Think it over. {Goes up stage ^ and throws hmts elf into chair facing mirror. His back is toward audience. He leans back in chair and lights cigar. ) Jacob {down c, l, aside). That man must die. Until he is disposed of I am no longer safe. Ha ! a thought. His back is toward me. I could easily steal upon him unawares, and stab him to the heart. I then could conceal the body, and he would never be missed. It shall be done. {Goes to table y opens drawer , takes out papers and dagger. He conceals dagger; aloud.) Seth, as you say, half of that money belongs to you. Wait but a moment, and I will fill out the check. {Pretends to 'write check.) There! now I will bring it to you that you may see if it is all right. {Con- ceals dagger in right hand and crosses to Seth. As he lifts it to strike y Seth, who has watched his movements in the mirror y suddenly poi^tts revolver at him over his shoulder ^ Jacob starts back in surprise. Chord.) Seth. Jacob, stand back. Jacob. Ha ! would you murder me ? Seth. Jacob, that mirror is like your own heart ; it re- veals all there is in it. Sambo {entering c, with wine, etc). Here am de wine, MasY Somebody. Seth. Very well. {Rises, takes glass, and comes down c. R. Jacob c. l.). Here's to your health. May you be more successful in your next attempt. {Drinks and returns glass. Sambo falls back.) Jacob, fill out that check. Jacob. Give me time. Give me a week, and you shall have it. {Aside.) In that time I will dispose of him, or may my right hand be withered. Seth. Your wish is granted. Disapp.oint me, though, and you know the consequences. Erebus, advance. Sambo. Pse coming, sah. {Comes down front.) Tse right here, sah. (Seth takes glass and is about to drink as Drucilla enters R. 3E.) l6 BOUND BY AN OATH. Dru. Mr. Johnson, I wish to inform you — (^Perceiving Seth.) Why, who's this! and a glass in his hand, too. Jacob, why is such a vagabond in the house? Seth. Pardon me, madam ; but I am your brother's most intimate and confidential friend. Is it not so, Jacob .^ {^Drinks. ^ ]kco'& {with difficulty^. Ye-yes. Dru. I want to know ! I was not aware that my brother was the associate of ruffians and beggars. Why, his fcice would make a good photograph for a rogues gallery. {Turn- i?tg to Seth.) Do you know, sir, I take you for a contemp- tible worm 1 Bless me ! if Fm any judge of looks, you are a bold, bad man. Seth. Which shows, madam, how little you can read the human face. A rough exterior often covers a costly gem. I speak that with reference to myself. The plainer the bird, the sweeter the song. Are — are you a vocalist, madam .'* Dru. You insulting thing! Jacob, it is my desire that this man shall leave the house. Command Sambo to put him out. Sambo {retreating down r. c). O Missus ! I couldn't do it ! couldn't do it nohow ! Dru. Why don't you speak, Jacob? Has your tongue become suddenly tied ? Why do you entertain such a character in the house ? Jacob. Drucilla, he is here — Seth. On particular business, madam. Business of such a vital nature as not to require your presence. You can go — eh, Jacob ? Jacob. Under the circumstances, Drucilla, you had better retire. It will only be for a short season — Seth. After which, you can return. This is what the tide said to the shore: *'I go; but I shall come back." And mind, no listening at the key-hole either. A listening emr is an abomination. Erebus, advance. (Sambo sta7-ts forward.^ Dru. Stay where you are, sir. {^\w^o falls back. ^ Seth {authoritatively). Erebus, advance, {^xyi^o starts forward again.) Dru. {fiercely). Stay where you are, sir. (Sambo rwwi- back.) If the master of this house is devoid of courage, i BQUND BY AN OATH. 1 7 will assume command myself. As for you, you contemptible sneak — -leave the house this instant. Seth. Beautiful is woman in her natural sphere. Per- verted, the Devil is no comparison. Often have I stuffed the ballot-box in their behalf, and admired them for their courage and temerity. (^Suddenly crashing tumbler upon the floor and shouting.) Rats ! ! ! Dru . {screaining and runfiing down stage c . R . ) . Mercy ! Sambo (^jumping and droppi^tg tray). Lordy Gody mighty ! whar is um ! S'ETH {ju7nping iitto chair down c, and flourishing two revolvers) . Everywhere ! everywhere I Cover your figure- head, you black bull of Bashan, or off goes a pendant. (Sambo darts under table. Drucilla holds tip chair to protect herself. ) That's right ! dodge about, for in it rests your safety. This house, and all there is in it, belongs to me ; with the exclusive right to shoot — pop — bang — blaze away — (^Shoots revolvers arot^nd room as scene closes in.) (^Disposition of characters.) Seth (in chair). Sambo (tmder table). Drucilla. Jacob. R. L. SCENE II. —Highway. (Sambo enters fro7n l., backing on.) Sambo. Hi! dar — clar out! doan you trouble dis yer chile no mo' — doan you do it. Lor a mighty ! what am de world a coming to ! Tarrin' times down at MasY Johnson's — ebery ting discumbobalated in a heap. Nebber saw de likes in all dis yer chile's recommembrance. Dar's de Missey next ting to gone wid de steerics, and Mas'r Johnson, he doan say nuffin, but jess give me dis yer letter to deliver, an' den dat yer shooting popperer running de house. I can't see through it nohow. {Looking off lu.) Git out, dar ! doan you come dis yer way, 'cause I can't stand it ! (^Enter fro7n R., Lucy Snuff, with basket and bundles. She stands and stares at Sambo, who does not observe her.) Doan want nufifin mo' to do wid yer on top of dis yer yearth. Clar out! 1 8 BOUND BY AN OATH. Lucy. What on airth is the matter? Sambo (^jmnping back). Hey! git out, dar — git out! I doan — {Perceives Lucy.) Lor a mighty! is dat you, Missey Lucy? Lucy. Land a massey ! yes. Hev you got the valerian cremens, or are you clean gone crazy. You look scater than Deacon Applejack did when the hornets chased him out of the raspberry patch. Sakes alive! didn't he run, -though. Ain't anybody dead, is there? Sambo. Lor a mighty ! dars gwine to be a funeral at MasV Johnson's afore a week. Lucy. Sakes alive! you don't say! Well, it's nuthin' more nor less than I expected. I told Drucilla last week, if she didn't wear an anica plaster atween her shoulders she'd hev the spine-on-er-gee-tus agin, spite of yarbs an' doctors. Nuthin' like an anica plaster for spine-on-er-gee-tus, I kin tell ye. When wus she tooken down? Sambo. Tooken down! Who? Missey Johnson? Laws a massey ! dar's nuffin de trouble wid her — she nebber was took. Lucy. I want tu know ! Then Jacob is sick, is he? I knew he would be when I heard him sneeze twice afore break- fast tother mornin'. I told him then tu take a dose of cannibal innicus, an' soak his feet in hemlock tea, or he'd hev the fever worse than Uriah did, an' you know Uriah wus awful bad. He wouldn't du it, though. Men are hateful critters when they set out for it, I kin tell ye. If you ever cotch a cold, Samuel, jest take some cannibal innicus, an' soak your feet in hemlock tea. It'll help you every time. Has he hed tu hev a doctor? Sambo. Who! Mas'r Johnson? Dar's nuffin de trouble wid him. He doan want no doctor, Mas'r Johnson doan. Lucy. Sho ! you don't say ! Then for massy's sake ! who is sick? Sambo. Dar ain't nobody sick, I tole yer. Lor a mighty ! can't dar be a funeral in de house widout de measels? (^Crosses /or.) Lucy (crossing to l.). Well, well, goin' tu be a funeral in the house, an' nobody sick. You beat all the niggers for talkin' in columdrums I ever did see. Land a massey ! I wus jest a-goin' over there ; but your talk has flusterated me BOUND BY AN OATH. I9 SO, I hardly know whether tu go ahead, or jest turn around an' go back. Sambo. Better go back, Missey Lucy, now recommember what I tole yer. Dar's a man wid de popper irons what has taken lawful possession of de whole ting. He took it wid his own permission, he did. Doan you go near de house. Lucy. Gracious goodness ! a man taken lawful posses- sion? Well, well, what will happen next, I wonder. {Sets down bundles, approaches Sambo, and talks significantly,^ Do you know, Samuel, I alius did think there wus somethin' kinder cur'us about Jacob's affairs? You know what the general report is, don't ye? Well, folks will talk, ye know, an' perhaps there's nuthin' tu it. Leastwise, I hope not. Then the officers have really taken possession. ' Sambo. Ossifers ? Who said anything about ossifers ! Dar ain't no ossifers at Mas'r Johnson's. Lucy. Didn't you say the officers had taken possession of the house? Sambo. Didn't say nuffin 'bout ossifers. What fo' ossifers go to Mas'r Johnson's? He ain't stole no sheep, Mas'r Johnson ain't. Lucy. Land a massey ! who said anything about sheep ! You niggers will mix things up the wust of any people I ever did see. Hev you started for anywheres in particular? Sambo. Wuss dat? Lucy. I didn't know but you might be goin' down tu Phillip Raymond's. Of course I don't keer, an' only ask out of curiosity. Poor man ! it wus a great caramity when his sight wus tooken from him. It does seem cur'us, though, that he should let Elias sleep in the mill, even if he does run it. Why, if it wus mine, I should know he would sot it on fire. Kind o' cur'us about that boy, now, ain't it? Sambo. Doan know nuffin 'bout dat Elias. Mas'r Johnson says I doan want nuffin' to do wid him. Lucy. Massey sakes! what did he say that for? Why, there wern't no smarterer boy in town than Elias wus, afore that mystery preyed upon his mind. Why on airth he don't tell about it is mor'n I can see inter. Well, I must run along, or I shall never get there. {Takes up basket and bundles.^ Pm goin' tu take Drucilla some corn an' cowcum- bers. She's dreadful fond of cowcumbers, Drucilla is, an' 20 BOUND BY AN OATH. then agin, she says they'er good for her dispeperie. I reckon I shant be in the way, so Til run my chances. If you see Mrs. Raymond, you tell her my rhumatiz is a heap better, an' jest as soon as the first surveyance offers, FU drop down an' see her. (^Starts off i..^ Sambo {calling) . Missey Lucy 1 Lucy {turtiing back) . Well ! for the land sakes what do you want now? Tm in a dreadful hurry. Sambo. Dar's a bran new litter of pigs down to Masx Wottles — see'd 'em all myself. Lucy {mdignant) . Well, what on airth du I keer for a : litter of pigs. {Goes off i..) Sambo. Ya! ya! ya! nebber saw de likes of dat ole woman on top of dis yer yearth. Golly ! she can talk faster than a guinea hen can cackle — dat's a fact. Knows ebery-* ting, too. Lor a mighty ! what she want to 'sinuate dat yer . ting 'bout Mas'r Johnson fo'? 'Spects she doan know nuffin 'bout it. Ya ! if I doan deliber dis yer letter mighty quick, , dar'U be de debbil to pay. Mas'r Johnson'll send dat yer shooting popperer after me sure. Hi! git out dar ! Doan you come dis yer way — doan you do it. {Runs offR.) SCENE III. — Yard in front of Raymond's cottage, r. Porch over door entwined with vines, etc, etc. Highway leading from extreme R. u. E., down ^ast cottage, and off L. Grist mill seen in the distance. Phillip discovered seated in rustic chair in front of cottage, Mrs. Raymond stands in front of porch, with Mabel beside her. She holds letter in her hand as scene opens, Mrs. R. {reading), ** To Phillip Raymond : I shall call upon you at two o'clock sharp. I particularly request that Mabel shall be present. Jacob Johnson." Alas ! . too well I kiiow what that call portends ; and unless his heart is unusually lenient, we shall be turned into the streets, homeless and friendless. Phillip. Cheer up, Betty, cheer up. This here wureld we're living in ain't all amiss. Theer's patches -pf sunsbine, a'most as big as the shadows, spread out all around us. 1 BOUND BY AN OATH. 21 could wish they might shine a leetle brighter sometimes — enough to keep us ^nd the old home together — and I reckon they will if we don't murmur too much agin it. Don't be down spirited, Betty, s'longs the mill wheel continues to turn. Mrs. R. Ah, Phillip, you always look on the bright siae, even in your sorest afflictions. Sometimes I bless Heaven for it. But at present, our situation is most deplorable ; and unless some unforeseen event occurs, I can see nothing buf ruin staring us in the face. Phillip. Well, Betty, theer's worse things than being stared at by ruin. Now I ain't discouraged — not at present. Them theer notes won't spile if they keeps a leetle longer. Why ! Jacob's art may have a streak of generosity run through it; though, if he does, it will be the first in my remembrance. Anyhow, let us sing until the lightning strikes. Theer'll be time enough for mourning after that. Mabel. What is his reason, think you, for wishing me to be present? Mrs. R. Alas! my child, I know not, unless — unless — Mabel. Why do you hesitate, dear mother? Mrs. R. Oh, I dare not speak the words that are hover- ing on my lips ! I have noticed his manner toward you of late, and it has haunted me — filled my soul with dread. If I am not greatly mistaken, I can too easily interpret his meaning. Mabel. Alas ! dear mother, you do not mean — Mrs. R. I mean, my child, that Jacob Johnson cherishes for you more than a friendly affection. What it will termi- nate in, I dare not say ; but the end is too apparent. Mabel. O mother ! you do not mean — Heaven ! he would not ask me to become his wife? Impossible ! I would rather die. I never can — I never will. Phillip. And you never shall, my child, you never shall. Mrs. R. But you know, Phillip, we are completely in his power. If he should insist upon it, what could you do ? Phillip. Do? Why, I'd refuse, of course. Do you think as how another man has the power of control like a father over his own child? The law^s of God are agin it. Blind and helpless as I am, I would beg, starve in the streets, afore my Mabel should wed a man whom I believe — 22 BOUND BY AN OATH. Mrs. R. {grasping his arm). Hush! hush! Phillip. Even now he is coming toward the house. Phillip. Well, let him come. It ud do him good to hear some of the sentiments of public feeling there is agin him. {Enter Jacob Johnson, r. u. e.) Jacob {toucJmtg his hat). Ah, quite a family gathering! It delights me exceedingly to see you thus congregated to- gether. You doubtless received my letter? Mrs. R. I have just been reading it to Phillip, We»are very sorry, sir, but — Phillip. Hold on, Betty, hold on right theer ! What have we done to be sorry for? Not one blessed thing. {Tur7ti7ig to ]xQOV,.) You see, sir, business have been dull lately — werry dull. The water in the stream is low, and that theer lowness keeps the grists away. If you had the art to wait a leetle longer, Jacob, just till the stream comes up — no longer, maybe — perhaps I could do something by you. I ud try it, anyhow, Jacob. Yes, yes ; no doubt your intentions are all right. Recollect, however, that your property, at forced sale, would not pay me the amount of your indebtedness. Have you made any provisions for your payments in case of a postpone- ment? Phillip. On'y the arnings of the mill. Beyond that, I can't say. Jacob. Then you must not blame me for foreclosing on the mortgage. Well, let that rest. I am a man of few words, and will come to the point at once. I want your daughter for my wife. She has doubtless perceived before this, that I have cherished more of an affection for her, than others of her kind. My social position, my wealth, and I trust, her respect for me, will lead to an acceptance of my hand. Mabel. Oh, sir, will you not spare me? Phillip. Spare you, child? You have the power to spare yourself. If you don't want the gentPman, you have but to say no, and that eends the matter. Jacob. Not too fast, Phillip. A refusal might lead me to bring matters to a crisis. Please give the matter in ques- tion a careful consideration before rendering your decision. Mrs. R. Would you compel us to give you our child in marriage regardless of whether she loved you or not ? BOUND BY AN OATH. 23 Jacob. I trust that my wealth, my social position — Phillip. True love, sir, for the matter of that, have nothing to do with wealth or position. It are the man it wants, wheether he have a dollar or not. Now, Jacob, you say as how you are a man of few words. I be the same. My Mabel shall decide your fate with her own purty lips. If it be ** yes " you can have her; but if it be *' no," you may as well go home, and may peace go with you. Mabel, do you want this here gentPman, with his wealth, and position, and other titles, for a husband? Mabel. Oh, father ! you know I can never love him. He surely would not marry me without my love. Phillip. That have nothing to do with the case. A man wot's in love, and desp'rate, would do a'most anything. Come ! you must decide your fate, my child, the gentPman is waiting. Mabel. O father ! I cannot marry him, indeed, I can- not. Phillip. Theer, Jacob, you have your answer — all in a nut-shell. I hope you'll neer be hard on us on that account. He are not much of a man who would marry a girl against her will. Jacob. Phillip, you are burning your own fingers. Re- member, I am not to be thwarted in my designs. I will give you until to-morrow afternoon to think this matter over. At that time, this girl must come to my house with a favorable answer, or the amount of your indebtedness, or the law shall take its course, I wish you a good afternoon. (^Exit r. u. E.) Phillip. It ain't for me to murmur agin the Lord — it ain't my way ; but when he put that theer man together. He made a great mistake. He are nothing but a shark, and we the fish he is after. I had a-hoped it might have been dif- ferent. Mrs. R. {weeping). Oh, Phillip! I knew how it would end. Heaven protect us ! what shall we do ? Phillip. Well, Betty, just now I am summat timourous about answering. These here eyes of mine — blind as a cave fish — holds me like a boat wot is anchored, and makes me useless. You and Mabel are both strong, and both capable ; and with both strength and capability, you can both look 24 BOUND BY AN OATH. into the hereafter with summat of hope. The wust Jacob kin do by me is the sending of me to jail ; and that theer thing may be a blessing, for it gives me a bed, and three meals a day, which the like you may not have the happiness to get. Mabel. Oh, he surely cannot be so hard hearted ! Phillip. You do not know that theer Jacob, child, so well as your father. I have known him nigh about twenty years, going on, and so much as a particle of goodness I have never found. He will do as he has said. Mabel. Then I will accept his hand. It shall not be said of me that I was the means of turning you into the streets in your blind and helpless condition. Phillip. Tut! tut! child. You talk in parables; and parables is a language I fail to understand. Come, Betty, lead me into the house. Fm a-going to give this matter a keerful study ; and I'm a-going to do it with the Bible upon my knees. I can't read it with these here eyes of mine, but I can think a heap better somehow, when we get kinder as- sociated together. ( They help him fro7n the chair ^ and he is led into the hotise by Mrs. Raymond.) Mabel (/watching them off) . O my poor father ! I can never live to see him turned into the streets, blind and help- less as he is. If my poor hand can save him, it shall be given. O Edward ! Edward ! must I give you up .^ Father of mercy ! have compassion upon me, and teach me what to do. {Throws herself into chair weeping.) Edward {enters from r. u. e., carryifig small bundle). All this world is but a bubble, and that bubble is full of trouble, with a bubble, and a stubble, and a — {Perceives Mabel.) Hello! Mabel, in tears? I didn't think you would weep so soon after learning of my departure. Mabel {lookijig up). Your departure? Are you going away, Edward? Edw. Yep ! I'm gone ; or, that is — Fm most gone. Let me explain. {Drops bundle, and seats himself opposite Mabel.) My worthy Uncle called me into his study this morning, and said, *' Edward, you are a useless appendage." Admitted. ** Edward, you are no longer wanted." Admit- ted again. ** Edward, here is a dollar. Take it, and shift for yourself." Here is the money, Mabel. Take it, I'm afraid of robbery. ( Throws dollar into her lap.) BOUND BY AN OATH. 2$ Mabel. O Edward ! how can you joke on such a solemn occasion. Edw. Solemn ? You just bet it's solemn. But why are you in tears? I dislike tears; and then again, they don't become you. Mabel {aside). Oh, how can I ever tell him! Yet I must! {Aloud.) O Edward! what will you think of me when I tell you we must part forever? Edw. {iumpingup). Think of you? By George! I would think you was a mighty queer girl. That's just the way, though. Let a man get cut out of an inheritance, and he gets cut out of everything that wears petticoats. Mabel. How can you talk so, Edward? You know I would do anything for your sake ? Edw. Yes, until I got the grand bounce, and then leave me. Mabel. No, no, Edward. Listen to me : Mr. Johnson has been here. Edw. I know it. I met the old skinflint down the road. Said **good-by" to him as pleasantly as I knew how, and all the old sardine did was just to grin. I see through it, though ; money — fine clothes — upper crust — {Picking up bundle.) Good-by, Mabel, Pm off. Mabel {pulling him back). Edward, will you listen to me? Mr. Johnson says unless I marry him, or father settles his mortgage, he will turn us into the street ; and he even threatens father with something worse. Edw. {dropping bundle). Redoes — eh? That puts a different face on the matter. How much is the bill ? I mean, how much is your father owing him ? Mabel. I hardly know ; but it must be in the vicinity of five thousand dollars. Edw. Whew ! then my dollar won't settle it. Snakes ! I wish I could plant it and make it grow. Well ! {Pauses.) Say, Mabel, are you going to marry him? Mabel. O Edward ! what can I do ? Edw. Conundrum ! I give it up. You shan't marry that old haddock, though, if the sky falls. {Noise off L. u. E.) Hello ! what's all that? (Elias enters l.u.e. with wheelbarrow loaded with bundles, etc. He is followed by boys, who throw sticks at him, and shout, '''' Murderer I Coward I Fool I ^^ 26 ' • BOUND BY AN OATH. They upset his wheelbarrow near front of stage, Edward ifiterferes.) Clear out ! Have you no more manners than to pick upon a poor fellow who is minding his own business ? Away with you, or I'll show you what a fiill-blooded Yankee is made of. {They run off l. u. e., shoutmg ** Coward! Murderer I " etc, ) (Elias, assisted by Mabel, rights wheelba7'row and bundles, Elias seats himself on handle of wheelbarrow, as Edward comes down front. Mabel remains r.) Elias {much affected^. Poor Elias ha' not got many friends, Edward. Edw. Well, he's got one, and don't you forget it. And if I'm not mistaken, he has another in Mabel here. Elias. Yes ; Mabel be a friend f Elias, Mabel be. Once I had the fever. It wus in a room down there in the old mill ; an' no one would come a-near of me ; an' I wus left t' die. But one day, Mabel comes, an' watches over me, an' cares for me till the fever had turned, an' I was well again. I ha' not forgotten it, Edward. Mabel. And richly have I been rewarded by your close attendance to the mill since my father's blindness. Your faithfulness and carefiil management have been the sole means of keeping the family together. Edw. You just bet it has. Still, Elias, you stand abuse like a western mule. Are you a coward ? No; you proved your courage when you saved Higgins' child from drowning. To repay you he orders you out of the house. How is that for an exemplification of humanity ? Elias. Higgins be not the only man who ha' turned me from his house. But it be all right; I ha' got used t' trouble, Edward. Edw. Well, so have I. You see, without going into de- tails, that skinflint of a Johnson has been here and snarled things up generally. Elias {rising agitated^. What be that ye ha' said.^ Johnson been here? Ha' that man Johnson been here? Edw. Of course he has. Don't you see the atmosphere is clouded? It hasn't cleared up since he left. Mabel. It is true, Elias ; and he had the impudence to ask me to become his wife. Edw. And all the time, recollect, she was pledged to me. BOUND BY AN OATH. 2/ Elias (^greatly agitated^. You become his wife I Say it slow — say it slow, Mabel. I fear I ha' made a mistake. You become the wife of Jacob Johnson ? Mabel. He has said it, Elias. He is determined that I shall marry him. Elias {slow, and with much feeling). He — Jacob Johnson — marry you? You who ha' been a friend f me? Who ha' cared for me when I wus sick? Who ha' been like a sister f me? You become the wife of that man? Ye shall not do it, Mabel, ye shall not do it ! Mabel. But to refuse is to turn my poor parents into the street. Elias. Ye be not turned into the streets — not while Elias lives. Run in now — I ha 'a word t' say t' Edward. {Leads her toward door.) Run in, and remember I be a- working for ye. (Mabel exit into house. Elias comes down.) Edward, I ha' a question t' ask, an' then ye can follow Mabel. If ye love her, an' I ha' reason t' think that ye do, meet me at dark to-night at my room down there in the old mill. {Grasping his arm.) I ha' a surprise for ye, Edward. Edw. Well, I've had two already, and it will take a gal- vanic battery to give me another. However, I '11 be there, and don't you forget it. Elias. Ye shall not regret it, Edward, ye shall not regret it. Run in now, for Mabel be in waiting. {Leads him toward door. ) Run in an' tell Phillip I be mad ; that a volcano has sprung up in my bosom ; that poor, simple Elias will save him, or the God he ha' wor- shipped ha' turned against him. (Edward exit into house. Elias comes down front.) Oh! that I had the tongue t' speak, I would use it now. I would expose that accursed fiend t' the eyes of the world, or perish in the attempt. (Seth Randolph enters r. u. e. tmperceived.) Alas ! I cannot. My word is given, an' when I give my word, it is a covenant not t' be broken. I will keep my oath ! {Turits to take wheelbarrow, and perceives Seth, whoin he recognizes. Chord. They stare at each other for a moment in silence.) Seth. Well ! what are you staring at? Are you aware that he who leers at another shows a breeding of ill man- ners? Besides, it places a gentleman like myself in a very embarrassing position. 28 BOUND BY AN OATH. Elias. Ye be no gentleman, sir. Seth. No gentleman? Insult added to contumely. My friend, ignorance has calloused your judgment. If I am no gentleman, for Heaven's sake ! what am I ? Elias {pointing at him with finger^ . Ye be a murderer, Seth Randolph. Seth {starting back). Damnation ! exposed ! For God's sake ! who are you ? Elias. Elias Amsden, the boy ye bound by an oath. {Picture.) CURTAIN. BOUND BY AN OATH. 2g ACT 11. SCENE I. — Interior of mill. Divided stage, showing two rooms in same flat. Room to the R., contains old cot, stool, stand, and lighted candle. Above cot is small win- dow. Trap door, c. Entrance R. c. Room to L. con- tains cot, old stool, stand, etc. Entrance l. c. Middle partition shows opening for box stove. This opening is closed with boards arranged to be moved. If convenient, pulleys and belts should project into rooms. Time, even- ing. At rise of curtain Elias is discovered in room to R. He sits opposite stand, with his head resting upon it. Music at opening, (Seth Randolph enters room toi.,) Seth {feeli7ig in his pockets). Where did I put that candle? Oh, here it is! {Takes candle fro?n his pocket.) Now for a light. {Lights candle and tries to balance it on table,) That won't work! Well, must have a candlestick somehow. {Perceives tumbler .) Here! I'll substitute this. {Puts caftdle in tumbler and jams paper around it,) There ! there's a candlestick worthy of a patent. {Examines roofn,) This is no drawing-room ; but it is safer than abiding with Jacob, if I do own half of the establishment. {Seating hiin- self at stand,) Ugh! that boy gave me the shakes. He will not expose me, though, and Jacob dare not, so I have nothing to fear. {Yawns,) Well, I'll have a smoke, and then retire. {Takes out pipe, lights it, and leans back smoking. Loud rap at door in opposite roo?n,) Hello! I guess I'm going to have neighbors. {Knock repeated.) Elias {rising, and going toward door) , I be a-coming, Edward, I be a-coming. {Opens door, Edward enters.) I thought as how ye would not disappoint me. {They come down.) Edward. Disappoint you? No; not when there 's any- thing at stake. {Sits down on cot and looks around,) Whew ! this is a gloomy hole. Arn't you afraid of ghosts? Elias {sitting on stool), I be no believer in ghosts, Edward, unless they be clothed in flesh an' bone. I be haunted enough by them already. Ha' ye found out how much Raymond be owing? 30 ' BOUND BY AN OATH. Edw. It knocks the spots off from five thousand dollars. Mabel and I figured it up after you left. I haven't seen figures look so gloomy since the day I figured fractions in school when I wanted to go fishing. Every one loomed up just like a thunder-cloud. Seth. Their talk has a flavoring of money in it ; and if anything can send a thrill like electricity through me, it is money. Til draw up a little nearer. {Moves up to opening in partitio7i aiid listens.^ Elias. Edward, I be going f tell ye a secret, an' I ha' the confidence in ye that ye will keep it. That I know the murderers o' the man that wus found, ye be well aware ; an' ye know I ha' been put f a'most every test f compel me t' expose 'em. I ha' been threatened, an' kicked, an' abused, until I be not the same as formerly, either in body or mind. I be a man, though, for all o' that; an' I ha' a heart like as other men ; an' there be feelin' in that heart ; an' it be tender. It be that tender, Edward, that often of a night, when I be here alone, an' everything be still — all but the water of the river out there — that I ha' wept, an' I ha' done it often. But I be constrained by an oath. I ha' often wished I had died afore I had taken it ; but that be too late. I ha' taken the oath, an' I be bound t' keep it. Seth {aside, listening) . Thank the Lord for that ! Elias (contintiing) . The secret I have for ye, be not one relating t' the oath, but one that will interest ye far more. {Rising.) Wait but a moment, Edward, an' I will come back. {Goes to trap, which he opens, and descends.) Edw. Poor fellow ! I believe his brain is turned without a doubt. What the deuce can he have in that wheel pit that's going to be of any interest to me? I'm all of a muddle. Seth. That fellow convinces me that I am more of a brute than I gave myself credit for. That, however, is just the way. The man who builds up too good an opinion of himself, will frequently get that opinion shattered when least expected. Out of evil, evil springs, no matter how you white- wash it over. {Listens.) (Elias ejnerges from trap with small box. He returns front.) BOUND BY AN OATH. 3 1 Eli AS. The night afore my father died, he called me t' his bedside, an' said, *' Elias, ye ha' been a good lad, but ye ha' a secret about ye that's a-going t' be the ruin o' your life. So long as ye keep it, ye will ha' no friends, an' ye will live in torment wid yourself; " an' it has been a fact. {Opens box and takes out wallet,^ Then he takes this wallet from underneath his pillow, an' he says, ** Elias, ye will need money sometime, an' money will be a friend t' ye when ye ha' no other. I ha' saved a little in my day, an' I be now going t' make it a present t' you. When I be gone," that's what he said; **when I be gone, an' be placed beside your mother, get the money out o' the place, an' put it with this. Then ye hide it away until your mind be righted, or ye ha' a friend in whom ye can trust it." This wallet, Edward, con- tains over five thousand dollars, an' the time ha' now come t' use it. To-morrow ye can settle Phillip's notes, an' by the doing of it release Mabel from all further persecution of that man. Edw, ( grasping his hand) . Elias, I — I — Well — I — Dash it all ! you've choked me all up. You're gold, that's what you are, real gold. B-blast it ! you're better than gold. You're a trump ! How can I ever thank — Elias ( putting wallet back into box) . I want no thanks, Edward. It be a pleasure for me t' assist ye. Ye ha' always been a friend t' me, an' I ha' not forgotten it. Wait, now, an' I will return this box. Then I will bid ye a good-night. {Takes box and descends into trap.) Edw. Why, that poor fellow is all heart. Over ^v^ thousand dollars in his possession, and no one knew it! That beats me. To know that we can beat that old haddock — why, I could hug that poor fellow closer than a bear. {Jumps up and walks floor .) (Seth has slowly risen from his seat^ comes down fronts paiises^ turns back, then returns front again as Edward ceases speaking,) Seth. If the devil ever took pains to tempt one man more than another, I am that man. Here is an opportunity to strike, and yet, my heart rebels against it. {Seats hi^n- self on stool meditating. Elias emerges from trap,) Elias. It has been said, Edward, that I ha' been hired 32 BOUND BY AN OATH. V keep that secret. That I ha' not been hired, I solemnly attest ; an' I ha' the God that watches me t' witness it. Now ye can go t' Mabel. Say nothing t' her about this matter, an' when the time arrives, ye can give her a happy surprise. Good night, Edward, an' may ye rest the better for what I ha' told ye. Edw. (^grasping his hand). Elias, I'm stuck for words to express my thanks. All I can say is, if I could knock those murderers into a cocked hat, and relieve your mind of this burden, I'd do it, so help me Jeremiah ! i^Exit C, D.) Elias. I would that ye had the power, Edward, I would that ye had the power. {Closes door, returns, and sits upon edge of cot. Moonlight through window shines upon him during the following.) I remember when I wus a wee bit of a lad, that one summer night, as I wus a-weeping over the loss of some childish toy, my mother took me upon her knee, an' after kissing the tears away with her own loving lips, she said, *'You be grieved to-night, my child, an' all over a trivial matter. If you grow t' manhood," an' I can remem- ber how she looked when she said it — looked with her great brown eyes, — *' if you grow t' manhood," she said, **you will encounter trouble, as must all who live the longest. An' when it comes, you will look back t' this moment — this little period of grief," as she called it, **an' find it t' be the happiest hour of your life." Oh, how faith- fully ha' the words come true that she uttered ; for to-night, if that childhood's hour could come back t' me, it would be all the earthly heaven I would ask. {Rises and arranges furniture, cot, etc.) There be not much comfort in sleep, an' yet it be necessary t' live. I be threatened with death by Jacob, an' now his confederate he comes, an' there be a new danger. He be the lesser villain o' the two, an' yet he be a villain, so I ha' nothing t' hope. O Jacob ! Jacob ! ye ha' murdered one, an' ye be a-killing another by inches. {Extinguishes candle, and throws himself upon couch. Dark stage. ) Seth {who has risen from stool and advanced front). Seth, you old rascal, you are getting womanish. You want that money, and you don't want it. You know if you take it you are a damned villain ; and you know if you let it BOUND BY AN OATH. 33 alone you will always curse yourself. Query ! shall I take it, or shall I not. {Pause. ^ Well, Vva going to let the coin decide. {Takes a copper from his pocket.^ If it turns up heads, the die is cast ; but if it turns up tails, Tm an honest man. Now, Seth, cheat the Devil once in your life, and reform. {Snaps copper. Picks it 7ip and looks at it.^ Just as I expected — Pm booked for another crime. Well, once 1 extricated myself from a like difficulty, and methinks 1 can again. {Takes wallet from his pockety opens it^ and takes out large roll of bills. ^ Here are ten thousand dollars in this one roll — all counterfeit. I know it because I helped engrave 'em myself. I will steal that money, because I need it; but- 1 will replace it dollar for dollar with this. Before the deception is discovered, I will be out of the country. Eureka! what a thought! {Returns wallet to his pocket. Takes out dark lantern and lights it.^ Now, Seth, catch the hunter asleep and steal his gun. {Goes to opening vt partitioTt and listens. Music. ^ All seems to be quiet. Now to gain access to the room. {Slowly removes boards and looks into roo7n.) The coast is clear. {Cautioiisly enters room. Stops and listens^ then 'slowly lifts trap-door and descends. As trap-door closes^ Elias starts^ sits upright and looks around. Music. ^ Elias. It be but a dream! it be but a dream! {Sighs ^ then sinks back upon couch. ^ Seth {slowly raises trap, partly emerges and looks around^. He still sleeps. Now for my own room. {Closes trap, cautiously enters his own room and replaces boards.^ There ! everything is as I found it. {Advances front. ^ Well, Seth, you have made the exchange; but you have lowered yourself in your own estimation. {Holding up money and looking at it.) O money! money! you are the bane of my life ; but I worship you as a God. (Seth stands with ?noney held aloft, Elias sits upright as if listening. Scene closes in.) SCEl^^-E^ll.— Highway, (Sambo enters from l. carrying box and large bundle. He is followed by Lucy with bundles.) Sambo {looking back) . Come — come along, dar. CanH 34 BOUND BY AN OATH. wait all day, Missey Lucy. Dis yer child gwine to go home sometime fo' break of sunset. Lucy. For the land sakes don't hurry so. Give me that box tu sit down on, can't ye? (Sambo places dox c.) Fm clean gone tuckered tu death. (Szls down on box.) There ! now you jest wait till I catch my breath, an' then Til trudge along. Sambo. How you gwine to cotch it, Missey Lucy, wid a hook? Lor a mighty Mas'r Johnson tole me to help you over wid the tings, and stiver right back. 'Specks I cotch um something besides brefF if I don't recommember his orders. Lucy. Well, Jacob won't break his puckering string if he waits. Land a massey ! this world wern't recreated in a minute. Let him fret. I'm a-goin' tu rest if the hull world sees me. Sambo. 'Spects you are, Missey Lucy, 'spects you are. Lor a mighty ! dar's nuffin under de sun more stubborn den a woman — 'cept a mule. Dat's a fact. Lucy. An' there's nuthin under the sun blacker than a nigger. If Drucill can afford tu give me these things, I guess you can afford tu help carry 'em ; an' there ain't no use makin' sech a fuss about it either. I didn't intend to stay all night ; but Drucill resisted upon it so, that I consented. Land a massy I I didn't see anything at Jacob's that you told about ! There wasn't so much as a stranger about the house. You niggers will lie the wust of any people I ever did see. Sambo. You doan know nuffin 'bout it. What you say am a 'spursion on de black man's character. Didn't that shootin' popperer shovel-de-freeze de compartment? Ain't dem holes dar in de partition made by de bullets ? Did you see 'em, Missey Lucy? Lucy See 'em — yes; an' asked Drucilla all about 'em. She said they wus made by moths — nuthin under the sun but moths. An' she said if they didn't git some kind of consarvitive, they'd bore the hull house down about their heads. I told her if they got under the keerpet tu jest dust some pellmation in an' that would fix 'em. Pellmation an' helenbore are the best consarvatives for moths I ever did see* You jest write that down, Samuel, an' remember it. BOUND BY AN OATH. 35 Sambo (excited^. A-a-a-and Missey Drucilla said dat dem yer holes in de partition wus made by mofs? Lucy. Why, of course she did. Is there anything so awfully wonderful about that? Sambo. Dar ain't nuffin wonderful 'bout it — nuffin wonderful 't all. I wus jess a-tinkin.' I wus a-tinkin' if dem bullet-holes in de partition wus made by mofs, what dey would be called if dey wus made by cannon-balls. Lucy. Why, cannon-ball holes, of course. Sech stupid- ity I never did see. Here ! (^Noticing Sambo who has been resting first on one foot and then the other.) If you are gettin' tired, you kin have one eend of this box. I don't like tu see ye teeterin' fust on one foot an' then on t'other. Sambo, {edging off). N-no-no ! thank'ee, Missey Lucy. I'se no squatter. I, I kin stan' — I kin. Lucy. Well, then for Massey's sake du stand still. I'm not particular about sittin' broadside tu a nigger anyway. It was only out of a generous compulse that I asked ye. I don't keer nuthin about it, I hope you don't think, not a thing. Sambo {edging back) . Lor-a-mighty ! I isn't afeard to sit alongside of yer ! Dat isn't the reason I refused, Missey Lucy. Dat isn't the reason 't all. It am de fact dat de box am of such small kervacity dat I might crowd yer. I doan want to crowd yer, Missey Lucy. Lucy {hitching along). Well, I kin hitch along, can't I? I won't bite, if you are a nigger. {Hitches to l. with back to c. Sambo. Den dis yer chile will occupy de seat. {Sits down carefully on box, and faces R. while Lucy faces l. Box must contain glass, and so arranged as to break down. ) Dar ! dar! I'se here. Mus, look out fo' de bearings, though, or dar'llbe a bustification sure. {Braces himself as if expecting to fall.) Lucy. Land a massey ! du you think this box won't hold? Why, it is strong as — {Jounces up and down on box which suddenly collapses, and all go down together. Sound of broken glass. ) Gracious Peter ! there goes the glass-ware ! For mercy's sake help me out of this ! {Sxu^ojjimps up and as- sists Lucy. ) I never did see sech an awkward, stupid, clumsy, dodunk of a stick as a nigger is. 36 BOUND BY AN OATH. Sambo. Dar ain't nuffin stupid 'bout a nigger. Dey's got jess as much brain as a white man. I tole you dat de box wouldn't hold? I tole you all about it. Lucy {picking up things^ , Well, if you hadn't sot down like a spile-driver it would a held. A box can't hold every- thing no more nor a museum. Come ! pick up your traps an' we'll trudge along. Sambo (^picking up re7nnants of box and bundles^ . Don't care nuffin' bout de traps — nuffin 'tall. Dis yer chile gets blamed fo' most ebberyting, 'Spects if a streak of light- ning should hit yer, dat dis yer chile would have to take de consequences. Lucy {goi7tg r.) Well, crawl out through a gimlet hole if you want tu. If you had kept off from the box, it wouldn't a broke. Now the tea-set Drucilla gave me is smashed, an' I haven't another tu replace it. {Exit R.) Sambo {following her) . Lor' a-mighty ! who crushed de tea-set? Who broke down de box? Who wus de cause of de carastophe dat discombobolated de equilibrium of de consarn ? Who — ( Goes off R . ) {Scene changes,) SCENE in. — Room in Johnson's house same as in Act /., Scene /. Jacob {seated at table \.. Looks at watch) , Ten minutes of two, and that girl has not arrived. If she disappoints me now, it will be worse with her than she is aware of. Curse the luck ! everything of late works in opposition to my wishes. The return of that scoundrel portends no good of itself. He knows too much about me. I dare not oppose him, for he has me completely in his power. He has taken a room in Raymond's mill. Elias occupies the one next to it. By one bold stroke I could spring a trap upon them that would dispose of both of them at once. It shall be done. I will set the trap, and spring it, or my name is not Jacob Johnson. (Drucilla efiters r. 3 e.) Drucilla {coming down). Mr. Johnson, I wish an explanation as to the conduct of that vagabond you are so freely entertaining. Bless me ! he seems to run the establish- ment ; eating and drinking, damaging the furniture, abusing BOUND BV AN OATH. 3/ the servants, in fact, doing just as he pleases, while you coolly remain seated, and let him do it. Now why is this the case, I would like to ask ? Jacob. Well, Drucilla, the fact is, I — Well-er-you see, we were friends together when I was in the East. I tolerate him on that account. Quite likely I put up with more from him than I would from others for those simple reasons. Dru. Quite likely; but I have my doubts about the matter. 1 know this much, he is wearing out his welcome ; at least, he is with me ; and if you haven't the courage to turn him out, I shall take the case into my own hands. I won't stand it, I tell you. Jacob. Well, well, Drucilla, have a Httle patience. It is possible he may disappear as suddenly as he came. It is better to have the good- will of such a fellow, than the ill- will, if it does discommode us at times. Have patience, Drucilla. Dru. Vm all out of patience, I tell you. Now I want to know another thing. How did you succeed with that silly courtship of yours? Not very satisfactory I should judge, if your looks are any indications. Jacob. More satisfactory, perhaps, than you may think. She is to render me her decision this afternoon. By the way, Drucilla, would it meet with your displeasure to retire when she arrives ? Such matters, you know, can be better adjusted without the presence of a third party. Dru. O yes, 1 can go. I might know I shouldn't be wanted. I have no desire to witness such silly nonsense — it is far beneath me. As I can hear a step in the hall, perhaps I had better retire at once. You may be glad enough for my advice before you get through with the matter. (Ext^ R. 3 E.) Sambo {enters c). Here am a card, Mas'r Johnson. {Gives card,) Jacob {glancing at car a). The young lady in question. (7<:; Sambo. J You can admit her. (Sambo ^jt// c.) Now 1 soon shall know if there is a second refusal in store for me. (Sambo ushers in Mabel, after which ^ he remains standing in archway c. Mabel comes down front,) Mabel. You desired me to bring my answer this after- noon. I now am here to fulfil that promise. 38 BOUND BY AN OATH. Jacob. Yes, yes, I understand. {^Advancing, andplacing chair. ^ Please be seated. {Both sit. ^ After carefully con- sidering the matter, you have concluded to render me a favor- able decision. Well, your decision is wise. You can dress well, live at ease, and I will liquidate your father's burden- some debts. Mabel. I fear, sir, you do not quite understand me. I have called to plead with you — plead with you as only a woman can for her parent's welfare. Oh, sir, you cannot be so cruel as to turn them into the street because a simple girl is unable to love you ! Surely, sir, you cannot. Jacob. Really, Miss Raymond, I was not expecting this. I have been very lenient toward your father, very. As for yourself, you know I cherish for you a very ardent affection. Mabel. Then let that affection restrain you from acting unjustly. Let it lead you to be merciful, and you will have the heartfelt thanks of an unfortunate family. Abandon the promise you would forcibly extract from me, and Heaven, I know, will reward you. Jacob. Quite impossible. I am only performing my duty. A duty, which, but for my love for you, would, ere this, have led me to more stringent measures. I considered that my offer of marriage would be regarded as an honor. As you see fit to regard it otherwise, you must not blame me for taking advantage of the privilege allowed me by law. Mabel. And that privilege means to turn us forth into a pitiless world, homeless and friendless. Oh, sir, do not add another sorrow to a home that is already saddened. Allow us a little time — a year is all we ask. Allow us that, and if God will answer our prayers we will endeavor to meet your demands. Jacob. Miss Raymond, this is idle talk. Accept my hand, and all goes well with you. Refuse, and the law shall take its course. I have spoken. Mabel. And you would marry me regardless of my love ? Are you aware that I could never make you happy .^ Jacob. The risk is mine if I see fit to take it. You will learn to love me as an adopted child learns to love its new parents. But why this silly argument? The sooner you decide this question, the sooner we shall understand each other, BOUND BY AN OATH. 39 Mabel. Will nothing change your mind? Jacob. No power under Heaven. Mabel {aside) . O my poor father, forgive me for what I am about to do. {Rising from chair; aloud.) Jacob Johnson, listen to me. If God ever gave a man a heart without one thrill of compassion in it, He has given it to you : for you are a tyrant in all its forms so far as you dare exercise it. If, knowing that I despise you ; knowing that 1 hate you as only a woman can hate, you then will accept my hand — (Seth enters c. unperceived by Sambo, takes hiin by the ear and starts front. ) ^AMBO {crying out). Hi dar ! — git out! Dis yer chile ain't done nuffin ! Let go dat ear, Mas'r Somebody. Let go, I tole yer. Seth {whirling him over to c. R.). Never obstruct the highway, Erebus, as you value your life. The laws of the country are against it. Sambo {holding on to his ear) . Hain't distructed no high- way. Hain't done nuffin to cause any such salt and buttery attack. Dis yer chile wus minding his own business. Jacob {who has risen from chair ^ and is almost unable to control his anger) . Sir ! sir ! do you perceive that thia interview is strictly private ? Seth. I do, Jacob, and that my presence has disturbed you. However, don't mind me. Consider me one of the family; an obsolete member, so to speak. Continue your courtship, Jacob, Til sit down over here and read the news. {Sits down R. H. C. and takes paper from his pocket .) Jacob. It is my desire that you leave the room. When this interview has terminated you can return. Seth. Yes, that is quite rational. The son goes out at night, and returns in the morning. The hard earned dollar goes out, but never returns. A good sentinel stands by his post. I'll guard you, Jacob, and if you are overpowered, I'll take your place. Go on, Jacob, go on. {Reads.) Jacob {controlling his anger) . Rather than create a dis- turbance, I will tolerate your presence. Remember, though, you are not wanted. {To Mabel.) Miss Raymond, am I to understand from your uncomplimentary remarks that my offer was accepted ? 40 BOUND BY AN OATH. Mabel. Will no power under Heaven cause you to release me? Jacob. No; I tell you. It shall be your hand, or the money, if it breaks a thousand hearts. Mabel. Then, sir, release my parents, and though my life is ruined, you can have my hand — Edward {rushifig in, followed by Elias). No he can't! {Chord, All start. Edward crosses to Mabel, and clasps her in his ar?ns. Elias remains c.) Jacob. Damnation ! Edw. Mabel, Pve come to save you.- Fm going to knock the bottom out of those notes, or break the bank. {To Jacob.) Come, Jacob, trot them out, and Pll settle them in the wink of a bird's eye. Jacob. There is treachery at the bottom of this. What brings you here, and in the company of that man? {Points to ELLA.S.) Edw. An honest impulse brings me here. I've come to settle Raymond's notes. Elias. An' I be come t' witness the settlement. Jacob. You witness the settlement of Raymond's notes? So, so, I perceive — I perceive! {Sarcastically,^ Even fools know how to conspire. Elias. I be no fool, Jacob Johnson. Mabel. O Edward ! where did you get the money? Edw. It matters not, Mabel, so long as I came by it honestly. I will explain at another time. {To Jacob.) Come ! the quicker you trot out those notes the better. This atmosphere is contagious. Jacob. Pooh ! what have you to do with Raymond's notes? Bah ! you couldn't raise a dollar to save your life. Edw. Couldn't — eh? You just figure up your claim, and Pll cover it with as handsome bank-bills as your snaky eyes ever gazed at. Oh, I've got the money, and don't you forget it ! Seth {down R. I. E.). Never refuse money, Jacob, when it is offered you. It is imprudent, as I have learned from past experience. Jacob. What is it to you? {Aside. ^ Curse the luck! they are all linked together. Drucilla {enters r. 3. e. Looks around astonished). BOUND BY AN OATH. 4 1 Well, I declare ! Is this a celebration ? A pretty private interview, indeed ! Jacob, why have you deceived me in this matter ? Why are these people here ? Jacob. They have intruded themselves upon me without my consent. They are scheming to ruin me ; but they shall find me equal to the emergency. I will outwit the whole of them. {Goes down L. to secretary^ which he opens, and looks for papers, ) Dru. {down c. L.). Indeed! a conspiracy? I do not wonder at it. The character you have entertained for the past few days is capable of plotting anything. Seth. Madam, behold in me a monument of innocence. All I can say is, that present procedures relate to money, and — most everything does. Elias. We be here f settle Raymond's notes, an' save his daughter. She be not agoin t' marry Jacob . Edw. You're just shouting she ain't. Dru. Indeed ! is she not capable of managing her own affairs? Jacob, will you please render an explanation of all this? I am surprised! astonished! Sambo, fan me. {Hands Sambo large fa ji, which he uses.^ Jacob, {returning to table with papers^. My explana- tion is this : These people think to intimidate me ; but they have mistaken their man (71? Edward.) Now, sir, you claim to have money. Well, then, here are Raymond's notes. {Places notes on table.) The total amount, with interest added, is five thousand five hundred and fifty dollars. Count out that amount upon this table in American currency, and they belong to you. I defy you to do it. {Straightens back defiantly,) Edw. Defy a Le Roy ? By the blade that killed Caesar, the lamb shall outwit the lion. Here ! give me room accord- ing to my strength. {Advancing to table.) I remember when I was turned from the house with but a single dollar. I planted that dollar, it took root, sprung up, budded and blossomed. Here, Mr. Johnson, is the fruit. {Takes out large package of bills and flourishes them over the table.) Jacob {aside)., Curses light on him! where did he get that money ! Edw. Now, sir, prepare to count. {Spreads out money on table. All, with the exception of Seth, for^n circle around him.^ 42 BOUND BY AN OATH. Seth {aside r. i e.). The decisive moment has arrived. If the deception is not discovered, I have made a strike. If detected, I have been the cause of more ruin than a dynamite bomb. {Watches count. ^ (Edward places seven packages on table ^ five of which are divided into ten lesser ones. He breaks ope^t two of them, and spreads the contents out.^ Edw. There ! you see what it is to have money. Five of these packages are divided into ten each. Each package contains one hundred ^dollars. That makes five thousand. The balance is in these other two. You see, sir, we have figured these notes as well as yourself. Count it, and if correct, fiilfil your part of the contract. (For a moment Jabob stands as if puzzled how to a:t. Then he reaches out and takes package fro7n table. ) Mabel. O Edward ! Edward ! how can I ever thank you? Who has thought so much of my poor father as to ever befriend him like this? Oh, tell me, that I may kneel before him and bless him. Edw. Your deliverer stands there. {Points / ^^^^ , Edward. ^ Jacob. I say, every dollar of that money is a base coun- terfeit. Elias (wildly). You lie! you lie! Jacob Johnson. It be good, every dollar of it, an' I will take me oath t' it. Dru. {excitedly) . Fan me — fan me, Sambo. Seth {starts forward as if to speak, and then falls back', aside) . No ; I dare not. O God ! what a brute I am ! Curses light on me for stealing that money. Jacob. Take your oath to it, will you? Here! look at this? {Holds up book and compares bills,) Look in the book and then at the bills. Compare the signature. Look at the print. The texture of the paper. Ha ! ha ! ha ! they are as beautiful a lot of counterfeits as was ever in print. Mabel {clinging to Y^dward). Oh, Edward! Edward! Dru. Fan me. Sambo. Elias {trembling with rage) . Jabob ! Jacob ! ye be a crazing of me. Ye be makin' me desperate. Ye be tearin' from my lips — Jacob {affrighted, and starting forward), Elias Ams- den, beware ! Elias {starting back) . Oh, I be doomed — doomed ! CURTAIN. {Disposition of characters ,) Elias. Mabel. Drucilla. Edward. Sambo. Seth. {Table.) Jacob. R. L. 44 BOUND BY AN OATH. ACT III. SCENE I. — Room m J OKNSOT to the out- side, the?t returns.) Now for the man in the room beneath.. My brain is on fire; but I must not — will not fail. {Lift:: trap. As he does so, fire and sinoke issue through opejiing. Seth pauses a ?no7nent, then dashes in.) Edw. {outside). What ! trying to save me? Blast it? I ain't there! I doubted your word and started after Mabel. Discovering the mill on fire, I turned back. Come! let's to the rescue. Elias {enters c. T). followed by Edward). Ye go back, Edward, ye go back. I ha' nothing t' lose if I perish. Ye go back. {Descends trap.) Edw. Not while a man is in danger. If he risked his life for me, it is right I should risk mine for him. {Follows Elias. Music. They soon emerge dragging the for?n of Seth. His clothes are on fire, and his face blackened with smoke.) I'm afraid we're too late. He's a dead man. Elias. It has that appearence. We ha' not a moment t' lose. {They start with Seth toward door.) Seth {with effort). Wait ! wait but a moment ! {Turns so as to face audience.) Let — let me speak! J-Jacob — O God ! he — Jacob, he done this — he — he — {Falls back into their arms.) CURTAIN. BOUND BY AN OATH, 6$ ACT IV. SCENE I. — Room in L^icys house, same as in Act 3, Scene 3. Time, 7norning. Large sun bo7inet and shawl on table. As curtain rises, Lucy and Mabel are discovered. Lucy (^assisting Mk^^iJ). Well, I s'pose if you must go, you must. Of course you know your own business best, though there\s a heap o' people as don't. How long will it be afore you1l return ? Mabel. If nothing happens, dear Lucy, I shall be here to dine with you. Should I be detained you must not wait for me. Some matters I have to adjust may keep me un- avoidably delayed. Lucy. Land sakes ! don't let any orinary matters rob you of your dinner. Uriah used tu say, that, tu work on an empty stomach, wus next thing tu visiting an overtaken ; an' Uriah used tu hit things about correct. Why, I'm going tu have frickerseed chicken for dinner, with injin molasses for a side dish ; an' I wouldn't have you miss it for a pewter button. Mabel. I will endeavor, if possible, not to disappoint you. {Going to door.^ Tell mother I started somewhat earlier than I intended, and thought best not to disturb her. If nothing prevents, I shall be here by twelve. {Exit c. R.) Lucy {at door) . Well, I shall look for you with all the eyes I've got. {Speaking off.) When you cross over the hill, jest look in the direction of your father's mill. I saw a big light in that direction last night, an' ten to one if Elias hain't sot it on fire. {Closes door and coines down front.) It is cu'rus how Phillip lets every straggler inter that mill, jest because there happens tu be a couple of empty rooms. Tu hear any day that it had burned down wouldn't surprise me in the least. {Goes to table and puts on sun bonnet and shawl.) Kinder cu'rus what Mabel is after on sechamornin' as this. Why, the road is full of gullets from last night's rain. She seem agitated, tu. Likely as not she has gone over tu intercreed with Jacob ; an' poor consolation she will get. {Noticing that she has put o?i things.) Goodness gracious ! what hev I got these things on for? I ain't a-goin' 66 BOUND BY AN OATH. anywheres. (Takes off bonnet and shawl and throws them on table. ^ I du believe Fm growing more an' more absent minded every day. Next thing I know, I shall be mistakin' some man for my departed Uriah. Well, I can hear Phillip, so I reckon I had better fix up things. (A^-raiiges chairs, etc.) (Phillip, carrying bible, e titers l. i. e. assisted by Mrs. Raymond. Phillip. You say as how Mabel has left her room. Now w'ot I say is, if Mabel has left her room, wheer can the child have gone? Mrs. R. {assisting him to chair). I think, Phillip, that she is not far aw^ay. Trouble for the past few days, may have unsettled her nerves. No doubt she has gone out for a morning walk from which she will soon return. Lucy. Land a massey ! let the child alone. Airly morn- in' walks is what throws the blood into the cheeks ; an' goodness knows she needs it at present. She said she had some business, or suthin', tu attend tu ; but if possible, would be back by twelve. I hope she will, for if she don't, that frickerseed chicken will be cold as a dog's nose in Jan- uary. She et a lunch afore she started, so I reckon she won't starve. Phillip {agitated). You see as to how it is, Betty. The child had business afore her. It is not for long she would walk on a morning like this, for it is wet and windy. The child had business that took her away. On'y give me the nature of that business afore my suspicions lead me astray. Mrs. R. Phillip, I think you are borrowing unnecessary trouble. Whatever business Mabel may have before her, believe me, it is for our benefit. Phillip. Theer it is again. I tell you, Betty, theer is that underlying your w-ords as befogs them. I am not to be deceived. I have the sense of understanding, and this here blindness of mine has made it sharp, and easy to penetrate the truth. You are prevaricating with me, as I am well aweer; and I have the boldness to say, and with good reason, too, as how it is not right. Tell me, Betty, if the nature of Mabel's business has anything to do with that theer Jacob? BOUND BY AN OATH. 6/ Mrs. R. Oh, Phillip, how should I know ! Do not compel me to say that which I shall be sorry for — oh, do not! Phillip Sorry for? Are you that sorry, that you fear to speak the truth? I have not forgotten the words of that child — not as I heerd them from her own lips. I remember as how she said — and I heerd her say it, you understand — heerd her say as how she would marry Jacob, and save her father. Now, Betty, is it come to pass that she is giving herself to that theer snake to save us ? Mrs. R. {bursting into tears^ . O Phillip ! Phillip! Lucy. Land a massey ! you don't think Mabel would marry Jacob, do ye? I as soon think of her marrying an ooring owtang without any teeth. You let Mabel alone for that. Phillip. Mabel has a self-sacrificing disposition. She loves her old blind father — God bless her 'art for it ! and she would sacrifice herself to save him. I know wot that theer Jacob is after. I remember as how, to please him, I put my name upon paper — upon a paper I didn't understand. For you know, Betty, I was ignorant as to business affairs, and at the time was half blind ; and the signing of that paper was one of my greatest weaknesses. Well, of a suddint, and it was like as a shock to me, he held up that paper, and called it a forgery. Then, to save the exposure as would natVally follow, I — fool that I was — mortgaged him my property, and made myself his pris'ner. Now he wants my Mabel. Because he can't have her, and I can't pay the debts as I never owed, it comes nat'ral to turn us into the street. Is it not likewise nat'ral to punish me for that theer crime, unless Mabel sacrifices herself to gratify his wishes ? Mrs. R. O Phillip ! let Mabel explain this matter to you as she will. Why will you force me to speak when you know it is breaking my heart? Phillip. Because it is right. What ! would you trample your own flesh and blood in the dust for the sake of walking upon roses? Out upon you for the dolt that you are ! {At- tempting to rise. ) Help me to my feet. Mrs. R. Why, Phillip, what would you do? Phillip. Fm a-going to find Mabel and bring her back. Pm a-going to hear from her own lips whether the suspicions 68 BOUND BY AN OATH. I have against her have any foundation or not. I tell you Vm a-going to find out. {^Struggling to rise.^ Mrs. R. {forci7ig him back into chair^. Wait, Phillip, and I will tell you all. It is true she has gone to Jacob's. Phillip ! he wrote her a letter stating if she didnH marry him, he would arrest you for forgery, and Edward for passing counterfeit money. She has gone to give him her hand to save Edward and you. Lucy. Land a massey ! who ever heard the beat. Phillip. 1 thowt it ! I thowt it ! I tell you. {Struggling to his feet. ^ Give me my hat and lead the way. Mrs. R. Where would you go? Phillip. Pm a-going to that theer Jacob's and meet him face to face. I can't see him with that ugly visage of his ; but I can hear him talk, which is quite enough. Pm a-going to make him retract that promise — if I thowt as how Mabel had given it — or Pll knock him down, if it takes this here bible to do it. Mrs. R. {trying to keep hiin back), Phillip, you have not the strength. The distance is altogether too great. Phillip. Strength? Pm all strength. I feel like as how my muscles had turned to iron. I could walk miles — miles, 1 tell you, before she should wed that theer viper as I knows him to be. Give me my hat. {Groping wildly around,) Come ! is there no one to help me find my Mabel ? Lucy. Goodness gracious ! Pll help ye if I die a widder in doing it. Here — here's your hat. {Gets his hat and puts it upon his head,) There now, Betty and I will lead you, an' it won't be no fault of ourn if you don't reach Jacob's afore you know it. That frickerseed chicken can have a postponement. ( They put on things, ) Mrs. R. O Phillip! what will be the end of all this? Phillip. The end, as I knows it, is at that theer Jacob's ; and theer it is Pm a-going to go. Come, Betty, bear a hand. Lead the way, and Pll follow you with the strength of a giant. {They exeunt r. c. door,) SCENE IL — A wood; or, when convenient, interior of shed joining Raymond's house, Edward and Sambo enter from L. supportitig Seth Randolph. Seth. {.slowly, and with much exertion). It is no use, friends. The days of Seth Randolph are numbered. The BOUND BY AN OATH. 69 fire I inhaled has done it. I — I had hoped to have reached the t sleuth-hound of a Jacob ; but it is too late. Lay me down, please. I — I have something to say. Something I must reveal to you before it is too late. {They place hint c. of stage back, Edward supports his head. Sambo remains standing K.^ There! that will do. Edv/ard. Are you comfortable, friend? Seth. Yes, comfortable as can be expected, if dying is considered a comfort. {Looking around.) Where is the other? Edw. If you mean Elias, he has gone to Jacob's. Sambo. I comed for him, sah. Bar's trubble at MasY Johnson's — debbil to pay dar, sure. He sent fo' Mabel, sah. I tooked de letter myself — tooked it right in de face of de hurryclone. Lor a-mighty I but I was a drownded nigger, I kin tole yer. Mabel, she comed over dis mornin* — comed over from Missey Lucy's. I met her down dar by de ole mill. Why, sah, when she see'd that de ole mill wasn't dar, she cried, sah, cried like as if her heart would break. Well, she went over to Mas'r Johnson's, wid me be- hind her, and on de way, she said, kind of suddin' like, she wished she was dead. I heard her say it, sah. So 'spectin' dar was something wrong, I comed and tole Mas'r Elias. Dat Elias — why, he jess jumped up and started as if de debbil was after him. Edw. You see, this Jacob is determined to force Mabel into a marriage with himself. Elias has gone to upset it while I watch over you. Seth. And what a wretch do you watch over. Are you aware, friend, that you attend a man who has helped to make all this mischief ? Edw. Well, I had an inkling in that direction. How- ever, this is no time for reproaches. If I can assist you, I am willing to do it. Sambo. I'se of de same mind, Mas'r Somebody. Seth. A warm heart can beat beneath a black skin. Yes, you both can assist me. First, open my coat and remove a wallet you will find in one of the pockets. (Ed- ward re?noves wallet.) Now, inside of my vest, you will find a paper. Remove that, please. (Edward removes paper.) Thanks now, my black friend, draw closer to me, and listen to my words. 70 BOUND BV AN OATH. Sambo {silting close to Seth, r.). Tse here, sah. Seth. Very well. Let what I say be indelibly stamped upon your memory. Five years ago, a murder was com- mitted in this town. One there was who witnessed the deed. In order not to share a similar fate, he took upon himself an oath not to reveal it. That oath, through all adversities, he has kept until the present day. You remem- ber him well. Edw. Yes — Elias. Heavens! that oath has been the ruin of his life. Seth. It has; and the ones who administered it are guilty of the deed. Now, for aught the public know, the perpetrators of that crime have dwelt in their very midst ; and suspicion has diverted first upon, one and then upon another. This Elias, so I have learned, told of the murder at the time, and where the body could be found ; beyond this, he would not go. Now, friends, I will finish the story. I am partner in crime to the murder of that man. The one who struck the blow, however, was Jacob Johnson. Sambo {holding 2ip his hands in horror) . Lor a-mighty ! Edw. I am not surprised. Go on. Seth. Gentlemen, with me, and as a dying man I say it, that murder was unintentional. Not one dollar of the money would I touch. After compelling Jacob to admit in writing that he committed the deed, I took the paper, and fled the country. In time I became one of a band of counter- feiters. At last, I returned, bringing money of our own workmanship with me. I took a room in the mill. One night I listened to your conversation with Elias, and learned of the money beneath the trap. I stole it with the result as you have seen. If you will open that wallet, you will find that money, every dollar of it, I wish to return it to its law- ful owner. As you were the one to use it, I confide it to your care. Do with it as you think best. Edw. I will see that Elias has the money. Have you anything further to offer? Seth {after a pause). Only this. That paper is the confession to that murder. Take it, and bring Jacob to jus- tice. As for myself, I am beyond the reach of the law. My life is swiftly ebbing out as I can feel at the present moment. All I ask is, that you will bury me decently. Place me where BOUND BY AN OATH. 71 the birds can sing over me, and where streaks of sun- shine can reach my grave. Leave no stone to mark where I sleep, or — or mention my name. I was hot fit to Hve, and am not fit to be remembered when dead. Ed\v. And is this all ? Seth {^slowly and with difficulty^. No; one thing more. There is a locket around my neck. In one side is a likeness of the only woman I ever loved. The other side contains the likeness of my mother. Do not remove the locket, please, or the picture. I — I would have them remain with me until — until — eternity. {His head slowly sinks upon Edward's shoulder.^ Edw. Believe me, sir, your wish shall be attended to. Is there anything further we can do for you ? You may be thirsty ; if so, w^e will procure water, {Pause. ) Are you more comfortable, friend? {Pause. ^ Have you any further remarks you would like to make? {Pause. Not answering^ Edward looks into his face and finds him dead.) Heavens ! he is dead. Sambo {Jumping to his feet) . Dead? MasY Somebody dead? Edw. Yes, Sambo, he has dropped to sleep in death without a struggle. It is better that it so should be. Let us carry the body to some shelter, procure an officer, and hasten to the house of Jacob at once. Sambo. Tse ready, sah. Lor a-mighty ! to tink of dis yer chile living at Masr Johnson's all dese years widout being murdered. Why, it jess takes away my breff. Fse done living dar now, sah, done fo' sure. Edw. Well, let us be off. Assist me to remove the body. (Edward lifts at head, Saimbo at feet.) SAxMBO. Fse wid you, sah. Mighty ticklish job, dis ! ( Going off. ) Lord ! what a narrow escape dis yer chile has had. {They go off "L. i e. with body.) {Music) SCENE III. — Room in Jacob's house, same as i7i Act /., a7id Act II. As scene opens, Jacob is discovered pacing floor. Jacob. As yet, I have heard nothing relating to those who occupied the mill. If they escaped, I should have T2 BOUND BY AN OATH. heard of it before this. The night was so extremely stormy, and the building in a spot so secluded, that the fire was hardly noticed, if at all. Ha ! ha ! so far my plans have worked admirably. Not one, even my own servant, noticed my abscence from the house. Oh, Jacob ! when they outdo you in artifice they must be on the alert. Drucilla {^entei^s R. 3 E.). Well, Jacob, so you have lost the mill. I expected as much when you turned Phillip into the street. Do you know I look upon that act as an abominable piece of rascality? {Comes down R. h. c.) Jacob (l. c). And why, please let me ask? Did I overstep the limits of the law ? Every man must look out for his own interests regardless of his neighbor. As for the pe- cuniary loss on the mill, that was nothing, for it was heavily insured. Dru. Well, I shall never overlook the way you have used that family. Phillip, blind and almost helpless — just think of it. It's a disgraceful reproach upon the name of Johnson. Jacob (^irritated). Look here, Drucilla, Pm not in the right mood this morning to receive a curtain lecture. If you can't come in here and talk with more civility, you had bet- ter remain without. {Goes down L. H. E.) Dru. {going dow7i c). Indeed! indeed! Mr. Johnson. Are you aware whom you are addressing? Remember, I am your sister. Jacob. Yes, and sometimes sisters can make themselves disagreeable. I know my own business without any of your interference. Of late you have seen fit to meddle with my affairs more than is acceptable. Dru. I want to know I Am I not the mistress of this house? Who figures the interest on your notes, keeps your books, gets your meals, and even darns your stockings? Who, week in and week out, counsels me on business mat- ters they are not capable of managing themselves? Mr. Johnson, outside from bombast and cynicism, you are of but little account, {Returns R. i e.) Jacob {seating himself at table c. L.). Well, well, Dm- cilla, we won't quarrel. I am irritable this morning, I admit. You are a good sister, and, if I do say it, full of excellent qualities : but sometimes it does seem as if you talked a little too much. However, I think I could hardly do without you. BOUND BY AN OATH. 73 Dru. Still you will insist upon getting another mistress, and as you are well aware, quite contrary to my wishes. Jacob. That is a matter of an entirely different nature. Already I have the girPs consent. Even now I am expecting her, that we may arrange matters for the coming event. Dru. Indeed! you had not informed me of this? Jacob. I thought it was not necessary. Dru. No ; it is not necessary I should knov/ anything. That girl, Mr. Johnson, will be a useless appendage. Am I not as good in my capacity, as a wife ? Jacob. Hardly, Drucilla. Dru. Well, anyway, I know the girl docs not marry you willingly. It is done to save her parents from the web you have woven around them ; and for my ])art, I think it is an outrageous piece of business. (^Exit hurriedly R. 3 E.) Jacob. So, so, snarl like a lynx if you want to. If you knew the truth you might even growl. My mind is set upon winning that girl, and may I be cursed if I don't do it. (^Rises and goes down c^ Where can that servant have betak- en himself? I have not seen him this morning. Ah ! I hear a step. He has either returned, or it is the girl I am expect- ing. (^Returns to table. Mabel, very pale, enters c.) Ah! Miss Raymond. I have been awaiting your arrival. Please be seated. {Offer's chair.) Mabel {down r.). With your permission, I prefer standing. I have come here pursuant to your command. To plead with you, I know is useless. I now await your orders. Jacob {seating hmtself c. l.). Miss Raymond, I had hoped to have found you more consistent ; but if you con- tinue to remain obstinate, it will be to your own detrimxcnt. Already I have suffered considerable loss at your father's hands; and the burning of the mill, which you have learned, no doubt, has made it even greater. Still, with your hand in marriage, I will overlook these losses, reinstate your par- ents in there old home, and even rebuild the mill. Mabel. I understand. You would purchase me, body and soul, with money. You care not how many hearts you are breaking, or whether I love you or not, if only you can possess me. To save my parents, I come before you. If a merciful Heaven will hear my prayers, I shall be saved from 74 BOUND BY AN OATH. this thraldom. Jf not, then with you I must submit to drag out my miserable existence. Jacob. Am 1 to understand from this that my offer is ac- cepted ? Mabel. Take it as you choose. Jacob. Then I shall claim your hand. To consummate matters, I shall request that the wedding take place without delay. Your parents well established, and yourself surround- ed with every luxury, I trust you will look upon your situation with a degree of happiness. Mabel. Is the bird, taken from its native element and caged, ever happy? Does the galley slave, chained, to the oar, ever sense a thrill of joy? No more can I, caged, chained to a man I utterly loathe and despise, know what joy or happiness means. Jacob. Well, if you will persist upon making yourself miserable, you alone must suffer. Sometime yon may think differently. (El/as seen in archway. ] ACO^ perceives hiin, and starts to his feet with a cry. Chord.) Great Heavens ! Elias {pale and haggard-looking) . I be no spirit, Jacob Johnson. Jacob {feebly). You — you — Elias. Oh I I ha^ no doubt ye be surprised f see me ; but afore I ha' done with ye, ye will be more surprised. {Advanci7ig. ) Mabel {rushing to Elias). Oh, Elias, my old friend, can you save me ? Elias. I be a working for ye, Mabel, I be a working for ye. First, tell me why ye ha' come t' this house? Mabel. O Elias ! I am here to save my parents. Only by marrying that man can it be accomplished. I have pro- mised him my hand. Jacob {recovering hi?nself) . And she shall keep her pro- mise if the devil stands in the way. Elias. Be not too sure, Jacob. I ha' made a covenant with myself f protect her ; and I be going t' do it, even un- to death. {N'oise without. Phillip heard speaking off c. All look to- ward c.) Phillip {without). Lead me into the house. Take me to wheer I can meet that man, and stand afore him face to face. BOUND BY AN OATH. 75 Mabel {sinking into chair Vi. h, c). Oh, Heavens ! my father. Jacob {excitedly) . Curse him ! why is he here ? Elias (c. l.). He has come, Jacob, V save his daughter. Lucy {speaking as she enters) . Land a massey ! who'd a thought it. {Enter c. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond and Lucy.) Mrs. R. Here we are, Phillip. The man you seek is be- fore you. Phillip {standing c. Mrs. Raymond to the right of him, and LvcY near r. 3. e.). Then let me speak to him. Let me say to him as to how I pronounces him a villain. Tell him to return the daughter as he called from me, or may he live accursed of God. Mabel {going to him and putting her ar^ns around his neck). O father! I am here. Your Mabel is safe. Phillip {caressing her). And is this my Mabel? My Mabel safe from the fangs of that viper, as he is? Tell me, my child, why you wounded my 'art by coming here. Mabel. O father ! I done it to save you. Only by my marrying that man can you be free. Phillip. Then let me rot ! No child of mine are a-go- ing through life bound to a man as devils would blush to own. Hunger shall come ; prison shall come ; death shall come, afore you shall wed that theer Jacob. Jacob. Bah! you are a lot of crazy fools. Don't think I will easily consent to yield after addressing to me such a homily. Beware, Phillip Raymond, or the prison shall re- ceive you with all your infirmities. Phillip. Theer are worse places for an honest man than a prison ; and one on 'em — 1 am arnest in saying it — is the standing in your presence. Already through your villainy, as I knows on, you have robbed me of everything but free- dom. Take that, if as how you wants it, and the life wot goes with it ; but this here child of mine, may God strike her dead afore she ever becomes your wife. Jacob. If this is your answer, then have you sealed your own fate. Thwarted from wedlock with this girl, I will hurl you all down to the lowest depths it is possible for my na- ture to conceive. I tell you I am resolved and will triumph. Lucy. Land a massey ! what a wretch. y6 BOUND BY AN OATH. Mrs. R. O Phillip ! think upon your fate. Phillip. Out upon my fate, Betty, out upon it ! The shark has bitten me afore, theerfore the second bite will come the more natVal to bear. The worst he can do by me will not torture me half as much like as if his plan had succeeded. Bear a hand, Betty, and give me a seat. I can stand no longer. (^He is assisted to chair near r. h. corner. Mrs. Raymond staftds r. of hini^ Mabel l., a7id Lucy down c. r.) Theer, that will do. Eli AS (who has remained standing near c. l., now ap- proaches table). If ye ha' a mind, Jacob, I would ask of ye a question. Jacob. Well ! Eli AS. Ha' ye failed t' remember the warning I gave ye, or do ye look upon my words as of no account ? Jacob. I look upon them as so much chaff. What are you that I should have cause to fear? (Contemptuously.) Nothing but a crack-brain and half idiot. Elias (wildly). What! ye call me idiot? Ye dare f say that I be an idiot? Now shall ye tremble at my curse. Oh, I be mad — mad! Five years ha' I cringed before ye like a slave, when ye should ha' been my slave, and crawled in the dust at my feet. Oh, Jacob ! I ha' ye spread out be- fore me where I can read ye like a book ; and ye be all de- vil — devil. (Clasping his brow with his hands.) O Elias ! what ha' ye t' live for now? Now shall ye die, and show this fiend up t' the world. (Takes phial from his pocket. Mabel (going towards him.) O Elias! what would vou do? Elias (inotioni^ig her back). Go back, Mabel, go back. I would free ye, an' I ha' but one way t' do it. Come not near me now. (Mabel goes back.) If ye love Edward, an' if ye love your parents, ye must listen t' my words, but make no attempt t' save me. Mabel. But you would do yourself harm ? Elias. I be of no account. My life ha' been a curse, an' there be one who ha' cursed it. I be bound by an oath, an' the revealing of it can only be done on my dying day. This shall be that day, an' ye must not interfere. Jacob (in evident alarm) . Elias, beware! Do nothing rash or you will repent it. (Aside.) The first word he utters of that murder, I will stab him to the heart. BOUND BY AN OAIH. 7/ Elias* Hark ye; Jacob, t' my words. Ye thought to destroy your enemies when you burned the mill. Ye — VniiAAi^ {interrupting) . Wheer away, theer ! wheer away. The mill — has that theer mill been burned? {Attempts to rise. Is held back by Mrs. Raymond a7ui Mabel.) Lucy. Well, now. I ain't a bit surprised. Elias. Ye listen f my words, Phillip, an' ye will find out. Phillip. But I want to know if that theer mill has been burned? Mabel. It has, dear father, it burned last night. Phillip. Oh curse him ! Q\xvst — {Mrs. Raymond ^;/^ Lucy quiet /tint as Y.1.1 as continues .') Elias. I ha' told ye, Jacob, that ye thought t' destroy us by burning the mill ; but I ha' escaped, for which I ha' your confederate t' thank. Now, Jacob, I be going t' make you tremble. ]aco'& {savagefyy. Do it at your peril. Beware! you never shall live to utter a syllable: {Starts to draw knife.) Elias. Jacob I ha' come prepared. {Suddenly draws revolver, and points it at Jacob across table. Chord. Jacob staggers back and sinks into chair. ) Now ye move afore I ha' finished, an' ye shall die along with me. Jacob. But you do not mean — Elias. I do mean that I be going t' die; an' my last words will be the revealing of that oath. Now I want ye all t' listen ; but let no one, not even my friends, interfere with me, or it will be at their peril. {Music. Elias stands c. with revolver pointed at Jacob. All look at him as if stupefied. In his left hand is the phial. He re^noves cork, slowly raises bottle and is about to drink, when shouts are heard without. He pauses a moment, during which, Edward follo^ved by Sambo, rtish into the room from c, Edward shouting ** Saved I saved I " as he enters.) Edward {down c). Kill the fatted calf, for the prod- igal has returned. Mabel, I'm a free man. I've got back that money from the man who stole it. Mabel {throwing herself into his arms). Heaven be praised ! Now is Elias saved from his terrible doom. yS BOUND BY AN OATH. Elias (w/to has lowered revolver and stands c. L.). The money has nothing t' do with the oath. I be going f die an' reveal that. Edw. Well, now, I reckon you won't. Say! Elias, the cat's out of the bag. I've got the whole sum and substance of that oath down on this paper. Here it is. (^Takes paper from his pocket.^ Jacob {starting toward him^ . Curse you ! give me that paper. Elias {starting forward and pointing revolver at Jacob) . Ye go back ! Jacob {retreating; aside^. My game is up. Elias. Edward, will ye speak those words again? I ha' a fear that I did not understand. What was it ye said about the oath? Edw. I said I knew the whole sum and substance of it ; and I've got the proof to back it up. The murder that was committed here five years ago was done by Jacob Johnson. Mabel {clinging to Edward) . O Heavens ! Lucy. Land a massey ! Jacob. You lie ! The man who informed you has done it to clear himself. Edw. The proof is in black and white on this paper, with your name to back it. Jacob {aside). I am a doomed man. Phillip. I warn't no better opinion of the man then to believe it. He led me into a forgery of his own making, and the man as would do that, would murder. Mrs. R. O Phillip ! what an escape our Mabel has had. Elias. Well, Jacob, what ha' ye t' say t' the charge that is laid against ye. Jacob {despairingly). I have nothing to say. Tell me, if you will, the whereabouts of the man who has made this disclosure ? Edw. He is dead. His dying w^ords was the confession to that crime. Evil though he was, he couldn't hold a candle to you, if I do say it. Jacob. Save your taunts, young man, they are useless. As the Fates have conspired against me, I may as well hasten my doom. In yonder cabinet are the papers bearing Phil- lip's signature. The forgery he committed was concocted by BOUND BY AN OATH. 79 myself. It was I who arranged the papers for him to sign. You can destroy them. I suppose you have no objection to my visiting my sister ; There are some matters I wish to arrange. {SI arts off.) Edw. {stopping him) . Wait, Jacob, you need a conduc- tor. {Catling off.) Here, officer, you are wanted ! {Enter officer C.) This man is in want of bracelets. Put them on and lead him to his sister. Let him escape at your peril. Officer. Mr. Johnson, you are my prisoner. Jacob. Umph ! there is no need mentioning that. {He is handcuffed. Starts off.) All together, you have con- quered. That you may be cursed, though, with all the tortures of an Ixion, is my parting blessing. {Exit with officer, R. 3 E.) Sambo {who has remained near w.q,.). Good-bye, Mas V Johnson. Golly ! but dis yer chile had a narrow escape, I kin tole yer. Lucy. Land sakes I you don't s'pose he would touch a nigger, du ye? Phillip. Theer is more evil in that theer Jacob than in old Satan himself. Edw. And he took it all with him when he went out. {Crossing to Elias with Mabel.) Elias, my old friend, why are you so silent ? Elias {down c. Edward and Mabel to r. of him). I be dumb, Edward, I be dumb. I ha' not the power f express the thoughts that be raging here. {Places hand npon his heart.) T' be free from that accursed oath — oh, it be Heaven itself! But I can't realize it, Edward, I can't realize it. Mabel. You will in time, Elias, and then we all shall be so happy. Edw. You just bet we shall. You can take that money and invest it in stocks. We shant want it; or — er — I mean, Phillip won't. As for myself, I got the grand bounce at home, and I suppose I shall here — eh, Mabel .^ Mabel. Not so long as that dollar lasts, and you behave yourself. Phillip. Well, Edward, if you loves this here child of mine, as I loves her, you can have her. I will re-build the mill with Elias for a partner. Being as now I am useless 8o BOUND BY AN OATIL myself, you shall take my place. ^Lifting his hands, ^ Theer, children, now may God bless you. Mrs. R. And make you as happy as I am at the present moment. Lucy. Land a massey ! Uriah used tu say that the only happiness he ever knew, wus settin' down tu a good dinner. Gracious ! that makes me think of that fricerseed chicken. Sambo. Lor a mighty ! took us to it. Edw. Yes, let us go. I want to get out of here as soon as possible. What say you, Elias.'' Elias. I be ready, Edward, I be ready. The good Lord has answered my prayers, an' I would bless him for it ; but I ha' not the mind f do it here. If there be happiness in store for me, I be thankful for it; but never — never, if I live the life of the oldest, oh never again let me be Bound by an Oath. (^Disposition of characters. ) Sambo. Lucy. Elias. Phillip. Edward. Mrs. Raymond. Mabel. R. L. CURTAIN. In the Enemy'8 Gamp; OR, THE STOLEN DESPATCHES. A Drama in Three Acts, by S, J. BROWN. Price, -------IS cents. Eight male, two female characters. Good leading part, genteel villain, Irish and negro character. Time of playing about two hours. While not distinctively a war-play its incidents are concerned with im- aginary events of the Rebellion, and it is not unsuited to the needs of Grand Army Posts. Scenery, simple interiors and landscape drops, very easy camp scene. SYNOPSIS. ACT I. Capt. Oliphant's home in the North. An unfinished honey- moon. The call of duty. A wife's anguish. " My hand girt on the sword that will be raised against my father ! " The rebel spy. The Stolen Despatches. "He is Madge's father I Rather a thousand times my own disgrace, than be his executioner.*' The penalty of silence. Disgraced. ACT II. Scene I. Irish and negro. Colored dentistry. Scene XL The prison. A little story over a bottle of wine. " I understand. Good bye, old friend, and may Heaven bless you." The Escape. A shot in the dark. " Now, my lady Madge, by fair or foul means you must be mine." Scene III. Dead to the world. A wife's devotion. " I must bear it all for Malcolm's sake." A warning. "There is peril everywhere for friends of rebels." A false knave. "To remain is certain death! " To the Rescue. JlCT III. Scene I. The camp. " If I could only hear from Madge !" The flower girl. The price of a passport. " I pay it, but to only one." Husband and wife. "What is this woman to you?" A conundrum whose answer is death. " For the love of Heaven, get I the pass ! " The Deserter. Scene II. The villain's suit f renewed. " Why not ; your husband no longer lives." The lie in his teeth. Misunderstood. "Can you not trust your wife .^" Re- captured. Scene III. Sentenced to Death. "You will sometime know that Malcolm Oliphant died for another's crime — true to the Union — true to the last." A Reprieve. The spy's death. " We have plotted together and die together." Reunited, Walter H. Baker & Co., 23 Winter St.. Boston. 'j A NEW IRISH '";,ftVi«P^, 8HMR0GK «^ ^ A Romantic Story of Irish Life during the Rebellion of '98, in four acts. By JOHN FITZGERALD MURPHY. Seven male and three female characters. Costumes and scenery not dif&- cult. Every part a good one. A sure hit. Printed as played under the author's personal direction, at the Dudley St. Opera House, Boston, St. John's Hall, Boston, and the Newport Opera House. S TTHJO- O I* S I S . Act. I. Scene, Squire Fitzgerald's Home, in Wicklow. Rose's story of Desmond's ■ arrival. Shaun Gary hears a bit of valuable news. Barney O' Brady meets an unexpected ^ visitor and shows hira the door. Ileen and Barney. The Fugitive. The arrival of the soldiers. Capt. Beck quarrels with the Squire. The defence. The murder. The Arrest. Act. II. Scejte I: A Landscape. Gary and the Gaptain plot the abduction of Rose. Douglass' dilemma 'twixt love and duty. 6'c^«tf //; The Prison. Barney's cell. Hot Irish in a stone jug. A friend in need. The red coat. Scene III : Ro«;e receives a false message. Scene IV: Desmond's cell. The Death Warrant. Celt and Saxon. Barney a guard. The death knell. The Escape. Act III. Scene 1 1 O' Byrnes* Wood. The purty girl milking her cow. Barney pro- poses to Ileen. Desmond hears bad news. Barney, in the guise of a soldier, gets important information from Gary. Scene II : Exterior of Beck's Gastle by moonlight. Rose a Gap- tive. Barney brings good news. The proposal and refusal. The ass kicks. The false captive. The Rescue. Act IV. Scene : Gorrigmdr at Sunrise. Shaun Gary a captive. The arrival of Nano and Ileen. Tracked bv Beck. Nano keeps Beck at Bay. The duel. Gary's shot. Beck's death. The ** Shamrock and Rose.'* Price S5 cents. Incidental to this piece occur the following new songs by Messrs. W. Lanigan and Leo. A. Munier, entitled SHAMROCK AND ROSE. MY IRISH QUEEN MA BOUCHALEEN BAWN. Tkf three published together at 60 cents ; obtainable only of the pML For other novelties see the preceding page. Walter H. Baker & Co., 23 Winter St., Boston. •. 4. PARKHILU * CO., fKINTERS, 323 FRANKLIN ST., BOSTON.