S 635 Z9 88932 opy 1 D?8 932=. 25 Cents 'CAN ACTING,, DRAMA CONRAD THE HAND OF A FRIEND " CHICAGO THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY;, CONRAD OR THE HAND OF A FRIEND DRAMA IN THREE ACTS A FRANK DUMONT A ECEIVED CHICAGO THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY CHARACTERS. Conrad. Philip Lawton. Amos Leach— A rascally attorney. Tobias Pecksniff— His clerk. Frank Remington— A young physician. Warren Duncan— A banker. Roger Blackburn— An escaped convict. Sing Lung— A Mongolian importation. Steve' ( Meml3ers of an outlaw league. Amelia Brannigan— From the " ould sod." Elsie Duncan— The banker's only child. Child— Little Elsie. Road agents, vigilants, police officers, etc. Plays two and one-half hours. Copyright, 1897, by the Dramatic Publishing Company, Chicago. Notice. — The professional acting rights of this play are reserved by the publishers, from whom written permission must be obtained before performance. All persons giving unauthorized productions will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This notice does not apply to amateurs, who may perform the play without permission. COSTUMES. ACT I. Characters attired in modern dresses. Pecksniff ragged, but with umbrella. Blackburn in convict's dress of striped material. Second dress, black suit. ACT II. Characters attired in rough garments of the mining class, woolen shirts — red or blue. Rough jackets, boots and dark pants. Elsie in plain dress of dark material. Sing Lung in the blue garments worn by Chinese immigrants. Act III. Characters attired same as Act II. Tattered coat and hat for Conrad placed upon bales in Scene II. PROPERTIES. Act I. Valise, broom, whip, pitch-fork Tray with tea service, cab- bage. Act II. Clothes-pins, axe, coffee-mill, basket Pistols, gun, squirrel. Act III. Kettle, barrels and bales. Legal papers, TMP96-007217 CONRAD. ACT I.— CONRAD EXTENDS HIS HAND. [Scene : — Mansion and lawn. Country mansion, R. 2 E. with verandah. Flowers and vines Arbor, L. 2 E. Rustic settee, L. C. White picket fence crosses stage with gate, c. Barn, L. u. E.with upper portion to view of audience. River landscape at back. Sunset. Music, plaintive. Lawton, with valise, as if just arrived from depot, followed by Amos Leach, enters down C. at rise of curtain.} Lawton. This is Warren Duncan's home, and as no one is observing us, take a rapid survey of the estate, your practised eye can estimate its value at a glance. When Duncan was in straitened circumstances I loaned him a large sum of money — but I never expected to receive it back again. Leach. Never expected your money ? Oh ! vot a remark- able man ! Lawton. I wanted to secure a grasp upon this haughty banker — and I succeeded. You now understand why you are here to attach this homestead. He cannot meet the mortgage, and there is but one thing that will stay my hand. That is, his daughter Elsie's promise to become my wife if I spare her father. Leach. Spare nothing. Don't be so tender-hearted. Oh, my dear, if you were a lawyer you'd soon be cured of pity and of telling the truth. I don't remember when I ever told the truth. Well ! I came here to collect the mortgage money or attach the property — so let's to business — my deputy, Tobias Pecksniff, is hiding behind the barn. [Amelia enters from mansion.] Amelia. {Looks at lawyer.} Oh, look at the nose of him ; it looks like a meerschaum pipe. Lawton. Is your master at home ? 5 6 CONRAD. Amelia. [Curtseys.] Faith, he isn't, sir. He hasn't come up from the daypo yet. Leach. Never say daypo — say deepo ! Amelia. Is that so ? I knew you'd be poking your nose into something that didn't concern you. That bugle you have there on your face would make a fine deepo — and hold a daypo on the top of it. [To Lawton.] But give me your valise, sir, and just step into the library for a moment. Mr, Duncan will soon be home. You can leave Mr. Deepo out in the barn with the rest of the cattle. [Takes valise, etc., from Lawton and enters mansion, laughing at Leach. Lawton follows her in. Leach angry and scolding, enters after them. Enter Frank Remington and Elsie through gate.] Elsie. [C] Tell me the cause of this silence. This sadness. Frank. Elsie ? Heaven forbid that my words should cause you to suffer a single pang. I must speak, it is my duty. Yet the words may separate us forever. Elsie. Separate us, Frank ? Frank. Elsie ! I am penniless to-day. Our banking firm was tottering, and a speculation involving great risks has sud. denly, like an air bubble, blown to the winds our hopes — plans — all — all fallen mid the ruins. A kingdom, were it mine, should have been laid at your leet. You cannot be a poor man's wife, and I must begin the world anew. Naught is left me but my strength and honor. And now Elsie. And now what ? Frank. Your promises were made under different circum- stances. I feel the power of gold. Without it, we are almost nothing. Elsie. There is one thing that the gold of two worlds cannot purchase, — true love and a loyal heart, which in affluence or adversity — never changes. Frank. It is a priceless treasure I admit. You are a noble girl — but now that I am ruined, why should I drag you down with me ? [Elsie takes his hand.] Elsie. Did you think that my love could change so easily ? That gold could tempt it ? I can love but once. [Lawton ap- pears on portico ; pauses to listen and observe.] Frank. Your words inspire me with new life ? I will toil to recover part of my loss. With your sweet face to cheer me, I am bound to succeed ! Your father has not yet returned from the city ? Elsie. No, but I expect him ©very moment. Conrad has gone as usual to the station, to wait his arrival. I ONRAD. 7 Frank. What a faithful fellow he is. Rain or shine, he is ever awaiting your father's return. I dare say you would miss him should he resign his position. Elsie. Who ? Conrad ? Indeed I would. You forget how he saved me from a watery grave — nobly plunging into the river — never thinking of his own danger. We will never part with Conrad. Frank. He is quite a comical personage also — and his broken English adds to his humor. He is certainly an odd personage — but I was about to say that I saw Mr. Lawton in the vicinity. Elsie. Strange that even that man's name sounds un- pleasant to me. I dread him without knowing why. I feel that his presence is a foreboding of evil. [Lawton comes down as she concludes, she starts as he bows and speaks.'] Lawton. Good evening, Miss Duncan. Same to you, Mr. Remington. I trust that I have not disturbed you by an intru- sion that is purely accidental. Frank. Not at all, sir ? Lawton. I am waiting Mr. Duncan's return from the city, it was so lonesome in the library and hearing voices I strolled out, little dreaming I should interrupt you, for which offence I crave a thousand pardons. [Amos Leach is about to join the group, but Lawton motions him to return back into house.] Frank. You are freely forgiven sir. You will find much to enjoy in the sunset. The flowers and the beautiful landscape. Come, Elsie. [Offers arm to her.] Good evening, sir ? [They ex. L. I e.] Lawton. [Gazing after them.] Make good use of your time, Mr. Remington, for that time is very short indeed. Elsie will be mine within a few weeks, and your presence will not be needed. It may be well to keep them both in sight, and also view the estate my beautiful bride brings to me. It is a pity to separate them, a real downright pity. [Laughs as he ex. l. i e. Enter Leach from house, followed by Amelia with a broom as if she was " sweeping him " out.] Amelia. There now — the dirt before the broom. Leach. My dear young woman, you don't seem to know you're insulting me. Amelia. Don't I ? I'm not insulting anybody when I insult you. You're nothing. Leach. My dear young lady, I'm a lawyer. Amelia. I know you are a liar. L§ach. A lawyer. And I command r«p«et. Do you know 8 CONRAD. that you're rather a pretty girl. I'm a good judge of female beauty. Is Mr. Duncan a rich man ? Amelia. Maybe he is — and maybe he isn't. Leach. Do you always have charge of the library ? Amelia. Maybe I have — and maybe I haven't. Leach. You know that Mr. Duncan has valuable things in his library. Amelia. Maybe they are — and maybe they aren't. Leach. I need just a little bit of information. Amelia. Maybe you'll get it — and maybe you won't. Leach. Are you the only servant here ? Amelia. Maybe I am — and may be I ain't. Leach. Well I must say you're a tough witness — you can't talk worth a cent. Amelia. Can't talk is it ? I'd talk you deaf, dumb and blind if I thought it was worth my while, but you've struck the wrong person to get any information from — now take a walk. Skip the gutter — and walk off wid yourself or I'll sweep you into the ash barrel. Go on, now — don't talk back. Home rule forever for old Ireland, hurroo ! [She sweeps him before her — raising a cloud of dust that makes him sneeze and cough as he vainly tries to "talk back" to her, crying "listen to me, young woman " and she replies " move on — move on I've got one of Pamell's brooms and it sweeps dudes and everything English into the ash barrel." Bus. ad lib as she talks and drives him off~L. U. E. and stands at gate C. ordering him to " move along and take his feet with him." Lawton enters L. i E., gazing off L. Amelia sees him.] There's the other one — I'll lock up the library, for I wouldn't trust him with a red hot stove. [She enters house.'] Lawton. To hear their words of love drives me frantic, but I must control myself — at least until I am quite sure that I am master here. [Sits on bench.] Then I can look forward to a new life — my past one is a secret known to me alone — but con- science makes cowards of us all — at times. Conscience, guilty conscience. [Music tremolo and hurry. Roger Blackburn an escafed convict — tattered and pale — hastily enters from R. U. 3. Looks about for a place of concealment and then coming towards Lawton — their eyes meet. Chord.] Blackburn. Philip Lawton ! Lawton. Who are you that dares to intrude upon these grounds ? Blackburn. I am an escaped convict — officers are on my track — I have eludtd them for the present. You must conceal me. CONRAD. 9 Lawton. Leave at once or I will hand you over to your pursuers. , c . Blackburn. Not a word— If you value your own safety you will shield me. Ten years ago, a skilful forgery was accom- plished in the Banking House of Remington and Company. Three clerks were in the plot. One was murdered to hide traces of the crime. The two others separated. The arch vil- lain secured the lion's share of the plunder and is rich and ^Lawton. What has this to do with me? Begone, jail 'Biackburn. Gaze upon these features. Deny me if you can, for I was one of your partners in the crime. Lawtoil. Roger Blackburn ! Not dead ! Blackburn. I have been dead-but I breathe the air of free- dom . I will not suffer alone— I have found you, never to lose y °Lawton. Go— go— you must not be seen here with me. Blackburn. Conceal me and I will remain silent. Refuse, and vou'll share a felon's cell with me. Lawton Quick ! Conceal yourself behind the mansion ! my valise contains a change of clothing and I will get it for you. Make haste, man, or you will be seen. [i^.-Blackburn ^ to ex R. 2 E. and Amelia is entering with tray of dishes R. 2 E She screams and drops the tray. Blackburn ex. R. 2 E. Lawton comes C] *Sh, do not speak a word of this to a living soul Take this to buy some pretty ribbons. [Gives money.] Amelia. Faith 1 can't say a word for I'm as dumb as an oyster with the lock jaw. [Picks up fragments. Several offi- cers appear at gate from R. U. c] Officer. [At gate. \ We are after a desperate character— an escaped convict. Have you seen any one ? " Amelia [Aside.] That's the gentleman with the zebra pants. Lawton. [To officer.] I have seen no such person in the ^ Amelia. We'll all be kilt in our beds by the burglars and the highway men. [Officers ex. l. u. e.] Lawton. You will say nothing of this to any one -not even to your master. Give my valise to that gentleman. He is be- hind the mansion. Not a word— to anybody Amelia N o sir— not a word— [Aside.] I'll only tell Conrad _-H™ "» * Lawton. Those words from vou ' Thev hum ir,t^ like molten lead. [Takes her hind.] Y ^ my S ° Ul £1S10. Release me, sir, and allow me to retire. CONRAD. 13 Lawton. Having gone thus far, I cannot retrace my steps without the answer I seek ! Elsie. Release me, or I will call for assistance. Lawton. Silence — make no outcry ! [Music. Hurry. Elsie releases her hand and runs down to left corner of stage. Lawton follows after her. Duncan appears on portico and Leach follows after hitn and prevents him from going to Elsie's assistance. Elsie eludes Lawton and runs towards gate, uttering a scream. Conrad rushes on from L. U. E. with whip, bridle and horse-collar — comes through gate, shields Elsie from Lawton — drops articles and deals Lawton a blow that sends him reeling to c. of stage. Picture. Conrad strikes several attitudes as Lawton recovers^ Conrad. Come on ! Get some more ! The next one I give you will flatten you out like a pancake. Lawton. You confounded meddling fool ! Conrad. I'm smart enough for you, if I am a fool ! Lawton. This language, fellow Conrad. Is plain and right to the point. Lawton. What if I answer it with a blow ? Conrad. That suits me — I bet I'll give you a lesson in man- ners or make you dance a hornpipe with a whip accompani- ment. Elsie. Have no words with him, Conrad. Leach. [Coming forward.] Do you know that our business is with Mr. Duncan, not with the servants ! Conrad. Is dot so ? Well I wouldn't know you were round here if you hadn't opened your beautiful mouth. Leach. We are gentlemen Conrad. I'd rather believe it than look for proof. A gentle- man always lays violent hands on a lady ! Lawton. You'll pay for this Conrad. I pay my debts, that's more than you do ! Elsie. Conrad ! have no words with them. You see they are in ill humor. Conrad. Well, I don't feel very well myself. Lawton. [To Conrad.] You'll oblige me by retiring — we can dispense with you. Conrad. I guess we can dispense mit you and dot udder freckle-face long-nose bullfrog, too ! Amos. Sir ! My name is Amos Leach. Conrad. Oh ! Yes, dot's so. You look yust like a leech ! Lawton. As 1 said before your presence is not at all needed b«re. ! 4 CONRAD. Conrad. Veil, I hafejust made up my mind dot ve rW need yours here neider— so just take a walk rk -, ™hi PA Move now or I'll give U SO m e muJic T'l \Z """ vat what kind of a shoe-string I am Tyou onS make rT ^ and mad. [Duncan enters from house ^ g °° Lawton Mr. Duncan, you shall answer to me for vour ser muchiHl enCe - IH h T y° ut0 understand that you are too Tsres^cZ P m °r ^ aU0W a SCrVant t0 U " er 0ne "£« prc^dbJme 1 M ^ -^ My Servant ' s acti °^ are ap- proved by me When a visitor to my house fomets that he i« d\i e e nt the m m a o'fr then "* ^ **» ^ » he P^^Con^ aw^ t0 v D f° y ° U u kre ° rder y° ur set ™ to drive me iJSSL get at my money has aided you in &»™™ ha^Tfotn Y T CS ' bUt y ,° U nCVer P urchas ^ my manhood ! You vour P T V 0W ?', tle ^ eofba «le and I now defy you to your teeth. Conrad ! drive them off. Come, my child - I have defense T^t^f ^T'' r , e — X ^anks" for your manj mansL™ alf ° f "^ daUgMer - 0>™** andhtoentel Conrad. Don't mention it Nnw th^n r„, • , you fellers how to dance f dSS Co Slon-S' "?a rtatl n7 p Lawton.] Now, you git first-when I coun three den comes the horse whip ; one-two-two and a half— l Lawton. Ill see you again and pay you for this. [Ex Conrad. I don't charge you a cent. This is free lunch and a chromo goes with it. [Sees Leach.] Ah! There 'But vou Leach" M? J£\ th i "*, Get read * t0 wa]k S P a ^ iMik Me. sir! I am a lawyer and I dare you to strike me I have you up for contempt of court-node* proscess-com battibus— oyer and terminer de facto proscess— com- ,S°^ C , h " S , e "' ' dm ' t car e for your oysters and n™ r °^rn ! How d ° y°° *&**> n?«£ ouSa SS td fose d ^JS"^ S J?«^ ^Sal.t'^r.M,^ G ° in ^ t0 *« ™e tiled 'and CONRAD. 1$ round to kitchen window. Conrad turns and sees iim.] Hello ! the woods is full of 'em. I'll fix this rag hop. [Takes a hay fork and pokes Pecksniff with it. Peck- niff yells and runs off", L. u. E. Bus with pitch-fork ad lib in til Pecksniff runs off. Conrad laughs and ex. r. 2 e., trips by getting his legs entangled in the dragging pitch-fork ' s handle and thinks it is Pecksniff returning. He turns and strikes out with whip. Sees no one and ex. laughing R. 2 E. Blackburn neatly attired conies from mansion rather cautiously and meets Lawton who enters from the arbor L. 2 E.] Blackburn. This is a glorious change from the prison life of weary years. Free again to mingle with old friends. I'm to be congratulated upon this streak of good luck. Lawton [aside.] It won't last long, I assure you. Blackburn. I see you had an altercation a few moments ago and I watched my chances to come out to you. I have not had an introduction to the family yet, and you'll have to do the honors and explain my presence here. Now, the next thing of importance is some cash to play the gentleman. I did not find any in the pockets of your clothing. Lawton. It will be impossible to advance any. I'm in straitened circumstances myself. Blackburn. That's a good joke, but it only serves to prove the old adage, "111 gotten gains are never prosperous," but I must have money — I don't care where you get it. Let me see if I remember right. There was a valuable package of documents deposited in your care when we were fellow clerks. I received my share of the cash but I also claim a share in those docu- ments. Where are they ? Lawton. In Warren Duncan's safe in that library. He found them among my papers which I carelessly left exposed in our city office and I could not claim them entirely as they were in care of the firm. Blackburn. Are you telling me the truth ? Lawton. Yes, and to prove it to you I will attempt to recover them if you will aid me, and then we'll share and share alike. Blackburn. I'll do it. First let me walk around in the open air, to bring the roses upon my pale cheeks. I can't get too much fresh air you know ; I haven't been used to it. The old gent has a very pretty daughter — why couldn't I marry into the family ? Lucky idea, I'll carry it out if I can. [Ex. L. 1 E after bowing to Lawton.] Lawton. I'll clip your claws if I ficd them toe sharp to suit 16 CONRAD. me. Now for the first move, [c] I'll make a friend of thi German fellow. I'll buy his friendship— money will do any thing. Every man has his price and this German servant ha got one also. [Goes up stage and qfh. u. E. Enter Conrad and Amelia R. IE.] Conrad. I can't help it. If you're always putting your lips so closeto me I can't help putting mine so close to yours. Amelia. You had no business to kiss me and I think you're real— real— mean. [Puts apron to her eyes.} Conrad. Oh ! If you're going to cry about it then I'm sorry I done it. I'll never do so again. Amelia. Did I say you could never try it again ? Conrad. No, but I thought you didn't like it ! Amelia. Do you know, Conrad, that you're an awful nice feller ! Conrad. Yes, I know it. I found that out long ago. Amelia. Are you of a jealous disposition ! Conrad. Yes, I like jelly. If you vas a lump of jelly I could eat you mitout a spoon. Amelia. I mean are you jealous of me ! If you see me talking to anyone do you feel the cold chills running down your back ? b Conrad. Yaw ! I feel like a lobster mit de lock-jaw. Amelia. Conrad, do you know that I— I— kinder like you ' Conrad. Veil, I kinder like you pooty veil too, you vas a nice little Irish potatoes ! Amelia. I'm a potatoe ? Conrad. Yes, a sweet potatoe. I could eat a bushel like you . Amelia. Conrad, the more I look at you the more I admire you. Did you ever feel a pain right here in your heart ! Conrad. Yes— I think it was cramps, you better eet some liniment. Amelia. You're the liniment. [Bell rings.] There I've got to go. [Kisses hand to Conrad.] Good bye, my little Dutch daisy ! [Ex. R. i.e. Lawton enters from L. U. E.] Conrad. So I'm a Dutch daisy, eh ? Veil I'm a lucky feller if ' Lawton. [Places hand on Conrad.J You are a lucky fellow, Conrad ! And you may till be more fortunate if you listen to one who wishes to be on friendly terms with you. Conrad. There's only one way to be on friendly terms with me. That is for you to mind your business and let other peo* pies affairs alone. Lawton. I don't blame you, my food fellow, for trying to CONRAD. 17 shield those who employ you. But you were mistaken in my in- tentions. Conrad. You were not mistaken in my intentions, were you ! Lawton, Conrad. I must admit you are a very clever fellow. Conrad. I've got to be pooty clever for some peoples. Lawton. You are faithful to your master's interests and I am glad to see it. Conrad. Yes, you look awful glad — just so glad as if you'd lost a leg. You're right when you say I'm clever. You'll find me a clever fellow when you least expect that 1 am one. Lawton. I am satisfied that you are very clever. Here ! There's some pocket money for you. [Hands note to Conrad.] That is merely on account. I have a good sum ready to place in your hands when we are on better terms of friendship. Conrad. [Winks and takes money.] I don't hardly under- stand you ! Lawton. Serve me as faithfully as you have served Duncan. He is ruined financially, and it needs but a final blow to com- plete the work I have begun. I need your valuable assistance and will pay you well. Conrad. You'll pay me to betray the master, who, in pros- perity treated me kindly and well ! You'll pay me to become his enemy and aid you to crush him ! Let me tell you that poor as I am — servant that I am — you haven't got enough money or ever will git enough to bribe me. And I warn you never to try that game on me again. [Flings money at him.] Lawton. [Picks up money.] What ! Do you refuse ! Conrad. I not only refuse, but give you a little piece of ad- vice with the retusal. If you ever dare to make such a proposal to me again I'll give you such a crack with this fist that you'll smell brimstone for six years — I tell you ! I mean business when I talk that way and I don't " take water " neither ! Lawton. You do not understand me Conrad. Yes I do — and I hope you understood me too. I know your game. You and your rascals may think you will succeed in it, but don't be too sure of that. Mr. Duncan is sur- rounded by foes, but let them be mighty careful that they don't play their cards and find themselves euchered ! Lawton. You insolent scoundrel. Conrad. Not another word or I'll show you that I'm a pugilis- tic "scoundrel" also. The idea of you, you calling any one a scoundrel — I can't find any words low, mean, contemptible or vile enough to call you or I would 18 CONRAD. Lawton. Enough of this. Be in time advised by me Cros my path again at your peril. Duncan is in the meshes,' he can Lnd P °o S f S a o y e CSC rT- My hand J S raiSed againSt him and ^s th« 1W.J r i J l E - J DUnCan a PP ea ^onverandahA Duncan. I have overheard all. Conrad, I am sorely in need 01 your assistance. Give me your hand ofa^fefd Iti,^ l**'* * extend jtt ° Y°u. and 'tis the hand of a friend. {They enter mansion. Lawton and Blackburn en ter V^f^'A^T h i m ' hS WiU P rove an obstacle ^ ™y way. But as I said before, I'll need your assistance. We hold a mort- gage on everything but the barn, In that house, he keeps the papers you spoke of. The mining claims once in our hands E* or d S y a fo5:e 0r C ° l0rad ° ^ ^ *« **» ^ ™™' Blackburn. Will it require skill to enter the building and obtain the packages where he has placed them for safety > Lawton. Not at all, I'll risk the safe if you can enter the budding. [Conrad appears at door listening \ I must procure these papers as they will aid me wonderfully/ Duncan e?pec ts financial aid in order to meet his obligations and I wilUhen need some greater power to carry my point. The documents you spoke of are just the thing needed ! ntS Blackburn. If I succeed in obtaining them, or rather if I aid you, what figures can you mention. Lawton. Five thousand dollars, cash ! and a share in the mines m^ n [ ? 0ln f u l E I'm your man and the docu- ments in Duncan s safe are as good as if they were in your hands ■ To work at once. This very night secures them to you. rLaw-' ton and Blackburn ex. r. i E . * J L Conrad, indoor.] The documents in the safe are not yet in your hands, Mr Lawton, and you'll find some trouble in your way and you can bet on it. {Closes the door, disappears. Stare gradually grows dark. Amelia with platter of dishes cof. taming boiled egg-toast; knife, fork and small tea pot, inters from rear part of mansion and is about to enter mansion when Tobias Pecksniff emerges from behind arbor and quickly intercepts her. z -' •' Jm f^ aJ b rf Pard ° n ' ,*? iss ' y° u couldn,t tel1 me where I :ould find Mr. Duncan, could you ? iTol 8 " A Y ^' d r bettC , r g ° and l00k for him at the front door. Tobias. At the front door ! Amelia. Exactly ! CONRAD. 19 • Tobias. Eggsactly it is. [Steals egg,] You're a beautiful fori. . Amelia. Here now ! Go 'long wid your blarney. Tobias. [Aside.] I'll go long with the toast. [Takes toast.] ; Did you say I'd better ring the bell at the front door ! Amelia. That's the proper caper. Tobias. What a beautiful chin you have. i Amelia. I seems to me that you have a good deal of chin. Tobias. Yes, and a good deal of fingers too. [Takes small tea-pot, places it in his pocket, capers around as the hot tea scalds him.] Oh ! the hot tea is running through my pocket and down into my boot leg. Amelia. What's the matter with you, are you crazy ? Tobias. No ! I'm delighted. Seeing you I could jump for joy [Aside.] Damn that tea-pot, I'm scalded. [Capers around, whirling on one foot until his ex through the gate.] Amelia. Well I never see such a jump-jack in all my born days. There he goes leaping like a squirrel behind the barn. Ha ? ha ? ha ? He has the St. Vitus' dance. Enters man- sion, soft music, stage dark. Enter Lawton, Blackburn and Leach from l. u. e.] Lawton. [To Blackburn.] You know just where to find the packages. So enter. Should you meet with resistance we shall be here to assist you. Amos. At the same time I'll send Tobias into the barn and fire it. Lawton. Does the fool understand what is required of him ? Amos. Yes. He awaits orders to proceed. Lawton. Very well ! To work at once. [Music, soft. At pistol shot cha;ige to Hurry. Leach goes towards barn, and Blackburn cautiously enters house. Lawton waits C. Sharp cry heard in mansion and a pistol shot. Tobias appears in barn with torch. Blackburn emerges from house with packets of documents, but before he can hand them to Lawton, Conrad dashes out of the mansion and seizes the papers from his grasp. A terrible rough and tumble conflict ensues between the three men, during the struggle Conrad drops the package. Leach runs dozvn and seizes it ; escapes with it. Conrad floors Lawton and Blackburn and dashes away towards the barn. Reaches Tobias, takes torch from him and hurls it away. Seizes Tobias and flings him down upon the mound of hay. Blackburn and Lawton open fire upon Conrad. Dun- can staggers to the verandah, bleeding, and falls insensible. Elsie comes from mansion and bends over his prostrate form. 20 CONRAD. *****t«lpictu£" rS C ° ntents «Pon his P hea/ b u' *?? CURTAIN. rSce»e-t CT "'~" AFTERF ' VEVEARS " dishes of f„Z 'f d across "age. Dot??' J" 2 E ' Hut ex. '"fireJLT^JZl'Z ''''? frii - °»^s£!in m 'l l *"*• scape. A ruJ?? f he roo f °f the hut il small fre bur nine «nd torrent fsJe! '?*** ***** «™Ltai*T * Wild la "*- «~f coffee :mltu7% er0 °^^^ Elsie discovered in z ', Sunset ™ the molJf Ut Axe clothes "wZki***"''.*™®* hanJZf? 1 " 5 - Music - "snwg on a line> R ^ " n Z ln g few articles of ^fctd Z k to bi e I y SP K 0t this »• and what an" , years will brmgJand t abln< 0h > "e, what l'" pIace b etoo particular « ♦ l m not tarried ve nt , han S es fi ve u S'y men, not on e o " h ^ f ° r there '« nothing I * irl can 't ™ soon be mar r ?ed tn ^ CSn h ° ,d a cand X ° **, Seen bu < ^d frivolous f^J; m ' and th ™ K^^ We " •' " When vou w« , CONRAD. 21 ' Amelia. Indeed, I had. I'd better be starting before it's too f'v, late, for it's five miles to the ranch. Elsie. Why not let Conrad go ? Amelia. No, indeed. I want to surprise him. I'm done wid the clothes and I'll hurry wid my shawl and bonnet, and I'll be back wid the provisions before Conrad returns from the mountains. Elsie. Are you not afraid to go alone ? Amelia. Afraid ? Is it me ? [Enters hut for basket, shawl and bonnet.'] Afraid ? I'd like to see any one frighten me. No, indeed. Sure, I've learned how to shoot a gun. [Shows pistol.] And I'd like to see any one insult Amelia Brannigan while I have Conrad's pop with me. So, good-bye, I'm off for the Hour, eggs, bacon and fruits of that kind, and not forgetting potatoes for me, and sour krout for Conrad. 'Till I see you again, tra-la-la-loo. [Ex. L. i E.] Elsie. Well, throughout all our troubles, Conrad and Amelia have stood by us nobly. Sad memories come and go, but I am supremely happy in the love of the man of my choice, and our little darling. [Gun fired, R. u. E..] Oh, what is that? My heart ceases it's throbbings whenever I hear the sound of fire arms, for it awakens thoughts of that night of terror. [Conrad heard off, R. U. E.] Conrad. [Off.] Come along. Dot's right. Me and you shot him. Come straight along and don't slip in de vater. [Music, lively. Conrad crosses log bridge with gun in hand, bearing little child upon his shoulder, child extends towards Elsie its hand, holding the squirrel Conrad shot. Conrad descends to stage and comes C. and allows child to run to Elsie and kiss her.] Elsie. Why ! Conrad, where have you been, and where 's Frank ? Conrad. I vos out shooting. Frank he will be home pretty soon, but he must go back again, because he found a goot claim and he must fix it or somebody might come along and jump it. Oh ! he's got a goot one dis time. Silver by the bushel. We will all be rich ! Is you going to cook dot squirrel for supper ? Elsie. Our supper is upon the table and waiting. Conrad. All right, I'm waiting for the supper. Hold on a minute. I'll call Frank, [Goes to bridge and halloes.] Say! Frank. Mister Remington, your wife says if you don't come right away home you von't get no supper, do you hear ? [Pause.] We got roast turkey and pie for supper ! Say ! 22 CONRAD. Frank, come to sup-per ! Dot brines hi™ a . - now. [Descends I V stage. PranT i'^' 5 * cendsj embraces Elsie] ^ and d 's- a ffiT^^if^^^^ you ■ ' have f„„„ d "ftSi ''or™ " V* "^ a".- su e p per" " ^ to *™ id Conrad. Oh ? vofs der use of ^oing- back a^ain > u Xtw ? a,s il ,et em ha - ■•■ D « «5££.TS,ii 3 s x e ; theses .*£ .rj^ftheT"" 10 "' ^ »*» » h ° ™«^ fellers vot wouldn't cu, nobody's ,h oat^ 7f de men „ ' "'" the will ,0 toil formylo^ed ones andlturnmvh e |; gthan . d little one P y * "" y0Ur kmdness t0 ■»■ and to our wa'rZftp. 1^S n L C ;'i5" d fl" ""<« *> "- and «.**. CoLJ tlac g d/kcs etc Zfre'Z "'""" "" May introduce recitation, etc here\ Hold on . TT' 8 ' ""^ to the creek and get a bucket of frlsh water' Mu™ *°i£? formation from the owner d WC ma >' * et in " k ft CONRAD. 23 There's but you and I to share everything, and appropriate the claims that are known to be fabulously rich in silver. Blackburn. It was a lucky thing for us that we got rid of Leach, the scoundrel would have claimed the lion's share of everything. We've given him the slip nicely. Here, in this wild country — it would be like hunting for a needle in a hay- stack — to search for us. Lawton. Sing Lung, do you know the road ? You've led us over the wrong trail. Now do you know your way ? Sing. Me no can telle. Me nebber come dis away all samee afore. No member dat housee and watee up dar. Lawton. You stupid rascal, do you remember anything ? Sing. Me 'member you promise Sing Lung sixdollee a week for workee for you ! don't forgetee — allee samee ? [Enter Con- rad L. u. E. with a bucket of water, ,] Blackburn. Here's the owner of the cabin, he will set us right. Say lriend ! How far is it to Animas ? [Conrad starts at the sound of the voiced Conrad. About twelve miles Lawton. Which trail ? Conrad. Cross dot bridge and go right straight across der mountains you can't help but miss it. Lawton. Who does this cabin belong to ? Conrad. It might belong to me, but it doesn't. [Enters cabin.] Blackburn. Well, come along, it will be dark in a short time and we'd better be on the trail. [They ascend to bridge, Blackburn crosses, Sing Ling following, Conrad watches them anxiously as they cross bridge and ex. R. u. E.] Conrad. If I am not much mistaken der's going to be some- thing wrong in der atmosphere. Where have I seen dem faces. Der voices is all right, but de faces, dat's what sticks in my Dutch head like shoemaker's wax. [Enters cabin and sits at table joins Prank and Elsie at supper, Lawton and Black- burn appear on bridge fro7ii R. U. E.] Lawton. Is it possible that you did not recognize him ? It's the Dutchman Conrad and it's safe to say that Elsie Duncan and Frank Remington are the occupants of that hut Blackburn. Suppose they are ? Lawton. I have vowed that Elsie will be mine, and the op- portunity now presents itself. Blackburn. We'll, keep out of the way until we find out the number of persons in that cabin. 2 4 CONRAD. [T^ITr. u H E e j tUrn and CXpl0re thC surroundi »S s after dark) s Prank. Conrad ! I will at once return to the gully and finXl ish staking out the claims. S y f ' Conrad. Vel, I guess I'll go mit you ! Frank. No. You had better remain here to protect Elsie and the baby, I will soon return. pruieci usie Conrad. By gosh | I don't know vot to do. 1 ought to go mit you unt I ought to stay here. ** ! Frank. YVhy ! whafs the matter. Why do you evince ' alarm. We have lived here nearly four years and we have never been molested. Conrad. I know dot, but I saw a couple of fellars pass de house just a httle while ago and I don't think dot dey mean to mind der own bizness ! y Frank. Idle fears. Conrad, we see miners passing- and re- passing at all hours. They never ever intrude in ou? humble Conrad. If dese were miners den I am a Dutch blockhead No sir, dem was sheeps mit wolves' clothing °'°ckneaa. _ Frank [laughing]. Stay at home and watch over those left in your care. Conrad. You bet I will, with my life. ^w^V J Wil1 ? e P re P ared in case I am compelled to defend myself. [Places brace of pistols in his belt.] V Conrad. Look out for two black whiskered fellars mit a chinaman ; keep your eyes opened and see if you recognize de voice or de faces I wish you wouldn't go to-night. Elsie. If Conrad expresses fear for your safety I beg you not to go my darling. Let the new discovery go, remain at home at least until morning. »v«ic, Frank. Again I say calm your idle fears and await mv speedy return. [Embraces Elsie end kisses the child ■ he ex from the cabin; Elsie follows him to the door and watches mm as he crosses the bridge and ex. R. u. E.l Elsie. I cannot banish the feeling of an unspeakable dread hat hovers near me. I wish that I had prevented him from leaving our home to-night. [Enters cabin.] Conrad. Now der next fingon der programme is to have de little one go to sleep. [Takes child in his arms and sings a lullaby or cradle song. Elsie clears the table and puts away the dishes while Conrad is thus engaged. During the song Lawton crosses bridge and descends to stage. He advances cautiously and peers in through the crack of the door or win- CONRAD. 25 "w. Listens to the song. Conrad places the child in the crib id rocks it until assured that it is sleeping. Elsie comes to tH \e cradle and kisses the sleeping child. Lawton moves away >-om the door. i> Lawton. Here she is at last within my very grasp and es- I ape is impossible. I have rid myself of Leach and I will do le same for Blackburn. I'll attend to his case when the noper time arrives. [Tobias Pecksniff very ragged and I emaciated enters R. 1 E., and collides with Lawton as he is , tnoving away.] Tobias. Hello ! you nearly knocked me over for I'm too feeble to even stand a gust ot wind ! Lawton. That voice, can it be the same person ? Tobias. Well, shake ! [Extends hand.\ Who could ever once gaze into your beautiful mug and forget it — shake, old pard — glad to see you, still hanging around houses I see. At the old business, eh ? Lawton. Who are you, fellow, that dares to address me in this manner ? Tobias. Oh ! nixey on highfalutin airs. You know me well enough, I am Tobias Pecksniff, a little bit ragged, but I'm ail here. Don't you forget it. You see I took the general advice of "go west." I came west and I'm broke again, and I'm ( hungry as usual. Lawton. Can't say that I remember you. I never saw it before. Tobias. You didn't, eh ? Do you forget the night you entered Duncan's house, stole valuable documents, and either you or Blackburn killed the old man ? I was to have fired the barn, but the dutchman fired me out of it. It's nearly five years ago, but I have a pretty good memory. Everybody shook me, but I won't be shook. I came to the mines, little expecting to meet old friends. Gaze upon this heterogeneous figure, and mark well the fluttering remnants of a six dollar suit, and then have the cheek to say you don't recognize Tobias Pecksniff? Such ingratitude is enough to make a cast iron monkey bow its head with grief! Lawton. Come to look at you closely I do remember you. Tobias. Now, you're talking sensible. Lawton. Now, what is your business with me ! Tobias. Business? Why, to stick to you ! United we stand, divided we fall ! [Conrad takes coffee mill, and sitting near door, is enabled to listen to the two men conversing, and at \ 26 CONRAD. the same time prevent Elsie from listening in order to alarm her.] Lawton. Your presence here may be beneficial to me. Uj Tobias. I hope yours will be a benefit to me, Lawton. Now, listen to me. You are in need and I can I 1 sist you — in return I want your co-operation. I see that yl remember the affair at Duncan's homestead ! Some of tl family are occupying that cabin ! Tobias. You don't say so ! Who are they ? Lawton. Duncan's daughter, Elsie, and her husband, Fran< Remington, and a person well known to you, the Germarj, Conrad. ] Tobias. Is that Dutchman in there ? Lawton. Yes. I saw him enter that cabin. Tobias. Well, I'm no hog, I know when I've got enough. . don't want another introduction to his fist. He hits harder than a mule can kick. He paralyzed me with one lick, but I've] got a couple of friends down the ravine, and I reckon we'll make it lively for him before long. Lawton. I see but one way out of the situation. Blackburn is here with me, and once rid of him, you and I can share and share alike. Do you comprehend ? Tobias. I tumble ! He's in the way, and you want to bounce him. Lawton. Correct ! Tobias. And after you get through with me I'll be in the way, and you'll want to bounce me ? Lawton. No. I'll make a solemn, compact with you. I want your assistance, and you can influence your companions to join you. Tobias. Where's Blackburn now ? Lawtsn. He is shadowing Frank Remington. Tobias. Well ! What's the lay ? Speak out. Lawton. First, I will seek an interview with Elsie. In case of emergency we can destroy them all. Blackburn can attend to Remington. I'll attend to Elsie while you look after Conrad. Tobias. Not much ! You attend to the Dutchman and I'll look after the lady, for I've always been a great favorite with the ladies ! Lawton. You have my orders now, be kind enough to execute them or decline sharing the work with me. 'Sh, I hear someone approaching. We must not be seen together. Call your comrades and be within hearing distance. Tobias. I savez ! Now you see me and now you don't ! CONRAD. 27 I t stily ex. R. 1 E. Sing Lung crosses bridge and descends ,- y stage. Conrad comes to door of hut and cautiously peers -'oug/i Hie door. Elsie still at the cradle watching the sleep- ■t child.] „ Sing. Mellican man sendee me tellee you he findee man '.t you tellee him follee — wantee know what he makee do ? Lawton. Return to Blackburn, tell him to prevent that man "jm coming back. You understand me ? He must not come ,'ick here at all ? Sing. Sing Lung understandee. Makee so ! [Draws .nger across throat and hastily ex. across bridge.] Conrad. [To Elsie]. I will begone for a short time. Don't 'orry. I'm going to meet Frank and return with him. I'll be ear you in case you need me, good-bye. Don't ask me any uestions now. Wait until I return. Keep the door barred ! \dmit nobody. [Hastily slips out of the hut while Lawton s gazing in the direction taken by Tobias. Conrad pauses on fridge — shakes fist at Lawton and follows after Sing Lung, jjawton turns in time to discover Conrad as he ex.] Lawton. That's good ! The German is out of the way. Elsie. What mystery is this ? Frank insists upon returning to the spot where he has been at work, and now Conrad leaves me in a most mysterious manner. Heaven grant that my fears may not be realized. [She is about to bar the door when Law- ton approaches and knocks for admission. Elsie opens door.] Is it you, Frank ? [She comes from hut.] Lawton. No ! But an old friend. Start not, I mean you no harm. I have sought you far and wide. I find you the wife of one whom you should shun as though he were the evil one him- self. Elsie. [Drawing back]. Sir, do you know of whom you speak ? Lawton. Yes, I see you fail to recognize me. I am Philip Lawton. By a strange fatality I found this hut and discovered the identity of the inmates. You will remember that your father was basely murdered and that the crime could not be fixed upon anyone. I have since discovered the assassin and have ample proof to verify my statement. [Lawton moves cautiously towards door while speaking and places him- self in such a manner as to prevent Elsie from re-entering hut.] Elsie. If you knew who it was that slew my dear father why did you not testify at the inquest ? Lawton. I since discovered the real assassin. Your father 28 CONRAD. had documents of great value. These were stolen. Th(^' deeds of valuable claims in these silver regions. Now, reveal a secret to you. Years ago your father appro; - funds entrusted to his care. The funds and documents the property of Henry Remington and to be placed hands of his son Frank when he became of age. To ma] long story short your father speculated and lost nearly e . thing entrusted to his care. By some means Frank Rem 1 ton discovered how he had been robbed and he determinec secure the deeds.- Elsie. I will not believe it. Lawton. But the proof will convince you. He obtained assistance of several men and your father, in defending property was basely murdered. Attracted by the crie reached the spot in time to see the escaping murderer lately discovered his true identity ! Elsie. Who was it ? Lawton. The man you have married ! Frank Remingt [She falls insensible and Lawton receives her in his ar Enter Conrad disguised as the Chinaman Sing Lung R. i 1 Lawton. [Places Elsie on bank R. c] Here you almc eyed rascal, you're just in time. Get some water to revive lady. Conrad. All a rightee, me fly ! quickee like a snail — a samee. \Hobbles into hut and brings water. Lawton sprint a few drops upon Elsie's forehead.} Lawton. [To Chinaman.'] Did you see Blackburn ? Conrad. Everything all fixee — Mellican man soon be d like a sardine ! Lawton. Then you rejoin Blackburn and aid him if ne< sary. Conrad. Me stay here. Helpee you whipee Melican won: Me show you how me whipee my girlee in Hong Kong, wasee in lovee once — Sing Lung gotee heart brokee by samee girlee, dats why me sailee in big ship to Melican countr Lawton. That will do — cease your squeaking' ! Did you the German ? Conrad. No, if you lookee sharp you mightee see him. fio can see, no placee ! [Looking about.} Lawton. Did you meet him on the way ? Conrad. No, last time me see him was rightee here ! C by you ! Lawton. I saw him myself. But he left the house and lowed after you. CONRAD. 29 ! 1 '' s;i> No, follee chinaman ! Me too smartee Sing Lung .-. sU tia tall ! What going to do wid Melican lady ? ' ,'P: m. You attend to my wishes and don't ask any ques- ,/r Do as I tell you — Go ! {Enter Tobias Pecksniff fol- j y Hank and Steve R. 1 e. Conrad ascends to bridge ' t and crosses over to R. and disappears. - ] £ias. Here's the lads I was telling you about? Nice 'jig fellers and perfect gentlemen. 'iWton. Let them both follow that chinaman, and if he .ipts to return — silence him. I (bias. [To comrades.] Do you hear that, my beauties ? ' ' ' away with you like two thoroughbreds. [Hank and Steve vw after Conrad. Elsie revives and moves towards the ■] iawton. Stop ! one moment ! You remember that years & I offered you honorable marriage. You refused me, the les are turned now. You were in position to refuse, now I are compelled to obey ! ,'ilsie. Contemptible ruffian ! stand from my path. You are 1 a miserable villain and insulter of helpless women. I 'rosses L.J Lawton. Not a word of abuse. Listen to me — at this very jment my emissaries are on the track of the man you have arried, and even now he has received his death blow — Con- id will fall into the hands of those in pursuit and you are left .vithout a protector. [Advances.] Elsie. Not without a protector, for I have this to defend my honor, and rid the world of an infamous villain ! [Levels mall pistol at Lawton.] Tobias. [Clapping hands.] Good ! Good ! I like to see a plucky woman, darn me if I don't ! Go on ! It's just as good as a drama ! Act 1st — Scene 1st. The villain is baffled and the curtain falls ! A little red fire would have a fine effect. Lawton. Lower that weapon instantly. Elsie. Dare to advance another step nearer to me and I fire — I am desperate and will resort to bloodshed if I am driven to it. Do not tempt your own destruction ! Tobias. There's blood in her eye ! Aim the other way missis — I ain't the man ! Lawton. Lower that pistol and I promise not to molest you or your child. [Advances towards hut.] Elsie. My child. My darling little one, I had almost for- gotten her. [She turns towards door, Lawton dashes forward and seizes her hand — disarms her.] 30 T C ONR ADi -toTa?^^ »y fair 0ne Vq /o farts of t/ tg A , Tohl **'»tersL, Urn '* to t str **?jrles ti'&isthe hut Sf hate - f/7^1 ",'"» w* <'S/;" Haai *wi %?! h " rls Steve ''""•'•n and Sli' g " ! >" roof u I" aps Jowlh, a r»is— seizes an a ff J le cra dle and * u tru ^es , from the burning *"*J«»