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 J- « H 
 
 AMES' SERIES OF ^ 
 
 til STANDARD AND ^INOR DRAMA, 
 
 No. 296. 
 
 
 » ea 
 
 
 NANKA'S 
 Leap Year Venture 
 
 (COMEDIETTA.) 
 
 WITH CAST OP CHARACTBRS, ENTRANCES, AND EXITS, RELATIVE POSITIONS OF 
 
 THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, DESCRIPTION OP COSTUMES AND 
 
 THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS, C*.REFULI.T 
 
 MARKED PROM THE MOST APPROVED 
 
 ACTING COPY. 
 
 PRICE 15 CENTS. 
 
 -13 
 
 C/> 
 
 ^ s> 3 
 
 CLYDE, OHIO : 
 AMES' PUBLISHING CO, 
 
 fHH 
 
 
 s^s^^ 
 
 LU 
 
 No goods sent CO. D. Money MUST accompany all orders. 
 
B^ ALPHABETICAL LIST DF ^ 
 
 Ames' Edition of Flays. 
 
 '^ s-3)'$^ •*- 
 
 FIFTEEN CENTS EACH UNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED. 
 
 2 
 
 164 
 
 39 
 
 43 
 
 100 
 
 125 
 
 89 
 
 113 
 
 226 
 
 14 
 
 272 
 
 160 
 
 268 
 
 161 
 
 60 
 
 152 
 
 173 
 
 143 
 
 176 
 
 162 
 
 255 
 
 117 
 
 207 
 
 52 
 
 76 
 
 141 
 
 26 
 
 191 
 
 194 
 
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 46 
 
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 266 
 
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 119 
 
 Si. 
 
 DRAMAS. " ^' 
 
 A Desperate (iame 3 2 
 
 After Ten Years 7 5 
 
 A Life's Revenge 7 5 
 
 Arrah de Baugh 7 5 
 
 Aurora Floyd 7 2 
 
 Auld Robin Gray 25c 13 8 
 
 Beauty of Lyons 11 2 
 
 Bill Detrick 7 3 
 
 Brae, the Poor House Uirl.... 4 4 
 
 Brigands of Calabria 6 1 
 
 Beyond Pardon 7 5 
 
 Conn; or. Love's Victory 11 3 
 
 Clearing the Mists 5 3 
 
 Dora 5 2 
 
 Driven to the Wall 10 3 
 
 Driven from Home 7 4 
 
 East Lynne 8 7 
 
 Emigrant's Daughter 8 3 
 
 Factory Girl 6 3 
 
 Fielding Manor 9 6 
 
 Gertie's Vindication 3 3 
 
 Hal Hazard, 25c 10 3 
 
 Heroic Dutchman of '76 8 3 
 
 Henrv Granden 11 8 
 
 How He Did It 3 2 
 
 Hidden Treasures 4 2 
 
 Hunter of the Alps 9 4 
 
 Hidden Hand 15 7 
 
 Lights and Shadows ot the 
 
 Great Rebellion, 25c 10 5 
 
 Lady of Lyons 12 5 
 
 Lady Audley's Secret 6 4 
 
 Lost in London 6 4 
 
 Man and Wife 12 7 
 
 Maud's Peril 5 3 
 
 Midnight Mi!«take 6 2 
 
 Millie, the Quadroon 4 1 
 
 Miriam's Crime 5 2 
 
 Michael Erie 8 3 
 
 Miller of Derwent Water 5 2 
 
 Mistletoe Bough 7 3 
 
 Mountebanks (The) 6 2 
 
 Old Honesty 5 2 
 
 Old Phil's Birthday 5 3 
 
 Outcast's "Wife 12 3 
 
 Out on the World 5 4 
 
 Oath Bound 6 2 
 
 Painter of Ghent 5 3 
 
 Poacher's Doom 8 3 
 
 Phyllis, the Beggar Girl 6 3 
 
 Reverses 12 6 
 
 Rock Allen 5 3 
 
 Spy of Atlanta, 25c 14 3 
 
 f^imple Sila^ 6 3 
 
 Sweetbrier H 5 
 
 Thekla 9 4 
 
 The False Friend 6 1 
 
 The Fiital Blow 7 1 
 
 The Forty-Niners 10 4 
 
 242 The Dutch Recruit 25c 14 3 
 
 92 The Gentleman.in Black 9 4 
 
 112 The New Magdalen 8 3 
 
 71 The Reward of Crime 5 3 
 
 105 Through Snow and Sunshine 6 4 
 
 201 Ticket of Leave Man 9 3 
 
 193 Toodles 7 2 
 
 277 The Musical Captain 15 2 
 
 200 Uncle Tom's Cabin 15 7 
 
 121 Will -o'-the- Wisp, 9 4 
 
 41 Won at Last 7 3 
 
 192 Zion 7 4 
 
 TEMPERANCE PULYS. 
 
 73 At Last 7 
 
 75 Adrift 5 
 
 187 Aunt Dinah's Pledge 6 
 
 254 Dot; the Miner's Daughter... 9 
 
 202 Drunkard [The] 13 
 
 185 Drunkard's AVarning 6 
 
 189 Drunkard's Doom 15 
 
 181 Fifteen Years of a Drunk- 
 ard's Life 13 
 
 183 Fruits of the Wine Cup 6 
 
 104 Lost 
 
 146 Our Awful Aunt 4 
 
 53 Out in the Streets 6 
 
 51 Rescued 5 
 
 59 Saved 2 
 
 102 Turn of the Tide 7 
 
 6.3 Three Glasses a Day 4 
 
 62 Ten Nights in a Bar-Room... 7 
 
 58 Wrecked 9 
 
 COMEDIES. 
 
 168 A Pleasure Trip 7 
 
 136 A Legal Holiday 5 
 
 124 An Afflicted Family 7 
 
 257 ('aught in the Act 7 
 
 248 Captured 6 
 
 178 Caste 5 
 
 199 Home 4 
 
 174 Love's Labor Not Lost 3 
 
 149 New Years in N. Y 7 
 
 37 Not So Bad After All 6 
 
 237 Not Such a Fool as He Looks 6 
 
 126 Our Daughters 8 
 
 265 Pug and the Baby 5 
 
 114 Passions 8 
 
 264 Prof. James' Experience 
 
 Teachinir Country.School 4 
 
 219 Rags and Bottles 4 
 
 239 Scale with Sharps and Flats.. 3 
 
 221 Solon Shingle 14 
 
 262 Tw" BadiBoys 7 
 
 87 The Biter Bit .. 3 
 
 249 $2,0;)0 Rowiud 2 
 
 TRAGEDIES. 
 
 16 The Serf 6 
 
 
 
NANKA'S 
 
 LEAP YEAR VENTURE; 
 
 — OR, — 
 
 Hdt^ 2hG SettlEii Her Bills. 
 
 : R CDMEDIETTil 
 
 iw 
 
 IN ONE ACT, 
 BY 
 
 SHETTEL and GEORGE 
 
 o- A\^^ 
 
 -TO WHICH IS ADBE,^^^ ^^N 5 1892 J i 
 
 A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES— CAST OF ^E CITAEACtERS^ W 
 ENTRANCES AND EXITS— RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE '^-^ 
 
 PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE 
 OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. 
 
 Entered aceording to act of Congress in the year 1891, by 
 
 AMES' PUBLISHING CO., 
 in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 
 
 ' CLYDE, OHIO:- 
 
 AMES' PUBLISHING CO, 
 
B NANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTURE. 
 
 CAST OF GHABACTEBS, 
 
 N'anka An Actress 
 
 Clara A Maid 
 
 Ned Centline A reporter 
 
 Patrick Duffy. Hosiery Importer 
 
 Herr Yohann Hair Dresser 
 
 Monsieur La Debonnaire ' Costumer 
 
 SiGNOR Nicolette Wine Dealer 
 
 Two Employes, x'' 
 
 -X 
 
 COSTUMES, 
 
 
 Nanka — Handsome street costume ; black straw hat. 
 
 Clara — Maids dress and apron. 
 
 Ned Centline — White flannel coat and trousers; neglioje shirt; 
 black sash ; black straw hat. For second entrance, dress^ suit; linen 
 duster and silk hat. 
 
 Patrtick Duffy — Black cutaway coat; plaid vest, green and 
 black; black trousers; calico shirt and standino- collar; black stripe 
 tie; high, white tile; ordinary shoes with white canvass over-gaiters. 
 
 Herr Yohann — Linen duster; plaid vest, black and red; black 
 trousers; neglige shirt; large red tie; black cape; ordinary shoes." 
 
 Monsieur La Debonnaire — Black Prince Albert coat and trous- 
 ers; white shirt; high standing collar; red puft" tie; silk hat; kid 
 gloves; patent leather shoes. Should have mustache and gotee. 
 
 Signor Nicollete — Bluck cutaway coat; white vest; white shirt; 
 standing collar; white tie;black [^trousers; small slouch hat; patent 
 leather shoes. 
 
 SUGGESTIONS. 
 
 Yohann should be padded to represent a very fleshy person. 
 Nicollete must be small of stature. On first entrance, male characters 
 should enter hat in hand; second entrance, wearing them. 
 
 TIME— 40 MINUTES. 
 
 STAGE DIRECTIONS. 
 
 R , means Right; L., Lgft; r. h., Right Hand; l. h., L-^ft Hand; o.. Centre; a. r. 
 [2d E.,1 Second Entrance; u. e., Upper Entrance; jr. d., Middle Door; p., the Fi-^t- 
 p. F., Door in Flat; r. c, Right of Centre; l. c, Left of Centre. 
 
 H. B. C. C. L. C. U 
 
 %♦_ Jlje rea(JiBr is supposed to be upon the stage facing the au<JienQa. 
 
Nanka's Leap Year Venture. 
 
 SCENE — Interior of parlor in Nanka's summer resi- 
 dence — ojjen window, L., screen at rear — tables, 
 and chairs, B. — hand mirror, hooks and letters on 
 table — Claea seated in rattan rocker reading yellow 
 covered novel and dangling duster in one hand. 
 
 Clara. Oh, my! forty-five pages yet. I'll- not be able 
 to finish this, {looking at last page) Oh, yes, he mar- 
 ried her, of course. Well, I've had quite a snap of it 
 to-day. Nanka in town and nothing for me to do but read 
 novels. (reads 
 
 Nanka. (laughing outside) Kun along, Fido! run 
 along, Fido! 
 
 Clara. Oh, there she is. I must make a pretense of 
 work. 
 
 Leaps to her feet, throws novel on table and begins to 
 ply duster vigorously. 
 
 Enter, Nanka, l. 
 
 Nanka. Good evening, Clara. Busy as usual? 
 
 Clara. Yes. I'm never happy unless plying broom or 
 brush. 
 
 Nanka removes hat and places on fable — she observe? 
 
 tetters. 
 
 Nanka. Letters! When did they come? 
 
 ( Nanka picks up mirror and arranges hait 
 
 Clara. The postman brought them while I was assist- 
 ing the pug in his morning ablutions, (aside) That 
 purp hasn't touched water for six weeks. 
 
 Nan'xa. I believe Fido takes well to his daily baths. 
 I notice he is growing quite plump and frisky. They 
 must be very beneficial, 
 
 Clara. Yes, indeed. It would do your heart good to 
 
4 nankjVS leap year ventuee. 
 
 see how the little fellow enjoys the water when I put him 
 into it. Mr.Centline says I ought to hold him under the 
 water for about an hour. 
 
 Nanka. Oh, Mr. Centline is cruel. He has an aversion 
 to dear little Fido. {dog harks outside) There, there, 
 Clara, you must go at once and look after Fido. Perhaps 
 the dear little thing is fast in the hedge. 
 Nanka places mirror on table and seats herself in rocker 
 
 Clara. Oh, poor doggie! {aside) Gracious! I wish 
 he were caught in the lawn mower. {exit L. 
 
 Nanka. What an attentive girl. In her I have a 
 jewel, {picks up letter) "I hope these letters are not 
 the silly effusions of stupid mashers, {opens letter with 
 pin from her hair) Ah, this is from Mr. Centline. What 
 has he to say? (reads) "My dear Nanka," {laughs) 
 How the poor boy adores me! {reading) "You can ex- 
 pect me this afternoon at four. I have something im- 
 portant to discuss with you. Ned." Would that the 
 others contained as much good news as that. Ned is an 
 admirable reporter, {throivs letter aside) There is point 
 and meaning in every word he writes, and you, Nanka, 
 owe a little of your popularity to his ready pen. {picks 
 up second letter and opens) Poor, hard-working boy! he 
 goes on increasing the fame of his newspaper while he 
 never gives a thought to his own. Here goes for No. 2. 
 {takes letter from envelope and reads) "Madam: — I am 
 very much in need of cash, and am compelled to call at 
 your residence this afternoon. Trusting that you will be 
 able to pay something on enclosed bill, I am, yours very 
 respectfully, Patrick Duffy, importer of fine silk hose; 
 72 Cheatem street." I will have to put him off with a 
 promise. Perhaps he will take, for part payment, my tes- 
 timonial as to the excellent wearing quality of his im- 
 ported silk hose. Next! {opens third letter and reads) 
 "My dear madam: — I will come the house around this 
 afternoon sharp, and hope you will be able to pay up, as 
 I am much monies in need of. Hoping you will oxcuse 
 everything, I am, yours truthfully, Heer Yohann, hair 
 dresser; 64 Ehine street." Mercy! I must hit upon some 
 plan to rid myself of these duns, {opens another letter 
 and glances at it) Ah, this is a bill from Monsieur La 
 Debonnaire. my costumer. He will call this afternoon. 
 I shall have to pay a little on this bill for I must have 
 p^W costumes to appear in the 'VTambourine Girl," What 
 
NANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTURE 5 
 
 will I do? I wonder what this last contains? (opens re- 
 maining leitev) Horrors! A wine bill from Signor 
 Nicolette. He will call, too. (places letier on table) 
 Well, I hope they won't all call at once. Fate cannot be 
 so cruel to me ! If that soap firm, whose goods I have en- 
 dorsed, would only remit! They have my testimonials in 
 all the magazines, but not a penny Lave 1 received. I 
 might borrow money from Mr. Centiine, if he only had it. 
 
 Enie7\ Claea, l., hiirnedly. 
 
 Clara. Mr. Centiine has just entered the gate and is 
 coming up the walk, 
 
 Nanka. Oh, mercy! I must get these letters out of the 
 way! {places ihem in novel) And my hair! {arranging 
 hair) Clara, see that tea is prepared at once. 
 
 {exit, Claka, l. 
 
 Enter, Ned, o. 
 
 Ned. Darling! 
 
 Nanka. {rising) My dear boy! {they sit on sofa 
 
 Ned. Well, little girl, I came here to deliver good 
 news. 
 
 Nanka. What is it? Quick! Don't keep me in sus- 
 pense ! 
 
 Ned. The chief has installed me to the position of city 
 editor, and I can now seriously consider something that 
 has been weighing heavily on my mind for quite a while. 
 Something which concerns both you and I. 
 
 Nanka. I do not comprehend. 
 
 Ned. Can you not guess ? 
 
 Nanka. Yes — that is, I might. 
 
 Ned. Listen, Nanka. For the last three months we 
 have been much in each other's society. Was it mere 
 friendship that drew us together? 
 
 Nanka. I think it was something more. 
 
 Ned. I think so, too, Nanka. 
 
 Nanka. Well? 
 
 Ned. Do you reciprocate the love I lavish upon you? 
 Will you marry me? 
 
 Nanka. Oh! really, this is so sudden! 
 
 Ned. Eats! 
 
 Nanka. What can I say, but yes ? 
 
 Ned. All right, I have pkungd an ©Igpement That 
 
6 NANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTURE, 
 
 will be the best for us both. It will boom your business 
 and mine, too. 
 
 Nanka. How thougtful of you, Ned. 
 
 Ned. ( looking at watch ) I must get back to the office 
 on the next train. 
 
 Nanka. Will you not remain for tea? 
 
 Neh. Sorry, pet, I can't do it. I must see that a two- 
 column sensational account of this affair is written up for 
 my paper, and I must give other reporters a tip, also. 
 We want to make all we can out of this. 
 
 (takes pencil and hook from pocket 
 
 Nanka. I can be ready by six. 
 
 Ned. How will you be attired? 
 
 Nanka. I will wear a traveling dress of checked 
 cheviot with fore aft cap to match. 
 
 Ned. You will look stunning in that! Is there any- 
 thing else I might jot down? " (ivrites 
 
 Nanka. I can think of nothing. 
 
 Ned. {replacing hook) Jove! won't your pack of 
 suitors have their ardor chilled when this gets out. You 
 had an army of dudes at your heels, and tradesmen and 
 business men, too. There is Dnffy, the hosiery dealer, 
 and Yohann, the hair dresser, and your costumer. La 
 Debonnaire, and that dark little Italian, Nicolette, the 
 wine merchant. I have heard them all raving over you. 
 They will want to go gunning for me when they read it all 
 in the morning papers! {rising from sofa) Well, good- 
 bye, charmer. I must make the best of what little 
 time I yet have. ( Nanka rises 
 
 Nanka. Good-bye, Ned. Be prompt; don't keep me 
 waiting. 
 
 Ned. You will not have to wait. Be sure you have 
 your gloves buttoned by the time I arrive. 
 
 {kisses her and exit o. 
 
 Nanka. I will not have much time to spare for the 
 journey. Like Ned, I will be rushed with business. I 
 must rid myself of these creditors, too. I have a plan! 
 I think I can handle them easily, now. 
 
 {seats herself in rattan rocker 
 
 Enter f Claea, l., with tea and hiscuit. 
 
 Clara. The tea has a fine aroma, {places tray on 
 tahle) Beats boarding house tea all l»llow! 
 Nanka. Yes ; I will strike enough of that on the road this 
 
NANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTURE 7 
 
 Beason. By the way, Clara, you will have to get my trav- 
 veling dress out — that checked cheviot — and give it a 
 thorough brushing. I am going away at six and will wear 
 it. 
 
 Clara. Very well; I will see to it at once. 
 
 (hell rings outside 
 
 Nanka. A caller! 
 
 Clara. Are you at home? 
 
 Nanka. If it is one of my tradesmen, show him in, by 
 all means. {exit Clara, c. 
 
 Nanka. {drinking tea) Here's success to my little 
 scheme. 
 
 Enter Pateick Duffy, c. 
 
 Pat Good avenin' this avenin'. 
 
 (Nanka puts down tea and greets him 
 
 Nanka. Good evening, Mr. DufPy. Find a chair. 
 
 Pat. Thot won't be harrud to do. Thor's plinty av 
 thim here, (aside) Oi wondher if thar all paid f or. 
 
 (Pat seats himself on sofa — Nanka sits beside him 
 
 Nanka. We are having delightful weather, Mr. DufPy. 
 
 Pat. Oi havn't took particular notice av that. Av 
 coorse you receaved my letther wid the bill. 
 
 Nanka. Oh, yes, I was delighted to hear that you 
 would call. 
 
 Pat, Eh? Av coorse. (aside) How she loies! 
 
 Nanka. Yes; I looked forward to this meeting with 
 expectancy. 
 
 Pat. Thin if you're so deloighted to say me, no doubt 
 you hov ther money to pay up. 
 
 Nanka. We will not talk about that now, Mr. Duffy. 
 
 Pat. An' shure, an' why not? 
 
 Nanka. There is something of more importance. 
 
 Pat. An' phot's more importhant? 
 
 Nanka. You are aware that this is leap year? 
 
 Pat. An' phot's thot got to do wid the paying av me 
 bill? Can't ye square accounts on lape year as well as 
 ony ither year? 
 
 Nanka. Mr. Duffy, you're so obtuse! 
 
 Pat. Shure, an' phot the divil's thot? (aside) Does 
 she mane it's fat I'm gittin' ? Begob, an' it's not off a^v 
 her money I'm growin' stout! 
 
 Na7ika. You do not comprehend. This is leap yeai 
 and I now have the right to ask for what I wishj 
 
 Pat, An' phot is it yez wish? 
 
9 JSfANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTURE. 
 
 Nanka. Your love, Patrick. Will you be mine? 
 Pat Ah! tills is so suddint! 
 
 Nanka. Yes, it is sudden, but I have reason to think 
 that you cherish warm feelings toward me 
 Pat Who the divil tole ye so? 
 
 Nanka. I have often noticed the admiring look you 
 bestowed upon me from the front row. A woman under- 
 stands such things, Patrick. 
 
 (Pat gets up, moves to c, and tries to kick himself 
 Nanka. What are you doing? 
 Pat Oi want to say if Oi'm dramin\ 
 Nanka. No, no; it is real! 
 
 Pat. It's durruned good luck! Thin do you realy an' 
 truly want me to marry you, me purty girrul ? 
 
 Nanka. Now you are beginning to see the pointj 
 Pat Thin, darlint, we cannot be united too soon for 
 me! {they embrace 
 
 Nanka. We must elope, dear. Will that suit you? 
 Pat Onything suits me! Only so the knot is tied! 
 Nanka. This is what you will have to do. Come here 
 at seven sharp. Don't let any of the servants see you. 
 You can enter the room by that window and conceal 
 yourself under the table. I will soon appear with a hand 
 bag packed ready to go with you to the train. Now don't 
 disappoint me 1 
 
 Pat. Disappoint ye? Ye don't know Patrick Duffy, 
 me darlint! 
 Nanka. Now, about the bill. 
 
 Pat Oi hov a recated wan in me pocket. ( takes folded 
 paper from pocket) Oi'll give it to you as a prisint. 
 
 (hands her paper 
 Nanka. I will carefully preserve it. It will be a 
 souvenir of this happy hour. {places paper on table 
 
 Pat. Well, Oi must be afther gittin' things in readi- 
 ness fer the start. I must be off! It nearly kills me to 
 tear mesilf away so suddint, an' Oi will not go until we 
 hov saled this contract wid a kiss! 
 Nanka. {aside) Oh, glory! 
 
 Pat Come; stick your purty lips up here where Oi 
 can git a fair smack at thim. {they kiss 
 
 Enter, Clara, l., with crumb tray and brush — drops them 
 and screams — Nanka screams — Pat grabs hat and 
 rushes out ht^^exit, Clara, l. 
 
NANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTURE 9 
 
 Narika. (laughing) That is one disposed of. {hell 
 rings) Now for the next! I must explain this all to 
 Clara; if I do not it will appear so ridiculous to her. 
 
 Enter, Herr Yohann, c. 
 
 Yohann. Oxcuse me. I dought I vould valk der door 
 drough midoudt knocking. 
 
 Nanka. Why, good evening, Mr. Yohann. I trust you 
 are well. 
 
 Yohann. I dont'd could't gomplain. How it vas mit 
 you? 
 
 Nanka. Oh, I am enjoying excellent health. I have 
 been anxiously awaiting your coming. Won't you pray 
 be seated? 
 
 Yohann sits in rocker and tilts hack unexpectedly — he 
 leaps out of chair to keep himself from falling. 
 
 Yohann. Vot kind of a chair you call him? 
 
 Nanka. That is my easy chair. 
 
 Yohann. Oxactly! It vas easier to fall off den der 
 sthay in! Dot vould be a goot chair to bractice high 
 kicking in! 
 
 Nanka. Won't you try the sofa, Mr. Yohann? 
 
 Yohann. Yah, I tink. 
 
 {seats himself on sofa — Nanka sits beside him 
 
 Yohann. Hello, you vas goin' to sit here, too? 
 
 Nanka. If you do not object. 
 
 Yohann, Not any, whatever. 
 
 Nanka. I have so much to say to you, Mr. Yohann. 
 
 {business of getting closer 
 
 Yohann. I dond't vas hard of hearing! 
 
 {business of edging away 
 
 Nanka. I was so happy after reading your note, to 
 know that you would call on me. It was an unexpected 
 pleasure, I assure you, that was highly appreciated. 
 
 Yohann. I vouldn't bothered you, but I vos hard up. 
 Of we dond't make some gollections soon, der firm vill go 
 busted. So much vos stood oudt ve dond't got in it makes 
 us necessary to write by our old gustomers to buck up. 
 
 Nanka. We will not discuss business matters right 
 away. I have something more important to speak about. 
 
 Yohann. But pizness vos pizness! You bought my 
 vigs, you bought my berfumes, you bought my gosmetics 
 ua' I VQS mor© as tre© veeks pleaching your hair un' 1 
 
10 NANKA'S LEAP YEAB VENTURE, 
 
 dond't got no cent vor it all ! Do you tink I vos in pizness 
 to gif tings avay like dot? 
 
 Nanka. Well, you should not give it away that I had 
 my hair bleached. 
 
 YoKann. I dond't care; I vant my boodle! 
 Nanka. {closer) Dear Mr. Yohann, will you not drop 
 this until we speak of another matter ? 
 
 Yohann. {edging away — aside) Seems to me she 
 vants a goot bit off dis sofa. I gif it to her all next. 
 
 Nanka. This is leap year. 
 
 Yohann. Yah; der olt maids vas in id dis year. 
 
 Nanka. It is a season when woman is licensed to re- 
 veal her feelings toward man. {gets closer- — Yohann 
 fidgets and wipes his brow with huge bandana) During 
 the three weeks that you were employed in subduing the 
 hue of my hair, I conceived a warm admiration for you. 
 When out of your presence your face haunted me. In my 
 dreams it was before me. (Yohann gets on arm of sofa 
 and fans himself ivith his cap — Nanka edges closer) 
 Yohann! Yohann! can you — will you not love me? 
 (Yohann leaps to his feet and strtds about awkwardly) 
 Oh! Yohann, you will not repell me thus? {rushes to his 
 side) Yohann. you will be mine! 
 
 {drops into his arms 
 
 Yohann. {holding her) Vot vould you do mit me off 
 I vos yours ? 
 
 Nanka. Love you forever. 
 
 Yohann. Dot's nice! 
 
 Nanka. Then you reciprocate? 
 
 Yoeann. Do which? 
 
 Nanka. You love me, too. 
 
 Yohann. Vy, I always liked you. Bud I dought me 
 vos vor no goot der say somedings aboud it. 
 
 Nanka. Then, at last, two souls that loved are together. 
 
 {releases herself 
 
 Yohann. Dot vos der size off it, mine leetle frou. 
 
 {chuckiyig her under the chin 
 
 Nanka. Will you be ready to elope with me to-night v 
 
 Yohann. Id cannot be too qwick dot ve vos married 
 got. 
 
 Nanka. Then we will leave five minutes after seven. 
 Call here at that hour. You must enter the house care- 
 fully — let no one see you. Hide under that sofa until I 
 enter the room. 
 
NANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTURE 11 
 
 Yohann. All right, I vill follow mit dose directions like 
 a pook. 
 
 Nanka. As to that bill, we can talk of that now. 
 
 Yohann. Och, mine leetle gal, dond't vorry your sell 
 mit such nonsense. Here vas a receipted von. Vorgol 
 dot you ever owed us. ( hands her folded paper 
 
 Nanka. How generous you are! 
 
 {places paper on table 
 
 Yohann. Dond't mention it. Veil, it vas purty qwicl? 
 times dot I go. Dis vos der happiest hours in all mine 
 whole life times! Bud I must leaf you und get dings 
 ready vor der journey. 
 
 Nanka. Do not forget the hour. 
 
 Yohann. You pet not. I vorget me qwicker mine 
 name. Goot-bye. 
 
 Nanka. Good-bye. 
 
 Yohann. (standing in door) Shake hands mit your- 
 self, Yohann, vor you vos certainly in it. 
 
 Kisses his hand at Nanka — Nanka throws kiss — exit 
 Yohann, c. 
 
 Nanka. Another debt liquidated. Nanka, I am really 
 beginning to believe you are an actress. That last piece 
 of acting was equal to the portico scene from Bomeo and 
 Juliet. But, oh, my! a Dutch Eomeo! Who ever heard 
 of one? (hell rings outside) Ah, La Debonnaire. {seats 
 herself at table — picks tip mirror and arranges bangs) 
 I trust he will make a better Eomeo. 
 
 Enter, La Debonnaire, c. 
 
 La D. (bowing and scraping) Mamzelle, bon jeur. 
 
 Nanka. (greeting) Ah, monsieur. 
 
 La, D. Tie mait she bit me. 
 
 Nanka. Bit you? I hojje not, 
 
 La D. No, no! She bit me enter witout ze — ah, what 
 you call him ? Ze formality of ze card. 
 
 Nanka. That was perfectly proper, as it was my ex- 
 pressed desire that you should be immediately ushered 
 Into my presence. 
 
 La D. Tank you a tousand times, (boios p)rofoundly 
 
 Nanka. Come, let us sit here. 
 
 (they seat themselves on sof a 
 
 La D. I vish— zat ees, I hope I fint you not offented 
 mi my note. , 
 
12 NANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTURE, 
 
 Nanha. Oh, no; no offense whatever. I assure you 
 your note was a source of pleasure. 
 
 La D. {aside) Does she pretent? {aloud) Ah, you 
 flatter me. 
 
 Nanka. No, no ! I am not given to flattery. 
 
 La D. I trust not. 
 
 Nanka. I had been thinking of you before I received 
 your note. It seems an age since we last met. 
 
 La D. It has been very long. 
 
 Nanka. And yet I have not forgotten you. 
 
 La D. Ah, mamzelle, again I zink you flatter me. 
 {aside) Her tone is earnest. 
 
 Nanka. Why did you not call before? You used to 
 see me frequently in the green-room. I surely thought 
 you would not have forgotten me so soon. Indeed you 
 could have saved me many hours of loneliness if you had 
 only chosen to do so. {sighs 
 
 La D. I am sorry I did not know zat. {aside) What 
 can she mean ? 
 
 Nanka. Now you are with me at last. I am happy, 
 and doubly so because this is leap year. Do you not like 
 leap year? 
 
 La D. Why, mamzelle,. I don't know, it vas no deffer- 
 ence from ze other years, {aside) Can I hope? 
 
 Nanka. {bluntly) Oh, monsieur, pardon me. I once 
 thought you cherished warmer -feelings than those of 
 mere friendship. I may have been wrong; but I — I thought 
 — you — loved me. 
 
 La D. Vy — vy — zis ees — what you call ze name in 
 Anglaice? — abrupt. 
 
 Nanka. Yes, it is sudden. I am of an impulsive 
 nature. I can not restrain my feelings. 
 
 La D. I zought about dees before. You always show 
 me great respect. I hoped, and, tank Heaven, not in 
 vain. 
 
 Nanka. {throwing arms about him) My dear La 
 Debonnaire, then you are all mine! 
 
 La D. Efry bit, dear Nanka. My heart vas always 
 yours, but I dared not offer it. 
 
 Nanka. Would you object to eloping, my dear? 
 
 La D. Ze romanz vos ze more perfect. I vas glat you 
 suggest it. Ze sooner ze better. Vill it be zis even- 
 ing? 
 
 Nanka, This @t©niMi.a at ten mimit©i pmi seven, How, 
 
NANKA'S LEAP YEAB VENTURE IS 
 
 follow my instructions to the letter or we may be discov- 
 ered. At tlie hour I mentioned, enter this room and 
 conceal yoursely behind that screen. I will appear and we 
 will steal away together. 
 
 Clara, {appearing unpercewed at imndow) Lands 
 alive! this woman must be running opposition to the Mor- 
 mons, {disappears 
 
 La D. (rising) I vill follow ze directions. I must go 
 now and make ze preparations. 
 
 Nanka. (rising) Yes; we have little time to waste. 
 Oh, by the way, about the bill. I had quite forgotten it. 
 
 La D. It quite slipped my memory, too. (takes folded 
 paper from pocket and hands to Nanka) But here is one 
 already receipted. Say no more about it. 
 
 Nanka. How can I express my gratitude? 
 
 La D. Wiz ze kiss. 
 
 Bends over to kiss her — Clara appears at window and 
 coughs — La D. stands back abashed — Clara disap- 
 pears. 
 
 La D. Ah, zat stupit mait! 
 
 Nanka. That was a bad break for us. 
 
 La D. Yell, I vill take leaf, my lof. (stoops and kisses 
 her hand) Au revoir. 
 
 Nanka. Au revoir. (exit, La D., c. 
 
 Nanka. That was real clever, Nanka. Monsieur wag 
 an easy victim. 
 
 Enter, Clara, a 
 
 Clara. Signor Nicolette has been waiting m the garden 
 for the last ten minutes. I did not want to interrupt your 
 pleasant tete-a-tete. (exit c. 
 
 Enter, Signor Nicolette, c. 
 
 Sig. N. Goode evening, laty. 
 
 Nanka. Why, Signor, I am so rejoiced to see you. 
 
 Sig. N. I waita a longa time i' the garten. 
 
 Nanka. Oh, I beg your pardon. My costumer was 
 here and I was giving him some directions about a costume 
 which he is making for me. 
 
 Sig. N. Vera veil. You getta nota? 
 
 Nau.'^ Oh, yes. Come, be seated. 
 
 (seat themselves on sofa 
 
 Sig, N, I n:* c^a^^da nota, but vera hard uppa, Mona 
 tight. 
 
U NANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTVRE, 
 
 Nanka. I am glad I have given you an opportunity to 
 sail. 
 Sig. N. I gladda have opportuna to call. 
 Nanka. Then the flame of our friendship has not 
 weaned. 
 Sig. N. I guessa not. 
 
 Nanka. We were good friends, were we not? 
 Sig. N. Vera gooda frinz. 
 
 Nanka. I sometimes thougjht there was a warmer feel- 
 ing than that of mere friendship existing between us, and 
 therefore I have decided to ask you a question which only 
 this year — leap year — is it my privilege to ask. I have 
 always adored sunny Italy and her bronzed children. 
 Sig. N. De grandest countra in alle worlt! 
 Nanka. I love your country Signor, and what is more, 
 I love — you! 
 
 Sig. N. Miou! miou! de Americano always quicka— 
 in hurra! Everything alia breve! even in lof. 
 
 Nanka. Yes ; we are self-styled hustlers. But, Signor, 
 is my love in vain? Have I no hope? 
 
 Sig. N Oh, you maka gooda wife. I taka you. 
 Nanka. Then I am the happiest woman in the world! 
 
 {embrace 
 Sig. N. Getta married soon? 
 Nanka. We will elope to-night! 
 Sig. N. Skippa? 
 
 Nanka. Yes. Be here at a quarter past seven. Enter 
 the house unperceived. You are small of stature. Could 
 you not get in a trunk and have some of your employes 
 bring you here? 
 
 Sig. N. Gooda idea! Gooda idea! 
 Nanka. All right. You will not have long to remain 
 in the trunk. When you see me enter the room you can 
 come from your hiding place and we will fly together. 
 Sig. N. I go righta way and maka plana. ( both rise 
 Nanka. You must not forget your bill. 
 Sig. N {producing folded paper) Here receipted billa. 
 I coUecta kiss and calla square, {they kiss — SiG. starts 
 for door) Gooda-bye! gooda-bye! {exit, SiG. N., c. 
 
 Nanka. Goo-bye ! Thank Heaven ! My plans worked 
 well and here are the spoils of the victories, {flourishes 
 receipted bills) I will have to explain all to Clara. Hei 
 curiosity is, no doubt, greatly aroused by this time. I 
 
JSTANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTURE 15 
 
 must take the girl into my confidence, {looks at ivaich) 
 Only a short time remains to don my traveling dress. Oh, 
 I am so happy! {exii L. 
 
 Enter J Ned, c. 
 
 Ned. Almost seven. Gosh! I've been hustling! The 
 papers won't be at a loss for full particulars of this runa- 
 way. I wonder where she is. It's rather warm in here. 
 I'll just step into the garden and wait for her there. 
 
 (exit R. — stage dark — soft, low miisio 
 
 Enter, Pat, cautiously by window — he gazes around, 
 
 Pat. Duffy, you're a brick! 
 
 {conceals himself under table — music as before 
 
 Enter, Yohann, l. — business of looking around. 
 
 Tohann. Shermany vos captured der cake, aint it? 
 {conceals himself under sofa) Dis vos gomfortable, I 
 dond' t tink ! ( music 
 
 Enter. La D., c. — looks around room. 
 La D. Vive la France! {hides behind screen 
 
 Enter, two employes with trunk — deposit it e. aiid exit c. 
 
 Sig. N. {raising trunk lid) Let the organm play! 
 
 Yohann. Dunder und blitzen! I vill smnlLer off she 
 dond't got here soon! 
 
 Pat. Faith, an' I wondther phot in thunder thim ither 
 fellers be wantin'. 
 
 Sig. N. {raising trunk lid) Must hava air! 
 
 Pat. Begob, an' phot's thot in ther trunk? Shure, an' 
 Oi'd swar' I saw ther lid move. It's aloive — it must be! 
 
 Yohann. I vish I hat von off dose elegdric fans!. 
 
 Pat. Oi'd swar' be me troth thar's a dutchman under 
 thot sofa! Are yez thor, Sweitzer? (La T>. looks over 
 screen, Sig. N. from trunk) Holy Moses! a frog-atin' 
 Frinchmin behoind the scrane, and an Oitalyun in ther 
 thrunk! 
 
 La D. It ees queer. Zis ees indeet queer! She do 
 not coome! 
 
 Pat Be jabers, and his nibs must be lookin' fer a 
 woman, too! ' 
 
Darling! 
 
 16 NANKA'S LEAP YEAU VENTURE. 
 
 Sig. N. {raising trunk lid and wiping hrow) Hotta! 
 Coulda roasta peanutta in here! 
 Pat Ah thar, Dago! 
 
 Pat UUs table and dishes fall off — La D topples over screen 
 
 Yohann. Murter! murter! 
 
 SiG. N. leaps out of trunk — Pat crawls from under table, 
 getting tangled in cover — Clara rushes in L. 
 
 Pat 
 
 Yohann. 
 
 LaD. 
 
 Sig.N. 
 
 Clara. One at a time, gents! 
 
 Pat Phot! Thedivil! 
 
 La D. Not mamzelle! Where ees she? 
 
 Sig. N. De signora! She gona come? 
 
 Clara. Not much! You're all left! You fellows are 
 not in it! 
 
 Pat Shure, an' phot d'yez mane? 
 
 La D. Explain! explain! 
 
 Clara. Nanka has played you! She thanks you all for 
 those little souvenirs of the happy hour, and shall treasure 
 them dearly. She has skipped to Canada with Ned Cent- 
 line. If you fellows raise a racket, Centline will give you 
 away in the papers, and you will be the laughing stock of 
 the country. Oh! you fellows are slow! 
 
 Pat Ther desaving witch! she didn't marry me! 
 
 La D. Nor me! 
 
 Sig. N. Norra me! 
 
 Yohann. Me also, too! Vor pity's sake, shendlemens, 
 helb me oud off dis! I vos stuck me fast und dond't 
 gould hardly breathe! Gwick! gwick! (struggling 
 
 Pat Begora, an' it's ther poor dutchman! Are yez 
 thor, Sweitzer? 
 
 Yohann. Do you tink I vos some places avay? I viU 
 stay here off you dond't helb me oud! 
 
 Clara. Come, Duffy, let us help the poor fellow out. 
 
 Clara raises one end of sofa — Pat grabs Yohann by the 
 feet and drags him out 
 
 Yohann, {getting to his feet) dies recht! 
 
 {mopes brow with bandana 
 
NANKA'S LEAP YEAR VENTVRE 17 
 
 Big, N. (/o Clara) You nica girl. I marra you. 
 Pat. Put ther dago out! Oi'U marry her mesilf! 
 Yohann. Gif me some shows! 
 
 La D. Maybe ze mait prefer me. ^ I 
 
 Clara. Wait a moment, gents; I'll be back. {exU L. i 
 Sig. N. You fellas no gooda! Skippa! 
 
 (points to door 
 Pat Put ther dago out! 
 
 (they all grab Sig. N. and put Mm out c. 
 
 Enter i Clara, l., with broom. 
 
 La D. Come, Clara, skip wiz me. You shall be happy. 
 
 Clara. Now, you fellows git! {drives ihem out c. with 
 broom — to audience) I'm never happy unless plying 
 broom or brush. 
 
 CUBTAIN. 
 
^HEWPLAYi 
 
 The Spellin' Skewl 
 
 Friday Afternoon at QeestriGk No. 4. 
 
 A7i Oricfinal Burlesque in one scene, by Bert Bichards. 
 for 7 male and 6 female characters. Below is the 
 
 SYNOPSIS. 
 "Noon at the Skewl House in Deestrick No. 4. Pupils playino; 
 *' Needles Eye." Kittie and Patsy Bolivar. " He shan't kiss me." 
 Bub in trouble. " I want t' g' wout 'n' <,eeter with Sallie Waters." 
 Hokey Pokey. The Yaller Crick Deest. iek. Intry, raintry, cutry, 
 corn. Trouble begins. "Cry baby, cry baby." "Teacher's 
 comin'." Skewl commences. The Yankee school-master. Roll 
 call. The tell-tale. "That's th' fergitfulest critter in th' hul 
 skewl." Toot Smith and S'mantha Jones' encounter with Skinner's 
 old black sheep. "Teacher aint you glad he didn't eat us up?" 
 Patsy making faces at the girls. The swimming hole. Patsy's de- 
 nial. "Did too, did too, did, did, did." " if he's dronncled tell 
 him never to do so agin — as it were." Teacher sits on a pin. "'Twas 
 Patsy Bolivar ! 'twas Patsy!" Bnb Jones and the pincher bug. 
 Hopper toad in the dinner pail. Picture on the blackboard. 
 Pinkey Smith's a blushin'." The paper wad. Barney Dacey : 
 " Patsy tied me clothes in harrud knots, be gob." Patsy abused 
 'cause he's a orphing. The changed shirts. How Barney's nose got 
 hurt. Patsy is made a " shinin' example." Dunce block. " Boo- 
 hoo-oo-oo, Patsy is goin' t' git licked ! " Geography lesson. " Wl)o 
 diskivered th' arth?" "'Twas Patsy Bolivar." Teacher's explana- 
 tion how Christina sailed across the ocean. Her arrival at Castle 
 Garden and interview with Hiawatha the mayor of Xoo York, who 
 says: "We're diskivered." Passing the water. Patsy's whistle. 
 "No wax chawin in this skewl allowed." Patsy and the yellow- 
 jacket; teacher has no use for it. Another whistle. Choosing sides 
 for the spelling match. The quarrel. Bub goes out to teeter. 
 Patsy's mischief. Bub and the barrel. Patsy drops barrel over 
 the teacher's head, gets on top and blows horn. " Skewl's out! 
 Skewl's out ! " 
 
 Nanka's Leap Year Venture. 
 
 A Commedietta in One Scene, by Sliettle and George, 
 for 5 male and 2 female characters. Costumes to suit 
 charactars. Time of performance 40 minutes. A good play. 
 
 Pomp Green's Snakes. 
 
 An Ethiopian Farce in One Act, by Shettle and George, 
 for 2 male characters. Costumes modern. Time of 
 performance 15 minutes. A good after-piece. 
 
Arthur Eustace; 
 
 -OR- 
 
 A MOTHER'S LOV E. 
 
 d Temperance Drama in 5 Acts, by J. JV. J. Todd, for 10 
 
 male and 4 fenicde cliaracters. Costumes modern, and 
 
 time of performance 2 hours. 
 
 SYNOPSIS. 
 
 ACT I. Scene First. Home of Mr. Eustace. Interview between 
 Mr. Eustace and Mr. Gordon, the saloon-keeper. Mr. Eustace sis^ns 
 contract in which his bnildintr is to be used as a saloon. Hans, the 
 Dutchman. The temperance women at work. Mrs. Eustace pleads 
 with her husband to break his contract with Mr. (.'ordon. The dis- 
 appointment. Arthur and Edith. Hans, the Dutchman, "Is dot so?" 
 Mrs. Eustace's appeal to the saloon keeper. Mr. Gordon's 
 resolve. Arthur sent on errand. " My boy in a saloon ! oh, Kobert 
 you will break my heart." Hans brinos Arthur in drunk. Aiaudand 
 Edith discover him. "Drunk, dead drunk !" DispairolMrs. Eustace. 
 
 ACT II. Scene First. Pat,the Frenchman. Mr. Markly, Edith's lover. 
 Pat and the rag baby— his advice to Edith. Pat's story. The pro- 
 posal. "You better see father." Arthur's joke. The milliner's 
 bill. Scene Second. Arthur and Pat. The note. Pat's description 
 of Maud. The answer. "My worst fears realized; PU try and 
 lorget her." Scene Third. Mr. Markly accepted as Edith's future 
 husband. Arthur late to dinner. Pat tells how Arthur's note was 
 received by Maud. Arthur returns home drunk— Is turned out of 
 the house by his father. " If my boy is turned out of doors his 
 mother goes wiih him." 
 
 ACT 111. Scene First. Gordon's saloon. Hans as bartender. 
 "Nomore liquor for Arthur Eustace at this bar." Jimmy Brown tends 
 bar and goes to sleep. Arthur enters saloon. A broken promise. 
 The fight. Arthur arrested. Scene Second. The bribe. " No pity 
 for a drunkard." Mrs. Eustace in the saloon. Hans and Mr. Gordon. 
 Scene Third. Arthur in prison. A visit from his mother. Arthur renews 
 his promise. Mr. Eustace, "Let the scoundrel alone." "Go, 
 mother, I cannot keep my promise now." "Arthur, my son, good- 
 bye." Scene Fourth. Gordon's determination. Plans and the 
 wheelbarrow. "Dot baby of Ilan's." The whisky jug. Gordon 
 and Hans. The ride in the M'heelbarrow. 
 
 ACT IV. Scene First. Mr. Gordon and Edith. "I will never 
 marry a saloon-keeper." Gordon's promise. " Bring Arthur back 
 a sober man and I will be your wife." The stolen money. Arthur 
 a burglar. Hans discovers Arthur. Supposed death of Hans. "Oh 
 God, at last 1 am a murderer." 
 
 ACT V. Scene First. Arthur's birthday: " We are paupers." 
 The faithful servant. Arrival of Kichard Markly. News of 
 Arthur. Arthur and his wife airlve. The welcome. "My loved 
 and true friend, Harry Gonlon." Tiie promise of Edith. Markly's 
 dispair. Harry Gordon releases Edith from her promise. "Take 
 her, Markly, yon are the most worthy." Pat to the front. A 
 happy ending to "A Mother's Love." ?rice 25 Cents. 
 
THEATRICAL 
 
 -AND- 
 
 Fancy -Costume -Wigs. 
 
 attention is called to this I.ist of ^VIGS, BEARDS, lU U8- 
 TACHEiS, WHISKERS, Ac. 
 
 We employ a Wig-maker especially to manfuacture goods for 
 
 for our trade, and can guarantee satisfaction. All 
 
 goods made under our personal supervision. 
 
 In ordering be careful to state every particular, i. e., size, color, etc. Any wig for 
 special character or occasion can be made to order. 
 
 White Old Man $4 50 
 
 Iron Gray 4 50 
 
 Yankee 4 50 
 
 Irish 4 50 
 
 Crop, (all colors) 5 50 
 
 Fright..... 4 00 
 
 Negro 1 00 
 
 '* (white old man) 1 50 
 
 " (gray old man) 1 50 
 
 " I with top knot] 150 
 
 '* [wench] 5 00 
 
 Sir Peter Teazle 5 00 
 
 Bhylock 4 50 
 
 Court Wig with Bng 4 50 
 
 Court wig with Tie 4 50 
 
 PaulPry 4 50 
 
 Dundreary 5 50 
 
 Liglit Dress Wig, with parting 5 50 
 
 Kough Irishmnn 4 00 
 
 Flaxen Country Boy 3 50 
 
 Physician or Lnwyer— white 5 00 
 
 Dress Wig with Eyebr'ws&Whisk'rs 5 50 
 
 Dress, without parting 4 00 
 
 Duplex ; can be worn either as male 
 
 or female Wig ; very convenient ; 
 
 in reality, 2 Wigs in one 6 00 
 
 Flow Wigs, long hair, suitable for 
 
 most Shake^perian characters. 
 
 Fairy Plays, &c 5 50 
 
 Comic Old Woman's Front 
 
 Dress Scalp, with parting $5 00 
 
 Scalps 2 75 
 
 Gentlemanly Irish, with parting 5 00 
 
 Bald Wigs, grey or white, 4 50 
 
 Kip Van Winkle 4 50 
 
 Grey Dress Wig, with parting, 4 50 
 
 White " " " " 4 50 
 
 Clowns, in co'ors, 4 50 
 
 Plantaloon, Wig and Beard, 5 00 
 
 llobinson Crusoi 4 50 
 
 M.mk 4 00 
 
 Box and Cox, 2 Wigs ; ench Wig 3 50 
 
 Chinaman, w;th Pijitail, ,.. 5 00 
 
 Dress Wig. siperior 5 00 
 
 Red and Brown bald Wigs 4 60 
 
 9P^^K ^'is-^. r.'.3?^ m 50 
 
 (ji-and Dutchess 6 50 
 
 Lady Teazle ."." 7 00 
 
 Marie Antonette 7 50 
 
 Mother-iu-Law ..' 5 50 
 
 Fcuialo, plain long liair,s) thatJady 
 can do up as she wishes, a really 
 
 fine wig 10 00 
 
 Nigger Crape Masks, a substitute for 
 
 blacking the face 2 GO 
 
 Ladies' Wig, blonds, Jigh and dark, 
 brown and black, made up in 
 
 present fashion 6 00 
 
 Piece $2.50. 
 
 BEARDS, WHISKERS, MITSTACIIES, «&c. 
 
 Side Whiskers & Mustache on wire....$l 25 
 Side Whiskers and Mustache on 
 
 wire, superior 1 50 
 
 Side Whiskers, no Mustache, wire... 1 00 
 Side Whiskers and Mustache, gauze 2 00 
 Side Whiskers and Mustache, on 
 
 gauze, superior, 2 25 
 
 Side Wiiiskers, without Mustache, 
 
 on gauze 1 50 
 
 Side Whiskers, without Mustache 
 
 on gauze, superior, 1 75 
 
 FullBeani 1 75 
 
 Full Beard, superior 2 00 
 
 Full Beard without Mustache $1 50 
 
 Full Beard, no Mustache superior... 1 75 
 Mustacheand Chin Beard, combined 2 00 
 
 Iraper als gQ 
 
 Full Chin Beard .'.'...... 1 25 
 
 Mustaches on wire 35 
 
 " gauze 40 
 
 CRAPE 11 AIR -For making False 
 
 WhISKP]RS, MUSTADIIKS, &C. 
 
 Colors : Black, White, Lij.ht Brown, 
 Dark Brown, Iron-grey and Red. 
 Price, per yrd 25 
 
 Address, 
 
 THE AMES PUBLISHING CO., 
 
 LOCK BOX 152, - CLYDE. OHIO. 
 
ArtlclGs NBBded by AmatUBrsi 
 
 MAKE YOUB OWN- WIGS, BE AMDS, MUSTACHES, ETC. 
 PliEPABED WOOL IN ALL COLORS, FEB OZ., 50c, 
 
 TABLEAUX LIGHTS. Our Tableaux Lights are very easily^ used and are 
 of the bust miinut'iicture. Plainest directions accouipany each. We have the fol* 
 lowing: colors: R^^d. Green, Bine and White. Price each 25 cents. 
 COLORED FIRE IN BULK. Put up in one-half pound packages. Price 
 
 per pound, $1.75. Per h;ilt pound, tfl.OO. 
 MAGNESIUM TABLEAUX LIGHTS. A metal cap.able of being 
 ignited by a common inatch, and burning with great b illincy. ihis i' the best 
 light for moonligct and statuary. Pr c(3 each packnge, 25 cents; per dozen, $2.50. 
 LIGHTNING FOR PRIVATE THEATRICALS. We will send a 
 package of material for this purpose, with tull printed directions for its use, to any 
 address, for 50 cents. The effect produced by it will be found all that can be 
 desired. 
 BLUE. For unshaven faces. This is very necessary in low comedy charactorF, 
 
 Price ner hox, 25 certs. 
 PREPARED BURNT CORK. For Negro Minstrels. This article we can 
 recommend, as it can be tak"u ofi as easily as put on; in whir:h it diffors from most 
 all others manufactured. Enough for 25 performances in each box. Price per box 
 40 cents. 
 COCOA BUTTER. This art'cle is necessary to every lady or gentleman; 
 whether on the stage or in private life, as it smoothes the skin and keeps it 
 from chapping. It is a very handy means of removing the make up, as a piece of 
 Cocoa Butter passed over the face will loosen all adhesive matter so thoroughly, as 
 toaflraitof being wiped olf the face at once and comi)letely. Should be always 
 used before making up. Price 25 cents. 
 CARMINE. For the face and to heighten the effect of the Burnt Cork in Negro 
 
 characters. Price per box, 3(j cents. 
 CHROME. For sallow complexions, also for lightening the eyebrows, mus- 
 taches, etc. Pi-ice pr>r box, '25 cc^its. 
 PREPA-RED DUTCH FINK. For pale, sallow and wan complexions. 
 
 Price per box, 25 cents. 
 EMAIL NOIR. To stop out teeth for old men characters, witches, etc. Price 
 
 40 cents. 
 PREPARED FULLER'S EARTH. To powder the face before "making 
 
 up," Price 80 cents. 
 JOINING PASTE. For joining bald fronts of wigs to forehead. Price per 
 
 stick. 15 cents, 
 MASCARO OR "WATER COSMETIQUE. For darkening the eye- 
 brows and mustaches, without greasing Lhem and making them prominent. Browu 
 or blsiolv'. 60 cnnts. 
 MONGOLIAN, For Indians, Mula'oes, etc. Price per box, 30 cent?. 
 PASTE FOWDER. To enlarge the shape of the nose, for low comedy char- 
 acters, do. Price pc r box, .SO cents. 
 PREPARED NOSE PUTTY. Used for the same purpose as Paste Powder 
 
 and user! in the same way. Price 25 cents. 
 RUDDY ROUGE. For sunburnt faces. Most essential for low comedy, 
 
 country or seaman's character. Price per box, 30 cents. 
 SPIRIT GUM. The best in use, prepared expressly for. securing mustaches, 
 
 etc. Price. 25 cent'. 
 SKIN MUSTACHE MASKS. For hiding the mustache in powder costume 
 
 p'cces. neg -ess characters, etc. Price, 15 cents. 
 POWDERED ANTIMONY. For shading the hollows of the eyes. Price 
 
 per box, S^) c"t ts. 
 PREPARED WHITING. For pantomimes, Clown's Faces, Statuary, etc. 
 
 Price per box, 25 cents. 
 ,, , ,, ,., ^ CREAM STICK PAINTS. 
 
 No. 1— Very Light Flesh Color. No. 10-SalIow, for Old Ago 
 
 " 2— Deeper Tmt Flesh Color. " 11— Ruddy, *' " 
 
 » 3-Natural Flesh,) " 12-Olive, Healthy 
 
 .. 4— Rose Tint, VFor Juvenile Heroes. •* 13— " Lighter Shade 
 
 .. 5— Deeper Shade, j " 14- Gipsy Flesh Color 
 
 I' 6— Healthy Sunburnt. •• 15— Othello. 
 
 .< I~^ „ ' , J* Deeper Shade. " 16— Chinese. 
 
 8— Sallow for Young Men. " 17— Indian. 
 
 • 9— Healthy Color for Middle Age. •' 18— East Indian. 
 
 _ " 19— Jap. 
 
 ^ Done up m sticks 4 inches in length, at 25 cents each; 8 inch sticks 50 cents. Lin- 
 ing Colors 4 inches long at 10 cents each, except Carmine which is 15 cents. 
 
 A Box of Cream Sticks, containing the following colors: Two shades of Flesh, ono 
 Black, one Brown, one Lake, one Crimson, one White, one Carmine, and a color for 
 Shading Wrinkles, $1.00. 
 
The Mashers Mashed. 
 
 A Farce in Two Acts, by F. L. Cutler ; 5 male and 2 female charac- 
 ter. Time, thirty minutes; costumes modern. Amateurs will find 
 this farce just the thing ro please an audience. It is full of fun, 
 caused by the mishaps of the "Two Mashers" — a warning to all 
 young men who are inclined to make mashes. A capital farce, easy 
 to put on ; characters all good. Send for a copy. Price 15 Cents. 
 
 WILD MAB. 
 
 A Border Drama in Four Acts by Minnie Poison; 6 male and 2 
 female characters. 'J'ime of performance 1-45. Costumes to suit 
 characters. Price 15 Cents. 
 
 SYNOPSIS. 
 
 ACT I. Scene 1st. Parlor in Mr. Evans' Western home — Mr. 
 Evans and Bert Allen. Bert Allen goesin search of Mr. Evans' lost 
 daughter. Scene M. Cabin at Devil's Camp. Interview between 
 Jane, an old hag, and Jack Thorn — The quarrel — VVild Mab and 
 "Down went McGinty"— Cold water and Jack Thorn do not agree. 
 The threat — "Coward I" "Mab, for God's sake, don't shoot!" 
 Sambo and the ghost. Jack attempts to shoot Sambo. Mab's pistol 
 always ready to protect the helpless. Scene 3d. Night at the cabin. 
 Arrival of Bert Allen. Thorn's intention to murder Allen. Mab 
 warns Allen of his danger — "Dead men tell no tales I" Mab to the 
 rescue. "Fly for your life, and the heart of Wild Mab goes with 
 you!" Sambo makes his appearance — tableau. 
 
 ACT II. Scene 1st. Wood Scene. Allen and Mab— The kiss. 
 Mab's command and soliloquy — Mab overhears conversation between 
 Jack Thorn and Pete Hart — Attempt to be made to trap Mab — 
 Sambo reveals to Mab how she came to be an inmate of Devil's 
 Camp— she swears vengeance on Jack Thorn. Jack attempts to 
 shoot Sambo. Mab's arrival — "Shoot him if you dare!" Scene 2d. 
 NTight in the woods. Sambo tells a little incident of his school days. 
 Allen as Pat, who is going to help Pete trap Mab. Scene 2d. Cabin 
 Mab and Jane. Jack's offer of marriage refused. The curse of Mab 
 Evans — The abduction of Mab. 
 
 ACT III. Scene 1st. Mab a prisoner. Jack unties her hands — 
 Mab shows her temper. Pete and Mab — "Oh, merciful heaven, I 
 have killed him!" Arrival of Pat and Sambo — Mab's flight — Pat 
 and Sambo start for Mr. Evans' home. Scene M. Mab in the woods. 
 Death of her horse. Continued flight. Sambo and Pat in pursuit. 
 
 Scene 3d. Home of Mr. Evans. Mab at home — Her plea for pro- 
 tection—Father and daughter. Her fears concerning Pete's death. 
 Good news. A little plot. 
 
 ACT IV. Scene 1st. Devil's camp. Trouble between Jack and 
 Fete. Arrival of Mab and oflicers — Arrest of Jack, Jane and Pete. 
 Scene M. Mab at home — Her heart disease. The letter. Pat throws 
 off disguise. Mab's surprise— "Unconditional surrender I'* Happy 
 tndia£. 
 
LnvE In All CnrnGrs. 
 
 A Laughable Interlude in 1 Act and 1 Scene, by G. W. 
 Douglas, for 5 male and 3 female characters. Costumes 
 modern. Time in representation, 30 minutes. 
 
 SYNOPSIS. 
 
 The lovers. **Hu8h I" Till supper time. "Can't stay there any 
 longer!''— Out goes the light— "Take it, then '."—Housed again— 
 Adieu— "By Jupiter!" "Yes, as I live." A mischievous hussy — 
 "Am I awake?" "Can you forgive me?" "Are you going to 
 fight?'* "Why was I tempted out?" Asking Simon— A couple of 
 cowards — "I saw two men coming toward us." — Tiie man under the 
 table. "What's a groan?" Kobbers in the house— "You fool, why 
 don't, you speak?"— The one with the cocked hat. "We're gone, 
 sure!" "Thieves! murder! help!" "Seven, I counted !" Quake 
 does the backing — "Wtiere do they get the brimstone" United 
 again— 'Tis here !""Let's sup and be merry !"Good night. Price 15c. 
 
 A Professional Gardener ; 
 Or, Hard of Hearing. 
 
 A Farce in one act, by Emma Herrick Weed ; 4 male, 2 femala 
 characters. Costumes, modern; time of performance, 20 minntes. 
 This is an exceedingly good farce; a capital Irish cli.iracter is 
 Teddy Flynn, late of Cork. Mr. Tympanum, being i^rl of hear- 
 ing, causes many ludicrus blunders to be made. Amateurs will 
 fing no trouble in putting on this farce as not much scenery is 
 needed. It is full of fun and will please an audience. All the 
 characters are good. Don't fail to secure a copy. Price 15 Cents. 
 
 il Cnlnnel's Mishap. 
 
 A Farce-Com.edy in one scene, by Phillip Pinkopski, 5 male 
 characters. Scene, Gents' Waiting-Eoom at Muskegan Depot. 
 Trains late, as usual — everybody in a rush. Mr. Byrnes is in search 
 of his daughter, who has eloped with Colonel Smith; makes a mis- 
 take in the Colonels, amusing and ludicrous scene. Tiie Salvation 
 Army Colonel meets with many mishaps. Everyone will appreciate 
 this little farce, as "you know how it is yourself !" Characters are 
 all good and it will prove a success with amateurs. Send for copy. 
 Met 15 Oentfl. 
 
All The Go I All The Go I 
 
 Something law ! The 
 
 By Geo. B. Chase. 
 
 An interesting and instructive game can be played by 
 two-three or four persons. When four play they play 
 partners. Just the thing to teach you to be quick at 
 figures, as the sets are formed by adding the numbers on 
 the cards. Largest number of sets win the game. Send 
 for a box. You will derive much pleasure and amuse- 
 ment in playing this new game. Price 35 Cents. 
 
 YOU WANT IT ! 
 
 The Mascot Ink Eraser. 
 
 Enough to Last 1 Yoar. 
 
 With Full Bireetions for the small sum of 50 CENTS, 
 
 Everyone who does any writing should have this 
 eraser. It takes Ink out quickly and effectually without 
 coloring the whitest paper. 
 
 Everyone is liable to make mistakes in writing and 
 with this eraser your books or letters will not be blotted 
 or word crossed out. Every book-keeper will find it a 
 great benefit to him. In fact every one should keep it 
 on his writing desk. Send in your order to 
 
 Ames' Publishing Co., 
 
 Lock Box 152, 
 
 Clude, OhUk 
 
§J 
 
 iimes' Plays — G antinueii. 
 
 ^ 
 
 FARCES & COMEDIETTAS. 
 
 12i) 
 
 182 
 
 12 
 
 166 
 
 30 
 
 169 
 
 80 
 
 78 
 
 65 
 
 31 
 
 21 
 
 123 
 
 20 
 
 175 
 
 8 
 
 86 
 22 
 84 
 22.=; 
 49 
 72 
 19 
 42 
 188 
 220 
 14o 
 218 
 224 
 233 
 IM 
 184 
 274 
 2(,>9 
 13 
 
 m 
 
 271 
 116 
 120 
 103 
 
 50 
 140 
 
 74 
 
 35 
 
 47 
 
 95 
 
 11 
 
 99 
 
 82 
 
 182 
 
 127 
 
 228 
 
 106 
 
 139 
 
 231 
 
 235 
 
 69 
 
 158 
 
 23 
 
 208 
 
 212 
 
 32 
 
 Aar-u-ag-oos 2 
 
 Actor and Servant - 1 
 
 A Capital Match 3 
 
 ATexan Motber-in-Law 4 
 
 A Day Well Spent 7 
 
 A Regular Fix 2 
 
 Alarmingly Suspicious.. 4 
 
 An Awful Criminal 3 
 
 An Unwelcome Return 3 
 
 A Pet of the Public 4 
 
 A Romantic Attachment 3 
 
 A Thrilling Item 3 
 
 A Ticket of Leave 3 
 
 Betsey Baker 2 
 
 Better Half.. 5 
 
 Black vs. White 4 
 
 Captain Smith « 3 
 
 Cheek Will Win 3 
 
 Cupi<ls Capers 4 
 
 Der Two Surprises 1 
 
 Deuce is in Him 5 
 
 Did . Dream it 4 
 
 Domestic Felicity 1 
 
 Dutch Prize Fighter 3 
 
 Dutchy vs. Nigger 3 
 
 Eh? W. at Did You Say 3 
 
 Everybody Astonished..... 4 
 
 Fooling with the Wrong Man 2 
 Freezing a Mother-in-Law... 2 
 
 Fun in a Post Office 4 
 
 Family Discipline 
 
 Family Jarfi 5 
 
 Groose with the Golden Eggs.. 5 
 
 Give Me My Wife 
 
 Hans, the Dutch J. P 3 
 
 Hans Brummers Cafe 5 
 
 Hash 4 
 
 H. M.S. Plum 1 
 
 How Sister Paxey got her 
 
 Child Baptizf^d 2 
 
 How She has Own Way 1 
 
 How He Popped the Quest'n. 1 
 
 How to Tame M-in-Law 4 
 
 How Stout Your Getting 5 
 
 In the Wrong Box 3 
 
 In the AVrong Clothes 5 
 
 John Smith 5 
 
 Jumbo Jum ~ 4 
 
 Killing Time 1 
 
 Kittie'.s Wedding Cake 1 
 
 Lick Skillet Wedding 2 
 
 Lauder bach '.s Little Surprise 3 
 
 Lodgings for Two ..~ 3 
 
 Matrimonial Bliss 1 
 
 Match for a Mother-in-Law.. 2 
 
 More Blunders than one 4 
 
 Mother's Fool 6 
 
 Mr. Hudson's Tiger Hunt 1 
 
 My Heart's in Highlands 4 
 
 Viy Precious Betsey 4 
 
 My Turn Next ....> 4 
 
 M. Wife's Relations 4 
 
 186 My Day and Now-a-Days 1 
 
 273 My Neighbor's Wife 3 3 
 
 44 Obedience ^„ 1 2 
 
 244 Old Clothes 3 
 
 3;^ On the Sly 3 2 
 
 246 Othello 4 1 
 
 57 Paddy Miles' Boy ^ 5 2 
 
 217 Patent Washing Machine...-. 4 1 
 
 165 Persecuted Dutchman 6 3 
 
 195 Poor Pilicody 2 3 
 
 258 Prof. Bones'Latest Invention 5 
 
 159 Quiet Family 4 4 
 
 171 Rough Diamond 4 3 
 
 180 Ripples 
 
 267 Room 44 2 
 
 48 Schnaps 1 1 
 
 138 Sewing Circle of Period ..„ 5 
 
 115 S. H. A. M. Pinafore 3 3 
 
 ;55 Somebody's Nobody 3 2 
 
 243 Sports on a Lark 3 
 
 232 Stage Struck Yankee 4 2 
 
 238 Strawberry Shortcake 2 
 
 270 Slick and Skinner „ 5 
 
 1 Slasher and Crasher 5 2 
 
 1.37 Taking the Census 1 1 
 
 40 Th'it Mysterious B'dle ....2 2 
 
 245 Ticket Taker 3 
 
 38 The Bewitched Closet...^ 5 2 
 
 131 The Cigarette 4 2 
 
 101 The Coming Man 3 1 
 
 167 Turn Him Out > ». 3 2 
 
 68 The Sham Professor 4 
 
 54 TheTwoT.J's ...4 2 
 
 253 The Best Cure 4 1 
 
 28 Thirty- three Next Birthday.. 4 2 
 
 142 Tit for Tat ..2 1 
 
 276 The Printer and His Devils.. 3 1 
 
 263 Trials of a Country Editor.... 6 2 
 
 7 The Wonderful Telephone.... 3 1 
 
 269 Unjust Justice 6 2 
 
 213 Vermont Wool Dealer..... 5 3 
 
 151 Wanted a Husband 2 1 
 
 56 Wooing Under Difficulties 5 3 
 
 70 Which will he Marry 2 8 
 
 135 Widower's Trials ««...-,.- 4 5 
 
 147 Waking Him Up 1 2 
 
 155 Why they Joined the Re- 
 beccas ^ 4 
 
 111 Yankee Duelist... 3 1 
 
 157 Yankee Peddler 7 3 
 
 ETHIOPIAN FARCES. 
 
 204 Academy of Stars 6 
 
 15 An Unhappy Pair «1 j 
 
 '2 
 2 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 172 Black Shoemaker 4 
 
 98 Black Statue 4 
 
 222 Colored Senators 3 
 
 214 Chops 3 
 
 145 Cuff's Luck 2 
 
 IvK) Crimps Trip 5 
 
 249 Double Electi« n 9 j 
 
 27 Fetter Lane to Gravesend...- 2 n 
 
 230 Hamlet the Dainty 6 j 
 
 153 Haunted House „ 2 q 
 
 Bi 
 
 i€ 
 
ETriiOPlAN FARGE^- 
 
 •24 
 236 
 247 
 
 77 
 
 88 
 
 256 
 
 128 
 
 259 
 
 i)0 
 
 til 
 
 234 
 
 150 
 
 109 
 
 134 
 
 177 
 
 96 
 
 107 
 
 133 
 
 179 
 
 94 
 
 26 
 
 92 
 
 241 
 
 10 
 
 64 
 
 252 
 
 122 
 
 Handy Andy 2 
 
 Hypochondriac The 2 
 
 Incoinputibility of Temper... 1 2 
 
 Joe's Vis t..... 2 1 
 
 Mischievous Nigger 4 2 
 
 Midnight Colic 2 1 
 
 Musical Diirkey 2 
 
 Nobody-'s Moke. 5 2 
 
 No Cure No Pay 3 1 
 
 Not cas Deaf as He Seem^ 3 
 
 Old Dad's Cabin 2 1 
 
 OldPoinpey 1 1 
 
 Other People's Children 3 
 
 Pomp's Praniis 2 
 
 Quarrel ome Servants 3 
 
 Rooms to Let 2 
 
 School 5 
 
 Seeinir Bosting 3 
 
 Sham Doctor ^ 
 
 16,000 Yp.its Ago 
 
 Sport with a Sportsman. 
 
 Stage Struck I)ai*key 2 
 
 Struck by Lightning 2 
 
 Stocks Up, Stocks Down 2 
 
 That Boy Sam 3 
 
 That Awful Carpet Bag 3 
 
 The Select School 5 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 3 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 108 
 4 
 197 
 198 
 170 
 216 
 20() 
 210 
 203 
 205 
 15o 
 
 17 
 
 130 
 
 215 
 
 250 
 
 The Popcorn Man 
 
 The Studio 
 
 Those Awful Boys 
 
 Twa'n's Dodging 
 
 Tricks 
 
 Uncle Jelf 
 
 U.S. Mail 
 
 Vice Versa 
 
 Villkens and Dinati 
 
 Virginia Mummy 
 
 Who Stole the Chickens 
 
 William Tell 
 
 Wig-Maker and His Servants 
 
 GUIDE BOOKS. 
 
 Hints on Elocution. 
 Hints to Amateurs.. 
 
 3 1 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 3 1 
 
 5 2 
 
 2 2 
 
 3 1 
 
 4 1 
 
 6 1 
 1 1 
 4 
 3 
 
 CANTATA. 
 
 On to Victory „., 
 
 iABL:iAUX. 
 
 Festival of Days 
 
 PANTOMIME. 
 Cousin John's Album. 
 
 MAKE YOUR OWN WIGS! 
 
 PREPARED WOOL, 
 
 PEl'JPABED WOOL IS AX ARTICLE THAT E VEl! Y oXK, 
 
 WITHOUT ANY EXPl^BIENOE, CAN 
 
 MAKE INTO 
 
 WIGS ! 
 
 BEARDS! 
 
 MUSTACHES ! 
 
 ETC.. ETC. 
 
 AT VEBY LITTLE COST A.\I> WILL BE SURE TO GIVE 
 SATISFAC I ION. 
 
 '^^^ PRICE 50 CENTS PER OUNCE. ^->^ 
 AMES' PUBLISHING CO., 
 
 LOCK BOX 152. ' CLYDE, OHIO 
 
 31. 
 
 LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 
 
 PH. 
 
 017 400 229 ^