LONE SCOUTS' PRINCIPLE A TWO ACT SCOUT PLAY BY MILTON F. METHPESSEL •*MlLFRAMET- LSXVII" CQ , .T,f ^^1 ill j» f. I ia nui tiua mlend and iiitalhct -.^c^ait J J ^'^na^Q. casnt-adeAkip lia;^ iicen txulu appteclat^a^ THE LONE SCOUTS' PRINCIPLE A TWO ACT LONE SCOUT PLAY BY MILTON F. METHFESSSL PUBLISHED 1918 MILTON F. METHFHSSEL COMPANY , Cedar Falls, Iowa Copyright, 1918, by Milton F. MetlifesseL < i" ■^fl^-Sii J , JUN -5 1918 -v. I LONE SCOUTS PRINCIPLE By Milt on F. M etkfcssel FOREWORD Without any doubt it was pure inspiration that inspired the writer to the task of preparinof this small book for the advancement of Lone Scout Prin- ciple and Ideals. It has been set forth in print in the form of a play, because the [;]ot was excellently ad- apted for such, and Originally was intended for that use. Our Lone Scout Tribes are becoming more and more lax in this' matter, and that is one of the things we must guard against. Tbe literary side of our scouts should be developed as well as the adventure spii-it and "having a good time." Well can the literary side r)f the scout be brought to li^rht by presentation of a play, and the one such as is contained in this book is ieft largely to the ingenuity of the players in being I worked out. The characters should put their very 3est into the production, and put themselves into the "Reeling of the play. Guard agamst ''saying words." The writer will feel well repaid for his work if every Lone Scout Tribe which exhibits the play will write :o him of the successs. MILTON F. METHFESSEL, ,1- May 1, 1918. Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Lone Scouts' Principle. By Milton F. Methfessel. Cast or Cnaracters:- Captain or tribe, tribe members, larmer, nis son, ana city tougn. ACT I. Scene 1. in the Lone Scout Club House. Curtain rises with the scouts all occupied in reading, playins: games, etc. All are present except the Ctiptain and Scout Charles Pilson. (Enter Scout Pilson). Charles. Hurrah, hurrah! Whee! All. What's the matter? Charles. Matter? Look here I Our Lone Scouts have come! All. Give me mine! Here first! Mine! Mine! etc. Walter Smith. Say, fellows, isn't that the best cover they ever have had. Say, look at all those Lone Scouts. Wish I were one of those fellows in the picture. All. So do we. Walter. Hurrah! TheyVe answered the question 1 asked them. (Look up small question in Lone Scout and he reads aloud). They're mighty accomodating. Robert tJenkins. Say, '' : ," their continued story is just fine, isn't it? iVre you fellows reading-it? I've read it all through. " '' sure is a hero, isn't he? Cleon Morgan. I am reading it. Are you Walter? Waller. Yes, you bet 1 am. It's dandy. ihe Lone Scouts Principle 5 (Charles, sets up a yell. All the scouts jump up arid see him wavino^ his '*Lone 8cout in the air, aud shoutino^, ''They put it in! They put it in!" James McManus What did they put in? Charles. My story! Hurrah! And they gave me a bronze merit medal for it too! Say, just look at the picture they used to illus — Cleon. \ ou have nothing on me, Mr. Charles. I won a silver merit medal in the contest I entered in. Look at that. (Shows it in ''Lone Scout). Now, I don't make such a big fuss about it either! (Boys stare in surprise at the essay, and then clap Cleon on the back, congratulating him) (Enter Captain. Boys set up a yell) Captain Well, boys, what's all the excitement. James. Oh! Everything! We've just received our ''Lone Scouts" and they have published what you sent in that big package with all our contributions together. That's excitement enough is'nt it? Walter. They published and answered the question 1 asked them! Charles. 1 won a bronze merit medal. Cleon. 1 luckily won a silver one. Captain That's fine, boys The issue this time is full of great surprises. 1 received my copy yesterday, and have seen all these things. You sure are to be congratulated. Turn to the Messenger Department. All of our name-s are there also. I am glad 1 sent that bundle of contributions to Chief Totem at one time, because it makes it practically our own • tribe's issue. Now, all lay down your "Lone Scouts" face 6 The Lone Scouts' Principle upward. (They do it). That's right. Now-close your eyes-pick them upturn them around, and look! (All shout in ^reat surprise). All. Our tribe picture! (Other excited exclamations). Charles. Why, you won a ^old merit medal for it too, didn't you? Gee you must have some bunch of medals now. Look at these! (Points to those on Cap- tain), wish I had all those. Cleon. That gold merit medal beats yours and mine, don't it Charles? Charles. I should say it does! I'd rather have a gold medal than a silver and br(»nze put together. Captain. Everyone arrange your chairs for the meet- ing. 1 have some very important business to take up this evening which will require your very closest at- tention. (They arrange the chairs while he is talking, and he put his desk and chair into place). First of all, I have a boy who desires to become a Lone Scout but I am afraid he has bad habits, like smoking and swearinfif, and of course that is entirely ag dnst our rules. I want a volunteer to watch him clcsely, for 1 have given him two weeks in which to reform. With him it will probably be necessary to exercise great caution. Who will volunteer? All. L Captain. Fine- Charles you have the honor. Charles. Yes, sir. All. Oh! (dissapointedly) Captain, (to Charles). Report the night before our camping and we will determine his eligibility. Charles. Yes, sir.. Captain. Now the business meeting will be called Ihe Lone Scouts' Principle 7 to order. We will listen to the Roll Call by our sec- retary, the Holder of the Feather. (Secretary calls roll. Boys all answer "Here." Captain. We will next listen to the minutes of last meeting. (Secretary reads them) Captain. Any other business to be taken up? Mot- ions are in order. Robert, (rising), Mr. Captain, I move we go campino^ soon. All. Second the motion. Captain, (laughing). We sure are going. I intended to tell yoa about that later bat this is probably as opportune a time. There are fine places along the Cedar river. 1 propose that we take our trek cart, which we built some time ago, and hike along the river until we come to a suitable place. 1 have your instructions ready for you, which I ran through on the hectograph. Bring all your goods and knapsacks. James, you bring your tent. It will undoubtable hold us all. I'll send some of the fellows to your house with the trek cart. James. Yes, sir. Captain. Any other buisness before the house, (si- lence). Captain. I then move that the Black Hawk Tribe have a tribe paper, and that Cleon Morgan be made the Editor. All, in chorus of voices. Second the ,motion! Just the thing! etc. Captain. Silence, scouts, (immediate silence). 8 The Lone Scouts Principle Captain. Lone Scout Morgan, if you will come to my house tomorrow [ will give you instructions as to l how to prepare your paper for the printer and also ] what departments to have in your tribe paper. Cleon. Yes, sir. Captain. Next, I want you fellows to go over all your old ''Lone Scouts" and make a scrap book of the choicest selections, stories, articles, jokes, and the like. Here is mine. I have just finished it. Divide it into various parts, such as Scouting, Camping, and Miscellaneous. For Camping find how to cook vari- ous things and the receipt for them.' Everybody do this. A fine prize will be given for the best one. Here is probably where our tribe paper will come in handy because it will save all this expilaining. Charles. (Looking at scrap book). Say, Captain, here is a magic trick. Can you do this one? (arises- and shows to leader). Captain. I probably could but I haven't the material for that one. However, 1 am prepared to show you another magic trick taken from "Lone Scout." (Explains and gives some trick taken from "Lone Scout.") Charles. Oh! 1 see thru that one. (He gives away the secret of the trick). Captain. The way you scouts can discover things certainly is surprising. All. That's our principle. Captain. Have you your "Useful Thing" reports ready yet? All. Yes, sir. (Captain calls for several, who read the list of "Useful Things" they have done.) Captain. Well, fellows, do any of you want to take The Lone Scouts Principle 9 jyour tests tonight? Charles. I do. (Names and gives sonae Lone Scout test he has prepared). Cleon. I do. (Names and ogives some Lone Scout test he has prepared). Captain. Now, fellows, we are going camping next week. Here are your instructions. (He passes them out). Everybody here at 6 o'clock. All. W^e sure will be! — Curtain — ACTTI Scene 1. At camp, in Captain's tent. Captain bus}^ at desk. Orderly at entrance. Farmer is heard outside as if in great excitement. 'Farmer. (Without). Say! Let me in there.! Orderly. Your name sir! Farmer. None of your business, Mr- Impudent! Captain. Orderly, admit him. Orderly. Yes, sir. (Farmer rushes in. He walks to Captains desk, shaking his finger and threatening). Farmer. Say I want to know what ye yoong cul- prits are doin' on my farm. What business have ye here? Answer me thet! 1 don't allow no trespassers on my land nohow, and I'll give 3^e to understand to pick up your goods and hike. Get me? ^(Glares fierce- ly at Captain). Captain. 1 am very sorry about this, sir, and still more sorry to see j^ou in such a state. Just let me explain. (Farmer cooled down)- Set down, won't you? Farmer, (grufi'ly). Thanks. Captain. (Seriously). Now see here. We're just a 10; Tne Lone Scouts' Principle bunch of Lone Scouts. I have brouo^ht these fellows from the smoky city for a hike and a camp, up the river. I intend to give them a good outing, if all goes well. We intend no mischief whatever, and give you our word of honor to leave every thing just as we found it. Perhaps — (draws out pocketbook). Farmer. Never mind thet! I don't want none o' thet! (Captain puts away pocketbook). Farmer. I just thought I'd stop on my way and find out a few things. Last year some fellows about your size came here, and they chopped down the trees and destroyed my woods. They left their camp fire burning, and when I came the grass was all afire. So I made up my mind never to let those fellows in again. I thought you were the same bunch. I guess it's all right — (Loud noise heard out side. Farmer leaves tent in haste. Soon comes running in with a boy in his arms). Farmer. (Excitedly). What's the matter, Willie? Did it h urt vou? (To Captain). Say, mister, can you help me? There ain't a doctor within six miles. He's broken his arm! Captain. Lay him on this cot. (Farmer obeys). (Captain blows whistle three times. Two scouts enter). Captain. This boy has broken his arm. Try your first aid. (Boys bandage up arm). Farmer. Well, well! I owe you fellows quite a biti How do you feel Willie? | Willie. I'm all right now, I guess. ■• The Lone Scouts Principle 11 JaptaiD. (to scouts). You are dismissed. (They eave). [j^armer. You see, Willie, ray son, followed me (own, and I o^uess he fell over the tent rope and hit hat bier stone outside. 1 sure owe you fellows some- I hinof. (Orderly enters) Orderly. Sir, one of the scouts asks admittance. Japtain. Admit him. (Scout enters with old fashioned wallet in hand). 5C0ut. Sir, 1 belive this is that gentleman's. (Nod- iing to farmer). Farmer, (reachino^ in pocket, discovers loss) Well «rell! So it is! Who'd ever think you fellows were so lonest? Thank you, sir. (To Captain). Say, yon fel- ows can camp here all summer if you would like to. He pulls large handkerchief from pocket. It drops. >cout picks it up, and politely hands it to the farmer), ^^armer. Well, weill I never saw such a fine bunch )f honest, orderly, and courteous fellows in all my )0rn days. Thank you very much I vaptain. (To scout). You are dismissed. (Scout eaves). farmer. Here's a little amount for that honest fel- ow who gave me my pocketbook. Captain. I absolutely refuse, sir. It's against the jone Scout principles to take money for doing our isefal things. Thank you, just the same, farmer. Weill Well To think 1 acted so mean with ^ou fellows! You sure are a fine bunch. 1 apologize hundred times. I guess you will probably need milk )utter and eggs. Call at the house, and I'll supply 12 The Lone Scouts' Principle you with all you want. Captain. Thank you, sir. (Noise outside. Orderly enters) . Orderly. (To Captain). That tou_oh,-l mean- fellow you spoke about at our last meetinor has come. You know he said he w^anted to be a Lone Scout. He left the city the day after our meetins:, as Scout Pilson told you. so he couldn't make his report. Now he's turned up again, and he's been watchinor the fellows signal, make our test requirements, and the like. He says he sure wants to join now, and wants to come in and see you. Captain. Admit him. (Boy, dressed as ct y tough enters). Captain. What can I do for you. Tough. Hello there! Glad ter see yer agin! Say! I wants ter jine them there Lone Scouts! I've been watchin' 'em feignal, and pass de test, and I wants to do de same. Kin i jine? I gives ye me word of hon- or never to go back to the old habits agin. Here's my money so please let me jine. Captain. (Seriously). Where did you go after you left town a few days ago? Toufi^h. 1 went to de country to reform. I heard you fellers were near, so I comes ter tell ye I'd suc- cessed in reformin'. Captain. I'll send your application to Chief Totem Boyce. We'll vote you in at our next tribe meeting. Now start on your tests. Orderly, supply our friend with a suit, soap and a towel. See that he is cleaned up correctly. The Lone Scouts Principle 13 r(ferl3\ Yes, sir. (They -leave), j'armer. k^ay, can my boy join them Lone Scouts. .'ve wanted him to be a better boy, and if he will be ike your fellows here at camp, I'll want him to join I thousand times Daptain. He can certainly join the Lone Scouts. -lere's his application blank. Send it to Chief Totem 3oyce. ,^armer. Thank you, sir. I g-uess I must leave. Can j[ ofivo your folks a little speech. I used to be a hpeech-maker five years ao^o. Raw for Maj^or of our ,own! Japtain. Certainly. — Orderly I Orderly. Yes, sir. Oaptain. Call the fellows in. Jrderly. Yes, sir. (Blows one long blast on whistle) Scouts all come in. Sit on ground. Farmer rises. ' Farmer. Scouts! This is indeed a great surprise to ,ne. But I think it will be a bigaer one to you. Epulis off whiskers, and Scouts recognize him as the luinister of their church). Scouts. Mr. Brown, our minister and tribe advisor I I Mr. Brown. Yes, Scouts! I wanted to see how you !!:ellows would act, if confronted by difficulties. I ivanted to see if the Lone Scouts' -principles still leld good with you. I want to commend the Captain ipon his cool and able manner of handling diffiicul- ;ies. i want to commend the honesty of you Scouts. [ dropped my purse and my handkerchief on purpose. 14 The Lone Scouts Principle You scouts were honest and courteous. Willie is the real farmers son, but he didn't break his arm. (Willie rises and takes off splints and bandao^e). Now I 'm afraid I'll have to ask fororiveness for this little trick I have played. — Will you forgive me? Captain. Sure; that's all in the Lone Scout's princi- ples. — Curtain — iXd^c^Uscmcnh ScorT Editors!- We will send yon 3 copies of this play for inserting the following add, provided }on have a ciruulalion of 2co or more: Lone Scouts' Principle! The great, famous play no V in printed form. Every Booster Scout has one. Have you? In two acts, neatly bound. Price 15c. Milton Methfessel, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Scouts! Do yon know all you want to about Woodcraft? Scouiing? Tribes? If not, send 30c to Charles Merlino, Hudson Heights. N. J. for one years subscription to "Lone Beaver Tribune." Send to Us for prices on having your booklets printed, Mr. L.S. Author. We specialize on a booklet this size. Better run an add in tlie next edition of this play, which goes to press soon. Limited space- first come, first served. H^^rry! -Author and Publisher, Agents Wanted To distriluite -'.nd take or- ders for this play. Write for proposition. G)od commission to the right person. M.F MithfeSiel Company, Cedar Falls, Iowa. ^-^ u w^ t a ^ ^ ^I -jf -^ ^■;i, Y '^:^ ^, lotis 2 ^ fi R ^ "'C © 1 i ^ <9 YOU CANGETTHK GAME, IvONESCOUTS PROGRESS, WHICH IS COORDINATE WITH LOKE SCOUTS PRIKCIFLE, AKD BYTH2 SAME AUTHOR. Send us 5c for full particula ;j and inslructitjiis how to make it. All t'lat is !\.c[nire(l is ink and paper- and tlieii you Iiave a game tiie whole tribe will enjoy. Why Wait? MILTON F. TvIETHFESSEL ROUTE 2 CEDAR FALLS, IOWA Price of this Play Single Copy- 15c Two Copies- 25c Ten Copies- $1.00 We have made it possible to get these booklets at a reduced rate for larger quantities. In exhibit- ing the play it is always necessary for each char- acter to have a cop> of his own, and by ordering them in this manner a reduction is secured. We hope that every reader of the play will be so in spir'd that they will put forth every possible ef- fort to stage it. It offers excellent opportunities. MILTON F. METHFESSEL ROUTE 2 CEDAR FALLS, lOW^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 212 039 2 |