NEVy PLAYS / SHAMROCK AND ROSE. Four Acts. Ten characters. IN THE ENEMY'S CAMP. Three Acts, Ten characters. OUT OF HIS SPHERE. Three Acts. Eight characters. ANITA'S TRIAL. Three Acts. For All Girls. ^ A RICE PUDDING. Two Acts. Five characters. AN AUTOGRAPH LETTER. Three Acts. Ten characters. THE WAY TO HIS POCKET. One Act. Five characters. THE BAT AND THE BALL. One Act, Seven character* Price, 250. Price, 15c. Price, 15c. Price, 25c. Price, 25c. Price, 250. Price, 15c. Vrice, 15c plays for /Amateur Sf^eatrieals. BV GEORGE TUt. BKKER, Author of ^^ Amateur Dramas," "The Mhnic Stage" *'The Social Stage" "The Drmoing" Room Stage" "Handy Dramas" "T/te Exhibition Dratnas" "^ Baker's Dozen" etc. Titles in this Type are New Plays. Titles in this Type are Temperance Plays. DRAMAS. Jn Four Ads, Better than Gold. 7 male, 4 female char. , ... 25 /;/ Three Acts. our Folks. 6 male, <; female char. . 15 The Flower of the Family. 5 male, 3 female char. ' 15 En I isTED FOR THE War. ^ male, 3 fe- male char 15 My Brother's Keeper. 5 male, 3 fe- male char 15 Tin' lAtin' Jirowti Juy. 5 male, 3 female char , . . . , 15 /« Two A cts. Above the Cloudh. 7 male, 3 female char 15 One Hundred Years Ago. 7 male, 4 female char 15 Among the Breakers. 6 male, 4 female char 15 Bread ON the Waters. 5 njale.s female char 15 Down by the Sea. 6 male, 3 female char •15 Once on a Time. 4 male, 2 female char. 15 The L,ast Lioaf. 5 male, 3 female char. 15 In One A ct. oTAND BY THE Flag. 5 male char. . . 15 Tlte Tempter. 3 male, i female char. 15 COMEDIES AND FARCES. A Mysterious Disv»ppeaTance. 4 male, 3 female char 15 Paddle Your Own C'aooe. 7 male 3 female char. . , 15 A Tirop too Much. 4 male, i female char 15 A. Littlf Hlore Cid'r. 5 male, 3 fe- male char 15 A Thorn Among the Roses. 2 male, 6 female char 15 x'Tevkr ^ay Die. 3 male, 3 female char. 15 'eking the Elephant. 6 male, 3 female char. 15 The Boston Dip. 4 male, 3 female char. 15 The Duchess of Dublin. 6 male, 4 fe- male char 15 Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 4 male, 3 female char 15 We're all Teetotalers. 4 male, 2 fe- male char 15 Male Characters Only. A Close Shave. 6 char. 15 A Public Benefactor. 6 char. ... 15 A Sea of Troubles. 8 char 15 COMEDIES, etc., continued. Male Characters Only. A Tender Attachment. 7 char. . . 15 Coals OF Fire. 6 char. ...... 15 Freedom OF THE V'ress. S char. ... 15 Shall Oor Mother-* \'ot«-? 1 1 char. 15 Gentlemen OF THK Jury. 12 char. . . 15 Humors OF THE Strike. 8 char. . . . 1 s My Uncle THE Captain. 6 char. . . . 15 Nf.w Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . 15 The Great Elixir. 9 char 15 I'hk Hypochondriac. 3 char 15 . he Man with the Uemijohn. 4 char 'IS The Runaways. 4 char 15 The Thief OF Time. 6 char 15 Wanted, a Male Cook. 4 char. . • • 15 Female Characters Only. A Love OF A Bonnet. 5 char 15 A Precious Pickle. 6 char 15 No Cure No Pay. 7 char 15 The Champion OF Hek Sex. 8 char. . 15 The Greatest Plague in Life. 8 char. 15 The Grecian Benu. 7 char 15 The Red Chignon. 6 char 15 Using the Weed. 7 char 15 ALLEGORIES. A rrangedfor Music and Tableaux. Lighthart's Pilgrimage. 8 female char 15 The Revolt of the Bees. 9 female char 15 The Sculptor's Triumph, i male. 4 fe- male char. 15 The Tournament of Idylcourt. 10 fe- male char 15 The War OF the Roses. 8 female char. 15 The Voyage of Life. 8 female char. . 15 MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. An Original Idea, i male, i female 15 Bonbons; or, the Paint King. 6 male, I female char 25 Capuletta; or, Romeo and Juliet 15 Restored. 3 male, i female char. . 15 Santa Claus' Frolics 15 Snow-bound; or, Alonzo the Brave. AND THE Fair Imogene. 3 male, i female char 25 The Merry Christmas of the Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe. ... 15 The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male char 15 The Seven Ages. A Tableau Entertain- ment. Numerous male and female char. 15 Too Late for the Train. 2 male char. 15 The Visions of Freedom, ii female char 15 AFTER TAPS ^ ©rama in W\}xu ^cts • -^ COMPLETED BY RACHEL E. T^,\KER U FROM NOTES AND UNFINISHED MAM:EC1iY.\\QO\\\^s hand which he has extended. Do^xothy bows slightly.) Col. {seated 1)1 arni-chairj KvTii beside him). Newcomb, since you are not on our side, I cannot say " Come and join us '' in the fight. No doubt, you are doing your duty equally well, by remaining here. Newcomb. There is other work besides fighting. Colonel, and mine lies close at hand. Col. True. And that reminds me of mine. Come, major, escort me to my room. We will talk over the plans for our return. Dorothy, dear, I must lean upon you, too. Ruth, I leave Mr. Newcomb to your kind care. Good-morn- ing, Newcomb. (Exeunt Col., Major, and Dor., l.) Ruth {coming forward, about to seat herself at table; coldly). Won't' you be seated, Mr. Newcomb.'' New. {sits in chair near mantel). The colonel insists upon a return ; do you think this wise, Mrs. Graham ? Ruth. His heart is so full of patriotism, every hour's delay irritates him. Since he cannot be persuaded, I think lO AFTER TAPS. it wiser to let him go. Yet, I fear for his safety. That shot in the back was mysterious. Some foe, calHng himself friend, lurks near him ; why, I cannot imagine. He is everything that is true and noble ; and whoever fired that shot had some motive, which one attempt upon the colonel's life will not satisty. Ni:\v, My dear Mrs. Graham, you are morbid. A colo- nel's life is at hazard as well as that of a private. Why could not the shot from an enemy's rifle have done the work .^ Ruth. . Impossible I the enemy were in front. Only a coward would do so contemptible a deed. New. True, there are some without honor, Mrs. Graham. Your brother, Roger Carruth, for instance. Ruth {ris/;/j(). How dare you, Mr. Newcomb, in my own home, speak so slightingly of my brother.-^ Why have you turned against him .'* When he was first accused of the crime, you acted as his friend. Since his escape, you never lose an opportunity to taunt me with his downfall. New. Because the evidence against him has strengthened. Ruth. Mr. Newcomb, you call yourself friend. I do not believe you. Roger is as innocent of that crime as I am, and you know it. Not content with attempting to overturn my faitli in my brother, you have spared no time or trouble to turn the colonel against him. He believes in your friend- ship so thoroughly, he never thinks to doubt your word. Ni:w. That is as it should be, Mrs. Graham. And, I hope, some day, the colonel's wife will favor me with her con- fidence. Ruth. Never. Your very presence is hateful to me, and could I have my wish you would never again cross this threshold. The time will come when Roger's innocence will be proved, and woe to those who are his accusers. {Elite}- Polly, r.) Polly. If you please. Mrs. Graham, the colonel is ask- ing for you. Ruth. Very well, Polly. (Polly ^.vzV.) I fear the walk has been too much for the colonel. Will you excuse me ? New. Certainly. (Ruth exits, l.; New, laiii^hs.) It will be a long time before that day, my dear Mrs. Graham. The plot cannot so easily be unravelled. Suspects some foe of the colonel's, does she? She shall have abetter cause. The shot will be more telling next time. {Goes to window.') {Enter Roger, disguised as Gibbs.) GiBBS. Is the colonel at home ? (New. turns, sees Gibbs, and ((ives a surprised whistle j GiBBS looks at New., and v.'histles.) AFTER TAPS. II New. {coming down). What business brings you here ? GiBBS {coining dow7i). To inquire after the colonel's health. Nkw. I can give you full information. He has quite re- covered, and is to rejoin his rei:;iment to-day. What next.'^ GiBBS. To ascertain if he has ever found a clew to the perpetrator of the foul outrage. New. If not, to turn traitor. {Enter Dor. in house goxun, aiid sees New. and Gibbs. She is about to j-etire^ but stops upon hearing Gibbs's speech.) Gibbs. Yes, for I can give him the name of the man who ]:)lanned his murder. (DoR. crosses to stage C. and hides be- hind portiere.) New. And what do you expect to get for this startling piece of news ? Gibbs. Well," say fifty dollars. New. I will give you a hundred to say nothing about it, on one condition, that you yourself try your hand. That man Dowling was worse than nothing. It was a bad shot; we need better marksmen in our armies. Gibbs. You are bound to murder him .^ New. Murder? no indeed. " All's fair in love and war." Are we not enemies.'* Is he not the invader of the sacred soil tliat was my birthplace ? Has he not won the heart of the woman I once loved .'* That affection is now dead, and hatred has risen from tlie ashes. She scorned me once, and I shall not rest until her happiness is wrecked. Gibbs. Then that explains your treachery towards her brother, Roi^er Carruth. (Dor leans forward ; listening.) New. What do you know of Roger Carruth ? The world looks upon him as a criminal ; lie is beyond recall and as good as dead. Gibbs {looking at him steadily). You are sure ? New. Yes, I am confident of that. Gibbs. And the family ; do they not suspect ? New. Suspect? not much ; they are too simple for that. You are still in the colonel's regiment ? Gibbs. Yes. What are your orders ? New. Are you at any time placed as sentinel near tlie colonel's quarters ? Gibbs. Yes, any night may find me there. New. Well, I must take my chances. To inquire after the colonel's health is sufficient excuse for my appearance in camp at any time. The colonel has given me a standing invitation. 12 AFTER TAPS. GiBBS. Which you will have no hesitation in accepting, I see. New. What time are you placed there on guard ? GiBBS. Just before taps. Ni:w. Good, just the thing. After taps will be the time. Lights out, everything quiet. Can I depend upon you, Gibbs ? GiBBS. You liave my word, sir. Nkvv. Ha, lui!' word.'* do you think that yours is worth anything ? Gibbs. Sometime I hope it will be. Nf:w. Remember, you owe much to me. Should you turn traitor, your reckoning will be a .sorry one. Gii5BS. I shall not forget all that you have done for me. Some day I will pay it back with interest. (DoK. hides; GiBBS exit c.) Ni:w. 1 wonder if I can trust him ? He seems docile enough ; but sometimes I fancy there's a. look in his eye — pshaw ! what nonsense. Newcomb, my boy, a clever trick, a bold scheme ; but you will win it, never fear. {Exit New., c.) Doi^ {friohtened, appears from behind portiere). What do I hear .-* A scheme to take the colonel's life, and by his best friend too. {Goes to luindow.) There he goes, oh, the hvpocrite. Now I know why I hate him so. With all his fine manners, I have not been deceived. Ugh! 1 hate even to shake hands with him. Oh dear, if I were only a man, that I might be near the colonel. Whom shall I tell.'* Who will help me ? Ruth must not know, she has enough to bear. {Goes to mantel and takes Roger's //tY7/;r/ ninsic.) They call me gay, Roger, frivolous and heartless. Perhaps I am, I lut if they could only look dow^n deep into my heart, they would find the love for you, burning a strong and steadfast flame. {Places picttn-e on mantel and stands looking at it.) O, Roger, why did you leave me ? 'We all believed in your innocence and could have helped you bear the burden, which now alone must be so heavy. Oh, if you were only here to help me now. {Bows head on hands and stands weeping ; music ceases. Enter BijAH and Polly.) BijAH. That was the best piece of pie, Polly. If I could only have my knapsack as a receptacle for such samples of your cooking, 1 wouldn't need drum and fife to spur me on. Polly {sees Dor.). Husli, Bijah, Miss Dorothy is here. Dor. {raises head ; comes forward). A visitor, Polly ? Polly. Yes ma'am. A friend from Oldtown ; and only think, Miss Dorothy, he knows your Mr. Roger. AFTER TAPS. 13 Dor. Knows my Roger? {Goes to Bijah.) Oli, tell me of him ; where is he? Bijah. That I cannot tell you {takes letter from pocket^, but here is a letter, which he bade me give you should I ever come to Baltimore. (Dor. takes letter; breaks seal. Bijah and Polly retire to luindow; music.) Y)o\i. {reads). My darll\g Dorothy. — That you still have faith in me I have no doubt. Your heart is too pure for anything else. I have enlisted in the army, and only as private will serve my country with heart and soul. When the war is over, I will return to you ; my innocence established, and the foe, not only my country's but my own, defeated and trodden under foot. Bijah Bright, the bearer of this letter, is a true and loyal friend. He is worthy of your greatest respect, for he stood by me in mv darkest hours. My love to dear sister Ruth. Until we' meet again, yours in life or in death. Roger. Dor. {kisses letter). Mr. Bright, I am more than grateful to you for bringing this letter ; it fills my heart with renewed hope. Believe m^e {gives hand to Bijah), your loyalty to Roger makes us warm and steadfast friends. Bijah. I shall see him again, Miss Dorothy, and, w^hen I do, I shall say to him, that the stars in heaven never shone brighter than the love in your eyes when you spoke his name. DoK. You are a true knight. Will you take an answer to this letter? Bijah. Indeed, 1 will. Dor. Thank you so much. B;jAii. No thanks, .Miss Dorothy, the pleasure's mine. (DokvOthy exit R.) Tolly. Isn't she just sweet, Bijah ? Bijah. You've hit it this time ; were it not for the daz- zling- 1 rio-htness of the orbs of fascinating Miss Folly Prim- rose^ the palpitation of my heart would be greatly increased ; as it is — There's only one maid, and Polly s her name, Of my love, my heart, she surely makes game; But some time or other, so sorry she'll be, She'll sigh for her Bijah, the bear of Old T. Polly. Indeed, I won't. There's plenty of fish in the sea, Mr. B., Who'd bile at my hook with the greatest of glee : You think, as you've writ, sir, my heart is your own, That over your absence I sigh and I moan, Indeed, I do not, sir; pray hear me aright, ^ . .^ I wouldn't give that {snaps fingers), sir, to be Mrs. Bright. 14 AFTER TAPS. BijAH. Ha, ha, Polly, ibat wee brain of yours isn't an idle one. It won't do for us to separate, but make a stock company and spring; our poetic effusions upon the public together. {Enter Roger, luithout disguise.) RoGFCK. Is Miss Dorothy at home ? BijAii. Wliy — Mr. Roger here .? . Polly. Land of living ! Where did you come from } Roger. Was marching by ; could not resist the tempta- tion of a stolen glance at Dorothy. BijAH. Have just given her your letter, and she is now writing one in answer. Roger. But I must see her. BijAH. Then I won't wait for that answer. And, as I know the sensations of a fluttering heart. Til step out and let you flutter alone. Roger. All right, Bijah. Where are you going ? BijAH. Back to camp. Tve had a ta.ste of Polly's pies. That's joy enough for one day. Roger {pving hi))i papers). Take these to the captain, and I will soon follow. BijAH. All right. {Takes flag.) Polly, should I on the cold earth lie, remember this — \ loved your pie. {Exit BijAH.) Polly. Pity sakes alive ! Mr. Roger, how shall I break the news to Miss Dorothy? Roger. Your wits were always lively, Polly. I shall leave it to you. Polly. Dear me, she may come at any moment. Here, hide behind this. (RoGiiR^-w,*' beJiind portiere, c.) Polly. Oh, dear, every idea in my brain is playing tag with the other. Such a horrid sensation I feel, as if some one had proposed and 1 had said " No," when I meant " Yes.'' {Raises eyes.) Shade of my departed grandsire, aid me. {Draws herself np, makes to door R., exits calling., " Miss Dorothy, Miss Dorothy.'''') Roger {drawing portiere aside). Oh, how good to be in my own home again. They say that stolen goods are always the sweetest; one look and kiss from Dorothy will indeed be worth the stealing — hark, they are coming. {Hides. Enter DoROTHY ajid Polly.) Dor. What is the matter, Polly? P^rom'the vigorous manner in which you called my name, I should think the house was on fxre, or besieged by burglars. ^ ^ Polly {excited). Hush, Mis's Dorothv. it ain't a fire — it's worse — it's burglars. AFTER TAPS. 15 Dor. {screams ). Oh ! Polly. Don't, Miss Dorothy ; some one entered the house while you were in your room, and has stolen some- thing. Dor. Stolen something ! What ? Polly. Something that belongs to you. It is very precious. Dor. {looks at hand). My rings are all here. Polly. Oh, — no — not that, something worse ; {lo7i({ whisper) it's your heart. Dor. Polly, tell me instantly, what do you mean ? Polly {excited), I mean — I mean — no, I don't mean, yes — I do — Dor. Polly, if you can talk sensibly, pray do, and not as if your brain were congested. Polly. Indeed, Miss Dorothy, my brain is all right — but look {mysteriously) behind that portiere. Dor. What is it ? You make my very blood run cold. Polly. Behind that portiere {goes to it, draws it aside, disclosing Roger), is — is — Dor. ' Roger ! {Rushes i/ito his arms.) Roger. My own dear Dorothy. Dor. Oh, Polly, you frightened me so. Polly. Thank heaven, that's over — it's worse than hav- ing a tooth pulled. Roger. You did nobly, Polly. Will you tell Mrs. Gra- ham that I am here ? Polly. Indeed I will. {Exit Polly, l.) Dor. Oil. Roger, I have wanted you so much. Roger. What do you think of me ? my lonely hours so far away from you all. Dor. But where have 3'ou been ? Tell me, Roger. Roger. Hush, Ruth is coming. I will tell you both together. (Enter Ruth.) Ruth. Roger, my dear brother. {Embrace^ Why this long silence 1 this uniform 1 What does it all mean ? ("Ruth and Dorothy both seated. Roger's hand on Ruth's shoulder, the other holding Dorothy's hand.) Roger. It means, dear sister,' that my heart responded to my country's call, and I could not stay away. Ruth. But why did you not confide in us 1 we all be- lieved in your innocence, Roger. All ? Ruth {Jool?s down). Yes, all ; for at heart the colonel 1 6 AFTER TAPS. believes in your honor. He must, but his friend Newcomb has so woven his influence about him, that the poison has done its work. Oh, Roger, that man, how I despise and fear him, Roger. And well you may. Never mind, Ruth, some day my name will stand without a blemish, and the colonel will be made to forget his doubts. Now, I shall serve my country with my heart and soul, believing and trusting that justice in good time will right my wrongs. Colonel {outsnh'). Yes, major, a capital plan. Ruth. The colonel I he must not see you. I fear he may forget that you are my brother. Roger. Never mind. Ruth, his words cannot hurt me. {Enfer CoL(jnel /c-anino upon arm o/Viyms, ivho carries the Colon el\s cloak a mi hat.) Col. Ruth, dear, I am quite myself again. The major's active brain has helped to clear my cobwebbcd intellect, and our united forces have conceived a most brilliant scheme. {Tarns; sees Roger; sterniy.) Roger Carruth. what are you doing here ? Roger. Calling upon my sister and my fiancee. Col. And do you think, sir, that I, tlieir only protector, will allow one whose name is sullied to hold an interview with them 1 Ruth {goes to Colonel). Gordon, you forget that you are speaking to my brother. Dor. {goes to Roger). And please remember, Gordon, that this man I love and honor above all others. Col. Stop, I say. In my own house, I will speak my mind. Roger Carruth, leave this house. All here bear hon- ored names. We do not associate with dishonest men. Ruth {sobbing). Gordon, how can you be so cruel "i Roger. Colonel Graham, you forget to whom you are speaking. We once called ourselves brothers ; that tie remains. We shall both fight for our country's honor. Mine will be a double duty. My good name shall stand again, and you, who spurn me now, shall live to crave my pardon. Farewell, Dorothy. {Exit Roger, c.) Ruth. Gordon, you have broken my heart. Dor. You call yourself a soldier. If I were your country, I would disown you. Col. Hush, Ruth, don't condemn me. Dorothy, I have done wliat seemed my duty. Dor. There are .some duties it is wiser to overlook. (Colonel atid Ruth .stand talking together; Dorothy drags Potts down front,') AFTER TAPS. \*J Dor. Pinky, what do you think of all this ? Potts. A downright dirty piece of business, but don't blame the colonel. Newcomb is at the bottom of this. Dor. Newcomb ? Oh, yes . Pinky, what do you think ? I overheard him talking to one of the coloneFs men, and he's plotting {whispers') murder. Potts. What ! Murder ? Who is the victim ? Dor. The colonel. That shot in the back was a first attempt, and he is going to try it again. Potts. Not by a large majority. Dor. You must help him in some way. Potts. I'll do my best ; and if Newcomb isn't " laid out " before we're done with him, my name isn't Pinkerton Potts. Dor. Find Roger ; he will' help you. He's too loyal to harbor the Colonels words when his hfe is in danger. {Sound of fife and dni?n. Troops pass ivindow, as at opening. Polly enters, goes to window.) Col. Come, Ruth, my cloak and hat. Ruth {/iclps /rim with cloak). Must you leave me? {Music.) Col. {taking Ruth in his arms). Ruth, dearest, you are a soldier's 'wife, remember. Forgive my harsh words to Ro^er, but by the fireside or on the battle-field, our honor must be upheld. When the bugle calls me to active service, with heart and soul to lead my men in battle, it calls you to be brave and to conquer all fears, giving inspiration to those who march to meet the foe, and waiting with patient love and hope our safe return. {Kisses Ruth : embraces Doro- thy.) Good-by, Dorothy. Come, major. (£";i7/ Colonel.) Ruth. Major, watch over him and bring him back to me. Potts. I will do mv best, Mrs. Graham. Dor. Good-by, major ; don't forget the sacred trust im- posed upon you. ' Care for them both. {Exit Major.) (Ruth falls into Dorothy's arms,) Dor. Ruth, dear, be brave. Roger will be near Gordon, I know. He has suffered much, but he will forget his own wronc-3. We have faith in him and know him to be steadfast and t?ue. Some time the world will know it. Keep hope alive in your heart, and believe with me, that Roger will some day make that shot in the back rebound, and the traitor will meet his just deserts. {Tableau. Ruth in Dorothy's arms. Polly at win- dow waving hatidker chief.) CURTAIN. • 1 8 AFTER TAPS. ACT II. AFTER TAPS. Scene I. — Euca7)ipi)ient of Union troops at Harrisajt'^s Landitio one week later ; time, noon. Vieiu of James River at back. Colonel Graham's tent, l. c, opening facing audience. T?'ees R. and L. ; fatten log R. Catnp- stool outside tent ; inside, table, stools, couch. In one corner, banjo ; old army coat, hanging. Sentinel pacing at back. Soldiers grouped about ; wooden table c, at which are seated soldiers playing cards. Kilroy on log R.; BijAH V>\\\i\\\^ standing back of table. Soldiers laugh as curtain is raised. BijAH, Wal, that's a true story, and don't you forget it. KiLROV. Faith, it's an injy rubber memory yees have any way. An' divil a bit does it trouble yees to stretch it. Be jabers ! it makes me dhry to Hsten to yees. {Drinks from canteoi, then looks at watch.) Shure, it's toime I was on watch. {Exits r.) {Enter Colonel Graham and Major Potts. Soldiers rise, salute, and disperse.') BijAH {dow/i front). Ha, ha! I've given them chaff enough for one day. It will give them something to talk about and keep them out of mischief. {Exit R. ; Colonel Graham seats himself on stool outside tent.) Col. Ah, major, already new life fills my veins ; to know that I am with my men again. That seven days' fight is over at last; poor fellows! how many have answered thei^- last call, and lie with white faces upturned to the sky ; only the heavy dew for a winding-sheet ; while the wounded are waiting for transports to take them back to Washington. Potts. Those were hard days, colonel ; but we 77iust succeed in the end. When we have gained the victory, some of those brave fellows, wliose souls are as white as their faces, will, if they can look down upon their country, rejoice that they gave their lives for so glorious a cause. AFTER TAPS. I9 (Guard approaches iviih sentinel.') Sent. Halt ! who comes there ? Guard. Friend. Sent. Advance, friend, and give the countersign. {Gmk^'D gives the countersign in whisper; Kilroy takes sentineVs place. The relieved sentinel falls behi7id guard and inarches off.) Major. Any orders, colonel ? Col. No, major, go amongst the men if you will, and speak words of encouragement ; I shall be my old self to- morrow. (Potts salutes, and exit past Kilrov, who salutes. Colonel enters tent and writes at table. Kilroy, pacing to aiid fro, suddenly starts and lowers musket.) KiL. Halt! who comes there .'' (^No answer; paces again.) Plague take it ! only the wind. (Pete appears, crawling on hands and knees.) KiL. Halt! who comes there? Advance, and give the countersign. Pete {rising afid coming forward). 'Deed I can't sign nuffin, massa. KiL. {dragging him forward). Well, by the powers, if it ain't a shmall nagur. Pete. 'Deed, massa, I done mean no harm ; I's scared blue, I is. KiL. Blue, is it ? faith it must be navy blue thin, wid a coat of tan outshide it. Phat are yees doing here } Pete. Ps only come to find my mammy. KiL. Poind yees mammy. It's a foine place yees come to Ink for her; p'raps yees thinks she's a bowld sojer by in petticoats, ha, ha ! Pete. Please, massa, I tought maybe, when she runned away, der Union men would be good to her, and let her stay wid dem. KiL. Bliss his heart, a good bit of faith he has thin, and Patrick Kilroy is the last man, though he has an Irish heart, that would lit any harm come to this shmall spal-peen. Corporal of the guard, post four. {Enter Corporal.) KiL. {with hand on Pete's shoulder). Look here, sir. See what I've found crossing the line. Shure it's a bit of ould Africa. Corp. All right, I'll show him to the colonel. (Kilroy resumes march ; Corporal leads Pete to Colonel's tent and salutes.) 20 AFTER TAPS. Col. Well, what is it Corp. A contraband discovered crossing the lines. Col. Very well, leave him to me. (Corporal salutes and exit. ^ Col. {comiiio out of tc/it). My fine fellow, what is your name? Pete. Dey neber done gib me one, massa, only Pete. Col. How old are you .'' Pete {scratching head). Dunno, specs Pse purty old ; Pse had heaps of fun. Col. Where did you come from ? Vktk {points across rive?-). Ober dere. Powerful^ hard time Pse had too. massa. Pse runned away. Col. Why did you come here ? Pete. Ole massa, he sold my brudder, an' I jest feared he'd make me gwine too. An" I knowed der Union men was heaps good to de poor niggers, an' I tough t p'raps yer might tell me whar my mammy is. Col. No, Pete, my ])oy, I don't know where your mammy is. {P7its hand oji Vkik's shoulder.) What are you going to do? Pete {scratching head). Dunno! {Thinks a moment, then looks brightly into Colonel's /\va\s applaud, then gradu- ally disperse.) I tell you what, Bijah, music and a song like that cheer a man up. If we have many more days of dead calm and quiet, I shall be tempted to desert the cause and soothe my troubled spirit with the society of some fair maiden. Bijah {turns Pete around ; laughs at coat). You're a great one, you are. Wliere did you get that coat .'* Pj:te. Massa Colonel gib me dat ; he's heaps good to me, he is. I takes care ob eberyting, and Ps his guard. Bijah. His what ? Guard } Oh, ho ! You mean body- guard. {Whistles; aside.) Wal, I vum, here's an idea. We'll work him. {To Pete.) Go back to your work, Pete. {ViLT^goes into tent.) Major, I have an idea. (Potts comes doiun front ; Bijah takes his arm.) Potts. Isn't it rather dangerous to give it away ? Bijah. How can we look out for the colonel ? We can't always be at his side, or he will suspect something. He must not be warned, his health won't stand that. That small specimen of black humanity calls himself the colonel's guard ; body-guard, he means. Now, why can't he be warned of tlie colonel's danger, and I'll trust him for the rest 1 He's might- ily taken with the colonel, and you know what a darky's devotion is. Potts. Bijah, you're a trump! If that is a specimen of your stock of ideas, you are a valuable man. Pete, come here. (Pete runs out of tent.).^ AFTER TAPS. 23 Potts. Come here ; we wish to talk with 3'ou. Pete. Ts all ready, sar ; bof years wide open. BijAH. That's all right. Keep your mouth shut. Potts. You like the colonel pretty well, don't you.^ Pete. Like him, massa ? Deed I does. He's heaps good ter me. Look at des yer cloe's. Potts. You can pay him back for them, if you will. Pete {pttiting hands 271 pockets ; turns them wrono side out; looks at them dolefnlly^ then at Potts). Please, massa, I can't gib yer nuffin. Potts {patting Pete o)l back). I don't mean money. Pete. Does yer mean I can do somefin for him 1 BijAH. Yes, that's jest the pint. Pete. Deed, I'd just like dat. Does yer know what he's gwine ter do for me ? When dis yer war is ober he's gwine to help me find my mammy. Don't yer tink I "specs him for dat? Potts. Gad, you're a lucky fellow to find such a friend as that. I wish the colonel would help me find a sweetheart. Pete {grinning). 'Specs for such a fine-lookin gennle- man as you is, massa, de colonel would not have to work bery hard. Potts. Thank you, Pete. That's praise worth having. BijAH. I say, Pete, there's some one in this world, that docsnt love the colonel : you must take good care of him. One of these fine days some one will try to shoot him. Pete. Shoot massa Colonel t Not if Pete can help it. BijAH. Mind, you keep both eyes wide open. {Exit BijAH through trees.) Pete. Deed I will, massa. Potts. Pete, my boy, the colonel is one of my dearest friends. I promised his wife that I would take good care of him, but I may be called away at any moment. I commend him to your care. And remember, the trust is a sacred one. {Exit Potts.) PiiTE {salutes ; wipes eyes on sleeves, and stands looking dj ter him). I'll do de bes I knows. Golly, specs I didn't jine de army for nuffin. {Goes into tent j brings 02it pail and exits R. through the trees for water. Enter Polly, wearing cloak a7id poke bonnet., with basket covered with napkin on ann, leading DoR., disguised as an old lady; bonnet with veil over face.) Polly {out of breath). My gracious ! thankful enough, I am, that we are out of sight of those horrid soldiers. One of them tried to kiss me. Ugh ! it makes me shiver to think of it. Miss Doroihy, here we are at last. 24 AFTER TAPS. Dor. {raising veil). Indeed. I am thankful too. I am so tired. {Looks about.) Where are we, Polly.? Polly. Right in camp, miss ; see that tent ? I wonder who lives there ? Let's look in and find out. {Both ettter tent.) Dor. {takes pictiire in frame from table). Look, Polly, Mrs. Graham's picture. It must be the colonel's. Polly. Pity sakes alive ! so it is. He must not see us here. Dor. No indeed. I wonder how I can find Roger ; ever since I overheard that plot, sleep has forsaken me. Polly {iualkin<^ about, looking through trees r). Some one is coming this way. [Looks again.) And I really believe it is Major Potts. Dor. They say " Fortune favors the brave.'' This is indeed a lucky find. (Polly beckons ; Major appears.) Potts. Why, Polly Primrose, what are you doing here ? {Sees Dor.) Miss Dorothy, have you lost your senses ? In camp ! How did you enter? Dor. Behold my disguise. {Pulls veil over face ; then lifts iti) I am Polly's antiquated aunt. She has cakes to sell. Polly. Yes, do have one. {Offers cakes.) Potts {takina^ one). But what means this masquerading ? Dor. I must see Roger, Pinky, and could think of no way but this. I must tell him of the plot I overheard. Potts. I thought you were to leave that to me. Lost your faith in your old friend? Dor. {taking /lis hand). Don't think that for a moment. I could not remain at home. I did not dare tell Ruth, and I must tell my thoughts to some one; they were driving me frantic. Do find Roger for me — that's a dear fellow. Potts. That is easier said than done. He must keep out of the colonel's way, and that is his tent. Dor. You have wits enough to manage that. Don't tell him who is here, leave that to me ; I mean to give him a sur- prise. Potts. Let a woman alone for keeping a secret. You will undeceive him in five minutes. I know enough of the fair sex for that. Dor. If you were not Roger's best friend, I should say something that you would not like. Potts. I fly to do your bidding. Don't empty your vial of pent-up wrath over my defenceless shoulders. I should not dare to look a pretty girl in the face for a week. Dor. What a vacation the pretty girls would have! AFTER TAPS. 2^ Come, do hurry, or the colonel will return and spoil every- thing. Potts. Azi revoir .' {Salutes and exit past se7itinel, who salutes.') Dor. My heart is fluttering like an imprisoned butterfly. Hark ! Polly, some one else is coming. Polly {lookifig). Pity sakes alive! It's Bijah Bright; seat yourself on this log and don't speak. (Dor. copiers face ; seats herself on log ; Polly draws hood together.) {Enter Bijah, r.) Bijah. Wal, I agree with tlie major. This is getting monotonous ; my blood boils for excitement ; even the sight of a pretty face wouldn't go bad. That reminds me. {Takes picture OK t of pocket.) If I can't do that, there is no law to prevent me from looking at a pretty girl's picture ; and "by gorry,'' she is worth looking at. {Kisses picture) Polly. Well, I never! Now, I should just like to know — another g\x\, has he ? I'll pay him well for that ; deceiving me with his soft speeches. Bijah {turns). Bless my soul ! if here isn't a sweet lass now. What ! ho ! my pretty maid ; where are you going.'' Polly {disguises voice ; coiirtesying). If you please, sir, I have cakes to sell. {Uncovers basket.) Bijah. Here's luck. Just what I've been looking for. ril take half a dozen. {Gives coin; bites cake.) My! what cakes ! " Is this heaven. Uncle Tom ? " {Bites again.) These bring to me visions of Polly's kitchen and her pies. Where'er I roam, where'er I be, No cakes can equal Polly P's. This is richness. {To Polly.) Why do you hide your f;ice ? Let me look at you. Polly. Indeed I can't. BijAH. You can't. W\il, I can. {Tries fo raise her head.) Come now. give me a kiss. (Polly suddejily raises head., (It rows back hood and discloses herself to Bijah's astonished ga,c^> Bijah. Polly — Polly Primrose ! Polly {indignantly). Yes, Polly — Polly Primrose. Aren't you ashamed of yourself? You're a nice kind of a man, you are, pretending to be fond of me. Bijah. Oh, come, Polly, I didn't mean any harm. Polly. Oh no, no harm, of course not. Kissing every girl you meet. Don't speak to me — I'll never trust you or any other man again. 26 AFTER TAPS. {Enter Potts and Roger.) Potts. What is this ? An indignation meeting } Bijah quarrelling with a pretty woman .^ No, yes, it is — Polly Primrose ; but who is this ? {Looking at Don.) POLLV. That's my aunt, she came with me. Roger. Poor old lady ; she seems tired. PoLLV. That she is ; but she's never too tired to tell for- tunes ; wouldn't you like to hear yours '^ Roger. Anything to kill lime. {Goes to DoR.) Come, let's hear it. My time is short. {Looking about.) No dan- ger of the colonel's appearance, is there, Potts ? Potts. No, Roger, he is busily engaged. I've looked out for that. Roger. Good! Now, what is the wheel of fortune to bring me ? Oh ! {Crosses DoR.'s palm with silver.') I re- member, no golden treasure disclosed, unless the key be silver. Dor. {taking Roger's hand; disguised voice). Young man, you have had serious trouble ; some cloud hangs over you. You are suspected of some crime. Roger {starting). What witchcraft is here ? Dor. But you are innocent. If you have patience, your name will soon be cleared. Roger. I hope so with all my heart. Dor. You have a good heart, and, let me see — yes — that line is crossed — you have given it to some one. {Exeunt Polly and Bijah through trees, l.) Potts {slapping Roger on back ; laughs). You are hard hit, old man. Even the witches can read your heart. Dor. {addressing Potts). Your time is coming, sir. " He laughs best who laughs last.'' Roger. Ha, ha! Potts, some time that heart of yours won't stand the fire. Then I will charter a Catling gun to return all your volleys. Dor. (looking at Roger's hand). But what is this ? Some danger lurks near a friend; perhaps a brother. Roger. I have no brother. Dor. No ; not a real brother, but — Roger. The colonel ? Dor. {excitedly). Yes, yes. You must save him. He shall owe his life to you. Some one calling himself friend is his foe. {Rising; forgets, and assumes natural 7'oice.) He has done you a grievous wrong, but you w^ill forgive that } AFTER TAPS. 2J Roger. That voice! (/?^/>-?i- Dorothy's 7/^//.) Dorothy? Potts. Cleverly done, little maid. You actually waited eight minutes. {Looks at watch.) "Roger. Major ! Dorothy, what does this mean ? PoT-TS. A well-laid scheme, Roger, to hold a stolen in- terview with you. Miss Dorothy, you can talk with Roger JL'.st five minutes, no longer. The colonel will return by that time. {Exit Major. Roger sits on log; Dor. kneels at his side.) Dor. Forgive me for coming, Roger, but I was so anxious. Roger. Anxious, little one ? Why, what is the trouble ? Is it a quarrel with '• my dearest friend Mollie " ? , Dor. Don't speak like that. No one ever gives me credit for any depth of feeling, just because I laugh and take the good of life as it comes along. Roger. Which I hope you will always do, Dorothy dear. Come, forgive me, and tell me your trouble. Dor. Before the colonel, left home after his illness, Mr. Newcomb called one day. I entered the drawing-room, and overheard a conversation which he was having with some man, — a soldier in the colonel's regiment. Roger. Did you hear the man's name? Dor. Yes ; Mr. Newcomb called him Gibbs. Oh, I was so frightened, for I heard them plan to kill the colonel.' Roger. Kill the colonel ? How? When? Dor. This man was, some night, to be placed as the colonel's sentinel. That was to be the time and place. " After Taps " they said. Roger. Flave you told any one of this ? Dor. Only the major. It would never do to tell Ruth. She worries enough without that. Roger. And "you have kept it all to yourself? No won- der you were anxious. Dorothy, you are a treasure. Dor. But tell me, how can you save Gordon ? Roger. He says and thinks hard things of me, Dorothy. {Both 7-ise.) Dor. But you know at heart he does not mean it. It is all through that horrid Newcomb. Roger. Yes ; that horrid Newcomb. Dor. Promise me that you will do your best to save him. Roger. No need to promise that. He is your brother ; for that, if for no other reason, I must forget and forgive. Dor. Roger, you have made me so happy. Roger. Then, for all I have suffered, I ask no better reward. 28 AFTER TAPS. {Enter Potts.) Potts. Time's up. (Polly and Bijah enter.) Where is Polly ? Polly. Here I am, sir. (Bijah very dejected.) Roger. Bijah, escort them both. Give the countersign, that they may cross the lines safely. Polly. We do not need his assistance. He had better wait for another girl. {G/ares at Bijah.) Come, Miss Dorothy. RoGLR {embraces Doit.). Good-by, sweetheart. No more anxious moments, remember. Dor. Never. Good-by, Pinky. {Exeunt Dorothy, Polly, aiid Bijah.) Potts. Poor Bijah looks unhappy, because the maid of his heart won't smile upon him. He has a good heart, and is "true as steel.'' Roger {hand on Potts's shoidder ; music). Indeed he is. No one knows it better than I. He stood my friend in my darkest hours. Ah, Potts ! 1 have a hard battle yet to fight. Newcomb must not win the day. My plan is a bold one. Stand by me, old man ; your friendship will be tried. {Taking /lis /land.) But those honest eyes of yours never failed me yet. This firm pressure of your hand, and the knowledge of Dorothy's faith and love, give me strength and courage to do my duty. Scene II. — Same as Scene /. Evening. Kilroy has been relieved; lights across the river; table I'emoved froju the stage., c. Pete {discovered ligJiting candle in Colonel's toil). Golly, I feels powerful big, 1 does, wid dis yer coat ob de colonel's. 'Specs some time, dey will mistook us, and I gets all de salutes. {Comes out of tent.) Dey will 'proach me dis yer fashion. {Imitates Orderly and salutes.) Massa Colonel. {Imitates Colonel.) Yas, sar. {Imitates Or- derly.) A 'spatch from de general. {Imitates.) Ver)- well, sar. {Salutes; walks about with dignity; enter Kilroy.) KiL. Faith, and if it ain't the shmall heathen we saved from the other soide, Luk at the shtyle of him, — parading AFTER TAPS. 29 about wid the colonel's shtripes and buttons. Whist, honey, phat are yees doing wid that coat ? Pete {turnim^). I's habin' heaps of fun, I is. Massa Colonel gib me dis yer coat, an' Ts playin' wid my 'magina- tion, an' tinks I'se de colonel. KiL. Playin' wid phat is it .^ The nixt thing you know, it may be powder phat's playin' wid you. Pete. Does yer 'member, sah, when I comed across de line ? KiL. Will, indade I does. A foine specimen yees were. Shure, for a minit, I thought it was the divil himself, coming to give me a surprise party. Pete {grins). Den yer don't trabel wid him all de time, massa .-^ KiL. Oh, yer shpalpeen ! {Strikes at Pete, who dodges, turns a somersault, and exit past sentinel.) KiL. A shmart one, by the powers ! Travel with the divil is it ? Faith, and he goes it so fast, niver a bit cud I kape up wid him. If that shmall imp don't show more respict to his betthers, a shmall chance he'll get to travel with any one. {Exit KiL., R. ; Guard approaches with change of sentinel.) Sent. Halt! Who comes there ? Guard. Friend. Sent. Advance, iViend, and give the countersign. (Guard gives it ; Gibbs stands as sentinel ; relieved Sen- tinel inai'ches off behind Guard.) Gibbs. I wonder if Newcomb is on the watch. Yes ; here he comes. Too clever to miss the game. {Enter Col. ajtd New. ; Gibbs salutes Col. ; New. looks at Gibbs, and starts.) Col. What's the matter, Newcomb.'* Not nervous, are you .'' New. It's nothing. Thought 1 saw a shadow. Do you have any of those black devils hanging about here '^. Col. Yes, occasionally one ; but they never give us any trouble. One little fellow crossed the line to-day, and he was so bright and clever. — wanted to stay here with me ; so I have set him to work, and I expect he will take excellent care of me. I admire the devotion of that race ; treat them kindly, and you are always sure of plenty of friends. New. I prefer a higher type of humanity for associates. 30 AFTER TAPS. Col. What a pity. Newcomb, that two such warm friends as we should not have heart for the same cause! However, some day you will be of my opinion, I hope. (Col. sits at table inside tent ; New. on stool at opening.^ New. Hardly that, yet. Whatever the end may be, I trust we shall still be good comrades. Col. That sentiment I echo with my whole heart. But tell me, Newcomb, do you ever hear anything of Roger Carruth .'' (GiBBS listens at side of tent. ^ New. Never. He won't show himself in this part of the country again. CoL. You are sure that you have evidence of his guilt ? I would not misjudge the boy for all the world ; I am too fond of him for that. New. Why should 1, his friend and yours, seek to turn you against him } GiBBS {aside). Why, indeed ! Col. I cannot understand it — so true and honorable, always. Some fearful temptation must have stood in his way. New. Evil will show itself. If the seed is there, time will surely make it grow. Col. No, no, Newcomb ; don't say that. Why, man, would you have me think for a moment that it was more than a sudden pitfall ? New. The evidence grows stronger and stronger against him. Col. Oh, Newcomb, this is so hard to bear ! (^Co7>ers face with hands; Gibijs }'eturns to place and resumes inarcJi.) New. (/7>6'j'). Never mind, old fellow. {Places hand on COL.'s arm.) You have some friends left who have not played the knave. Col. {rising; holds out hand). True, Newcomb; 1 have much to thank you for. This kindly interest in my welfare, I trust the time will come when I can repay it. New. Don't worry about that. {Looks at watch.) It is almost time for taps. Col. Won't you stay and smoke with me ? New. Not to-night. Early hours are prescribed for you. Good-night. Col. Good-night- AFTER TAPS. 3 1 (New. goes up stage; Col. enters tent; enter Pete, r. ; sees New. talking with Gibbs.) Pete. I wonder if he lubs de colonel. 'Specs I jes listen to der comversation. (^Creeps behind tree near Gibes.) New. Well, are you ready for your work .'* GiBBS. Yes, sir. New. No chicken-hearted business about this. Is your aim a true one ? Gibbs. Yes; true as steel. New. I can depend upon you ? Gibbs. You can, sir. I feel a special interest in the work to-night. New. At what time ? Gibbs. After taps. New. It will soon be here. {Bugle-call for taps.) Gibbs. That is the call. Ten minutes more ; before the lights are out. New. All right. Make your shot tell. Gibbs. I will do my best, sir. New. Good-night. (Gibbs salutes; New. exit?^ Pete {shaking). Golly, my hair just frozen stiff; bof my knees powerful confectionate. Dey's plotting mischief, dey is. An' if Pete don't keep bof eyes wide open, dere will be trouble in de camp. {Hides behind tree.) {Enter Major and Bijah.) Potts. Newcomb is about the camp. I fear mischief is brewing. Bijah. Td jest like to see the sport.- I wonder who he is working this time. Major {goes to Col.'s tent; salutes). All right for the night, colonel ? Col. {raising head from hand). Yes, major ; good-night. Major. Good-night. {.Salutes.) Bijah {looking through trees in flat, l.). Major, look there! I'll bet you a liver, that's Newcomb. Potts {looking over Bijah 's shoulder). You're right. Let us hide and watch him. {Both hide in trees, l. ; drum- call for lights out; stage darkens; COL. puts otit candle and stands in do or iv ay.) CoL. I wonder where that snowball of mine is ? Pete ! Pete ! Pete {ru7ts across stage). Here I is {salutes), massa ! CoL. What are you doing at this time of night ? Pete. I's watchin' somefin, massa. I heard a crackling 32 • AFrr.K TATS. in der l)ushes ; 'specs it possum. Yer don't mind if I looks, massa ? Col. No ; only don't stray away too far. Pete. 'Deed I won't, Massa Colonel. {Sa/uUs, ami 7'es7iincs luatch.) BijAH. You bet he scents the q;ame. Col. {crosses stage, goes up back ; statuis looking at I'iver) I wonder why it is my thoughts are all o{ Roger to-night. Poor Ruth! how heavy her lieart is; and I spoke words which did not lighten the burden. Down deep in my heart I cannot think him guilty. Yet Newcomb is so sure, — and Newcomb knows. {To Sentinel.) Everything all right. '^ GiBHS {salutes). All right, sir. (Col. turns to ciiter tent ; New. appears at extreme l., a)id watches Gibbs ; Gibbs sees New., stops a ?nomejit, tJien follows Col., aims at him, turns quickly, and Ji7'es at New. Pete, who has follonwd Gibbs, springs upon his back, and grasps him soon as shot is Jired. New. is wounded in wrist. Gibbs swings Pete around and knocks him senseless with butt of gun. Potts ajid Bijah seize Gibbs ; Col. turns as shot is Jired; Soldiers appear; stage grows light ; Kil. runs to Pete and raises head.) New. {holding wrist). The traitor! Til pay him well for this. Col. What does this mean } Treason in the camp? New. It means, colonel, that this man attempted your life. I overheard his plotting and came to warn you. He missed fire, and my wrist caught the shot. Col. Where is the sentinel ? Kil. {points at Gibbs). Faith, and there he is. Col. So, sir, placed here on honor to guard your colonel's life, you turn traitor. Speak, man, why have you done this ? (Gibbs remains silejit.) Col. {oroes to Pete). Poor little tellow ! You have killed him. Kil. If yees plaze, colonel, his sinses are only knocked out of him. Col. {to Gibbs). Man, why are you silent? New. He is too great a coward to defend himself. He dare not speak. {Music.) Gibbs. Dare not ? Be careful, Newcomb ; the game is not yet yours. You call me traitor : coward. Yet beneath the stars in heaven there is not one who wears, beneath his coat, a blacker heart than yours. New. What do you mean ? Who are you that dares to accuse me ? AFTER TAPS. 33 GiBBS {right arm free). One who has suffered much at your hands ; who has borne with patience your taunts and slurs ; who, knowing of the coloneTs danger, tried to save his hfe. One whom you thought '*as good as dead" stands bei'ore you. A victim of your treachery, {l^ears off luhiskers and wig.) Roger Carruth. (Tableau. — Kil., c, kneeling and holding Pete's head on knees ; CoL. staggers back and leans against soldiers, who support him ; Potts a}id Bijah each holding one of Roger's hands ^ looking at him ; Roger looking at New., who stares at him horror-stricke7t.) CURTAIN. 34 AFTER TAPS. ACT III. HOME AGAIN. Scene. — Same as Act I.: three jnonths later. Time — eveniui^. Pete, as Buttons, discovered ligJiting the lamps; PoLLY arranoing papers on table, and putting room in order, generally. Polly. Now, Pete, make everything briij;ht and cheerful. Mr. Roger is expected home to-night ; we must do our share towards a warm welcome. The poor colonel is so unhappy. Between the treachery of his friend, and Mr. Roger's brave deed, he is torn with conflicting emotions. Peti-:. Ts powerful sorry for dear Massa Colonel. Wish I could do somefin for him. Polly. You do your work well, tha^; will satisfy him. {Takes banjo from corner.^ But I tell you what, Pete, you can do something for me. Play a dance tune on this banjo. I haven't heard one since I left Oldtown. I can tell you what, Pete, I knew how to dance once. Pete. Yer don't need to tell me dat, Polly ; I kin see de dancin' peeking out ob yer shoes. What yer gwine ter have .'' Polly. Give me a Virginia Reel. My gracious ! I just adored that dance. Pete. All right, Polly. You do der dancin', an' I play de tune. {Flays banjo.') (Polly keeps time with head and hands; growiiig inter- ested, enters into the dance ; advances with right hand extended, pretends to swing partner ; then left hand; then both hands; marches, slapping hands ; grows more inter- ested; fnally swings Pete and banjo; then sinks into chair, laughing; KiL., /;/ livery, appears at door, c.) Pete {overcome with surprise). Golly, Polly, yer jest took my bref away. You must have been to a powerful heap of corn shuckings ; an' de gennlemen dey must lub to dance AFTER TAPS. 35 wid you. Golly, 'specs dey don't all hab a 'sprise party like I did. Polly. Pete, that was just glorious! I'm ever so much obliged to you for playing. Pete. I's right proud ob you, I is. If dis yer heart ob mine didn't belong to a nigger, 'specs 1 should frow it at yer feet. KiL. Faith, and it's an Irish heart she can have, anyv/ay. Polly {tuniing). Pity sakes alive ! What are you doing here "^ Kil. It's a missage I have for the colonel. Pete. Lor, Polly. Dis yer is de soger what didn't shoot when dis yer nigger crossed de line. {Salutes Kil.) I's heaps glad to see you, sah. Does yer disremember me ? Kil. F'aith, an' it's Pete, the colonel's guard. {Shaking hands with him.) What a foine by yees grown to. • Shure it's a betther fitting coat yees have on, anyway. Pete. Yas, indeed. Ps Buttons, now, I is. Don't yer tink dis yer coat obercomes me ? Kil. Faith, it's a foine picture yees look in it. Polly. I remember ; you are the soldier that was so kind to Pete. Kil. • Oh, yees make me blush, — the sight of those bright eyes, and the swate words yees be afther saying. Shure, a foiner jig I never saw in the ould country. Will yees be afther telling the colonel I am here ? Polly. Yes, Pete will do that. Ask if the messenger shall be sent to his room. Pete. All right, Polly. Who is de message from, sah } Kil. Mr. Randolph Newcomb, if yees plaze. {Exit Pete, l.) Polly. Should think that Mr. Newcomb had done mis- chief enough. You can't be very proud of your master. Kil. Faith, and it's litde I care about him. I applied for the situation to plaze Mr. Roger. Shure, it's a policeman I am in foine livery. Polly. Oh, I see, something more mysterious. {Enter Pete.) Pete. Massa Colonel will receib de message, sah. Yer is to follow me. Kil. An' phat if that foine man, the divil, be afther kaping me company ? Pete. Den I goes first, massa, ebery time. I wouldn't for de world disturb de confections dat exist between you two. 36 AFTER TAPS. KiL. Faith, an' if yees have a foiner coat, you're a black guard ^\\X\\\. {Exeunt KiL. and Pkte ; the latter making fu)i of ¥.11.1) Polly. Pete's briijht enoucjh for him. I've taken quite a shine to my black diamond. (Bijah appears in door, c.) How devoted he is to the colonel I Hei\\L\Y. glares at BijAH ; boius to Ruth, and exit.) Roger {ho/ding out hand to Bijah). Bijah, how much I have to thank you for ! Col. Mr. Bright, you have done your work well. I have seen your bravery on the battlefield, your honor and loyalty here. Your country may well be proud of you. Bijah {salutes). Thank you, colonel.' If I could only hear Polly say that. Polly. Indeed I will, if you will give me the chance. Bijah. That's well said, Polly. {Piits arm about her.) We'll all be bright and gay When Polly names the day. {Both laugh and walk up stage to windoiu.) Ruth. Gordon, are you satisfied .'' Col. Roger, can you ever forgive me? Roger {taking his hand). With my whole heart, sir. We have much to be grateful for, that fate led me into Newcomb's way. But where is Dorothy 1 (Dor. lajighs outside.) Ruth. Here she comes, laughing as usual. It she were wrecked in mid ocean, that silvery laugh of hers would wake echoes on the waves. {Enter Dor. and Potts ; Dor. does not see Roger, who stands in window^ Dor. {putting arms about Ruth, who is seated by table). Another ripple on the matrimonial sea. Somebody's engaged. Guess who it is. Ruth. Engaged.^ I give it up. Dor. Allow me to present Major Pinkerton Potts as the culprit, and his victim is {ticr/is aroimdj sees Roger, and rushes into his arms) — Roger ! {All laugh.) Roger. That is news to me, major. Potts. Back again, old' man. I am glad to see you. {Shakes hands with Roger.) Dor. Well, you needn't make fun of me. It's my dear- est friend Mollie. 44 AFTER TAPS. Col. Major, I indeed congratulate you. Roger. Thought you would follow my example, eh, old man? Potts. Yes ; yours was such a lucky prize, thought I would try my hand. Ruth. Mollie is well worth winning, major. Potts. Thank you, Mrs. Graham. Roger. Dorothy, what is the best news you could wish for.^ Dor. Your name cleared, and all happy once more. Roger. Then it is yours. I am an accused man no longer. Dor. Honor bright ? How did you tind it out ? Roger. Through that good friend of ours, Bijah Bright. Dor. (goes to Bijah). Air. Bright, I come to thank you once more. Polly, you can trust this man. He has proved loyal every time. Polly. Thank you. Miss Dorothy. It's pleased I am to hear you say so. Bijah. She has promised to marry me, and we invite you to Oldtown for the wedding. Dor. I accept upon the spot. Be good to him, Polly; he deserves it. Bijah. That she will. I can trust her for that. {E)itcr Pete, c.) Pete. O Massa Colonel, such a time ; it's jest orful. Massa Newcomb he jests rants and tears like a house aiire. Down in de hall am two gennlemen a-talking to him right smart. Shall I ax 'em up .^ Col. No, Pete. They will settle it amongst themselves. Do you remember what I promised you .'' That when the war was over I would help you find your mammy. Pete. 'Deed, Massa Colonel, I 'members, but 'specs der ain't no great hurry for dat. Yer's been so good to me, an' de missis, too. I should jes lub to stay wid you. Please massa, don't send me away. (Pi:te wipes eyes on sleeve.^ Col. No ; no fear of that. As long as you are a good boy, you shall stay with me. I shall not forget what you did for me. Pete. Please, massa, 1 done de bes I kiTows. Col. We all know that, and when your mammy does find you, she will be proud of her boy. And now, Pete, for the sake of the good old times in camp, give us one of your songs. AFTER TAPS. 45 (Pete brings banjaj takes stage, c, a7id sings sotnetliing pathetic.) Roger. Those songs brought the tears to our eyes when we thought of you all at home. Dor. But no more tears now. No more trouble : only sunshine. Just think of it, Roger. Pinky is to be married, you his best man, and I maid of honor. Roger. I like that. Why not reverse things ? Dor. Oh, no ; mv last chance for that dignity. Wouldn't miss it for worlds. Besides, I promised for us both ; didn't I, Pinky? Potts. Indeed you did. No backslidmg, old man. Roger. As this little maid has signed the compact, I will help her keep it. {Ar^n about Dor.) Ruth. Is your heart hghter, Gordon ? Col. Yes, 'Ruth ; and already the color is coming to your cheeks. That, with Roger's forgiveness, makes .me happy again. Ah ! we all have suffered much, and have gamed the happiness which I trust the future will bring. {Music.) Ruth, the household enemy is routed at last. There are brio-ht days before us, but ever and anon will cross our paths memories of these dark days : the treachery of a friend ; the bravery of our brother {takes Roger's hand), who could forget and forgive, and, at the risk of his own life, come to your husband's rescue " After Taps." {Tableau.) CURTAIN. ENTERTAINMENTS FOR GIRLS, The BlK oj D rills. PART I. A group of entertainments for stage or floor performance, by Mary B. HoRNE, the author of " The Peak Sisters," etc. Price, - - - 30 cents. CONTENTS. A NATIONAL FLAG DRILL (As presented by children in Belmont, Mass., at a Fair given by the Arachne, in December, 1888. Also as given by ten young ladies of the Unity Club, in Watertown, Mass., February 22, 1889.) THE SHEPHERD'S DRILL. THE TAMBOURINE DRILL (As given at a Rainbow Party by twelve little girls of the Third Congregational Society, Austin St., Cambridgeport, May 2, 1S89. THE MOTHER GOOSE QUADRILLE (As danced at the Bel- mont Town Hall, May 10, 1889.) The n HRQNOTHANATQLETRON: OR, OLD TIMES MADE NEW. An entertainment in one act for sixteen girls, written for the Class Day Exercises at Dana Hall School, Wellesley, Mass., by two members of the Class of "^1 and first performed before members of the school and their friends, June 18, 18S7, and later at Ellsworth, Maine April 6th, 1888. Price, --35 cents. THE idea of this cleverly conceived but quaintly named piece may be briefly described as follows : The "Genius of the Nineteenth Cen- tury," although congratulating herself upon the achievements of the age, still longs for some means of recalling to earth the prominent characters of the past. Her wish is granted by the "Inventress" who produces the "marvelous machine," the " Chronothanatoletron " (or Time and Death Annihilator), by means of which any woman of any epoch can be brought at once into the presence of the "operator." Out of his Sphere. A Comedy in Three Acts by the Author of the Pop- ular Military Drama "FORCED TO THE WAR." Price, 15 cents. Five male, three female characters. Scenery, two simple interiors. The leading character is an old farmer, whose wish for the comforts of city life and the luxuries of wealth is answered in an unexpected and embarrassing manner. The piece abounds in rustic humor, the contrast between the sim|jlc old countryman and his city surround- ings being ludicrously emphasized. All the characters are good and the piece easy to jjroduce. SYNOPSIS. Act I. Kitchen in Jedediali's house. A stormy night. Family jar. Jede- diali's return. A n^uch ainised man. "Hain't I been wrecked with floods, au' blizzards, an' hurricanes, an' every other calamity un ler tlie sun?" Dissatisfied with his spliere in life. "I want ter be rich, that's wliat I want, an' with nuthin' ter du but jesi sit around an' take life easy." Mr. .Markham seeks shel- ter from the storm. Jedediali, relates his troubles, after which he retires. Scheme between Mrs. Blood and Mr. Markham to cure Jedediah from grumbling. The Dutchman let into the secret. " You vhas der doctor, und I vhas der gen- eral superintendent. Pizness is pizness." Jetlediah placed under the influence of auiEstlietics and taken to the mausiou of Mr. Markham. Act II. Room in ]Markham's mansion. Jedediah awakes from his stupor. A bewildered man. " What — on — airth — Wliy ! where am I, anyhoAV ! " Fe- male servants not wanted, Believes himself to be dreaming and endeavors to awake. "I've hern tell if you could shout, or thrash yourself about, it would wake you from the toughest nightmare on record. So here goes." Interview between Jedediah and John. " Wise man holds tongue. Old proverb. Better follow it." Fun by tlie bushel. More and more bewildered. Mrs. Blood as Mrs. Southernwood. An explanation Avanted. "For Heaven's sake tell me where 1 am an' Avhat's the matter." Old home the best. Asleep or crazy — which? " Oh, Lord, I'm in a lunatic asylum, an' these servants are my keepers." Jedediah retires. Once more returned to his old home. Act III. Same as Act I. Conundrums. " Why do some ladies who do np their hair imitate a rooster?" Tlie Dutchman's conundrum. " Vy does der hen move his head back und forth vhen she vhalks?" Something about base- ball. Jedediah awakes. " I've had a dream." So have Thomas and the Dutcli- man. Jedediah's story. A permanent cure. "No matter under what circum / stances I am placed , or how poor my condition may be, I will never again And; fault with my sphere in life." THE BAT AND THE BALL. A Farce in one Act. Price -_---_- 15 cents. Four male, three female characters. Scenery, costumes and properties simple. Time in playing about 40 minutes. Showijig the difficul- ties that may arise from the practice of Amateur Photography. A roaring farce. In the Enemy'8 Gamp: OR, THE STOLEN DESPATCHES. A Drama in Three Acts, by S. J. BROWN. Price -15 cents. Eight male, two female characters. Good leading part, genteel villain, Irish and negro character. Time of playing about two hours. While not distinctively a war-play its incidents are concerned with im- aginary events of the Rebellion, and it is not unsuited to the needs of Grand Army Post-s. Scenery, simple interiors and landscape drops, very easy camp scene. SYNOPSIS. ACT I. Capt. Oliphant's home in the North. An unfinished honey- moon. The call of duty. A wife's anguish. "My hand girt on the sword that will be raised against my father! " The rebel spy. The Stolen Despatches. "He is Madge's father! Rather a thousand times my own disgrace, than be his executioner." The penalty of silence. Disgraced. ACT II. Scene I. Irish and negro. Colored dentistry. Scene II. The prison. A little story over a bottle of wine. " I understand. Good bye, old friend, and may Heaven bless you." The Escape. A shot in the dark. "Now, my lady Madge, by fair or foul means you must be mine." Scene III. Dead to the world. A wife's devotion. " I must bear it all for Malcolm's sake." A warning. "There is peril everywhere for friends of rebels." A false knave. "To remain is certain death! " To the Rescue. ACT III. Scene I. The camp. " If I could only hear from Madge !" The flower girl. The price of a passport. " I pay it, but to only one." Husband and wife. " What is this woman to you ? " A conundrum whose answer is death. " For the love of Heaven, get me the pass ! " The Deserter. Scene II. The villain's suit renewed. " Why not ; your husband no longer lives." The lie in his teeth. Misunderstood. "Can you not trust your wife .'' " Re- captured. Scene III. Sentenced to Death. " You will sometime ''now that Malcolm Oliphant died for another's crime — true to the Linion — true to the last." A Reprieve. The spy's death. " We have plotted together and die together." Reunited. Walter H. Baker & Co., 23 Winter St., BostoD. A NEW IRISH Dl LIBRARY OF CONGRESS nm 018 597 313 P I 8HMR0GK # KU^h; A Romantic Story of Irish Life during the Rebellion of '98, in four acts. By JOHN FITZGERALD MURPHY. Seven male and three female characters. Costumes and scenery not diffi- cult. Every part a good one. A sure hit. Printed as played under the author's personal direction, at the Dudley St. Opera House, Boston, St. John's Hall, Boston, and the Newport Opera House. Act. I. Scene, Squire Fitzgerald's Home, in Wicklow. Rose's story of Desmond's arrival. Shaun Gary hears a bit of valuable news. Barney O' Brady meets an unexpected visitor and shows him the door. Ileen and Barney. The Fugitive. The arrival of the soldiers. Capt. Beck quarrels with the Squire, The defence. The murder. The Arrest. Act. H. Scene I: A Landscape. Carv and the Captain plot the abduction of Rose* Douglass' dilemma 'twixt love and duty. .S"cv«