'?^ Cp ^ b 2. FMCE li^ CEr>iT?4. l^^^ PS 635 ^®^^ - DE WITT'S ACTING PI. AYS. J^J^fJf' Copy 1 ' .. _ . '^ (Tr- ^^ ^^^^' ; NimiUei- 103.I ^ FOILED; OR, A Struggle for Life and Liberty. A DRAMA, IN FOUR ACTS. Bt O. W. CORNISH Esq. Respectfully Dedicated to Kellogg Post, No, 26, " Depart- ment of Connecticut Grand Army of the Republic,'- by the Auth r. AS FIRST PERFORMED AT BIRMINGHAM, CON., JAN. 25, 1871- TO WHICH ARE ADDKI> A descriptlou of the Costume — Cast of the Cliai'iu-teis — Entiuiices aiiit ICxili — Relativft Positions ot tlie IVilbniieis on tUe Staf{e, and ' the whole of the Stat>e Biisiuess. ('if Icln-Sork : ROBERT M. DE WITT. PUBLISHER, No. 33 Rose Str«>et. v«nr ( JACK LONG. A Drama, in two Acts. By .J. B. Johnstone. Price 15 -^ '' " J Cents. REATtY. 1 FERNANDE. A Druna, in three Acts. By Victorion Sanlou. Price I 15 Cents. MMMwmmiFw F^^ws. ^ELOW will be found a List of nearly all the great J Drannatic successes of the present and past sea- sons. Every one of these Plays, it will be noticed, are the productions of the most eminent Dramatists of the age. Nothing is omitted that can in any manner lighten the duties of the Stage Manager, the Scene Painter or the Propei'ty Man. These Plays .will be furnished to the Profession at Low Rates. Pead Reckoiiinji:. ! i}iece has six Male .lezebel ; or, Tli( lioun-icanll. Til Female Characte Ours. A Comedy, in tlir citson. Tliifl piece lifis six I male Characters. Uoclc's Will. ACnmcilietl Acts nr T. W. Itiib- ■riu th. ! F.-nialeClli Oxclil.ii.l am fdiuteell Male A Drama, in five Acts. By Joliu Alfieil WiKau. This piece lias md five Female Characters. 1 nine Male and two Female Char^ -^vixt Axe Hnd Cro'tvn; belli. An Histc.ncal Play Tom Taylor. This piece h and twelve Female Cliaiac r. The Ladv Eliza- in live Acts. By twen'v-live Male rs. IManv of the il, I.adi. lasceants ss, Ac , merely Lnrils of Conn . &c,, whoffo to make ni) tin Tho T^vo Roses. A Comedv, in three Acts. llv .lames Alliery. Tliis piece has live Male and loiu Female Character.*. M. I». (Membci' of Parliainent.l A Comedy, in 'our Acts. liv T. W. lioliertson. This piece has seven Male and live Female Characters. Marv "^Varner- A Domestic Drama, in four Acts. Bv Tom Taylor. This piece lias eleven male snd five Female Characters. Fernanda; or, Forf^et and Forgive. .\ Drama, in three Acts. Bv Victorien Sardon. This piei'e has eleven Male ami two Fenniie Chaiac- Many of the Vrmer, however, are quite sniK ate. 1 Drama, in four is piece has ten Isabela Orsiiii. A Uomal Acts. Bv «. H. Mosenthal. Male and Five Female Char Philoinnl. A Komantic Drama, in three Acts. Bv II. T. Craven. This piece has six Male and lour Female Characters. ^Dcle Dick's Darling. A Domestic Drama, in three Ads. Bv Henry J. Byron. This piece has six Male ami live Female Characters. Little Em'ly. (David Copperfield.) A Drama, in four Acts. Bv Andrew Hallidav. "Little Km'lv" has eight Male and eight Female Char- And Old Acres. . By Tom Taylor a has cii-lit Male ami I -V Comedy, in Id A. Uiihour},'. ve Female Char- trinosa. A Drama, iir four Acts. By Dion Brn cicanlt. This piece has eighteen Male and eig! Female Characters. ;hool. A '^omedv ertson. This jiiec male Characters. sine. A Comedy, in three Acts. By T. W. Rob- ertson. " Home" has four 3Iale and three Fe- male Characteis. Klow for Blotv. four Acts nine Mai A Drama, in a Prologue and anil four Female Characters shire l..ass. In a Prologue and four Acts. By llenrv J. Byion. This piece has nine Male and I'our Female Characters. Dreams ; or, Mv Lailv Clara. A Drama, in five Acts. By T. W. Robertson. " My Lady Clara" lias five Male and three Female Characters. Cyril's Success. X Plaj', in five Acts. By Henry .f. Bvron. This piece has nine Male and live Female Characters. I'oiil Play. A Drama, in four Acts. By Dion Bonrcicauit. This piece has fourteen Male and two Female Characters. After Dark. A Drama, in four Acts. By Dioa Bmircicault. This jdece has foni teen Male and two Female Characters. ^^ But all iiei'sons desiring to juM-form "After Dark" must, before iinrchasing the Play from me, obtain the consent of Mr. Angustin Daly to the performance of the Hailroad scene in it. .Applications fen- that pui iiose, made to the un- dersigned, will he maile to Mr. Daly. Arrah-na-Pogue. A Drama' in three Acts, By Dion Bomcicaiilt. 'i'his piece has fourteen Male and two Female Characters. 'Woman in Red. A Dianui, in a Prologue and three Acts. Bv Sterling Coyne. Ksq. This piece has live Male and five Fennile Characters. ISrencli of Promise. A Comfc Drama, in two Acts. ByT. W, lioliertson. This iiiece has live Male and two Female Characters. Black and White. A Drama, in Ihree Acts. By Wilkie Collins and Chai les Fechter. This piece has six Male and two Female Cliaracters. The Fifth 'Wheel. A Comedy, in three Acts. This piece has ten Male and two Female Ghar- niot Such a Fool as he Kooks. .\ F.ircical Drama, in three A, Is. By Henry .1. Byi(m. This piece has five Male and lour Female Char- acters, acters. fl®=" Parties desirous of purchasing or perforviing the above Plays must address the undersigned for Terms. 33 ROSE STREET, jBelneen Duane and Fi-ankfori Streets j, TSTE^TW YOUK,. FOILED; OR, A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE AND LIBERTY. % grama, IN FOUR ACTS, By 0. W. COENISH. Respectfully Dedicated to " Kellogg Post, No. 26, Depaetmen'T OF Connecticut, Grand Army of the Republic," by the Author. AS FIRST PERFORMED AT BIRMINGHAM, CONN., JAN. 25, 1871. TO WHICH IS ADDED A description of the costumes CAST of the characters EN- TRANCES AND EXITS RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PER- FORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. A NEW YORK: ROBERT M. DE WITT, PUBLISHER. No. S3 Rose Street. Entered accoivlincr to Act ot ('on^Tp.s<;, in the yrav ISTl, hv O. W. foTlNISH, in tlie (Iffici^ of the Librarian ot Congress, at Washing'fnn, D. C. 4 CAUT OF CirAJlACTEnS^ ■ SirminffJutm, Cimn.f Jan. 2.'), 1S71. Ralph Evans " Mr. O. W. Cornish. Hugh Boswoith " T. B. Whitney. ■\Villiam Steuben " W. J. Fuench. lliijhard Slater " O. F. Lathrop. Joe Ricketts " C. Ji^hnson. Jack Swinger " n. W. Gilbert. Sol Nipper " T. "Warner. Officer " A. W. Darey. Charlotte Evans Mrs. O. ^Y. Cornish. Becky Buekheart " F. Baldwin. Mrs. Evans " F. A. Bunnell. Child Master GussiE. Soldiers, &c., by Members of the Q. A. R. SCENERY. ACT 1., Scene /.—The house of Ralph Evans, a neat apartment, ■with table, b. c, spread for dinner. Mrs. Evans seated r. with Child. Charlotte at table, peeling potatoes. Becky engaged in bringing dishes from cupboard, r., to table, chairs on, broom, etc. Scene II. — A Street in a Village. Scene JJl. — Same as Scene I. ACT II., Scene 1. : Same as Scene I., Act I. Scene II. : A Southern coast scenei near the camp of the Regiment. Scene III. : The Picket Post near a Ravine. A wooded bank. Logs on the Stage to sit on. A CT III., Scene 1. : Same as Scene I., Act II. Scene II. .-.Prison interior. A bundle of straw on the floor at back for a bed. Scene III. : Same as Scene II., Act II. Scene jy. : A wood between the pickets. A practicable rock on stage, c, at back. A CT IV., Scene I. : A wood supposed to be near the camp of the Regiment. Scene //. and last. Sstme as Scene I. Act I. : S.ome. Table c. Chair near table l. Closet COSTUMES. Ralph Evans. — Act I., Scejies I. and //..-—Neat and good walking suit. Act I. Scene III. : — New uniform of a private U. S. Volunteers, at beginning of "War- Act II., Scene III. .■—Uniform of private of U. S. Volunteers, with overcoat, every thing clean and trim, but showing marks of service. Act III., Scene II. : — Old gray clothes, i as -off uniform of Confederate private. Act IV , Scene II. • — Uniform of Major of U. 6. Volunteers. Hugh Boswobth. — Act i., re\er, is nio";! cruel. But if stern duty 6 FOILED. bid liiin go, I cannot find it in my lieait to check liim, were it in my power to do so. {turns from table and sits.) Mks. E. Well spoken, Charlotte. You have indeed made Ralph a good wile ; he in turn has been a good husband. Sliould he enter his country's service, confide him to the care of an all-wise providence, and despiiir not. Becky, is the dinner all ready 1 Becky. Yes. I suppose you are waiting for Ralph. Mrs. E. Yes. He seems to be later than usual to-day. Slip out, Becky, and see if you can see him coming. (Becky ffoes to door, h., (js if to exit.) Becky. Here he is now ! Enter Ralph, u Ralph. Ah ! waiting for me 1 Well, I am sorry that 1 should be .so late, {caresses child.) Char. It seems to me that yon are later than ever to-day, Ralph. Perhaps it would be well to change our dinner hour. Ralph. I hardly think it iipcessary. But don't let us quarrel. Come, let us sit down, and have some dinner. Come, mother ! (thei/ ait at table.) Char. Child. Mrs. E.: Bkcky. Ralph. Front. Ralph {helping them). Becky, did tlie man come to saw that load of wood 1 Becky. Yes, and he has got it all sawed and nearly half split. Ralph. Well, you can show him where to pile it up, and give him this- money, {gives money.) , Mrs. E. Ralph, what is the war news to-day 1 Has anything of im- portance transpired 1 Ralph. Well, mother, it looks a little more like war to-day. The Pre- sident has called for three hundred thousand men for three years. Mrs. E. For three years 1 It cinnot be that we shall see a war of fhnt length ! Ralph. We may, and we may not. The South is in the Iiands of de.s- perate leaders, and rest assured they are agoing into the oontest with the determination to win, and unless the government comes to the work as it should come, we shall find an ugly job on hand. I only wish that the call was for three times as many men. Three hundred thousand is a mere handful to what will be required to do the work. Mrs. E. Was there much excitement down street on receiving the news 7 Ralph. There was indeed. Cheer after cheer went up from the crowd as the proclamation was read. Enlistment papers were immediately drawn up, and before I left only fifteen names were wanting to complete the number required for a company. Char. That wns why you waited 1 Ralph. Yps, Charlotte, that was why T w.iited. But waiting was not all r did — I signed the rolls. I have enlisted ! Mrs. E. Enlisted 1 ACT I. i Char. Enlisted 1 Ralph ! Ralph. Now, pray, Charlotte, don't let that piece of intelligence take away your appetite. Come, let me help you to some of these peas, they are seasoned splendidly, 1 haven't ate anything in sometime that I relished as I do this dish. Come, Charlotte, hold your plate ! Char. No, Ralph, 1 cannot eat anything more, this is so sudden. Ralph. Well, well I now any one might reasonably suppose, by your looks aad manner, that I was to be executed within an hour. Is it be- cause I have done what all true men should be willing to do, that you are thus bowed in grief 1 Fie, fie, Charlotte, you are trying to make a coward of me. I expected to see you almost split your precious little tiiroat with continuous cheering. And mother, too, she looks as though I was breathing my very last. Becky, shake them up, do something, say something, sing something. I shall make a sad soldier if I allow tliis picture to fasten itself in my memory. Char, (aside). I am doing wrong. He must not see me thus, (rises and goes to back of Ralph's chair, chokingly) Oh, Ralph ! if you feel it your duty to enter our country's service, and battle for the maintenance of the laws, I can only say. Go ! and God be with you ! Ralph [springing up). Heroically said, my brave girl. I never felt so proud of you as at this particular moment. " Go, and God be with you !" those words are here, (putting hand to heart) and here they will remain. How they will cheer me at times, when, doubtless, otherwise I might give over to despondency. On the march, the battle-field, the charge, everywhere, and at all times, whenever my thoughts turn homeward, those words will come to my mind, together with the one that gave them utterance, inspiring me with fresh energy, and lending additional strength in the performance of my duty. Come, mother, you have heard Charlotte spenk, haven't you something to add 1 Mr3. E. (approaches Ralph, places her hand on his shoulder). My dear boy, in giving you to our country's service, I leel that I can do no more, and yet I can do no less. I may not live to see you return, should you pass through your term of service unscathed, but living, my prayers shall follow you ; if summoned to my Maker, the spirit of a fond mother shall watch over and bless you. (turns away and sits, burying her face in her hands, Charlotte sits at table, her head bowed, resting on the table. Becky appears sad. Ralph, to conceal his emotion, turns to child ; u long pause. Knock at door l. unnoticed by characters, repeated, stdl unnoticed.) Richard Slater enters l. Slater. I trust I have not intruded? Ralph. Ah ! Mr. Slater, oh no, far from that, we were (hesitates.) Slat. 1 understand, Ralph. I have just returned from the news-office, where I learned that a company had been formed, and that you were among the first to enlist. Ralph, you have done well, but I have a duty in this matter, something that concerns your family and your peace of mind. You feel that in going forth to meet the enemies of our govern- ment, that you are leaving your family without protection. It is on that subject that I would speak. You have been in my employ nearly five years ; in that time you have proved yourself worthy of the confidence I have placed in you, and " a man among men." You would obey the impulse of your heart, by springing to the defence of the national honor, hut a load weighs heavily upon your spirits ; my duty is to relieve you of that burden. Listen: in your absence I will become the guardian of your family, tliey shall lack none of the coiuforts they have hitherto en- joyed, this liouse shall be their-; free of all charge, should you not re- 8 roitED. turn, this place shall be their home as long as thej' may choose to remain, nothing shall they want for that money can purchase. This, Ralph, is the duty incumbent upon me, and God helping, I will perform it. All I ask in return is your confidence in me to fulfill it. Ralph. Mr. Slater, could you read my heart, you would see that I am truly grateful for this noble offer. You indeed judged me rightly ; to leave my family, with no one to look to for aid in affliction, would require a stouter heart than I possess. But in you I recognize a benefacLor in- deed; to your care I confide them. Slat. Say no more, Ralph, say no more. I will leave you now, you have doubtless many little things to look after, and the little time you will have you should be alone with your family. 1 shall see you again before you go. Good-day. [Fxit, l. Ralph. Good-day, Mr. Slater, " a friend in need is a friend indeed." {looking after him) Come, Charlotte, come, mother, let us look about us, and see what little arrangements are necessary to complete befoie my leaving, for the probabilities are, that the company will not be long in the State. I think it more than likely that we shall have to wait no longer than a day or so. (William Steuben sings outside, " We'll march right down to Washington, to fight for Abraham's daughter.") There's William, he is coming to say good-bye to you, Becky, he is going with us. Becky. You don't mean to say William Steuben has enlisted 1 AViLLiAM {entering l.). Wall, I rather think he has, Becky, I cum to the conclushun that somelhin' was goin' to be did, and I am one on the chaps what's goin' to help did it. Ralph. Right, William, quite right. Now, Becky, don't you scold him, he neeils your encouragement rather; you can spare your sweetheart belter than some wives can spare their husbands. Oh, I forgot to ask you, William, if you had been to dinner, but of course you have not, so, Becky, set him a chair, and get him a clean plate, and see that he makes out a dinner. Come, William, sit down. (Becky prepares a place at the table.) Will. Wall, Ralph, I do feel kinder lank, this ere excitement makes a feller ravenous, and as I hain't been to dinner, 1 dunno as there is any use in putin' on any airs about it and declinin', so I'll accept yer invita- tion without standiii' on further ceremony, (stte at table awkwardly.) Ralph. Oh ! by-the-waj"^, William, how was the recruiting coming on when you left ? Will. Wall, now, darn my buttons, if that want the very thing that I came up to see yer about, but yer askin' me to dine upsot me so, that [ forgot my bizness. Yew cum away too sune to see the best part on't. Yew hadn't been gone more'n a couple of j flies, when Sam Burton spoke to the crowd and said the company was full, and of all tlie noi.>>es that ever 1 heard that beat 'em ninety per cent. Everybody that could do aiiy- thiug in the way of a hoot went at, it, I among the rest. I sinim, I couldn't help it, 1 had to blat right out, and I thought by the way some of uni eyed me that I was doin' my share, and I guess I was. I actually caught myself pultin' my hand up ler see if 1 hadn't bust my guzzle. After we had made ourselves hoarse, we all went up to the Town Hall and had a meeting of the com[)any. We elected the ossifers, Burton, he's Captain, Jim Wheeler, he's First Lieutenant, and Charlie Stacy, he's Second. We piuted Captain Burton to offer our sarvices to the Governor, and he started right out, and wan't gone nioi'n fifteen or twenty minutes wh.en back he cum with an anser. I knew someihiu' was cumin', for he couldn't hardly hold liis giggle, then he red the dispatch. The Goveinor said we was just in time to go in the Bristol County Regiment, they have got nine companies and we'll fill it out. lie further scd, the Q uirtermasLcr- ACT I. 9 General would send down on tlie next train uniforms for the company, and expects us to take the np express, and report to the Colonel of the regiment to-night. If that ain't hurry in' thinas, I don't know what is, I think some of the fellers would like a little lime to mend their ways, be- fore they double shuffle off this morile coil, but it seems ter me this ain't giviu' a man time to say his i)rayers. We've got to look tliis thing plump in the eye. That company ain't all comin' back, and there'll be a good many of 'em go to their 'kingdom cum." I may be one on 'em, and I may not, but whether I be or not, I hain't goin' to let it spile my appe- tite, so here goes, {eats.) Ralph. Tliis is rather sooner than I expected, but its likely that the resimeiiL is ready to leave the State, and are only wanting one company, which iiappens to fall to our lot. Well, Charlotte, as you see 1 have but little time to be with you, we cannot afford to give away to our feelings. I was in hopes that we should have had a day or so, but fate says, no. Hold up your head, Charlotte, I don't want to see you droop. As I must make some provision in regard to some of the necessaries of life for you, 1 shall have to go down street awhile. Don't you want to go ? Char. Oh, yes, the time that has been allotted you to remain with your family is so cruelly short that I must, be with you while it lasts, {brings hat, etc., from closH R., and exits with Ralph, l.) Becky. So, Mr. Bill Steuben, j'ou big dunce, you must go and enlist. Where is all your boasted affection for me 1 Will, [eating). Wall, Becky, I guess it's all inside, but I am afeard these wittles are crowdin' it into putty close quarters, (taking peas) Don't you liope I shall fight as well as 1 eat 1 Becky. Fight ! you great goslin, there's very little dunger of j'our fighting. Why couldn't you stay at home and let a man go in your place 1 If our Northern troops are to be made up of such gawkies as yon, the rebels wont find much trouble in making them scamper. Will, {rising). Neow see here, Becky, that kind o' talk goes agin the grain. If I thought you meant it, I vum ! 1 should say, very well, Miss Buckhearl. of course you don't want to marry a coward, so consider our little iiitchin'-up arrangements " null and void," scratched out, and set yerself about the job of findin' another feller to dote on most plagued darned quick. But it's my humble opinion that you'd be several long days in findin' one that would make my place good ! {picking his teeth with his jack-knife.) , Becky. Really ! Mr. Steuben, you have got a very good opinion of yourself. As if it would be difficult for me to get another beau in your place. I can mention half-a-dozf^n fellows that are dying for me now, and all 1 have to say is, if you don't like my talk you can break off the engagement as soon as you like. Will. Wall, I want it understood, Miss Buckhearl, that if the engage- ment is to be busted, that I expect you will return all the presents I have give yer. Becky. Presents, indeed ! Bill Steuben, pray. I should like to have you mentiDU some of them, if you can. I don't remember of your ever maUing me any. Will Wall, some folks have most thunderin' short memories. WHiat's that on yer finger ? J think that 'ere ring cost me seving shillin' if I re- collect right. What have yer got to say to that, ungrateful Miss Buck- heart 1 Becky. This much, Mr. Steuben, that if I was a man, and ever made a young lady a present, I would not be so mean as to tell her afterwards how much it cost me, if it cost me all I had in the world. I don't doubt but what you have lain awake nights thinking about that seven shillings. 10 FOILED, Will. Tou wander from tlie subject most amazingly. You asked me to name a single present that I ever give yer, and because I mentioned one, you feel awfully stung about it. I think I can give you sum more of the same sass. Where's the tooth brush I give j-e 1 and good heavens and airtl), think of the hair greese I have bestowed on ye. I'll bet thero'.s mor'ii two quarts on't, put it all logethei'. Then see the books I've bougiit ye: "Who killed Cock Robin," ''Robinson Cork-screw," "Mother Goose," and the deuce knows what ; besides, didn't I take ye to the cir- cuss last summer ? And see the candy, and sicli like that 1 have brung ye nights when I came to spark ye — [ most always had my breeches pockets stuffed. I think, by thunder, that I've been pritty darned lavisli with my money, and y(Ui know it tew, but ye don't want to give in ; but you are cornered, and I guess you wish you'd held yer hush, (aside) I reckon I've give her a pill now that she wont digest veiy easy. Becky. Well, Mr. Steuben, I hope you will iiiidsorae young lady down South who can appreciate your good qualities. Will. You do ! you mean bj' that, 1 suppose, that henceforth and foi - ever we are strangers 1 Well, per'aps it's best so. For the next three years to cum, 1 have pledged myself to obey orders, and if you say I must select sum one else to occupy 3'our old hangin' out place in the buzzura of my affection, why " so mote it he," as the free masons say. There's a variety to select from down where I expect to go — sickly pale- faced Southern beauties, Octerroons, Quadroons, pritty yaller gals, be- sides the sinion pure genuine old sut heads. It don't make much differ- ence which a man goes in for down there, the way they mix things np is surprisin'. But 1 rather think I shall go in for an Octerroon. I iiave lieard a good deal about 'em, they say they are darnation putty. Well, I must be goin', Miss Buckheart. I shan't be very likely to see you again for three long years, and by that lime you'll be married most likely to one of them fellers what's dyai' for ye. {going.) Becky [cnjing). Good-bye, Mr. Steuben, {sits l. and buries ho' fdcc in her handkerchief.) Will. By JoVe ! I've done it. I thought she'd simmer down. I rather think now she'll come to terms. It does these wimmen good to tone 'urn down a little now and then. Now Becky, she'll be just like a little kitten after this dose, {looking at her) Sumhovv I can't siaud a woman's tears, they always cry as though their hearts was bustin', and it seems as though the simpler the thing they cry about, why the liarder the bawl. I've lieard of wimmin 'fore now, that would kick up the darndest touse, and almost cry their eyeballs out, because their husbands wouldn't buy them a new bunnet, or some other fixin', that they could just as well as not do without, and nine cases out of ten they carry the driy. But it's well for them same wimmen that tliey haven't got Bill Steuben to deal with. Now there's Becky, she thought that by kickin' up a rumpus, and threat'nin' to give me the sack, that I wouldn't go to war, but I gness she's found out by this time that I am bent on going, sack or no sack. That Octerroon bizness stuck in her crop, I'll bet a goose egg. I guess it's about time to smooth this thing over. I haven't got but a little time to stay, and 1 musn't leave her in this shape, [lakes chair and sits beside her) Miss Buck- heart ! She don't like to have me call her by that name, she thinks it'.'s tew stiff and formal ; guess I'll have to be a little more familiar. Becky, {coaxinglg) Becky, I say, Becky, don't cry any more, dumplin' 1 you've cried 'nutf; come now, that'll do, you know it's your fault. Come, Bficky, you know it's Billy is falkin' to ye now, your Billy. You know I am goin to war, and I don't like to go away and leave you feelin' so down to the heel. Let me wipe that big tear away that's hangin' on the end of your no^. Come, B"cky, don't think any more about this fol do ACT I. 11 rol. Let's talk about sunitliin' that's more congenial to our feelin's, Oli, my gollies ! I forgot. I've got siuu peanuts in luy trousers pocket. {^taking out peanuts from pocket) Here, Becky, bold your flipper, {giving them.) Becky. The cause of all this fol de rol you tell about, is because you are going to war. If you think as nuich of me as you say you do, wjiy do you go away for so long a time 1 and then, besides, you may get killpd and never come back, {they eat.) Will. Yes, that's very true. War is unhealthy bizness at the best, but then, Becky, if there didn't anybody go, why, where would the country go lo ? There hain't a young man in town that has got any slimmer reason for siayin' to home, tiian I have. 1 don't think dad would care a continental cuss whethtr 1 ever came back or not. He says he can't do anything witli me, and I guess he can't, for ever since mother died, and he married his second wile, I haven't cared a sliver about my home. Mary Magdalene had seven devils in her, so the Bible says. Well, if my step-mother hain't got double the number in her that Miss Magda- lene had, may I die of the rot. But that hain't got anything to do with my goin' for a soldier; all the young fellers are goin',and for me to back out now, after I have been and 'listed, would give 'um a good chance to pint their fingers at me and call me a coward ; that would be most tew much. No, it's no use, Becky, my mind's made up, I am goin' lo war. Becky ijumpiny). Oh! "VViLL. What's the matter with ye . Becky. I hit my lip. Will L'ein me see. (Becky turns her hend to William pouting out her lips, he kisses her suddenly) 'Lasses, right out of the bung-hole. Becky. I should think you would be ashamed ! Will. 01), no! not at all ! I'd do It right over aga'n, and not have the smalle.st part of a scruple. Becky. You said all the young fellows were going — I can tell you of a young man that ain't gouig. VViLL. Who is it 1 Becky. Hugh Bosworth. Will. That's where ye are mistaken. Yer see, Hugh Buzzworth has 'listed, and is goin' in the company with the rest on us; but I can't say as I am glad of it, for 1 believe that feller is a strate out and out scamp, and I don't believe he's going to war because he loves the Union, for he is a Sutherner by birth, and I have heard him say as much that his sym- ])athies were on t'other side with his native State, South Carliny. I had my eye on him when we were down to the news-office, and when all the rest on us were holleiin' as loud as we could yell, he never so much as opened his mouth. I intend to watch that feller, and if I find him comin' any of his she-nan-i-gans, I'll put a clapper on him that will be likely lo bring him to. Becky. Why, I am sure I always thought he was a very nice young man. Will. Nice ! he's gamblin' from mornin' till night. Becky. Well, there are a great many who gamble, that pass for nice young men for all that. Will. He drinks bad whiskey. Becky. Very few men that don't. Will. He owes for all the clothes he has worn for the last three years. Becky. You'll find that most all young men generally wear out their clothes before they pay for them. Will. lie's eternally hangin' round the livery stable with the horse jockeys; I'll bet he'd steal a boss qiucker'n blue blazes if he had a 12 FOILED. good chance, and make ofif with it. He's about played out ioiiikI these parts ; p'raps that's the reason he's 'hsted. Becky. Why what a fellow you make him out to be, to be sure. I never heard any one say much against him. When he came here, some four years ago, the people all said he must be some rich planter's son. He became acquainted with Charlotte and wanted to make her his wife, and' take her South and make a fine lady of her. But she refused him, and afterwards married Ralph Evans ; 'tis said that this made him angry and he became reckless and lost his position. And some folks said that he swore some day he would be revenged ; but I don't believe a word of it. Will. Well, I do, he's just sneak enough. But one thing is certain, if lie thinks he can bully Ralph Evans, he's entirely mistalten, I can tell him. If he wants to extinguisli himself he better try on some little game, and if Ralph don't prove enough for him, by Judas! I stand ready to cum in on the second heat. Becky. Well, I don't believe there is any danger of his attempting anything of the kind. If I thought there was I should fairly hate him, more even than you do, for I have every reason to love Ralph Evans, for he has been a brother to mo. You know, William, that my mother died when I was a mere child, and father soon after went to sea and was never heard of more ; it is supposed he was lost. Mrs. Evans adopted me as her own child, axvi Ralph and I grew up as brother and sister, and a kind, loving brother he has ever been ; and now he is a-going to war, periiaps he will never return. I think it is too bad, and poor Cliarlotte, I know her heart is ready to break. • Will. Oh, well, Becky, there's no use in your cooking up imaginary dangers, it's bad 'niiflf'of course, but you mustn't no to worryin' Charlotte with dolorous yarns, her fears will travel fast 'luiff without any help. There's just as much reason to expect he and me will cum back agin, as there is to expect y.ou will live to see the end of the war. You may die now, before either of us ; only think of the m^tny conti'ivances they have now days for snakin' a human bein' into eternity. There's more kinw the orthodcx raeptin' house, and I'll promenade with ye till it's lime for us to leave. Becky. Very well, I'll be ttiere. (exit William, l.) I must now wash the dishes, {draioinff a long breath) On ! how hmely we siiall all be when they are gone, {moves chairs back, and commences ivork at the tabic as the scene closes in.) SCENE 11.—^ Street in the Village. Enter Hugh Boswobth, l. Hoon {solus). Curses on the day that turnfed me ajjainst my father's will and command. 'Tis now four years since at some little petty offence of mine, my father angered thereby, bade me leave his house and iifver return, except to implore his forsiveness, and pledge myself to willingly conform to his laws. Chafed at what I then thought the needless severity of ni}' parent, I pi-oudly turned my back upon my home, vowiris never again to return. Travelling northward, my eye was attracted by the :ii • of neatness and business activity of this cozy little town, here ! £ thought, I m;iy be able to feel my way into some light and well paying oc- cupation, and bid defiance to the cold world so rudely thrust apon me by my jjarent's sternness. I eagerly sought for, nnd obtained a sitnition, at. once lucrative and agieeable, that of book-keeper for tlie firm of Slater & Capron. For a time all went well. I prospered beyond my ex[)ec- tations; this encouraged me. Soon, howerer, fate shajied my course dif- ferently. I became acquainted with a beautiful girl, Cliarloiie Tisd; le. I loved her, would have married her and returned home. This sSep would have please I my ruffl-»d father, and my life would have begun anew. But she refuseil me, ay, with scorn. Oh, fnries t how it madilened me. Soon after she became Mie wife of Ralph Evasis, my cup of bitterness now overfl )wed ; 1 swore by the eternal God to have revenge, and revengf^ I'll have. The desperation which then took possession of me again led me astray. I soon lost my position, and falling in with evil associates [ descended with rapid strides to my present degrading level, the gaming table my only refuge. The respectability shun me, heavy del)ts stare at; me ; but I heed them not, for within rny breast there still burns with consuming flames the fire of revenge, kindled there by Charlotte Tisdale, for the destruction of her own bappiiwss * To-day Ralph Evans enlisted in the army of the Uniim. I saw my chance, and likewise enlisted. I'll follow him as the beast does his prey. Ah ! Ralph Evans. Beware I beware ! (Exit r. Enter Joe Rioketts, Jack Swinger, and Sol Nipper, l. RrcKETTs. Well ! now boys, this is a sudden turn in one's domestic nffairs. Enlfsiing, leaving town, homfi and friends, all in four or five liours time, ain't il^. 11 I'DIl-KL). Savixgrr. Well, j'ps ; but I rather like it Ihat wny the best. Tliis en- lisiiiijr and hauuiiig around liotae three or four weeks [(laying soldier, iiiay suit some, but it don't me. Nipper- Me neither, (alxiays with a drawl.) Svvix. It seems like killing liine in a dishonest way. There's work tc do, and tiie sooner we get at it, the sooner those that live to see it done will get home again, R[CK. Yes, that's very true, Jack, but I am of the opinion that we are !ioi aaoing to see the end of this muss in tiiree years. 1 think yon an SwiN. It must be like having teeth pulled, though, to have to leave his young wife and child. I am glad I ain't married. Nip. So am 1. Rick. Well, I am married, but my wife is clear carried away with hei' patriotic ideas. She's been talking to me about my duty, until I fairly felt ashamed of myself; and to-day when I told her I had enlisted, she was pl^^ased enough. SwiN. Perhaps it's the thought that you may never come back again, tliai, pleases her. Nip. I think it is. Rick. No indeed ! ^^ aikla don't want to get rid of mo by any means ; a!id if yon could see ihe liitle colleciion of nicknacks she lias prepareil for me to carry in mv kiia[)sack, you would say so too — needles, thread, pin-*, and all such little handy articles. She's put a liitle Bible in among the oilier things, and told me 1 must read a chapter in it every day. SwiN. There's need enough of it, Joe. Nip. So I think. Rick. Weil, supp. se we j ig alons — -the train has come and the uni- forms will be distributed soon, (lookiiif) of k.) Hanged if there ain't Steuben with his on already. Come, let's make liasie now, we've no time to loose. Nip. That's my idea. [All exit, e., as Becky enters, l. Becky. Where can William be, I wonder 1 the time is up, and yet he is not here. I am afraid his army life will be his ruin, even if he lives through it ; there are so many evils that beset a soldier, that 1 fear he maybe led astray, — he will come back a dinnkxrd or a gambler, or something else as bad, and then what am I to do 1 He will want to be married, and how can 1 refuse him 1 Enter William iinperceived hj Becky, k., stands listening. Oh, dear! a man that is engaged to be married, has no business to go to this war. [furns and sees William in his uniform) Them clothes ! {sim- pering.) Will. Them close ! wall, now, what's objectionable about them closed {sarveijing hiimelf) I flatter myself that I'm cultin' a pretty nice linger in them duds. Becky, I had sot you down as a gal bavin' more taste. Becky (^.sorroivfulli/). I have no taste for anything that is in any way connected with this war. Think of the untold misery it will bring with it! Will. There, switch off, Becky. You've played that tune lonsz enough, — talk about suthin' else, cause time's mighty precious. Now, then, 1 want lo know how often you will write to me. Becky. AVill you agree to answer every letter I will write ? Will. Well, provided you don't pitch in to see how many you can write. Now I don't care about settin' down to pay my addresses on papm* oftener than once a week. Say every Sunday about courtin' time, you squat yourself to inform me all the news — fill in as much sweet stuff' as ye like, and I'll he wriiin' about the same time; it will be like sparkin', ye see. Thev say " distance lends enchantment," but I don't know wheilier we shall be able lo see it or not. Becky. I will write every Sunday, William, and .shall expect you to do the same; bnt, William, there are some other things that I want to sppak about. I want you to promise me yon will not drink a drop of liquor, or play a game of c:irds while you are in the service. 10 FOlLl^lJ. Wilij. I snum ! yovi are fi,'2;<'i"i"' things down rallier close. I don't know as I caie a dain about the cards, but, I vum ! 1 don't care about iryiii' to do without myraiiua of rye. 1 don't imagine 1 .shall be allowed enutr at a time to more tU^m take the du!>t out of luy gullet. Becky. And that little will be enough to create an appetite, and when you get home you will be a hard drinker ; now m irk my words. Will. Oh, fiddle-faddle ! save yer breath. It's tunny you never thouaht of this before. I have always been in the habit of takiu' a nip whenever T felt l,ke it. I am putty certain that I have stowed away more red-eye in the last three years than 1 shall in the three to come ; so ' you see your fears on that ground are uncalled for. Don't for Lord's !-ake hatch up anything else; but come, Becky, the time is short that I've got to stay with yon, and I kinder want to promenade a little speck in my new imiform, so hook on. (BECitY takes his arm, they exit, r.) SCENE Wl^—Smie as Scene I. Enter Chaulotte, l., ^vith lint awi shmcl on, which she removes mid places in closti, R.. the room ivcalhj arrangtd, table cleared off, etc. Ch.\rlotte, It seems as though I had been to the funeral of some one who was most dear to me. Ah, what a gloomy period have I not now to undergo, and how suddenly has it broke upon me ! I little dreamed this morning that to-night would see me separated from Rilph, for God knows how long. I dare not give vent to my feelings in his presence, for he, conscious of his light doing, maintains a cheerfulness which I must notdampen* Enter Mrs. Evanp, k. . Mrs. Evans. Well, Charlotte, where did you leave R.alph 1 I thought he was to return wi.h you. Char. He went to the Hall to get his uniform, promising to come and bid us good-bj'e if he had the lime before the train leaves. He has been arranging some little business matters which took him a little longer tlian he e.xpected, but he will endeavor to see us before he goes. The com- p:iny will pass near here, and he will come to say farewell, and fall in wiUi them as they pass by. Mrs. E. I fear his farewell to me will be the last I shall ever receive from him. Something tells me that I shall not live to see him again. My fnst-failing health, with the constant anxiety I shall feel for him in the iield of danger, will carry me to my grave. Char. Oh, mother, don't say that, for without you I shall indeed be alone. Mrs. E. I don't say this to add to your already heavy load, bnc to prei)are you for what j'ou must meet. I feel, my poor girl, that I am soon to leave you, and you must brace yourself to meet other responsi- biliUes, CuAK. Why, mother, I can see no cause for your feeling thus ; you .seem to me to be as well as when I first came here. This feeling is owing to the sudden departure of Ral[>h on his dangerous mission. Mrs. E. Ah, Charlotte, don't deceive yourself. 1 have for some time known that I was gradually sinking, and know that I cannot last much loiiuer. There are many things that I would speak of, but will not now add to your sorrow by a recital of them. When you become a Utile mo'(! resigned to your present — {rr. drum hcwd, distant mirking time) Hark ! i ; that not th? company coming 1 {thcij listen.) Acr II. 17 CuAH. Yes, it imisL be, and Ralph has iioL yet come. Oh, we must see hitu. Let us get ready and — ah ! here he is. Enter Ralph in uniform, L. Ralph {hurriedly'). Well, mother! Charlotte ! I have just time to .'•ay good-b)e. Don't let your spirits droop. Write to me often. You re- member wliat I have told you, Charlotte. Good-bye, my darling, {em- braces Charlotte) Mother, good-bye. {embraces Mrs. Evans and is about to exit, L.) Mrs. E. {leading Child from room, r). Ralph ! here's Eddie. Ralph {taming). Oii, my Eddie ! I had forgot my darling boy. {Inir- ries to Child, falling on. one knee, c., clasps him to his breast, bowing his head on Child's shoulder. Child puts arms around Ralphs nech. Charlotte sin/is into chair, l., bitnjtng face in her handkerchief. Mrs. Evans stands over Ralph and Child with uplifted hands and eyes, imploring the divine protection. Tableau. Plaintive orchestral music, and drum heard faintly, marking time, as curtain descends.) END OF ACT FIRST. ACT II. SCENE I.— Same as Scene I., Act I. Charlotte discovered sitting at table in thought. Charlotte. It is now nearly three months since Ralph went to war, and yet it seems an aye. How I have counted the days, the hours even, wondering what he might be engaged in doing — perhaps in battle, per- liaps slain, or wounded and weltering in his blood ; perhaps in the hos- pital, prostrated with some disease. Thoughts like these have filled my mind constantly, and at times it has been with the utmost difficulty that I liave been able to contain myself, Becky tries to make me cheerful, and were it not for her I should indeed be sad. Enter Becky, r. Well, Becky, has mother awoke yet 1 Becky- Yes, she opened her eyes a few moments, and I offered her some tea, which she drank. I asked her if I shouldn't help her to arise, and get her comfortable in her chair ; but she shook her head and said she needed more sleep. Poor Mrs. Evans ! she has been such a good mother to me, that it makes me feel bad to see her so sick. I am afraid she is not agoing to live a great while longer. Char. I fear so, for the last two or three weeks she has failed rapidly. It is now over a week since she left her room. Becky. Have you ever said any|.hing to Ralph about her being so sick 1 Char. Yes, in every letter that I have written I have spoken of her failing health, and in this letter {takes up letter) that I have just finished, I have told him that I was very much afraid he would never see her again. Bkcky. llow bad poor Ralph will feel, for he his always been such a good bon, au I has dune bo much in make her happy. Do you want that 18 FOILED. letter mailed 1 I have got one to send to William, and am going to the office, and will tJike yours along. CuAB. Yes, you may take it. Where is Eddie"? (ptves letter to Becky.) Becky. He is in the yard, playing. Char. Very well, I will go in and sit by motlier until you return. [Exit, R. Becky. Oh, dear ! how sad it is to be sure with Ralph and William to the war, and Mrs. Evans so very sick, and Charlotte, she does nothing but worrry, worry, all the time. I find that I have to be all smiles, and e sinking all the time, and making odd remarks to cause Charlotte to jausli, or else it would be as solemn as a convent. Heiulio ! ilont/ breath) I think I've a good reason for feeling forsaken myself; but I don't allow myself to show that I do feel so by my actions ; but I must hasten to the office with these letters ; it's most mail time now. {gets hat, shawl, etc, from closet, K., and exit, l.) ' SCENE II. — A Southern const scene, near the camp of the Regiment. Enter Ricketts, Swinger and Nipper, l. RicKETTS. Well, boys, this is rather of a pritty kind of life, after all. We have little cause for complaint, — a good, quiet out-of-the-way camp, with no enemy of any account in our front ; plenty of rations, such as they are, with just exercise enough to keep us from gitting mouldy. Some would say it's rather dull, but it satisfies me. Nip. Me too. SwiN. Exactly so, Ricketts. We haven't had much rough usage thus far, but I reckon we shall not continue so fortunate for a much longer stretcli. As you say, we liavn't much cause for complaint, — better be liere on coast service, guarding these sand banks, than with the Army of the Potomac, or the Western Armies. Those fellers have got to see some scrabbling too and fro, ai;d some of the boys have got to go under. RicK. But, Jack, you know you thought we were agoing to walk right over these fellows. Ain't you hauling to a little f Swix. Well, I have been thinking the matter over ; and since they have had several battle*!, I don't see but what it's about nip and luck. Rick. Yes, give the devil his due. These Southerners are desperate dogs, and before we have flogged them into submission, we have got to see some blood spilled. Nip. I think you are right. SwiN. Yes, Sol, you may be one of them, too. You better not allow your hopes of seeing home again to run very high, 'cause they may git " your hide on the fence." Nip. I think likel)', RrcK. Bui what a puzzler that Bosworth makes out to be. lie says Lttle or nothing to nobody. Swix. And nothing says little or nobody to him. I don't hanker after his company, and don't care if he don't open his mug to me while we are in the service. 1 can't stomach him no how. Rick. If you can you are the onlv one. I feel ju.st like reaching for him every lime he comes within a ro'l of me, the confounded surly num- skull. SwiN. By-the-way, what makes him eye Ralph Evans .so 1 I saw him the other evening, when we were all s tlinii aroui.d ihc camp fire ; he was standing a little on*^ side in t'lo shadow, lui 1 Il;il[ili, ho was seated on the log with the hriaht flames showing liim u[) the most, conspionons one in the parly, and Bosworth, ho was glaring at him with t..cm 5i:akc"s ACr It, 19 eyes of Iiis — ^looksiifj >ike a cat's eyea in the flnrk — 3«rt of sreen, you know, I couldn't he-lp iioticiis^i him ; tie looked jusL as ilioii:;!! lie wanted lo jump ij^lit into liini. Did yob ever notice liiia in iliis punicnlar ^ Kjck. Well, no, 1 haven't, but I have lieaid one or iwo of the boys speak of it, and I overiieard Bill Sieuben Jiiuiieiinji away to himself the other day. He said something about, " I'm od yer track, yer dani'd skunk." I hadi to smile to myself to seeliow singular Bill looked, and for tiie life of me I couldn't make out what he meant by it. Bosworth has- liad no words with any one, an I gives do one a chance to quarrel witi> liim, and as lon-g as he minds his business, that's all I want of him ; lshan'!> tronble him, NiF. Me neither, SwiN. Well, I don't propose ta engage in the dirty work of having any- thing nt all to do with hitn^ he ain't worth talking about, so let him slide. But if Bill Steuben has got his eye on him, depend up)n it it's for some- thing. Bill ain't nobody's fool, if he does aippear a little awkward on drill, and the like. He's a mighty cute chap, and sucb fullers as Bos- worth better give iiin> a wide berth. Rick. Right again, Jack, Let'^s leave him to Bill's protection, and bother our l>eads no more about him. Let's go do^vu the beach a ways- be fore dress parade, Stvin. Sail away ; Via agreeal)le, NiF. So am I, l^U exit, r, Mnter Ralph, i. Ralfu. What can have put such nonsense into Steuben'^s beadi He- lias now spoken two or three times to me, in regard to this same notion. He (lea-ires, be says, " lo put me on my guard." Surely what motive caiv Boaworth have in offering me harm % I never .sp(jke to, or had any dealings whatever with the fellow previous to our enhstmeot. True it is-, he asked the hand of Charlotte iu marriage, but her refusal eaii eertainly furnish no cause for enmity between us. Finding that she' preferred to become my wife, rather than the wife of one whose origin andpas-t career sue was utterly ignorant, he must on subsequent reflection )>ave con- ceived how foolish the expectation, that any sensible girl could h-ave de- cided differently, 1 attribute his reserved oKinner to the fact that, tired i)f the wretched life he has led for the past three years or TOore, and per- haps also pecuniarily embarrassed, he enlisted. The regiment, miuie up as it is from country towns, contains none of that element fiorrv which he would selfct associates. Hence he gives away toreffeciion and mental despandency. But for Steuben to sn{)pose thnt he means- me injury, i^» an idea Sliat to my mind at present is- very remote, {lookinff "ffi,.) Who i* tlinS coming fron^ the camp 1 It is Bosworth hiiijself — his hands jyockt^teci and head bowed. He paces along slowly as though in deep thoimht. He walks in this direction. Not wishing to break in iipon his reverie, I'll blip one side and allow him to pass, {Exit, r., as Bosworth enters, slotvly, l, Bosworth. Hang this dog life !• it neither suits- me, or furnishes, a* yet. an opening in which to enter for the completion of my jiurpuse. Had the regiment entered, some active department, I should ero now in some skirmish or battle, have dispatched him without sakSpieion,but the present quiet situation in this vicinity, delays my project, but come it certainly will, and for this tardiness he the more sweet. To resort to poison, or to draw his heart's blood with the do^g^cr poin', would but 1^0 FOILED. woik my owu destruction. Already I am an object of distrust in the coiupany, aud that meddliug Yanliee half susp#cts my designs. Enter Ralph, r. Ralph \coming fonvarct). Well, Bosworth, are you just from camp? Bos. And if 1 was 1 Ralph. Ob. nothing, only I might inquire if anything worth mention- iiijl was stirring. Bos. To thai I might reply : go see for yourself. Ralph. Which I should consider to a civil question an ill-mannered retort, Bos. Should youl I should then inform you that when I wished you to address me, I would make that fact known to you. Ralph. Your mood is far from agreeable, Mr. Bosworth. Bos. Perhaps so ! perhaps so 1 and perhaps there's a reason for it. Ralph. Undoubtedly there is ; but there certainly can be no reason that would justify you in your assuming the ofJ'ensive toward llie person that would assist you to remove that reason. Bos. Fortunately to that end, 1 require the aid of no person. Ralph. You are somewliat of an oddity. Bos. Again I say, perhaps so. Ralph. And were you aware of the feeling which your strange con- duct creates amung your comrades, 1 am disposed to believe thai you would at least make an effort to overcome ihis sullenness. Bos. To su[)pose me ignorant of all this, would be to suppose me ex- ceedingly dull of conijjrehension ; but, understand, sir, that tor the light in which I am regarded by the party which you term " comrades," I care thnt, {snapping hts fingers) and that only. Ralph. Surely you cannot expect to pass your term of service very pleasantly in such a frame of mind. Bos. What might be pleasant to one party, might prove the reverse to another. I am enjoying myself for the first time in four years. Ralph. And pray, if you so like the service, why do you continue in this, to say the least, most singular course'? Why not rather prove your position in some way that would leave no room for doubt that your heart and hand are in the great work before us. Bos. Again you blunder seriously ; learn then, if you must, that for the cause for which the North are contending, I am not an advocate. To suppose that I would engage in the hellish work of tramping under foot that section of the country that gave me birtli. crushing out of them by force of arms, their cherished principles, would be Ralph [interrupting). Hold! Hugh Bosworth, a man wlio carries in his breast such treasonable sentiments, has no claim upon the protecting arm of this goverimient, and justifiable would be the act in any man, through devotion to the cause which you so detest, to rend piecemeal your vile carcass, and cast it to the dogs, {loarmhj) In the name of loy- alty, why are you here, arrayed like myself in the nation's defence ? Bos. For a reason, Ralph Evans, which I hope ere long to make you fully acquainted with. Consistency forbids that 1 should make it known to you at present. Ralph [mcnningly). Hugh Bosworth, I begin to read you. A strong suspicion rests against you among my friends, that your mission is one of evil intent ; and furtiier, that I am the one chosen to leceive at your hands f<>ul and mysterious dealing. Until now this charge lias appeared to me foolish and groundless, but from your own li|is I am led to believe that it is not wholly without foundation. What motive should prompt ACT ir. 21 you to tills eixl, I am at loss to tleteimine. Cpfure we befian thi^? career, we never so mucli as exchanged the ordinary salutations, and to my recol- lecuon, I never liad occision in otter my opinion, or retnaik in any man- ner CDncerniiii" yon. Yonr associates liave noi been m^ne, and niine iiave not been yours. Tlie wliereaboiUs of yonr tamily, I am eniirely iiinoranfc of, and of your career before you sought a home at the North, 1 know notiiing. Certain it is, I never wronged yon. Bos. You linow you lie, when you say you never wronged me. Yoa know without my telling you that you stepped between me and happiiie&s. Is tiiat not wronging me ? Ralph. Do 1 imders.tand you to mean by that Bos. That you robbed me of a juize I toiled to gain — a prize that was fairly mine because fairly won. A prize that I swore to relinquish only with my life's blood. You are in po.^ssession of the prize, but the oatb stands good. You can make no rejiaration, neither can you turn me from my purpose. Ralph. Still I am not sure 1 understand you. Bos. Fool ! Did you not make Charlotte Tisdale your wif.> 1 Ralph. I did; never supposing, however, that by so doing I had made an enemy in the world. She freely consenting, we were happily raairied. Our friends and acquaintances all wislied us joy. You are th» first person that has ventured a disapproval. I am extremely sorry for you in your disappointment, but really at pre.sent, I do not feel much Jik? ci'ying. Bos. Infernal hypocrite ! neither your symjmthy or your tears would avail you anything ; and let me tell you that when you ciossed my path, you made an enemy that will dog your steps to the very end of the earth for his revenge. Ralph. Out u^on you for a sneaking villain. Let me advise yon to have done with your empty threats, and turn your attention to the duly you have sworn to perform, and if an ail-wise providence shall see fit \o spare your worthless life to see the end of your term, return home le- solved to become a man. Marry if you will, but be sure that you select a good woman — one that will assist you in your resolution of reform. Have a care, however, that she has not a decided preference for some one else, as in such a case you might have a second attack of this teriible af- flict ion, and really do something desi>erate — cut your own throat perha[)S, or, what would be still worse, become :•. helpless love-cracked subject for some mad-liouse. Bos. {maddened, advances on Ralph with upliflcd a>-ni ta strike). Prating fool ! this for your advice ! Ralph (^facing him, and offering Jiii person to Bosworth's blow). Strike I (BoswosTH joaM,?fs) Strike ! (Boswdrth retreats, his arm gradaahi) falling) WiiV don't you strike 1 {'^a-lvyi folhnvs him up. When Boswoutu has re- t'-ca'cd to the wings, U., Iiis aria has fallen and himself complelcltj cowed) Contemptable coward \ {striking Bosworth om breast with fiat of his hand) off with yon, or I will enter a complaint against you to the captain for your disloyalty, and see you safely guard-housed. Bos. {menacing). Ralph Evans, this matter does not end here. [E-vii, threateningly, k. Enter Steubex, l. William {slapping Ralph on the hack). Good boy, Ralph ! good boy I I've been watching ye for the last fifteen minutes, and I had to chuckle right out to hear you talk to that blarsted snake. When you spoke about his bein' love-c:acked that fairly riled him. He wanted to belt yui in the gob about that time, but he hadn't the uarve. Ye looked him '22 FOILED. down. I was in Itopps he would In ike a parse for ye, for I wanted to see \e whale hiia like all possessed. 1 stood there readj', in case he should liapin to be a leet,Ie tew much for ye, when I should have dropf)ed on him mosc dreadfiillj'. If I wouldn't liave mopped the ground round about here for a couple of rods uiih his darned carcass, it would be be- cause I lacked ihe wheiewiUi to do it, I can tell ye. Mortal man, I never ached and itched so in all my boi'ii days, to reach out for a feller's «meller as I did for his. I tell ye what it is, now Ralph, {holdintj up his clenched fisf) if that had brought up airainst his snute, I think by this lime he'd have nothin' but nostrils all over his phiz. It would have b'^eu about the sickest lookiu' bugle ever seen in this section, [ warrant ye. Ralph. I am glad there were no blows, Bill. I doa't want any iroublo with him, and I guess now there is litile dinger of aijy. Will. I dunno about that. I think you've only made him all the •wuss. I don't expect he'll tackle ye face to face, but sometime when ye hain't thinkin' he'll be at yer back. There's no knowin' but what tiie darned skunk may put a builet through ye the first time the regiment, goes into a muss. Nobody would be the wiser; it couldn't be prove! that ye wan't killed by a shot from the enemy, ye see. Ralph. Oh, well. Bill, a fellow of his pattern ain't agoing to be think- ing of very little else but the safety of his own head during an engage- ment, L:^t a shell ex[)lode within a few feet of him, and he will think no juore of the reven2,e he taJks about until t!ie rage of battle is -over. Will. I can't agree with ye quite, R ilph .; it's plain he's a confounded coward, but ye see he's been biliii' over now for four years, and hain't got much care about life. Now ye hnd to laugh 'cause I tried to warn ye agif» him, but ye found out that I was light arter all, and ye will see diat I am right ia what I say now. Mark my words, that darned Buzz- wuih will make an attempt to trip ye yet. • Ralph. Well, he won't find me nappiug; but still I do not apprehend anything very serious; if I did I should make known to the captain his avowed disloyalty, which would probably shut him up for a while at- Jeast. That is the most I tear in him, and in that I shall watch him. By-the-way, Bill, we had better retu n to camp; it is nearly tinii for dress parade. Will. Never you mind about dress parade ; we hain''t got to appear at that raanosuf'ver. The way I hai)peiied to bring around here in time to «ee t!;a* frolic, was because the oiderly sergeant sent rae out to look for ye. (BoswoRTU appearsR., hslemn/f) Corporal Eicketts, Jack Swinger, you and me, have got to go out on picket to-night, out lo the ravine. I guess nve migiit as well b^ going to camp and getting ready. I'll spe if I can see anything of Ricketis and Swingpr on the bench, (Bosworth retires) and you be walkiu' along slortdy to camp. [Bjcit Ralph, l., Stkdbkn, k. Enter Bosworth, e , caudausli/. Bos. On picket to-night at the ravine. A thought strikes me that tliis is my chance. I have so thoroushly exposed myself to Evans, that I shall be narrowly watched and perhaps defeated. I can reach tlie Con- federate lines within an hour, and when darkness rei^ns cnn lead a de- tachment to the ravine and capture them all. Evans once a prisoner, my fanu- begins. I will return to camp ami collect my clothing, and be well on my way before they miss me at parade. [ Exit, h. SCENE III. — The picJcet po t near the vvit'e. A teoaded bnnl,-. Lnrja n» the stige to sit on. The sticks for aits hjiiuj handij. Ralph, Rickktt.s, ACT TI. l;o STEtJBEJf, Swr^rGEr:, dheovered in {lie ad of removing Uanhets from shoulders, etc. The ' old guard " supposed to have just retired. Rick. Well, boys, here's wliere we've got to liatiT out for Uie next tweiily-fouf hours ; so mike yourselves at home. Stack your arm<, ;tiiil take tilings cool. I suppose one has got to be ou the watch all the time. You can suit yourselves about who shall go on first, {they stuck arms, etc.) Will. Let's draw cuts, that's about the fairest way. Come, Joe, you git the sticks ready. Rick, {picking up slicks, three of them, one extremely long). Well, shortest has first lelief. Will. No gougin' now, Joe. Rick. Here you are, go ahead, Bill ; you are so afraid of being gouged. Will, [drawing long stick and displaying it). Well, I think it hain't me tint's goin' on fust. Rick. Here, Ralph, (Ralph draw<) ihat's the second in length, so it's Swinger that has got to lake the lirs6 relief. (Ralph lies down an4 i/ms t> sleep.) SwiN. Well, that suits me. Where shall I stand, and what shall I watch 1 {comes forward.') Rick. Well, stand about here, anywhere, and the onlj' point an enoniy will come from will be by that path that leads along the edge of the ravine, {pomtinr/ u.) Will. Say, Swinger, you want to keep about as good a walch in ihat direction, (pointing l ) for the officer of the day, ns you do anywheie. Them chaps, they sneak aner a feller so darned sudden sometimes, iliaL they caich him all unaware.';. Now, then, I'm going to have a sinoko. {lights pipe, they sit.) Rick. That's me, Bill, {lights pipe) If it wan't for i)ipe and tobatec-, wiiai should we do 1 Will. I dumio, ii'a nu pll-Miunderin' comfort, that's a fact; but, then here's Ralph, he don't smoke, and yet he's as happy as any on us. By- the-way, Joe, did you know that Ralph and Buzzwuth came putty ni^h havin' a sel-tii jest afore we left camp ? Rick. Is that so 1 How did that come about ? Will. Well, I can't tell exactly, only I found \\m jest afore I cnme across yx>\\ on the beach, and they was talkin' plain English to one 'nother, and they finally got to goin' so strong that Buzzwuth was iioin' to wa'le in, but he backed down in time to save himself from a darned sjo 1(1 i)ummellin£r, for it' Ralph hadn't done it I shoul I. You see, what I've been tellin' Raliih all along turned out lest as J said. That darned liyena of a Bwzzwuih has cum out here to pay off an old grudge. Rick. Well, I thought as much, but I haven't said so outright. Will. You see, this Buzzwuth, he was crazy arter Charlotte Tisdale, and Ralph he was rather sweet on her tu, so he up and married her, and that set the devil risht into Buzzwuth, although I don't believe the gal would had him anyway. But he don't thiidc that, and he's jest high- daddy arter what he calls revenge. Poor deluded cuss. I've read about just such proceedings in the story books, whar a cupple fellers would be arter one sal, but the rao>t gallus one would always win, then ihar would be " music in the air." For a spell the feller what got cut out would blu-^ter and spout about his " sweet vengeance." I thought such darned nonsense was unfashionable now days, but it seems not. We've ^ot a case right in our midst. ^ Rick. Yes, Bill, and how do you know but what one of them samo gallus fellers is after yonr Becky. Will. Oh, that's all darned nonsense to snppo.se any such stuff. 24 FOILED. Rick. I don't know about that. I think you will find out tlmt many a chap that'.s '• left, liis jiirl behind liini " will oo bnck lo find onl that somebody more f bein' shaky. I don't believe Charley SuuiiHT and 1Ialile, for fear ihey will .--kedaddle. He would be nolhinfr hut a u.seless expense, eating up rations and the like. Will. Speakin' 'bout rations, puis me in mind tiiat I'm inmgry. Gues.s I'll have to lunch a little, (ffoca to Jxivernack and t'kis out a turf/e bone) Ah ! ha ! there ye be. {holdinj it up) Fellers, there's a bone lor ye. I gobbled that the oilier night out of ihe cook's tent. I've been feaslin' on it by spells ever since. I uuess I can lig^er on three or four more meals on it yet. {ffnnwmg bone.) Rick. I say, Bill! don'i let, liiat bone lake your mind rnlirely oft" your business. You know we are ordered to look sharp lo-niglit. Will. Oh, never you mind, Joe. I'm not the ciitier that's to let any skulkin' be <;oin' on in the neishhorlio.nl unobsarved. [lo'iJcing off V. , utid titnrtinr/ with surprise, drojypvii) bone, bringing tip his gun) 13y the limpin' Moses ! Joe! I guess ye spoke in the nick o' time. Conic iieie, quick! (RicKETTS comes forW'i}-d to Stkubkn) See thar', do^vn yonder, creepin' along by tlie side of the ravine I {pointing) Do ye .see anyihinu 1 (Ralph and SwiKGER fule arms and come down front, brtnging-RjcKETTn' gun to him, and a I engigc i>i looking off k) Ricic. I do indeed ; some ten re they get loo close to make everything safe, liowever. (bringitig his gun to n rcadg, the others stepping buck a Idle) Halt ! wlio comes there'? {louder) Hill' (^stiU louder) Hall! Boys I (^timing ti his men) liiese chaps are Rebels ! {cvcifedlg) Discharge yoiir piece; at liirm ami fall back to the road, (jheg fire one after another, Ualpii firing list.) Will. Tliar' liiey cum full chisel; they are too many for us. Dig is the word. (r.r'< "// bii' Ralph, hurriedly, l., ".i he turns to go a shot is fired from tlie right, he stnggers and falls wounded, as Bosworth and Rebel Soldiers enter ii., hurried g.) Bosworth. So far well done, [laughing hgitericallg) Ha, ha, ha, iia. {iheg group around Ralph forming tableaux. Bosworth exultingly bends ot'er him. Quick drop.) END of act second. UT ACT III. SCENE I. — Same as Scene J., Act I. Charlotte at table in black attire. Charlotte {sadly). Alas ! alas ! wliat a change has three short months worked in this household. Ralph a prisoner, his mother dead ! how it likens lo a sorrowful dream — a uream which as j-et knows no daybreak, continuing unbroken by any promised ray of sunlight, perhaps to reveal still sadder chapters to my aching heart. Oh ! Ralph ! Ralph ! what cruel interposition of destiny is this, and what is to be its endl Enter Slatbr, l. Slater. Good-morning, Mrs. Evans. (Charlotte rises and places chair for him) I thousht I would step in and inquire after you, and see if you had heard anything as yet from Ralph, {sits.) Char. Ah 1 Mr. Slater, we have learned nothing of him since his cap- ture, which, you know, happened some three months ago. Becky goes regularly to the mail, but returns with the same answer, nothing, noth- ing ! She occasionally hears from William Steuben, but he can only tell us what we already know. Oh ! if I could only find out where he is con- fined, I would fly to him. Surely they would not deny me the privilege of seeing him. {lits near table, facing Slater.) Slat. I hardly think they would, and yet why do they not permit him to write to you"? Char. Perhaps he may be sick and unable to write, and if so, how much may he not suffer for want of proper care. Thoughts like these fill my mind daily, and drive me nearly to distraction. Slat. You must endeavor to be composed, Mrs. Evans. He may be in good health and properly cared for. Char. No, it must be that he is sick and cannot write, and that there is no one near him he can ask to do it for him. Slat. You may be right, but you should not allow yourself to be without hope. He may be exchanged or paroled. Char. I have tried to think so, and at times have strong hopes that such will be the case; but, then again, the chances are so great that he piay die before such an event, that despair creeps upon me. Slat. Did his mother know that he was a prisoner ? Char.* We tried to keep it from her ; but she mistrusted from our manner, and our avoiding as much as possible to speak of him in her presence, so that we were finally compelled to tell her, as the suspicion appeared to worry her. Slat. Poor lady ! her death will be a blow to Ralph when he learns of it. Char. It will indeed, and how desolate it has made our home. She so much wanted to see her boy ; but, here is Becky. Enter Becky, l. There was no letter 1 Becky- I have got a letler, Charlotte, and it's from the South; but it is not Ralph's writing on the envelope ; but I think it must contain something about him. {gives ktter to Charlotte, who opens it; takes off hat and shmol, placing them in closet, r.) Char, {looking nt letter). From Hugh Bosworth ! Becky. Hugh Bosworth ! that's funny. Slat. Bosworth ? IhU is slraugc. Does he write about Ralph 1 28 iOlLED. CiiAR. {reading). " If you would s?e Ralph alive, come immediately." That is all he says concerning him, then he goes on to describe llie route for me to take. Slat. But how does it happen that he is with Ralph 1 Char. He must have been taken prisoner with him. But William said nothinti about it, did he Becky 1 Becky. No, he has never mentioned his name. I don't quite like the looks of that business. Slat. I think he must have been captured with Ralph, as you say ; but what do you infer from what he has written 1 Char. That Ralph must be very sick. Oh, had I the means — but I will reach him. [ivith dctcnnmatwii.) Slat. Never fear about the means, Mrs. Evans. You shall have the money to go with if you think it best to go. But what will you do with your child ? Char. He will remam here with Becky. 1 cannot take him without exposing him to greater danger than lie will encoimter here at home. IJecky. He will be perfectly safe here; but, Cl-arlotte, I don't think you really onslit to go. I don't believe a word that letter says. Char. Becky, my dear ! what object could Huc;h Bosworth have in writing me such a letter ? It is plain enough to my mind that Ralph is prostrated with some disease, dying perhaps. I must go to him. Becky. But where will you stay ? Char. Wherever I find him. If it be in some hospital, there at his berlside shall I remain ; if in some prison, there with him shall be my home. Slat. A noble resolution ! and on second thought, I see no hindrance to its execution. You may meet some little delay in getting transferred to the rebels lines. Once there you will follow your instructions given in the letter, and will find little difficulty in reaching the place where Ralph is held prisoner. Should you not be allowed to remain with him con- stantly, you will have to find a place to board. Select sjmo quiet family to stop with, where you will not be exposed to the insulting manner of the ranker class. You will need some money to secure this to you, and I will provide you with it. No thanks ! recollect my promise to Ralph, it is my simijle duty, and ])erforni it I will, i will now bid you good- morning. You can expect a boy here soon with a i)ackage containing the money ; by him you can send me word when you shall go, and I well see you depart. Heaven guard you, and grant that you may be succ?ssfiil. [Exit, L. Beck. What a good man Mr. Slater is. lie always inquires every lime I see him how we are getting along, and if we liear from the army. Char. He is indeed a good man. This is the first, and I hope ilie only lime we shall have cause to test Ids gener.isiiy. But, Becky, it is my intention to start to-day ; there is no reason for tlelay. You will take good care of Eddie in my absence. I shall ask iMr. Slater to have a care over you. You will not be afraid to remain here ? Beck. Afraidi oh, no indeed ! but how long do you think you shall stay, Charlotte 1 Char. Oh ! I cannot tell. But I shall not return as long as my presence is of any value to Ralph's comfort, but he m.iy be paroled or exchanged soon. In that case I should leturn inuuadiitely, but I must prepare for my journey. Come, Becky, you can assist me. [Exit, k. SCENE 11.— Fnson interior. Rai-PH disovcrrd seated on a stool, r. A himdle of strnc nn the floor ct hick, for a bed. Rali'u a'Aircd in old ijnnj elotli.a. ACT Tir, 29 Ralph (musing). This is most strange to say the least. Were I an officer of higli rank, I siiould not be surprised at receiving this extraor- dinary treatment. But a common S')l(iier, captured on the picket line in a wounded condiiion, to receive, as I have, ti]e care from the hands of a gentle and unassuming familj', under whose proteciion I had heen placed, and after a return lo heaUh and strength, to be held here singly, instead of being forwarded to some depot for Federal prisoners, shows plainly that, I ani indebted in somebody ; wliom thai sompi)ody is, I can in no wise ima.qine. That Hugh Bo^Avorth worked my capture I am convinced. That he has befiiended me since that event, I can scarcely believe. And yet he appears to have me in his keeping. He visits me daily, answer.s all my inquiries with a willingness that surprises me. I have been allowed to write liome; and in fact nothing that could be reasonably allowed, has been denied nn. {noise of unbarring prison door, L.') My captor is about to pay me his usual visit. Enter BoswouTir, l., clad in gray undress, slouched hat, etc. Bos. Well, Evans ! how do you find yourself to-day 1 Ralph. Improving. I think I am nearly as strong as I was before I received mj' woimd, thanks to the very kind treatment I have received in this place. Bos. Well, I am not sorry ; but. I suppose you have been, and are still somewhat puzzled at your situation ? Ralph I am s", for I expected to be confined witii other prisoners. Bos. And of course vou are not aware to whom vou are indebted for all this ? Ralph. Indeed I am not, • BoR. Listen ! and I will explain all. You must know that it was I that led lo your capture? Ralph. I suspected as much. Bos. Right ! it was for that purpose I deserted. I knew you were to be at that post, and I made my way to the Confederate lines, where I had littlj difficulty in making known my object, and easily obtained, and led a detachment of men to the ravine with the intention of capturing you all ; but you in particular. I should like to have brought back wiTh me that blabbing Yankee ; but am contented in capturing you. I riid not intend to have you hurt; but, as I saw you would escape, I dirrcled one of th» men to cripple you. We then brought you to this place, where I liad you placed in good hands, and had tlie satisf;iction of seeing you rapidly recover. About three weeks ago I thouaiit you well enough to try prison life, and accordingly brought you here — here you will re- niam. Ralph. One word — are you in the Confederate service ? Bos. I am not in the army at present. Ralph. Then how do you bring this about ? Bos. Oil, easy. First, for the information I gained for the Confederates relative to the strength and position of the Union armies, I asked of them to give you to my charge, which they readily assented to. 1 have also an uncle in the army — an officer of high rank. His influence is worth something, you see. After I get through with this job, I shall accept s commission in the Confederate service. Ralph. WpII ! may I ask what you intend doing with me 1 Bos. You certainly ci-n, and I will answer you j)lainly. You will re- collect. Et-ans, the day of your capture, yon and I came to an under- Rtnndinsl I then informed you we should have more to say on the sub- ject. That .'ame dny you fell into my p jwer. ^could have easily carri'ed 80 TOILED. my threat into execation on that day ; but I hit npoa a more glorious plan, 1 liave wailed for your restoiation to lioalili tliat you may be the better able to act your part with your usual couraye, for you Will need all you possess, 1 assure you. Balph. Really ! this grows interesting — proceed. Bos. Heretofore you have lacked nothing to make your confinement easy and c)mfortable ; but a decided change in the programme is to take place immediately. Your allowance of food, giadually, day by day, I shall shorten, until you are so wasted and reduced in .strength that you cmuot crawl from your miserable pallet. Starvation, {Jiendishly) Ralph Evans, starvatiou in it's most lingering and torturing form awaits you. RAiiPU. Mignanimous. Bos. And to add greater miseiy, your fond wife shall visit you daily in my company — nnable to render any assistance. She can only look on and groan. That will be music to your ears ; it will take away so much from the pang of death. Ralph {risinj). Fiend ! you can lake my life by any method you will, but you will never have the pleasure of witnessing the grief you would cause my wite by such unparalleled inliiunauity. Bos. {mockinghj). Indeed ! are you positive 1 Ralph. I am, wretch, for the reason that she will never obey your summons hither. Bos. Liste 1. A number of days since I penned your wife a note, the tone of whic i was that you were dying, and bidding her to hasten to your side if she would see you again alive. It will produce the desired result unless I greatly mistake her affection for you. The letters you have written her have all been intercepted by me ; so that you see, she has not heard from you sinc% your capture. You can consequently im- agine her anxiety, and you cannot doubt but that on receiving my mis- sive she will accede to its entreaty. Ralph. Did it bear your signature ? Bos. It did. Ralph. Then excuse me for saying, that that alone will be sufficient proof to her of the deception. Bos. Think you so"? I shall have to differ with you widely. I have only been tampering with you. Allow me to inform you, Ralph Evans, that your wife has already arrived. Ralph {sharp nnd quick). Whatl Bos. Even as I say.' She arrived here but two hours since, and is all impatience to see you. My plan works, you see. {laughs eztiUingly.) Ralph {aside). Oli, what do I hear 1 Do you intend to deny her the privilege of seeing me at present 1 Bos. Oh, no ! by no means. I would have her see you in good health at the start. I want her to see the gradual approach of a horrible death, Ralph. When may I expect her 1 Bos. Now. She awaits my appearance to conduct her in. Are you prepared to see her 7 Ralph. Can we be alone 1 Bos. For a short time only. Hereafter I shall accompany her and remain during your interviews ; but you are anxious to see her, and I'll show her in. {Exit, l., re-enters with Charlotte, then again disappears through the door-ivmj. Charlotte pauses, looks at Ralph, who is standing K., unaware of her presence, his mind evidently wandering.) Char, {ruihing to Ralph with extended arms). Ralph ! Ralph {laming and receiving her in his arms). Charlotte! {half sadly, half repronchfidhj) oh, wliy did you come 1 • Char. {^iaid. Char. Ralph ! wliat do you mean'? why do you act so gloomy 1 {ris- ing) My presence seems to give you pain. I expected to see you over- joyed at my coming. There is something you are hiding from me — re- veal to me the cause of your sorrow ! Ralph. There is indeed something of which jou are still ignorant ; but you will learn too soon. Something at which the stoutest heart would shrink from in horror Char, (ulirmcd). Oa, heavens ! whnt mean you "? speak I Ralph {ns »g and endc- raring to overcome his feelings). P xir girl ! you lilile dream, [bursring tvUh frenzg, pressing hii head tvilh his hinds, clutch- ing his hair, etc , rushing over to l.) Oh, brain! is this madness 1 Char. Ralph ! Rali)ii ! in pity don't ! tell me all. I will endure it ! I will share with you your grief, [trying to console him.) Ralph. It is best you should know it, that you may be prepared to' meet it. {pause, during which he becomes more composed) You can see that Bos worth IS my keeper "? Char. Yes, I was wondering how that should be — has he turned rebel 1 Ralph. AVorse than that, he has turned demon. It was he who made me a prisoner, for the purpose of carrying into execution an oath of vengeance. Char. On whom ? surely not you. Ralph. Yes ; but not me only — you also have got to fall beneath his avenging stroke. ;j2 Kdll.KlJ, Char. You amaze rae. How linve we evev wronged liim 1 Wliai prompts hiis! to sucli an trml '! Ralph. Voii retused to become his wife, f^tiuig to despertilion, lie swore revenge ; to seek it lie Joliowed me into ilie service. His sinsular deportment attracted the attention of a number of the comimny. and WilHam Steuben warned me several times to be on my guard. I ihonglit it a fooiish suspicion, until one day we came to words, during wliich he completely unfolded himself a scheming villain. That night 1 was placed on the picket-line ; he kiiowiijg the precise locality, deserted to the rebel lines, procured a small force, led them to the place w here I was on duty, and nude me prisoner. The Confederate authorities have re- warded him for his services by consigning me to his charge at his request. You see, Charlotte, that I am wholly in his ))osver, and not myself alone, but you. The letters which 1 have written you have all been stayed by him. During the time 1 have been recovering frum a painful wound re- ceived at my capture, anxiety had Uiken posse.ssion ot you. Bosworth knew this, followed up the advantage; the result is, you are here in the villain's coils. You cannot return, you will be compelled to remain, am witness my f.ite. Tiiat is your portion. Char. Your fate shall be mine. He shall see that we can defy him — even in the jaws of dt aili. Ralph. Nay, Charlotte, obstinacy will avail us nolhinj. He has the power against which my sinaie arm is stiengthless. This is the only in- terview we shall be allowed alnne ; hereafter, when you vi-it nie he svill conduct you, and remain. Should you refuse you will be dragged here. Char. I could not refuse to see you ; I shall beg of him to allow me to remain with you. Ralph. That wil prove fruitless ; it will interfere with his foul design. Previous lo admitting you, he disclosed to me my doom. A miserable death awaits me — a dealli by a slow process of starvation. Char, {horrified). Oh, merciful Heaven ! prevent this inhuman monster from a deed so black. Ralph. For myself I could brave it; but to know that you too must bear a part makes me cowaidly. Char. Is there no way to escape this dreadful fate 7 Ralph. None ! none ! my j)risoii is strong. There is but that single entrance, {jwintiug l.) which is strongly barred, and guarded upon the outside by a sentinel. I have nothing with which 1 could make any im- l)ie.ssion upon these strong walls, and if I had, il, would be useless to ihink of gaining an o[)ening for escape, fur I shall be closely watched. While my strength lasts, could 1 but once g.iin the street, I think I could escape easily. You see I am clad in gray, and would pass for a Co: fed- er.iie soldier. There is but a small force here, I think, and it is not gen- erally known that a Federal prisoner is confined here. Once beyond the pickets, I could soon make my way to the place where, perhaps, my regi- ' ment is still encamped ; but it is utterly impossible lor me to gain the open air. Bosworth is triumphant. Providence only can stay him in bis devilish work, {noise of unbarring the door) He returns ; what should keep me from throttling him 1 Surely my fate could be no worse, {they cross to B.) Enter Bosworth, l., he pauses, L. , Bos. I am very sorry to be obliged to bring this pleasant interview to a close, but duty compels it, and you know one has to do a great many unpleasant things in the discharge of duty. Char, {facing him). Unpleasant ! thou villain of the darkest dye, a; AiT III. •>•» ilie siijlit of wlinm natnrp sickens, and from wliose poi-;onous presence Mian lecoils in di^misu What can llieie exist nmli'i- ilie pine lieavens, si> vile, so ie|)ni;nHia to every liiimaii sense, in the tiansactio.i of wliicii you woulil experience one feeling of unpleasantness 1 Bos. Tut! uit ! tnndani ; for the tjieat, service 1 liave ren 'ered yon, this is payment in dovvini'd. Bos. Oil, what a change will a few short days work in you ! You, Charlotte Evans, shall yet |)rostrale yourself in the dust at my feet, and beg, enlrear, implore me to Blay my avenging liand. Chak. Never! vile assassin, never! 1 can atid will die with him. {throics hfrself on her knees and clings to Ralph, ivho appeais to be u/icun- scio'is of whnt is going on.) Bos. ^advancing to her). Not so fast, my fair ladybiid. Snc'i a course differs fiom my plan of the campaign. No, no ! I cannot permit you to make so heroic a sacrifice of yourself. I want you to lire — live to see me triumph — live to see your own heart rent with anguish, by the man you now revile and scorn, {sarcastically) Come, come, let us withdraw ; we are onlv disturbing liim you so love. He is busy with his own thoughts, don't you see ] His present mood requires so'itude. Come, let us humor him. Come, come ! Nay, then, if I cannot persuade you, 1 shall resort to force, (seizing her and forcing her to her Jeet.) Char, {struggling). Re. ease me, monster ! Unhand me. Ra'ph \ Rilph! Ralph {arousing and springing to his feel). Wretch ! fiend incarnate ! {rushi:^ on Bos WORTH, tiinj struggle dei-peratdy, Ralph overcomes Bosworth, throwing him and planting his knees on his breast, is choking him. Bosworth after struggling violently becomes insensible. Charlotte, who has been watch- ing the proceedinus ivilh alarm, now springs to Ralph's side.) Char. Rilph! Ralph! don't kill him! don't have his- life to answer for. (Ralph unheeding) Ralph ! {trying to pud him aivay) Ralph ! Ralph {springing up sudden y). Oh, God I Charlotte, such a thought flaslied o'er my mind. Char. Speak, Ralph ! Speak, {taking his hand.) Ralph {m an excited whisper). See, {pointing at Bosworth) he lies in- sensible, scarcely breathes, the prison door is unbarred, I can creep upon the sentry, and with one blow, one well-directed blow, remove the only obstacle between us and escape. Shall I venture? Shall I allow this my only chance to (nervously) What think you, Charlotte ? Char, {spellbound). Do I breathe? "A struggle for life and liberty.' (recovering) But you have no weapon with which to overcome the guard. 34 FOILKD. RAtpn. The bar to the door— it will servo. The blow struck, I s1)all then have the weapon liie sentry ikw lias. Reinaiii here, I will be gone but a moment, (.ttficcalo music. Ualpu glides out coutiouslij, L., Charlotte watcliiitg .) Char. How I tremble! {fjlancing at Boswokth, ^wfif Swi:j. You are mnunlin!:^ a pritty high liorte, spenis to me. What do you Mipi)osp I care nbo^it your having the bines? if you want 'em you -are welcome to 'em for all me. I don't want to see anylliing of 'em. All I've got U) say is, don't let 'em get too tight a hoid of you, or you may hang yourself to get rid of 'ein ; hows that 1 Will, {nfler a pause). See heie. Jack ! you are right, and I am wrong, but somehow I can't help it. I'll tell you now the cause of my faliiu' into "the slougli of di.spond " so much lately. Do you recollect what took i)lace thiee months aijo to-night .' Swix. {thinking). Three months ago to-night ■? Will. I'll tell ye. Three months ago to-night, we were on picket out at the ravine, and Rilph Evans was taken pris'ner. Now ye know 1 SwiN. Yes, indeed. I recollect that night well, but I had forootfen the date. But why should you be blue about that any more than Rickelts nnd I ■? We all felt bad enough fur a while, but it soon wore away. What's the use in allowing it to bother you now ? Will. There are several reasons why I can't get over that little muss. Fust, it comes home a leelle closer to me than it does to the rest on ye, for ye know my gal lives with Ralph's folks ; in fact she's been a sort of sister on his, and I know putty nigh how plaguey down in the mouth his wife and Becky must felt, when I writ to uin about it, and they probably feel all the wiiile just as 1 do by spells, only a darned sight wuss. Swix. Did vou tell um it was Bosworlh's doings ? AViLL. No, I never mentioned his mine. What would be the nsel that would only make utn stew all the more. Another thing that I cant get over, is to think that we all left liim lo fall inter their han(i>. 1 thought he was with us all the time until we fetched up on the road, and when I found out he was missin', I would liave gone back and fonclit the darned skunks, if any one on ye had had the pluck to gone with luo. Swix. That would been most awiul foolish. They were four to our one. and would have picked us oft' in no lime; and besides, firing at 'em, we might have hit Ralph. So uinler the cncumslances, 1 think we did the wisest thing we could do. Don't you think so, Nipper 1 Nip. Yes. I think you did. SwiN. Certainly no one was to blame. No one mistrusted what Bos- worth was up to. If we had we could have been prepared, and gobbled liim instead of his gobblintf Ralph. Will. I'll gobble him if 1 ever get my feelers on the darned lionnd. I should just like to know whar ho is, and what he's u]) to, wheil.er lie's •liaii2iii' round Ralph, tryin' to pester his life out of hini, or whether he's in the rebel nrmv. I reckon Rulph must be in one of their [irisoi s half starved, perhaps, or sick with .'•oine darned lanteiizin' disease or oLh^r. There's no knowin' but what he s dead. We haven't heaid anything from him, neither has the folks, so Becky said m her last. That's what worries me most. I'm afraid he'll keel over alore they get through with liim. I get so all thunderin' blue when I set to tliinkin' on it that it's darn'd hard work to contain myself. I hain't much afraid, however, of hangin' myself. If I have got to die by my own hand I shall live to be remarkubly aged, but I got so blue one day, just arter that rumpus, that I believ? if there had been a respectable hoss in camp I should have persuaded him to kick my brains out. Enter Ricketts, hurriedly, L. RtcK. Come, boys ! wide awake ! we've got business, there has been several shots fired out beyond the picket, and the colonel has ordered our company out to recnnnoiire, and a^corXiin the cius'i. Of cour.s*e it'v 60 FOILED. rebels, but what they are up to is a mystery, ami we may have a cliance to sluimish a liu.le. Come, fly aroaiid, and get to camp. The boys aie lalling in. SwiN. Graciou'j, I hope we ain't going to have a row. Nip. Si) do I. Will. You do 1 well, you are a i)utty pair of pukes. What's the mat- ter 1 courage oozin 'out at yer fiiiser eends 1 It jest suits me. Any- thing to break tliis infernal monotony. . I hope 'tis soinetliinii more than a couple of iialf-Ntarved refosees fiiin' at a beef critter, but I am afraid it 'tain't. Come. Joe, let's dust, I am gittin' eager tor the fray. (Steuben nnd RicKETTS exit hastily, L. Swinger and Nipper mope out after them. SCENE IV. — A wood between the pickets. A practicable rock on stage, c., at back. Enter Ralph and Charlotte, excitedly, l. A shot fired as scene rises. Ralph. This way, Charlotte ! quick ! here, let us get under cover of this rock while I reload. {Ihey yet to the right of the rock, keepiny a watch of L., Ralph rtloadmy) That last .shot hit one.of them, I saw him fall. Tliey don't fire at us, although I have liredatthem several times. Have you counted iheni 1 Char. Yes, I thought I could make out six of them. Ralph That is what I thought, and Bosworth is with them. He wants to retake us, but I will not be taken alive. Are the barrels of your re- volver all loaded ? Char, (ex'iminiiiy pistol). Yes. Ralph. Well, keep it handy, {looking L.) See, there they are again. They are skulking under the shadow of those pines yonder. I will check one more ot them, {fires L.) Ah ! another has gone down, that leaves four, (^reloaditig, a shot h., Charlotte screams) Are you hit, Charlotte "? (_ffoes to her, finds her wounded in the left arm) Here ! bind up your arm with this hanilkerchief. [giving one, and assisting her to bind arm) See ! they are on ti.e run now. Can you use your pistol 1 wait until they are nearer, when I fiie. Enter Bosworth and three Rebel Soldiers, l. Bos. So ! .so ! Mr. Evans thought he would give us the slip. We couldu't possibly part with you. Now if you desire any mercy, lay down those weapons and surrender. If you refuse, you cun see what will be the coDseipiences. {pointing to his men.) Ralph. I acctpt the consequences. Never will I yield myself alive. If you tlimk to take me so easily you are mistaken, {defiantly) Tiie fir.st two that dare move in this direction, or raise a weapon, die instantly. ' (q/tickly) Now, Charlolle, ready ! (Ralph aims gun, Charlotte levels her revolver, Bosworth and men recoil. Chord. Tubleaux.) Bos. {recovering). What! to be baffled thus! Upon them together. {they are m the act of springing at Ralph and Charlotte, a shot fired off K., Bosworth staggers and fills front, c, the men exit in confusion, l. , as Steuben, Hicketts, Swinger, and Nipper enter r. Steuben pauses to look at Boswokth, the others rush off \j. after the rebe.s, Charlotte /((W/s, Ralph si(/)poits her.) Rick. Afier them, boys ! {us they exit cheering.) Will, [looking after them, not seeing Ralph and Charlotte). Freeze to um ! I guess we've turned Jack on them fellers — spiled their fun. [turn- ing and seeing Ralph and Chablotte, starts) Chain liteniu' ! Ralph and ACT IV. ol \os wife ! (funis nwii/ again) I wonder if I actually exist ! {putting hU hands on his heart) Oh, Lord ! how— how m3- gizzard does oscillate. Luminy ! how's i)i\- pulse i {feeling wrist) Tiiiiieen degrees above Niblo's. I'll solve iliis mystery u-w, l)y JupiLer ! {taming) Be you — yes, I see you be. Nww if this don't border on the miraculous. Ralph. Even as you see, Bill. I will explain all to you when we ^'et to camp. Charlotte is wounded and has fainted from excitement. Your arrival was most opportune. Will You mean lo say that one of them infernal scoundrels has shot your wife"? Well, we are even with 'em. {pointing to Boswoutii) See tliar, don't ye 1 He's my meat. I brought that bird down, [looking l. ) Joe's cumin' with the rest on um. {approaching Bosworth) Let's see if this (eller's goiie off without so much as sayin' " good-bye." {poking Bos- worth tcith his fool) Siy, you feller, ain't ye forgot suthin' ? How's yer parents ? Hain't inclined lo be werry sociihle. I shouldn't wonder if lie'd got an aitnclc of them blarsted blues. I wish ye merry Christmas. {fictiiiig down on his knees) Oh, well ! it's no use in yer tryin' to make me think that ye are really done for. {smklcnly) What ! do my eyes deceive my earsightV If that hain't that darned gorilla Buzzwuth ! Well, will miracles never cease"? (Coswortii shoics tigns of returning coimcioiisncsn) He's cumin' tew ! He wants to say sumthin'. {helping him to raise on his elbows) How fares me lord ] Bos. {with effort). The game is up. I have lost. Oh, darkness ! I am dying. F'liled ! foiled ! {falls hack dead. Charlotte recovers, stares with a mingled expression of horror and relief at Bosworth. Ralpu points to the body with h>s right h«nd, si'ppnrting Charlotte ivith his left, on his right knee kneeling. Steuben stands l., looking down at body. Slow curtain. Music, etc. END of act third. ACT IV. SCENE I. — A wood, supposed to be near the camp of the Regiment. Cheer- ing off B. , as curtain ris's. Enter Ricketts, SwfNGEB, and Nippicr, r., in great glee. Rick. Hurrah for home, boys! That's about the correct thing, ain't itl Nip. I think it is. .Swix. Pack up for home! is the word. Well, I'm precious glad it has I'.onie at last. I have been all impatience for this order eVer since the Rel) armies surrendered. Who brought the news to camp 1 Rick. Major Evuns, I believe. SwiN. Major Evans 1 Well, I'll bet he's as glad as the rest of us. He don't want to slay here a moment longer than he is obliged lo. We have seen some mighty hard service, and I guess he, as well as you and I is glad it's over. Rick. Yes, I think he is. He knows what duty in the ranks is, for it was there he earned his deserved promotion. I was right glad to see Rilph with the straps on. He has made us a good officer, and the boys all like him. I don't think that I should care to be an officer and know that I was lairly hated by every man in the regiment. Nip. Nor mc either. Swi.\. Sol, you an I I arc y lin;^ bick with the ^ame rank we came 38 ■ FOILED. away with, ain't we 1 They can take tlieir straps and their siripes, and go to grass with 'em. AH I want is my transportatiou home, and a visit from tlie paymaster, and Uncle Sam and I are quits. Nip. Yes, iliat's so. SwiN. Ralph Evans, he's been risint? from the rank of private till he's got to be major. Joe here has got to be .sergeant. Bill Sienben, he's corporal ; but you and I are still scaly privates ; well, " let her rip." Perhaps if we'd been promoied we'd been killed long ago. Nip. Yes, that's so. Rick. Bill Sieuben didn't come far from it in the last engagement, I notice. That was close shaving — having a piece of shell pass between a man's arm and his body without inflicting a serious wound. SwiN. Yes, the same piece killed the Major's horse, didn't it 1 Rick. Yes, he happened to be in the range. I couldn't help smiling to see Bill. He turned around and looked first at the horse and then at the Major. Finally he pat on one of them irresistible e.xpressions of his, and .'iavs, " Well, Major, I nm sorry you have lost your animile, but I can't help thinking it better be him than me." Swi.v. What did the Mnjorsayl Rick. Oli, he was pleased enough when he found out Bill was not seriously woumled. He thinks everything of Bill, you know, and in re- turn of course Bill admires liiin. That is easily accounted for, you know. Bill is engaged to Ralph's foster sister, B^cky, and he will prob- ably marry her as soon as he gits home. It's all in the family, you see. Nip. Yes, I see. SwiN. Yes, and a happy family it is too. I think Ralph and his wife wont be very likely to soon forget the 2f>od turn Bill served them, when they were trying to escape from Seceshia. That was a rather queer mess, want it 1 What a confounded fool that Bosworlh made of him- self. ■ Rick. You are right, Jack, He did so. But he brought himself to an luitimely end by his foolishness. He mi^ht. have been a smart man liad hem irked his course differently. But wiiat's done can't be very easily undone. Nip. Not verv well. SwiN. 1 am of the opinion that the man that wiped him from the face of the ea'-lh don't care about undoing the job. Rick. Right again. Jack. Bosworth was not only a dangerous charac- ter, but a deserter, and justly merited the fate which he met at the hands of Steuben. Bill got a furlough by the operation, and had the satisfaction of accompanying Rilpli and his wife home. Swix. Ves, and how I did wish I was in his boots. How I have ached for a turlough at different times, and when they offered us one if we'd iv-enlist I didn't take a second thought, but pitched in and took 'em up. And it I didn't enjoy myself in those " thirty days," eh 7 Didn't I hale lo come back though 1 1 guess yes. I would have siven all my bounty luonev for an extension of thirty diys more, but then it was no go. I CDuMn't get out honorably, so back I come, and now that thi^y have got through wiih me, and I'm right side up, why, I am glad I did. Nip. S'> am I. Rick, {and lenhj looking nf -r). Hullo! hullo! Whit's going on over in camp ? The boys are " falling in." It can't be that we are agoing to start io-(lav. SwiN. {looking rV It c.Tu't be anvihing eNe. Se>, they have got their liaversacks It must be. Joe. that they are going to 'deal out rations," Nip. I tliitik so too. [all looking ii ) Ru;k. So do I, Sol. Thai's wh t it nraus. Well, I guess wo can't ACT IT, 39 aflortl to be lagging, so come, let's make a de cent, {eommandinff) For- ward ! chai-ge ! [All exit, r., with yells. SCENE II, and last. — Setme as Ssene I., Act I. Some. Charlotte discovered rising frmn a seal near the table, Becky, who has/ast entered, remov^ing hat, shawl, etc., putting them in closet, n. Cha.k. Soldiers at the depot, dkl you sa.v 1 Becky. Yps, I heard the men LalkinsT about them ©n the street, and the people are all hmrs'ins to see them. I wanted to go too, because I thought {)erha|>i Raipli atwi William might be among them, Tbey are likely to come auy day, I suppose, Chak. Yes, but I think Ralph would send word. Becky. I don't. I ihinb \te would like to step in just when we didn't expect him. We have not bad a letter from them in a fortnight, and I think tbey are ou tlieir way home. I .•♦han't be Rui-prised if they are with them soldiers that have just anivefl on the train. Char. Well, Becky, I hope they may be, I'm sure, I am becorainect was very good for their discharge soon. If their regiment .•-hould have to stay, I hope he will resign and cfxxse home. I don't think ibero is any further need of his services. Beckt. Corporals can't resign, can they ? Char. I think not. Beckt. Then of conrse Wflliam woold have to stay. Char. Oli, perhaps not. You know he was slightly wcninded in the Itist battle iD which the regiment participated, and that might procu'e a discbarge for him, Ralph would endeavor to get it for him. Becky. It wont be Bill Steuben's luck to get a discharge if the regi- ment has got to stay, (knock l, ) Chak. Step to the door, Becky, aixi see who it is. (Becky goes to door, I)., openinr/ it.) Becky. It's Mr. Sater. Won't yoo walk in, sir % Skater en'ers, ^Ecur joiaces c/tair, taking his hat, etc. Slater, Good-n>omii>g, ladies. I thought I wonld jijst drop in ami) see if you were aware of the arrival of the company of soldiers with which Major Evans and William went to war. Char, (jogfulhj). Is it indeed so, Mr. Slater 1 Slat. It is a fact, Mrs. Evans. I have seen ibeto, and sbook Ralph, William, and nearly all of them by the band. Becky {gleefully.) Oil, I knew it ! I knew it ! something seemed to tell me so all the time. Are they dischargeti, Mr. Slaterl Are you sure they haven't got to go bnck again ? Slat. Quite i>)sitive, Becky. Thev have marched to the public hall, where a dinner is to ba served up. But Riilpli said he should sli[) away as soon as he could, and you may expect hin> any moment. Chak- Go, Becky, prepare sonae liit'e refreshment for them, {exit Becky, R. ) Here they come now. {overjoi/ed, aprinas to the dcnr, i,., is re- ceived in the (trim o/ Ralph, who enters, fdlownl hj William) Ralph ! Ralph. Home again, Charlotte! ami this time to retuain. A!i I Mr. Slater here 1 I understand — he has thought it best to pJace you on ywur guaid against surprise. Where is Bklie an I B^-cky % 40 roiLED. Will, {looking about anxiously). Yes, where is Becky and Eddie 1 Char Becky will be in, in one moment. Eddie lias not returned from school yet. How pleased he will be. But, William, you haven't offered to shake hands with me yet. Will, {awkwardly advanmig). Oh ! I beg your pardon. I snummy ! I wasn't tliiiikin' what I was about, {shaking hands with Charlotte) Yer see, {hesitating) I'm so completely — compleielj" — you know what I mean — (^stammering) completely Char. Yes, yes ! Becky will be here directlv. How is your wound, William 1 Will. Oh ! it's a mere scratch. Don't trouble me much — it's 'bout well, (his left arm in a sling) Oh, there she is. {looking r.) Enter Becky, r., with a waiter on which is a pitcher of wine ivith glasses. She stops Suddenly on seeing William and Ralph. " Star of the Evenin' !" (sinking on nrtitadt) '■ Ro^e of Ilazedean !" I fly to yer embrace, {he hurries toward her, Ralph inturposts.) Ralph. Careful, William. You will break the glass, {takes the waiter and places it on table.) Will. Remove the ibsticle ! Now, Becky, don't be bashful. Ye know 1 hiiiu't seen je since my veteran lurlew. {he goes to hr and pa's his rifiht arm around her luck, they come doivn front, r. c.) Hain't ye glad I've cum ? Beckt. To be sure I am, William, (abashed.) Will. Then why don't >e fling yer arms around my neck and squeeze mo"? (Ralph. Slaticr. mid Chaulotte, upstage, l. c, converging.) BfiCKY {mod'sig). Wiiy, William. Will. {'iitrm//ting to hug her). Why, Becky, (xhe resists, tiking hold of his arm in sling) i, Lnnl ! oh. Becky I Oil! oh! oh! {jumping about stage, com'c lly holling his arm. Becky alarmed.) Char. Y<.u have hurt Williaiii's arm, Becky. Becky {crgiai/). W-li-y, n-o I d-i-d-n't. Will. Tneie, that's nuff, Bfcky. 1 was only putlin' on to see if you re.illy was tickled to see me. It's all risht, Becky. Don't beller any lUKie, cum now. {commands) "As you were." Becky. Well, 1 mu>t confess you liave a very funny way of testing my affecLicm for you. Will. Yes, i)uiely oriainal. No such thin2 as fail to it. You coino lo grief lian!-in', I haven't the least notion I should touch it. I t>hou!d s.iy, N >, 1 lliank >e— don't care for anything jest now. ACT IV. 41 Ralph {to Slater, who is about to exit). Before going, Mr. Slater, won't you give us a toast, (pausing wine.) Will, {taking wine). That's me. Becky {reproachfuUy). I thought you wouldn't drink anything at present. Will. What should put such an idee inter yer headl Hasn't the Major ordered me to 1 Slat, (quietness restored, impressively, . Our Country ! Will. May she never bust, (all drink) Ah ! that went exactly where I thought 'twould, {rubbing his stomach) Oh, aunt Saray ! want that luscious 1 (aside) I wonder if I can't ring in " seconds" on thatl (Ralph, Slater, and Charlotte are at door, l., Slater in the act of departing. Steuben goes to tuble at back and fills his glass, comes down front to Beckt) Becky, here's to you and I. (drinks) Have some'? Becky (piqued). No, I thank you. Will. Jest as ye say. I guess I can worry it down, (drinks and puts awag glass) "Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious sum- mer." Do you know who it was said that, once on a time 1 Becky. No, I don't think I do. [Exit Slater, l. Will. Why, "heavens to Betsey! " that was the immortal Richard. It happened to strike me that the language was quite appropriate for this particular occasion. He goes on to say, '• Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths, our bruised arms hung up for monuments." (taking hold of his wounded arm) How are you, bruised arms'? (Ralph and Charlotte, who have been conversing at back, now come down front, c.) Char. 1 can hardly realize that you have returned to leave us no more. I look back upon the last four years, and it seems like a frightful dream. When I think of the perils you have encountered, and passed them all unharmed, my joy knows no bounds. Ralph. Let us not forget in our happiness the homes that are to-day desolate — the hearts that are to-day sad — made so by the ruthless touch of " grim-visaged war" — let the sacred memory of these brave men — these husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers, whose mangled bodies we have left to sleep in rude, unknown graves, keep us alive to the duty we owe their loved ones. Already in the far West an organization is being formed, " whose sublime purpose is to guard and protect the families of their comrades dead, and of their disabled comrades living ; to tend the everlasting fires on the sacred altar of liberty" — taking for its title, the " Grand Array of the Republic " — destined to spread throughout the loyal North. Into its ranks will press the " soldier and sailor " — men who have stood together through the '' bloody period of war," seeking to unite more closely in a fraternal bond, cemented with the blood of the Union's defenders, and welded by the heat of battle. Living not for this generation only, but whose memory will be cherished for generations to come. In the great and noble work which will devolve upon them to perform, they will require and receive the hearty co-operation of a grate- ful people, for which the united prayer of the " Grand Army " will ascend to the throne of the Great God who blesses all good. WiiiLiAM, Becky. Ralph. Chablotte. QUICK CURTAIN. j8®- These Plays will be sent to any address, postage paid, on receipt of price, Fifteen Cents eacli. Address, R, P:. DE WITT, PiJeLtsHiR, No. 33 Rose Street. Caste. Cnmcily. 3 Arts. By T. W. RoLcil- Hrm. -, Miile, :i Pcnmli' Clmnictcrs. IVobody's Child. l)i»iiiHlio I'la.v. .'! AiIh. I'v Willis I'liillii.s, Ksii. IS Miili;, 2 Fi-lnali- CiliUU.t-l-'. Xt<>0,0«>0. lly ir. .?. Byron, 8 MmIc, 4 Fi- lllHl^• Chaiailcis. Dandelion's Itod^a-s. Farro. 1 Art. liv ■1. J. Willi.uil.-,. 1 .Mile. -J FcUiillL- fha.i.rt.-is. William TrII t IVitli a Ven^i-anvc-. IliiilifS.iiH'. 2 Aclii. Uy H. J. Hyn.ii. t^ .Male, 2 I'Viiialul'lmrailfia. Sis .Tlontlis Ago. Farrp. I Act. ]!■ Fe'.ix Dale. 2 Male. 1 F.-nmlu Cliaiaiteis. Maud'M l>eril. Uiainii. -I Ada. lly Watts I'hilliijK. r, Mall-, 3 Ffiimlu Clianictt'iH. Ha'nry Dunbur. UraniH. 4 Acts, lly Tom Taylor. 10 Male. X Fclliali! Clmiacli-: 8. A JFearful Tragedy in the Seven Dials. A Farciiai Ilitcrliule. 1 Act. lly Charles Selliy. 4 Male, 1 Female Oliaraclei s. The Knapping Turtles ; or, Matrimonial M.isiiiiiTaililii,-. Duc.lot-iie. lAct. HyJoliull. biiiksloiie. 1 Male, 1 Female Cliaracteni. Woodcock's Little (Same. Comeily Fane. 2 Alts. Hv John MaUaisoli Morton. 4 Male. 4 Female Clmnicleis. A 'Widow Hunt. Comeily. 3 Acts, i A I- te e,l Horn his own comeily ol •' EverylnHly's Fii.ii'l."! By J. Stilling Coyne. 4 Male, 4 Fern. lie rharactera. Ruy lllas. KomHntic DrninH. 4 Acts. Prom the Frelieli of Victor Hngo. 12 Male, 4 Female Charailers. I\a Thorou^lifnre. Drama. 5 Acts anil a Fiolojjiie. Ilv ('hales liickens ttiul Wilkie Collins, l:! Male, f. Fema e Cliariicters. Milky White, lioi.iesllc Drama. 2 Acts. lly H. r. Craven. 4 Male. 2 Female Characters. Dearer llaan Iwife. Serio-comie Drama. 2 By Henry J. Byron, (i Male, 5 Female Chi Kin Acts By ir I had a Thousand a Year. Fane. 1 Alt. l!v John Maadison Morton. 4 Male, :l Fennile cioiracteia. H<-'.s a Lunatic. Farce. 1 Act. By Felix Hale. 3 Male, 2 Female Characters. Daddy Gray, v^erio-coinic Drama. 3 Acts. Bv Anilrew HalUdav. K Male, 4 Female Characters. Play. Comcilv. 4 Acts. By T. W. Robert- son. 7 Male. 3 Female Characters. David Carriek. Comeilv. 3 Acts. By T. W. liohcrtson. 8 Male, 3 Female Charac- ters. The Petticoat Parliament. K\trava- canza. 1 Act. liy Mark I.emnn. 15 Male, 24 Female Characters. Cabman No. SS; or, Founn in a Four Wheeler. Farce. 1 Act. By T. J. Williams. 2 Male, 2 Female Characters. Society, ronieilv. 3 Acts. Bv T. W. Rol>- i-.I^.m. Ill .Male. ;\ Fennile Characters. lime and Tide. Drama. 3 Acts ami a I'lO- l.>„-ne. Ilv Henry Leslie. 7 Male, 5 Female Chaiacleis. A Bflappy Pair. Comeilietta. 1 Act. By .-, Inevie Mnilli. 1 Male, 1 Female Chaiac- te;». Turning the Tables. Farce. 1 Act. By Jiiliii I'liole, Ksii. i. Male, 3 Female Chaiacte s. The Coose with the Koiden ICgg^s. Fane. I A.I. Bv Messis. Ma.vliew and J-.il- waiiis. r. M.ile :i !•'. male Characters. Tamin» a Ti^ger. Farce. 1 Act. 3 Hale CIn The Little Rebel. Farce. 1 Act. By J. Mirlins Covne. 4 Male, 3 Female Clmrac- Larkin'N I-ove Letters. Farce. 1 Act. By I'. J. Williams. 3 Male, 2 Female Charac- Black Sheep. D.ama. 3 Acts. By J. Pal- Krave Simpson and Kilmnnd Yates. 7 Male, r, Female Cliaracteis. A Silent Protector. Fane. I Act. By T. J. Williams. 3 Male, 2 Female Cliaracteis. The ICi^htfuI Heir. D.ama. 5 Acts. By I.iMd l,\iioii. 10 .il.ii.'. 2 Female Characters. Master .lones' Itii'thday, Farce. 1 Act. Bv .lohn Maddison Morion. 4 Male, 2 Female Characters. Atehi. Comedietla. 1 Act. By J. Maddison .Mo, ton. 3 Male, 2 Female Characters. Beautiful Forever. Farce. 1 Act. By Fre.leii.k Hay. 2 Male, 2 Female Character!,. Time nnd the Hour. Dranm. Z Acts. Ilv .1. I'alKiave .Simpson and Felix Dale. 7 Male, 3 Female Characters. Sisterly Service. Comedietta. 1 Act. By J. P. Wooler. 7 Male, 2 Female Cliaracteis. AVar to the Knife. Comedy. 3 Acta. By lliniy.l. l;.\jon. Male, 4 Female Characteis. Our Domestics. Coinedy-Farce. 2 Acts. By Fu-ilerick Hay. 6 Male, 6 Female Char- Drama. 3 Acts. By 2 i-emale Characters. Easy Shaving. Farce. 1 Act. ' By F. C. Bnrnand and Montague Williams. 5 Male, i Female Clmraclers. Little Annie's Birthday. Farce. By W. E. Silter. 2 Male, 4 Female Characters. De Witt's Acting Pla L'BRARY OF CONGRESS 016 102 7 93 5 # The Midnight Watch. Drama. 1 Act, By John M. Mcntoii. s Mule, 2 Female Clnir- actei«. The Porter's Knot. Seiio-Comic Diama. 2 Acts. By John O.vi-ulor.l. 8 Male, 2 Female CharactciM, A Model for n Wife. Farce. 1 Act. By Allreil Wigan. 3 Male, 2 Female Characters. A Coj» of Tea. Cnmeiiietta. 1 Act. By Cliark-s Nuilteranil J, Derley. 3 Male, 1 Fe- male Cliaracteis, Gertrude's RIoney-Box. Farce, 1 .\ct. By Harry Lumoii, ■) Male, 2 Female Characti-rB, The Young Collegian. Farce. 1 Act. By T, W, l£obei taon, 3 Male, 2 Female Char- acters, Catherine Ho^vard ; m, The Throne, the Tomh anil the ScafTold, Historic Play. 3 Acts. By W. D, Suter. 12 Male, 5 Female Characters. Two fia-y Deceivers; or, Black, White and Cray. Farce. 1 Act. By T. W. Eobert- Bon. 3 Male Characters. iVoeinie. Drama. 2 Acts. By T. W. Uohert- son. 4 Male, J Female Characters. Deborah iLcah); or. The Jewish Maiden's Wrons. Diania. 3 Acts. By Chas. Smith Choltnam. 7 Male, 6 Female Characters. The Post-Bay. Drama, 2 Acts, By [I, T. Craven, 5 Male, 3 Female Characters. The Hidden Hand i or. The Gray Laily of Forth Vennon, Drama, 4 Acts. By Tom Taj-lor. 6 Malo, G Female Characters. Plot and Passion. Diam.a. 3 Acts. By Tom Taylor. " Male, 2 Female Characters, A Photographic Pix. Farce, 1 Act. By Frederick Hay. 3 Male, 2 Female Charac- Mai By at an? J. F, Woule A Demesne Sketch. 11 rd. 1 Male, 1 Fe- A Household Fairy. 1 Act. Bv Francis Tallo male Characters. Checkmate. Comedy Farce. 2 Acts. By Andrew Halliday. 6 Male, 6 Female Charac- ters. The Orange Kirl. Drama, In a ProlOi,'ue and 3 Acts, By Henry Leslie, li< Male, 4 Fe- male Characters, The Birth-place of Podgers. Farce, 1 Act, By John HollhlKshead, ' Male, 3 Fe- nale Ch. The Che-< 3 Acts, B male Characters. Caught by the Cuir. Farce, 1 Act. By Frederick Hay, 4 Male, 1 Female Characters. The Bonnie Fish Wife. Farce. 1 Act. By Charles Selby, 3 Male, 1 Female Characters, Doing for the Best. Domestic Drama. 2 Acts, ByM. Baphinol.acy. 6 Male, 3 Female Cha B.T Fr A E^ame Excuse. Farce. 1 A erlck Hay. 4 Male, 2 Female Characters. Fettered. Di al«a. 3 Aits, Bv Watts Phil- lips. 11 Malo. 4 Female Characters, The Carricli Fever. Farce, 1 Act. By J, R. Planchc. 7 Male, 4 Female Characteis. Adrienne. Drama. 3 Acts, By Heury Leslie. 7 Male, s Female Characters. Chops of the Channel. Nuntical Farce, 1 Act. By Fiederlck Hay, 3 Male, 2 Female Characters, The Roll of the Drunt. By Thomas Hsertou Wilks. Characters. Special Performances. Farce. 1 Act. By Wll mot Harrison. 7 M*le, 3 Female Char- acters. A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing. DoiDestic Diama. 1 Act. By Turn Tajlor. 7 Male, 5 Female Charattcis. A Charming Pair. Farce. 1 Act. By Thomas J. Williams. 4 Male, 8 Female Char- Peep o' Day ; or, Savourneen Dheellsh. (New Drnry Lane Version.) Irish Drama. 4 Acts. Bv Edmnnd Falconer. 12 Male, 4 Fe- male Characters. Thrice Married. Personation Piece. 1 Act. By Howard Paul. 6 Male, 1 Female Characters. Not Guilty. Drama. 4 Acts. By Watts Phillips. 10 Male, 6 Female Characters. Locked in with a Lady. Sketch from Life. Bv H. K. Addison. 1 Male, 1 Female Characters. The Lady of Lyons; or, Love and Pride. (The Pechter Version.) Play. 5 Acts. By Lord Lytton. 10 Male, 3 Female Characters. Lacked Out. Comic Scene. 1 Act. By Howard Paul. 1 Male, 1 Female Characters. Founded on Facts. Farce. 1 Act. By J. P. Wooler. 4 Male, 2 Female Characters. Aunt Charlotte's Maid. Farce. 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 Male, 3 Female Charac- ters. Only a Halfpenny. Farce. 1 Act. By Jolm Oxeulont. 2 Male, 3 Female Characters. Walpole; or. Every Man has bis Price. Comedv in Khymo. 3 Acts. By Lord Lytton. 7 Male,' 2 Female Cliaractors, My WSfe's Out. Farce, 1 Act, By G. Herbert Kodwell. 2 Male, 3 Female Characters. The Area Belle. Farce. 1 Act. Pv William Bronsh and Andrew Halliday. 3 Male, i Fe- male Characters. Our Clerks ; or. No. 3 Pig Tree Court Tem- p'e. Farce. 1 Act. 7 Male, 5 Female Char- acters. The Pretty Horse Breaker. Farce. 1 Act. By Wllliani BrouRh and Andrew Halli- day. 3 Male. 10 Female Characters. Dearest Mamma. Comedietta. 1 Act. By Walter (iorrton. 4 Male, 3 Female Charac- ters. , Orange BlossomH. Comedietta. 1 Act. By J. I'. Wooler. 3 Male, 3 Female Characters. , -VVho is 1/Vho? or, All in a Fog. Farce. lAct. By Thomas J. WilliamB. 3 Male, S Fe- male Churai-teis. , The Fifth Wheel. Comedy. 3 .tcts. 10 Mall-, 2 Female Characters. . Jack Long; or. The Shot In the Eye. Drama. 2 Acts. By J. B. Johnst-one. i Male, 1 Female Characters.