PS 2429 .M35H3 ♦rf^*^*;* A. ^ o " S/ * " * ■> ^'J' * • ^ ^S> * o ,, o ' ^ v^ ^^o^ iP -7*, s • • THE HAUNTED MILL; OR- Con O'Ragen s Secret AN IRISH DRAMA IN THREE ACTS, -BY . Bernard Ff Munre.' -0- TO WHICH IS ADDED — A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES-CAST OF THE CHARACTERS- ENTRANCES AND EXITS— RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. Entered according to the act of Congress in ihe year 1893, 6y \\ AMES' PUBLISHING CO., '^^'1 7 J in tie oMce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. CLYDE, OHIO : ^— - A.MES' PUBLISHING CO. P5 ^.4-?-7 S THE HA UNTED MILL. VA^^ij^ CAST or chahactebs. Cox O'Ragex A trnshearteJ lad Frank Dalto n A young American 8QUIRE CoRRiGAN A landlord. MuRTY ToBix Known at the "i^o.x." Bob Jackson , A detective. ISToRAH O'Kelley The village heautyt Mrs. O'Kelley JVorah's mother. Mrs. Corrigan A deserted loife. Maureen XoraWs maid. COSTUMES. Squire. — Black coat and pants, dark blue vest, silk hat, walking cane. Frank. — Black coat, vest, i:>ants, frock coat, black derby hat, kid gloves. MuRTY. — Knee breeches, red stockings, shoes and red cap. Ton. — Knee breeches, red stockings, slippers and soft felt hat. Bob.— Dark gray snit and stiff hat. NoEAH. — 1st. \Vhite muslin dress, blue sash. 2nd. Awhited.es^ jewels and lace veil. Mrs. O'Kelley. — 1st. Blue dress. 2;id. A dark red dress. Mrs. Corrigan. — 1st. An old calico dress and shawl. 2nd. A plain white dress. Maureen. — A red petticoat, dark green bodice, short sleeves, black stockings, and a white hood and cloak. l^^OTE. — The costume worn by Frank Dalton as the priest, may be either a priest's cassock, or a black suit of broadcloth, and white collar. -0- TIME—\% HOURS. SI AGE BTRECllONS. ft., tneans RigrTit; T... Left; R. h.. E,!«:ht Hand; l. h„ Lpft; Haml; n.. Centra; liould happen to Frank, I don't know what I would do! i Con. Whin a man or woman is in love, it's the only time in theiri lives, that aither have bin raley foolish. I Norah. {indignantly) Con b'E igeu, how can you have the as- Mirance to talk so? Con. Faith, I know what I say is true. Ain't I in love meself. Norah. (laughingly) You in love? Oil I dear, it's impossible. C>>n. ISTothino; i- impossible in this world. Norah. Very true. (Con starts l.) Where are you going, Con? ''on. To find Maureen, an' to tell her what I was tryin' to. when ve interupted me by enterin' the room. (exit, l,. Norah. Faithful Con, what a friend you have been to the family, {hioks at letter) Poor Frank, how lonely you must be. I wish you were here, (a knock at door, n.} Perhips that's him. Co.ae in !l Enter, Murtv Tobin, r. e. Muriy. Good mornin', Mi^s Xorah. Norah. (indignanthi) Sir! What brings yon here? Mvrty. {humbly) I ax ver pardon, if I intrude. Norah. You do intrude. Did I not forbid you ever to come again . Murty. Ru!e I know ye dll, accnshla. Nnrnh. Then why do yon come? You waited like a snake in the oias?!. b' fore you entered. If Con O'Ragen was here, you would iie\rr dared show your ugly face within the door I Mnrtti. (gma-ing angrily) 'J'hem's hard wourds, Miss. Norah. Still they are true. You are mortally afraid of O'Eagen. Murty. {savagely) I know all that, but some day I'll git^'the (ipper hand of him, and thin look out for throuble! Norah. You never will if you live to be as old as Adam. But I waste words with you. What brought you her ** What do you want? Murty. To see ye. $ THE HAUNTED MILL. Norah. {proudly) "Well here I am. What do you want of me? Murty. Sure I bring; ye a meseage. Xorah. A U)essage from whom? Not Mr. Daltoii? Murty, No! yer own tlirue love! Norah. 1 don't nnderstand. It must be fiom Mr. Daltou? Murty. No, Miss Nora, it's not from liim. Norah. {in a temper) Then who is it from ? Why don't you speaii ? Have you lost the use of your tonoue? Murty. (looking around) It's from Squire Corrii^an. Norah. {in astonishment) Squire Corrigan ! Why he is already married, and besides a total stranger to me. Murly. He was married ye mane. Norah. Not was, but'is. Murty. Ye wrong him there. His wife died in Dublin. Norah. It must have been a blessing to tlie poor woman to be rid of such a monster. Murty. Monster is it? Ain't he one of the richest men in Ireland? A!id ye know he's not bad lookin'. Norah. Oh! yes, I know all tliat; but do 5'ou also know, your master is one of the biggest rascals unhung in Ireland to-day? Murty. Alsy me gurl ! Ye should 1 e more rhespeetful in speak- ing of yer future lord and master. Norah. Look here Mr. Murty Tobin, thief, traitor and tlie Lor I knows what else; I would not marry Squire Corrigan, if he was the last man on earih. Now go and tell your master wh it I said ! (exit, L. E. Murty. Ho! ho! But our burd's flyin' high. ^ Enter, Maukeen, r. e. Mau. Get out of this kitchen you imp of the devil, and don'l leave the track of your feet on the floor. Murty. So their's another one is there. I'm goin' mepritty maid. 3Iau. None of your flattery. Sure the house is darlvcr since you entered, you ugly looking wretch. Murty, I'm goin' — Mau. Well be after doing it in a hurry. Murty. Afther I have a kiss from those ruby lips, {embraces her Mau. {struggling) Help ! help ! Enter, Cox, l. e. Con. What's the matter here? Murty, {frightened) Con O'Ragen ! {runs to R. Y,., followed by Con, k^/jo kicks him out Con. Take that with me compliments, ye robb.'r. JIau. Catch me, Con, I — I — am goino; to faint. Con. All right me darlin'. {she falls in his arms) Begorra she has collapsed, {looks at her face) How tomptiii' her lip^ look. {looks around room) I wondherif any one's lookin'. No. All seems to be quiet. Well here goes, {kisses her) Oh ! but that's swate. ^ {kisses her again, she springs from his arms Mau. How dare you do such a thing. Con. Oh! ye mushtn't moind a little Lhingloike that. Wait until ive're married, and I'll be kissiu' and iiug2"i(»' fhrom mornin' until night. {Mavrken makes a face at him) But all jokin' aside: ye watch over Miss Norah, and I'll take care of Murty and his masther, (ex4'f, R. e. THE HA UNTED MILL. 7 Man. {goes to window and calls) Con, you forgot something. {pouting) Oh ! dear, he's too far away to hear me. He's gone and forgot to tell me that awful secret. SCENE TI.— Woods Scene— music. Enter, Murty and Squire, r. e. Squire, (r.) Will, you delivered my message? What did she say 'f Murty. {limping) I'm positive I delivered yer message, (feeling binder his coat txdls) I have a remindher of it lierel inquire, (smiles) Hum ! ihe was ! she's the only obstacle in the \'^iiy, to hinder me from marrying fair Norah O'Kelley. Murty. (in a lohisper) Aisy master, I've a great thing to tell ye. Squire, (impatiently) Out with it then. What is it? Murty. I was hiding in the woods to-day, when who should come along but young Dalton. Squire. The American, (meditating) Is he in my way too ? But go on ! go on ! 8 THE HAUNTED MILL. Murty. Pritty soon along came Con ; thev meet an' began to talk. I was to far away lo hear what they said. Before they parted Dalton gave him a letter. Squire, {in surprise) A letter? Murty. Yis! {nods his head) I folio >ved Con, he wint straight to the Widow O'Kelley's an' gave it to Norah. Squire, (in deep thought) Did yoii learn the contents of the letter ? Murty. [trumphantly) Thrust the "Fox" for that ! Squire. Yes, the name is well bestovveil on yon. Murty. Well to continue, 1 hid beneath the window an' heard o^orah read it. Squire, {in approval) Oh I Murty you're a jewel, but what did the letter say ? Murty. {shrugging shoulders) That he'd meet her to-night — Squire, {excitedly) Meet her to-night ! Where? Murty. At the ruined chape!. Squire, {exultingly) Good! I'll be there, too. One knock on the liead will silence Dalton, and when to-morrow's sun rises, ha.igh y Aorah O'Kellej^ will be in my power. Come on Murty. {exeunt, l. Enter, Cox, r. e. Con. {looking after Squire and Murty) There goes two of the biggest divils in Ireland, unhung. 1 wonder what new divilmenc Lliey were hatchin'? Nothing good I'll be bound, {looks off n.) Hello! Here comes that stranuer, v.lio is makin' all the inquires about Squire Corrigan an' Murty 'J'obin. 1 wonder who he is an' what he wants? Enter, Rob Jackson, r. e. Boh. {boiving) Good morning my honest Irish friend. Con. {stiffly) Good mornin' yersc-lf. Bob. Will you do me a favor? Con. That depends. What is the favor ye want? Bob. Can 3-ou give me any information about thosd two men walking down the road ? Con. Divil abit yer honor. Bob. But 3''on might try. Con. What is it you wish to know? Bob, Merely a few little points about the pt\s,t lives of those men. {pouits after the Squire and Murty Con. Foiie awav ihin. Bob. Was not Squire Corrigan married? Con. He was. Bob. What became of his wife? i Con. No one knows, {mysteriously) She disappeared one night an' was never seen again. Bob. Oh, ho! never seen again. Con. Tiiat's t!ie gospel truth. She was last seen wallvin' in the direction of the ould mill with iier husband. Bob. Ves ! Con. Whin the neighbors inquired for her an' him, thr'y were tould by his servants, their mastiier wint to Dublin. Bub. Yes! And how long did the Squire remain away? THE HA UNTED MILL. 9 Con. A monHi or so. Whin |.ie returned he had a yard of crap3 on his hat. Bob. And when people asl^ed of liis wife, what answer did he make them? Con. With many a groan and sigh, he would point to his hat an' saj^ "Mv darlin' wife was suddenly taken ill in Dublin, with a con- tagious fever an' died." Of course' Mnrty Tobin had to tell tiie same irtory. Bob. (savagely) A damned scheming pair ol rascals, both of them. Con. I agree with ye, sir! Bob. See here my triend, you seem to be an honest sort of a chap, and I've taken a great fancy to you. Con. Thank ye, sir! an' I done the same to ye. Boh. ttliake on that, (shake hands) We will work together in running those devils to earth? Con. "With all me heart. Bob. One more question and I'm done. To whom does that old mill down the road belong? Con. That belongs to l;,be estate of the Widow O'lvelley. A mur- dher was committed tiiere one night, an' ever since the place is said to be haunted. Bob. Do you believe in ghosts ? Con. Xo I yer honor, I do not. Bob. ijroo I for you my boy ! Con. An' now I'd like to ask you a question. Bob. Oh! a dozen if you like. Con. One is sufficient, sur! Bob. AVell, go on ! Con. Well, who the divil are ye? Bob. Oh! a common ordinary man. Con. Yis, but a common, ordinary man don't be aftlier axing all the quest ions ye do. Bob. Your a sharp fellow, and would make a goo I detective. Cun. 1 didn't live in America for tin years, not to have me ej^e ti.-eth cut. There is something strange in your manner. Bob. Why do you think so? Con. The way ye have of followin' the Squire an' the ''Fox." Bob. I'il tell you, if you promise not to tell anyone. Con. (proudly) Con O'Kagen never breaks his word. Bob. 1 believe you. Xovv to tell you wlio I am. Con. Yis ! Bob. My nameis Robert Jackson, adetective from Scotland Yard. Con., (in astonishment) Thin ye're a m;in-hunter! Bob. Yes, il' you wish to call ihe members of my profession such. Con. An' what has Coi-rigan been doin' ? Bub. You remember his late wife? Con. Of course I do ! Bob. She was my sister. Con. Are ye tellin' me the truth? Lob. [sadly) I am ! When our father died, he left all his prop- erty to myself and sister. Squire Corrigan married her and brought her to Ireland. Six montlis ago 1 received a letter from her, telling me lit r tortnne had mysteriously vanished. Where it went she did not know. When Corrigan married her he was a po^r man, now he is reported to be immensely rich. Con. Ye don't think he killed his wife to get her fortune? 10 THE HAUNTED MILL. Boh. I tlon't know what to think. , But I shall never leave Ireland, until I have solved this mystery. Con. {fervently) An' I'll do all in me power to help ye. Bob. (approvingly) Good! I'll tell yon what to do. Meet me to- morrow morning at the Widow O'Kelley's home. Then we will arrange a plan to visit the old mill to-morrow night and trap the ghosts. Con. Niver fear, I'll be there. Begorra, Corrigan, I wouldn't like to be in yer shoes jist now. {exeunt, r. Enter, Maursen, r. e. 3Iau. I wonder what became of Con this morning when he fol" lowed Murty Tobin from the house ; I'd like to see him now, and learn that great secret. Enter, Murty, r. e. Murty. {overhearing her last loords) Won't I do jist as well? Mail, (in surprise) The Lord save me if it ain't that imp of the devil, Murty Tobin. Murty. Yis, me pritty one. Mau. 'None of your honeyed words to me, sir! Murty. Ye'd bitther spake civil to me, me gurl. 31aii. (tauntingly) Bah ! I don't fear you nor your master either. Murty. (warningly) Have a care, shmarter people than ye have fallen. Mau. Lilce you disposed of Mrs. Corrigan. Murty. (frightened — ast(ie)|Hell and fury, can she suspect, (aloud) What do ye mean by such a remark? Mau. Oh ! you know well enough what I mean. Murty. {savagely) Ye know to much me gurl. Ye mhust come with me; ye'll ruin all. Mau. Don't you dare to touch me, you vile wretch. Murty. Oh, ho! I like yer spunk, but come with rae ye mhust. {seizes her Mau. (screams) Help ! help ! {struggles Murty. {in a passion) Curse ye, kape quiet. Do ye want to wake the dead ? Mau. (calls) Help! help! (struggles all the time Murty. (furiously) Shut up, or I'll strangle ye. Mau. (beseechingly) Oh! my God, Avill no one come to my aid? Murty. (exnltinglg) No one, ye are here alone an' defenseless, [n a few minutes ye will he safe undher lock and key. Mau. You won't dare do such a thing. Help! help! (faints— falls Murty. She's fainted an' there's no one to help her. Enter, Con, l. e. Con. Ye lie, ye thief! Murty. {starts back) The O'Kagen! Curse ye, will ye niver cease to cross me path ? Con. Not while such virmin as ye, crawl on the earth. Murtij. This will rid me of yer hated presence. {draws knife and rushes at Con THE HA UNTED MILL. 11 Con. {coolly) Then yer an assassin as well as a thief, (draros revolver and i, as he calls thim. He promised to meet me here this morning; I'm growin' imp.itient. (a knock at door, r.) Perhaps that's him, Maureen go an' see. (Maureex goes to door, r. and opens it, Bob enters and Maureen exits, door l. Con. I was growin' impatient at yer iio:i-appearance. I thought ye had discovered somethin'. Bob. Oh, no! All I found out i^, that there is something mys- terious about the old mill, [looks ctround room) Are we alone? Con. We are. Boh. Now to b'sine-s. Con. I'm nil attention, sur! Bob. I want you to meet me to-night, "t the gnte of the old mill. There is something very queer going on there at night. 1 saw light>i fi ishing in the windows, last night. Con. Sure, I have seen the same things meself. Bob, Can you account for them? Con. No, sur! I can't. U THE HAUNTED MILL. Boh, Were you ever in the old mill after dark? Con. No, sur ! B(jb. Would you be nfr.iid to i;o there to-night with me, and ferret Jut the secret-; of the old pUicey Con. If it's anythiiiii,' lo discover the whereabouts of Norah, I'm with ye heart an' soul. Bob. All ri_i;hr, 1*11 ^'o now and prepare for to-nlj;ht. {exit, R. Cun. 1 hope we'll be succ^^ssful. i only want to see Norah safe ander this roof again, an' thin Corrigan look out. {exit, R. Eater, Mks. O'Kellky, l. e. Mrs. CK. Con, I wish to — (looks around) Oh! he's gone and be- fore 1 could tCil him what I wanted too. 1 wonder if he's in the ^-ardV (a knock at door, r.) Some one knocks, 1 wonder w^ho it can be? Come in. Enter, Squire, r. e. Squire Corrigan, you here? ;>qaire. {coldly) Yes! Mrs. O'Kelley, I wish to speak to you on a vi'rj'^ imiDortant subject. Mrs. (JK. Indeed ! What is it yoa wish to sajM inquire. Something that concerns you deeply; but be seated, please. Mrs. OK. {indirjnanth/) How dare you co'ne in my house? bquire. {coolii) Pardon me, Mrs. O'Kel.ey, it belongs to me. Mrs. CK. {in anwzernent) To you y Prove it if you can! M\'^ liusband acquired this hou>e and hind, and all of his estate honestly. Squire, {shruggiiig his shoulaers) 1 admit all that. Mrs. OK. {huthj) Then on what authority do you claim the estate ? Squire. On the riglit of a mortgage given to me on board the slilp carrying us to India, {pauses, then saoayely) by your husband! Mrs. O^K. My huiband? Impossible! My Husband had no debts. iSqui.rt. Pardon me if 1 coniradict a lady. Please seat yourself, and 1 will tell you a little st ry. '^botk sit r. and l. of table Mrs. OK. (humbly) Proceed, sir! Squire. You remember your late husband's regiment was ordered to India? Mrs. OK. I do. Squire. 1 was lieutenant in his companj''. Your husband, like most soldiers, was a desperate gambler. Are you loUowing me closely ? Mrs. OK. I am. Squire. On board the vessel, we had nothing to pass away the time with, but by car Is. One day three of us sat down to play, yonr husband, Murty Tobin and myself. Before your husband quitted the game, he owed me a large sum of money. In payment he gave me a mortgage on his home. Con O'Kagen and Muj-ty Tobin were the witnesses. Mrs. O'K. (sadly) Poor Patrick, how could you be so foolish, as to put yourself in this monsier's power. Squire. Now, what i propose to do, is this : Give mo "Norah in marriage, and on the day she becomes my wife, 1 will place tliQ mortgage in lier hands. THE HA VNTED MILL. 15 Mrs. O'K. {vehementalhj) I would sooner die fir.^t. JSquire. isharply) Have a care madam. A marriage with me secures your home. A refusal, and you are both beggars. Jlrs.'O'K. (suplicatingly) Man! man ! have you no mercy ? /:t, until 1 told her Con was one of the witnesses. After that she h:id no more to say. Murty. It's ku-ky for us Coii U'R igeii didn't pay much attention to the game. Had he done so, he would have seen how the Colonel was being cheate'.l. Squire, {in a frightened tone) Xever speak of that again. The Colonel was killed in India, and no one now can prove that the mortgage is not legal. Murty. Except Con. Squire. He knows nothing of the plot; but [ wish to speak to you of a very ditferent thmg. J^ast night, when we abducted Norah, in the struggle with the girl, 1 lost a very important letter. Murty. What was the letther about? Squire, The one you brought me the other night, from the smug- gler. Murty. {in a startled tone) Merciful God! Squire, don't say ye have lost it? Squire, {coaly) I have though, or else it's been stolen. Murty. Then all is lost. Squire. I searched the ground around the old ruined chapel, but coukl not find it. Murty, {despairingly) If the letther is found an' read, our doom is sealed. Squire. We'll have to put a bold face on the matter and trust to luck to defy the enemy. ; Murty. It's all right for you to talk, Squire, but if the people once get afier me, they'd tear me in pieces. Squire. I'll see you are well taken care of. Murty. I'll houid ye to yer promise, sur! Squire, Now Murty, hasten to the ruined chapel and hunt among the graves for the letter. Murty. I will do so Squire. {exit, l. Squire, {shaking his jist after Murty) Curse you, for an in- fernal meddler. When my plans are all completed,'then I will find some means of get ling you out of the way. Enter, Con, r., as Cokrigan exits l. Con. Ye will put Murty out of the way when yer plans are all accomplished, will yc"r' Well, I won't raise me hand to prevent ye from adding one more crime to the list of which ye are already guilty of, besides it will save the hangman a job. {looks off r.) Here comes the young A:nerican. That crack he received lasu nignt, has taken all the co.or out of his chedks Enter, Frank, r., his face pale, and head bound with a handkerchief. Con, How do ye feel this mornin' me brave young knight? That crack on the head lias made ye look loike another man. Frank, The infernal scoundrel that struck me, nearly killed me. Con. Oh I ye must not moind a little thing like that. Frank, {in a temper) Do you call such a piece of work as that a little thitng. Con, Oh I we in Ireland, don't moiul sufb a ^hi^.T of on 44. «u THE HA UKTED MILL. ^ tlie fnirs, a man lia^ to be able to handle a blackthorn, to be consid- ered one of the boys. So ye see wliat ye have missed, by bein' an Anifrican, instead of an Ii'ishinan. Frank. {Jwldiug his head) My head is achinf^ so, I wouldn't care if 1 was a Chineese. (suddenly) Mr. O'Ragen, hive you any news of Norah '? Con. Divil a bit, but Bob an' I have a plan on foot for to-night, to vMsitthe old mill. If ye would like to join us, meet me to-night at the gate of the mill. Frank. I would be g'ad to enter into any scheme that might lead to the whereabouts of Xorah. Con. All right, come on an' I'll see if I can't do something for yer aching head. {exit, l. SCENE III. — A ruined mill; a squire room with trap door, doors R., L. and c; lights low. Enter, Murty a7id Squire, r. e. Squire. Come on Murty, and hold that light steady. Don't let i* go out, I have no more matches. We might break our necks if we Hren't careful. Murt)/. {carrying a lantern) I'll be careful, Squire. Squire. See that you are. Now bring out the late Mrs. Corrigan. Murty. Yis, Squire, {places lantern on the floor) Where's the key? Squire, (handing him a key) Here it is. Murty opens door c. and disappears; he returns with Mrs. Corrigan, who looks pale and weak. Squire, {sarcastically) So my dear wife, we meet again. Are you not giad to see meV 3Irs. C. (haughtly) Wretch, have you come liere again to steal away my senses with your accursed drugs? Squire. One more dose is all you must take. Mrs. C. You mean it will be my last. Monster I kill me at once, but don't force me to take the drug. Squire. 'Tis for the last time. Mrs. C. (beseechingly) Oh! my God, man, don't be so remorse- less. Squire. Time passes, are you going to take the drug quietly, or must 1 force vou? Mrs. C. Quietly? Never! I will struggle as long as there is power in my body. Devil do your worst, I defy you. inquire. JBe it so. Murty, are you prepared to act? Murty. All ready, Squire. Squire. Then come on. (both seize her, she struggles and screams; MvHTY holds her head and Corrigan pours the contents of a bottle down her throat. She coughs and chokes, and finally falls insensible in 'Mvkiy's arm.s) Now Murty, take her back to her room, {exit, Murty, door c, with Mrs. Corrigan in his arms) Now to get rid of Murty. In the cellar of tliis mill, flows the water, which once upon a time, turned the mill wheel ; 1 will hurl iiira down through yonder trap in the floor, to the cellar. The fall will stun him and the water will drown him. 18 THE HAUNTED MILL Be-enter, Murty, c. e. Murty. She's slapuiglike a cliild. Squire. Squire. So far so ojood. Look w'rtr I di'^eavereJ while you were absent. {shun:., .Uluit a trap door in the floor Murty. AVhat is it, Squire? Squire, A trap door, (opens it) and look where it leads too. Murty. Where ? Squire. Look ! (Murty goes down on his hands and knoes and looks down the open trap, the Squire pushes him in head first \ he closes the trap and loalks away, then listens, returns and opens trap; listens and then looks in, then icalks away and forgets to close the trap) Curse you, that rids me of a troublesome chap. Now to brin.i? Norah from her place of concealment, {exit, door l. and returns, followed by Norah) I hope you have fared well since last night? Norah. What is the meaning of this outrage, sir? Squire. Oh ! nothing. You refused to become my wife, and like the knights of old, I carried j^ou to my castle. Norah. A lovely castle. My mother's old mill, if I am not mis- taken. Do you think I would wed such a mean, contemptible coward as you are ? Squire. Yes, my deal girl, you will. Your mother has given her consent. Norah. My mother consent to such a union? Never! Squire. Your motiier gave her consent this morning, when I nsked the hand of her fair daughter in marriage. Norah. Oh! there must be some terrible mistake somewhere. Squire. There is no mistake, 1 hold a mortgage on your mother's estage. Kefuse to wed me, and your mother is homeless. Norah. And on such terms, you ask my hand in wedlock? Squire. 1 do! Norah. Love on one hand and duty on the other. The love of a , noble man, and the duty I owe to my mother. Love or duty. Yes, ;duty to my mother before all else, I will save her, howevjr, detesta- ■ble this union is, I will become your wife. Squire. Good! Come now, we will go to your mother. {exeunt, l. Enter, Con, Bob and Frank, r. e. Con. (flashing a dark lantern around, the light of which falls on the open trap) Sure this is a divil of a place entirel}'". Boh. A regular witches den. Full of pitfalls and traps. Frank, {throwing a coil of rope on the stage) I have seen strange things in my life, but tliis old building beats them all. {walks close to the open trap Con. {warningly) Look out there Dalton, ye nearly fell into that hole. Frank, (jumping back) By jingo! So I did ! I wonder what is down there? Hello! there's a groan! {looks down in hole) It's as black as Egypt down there. Con, Can tliere be some one down there? Bob. Hark! there's another groan. I wonder who it is? (calls) Hello! (they listen) There is some one down there. Con, get the rope and we will soon see who it is, ( Con hands him the rope THE HA UNTED MILL. H Fronl-. Hello I down there, we are going to letdown a rope. Be ready to catch it! JIurty. {muffled tone) I will tr\'. Frank. Here goes then. (throios rope doion the hole Con. Can you reach it? Murty. {muffled as before) Yis. Con. Houlcl on then. Ready I All pnll! {they gradually draw MuKTY up to the stage) "The Fbx." Boh. Murtv Tobin ! Frank. The devil ! Con. How came yon down there? Murty. Squire Corrigan tried to kill me, by throwing me down there. Bob. And we saved your worthless life. Murty. {bowing) For wiiich I tliank ye, gentlemen. Frank. \\q want no thanks from such as you. Con. {sternly) Murty Tobin, ye are in me power at last. Join forces wiiii me and ye have 3'er liberty, refuse an' ye go to prison. Murty. {savagely) If it's anything to be revenged on Squire Corrigan, I'll do all in me power to help ye. Con. Wiiere Is Norah O'Kelley hidden? Murty. In yonder room. {points to door, l. Con. Bring her here. Kemember no tricks. (Murty goes to door and looks in) She's gone, 1 can see it in yer look of surprise. Murty. Yis, she's gone. Frank, [in despair) Not here ! Then where is she? Murty. I don't know, sur! Squire Corrigan must have taken her home. Con. God have mercy on hin if he hasn't. Boh. Is that all the prisoners this old place contains? Marty. Xo ! one more. Con. Who? Murty. Mrs. Corrigan. Con. {in astonishment) The Squire's wife? Murty. Yis. Boh. Liberate her. Murty goes to door r. and opens it, goes in and returns with Mrs. Corrigan. Murty. Here she is, gentlemen. Mrs. C. Have you come to tinish your cruel work by killing me? Boh. No sister, we have come to save you. Mrs. C. {in amazement) That voice. Surely, but no — I am dream- ing. Boh. Look, don't you know me? {GO'S flashes the light on his face Mrs. C. Brother I Bub. Sister! . {she falls in his arms Con. Hurra! {catches hold 0/ Murty and pulls him around the room in a loaltz Frank. Now Richard Corrigan, we have the upper hand and your race is run. CURTAIN. END OF ACT 11. so THE HAUNTED MILL. xiCT iir. SCENE I.—Sanie as Act 7, Scene I. Mrs. O'Kelley seated in rock- ing chair, L. of table. Mrs. O'IC. It's lonoj past tlie tiuu', when the Squire promised to return Avith Norah. J wonder what detains them? Can any acci- dent have occured ? Enter, Squire and jSTorah, r. e. You have returned, sir? Squire. I have done as I promised. IS'ovv Miss ISTorah, prepare for the ceremony. I will leave you with your mother while I ^o and sununon the clergyman to perform the marria.^e. For the present, adieu. (bows and exits r. Norah. Oh, mother! (sobbing Mrs. OK. IS'oraii, my child. {iUey embrace Norah. (Mrs. O^Ke-ll^ey resumes her seat, ^orau at her feet) And BO you have consented, mother, that I should wed Sq[uire Corrigan. Mrs. O^K. 1 only acted for the best, my child. Norah. Heaven bless you, mother, {aside) She little thinks 1 consented to save her from the pantos of hunger. 3Irs. O'K. Squire Corrigan is a rich man, Norah, and will un- doubtedly prove to be a loving husband. Norah. For your sake, mother, I will try to put up with him. Mrs. O'K. You must never think of that young American again, Norah. Norah. If you wish it, mother. Mrs. O'K. ^I do wish it my child. If we offend the Squire, he might forclose the mortgage, and then what would become of us? Norah. Cheer up, mother dear, I will be a true, loving and de- voted wife to Mr. Corrigan. (aside) Heaven forgive me for telling such a falsehood. 3Irs. O'K. I will send Maureen to you, my child to dress you, for :Within the hour you will become Mrs. Richard Corrigan. (exit, l. Norah. My heart is breaking, though outwardly^I appear calm. To give up the love of Frank Dalton, almost kills me, but I make this sacritice to save my motriier and the old place from the hands of the sheriff. Dear old familiar scenes, where the happiest hours of my life were spent, but gladly would 1 foi-sake all, to become tie wife of the man I love, but it's not to be. Duty to ray motUer before all else. ^ She reared me and in return, this is all I can do to show^ my gratitude. I do this in obedience to my mother's wishes, al- though by the sacrifice, my heart is rent in twain. Enter, Maureen, l. Mail. Miss Norah, I am so glad you are home again, but all I hear About you marrying Squire Corrigan, is not true, is it? Norah. Yes, Maureen, every word of it. 3Iau. Oh! dear, and what will become of the young gentleman from America? Norah. I have decided not to wed M^r. Dalton, so speak of him no more. Man. (thoughtful} I/) Sure, I wonder what became of Con? I (^aven't seen him to-day yet. THE HA UNTED MILL, ^1 Norali. Poor fellow, won't lie be surprised when he hears the news. Man. All I'm afraid of, is, he will kill the Squire. Norah. For my sake, the Squire must not be harmed. Mau. Norah O'Kelley, would you stoop so low as to shield such a scounOrel from what he so richly deserves. Norah. {growing angry) No more of this. Squire Corrigan is my future husband, and as such must be respected. Man. My gracious! Sure you are not jesting darling, are you? Norah. 1 am not jesting. 1 speak the truth. Go and prepare the things in the parlor, for the weddinu", I wish to be alone, [exit, Mauheen, L.) Heaven guide me in the step I am about to take. May God in His merc}^ watch over me, and show me the path in which I should walk. Give me strength, Thou Almighty One, to fultil the duties of a wife, (a knock at door c.) I wonder who it can be? Come in. Enter, Feank, r. Norali. (in amazement) Frank ! Frank. Yes ! Norah, it is I. Norah. Oh ! Frank, if you don't want to break my heart, bid me good-by and go ! ' Frank. Why Norah, how strange you talk. Are you ill? What do you mean? Norah. I mean Frank Dalton, I can never be your wife, though I love you dearly ! Frank. Norah, you don't — but pshaw! You are but jesting? Norah. I am in earnest. I have promised to become the wife of Mr. Corrigan. Frank. The wife of that man? Impossible! Did you not also promise to become my Avife? Norah. Oh! God, I know I did, but you don't know, don't un- derstand the events which have happened lately, which threw an nnforseen obstacle in our way, and preventing us from ever becom- ing man and wife. Frank. Let me reason with you, Norah. Have I not the first claim on your atfection ? No) ah. I know vou have, Fr.-mk, but by the love you have for me. I beg of you, tiiink no more of me. Frank, {vehementlfi) Never! Norah. Yon must! 1 love you dearly and would willingly be- come your wife, if it was in xwy power to do so. 1 wed Corrigan to save one who is nearer and dearer to me. So now bid me good-by and go. The longer you remain in my piesence the more 1 sufler. Let up part as Iriends and not as enemies. Frank, good-by. (sadly Frank. Norah — {he kisses her hand and rushes off stage, r. Norah. Gone! Oh ! God, my life is wrecked forever. {sinks in chair and bows her head on table SCENE II. — Same as Act I. Scene II. Enter, Con, followed by 'Mns. Corrigan and Bob. Bob drags Murty 171, who is pleading and begging. Con. Come along, I say, bring the blackguard along an' we'll make him confess aU or send him to x^rison. ^S THE HAUNTED MILL. Murty, {falls on his knees) ILive mercy, gentlemen, an' I'll tell all. Con. {sternly) Get up ye coward, an' tell everything. Hurry up, nie hands are itching to put tlie handcuffs on yer wrists. Murty. I'll confess everything. Con. Start in then. I'll ax tlie question an' you do the answer- ing. Are ye ready? Murty. Ready yer honor. Con. Here goes thin : Wliat was the object of Corrigan in lockin' up his wife in the ould mill ? Murty. He wished to put her out of the way, in order that he might marry Norah O'Kelley. Boh. Wait a minute, Con, See here Murty Tobin, you were a friend to the Squire for a number of years? Murty. Sure we were boys together. Boh. Well then, can you tell me wliat became of his wife's for- tune. Murty. He has it safe and sound, 5'er lionor. Boh. But my sister wrote to me, informing i-aq. he hal lost it. Murty. That's aisy explained. Your sister gave it to the Squire. (Mr!S. Corrigan is seated on log^ listening to Co.v in a do-zed manner, lolio is talking to her) He lold her he had lost it in specula- tion, but the scoundrel had it safe at home in his safe. The Squire wanted her out of the way, so that he could enjoy the fortune; but as he did not wish to kill ii r, he imprisoned her in the ould mill, an' began to poison her by degrees. He then circulated the report in the neighljorhood that the old place was haunted. How well he suc- ceeded you well know. Boh. Oh! the monster, was there any crime the villain was not capable of committing? ( sits down hy his sister Con. {jumping to his feet) It's my turn now. Bob. Go ahead. Con. Why did he wish to marry Norah ? Murty. To get the gurl's fortune, of course. Con. But she lias no fortune; Corrigan houlds a mortgage on the estate. Murty. Yis, but the mortgage is illegal. Con. Illegal, is it? Don't try to tell me that. Wasn't I one of the witnesses? Murty. Very true, but did you carefully watch the game on board the ship, that day ? Con. Not as carefully as I should have done. Murty. If ye had, ye would have seen how the Colonel was being cheated by the Squire. Con. Did the Squire cheat my ould masther ? Murty. He did! Con. {joyoiisly) Thin the mortgage is of no account? Murty. The mortgage, which Squire Corrigrn houlds, is not A^orth the paper on which it is written. Con. Murty Tobin, the news ye have just communicated to me, las lifted a load off me heart bigger than a mountain. Murty. Thin I have earned me liberty? Con. Ye have, but don't leave us just at present, as we have fur- her work for ye to do. Murty. What else must I do? THE HA UNTED MILL. S3 Con. Before we arrest Corrigan, ye must confront him at the mnrriaoe ceremony. He will believe it is a ghost, ?.n' confess all. Murty. Jc's a splendid idea, an' one way of bein' revenged. {exit, L, B(h. {looking off r., 1 e.) Who is this coming here in such a hurry? Con. Bless me if it's not Frank Dalton. I wonder what ails him ? J^ob. 1 can't understand him at all. Enter, Fkank, r. e. Con. Wliat's the matter man ? Ye look as if ye were goin' to yer own funeral. Frank, {despairingly) It's all over. Con. What's over? Frank. Everything between myself and Miss Norah. 5 Con. No? Bob. Impossible! Frank. Yes, 'tis true, the engagement is broken. Con. Did she give a reason why she wouldn't wed ye? Frank. Yes. Bob. Tell it to us. Don't be afraid, we are your friends and may be able to assist you. Frank, {despairingln) Well the long and the short of it is, she is going to wed the Squire. Bob. Wed the Squire? Con. Oh, murther! Frank. And as she can't marry both of us, I am the one that must/ suiter. Con. Not at all me boy. We'll remedy all that. Frank. It's too late now. Con. It's never too late to defeat the schemes of a villain. Bob. That's so, Con. Con. Sure I know it is. I've a great scheme in me head. Bob. Your head seems to be full of schemes. Let's hear your echeme. Con. To perform the marriao-f c;Me;nony; naturally the Squire" will require the services of a (.-lergyman. Now as Corrigan don't know much about the Parisli Priest, me scheme is to have Frank boriovv the priest's clotlies, an' manage it so as to meet the Squire on his way to procure the pric-st, an' have liiui perform the ceremony; an' at the proper time, confront liiui witli his wife an' Murty Tobin. Frank. It's a great scheme, if the priest consents to lend me his garments. Con. That will be all right. Explain everything to him, but first of nil, tell him it was I that sent ye there. Frank. I'm off at once. Con. All right, take Bob an' his sister with ye. Frank. Come along, Robert. {exit, L., Frank and Bob helping Mrs. Corrigan between them. Con. {slowly) A few hours more an' Corrigan's race is run. He made a strong fight, but like all scoundrels, tripped himself up at the last moment, {looks offR., 1 e.) Why as I live, here come^ Maureen. U TEE HAUNTED MILL. Enter, Maureen, r., 1 e. Mau. Con O'Kagen, I'm ashamed of you, and I don't want to talk to you again. Con. [aside) Now what the divil ails the gurl? (aloud) Yonno- woman, I don't understand the meaning of such words as you just addressed to me. Mau. Oh! you don't, don't you? Con. No! I don't, and furthermore, I wish ye'd explain them. 3fau. Look me in the eyes. Con, and tell me what you see. Con. A very line pair of eyes, me gurl. Mau. You are just as hateful as you can be. Con. (Mavrf.k'n pretending to cry) Now, aecu^hla, don't cry. 3Iau. 1 can't help it. You promise 1 Mrs. O'Kelley to take care of Norah, and when your protection is most needed, you can't be found. Con. What's up now? Mau. Do you know that Norah and the Squire are to be marrieJ to-day ? Con. Is that all ? Mau. Is that all? Ain't that enough ? Con. Oh ! sure such news as that is ancient history to me. Mau. You knew of it then? Con. Of course I did. Mau. And you never did anything to prevent it? Con. Oh ! I had me own good reasons for that. Mau. {wistfully) But Con, dear. Con. Yis, accushla. Mau. What was the great secret you were going to tdl me the other day? Con. {winking at the audience) Oh! the secret is it? Mau. Yes, Con. Con. You won't tell anyone? Mau. I promise. Con, An' you will give me a straightforward answer? Mau. Yes, Con. Con. Well, the secret is, that I love ye, an' want ye to become Mrs. O'Ragen, on the day Frank Daiton wed-i Norah O'Kelley. Mau. {lays her head on his shoulder — suddenly) Oh, Con! Yes, but Con, Frank and Norah are not to be married. Con. Yis, they are darlin', so come alonj; and prepare for the ceremony. {exeunt, r. Enter, Squire, l. Squire. At last my plans are almost completed. One more bold stroke and the fortune of Norah O'Kelley is mine. All the obstacles have been removed from my path. Murty J'obin is now food for the lishes of the ocean. Mv late w.fe must be surely dead by this time. No one will dare to visit the old mill on account of the ghosts, with which it is said to be haunted. Some dark, stormy night I will go there and dispose of the body. No one knows what became of her, and I am suie I don't care. I am on my way to procure a Priest to perform the marriage, {looks off h.) VVho is this stranger coming this way. I do believe it is the Parish Priest. Yes, it is him. Now to engage his reverence to tie the knot. THE HA UNTED MILL. SS Enter, Frank, l. e., dressed as a priest. Frank. Good mornino;, my son. Squire. Good moruingr, your Reverence, pleasant day ! Frank. Yes, my son, for which we should return thanks to the Lord. Squire. Are you very busj^ this morning, father? Frank, l^ol my son, I am not. Squire. 1 was on my »vay to your house to have your Reverence perform a marriage, when 1 met you now. Frank. Have tlie bans been published? Squire. Yes, your Reverence. Irank. (aside) Heavens! what a lie. (aloud) Lead on my son, and I will follow yon. Squire. And you will perform tlie cerenionj-? Frank. With all my heart. SCENE III. — A parlor. A room richlij furnished — lai'ge door in c, doors R. and l. Xokah, m loiiite, seated l. Norah. Tlie hour approaches, when like a lamb, I will be lead to the place ot sacrifice. All my hopes forever blasted. I "have care- fully weighed the step I am about to take, and what do I find? A cool, calculating scoundrel, who fears neither God nor man. One, who would sell liis soul for gold, it he thought it would better his own selfifeh ends. And such is the man 1 am to wed. Enter, Mrs. O'Kelley, door r. V Mrs. 0''K. (in surprise) Norah, here and alone? Norah. Yes, mother. When Mr. Corrigan went to procure the Priest, 1 came here lo oifer to God a pra} er, to watch over me in m}"- hour of need. Mrs. O'K. You should not give way to your grief so, I am sure Squire Corrigan will make a good and loving iiusband. Norah. Mother, speak of him no more, 1 beg of you. Mrs. OK. M}' child, if it annoys you, 1 will refrain from men- tioning his name. Norah. Thank you, mother. ^ Mrs. O^K. 1 wonder what became of Con? lynaven't seen him to-day. Norah. How 1 do wish he was here! I am sure he would do something to prevent this hateful union. Mr^. 0'' K. 1 fear it's not in his power to prevent it. Norah. Still he would trv. [a knock at door, l. Mrs. (JK. Oil ! God, 1 pray it's Con. Norah. Come in ! Enter, Squire and Frank, door, l. Squire. Lhave brought the Priest who is to pei'form the marriage ceremony, (pointing to Norahj Your Reverence, this is the one who is about to become the happy bride. Frank, (aside) 1 am afraid to look her in the face, for fear she will know me and spoil all. {aloud) A very prett}'' girl, indeed. Norah. Mr. Corrigan, 1 have a favor to ask of you. Sr6 THE HAUNTED MILL. Squire. Ask anythinp- in my power and I will grant it to you. Norah. Do not make a rash promise, sir! Squire. AVhat is tlie favor you wish me to grant? Norah. That you will invite Mr. Dalton to be present at my mar- riage, {the Peiest gives a start of surprise Squire. Impossible ! I cannot grant such a favor. Norah. Kemember your promise. Squire. I care not for iny promise. The Priest shakes his fist at the Squire, lohile the Squire i^s talking to NORAII. Enter, Maureen, door, r. Norah. Maureen, run dov.-n to Mrs. O'Brien's and see if Con is there. Man. Yes, Miss Norah. Squire. Young woman, {to Maureen) remain where you are. Norah. Kichard Corrigan, it is true that in a short time I will be- come your wife: but before that event takes place, 1 am free to do as 1 wish, {the Priest about to clap his hands and applause, and then remains quiet) You have seen fit to countermand my orders. I now command my servant to bring Con O'Kagen here, {the Prikst j^imps wp and makes a motion toward Corrigan, and then resumas his seat ajain) If Con cannot be found, then let the ceremony begin. ' Squire. I submit; bring him here. Mau. Yes, sir ! {exit, door, Cc Norah. {aside) I have been nerving myself for the sacrifice, but /It the last moment my heart fails me. I do hope and pray that Maureen will find Con. lie-enter, Maureen, door c. Mau. He wasen't there, Miss— I met Mrs. O'Brien at the door and she said he was not at home. Squire. Miss Norah, all is ready. His Keverence is growing im- patient. Norah. {aside) Heaven help me, all is lost. JIau. 1 am sure the God above, who knows and sees all things, will not allow such a thing to go on much longer. Norah. {aside to Maureen) I see no way of escape. Mau. {to Norah) Well, if you wed Squire Corrigan, I can never marry Con O'Eagen. Squire. Your Keverence proceed. Frank, {to Norah) Are you ready my child ? Norah. Yes, your Reverence. Frank. Do thou, Norah O'Kelley, take this man to be thy lawful husband? Norah. {faintly) I do. Frank. And thou, Richard Corrigan, take this woman to be thy lawful wife ? Sauire. I do. Frank. Before I pronounce thee husband and wife, if there i:S anyone present who knows why this man and woman should not be united in the bonds of matrimony, let him now speak, or forever hold his peace. THE HA UNTED MILL, S) Enter, Con, door c. Con. Idol fSquire. (aside) Con O'Ragen. Curse him, will he always be an obstacle in my way: but why should I fear, he can prove nothing Frank, Why do you object to this marriage? Con. (poinUng to the Squire) Because that man is already married. Xorah. {horrified) Monster! Squire, [furiously) It's a lie ! Con. {sternly) It's the truth. Squire. Prove it if you can, I defy you I Con. {calls) Mrs. Corrigan. Enter, Mrs. Corrigan and Bob, door c. Squire, {in a startled tone) My God ! Julia, my wife. Mrs. C, Yes, Mr. Corrigan, the wife you tried to kill. Your wife once, but no more. Squire, {savagely) Had you bee;i a minute later, the proud Norah would have been my wife. Frank, {throwiny off disguise) It would never have been, Dick' Corrigan ! Omnes. (in astonishment) Fr.ink Dalton I Frank. Yes, the man Squire Corrigan almost killed in the grave- yard. S.fcdre. I have played a desperate game and lost, but I hftve one, consolation, if I can't marry Norah, 1 can render her homeless, for 1 hold a mortgage on this estate. Frank. Ouceagaln we have battled you. The mortgage is illegaii. Squire. Illegal? Prove it if you can. Frank. 1 can and will. Squire. Do so. Frank, {calls) Murty Tobin, this way! Filter, Murty, door c. Squire, {aside) Murty Tobin alive? What if he should have escaped? {turns and sees him — aloud) My God, it's him, alive and well. • The game is up. I have been beaten at all points. Frank. Your accomplice has confessed all. What have you to ?ay for yourself? Squire. Nothing. I took big chances and lost. As I committed no crime, T suppose I may go? Bob. Yes, to prison with me. I ho'd a warrant for your arrest. Squire. My arrest? On \vtfiat charge? Bob. Being the head of the smugglers, with which the coast is • infested. Squire. Then j-ou found the letter ? Bob. Yes, so come on. Squire. What becomes of Tobin? Bob. He has received a free pardon, on condition that he leaves Ireland. Murty. Yer no match for me, S(]iiire. Bob. Come Corrigan, I am waiting. Murtii. And I'll go too, an' see he don't escape. (exiY, Squire, Bob and Murty, door c. r3 TEE HAUNTED MILL. Con. Hurra ! He has received his just clues at last ! Frank. And now friends, as the clouds have all disappeared from off the horizon of our lives, I move that we all go down to the Priest's house and enjoy the wedding banquet, which I have secretly caused to be spread. Norah. In honor of whom, Frank? Frank. For you my darling, for I mean to make you my wife to-day. Con. An' sure, while we are havin' one weddin', we might as well have two. Frank. Who is the other couple? Con. Meself an' Maureen. Man. Con, how can you talk so? Con. Oh ! it's all right, darlin'. Mrs. 0'7i. And before we depart for the Priest's house, I wish to return thanks to Con O'Ragen, for the great care he has taken of me ajid mine. KoRAH AND Frank. Mks. O'Kelley. Maureen. Mrs. Corrigan. Con. CUBTAIN. THE END. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT I. -Home of Mrs. O'Kelley. (Scene I. — "The last Rose of Summer." Con and Maureen. The secret. A love scene interrupted by Norah O'Kelley. The letter, and appointment to meet at the ruined Chapel. Murty Tobin, an eavesdropper. Murty delivers Sq 'ire Corrigan's message. How ISJorali received it. Maureen and Murty. Arrival of Con in time to prevent Murty from kissing his sweatheart, Maureen faints and Con takes advantage and steals a kiss. Scene 11. — Murty informs his master of the meeting at the Chapel. They arrange to kill Frank and abduct Norah. Con's opinion of Murty and his master. Bob Jackson, the detective and Con decides to search the old mill. Maureen and Murty. The quarrel. The attempt to abduct Maureen, Con to the rescue. Scene III. — The Chapel at midnight. The Squire and Murty, unseen witnesses of the meeting of Frank and Norah. Attempted murder and the abduction of Norah. Con and Bob discover Frank, "Heaven help Norah, for she is in the hands of her enemies.'' ACT II.— Same as Act I. Scene I. — Home of Mrs. O'Kelley. Arrival of Con. Maureen and Con, the mystery of the old mill. Squire Corrigan and Mrs. O'Kelley. The demand for Norah' s hand in marriage and refusal. The mortgage. "God help me, I consent" Scene //.—Squire Corrigan and Murty. The lost letter. Con and Frank, "We'll visit the old mill to-night." Sceru /y/.— Haunted mill. Mrs. Corrigan, a prisoner in the mill. Squire Corrigan and Murty visit the prisoner, another dose of poison. A trap door. Squire Corrigan thro'vs Murty down through the trapdoor. "Curse him, he is out of my Avay." In- terview between Squire Corrigan and Norah, who he has locked into the haunted mill. Norah's consent to be the Squire's wife, to save her mother. The I'aid on the haunted mill, MuFty discovered and released, he reveals the secrets of the mill, Meeting of Mrs. Corrigan and her brother. ACT III.— Same as Act I. Scene /.—Return of Norah. Mother and daughter meet. Frank and Norah, dispair of Frank, on hearing of Norah's intended marriage with the Squire. "OhI God, my life IS wrecked forever," (Scene //.—Murty turns State witness. The mortgage illegal. Frank Dalton. Con's little scheme. Maureen and Con, the secret revealed. Squire Corrigan and the Priest, Scene ///.—Norah and her mother. "The hour approaches." Arrival of the Squire and Priest. The marriage interrupted. Mrs, Corrigan and Murty, unbidden guests. The disguised Priest. "The game is up, I ve lost all." A double wedding, complete the happiness of Frank and Norah, Con and Maureen. THE ADVENTURESS; —OR — Lad yEvelyn'sTriu mph A drama in 4 acts by W. Bert Emerson, for 8 male and 6 female characters. Costumes modern. Time of performance 1 hour and 40 minuter, SYNOPSIS. ACT I.— Home of Sir Harold Courtily. Evelyn, Sir Harold's gecond wife. A happy home. "I'm the happiest man in all England." The letter from Calcutta. "Uh! Heaven';^, it is from Louisa, my wife whom I supposed was lost in that steam boat accident, three years ago." "My poor Eva, this is maddening." Susan and Pete overhears Sir Harold reading the letter. "We'll help Lady Evelyn." Arrival of Frank Foster, the new Secretary. The solilo- quy. "I'll have no mercy." Belle and Leo. "A father's trouble." Sir Harold and Lady Eva, "No one shall part us." Pete thinks it time to help Sir Harold. Pete steals the Calcutta letter and gives to Lady Evelyn. Her resolve and plan to unmask the plotters. Frank Foster icomes to Lady E\elyn's aid and sends for his brother Charley. ACT II.— A Plainly Furnished Room at a Hotel. Joe Rice and Ro-e, the Adventuress, who passes herself off for Harold's first wif ?• Joe's soliloquy. "So I am to impersonate l)r. Murnhy." Interview between Sir Harold and L>r. Murphy. Rose as an eaves-dropper. Susan and Pete overhears the plot to ruin Lady Evelyn. Eva's note to Sir Harold, "1 have read the Calcutta letter." Susan and Pete. Pete nearly talked to death by an old maid. Leo and Bell's suspi- cions of Louisa— "She is not our mother." Frank Foster discovers in Lady Louisa his .'lost wife — I'll be revenged for all the misery she has caused me. ACT III.— A Reception Room. Arrival of Lady Evelyn disguised as Ch irley Foster. Meeting of Sir Harold and Charley— "That. k Ood he did not recognize me." The quarrel between Susan and Pete, in which Pete < omes off second best. Dr. Murphy and Rose, the nidnight ap- pointment. Frank Foster overhears the plotters— "I will give yon t.i. merriest sur- t)rise you ever had." ACT IV. -"Woods Scene. Mi Inight. Joe awaits the coming of Rose, who surprises i in. Arrival of Charley— "Lidy Lou's;i, y( uTgameis up, i know you as Hose, the Ad.eucuress." An.attempt to murder Charley, frustrated by Pete, Sir Harold, Leo, Belle and otlicers arrive on the scene. Rose and Joe prisoner's. Charley throws off disguise— "Harold, don't j'ou know me.'' Frank Harris confronts Rose, his wife. "Lost! lost! but the Adventure s will die game." l)eathof Rose. The double wedding. Susan and the Policeman. A happy ending, as Lady Evelyn t iumphs over Rose, the Adventuress. Price l£c. A Matchmaking Father. A Farce in 1 act by Shettle and George, for 2 male and 2 female characters. The matchmak ng father has two daughters who are e pensive in dress, etc., and it seems to be the only desire of his life to get them "off his hands." He at last succeeds, and the farce tells how ho does it. Costumes modern. Time— 30 minutes. Price 15o Santa Claus' Daughter, A Musical Christmas Burlesque In Two Acts, By Everett Elliott and E. W. Hardcastle for 13 characters. A new and sparkling Christmas Burlesque, introducing Songs, Marches and many New and Brilliant Witticisms. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT I.— Scene, North Pole Snow Castlo. Santa Glaus' home. Song of the Snow- fairies. Gussie and the Fairies. Santa Claus preparing for his "night out." The "Directory." "The Dude." Kitty M'ants to move to the land of mortals, where men are plenty. Santa Ckius' advice. Song by Santa Claus and family, "A Model Man." Gussie, "That's clevah, deueedly elevah doneher no?" Gussie's attempt to sing. Chestnut bell. Sanfa Claus' promise to bring Kitty a man. Astonishment at Kitty's rash request. Caught out on a foul. "I'll bring her a boodler, a Farmer.s Alliance man," anything to die^u^ther with the whole r;ice. 'Song— Sleighing song. Depar- ture of Santa Claus tor the land of mortals, in his sleigh and fleet-footed reindeers. ACT. II.— Return of Santa Claus, with an Irish Paddy. Santa Claus and Gussie witness unseen, the meeting of Kitty and "her man." "Do yez chew gum, and play on the type-writer." Soug by Ki'ty, "The Pleasure of Catching a Man." The pro- posal. "The could weather will make yez a widdy before yez married, so it will." Banta Claus' despair at Kitty's acceptance of O'Kourke. Gussie has an idea. O'Rourke declared King of the North Pole. Coronation song. March by Fairies and Holidays. "The last ton of coal which broke ths camels back." O'Rourke ascends the throne. Cigarette or two. Kitty resolves to reform O'Rourke. Tableau. Erin appears. Her appeal in behalf of the Irish girls, beats the world and Kitty isn't in it. lilitty undecided whether to go with O'Rourke or remain, Tableau. Curtain. Just the thing for a Christmas entertainment, or will make a good after-picc*. Can use as many Eairies and Holidays in the chorus as the stage will accommodate. Time of performance 45 minutes. Price 15 Cents. Order a copy of Ames Publishing Co,, Loci Box, 152, - - Clyde, Ohio, THE THREE HATS K CarQBdy IN THREE ACTS, BY ALFRED HENNEQUIN, Translated and adapted from the French BY NEWTON CHISNELL This Comedy is written for 4 male and 3 female characters. SYNOPSIS. M. Atlolphe Trimndart, who on a visit to London saves the life of M. Dnpraillon at a fire, for which Diiprnillon i^ very grateful and takes Adolphe to his home in Paris — Adolphe falls in love with a youns: lady at a o:love store unknown to Dnpraillon — During Mrs. Dupraillon's absence from the city Dnpraillon accidently meets a lady — a supper at Clerbois' — an accident as he leaves the house causes him to stumble against some gentlemen whose hats are knocked off; during the scuffle the cry of "police" is heard, anil he picks up, as he supposes, his own hat, but on arriving at home he discovers he has a hat with M. Durand's card, while his hat has his own card in — His wife returns and he is afraid she will discover his adventure and supper at Clerbois' with the lady. The three hats cause a great deal of trouble as well as amusement, as the owners, as well as others, get mixed up in the misunderstanding caused bv tbe ox- changing of hats. Pri'^'^ 15 Cents. Hallabahoola, Medicine Man. An Original Farce in one scene, hy Bert Richards, author of *'The Colored Senators" ^'Fooling with the Wrong Man'' "Cupid's Capers,'' ''The Spellin' Skewl," etc. for 4 male and 3 female characters. The situations in this piece are extremely ludicrous ; Costumes to suit charac- ters ; Time of p>erf ordnance 40 minutes. Price 15 Cents. The Irish Squire, of Squash Ridge. A Farce in two scenes, by J. E. Crary, anthor of ''The Old Wayside Inn," "Alma, or United at Last," etc., for 4 male and 2 female characters . This farce is very funny and will he sure to please. Costumes modem and the time of performance is 40 minutes. Price 15 Cents, -Six.4^ A Border Drama in 5 acts by Len Ware, for 8 male and 5 female characters. This drama is replete with startling situations and thrilling incidents. SYNOPSISJ)F^E VENTS. ^ ^ ACT I. -The Land of Gold. >5cene 7— Tooinstoiie, a mining town iu California. Jerry Mack's saloon. Guy Lester, king of counterfeitors. Nell. The toast. Claim Ninety-Six. The meanest man. A. rlan to steal Charley Grey's dust. Arrival of Major Dolittle, from Ken- tuck. Nell and the Mijor. A love scene, which ends in "gin and peppermint." Scene //.—Charley Grey and Mack. Ebony, the boot black. Ebony's advice. Guy Lester, the octoroon. Toonistone quiet. "Slaves, runaway niggers." Ebony keeps his eves oren. Scene ///.—Sacramento .Joe and Nell. Nell's history. The little black book. Nell locks Sacramento .Joe in the cellar. Bell and Mack. Guy discovers Mack's secret. "Nigger whipper, slave driver." The quarrel. Sacramento Joe. "Don't pull boys, I've got the drop on ye. iv^d T don't give a cns^." ^ ^^ ACT II.-Home of Bell Mack. Scene I. — Nells advice. Ebony tell'^ Nell of the raid to be made on Charley Grey's cabin. "Nell will be on deck t(!-nipht." "I eolly. dis chile will be dar' too." Scene IL — Mack's bad luck. A conpact of crime sealed. Nell on the war-path. E' ony's fright, "Now I— I— lay me down." Scene ///—Charley Grey's cabin. Mack and Guy searching for the gold dust. Timely arrival of Nell an I Ebony. "Throw up your hands or you are dead men." Escape of the robbers. Sacramento Joe, "I don't care a cuss." , ACT III.— Arthur Brandon's Home. Scene I. — The lost child. A living trouble. Bessie Grey deposits the gold dust in Mr. Brandon's safe. Guy Lester interviews Mr. Braadon in regards to the Grey's gold. Scene IT. — Peterson, the aprtle sass man from Vermont, in search of a meal. Ebony and Peterson. Snubbed by Bessie. "Squashed, tetotally squashed." Scene III. — Mack and Guy congratulate thpmselves on their escaping Nell's bulls''. "Charley Grey's wife will ran Toomstone." Peterson and his four barrels of apple sass. "Polly Ann Spriggins." Peterson proposes to Nell. The game of carls, Bessie Grev interrapts the game. The way to Vermont. The wife beater. Mack faces Nell's rifle the second time. ' /S'c^ne/F.— Peterson, "a thin pair of pants and a light heart." Murder o£ Saqra- mentoJoe. Nell on the war-path. Scene F.— The safe robbery and murder of Mrs. Brandon. Nell arrives on the scene. ACT IV.-Gold Dust Saloon. Scene /.—Ebony and Nell. Arrest of Nell for the murder of Mrs. Brandon. "I'm not guilty." Scene II. — Major Dolittle and Ebony. Jennie, the octoroon, a runaway slave, meets her former master. The slave brand. "I could kill you." Scene in. — Bell's grief at the arrest of Nell ; Ebony's attempt to comfort her. "I golly, dis chile's eyes am leakin'." ACT V.-Street. Scene I. — Mack and Guy break open the jail and escape with Nell, the prisoner, to the mountain. Major Dolittle and Ebony arrange a plan to rescue Nell. Guy's secret discovered. (S'cene //.—Jennie tells Guy of her meeting Major Dolittle, "that cursed mark." Jennie and Nell in the cave. The quarrel, Jennie's murderous attemut to kill Nell, Mack interferes. The secret of the octoroons disclosed. Jennie stabs Mack. Guy and Jennie escipe. Ebony and Major Dolittle rescue Nell. Mack reveals to Nell who her parents are. Scene III. — ReKu'n of Nell, Ebony and Major Dolittle, to Toomstone. News of Mack's death. Charley Grey regains his stolen gold. Nell to return East with her father. Ebony can't be left behind to be hoo-dooed. Dramatic clubs wanting a good play should certainly try '•CLAIM 96." Price 25c. Note. — Hereafter the name "Nugget Nell" in the title of play, ^'Nugget Nell; or, Claim 96," will be dropped and published as Claim Ninety-Six. No other changes made. ^"•n* • < 1 • ^^ oo""* '^ ^oV^ i -1-t^ > o V 1.0 -A nS^">. f* «?> ^ '^^ <"^ •n v^.