na Dlue aTid Gray, an oiri (^l -n al , a\W^cT;ca\ i-raTn.a o? tV,e Gva War Glass P 5 b 3 5 Book .7 . ^V^ ^4- THE BLUE AND GRAY An Original Allegorical Drama of the Civil War of 1861 to 1866, BY J. T. VEGIARD. 'hr Dedicated to "The Veterans.'' Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by J. T. Vegiard^ in the office of the Librarian at Congress, Washington, D. C. This Drama hviiig been duly copyrighted, all persons are warned igainsl playing the same, either as a whole or in part, without ;he consent of the Proprietor. TMP92-007459 COSTUMES. Col. St. Leon. Plain gray, or light suit, broad hat, cane. Haeey Pearson. Act 1, Scene 1— Eiding suit, light. Scene 3— Hunt- ing suit. Act 2 — Dark suit, cape. Act 3, Scene 3 — Torn shirt and pants, old shoes. Sce7ies 4 and 5 — Gray jacket, slouch hat. Act 4 .same as act 2, with head bandaged. Feank Duncan.— Gray officer's suit, sword &e. John Harkee. Act 1, Scene 1 — Light suit, slouch hat. broad white col- lai and cuffs, heavy whip. Scene 2 — Gray officer's suit, sword &c. Deiteick. Act 1 — Common overalls. Act 2 — Old Union uniform, large front piece on cap. gun. Act 3 — CaHco dress, Dutch bonnet. Act 4 — Same as Act 2. Chaeles White. Hunting suit; in Act 3. Scenes .3-4 — White wig and whiskers, long coat, cane, broad hat. Teddy. Act 1 — Knee pants, overshirt, old plug hat. Acts 2, 3 and 4 — Gray jacket, slouch hat, gun. Alex. Buet. Act 1 — Rough citizen's dress. Acts 2, 3 and 4 — Gray of- ficer's suit, sword, &c. General U. S. A. Heavy overcoat, revolver, side arms. Col. Feanklin. Heavy overcoat, revolver, side arms. Geneeal C. S. a. Full dress Confederate gray, sword, &c. Uncle Ned. Act 1 — Short pants, stockings, shoes, checkered shirt, sleeves rolled up, white curled wig. Act 3 — Long coat, old white plug hat. Sam. Act 1 — Livery top boots, &c. Prisoners. Old blue uniforms. Soldiees U. S. a. Blue blouses, fatigue caps, light blue pants. SoLDiEES C. S. A. and Gueerillas. Gray suits, slouch hats. LADIES. Maud St. Leon. Act 1, Scene 1 — Eiding habit, whip. Scenes 5-G — Light home dress. Act 3 — Dark dress, cloak or shawl, hat. Act 4 — Brown or dark dress. Mrs. St. Leon. Act 1 — Home dress for old lady, spectacles. Acts 3-4 Dark dress, cloak or shawl, hat. Goddess of Liberty. Full Goddess dress. CAST OF CHARACTERS. Deitek.ik Vondekspeck (The Dutch Eecruit) Col. St. Leox (a loyal Southerner) Harey Peakson (a IJDion Spy) Fkank Duncan (The Guerrilla Chieftain) -John Haek.ee (St. Leon's Overseer, afterwards a Guerrilla) Chaeles White (Harry's friend, a Union Scout) Teddy O'Connoe (a Son of the Old Sod) Geneeal (Com. U. S. Forces) Col. Feanklin (of the U. S. Army) Uncle Ned (an Octogenarian) Geneeal (Com. C. S. Forces) Seegeant (C. S. Army) Sam (one of the Bones of Contention) Alex. Buet (A Lieutenant of Guerrillas) Peisonee (at Belle Isle) Mafde St. Leon (a Loyal Lady, Daughter of St. Leon) Mes. St. Leon (Wife of the Colonel) ■. E ACHE (a Waif) Goddess or Libeety '. . . Officers U S. A., Officers C. S. A., Citizens, Soldiers, Bushwhacker: Prisoners, &c., Arc. STACxE DIRECTIONS. "E." right. "L." left. "C." center. "L. 1 E." left first entrance. "L. 2 E." left second entrance. "L. U. E." Left upper entrance. "L. C." left center. "U. C." upper center. "'L. H." left hand. "E. 1 E." right fir.st eritrance, &c., Ac. N. B. — "The nctoi' is supposed to be standing on the stagc^ facing the audience." THE BLUE AND GRAY. ACT I. SCENE 1 — Garden or Landscape in 4; Bet house l. 8 e. ; Set fenee from L. to E. ; Gate open c, Bench lying r. ; Negroes dis- covered dancing. At conclusion enter Unole Ned r. 1 e. with garden rake. Uncle Ned. Git out dar, you good for nuffin niggahs; Clar de grounds, (All scatter ayid exit b. and l.. appearing at intervals from hehbiil r:in(js.) What de goodness you spose dis niggah's gwine to do? Clar de lawn for you common niggahs to dance on! Clar out dar I say, (leans on rake). I goliy, dem niggahs spose dat I have have got nu.ffin at all to do but clean up after dem. Taint no use talking. I'm done wid dem ; De fust time I ketch um on dis lawn I scrunch dem like a bed bug suah! (Negroes steal out and commenvs dancing. Ned cltases them l. and r.) Clar dar, you niggahs; Clar dar I say! (Enter Harler icith whi}> L. 1 E.) H.^rker. Get to your work, you black rascals, or I'll skin every one of you. And you Ned, go into the house, the cook may have errands for you to do at the village. Uncle Ned. (Boiving). All right, Massa Harker, and if I ketch any of dem common niggahs round here I'll scrunch em suah. H'arker, Don't stand around here talking, but go at once. (Ned exit L. r. E.) I understand that Frank Duncan has returned to the village, if he has, then I can see him personally and accept his proposition. (Tales letter from Ids j^ocket and reads;) "Harker, I hold in my possession a Lieutenancy in the Confederate Army: join me and the position is yours. I will be in the village with my company in a few days. If you can enlist any men do so, and meet me at Munson's store. Yours, Frank Duncan." Ah! here comes the Colonel. (Enter Col. St. L.) fi THE BLUE AND GRAY. [ Act I. Col. St. L. Well, Harker, how arc the farm hands doing this morning? , Harkek. 1 keep them pretty l)iisy now Colonel; by the by, i.s there any news stirring *? CoL. Sr. L. War, War, nothing but war. Ah! what is this? (Heads), ''Two men belong ing to a notorious band of busJiwhach- ers, commanded b{i that master' eut-thvoat, Frank Duncan, were hung at Montford last Tuesday ^ So ho! Frank Dunean, instead of entering the Confederate service proper, which would have been bad enough, has turned Guerrilla. And that is the man who wanted my daughter to become his wife. The infernal villain ! Harker. (Aside.) I mast get away from here (looKing r.) ex- cuse me. Colonel, but there are some of those lazy rascals dodging behind the stables (snapping whij))- Get to your work, you in- fernal niggers, get to your work. (E.rtt r. 2. e. Filter Uncle Ned. L. 1 e.) Uncle Ned. Oh, Massa Kurnel, I saw dat Massa Duncan down to de village, dressed up in nice grey clothes, wid stars and gold all ober him. and he had such a big cheese knife; golly! CoL. St. L. Frank Duncan in town; I fear his presence means no good to to the Union men of this vicinity. Thus far we have not been molested; but his presence bodes evil. Uncle Ned. I golly, Massa Kurnel, here comes de debbii, his- seif. (Ked uj) stage. Enter Frank Duncan l. 1 e.) Frank D. Ah. St. Leon, how are you to-day. Won't shake hands? No. Well suit yourself. (Aside) By and by, St. Leon, you will sing another tune. Col. St. L. I am soriy I can't tender you the honors of my house; but to what purpose shall I attribute the honor of this unexpected visit, Mr. Duncan? Frank D. (Aside.) Mr. Duncan! Ht used to call me his boy Frank. (To CoJ. St. L.) Colonel, you are not a stranger to the fad that before I entered the Confederate service I loved your dau.ghter and sought her hand from you honorably; you refused to consent to my addresses. Sir, that love has grown stronger and stronger. I now ask you to reconsider the decision you made at my last visit. Col. St. L. The decision I then made remains irrevocable. I would never consent that a daughter of mine should marry a i: an wbo'has basely deserted his country's flag in its hour of dan- Scene I.] the blue and gray. 7 ger. That is not only my decision, but my daughter would ^ scorn to wed a man who cannot even boast of being an honorabh' rebel. Frank D. {Quirldij.) Who dares to say that I am not a true and honorable soldier? CoL. St. L. This will explain all, (reads) ; '"Two men belong- ing to a notorious band of bushwhackers, commanded by that master cut-throat Frank Duncan, were hung at Montford last Tuesday." Frank D. (Aside.) Curse those fools, they have betrayed my secret! Nothing but a bold face will serve me now. (To CoJ. St. L.) I assure you Colonel it is all a mistake. CoL. St. L. It is not a mistake (/ooA-6' r), but here comes my daughter Maude; she shall give the final decision. (Enter Maude St. Leon R. 2 e. followed by Sam.) Maude. Father, I had such a splendid ride; Gypsey took me across the brook by the old mill ; thence over the hedge, and Col. St. L. You do not notice that we have company, Maude. Maude. I w^as not aware. Why Mr. Duncan ! Frank D. (Aside.) Mr. Duncan again. {To Maude.) Miss Maude I had hoped for a better reception after so prolonged an absence. Col. St. L. My child, to save further words, and you and Mr. Duncan from any embarrassment, I will at once state the object of his visit. He wishes me to withdraw my former decision in reference to his suit, and I have, thus far, as I always wish to con- sult my child's happiness, everything is left in your hands. Are you willing to marry Frank Duncan? Maude. Father, your decision was mine. Mr. Duncan, I can- not marry a man, however much I might love him, who would raise his hand in opposition to his country's flag. Col. St. L. My ow^n noble girl. Spoken like a St. Leon. Frank D. Maude, one word.. Mande. Mr. Duncan, it is needless to prolong this interview, and as you have some business of a private nature to transact with father I may be in the way. Good morning, sir. Follow me Sam. (Exit into the house h. followed by Sam.) Frank D. (Aside.) Yes, ye will have some business of a private nature to transact, but not at present. (To Col. St. L.) Sir, I can 8 ' THE BLUE AND GRAY. 1 Act I. but regret the decision of yourself and daughter, but I shall hope that time may change your views. Col. St. L. Mr. Duncan, you have heard my decision, which, as I have said before, is irrevocable. Frank D. Hark you, St. Leon, I have made a decision as irrev- ocable as yours. Your daughter shall be my wife, though I wade through oceans of blood to obtain her; and if it must be, every house in the township shall be made a beacon light to guide me in my purpose. Col. St. L Leave my plantation instantly, sir! You dare to threaten a St. Leon. L(\^ve, sir, or I w\U order the negroes to as- sist you. Frank D. No need of such useless trouble. Col. St. Leon, I will take my leave, (aside), but will soon return. (Exit l. 1 e.) Uncle Ned. Massa Kurnel, shant I bounce him? Col. St. L. The infernal scoundrel ! To threaten my name with such a dishonoi'. By jove, I'm sorry I didn't chastise him ])efore he left. UNtxE Ned. Only say de word. Massa Kurnel, and I'll hal) de boys ketch him and chuck him into de hoss-pond, and if he says a word I'll scrunch him like abed-bug, suah. Col. St. L. Never mind this time, Ned. (Enter Mrs. St. Leott mid Mffude from Itoiise l.) Mrs. St. L. Colonel, what was the meaning of that loud talking we just heard? Col. St. L That insolent traitor, Frank Duncan, has been here, and threatened that If I did not , bat pshaw, no matter. Is dinner near ready? Maude. Yes, Father, dinner is ready; but we were waiting for Harry, as he has not yet returned from his ride. Harry. (Outalde.) Here, Sam. tell Julius to stable my horse. [Enter l. 2 e.) Ah, aunt, waiting dinner for me, sorry to have kept you. Maude, how do you like your new horse, G-ypsey? Maude. Harry, he is a perfect beauty, and as easy under the saddle as one could wish. Y^ou have my thanks for the present; but who do you think has been here this morning? Harry. I am in the dark; who was it? Maude. Frank Duncan. Harry. That accounts for the town being full of cut-throats. Scene II.J the blue and gkay. 9 Col. St. L. I have no doubt they belong to his gang. I fear for the Union men of this vicinity. Met. St. L. Oh, Colonel, I fear the worst. What will become of us air? Harry. Become of us? Thank God there are loyal hearts among us who will never shrink from any peril for their country's sake. Maude. I am sure Harry that you will do your best to protect us from this band of assassins. (Enter Sam from house l.) Sam. Massa Kurnel, de dinner am done spoilin. Col. St. L. Come Mother, Maude, Harry, let us to our dinner lit once. (Ejcit into house l.j Uncle Ned. I golly, Sam, dar's goin to be a muss suah. Sam. Gorry mitey! Uncle, is dat so? Uncle Ned. Dat's what's de matter. But Sam are you goin to lite? Sam. Mefite? Whafor? Uncle Np:d. For your massa, missus, and de ole plantation. Sam. Look heah, Uncle, you've seen two dogs fltin ober a bone? Uncle Ned. Yes. Sam. DatS" de Norf an Souf fitin ober us. Now, Uncle, did you pber see de bone fite? But come long to de kitchen. Uncle Ned. Hold on, Sam, de ole man's got de rumatics Hold on Hold on. (E.rit l u e.) SCENE II. — Landscape in 1. Frank D. (Entering r 1 e.) So, the doors of the St. Leon mansion are closed against me ; little did I think a few hours ago that I should be an outcast from the family where I have always, even from childhood, been received as a friend. My hopes of winning Maud are forever blasted. I will try to forget her. I cannot; her image is flrmly implanted in the inmost recessess of my heart. Shall I tamely give her up while my rival, Pearson, curses on him, carries off the prize? No! by all the powers of heaven and earth, she shall be mine ! (Enter Harler e 1 e.) So, Harker. you received the letter I sent you last week? Harker. Yes, Frank, and acting upon your warrant contained therein, I procured this uniform and several men for your band. 10 THE BLUE AND GRAY. [ Aot I. Feank D. Well done, He.rker. AVe will visit the men at once, and onv first job will })e to ransack and burn the St. Leon man- sion, then off to our rendezvons before any of those cursed Yankee scouts happen around this vicinity. Harker. I am with you in any scheme against that old aristo- <')-at. Frank D. Why! What have you against St. Leon? Harker. {BitterJij.) Enough! Has he not treated me more as a servant than as an equal, and when I have punished any of his niggers hasn't he interfered, while his family act as if I was unfit to sit in their presence. I hate them all. Frank D. AVell, w^e will make them suffer for our many wrongs. You take some of the notices I have prepared and place them in conspicuous places. I will meet you at Munson's shortly. (Both e.rit L 1 E. Enter Uncle Ned r 1 e.) Uncle Ned. Dar he goes along wid Massar Harker, plotting agiiinst my ole Masser Colonel. Well, de ole man must stir his bones and go down to de house. Dese yere are troublesome times an' I fear de colored people of de Ian' will hab to stan de brunt. Well, don't stand yere makin' an oJe fool ob yerself but git along. {Exit L 1 e.) SCENE III.— Plain chamber or Kitchen in ;}. Bsr l.. Tables and chairs r and l. Teddy, Alex Burt and Guerrillas stand- ing near bar. Burt. Step up, boys, and have a a drink with me. {Guerrillas .nt Deitrick.) Scene IV.] the blue and grav. l?t Deitkick. drink mineself. Frank D. Here's to the health of Jefferson Davis and tlie Southern Confederacy. Come, Pearson and White, show your colors, don't be afraid. Harry. Afraid ! No, sir. I am not afraid to say that I despise and detest you and your whole pack of cut- throats just as much as I despise your President, and your would-be Confederacy. I have thus far been neutral, but my heart and sympathies are with the Union now and forever. White. Bravo ! Harry. I am with you. Deitrick. Ein flag— Ein gountry — Swi lager. (Drhikfi.) Teddy. I drinks em both, divil a wan I'cares as long as I gets my foightin. {Brinks.) Frank D. So, Harry Pearson, you follow in the footsteps of your Uncle and take issue with the enemies of the South. Now mark me, I am vested with power from my government to force such as you into our army, and you need not fear but I shall use it. Harry. Frank Duncan, you have had your say, now I will have mine. I defy you, or any force you can bring to your aid to forc^e me to raise a hand against the glorious old Stars and Stripes. Fr.\nk D. You have till dark to make up your minds, then if you are not ready to go willingly force shall be used. Harry. Come, White, let us finish our hunt, after to-day we shall have larger game. {Exit Harry and White l.) Deitrick. ven we meets look (Fratik Duncan f^tarts toivard Deitrick, ivho e.mtf^ l.) Frank D. Men, to the camp. Harker, take charge till I arrive. {All exit L 1 e.) Cur6'e the luck, it has been disappointment after disappointment to-day, but I will yet humble the pride of the St. Leons. First to force that young braggart into our army, and if he refuses to go, shoot him down like a dog. (Exit l. 1 e.) SCENE IV.— Landscape in 1. Lights half down. (Enter Harnj. White and Deitrick n 1 e.) Harry. Well here it is evening, and none of us have decided to Join the Southern army. I suppose we shall be severely punished for our temerity. White. I sliall not allow the fear of Frank Duncan's wrath to 14 THE BLUE AND GRAY. [Act I. spoil my appetite, and as it is growing late I will bid you good evening; come Deitrick. (Exit l. 1 e.) Harry. I have had strange foreboding of evil all day upon my mind. At every flash of our guns my Uncle and Frank Duncau would rise before me. What can it mean? But I must shake, off these feelings of depression and consider what course to pursue. It will be unsafe for me to remain around here while Frank Dun- can and his men are in such close proximity, and I do not relish going into the army either as an officer or private. What else can I do? I have it! I know every part of this State thorough- ly and I will tender my services to the Union General to act as spy. I will first consult with my Uncle and if he is willing, go at once. (Exit l 1 e in ]iafi at door r.) Ah! that is the signal, open the door Deitrick. (Deitrick unfasteni> door, enter General IT. S. A., Colonel Franklin and Officer.) Wel- <'ome, gentlemen, I am glad to meet you. General. We thank you for your greeting, but who have I the pleasure of addressing? Harry. Harry Pearson, known to your army as "The Avenger." General. Harry Pearson! Can you be the son of my old class- mate at West Point, Col. Pearson, the hero of Vera Cruz, and nephew of Colonel St. Leon? Harry. The same. General. Where is your uncle? Harry. Dead, foully murdered, and that is why I, in place of joining your ranks, lead the roving life of a spy. But time is fly- ing, General, here are some important dispatches I captured from one of the enemy's couriers. They will attack your camp early to-morrow morning in overwdielming numbers, intending to cap- ture the pickets and take you by surprise. General. Then we will be prepared to receive them. Many thanks till I can reward your valuable services better. Join our ranks and I will see that you receive a commission, and it will be safer, as I understand there is a heavy reward offered for you, dead or alive. Harry. General, do not try to tempt me from fulfilling my oath. I will willingly impart to you any information which I can obtain, but now I only live for revenge. General. Gentlemen, let us at once to our camp. Pearson, whenever you may wish to see me, send word by the same mes- senger as before. Adieu. {Harry opens door.) Harry. Adieu General, you shall soon hear from me again. 20 THE BLUJi AND GRAY. [Act II. {Vloainfj door.) 'Tis clearing up, the worse for my undertaking. Deitrick. (Trijhig to [juton shop.) efer gets dot poots on. White. {Outride r.) I say, Deitrick, open the door. Harry. Ah! Wliite, I will open the door for him. Deitrick. him sure. (Harry operin door ; enter JVhite von due t Ing Bti rt.) Harry. Who have you there, White? A Confederate officer, as I live. White. He strayed a little too close to our retreat, so we cap- tured him and brought him in. We did not know but you could use hiin for some purpose. Harry. You were right, I need a Confederate \miform, and at once. Burt. Sir, as an officer in the Southern army, and captured in uniform, I demand that you treat me as a prisoner of war and a gentleman. Deitrick. you dot vay. Harry. We shall treat you {is a gentleman and a soldier, but it is necessary that I have your coat and hat for a few^ hours. Burt. I protest against your taking either, sir. Harry. Then we shall be obliged to take them by force, much as I may regret the necessity. Deitrick, mat, I tole you dot. Burt. Rather than submit to personal violence, I give them u}>, but under protest. (Taken off coat and hat.) Harry. Are you not the bearer of dispatches? Burt. I refuse to answer, (glancing quiclly at right hoot.) Harry. I will trouble you to take off yur right boot. Deitrick. it off. (White hold.s Burt; Deitrick pull f< off hoot and rolls over ; papers fall out.) — — somedings by jibbity. (Buhhing Idmself.) Harry. (Picking up papers.) The very thing. With these pa- pers I can make my way to headquarters. (Putting on Burfscoat and hat and. whiskers from hox on table.) I am going inside the Confederate lines. Guard your prisoner well, as upon your vig- ilance depends my safety. {Deitrick lets him out of door.) White. We will have to compel yon to stay here until the Cap- Scene II. j the blue and '.+kay. 21 tain returns: so make yourself as oomfortablt- as possible; only remember, the fiist effort you make to escape will be met by a eloser confinement. Deitrick. look oud vonee. Burt. I will try to get a little sleep, if you have a spare blanket. White. (Getting hlanket.s l. ) There, make yourself at home, (yaiviis). I guess I am a little sleepy, too. Deitrick, you stand guard for a couple of hours, then I will relieve you. Why, how sleepy I am (Va?c/?.s.) Well, I'll turn in. {Take Jilankets ami lie (loimi before fire I,.) Deitrick. , but dot aind so. ((Toes lo sleep ; Burtri^ex cauiiouHly , tro.s-.sp.s to door.) Burt. Sleep on, my Teutonic friend, your drowsiness has proved my salvation. {Exit r.) • Deitrick. ^ , he done escaped himself oud. { While jnmj^s wp, rjroHpH gun.) White. The prisoner gone! How did he escape? Deitrick. no vere I seed him. White. Most likely you was asleep. Deitrkjk. vasn't asleep. White. Come Deitrick, we must re-capture that rebel, or Harry is lost! (White exitx through door k.) Deitrick. (Putting on overcoat. \ so help me gimniiny .ihiglewax. (E.rlt i\.) SC'ENE II. — Landscape in 2. (Enter Teddy t.. 2 v... on guard. Teddy. I wish this tarnation war was inded. It is nothing but loight and stand on guard all the time, (yawnf^.) I haven't had a dacent night's rest for a week, and they have given us orders to be extramely watchful to-night. Halt! who comes there? (Looks R.) Harry. {OuUide.) A friend. Teddy. Advance and give the countersign. (EnierHarrijR.'lE.) Harry. I have dispatches of the utmost importance and must see the General at once. Teddy. I will sind for the Officer of the (luard, (look l.) Most 22 THE BUTE AND GRAY. [Act II. likely this is the Gineral approaching, he sonn'tinies eoincs around the outposts. Halt! who comes there? Harker. (OiUsldc.) Grand Rounds. Teddi. Advance, Sergeant of Grand Rcnmds, and give the coLintersign. {Enter Sergeant of BeheU, give.s countersUjn.) (Countersign correct, pass rounds. {E:rit to place. A.^i Grand liounds enter l. Teddy .^teps forward, salutes Harker.) Officer of the Guard, this officer here says he has dispatches of importance for the Gineral, {resumes station.) General. Well sir, what papers have you? Harry. iProdiimng dispatches.) General, these dispatches were handed me by Major St. Clair, who has been severely wound- ed, and he requested me to deliver them to you, in person. General. Thanks, but to whom am I indebted for their safe delivery? {Harker, irho Jtas been closelt/ watcJiing Harrij, draws revolver. Harker. Do not attempt to escape ! General. What means this outrage. Lieutenant? Harker. {Fulling off Harrifs wtiiskers.) General, allow me to introdnce Harry Pearson, the Union Spy, more properly known as "The Avenger." { Ha rrij folds his anus.) General. Ha! Then you are the man we are ordered to keep a close watch for. What infernal scheme have you on hand now that brings you into our lines? Harry. I reluse to answer any questions. Frank D. (Entering l. 1 e.) General, I just heard of j^our in- tended surprise of the Union camp to-morrow morning, and I come to voluiiteer the sei'vices of ray band. AVhat! Pearson. Ha! Ha! my tine bird, caged at last. General. You know liim Duncan, who is he? Harry. The avenger of my uncle's murder, {(irasps Frank JJuncari by the throat.) General. Secure him guards. (Teddy and Guerrilla seize Har- ry.) Young man, your case is desperate; I have orders to shoot you as soon as captnred. Harry. Such is generally the custom of Guerrillas, but hark you, General, it is life for life, a "Gray for a Blue." General. I do not take your meaning. Scene I. j the blue and CtEay. 2:j Hakry. Eiit a few miles from here your courier is a prisoner; if I do not return my men will hang him to the first tree. {Enter Bzirt R. 1 E.) Burt. General, I was eaptnred by a party of scouts but a short distance from here (points to Harry), and there stands their lead- er. I'll trouble you for my coat and hat. Harry. Now my fate is sealed. (Takes off coat antl hat, Jiaiids them to Burt.) General. (SJiakinf/ ]iand>i irith Burt.) Allow me to congratu- late you. And now, I shall not hesitate to mete out to you the penalty prescribed by my superior. Frank D. General, there is a little matter of long standing be- tween the prisoner and myself, and if my well-known services would entitle me to the privilege of carrying out his sentence, you can call on me for any favor in return. General. Your request shall be granted. Captain Duncan, you will see that my orders are strictly carried out, and these sol- diers will be under your command until I receive your report. Come, Lieutenant and Sergeant, let us at once to our quarters. (Exit Generat and staffs. 2 e.) Frank D. Harry Pearson, you are at last in my power. Pre- pare for the journey which you are aV>out to take into a new country. Harry. Whent I lirst undertook the hazardous life of a spy, I made all ni}' preparations to meet death face to face; but I warn you, Frank Duncan, by murdering me. you will not escape your just doom, for others are on your path who will execute the oath I swore against the murderer of my aged uncle. Frank D. No more. I will hear no more. Teddy place him yon- der. (Teddy places Harry R. 2e.) Now men ready aim (Shots heard, r. E.rit Frank Duncan, Teddij and Guerrillas l. 2 e. in haste. Enter IVIrite and Deltrick r. 2 v.. White Itands Harry a gun.) White. Take this gun; we must at once gain the protection of our cabin, or all will be taken. Harry. Thanks, White, but let us start at once. That was a close shave for me. (Exit Harry and Wliite r.j Deitrick. tuyval, aind id. (Looks around, seeing the rest have gone, exits hastily r. Enter Frank Duncan and (Guer- rillas l. 2 E.) 24 THE BLUE AND GRAY. | Act II. Frank ]>. Eiscaped ! Follow me at onee hi their path ; take them, dead or alive! {(Tuerrillas exitu. Enter Harher, Burl, (U'neral and stajf l. 2 e.) General, the spy has escaped, rescued l)y his friends, who have killed our pickets. (tENERAL. Escaped! Have you ordered out an jittac'hnieiit iu pursuit? Frank D. Yes, General, at once. General. Follow them yourself; leave not a stone unturned to Hjfeet his re-capture; then take him, if alive, to Belle Isle — let him starve for his audacity. (Exit Frank Duncan r. 2 e.) Gen- tlemen, let us at once to the attack — all now depends upon quick actions. To your saddles immediately — ride for your lives. One hour in the field is worth a whole day here. (.4// exit L. 2 E.) SCENE III.— Wood in 1. Rain lieard. (Enter Hariy, White and Deitrick l. in haste. Harry. At last we are free from those humyn blood-hounds. White. Yes, we have thrown them off the scent; let us at once to our retreat; gather whatever we wish to take with us, an«l ahriudou this section for a time at least. Harry. You are right, since Burt knows of its whereabouts, tile place will be made too hot to hold us. Deitrick, you stand guard here, while we get ready for a start. Can you keep your eyes open now? Deitrick. myself of him — dot's so. Harry. Come, White, let us hasten. (Exit n. folio ived by White.) Dp:itrick. — graves, mit sorrows. {Enter Teddy l. m haste.) who vas you? Teddy. Don't yese remimber me, Deitrick ? — Teddy O'Connor. Deitrick. -, I guess not ! Teddy Will, I am sorry for any misunderstandin' we hed, sure, an' I axes yere panlin. Deitrick. mark dime — March. (Jims head bandaged.) Harry. Here General, once more ready to fight against any traitor to the glorious old Stars.and Stripes. General. {Shaking Harry's hand.) You are just in time, we were about making up fei detachment to attack Frank Duncan's Guerrillas, and rescue your cousin Maude, who is held a close prisoner. But how did you escape? Harry. 'Twill take but a few words to tell my story. I was iinprisoned at Belle Isle for six months and nearly starved to death, when this friend (pointing to Teddy) furnished me with a disguise and the countersign. Teddy. Sure that's me. Harry. While in the swamps I was pursued ])y blood-hounds. I killed them both, and had gained a log which led across a stream, when I was discovered by Frank Duncan, who fired, the ball striking my head; stunned and faint for the loss of blood I fell into the water, but was rescued by Deitrick. I bade him mention to no one of my rescue, wishing Frank Duncan to believe me dead. But let us start at once, I yearn for the moment when I can meet him face to face. {Enter Deitrick l. 1 e.) Deitrick. you vas in pet. Harry. I was a short time ago, and whould be there still if I had obeyed your orders. But Deitrick we are making up a party to attack Frank Duncan's guerrillas. Deitrick. dot fighdin pisness. Harry. I am good for many encounters with the enemies of my country. Deitrick. me dwo. General. Colonel Franklin order your men to their saddles, Scene III.] the blue and gray. 41 and I will take command in person. {Exit General, Staff, Harry, White and Col. Franklin, r.) Deitrick. Hallo, Teddy! Teddy. Begorra, how are yese Deitiick? Deitrick. a Union man ? Teddy. Well I am. Deitrick. a good Union man? Teddy. Siue I'm as good a wan as yese. Deitrick. you dook something. Teddy. I'm the bye that will do that same ting. Deitrick. dook a walk. {Exit r.) SCENE III.— Same as scene 1. Lights part down. (Maude dis- covered.) Maude. Teddy not returned. I fear that he has failed in his mission, if so, then my only resource will be this revolver he so kindly gave me. Hark, I hsar Frank Duncan and his men return- ing. I had hoped for a longer respite from his presence. {Enter Frank Duncan and Mrs. St. Leon r. 1 e.) Frank D. I have brought yon a visitor, Miss Maude. Mrs. St. L. {Embracing Maude.) My dear, dear daughter. Maude. Mother ! Frank D. You can retire to yonder cabin and make all the ar- rangements for our approaching marriage, which takes place to- night. Maude. Come mother, let us be together while we can. {ExltL.) Frank D. Everything is working to my wishes; byjove though, that was a fat haul to-day. {Enter Burt and Guerrillas r. with bottles.) Well boys, as you have done a good day's work, All up your glasses and make a merry night of it. {Guerrillas fill glasses.) Burt. Here's a health, Captain, and many returns. Frank D. Thank you, my brave men, and in return I will invite you to my wedding. Burt. Long live the Captain. {Giierrillas cheer.) When does it ta.ke nla.o.p. nantflin? 42 THE BLUE AND GRAY. [Act Y. Frank D. This night, in one hour. Fill up men and drink a bumper to my fair bride, Maude St. Leon. (All drink. Enter Harker r.) Barker. Captain, a large force of Union Cavalry is approach- ing by the main road; 'tis too late to retreat, we must meet them here. Frank D. Out men, tall in and fight for your lives. {Exit Burt and Guerrillas r. Harker, where is that Irishman, Teddy? Harker. I have not seen him since morning. Frank D. Curse him! 'tis he that has brought this Yankee horde upon us. At once to the men, have them ready to repel any attack that may be made. {Exit Harker r. ; Enter Maude arid Mrs. St. Leon l.) Mrs. St. L. The avengers are on your path, do not court de- struction, fly, or your blood will be upon your own head. Frank D. What! Frank Duncan, who fears neither man nor devil, desert his men, what can you mean? Maude. Do you not fear death, with such a terrible load of guilt upon your soul ? Frank D. I have no time to bandy words with women. Do not leave this place under any consideration. {Exit r. in haste. Shots heard.) Maude. Mother, I am sure my hour of deliverance has arrived. Mrs. St. L. We will hope for the best. {Fiinng outside. Enter Harker r., staggers to c, falls.) Harker. Mrs. St. Leon, I am dying— forgive me for all the pain and suffering I have caused you and yours— forgive {dies.) Mrs. St. L. May God forgive you, as I freely do. Maude. Oh mother, I hope the Union army will be victorious. {Enter Frank Duncan r.) Frank D. All is lost, but Maude St. Leon, you shall be mine in death if not in life. {Draivs dagger, starts toivard Maude. Shot tieard. Fran k Duncan staggers.) Frank D. I am shot, but death shall still wed us. {Enter Delt- rick R. li'ith gun, strikes Jdm down. Duncan falls.) Deitrick. Misdur Guerriller? (Enter Harry, White, General U. S. A., Col. Franklin and Officers r.) Maude. Harry, are you alive and safe? Scene III.] the blue and gray. 43 Harry. Yes, my dear Maude. Aunt, have yon no word for me V Mrs. St. L. We welcome you as from the grave. Frank D. {Rising up painfully.) Curse you, Harry Pearson, can you not stay in your grave; and you, old man, go back from whence you came ; do not stare at me with those glassy eyes. Back — back I {falh dead.) Deitrick. done dot. Maude. Misguided man, he is dead; and Harry, I am thankful that you did not stain your hands with his blood. Harry. Let us try to forgive him for his many injuries to all. He is dead, and "The Avenger's" mission is ended. {Tableau — Curtain. This Book must be returned to the Manager, or paid for. [Price, Twenty-rive Cents.] 014 545 619 8