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Enter c. 7nan serr(nit wIlli ti'lc/jraui ; steps he.avihj. Arlang meets servant c. up stage, takes telegram. JExit c. servant. Ah TvANG, (Observes servant loell off, comes down c.) Melicati Ilish ullee Siiine likeernule. He walkee clamp! clamp! me hatee Melicaii Illsh — hair on him teeth. Mastel Dalton he sickee. Clamp! clamp! ]Makee more sickee ! Why sickee hell! Me sabe. Mastel Dalton he bankee man, Melicau bankee man some plenty men givee him money — he walkee — no slepee — drinkee whic, allee time — he bust — k-lah I Maybe me no sabe allee same — hep! (winks both eijes rapidly.) Enter Dalton c. f. crosses to table r. c. Dalton. Business of putting hat on table and taking off qloces. Ah Lang! Ah Lang R. c. doion, is trying to see inside telegram, when called, faces Dtlton and hides telegram behind him. Dalton. (Angrily.) Arlang, do you hear me ! Ah Lang. Me lieal, aie no Melican Joss; him allee same woodeeman. Dalton. Answer then, if you a'lnt a wooden man. Ah Lang. Me anscl when me sabe what ansel. Melican Ilish man, he ansel when no sabe. Ciiinee man John he say sabe, he sabe; no sabe no sa^^ Dalton. Oil ! hang your sabe ! Have you got a telegram for me ? Ah Lang. Teleglam? me no sabe allee same teleglam. Dalton, (impatiently.) Wire on poles; click, click, click, (as if writing with telegraph key.) Yellow envelope — boy runs quick— rings bill. Ah Lang. Little, some smallee bloy ling bell allee same like debbel [oi- heilee ?] (laughs.) Ess ! Ess ! Me sabe— k-lah ! Dalton. Well! where is it? Ah I>ang. Tomollow little smallee bloy ling bell may be some time quick — damn. Dalton. You Mongolian jackass ! Yon animated leather hagl (bell rings.) There! See if it aint a messenger. Ah Lang at entrance c. f. business (f turning, shakes telegram at Dalton. Ah Lang, (aside.) Me jacksass — heh ? You ol buste bankee man soniiee sea cookee loast bleef — k-hili. [Exit c. f. Dalton. (hand supporting head.) No wor.N — not a, sign of help, (rises — taki's shigc down.) Coiisolid.it;''! .M.ck< idosed to-day weak at \S7 and'l in at 200. Loss atMT hiss! !;' they don't wire me to-night trom New York I laii to-nioi row — a ruined man! A pariah where I've been King! Called a thief where I've been honored for my integrity ! An outcast flying before a liowlinf? mob with the groans of ruined wid- ows anil orphans ringing in my ears — ^^hiinted and liannted! (drops hi chair at, tahlti.) It was' very iiard to bear when I iiad to drive my dishonored wife from my door— the mother of my chihl, a recreant in sliame; and now, fortune and friends lost forever — gone! all gone! [overcome.) Enter c. f.. Ah Laav.g, Mrs. Dalton veiled. Mus. D. {cominr) down L.) Mr. Dalton. {subdued tone.) Daltox. (startled.) VViiO's that? Mrs. D. Mr. Dalton . Dalton. (rising suiienl'i faces Mrs. D. ivilh right hand snp- porting himself on table.) Wiio are you V (he Jtas an indistinct recognition of her voice.) Mrs. D. a poor widow unknown to you. I am poor — very poor — I have come to ask assistance. I don't want mon- ey, but work. Dalton. Hah. (the memorg has ixi.ssed., and with this sigh sits.) Mrs. D. Mr. Dalton I :un in distniss— I— I— (aJecferZ— I want food. Dalton. (going up.) My good woman I am sorry for yon. AhLangthere will see that yon have something to eatand for the rest come to-morrow. (soUlnqne.) To-morrow? To- morrow may be (or others — not for me. But no! Courage! It shall ncvcu- be said that Howard Dalton gave up while there was still a plank to cling to. Exit c. Mrs. D. (raising her vail goes hurriedly to door, stretch- ing out arms appealinglg.) Oh! husband! husband! Howard! husband! dear husband! (sinks into chair left — sobbing.) Ah Lang''s business from last entrance to cue, ^'■husband''^ ; standing motionless at ii. c. back — at cue gradualhj becomes affected — finally takes from pocket a book like cigarette papers — taking one piece at a time, uses them as handkerchief. Ah Lang. Why me ciy? Me no sabe. Melican woman he cly, Chineman John cly ; Chinee woman he cly me kick 'em — hep. Mrs. D. observing Ah Lang rises goes down L. Mrs. D, (aside.) Ah Lang was always faithful to me in the old days — I must see Alice and alone! I must see her — I must press my child to this aching heart once more! (com- posing herself.) Ah Lang! Ah Lang tur)is to her comes down winking eyes very rapidly, AhL ang don't you know your old mistress? Ah Lang. (gr((duully overcome with surprise — then frightened) Oil melican man's Joss! Oh Chinee man Joss! (falls on knees.) Oh Missee Dalton why you no sleepee in glound al- lee same like dead melican man ? Mrs. D. Dead? What do you mean ? Ah Lang. You dead tlow, two, six years — long time dead Mastel Dalton he sabe so ! Mrs. D. Get up Ah Lang, I'm no ghost. Ah Lang, (jv'scs.) Xo dead ! You eatee — you legs walkee allee same? Mrs. D. (holding out hand.) Take my hand Ah Lang; that's good flesh and blood ; though it's not so fair as it used to be. Ah Lang, (slowly and timidltj touches her hand.) Lettee me see him (ootee. J/)\s. D. puts out her foot. He looks at it attentively. Allee same you footee like Cliiiieeman's footee — ess — ess. Oh niessee Dalton me i«o ghid ! me so glail. Allee same me hab pound opium — me hab ( 'iiiiieeman's sou]) — me play llow- leveii-flowty-flow, and win heei) big lots times !__ {dances.) Mrs D. Then you are tlie same kind, laith'ful All Lang you used to beV Ah Lang, {feels his arms and leys and pulls his nose.) Ess, me alle same Ah Tiang. Mrs. D. Tell me about Alice. Ah Laxg. She rell self, {starts r.) Mas. D. {stoj.jiiny hihi.) ISo ! J^o ! Not yet. Ah Lang. Me tell Mistel Dalton. {starts l.) Mrs. D. (stops him.) No! You must hear mo first. Ah Lang, (amazed.) Me no sabe. You go way — you dead tlow years — you comee baek — me no tell — k-lah ! Mrs. D. Ah Lang 1 can'texphiin it all to you, but Mr. Dal- ton knows I am not dead — 1 went away because — because — Ah Lang. Because lie waiitee some more wife — hep! Mrs. D. No not that but Dalton. (outside.) 1 can't attend to yon now. Mrs. D. (hur.iedly.) Silence! Not a woi-d I You must conceal me somewhere in this house — I want to see Alice to- night, and alone ! (drops her veil.) Enter c, Dalton to l. c, folhnoed by Mrs. WLeary. Mrs. D. aiid AhL any i,. and r. Mrs. O'L. Not attend to me? But you shall! This is a free country and free speech is one of my principles. Mr. D. That don't appear to be tlie only freedom you be- lieve in. jMrs. O'L. Excuse me sir, you're mistaken. I'm a Boston woman and our beloved coiiinionwcaltli Mr. Dalton. Oh damn your commouwelth. (exit L.) Mrs. O'L. (pauses.) He evidently believes in free speech, any how. I'd like to be your wife though for just two short days. Mrs. D. goiny up. Mrs. O'L. {tu Mrs. D.) One iuoukiu if you please. I perceive you are in mourning — \\v nr<' possibly fellow suffer- ers. I am seeking my rights AhLang. You sabbcc lights! You no sabbei' hotel — you no sabbee cheap boanling house allee same ! k-lah ! Mrs. O'L. Peace thou hcalheii from the setting sun ! Ah Lang. IMe no peace — me callee policeman — ki-yah. Mrs. O'L. You will call the i)olire, will you V Do so and and before lie enters tb.is domiciliary abode I'll wear my um- brella out on you ! (aduavr< s imnirds Ah Lang threatening with umbrella. — Ah' Lang dodges, lal is nfnye behind Mrs. D.) Mrs. D. (with dignity.) ^ladame 1 have not the pleasure of your acquaintaiRC Mrs. O'L. Well my name is O'Leary, Mrs. O'Leary, pray what may yours beV Mrs. D. That isof noimportancejust now; but itis agreat ([Vioi^tion what your rights ai-e iu this honso.. Mrs. O'L. No quesdoii at all — my name's Mrs. O'Leary, and I'm lookinp; for my husband — on principle. My own, dear, fiuokie darling, wfio, in a fit of temporary insanity, ob- livions to my ch::rms — tied — {handkerchief and emotion.) Bear with me. Mrs. D. Had you been married long? ]Mrs. O'L. Two days — two sweet days — and he was gone like the melting sun {'inn-hno — oce.rcome.) Ah Lang. (u.si'0 — down. D. Arthur'u'Leary as I live! O'L. How are ye Daltoii me boy? [lets Ah L. up ; hauls him l»j pig tail doivn front c. D O'Leary I'm glad to see you ! O'L. Same to ye. What shall I do with me prisoner of war; the spoils me bow aiul spear — I mean me umbrella, [re- leases Ah L,] D. Tlie wretch has been stealing O'L. And consayled the thin^^s on hi>i propria persona or elsewhere. Sarch him the the thafe of the world. D. turns Ah Us. back to the rmdience, bends him down and slow- lij drams ximhrella by handle^ from ■under blouse. " O'L. lias he wnrrinns? [hits Ah L. on seat of pants ; AhL. jumps nfi.] He lejis like a kid. D. What have yon in front there? O'L. Yes, out with it, ve pis; tailed rang-stickeang. Ah L. Me fatfee. [rubbing brih,.] O'L. Fat? Thin it's pnnkin seed ye've been ating. Ah L. Meeatee allee time, me get fattee — k-lah. O'L. [hits Ah L. with umbrella amuss bellij.] Take that for yei- k-lah. [Ah L. doubles uj> groaning.] Stand up like a man ye riggedoon. [hits liini on seat (f jian.ts.] Dalton he lias a crop of sometiiingundei' that blouse of his; take it out of him. [puts his valise and umbrella on table.] D. Come, disgorge you scoundrel, or I'll call a policeman. ^4/i L. sloudij raises his blouse andliauls out valist — manxiges to have end of shnu-l ,,ul if slecre. O'L. [cxainiues ralise attentindg.] Young man tell me where ye got tills before I cut olfyer pig tail and pull yer teeth out one by one. AVhat's tills, [seizes end of shawl, pulls it out slow- Ijl by walking b(a'kn-((rds, L.] May i never see the back of me neck if it ain't me wife's. [ falls overeona- into chair.] D. [govs to O'L.] O'Leary what is this terrible thing that has overcome you ? O'L. [taking his hand, rises, enmicenaition.] Terrible? You are the friend of me youth, yon and I have i)layed togetiier in childhoods happy bours; i/'/.sv.vj but tirst let's make the damn- ed doubt doubly sure, [comic heavy.] Take that umbrella in your hand — yer lift hand; [D. takes it] end wid the rigiit in- sert it — the hand, not the umbrella ; raise it; [D. opens it] thin turn yer gory eye to the inside — thare, hah! hah! thare do ye see a strawberry mark — I mean a white patch on the sate 10 of his pants — hem! I mane inside the mnbrelhi — hah! hah! do you? Don't for heavens sake keep me in suspinse, as the felley said whin he was liung. Ah L. [aside.] He got 'em— jimmee, jimniee — k-lah. [Exit c. D. [shoics patch.] There certainly is a patcli. O'L. [takes D. front.] Lisht! lisht! 0-o-o-h lisht. It is me wife's umbrella! D. Well, what of that? O'L. What of that ? Hist [tiptoes to see if awj one listening.] Sweare. D. Oh well, certainly, if you like; damn. O'L. Och ! meile dioull Sweare niver to revale — I mean give me away. Sweare by tlie bottle lieatl of yer father's biggest bunion. D. O'Leary, are you serious? O'L. Perhaps I luk as if 1 war goin to draw me check fur tin tliousand dollars. D. Well no I must say you look more as if you had a note to pay for that amount. O'L. Och! but its the worst tiling I have to tell ye. I married a woman. D. You'd hardly marry a man. O'L. Bad luck to it, I wish I had. D. Tlien you would have been man — aged. O'L. I'd had the age on the man, do you mind. But I'm wastin time potherin here. 1 must disgiuse myself; [gets va- lise] I'll talk to ye while I'm doing it. 1 have the things here in me sack, [takes off coat.] D. This wont do here, go into my room, [pomis left.] O'L. Ye need't mind, I'm not going to cliange my shtrt. [business undressing.] D. You can just as well go into my room. O'L Certainly I can, but as its only you and me — same.] business.] D. Stop man, the ladies may come in. O'L. (startled.) Bless me! arid me wife might be among thim. (business of gathering up hat, coat, and vest &c. &c., drop- ping something and picking it up as he crosses hft) Oh — )io oh let me out of this. Murder I hear her coming up tlie stair; by the powers I'm a goner, (exit left) D. (laughs; sits L. Poor O'Loary lie's in a dreadful pucker. However he must have some cause, I'll wager if his wife is, as I suppose, that old cat who (imitates) "lias principles and comes from our beloved commonwealth Bostlng," (laughs), well I'm glad I can laugh, when perhaps I ought to be cry- ing over the misfortunes which even now may bi; about to ciush me. I'd not care but for Alice my darling! How it will blight her young life; silence that happy laugh, drown her flow of bright spirits in tears, my own sweet rosebud, only just about to bloom, (takes stage dov^n.) Alice sings without. Enter c. A. Oh papa, papa, (embraces him.) I have had such a time; I'm so happy — no I aint I'm awful sad. D. Why Alice I didn't know you were not at home. Why ore you so late? A. Late! is; it late? How the time does fly to be sure. But ifs all rijjiit papa, he was with me. And now he ain't; that's whv I'm glad and sad, sad and glad. D. "He!" A. Yes my lie. Don't you know who my he is — of course you don't. I). Kosebud you certainly are progressing rapidly for a gli'l just out of school. A. Heliim! (pert interjection.) How can you talk that way, ain't I seventeen years four months and five days old papii; I wear a train. My! I forgot, you haven't seen my new dress, (talo's aff cloak, hat &c., &c.,) my firsttrain too. [np stage sJunviiui train, looking back at him.) Ain't it scrumptious. D. Wliat! A. Toiiey? D. Scrumptioiis ! Tonej'! A. Isn't it just swell? D. Pon my word Rosebud ! Where did you learn that slang? A. He said it was scrumptious, toney and just no end swell. D. He did! A. Smiles, nods and makes affirmative aspirate. D. Then all I have to say is lie ! that he ! ! your he! ! has a deliglitful command of liinguage. A. ' Indeed he has. And his voice is so soft; particularly when he says this way : -'Alice, my own, I love you," (langhs.) D. Oh ! ho! he says that does he? that is yonr he says so. A. Yes papa; and wiien he takes my hand and presses it, just a little bit, you know, why I feel it go right up my arm and down my back, soit of a warm chill like. D. Yes, yes, I see; that is when this particular he presses your hand. A. Of course! I don't understand it though. Now when a girl takes my hand and puts her arm around my waist, it's very nice, butpsliaw! now when he — D. Does it, you tliink it's an improvement on the girls. A. {innocenthj) Why papa you seem to know all about it. {laughs.) D. Be that as it may young lady there's one thing I'd like to know when it may suit your highness' royal jDleasure to tell me. A. Certainly papa, you know I never restrain you in any- thing. D. (smiling.) Kosebud, for cool, innocent impudence, you are a phenomenon. A. Infant phenomenon you mean, papa. D. I don't know about that; if either of us is an infant my dear, I don't believe you are the one. A. Now the Lieutenant asserts just the contrary. D. Oh, oh ! then it's a Lieutenant. That is this he; your he? 12 A. Yes papa. He's a j?ay daslnn<; draijoon ; rides a horse ; charges ronud; sabre .clatteViiig:; spurs jingling; oh lie is so nice ! D. Evidently. A. You ongiit to .=ee him when he blows the bugle-I mean when tlie bugler blows. D. Oh never niiud; it's evident your Lieutenant can toot his own bugle — A. The men mount in hnste; the horses i^rance, the sabres rattle, the Lieutenant shouts forward ! charge! and then — D. What? A, And then it's; ta ra; ta ra; ta ra. (pmnccs at him with parasol; businest> for both. D. Company halt ! A. The Lieutenant never gives that order. D. Halt or I'll eourt-maitial you and the Lieutenantboth. A. Attention ! [faces front at ((tttntion, pairisol at a carrij.] D. [aside] By George! 1 have forgotten O'Leary. It won't do to tell Alice. A. See here Captain how long are you going to keep me in this position ? D. Break ranks; march ! [[jocs to door i..] A. [.sjis.] You gave the wrong command ; theLieutenant always says present arms. D. Alice [ have an old friend in my room, and when I bring him out; you mustn't be surprised, nor ask questions. A. Oh papa that isn't fair not to tell me your secret when I've just told you mine. D. [knocks at door,] I sa}\ (pause, knocks ayain.) I saj' — ah — I say — you — Mr — hello! Are you ready? No answei-; that's strange. [?o«A>ui. J I believe he's not there, [^oes in.] A. Here's a mystery, and 1 dote on mysteries. Jli'-enter Dalton. D. He's gone, fled, stole away like a thief in the night. Found the window up and O' — slips — gone. A. What a funny name O. Slips. D. [locks door; aside.] Well Mr. Arthur O'Leary, you'll not get in again without my knowing it. Enter Ah Lang timidly with card. So you haven't run away, [reads.] Count Hofmeister von Hofenstein. Show the gentleman up. von Hofenstein? Hofmeister? Count? I don't remember him. A. [risini/.] A Count! Oh let me see his card. Count Hofmeister von Hofenstein. How delightful ; of course you'll receive him papa. D. [to Ah L.] Show the gentleman in. [Exit c, Ah Lang. A. [arranging herself in chair] To think of a Count in ray first season. D. Then you've made up your mind that the enemy is yours already ? A. Beyond a question. He came, looked and was con- quered. D. How about your Lieutenant. 13 A. Oil ! he won't be here for Jin hour and that's time enough to conquer a German Prineipality. D. [nskle.] How like lier niotlier's coquettry. Pray Heaven it may not have a lilve result! Eater c, Ah Larvj and 0'' Liarij as Count Hofmsister von Hofen- stein. Ah Lang carries Counts valise ; leaves it. Count. Judge I bin overflowing niit joys to say goot nigiit. I visli yon go to lieiiz is l)ezzer. D. Happy to meet von, sir; but pardon me, if I aslc to wliom 1 owe my thanks for tiiis visit':' [Count hands D. letter apparently of introduction ; D. reads it. Business between Count and Alice, flirting. D. [do^on r. ; aside, reads.] "Dear Dalton. — Tlie Count is travelling in cog. He is not German but Greek, trona County Galvvay. [looks at Count — laughs.] Sold! [to Count] My dear sir, this is certainly a good passport, but as I'm piessed for time, will you excuse me? My daughter will do the honors of the iiouse. Alice, I present to you Count Hofmeister von Hofenstein. My daughter. Count. They salute ; Alice, very ceremonious curtsy; Count, low boto ; repeat, witli c.raiji'ration. D. to c. F., concealed laughter. D. An rrn,ii\ Count Hofmeister von Hofenstein. Exit, pantomime htugliti r. A. and C. sit C C. Ach ! Got in Hiinmel! dot vas a blessures. I haf to say Mees Dalton I loaf you A. Oh! Count. [Intsincsti -with fan.] C. I loaf you to see dot evenings. A. Ah! I understand. C. Haf you a loafer A. Have I loafer? [astonishment.] D. Yah ! haf you a loafer to see me dot evenings? A. Oh yes! yes I'm very glad to see you. [sentimentally.] Indeed Count it's a great pleasure. C. Sol A. I am verj^ fond of foreign gentlemen. C. So!! A. I particularly like Germans. C. So!!! A. Es|)ecially German Counts. C. So!!! Heiiu-! Enter c, Lieutenant Jlclntyre. A. And I adore speeticals. C. [rises.] Ach Mees; ich bin agerman; ich bin a gount; ich hahe dot spek.legals; \on ow kna-] and ich bin your loaf- er, [kisses her hand.] A. laughs hid lind fan. Lt. M. {down R. c, sits.] And for a big loafer you till the bill devilish well. A. offended takes stage. C. [rises.] Who is dot young mans? Lt. Oh don't mind me: Are away ; I'm one of the family; I can stand it if tlie young lady can. A. [aside.] Oh! ho! I'll see liow much you can staud. C. So! You is von of de leetle poys about de house; veil den dot makes no ditferance, I nefer mind sckildern ; [on knees to Alice.] Mees Dalton I'm your loafer, vill you pe mine loafer? [LVs., businss suppressed anger and uneasiness.] 14 A. [coj/.] Oh Count this is too sudden; you must ask papa. C. [rises.] I vill; put now dell me dot von vord — gife me dot von leetle kees. A. [si(/hs.] Oh Count. C. Coom inside deser arms. [enibTuces her.] Lt. [taps him oil shouhlcr.] See here; [again] I say; look here old bologna sausage, ain'tyougoingita little toostrong? C. [kicks at him hacka-ards.] Go vay "leetle poy. Lt. Well but the second relief is ready to fall in. I say bologna! C. [turns to him.] "Who vas a polona! A. [angri/.] Gentlemen! gentlemen ! I'm astonished that you should quarrel in my presence. A . takes stage up and dou-n ; Lt. and C. on each side of her pro- testing; run next speeches to all three nearly front readij to stop. C. He said I vas a polona; he vas a shaufskauflT pleed mit mine lieart dot you vas made. I vill skoot him only he vas a l)oy vat should get spanged. Lt. I ain't mad only that confounded old beer barrel kissed you. You know. you are engaged to me; you said so to-day; not two hours ago. [«oco«H«] You animated mash tub! I'll break your ribs for you. When doicn last time Alice slops short Lt. and Count collide front , business. A. [ laughs. ] Beauty and the beasts, [laughs.] Keep it up gentlemen; keep it up. [gets ton.] Lieutenant how do j'ou stand it now ? [laughs ; Count same.] Count ! [burlesque] I loaf you! Haf you a loafer? [ laughs:, affectedly.] Ask papa. [i?xit n. Lieutenant laughs. Count serious. Lt. I say bologna. C. Veil leetle poy. Lt. Haf you a loafer ? C. Hod you some keesses? Lt. [angry; goes up] I'll settle with you for that. Dont you forget it. C. smacks lips enjoying imaginary kisses; throws one occasionaly at him. I'll see you again where there'll be no ladies and it's very little kissing you will do. [exit C] O'L. [taking off heard] How was that for liigh? I'll have to turn me back on the Count Hofmeister von Hofenstein and get into me own proper charracter or that young ban- tam'll be pulling me wig off; then the fat'd be all in the fire. [ goes to door left\tries it ] Locked ! and that other's the young lady's room. Well an old campaigner like I am never made a fuss about me boudoir. I've got to shave meself that's cer- tain sure, [business at table taking off coat, collar, vest; shaving things from his valise; makes lather using water from flower vase; strops rasor ; sets up mirror on table so as to see Mrs. CL. enter c. The above is business for next speech. Bryan O'Lyn had no pants for to ware, So he got him a shapes skin to make him a pare; Wid the woolley side out and the skiny side in, They'll do for cowld weather said Bryan O'Lyn. 15 I wonder whnt he did for undergarments. Oh nmrder! but did'iit I swall.v tlie Liftiuint hovvr? [lanijJis.] Faith ! If I can decave Mrs. "O'Leary bj-^ that same CJount Hofineister von Hofensteiu, I'm ready for my revenge on her. {sin/js:} Bryan O'Lyn had no coat to his back, So he tumbled tlie peraties right out of a sack, He cut two holes to puthis arms in, Just like an over coat saj's Br5'an O'Lyn. 3Irs. 0''Learii and Ah Lang appear, c. entrance; pantomine be- tween them; Ah Lang indicates that is the man, and sheexnltation. CLeary lathers chin; Mrs. crL<'iir;i tiiitai .-■ t,,inirds him: In srrs in the mirror; fright and amn.:. ux ni ; 'hii/r rs I/is ni/in f,i,-r tn le ; luis hat, showing been out. D. No news. It can't be good news. There's no bigger lie than your wise saying; "No news — good news." I know my fate must be decided by this time, and yet no telegram. I ought to have had one hours ago. Mrs. .Dalton and Ah Lang api^ear at c, entrance, followed by Judge Cain; the Judge smokes short pipe all through scene ; Ah L. comes doicn. { To Ah L., Dalton does not see the others.) Have you any tel- egram for me? All L. hands telegram; retires up. At last! (c. down ; hesitates to open it.) Whj^ do I pause? Mrs. D. comes down fo about 3 grooves, L. c. I know there is ruin in these few words. I feel an oppres- sion in tlie air? What is it? Oil fate, what have you in store for me? {opens telegram nervously and reads haltingly ; suppressed emotion. ) "Your — drafts— protested — we — cannot 17 — help you ! !" {telegram falls from his hands ; outstretched arms slowly raised ; reels and faces Jlrs. D. 'when he is about 2 grooves, K. C.) Mrs. D. (raising reil.) Ilnward ! D. (staggers ; hoarse >nhisjn'r.) Yon liere ! Mrs. D. Husband, I !iave returned to you in your hour of need, (kneels to him.) I luive come to jdead for my inno- cence; to share your sorrows; to he with my eliihl. Howard lam innocent of any crime; believe me, I am innocent of wrong to you my husband ! (takes his hand ; tries to shake her off; she clings to him; drags her r. and down; Jit, business to speech) I have never wi-onged tlienameof wife— never, as I hope for mercy ! As God is my judge, I am innocent! Dultnn shakes her off'. D. Innocent. Yon are as innocent as the veriest drab that walks t lie streets. Hear youV [going to c. entrance.] I will, and so shall others. Mrs. D. [r/*('.s.) Oh Heavens ! wliat are you going to do? D. Proclaim you to the world as you are. ! Mrs. D. Howard before you wrong yourself hear my story. Those letters of mine, which ted your insane jealousy, were written to my father who stands thei-e! (to '■•Jndge'^ Cain, who nods, chucldes,and resumes pipe.) Those clandestine meetings, you thought so sus])icious, w ere to see liim ! [ could not confess that xny father-oli ! tliat I iiave to tell it now-that he was an outcast, a miserable drunkard, a fugitive from the law ! At each epithet the Judge nods, and chuckles. How could I acknowle(]ge this to yon my husband and teach my child to call liim granj facial disgust. O'L. [observing McCormick.] Whist! The cop's lukin. Mrs. O'L. I care not if the whole world were gazing with disti'uded eye balls. This! this is a matter of principle. O'L. Principle be 1 mane dastncy; dasincy, Mrs. O'Leary ! Mrs. O'L. Fly not from me sweet birdie. O'L. Birilie! ' If I wei-e only an ostrich! See here mad- ame, this may do for Boston Comuion, but we're in San Fran- cisco, and it's only lauip posts tliey hug here. Mrs. O'L. Dearest, is it questionable? O'L. It's a question of gravity in both cases, [releasing himself.] Mrs. O'L. Arthur, do not the poets and philosophers of all ages, tell us that love is eternal and has no regard for time nor place? O'L. Nor conscience. Here we are, palaverin and Dalton and the little girl may be starving. Mi;s. O'L. Oil! iio! 1 understand! You are going to re- bel again. Don't forget yourself. O'L. [meeld;/.] No, me dear, I ain't. I wouldn't kick if I sat on a clicstnut bun-. Mrs. O'L. You'd better not, sir ! O'L. I won't. Mrs. O'L. Sliut np! O'L. I have; Mrs. O'L. You will drive me to insanity. O'L. I can't. Mrs. O'L. [turns from him indignant.] Mr. Policeman, is this your beat? McC. It is, Mrs. O'L. Do you know a chineman named Ah Lang, liv- ing around in tiiis quarter of your city of magnificent monu- mental witnesses of a Babylonish future? McC. Is itaboordin iiouse ye want? O'L [airih/.] What an ignorant bog-trottin mick, not to un- derstand Friiich. The lady wants to know where a chinay- man stows his prog. Mrs. O'L. blows his prog! What language is that? O'L. Coptic; language of tiie cop. Mrs. O'L. Ah ! Then we will adress him in Latin. Quo usque tandem abutere patientia nostra; ohlofficius civetas/ McC. Whicli ! Mrs. O'L. He dont seem to understand Latin. O'L. How cud he, the way you pronounce it. Mrs, O'L, You are nii jfjiiorainiis ! f)'L. I know it; my love. Mks. O'L. Have you seen a Mr. Daltoii about liere; Mr. Polieeraan ? McC. Do ye inane tlie banker tliat busted anil robbed so many pooi- jieople? If it's liini, I'd like to know, or me name's not Fliciim ]\IeCoiiniek. But I'll tell ye that a while ago a Chinaynian met liere an old man, and a girl he called Miss Alice. Are them tiie wans yer lukin fur? O'L. Wheie did thev go old nut cracker ? They're the — Mrs. O'L. Mister O'Leary., did I ask you to inten-upt me in my casual examination of this intillegant officer of the law? O'L, I don't know, me love. Mrs. O'L. Speak when you are spoken to. [to McCormkk.] Did you observe in what direction these people you spoke of tended ? McC. Which? Mrs. O'L. In wiiat way did they direct their meandering steps ? McC. See 1iei-e; aie you making game of me? O'L. Thunder ami onnds ! She manes, did ye spot tliim, which way they wint? McC. [grufflij.] Hum I Joss house 'round the corner, [ex- it I., with a strut ] Mrs. O'Ij. Ai-thur, wliat is a Joss house? O'L. Ahem ! It's a Chinee Chur(di. Mrs. O'L'. A China Church ? I've lieard of a brick church, a stone church, iron and wooden, but who ever heard of a church made of China? [0'ic«r// explodes in loud laughter.] What means this unseemly mirth? O'L. [laughing.] Cliurch made of China ! Chokes vjith-^hnighter ; as he bends over caughing, Mrs. ffLmry hits him a hard ivhacJi on tJie back with her umbrella ; he straight- ens up quickly, in pain. Mrs. O'L. [sarcastirall;/.] Do you feel better, my love? 0"Ij. [rubbing his buck.'] I otigiit to, my dear. Mrs. O'L. Then lollow me, sir ! [she goes L.] O'L. I will — [as she exits l.] be damned if 1 do! He turns and strikes off u. ; she returns l. and exit in long strides after him ; they return and exit L., she marching him in front of her, using umbrella as a baton. ACT IL SCENE S'ECO'S'D.— Interior of Chinese .Toss House; full stage . Night', In.ntf'rns lighted. Discover, about 3rd groove, Dalton reclining on divan; Alice seated on ottoman and leaning on same divan. Ah Lang near, cup and saucer in his hand. Ah L. [placing cup on small table near by.] Now you no .sickee, only litlee bittee. Mediceenian he say, not muchee eat, notalkee, sleep alia lightee. Now me talkee Joss; alia Chine- man talkee same. Me say, oh goodee Joss ! niakee Missec Alice wellec, makee Mistel Dalton wellee. Melicanman he talkee 22 his Joss he glouii, lie gluiit; Cliineinaii he dance, he sing. You see now. Ah Lang goes l. <(ml h. summoning Chinamen from the wings. They enter and go through a ceremony; fur this form see memoran- dum. Daring ceremony Dalton and Alice sleep. Lt. Mclntyre has en- tered R.'lstK., unobserved by Chinamen, while they are kneeling. He conceals himself behind center idol. The ceremony completed, all Chinamen, save Ah Lang, exeunt u. and l. Snd and 3rd e. Enter, l. 1st e., Mrs. Dalton, followed by the Judge. Mrs. D. and Ah Lang meet L. c. front. Thn Judge goes R. and up stage. Mks. D. Ah Lang, I am so glad to find yon. I could not rest until I had learned if there was any trace of the lost ones. Have you found llieniV Ah L. Who you talkee me found ? Mi:s. D. Alice, or Mr. Dalton y Oh don't torture me with suspense! Ah L. You wantchee see Iiim? You wantehee see Mistel Dalton? He kickee yon out his house, last teem. He say you foolo women; he telleeMissee Alice so. Now you wantchee see him — k-lah ! Mks. D. You know that lam not guilty. Ah L. Ess; me saba tiiat. Mhs. D. Even if 1 were the horrible thing he says I am, could I see her sutler? Do I not know that slie is penniless, perhajjs, houseless, — starving; a father dependenton lier childish caie. A man broken in heart and mind; craz'd by the ruin he has caused to oiheis? And am 1 not still his innocent wife, and her loving mother? Ah L. [wipes his eyes.] Missee Dal ton, you goodee woman ; me saba you goodee; my eye say so. is'ow ipe tellee you whele littee Alice b'long. 3Iks. D. Oh, Ah Lang! Ah L. You no fluss, no soleam? Mks D. Siie is here ; slie is here ! Ah L. Now you fluss, you scleam. Mus. D. No, Ah Lang; good Ah Lang! Tell me, where she is? Ah L. Lookee! [points to Alice and Dalton.] Mrs. D. turns and sees the two sleepers; is about to rush to them; Ah L. restrains her. Me saba you fluss, you scleam ! Nogoodeii ! Mediceeman give diiuk niakee sleep. You wakee — damn! Mhs. D. [dries eyes; suppressed emotion.] See! lam calm. I will not waken her. 1 would not ilistnrb one breath of that sweei sleep for worlds! 1 will give her only a whispered blessing an/.] I am tliat young lady's mother. Yon are la- boring- un- blsseeness — k-lah ! Mils. D. Daughter, when your faliier won my love, it was an all i)ervading ])assion which took pos-nssion of me; 1 lov- ed him with my wliole sor.l, I preferred to die i-ather than not to lie his wife. Witli a selHsli blindness, I revolted from tlie truth ; I slirank. like a gniliy thing, from telling iiim tliat my lather was a common drunkard, a coiivicte. sl.irl^ 'iai-!.\] !low could you cause her such niisci-y? i'o even tiiiiik siie w;is otlier than the purest! To drive her out of doors! Oil, liard of lieart ! Her tears, her prayr--, no more touched you, tlian if you had Ixmmi stone! J^'ather— farhei-! o-i)od l)ye!! [ijets to r.,^ turns i^nirkhj to Z>., kneels over him. kisses him, ris.is, business (imnlinu until at h,, ,?(Z E.] Farewell! [exit u., iM n.] Dalton is disturbe:!, hut not wakeneil; as if he were dreaming Al ice'' s farewell. Enter l. 2d E. Ah Ltoaj, an'l R. Ist k. O^Lmnj, hurriedhj ; tlieij mei't R. c, front. O'L. [lint of breath.] Ah La)if?, ine bov, God presarve us! [takes of hat ; luuidkerciiief to loipe face and fans himself.] Ah L. fhdr? You catchee some DcMinis Kearny, hoodlum ? O'L. \i)Ldian.ant.\ Dennis Keiray? [j)i(ts Iia.t on with a smaij- (icr.] I'm a Dinuis meseif, a hoodinm of tiie eaily growth! What! Do ye tliink, fur wan minute, that I'd pump me breath and batter me legs for all the hoodlums in San Francisco? Me? [takes star/e l., belli'ierent, sarcastic] O, ah ! I'-il like to see 'um. [li'fis.] Iloorroo! Ah L. [i>ni'lry.,jnr jiiniij.] Hoollee, hoollee, lioo! O'L. [Iniils at All L. in surprise; burlesques him.] Hoollee, hoo! [hands in his pockets, straddles his leijs.] See here ! old twoo bittee catchee lookee no likce! What do ye mane by this aspersion, cast on me m:irtial honor? Ah L. Me no siba. You comee in say God damn us. [bur- lesque pttntimj.] Alia puttee, blowee ; [wipes forehead.] You s\vett<'e swertee. till he runeedown you legee; me saba some hoodlum Joliu kicUee you — k-lah! [siniliiaj, sarcastic] O'L. Kick me, is it? Mister Ah Lang are ye aware of a iiiver dying pi-incii)le of that hayro, Diunis Kearny, which he tacdies to all his iioodlums? Au L. ^le no catchee catcliee him. O'L. Ye don't catchee catcliee him? Hum! Well, I'll inform ye so ye'U nor, toi-get it. Every true, bred in the bone lioodluni, alwavs picks his man ; lie always knows the man he can kick, (kicks Ah L.] Ah L. [stiff legged jump, arms and fingers spread.] K-lali ! O'L. repeats kick and saijs each time, "pick yer man" ; All L. at each kick hollers, "k-lali"; gets tn l. 1st e. Ah L. You wife comee, comee ! [goes r. to c. up,] O'L. My wife! [wilts.] Ah L. Now, you man, pickee — k-lah ! O'L. [c] Save me, Ah Lang! Hide me from that best of wives. Ah L. You pickee, pickee you man ! [at l. '2d e.] You 26 Dinnis Koaniy, lioodluin Joliii y You b'long fluss class flaucl — ki-vali ! [exit.] O'ii. [gronns.] I f.'ol mo baclv .'.cirm now. Wliere'll I cou- sayl inesi'U"? [inmcution ] Jayniiis of tlie O'Leary's in- spire nu'! I woinler liDW iniicli time I liavi?? Sln'-ran't be near or IM beslialciii in my !)oi»rs. But who's atVaiil ? [thumps his chciit; struts.] I'll rai'e me livid liii_ijer of scorn at lier and say — [lookiiuioffL. 1st k.] Mur.ier: H.ii-e slie's eomiii' 'I'ound the coi-ner will that bm-k poliia-man. if it wasn't for him, I'd scorn to iiide; but — [turns ri^jht and seen center idol.] 1 have it! I'll take tiiat obi havthen's place. Fit fuUitunng business to next spaeoh ; (joes to center idol, takes umbrella which idol is holdiw/ spread over its head, closes it ; plac- es bii throne ; takes off its hat, shoes and blouse, puts them on ; is about to pull off its pants, but stop<, winks, lifts idol, and carries it Imlitiiii III ■ :,.':!r. c. fr>nt ; h; with hands behind his back, leys apart, facing front, an indifferent, self satisfied poise. Mrs. O'L. [slowly tuminj, swapiny ijesture with her umbrel- la.] Behold we are in tlie vanity ii'alls of Confucius! and this— [(/oes to left of idol, points at it with umbrella; speak imi to McC] and this is he! O'L visibly affected. [to O'L.] Oil thou image of tlie'uiigiity deatl I conjure thee come forth ! He bee Is me not. O'L winks with right eye. [She turns and sees Dalian.] Ah, whom have we here; Bless me! it's Mr. Dalton. [tries to wd'cen hiin; lakes cup from table smalls it.] Opium! Mi-. Police. nan, I aai under the strong impression that here is a c.ise for your ollijial interference. Mc C. to divan, examines him. C/L. rises and cranes to see D.; surprised. There is quite sumcient e.-id.uice here that he has been foul- ly dealt with. McC. Driiiik. O'L. [has resumei his se.at.] Ye lie ! Mrs. O'L and Met', start. McC. [to Mrs. O'L.] Did ye call me a liar? Mrs. O'L. Me? No, sir! Mc C. [goes to right of pedestal, within reach of O'Vs umhrel- 27 ;-f: hni'k to hhn.\ Ye did'iit? Well I'll t;\k5 me mortail oath yeili.i: Mits. O'L. [Innis from hi)ii.] Sir [ scorn your aspersions oil my cliaraetiM- Cor veratiioiis statemiMirs. 0''L. hits Mc C. with uinhrclla. Mc *'. [to her, sarcastiooJlij , shakinj his head.] And d'ye tliink I'll stand that? Mu-i.OTj [bridles up to him ] Stand what, sir? Stand wliai? i iK'Vt'r yet have been f'ri<5hlened by a in lie man and yon shall not be the lirst om^; yon two livv-^ed ancliropoph- aii,'! ! [business toith fan, or flourishes umbrella.] Ale C. [with raije.] Slie ealls me a i>;iiy,— a pop <^ny I Their backs are to O'L, and he hits them both. Mrs. CL.and Mc, C. go front quarrellimj. O'L. gets idol quickly, places it on throne; puts the Chinese hat, which he has worn, on idoVs head, and ,u!}iiri:1hi in, its hand. Goes front. Ill /,'"'.< r'liii'je O'L. hides the idol as much as possible from au- difiir ', (HI ! /r'l.'n, going front goes d'>tvn center; this is to save the effect on his ixiint, when he shows idol. Mc (J. Ye strufk me agin. Mrs. O'L. 1 diil nor, sir; yon assaulted me with your club, you villaiii! and I will proseunce yon. Mc C. if it was'nt Ihat ye have hired me to arrest yer craviure ov a husband, I'd run ye in to the tirs-t police sta- tion, so I wud. I'm tlie laddy biick kin do it too. Mks. O'L. Yon would eautate a ditic^reut tune, before you had pei'ii^rinate-l many roods on so rou_4h a journey, yon recta n.i>"u la r parallelo.^ram I Mc (J. Ye're an old cat! Mus. O'L. You are a debased curvelar appendage to a porciue quadrni)ed I Mo (;. Ye're a scra.tchin onld sjie divil! Mrs. O'L. Yon are a polieeiiian ! [This di'ilogue mnst be lengthenel, if necessary, to give O'L. time to get there,] O'L. [bdUndthem, and in his own voice.] And divil a lie in it! Thet/ both start aside, turn, and see O'L. McC. Wliat's that? O'L. Me no saba ; me only two bittee bittee Solon Jolin w.asliee washee man--k-lali ! Mrs. O'L. Tlieu you are a follower of Confucius, a habi- tant of these halls of heathenisli worship, and perhaps can inform ns concerning certain strange sounds, ami mutative knocks, or blows, a Iministei-ed unto us but now? The said sounds and knocks we were in dispute about just before your appearance, each accusi.ig llie otiier of the afoi'esaid frapa- tit»i). O'L. [aside.] I woiider how long her jaws will Stand tiiat Pol N-eeman some lioodlnm bittee you littee bye me bye- heh ? McC. Yiss, and I'd like to know who it was, so I wud. O'L. Mc saba who b'longs bittee you. McC. Yon know? Wliowasit? O'L. [points to Jlrs. O'L.] She hittce you. 28 Mns. O'L. Me? [indiiiiKitinn.] O'L. " Me see you liittee him wid iiinbrellee, whaelvee bang baiiijpe — k-lali ! Mrs. O'L. Wliat a dosradeil race, these ehinese arc; they certainly luii-t go. McC. " [rage.] I knew it! I knew it! 0-ah ! cud I only arii-t her ! O'L. She liookee hookee too. Mks. O'L. Wiiaf:' wiiaf? i steal ? O'L. E-ss; you stealee stealee clo'es from chineeman's Joss— Lookee ! O'L. stt'p)< back, shoics idol. McC ohficri-ea it; s^trprise. O'L. goes to pedestal, and, with left hand, catcher idol b>i nape of neck and drac/s it front, JIrs.O\L. screams, liasiness for all three. O'L. [sorroirful.] You poleeeenian see, me Joss no hahb'C piijgee tail on iiim liead; noi)anlee on him h'^ee. Mr so sol- lee.' [hiKjs idol.] Oh, ho! me el y — oh, ho! ih' i)oor bare leg- ged gossoon. Mks. O'L. [qnickh/.] What were those last words? Did you say gossoon ? O'L. Ess, me sav you go soon to pelecee house — k-lah ! McC. And I'll tiike ye thare. Mks. O'L. Arrest me? O'L. Ess, an' you takee you man wid yon. O'Leari/ puts idol in her arms ; she holds it in bewilderment. Now you eatehee cateehee some Plate-on-nee idol Joss nnin. You poleeeeman takee her to locdv'uin up~k-lah ! McC. advances to lay hold nf Mrs. O'L. ; she. throws idol at him; he catches it and throwns it to O'L. ; he same, and throu-s it on to Dalton, who is awakened. Mrs. O'L. screams, and is jmrsued by McC. as she runs, and mo^mts pedestal. Mrs. O'L. You may kill me, but you shall not arrest me! not wliile my name is Amelia Jane O'Leary ! Fiijlits McC. off with her innhn-lla; he flourishincj revolver, it is discJianjcd. Enter chinamen fr<,)n i:. and K. O'L. Hehouldee ! me elnntleemen ! see, lookee ! you John- nee ehi-nee-men ! yer idol Joss eatehee eatehee hell ! [chinti- men yell.] Yer •,i\terii-[china7nenyell.]-h:\\e bin trampled in the dust! [they yell. O'L. aside.] Murder! I gave meself dead a- way in me native tongue. Chinamen yrUimj ninkc a rush for Mrs. O'L. ;she is hauled off pedestal, and sci.-id hy McC. McC. Now I have ye! Mrs. O'L. Yon monster! [bites at his hand.] I'll not move one inch on my pedal extremities — on principle! McC. Thin", by the Rock o' Cashel! I'll carry ye and yer extrimitees both ! McC. picks her up; she struc/gles; chinamen yell and assist; O'L. pulls off his Chinese loig, showing bald head, holding it by tail loaves' it, and encourages McC. O'L. Go it ould nut cracker! Yankey grit agin Irish pluck, forever! Hurroo! huiroo! McC. carries Mrs. O'L. off , followed by chinamen, all.. 1st E. As they exeunt, Dalton sits up, rousing from stupor, bewildered. O'L. Seeing D, rousing, hastily replaces Chinese wig; goes r., 29 and front ; at same time enter, hurriedly, Alice. Mrs. D., Lt. M., Ah L., and the Judge, \i. 2nd ^.; Alice in advance, the others at entrance. D. Wliere am r? Alice gone? [r/'.ves,] A. Fiitiu'r! 1 am iK-re!" D. Daiigliter, I have liad such a friglitfiil dream ! So real, so life like, lliat 1 believed you iiad" deserted me. I saw your mother staudiug tiiere, "[y^o<'«^<'H;/_/VoMf.] pieadiuir with lier devilisli tongue tlie story of her wrongs; slie claimed you as her own; she'ijlaced a flimsy tal'e against my years of love and devotion. And — oh lioirorsi — slie couviiiced you— you my owu, my (hniing. Your sweet iuuoient soul clung to me, but at la>t the devil triumphed, and I seemeii to hear you say, fainter ami fainter, — ''father — father -good bye — dear father— farewell". And then ! you had left me! A. But father I have come back with mother. Take us— take us both, to your arms! Mks. D. [advances.] Husband. D. A-a-ah ! [with an indraivn breath.] Then the dreaui was true! A. Oh father! take us, we both will love you. JMks. D. Howard, listen to our child— hear me! D. Tiiattiuie is past! Gn Alice, and may you forget that she soiled my honoi-, took from me the peace ot a virtuous home,! hat now she robs me of ni}' last hope in all this wide, wide world, and 1 stand alone! A. Slothei- 1 cannot forsake him — father! [in Dalton''s arms : Mrs. D., steps towards Alice ; entreatiwj gesture ; overcome in Lt. J/'s arms. 0''L., and Ah L., hareheen at r; Ah L., has tried to make 0L\, listen to him ; O'L., shakes his head ; at same timewith Mrs. D's., business. Ah L., pt(TAh L;m-, if' ye add yer claek. Til cateliee eatLdiee too imicliee sit down on t!ie top of yor head, all tlie same. JMks. O'L. [wiinlunii at tub.] Tliis oontrov<>rsial cd.-ishing is of no avail, cease it! And do yon, Artiuir, proceed to sus- pend the liempen linear O'L. [^(/i'<'.s ahort clay pipe from his vest pocket, and lirjhts it.] Till' hempen liner is it? Oh, I'm a boss at that, [suck- imi pipe; elhow on knee:, legs crossed.] Just show it to me, and See how I'll taekle the hemi)en business. Luk out for me whin 1 o-et startt-d at it. Mhs. 0'r>. Are you goino- to hanj^ that clothes line or not? OT.. Oho! It's the (doihes line'is it? Well I niver. [m- es, tjfuons.] A-a-h-aw;i ! This hard work is breaking the heart of me, an;l me back too. Enter L., McCormiek:, seeimj him, (fL. sits. Is it yo\i McCormiek? We war just talkin of ye. Mrs., O'Leiry was say in that of all the young men ot her acquaint- ance ye cud bate the Jews iianging a clotiies line. I tliot it migiity quare, knowin ye to 1)0 a single man. McC. 1 can do auytlii^ig f(n- v.isses O'Lary. O'L. it it on me l.'itin'r's side. "Mis. O'L, Indeed! McC. Ah ! [siijhs.] :S[rs- 0"Lni-y ! I Iiave bin hnrted worse nor any fi^i'litin, kiekin, divihnint, an tlivarsliin kin do me. [suihs.] Mrs, O'L, Poor man ! iSIcC. Mrs- O'Lary, [sii scream, exclimntion. Thare it's out uvine! [takes stu(je.] Yis, Misses O'Lary, I love ye, nn I cant help inesein Mrs. O'L. [aside.] This is a new ?eiisatiou. ItofftH'ts my entire ciitiele. But I must be firm. You fui-get that 1 am married. McC. How cud I forgi^t it, si'ciii such a woman, wid such a forum, such eyes and hair, and teeth, and edicatioii, and feet and hands, the purtiest 1 ever seen. Mrs. O'L. [lowers her spectacL-s, ainl litrtis, looks at Iiim over them.] But you never had a fair view of my eyes. McC. 1 liave, and they are the purtiest in tiie world. [/)i<«s arm round her waist.] It's fine news 1 rcs:ived from Fiisco by the last mail. I've been opeiaiin in slocks, and I'm worth a million. Mrs. O'L. A million d.dlars? Mc'J. Yis, an more That's notliin, in (/alifornia the most nv thim are like me. If ye'll have me, we'll go to Frisco and be big- bugs of the aristociacy. O'Z. exit into cabin, L. Mrs. O'L. How can I? McC. The asiest thing in life, darling. Yo see we are in Wyoming Teriitory now, in the Black Hills; the women vote here, and are elected to ofHce. Ye can git a divorce in these parts quicker ancl asier than in Chicago. Mrs. O'li. But how can I get a divoice? On what ground? Mc(J. Orounil, the rayson ye mane? Why, cruilty to dumb animals to be sure. Mrs. O'L. Mr. McCormick am I a dumb animal? [frees herself from his arm.] McC. Bother I no; O'Lary is the baste. Mrs. 0'[.. But— but— ah-^ McC. There's no but's about it— heh— darling? [puts arm round her.] Mrs. O'L. [siyhs.] You are so argumentative, McC. Am L:* [leerinj at h.;r.] Y.; Ii'iv'ut heard me i)lau yit. There's no time to lose, that blayguard OT.ary will be b;ick, and thin I cant tell ye. Mrs. O'L. 1 lisieii intently. McC. Well ye see; there's to be an election to-day fur justice of tlie peace, and 1 have it set up to nominate ve on the demicraytic ticket. Mrs. O. L. But I'm a republican. McC. So is your own countryman Bin Butler, and didn't he run on the dimecratic worken man's ticket? Ye're more uv a dimecratic worken mm than he is. Cant ye straddle a fence as well as him ? Mrs. O. L. Me, straddle a fence? McO. Yis, nnd lep it too, fur the mattei- uv that. Mks. O'Iv. 1 :im ill a iiia/i- of hewihlcniiciit. ]\fc('. I'll hav(^ ve iinmiiiattMl aftei- tlie compliiiient- ary hnllois. We iiiiist have the ooiDps ye know, fur tiie byes to iii.ikc tliimsclves solid fur liiiiiks. Mi{s. O. I.. [hcwildemL] Solid for driuks. McC. Yi-; I.ut we're i)otlieiin. Ye'll he elected, sure ; fur there's only tliirteeu republieaiis agiuour nine diuiicrats in this eaiup. Mks. O'L. But that's a uiajority. McC, \ot a worken one. We have only five uv thein to leetioneer; two is diitrh. and they'll vote wid us on aueouut uv tile liquor Inv ; two is Pikers, and we kin hus' them, and the others a uay-jiur and he has to vote wid us under the ei<>'hteenth coiistitootioual aineudinent. iMus. U'r>. I was not aware of the eiirhteenth ainendiuent. McC. It's one we niaile ou.-silves; deuiieratic or no vote. Mks. O'L. But this is a free 3IcC. Hould on ; yer not on the stump now, oratiii. Mrs O'L. But about the plan for tiie divorce. IMcC. I'm eoiiiin to it. Now ye see after ye're elected this very day I'll i!.it (J'Lary drunk as blazes, pick a quarrel wid him, oi- sometiiin. ' We'll arrist him, and briuij him be- fore ye, fui' felony. Ye can try liim, tiiul him ;i;uilt>, siu- tiiice him to the pinitentiary, pro(;laim yer divorce, and marry me widout lavin the binch. O'L. appears at tha cabin door with a ynti, and other ivituieters tlu-v would be found very much out of their i)er- pendicular. Your pants hide much from llie eyes of the world but norhiu>r from me. O'L [huHasquediiinitt/ 1 Let the leji'S pass, they are not the question uv the hour, I arraijiii ye. ma'm, on a higher in- dictment, and ye'll plase not make eyes :it the jury. Mks. O'L. "Contine yourself to tlie subject matter, talk plainly, and do not till your immense mouih with lar>re words; sj)eak loudly, also, so that I shall he sure to heai- you. 0'L_ Ye want it plain, do ye? Well then, t<'ll me, did'nt I see "that flannel mouthed mick makin hive to\c? Yis, and, be hevens, ye wor siud-iii, I'll be a bleediiiu; eorijse. [exit l. u. k.] Mus. O'L, Poor O'Leary ! He will nut molest anyone, and it will he a valuable lesson to him. He is like all men he never eared for me until now. I dont believe, after ail, 1 want Mr. MeCnrniick and liis dollars. Sltit/f (irrtral hcurd outside, roll of'whcah, whip cracking, scrape of thy J,r.il;-, &.■., &c. [Wiii'ii pr.trt>-a')le thi coach can cross' the stage; or stop and Mrs. Ddlton an-l -hidj', alight loith other passengers, crowd collecting itc. &c.]' The stage has arrived, [looking off l. u. e.] There appears to ba several p'i-senj;eivs alighting; a woman — easiimere dress — fits nicely — dog skin gloves — neat shoe — a lad_y evidently, fresh fi-om 8,in Franeisfo; and altiiouivh my mental observations are not nineh given to fasliions, it will be intei-esiiiig to ascertain, waslioe tub, whv j'on nocan say-k-hih!' [exit ^nid r.-ndns ,inirkl,'.] Mrs. O'li. Ah Lang; how is my back hair? [turns; hair is frousij and rumpled.] Ah L. Bluteetlo— fly no can catchee eactehee him feet on it— k-hdi ! Mrs. O'L. And my dress? [same.] AhL. Fittet^ikce glove. Mi snbee it b'longs silk. Mrs. O'L. Then marshal her hilher. Exit Ah L. L. u. E. ■■ Mrs.O'L. Ah L.i;i.2; miiy be fl:ittei-iiio- me, but I can de- pend on mj' intellec-tuiil luiee to ovei-coiiie her wealth— or principle. Enter -L. v.E. Ah L.f for trespaxsinu- still further on your kiudness? Mrs. O'L. You may commaml me to tlie extent of my ability, mental or physical. It it is a temperance lecture or a discourse on the aihijjtability of our sex, 1 have a manuscript in my pocket [produces MSS.] You shall hear it now. Ah L. business of impatience and anger. The Judge at rock, sits; lights pipe. Mrs. D. [hastily.] Paidon me I I shall be deli;^Iited when we have more leasnre. Mrs. O'L. Oh ! 1 liave plenty of time. [(d>out to read.] ]\Irs. I). Yes but Mrs O'L. It is only iifty paii,es or more; and the i)rinei- ples are grand, [same.] iMrs. D. I am very sorry but my aft'air is very pressino;. I have come all this journey, without rest, to liud my daugh- ter Alice, and .Mr. Dilton. Are they here":' .AIrs. O'L. Yes; tiu>y are in this camp. They live a short distance up the trail there, [points to rock at back.] in a dug out? Mrs. D. In a dug out? TdRS. O'L. A room excavated in the side of a hill. Mrs. D. Housed like wild animals! Mrs. OTi. Well, it is by no means .-i brown stone front. Mr. Dalti'u has not met with exuaordinary good fortune since conung to the Mills. He v.orks, |)o»)r man, night and day, digging and delving in the bowels of mother earth in the hope of retrieving iiis fortune that he may make restitu- tion to tliose who were ruined by his (ailiire. That idea haunts him, waking and sleeping. Mrs. D. And Alice, does she snller? Mrs. O'L.' Neither of them want for food, and Alice is her father's comfort. Her only sorrow is foi- your absence, and that her father is working himself to deatii. But siie keeps up a brave and cheerful "lieait ; she is the sunbeam of the camp. Indeed the miners and mountaineers iiave given her the name of "'^Hss Sunbeam." ^■^Mrs. I). Tiien it is not so bad as I had supposed, [aside.] Thaidv heaven, Howard has not met with good foi-tiine, and my hopes of his loifc and respect still rest with my plan, la not Alice expecting me? Ah L. Ess; she say me this h'lon.2;s wellee happy happy day mi mum miimeecan come aliee same coaclifn* this day. Mns. I). Xow I am <'ontent.ed hi^eause she l-o widiy (dick to (Tennct! Clonk wantehee catelHM'some one iilecee injiu ; no can calchee; bye me bye be oatclice some, lie killee allee Injin, an eatee him, eatee lio-^s policy, eatee boss miih^ eatee boss bloiicho allee same welly goiid, (diow cdiow ! — k-laii. Mrs. D. Wbat does All Lani; mean ? Mrs. O'L. 'I'hat Gtmeral Cmok and bis soldiers never left yiltiiij;- Bull's trail after tlie brave Custer and bis (omi-ades were massacred. For several bniidred miles Crook doj^-irediy pursued without rations or shelter, sleepiiiij; with the skies for a covering-, and horse mi^at for food, until at last, i!,-a!lant Custer was partially avengetl at the battle of vSlim V.iittes! Ah L. Tiilee clieels : hoolelioo I honlehoo ! hoolebool Mi!S. 1). I leel like clieering, myself. But where is he now y Ah L. He eoine to Clook City las uigdit betlo yestee da}'^ tlo days ago an Lackee-tire can comee welly soon this day see be swcetee heart Alice an takee bim o.ie piecee yungo wilee Solon John Cbineeman allee lite Ah Lang — k-lali ! IVlHs. 1). Marry Alice? JIus. O'L. I am inclined to the oi)inion tiiat, that will be tlic pi'ogramme, immediutely on bisiiriival to day. A courier came in yesterday, v»itb a dispatch, anuoiiiicing t!ie Lieu- tenant's march here, with bis company. We are expecting bim each moment of rhe fast lecediii!.': dav. It will be, a gol- den wedding- ill these auriferous Black Hills. An L. [hiMiihs ] Cluck— cluck— cluck! MiiS. O'fi. Heathen! Do you laugli at my remark on the golilen wedding and the auriferous fiilisy An ]j. You wantcliee catcliee welly goodee joke an me laiiuliee; (duck— cluck— cliik ! jMhs. O'L. Listen to me, sir! whenever I make a play upon wortls, it is not subject for uiirtb, but lor profoumj so- lemnity. Ah L. pulls a long face. Mrs. D. [suppressed laugh; aside.] This is a new idea of humor. But, Mrs. O'Leary, tell me al)Out Alice, and Lieuten- ant Mclntyre; has Mr. Dalton giv(in his consentV And then how could they be niarried hcrei' There is no minister, not even a magistrate ! ^Irs. O'L. I am the expoiiant of the law ! Mrs. D. YouV Mrs. O'L. At least, I shall be. Before the sun glides over you western hill, 1 will be elected a justice of the peace! [takes stage with majestic strides.] Distant shot heard; all turn; Lt. Mclntijre appears at head of trail, R. 40 Mrs. O'L. Tliere is LieuLeiiaiit Meliit3're at tlie head of the tiiiil now ! Alica Dnlttm appears from the hut [or dnrj out.] on the side of j mounUnn: about center of flat and on a projecting/ cliff above trail. Mus. D, And there is Alice! Slie will fall! Take care dauijhter — take care! A. \reiU'.d tone, to make voice distant.] Is it you mother? Lieutenant Mclnti/re fires another shot to attract attention. Alice startled loses footing and falls, disappearing down the can- on. Where stage will permit, instead of disappearing, it loill be better to show Alice clinging to a projecting hash and slight foot- ing. Mrs. O. [screams.\ He has killed her ! [falls sobbing into Mrs. O'Vs. arms. Ah L. runs for the clothes line. Business of tintging difficult knot. The .Judge fires his pist(d at int( rruls in the air. Lr. M. [has rund')wn. trail to opposite side of canon from hut; looking or er.] Great Heavens ! it is Alice! [crosses on trail to other side and mounts the cliff where Alice stood; leans over the cliff. Mrs. D. [struggling to free herself from Mrs. C/L.] Let me go to my child ! Let me i>,o! Lr. M. Take iieart Mrs. Dalton she is unhurt and clino-- in In'r life hrinjj me a roin-! Mi.s. 1). [nn her knees.] She lives! Oh uiercifnl Fatlier give her streniitli! [/■/.sv.s.] Lt. M. [/o j/i L.] The rope! Don't wait to untie it— cut it man— damn it — cut the rop?. [to Judge.] Slop tluit tiring, you idiot, and help on the rope! Ah L. jerks knife out of Judge^s scabbard and begins culti)ig at the rope. Mrs. D. [to Mrs. O'Z.] Run for assistance — rouse the camp! [goes to help Ah L.] Exit I,, u. K. Mrs. O'/,. running, follotcedbg the Judge. Lt. M. [draws pistol.] By tiie Heaven ahove Ah Lang! if you clout hring that rope I'll kill yon ! [to Alice over the cliff.] Keep ujiyoiir courage my own, I'm comiuij! [stamping.] What iu Gods name is he doing? [Ah L. and .Vrs. I), with (he rope exit L. V. K. and then vp the trail to JJ. J/.]Dont struggle my darling — keep cool — dont move your haius — look up — liiiuk of your mother — they are coming niy own ])reciousoue — have faith — I will save you [inrocation kneeling.] Give me strength, grant lue this precious boon ! Mrs. D. and Ah L. on cliff with rope [rises.] At last! [fastening rope (dxiut his bodg and interposing between edge of cliff and Mrs. D. Ah L. holding her.] Keep back madam, you must not speak to her — Ab Lang; drag her back Mrs. I). I will give her courage. Oh ! let me sjjcak to her. Lt. M. [passing rope around tree.] Not a word ! not a wills per — now listen to n>e hold the line — watch the rope and give me the slack slowl)-. Ah L. takes hold of rope — Mrs. D. wraps it around her arm. Mrs. L). Heaven give you courage and strength! Lt. M. descends over the cliff and disappears. 41 All Lniio- riiii for help! we caiinot druw tliem back, but I €aii liobi this rope as loiitly, tliat I, her mother, slioultl doubt your word. . . .Indeed I am sorrj'. D. It is of no consequence. Mrs. D. Xo consequence? You save the life which is most previous to me, ami when in reward foi' tiiis service I speak harshly to you, you treat tlie matter as a trivial cir- cumstance of not sutlicieiit importance to even say: "I for- give you". Who ever you are you could never have been called father, nor known how a li.)me could be ruined D. [inter ruptinff her.] Pardon me;. ... I have been called father. . . .1 have known how my home could be mined ! Mrs. D. [hesitatinf/l;/.] Who. .are. you •* 1). I was once the possessoi-, as I beleived, of a happy home, a fond wife. . .but now I am wrei-ked in home, wife, and friends. . . .1 am .... Mrs. D. Howard Dalton ? D. [turns to her.] Yes; once the proud Howard Dalton I }'our devotetl, loving; husband. Mrs. D. And ynii saved Alice? 1). Aye; and you too! Mrs. 1). Me? [asid.'..] This will make my plan still more ditticult to accomplish. D. I found you on that cliff jiaspinjj for breath. a few moments and you would have gone before liis .judgment seat to prove your innocence. Mrs. I), [dir/nit!/.] Mr. Dalton ! twice I Iiave plead with yon, twice you have refused me a hearing. .. .Twice I have been ready with proof of my loyalty to you as your wife!, twice you have treated my proof with contempt !,.. This same proof Lieutenant Mclntj-re and Alice have accepted as unque.siiouiible evidence of my innocence. My case would staml in any court in Christendom. But you in blinded preju lice refuse me a hearing. And you warn me of God's judgment seat? Tell n)e , what will you answer for your blind, merciless hate, when yon nieet your God? D. I shall at least have been true to my vows. Mrs. D. Enough sir? I did not come here to bandy wortis with you, nor to |dcad. D. Nevertheless you are here and for a purpose I sup- pose. Mrs. D. Yes; I have a purpose. .It is to see you. D. I thought so. Mrs. D. 1 came to propose that you return to San Fran- cis(!0 with me as my husband. D. I?. I live with you? Mrs. D. Yes. D. What? [scornful; laughs.] You have come on a fool's errand Mrs. D. You can reserve your mirth for some fitter oc- casion. You will go with me! D. Live with you as your hvisband? 47 Mrs. D. Oil, no mvI do not lay that fl.itteriu,2,' unction to your 8011I ! You will i>o with me as my liushanll in the eyes ot tlie world only, to vindieate my re'iintation, and lor the sake of our ehil ! ; i)ut in reality. . . .1 shall be as dead to you ... as if you were liviiio; \\ irh a corpse ! 1). Even that would be i)rcferable. Mks. I). In that we are ;itji-eed . . . .You do not ask me how I will make yon accept my pi'oposition. I). Knov\ ino- that I wili nor accept, it is of nocon^equeiu'e to me ...and not bein>i; a woman..! have no i.-uriosiiy to en(|inre. 3l!;s. D. [Ud-c.s stage, down, aside] Have I made a mi.. Some of his stealings, I presume. Mrs. D. [husiiu'ss; aside.] Oh how cruel he is! This last stroke shocks even the love I bear him.. . . Tuis battle is now no longer one, because ot my love for you Howard [ballon, but for my child's nanu'. 1 will coiKpier your stiibborn pride and 30U shall go with me; ...Yes; and in time sue me for p.irdoii ! D. Madame my time is not altogetlier my own; if you have nothing further to sa}' to nu^ i will bid you good day. [yuing up.\ Mrs. I). Remain, if you please; I said that my father gave me the wealth [have. Your polite interruption pre- venteil my telling you, tiiat this gift came to me witii a pe- culiar coinlitron. L>. 1 auj nor aware that I am in the slightest degree con- cerned. 31 RS. D. But you are, of all the parties, the one most con- cerned. D. Heretofore you have failed to be interesting; 1 confess however, tliat now you are, at least, amusing. Mrs.I). Sir! You forget that I am a woman. 1). [looks her all oyer.] No. . . .nor what kind of a one you are. Mrs. D. [business.] Your insult proves jj'ou a coward. . . . Even if your fancied wrong were true, your manhood, ii' you liad any, would prevent you crying out every iusraiit, like a whipped (diild. . . .Go sir!. . . .1 have done. . . .Even for the sake of Alice, 1 will, no longer b(;ar your clownish D. I take my departure by your gracious leave, [goes up.] Mrs. D. But remember this Mr. Dalton ; that for tiie sak.-of venting a few ciaiel words on a w'oraan you have tlirowii away tlie means of redeeming your honor . . .In the eyes of 48 rhousands; you stand coDdeinned as a thief. . . .The world says you are worse than a eonfidence man. . . tlian a burgler ... .a pk-k-i)Ocket. .. .worse than a sneak thief. . You ;iie the fugitive president of a broken savings bank I D. [chdJcinfj cvV/i raye.] How dare you say this to nie? Mhs. D. [ij real force; arm raised and pnintiiKj jimjcr.] Dare! Your tongue lasliing has at last roused liiy womanhood and I (hire saj- anything to you !. You who have left desola- tion behind you. You whose ears ouglit to be tilled wirh tlie wail of tlie starving widow, the groan of the houseless fatlier. tlie tears of tin- dying orphan. D. Woman! woman! you torture me ! Mks. D. Oh : It is my turn now ! D. Does tiic world say 1 intentionallv roblied these i)eo- pk'V Mrs. D. Yes; and tlie worhl calls you cow ard; tor you stoh; away iiki' a wolf to fatten on your iduiidcr. D. ril face them ! I'll go back and' cast tiie lie in their teetli! ]Mks. D. Do you think they will believe you? D. They will believe these i-ags..this wasted form my sunken cheeks, .my tears sliall plea:n, or word to Alice, or the world, that you are other than my lo\ ing husband; but otherwise, when Ave aie alone you cannot speak to me, nor approach me in any way; it will not be your privilege to even touch the hem of my di-ess. At the end of the peiiod agreed on, you are free to go your a\ ay. but you must leave Alice with me On these conditions I will follow out the intentions of my father, and pay e\ ery cent you owe. D. I accent them, .with one condition on my part. Mrs. D. You may state it. D. I accejjt your piopo-itioii provided that you will do all in your power to assi.alton, Alicebas swally'd a nojrjrin of punch and feels better of the operation; and she wants to see her motlier ! ^frs, D., at rahin k; O'i., C; D., at J., v. E. D. Reinenibcr ! [hohls vp right h<^vd as ifsivearing, she same then exeunt l. i;. k. and eahin R., respectively . O'Z., astonishment, imitating flrst one then the other. O'L. Eemember? What the divil should tliey remember, when tliey both want to forgit! A^'ell that heats the Jews? [harlesijveii'g.] Eemember! What wud they be showin tlieir hands fiii'? It's bin a close sranic on both sides an the wo- man's too smni't an the man's too cute. [goiv. to rficl\ sits and lights pipe.] Well, well ; it bates me entirely ; I oive it up as Anffell said whin Pullman got hold of him. I (rive it iiji sez he;'and remorse tuk bohlothim fur . l)ein caught !... Wliat a fine turn ve have, O'Larv, fur ihis— tratin a thing of that kind. Any local, or other gag may lie introduced here and the foUoK- ing lines cut down. Bother on me good Inks! They're always gifting me in- to some kind of a row. I carried Miss Alice, the colleen, in- to the shal)een there and laid her down so carefully and I worked the life out of me ])utin some life into her. J tried wa- ter. I fanned her I tickled h<'r wid a fether out of the broom, an the best I got was a sneeze, an I talkiu to her all the time the purtiest I knew how. I saw her ear swellen . .1 nnine her bi-ist heavin an her eyelids raisin like curtains leltiu in the ilay. I talked an inbbed lier hands, an kissed her, may be I dunno. an at last she Inked straght at me. her swate lips pnckeiese 1 lur. Sure! tliere was no harm, only [ tliot I oii^lic'nt to be 1 i.jin her on. But I ciild'nt help it; it was always the ways of me, ever since 1 wore pants! "'Wiiat is it iiiavoiirnin?" sez I. Says she, "Lifteiiaiit how bruvii ye are to sac>i im life!''^ Tare an aj^e-i! it was the other feller she was taiiin m ; fur. "Yis Miss," says I. . . .an will that I felt the p )vver of a douhle bickaeiion louomotive grippin me ba/k hair. . . . Ii,'s na leless to say .Mrs. O'Liry had me thare! All she eii 1 g,!t fro;n her teeth was "awlul . .awtnl . .I'll faeiie ye abont kivsin. awfnl!" Wi I tiiat she goes Inr the roUin pin .... It's iier favorite ... I sai I ; "'.^le l>ird charm- er donf. start the in-ea.l niakin bef:)r<; tluiyoanij lady is intire- ly recovered .entirely do ye. mind," and 1 lixed me agle eye on her. 6ez she; '"I'll noimai aiiiK)iiiiL-c; to yoii tli it y.t»ii are olci-tei! Jii-siicn of ilie Peace of llu'se jrrcat, iiohlc, iiitclliiiciit, hard working, lioriiy han- ded <>;raiiger.s of the pick an I sliovei. Voices^ Sl^""''!' ; j bpeecii I M!;s O'L. [rerii loud voice] I am so taken by snrprise my voice fails ine. This is so entirely unexpected words fail me 1 ahi entirely un|)ri'piMed to. .10. ah to. . . .make a speech. [j i(tii hand iu jiorkrt mid produces roluuiinons MSS.] O'L. Shall I lea.l your uiiexpecteil ettort for you V ■ j\ii;s. O'l-. Xi), sir! I will make an unexpected speech to yon ihoiiiih. ()'[.. Oil! ho! Ye will .. .Well there's mighty little left for ye to say. Mks. O'L. ]Mr. jMcCormick yon are liereby appointed Deinuy Sheiiff, Conntv Treasnri-r, and Prosecuting Attor- ney for this dist.ict. Yon will arrest this man [pointinij to O'L.] for felony, and liring him before me with a irue bill of costs ami a verdict ot guilty. proi)erly made out aei-or- ding to law and order. Given nniler my hand and seal this 6lh day of October, lS7(i. O'L. Arristnu-y What fur? Mcr;. Fur bigimy. arson and felonv; an jiiigluy glad ye oui:ht to be that it aint murder, come along ! [collars him. O'L. Amelia are ye di-tinkor crazy i' ]\Iks. O'L. Away with him to the deepest dungeon I McC. [dragginy (yL. along.] Come on widye! O'L. [aside.] iHxi''^ i.-Vii7.y . .[kicks the negro.] This is wliat we get fur letlin ye into (he paity ! McC. Are\e comiu quiet "::' O'L. I'm comin as (luiet as a lamb, fur I'll not movelnmd or foot. ^-1 stragi/le; thei/ carry O'L., and exeunt L. u. 1;. all hut Mrs. O'L. iMitsO'L. [c] Awful! The step is taken. The die is east . .aw fnl ! . . Love tiiou thieviiig goil : ah . thou thieving god . XUiitv'ii.g .iih [produces MSS. read.-:.] Love! lluni thieving Enter from cabin u. and L. re.-i and stands L. C.,alit- ile hack at attention until spoken to la/ Lt. M. I/r. M. Doiit speak of it JMis. Daltoii. However if you tliiiik yon owe me anytiiino:, you niay give nie this reward. [lakinij Alice''s hand.] Mrs. D. If Alieu is willing. Business for A., and IJ. M. I fieely give my con?ont. Same hiisin'-ss. Ah T>. Lootcunee Lackce-lile lis saligce he wautcliee see yon. Lt. :^r. What is it Sergeant? Skjio't. [salutes hrimjinfj left hand to earhine at right slaml- der.] The ernnp sir. I/r. M. Anywhere within a pliort distance down the trail. Mi{S. D. Little do we know what the American soldier suffers. Lt. ^r. Tliat's tnie,*riud we sometimes think, wlien a first class congressman howls economy at the expense of the army that you caie less. But it is not comme il favt for a soldier to talk of his woes. I,adies, w ill you excuse me; I want to say a ffw wmds to Mrs. Dalton. A. Yon ai-e .almost jtast having secrets from me, Roy. Make the mo.-t of your time. Jlrs. ffL. and A. g > apart. ^ladam, havo von spoken to Mi-. Dalton. ^Ihs. I). Yes; and a reconciliation has heen cflected. He is to return with me to San I'rancisco. Lt. M. IimUmmI, [ am glad tohe.ir it and I will moetyou there. I have iroor] news for von. A soldier of my company was f.i- tally wounded in the hattle of- Slim Butte. In his last mo- ments he sent for me and placed in my liands, the original letter you wrote your father, a cc^i^y of whicli, you remember he maile and schi to Diilton as the original. It seems that tile Judge, amongst his otlier . inisliaps, was a. . . . Mrs. 1). Speak out, IMr.McIntyro; I am prepared by a full confession fiom my father to hear anyliiing. Lt. M. Pardon me, then! It seems the Judge was a de- serter fronj the army, and in some old traps of his left behind liim was this letter. Mhs. D. And yon have it? Lt. M. Yes. It was to give me that letter the soldier had asked to have me sent lor. Mrs. D. Give it tjo me. Lt, M. One moment. Knowing its importance, I had the soldier's anti-mortum statement taken of its history and iden- tity, and sworn to before the Adjutant, in the presence of 53 witnppses. Its genuiiiess is unquestionable" [gives her the leW'.r.] Mrs. D. [npenincj with great emotion and reading.] This is my letter? Tlii.-^ !■< tlie last link in the cliaiii ! Now, Howard Daltoii, von will have to ask mv fou,-ive!)e>s in bitter tears! [<.>iide] Shall I show it to hiai iiow V No! all my pride says a thousand time^, no! He shall sp.'.-dv first, or die as he pro- poses. Die? Let him kill himselt ? I will nol think of that now, let time dpriiding Mrs. D.and Lt. M.] You have had time enough to settle the :^e(■rets of the Defies. Enter l. v. k., DaJttJu. lalher! rh<:,i eiuhn.'ce. [rapidJi;.] Oh bow thankful and happ_v we will be. You, j\Iotl:er. my Lieutenant, and poor little me, ail saved ; and you and motlier i-i-couiiled. jMother has told me and I'm to be inaiiieil and we are all to ^o baek to San Fiiudseo and be so happy. [Laughing in her ficihcr''s aruif, ; laugh grows ht/ster- ■icol ani\ finally into sobs.] Mks. O'L. [aside.] Girls aresueh siliy weak things. They iiave no principles. Enter McC, l. u. E. D., Alid:, Lt. M., and Jlrs. D., go r. :McC. [to Mrs. O'L.] The prescnar is ready yer honor,. wheiHjver it i)leases yer honor, to hold court, yer honor. Mhs. O'L. Drag on tho- eu!|)rit. when lime has measured (he space o! five minutes ; tliat I may pi-epare the liallsof jus- tice and get the scales properly adjusted. McC. All i-ight yer honor. [ej:il l. u. k.] ]yr. M. Mrs.'O'Leary may 1 ask what is the meaning of all this? Mrs. CL., arranges stage for court. Ah L. She judge peaco she ily O'Leely fo knockee down an diiigce out sale an battle. Shelly O'Leely all him lifee now sue tellee him go to hello 1—k-lah ! Mk.s. O'L. And you shall be tried next as sure as I stand here the exponant ot law and justice; a magisterial person- a.:i>d' I 111!) nugiity realm. Lt. JI. IJnt what does it mean? iL s. 0"L. Sir you are persistant in your enquiries. Know that 1 hiive been elected to the otlice of jii.-tice of the peace, and my liusband is my first case? Lr. M. This must t>e a very hard case for you. IMiiS. O'L, Yes; he is a very hard case but! am under the .Miong impression that he is guilty and is a divorced man 1 efore he enters this court;. [Mounts washtuh vmich she has j laced on 7'ock.] The eourt is opLii ; bring on the catill'and let him look upon his death ! McU., marches 0''L., in loaded with chains and looking very -woeltegone; crowd of ininers and si.] He'd better not if he knows what's good fur himself. ■ McC. Silen"»> in the ennrt ! O'L. I am sih-nt! I'm a silent witness of the orders of the Coorf of long standin, ain't I ? None better. Mus. O'L. 'I'lie time of this iionorabhi Court is being wasted. Mr. County Treasurer do your iluty and swear tlie prisoner on tbf verdiet of this beneli. McC. [to O'L.] Mould up your ri^iht hand; you swear so help ye Goil that ye are guilty of nianslauu,hler l)igamy that ye are divorced by order of this Coort ; tiiat ye are •guil- ty of petty iaro.'uy, drunk and ilisorderly, resisiin oHirers and meinheir. Mrs. O'L. Mr. Officer you are obseuie, what is it — I did not catch — ah — tell the Court what is meinheir? (hand behind hermr.] II. di? McC. Wiiy yer h'lnor that's wliin a felly takes a chew off another felly's no-e; liiat's mcinhifr. O'L. Am I to iiold lue hand up all day? Mrs. O'L. Oh yes. The court tinderstands, you mean misprisonment. It is a point well taken and the i)ri-oniM- is lieci'ssarily divorced from the ilefendent .-ixd I suppose the j)rosecution moves a new trial on the docket in the i.ext term of deniniurer. McC. That's it yer honor. Shall I goon? It's divorced he Is anv how w hither or no. Mrs. O'L. I'rocced wiih the oath. ;Mc(;. I dont see the use of any moie trial, he's divorced by this time. Mrs. O'L. Go on with the swearing I tell you ! O'L. Yrr honor; 1 say yer honor; dont start him to swearin, his profanity is notorious. Mrs. O'L. These interruptions are unseemly ; the Sheriff will ilo his dufv fearless of consequences. O'L. 'I'hat'sit, I was say in . >lcC. Silence! Yer honor 1... Mrs. O'L. Go on w ith. . . . O'L. J ^IcC. Yer honor Mrs. O'Jj. There's no motion before the house and I. . . . O'L. Just what 1. . . . McC. I'll not... ]\h!S. O'L. It is evident. . . . O'L. and McC. interrupt her and both keep on talking: the crowd joins in; Mrs. O'L. rises; yells 'silence" at intervals; O'L. throws off his irons and runs out at L. u. E., aiid enter up trail to cliff; seizes rope and stands at edge of the canon, draws pistol. At same time that O'L. runs off, McC seizes Ah L. and the negro who are talking and knocks their heads together; D. rescues Ah L. 3IRS. O'L, 'J'lie prisoner has escai)ed. O'D. Yes, and he wont be caught. I'm divorced am I, whether or no? To the divil wid yer decray. .. .1 dissolve 55 the coult ! Shoots into the crowd; D. falls wounded; tableau; Mrs. D., A. and Lt. M., grouped about D.; Mrs. 0''L. awkwardly from her Jurlges bench, trying to shoot her pistol points handle at McC. vtho "■hides behind his hat;'''' 0''L., descending over cliff. CURTAIX. ilfifii 016 102 540 9 ">