■^f ^3 PS 635 .Z9 M5555 / Copy 1 ,4^S^ X A/ V THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS ; / pj^//^/ w fjy^ mp' By LE^V^. M. MILLER. Mt. CLEMENS, MICH.: PEESS BOOK AND JOB PRINT. 1878. f X V- IHE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS; / wf^f^j" w fw m?' / By LE"V\^. M. MILLER. Mt. CLEMKNS, MICH. : PRESS BOOK AND JOB PBINT, 1878. '^ DRAMATIS P£IlSONi&. SAMUEL JEFFREYS An elderlv gentleman ol' wealth. RICHARD JEFFREYS .' His nephew. GEORGE HALLIDAY His confidential companion. EDWARD JENNISON A young lawyer. JACK HOTALING A villain. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PYMAKER A tramp printer. MICHEL O'BLARNEY Keeper of a low groggery. POMPEY Jeffreys' colored servant. NELLIE HALLIDAY Halliday's daughter. MISS ANGELINA WYCKOFF A stylish maiden lady. MRS. HOUGH An old housekeeper. MRS. O'BLARNEY An apple woman. — MODERN. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1878, By LEW. M. MILLER, [n the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. \C T I. SCEN K. — J KFFRKYs' room; door at back leading to main part of house; door L. H. leidinj to hall; writing desk r. h., safe and table imth call- bell L. H. Jeffreys seated right of table and Halliday left. Hall. What are you thinking about so intently, Mr. Jeffreys? — you seem troubled this morning. Jeff'. Yes, I am troubled — I have be.-n recalling the past. Hall. And does the recollection of the past bring you naught but sorrow ? - Jeff. Naught but sorrow. Hall. It is not so with me. I dearly love to recall the happy scenes of my early life. To me they are like pictures, but far more fascin- ating than those master-pieces which adorn the walls of wealth and luxury. Jeff. You are very enthusiastic, Halliday, and I would to God that the same enthusiasm might pervade my breast. But you seem to forget the black cloud which has darkened my whole life and still (;asts its baneful shadow over every picture — however fair — that Memory may paint for me. Hall. Can you recall no pleasures unalloyed by your great afflic- tion ? Jeff. [Rising.] No, no, Halliday, not one. Every retrospective view of my life but serves to remind me how that cloud, which shad- owed the very dayspring of my existence, has grown blacker and denser, until it now threatens to burst in tempest fury on my head . 2 THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. Hall. [Rising. Aside.] 1 must not allow iiim to continue in this despondent mood. [Aloud.] But, Afr. Jeffreys, the blacke'' the cloud, the brighter is its "silver lining." Jeff. [Impatiently.] Yes, yes ; you have told me that again and again. It is doubtless true, and will bear repeating an indefinite number of times ; but the "silver lining" is turned toward the s!u\ and not toward me. Hall. Trust in the Almighty. He will yet turn toward you the "silver lining" of that threatening cloud. Jeff. [Excitedly.] Will the Lord reverse the order of nature for my sake? Will he turn the "silver lining" of thai cloud ti way fri»m the sun and toward the earth, simply that it may illumine the last few hours of a life, which he has allowed to be shadowed so long ? Generations have come and gone since that curse fell upon our fam- ily, and in eveiy generation has the fated firvit-born fallen beneath its withering blight. I have prayed that the curse might be removed and that, when my time shall come, I may be permitted to die like a Christian and not like a throttled dog But no, no; it cannot be removed. [Sinks info chair. [Knock heard L ] Hall. Compose you self, Mr. Jeflfreys — someone raps. Jeff. I presume it is my nephew. If so, you may retire, as 1 wish to see him alone. Halliday admits Richahd and exit l, Jeff Good morning, Richard — what is it you wish ? Mich. I have come for some money — I need some very much. Jeff. Need some, Richard ? I gave you $500 last week. Have you none of it left ? Bich. [Aside.] I wonder what's come over the old fool now - he never hesitated like this before. [Aloud.] Not a cent of it left and I need $200 more. Will you let me have it ? yes or no. Jeff I will think of it, Richard. Bich. Think of it ! You never stopped to think of it before, when I asked you for so trifling a sum. Jeff. I cannot let you have that sum, miless you tell me why you want it, Bich. You have never required this of me before and it is too late to begin now. ] will not submit. Jeff. [Bising.] Richard, I fear that I have already gi>7cn you too much of my money to be squandered. [Richard scowls.] Do not scowl upon me, Richard. I use plain language, but the case demands it. I implore you to hear the truth ajjd be warned in time. Unless you reform your ways, you will soon be a disgrace to that family, whose only hope of honor and existence lies in you. Rich. I did not come here to be insulted nor to hear a sermon. Will you give me the money ? THE LAST OF TJIE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. 3 Jeff. I cannot, Richard, though it grieves me to say so. Mich. Then I have no further business with you at present. [As Richard retires, Jeffreys sinks into chair. Kichard turiis and scowls at his uncle. Aside.1 Curses on liis miserly soul — but I'll find a way to make liiui disgorge. [Exit l. Jeff. His conduct cuts nic to the heart. Ife resists all counsel, all warning, all eiureaty. It seem- as if every evil trait, which disfig. ured tae character of old Benjamin Jeflreys, were fated to re-appear in him. And when I think tint the very fate of our house depends upon him, it almost crazes me. One branch (.f the family becomes extinct in me, but Richard might continue the family name, freed Jiom that curse which has blighted the lineal descent. Enter Halliday. Hall. It is a lovely morniiig, Mr. Jeffreys —would you like to take a drive? Jeff, Nothing could 1 lease ine nu)re. [Rings hell. Enter PoMPEY L. Pomp. Did wun vd) you respected gemlums manipulate dat ar bell? Jeff'. Yes, Pompey, 1 summoned you. Go and tcli James to drive the carriage around to the front door. Pomp. Yes, sah. [E.xit L. Jeff llallitiay, 1 have revealed more of myself to you this morn- ing, than I have before in all the ten years we have lived so intimate- ly together. But, of late, I have felt more and more in need of a confidant. I could not turn tj Richard, so I have tiu-ned to you. Hall. An I I will inviolably keep any confidence you may repose in me. Jeff'. Pless you for that, Halliday. Hall. I am so deeply indebted to you that it would be the basest perfidy in me to d > otherwise. You found me financially ruined at too late a period in life to start anew, and you offered my daughter and myself a home. How can 1 ever repay you? Jeff. You have been an^ply repaying me all this time by your companionship. All accounts between us are balanced. Enter Pompey l Pomp. De carrige am ready, sah. Jeff. Well, Pompey, go and tell Mrs. Hough that I am going out and I want ray room swept while I am gone. Pomp. Yes, sah. [Exit l,. Jeff. Now, Halliday, never let me hear you say anything more about repayment. It is I, who am indebted to you, for your kind- ness and forbearance. [Exeunt l. [Enter l!i EhLiE, followed by Mrs. Hough carrying broom, dust-pan and brush, c. E. 4, THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. Net. Now we'll give Mr. Jeflreys' room a good cleaning. [Mrs. Hough sweeps and 'Selt.I'E re-arranges furniture^&cl Mrs. H. I do wonder how on arth Mr. Jeffreys manages to litter up his room so. [Stveeps around desk.l If I kep' my part ot the h..,iise a lookin' ;^o, I'd be 'shamed to see cumpny, so I would, an' I'd be discharged in a minnit, [liings bell. Enter Pompey.J Fompey, come an' help me move this desk, [They move desk and Pompey sets it down on his toe, yells, jumps back against Mrs. Hough, ivho hits him with broom. Nel. Do be quiet, Pompey. Pomp. Be quiet wid a two-ton desk on my corns ? [Holding up foot.'] Corns grows mighty big an' tender in tight boots like dat. Mrs. H. Why don't he have this room swep' out off"'ner ? [ISweeps around safe.] Here, Pompey, move this safe. Pomp. [Pushing against safe with head and hands.] No go, Mi^sis Hough — can't budge it. Mrs. H. Never mind then. Jest about twice a week Mr. Jeffreys sends for me to sweep out his room, an' tliem's the only times I sees the inside of it. Nel. Mr. Jeffreys doesn't like to have women in his room much. Pomp. [Aside.] Golly f I'd like to hab my room full ob 'em. Mrs. H. Pompey, come here an' hold this dust pan. I do declare, I never got sich a heep o' dirt out o' one room afore in all my life. [Gives broom a spiteful push, throwing dust into PoMPEY'syixce. Pom- pey makes up face and blows nose.] It makes me 'shamed, so it does. My old mother used to say that a good house-keeper's broom never caught much dirt. [Throws more dust into Pompky's /ace. Pomp. [Blowing nose.] Den dis niggah's nose ain't a good house- keepah's broom, fur it cotched a heep o' dirt dat time. Mrs. H. [Pointing to pan.] Look a' that, will ye — I've a good mind to hav Pompey take it out in the wheel barrow. Nel. [Laughing.] Don't, Mrs. Hough — the wheel would leave more dirt than the barrow would carry out. (Pompey carries dust-pan out c. e. and returns.) Mrs H. [Dusting.) Well, Mr. Jeffreys ought to hav a better opin- ion of us women, anyhow — smart a man as he is. How'd the world git along 'thout us women, I'd like to know? Nel. I give it up. Perhaps the men wouldn't have so much to quarrel about, though. Mrs. H. They'd quarrel a big sight more — they'd soon be a pack o' howlin' an' ravin' wild beasts, if it wasn't fur the humanizin' in- fluence of us women. Pomp. {Aside.'^ Wonder how many she's humanized. THE LAST OF THE HOUSK OF JEFFREYS. O [V( urEY goes behi7id Mks. Hough and gesticulates comically, while she puts arms akimbo and continues. Mrs. H. Didn't the Lord make Eve for Adam right off, 'cause He knew it wouldn't a been two weeks afore Adani'd a been a roarin' an' ravin' an' tearin' round Eden, a killin' an' destroyin' everything like a savage lion ? ihe l^ord knew best, an' so men an' women'd ought to go together through this world. Them's my sentiments! Pomp. [With great delight.] Selah ! 3Irs. II. [Driving him out L. with broom.] Sass me agin, will ye. *• i\W. Well, Mrs. Hough, when Mr, Jeffreys returns, he'll own* at once that much of man's happiness in this world is due to woman's gentler influence. Mrs. H. If he don't hav \\U room swep' out off'ner'n twi( e a week, it'll take something stronger'n ''vvoman'.s gentler influence" to start the dirt. Nel. You may go now, Mrs. Hough. [Exit Mrs. HouaH, c. p:., with broom, and dust-brush.'] I know Mr. Jeffreys will like this. [Look- ing about.] His life is a sad one and 1 will do what little I can to brighten it. What else can I do for him here? Oh, yes! I'll take that pitcher out ami have Mrs. Hough wash it. [Exit c. E. singing. Enter Richard l. e. Rich. [Looking about.] I am sure I heard Nellie singing in here, and yet I do not see her. She must have stepped out just as I came in. What a lovely creature she is ! I'm bound to hive her, though she does n't seem to take to me very fondly. Love her ? As well as I can love any womiii. I look upon woinsn only as the play- things of this life, not a-! its serio is concf^ru^. When they are worn and faded, cast them oiF and get new one-< Now, Nellie is young, handsome and talented, and she'll make a magnificent mistress for this old mansion, when it is mine— and it soon will be, together with the accumulated wealth of the House of Jeffreys. How I long to get my hands upon it. [Nellik sings outside.] But I hear Nellie singing. She must be coming back. Now, Richard Jeflreys, be a model lover — all smiles and honeyed words. [Enter Nellie c. e., with pitcher.] Good morning, Nellie. Nel. [Starting, but recovering herself and setting down pitcher.] Good morning, Mr. Jeffreys. Rich. What have you been doing to make you look so bright this morning? Nel. Simply trying to make your uncle's room look a little more cosy. Rich. Ah ! then it is the kindness of your heart that I see reflect- ed in your face. Nel. [Coolly.] I was not aware, Mr. Jeffreys, that my face present- ed any unusual appearance, this morning. Rich. You always look pretty, Nellie, but I thought you were looking unusually handsome this morning. But why do you call me 6 THK J^AST OF THE HOI SE OF JE1''FHK VS. "Mr. Jeftrevs/' Nellie?— il used to be "Hichanl," or "Dick," tiiitil recently. ^e/. As long as we were children together, ami before you per- sisted in forcing your professions of love upon me, I caled you by those names, but now 1 prefer to address yi-u as "Jir. Jeffreys." Jiich. And is there no h >pe for me, Nellie ? Nel. None whatever. Rich. And musr I give you up? [Kneeling.] I swear that I love you devotedly — as I never can love another — with a>; pure an affec- tion as man ever bore to woman. Then why so cold ? I am ruined it" you drive me to despair. Nel. Arise, Richard Jeffreys ^y our pleadijig is in vain. 1 have given you my answer already. Iii.rh. Hear ine once more, Nellie. We have played together as little children — we have grown into womanhood and manhood to- gether. Just so has my lf)ve grown from a childish affection to a manly passion. 1 know not how to live without you. Nel. Cease your pitiful teasing. [Richard springs to his feet.] Lo not lower your manhood by indulging in it longer. Change your ways, Richard Jeffreys, before you exp.^jt any pure woman to ac- cept your love. Rich. Woman ! I know t!ie secret of all this. You prefer the love of Edward Jennison, who is not worth a picayiuie, but who hopes to win you and induce my uncle to leave you .soir.e of his vast wealth. Nel. It IS cowardly to speak thus of a man who is not present to defend hinisell. I will noi hear vou. Leave this room instantly or I will. Rich. I go, but tlu-- is not the last, Miss Halhdav. [Exit l. Nel What have I d )ne ? What have 1 said ? (>h ! I have been 80 tormented I y his continued professions of love, that 1 spoke be- fore I thought. 1 cannot accept him a« a lover, yet I feai him as :.n enemy What shall 1 do? [Sinks into chair. ■ Enter PoiPKY L,, Kflinifting JexnisON. Pomp. Mr. Jeffreys am not heah jis now, but jis you took a chah, Mr. Jennison, an' wait till he comes back. Jen. I will do so, I'ompey. [Seeing Nellie.] Why, Nellie, you here? Pomp. [Aside.] Gness he don' care if Mr. Jeffreys don' come back 'fore suppah time. ' [Exit. Nel. Oh, Edward ! 1 am so glad to see you. Jew. Are yon, pet? [Ki.^sesher.] How long have yu been keeping office for Mr. .Jeffreys ? Nel. Oil, Mrs. Hough and I have been cleaning up Mr. .Jeffreys' room. Doesn't it look nice? Jen. It does l)ut you're the only nice thing I can see just at pres- ent, Nellie. Nel. Come. sir. ixo ff.ttterv. TFK l.AST OF THK HOUSP: OF JEFFREYS. / Jen. Well, Nellie, 1 iiave some good news for you. Nel. What is it ? — I'm all curiosity. Jen. Your father has given his consent. Nel. To what, Kdward? Jen. To our marriage. Now isn't that good news ? Nel. I don't know. That depends upon how well you'll "love, honor and obey'^ me. Jen. Oh, you little humbug, we'll be married by a Justice of the Peace and ^kip all that nonsense. Hut when shall it be, Nellie? Nel. Don't ask me now, Edward. \ cannot leave here >et. Mr. •leffreys wouldn't have snyone to manage his household, if I left. But when did you see father? Jen. Yesterday. Now I shall be jealous of Mr. Jeffreys, if you keep nie waiting long on his account — you know he is a bachelor. Net. Yes — an. Jeff. I shall give the bulk ol" my property to Nellie, leaving Ricn- ard only $10,000. That is enough for him, if he uses it properly, and too much, if he squanders it. The contents of the will shall re- niain a secret between us two, until I am gone Rich. [Aside.] That's a lie. [Exit. Hal. 1 shall consider the secret a sacred trust. Jeff. But, Halliday, 1 want to see Nellie — see her now. Bid her come hither. [Halliday rings bell. Enter Pompey l. Pomp. l.)id you ring, sah ? Hal. Do you know where Miss Nellie is '■ Pomp I seed her in de kitchnm 'bout fifteen n.innits ago, an' she was a gibiti' de ole housekeepah de ordahs fur dinnah. Glory ! didn't it sound salubrious in dis niggah's eahs to heah her enumer- ate de multinumerous kinds ob hash — Hal. That will do, Pompey. Go and tell Miss Nellie that Mr. Jeffreys would like to see her. [Exit Pompey. Jeff. Ten long and weary years in the same house with my Helen's (diild, and J did not mistrust the relationship ! How strange it all seems ! Truth is indeed stranger than fiction ! Enter Pompky L. Pomp. She'll be heah iraraejiously. [Sees her.] Oh, heah she am now. Enter Nellie l. Nel. Did you send for me, Mr. Jeffreys? [Jeffreys looks at her intently, but does not reply. She j's startled at im strange appearance, but is re-assured by a sign from her father, who rises. Pompey goes around behind Nellie, looking at her admir- ingly. Pomp. Ain't she pooty ? If she was only sixteen shades blacker, she'd be as lubly as Wenus, an' I'd ax her to be Mrs. Pompey Caesar Augustus George Washington Browne — I would. [Jeffreys rises and approaches Nellie slowly, as if fearful of fright- ening away some pleasing object. She is again re-assured by her fa- ther. Pompey sees the strange appearajnce of Jeffreys and runs out. Jeff. [Slowly approaching.] My Helen — my own Helen ? Or is it but a cruel v-ision .sent to torment me ? [Touching her forehead.] Yes, 10 THK LAST OF THK H<)l>;K <»F .IKFFREYS. 'lis 8lie — 'tis Helen Partington ! — this is her forehead, her <^hin — these are lier eyes, her lips. My Helen has come to me again— yet slie cannot sta_ — no, no ! — she nnist sooi. return — no other an£;el could fill her place amid the Heavenly Hosts, [Overcome by feelings and trembling violently, Halliday wheels up a chair and helps him into it. After a momenfs silence Jeffkeys appears to notice Nellie for the first time.^ Nellie, come here. [She approaches and he takes her hands.^ I have been living in the past. Your striking resemblance to your mother reminds me of her. Nel. You knew her, then ? Jeff. I loved her, Nellie, yet I wron.ed her. 1 won iier love and then abandoned her. Can you forgive me for so wronging her ? Nel. I know that she would forgive you, if she were here — and, surely, I can forgive you Jeff. Bless you, Nellie — you have your mothei's own kind heait. Your father will explain all, when I am gone. Hal. I fear that she will grow very impatient, if she waits until then, Mr. Jeffreys, Jeff. No, no ; it will not be long — I feel that the end is near, [Bis- ing.^ Nellie, receive the blessing of an old man, who has been crushed to earth for the sins of another, [She kneels.] God bless you, Nellie, May the future ever brighten before you, TABLEA V, END OF ACT 1. THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. 11 ACT IT SCENK I. — Open space in the -woods ; a log l. h. and tt rock R. H. — Early evening. Enter Pymaker l., shabbily dressed and with one coat-tail tora ojff. i y. [Singing.] "Tramp, tramp, tram|), the boys are marching," Well, let 'em march -I'll go no farther. Here I'll rest. This lux uriant grass shall be my couch, and "The spacious firmament on higii, With all the 1 lue, ethereal sky," shiU be my bed-quilt. But I'll have my supper, ere 1 ''wrap the drapery of my couch about me and lie down to pleasant dreams." [Feels for eatables and misses one iail of his coat.] lia-ha-ha ! ''There- by hangs a tale," Yea, verily ; "I could a tale Uiifold" in reference to that "bloody chasm." Jupiter! but it was a narrow escape. The bull-dog didn't get me, but he sampled my coat-tail, as I sped through the gate. [Finds a bone in pocket of the other tail.} Ha I a streak of kick I the savage bull-pup didn't get this tail. Here are the remains of my dinner. Now tor the banquet. [Sitidown on log.] Let me see if I've got a knife. [Feels in pocket and takes out a spoon.] A spoon ! solid silver, too! VVhat are these initials? — "J. G. W." — oh ! that reminds me. Miss Angelina WyckofF's cook gave me a lunch in the kitchen, the other day, and I was just getting ready to give my stomach a grand surprise party, when in came Miss Angelina — the angelic creature — and hustled me out doors in a jiffv. So I took the spoon in lieu of the lunch. [Lays spoon in hi^ lap and searches for knife.] No knife? Well, I'll use ray composing; rule — 'twon't be the first time. [Picks bone.] I ran across the village marshal Jo-day. He was going to arrest me as a vagrant with no "visible means of support.^' I showed him my composing rule and told him I was a first-class printer and "belonged to the llnion." Then he ivas mad. He thought I was going to start a new paper in town, and he kicked me clear out of the corporation, advising me never to set foot in it again. I think I shall take his advice, [Throivs away bone.] There, I feel better. Now I'll take a smoke before I retire. [Fills an old clay pipe, lights it, takes a few whiffs and starts up, dropping spoon.] What's that ? [Looking toward l. h. and listening. "Is't but the wind, Or the car rattling o'er the stony street?" No, it's some one coming — I'll not wait to see whether he has the countersign. [Gets behind rock. Enter Hotaling l. h. 12 THE LAST F THE HOUSE OF .lEFFREYS. Hot [Looking around.} He's not here yet. Well, I'll wait, but if he fails me he'll rue it. [Sits down on log ] What'? that ? [J'irk:^ up spoon.] A spoon ? Wonder how it came here — lost hy some pic- nic party, I presume. I'll stow it away for future inspection. [Pntu it into pocket.] There, I'm a spoon ahead. Py. [Peering cmdiously.] And I'm a spoon behind. Hot. It's getting dark and Jeffreys ought to he here by this tnne. Curse the fool ! how long must I wait for him ? [Ihkes out flask and drinks. Py. Ha ! he drinks ! That's one bond of sympathy between us. [HoTALiNG takes out a plug of tobacco and bites off a piece.] He chews! — bond of sympathy No. 2. He must be a brother printer. Hot. [Seeing Richard coming i.. Hising.] Hello! Jeffreys, yon are rather late. Py. [Crouching loiv.] There's a pair of 'em. I'll vegetate here in the shade — it's so refreshing. Enter Richard. Mich. Yes, somowhat late — I've been detained. Have vou waited long ? Hot. Long? That's cool. I began to tliink you were going to fail me. If you had — Mich, Make no threats, Hotaling. I'm not easily frightened, as you well know. Hot. [Surlily.] Well, have vou brought the monev ? Mich. No. ' ■ Hot. What! would you play me false? Richard Jeffreys, I'll not be trifled with. [Draws knife. Mich. [Drawing revolver.] Be calm. Jack. I'm not afraid of your knife when my little pet is near. She never failed me yet. .She speaks but one word, and that word is "DEATH." ^[Aiming it. Py. Oh, Lord ! I wish I was out of this. Hot. [Starting back in fear, but recovering composure in a moment. 2 I forgot myself, Jeffreys. We must not qua,rrel — we know each oth- er too well to be enemies. [They put up weapons. Mich. You're rational now. Py. The storm is o'er— fair weather again. . ifo^. But why is the money not forthcoming ? It's an honest debt you owe me, and you promised to settle it this evening. Mich. An honest debt ? Ha-ha-ha-a-a-a ! that's too good I Real- ly, Hotaling, you're quite a joker. Ha-ha- a-a — Hot. [Nettled.] What do you mean ? Mich. Mean ? — that you cheated like a thief, when you won that money. Is my meaning plain now ? Hot. Do you mean to insult me ? Py. Another typhoon ! Mich. Restrain yourself. My little pet is uneasy in her close quarters. [Putting hand on revolver pocket. Hot. Do you intend to "squeal" now ? T E LAST OF THE HOUSE OF ,1EFFREYS. 13 Mich. No, I intend to pay the debt like a gentleman. Py. Blue sky once more, Hot. Tlien why in h — 1 did'nt you bring the money ? You know I want to leave this vicinity as soon as possible — it's getting loo hot for me here. Ric/i. Really I AVhal part of the country is going to be favored with your valuable presence? Hot. That's none of your d — n business. Rich. Well, sii down 0:1 this log aiul I'll explain. [They sit.] 1 couldn't raise that sum. 1 asked my uncle for the money and he preached me a sermon instead of shelling out — curse the old fool ! Hot. VVell, how does that help my case? I must have the money, for I've got to leavn here at once. Py. Bond of sympathy So. o. Villain No. 1 has got to 'skin out" and so have 1. Rich. [After a momenfs rejiection.] How much longer could \ ou stay hereabouts for an adequate consideration ? Hot. Consideration ? What consideration can you give me for running that risk, if you can't raise enough to pay me what yon owe mc already ? Rich. I might find you a job, if you would accept. Hot. Accept? Did you ever know me to refuse any job thai of- fered good inducements? Besides, I am desperate now and I must have money. So out with it ! Rich. [Drawing closer toHoTAEiNG.] If it wasn't for my uncle, 1 might have money enough to settle all my debts and live like a gen- tleman. Py. [Trying to hear.'] A little louder, Villain No. 2. Hot. [Thoughtfully.] Ah !- um— I "twig," A sudden death and a convenient funeral would afford great relief to your embarrassed linances. Rich. Just so. Hot. Risky business. Rich. Good pay. Hot. How mu2h ? Rick $1,000. Hot. Bah ! a mere bagatelle. Ricn. $2,000— besides the $200 1 owe vou now. Py. [In an agony of curiosity.] Do speak a little louder. Hot. [Thoughtfully,] $2,200— nice little sum to emigrate with— agreed ! Wliat's your plan of operations ? Rich. Can you play the part of a devil ? Hot. [Laughing.] I've played the devil in the community ever since 1 left my swaddling clothes. Yes, I think I could— but do you want me to scare the old fool to death ? Rich. Not exactly. My uncle is tlie victim of a strange delusion— Hot. Yes, I've heard of it — he thinks the devil is coming after him some night. Rich. He believes that a remote ancestor of his, named Benjamin 14 THE LAST or THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. Jeffreys, once entered into n solemn compact with the devil, the for- feit of which was to be the iirst-boni of every succeeding generation. Old Benjamin, who was never known to keep faith with his fellow man, played one of his customary tricks <>n the devil — Hot. And the devil foreclosed. Bich. Exactlv. Now, my uncle declares that i)is father, his grand- father and his great-grandfather all died mysteriously, when no one was near to observe the cause or manner of iheir deatli, but in every case the evidence was plain of death by strangulation. He is ever on the look-out for the devil, and whenever that interesting peison- age puts in an appearance, my uncle will undoubtedly resign him- self to his fate. You understand ? Hot. Yes; you want me to be that "interesting ],)ersonage." Rich. My uncle has never married and his death, as he declares, will rid the family of that horrid curse — Hot. And you of the curse of poverty. Rich. I admire your astuteness. Py. [Moving uneasily.] This seat might be softer. Hot. And this awful curse does not affect the collateral branch of the family ? Rich. No. Hot. You think that's lucky for you, don't yon? Rich. Yes, rather. Hot. But that doesn't trouble the devil much. Rich. Why so ? Hot. Oh, he's sure of the collateral branch. Rich. [Starting lip and putting hand on revolver.'] Do you dare — Hot. Be calm, Jeffreys. Neither one of us must die until this awful curse is removed from the House of Jeffreys, you know. Py. This play might be highly entertaining, if I could only hear it. Rich. [Sifting down again.] My uncle's regular attendant, who haa slept in the same room with him for several years, will be away to- morrow night. No one will be with him except his colored servant, who is an arrant coward and he will be so badly frightened at the appearance of the devil, that he will be easily managed. But you had beiier take your trusiy knife along as a matter of precaution. Hot. That all sounds very fine — but what if anything should hap- pen ? I'd make a preity looking corpse dressed up in that kind of toggery, now wouldn't I? My own mother wouldn't know me — and then, just imagine what a figure I'd cut in the Police Gazette — ahem ! — "Jack Hotaiing as he appeared in the role of the Devil — One Night Only!!" Rich. But nothing will happen — I'll see that there is no interrup- tion. But one thing more. In the «afe that stands in my nucleus office is his will. I will teach you the combination. Open the safe, find the will, lock the safe carefully behind you and bring me that will. Hot. Oh, ho ! that's another thing altogether. If I bring you THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OP JEFFREYS. 15 that will, you ought to make the conside.-ation a clean $2,500. Jlich. I will. We understand each other now? Hot Perfectly. Bich. [Rising.] Then good night — I'll aee you again. [Exit l. Py Now I'll get a chance to stretch my legs. Hot. [Rising.] Jack Hotaling, you're in luck ! $2,500 to begin operations with in the Black Hills — all for choking off an old man who expects the devil after him soon, anyway. [Exit l. P«/. [Coming out cautiously.] "Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer." Those two villains are up to some mis- chief, I know, but my information is altogether too limited to war- rant me in risking my precious person back in the village to inter- fere with their plans. Nor do I think so much of this spot lor a bed-room, after all. I'll meander. Hello ! there's the moon. [Exit R . singing. The silvery moon, with her kerosene lamp, Illumines the patn of the weary tramp. SCENE 11.—^ street. Enter Richard r., walking rapidly. Rich. I must hasten — the time is short and many things must be carefully arranged before to-night. [Enter Jemnison l. They meet. RiCHAKH stops and scowls.] Edward Jennison, you are in my way. Jen. Do you speak literally or figuratively, Mr. Jeffreys? If lit- erally, just step to the right. I will do the same and then we can pass without a collision. If you speak figurativelv, explain your- self. Rich. None of your lawyer's quibbles here, sir. You are in my way. Jen. When I am convinced (hat I have trespassed on your rights or privileges, I am willing to withdraw— but not before. Rich. I have a faculty of clearing my way before me. Jen. The best way of clearing your pathway of my presence is to be civil and convince me that J am wrongfully in it. Until you can do so, I decline to yield in any way, sir. Good morning. [Crosses. Rich. You love Nellie Halliday. Jen. And if I do, I have no apology to make to you, sir. Rich. 1 ask no apology. I simply wished to warn you not to cross my path again. Do you understand ? Jen. Whenever Nellie Halliday shall have chosen you, in prefer- ence to me, then will your pathway be relieved of ray presence. Rich. Meanwhile, it will be we.l for you not to darken my house with your presence. Jen. Your house ? I was not aware that you owned any. Have you purchased one recently, in view of a possible marriage with 16 THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. Miss Hallidny ? Bick [Aside.] Curse him for his impudence ! [Aloud.] I meant my uncle's house, of course. Jen. Well, what right have you to forbid my entering your uncle's house ? Bich. I may have a right sooner than you expect. Jen. When you have such right, I will ask your consent to call. Until then, adieu. [Exit R. Bich. Curse him for his impudence and obstinacy ! I may have to give Hotaling another job. But here comes Miss Wyckotf. I'll await her. [Enter Miss Wyckoff.] Good morning, Miss WyckofF. Miss W. Good morning;, Mr. Jeffreys. Bich. You are out shopping rather early this morning. Miss W. Rather early, perhaps — but I had several errands to do, so I told John to get out the carriage and drive me down. Bich. Where is your carriage now ? Miss W. Just around the corner, waiting while I step into my milliner's. Bich. Well, I'll not detain you long. How is your suit progreis- ing with Mr. Jennison ? Miss W. Oh, finely ! He thinks 1 have a sure case and he will notice it for trial at the next term. Mr. Jciunison is a smart lawyer. Bich. .rennison is a fool I Miss W. Well, tliat doesn't seem to hurt him any as a lawyer. At any rate he's a shrewd one. Bich. Well, Miss WyckofF, I really didn't have any reference to your lawsuit, when I asked that question. T meant another kind of suit, altogether — one in which Cupid is popularly supposed to be the chief mediator. 3fiss W. What do you mean, sir, by asking me so impertinent a question ? Bich. Now don't be so indignant about it, Miss Wyckoff. Every one knows how hard you are trying to catch the wily lawyer with the bait of a good fat lawsuit. 3Iiss W. This impudence is unbearable, sir. Let me pass. Bich. Certainly. [She crosses] But wait a moment. Miss Wyckoff. I have something interesting to tell you. [She stops. Aside.] I thought her curiosity would overcome her indignation. [Aloud.] Mr. Jen- nison is becoming very much interested in Nellie Halliday. Miss W. What ! that doll-faced thing ? Bich. [Aside.] You can always rely upon a woman's jealousy to liberate the feline. [Aloud.] My means of observation are good and I give it to you as my candid opinion, that they will soon be engaged, if they are not already. 3Iiss W. I took Mr. Jennison to be a man of sense, Bich. It was only a moment since that I remarked that he was not. Miss W. Does she love him f Bich. Unfortunately for me, she does. THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OP JEFFREYS. 17 Miss W. Ah ! then you are interested, too. Bich. I am. [Approaching her.] Now, Miss Wyekofi', since we are both in the same foundering boat, it only remains for us to help each other out of difficulty, or go down in one loving embrace together. Miss W. I prefer the former alternative, sir. Rich. So do I — vastly — remarkable unanimity of opinion, isn't it? Miss W. Well, no more of this in the street. I must go now. Rich. We'll meet again, Miss Wyckoff ? Miss W. At another time and place. Good morning. Rich. Good morning. [Exit Miss W. R.] If I can only manage Nellie, as well as I can that delectable piece of dry goods, all will be well. Oh, how I love to play with the dear creatures — manage them as I would a set of chess-men. [Exit L. SCENE III. — Back room in Jeffreys' house. Enter Mrs. Hough and Pompey, l. h., bringing table, with ironing board, flat-irons and basket of clothes. Mrs. H. I declare — it was so hot in there I couldn't stand it no longer. [Sets down table.'] Fetch me a cliair, Pompey. [Exit Pom- pey L.] I'll finish my ironin' in here. [Pompey brings in chair, pair of muddy boots, blacking and brush. Mrs. Hough arranges board on table and chair and Pompey cleans boots.] There, it ain't quite so bil- ir' hot in here. Pomp. Wh-e-e-e-w ! Mrs. H. Hard work, Pompey ? Pomp. Ye^— don' see whar Mr. Halliday got all dis clay on dese boots. I'se gwine to sabe it an' start a brick-yard. Mrs. H. What'd you do with all the bricks ? Pomp Sell 'em ob course — any fool'd do dat. Wouldn't you ? Mrs. H. Of course you would, Pompey. Pomp, Sartain — 'spose I'd carry 'em 'round in my hat — say, ole woman ? Mrs. H. Old woman, indeed ! What d'ye take me for, you black villain ? Pomp. Don' take ye fur nuffin — but de man wat took ye fur better or worser got de mos' ob de worser, I recken, Mrs. H. Take that, you scoundrel. [Throws basket- Pomp. [Dodging.] Didn't I tole ye so? [Resuming work.] Dis am de mos' obstreperus mud I eber seed on a boot — it's a stiff-necked an' rebellyus peeple. Mrs. H. When is Mr. Halliday goin', Pompey ? Pomp. On de fus train after dinnah. Dare, dem boots am done. Mos' broke my back ober 'em, too. [Rises. Mrs. H. When will he be back ? 18 THK LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. Pomp. To-morrer nite, on de las' train. Ye see, he's bin speenid as a witness in a lawsuit an' he's got to go. [Stai^ts to go out c. E. Mrs. H. Where yon goin'? Pomp. Guess I'll hitch up de mule an' cart out my brick -yard. Mrs. H. Never mind now. Take this iron out and get me a hot one. [Exit Pompey l., with flut-iron.] It'll seem strange to have Mr. Halliday stay away all niglit. He hasn't done that afore in all the ten years he's bin in this house. I wonder who's goin' to stay with Mr. Jefireys to-night. Enter Pompey. Pmnp. [Spitting on iron.] Golly! how it sizzles. Hot, ain't it? [Spits on it again and rubs it off with finger, burning himself.] Oh-h-h- oo-oo-ow ! [Dropping iron and dancing around. Mrs. H. What on arth's the matter ? Pomp. [ Yelling.'] If you want any roas' niggah fur dinnah, jis step rite up an' git a slice while it's hot. Mrs. H. [Picking up iron.] Who's goin' to stay with Mr. Jeffreys to-night? Pomp. I is. Gimme a rag. [She gives him one and he winds it on fi^nger. Mrs. H. You, Pompey ? Why, don't you know Mr. Jeffreys ex- pects the Old Nick after him some night ? f(W7ip. No-o-o! Gimme a rag. [Same business. Mrs H. 'Spose he'd come to-night. Pomp. He won't come. Mrs. H. What makes you think he won't come? Pomp. 'Cause a 'spectable niggah like me don't keep cumpny wid debbles, nohow. Gimme a rag. Mrs. 11. Why, you black scoundrel, didn't I jest give you a rag? Now shut your mouth an' help me carry oat this table. [Puts iron on chair. They carry table out L, and return.] Now you take out the fiat-iron an' I'll take the board, [Hands him iron. Pompey spits on it and she cuffs him.] Take that, now. Pwnp. Oh-h-h ! Can't ye stop 'busin' a poor orfun ? Now I ain't gwine to carry ont dat iurn — it sizzles too mu(!h. But you jis put dat iurn rite back in dat char an' I'll carry de char out. Mrs. H, All right. [She does so and exit L. with board. Pomp. [Putting boots, blacking and brush into basket and coming down front with chair.] Dis niggah don' burn hissef on dat iurn agin. [Spits on it.] No, sah ! it sizzles too much. Yah, yah, yah ! Didn't T make her bleeve I ain't 'fraid ob de debble ? But I ain't so shure 'bout dat. Wish I was — but I ain't. [Shaking head.] Dat's wun ob de unsartumties ob life. But I'se in fur it now — an' lessee what I'll do if he does come. [Scratches head.] Oh, yes! I'll — [Fm-gets himself and sits down on iron, yells, jumps up and dances around.] Oh-h, good Lord ! how dat sizzles. It raus' a burned clar troo my bes' breeches — to say nuffin at all 'bout how much furder. [Picks up chair and basket.] Gimme a rag — gimme a hole sheet ! [Exit L. THE LAST OF THE HOrSE OF JEFFREYS. 19 SCENE IV. — Jeffreys' chamber ; bed e.; stand near it ivith lamp ; couch L. with pillow and blankets. Jeffkeys discovered in bed lean- ing on right elbow. Jeff. What is this strange feeling which so oppresses me to-night? Is it born of the tveary past, the gloomy present or the awful future? Is it but a regret, springing from the many memories of my early love, which have recently been so vividly recalled? Is it but a loneliness, arising from the absence oi my trusted companion — the first in all the years we have passed together? Or is it a foreshad- owing of impending evil — a boding, wliich my anxious soul, re- strained by its earthy tenement, can but vaguely comprehend ? Can it b3 that the awful t'liture is now — even now — pressing close upon me ? Yet the thought of it does not terrify me, as once it did. No; I have been strangely calm since my interview with Nellie. I feel that my Helen, whom I so deeply wronged, lias now forgiven me. I saw her in my dreams again, last night, and she no longer looked reproachfully upon me, but she smiled — she smiled — and beckoned me to join her in that better land. Perhaps I may be permitted to do so. I feel a new-born hope — the first that has evtr cheered my dreary lot — now strengthening within me. Pc-raaps the Lord has not utterly forsaken me. Pompey, bring me my Bible. Enter PoMPEY L., with a large Bible. Pom,p. Here it am, sah. [Acts nervous and excited. Jeff. Open it where the book-mark i*^ and lay it on the stand. [He does so and stands quietly by the bedside, while Jeffreys reads aloud Psalm xxiii.] Now, Pompey, you may lie down. It is late and I wish to be up betimes in the morning. [Lies down. Pomp. [Aside.] If he wants to git up so arly, why don' he sit up allnite? [Looks all around, turns lamp low, lies down, jumps up and snuffs.] Don' I smell brimstone smoke? [Snuffs.] Oh, no; it's wun ob dem cats wat carries a 'lumery bottle. [Pompey lies down and covers head with blanket. — Stage dark. — A thunder storm comes up, graducdly increasing in fury. The clock strikes twelve. A vivid Jlash of lightning is followed by a deafening crash of thunder. Enter Hotaling, l., disguised as devil, moving cautiously toward the bed. Pompey awakes, peeps out from under blankets, then rolls off couch in terror, carrying pillow and blankets with him and rises up on knees. Pomp. Oh, good debble ! I'se only a poor niggah — Hot. Silence ! [Making a gesture toward Pompey, who sinks on floor in abject terror, snatches up pillow, puts it on his head and holds it down to floor. Jeffreys rises in bed and stares at Hotaling in horror.] Samuel Jeffreys, I claim the forfeit. [Slowly approaching bed. 20 THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFKEYS. Jeff. "My God. my God, why hast thou forsaken me ?" [Jeffreys sinks hack with a groan. Hotaling springs upon the bed and grasps him by the throat. TABLEAU. END OF ACT II. A.CT III. SCENE 1.— Jeffreys' office, as in Act I. Richard discovered seat- ed near desk. Rich. The deed is done, the inquest held and the old man buried. I am now the sole owner of the accumulated wealth of the House of Jeffreys. Old Halliday was stricken down, as if by a thunder bolt, when ho heard the news, and he is now a helpless imbecile. Hot- aling must be many miles oway from here, by this time. The im- pudent scoundrel found more money in the safe than I offered him, so he took that, escaped from the window and fled, carrying the will with him, instead of coming back to me. Lucky for him he did. How easy it would have been for me to send a bullet through his brain, silencing him forever. Then I could have told the startled household that I awoke, rushed from my room and met the villain in the hall, as he was escaping from my uncle's chamber. But that is one of my plans that didn't work. Howe»^er, Hotaling is a prudent man and has a quiet tongue. Besides, he wrote me that he would destroy that will — so I may consider my plan a decided success. Now i will enjoy myself, for I have wealth enough and to spare. [A solemn voice is heard behind him. He starts up in fear. Enter Halliday, c. e,, wild and haggard in appearance, speaking as he comes down front. Hal. "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee ; then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided ?" [R1CHA.RD, in a transport of rage, rushes at Halliday, as if to strike him down. Rich. Back to your room, driveling idiot, ere I strike you to the earth ! Enter Nellie c. e., hurriedly. THt LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. 21 Nel. Father ! where are you ? [Bushes between them.'] Stand hack, Richard Jeffreys ! No one hut a coward would strike an old man. Rich. Pardon me, Nellie, but his abrupt entrance and wild words startled me from a fit of deep meditation and I turned to meet the intruder, before I knew who it was. Strike your iatht^r? I hope you will not so misjudge me, Nellie. Nel, I am very anxious about my father. I did not know that he had left his room until 1 came in just now and found him gone. I hope he will not trouble you again. Rich. He'll be no trouble to me at all, Nellie. So let him come as often as he will into this room, where he has spent so many days with my uncle. I shall be happy to have him sit here in remem- brance of his kindness to the poor old man, [Aside.l I'd rather see him in Tophet, though. [Nellie turns to go out with father.] Let me assist you, Nellie. Nel. No, thank you. I need no assistance. [Exeunt c. e. Rich. 1 nearly Spoiled my chan3es with Nellie that time. I have not said anything to her about my love, since the appearance of His Satanic Majesty — she has been so much engaged in caring for her father and I have had too much delicacy to intrude upon her sorrow. But 1 fancy that I have recommended myself as a candidate for her favors, by "procuring the most skilful medical advice for her father and offering them both a home during his illness, I induced her to accept such lavors by telling her I did it all in the name of my un- cle. And then, I've reformed, too, ai.d I am meditating the propri- ety of turning divinity student and plunging headlong into ortho- dox theology — all for'Nellie. I'll have that girl yet — she's the one thing needful to complete my happiness. [A gentle rap is heard l.] Come in. [Enter Miss Wyckoff.] Oh — ah — excuse me for not op- ening the door. I thought it was merely some gentleman on busi- ness. 3Iiss W. [Haughtily.] Make no apologies, sir. / have come on business and expect no better treatment than your other business callers receive. Rich, Don't you? You're modest in your expectations. But be seated. [IViey sit] What progress have you made ? Miss W. I have finished the letter. I have a large number of notes and letters, which Mr. Jennison has sent me, relative to my lawsuit and other business matters. So I have been able to pick out, one by one, all the peculiarities of his handwiiting. Rich. Well, now. Miss Wyckcff, you have a busines^s way about you that I admire. What a magnificent forger you are ! 3Iiss W. Sir! Mr. Jeffreys — Rich. That's my name. Miss W. Your impudence is past forbearance. Rich. Yet you seem to bear it. Miss W. [Starting up.] I will not any longer. Rich. Yes, you will — you'll finish the business you came for. Miss W. [Spitefully.] Not from any love for your company, how- 22 THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. ever. \^Ilesumes seat. Rich. But from an ardent desire to be revenged on Nellie Halli- day, because her pretty face has won the admiration of Mr. Jenni- son. Now don't you think me a very successful mind-reader?^ 3fiss W. I care nothing for your accomplishments in that direc- tion. Bich. Ah. indeed ! Well, your desire for revenge overcomes your repugnance for me, and we work together for the same purpose. It's not the first time thai two hostile forces have fought side by side against a common enemy. Miss W. Since I am accommodating you quite as much as I am gratifying myself, you ought to be a little more civil, if you can be, Mich. Wefl, I'll practice a little. Kesume business. Miss W. Mr. Jennison writes quite a light hand lor a gentleman and I quite a heavy one for a lady. So I have been able to imitate his handwriting very successfully. Here is the letter. [Handing it to him. Rich. [Reading.'] "Dear Sir:— In reference to tne debt I owe you, I would say that I shall be amply able to pav it in full, after my marriage with Miss WyckofF. Until then 1 ask your for- bearance. Yours &c., To Richard Jeffreys, Esq. Edward Jennisox." Miss Wyckoff, that is a masterly imitation of his handwriting.. It would deceive Jennison himself. Miss W. Show it to Nellie Halliday. If it deceives her, that it* all I ask. Rich. I will do so, but we run a great risk, If there is really an engagement between them, we may not succeed. [Pats letter in desk. Miss W. I tell you there is no engagement — it is impossible — I don't believe it. Mr, Jennison is a man of too much sense to tie himself to a girl like her. Now they are both as proud as Lucifer, and if a doubt once comes between them — Enter Pompey l. Rich. What now, Pompey ? Pomp. De masons am cum fur to fix dat seller wall you want mendid an' dey wants to see you. Dey's ready togo to work. [Exit. Rich. Excuse me for a moment. Miss Wyckoff. I'll be back di- rectly. [Exit L. Miss W. [Rising.] It cannot be that they are engaged — it must not be. I know that, if it were not for that Nellie Halliday, I could bring Mr. Jennison to a proposal at once. I have wealth enough for us both, and I want him for the position he can give me. He is a rising lawyer and is destined to make his mark in this world. My wealth will aid him greatly in his upward course — will open oppor- tunities to him, which are almost, if not quite, denied to a poor man — such as he would be with Nellie Halliday, who has not a cent in the world. THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. 23 Nellie raps c. e. and enters. Nel. Oh! excuse me,Miss Wvckoff. I thought M r. Jeffrey s was here 3nss W. He just stepped out. But come in, Miss Halliday. I wish to see you a momeat. [Nellie comes down front.'] Do you love Edward Jennison ? Nel. \^Confused.'] I-I-I cannot answer that question. Miss W. It is sufficiently answered by your manner. Will you give liim up ? Nel. To you ? Miss W. Yes, to me. Nel. Mr. Jennison will ask a release personally, when he desires one, and not through a second party. Miss W. I can give him wealth and influence to assist nim in win- ning that position in public life, which he is so well qualified to till. But you — you would only be a dead weight to sink him deeper and deeper into obscuritv. Think again, Miss Halliday — what can you offer such a man as Edward Jennison ? Nel. I can offer him a woman's love — an emotion to which your stony heart is a total stranger, /can offer hira a woman's encour- agement, and that, to him, will a prove a stronger incentive to work and win than all the wealth you could lavish upon him. Miss W. Woman's fiddlesticks! Have you filled your mind with dish-water novel i and sickish love stories, that you talk such non- sense to me ? Nel. He is too noble to purchase advancement in this world — least ol all would he do it with the money of his wife. Enter Richard l. Rich. Ah ! I see you have had pleasant company during my ab- sence, Miss Wyckoff. Miss W. Very pleasant, indeed. Miss Halliday is so entertaining. Rich. \^AsideJ] I bet the fire flew when they struck. Two women after the same man wouldn't be very safe visitors in a powder-mill. Miss W. I must bid you both good morning now. Nel. Good morning. Rich. [Shoiving her o.ut ] Good morning. [Exit Miss W. Nel. I must now return to my father, I only stepped in to tell you the m.asons had come, as 1 couldn't find Pompey to send to you. Rich. 1 have just been out to see them. But wait a moment, Nel- lie. 1 wish to speak to you. Since my uncle's death 1 have refrained from speaking to you on that subject, which, you know, lies so near my heart. But 1 cannot postpone it any longer. Nel. I cannot listen to you, Mr. Jeffreys. Rich. My love for you is the same, Nellie, but I am a different man. My'uncle's sad death and your own words have startled me into an awful realization of what my past life has been. It shall be such no longer. Nel. T will be frank with you, Mr. Jeffreys. It is impossible for 24 THE LA8T OF THK HOI SE OF JKFFKKVS. me to become your wife —I am already betrothed to Mr. Jennisoii. Rich. [Aside.] Hell furies! Must I always have that man flung into my face? [Aloud.] Mr. Jennison, Nellie ? That cannot be. He expects to marry Miss Wyckoff Nel. Marry Miss Wyckoff! Rich. That's what I said. Nel. What do you mean, sir? Rich. Just what I said. Nel. Upon what do you base your opinion, pray ? Rich, Upon the very best foundation imaginable— he mentioned it to me in one of his business letters. I'll find it — it must be in my desk somewhere. [Looks for it. Net. A letter from Edward Jennison, in which As tells you that he expacts to marry Miss Wyckoff? Impossible, sir! Rich. [Aside.] How it cuts her. I'll give her another thrust. [Aloud.] He is considerably in debt and expects to relieve himself from embarrassment as soon as he gets his hands on Miss Wyckotf'.s money. Nel. Richard Jeffreys — Rich He was considerably taken aback to learn that my uncle left you none of his property. So he has hit upon this new plan of relieving himself from financial difficulties. Ah ! here's the letter. [Handing it to her,] You know his handwriting, I suppose. Nel. Yes, I know it well — and this is his. [Reads.] Oh! what words are these! Rich. [Aside.] I thought that letter would do it. [Aloud.] Now you see the difference between the mercenary passion ol Edward Jen- nison and the sincere afi'ection of Richard Jeffreys. Nel. [Excitedly.] What! no date? Richard Jeffreys, this letter is a forgery ! [Flings it down. Rich. [Aside.] Curse Miss Wyckoff 's stupidity. Nel. Edward Jennison never wrote that letter. No business man — much less a lawyer — would write so important a letter and omit the date. Rich. I assure you, Nellie, it is no forgery of mine. I received that letter in the way of business. Nel. [Contemptuously.] "Business!" Yes, if you call your con- temptible plotting with Miss Wyckoff ''business." I see it all now. I can understand why Miss Wyckoff wanted rae to give up Mr. Jen- nison. Rich. [Aside.] Damnation ! tvas she such a fool as that ? Nel. Do not have the effrontery to tell me that he owes you a debt. He owed your uncle nothing. Before his death you had not a cent you could call your own — much less any" indebtedness from Edward .lennison. Rich. [Aside.] It's her turn 1o thrust now. Nel. Nor is he so contemptible a creature as to marry any woman for her money and then take that money to pay his debts. You cannot comprehend true manhood, Richard JeflTreys, and you havfe THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. 25 mistaken your man. [Exit Mich. Wh-e-e-e-w ! Disappeared in a thuiider-gnst ! What a lit- tle vixen she is, really. 1 wouldn't take her for a wife, if I could have her jusi as well as not— and the prospects are that t shan't be troubled. How handsome she looked, though. And how she lashed rae. Yet there was something refreshing about it, I'd rather be cuffed by such a woman than caressed by Miss VVyckoff'. But isn't her faith in Jennison s^omething sublime ? It's a pity to spoil it — but I will. I'll find some blemish in his wonderful perfection. [Picks up letter.^ Coniound Mis-, Wyckotf for her stupid blunder. [Tearing letter.] If she had been blessed with one- tenth as much brains as Nellie has, we might have been successful. As it is, we are w^orse off than we were before. But we shall see. [Exit l. SCENE II. — Garden. Corner of Jeffreys' house seen l. Enter Nellie r. Nel. How much longer must I remain in this honse which has now become so hateful to me? Now that my poor father is able to be moved, his bewildered brain imagines this to be his daughter's house and he exclaims piteously against being driven from his Nel- ie's home. Yet 1 cannot remiin here longer as a dependant upon Richard's boiuity. What shall 1 do? I have no one to advise me now, but Edward. And shall I go to him ? Yes, yes, I will. I know he never wrote that letter. [Approaching house.] 'Twas from this window that the murderer escaped, after the commission of his horrid crime. Oh ! was it not cruel enough to murder the kind old man, without taking advantage of his strange delusion and making death doubly terrible to him? Mothinks I see him now, yielding to his fate, in the firm conviction that the Lord had forsaken him and had allowed the Iwil One to dr;ig his soul down, down into per- dition. [^Stor^s.] Ha ! what's that — half buried in the sand ? [Picks upknife.\ A knife ! and marked with the letter "H." God grant that this may prove a clue to the detection of the murderer. [Exit. Enter Pompey r., carrying in one hand a watering-pot, with the spout broken off, and holding a rooster by the legs, in the other hand. Pomp. Oh, deah ! wish I'd bin born in two volumes — like de Ski- amese twins. Den I mit*^ a done two tings to wunst an' bin a hap- py niggah. But I only cum wun at a time an' de udder fellah aint got along yit, so I'm de mos' misable niggah on dis vej-th. It's hard enufF, de Lord knows, fur me to do wun ting to a time — 'speshally if I don' feel disposed — but when de folks tola me to do two tings to wunst, I 'sider it's imposin' on dis niggah's good niture. Now dare's Miss Nellie, she tole me fur to take de waterin' pot an' sprinkle wa- ter all ober her sun-flowers, an' unvuns, an' dandeliums, an' beets 26 THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. an' hollyhocks, an' cabbiges — an' den Mrs. Hough, she tole me fur to ('ot3h de ole red rooster an' kill him fur dinnah. Den I got so mixed up dat I'll be doggoned if didn't run down de waterin' pot an' sprinkle de ole rooster all ober de posy bed. Golly! didn't he squawk. Well, de fact ob de hole business is, I aint had no cum- furt since ole Mr. Jeffreys died. De fust ting wat happened to wor- ry me was dat corner's inquest — thought dey n^bber would git troo wid it. It tooK three lawyers, six jurymen an' an ole bull head ob a Justis ob de Peeses a hole day to find out if de ole man was ded. Dat's wat cums ob studyin' law so much — it always makes a man slow to know anyting. Now I knowed it all de time — an' dat's de fus time I knowed wun niggah's hed am worf more'n ten white wuns. An den de lawyers tried to make me bleeve it wasn't de debble dat choked Mr. Jeffreys. Wasn't I dare? Didn't I see him — an' smell him ? Who in de debble was it, if it wasn't de debble? An' dat's de way it goes — trials, troubles an' tribulations fur dis niggah all de time. De only wav I has to cheer me is to warble some little upper-attic air — like dis wun : [Singing.^ De rooster am a purty bird, He libs on wums an' corn ; He wakes us in de mornin' up A blowin' on his horn. His legs am like two crooked sticks, His nose am built ob horn ; He hasn't got no teef at all To chaw de Ingin corn. He flies on top de chickin coop De country fur to view ; Den flops his wings an' sings his song — His cock-a-doodle-doo. He flies into de garden beds, An' scratches wid his toes ; An' when he finds an angle- wum He eats him wid his nose. But dis one here no more will eat De angle- no stranger — that's certain, and I more than half believe that Richard could tell morn than he will. A lawyer should be the last man to suspect another of crin)e withoui any evidence, but 1 cannot help feeling that he was in some way concerned in his uncle'.s '"taking off," At any rate, I will keep a close watch upon him. Enter Miss Wyckoff l. Miss W. Good afternoon, Mr. Jennison. Jen. Good afternoon. Be seated, please. [They sit. Miss W. I just dropped in, ai I was passing, to see how my case is getting along. Jen I have received a letter from Messrs Quirk & Quibble, at- torneys for defendant, stating that they are willing to settle. Miss W. Indeed ! Well, I thought your shrewdness and ability would soon bring them to terms. Jen. [Aside.^ Kow for some soft soap. Miss W. I cannot expect to profit by the services of so able a law- yer without paying well for them. [Opening purse.'] Here are $50 more for your services. Jen. Not now, Miss Wyckoff, thank you. Wait until the case is finally disposed of. Miss W. Just as you wish, Mr. Jennison, but I shall insist upon paying you well. [Rising.'] Good afternoon. [Exit L. Jen. That woman fondlv thinks her case one of the most difficult 28 TMK LAHT OF THK HOIT8K OF JEFFREYS. that ever graced the calendar of the Circuit Court, when in fact it is as clear as the sunlight which streams through my office window. But that is a common delusion on the part of clients. It is seldom, however, that a lawyer tires of receiving pay, but if I am heartily sick and tired of anything in this world, it is that woman's purse — and soft soap. I really believe she would £;ive ma her whole for- tune — her own precious self included — if I should give her half a chance. Knter Nellik i.. Nel. Good afternoon, Edward. Jen. Why, good afternoon, Nellie. This is an agreeable surprise-. Nel. May I ask you a question, Edward ? Jen. Certainly you may — a dozen, if you wish. But be seated first, [They sit.] It isn't very often that I have a young lady for a client and J rather enjoy it. Nel. But you often have a rich one. Jen. Yes — 1 just had a severe attack of that complaint. The at- tacks are very regular. But you are forgetting your questiorj. Nel. Do not think me impudent, Edward, but— but — Jen. But what, Nellie ? Nel. Do you owe Richard Jeffreys anything? Jen. Not a cent. Why do you ask ? Nel. I will explain at another time. I have luoiv inqKniaiit bii-- iness now. [ Takes out knife. Jen. Well, if that's the way all young lady clienix come prepared, I'll steer clear of them. I hope you didn't com*- here with any malice aforethought. Nel. None whatever — unless it be toward the man who lost ihi:* knife. Jen. I do not understand you, Nellie. Nel. I found this knife, this morning, beneath the window from which the murderer escaped, t hope it mav prove a clue to th«? mystery. [Hands it to him. Jen. I hope it may. I see its handle is marked with the letter "H." May I keep it, Nellie? Nel. Certainly. Jen. In all tlie history of crime, 1 can recall no murder that was more skilfully planned than this. I have studied the case carefully and 1 trust that this knife will aid me in my further investigations. Nel. Have you any theory in regard to the murder ? Jen. Who was most benefited by the death of Mr. Jeffreys ? Nel. Why — Richardj I suppose — but — Jen. Exactly, keep that point in view. Now, the crime must have been committed by some one who was — (1) Familiar with Mr. Jeffreys' rooms; (2) Acquainted with his strange delusion ; (3) Cognizant of the fact that your father would be away that night. Richard had incurred many gambling debts and was sorely pre.ssed THE LAST OK THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. 29 for money. He was his nncle'? only heir. He has a wicked, mali- cious disposition. On the morning'belore the murder, 1 met him in the street, and when I declined to yield to him as a suitor for your hand, he told me he had a faculty uf clearinj; his patinvay before him. When he forebade my entmng his uncle's house again and J told him he had n(» right to do so, he remarked that he might have a right sooner than I expected. Add to all this, his indilierence, his refusal to contribute toward the reward offered and his deter- mined opposition to the employment of an experienced detective — Nel. [All excitement.^ Denounce the villain to the world ! Jen. Not yet, Nellie. These things are liardly legal proofs. Nel. You lawyers are always so slow I Jen. Kui sure, Nellie. Richard is shrewd— fertile in resources. He has wealth and influence and we must not even let him know that he is suspected, until we have a clear case. Then we can crush him at once with the full force of it. There is such a thing, too, as our being mistaken. 1 do not think it was Richards hand, howev- er, that strangled his uncle. He probably had an accomplice, and that accomplice is, doubtless, the owner of this knife. yel. But what shall 1 do? I cannot remain in that house anv longer — yet my poor father objects to our leaving. Jen. Why so '! Nel. He imagines that it is his Nellie's hou.se and he says he will not be driven from her hojoe. .Jen. What makes him think it is your house? Nel i cannot tell, tmless it is because we have lived there so long. Jen. Does he talk ot anything else ? Nel. I have heard him talk in a rambling way about a will, Jen. Indeed ! We n)ay discover something more than a murder- er, Nellie. Nd. Diiicover him and I hhall be satisfied. [Rises. Jen. \^Rising.~\ While you are reconciling your father to a remov- al, you may discover more. Come to me again on Thursday. Mean- while I will be on the alert. Nel. I will do so. Good afternoon. Jen. Good afternoon. [Showing her out.] The first clue, although it does not point directly to Richard. I will see that this knife is carefully secured. [I uts it in pocket.] And now for my afternoon's mail. [Exit l. aCEl^ElY.— Woods. Enter Pymaker E., tramping back, having a neiv tail on his coat, of a different color from the rest of it. Py. [Tripping and falling headlong,] "Slap, bang, here we are again !" [Getting up.] That twig rather upset my dignity — or what 30 THE LAUT OF THE HOUSF: OF JEFFREYS. there is left of it, for 1 confess it's badly decayed. 1 think 1 may safely return to the village now. I've been engaged in the retaUiny business since I left here, [Showing coat-tail.'} and the marshal won't know me now. My conscience has troubled me continually since that evening in the woods. I ought to have returned at once to thwart the plans of those two villains, if possible. But I'll return now and do what I can to ferret them out. But first let me practice my new song a little more, before I present it to an appreciative audience. [Clears throat during prelude and sings : Through the forest shades I traiup, thinking, mother dear, of you. And the good and wholesome fare I once enjoyed ; And the tears they fill my eyes, spite of all that I can do, For my stomach seems a vast and boundless void. Tramp, tramp, tramp. I'm sadly marching, Look out, housewives. I advance ; And beneath ray ragged vest there's an "aching void" to fill With your meat, potatoes— cake and pie, perchance. [A bell is heard, in the distance. Hark! I hear the village bell** ringing for noon. I shall be late to dinner. [Exit L. SCENE V. — O' BhARtiEY^ii groggery ; nn oldbari^.H.; table and chairs R. H,; 1 L. E. leading to street; U. L. E. to kitrhen ; 1 K. E. to sit- ting-room ; U. K. E. to Hotaling's roo7/t. O'Hl.vkxey discovered behind counter drinking. Mich. Och ! but whishky'** a raoighty foine thing in the roight place. [Leaning on counter.'] Now, be the Howly Vargin, but it's moighty hard for an honesht boy loike me to arn a daycint livin'. .\ few wakes ago 1 sold my ould raither's lasht cow an' bot a slimall shtock o' whishky an' shtarted this jewil uv a bordin' house. The ould lady objicted at tirsht, but whin I tould her ye moight as well thry to raise pialies in yer hat as to run a daycint bordin' house widout whishky, she saw the force o' me argymint at once. [Mixes another drink,] It was milk ur whishky wid us thin, so we thot we'd shquaze along widout the milk an' — [Drinks.] Och ! but whishky's a moighty foine thing in the roight place. But now me shtock o' whishky's almosht gone. An' me ould niither kai>es a tazin' an' a tazin'for the pay for the cow,an'it's little pace o'moind she gives me whiniver she's around, till I gives her a dhrop o' whishky, an' that makes her furgit her ould cow. It makes her talk, too, but that's a wakeness uv her sex, [Drinks, Enter Mrs. O'Bi.arney 1 r. e, Mrs. O'JB. The top o' the mornin' till yez, Michel Mich. An' the Ix)ttom o' me tumbler. [Aside.] Now for the ould cow a^in. THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. 31 Mrs. O'B. Dhrinkin' agin', Michel, an* not ofFrin' your poor ouM mither a dhrop!— an' she a nadin' the pay for her cow- Mich. Tazin' agin, mither! Why can't* ye hould yer ould tung an' let a poor boy alone, till he can arn the n.oney to pay yez ? Mrs. O'B. Ooii! Michel, it's toinie I've bin a glvin' yez for foive long wakes, an" not u blissid cint have [ got for me wtiitin' ayther. An' it's a wishin' that I am that I had nie ould cow back agin, {Sob- bing.) She was the thwatest baste that iver whtraddled a pail. She niver shwitched her tail intil me face in all the tin long years I had her. {Sobs violently.) It makes the tears come intil my ould eyes iv- ery loime I think uv her — Mich. Oh, shtop yer blarney, mither I Mrs. OB. Och ! Michel, it's little Bridget OToole thot, whin she marrid Barne>' O' Blarney, ihat her ildest son would Iver ted his poor widdid mither to shtop her blarney — an' she a' nadin' the pay for her cow — m' him wid a hole dhrawer full o' mon>3y the hole blissid toime. Mich. Divila. cint uiv 1 got in the dhrawer. {Showing it.) See that now. But come, mither, let me fix yez up sumthin hot an' shtrong, afore ye go out into the shtratg this mornin'. Mrs. O'B. {With signs of satisfa'ition.) Arrah, me honey! it's many a lalk that I've had with ver poor ded father, a tellin' him that it was Michel, that'd be a cumfurt an' a blessin' to his poor mither in her ould age. But only a dhrop, Michel — on.y a dhrop. (Leawi over bar. Mich. ( Handing her liquor. \ Och I mither, but whishky's a moighty foine thing in the roight place. Ye loike it yersilf bstter'n milk. Mrs. O'B. Ach-h-h! Michel, don't tilk to me Uv' milk, whin I've a dhrop uv this afore me. Milk turns me shtomach loike wather. J^nier HoTALiNO, U. R. E., limping. Mich. An' ye concluded to git up, did ye ? It's a long wholle pas thrain toime ye've bin shlapin', Mr. Hotaling. Ye won't be afther lavin' us to-day, will ye ? Hot. {Sitting down by table.) Why in h — 1 didn't you wake me up in time for the train, you fool ? Mich. Indade, Mr, Hotaling, an' I shtuck me hed intil yer room a short toime ago, an' yer nose was singin' sicli a shwate lullaby in- til yer ears, that I hadn't the hart to waken yez at all, at all. Mrs. O'B. I guess I'll be afther makin' Mr. Hotaling's bed now. {Exit u. R. E. Hot. Well, I must stay here till night now, so fix me up some- thinjfc hot and strong, Michel. Mich. All roight — I'll go an' git sum hot wather. {Exit u. L. e., ivith pitcher. Hot. {Putting hands to head.) Will this cursed pain never cease ? My head will burst! All night long this steady throbbing of ray temples has tortured me, as if some fiend, with measured blows, were driving a wedge into my head, to cleave my skull, dash out my 32 THE LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFKEY8, brains and disclose my secret thoughts unto the world. And the old man's cry is ringing in my ears. Never, until they are deaf in death, will they cease to hear that cry. I must fly from this accurs- ed place. Had I not sprained ray ankle, when I leaped from the old man's window, I would have been far away from here, ere this. [HoTALiNa bows head on table. Enter a Boy, who posts up a notice of $300 Reward for the arrest of the thief who stole Miss Wyckoff's silver, marked ^ J. G. W" and exit 1 L. E. Enter Michel with pitcher. Mich. I'll soon have it ready for yez an' it'll do yez good. Hot. Hurry up. 3Iich. I'm a comin', Mr. Hotaling. {Taking it to him.) Here it i.** shtarain' hot an' shtrong as Samson. [Michel sets the liquor on table and then goes up and reads notice of Hevjard, pointing as if spelling out each word. Hotaling sips liq- uor and then absent-mindedly takes spoon from pocket and stirs his drink. Hot. \_Aside.] Curse the luck ! I don't like to hang around here another day. Mich. [To himself] Three hundred dollars reward for the man that shtole Miss Wyckoff's silver, marked "J. G. VV." Kedad ! if 1 could only git the reward, the poor divel that did the shtalin* moight go. [Turns and sees Hot\ling.] A shpoon ! I niver seen him have that afore. [Creeps up caiUiously and looks over his shoulder . Hot. [Aside.] Jeifreys thinks me many miles away from h*^re by this time. I've got the will yet and a d — d sight more money than he offered me. Mich. [Aside.] Fwat a purty shpoon ! Solid silver, too I Fwat'.n that he's a talkin' about now ? [Listens. Hot. [Aside ] $2,000 reward for the criminal, eh ? Mich. [Aside.] No, bedad 1 it's only $300, Howly Mowses! fwat's thim letters on that shpoon ?—**J. G. W."— an' "W" shtands for **Wyckolf." I'll hav him arreshted an' git the reward. [Goes to bar. Enter Pymaker 1 l. e. jFy. How are you, O' Blarney ? Mich. Foine, Mr. Pymaker, an' how's yersilf ? Py. As well as could be expected of a man that slept in a dry goods box. 3Iich. An' didn't ye hav nuthin at all to kape yez warm ? Py. Not a drop. Mich. [Leading him down front.] Now, if ye'll tind me bar jist two minnits, whoile I shtep out, ye may hav all ye wants, Py. Agreed I [Goes behind bar. Mich. [Aside.] I'll go an' foind an officer, (Exit 1 l. e. THB LAST OF THE HOLi^K OF JEFFREYS. 3;^> Fy. All I want, eh ? That's wha: 1 call a ''phnt take." Til pro- ceed to take it. {Drinks and fills bottle. Hot. (Aside.) I wonder wiiere 1 lost that knife. If 1 dropped ii in the old man's chamber, it's all up with me, unless I get away Irom here, and that predy soon, [brinks liquor eei\ banished from the corpo- ration by the marshal, I did not deem it prudent to risk my pre- cious person back in the village to interfere with plans that I knf^w nothing about. So I tramped on. Here ends chapter one. Jen. Quite entertaining. Give us chapter two. Py. After tramping about the country a while, T felt conscience- smitten and determined to come back and find out what their devil- try was. No sooner had I arrived in the village than I learned of the murder and the robbery, both of which occurred on the very night after my forest adventure, I understand that a reward of $2,000 is offered in the first case and $300 in the other. Jen. You are right — go on, Py. Well, it's the $2,000 I'm alter — win't afford to work for a pal- try $300. THE l.AST Ol- THE HOUSE OF .1KFFREYS. 41 Je7i. [Eagerly.'] Have you any due to the nuinlerer ? ly. J'ni on the track of a rascal and I'm going to make a ni'u-der- er of him if 1 can, because it's the most profitable just now. But you interrupt the continuity of my narrative. Having got on a big drunk yesterday, I was locked up. This morning I met a fellow prisoner by the name of Hotaling, At the very first his voice and form seemed strangely familiar, but when he spoke of finding a spoon in the woods one evening, marked "J. (t. \V.,'' I spotted him as VillaiTi No. 1, Jen. Do vou reallv think he had anv connection with the murder of Mr. Jeffreys? Py. That's just what I want you to help lue figure out. Jen. Perhaps 1 have a chie that connects him directly with thai atltiir. Py. Have you ? Then we can work together like a yoke of oxen on this job. But, remember, you are my attorney. Jen. Never fear — you shall have the reward, if we win it. Take back this bill, too. [Handing it.] 1 need no retainer to interest me in this case, and you need it to buy you a new coat. Py, Thank you — you are very kind. Jen. Now the question is, Who is the other villain? Py. Hold on a minute. This Hotaling wanted me to take a note to Mr. liichard Jefireys — Jen. Just as I mistrusted. They're the two villains. Py. Well, perhaps you know more about this case than 1 do ? Jen, Did you take tliat note ? Py. Of course I did, in hopes of getting a glimpse of Villain No. 2. Jen. Have you delivered it ? Py. No — I've got it here, but the more 1 read it the less 1 under- stand it. Here it is. [Handing it] This ends chapter two. The third chapter will contain the denouement, and must be the joint product of our two heads. Jen. This word **doc" is doubtless an abbreviation of the word "document," and I think I know to what it refers ; but this ''ma«que- rade in the chimney" puzzles me Py. That refers to the disguise worn by the murderer. Jen. Very likely. Py. It has already been discovered by Mrs. O' Blarney. Jen. [Bising.] Then I will go and secure those things at once. You had better deliver this note to Mr. Jeffreys and see if you can identify him as Villain No. 2, as you call him. We must work this ca.se up at once. [Exexmt l. 42 THE LAST OF THE MOUSE OF JEFFREYvS. SCENE IV. — Bach room in Jeffreys' house. Enter Mrs. Hough, r. h., with a pan of potatoes . Mrs. H. Pompey. Pomp. [ Within L.] Dat's de name I goes by . Mrs. H. Bring me a chair an' knife. I'll pare my potatoes iiere, where it's cool. Enter Pompey with chair and knife. Pomp. Heah am de articles in question. Mrs. H. [Sitting r. h.] There now. I do wonder what's come over Richard now-a-days. He aint half as lively an' sociable as he used to be, an' he keeps himself shut up in his room, for all the world like an oyster in his shell. But I spose his uncle's death goes hard with him. Richard was a wild boy, but I guess he loved his poor old uncle after all, an' feels sorry now for the trouble he made him. Pomp. Praps he's 'fraid de debble's comin' after him sum nite, too. 3Tr8. H. Now, Pompey, do you reelly believe you saw old Satan himself? Pomp. Didn't I swar to it on de inquest? D'ye spose I'd lie 'bout a solium ting like dat ? 'Pears to me you tink I'se a raitey big liar. Mrs. H. 1 thought you might a bin mistaken. Pomp. Mistaken ? Don' de debble go a hoofin it round de coun- try a lookin' fur surabody to chaw up ? An' didn't he raos' chaw me up dat nite ? Mrs. H. Well, Pompey, did you know Miss Nellie's going away to-morrow? I'm 'fraid this will be a lonseome old house when she's gone. Pomp. Miss Nellie gwine away ? Den dis niggah's gwine to pack his Sarytogy an' go too. \_A loud knock is heard C. E. Mrs. H. Go to the door, Pompey. Pomp. [Opening door.'] G'way frum heah, white trash \ We don' 'low no tramps round heah, no how. Py. [Outside.'] 1 want to see Mr. Richard .Jeffreys. Mrs, H. [Starting up.] Go(xl Lord I 1 know that voice. It's the same tramp I s^ot the dog on last week. [Goes to door.] Go 'way, you ornery scamp, or I'll set the dog on you agin. Py. I tell you I must see Mr. Jeffreys. Enter Nellie l. Nel. Mrs. Hough — Pompey — what is all this disturbance a!x>ut ? Pomp. Dare's a doggoned ole white tramp out dare dat .says he wants to see Mr. Jeffreys. 3Irs. H. The very same one I s' drove you both from this house, an' I know the Lords blessin' will never rest on this house again, until the villain that murdered Mr. Jeffreys is brought to justice. 1 wish I could do something for you, Nellie, an' your father, too, who always had a smile an' a itind word for me. But 1 will pray for you both. Pomp. [ Wiping eyes.] So will I, too. Miss Nellie — 'deed I will. Nel. God bless you boih. TABLE A U. KND OF ACT IV A.CT V. SCENE 1. -O'Blahney's place, as in Act III. Mks. O'BLAJiNEY and Michel seated at table with glasses of liquor before them.. Mrs. O'B. Fwat was it, Michel, Mr. Jennison tould yez about the divil's shkin an' the payper? Mich. Whin he took 'em, he sed Mr. Jeffreys would be loikely to cum afther 'em both, but not a wurd must we shpake till him about ayiher one — not fur the loife uv us. Mrs. O'B. It's divil a word will he git out o' Bridget O'Blarney 44 THi: LAST OF THE HOUSE OF JEFFREYS. about 'em — tie dliirty tliatV that he is, a tlirvin' to .^htale Miss Nfl- lie's property. Enter Richakd, 1 l. k.. followed by Pymakek. Rich. Where's Jack Hot ling's room? Mich. In the cownty jale, Mr. Jeffreys — that's where he's a bord in' now, Py. \_Aside.'] Next door to mine. Rich. I mean the room he slept in here, yon blockliead. Mich. {Pointing.) That's it in there. (Richard goes in.) Kuni- mige aroun' all ye wants, but divil a soight'll ye git o' what yer af- ther. Cum, Mr Pymaker, an' take a dlirop wid us, whoile that fool hunts till his hart's contint. [They sit and sip liquor. Mrs. O'B. An' Mr. Hotaling didn't shtale Miss Wyckofl's shpoons afiher ail, xMr. Pymaker? Fy. Not a bit of it -he found the one he had in the woods. Mich Thin Pve lost me reward an' I can't p ly yez fur the cow at all, at all. Fy. Never mind, O' Blarney, you're entitled to a share of the otli- er reward. Mich. Indade an' thin I will pay yez, mil her. 3Iss. O'B. 1 always knew ye would, Michel, fur she was a shwate baste. (Noise within.) Hear that blackguard a bumpin' aroun' in there now [Loud crash.) Oh, the dhirty baste ! he's broke me wash bowl an' pitcher. [Rushes in. Michel starts to follow. Fy. [Stopping him.) Hold on — let your mother fix him. There's blood in her eye. Mrs. G' B. [ Within.) Git out o' here, ye shtinkin' brute. [He runs in, followed by her with the broom.) If iver ye shtick yer bed intil that room agin, I'll larrup yer dhirty back till ther aint a hole bone left in yer ould shkiliton — moind that now. Rich. [To Michel.) Where's that paper Hotaling left in his room ? Mich. Indade an' I niver knew Mr. Hotaling iver had enny pay- per. Was it a Fray Fress, a Fosht, an Avenin' Nooze — Rich. It was a written paper, you fool. Mich. Faith an' I niver knew afore that they iver printed paypers in wroightin'. Rich. [Savagely.) Who's been in that room? Mich. Yersilf an' me ould mither. Rich. {Fiercely.) Who went in there before she did ? Mich. An' wasn't it yer own silf, Mr. Jeffreys? Rich. [Approaching him threateningly.) Look here, scoundrel, some one has been in that room and taken something out, Mrs. O'B. [Approaching him and Nourishing broom.) /wintinthat room, Mr. Jeffreys, an' took a dhirty blackguard out. Rich. Curse it ! I only waste time in parleying with these fools. [Exit 1 L. E. Fy. He's entirely welcome to all the information he got out of IHK l,A8r OP THE HOUSK OV JEFFKKYS. 45 you, (J Blarney. JftcA. So he is, an' il ihe poor divil wasn't in throuble enuft" al- i-eudy, Michel O' Blarney's tw^o li.shts'd tache the loike's o' him bet- ler'n to call an honesht boy a schoundrel. Fy. Wed, I'll go and tind Mr. Jennison. {Exit 1 u e. Mrs. O'B. Cnm, Michel, we'll go an' git dinner now. [Exeunt 1 R. E. SCI'INE U. -StreeJ. Enter Jennison, Pymaker and Officer, l. h. Jen. [To Officer.] I want Hotaling brought down by three o'clock. My intention is ra confront Jeffreys with all the witnesses and proofs, at tne time of his arrest. My object is to show him that we are acquainted with all the deiails of his villainy, and that he has no chance of escape. The only safe way for us is to overwhelm him at once with the full force of our evidence. He is shrewd, fear- less and self-possessed. Give him but a moment to collect himself and his wealth and influence may enable him to lead us a weary chase before we bring him to justice. You had better put Hotaling in charge of some trusty deputy, so that you may be at liberty to go with me into Jeffreys' office. I may nee ! lie cannot bring tlie proofs. Jen. That I may tell my story better, I'll confirm it with wilnesse-* and proofs. [Rings hell. Enter Mks. O'Blarxey and Michel with a bundle, Pymaker and FOMPKY, HoTALiNG handcuffed and in charge of an officer, and Nellie. Rich. Ls my hon.se to be filled with this rabble? Edward . J enni- son, you shall pay dearly for this. Je7i. Let me remind you that this is not your house. Here is the owner herself, to grant this rabble her permission to stay. Rich. You here, Hotaling ? Hot. Unfortunately I am. Jen. Yes, Richird Jeffrey rf, your companion in crime has been arrested for his complicity in that foul murder and now stands -n irons before you. Rich. [Aside.~\ I'll face it through — he's trying to frighten me into a confe.ssion. [Aloud.] Really, Mr Jennison, I'm getting deeply interested in your little farce. Play it through — but remem- ber my turn comes next— a tragedy instead of a comedy. Jen. On the night ot the 9th you met Jack Hotaling in the woods just south of the village, and then and there plotted the death of you uncle and the theft of the will. Mr. Pymaker was a wit- ness to that interview and he is now able to identify you b