French's International Copyrighted (in England, her Colonies, and the United States) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors ©C3©0®GOC©C3S»99<3©" man, the hour has struck ! Slacker. But the alarm clock hasn't gone off, Cap. (Stretching out his arms, lazily) Let me sleep in peace. Officer. And wake up, perhaps too late. My boy, if you do not join the colors now you put your- self in a class of men that is most despised, the class of the slacker — the coward — the shirk. Slacker. I should worry ! Officer. That's just what you should do. If you don't do your duty now, what will be your position in the community later on? I tell you, young man, after the war is over, you won't be able to look your friends in the face, unless you look the enemy in the face now. Slacker. (Laughing) Gas on, MacDufT ! Gas on ! That's what you're paid for. You're doing- fine, believe me. You'll get some likely suckers yet. (Laughs and starts to move off l.) 16 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Officer. (Growing indignant) Wait ! (Goes up to huii) Have you no love for your country? No sense of patriotism? No feeling of loyalty to your native land, these wonderful United States? Slacker. (Contemptuously) United States! What do I owe to the United States? Do I owe it my job at eighteen dollars per? My three square meals a day? My downy couch at night? Not much! I owe what I've got to this — (Tapping his forehead) and this ! (Tapping his arm) And I'm not going to chuck it for any fine words from you or anybody else. To hear you talk one would think the United States was the Garden of Eden ! What is it but the dump heap of all the refuse of the world? The stamping ground of corrupt politicians, . r rafters — the — Officer. (Lifting his hand in zvamhig) Stop! Or you may regret your words ! You are insulting your country, the United States of America. Slacker. The united States be hanged, I say — Officer. (Coining up to him threateningly) Stop, I tell you! (Lifting his hand as if to strike him) Don't speak words you can never take back. A man did that once, and spent the rest of his life in repentance, remorse and shame. ( With quick thought, taking the young man's arm) Did you ever hear of " The Man Without a Country"? Slacker. (Laughing) What was he? A Yidd? Officer. He was a better man than you are. But he cursed his country, as you would do just now. (Indicating tent) Come in here. I'll tell you what happened to him — what it means to sneer at your country. (He leads the Slacker into tlie tent) (The lights fade gradually till the stage is dark.) Curtain THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 17 ACT I Scene: A room on the ground floor of an adminis- tration building at Fort Adams, Mississippi in September, 1807. The room is a plain office, with doors down left (leading out to the parade ground) up right and center back (both into other rooms.) There are windows in side walls down right and up left. In the center of the room is an office table large enough for a dozen men to sit at com- fortably. At the end to the right, sits Col. Morgan, the President of the Court Martial. Beside him to the left is Major Spence, next him Capt. Dayton. On Morgan's right sits Col. Henry and next him Lieut. Blue. At the other end of the table are places for the judge Advocate and the Reporters and for the accused. It is morning about 9 A. M. Everything is commonplace enough within, but out of doors is the singing September day. When the curtain is raised the members of the court are in their places. Two Orderlies stand near the doors. Col. Morgan enters through the doorzvay back center, the Other Officers rise as he takes his place, then sit again. Morgan. (Gravely) Good-morning, gentlemen. The Others. Good-morning. Good-morning, Colonel. Morning, sir. Henry. Any more news, Colonel? Morgan. (Grimly) Nothing definite, the scouts have not come back but Dickinson thinks the Indians 18 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY are massing in force on the other side of the river. Your men are holding themselves in readiness? The Others. Yes, — All ready, sir. They are! Ready, sir ! Morgan. Word may come at any moment ! We must push this ugly business here through and get rid of it. Dayton. Gad, sir, I wish Nolan had gone straight ! Two years ago there was no better man in my companv than he. Morgan. The more shame to him now ! I am not disposed to show him mercy. Henry. Nor I. Morgan. The court is in session. (Turns to orderly up right) Ask the Judge Advocate to come in. Spence. One moment, Colonel. May I have five minutes of the Court's time? Morgan. (Surprised) Yes — but — remember some of us may have to take to our saddles to- day. Blue. And a good job, too ! I'd take to the war path any time to get away from this — and fresh air in my lungs. Spence. Our duty is here also. Morgan. I do not mean to slight it, sir! We are here to mete out life or death to a young officer. (To Spence) If you feel that justice will be better served by your statement at this time, the Court will hear you. Spence. I do feel so ! Morgan. Go on then. Spence. (With a glance at the Orderlies) I'll be brief — but I want " closed session ". (Morgan gives a gesture of dismissal, the Order- lies salute and go out.) Morgan. Well, Spence? THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 19 S pence. (Rising) Just a word — about this lad — on trial here. Henry. Wouldn't it be more regular to speak before him? Spence. More regular, yes — but it would defeat my ends. I want to ask the court to observe the prisoner by the light of what I have to say. Morgan. And that is? Spence. I admit that he's facing the gravest charge that can be made against a soldier — treason ! — but I want to plead for him. I want to remind you that he is only twenty-four and that what Dayton has just said, is absolutely true; that two years ago, Philip Nolan was one of the finest young officers of the Legion of the West. Henry. It is hard to realize that in view of his present infamous conduct. Spence. You mean his defiant bearing? Henry. (Heatedly) I mean his constructive treason and his insolence on top of it. Gad, I'd break his sword on the parade ground ! I'd cashier him before his troop ! Spence. I knew you felt so ! MacLean. So do I ! There's too much of this loose talk against the Government. I move we make an example of this fellow. Spence. May I remind you that the 89th Article of War provides that when a prisoner, arraigned before a general court martial, from obstinacy or deliberate design, stands mute or answers foreign to the purpose, the court may proceed to trial and judgment, as if the prisoner had pleaded not guilty. Lieut. Blue. Perhaps Major Spence has — per- sonal- — I may say family reasons for befriending Lieutenant Nolan. Spence. (Haughtily) I don't understand you, sir. 20 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Blue. Of course where a young lady is con- cerned. Morgan. {To Blue) Major Spence's motives are above suspicion. Spence. If you are referring to my niece, Virginia, I can assure you that her loyalty will al- ways outstrip her affection. Henry. In the name of Heaven, why are we on this subject? Spence. It is not the topic which I chose, sir ! I merely want to hel p a lad too sulky to defend himself. Henry. We are not trying him for being sulky but for beino- a traitor to the United States. Spence. Exactly! Let's hold to that and not harden our hearts because he is sulky ! Let's not forget that he has been led astray more by a youth- ful spirit of adventure and a beguiling friend than by any evil within himself. MacLean. . You condone his treason? Spence. No, but I understand it, I think, a little better than you seem to do. I want to give him justice. Morgan. Do net forget. Major Spence, that every member of this court is tinder oath "to duly administer justice without partiality, favor or affec- tion ". Spence. I do not forget it, sir, but we are deal- ing with a strange nature in a strange mood. He is his own worst enemy, and, gentlemen, there is to me no more moving sight than a lad trying to con- ceal the sensitive, tender, passionate soul of the- boy-he-is, under the hard veneer of the man-he- would-t>e. This wild thing we have caught here in the lariat of the law is no domestic pony from a New England farm — but a wild mustang of the plains, fierce, unbranded, free as the niffht wind. If he is silent it is because he is unable to express THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 21 his heart in words, and because he believes he is guiltless of the charge. He is sore at our failure to understand him. Henry. I am proud of my inability in that mat- ter. Spence. I think that what the boy really needs to put him right with the world is not so much punishment, as a greater chance for service, service and self-sacrifice. It is always the man who has given the most to his country, who loves her best and is most happy in that love. That is why I never pity a dead soldier on the field of battle for I know that he carries the peace that the world cannot give in his silent heart. As for Nolan, punish him if you will, but for God's sake, gentlemen, choose a punishment that shall make,- — not break him. I've done. {He sits down) (Morgan strikes a bell on Jiis desk, the door up right is opened and an Orderly enters.) Morgan. The Court is open. Ask the Judge Advocate to come in. Bring in the prisoner. ( The Orderly makes a gesture to some one through the open door behind him, then turns and goes out into the room behind. A moment later the Judge Advocate, Lieutenant Jack Kingsley, enters through the same door. He comes down, salutes the Other Officers, and sits at his place to the left, spreading out a handful of papers which he carries. He is follozved by a Second Officer, who also carries papers, sits beside Kingsley and acts as the reporter in the case.) Judge Advocate. Good-morning, gentlemen. The Others. Kingsley! Good-morning. Good- morning, sir. 22 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Morgan. Any of the scouts back? Judge Advocate. Not yet. Dixon rode in to say that he hears the Cherokees have been having war dances for the past week. Morgan. Really ! Judge Advocate. Oh, and, Colonel Morgan, Miss Rutledge is in the next room. She requests permis- sion to come in. Morgan. (Decisively) No, she cannot come in. (To Spence apologetically) I'm sorry, Major Spence, since she is your niece, but this is man's business. Spence. I disapprove of it quite as much as you do, Colonel Morgan. (To Kingsley) Tell her, please, it is absolutely impossible. Judge Advocate. (Salutes and turns to go) Yes, sir. (Virginia Rutledge, a high-spirited, beautiful girl of eighteen, bursts into the room, brushing past the Orderly zvho would remonstrate with her.) Virginia. My Uncle will give me permission — I can come in, mayn't I, Uncle? ( The Officers all rise and greet her, she is evidently a favorite.) Spence. Really, Virginia, this is too bad. Morgan. Miss Rutledge, this is no place for you. I cannot allow you to remain. Virginia. Oh, why not? I'll be very good. I won't interrupt. Morgan. It isn't that. It is the unpleasant nature of our task. Virginia. Oh, you think he's guilty. He isn't, I know he isn't, and I want to be here when he proves his innocence. THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 23 Morgan. I wish I had your faith, Miss Rutledge, for we all have been very fond of him, but I fear you are mistaken. Virginia. Oh, you haven't understood him, he is innocent, I know. Morgan. If he is, why does he remain silent in the face of accusation? Virginia. Because you have suspected him; be- cause you have hurt his pride. He is a man of honor and I want to hear him prove it to you here. Please let me stay. Morgan. (After a moment's hesitation) It is cruel to disillusion youth, Spence, but there are some things we all have to learn, even with great pain and suffering. I think perhaps it is our duty to let the child remain. Spence. (Bowing) As you will, sir. (Draws out a chair near himself for Virginia) Virginia. Thank you, Colonel Morgan. (Here the door up right is opened and Lieutenant Philip Nolan enters. He is a tall, handsome, dashing young fellow, clad in his uniform but without a sword. A look of joy lights up his face as he sees Virginia. She answers with a smile that indicates affection and confidence, and she maintains this confident demeanor throughout the first part of the proceedings. Nolan goes to the place reserved for him down left, saluting perfunctorily as he goes. The Other Officers do not return the salute.) Morgan. (To Nolan) Be seated, sir. (Nolan takes his seat. He is szvaggering in his indifference of pose.) Judge Advocate. (After conferring with an 24 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Orderly zvho has just entered from the doorway left) Captain Heath wishes to know who is to command Lieutenant Nolan's troop, if the artillery is called out. Morgan. Lieutenant Dent is next in command. Judge Advocate. He is also our last and principal witness here. Morgan. Have him in at once. (The Judge Advocate speaks to the orderly near who goes through the doorway at the back. A mo incut later Dent enters. He is a fresh- faced young fellow.) Judge Advocate. Your name? Dent. Thomas R. Dent, sir. Judge Advocate. Raise your right hand. (Dent does so) " You swear that the evidence you shall give, in the case now in hearing, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So help you God." Dent. I do ! Judge Advocate. You know the accused? Dent. I do. Judge Advocate. How long have you known him ? Dent. I've always known him, sir — we were brought up on adjoining plantations. Judge Advocate. Where was that? Dent. Outside of Louisville, Kentucky, sir. That's where we lived till we were about sixteen. Judge Advocate. And then? Dent. We ran away to Texas — to be with his brother Stephen. Judge Advocate. What doing? Dent. Hunting wild horses, sir. Judge Advocate. How long did you do that? Dent. For three years. Judge Advocate. And then? THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 25 Dent. Then Stephen got killed — and then we decided to enlist. Judge Advocate. You've seen a good deal of Nolan since ? Dent. With the same battery, sir, and room- mates. Judge Advocate. You know Philip Nolan pretty well. Dent. Better than his mother does, sir. Judge Advocate. Good ! — You know the charge against him? Dent. (Reluctantly) Treason, and complicity with the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Judge Advocate. What can you tell the court about that? Dent. I — I wish I might be excused from testifying, sir, Philip and I look at these things dif- ferently. Judge Advocate. Remember your oath. What can you tell the court about Nolan's acquaintance with Burr? Dent. He knew him, sir. Judge Advocate. When did Nolan first meet Burr? Last year when Burr came through here? Dent. No, sir, up at Fort Massac. On Burr's first trip west. Judge Advocate. Tell the court about it. Dent. Nolan and I were up there with Major Dickinson's detachment after that raid of the Cherokees, and Burr came through. General Haskins gave a dinner party in Mr. Burr's honor and we were all invited. Nolan sat opposite Burr. Burr marked him even before dinner was over. Judge Advocate. You mean Burr paid him special attention? Dent. Most flatteringly — talking to him, defer- ring to him, laughing at his stories. You could see its effect on Nolan from the start. 26 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Judge Advocate. Explain to the Court what you mean by " its effect on Nolan ". Dent. Well, it was like this. We broke up around I A. M. and Burr took Nolan out for a walk. Between three and four o'clock in the morn- ing Philip came back to our quarters. At first I thought he had been drinking, but it wasn't that — he was — he was just plain crazy over Burr — it was ugly to watch — he was hypnotized like a snake with a bird. Judge Advocate. Did he tell you of Burr's scheme ? Dent. Not then — Burr didn't talk of his plans on that trip. He just made Phil think he was the greatest man in America, and his devoted friend — ■ and went off and left him. Judge Advocate. And then? Dent. Nolan never was himself again after that — he used to write to Burr — long letters — and copy 'em and recopy — many a time I'd wake up at night and find him sitting up writing away. Judge Advocate. You mean he kept copies of his letters. Dent. No, I mean he didn't find them easy to write and he was mighty particular about their being as high sounding as he could make them. You see he'd never had any schooling to speak of. Judge Advocate. Um ! Tell us about his educa- tion. You went to school together? Dent. There wasn't any school in those parts, sir, though I remember Phil's father hired a tutor for him one winter — an Englishman I think he was. Judge Advocate. And the rest of the time, — Nothing ? Dent. We weren't exactly in the wilderness you understand — we had lots of fine company. Judge Advocate. Such as ? Dent. A good many Spanish officers stopped THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 27 with us over night on their way to and from Mexico, or there'd be French merchants from New Orleans — fine gentlemen ! Judge Advocate. {To the court) In the midst of the Spanish plot and the Orleans plot ! Morgan. Small chance to learn much patriotism there ! Dent. And Phil travelled some. Once in a while he'd go to Vera Cruz on business for his father. Judge Advocate. To go back to his correspond- ence with Burr. Did you ever know of his getting letters from Burr? Dent. Never a line did he get, sir. The other fellows used to laugh at him because he spent his time mooning round writing away when he might have been playing Monongahela — or high-low-jack. We teased him a good deal, sir, and as the winter passed, it began to tell on him. Judge Advocate. In what way? Dent. He got pretty white and thin. Then — at last — he had his revenge. Judge Advocate. How? Dent. Burr came back. It was a great day for Nolan. Judge Advocate. {Referring to his notes) That was September, 1806. Dent. Right O ! — He talked then ! Burr had not been at the fort an hour before he sent for Phil. He took Nolan out in his boat on the river and kept him all night — he got him then body and soul. Judge Advocate. Did Nolan repeat to you any of the things Burr said to him? Dent. He did — he tried to get me to go in. Virginia. {In hot involuntary protest) Oh ! (Spence silences her with a look.) Judge Advocate. What were some of these things Burr said? 28 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Dent. He — talked like a raving Arabian Nights* Tale. He said that great things were going to hap- pen in the next few years. That every one knew that the wealth of this continent is in Mexico, that the future seat of government must be there, that everyone knew Louisiana would never be a part of the United States, that everyone who knew history knew you had to have one strong centralized govern- ment to endure, not a dozen conflicting state govern- ments each looking out for itself. Judge Advocate. What else did he tell you Burr had said ? Dent. He said Burr told him that we men out here had no idea how few people there are in this country who have any faith in this government enduring. Judge Advocate. What did you tell him to all this? Dent. I told him I thought the men who had planned and carried through the Revolution could be trusted to uphold the Government now. Judge Advocate. What did he say to that ? Dent. He said it made no difference what I thought ; that Burr had been Vice President and knew the government from the inside. Judge Advocate. Did Nolan at any time confide to you his personal plans ? Dent. He said he was sick of the service. Judge Advocate. And? Dent. He said he'd obey any order — any time, signed " bv Command of his Excellency, Aaron Burr." Judge Advocate. That struck you as treason- able at the time, did it? Dent. I thought it pretty stiff, sir — for an officer. I told him so. I warned him against letting his men hear such talk from him. THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 29 Judge Advocate. That will do — you may step down. (Dent salutes, leaves the zvitness stand and goes out through the doorway leading on to the the parade ground.) Judge Advocate. {Turning to the Court) The prosecution here rests. (He sits) Morgan. The accused may now call any witness he wishes. Nolan. I haven't any witnesses. I don't want any. Morgan. That's your privilege. Judge Advocate. (Rising) Mr. President, if I correctly understand my duty as Judge Advocate of this court, I am here not only as prosecutor of the offender but also to see that justice be done to him. Morgan. That is true ! The position of Judge Advocate in a military court is more akin to that of the judge in a civil action than merely that of the public prosecutor. You may speak for the prisoner if vou think that he is incapable of defending him- self. Judge Advocate. I shall then review the case bringing to the attention of the court the evidence both for and a.gainst the accused. After that I be- lieve it is customary to allow the defendant op- portunity for a final plea. Morgan. Right! — Proceed, sir. Judge Advocate. Is it the Court's wish that I shall read the entire record of the case at this time ? Morgan. You may read the specifications of the charge against the prisoner and then state your own conclusions. Judge Advocate. (Reading from a paper which the Reporter hands him) The Court then proceeded 3 o THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY to the trial of Lieutenant Philip Nolan, 7th Artil- lery Corps, U. S. A.; the accused was arraigned upon the following charge and specifications. Charge: Treason against the Government of the United States. Specification: In that Lieut. Philip Nolan, 7th Artillery Corps, did publicly make use of the following treasonable words against the government of the United States, to wit : " that he was tired of the army service", that " he was ready to take the first way out of it ". Specification 2: In that the said Lieutenant Nolan did secretly join with one Aaron Burr in treasonable plots against the United States, publicly declaring, to wit: that he "would obey any order signed by his excellency Aaron Burr." Specifica- tion 3: In that the said Lieutenant Nolan did therebv break his oath against the United States taken by him at Fort Massac, July 16, 1802 in the following words : " I, Philip Nolan, do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith, and allegiance to the United States of America, that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies whomsoever and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War." This at Fort Adams, Mississippi, on the 5th day of September, 1807. In summing up the case, may I remind the Court that these charges rest on the evidence of officers who have testified to the acquaintance which the accused had with Aaron Burr and on his own state- ments to members of his troop and to other officers. Reputable witnesses vouch for the statements that on three separate occasions the prisoner has been heard to say that he was " tired of the service " and again that he " would obey any order to march anywhere with his excellency Aaron Burr." It is known to this court that the court martial at THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 31 Richmond has failed to convict Mr. Burr of any overt act of treason while it must be said it has equally failed to convince the public mind of his innocence of intention. It is only fair to the ac- cused to call attention to the undisciplined adventur- ous life led by him before he joined the Army, and also to remind you that during the first three years after his enlistment, Lieutenant Nolan, in one campaign after another, went headlong up the grades of service. You will find, if you examine his record, that he has been twice cited in the Orders of the Day, for deeds of special daring. Then two years ago, after Black Snake was killed and his tribe driven back, our command settled down to routine garrison duty. Here was the first dull restraint that Nolan had ever known. We may guess how it galled him. Then Aaron Burr came ! Nolan. (Jumping to his feet) I don't want this defense ! — Sentence me — and let me go ! Morgan. (Sternly) Silence, sir ! (Nolan subsides sulkily) Judge Advocate. Aaron Burr, superb of phys- ique, brilliant of mind, fascinating of manner, rotten of soul. Wherever Aaron Burr has gone, in the most distinguished company, he has irresistibly drawn to him men and women of every station. What wonder that a man who facinates the most cultured society should charm and attract this young, half- taught boy. You have heard how they met. From the first it was steel to the magnet! All the bright courage and devotion in the lad's heart were poured out at the tempter's feet. Burr went — and Nolan passed the lonely winter that his roommate has des- cribed to you — hugging his ambitious dreams. At last with the fall came Burr once more, no longer $2 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY a mere attorney, seeking place — but — a conqueror, marching to his triumph ! You remember what the distinguished lawyer, William Wirt, said of Burr recently at the trial at Richmond ; that " pervading the continent from New York to New Orleans, he draws into his plan, by every allurement which he can contrive, men of all ranks and descriptions. To youthful ardor he presents danger and glory ; to ambition, rank and titles and honors ; to avarice, the mines of Mexico." And on the hour when they met for the second time Philip Nolan's evil star came and stood over him ! From that day he began to be a traitor to his country. The evidence against him is overwhelm- ing. You have weighed it for yourselves. In closing, let me tell the prisoner, Mr. President, that the motives and feelings of the human heart can only be known to the world — his world — by act and speech and bearing. It appears from those of this prisoner that his speech and bearing if not his acts are dishonorable to him and to the service he should grace. Only a profound and openly shown contrition can tell us now that he regrets his folly. (The Judge Advocate takes his seat) Morgan. (Sternly to Nolan) Stand up, sir! (Nolan trying to hide his embarrassment zvithr bravado, lounges to his feet) Prisoner, you have heard the charge and the arraignment. At this solemn moment have you anything to tell us in ex- tenuation of your conduct — to show your loyalty to the United States? Nolan. (Haughtily after a slight pause) Noth- ing, sir ! Virginia. (Pain and entreaty in her voice) Oh, Philip, say something ! Nolan. (Moved by her tone, starts to speak; then closes his lips firmly) No! THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 33 Judge Advocate. (Springing to his feet) Mr. President, may I remind the prisoner that while it is true his up-bringing has been such that the United States was hardly more than a name to him — yet he has been fed by the United States for the five years he has been in the Army, clothed by the United States, housed by the United States. The United States cared for him when he was ill and the United States stands ready to protect him against anv other government. He has sworn on his faith as a Christian to be true to the United States. It was the United States which gave him his uniform and the sword that he wore by his side. Alas, my poor Nolan, why was it, think you, that Aaron Burr cared a straw more for you than he did for the flatboat men that sailed his ark for him — except that you had been picked out as one of Her own confidential men of honor — by the United States' Nolan. (Beside himself with anger) Damn the United States ! I wish I might never hear of the United States, again. (There is a second's blank pause — -then every Man in the room rises to his feet. The hands of the Officers instinctively seek their swords) Virginia. (In a voice that is almost a scream) Philip ! Morgan. Silence ! (She subsides staring at Nolan in terror. Morgan speaks to the officers) No swords, gentlemen, — He has lost his! (Finally he turns back and stares at Nolan ; when he speaks his voice is cold, repressed) You forget, sir, that some of the officers before you have fought through the Revolution. The name of the United .States of America is more dear to us than the blood we have shed for her sake. (He addresses the members of the court) Gentlemen: we will retire to prepare sentence on this prisoner. 34 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY (The Orderly nearest the door up back, swings it open and the Members oe the Court file through, Col. Morgan preceding them. As the Men go out, Spence turns to Virginia.) Spence. (Holding door open) Virginia. (Ashe indicates that he wishes her to go, she starts to obey, looking at Nolan doubtfully) Nolan. (Taking a step toward her, appcalingly) Virginia ! Virginia. (Hesitatingly to Spence) In a moment, Uncle. — Trust me ! (Spence looks toward Nolan, then toward Vir- ginia, turns and goes out. The door is closed, off-stage there is bugling, one Orderly goes to the door leading to the parade ground, looks out, turns and beckons to the other; a second later the Marshall follozvs them, and all Three go out attracted by zvhat is happening there. For a moment or tzvo, the Judge Advocate sits conferring with the Reporter, then as the bugling grows nearer and more insistent the tzvo young Officers follozv the soldiers to the left side of the room and stand at the window looking out.) Nolan. (Going to her eagerly and holding out both hands) You believe in me, Virginia? You trust me? Virginia. (Dully) You cursed your country! Nolan. I beg your pardon, Virginia. I forgot your presence and my manners. Virginia. Not your offense against me. but against your country — against the United States ! Nolan. The fellow infuriated me so. Feeding me up on United States, United States, until I was fairly ill. THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 35 Virginia. How could you, how could you? And then not one word in self-defense ! You have branded yourself a traitor ! Nolan. If I could only make you understand ! Make them understand ! They live only in the pres- ent. Nothing exists for them but United States. If they could only know what I know and see in- to the future, the wonderful future with Burr at the head of a glorious country. Virginia, they don't know it, — they can't see that far, but this country is going to be torn to bits as if it were a hunted animal chased by wolves. With England preying on it here and France there and Spain trying to get her teeth in. How can we hold out against them? We have no Navy and what is our Army, a mere handful. Burr has seen all this, he is preparing for just this event. He is going to open up a King- dom in the south, in Mexico ! Mexico, full of beauty and wealth and power, and there we are going to build up a country greater and finer than is possible in these poor United States ! He has given me this wonderful chance to join him. Oh, Virginia, don't you understand? (Tenderly) And don't you understand why I want to do it? Is it because I myself want power? No, dear heart, it is because I want to lay all the beautiful things of the world at your feet. (Holding out his arms) You will go with me, dear? Virginia. (Shrinking from him) Oh — Philip, how could you ! How could you ! (Turning tozvard door) Nolan. (A note of alarm in his voice) Vir- ginia, you must understand me. Virginia. And I thought you a man of honor ! (Dashes out of the room, through the doorzvay leading to the parade ground) Nolan. (Looks after her stupefied with pain) Virginia! (The door back opens and the Officers 36 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY of the Court file into the room and take their places. The Judge Advocate and other Court Attendants return quietly. The Members of the Court all sit except Colonel Morgan, zvho stands in his place zuaiting for silence. There is a sense of some tiling impending that impresses every one but Nolan. Nolan, seeing the others sit, seats himself) Morgan. {With suprcsscd anger) Stand up, sir ! (Nolan rises with insolent assurance) Prisoner, hear the sentence of the Court — The Court decides, subject to the approval of the President, that you never hear the name of the United States again. {There is a slight pause, then Nolan laughs aloud, a ringing peal but suddenly as he looks into the faces of the men around him, his laughter breaks and dies away. He loses his swagger — something like fear creeps into his expression. Outside the sound of confusion increases, there is nearer bugling, the shouting of Men. The Officers turn their heads and listen. Suddenly the door ap Left is flung open and Brock, the scout, stands there. He is a large, powerful man, dressed in rough frontier garb. He is covered with dust and much exhausted.) The Officers. Brock ! — Brock ! — The Indians ! (Brock salutes the Colonel and stands waiting) Morgan. Well, Brock? Brock. The Indians are on the war path, sir. Morgan. What do you know ? Brock. Last night, I came together with the other scouts, on the trail, — as planned. Morgan. Where? Brock. In the forest near Speer's Landing, Sir ! Morgan. Yes, well? THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 37 Brock. All night we lay in the brush and list- ened. Morgan. To what? Brock. A queer noise — a little steady flapping of the leaves. Morgan. Indians ? Brock. Yes, sir ! — All night they were slipping past us, sir ! Morgan. You're sure? Brock. (Nodding affirmatively) Once in a while there'd be the sound of a little branch flung back — but mostly only the leaves a flappin' Morgan. How long did it last? Brock. All night they crept around us — on both sides of us. Morgan. Did you see them? Brock. Nor hair nor hide, sir — just the creep- ing noise, sir — creeping — creeping ! Morgan. How many would you say? Brock. Thousands — one every ten yards, sir, not just one line — but twenty lines- — all through the forest, worming their way forward. Thousands. Morgan. Where will they meet? Brock. Their regular place at the river, sir — they'll join the Cherokees there. Morgan. When will they attack? Brock. To-morrow, sunrise — if we don't head them off. Morgan. Can we do that? Brock. I think so, — if we ride fast, sir! Morgan. (To an Orderly) My compliments to Major Dickinson and tell him to order the cavalry out,' — the 7th Artillery will go with them. (The Orderly salutes and goes, he turns to Brock) You will go with them ! Sorry not to let you rest, Brock, but you're the only man that knows that trail. 38 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Brock. I'll manage, sir ! (He salutes and goes out through the door to the parade ground) Morgan. (To an orderly) Follow him! See he gets food! (The orderly salutes and goes out) (From now on to the end of the scene there is a, constantly increasing noise outside of the gathering forces of the post. The scattered bugling increases in volume and draws nearer, there is sharp soldierly calling back and forth, occasionally the sound of galloping horses. Nolan, lifted from his self-contemplation by the scout's talk, is like a different man — an alert eagerness comes into his bearing — he is roused, soldierly.) (Morgan turning to the Marshall) Mr. Mar- shall, see that no one mentions the name of our country to the prisoner. (The door up Left opens and an Orderly enters and salutes) Well? Orderly. Major Scott's respects and who will command Lieutenant Nolan's battery, sir? Morgan. Lieutenant Dent. Send a corporal's guard for this prisoner. (The Orderly salutes and goes out.) Nolan. (Advancing a pace, on fire with eager- ness) Colonel Morgan, let me go! I know that trail ! Let me go with the troops, sir. Morgan. (Eyeing him steadily) You have lost your title to that honor, (Turns to the Marshall) Mr. Marshall, take the prisoner to Orleans in an armed boat and deliver him to the naval commander there. (Nolan starts. The Marshall salutes) Mr. Marshall, make my respects to Lieutenant Mitchell at Orleans, and request him to order that no one shall mention the name of our country to the prisoner while he is on board ship. You will THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 39 receive your written orders from the officer on duty here this evening. The court is adjourned without day. (Outside the noise of the assembling cavalry has reached its height) Mr. Marshall, before the prisoner leaves the post, see to it that his sword is broken and all insignia of the Government is re- moved from his uniform. (The Judge Advocate hands Nolan's sword, which has been lying on the table, to an Orderly who hands it to the Marshall) Nolan. (Shrinking in dismay) Sir! — spare my home people this ! Morgan. You have neither home — nor people ! From this day forth you are a man without a country. (He nods to the Marshall who goes up to Nolan and lays a hand on his arm. A Cor- poral's Guard enters and stands at the open door, left, to accompany the prisoner — Nolan throws up his head zvith an attempt at his usual bravado — but his look is unsteady) (Out of doors the Troops are moving off in response to the bugle calls.) Curtain ao THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY t: fi&- : ;: • - * -? ■,'.-- • ■■ ^ * ill. THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 41 ACT II Scene: On board the frigate " Warren " anchored in the Bay of Naples. The scene represents a portion of the quarter-deck overlooking the gun deck below. The heavy deck rail of solid timber breast high, runs along the back of the Stage; beyond that nothing can be seen but the soft dull blue of sea and sky. On the right side of the stage the deck continues out of sight of the audience, except for a cabin door dozvn right. Down the left side of the stage, and at right angles to the rear rail, runs a lighter rail fenc- ing the edge of the quarter-deck where it over- looks the gun deck. Halfway dozvn the stage this rail turns at right angles to itself and runs off-stage out left, presumably leading dozvn the steps to the deck belozv. From the heavy deck rail at the back of the stage, great cables forming the rigging of the vessel extend up and out of sight. Orderly coils of rope hang to the rail and there are a few stools or rough chairs here and there. Occasionally from the distance come the songs of the Italian boatmen. The hour is sunset. The time is tzvo years later. The curtain rises upon a scene of activity characteristic of a sailing vessel. Sailors and marines are going to and fro, engaged in various forms of zvork; some in the rigging, some mending sails, some scrub- bing up the deck zvith mops made of a mass of frayed rope knotted at one end. The boat- szvain's mate is overseeing the zvork. A sentinel 42 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY with a gun stands in front of a cabin door down right. Singing Joe. {As curtain rises, singing) " Call all hands to man the capstan, See the cable run down clear ; Heave away, and with a will, boys, For dear America we'll steer." {Sonic of the men stop their work, and look fear- fully tozuards the guarded door, and then to- wards the boatszvain's mate, zvho is busy direct- ing some work off left. Joe intent upon his work, goes on, his voice swelling in volume as he continues.) 14 And we'll sing in joyful chorus In the watches of the night ; And we'll sight the shores of America " 2nd Sailor. {Running to foot of mast and call- ing up, wamingly) Avast there, Joe! Joe. {Swelling into crescendo, hearing only his own voice) " When the gray dawn brings the light. Rolling home, rolling home, Rolling home across the sea ; Rolling home to dear old America. Boatswain's Mate. {Rushing forward, bran- dishing a cat-o' -nine-tails, with a threatening roar) Avast there, you son of a dog fish ! {Men stop work and listen to what folloivs) Joe. {Unconscious of all about him) " Rolling home, dear land, to thee." THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 43 Boatswain's Mate. Come down out of there, or by the nine lives of a cat I'll smash your hulk to bits! Joe. {Looking down, in surprise) You want me, sir? Boatswain's Mate. You come down here, — (Joe scrambles down) and you'll find out whether I want you or not ! Joe. {Dropping to the deck, and limping for- ward) Aye, aye, sir. Boatswain's Mate. You limping lubber ! You half-licked cub of a tar barrel ! {Laying cat-o'-nine tails about Joe's legs, Joe limping to dodge the blows) What do you mean by singing that song? Joe. Singing? Was I singing, sir? Boatswain's Mate. " Was I singing ! " Was ye breathing, sir? Joe. I cry yer pardon, mate, I didn't know I was singing, — but I reckons I sings as I breathe, sir — without a-knowing it, sir. Boatswain's Mate. Well, you'll put a nipper on yer hawk-bill after this, or ye'll stop yer breathing, — as well as yer singing. Joe. An' I can't sing no more, mate ? I'd sooner give up me grog than stop singing. Boatswain's Mate. You'll give up yer grog. Hand it over. Joe. {Passing out his flask) An' I can sing all I want, sir? Boatswain's Mate. {Taking flask) You knows the orders about that there prisoner in there. {In- dicating guarded room) You know as well as I do that he's not to hear a word about America, or home. Joe. Aye, aye, sir but I — {The truth, dawning upon him) Was I singing about Amer — ? / was! Boatswain's Mate. An' if ye do it again, ye'll be put in irons. {Starts off l. ; turns again threat- eningly) And you owe thanks to my good nature 44 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY that you are not reported to the officer of the deck. Joe. (Dubiously) Aye, aye, sir. (The Boat- swain's Mate goes off l. shaking the flask close to his car, then starting to unscrew it. Joe looking tozvards others, ruefully) He's taken the spirits out o' me. 2nd Sailor. (Laughing) Wat kind o' spirits, lad? (The others laugh — Joe still rueful) 3rd Sailor. Doan ye mind, Joe, more'll come from the same old keg, an' ye can have a pull at mine. (Offering flask) Joe. No, thank ye, mate. 3rd Sailor. But ye'll have to put a muzzle on that thare musical foghorn o' your'n. 2nd Sailor. That's what 1 objects to — the muzzle we all got to put on our mugs to see that they don't slip the cable when that thare " Plain Buttons " is 'round. It's not a word about — (Sotto-voce) America. It's not a word about — (Sotto-voce) home. It's not a word about yer own family. Shiver my timbers, what is a man to talk about? Must we be dumb while /z^V aboard? 3rd Sailor. Who is he, / asks ? An' what's I13 done? W T e don't know no more about him to-day than two years ago, when he wuz brought aboard at Orleans and we wuz told to clap a hatch on our scuppers — ask no questions — and sheer off any questions he might heave to. 2nd Sailor. It'd make any feller grumpy to have to keep such a hawser on his beak ! 3rd Sailor. (Confidentially) My opinion is he's done some nasty deed, and he's goin' to be passed out to the cannibals o' the Wind'ard Islands as a mess o' (Sotto-voce) American stew. (All save Joe roar in laughter at this joke) Joe. (Turning on them, in indignation) Avast, THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 45 there, you croakers ! How many o' you as haven't other men's blood on yer claws ! I doan care what's he's done ! He's a gentleman, and the officers treats him like a gentleman, — and who are you that you should ask questions? Belay your jawtackle. {The others laugh goodnature dly.) 2nd Sailor. Singin' Joe's changing his name to Fightin' Joe. Hurrah for Joe ! Darken my blinkers, but ye're a cocky little rooster. Joe. Who took care o' me, and nussed me like a mother when that blood-licking Turk nigh shivered this old pin o' mine? {Slapping his left leg) Who kept that surgeon, who's no more'n a butcher, from sawin' it off. It wuz him. {Pointing to door, which sentinel guards) He's got the heart of a woman, an' the soul of a Nelson, and some day ye'll find it out ! This old hulk ain't worth much, but such as it is, it's his without the askin' ! I'll fight for him any day, — an' I'll fight the whole white-livered crew o' ye, if ye say anythin' more again him. 3RD Sailor. {Laughing) Luff a starboard thare, mate. I didn't mean no offence. 2nd Sailor. Ease ofT to wind'ard. He's all right, but we likes to be free to talk o' home . Joe. Well, ef hit's bad fer you, what do you think it is fer him? {He looks off right — sees some one coming and starts out left) Hey, use yer blinkers! 3RD Sailor. An' you better use them little flappers o' your'n. {Indicating his ears) Or you'll know the affectionate touch o' th' cat-o'-nine-tails, {Enter hastily from the right, Lieut. Morris; as he comes along the deck he calls to a man out of sight in the rigging above.) Morris. Avast there, lookout ! 46 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Voice. (From above) Aye, aye, sir! Morris. Do you hear anything? Voice. (From above) All quiet, sir! (The bugle signal for mess comes from off-stage and the other two men follow Joe off down the companion ladder out left.) 2ND Silor. (As he goes) Hey, grog and grub, ahoy ! 3rd Sailor. Heave to, my mates. (From off in the distance comes the boatman's so::j. It dominates all other sounds for a moment then grows fainter.) Morris. (To the lookout) Listen — ! No sound of cannon in the distance? Voice. (From above— after a pause) Not a sound, sir. (Lieut. Danforth enters along the deck from the right) Danforth. Sir, captain's compliments and what's wrong? He saw you leave the table, sir. Morris. Come here, lad ! — Listen ! There, that ! What's that? Danforth. The singing, sir? Morris. (Impatiently) No! — =Guns! — Way off ! — (The song ends) Now, listen! Danforth. I hear nothing, sir! (Lieut. Truxton strolls on from the left.) Morris. Perhaps I imagine it ! Danforth. Looking for anything special, sir? Morris. I am, Jack ! I'm looking for that pirate THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 47 craft that fired on the Nautilus the other night and got away. Danforth. Gad, I wish we'^ meet her ! — I'm just spoiling for a real fight, sir! Morris. If she's the craft I think she is, you'll get all you want ! My compliments to the Captain, and tell him what I say — and that I think we should be ready to put to sea. Danforth. Yes, sir! (Starts out right, then turns back to say) But the men that went ashore, sir — you wouldn't leave them? Morris. Time they were back. Who went? Danforth. Lieut. Phillips and five men. (Morris nods and Danforth departs on his er- rand.) Truxton. (Turning in Jiis stroll to face Morris) W T hat are you filling that child's mind with tales of pirate ships for, Morris ? He won't sleep to-night ! Morris. I thought I heard cannon. Truxton. Isn't that like you? — Here's the whole heavenly Bay of Naples athrob with Italian music, and the sunset — and yon hear cannon. Morris. It's my business to hear cannon. Truxton. Yes — -if there are cannon — but — (He shrugs, — goes up to Morris and takes him by the arm) Come over here and listen to this fisherboy singing his heart out ! Come, be romantic with me ! Morris. I'm officer of the day and have no time to be romantic. Where's Nolan? Truxton. Haven't seen him since morning. Overheard him asking the captain if he might go ashore with Phillips. Morris. He was refused. Truxton. (Indicating the stateroom up right) He's there then. Morris. (In a guarded tone — to the sentinel) Mr. Nolan in his cabin, sentinel? 4 8 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Sentinel. Yes, sir. Morris. Poor devil, what a dog's life. Truxton. I don't think he finds it so. He acts as if he were leading- the life of a lord. Morris. That's the pathos of it. He uses brag- gadocio to cover his real feelings. Have you ever caught him alone, unaware of your approach? Truxton. No, — I don't think I have. Morris. I did — once — about five months ago. 1 shall never forget it. He wore the saddest look 1 have ever seen on any human face. . Sentinel. (Warningly) Gentlemen! (The door of Nolan's room slowly opens and Nolan, pale and dejected slowly steps forth. His bearing is that of a man overburdened with sorrow and remorse. The two officers turn. Nolan, seeing them, instantly straightens up and assumes an air of gaiety and nonchalance. He is dressed in a regulation army uniform, as in Act I, with army buttons replaced by plain ones which explains the name " Plain Buttons" given him by the crew.) Truxton and Morris. Good-evening, Mr. xMolan. Nolan. (Saluting) Good-evening, gentlemen. Morris. This is too fine a day for you to shut yourself up within the four walls of a cabin. Nolan. (Smiling gravely) Work before pleasure, gentlemen. No man in the world lives so methodical a life as I. I have my reading. I never before had enough time to read. Then I keep up my note-books, and scrap books to show to the fellows of the garrison when I get — (With brave attempt at a smile of confidence) home. (Pause. With nonchalance) I — er — suppose we'll be turn- ing towards home when we leave this port? (His THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 49 face cannot conceal the eager and pleading note in tli is question) Truxton. {Embarrassed ; then also trying to be off-hand) Er — no-o. I believe we go on a long cruise up the Indian Ocean from here. Nolan. {The eager light dying out of his eyes) Oh. (Pause, then ivtth forced gaiety) That's splendid ! I've always wanted to go up there. What a lucky dog I am to get this opportunity to see the world ! How the fellows at the garrison will envy me when I get back and tell them all about my ad- ventures. Travelling gives a man such a broad out- look on life ; don't you think so ? (Sailors singing off-stage.) Away — haul away O haul away together Away — haul away O haul away, Ho ! Truxton. (Pityingly) Yes, I believe it does. Morris. (Mechanically) Yes, oh, yes, indeed. (Pointing out right) Er, isn't that a fine harbor? a sweep of his hand toward a view out right) the mountains ; the green fields ; and the town lying there below with its little houses tucked away, and none of the squalor. One takes away only delightful memories. Truxton. You're the chap for me, Nolan ! I've been wanting some one to thrill with me over this romantic scene — and Morris, here, is about as mov- able as the Rock of Gibraltar. Danforth. (Entering alertly from up right and coming down to Morris) Here come our men, sir! Voice. (Off-stage) The Warren, ahoy! Another Voice. (Off-stage) All hands — ahoy. (Singing stops) Stand by the gig, men. 50 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Sailors. (Running across the deck from right to left) Aye, aye, sir. Nolan. (Eagerly) Do you think, sir, they've got mail — or papers from home ? Morris. I — er — think, — it doubtful, Nolan. Few boats come here, you know. Nolan. But that English sloop, she might have some. (Enter Captain Shaw from the right.) Shaw. That Phillips back? Morris. Yes, sir. Truxton. (To Nolan) Phillips said he'd ask for any books or papers they might have to lend. Nolan. Ah, that's good of him. I'll go see what he has. (Bows to the Captain and the others and goes dozen companion-ladder to the left) Truxton. Me, too ! (Follows Nolan out) Shaw. Danforth ! Danforth. Yes, sir. Shaw. Go see that that reading matter is looked over before it is given to Mr. Nolan. Danforth. (Starting) Yes, sir. Shaw. If there are London papers he may have them after all allusions to America are cut out. Danforth. Yes, sir. Shaw. See that no American papers fall into his hands. Better destroy them after you men have seen them. Danforth. Yes, sir. (Salutes and goes out down the companion ladder) Shaw. (Turning to Morris) You say you heard cannon? Morris. Yes, sir, twice — very distant — three cannon shots in close succession THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 51 Shaw. Curious! — Three? Morris. Measured as though it were a signal ! The second time a little louder. Shaw. Well, make ready! Order a sharp look- out above. (Starts out up right) Morris. One moment, Captain Shaw. — What are the instructions regarding Nolan in case of battle ? Shaw. I don't think the letter of instruction mentions such a contingency. I've got it here. (Begins to search through papers. He takes papers from vest pocket) I got it out this morning when he asked for shore leave. Morris. There ought to be something in it to guide us. Shaw. (Selecting a paper) Here it is! Ever read it? Morris. No, sir. Shaw. A curious document! — Listen! (Read- ing) " Washington, D. C. — Sir : You will receive from Lieut. Neale the person of Philip Nolan, late a lieutenant in the United States Army. This person, on his trial by court martial, expressed, with an oath, the wish that he might never hear of the United States again. The Court sentenced him to have his wish fulfilled. For the present the execu- tion of the order is intrusted by the President to this Department. You will take the prisoner on board your ship, and keep him there with such pre- cautions as shall prevent his escape. You will provide him with such quarters, rations, and cloth- ing as would be proper for an officer of his late rank, if he were a passenger on your vessel on the business of his Government. The gentlemen on board will make any arrangement agreeable to themselves re- garding his society. He is to be exposed to no in- dignity of any kind, nor is he ever unnecessarily to 52 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY be reminded that he is a prisoner. But, under no circumstances, is he ever to hear of his country, or to see any information regarding it ; and you will especially caution all the officers under your com- mand to take care that, in the various indulgences which may by granted, this rule, in which his pun- ishment is involved, shall not be broken. It is the intention of the Government that he shall never again see the country which he has disowned. Be- fore the end of your cruise you will receive orders which will give effect to this intention. Respect- fully vours, E. Southard, for the Secretary of the Navy/' Morris. By Jove, that's a cruel sentence, sir! Shaw. He cursed his country! — He ought to have been hanged ! Morris. I'd rather be hanged than live his sentence. Shaw. It doesn't say what to do with him in case of a fight. Morris. No — but — if it isn't his country — it isn't his fight ! Shaw. No ! — He'd best stay in his cabin. Phillips. {Enters from the left tip the compan- ion ladder bearing books and papers triumphantly. Truxton follows — trying to zvrench them from him as they walk) Papers! — Papers! What am I offered. (He sees Capt. Shaw and salutes) Truxton. (Pouncing on them) Your life if you give them up instantly. Phillips. (Passing him the American news- paper) I gave Danforth the London Times for Nolan but here is the New York Advertiser, only seven months old. Truxton. (Offering the paper to Shaw) W T ill you have it, sir? Shaw. Not just now, thank you. (To Phillips) Are we at war with anybody? THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 53 Phillips. Only Indian skirmishes going on from time to time. (Truxton goes out down left reading the paper.) Morris. And who's our next President? Shaw. Yes! — Did Jefferson run again? Phillips. No, he did as Mr. Washington did, refused a third term, and has retired to his country estate at Monticello. Shaw. Who is to be his successor, Mr. Phil- lips? Phillips. The public sentiment seemed to favor Mr. Madison. Shaw. Really ! well, well ! Have you any other news ? Phillips. I have a message to you from Captain Tingey of the Vixen. Shaw. Yes? — {Looks out across the bay) Why, — where is the Vixen? — Changed her anchor- age? Phillips. Gone, sir? Started home! Shaw. Alone? — After that attack on the Nauti- lus ? Dangerous work for so small a boat ! Phillips. She's fast though ! Captain Tingey left word with the consul who gave it to me — He presented his compliments and said that if he should meet the corsair and she should prove twice his boat's size, — he'd give us a look-in, too. Shaw. We won't be near enough to do much. Phillips. He asked the consul to have you in- formed that if he should sight the pirate ship, the Vixen would turn and run full sail in this direction leading the corsair nearer us and giving us a signal in the meantime. Shaw. Plucky little Vixen! — What signal? Phillips. Three guns! (Morris and Shaw look at each other) The carronades touched off 54 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY one after the other, — three guns in close succession and then three — always three — pause — three! — We can't mistake it. Morris. Didn't I say it was a signal ? Phillips. What? — You've heard ? Morris. Three guns ! Phillips. When? Morris. A few moments ago ! — Very distant. Shaw. The Vixen has met the corsair! (To Morris) Get the gunners at their posts! (From the distance but now distinctly audible comes the boom of a cannon. The men stand sile:: 4 : looking at each other. There follows a second boom.) Morris. Two ! (Pause — then third shot is heard) Three. Phillips. It's the Vixen. Morris. And nearer ! Shaw. (Calling up to the lookout in the rigging) Avast there, my man ! Look out to sea ! — Can you see the Vixen? Voice. (From above) Nothing to be seen out there, sir — but the fog rolling in ! (Again there comes the distant roll of cannon.) Shaw. One — (Pause) Two! (Pause) Three! Truxton. (As he enters down left) Listen to this, Danforth. Shaw. Gentlemen, you are next to me in com- mand, I want a word with you before the others are told of this. Morris. Yes, sir ! Will you come to my cabin. — We'll be undisturbed there. (They go out right talking earnestly as Truxton and Danforth enter left.) THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 55 Truxton. {Reading) " Green Turtle " A fine Green Turtle will be dressed and served up at Cole- man's Hotel, No. 10 Fair St. on Monday next." Danforth. Oh, to be at Coleman's on Monday next. Truxton. The mere thought makes me happy, — and gives me indigestion. Green Turtle ! Danp^orth. (Reading the paper over his shoulder) Then here's your remedy! (Reads) " Mrs. Charity Long's Medical Warehouse, No. 151 Water St." Don't forget the address. Truxton. Three doors west of the Fly Market. Medicines composed of Roots and Herbs, which have not failed one case in twenty — " Alas, Jack, if I should be the 20th." Danforth. Oh, come, Trux, — turn over and let's get the real news. Truxton. (Turning the sheet) Well, here — (Reads) " Swift-sure Mail Stage. A new line from New York to Philadelphia. Trip made in seventeen hours." That's what I call speed. Danforth. I don't see how it can be done. Truxton. That's the march of civilization. Danforth. (Looking out left dozun the compan- ion ladder to the deck below) Here's Nolan — quick, put that paper away ! Truxton. (Stuffing the paper inside his coat) Quick, give me something else — a book. Danforth. (Taking one from his pocket and tossing it to him) Be reading that. Truxton. Is it all right — for him, too? Danforth. So Phillips said ! — All about magic and border chivalry a thousand years ago Truxton. (Plunging headlong into the book wherever it happens to open, reads) " They raised brave Musgrave from the field, And laid him on his bloody shield ; $6 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY On levelled lances — four and four ; By turns, the noble burden bore. Danforth. (In a cautious voice) Trux! Truxton. Eh? Danforth. Get him to read ! — It pleases him no end — and it'll keep him from wanting the papers so! Truxton. All right! — (Sees that Nolan is coming up the companion ladder and resumes his reading as Nolan enters. Danforth smiles up at him and motions him to a seat. Nolan thanks him with a look and sits. Truxton does not look up but reads on as though intensely absorbed by the story) Before, at times, upon the gale, Was heard the Minstrel's plaintive wail ; Behind, four priests, in sable stole, Sung requiem for the warrior's soul : Around, the horsemen slowly rode ; With trailing pikes the spearsmen trod ; And thus the gallant knight they bore, Through Liddesdale, to Leven's shore ; Thence to Holme Coltrame's lofty nave ; And laid him in his father's grave." (Truxton pauses.) Danforth. Gad, hasn't that got a swing to it. Or would have if it were better read. Here, give it up, Trux. — (Takes the book from him and passes it over to Nolan) Here, Nolan, you're the real reader ! Nolan. Oh, really, — now I think Mr. Truxton was reading extremely well. Truxton. Oh, I can't compete with you, Nolan. I know my humble place — Do read. Nolan. (Much pleased) Well, really, — I'm glad to. THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 57 Truxton. Then do! — We're just browsing through. Danforth. It's by that new chap — what's his name— Walter Scott. Phillips said the English- man who lent it told him it would open of itself to all the finest passages so we're just picking them out in that way. Nolan. I like to browse through a book — (Be- gins reading beautifully) " The harp's wild notes, though hushed with the song The mimic march of death prolong; Now seems it far, and now a'near, Now meets, and now eludes the ear ; Now seems some mountain side to sweep, Now faintly dies in valley deep ; Seems now as if the Minstrel's wail, Now the sad requiem, loads the gale; Last o'er the warrior's closing grave Rung the full choir the choral stave. After due pause, they bade him tell, Why he, who touched the harp so well, Should thus, with ill-rewarded toil, Wander a poor and thankless soil, When the more generous southern land Would well requite his skillful hand. The Aged Harper, howsoe'er His only friend, his harp, was dear, Liked not to hear it ranked so high Above his flowing poesy; Less liked he still, that scornful jeer Misprized the land he loved so dear ; (Truxton and Danforth exchange startled glances. Nolan goes on.) 58 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY High was the sound, as thus again The Bard resumed his minstrel strain." This is fine, isn't it? (Continuing with a smile of pleasure and anticipa- tion.) Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said — This is my own, my native land ! " ■ (He hesitates, shifts uncomfortably, and then plunges on.) " Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned, As home his footsteps he hath turned From wandering on a foreign strand ? " (He chokes, hesitates. The men start, look at each other in desperation. Nolan staggers on, his voice dull with suffering — the breaks coming more frequently and with increasing anguish) " If such there breathes, go — mark him well — For him no minstrel raptures swell, High though his titles, proud his name, Boundless his wealth as wish can claim, Despite these titles, power and pelf, The wretch, concentered all in self — living — shall die." (Nolan jumps up with a choking sob, swings the book into the sea, and dashes blindly, to his cabin door. The men look after him in sym- pathy and remorse. As he gets to his door the sound of cannon booming nearer arrests them all. Shaw followed by Morris and Phillips reenter from up right.) THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 59 Shaw. Gentlemen, that is a call for help from the Vixen. Danforth. Will we fight, sir? Shaw. I hope we will. — Mr. Truxton, call the Bos'n. Truxton. Yes, sir. (Goes quickly out down left) (Nolan stands listening, his hand on the knob of his door.) Shaw. Phillips, you will take charge of the gun deck below. As senior to the others I give you the post of honor, sir. Phillips. (Saluting) I thank you, sir! (He exits down left) Shaw. Morris, you will look after the quarter deck. Morris. (Saluting) Yes, sir. (He goes out right) Shaw. (Turns to Danforth) Mr. Dan- forth, you will assist Mr. Morris. Danforth. (Saluting) Yes, sir ! (He goes out right) Nolan. (Approaching the captain with hesita- tion) Is there nothing I can do, sir? I should like to help. Shaw. Thank you, Mr. Nolan, but this is our job. Boatswain. (Coming on hurriedly at u. l. — saluting the Captain. Captain turns to him) Aye, aye, sir. Shaw. Bos'n, pipe all hands to quarters. Boatswain. Aye, aye, sir. (Blozvs a shrill whistle. Going off l.) All hands, ahoy! (Off stage the cry " Alt hands, ahoy " is carried and re- peated, histantly there is the sound of other calls — all the orderly confusion of the gathering of the 6o THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY ship's forces. Captain Shaw goes to the left side where he can command a view of both decks and speaks in quick, staccato tones, calling off orders, men calling in response) Anchor up, ahoy ! — Man the capstan ! Cheerily, my lads. Stand by the top-sail yards ! — Man the clew lines ! — Let go the bunt line and reef tackles. (He goes out left down to the lower deck still calling his orders. The boatswain follozvs him) Stand by the lee braces ! — Slacken the lee ! Round the weather braces. Haul the wind ! Hard a helm ! — Cheerily, my lads. We'll get the pirate before morning. Prize money and double grcg for you all. (Off stage on the deck below there is a cheer, and sharp calling back and forth, the voices of com- rades setting out on brisk adventure. Above on the upper deck, Nolan stands alone, staring before him — his face a mask of despair.) Nolan. (Savagely) " The wretch — concentered all in self — living — shall die " that's it— that's it — — " Living, shall die " — " Living shall die " — Oh, my God! (He buries his face in his hands) Curtain THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 61 ACT III Time : Dawn of the morning following. Scene: On board "The Warren", at sea. Scene: The same section of the deck of " The Warren " but the background is heavy fog. Later when the mist clears and the day-light grows, the open sea can be seen beyond the boat. When the curtain is raised, Nolan stands alone leaning on the rail up right and looking out to sea. There is dejection in every line of his figure. Enter Two Sailors from the right wheeling on kegs of powder. They get the kegs up- stage near the left exit and stop to rest. ist Sailor. This is a wild goose chase, I call it. 2nd Sailor. Might as well be playing blind man's buff. ist Sailor. The fog's so thick it'd bend a cut- lass if ye wuz to try ter slice it. 2nd Sailor. We'll have trouble enough when the air clears, — mark my words. I'll miss my reck'ning if we don't have some play with them shootin' irons before the day's old. I feel it a-comin'. ist Sailor. Aw you knows mor'n th' capting. 2nd Sailor. I knows I never seen a night o' calm like this but it wuz follered by a brush or a storm of some kind. (Joe enters left with the American flag over his arm, he passes across the deck and goes out right. ) 62 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY r. Joe. (As he passes the sailors) Stop that proph- esying old croaker, and let's take things as they comes ! (He sees Nolan, stops as though he would speak to him, then goes on out) ist Sailor. Well, come along with th' presents fer them pirates. 2nd Sailor. Gimme a lift on this yer box nv jewels, an' we'll come back fer tother. (They take one keg out leaving the other up left) Danforth. (Entering from right and calling to lookout in the rigging) Avast there, my man, see anything? Voice. (From above) No, sir, not yet, but it seems to be clearing up a bit. I think there's a little wind stirrin'. Danforth. Good! Any signs of the Vixen? Voice. (From above) No, sir, — no sight nor sound of her. Danforth. Keep a sharp lookout there aloft — we may find ourselves near something when the air clears. Voice. (From above) Aye, aye, sir. (All this time, Nolan has scarcely moved. Now Danforth seeing him, goes up and lays a kindly hand on his shoulder.) Danforth. You've been here all night, Mr. Nolan. Nolan. (Turning) Have I? (Rousing himself) Yes, I believe I have. Danforth. You should have had a good night's sleep. Nolan. (In tone of despair) Sleep! W T ith a fight brewing? Danforth. But that's our work, sir. There's no reason why you should lose your rest. Nolan. (Despairingly) Would to God I had THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 63 the right to lose my rest, as you call it. (His voice chokes. The ship's bell rings five) Danforth. Avast there, Joe, — up with the colors ! Joe. (Appearing on the right side of the deck with the flag still folded over his arm) Aye, aye, sir. Ready, sir! (He disappears. Danforth and Nolan stand zvatching as the colors are run up. The Bugle sounds and both men salute the flag. From noiv on the light increases as the sun rises and the mist lifts) (Danforth turns and goes out left. Nolan paces the stage nervously, his hands in his pockets. Joe re-enters from the right, splicing carefully two pieces of rope. Intent on his work he hums louder and louder, then gradually breaks into singing " Home Szveet Home " . Nolan walks more rapidly and nervously, then finally can stand it no longer and goes up to Joe.) Nolan. For God's sake, Joe, stop that singing? Joe. (Stopping in surprise) Singin'? Was I singin' ? Nolan. Yes. I — I like it, too, Joe, but not that song, — please. Joe. What song was it, sir? (Thinking) Why it was only " Home, Sweet — " (Realizing) Oh, I'm sorry, sir. (Nolan raises a hand in remonstrance and tries to assume a sprightly air.) Nolan. You see it's this fog — it — makes me homesick. Joe. Sho, sir — does it now? — Well 'twas a poor song, sir, — and a poor thing to be singin' erbout ! — — A home — what's a home I axes ye? — I had one av 'em till ten and then I ran away from it ! Nolan. (Wistfully) And have you no home now, Joe? 64 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Joe. I've th' sea — she's my home ! and fine and spacious she is, too. I likes to think of her that way — as my mansion, sir. My kitchen's in the At- lantic; my cellar at the Cape of Good Hope; my pador in the Pacific, my spare room in the North Sea — they're alius cold, sir — and my easy chair by the stove where I puts up my feet and smokes my pipe is over there in the Mediterranean with old Vesuve, she's th' stove! {With great scorn) Home! — What does a man want with a home, sir? Nolan. {Amused and lifted out of his depression in spite of himself) You're a great little fellow, Joe. Voice. {From above) Sail, ho ! {The cry. is caught up and carried through the ship. Joe and Nolan look up, and then look out to sea, and finally locate the approaching ship to the left.)' Sliaw. {Entering hastily from right) Where away ? (Cole follozvs him in.) Voice. {From above) Off the starboard bow, sir. two points. Shaw. {To Lieutenant Cole) Mr. Cole, take the glass and go aloft. {Extending glasses) See if you can make out what she is. Cole. Yes, sir. {Springs into rigging, and runs aloft) Shaw. Bos'n! Boatswain. {Coming from left) Aye, aye, sir. Shaw. All hands, ahoy! Boatswain. {Blozvs his zvhistle) All hands, ahoy ! {During the next few speeches the Boat- swain's cry is taken up and carried throughout the ship ) Shaw. {Calling to Cole) Ahoy there, Mr. Cole ! What news ? THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 65 Cole. (In rigging) A powerful ship, sir, — full mounted — square of sail. Shaw. What flag? Cole. She flies no colors. Shaw. It's the pirate, or I miss my guess. How does she head? Cole. This way, sir. She seems to have caught the wind. The fog is lifting off the starboard quarter. (There is a gathering murmur of inch's voices as the crew collect in a great crozvd. Captain Shaw goes to the edge of the railing where this deck overlooks the lower one and addresses them.) Shaw. My men, we have work ahead, — hard work — and bloody work. (A "murmur of excite- ment runs through the crozvd) W r e must clear the seas of these dogs who are feeding on our merchant ships. (Murmurs of "Aye, aye, sir" and "Kill the dogs!" etc., from the men) I cannot do it alone. My officers cannot do it alone. You can- not do it alone. But together we can do it — and we will do it! (Cheers from the men) It is the duty of each and every man of you to do all in his power for his country. Can I count on you? (Shouts of " Aye, aye, sir. Close with her. Put us aboard! ") We shall close with her, and I will put you aboard — all in good time. (Cheers) Now beat to quarters ! To quarters ! (He goes quickly off right) (A Drum beats the call. Sailors and Officers cross the deck in both directions, getting to their posts. The morning light grozvs brighter) Master Gunner. (Off-stage, on the deck be- low) Boys, the ammunition. Boatswain. (Blozving whistle) Make ready the decks. 66 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY (A group of Sailors rush across the deck with buckets of sand.) Sailor. Wet 'em first, sir? Boatswain. The fog's done that — Sand them. — (Pointing to the keg of powder) What's that doing here? Sailor. I don't know, sir ! Nolan. (To Boatswain) It's powder for the gun deck. «The man that's handling it is coming back. Boatswain. (To Sailor) See that it isn't left here. 'Nough to blow the quarter deck to Kingdom come. Sailor. Aye, aye, sir. (They throw sand and then go down left to the gun deck. The keg is still left.) Shaw. (Entering from right, crosses to railing left, overlooking gun deck and calls down) All ready, Phillips? Phillips. (Off-stage from belozv) All ready, sir ! (Nolan has been walking back and forth watching jealously as each man went to his task — all pretense of content is cast aside — he is openly desperate in his desire to have part in the de- fense of the vessel. He goes now and stands before Captain Shaw, an eager suppliant.) Nolan. Have you no work for me, sir? Shaw. (Kindly but with decision) Mr. Nolan, 1 must ask you to keep your cabin, sir. Nolan. Sir ! — Don't send me in there ! — Put me — somewhere where there's danger, sir ! Shaw. I have no authority to put you in any post of danger, sir, — any more than I would any civilian passenger. Moreover, you cannot stay here ! — I must remind vou that this deck is the most THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 67 exposed position on board — They will aim straight through here for the mast — I must ask that you go to your cabin — at once ! (Nolan, reading the decision in Captain Shaw's eyes, goes slowly up to his cabin door, opens it and goes inside, the door is closed.) Shaw. (Calling up to Cole) Ahoy there aloft, Mr. Cole! Anything to report? Cole. Nothing, sir. I've lost her again. An- other cloud of fog has blotted her out. Shaw. Keep a sharp lookout. Cole. Aye, aye, sir. Shaw. (Calling to the men on the gun deck below) Stand ready, my hearties. She may aim to surprise us. ist Gunner. (From below) Let her come on! 2nd Gunner. (Front below) Aye, aye, let her come ! Boatswain. (Hurrying on from l.) Silence! (To Captain, saluting) I think I hear voices off to starb'd, sir. (Captain holds up a warning hand, goes over to- ward the left and listens. Silence for a moment. Then follows a sound of muffled voices off- stage. Every man is alert.) Shaw. (After a slight pause of suspense, in loud, commanding voice) What ship is that? (Silence. In more commanding, even threatening voice) What ship is that? (Muffled sound of orders off-stage) Answer — or I fire! (Almost instantly comes the report of a cannon, followed by the sound of crashing through the rigging. A Bugler takes up his position be- side the Captain.) 6S THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Phillips. (From deck below) Shall we fire, sir? Shaw. Wait! ( Another shot crashes against the side of the ship.) Phillips. Now, sir? They're cutting us to bits. Shaw. Not yet. We've no shot to lose. (Another shot tears away a boom.) Phillips. There'll be nothing left of us, sir. Shaw. Wait! Cole. (From rigging) There she is, sir — com- ing straight on ! Shaw. Close with her, sailing master ! Along- side ! Hard a starboard! (To men) Now, boys, steady ! Give her a broadside ! (The Bugler gives the signal for firing. The cannon arc fired almost simultaneously. Groans arc heard off-stage.) Voice. (From deck below, from out the smoke) They got us that time ! Another Voice. (Broken with pain) Take my place, somebody — I'm off with Davy Jones. (Groan) Sailor. (In panic, running in from the left) Sir ! — Lieut. Phillips Shaw. Not wounded? Sailor. Killed, sir ! Shaw. Get Truxton there! — Phillips killed! — Poor fellow ! Cole. She'll soon be on us, sir. Shaw. Hard to helm, sailing master. Catch her on the wind'ard ! (Turns and calls out right) Stand by with the grappling irons ! (Men rush left with heavy irons. To gunners) Look to your guns, look to your guns there! — Where's Truxton? (Exits down companion ladder left. There is an- other roar of cannon and more calls and groans from the deck below) THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 69 (Nolan flings open his door and comes out.) Nolan. Captain, — I — (Sees that the deck is de- serted and stands startled. Two men appear from the right bearing Truxton icon tided between them. Nolan springs to their side) Truxton! You're wounded ! Truxton. (Irritable but game) Well what would you have a man be when he gets all mixed up with a cannon ball ? Nolan. (To the bearers, opening his own cabin door) Bring him in here. Truxton. No, you don't — Captain sent for me — to command th' gun deck — and — I'm going — to — ■ do it! Nolan. Bring him in here. (He exits into his cabin and the others with Truxton follow him) (On the deck below there is growing confusion. The roar of the firing comes increasingly, A Sailor slightly wounded comes running up the stairs and in left.) Sailor. Mr. Truxton — Mr. Truxton- — (He runs out right, still calling) 2nd Sailor. (Running in from down left) Mr. Truxton — the captain's calling you ! Nolan. (Entering, followed by the stretcher bearers) He's not so dangerously hurt as I feared. Ask the doctor to see him. Get to your posts. (The men salute and exit right. Again there is a roar of cannon.) A Gunner. (Runs i)i from left in a state of panic) We're done for, sir — There's no one to command our guns ! (Nolan picks up a pistol off the deck where Truxton has dropped it.) Nolan. Get back to your post. (He stations 70 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY himself left at the companion ladder and speaks to the men below) Back, bad;, all of you! To your places, men! (Leans over the rail that guards this deck edge from the deck belozv) Men, we haven't bgun to fight yet ! — Take up that rammer ! Quick with the ammunition! There'll be no surrender on this ship while there's a man and a gun left. Quick, the grape ! Now, the powder ! That's it. Now run her out. — Good ! Light her up. (He climbs up and stands, one foot on the keg of pozuder — the other on the railing — a clear mark to the pirate ship) We'll soon see who is master of the seas ! (Report of cannon; smoke; groans from off-stage. Men on board "Warren" give three cheers.) Joe. {Running en from out left) Fer th' sake of heaver, sir — don't stand up there — they'll kill ye, sir. (The doctor enters from the right, goes into Nolan's stateroom, stays there a few moments, then comes out and exits again. Joe pointing to the keg Nolan is standing on) But that's powder, sir ! They'll blew you to bits. Nolan. Let them blow. (Brushing Joe aside, in kindly tone) Get out of the way, Joe. — Good shot, men. At 'em again. Courage ! A glorious right means a glorious victory ! — Run in the guns ! That's it! Load! Let 'em be double-shotted! That's it ! Run her out ! Fire ! (Report of cannon, followed by more groans off-stage) That's it — Now again ! Gunner. We'll have to wait, sir. It's hot ! Nolan. Hot with patriotism ! Good old gun, we're fighting for our country to-day ! (A shot aimed at him brings down the rigging nearby.) Joe. (In a frenzy of anxiety) Come down, sir, they'll get you there. THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 71 Nolan. (Laughing) I'm shot-and-shell proof. (To men) Now lads, — at 'em again! We'll clear the seas of these black dogs. Pour it into 'em ! Men. (Chorus of voices from bclozv) Aye, aye, sir ! Feed 'em to the sharks ! Nolan. Or send them to Jonah's private resi- dence ! (Men laugh) Easy there, my man, with the fodder. You'll give him a pain if you overload his stomach. A little at a time. That's it. Now, out with him! Let him go. (Men fire it. Report. Groans from other ship) How do you like that, Captain Kid? (To another gunner) Aim for the mizzen-mast, lad. Good practice, and will save the hull. More prize money that way, too. Gunner. (Off-stage) Aye, aye, sir. (Aims, fires. There is the crash of the falling mast from the other ship. Men set up a shout of joy) Nolan. (To the gunner below) Good! You've made a brig of her. We'll have her a sloop yet ! Load again now r ! (Captain Shaw comes bounding up the companion ladder.) Shaw. Truxton, get down — (Sees it is Nolan and stands amazed) Mr. Nolan, I put Truxton in command here ! Where is he ? Nolan. (Indicating his cabin) There! Wounded ! — (Shaw goes swiftly in and in a second comes out again. Nolan calls to the men) Now let her cool a bit ! Shaw. (Coming up to him and seising him by the arm and pulling him down beside him) Who left that powder here? (Calling dozvn to the deck belozv) Come up here! (A Sailor comes running in from left) Take that away! (The Sailor takes 72 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY ' the keg out left. Shaw turns to Nolan) Do you think we want you shot, too? Nolan. {Crestfallen, thinking he is dismissed from the position he has assumed) I — I beg your pardon, sir — I was just showing them how we used to do it in the artillery, sir. Shaw. And making a mark of yourself ! Get down there on the gun deck. Nolan. You mean, I may — ■? — Yes, sir! (He runs out left) Shaw. (Calling after him) Tell those men what to do down there. Nolan. (Calling back) Yes, sir! .(To the men below) Are you ready, men? Chorus. (Confident shouts from the deck below, greeting him) Aye, aye, sir! (The fight is now on fast and furious; pozvder boys running back and forth betzvecn guns and _ hatchway, replenishing ammunition. Amid it all is heard the wild, unintelligible cries of the pirates.) Cole. She's cutting across our bow, sir ! Shaw. Ready with the anchors ! Stand by with the grappling irons ! (Men rush across the deck from right to left, ready for throwing) Steady, now! wait until she comes alongside! (The pirate ship crashes against the " Warren " . A medley of orders are given in a foreign tongue off-stage) Hook her, lads. Cheerily, my men. (Shaw speaks to group after group off-stage left and on the deck below) Down with the anchors ! Lash her to the mizzen-mast ! (To gunners) Now! Rake her, lads ! Comb her decks ! Nolan. (Off-stage) All together, lads. (The cannon booms.) Shaw. Bugler, call the boarders! (Bugler THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 73 gives signal. Men, armed with pistol, cutlass and pike rush forward from out right, and stand ready, eager for the signal. To marines with muskets) To the tops, men ! Pepper them ! Men. (Scrambling up into the rigging) Aye, aye, sir. (Standing in the rigging, braced against the halyards, they pick off men on the other ship) Boarder. Put us aboard, sir. Shaw. Steady, my lads. Wait! (To men with grappling irons) Pull her in! Closer. (To men in the rigging) Pick off the man at the wheel! (Report of musket; groan from other ship) That's it. Let no man touch that wheel. Boarders. Put us aboard, sir ! Let us get at their dirty throats ! Shaw. Wait ! We're swinging closer. (Steady fire kept up throughout.) Boarders. Now, sir, we can get across ! Shaw. Boarders away! (The Bugler gives the signal. There is a rusli and a roar as from wild animals as Boarders of both ships fight for su- premacy; the air filled with cries) The hand grenades ! ( The cry of hand grenades is passed along. Men rush on deck with buckets) To the rigging! (They scramble up to where Cole is stationed) Mr. Cole, aim for the open hatchways. Cole. Aye, aye, sir. {The men lie along the rigging, passing the hand grenades along, the last man applies a slow match and passes the grenade to Cole.) Man. (Rushing in from left) The hold is filling with water ! Another Man. (Running forward from right) We are on fire, sir. Shaw. Use the water to put out the fire. That's 74 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY what I call the hand of Providence. Drop it now, Cole. The open hatches. Cole. Aye, aye, sir. (Throws one. It misses. Throws another. It also misses. The third one explodes. Cries) Shaw. Guns! Stop firing! (At this signal Nolan rushes up from the deck below.) Nolan. They're driving our men back, sir! (A crowd of Pirates surge from off-stage left, rear dozvn on the boarders of the " Warren " , pushing them back.) Nolan. (Rushing into the midst of the fray) Come on, lads ! All together now ! Push them back! (They make a rush together, gradually crowding the pirates back until they are out of sight off left. From a little distance off-stage can be heard Nolan's encouraging cries in the intervals) The dogs ! Now we have them on their knees. Give them no quarter ! Back, back ! Good work, men ! (There is a loud victorious shout. A moment later Joe appears with the pirate ensign, and holds it out to the Captain, other sailors and mar'uies, some wounded slightly, all begrimed and zveary, follow, crozvding in back of him.) Joe. (To the Captain as he offers him the ensign) Mr. Nolan's compliments, sir, and he sends you this. (The crozvd grozvs. Ingham, Cole and other Officers appear from both sides of the deck.) Shaw. (Taking it) Where is Mr. Nolan? THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 75 Joe. He's back there, sir. ist Sailor. He's here, sir. (The crowd of sailors make a lane and push Nolan forward from their midst.) The Crowd. (As he appears before the Cap- tain) Three cheers for "Plain Buttons!" (They are given with a will.) Nolan. (Moved with deep emotion) Thank you, lads. (He starts for his cabin but is halted b\ the Captain's voice) Shaw. Wait, Mr. Nolan! — I have something to say to you ! Nolan. (Cringing, expecting rebuke) I — I know I should have waited for orders, sir ! Shaw. (Cordially) Orders be hanged! We are all very grateful to you to-day, sir ! Nolan. (Staring at him, amazed) You for- give me, sir? — I — I — thought Shaw. Forgive you? — Why man, you've saved the day, sir ! — I shall never forget it — and no man here will ever let you forget it. (Cheers from the Sailors) You are one of us to-day — you shall be mentioned in the despatches ! Nolan. (Turning away his head, too moved to speak; finally chokes out) Thank you, sir. (Starts to move away) Shaw. (Unbuckling Jiis own sword of ceremony) Mr. Nolan, I want you to wear this. Nolan. (Eagerly; hesitatingly; almost afraid to take it) Oh, sir, I ! Shaw. Put it on, sir, — you've earned it. (Nolan takes it, starts to put it on witli trembling fingers, but staggers and falls back into the arms of Danforth zvho is nearest him.) Joe. (Running to him) Sir ! — You are wounded ! ;6 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Nolan. Lay me down, lads. Shaw. A stretcher here (Tzvo men come on from the right with a stretcher. Danforth and Joe lay Nolan gently on it.) Shaw. (To Nolan) My dear fellow, why didn't you tell us? Nolan. It isn't much — but it's enough. Shaw. Tell the doctor to come here. (Tunis to the crowd) Go, men! It's double grog to-night. ( Tlie Sailors turn and leave the deck very qu'ctlj. The Officers, too, scatter till no one is left but Shaw, Morris, Danforth and Joe with Nolan.) Nolan. (Looking after them) Good fellows, all. Shaw. (Bending over him) Would you like to go to your cabin? — I'll have Mr. Truxton moved. Nolan. (Shakes his head) I'd rather be out here under the sky. (The Doctor comes from left. Shaw gives him a look and gesture. He drops on one knee be- side Nolan and c.rcmi::es the wound in his chest, then lays a hand on his breast. After a moment he rises and faces Shaw silently.) Nolan. I know, doctor — it's enough! (He turns to Danforth ivho is supporting him, with a radiant look) Lad, I'm going home! (He looks around at the men) I want to say to all of you what I am sure you know without my telling— that there is not in this ship, that there is not in America, God bless her, a more loyal man than I. There cannot be a man who loves the flag as I do, or prays for it as I do — or hopes for it as I do. THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 77 Shaw. (Taking Nolan's hand) We know that, Nolan, we know that! Nolan. (To Danforth) Lad, in my cabin — there's my flag — take it down — and give it to me here — I want to lay my hands upon it. (Danforth goes into Nolan's cabin up right. Nolan turns to the other men) Leave me alone with the boy, — I want to speak to him. (Shaw and the others turn away as Danforth conies back, and they move quietly away to some distance. Joe goes down out left. Danforth brings with him a beautiful silk American flag and lays it over Nolan's knees. Nolan thanks him with a look and fingers it lov- ingly as he talks on) There are fifteen stars in it, Danforth, there has never been one taken away. I thank God for that — I know by that that there has never been any success for Aaron Burr. Danforth. No, never ! Nolan. There will be others — from time to time — men who will try to wreck America but they will never do it. She is too deep in the hearts of her citizens — I never knew what she meant to me — till she was taken away. She will go up and on — a great country — up and on to her high destiny. (His voice grozvs weaker) Come nearer, boy !— I want to speak to you (Danforth kneels beside him and lays his hand on Nolan's.) Danforth. Yes, Mr. Nolan. Nolan. Lad, I've learned to love you on this cruise, and I'm going to give my flag to you. I want it to mean something to you. You're a. dear fellow, John, but sometimes I've thought you were a little restive, a little inclined to criticize the men at the helm, sometimes I've feared for your loyalty. Danforth. I didn't mean to seem disloyal, sir. ;8 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Nolan. I know you didn't, but youngster, I want you to let my life show you what it is to be without a family, without a home, and without a country. And if you are ever tempted to say a word or to do a thing that shall put a bar between you and your family, your home and your country, pray God, in His mercy, to take you that instant home to His own heaven. Stick to your family, boy, forget you have a self, while you»do everything for them. Think of your home, boy, w r rite and send and talk about it. Let it be nearer and nearer to your thought, the farther you have to travel from it, and rush back to it when you are free as though it were th: only spct on earth for you. And for your Country, boy, {Here Nolan raises himself; his face and voice take on commanding majesty) and for this flag, never dream a dream but of serving her as she bids you, though the service carry you through a thou- sand hells. No matter what happens to you, no matter who flatters you, or who abuses you, never look at another flag, never let a night pass, but you pray God to bless this flag. Remember, boy, that behind all these men you have to do with, behind officers and Government and people even, there is the Country Herself, your Country, and that you belong to Her as you belong to your own mother. Stand by her, boy, as you would stand by your own mother if those devils yonder should lay hold of her to-day. Danforth. By all that's holy, sir, I promise you I will. I never thought of doing anything else, sir. Nolan. Good boy, good boy! (He sinks back as though exhausted. From off across the water comes the sound of a ship's band playing martial music. Nolan stirs) What's that? Danforth. (Rising to his feet and looking out to sea) Why, it's the Vixen! She's found us! She sees our victory and is playing to us. THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 79 Nolan. That's right ! I will sleep now. (He turns his face aside and closes his eyes) {The sun breaks through a passing cloud and throws its shaft of light on the brilliant colors of the flag. The ship's band in the distance swells louder in its triumphant music.) Curtain falls EPILOGUE The curtain rises upon the Recruiting Officer, seated at his table; the Slacker sitting on the camp-stool at R. of table, trying to hide his emotion. Officer. And that, my boy, is the story of Philip Nolan, who in a moment of anger, cursed his country. (The Slacker stumbles to his feet, and gropes his zvay out of the tent, fumbling for his handkerchief as he goes, turns his head away, to dash the tears from his eyes and choke dozvn the lump in his throat. The Officer comes out, and lays his hand gently on the boy's arm) Slacker. (In a broken voice, trying to control his emotion) I've learned my lesson, sir. (The Officer pats him on the shoulder as a father would) I guess you'll think I've the heart of a woman. Officer. You've got the heart of a true Amer- ican. Slacker. (Squarinq his shoulders, and trying to control his voice) Have you one of them enlist- ment blanks ? Officer. Waiting for you. (Pushes blank for- ward ) (The Boy starts to sit dozvn. Off-stage, as if com- ing from a distance, comes the strain of " Over there") Slacker. The soldiers, sir! 8o THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY Vender. (Coming onstage) Getta de color! Showa de color ! Slacker. You bet I'll show the colors ! (Rush- ing to him) Vender. Whicha one? Dis naice. (Starting to take one out) (The music is drawing nearer all the time. The tramp of marching becomes louder and louder.) Slacker, (snatching up board, and at same time looking into left of audience, as if looking down the street) All of them. We're all together in this! There it comes ! Hurrah ! (Lifts board high above head, and waves it back and forth as music and tramp of feet draw near.) Vender. (Alarmed at fate of his wares as Stacker waves with increasing enthusiasm) Oh! Oh! Signor ! (Running from R. to l. behind the Slacker, following the course of his flags) My flagga ! My flagga ! Oh, Signor. (The Slacker takes his hat off to wave, seeing Vender's outstretched arm, gives him hat, con- tinuing to wave enthusiastically. Pedestrians come on from r. and from l. looking out into audience with seeing-a-parade expression, join ■in cheering, and in forming an enthusiast' 1 crowd.) Curtain LIBRARY OF .CONGRESS 111H11M1||1L 015 940 616J7^T