t ♦ Title '^ * *r ^ Imprint. UWARV OF CON^S 7^^/ a a DEITRICK:" The Dutch Recruit. An Original Allegorical Drama of the Civil War of 1801 to 1806. IN FIVE ACTS. B^ST J. T. "VE<3-I.A.I^ID. Dedicated to "The Veterans." ROCHESTER, N. Y. : DAILY EVENING EXPKESS STEAM PRINTING HOUSE. ^%'t,\l cc DEITRICK;" The Dutch Recruit. AN ORIGINAL ALLEGORICAL DRAMA OF THE CIVIL WAR OF '6 1 TO '66. IN FIVE ACTS. B^s- J. T. -^eg-xj^:rt:>. Dedicated to "The Veterans." Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by J. T. Vegiard, in th« Office of the Tr. ) Scene II.] the dutch ricruit. 19 St. Claie. Sleep on, my Teutonic friend, your di-ow8iness has proved my salvation. {Exit e.) Deitkick. Scat (loakes iip.) Veil ouf I dond look oud I gots asleepen. Mine lite has gone oud, I lights id, (starts towards fireplace, discovers St. Claif s escape.) Mine Cot in himmel! Doun- erwether ! de tuyval ! Misdur White, dot brisoner, he done escaped of himself und. {White and Denmar jump up, grasp tlieir guns.) White. The prisoner gone ! How did he escape ? Deiteiok. I yusht lides minebipe do dook asmoken, ven I looks arount dot brisoner vas no vere I seed him Denmae. Most likely you was asleep. White. Come Denmar, Deitriek, we must re-capture that rebel, or Harry is lost. ( White and Denmar exit through door e.) Deiteick. {Putting on overcoat.) I dond see how dot veller he cot avay ; I dond vas asleepen, maybe he vas dot spirits like Ham- let's fader in der Deader. Veil I got dot brisoner again, so help me Horace Greeley. {Exit e.) SCENE II. — Landscape in 2. {Enter Pete Smith l. 2 e. on gxiard.) Pete Smith. I wish this tarnation war was ended. It is nothing but fight and stand on guard all the time, {yawns. ) I haven't had a good night's rest for a week, and they have given us orders to be ex- tra watchful to-night. Halt ! who comes there ? {Looks e. ) Haeey. {Outside.) A friend. Pete Smith. Advance and give the countersign. {Enter Harry K. 2 e.) Haeey. I have dispatches of the utmost importance and must see the General at once. Pete Smith. I will send for the Officer of the Guard, {look l. ) Most likely this is the General approaching, he sometimes visits the outposts. Halt ! who comes there ? Alex. Burt. {Outside.) Grand Bounds. Pete Smith. Advance Sergeant of Grand Bounds and give the countei-sign. {Enter Sergeant of Rebels, gives countersign). Coun- tersign correct, pass rounds. {E.nt to place. As Grand Rounds enter l. Pete Smith steps forward, salutes Alex. Burt.) Officer of the Guard, this officer here states he has dispatches of importance for the General, {res'ume.s station.) Geneeal. Well, sir, what papers have you ? Habey. {Producing dispatches.) General, these dispatches were handed me by Major St. Clair, who has i)een severely wounded, and he requested me to deliver them to you, in person. Geneeal. Thanks, but to wTiom am I indebted for their safe de- livery? {Alex. Burt, icho has been clos'ly watching Harry, draws revolver.) Alex. Bubt. Do not attempt to escape ! Geneeal. What means this outrage. Lieutenant ? 20 DEITRICK, Act II, Alex. Buet. {Pxilling of Harry's whiskers.') General, allow me to iutroduce Harry St. Leon, the Union Spy, more properly known as The Avenger. {Harry fokh Ids arms.) General. Ha ! Then you are the man we were ordered to keep a close watch for. What infernal scheme have you on hand now that brings you to our lines ? Hakey. I refuse to answer any questions. Feank D. {Entering -l. 1 e.) General, I just heard of your in- tended surprise of the Union camp to-morrow morning, and I come to volunteer the services of my band. What ! St. Leon. Ha ! Ha ! my fine bird, caged at last. General. You know him Duncan, who is he ? Haeey. The avenger of a father's murder. {Grasps Frank Duncan by the throat.) Geneeal. Secure him, guards. {Pete Smith and QuerHlla seize Harry. ) Young man, your case is desperate ; I have orders to shoot you as soon as captured. Haeey. Such is generally the custom of Guerrillas, but hark you, General, it is life for life, a " Grey for a Blue." Geneeal. I do not take your meaning. Haeey. But a few miles from here Major St. Clair is a prisoner ; if I do not return my men will hang him to the first tree. {Enter St. Clair e. 1 e.) St. Claie. General, I was captured by a party of scouts but a short distance from here {jwints at Harry), and there stands their leader. I'll trouble you for my coat and hat. Haeey. Now my fate is sealed. {Takes off coat and hat, ha7ids them to St. Glair.) Geneeal {shaking Jiands witJt. St. Glair). Allow me to congi-atu- late you. Major, on your safe deliverance. And now, I shall not hesitate to mete out to you the penalty proscribed by my superior. Feank D. General, there is a little matter of long standing be- tween the prisoner and myself, and if my well-known services would entitle me to the privilege of carrj'ing out his sentence, you can call on me for any favor in return. Geneeal. Your reqiiest shall be gi-anted. Captain Duncan, you will see that my orders are strictly carried out, and these soldiers will be under your command Tintil I receive your report. Come Major, Lieutenant and Sei'geaut, let us at once to our quarters. {Exit General and Staff l. 2 e. ) Feank D. Harry St. Leon, you are at last in my power. Prepare for the journey which you are about to take into a new countiy. Haeky. When I first undertook the hfizardous life of a spy, I made all my preparations to meet death face to face^ but I warn you, Frank Duncan, ])y murdering me, you will not escape your just doom, for others are upon your path who will execute the oath I swore against the murderer of my aged father. Feank D. No more, I will hear no more. Smith, place him yonder. {Pete Smith places Harry r. 2 e.) Now men readj^^ aim {Shots heard n. Guerrillas fall. Exit Freink Duncan and Pete Smith l. 2 e. in haste. Enter White, Denmar and Deitrick E. 2 E. White hands Harry a gun.) 8c< ne III] THR DUTCH RKCRUIT. 21 White. Take this gnn ; we must at once gain the protection of our cabin, or all will be taken. Haeby. Thanks, White, but let us start at once. That was a close shave for me. {Exit Harry, White a7id DenTnar s..) Deitrick. I fights myself like de tuyval, aind id. (Looks around, seeing the rest liave gone, exits hastily k. Enter Frank Duncan, Harker and Guerrillas l. 2 e.) Frank D. Escaped ! Follow at once in their path ; take them dead or alive ! {Harker and Gtierrillas exit r. Enter General and Staff l. 2 e. ) General, the Spy has escaped, rescued by his friends, who have kill'd our pickets. General. Escaped ! Have you ordered out a detachment in pursuit ? Frank D. Yes, General, at once. General. Follow them yourself ; leave not a stone unturned to effect his re-capture ; then take him, if alive, to Belle Isle — let him starve for his audacity. (Exit Frank Duncan r. 2 e.) Gentlemen, let us at once to the attack — all now depends upon quick actions. To your saddles immediately — ride for your lives. One hour in the field is worth a whole day here. \ (All Exit L. 2e.) SCENE III.— Wood in 1. Bain heard. (Enttr Harry, White, Denmar and Deitrick l. in haste. ) Harry. At last we are free from those human bloodhounds. White. Yes, we have thrown them off the scent ; let us at once to our retreat ; gather whatever we wish to take with us, and aban- don this section for a time at least. Harry. You are right, since St. Clair knows of its whereabouts ; the place will be made too hot to hold us. Deitrick, you stand guard here, while we get ready for a start. Can you keep your eyes open now ? Deitrick. Yah, I gan do dot, und if any repels gomes of me, I shoods myself of him — dot's so. Harry. Come, friends, let us hasten. (Exit R., followed by White and Denmar.) Deitrick. Dot is an awful night (flash e. ) Phew ! of suchd a von like dot, sdruck me, by jibity, I vould haf gone died. (Thunder.) Donnerwetter, how it raints. I dond like of dis pisi- ness. I got de groups of mine woundedness, und prings my barents paid heats, do der graves, mit sorrows. {Enter Teddy l. in haste.) Sdob quick ! who vas you ? Teddy. Don't yese remimber me, Deitrick ? — Teddy O'Connor. Deitrick. You vas de vellars dot — dot cheet me mit der guards mit der shoots und drumps und blayed of der vellar mit a het at bode ents. 22 ^ DEITRICK, [Act II, Teddy. Will, I am sorry for any misiiuderstandin' we had, sure, an' I axes yere pardin.' Deitkick. You dond gan blay any more of dose dricks mit dis Dutcbmans — marlc dime — March. (Aims gu?i. Teddy attemjM to put his hands in Ms pockets I) Teddy. Ye dhirty spalpeen ye, but • Deiteick. Shud ub your moud — no nonsendces. (Enter Frank Duncan l.) Stob quick — trow up your bants — mark dime — or I kills mineself (Frank Duncan marks time.) Frank D. You infernal Diitchman, I'll Deitrick. Shud up ! no dalking mit der shendlemans on gard. (Enter Pete Smith l. ) Trow ub your bants — mark dime — you vas a nice vellars, vasn't you ? You vas dree nice vellars. You subrise der bickets aiud id ? veil, I guess nod ouf der goTirt knows herself. (Enter two Guerrillas, l.) Hold — trow ub your hants — mark dime— dwo more angels — vaster — keep id ub, or I vires. (Enter Harker b. , creeps cautiously toward Deitrick.) Of I vas gomanters of suchd as dot I vould sdard a gi-aveyarts — vail in — (Harker pinions Diet- rick's arms, Frank Duncan places handkercldef over his mouth. Teddy grasps his gun.) Teddy. There, ye dhirty spalpeen ye.' You wouldn't shake hands wid Tiddy O'Connor Frank D. Silence fool ! do you want to alai-m our game ? Take him along with us. (Guerrillas pick up Deitrick.) Haekee. Now, Captain, our birds are once more in our reach. (All exit E.) SCENE IV. —Same as Scene 1, Same Act. (Enter General U.S. A., Colonel Frankli/i and Two Officers r.) General. St. Leon not here. What can have become of him ? Col. Franklin. Most likely he has gone on one of his many expeditions, and will return ere long. General. I fear for his safety Since learning that he whom we knew so long as The Avenger, was the son of my old friend. Colo- nel St. Leon, I have' taken a great interest in his welfare. Col. Franklin. I hear footsteps. General ; you are imperiling your safety by remaining so long outside of our lines. General. No man, who is an honorable soldier, whether Gene- ral or Private, should be afraid to meet death in any form or shape. Col. Franklin. The footsteps are approaching this way ; let us Bell our lives dearly if they are enemies. (Draws revolver.) (Enter Harry, White and Denmar r.) General. Ah ! returned — I had fears for your safety. Harry. This has been an eventful night to me, General. After you left here I returned to the Confederate camp in disguise, was Scene I] TIIK DUTCH RKChUIT. 23 discovered, and about to be shot, when my brave friends rescued me. Our retreat is known, and as Frank Duncan's gueiTillas were in full chase after us, you had better leave at once, and I will shortly follow jou. General. Again you have placed me under obligations to you. To-morrow I wish you near me if there is a battle to be fought. Will you not accept a position on my staff ? Haeey. Yes, but for the day only. This is my place till I have fully avenged all wrongs. But, General, fly ere it be too late. (Exit General U. S. A., Colonel Fianklin and Officers. Harry casts Mmself on bed. ) Haeey. Again those terrible forebodings of evil come before my mind. What do they foretell ? Can they mean danger to my mother and sister ? Oh my poor iinhappy South, why did you bring this righteous judgment upon j-ou ? White. Come, Harry, we have not niuch time to lose (noise heard in the distance b.) Denmae. Hark ! There is some one approaching. (Harry jumps f)om bed, opens door. Shot heard.) Haery (closing door). That was a narrow escape. We will have to make a stand here, as it is too late for flight. White. They must have either killed or captured Deitrick, though I did not hear a shot fired. Harker. (Outside b.) Surrender and your lives will be spared ; resist and we will burn the house. Harry. (Shooting through mndow.) Take that for your answer. (Shots heard outside ; middenly all is still.) White. What can they be doing? Harry. They are gathering brush to fire the hoTise. We must escajje by the secret passage ; you two go while I keep them at bay. (Fires lit.) White. 'Tis you they want, let me stay. Harry. There is no time for argument, go at once. (Exit White and Denmar through trap. Door bursts open, enter Guerrillas, Harry fires, one falls. Enter Frank Duncan and Harker, who grasps Harry as he enters trap.) Frank D. Ah, my bird, caught again. This time you go to Belle Isle. Tableau— Curtain. ACT III. SCENE I— Landscape w Rocky Pass in 4. (Enter Union Troops l. u. E. ) — Grand March, and Zouave Drill. — Detail for Picket and Sentinel duty. — Bivouac, Camp Scenes, ^c. — Posiing 24 PEITRICK. [Aft IV, Sentinels. — {Lights down.) — Taps. — Grand Bounds. — ''Shot heard Ij. — Union Troops form hurriedly, commence firing, falling back slowly. — Bombshells thrown on stage L. — Union Troops exitn. — Enter Rebel Troops l. — Firing cross slowly to e. — Bombs thrown on stage from r. — During foregoing battle.. Tiro or Four on each side fall — and are carried off stage r. and l. — Rebel Troops fall back hur- riedly. — Fnter Union Troops at charge r. — Rebel Troops rally, meet c. — Four or Five of each side fall. — Picture. Tableau— Curtain. " This Act can be omitted without injury to the Play. " AUTHOR. ACT IV. SCENE I — Same as Scene 1. Act 1. (C'ontraba?uh led by Uncle Ned and Sam dancing '■• De Kingdom^ s Comin."' At conclu- sion Uncle Ned gets on bench.) Uncle Ned. Now you common niggahs listen to what I tole yer : Missus says dat yer are all free. (Alls/iout.) Dat you ken go when you please, an whar yer please widout any Masser or Missus. Masser Lincum dun sign de mancipashun proclamashun, so dat now yuse as good as de white folks. So all dose dat wants to work for deir- selves, pack up deir duds and bid good bye to Missus. (All exit l. but Uncle Ned and Sam. ) Sam. Uncle Ned, what is you gwine to do ? Uncle Ned. Sam, I was born on dis plantation, an when Masser St. Leon was a little boy I toted him around, an now dat he is dead an gone, does ye spose I am gwine to go away an leab de ole Missus ? Sam. Look a heah Uncle Ned, you is as good as de white folks ; now why doesn't you join de Bobolishun pai'ty and rim for Congress. Uncle Ned. You can do dat Sam, as for me I'll stick by de ole plantation. Sam. Well, good by Uncle, dis chile is gwine suah. Uncle Ned. Good bye Sam, and when you gits to Congress don't forgit yer old Uncle. (Exit Sam. l.) Taint no use talkin dem darkies, I'll wish dey was back on de ole plantation fore long. (En- ter Mrs. St. Leofi and Maude l. u. e.) Scene I.] the dutch kececit. 25 Mes. St. L. How well oiu- old home has been made to look. Maude. Yes, mother, it was a miracle that naught but the kitchens and upper chambers were destroyed. Uncle Ned {bowing). Beg pardon, Missus, but de ole house looks kind of natural. Mes. St. Leon. Yes, uncle, just as natural as of old ; but did you instruct the hands that they were now free to go where they please. Uncle Ned. Yes, Missus, an heah day cum. {Negroes cross l. to K. tcith bundles.) Negeoes. Good bye. Missus. Mes. St. L. Farewell — a kind farewell to all. Maude. How sad one feels to even part from a servant. Mes. St. L. Good bye, Uncle Ned, 'tis with the deepest regret I part with you. Uncle Ned. Missus, I isn't agwine. I was born on dis planta- tion, and wid your leab I'll die heah. I'se old now. Missus, an' can't do much ; but what I can do I will do. You won't send me away. Missus ? Mes. St. L. No, Uncle Ned, while I have a roof over my head you shall share it with me. Uncle Ned. Tank you. Missus, tank yoii ; any place is good enough for me. Maude. If Harry was only here to enjoy this, our return to the old homestead. Mes. St. L. I fear, Maude, for his safety ; 'tis over six months since we have heard aught from him. {Enter Deitrick R. u. e. in haste. ) Deiteick. Donnerwetter ! vich vay shall I gone ? Ah ! dere 's Misdur Harry's volks. Ouf you blease, dot pig repel vellars vas yusht cumin af der mineself , und I dond gan dell vich vay I gone. • Maude. Go into the house ; thei'e you will find some old clothes, with which you can disguise yourself. {Exit Deitrick into house l.) Mother, we miast detain his pursuers at all hazards. Uncle Ned, you run down the lawn, and throw them off the track if you can. ' Uncle Ned. I'se gwine, Miss Maude, an' if dey insist on cumin, I'll scrunch dem like a bed-bug. (Exit e. u. e. ) Mes. St. L. God grant we can save him from those terrible men. Maude. If they belong to Frank Duncan's guerrillas, they are as bloodthirsty as their master. Mes. St. L. 'Tis strange that Frank has not troubled us since the fire. Maude. He knows my feelings, and perhajjs has foregone his determination to force me to Ijecome his wife. Uncle Ned (outside). 1 tell you, Masser Harker, dat dey haint nobody cum dis way, suah. Maude. John Harker back to the village ! Haekee (outside). Stand aside, you black rascal ! — I'll see for myself. (Enter Harker and two Guerrillas e. u. e., followed by Uncle Ned. ) Ah, ladies, excuse me. Maude. John Harker, what means this outrage ? I think that 26 DEITEICK, [Act IV, you and your villainous master have injured our family enough, without putting us to further trouble. Mes. St. L. Leave this plantation at once, or I will make a complaint to your superiors. Haekee {hawing). My siiperiors would pay but little attention to one that bears the rej)utation of being the mother of a Union Spy. I am sorry to trouble you, Mrs. St. Leon, but a prisoner has escaped from us, and we have traced him here. Mes. St. L. I assure you that you will not find him inside of my house, but, Mr. Harker, can you tell me any news concerning my son ? Habkeb (aside). Here is the opportunity to throw in a good word for Frank Duncan. Yes, madame, sis months ago your son was captured by the Confederate forces, and condemned to be hung as a spy ; through the intercession of Frank Duncan, he was reprieved, and is now in prison at Belle Isle. Maude. Then Frank Duncan had some other of his villainous schemes in view. Perhaps he is being slowly starved to death, like many of our poor boys in blue. Habkeb. We are losing time in parleying thus. Men, search the house ! Maude. Hold ! You enter that house at your peril (draws re- volver, takes position o.) If your master is rowdy enough to take advantage of two unprotected females, then I am woman enough to defy you all. (Picture.) Habkeb. Stand aside, or I will order my men to fire. Maude. Coward, do you fear one woman ? You can enter the house, but you will not find a single soul within. (Asid£.) Ere this he has escaped by the rear door. Habkeb. Search the house from top to bottom. (Chierrillas exit into house.) If he is found within, rest assured your conduct will be reported to our Commanding General. Mes. St. L. We will abide the issue. (Enter Deitrick l. 1. e. disguised as a female. ) Deiteick. Ouf you blease, vas you de laties of dot houses ? Mes. St. L. Yes ; what can we do for you ? Deiteick. I vants to got a situvations, (to Maude) hire me, I bin Deitrick. Maude. What can you do, my good woman. Deiteick. I gan vash, pake, make peds, und vait on der laties. Mes. St. L. I think we shall need your services, as all of our help are gone. Deiteick. All richts, I hires you. Look ouf dot nise veUars mit der Cray uniforms. I vonders of mine peaus has got von like dot. Haekee. Did any one pass you as you were coming across the plantation ? Deiteick. Who vas dot j'^ou tole me ? Haekee. Did you see a man as you came along ? Deiteick. A mans ? Haekee. Yes ; a man. Deiteick. Was he tressed py plue glodes, mit a gap like dot way ? Scene II.] THE DUTCH RECRUIT. 27 Hakker. Yes ! yes ! Deitrick. I doncl see somepody like dot. Hareer. Curse you for a stupid Dutch. fool. {Exit into house h.) Deitrick (putting his finger to his eye). Does you seen some dings creen dere ? Ha! ha! ha ! jibity, dond I vools him ? Maude. Be quiet ; if he should suspect your trick, all is lost. (Enter HarJcer and Oner rillas from house.) Haeker. He is not in the house. Come, men, this way. (ExitL. 1 E.) Mrs. St. L. Thank heaven, he has gone. Deitrick. Veil, I dought I vas a gone gooses. Put I dold you, dond I makes a nise laties' mait for der situvations. (Takes stage.) Maude. Hasten into the house — they may return. Deitrick. I do dot, und ouf you haf no oi^shections, I dook dese clodings und gone afder Misdur Harry. Mrs. St. L. Do you think he can be freed, Deitrick ? Deitrick. I dries dot, und gets him glear, yusht so sure as mine name is Deitrick. (Exit into house l. Enter Laura r. u. e.) Maude. Laura, John Harker, our former overseer, has been here, and he informs us that Harry is imprisoned at Belle Isle. Laura. Then my brother has not as yet carried out his thi-eat. Mrs. St. L. Come into the house ; there we can arrange some means to send him relief. (^All exit into house l.) SCENE 11.— Landscape in 1. (Enter White l.) White. I can gain no information of Hariy's whereabouts. Twice have I been inside the Confederate lines, and returned dis- appointed. (Looks R.) Who is that coming this way ? — a woman, as I live. (Enter Deitrick r. courtesies.) Deitrick (aside). Dots Sharley White. I haf some vun mit him. Gootes aben, und good you tole me of de vay I gone do dot villages. White. Yes, my good woman, but are you not afraid to be so near the rebel lines, and alone ? Deitrick. Nein, I bin afraits not. Mein bruder vas dot repel vellars. White. Come along, I will show you the way. Deitrick. Sharley White, I jmsht bin ashamet of you. White. What— Deitrick ? Deitrkk. Yah, und you galls me my goot vomans. White. Why, I heard that you had been captured. Deitrick. Dot's dnie, jDut you seen I tole dose repels dot I yusht know'd vere you and Denmar vas hiting ; so dey dook we along do show dot blaces, und I vas so innocend dot dey didn't die me, und ven dey vas asleeben, I valked off. White. Well, I am glad you escaped, but what means this dis- guise ? Deitrick. Misdur Gaptain Harry is at Belle Isle brisons, und I geds him oud. White. Harry a prisoner at Belle Isle ! — then I will disguise 28 DEITKICIC, [Act IV, myself as an okl man, and go with you. Meet me near the niins of our old cabin. {Exit k.) Deitrick. I mead you all rigd. Dond I fools myself of Sharley. He says, "Dond bin afrait, my goot vomans." Veil, I mrisd go o\if dot blaces und get Misdui- Harry free of dot brisons out. (Enter Harker l.) Haekek. Confound that Dutchman, how he fooled me. Ah ! that Dutch woman I saw at St. Leon's. Deitrick. How you do, Misdur ? (cmtrtesies). Harkee. Do you know that I think yon are not such a fool as you look. Deiteick. Is dot so ? Harker. And come to look, you resemble that Dutch prisoner I had this morning. Deitrick. So ! mien gootness grashus ! (Aside) I'ds pedder I got cud of dis blaces. Haekee. Yes, and I will have to search you before you leave here- Deiteick. I bin ashamedt of you do dalk dot vay of a boor vomans, dot is all alone of herself in dis vide vorlt. Harker. Alone or not, I am determined to search you. (As Harli^r grasps his left Jmnd, Deitrick draws revolver and knocks' Mm dmcn.) Deiteick. Dook dot, und nefer inderveres mit a lone vomans on de higdvays. (Exit r.) Haekee (raising up sloioly). Curse that infernal she-devil ! though I believe it was that Dutchman in disguise. How heavy my head feels ; I will find my men, then pursue, and capture him. (Staggers ovt l.) SCENE HI. — Stockade or Prison in 3 ; lights half dmcn. (Haivy and Union prisoners disemered lying on stage l. Rebel Ouardon Storkad.e.) Tableau — " Tfi£ Prisoner's dream of Jioine. ") Harry. O God, will these inhuman fiends ever bring me any- thing to eat ? (raising irp). For thirty-six hours not even a crumb has passed my lips. Can Frank Duncan mean to keep that fearful oath he swore when I M^as first incarcerated in this horrible den. Does he think he can starve me into acquiescence to his wishes ? Though naught but a ghastly skeleton were left of my once strong frame, I would still bid him defiance. The hope of once more seeing my poor mother and sister is all that siistains me now. (Enter Frank Duncan r. 1 e. with gvards). Frank D. Ah, good evening, Harry St. Leon, your i"ations do not agi'ee with you, if I should judge by your present condition. Harry. Do you come to mock at my sufferings, inhuman fiend that you are ? Frank D. I come as a friend to bring you this, my last offer. Harry. Sjieak, man, what would you say ? Frank D. I am in full command of this prison at the present time ; here you are slowly but surely starving. Not many weeks Scene III.] the dutch eecruit. 29 will elapse ere you will sink into your grave, unknown and uneared for. I offer life and liberty. Leave the Northern army — join us ; tell your sister that you owe all to me, and rank and riches shall be yours. Refuse me, and your torture shall be tenfold. Hakry. I do refuse you, and with scorn. You offer me life and liberty, the two greatest boons to an American heart — but at what a price ? My manhood. I warn you, Frank Duncan, should you fulfil your threat and kill me, my spirit would haunt you till your dying day, the same as my poor murdered father's does at the present. Frank D. {aside, looking hastily around). What can he mean ? Does he, too see, that old man, with gory locks and haggard face, that is for ever glaring at me with his ghastly eyes ? No — pshaw ! Why do I conjure up such fancies. {To Harry.) Harry St. Leon, beware how you refuse this, my last offer. Harry. Though death stood ready to claim me instantly, my answer wotild remain the same. Frank D. Then starve and rot here, you infernal Yankee spy ; as for your sister, I will tear her from her home at once, and if she refuses to become my wife, I will so dishonor her that she will beg, at my feet, for the position. Harry. Inhuman fiend ! but go — leave me. Frank D. I leave you now, but remember that Frank Duncan always keeps his oath. {Exit r.) Harry. Heaven now is my only hope — I will not repine, but try to say "Thy will, not mine, be done." Prisoner. Will they ever bring ixs food ? Hahry. Do not be down hearted, comrade ; when all earthly hope forsakes yoii, look to Heaven for guidance. {Enter Frank D. E. 1 e) Frank D. Guards, be extremely vigUant ; shoot the first prisoner that crosses the dead line. Thirty days' furlough for a dead Yank. {Enter Deitrick and White e. in disguise, followed by guard with lantern.) Here are the prisoners; look around, and see if you can find the one you are in search of. Deitrick. Mein gootness, you dinks I fint mine boor prudder mit all dese brisoners. * Harry {aside). Deitrick here — what can this mean ? Deitrick {getting between White and Frank D. WJdte passes revolver to Harry.) Now, Misdur ofiicer, you gone of me, und mine boor teaf und tumb vater, dUl ve finds him. Frank D. How did yoii say the mistake happened ? Deitrick. You seen, Misdur Gapdain, he vas got dook brisoners py dem Yankee vellars, und dey boot him on a pluness uniforms ; so he mate himself a brisoners mit dis armies, und vas but in der brisons. Frank D. Well, let us find him if he is here, and your reinest for his release shall be granted. Deitrick {speaking loud). Coom, vater, ve gone do vind boor Deitrick. ( White nods his head. All exit l. 2. e.) Harry. Hope again springs to my heart ; with this weapon I can, at least, take life for life. {Lies doion. Enter Teddy r. 2 e. cautiously. ) aO DEITBICK, [Act IV, Teddy. Begorra, there goes that murderin' spalpeen, Captain Frank Duncan, so that I'll have at laste a minit to look fur Harry St. Leon. Haeet. "Who speaks my name ? Teddy. Phwist, ye divil. An' sure are yese Mister Harry St. Leon ? Hakey. That is my name, but who are you ? Teddy. Sure me name is Teddy O'Connor. Don't yese remim- ber the time that I came to your father's plase, nothin' but a skele- ton ; an' sure didn't ye, like a big-hearted fellow as ye are, take me into the kitchen, and give me plenty to ate and dhrink. Haeey. Are you the one ? Teddy. Yis ; an' fearin' yese might be hiangry, sure I brot ye a loaf of bread. ^ABEY {grasping bread). Thank you, my brave fellow, and be assured that Teddy O'Connor will never be forgotten by me. Teddy. I left a ribil uniform for ye, jist along side av that tint beyant there. The countersign is " Beaueegaed." • Harey. ' ' Cast thy bread upon the waters, for it will return ere many days." Teddy. Begorra, I'd better make myself scarce, as here comes Frank Duncan. (Exitn. in haste Enter Frank Duncan, Deitrick, White and Ouard l. Harry conceals hread. ) Feank D. Then he is not here ? Deiteick. Nein (loiping his eyes). O mein boor prudder. I dond gan vind him. Frank D. Dry your eyes, my good woman, you may be more fortunate at the Libby prison. Deitriok. I dries dot blaces, unt I hobes you god dot rewarts for helbing a boor vomans. Feank D. I can never do too much for a loyal Southerner. Come to my office, and I will give you a pass that will take you to any place inside of our lines. Deitrick. Come, vater, ve god der basses. (All exit e.) Haery. Here, comrades, I have a loaf of bread. (All c7'owd to F. o. Harry divides bread. In going back. Prisoner steps over dead line. Oi/ard shoots him, and others drag him back. ) All. Shame! shame! (All exit slowly t,.) Haeey. Another martyr to liberty ! — but morning is approach- ing — I must hasten to leave this infamous den. (Exit e. 2 e. , returns icith rebel coat and hat ; puts them on. Exit e. 1 e. ) Pete Smith (otUside e. ) Halt ! who comes there ? Haery (outside). A friend. Pete Smith. Advance, and give the countersign. Counter- sign correct. (Enter Frank Duncan e. 1 e. with guards. ) Feank D. Once more to gloat over the sufferings of Harry St. Leon, then visit his sister Maude, and force her to become my wife. (looks around) Not here ! why 'twas but a moment ago I saw him in this very place. Come to think, who was that Confederate soldier who passed us at the gate ? Curses on him — he has scaped. Sound the alarm at once ! Let loose the bloodhounds ! hunt him to death. (Frank Duncan and guards exit e. 2 e. in haste. ) Scene V.] the dutch receuit. 31 SCENE IV.- — Land&ca/pe in 1. {Enter Deitrick and White l.) Deitbick. Veil, ve gets oud of dot blaces mit whole wigs on, doud id. {Noise heard l.) White. Yes ; but what means that noise at the prison. Can they suspect us ? Deitkiok. Nein ; I yusht hobe nod. {Enter Ha/rryL. in haste.) Hakry. Ah, friends, I have just escaped from that infernal prison. Deitrick. Is dot so? Den dey dond gots you pack py jibity. White. Strike at once for the swamps, and we will try to throw your pursuers from the trail. {Exit Harry r. in haste.) Deitrick. Py jibity, if dot repel vellar dinks he god Misdur Harry, I plack my dwo eyes yet. {Enter Frank Duncan, Pete Smith and Guard l. ) Frank D. Did you see a man dressed as a Confederate soldier pass along this road ? Deitrick. Canst du Dutch spraken — nix come arousallavUe — swi lager gedrinken — under shousijelier magnicous — mit der himbel- wirken. Frank D. I want none cff your infernal Dutch lingo, but plain English. Deitrick. O ! du uix-ver-stay. So ! veil, I dond seen any podies. Frank D. Come on, men, at once for the bloodhounds, they will find his trail. {Exit r. with guards.) Deitrick. Veil, if efer I sees somebody like dot. {Exit r.) SCENE V. — Rocky pass in 4. Stream o. Set Log l. to r. Set 7'ocks R. 3 E. Enter Harry l. 1 e. Harry. Hark ! I hear the baying of those terrible bloodhounds — 'tis too late for further flight. There are seven charges in this re- volver — six for them and one for mj'self before I will be re-taken. {Fires -L.) One less. {Fires.) Missed! {Fires.) Both dead, and four charges left — those I will reserve for human bloodhounds. Now for the stream. {Exit r. 3 e. Enter Frank Duncan, Pete Smith and Guard l. 1 e. Harry appears on log r. ) Frank D. Just in time — die {Harry fires — one Guard falls. Frank Duncan firm — Harry reels.) Harry. Oh, heavens ! I am shot. Frank Duncan, may my curse haunt you {Falls into stream. ) Frank D. Let us leave this place. That curse will ring in my ears for ever. {Frank Duncan and Guards take posiiion. Enter Deitrick, who draws Harry from stream. ) {Tableau — Curtain.) 32 DEITRICK, [Act V, ACT V. SCENE l.^-Log Cabin or Kitchen in 4. Set door b. 3 e. Tables L. and K. (Ales. Buet, Pete Smith, Teddy and Guek- BiLLAS discovered drinking. ) Alex. Bubt. Fill up, boys, I've got a toast to offer. Here's to the Captain, althoiigh he wasn't with us when we captured this brandy from that old fool of a Dutchman ; but, for all that, he's a trump in a fight. Come, boys, drink this standing. {All rise and drink.) Pete Smith. No, the Captain wasn't along, but he had a smash- ftig excuse. He was after a petticoat, one Maude St. Leon, and she is now imprisoned in the next room. Alex. Bubt. Well, if the Captain wants to run away with young and pretty females, spend his time billing and cooing, and leave the lush to us, why — who cares ? Pete Smith. Not I for one. Harry St. Leon's death left the oofist clear for him. Teddy. An' sure it's meself doesn't tink he's did at all. Pete Smith. Didn't I see him fall into the stream, after the Caj)tain shot him ? • Teddy. Sure an' he'll be. turnin' up some day like a cat wid nine lives. {Enter Frank Duncan b.) Alex. Bubt. Harry St. Leon will never trouble us again. -Feank D. Who says he will ? who ever dared make that asser- tion lied. Fools, did I not shoot him down from the log, and watch him phmge headlong into the stream ? Does not his curse ring in niy ears — and when I try to sleep, do I not see him and his cursed father in my dreams ? But no more — let me hear no more of him. I tell you once for all, he is dead — dead, I say ! Alex. Bubt. For heaven's sake never mention the subject again in his presence. Fbank D. Give me some brandy, {Teddy Jills glass.) Fill it up. {Puts hand on breast ;) there is something here 'twould take oceans of liquor to remove. Teddy. {Aside.) Begorra the double murder sits hard upon his conscience. {Enter Harker e. ) Frank D. What now, Harker ? Habkeb. a wagon train is approaching by the turnpike, and our scouts report that it is weakly guarded. Feank D, Men at once to your saddles, leave not one Northern hireling to tell the tale ; Harker order the Bugler to sound the call. {All exit E. bugle h.eard.) One short glance at Maude, then to my saddle. ( 7'o door in Flat l. ) Maude ! Maude I I say ! {Enter Mande. ) Hark you girl ; time enough has elapsed since the death of your brother for all purposes of mourning ; I am going on a short expe- dition and you must make preparations at once, as our wedding will take place to-night. Maude. Frank IJuncan, I am a prisoner, torn from a loving mother's arms. You murdered my father and brother, and as you fear heaven's wrath do not dure to carry your threat into execution. Scene II.] the dutch eecruit. 33 Frank D. Good, I like to see a little spirit in the cue I love. First, one kiss, then to horse, (starts toward Maude.) Maude. Back ! I warn yon not to approach. (Enter Harker, quick, K.) Harker. The men are getting impatient, Captain. Frank D. To horse at once. (Exit Harker n.) I will postpone the chaste salute till my return, (calling) Teddy. (Teddy enters e.) Teddy. Here I am, stir. Frank D. Keep a strict watch on that girl. I will hold you responsible for her safe keeping. (Exit r. ) Maude. He has gone at last, who ! who will aid me now ? Teddy. Begorra, Miss, its meself will do that same ting. Maude. You ? why you belong to his band. Teddy. Yis, an no mam. It was meself that helped your brother to escape from prison. Maude. Only to be murdered in cold blood. Teddy. Don't belave it. Miss. Though I can't explain, I have my rasons for saying I don't belave he was kilt at all. Maude. But what reasons have you for assisting me ; do you not know that if you are discovered you will pay the penalty with your life ? Teddy. I am aware of all that ; but whin I was starvin, your brother gave me mate and drink, an Miss, Teddy O'Connor niver forgits a kindness. Maude. Heaven will bless you my fi'iend : but is there no way to escai^e from here ? Teddy. Not at present, the plase is strongly guarded. But I will hasten to the Union camp an return wid a large force. Maude. Go at once. But first, have yovi a revolver ? Teddy, (ivodudng revolver.) Yis, take this. Maude. "Warn the Federal General, who is an old friend of father's, of my danger. (Exit Teddy r. in haste.) This shall be my protection if he fails to return in time. (iSits cit table. ) SCENE II— Wood in 2. (Enter General U. 8. A., and Colonel Franklin, e. 2 e.) General. 'Tis strange that nothing reliable has been reported by our many scouts concerning the fate of St. Leon. Col. Franklin. What do you think of the report that he was killed by Frank Duncan ? General. I hardly give it the least credence, (looks l. ) Here comes White, whom I sent to obtain information concerning the whereabouts of Frank Duncan's band of Guerrillas. (Enter White L. ) what brings you back so quickly ? White. General, I had hardly set forth upon the expedition you sent me when I met one of Frank Duncan's men, who said he had information of importance to impart to you. General. Where is this man ? 34 DKITUICK, [Act V, White. But a short distance from here. I will call him. (Exit L. 2 E.) • General. A more villainous set than those Guerrillas never drew breath. Let me gain biat a ckie to their whereabouts, and they shall be blotted from the earth's surface. {Enter White and Teddy l.) White. This is the' man, General. General. Well, sir, what do you know concerning Frank Dun- can's band ? Teddy. Sure yer honor they are encamped down on an old plantation about tin miles beyant this plase. I left but a short time ago to git help to rescue a poor female woman from his clutches. General. How many men compose his band ? Teddy. Sure, sur, ave I was on me oath, I should say about wan hundred, sur. General. Who is this girl or woman that is confined there ? Teddy. Her name is Maude St. Leon, sur. General. The daughter of my old friend ; can you lead us to this plantation ? Teddy. I'm the boy that can do that same ting. General. Do you know anything concerning her brother ? Teddy. Sure, sur, didn't I help him to escape from Belle Isle prison. General. You did, and where is he now ? {Enter Harry l. with Ms head bandaged. ) Harry. Here General, once more ready to fight against any traitor to the glorious old Stars and Stripes. General. {Shaking Harry's hand.) Yoti are just in time, we were about making up a detachment to attack Frank Duncan's Guerrillas, and rescue your sister, who is held a close prisoner. But how did you escape? Harry. 'Twill take but a few words to tell my story. I was im- prisoned at Belle Isle for six months and nearly starved to death, when this friend {pointing to Teddy) furnished me with a disguise and the countersign. Teddy. Sure that's me. Harry. While in the swamps I was pursued by blood hounds. I killed them both, and had gained a log which led across a stream, when I was discovered by Frank Duncan, who fired, the ball strik- ing my head ; stunned and faint from loss of blood I fell into the water, but was rescued by Deitrick. I bade him mention to no one of my rescue, wishing Frank Duncan to believe me dead. But let us start at once, I yearn for the moment when I can meet him face to face. {Enter Deitrick 1,. 1 e.) Deitrick. Sheneral, I vants do {sees Ha/rry.) Vot Misdur Gapdain Harry, I dought you vas in pet. Harry. I was a short time ago, and would be there still if I had obeyed your orders. But Deitrick we are making up a party to at- tack Frank Duncan's guerrillas. Deitrick. Is dot so. Veil, you gan gount me in, put Gapdain Harry you dond vas veil enough do sdant dot fighdin pisness. Scene III. ] the dutch beckuit. 35 Haery. I am good for many encounters with the enemies of my country. General. Colonel Franklin order yoiir men to their saddles, and I will take command in person. (All exit l.) SCENE III — Sa7ne as Scene 1. Lights part down. (Maude discovered at Table i^. Maude. Teddy not returned. I fear that he failed in his mission, if so, then my only resource will be this revolved he so kindly gave me. Hark, I hear Frank Duncan and his men retiirning. I had hoped for a longer respite from his presence. (Enter Frank Dun- can, Mrs. St. Leon and Lau>-a r.) Frank D. I have brought you two visitors. Miss Maude. Mrs. St. L. (Embracing Maude. ) My dear, dear daughter ! Maude. Mother, and you, my more than sister. Laura. We came as soon as we could learn of your whereabouts. Frank D: You can retii-e to yonder room and make all the ar- rangements for our approaching nuptials. Laura will act as brides- maid and Harker as groomsman, so you see we will be married in style. Maude. Come mother and Laura, let us be together while we can. (Exit through door in flat l.) Frank D. Everything is working to my wishes, by jove though, that was a fat haul to-day. (Enter Alex. Burt, Pete Smith and Gtierrillas a. icitli bottles.) Well boys, as you have done a good day's work, fill up your glasses and make a merry night of it. (Guerril- las fill glasses.) Alex. Bukt. Here's a health, Captain, and many returns. Frank D. Thank you my brave men, and in return I will invite you to my wedding. • Guerrillas. Long live the Captain, Hurrah ! Alex. Burt. When does it take place. Captain ? Frank D. This night, in one hour. Fi^l up men and drink a bumper to my fair bride, Maude St. Leon. (All drink. Enter Harker r.) Harker. Captain, a large force of Union cavalry is approaching by the main road ; 'tis too late to retreat, we must meet them here. Frank D. Out men, fall in and fight for your lives. (Exit Alex. Burt, Pete Smith and Guerrillas r.) Harker, where is that Irish- man, Teddy ? Harker. I have not seen him since morning. Frank D. Curse him ! 'tis he that has brought this Yankee horde upon us. At once to the men, have them ready to repel any attack that may be made. (Exit Harker r. Enter Laura, Maude and Mrs. St. Leon l.) Laura. Oh brother, fly ere it be too late. Frank D. What ! Frank Duncan, who fears neither man nor devil, desert his men, what can you mean ? 30 DEITRICK, THE DUTCH RECKUIT. [Act V. Maude. Do you not fear death with such a terrible load of guilt upon your soul. Frank D. I have no time to bandy words with women. Do not leave the house under any consideration. {Exit r. in haste.) Maude. Mother, I am sure my hour of deliverance has arrived. Mrs. St. Leon. We will hope for the best. {Firing outside. Enter Ilarker ^., staggers to c, falls.) Harker. Mrs. St. Leon, I am dying — forgive me for all the pain and suffering I have caused you and yours — forgive {dies). Mrs. St. L. May God forgive you, as I freely do. Maude. O mother, I hope the Union army will be victorious. {Enter Frank Duncan r.) Frank D. All is lost, but Maude St. Leon you shall be mine in death if not in life. {Draws dagger., starts toicards Maude. Shot heard outside. Frank Duncan staggers.) Frank D. I am shot, but death shall still wed us. {Enter Deitrick-R. with gun strikes him. Duncan falls.) Deitrick. How you like ouf dot pill, Misdur Gorriller ? {Enter Harry., White, Denmar, General TJ. 8. A., Colonel Franklin and Officers r. ) Laura {crossing to Harry). Harry, are you alive and safe ? Harry. Yes, my dear Laura. Mother, sister — have you no word fcr me ? Maude. My dear brother, he told us you were dead. Mrs. St. L. We welcome yoii as from the grave. Frank D. {rising iip painfully). Curse you, Hai-ry St. Leon, can you not stay in your grave ; and you old man go back from whence you came ; — do not stare at me with those glassy eyes. Back — back I {falls dead). Laura. My poor, poor brother, sad is yovir fate ; and, Harry, I am thankful that you did not stain your hands with his lilood. Harry. Let us try to forgive him for his many uijiuies to alL He is dead, and " The Avenger's" mission is ended. Tableau — Curtain. (This Book must be returned to tlic Itlaiiitgcrs.)