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The Fatal Blow 
 
 <A/o 
 
 A Melodrama in Three Acts 
 
 BY 
 
 EDWARD M. HARRIS 
 
 */*- 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 
 
 THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 1909 
 
*1 
 
 H^ 3 
 
 Copyright 1909 by The Penn Publishing Company 
 
 The Fatal Blow 
 
 ©CLD 1744? 
 
 TMP92-009174 
 
 
The Fatal Blow ' 
 
 CAST OF CHARACTERS 
 
 Everett Searles, . . president of the People' s Bank. 
 
 Thomas Allen, cashier in People s Bank. 
 
 Frederick Montford-Ely, . . cousin of Searles 
 
 Tobias Smythe, . . called Toby, of the People s Bank, 
 
 and friend of Allen s. 
 Tim Yerkes, . . known as " Tin " ; works while the 
 J world sleeps. 
 
 Jerry Adams, . known as « Eve" ; colleague of Yerkes. 
 Detective. . ,.„., 
 
 Mrs. Doane, ....... ?f r " nd °/ El £ Sm 
 
 Mary Searles, .... president' s oldest daughter. 
 
 Frederica Searles, .... called Freda, her sister. 
 
 t ENN ie .... servant in the house of Searles. 
 
 Mother Boyce, friend of Yerkes. 
 
 Police. 
 
 Time in Representation : — Two hours. 
 
ARGUMENT 
 
 Montford-Ely plans to marry Mary Searles, who loves 
 Tom Allen. Her father's bank is robbed by Ely, who causes 
 Allen to be arrested. Mrs. Doane, a friend of Ely's, helps 
 him to kidnap Mary ; but when Ely strikes her she turns 
 against him and tells Allen where Mary is hidden. Allen 
 rescues Mary, is himself exonerated and Ely goes to prison. 
 
 Act I. — President's office in the People's Bank. Ely's 
 threat. "I'll tell all." Searles: "You have me in your 
 power." Ely plots to rob bank. Mary refuses Ely's offer 
 of marriage. Allen and Smythe do a little detective work. 
 The lost plan. Ely and Allen. " You would accuse me? " 
 "Yes, you deceitful cur." 
 
 Act II. — Library in home of Searles. "The bank has 
 been robbed." Allen and Mary. " It would be wrong to 
 ask you to be my wife while this stigma of crime hangs over 
 me." "Let me be the judge of that." The decoy letter. 
 "I'll go. It may save you." Ely and Searles. "You 
 must have Allen arrested." "Yes, if only to protect our- 
 selves." Allen accuses Ely of having misappropriated 
 money. " You lie ! " " Who'd believe a thief? " Allen 
 accused of robbing the bank and arrested. 
 
 Act III. — Apartments of Mrs. Doane. Mrs. Doane and 
 Ely arrange to kidnap Mary. " Mary Searles must be my 
 wife. ' ' Mary and Mrs. Doane. ' ' Your baby face has robbed 
 me of the man I love." "I detest him." "It's your 
 money he wants." Ely strikes Mrs. Doane — the fatal blow. 
 "I'll place him behind prison bars." 
 
 Act IV. — Cellar room in the house of " Mother Boyce." 
 Mother Boyce in charge of Mary. Smythe goes for the 
 police; Allen hides. " Are you men of honor ? " Adams 
 has a soft spot in his heart. Ely and Adams. " I'm to give 
 you five thousand apiece." "We've changed our minds." 
 Mary's dash for liberty. Allen commands the situation. 
 "Move an inch and I'll fire." The police. " The game 
 is up." Allen exonerated. Love reigns supreme. 
 
COSTUMES 
 
 Searles. Should be about fifty years old, gray hair, 
 moustache or beard. Well dressed in business suit. 
 
 Allen. About twenty-five years old, well dressed 
 throughout. Moustache or smooth face. 
 
 Smythe. A little younger than Allen and well dressed. 
 Smooth face. 
 
 Montford-Ely. About thirty to thirty-five years of age, 
 dark hair and moustache and dresses well. 
 
 Yerkes and Adams. In Act I, Yerkes wears frock coat 
 and Adams business suit, but both are evidently not used to 
 being dressed so well. In Acts III and IV, they are more 
 roughly dressed. In Act IV, they may appear without coats 
 or collars, arms bare, etc. 
 
 Detective and Police. Detective wears ordinary busi- 
 ness suit and hat. Police should wear uniform with 
 badges, etc. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Is about thirty and fashionably dressed. 
 Outdoor costume in Acts I and IV. 
 
 Mary Searles. About twenty-five and well dressed. 
 Wears walking-suit and hat in Acts I and III, and indoor 
 morning costume in Act II. In Act IV same costume as 
 Act III, but without hat, gloves, etc. 
 
 Freda. Is about eighteen and well dressed. Outdoor 
 costume in Acts I and IV. 
 
 Jennie. Servant's costume. 
 
 Mother Boyce. About sixty, gray hair, poorly dressed ; 
 wears an apron, and a small shawl about shoulders. 
 
 PROPERTIES 
 
 Act I.— Paper for Smythe; cigarette for Ely; drawing 
 on paper for Yerkes; roll of paper to represent plan of 
 building for Allen. (This should be a blue-print if possi- 
 ble.) Handkerchief for Allen. 
 
 Act II.— Newspaper for Mary ; letter for Jennie ; book 
 for Ely ; handcuffs for detective. 
 
 Act III. — Revolver for Mary; handkerchief for Adams. 
 
 Act IV. Shawl for Mary ; revolvers for Allen, Smythe, 
 Ely, Adams, Yerkes. 
 
 5 
 
SCENE PLOTS 
 
 Act I. — President's office at bank. Doors c. and l. 
 flat-top desk down R., with chairs near it; hat-rack with 
 hooks against wall r. There may be bookcases right and 
 left of c. door. Engravings on walls, etc. 
 
 Act II. — Library at home of Mr. Searles. Handsomely 
 furnished interior. Wide door with portieres in flat c. ; 
 door l. Sofa down r. ; tables, chairs, etc. 
 6 
 
 
SCENE PLOTS 
 
 AcT HI _Mrs. Doane's apartment. Wide door with 
 curtains L., door r., window c. Small desk with clock 
 up R , sofa down L. Other furnishings as desired. 
 
 \ CT iv —Cellar at Mother Boyce's. Door l., sup- 
 posed to lead to other rooms in the house, and to street. 
 Short flight of steps c. leads to door which opens on alley- 
 way. Closet door right of steps; couch up L., table and 
 three chairs, with hanging lamp over table down R. 
 
The Fatal Blow 
 
 ACT I 
 
 SCENE.— President's office. Doors c. and L. For 
 description see Scene Plot, page 6. At rise Everett 
 Searles discovered seated at flat-topped desk, R. Tobias 
 Smythe enters c, and comes down and hands a paper to 
 Searles. He then turns and starts up. 
 Searles {looking up). Oh, Smythe ! 
 Smythe. Yes, sir. 
 
 Searles. Isn't your father a senator? 
 Smythe. Yes, sir. 
 
 Searles. He seems to be questioning the methods em- 
 ployed by the promoters of the Consolidated Street Railroad 
 in securing its charter. In fact, he has started an inves- 
 tigation. „ , * 
 
 Smythe. I was not aware of it, sir. My father is a very 
 conscientious man. The people realized that, sir, when 
 they elected him as senator. 
 
 Searles. Do you believe he could be induced to drop 
 the matter ? 
 
 Smythe. Not if he believes he's in the right. 
 Searles. You understand, of course, that I would not 
 want him to do anything but what he would consider to be 
 right. 
 
 Smythe. Oh, yes, sir. 
 
 Searles. My suggestion to drop the matter is not for 
 personal interests, but for the bank's ; which is heavily in- 
 terested. You can understand what effect such an investiga- 
 tion as this will have on the market value of the stocks of 
 the road. 
 
 Smythe. I understand, sir. 
 
 Searles {looking sharply at Smythe). Er— er— I ex- 
 pect my daughters here this afternoon. Freda said some- 
 thing about having you— er— I've forgotten— er— just what. 
 She'll tell you herself. 
 
10 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Smythe. Thank you, sir. Nothing more, sir ? 
 Searles (busy at desk). No. 
 Smythe. Thought he could pump me. 
 
 (Exit, door c.) 
 
 Searles. Did I do right in speaking to that boy of this 
 affair? But I can't get it out of my mind. Suppose they 
 find out that — that — we — no ! no ! Montford-Ely must see 
 to that. 
 
 (Enter Frederick Montford-Ely, l.) 
 
 Ely. Ah ! Everett, hard at work ? 
 
 Searles. Yes, Mr. Ely. 
 
 Ely. Mr. Ely, cousin ? Why so formal ? 
 
 Searles. Pardon the formality. I'm greatly worried. 
 
 Ely. About what ? 
 
 Searles. This investigation up at Albany into the 
 methods employed by us in securing the charter for the 
 Consolidated. Smythe is stirring up a fuss. You've seen 
 the paper, of course. 
 
 Ely. Yes. That's what I've called to see you about. 
 I had a wire from Albany. 
 
 Searles. Have they found out anything ? 
 
 Ely. Not yet. I believe Smythe' s son is employed here 
 in the bank. 
 
 Searles. Yes. I've tried hard to pump him, but he 
 gave me the political honesty speech. Every man has his 
 price, if you can find it. 
 
 Ely. You'd better discharge young Smythe. And also 
 that man Allen. 
 
 Searles. Discharge Allen ! Absurd. He's the best, the 
 safest man we've got. And to let Smythe go would be 
 showing our hand and would encourage his father to push 
 this investigation with renewed vigor. 
 
 Ely. But I tell you they are spying upon us. Allen 
 has been nosing around and is hot on the trail. He knows 
 too much. 
 
 Searles. We must throw them off of the track. I'll 
 see my daughter Mary. She has some influence with Allen. 
 But these men — that — that — we bought. They'll not 
 
 Ely. You can't tell what they'll do to save themselves. 
 
 Searles. But you have arranged it so that I cannot be 
 implicated ? 
 
THE FATAL BLOW II 
 
 Ely. I have done the best I could. 
 
 Searles. I'm not blaming you. I'll put my trust in 
 Mary to save the day. 
 
 Ely (savagely). I don't wish to have Mary become too 
 familiar with Allen. That's a matter that has also brought 
 me here to-day. I want your assistance in securing her 
 consent to a marriage with me. 
 
 Searles. You are a relative. I don't believe in this in- 
 termarrying of cousins. 
 
 Ely. Relationship, bah ! I'm not a relative of hers. 
 Searles, I want your daughter, Mary, for my wife. I'm go- 
 ing to have her. I'll brook no interference from Allen. 
 You must help me, or I go before this committee on in- 
 vestigation and tell all I know. 
 
 Searles. No ! no ! man, would you ruin me ? 
 
 Ely (carelessly lighting a cigarette). That's for you to 
 decide. 
 
 Searles. You were well paid for what you did. Why 
 play the traitor ? 
 
 Ely. Traitor is rather a harsh word, Searles. However, 
 I'll pass it. I've set my heart on marrying Mary; but this 
 Allen seems to hold the upper hand. Get rid of him, 
 Searles ; do you understand ? Get rid of him, or 
 
 Searles. Yes, yes. You have me in your power. 
 Why did I trust you ? 
 
 Ely. You should have thought of that before. 
 
 Searles. You want to marry Mary ? But this woman, 
 this Mrs. Doane, what is she to you ? 
 
 Ely. Very useful at times, as you are well aware. 
 
 Searles. I mean, are you engaged to her? Are you 
 going to marry her ? 
 
 Ely. I said she was useful to me. 
 
 Searles. Useful to you ? 
 
 Ely. Yes, just in the same manner as she has been use- 
 ful to you. You were ready enough to avail yourself of 
 Mrs. Doane's assistance in the Consolidated's affair. She 
 is busy now trying to checkmate our estimable friend Allen. 
 I expect her to call and report to you what she knows. 
 Oh ! by the way, I expect two men to meet me here. I 
 trust you will pardon the liberty I've taken in inviting them 
 here. 
 
 Searles. Men who can be of use to us ? 
 
 Ely. Ah — yes. (Aside.*) Tome, 
 
12 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Searles. You'll want me, of course? 
 Ely. No ! no ! I'll — I'll arrange matters with them. 
 Searles. Won't you need me to explain — er — our 
 position ? 
 
 Ely. It's better that I deal with them. 
 Searles. Very well. You know best. 
 Ely. You'll see that we are not disturbed. 
 Searles. Yes. {Knock is heard on door L.) 
 Ely. This must be they now. 
 Searles. I'll return when they are gone. 
 Ely (crossing to l.). All right, all right. 
 
 (Exit Searles, c.) 
 
 (Ely opens door l. and "Tin" Yerkes enters. He is 
 dressed in a Prince Albert, etc. He acts ill at ease dur- 
 ing the whole scene.') 
 
 Yerkes. Well, chum, here I am. What de yer think of 
 me rig ? 
 
 Ely. You'll pass. Where is the other man ? 
 
 Yerkes. Adams ? He's in the hall. We never take no 
 chances. 
 
 Ely. Call him in. 
 
 Yerkes. Is it safe ? 
 
 Ely. Yes. 
 
 Yerkes. All right. (Crosses l. and calls off.) Sist ! 
 Eve. 
 
 Adams (outside). Do yer want me? 
 
 Yerkes. Sure. Come in. 
 
 (Enter Jerry Adams, l.) 
 
 Ely (to Yerkes). We can trust him ? 
 
 Yerkes. Yer know me ? 
 
 Ely. Yes. 
 
 Yerkes (waving his hand toward Adams). This is 
 Adams, and this (pointing to Ely) is the boss. 
 
 Ely. Glad to know you. 
 
 Adams (shaking hands). Same here. 
 
 Yerkes. Now to business. 
 
 Ely. I'm running a great risk in bringing you here, but 
 it's the only way for you to see how the land lies without 
 arousing suspicion. Should we be interrupted, you are two 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 1 3 
 
 politicians assisting me in a matter of vital importance. Say 
 nothing, but look wise. 
 
 Yerkes. We're on. 
 
 Ely. Did you look the building over on the outside? 
 
 Yerkes. Sure. We won't need a ladder, 'cause they've 
 put a pile of lumber in the alleyway. So we can reach the 
 window from that. 
 
 Ely. Good. Did you examine the bars ? 
 
 Yerkes. The bars are old and rusty. We'll file them 
 easily enough. I just sketched this off. It'll kinder help 
 us to lay our plan. 
 
 {Takes rough drawing fro?n his pocket.} 
 
 Ely. That's fine ! You've lost no time. 
 
 Yerkes. This ain't the first bank we's cracked. 
 
 Ely. No, I suppose not. 
 
 Yerkes (as all three study the plan). After we gets in, 
 it'll be easy sailin'. 
 
 Adams (who has been eyeing Ely suspiciously). Ain't it 
 a little irregular for you to be in a deal like this ? 
 
 Ely. Er — er — yes — er — per 
 
 Yerkes. Cut it out, Eve. We'll ask no questions, boss. 
 
 Adams. Sure. 
 
 Ely (pointing to plan). By this door we pass behind 
 the counter, and the vault will be right in front of us. 
 
 Adams. Just like takin' money from a child. 
 
 Yerkes. They ain't any burglar alarm fixin's on the 
 doors ? 
 
 Ely. No. They've been disconnected, owing to alter- 
 ations that are being made. Nothing to fear but the watch- 
 man. 
 
 Yerkes. We'll take care of him. 
 
 Ely. No killing. 
 
 Adams. We's knows our business. Say, mister (as 
 Yerkes puts plan in his pocket), what's to be our share? 
 
 Yerkes. Not so fast, Eve, not so fast. 
 
 Ely. Wait till we see what we get. 
 
 Yerkes. That's right. He'll be on the square. 
 
 Ely. What will we do with the money, when we get it? 
 It won't do to be too rich, you know, right after the break. 
 We'll have to wait till the excitement blows over. 
 
 Adams. You's a wise guy, all right, all right. 
 
 Yerkes. Mother Boyce will take care of it. 
 
14 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Ely. Who is she ? 
 
 Adams. Diden yer ever hear of the Boyce house ? 
 
 Ely. I must plead ignorance. 
 
 Yerkes. It's over on the East River. 
 
 Ely. Safe ? 
 
 Yerkes. Yes. The motto there is, " What's his is his." 
 The man what don't live up to it sees his finish. 
 
 Ely {pausing). Suppose I wanted to find a place for a 
 young lady to spend a few days. 
 
 Yerkes. No better in the country. 
 
 Adams. No questions asked and the best of care. 
 
 Ely. What sort is this Mother Boyce ? 
 
 Yerkes. Not much to look at ; but she can keep her 
 mouth shut. 
 
 Ely. Then you think it's quite safe ? 
 
 Yerkes. As though she was dead. 
 
 Ely. I'll decide later. 
 
 Yerkes. You know where to find us ? 
 
 Adams. We'll be ready. See you outside, Tin. 
 
 {Exit Adams, l.) 
 
 Ely. I'll see you at the alley on the stroke of one. 
 Yerkes. We'll be on hand. 
 
 {Exit, l.) 
 
 Ely. To-night I'll have the money; and I need money 
 badly enough, heaven knows. Ii the game doesn't go right 
 — but why think of that ? 
 
 {Enter Searles, c.) 
 
 Searles. What success, Ely ? 
 
 Ely. I don't know yet. I can tell better after {aside) 
 to-night {aloud) a little later. A few days. 
 
 {Enter Mary Searles, c.) 
 
 Mary {not noticing Ely). I fear I've kept you waiting, 
 father ? 
 
 Searles. No, Mary. Didn't Freda come with you ? 
 
 Mary. Yes. She will be here presently. 
 
 Ely. Am I to be overlooked ? 
 
 Mary {some7vhat antwyed and ?iot noticing Ely's out- 
 stretched hand). Oh! Mr. Ely— er {Abruptly.) 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 15 
 
 How do you do? (To her father.) I'm not intruding, 
 father ? 
 
 Searles. No, Mary. Cousin Ely and I have finished, 
 at least temporarily, the business at hand. 
 
 Mary. Then we'll go. 
 
 Ely. Before you do, Miss Searles, I would like to speak 
 to you. To renew a subject about which I have spoken to 
 you 
 
 Mary. Please spare me. Believe me, Mr. Ely, it is 
 becoming tiresome to me to be forced to listen to your pro- 
 fessions of love. Not that I do not appreciate the honor, 
 but what you ask is quite impossible. 
 
 Ely. Am I so distasteful to you ? Possibly this man, 
 Allen, is more to your liking. 
 
 Mary. It's not a question of tastes, Mr. Ely, but of love. 
 
 Ely. I could teach you to love me. 
 
 Mary. Why prolong this discussion ? This is hardly 
 the place (To her father.) Are you ready, father? 
 
 Ely. One moment, Mary. I'm going to teach you to 
 love me. I have your father's permission. Further, it's 
 his dearest wish that we marry. {To Searles.) Am I not 
 right? 
 
 Searles {speaking with effort). Yes, Mary, — I've — great 
 
 — regard — for Frederick, and — nothing — would please 
 
 (Pause. To Ely.) Why not wait a while, Ely? — At least 
 — until I I'd like to talk the matter over — er — pri- 
 vately with — with — er — Mary. 
 
 Ely. I can depend upon you ? 
 
 Searles. Yes. (Staggers.) 
 
 Mary. Father ! (Goes to him.) 
 
 Searles. It's nothing. Just a slight dizziness. 
 
 Ely. You should take a rest. 
 
 Searles. You said we would have information concern- 
 ing the Consolidated this afternoon. 
 
 Ely. Yes. I will return shortly. (Crosses L. To 
 Mary.) I'm not discouraged, Mary. 
 
 (Exit, l.) 
 
 Mary. Do you feel ill, father ? 
 
 Searles. No, Mary, it was just for the moment. 
 
 ( Crosses R. for his hat.) 
 (Enter Thomas Allen, doorc. He carries plans, rolled.) 
 
1 6 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Allen. How do you do, Mary ? (Shakes hands.} 
 Mary. I haven't seen you for several days. 
 
 Allen. No — er 
 
 Searles (coming to c). You wish to see me, Allen ? 
 Allen. Yes, sir. I return the plans. 
 
 (Offers them to Searles.) 
 
 Searles. Place them on the desk. Has Gregory 
 finished with them ? 
 
 Allen. He will not need them. (Places plan on desk, 
 r.) He wishes to see you in the bank, in regard to the 
 alterations. Shall I tell him you are engaged ? 
 
 Searles. No, I'll go and see him. (To Mary.) Mary, 
 you will pardon me ? 
 
 Mary. Yes. (Exit Searles, door c.) Now, sir, where 
 have you been all this time ? 
 
 Allen (cornered, but trying to bluff). Why — I don't 
 know. I 
 
 Mary. Why haven't you come to see me? 
 
 Allen (desperately). Well, Mary, it's because I under- 
 stand, that is, I've heard a rumor, that you are engaged to 
 marry Montford-Ely. So I was afraid you would not be at 
 home — to me. 
 
 Mary. How absurd, Tom. What a falsehood. If this 
 world were peopled by women and one man, and that man 
 was Montford-Ely, and I was his choice for a wife, I would 
 far rather death should claim me for its own than marry 
 that man. I distrust, despise him. 
 
 Allen. Continue to distrust him. I can't tell you why, 
 because I'm not sure enough of his trickery to act. He is 
 clever, and would not stop at anything to accomplish his 
 end. But I will defeat him yet. 
 
 Mary. You must, Tom • because I want you to. 
 
 Allen. Then I will, Mary, for your sake. 
 
 Mary. Thank you, Tom. 
 
 Allen. Mary, there is something very important that I 
 want to say to you. 
 
 Mary. Not here, Tom, please. I can't tell you why 
 just now. Come to-morrow. 
 
 Allen. Yes. Ah! Mary, the coming of to-morrow will 
 be, to me, as long as eternity. And when I see you I want 
 to tell you about the success I've had in a business deal. 
 
 Mary. I'll be glad to hear about it. But whether you 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 1 7 
 
 had money or not, Tom, would not influence the trust and 
 confidence I have in you. 
 
 {Enter Smythe, c.) 
 
 Smythe. Mr. Searles is ready. 
 
 Mary. I must go. Until to-morrow. 
 
 Allen. Until to-morrow. 
 
 Mary (to Smythe, as she goes up stage). Tell Freda, 
 when she comes, to wait for me. I will call for her. 
 
 Smythe. Yes. (Exit Mary, c.) Wish you luck, Tom. 
 Great girl. Kind of icy, though. Now, Freda is dif- 
 ferent 
 
 Allen. Yes, I know, Toby. Let me wish you luck. 
 
 Smythe. Gee ! I don't know. I can never tell how I 
 stand with Freda. 
 
 Allen (laughingly). Don't lose courage, Toby. 
 
 Smythe. It's all right for you to say that, because you're 
 solid. 
 
 Allen. One can never tell what may happen between 
 one day and the next. 
 
 Smythe. Guess you're right, Tom. Did you see my 
 father yesterday ? 
 
 Allen. Yes. I've pretty good proof that Montford-Ely 
 did not spend one-sixth of the money Searles paid him to be 
 used in lobbying at Albany. 
 
 Smythe. What ! You mean that Ely stole most of it ? 
 
 Allen. Well, let us say, appropriated it for his own use. 
 Ely has been speculating, and has lost heavily. This money 
 from Searles came in rather handy to tide him over. 
 
 Smythe. You're going to show him up to Searles? 
 
 Allen. Not until your father agrees to leave Searles out 
 in this investigation. 
 
 Smythe. Will he ? 
 
 Allen. I'm to know to-morrow. 
 
 (Freda Searles etiters hurriedly, l. ) 
 
 Freda. Good-morning, Mr. Allen. Where is Mary? 
 
 Allen. She - 
 
 Freda. Why, there's Toby. {Goes to him.) 
 Smythe (dolefully). Yes, it's I, Freda. 
 Allen. My move. (Goes up stage.) Your sister 
 wishes you to wait for her here. (Pause. Freda pays no 
 
l8 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 attention to Allen, for she is engrossed in her coiiversatton 
 with Smythe.) Did you hear me, Freda? 
 
 Freda {startled). Oh ! yes, yes. I beg your pardon, 
 Mr. Allen. What — er — what was it you said? 
 
 Allen. Your sister desires you to wait for her here. 
 
 Freda. I suppose I must, then. 
 
 (Smythe signs to Allen to clear out.) 
 Allen. I will see you again. 
 
 {Exit, laughing t c.) 
 
 Freda. Now, Mr. Toby Smythe, give an account of 
 your actions at Mrs. Leather's dance last night. 
 
 Smythe. What did I do ? 
 
 Freda. Do ! What did you mean by dancing three 
 times with Emma Springer ? Why ! she's as old as my sis- 
 ter Mary. And thin ! She's painfully so. The papers say 
 she's willowy, but I call her skinny. 
 
 Smythe. Why — wh 
 
 Freda. Now, don't say you didn't or that she dances 
 divinely; because she doesn't. I think she's awkward. 
 Always bumping in to some one and not even apologizing. 
 
 Smythe (determinedly). See here, Freda, you're rub- 
 bing it in. You know I asked you for every dance, and 
 you said they were all taken. 
 
 Freda. What if I did ? If you'd had any spunk you 
 would have insisted. You might have, at least, come to see 
 how I was getting on. 
 
 Smythe. I'd better go. {Starts up stage.) 
 
 Freda. Don't go, Toby. I'll forgive you. 
 
 Smythe (coming down). You're not treating me just 
 right, Freda. I think you're the best girl — I — er — I — ever 
 knew. 
 
 Freda. Now you're being nice, Toby. 
 
 Smythe (coming to her and trying to take her hand). 
 Freda. 
 
 Freda. Now, Toby, you have spoiled it by becoming 
 sentimental. You always want to do like the hero in a 
 novel. The pale moon above and one last look into her 
 soulful eyes, and all that sort of thing. 
 
 Smythe. You never take me seriously. 
 
 (Enter Mrs. Doane, l.) 
 
me? 
 
 THE FATAL BLOW 19 
 
 Mrs. Doane. This is an unexpected pleasure, Freda and 
 Mr. Smythe. {Shakes hands.) Mr. Searles is not here? 
 
 Smythe. No. We expect him back at any moment. 
 {Goes up stage.) You will excuse me ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Certainly. 
 
 {Exit Smythe, c.) 
 
 Freda {standing looking at Mrs. Doane). Won't you— 
 er— er— be seated, Mrs. Doane ? 
 Mrs. Doane. Thank you. 
 
 {Sits in chair near desk. Slight pause.) 
 
 Freda. Do you enjoy motoring ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Yes. I'm a most enthusiastic admirer of 
 it. You are, of course ? 
 
 Freda. Oh, yes. {Pause.) You— you— won't— er— 
 consider me— er— rude, if I were to ask you to— er— excuse 
 
 ;? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Don't let me detain you. 
 
 Freda {with a sigh of relief). Some shopping before 
 Mary comes. 
 
 {Exit, door c.) 
 
 Mrs. Doane {laughing). I fear I interrupted a most in- 
 teresting situation. (Sees plan on desk. Picks it up and 
 studies it.) Plan of a bank. {Studies it more closely.) 
 Why ! it's this bank. 
 
 {Enter Ely, l.) 
 
 Ely. Agnes (Mrs. Doane rises and drops plan on desk), 
 and here alone. How fortunate. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Yes. 
 
 Ely. What was that paper? 
 
 Mrs. Doane {handing Ely the plan). Plan of a bank. 
 
 Ely. What ! This bank ! 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Is it? It appears, to my inexperienced 
 eye, that one with a plan like that would not encounter much 
 difficulty in securing some of the good things stored within 
 those safes. 
 
 Ely. You mean Why put such an idea into my 
 
 head ? {Puts plan into his pocket.) 
 
 Mrs. Doane {laughing). My dear Monty, how honest 
 you are becoming. 
 
20 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Ely. As honest as most men. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. I've heard of banks being robbed before. 
 
 Ely. Is this a joke? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. As I alighted from my car, I noticed two 
 men ; really, Monty (laughs'), they reminded me of one's 
 country cousins trying to appear at ease at a five o'clock 
 tea. 
 
 Ely. You see and talk too much. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Then I shall be blind and dumb. 
 
 Ely. Enough of this. What did you learn regarding 
 the Consolidated ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Enough to send you to prison. 
 
 Ely. That's refreshing. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Allen has secured information of your 
 having used the money entrusted to you by Searles for your 
 own use. 
 
 Ely. That's nothing to worry about. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Isn't it? What will Searles do when 
 Allen tells him? 
 
 Ely. Nothing. He won't dare to. To accuse me of 
 having misappropriated the money would only convict him 
 of having been a party to the bribery, in connection with 
 the Consolidated. I don't think he'll want to be drawn 
 into the investigation. You see, Agnes, I'm quite safe. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Suppose Allen has been clever enough to 
 arrange with this man, Senator Smythe, to protect Searles ? 
 
 Ely. I don't believe he'd do it. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. I do. Allen has had an interview with 
 him. He's to receive his answer to-morrow. 
 
 Ely. The devil ! My only hope is in forcing Searles to 
 make Mary agree to marry me, before Allen has the op- 
 portunity of telling him. As Mary's husband he would not 
 dare to have me arrested. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. And if she won't? 
 
 Ely. I have made provision for that. You are to invite 
 her to your apartments. The reason you will give to get 
 her there I will let you know later. After you get her there 
 I'll take care of the rest. Some one is coming. It's best 
 for us not to be seen together. When Searles returns tell 
 him that Allen has seen Smythe and they have evidence 
 enough to convict him. Hush, he's coming. 
 
 (Exit Ely quickly, l., as Searles enters c.) 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 21 
 
 Searles. Accept my apologies, Mrs. Doane, for having 
 kept you waiting. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. No need of an apology, Mr. Searles. I 
 know what a busy man you are. 
 
 Searles. Hum ! Now, to business. What information 
 have you ■ 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Bad. Very bad. Allen knows every- 
 thing. Has seen Smythe 
 
 {Reenter Ely, l.) 
 
 Ely. Mrs. Doane ! I hardly expected you so soon. 
 Been here long? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. No 
 
 Searles (excitedly}. Allen has information enough to 
 convict us ! 
 
 Ely. Us ? That's your affair, cousin. 
 
 Searles. Would you desert me ? 
 
 Ely. Yes, unless you secure Mary's consent to marry me. 
 
 Searles (pause. With effort}. I'll — I'll — do my — 
 best. 
 
 (Enter Mary, c.) 
 
 Mary. Oh ! You're engaged. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. No. We were just about to go. 
 
 Mary. I thought my sister was here. 
 
 (Allen enters, door c.) 
 
 Allen. Gregory has returned and wants to see the 
 plan. 
 
 Searles. It is where you left it, on the desk. 
 
 Allen (crosses to desk. Not seeing plan tosses about 
 other papers, which are on desk. Speaks excitedly). It's 
 gone ! 
 
 (Crosses to c. Mrs. Doane is l. c. Mary, r. Searles, 
 r. c. Ely, l. ) 
 
 Searles. You left it there as I went out. 
 
 (Allen looks suspiciously at Mrs. Doane.) 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Why do you look so sharply at me, Mr. 
 Allen ? Surely, you would not accuse me of having taken 
 it, even though I had been here alone ? 
 
22 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Searles. It must be there somewhere. 
 
 Ely. If it isn't there, then Allen knows where it is. 
 
 Allen. What do you mean ? 
 
 Ely. It's a trick, Searles. Allen is trying to checkmate 
 Mrs. Doane, whom he knows is endeavoring to defeat him 
 in his efforts to incriminate you in the matter of the 
 Consolidated. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. How absurd ! 
 
 Ely. He wants to brand Mrs. Doane as a thief so that 
 he can earn the money that Smythe is spending to get evi- 
 dence for his investigation. 
 
 Allen. You lie ! — you — it was you who stole the plan. 
 
 Ely {going to him). Retract that, you spy. 
 
 Allen. No, you deceitful cur ! 
 
 (Allen drops handkerchief, as he springs forward to strike 
 Ely. Mary throws herself between them.) 
 
 quick curtain 
 
ACT II 
 
 SCENE —Library in home of Searles. For description 
 see Scene Plot, page 6. At rise Mary is discovered 
 seated on sofa, R., reading newspaper. 
 
 Mary (reading from paper). A daring bank robbery. 
 The People's Bank looted. The night-watchman found 
 bound and gagged. It was, undoubtedly, the work of 
 professionals. Entrance to the bank had been gained 
 through a window that faces on a blind alley. 
 
 (Enter Freda, door c.) 
 
 Freda {calling). Mary. 
 Mary. Yes, Freda. 
 
 Freda (coming down). What, reading the account of 
 the bank robbery again ? You'll know it by heart soon. 
 Mary. Not as bad as racing down to the bank as you 
 
 have done. „,, 
 
 Freda. Oh ! Mary, you ought to have seen it. lne 
 bars outside of the window were sawed off as if they were 
 pieces of wire. And, oh ! Mary, you should see the room ! 
 The big vault door was blown off just as though it had been 
 wood. Everything is strewn all over the floor You never 
 saw such a place. Every one is racing around, wildly ex- 
 cited. The reporters are butting in, so Mr. Allen says. 1 
 never had so much fun as I did watching them. 
 
 Mary. It's rather serious fun, Freda. (Enter Searles, 
 door i,.) Father! 
 Freda. Dad ! 
 
 {Both girls rush to him and throw their arms around him.) 
 Searles (as they come to a). At last— home, where 
 
 there's peace and quietness. 
 
 Mary. You must be all tired out from the worry and 
 
 excitement at the bank. % 
 
 Searles. Yes, all I've been doing is listening to theories 
 
 advanced by the police, as to how it was done ; the requests 
 
 23 
 
24 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 of the reporters for information, as if I had been an eye-wit- 
 ness to it all. I'll go and lie down, for a short rest, before 
 dinner. 
 
 {All go up, and exit Searles, c. Mary and Freda come 
 down and Mary sits on sofa, r.) 
 
 Freda. Why do you look so serious, Mary? 
 
 Mary. I'm worried about father. 
 
 Freda. I wouldn't worry, Mary. After this affair is 
 cleaned up he'll be all right again. 
 
 Mary. Perhaps so. 
 
 Freda. Who do you think could have robbed the bank ? 
 
 Mary. What a question, Freda. 
 
 Freda. I think Mrs. Doane might tell us something 
 about it, if she only would. 
 
 Mary. Women don't rob banks, like this one was. 
 
 Freda. Perhaps not. But it's strange where that plan 
 of the bank went. I know how they accused Tom, but 
 he didn't take it. 
 
 Mary. No. Tom — er, Mr. Allen — never took it, you 
 may be assured. 
 
 Freda. -Nor Toby. 
 
 Mary. No. 
 
 Freda. Then that only leaves Mrs. Doane and Mont- 
 ford-Ely. 
 
 Mary. Er — yes. Why should they want to rob the 
 
 bank? Why they are both How absurd you are, 
 
 Freda. 
 
 Freda. Oh, I don't know. They need money, like 
 other people. Toby told me how hard pushed Ely was for 
 money. 
 
 Mary. One cannot always rely on what Toby says. 
 
 Freda. Well now, that's a mean speech, Mary Searles. 
 
 Mary. Forgive me, sister. I did not intend to hurt 
 your feelings. 
 
 Freda. But you did. Mary, is — is 
 
 Mary. What is it, Freda ? 
 
 Freda. Is Montford-Ely anything to you ? 
 
 Mary. What do you mean ? 
 
 Freda. You're not going — going to — to marry him, are 
 you? 
 
 Mary. No — Freda. 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 25 
 
 Freda. I'm glad to know it. I wish father would cut 
 him. 
 
 Mary (rising). Business makes strange bed fellows. 
 
 {Enter Smythe, l.) 
 
 Smythe. Hello, everybody. 
 
 Freda. Why, Toby ! {Suddenly becomes frigid.) Mr. 
 Smythe, I do not consider your salutation a proper one for 
 ladies. 
 
 Smythe. Nothing I do seems proper in your eyes, Freda. 
 However (To Mary, shaking hands with great for- 
 mality. ) How do you do, Miss Searles ? (Same business 
 with Freda. ) How do you do, Freda ? 
 
 Freda. That's better. Why do you call Mary Miss 
 Searles, and me just Freda? 
 
 Smythe. I'm— er — well — er — you see 
 
 Freda. No, I don't see. 
 
 Smythe. Well, you see 
 
 Freda. I told you I didn't see. 
 
 Smythe. If you must know — er — er — I'm not going to 
 — to — marry Mary. 
 
 Freda. Are you me ? 
 
 Smythe. I — I — don't know. I like — I'd like to. 
 
 Freda. Then I'm afraid you will have to continue — just 
 liking to. (Sits on divan, r.) 
 
 Mary. I'm going. 
 
 {Exit, c.) 
 
 Smythe {crossing to divan). Freda, you — you know I 
 — I — think the world of you. 
 
 Freda. That's no reason why you should say so before 
 Mary. 
 
 Smythe. I'm sorry. {Crosses to c.) Freda, I've come 
 to say good-bye. 
 
 Freda. Good-bye ! 
 
 Smythe (dolefully). Yes. 
 
 Freda {crossing to a). Where — where are you going? 
 
 Smythe. To — to — be — a — arrested. 
 
 Freda. For what ? 
 
 Smythe. As an accomplice of Tom Allen's. For rob- 
 bing the bank. 
 
 Freda. Tom Allen isn't going to be arrested. 
 
26 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Smythe. I ought to know. They had him up before 
 the Board this morning. Some of Ely's work. He's been 
 nosing around all morning. 
 
 Freda. Oh, Toby ! Toby ! Ah, they won't arrest you. 
 They won't. I'll see father. 
 
 Smythe. Don't see him ! Don't ! I'm — I'm not sure 
 I'm to be arrested. 
 
 Freda. Then why did you say you were ? 
 
 Smythe. Wanted to see how you'd feel. 
 
 Freda {crossing r.). It wouldn't bother me at all. I 
 was only excited over the fun of attending the trial. Don't 
 you, really, think you'll be arrested ? 
 
 Smythe {savagely). No. {Goes to her, with feeling.') 
 You think it's fun to watch a fellow getting sent away to — 
 to — break stone or — or — that sort a thing, when he's inno- 
 cent? 
 
 {Enter Allen, l.) 
 
 Allen {pausing just inside door). Beg pardon. Do I 
 intrude ? 
 
 Freda. Oh ! 
 
 Smythe. Hello, Tom. 
 
 Allen. Is Mary at home ? 
 
 Freda. Yes. I'll tell her you're here. 
 
 {Exit, c.) 
 
 Smythe. Tom, did — did they accuse me of — of — rob- 
 bing the bank ? 
 
 Allen. No, Toby. It's merely another move of Ely's 
 to get me out of the way. I know too much for his com- 
 fort. 
 
 Smythe. Did you hear from my father ? 
 
 Allen. Yes. I have all the information that is neces- 
 sary to send Ely to prison. But now 
 
 Smythe. What ? 
 
 Allen. Searles refuses to see me. I fear he believes me 
 guilty of having robbed the bank. 
 
 Smythe. Father telegraphed he'd be here to-night. I'll 
 get him to help you. 
 
 Allen {taking Smythe by the hand). Thanks, Toby, 
 old man, thanks. 
 
 {Enter Mary, c.) 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 27 
 
 Mary. Tom ! 
 
 Allen. Mary ! 
 
 Smythe. I guess I'll go. Where's Freda ? 
 
 Mary. In the billiard room. 
 
 Smythe. Thanks. See you later, Tom. 
 
 {Exit, c.) 
 
 Allen. Mary, I must apologize for that scene 
 
 Mary. No, Tom, please. 
 
 Allen. Then I won't. 
 
 Mary. You look worried, Tom. 
 
 Allen. Yesterday I believed the world was all sunshine 
 and happiness. 
 
 Mary. Isn't it? 
 
 Allen. No. It has many heartaches, many disap- 
 pointments. . . 
 
 Mary. Why, Tom ! You are becoming a pessimist. 
 
 Allen. Yesterday saw the culmination of a number of 
 big deals that I was interested in. It made me financially 
 independent. Then, when you told me to come to-day, I 
 felt that I was enjoying the greatest happiness that man 
 could desire. 
 
 Mary. Yes, Tom. 
 
 Allen. But that happiness was not to be of long dura- 
 tion. 
 
 Mary. Do you fear my answer ? 
 
 Allen. Mary ! I can't ask you what that answer 
 would be. 
 
 Mary. Tom, what has happened? 
 
 Allen. Nothing actually. It is the suspicion that hangs 
 over me. Mary ! 1 can't ! I won't come to you and ask 
 you to share my life, my name, while there is the slightest 
 taint of suspicion resting upon it. 
 
 Mary. Tom, a woman may be the essence of contrari- 
 ness. But yet, for the man she honors and respects, the 
 man she loves she would give her life. Yes, her honor if 
 needs be. 
 
 Allen. Mary ! Mary ! I can't ! I can't ! I have 
 not the right. It would be wrong to ask you to be my wife, 
 while the stigma of this crime hangs over me. 
 Mary. Let me be the judge of that. 
 
 {Enter Jennie, l.) 
 
28 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Jennie. Beg pardon, Miss Mary. A letter for you. 
 The messenger is waiting for an answer. 
 
 Mary {taking letter. To Allen). You will pardon 
 me? 
 
 Allen. Certainly. 
 
 Mary {reading letter. To Jennie). Tell the messenger 
 he need not wait. I'll send the reply later. 
 
 Jennie. Yes, Miss Mary. 
 
 {Exit, L. 2.) 
 
 Mary. Listen, Tom. {Reads from letter.*) " If con- 
 venient for you, will you please call to-morrow afternoon, at 
 three ? I may be able to tell you something about the dis- 
 appearance of the bank plan. Yours in haste, Agnes Doane. 
 P. S. — Messenger will wait for your answer." 
 
 Allen. What does that mean ? 
 
 Mary. I don't know. I can't understand it. 
 
 Allen. Do you intend going ? 
 
 Mary. I don't know. — Yes — I — think I shall. 
 
 Allen. I wouldn't. It sounds suspicious. 
 
 Mary {laughingly'). Why, Tom? 
 
 Allen. I don't like that woman. 
 
 Mary. Why should I fear her? What has she to tell 
 me? Who knows, Tom, she may be able to help remove 
 this suspicion from you. I think it's best that I should go. 
 
 Allen. It at least can do no harm. When you go, how- 
 ever, Mary, I'll not be far away. It may be doing Mrs. 
 Doane an injustice, but I don't like her relationship with 
 Ely. 
 
 {Enter Jennie, l.) 
 
 Jennie. Mr. Montford-Ely, to see Mr. Searles. 
 Mary. Show him in, Jennie. I'll send father down. 
 Come, Tom, we'll join Freda and Toby. 
 
 {Exeunt, c.) 
 
 {Enter Ely, l. He glances about, and on not seeing any 
 one, goes to table, c, picks up book a?id looks at it. Enter 
 Searles, door c.) 
 
 Searles. Well, Ely, what now? 
 
 Ely. What are you going to do with Allen? 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 20, 
 
 Searles. I don't see that we can do anything. The tes- 
 timony of the night watchman, who is suffering with a broken 
 head, isn't sufficient to have any one arrested. 
 
 Ely. I think it is. The fact that it was Allen's hand- 
 kerchief that was used as a gag appears to me to be con- 
 clusive evidence enough. 
 
 Searles. Yes. But you must recall that you are the 
 only one who was able to identify it as being Allen's. 
 
 Ely. True. But when we add the information con- 
 cerning him that I have secured to-day, there'll be no ques- 
 tion of his conviction. The watchman admits that Allen 
 worked late last night. That he also called his attention to 
 the way the lumber was piled in the alleyway, under the 
 window. Also that the bars across the window were not 
 any too strong. 
 
 Searles. You can't convict a man on that evidence. 
 Ely. Further, you can prove that Allen was the last one 
 to have the plan of the bank. 
 
 Searles. He wouldn't need it. He would have no oc- 
 casion to blow the door, for he knows the combination. 
 
 Ely. I'm not saying he did. But I do say he had ex- 
 perienced men to do it. 
 
 Searles. Then he'd tell them the combination. 
 Ely. He's no fool. To do that would have been most 
 conclusive evidence of his guilt. He was too crafty for that. 
 Tell me, where did he get the large sum of money he de- 
 posited to-day in the Erie bank ? 
 Searles. I had not heard of that. 
 Ely. Nor that he has been speculating heavily? 
 Searles. No. 
 
 Ely. You must have him arrested. 
 Searles. We must make no mistake. 
 Ely. I tell you, you must. If for no other reason than 
 to close his mouth on the Consolidated matter. 
 
 Searles. This affair of the bank's has driven all other 
 matters from my mind. Yes, he must be arrested. If only 
 to protect ourselves. 
 
 Ely. I'm glad you see it in that light. I've taken the 
 liberty of having a warrant sworn out, in your name, for his 
 arrest. The detectives are now looking for him. 
 Searles. Hum. 
 
 Ely. Now, Searles, this affair of Mary's and mine? 
 Searles. It's a hard task you're placing upon me. 
 
30 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Ely. Not half so hard as Blackwell's Island 
 
 Searles. My God ! not that. Think of the disgrace. 
 The — disgrace. 
 
 Ely {ringing bell on table. Enter Jennie, l.). Tell 
 Miss Mary that her father wishes to see her. 
 
 Jennie. Yes, sir. 
 
 {Exit Jennie, c. Searles, much agitated, walks up and 
 down stage. ) 
 
 {Enter Mary, c.) 
 
 Mary. What is it, father? You sent for me? 
 
 Searles. Mary, you and Freda are all I have in the 
 world. Mary, I want you, for my sake, to — to — consent to 
 marry Ely. 
 
 Mary. Father ! (Pause.) Father ! what — what — do 
 you mean ? 
 
 (Smythe comes to door c, pauses, and as conversation pro- 
 ceeds he hides behind portiere at door C.) 
 
 Searles. Don't force nje to tell you why. 
 Mary. You must, father. (Throws arms around 
 his neck.) You must ! 
 
 (Exit Smythe, hurriedly.) 
 
 Searles. Why insist, Ely? Don't you see how hard it 
 is? (Sinks into chair, r.) My heart is breaking — breaking. 
 
 Ely. Mary, your father is in a bad way. Business, you 
 know. 
 
 Searles. Yes, Mary. Your marriage with Ely is the 
 only means of saving me. 
 
 (Allen and Smythe enter, door c.) 
 
 Mary. Mr. Ely, a daughter's first duty is to her parents. 
 I don't love you. I never can love you. But, to save my 
 father from disgrace, I'd — I'd 
 
 Allen (coming down). Do nothing. 
 
 Mary. Tom. 
 
 Allen. Mr. Searles, I've tried to tell you many times 
 to-day, but you would not see me, that that man (points to 
 Ely) is a scoundrel. Hardly a dollar of the money ob- 
 tained from you, under the guise of using it to further the 
 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 3 1 
 
 Consolidated 's interests, was ever spent for that purpose. It 
 was used mostly by that man for his own needs. 
 
 Ely. Very clever, Allen. Most amusing. 
 
 Allen. Your tool, Courtney, has confessed. He has 
 told how, at your bidding, he instigated the bribery rumor, 
 which resulted in the investigation ; so that you would have 
 {points to Searles) that man in your power. 
 
 Ely. You lie ! It's a lie, Searles ! Allen is trying 
 to do the Good Samaritan act. Thinks it'll save him, but it 
 won't. Who'd believe a thief? 
 
 Allen. Thief ! 
 
 Smythe. Don't be too sure, Mr. Ely. {To Searles, as 
 he points at Ely.) More proof of that man's perfidy can be 
 had when my father arrives home to-night. 
 
 Ely. Bah, be quiet, boy. Searles, Allen is the one who 
 robbed the bank. The police have all the proof necessary 
 for his arrest. 
 
 {Goes to door l., and motions to Detective, off.) 
 
 Allen. What ! You — you 
 
 (Detective enters quickly, l.) 
 
 Detective {displaying badge). Which is Allen ? 
 Ely. That's your man. Arrest him. 
 Mary (as Detective goes to Allen and snaps handcufl r s 
 on him). Father ! 
 
 quick curtain 
 
ACT III 
 
 SCENE. — Apartment of Mrs. Doane, Hotel Bremer, 
 Central Park. For description see Scene Plot, page J. 
 Double door l., with draperies. At rise Mrs. Doane 
 enters l., crosses R., and looks at clock. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Mary Searles will soon be here. {Crosses 
 l., while speaking.) Fred ! Fred ! why am I assisting 
 you to place another in that position which rightly belongs 
 to me? No, I must always remain just a faithful friend. 
 
 {Enter Ely, r.) 
 
 Ely. Just for a moment, Agnes. She is coming ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Yes, at three. 
 
 Ely (looking at watch). It's very nearly that now. 
 Good. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. What am I to say to her? 
 
 Ely. Tell her — that What the devil is the need 
 
 of telling her anything, so long as you get her here ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. How can I keep her ? Suppose Allen is 
 with her? 
 
 Ely. No fear of that. He has been arrested. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. So I saw by the paper. 
 
 Ely. This morning he was held, on probable cause, for 
 the next session of the Grand Jury. I've had a few exciting 
 days. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Then let us go away, Fred. Abroad — 
 Paris, Venice or one of the countless other places where we 
 can be happy. Just you and I. 
 
 Ely. Not till I've secured the prize. Mary Searles must 
 be my wife. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Then I'll be tossed aside like a broken toy. 
 
 Ely. Who said so ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. It isn't necessary to say so. I can never 
 be more to you than — than — just a friend 
 
 Ely. What nonsense is this ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Ah ! Fred, we were happy. Happy 
 until 
 
 Ely. You tire me. I'll go. 
 
 32 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 33 
 
 Mrs. Doane. No ! No ! Fred ! 
 
 Ely. Agnes, I must marry Mary Searles. I must have* 
 her money. As her husband, Searles would not dare to 
 have me arrested for the robbery of the bank. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. You were in that, too? 
 
 Ely. Who said so ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. I'm no fool, Fred. 
 
 Ely. Yes, I'm in it deep. Mary Searles is my only hope 
 of safety. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. If she refuses you ? 
 
 Ely. She won't. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Where are you going to take her ? 
 
 Ely. To the home of a woman named Boyce. Where 
 she will be as safe as though she was in a tomb. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Yes. 
 
 Ely (crossing r.). I must be going. Don't fail me. 
 
 (Exit, door r.) 
 
 Mrs. Doane {standing looking at door R. for a moment). 
 Ah ! what a fool a woman is. I do this for you, Fred. 
 Why ! Why ! because I love you. I who cannot be more 
 
 to you Oh ! no ! no ! no ! (Goes up to window ', c. 
 
 Enter Mary, r. Mrs. Doane comes down.) So good of 
 you to come, Miss Searles. 
 
 Mary. Thank you. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Won't you sit down ? 
 
 Mary (sitting on sofa l.). Thank you. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. I suppose you're wondering why I — I — did 
 
 not Oh ! let me say how much I deplore the arrest of 
 
 Mr. Allen. What a shock it was to me. I've always con- 
 sidered him a most estimable young man. 
 
 Mary. Thank you. You will be glad to hear that he 
 is free, at least for a time. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Thanks to your father, of course. 
 
 Mary. No, to Senator Smythe. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. How fortunate that the Senator should 
 arrive home just at this time. 
 
 Mary. We're wasting time, Mrs. Doane. If you can 
 tell me nothing, I'll go. (Rises.) 
 
 Mrs. Doane (forcing her back on the sofa). No ! no ! 
 You're not going. 
 
 Mary. Mrs. Doane, will you allow me to pass ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. I say you are not going. 
 
34 
 
 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Mary. What does this mean ? 
 • Mrs. Doane. That you will not leave this room until I 
 let you. 
 
 Mary. How absurd. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Your baby face has robbed me of the man 
 I love. 
 
 Mary. If you refer to Montford-Ely, let me tell you I 
 detest and despise him. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. You little fool, do you think I believe or 
 care what you may say? No ! He's set his mind on hav- 
 ing you. He's going to have you, no matter how. Do 
 you understand ? No matter how ! 
 
 Mary. You do not know what you are saying. 
 
 Mrs. Doane {laughing hysterically). You can't make 
 me believe that you do not care, do not love him. You 
 can't deceive me, as he is trying to do. I tell you you 
 can't ! You can't ! What right have you to take him from 
 me ? He's mine ! mine ! 
 
 Mary. Woman, you are going mad. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Yes, mad, mad. 
 
 Mary. Then, let me pass. 
 
 Mrs. Doane {laughing wildly). Ah ! no ! no ! I tell 
 you. It's part of your plan for him to kidnap you, here 
 in my apartments. To delude me. 
 
 Mary. What are you saying ? You fiend, let me pass. 
 
 (Mrs. Doane has her back toward door r., obscuring 
 Mary's view of the door.) 
 
 Mrs. Doane. You think he loves you. {Enter Ely, 
 r., stands behind half-opened door unobserved and listens.) 
 He doesn't. It's your money he wants. He wants you 
 for his wife, to protect 
 
 Ely {springing to her). You traitress ! 
 
 {Strikes Mrs. Doane, who sinks to the floor.) 
 
 Mary. Oh I you brute. 
 
 {Starts R. Ely catches her by the wrist and draws her 
 into his arms.) 
 
 Ely. At last, Mary, my kisses shall fall upon your lips. 
 
 {Kisses her.) 
 
 Mary (struggling and freeing herself She stands with 
 back toward door r., bewildered). Oh ! 
 
 I 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 35 
 
 Ely (starting toward her). Are my kisses so repulsive 
 
 to you ? 
 
 Mary (whipping small revolver from out of her pocket). 
 
 Don't, don't come near me. 
 
 Ely (Yerkes and Adams enter, silently, door r.). So, 
 
 my little cat has a revolver, instead of claws. (To Yerkes 
 
 and Adams.) Now. 
 
 (Yerkes springs forward and wrenches the revolver from 
 Mary. Mary screams. Adams presses chloroformed 
 handkerchief to her nose. Mary sinks into Yerkes' 
 arms. Exeunt all, R. The breaking in of a door is 
 heard off stage, L. Allen and Smythe rush in through 
 door l. Mrs. Doane dazed from the blow, slowly 
 struggles to her feet. Allen assists her to sofa l.) 
 
 Allen. What has happened ? Where is Mary ? 
 
 Smythe. Yes. Wh-what's the — the matter ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Oh ! the coward, to strike me. 
 
 Allen. Who? (Mrs. Doane laughs hysterically.) 
 Calm yourself, Mrs. Doane. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Yes, yes. They've taken her away. 
 And I — I helped them. (Cries.) 
 
 Allen. Control yourself. 
 
 Mrs. Doane (controlling herself. Speaks determinedly). 
 He struck me. {Rises.) Quick. They are taking Mary 
 away. Oh ! go, go ! 
 
 Allen. Where, where? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. To the home of a woman named Boyce, 
 on the East Side. 
 
 Allen. Who is taking her ? My God ! Quick, Toby, 
 the police. 
 
 {Exit Smythe, door r. ) 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Where you find the abductors of Mary, 
 you will find those who robbed the bank. I've been his 
 toy, his plaything. But no more. No more ! I'll leave no 
 stone unturned to send him to prison. Now, go, before 
 harm can come to her. {Exit Allen, door r.) Oh ! Ely, 
 Ely. I loved you. Loved you. (Vehemently.) But no 
 more, no more. {Leans against door r., crying.) 
 
 curtain 
 
ACT IV 
 
 SCENE. — Cellar rootn in the house of '" Mother Boyce." 
 See Scene Plot, page 7. At l. is a door leading into 
 another part of the cellar and thence to upper parts of 
 the house. At c. is a short flight of stairs leading up to 
 a door that opens out on to an alleyway. Under stairs 
 is a closet. Down R. is a common kitchen table, much 
 the worse for wear. About the table are three dilapidated 
 chairs. Over table and hanging from ceiling is a large 
 lamp. Up L. is a portable couch, upon which are 
 pillows, cheap blanket and an old-fashioned comforter.) 
 
 (At rise Yerkes and Adams are discovered seated at table. 
 Mary seated on couch. Mother Boyce is standing left 
 of table.) 
 
 Yerkes. Say, Eve, I don't like this kidnapping business. 
 
 Adams. Chicken-hearted, Tin? 
 
 Yerkes. No. Feels though it wan't goin' to turn out 
 just right. 
 
 Mother Boyce. Hump ! Why don't yer think o' that 
 first ? 
 
 Yerkes. When I'm doin' business with a man an' he 
 wants me to do more I'm not cry in' quits. 
 
 Mother Boyce. Yes, an' we'll be all jugged. Shame 
 on ye fer bringin' disgrace on a poor, honest, old woman 
 like me. 
 
 Yerkes. Sittin' 'ere talkin' about it won't do any good. 
 I'm goin' down the line. Comin', Eve? 
 
 Adams. Sure. Say, Tin, when's de guy comin' to divvy 
 the swag ? 
 
 Yerkes. He'll be 'ere to-night. 
 
 Adams. All right. 
 
 (Exit, door l.) 
 
 Yerkes (standing in doorway l. To Mother Boyce). 
 Don't forget to take her for some air. This hole will kill 
 her. 
 
 36 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 37 
 
 Mother Boyce. It's good 'nough fer me. 
 Yerkes. You heard what I said. 
 Mother Boyce. Yes. 
 Yerkes. Don't forget it. 
 Mother Boyce. No, Tin. 
 Yerkes. All right. 
 
 {Exit, door l.) 
 
 Mother Boyce. Come get yer things on an' I'll take 
 yer fer an airin'. 
 
 Mary. Why do you keep me here ? Are you a woman, 
 with a woman's heart? 
 
 Mother Boyce. Hold yer tongue. 
 
 {Drags her from couch.') 
 
 Mary. Stop ! I'll go. 
 
 Mother Boyce {as Mary starts to put on hat and coat). 
 No, them things be too good. 'Ere. {Hands Mary an old 
 shawl. Mary hesitates.) Put it on. (Mary throws it 
 over her head.) Come along, and don't try and get away. 
 
 {She leads Mary up stairs, c, and exeunt.) 
 
 (Allen and Smythe, with revolvers drawn, enter l.) 
 
 Allen {putting revolver in pocket). Guess we won't 
 need them, Toby. 
 
 Smythe. No. This is an awful hole, Tom. 
 
 Allen. Yes, and to think that Mary should be confined 
 here. 
 
 Smythe. It doesn't appear as though she were. 
 
 Allen {displaying coat which he has found on couch). 
 Toby ! What's this? 
 
 Smythe. Mary's coat ! Where can she be? 
 
 Allen. I don't know. But I'm going to find out. You 
 go back the way we came. Find Searles and the police. 
 Send a squad around to that door {points to door c.) and 
 guide the rest of them through the house the same way as 
 we came. 
 
 Smythe. What are you going to do ? 
 
 Allen. Never mind me. Go, and be quick. 
 
 Smythe. Take care of yourself, Tom. 
 
 {Exit, L.) 
 
38 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 {Fumbling is heard outside door c. Allen hides in closet, 
 near stairs, as Yerkes enters. Adams quickly follows 
 him.') 
 
 Adams. Where's de old woman ? 
 
 Yerkes (putting can on table). Givin' the girl an airin'. 
 Wish I hadn't told her ter take the girl out to-night. I'm 
 afraid of this business. Woke up suddenly like, last night. 
 Thought it was all up with me. 
 
 Adams. Cut it, Tin. You's goin' ter bits. When yer 
 out yer wants ter come in. An' when yer 'ere yer don't 
 know what ter do. 
 
 (Enter Mother Boyce, c, shoving Mary ahead of her.) 
 
 Mother Boyce (snatching shawl from Mary). Did 
 my little bird like 'er airin' ? (To Yerkes.) What did yer 
 bring 'er 'ere for? 
 
 Adams. Cut it, mother. De swell guy is comin' ter- 
 night, an' then we're finished. 
 
 Mother Boyce. Make him do the right thing. 
 
 Adams. Dis guy will do the white thing, Tin ? 
 
 Yerkes. Sure. 
 
 Adams. All right, Tin. But we'd better have an under- 
 standin' afore he comes. No five thousand dollars for the 
 job. We split even. 
 
 Mother Boyce. That's right, boys. 
 
 Yerkes. 'Course we will. De yer think I'm easy? 
 
 Mother Boyce (rising). That's right, that's right. 
 
 ( Crosses toward l. as Ely enters L.) 
 
 Ely. Good-evening. 
 
 Mother Boyce (making courtesy). Good-evenin' ter ye, 
 sir. 
 
 Yerkes. You can go, mother. 
 
 (Mother Boyce looks savagely at Yerkes, then exits, 
 door l.) 
 
 Ely (to Mary). How is my lady love to-night ? (Pause.) 
 Won't speak. 
 
 Adams. If yer can make her talk it's more 'en we can 
 do. 
 
 Ely. Mary, if you consent to be my wife it will end 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 39 
 
 here. If not, then early to-morrow you are to be placed on 
 a yacht, and we'll ride on and on, you as my toy, to be 
 fondled or tossed aside as the whim may strike me. 
 
 Mary (rising). Oh ! you — you — despicable villain. 
 Death has far less terrors for me, than marriage with you. 
 (To Yerkes and Adams.) Are you men? Men who re- 
 spect womanhood ? Will you sit there and permit this — 
 this 
 
 Yerkes. Come, Ely, this ain't any torture chamber. 
 
 Ely (turning, drawing revolver). Who are you talking 
 to? 
 
 Yerkes (has Ely covered). Drop yer gun, Ely. I've 
 got yer covered. 
 
 Ely (putting revolver in pocket). It's your move. 
 
 Yerkes. Sit down. 
 
 (Ely sits right of table.) 
 
 Adams. Now, let's divvy. Share and share alike. 
 
 Ely. You're mistaken. I'm to give you five thousand 
 apiece. 
 
 Adams. We's changed our minds. 
 
 Ely (seeing Yerkes standing behind Adams and nerv- 
 ously fingering revolver in his pocket). It's not a square 
 deal. 
 
 Yerkes. Guess we's knows what's square an' what's 
 not. 
 
 Ely. You're in command of the situation. 
 
 Adams. We thought yer'd see the thing, all right enough. 
 (To Yerkes.) Get the stuff, Tin. 
 
 (Yerkes goes to supposed hiding-place under stairs, from 
 which he takes four bags of money. Places one bag o?i 
 table opposite Ely, one opposite Adams, at c, and an- 
 other opposite vacant chair, l. The fourth one he empties 
 out on to the table. Yerkes stands right of Adams as 
 Adams and Ely divide the ?noney. Mary dashes for 
 door, l. Yerkes draws revolver and fires at her. 
 Just as Mary disappears through the doorway, Ely 
 springs to his feet and rushes after her, followed by 
 Yerkes. Allen comes from out of the closet and glid- 
 ing up back of Adams, who has remained in his chair, 
 strikes him over the head with his revolver. Adams 
 falls across the table.) 
 
40 THE FATAL BLOW 
 
 Mother Boyce (off stage). Thought yer'd escape, did 
 yer? 
 
 {As Yerkes reenters door } l., Allen fires at him. 
 Yerkes drops his revolver to the floor and his right arm 
 falls lifeless to his side. He rushes at Allen. They 
 grapple and fight. ) 
 
 Ely (off stage). Stay where you are, Mrs. Boyce ; she 
 may try it again. (Ely reenters, dragging Mary after 
 him. Seeing Allen he pushes Mary from him, and draws 
 revolver.) Look out, Yerkes, till I finish the meddling fool. 
 
 Mary {picking up the revolver which Yerkes has dropped, 
 as Allen gets the best of him). Move an inch, Montford- 
 Ely, and I'll fire. 
 
 (Ely turns to Mary. Allen tosses Yerkes aside ; then 
 springs at Ely and forces his revolver into the air. 
 Ely's revolver is harmlessly discharged. They struggle.) 
 
 Mother Boyce (off stage). The police ! The police ! 
 {Enter Mother Boyce, door l.) The police ! 
 
 (Simultaneously with the entrance of the police, door l., 
 led by Smythe, the door at the head of stairs, c, is burst 
 open, and ?nore police enter, followed by Searles. They 
 drag Adams, Yerkes and Mother Boyce into the upper 
 R. corner. Ely struggles betweefi two policei7ien, r.) 
 
 Searles. Mary ! Mary, my child ! ( Takes her in his 
 arms. To Ely.) At last, Montford-Ely, 1 find you in 
 your true colors. 
 
 {Enter Freda, accompanied by Mrs. Doane, l.) 
 
 Ely. Yes, Searles, the game is up. You've got me 
 beaten. 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Yes. 
 
 Ely. Agnes ! You ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Not Agnes to you. You struck me, 
 Montford-Ely, and now you must pay the price for that 
 fatal blow. 
 
 Ely. You — you — are — against me ? 
 
 Mrs. Doane. Yes ! It's my revenge ! {Following is 
 spoken as she exits, l.) It's my revenge ! 
 
THE FATAL BLOW 41 
 
 (She laughs hysterically off stage. Ely breaks from police 
 and dashes toward door at a, but is overtake?i before 
 reaching it, and two drag Ely after them through door C.) 
 
 Freda. Toby. 
 
 Smythe. Where— where did you come from? 
 Searles. Allen, I've done you a great wrong. Can you 
 forgive me? 
 
 Allen. For Mary's sake, yes. 
 Mary. Tom. 
 
 CURTAIN 
 


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