« PERPLEXITIES, An American Comedy — Drama, IN FOUR ACTS and SIX TABLEAUX. BY ALPHONSE M. YOCHUM PRINTED— NOT PUBLISHED. ^ X >3:i.^V*^^.v ., Nv. X^ ^\«^ ^ \\ /a Enterea HCcordU,,' to Act of Congvc^s u, the yeav 1S79, by ALPHONSE M, YOCHUM. i„ a,e office of the Librarian of Congve.s, ot NVn,hi,>,ton, D. C, All Rights Reserved. PERPLEXITIES. ACT 1. TABLEAU I. Exterior of the Female College and Grounds in Indianapolit. — dl lege, with steps, door, call bell &c. R. — The Little Globe Hotel, vcith sign &c., ill the distance at back L — Rustic chairs vasese, ?iv€ me your hand ! (goes to shake hands with .Jayen, who does not recognize him.) dayen Who are you ? Mohr. Know me, Jayen? Ignatius Mohr ! dayen Mohr ! You have changed considerably since last I've seen you — strange, you have quite a large beard now, I did not recognize you. Mohr. Oh yes, the world you know is full of changes and a^^ the tide of time rolls on, so do we move on in years. Jayen. So you have come at last! Mohr. With heart and soul at your service. Jayen. Tis scarce a minute since I wished you to all the devils. Mohr. Be Cautious of what you say. I have brought all the devils with me. Jayen. Where have you been, why did you not come sooner? Mohr. Ha, from Chicago to Indianapolis is not a cat's leap. Jayen. But remember, a railway coacji is not a cat. Mohr. Not much better, I have traveled all this distance afoot. v Jayen. What, did I not send you money, and that in abundance too?' Mohr. But my debts were still ynore abimdant. I could not quit tlic city till I had paid all. In rain I offered to pawn my young w i fe. Jayen. How, you are married ? Mohr. Certainly. iShe has come with me, I have taught her to — (aside.) Avhat would I say, I must not betray myself — a — a she is nimble and sly, and perhaps we can make her useful. Jayen. And she too did walk this great distance? Mohr. Well that's a question ! It wouldn't do forme to tell yoI^ that, like some evil genius she hovered around me. Jayen. How did you gain a subsistence ? Mohr. In the most profitable manner certainly (aside.) tlmt you jhall soon learn. Jayen. Alas, Ignatius! you have come to late ! Mohr. Who has come too late? Never say too late. We shall see. speak, why did you summon me here, what Would you liave nie do? Jayen. I am in love, Mohr. Again I I was just going to tell you, that some of your former affections wliom you deserted, are still despairing. Jayen. 1 a;n in love for the first time — Mohr. You tell me that for the seventh ti me — Jayen. With an angel whom i wished to make my wife. Mohr. And what prevents you from doing so? Jayen. See thei-e (points to bouse k.) lives Maiiam De Ruyter, tb." proprietress of the Female Educational Institution, and with ]'.•:• scholars is the object of my passion, Muhr. Doubtless yet "a child ? • ayen. Cliildhke, but no more a child , an orphan possessing great wealth — Mohr. (quickly) Keal estate, or — Jayen. And for whom I have a tender love and affection. M'>lir. That is secondary. Speak of the chief question ; lui- n.uae:-' Javen. Aurora Elena Mavflower! Her dving mother betrotheii her to some awkward, sill V, German farmer, in sliort the bride- groom arriu.^d to day, and to morrow they leave for Delphi where they will be married. Mohr. Hi? name? Jayen. Max Hartfelt ! Mohr. Wheugh ! a spicy One. Jayen. Li>ten to me : he is a native of Germany. About three years ago his father died, leaving him, the only heir, a large estate. which he subsequently disposed of and came to this country_ Here he mic'rated to the West, and settled down in the suburbs of Delplii, abovt^sixty miles from this place. There, h^ invested in a large farm, tlie earnings of which, in conjunction with the surplus of hi. inheritance, makes hJm the happy possessor of cons-derable wealth. Mohr Indeed !— What are his haunts, his peculiarities T Jayen. He has a remarkably gourdy appearance ; the tape in- dicates about six feet in circumference. , , , ^ Mohr. Enougii. I know uiy man. And you fear such a cod- ^Jayen. As if the richest codfish do not sometimes, or gen.erally, snap up the most, amiable women Mohr I think I understana the whole status causae : 1 our l)e- loved is an Andromeda, thaeatened by some monster to be covered and devoured; you, are the Perseus striving to tree her and /shall liave the honor to represent your Pegasus. ^ Jayen. Right, right, but yoU come at the very moment in which the monster opens widely its jaws. ^ Mohr. The more honor will the victory bring. Jayen. Do you think so? Mohr. Love and cuauingness in league : what power can re- " ^^Jayen. Should you succeed, I would clasp you to my heart. Mohr. Nothing more? Jayen. And your beautiful wife too- Mohr. A great honor ! .,, i i Jayen. And a grateful love will remember you tiU death. Mohr. But, if that love dies first V Jayen. That you need not fear. ,^ ., - , a Mohr. Not I Yet such an occurrence would not be smgulai. a good round sum would be preferable. Jayen. Well, say fifty dollars. Mohr. (contemptuously) P'ifty dollars'. Jayen. Hundred dollars ! — ( Ignatius turns ami says nothing , Two hundred dollars-(:iside) that's my whole fortune, —what say vou ^ (no replv,— Jayen aside) Five hundred would be a cheap purchase, tho girl is rich, she is worth more than ten times that amount,— Five hundred dollars— Alohv. (turns suddenly) That\s a bargain, that's a premium. Kre twenty^four hours that pumpkin shall be far away from th)s place. 6 Jsyen. Egad, that would be a masterstroke. Mohr. Hut hold — to conduct a campaign, a good General must be acquainted with the country. So here lives Madam DeRuyter, and there is a restatirant — Jayen. The " Little Globe" hotel, and there (points oft" I.) Doctor Phaeton's asylum, famous for the cure of lunatics. Mohr. 0-oh ! doubtless he is well patronized? •Jayen. (Playfully) Yes, if fools would desire to be cured. Mohr. I will remember him. And what large building is that with the tower? Jayen. That is the City Hall and also the headquarters of (he poMce. Mohr. That will do for the present. But now I must have Home — (gesticulating meaning money.) Jaytn. Why, and what for ? Mohr. Secret expenditures certainly, for without money, Satan himself would be a poor devil. .layen. There (gives money) there's fifty dollars. Mohr. Now where can I find this hollow pretender? Jayen. He is at the Depot Hotel and will soon appear at this heaven's gate. Mohr Good. I shall be prepared for his reception. But, what would you with this yiolin, are you a dancing master? Jayen. Just so Ignatius, for the reason of which I gain admis- sion to Aurora's private apartment. Mohr. You will be my accomplice, you will play whatever part 1 may assign to you ? Jayen. (With emphasy) Yes, I will play a part, but, listen to me: don't be serious, rememl-er — 7 only want you to discourage him, nauseate him of tliC city so that he will be glad to gel out of it again. Mark well my words, do him no harm, no bodily or moral injuries — or I may play another part/ Mohr. For the present you can jday the dancing master and leave me, alone with my genius. Jayeti. Remember what I have told you Ignatius— Mohr. Stop — do not call me Ignatius, Jayen, And why not pray ? Mohr. Oh, merely to keep niy name and the business you oon- ii place, thereby making it quite difficult to trace tne. Here, I have assumed another name, besides, this artifictat beard concenls the scar in ray face, which would otherwise betray ine; and with this new face I defy detection. There is now another path spread before me, ftnd — see, there's a huge object rolling this way — everybody seems astonished — he answers Jayen's description — as I live tis he, Max Hartfeld, nearing on the wings of love ! Max. (Without) Never mind, I fix em ! l^nter Max, exhausted, hat in hand, wipes prespiration from his brow and fans himself. Max. I wonder where I vas now? (sighs with the exclamation) Oh my ! Dis town Indianapolis is so big dat T beleive I loose de shtreet mit mineself Caracelii. (Has entered) Can I do anyting-a for-a you? (Taps 31ax on shoulder, who turns quickly, i Max. (Surveys him( Ye-e-s ! Caracelii. What? — Max. Mind your own bustness I Caracelii. P'ine-a statue, Cicero — Max. I don kno him — gone away, I don't want some. (Exit Caracelii crying,) Statoots-a-La Napoleoue. Max. All hollow head?, dey don kno somedings. — Eflonly find me dat shtreet, Aurora she — Mohr, (Taps him on shoulder) Can T ' Max. (Tuins quickly, striking Ignatius) Oh, I begs your bar- dou I Mohr. Certainly, certainly— Max, I dot you vas dat feller what sell dem paby dolls ! iMohr. Oh, that's alright ! You are a stranger here I presunie? Max. Y'es I vas, I ust come-i mit de Union Railroad Depot ! T vas Max Hartfeld von Delphi. I have some wool wat I sell, uii den I g3ue married. Mohr. Indeed! — Wool (»f sheep ? Max. Ye-e-s, shoor, in Delphi you kno, de sheeps don't cany cotton. Mohr. No, certainly nof. Have you chosen the bride ? Max. Aurora Mayflower, mit fourty dousand dollars, I bin rich mineself, awer I don't got enough yet. Mohr. Fathomless wisdom lies in these words. Max. Is dat so ? Well I like dat, dat wisdom comes to me from mineself you kno. Mohr. Do you love her ? Max. I love her ! I love her alltimes. un she is so sweet, so peautiful, so fair like milk un roses. Slie vas in Delphi onced,. in, de harvest time, awer I don't 8ee her, T take mine bride mit me ter-morrow in Delphi, un den we gone married. Mohr. Is she pretty? '8 Max, Ah, she vas a nice iZ(?rl, no dollpaby ; for whatever I catch hold on, you see deni dogs? (shows lists,) Mohr. I see ! Max. Wen I gone down sl)treet I meet a womans wat have one basket full egg:*, I only shake mine hand one little bit — bloomps— un jt ! Also you are mine servant ? Mohr. Exactly, yes I Max. Who Vas your nan>e ? Mohr. (A.side( Let me see, wliat is my nanie- Dawv ij — Spe;i> Dawvil ! Max. Shpitten Dev'l, gooi! Molii. No, no, ^peih Dawvil! Max. Oh I \vont forgot em. Mohr. I am known by everyliodv in Indianapolis, as an honc:*i and u{)riglit man. Max. Well mine honest Slipitten Devil, I'll give you some bustness right away, I got no ti)iie mineself, — You see dat baper? i got dat baper in Delphi von de Shustice of de pease. He toll vm , 1 gif dat bapers to de bolice office in Indianapolis. J don kno where dat is. 1 — 1 — don kno nottings. MoJir. Give it to me, 1 will provide fur it. [Mux givt^ envt- lope containing letter of recoiuendatioa and credit.] Max. Do dat min*i dear Sljpitten Devil. [Advances to house j Molir. ProbAbly you will partake of a good meal witli your bride? Max, Ye-e s, I bin fond of meals, awer de beoples say, in de buarding sbool dey don't got much, un ye kno 1 like many. Mohr Then you may eat two meals. Max. [D. 'lighted] Two times! Will dot pas.s? Mobr. Certainly, and then I will show you the sights of tbt^ city. Ma.\, Alright, I gone eaten two times, un you gii* dat baper i^< de bolice office, den you comes quick right away back, I got son'e unner business vor you wen I gone married. [Catches hold of door knob and pushes.] Mohr. [Aside] That von shall never be. [Aloud to Max] Ring the bell! Max. Yes 1 will do dat! [pulls door knob] Mohr No, no, the call bell to your right. [Max catches hold oi bell knob] There, now pull. Max. Well now, 1 forgot all about it. [pulls violently, breaks wire, bell is heard to ring, Max almost falls backward down steps.] Mohr. You have pulled a little too hard ! Max. Well you kno. dat's my fashion. Hovv I gone in? Mohr. The servant will come to the door. [Servant opens door] Max. Don't forgot \vat I toll you I [exit in College] Mohr. Ha, ha, ha! That's a prime plant, an ignoramus, a spec- imen of awkwardness. [ Takes letter from envelope, reads it.] A letter of credit and recomendation to Max Hartfeld from a Delphi Xotary Public, and this, [finds a bank check on tinted paper, reads:] Bank of Delphi, Indiana, June Slst, pay to bearer, ISIis.-. Aurora Elena Mayflower, the sum of live thousand dollars on ac- count, within one week from date, signed Max Hartfelt. — Ha, ha, ha! Precious! This will prove a little bonanzn, sent to me by the devil, no doubt, if I but take advantage of the opportiniity. To work then at once — but mv promise to Jayen Paul — oh fie! — Til try it, I will succeed, I feel [ will succeed, for whenever 1 under- take anathing Ignatius Mohr never fails- Now to settle a plan of the campaign. — His departure to-morrow inust he prevented — let nie see — the letter of recommend;ition — the bank check — my wife [ have it. I'll straight forward to the police headquarters, and — [nearing entrance] tis one of the highly honored officers that comes this way, with a pair of eyes resembling interrogation points. I'll try to win him, for, whoever pisses through a strange village, san» comparaison, should take }trecuution and befriend the dogs, [retires— enter Bells Gap the officer, crosses — Mohr takes a $1 note from his vest pocket-] Pst, pst! sir! Officer. What would you with me? Mohr. Pardon my importunity — your an officer! 10 Officer. Yes sir, and am responsible for the peace and (niietnoss of the beat in which you are. Mohr. lam a stranger here, and find myself in a little per- ]>lexity. Officer. Why, iiave you been robbed? Mohr. On the contrary, 1 liave found money! Officer. Found money! where, when, how much? Mohr. A one dollar note here in the street, I am terribly con- scientious and though it is but one dollar, it would burn on my soul were 1 to keep it, even should I know a millionaire had lost it. Officer. You're indeed an lionest man! Mohr, That is due to the spirit of tlie times. Take it in your care, and if nobody claims it, give it to the poor, [gives it.] Officer. Who are you, and where do you come from? Mohr. I am Max Hartfeld of Delphi, here are my recommen- dations, [gives letter which he received fVom Max.] Officer. [Reads and returns it] All well! How long will you remain? Mohr. That ilepends on circumstances; I have a lading of wool l«> dispose of. Ofticer. On business then! Mohr. 1 am. — We are novv in an era of unparalelled corruption and laxity of the public conscience, but I strive to live honest. Officer. The multitude lead such lives, but entirely de-^tUute of honor. Mohr. Yes, I have experienced that; even now there is a cer- tain /eWow here, who ims the audaucity to call himself Max Hart- feld. Officer. Indeed I Mohr. Contracts del)ts on my name and indulges in all nianntrs of rascality. Orticei-. He will be watched. Mohr. Besides he possesses the peculiarity of feig!iing the nust ignorant b ockhead. Officei-. Me shall not deceive me! — Does he bear any resem- blance to your honor? Mohr Not in the least. No comparison. >Ie a])pears as tlu)ugh he were stuffed with cornmeal and roast beef- Officer. Enough! If 1 ever detect him in uiy (juarters, lie shall be sjifely stored. — Adieu, my friend, should you at any time \\\n\ money again, am always ready to receive it. [Exit.] Mohr. [Con'emptibly] Indeed! — Ha, ha, ha! Orpheus was noted for his beautiful lyrical airs; but I'll wager he threw a bribe into the jaws of that hell-hound, which made him tame and tracta- ble as a lamb — I hope ] have prepared a suitable bath for his cor- pulency, the groonj. Now to coimsel with my wife; for loguish tricks without wonians cnninng, are tnipolislicd, [Exits.] 11 TABLEAU II. Aurora's private apai'tnient in DeRuyter^s College. Elegantly fur- nished. C D hacked by interiors. Piano B. Chairs, Tete-a tete L. Table L. Chair L of (J D that will break down. Lapdog asleep on tofa. Va.^e and rosebush and drawings on table L. — Jayen playing on violin accompanied by Aurora with piano, dift" covered. Aurora strikes discord, Jayen grows impatient and cross- es to C— Jayen. Confound that stupid idiot, Dutchman, he's likely to appear at any moment. Aurora. Why what is the matter Jayen, you are unusually im- patient to-day? Jayen. Oh, I don't know! [aside] I'm going crazy — Come now your dancing lesson! Aurora. I will not dance to-day, 'twill excite me too much —I am nervous. Jayen. [Aside] Ah, yes, the arrival of the groom puts her all ill a flurry. — Aurora, come here! Aurora. What is it, Jayen? Jayen. Are you content to share your fortunes and future joy and happiness with Max Hartfeld? Aurora. Ah yes, willing and content ! Tis the will of my poor dead moiher; for on her deathbed she summoned me to her side, and grasping me with her cold hands, she >*aid: 'Alas, my poor child, I must leave you now, remember the little prayer I have always taught you, love your neighbor as yourself, and never — never betray your honor." Then placing my hand into a dear friend's who stood at her bedside, she continued to him: " Be Iho.i ever a friend and protector to my child, promise to make her, yours" — that man was Max Hartfeld, this he did. Then bidding us to kneel at her side, she raised her aged hand and blessed us both — and in that blessing there is a future, never to cease happi- ness — and saying: " Now can I die content; soon will I be in the land of promise, in whose glory we may all some day repose, where all is bright; where no storm beats, and the unclouded sky shines on its own brightness." A last sigh — and I was an orphan. — I will now, in obedience, fulfill my mother's last wish! "J'were more profitable for you to count the numberless stars, than to waste your affections on me. I must, I will obey my mother. Servant appears at C D, Servant. There is a gentleman in the parlor, says Aurora is his bride and desires to see her! Aurora. Tis he, send him up immediately! [exit servant. Au- rora runs to piano] Jayen. Aurora, do not torture me thus; say that, you love me! Aurora. Certainlv I do — I love everybody; 'tis a Christian's principle — 'twas my beloved mother's dally prayer. But, the love 12 that 1 bear him, will make me hai>py, and to-day— my hiilhdu} - le comes to claim my hand. Jayen. You have told me that three weeks agf>." But, consider n.e, a handsome and shapelv young man, while he- Aurora. Is preferable to you. He is a good soul, only a littlt awkward, and not acquainted with the customary usages of society and etiquette. — but 1 will cultivate him; and anent that, he pos- Reuses virtues which you cannot boast of. [Aurora plays. Max has been conducted on by servant who immediately exits again. Max 8it.« on chair which breaks down. Aurora screams, rises and sees Max on floor. She looks at Jayen a moment in embarrasment ] Max. Ha, ha, ha! dat shair he set me down! — Kelle Auroui how you vas? Aurora. Why Max what dineliness of the Great Desert I Max. Wat I make dere? DeRuyter. He is dead, my idol, my all! Max. I'st be quiet, I gif you one wat vas tive times bigger as dat. DeRuyter. Vou are a doit, sir, a barbarous dolt ! Max I don't kno wat at vas. In Delphi de dogS don't shieep on de sofa. DeRuyter. That will do I Don't drive me to madness.— These precious renuiins! 1 will take you out of sight of this heartless miscreant; bedew you with my tears, and curse the murderer who has robbed me of n)y joy forever! (Exit) Max. (Rises, watches her off) Dat womans talk ust like a book. Aurora. Max, come here! Max. Wat you vant? Aurora. Nt)w that we are alone, I must tell you, that, you l)e- haved in the most disagreeable manner. i\Iax. Yaw mine Gott in Himmel, wat have I do? Aurora You have been bungling extremely again. [ told you to be careful, and despite that, you crushed my mistress' lapdog. Max. Well you kno dai's my fashion. Aurora. Well but you know, I want you to wean that fashion. Max. Well dat's so. You vas — oh, you vas only shoken? Aurora. No, 1 mean what I say. Max. You vas mad on me denV Aurora . Don't say mad, but angry. Max. Ye-e-s, I vas hungry, I bin — Aurora. You misunderstood me. When you are, as you teim it, mad, you must say, I am angry. Max. Well I don't kno ut you vas engry, dat's de reason wat vor I ask you. Aurora. Oh, no, but your present ways and habits must be liroken. I take great interest in you and will exercise you every dav Max. Aurora you bin a goot gerl, 1 love you! Aurora. And I love you in return. Max. To-day vas your birthday un I bring one bresent vor you, von Delphi. You kno wat at vasV Aurora. Xo! Max. (Gives her a paper) Here is un sheck on de Bank of Deb phi. for five-dougnnd dollars, dat vas all yours. 16 Aurora. A present of live tboiisaud dollars? (Opens, looks vt it) .) ay e 11 . [ A p pea is a t C 1> ] Max. Dat's wat J toll you, ust look on dal bapers. Aurora. Are yon tellinji me a lalst-liooci. or — ^lax. Wat, Aniora! mine dear M\i1ter she always say, " Max, never tell a lie" — yovi dink 1 loll you soMiedin^s den wat was mti >o? Aurora. Tlien do you pretend to call this a bank check ? Max. Ye-e-s, dat vas — no, I vas a niistake ha, iia, ha! (Ex- amines other papers and pockets) I show you! — I believe I loose ine dat sheck! — I don kno Jiow pears — Max returns— Jayen disappears) Amora, 1 will find him un J comes hack right awav. (Kisses her) Goot bye! (Exits — .Jayen re-rppears — re-enter Max — Jayen again dis- ajipears) Aurora, now I dink on it. I la}' me dat sheck on dis table — no! Don't bin alone, I conges back right avay, goot bye! i V.\\i — Jayen return.s, runs to piano, takes his violin, which he had forgotten, when Max re-enters .igain) Aurora, it vns a goOt ding dat feller mit at figolin was gone ond riffht away, odei- — (sees Jayen 'who is about to exit with his violin. Max brings him down) Mold on I >how yon s oujcdings! (Takes violin and hauls oft", Jayen dodges him as the violin descends, the momentum throwing Max to the floor — Comic position— Jayen at door triumphant — Aurora stands ama/eL»x. You —is dat so! VVell 1 dink y(»u vas - (Jutts. Slave, down on your knees, or 1 will crush thee! Max. I begs your bardon, dut vas too iiard on me. Cutts. You shall be a highpriesi of Isis! Max. No sir, no humbuck! I bin a goot gristian (Aside) I wonder wat vor kind beoples is dat? — Here vas dat feller wat bring me in. Enter Adam, dives to C. Adam. The Doctor will be here soon! Max. (Taking Adam aside) Who vas dem fellers dere? Adam. P<»or unfortunates who have lost their senses. Mnx. Grazy? Adam. And are und<-r the treatment of Doctor Phaeton. Max. Well I dink we bet'er gone outside den. Adam. Never ftar, they are entirely harmless. We may thank God that we still retain our good senses. ' Max Ye e-s!— Dank God ! Adam. He was disapp unted in love, and now imagines he i.s of glass. Max. Dat's wat he toll me. Adam. And he was form* riy a powerful fanatic, blasphemy and aflrontery vvere hit- daily prayers, and finally his brain became un- settled. Max. He toll ine he vas Iax. Wen I eat, 1 dont hear many. Re-enter Oakdale. Oakdale. Eight fresh portions! Max. Eight fresh mouthfuls, why don you say! — Well, where vas dat wine? Oakdale. Beg your pardon, I forgot all about it. [Exit, Max eats] Leona. [Gets chair and sits left of Max] I will endeavor to interest you with a little romance. Max, I got no time. [Eating] Leona. Do they not impress your nerves? Max.. I got no nerves. Leona. But a feeling for the beautiful — Max. Oh ye-e s! Leona. Ah, happy is he, to whom this sensibility, nature has not endowed with excess. If my fate were known to you — Max. No sir, I dont kno! Leona. My name is Amelena Moss I [Drawing nearer] Max. Is dat so? l.eona. 1 was young and sprightly, the delight of my parents, when, unfortunately, one day, I was enjoying a sylvan jollity in Delphi — [Is close by his side at this time] Max. (Turns head suddenly, bringing his face in contact with Leona) In Delphi? Leona. Are you acquainted there? Max. Ye-e-8 I vas, ha, ha, ha! I live dere! Leona. I became associated with a young man, his name was Max Hartfeld— Max. Max Hartfeld! Leona. He was exceedingly handsome; vanquished my heart, accepted my hand; and swearing everlasting fidelity, he promised me to marry — Max. Se Miss Annelena, dat vas not so! Leona. Alas! It is only too true! Max. (Aside) I believe dat poor womans dont feel well — You better take mine advice un gone down mit at Doctor in de lunatic sylum. Leona. The cruel man, he has deserted his promise! Max. You don kno wat you say. In de whole Delphi dere yas only one Max Hartfeld, un dat vas me! Leona. What, you — you are my Max — Max. No sir, not your's, I Vas mine. (Rises) Leona. (Has risen, regards him closely) Ah yes! I remember the charming features that captivated my heart; the rosy cheeks; the sparkling countenance; the voice, and stout as ever— yes, yes, you are my Max! (Backs him) Max. (Folding arms, imitates Lank) Dont come too near mc! I never see you mit my lite! 2i Leona. How inluiman! even now you dare deny it, new, wVen destiny, peradventare, so remarkably brings us confront ? Max. Wat, bin net si rab bat si &c. — 1 dont undershtand one word wat she say. Gone away — dont make ray head warm. Leona. Such are men, when their hearts grow cold, their heads become warm. (Fiercely toward him) I5ut fear my wrath, my vengeance — (Drops on chair) Oh, the barbarian, I love him yet ' Max. Dat womans vas grazy. When I vas not only mit her mineselfl Dank God ! here vas dat shentlemans! Oakdale returns with wine. Oakdale. Your wine air! (Leona whispers him) Leona. In my veins there is a glowing fire! (Draws dagger) Give me peace of heart and mind or tremble! Max. (Defends with chair) Wen I dont look outside, dat wo- mans she make me dead. (Keeps his eyes fixed on Leona) Leona. Tyrant of my heart ! At the sight of j'ou 1 feel a.« though I had swallowed balls of fire! Max. Mishter, wen you blease, gif me mine hat — put em cmi mine head — I must watch dat grazy womans, till I vas outside mit at door. Oakdale. First, the gentleman will please pay the carte paya7it^. Max. I dont need no cards, I never blay mit my life. Leona. But cnielly you have played a game with my heart I Oakdale. Sir, I mean the bill. Max. For wat for, I only eat me some lunch. Oakdale. What, limch! we charge for luncheons here. Sixteen portions, one bottle of the best German wine — sum substance, four dollars. ^^ax. Ye-e-s, I gif you one kick four times, dat's wat 1 do — don you vas ashamel you dink I got enough! Oakdale. That's not my fault, I can't help that. Leona. Dear Max I when you are in danger, fly to my arras and seek protection. Max. Gone away I toll you! Oakdale. I will retain your hat, 'till you have paid rae. Max. Dat vas too funny! I gone oud un find mine Shpilten Devil— Oakdale. Don't leave this place, or — Leona. My fury will awake! (Kaising dagger) Max. You bandits! wen you comes here, I hit you in de moutli mit at shairs, you never grack any nuts no more rait your lift- (Throws chair front of door and exits — Oakdale runs, falls over cliair — Leona drops dagger and laughs heartily — Scene closes in.) Scene II. — Street in Indianapolis. Enter Ignatius Mohr. Mohr. He comes this way — I mUst not loo'^e sight of him. (Re- tires) 25 Enter Max, looking off, when he sees Ignatius who is coming forward. Max. Ach mine dear Shpitten Devil, here you vas! toll me wat I make, wat I do! Mohr. Why did you not get anything to eat ? Max. Not so much as one bullfrog. — Dere vas some grazy beo- ples wat run me after un murder me. Mohr. Murder you! why — Max. Ye-e-s, I toll you dat after wile, ust come on now! Mohr. Where is your hat ? Max. Never mind mine hat — you better toll me where mine head was, I don kno where he shtand. Enter Oakdale and Leona. Oakdale. Here he is, you dare not run away now! Leona. Yes bjirbarian, you shall not escape me! Max. No, dat makes me too many trubles. Mohr. (Aside) I'll be scarce and observe at a distance. (Exit, patting his revolver to Leona as threatening) Oakdale. Tlie carte payante, sir — Leona. My innocence, my heart ! Max. fie, wen you make mine head mad, I holler fire! un all de beoples from de blace comes right here. Oakdale. You will pay me first, then cry out so long as suits your pleasure. Leona Alas, my heart has no price! (Approaching Max, who avoids her) Max. Help! Diefs! Murder! Fire, fire, fi— Enter Bells Gap the officer — Leona crosses. Officer. What parvenu is this, what means this alarm? Max. Ach mine dear sir, I vas a shtranger here un I bin sur- rounded mit a band robbers. Officer. Fear nothing, sir, — What mean you, what would you with this man? Oakdale. I Served him sixteen portions of choice delicacies with the best wine, and now he refuses to pay me! Leona. To me he has broken a promise and deserted me. (Re- tires and eventually steals off) Max. Dam lies! Officer. Indeed ! Sir, these are various ill reproofs. Inasmuch as you are a stranger here and of quite a respectable appearance, you will be treated with lenity. Who are you, and where do you come from? Max. I vas Max Hartfeld von Delphi ! Officer. Aha! so you are that precious bird ! 'Tis well — I know you now. Max. I bin so gled I find somebody now, wat kno who I vasi 26 Officer. I express ray satisfaction and thanks, that you havp pursued this scoundrel, this swindler. Max. Wat shwindler! Mine gootness, nobody never shwindel me! Officer. You are nothing less than Max Hartfeld. 'Tis scarce- ly three hours since I met with the noble possessor of that name — who is an honest, benevolent and trustworthy man. — You are an impostor under an assumed name. — Come along ! Max. Potz donner und alle hagel ! now you toll me dat I vas not even dat shenuine Max Hartfeld? Officer. (Abruptly) ^^ol Max! After wile ago I vas mineself, un now you toll me dat I yas somebody else— I dont see how dat vas! (Coolly going R) 1 dont undershtand me dat ! Officer. One moment, please I Max. One moment — alright ! — Dat vas one moment. (Kesumes advancing, officer again stays him) Wat you vant ? (Brings his head in contact with officer's nose) Officer. Permit me to ask you, have you any letters, papers of recommendation or the like, to prove your name? Max. Ye-e-s, shoor! I was — Officer! Let me see them, please! Caracelli. (Off stage) Statoots-a, vases, statoots-a! Max. (Searches pockets, looks for his servant Ignatius) Mine servant he vas here ust now, un now he vas not l>ere — well he gif em to de Police Office. Officer. You lie — I did not — Max. No sir, 1 shtand ! Officer. An indigent excuse, which 1 cannot accept. — You must go with me to the lockup. Max. Wat I make dere? Officer. Tliat you shall learn, only too soon. Where are you gjoing? Max. I call me dat France womans v/at I kill dat dog mit; she toll you I vas mineself. O^Tficef. N^o prevaricatio IS now! I'll hear — none. Come along. Max. No sir, I dont ! Oakdale. Yes sir, you will ! Max. I don care whea you vas a dossen fellers! — Come on! (Officer and Oakdale Seize him. Max with one sling is fiee, he presses Officer and Oakdale together, face to face, which forces them to embrace each other, and throws them against Caracelli the image vender, who has just entered. All fall, breaking CaraCelli's images to atoms. Caracelli. A thousand devils, my busts, my statoots-a! Max. (Laughs heartily at the group on floor. Officer rises, catches ^lax again) You dont got enough yet? Wen you dont look oud I shtand yon downside up, (gesturing) like dat! 27 Officer. You must go with me, despite the devil. (Produces handcuffs) Oakdale. That's right, that will bring him along! Max. Is dat so! — well, uf I mmt gone along, den you blease carry me. (Sits down on floor. Officer whispers Caracelli point- ing off L. Caracelli exit hastily L) Officer. You will regret this, attacking me, an officer. Just sit there about, two minutes only, I will cure you of some of your good humor, and we will see who is ahead then Max. Sit down here, I toll you somedings. (Smiling) Officer. No badinage now, I am serious! Ke-enter Caracelli with a canal-barrow. Officer. Now if it pleases your independence, take a seat in that. Max. Well, ust set me in, dat gif me some good exercises. (Aside) I fix em! (A.11 three life him in barrow — Officer goes to the shafts, Oakdale and Caracelli at the front purporting to pull) Now I vas in, when Aurora see me now, I wonder wat she toll me! — Hold on — hold on, I toll you hold on! Officer. Keep quiet now, or — Max. Dere vas a nail in dere, he shaggen me! (The bottom of wheelbarrow breaks through, Max goes down doubled up; he straightens out — forcing the barrow apart. Officer and the otherg seize Mm; he throws them off and takes one of the shafts of bar- row and defends — swinging it right and left, lightly as a cane) Who yas ahead now! (Tableau! Quick drop) ACT III. TABLEAU V. Room in the '' Little Globe //otel," furnished ad libiticm. — C D and J? C D. — Table and chairs. — Occupied by Ignatitis and Leona. Leona enters C D as curtain rises. Leona. I have stolen away unnoticed ! — Poor man! to be the victim of my constrained imposition; to think, that through my machinations, forced upon me by my husband, he should be reprov- ed by the minions of the law — almost rends my heart. But, a lit- tle patience yet, and I will atone for it, yes, yes! And if it comes to the worst I will battle for him, defend him and betray the real offender — and that is my husband, oh God ! my husband, who forced me on to this, for what purpose I know not. — Yet, this is all a mere trifle anent the most horrible crime of murder: — Hark! • methinks he comes — Ah, how well I yet remember when first his voice lisped to me, but, alas, to-day that voice whispers seduction in secret, or thunders destruction at the head of a devoted wife! I would tell him, remember those sportive groups of youth, in whose halcyon bosoms there sleeps an ocean, as yet scarcely ruffled by the passions, which soon shall heave it as with a tempest's strength. Did I not devote, expend, consecrate myself to the holy work of his melioration; did I not dare to stand forth in his defense, when 28 detraction was aiming it's deadly weapon at his reputation! But, without avail ! How I loved him then— he loved me too. Oh, there were hours when I could hang forever on his brow, but time, which stole in silent swiftness by, strewed as he hurried on his patli, with thorns. Now— now he does no longer acknowledge nie with the same cordiality; does not treat me with the same friendly attention and gentleness, as when the claims of pride in honor and virtue, did not interfere with those of friendship! He will conie and chide, rail and curse me, wake me from my dreams o^ fate, to blend his nascent grossness with my tears! (Sinks on chair, head on table) Enter Jay en Faul C D Jayen. (At door) Ah! Leona. How timorous I feel ! Jayen. Pardon me, if I am intrusive. Leona. (Rises and trie** to conceal her tears — Aside) Jayen! — Certainly — certainly. (Aside) What brings him here! Jayen. I came to speak to your husband, Ignatius Mohr, or as he now chooses to call himself, Edmund ! Leona. He is absent now, but methinks, sir, he will be here anon. (Still avoiding her countenance from Jayen) Jayen. I have heard of things of which I would deman»ur hinuired and fiftieth part of a single dollar. Mohr. [Surprised] Ah, indeed ! [Aside] Wliy does lie speak thus, can Leona have discovered to Jiim — Jayen Faul ! some ma- levolent mammal or other, has, with malice aforethought, deceived you and siandefed me, or why do you thus speak meanly abrupt? Jayen. No, not slandered by any one, but I have seen, heard and experience) — Mohr. Cut that! I have served you and my requirements are conformably fulfilled, consequently it is due me now, and if you refuse it, I appeal to your honor. Jayen. [Starting] Honor! You speak of honor! The boldest highway robber who roams at broad daylight, has more of honor, than the cowardly, stealthy hand that aims a blow in the dark, and leaves, like a poisoned serpent's fang, a sure and deadly mark! Fie! — where is my rival now. Max Hartfeld ? Mohr. He is safely piovided for and will not interfere for a time at least. Jayen. I want no assurances now, but facts. If you have no answer — / have. Mohr. He was arrested and is now in the hands of justice. Jayen. A curse on you for that !--[n the hands of justice! Oh, you ignominious hydra, true, not even unto yourself! Did I not tell you, resort to innocent freaks which should discourage him only? Did I not comuutnd you to do him no harm, no bodily or moral injuries? Did I not bid you beware of that, lest I should j)lay another pai"t? — By heaven, you shall feel for this! — I have always looked on you with a friend's fondness and confidence, and you know it. But of th s be a-^snred, I'll do it no longer. Mohr. Well, well there needs but this retort — since you are my enemy, I must, beware, and in heeding th>it, I defy and curse you. I know the cause of your threats — which are as paltry as the enmity you bear me. You are in my power and you dare not execute them, lest I should unmask the contrivances of the vain pretender to the love of Auiora Mayflower. Jayen. Fie, be not too sure of that — you speak like what you are. You have deceived me, treacherously deceived me and you shall amend for it. By heaven! you'll regret this! — A few days hence may find you as wretched as destiny e'er can make you. 31 Mohr. You know then what von are go'ng to do? Javen Yes— let me fairlv warn vou. You will not see me yet I will dodjre your everv step; I sh"all be present at the supreme moment to interfere with you, and when you fancy yom-self most i,ecure— you will be the more certainly in my power.— Do you un- derstand ? M<;hr. [Indifferent] I believe I do. Javen. You had better be certain! U'ohr. I don't see why I should misunderstand you.^ ^ Javen. Then whv not say so? These feminine evasions, whicli sound very prettv in' tiie world, will not do here. I am stern now, with a certain possiblity before my eyes-living, as it were, in the light of suspicion, and those who deal with me, must deal plainly """Mlhr.^ * But were you not my accomplice? You employed me, and on vou rests the blame for it all— all. , , . , it Jayen. Ye^ and 1 will bear it all. But, of this be assured, I will atone for it now and right the innocent. Aurora will know this all, [Going to door] myself shall disclose it to her, unburden- ed then— Ig-atius Mohr, tremble! [Exit] Mohr [Alone] Should I know that Leona betrayed me, he would not leave this place-aIive!-TrembleI iia, ha, ha!^ Ignatius Mohr tremble— one shori hour will see me tar from Indianapolis Max Hartfeld in the hands of justice, precisely where 1 contrived to place him; not for the special accomodation of the artless Jayen FauL but to remove the impediment to my success, it is not to acconiplish his object tliat I labored tor. biit this [Ta^'es on check] ves this, ha, ha, ha! To night. Max Hartleld will sleep in a criminal's cell, and there he cannot stop the payment of thi.s ^ 'Leona. [Enters] Methought I heard you call ! Mohr. [Fondly conducts her to chau] bit here Leona, tis likelv you need repose! [Sits beside her] Leona. Ah, how glad I am to see you thus peacefully and con- ^' Mol.r^m; should I not be while you are my adored, devoted and obedient wife!-Listen Leona, I have some good news for you. Leona. Say that von will begin repentance now. Mohr. Do you se'e this paper? [Pro\^ ^'-^^^ ,'| kept this from you 'till now; the proper moment has ai rived, ana 32 we must loose not a miiuUe's time. You see, we will step into n hamlsoine fortune, then off' to some distant foreign country and all will be lovely. Leona. And all will be ruin and dishonor, you had better say! But how came it into your possession? Mohr. Mr. Hartfeld gave it to me, saying, he did not know vvhat it was. Leona. That check given you by Mr. Hartfeld — were I to gain the world by it, I could not tlius impose on this poor man's igno- rance! — No, husband, we would step directly into a trap of your own setting! ISIohr. Never fear that, I know vvhat I'm about. Max Hart- feld, the only obstacle to be feared, rests quite sure in a safe berth. Leona. Ah, never can I consent to wrong nny one tiius! Mohr. How can you refuse; to once more make a man of me, whose ruin you are bewailing? It will wrong no one; ho is worth more than thrice that amount, and otherwise it will go to one who has no more right to it than you have Leona. Do you remember, when, after tJje deatli of your vic- tim, you swore and avowed to repent and begin a new life under a new name, if I would once more stand by you; how you induced me, by assurances, to leave Chicago secretly at midnight, to tramp ttiis far distance? Believe me, thougli it had been a path of thorns I would have suffered it, only to save you — your life, and now you would repay me with snch kindness and recompense; would have me thus stand by you, dishonorably still, and with one step more On the path of iniquity, finally plunge you into the abyss of an eternal purgatory. Mohr. You must be brief. I'm not disposed to listen to ser mons now. Leona. Is that } our avowed atonement, your contrition, your penitence? ^tohr. There is time yet for that ! Leona. Do not ask this of me — dismiss tliis base thought, 'twill never make us happy ! I will do anything for you, but this I can- not. Cease this life of depravity, fultill your pron)ise, begin to refoim — and with heaven's best l)lessing upon us^ the former days of our prosperity will return. I will stand by you, work for you lay and night; and when sickness shall call you to retire from the gay and busy scenes of this world, I will follow you into your gldomy retreat; listen with attention to your ''tale of symptoms" and Ater the balm of consolation to your fainting spirit. And lastly, when death shall burst asunder every earthly tie, I will shed an ocean of tears upon your grave, ard lodge the dear re- Uiembrance of our mutual affections deep into n)y heart ! Mohr. On my knees I implore you, only this time — Leona. Do not kneel to me — kneel to God, your God who reads every human heart, the mighty protector of the rtght and inno- 33 cent! [Nervously] Heaven knows I will have naught to do with such a wicked scheme Molir. [Rises indignantly, and with contempt] Indeed ! So you are really going to resist, against, what you are pleased to call a wicked scheme, are you! [Lowering voice] See here, Leona, the cup of my endurance has overflown; you ought to know by this time, tiiat I am not to be disobeyed ! Do you understand me? Leona. [Stands silent K] Mohr. [Kicking her] Do you hear me? Leona. Yes! Mohr. Very good, I'm glad that you have condescended to honor me by acknowledging that you do hear me. Now, do you intend to obey? Leona. Oh please—please do not force me to take any part in this scheme, I feel that a terrible punishment will come to you and I, if we try to perpetrate such a fraud. You know that I would be but a counterfeit of the real Aurora — I am your wife and not a friend in the world save yourself. Mohr. Oh, then you claim that I am your friend ? Leona. Yes! oh, yes! Mohr. And you wish me to remain so? Leona. I do, indeed I do! Why to think that you did not care for me, would break my heart ! Mohr. So, so! you don't want to make me hate you? Leona. Hate me! You hate me! Oh, my dear husband, I could not think of such a tiling. I would rather live in eternal tortue, than to have you hate me! Why do you speak of such a thing? It is cruel— cruel to admit, that such a thing is possible! [Sinks on knees, conceals face, resting head on chair] Mohr. Oh, pshaw! — I'll risk her, I've seen women cry before. Leona. Oh, heaven forgive him! Mohr. [Seizing her roughly, throws her across to L] Get up and let us talk business! I waul this matter settled right oft. Leona. Are you not yet satisfied ? What would you have me do? — riiat which in all the trials of hardships and sufferings in this life with you, I have not yet even dreamt of,— imprecate the everlasting curses of heaven upon you! You have your wish; you cursed me, and that curse now curses you. I do not pray for you to die, but that you may live — live long and anloe, avoided by all that is human; hated by everyone, and in a life of lasting remorse — once imploring for compassion — be answered only by your own conscience. Mohr. Oh, bosh! Stop your prating! You'll do it yet, I ^noie you will. I am sure you will. [Shows revolver] Leona. Never! heaven forbid it — never! [Seeing revolver] Ye.s, I will die first rather than live dishonored and diegraced. Mohr. Ha, do you defy me, proud and boasting rebel? Leona. Proud! Ha, ha, ha! well said — well said ! — Yes, and 34 with defiance and boastingly too I confess, that I am too proud to submit, to the baseness of a sway like yours*! Mohr. You forget whom and what you are. Leona. Oli, no, not so fast I But who has made me wliat 1 am? You— and you know it. Weak I am as a child; but, strong in de- termination as adamant, against wljich your coarse threats recoil, but to their own destruction, Mohr. Oh, adamant you are— and what am /, I should like to know? Leona. Be what you may, I dare you to your worst. Mohr. Ah, you do, do you? Leona. Yes I, wliose heart you have ground to powder beneath your iron heel, whose blood you have drained drop by drop, 'till existence becomes an active, poisonous curse. Yes, 1 can tell you what you are — for alas I know you well ! A slimy, slow creeping animal, a reptile, a serpent that creeps to its prey slyly and meanly. Mohr. A serpent am I — Leona. A low, villainous wretch, eager for a crime that can be done in the dark, shrinking from a brave deed to be acted in open day; a villain who— thrusting an innocent heart into sin — sucks the lifeblood of its womanhood like a vampire! Mohr. By heaven, to be thus braved by a woman! This perti- nacity must be removed root and branch, though some blood be spilled in the operation! [Forces her down] You drive me to des^ pairl Are you ready to obey? Leona. Have pity on me! Heaven protect me! Mohr. [Draws knife] Do you hear me? Yes, or no? Leona. Your blessing first — your blessing — Mohr. Yea, or no? Enter Max, C D bareheaded, coat torn down back, coolly advances, takes knife from Ignatius, throws him off to R. Max. No! — Dats wat /toll you. Don you vas ashame! Move an unner shtep, un I make one hole in your big, black heart ! Mohr. Do you think that I fear you? Max. JNo sir, I bin not afraid on you, wen you vas de devil, I bin not afraid on you. [Throws knife to his left so that he stands between it and Ignatius, then his coat] Come on! [Ignatius ad- vances to Max who dodges him, Ignatius runs on and is about to take up knife when Max seizes him at back. Ignatius turns, backs Max across to K who then forces him back to L, throws him oft' and keeps Ignatius' false beard in his hand, Ignatius L with a large scar on his left cheek] Leona. [In the meantime has run to C D as looking for help] Hold ! for heaven's sake I pray you forbear! Max How was dai? I pull de bottom von dat fellers head off' I Mohr. [Aside] I must win him now, or 1 am lost — [Aloud] Ha, ha, ha! why Max, you are indeed brave and fearless as the lion! I only did this to try your courage. 85 Max. Is dat so! — Well I dink you dry mine courage so many. I vas blenty mad I pooty near kill you after wile ago. — You vas black on your sheek! [Seeing scar] Mohr. [Aside] Curses on hino — indeed ! probably from the little tussle we enjoyed a moment ago. Leona. [Ha.s come down to Ignatius] Ignatius — Mohr. [Aside to her] Don't give tongue now, be off with you! [She retires up to table] Max. Vor Mrat vor you do dat in your face? [Showing beard] Mohr. Oh, only to look like a man — a natural one I canaot boast of. Max. Is dat all ! well I don't want em! [Throws beard front of table; takes up his torn coat, puts it on] You see dat coat? He va8 ashame on me wen I gone on de shtreet. Mohr. Oh, that's nothing, I'll give you another. Leona, go get my dark brown for this gentleman. [Exit Leona] Max. Ye-e-s, I vas a shentlemans, ha, ha, ha! — When dat boliceman take me long he pull mine coat, awer I gone de unner way — [imitating the tearing] un he tear em; un wen I come up mit a shtreet dere vas a feller wat holler rags! rags! uii wen he see me he say wat you do mit em regs? I gif you two cent I — I toll him dat vas not mine bustness, den he laugh me out like a dam geeses un gone away. Ye-e-s, shoor! Awer wen I have him here I pull his head out between his ears. Re-enter Leona with coat, gives it to Max. Leona. Here is the coat I Max. Ah, you vas a good womans! [Patting her cheek] I like you! [Steals a kiss, then smiling, ogles Ignatius who eyes him] Wat's de matter on you? [Puts on coat which is tight fit] Mohr. Oh, nothing — Max. I dot I make you shelly. — Dat coat fit me ust so quick like skin on balony. — You know wat I toll you? Mohr. Well ! Max. You vas a liar! you toll me everydings wat I eat down shtairs don't cost nottings, un dat vas not so: ven I vas done he toll me I must bay dat. Un den dere vas a grazy womans wat toll me I promise her I marry mineself, un dat vas not so, awer I don kno who she vas. Den I gone on de shtreet un dey run me after mine- self un toll de boliceman, I was a sheat, a willain un a ehwindler — dat boliceman he toll me 1 must gone mit him, awer he not toll me dat vor de second time, he was glad wen he leave me alone. [Retires when Leona who was reading the check, anxiously waiting the opportunity to give it to Max] Mohr. Fate must have made it a ta.sk to thwart me. When I thought him safest and most secure, he comes — despite my exer- tions — at the supreme moment to make my project almost an im- possibility. But he shall have a hard road to travel now. [See? Max who is examining the check] Damn the luck! 36 Max. (Cornea down to Mohr) You sheat, you willain, you shwindler! you know wat at Vas? (Showing check) Mohr, (Goes to take it) Let me see— I— Max. I dink yon kno pooty well wat at was! Don't be in a hurry, I take care on em! (Folds and places it in his pocket) Mohr. Perdition! everything seems leagued against me He shall not leave this place, he knows my secret and might noise it abroad. There is but this resort — his life or it will cost me mine — ( Draws revolver, Leona sees this and screams. Max is about to exit but turns as Ignatius levels it and fires. Leona seizes his arm, throws it up, discharging the weapon in the air) Leona. Harm him, cowardly as you would, and I'll betray you! (Clings to him) Max. Hold on I fix em! (Exit in haste) Mohr. Cling not to me! off, viper off! I must save myself — my life (Throws her off, rushes to CD) I must — hell he has escaped ! You are the author of all this — take that — and that for your good service to me! (Runs down L. front where knife lies, takes it up, rushes furiou&ly at Leona and stabs her in left side, she falls R C. Ignatius goes up to C D) Leona. (Faltering) Ignatius, come hither husband — Day, do not shrink from your poor and sacrificed wife, now! Your hand; if I have wronged you, forgive me now, as I forgive you. Oh, Father of mercy! save and pity him! — I am dying, my heart is broken! Farewell ! do not too soon forget me — repent— pray for me, I will pray for you — heaven bless you — farewell — fare — (Falls inani- mate) Mohr. (After short pause comes down to Leona. moves her with his foot) Dead ! — You would betray me, would you! — There's one mouth shut up; dead people never tell tales. Ha, there's blood upon me — (Sees blood on right hand coat sleeve, exit in haste L I E) Enter Oakdale C D, Oakdale. (At door) I heard loud voices and the report of a shot, fired, methinks this is the room from which they issued. But, I see no one and all is quiet. Perhaps I may — (Advancing sees Leona, starts and stands terrified) Ha! — horrible — dead, and mur- dered too! Who could have done this! I'll know it--my honor is at stake, I'll bring the bloodhound, that could perpetrate this deed in my house, to light, though it should take me a diuturnity of years — hark!— I hear footsteps! I must not be seen, lest I be implicated. (Conceals) Re-enter Ignatius who has changed coats, takes up beard, replaces it in his face. Mohr. Adieu! cur.^ed one, impediment to my success! You have your reward and may you be damned to endless flame?, for you have ruined me, foiled me in everything. (Takes up hat) The world Is large and I must find another better and safer place now. (Exits C D but immediately returns) Mohr. Ha! (Stands left of C D) Re-enter Max, holding a gun straight out in front of himself. Igna- tius gives him a severe blow on head and exits hastily. Max. Now mine dear Shpitten Devil I vas ready. I — (The blow from Ignatius) Yeh! — Mine Gott in Himmel — I dot I vas in de unner world, I see de moon niit ten dousand shtarsl I wonder who dat vas. I don't see me nobodyl I vas not afraid on him wen he fight me like a shentlemans — avver pishtols, mine gootness, no sir! wen dat feller shoot me un hold dat pishtol ust dis way — pufl! un dat ball shoot me right away in de heart. Awer a feller like mine serwant wat vas no fatter as one herring, I shoot him mit a whole artilleries un I miss em wen I hit em! (Seeing Leona) Who's dat ! (Places his gun against tab)e,bends over her) Oh, mine Gott, dead ! dat poor woman what 1 save mit her life, un wat she save my life — now she was dead I wen I vas outside, he kill dat poor woman! — Awer I shwear by mine honor, I find mine servant, I take him in dese hands un send him down in hell where his mas, ter it waiten on him! — Oh, when I vas mit her, 1 would be so glad- so happy! She look so innocent, she was an angel now! — Re-enter Ignatius with Bells Gap and others. Ignatius advances down L of stage. Mohr. I accuse that man, Ignatius Mohr, with the murder of my wife! Secure him! Max. (Rises) Wat ! (Takes gun, raising it rushes at Ignatius. Officer averts the blow by seizing the gun. Tableau — Quick drop) ACT IV. TABLEAU VI. Interior of Court of Justice. Doors R I E and L behind spectators. Judge's bench R. Table and chairs R. Witness' stand R. Pris- oners stand L I E. Max's gun and the broken blade on Judge's bench. Judge, C^erk, Ignatius, Shackles countelfor prosecution, twelve Jurymen arranged across back of stage. Spectators L. Offi- cer, Jayen Faul vjho is one of the jury, disguised — all discovered. Judge. The case Mr. Secretary to occupy the Court to-day is — Clerk. (Reads aloud) That of alias Max Hartfeld, whose real name is supposed to be Ignatius Mohr, for the perpetration of the atrocious crime of murder, committed on the person of Leona Har- feld, the wife of the accuser. Judge. Officer conduct the prisoner hither! (Exit Officer) Mohr. (Aside) Ah, now I see ray folly, 'twas imprudent of me to declare him to be Ignatius Mohr— but it's too late now, I cannot alter it. Anent that I mu.st be on a Careful gaurd 'till the proceed- ings are concluded; then, farewell to Indianapolis. Max. (AVithout) All right! gone ahead, don you seel vas comen! (Enters LIE) 38 Officer. Make haste I say, the Court awaits you! Max. (At entrance) Well, ust let em wait, dey wont run away. (Crosses to Clerk) I vaa here! Judge. Please take the stand Max. (Rises on tip toes — to JuJge) Don you see I shtand; I don see no shairs wat 1 sit down mil !— Dis place vas ust like mine cow stables, dere vas no benches un no shairs in dere, awer it vas full mit bores too Clerk . Well, well, do you hear, take that stand ! (Pointing to it) Max. All right! why don you t'^U me dat right away? (Takes it to I E L) Where I take em? (Officer replaces it) Well, den you take em out. (Goes to railing front of jury, Officer conducts him to the stand, as he steps up he falls) Judge. Why did you refuse a counsel for defense? Max. No sir, I dont bounce dat fence! (Pointing to jury) Did I bounce dat fence wen I vas dere? Judge. Understand me, I said, wliy did you refuse a counsel, a lawyer to— Max. Ye-e-s! I dont need nobody wat toll you I did not make dat womans dead, I toll you dat mineself. Clerk. Ignatius Mohr — ■ Max. Wat, Mohr — don I toll you my name vas not Mohr! you dink 1 f rgot mineself un say I vas somebody else? I vas nobody else, I vas mineself, Max Hartfeld ! Clerk. Or — as you choo.se to call yourself. Max — Max. No sir, not Mex, Max — M-a-x — Max! I wonder wat shool you gone mit, don you kno better as dat? Clerk. May \t please you then Afaxf Do you s>^ear by the Almighty and before this high Tribunal, that what you may say, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Max. J shwear! You dink I toll you lies? Cler'. The affidavit made against you verifies: "that Leona, wife of Max Hartfeld, came t'l her death, by being fatally wound- ed with a bowie knife in llie hands of Max Hartfeld, whose real naiTie is Ignatius Muhr." Shackles. The Coroner, when holding the inquest, found this broken blade, which is yet clotted with gore, imbedded in a gush- ing wound of the poor victim. Do you recognize or know this? (Holding l)rokfn blade up) Max. No sir! how > ou dink I kno somedings wat I never see? Shackles. The plaintifl' will please take the stand ! Jayen. (Comes down from jury) May it please the Court ! ere you procee(l 1 would respectfully resign my duties as a juryman; I csnnot now serve^ therefore I beseech you to dismiss me. Judge. What is the cause? Jayen. A Tnission^ which the near future may explain. Judge. 'Tis granted ! Jayen. The broken blade — the missing part — adieu! (Bows to 39 Judge and bowing, turns to jury — A^ide, going) 'Till we meet again! (Exit) Judge. In accordance to a statute which expressively stipulates, to convocate twelve men to act as a jury — we must now choose a substitute; the privilege of which I accord to tlie prisoner. Mohr. (Rises) No, by heaven, I protest against such an illicit — Max. (Runs from stand to Ignatius, vibrates his head perpen- dicularly) Wat's dat you say? uf you dont keep quiet I take you in mine hands un bulverize you! Judge. Order there, sit down! Max. Ye e-8, sit down! (To Ignatius) Mohr. (To Max) You'll not be quite so lively after I've done with you. (Sits) Max. Is dat so! Well I don't care! Judge. Choose the substitute now! Max. Ye e-s, 1 will ! (Looks at spectators — suddenly) I dink I better gone dere mineself. (Sits on Jayen's place with the jury, busies himself with the next man at his side) Judge. Oh, no, that won't do, come down immediately — do you hear— do you liear! Max. (Comes down) Wat's de matter on you? Judge, You have no business there, you — Max. Don I vas a substishtood? Judge. No, you are the prisoner, the defendant- -anyone but yoursel f. Max. Well, den I take dat man wat I vas shoor he toll you no lies. [Pointing him out, from the spectators] Judge. The gentleman will please come forward ! Clerk. How do you swear? [Substitute raises his hand] Re- peat as I dictate: " I do hereby Bolemnly swear, that with an honest and just judgment, to deliver truth on evidence given in Court." — Be seated ! [He sits on place vacated by Jayen] Shackles. The plaintiff may now proceed. Mohr. [Goes to stand R] Most honorable Judge! Gentlemen of the jury! Not many days ago, I came to this city, Indianapolis, accompanied by my wife, on a matter of business, and engaged a room in the Little Globe Hotel. I was within the city limits but a few hours, when I was grieved to learn, that the prisoner, with whom I am well acquainted, was imposing on my name and person. Max. No sir, Mr. Shudge, I— Judge. Keep quiet ! Mohr. After attending to my business matters, which occupied greater part of the day, I returned to the Little Globe Going up stairs to the room I occupied, which, by the Way, is on the third floor, I heard deep groans of a person as in agony. Cautiously I slunk to the door, when I saw that man, quietly and unconcernedly, accouteiing himself in that coat which he now wears and which is my own personal property — 40 Max. YoiWj'cdat! [Runs to Ignatius] Don you gif me tlat coat — Judge. Order there, take your place. Max. Mr. Sluidge — Judge. Take your place and keep quiet 'till you are questioned! Max. Well, I dont care! [Slowly returns to stand] Dat feller lie ust so fast as one liorse wat run — I gif ten cents when I kno what shurch he belong niit. Judge. Proceed. Mohr. I was about to enter the room when another groan drew mv attention to the flour, and — oh horror — what did I behold ! My poor wife weltering in her own bk od — just then, she faintly lifted her head and with a staring look at the culprit, she exclaim- ed: "you here — that knife in your hand — then you are my murder- er"— Max. You bla'.k villain — (throws oflScer's hat at Ignatius.) Dat vas not so — Judge. I will inflict a fine of five dollars on you for disorderly conduct in Court. Max. Wat's dat ? Judge. Five dollars fine for dis-or-der-ly conduct. Max Allright ! I give you five times five dollars fine — awer Wat's de use he toll you dem big lies? I wonder he don't shoke on em ! Shackles. Hold your tongue! (Tlireatening) Max. He a^ot no handle on wat I hold em mit. Shackles. We don't want to hear your opinions cow. Max. Weil, den better you gone outside. Shackles. (To Ignatius.) Go on. Mohr. After uttering the word, " murderer," her voice faltered, a deep sigh — and n)y poor wife was no more. Her spirit is in a brighter home now and from that abode of ettrnal bliss, she watches over me with incessant vigilance. Shackles. Was the prisoner cognizant of your presence ? Mohr. No!— But I saw him 1 ^aw her stately form drenched with it's own sacred blood; I saw the broken knife in his band, reeking with — Max. Dam lies! (Going to Ignatius) Awer now it vas time you keep quiet — (Threatening) Judge. (Rising) Older, order — Max. (Runs down to Judge) Mr. Shudge — Judge. Order I say — Max. I only toll you, dat — Judge. Noihing, I'll iiear nothing! Max. (Runs to jury and gesticulates) Judge. Order — do you hear — return to the stand immediately. Officer, dt; your duty. (Officer gOes to Max who then returns to stand. Officer gets his hat and returns) Judge. (Seriously) If you venture to leave that stand again I 41 will have you shackled and iinpo'^^e another and heavier fine on you, understand? Max. All right Shudge— awer wat's de use you make so many noise? Judge. (vSits again — to Ignatius) Continue. Mohr. Ajarmeii and bewildered, I hastened to summon an Offi- cer, which culminatt^d in the capture and arrest of ihe fel^n. But what should have prompted him to commit this diabolical crime, I am at a loss to conjecture. This I swear by the Almighty Judge, to be the truthful statement relative to the event. (Leaving stand) Shackles. Stay — did you not say that he imposed on your name? What know you of his real name? Mohr. He claims to be Max Hartfeld. But that is a name, un- sullied, which I have the honor to bear. I have dealt with him ere nosv, his real, true name is Ignatius Mohr and — Max. (Runs to C taking stand with him) Mr. Shudge— Judge. (Provoked, throws a book at Max, not noticing removal of the stand. Max dodges as book passes over his head) Keep quiet ! (Max in stand C looks at book on floor L) Max. Five dollars fine for dis-or-der-ly corndooctor! Judge. (Vexed) Yes, ten dollars fine tor leaving the stand. Max. (Looks at Judge, then where the stand was, then at stand and then stares at Judge who rises and gazes at Max and the stand — short pause) Judge. You have moved the stand from it's proper place. Max. Y'ou only find et out now? Judge. Take it back immediately. Max, All right ! (Returning with stand) Dat's de time wat youj fool m^, he! Ten dollars fine when I leave dat shtand, ha, ha, ha you better look out, I vas not so shtoophead as you look. Judge. Order now! Mohr. He arrived in town here about half an hour before my- self. Xo sooner did he learn of my presence, than he roamed about, pretending to be myself, Max Hartfeld, though I positively assert and declare here, that he is Ignatius Mohr from the city of Chicago. The proof of what I say is in his possession; an overdue promisary note. So much so true- (Leaves stand) Max. So much dam lies! Judge. Order — keep your place a moment, please! - Otticer search him. Max. No sir, I search me mineself. (Finds the note, which Ig- natius knew was in the coat) Mr. Shudge, dat feller he toll you after wile ago I shteal dat coat, un dat vas not so. Mine unner coat he tear me, un dat feller he say he be mine servant wat cost nottings uu toll me his name vas Shpitten Devil. Well, he gif me dat coat, un he kno pooty well dis papers vas in. Judge. Officer, bring that paper to me. Max. (Buns to Judge) Here Shudge! (Gives it) Judge. Hm! true— "Chicago, September the third" and signed 42 "Ignatius Mohr." — But a-a-so by this you mean to prove his real name, do you? Mohr. Precisely I do. Judge. Exactly! I see And but five minutes ago you alleged to have seen him appropriating that very coat to his own use, and decidedly asserted it to be your own per?,onal property. Agreed. There is then this corollary; the coat belonging to you, this note, undei signed Ignatius Mohr, being found in this same coat — belongs to you also. Shackles Mr. Judge, I ea neatly protest against yt ur proce- dure, which is conterminal to privileges that are — Judge. Order! Shackles, 1 am in order. Judge. \ ou are not — a word and I will grant an injunction on you for contempt of Court. Tluit man has no counsel for defence, and if he is seemingly imposed upon, it becomes my bonden duty as Judge, to protect and give him justice. (Shackles sits. Judge abruptly to Ign;itius) That will do, you may retire. (Ignatius conies down, when Max interposes him) Max. Hold on, I toll you someding^. Mohr. (Roughly] Well ! Max. You liar shbalben! you better look out wen you ketch me outside — 1 vas in a/ree country now, un I bin not afraid on a dirty blackguard like you! (Flourishing liis fist under Ignatius' nose) Mohr- (With contempt) Ha, ha, ha! (Takes his seat) Max. (Imitating) Ha, lia, ha! — Wat's de use you laugh me out? When dese dogs (His clenched hands; pick you up un shake you one little bit un drow you out — den you find nottings wat you laughen mil - I vas no wonder wen I do dat right away. (Rushing at Ignatius) Judge, Order dow, that won't do here, take your place in the stand. Max. (Kecidlecting) Well dats so, ha, ha, ha! I forgot all about em. (Goes to stand) Judge. The next to take the stand Mr. Secretary, is — Clerk. " Bells Gap an Officer." [Reading] Judge. Take tiie stand. Clerk. [Rises] Do you swear by the Ahnighty and before this high Tribunal assembled ; That what you may say, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Officer. I swear. Judge. What know you in regard to this case? Shackles. You ariesied the ),1risoner, did you not? Officer. Yes sir, I did Shackles. You v^^ill state paviicularly all you know. Officer. On the morning of that fatal day, while walking the street on patrol duty, I was intercepted by that man, the plaintiff. By a little revelation he invariably established to me, at once, his veracity and honor. " I am a stranger here," he continued, ''and 43 am teazed to death by a certain individual, a scoundrel, -vho is imposing on my name and honor." Describing the villain, he re- quested me to apprehend him. At the same time he also told me, that his own name was Max Uartfeld, from Delphi, in corrobora tion of which he handed me a letter of recommendation and credit. Max. Ye-e-s, well dat vas mine; he vas mine servant un I give him dat letters. Judge. [Calmly] Order please— [To Officer] go on. Officer. Subsequently, I encountered this impostor amidst a conflux of people, who pursued and vituperated him for various offences. Despite my efforts to secure liim then, he escaped nie. IVIax. Ye-e-s, uf you doiit gone away at time, I scrape you pooty well, ha, ha, ha! — Judge. Order there, you criminate yourself! Officer. On that very day, scarcely five hours later, I chanced to pass by the Little Globe Hotel, when the plaintiff' hastily ap- proached and excitedly bade me follow him; that his wife was brutally murdered, and, that the perpetrator was yet in the house. — When we entered the room, the prisoner was bending over the body of his victim — seeing his jeopardy, in a fit of rage, he seized a gun and would have killed his accuser, but for my opportune in- terference. Shackles. [Showing gun] Is this your gun? Max, Ye-e-s, dats my gun. Shackles. How do you account for having that gun at a place and time, which invariably evinces the evidence of your guilt? Max. Well, you see dat gun vas mine, I buy me dat gun — I take dat gun mit me — I vas in dat room — un you vas a shackass uf you dink at gun vas not dere too. Shackles. [To Officer] Have you anything more to say? Officer. No sir! Tis easy to surmise what followed. [Leaves stand] Shackles. The arrest, certainly! — There are no other witnesses — Clerk. Convicting — none. Judge. Now 3Iax — Max. Max, wen you blease! Judge. What have you to say in vindication of yourself? Max. Windy — wat ? You dink I vas a blowbag? No sir, I toll you de druth! Judge. I don't dispute that. But, what have you to say in jus- tificaiion against censure — Max. Senses! yes shoor, I got blenty senses. [Tapping his forehead with his fist] Judge. Keep quiet now and wait. Max. All right, "why don you say so! Judge. Understand me, it is your turn to speak now; I mean you to explain everything concerning the charges against you; if you are the murderer or not, and prove your innocence. Max. I know — shoor — I know wat you mean allatime — awerrr u wats de use you say I vas windy? I dont bio so many! — Don I toll you I dont make dat womans dead ? Judge. Will you iswear it? Max. Yes sir — by da — iiello Pete what you luaken here? [liuns to juror on the opposite] Jiul^e. Order there, take yovir place. Max. [Returns having mistaken the man] I dot you vas some- body else wat I kno. Judge. Never mind that now. Go on, the Court is ready to listen to you. Max. Was it well I like dat —Mr. Sliudge! Shentlemens who vas on a Sliury!--Dat fellor [Pointing to Ignatius] he vas mine servant, now dont forgot et ! lie make me so many trubles un toll blenty lies — Vou vas a liar, a dief, a villain, a shwindler, a rascal, a shwindler, a scoundrel — Shackles. We don't want to know what he is, we desire to learn what you are. Max. Well, den you better find et out. — Mr. Sbudge — [Shackles murmurs] Order! [To Shackles] — I gone in mine servant's room, Un when I vas outside, I hear somebody wat tell somebody else, '•yes oder no!" den I hear nobody wat say noddings, den I hear somebod}'^ -av an un er time, "yes oder no!" — den I comes in, un you kno wat I see? utrid ma.'s of corruption, the Jury was bribed] Judge and Aurora. Bribed I Judge. By Ijeaven, I suspected this I Jayen. Yes, bribed to render a verdict against tlie prisoner — ha ! [Sees Jurymen returning from R I E door, runs forces them back.] Back I say, all — every one of yon ! [Locks door and withdraws the key] Now, gentlemen of the Jury, comfort your- selves in there, 'till the law rewards you for your honest treachery! Max, Ila, l)a, ha! Adieu, Mr. Mohr, / ivill see you later. [Imitating Ignatius ] Mohr. Is it not likely that the prisoner himself, placed the broken knife in one of my coats, concealed it there to avoid sus- picion and subsequently pretend io find the coat, and thus throw the guilt on me? This man comes here maliciously inclined, despi.~inir me for one thing or another, to influence and deceive, or mislead you ? I defy him, whoever he may be ! who are you ? Jayen. [Throws ofl" disguise] Jayen Faul !-[all start]-Ah, shrink not, look not amazed ! do you know me now — your old friend, but now your enemy ! It is my turn now and we will settle our difterences in my own way. Remember Ignatius — / am playing another part! What say you now ? Mohr. What should I say! Why should I shrink from, look amazed or fear you? I know you not and .still less do you know, who and what / am. Jayen. But, unfortuately for you, I only know too well, who and what you are : A base, villainous, degraded and treaclierous sneak ; a meanly and yet smoothly polished hypocrite, the mur- derer of your wife. Mohr. What! I a murderer! — A husband murder his wife! Impossible. She was always to me, a loyal companion in sorrow and joy; a devoted wife — 1 loved her with all a husband's fondness and affection, and was ever ready to sacrifice my heart's blood for her, drop by drop. Is it likely then, that I could in cold blood, murder, or even in the least, harm a beloved and faithful wife? Jayen. Reprobate hypocrite! (Half aside) Max. Dat man's mad, hit em not, he kno not wat he say! Jayen. Fie! despite your relislied eloquence, your pretended sorrow, your apparent bewailment and vain hypocrisy — it is likely and possible too. Do not affect wonder, when I tell you, that your wife, herself confided to me your infidelity and cruelty towards her, and that to escape justice and capital punishment, you fled secretly from Chicago at midnight and came here with an assumed name — Mchr. Prove it, ha, ha, ha! she is dead now, prove it if you can. Jayen. A fugitive from justice there, you are a refugee in justice 51 here, under whose infallible scrutiny you will assuredly receive a murderer's reward. Mohr. Always give the devil hisjiist dues, so let him whose deeds merit such a reward, receive it— not I .'—Have I been committed, tried and convicted ? — You have the answer. See! ha, ha, ha — Enter George Cleveland, the detective. Cleveland. Which of you is Ignatius Mohr? Mohr. Hell and damnation, I'm tracked! — (Suddenly) This man here, a convict ! (Pointing to Max) Max. Don you believe it ! I ves Max Hartfeld, von Delphi. Cleveland. (Surveys Max) That man?— No! immpossible. Max. Dat's wat I say! (To Ignatius and the others) See dat, see dat, see dat ! Dat man toll you I vas nobody else, I was mine- self Max Hartfeld — he, he, he! How you kno dat, who vas you? Jfiyen. This man, I swear it, is Ignatius Mohr, a criminal fugi- tive from Chicago. Cleveland. (Starts suddenly) What — no, he is not the Ignatius Mohr that I am searching for, he does not answer the description. Mohr. (With mock contempt) Ha, ha, ha! (To Jayen) Where are you now? You would swear it, would you? Well that pleases me! Ha, ha, ha! (Aside) He is so near to me and yet so far — I defy them all. Cleveland. Mr. Judge — I presume? — Judge. I am. Cleveland. My interruption here demands an explanation. — Two weeks ago, a young girl was most savagely murdered in Chi- cago, by an inhuman wretch, who then succeeded in the attempt to escape, unknown. Circumstances, subsequently led to the discovery of the perpetrator, a notorious character, one Ignatius Mohr, who in the meantime had suddenly disappeared. Diligent search was made, but no trace of him could be found. Yesterday, the Chief of the Secret Service at Chicago, was apprised of the arrest here, of a man supposed to be Ignatius Mohr, I have a warrant for his arrest, and here is a description of him: " He Is a man of average stature, strong, but not stout, hair — black, and on the left side of his face, which is fair and beardless, he has an unmistakable brand, a broad mark or scar, which he received in a deadly combat." — Mohi". But you see, there is no such identical person amongst us, so if you desire to centinue the search elsewhere, certainly, zvt will detain you no longer. Cleveland. Indeed! sarcastic savant ! I will trouble you no longer — adieu! (Goes to entrance — Aside) I strongly suspect the insolent deportment of that man! (At entrance) Were it not for that agreeable beard of yours, I should dare say, you are the very man. Mohr. (L C) Why you do not mean to say or suspect — Max. Hold on! — Dat beard — dat mark mit his face — I dink me on somedings, I show you! (Seizes Ignatius, they contest) 52 Mohr. All, you would — Max. Villain, 1 got you now! [Pulls false beard from Ignatius' face and points triumphantly at the scar] See! Mohr. Betrayed — now could I drink hot blood ! By liell you shall fall with me! [Levels revolver at Max] Max. Don you — [Detective in turn draws on Ignatius] Cleveland. Hold ! Max. [Kuns, jumps on chair then on table, takes gun from Judge's stand and also levels it at Ignatius] Now shoot uf you blease! [Picture— Max on table. Detective R, Ignatius L — gene-: ral excitement aud great surprise] Mohr. Damn the luck, I'm undone now, betrayed despite my- self, ruined, foiled in everything! Max. [Has come down] Well, mine dear Shpitten Devil, how you feel now? Maybe you vas only shaken, he! Cleveland. Mr. Mohr, in the name of the law, I arrest you, you are my prisoner. Mohr. By what authority — who are you? Cleveland. George Cleveland, the detective! Will you submit? Mohr. With my life only! Cleveland, It is useless for you to resist any longer. Mohr. Back! — Damn ii I'll cheat them yet ! [Shoots himself^ reels, Shackles goes to support him] Of!" with you, do not touch me — [Throws him off — hysterically, with force exerted] Ha, ha — ha — ha! Now I am your's take my body, and [Defiantly] if you would have my soul, pursue it down to hell — yes you, all of you — and there we shall meet — ha! [Falls with a horribh^; groan — he is taken off by Officer and Shackles] Max Always gif de devil his dues— well, I dink when Ae Comes dere, de devil will gif em pooty many clues. Dat feller he talk so terrible — ooh — mine skin was ust like a geeses, — Well Shayen, you vas mine rival — Jayen. Yes, and to gain the favors and love bestovi^ed on you — for myself, I have caused you much grief and sorrow. But, now to make my atonement comjileie, I joyfully resign a^^ my claims to the affections of Miss Aurora. Max. Aurora, you hear dat? _ Shayen you vas a good feller, dat sheck wat 1 have for Aurora — [Brings it from pants pocket] mine rascal servant he have dat sheck, un he toll me I loose me d