Class rPS_2l^l^5 GtpightN?- 12.0 CDEmiGIiT DEPOSIT. Leady Money" MONTGOMERY ^^H^^^^K^fl r h 1 ^^^^^^g>"«»B^gsr™^|^"™«°«^'' ^ggm^ .^«v>>MBa.>' ~^«i«jMar- ^^ ^Ml l^KI^ ^km^Wwf^^L Aft ^ UEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th St„ New York €4 READY MONEY" A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS ^/ BY JAMES MONTGOMERY Revised, 1920, by James Montgomery Copyright, 1920, by Samuel French All rights reserved CAUTION : All persons are hereby warned that "Ready- Money" being fully protected under the copyright laws of the United States is subject to royalty, and anyone presenting the play without the consent of the owner or his agents, will be liable to the penalties by law pro"- vided. Applications for stage rights must be made tO' Samuel French, 28-30 West 38th St., New York. New York: SAMUEL FRENCH Publisher 28-30 West 38th Street London : SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd: 26 Southampton Street Strand Especial notice should be taken that the possession of this book without a valid contract for production first hav- ing been obtained from the publisher confers no right or license to professionals or amateurs to produce the play publicly or in private for gain or charity. In its present form this play is dedicated to the reading public only and no performance of it may be given except by special arrangement with Samuel French, 28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street, New York City. Section 28 — That any person who wilfully or for profit shall infringe any copyright secured by this act, or who shall knowingly and wilfully aid or abet such in- fringement, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by imprison- ment for not exceeding one year, or by a fine or not less than one hundred nor more than one thousand dollars, or both, in the discretion of the court. Act of March 4, 1909. '©CID 55835 OCT 21 1920 CAST OF CHARACTERS Stephen Baird, Owner of ''Sky Rocket" Mine. William Stewart^ of '"The Garden Estates" Co, Sidney Rosenthal, of "The Equality Insurance Cor Sam Welch, a Millionaire's Son. Sumner Holbrook, a Broker. James E. Morgan. Ozvner of "Snfetv" Mino. Hon. John H. Tyler, a Retired Business Man, Jackson Ives, an International Character. Captain West, U. S. Secret Service. Hammond, U. S. S. S. QuiNN, U. S. S. S. Flynn, U. S. S. S. Neil, Welch's Man-Servant. Paul, Maitre d' Hot el. Reddy, Office Boy. Miss Grace Tyler Miss Ida Tyler Mrs. John Tyler Miss Margaret Elliott NOTE TO STAGE MANAGER Work up the general entrance in Act I, by keeping in mind the enthusiasm of New Year's Eve. This entrance has always received a round of applause when worked up. The boys at the end of Act I must be careful not to burlesque it. They must put in their $3,000, $4,000, and $5,000 dead seriously but with sup- pressed excitement and joy at being let in on such a winner. The scene starts with Rosenthal's "My God, Look !" Wait for that laugh and then build to your curtain. 4 "Ready Money" ACT I Time: 11.15, Nezv Years Eve. Place : Welch's Apartment, Fifth Avenue, New York City. Discovered : iiw/jfj; room; Telephone hell rings. Neil. (Enter l. 1. Welch's man-servant. Irish- ,: American, about 45 years old, dignified mxinner. Enters from room R. 1st and ccmies to table center. Lifts desk phone) Hello ! Yes, who is talking, please ? Oh, vcs, sir, I'll call Mr. Welch. Hold the line, please, sir. (^Welch enters l. i as Neil is telephoning. A young m^an of about 2y years, a millionaire's son. Well bred, confident manner. Evening clothes) Welch. What is it, Neil? Neil. Mr. Rosenthal, sir. Welch. (Takes phone from Neilj Hello, Sid- ney — yes — come right down. (Looks at^ clock on mantel) It's eleven fifteen. Come right upstairs, f all of you. The ladies are to leave their wraps in my rooms. All right, good-bye. (Hangs tip re- ceiver. On the table are eight small jewelry boxes, placed in a circle. Picks up a sheet of paper which is in center of circle, looks at it and passes paper to Neilj Read those names aloud, Neil. (Puts finger on hex at left end of circle) 5 6 "READY MONEY" Neil. (Reads from paper) Mrs. Tyler. /Welch as each name is mentioned touches top of box representing the person named) Mr. Tyler, Mrs. Tyler, Miss Elliott, Mr. Rosenthal, Miss Tyler, Mr. Stewart, Miss Grace Tyler, Mr. Baird. Welch. That's all right. If anyone calls for me after we leave, tell them I'm downstairs. Neil. Yes, sir. Welch. We'll be up shortly after twelve. Neil. Yes, sir. Welch. Did you send for Paul? Neil. (Indicates outer hall, up r. center) He's right here, sir. (Calls Paul) Paul. (Head waiter, a Frenchman, enters as Neil calls; up r. upper) Bon soir, Monsieur. Welch. (Pointing to jewelry boxes) See here, you understand? Paul. Parfaitement. Welch. (Picks up list of names) There's the list. Around in that order. Do you understand? Is everything all right? Paul. Everything is as you ordered — ze flow- ers — violets for ze ladies' corsage. Ze gardenia for ze gentlemen. Ah, wait till you see the table your- self. Welch. That's fine. (Takes cards from table) Here are the cards. And you take these. (Picks up one box, opens it, shows it to Paulj . See — the guard rings for the ladies? Paul. Oh, c'est tres joli. Welch. (Picks up another box, opens it, and shows it to PaulJ And the cuff links for the gentlemen. Paul. Oui, Monsieur. C'est magnifique. Welch. Can Neil help you ? Paul. No, monsieur. I can manage. (Picks up jewelry boxes) "READY MONEY" 7 Neil. (Brings down a large box) Here's the box they came in, sir. Welch. Yes, put them in here. (Hands Paul a larger box to contain them and helps to put in smaller boxes) Paul. Merci, tres bien. (Puts small boxes into larger box) Welch. (Plant this speech) (Handing him list) You better keep this, and if Mr. Baird should not be at the table put Miss Grace Tyler between her mother and her father. Paul. (Takes list from Welch and reads it) Oui, Monsieur. Welch. The door, Neil. ^Paul goes to exit R. u. Welch speaks as he is up to door r. v.) Are you going to be crowded to-night, Paul ? Paul. Very . . . Very. Welch. You may sell my table after I leave it. Paul. Marci bien, Monsieur. (Exits) (Paul closes door after him) Welch. Neil, the ladies are to leave their wraps in the corner room. (Indicating r. i. Feels Quickly in vest pocket) And what did you do with that check I gave you? Neil. I put it in your pocket, sir. Welch. (Takes check from pocket : looks at it) Ah ! I wouldn't want to lose that. (Reads check) (Puts check in vest pocket) Neil. No, sir. Welch. (Indicates circulars and envelopes on the table) (Plant this speech) Neil, please make a neat parcel of this mining Hterature and envelopes and have it sent down to Mr. Baird's office. Neil. Yes, sir. (DOOR BELL) Welch. Let me know who it is. /^Neil exits R. u. Welch fills cigarette case up at left table. Sings or whistles) 8 "READY MONEY" Neil. (Re-entering) (Stand at door R. v.) Mr. Holbrook, sir. Welch. (Calls) Come in, Sumner. f Sumner Holbrook, a man of 35 years, evening clothes, hat — ENTERS as Welch calls to him) Holbrook. (Meets Welch center in front of table and shakes hands) Hello, Sam. f Neil exits n. V.) Welch. Hello, sit down. Holbrook. Can't stay but a minute. Have you a party on to-night? Welch. Yes. Holbrook. Where? Welch. Downstairs. Holbrook. What are you doing up here? Welch. Waiting for them. (Stands in front 'Of table ) Holbrook. Oh, I was going to ask you to join my party. I've got a great little girl for you. A crowd of live ones. Have you any girls? Welch, ^r. of table) Oh, yes, the Tyler girls, they are bringing down the old folks to see the celebration at twelve o'clock. We've all been up there: Rosenthal, Miss Elliott, Stewart. They'll'be here any minute now. Em giving them a little party. I came down ahead to see if I could find Sieve Ba'rd. Have you seen him around to-night f Holbrook. No. Welch. We expected him up at the Tyler's. He should be here anyway. He promised. I have- n't seen him since last evening. He's been staying with me for over a week. Em a little worried about him. Holbrook. I've been looking for him myself, that's one reason why I came up here. I'd like to "READY MONEY" 9 ^ask you something. (Goes to left of table and turns '^hair so as to face Welch across table) Welch. (Sits l. of table) About Steve? What is it, anything wrong? HoLBROOK. (At right of table) I hope not. You know, Welch, that I bought twenty-five hun- dred shares of his Skyrocket Stock at a dollar. Thafs twenty-five hundred dollars. Welch. Well, what of it. HoLBROOK. That was over five months ago, and the stock isn't even listed yet. I can't get any satisfaction out of Baird and I thought as long as you knew him so well you might be able to tell me something. Have you faith in his mine? Welch. Sky Rocket? Oh, yes — ifs all right. HoLBROOK. Do you object to my asking you if you have bought any stock? Welch. No, I haven't. HoLBROOK. You've faith in it, but no money in it? You say it's all right, but I notice you've been mighty careful to keep out of it, I wish I'd known that before. Welch. I'm sorry I told you, then. I'm a pal •of Steve's, and if people knew I hadn't bought any of his stock it might look as if there was something wrong, and that isn't the reason at all. HoLBROOK. What is it? Welch. You know my father is very wealthy? HoLBROOK. Yes. Welch, I'll get all that some day, but I want "to be a success by my own endeavor. He's done everything for me, he's let me have all the money 1 want and more. (Takes out check, rises, crosses back of table and holds check for Holbrook to read) Ihis is his New Year's gift. A check for ien thousand dollars. I've speculated away five times that amount and have nothing to show for it, 10 "READY MONEY" , but I've made up my mind to redeem myself with this check or never take another dollar from him.. . , . I'll put money into an investmcyJ ... a business, but not into a speculation. On the other hand,, if Sky Rocket ever turned out to be a pro- ducing mine and I saw results, I'd dump this whole thing into it so quick you couldn't see it. But if I felt like you do, if I was scared of it, I'd sell it.. (To chair l. and sit) HoLBROOK. Where? Don't you suppose I've tried to? I'd let it go at a loss. But (picks up prospectus) no one wants it at any price. There's no development being made. Who's out in Arizona in charge of the mine? (looking at circular) Welch. The same fellow, Mike Reardon. He's, one of the best engineers in the country. HoLBROOK. I wish he'd prove it to me, and find some gold. (Rises and turns up stage) If you hear of anything, let me know, will you ? Welch. Yes. HoLBROOK. (Returns to right of table) Oh, by the way, Sam, who's that big man Fve seen around with Baird lately f Welch. I know who you mean. A Mr. Jackson Ives. He's taken a great liking to Steve. I figure he's going to buy some stock. (Buzzer) He can't have any other reason for hang^ing around all the time. He's been looking for Steve to-night. (Note to Stage Manager: This entrance should be carefully rehearsed to show the youthful enthusiasfn of New Year's Eve. Everyone should laugh and entrance should get a round of applause. General chatter to indicate that Neil has opened the outside door) Mr: Tyler. (Outside) Good evening, Neil. Rosenthal. (Outside) Welch here? "READY MONEY" ir Margy. (Outside) (Laughs) Ida. (Outside) We must hurry, Billy. Welch. There's the folks now ; you know every- one. Stay here a minute. (General entrance. Mrs. Tyler. Mr. Tyler, Miss Grace Tyler, Miss Ida Tyler, Miss Mar- garet Elliott, Sidney Rosenthal, William Stewart. ENTER in order speaking, keep- ing up the general chatter and enthusiasm at- tending a New York's New Year's Eve party. General greeting to Holbrook^ etc. All speak lines together) Mrs. Tyler. (Down to Welch l., 45 years — coat, lace — sees Holbrookj Why, Sumner, I had no idea you were going to be here. Oh, the noise on the street is fearful. Rosenthal. (Dozvn r., 28 years old — evening dress, hat) (Speaking while Mr. Tyler is speak- ing) Wait until twelve o'clock. They're not mak- ing any noise now. Mr. Tyler, (^o years — coat, evening dress — speaks as he enters) Where do they all come from? Ida. (Entering, r. u.J Hello, Sumner. Oh, mother, I looked into the dining room. It is splendid. Margy. (Enters r. u. Greets Holbrook. To Rosenthal^ (Speaks at same time as Idaj I can't wait to shout "Happy New Year." Grace. (^24 years — evening dress, coat, no hat) (Enters and walks straight to Welch. Chatter should last until she reaches him) Is Mr. Baird here, Sam ? All. (VERY IMPORTANT for building pur- poses and to show the youthful excitement over New Year's Eve) Where is he? 12 "READY MONEY" Stewart. (Enters and goes directly back of table) Where's Steve, Sam? All. Sh . . . sh. (To Stewart, to indicate that Welch is about to tell) Mrs. Tyler. Well? (After Welch hesitates) Welch. (Defending Baird and telling a white lie) He had an important business engagement. All. (Disappointed) Oh. Mrs. Tyler, (c.) Very strange, however, bear- ing in mind the fact that he has not transacted any business the entire year, this is his last oppor- tunity. Welch. (Looking at watch — trying to silence Mrs. Tyler j I don't want to hurry you, but it is nearly eleven thVtv- All. Oh ! Don't let us be late. We want to be there to see everyone come in. (General chatter) (Ad. lib.) Welch. Neil, show the ladies where to put their wraps. Rosenthal. I'll show them. Come, Margy. (Takes Margy right ist) Miss Elliott. This way, Ida. (Exits with Rosenthal r. iJ Stewart. (Takes Ida's left hand) I'll take care •of her. Ida. (Pulls Stewart toward r. ij Stewart. (To HolbrookJ Sumner, are you going to be with us? HoLBROOK. No, no. Stewart. I'll see you anyway. HoLBROOK. Oh, yes. Ida. Hurry, Billy. (Pulls Stewart while he is saying "Fll see you," to door r. i) Stewart. I'm right with you. I'll hurry, then, Sam. (Ida and Stewart exit i. r., closing door) Welch. Thank you, Billy. "READY MONEY" 13 Grace. (Anicious to get away) We must hurry, mother — father. (Crosses in front of her mother to R. istj Mr. Tyler. Yes, dear. (Up at buffet with Welch, who went up on ''Thank you, Billy" ) Mrs. Tyler. (To Grace, who is to her right) Wait, Grace. (To HolbrookJ Sumner! Have you seen Mr. Stephen Baird to-night? HoLBROOK. (Comes down from hack of table to left as Mrs. Tyler says, Sumner! J No, Mrs. Tyler. Mrs. Tyler. (To Grace) It's disgraceful. Do you suppose I would have married your father,, had he neglected me in this way? Grace. (Goes to mother r. c, indicating Hol- BROOKJ Mother, please. Mrs. Tyler. I want Sumner to hear; he under- stands. Where is your pride ? Do you suopose ^ou^ little sister would calmly allow Mr. Stewart to desert her on New Year's Eve? She has some spirit. What do you think people will say? Grace. Those who have good taste will say nothing. Especially to me. Mrs. Tyler. Grace! Mr. Tyler. (Coming down R. from buffet) Grace, you must not say sharp things. Tt is a fault I have to correct in your mother. Mrs. Tyler. (Turning on him) You go and find the young men and ask them where you are to put your hat and coat. Mr. Tyler. (^Welch comes down r. to Hol~ BROOK J Yes, mv dear. ( Exit r.i) HoLEROOK. (As Welch comes down, shakes h's head to indicate his dislike for a family quarrel, and shortly walks up to door r. u. ) Mrs. Tyler. (To Welch) Did vou say Mr^ Baird had a BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT? 14 "READY MONEY" Grace. (Anxious to defend Steve; Yes, you said that, didn't you, Sam? Mrs. Tyler. (Turns on GraceJ One moment^ please. (To Welch; Where? Welch. I don't know. Mrs. Tyler. Urn. Grace, unless Mr. Baird is nt the table to-night I forbid any further friendship between you. (^ Grace stands motionless. Welch ■coughs) Mrs. Tyler. (Turns on Welch; Have you a cold? Welch. Oh, no, I have been coughing like that all evening. Mrs. Tyler. Oh, have you? HoLBROOK. (Embarrassed, up near c. D.; / must get along. I'll visit your table, if I may. Mrs. Tyler. (Goes to Holbrook near door) We wish you to. I'm sorry you're not in our party; Grace will miss you. (^ Welch during this speech walks over to Grace, pats her on the back and returns left) Grace (As her m^other goes up to Holbrook, crosses center ai:d sits on settee in front of the table) HoLEROOK. See you all later. Welch. Good-bye, Sumner. Holbrook. So-long. (Exit r. u.; f Grace has been trying to hold back her tears, determined not to allow Holbrook to see the effect of mother's words. As \^^ELCH pats her on the back and Holbrook exits she wipes the tears from her eyes ) Mrs. Tyler. ^Mrs. Tyler comes down, looks closely at Grace, and sees her crying) There, now you are going to spoil my entire evening by crying. A cheerful attitude to assume on New Year's Eve. (To Welch; Do we wear our wraps at the table? "READY MONEY" i5 Welch. The ladies are in the corner room, Mrs. Tyler. ^ _ Mrs. Tyler. (With change of manner) Come, Grace, dear, you must hurry, petty. You've delayed us five minutes already. Pardon us, Mr. Welch. (Speaks speech as she crosses with arm around Grace, turn at door to say 'Tar don us, Mr. Welch/' Be sure to close door) (They exit l. 2J Welch. Certainly. (Goes up to buffet and takes a drink) (PAUSE) fRosENTHAL and Stewart enter l. i j Rosenthal. (Earnest tone of voice, very con- cerned) Where's Steve, Samf Welch. (Irritated) (Comes down left) I don't know. Stewart, (c) (Same tone) Isn't he coming? V^elcb. How do you suppose / know! I'm not his keeper. Stewart. What will Grace think? I thought you'd hdiYQ Steve here. Good Lord. Welch. (Angry) Well, I invited him, didn't I? He promised he'd be here. If he wants to break his word to me, that lets me out. I'm^ not expected to hunt all over town for him. This is the last party I'll ever try to give. I'm cured. I don't care whether he comes or not. (Walks up left) Stewart. (Looks at watch. Crosses center) He's got fifteen minutes yet. (Sits in front of small bench) Welch. (Comes down hopeful) Rosenthal. He's not coming. (Pause at right end of table) Didn't you fellows know why Steve isn't here? Welch. Certainly I know. Because he broke liis word to me and didn't come, that's why. Rosenthal. No, it isn't, Sam. And you know i6 "READY MONEY" better than that, too, Billy. I'll tell you why Steve isn't here. Welch. (Turns down) Why? Rosenthal. Because it's New Year's Eve. Welch. What has that to do with it? Rosenthal, f r. of table) A lot. It is Ne^y Year's Eve, and everyone is happy and hopeful. And his three pals, we three fellows here, ^re par- ticularly successful at the beginning of this year. (Tap table with knuckles j, to knock wood. Look out for laugh) And I want to tell the boys that Steve is not here because he is broke and unhappy and he's not made a success of things lately, and I'll bet he's staying away because he feels ashamed to mix in with us. Welch. You really don't mean that. Rosenthal. I certa'nly do. Stewart. (To Welch, sitting on- settee) I be- lieve Sidney's right, Sam. Rosenthal. I know I'm right, and I'm sorry I didn't trail him along and drag him here. Welch. W^ell, why didn't you? Rosenthal. (Crosses r.) I didn't think of it. Welch. (Turns away l.) You never think of anything. Stewart. That's what it is, Sam. Steve knew about that ten thousand dollar check your father sent you and he knew Sidney and I were to get our commission to-day. Oh, we didn't tell you up at Tyler's, did we? Welch. What? Stewart. Flash, Sidney! (Rosenthal takes check from pocket) (^Stewart takes check from pocket, rises and shows it to Welch j Welch. (Reading) Seven thousand dollars! Stewart. Commissions for the year. I sold that: "READY JMONEY" 17 triangle at Mineola. That was my biggest deal. (^Rosenthal pushes Stewart up stage a little) Sid- ney beat me a thousand at that. Rosenthal. (Pushes Stewart back slightly. Holds check for Welch to read) The Chief called me into the front office and handed me this. Not so awful bad? Welch. Ei.^ht thousand dollars ! Well, I should' say not. Good boy, Sid. Stewart. (In the middle, looking at check) Rosenthal. I haven't written a policy for less- than five thousand dollars in six months. You know that runs into real money. This is the first year I've been able to let it lay. Margy's tickled to death,, isn't she, Billy? (Arm around Stewart) And! say, Ida's mighty proud of you, too. Stewart. She ought to be. Rosenthal. That's what you ought to have, Sam. A girl — a girl who is watching you and who is proud of you when you do something. I can't tell you what a wonderful thing that is. You tell him, Billy (as Stewart starts to tell Welch^ Rosenthal pulls him back) No, let him find out for himself. Welch. (Takes out his check) It's a funny world, boys ; we've got twenty-five thousand dollars between us, to start the new year, and Steve hasn't' a dollar. Stewart. (Looking at his check) It takes a smarter man than Steve to sell mining stock. Peo- ple want something safer than speculation. (Puts check away in vest pocket) Rosenthal. (Looking at check) That's right, Sam, Steve ought to get into some other business — not so much a business as a profession. He seems to lack the business punch. (Puts away check in- vest pocket) i8 "READY MONEY" Welch. Maybe you're right. (Puts away check in vest pocket) (ENTER Miss Ida Tyler r. i — Stewart goes to her) Ida. Billy ! . Can you see any powder an my nose? Stewart. No! Rosenthal. (Center) Does your sister feel bad about SteA^e's not being here? Ida. Yes. Rosenthal, ^l. c.) Don't worry. He'll have an excuse, and a good one. Ida. I'm afraid it will have to be to satisfy mother and father. Miss Elliott. (Enters R. i, zvith Rosenthal''s hat. Goes to Rosenthal, speaking as she crosses) I brought you your hat, Sidney. You always have to run out and .find the car. Rosenthal. (To Welch J Thank you, Margy. Do you see that? Stewart. Ida wouldn't bring my hat. Ida. Why not? Stewart. Oh, I know. ... (To others) Since Christmas she's been a suffragette. A girl sent her a hook : ''What Eight Million Women Want/' Ida. It is a very wonderful book, it expresses my sentiments exactly. If I thought you wanted your old hat I should have brought it to you, as you would bring mine ; we are equal. Mr. Tyler. (Entering r. ij It is a very repre- hensible fact, but it is absolutely impossible to make a woman hurry. (Stand near door) Ida. Why should a man make a woman do any- thing? Mr. Tyler. You've been reading that book again? I don't know what has happened to my daughters. Welch. (Has moved to hack of table) What "READY MONEY" 19 is if that 8,000,000 women "want? Do you know, Mr. Tyler? Mr. Tyler. Good Lord, I don'^t know what one ivoman wants, let alone eight million. (Sits ex- ireme R. below door) Rosenthal. I'm going- to find out one at a time. (Arm around Margyj Mr. Tyler. And then you'll be wrong. Ida. (Calling off r. i) We are all waiting for you, Mother. Grace. (Entering r. 1) She'll be here directly. (To Welch, zvho takes her hand) Ida. Don't worry, Grace. Mrs. Tyler. (Enters and to c.) Are you wait- ing for me? All. Are we? Mr. Tyler. Are we? Miss Elliott. (Rises) Now are we all ready? All. Yes. Stewart. Wait a minute. All. What is it? Stewart. I'd better have my hat, too! (Exit ^. 1) All. Oh ! Neil. (Enters R. u. Goes left and busies him- self at desk left upper) Mrs. Tyler. (To Mr. TylerJ If you want to get anything, get it now. Mr. Tyler. I've been ready for an hour. Stewart. (Re-enters r. 1) Come on, Ida. (Takes Ida^s hand and exits r. v.) Welch. (To Neil r. of sideboard) Neil, if Mr. Baird comes in, tell him where we are, and to come down at once. All. Oh, yes. Mrs. Tyler. Um ! Perhaps we should come up Mere for him. (To Xylerj Come! 20 ''READY MONEY" Mr. Tyler. Are you sure you're ready? Mrs. Tyler. (Speaks as she exits R. u.j Grace! Marjory ! Mr. Tyler. (Speaks as he exits r. v.) Grace! Marjory ! Grace. (Earnestly, to Welch j Won't you ask Neil to let us know if Stephen comes in? Rosenthal. That's it, Fit come up here for him. Welch. All right, let us know at once, Neil! Neil. Yes, sir. Rosenthal. (Has crossed right with Margy when called by Mrs. TylerJ Come, Margy, you take Grace. Sam, here's a chance for you to cut Steve out. Margy. (Arm around Grace J Sidney! Rosenthal. Well, Steve gives her the oppor- tunity. Welch. Well, you'll never give Margy any op- portunity. She never gets a chance to find out whether she would like some other man or not. Rosenthal. No. And she's never going to get a chance, either. I know a fellow who lost a great little girl doing that. (Exit r. u.' with Margy | Welch. Look after things, Neil. Now, don't you worry, Grace ; Steve will be here. We may find him downstairs. (Continues talking as he takes Grace ojf) Grace. Oh, I do hope so, Sam. Neil. (Pause^PHONE BELLI (Starts to make a bundle of circulars) Hello. Yes, sir. No, Mr. Ives, he hasn't come in yet. Yes, sir, I'll let you know. (Door buzzer. Neil exits R. v.) Morgan. (In hall) Hello, Neil. Neil. Good evening, Mr. Morgan. Morgan. (A multi-mjillionaire . Owner of Safety Mine — evening dress, fur coat — 45 years old, en- ters) Mr. Welch in? "READY MONEY" 21 Neil. (^l. of table) He just left, Mr. Morg-an — ^}^ou must have passed him in the elevator. Morgan. (Down right) Baird here? Neil. No, sir, Morgan. Has he been here to-night? Neil. Not to-ni^ht, Mr. Morgan. Morgan. He's stopping here, isn't he? Neil. Yes, sir, but he hasn't been in since last evening. Morgan. Tell Baird I called. Neil. Yes, sir. Morgan. Tell him I had to leave town yester- day. Tell him, will you, that I didn't get his note until to-nig^ht? Neil. Yes, sir. Morgan. Do that, please. Neil. I will, sir. (^Morgan starts to go) ('Stephen Baird^ a young man, 28 years old — sack suit, short overcoat — hat, enters r. u. Baird's mental attitude is very important. He is a failure — he has no money or prospects, he is discouraged and sore on the ivorld at large, he is alternately bitter and gentle. He is of the nature that gets amusement by making a joke of his condition and himself. Enters r. u. — does not remove hat) Morgan. (As he turns to go sees Steve. Very surprised) Hello, Baird. Steve. Good evening, Mr. Morgan. (Shakes hcmds — sees Neilj Hello, Neil. Neil. Good evening, Mr. Steve. Morgan. I was just looking for you. Steve. I expected you last evening. Morgan. I had to go to Poughkeepsie. Steve. (Goes down right near r. ij I had to do that once. 22 "READY MONEY" Morgan. Didn't get your note until to-night. I was just telling Neil. Neil. (Anxious to affirm it) Yes, sir, he just told me. Steve. I believe it — I believe it. (Pause. Looks at Morgan and NeilJ HAPPY NEW YEAR. Morgan. (Laughs) It isn't time yet. Steve. What time is it ? Morgan. (Looking at watch) Twenty-five minutes to twelve. Steve. That's near enough for me. I want to be first in something. (Crosses to Neil, who is left) Morgan. Thank you, same to you. Steve. (Crosses l.) You're in on that, too^. Neil. Neil, (l.) Thank you, Mr. Steve. Mr. Welch wants you to go right downstairs, sir. Steve. (Takes off coat, hands coat and hat to Neil J I'm not going. Here, thank you. Neil. Mr. Ives called up and wanted me to phone him when you came in, no matter how late it was. Steve. All right, do that. ^Neil exits r. u. to tell Grace of Baird^s arrival) Won't you sit down, Mr. Morgan? Morgan. (Sits r. of table) I can talk to you a few minutes. I want to look in on some friends at twelve. Aren't you coming down! Steve. No. (Sits left of table) Morgan. W^hy not? All your friends will be down there, won't they? Steve. That's why I'm not going. W^hat right have I to associate with a lot of successful fellows ? I've had my supper. I've been over on Eighth Avenue eating "a regular supper." Everything in the world for thirty cents. That's where / belong. This is the one night in the year I hate. "READY MONEY" 23 Morgan. You mustn't say that. Steve. I mean it. To me New Year's Eve is a joke. January first — the beginning of a Nezu Year. Why don't they start it on April ist? Morgan. You're blue. Steve. You bet I am. Let's have a drink. (Calls) Neil! Morgan. No, thanks ! Steve. Just one. It's my last. That's going to by my one New Year's resolution. Not another drink for six months. Morgan. I'll drink to that. Steve. I mean it, too. (Calls) Neil! (Pause) Where did he go to? I'll get it myself. (Goes up to buffet and brings dozvn a tray zvith decanter, siphon, ice, and glasses. Speaks as he comes down with tray) I'll come to this sooner or later, I might as well get used to it now. Shall I help you? Morgan. Thrr:)^'^. Steve. (Pours drink for j^TorganJ Say whent Morgan. (Watches) When. Thank you, f Steve pours his ozun drink. Pours a large drink) (Watches him) Wh'^n ! AVhen ! Steve. Right now ! Th:s minute. (Lifts glass) Morgan. Six months, now, remember that ! Steve. I'll remember it. (Both drink. Steve tastes drink, puts it down) It won't be hard to keep away from that. (Sits l. of table) Morgan. (Pause) How are things going? Steve. Very badly. Morgan. Are you walking on thin ice? Steve. Thin ice? I'm walking on water. Morgan. You shouldn't be discouraged. You've got a lot to be thankful for. Steve. (Looks at MorganJ There's another day. Thanksgiving, I hate that, too. And Merry Christmas ; and I'm not crazy about the 4th of July. 24 "REJ^JY :V" Morgan. Do you know there are a lot of fel- lows who envy you? Steve. You don't envy me, do you? Morgan. No. Steve. You bet you don't ; you're a smart man. What do they want that I have? Morgan. Oh, a lot of things ; your good looks, youth, your health, your friends, your entree into society, manner, breeding, all that. Steve. All right, I'll give it to them. I'd rather be' rough and rich. I'm leading a hand to mouth existence and my arm is getting longer every day. I've heard a lot about poverty being a great thing ; it is, it's a great inconvenience, but I'll tell you one thing ; if I ever get any money, if I ever get my foot in the door, I'm going to be the meanest man in the world. Morgan. Oh, no, you won't. Steve. I know I won't. I'll never get any money. The only way I'll ever get any money is to be a messenger for a bank and carry some to an express office ; followed by nine detectives. Morgan. You're a wonderful young man, Baird. Steve. I wonder why they always say that to a fellow who is a failure? It's wonderful he's alive, I suppose. Morgan. What did you want to see me for last night? Steve. You have a note of mine that is due January second. There's another reason why I don't like the New Year. Morgan. Well, what do you want to do about It? Can you pay it? Steve. Twenty thousand dollars? I couldn't pay it if it was twenty dollars. I wanted to ask you if you could extend it. Morgan. I can't do that. Although the note is "READY MONEY" 25 made out to me it is really carried by the Safety Mining- Company; and they will not extend it. Steve. What are you going- to do, take the mine? Morgan. There is no other -way. The note is secured by the deed of the property ; they will have to take it in judg-ment. Steve. You haven't any faith in Sky Rocket, have you ? Morgan. As a gold mine it's worthless. Steve. But you seem to be perfectly willing to pay $20,000 for four acres of worthless land. Morgan. I'll tell you why I want that four acres. It's right up close to the main shaft on Safety, and it's a great location for a smelting plant, and I'm going to build some sheds for the miners to live in. Steve. My mine's going to be turned into a residential district. Morgan. In a way, yes. Steve. Maybe you can get Carnegie to put a library on it. (Pause) So, I've got to lose it, have I? Morgan. Unless you can raise the money. Steve. You know I can't do that. Morgan. Haven't you any money at all? Steve. Oh, yes, I have some at all. (Takes quarter from pocket) That's every cent I've got in the world, a quarter. The last week I've been eat- ing and sleeping here, that's all right. Welch is a prince and I've been thinking that I could pay him back. I tried to brace up to-night, but I can't brace up on this. Morgan. I didn't realize things were that bad. Steve. (Pause. Looks at Morgan) Oh, I don't tell that to everyone. You've mad6 a lot of money out in Arizona, haven't you ? Morgan. Yes. Steve. How much? 26 "READY MONEY" Morgan. Close on to half a million from the Safety mine alone. Steve. And I'm a quarter of a mile away from you. Morgan. Sky Rocket is on the wrong side. Steve. I suppose it would be. Morgan. The vein starts on Safety and runs away from you. Steve. But the same vein formation must be on both properties. Morgan. Well, Reardon hasn't discovered it,, has he? Steve. No. Morgan. The gold isn't there. Your property is right at the foot of a hill ; it made a surface show- ing, but the ore didn't "run down." It's what we call "a slide." Steve. The gold slid right over to you? Morgan. It looks that way. Steve. And now the whole mine and everything is going to slide over to you. Morgan. Unless you can meet that note I'll have to take it. I've got it in my safe at the house. I'll get it out. I'm sorry you're short on ready money. Will you accept a loan of 500, pay me back Avhen you can? What do you say? Steve. I might take it for two or three days — or years. Morgan. All right. I haven't any money with me. (Steve is silent) I'll give you a check. Welch has some checks, hasn't he? Steve. Oh, yes. (Rises, goes to drawer at back table) In what Trust Company do you Trust? Morgan. Knickerbocker will do. Steve. (Looks at check hook) How's the Mutual? Morgan. That will do. "READY MONEY" 27 Steve. Money in every bank, wonderful. Morgan. (Takes check hook) This is his per- sonal check. I couldn't use that. Steve. Wait a minute. I'll find another. (Takes check from A^organ, puts it hack in drawer) (Finds another hook, hands it to Morgan J Morgan. These are receipts. Steve. (Takes it hack, looks in drawer) Oh^ excuse me. I'll find one. (To desk L.j Morgan. (Looks at watch, rises quickly) Good Lord, it's fifteen minutes to twelve. I've got to call at three places before midnight. I'll fix you up to- morrow. Come on down. Steve. No. Morgan. (Shakes hands with Steve) Suit yourself. Best of luck and a Happy New Year. I'll fix you up to-morrow, Baird. Pardon me for tear- ing myself away. Good night. (Exit r. u.j Steve. I nearly had it. (Pauses. Feels for watch-ring pin) Happy New Year. If I only had something left I could pawn. Neil. (Enters) Mr. Ives says he will be right over, sir. f Rosenthal enters as Neil exits) Rosenthal. (Goes to Steve and shakes hands with him) Hello, Steve. I brought Grace up ; she wants to see you. I understand how you feel about to-night. I'm sorry things are breaking so badly for you. f Grace enters) Grace. Stephen. Steve. Hello, Grace. (Crosses Rosenthal) (Takes her hand) Rosenthal. (Comes between them) I'll wait outside and smoke a cigarette. (Exit r. u.) Grace. We are all downstairs^mother and father and all the boys and girls. Steve. Yes, I know. Grace. We told Neil to let us know when you 28 "READY MONEY" came in. The boys think you have some reason for not wanting to join us, and they asked me ..to come lip for you. Have you been working hard? Sam says you had a business engagement. Steve. I did. Grace. I hope it turned out well for you. Steve. It didn't. Grace. Oh, I'd love to have told mother that it had. (Down R. and turns) But that doesn't matter. How long will it take for you to dress and join us? Steve. (Goes to Grace dozmi r.) Please don't ask me to do that. Grace. Oh, Stephen, you don't know how im- portant it is for you to be at the table to-night, if only for a moment. Steve. I know . . . but . . . please excuse me. Grace. (Speaks hopelessly and earnestly) Steve, if you'll come down I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll let the others go home in father's and Sjam's car and I'll get a taxi and we'll drive all the way home together. (Stand for laugh) Steve. (Feels in his pocket) I can't do that, either. Grace. Stephen, what has happened to you? You don't seem to realize how these little things count. I don't care for myself, but mother and father look upon things differently than we do. They think that this is neglect. I understand. I know you are doing all you can, but just staying away from the table to-night gives mother an oppor- tunity to criticize you. Steve. I don't blame her. She is right. Grace. (Hopefully) Then you will join us? Steve. No, Grace, I can't do that. Grace. All right, Stephen. I don't want you "READY MONEY" 29 to think I am doing- this for any other reason than to bring" you to a realization of our position. It is the end of the old year. Vm going to work with you. Vm going to encourage you to work for me, and we are going to begin the New Year back where we were six months ago. I want you to take this — Stephen, I want you to take back this ring. (^Steve takes ring — looks at it closely. Grace quickly takes ring away from Stephen) No, I cannot hurt you like that. (Stand for laugh) Steve. (Slight business as if it had burned his fingers) No, please keep it. Grace. I will. (Embarrassed) Mother's prob- ably getting ready to send uo for me now. Rosenthal. (Enters) Well ? Grace. It's all right. Rosenthal. Good ! Hurry, Steve. Grace. Oh, no ! He isn't coming down, but I understand why. Rosenthal. So do I. I explained it to the boys. Steve. (Crosses l. center) ^ You take Grace downstairs and leave me alone, and don't spoil everything by trying to explain to them. Rosenthal. I won't say anythinsr, only they won't let you stay up here. Come on. Grace, there's no need of our missing the coming in of the New Year. So long, Steve. You are going to miss some little party. (Exit with Gracej Steve. (Pause) Rosenthal and Grace. (Outside) Good even- ing, Mr. Ives. IvES. (Outside) Good evening, good evening. Neil. (Pause. Enter IvESJ Mr. Ives. (Take's IvES^ coat and hat and puts them up r. on seat) (Ives enters, r. u., a man of about 45. Alert, dominant manner, evening dress) 30 "READY MONEY" Steve. Good evening, Mr. Ives. Ives. Good evening, Stephen. You disappointed me to-day, my boy. I missed you. I saw Mr. Morgan downstairs. Was he up here? Steve. Yes. ' Ives. Business ? Steve. Yes, for him. Ives. Oh ! You're not going to join in the fes- tivities to-night? Steve. No. Ives. Do you know, somehow I thought you would not, and I thought you'd come in late and be here alone, so I dropped over. Maybe we can watch the New Year come in together ; it may bring us something. Steve. I've got mine. But I'm glad you called. Won't you sit down? Will you take some- thins^ ? Ives. (Sits) No, thanks, but don't let that stop you. . . Steve. (Sits) ,No, I'm through with it. Ives. (Pauses, looks at Steve j Do you know, you are a very remarkable young man. f Steve looks suddenly at Ives for laugh) You have every element of success. Steve. Have I ? Ives. Yes, indeed! You're a good mixer, you belong to all the clubs, you have a manner. Steve. That won't get me anything. Ives. It will get you everything. . . . You're going to be a millionaire one of these days. A Vanderbilt: you're a young man who could use money. Have you ever thought what you would do if you had Rockefeller's income? Steve. No, but I've often wondered what Rockefeller would do if he had mine. , ' Ives. You shall have his. "READY MONEY" 31 Steve. Do you know any way to make him give it to me? Ives. No, no, you must make it. Steve. All right, I'll do that. Ives. Business good? Steve. No. Ives. I'm surprised and sorry to hear that. I'll tell you what you ought to do if business is quiet ; take it as an opportunity to get away on a vaca- tion. It will do you a world of good. Run down to Florida for tivo weeks. Steve. (Looks suddenly, at Ives j Run down to Florida for two weeksf Ives. I'll go along with you. It's not an ex- pensive trip. Six or seven hundred dollars will get you out. Steve. If I had six or seven hundred dollars I'd go out right now. Ives. What do you mean? Steve. You're a sharp, shrewd man, Mr. Ives. I've never seen anything get by you yet. What are you trying to get at? You know I haven't six or seven hundred dollars. I haven't any elements of success. I'm a terrible failure. If it wasn't the act of a coward, if it wasn't such a low down trick to serve your friends, I'd end everything. (Pause) Now you know the truth. Ives. I've been waiting three weeks for you to tell me that. How much has Morgan to do with this ? Steve. Oh, I don't blame him. Ives. How long have you had this mine of yours ? Steve. Six months. Ives. Tell me just how you got it. Steve. I was out in Arizona prospecting, Ives. Yes. 32 "READY MONEY" " Steve. I found this mine . . . Sky Rocket . . . partially developed, and enough machinery to work it in a small way. Ives. I understand. Steve. For a thousand dollars I got a 30 days' option. The price was thirty thousand cash. I had ten thousand and was sure of getting- the other twenty — but the parties failed to come through with it. Just before my option expired Morgan came out there and bought up a lot of acreage, in- cluding mines and prospects. That caused a rush into that section and prices jumped. If I forfeited my option the owners couM have asked a hundred thousand for what I was getting for thirty. Mor- gan knew this and wanted it, so I guess he just about figured that h^ would lend me twenty thou- sand on my notes, let me pay in my ten thousand and then at the end of six months, grab it for him- self for the $20,000. Ives. Did Morgan do that to you? Steve. Yes. Oh, that's business, I suppose. I was glad to acceot his terms at the time. I left a pal of mine — Mike Reardon, out there to work the mine and I came East to sell the stock. Ives. Well? Steve. Wel^, I couldn't sell any stock because Reardon didn't discover any gold and Reardon couldn't strike any gold because / didn't sell enough stock to buy better machinery. We discouraged each other. So you see we've done exactly what Mr. Morgan counted on us doing. Ives. Is he going to foreclose ? Steve. That isn't necessary. The deed is held in trust. The noi"e calls for twenty thousand or the mine on January second ; that's the day after to-morrow, so I'U have to give up my friends and. my clubs, all I'll have left is manner. "READY MONEY" 33 TvES. (Pause— thinks) Have you any telegraph l^lanks here? f Steve opens drazver and hands pad) Ives. (Takes pad of telegrams) What is Rear- don's first name? Steve. Mike. TvES. (Writes) Where is he? Steve. The Mansion House, Gallup, Arizona. flvEs nrites) That's the worst hotel I was ever in. IvFS. Bad as that, eh? (Writes) "Mike Rear- don, Mansion House, Gallup, Arizona. Have Paid Morg-an his note. T own the mine. Double effort to strike ^old in two days to cover big sale of stock. Stephen Baird." (Writes message and then reads: aloud) Steve. What are you going to do with that ? Ives. You are going to send this to Reardon.. Steve. Wait a minute, that's too strong. Ives. Do you know what encouragement means to a man? Steve. Yes, I know, and I knovv^ that Irishman.. If he ever received that telegram he'd work his; head off for the next two days. IvEs. Isn't that exactly what you want him fcr do? Steve. But I haven't paid Morgan his note. I haven't sold any stock. Ives. But if this telegram puts him to work and if he did strike gold, you could pay the note and you could sell the stock, couldn't you ? Steve. Yes. Ives. And if he isn't encouraged he surely won't make any great effort, the last two days. Steve. (Pause) No ! Ives. Now will you call Neil ? Steve. (To door up c.) Oh, Neil. Neil! /"Neil enters r. u. Ives holds telegram and rises) Ives. Mr. Baird wants this telegram sent at once. 34 "READY MONEY" Steve. (Starts to pay Neil, takes out quarter, ■puts it hack) Charge it. ("Steve goes down r. and sits R. of table) Neil. Yes, sir. (Exits R. u.^ fIvES up above c. table) Ives. (To Steve. J Besides, that telegram is irue. You are going to pay the note, you are going to sell some stock. I've been interested in you from the first day I met you . . . and I've always wanted to do something to prove it. (Takes out ^vallet, takes out tzventy one-thousand-dollar bills) Here are tzventy one-thousand-dollar bills. I'm huying that much stock. (Tosses money on table on top of mining circulars) Now you can pay Mor- g-an his twenty thousand dollars. Steve. (Stares at Ives J Do you really mean that ? Ives. ("Steve looks at money) There's the money. Take it! ("Steve takes it) Look at it. Steve. I am looking at it. I can't believe it's true. ("Ives smiles — sits) I don't know what to say — I don't know how to thank you. You don't realize what this money means to me. It's come right out of heaven, that's all. Do you know what you've done? (Tunis in chair to face IvESJ Ives. (Sits in chair behind table) I've done nothing. Steve. You've done something wonderful. It's made the whole world look differently. I don't wish you any ill luck, but if you are ever in any trouble or need any help, no matter what it is, or where you are, if you ever want anyone to go through for you, I want you to promise me you'll give me a chance to prove my gratitude. Ives. Do you feel that way about it? Steve. There's someone who, when she hears of this, will be the happiest girl in the world. "READY MONEY" 35. Ives. I wonder how far you would go? Steve. Try me some day, that's the best way to find out. Ives. I'll try you right now. Let me see — sup- posing that I was in a lot of trouble — supposing that I was arrested? Steve. What would you be arrested for? Ives. Well, we'll say I was arrested for steal- ing. Steve. That's impossible. Ives. But if I was arrested for stealing, and you could come to the front and clear me, would you doit? Steve. That's rather hard to answer. Ives. (Repeating Steve's words) "If you ever need any help, no matter what it is or where you are, if you should ever want anyone to go through for you, I want you to promise me you'll give me a chance to prove my gratitude." Did you say that? S'^eve. Yes, even then I would. Ives. (Rises, pats Steve on the hack) That's better. Well, don't worry. I will never be arrested for stealing. fIvES zvalks to upper door and re- turns, closes door) (^ Steve, relieved, looks at money) (Returns to back of table) I'm going to make you a proposition, and whether you accept it or not, I want you to promise me you will never repeat it. Will you do that? Steve. Yes. Ives. Good. Here's another ca^e. Supposing I were a counterfeiter. Suppose those one thou- sand dollar bills were counter fen and that the whole idea of mv coming here to-night and buying your stock was a scheme of mine to show you how easy it was to pass them? (Takes tzvo bills from vest pocket) Here are two one thousand dollar bills S6 ''READY MONEY" made T?y the Government. . ("Steve has been staring' at the money. Continues to look at it transfixed. Quietly puts it on the edge of table and sits back and reaches over and takes a drink from his glass. He rises and crosses to R. Is absolutely dazed, his hopes shattered. He listens to Ives, but thinks only of the money he has lost) (Coming down l. to Steve j (Excitedly takes up 20 counterfeit bills from table) These are mine. (Holds up two genuine bills) These were made by the Govern- ment. (Shuffles them) Now, pick them out and they are yours. ("Steve, discouraged, shakes his head) It is impossible. An expert could not tell the difference. I have spent years to make this hill (showing counterfeit) superior to the original (shozving tzvo bills). I was a printer, a paper maker — an expert steel and copper engraver. For thirty years I have been reading, writing, talking, think- ing money. I have reproduced the currency of England, France, Germany. I returned six weeks ago. Half of that time I have been watching you. You have every element I require. You will be my partner. Your opportunity has come at last. (Takes 30 bills from, zvallet — puts them, with twenty. Puts the two genuine bills in vest pocket) There is fifty thousand dollars tO' start with. I made it a thousand dollar bill because not one man out of a hundred has ever seen one. You will look as if you had never seen anything else. With your friends, with your position, it will be a triumph. Take them. (Forces bills into Stevens hands) Steve. (Holding money in Ive's hands) Wait a minute ! Do you think because I am broke and helpless that I will stoop to a dastardly trick like that? Do you rhean that you want me to pass this money among my friends, get good money in return "READY MONEY" 37 and divide with you ? (Pushes money away frofyi him) Ives. You won't pass it. If you've got money you don't have to spend it, all you have to do is to show \t. It takes money to get money, and you can't get it without it. What chance have you got without money? Who is going to have faith in what you've got to sell, if what you've got to sell isn't getting you anything? But if they see that it's getting you everything they'll fight to get in on it. You know what a new suit of clothes gets you, a pleasant "grood morning :" Well, peoole can see a thousand dollar bill further than anvthinsr else of its size in the world, and seeing is believing, and believing is all there is to it. I u'^ed to pass it and that's why I can't do now what I want you to do. I'm known, but they don't know you and if you'll give me fifty per cent of all that money attracts to you, I'll be a rich man. Welch. (Outside) I'll make him come down. Ives. (Crosses to extrem^e left) Put it away. Rosenthal. I tried. Stewart. We'll all try. ("Welch, Rosenthal and Stewart enter R. u.j Steve. (At sound of voices he goes to center) Welch. (Goes to stage center) Hello, Steve. Good evening, Mr. Ives. ("Rosenthal and Stewart nod to Ives and say ''Good evening.'' Go to him, left. Show cuff-buttons ) What's the matter, Steve? Why didn't you come down with Grace? Oh, bring Mr. Ives along. Now, hurry up, will you? Steve. Once and for all, Sam, I*m not going downstairs. Welch. All right! Just to show you Tm a regular fellow, here's a little present I gave the boys. (Takes box from, pocket) 38 "READY MONEY" Steve. What is it? Welch. Cuif buttons. Steve. (Opens box) Thanks, Sam. Just what I needed. Welch. I'm glad of that. Steve. (Turns and speaks as he crosses l. i} I need some shirts, too. (Exits l. ij (To Ives^ center) What's the matter with him? Rosenthal. (To Ivesj There'll be a lot "of trouble avoided if Steve will show himself down- Stairs. Stewart. (To Ives J What have you been doing? Ives. Talking business. Welch. You have? I'm glad of that. I told Mrs. Tyler he had a business engagement. You just saved me. Are )^ou going to buy some stock? Ives. (Crosses back and speaks as he goes up to R. U.J I have not decided as yet. (Goes up into hallway and gets coat) Welch. I'd like to see Steve start the New Year with a sale. (Pauses) (Picks up one of the Mining Circulars, looks at it) Boys, I've got a great idea. ; Stewart. What is it ? Welch. I wonder I didn't think of it before. ■ Rosenthal, (-r.) Are you going to keep it to yourself? Now that you have thought of it? Welch. No. You should have thought of it yourself. We've got $25,000 between us, and Steve is broke. I'm going to buy a thousand dollars' worth of his stock. I don't look upon this as a specula- tion. I'm going to do this for Steve, so he will have something to start this New Year with. ; Ives. (Has re-entered ; drops down left) ■ Rosenthal. (Qrabs prospectus) Give me that Printer's Ink. "READY MONEY" 39 Welch. (Picks ore up from table) Well, this ore isn't printer's ink. Do you see that yellow stuff, there ? Rosenthal. Yes. Welch. That's gold. Stewart. Well, what of it? Welch. That came out of Steve's mine. Stewart. Too bad they took it out. They haven't any left. Rosenthal. (Laughs) That's immense. Welch. You wouldn't laugh if that mine turned out a big winner and you weren't in it ! Stewart. (Crosses around table r. Calls off l. ij Good night, Steve, we don't want to miss twelve o'clock. Rosenthal. (Crosses around table R.j Good night, Steve, f Steve enters l. c.) Welch. Steve, I've got a surprise for you. Steve. (Goes to Welch center) Are you going to ask me to give vou b-^ck the cuff-buttons? TIves comes hack and. goes l.J Welch. No, I'm going to buy a thousand dol- lars', worth of your stock. I'll give you a check when we get back. Do you need any cash to-night ? Stewart and Rosenthal. (Drop down extreme right to ivatch Steve and Welch J Steve. No. Welch. (Takes check from vest pocket) All I have is this check of my father's for ten thou- sand. (Turns away to Stewart and Rosenthal j' I wish I could cash some of it. Steve. Do you want it cashed? Welch. Yes, if I knew someone who could. Steve. I could. W^ELCH, Rosenthal and Stewart. (Laugh — a good hearty laugh to show how absurd you think this statement is) 40 "READY MONEY" Welch. (Crosses to Steve j (Puts his hands on Steve's shoulder) I wish that was true, Steve. I wish you could cash twice that amount. Steve. I could do that, too. (All laugh. Welch returns to boys, and all laugh together) (As the boys laugh, Steve goes to IvESJ I'm going- to see just how far you are right. (Takes out roll — speaks to Welch J Give me the check. (READY NOISE OF CELEBRATION) Rosenthal. (Points wild-eyed to money in Steve's hand) My God ; look ! ! (NOTE TO DIRECTOR: From this line to the curtain the scene should build to great en- thusiasm, the boys play dead seriously and not burlesque) Welch. (Wild-eyed looking at money ) Steve! Stewart. (Same business) Where did he get it? -I Welch. (Turns to boys on right) Boys, do you know where he got it? Reardon has discovered gold ! Rosenthal and Stewart. What ! ! ! Welch. (Holds boys back and then crosses to Steve ^ Wajt a minute. Wait a minute ! I swear T didn't know it when I offered to buy. Will you believe that, Steve? Steve. Yes. Welch. You old pal! Rosenthal. (Crosses to Steve, across NsfE-LCH., shakes hands unth Steve j I knew you'd do it. Stewart. (Close fo Rosenthal, leaning for^ ward) Look at all of that money. "READY MONEY" 41 PosENTHAL. (Takes out check) Steve, don*t forget your uncle ... I want to buy some. Welch. I'm first! I'm first! Let me in for four thousand, Steve. Stewart. (Takes out check) Don't I get a chance to say anything? Two thousand, Steve! Rosenthal. (Turns and gently pushes Stewart hack) I'm next. There's plenty of time, don't get excited. (Returns quickly to position) Three thou- sand, Steve. Stewart. (Runs around hack of Rosenthal and Welch and is next to Steve j. I'll take three thousand. Welch. Five thousand in the piece, Steve. Rosenthal. Hold my check to seal the bargain. {At end of line, hut reaches forward) Stewart and Welch. (Speakmg together) Here's mine ! Steve. Do you mean it, boys ? ' Welch> Rosenthal, Stewart. (Excited) Yes. Steve. All on Sky Rocket ? • All. (Same tone) Yes, take it. Steve. (Takes checks, which should he held close together so that he can take them in i, 2, ^ order while he is saying ^^All right f ) All right! f Ives looks at watch, sees it is 12 o'clock, and goes up and opens zvindow. Sounds of the facte /y 'whistles, horns, rattles and chimes. General noise of good cheer) ('Ives goes up to window on ^'Hold my check to seal the bargain/' which hrings him to window in time to raise it exactly on Steve's line, ^'All righr) All. (Listen) Steve, a Happy and a Prosper- ous New Year! Steve. Thank you. The same to you and many of them. (Puts checks and money in his pocket and looks at Ives^ who has timed his walk down 42 "READY MONEY" stage so as to be at Steve's elbow on ''Many of them*') Curtain Second curtain Welch, Rosenthal, Stewart — At right of stage figuring and full of business. Baird and Ives at left. Steve looking at Ives End of First Act NOTE TO STAGE DIRECTOR: It is New Year's morning; keep up the spirit of New Year's. Also in this act you have a general entrance and a general exit. Work these with all the enthusiasm, of youth and with the excite- ment of making money. The placing of the bag on the back of the chair is m^ost important. Baird moves the chair back before he rises on, ''Go at once into the sam^e business as Mr. Ives," and twists the chair as shown. The back of the chair must be shown. The bag must have a cord that is at least one foot long. Rosenthal''s curtain speech wMst he read very positive and confident. The switch of the envelopes from Baikd^s pocket to the circulars and back to his pocket and then into Grace's bag and Mrs. Tyler taking the bag off stage is the entire idea of the second act and should be rehearsed with props many times. ACT II Scene: The same as Act L Time : 1 1 o'clock, New Year's morning. Discovered : Rosenthal, seated at^ desk c, busily writing telegram. Neil standing at right of desk with telegraph rate hook. Rosenthal. What's the rate to Cincinnati,, Neil? Neil, (Refers to W. U. T. tariff book) Forty and three. Rosenthal. (Hands telegram to NeilJ Thirty- seven words — a dollar and twenty-one cents. Neil. Yes, sir. Rosenthal. Let ni€ hear you read it. Neil. (Reads telegram) "Mr. Thomas A. Bart- lett, Cincinnati, Ohio." (Looks up at Rosenthal> No street? Rosenthal. That's all right, he's well known. Neil. "Can give you enormous tip on mining stock. Have seen results of big strike, one dollar a share. I have bought eight thousand. Wire money or order to Stephen Baird, 22 Wall Street. Work quick. Rosenthal." Rosenthal. (Listens to telegram,; shakes his head with approval) That's all right. (Gives Neil u dollar and a quarter) Rush that! Neil. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Stewart. (Enter r. u. of table, with hat and walking coat) Wait a minute, Neil. Hello, Sid- ney! Where's Steve? 43 44 "READY MONEY" Rosenthal. (Points l. i) In there, eating breakfast. Stewart. Is he just up? Rosenthal. He's been up for hours, but he wouldn't eat. I made him send down for some- thing. Stewart. (Indicating Neil with telegram) Sending any telegrams ? Rosenthal. Just wired Bartlett in Cincinnati. We ought to let him know. Stewart. (Sits right of table) That reminds me. Let me have that pad. Rosenthal. (Passes pad of telegrams) Stewart. I telegraphed Joe Stevens in Phila- delphia, as soon as I got up. Told him to wire to Steve's office. (Speaks as he writes) I wired Fred Moss in Pittsburg early this morning, but I didn't think of Jack Matthews. He's in Baltimore. We'll let him in. He knows Steve. (Writing) Where's Sam? Rosenthal. Just went down to the telegraph office. He's tr^'ing to get his father to wire him $5,000, but they won't transmit it on a holiday. Sam's crazy. Stewart. (Has finished zvriting) This is to Jack. (Reads) "Mr. John Matthews, 47 Eutaw Street, Baltimore, Md. Wire quick to Stephen Baird, 22 Wall Street, all the money you can get. Just struck enormous vein on his mine. Have seen the money. One dollar a share if you work quick. William Stewart." That ought to wake him up. (Rises) I'd like to mention Sky Rocket, but I'm afraid it might leak out. We must be careful. (Gives telegram to Neilj There's a dollar, Neil. Hush those. ' Neil. Yes, sir. ^Neil exits) Stewart. (Slaps Rosenthal on the back) The "READY MONEY" 45 New Year's starting in pretty nice for me, old boy, Ida and I are going to be married next month. Rosenthal. Really ? Stewart. Yes . Settled it last night. Her mother and father and Grace and Ida and I talked it all over, after we had seen Steve, and everything is all fixed. Mrs. Tyler has sivitched right around ; now she thinks Steve is a wonderful young man, and Mr. Tyler wants to buy some stock. I told him to come down. Steve will surely let him have a little on account of Grace. Rosenthal. Margy and I are going to be mar- ried next June. How did you get Ida to make it next month ? Stewart. I showed her how I would make a lot of money in the next month and I could take a vacation and we'd go to Europe on our honey- moon, hut, if she waited until June, I'd have so many interests I couldn't leave them. Rosenthal. That sounds good. I'll try to ex- plain that to Margy. Stewart. Go ahead. She told me to tell you she'd be down here. They're all coming. Ida and I are going to have Steve for best man. We owe it all to him. I'll have to think of a great present for Steve. Rosenthal. It will be hard to give him any- thing. In a month he'll have everything a man can have. (Door huszer) Stewart. I'm going in and see him. (Crosses L. and exits) Rosenthal. All right. (^Tyler and Neil enter — Neil exits) Tyler. (^. of table) Ah, good morning. Rosenthal. Good morning, Mr. Tyler. (Rises and shakes hands) Tyler. Where is Stephen? 46 "READY MONEY" Rosenthal. In there. Tyler. Is he well? Rosenthal. (Sits) Oh, yes. Tyler. Has he been out? Rosenthal. No. Tyler. He must get plenty of fresh air. He's not been looking well, lately. I've been worried about him. Stewart. Good morning, Mr. Tyler. (Re-enters L. I. Goes quickly to Rosenthal) Tyler. Happy New Year. Stewart. Say, Sidney, can I borrow two thou- sand dollars on my life insurance? Rosenthal. (Thinks a moment) Yes, just about $2,000. (As Stewart starts to go left) And say, Billy,, for how much could I mortgage those two lots you sold me at Bay Shore? Stewart. About three thousand. Rosenthal. Will you find out for me and make arrangements ? Stewart. Yes, if you'll do the same for me. Rosenthal. I will. Tyler. (Has been listening intently) What is all the demand for money ? Stewart. We want to buy some more of Steve's stock before it jumps to two or three dollars, don't we? Tyler. Oh, yes. Do you really think it is a good speculation ? Rosenthal. It isn't a speculation, it's an invest- ment. You. saw that bankroll last night, didn't you? Nothing but thousand-dollar bills. Do you want any more proof than that? Stewart. You've got to believe it when you see it like that. I always knew the mine was good. Steve kept so quiet about it. Rosenthal. I know, but he let us in without "READY MONEY" 47 a word. Very few fellows would do that. He's a prince. He's the greatest little fellow in the world, and I love him. Tyler. What does Stephen say? Rosenthal. He hasn't said a word. He just sits and thinks. Stewart. I just left him eating. He didn't speak to me. Just looked up at me with that won- derful blank stare of his and shook his head. I said "Good morning, Captain," and he threw a roll at me. Rosenthal. You mustn't bother him when he's figuring. (To TylerJ He's the smartest young man in this country. Did you ever notice his eyes ? Tyler. His eyes ? Did I ever notice his eyes ? Stewart. And did you ever notice his peculiar walk? That means something. Rosenthal. I'll tell you what tipped him off to me long ago. That way he had of making you think he hasn't any money. Under cover all the time. Tyler. Both of you boys feel certain this is a perfectly safe venture? Stewart. Venture? A venture is something that you don't know anything ahoutf Rosenthal. Safe? It's just as safe as a bank and gets you something. Read this — Do you want any more guarantee than that? (Picks up mining circular. Reads for Tyler from circular) Ref- erence, Citizen's Trust Company, Gallup, Arizona. Stewart. This will be the last day at a dollar. Rosenthal. I figure it this way. If Steve makes money for himself, he has got to make it for us. I don't want any more proof than that bank roll. Stewart. (Picks up ore from, table, with mag- nifying glass) Look at this piece of high-grade are. 48 ^:i..vDY MONEY" ("Tyler, Stewart and Rosenthal look at ore} Plastered with it. Rosenthal. Gold sticking right out all over it. Stewart. (To Tyler J How much are you going to put in? Tyler. (Looking at ore luith glass) Oh, five thousand, maybe ten, if he will take it. (Sees a deposit of gold in ore) Oh, look at that. Rosenthal. He will for Grace's sake. I bought four thousand at first and then four more.. Doubled it right up. Stewart. I'm in for seven thousand. Sam's in for ten thousand. , Rosenthal. Steve must have two hundred thou- sand in that roll. Money surrounded by money sticking out of money. Welch. (Enters quickly r. u. No hat) Hello, everybody. (Crosses to i.. i) Stewart. Oh, I say, Sam. Welch. (Turns at i.. i) I can't stop now. What do you think of that telegraph company? They won't send money on a holiday. But here's a wire from my father saying he'll send me five thousand. I wonder if Steve will take it to-mor- row. Rosenthal. If you explain it to him he may. Tyler. (Crossing lefty still looking at ore) I'd like to see him before he stops selling. Rosenthal. Go right in with Sam and make your proposition at the same time. Tyler. (Crosses to Welch, extreme left, look- ing at ore) I'm always satisfied when I see results. Welch. Wel^, I'm his pal. I didn't jump at it. While I always knew it was a great mine, I waited until I saw for myself. I'm from Missouri, but I know money when I see it. (Exit left ist) (Door buzzer) "READY MONEY" 49 Tyler. You look like a Missourian. (Exits x. 1) Stewart. (Going left) I'm going to see how the "Boss" handles them. (Exits l. ij Rosenthal. I'll go with you. Neil. (Enters r. v.) Mr. Holbrook. ("HoL- BROOK enters R. u. j Rosenthal, (l.^ near door, turns back) Hello^ Sumner. Holbrook. (Back of table, puts hat on table} Oh, I've heard all about it. Say, listen. I'm the only man in New York who had faith in that Sky Rocket mine. I knew the gold was there and I'd have held on to that stork for ten years. Steve: has got to let me double it. Rosenthal. I've bought eight thousand shares, Holbrook. (Crosses around front to Rosen- thal) You have? Did you see that money your- self? Rosenthal. Sure. He had it right in his hand. Holbrook. (Walks right) That's why no. one could €nd him yesterday. He was burning up the wires to Reardon in Arizona. Rosenthal. That's what he was doing. It must be a great mine. Holbrook. Haven't I always said so? (^Steve enters l. i and goes up to buffet) Happy New Year, Steve. Steve. Same to you. Holbrook. I've just heard of your "good luck.'* Rosenthal. (Dozvn R.y excited, to Holbrook/ Good luck! It wasn't luck, it was hard work and brains. Look at the shape of his head. Steve. (Walking down l. ist. Turns quickly,, puts his hand to his head) What's the matter with it? 50 "READY MONEY'^ Rosenthal. Nothing, I think it's wonderful. Steve. Oh. HoLBROOK. I was just .telling Rosenthal that I hold twenty-five hundred shares, don't I, Steve? Steve. Yes. HoLBROOK. Thafs $2,500. Steve. (Takes out money — ^$50,000 J Do you want to sell them? HoLBROOK. (Starts — stares at money) Holy smoke ! Rosenthal. (Back of table) It grows bigger every minute. Steve. It hasn't changed any. Rosenthal. Well, it looks it. HoLBROOK. (Crosses to chair r. of table) Steve, I bought my shares when you needed the money. You've got to let me in for some more. I'll give my check right now for five thousand. (Sits at desk. Very excited. Writes check. Steve takes out checks given him in Act I and Tyler''s in Act II and puts money in his pocket) Rosenthal. (Back of table) And look at that roll of checks. He must have over four hundred thousand all together. HoLBROOK. (Writing) I know! I know! Rosenthal. There's no doubt about any- thing. Steve. (Crosses to extrem^e right) HoLBROOK. (Hurries writing check, speaks as Steve passes him) Just a second, just a second. (Tears out check, hands it to Steve) There! Steve. (Takes check. Puts check with others) Thanks ! HoLBROOK. Will I get my certificate to-morrow ? Steve. If I live. HoLBROOK. (Gets hat from table) ,.1 got you, Steve. "READY MONEY" 51 Tyler. (Enters l. i. Anticipates cue and goes io Rosenthal. Very confidential) He took it! Ten thousand. Rosenthal. (Shakes Tyler's hand, speaks loudly) I congratulate you. Tyler. Sh ! Sh! HoLBROOK. I've got to get along. See you to- morrow, Steve. (Shakes hands with Stevej Thank you for letting me in at this time, Steve. I'll try and do as much for you some day. (^ Steve shakes hands with Holbrookj (Goes up to door) I've got to get down to a telegraph office. Rosenthal. (Goes quickly to HolbrookJ Oh, Sumner ! Don't tell any one but real fellows. Understand? Keep it among ourselves. HoLBROOK. I understand. So long. (Exit right upper) Steve. (Puts check in upper vest pocket) All. Good day. CWelch and Stewart enter L. i; Rosenthal. Three cheers for Steve. All to- gether, One All. Hurrah ! Rosenthal. Two. All. Hurrah ! Rosenthal. Three. All. Hurrah ! Rosenthal. Tiger. All. Ah! Rosenthal. He's a bear. Come on, boys. Lift Tiim up. (All put Steve on the bench in front of table) Stewart. Kid Rockefeller. Welch. Take out the money, Steve. All. Yes. Let us see it, Steve. Steve. Let me tell you something about that money. (Door buzzer) 52 "READY MONEY" All. We don't want to hear about it, we want to see it. Let's see it, Steve. Steve. (Regretfully) All right. (Takes out money) All. Ah! Rosenthal. That's the stuff that counts. ^Neil enters before ladies) f Steve puts money away and gets off bench just as Mrs. Tyler greets him) ('Mrs. Tyler enters r. u., arms outspread to Steve^ Mrs. Tyler. How is my boy this morning? (Make this line broad for a big laugh, as it allows time for all characters to get set) (She takes his hand) * ~ Ida. (Enters with girls, crowd around. She is at Steve's left elbow and speaks as she enters) Oh, let me see him. Margy (Enters with girls on Stevens right. She has hold of Grace's left hand and passes her in front toward Steve j Here he is, Grace. Grace. (Enter last of girls on Steven's right) Good morning, Stephen. Steve. Good morning, Grace. Ida. How is Baron Rothschild this morning? (On Steve's left) Steve. Very ill. He's got money on the brain. Mrs. Tyler. (Extreme right with Mr. Tyler j They look so well together. I've been so excited. I didn't sleep a wink. Steve. I'm so sorry. Miss Elliott. ^ (To Steve) (Between Grace. and Mrs. Tyler j Did you sleep? Steve. No, this money made an awful noise all night. Miss Elliott. (Crosses Grace close to Steve j (Very earnestly) I stayed with Grace and Ida. We talked all night and then this morning they went home with me. I told papa all about it and "READY MONEY" 53 he's coTPiv.p- down to see you this afternoon. Grace won't ask you, but I will, and Billy says it's all right. Here's Mrs. Tyler's check for four hundred dollars. Please take it and make us a lot of money. (Puts check in Steye's hand, but he- does not take it) Stewart. A hundred shares apiece. It's divided between them. Steve. (Looks at Stewart) Mtss Elliott. I don't think a woman should gamble unless she's sure to win. We are sure of this because we saw the money. Ida. And here's my check for seventy-five dol- lars besides that. You're not responsible for this. I want you to consider it just as if you got it from one of the boys. (Puts it in Stevens hand and makes him take it) Steve. (Looks at check ) Oh, yes. You believe in — in — some book you've read. Ida. I most certainly do. In the fourth chapter of "What Eight Million Women Want." All. (Wearily) Oh. Steve. I imderstand. You're a business woman. Ida. I am. Steve. Then why don't you sign your check? Ida. Oh, I forgot that. (Extends check to Stewart. Sign it for me, Billy? (All laugh) Where's a pen? (Goes to chair right of table as she speaks) Stewart. Here you are, Ida. (Gives her pen) Don't let them make fun of you. You're all right. (Ida signs check) Steve. (Crosses extreme left while check is being signed) Miss Elliott. (Crosses to Steve, extends check) Here, Stephen. Ida. (After signing check, rises, , goes to Steve and extends check) Now it's all right. 54 "READY MONEY" Steve. I'm very sorry, but I cannot take them. All. (Very importantly) What? Miss Elliott. Isn't it enough? Steve. No. Miss Elliott. Is it too much? Steve. That isn't it. Ida. Won't you take mine? Mrs. Tyler. Why, Stephen. You took the boys^ checks. Steve. I know, but you don't understand. Miss Elliott. Oh, yo': must. Grace. (Right center) Wait a moment, Margy> He is right. Please don't ask Stephen to take them. Mrs. Tyler. Why rot? Grace. I can't explain, but we won't ask him. Please do as I sy. Miss Elliott. You were the one who suggested it, and you asked rre to speak to Stephen. Grace. I know I did. But I had forgotten some- thing. Now I ask you to say nothing more about it. ■ All. Why not, Grace? f Grace tries to hold back her tears) Tyler. Grace, what is it? Mrs. Tyler. Grace, I insist that you explain. fGRACE is silent) Mrs. Tyler. Stephen, do you know what she ijneans? Steve. I think I do. ■ Mrs. Tyler. What is it? . Grace. (Coming forward, but remains right of all other characters) I'll tell you. I was unjust to Stephen last night, when I came up here for him. I didn't understand certain things. I didn't realize how busy he was, and because I thought that he did not want to come down to the party, I sai(| "READY MONEY" 55 something that was very wrong. (Holds hack her tears) Steve. (Extreme left) Listen, all of you. Grace is mistaken. She said nothing but what was right. That is not why I will not take your money. I have taken all that I am going to. All. (Horrified) Oh-o. Steve. I have done nothing all morning but to try and think how I could tell you the truth. I took the boys' check'^ — Mr. Tyler's. Mr. Holbrook's. Here they are. (Takes out checks) I have not cashed them. I'm not going to. I am going to return them to you now. (Crosses to Rosenthal, center) All. (Horrified) What? Rosenthal. (To Steve. Very excited, pushes check away) Well. I refuse to take mine back. I hold eight thousand shares and I won't give them up. Stewart. (Left of Steve ) Neither wil^ I. Welch. (Comes between Stewart and Steve} You're ioking, Steve. Steve. No, I'm not. I mean exactly what I say. Rosenthal. (To Tyler, who is on his right) You see what a woman can do. Bust the whole thing ut>. (Waits for big laugh) Steve. None of you ever offered to buy any stock from me, except Sam and Holbrook. The mine is no better than it was two weeks ago. I am no more successful than I was two months ago. You didn't believe in me then. Last night you saw me with a^ this money. (Takes out roll of money) All. Oh-0-0. Look! Look! Ida. Oh! Billy! Steve. (Center) On the strength of seeing this money, just seeing it inade you all know that -I was a successful man. You jumped to the con* 56 "READY MONEY" elusion it was the mine. You boys gave me your checks before I reaHzed it. I took them. I have taken others this morning, but simply to prove to myself that money gets money ; but this money did not come from any mine. Rosenthal. f Steve ends his speech facing Welch, Rosenthal taking his arm and turns Steve toward himself) Where did it come from? Steve. I can't answer that. Rosenthal. You bet you can't. I was afraid ■of this. You let us in on the ground floor and now you're sorry. You don't want to see us make money, too. Welch. (Turns Steve to him — sam^ business as Rosenthal) Steve, I'm not going to take back my check. Steve. You must all take them back. Stewart. (Goes close to Steve, Welch giving wav and dropping left) I won't! I won't! Friend- ship ceases right here. This is business. I'm going to be cold-blooded. Ida. Billy ! -f Ida takes Stewart's hand and pulls h'm left with Marglyj Wflch. (Walks up close to Steve j I'm so mad I could cry. The one chance I've had to make some money, and I get it right in my hand, and because of a foolish quarrel with Grace you want to turn down all your pals. Rosenthal. (Turns Steve as before) It isn't right, Steve. I want eight thousand shares and nothing else, and if you don't think I mean it I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll take it into the courts, if Steve puts money into pocket very quickly) Tyler. (Crosses close to Steve, on his right) I apologize for Grace, but I feel I have the right to hold you to your bargain. You accepted my check which I gave you in good faith. (Turns to "READY MONEY" 57 Rosenthal^ shakes hands. Rosenthal has walked up stage and comes down near Mrs. Tyler) Welch. (Turns Steve to him) You don't dare say that mine isn't good. Steve. I've always said it was a good mine, ;Sam. Welch. That's all you neod to say to me. I "won't take any money back after that. Rosenthal. Neither will I ! ! . Stewart. Neither will I ! Tyler. Me, too. (Goes up) Mrs. Tyler. (Crosses to Steve j Stephen, my boy, I know how hurt you must have been to act in this way. Grace is a very headstrong;' little eirl, l)Ut I am sure she did not mean to hurt you like this. (Takes Steve by hand and leads him to Grace^ extreme right, puts his hand in Grace's/ There ! There ! Stewart and Rosenthal. (Tell Ida and Margy to go over with Mrs. Tyler and make up with Steve j Ida. (Goes to Steve j Ah, Stephen, I know Grace couldn't have meant anything. Margy. (Goes to Stephen j She said such beautiful things about you last night. Didn't she, Ida? Ida. Of course she did. All Girls ap,d Mrs. Tyler. (Close around Steve J There! There! Do you hear that, , Stephen ? Mrs. Tyler. (Takes Grace's hand and Steve's J Please tell her that you understand. Steve. She's done nothing. It's all my fault. Welch. We'll forgive you, Steve. It's all right again, Sidney. Rosenthal. (Very happy, crosses to Steve j 58 "READY MONEY' You scared me pretty near to death, that's alL (Goes up center) Stewart. Everything is just as it was. (Very happy) Steve. (Desperate) Listen ! Tyler. (Is now left; crosses right to Stevej You don't have to explain, my boy. I know you could have sold this stock for more money, but you've let your friends in cheap — you'll find it will pay in the end. (To Margy and Ida, who are a little up right center) Give me those checks. Ida. Here, father. Margy. Here's mine. Tyler. Take these for the girls. ^Tyler puts them in Steve's hands) For my daughter's sake,, please. (^ Steve, disgusted, takes checks and puts them with others) Stew^art. (Excited) Now we're all in it. Margy. (Sits on bench. Pause) How much are we going to make? (This line can get a big" laugh if planted right) Welch. It's impossible to tell. Even Steve can't figure that, can you, Steve? Steve. No. , Rosenthal. There's no limit to a thing like this. (Desk phone rings) Welch. (He is standing by phone, which is on left upper hand of table) (Picks up phone) Hello , . . it's for you, Steve. All. (Interested in telephone message) Steve. (Takes phone from Welch. To Grace J Pardon me. (Crosses around to phone) Hello ! Yes. Good morning, Mr. Morgan. (All start) Rosenthal. (Wild-eyed, pantomine to Tyler and whispers) Morgan ! The biggest mine owuer in the country. "READY MONEY" 59 Welch. (Whispers it to Mrs. Tyler j Morg-an, the biggest mine owner in the world ! Steve. Where are you now? Stewart. (He has gone down extreme r., is figuring on an envelope) (Yells very loud) Hurrah ! All. Sh! Sh! Steve. (Glares at Stewart J What's that? Yes, I'll be here. Good-bye. (Hangs up receiver) (Stands by telephone) Rosenthal. (To all, very enthusiastic) Do you hear that, Mr. Morgan ! Hei's the biggest mine operator in the world. We'll make a million. Welch. (Goes to Steve, zifho is up left center) Steve — I don't know why you tried to keep us out. Morgan wouldn't come to see you if it wasn't a wonderful mine. Stewart. He's got everyone in it, I tell you. Steve. (Comes down to center to Rosenthal^ If you want me to tell you the truth, Mr. Morgan is coming over here to lend me some money. ; Rosenthal. (Confident, excited, jubilant) That settles it. Morgan's behind it. (Puts his hands in his pockets, bends his knees and looks knowingly at Tyler. This should be worked for enormous laugh) All. Ah! ^Steve^ disgusted, goes up to win- 'dow left and rem^ains until laugh is over) (Comes dozvn and goes to Grace as Rosenthal starts to say "'Steve gets m^ad'' ) Rosenthal. Steve gets mad every time we guess, the truth, But you can't fool us. Welch. We'd better leave Steve alone. I don't Avant to meet Mr. Morgan. Mrs, Tyler. Shall we go home ? Miss Elliott. (On bench) No, let's stay here and watch the stock go up. 6o "READY MONEY" Mrs. Tyler. My dear, we can't make an office out of Mr. Welch's rooms. Welch. I'm going to get an office in the Singer Building. Tyler. You are all invited to lunch with Mrs. Tyler. All. Ah ! Thank you. Where will we go, etc. Miss Elliott. (Rises) Don't let's leave the hotel. We'll eat downstairs. Mrs. Tyler. Yes, very well, let us start, f Neil enters with two telegrams) Neil. Mr. Stewart — Mr. Rosenthal. Stewart. (Extreme left) (Takes telegram and opens it) Telegram ! Telegram ! From Fred Moss in Pittsburg. "Always knew Steve would hit it.. Am sending him check for six thousand. I intro- duced him to Grace, Fred Moss." Rosenthal. (Extreme left) (Has opened wire) Prom Joe Stevens in Philadelphia. "Sending check for five thousand. I went to school with Steve. Joe Stevens." You remember Joe, don't you, Steve? (^ Steve comes down and crosses to Grace's extrem^e right as Rosenthal says: ''You can't fool us") Steve. (Disgusted) No. Rosenthal. There you are — shall we leave them here, Steve? (Crosses to desk and puts telegrams on desk) Mrs. Tyler. Can you come, Stephen? Rosenthal. No ! No ! He's got to stay here and meet Mr. Morgan. (Goes up to door) Steve. (To Mrs. Tyler J May Grace remain just a moment? Mrs. Tyler. Certainly she may. Come ! Come 1 Run along, you children. Grace and Stephen want to talk about things that do not concern us. James. . "READY MONEY" 6i , Tyler. (Has been figuring on envelope, starts) Yes, Lovey. (Exits) All. (All the young people go out on "Run along, children) (General exit) Come, Billy^ Sam, etc. Miss Elliott. We'll order for you, Grace. , Grace. Thank you. Stewart. (Coming down, just about to exit with others) Say, Governor. Steve. (Turns away from Grace, angry) If you call me Boss or Captain or Governor again, I'll make you take back your check. Stewart. (Backs azvay quickly) Excuse me. (Runs up and off r. d.J Steve. (Crosses in front of bench, center) That fellow is crazy. Grace. Billy is trying to honor you. (Puts bag on table — important business) Steve. He's called me everything in the world except Colonel : the thought of all the money he is going to make has gone to his head. Rosenthal cov- ered five sheets of paper this morning proving to me that I could upset the entire stock market. Grace. It hasn't changed you a bit, Stephen. Steve. It's changed everyone else. Grace. What a good change it has made in mother. Steve. She's my friend this morning. Grace. Everyone is your friend, Steve. (Sits) Steve. I guess you're right. Grace. You've made everyone so happy. This is something you don't know. Steve. Ida and Billy are going to be married next month instead of in the Spring. Steve. They are going to be married because they saw that money? Grace. That had sornething to do with it. 62 "READY MONEY" Steve. Then they had better wait until Spring. (Sits L. of Grace j Don't you know that if that money belonged to me, that if I had really dis- covered gold, that the first wedding around here would be ours ? Every word I told them was the truth. I'm not trying to keep them out of a "sure thing." That money has nothing to do with my mine, and the mine won't belong to me after to- morrow. It will belong to Mr. Morgan. Grace. Where did the money come from? Steve. I can't tell you. It's a dangerous thing to even know about. I don't believe I closed my eyes all night, and if I did it was to dream of policemen and detectives. The entire United States Army was after me. That money was given to me last night and against miy better judgment I agreed to keep it until this mornins". Grace. It belongs to Mr. Ives. Steve. How did 3^ou guess that? Grace. Oh, I know. Steve. (Looks at he'"'- miJcklv) You are right; it belongs to Mr. Ives. Please don't repeat that. Grace. I won't, Steve. Did he want you to keeo it ? Steve. Yes, and I was curious myself. I wanted to see if it would do something. Grace. Did it? Steve. / should sav it did, Grace. I don't understand. Steve. I can't explain it to you, but you know now that I told th^m the t^u^h. Grace. Yes. Where is Mr. Ives? Stfve. I'd like to know th^t myself. (Rises and ivn.lks left) I teleohoned his hotel. He isn't there. (Rises and crosses to left) Grace. But he will surely come here for his money. (Rises and goes up r. of table and drops "READY MONEY" 63 her muff on chair above table; goes and picks up mining literature) Steve. I hope so. (Crosses to left of table and takes out checks) Now don't you understand why they must take back these checks? Grace. Yes. Steve. With this money I could pay Morgan's note. I could advertise, I could buy some new ma- chinery. I could make the mine a paying invest- ment. Grace. (Still holding mining literature) If you could make the mine a paying investment with that money, why don't you keep it? Steve. No. I can't do that. All these boys are my friends. These checks represent pretty near all thev have. They g^-ave them to me because they think Reardon has discovered ,j?old. They're crazy now, but thev're not half as crazy as they will be to-morrow when they invf^stigate and find Reardon .hasn't made a strike. Then they'll demand these back, or stop payment. I've got to beat them to that. (Puts checks in pocket) Grace. (Readinq prospectus) This tells all about the mine, doesn't it? Steve. Yes. Grace. I want to read it all over again. May I have one? Steve. (Takes one of each circular and puts them in large blue envelope zvith ^'Stephen Baird, 22 Wall Street, New York City'' printed upon it) There are two different kinds. I'll put them in this envelope for you. It has my name on it, but you don't mind that? (Shows her envelope) Grace. I like it. Steve. It will be neater for you to carry. (Seals and hands envelope to her) There. Grace. Will you put it in the bag? 64 "READY MONEY" Steve. Are you going to leave it here? Grace. Yes, we're coming up again. Steve. Oh, good. (Puts envelope in hag. The envelope is just a trifle too long to allow the hag to close, and he plays with it a moment. After he puts envelope in hag, he pulls chair on level with hench) We understand each other to-day, better than ever before. (He gives up trying to close the hag and hangs it on chair) You've been the best sort of a girl. Grace. How? (Sits on hench while Steve puts envelope in hag) Steve. In every way. I know your mother disapproved of my buying that mine, but ten thou- sand dollars meant nothing to me. (Moves chair close to her) I wanted to make it a great deal more for you. If I should fail now,' I'll have to begin all over again. You'll get so used to seeing me around, you'll be tired of me. Grace. No, I won't, Steve. Steve. Are you sure? Grace. Very sure. Steve. Some one else might come along. (^ Grace shakes her head) Well, if they should, I'll tell you one thing, no one will ever love you as I do. (Takes her hand) Grace. Then that's all we need to know, Steve. Just so long as we love each other, nothing can ever separate us, and the waiting is only a part of our happiness. Steve. (Pause) We're having a great little talk, aren't we? Grace. Yes. Steve. This money has taught me a lesson. More than half the game is the faith money gives you in yourself ; the rest is the confidence it inspires. in others. Are you listening? "READY MONEY" 65 Grace. (Starts. Turns to Steve j Oh, yes. Steve. What did I say last? Grace. Are you hstening? Steve. Before that? (Grace thinks) I thought so, you didn't hear a word I said Grace. I heard you, Steve. Oh, yes, I did,, but I was thinking of you and me. CSteve looks at GraceJ The New Year has started so well for us : even thous^h you lose your mine, you have not failed. I said you hadn't changed, but you have. You've changed a great deal in one day, Stephen. ^Steve looks at Grace) I want to confess to you,, v/hen I first met Mr. Ives, about three weeks ago,, I did not like him. I can't explain what it was, but I know now that I was mistaken. Your associa- tion with him has taught you something. I don't blame Billy for calling you Governor and Captain. (Laugh) Now will you take my advice? Steve. Yes. Grace. If you do lose the mine, don't worry about it, but go at once into the same business as-. Mr. Ives. Steve. (Pushes chair back slightly and places if so that bag is seen by entire audience. This chair is not touched or moved again. Rises and goes left) Of course you don't know what his busi- ness is. Grace. (Goes close to Steve j No, but it naturally must be a very substantial, worthy busi- ness. Isn't it? Steve. I'll tell you what it is some day. In the meantime I'll try and save mv mine. Grace. I was only thinking of you, Steve. Steve. I know you were. (Wall phone rings ^ Steve leaves Grace and goes out into corridor) I'll answer it, Neil. (^ Grace takes her muff to desk. Steve goes to phone) Hello — Hello, Sam. Is it? 66 "READY MONEY" Thank you. I'll tell Grace. (Hangs up receiver) (Comes down) Lunch is ready. (^Neil enters with telegram and hands it to Steve as he is telephon- ing, and exits at once) (Down stage to Grace and holds out telegram) Will you pardon me? (Opens and reads telegram aloud) From Mike Reardon. "Received telegram saying you owned mine. Mor- gan people were getting ready to take control. Will find out why Morgan wanted that mine if I have to dig through to China. Putting on double force. Wire quick $500 for payroll. Happy New Year. Mike Reardon." I must send him that money at once. Grace. (Crosses r. in front of Steve J And I must go down to my lunch. Steve. Just a minute. (Catches Grace'*s hand and pulls her hack partly) I had my breakfast less than an hour tgo. Grace. Sleepy head. Steve. No, no. I've been up since six o'clock, but I didn't think of anything to eat. Rosenthal sent down for something. I'm telling you this be- cause I don't want you to think I have lost my appetite. I know Morgan won't stay but a moment, and then I'm coming down and sit with you. Grace. All right, I'll save a place for you. (Goes up) Right beside mother. Steve. Come here. (Catches her hand) Right beside you. (Kisses her) Grace. All right, Steve, I'll be waiting for you. ^Neil enters) Don't bother coming to the ele- vator. Steve. Neil, look after Miss Tyler. ('Neil and Grace exit) f Steve to table, takes out money) Of course when I did get money, it had to be phony. (Throws it on table) (Takes out checks, reads them) 8,000, 10,000, 7,000, 400, $75 — Ida Tyler. "READY MONEY" 67 Forty thousand, four hundred and seventy-five dol- lars. Nothing succeeds hke success. (Looks at money) Neid. (Enters R. u. near door) May I speak to you a moment, Mr. Baird? Steve. (Goes left) What is it, Neil? Neil. (Looks zvild-eyed at money on table) I beg your pardon, sir, but I have saved some little money, sir ; about a thousand dollars. May I invest it with you? Steve. Can you beat that? (Walks up to win- dow) Neil. It's in the savings bank, sir. I can't get it until to-morrow. Steve. (Relieved) Well, then, you wait until lo-morrow. Neil. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. If you'll ex- cuse me, Mr. Steve, Paul wishes to see you. Steve. Who? Neil. Paul, sir. Steve. Paul who? Neil. The head waiter, sir. He's right here. (Motions for Paul to enter) Steve. (Remonstrating) I don't want to see him. Paul. (Enters quickly) Ah, Happy New Year, Mr. Baird, did you like your coffee this morning? Steve. Yes, it seemed a little better than usual. Paul. (Never takes his eyes off of money on table) I prepared it myself. Any morning you send downstairs 1 will attend to your order per- sonally. Steve. Thank you, Paul. Paul. Neil tells me that you make a great lot of money in mining stocks. I buy any good stock if I can. Steve. Have you saved your money, Paul ? 68 "READY MONEY" Paul. Oh, I have saved just a little. I have — oh — nearly now fifty thousand dollars. Gentlemen for whom I prepare cofifee and attend to personally, they tell me sometimes and then I make money. I would like to buy three thousand dollars of your stock. (^Steve is silent) If you are too busy to-day, I will call at your office to-morrow, 22 Wall Street. N'est-ce pas? Steve. Yes, you do that, Paul. Paul. Thank you, Mr. Baird. Thank you. Any time, anything you want, you send for Paul. (Turns and talks excitedly in French to Neilj Ah, mon vieux — c'est epatant — Quelle Veine — Quelle Veine. On aura des milliards. Viens chez moi ; on va boire a la sante de Monsieur. Mais je te donnerai tout ce que tu voudras ! (Both exit R.j Neil. (Speaks during Paul''s speech) T tell you he is the smartest young man in this country. Steve. It's a lucky thing for me it's a holiday, or I'd have to take all that money, too. (Biisser) (Dozvn to table and picks up telegram) "Send quick $500 for payroll." Now where in the world will I get $500? Morgan. (Outside) Morning, Neil, Baird in? Steve. (At sound of Morgan's voice he puts telegram in his pocket and picks up the money quickly and puts it in his pocket) Neil. (Enters r. u.j Yes, sir, Mr. Morgan. Morgan. (Pause. Enters r. u. Fur coat, cap) Good morning, Baird. Steve. Good morning. Morgan. Been out? , Steve. No. Morgan. Nice out; I just drove down in my open car. Happy New Year! Steve.. (Shakes hands) Same to you. Morgan. I shouldn't have left you as I did last "READY MONEY" 69 night, without getting you that money. After I got home, I began to think that perhaps you needed some cash, but you were all right, weren't you? Steve. Oh, yes, I had that quarter. No one took that away from me. Morgan. Well, you don't need money unless you can spend it. (Takes out zvallet) Steve. You can't spend it anyway. Morgan. What? Steve. Nothing! Nothing! Morgan. Here's your 500, Baird. Pay it back when you can. The first check of the New Year. (Note is enclosed with check ) Oh, here's that note of yours. I took it out of my safe. We won't talk about that to-day. I'll bring my lawyer around to your office to-morrow. Here is your 500. I wish you could pay this. (Turn right) Steve. (Has taken check and quickly sits hack of table and writes a letter) I wonder if you really do? Morgan. Why not? I'd be glad to get my twenty thousand, wouldn't I? Steve. (Writing letter) You wouldn't rather have the mine? Morgan. Oh, I just as soon have the mine. Steve. Well, you give me until the banks close to-morrow afternoon. Morgan. Do you think you can raise $20,000 by then? Steve. No, but someone might give me a benefit or something. (Has finished letter and addresses large-sized envelope) Morgan. All right. I'll call you up during the morning. Oh, by the way, Baird, I saw that gentle- man last night you've been around with lately. What's his name? Ives, isn't it? Steve. Yes, Jackson Ives. 70 "READY MONEY" Morgan. What business is he in? Steve. (Has finished envelope, now endorses check to Mike Reardon) Decorating. Morgan. Oh, is he? What are you endorsing that for now? Are you going to send it away? Steve. Yes. (Calls) Neil! Morgan. Do you owe it to someone? Steve. Yes. Morgan. (Walks down right) Oh! Well, it's a good plan sometimes to pay old debts. Steve. (Puts letter and check in envelope, and seals it) That's what I'm trying to do with this. An old debt that I'm just beginning to realize should be paid. (^Neil enters) Post this in the chute outside, Neil. (Puts a stamp on envelope) Morgan. (Coming to desk, anxious to see to whom, envelope is addressed) I'll post it for you. Steve. No, no ; I wouldn't trouble you. (Hands envelope to Neilj Morgan. It's no trouble at all. Steve. Hurry up, Neil. (Starts to write tele- gram) Neil. Yes, sir. (Exits r. u.J Morgan. Do you ever hear from Reardon? Steve. Once in a while. Morgan. I suppose he's getting ready to vacate. I've ordered my men to move in to-morrow. Steve. Well, don't you move in until Reardon moves out. He's working very hard and you might interrupt him. Morgan. A nice time to begin work : the last forty-eight hours ! Do you expect him to do in two days what he has failed to do in six months ? Steve. It only takes one shovelful to open up a pay streak ! Morgan. I've heard that from every man who "READY MONEY" 71 has failed to strike it. "When I own Sky Rocket I'll talk to you. I may be able to offer you a job. Steve. Thanks. Morgan. (Up at door) Well, if you should happen to succeed in raising that $20,000 before the banks close to-morrow, call me up. Good-bye. (Exit R. u. Neil enters) Steve. Good-bye. (Finishes telegram. Reads wire) (Calls) Neil- — "Sending check for five hun- dred to cover pay roll." (Calls) Neil! Neil. (Standing close to him, speaks very quickly) Yes, sir. Steve. Oh, there you are. Get this off at once. Charge it. (^Neil exits. Cigar btisiness. Looks at money. Goes to window — hack to phone. Takes phone) He^lo. GVe m.e Plaza 1308. Hello, I want to speak to Mr. Jackson Ives — Mr. Baird — What difference does it make where I am? — I don't know what number this is. I'm at — will you ring his apartment. Not in? No, no message. Good-bye. (Hangs ut> receiver) (Goes hft, thinking — pause) (Buzzer off r. v.) Neil. (Re-ent^r r. v.) Mr. Ives. (Exits. Closes door after Ives is in) Ives. (Enters, stands up r.^ looks at Steve^ then comes dozim on a line) You've sold me. You've told the police. I know ! But an hour ago — the plates — the — paper — tools — everything — I threw them into the river. Not a trace remains. You have the only evidence. They'll find the money on you. (Down to end of table right) Steve. Who will? Ives. West. Steve. W^ho is West? Ives. The Chief of the United States Secret Service. Steve. Well, what of it? 72 '^READY MONEY" Ives. He's been here. You've told him. Steve. (Goes to IvESJ I've told no one. Here's your money, take it back. Ives. It's not my money, it is yours. I never saw it before. Steve. (Puts it on table) Well, there it is. I'm through with it. I dreamed last night I had some trouble with that money. Ives (Crosses close to Steve^ sneeringly) Only dreamed, eh? Steve. I can't remember what it was. Ives. You didn't dream it out loud to Chief West? Steve. I did not. Ives. Then how did he know? When I ate breakfast this morning in the cafe, my rooms were searched, f Steve looks quickly at Ives J Oh, they -didn't find anything. All the good that did was to let me know the bulls were around. Then I ■spotted my oM friend Wf'st in the lobby. He had live men planted around the hotel. Steve. Where are they now? Ives. Following the wrong taxicab up Riverside Drive. Steve. Why did you come here? Ives. On the one chance that you hadn't squealed. Steve. You don't believe me? Ives. Prove it. Steve. I haven't been out of these rooms since you left here. Ives. That doesn't mean anything. Steve. (Points to table) There's your money. 1 couldn't tell anyone the truth about it. They wouldn't believe it if I told them. (Takes checks from pocket) Here are forty thousand dollars' worth of checks. (Crosses and points to Rosen- "READY MONEY" 73 thal's and Stewart's telegrams on desk)^ Here are two orders for eleven thousand. (Picks up Rear don's telegram from desk) Here's a tele- gram from Reardon. He's puts on a double force. I sent him five hundred dollars for his pay roll, and nov/ I'm broke ag^ain. (Goes right) Ives. Five hundred dollars. Steve. Yes, Mr. Morgan lent it to me. Ives. To send to Reardon? Steve. Well, he didn't know that. I've got enough trouble without telling the police. Ives. (Takes off high hat, puts it on table. Over L. of table. Takes money) All right. I believe you. I'd like to have West see this money just once. He'd appreciate it. (Facing front, between :table and chair zvith Grace's bag upon it) Steve. If he should find that money on you, w^hat would happen? Ives. (Tosses money on table; money has a rubber band around it) He'll never find it on me. Steve. Wait a minute! Wait a minute! If they should find it on you, what would be the sen- tence ? Ives. Twenty years. Steve. If they rhouM find it on me? Ives. Thev would have both of us. You'd get five years. (Picks money up and tosses if to Baird's side of table) Steve. (Starts away) I don't want it. I just asked that. If they didn't find it at all, what would happen ? Ives. Nothing. They must have evidence. It must be in vour possession, you must be caught passing it. They've got to get you with the ^oods. Steve. Why don't you destroy it? Ives. (Picks up the money again) Destroy fifty thousand dollars? 74 ''READY MONEY" Steve. Why don't you go abroad and make some more? Ives. Do you want to go through with your bar- gain ? Steve. J made no bargain. You persuaded me to keep that money over night. I consented, but that was before I reahzed the danger, before I reaUzed the enormity of the affair. If secret service men are after you, they'll be after me. Does this man "West know you? Ives. Does he know me? He followed me to England six years ago. He will continue to follow me. He will never lead me, never. He's spent ten years trying to turn me up. Some day I mav allow him to do it. All my pals are in prison. It's the only way I can be with them. (Looks at hills) And I could teach some nice young fellow how to make these ! (Indicates hills) Steve. Going to start a school? (Goes to Ive's right elhow) ■ Ives. Yes. Steve. You're too clever a man to be in jail. Ives (Turns on Stevej I know I am. Steve. (Backs off to right) I don't mean it that way. But to see a man with your brains devot- ing his life to making cheap money. Ives. (Strides to Steve j Cheap money? It's perfect. The silk, the paper, the engraving, the execution is superior to the government's. / am the greatest counterfeiter in the zvorld. I am an artist. Steve. Sh ! Sh ! All right ! Ives. (Speaks zvith great pride) Look at that picture of Washington. (Telephone bell) (Pauses before telephone bell; tim^e to count four) Steve. Pardon me. (Goes up back of table) Hello^this Mr. Baird talking. What name ? Down- stairs? All right. (Hangs up receiver) "READY MONEY" j^ Ives. (During telephone message, crosses to left, admiring bills. Turn quickly when he hears ^'down- stairs/' Listens — Pause; looks at envelopes on table) Did someone ask you to come to the office? Steve. Yes, a Mr. Carter. I know who he is — I should have asked him to come up here. (Starts for telephone) Ives. (Takes Stevens hand away from tele- phone) No. Don't do that. (Picks up large blue envelope) These are addressed to your office. Steve. Yes. What are you g"oing- to do ? Ives. You don't want any trouble here, do you? Steve. / should say not. What do you mean ? Ives. It may mean nothing — ^but to be perfectly safe it is better to get this money away from here. Steve. I'm for that. Will you take it? Ives. Have vou any objection to having it posted to your office? Steve. To my office? Ives. Yes. It won't be delivered to-day. The government will guard it for me over night. (Slips $50.ocx) in envelope) Steve. How did you think of that? Ives. (Smiles, seals as he speaks) We have to think of a lot of things. (Be very careful to seal flap of envelope very securely as it is handled a great deal and must not open) Steve. No one will ever find it at my office. Ives. Why not? Steve. No one ever goes there. Ives. Have you any stamps? Steve. (Indicates small stamp case on table) Here they are. How many? Ives. (Passes Steve envelope) Only put on two. Steve. (Weighs envelope in hand) It will surely tieed more than that. *j(^ "READY MONEY" Ives. Two is safer. Steve. {Takes two stamps from table) Safer f Ives. Then if you don't want to pay the extra postage the government will keep it for yon, until you do. (Pauses to let this line land) Steve. (Looks at Ives, puts on two stamps) You're a marvel to me. West. (Outside) Grab him. Neil. (Runs on r. v.) Mr. Baird! Thieves! QuiNN. (A large man of about 45 J (Grabs Neil just at entrance, holds in back of corridor) Hammond. (Enters r. u., gun in hand) (Speaks in a lozv nasty growl) Hands up ! Hands up! fpLYNN, U. S. Secret Service man, 45 years old, enters, goes at once to IvESJ Put the irons on him. (Indicates Ives J (To Steve j Young feller, you're under arrest. (^Flynn handcuffs IvesJ West. (Chief of U. S. S. S., a man of great dig- nity and bearing. Wears cutaway coat and top hat) (Enters R. u. To Quinn, who has been holding NeilJ Take him out there and give him to Clark, f Steve, the moment before Hammond enters, puts envelope in left side pocket, and keeps his arm close to his side) Well, Walker, old pal, did you think we had gone out of business over here, or that we had forgotten you? Ives. What does this mean? West. It's a pinch, old pal. Ives. Oh ! You have a warrant ? West. I don't need anv warrant for you. (To Hammond and FlynnJ Search these rooms. Ives. Without a warrant? West. Wait a minute. I've always tried to humor you. Walker. Fan him. (^Flynn fans Ives, finds revolver) f West takes revolver from Flynn, gives gun back to FlynnJ I thought so: that's about all the warrant I need. Now take him in "READY MONEY" ^7 there and give him a good search. And don't over- look anything. Hammond (Comes down to IvesJ Hello^ Walker. Ives. Hello, Hammond, you are looking much older. Are you still the money expert ? Hammond. Yes. Ives. Oh, fancy that. West. Take him away. (Ives, Hammond and Flynn exit R. i) (Turns to Steve aftei^ exit) Your name is Bad. Steve. Not Bad — Baird. West. You live here? Steve. This apartment hdongs to Mr. Welch. He is downstairs in the cafe. West. (Roughly) I know! I know! Steve. Oh, excuse me. West. What are you in this for, young feller? You're a new one to me. How long have you known Walker? Steve. W^ho ? West. Well, Ives then. Steve. Oh, Mr. Ives. About three weeks. West. Um ! Now, if you're just starting in to be his pal, it's a good- time to Quit. We picked him up two days ago. We've seen him around with you, but as long as you didn't appear to have any money, we had nothing to work on. You fooled us when you went over and dined on Eighth A_venue. But this morning, we find you've got a lot of m.oney. I know it. Now two and two add up and make fou^. Walker has furnished you with the money, and you have passed it. If you'll tell me the tru^h. I'^^ guarantee you immunity. You can sw^^ar that h^ gave you the counterfeit to pass and thpt h? to^"* you it was genuine, and that you believed him. If you'll do that, you'll go free. If you don't, I'll 78 "READY MONEY" railroad you as his pal. When did he give you the money to pass. (Crosses Steve to right) (Crosses right — pauses and then turns back quickly and yells at Steve — 'When did he give you the money to passr) Steve. (Nearly caught off his guard) He never gave me any money to pass. West. (Sits left of table) What are you lying for? (^Steve silent) (Calls) Quinn! (Turns up about three steps on second call and turns at once when the shift has been made) Quinn! (^ Steve quickly takes money from left pVcket and slips it under mining I'.teraturc on right end of table) fQuiNN enters r. v.) Tie him up. Take him in there and search him. (Indicates room right) fQuiNN handcuffs Steve, then Steve and Quinn exit R. I. West looks about room) CHammond enters l. i, hands West revolver: also has, some letters and money in his hand) fWEST takes re- volver — automatic, very small) Another, one, eh ? Hammond. Uo his sleeve. West. Automatic ! Same oM Walker. (Takes "money and letters from Hammond j (Holds two or three envelopes in h's hand and about IS bills. Looks at money) A thousand-dollar bill. (Exam- ines money closely) This isn't phoney. It's the real stuff. Hammond. Yes. West. Are you certain? Hammond. Absolutely. "West. How much is here? Hammond. Two one-thousand-dollar bills and five hundred — in small bills. West. He's probably a rich man — I'll keep these. (Puts papers and money in pocket) We've got to get the goods on him this time. Hammond. Yes. "READY MONEY'* 79 West. Elasn't changed a bit, has he? Hammond. Looks younger. (Works this line for laugh. Hammond is sore, Ives looks younger than himself) (Turns up. West turns up, examin- ing IvES^ hat on table, turns dozvn sweat hand) How did Walker get out of that taxicab? I saw him g'et into it. West. He walked right through it into another. That's all right, this is the best place to get him. It's ten to one the young fellow carries the bank roll. That's what I want. (Looks about room, goes to mining prospectus, picks one up, reads it) Skyrocket! (Throws it down disgusted, starts to look between them) Hammond. (Has been looking around room, sees Grace's bag zvith envelope. Speaks just as West is about to ruffle prospectus) Here's some- thing with the young fellow's name on it. West. (Takes envelope, feels it carefully. Sees another envelope on desk and compares them; sees they are all alike, picks up knife and opens enve- lope. Disgusted at mining literature) Isn't there anything around here but that mining stuff? (Puts torn envelope in pocket) (Picks up a nezv envelope, puts circulars in it and seals it carefully) Put it back. Anything there ? (Looks in bag, reads name apparently on inside of bag. This bag must be empty) "Miss Tyler." Put it back where you found it. Go in there and see what the young fel- low had on him. No ! Wait a moment. (Looks at Hammond^, goes to door l. i, calls) Bring him in ! Say yes to the first question I ask you. (Pause) (^IvES and Flynn enter l. i ) We found it quick -enough this time, didn't we, Hammond? Hammond. Yes. West. Well, Walker, I'm sorry for you in a way, but you might have expected it. The young 8o "READY MONEY" fellow did exactly what they always do, lost his. head, became panic-stricken with fear and only thought of saving himself. He blew the whole story, didn't he, Hammond? Hammond. Yes, and he's scared to face you, too. West. (Center) I should say he is. He put the entire thing on you. Swears that you gave him the queer and told him it was genuine. He said you had a streak of yellow and he was gomg to turn you down. Now I'll tell you what you do. You tell me that he's lying and that he did know the money was queer and I'll see that he gets the worst end of it. Ives. Thafs old stuff, West. You'll never get azvav from those tozcn constable methods of yours. West. (To Hammondj Go and get what Quinn found on the young fellow. (^Hammond exits r. ij (To IvESJ I've got all the evidence I want. Ives. I congratulate you, but you must have it. West. I'll get it. IvES. Oh, then yon haven't got it noivf West. (To FlynnJ Take him back. I'll send for him. /^Flynn and Ives exit l. i. Hammond enters r. ij What did you get? Hammond. Here's over $40,000 in checks. West. (Takes checks) No money? Hammond. (Hands West coin) A quarter. West. Ugh ! (Places Quarter on table — be care- ful to place it near left end) That's strange. Looks as if they had been cleanmg up, but it's a new way of working. (Looking at checks) Hammond. Yes, and ^ook at the names on these checks. West. Um ! James E. T^^Vr — the young fellow keeps company with the oldest daughter. That's her bag there with that mining bunk in it. Big; "READY MONEY" 8i family. We'll have to keep her name out of this. Did the young fellow give Quinn any trouble? Hammond. No. But he's worried, believe me! West. Tell Quinn to take the irons off, and send him here. He may help us locate it; and Ham- mond, let him understand that he won't be searched again ; then if they've got the money planted around here, he'll stick near it, or try to get it back. You watch him from in there. (Indicates left room) Hammond. (Exits r. i, and at once re-enters and exits l. i. Speaks but does not stop zvalking} All right. I told him he wouldn't be searched again.. ("West looks at checks just before Steve t. iters.. Goes up in right corner back of mantel. Steve does: not see him on his entrance) (Pause — -'Steve en- ters R. I. Exercises hands and wrists) Steve. (Crosses l., nearly to door, turns, sees Westj Oh, there you are. (Sees his quarter on table. Picks it up, puts it in pocket) (This busi- ness carefully done gets a big laugh) West. (Angry and bull-like) Before we tear up these rooms, I want to talk to you. Where did you get these checks? Steve. They were given to me. West. What for ? Steve. For Sky Rocket Gold Mine Stock- Want to buy some? West. You sold all that in one day? Steve. Yes, sir. West. You suddenly sold $40,000 worth?' You're a smart little fellow. Steve. Oh, yes. West. Did you discover gold on this mine? Steve. No, sir. West. I know you didn't. You've been trying to sell that stock for 6 months. Are you going TO TELL ME HOW YOU GOT THESE CHECKSf 82 "READY MONEY" Steve. (Takes circular and hands it to West/ Read one of these. It explains everything. West. I wouldn't read it. I don't fall for that stuff. (Deliberately turns away to right. He does- this because he knows that Hammond is watch- ing) _ _ Steve. (Quickly takes envelope urith money from under mining literature, puts it in l. hand pocket) (^Hammond enters l. i as Steve reaches for money, and comes close to Steve J f Steve turns L. and confronts Hammond. Pause, both hold pic- ture) Hammond. (Then quickly goes to West l.J You're right. He's got it in his left-hand pocket. (Turns up right and back down left) f Steve, as Hammond speaks, quickly slips envelope into Grace^s bag and zvithdraws envelope containing cir- culars and puts them into left coat pocket; keeps his hand in pocket with envelope) West. (Goes to Steve. Puts hand on Steve's shoulder) Now, young fellow, I've got you. You'll spend ten years in jail. Think of it — ten years. Your whole life will be ruined. Unless you do one thing. I don't want you. I want Walker, I've got to get him with that money on him. Now I'll call Walker in here and you hand him that envelope you've got in your pocket and you'll go free, and I'll keep your name out of it. Now take your choice ; put the money on Walker, or go to jail. Steve. (Pauses. Takes envelope from pocket) I've got to give him this? West. Yes. Steve. Is there no other way out of it? West. Absolutely none. Steve. Will you give me a second to thinks it over? West. Yes. . . .(Calls) Quinn! ('To Ham- "READY MONEY" 83 MONDJ Take the irons off Walker. Tell Flynn to come here. Hammond. (Exits l. ij /Ouinn enters l. ij West. (To Quinnj fQuiNN goes way left) Stand over there. (Indicates l. c. Hammond en- ters L. I J Both of you grab him the second he gets the money ! (To Steve J Come on ; are you ready ? Steve. Yes, I'll do it. West. After he gets in here, walk right up and force it on him. (^Ives enters l. i with FlynnJ f West pauses, nods to Steve to pass Ives envelope. Steve goes to Ives, extends envelope to him. Ives pauses. Steve turns envelope so that Ives can see there are no stamps on it) (^Ives, as if he were taking the money which traps him, puts it in his breast pocket) Grab him ! f Flynn and Ham- mond hold Ives. Turns on Steve, pushes him back beside Steve) You're both under arrest! It's taken me ten years to do this, Walker, but I told you I'd do it, didn't I? Welch. (Enters r. v.) What is this? Steve, what does this mean ? Stewart. (Enters r. u. with Grace and IdaJ What's the trouble, Sam? Grace. Stephen ! Welch. What is it, Steve? What does this mean? West. These two men are under arrest. All. What? What? What does this mean? (Ad. lib.) Grace. (Alarmed) Stephen! Stephen! (The last ''Stephen'' should bring the attention of the audience to him) Steve. (Fears that Grace may take the bag. Looks at it) Mrs Tyler. (Enters with Grace and keeps close to her) (Looks scornfully at Steve; sees 84 "READY MONEY" Grace^s bag, takes it from back of chair) Grace f (Starts to walk r. u. with arm around Grace J (To TylerJ Come! (To Ida) Ida! (At door. This must be very carefully rehearsed. It gets a big round of applause when right) (Exits R. u. with Grace and bag containing money) All. What does this meart? It's absurd. It's ridiculous. Tyler. (After others) What does this mean? West. (Still holding check) Who belongs to these checks? (Reads) Which one of you is Wil- liam Stewart? Stewart. I am. West. Here . . . You've got to give up that stuff he gave you for this. (Gives Stewart his check. Stewart takes it without understanding what it means. Holds check in, his hand just as he receives it) West. (Reads) Who's Sidney Rosenthal ? Rosenthal. I am. West. You can thank me for saving this for you. (Extends check) Rosenthal. (Just about to take it, suddenly, then starts, throws up his hands) Wait a minute. I know what this is. He tried to make us take them back half an hour ago. Look out, everybody. These fellows are not regular detectives. Steve's hired them to scare us, but we won't take them back. All. No. (Very confident) Rosenthal. We won't take them back. (Very confident and positive) (^Stewart presses his check back into West^s hands) Curtain ACT III Scene : 22 Wall Street. Time : Ten o'clock the next morning. Discovered: Miss Elliott, Stewart, Rosenthal and WfiLCH seated around the office. (^Reddy, the office boy, enters from l. i zvith telegram, puts it on desk, exits l. i. All watch ReddyJ (^Stewart sighs) ('Rosenthal turns in revolving chair and glares at Stewart, who is right of flat desk and between roll-top desk and flat desk) Stewart. (Pauses; sighs) Oh, dear! Rosenthal. (Turns and looks at Stewart^ (Seated left of flat desk) What's the matter with you ? Stewart. Nothing. Rosenthal. (Antagonistic attitude of mind) What are you Oh, dearing about? Don't you feel ^vell? Stewart. I feel all right, only I'm not as sure about this as I was yesterday. Rosenthal. (Same tone) If you're scared why don't you stop payment on your check ? You notice Steve hasn't tried to cash them. When a man carries checks around in his pocked and isn't anx- ious to bank them, that proves he's not crazy about 8s S6 "READY MONEY" taking the money at all. The only thing I'm afraid of is that he is still liable to make us take them back. Welch. (Seated up left center with MargyJ We won't do that. Rosenthal. I was almost afraid to come down here. (To Miss Elliott j Tell him what you think alDOUt it, Margy. Miss Elliott. (Seated up left zvith Welch) Oh, I think everything is perfectly splendid! Rosenthal. (To Stewart j There you are,, and she's a girl. Miss Elliott. (Turning toward Rosenthal) What do you mean by that? Rosenthal. Nothing. Miss Elliott. Nothing? Rosenthal. I mean that you're a girl and you don't know anything. (Turning to Margy) Margy. What? Rosenthal. I mean about business. Margy. Oh! I'm sorry I appear so stupid. (Turns to Welch very sweetly) /Welch moves forward in chair) What were you talking about, Sam? Come here, f Margy fixes Welch's tie) There, that's been worrying me all morning. Rosenthal. (Angry. To Stewartj Now do you see what you've done sitting around sighing? That's the way to start a panic, f Reddy enters l. i with open telegram, puts it on desk under paper weight, slams paper zueight on telegram, exits L. i) (All watch Reddyj Welch. (After Reddy exits) Another tele- gram for Steve. He ought to be here to attend to business. Rosenthal. (Trying to make up with Margyj Margy said he called up the Tylers' house twice this morning. "READY MONEY" 87 Miss Elliott. (Speaks to Welch. Snubs Rosenthal^ He did . Welch. What did he want? Miss Elliott. Grace! Welch. Did he talk to her? Margy. No. Mrs. Tyler gave orders that if anyone should call for Grace to say she was not at home. She won't allow Grace or Ida or even Mr. Tyler to come down here, and they all want to. Welch. What's the matter with her? Margy. She thinks something- has happened that may reflect upon Grace, and Grace made matters worse by insisting that she be allowed to see Ste- phen. Rosenthal. (Anxious) I don't blame her. Wouldn't you want to see me? Margy. (Ignores Rosenthal, speaks to Welch J He should have called on Mrs. Tyler and explained all about yesterday. That man said Mr. Ives and Stephen were arrested. Rosenthal. (To Margy) You don't really be- lieve that, do you? He didn't say a word after I told him he wasn't a detective. If Steve hadn't asked us to leave them alone, I woul'd have found out all about it. Stewart. Where was he all last night? Ex- plain that! Rosenthal. (Angry. Turns on StewartJ I don't know. Stewart. Oh ! Rosenthal. Where was he the night before last ? You didn't worry about him then ! It's noth- ing for a man to stay out all night. ('Margy looks at Rosenthal. Rosenthal sees Margy's look) I mean, if he isn't married or something like that.. ('Margy turns to Welch. Rosenthal rises and leans on desk and scolds Stewart. Ready for big 88 "READY MONEY" laugh) Maybe it's just as well if you don't say anything more, f Mr. Tyler enters l. i. Hat and coat) Mr. Tyler. (After laugh) Good morning! All. Good morning, Mr. Tyler ! Rosenthal. Where's Grace? Stewart. Where's Ida? Mr. Tyler. (Stands in door) At home! Is Stephen here? Welch. No. Mr. Tyler. Well, how do you feel about things this morning? Rosenthal. All right. Mr. Tyler. (Faces front) I'm glad to hear that. Jay Gould said that the first requirement in Wall Street was patience. Rosenthal. (To Stewart J Did you hear what Jay Gould said? Stewart. (Looks up) Where is he? Rosenthal. Oh-o-o! (Rises and goes up stage) Mr. Tyler. (Remains extreme left) I forbade Mrs. Tyler and my daughter to come here until I had investigated matters thoroughly. Rosenthal. That's great, what Jay Gould said ! (Ida enters L. i ; sees her father, starts back) Ida. Oh! Mr. Tyler. (Back center to allow Ida to enter) What are you doing here? Ida. I — I came down to see Billy. Mr. Tyler. What did your mother tell you? Return home at once. Miss Elliott. (Goes to Tyler's right elbow) Oh, let her remain, Mr. Tyler, please? Mr. Tyler. No! Ida. I'll tell mother you were here. "READY MONEY" 89 Tyler. (Crosses and sits extreme left. To MargyJ She may stay a little while \i she wants to. Margy. (Right, near StewartJ Come over here, Ida. Tyler. Maybe it's just as well for us to go home together. Where did you tell mother you were going? Ida. To the hair dresser's. (Left end of fiat desk) Rosenthal. (Center to Tyler j That let's you out. Tyler. In a measure. (Sits extreme l., takes off rubbers) Ida. (At right of desk) What's the matter, Billy? Rosenthal. (Goes behind flat desk) He's going to move that wedding back again to Spring. Stewart. Am I? Rosenthal. (To Idaj Yes, and Margy will be married before you will. He's going back to selling real estate on Long Island. Stewart. I am not. Rosenthal. (Argumentative ) But you're scared of your stock, aren't you ? Stewart. No! Rosenthal. (Same tone) Are you satisfied that everything is all right? Stewart. Yes. Rosenthal. Well, now that you are, I'm going to show you something. So you will all see how easy it is to be scared over nothing. I'll admit, yesterday I was a little suspicious. I know Mike Reardon who is in charge of the mine, and I tele- graphed him, put it right up to him : "Have you discovered gold?" Here's his answer. (Takes telegram from pocket, and reads :) "Sidney Rosen- 90 "READY MONEY" thai, 62 West 70th St., N. Y. City. Yes. Mike Reardon." All. (Go to Rosenthal and crowd round him on '^Here's his answer.") Ah! Yes! Oh! , Rosenthal. (Pauses; looks at StewartJ Now are you going to "Oh dear" any more? Stewart. (Does not rise with others) Let me see it. Rosenthal. (Hands telegram to Stewart j (After Stewart has read it) Now how do you feel? Stewart. (Reading telegram) I wish Mike had said something more than "Yes." Rosenthal. (Disgustedly ; snatches telegram from StewartJ Give it to me ! I asked him a plain question : "Have you discovered gold ?" I suppose you'd rather have him telegraph, "It's a beautiful day. I think I have. Crosses mean kisses." (Hold until laugh is over. Read quickly) Come on, Margy, we'll go up to my office. (Takes Margy center) Welch. (Stops them center) Wait a minute. I wasn't going to say anything, but I also tele- graphed Mike Reardon. I told him I had bought a big block of stock, and asked him to wire his honest opinion of the mine. Here's his reply : (Takes telegram from pocket. Reads as all crowd about) "Gallup, Arizona. Sam Welch, 617 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Nothing like it west of the river. Mike Reardon." All. (Crozvd around Welch J Stewart. (Turns away disgusted) You can take that two ways. (Front of flat desk) Rosenthal. (Right of Welch and left of TylerJ But you can't take "yes" two ways. Yes means yes. Now put the two together. (Points to Welch's telegram) What is your honest opinion "READY MONEY" 91 of the mine? (Refers to his own telegram) Have you discovered gold? What's the answer? Noth- ing hke it west of the river. Yes. A child could figure that out. Tyler. I understand it. HoLBROOK. (Comes center) I also telegraphed Mike Reardon and asked him if he had discovered gold. Listen to this. (Takes telegram from pocket and reads:) "Sumner Holbrook, 521 Broadway, N. Y. City. Yes. Mike Reardon." ' All. (Crowd around Holbrook J Ah! Rosenthal. (Goes left — indicates Stewart j Try and explain that to him. Stewart. (Goes right) Oh, I believe it now. Miss Elliott. (Goes to Rosenthal J I wish 1 had more than a hundred shares. Rosenthal. It's all right to begin with. Hetty Green started with less than that. (^Mrs. Tyler enters l. i ; sees Ida and Mr. Tyler j Good morn- ing, Mrs. Tyler ! All. (General greetings) Good morning, Mrs. Tyler ! Holbrook. Everything is all right, Mrs. Tyler, I telegraphed for some real information. See here. (Reads) Yes ! Mrs. Tyler. Pardon me, just a moment. (Cross Holbrook fo Ida at left end of fiat desk) I thought you were going to the hair dresser's? Ida. I was going, but I came down here first to see father. ■ Mrs. Tyler. Where is your father? Tyler. (On Mrs. Tyler''s entrance he has tried to hide behind characters; reaches door up center which is locked, then tries to get away unnoticed L. I. Then comes down) Here I am. I was standing right up there, and you didn't see me. Now we're all here, aren't we ? 92 "READY MONEY" Ida. (Joins Stewart up above desk) Except Grace ! Mrs. Tyler. Grace is the only one who will obey me ! Where is Mr. Baird ? Welch. We're waiting for him. Mrs. Tyler. (To Welch as she sits) Now, Welch, please stand there. (Points to center) (^Welch stands before Mrs. TylerJ I would like to have you explain to me all you know in regard to the extraordinary proceedings at your room yesterday. (Goes close to Welch's left elbow) Rosenthal. Tell her what Jay Gould said. Reddy. (Lisps on all words beginning with S. Enters l. ij Excuse me, please. Welch. What is it, Reddy? Reddy. Mr. Baird just called up. All. (Ad. lib.) Where is he? What did he say ? Reddy. He wants to know if you will let him use his office for a few minutes. All. He did ! Where is he? What did he say? AVhy, of course we will. Rosenthal. Where is he now? Reddy. (Sarcastically) He didn't say. He said he was sorry to disturb you. Welch. That's all right, we understand. Rosenthal. Come up to my office. Welch. All right, I'll tell you up there, Mrs. Tyler. (Goes left) Margy. (-L.) Couldn't we stay here until he comes in and say hello to him? Ida. (Goes to Margy's left) Oh, yes, I want to see him. Rosenthal. We'll come back later. Margy. Maybe we'll see him at the elevator. Stewart. (Crosses quickly to Ida and takes "READY MONEY" 93 her hand) If we do, we won't bother him, we'll just say "Hello, Colonel," and go right along. Come, Ida. (Exits with Ida l. iJ {'Tyler goes to his wife) HoLBROOK. Sam! (Exits l. i with Welch ^ Welch. All right, old man, I'm coming. Tyler. Do you know why I came downtown? Mrs. Tyler. Why? Tyler. I came down to buy you something. Mrs. Tyler. All right, we'll go right out now and get it. (Exits l. 1) ^Mr. Tyler picks up his rubbers and exits l. i j Margy. Hurry, Sidney! Rosenthal. Just a second. (^Miss Elliott exits L. ij (To ReddyJ Say, Reddy, what did Mr. Baird say over the phone? Reddy. He just asked if you were here. Rosenthal. What did you say? Reddy. I told him you were all here. Rosenthal. What did he say then? (^Reddy hesitates) It's all right, Reddy, you can tell me. Reddy. I told him you were all in his office, Rosenthal. Yes, and he said? Reddy. "Get them to He^ out of there." Rosenthal. Have patience. (Exits l. i^ ^Reddy arranges letters on desk. Buttons coat as if office 7t'as chilly. Looks at thermometer on back wall, takes it down, looks at it, breathes on it, looks up at transom, hangs up thermometer, shuts tran- som. Exits L. I. Pause. Steve unlocks cen- ter door with key. Holds it open for Ives to enter) Steve. Come in ! ('Ives comes in and dozvn. then right and looks down into street) (Pause b^-fore Reddy enters while both men remove coats ni^fd hats. Then Reddy enters l. i J Hello, Reddy ! Who w?«^ here? 94 "READY MONEY'r, Reddy. (Rattles off names) Mr. Tyler, Mrs, Tyler, Miss Ida Tyler, Miss Elliott, Mr. Rosenthal, Mr. Welch, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Holbrook Steve. (To Ivesj Stockholders. This office is about as private as a sidewalk.. What did they want ? Reddy. To see you. Steve. Was Miss Grace Tyler here? Reddy. No, sir. Mr. Morgan called up, said he'd be over later. Steve. All right. Reddy. Telegrams and mail on the desk. Tele- grams are important. They ought to be attended to. Steve. I'll call you. Reddy. Yes, sir. (Exits l. ij Steve. (Goes to Ives, who is at left end of flat desk) What sort of a cell did they put you in? (IvES^smiles) You were alone at least. They made , , fi great fuss over you. I was in a room with a gang who had held up an all-night restaurant. Ives. Thieves. Steve. It was awful. Ives. (Looks at Steve — indicates mail and tele- grams on flat desk) Here are some letters, tele- grams ; you had better look them over. Steve. There's something more important now than letters and telegrams. I've got to see Miss Tyler or get word to her. I telephoned. They said she was not at home. Ives. Who answered you? Steve. A servant. I made a mistake to let Grace take that money, but it all happened so quickly that I didn't realize what I was doing. Ives. It was the only thing to do. It was a clever shift, my boy. Steve. I'm not proud of it. When Mrs. Tyler "READY MONEY" 95 finds out that we spent the night in the Tombs, that will end everything for me. Ives. A lot of prominent men have been in the Tombs. Steve. I can't afford that sort of prominence. (Crosses down left) I wonder what they all think of me now? Ives. (Comes center to Steve J They know nothing. West was so certain I had the money in tny pocket that he assumed the taciturn manner of the detective who has bagged big game. It is only when the bull is uncertain that he becomes chatty. Steve. Well, he didn't talk much this morning. He didn't push his case. I know you talked a lot of law to that Commissioner and he knew he couldn't hold us, but West didn't have the evidence he wanted. I was looking directly at West when the Commissioner handed him that speech about being over-zealous. West's eyes turned green. He's more dangerous than ever. Could you find ?.ny mention of this in the morning papers? Ives. There was nothing. West is keeping it auiet. That's his method. Steve. T don't suppose he knows it, but he'd be doing me a great favor. I'm glad he waited until we got to his office before he ooened that envelope. Did you ever see a more surprised man than he was when he found that mining literature? (Pause) What did you think when I handed you that en- velope ? Ives. I can tell a safe that's got money in it. (Pause) And when you showed me there was no stamps in the corner I knew you had gone through for me, and if the opportunity comes, I'll try and prove to you how grateful I am. Steve. You can try right now. Help me to get that money from Miss Tyler and destroy Jt. 96 "READY MONEY" Ives. We'll get it from Miss Tyler, but we'll not destroy it. Steve. It must be destroyed. Do you realize that I could have handed you over to the police, when you first told me about it. Don't make me sorry I didn't. Ives. (Speaks with strength) And do you realize that I didn't have to tell you about it at all; and that I wouldn't have told you, if ypu had not told me you were at the end of your rope and ready to end everything; and that I told you about it, and gave it to you, for your own good, and that it accomplished that good? Don't you make me sorry for that. Nothing has happened that amounts to anything except that you have sold fifty thousand dollars worth of stock. Steve. (Same tone) That amounts to nothing. Miss Tyler has that money in her possession. (Pause and change of tone) We have no right to fight between ourselves. We must stand together and fight for her. Suppose that West starts to figure out that she got the money? Do you know what it would mean to have her name dragged into this? Suppose he found the money on her? She'd be arrested, wouldn't she? Ives. He would not have released us if he was going to think of that. She's the last girl in the world to figure in a case like this. Steve. Thank you. Ives. Now get your mind oflf this for a while. Attend to your business. If Miss Tyler is not at home, she may be on her way here. Look at these telegrams. Steve. All right. (Picks up telegrams) Open these letters, will you? (Hands Ives letters, reads telegram) Baltimore! "Alwavs knew Sky Rocket was a winner. Deliver five thousand shares, draft. "READY MONEY" 97 attached to Chemical National Bank. John Mat- thews." . Ives. (Has opened letter) Here's a long letter. Steve. Read it. Ives. "My old Pal Steve: I want six thousand shares but cannot send the money now." Steve. Don't read any more. Here's one from. Cincinnati. (Reads telegram) "My dear Steve r If you will let me in for five thousand I won't let anyone know about it. Deliver stock to Garfield Bank. Thomas Bartlett." How did he know? That money made a terrible noise. Here's a fellow who heard it way out in Cincinnati. Here's four telegrams — orders for five thousand, four thousand: — forty-five hundred. Up to date I've sold $60,000 worth of stock and I don't even own the mine. (Sees last telegram) Listen to this. (Reads) "Received telegrams from stockholders, asking if I had dis- covered gold. I don't know what you are doing,, old Pal, but I'll string along with you. Answered' all in the affirmative. Putting on night shift. Mike Reardon." Rosenthal and the crowd have been in- vestigating for themselves. Ives. Reardon is working! Steve. I should say he was. A night shift. Ives. If the gold is there for the first time in six- months everything is being done to find it. Steve. But it's too late. (Sits between desks) Ives. (Back of desk) If Reardon had three or four days more, working as he is, he'd strike if if it's there. Steve. But I haven't three or four days more. I have only until three o'clock to-day. Ives. (Sits left of flat desk) I'll show you how to get three or four days more, or six or seven, just as you think best. Steve. How in the world can I do that? 98 "READY MONEY" Ives. (Picks up circular^ sits l. of desk) Have you any money in this Citizen's Trust Co., at Gallup, Arizona ? Steve. Til see. (Read this for a laugh) (Turns to roll tof desk. Looks in pigeon holes. Finds hank hook) Here's my book. (Takes hank hook. Looks at it carefully) Yes, I have — seven dollars. Ives. That's plenty. (^Steve looks at Ives. Smiles. Puts down hank hook) Have you a check book? Steve. Oh, yes, I have a lot of checks. (Looks in desk) Here they are. (Gets very large hook of checks from drazver — three checks on a page) Ives. Good. Steve. Good for 7 dollars. Ives. (Picks up circular) (Looking at circular) Do you know the President of this bank? Steve. Oh, very well. He's the whole town. He's sheriff and everything. Ives. I'll have you telegraph him later. Make out check to Mr. Morgan for twenty thousand dol- lars. (^ Steve starts to make out check, drops pen on $20,000 j Ives. Go ahead. That's all right. We'll make Mr. Morgan accept it. Steve. How? Ives. I don't know, but he'll take it. Steve. What happens then? Ives. It will take three or four days for that check to get to Arizona! Steve. Yes. Ives. In the meantime if Reardon is lucky, he can meet it, or you can wire the money to the hank. Steve. Is that just right? Ives. It's just as right as Morgan's intentions were when he loaned you twenty thousand dollars "READY MONEY" 99 on a hundred thousand dollar proposition. Or, you are simply taking the three days' grace he won't allow. Look at it either way. Steve. I'll look at it both ways. I think it's a great idea. (Writes check) January 2nd. (As he writes) How could I get six or seven days? Ives. You could send the Citizens Trust Com- pany a New York check or the same amount for deposit, to cover this. Then that check would have to come all the way back here, another three or four days, before they find that neither check is good. (This line gets a big laugh) Steve. (Pauses) I'll be satisfied with three or four days. You're a wonder. I can't teach you anything. Ives. My boy, if you'll listen to me I'll show you how to make money. Steve. (Rises for laugh — sits again) No you won't. (Finishes zvriting check) Ives. I mean legitimately. Steve. Oh ! Reddy. (Enters l. 1) Mr. Morgan is here, Mr. Baird. Steve. (To Ives J We'd better keep him waiting for a few minutes. Make him respect us. f IvE3 nods his head) Tell Mr. Morgan I'm very busy just now. Ask him to wait out there. Ring both messenger calls, and look busy. I'll ring for you. Reddy. Yes, sir. (Exiti.. i) Steve. (Pauses, thinks. Reaches for phone) I'll try and get Miss Tyler again. Ives. Not from here. Steve. Why? - Ives. I wouldn't if I were you. Steve. Tell me why not? Ives. Nothing ! Only if West is still watching loo "READY MONEY" us, he will have some one copper every call to or from this office. If you are anxious to see or talk to her it might put an idea into his head. Steve. I've telephoned her home twice. She's not there. Ives. Did you ask for her? Steve. Of course. Ives. Give your name? Steve. Yes. Do you think he will watch that number also? Ives. You should have asked me before you did it. . Steve. I wish I had. We'll hurry up and get rid of Morgan. (Pushes button on desk) I hope I don't laugh when I hand him this. fREDDY enters L. I) Steve. All right. Reddy. Yes, sir. (Exits "L. i) Steve. (Stamps check with perforator $20,000/ It's a good-looking check anyway. Morgan. (Entering l. ij Hello, Steve. Steve. Hello! (Introduces Ives J Mr. Ives, Mr. Morgan. Morgan. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Ives, fIvES rises) Morgan. (Crosses to left end desk, crossing Ives J Say, what's all this I hear about Sky Rocket? Steve. What did you hear? Morgan. That you've sold a lot of stock and that you have discovered gold ! Steve. Didn't you expect me to ? Morgan. Um! When did you find it out? (Quickly, and very stern) Steve. (To Ivesj When was that? Ives. Yesterday. Morgan. (Ugly) What time yesterday? Ives. In the morning. "READY MONEY" loi Steve. Yes, in the morning. Yesterday morn- ing, in the morning, right along about noontime. Morgan. Why didn't you tell me when I lent you that five hundred? Steve. I just wanted to find out if you would lend me five hundred. Morgan. Didn't I lend you twenty thousand dollars? (To Ives J I put this young fellow in the business. Ives. (Down c.) Oh, did you? Morgan. Ask him. Steve. (Still seated between desks) Have you got that note with you ? Morgan. Yes, but we won't bother about that now. I may decide to take stock for it. Steve. No, I've decided to take up the note. Morgan. I'm perfectly willing to extend it for a few days. Ives. You won't have to. The note is due January 7th, isn't it? Morgan. January second. But I'd rather wait a few days. Ives. (Bluff speech to Stevej (To SteveJ Didn't you tell me the seventh? (To Morgan J I am sure it's the seventh. Morgan. (Angry and to show Ives he is wrong) (Takes out note, shows it to Ives j Well, there you ar€ . .- . January second . . . see for yourself. Ives. (Takes note) You're right! (Crosses quickly behind Morgan j (Shows note to Steve, puts it in his hand and motions to put if on roll fop desk out of Morgan's reach) Mr. Morgan is right, it is January 2nd. (^Morgan advances to fake note) Steve. (Takes note. Puts it on roll fop desk and extends check to Morgan j Here's your check. Morgan. (Has crossed intending to get his note) I02 "READY MONEY" (Takes check) Strange they don't know of the find in Arizona. I telegraphed my man at Safety. He wired back no. Steve. You should have telegraphed Reardon. He would have wired back YES. Morgan. (Has been looking at check) Oh, he would, eh? Can't you give me a New York check? Steve. I could, but it wouldn's be as good as that. Morgan. (Go up two steps to Ives J Oh, are you interested in mines, Mr. Ives ? Ives. (At hack of flat top desk) I'm beginning to catch the fever. Morgan. Baird told me you were in the deco- rating business. ("Ives turns quickly to Steve j Wasn't that it? Steve. That was it, but he's going out of that business. Morgan. Oh! Well, come out to Arizona, and I'll sell you a mine. Fd like to do business with you. MR. Ives. Ives. I'd like to do business with you, MR. Mor- gan. Morgan. Thank you. (Goes to i.. i) Any time you don't know what to do with your money, come and see me. (Crosses l. Grace enters l. i. Mor- gan raises hat to GraceJ Good morning, Miss Tyler. Grace. Mr. Morgan. Morgan. Good morning. (Exit l. ij Steve. (Goes quickly to Grace — Center) (Ives comes down quickly to l. of GraceJ Grace, I tele- phoned you twice. ^ Grace. I knew it was you, Steve. Mother has been so unreasonable. Steve. Did .you find an envelope in your bag yesterday? * "READY MONEY" 103 Grace. Yes. Steve. Where is it? Grace. I have it. I would have returned it to you yesterday, but mother kept me with her every minute. Here it is. (Takes envelope from hag, gives it to Steve. Envelope must not he taken from hag after 2nd act) (^Ives is just left of Grace J Steve. (Looks closely at envelope) You didn't open it? Grace. No. I was just about to open it when I saw the stamps. What became of my envelope with the mining literature? Steve. That gentleman you saw yesterdav has it. Grace. Who was^he, Steve? What did he mean by saying you were arrested ? Steve. Sh sh ! Everything is all right. Grace. Oh, I was startled for a moment, and poor mother she was frightened right back to the s^me wav she felt ?bout you on New Year's Eve. She v/as determined I should not see you. (^Reddy enters L. I, very frightened and trying to warn Steve ) Hammond. (Enters L. 1) Good morning! (Pushes Reddy aside) Steve. Good morning, Mr. Hammond. (Throzvs envelope on flat desk. Pause. Turns, picks up large check hook, hank hook, and envelope contain- ing money) Reddy, put these in the safe. R.EDDY. (Crosses to desk. Gets envelope, check hook, etc.) Yes, sir. (Exit to l. i) (^Hammond smHes very slightly as Reddy passes him) Steve. Anything I can do for you, Mr. Ham- mond ? Hammond. I just dropped in to see you. Steve. I'm glad you did. Do you know Miss Tyler, Mr. Hammond? (^Hammond nods to Grace j And Mr. Ives, — oh, you know Mr. Ives. I04 "READY MONEY" Of course. How is Mr. — I can never think of his name — oh, Mr. West! Hammond. (Significantly) He's well. Steve. I'm glad of that! Mr. Ives has missed him this morning. West. (Enters l. I, envelope in down stage hand, opened at corner to show money) Good morning! .(To HammondJ Open that door and tell Flynn to get the car ! Hammond. (To center door, opens it, speaks to Flynn J Get the car. (^ Flynn is seen by audience) West. (Bows to Miss Tyler. Goes to door l. I. Opens it) Pardon me. Miss Tyler. Will you please step into this office for a moment? (Speaks off L. I to QuiNN j Quinn, place a chair there for this young lady. (^ Grace has gotten the idea to do as she is told from Steve, who nods slightly to her and takes her left. She exits l. i) If either of you men make one move to get away, I'll drop you in your tracks . Understand that, Hammond ? You played a pretty clever trick on me yesterday, aided by Miss Tyler. You're a couple of fine gentlemen to switch the evidence on to a girl ! Steve. (Close to West J That's plenty. We know exactly what we did. If you will allow Miss Tyler to leave here at once, Mr. Ives or myself will tell you anything you wish to know. We must come to an understanding ; her name must be kept out of this. West. Why didn't you think of that yesterday? No ! You thought you could outwit me ; all you succeeded in doing is to implicate her beyond any chance of retraction. Steve. If you mention her name in connection with this case West. (Has torn off corner of envelope) Will you admit you passed some of this money? "READY MONEY" 105 Steve. No, I told you that yesterday. West. Did you put this money in her bag ? Steve. Yes. West. Where did you get it? (^Steve is silent — determined to defend Ives J Where did you get it? Ives. I gave it to him. West. You admit that, Walker? Ives. Yes. West. Now we are getting somezuhere. (^ands envelope to Hammond, who goes to extreme l. ij Open that! (To Ives and Steve j You could have done this yesterday and saved yourselves a lot of trouble. (To IvesJ Walker! (To Steve as he pushes him up stage ) Stand over there. (^Ives ad- vances to West. Steve goes right and down be- tzveen desks) Do you admit that this money is yours f (Points to money Hammond is examining) Ives. Certainly it is mine. West. All right, if it is yours, I zvant you to take it. f Hammond, after he takes envelope from West, stands left of West, opens it, examines money closely zvith a magnifying glass. Goes to West and taps him on left elhozu just as West speaks the line — "I want you to take it" — and goes ■left again once) West. (Irritated) What is it? (Turns, looks at Hammond, follozvs him left) What do you want ? Hammond. (Speaks in undertone, indicates the money in hand, in surprise) It's the real stuff! West. What! (Takes 49 hills) (^Hammond retains one hill) Give me that glass. (Takes glass from Hammond, pushes him slightly up stage so that he can zvatch Ives, examines money, appears nonplussed, turns, and speaks to IvesJ Where did you get this money? io6 "READY MONEY" Ives. (Takes two one thousand dollar hills from^ his pocket) Th^ same place I got this, which you took from me yesterday, had in your possession twenty- four hours, which you knew was genuine, and which the Commissioner made you return to me this morning. West. (Looks at genuine hill in Ive^s hand, then at 49 hills he holds) Let me see that again. Ives. (Indicating hill) This? West. Yes. (Passes West one hill) Certainly. fWEST crosses to right, examines money, laying it on desJsj compares hills. Takes plenty of time. Pauses. Looks quickly up at Steve^ zvho has heen holding down lever of seal. Lets it fly up. Noise startles him, he hacks up, hits chair and falls into it. West glares at Steve, turns to IvESJ West. Why did you give this money to Mr. Baird? Ives. It was an investment. West. Oh, it was? Then why did he hide it^ answer that? Ives. Why did he hide it? Didn't you break in on him yesterday, arrest him, search him and tell him it was counterfeit money? He believed you, - that's the only reason why he hid it. West. Why didn't you explain that yester- day ? Ives. I wouldn't explain it to-day, but for Miss Tyler. Don't you realize that these two young people are engaged and you are throwing up a barrier between them? Why don't you ask Mr. Tyler where he got his money? Why don't you arrest every one in New York and make them ex- plain where they got their money? Did you think that money was counterfeit? West. Yes. Ives. Can't you tell? (Turns to Hammond — "READY MONEY" 107 goes to him) I thought you were the expert of the service, Mr. Hammond ? Hammond.. I've never been fooled yet. Ives. I've heard that. Then you can settle this for Mr. West in a second. (Gives Hammond the other hill) Hammond. (Takes hill) I know this issue. West. I'm" satisfied with my own judgment. Ives. (Goes after West, strong) (Betzveen the detectives) Of course you are. I'll tell you how you made your mistake. You figured Mr. Baird's sudden rise to property and his association with me as meaning only one thing; that we were working together. You couldn't understand how he sold forty thousand dollars worth of stock in one day, but you had the checks to prove it. Is it anything remarkable to find 50,000 dollars in a Wall Street Ofifice? West. But he told me he hadn't discovered gold. Ives. (Same tone, talking him off his feet) He must have discovered something. People don't give up money for nothing. If that is counterfeit money your idea is that Mr. Baird would attempt to pass it. Has he ? Come now. I've let you have your way long enough. If you think that money is counterfeit, keep it and take me with it. // you helieve it is genuine, return it, and leave us alone. West. (Looks at Ives. Pause. Crosses to Hammond, takes tzvo hills from him, speaks in un- dertone) Get out of here. (Hammond exits l. i j (^West arranges hills carefully, hands them to Ives) All right, Walker, old pal, here it is. Ives. (Takes hills) Thank you! (^West turns L. j Just a moment. I want to count this. (Smiles) No. I'll trust you. West. Thanks! (Turns l.^ goes to door l. i^ io8 "READY MONEY" turns) Say, listen, Walker. I'm not crazy to send you to Atlanta. You'd disorganize any jail in the world. (Exits l. I j Steve. (Pauses, looks at Ives^ crosses quickly to him, turns him around) Do you m^ean that that money was really good? Ives. (Holding hills) Good! It is the best fnoney I ever made. But I'm through with it. (Tears half of it at. a time) I won't have the work of a lifetime doubted. Steve. But you've destroyed the two genuine Hlls. Ives. They were all the same. (Puts money in his pocket. Grace enters l. i quickly) Steve. Grace, I'm sorry to have kept you wait- ing. Grace. (Speaks as 6'teve is speaking) Steve, you're in trouble. I know it. You can't keep it from me any longer. Tell me the truth, no matter what it is, let me help you. (PHONE RINGS) Reddy. (Enters l. i. Quickly zvith telegram) Mr. Morgan on the phone. Telegram ! Steve. (Goes r.) Give it to Miss Tyler, please. ^Reddy gives telegram to Grace and exits) Steve. Open it please, (Goes to phone) Hello, yes, hello Mr. Morgan, f Grace has opened tele- gram, reads, starts) Grace. Stephen ! Steve. (At phone) What's the matter with that check? Grace. (Very excited) Stephen, listen!? Steve. (At phone) All right, V\l be there. (Hangs up receiver and listens to Grace J Grace. (Read in a clear, loud, surprised tone) "Mr. Stephen Baird, 22 Wall Street, New York City. Have just opened richest pay streak ever dis- covered in this section. Wire quick how you knew "READY MONEY" 109 It twelve hours before I struck it.?" (Hold during laugh) Steve. (Looks at Grace J What does it really say? Grace. Just that. (Hold during laugh) Ives, f Ives comes dozun l. of Grace j (Crosses, takes telegram from Grace, reads) Mike Reardon. It's true, he struck it the last day. (Hands tele- gram fo Grace J Steve. (^ Steve crosses to Grace, takes out checks) Ten . . . eight . . . seven . . . five . . . thirty thousand dollars. (Hands them to Ives j There's your 50 per cent. Ives. (Takes them) Thank you. Steve. (Turns to Grace, takes out quarter, gives it to her) Don't ever lose that, Grace. That's my lucky quarter. (Takes telegram from Grace. Reads it. Starts. Pause. Looks at Ives j Did you send this? Ives. (Laugh) No! Steve. Oh-o-o! (Turns to Grace. Puts tele- gram before Grace^s face and kisses her) Curtain FURNITURE Acts I and II Two pedestals One console table One writing desk Six single chairs One side armchair One library table One settee about 26 inches long, the length of a chair. It must be able to slide under centre table Paper basket Curtains with valences at windows, also lace curtains One large carpet — covers entire stage Also roll curtains in windows, also shally cur- tains if wanted. This allows a good night effect without any trouble to get lights perfect. PROPERTY PLOT Acts I and II One large silver tray 18 inches long. Two highball glasses on tray One silver holder for quart bottle of whiskey, on tray One bottle of mineral water in silver holder, on tray One bowl of cracked ice, on tray no "READY MONEY" in One ice spoon or tongs Eight small white cards with red ribbons at- ^ tached One match holder Three holly wreaths for windows Two sofa cushions One ink stand and writing set and material One telephone with long cord Six small pieces of gold ore One magnifying glass •One stamp holder Three rugs at doors One ladie's bag, very important prop as it must be long and narrow to contain an en- velope 8 inches long and allow about i inch of this envelope to show at top Two good looking leather wallets for Morgan and Ives Cigarettes Three check books, different colors One telegraph rate book Two pair of handcuffs, filed so as not to lock. One small pocket revolver, automatic, which would fit in vest pocket Two .38 blue-steel, hammerless revolvers One 25-cent piece for Steve — very important. Holiday greens to decorate Second Act. One silver cigarette box on desk up left which would hold about 50 cigarettes Effects for New Year's Eve noise on street : One large iron bar One deep-toned bell Factory whistle Four horns < Four rattles Four cowbells Fixtures for fireplace 112 "READY MONEY" One guard ring One pair cuff links Vases, etc., to decorate mantel and to dress the set. About 60 mining circulars of about 8 pages reading, large type on front and . back page. ' "Skyrocket Mine," Stephen Baird, 22 Wall Street, New York City. These are very important. About 30 blue envelopes about eight inches long, printed : "Stephen Baird, 22 Wall Street, New York City." Very important prop. Fifty-two bills to represent one thousand bills. These are destroyed at each performance. Very important prop Stamps ELECTRICAL AND LIGHT PLOT Acts I and II Two stand ]i,e"ht off left for moonlight. Act I. Two stand light off left for sunlight, Act II. Four wall brackets, fancy, with silk shades One telephone bell box in drawer of table One telephone with long cord One bunch U^ht off r. i and l. i and R. u. One strip above double entrance r. u. One blue and white strip under windows One buzzer off r. u. ; for outside door PROPERTY PLOT Act III One wall thermometer Six mining maps — framed and on walls One hundred old letters for pigeon holes o^ roll top desk One check perforator "READY MONEY" 113 One seal or extra large self -inking stamp for Steve Twelve business-like books Gold ore Large blue prints Writing set One bank book One large check book, three checks to oage. One large number calendar, January 2nd Telegrams for characters, two on desk at rise One telegram in envelope for Reddy to give Grace Other teleg^rams Reddy brings in open Western Union envelooes for telegrams Pads of telegraph blanks ELECTRICAL AND LIGHT PLOT Act III One telephone on roll top desk One telephone box in drawer Batteries for same and a practical push but- ton on flat desk to rine buzzer off l. I Strip lights and French lis^ht wav down stage for sunlight outside of window, right FURNITURE PLOT Act III One large roll top desk One flat desk to match Two swivel chairs Three chairs One bench One large flle of drawers One small table All to match / 6^. e-> LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 441 057 7 ■ ■•■'■!