PS 635 ^^^ .29 I />^ L373 ^V ^HE Copy 1 WHITE INDIAN -A- WILD WEST DRAMA -IN- FOUR ACTS. \ \ / BY BERNHARDT LAUFER. WM. SINNHOI.D, TRANSI.ATOR. BUFFALO, N. Y. 1889. THE WHITE INDIAN —A— WILD WEST DRAMA — IN— FOUR ACTS. BY BERNHARDT LAUFER. WM. SINNHOLD, Translator. , ri* t?V OF CO/VQ, BUFFALO, N. Y. nf| 3 jggg Vi / 1889- ^ . . r§/6 l< r ^1 3 } :?73 Entered according to Act of Congress in the Office of the Librarian, Washington, District of Columbia, 1889, by Bernhardt Laufer, and Wm. SiNNHOLD, Buffalo, N Y. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DRAMATIS PERSONS. PROLOGUE. HENRY RORERSON, a trapper. Rir.L NEWTON, an outcast. Rr.OODY TTGER, an Indian chief. MTCfTAEE KRAFT, a German laborer. MINNIE, wife of Roberson. MARY, sweetheart of Michael. LITTLE GEORGE, son of Roberson. Second Part. ( Time, fifteen years later. ) SHARP EYE, the White Indian. HEXRY REEOR, formerly Roberson. jOF, MORTIMER, formerly Newton. DUTCH MICHAEL, servant of Roberson. FLYING DEER, an Indian. RALPH, i^ ,. , TIM \ ^^io'"timer s companions. SAM WILSON, a sheriff. PAT, a bartender. ALICE, Roberson's niece. MARY, wife of Michael. Trappers, Sheriffs, Indians^ Bandits, Tramps, Etc. ACT I. Scene I. A room in a block house. Door and window in rear. Minnie seen sitting at a table, her child, playing at her feet. Minnie. Oh, will this terrible suspense never close ? My God, what does it mean ? Henry has been absent for more than a week, and this anxiety if not soon terminated, will sure- ly drive me mad. What can detain him so long? My anxiety is hourly increasing. Can the Indians have molested or cap- tured him; oh what a dreadful thought! His fearlessness and great love for hunting often prompt him to wander far from home, beyond the lines to the camps of the Indians. Then the news that Captain Newton, the terror of the prairie, the evil doer and outlaw, is prey- ing around here again, further increases my alarm. He is a tiger in human form, and human blood is ravishing lust to his instincts. Would to God that the wliite men and Indi- ans in this vicinity would unite and annihil- ate that beastly monster. George. Oh, mamma; if I ever meet that bad man, I'll tell him what I think of him. Minnie. What a thought, my precious child! 5 THE WHITE INDIAN. George. Papa and Uncle William often spoke about that bad man, mamma, and papa said he was awful wicked and should be killed. If I was a big man, mamma, I wouldn't let him frighten you. I'd hunt him down and shoot him with papa's rifle. Minnie. There, there, love, you mustn't speak so. The bad man want harm us. (aside) What portentous words! the child talks so strange; what can it mean? His childish prattle seems to contain a prophec}^ May heaven interfere and save us from harm! Bloody Tiger, [appears in the door.) Minnie, [aside.'] An Indian? Who is he and what does his presence signify; does he bring tidings of Henry? Bloody Tiger. Ugh! hello, white woman, Indi- an tired and hungry. Can lie get something to eat, and a place to rest? Minnie, [aside.] He would speak in a diflferent tone if he knew aught of poor Henry, [to In- dian.) I am sorry, I cannot supply your wants. Bloody Tiger. Oh, white woman, have pity on a poor Indian who is starving. Minnie. No, no, I dare not shelter you, or oiler you succor. My husband despises and hates THE WHITE INDIAN. your race, and should he return and find you here, he would treat you like a dog. He would be offended if I should extend any hospitality to a red man. Bloody Tiger. Oh, white woman, do not drive me away hungry and weary. Just a little food and a few hours rest for a poor Indian. Your husband is a long journey from here, -down the river-and will not return while I am here. George. Ma, let him rest here and give him something to eat; he must be very hungry and tired, and papa will not drive him out if he returns to find him here. Minnie. Well, well; as ever the child pleads for you. 1 will keep you, but if my husband re- turns and finds you here, I won't be respons- ible for what may happen. Sit down and eat all you want. {Bloody Tiger eats.) [enter Roberson. Roherson. Hello, red skin ! what are you doing here? (after embracing, his wife and child, contin- ues. Did you find what you were hunting for, red skin, or do you want me to help you find something that you never lost? Bloody Tiger. A poor Indian found what he was looking for — shelter and food. 7 THE WHITE INDIAN. Roherson. Indeed! come, tell us, what is your name and to what tribe does my brave red brother belong? Bloody Tiger. My name is Eagle-head. I am a warrior of the great Apache nation! Roherson. You lie! do you want me to tell you who you are? Oh, I know you, Bloody Tiger, chief of the Cherokees! Your tribe is on the war-path, and now tell me what your mission is! — What!you want speak? then begone from here, or I'll show you how a white man can protect his home and family, {turnmg aside momentarily, Roherson piits himself in peril, as the Indian chief endeavors hy stealth to stah him.. (jfeorgie realizes the situation, grasps his father^ s rifle and levels it at the warrior. ) George. Down with your knife or I'll shoot! [Roherson draws a revolver and faces the savage. The latter hastily retreats.) Roherson. That's right, my boy! Keep him ten feet away from you. Bloody Tiger. You'll suffer for this, all of you; and soon, too. [exit. Minnie. A dangerous fellow, that, — we must guard against him, for he means mischief. Roherson. Dangerous indeed, and this will serve ;is a good lesson for you. Henceforth, 8 THE WHITE INDIAN. keep such varmints from the door. George. Pa, may I see which way he went? I am not afraid of him. Roherson. Well, my little man, go then, but do not venture out of sight of the house, (exit George) Happy, innocent child! I greatly fear that the time will come when he,too;will tremble with fear and his breast will be heavy. My dear wife, did you hear the latest news about Capt. Newton? Minnie. No, Henry, I did not; my thoughts were entirely about your safety. I heard that he was again prowling around here, and I be- came very much alarmed. But I can see by your looks, that something has happened. What is it? Roherson. Well, calm your fears, for he will never harm anybody. He is dead. Minnie. Dead, you say, can it be true? oh, what a blessing to all of us. His very name inspired fear and hate. Roherson. Well, it is only too true, for brother WiUiam and I sent him to hell to keep com- pany with many of his bad companions. He will never more trouble us. Minnie. Is it possible? Was that the cause of your long absence? 9 THE WHITE INDIAN. Roherson. Yes, my dear, and if you care to hear it, I'll tell you the whole story. When I left you about a week ago, in order to go hunting; I met William, who told me that he was on Newton's trail. I agreed to join him. We had a long chase after him, but we finally located him and his companions. We attacked them, and after a desperate fight, Capt. Newton was captured and one of his companions killed. We decided to take our prisoner to the fort, but on the way thither, he managed to elude our vigilance and attempted to escape. We overtook him on the bank of the river. Being in eminent danger of re-capture, he plunged into the river and vainly endeavored to swim to the opposite bank. To aim and fire at him was the act of a few seconds; and with a frantic scream, he sank under the water, never to rise again. Our bullets sped true, for we watched the surface of the river in all direct- ions, for some time; but to no purpose. Fully satisfied of his death, we started homeward. Minnie. Husband, how happy I am that no harm came to you and that, that dangerous man is silenced forever. Henry, tell me; did vou not fear to meet that rascal when out hunting alone? 10 THE WHITE INDIAN. Roberson . Why, what a httle coward you are! No, Minnie, why should I fear to meet him? To be sure, I always tried to avoid him and always kept on my guard. He was an ugly chap to deal with, and the community will hail his death with gratification. And now, my dear, I have to leave you for a little while ; as I must hasten to the fort, to announce Newton's death. While I am there, I'll try to get a man-servant who will protect you and Georgie when I am away from home. So, good-bye, dearest for a brief period. Minnie. Oh, Henry ; must you leave us so soon? Please stay till to-morrow at least. My mind is sorely troubled, and I have terrible fore- bodings and a presentiment of some dire af- fliction. Do not go; I entreat you! Roberson. Do'nt agitate yourself unnecessarily, for there is nothing* to fear. Those red devils and wandering spirits have fled. Fear not, and I'll soon return. Minnie. Well, husband dear, if I cannot per- suade you to stay, I'll accompany you a little way — as far as the clearing. [exeunt Minnie and Roberson. Newton, [appearing suddenly, peers around, and seeing nobody, soliloquizes :^^ 11 THE WHITE INDIAN. Nobody about the place? I would like to know if the villan returned here, after his murderous attack on nie. Stupid fool to think that I am dead and gone; Ha, ha, ha! I am not so easily drowned,and the lead that is to finish me, has not yet been mined. But I will wreak vengeance on him and his; yes, bloody revenge will I seek. Food for the hungry buzzards, they will make. I am sorry for my poor companion's fate. Those damned cowards led us a fearful chase. They hunted us like a couple of wild beasts. I had a close call for my life and I swallowed enough water to float myself, I guess. But I wasn't born to be drowned. Here I am and I shall effect a bloody settlement with all of my pursuers. 1 am not thirsty; but I'll dye the soil with their crimson life blood, or my name is not Bill Newton, (footsteps' heard, and Minnie re- appears.) She must be that fellow's wife. I'll speak to her. (louder.) Well, ma'am, has your husband returned? I met him in the woods, about two hours ago. Minnie. Yes sir, he did come home; but he went to the fort to report Capt. Newton's death. Newton. Ha, ha, he did! eh? He's gone on a fool's errand; but I guess you will do, — so get 12 THE WHITE INDIAN. on your duds and come with me. Minnie Sir, what do you mean! Speak open- ly like a man, or I may may think you are a boy ! Newton. You have a sharp tongue, my dear lady, and you know very well how to use it. I'll tell you what I mean. I mean to take you away from your home and all them you love, {lifts his hands to take hold of her. Min- nie makes a quick step and pulls a revolver out of his belt.) Minnie. Take care! Now, — you go! Newton. Yes, I will, — but only with you. [they lorestU, — he secures the pistol and runs after her. George, [appearing at ivindoiv.] Mamma, mam- ma, pa is coming, and a lot of soldiers from the fort, are with him. They are coming fast, too. Come and see. Hello ! Hurrah ! Newton. The devil! If that is the case, I must not be seen here, and I'll stand upon the order of my going; but go at once. [exit. Minnie. Dear Georgie, is it really so? Is your father coming back? Wliere is he? George. [smiling.'\ No, mamma, that was a ruse of mine. I saw that bad man chasing and frightening you, and I only said it to scare 13 THE WHITE INDIAN. ]iim awa}^ Wasn't it funny to see him go so quick? Minnie. Dear, dear little fellow! You are just like your father, and will be as brave as a lion ! You have saved the lives of your parents this day, and may God bless you for it. What a blessing it is to have good children! Scene IL An openmg in the forest. Mary and Michael enter. ^Both speak broken.~\ Mary, [entering from the right.'] Hello Dutch- man ! Michael. iunseen.~] Hello Dutch girl! (enter Michael from the left, rushes np and kisses her.) Mary [angerly.'] Lsave me alone you nasty fellow; I dont want to here your voice again, I dont want to see you and you shant kiss me either. Michael, [smiling] Nah, Nah! Mary, what's the matter with you, — what coon has taken possession of joy? Mary. No coon like you! I don't want you to annoy me again; I am no Dutch girl! Michael. Is that so! Well, what are vou, — a boy? 14 THE WHITE INDIAN. Mary. No, I am a German girl; do you mider- stand? Michael Well, what of it? What am I ? Wlio called me Dutch first? Oh, well, I under- stand now. You've read about the Flying Dutchman, and when you saw me, it came back to you. Mary. Not at all; that would be flattery, but as soon as I saw you I could not help thinking of the Dutch Michael! Michael. That's better yet; you called me Den Deutschen Michael, well that is more than I can claim, for he was a brilliant soldier; while I am only a second hand back -woods laborer. Mary, [offended.'] I sav; your name is Michael Fool! Michael. So it is, and coumpany, but hark girl; what brought you here anyhow? Mary. M}^ two little feet if you must know! Michael. Little feet? Ha, ha, that is the big- gest joke of the season! Mary. Well, if you will stop laughing I'll tell you my business here. I came to meet you, this is your birthday, Micliael, and I thought it no more than riglit to show you my devo- tion and love, by giving you a little present. 15 THE WHITE INDIAN. {opens her basket and hands him a, little box tvrapped in colored paper. ) Michael. My beloved Mary ! My heart leaps like a jumping-jack, I thank you so much, you are the only one in this wide world who thinks of Michael, But my love, why did you not speak of the present at first, only think we lost at least fifteen precious minutes of hugging and kissing, [trys to Jdss her. Mary. Stop! Ungrateful wretch, j^ou mus'nt kiss me; and you sha't open tliat box in my presence. I must go now. I'll see you again t;>-night, and then I'll listen to 3^our squeals, good-bye Michael. Good-bye! Michael. By, by! Don't be in such a hurry! Bless me, if she is'nt out of sight already. She is a sweet, good girl. I'll bet there is some- thing nice in this box, for she has exquisite taste. Well, lets see what is in here. [Henry appears, and stops him from opening the box.) Roberson. Say, young fellow; don't you know a good man around here, wlio would like to get work? Michael Oh yes! Take me, I am just looking for a nlace. I tell you I can swing an ax as good as all tlie other boys, and I am afraid of nothing! 16 THE WHITE INDIAN. Roherson. Well, that is just the man I want to get; but say, are you strong and healthy? Michael. Why sure, my name is Michael Kraft and "Kraft" means strength If I am heathy you can find out easy, when you go down and ask my "landsman" what 1 can eat in a day. Roherson. Ha, ha, h a ! You are a jolly fellow an d I like your style; but how is it, — can you handle a gun? Michael. Handle a gun? Why, mein Gott, that is nothing for me. You must under- stand that I was a soldier ten month's old when I left Germany. Roherson. Oh, I see; you are one of those run- awaj^s too, eh? Michael. Yes, I don't deny it! I made room, you know, for another one. Roherson. I must say you have a very kind heart, — if tliis is the cause of your coming to this country. Michael. Yes, yes, that is so; my little girl found it out too. Roherson. What! you have a girl, a child? Michael. No, I mean my sweet heart; and you bet she is my darting! T am going to make 17 THE WHITE INDIAN. lier my wife, as soon as I get a shop. When you take me, everything is all right between nie and Mary. Roherson. I would like to hire you, but I don't know if you are willing to work for me. Michael Wei], if I work for you or for some- body else, that is all the same. I have got to work anywhere; no matter where I go to. Roherson. That is tne talk of a straight fellow! The work you have to do is not very hard; for you onl}^ have to protect my family when I am out hunting. Now, I want j^ou to go til ere in a short time. The place, you will find about fifteen miles from here, and it is known as Roberson's ranch, [exit Michael. Allright! allright. Mister! I can keep that in my head well enough. That is what I call luck, it is the first luck I got in this country! I hope it will not run away from me like Mary did before. Oh, I very near for- got her present! {opens the box, disclosing a black jumping jack.) Well, now, that is a dei- fel of a present! You are handsomer than the Flying Dutchman and Dutch Michael, (shuts the box and tossing it to a lady in the audience. ) Please keep it, for Michael's sake! [exit. 18 THE WHITE INDIAN. Scene III. A forrest sbene. Exterior view of the block house. Bloody Tiger [sneaking around the house, dis- appears, and reappears with Neivton.] The woman and child are in the house, but the wdiite hunter is still absent. Newton. Iknow better, only a little while ago I heard the boy halloing to his mother, that his father w^as coming with soldiers. Bloody Tiger. Ugh, little devil has a crooked tougne, he was playing a trick on you, in order to get you away from his mother and out of the house. Neujton. Beware, redskin, dont tell any yarns! How can you account for that! Bloody Tiger. Because I watched the house from a distance, from the time I left it. All tliree were out at one time and the womnn returned alone; now she and her boy are in there. Newton. Well, redskin, I want you to go in and put an end to both of them. I'll remain out- side and warn you in time, should any one approach . Bloody Tiger Do the deed yourself! I shall not do such murderous work. 19 THE WHITE INDIAN. Neivton. What, 3^011 refuse? you want do it? Oh, well, I forgot — here take this and when you are through with the job, I'll give you more of that glittering stulf. (oj'isns gold.) Bloody Tiger, (indignantly throws the gold at Newton's feet.) fhunder and liglitning! Red nien are not as bad as white men. The red man is not a slave for money like the white man. [Neivton attem^pts to draw revolver.) Keep your hands off (revolver in hand.) I am no robber, and I will not rob any person of life, to please another; but I will have revenge. I will steal the child and bring him up as an Indian, who shall hate and fight against his own brothers, (to Newton.) You may settle with his parents in any manner you please, for all I care. Neu'tou. Hurry up. Tiger, kill them quick, and I'll give you a fortune. Bloody Tiger. Stop your talk, a brave Indian is not a villian ! you can buy plenty of white men for such base work, but an Indian, never. You are coward! Neivton. What, 3^ou dare call me a coward? I'll show you that I have even more courage than a redskin ! (ca/riH find his knife.) Let me take your knife for only five minutes, I lost mine. 20 THE WHITE INDIAN. Bloody TigcT. Lost your knife? that's good, but here take this, {hands knife to Newton, and, ap- proaches the house. Georgie comes out and is grasped by Neuion, who hands him to the Indian, ) George. Ma, oh ma, come help (xeorgie! Minnie, [rushing forth from the hcmse.^ Georgie, oh Georgie, where are you? Newton, [springimg towards her.^ Here, woman stop your noise and come with ns! Minnie. Ha! you are the same stranger wlio was here before. Villain! wdiat did you do with my boy? Neivton. Your boy is in my power, and you too are my captive. Mi'imie. . Wretch, how dare you say so; I'm in your power? Never! Neivton. Ha, ha, my beauty, my name is Cap- tain Newton, and I will not be foiled; now my sweet damsel come with me, — my chance for revenge has improved. [Newton endeavors to day her with the hiife. She struggles ivith hmi and manages to secure the knife.) Here you jade, give me back that knife! [dra,ws pistol. Minnie. Slop you villain! Do not be alarmed, I will not escape; I know it would not save me from death! Die, I must, I can jcad this in your face; and therefore I'd rather die by 21 THE WHITE INDIAN. my own hands, than by the hands of a coward who has the courage to hft them against a powerless woman! Neivton. By jiminy, she is keeping her word; she is kilhng herself. [Minnie thrusts the knife into her bosom and falls to the ground.) What a pit}^ to be deprived of the fun of doing that job. She is a slick one, and has done the work very neatly; there is a pleas- ure in lessening the number of my fellow creatures, for by doing so I decrease the number of my foes, but as it is, I am just as well satisfied, for my hands are not stained from her blood! Bloody Tiger. Come away, quick! I hear foot- steps in the distance, coming this way. [exeunt rapidly. Roherson. [entering htirriedly.^ I thought I heard some one scream. I hope no harm lias come to my darling wife and child, (sees body of his ivife.) By the Almighty, how is this, my wnfe dead? Murdered! and 1 came too late to prevent it! Great God, lead me to find the wicked murderer! Oh, lead me to discover the monster, who has thus ruined my home, and blasted the happiness of my life. Oh, that I may soon find him! 22 THE WHITE INDIAN. Newton [stealing up from behind, plunges knife in- to lioherson^s back.] You want have to wait long. Here he is, take that! Ha, ha, ha! Roberson Oli, my God, I have been stahbed! Who, who, stabbed me? Newton. If any one asks you, tell them that it was I who cut your wife and cut you. Roberson. [sees child in the grasp of the Indian.'] Oh, m}^ God, spare my precious child! George. Pa, dear pa, come help; shoot the man! Roberson. My poor child, I am powerless to help you. Oh, God give me strength to recognize those deviUsh butchers; give me strength to punish them. Ha! all is over with me — I am growing faint, — I cannot see, — farewell my child, my — [he becomes motion- less.) [exeunt others. [enter Michael singing.] MicJmel. [ujiseen.] "When all the world is apple pie," "And all the sea was ink," "When all the trees were bread and cheese" "What should we have to drink." Oil, ya,(ya?/;ns) that's the way the money goes! Here I have been in this country nearly three years, and I cant say I own a nickel; much less 23 THE WHITE INDIAN. a well stocked ranch, {looking round.) This must be the house I was looking for; the owner hired me to work for him and to pro- tect the house and family, when he is away I like the looks of that man, and as he said the work was light, with plenty of pie and cheese to eat, and enough to drink. I hope there are no Paddies around here, I never dread work, but I can't work when Paddies are around; its funny but a Dutchman and an Irishman invariably agree to disagree. Roherson. [ family.'] Help, oh help! Michael. Mein Gott what was that? Didn't some one call for help? Was there a fight? A nice place to begin work; I don't tihnk Fll stay here, for although I am no coward, I have got a permit to live, and I don't want to surrender it just 3^et. (starts to leave, hat sees Hoherson.) Mercy, a man lying on the ground ! I must find out if it is the man who hired me. By God, yes, it's him! [bends over him.) He is covered with blood too, and he seems to be dead! I wonder if it was mur- der? [kneels and examines Roherson.) He still breathes, but very faintly. Poor fellow, wait and Pll help you. [sees Minnie ) Hello, here is a woman, hut she is dead? Roherson. Help! Give me water. Oli help! 24 THE WHITE INDIAN. Michael Yes, yes, yon shall have water, ri^ht away, double quick! (stumbles over knife and 'picks it u'p.'] Panipen and Granaten, what's that? A knife! what a queer looking thing; but hold, it may be a Godsend, for b}^ means of this knife, I may be able to reveal this mystery. I shall not rest till I discover tlie secret of this crime. And here in the still- ness of these woods, I swear that I shall not give up the pursuit till I bring to justice the cowardly perpetrator of this devilish deed! Curtain. ACT II. A garden scene. Exterior vieiv of a mansion. [Enter Henry Rebor, Alice and Michael.] Henry. Welcome, thrice welcome, my darling. Why, wli;it is the matter with your foot, you are lame? Michael. Miss Alice sprained her foot in alight- ing from her horse. Alice. It it is only a trifle, there is no danger, it will soon be all right again. Henry. What caused you to jump from tlie horse? he is very docile; was he frightened? Alice. I cannot account for it, he suddenly 25 THE WHITE INDIAN. shied and dashed with furious speed across the plain. Then of a sudden he stopped short, reared and I became greatly alarmed. I be- came faint and I was gently lifted out of the saddle by some strong arm, and on touching the ground I injured my foot. [^Sharp-Eye appears in the hack-grownd listening. Henry. Perhaps it was our neighbor Mr. Mor- timer, who hastened to your rescue. Alice. Dear uncle, please do not mention his name; he is too selfish to do good to anybody. No, uncle,- I was assisted by a handsome young man. He is an Indian and he told me that his name was Sharp-Eye. Oh, uncle, is'nt that a romantic name? and such lovely eyes! They are full of pride, fearless- ness and honesty. T know that he is worth}^ of an}' good woman's love. I do believe that I shall love him. Why, dear uncle what is the matter? you are very much agitated. Henry. Come to me my darling, sit by my side and 1 will tell you the cause of ray emotion. I long expected that the time would come when I would be compelled to tell you all. It is a long and painful story, but I shall be as brief as possible. A little over fifteen years ago, I was one of the happiest of men; t had 26 THE WHITE INDIAN. a lovely and devoted wife and a bright and handsome boy, who were the light of my home, and the joy of my life. My occupation, that of a trapper, required me to be away from home frequently. On one of these oc- casions on returning from a brief journey, I was horrified to find my beloved wife lying outside of the cottage, murdered ! The ground was dyed crimson with her life blood, which still trickled from a gaping wound in her bosom. I knelt beside her, when the same covv^ardly assassin stabbed me in the back. After a few blank moments of agony and de- spair, I summoned strength enough to turn in the direction in which my assailant was flee- ing. He liad my darling boy in his arms, and as he turned to look back, I recognized the devilish, grinning face of the murderer. He was Sharp- Eye's father! Alice. Oh uncle, stop, please stop! What a terrible story, I cannot bear to listen to it ;niy longer. Henry. You must, Alice, you must, for it deep- ly concerns your future welfare. In all prob- ability, my would be murderer thought I was dying wdien he saw me sink to the ground. M}^ child, I would have died, had ii not l^een for Michael there who restored me, and to 27 THE WHITE INDIAN. whom I am indebted for my life. Michael. Do not speak of that again Mr. Rebor, for the shght service I rendered you has been repaid a thousand times. Henry. As soon as I was able to get on my feet again we started for your parents' home. On arriving there, we found them dead, having been murdered by Sharp-Eye's father. Bloody Tiger ! Alice. Uncle! Henry. My darling, I am speaking the truth. I searched for him a whole year, and at last I found him. My first inquiry was after my son. His reply was, 'Look for him under the o^round.' I overcome with furv; I killed him with this, his own knife, (shows Alice the Jmife, lays it on the bench.) whicli he left after com- mitting his murderous attack on me. Sharp-Kye. [aside, raakes a motion tmvard Rebor. Then it was he who killed my father! I will kill him! No, no, I cannot do it, I cannot! [hides himself near the gate.~\ Henry. I searched and researched the whole region in quest of my son, but alas! in vain. God, alone knows, wdiether he is yet alive. Sliarp-Eye is said to be quite intelligent, more so til an his father was. 28 TKE WHITE INDIAN. Alice. Oh uncle, that is a dreadful story; what a pity that poor Sharp-Eye should he the son of the murderers of my parents. Michael. Ah, I see Mr. Mortimer, our neighbor, coming this way. Alice. Please, uncle allow me to go into the house, 1 dislike that man very much. Michael [aside.] So do I, I don't like his looks. Henry. Stay my dear, don't show our neigh- bor any discourtesy. Mortimer, [eiders through the gate, and saluting all.'] I am going to leave here for a couple of weeks, and I come to bid you good bye. Michael, [aside.] Oh Lord, only a couple of weeks, why did'nt he say forever? Mortimer. But before leaving here, Mr. Rebor, I have something to tell you, and I would like to have a little private conversation with you. ( both stepping aside. ) Mr. Rebor, I th i n k that you have divined my feelings towards your lovely niece. Miss Alice. To be sure I am not a young man, but I am rich and in- dependent, and can make her life a luxurious and happy one. Will you permit me to claim her hand and consider her my betrothed? Henry Your wealth is no inducement as that is offset by our own, and in regard to Miss 29 THE WHITE INDIAN. Alice's affections, if you can win them I shall interpose no objection. Speak to her your- self! Michael. [aside.~\ I wonder what he is speak- ing about. Should he demand anything un- usual, I tell him something what will make liim jump like a horse. Mortmier. ^^approaching Alice.'] Miss Alice, your uncle and 1 had a little conversation in regard to yourself [^Michael listening. Alice. Indeed, I presume I ought to feel highly flattered. Fray, what was the subject of your interesting conversation. Mortimer. Dear Alice, you were the subject! I asked your uncle for permission to seek your hand in marriage. Will you make me the happiest of mortals, by becoming my wife? Alice. Sir, you must not speak thus! I can never be your wife, and j^ou must give up all such ideas. Mortimer. Do you wish me to understand that I must abandon all hope, that you can never love me? Alice. Yes sir, I can never bestow my love on a person unworthy of it. Mortimer. [perceinng knife on bench, to Michael] All! — say, whose knife is that? 30 THE WHITE INDIAN. Michael. It belonged to an Indian, who mur- dered my mistress, and sought to kill my master too. Mortimer, [to Henry.'] Then it was you who escaped from death. Henry. The same, sir! MortiiYYier. [aside.] Then he must be Roberson whom I thought dead, {alond.) I shall have to leave you now, and for the last time before I 2:0 on mv journev, I ask vou Miss Alice will you become my wife? Mich'^el. No sir, she would never wed a horse thief! Mortimer You dannied Dutchman, what do you mean by that? Michael. Listen and I will tell you. Not long ago I tried to catch a horse thief; I pursued him closely. We met, exchanged some shots, and one of jny bullets took effect in the fel- lows left hand, (seizing Mortimer^ s left hand.) There is the mark! Do you know now what I mean, you Spitz bub! Mortimer, [retreating.] That fellow speaks the truth, I am a thiei* and robber; you would not give up vour niece to me, but I swear she shall yet be mine, [to MicJiael.) I'll settle with you fellow, at my own convenience. 31 THE WHITE INDIAN. Michael Get off from the premises as quick as you can, or I will make you run as if the dei- fel was riding on your back. Mortimer, [draiving revolver.'] Beware! do not come too close to this toy; I will kill you! Sharp-Eye. \_er}ierging and wresting the revolver from, Mortimer.'] Go! you have lingered here long enough; your game is up! Neivfmi. Yes, I see; but that will not keep me back to call some other time! Sharp-Eye. White man speaks like a fool, he better takes care for himself! Red man is no friend of horse thiefs! [Sharp-Eye ivith revolv- er in hand.] Newton.. Pshaw! [exit. Alice. Oh, uncle, this is Sharp-Eye who rescued me. Michael. Thanks to you my brave fellow. You appeared Justin the iiick of time. Should vou ever need mv aid, just call upon Dutch Michael! Henry. I, too owe you thanks, young man, here is my hand. Sharp-Eye. No sir, I cannot touch your hand, for you know I am the son of Bloody-Tiger! 32 THE WHITE INDIAN. I must go now, to look after Mortimer. Good bye to all! [exit. Henry. It is strange, very strange, that young man has the skin of an Indian, and the man- ners of a white man. Come Alice, let us go into the house, [they go in. Michael. She loves the Indian, and I cannot blame her. I myself begin to like the fellow. I would like to do him a good turn. I won- der if he loves Alice. I have it, I got it, I know it, yes; sure I Mary, [at the door.'} Michael where are you? M-i-c-h-a-e-1! Michael Hold your tongue, I am busy without you! Mary. Why Michael, what is the matter? Michael. Leave me alone! Mary. Don't be cross, I have something nice for you. Michael. Come, come, don't bother me. I'm talking business to myself! Mary. Michael, come quick, your best meal is waiting for you. Michael. What? Sauerkraut and Speck! why did you not say so right away, and not leave 33 THE WHITE INDIAN. nie SO long in suspense? I'll come, yes I'll come darling. [laughing and dancing. Alice. [enters arid taking a seaf] Oh, what a dreadful misfortune! To think that Sharp- Eye's father was the murderer of my parents ! Yet I cannot help loving him and my heart beats for no one else. I loved him from the very moment I first saw him, and I cannot help thinking of it. > Shar'p-Eye. [appearing and looking about.^ Sweet Prairie Rose! Alice. You here, Sharp-Eye! Sharp- Eye. Yes, to warn you and to protect all of you, if possible. The robber, Joe MortimcT will soon be here with some of his gang to make an assault upon the house. Alice. Oh, I must report this to my uncle at once ! Sharp-Eye. [intercepting her.] You must not! You and 3^our uncle must manage to leave the house as soon as possible. Flying-Deer and myself will defend it from within. Alice. I shall never consent to that, for I am afraid you will get hurt and fall into the pow- er of that wicked Mortimer. Sharp-Eye. Perhaps you are right, but what of it; who cares for the poor Indian? I want 34 THE WHITE INDIAN. to see all those whom I love, safe and out of danger. I have no doubt but the attack will fail, but you must trust me, and do as I tell you. Alice. I shall be guided by you, yet 1 shall re- main near by with my uncle and friends. Be very careful will you, and do not expose yourself unnecessarily, for my sake ! [exit, [it is getting dark.l Flying Deer, [entering.'] They are on the way here and you must make haste if you want to stop those fellows from killing your friends. Sharp-Eye. Well, I am ready! Come, let us prepare to receive them and show them, that we are not so bad as some of the pale-faces. [both enter the house. Mortimer, [appearing tvith tiuo connpanions. ] Everything is in our favor. You, Ralph, conceal yourself, and when opportunity^ af- fords, make the best use of your gun and knife. Ralph. All right. Captain! in case you need my help, whistle and I'll be on hand. [exit. Mortimer, [to Jim..'] You go around the liouse and see whether there is anything in our way. Hasten! (soUUquizing.) Well, Henry Roberson, for many years, you have believed that Bloody Tiger killed your wife, and you 35 THE WHITE INDIAN. also rested under the false irapression that I had been drowned by that plunge in the river. Ha, ha, ha! Well, I did not think that you yet remained among the living. I thought that fifteen years ago I sent you to the grave, but this very night you shall die! Ji/m. [returning.'] All is quiet Captain! Mortimer. Come then and let no one escape, a few well directed thrusts and our work will be done. But, hark! Should the girl cross your path, do not harm a hair of her head, but bring her to me instantly. [They seek to enter the house, hut suddenly the door opens the two Indians appear with torches and revolvers. Sharp-Eye. Stand back! Begone from here, you see we are on guard, and cannot be sur- prised or overpowered! Michael, [appearing with leveled gun.] Stop a moment, I want to speak to you first! [Alice and Henry appear in the hack ground', Mary too with a big broom. Mary. Michael, look out! he shoots! [Ralph em^erges aifid fires aimlessly at Michael with- wd hitting him. Sharp-Eye fires at Ralph, the others hastily retreat. 36 THE WHITE INDIAN. Hmiry. [to Sharp-Eye.] Our thanks are due to you a second time. Sharp-Eye. I do not care for j^our thanks! you well know that I am the son of the man who fell by your own hand. Hefiiry. Your father killed my wife and others who were dear to me; and not content with that,, he also stole my beloved little son, my only child! Sharp-Eye. And if he did, could you never for- give? You are a white man and the princi- ples of your religion teach you to forgive and not to seek revenge! I, however, am an un- couth, uneducated, and untaught Indian. However, I forgive and pardon you, for all 3^ou have done against my father, and here, standing in the presence of the Great Spirit, I declare that I will protect you and your friends against your enemies, even at the sac- rifice of my own life! Curtain. ACT III. Scene I. Interior of a roughly hiiU house. Joe and Jim playing cards at a table. Ralph, [entering quicJdy.] B-r-r-r b-r-r-r. {stm-ws 37 THE WHITE INDIAN. outside.) Captain, I have to report something that will please you better than anything you have heard for the last two months. Mortimer. Speak out Ralph, what is it? Ralph. I saw Dutch Michael in company with his master and niece, looking for shelter from the storm. I think they are coming this way. Mortimer. What! do you speak the truth? Ralph. Look there, convince yourself! Mortimer, [going to the door.'] The deuce, that is lucky! Yes, they are coming straight to- wards the house. Once more in my pow^ej*, no stratagem will save them. Ralph, you manage the girl, and you Jim, take care of the Dutchman; I'll dispose of the old man. \_Roherson, Michael and Alice enter, are seized and ho\ind.] Alortimer. Ah, my old neighbors, you are cor- dially welcome; but pra^^ what is the object of this most unexpected but doubly w^elcome visit? [changing his manner.) So, at last you have fallen into my power and nothing can save you this time. Time became really ted- ious without you, but now I am fully repaid. Ha, ha, ha! Henry. Sir, what have I ever done to you to merit such treatment? 38 THE WHITE INDIAN. Mortimer. What liave you done? WJuit liave you not done? Enough sir, to turn me into a monster! Henry. I never harmed anybody, and you are the first who dares to say otherwise. For God's sake, man, what do you intend to do? Mortimer Did you not kill Bloody Piger, Ije- cause you took him for the murderer of your wife? but I tell you now you killed the wrong man! It was I who caused your wife to kill herself, and it was I who stabbed you in the back, intending to kill you. Henry. It is impossible ! Michael. Don't mind what he says, he only wants to vex you. I'm on to him! Alice. Thank heaven, Sharp-Eye's father did not murder my parents! Mortimer. It is possible! Do vou remember Bill Newton? Henry. Certainly I do. Mortimer. 1 am glad to hear it! I am Bill Newton; once the terror of the prairie, and still alive, and planning mischief Henry [springing toivards Newton. ~] You villain, now I see why you were terror stricken when you perceived the knife on the bench! 39 THE WHITE INDIAN. Newtcm. That is true enough, for when I saw that knife, I knew who you were. Now com- rades, fasten that fellow to a chair, also take the ^irl and the Dutchman away from here and meet me at the old rendezvous. Alice. Oh, my God, what next! Uncle, dear uncle, what are they going to do? Best and dearest of friends, shall I ever see you again? Henry. Cheer up, my brave girl! Try to keep up your strength and spirits. Have faith and let sorrow not weaken you. God will surely assist us. Michael. Yes sir; unser Gott will help us, I know it! Newton. That^s enough, take her away! Alice. \to Newton.] Oh, have mercy on usf Neuion. Mercy! There is no such word in my dictionary ! [laughing. Michael. Good bye, dear master, we have been of assistance to eacli other many times in the past, but, alas! in this trying moment I am powerless to aid you. I shall try however to keep my eyes on Miss Alice and guard her against injury. Newton Stop 3^our lamenting! Boys, take 'em away I [exe/iint Alice and Jim. 40 THE WHITE INDIAN. Michael. \to Ralph.] Nab, iiah, don't handle me so rough ! I am no beer keg! Ralph, [mad.] Oh, go on, go on! [exeunt Michael and Ralph. Newton, [to Henry.] Well sir, we are alone now and I hope for the last time. Pardon me, but I must shut j^our mouth, {tying cloth over his mouth. Henry. Coward! devil! Curse upon you! Neivton. You are the one who caused me to be- come a devil! {places powder keg and fuse.) Do you notice how skillfully I seek to revenge myself; you must perish with Ibis hut? You and your would-be rescurer will be blown to atoms. By my little arrangement, when the door is opened, you and your rescurer will be shot, and the house blown up. {screws tujo blocks ivith pistols on the floor.) Say, what do you think of my plan to dispose of you? Your lovely niece will become my mistress as soon you perish, {ignites the fuse.) Henry Roberson, a happy journey to you through the invis- ible regions of the air. ! [laughing sardonically, opens the window, leaps out and bars the tvindow. Roberson tries to upset the chair and succeeds. Sharp-Eye appears at the door, calling Batters 41 THE WHITE INDIAN. down the door. Two shots are heard, hut nobody hurt. Sharp- Eye enters hastily. Sharp- Eye. Ugh! the smell of something burn- ing caused me to force an entrance to this place and liere I am neal}^ shot! (sees captive in chair and believing he had fired the shots, draivs his knife to kill him.. Stops on seeing his helpless condition.) No, it was'nt him who fired at me! Ugh ! those blocks and pistols — I under- stand. Why, this is the uncle of Alice! [re- lieves Henry.) What can it mean? Henry \]iaving become insane.'] Bloody Tiger dont kill me! — Spare my life I am inocent! — Newton did it — Georgie my child, where are you? — Sharp-Eye protect Alice! Oh, George, — my son — catcli him, — kill him, — revenge your moiher! (flash of fire from, the keg; Sharp- Eye, qaickly takes the keg and throius it out.] He is coming, — 3^es, he is coming; — Don't 3^ou behold him? Phere, — it is Newton ! [falls to the fi,oor. Sharp- Eye. [setting fire to the building] The Great Spirit has revenged my father in a more fearful way than ever I contemplated. His life is now sacred; his mind however is a blank, [takes Henry to carry Man aivay, uihen at the door a flash of fire seen, and a report of a cannon is heard; the house may fall together 42 the white in dian. Scene II. A path in the forest. Michael appears, hands hound folloived by Ralph revolver in hand. Michael. I can't proceed another step, I am so weaiy, that I can hardly hft my feet from tlie ground. Ralph. Come, don't stop here, or I will silence you forever; you must go on! Michael. What is that, I must? I'll show you in a minute. lthrowz7ig himself on tJie ground. Ralph, \_aside.'] You damned Dutchman! I dare not leave him here; he must come along. (alond.) Get up, you lazy scoundrel, we are not far from our destination and when we reach it you can rest yourself as much as you please. Michael. Yes, I know, perhaps forever. Ralph. Come, get up I sav, and he quick ahout it. Michael. Oh, I am in no hurry! {Ralph stoops dmvn to lift Michael and the latter seizes Ralj^h's shirt ivith liis teeth, and throws his arms over Ralph^s head and draws revolver from RalpNs pocket, which he drops to the ground. Releasmg Ralph, gives him a jyash and. recovers the revolver, 43 THE WHITE INDIAN. and aims it at him.) Alia," the tables are turned, and now it is my turn to laugh. I am afraid that thing is too dangerous for you. Come, my boy, out with your knife, and cut these bindings ! Come now, hasten lively for I am in a great hurry now! (Ralph cuts rop<'s.) Well, my traveling companion, I'm sorry but you will have to excuse me from continuing tliis journey in your company. Tell your cap- tain that I'll remember his hospitality, and that Sharp-Eye and myself will soon give him a call. Go, now! or I may feed you on some of the blue beans, you have stuffed in here. [exit Ralph, after turning around several times. Michael. [perceives Newton in distance.'] Ah, there is the captain of those bandits; I must know what he wants, [hides himself. Ncrvtmi. [entering] The old man has been blown out of existence, and I am well rid of him. His servant shall be the next, and then I'll settle with Sharp-Eye who is meddling with my business too much. When all have walked the plank, then I shall take a long rest in the lovely arms of my sweet Alice, [exit. Michael, [in Ihe distance.] That no good fellow is after me and the Indian ! Well, mein lieber freund, I think I am after you too! [exit. 44 THE WHITE INDIAN. Scene III. All Indian hut Henry sleeping on a couch. Sharp-Eye looking at him. Sharp-Eye. It seems to me as if I had seen that old man's face many, many years ago. And the name of Newton, too, sounds most famil- iar. They come to me as if in a dream. Henry. [momng restlessly.'] Georgie, oh my Georgie, do not leave me again! Sharp-Eye. The crisis is approaching. I shall soon know whether his mind will be restored. Henry, [sitting up.] Minnie, my wife, dost thou hear me,-is our child Georgie, still alive? Oh, where am I? {to Sharp-Eye.) and who are you? Sharp-Eye. I am your friend — Sharp-Eye, Chief of the Cherokees! Henry. Ah 3^es, I have a faint remembrance. Did you not once save my life? S harp- Eye. Yes, I d id ! Henry. Yes, yes, it is coming back to my memory, but pray tell me, where is Alice, and Michael too? Sharp-Eye. I cannot tell; I hoped to learn tliat news from you. 45 THE WHITE INDIAN. Henry. From me? Oh, wait a minute till I collect my senses! let me think, {rubbing his head.) Now I have it. Captain Newton, the murderer of m}^ wife, captured and carried them away. Sharp-Eye. What is that you say? Newton, the murderer of your wife? Henry. Yes, Newton and no one else murdered my wife, and I, — God help me for it, — I punished your father for the crime. But now I know he was innocent. Can you ever for- give me? Sharp-Eye. You were forgiven long ago, but pray tell me who w^as Newton? Henry Newton and Mortimer are one and the sam e person ! [sinks doun oii the couch, exposing a mark on his arm Sharp-Eye. If that is the case, I shall not stop until you are punished. Captain Newton! [approaches the couch.) Ah, the old man sleeps, but his mind is at ease. But what is this? Why, it is the same mark that appears on my arm! Roberson! Newton! Bloody Tiger! How familiar those names sound. Ah, 1 see it all now. [looks at the floor.) A woman murdered — and lying on the ground — her child in the arms of an Indian — a man ap- 46 THE WHITE INDIAN. peared and was stabbed — while leaning over the woman — and I, — yes, yes I cried for help — no, no, it is'nt possible! can it be, that I am the son of a white man, — can it be that he is my father? ' [enter Flying Deer.) Oh, Flying Deer, I am glad to see you, now answer me promptly and truly, am I the son of Bloody Tiger? Flying Deer. Can you doubt it? Sharp-Eye. [seizing Flying Deer by the throat ] I dont beleiye it, and I think you know the truth ! Flying Deer. I think — I — sa}^ — I will — Sharp-Eye. I will force you to tell the truth, now out with it; who was my father? Flying Dear. I — can't — tell you. [on his hiees.] S harp-Eye. You must! do you hear me? you must ! Flying-Deer. I dare not; I have promised Bloody Tiger, never to give it away. Sharp-Eye. Bloody Tiger is dead. I am your commander now and you liave to confess; if you don't, I'll strangle you to death! Flying-Deer. No, you shall not! Remove your hands from my throat and I'll confess the truth. 47 THE WHITE INDIAN. Sharp-Eye. Well then, be quick about it! Flying-Deer. The blood of a pale-face runs through your veins; your father is that man there, Henry Roberson ! Sharp-Eye. Good Heaven! can it be possible? Flying-Deer. Yes, there is your father sleeping on the couch! Sharp-Eye. I believe you, now go, I would like to be alone, [exit Flying-Deer. ) I will not rouse him from his sleep; he shall never learn from me that I am his son. I have lived the life of an Indian till now, and I shall continue to do so. I will seek Capt. Newton and he shall pay dearly for his cruelty to me and mine. Not one of his gang shall go out free! When I liave wreaked revenge on the murderer of those who were dear to me, I may explain my identity, (lays donm to sleep. It is getting dark. Newton enters ivith Jim and Ralph. They seize S harp-Eye. Michael and F lying- Deer enter y both with revolvers in their hands. Michael Sieh'st du wie du guckst! Yes, that's me, the Dutch Michael! Curtain. 48 THE WHITE INDIAN. ACT IV. Scene I. Interior view of a saloon. [Newton and Ralph seated at atahle.] Pat. [the bartender.] Well gents, this is m}^ treat— my initiation in this business; from this day, I am Mrs. Mary Kraft's bartender. Here she goes! Newton, [appearing as an unknmvn.'] Well sir, I hope you will satisfy the land-lady. Is she a widow? Pat Be jabers she is, and a nice one too! She's as pretty as a picture, and has pluck and money. Ralph. You want to set your cap for her! Pat. By thunder, you are right; if I had that woman, I'd feel like a bumble bee in a pan of milk. Mary, [entering from the side.] Well, Pat, how is the business? Pat. A^ery good ma'am, very good! Mary. What, you call that good, when two people is in the saloon? Go and ask them what the}^ wish. [Neiuton and Ralph take cigars.) That was right; that's what I like. Every 49 THE WHITE INDIAN. five minutes you must go around and see if you can't make the business go, and when they was treat you, never say no. Pat. No, no; I never refused to take a drink. Why, ma'am it is the best habit I got. Mary. Why did you not tell me so, when you started to work here. Pat Oh well, you did not ask me, and I only speak of habits, when somebody wants to know them, [takes a chew. Mary. Pat, what are you doing? don't eat that tobacco! ^ Pat. No, no, I am not hungry! Mary. By gosh, what you can lie to me. I saw it Pat, I saw you bite off a piece ! Pat Oh, you are talking about the chew I took? Mary. What, do you think that I don't know what a Jew is? You couldn't swallow a Jew with the maul you got; no sir! Pat. Don't misunderstand me; I mean a chew- ing tobacco! Mary. Chewing tobacco, you call that? Wh}^ man, it looked like dirt! Pat. Yes, but it don't taste like it! [_spits on the floor. Mary. But I guess, it don't taste much very 50 THE WHITE INDIAN. extra, then you spit as if 3^011 were paid to make a river in the hurry! Pat. It only seems so to you, but not to tlie boys of this country. Mary. Well, and what is the matter with the girls? Pat. Oh, the}^ know it's good too; all the girls are chewing nowadays. Mary. Well, that is all right! The girls take Huty-pooty-doody, to keep the teeth nice and clean; then there is no man on earth who'd like to marry a woman with such black teeth as you got. Do you understand? [exit to the side. Pat. {ivhistles. ) I'll bet if she would be a law- yer, she would win every case. [Pat busies himiself behind the bar.] Ssij, gents, did you hear of the fire and murder in the woods, beyond? Newton. Why no, we are strangers in these parts; tell us about it! Pat. It is'nt much that I can tell vou. Thev say that an Indian set fire to the house and that he and an old white man were burned to death. Newton. This neighborhood must be in a bad smell, there are so many thieves about. 51 THE WHITE INDIAN. Pat. Thieves, bejabers, you are right sir! They robbed a saloon five miles from here, and nearly killed the bartender. 1 tell you gents, that never happens to me! I am just as good as a watch dog. Newton. We don't doubt that, but a dog is'nt smart enough for thieves, {to Ralph.) Ralph, you better go back and keep an e3^e on Jim; I don't trust that fellow an}^ more! Ralph. Captain, Jim is all right! He always was on our side and he is a trustworthy com- rade. Newton. Yes, I know he is; but only as long as there is some one near him. I am certain he is very interested about our little bird and I want you to go there and see if I am right. Ralph. All right, captain! But I think you are wrong if you take him for a treacherous fellow. Newton. That's all right! You go and do as I told you ! [exit Ralph. Newton carefully ex- a'm,ines a paper. Pat. [admiring the bar.'] There, that looks first rate now; I think it will pass inspection, (a tramp sneaks in and passes out several bottles and Sonne lunch to a comrade on the outside. )Y2i\i\\,i\iQ land-lady will think the world of me, when 52 THE WHITE INDIAN. she returns, and finds every thing in its place, and looking so bright and clean. Sure Pat, you are a trump and might as well have a drink with 3^ourself! Mary, [entering and seeing the tramp.] Pat, you big fool, don't you see that tramp there, stealing my property? Catch him, quick! (tramp disappears and Pat in his haste, upsets the bar.) Oh, hol}^ Moses, oh my poor soul! Can it be possible, in broad daylight too, in the presence of myself Oh ma'am, have pity on poor Pat! Mary. Get out of here, 1 don't want such a green fool around me. Get a broom and dust pan and brush up that mess on the floor! Sharp-Eye. [entering luith Roberson, — who wears false beard, — and seating themselves at a table. Newton departs shaking his fist threateningly Sharp-Kye goes to the door and looks after him.) Fool that you are, you think that I did not recognize you! My name is Sharp-Eye find an Indian bears his name only, when he is worthy of it! Mary. Oh, Sharp-Eye, how glad I am in meet you again! Where did you come from? Did you see or hear anything from my poor Michael? I haven't heard a word from him 53 THE WHITE INDIAN. since he disappeared with his old master and Miss Ahce. Oh, will 1 ever see him again! [_weepi7ig. Sharp-Eye. Be qui^t ma'am, don't despair, Michael is alive and he will return to you again! {enter Flying-Deer, who whispers softly to Sharp-Eye. The latter turns to Roher son.) I just received good news. If I ask you to do a favor for me," will you grant it? Henry Yes, if I can; speak out! Sharp-Eye. Let me have the knife with which you killed Bloody Tiger! Henry. The very same knife? yes you shall have it; here it is, take it, but do not use it in the same way which I did. Sharp-Eye. I shall never use it against any but the guilty, and those who deserve punish- ment ! Newton, [entering ivith the sheriff and tivo deputies. Newton points to Sharp-Eye.'] There is the man who killed my friend and neighbor, Rober- son! Arrest him! Sharp-Eye. You lie! I can prove it. Newton. He speaks falsely; he is guilty of the crime, and I want you to do your duty, officer! 54 THE WHITE INDIAN. Sheriff. If he can prove his innocence, I have no authority to detain him. An Indian has as much ri^ht to the protection of the law as a white man! Now Sharp-Ej^e, I want you to teU me the truth. Do you know anything ahout Roberson's death? Who killed him? Sharp-Eye. Nobody killed him; he is not dead but this fellow (tearing a false beard from New- ton.) tried his best to kill him, but was foiled by me! Gentlemen, here is Mr. Roberson! [Roherson re'moves a false beard. Newton, [aside.] Hades is turning against me ; I must get out of here quickly, [endeavors to escape through the door, but is caught by Michael entering. Michael. I've got him, I've got the rascal! [Newton and Michael ivrestle. Michael pulls off Newton's coat and falls to the floor. Newton escaping after several shots fired by Sharp-Eye. Mary. Oh how glad I am that my Michael has come back to me! Michael, my dear Mich- ael, come to my arms! Michael. Mary, my darling, I'll fly to thee! Pat. Oh dear, oh dear, she's got him agahi! she's got him again! 55 THE WHITE INDIAN. Scene II. A path in the woods. Michael appearing with Mary. Michael Come on, come on, I'll show you what I will do with you. Mary. Michael, what is the matter with you; are you verneckt? Oh, hu, don't tear me all to pieces! Michael. Shut up, when I speak. You — you — Mary. Well, what are you getting at. Don't be too much excited, you know well enough it won't do you any good. Do you hear? Michael. What! I want to see about that. You know^ what you can do? You can live with that Irishman and I go back to Germany! Mary. Oh, your jealousy is the reason again, that you don't know what you are doing. Well you may go; I am sure you can't go far with- out your dear Mary. Michael. Yes, dear you was to me once, but now I would like to sell you very cheap, for nothing. I keep my word right away; I go back to mein old father-land, and you can marry that nice bartender, who eats tobacco. 56 THE WHITE INDIAN. Mary. Oh, Michael, good old friend, best husband of all the other husbands, stay hero and do not leave me alone in this wilderness. You break my heart when you run away from me. Michael, Oh, Mary stop, you make the stones cry with your story. Mary. Michael; ach mein lieber Schatz, do not laugh at a loving wife. You must not go; have you forgotten that you dare not go back any more, on account of that soldier business of yours? Michael. Yes, that's so, you are right like all ways. Mary. Yes, and if you would listen to me every time, all the things would go a better way. What is the use to get hot-headed about Pat? Michael. You can say so, but I, — I can't. Oh Mary, I loved you so much; all my heart was yours, but now, since I see that another man IS in my house, I can't bear it any longer; I must go ! Mary. If that is all you got against him, then I 'tell him to quit • and if he don't, I'll dis- charge him. Michael. Yes, that is right; that's the way to please your husband, mein sueser Zucker 57 THE WHITE INDIAN. klumpe. Come, I'll help you, if he don't want to move away, I will fire him out. Mary. No, you don't, you take my advice an d re- main here. Your head is out of order, and you may start a fight on account of nothing. Now, I don't want you to do so. I can settle with him alone, my old Brummbaer! [exit. Michael. Mein lieber Gott im Himmelshe callt me an old grumbler! No, I want stand that. I know what I do if I don't shange my mind ; I fire the both, out of the property of my house! [enter Sharp-Eye.) Say, tell me, brother, do j^ou know anything of the place Alice has been taken to, and where she is kept; have you any idea what has become of that rascal Newton? Sharp-Eye. I do not no where Alice is conceal- ed, and as to that rascal Newton, I cannot imagine what has become of him. Michael. Well, I know. Sharp-Eye. Do you really? Michael. Yes, have you ever been on top of Red Mountain? Sharp- Eye. Yes, many a time; I know every nook and crook, even in the dark. Michael. Well, I don't think you know of the place I am going 1o lead you to, but I will 58 ' THE WHITE INDIAN. explain it to you. You pass around Eagle Rock, till you come to a brook; you follow up its course, till you arrive at a huge pine tree; when there, continue on your way for about a hundred steps, where you will find a bridge; on the opposite side stands a small house, in which Alice is kept a prisoner. I tell you this because, — well because I know that you and Alice are sweet on each other. You must go now, and may good luck follow^ you! {Sharp-Eye starts away.) I shall not suffer him to go alone; there are dangerous foes about here, and if harm comes to Sharp-Eye, Miss Alice would never forgive me. I have it, I shall go and inform Roberson and the sheriff', right straight away, [exit, singing. Scene III. A lonely place in the niountains, shoiving a small hut, in which Alice is kept a prisoiier, A bridge to he seen in the rear. Jim ivalking to and fro. Alice, \unseen.'] Jim, oh Jim ! Jim. Well girl, wdiat is it you want? Alice. Oh Jim, can't you let me leave this place? If you do, my friends will give you enough money to make you a rich man. 59 THE WHITE INDIAN. Jim. You ask for too much ! I will grant you anything except your freedom. Alice. Please Jim, open this door, and I swear that nobody shall learn that you were con- cerned in my escape. Jim, you had a mother once; poor old soul, she would not approve of your present course. Think of her, Jim, and let me go! [lialph crosses tJie bridge mid listens. Jim. My dear old mother! yes indeed I am more than disgusted with the life I am lead- ing; perhaps this is the best opportunity to turn over a new leaf and live a different and better life. Yes, I will release you, and this one good act may atone in part for some of my misdeeds, and I know you will pray for me. [attempts to open the door, hut is seized hjj Ralph. Ralph. So, my fine friend, what were you going to do? Jmi. You have been watching nie, and I hope you was'nt blind! Ralph. No, you bet! Our Captain was right when he told me to come and watch you, as he expected treachery on your part, (they lurestle on the bridge, Jim is stabbed and thrown over the bridge.) I am sorry for you but one life is as good as another! (a gun is fired, 60 THE WHITE INDIAN. Ralph drops dead and Sharp-Eye cr onsen the bridge, and releases Alice. Alice. Oh Sharp-Eye, is it you? how glad I am to see you! and to think tlmt you should be the one to give me m}^ freedom! Oh, I thank you so much! how can I ever repay you? Sharp-Eye. Don't speak of that now, you can best repa}^ me by returning to your home. Your uncle is anxious to see you, and this is too dangerous a place for you. Alice. Is it possible? Is my dear uncle alive? Oh what joyous news! Sharp-Eye. Yes so it is! Come now, you must take this road, and here is a pistol; you may need it. Should anything serious happen to me, then ask Flying-Deer, who Sharp-Eye was. Try to think of me, if you can ; as a dearly beloved brother. Be cautious and do not falter till you reach your home. Farewell! Alice. Oh, Sharp- Eye, my dearest friend I dread to think of your remaining here alone; but, if it must be, then farewell till w^e meet again. [_exit Alice. Sharp- Eye. Somebody is coming across the bridge; at last I shall face that wretch Newton, and somebody will get liurt. [enters the hut, removes his feathers, outer gannents, etc., retaining 61 THE WHITE INDIAN. a single knife, and then disguising himself as a girl. Newton, [appearing outside of hut] That devil- ish Indian interfered in my affairs a second time; to him I am indebted for all my bad luck; but wait, 'he who laughs last, laughs best!' I must call tlie boys. Hello, there within, Jim! Ralph! — No answer? that is strange! (peers about.) They are both gone; — gone with the girl too! (opens the door.) No, that fear is groundless; the beauty is still liere. (seizes Sharp- Eye and forces him through the door.) Here, I am going to leave this place, and if you will follow me willingly, I'll spare your life. Sharp-Eye. [throwing aside his mask ] Look in my face; do you recognize me? Newton, (amazed.) Sharp-Eye! Sharp-Eye. Yes, but my right name is George Roberson ! Newton. What? Sharp-Eye. Oh, I see you still remember the little boy who made you run years ago, with a few words. That little boy is a man now, and he has sworn to kill you with the knife of Bloody Tiger! (pulls his knife.) Now you coward, stand up, like a man if you can, and fight for your life! (they fight ivith knives, and. 62 THE WHITE INDIAN. Roherson, Alice, Michael, Mary, Pat, the Sheriff and deputies appear. Newton drops his knife, but succeeds in gaining that of Sharp- Eye. Neivton. [to Roherson.'] By this knife yowT wife fell, and now your son, shall die by the same blade ! Roherson. Oh, I see it all now! Sharp-Eye my son, my long lost boy! Sharp Eye. [to Newton.] You told a lie! {to Roherson.) Do not believe his false words! [Sharp-Eye throws Neivton who falls on his own knife.] Neivton. Oh, — oh, — I am dying! Alice. Oh, look here, Sharp-Eye is wounded! Roherson. [examining Sharp-Eye's wound and per- ceiving the hirth-m.ark on his arrn.] Newton spoke the truth indeed! you are my long lost son George; this mark proves it! Sharp-Eye. Father, it is true! I knew it long ago, but I could not tell you of it on account of Newton, [they emhrace. Roherson. There, my son, now go to Alice; she is worthy of you, and ma^^ God bless you both! Mary, [to Michael] Why, Michael, what is the matter with you? I do believe you are cry- ing, [they emhrace. 63 THE WHITE INDIAN. Michael. Yes, yes, too much happiness at once! Pat. Oh, murder, so much affection overcomes me! [turning around, Neivton gets up and stag- gers to the bridge.) Holy Moses, the rascal is still alive! Sheriff,shej'ifF, seize him! [Flying- Deer blocks Newton's escape. Neivton hangs in mid-air, from the bridge. Newton. Mercy, have mercy on me! Michael. Not to you; you do not deserve any mercy! Flying-Deer, Hoi, hoi, hoi, ugh, ugh! Flying- Deer will send the pale-face to the happy hunting ground, \_forces Newton to release his hold. Roberson. A miserable end it was, but he richly deserved it. Society has been well rid of one of tlie worst of human monsters. Oh, God we thank thee for our deliverance from the many perils which have beset us. [the end.] LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 017 373 245 4 ^