635 9 9825 NO PLAYS EXCHANGED py 1 igbee's Popular Plays ; Daddy and the Co-Eds BY WILLIS N. BUQBEE PRICE 35 CENTS The Willis N. BugbeeCo. SYRACUSE, N. Y. The Bugbee Entertainments ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE The Deacon's Honeymoon. Comedy in 3 acts by Willis N. Bugbee. Full of fun and a bit of mystery. Not sentimental. 6m., 5f. Time 1^ hrs. 35 cents. Daddy and the Co-Eds. College comedy in 2 acts by Willis N. Bugbee. "Daddy" visits college and has a good time. 6m., 6f. Time 1^4 hrs. 35 cents. Happyville School Picnic. A one-act play for inter- mediate and ungraded schools. One of our very best. 7 boys, 9 girls. Time 40 min. or longer. 35 cents. Some Class. Commencemxent Play in 4 acts by Edith F. A. U. Painton, 6m., 9f. Claimed to be the best commencement play on the market. Full of good healthy humor. Time 1 hour 40 min. 35 cents. Aunt Sophronia at College. College comedy in 3 acts by W^illis N. Bugbee. One of the best short plays we have ever offered. Full of fun from start to finish. 5m., 7f. Time 1}^ hrs. 35 cents. Billy's Aunt Jane. Comedy in 3 acts by Willis N. Bugbee. For school or community. Good darkey character. 8m., 7f. Time 1^ to 2 hours. 35 cents. Patriotism at Boggsville. Play for grammar grades. 8m., 5f. Good for indoors or out. A very up-to-date play. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Graduation at Gayville. A play for grammar grades. 6m., 6f. Includes a mock commencement, class poem, etc. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Coonville 'Ristocrat Club. A darkey play for church or school or any occasion. Clean and wholesome. 6m., 6f. Time, 1 hour. 35 cents. Darktown Social Betterment S'ciety. A good whole- some darkey play. Very funny. For 9 male charac- ters. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO., Syracuse, N. Y. Bugbee's Popular Plays Daday ana tne Co -Eds A College Comedy in Two Acts BY WILLIS N. BUGBEE Author of "Aunt Sophronia at College," "Billy's Aunt Jane," "The Deacon's Honeymoon," "Coonville 'Ristocrat Club," "Graduation at Gayville," "Happyville School Picnic," etc, etc. Copyright 1920, by Willis N. Bugbee THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO. SYRACUSE, N. Y. ^t^ s&.*** Daddy and tlie Co -Eds A,o< CHARACTERS Dick Green A College Good Fellow John Walton Dick's Chum Harry Wells J ^.^ Classmates Fred Norton | Ruth Blye w. 1 Florence Stowell.... ^ ^.^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^.^^^ Marion Byrd f Alice Holmes J Daddy Green Dick's Father Professor Wise Master of Clifton College Miss Miggs Otherwise "Miggsy" Nora A "Trusty'' Servant COSTUMES The boys and girls wear ordinary school clothes. Professor and Miss M. are dressed very sedately. Nora wears large white apron. Mr. Green is made up as a hard-working sun-browned farmer wearing coarse, odd fitting clothes. He has a rim of red whiskers around his chin. Time of Playing: One and a quainter hours. OCT -9 1920 ^,^,, , I^tf3>0'/^0U "T^v^ Daddy and tke Co -Eds ACT I. Scene: A general reception room at Clifton College. John is discovered studying. (Enter Dick.) Dick. Well, John, old chap — all alone? — and grinding away as usual. John. Got to do it, Dick. You know the monthly quiz in history comes tomorrow morning. Dick. By George! That's so, and I haven't looked inside of a book for two whole days. Think of it! John. I've often thought of it. You've got time enough yet. Dick. Can't do it. I've got too much on my mind now. John. That's the trouble, Dick, you've got altogether too much on your mind, such as it is. If I were in your place I would cut out some of it. Dick. There you go again with your preaching. You're as bad as Dad. John. Because your case requires it. Dick. Well, to tell you the truth, I've been thinking some of reforming. But say! Do you remember that letter you handed me this morning? John. I certainly do, because I got one for myself. Dick. I hope yours brought better luck than mine. John. What's the matter? Didn't yours bring good luck? Dick. I should say not — and the worst is yet to come. John. How so? I understood you to say you paid for that last suit when you got it. Dick. Fiddlesticks! I'm not talking about a tailor's bill. John. Be kind enough to tell me what could be worse than a tailor's bill. Dick. Then listen — my father is coming to make me a visit — expects to be here on the next train. John. Your father? Dick. Yes, he wants to see how my "book learnin' " is coming on, and whether a college education is worth the price or not. John. I shouldn't call that bad news. Dick. Not from your standpoint, of course — but look at me. John. I'm looking straight at you. Dick. And consider all the "dates" I've got on hand now. John. Too bad you haven't got more ancient history dates in your head. Dick. There it is — ancient history again. You know Dad's liable to stay two or three days when he gets here. John. I'd stay a week if I were in his place. Dick. A lot of consolation I get out of you. And when Dad 4 DADDY AND THE CO-EDS sees Prof, and finds out what a punk showing I made last quarter — ^Good night! John. He's sure to find it out all right-o if he sees Prof. Dick. And when he does my goose is cooked. {Enter Florence, Ruth, Maeion and Alice.) Florence. Did I hear some one mention "cooked goose"? If there's anything I adore, it's cooked goose. John. This is a different breed of bird. Dick was simply referring to himself. Ruth. Well, I always thought of him as a goose, but not of the cooked variety. Marion. And I always knew that Florence adored that kind of goose. Florence. Well, what is it all about, anyway? John. Nothing, only Dick's papa's coming to visit him. Girls. His papa? John. Yes, his nearest paternal ancestor. Alice. Is it true, Dick? Dick. I'm sorry to say it's true — painfully true. Ruth. And when is he coming? Dick. He is due to arrive on the next train. Ruth. What? So soon? Florence. I suppose he's coming to see how his progeny is progressing. Dick. That's the idea, and I thereby see my finish. Marion. Well, tell us about your paternoster — is he very stern? Dick. Stern enough to suit me. John. What you might call stubborn? Dick. Like a mule, if he wants to be. He leads better than he drives. Ruth. Well, when he comes, just introduce him to us. We've had considerable experience with fathers. Dick. By George! That may be a good scheme after all. Florence. Of course it is. We'll make him think you're a regular bookworm. Alice. That we can hardly pull you away from your studies. Marion. And that you're the honor student of the class — a bright and shining orb. Dick. Great Scott! John (laughing). Ho, ho! Say, that's enough to make a horse laugh. Dick. I say — don't get too eulogistic. Dad will know you're lying. Florence. Don't worry, we'll fix him all right. Dick. You'll what? DADDY AND THE CO-EDS 5 Florence. I mean we'll fix it up with him to your entire satisfaction. Ruth. And say — we want you boys to be sure and come up to our rooms tomorrow evening. We're going to have a grand and glorious time. Dick. Say! How do you suppose I can go with Dad here? Florence. We'll arrange that all right. Just watch us. Marion. Come on, girls, we must go, but we'll return — to meet Dick's papa. (Exeunt Girls.) John. Well, what do you know about that? Dick. If they can pull the wool over Dad's eyes and make him think his son has got to be as studious as all that, they're some hustling Co-Eds — that's all I've got to say. (Enter H^vrry and Fred.) Harry. Here he is. Say, Dick, you're just the fellow we want to see. Fred. We want to see you bad, too. Dick. I'd rather you'd see me good. What's on, anyway? Henry. We're going to organize the base ball team tonight, and we want you for captain. What do you say? Fred. And we want you to be at the meeting at seven o'clock sharp. Dick. I don't see how I can get away tonight. Henry. Now don't be a quitter. You must be there — it's important that you should. Fred. You see some of the fellows are talking of Percy Blake for captain, but we and some of the others want you — and if you're not there, why they win, that's all. Dick. You know there's nothing I'd like better than to beat Perce Blake. Fred. That's what we thought. Dick. But tonight — say, you fellows don't know what I'm up against. John. Dick's got to play the role of the dutiful son for the next few days. Harry. What in blazes are you fellows driving at? Dick. Nothing, except that I'm expecting a visit from Dad. He's coming this afternoon and if he finds that I'm not at- tending to my work as he thinks I should, then its back to the little old farm for mine. Fred. Gee! That's tough luck. Can't you fix it some way? Harry. Eureka! I have it! Dick. I want you to understand that Dad's coming here with both eyes open. Harry. Well, here's my plan: A messenger will call for you a little before seven saying that Prof. Purdy wants to see you for 6 DADDY AND THE CO-EDS a little extra coaching in trig. You, of course, take your book under your arm and very obedienly answer the summons, leav- ing your beloved parent in John's care — you'll be here, eh, John? John. Till bedtime. This is my night in. Harry. Your father can interest himself with the market reports in the evening paper until we send you back to him duly elected captain of the "Clifton Champions." See? Dick. That's pretty clever, too. I think I'll fall for it. Fred. Good! We'll see you at the Gym this evening. Ta! ta! (Exeunt Harry and Fred.) Dick. Do you know, John, I'd give anything to beat Blake. He's a genuine snob. John. That's my opinion exactly. Go to it, and I'll help you all I can. Dick, (looking at watch). Gee whiz! It lacks only five minutes of train time. I'll have to sprint. (Enter Nora.) Nora. Faith, an' is it here yez be, Mr. Dick? Dick. To be sure I'm here. Where'd you think I was? Nora. Shure, an' I thought yez would be over wid the byes playin' ball. Dick. I was there a spell ago, but I'm here now. Nora. Yis sor, an' so I sint the ould mon over there — Dick. The old man! Nora. Yis sor, the ould gintlemon wid the big satchel in his hand and a big crop iv red whiskers on his chin an' Dick, Great Scott! Dad's come and he wanted me to meet him. Nora. Faith, an' is it your own Daddy? He axed me where wuz Richard Green, an' I sez, sez I, "you'll be more loikely to foind him over on the ball grounds than anywhere ilse, bein' he's sich a great shport an' — Dick. You told him that? Nora. Yis sor, an' why shouldn't I, bein' thot iverybody knows ye're the biggest shport in the college. Dick. Well, for heaven's sake don't tell him anything more about me if you ever want me to buy you any more presents. Nora. Mum is the word, thin. Trust Nora O'Grady for that. Dick. I'll go and see if I can find Dad. (Exit) Nora. Wull, did yez iver see the loikes iv that? I niver thought iv its bein' his father, at all, at all. John, iCan't be he resembles Dick then. Nora, Resemble Dick? Say, he's the quarest lookin' customer yez iver laid your two eyes on. Thim red whiskers iv his is enough to scare crows from a cornfield. John. You know Dick's fate hinges on his father's visit, Nora. Nora, Och thin, I'll be tellin' him he's the finest lad that DADDY AND THE CO-EDS 7 wuz iver at ould Clifton, which iv course is thrue, barrin' some things which I don't nade to mintion. Wull, here they be comin', so I'll jist be goin' along about me business. (Exit.) (Knter Dick and Mr. Green.) Dick. Come right in, father. This is my chum, John Walton. John, shake hands with my father. (Greetings.) Mr. G. Mighty glad to know ye, young man. (Shaking hands.) I s'pose you an' my son are runnin' races to see which one of ye can do the most studyin', eh? JoHX. Why — er — yes. Sometimes I think Dick's coming out ahead, though. Dick. Now, John. Mr. G. Wal, I hope I'll hear good reports of him. I need him mighty bad on the farm, but if he's doin' all right here I ain't got nothin' to say agin his stayin' till he's through, though it does take a heap of money for this eddication business. John. That's so. My father says the same thing. Mr. G. I don't begrudge it, long's he tends to his knittin' but when he don't then it's time to quit. That's what I say an' that's what I'm here to see about. (Enter girls hurriedhj, vnthout noticing Mr. G.) Marian. Say, we stopped to tell you boys that Harry and Fred have agreed to come to the party tomorrow — John (hands to mouth). Sh — Alice. O — oh, we beg your pardon for intruding. (Start to go.) Dick. Don't hurry. Let me introduce you to my father. Father, these are some of my classmates. (Greetings.) Mr. G. 'Pear to be a mighty nice lot of gals. Florence. Oh, we are. All. And we're awfully glad to know Dick's father. Ruth. Mr. Green, we've been waiting for the opportunity to tell you what a brilliant son you have. (Dick meanwhile stands back of his father motioning for the girls to stop.) Marion. You see he's been studying very hard — he's a won- derful student — in fact, we've all been working so hard lately that we're all fagged out. Alice. And for that reason we've arranged a little party for tomorrow evening. Ruth. Sort of recreation, you know. Florence. And we extend an invitation to you to share these festivities with us. (John snickers. Dick looks foolish.) Mr. G. Gosh, I warn't figurin' on gettin' into society. Florence. Oh, this is only a little informal affair. You must come. Mr. G. Wal, mebbe— I'll see about it. 8 DADDY AND THE CO-EDS {Enter Nora.) Nora, Mr. Dick, the perfessor would be wantin' to see yez at the office roight away if yez plaze. Dick. Excuse me, folks. I'll be right back. He probably wants to arrange the next quarter's work. Ruth. Or congratulate you on the good work of the past. John. Wait a second, Dick, I'm goin' out for a bite to eat — just to steady my nerves. (Exeunt.) Mr. G. Gosh a-mighty! There ain't no danger of you folks overworkin' is there? Wonder if I hadn't better speak to pro- fessor 'bout it? Girls. O — oh no! Please don't do that! Alice. We're not in any immediate danger (Meanwhile Nora stands with hack to others trying to conceal laughter.) Marion. Why, what's the matter, Nora? Nora. Nothin' at all. I wuz jist thryin' to snaze an' couldn't. Florence. Wouldn't you like to go out on the campus until your son returns, Mr. Green? We'll show you some of the col- lege buildings. Mr. G. I dunno but I would. One of them buildin's I seen today was biggern' all the houses in Grassville put together, an' the meetin' house to boot. Ruth. No doubt we can tell you what it is. Come on. {Exeunt girls and Mr. G.) Nora {Standing with arms akimbo looking after them, then laughs heartily). Holy saints! Did yez iver see the loike iv thot? Thim gals have jist took thot ould mon roight under their wings, so to spake. Och, but they're a loively lot an' they're all roight ixcipt for shtudy. I jist thought I'd bust a-laughin' whin they was talkin' iv overworkin'. Sometimes I wish I was a shtudent mesilf an' thin I could be shtudyin' biology an' triology an' doxology an' all thim other foine things. {Picks up sheet music.) Wull now, heres something thim young loidies did be lavin'. {Hums tune of song) Begorra, I belave I could sing it mesilf. (Sings. John and Dick appear at doorway during singing, without being observed by Nora. They enter at close of song, clapping hands.) John, That was very good, Nora. Dick. You certainly did fine. 's got nothing on you. (Mention any prominent singer.) Nora. Faix, an' it's beggin' your pardon I am. John. No apologies are necessary. Dick. Should say not, but — (looking around) what's become of Dad? And the girls? Nora. Shure, an' the girls did be takin* your pa out to show him the soights iv the college, an' now 'tis mesilf would be goin' about me work. (Exit) DADDY AND THE CO-EDS 9 Dick. The deuce! I'm afraid they'll overdo the matter. John. What did Prof, have to say? Dick. Said I'd have to make a better showing next quarter if I expect to remain in college next year. John. Wouldn't wonder if he was right at that, Dick. I only hope he and Dad don't have an interview. (Enter Harry and Fred.) Harry. Say, we've got it all fixed up. We've got votes pnough promised to carry it through. Boys. Good! Fred. And say! You know when we left here before? Well, we met the queerest old duffer on the campus. He had an old satchel that Noah must have had in the ark, and a rim of red whiskers on his chin. Gee, but that would be a corker of a rig r'or our masquerade next week. Harry. Look, Fred! Fred. Well, I'll be blessed if the old guy isn't coming now. (Enter Girls and Mr. G.) Ruth. We herewith return your father to you, Dick, with a little better knowledge of our school surroundings. Harry and Fred. Your father? Dick. Father, let me present you to two more of my class- mates — Mr. Harry Wells and Fred Norton. Mr. G. Howdy do, young men. (Shake hands.) Glad to see ye. Harry. And we are — er — glad to see you, too. Aren't we, Fred? Fred. Sure thing. Dick. How do you like the looks of the college, father? Mr. G. Wal, I'll tell ye, son. What I've seen of it, it's a mighty big place. Looks to me as if you could get a whole lot of book larnin' here if you're a mind to, an' I hope you'll all improve the opportunity. One thing I want to say — you've given me a mighty good welcome an' — Florence. And we intend to entertain you right royally while you are here. All. For Dick's sake and for your own sake. (All sing ''For He's a Jolly Good Fellow'' as the Curtain Falls ACT II. Scene: A study room in girls' apartments. Pennants dec- orate the walls. A table, large easy chair, several smaller chairs and a sofa make up the furnishings of the room. The girls are discovered preparing for luncheon. Marion. What's become of the table cloth? Anybody seen it? Alice. It's back of the sofa pillow. I was just starting to put it on. 10 DADDY AND THE CO-EDS Maeion. Oh, all right. Go ahead. Florence. Where are the sandwiches, Alice? Alice. In that box under the sofa. (Florence gets 'box and removes sandwiches.) Ruth. And the pickles? Alice. Dear me! {Trying to think.) Where did I put them? — Oh, I know — ^the pickles and the olives are in the large dresser drawer. Marion. I'll get the big chair and the footstool all ready for Daddy. Do you think he'll come? Alice. He told us he would. Florence. Alice and I took him all over town this afternoon. We never missed a single sight, not even the Candy Kitchen. Alice. He's real interesting when you get acquainted with him. I'll bet he was some kid when he was young. Marion. A good deal like Dick? Alice. Yes, only more so. Florence. We've tried to keep him away from Prof, as much as possible so he wouldn't find out about Dick's standings, Ruth. That was certainly very thoughtful of you. {Enter Nora ivith bundles.) Nora. Wull, there they be. {Puts them on table. Girls ex- amine.) Ruth. Got something for us, Nora? Nora. Yis, mum, they're some packages the byes tould me to fetch up to yez. Alice {opening package). Oh, it's the bonbons. Florence. And marshmallows. Marion {opening another package). And fruit. Noea. Shure, an' 'tis a foine bit iv news I have for yez, so I have. All. What is it, Nora? Tell us. Nora. Wull, you see, it's loike this — Miss Miggs is a woman that's always hangin' aorund home an' niver loikes to go ony- wheres. Alice. Don't we know that? Marion. Well, I guess yes. Ruth. We know it to our sorrow. Nora. Wull, tonight she's gone. All. Gone! Nora. Yis mum, she's gone to the Blackin' Club. Florence. To where? Nora. To the Blackin' Club, I think it is. Florence. Oh, you mean the Browning Club. Nora. Yis, I guess that was the name an' — Alice. Oh, glory! All. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! DADDY AND THE CO-EDS 11 Mariox. And' so we've got this end of the building all to ourselves. Nora. Yis, mum, an' she did be tellin' me to kape watch an' see that iverything's all roight whoile she's gone. Ruth. Then you must not neglect your duty, Nora. Nora. Indade I won't. Yez can always trust Nora O'Grady for doin' her duty but — (confidentially) I'll jist be givin' yez a tip if I hears her comin'. Florence. Thank you, Nora. You're a brick. Nora. Wull. here's somebody comin' an' I'm off. Good luck lO yez. (Exit.) (Enter Harry and Fred.) Harry. Here we are. "First come, first served." Fred. Also, " The early bird catches the worm." Alice. You boys are not as early as the others are late. Harry. Most likely Dick has to get his papa ready before he comes. Fred. Gee! I have to laugh when I think how steady Dick's become since yesterday. I actually saw him studying this morn- ing. What do you think of that? Marion. I think it would be a good thing for Dick if his Daddy would arrange to stay here right along. Harry. Don't mention it to him. He may take it into his head to do so. Ruth. We wouldn't care if he did. We rather like him the better we get acquainted with him. Harry. We've noticed that you've got him tied to your apron strings. Fred. Sounds as if they might be coming now. (Enter John, Dick and Mr. G.) Marion. At last the tardy ones have arrived. John. Yes, we are here. (Looks around) We're all here. Harry. And if anyone should ask why the thusness of the here just tell them — All (sing the round). "We're Here Because We're Here," etc. Florence. Really, Mr. Green, you must think we're a silly lot. Fred. As the old saying goes: "Youth is foolish, age is wise." Florence. But our work is so strenuous at times that we really have to have some little diversion like this to relieve the brain tension. Dick. "Brain tension" is good. Mr. G. Wal, if you folks have to work as hard as you say you do, I s'pose mebbe you do have to have some sort of safety valve to let the pressure off. Harry. That expresses it exactly. Just what I was trying to think of myself. 12 DADDY AND THE CO-EDS Alice. Here's the easy chair, Mr. Green. We've placed it here on purpose for you as the seat of honor. Mr. G. Thanky, young ladies. You're real thoughtful, seems to me. Alice. Oh, do you think so? I was afraid we weren't thought- ful enough. Mr. G. Gosh! If I was a young feller I dunno but I'd try a college eddication myself, I swan if I wouldn't. John. It sure is mighty interesting. Dick. Well say! What are we going to do this evening? RuTK. Oh, all sorts of stunts. Harry. And the feeds. Marion. You know Miggsy has gone to her club meeting this evening, "The Browning Club." John. You don't say! Gee, that's great. Dick. Isn't it. Florence. We might as well tell you, Mr. Green, that we're never sure whether our little parties will be interrupted or not — that is, whether — I mean — Alice. She means whether the upper classmen will try to break it up. It's a sort of custom for each class to try to spoil the little functions and festivities of the other. Mr. G. Mighy curious custom, seems to me. Alice. And so tonight we have Nora on guard like Paul Revere of old, ready to give the alarm when the enemy ap- proaches. Fred. Well, let's get started. The sight of those sandwiches makes me hungry. Florence. Guests served first always. Have a sandwich, Mr. Green. (Passes sandwiches. He takes one.) Mr. G. Dunno but I will. I et a hearty supper, but I guess I can find room for one of 'em anyway. Florence (to Fred). Now, Mr. Piggy Wiggy, your turn. Fred (taking one). Thanks, awfully. (Other's take sandwiches in turn.) Ruth. Here are some pickles to go with them. (Passes pickles.) Alice. If anyone prefers olives, here they are. Harry. Thank you, I think I'll have olives for mine. (Takes one.) Marion. Now, while you gentlemen are eating we girls are going to start the program with a new song we've been learning. John. That's a tip-top arrangement — girls sing, boys eat. Fred. Sort of a cabaret performance? Mr. G. Gosh! I hope 'tain't nothin' like that affair that Si Perkins an' I went to down in (name nearhv town). DADDY AND THE CO-EDS 13 Dick. What's that, Dad? I never heard about your going to a cabaret. Mr. G. Wal, I did an' what's more, I don't callate to go agin. I went in with Si afore I knew what 'twas. Marion. You needn's be alarmed. There's no cabaret about this. All ready, girls. (They sing any song or quartet.) Mr. G. Gosh a mighty! They did that purty nigh as good as Nance Slocum and Sal Hopkins, eh Dick? Dick. Pretty near, Dad. Florence. Now it's time for the male quartet {or for the gentlemen to perform). Fred. What shall we sing, fellows? John. Most anything. You start it up and we'll all join in. Fred. Then let's sing ^ . (All join in singing song mentioned.) Harry (listening). What did I hear? Dick. Nothing in the way of applause, I'm sure of that. Girls. But it was fine. Harry. I'm not joking. I heard something outside. (A light rap is heard.) There it goes again. (Florence goes to door.) (Enter Nora.) Nora. Hisht now! Ye'd betther be kapin' quiet. Miggsy's got back an' I think she mistrusts somethin' for she's headed this way. (Exits) Girls. Oh horrors! What shall we do? Fred. Clear away some of the evidence first thing. Alice. Quick! Shove the dishes under the sofa. (All busy clearing table and putting dishes under sofa) John. Listen to the jingling of the crockery. Now for the balcony, fellows. Boys. Yes, the balcony for us. (They climh out of window.) Mr. G. Gosh! This is some like the breakin' up of a hard winter. Marion. Now, Mr. Green, perhaps you'd better step into the clothes room till the storm passes. (They push him into closet and close door.) Now come, girls. Step lively. (Girls turn off light and exeunt, r, rear.) XoRA (outside). Yis mum, I've been kapin' watch iv this floor iver since ye've been gone. (Enter Mrs. Miggs and Nora.) Miss M. I was just sure I heard a disturbance in this end of the building. (Turns on light and examines room.) Every- thing seems quiet. (Looks in sleeping room.) The young ladies are in bed and asleep. I wonder what it could have been. 14 DADDY AND THE CO-EDS Nora. Wull, now, mebbe 'twas the cats houldin' a grand opery. I thought I heard somethin' iv the koind mesilf. Miss M. Then it must have been human cats. (A loud noise in clothes room as of something falling) Miss M. Goodness! What was that? (She opens door and looks in. Screams.) 0-o-oh! Mercy! Help! Fire! Burglars! (Slams door and locks it. Girls appear in doorway with night dresses over other clothing.) Nora. Holy saints! Ruth. Why, Miss Miggs, what is it? Miss M. Dear me! I'm so frustrated. There's a burglar in your clothes room. Girls. Oh! A burglar! Miss M. Yes, I've got him locked in and I'm going to give the alarm for Professor. Stay right where you are, girls. Nora, you run down and see if Professor's in his office. Nora. Yis, mum. (Exeunt Nora and Miss M.) Alice. Oh, dear! Now we're in a pickle sure enough, with Daddy Green locked in the clothes room. Ruth. And Miggsy's got the key. Marion. How can we get him out? Alice. It's impossible. We can't do it. Dick (half way in window). Never say fail. Wait till we get in there. We'll spring the lock. Fi^rence. No, you mustn't do it. She'll come and catch you at it and then we'll be in a worse scrape than ever. Dick. You don't want my dad to get pinched for burglary, do you? Girls. N-no, of course not. Dick. Well, that's what'll happen if we don't get him out. Alice. Sh — ! Here she comes now and Prof's with her. (All disappear.) (Enter Miss M. and Professor.) Prof. Where did you say you saw him. Miss Miggs? Miss M. Right there in the clothes room. Here's the key. (Hands key to Prof.) Now do be careful. Prof. Was he very — er — large? Miss M. He was quite large and — and he looked just awful. Perhaps we'd better call the police. Prof. Not yet — wait till I see. Miss M. But he may be armed, you kn^w. Prof. Never fear. If worst comes to worst I — er — have a bundle of junior essays in my pocket, that is — I mean — (Girls re-appear in ordinary clothes.) Florence. Oh dear, I hope no one gets hurt. Prop. Stand back, all of you — in case he makes a break for the door. DADDY AND THE CO-EDS 15 Girls. Oh dear! (Peof. opens door. Mr. G. stumbles out.) Prof, {adjusting glasses and looking him over). Well, well, I am surprised. Mr. Green. Is this really you or your double? Mr. G. I callate it's me. Professor. Prof. As I said before, I am certainly surprised after our conversation this morning. Mr. G. An' I'm considerably surprised myself, to tell the truth. Prof. You were so anxious about your son's welfare, and now to find you secreted here in these young ladies' rooms in this suspicious manner. How do you account for it? Mr. G. Gosh a-mighty! I can't account for it. Ask my son. Where is the rascal? (Enter Dick, followed hy other hoys.) Dick. Here I am, father. Others. And here are all the rest of us. Prof. What does this mean, young men? Dick. It means — er — that is, it means — Florence. Really, Professor, we are the ones entirely to blame. We coaxed them all to come. Miss M. Girls, I am shocked at your performance. Prof. Did you coax Mr. Green into coming also? Ruth. Yes, Professor, we are to blame for it all. Harry. Oh come, now, we'll stand for our share of the fracas. Fred. We all had a hand in it. Prof. So I perceive. You all appear to be guilty. Miss M. And I think they should all be punished most se- verely. Professor, if they are not suspended from the school. Girls. We're very, very sorry and we'll promise never to let it happen again. Boys. Same here! Amen! (Enter Nora.) Miss M. Miss O'Grady, how did this thing ever occur? Didn't I give you explicit instructions to keep watch of this portion of the building? Nora. Yis, mum, an' I was kapin' watch all the time, so I was. Miss M. I think you were in league with these young people — ^that's my opinion. Mr. G. I callate I ought to do some apologizin' myself. Girls. No, no, Mr. Green, we are the only ones to blame. Florence. You see. Professor, we were the originators of the party; we invited Mr. Green without informing him that it was against the rules of the college; and we were the ones who con- cealed him in the clothes room. Miss M. I hope you will not be too lenient with them. 16 DADDY AND THE CO-EDS Prof. Young men and women, inasmuch as Mr. Green has been placed in this embarrassing position through your actions, I have decided to leave your fate in his hands. Mr. G. Then all I've got to say, Professor, is this: if you're goin' to keep school you've got to have rules to go by, an' the young folks must live up to 'em. I want my boy Dick to tend to business an' try to make something of himself. That's what I came to see about, an' if he don't do it I'm goin' to take him straight back to the farm. Most likely the other fathers think the same way. On the other hand, boys will be boys, an' gals will be gals, an' sometimes they sorter jump over the traces like young colts. So, if 'twas me, I'd put 'em on probation for 'bout a month, an' then if they're too full of the old nick— ^why I reckon I'd do something. Nora. Begorra, I think ye're all right, Mr. Green. Miss M. I wouldn't wait more than one week, if 'twas me. Dick. I'm not going to give you occasion to take me back to the farm, dad — not till I finish my course. Mr. G. I hope not, son. Prof. Young people, you have heard the verdict. What have you to say? Girls. We wish to thank Daddy from the very depths of our hearts. Boys. Even to the very soles of our feet. All. For he's all right. (All sing or recite.) We'll all be good little boys and girls — We'll all be as good as pie — We'll be so good on this sphere below That we'll all go to heaven bye and bye. Curtain The Bugbee Entertainments ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE Uncle Eben's S'prise Party. Here is another splen- did negro play. It certainly is a surprise party. 6m., 6f. Time. 30 min. 25 cents. Uncle Si and the Sunbeam Club. A delightful play for grammar grades. Opportunity for specialties. 7m., 7i. Time, 30 min. 30 cents. Hiram and the Peddlers. A farce in 1 act. The climax is a great surprise. 5m., 2f. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Closing Day at Beanville School. The most popular play for intermediate grades we have ever offered. 7m., 7f. (more or less). Time, 30 min., or more. 30 cents. Seven Little Soldiers and Seven Little Maids. For primary or intermediate grades. A splendid patriotic number. Book contains also "The Little Patriots' Loyalty Drill." 25 cents. Midgets' Grand Parade. A delightful pageant for little tots. Very easy to produce. Time, 30 min. 2^ cents. Funny Little Food Folks. A novelty entertainment for children. This is something different. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Jolly Christmas Book. By Willis N. Bugbee. The latest, jolliest and most usable Christmas book on the market. Full of good things for a complete Christmas program. 40 cents. America's Flag. A beautiful patriotic march and drill with tableaux. For 8 or 12 girls. 25 cents. Following the Stars and Stripes. A splendid new patriotic pageant. This should be on every program. For any number of children. Time, 15 to 45 min. 25 cents. I THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO., Syracuse, N. Y. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 102 487 9 ^*" The Bugbee Entertainments ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE Pretty Pageants for Young Folks. These pageants are not only pretty but right up to the minute. Very easy and pleas- ing. Good for any time. 30 cents. Commencement Helps and Hints. For Eighth Grade People. Contains salutatories, valedictories, histories, class will, prophecies, banquet, class drill, play, yells, mottoes, colors, novel sports, songs, stunts, etc. A valuable book. 35 cents. Commencement Treasury. Brimful of helpful material for the high school graduate. Salutatories, valedictories, prophecies, etc., etc. 50 cents. Uncle Peter's Proposal. A farce in 2 acts by W. T. New- ton, 3m., 2f. A very clever little play. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Old Class Reunion. A prophetic class play. The mem- bers of the old class get together for the first time in 30 years. 7m., 7f. 30 minutes. 25 cents. Mrs. Deacon Spriggs. A two-act play for older women. Full of good healthy fun and lively gossip. 12f. 30 min. 25 cents. NEW SONGS There's a Welcome Here for You. A song that offers a genuine welcome to the audience. 35 cents. Don't Forget to Come Again. Another delightful good-bye song. 35 cents. We've Got the Mumps. A novelty costume song for chil- dren supposed to be afflicted with the mumps. 35 cents. The Old Home Folks. A song for adults, or older boys and girls, to be used on any program. 35 cents. Our Latch String Hangs Outside. A dandy new welcome song that will start your entertainment right. Sheet music. 35 cents. Just Smile and Say Good-Bye. A capital song to send your audience home feeling good natured. Bright and catchy. 35 cents. De Coonville Jubilee. The 'Ristocrats of Coonville hold a jubilee and "Dey didn't get home till de break ob day." Sheet music. 35 cents. THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO., Syracuse, N. Y.