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Motion Song.......... 11 PLAYS FOR MALE CHARACTERS ONLY 15 CENTS EACH x APRIL FOOLS. 1 Act; 80 minutes „ 8 BYRD AND HURD. 1 Act; 40 minutes « DARKEY WOOD DEALER. 1 Act; 20 minutes...... 8 WANTED, \ MAHATMA. 1 Act; 30 minutes... .... ......... 4 HOLY TERROR. 1 Act; 30 minutes.. ...............%...... 4 MANAGER'S TRIALS. 1 Act; 1 hour «„.*,..«..«.. 9 MEDICA. lAct; 35 minutes T NIGGER NIGHT SCHOOL. 1 Act;' 80 minutes... 6 SLIM JIM AND THE HOODOO. 1 Act; 30 minutes.. ...... 5 WANTED. A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK. 1 Act; 30 minutes 8 SNOBSON'S STAG PARTY. 1 Act; 1 hour..... ......... ...... 12 PICKLES AND TICKLES. 1 Act; 20 minutes. ................ 6 HARVEST STORM. 1 Act; 40 minutes 10 CASE OF HERR BAR ROOMSKI. Mock Trial; 2 hours... 28 DARKEY BREACH OF PROMISE CASE. Mock Trial 22 GREAT LIBEL CASE. Mock Trial; 1 Scene; 2 hours. ......... 21 RIDING THE GOAT. Burlesque Initiation; 1 Scene; V& hours 24 FITZGERALD PUBLISHING CORP'N, 18 Vesey St., N. Y. PHARAOH'S KNOB A COMEDY IN ONE ACT By EDITH J. CRAINE Copyright, 191 9, by FITZGERALD PUBLISHING CORPORATION FITZGERALD PUBLISHING CORPORATION Successor to DICK & FITZGERALD 18 Vesey Street New York 4 > PHARAOH'S KNOB CHARACTEES Mildred Arlington Hotel clerk Malindie Billings Bell hop Lieut. Walter Kingston Soldier in Love with Elizabeth Elizabeth Jones In love with Lieut. Kingston Mrs. Kenneth Jones. Elizabeth's mother Miss Sophia Peppergrass. . . Who loses her cabinet knob Mrs. Charles Leonard Who thinks of nothing but her small son Miss Clara Paulis Hotel guest Miss Florence Hartman Hotel guest Miss Dorothy Knight . . . Hotel guest Miss Beatrice Sherlock Lady detective Miss Evelyn Jenkins. . .Miss Sherlock's Assistant and Admirer Gipsy Fortune teller who is mistaken for one of Pharoah's descendants Troup of players who perform for the guests. Time : — The Present Time of Playing : — One hour. Place: — Hotel lobby — Sea shore resort. Season : — Summer. SYNOPSIS Lieut. Kingston has followed Elizabeth Jones to the seashore and tries to meet her. Mrs. Jones, who does not approve of penniless soldiers, interferes. Miss Pep- pergrass, on her way to town, loses the glass knob of 2 JUL 2b 1919 TMP92-008955 &JI.D 5228 -L/v \ Pharaoh's Knob 3 her antique cabinet. Lieut. Kingston finds the knob and, while examining it, the hotel bell hop, a credulous girl, watches him. She thinks the stone is of value and just for fun the soldier tells her a long fake story about the stone's powers. The bell hop believes the tale and promptly tells several people. Immediately the soldier finds himself the center of a large group of admirers, and, catching on to what has happened he makes the most of his opportunities. The stone is lost, however, and the various guests find it. Each guest, realizing the power of the stone, wants to keep it but is frightened by the appearance of the gipsy who, the bell hop claims, is trying to get the stone and will kill anyone who has it. Sherlock gets on the trail and while things are hottest, Miss Peppergrass returns demanding that a sign be put up to the effect that she has lost the knob of her cabinet. The hotel clerk Realizes what has hap- pened, and gives the soldier warning. He and Eliza- beth leave the hotel hurriedly, returning during the discussion among the guests. Mrs. Jones denounces him, and attempts to take her daughter. Elizabeth and Lieut. Kingston announce their marriage and mother blesses her children. Jenkins' admiration for Sherlock does not diminish during the play. COSTUMES Mildred Arlington — Simple business-like dark dress. Malindie Billings — Middy and bloomers and either summer coat or sweater with pockets. Soft shoes. Lieut. W. Kingston — Canadian or U. S. uniform of lieutenant. Elizabeth Jones — Pretty summer dress. First en- trance without hat. Bathing suit. Mrs. Jones — Summer dress. Miss Peppergrass — Very tailormade suit, coat and hat. Mrs. Leonard — Summer dress; carries parasol and wears hat. Bathing suit. Miss Paulis — Summer dress, etc. 4 Pharaoh's Knob Miss Hartman — Summer dress, etc. Miss Dorothy Knight — Summer dress, etc. Miss Sherlock — Business suit — very English — low shoes, stick. Miss Jenkins — Dresses in imitation of Miss Sherlock. Gipsy — Regular bright-colored gipsy outfit. INCIDENTAL PROPERTIES Bell, mail bags, keys, mail boxes, papers and letters, clerk's desk, for Arlington. Coat, or sweater with pockets for Billings. Glass knob, rather large, any color; traveling bag, knitting bag, purse, for Peppergrass. Knitting bags, parasols, bathing togs, for Guests. Magnifying glass, rather large, with handle, for Sherlock. Two suitcases, golf sticks, bag, etc. ; all she can carry, for Jenkins. Sign, printed: LOST in or near the hotel Large iridescent crystal odd-shaped — broken at one end. Of no value except to owner. Miss Peppergrass. STAGE DIRECTIONS As seen by a performer on the stage, facing the audi- ence, d.r. signifies door right; d.l., door left; up, toward the rear of the stage; down, toward the footlights. Pharaoh's Knob Scene: — Lobby in summer hotel. Entrances at right and left sides of stage. Large chair on one side of stage for bell hop. Hotel desk opposite. Mail boxes, bell, papers, ink, stationery, etc., on desk. Pahns add to attractiveness of place. Large rug or rugs on floor. Group, or groups, of chairs for guests. Time, summer, early morning. DISCOVERED, Mildred Arlington, clerk, behind desk arranging keys on keyboard. ENTER, d.r., Malindie Bil- lings, bell-hop, with bag of 77. 8. mail which she puts on desk. Clerk unlocks mail bag, takes out mail and begins to assort it into guests' mail boxes. Bell-hop takes chair, stretches and yawns. Tele- phone rings. Clerk answers. Clerk. All right. (To Bell-hop) Malindie, go up and hook up 23, she is waiting. (Returns to assorting mail. EXIT Bell-hop, d.l., stretching and yawning. ENTER, d.r., Lieutenant Walter Kingston, iv earing hat tiwned up on side like Anzac, looks around, walks over to desk) Kingston. Good morning. Have I any mail ? Clerk. Good morning. (Hands him a paper. King- ston looks at- register) Kingston (to Clerk). Do you happen to know if Miss Jones is up ? Clerk. They 'phoned down for breakfast about twenty minutes ago. Kingston. Thanks, may I use this 'phone to call the room? Clerk. Certainly. Kingston (takes 'phone, speaks into it). Give me room 38 please. Good morning, Elizabeth. This is Walter. Can you come down and see me for a few minutes? (Pauses) I came last night. (Pauses) I 5 6 Pharaoh's Knob have three months' furlough before I join the American army. (Pauses) Oh yes, I'll be all right then; wounds all healed up in great style and I am to have a commis- sion just the same as with the Australian regiment. Is your mother there? I don't suppose she will receive me. (Pauses) All right, dear, I'll wait here in the lobby till you come down. (Hangs up receiver, opens paper, reads, standing by desk) ENTER, d.l., Elizabeth, hurriedly. Kingston takes Tier in Ms arms and kisses Iter. Elizabeth. Walter, where did you come from ? How did you know we were here? Kingston. I had no trouble finding you. Can't you come out and walk with me a little while and we'll talk it over? ENTER, d.l., Mrs. Jones, very angry Mrs. Jones (angrily). Elizabeth, go to your room. (Elizabeth and Kingston jump apart. Elizabeth starts off sloivly, d.l. ) Understand, young man, that we are not hysterical over uniforms or penniless soldiers. [EXIT d.l. Kingston (mops Ms brow). She hasn't changed a bit. ( Clerk looks on sympathetically ) [EXIT Kingston, d.r. ENTER, d.l., Miss Peppergrass, dressed to go to town and carrying suitcase, knitting-bag, and handbag. Marches up to desk briskly. Miss Peppergrass. Good morning. I left my key with the chambermaid. You have my forward address, haven't you? (Clerk opens book and reads) Clerk. 71 Madison Avenue, Miss Peppergrass ? Miss Peppergrass. Yes. Be sure and forward any- thing that comes for me. I'll take the morning paper. Is there anything in my box? ^Clerk gives her paper and takes letter from box. Miss Peppergrass starts off right, stops near door and looks at the things In her hand) Let me see, yes, I guess I have everything, — my suitcase, my knitting and my handbag. Let me see. (Opens handbag and looks into it, pulls out piece of glass) Yes, here it is, all safe. Whatever I do I mustn't Pharaoh's Knob 7 forget to take this to the jeweler's. I can't open that antique cabinet until this knob is fixed. Yes, I have everything. (Closes bag, drops piece of glass on floor) [EXIT d.r. Clerk ('pTione rings). All right, I'll come right away. [EXIT d.l. ENTER Kingston, d.r., slowly, hands in pocket and head down; sees piece of glass on floor; looks at it and picks it up. Holds it in hands and up to light. Kingston. Queer looking piece of crystal. Wonder where it came from ! Probably that woman who just left dropped it. It looks as if it might be worth something but I don't suppose it is. If it was a diamond, and I owned it, Mrs. Jones would fall on my neck. She would give me Elizabeth and her blessing, and she would call me her dear, dear boy. (Laughs and holds stone up to light again) Well, it isn't a diamond, but it looks inter- esting. I might have some fun with it. ENTER Bell-hop, d.l. Sees Kingston, smiles at his uniform, comes up to him, sees stone. Bell-hop. My, what's that? Kingston (looks at her and grins). I didn't notice you coming in. I hope you won't mention having seen this. I must get it into my safe deposit vault as soon as possible. It's suicide to carry a thing so valuable around loose. Bell-hop. Gee! Is it a stone you captured in some place where you was fighting? Kingston (dramatically). Yes, I'll tell you about it. It was at the battle of G-oturgoat, near the Pyramids. We had been fighting all day and were dead asleep in the trenches when the call came that we were surrounded. We sprang up, grabbing our guns as we ran. Our officers had been shot to pieces and it was every man for himself. I could see the dim outline of the enemy closing in on us. We fought for hours and hours and were almost exhausted. I managed to get under a bush and tried to crawl away, but as I came to the edge of the cliff I saw a Turk trying to bayonet Pedro. Pedro was one of our men, you know. He was a dark, mysterious 8 Pharaoh's Knob fellow. No one knew anything about him and he never talked about himself. "Well, of course, I went for that Turk, but when I got back to Pedro (Sadly) the poor chap was done for. He motioned to me to look for some- thing he had dropped, so I felt around in the mud until I found this stone. Pedro then told me that he was a descendant of Ptolemy. This stone had been in his family for thousands of years. It was in the king's nose ring, I think, and it brings immense fortune to whomever has it. Just to show how great its power is, I had no sooner gotten it into my hands than I saw an opening in the rock through which I escaped. Bell-hop (looking at stone excitedly). Gee! It's like the lamp, ain't it? I suppose you could get palaces or anything ! Kingston (putting stone in Jtis pocket). Oh, yes, I've had nothing but the greatest good fortune ever since I got it. RENTER Clerk, d.l., and goes to desk) Now I must run down to the depot and send a cable to a friend of mine in Paris. It's his birthday. [EXIT d.r. Clerk. Isn't he generous! Think of sending con- gratulations all the way to Paris. What a shame Mrs. Jones is so down on him. Bell-hop. Guess if she knew what he has got she wouldn't be so fussy. Clerk. Why, what has he got ? Bell-hop. A diamond most as big as a pullet's egg. Clerk (incredulously). A diamond most as big as a pullet's eggl Nonsense. Bell-hop. He has. I just saw it. It 's flat and has a lot of lights in it and one end is sort of broken off. He told me all about how he got it from a man out there in Gallipoli. It saved his life and brings riches and every- thing to everyone that owns it. Clerk ( y p\one rings). All right. Malindie, 33 wants you to take her dog out for an airing. ("EXIT Bell-hop, d.l. Clerk speaks slowly) He does seem to have plenty of money. ENTER, d.l., Mrs. Jones, Elizabeth, Mrs. Leonard, in bathing suits, covered witli long coats, and Miss Pharaoh's Knob 9 Paulis, not in bathing suit, carrying knitting-bag. Mrs. Jones (to Mrs. Leonard ). I'm just as patriotic as anyone and I am perfectly willing to do anything within reason for our soldiers; anything within reason, but I simply can't permit myself or my daughter to become enamored of a uniform. I understand per- fectly that Lieut. Kingston has done some very credit- able things in the English army and that he was awarded the D. S. 0. by the king, but, except for his commission, he is penniless, and I cannot and will not permit any intercourse between him and my daughter. It's per- fectly absurd and quite out of the question. Elizabeth, are you coming? Elizabeth (has been lagging near the desk). Yes, mother. Mrs. Leonard (eagerly). My little Washington is [All EXIT, d.r., except Miss Paulis ENTER, d.l., Miss Hartman, not in bathing suit. Goes to Miss Paulis eagerly. Miss Hartman. Oh, my dear, have you heard about it! About Lieutenant Kingston! Miss Paulis. I haven't heard anything except that Mrs. Jones is perfectly furious that he is here. Miss Hartman (laughs). My dear, he is immensely wealthy, has a positively priceless diamond as big as an ostrich egg. It came from the tomb of Ptolemy, an Egyptian king, or something, don't you know. Miss Paulis. How perfectly fascinating! Let's go down to the beach and knit, and you tell me all about it. I saw the Lieutenant at breakfast and I think he is awfully handsome. Miss Hartman (goes to desk). Any mail? ( Clerk gives her mail and papers) [EXIT, d.r., with Miss Paulis ENTER Kingston, d.r. The two ladies smile at him as they pass him. He looks after them, puzzled. ENTER Bell-hop, d.l. Kingston turns around and sees her and laughs, takes her aside and whis- pers to her. Kingston. By the way, I hope you haven't men- to Pharaoh's Knob tioned to anyone about Pharaoh's Knob; that stone I showed yon. There is another East Indian family that claims it. They say it belongs to them by rights. Per- haps it should; but, anyway, the point is they have ten daughters and each girl has sworn not to rest till the stone is recovered. (Mysteriously) And, what's more, they swore they would kill, by inches, whoever they found with the stone. Bell-hop (looks frightened). I didn't tell anyone, except the clerk, and — and the head-waiter, and Mrs. Jones' maid. That's all, honest. Kingston (gives Tier piece of money). That's all right. I am sure we can trust them to keep it. ENTER Miss Sherlock, d.r., witJi Tier assistant carry- ing hags, golf sticks, tennis rackets, etc. Goes up to Clerk. Miss Sherlock. My name is Sherlock. Are my rooms ready? Clerk (smiles). Yes. (Gives Miss Sherlock pen and turns register for Tier to write Iter name in it) Malindie, show Miss Sherlock to suite No. 48. ("Kingston sits down to read paper. ENTER Miss Knight, d.l. In folding paper Kingston drops a sheet. Miss Knight picks it up and returns it to Mm) Kingston (rising). Thank you so much. Miss Knight. I judge you are alone at the hotel. Would you care to walk down to the beach? Most of the girls are in bathing. Or perhaps you would rather see the golf links. Kingston. I guess the golf links would be less crowded. [EXIT both, d.r. Sherlock (looks after them with magnifying glass. Brawls) Jenkins, that's a very rich young man. Jenkins. I think it is the uniform that attracts the lady. Sherlock. Wrong as usual, Jenkins ; wrong as usual. It's money. He must have shoals of it to attract the beautiful Miss Knight. Jenkins (looking admiringly at Sherlock ). Mar- Pharaoh's Knob n velous, marvelous; your genius is perfectly marvelous. [They EXIT, d.l., with Bell-hop carrying the bags, etc. ENTER Gipsy slowly, d.r., goes up to clerk stealthily, looks around, then smiles at Clerk. Gipsy. Fortune, Miss? Clerk. I haven't time. Gipsy (shrugs). Small fortune, ten cents. (Holds out her hand. Clerk shakes head) Clerk. No time now. Gipsy (looking around). Many ladies want fortunes told? Clerk. They have all gone out. Gipsy (persistently). They want fortunes. Clerk. Well, they have all gone out. (Leans over the counter and speaks louder) The guests have all gone out. ( Gipsy starts ACROSS stage) ENTER Bell-hop, d.l. Sees Gipsy and looks scared. Starts to push Gipsy out. Speaks. Bell-hop (excitedly). Hey, you get out of here. Get out! (Pushes Gipsy off d.r. and RE-ENTERS imme- diately) Clerk. What's the matter with you? She isn't going to hurt anyone ; she wants to tell fortunes. Bell-hop. Bah, tell fortunes. She wants to kill Lieut. Kingston; that's what she wants. Clerk. Are you crazy! Bell-hop. No, I aint. She belongs to the family that claims the Pharaoh's Knob. Lieut. Kingston told me they had sworn to kill him. Clerk ('phone rings). All right. Malindie, take some ice water up to 21. [EXIT Bell-hop, d.l. ENTER, d.r., Gipsy, shaking fist after Bell-hop. Gipsy. I kill. Clerk. No, you mustn't, labor is too scarce; but you had better not stay here. Gipsy (smiles coaxingly). I see for you great riches, Miss. You are kind, but you have a little trouble about money. You lost some, eh ! Clerk (surprised). I did have trouble about money. 12 Pharaoh's Knob Uncle Harry left me a thousand dollars but I didn't get it. How on earth could you tell % Gipsy (smiles, shrugs). Relatives unkind, maybe? Clerk. Well, I declare, she seems to know every- thing. But you mustn't stay around here, really. I'd lose my job if you are caught. It's the boss' orders. Why don't you go down to the beach and tell fortunes? Gipsy. Plenty ladies there ? Clerk. Yes, most of them are there. Gipsy. Thanks. [EXIT d.r. ENTER, d.r., Miss Knight and Kingston. Miss Knight. I have been so interested in your ac- count of Gallipoli. It's perfectly wonderful. (TJtey start across the stage) ENTER, d.r,, Mrs. Leonard and Mrs. Jones. Mrs. Leonard. It's a simply thrilling story, Mrs. Jones. The man gave him the stone and as soon as he had it in his hand he discovered a means of escape and a bag of gold. Isn't it extraordinary? Mrs. Jones (doubtfully). It hardly seems possible to me — (Sees Miss Knight and Kingston at the desk getting keys. Aside) Well, if Clare Knight takes him up there, must be something in it. Miss Knight (turns and sees Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Leonard ). Oh! Mrs. Jones, I do want you to meet Lieut. Kingston. He was in the attack on Gallipoli, and has had the most remarkable adventures. He has a commission and is to join our army as soon as his wounds are sufficiently healed. Mrs. Jones (very affably). My dear Miss Knight, Lieut. Kingston is an old friend of our family. (ENTER, d.r., Elizabeth, in bathing suit) Isn't that so, dear? Elizabeth (surprised but glad). Yes, indeed. Mrs. Leonard. It is a great honor to meet so dis- tinguished a soldier. My little Washington will Mrs. Jones (to Kingston^. Of course you will join us at luncheon. (To Clerkj Have the head-waiter move Lieut, Kingston's things to our table. Kingston. That's most kind of you, Mrs, Jones. Pharaoh's Knob 13 Miss Knight has just invited me to take a seat at her table. Mrs. Jones (hastily). Well, of course, we can't have you leave us, Lieut. Kingston; suppose you both come to our table. There's plenty of room, and it overlooks the sea. (To Elizabeth ) You would like to have them, wouldn't you, dear? Elizabeth. Yes, indeed, Miss Knight, do come, both of you. Miss Knight. Very well, we will have to hurry and dress because it's after one o'clock now. [EXIT, d.l., all but Kingston ENTER, d.r., Miss Hartman. Hurries to desk with knitting -bag. Miss Hartman. I'll just leave this here while I go in to lunch. [EXIT d.l. Elizabeth (comes running back). Walter, dear, how did it happen ? What has made Mother change so ? Kingston (takes her in his arms). I'll explain just as soon as I get a chance, sweetheart, but we must make the most of our opportunities- Mrs. Jones (sticks head in the door. Playfully). Now, children, dear, you won't be ready for lunch. [EXIT d.l. Elizabeth. All right, Mother. Oh, Walter dear, I am so glad. It hardly seems real. It's like a dream. Kingston. Perhaps it is a dream, but don't wake me up. (Kisses her and she runs off d.l. Takes the stone from his pocket, looks at it and lauglxs) A small rock and a little judicious publicity work wonders. Well, I must go and brush up. (Starts to put stone in pocket but drops it) [EXIT d.l. ENTER Miss Paulis, d.l. Miss Paulis. I '11 be late for lunch. (Sees stone and picks it up) Why, I believe that is the Pharaoh's Knob. They say it brings great riches to whoever has it. Clerk. Here is a letter for you, Miss Paulis. ( Clerk hands her a long envelope. Miss Paulis opens and starts to read, still holding stone) Miss Paulis. Well, I declare. It certainly does bring 14 Pharaoh's Knob good fortune. (Reads letter slowly) We beg to inform you that your brother in Australia has died and left you, unconditionally, $50,000. ENTER Bell-hop, d.l., and Gipsy, d.r. Bell-hop. You get out of here. (Chases Iter out) Miss Paulis. She wants to tell fortunes, doesn't she? Bell-hop (indignantly). She wants to kill the person she finds with Pharaoh's Knob, that's what she wants. She and her nine sisters have sworn to cut into inches whoever has the stone. Miss Paulis (alarmed). How dreadful! Clerk. Malindie, I 'm going to lunch ; you stay here behind the desk, f Bell-hop goes behind desk) [EXIT Clerk, d.l. Miss Paulis (takes stone and looks at it). They have sworn to kill whoever has it. Well (Positively) with $50,000 I certainly don't need this. In fact, I'd rather not have it. (Looks around nervously and drops stone in "between pages of Clerk's ledger) [EXIT hurriedly d.l. ENTER Kingston, d.l. Bell-hop. Looking for something. You ain't lost your Pharaoh's knob, have you? Kingston. By George ! (Puzzled) I believe I have. I had it down here before I went to lunch. (Seriously) Say, little girl, if you were to tell anyone that I have lost that stone, I'd have no end of trouble. Bell-hop. I won't say a word, honest, but how will you find it? Kingston. I'll take another look, (Impressively) and if I don't find it I'll call in the detective. I wonder where the confounded thing is ? ENTER, d.l., Miss Knight, Mrs. Jones and Elizabeth. Mrs. Jones takes Kingston's arm. Mrs. Jones. Do hurry, you dear people ; lunch is all ready. [EXIT all d.l. Bell-hop (comes from behind desk and looks around on floor), I wonder what can have happened to it. Pharaoh's Knob 15 ENTER, d.l., Sherlock and Jenkins. Sherlock (looks at Bell-hop through a magnifying glass). Jenkins, that young person is looking for some- thing. Jenkins. How perfectly marvelous. Just to prove that you are right, Sherlock, 1 11 ask her. (To Bell-hop ) Have you lost something? Bell-hop. No. (Positively) Jenkins. Impossible. You must have lost something. Sherlock never makes a mistake. Bell-hop. Well, I didn't lose anything. (Stops, looks up at Sherlock thoughtfully ) Sherlock. Jenkins, that young person is going to ask our help. Bell-hop. You are a detective, perhaps you can help. Lieut. Kingston has lost the Pharaoh's Knob. He had it here before lunch. Sherlock (haughtily). The Pharaoh's Knob, I take it, is a valuable possession. Jenkins. Marvelous, Sherlock, simply marvelous. Bell-hop. Yep, it's a diamond or something. Sherlock (looks through magnifying glass at the ceiling). Who came through here? Bell-hop. Nobody but Miss Paulis. Sherlock (to Miss Jenkins ). Go watch Miss Paulis. *- [EXIT Jenkins, d.l. Sherlock (to Bell-hop ). Any suspicious persons around ? Bell-hop. Nobody but a gipsy. She's been hanging around all the morning. She wants to kill Lieut. King- ston. She claims the Pharaoh 's Knob belong to her folks. Sherlock. Has she been seen since the stone was lost ? Bell-hop. No, she ain't been here for an hour. ENTER, d.l., Miss Paulis, closely followed by Miss Jenkins. Sherlock looks at Miss Paulis through magnifying glass. Sherlock. Jenkins, go find out and follow the gipsy. I shall take lunch now. [EXIT Jenkins, d.r., hurriedly, and Sherlock d.l. 16 Pharaoh's Knob Miss Paulis. I wonder what that obnoxious person was following me for. Well, 111 go in to lunch. [EXIT d.l. ENTER Clerk, d.l., with toothpick in her mouth; goes behind desk. Clerk (to Bell-hop ). You might as well go to lunch now, Malindie. ("EXIT Bell-hop, d.l. Goes to desk, gets ink and pen and prepares to write in ledger. Sits down and opens ledger leisurely; sees stone) Good Heavens! That must be the Pharaoh's Knob; how did it get here? (She takes up the stone and examines it) Isn't it a queer looking thing! ('Phone rings, Clerk answers) Hello! This is Miss Arlington. (Pauses) Yes. Yes. (Pauses) Oh, thank you, Mr. Roger. (Hangs up 'phone and again looks at stone) You do bring good luck. That was my lawyer, and he says that Uncle Harry made a will and left me all of his money. Not a measly thousand, but the whole pile. ENTER Gipsy, d.r., walks very quietly to desk. The Clerk is startled and jumps, drops the stone quickly in Miss Hartman 's knitting bag on the desk. Clerk. Say, now you run away; everybody is in at lunch. (Comes from behind the desk and takes the Gipsy by the arm and leads her off) I haven't anything you want. [EXIT with Gipsy, d.r. ENTER Miss Hartman, d.l. Goes to desk and gets knitting bag. Miss Hartman. I couldn 't eat much lunch. I guess I'll sit here and do a little knitting. (Takes out knitting and begins to work. Holds it up to look at length of work) Did I bring my tape measure? (Feels around in bag) Goodness, what is this! (Takes out the stone) Why, isn't it queer; I wonder if it is the Pharaoh's Knob? If it is (Excitedly) it brings untold riches to whoever has it. Oh, if I could only keep it. I'd have plenty of money to do whatever I want. I'd have a car, and a fine big summer home, and a box at the opera. I wonder how soon the charm works or if one must rub it or wish on it. (Rubs a little with her handkerchief. Walks over to center stage) I'll try wishing. (Closes Pharaoh's Knob 17 eyes) Let me see, I want — I want — I want some money right this minute. ("ENTER Bell-hop, d.l., spinning a twenty-five cent piece in the air. As it falls it hits Miss Hartman. She opens her eyes, sees the quarter and picks it up and says gleefully) It works, it works. Only I should have wished for more. I should have stipulated how much I want. ("Bell-hop comes up to claim quarter, noise off stage) Bell-hop. Gee Whiz, there's the gipsy again that wants to burn to death whoever has that Pharaoh's Knob. I've got to get her away from here. [EXIT d.r. Miss Hartman (nervously). Good Heavens! I don't want to be burned alive; what shall I do with this? ENTER, d.r., Clerk, Bell-hop and Gipsy; Gipsy strug- gling ivith Bell-hop. Miss Hartman flings the stone from her to the right and runs out d.r., scream- ing. ENTER, d.r., Jenkins, keeping close to the Gipsy ENTER, d.l., Sherlock. She looks the Gipsy and the Clerk over with her glass, walks over and opens the ledger. Begins to look about the room with her glass. Others watch her with great interest. Jenkins. Marvelous, perfectly marvelous. ( Sher- lock finds the twenty-five-cent piece and looks at it with her glass, goes over and examines the Bell-hop through the glass) Sherlock. This is yours. (^Bell-hop takes it) Bell-hop. Yes, I was spinning it and it fell in front of Miss Hartman. Sherlock (to Jenkins, who has taken hold of the Gipsy J. Wrong as usual, Jenkins ; release the gipsy and follow Miss Hartman. Jenkins. Marvelous, perfectly marvelous. [EXIT d.r. Sherlock (standing almost on the stone, she waves the Gipsy to leave) You may go, my good woman. ( EXIT Gipsy, d.r. Clerk takes her place behind desk. Bell- hop goes to seat, takes off coat and hangs it on back of seat. ENTER, d. l., Miss Knight, back of Sherlock. Unnoticed she picks up the stone. She examines it in 18 Pharaoh's Knob astonishment, looks around, hut no one notices Iter. ENTER Jenkins, d.r., goes up to Sherlock. Sherlock stands with arms folded in brown study) Jenkins. Miss Hartman hasn't the Pharaoh's Knob, Miss Sherlock. Sherlock (not looking up). How do you know? Jenkins (proudly). I asked her. Sherlock (takes glass and examines Jenkins delib- erately) Jenkins, you are developing what is known as acute commonsenseitis. (She returns glass to pocket, folds arms) Continued association with me, Jenkins, will make a brilliant woman of you. Now who do you suppose has the stone? Jenkins. The gipsy, of course; she disappeared and Sherlock. Wrong as usual, Jenkins ; wrong as usual. (Impressively ) You know the story. The gipsy is one of ten sisters, each one of whom has sworn to destroy the person she finds with Pharaoh's Knob. ("Miss Knight, who has been listening, starts nervously) Jenkins. Yes Sherlock (holds up hand to silence her). Having located the stone the gipsy has gone for her sisters to help her do away with the one from whom she intends to steal the stone. Do you follow me, Jenkins ? Jenkins. It's perfectly marvelous. Sherlock. Yes. She and her sisters will return with weapons and probably torture for weeks fMiss Knight is decidedly nervous. Bell-hop and Clerk come close to Sherlock to listen. Miss 'Knight looks around and sees Bell-hop's coat on chair, tiptoes over and drops stone in coat pocket) Sherlock (impressively). Yes, indeed, torture for weeks or possibly months, or maybe years. ( Sherlock strides off, d.r., followed by Jenkins) Jenkins. Marvelous, perfectly marvelous/ ^Clerk returns to desk and Bell-hop takes her seat again. 'Phone rings, Clerk ansivers) Clerk. Yes, yes, all right. (Hangs up receiver) Malindie, take a bottle of ice water up to 42. (EXIT Pharaoh's Knob 19 Bell-hop, d.l. 'Phone rings again, Clerk answers) Yes — yes — I see — oh (Takes pad and pencil to write) — a peculiar-shaped — I see — all right, Miss Pep- pergrass, I'll try to locate it. Good-bye. (Hangs up 'phone. Reads from her notes slowly) Miss Pepper- grass left this morning. "Wants me to see if I can find a peculiar-shaped stone which she lost from her bag. She had it here in the lobby just before she left. She says it's from an old cabinet. It's a glass knob — knob (Pauses a minute) — a knob — I wonder (Laughs a little) — I wonder if it's the Pharaoh's Knob that's been causing all the rumpus. I'll bet — I'll bet — I just bet it is. RENTER Bell-hop, d.l J Malindie, you go to the dining-room and tell Lieutenant Kingston to come to the desk. Tell him as privately as you can so as not to attract the attention of others. ^Bell-hop starts off) And, Malindie, after about three minutes, you page Miss Jones. Bring her here without her mother — bring her here alone, understand ! Bell-hop. All right. [EXIT d.l. Clerk. It'll be one on me if I am wrong, but ENTER Kingston, d.l., and goes to the desk. Kingston. Does someone want me? Clerk. Yes, I sent for you. (Hands him an adver- tisement card out of his mail box) Kingston (crossly). You need not have called me from lunch to give me that. (Starts to go back) Clerk. Oh — Lieut. Kingston, Miss Peppergrass, one of our guests who left this morning, just 'phoned. Kingston (puzzled). Miss Peppergrass ! I never met a Miss Peppergrass. Clerk. No, I don't suppose you did. She just tele- phoned. She said — that is — she asked me to put up a notice here in the office — to the effect that she has lost a queer glass stone, a knob from an antique cabinet. She wants me to put up a notice describing it — a return to the owner, you know. Kingston (comes over to the desk). Heavens ! (Looks around) You haven't put up the notice yet. 20 Pharaoh's Knob Clerk. No, I haven't had time. It'll take me quite a little while to print a notice. (Grins) Kingston. You 're a brick to tell me this. ENTER Elizabeth, d.l. Elizabeth. "Who wants me ; why, "Walter Kingston (goes to her excitedly). Say, dear, I'm so happy I don't know whether I'm a-foot or horseback. Let's elope Elizabeth (in astonishment). Why, Walter, how silly. I'm happy, too, but I haven't quite lost my wits. We don't need to elope. Mother is perfectly willing we should get married. Isn't it lovely, dear, after all the fuss she made! It's all the Pharaoh's Knob. Clerk (motions to Bell-hop and tiptoes up. Whis- pers) Go up to Miss Jones' room and bring down her hat and coat ; hurry. [Bell-hop grins and runs off d.l. Kingston. Do you love me, Elizabeth, really ? Elizabeth ( with mock seriousness). Eeally and truly, cross my heart. (Crosses heart) Kingston. Even without the Pharaoh's Knob and all its riches. Elizabeth. Didn't I love you before you found it? Kingston. Would you love me if I lost it? Elizabeth. You silly boy, of course I would, but — but, Walter, you haven't lost it, have you? (He kisses her) Oh, "Walter, that stone has made such a difference ; it's made us all so happy. Kingston. That's why I want you to elope with me, dear, so that nothing can happen to our happiness. Elizabeth. But nothing can happen to it; we don't need to elope. ENTER Bell-hop, d.l., ivith wraps. Kingston takes them and gives her a tip. Kingston. Please, dear, there's something I want to explain to you and there isn't a moment to lose. WiH you come and walk on the beach and let me tell you? Elizabeth. Of course I'll come. [They EXIT d.r. Bell-hop (to Clerk, holding up money Kingston gave her) Look at the size of it. Aren't they batty? Clerk. Oh, I don't know. Pharaoh's Knob 21 ENTER Sherlock, d.r., with arms folded and head down, followed by Jenkins. Sherlock (in brown study). Jenkins, go follow Miss Knight. [EXIT Jenkins, d.l., followed slowly by Sherlock Bell-hop (gets up and puts on her coat, sits down, puts hands in pocket and jumps up quickly). Gee Whiz ! The Pharaoh's Knob, I got it. Whoever has it can have great riches. I'll have — I'll have ENTER Gipsy, d.r. Gipsy (goes to Clerk J. Tell fortunes, Miss? Clerk (indifferently). Wait until they come out from lunch. (Gipsy goes over and sits down by Bell-hop. Bell-hop crowds into corner and is frightened) ENTER Sherlock, d.r., ivith coat in hand. Sherlock (to Bell-hop ). Girl, take this coat to my room. (Bell-hop takes coat and starts off. Sherlock EXIT d.r. At the door Bell-hop stops, takes the stone out of her pocket and drops it into Sherlock's pocket, grins with relief, and hurries off d.l. Sherlock returns hastily) Girl! Girl! On second thought, I'll wear my coat. (Bell-hop returns and helps Sherlock put on coat. Sherlock walks up and down with arms folded. ENTER, d.l., Miss Paulis, Miss Knight, Mrs. Leonard and Mrs. Jones, all talking cheerfidly. 'Phone rings. Clerk answers 'phone) Clerk. Oh, yes. (Puts hand over mouthpiece and to Miss Knight) There is a troup of wandering enter- tainers at the depot and they want to know if they may come up and dance for the guests. There is no charge, but they take up a collection for Red Cross. Would you like to have them come? Miss Knight. I think it would be lovely! Miss Paulis. Oh yes, do tell them to come. Mrs. Leonard. You should see my little Washing- ton Clerk (speaking in 'phone). We should be very glad to have you come. (Pauses) Yes — come right away. Mrs. Jones. If it is the same troup we saw during s'2 Pharaoh's Knob our motoring trip through the Berkshires, it is a very good one. Miss Knight. I'm sure I have heard of them. (To Bell Hop ) Girl ! Get me my knitting bag, please. Miss Paulis. Please get mine, too Mrs. Leonard. And mine. (EXIT Bell Hop d.l. To other guests as they take seats about lobby) You should have heard my little Washington — talking to ENTER first of troup, d.r. First One. I wish to announce (Explains story of dance) Note — Enter dancers and go through program, as may be arranged or this may be omitted entirely. (At finish, ladies, Clerk and Bell-hop clap. Troup bows EXITJ Miss Knight. They are lovely ! Miss Paulis. Indeed, they dance beautifully. Miss Knight (looking around). I wonder where Lieut. Kingston is. Mrs. Jones (with a laugh). I wonder where Eliza- beth is. Too bad they missed the dance. (Turns to Bell Hop J Did you see either of them? Bell Hop. I think they went for a walk on the beach. Mrs. Jones (very pleasantly). Well, young people will be young people. Miss Paulis. Yes, indeed. Mrs. Jones. Love is a beautiful thing, a very, very beautiful thing. Miss Knight. Yes, indeed. ENTER Miss Peppergrass briskly, d.r. Miss Peppergrass. How do you do? (Goes to Clerk J I thought I'd better come back and see for my- self. Have you found the stone? Clerk. No, we haven't. Pharaoh's Knob 23 Miss Peppergrass. Have you put up a sign? (Looks around walls) I don't see the notice you promised to put up for me. Clerk (hands her a card on which she has been work- ing. Reads): t "Lost near the hotel, large iridescent crystal, odd shape, broken at one end. Of no value ex- cept to owner, as it is a part of an antique cabinet knob. " (Hangs card on wall. Guests and Sherlock gather around and read sign.) Miss Knight (repeating). Iridescent crystal. ("Sher- lock walks apart, puts hands in pocket and draws out stone, is surprised, looks at it through magnifying glass) Mrs. Jones (still looking at sign). Of no value as it belongs to an antique cabinet. Sherlock (steps up to Miss Peppergrass with stone). Madam, allow me. Miss Peppergrass (takes the stone, delighted). Oh, here it is, I am so glad to have it. Thank you ever so much. Miss Knight (in astonishment). It's the Pharaoh's knob ! Miss Paulis. Why yes, it's Lieut. Kingston's Pha- raoh's knob. Miss Peppergrass (testily). Lieut. Kingston's Pha- raoh's knob, nonsense. It's a part of a knob from my antique cabinet. Miss Paulis. He said he got it from an East Indian and it would bring great riches to whoever had it. Miss Peppergrass. I tell you it's my knob, and it don't do anything except open my cabinet. Mrs. Jones (angrily). We have been deceived, basely deceived ; where is my daughter ? ENTER Elizabeth and Kingston, d.r. Elizabeth (smiling happily). Here I am, mother. Mrs. Jones (to Kingston,). Young man, you are a fraud, a fraud, I say. You have deliberately deceived us. (She catches hold of her daughter to draw her away) Oh, I am so glad we found out in time. He 24 Pharaoh's Knob said that stone ; that worthless piece of doorknob, would bring him good fortune. Kingston (laughingly takes Elizabeth's hand and draws her to him). And so it did; the greatest good fortune a man can want. (Puts Ms arm around Eliza- beth and turns to Others J Ladies, my wife. Mrs. Jones. Oh! Oh! you wretch. Sherlock (steps forward, looks at Mrs. Jones through magnifying glass). Madam, even Jenkins can see that you are outdone. You would better give them your blessing. Mrs. Jones (angrily). I say Miss Knight (softly. Takes Mrs. Jones' arm). Didn't I hear you say a little while ago that love is a very, very beautiful thing? Mrs. Jones (looks at Elizabeth and Kingston, grad- ually smiles). "Well, it is a beautiful thing. (Holds out her hands to them. Elizabeth and Kingston come to her. She smiles at them) It is a beautiful thing and I won't spoil it for my children. (She embraces both Elizabeth and Kingston ) Sherlock (looking through glass). Marvelous, per- fectly marvelous, eh Jenkins ! CURTAIN MILITARY PLAYS 25 CENTS EACH M. BY THE ENEMY'S HAND. 4 Acts; 2 hours 10 EDWARDS, THE SPY. 5 Acts; 2^ hours 10 PRISONER OF ANDERSON VILLE. 4 Acts; 234 hours.. 10 CAPTAIN DICK. 3 Acts; 1^ hours 9 ISABEL, THE PEARL, OF CUBA. 4 Acts; 2 hours 9 LITTLE SAVAGE. 3 Acts; 2 hours; 1 Stage Setting 4 BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. (15 cents.) 5 Acts; 2J^ hours 9 BETWEEN TWO FIRES. (15 cents.) 3 Acts; 2 hours 8 RURAL PLAYS 25 CENTS EACH MAN FROM MAINE. 5 Acts; 2J4 hours 9 AMONG THE BERKSHIRES. 3 Acts; 2^ hours 8 OAK FARM. 3 Acts; 2^ hours; 1 Stage Setting 7 GREAT WINTERSON MINE. 8Acts;2hours 6 SQUIRE THOMPKINS' DAUGHTER. 5 Acts; 2}4 hours 5 WHEN A MAN'S SINGLE. 3Acts;2hours 4 FROM PUNKIN RIDGE. (15 cents.) 1 Act; lhour... 6 LETTER FROM HOME. (15 cents.) 1 Act; 25 minutes 1 ENTERTAINMENTS 25 CENTS EACH AUNT DINAH'S QUILTING PARTY. 1 Scene 5 11 BACHELOR MAIDS' REUNION. 1 Scene 2 30 IN THE FERRY HOUSE. 1 Scene; l^hours.. 19 15 JAPANESE WEDDING. 1 Scene; 1 hour 3 10 MATRIMONIAL EXCHANGE. 2 Acts; 2 hours 6 9 OLD PLANTATION NIGHT. 1 Scene; 1^ hours 4 4 YE VILLAGE SKEWL OF LONG AGO. 1 Scene. 13 12 FAMILIAR FACES OF A FUNNY FAMILY 8 11 JOLLY BACHELORS. Motion Song or Recitation 11 CHRISTMAS MEDLEY. 30 minutes 15 14 EASTER TIDINGS. 20 minutes 8 BUNCH OF ROSES. (15 cents.) 1 Act; 1^ hours 1 13 OVER THE GARDEN WALL. (15 cents) 11 8 FITZGERALD PUBLISHING CORPORATION SUCCESSOR TO DICK 8s FITZGERALD, 18 Vescy Street, N. Y. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS i:ll llll II I lllllllllill J 016 102 819 8 *) COMEDIES AND DRAMAS 25 CENTS EACH BREAKING HIS BONDS. 4Acts; 2hours BUTTERNUT'S BRIDE. 3 Acts; 2^£ hours 11 COLLEGE CHUMS. 3 Acts; 2 hours; 1 Stage Setting COUNT OF NO ACCOUNT. 3 Acts; 2^ hours DEACON. 5 Acts; 2^ hours DELEGATES FROM DENVER. 2 Acts; 45 minutes DOCTOR BY COURTESY. 3Acts;2hours EASTSIDERS, The. 3 Acts; 2 hours; 1 Stage Setting ESCAPED FROM THE LAW. 5 Acts; 2 hours GIRL FROM PORTO RICO. 8 Acts; 2^ hours GYPSY QUEEN. 4 Acts; 2\i hours. IN THE ABSENCE OF SUSAN. 8Acts; 1^ hours JAIL BIRD. 5 Acts; 2^ hours JOSIAH'S COURTSHIP. 4 Acts; 2 hours MY LADY DARRELL. 4Acts: 2% hours MY UNCLE FROM INDIA. 4 Acts; 2^ hours 13 NEXT DOOR. 3Acts;2hours 5 PHYLLIS'S INHERITANCE. 3 Acts; 2 hours REGULAR FLIRT. 3 Acts; 2 hours ROGUE'S LUCK. 3 Acts; 2 hours 5 SQUIRE'S STRATAGEM. 5 Acts; 2% hours 6 STEEL KING. 4 Acts; 2y 2 hours 5 WHAT'S NEXT? 3 Acts; 2^ hours 7 WHITE LIE. 4 Acts; 2}^ hours >... 4 10 WESTERN PLAYS 25 CENTS EACH ROCKY FORD. 4Acts; 2 hours 8 GOLDEN GULCH. 3 Acts; 2^ hours 11 RED ROSETTE. 3Acts;2hours 6 MISS MOSHER OF COLORADO. 4 Acts; 2% hours .... 5 STUBBORN MOTOR CAR. 3 Acts; 2 hours; 1 Stage Setting 7 CRAWFORD'S CLAIM. (15 cents.) 3 Acts; 234 hours. 9 FITZGERALD PUBLISHING CORPORATION SUCCESSOR TO ^ t DICK & FITZGERALD, 18 Vesey Street, N. Y.