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 Drama in Three Acts, 
 
 I. WOLFF RICHARDS. 
 
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 Drama in Three Acts, 
 
 I. WOLFF RICHARDS. 
 
 CHARACTERS:' 
 
 A Spanish Jew fleeinx. from the Inquisition. 
 -------An Adventurer. 
 
 - - Pirate OF THE Caxibbean Ska. 
 Captain of the galleon '• Nuevo Mundo." 
 
 - - - Secret Agent of Baldomero Montes. 
 
 - - - - Overseer of the Pirates' SLAves. 
 
 Slaves. 
 
 MAURICIO ALVAREZ, 
 
 ROBERTO TALAVERA, 
 
 BALDOMERO MONTES, 
 
 DIEGO DELAMAR, 
 
 MIGUEL FRANXIA, - 
 
 RAMON VEGA, - 
 
 IGVACIO AMADOR, | 
 
 EVAKISTO OBREGON, | 
 
 Carlos, Juan, Alberto, Antonio, Emilio P. uro and Fra Cisco,— Sailors. Pirates, 
 
 Slaves, &c. 
 Estela Alvarez, ___---- Daughter of M.^uricio. 
 
 Angelina Montes - - - - - - - , -^ Wife of Baldomero. 
 
 Duende, - - - - - A C/iRiB maiden, pet slave of Angelina Montes. 
 
 m Time of Play, End of the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 ^ ACT I. — Scene ; Deck of the Nuevo Mundo at early morning, off the Island of St. Thomas 
 
 H in the Lesser Antilles. 
 
 ^: ACT II.— Scene ; Battlements of the Pirates' Castle, with a view of the harbor, on 
 
 M opposite side of which is a hill surmounted by a cross. 
 
 & ACT III. — Scene ; the Refuge. A Plateau on the mountain side, at the back of which 
 
 ^ rises a practical eminence surmounted by a cross ; on one side must be shown the 
 
 M ^ harbor and hill with pirates' castle, as if spot were exactly opposite to Scene II. 
 
THE REFUGE. 
 
 ACT I— Scene : Deck of the Nuevo Mundo. Robeeto 
 Talaveea and Miguel Francia discoveeed. 
 Fkancia at the Helm. 
 
 Talavera — You have reckoned well, Francia! 
 
 Francia— Be ready, Talavera, to give the signal, when 
 the ship passes yonder headland. 
 
 Talavera — Do you mean the one surmounted by a massive 
 wooden cross ? Strange symbol that, for a land given over 
 to the scenes you have described. 
 
 Francia— m\a.i spot is called " The Refuge." The cross 
 was planted by some sailors from Columbus' ship when 
 first the land was visited by Spaniards. Within its shadow, 
 none of our men, not even the bold Montes, dare venture, 
 for once a victim of his avarice, escaping from the guard, 
 fled for safety towards this cliff. He reached the Christian 
 symbol, and, being nigh spent to death, flung his arms about 
 it and called to Heaven for help. His enraged pursuers 
 were upon him, recapture certain, when, of a sudden, a huge 
 dark cloud shot o'er the clear sky, the thunder rolled among 
 the hills, the lightning flashed as though it meant to scorch 
 its way into the very bowels of the earth, which indeed, 
 must have opened at that instant, for in amazement they 
 beheld a figure clad in spotless white, with an angelic face, 
 who, stretching forth her perfect arms, commanded them 
 away. Seized with a nameless horror, they turned and fled, 
 and told their comrades of the spirit dwelling by the cross, 
 who arose from out the earth to save their victim. I needs 
 must shudder when I think of it. 
 
 TrtZai7era— What, men of blood like you overcome by 
 fancy — bah! 
 
 Francia — I'll face any danger that man may offer, but not 
 that, which belongs to a higher sphere. 
 
Talavera — Had you reflected but a little, the vision may 
 Eave proved an earthly one. I have not braved what you 
 have, and know not how my courage will serve, but 
 
 Frandcc — Quick now ! hoist the pennant, and -run it up 
 and down in quick succession for a dozen times. 
 
 Talavera — 'Tis scarcely time ; we are not near enough. 
 
 Francia — We are just right ; see yonder battlements 
 reared upon those rocks, just opposite the Eefuge? 
 
 Talavera — Half hidden by the trailing vines '^ 
 
 Francia — Aye ! within those walls our hardy band lies 
 waiting. 
 
 Talavera — And their boats ? 
 
 Francia — Strain well your eyes, and you will see them in 
 the shadow, the cliff throws upon the water. Up with the 
 signal ! 
 
 Talavera draws the pennant up and down the 
 masthead quickly. 
 
 Talavera — Are we noticed ? 
 
 Francia — Not yet, may fate ordain, the captain come not 
 upon the deck for a short time. Ah ! we are answered, our 
 signal's understood. Now let those on board tbe Nuevo 
 Mundo pray, if ever they learned how ; their doom is 
 sealed. 
 
 Talavera — Will you sail directly to the shore ? 
 
 Francia— l^di,j ; for should we get under lea of those high 
 rocks, the sails will lose their breeze and flap against the 
 mast. 
 
 Talavera— Kn^ that might rouse the captain earlier than 
 we expected. 
 
 Francia — I'll head out to sea again, then tack, and so lose 
 time. Our brave boats will overtake us, and the ship be 
 ours. 
 
 Francia turns tiller and looks at cabin door. 
 
 Francia — Hush ! here comes my prize. 
 Talavera (angrily) — The girl ? 
 Franxiia— The same. 
 
Talavera — Francia, no harm must come to her. 
 
 Francia — She is mine 
 
 Talavera — Practise cruelty on men who can strike back 
 and I will say nothing, but remember, Francia, the girl is 
 sacred. 
 
 Francia — How now, Talavera ? Upon the outset, you 
 would pick a quarrel ; remember our compact. 
 
 Talavera — I have kept it. The rich father and his wealth 
 are in your grasp. Here I stand ready by your side to risk 
 my very life in the obtaining of it if needs be, but I will not 
 see the girl harmed. I swear it by all the good I have 
 rooted from my nature. Eemember. 
 
 Francia — No more. Here comes the girl. 
 
 Enter from cabin Mauricio and Estela Alvarez. 
 
 Estela (joyously)— Praise Heaven ! we are in sight of land 
 at last. 
 
 Alvarez — May this land prove kinder than the one we left 
 and grant a place, poor little wanderer, where we can be at 
 peace. No fearful visions of the Inquisition can pale your 
 gentle face here. What joy is in the sight — a promise of 
 brighter days, a haven for the persecuted. 
 
 Estela — So may it prove, dear father ; and see ! as if to 
 welcome us, boats put from shore and sturdy arms impel 
 them onwards. See now ! white sails are hoisted and a 
 merry race begun. 
 
 Alvarez — Our hearts bound at this glad sight like those of 
 prisoners who have gained their freedom ; no more we'll 
 show a masked countenance to mankind, but live in private 
 as our fathers did at home before the birth of that unhappy 
 edict. 
 
 Estela— li only those unhappy ones, who wandered off to 
 drop and die upon their weary road, had fared as we shall 
 fare. 
 
 Alvarez — Eemember, girl, we are the pioneers of this grand 
 movement. You know I have great wealth, concealed on 
 board this ship, with which to purchase land, before I call 
 from home those families, who, unable to bear with fortitude 
 
the great privations of those cast forth from Spain, assumed, 
 as we did, the semblance of another faith. 
 
 Estela — The time they longed and prayed for is at handy 
 from this distance we can see the promise of the soil. See 
 how vegetation carpets all the hills, wafting its luxuriant 
 scent, over the waters, to my enraptured senses. 
 
 Alvarez — I'll rouse the Captain to the glorious sight. 
 [Calls at cabin door.] What ! Captain ! come on deck. 
 
 Enter from cabin Captain Diego Delamar. 
 
 Capt. D. — The storm has blown over, exhaustion made me 
 sleep longer than I had intended. Why call you, sir? 
 
 Alvarez — My faithful Captain, to share our greeting to the 
 New World. See the green hills of promise and the boats 
 that dance upon the waves, sweet messengers of welcome. 
 
 Capt. D. — These should be the hills of Hispaniola on our 
 left and Porto Eico on our right. 
 
 Goes to side of vessel and looks off, starts as if 
 affrighted. 
 
 We are out of our course and have sailed to the East 
 instead of West. This is not the land we should be passing. 
 
 Alvarez — Our good captain is by custom rendered in- 
 different to the scene. 
 
 Capt. D. (musing to himself)— Francia and Talavera, the 
 only two on deck. Can they be traitors to me ? 
 
 Estela Alvarez leans over bulwarks as if observ- 
 ing approach of boats. Mauricio Alvarez 
 regards captain with astonishment. 
 
 Alvarez — What moves you, captain ? 
 Capt. D. — Hush ! Come on one side, I would say some- 
 thing the lady must not hear. 
 
 (They cross to other side of deck.) 
 
 Alvarez — Your looks are full of mystery. Does danger 
 threaten us? 
 
 Capt. I).— An awful danger, and naught can save us but 
 the utmost coolness and courage. 
 
Alvarez — From what source arises your apprehension ? 
 
 Capt. D. — Those boats, that seem so welcome in your eyes, 
 are filled with human tigers, followers of the black-hearted 
 Montes of the Virgin group of Islands. 
 
 Alvarez — Impossible ! I cannot think it. 
 
 Capt. D. — Beware your looks, and seem not to be startled, 
 for as I live, Francia and Talavera, who have watched 
 and steered whilst I slept, have purposely put the Nuevo 
 Mundo from out her course. 
 
 Alvarez — Then seize, and 
 
 Capt D. — Hush ! They are Montes' agents, and I have 
 been duped, as others were before me. 
 
 Alvarez — Then summon up the crew and 
 
 Capt. D. — How far the crew is tainted by their treason, I 
 have no means of telling. I must devise a way of taking 
 hold the helm ere they suspect my fearful knowledge. 
 
 Alvarez — God of my fathers ! my daughter, my sacred 
 trust ! 
 
 Caft D. — My unhappy master ! I have betrayed you by 
 yielding to fatigue. 
 
 Alvarez — Have mercy, oh my God ! Think of the trouble 
 Thy servant has endured already for the sake of Thy Name 
 and his faith in the creed of his fathers. Turn not the 
 gentle warmth of hope into the chill of despair. Oh, 
 captain ! think not of me, but tell me how to save her. 
 
 Capt. D — Mask your tremor behind a bold front, and when 
 I have gained possession of the helm I'll do my best to dis- 
 tance them. 
 
 Alvarez — Together we can suddenly overpower those at 
 the helm ; let me assist, ere they suspect 
 
 Capt. D. — Not so, alone I'll boldly order them below. If 
 none among the crew are won over to their side they dare 
 not disobey me, if otherwise 
 
 Alvarez — What then ? 
 
 Capt. D. — I fear out fate is sealed ; still, should they dis- 
 obey my orders, I'll dagger them ere they know my purpose 
 Now go quietly towards your daughter. 
 
6 
 
 Mauricio Alvarez joins his daughter. Captain 
 Delamar approaches the two at the helm. 
 
 Capt. T>. — Go below anf^ send up Carlos to the helm. You 
 are both overworked and need rest. 
 
 Francia — I feel fresh, sir, and can still remain at my post, 
 you are more in need of it, I pray you sleep again. 
 
 Capt. D. — Go on the instant, both of you, your eyelids 
 droop so that you see not the vessel's course, leave me the 
 helm and send up Carlos. Go both ! I command it ! 
 
 Feels under his doublet with one hand and 
 grasps tiller with other. 
 
 Francia and Talavera yield and exit at forward 
 hatch. 
 
 Alvarez — Child, Heaven's wrath pursues us even here, we 
 have fled from danger, but to meet with greater. 
 
 Esiela — Alas ! what threatens now ? 
 
 Alvarez — Beam not from your eyes, soft glances of wel- 
 come on yon boats, for should they reach our ship, a fate 
 awaits us worse than death. 
 
 Mstela — What fate can be harder than the one we have 
 left behind ? 
 
 Alvarez — Had we faced that' our bodies may, indeed, have 
 suffered torture, which our minds, firm in their belief, would 
 have borne us up against. 
 
 ^s^e?a— Not alone the torture would we have faced, but 
 the mocking crowd deriding our misery and scoffing our no- 
 blest thoughts. 
 
 Alvarez — At least they, who there inflicted suffering, did 
 so in religion's name, and were men of conscience were they 
 ever so cruel. 
 
 Estela — Conscience, aye ! inasmuch that when they saw 
 our wills unalterable, they mercifully gave us death. 
 
 Alvarez — Aye! but they, who every moment gain upon us, 
 are men lost to the very name of humanity. No beast that 
 haunts the wildest jungle can compare with man's ferocity, 
 when once the fire of conscience is wholly quenched within 
 
him, and for your honor, dearer to me than your life, I 
 tremble. 
 
 Estela — But why despair ? Have we not brave men on 
 board, and arms ? Speak to the captain ; bid him rouse the 
 crew. 
 
 Oapt. D. — Our greater safety lies in speed. They, who 
 pursue, outnumber us a score to one. If overtaken, we are 
 doomed. 
 
 Alvarez — At least we are men and can sell our lives 
 dearly. The wretches will not hesitate to slay us, but if 
 they lay hands upon my jewel, pure and unstained, radiant 
 in her beauty, what will become of her ? 
 
 Estela — Let the weak resort to cunning, and since danger 
 doubles fol* my sex, let me assume man's garb and pass for 
 your son. 
 
 Alvarez — This is against our Holy Law. 
 
 Estela — But we have not in these days, as of old, wise men 
 who can commune with God and teach His bidding. The 
 wisest of us can but think with earthly power ; above this 
 earth, we none of us can soar. 
 
 Alvarez — You are as wise as you are pure, and faithful to 
 God's law, and I am sure, your honor being at stake, the 
 means proposed will be acceptable. But where to find the 
 dress ? 
 
 Estela — I have it in my chest. 
 
 Alvarez— ^YibX ! A suit of man's clothing 1 
 
 Estela — A memory of that poor martyred one of your own 
 father's family, dragged behind the frowning walls of the 
 Inquisition, despite his youth. 
 
 Alvarez — And whose history and bright example have been 
 as a rock of strength, for any of our family when faced with 
 danger. 
 
 Estela — Oft have I wet the graceful garments with my 
 tears, when none were near to see me. 
 
 Alvarez — Perhaps 'twas God's own provision, for the part 
 you have to play. 
 
 Estela — I'll quickly put it on. 
 
Alvarez — Quick ! Quick ! Clii3 short your raven locks 
 and join me, that if we die we enter Heaven's gates to- 
 gether. 
 
 [Estela exits into cabin.] 
 
 Capt. D. — As long as these good boards remain together, 
 your treasure is well hidden, be our pursuers as sharp as 
 wolves or cunning as foxes, I warrant they can never bring 
 that to light. 
 
 Alvarez — But their habit is to fire any ship that comes in 
 their possession. 
 
 Oapt. D. — The Nuevo Mundo will be a boon to them, 
 and though their hideous flag will float, where now waves 
 the proud ensign of Spain, as long as they leave the ship in- 
 tact, let your hope live to recover it some day. 
 
 Alvarez — Do they gain upon us 1 
 
 Qaft D. — Aye, their light craft scud through the waters 
 like hounds upon the forest game. 
 
 Alvarez — We must be bold enough to fight. 
 
 Capt i>.— 'Tis the only chance that's left, pray play the 
 boatswain part awhile, and summon up the crew, name by 
 name, as I shall call them out. 
 
 Alvarez — Consider for the time, that I am as one beneath 
 you, and order as you seem fit. 
 
 [Goes to forward hacth.] 
 
 Capt. D. Call Carlos, the villains have not sent him. 
 Alvarez — (Calling down hatch). Carlos ! 
 
 [Carlos comes on deck.] 
 
 Capt. i).— Call Juan ! 
 
 Alvarez — (As before). Juan ! 
 
 [Juan comes on deck..] 
 
 Capt. X>.— Call Alberto ! 
 Alvarez — Alberto ! 
 
 [Alberto comes on deck.] 
 
 Capt. D. — Antonio ! 
 
Alvarez — Antonio ! 
 
 [Antonio comes on deck]. 
 
 Capt D. — Emelio, Pedro, Francisco, Enrique. 
 Alvarez — Emilio, Pedro, Francisco, Enrique. 
 
 [They come on deck.] 
 
 Capt. D. — Men, have you the hearts of Spaniards ? Love 
 you our coud try's flag. Dare you defend its honor ? 
 
 [Sailors cheer " aye" in unison.] 
 
 Capt. D. — Look athwart our quarter at yonder craft, 
 your trained eyes can tell their nature at a glance. 
 
 Carlos — Holy Madonna ! We are undone. 
 
 Juan — To arms ! 
 
 Capt. D. — Ha brave fellows! We shall welcome them with 
 blows that stagger. 
 
 Carlos — Command us, Captain ! 
 
 Juan — We will resist unto the death ! 
 
 Capt. D. — Carlos, to the helm ! Keep the ship headed 
 for yonder point of land, Juan and Alberto, haul out the 
 cannon on either port, the rest seize on spikes and stand 
 ready to repel the villains. 
 
 [They obey the captain's orders, hauling out the cannon 
 and arming themselves with spikes, kept in a rack around 
 the mast.] 
 
 Capt. D. — (To Mauricio Alvarez). Kemain upon the deck 
 and urge the men, I'll below, and with the help of those we 
 have not summoned, place both those villains in irons. 
 
 Alvarez — That done, return with the others to aid in the 
 defence. 
 
 [Captain exits at forehatch.] 
 
 Alvarez — (To the men). Spain, thou art the mother of 
 the valiant ; in each brave eye I see a stern resolve, in each 
 set face, there is reflected the dazzling glow of patriotism to 
 our flag and to humanity. The worst that can befall such 
 
10 
 
 men is the end that heroes hope for ; stand firm, brave fel- 
 lows, and we are delivered. 
 
 Enter from cabin, Estela Alvarez dressed as a 
 boy, armed with a cutlass. 
 
 Estela — My father, behold thy son ! 
 
 Alvarez — Ha ! Cans't thou assume so well, but what 
 meanest thou by this vile weapon ? Your slight hand shall 
 not be bruised by its rough hilt ; give that to me. 
 
 Estela — Nay, shall I reserve no defense ? 
 
 Alvarez — My God ! You have, it seems, the courage of a 
 man. What means that lurking mischief in your eye bright 
 as the Orient ? Speak ! What would you with this 
 weapon ? 
 
 Estela — To slay no man, nor yet unsex myself, but think 
 you, my father, I can forget your blood is in my veins, and 
 when 'tis necessary to choose between that dread alternative 
 of dishonor and death, should my disguise fail to screen me,, 
 think you, I'll hesitate ? 
 
 Alvarez— 0\\^ Spain! Spain! Couldst thou but know 
 the spirit of those cast forth from thy bosom ! My noble 
 child, my sweet Estela, give me that weapon. 
 
 [Takes cutlass from her.] 
 
 Estela (aside) — Within my bosom I have concealed a 
 smaller weapon. 
 
 Alvarez — Should it please Heaven that you escape this 
 trying hour unscathed, remember girl, the treasure I have 
 guarded as my life, that which I hold in trust for the per- 
 secuted ones in Spain, lies concealed beneath the boarding 
 of the hold, just where the foremast is stepped in the keel. 
 
 Estela — 1 will remember. 
 
 Alvarez — My private wealth, much smaller than the other, 
 but valuable for thy sake, to make assured your future wel- 
 fare, is boarded up behind the wainscot of my berth in the 
 cabin. 
 
 [Captain's voice heard below.] 
 
 Capt. Z).— Help ! Ah, I perish ! 
 
11 
 
 Alvarez — What means that cry ? Treachery below. To 
 his aid men. 
 
 Men with spikes rush to forward hatch, from 
 which enter Francia with bloody dagger, fol- 
 lowed closely by Talavera. 
 
 Alvarez — Seize upon those two. I'll hasten to the cap- 
 Wn. 
 
 [Exits down hatch.] 
 
 Carlos — Man the bulwarks, men, they are near at hand. 
 
 Sailors mount on bulwarks, raising their spikes. 
 
 Talavera (to Francia)— Inhuman coward, to strike down a 
 brave man in that way. 
 
 Francia — Fool ! Have you lost your wits ? 'Tis rather 
 late now for such moralizing, our boats are on us. If at 
 this moment you weaken and turn false, your life shall 
 answer for it. (Looking around.) Where has that pretty 
 little bird concealed herself ? 
 
 Talavera — Francia, take care. Think of the solemn oath 
 I've taken as regards the girl. 
 
 Francia — A plague on all your oaths, I care nothing for 
 them. I'll search out my prize in the face of all your 
 threats. 
 
 Looks around and walks aloiig deck, followed as 
 before by Talavera. Clash of arms and rattling 
 of chains heard, mingled with men's shouts, as 
 if pirates were climbing up sides of vessel. 
 Francia springs on bulwarks. 
 
 Francia — Ha ! brave comrades, they are here. We have 
 gained our cause. 
 
 Estda (before door of cabin) — Father ! Father ! Stand by 
 me, they are upon us. 
 
 Francia (leaping from bulwarks) — Ha ! I have found you 
 out, my little captive, eh ! 
 
 Kuns towards her, followed stealthily by 
 Talavera. 
 
12 
 
 Think you to fool me '( I see through that disguise, poor, 
 silly thing. You are mine, and thus I take you. 
 
 Lays hold of her, forcing her on her knees. 
 Talavera throws his arms around Francia, 
 from behind. 
 
 Talavera — And thus I keep my oath ! 
 
 Forces Francia over the rail into the sea, as 
 Mauricio Alvarez rushes from forward hatch. 
 
 Alvarez — Our noble Captain is slain. 
 
 Talavera — Aye ! and you are my prisoner ; but fear not, 
 say nothing, for I swear by all the holy saints to save you 
 :and your daughter. 
 
 Curtain. 
 
13 
 
 ACT II. — Scene: Battlements of Montes' Castle. 
 Ignacio Amadoe and Evaeisto Obeegon Dis- 
 covEEED Cleaning up the Eampaets. 
 
 Obregon — Amador, since it is the will of that accursed 
 Vega that we be served short rations for our display of ill 
 temper, I'll teach you a serviceable trick under the circum- 
 stances. 
 
 Amador — I know what you are about to say, Obregon. 
 
 Obregon — What, my keen witted slave ? 
 
 Amador — You would tell me to fill the gap in my stomach 
 with fresh air, and thus stop the gnawing; an old joke, in 
 faith, and I am in no humor for joking. 
 
 Obregon — You wrong me, fresh air makes only a cold break- 
 fast. I would bid you do as I am doing, tie your waist 
 strings closer about you, and stop the air from getting in 
 and then your stomach will feel warmer and more com- 
 forted. 
 
 Amador — What a man you are, to let even your misery 
 serve as food for jest. 
 
 Obregon — Our good time will come Amador, fear not; and 
 if we pine away now, we cannot live to enjoy it, therefore 
 laugh present sorrow away. 
 
 Amador — I can't, my stomach is too empty ; accursed 
 villians ! What have they done with that handsome boy 
 they captured lately ? 
 
 Obregon — The lady Montes keeps him in her service. 
 
 Amador — Ah ! the lady Montes, that one bright light, 
 amid the darkened souls of this infernal den . 
 
 Obregon — Did you notice, Amador, the new lieutenant of 
 the pirate, who came on board the Nuevo Mundo ? 
 
 Amador — Aye ! I take good notice of each one of the 
 infernal crew, so that if fortune change for us some day, I 
 can bear true witness against them, and enjoy their hang- 
 ing. 
 
 Obregon — Nay, this same fellow has some secret purpose 
 locked within him, he gazed at me on passing, and looked 
 so earnestly, as if cogitating in this wise to himself — "I 
 
14 
 
 wonder if this slave would have the courage to strike a blow 
 for freedom." Know you, that hope has sprung up in my 
 breast since his arrival? 
 
 Amador— Sh ! Speak lower, remember the length of that 
 accursed Vega's ears, if you have reason for the hope, and 
 any of the villians overheard you 
 
 A loaf of bread is hurled from an abutment in 
 the battlements, and strikes Amador in the 
 back. 
 
 Amaior — (Straightening up in alarm ;) Oh ! I am slain. 
 
 Oh'egon — Nay, this is not a death dealing instrument, 
 but life giving bread. (Picks it up ) 
 
 Amador (eagerly)— Br — br — bread ! Did you say bread? 
 Halves, if you love me, Obregon! 
 
 Obregon (looking around in wonder) — Does Heaven drop 
 food to the starved from the skies? Wherever did it come 
 from ? 
 
 Amador — Nay, our wits will be in better condition for the 
 solving of that mystery when we have fortified our stom- 
 achs. Fall to, Obregon, fall to, and appease your craving. 
 
 Obregon breaks loaf in two and gives half to 
 Amador. They cram their mouths full, eating 
 ravenously for a few seconds. 
 
 Obregon (suddenly coughing and sputtering. Amador 
 pounds him on back) — Hola! what's here? 
 
 [Draws paper out of his mouth.] 
 
 Amador— A paper, as 1 hope for mercy, and just like the 
 wraps we have for drugs and medicines in Spain. 
 
 Obregon— ^Twas embedded in the bread. 
 
 Amador — This in some trick of that cold-hearted wretch 
 Eamon. 
 
 Obregon — What mean you, Amador? 
 
 [Examines ~ paper.] 
 
15 
 
 Amador — That wrap contained some drug with which 
 the bread is poisoned. He would kill a slave for the sport 
 of witnessing his torture. 
 
 Ohregon — Bah! You are nervous. 
 
 Amador — He will be here presently to laugh at our 
 agony. Be not incredulous. I have sharp pains within — I 
 thought it due to the sudden overloading of my stomach, 
 but it s clear to me now. 
 
 Passes his hands up and down, ruefully over his 
 stomach. 
 
 Ohregon— Hhi^ paper has writing on it. Have you for 
 gotten how to read. 
 
 Amador— TYiBi I have not. Give me the paper. 
 
 Obregon passes it to him. He reads: 
 
 "I am not what I seem, but may accomplish 
 your freedom if you are willing to aid me. If 
 willing, when you see me cross my fingers to 
 you in passing, make the same signal in re- 
 turn " 
 
 Ohregon — What is the signature to the paper ? 
 
 Amador — No signature at all. 
 
 Ohregon — It matters not ; my life on it, it is the writing of 
 the new lieutenant. He has thrown us this bread with more 
 purposes than one. Eat, Amador, and gain strength. 
 
 Amador — I eat thankfully in faith. 
 
 Ohregon — Ha! ha! Tear that note up in tiny bits, and 
 throw it to the wind. 
 
 Amador — Aye ! aye ! presently, when we descend to the 
 yard, so no fragments can be found. 
 
 Ohregon — Ha! ha! You are not half so downcast as you 
 were a moment since. 
 
 Amador — Ha! ha! 
 
 Ohregon — No sharj) pains, within, eh! Ha! ha! 
 
 Amador— "^ol eh! yes! That isj they hatie left me as 
 suddenly as they came. 
 
16 
 
 Ohregon — The bread was only poisoned with a little hope, 
 that's all. Nothing more is to be done here. Take up your 
 water-pail, and let us descend to the yard. 
 
 [Eests his water-pail on bulwarks] 
 
 Talavera enters from behind abutment and crosses 
 his fingers to them. They return the signal. 
 Talavera exits in castle. 
 
 Obregon — 'Tis as I thought, Amador. 
 
 Amador — Heaven be praised for it, Obregon. There is 
 that wretch, Kamon, leaning against the wall below us. 
 
 [Points over bulwarks.] 
 
 Obregon — I have a measure or two of water left in my 
 pail. Shall I shower it on him. 
 
 Amador — Art mad? Have you no sense ? 'Twill be the 
 death of us. 
 
 Ohregon — Nay, he sees us not, and 'tis only a very mild 
 revenge for our fast. 
 
 [Empties pail over bulwark. Shouts from below.] 
 
 Amador — Fly for your life, he is bounding up the steps 
 like a tiger. This way. 
 
 They run off. Enter Baldomero Montes and 
 Eoberto Talavera from castle, Ramon Yega 
 from centre. 
 
 Montes — Vega, remain within call, I shall need you in s\, 
 moment. 
 
 Vega — Saw you any slaves here? 
 
 3Iontes — None. Have any fled ? 
 
 Nega — They hurled their filthy water within an inch of 
 me. I will be in the castle. 
 
 [Exits in castle.] 
 
 Montes — I have been duped by that accursed Francia, and 
 would this hand had been the means of hurling him to 
 death. 
 
17 
 
 Talavera — What word was it he sent you out from Spain? 
 
 Monies — He promised this should be the richest prize I 
 had ever taken, and save the Neuvo Mundo, which in itself 
 is worth the killing of a dozen men, I have nothing but a 
 few miserable slaves. By the saints! I have never seen 
 men fight so valiantlj^ to save so little. 
 
 Talavera — I am no less a dupe than you are. 
 
 Monies — How fell you in with Francia? 
 
 Talavera — It was in Cadiz. As you can fancy, my life 
 has not led strictly in the paths of honor. I had just been 
 thrown upon the world from out of prison. 
 
 MonUs —Without the means of living, I suppose? 
 
 Talavera — I knew not where to look for food or shelter, 
 and wandering to the shipping I met Francia. 
 
 Montis ~A.rvd he broached the enterprise at once '? 
 
 Talavera — No ; he gave me money for my wants, and ply- 
 ing me with wine, won me to his side. 
 
 Monies— Kudi in what way were you to aid his scheme % 
 
 Talavera— T>i^gm.^ed. as an officer of the Inquisition, I was 
 to present myself at the house of Alvarez, the Jew, who 
 lived, ostensibly, a Catholic. ' 
 
 Blonies — And urge him to this journey ? 
 
 Talavera —Aye, by swearing that he had been betrayed, 
 and that the Inquisitors were on his track. He at once em- 
 barked upon the Nuevo Mundo, and Francia, who had shipped 
 as mate, se::ured for me a berth on board. 
 
 Monies— HYie rest you left to fortune 'I 
 
 Talavera — We did, and fortune seemed to favor us. A 
 storm arose, the crew worked so that they fell from sheer 
 exhaustion, the Captain as soon as danger ceased slept 
 soundly, and Francia altered the course of the Nuevo Mundo 
 some forty miles and steered her to this stronghold. 
 
 Monies — And this fabulous wealth that Francia so often 
 spoke about in his letters ? 
 
 Talavera — That which the Jews of Spain entrusted to Al- 
 varez to purchase land with in Guiana? 
 
 Monies — The same. 
 
18 
 
 Talavera — 'Tis clear the Jew must have altered his plans 
 legarding that, and left it in Spain ; still there's a way to 
 get at it. 
 
 Monies — Make known the way. I tire of this place, and 
 am constantly importuned by my consort to return again to 
 Spain or some other part of Europe. 
 
 Talavera — Had you seized this fortune you might have 
 humored her, and lived forever in the utmost luxury. 
 
 3Iontes-^You seem a man of fertile brain, and say this 
 fortune can still be wrung from Alvarez. Now let me hear 
 your plans. 
 
 Talavera — Then summon here the Jew and his devoted 
 son. I have seen them cling together so, I know they share 
 but one spiritual life; no sacrifice would be too great for 
 either one to make to save the other. 
 
 Monies — What would you do with them? 
 
 Talavera — Bid the younger find his way again to Spain 
 in my company, holding his father here for ransom, until all 
 of this great wealth is safe within our hands. The youngster 
 will never fail to find it, I warrant you, and I will bear it 
 safely hither. 
 
 Monies — You have indeed a brain that works, but my plan 
 is better. 
 
 Talavera — Let me hear it. 
 
 Monies — "We will hold the youth for ransom, and send the 
 father back to Spain. 
 
 Talavera — Nay, hear me I 
 
 Monies — I know enough of human nature to feel assured, 
 the love we bear our offspring is a thousand times more 
 powerful than that our offsprings give in turn. 
 
 Talavera — You misjudge the boy. I tell you • 
 
 Monies — My way is clear. You have found the means, but 
 the manner of their carrying out shall be as I wish. 
 
 Talavera — But I tell you 
 
 Monies— 1 am commander here. Undertake to tell me 
 nothing when once my mind is bent. 
 Talavera — But my way is surer. 
 
19 
 
 Monies— My way shall be carried out ; and so, for a short 
 time, I leave you. I will have the father sent up from the 
 beach, where he is at work. As for that lily-flavored boy, 
 useless save as ornament. He comes this way together with 
 my consort, who fancies all that's pretty, and seizes on it as 
 her right. 
 
 [Exits.] 
 
 Talavera conceals himself behind abutment of 
 the battlements. Enter from castle Estela Al- 
 varez and Angelina Montes. 
 
 Angelina^Foor boy ! your sighs find entrance to my long- 
 ing heart and waft my thoughts to happier days. 
 
 Estela— Oh. I surely lady, you who can yet prove gentle 
 'mid these grim surroundings are capable of being won from 
 them. 
 
 Angelina — Had I your spirit, it may have been different 
 with me, 
 
 Estela — But, however came you here 'i 
 
 Angelina — A captive like yourself, I sailed from Spain 
 to join my father in the New World, where he had acquired 
 from the government large tracts of land ; our vessel was 
 attacked as yours, and I was brought to this stronghold a 
 slave awaiting ransom. 
 
 Estela — I know you are of gentle birth ; and for your 
 breeding, it could grace a palace. How were it possible you 
 could wed a ruffian ? 
 
 Angelina — Nay, blame me not. Alone and helpless, I as- 
 sumed at first the cloak of deep reserve ; but he loved me in 
 his own fierce manner and with a warmth that shamed the 
 tropic sun. 
 
 Estela — And as the Arctic winds you should have met this 
 love. 
 
 Angelina — Alas ! I could not. We are creatures made un- 
 consciously to weld ourselves to habit and fulfill a destiny. 
 Cut off from the world my heart desired still to be of use to 
 some one, in obedience to that strange insistence of our 
 Creator, who gave us these desires with our breath. 
 
20 
 
 Estela — You have the genius to excuse your fault. 
 
 Angelina — Ah ! boj, another in my place would chide you 
 for your presumptions tongue, but I love you for it, you re- 
 mind me ever of the cavaliers of noble birth at home, your 
 aims seem high, your will a marvel, you are the very pic- 
 ture of courage softened by rare beauty. 
 
 Estela — I place my faith on High and therefore find this 
 courage, you could have found the means to serve your fel- 
 low man and still not linked your life with one of Montes' 
 stamp. 
 
 Angelina - Nay ! that I could not Thiuk you, apart, 1 could 
 have gained so great an influence upon his heart ; and do I 
 not use this power to counteract by all the good I can ac- 
 complish, his evil acts ; am I not of use to you ? 
 
 Estela — Aye, sweet lady, you saved me for your page. 
 
 Angelina — When, perhaps, they would have scorched that 
 white face, in the sun's hot rays upon the beach, at labor, 
 such as those soft hands were never made to • 
 
 Estela — And as they have done to my unhappy father. 
 
 [Covers her face with her hands.] 
 
 Angelina— 'Be patient, boy, I have sworn to aid you ; and I 
 have seen my chieftain raging in temper like the hurricane, 
 and with a look or touch, I have soothed him into calmness. 
 
 Estela— And you will mend my father's sad condition. 
 
 Angelina— I will try, my boy ; but storms among these men 
 arise as suddenly as the October gales, and therefore, what I 
 tell you now, divulge to no one save your father. 
 
 Estela — I will obey you. 
 
 Angelina — Should your life be threatened and your limbs 
 unchained, fly with your might along the path that winds up 
 yonder hill. Pause not for breath until you reach the cross 
 that stands upon the summit, cling to that cross, and not a 
 man among this band, be he ever so valorous in battle or 
 bloody in the massacre, will dare lay hands upon you. 
 
 Estela. — Impossible ! The cross in my eyes, stands as a 
 symbol of unjust and cruel persecution. It has been carried 
 at the head of crowds, eager to stain the pure sod of my 
 
21 
 
 country, red with my peoples blood, and death I'll welconae 
 many times, ere I cling to it for life. 
 
 Angelina. — But here it will prove your savior,, and so 
 balance the fearful debt it owes you. 
 
 Estela. — I thank you, lady ; but know, I set my faith in a 
 power, higher and greater than a mere symbol of this earth. 
 No more can I be saved by the wooden cross, than by a tree or 
 post, for it is invested with no spirit, and can answer no 
 petition. 
 
 Angelina — You are wrong, and speak idly ; a spirit does 
 pervade it, and has saved already a Christian life and can 
 save yours, if you will trust it. I have told you ; 
 and if ever in extremity, and will use your knowl- 
 edge, then you are surely saved. Some slaves approach ; to 
 see them is to pity them and harrow up the soul. I leave 
 you here, for among the rest, I see your father. 
 
 [Exits.] 
 
 Enter Mauricio Alvarez in slaves attire, led by 
 Eamon Vega and two of the guards. 
 
 Vega — Stand here until I call for you. 
 [Exits with guards.] 
 
 Kstela — (Rushing to Alvarez ) My father ! 
 
 Alvarez — My beloved child ! how farest thou ? 
 
 E4ela— Well in health, but tortured in the mind, thinking 
 of you at your slavish labor in the day, and in your cheer- 
 less dungeon in the night, and every prayer my brain could 
 form, and my faltering tongue give utterance, have I offered 
 up for your relief. 
 
 Alvartz — Would we both had died upon the Nuevo 
 Mundo. 
 
 jKsfeZa— Not so, for hope still lives in me. 
 
 Alvarez — But I despair, for escape is impossible. 
 
 Ustela —Aye ! but even in this place, humanity still sways 
 the heart of one, and I've been promised aid for you. 
 
 Alvarez — By whom ? 
 
 Estela — The chieftain's wife. 
 
22 
 
 Alvarez — Has she procured for us this meeting ? 
 Estela — I know not why you have been brought hither. 
 
 Talavera comes from behind the abutment. 
 
 Talavera — That I can make known to you. 
 
 Alvarez — Dog ! I'll not listen to you, you are a traitor, 
 false to your oath, your manhood blasted by as foul a sin as 
 ever merited contempt and death; mock not my helplessness 
 with your presence ; begone ! 
 
 Talavera — How have I deserved this tirade at your 
 hands. 
 
 Alvarez — Think not to deceive these eyes that have 
 pierced the mists of secrets, black as night, and more pro- 
 found than any you can plan for execution. 
 
 Talavera — I do not understand. 
 
 Alvarez — You are the one who bade me fly from Cadiz. 
 Spite of the disguise you wore, I know you now. 
 
 Talavera — I deny it not, but t'was done to save you. 
 
 Alvarez — Had that been so, you would have needed no 
 disguise. 
 
 Talavera — Know you not, that he who warns a heretic, 
 forfeits his own life to the Inquisition ? 
 
 Alvai^ez — Pretend not basely to good motives ; that was 
 but the preface to the greater misery you did plot to betray 
 me into. 
 
 Talavera — (Hotly.) Nay ! now you say what's false. 
 
 Alvarez — Can you thus heap insult upon the victim of your 
 plotting ; nay then, if I die for it, I will throw you headlong' 
 from the battlements. 
 
 [Seizes Talavera.] 
 
 Talavera — I resist only to save you— (breaks away) — I 
 swear 
 
 Alvarez — No more of oaths ! If earnest in them you would 
 have fulfilled the one so basely uttered on the Nuevo Mundo. 
 
 Estela — And partly fulfilled already. Be just and patient, 
 my father ; is it not within his power to make our lot a 
 thousand times more dreadful ? 
 
23 
 
 Alvarez — He has done his very worst. 
 
 Estela — Eemember, he knows the secret of my sex, which, 
 he has not betrayed. 
 
 Alvarez - He reserves that for a future torture. 
 
 Estela— ^ui forget not that brave act of his which saved 
 me from the lascivious Francia. 
 
 Alvarez - Done with some motive that as yet we cannot see.. 
 
 Talavera — I will make known the motive, that your fears 
 may be at rest - a motive than which no stronger can be 
 named. 
 
 Alvarez — And that is 
 
 Talavera — Love ! 
 
 Alvarez — [Scornfully] Love ! What love can you feel, and 
 for whom ? 
 
 Talavera— llYie love that any honest man can feel for a 
 noble woman, and the love I feel is for your daughter. 
 
 ^Zvareg — Serpent ! You love my pure child! You. 
 dare 
 
 Talavera— Ah. ! What will love not dare 'i 
 
 Alvarez —Do you hear this monster, child ? Curl your 
 proud lip at him that thy disdain may strike him dead. 
 Wretch ! the wrath you have awakened in me, leaves my 
 limbs quivering as though stricken by the palsy, I choke 
 with rage and hatred, or I'd pluck forth the heart that dares, 
 presume so high. 
 
 Talavera — Hear me ! 
 
 Alvarez — Child ! child ! pour forth thy eloquence to crush 
 this mischief at its birth. 
 
 Estela - [Demurely] My father ! 
 
 Alvarez — Ha ! Thou speakest with voice subdued and 
 tremulous, when thy tongue should cut and lash as woman's 
 can when honor is assailed ; your eyes, that should dart fire 
 and scorn, are downcast. What can this mean ? Speak ! 
 
 Estela — Would you have me scorn one to whom I owe more 
 than my life ? 
 
 Alvarez —yLore than thy life! Has sorrow turned thy 
 brain, or do I dream ? 
 
24 
 
 Estela — Love is ever sacred in the eyes of God, and if we 
 cannot meet it with an answering love, oh, let us not mock 
 or curse it. 
 
 Alvarez — Thou ploadest for this infidel ? Then must I 
 suspect that all my former sorrow was but sport, compared 
 with that which threatens now ! 
 
 Estela — Fear not, my father. I know our holy law, and if 
 my heart broke in obeying it, I would not falter. 
 
 Alvarez— Yon lift a burden from me, heavier than any I 
 have yet bent under. 
 
 Talavera — Fear not danger at my hands. If you but knew 
 me as I am, not what I seem, my presence would be more 
 welcome to you. 
 
 Alvarez — Why wear a mask to those powerless to harm 
 you ? 
 
 Talavera — If I reveal myself, and am overheard, or you 
 betray me, I am lost. 
 
 Estela— GoxAdie in us. I'll not believe but that you have 
 a noble heart. 
 
 Alvarez — I reserve my judgment till I hear your story. 
 Talavera — But give me some assurance that what I entrust 
 to you will be divulged to no one. 
 
 Alvarez — I will hold it sacred, even though I doubt it. 
 Talavera — I trust you. I am here a voluntary spy to dis- 
 cover the whereabouts of a lady, a cousin of mine, some five 
 years my senior, and who, leaving Spain to join her father in 
 the New World, ten years ago, is supposed to have been 
 captured by the pirates. 
 
 Estela — I know you speak the truth, and Heaven may 
 help me to find her for you. But go on. 
 
 Talavera — I had never seen her, but her disappearance 
 was the constant theme of conversation in our family. We 
 appealed to King Philip's Court for assistance in the search 
 in vain. Trouble was then brewing between Spain and 
 England, and all the ships of war were kept at home. 
 
 Estela — And Spain's ungrateful court deserted its true 
 subject ! 
 
25 
 
 Aiavyxz —Naught else caD be expected from that egotist, 
 King Philip. 
 
 Talavera — Seeing this and being fond of venture, I deter- 
 mined to try singly for her rescue. 1 went to Cadiz, and 
 pretending to be of mean birth, I wandered among the 
 sailors of that port, and learned of the galleon Nuevo Mundo 
 which expected to set sail within a week. 
 
 Alvarez — But how came you to warn me of the In- 
 quisition ? 
 
 Talavera— Di^gm^edi as one in want, I met Francia, the 
 mate, at the entrance of your house. We went to the tavern 
 near by, and I wormed myself into his confidence. 
 
 Estela — Was it he then who told you to come and warn 
 us ? 
 
 Talavera — It was. I knew not then his devilish purpose, 
 but came hoping to save you, for I love not the Inquisition, 
 though I am a Catholic. 
 
 Estela— Bxxt how came you in the Nuevo Mundo ? 
 
 Talavera — When I left you I rejoined Francia, and he 
 made known to me the fact that he was Montes' agent. 
 
 ^Zyares— Andas Heaven hears you, you shipped on board 
 in order to attempt this rescue ? 
 
 Talavera — As Heaven is above me, I have told the truth. 
 
 Estela — But why did you not warn us or the captain, of 
 your knowledge ? ' 
 
 Talavera — I feared 'twould foil my purpose. 
 
 Estela — And you placed so many innocent souls in 
 jeopardy ? 
 
 Talavera — Had I betrayed thisFrancia, alone I could not 
 have found the pirates lair. I had intended that once the 
 harbor sighted, I would warn the captain, and dropping 
 overboard have swum alone to shore. 
 
 Estela — That would have been a daring feat. 
 
 Talavera — But when I saw the speed with which their 
 boats moved through the water I knew there was no hope, 
 and knowing that I could do more good by passing for a 
 pirate, I let events transpire as they did. 
 
26 
 
 Alvarez — The bitterest curse of the unfortunate light on 
 jour head if this is false, but if it be truth 
 
 Talavera--! will prove the truth of it, with Heaven's help, 
 I have planned already more than one way for our escape. 
 
 Alvarez — Escape \ Is such a thing possible ? 
 
 Talavera — Anything is possible to one determined as I 
 am. But hush ! here comes the chieftain. Let him not 
 suspect us, or all is lost. Whatever he bids you do 'twere 
 well to follow. Eemember, on your discretion much de- 
 pends. 
 
 [Enter Montes.] 
 
 Monies (to Alvarez)— So you are here ? Briefly, where is 
 that wealth stored that rumor says the Jews of Spain en- 
 trusted to you to buy lands in Guiana ? 
 
 Alvarez- -Where none but I can find it 
 
 Montes — 'Tis well, then, you have left it in Spain. This 
 very night my men shall sail with you to Santa Cruz. You 
 shall have money to pay your passage on a merchant ship, 
 that will touch there two days hence. One year is the most 
 I'll give you to return with all this wealth, and then you and 
 your son shall be free. Come, what say you ? 
 
 Alvarez — I am too feeble for the journey. Send my son 
 iiastead, and I will direct him where to find it. 
 
 Montes — You have betrayed the very love that proves the 
 value of my bond. You will return to save your son though 
 all the legions of hell oppose you. This offer is but a plan 
 to save him, and you shall depart alone. 
 
 Estela — Nay, mercy ! do not separate us. 
 
 Montes — Pshaw ! What know I of mercy ; save your 
 breath. If on the expiration of a year you return not Avith 
 the ransom, your son shall yield his life as forfeit. 
 
 Alvarez — I'll not leave him. 
 
 Montes — I will force you hence. My men shall drag you 
 to the vessel, and set sail. Ho, without ! 
 
 Alvarez— Holdil Send for your men and I will struggle 
 so, they needs must slay me. 
 
27 
 
 Montes — If you resist, think of the vengeance I will visit 
 on your son. 
 
 Alvarez — Are you a man? 
 
 Montes — Aye! but one of iron, without a single throb of 
 pity in my heart. 
 
 Alvarez— ^uch. men are not born. 
 
 Montes — I am one, I tell you, so take leave at once of that 
 toy, or bauble, or gewgaw, whatever you may please to call 
 him, and embark without a moment's loss of time. 
 
 Alvarez — 'Tis useless. I swear it from my soul, the 
 money has not been left in Spain. 
 
 Montes — Then you have it stowed away on board the 
 Nuevo Mundo. Speak ! where you have concealed it ? 
 
 Alvarez— It was hidden by the captain. 
 
 Montes — You play with me, I'll have your son lashed and 
 scorched upon his naked back before your eyes, what, ho ! 
 
 Alvarez — Heaven support me and send me courage ! 
 
 [Enter Eamon Vega and the two guards.] 
 
 ^«feZa— Father, farewell my father I have the means ta 
 foil this merciless man. (Takes dagger from her breast). 
 Give me your hasty blessing, ere I die. 
 
 Alvarez — My own Estela, light of my eyes, what would 
 you have me do ? 
 
 Estela — Be steadfast to your oath ! 
 
 Alvarez — By God's holy law I've sworn to guard my 
 trust. To hundreds of our suffering race, it is the last hopel 
 that's left. I cannot betray it, though we perish. 
 
 Estela— HhiGJi let us perish. (About to stab herself, Tala- 
 vera wrests the dagger from her hand). Oh ! unkind ! un- 
 kind ! 
 
 Alvarez— (Y:o Montes). Stay your ruthless hand, I will 
 yield the fortune. 
 
 Montes— Oh. ! I thought your mind would alter ; Talavera, 
 stay and guard the boy ; Ramon, follow with the slave. 
 
 Montes exits, followed by Alvarez, guarded by 
 Vega and the two guards. 
 
28 
 
 Estela — Alas ! his firmness could endure no more. Here 
 <;omes poor little Duende, the Carib maiden. 
 
 [Enter Duende]. 
 
 Talavera — Not poor, but happy, she lives among the band 
 in better state than any of her people. What has little 
 Duende to care for ? 
 
 Duende — In my savage state I cared for nothing, but 
 since I have been told of those great countries where you 
 came from, my heart longs to see them. 
 
 Talavera-— \Vh&X ! would you leave this comfortable for- 
 tress? These hills you ro im about in perfect freedom, 
 these smiling waters you skim over in your light bark, with 
 .such fearless ease ? 
 
 Dutnde — What was at first a smouldering ember has be- 
 come a mighty flame ; often have I passed away the day 
 listening to the tales of those strange lands the lady Mon- 
 ies never tires speaking to me of. Is it any wonder for curi- 
 osity to grow with learning ? 
 ' Talavera — But you are happy here ? 
 
 Duende — No, I am not happy, for I no longer feel con- 
 tent. 
 
 Estela — The knowledge she has gained of better things 
 makes her wish for their possession. 
 
 Duende — Ere I would live again, as when the Lady Mon- 
 ies found me, a captive in my native village and purchased 
 me for her slave, I'd welcome death. 
 
 Estela — So the human heart forever longs for better than 
 it has. 
 
 Duende — And are you both from Spain? 
 
 Estela — Yes, good Duende. 
 
 Duende — Then tell me. (Takes roll of paper from her 
 bosom). Here is what you call a picture, is it not? 
 
 [Showing it.] 
 
 -Talavera — That is right, Duende ; this is a picture. 
 Duende — And these people, they are in the street or 
 square of one of those great cities, the Lady Montes has 
 told me of. 
 
29 
 
 Talavera — You are right, and here are great houses built 
 of heavy stone and rising high as this tower in the air. 
 
 Diiende — But why is this one figure chained to the post, 
 with lighted fagots all around him ; are they burning him 
 alive ? 
 
 Talavera — (Sadly). Yes, Duende. 
 
 Estela — It is the picture of the dreadful Act of Faith. 
 
 I Covers her face with her hands.] 
 
 Duende — And so they have this custom also in that gentle 
 country, the Lady Montes so warmly praises ? 
 
 Talavera — At the present time they have, good Duende, 
 but it was not always so. 
 
 Duende — That's strange, for speaking to me of my race, 
 she told me the people in her land turned faint with horror, 
 when they heard we cooked our captives; and this same one, 
 will all these people, feast upon him when he is burned ? 
 
 Estela — Peace, good Duende, my flesh creeps to hear you, 
 though you speak in innocence. 
 
 Talavera — Nay, these people do it not for the love of in- 
 flicting torture, it is all owing to a faulty reasoning, which 
 Heaven in its own time will remedy. 
 
 [Estela goes sadly to one side.] 
 
 Duende — Ah ! how I should like to visit Spain. 
 
 Talavera — You can never hope to do it with your mis- 
 tress. 
 
 Duende — Not visit it with her ? Why, she has promised me 
 this very day to take me there when she returns. 
 
 Talavera — Which will be never. 
 
 Duende — Never ! Why, it is her constant dream. 
 
 Talavera — Doomed to disappointment, her husband dare 
 not show his face among these people, for he has disobeyed 
 their laws and treasonably attacked their flag, and if they 
 lay hands upon him they will take his life. 
 
 Duende — Can this be true ? 
 
 Talavera — As sure as you are standing here ; still there's 
 a way, Duende, for you to visit Spain. 
 
30 
 
 Duende - Oh ! name it. 
 
 Talavtra — It is your custom, when the mood is ou you, to 
 wander off among ths hills and live in your little bush huts 
 for days, and you are never missed. 
 
 Duende -Ay ! for I am restless and cannot live here al- 
 ways, I must see something new, be ever moving. 
 
 Talavera— And I have seen how fearlessly you sail your 
 boat upon the harbor. 
 
 Duende — Upon the harbor ! Nay ! I have sailed as far as 
 Santa Cruz and back, all by myself. 
 
 Tcdavera —And know you the way to that Island further 
 West, whose hills faintly break against the liorizon. 
 
 Duende — I can find it. That is what Lady Montes calls 
 Porto Eico. 
 
 Tcdavera — The same ! the very same ! Now if you could 
 coast the island in your bark until you reach San Juan, you 
 will see there many Spaniards and ships just like the 
 Nuevo Mundo, which lies moored at the foot of this same 
 cliff. Speak to the people in our tongue and ask for the Gov- 
 ernor. That done, give him this letter. 
 
 [Takes paper out and writes.] 
 
 Duende--! will do it, I do not fear the journey in the 
 least, but how will this ? 
 
 Talavera — The Governor will send a vessel here that will 
 take us all to that marvellous country for which you long, 
 the Lady Montes, you and all of us here, but not her hus- 
 band. 
 
 Duende — I care not, because I hate him ; when sh,e was 
 not around he has oft' treated me with roughness and 
 even struck me. I love her, but I would as soon see him 
 dead. 
 
 Talavera — Embark then, to-night, when all is still. 
 
 Duende — I will go at once into the forest and wait till 
 dark ; no one shall see the point from which I leave the 
 Island. 
 
 [Exits.] 
 
31 
 
 Talavera — One more venture launched. 
 
 Enter Evaristo Obregon, carrying a large bundle 
 of soiled clothing on his back. 
 
 Obregon — Maledictions on the work, say I, accursed be the 
 man who first invented washing. 
 
 Talavera — This is the slave to whom I've taken such a 
 fancy ; well, did you eat the bread ? 
 
 Obregon — Eight quickly, and by now 'tis well digested ; 
 but I saved the paper. 
 
 Talavera — And you read it ? Fear nothing, we are alone, 
 except the girl, who is a friend. 
 
 Obregon —I see no girl, oh ! you moan that lad yonder, 
 he is fair enough to be a girl indeed, but that is nothing. 
 Bough man as I look, I am counted no better than a wo- 
 man. 
 
 Talavera — In what respect? 
 
 Obregon — See you not that they have turned me into a 
 washerwoman. If I have not this bundle washed by sunset, 
 no breakfast for me to-morrow. 
 
 Taloyera — This must, indeed, be maddening to a man of 
 spirit. 
 
 Obregon — Ah ! I had lost hope, until I picked that paper 
 from the bread, or rather I should say coughed it up, for it 
 was well nigh swallowed, had not Amador delivered me a 
 slap, right smartly, 'twixt the shoulders, down it would have 
 gone, and the secret locked within me ; still, 'twas a clever 
 trick, a very clever trick. 
 
 Talavera — And when the proper time arrives you will 
 lend your aid ? 
 
 Obregon — Aye, if you will promise one thing ? 
 
 Talavera — And that is ? 
 
 Obregon — Should we slaves o'ercome the pirates, that 
 villain, Eamon Vega, shall be my prisoner. 
 
 Talavera — 'Tis a bargain, but what will you do with him ? 
 
 Obregon — Fasten one end of an iron chain around his 
 ankle, like they do prisoners in the chain gang, only in- 
 stead of a ball at the other end I'll fasten a washtub and 
 
32 
 
 a big bundle of soiled clothing ; .well, farewell, we must 
 not be seen in conversation. 
 
 Talavera — I will find an opportunity to speak in pri- 
 vate. 
 
 Ohregon—Goxmi on my aid in anything; accursed be 
 the man who first invented washing. 
 
 [Exits, hauling out bundle.] 
 Enter Montes, Vega, Alvarez and two guards 
 bearing chest, they place chest on stage, down 
 front ; enter Angelina Montes. Alvarez stag- 
 gers to Estela. 
 
 ilibwies— (Dropping on his knees before chest and wrench- 
 ing open the cover). At last! At last! (To Angelina). 
 Now you shall have your heart's desire, the wealth is 
 mine and we will hence. 
 
 Angelina — Forever from these scenes of horror, oh joy ! 
 joy ! for that. 
 
 Estela— My father, all is then taken? 
 
 Alvarez— All that I had saved for thee, Estela. We are 
 penniless Our private wealth I have yielded up. 
 
 Estela — But that held in sacred trust ? 
 
 Alvarez — Eemains save within the Nuevo Mundo's hold. 
 
 Estela — My noble father. 
 
 Montes takes out two bags from chest, opening 
 one and letting the coin run through his 
 fingers. 
 
 Montes — Onzas of gold, every one of them. How many, 
 Jew, does each bag contain ? 
 
 Alvarez — Each a thousand onzas. 
 
 Montes (dropping bag) — And is this the wealth report has 
 likened to a sum five times as great ? Cunning wretch \ 
 You have concealed it in more than one place. 
 
 Alvarez— 1 swear this is all my wealth. I claim at your 
 hands that freedom promised on its surrender. 
 
 3Iontes- — Hope you to purchase freedom with such a trifle ? 
 Not you alone shall work until the flesh drop from your 
 
33 
 
 bones, but your son shall be stripped of his fine feathers, 
 and clad as a slave — wear out his life upon the beach. 
 
 Angelina — Nay, Montes, thy compact ! 
 
 Alvarez — It will naught suffice to further torture me. You 
 are possessed of all I have on earth. 
 
 Montes — You cannot deceive me, for I will rend assunder 
 board by board the Nuevo Mundo until nothing but her ribs 
 are left. Thus will I drag the rest of this great fortune to 
 the light ; but for your vile effort at deception you and your 
 son shall w^ork as slaves never worked before. (Pointing to 
 Estela.) Tear from his body those gaudy trappings, and 
 thrust them both without the tower. 
 
 Talavera (whispering quickly in Estela's ear as guards 
 advance to obey) — Plead to the lady. 
 
 Estela rushes to Angelina, pursued by the slaves. 
 Angelina stretches out her arms to protect 
 her. Talavera puts out his foot, as if accident- 
 ally, tripping up foremost guard. 
 
 Estela — Save me ! save me ! I am a woman as thou art. 
 Curtain. 
 
34 
 
 ACT III — Scene : Plateau on the Mountain, at the 
 Back of which a Peactical Eocky Eminencje 
 suemounted by a Geoss. Slaves at Woek 
 
 5 
 
 AMONG them MaUEICIO AlvAEEZ, WHO STANDS 
 ON ONE SIDE LOOKING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN 
 EVAEISTO ObEEGON AND IGNACIO AmADOE. 
 
 Obregon — This fellow gives us hope of freedom. 
 
 Amador — Aye, and hope of vengeance also. If I could 
 only fasten tliese ten fingers in the shaggy locks of that 
 brutal overseer Eamon and tug away until his head parted 
 from his body. 
 
 Obregon — Hope it not ; his punishment I will inflict. He 
 is to be my prisoner. 
 
 Amador— liia.y, but you will grant me a tug or two to wipe 
 out old scores. 
 
 Obregon — Aye, you may have them, but wrench not his 
 head off 
 
 Amador — And wherefore '^ 
 
 Obregon — Because I reserve a punishment, a tthe sight of 
 which all the known torments of Hades will pale with envy . 
 
 Amador — Ah ! If I only get the chance, how much there 
 is to settle with this villain. 
 
 Obregon — No doubt, you have much to complain of, but 
 contrast my state at home with my present condition. True, 
 I was not wealthy, but I did man's work. 
 
 Amador — And had, no doubt, a passing good respect for 
 yourself. 
 
 Obregon — No sooner was I captured than they chained me 
 to the washtub. 
 
 Amador — And bade you wash some forty of their reeking 
 pieces. You have told the story often. 
 
 Obregon — Maledictions on them, this was not all. I failed 
 by some five pieces, and in return 
 
 Amador — Eeceived as many lashes. See how well I 
 know. 
 
 Obregon — I claim no unclean habits, but I have registered 
 an oath that if ever I live again, with beings that are 
 civilized, I'll wear no clean clothes. 
 
3,5 
 
 Amador — Not if they can be had without the washing. 
 
 Ohregon — Aye ! Then, perhaps ; not otherwise. My 
 heart would melt at the sight of a woman at her tub. 
 
 Amador — Well, reserve your spite until the time arrives 
 to vent it properly. 
 
 [Enter Eoberto Talavera.] 
 
 Ohregon — Here comes our valiant leader. 
 
 Talavera — I have prevailed on Eamon to let me play 
 overseer a while. He likes not the neighborhood of the 
 cross, and halts lower down the mountain 
 
 Ofiregrow— Have you any further plans to make known to 
 us? 
 
 Talavera — I have not told you that 1 sent away the little 
 Carib slave for help. 
 
 Amador — What ! The child Duende '? 
 
 Talavera — Nay, she is no child. 
 
 Ohregon — Nor yet a woman. But where have you sent 
 her ? 
 
 Talavera— 'Yo the Governor of Porto Kico. 
 
 Amador — Alas ! Alas ! 
 
 Ohregon — 'Tis useless. Heaven is against us ; there is 
 no escape. 
 
 Amador — We are doomed. 
 
 Talavera — Why, what is this ? Was not the move a good 
 one? 
 
 Ohregon — Think you this vile band could flourish here were 
 not the Governor of Porto Eico made purposely blind to it ? 
 
 Amador — Know you not that Montes pays him well to 
 '^ take no notice of his actions ? 
 
 i Talavera — Then I have made a move that but doubles our 
 'danger. 
 
 Ohregon — How long ago was this ? 
 
 Talavera — 'Tis now four days. 
 
 Amador — And doubtless, poor little Duende has by force 
 been carried to the mines, to toil her life away. 
 
 Talavera — 'Tis monstrous. 
 
 Ohregon — What is to be done ? The Governor may make 
 
36 
 
 report of this to Montes, and then your life will be in 
 danger. 
 
 Talavera — I placed not all my hopes upon this plan. I 
 have done good work, whilst others slept. 
 
 Amador — In what way ? 
 
 Talavera — I have hid within the grass, around the foot of 
 yonder cross, a dozen axes that I stole from those, who fell 
 trees on this mountain spur. 
 
 Obregon — Ah ! more mischief still. 
 
 Amador — We both received a dozen lashes for losing 
 those same axes. 
 
 Talavera — They were the only weapons I could lay my 
 hands upon. 
 
 Obregon — Well, go on. 
 
 Amador — 'Ne\eT mind the lashes. 
 
 Talavera— 1 secretly took a boat from off the beach, which 
 now lies moored among the reeds at the foot of this same 
 cliff. 
 
 Obregon — And what's your purpose in this ? 
 
 Talavera— With, that we'll risk the passage to Santa 
 Cruz. 
 
 Amador— And when shall we attempt it? 
 
 Talavera — The time is not far off, for I have gained Ea- 
 mon, the overseer's, good will. Some night I'll play the 
 jailor in his stead, and release all from their cells. That 
 done, we will meet at this spot. 
 
 Amador — But wherefore make not the attempt at once ? 
 
 2 alavera — Have you forgotten the promise made me to 
 succor the lady and her father ? 
 
 OSregfo/i— Nay, that we have not, and will stand by it, as 
 truly as you stand by us. 
 
 [Alvarez comes forward.] 
 
 Alvarez— 1 fear your plans are visionary, and further 
 plotting useless. 
 
 Talavera — I shall not cease from trying until you are 
 free, or I am dead. 
 
37 
 
 Obregon— Once ralliea round the cross the band will 
 not pursue us. 
 
 Talavera — Even if Montes and one or two others of the 
 bravest overcome their superstition enough to make them 
 hazard it. 
 
 Alvarez— But cooped upon this summit how shall we 
 live 
 
 Talavera — The mountain looking on the sea is broken in- 
 to ledges, by the aid of ropes, which I have concealed al- 
 ready behind the cross ; we can lower ourselves from ledge 
 to ledge until we reach the foot. 
 
 Alvarez — And have you warned my girl? 
 
 Talavera — I have told your daughter to be prepared 
 upon an instant's notice, to follow me where I shall lead her. 
 
 Amador — So be it your care to bring her safely here 
 amongst us. 
 
 Obregon — Eamon ascends the pathway ! 
 
 Talavera — Quick ! where is the whip ? It grieves me, 
 thus painfully to dissemble, but we must play well our 
 parts, if we would live again with Christians. (Assuming a 
 gruff tone and cracking whip he picks from off the ground). 
 Hey ! thou lazy varlet ! you have been an hour chopping 
 down that tree and should have had a hundred logs rolled 
 in the valley. Work, I tell you, or I'll crease your body 
 with the lash. (Cracks whip at them, they all caper about, 
 seeming suddenly engaged in work, rolling logs across the 
 stage, etc). Enter Eamon Vega. 
 
 Fega — Ha ! ha ! You make a capital overseer indeed. 
 I warrant me they had no breathing time, whilst I was gone. 
 
 Talavera — I made the sweat of labor pour from off 
 their brows. I tell you, you are by far too mild ; were I 
 their jailer I would force the music of their groans from 
 them. 
 
 Veya — I warrant me you would. (Taking whip.) Hence, 
 curs ! Dogs, begone ! I need you on yonder crest awhile. 
 
 [Snapping whip at them, and driving slaves before 
 him.] 
 
38 
 
 Quick ! for your lives ! 
 
 As slaves are driven out, Alvarez reels and falls 
 unperceived behind a rock. Exit Talavera 
 and Vega following slaves. Enter from op- 
 posite side, Estela in woman's clothes and 
 Angelina. 
 
 Angelina — You come here to cull the flowers, you say.. 
 Is it not because your father works upon the mountain? 
 
 Estela — Aye ! you guess shrewdly. Since I am denied 
 the happiness of speaking with him, I may at least look 
 from afar. 
 
 Angelina — If I could contrive to have him meet you, I 
 would, with pleasure do so, and leave you awhile to- 
 gether. 
 
 Estela- y^ovld you, indeed. Do you not fear we would 
 attempt escape ? 
 
 Angelina — Nay, you know I saved you from my hus- 
 band's wrath, by swearing I would ever keep watch, and 
 prevent your eluding him. You will not get me into 
 trouble ? 
 
 Estela, — What ! Kepay your kindness with ingratitude ? 
 Oh, not for all the world. 
 
 Angelina — I trust you. The slaves will come this way 
 again, and then you will have the chance of seeing your 
 father. I hope it will be soon; the air is dense and still;, 
 denoting sudden change. I fear one of those storms which 
 at this season sweep down upon us so unexpectedly. I will 
 ascend to the Befuge until you call me. 
 
 Estela — Stay, Angelina ! sister ! as you have bade me call 
 you when we were alone together. 
 
 Angelina — Well, Estela ? 
 
 Estela — Tell me, had you the chance to leave this place^ 
 with all its dismal recollections, would you do so ? 
 
 Angelina— Under certain conditions. It is my constant 
 prayer that such a chance will offer. 
 
 Estela — But suppose, that of ycur family in Spain there 
 was one brave heart, who, though he never saw you, was 
 
39 
 
 moved by chivalry to risk his life to find and take you from 
 this place ? 
 
 Angelina — If he found me, I would show by every means 
 T could my lasting gratitude, but who can explain the deep, 
 inscrutable ways of God, who led me to this place, to save 
 perhaps a human soul by winning it to repentance. 
 
 Estela — That means, my sister, that you would not leave 
 your husband. 
 
 Angelina — You have understood me. Ten years we have 
 lived together for better or for worse, and while I have tried 
 to balance his bad acts by good, and know the hideous color 
 of his deeds, since it has pleased Heaven to cast our lot to- 
 gether, 1 will not desert him. 
 
 Estela — Oh, Angelina ! 
 
 Angelina — I will leave you now, and when you have seen 
 your father, call me from the foot of the Refuge. 
 
 Angelina and Estela walk to the foot of 
 eminence, which former mounts, disappearing 
 behind the cross 
 
 Estela — Oh, what a fate for such a noble heart ! 
 
 [She turns to come down stage as Talavera enters front.] 
 
 Talavera — Thou here 'I 
 
 Estela — Am I not welcome here, or do I aifright thee with 
 my presence ? 
 
 Talavera — Not so, but when I stand before you, vain, vain 
 regrets o'erwhelm my sinking soul, and tempt me to beseech 
 of Heaven an end of all my misery. 
 
 Estela — And if you do, I will beg at once of Heaven to 
 deny it thee. You know I place all hopes of deliverance in 
 you, and if you die, where then, would be my hope ? 
 
 Talavera — I had the power to save you from this place, 
 and wilfully neglected it. 
 
 Estela— 'Naj, you were moved with feelings of the highest 
 nature, and I blame thee not for my position. 
 
 Talavera — Ah, what would I not dare for thee ! Danger 
 in any form or shape- Strong as I am, I have not the power 
 to conceal my heart. 1 am mad ! crazed ! unhappy ! repent- 
 
40 
 
 ant ! and all because I love thee dearer than my live, and see 
 the abyss that yawns between us. 
 
 Estela — A gap so wide, that this passion is a misery to 
 both. 
 
 Talavera — At least, your heart, like that of mine, is 
 swayed by nature, and the echo of my love is sounded 
 there. 
 
 Estela — Ah, brave gentleman ! could I but make thee 
 happy, I would give my life to do it. 
 
 Talavera — And yet one little word can do it, which word 
 you will not utter ; and yet, I feel that magnetism, which 
 tells me I have gained your love. Am I not right ? 
 
 Estela— Aje, I love thee. 
 
 Talavera — Sweet Estela ! 
 
 Estela — But a barrier so great divides us. 
 
 Talavera — I will know it, and try to overcome it. Tell me 
 what it is ? 
 
 Estela — Turn, as it were, thine eyes towards the country 
 we have left ; see how my unhappy people burrow in dark 
 cellars, like rabbits in their holes ; see how they shun their 
 fellow men, as guilty souls shrink from the light ; see how 
 the sod of Spain is tinged with their blood, and how the 
 dreadful Inquisition threatens to grind out the life of man, 
 and woman, and child, if they dare to openly obey the dic- 
 tates of their conscience. All, all too ! in the name of Him 
 who preached only of charity and good will. 
 
 Talavera — But I am not to blame for this. 
 
 Estela — Nay, I blame thee not, but I must cling to them 
 in their dark hour, and become a mother amongst my 
 people. We have given to the world a Saviour, and are re- 
 quited with merciless persecution. 
 
 Talavera — Can I not join, and risk with thee the fury of 
 thy persecutors ? 
 
 Estela — Thine own race are possessed of women unrivalled 
 for their goodness, who have in them the power to weld by 
 infinite charm the character and the fortune of man Seek 
 one from amongst them to walk through life with thee. 
 
41 
 
 Talavera — Think you the heart can be controlled thus 
 lightly, to bid it fasten its aflfections at it owner's will ? 
 Nay, the fire of love leaps swiftly, and with overwhelming 
 force, taking possession ere you can guard against its sweet 
 assault. To wrest thine image from my heart, would leave 
 its soil so barren, no seeds of love could flourish there 
 again. 
 
 Estela — Nay, love is never wasted. Be it futile, the power 
 remains to soften and refine the heart that suffers. ! love 
 thee with equal warmth, and must suffer as you do, and still 
 I force myself, in obedience to a higher duty, to tell thee, 
 that night and morn I'll beseech God's mercy on your wel- 
 fare, but I can never wed thee. 
 
 Mauricio Alvarez, who during the conversation 
 has recovered and been a listener to it, now 
 comes forward with a feeble step. 
 
 Alvarez — Estela, my daughter 1 
 
 Estela — Father, my beloved father ! 
 
 Talavera — How came you here, sir % 
 
 Alvarez — I fell exhausted, and Eamon drove past the 
 other slaves without perceiving me. (To Estela.). I saw 
 thee coming up the mountain with that noble friend, the 
 Lady Montes. Ah ! how my greedy eyes devoured thy fair 
 form, my daughter ; how my trembling arms longed to en- 
 fold thee in this embrace. 
 
 Estela — And you have overheard my frank confession ? 
 
 Alvarez — I have, and also beheld your strength of purpose, 
 and adherence to our law, I blame you not, Eoberto, for 
 loving her. Who could see her pure face, and know her 
 woman's heart, and not desire to link their lives with hers ? 
 
 Talavera — Ah ! who, indeed ? And those who once loving 
 her, and are refused that happy privilege, are consigned for 
 ever to the shades of melancholy. 
 
 Alvarez — Say not that, for I do grieve for you, as though 
 you were a son, and to see you happy is to be so myself. 
 (To Estela.) Perhaps, child, your mind may alter as re- 
 gards Koberto ? 
 
42 
 
 Talavera — Urge not her noble .spirit from its bent. I 
 am at least a man and will not plead for that which is 
 denied me, and so to wrest the subject from my mind let 
 me tell you that your treasure is safe. 
 
 Alvarez — Safe ! the treasure safe ! 
 
 Talavera — Stealing on board the Nuevo Mundo in the 
 dead of night, I sawed from its hiding place the chest, con- 
 taining the ten bags of gold, that cause you so much anx- 
 ious care. 
 
 Alvarez — And now, where are they now ? 
 
 Talavera — Buried at the foot of yonder cross. 
 
 Alvarez — Brave friend, I owe you more than life. Estela, 
 child, he has saved our race, how shall we reward him ? 
 
 Talavera — The reward I look for is to see you and your 
 daughter safe again ; what becomes of me, I care not ; but 
 conceal this weapon on your person ; this very night shall 
 we attempt escape, and it may be of service to you. (Draws 
 dagger from his belt, and gives it to Mauricio. During con- 
 versation, Stage becomes darker gradually, and distant 
 thunder is heard, growing nearer every moment). 
 
 Alvarez — {Goncealmg weapon in his breast.) God grant 
 our plans may thrive, but I fear, indeed, my strength is 
 going. 
 
 Estela— Have courage yet awhile, my father. 
 
 Alvarez — My many trials, fast hurry me to my un- 
 timely end. 
 
 Estela — Live for my sake, and for the fulfillment of thy 
 trust. 
 
 Talavera — Once away from this vile hole, your courage 
 will revive. 
 
 JEdda — Oh, Heaven ! If any life is needed as a sacri- 
 fice for our escape, take mine, I implore thee. 
 
 Alvarez— ^&j, who would not rather see the blossom 
 ripen to a flower, to yield the earth fresh blossoms. 
 
 Estela — Life, to me, without your presence would be 
 valueless. 
 
 Alvarez — I can die at peace, leaving thy dear self to fill 
 
43 
 
 whatever gap 1 make ; this faintness comes on me again. 
 Eoberto support me ! 
 
 Keels. Talavera supports him. He sinks in a 
 sitting posture on a rock. 
 
 Talavera — Courage ! Courage ! 
 
 Alvarez — Oh ! how can I ever tell thee, my beloved 
 child, what most I would desire, being so contrary to what 
 I always bade thee '? 
 
 Esttla — My father, your desires are laws to me. 
 
 Alvarez — And, therefore, the duty that I owe to thee, is 
 a thousand times more binding ; perhaps I cannot stay to 
 guide thy footsteps on this fleeting earth, but I would 
 leave thee happy. 
 
 Estela — What would you have me do? 
 
 Alvarez — We stand upon the threshold of a new world. 
 Shall we bring to it the prejudices that have made the 
 old a place of such torment ? 
 
 Estela — I do not understand you, father. 
 
 Alvarez—ThoA, noble symbol, too oft, alas ! the subject 
 of a sneer from our race, rears its proud form as guar- 
 dian to my trust. 
 
 Estela — Of what do you speak? 
 
 Alvarez — The holy cross, for here its purposes are holy,, 
 the one spot in all this isle where the persecuted can find 
 a refuge. 
 
 Talavera — Standing alike, for those of any creed. 
 
 Alvarez- -And then, this noble follower of the cross, my 
 brave Eoberto, dear child of nature, with a heart of 
 love for all his fellow men, does he not risk his life, for 
 those of our race, who wait at home, with trembling eager- 
 ness, for a summons to this land of promise ? 
 
 Estela — Aye ! he is noble in thought and deed. 
 
 Alvarez — And does he not love thee. Speak again, Eo- 
 berto. Do you not love Estela ? 
 
 Talavera — With all the power of my soul, 
 
 Alvarez — And while thou livest, she shall never want for 
 a protector ? 
 
44 
 
 Talavera—li Heaven will only let me ever dwell by her 
 side, she shall not. 
 
 Alvarez — Then, Estela, turn not from him, on account of 
 faith, but join your life with his, and strengthen thus the 
 kin of all humanity. 
 
 Estela — My father ! Can you weaken my already fal- 
 tering heart, by such sweet advice. 
 
 Alvarez — Advice, which is the fruit of earnest thought, 
 Estela ! 
 
 Estela — But our suffering people, how can I reconcile my 
 heart to this desertion ? 
 
 Alvarez — Has not Eoberto saved for them, much more 
 than you could give, by simply joining life with one, your 
 heart belonging to another ? 
 
 Estela — Aye ! in saving you, he has. 
 
 Alvarez — The treasure ! Have you forgotten ? He has at 
 his most serious peril, taken from the galleon, and brought 
 it here. 
 
 Estela — Brave Eoberto ! 
 
 Alvarez — One word from him, and that rock of hope for 
 our race would have been shattered into pieces ; but the 
 sun is getting low, and clouds are gathering. No more at 
 present. Eoberto, see her safely to the castle. 
 
 Talavera — Leave her to my care. 'Twere well you joined 
 the others 'ere you are missed. 
 
 Alvarez — We must be careful how we meet, for since 
 that day my wealth was wrung from me, and Estela made 
 known her sex, I have been constantly dogged by the cruel 
 Montes. Farewell. 
 
 Talavera — Eemember, to-night we make the attempt. 
 
 Alvarez — I leave all to you. Farewell, Estela. Think on 
 what I have said to thee. 
 
 Estela — I will, my father. 
 
 Alvarez about to go, when Montes steps sudden- 
 ly from behind the rocks into his path. 
 Montes — Stay, Jew. 
 Talavera — Montes ! 
 
45 
 
 Monies — Aye ! Montes, traitor. I can play the spy as 
 Avell as leader. 
 
 Estela — God be merciful ! 
 
 3Iontes — I have overheard your entire conversation ; so 
 you had hopes of deceiving me, eh ? The wealth already 
 yielded up was not all. I thought it smaller than report 
 had made it ; and, therefore, kept you still a captive await- 
 ing such a chance. 
 
 Alvarez — Lost ! all lost ! 
 
 Montes — Ha ! Ha ! it lies buried near the cross, eh ! 
 Good! 
 
 Talavera — Despicable hound ! We are alone ; draw and 
 defend yourself. 
 
 [Draws sword.] 
 
 Montes — Not yet. 
 
 [Blows whistle. Guards armed with spears, rush in.] 
 
 Alvarez — All lost ! Close to my side, Estela. 
 
 Montes (to Talavera) — I am not alone, and for your 
 treachery, upon the barbican in chains I'll hang you, and 
 let the vultures glut their appetite upon your flesh. 
 
 Enter Eamon Vega, driving slaves before him. 
 
 Talavera — The slaves returning ! Then there's hope. 
 
 Montes (to Alvarez) — As for your lily-faced daughter, 
 whom my weak-hearted consort prevailed on me to spare — 
 ha ! ha ! — I'll give her to my faithful overseer Ramon for 
 wife. Eamon, seize on the woman ; she is yours. 
 
 [Lightning becomes more vivid.] 
 
 Alvarez — Eoberto, guard her. (Yields Estela quickly to 
 Talavera, and takes a step or two towards Montes, feeling 
 for dagger in his sack) Ah, Heaven sends succor ! Behold 
 a fleet of vessels flying the English flag, makes for the har- 
 bor. We are saved ! 
 
 [Points suddenly to harbor.] 
 
 ilEfowte«— Maledictions ! Where ? 
 
46 
 
 [Turns his head to look. Alvarez draws dagger quickly, 
 and stabs him. He falls on his knees.] 
 
 Monies — Undone ! Vengeance has overtaken me at last, 
 but you shall perish as I do. On men ! Fear not the 
 Eefuge — idle tales — a dying man refutes them — dig — dig — 
 for the treasure. Oh, I am lost ! Eamon, avenge me. Seize 
 the woman ! Guards, hurl them from the cliff ! 
 
 Writhes upon the ground. Guards, headed by 
 Vega, advance to seize Talavera and Alvarez. 
 
 Talavera — Fly ! Fly to the cross for aid. 
 
 Estela hesitates a second, looking towards her 
 father, who points up the ascent. They rush 
 up to the cross, followed by the slaves, who 
 pick axes from the ground, and raise them in 
 defence. 
 
 Monies (clinging to rocks, and drawing himself up) — They 
 think we fear the Eefuge. Prove that ye are men but once 
 again. Support me, and I'll lead. 
 
 Eamon and a guard support him. They level 
 their spears, and advance. The storm rages. 
 Angelina Montes, heavily veiled in white, 
 steps from behind the cross, and stretches out 
 her arms. The lightning flashes on her. 
 
 Vega — Fly ! Fly, men ! It is the spirit of the cross. 
 
 Guards exit precipitately. Eamon Vega pauses to 
 lay the fainting form of Montes on the ground, 
 and is swooped down upon by Amador and 
 Obregon, who haul him down front Angelina 
 kneels by her husband, and raises his head 
 tenderly. The storm passes away gradually. 
 
 Ohregon (striking Eamon Vega) — That is for the blow yoii 
 gave me yesterday. 
 
 Amador — I have sworn to pluck out your hair. Take 
 that ! (Tugs at his hair.) 
 
47 
 
 Vega — Mercy ! Spare me ! 
 
 Ohregon — Aye ! We'll spare you, to wash the clothes of 
 every sailor in yon fleet, and perform what other menial task 
 you have made me slave at. 
 
 [They exit, hauling Vega with them.] 
 
 Tcdavera — Free ! Free ! Men from the fleet are entering 
 the castle. The pirates fly to the mountains. 
 
 Alvarez — Delivered by a force of the Eeformed Church. 
 We need not fear my daughter to make ourselves known. 
 
 Estela — See ! Our noble friend weeps over the body of 
 her husband. 
 
 Alvarez — Let us not forget her goodness in the dark hour 
 of her adversity. 
 
 Estela — I will go and comfort her. 
 
 Alvarez — Do so, while I rest myself here. I feel exhausted. 
 (Sits on rock.) 
 
 [Estela comes down to Angelina.] 
 
 Estela — So you are the spirit of the cross ? To you we 
 owe our lives. Would then, that none of mine had visited 
 sorrow on you 
 
 Angelina— 1 had hoped in time to wean him from this 
 place, and live in honor once again at home, but Heaven's 
 ways are Just. 'Tis better that he die thus, than perish on 
 the gibbet. 
 
 Estela— ~^hj weep you so bitterly, then? 
 
 Angelina — Alas ! In a vale amongst she mountains, 
 screened from view, is our child's grave. In that we had a 
 mutual sorrow, and a tie that knit our lives together. 
 
 Duende enters hurriedly. Talavera runs to her, 
 placing his finger on his lips to caution silence. 
 They go aside. 
 
 Duende — I was picked up by an English ship, ere I had 
 been six hours at sea. 
 
 Talavera — And why did you not come sooner ? 
 
 Duende— Tlh.ej read my letter, but could not understand 
 the language, but as it was Spanish, they kept me prisoner. 
 
48 
 
 Talavera — True ! England is at war with Spain, and, no 
 doubt, Porto Kico is to be attacked. 
 
 Duende — We sailed about for three days, until joined by 
 other ships. A Spanish prisoner on one of them read the 
 letter, and told its meaning, and they sailed towards this 
 Island. The castle is taken ! 
 
 Talavera — Aye, and your cruel master dead ; but never let 
 your mistress know what part you have taken in this bloody 
 work, or she will hate you. 
 
 Duende — Never ! But shall we not have the chance now 
 to live in Spain ? 
 
 Angelina (crying out) — Oh ! let not his body suffer base 
 indignity ; his crimes are atoned by death. I would bury 
 him in secret, and pray over his grave. If captured by the 
 enemy, this will be denied me. 
 
 Estela-^-S^hdbi can be done ? 
 
 Angelina (to Estela) — To you I look for aid. Remember 
 what you owe to me. 
 
 Estela — Eoberto, aid her in her wish, ere the English 
 seize his body. 
 
 Talavera — I cannot. 'Twere a mockery to grant him holy 
 burial. 
 
 Estela — I implore you ! 
 
 Talavera — Nay, ask it not. If this were done, there is no 
 virtue in the peace the grave grants an honest man. 
 
 Estela — Roberto, through the grief-stricken heart that be- 
 moans his death courses the same blood as your own. 
 
 Talavera — What mean you by that, Estela ? 
 
 Estela — That stricken woman, is your cousin ! 
 
 Talavera — God ! I have suspected it. 
 
 Estela— Yor whom you risked your life ! 
 
 Talavera — Most undeservedly ; had she retained her 
 honor, or lost it opposing, with her might, the savage ruf- 
 fian, I could have felt for her ; but to mix her blood with 
 such 
 
 Estela — Peace, Roberto ! Had we not met her here, what 
 would have been my fate ? 
 
4d 
 
 Talavera — Had she not been here, no more would we. 
 
 Estela — Roberto, I have looked upon you as a hero ; 
 stain not your noble manhood with this cruelty. 
 
 Talavera — This is not cruelty, but justice. Think of the 
 torture I have suffered, when I have seen the thickening 
 dangers, gathering around you, and I, suffering with you in 
 spirit, and standing by so helpless. 
 
 Estela — If, for the love of me, you feel this vengeance, 
 then, for that love, I ask you to forego it. 
 
 Talavera — I yield, Estela, for your sweet sake, I'll aid 
 her, but she must know nothing of the fact, that I am her 
 cousin. 
 
 Estela — Why not, Roberto ! 
 
 Talavera —Let it be as secret as the grave. She can then 
 return to Spain, and live without the fear of any one who 
 knows her history. 
 
 Estela— YleW thought of, on your part, Roberto ! 
 
 Talavera — (To the slaves). Men, I have given you free- 
 dom ; do now, what I ask of you. 
 
 Slave — Speak ! We will do anything you ask. 
 
 Talavera — Bear the body to the summit, and lower it gently 
 in the boat ; use the sling I had prepared for the lady. 
 Duende, come here ! 
 
 Vicende — What can I do ? 
 
 Talavera — But one thing more is required of you. 
 
 Duende — And that is— ? 
 
 Talavera — Sail with your mistress and her husband's body 
 to Santa Cruz, through the narrow channel to the West, 
 where the English cannot see you. In a few days you will 
 have a ship there, bound for Spain. 
 
 Duende — Anything for the Lady Montes. 
 
 Slaves bear Montes body up the ascent, followed 
 by Angelina, Estela, Duende and Talavera. 
 
 Angelina — Farewell, Estela ! Pray for your unhappy sis- 
 ter, who shall ever think of you. 
 
■ 50 
 
 JEstela — Farewell forever, Angelina, and may Heaven 
 shower on you all its richest blessings. 
 
 They embrace. Slaves, Angelina and Duende 
 disappear behind the cross. Talavera and 
 Estela join hands, and come slowly towards 
 Mauricio Alvarez. 
 
 Estela — Ah ! I hope this is the last sad parting for this 
 day. 
 
 Talavera — It all depends on you, Estela. Shall I return 
 to Spain, or cast my fortune with you in Guiana ? 
 
 Estela — If my lips could only frame the words, my heart 
 urges them to frame ! 
 
 Talavera — Eemember what thy father said, let not the 
 prejudice of the Old infect us in the New World. Come, 
 now, your answer. 
 
 Estela — Then let my father answer. 
 
 Talavera — (Rising with sudden vigor). As your hands 
 are joined, so too, join your hearts and lives. The lesson 
 of this bappy hour is the potency of love, above all 
 thiags human in this fleeting life. Implanted in our hearts 
 by the Creator, to stem in time, the torrent of that preju- 
 dice, from which every faith in turn has suffered, and prove 
 the human race kiiisiiien, with a common destiny. 
 
 Talavera &lA Estela embrace. Alvarez raises his 
 arms, outstretched above them. 
 
 [Curtain.] 
 
 Copyright, 1888. 
 
 By I. WOLFF. 
 
LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 
 
 012 071 056