Author ^^*o^ Title PS I6TI i9oe Imprint 10— 47372 a GPO TKe Co^wboy and o tKe Lady \ BY I CLYDE riTCH fi ALICE: KAUSER 1402 Broadwa^r New YorK City g lEwirw wwwwii WW MM ■■■■■K mi ww m an „h ■■ >■■■■■■■ w w wjmjf TKe Co\vboy and tHe Lady BY CLYDE riTCH ALICi: nAUSER 1402 Broadwa;>r New TorK City The Cowboy and the lady :W0 copies rtWtHvjc 'j 1 ^-.sSt-© .^XC. Wo. il ^ COPY S^^ CC" All rights reserved BY CLYDE FITCH and ALICE KAUSER. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. The acting rights of this play are reserved by the author. Performance is strictly forbidden unless her express con- sent has first been obtained, and attention is called to the penalties provided by law for any infringements of her rights, as follows : — " Sec. 4966:— Any person publicly performing or repre- senting any dramatic or musical composition for which copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or mvisical composition, or his heirs and assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as to the court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and repre- sentation be willful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year." — TT. S. Revised Statues, Title 60, Chap. 3. SYNOPSIS Act I — The Ranch. Act II— The Dance Hall. Act III — Silverville. Period — Nowada ys. Place — Colorado. CHARACTERS Teddy North Harmrd '80 Bill Ransom Hnnard '90 Weston Quick Foot Jim Joe Pete Dave Dick Rod Judge District Attorney Sheriff Foreman of Jury Mrs. Weston Midge Molly Larkins Proprietress of the dance hall Miss Prissims Pianist at the dance hall Miss Carton Miss Larabee Clerks. Cotohojfs and other Men and Women doubles Ransom and Attorney Judge and Sheriff Rod and Foreman Weston and Court Sheriff ACT I Scene — Teddy's Ranch. Across the stage from b. to c. is the house. It stands on a ledge (evidently) ; behind it, beyond the gnlly, rises a momrtain in the near distance. There are boulders and small, hardy trees about. The sky is very blue, the clouds irhitc mid fleecy: the green of the foliage, such as there is, is very bright, all shoioing a clear,, rarified air, high up. .4. path goes from the porch off I-. r. and R., also one goes extreme r. hetween house and proscenium arch. The path that leads off l. u. is the principal one, and shows that as it disappears it makes an abrupt descent. The horses are not ridden up to the house, but are left at the foot of this steep path. There are common kitchen chairs in the porch, and an old soap box, which also serves as a stool or .'teat. Musio — " Hanging Danny Deaver," etc. Discovered — At the rise of Curtain, enter QUICK FOOT JIM L. very slowly. He is a half -breed ; he 1ms an Indian cast of features — his hair is very black and oily and hangs straight and rather long: he is of fine physique, and is a handsome creature of his type. He half swings, half glides along in a motion habitual ivith him. He speaks the Eng- lish of the cotvboy tvith a slight accent of the Indian. He gives vent to a guttural sound once in a while, as indicated in the text, and expressive of a thought or decision. He is dressed as a cowboy, with the broad, decorated trousers. He is picturesque and attractive. At l. c. he hesitates and looks about him: listens a moment. Grunts, as much, as to say. " \o one is there,'' and fines to door and pushes it open, but does not enter. Time — NOON of a bright early summer day. Jim — Hello, there ! Ransom (from inside )-^Hel]o. Jim ! Jim — Anybody here? Ransom — No ; everybody gone. Jim — Ain't you anybody? Ransom (appearing in doorway) — I meant Teddy and the rest of the boys. (RANSOM is a strong, fine man about thirty — a lawyer by profes.non, but now going in for ranch life. HE uears a dark blue shirt well open at the neck and dark trousers turned into high boots. His hair needs 6 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY cutting, and brushing, too, at the moment. He holds a hook in one arm, finger marking the place. HE smiles pleas- antly at Jim.) Jim — Me knows where the boys are. They all's to old Tanner's lynching. Ransom — They are lynching old Tanner, then? Jim — Yaas. Ransom — Well. Teddy's over by the Spring Rock with some of the stock. Jim — Well, mebbe yon do. (Pauses and grunts.) Who's the new people from the sunrise land — they what's come to the Wheatly ranch? Ransom — Mr. and Mrs. Weston? He's here for his health. Jim (interrupts aith a grunt) — He no give his health chance ; if he no take care he die with his boots on. Ransom,— i//s. Weston is a stunner — and can ride any- thing ! You'll like her ! Jim — Mebbe. Ransom — What's the matter? (Going nearer Jim, off of porch.) Jim— Nothing. (Grunt.) The dude boss he like Mrs. Weston. Ransom— How did you know that? Jim — The husband he say so. Ransom (more interested and serious) — Was he angry? Jim — No. He only laugh. Ransom (under his breath)— The cur! Who did Weston tell this to? Jim — My girl ! (Grunts.) Ransom— Why did he tell your girl that? Jim (starts, looks off i..) — Here he come now. Ransom (leans nut and looks off L.j — I don't want to see him. Meet him, Jim. and say no one's home. (HE goes in aud. closes the door softly hehind, then the sound of draw- ing a bolt. JIM leaps doivn from the porch; as he re Teddy — Hello, you back already? So Billy got the prize! Midge (quite iiiiconi^ciously) — Yes. I kissed hiui — it wasn't much of a prize. Job (calls juat off .'^tarie l. v.) — Hey, Boss! She says as she won't come any further unless you give a spechule in- vite. Mrs. Weston (off stage) — No, after all, I change my mind. (8 HE enters u u. followed q,nd;, surrounded hy the MEN. SHE crosses to porch.) Mrs. Weston — Ah! Midge! Good morning. Mr. Ransom — and greeting to your Royal Highness ! (With a loir curtsey to Teddy, who is terribly emharrussed.) Teddy — Good morning ! Mrs. Weston — I offer my hand to your ma.1esty to kiss ! (Holding out her l. hand, which is hare, notices clothes, looks liim orer from head to foot.) Dear me, another suit on to-day ! And what a suit ! Teddy (dying to kiss it really, but ashamed and embar- rassed iritli all the other men standin'g round) — Don't, don't, please, don't make a fool of me all the time! Mrs. Weston — You don't want to kiss my hand, or can't you bend over? You'll let my hand go unklssed? (ALL the other men rusli forward- crying, "/ tcill," and. "Let me," but J/jR.S'. WESTON motions them all away.) No, it's for his dudeship only. (TEDDY seizes her hand quickly and shamefacedly kisses it. MRS. WESTON curtseys loir, tohich increases Teddy's embarrassntent.) (JOE with MIDGE L.; Mrs. Weston — Thank you — why wouldn't you come to meet me with the others — (SHE looks him over.) , Oh! I see — afraid of spoiling .vour boots! (ALL the men laugh good-naturedly.) (TEDDY looks at her for a momoit. grinding his teeth in his rage, so as not to swear, or to say somctliing he will regret, turns on his heels, •and goes into the liouse itithont a word.) Mrs. Weston — Isn't he splendid ! No woman could have held her tongue ! . Ransom — But why are you so hard on him? Mrs. Weston — I don't know, I can't help it. It's the old Nick in me that will out! Go bring him back. Midge. (MIDGE goes off r. into the house.) (To Ransom.) I'll try not, to tease him this time. Ransom — Do try, it's only fair to him. (Men go on yorch.) Mrs. Weston — But why is he such a dandy? Ransom — Perhaps it amuses him as much as it does you? Mrs. Weston — But what does he do among all you big 36 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY strong men? I shoiild think he'd be afraid^ of you! (Laugh.) Ransom (amused) — O would you! Mrs. Weston — I suppose he's the ranc-h " Baby," and you all coddle and spoil him. Ransom (stiU amused) You don't know him! Mrs. Weston^ — O yes, I know he's clever and amusing, but of course he couldn't hold his own with the others, one of them must fight his battles for him ! (She stops speak- ino as TEDDY re-enters vith MIDGE.) Teddy (aside to Midge, whose hand he holds) — Stay by me, I'm afraid of her! Mrs. Weston (going to Teddy) — Mr. North, forgive me. (Holds out her hand.) Teddy (surprised and putting his hands behind his back) — On one condition. Mrs. Weston — What? (Dropping her hand.) Teddy^ — That you don't ask me to kiss your hand! (Hold- ing out his hand.) Mrs. Weston (takes his hand) — Never again! Teddy (dropping her hand quickly) — O, I don't exactly mean that eitlier! Mrs. Weston — I was only afraid you were going to ask me to Iviss your hand. But now I'll tell you what I've come for Teddy — One moment, please! How about our cocktail? Don't we get our cocktail to-day? Joe — Of course we do ! Pete — Bet your life ! Ransom — Hear ! Hear ! Dave — ^Yes ! Yes ! (ALL at same time.) Mrs. Weston, — Of course ! If you can stand another of my cocktails, I'm willing ! Midge — I'll fetch the liquor and glasses. Joe (calls as MIDGE is going) — Fetch the backy, too. Midge. (MIDGE exits into house.) Teddy (to Mrs. Weston) — Midge is one of us now, she is going to be my sister. Mrs. Weston (laughing) — What! .Going to be a sister! Did you ask her to marry you? (SHE keeps on laughing.) Teddy — No, but suppose I had, I don't see anything funny in my making a proposal of marriage! (RANSOM on rock l. smoking pipe — DAVE on porch seated.) Mrs. Weston (laughing so she can hardly speak) — But / do, it seems to me awfully funny ! (Laughing.) Teddy^ — Suppose I should propose to you? Mrs. Weston (still laughing so she can hardly speak) — THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 17 Ola no — no! — tliaiik Heaven I am married; I'd die in liys- terics if yon did! (Continues lauyhiug.) Teddy (anijry, insulted) — Thank you! Mrs. Weston (laiif/hiiif/) — Yon're — welcome! (Laugh- ing.) (Re-enter MIDGE irith a large black tin tray, on it is a misceJla)ieous eoJlevtion of glasses, all sorts and all sizes, one ichite coffee cnp (no saucer) and one jam-jar. enough of these receptacles to make one for each; also a ■very large eocktail-shaker (silver), two whisky bottles, a vermouth bottld one small piece of ice wrapped in a golf- eoat, and a bottle of Angostura bitters. She also brings a boa- of tobacco.) Midge — Here's the things. (She places them on chair near c.) Mrs. Weston— And I hope I'll have better luck this time ! (Takes a seat near the chair with the tray on it. The nten fill their pipes up stage, light them during the following scene between Teddy and Mrs. Weston.) Teddy — Yes ; last time, if you remember, yon pnt the ver- mouth in twice, and no whiskey! Mrs. Weston — I remember perfectly — you made eyes at me and embarrassed me so, I didn't know what I was doing. (Laugh.) Teddy — Yoii — embarrassed by me!!! I embarrassed you!! Well, I'll be (HE stops himself short with a look around at the bo.r on the irall.) ,,,Mrs. Weston — Y'ou n^ill be. I'm afraid, some day! Teddy — Savetl a quarter that time, boys (All Uiugli.) (SHE begins shaking the cocktails, first pours in glass of whi.'ikey.) Mrs. Weston — What I came over for was to ask you all to a dance at the hall in Silverville. (Sugar.) Midge — Molly Larkins? (Whiskey.) Mrs. Weston — Some time from now to be sure, three weeks from Tuesday ! Joe — Molly ain't giving up her place to you 'uns alone, l)€ she? Mrs. Weston — Yes, Weston had some difficulty persuad- ing her ; he's been over every day, and yesterday she con- sented. Pete — I've seed he was there every day. Mrs. Weston — O very likely Miss Larkin her.self was some attraction ! You know my Weston ! I shall have some New York friends visiting me, and I want to show them everythiug^including Mister Teddy ! (With ■« mis- chievous look and smile at Teddy.) (The shaker is full of whiskey.) 18 TPIE COWBOY AND THE LADY Teddy — ^Excuse me, but the cocktail's all ivh i skey thld time to coniiterba lance the vermouth day I suppose? Mrs. Weston (JtohliiH/ up the shaker and seeing that it is full.) — O dear, how stupid of me! (Slie looks around helplessly) And there's nothing to pour all this extra whis- key into ! Teddy — O yes thei-e is 1 There's Joe ! He can hold any amount. (ALL laugh.) JoK (holding out one of the tumhlers) — "Never say die!" Mrs. Weston (pours out half as she talks — and JOE. vhen she finishes, gulps it down at one gulp. MRS. WES- TON fills vp the shaker icith Vermouth.) — You must all come to the dance in your ranch things, no inan admitted in his " store clothes." I don't want any make-believe ranch- man af oinid ! There's a blow for you. Mr. Teddy! Teddy — But it won't " kill father ! " I haven't said I was coming! Mrs. AYeston — O. but you must, and you can borrow some i-eal clothes of Joe, can't he Joe? (JOE is very mtieh taller and very mueh bigger than Teddy.) Job — Y'es, riia'am, suttenly, if he'll promise not to stretch 'em ! Teddy — Oh. if I come, I'll wear Joe's clothes with pleas- ure. (All laugh.) Mrs. Weston — You promise Joe's clothes! Teddy — I jn'omise. Mrs. Weston — We women are going to pay you the com- pliment of appearing in our vei'y sn^artest fi'ocks Joe— Ilully Ge - Teddy (SHE starts to put on the cover of the shaker) — Excuse me ! — the ice ! ' We had some ' here a week ago Thursday. (He picks up the golf coat and tmr oils it and fi)ids a small piece of ice.) Mrs. Weston— Shall I put in all? '' . '"'^}' Teddy — Yes, let's be reckless! (THEY put in thb^de^'and she ■'(hakes the shaker.) (Kneels at her side u.—Hat off.) Mrs. Weston — I expect you to dance the whole evening' while the other meri 'are rnaking love tb tlie'igf|*ls in 'the iti6onl!ght. ' ■ ■ "'• •■''''' ■ ■ '"'" ''■'"' '■'"' ■•'■"' "'" Teddy-^A nice warm prospect for me! /MRS. ,^ESTOX laughs) And where will you be? ' '" "^'l ' ' '' '" . Mrs. Weston>— I? O, of course, o'yftn'ihe mbonlight! Teddy — With two of the other men ! (SHE pours out the drinks) (TEDDY tries to speak Vaclc. hut is so angry he can't: he glares at her a moment, opens his lips to speak, hut no \rord. comes — he grits his teeth and then turns and goes .straight to the bo.T on the wall ivith his hack to the audience — raises both hands above his head with clenched THE CO^YBOY AND THE LADY 19 fists anil the gesture of a violent oath, ami then deliberately drops in a quarter, which is heard to fall. BIG LAUGH. The scene is played without a word, and during it MRS. WESl^ON has poured out all the drinks.) Teddy (coming back, and. noticing Mrs. Weston is pour- ing out the cocktails) — I beg your pardou, but did you re- member the bitters? Mrs. Weston — O ! What a shame, I was getting ou so nicely. (SHE begins pouring than all back into tJie shaker; the men are amused.) Teddy — O. never mind, \ve're used to hardships here ! Mrs. Weston — No, I shall make it all over. (SHE takes up the bitters bottle and begins putting the bitters in.) But I think it would have been more polite of you not to have mentioned the bitters. (The MEX at first do not take particular notice, but as slie keeps on putting the bitters in they shoir excitement and curiosity, and tlien despair. SHE finally notices them. BIG LAUGH.) Mrs. Weston — Now what's the matter ! Have I put in too nnich? Teddy- — Oh, no — no Mrs. Weston — Never mind, it'll do you good. Where's the lemon? (TEDDY c.rits into hou-^e as MRS. WESTON begins shaking again; slie sees liini go and knows he goes for the lemon.) You see I haven't forgotten that! O, I shall make famous cocktails in time! (Re-enter TEDDY with a tiny round yellou' hard ball, lohitc in spots where peel has been cut off. MRS. WESTON begins to pour out the cocktails.) Teddy — Allow me to offer you the ranch lemon! (Offer- ing it to her) Do you play golf? 'Mrs. Weston (takes it) — Thank you! (Laughing.) I must send you some if you are so bad off as all this- (Gives it back to him.) Won't you? Teddy — With pleasure! (Takes lemon and •« knife u-hich is on the tray, and trith difficulty manages to cut off bits of lemon peel and puts in each gla.'^is one tts she fills it.) Mrs. Weston — Mr. Ransom! (Giving him his cocktail.) Kansom — Thank.s. Mrs. Weston (giving Pete a glass) — Pete.! , ,,. I'ete — Thank you. i.^ .,v Mrs. Weston (with a niAschievous glance • Mrs. Weston (irlio ]nis flnislied pouring out the cock- tails — hut has not left any for the last glass) — O, what a l»ity — again ! I thought I was measuring so carefully, and here I haven't left a drop for you. Teddy (rising) — Excuse me, but that's the only kindness you've done me to-day ! Mrs. Weston — What ! You make- fun of my cocktails ! Then you must take some ! I'll share with you ! We'll drink mine together. Teddy (delighted) — Out of the same glass, bully! Mrs. Weston — O no! (Pouring out half of her cocktail into the other glas.^.) That way. (Oives him glass.) Teddy (disgnstedly) — Thank you! _. • " Joe — ^Here's "how". Mis' Weston! ' ' ' . "v '■ ■'i Mrs. Weston — ^" How ! " (They all clink' glasses together —and all drink hut MRS. WESTOX. ALL cannot help making a irry face over the bitterness of the drink. ALL " Igh '\' (shuddering) THEY surround Teddy and each head is moved emphatimlly wiM'a whispered oath. BIG LAUGH. THEY then go in a body to the sivear box and all drop in niekles at the same time. THEY come back shuddering at intervals.J 'SIRS. IFeston — What's the matter, wasn't it good? (ALL make grimaces.) Teddy — Good is not the word ! TJgh ! Joe — O. Ma'am ! Ugh ! (HE makes a face.) Mrs. Weston — Then I shan't drink any! Here! (Giv- ing her glass to Teddy.) — I'll be generous. You shall haA'e all mine! (Just as she gives the glass s/te takes it back to A/.v.s- the edge — and then gires it to Teddy.) Teddy — Thank you! (Hmilinght drinks it.) Delicious! (MEN " Gee viz. 'etc.") Mrs. Weston — My dear ^Mr. North, you're braver than I thought ! Midge — Well you all hev my sympathies ! I can't swallow the best — whiskey's good enough for me! (ALL men. laugh.) THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 21 Hansom— ;Mi(lf;;e ! Mrs. Weston will think you a toper ! Mrs. Weston (rising) — O no. Midge has contided to me In set-ret that whiskey gives her the hiccoughs ! And brandy the " shivers " even before she tastes it ! MiDGK (naivelji) (ALL movcJ—O, but I ain't no temper- ance fiend. My pop jes' lives on both of 'em. I've heard folks say as how Pap's whiskey was the worst this side of the Rockies! (ALL laiif/li.) (Business of TEDDY yiving different iiie)i orders »/> stage.) Mas. Weston — You funny little creature! (Flitting her aim round her, she takes her to one side) Tell me, dear, are you all right here, will you be happy? Mu)GE (aside to Mrs. Weston J — O yes, awful happy. Both of 'em's so good to me! Mks. Weston — If you ever want a woman friend come to me, I like you ! Midge — Yes, ma'am; I like you, too! I'm always telling the boys you ain't half so bad ns you seem. Mrs. Weston (amused) — O reallv ! Do you tell the boys that? Midge — Yes. ma'am ; I'm your real true friend ;you're only after a good time like the rest of us. I know what a good time means to a girl. I couldn't live without my rifle — and — Joe (Lrjoking down.) Mrs. Weston — Ah — ha — somebody's been taking a shot at l/ou with an arrow! (HHE shakes hotli hands.) Remem- ber dear. I'm your friend. Midge — And I'm yourn ! (TEDDY top of steps.) Mrs. Weston (to the men) — Well, boys, will you all come to my dance? Joe — I'll answer fur them, ma'm, and the cove that wants to back out'll hev to settle witU me first! ^Ii!S,. WESTON^Thank you. That settles j/ou, Mr. Teddy, goii can't desert me now! (TEDDY merely smiles and hoirs.) ^Irs. Weston — Who'll get my horse ready for me? (DAVE ■lOE. PETE and RANSOM e.iuts l. quie'klii.) Midge (going to Mrs. ^Veston) — Sa.y, Brother Teddy can knock the spots out of Joe! Mrs. Weston — Don't be absurd — Good-bye ! (MIDGE fakes tray info the Jiouse and arranges chair e.) (MRS. WEm'ON leaves poreh.) Teddy (folloiring lier) — You won't take the same road back, ifill you? It isn't safe! Mrs. Weston (laughing) — O thank you for your .service, I'm sure ! Teddy (earnestly) — But you'll take itt — the advice, I mean, not the road! 22 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY Mrs. Weston (smiling) — O. that's quite another thing'. Teddy — It's dangerous, terrible dangerous I Mrs. Weston — I'm not afraid. Mr. North. Teddy — But it was a miracle you escaped, even we go the other way. (MRS. WESTON laughs.) If your horse should stumble just the slightest, over you'd go ! And it's 300 feet to the bottom ! Ask the men, if you won't listen to me. Mrs. Weston — The men have all gone to help me mount ; if then warn me. perhaps I'll listen. But I like danger. (iood-bye, my timid ^Ir. Teddy. (SHE exits gaily.) (MIDGE goes to Tedclg.) Midge — Don't she beat the band ! — but — don't be afraid. They ain't going to let her go back the same way. (MRS. WESTON and the men are heard talking and laughing as she mounts.) Why don't you help her mount? Teddy — Humph ! You see how she treats me. Midge ! Midge — Yep. There's times as it jes' makes me hate her. (Coming down.) Teddy' (smiling) — You needn't do that, Midge — because — Midge, dear little sister, your fool of a brother loves her. Midge — I told Mr. Ransom so 1 Teddy— What! Midge — And he wouldn't believe me. Teddy' — But how Midge — O, a woman can tell. Teddy (smiling) — Sa.v, how old are you, please. Miss? Midge — Somewheres about sixteen or fourteen, I don't know exactly, (n.) (Sits on front of steps.) Teddy' — And how long have you been a " n-omanf " (Sits on hank R.j Midge — About eight years. Since the first time as I found Pop drunk — do you think P®p will miss me? Teddy' — -No- (Sits on steps of house.) Midge — Do you think he'll come here after me? Teddy — No. Midge — I don't want him to, and yet, (HER voice brealc- ing) I'm afraid he'll be dreadful lonely. You see even ani- mals Avon't stay by Pop. He don't know how to treat 'em, he bangs 'em around jes' like he used to me, and you can't do that with animals and keep 'em loving yon. I'm sorter afraid — O Mr. Teddy, perhaps I didn't ought to leave him. Teddy (getting np from steps) — Don't worry about that, little sister. It's he who has left you. Midge (getting up from bank R.J (Brightening up)— How do you mean? Teddy' — He's gone away, far away ! Midge — Pop? Where to? Teddy' (a moment's hesitation) — Nobody knows — but they THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 23 say he'll never come back to ba)i!j anybody, not even the (loffs, any more. (SHE looks up at him half .startled — half l/Hcs.si)i(7 the truth, her gaze becomes more frif/htened, fin- ally she speaks.) Midge — You don't mean ? Teddy (speaks very softly and kindly — getting up from stepsj^'Don't ask any more questions little sister — because — ^I can't answer them. (HE kisses her on the forehead.) (The MEy are heard shouting " Good-bye, Good-bye," an- swered by Mrs. Weston.) Here come the boys back ! MIDGE is half dazed. She goes slowly into the house r. Ransom (entering first, followed by JOE, DAVE, and PETE) — Teddy, the fellows are hungry. Teddy — All right — Joe ! — Did you tell Mrs. Weston not to take the same road back? Joe — She said you'd warned her, but her head's level enough, she ain't agoin' to run no risks I Pete — Say, I heard a good one this morning — I want to tell you all now they're no women folks about — What's the difference between an Indian an' a bull pup? (A moment's l>ausc.) Teddy— What? Pete— What's the difference between an Indian and a bull pup? Teddy— You got me I (A moment's pause.) I'ete — Why an Indian • Teddy — Ssh ! (As MIDGE enters.) (SHE says. ''Boys.") (MIDGE conies o)t to porch a step and looks in surprise at tlie Men, who arc silent.) Midge — O my ! Ain't it funny you boys don't never seem to have a word to say unless I come and start talk agoing. I' 'Teddy — They're hungry; aren't you, boys? Ji Joe— Yes. Oonie on. (JOE, PETE and DAVE go into house. RAXSOM Joins MIDGE. TEDDY has gone to i.. and looks off. TEDDY turning sees Midije and Ransom togrtJicr: he raises his eyebroi.cs and. snriles, nodding Jiis head significantly and. starts to tiptoe into the ■house, too. RANSOM sees him. MIDGE stands with her back toward them.) ,'i Ransom — Teddy! (TEDDY stops, and looking at Ran- som, pantomimes not to say anything— that he understands — .s7( .' and he irill get out and lea re them alone together.) No, no! (Joins Teddy and speaks aside to him. THEY are i.., MIDGE k.) It won't do, old man; she won't listen to me. There's someone else! ,. ' Teddy — Nonsense ! Ransom — Joe ! 24 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY Teddy — Joe instead of yon? Stuff! Say. leave her alone with me. Ransom — Be careful. If she can't care for nie, I don't want her to know that I — I worship the g:round her feet touch. (Going vi.) It would spoil it all here. Teddy (taking the practical view of it) — Go on ; leave her with lue! (RANSOM goes into home. TEDDY steals playfully over behind MIDGE and says "'Boo!"' to startle her.) Midge — Oh, brother! (Starts, frightened, with a little cry and turns to Teddy; she throws her ■arms around his neck and. bursts into tears.) Teddy (embarrassed and sympathetic) — Hello, hello ! What's up? Midge (crying) — Nothing. (Going c. MIDGE sits l. TEDDY sits n.) Teddy (holding her two hands) — Oh, come now. (He sits.) Say, is it Billy? Midge — No. (Stops crying; she sits on a box at his feet.) Teddy — That's right— stop crying — I want to have a little talk with you. Are you fond of Billy? Midge — Yes — no — I mean, not exactly — some ! Teddy (smiling) — Well, that answer is out of sight liter- ally ! Midge (shyly, half humorously) — Don't you think Joe's a handsomer man? Teddy — But Billy's a gentleman, and (Interrupted.) Midge (interrupting) — So's Joe. Teddy — That's ti'ue — has Joe spoken? Midge — No, it seems as if he ain't got the sand — I think he wants to. Teddy — It takes a lot to tell a woman you love her. Still Joe's all right ; you ain't married — and to a blackguard. (The last word is only a whisper.) Midge — Cheer up, brother Teddy ; everybody says as how's Mr. Weston's a-drinkin' himself to death sure I Teddy — That wouldn't surprise me. if she mixes his drinks. But even if she weren't married, there'd be another drink needed to make me happy — something for her, a love potion. Midge (smiling) — Oh — fairy tales ! Teddy— Yes, but they make a nice life. Midge — But you ain't got no right to think about her. She is married. Teddy — And doesn't love me anyway. Vll forget her! I'll forget her! (He speaks the first "I'll forget her!" se- riously, then after a mom,ent's pause he smiles to himself and repeats " Fll forget her!" in a tone implying the utter THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 25 impossibiliti/ to him of hix doing .s'o. There is a moinenVs xiJeuee. Then MIDGE fttealu her hand into his and says enennraf/iiif/ly. sireetln and softly — ) MiDGB — it ain't easy. Imt let's try. (TEDDY presses her hand for — Dick Ftod! (The men's right hands involuntarily THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 43 go to their pistol pockets, hut they try to cocer the move- ment and look, nonchalant.) Mrs. Weston (aside to Teddy) — Who is he? Teddy — He's never been known to miss liis man. (DICK has started to stroll in.) Joe — Beg i)arclon, but this is private ! Dick — Oh, private is it! Well, suppose I made it moi-e private by spotting out every blamed lamp ! (Brings out his pistol The WOMEN all move in alarm. The j\[EN keep their hands on. their pistol pockets, but do not hring out the loeapons.) Teddy— Hold on! Say! I don't think the gentleman quite understands." The hall has ben hired this evening by a lady. Mrs. Weston (coming forward) — Won't you present your friend, Mr. Teddy? Teddy — Mr. Dick Rod. Mrs. Weston. (With a gesture of introduction.) Mrs. Weston, Mr. Rod. Dick (hoiving loio with great elegance) — Ma'am ! Mrs. Weston^I am delighted to meet you. (Offers to .s/iflAe hands, so that Dick is obliged to transfer his pistol to his left hand.) Teddy — Mis. Weston is giving a party to a few personal friends — you see the bar is closed. Dick — Is it? Well, if the lady would like it otherwise, I'll guarantee to open it in one shot! (ALL WOMEN shocked.) Mrs. Weston — Oh, no, don't trouble ! Won't you join us in a dance? Dick — No. thank ye ; but I'll promise to keep any blamed gent dancing as long as you like, unless he wants a couple of balls in his feet. Teddy — ^Say, I think we'll be satisfied with just plain dancing without any fancy lead trimmings. (Xes over to loirer end of the bar.) DlcK — Anything to please the ladies — especially you, ma'am. (Bowing to Mrs. Weston.) You ain't a widder by any chance? Mrs. Weston — No. Dick (elaborately) — Sorry! Teddy (showing the way out plainly) — Good night. (Goes back of bar.) Dick (turns on Teddy, with a mount of his hand toward his pistol pocket. Similar movement on the part of all the men) — Oh, I ain't in such a hurry; and it seems a pity not to have just one set of pigeons' wings out of you, anyway ! Teddy — Yes, it does seem a pity. Dick — A little hot lead around your toes every three sec- onds would keep you stepping pretty lively, eh? 44 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY Teddy — ^Oh, verj lively — a sort of continuous perform- ance. (DICK makes a sicceiriiiff glance about the room, each man's hand on his pistol tifihtens. DICK laughs; he turns to Mrs. Weston.) Dick — Ma'am, if I was sure which he was. blamed if I wouldn't make you a widder on the spot ; there ain't a gent here good enough for you^ (Bows again very low to Mrs. Weston und .'itarts to exit. The MEN'S hands leave their pistols^ Stopping, he turns half way. toward the door; the MEN'S hands go quickly hack to their pistols.) NOT O^E! (With a look around, taking in each one of the n\cn. Turns again to go out. The men's hand's come partly away again from their pistols, but at the doorway he turns about, and bark go the men's hands quickly.) Ado, ma'am! (Bows, exits. Great relief among the company.) Teddy — Pleasant neighbor to have drop in occasionally.! Mrs. Weston — Very! Shall we finish the dance? (There • a murmur of all tJie others talking together.) . Teddy — Say no ! I'ou must let me change my togs. Mrs. Weston — Oh. very well, then ! Come into the supiier room, girls, for a minute. Mr. Teddy wants to dazzle us. Now. come as soon as you are ready. (Exits r.) Teddy — Now, iiresto ! Change ! (MISS PRISSIMS has slowly got into her slippers dur- ing the scene with Dick Rod. She drives the WOMEN be- fore her into room r., turns at door and speaks across stage to Teddy. SHE exits quickly u.) Dave (to Joe, Pete, Ransom and Weston) — ^Say, will you 'uns go outside for a spell? I want to remark something private to the boss (They all make a movement ex- cept Pete.) ' Pete — On condition you join us outside and let me gab with the boss wlien von're through. Dave— Agreed! (JOE, PETE. WESTON and RANSOM exit back and arc seen outside there on the porch.) Teddy — Perhaps you don't think it's warm in these clothes. I feel like twins Dave — Boss ! Teddy — Well? Dave — It's tlie little "un — Midge ! Teddy — What about her? Dave — I want to hitch on to her. Teddy (drops boot) — Say. wake up! You've only known her tlii'ee weeks. Dave — I only want you to put in a good word and fix the whole thing up for me. Teddy— Oh! is that all? THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 45 Dave — Oh, I ain't a bad lot! Tell her I don't get drunk, jind I never strnck no woman. I allow I kin hoi" my own over any honest poker hand in these yere parts. I kin work, and I'm honest, and — and — I'd give the biggest mine in Colorado if I had it if she'll keep company with me. Teddy — Dave, those are^ my sentiments exactly — in re- gard to someone else. But why don't you tell Midge all this .vourself ? Dave — Sort of can't get the grit. Calculated as how mebbe you'd try to pump her a little and find which way the land lays. (The WOMEN off n. rattle the door and J/A\S'. WESTOX calls.) . i :• Mrs. \Yeston — Hurry ! Hurry ! Miss Peissims (.outside, icith her mouth full) — We're eating up all the supper! Teddy (calls back to them) — All right — in a minute. (To I fare) All right, Dave, if you'll help me off with the other transport ! Dave — Thank you, boss. Teddy — That's all right, Dave; but I can't encourage .von. I've strong reasons to believe she's leaning in another direction. Dave — iMaybe she'll change her mind when yon tell her I want her to Pete (loolcing in door r. l.^ — Dave, ain't you 'uns nearly finished? Dave — Yes. (hearing Teddy.) I'm quit! Teddy (calls to Pete) — Come on ! — next ! (Bus. pulUng off shirt.) Pete — Boss ! Teddy' — ^Go on. I'll be out in a minute. Pete — Boss, I ain't been with this gang long, and I don't know as you're on to me (Interrupted.) Teddy' (interrupting) — Only on to good points — help me off with this polar bear — — Pete — Well, say, boss — -I'm what you call in love. Teddy — Y"ou don't say so! (Bus. of moving glass down bar. PETE follous it.) So am I ! Pete — I've got it bad ! Teddy' — So've I — awful ! Pete — I ain't slept much for three nights. Teddy' — I can beat you — me three weeks ! Pete — I'm in earnest, boss. Teddy' — Earnest isn't in it with me, Peter! Pete — I deemed goii might speak to her for mo. Teddy- — By George, this is my busy evening ! Who is it. Miss Prissims? Pete — That ivory thumi^er ! Boss, it's Midge ! 46 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY Teddy — Midge? Petk — Well, what do you think, boss? Teddy — Think you're crazy! Joe (head in (loorway) — Push ahead! Push ahead! Pete (to Joe)—43 has her slipper on and has been tcatching them surreptitiously from the corner of her eye, half turned toward him on the piano. She sees the movement of Mrs. Weston and the movement of Teddy toward her, and quickly swings back facing the piano, assuming an air of modest exp0ctation. TEDDY makes ' nods her head violently as sJie plays with- out turning to look at Teddy. He turns abritytly to Miss Prissims niid speaks peremptorily and half angrily.) Come on! (He grabs licr almost roughly.) Miss Prissims (delighted) — Oh, ain't you strong! Teddy (with Miss Prissims in his arms standing still, to Mrs. Weston — over Miss Prissims' shoulder) — A good long iralk! — not a chase off the stoop and back! Mrs. Weston (playing) — Yes, yes! (They start to dance; site stops him and speaks archly.) Miss Prissims — Now don't you tickle nte, will you? Teddy — I'm not going to tickle you ! Hurry up ! (They start to dance •again. After a few false starts get off, but out of step. etc. They stop and try over once again. MRS. WESTOlSi^ is watching them over her shoulder and laughing .so she can, hardly play. TEDDY, icho has been very mourn- fvl. has to laugh himself as they fail a second time. Mean- ichile Miss Prissims' slippers hMve begun to hurt her very badly.) Miss Prissims — Say. excuse me. but I think I could dance better with you if I had kept on Joe's boots. (MRS. WES- 50 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY TON, who can no longer refitrain her laughter, runs, latigh- iiig hystcricaUy. from the room off b. Calls as sJie goes.) \yiiere are you going? Mrs. Weston (laughing as she exits)— VU be back in a moment. Miss Prissims (offended) — What's tlie matter? Teddy — I don't know — maybe she's a little jealous. Miss Peissims — Of me! Oh, go away! Ain't you a flirt! (He goes to door r. which Mrs. Weston has left open and beckons strongly for her to come back.) Miss Prissims — Perhaps yon don't know that since I've been in Silverville two men have shot themselves for love of me. Teddy — Before — or after? (He looks off again and beckon.?.) Miss Prissims — I don't know what you mean. (Re-enter J//?.Sf. WESTON, calming herself evidently with an effort.) Mrs. Weston— Excuse me. (MISS PRISSIMS goes l.; Teddy — I thought perhaps you'd gone to get me a drink ! Mrs. Weston — I'll go and make yon a cocktail. Teddy (quickly) — No. no! (BUDGE heard calling off lJ Midge— Brother Teddy! Brother Teddy! (MIDGE en- ters running l.. folloiced by WESTON more sloivly. This entrance surprises those on the stage.) Brother Teddy! (Goes to him and taking his arm.) Teddy — What's the matter? Midge — Don't leave me alone with liim ! He held me in ills arms for all I could do. Mrs. Weston (Xes to Weston) — You beast! (Xes x..) JiIidge — There's never no cowboy, no, nor half-breed on or near Silverville as has said to me such things as him, nor done as he tried. Teddy (in a rage at the latter part of her speech, goes threateningly np to Weston. Takes him by the throat) — I'll kill you for insulting this girl ! Midge (cries out) — Brother Teddy! Mrs. Weston (ivith her hand on Teddy's arm) — Leave him alone; he isn't fit for you to touch! (TEDDY very slowly leares go his hold on Weston, and as .■ (n. WESTON goes iip c. to door.) (MRS. WESTON sinks irith elbow on Imr l.. her hack toirard Teddii. TEDDY stands behind her at a distance, iooking ^at her irith great sirmpathy. desiring to say some\ tiling to comfort her — not knowing what to say.) Teddy .(hesitatingly, an.rionsly) — Mrs. Weston ! (No an- furer.) Mrs. Weston, can't I help you? (Distrtist fully) As you wish. (He starts to go.) AIrs. Weston — In five minutes I shall be ready. Teddy — In five minutes I will be back. (Exit TEDDY at back. TEDDY meets Weston in door c.) Weston (laughs, then goes to r.. saying) — Jess, see here! Mrs. Weston (at door r. to Weston) — You are not to fol- low me! (She crits r.. ■'flamming door in his face^ Weston .stands still •a moment, then goes softly up the stairs to Molly's room, taps softly, opens door and speaks. At the f^ame time JIM'S face appears at the window l. ivatching.) Weston — Put on your hat and coat. Come down; I want yon ! Molly — 'Just what I'm doing: come in and help me. (READY LIGHTS.) Weston — Make haste ! (READY FOR LI(4HTS OUT.) THE C'OWBOY AND THE LADY 53 (Enters, leaving door h'0" any reason to believe if she were tiee they might have got married'' Joe— Nothing would have pleased the bovs better objeet.) ^'" ^'''^" "^' • (^^ODl IS again about to rise to Joe— Ought'er ; she'd had the pick of the bunch' (TEDDY Att'LneyT.'?:^^^^^^ '' ^^^urdansii^r.r' riseZ ^ ^ec7dj/;-Your witness, Mr. North. (TEDDY m THE COWBOY AND THE LADY Judge (to Teddy) — One moment. (To Joe) Did you, too. hear the prisoner state his guilt to the Sheriff shortly after the murder? , Joe (suUenly, with difflculty speaking the truth) — Yes. Teddy (excitedly) — ^I have retracted that confession — I lied to save the woman I loved, whom I thought in danger. Judge (interrupting quickly) — Go on with your cross- examination. Teddy (ignoring the Judge's orders) — I should not be defending myself now were it not that the woman in ques- tion is safe from all suspicion of guilt JxTDGE — You must continue with the witness. (JUDQE motions to Teddy to begin his excunination of Joe.) Teddy — When you heard me say I killed that man did ypu believe me? Joe — Not for a minute ! Teddy — Why? Joe — 'Cause I know'd as you didn't do it! Attorney (rising) — I move that be stricken from the record. Judge (to Stenographer)— strike it out. (ATTORNEY sits.) Teddy — What would you call in your own picturesque language the attacking of an unarmed nuxn in the dark with a pistol ? Joe— What a Gad ! Teddy (quickly) — No oaths. Joe (after a 'moment's hesitation) — A dirty, ornery, low- down trick ! Teddy — Did I ever take the slightest unfair advantage in any fight I was ever in ? Joe — Never ! Teddy — Have I ever to your knowledge in.iured a living soul? ; Joe — No, by (Interrupted.) Teddy (interrupting)— l^et it go at " No." Have you heard me quarrel time and time again with the boys to keep them from lynching ? Joe — Yes. It's the only real grudge the boys hev agin .vou. Judge — Are these questions material? Teddy — I think so. (Forgetting himself and his exam- ination for a moment.) I want to prove that I have always been on the side of law and order, and no matter how cir- cumstances mav point against me; in sjiite of my confes- sion of guilt tiiat night, which was a lie, still I want to persuade these twelve men by giving them a knowledge of THE COWBOY AND THE LADY Gl uiy character ; that it was not possible for me to do the atrocious deed of which I stand here accused. (Timid murmur of approval from audience, "Good — i/ood .' ") Judge — Continue the cross-examination of your witness. Teddy — In your conversation witli me, about which you were .just now questioned, when you refused to answer, what iras the sub.iectV Joe (terribly embarrassed) — It was about — loving and gettin' married — ■ — Teddy — Love for wliom? Joe — Oh, boss ! Teddy — Go on, speak out ! You forget what's at stake — old man. my life Joe — I wanted Midge — — Teddy (to Judge) — My little adopted sister. Joe — And you said as you hain't no objections, and ad- vised me to go ahead and ast her Teddy — What else did we talk about? Joe — Nothing else. (He smiles.) The whole blamed gang wanted her, too Teddy' (to Joe) — Say, Joe, have you asked her yet? Judge (to Teddy) — That question is not Teddy — Oh, go on. Judge : let me ask ; I'd feel easier aboiit the little girl in case it goes wrong with me here! Joe — Boss, she took to the idea like a duck to the water. (TEDDY leans out to JOE, who lemis. over to him, and they shake hands.) ■/■,']' 'I'l' i iV/ ' . Teddy — Bully, Joe — ■ — ! Judge — Continue the examination. Teddy' — Beg your pardon. Judge. (Goes back to his place, smiliny affectionately at Joe.) I tell you, Joe, you've got a great girl ! (JUDGE raps once, and TEDDY quickly (joes on a-ith Iris questions.) Did you ever know of my making love to Mrs. Weston? Joe — No. Teddy — Did you ever hear me say anything about ever ntarrj/ing Mrs. Weston? Joe — We'd all have been red hot for it, but there warn't never nothing said. Teddy — Was everyone in Silverville as pleasant to Wes- ton as I was? Joe — ^No. Half the push always gave him the shake Teddy' — I've finished with the witness. (A long sigh of relief from Teddy's friends among the, public; a movement of everyone speaking in loiv tvhispers one to the other. Similar movement among the Jury. Bus.) Judge (to Joe) — You may join the public. 62 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY Joe — Thank you. (To Teddy, with real Reeling) Gooil luck, boss ! Teddy — God bless you, Joe ! Judge — The next witness. Attorney — Louisa Prissims. (SHERIFF opens door r. e. and heckons off. Enter MISS PRISSIMS — crowd titters— Miss Prissims rather fright- ened and very nervous. Sheriff leads her to the tvitness stand.) What are you? Miss Prissims — Beg pardon? Attorney — What are you? Miss Prissims — I'm a woman. Attorney — I mean, what's your business? Miss Prissims — I am the pianiste of the dance hall. Attorney — You remember tlie night of the murder? Miss Prissims — Yep. Attorney — What is most indelibly stamped upon your mind? Miss Prissims (looks embarrassed and hesitates) — I — I waltzed with Mr. North. (All LAVQH NOT TOO LOUD. TEDDY buries his face in his arms laughing. Laughter in the court. Miss Prissims looks surprised and frightened.) Attorney — I mean as to the murder. You were with Mr. Weston and the prisoner a short time before ? Miss Prissims — Yes — I think so^ Attorney — Aren't you sure? Miss Prissims — No, I ain't exactly sure. Attorney — Did you hear their conversation? Miss Prissims — I don't know — I forget ! Attorney' — Now, what did happen? Miss Prissims — I — I — don't remember Attorney — What do you remember? Miss Prissims — Me and Mis' Weston went into the dressing-room, and she laid down and I eat a sandwich. I eat two; and we stayed about ten minutes — and when I went out — I saw her husband dead. Attorney — Y^ou seem to remember all that very per- fectly. Miss Prissims — Yep. Attorney — When you and Mrs. Weston left Weston, he was alone — — ? Miss Prissims — Yep. Attorney — I am through, your Honor ; but I should like the privilege of calling this witness again. Judge (to Teddy) — Do you wish to question the witness? Teddy (with humor) — I beg to be excused, your Honor! THE COAVBOY AND THE LADY 63 Judge — The next witness. (The SHERIFF motions MiNf Prissims to a place icith the public.) Miss Prissims (going to scat) — I just hate that man ! Attorney — The girl Midge. (SHERIFF opens door u. b. and beckons off. Enter MIDGE. She is pale, and on the verge of tears; her face is drawn icith the suspense and fear of the moment. Sheriff leads her to witness box. Her first look has been at the Judge, and then her eyes have quickly traversed the court for Teddy. She finds him; her eyes dilate and her breath comes more quickly. She goes to her place n-ith her eyes still on Teddy.) Y"ou were at the dance in Molly Larkin's hall the night of the murder? Midge (gasps) — Yes, sir. (As she speuks she takes her (lazc from Teddy to the Attorney. After she finishes each speech she steals a quick glance at Teddy, and then back again to the Judge.) Attorney — ^When did you last see North? How long before the breaking up of the party? Midge (gasps) — I seen him then. Attorney — Yes. I know ; but when before? Midge — About fifteen minutes. Attorney — Where and how? Midge — I went outside with him. Attorney — Why ? Midge — 'Cause — 'cause somebody, I think it was me, wanted him to go. Attorney — ^Who else was with you? Midge (gasps) — Mis' Weston. Attorney — And Mrs. Weston asked him to go out? Midge — Y'es. sir ; her and me together. Attorney — Was anybody else there? Midge (gasps) — Yes, sir Attorney' — Who ? Midge — Mr. Weston Attorney — Oh ! Did you hear quarreling between Mr. AN'eston and North? Midge (slowly, fearfully) — Yes, sir. Attorney — Really quarreling — almost a fight? Midge — Yes, sir. Attorney — Did you hear what North said to Weston? (MIDGE looks 'at Teddy.) Teddy — Speak the truth. Midge ; don't be afraid, it'll come out all right in the end. Midge — I don't know — at least, I can't remember — I mean yes Attorney — Ah! He said that he would kill him? Midge — But she and me persuaded him not to, and he went out with me. 64 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY Attorney — And when he left you outside, where was he going? Midge — Back to the dance hall Attorney — Where you all found him soon after with the murdered man? Midge — l"es, sir Attorney — How long after? Midge — I don't know. Attorney — Were jou and North outside together, close by the door? Midge — No, sir ; we was down by the bottom of the steps. Attorney — Did you see anyone else go upstairs and into the room? Midge — No, sir. Attorney — Could anyone have gone up without your seeing them? Midge — I don't know — I mean, no, sir. (Audience shake their heads at their neighbors, Jury Bus.) Judge — Your witness, Mr. North. (ATTORNEY motions to Teddy. TEDDY rises.) Teddy — Midge dear Midge — Oh, Brother Teddy ! (Begins to cry softly.) (TEDDY almost breaks down himself at the sight of her tears: his lijhs- quiver as he speaks.) Teddy' (he pauses to control himself) — Midge, I'm aw- fully sorry to ask you this, but for my sake you'll have to brace up, little girl, and ans\Ver. I think there's a mistake in the minds of the jury about the cause of my quarrel with Mr. Weston, which you overheard. What was the cause? Midge (slowly, after a moment) — Me — it was me (JURY bus. Looks from one to the other; similar move- ment on the part of the jury.) Teddy — Was Mrs. Weston in any way mentioned? Midge — Why, you know. Brother Teddy Teddy — Yes, I know, little girl; but they don't! Midge — No, she hadn't nothing whatsoever to do with it. (JURY bus. The Public nod their heads to each other; the JURY shotvs intense interest.) Teddy — And the quarrel was because ? MiDGE^ — Because Mr. Weston had said to me what he hadn't ought to, and done what he hadn't ought to (begin- ning to cry again), and I told you Teddy — When we were outside, did I hurry back? MiDGE — No, we walked about for ever so long, till the mad was all cooled down out of you, and then we sat down THE COWBOY AND THE LADY (T) ;it the foot of the steps and I sang yon your song nil through Teddy — How many verses? Midge — Three. Tkddy — That would take from five to ten minutes, wouldn't it? Midge (eery afflrmativcly) — Well, I guess! Teddy — And when I went baclv to the hall, how did I appear? Midge (crying, speech hrolcen icith sohs) — 'Why, when you left me, you was liappy, and a-whistling. Oh, how could anyone think it was you done suc-h a thing ! (She breaks doicn entirely.) Teddy (tears in his eyes, and in a husky voice) — Thank you. Midge ; that'll do. (To Judge) Your Honor, I'm fin- ished with the witness. (Sits doicn.) (A sJiort pause. Several voices in the audience heard hloiving their noses, and clearing their throats. The Judge Icaxs over and speaks softly to the Sheriff. The Jury looks soh'DDi, and inscrutable. Teddy sits in his chair, his fore- head in his hand. Sheriff takes Midge to her seat; JOE rises and takes her beside Jiiiii. They sit with Joe's artn around her.) Judge — Bring in the next witness ! Attorney" — Mrs. Jessica Weston. (SHERIFF opens door and beckons. Intense curiosity on part of the public, who crane their necks to catch the first glimpse. Teddy lifts his head, with his face tense; he .elieve, by the facts, and on these facts I rest my case. (He sits.) (Audience whispers to eavJi other. The Public is still deeply depressed. Only one or tiro speak to each other in silent u'liispers. The Jury silently icliispcr uniong them- selves. The Foreman speaks a word to the man behind him, ivho nods his head.) Judge — Mr. Foreman, gentlemen (A look from the Forem-an toward the other Jurymen, who each nod in the afftrmative to the Foreman.) Foreman (rising) — May it please your Honor, the Jury are ready with their verdict, without leaving the room (Great eommotion and excitement among the Public; those at the back rise to see better.) Clerk — The prisoner will please rise and face his Jury. (TEDDY rises and calmly, but with a set face, looks at the Jury.) Judge — Mr. Foreman, we are ready. (JURY rises.) Foreman (slowly, impressive) — May it please your Honor, we find the prisoner guilty of murder in the tirst degree. Clerk — So say you, Mr. Foreman? So say you all? (ALL bow their heads in solemn aljirmution. A short siloice. TEDDY half sways back and forth, but immedi- ately becomes rigid, keeping liis gaze upon the Jury. At the giving of the sentence MRS. WESTON, with a loud breath of )iorror, has risen from her seat.) Judge — Edward North, have you anything fxirther to say why sentence should not be passed upon you for the crime of which you are convicted? (In amongst the Public there is a commotion. ivJiich begins during this speech of the Judge; as he pnishes the commo- tion is greater. MOLLY is trying to speak, and is making inarticulate sounds. JIM'S hand is ocer her mouth, and he is saying. "Keep quiet!" "Stop!" etc. Another voice says. "Let her alone!" .And with a wild cry, MOLLY breaks loose.) Molly — Wait ! Wait ! He didn't do it, .so help me God ! Jim — Shut your .law ! Molly (pushing her way out from among the people) — I was in my x'oom that night all the time. I swore false 74 THE COWBOY AND ' TUfe LADY when I said I went down the I'oad ! '("^S/fc i's out from among the people Inj tioir.) I know who did it! (Xes to l.J Jim— Dat's a lie! (Great eommotion among public.) . Judge — Order, or I"ll clear the Court! Molly — Lenime kiss the hook! I'te bieen afraid of him, hut I can't see no innocent man swing for what he done. I'll tell you who did it! (Xes up to table, takes book.) Jim — Don't you speak a word! Molly — Ginnne the hook ! (MOLLY seising tJie hook.) (ihnnie the book! (Presses it td her Upi^—at that moment ■HM shoots her. With a half cry, half groan, she falls iii.'