iWamilton-sfc LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ©fjaji.- - Gap^t fa. ffft UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. MARTHA Two Hundred and Fifty Copies Printed. Type Distributed. Martha * byHut- ton C. Hamilton <& <& * NEW YORK AND LONDON *$• G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS ^ *§£ *fe \% ■\\\ K Copyright, 1894 BY G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS Printed and Bound' by Ube Iftnickerbocfeer press, mew Worft G. P. Putnam's Sons CHARACTERS. Richard Mardyke. Tom Madden. Count Refstein. Romverton. Pepe. Geraldine. Martha. Mrs. Romverton. Mrs. Schreiner. Nita. Doctor, Detective, Soldiers, Guards, Etc. MARTHA I. Sitting-room, Richard Mar dykes house, Spanish Pyrenees, Stage divided, show- ing in- and out-side of house. Two windows, back, large; one window, side (in partition dividing room from garden), small. Door by latter, leading outside. House stands on cliff overlooking valley {back), and the Mountain of the Maladetta in the distance. A porch and stair (outside) lead up to Richard Mar- dyke s library. . . . Fire burning. Cur- tain rises, showing Richard Mardyke by small table at window, reading. Richard Mardyke Putting down book Three weeks, and nothing from Durfee yet ! . . . Strange he should be so long ! . . . (Lights a match and his pipe .) ... I sup- pose he 's off somewhere. Editors are incor- rigible. . . . I '11 write before the next man- uscript goes. . . . How clear the air is ! . . . I can see the light on the stream down the valley. . . . But there 's a feeling I don't like in the air. . . . Just as well perhaps I did n't go across country to-night. . . . One grows weather-wise. . . . After three years. . . . Three years ! (Rising?) I begin to feel like a part of the landscape. ... I wonder if the old mountain would miss me. . . . Madden says I 'm a fool to stay here. . . . May be I am. . . . But I stay. {Goes to window, back?) . . . Curi- ous cloud ! . . . Does he think her death will drive her face away from the old places ? . . . Madden 's an ass ! . . . {Pulls at pipe?) . . . Damn the pipe ! . . . (Re-lights it.) Ah ! here comes postman Pepe crawling up the hill. Poor old devil ! I suppose if it were not for the aguadiente I corrupt him with he 'd curse me with the help of every saint in Spain. . . . Belief lives on hard fare here. — But it lives. . . . Murky weather ! . . . Sticky ! . . . {Goes to door and opens it. Enter Pepe.) Well, Pepe, muddy tramp- ing, eh ? Pepe Ay, Senor ; {shifting bag around} and it '11 be worse to-night. Richard Mardyke Yes ; I am afraid so. How are you in the valley ? Pepe Bad, Seiior, bad ! There '11 be wind. {Hands letters?) Pardo's place went over last year. 6 I. Richard Mardyke I remember. {Glancing over them.) Send your wife and children up here if there is trouble. Pepe Thank you, Senor. God bless you ! Did the Senor see the light along the edge of the snow ? It looks bad — very bad. I know when it is not far off. — I know. Richard Mardyke Go back, Pepe, and get something warm from Nita. She 's waiting for you. Pepe Thank you, Senor. It 's a hard walk for me now. Once it was nothing. The mountain looks but a league away ! (He goes, passing window, back?) Richard Mardyke The fools make no provisions until the last moment. I '11 go down myself and have a look later. {Reads letters?) Trover, Vance, Dudley {returns to study- table by window, back, and sits down. Reads), Deggs & Whiffin ! {Opening?) The afflictions of lawyers seem to be their names. . . . We beg to inform . . . ad- justment ? . . . the late Tobias Hurd ? A good deal of fuss because old uncle Hurd did n't divide his two millions in the middle, but would have ten thou- sand a year more on my side than on Geraldine's. . . . Uncles {takes another letter) are such — . . . {Stops.) I sup- pose Geraldine is a woman now. . . . Just seventeen when I left. Poor little sister . . . and mother. {Takes out pho- tographs from desk. Looks at them, 8 I. kisses them, puts his head down on his arms for a moment. Recovering himself and tearing open other letters.) Dear Sir : You are herewith informed that your annual dues {throws it down.) . . . Clubs ! {Takes another?) Ah ! a line from Durfee at last ! {Reads.) Your last bundle reached me on my return from Edinburgh. Have just read it myself. Keep up the vein, old man. You are sweeping all before you. Will follow your plan, which is best, as to publication and send you proofs. Am much over- worked since return here. When do you come out of your shell ? Much as I want to see you, don't come if it is to spoil your present run of ideas. You see I have an eye to the prophets — you remem- ber my old Scotch yarn. Yours, Durfee. {Looking up.) So he thinks it 's a suc- cess ! . . . Well, so do I. . . . What it i. 9 cost me ! I owe it all to her. . . . Driving me on. . . . {Opens another.) Ah, Madden ! {Reads.) You are surprised to hear from me here — Where? {Turns letter over?) Bayonne ! — as you know how I loathe this sort of place. All the South of France has its terrors. It is for another, as you may suppose, I am come. Two nights ago Ref stein joined me — . . . {Looking up.) Refstein ! — ... to my utter amazement, in St. yean de Ltcx, and insists on my taking him to you, as he speaks no Span- ish — . . . Here ! He here !— ... I do so in fear and trembling, not knowing whether you are at work or not ; you may expect us at any moment. I have just seen Durfee. He is radiant. Says you come out soon with a new piece. Do I bring an unwelcome visitor ? He has something important to talk about. I IO I. suspect, but say nothing. {Looks up.) Im- portant ! ( Walks to window.) I should think Madden would have better sense than to bring him here. {Enter Nita.) What is it, Nita ? (Annoyed.) Nita I came to close the windows, Sefior. The wind is so strong, and Pepe says Richard Mardyke Pepe 's croaking again ! Never mind the windows now. ( Wind moans outside and blows papers violently. Nita hesi- tates?) Oh, well, close them. (Nita does so. Sound of rumbling wheels out- side. Richard Mardyke takes out his watch and looks at it.) What 's that ! Nita ? (Aside.) It 's too late for the coach now ! I. II NlTA It must be the Pons coach, Senor. Pepe says it 's very late to-day. There was an accident he thought. It ought to have been here long ago. Richard Mardyke I should think so ! An accident ! {Looking at watch) four hours at least ! I wonder when I ought to expect them. {Glances at letter) . . . Just like Madden ! expects me to divine his arrival by intuition. {Rattle of wheels near and sound of coach stop- ping. Nita goes to window, back, and looks out?) Nita Yes, Senor ; the Pons coach. I can see the yellow on the wheels though 12 I. they 're mostly hid with the mud. The Tartana from Barbastro came in an hour ago . . . And there 's Jose and Mariano and the others . . . And Jose's got a skin of wine. There ! He is holding it up now and they are all laughing, and oh ! — here are two gentlemen com- ing with Pepe — he 's carrying their things — and one of them is laughing and pointing up here. Richard Mardyke What 's that ? {Goes to window?) By George it 's so ! . . . and, yes . . . it is ... of course it is. It's Madden, and (frowning') Ref stein. {Goes to door and opens it. After a pause they appear. Shaking hands with Madden.) I 'm so glad to see you again, old man. Been well ? ( Titrns more formally to Refstein and shakes hands?) I hardly I. 13 expected you to follow your letter so closely. Why did n't you bring it yourselves ? Refstein Did you just get it ? Richard Mardyke It came in on the Southern coach an hour ago. Madden Laughing Quite enough. Keeps the ball of sur- prise rolling, you know. But I say, my dear fellow, if we had n't been delayed four hours you 'd have had it two hours after we arrived. Refstein Three. i 4 I Madden Three is it ? {Looking at Richard Mardyke musingly^) — Oh, damn the time. How are you ? Richard Mardyke Did you ever know me ill ? But come in. When did you leave ? Madden Leave where, Paris, America, London, St. Petersburg ? Just look at that fire, Refstein ! Richard Mardyke New York, of course. Madden Have n't you heard from Geraldine ? Came over with her and your mother same boat, Majestic. Left them in Paris I. 15 trying on clothes. Shut up, Refstein (as he starts to speak.) Richard Mardyke In Paris ! Geraldine in Paris ! And my mother ! Refstein Did n't you know it ? Madden Good Lord, have you so hermitized yourself out of countenance with your own flesh and blood ! Why, my dear fellow, it 's perfectly lawless ! . . . But I say {throwing off his coat) I 'm cold and damp {leans over fire.) Now you know (making significant gestures to Richard Mardyke.) 16 I. Richard Mardyke Yes, of course. (Aside.) . . . All of them in Paris ! Strange ! (Goes to closet and gets out bottle of brandy and glasses?) Here, Nita, the water. (To Madden.) When did they come ? Nita Who is just carrying out satchel with Pepe Yes, sir. (Disappears?) Madden Don't forget the sugar, old man. Richard Mardyke Handing it mechanically I 've had no word. Madden Naturally enough, as you forbade any letters whatever. Why, my dear fellow, I. 17 you 've been shut in by the strictest quarantine in Europe. Richard Mardyke But why are they here ? What brings them across at this time ? Is anything wrong ? (Anxiously^) Is my mother ? Madden All well — nothing to disturb you. Refstein But you had my letter ? Richard Mardyke Your letter ? (Surprised?) What letter ? — no. Refstein My letter sent from New York telling you all about my plans. 18 I. Richard Mardyke Your plans — what plans ? Refstein Why my Madden Refstein, be quiet. {Aside?) The devil ! . . . Where 's that water ? Ah ! (Nita brings it. — He holds brandy over Refstein' s glass?) Here, Refstein, say when. Refstein There. There ! Madden To Richard Mardyke, as Nita retires Is that the best you can do in this land of eyes and ankles ? I swear ! {Aside?) We Ve got to go all over it again ! {In a I. 19 low voice aside to Refstein.) We 're in for it, Refstein. Refstein Also in low voice So it seems. Madden To Richard Mardyke, pointing after Nita I say. . . no others ? Richard Mardyke Laughing No. You don't know her. Madden Thank God ! Where 's the sugar ? Refstein Here. {Pushes it.) 20 I. Richard Mardyke Will you tell me the news ? (Madden pours out large glass of brandy ; carefully measures two spoonfuls of water into it.') Nothing like water for flavor. . . . News ! My dear fellow, there is n't any. Richard Mardyke Have you brought me nothing? . . . no letters ? {Aside?) What are they concealing ? Madden Everybody 's well. How the devil do you get things here in winter ? Richard Mardyke We don't. We follow the example of the laborious ant and lay in a plentiful supply in the good season. I 'm comfort- I. 21 able enough here. It 's the warmest house in Spain, I believe. No Sevillian marble floors for me. But Geraldine Madden Now see here, I 'm tired, and cold, and want rest. Let 's drop home memories for a moment. Richard Mardyke I 'm afraid I 've dropped them too much already. Madden Very likely, but our adventures first. Have you any idea what kept us so long ? Refstein Pshaw ! A broken wheel ! 22 I. Madden Only ! May the good Lord deliver me from the phlegmatic ! Here we ve been sitting in the hood of that lumbering old stage — a perfect ark on wheels — listening to swearing we could n't enjoy, by the driver and his man — outrider — or what- ever you call him. Richard Mardyke The Zagal, I suppose. Madden Yes, if a bad name will hang him here. All we saw of his usefulness was his ability to get drunk on red wine out of a greasy skin which he seemed to consider a feat. Red wine ! The cold wind blew down our backs and Refstein drank all the brandy. But it seems good to see you again. You never change. I. 23 Richard Mardyke This air. The roads are still bad. I crossed a week ago myself. Madden Infernal. I would have gone south by Hendaye and come up from Zaragoza had I known. Richard Mardyke Not much longer, either — except fleas. Madden Don't speak of it. We were eaten alive ! {Pointing through window?) There, Ref- stein, that 's the view of the Maladetta I told you of — but what a fire ! Are you trying to denude the land of timber ? Refstein To Richard Mardyke I suppose you Ve climbed it ? 24 I. Richard Mardyke Naturally. Over the glacier. You two can try it if you like. Madden I ! I climb snow mountains and glaciers ! Gad ! It makes me feel colder than that infernal coach. {Drinks?) Richard Mardyke Well it 's worth the climb — one of the finest sights I know. You feel like a baby up there. Every sound is an inspiration. I remember once on Oroel, near Jaca, I had started in the early morning Madden Yes, I know, five a.m. on a mule — with a boy and a stick for jabbing and shrieking anda, anda-a-a-a ! I was in bed weeks. I. 25 Richard Mardyke Did you good ! I worked my way up over the spurs of the great stone giant stretched out with his face down the val- ley of the Aragon. You know how he lies. Madden Looking toward the Basques. Richard Mardyke Yes. About noon I came out on the top. Jaca lay far below, a mere gray disc on the face of the valley. The silver thread of the river glistened out of sight between the bare foot-hills. And behind was the broken mass of the Aragonese range with the highway winding through it like a white snake, here and there marked by a huge cart and ten dots one after another for mules. I was taking it all in with a sort of 26 I. deep breath, running my eyes along the opposite Pyrenees wall by Canfranc to- wards Panticosawhen of a sudden I heard a rush in the air behind me. I looked up, and a magnificent mountain eagle swept past. He was not fifty feet away. I could see his wing feathers flutter and hear the whistle of the wind over him. For a mo- ment, as he rose out of the shadow of the mountain, and the force of the gale struck him, he seemed to pause on the very edge of the cliff as though hesitating. Then, suddenly half turning his head toward me, he slanted his great body and shot out into the abyss. It brought the tears to my eyes. Madden After a pause Yes, I suppose so, but I prefer my eagles stuffed. Splendid for decoration. I tell you I. 27 what it is, my dear fellow, modern life and mountain eagles are out of harmony — decidedly. It 's my opinion that you should be back in civilization for a time. You need it. Why, everybody 's inquiring about you. I live in a sort of reflected glory because I happen to know you. The old frumps with marriageable daugh- ters were on your trail just before I left. Richard Mardyke So much in demand as that ! (Laugh- ing. It has grown dark and Nita enters with lights. Sound of thunder outside?) Madden Is that thunder ? {They listen?) Richard Mardyke I did n't hear it. 28 I. Refstein Nor I. Madden You forget you have just inherited your uncle's fortune. Who could help loving a man with four thousand a year. Richard Mardyke And so you marry me off ? Your old trick. Madden Why not ? The creed of Mater- familias is written between the columns of debit and credit. Richard Mardyke And my personal attraction ? {Stand- ing up and looking at himself.} I. 29 Madden Absolutely nothing. Why, you 're not even bald. (Turns to Refstein, who has lighted a cigar and sits watching the Maladetta.) Eh, Refstein ? Come, man, (finishes his glass) , don't you think Mar- dyke should marry ? Refstein It would certainly be in harmony with things at present. (He does not turn round.) Richard Mardyke Puzzled At present ! How in harmony with things at present ? Madden Ah, that 's Refstein. He must talk. Here I 've scarcely finished that brandy 3° I. and he 's getting so impatient to talk about himself he can hardly sit still. What 's the matter with the mails here, anyway ? Richard Mardyke Come, drop nonsense, and tell me about your letter and give me news. What is my mother here for ? Refstein Rising and tossing his cigar away Yes, Mardyke, I am impatient. Impa- tient to talk over what I came for. You know me. I hate this waiting and delib- erating. I know what I have to say. Richard Mardyke Well ? {Looking from one to the other.) I- 31 Refstein Taking a letter from his pocket and hand- ing it to Richard Mar dyke Your mother gave me this for you. Read it. Richard Mardyke Taking the letter. Opens and reads to himself. A t first smiles Dear old mother. {Reads on. Starts?) Geraldine ! Marry ! {Reads on. Again starts. Lets his hand fall at his side. — Aside?) To him ! {Staitds for some time with his head bent down, the others watching anxiously. After some time Ref- stein speaks?) Refstein Richard — I Richard Mardyke Interrupting without moving You love — Geraldine ? 32 I. Refstein Yes. Richard Mardyke And she loves you ? Refstein I believe — she Madden Naturally — naturally Richard Mardyke Aside Only a year ! (A pause.) Is this what you came to discuss ? Refstein Yes — your mother Richard Mardyke Only a year ! It is only a year since Martha I. 33 Refstein I did not think Richard Mardyke You did not think I would speak of it ? Refstein You knew — we were not happy. Richard Mardyke Yes — I did know — (Suddenly?) I know you — (Madden rises and suddenly seizes his arm.) Refstein Richard, don't let us quarrel. ... I love your sister. Madden Hopelessly What more can a man do ? (Drinks.) 34 I. Richard Mardyke Aside God knows what a life she led ! Refstein Martha and I were Richard Mardyke You lived together five years ! Refstein Yes. Richard Mardyke And then one of you took the affair into her own hands and you found her Madden Rising Stop ! I will not have this. Martha is dead. Let her rest. I can hardly respect this in you, Mardyke. (A pause?) I. 35 Richard Mardyke You are right, Madden. But why do you come here ? My consent is hardly wanted. It is absurd. (Thunder.) Refstein You will give it, Richard ? (He holds out his hand?) Richard Mardyke After a pause taking it There was no use in the trip here. Let the past lie. (A sudden flash of lightning. Thunder?) Madden A good night for the discussion of love and marriage ! Look at the mountain. (Points?) It is white with light. Refstein The flashes are incessant on the snow ! (A loud peal. They go to the window. 36 i. Richard Mardyke stands thoughtfully by the table.} Madden What a night ! Look at those white lines on the mountains. I see them flash. Richard Mardyke Aside White lines ! Where ? {He goes to- ward the window.} Refstein The mountain is alive ! There are sil- ver threads shooting out from under the snow. Richard Mardyke Silver threads ! Where? {They point.) That must be water ! (Madden points. Richard Mardyke hurriedly gets a night- glass and adj lists it.) You 're right — Madden, you 're right. There will be I. 37 trouble. The valley may be flooded — there are hundreds of people. Refstein Can we do nothing? Richard Mardyke Follow my finger. There ! Do you see ? That is the village. The water comes down from the height above. If it turns they may be swept away. These people will stand on the edge of destruc- tion until it fairly runs over them. Madden There is nothing can be done ? Richard Mardyke I don't know. (The storm increases steadily.} Madden Look ! Look ! Is that water there too ? Why, the whole valley is full of it. 38 I. Richard Mardyke Resting night-glass on window edge No, not all, but all along the centre there is a black mass running. I can see it flash in the lightning. (A flash?) There ! I saw it distinctly. — Here — take the glass. {Runs to opposite side of room and takes hat and coat?) Madden What are you going to do ? Richard Mardyke I am going down to get a closer look at the edge of the town. I may be able {picks up lantern) to do some good {strikes a light and lights lantern?) [In the meanwhile Pepe and a woman hurry across the stage in the storm and take refuge tinder the porch. Pepe is breathless and covered with mud?\ i. 39 Pepe I cannot stay, Sefiora. I must go back. I will call the Senor. You can say what you want. He will not let any harm come. He is good, Senora. (Is about to knock •.) Martha Restraining him You say there are strangers — Pepe Yes, Senora, two. They came up this afternoon. They were on the coach which was delayed. But I must knock. (He goes toward the door, which at this moment opens, and Richard Mardyke comes out, closing it behind him.) Richard Mardyke Thank God for a breath of air. (Rttn- ning against Pepe.) Hello ! Who 's 40 I. this ? {Raises lantern^) Why, Pepe ! What 's the matter — the water ? Has it come up ? I saw it in the valley from my window here, and am coming down. Do you need me ? Pepe No, no, Senor ! Thank you, and God bless you for it. — No, the water has gone over below, and we 're safe ; but I must go back. ... It may turn. But there 's a young woman here to see you. I must go, sir. She wants to speak to you. Richard Mardyke A woman ? Where ? Who is she ? Pepe I don't know, Senor. She is over under the porch. But I must go, Senor — the I. 41 water ! . . . God bless you, Sefior . . . God bless you. {Exit.) Richard Mardyke A woman. {Raises light and throws it upon porch, disclosing figure?) Who is this ? . . . Can I ? Martha Gently Richard Richard Mardyke Who is it — what do you want ? Martha Richard Richard Mardyke Starts, throws light on the face. Martha drops the shawl from her shoulders and stands in the light of the lantern. He springs back. Good God ! Who is it ? Speak. Who is it? 42 I. Martha O Richard . . . it is I . . . Richard ! Richard — help me for God's sake. — It is I — Martha — don't you hear ? Martha Richard Mardyke Martha ! Martha Yes — yes — it is I, Martha. Oh, don't stand there like that. It was not I — it was the other — my maid that was drowned. I had given her my clothes — they mistook her — it was so long after — (Comes near him.) Richard Mardyke Retreating Martha ! Martha ! (Suddenly dropping lantern with a crash, and staggering against porch) Oh, my God ! I. 43 Refstein Inside What was that, did you hear a fall of glass ? Madden Looking out No. Absurd ! The storm rattling the window. Look at that ! {They look ottt. A flash of light 7iing?) Martha Outside. Seizing him by the arm It is true ! It is I. Oh, Richard — look at me — touch me — see — I am come as I promised. Don't you remember ? Oh, dear — see {Sinks down at his feet '.) Richard Mardyke Suddenly seizijtg her. Drags her to the light of the window by the door. Holds her for a mo- ment hi the light Martha ! {Throws his arms franti- cally about her.) 44 !• Martha I came to you as I promised. Richard Mardyke As you promised ! What is it all ? I am blind — but you are cold. Your clothes are wet. I thought — (stops and stands thinking) — and he in there ! Martha I have been concealed ; living secretly — hide me — these men in there. Who are they ? Richard Mardyke Yes — yes — here, come, come — quick. {Leads her to the foot of the stairs on the porch?) Go up there. It is my study. There is everything— fire. Stay, let me think. My head is splitting. Lock the door on the other side of the room and leave this one ajar — quick — I must go back. (She starts away but he holds her I. 45 a moment. Releases her?) Go quickly — and quietly — wait for me. I will come when I can. Quick — no noise — lock the door. {Kisses her hand. She goes quickly tip the stairs and stops at the top. A flash of lightning shows her standing there. He looks up at her and stands a mo- ment ; then hurriedly goes to the door and pushes it open y picking up the lantern as he goes. Enters?) Well {shaking himself), still watching the storm ? What a night. {Stamping?) Just look at that lantern ! [Curtain?] II. 47 II. Three hours later. Richard Mardykes library. Fire burning. Martha on bear- skin divan before it. Moonlight shining through window. Library large and dark. Two doors : one to main house (R.) a7id one to porch and stair (L.J. Martha Half rising from divan How my head throbs ! . . . like a great hammer beating on lead . . . beat — beat — beat. It will burst. (Rises and goes slowly to window. Stands in the moonlight?) . . . How white and still it is ! The valley is sleeping after the 49 5 listens ; goes to the window.} Three hours to dawn. . . . Oh, this suspense is mad- dening. . . . To be shut up here with this thing. . . . Poor Nita ! . . . Hour after hour, day after day, and not a word of complaint. . . . Only a moan now and then ! . . . Moonlight ! It was moonlight the night after the storm when I came ! . . . How strong they are, these poor wretches ! . . . How they fight ! . . . Fight to the end. . . . That fog at the end of the val- ley looks like a piece of the sea. I can see waves and masses of floating ice. . . . Not a line from him yet ! . . . Only the word from Havre that he had started. . . . Could anything ? . . . The same questions over and over again ! Oh, God, I shall go mad ! Pepe should have come. . . . Sup- iv. 105 pose he could not pass ! {The guard passes, she starts to one side and draws the curtain about her until he has passed?) . . . And they set a guard on us ! . . . So that we may not escape ! . . . Escape ! {Looks after him.) There he goes with his yellow and black uni- form. . . . How the buckles catch the moonlight ! . Cowards ! Cholera ! . . . How the very word sends a panic through these people. . . . Does he know? ... It must have been in the papers ! . . . And sup- pose he should hear and come back ! . . . Come back ! . . . No ! No ! . . . Not now ! . . . Not now ! . . . Ah, if I could but see him for a moment ! To know nothing ! . . . Nothing ! . . . The village is full of lights ! . . . At two in the morning ! . . . The scourge is hard at work there ! . . . 106 iv. Not a house without a light ! {Puts her face close to the pane.) How cold it all looks down there by the bridge ! . . . The cordon begins there. ... I could fancy I saw the flash of arms from here. . . . Fifty paces apart, Pepe says. . . . How does he pass them ? . . . Oh, I am so tired. (After a moment goes slowly across the stage towards the sofa, stopping to listen and shake her head at the door ( L.) Sinks down on sofa. Sleeps. ) outside : (Enter Officer followed by soldier carrying lantern. Officer holds a paper. Comes forward?) Officer Here, hold up that light. (Reads.) Put sentries at numbers 4, 7, and 12, and stop iv. 107 all passing on main highway. Send reliefs to No. 1 6. (Aside,) Did that an hour ago. (Reads.) Extend cordon along the stream to first houses on main road. Report. (Folds it up.) Good ! (Enter Guardia Civil. Salutes.) Ah ! You come from the bridge ? Guardia Civil Yes, sir. Officer How many have tried to pass ? Guardia Civil Fourteen, sir. Officer Since when ? Guardia Civil Since eleven o'clock, sir. (Sentry salutes and goes on.) 108 iv. Officer My orders obeyed ? Guardia Civil To fire at second challenge ? Yes, sir. Officer Any hurt ? Guardia Civil Two, sir. Officer Women ? Guardia Civil No, sir. {Hesitates^) ... A man and a boy. Officer Glances at him They tried to run through ? iv. 109 Guardia Civil Yes, sir. By the underbrush in the river bed. Officer Let the bodies lie. ... A good ex- ample ! Guardia Civil Starts Yes, sir. Officer Tell Capt. Jose to send me a report every four hours. Here, that light. {Takes out paper and pencil. Writes.} Am ordered to close main road above village. To ensure, close mountain road on your side at once, and hold till I send you word. I will picket this end. Let no one pass. There ! {Folding it up and handing to Guardia Civil.) Take that 110 IV. to Captain Jose. Have you anything else? Guardia Civil Yes, sir. The doctor's report. Officer Give it to me. {Looking it over.) Hum ! Five over yesterday. Hell 's loose down there ! Ah, what 's this ? . . . A line from the doctor ! {Goes to the light and reads?) Wants a pass and a guide for his assistant, an American, from the bridge to the town. . . . An American ! ... By this road, I suppose. Here (to soldier) , hold it higher. (Writes.) Well, there 's his pass. He can get the guide from Jose. What the devil do these foreigners want at such a time as this. (To soldier.) Is that all ? Guardia Civil Yes, sir. IV. Ill Officer You may go. {Gtiardia Civil salutes, turns, hesitates?) Guardia Civil The . . . bodies ... to stay, sir? Officer I said so. {Looks around?) Stop ! Are their names known ? Guardia Civil Jose and Pablo Gomez. Officer Gomez ? Gomez ? {Looks up.) What 's your name ? Guardia Civil Ricardo Gomez, sir. Officer Ah ! The same ? 112 IV. Guardia Civil Choking My brothers, sir. Officer Huskily, after a pause Let the bodies be taken up. Guardia Civil Yes, sir. . . . Thank you, sir. Officer You may go. {Guardia Civil salules and exit. Officer sta7tds a moment?) Poor devil ! (Exit, followed by man with lan- tern?) inside : Martha Oh, Richard! . . . Richard! {Wakes, sits up y and looks about her.) Oh, I thought he was here ... I thought I iv. ii 3 heard him talking to some one. . . . Has he told them ? . . . And Geraldine ? . . . Poor Geraldine ! . . . {Rises sud- denly, listens, goes near the door ( L.) and listens again?) Nita must be sleeping still. . . . How still it is. ... I cannot hear her breathing. . . . Strange, I could hear her before. ... If she can get a few hours' rest, perhaps . . . {Pushes the door gently open and looks in. Listens. Hesitates. Takes candle and goes slowly into the room. There is a long pause. A sharp cry. The name " Nita " is repeated. Quiet again. Martha reappears foir- riedly. Closes door behind her. Walks slowly and unsteadily across the staged) Dead ! ... It has killed her ! (Sits down on end of sofa and buries her head in her hands?) Oh, I am alone ! . ( The gtcard crosses stage and, as he dis- appears, Pepe also crosses and hides in U4 iv. shrubbery below window. He taps on pane. She does not hear at first. Then, rising.) What was that ? {Listens. Pepe taps again.) Pepe ! Yes — {Runs to the win- dow and opens it.) Pepe ! Pepe Yes, Senora. The letter, Senora. Quick. The guard. I '11 wait here. If the Senora should wish to write. . . . (She breaks open the letter qitickly and he sinks down into the shadow of the window?) Martha A telegram ! From him ! {Reads.) All is known. I leave at once. Have been ill. Richard. {Repeating?) All is known ! ... He leaves at once. . . . 111! . . . {Turning it over suddenly?) . . . When was it sent ! ( Turning it over?) No date! {Goes to window and raises it recklessly. The Guard appears?) iv. ii5 Guard Halting Who goes there ? Martha Shrinking back into the shadow of the curtain What have I done ! He will be dis- covered ! Guard Approaching Who goes there ? Martha Suddenly appearing What do you want ? Guard Shut that window. {She closes it and waits. Guard walks slowly on and dis- appears. She waits some time.) n6 iv. Martha In a whisper When was it sent? Has he started? {Cautiously raising window.) Pepe ! Pepe Yes, Senora. Martha When did you get this ? Pepe In the afternoon, Senora. Martha Where from ? It has no date. Is there delay ? Pepe My brother brought it. I think it was delayed. There has been no mail brought iv. ii7 in for two weeks, Sefiora. It might be that long since it came. Martha Two weeks ! It might be two weeks ! this morning — or only yesterday ! Com- ing ! And coming here ! . . . Now! {Leans against window frame. Suddenly to Pepe.) Here, Pepe. . . . Go. Go quickly. . . . And God bless you ! {Closes window as he disappears. She stands listening as his footsteps die away.) They know all. . . . He has told them. There has been a desperate scene, and he, what has he done ? . . . and Geraldine ? can she love this man ? . . . No, no. A mere child ! She does n't know. Poor child ! Has he started ? Oh, when was that sent. {Takes telegram to light and examines closely?) There is a mark here. . . n8 iv. {Very attentively?) But it is so . . . faint. . . . {Holds it tip?) 1 wonder . . . {Becomes very intent?) . . . {Sud- denly a shot is heard, followed by two others in quick succession?) {She starts ; drops paper?) Firing! What does that mean ? . . . Pepe. . . . He could not get by ! . . . {Another shot?) Oh, God ! They have killed him. {Runs to the door and stands listening?) Richard Mardyke He suddenly runs rapidly across the stage to the door and strikes it Nita ! Martha ! Open. Open the door ! {Strikes?) Martha Staggering back from the door Richard ! . . . {Recovering?) Oh, Richard ! Richard ! ... He has come ! iv. ii9 He has come ! — {Begins unbarring the door?) Richard Mardyke Thank God ; I am in time ! Open ! . . . Open quickly ! Martha Stopping, terrified But no. . . . No. . . . He cannot. . . . He must not. . . . Richard ! Rich- ard ! . . . I cannot open. I cannot ! Richard Mardyke Open! Open! Nita! Martha! Martha Richard ! — For God's sake — Hear me ! Listen ! — You must not come here — there is death — the place is infected — cholera — cholera — do you hear — cholera 120 IV. Richard Mardyke Open, I say ! They are following me ! Open the door — {Strikes it.) Nita ! Martha Nita is dead ! Dead — do you hear ? Richard Mardyke I have fired at the guard. They are fol- lowing me. I shall be killed. ( Voices of the approaching guards^) Martha He has fired ! . . . The shots ! It was he ! {She begins unbarring the door. Voices draw near. Guards appear as he enters the house. He slams the door and bolts it.) outside : First Guard As they rush on the stage In there ! {Pointing^) I saw him go in there. IV. 121 Second Guard Then we may as well stop — and a belly- ful of cholera to him. Officer Did he go in there ? First Guard Yes, sir. Officer Very well, you four take positions at the sides of the house. Fire at anything that shows itself. Let nothing leave it alive. ( They separate. Turning to Guard just arrived^) Is Mariano hurt ? Guard Yes, sir. — In the arm. Officer Very good. Follow me. (Guard salutes. Exeunt^) 122 IV. INSIDE : Richard Mardyke Standing by door and listening. To Martha The light! (She puts it out?) ... I can hear them. (He goes quietly to the win- dows and closes them. As he finishes -, the Officer and Guard go off?) There is no sign. {Goes to window ( L.) and looks cautiously out?) No one there. (Goes to back. Shuts window and stands a moment?) Martha ! (Comes forward towards her.) Dearest ! (Seizes her suddenly in his arms?) At last ! . . . Martha Struggles. After a moment No ! No ! Let me go. . . . Don't touch me. . . . Oh, Richard, you are risking your life. . . . (Frees herself She sinks down on a chair?) . . . The IV. 123 firing ? — What was it ? . . . You are not hurt ? . . . Tell me. Richard Mardyke No. ... I am weak. ... I have been ill. . . . You got my line ? Martha Just a moment ago ! Pepe brought it. He must have passed you on the way. . . . Oh, you are ill, Richard ! . . . Speak to me — Tell me Richard Mardyke They know everything. Martha What did you do ? Richard Mardyke I sent you a letter from Havre. Martha Yes. 124 IV. Richard Mardyke After my mother left so with Geral- dine for New York, Madden and I went on together. Refstein had agreed to fol- low and meet us on the steamer. Some- thing detained him in Paris and he lost it. ... I ... I ... am weak. ... I ran . . . from the bridge. {He rises and staggers. She runs forward and catches him?) Martha Oh, Richard — You are hurt ! . . . There ! Lie down. . . . (He half lies on the sofa?) Richard Mardyke Get me some brandy from the closet. I have been ill . . . very weak. . . . {She gets it.) There. . . . There. . . . Are they there still ? {She cautiously opens the window shutter?) IV. 125 Martha I see no one. Richard Mardyke Rises and sits on edge of sofa Martha ! . . . Come here. . . . By me. . . . (He rises, staggers, re- covers, and seizes her^) You are mine ! . . . Mine now ! Martha You are weak ! Sit down. ... I will stay here — by you. Tell me, what have you done ? Richard Mardyke Where was I — yes — he missed the steamer. ... It made no difference. I did not intend telling him. ... I wanted to see my mother and father and Geraldine together. . . . Just before 126 IV. we arrived I was taken ill. ... A fever ! . . . I only remember insisting on going to Newport that night. Mad- den fought, but we went. ... I don't remember any more. They took me to his house. He was so good! Nursed me for nearly a month. Martha And Geraldine ? — The marriage ?- Richard Mardyke I knew nothing. The preparations had gone on. . . . I . . . my head throbs so ! {Drinks?) ... I must . . . have run very hard. . . . Don't touch the light. . . . They may be there ! {Points?) Martha Go on — tell me iv. 127 Richard Mardyke I came to myself just before the mar- riage. ... I asked them. . . . They lied about it. . . . They could not know I had come for that. . . . They told me the date had been changed. . . . Anything. . . . Anything to keep me quiet. . . . Fortunately Madden. . . . He had been with me all the time. . . . He had heard me rave about you. ... I was delirious for days. . . . About the whole thing. . . . He suspected. He sent a detective. . . . About the girl . . . the French girl . . . your maid Martha Marie ? Richard Mardyke Yes. . . . Found she had disap- peared. . . . He came to me . . . 128 IV. just before the marriage. . . . I had only time . . . to . . . to stop him Martha To stop him ! Richard Mardyke Yes. . . . The fools ! . . . To let me lie there ! . . . Madden saw . . . he suspected what I had come for. At the last moment he came and told me, and asked me to tell him the truth. ... I was mad. ... I rushed to the place. . . . The mar- riage was almost over. . . . Think ! . . . Almost over ! Martha It was over. She ? iv. 129 Richard Mardyke. They ... I stopped them. . . . I must have fainted at something. . . . Madden told them. . . . They took me away Martha And Geraldine ? Richard Mardyke I don't know any more. The fever came back. . . . Madden was with me day and night. ... At last I was able to leave my room. ... I saw no one. I came on the first steamer. Madden said he would manage it all the best he could. . . . What was that ? {The sentinel passes?) Martha Listening That is the guard they have put on the house. 130 iv. Richard Mardyke A guard. . . . What do you mean ? Martha Yes, to keep us from escaping. We must not go out. Oh, Richard, Nita is dead ... in there. (Points?) Richard Mardyke Looking about him A guard ! But we must get away ! . . . You must leave here ... at once Martha Leave here ! We cannot leave, Rich- ard. Where should we go ? You are ill Richard Mardyke No, no. To Huesca. ... By way of Barbastro and the railroad. I know iv. 131 every part. . . . There is no use try- ing to get to France. . . . We mast have animals. . . . Pepe ! . . . Yes, he can get them. Martha Oh, Richard, how could you pass the lines ? It is all he can do to come here himself. It is impossible ! Richard Mardyke But we must go ! We must, there is death here. . . . The whole country is full of it. . . . We can walk to Pons. . . . There is no danger. They could not watch the whole line there — on the frontier it is different — but here — I — {Suddenly staggers onto the sofa.) Oh, Martha ! (She rtcshes to him and holds the brandy. He drinks^) 132 IV. Martha Richard ! . . . You are hurt ! . . . Your hand trembles ! (Goes to the lamp and turns it up.) . . . Oh ! {Starts back again in horror. Comes and kneels by him.) Oh, you have been play- ing with your life ! . Look ! There is blood ! ( Tears open his coat.) Oh, dear, why did you ? . . . (He sinks back unresistingly?) You were wounded coming here. ( Works rapidly?) Richard Mardyke Nothing. ... A mere scratch. . . I Martha Take the brandy . . . quick ! (Holds it to his lips?) Richard Mardyke Martha ! IV. Martha 133 Yes, dear. Richard Mardyke Martha . . . tell me you love me, dear , . tell me . . Martha Oh, yes — yes. Drink — drink — oh, what can I do ? — What can I do ? Richard Mardyke Takes her hand We . . . must . . . leave here . . . (gasfts) at once. {Falls back. His hand relaxes y dies!) Martha She looks at him terrified Richard ! Richard ! {Seizing his hand) 134 iv. Richard, hear me ! — Speak to me ! {Sud- denly falls down beside him and buries her face in the pillow, sobbing?) outside : First Voice Who goes there ? Second Voice Friend. First Voice Halt. {A pause. A sound of guard examining doctor 's pass.) First Voice Of guard Very good. Pass on. {Two figures appear. Doctor — and soldier as guide.} iv. I35 Doctor To soldier Is this the house where you said there were Americans living ? Soldier Yes, sir. Doctor Very well, I '11 go in. inside : Martha Suddenly rising and seizing Richard Mar- dyke's hand Oh, he is not dead ! — He is not dead !— This place ! — Air — air — {Rushes to a win- dow, back, and throws it open. As she raises the sash there are two sharp reports i3 6 iv. and the glass falls in fragments. Martha staggers slowly backwards across the staged) They thought it was — {Reaches the sofa and falls across the body of Richard Mar- dyke. Dies?) outside : Doctor That was a woman's voice ! [Curtain.]