After Taps

ACT III. HOME AGAIN. Where'er I roam, where'er I be, No cakes can equal Polly P's. This is richness. ( To Polly .) Why do you hide your face? Let me look at you. Polly. Indeed I can't. Bijah. You can't. Wal, I can. ( Tries to raise her head. ) Come now, give me a kiss. ( Polly suddenly raises head, throws back hood and discloses herself to Bijah's astonished gaze .) Bijah. Polly—Polly Primrose! Polly ( indignantly ). Yes, Polly—Polly Primrose. Aren't you ashamed of yourself? You're a nice kind of a man, you are, pretending to be fond of me. Bijah. Oh, come, Polly, I didn't mean any harm. Polly. Oh no, no harm, of course not. Kissing every girl you meet. Don't speak to me—I'll never trust you or any other man again. ( Enter Potts and Roger .) Potts. What is this? An indignation meeting? Bijah quarrelling with a pretty woman? No, yes, it is—Polly Primrose; but who is this? ( Looking at Dor. ) Polly. That's my aunt, she came with me. Roger. Poor old lady; she seems tired. Polly. That she is; but she's never too tired to tell fortunes; wouldn't you like to hear yours? Roger. Anything to kill time. ( Goes to Dor. ) Come, let's hear it. My time is short. ( Looking about. ) No danger of the colonel's appearance, is there, Potts? Potts. No, Roger, he is busily engaged. I've looked out for that. Roger. Good! Now, what is the wheel of fortune to bring me? Oh! ( Crosses Dor.'s palm with silver .) I remember, no golden treasure disclosed, unless the key be silver. Dor. ( taking Roger's hand; disguised voice ). Young man, you have had serious trouble; some cloud hangs over you. You are suspected of some crime. Roger ( starting ). What witchcraft is here? Dor. But you are innocent. If you have patience, your name will soon be cleared. Roger. I hope so with all my heart. Dor. You have a good heart, and, let me see—yes—that line is crossed—you have given it to some one. ( Exeunt Polly and Bijah through trees , L. ) Potts ( slapping Roger on back; laughs ). You are hard hit, old man. Even the witches can read your heart. Dor. ( addressing Potts ). Your time is coming, sir. “He laughs best who laughs last.” Roger. Ha, ha! Potts, some time that heart of yours won't stand the fire. Then I will charter a Gatling gun to return all your volleys. Dor. ( looking at Roger's hand ). But what is this? Some danger lurks near a friend; perhaps a brother. Roger. I have no brother. Dor. No; not a real brother, but— Roger. The colonel? Dor. ( excitedly ). Yes, yes. You must save him. He shall owe his life to you. Some one calling himself friend is his foe. ( Rising; forgets, and assumes natural voice. ) He has done you a grievous wrong, but you will forgive that? Roger. That voice! ( Raises Dorothy's veil .) Dorothy? Potts. Cleverly done, little maid. You actually waited eight minutes. ( Looks at watch. ) Roger. Major! Dorothy, what does this mean? Potts. A well-laid scheme, Roger, to hold a stolen interview with you. Miss Dorothy, you can talk with Roger just five minutes, no longer. The colonel will return by that time. ( Exit Major . Roger sits on log ; Dor. kneels at his side .) Dor. Forgive me for coming, Roger, but I was so anxious. Roger. Anxious, little one? Why, what is the trouble? Is it a quarrel with “my dearest friend Mollie”? Dor. Don't speak like that. No one ever gives me credit for any depth of feeling, just because I laugh and take the good of life as it comes along. Roger. Which I hope you will always do, Dorothy dear. Come, forgive me, and tell me your trouble. Dor. Before the colonel left home after his illness, Mr. Newcomb called one day. I entered the drawing-room, and overheard a conversation which he was having with some man,—a soldier in the colonel's regiment. Roger. Did you hear the man's name? Dor. Yes; Mr. Newcomb called him Gibbs. Oh, I was so frightened, for I heard them plan to kill the colonel. Roger. Kill the colonel? How? When? Dor. This man was, some night, to be placed as the colonel's sentinel. That was to be the time and place. “After Taps” they said. Roger. Have you told any one of this? Dor. Only the major. It would never do to tell Ruth. She worries enough without that. Roger. And you have kept it all to yourself? No wonder you were anxious. Dorothy, you are a treasure. Dor. But tell me, how can you save Gordon? Roger. He says and thinks hard things of me, Dorothy. ( Both rise. ) Dor. But you know at heart he does not mean it. It is all through that horrid Newcomb. Roger. Yes; that horrid Newcomb. Dor. Promise me that you will do your best to save him. Roger. No need to promise that. He is your brother; for that, if for no other reason, I must forget and forgive. Dor. Roger, you have made me so happy. Roger. Then, for all I have suffered, I ask no better reward. ( Enter Potts .) Potts. Time's up. ( Polly and Bijah enter .) Where is Polly? Polly. Here I am, sir. ( Bijah very dejected .) Roger. Bijah, escort them both. Give the countersign, that they may cross the lines safely. Polly. We do not need his assistance. He had better wait for another girl. ( Glares at Bijah .) Come, Miss Dorothy. Roger ( embraces Dor. ). Good-by, sweetheart. No more anxious moments, remember. Dor. Never. Good-by, Pinky. ( Exeunt Dorothy , Polly , and Bijah .) Potts. Poor Bijah looks unhappy, because the maid of his heart won't smile upon him. He has a good heart, and is “true as steel.” Roger ( hand on Potts's shoulder; music ). Indeed he is. No one knows it better than I. He stood my friend in my darkest hours. Ah, Potts! I have a hard battle yet to fight. Newcomb must not win the day. My plan is a bold one. Stand by me, old man; your friendship will be tried. ( Taking his hand. ) But those honest eyes of yours never failed me yet. This firm pressure of your hand, and the knowledge of Dorothy's faith and love, give me strength and courage to do my duty. Scene II. — Same as Scene I. Evening. Kilroy has been relieved; lights across the river; table removed from the stage , C. Pete ( discovered lighting candle in Colonel's tent ). Golly, I feels powerful big, I does, wid dis yer coat ob de colonel's. 'Specs some time, dey will mistook us, and I gets all de salutes. ( Comes out of tent. ) Dey will 'proach me dis yer fashion. ( Imitates Orderly and salutes .) Massa Colonel. ( Imitates Colonel .) Yas, sar. ( Imitates Orderly .) A 'spatch from de general. ( Imitates. ) Very well, sar. ( Salutes; walks about with dignity; enter Kilroy .) Kil. Faith, and if it ain't the shmall heathen we saved from the other soide. Luk at the shtyle of him,—parading about wid the colonel's shtripes and buttons. Whist, honey, phat are yees doing wid that coat? Pete ( turning ). I's habin' heaps of fun, I is. Massa Colonel gib me dis yer coat, an' I's playin' wid my 'magination, an' tinks I'se de colonel. Kil. Playin' wid phat is it? The nixt thing you know, it may be powder phat's playin' wid you. Pete. Does yer 'member, sah, when I comed across de line? Kil. Will, indade I does. A foine specimen yees were. Shure, for a minit, I thought it was the divil himself, coming to give me a surprise party. Pete ( grins ). Den yer don't trabel wid him all de time, massa? Kil. Oh, yer shpalpeen! ( Strikes at Pete , who dodges, turns a somersault, and exit past sentinel .) Kil. A shmart one, by the powers! Travel with the divil is it? Faith, and he goes it so fast, niver a bit cud I kape up wid him. If that shmall imp don't show more respict to his betthers, a shmall chance he'll get to travel with any one. ( Exit Kil. , R. ; Guard approaches with change of sentinel .) Sent. Halt! Who comes there? Guard. Friend. Sent. Advance, friend, and give the countersign. ( Guard gives it ; Gibbs stands as sentinel; relieved Sentinel marches off behind Guard .) Gibbs. I wonder if Newcomb is on the watch. Yes; here he comes. Too clever to miss the game. ( Enter Col. and New. ; Gibbs salutes Col. ; New. looks at Gibbs , and starts .) Col. What's the matter, Newcomb? Not nervous, are you? New. It's nothing. Thought I saw a shadow. Do you have any of those black devils hanging about here? Col. Yes, occasionally one; but they never give us any trouble. One little fellow crossed the line to-day, and he was so bright and clever,—wanted to stay here with me; so I have set him to work, and I expect he will take excellent care of me. I admire the devotion of that race; treat them kindly, and you are always sure of plenty of friends. New. I prefer a higher type of humanity for associates. Col. What a pity, Newcomb, that two such warm friends as we should not have heart for the same cause! However, some day you will be of my opinion, I hope. ( Col. sits at table inside tent ; New. on stool at opening .) New. Hardly that, yet. Whatever the end may be, I trust we shall still be good comrades. Col. That sentiment I echo with my whole heart. But tell me, Newcomb, do you ever hear anything of Roger Carruth? ( Gibbs listens at side of tent .) New. Never. He won't show himself in this part of the country again. Col. You are sure that you have evidence of his guilt? I would not misjudge the boy for all the world; I am too fond of him for that. New. Why should I, his friend and yours, seek to turn you against him? Gibbs ( aside ). Why, indeed! Col. I cannot understand it—so true and honorable, always. Some fearful temptation must have stood in his way. New. Evil will show itself. If the seed is there, time will surely make it grow. Col. No, no, Newcomb; don't say that. Why, man, would you have me think for a moment that it was more than a sudden pitfall? New. The evidence grows stronger and stronger against him. Col. Oh, Newcomb, this is so hard to bear! ( Covers face with hands ; Gibbs returns to place and resumes march .) New. ( rises ). Never mind, old fellow. ( Places hand on Col.'s arm .) You have some friends left who have not played the knave. Col. ( rising; holds out hand ). True, Newcomb; I have much to thank you for. This kindly interest in my welfare, I trust the time will come when I can repay it. New. Don't worry about that. ( Looks at watch. ) It is almost time for taps. Col. Won't you stay and smoke with me? New. Not to-night. Early hours are prescribed for you. Good-night. Col. Good-night. ( New. goes up stage ; Col. enters tent; enter Pete , R. ; sees New. talking with Gibbs .) Pete. I wonder if he lubs de colonel. 'Specs I jes listen to der comversation. ( Creeps behind tree near Gibbs .) New. Well, are you ready for your work? Gibbs. Yes, sir. New. No chicken-hearted business about this. Is your aim a true one? Gibbs. Yes; true as steel. New. I can depend upon you? Gibbs. You can, sir. I feel a special interest in the work to-night. New. At what time? Gibbs. After taps. New. It will soon be here. ( Bugle-call for taps. ) Gibbs. That is the call. Ten minutes more; before the lights are out. New. All right. Make your shot tell. Gibbs. I will do my best, sir. New. Good-night. ( Gibbs salutes ; New. exit .) Pete ( shaking ). Golly, my hair just frozen stiff; bof my knees powerful confectionate. Dey's plotting mischief, dey is. An' if Pete don't keep bof eyes wide open, dere will be trouble in de camp. ( Hides behind tree. ) ( Enter Major and Bijah .) Potts. Newcomb is about the camp. I fear mischief is brewing. Bijah. I'd jest like to see the sport. I wonder who he is working this time. Major ( goes to Col.'s tent; salutes ). All right for the night, colonel? Col. ( raising head from hand ). Yes, major; good-night. Major. Good-night. ( Salutes. ) Bijah ( looking through trees in flat , L. ). Major, look there! I'll bet you a fiver, that's Newcomb. Potts ( looking over Bijah's shoulder ). You're right. Let us hide and watch him. ( Both hide in trees , L. ; drum-call for lights out; stage darkens ; Col. puts out candle and stands in doorway .) Col. I wonder where that snowball of mine is? Pete! Pete! Pete ( runs across stage ). Here I is ( salutes ), massa! Col. What are you doing at this time of night? Pete. I's watchin' somefin, massa. I heard a crackling in der bushes; 'specs it possum. Yer don't mind if I looks, massa? Col. No; only don't stray away too far. Pete. 'Deed I won't, Massa Colonel. ( Salutes, and resumes watch. ) Bijah. You bet he scents the game. Col. ( crosses stage, goes up back; stands looking at river. ) I wonder why it is my thoughts are all of Roger to-night. Poor Ruth! how heavy her heart is; and I spoke words which did not lighten the burden. Down deep in my heart I cannot think him guilty. Yet Newcomb is so sure,—and Newcomb knows. ( To Sentinel .) Everything all right? Gibbs ( salutes ). All right, sir. ( Col. turns to enter tent ; New. appears at extreme L. , and watches Gibbs ; Gibbs sees New. , stops a moment, then follows Col. , aims at him, turns quickly, and fires at New. Pete , who has followed Gibbs , springs upon his back, and grasps him soon as shot is fired . New. is wounded in wrist . Gibbs swings Pete around and knocks him senseless with butt of gun . Potts and Bijah seize Gibbs ; Col. turns as shot is fired ; Soldiers appear; stage grows light ; Kil. runs to Pete and raises head .) New. ( holding wrist ). The traitor! I'll pay him well for this. Col. What does this mean? Treason in the camp? New. It means, colonel, that this man attempted your life. I overheard his plotting and came to warn you. He missed fire, and my wrist caught the shot. Col. Where is the sentinel? Kil. ( points at Gibbs ). Faith, and there he is. Col. So, sir, placed here on honor to guard your colonel's life, you turn traitor. Speak, man, why have you done this? ( Gibbs remains silent .) Col. ( goes to Pete ). Poor little fellow! You have killed him. Kil. If yees plaze, colonel, his sinses are only knocked out of him. Col. ( to Gibbs ). Man, why are you silent? New. He is too great a coward to defend himself. He dare not speak. ( Music. ) Gibbs. Dare not? Be careful, Newcomb; the game is not yet yours. You call me traitor: coward. Yet beneath the stars in heaven there is not one who wears, beneath his coat, a blacker heart than yours. New. What do you mean? Who are you that dares to accuse me? Gibbs ( right arm free ). One who has suffered much at your hands; who has borne with patience your taunts and slurs; who, knowing of the colonel's danger, tried to save his life. One whom you thought “as good as dead” stands before you. A victim of your treachery. ( Tears off whiskers and wig. ) Roger Carruth. ( Tableau. — Kil. , C. , kneeling and holding Pete's head on knees ; Col. staggers back and leans against soldiers, who support him ; Potts and Bijah each holding one of Roger's hands, looking at him ; Roger looking at New. , who stares at him horror-stricken .) CURTAIN. ACT III. HOME AGAIN. Scene. — Same as Act I.: three months later. Time—evening. Pete , as Buttons , discovered lighting the lamps ; Polly arranging papers on table, and putting room in order, generally . Polly. Now, Pete, make everything bright and cheerful. Mr. Roger is expected home to-night; we must do our share towards a warm welcome. The poor colonel is so unhappy. Between the treachery of his friend, and Mr. Roger's brave deed, he is torn with conflicting emotions. Pete. I's powerful sorry for dear Massa Colonel. Wish I could do somefin for him. Polly. You do your work well, that will satisfy him. ( Takes banjo from corner. ) But I tell you what, Pete, you can do something for me. Play a dance tune on this banjo. I haven't heard one since I left Oldtown. I can tell you what, Pete, I knew how to dance once. Pete. Yer don't need to tell me dat, Polly; I kin see de dancin' peeking out ob yer shoes. What yer gwine ter have? Polly. Give me a Virginia Reel. My gracious! I just adored that dance. Pete. All right, Polly. You do der dancin', an' I play de tune. ( Plays banjo. ) ( Polly keeps time with head and hands; growing interested, enters into the dance; advances with right hand extended, pretends to swing partner; then left hand; then both hands; marches, slapping hands; grows more interested; finally swings Pete and banjo; then sinks into chair, laughing ; Kil. , in livery, appears at door , C. ) Pete ( overcome with surprise ). Golly, Polly, yer jest took my bref away. You must have been to a powerful heap of corn shuckings; an' de gennlemen dey must lub to dance wid you. Golly, 'specs dey don't all hab a 'sprise party like I did. Polly. Pete, that was just glorious! I'm ever so much obliged to you for playing. Pete. I's right proud ob you, I is. If dis yer heart ob mine didn't belong to a nigger, 'specs I should frow it at yer feet. Kil. Faith, and it's an Irish heart she can have, anyway. Polly ( turning ). Pity sakes alive! What are you doing here? Kil. It's a missage I have for the colonel. Pete. Lor, Polly. Dis yer is de soger what didn't shoot when dis yer nigger crossed de line. ( Salutes Kil. ) I's heaps glad to see you, sah. Does yer disremember me? Kil. Faith, an' it's Pete, the colonel's guard. ( Shaking hands with him. ) What a foine by yees grown to. Shure it's a betther fitting coat yees have on, anyway. Pete. Yas, indeed. I's Buttons, now, I is. Don't yer tink dis yer coat obercomes me? Kil. Faith, it's a foine picture yees look in it. Polly. I remember; you are the soldier that was so kind to Pete. Kil. Oh, yees make me blush,—the sight of those bright eyes, and the swate words yees be afther saying. Shure, a foiner jig I never saw in the ould country. Will yees be afther telling the colonel I am here? Polly. Yes, Pete will do that. Ask if the messenger shall be sent to his room. Pete. All right, Polly. Who is de message from, sah? Kil. Mr. Randolph Newcomb, if yees plaze. ( Exit Pete , L. ) Polly. Should think that Mr. Newcomb had done mischief enough. You can't be very proud of your master. Kil. Faith, and it's little I care about him. I applied for the situation to plaze Mr. Roger. Shure, it's a policeman I am in foine livery. Polly. Oh, I see, something more mysterious. ( Enter Pete .) Pete. Massa Colonel will receib de message, sah. Yer is to follow me. Kil. An' phat if that foine man, the divil, be afther kaping me company? Pete. Den I goes first, massa, ebery time. I wouldn't for de world disturb de confections dat exist between you two. Kil. Faith, an' if yees have a foiner coat, you're a black guard shtill. ( Exeunt Kil. and Pete ; the latter making fun of Kil. ) Polly. Pete's bright enough for him. I've taken quite a shine to my black diamond. ( Bijah appears in door , C. ) How devoted he is to the colonel! Heigho! wish some one was devoted to me. Nonsense; I don't care. I am so happy, now that horrid war is over. I am ready to embrace anybody and everybody. ( Extends arms ; Bijah steps quickly, and Polly embraces him .) Bijah. And I am just the man to appreciate it, Polly. Polly. Bijah Bright! Bless my soul, how you frighten me! Back from the war, are you? Bijah. Yes, Polly. When I left you, patriotism filled my breast. I carried the flag, torn and tattered as it was, and, contrary to your expectations, was not suspended in mid-air. I lived for glory by day, and at night dreamed sweet dreams. They were all of you, Polly. Polly. Dreaming of me! Stuff and nonsense. Do you take me for a brainless Down-Easter, that you come with your sweet words and “palaverin” smiles. ( Dramatically. ) Away! “I'll have none of you.” Bijah ( sinks into chair ). Won't you ever forgive me, Polly, for that day in camp? Polly. Never! Think of me, dream of me, Whatever you will, That hour, that moment, It rankles me still. Besides, what should I have to say to you? A man who carries in his pocket other girls' pictures, and spends all his time kissing them. Bijah ( aside ). Oho! I see where the shoe pinches. ( To Polly .) Why shouldn't I? That's what I'd like to know. One moment you smile upon me, and my blood frantically and joyfully perambulates through my veins; and the next time my eager orbs behold you, an animated iceberg would be a more cheerful companion. You needn't flatter yourself that because you don't want me, no one else does. You can bet your sweet life, Bijah Bright doesn't mean to get left. No, ma'am. ( Taking picture out of pocket. ) Not when he has such a sweet face as this to look at. Polly ( tossing head ). Don't flatter yourself that you can make me jealous. Precious little thought I give to you or your picture. Bijah. You are just dying to see who it is. Polly. Indeed, I'm not. Some baby-faced simpleton. Bijah. Come, Polly, it is too bad for you to treat me so when I returned, hoping to share with you a secret. Polly. Secret! Oh, tell it to me, do. Bijah. Oh, no, Miss Primrose; I only make a confidant of my friends. Polly. Well, I'll be friends for just ten minutes. Bijah. Will you though? Not by a large majority. No friendship for me on the instalment plan. Polly. I'll be friends. ( Gives her hand. ) Now, tell me quick. Bijah. Ha, ha, ho, ho! I thought that would fetch it. A woman's curiosity is not fireproof against a volley of gossip. Polly. If you talk like that, I shall leave the room. Bijah ( taking her arm; brings her down front ). No, you won't, you are just dying to stay here. ( Holds picture and forces Polly to look at it ; Polly looks at picture, then at Bijah .) Polly. Oh, Bijah! ( Hides her face on his shoulder. ) Bijah ( laughing ). You had better hide your face, Polly. Jealous of your own picture. That settles it: no more “Nays” for me. We'll give the folks in Oldtown a surprise, Polly, and the wedding shall be in the old church. Polly. Oh, Bijah! But don't be in a hurry. Be serious and tell me about Mr. Roger. Bijah. You know how he did old Newcomb up that day in camp? Polly. Yes, that was the time when Pete was injured and was sent home by the colonel. Bijah. Wal, Newcomb ain't done for yet. You see, when Mr. Roger was in the bank, I was there too. Of course, I wasn't president or director, Polly; only had to sorter keep my eye on everybody, and I jest did. I saw something that when it's known will be worse than dynamite, you jest bet. Polly. It seems to me that you are a rolling-stone, Bijah. The last time I heard of you before the war, you were poultry farming in Oldtown. Bijah. I could not make that work. I had read about the money in raising poultry. Fortunes made in no time; and my fancy pictured this enormous poultry farm. The name of Bijah Bright immortalized. Oh, yes, there's money in it, Polly; for I left all mine there, and had only experience to put in my pocket. Polly. But what is the wonderful news you have to tell? Bijah. Just wait. You want to be proud of me. It will be a scorcher. Polly. Don't be so mysterious, Bijah; you don't know everything in this world. Bijah. No, and I don't want to. Let me be sure that the heart of Miss Polly Primrose beats for me alone, and that will satisfy my cravings for knowledge. Come, let us depart to the charms of the culinary department. Methinks I see visions of your pies, Polly. There in each other's genial society we will partake of pie, and talk over that coming wedding in Oldtown. ( Exeunt Polly and Bijah , R. ; enter Colonel and Kilroy , L. ) Col. Tell your master, Mr. Newcomb, that I will see him this evening. Kil. Indade, sir, he shall have your orders. ( Aside. ) Faith, it's a foine pie they be afther baking for Newcomb. By me powers, I wouldn't loike to be here at the cutting of it. ( Exit Kilroy , C. ) Col. ( sinks into chair at table ). It is hard to believe in Newcomb's treachery; he has always seemed so warm a friend. ( Enter Ruth , R. ) Ruth ( goes to Colonel ). Gordon, what did that messenger want? Who sent him? Col. Randolph Newcomb. Ruth. I thought as much; what was the message? Col. Asking permission to see me! Ruth. You did not consent? Col. Yes, Ruth, I am to see him this evening. Ruth. He shall not see you. Col. Ruth! Ruth ( kneels and takes Colonel's hand; music ). Gordon, why will you let him poison your heart against Roger? He is wily and cunning; you have proof of his treachery, yet your heart, once loyal to your friend, cannot without a struggle believe in his dishonor. Think no more of this man, but tell me of Roger, and that night in camp. Col. Poor fellow, his experience has been a bitter one. Shall I tell you the whole story, little one? Ruth. Yes, Gordon, every word. Col. ( holding Ruth's hand ). When the call for volunteers was heard throughout the country, Roger's heart responded to the call. Entering the service as a private, he tried to forget his wrongs in earnest work. Knowing the attempt upon my life, he sought the man who fired the shot. Dowling was confined as prisoner, awaiting sentence. Roger promised to help him, if he would confess the name of the instigator of the crime. Dowling at last did so, and you know who the guilty one proved to be. Oh, Ruth, to think a tried and old friend could be so base. ( Covers face with hands. ) Ruth. Never mind, Gordon; perhaps better now to learn his falseness than later; go on. Col. Roger, knowing that Newcomb would not stop at one attempt, determined to place himself in his way and act the knave. Assuming a disguise, he so completely lost his identity that Newcomb was well deceived, and before many meetings employed Roger to finish the work which had proved a blunder in the beginning. It was, as you know, planned for the night that Roger would act as my sentinel: the time after taps. Newcomb, always solicitous for my welfare, was a daily visitor in camp, and that night was on the watch to be sure that there was no blundering in the work. Ruth. Gordon, it chills my blood to think of it. Col. To deceive him, Roger aimed at me, but fired at him, and would have killed him on the spot, but Pete, having been warned that my life was in danger, was on the watch, and sprang upon Roger's back and caught his arm; the shot grazed Newcomb's wrist. Ruth. Brave Pete and noble Roger. Col. And to think, Ruth, that this was all for revenge. Thank Heaven, he did not succeed in winning the heart that, full of love and noble devotion, has been my inspiration in my darkest hours. ( Embraces her; music ceases. ) Ruth. Yet you will see Newcomb again. Col. He wishes to compromise. ( Rises. ) Ruth, how pale you look. When are the roses coming back to your cheeks? Ruth. When all is well with Roger, and you are happy again. Col. My heart will not be lighter until I ask Roger's forgiveness for doubting him. I wonder why he does not return? Ruth. He is seeking more evidence to clear his name. Col. I am going to my study, Ruth. My head feels heavy; perhaps a short sleep will refresh me. Ruth, you too have much to forgive. I have doubted your brother. Ruth. But not in your heart, Gordon. I have always been sure of that. Col. Thank Heaven that my harsh words have not crushed out all your faith. ( Exeunt Colonel and Ruth , L. ; enter Potts and Dorothy , R. ) Dor. Go on, Pinky, I am just dying to hear. Potts. You see, we knew it all the time, but just how and when Roger was to square it with Newcomb was beyond our knowledge. You ought to have been there—just a jolly row. When Roger threw off his disguise, you should have seen Newcomb's face. Old Nick himself could not have looked more insane. Dor. Then the plot I overheard was no news to Roger? Potts. No, for under the disguise of Gibbs he held that interview with Newcomb. Dor. Right in this room, and I didn't know it. Well, I never! But isn't it just glorious, Pinky. How did Roger escape arrest? Potts. Hard as it was for the colonel to believe Newcomb guilty, he, of course, took Roger's side. Newcomb tried a game of bluff, but it didn't work. He is at large, but we are only waiting for some new development. It will come, and with it the downfall of Newcomb. Dor. He richly deserves it. Think of the wrong he has done Roger. Potts ( taking both her hands ). Your faith and devotion to Roger have just made me hungry. I want some one to have faith in me, too. Now, don't breathe it, but I've just “gone and done” it myself. Dor. Pinky, what do you mean? You are in love with a girl? Potts. Why, of course. You would not have me fall in love with a spinster of many summers, would you? Guess who it is. Dor. ( trying to think ). I cannot for the very life of me imagine who it can be. Potts. Let me whisper it. ( Whispers. ) Dor. ( delighted ). No, really? Mollie? My dearest friend. There, I knew she had some secret. Pinky, I could just hug you, but I won't. I will reserve that demonstration for Mollie. ( Rings bell. ) Do you remember what I told you about the fascinating little woman? Now Roger will have an opportunity to return some of your happy remarks. ( Enter Polly .) Polly, my hat and wrap. Polly. Yes, miss. ( Brings them from door , R. ) Potts. Why, where are you going? ( Polly helps Dorothy with wrap and exit .) Dor. To see Mollie, of course, and talk it all over. I will tell her what a sweet lamb I think you are. ( Exit , C. ) Potts ( laughing ). Good enough, Potts: your ears will burn steadily for just one hour. No, I will follow and save my reputation. ( Exit. ) ( Enter Newcomb and Pete .) New. The colonel will see me in his private room? Pete. Yes, sah; dis way, sah. ( Goes towards door , L. ; Ruth enters, closes door, and stands before it .) Ruth. What would you have, Mr. Newcomb? New. I would speak with the colonel, madam. Ruth. Not in this house. You have done mischief enough with your treachery. My house shall see no more of it. New. Harsh words from you, an old friend, Mrs. Graham. Ruth. Don't call us friends, Mr. Newcomb. The time is past for that. From the first, your presence has been distasteful to me. I tried to be courteous, for you posed as my husband's friend. Now that we know you in your true colors, I can speak freely. I loathe and despise you; leave this house. New. Excuse me, Mrs. Graham, but your husband has given me his word that he will see me. Ruth. And you have mine—you shall not see him. New. You are a clever woman, Mrs. Graham, and though you once scorned my love, I cannot but admire your courage. Ruth ( scornfully ). Your love! That is an emotion which has never entered your being. Your heart is too cold and treacherous; it cannot harbor that which is loyal and true. I am only too thankful that I escaped such pretensions. New. Have a care, madam; I am too dangerous to trifle with. Let me pass! No woman shall stand in my way! ( Tries to take her from door by force ; Roger enters, takes Newcomb by shoulder and turns him round .) Roger. What are you trying to do, sir? New. Roger Carruth! You here? Roger. Yes, I am here. Ruth. He wishes to hold a private interview with the colonel, and I object. Roger. Pete, tell your master I would like to see him here. Pete. Yas, massa. ( Aside. ) Golly, tribulations am a-comin'. Massa Newcomb wish he were a deader. [ Exit , L. New. Mr. Carruth, this interview is for the colonel alone. Roger. Sorry, Newcomb, but as I take an active interest in your welfare, you must submit to my presence. Col. ( enters ). Roger and Newcomb together? Roger. Yes, colonel. Newcomb wishes to see you on a matter of business; I surely think I have the right to hear. Col. No one has a better. Speak, Newcomb, before us all. New. Very well; I have no hesitancy. I thought possibly Mrs. Graham— Roger. If you have anything worth saying, speak, and don't waste words. New. ( cool but angry; turns to Roger ). Your scheme was a bold one, young man, and perhaps you think that we are quits; but you have not yet been acquitted of the crime of forgery. I alone hold the key to that mystery ( enter Bijah ), and it will be well for you to listen to what I have to say. You accuse me as instigator of the crime of attempting the life of the colonel. Branded as a forger, who will take your word for that? Col. Newcomb, leave this house! Roger. Wait, colonel. Let me deal with him. What compromise do you wish to make? New. Let all suspicion fall from me, and I will give you my word that your name shall be cleared. Roger. You would buy my silence, sir, as you thought you did that of your accomplice. You, deeply scarred as you are by depravity and guilt, dare to make me such an offer? No; a thousand times, no. You will meet your deserts. For myself, time will prove my innocence. New. Will it, indeed? You overrate your ability. I hold you in my power. Bijah ( comes forward ). And I hold you in mine. Roger. Bijah! New. Bright, the bank's private detective! Bijah. Exactly so. Mr. Newcomb, I am afraid your nice little scheme will be “smashed to smithereens,” for it's my turn to play my hand. You forget that, as private detective, it was my duty to shadow every one ( New. starts ),—even your Royal Highness; and you can jest bet your life, I did my duty. Roger. What is it? Have you any proofs? Bijah. Proofs? Yes; that Roger Carruth is innocent of forgery, and that Mr. Randolph Newcomb has that honor. Roger. Newcomb! New. Man, it is false. Bijah. Don't blacken your soul with another lie. ( Holds up papers. ) I hold the trump card. ( Enter Polly .) Polly. Two gentlemen are at the door. Bijah. Yes; friends of Mr. Newcomb. Colonel, shall we not bid him good-evening? Col. Newcomb, leave my house; and may you never enter it again. Bijah. No fear of that. He has two accounts to settle. ( New. glares at Bijah ; bows to Ruth , and exit .) Roger ( holding out hand to Bijah ). Bijah, how much I have to thank you for! Col. Mr. Bright, you have done your work well. I have seen your bravery on the battlefield, your honor and loyalty here. Your country may well be proud of you. Bijah ( salutes ). Thank you, colonel. If I could only hear Polly say that. Polly. Indeed I will, if you will give me the chance. Bijah. That's well said, Polly. ( Puts arm about her. )

Related documents

• The belief in TAP#343290
• APPLAUSE (Archives of Photographic PLates for Astronomical USE) TAP Service#937913
• This is Klon Calling#44446
• Vortex#673695
• Interference#63993