Scene 1.—A street in 1st Grooves. Practicable door R., in flat. Soft music throughout scene. Time, night.

Enter Mrs. Darrah and Nellie, L. 1 E.

Nellie. (complainingly) Oh, Mamma, shall we never find papa's home?

Mrs. D. (sadly) I hope so darling, but you must be patient.

Nellie. I will, dear mamma. But I think papa was real mean to run away and leave us.

Mrs. D. Hush, my child, that is naughty. You must remember that no matter what papa does, you are still his little daughter, and must love him and be good.

Nellie. I am good, and I try to love him. But I can never love him as I love you.

Mrs. D. (embraces Nellie) Heaven bless you, my darling. You are the only treasure left me.

Wheeler. (back of scene, near door) You will attend to it, then?

Mrs. D. (starts as though bewildered) That voice! (speaks to herself. Nellie walks to L. 1 E.)

Wheeler. (within) If you see to it in the morning that will answer.

Mrs. D. (listens; takes a step nearer the door) It is he, I cannot be mistaken.

Wheeler. (within) All right, I must be off.

Mrs. D. He is coming out. Nellie, pet, (Nellie runs to her) please run down to the corner, (points off R.) and see that no one comes this way for a few moments. (Exit Nellie, R. 1 E., Mrs. D. follows her until she reaches L. C. behind door in flat where she remains standing)

Wheeler. (opening door slightly) Good night. (passes out and starts toward L. 1 E.)

Mrs. D. (slightly advancing) George! Husband!

Wheeler. (starts; turning quickly, recognizes Mrs. D.) What! you here?

Mrs. D. (tremulously) Yes, but why that frown? (pleadingly) Oh, George, you are not sorry to see me, are you?

Wheeler. (evasively) What brought you here?

Mrs. D. The desire to find you—to be with my husband.

Wheeler. (coldly) Now that you have found him, what do you propose doing?

Mrs. D. Staying with him and fulfilling my wifely vows.

Wheeler. (vexed) I thought we had parted never to meet again.

Mrs. D. (astonished) Why, George, what have I done to merit this cruelty? What is the meaning of this? (with pathos) In Heaven's name, speak! (Wheeler hesitates) Tell me, or my heart will break. (places hand affectionately upon Wheeler's shoulder)

Wheeler. (removing her hand) Upon your own head be the consequences of your rash request. (speaks vehemently) You have destroyed every vestige of manliness in my character; you have changed my nature and caused me to become a gambler, a thief and a blackleg; with your artful smile you cajoled me into marrying you; taught me to loathe myself, shun society, and spurn my true friends——

Mrs. D. George!

Wheeler. You drove me from home, by convincing me that I did not love you, into scenes of revolting crime and iniquity; and now, after a lapse of over two years—spent in the prostitution of the nobler traits of my character, at the gaming table, in drinking revelries and in fast society—just as the sun is beginning to shed its rays upon a pathway leading to my reclamation, you—you, who have been the bane of my life, cross it, and your fitful shadow hisses in my ear, "stop, or I'll destroy you."

Mrs. D. George, let me beseech you to desist. What demon possesses you thus to accuse me, who am innocent of ever having injured you by word, thought or deed. Oh, George, I love you too dearly to believe that you mean the bitter things you have just uttered.

Wheeler. But I do mean them. You alone are responsible for the hatred I bear you.

Mrs. D. Hate me! I, who sacrificed home, friends, wealth, position and parent for you! (places hand upon shoulder) Am I awake, or is this some frightful hallucination? I cannot believe it. George, husband, father of my child, in mercy's name recall your cruel words!

Wheeler. They are too true. I cannot.

Mrs. D. Then you no longer love me?

Wheeler. You force me to say it—I do not.

Mrs. D. Heaven help me then, and protect a discarded wife and fatherless child.

Wheeler. Minnie, the sooner this harassing interview is over the better it will be for both.

Mrs. D. Yes, no doubt of it. I came searching for my lost husband, loving and trusting in him. I have found him, 'tis true, but false to his marriage vows, and doubly false to the common ties of humanity.

Wheeler. Once more, Minnie, let me urge upon you to end this scene. What are your plans for the future?

Mrs. D. I have none. The God of the fatherless must now direct my steps. (appears stupefied)

Wheeler. Listen to me then. If you promise to leave this place and never place foot in it again, I will deposit with McGrath, the banker, a sum of money sufficient to support you and Nellie the remainder of your lives.

Mrs. D. Then this is to be our last meeting as man and wife?

Wheeler. (ill at ease) It is——

Mrs. D. And thus you ignore your marriage vow to "love, honor and protect" me?

Wheeler. If you are not satisfied, you have the courts to seek for redress——

Mrs. D. In what manner?

Wheeler. By applying for a divorce.

Mrs. D. A divorce?

Wheeler. Yes.

Mrs. D. Then you are in earnest?

Wheeler. Was never more so in my life. As a proof of it (takes pocket-book from pocket, and quickly selecting a couple of notes, tenders them to Mrs. D.) there is sufficient means to obtain shelter for yourself this night, and to carry you back to your former home in the morning.

Mrs. D. (haughtily spurns it) Keep your money! I'll never touch a cent of your ill-gotten wealth. For two long years have I supported myself and my child without assistance from you, and Heaven helping me, I will continue to do so for the future.

Wheeler. Very well, let it be as you please. (replaces money) As you have discarded my proffered help and refuse to allow me to aid you, it is needless to prolong this interview. (going)

Mrs. D. (pleadingly) George, is there nothing I can do to regain your affections?

Wheeler. Nothing.

Mrs. D. You disown me as your wife!

Wheeler. Merely wish to sever the bonds connecting us, and the sooner you leave this place the better I'll be pleased.

Mrs. D. Your wishes shall be complied with. To-morrow will find me once more in my humble cottage home awaiting the return of my reclaimed husband.

Wheeler. Thank you. Good by. (Exit Wheeler, hastily, L. 1 E. Mrs. D. does not notice his absence)

Mrs. D. But, oh, what a life of wretchedness, misery and woe it will be. (notices that she is alone) George, husband! (goes to L. 1 E., quickly) Gone! (returns, stops near C., places hand upon brow) Left alone in the street, a discarded wife. It is more than I can bear. Nellie—my child—come—(falls fainting to stage)

Re-enter Nellie, R. 1 E., running.

Nellie. Here I am, mamma. Why, what is the matter? (kneels, gently shakes her, half crying) Wake up! I believe she's dead. Mamma! Mamma! speak—it's Nellie. (whistling heard off L. 1 E.)

Enter Pete L. 1 E. Stops whistling the instant he sees mother and child.

Pete. (speaks as he advances) Did yo' eber see de like! Git on to dat, will yo'? Why, what's de trouble, little one?

Nellie. Oh, please, sir, help me. Some one has killed my mamma. (tries to lift Mrs. D.)

Pete. Some one kilt yo'r mammy? Let me see. (stoops; Mrs. D. moans and moves slightly) She's not dead. She's—she's—toppled over. (Mrs. D. half rises on elbow)

Mrs. D. Where am I?

Pete. Why here, mum. Yo' needn't be afeared. I'll took care ob yo'. Does yo' feel better, mum?

Mrs. D. How came I here?

Pete. 'Deed, mum, I don't know. P'raps de little one can tell yo'.

Mrs. D. Nellie, you here?

Nellie. Yes, mamma, you called me and I came. Are you sick, dear mamma?

Mrs. D. (places hand upon brow) No—yes—It all comes back to me now. Oh, why did I not die—better death than this agony! I suppose I must have fainted.

Pete. Shall I fetch de doctor fo' yo', mum?

Mrs. D. No, I feel better already. (attempts to rise. Pete assists her to feet. She reels slightly and places hand to head) Oh, my head! (to Pete) Please take me somewhere, so that I may obtain shelter and rest. I am a stranger here.

Pete. All right, mum. Dar's a fust rate hotel jest around de corner. (points off R. 1 E.)

Mrs. D. (quickly) No, no; not there. I desire some quiet lodging where my child and myself will not be subjected to the gaze of the curious.

Pete. Well, den, mum, I knows jest de place fo' yo'. It's on one ob de back streets. Dis way, it's not very far. (Exit L. 1 E.)

Mrs. D. (slowly following) Come, Nellie, dear, we shall soon be able to tell our sorrows to One who will comfort us. (Exeunt L. 1 E.)

Flats are drawn off disclosing

Scene 2.—A lodging room, plainly furnished. Door L. 2 E.; table R. C., with pitcher and water glasses, candle, books, papers, etc. Candle lighted. Graef discovered.

Graef. (seated, with right arm resting on table) I suppose there is nothing left for me to do, but lie low in this hiding place and await further developments. It must be hard for a guilty party to have his fellow men stigmatize him as a thief—but, oh, what are his feelings to those of an innocent man's, particularly when one's own flesh and blood prefer the charges. That was a bright idea of Pete's, bringing me that note he found, for it will go a great way toward establishing my innocence. Now, if he is only fortunate enough to obtain those diamonds, and discover who it was that pawned one at Davis's shop, my innocence will be proved, and the guilty party punished. I never gave Pete credit for the acuteness he has displayed in this affair. (knock) That must be he, now. Come in.

Enter Pete, L. 2 E.

Pete. Massa George, I found dem (displaying box) jest whar de note said dey was—in de hollow ob dat big chestnut tree. (hands box to George) But does yo' t'ink yo' ought to keep dem diamonds here? S'pose de folks finds out yo' is hidin' here, an' gits out a search warrant, an' comes here an' finds dem? Why, yo'd be a goner, suah.

Graef. Never fear, Pete, I'll take good care that they won't be discovered. I can never thank you for what you have done for me.

Pete. Nebber mind de t'anks, Massa George. When yo's clared yo' name ob all 'spicion, an' can look honest men in de face like de honest man yo' is—den dat will be t'anks enough for me.

Graef. Did you find out who it was that pawned that diamond at Davis's?

Pete. No, sar, but it 'pears to me dat we don't need dat ev'dence. We can make out a cl'ar case widout dat.

Graef. (musing) Let me see. Helen's marriage takes place day after to-morrow, does it not?

Pete. Yes, sar.

Graef. At ten o'clock?

Pete. Dat's de time a'pinted—if de groom does not come up wantin'.

Graef. Then you come to me here about eight o'clock in the morning. I'll try to have all my plans arranged by that time. Now, you had better leave me, for your absence may be observed.

Pete. By golly, Massa George, if I didn't done gone an' clar forgot dat I left a lady an' her little gal standin' out dar on de landin'. (points L.)

Graef. A lady and child out there? Why, what do they want at this time of night?

Pete. Shelter an' rest, dat's what dey said. I brought dem. Dey am strangers. I found dem on de street, sick an' kinder faint-like. I wanted dem to go to de hotel, but dey kicked an' said dey didn't want folks starin' at 'em, so I brought 'em here to stay fo' de night. De landlady is out, so I tole dem to wait out dar 'till I axes yo' if dey might come in here an' stay until she comes home.

Graef. But, Pete, think of the risk I run.

Pete. (quickly) Oh, yo' needn't be 'fraid ob dem blowin'. Dey is quality folks.

Graef. (laughing) On your recommendation, Pete, they may be admitted.

Pete. (goes to the door and opens it) Come in, mum.

Enter Mrs. D. and Nellie.

Pete. Dis am Massa George. (George bows)

Mrs. D. Pardon me, sir, for presuming to intrude on your privacy, but I am not well and could not stand upon ceremony.

Graef. Apologies are unnecessary, madam. I am only too happy to place my humble room at your disposal. (Places chair C. near table. Mrs. D. sits. Pete takes Nellie's hand and leads her up L. to chair. Pete stands beside her. Graef goes to table, pours glass of water and returns to Mrs. D., offering it) Permit me to offer you a glass of water, perhaps it will do you good. I am sorry I have nothing more invigorating to offer.

Mrs. D. Thank you, sir, you are very kind. (drinks. In returning glass looks up into Graef's face, smiling faintly) A cup of cold water given in charity's name often becomes——

Graef. (interrupting her, grasps her by shoulder and anxiously scans her features) Minnie, is this you?

Mrs. D. (startled) Yes, that is my name. But why do you ask?

Graef. (eagerly) Don't you know me?

Mrs. D. (coldly, shrinking away from him) No, sir, I think you are mistaken in the person.

Graef. Why, I'm George Graef.

Mrs. D. (joyously) My cousin—the one who played with me in my girlish days?

Graef. None other. (they shake hands) How happy I am to see you.

Mrs. D. Strange that I did not recognize you at first.

Graef. Stranger it is that I should be so blind; for you have changed but little since I last saw you—some eight years ago.

Pete. By jiminy crickitees! She's some relation ob ours. I's so glad. (rubs hands gleefully)

Graef. (crosses to Nellie) And this is your little daughter? Welcome, little coz. (shakes hands; then retraces steps to Mrs. D.'s side) But tell me, Minnie, what are you doing here? We had heard nothing from you for over three years. (Pete talks silently with Nellie, introducing any comicalities he deems necessary to amuse her, so that they do not interfere with the dialogue. He completely absorbs Nellie's attention)

Mrs. D. I came here in search of my husband.

Graef. Your husband?

Mrs. D. Yes. You know father was bitterly opposed to our union, and after George found out that he had disinherited me for marrying against his wishes, he began to gamble and drink heavily. He swore to be revenged upon every member of our family. Oh, what days and nights of torture I was obliged to endure! Finally one evening over two years ago he left me without a word of warning.

Graef. Why did you not inform us of his actions? We surely could have been of assistance to you.

Mrs. D. I preferred bearing my sorrow and disgrace alone; besides I needed no assistance, for the dowry settled upon me by my father when he closed his doors upon me, was ample to support Nellie and myself.

Graef. Still, by our sympathy we might have alleviated your sufferings, which must have been intense.

Mrs. D. They were—words fail to describe them. If I had been anything but a loving faithful wife they would not have been so hard to bear. (weeps)

Graef. (consolingly) There, never mind. I hope there are brighter days in store for you. Are you aware that your father is in town?

Mrs. D. (alarmed) No. For mercy's sake don't let him see me. It would kill me in my present condition to meet his gaze now, after the fulfilment of his prophecy in regard to George.

Graef. I believe he never met your husband, did he?

Mrs. D. No, we were married away from home. But he knew him by reputation, and warned me against him. None of my relatives ever met him. Where is my father?

Graef. At Auntie Thornton's. He came on to attend Helen's wedding. But have no fear of seeing him, you are safe here.

Mrs. D. (looking around room) But, George, what are you doing here? I thought you made Auntie's house your home.

Graef. (confused) Yes—I did once—but— Some other time I'll tell you my story. It would only distress you to hear it now. Tell me more about your husband. Have you never met or heard anything about him since he left you?

Mrs. D. Not until this evening.

Graef. (surprised) This evening! Why, what do you mean?

Mrs. D. That I both met him and heard him to-night!

Graef. Where did you meet him?

Mrs. D. On the street.

Graef. Impossible! For I know every creature in this town.

Mrs. D. Perhaps you do not know him by his right name. If you know every creature in this town, tell me if you ever (takes photograph from pocket and hands it to Graef) met a man who resembled that? He is my husband.

Graef. (takes photo; starts) What! he your husband?

Mrs. D. He is. You know him then?

Graef. Yes, alas, too well!

Pete. Massa George, yo' sartinly will hab to 'scuse me now, fo' I must be goin'. I hab a 'pintment wid Billy de Deacon's boy. I'se gwine to hab more fun wid him to-night dan a bushel basket would hold. (walks toward the door, but stops when George speaks to him)

Graef. Very well; don't forget my appointment. But wait a moment. (walks across to him and hands him photo.) Do you know who that is?

Pete. (laughs) Yo' jest bet I does. But won't he look different when he has his head shaved, eh? (with a knowing wink. Exits. Graef crosses over to Mrs. D.'s side)

Mrs. D. What did you mean a moment ago when you said you knew my husband "too well?"

Graef. I cannot tell you now, the story is too long. How long do you intend to remain with us?

Mrs. D. I return home in the morning.

Graef. (quickly) No, no; you must not. You shall not.

Mrs. D. (surprised) Why not?

Graef. For several reasons. First you must hear my story in the morning. Then learn how well your husband is trying to keep his oath in regard to injuring your relatives, and, lastly, you may be needed as a witness against him. You are safe in this house and no one will know of your presence.

Mrs. D. Why, what has he done?

Graef. You shall hear in the morning. Sufficient is it for you to know he's the blackest-hearted villain that ever went unhung. Come, let us find the landlady and see about lodgings for you. Come, Nellie.

Close in to

Scene 3.—Street in 1st grooves.

Enter Pete, L. 1 E., with lighted lantern, followed by Billy carrying a spade over left shoulder.

Pete. Now, if yo's 'fraid, say so, an' I'll git one ob de boys to go along.

Billy. I'm not a bit afeared. But it's so dark. Are you sure we'll get any money?

Pete. Ob course. Didn't I tell yo' I dreamed last night whar dar was more dan free hundred potsfull hid?

Billy. Yes, I know you did, but do you think the folks who own it will let us have it?

Pete. We's not gwine to ax 'em. 'Spects dey's all dead, anyhow. Dar won't be nuffin' to keep us from gittin' it, 'less de spirits put in dar 'pearance.

Billy. (frightened, drops spade) Spirits!

Pete. Yes, yo's not afraid ob dem, are yo'? I's often played wid dem behind de kitchen door (aside) in mince-pie season.

Billy. Oh, no, I'm not afeared. (trembles)

Pete. What's yo' shakin' fo'?

Billy. I'm not very well.

Pete. Kind o' weak-like, eh?

Billy. (doubtingly) Yaas.

Pete. Want somet'ing to make yo' strong, does yo'? (takes small flask from breast pocket, drinks, then passes it to Billy) Try dat, it's nervin'. (aside) Den if he sees somet'ing, dar'll be spirits widin an' spirits widout. (Billy takes flask and drinks. Pete watches him, and as the fluid disappears, grows uneasy) Hole on, dar.

Billy. (removing flask a moment, but tightening grasp) That's what I'm doing. (hands flask back empty)

Pete. Feel better, don't yo'?

Billy. Yaas.

Pete. I should t'ink so. (places flask in pocket. Takes up lantern) Come on, now, we's no time to lose. Exit, R. 1 E.

Billy. (picking up spade) I'm ready. Exit, R. 1 E.

Flats are drawn off disclosing

Scene 4.—Wood in 4th grooves.

Enter Pete R. U. E., followed by Billy.

Billy. Aren't we most there? (peal of thunder) I'm afeared it's a going to rain.

Pete. What ob dat? Can't we 'ford to git wet to be independent de rest ob our lives? (looks round; places lantern up C.)

Billy. Do you know where we are?

Pete. Ob course I do. We's mighty nigh de place.

Billy. You don't say so! Kin you see it? (alarmed)

Pete. (looking off L. 2 E.) Yes, I do. (flash of lightning, followed by loud clap of thunder)

Billy. (jumps and screams) Oh!

Pete. What's de matter? Am yo' hurt?

Billy. (trembling violently and confused) No—yes—Oh, Pete, let's go home.

Pete. Look dar! Dar! What's dat? (points off L. 3 E. Lightning and loud peal of thunder)

Billy. Whar? (looks off L. 3 E. Drops spade, screams and starts running off R. 3 E. Pete catches him by coat tails. Billy struggles violently to release himself)

Pete. (coaxingly) Don't leab me, Billy. Nuffin, will hurt yo'.

Billy. (frantic with fear) Let go of me. Let go of me! (turns on Pete and strikes him several blows rapidly. Pete falls and Billy stumbles over him. Practice this scene well)

Billy. Oh, Lord, I'm dead—dead——

Pete. (springing to feet and assuming a pugilistic attitude. A thunder clap brings Billy to feet, thoroughly frightened. Faces Pete who advances upon him enraged) What did yo' do dat fo', eh? Say? What did yo' do dat fo'? (dances in front of Billy)

Billy. (backing) Was that you?

Pete. Ob co'rse it were, an' I'se gwine ter lick yo' for it, too.

Billy. I thought it were a spirit. What did you see?

Pete. Why, de mound whar de money is hid. Yo's a big coward, an' I's a great mind to knock de stuffin' out ob yo'. (advances upon Billy with fists up)

Billy. Don't Petey, please don't. I didn't hurt you. I'll not get scared again. Whar's the money? (picks up spade)

Pete. (mollified, pointing to L. 3 E.) Thar! an' if yo' don't git to diggin' fo' it, I'll lam yo' so bad dat de Deacon won't know yo' when yo' git home. (Billy starts toward mound, manifesting great fear. When near it, a clap of thunder causes him to drop the spade again and shake violently. Pete grabs him by the arm. Billy again picks up spade. Pete pushes him forward, talking as he does so)

Pete. We'll be richer dan missus an' all her relations. I jus' bet dat dar's more money in dat pile dan all de Deacon's mules kin pull.

Billy. (hanging back) Let's go home and get the mules, then.

Pete. No, yo' don't. If we git mor'n we kin tote, we'll jest 'phone fer help. So go to work. (thunder and lightning to continue throughout scene, at intervals. Billy throws earth off L. 3 E.) Dat's good. Now, go at it right, shubble fast. (Billy strikes iron pot) Now, yo' struck it, suah. Work quick. (the second time spade strikes pot, a rattling of chains overhead is heard) Hurry up, Billy, I'll go an' see if anybody is coming. (Billy reaches down for pot. Pete starts toward R. 3 E. As he reaches C. a gun is fired from R. 3 E. and Pete, with a groan, falls with head toward L. As gun is fired chains fall to stage off L. 3 E. Billy lifts large iron pot from earth as sound of gun is heard. He sees Pete fall and, throwing hat off, he picks up pot with both hands kicks spade aside, and, half bent, starts for R. 3 E. on a run. When near entrance, he is met by figure enveloped in a sheet. Screaming with fright he retraces his steps and is met at L. 3 E. by another figure. Starting up C. a third figure arrests him. Screaming, he stands a moment bewildered. Figures close in around him. Rushing to side of Pete, he drops pot and falls to knees, clasps hands, eyes roll, fright wig stands on end, lips work convulsively as in prayer. Red lights from both sides.)

SLOW DROP.