initial commit of ebook 2570HEADmain

1 files changed, 4673 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/2570.txt b/2570.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ba403ae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/2570.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4673 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Two Men of Sandy Bar, by Bret Harte
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Two Men of Sandy Bar
+       A Drama
+
+Author: Bret Harte
+
+Posting Date: January 8, 2009 [EBook #2570]
+Release Date: March, 2001
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TWO MEN OF SANDY BAR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Donald Lainson
+
+
+
+
+
+TWO MEN OF SANDY BAR
+
+by Bret Harte
+
+
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+
+The Prodigals.
+
+"SANDY".. Son of Alexander Morton, sen.
+
+JOHN OAKHURST.. His former partner, personating the prodigal son, Sandy.
+
+
+COL. STARBOTTLE.. Alexander Morton, sen.'s, legal adviser.
+
+OLD MORTON.. Alexander Morton, sen.
+
+DON JOSE.. Father of Jovita Castro.
+
+CAPPER.. A detective.
+
+CONCHO.. Major-domo of Don Jose's rancho.
+
+YORK.. An old friend of Oakhurst.
+
+PRITCHARD.. An Australian convict.
+
+SOAPY & SILKY.. His pals.
+
+JACKSON.. Confidential clerk of Alexander Morton, jun., and confederate
+of Pritchard.
+
+HOP SING.. A Chinese laundryman.
+
+SERVANT of Alexander Morton, sen.--POLICEMEN.
+
+MISS MARY MORRIS.. The schoolmistress of Red Gulch, in love with Sandy,
+and cousin of Alexander Morton, sen.
+
+DONA JOVITA CASTRO.. In love with John Oakhurst, and daughter of Don
+Jose.
+
+THE DUCHESS.. Wife of Pritchard, illegally married to Sandy, and former
+"flame" of John Oakhurst.
+
+MANUELA.. Servant of Castro, and maid to Dona Jovita.
+
+
+ACT I
+
+The Rancho of the Blessed Innocents, and House of Don Jose Castro.
+
+ACT II
+
+Red Gulch.
+
+ACT III
+
+The Banking-House of Morton & Son, San Francisco.
+
+ACT IV
+
+The Villa of Alexander Morton, sen., San Francisco.
+
+
+
+
+COSTUMES
+
+ALEXANDER MORTON ("SANDY").--First dress: Mexican vaquero; black velvet
+trousers open from knee, over white trousers; laced black velvet jacket,
+and broad white sombrero; large silver spurs. Second dress: miner's
+white duck jumper, and white duck trousers; (sailor's) straw hat. Third
+dress: fashionable morning costume. Fourth dress: full evening dress.
+
+JOHN OAKHURST.--First dress: riding-dress, black, elegantly fitting.
+Second and third dress: fashionable. Fourth dress: full evening dress.
+
+COL. STARBOTTLE.--First dress: blue double-breasted frock, and white
+"strapped" trousers; white hat. Second dress: same coat, blue trousers,
+and black broad-brimmed felt hat; cane, semper; ruffles, semper. Third
+dress: the same. Fourth dress: the same, with pumps.
+
+YORK.--Fashionable morning dress.
+
+JACKSON.--Business suit.
+
+CONCHO.--First dress: vaquero's dress. Second dress: citizen's dress.
+
+HOP SING.--Dress of Chinese coolie: dark-blue blouse, and dark-blue
+drawers gathered at ankles; straw conical hat, and wooden sabots.
+
+DON JOSE.--First dress: serape, black, with gold embroidery. Second
+class: fashionable black suit, with broad-brimmed black stiff sombrero.
+
+OLD MORTON.--First, second, third, and fourth dress: black, stiff, with
+white cravat.
+
+CAPPER.--Ordinary dress of period.
+
+MISS MARY.--First dress: tasteful calico morning dress. Second and third
+dress: lady's walking costume--fashionable. Fourth dress: full dress.
+
+DONA JOVITA.--First dress: handsome Spanish dress, with manta. Second
+dress: more elaborate, same quality.
+
+THE DUCHESS.--First dress: elaborate but extravagant fashionable
+costume. Second dress: traveling dress.
+
+MANUELA.--The saya y manta; white waist, and white or black skirt, with
+flowers.
+
+
+
+
+TWO MEN OF SANDY BAR
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+SCENE 1.--Courtyard and Corridors of the Rancho.
+
+
+MANUELA (arranging supper-table in corridor L., solus). There!
+Tortillas, chocolate, olives, and--the whiskey of the Americans! And
+supper's ready. But why Don Jose chooses to-night, of all nights, with
+this heretic fog lying over the Mission Hills like a wet serape, to take
+his supper out here, the saints only know. Perhaps it's some distrust of
+his madcap daughter, the Dona Jovita; perhaps to watch her--who knows?
+And now to find Diego. Ah, here he comes. So! The old story. He is
+getting Dona Jovita's horse ready for another madcap journey. Ah!
+(Retires to table.)
+
+Enter cautiously from corridor, L., SANDY MORTON, carrying lady's saddle
+and blanket; starts on observing MANUELA, and hastily hides saddle and
+blanket in recess.
+
+Sandy (aside). She's alone. I reckon the old man's at his siesta yet. Ef
+he'll only hang onto that snooze ten minutes longer, I'll manage to let
+that gal Jovita slip out to that yer fandango, and no questions asked.
+
+Manuela (calling SANDY). Diego!
+
+Sandy (aside, without heeding her). That's a sweet voice for a serenade.
+Round, full, high-shouldered, and calkilated to fetch a man every time.
+Only thar ain't, to my sartain knowledge, one o' them chaps within a
+mile of the rancho. (Laughs.)
+
+Manuela. Diego!
+
+Sandy (aside). Oh, go on! That's the style o' them Greasers. They'll
+stand rooted in their tracks, and yell for a chap without knowin'
+whether he's in sight or sound.
+
+Manuela (approaching SANDY impatiently). Diego!
+
+Sandy (starting, aside). The devil! Why, that's ME she's after.
+(Laughs.) I clean disremembered that when I kem yer I tole those chaps
+my name was James,--James Smith (laughs), and thet they might call me
+"Jim." And De-a-go's their lingo for Jim. (Aloud.) Well, my beauty,
+De-a-go it is. Now, wot's up?
+
+Manuela. Eh? no sabe!
+
+Sandy. Wot's your little game. (Embraces her.)
+
+Manuela (aside, and recoiling coquettishly). Mother of God! He must be
+drunk again. These Americans have no time for love when they are sober.
+(Aloud and coquettishly.) Let me go, Diego. Don Jose is coming. He has
+sent for you. He takes his supper to-night on the corridor. Listen,
+Diego. He must not see you thus. You have been drinking again. I will
+keep you from him. I will say you are not well.
+
+Sandy. Couldn't you, my darling, keep him from ME? Couldn't you make him
+think HE was sick? Couldn't you say he's exposin' his precious health by
+sittin' out thar to-night; thet ther's chills and fever in every breath?
+(Aside.) Ef the old Don plants himself in that chair, that gal's chances
+for goin' out to-night is gone up.
+
+Manuela. Never. He would suspect at once. Listen, Diego. If Don Jose
+does not know that his daughter steals away with you to meet some
+caballero, some LOVER,--you understand, Diego,--it is because he does
+not know, or would not SEEM to know, what every one else in the rancho
+knows. Have a care, foolish Diego! If Don Jose is old and blind, look
+you, friend, we are NOT. You understand?
+
+Sandy (aside). What the devil does she expect?--money? No! (Aloud.) Look
+yer, Manuela, you ain't goin' to blow on that young gal! (Putting his
+arm around her waist.) Allowin' that she hez a lover, thar ain't nothin'
+onnateral in thet, bein' a purty sort o' gal. Why, suppose somebody
+should see you and me together like this, and should just let on to the
+old man.
+
+Manuela. Hush! (Disengaging herself.) Hush! He is coming. Let me go,
+Diego. It is Don Jose!
+
+Enter Don Jose, who walks gravely to the table, and seats himself.
+MANUELA retires to table.
+
+Sandy (aside). I wonder if he saw us. I hope he did: it would shut that
+Manuela's mouth for a month of Sundays. (Laughs.) God forgive me for it!
+I've done a heap of things for that young gal Dona Jovita; but this yer
+gittin' soft on the Greaser maid-servant to help out the misses is a
+little more than Sandy Morton bargained fur.
+
+Don Jose (to MANUELA). You can retire. Diego will attend me. (Looks at
+DIEGO attentively.) [Exit MANUELA.
+
+Sandy (aside). Diego will attend him! Why, blast his yeller skin, does
+he allow that Sandy Morton hired out as a purty waiter-gal? Because
+I calkilated to feed his horses, it ain't no reason thet my dooty to
+animals don't stop thar. Pass his hash! (Turns to follow MANUELA, but
+stops.) Hello, Sandy! wot are ye doin', eh? You ain't going back on Miss
+Jovita, and jest spile that gal's chances to git out to-night, on'y to
+teach that God-forsaken old gov'ment mule manners? No! I'll humor the
+old man, and keep one eye out for the gal. (Comes to table, and leans
+familiarly over the back of DON JOSE'S chair.)
+
+Don Jose (aside). He seems insulted and annoyed. His manner strengthens
+my worst suspicions. He has not expected this. (Aloud.) Chocolate,
+Diego.
+
+Sandy (leaning over table carelessly). Yes, I reckon it's somewhar thar.
+
+Don Jose (aside). He is unused to menial labor. If I should be right
+in my suspicions! if he really were Dona Jovita's secret lover! This
+gallantry with the servants only a deceit! Bueno! I will watch him.
+(Aloud.) Chocolate, Diego!
+
+Sandy (aside). I wonder if the old fool reckons I'll pour it out. Well,
+seein's he's the oldest. (Pours chocolate awkwardly, and spills it on
+the table and DON JOSE.)
+
+Don Jose (aside). He IS embarrassed. I am right. (Aloud.) Diego!
+
+Sandy (leaning confidentially over DON JOSE'S chair). Well, old man!
+
+Don Jose. Three months ago my daughter the Dona Jovita picked you up, a
+wandering vagabond, in the streets of the Mission. (Aside.) He does not
+seem ashamed. (Aloud.) She--she--ahem! The aguardiente, Diego.
+
+Sandy (aside). That means the whiskey. It's wonderful how quick a man
+learns Spanish. (Passes the bottle, fills DON JOSE'S glass, and then
+his own. DON JOSE recoils in astonishment.) I looks toward ye, ole man.
+(Tosses off liquor.)
+
+Don Jose (aside). This familiarity! He IS a gentleman. Bueno! (Aloud.)
+She was thrown from her horse; her skirt caught in the stirrup; she was
+dragged; you saved her life. You--
+
+Sandy (interrupting, confidentially drawing a chair to the table, and
+seating himself). Look yer! I'll tell you all about it. It wasn't that
+gal's fault, ole man. The hoss shied at me, lying drunk in a ditch, you
+see; the hoss backed, the surcle broke; it warn't in human natur for
+her to keep her seat, and that gal rides like an angel; but the mustang
+throwed her. Well, I sorter got in the way o' thet hoss, and it stopped.
+Hevin' bin the cause o' the hoss shyin', for I reckon I didn't look much
+like an angel lyin' in that ditch, it was about the only squar thing for
+me to waltz in and help the gal. Thar, thet's about the way the thing
+pints. Now, don't you go and hold that agin her!
+
+Don Jose. Well, well! She was grateful. She has a strange fondness
+for you Americans; and at her solicitation I gave you--YOU, an unknown
+vagrant--employment here as groom. You comprehend, Diego. I, Don Jose
+Castro, proprietor of this rancho, with an hundred idle vaqueros on my
+hands,--I made a place for you.
+
+Sandy (meditatively). Umph.
+
+Don Jose. You said you would reform. How have you kept your word? You
+were drunk last Wednesday.
+
+Sandy. Thet's so.
+
+Don Jose. And again last Saturday.
+
+Sandy (slowly). Look yer, ole man, don't ye be too hard on me: that was
+the same old drunk.
+
+Don Jose. I am in no mood for trifling. Hark ye, friend Diego. You have
+seen, perhaps,--who has not?--that I am a fond, an indulgent father. But
+even my consideration for my daughter's strange tastes and follies has
+its limit. Your conduct is a disgrace to the rancho. You must go.
+
+Sandy (meditatively). Well, I reckon, perhaps I'd better.
+
+Don Jose (aside). His coolness is suspicious. Can it be that he expects
+the girl will follow him? Mother of God! perhaps it has been already
+planned between them. Good! Thank Heaven I can end it here. (Aloud.)
+Diego!
+
+Sandy. Old man.
+
+Don Jose. For my daughter's sake, you understand,--for her sake,--I am
+willing to try you once more. Hark ye! My daughter is young, foolish,
+and romantic. I have reason to believe, from her conduct lately, that
+she has contracted an intimacy with some Americano, and that in her
+ignorance, her foolishness, she has allowed that man to believe that he
+might aspire to her hand. Good! Now listen to me. You shall stay in her
+service. You shall find out,--you are in her confidence,--you shall find
+out this American, this adventurer, this lover if you please, of the
+Dona Jovita my daughter; and you will tell him this,--you will tell
+him that a union with him is impossible, forbidden; that the hour she
+attempts it, without my consent, she is PENNILESS; that this estate,
+this rancho, passes into the hands of the Holy Church, where even your
+laws cannot reach it.
+
+Sandy (leaning familiarly over the table). But suppose that he sees that
+little bluff, and calls ye.
+
+Don Jose. I do not comprehend you (coldly).
+
+Sandy. Suppose he loves that gal, and will take her as she stands,
+without a cent, or hide or hair of yer old cattle.
+
+Don Jose (scornfully). Suppose--a miracle! Hark ye, Diego! It is now
+five years since I have known your countrymen, these smart Americanos.
+I have yet to know when love, sentiment, friendship, was worth any more
+than a money value in your market.
+
+Sandy (truculently and drunkenly). You hev, hev ye? Well, look yar, ole
+man. Suppose I REFUSE. Suppose I'd rather go than act as a spy on that
+young gal your darter! Suppose that--hic--allowin' she's my friend, I'd
+rather starve in the gutters of the Mission than stand between her and
+the man she fancies. Hey? Suppose I would--damn me! Suppose I'd see you
+and your derned old rancho in--t'other place--hic--damn me. You hear me,
+ole man! That's the kind o' man I am--damn me.
+
+Don Jose (aside, rising contemptuously). It is as I suspected. Traitor.
+Ingrate! Satisfied that his scheme has failed, he is ready to abandon
+her. And this--THIS is the man for whom she has been ready to sacrifice
+everything,--her home, her father! (Aloud, coldly.) Be it so, Diego: you
+shall go.
+
+Sandy (soberly and seriously, after a pause.) Well, I reckon I had
+better. (Rising.) I've a few duds, old man, to put up. It won't take me
+long. (Goes to L., and pauses.)
+
+Don Jose (aside). Ah! he hesitates! He is changing his mind. (SANDY
+returns slowly to table, pours out glass of liquor, nods to DON JOSE,
+and drinks.) I looks towards ye, ole man. Adios!
+
+[Exit SANDY.
+
+Don Jose. His coolness is perfect. If these Americans are cayotes in
+their advances, they are lions in retreat! Bueno! I begin to respect
+him. But it will be just as well to set Concho to track him to the
+Mission; and I will see that he leaves the rancho alone.
+
+[Exit Jose.
+
+Enter hurriedly JOVITA CASTRO, in riding habit, with whip.
+
+So! Chiquita not yet saddled, and that spy Concho haunting the plains
+for the last half-hour. What an air of mystery! Something awful,
+something deliciously dreadful, has happened! Either my amiable drunkard
+has forgotten to despatch Concho on his usual fool's errand, or he
+is himself lying helpless in some ditch. Was there ever a girl so
+persecuted? With a father wrapped in mystery, a lover nameless and
+shrouded in the obscurity of some Olympian height, and her only
+confidant and messenger a Bacchus instead of a Mercury! Heigh ho! And in
+another hour Don Juan--he told me I might call him John--will be waiting
+for me outside the convent wall! What if Diego fails me? To go there
+alone would be madness! Who else would be as charmingly unconscious and
+inattentive as this American vagabond! (Goes to L.) Ah, my saddle and
+blanket hidden! He HAS been interrupted. Some one has been watching.
+This freak of my father's means something. And to-night, of all nights,
+the night that Oakhurst was to disclose himself, and tell me all! What
+is to be done? Hark! (DIEGO, without, singing.)
+
+
+    "Oh, here's your aguardiente,
+         Drink it down!"
+
+
+Jovita. It is Diego; and, Mother of God! drunk again!
+
+Enter SANDY, carrying pack, intoxicated; staggers to centre, and,
+observing JOVITA, takes off his hat respectfully.
+
+Jovita (shaking him by the shoulders passionately). Diego! How dare you!
+And at such a time!
+
+Sandy (with drunken solemnity). Miss Jovita, did ye ever know me to be
+drunk afore at such a time?
+
+Jovita. No.
+
+Sandy. Zachy so. It's abnormal. And it means--the game's up.
+
+Jovita. I do not understand. For the love of God, Diego, be plain!
+
+Sandy (solemnly and drunkenly). When I say your game's up, I mean the
+old man knows it all. You're blowed upon. Hearken, miss. (Seriously
+and soberly.) Your father knows all that I know; but, as it wasn't my
+business to interfere with, I hev sorter helped along. He knows that you
+meet a stranger, an American, in these rides with me.
+
+Jovita (passionately). Ingrate! You have not dared to tell him! (Seizing
+him by the collar, and threatening him with the horsewhip.)
+
+Sandy (rising with half-drunken, half-sober solemnity). One minit, miss!
+one minit! Don't ye! don't ye do that! Ef ye forget (and I don't blame
+ye for it), ef ye forget that I'm a man, don't ye, don't ye forget
+that you're a woman! Sit ye down, sit ye down, so! Now, ef ye'll kindly
+remember, miss, I never saw this yer man, yer lover. Ef ye'll recollect,
+miss, whenever you met him, I allers hung back and waited round in the
+mission or in the fields beyond for ye, and allowed ye to hev your own
+way, it bein' no business o' mine. Thar isn't a man on the ranch, who,
+ef he'd had a mind to watch ye, wouldn't hev known more about yer lover
+than I do.
+
+Jovita (aside). He speaks truly. He always kept in the background. Even
+Don Juan never knew that I had an attendant until I told him. (Aloud.)
+I made a mistake, Diego. I was hasty. What am I to do? He is waiting for
+me even now.
+
+Sandy. Well (with drunken gravity), ef ye can't go to him, I reckon it's
+the squar thing for him to come to ye.
+
+Jovita. Recollect yourself, Diego. Be a man!
+
+Sandy. Fash jus war I say. Let him be a man, and come to ye here. Let
+him ride up to this ranch like a man, and call out to yer father that
+he'll take ye jist as ye are, without the land. And if the old man
+allows, rather than hev ye marry that stranger, he'll give this yer
+place to the church, why, let him do it, and be damned.
+
+Jovita (recoiling, aside). So! That is their plan. Don Jose has worked
+on the fears or the cupidity of this drunken ingrate.
+
+Sandy (with drunken submission). Ye was speaking to me, miss. Ef ye'll
+take my advice,--a drunken man's advice, miss,--ye'll say to that lover
+of yours, ef he's afeard to come for ye here, to take ye as ye stand, he
+ain't no man for ye. And, ontil he does, ye'll do as the ole man says.
+Fur ef I do say it, miss,--and thar ain't no love lost between us,--he's
+a good father to ye. It ain't every day that a gal kin afford to swap a
+father like that, as she DOES KNOW, fur the husband that she DON'T! He's
+a proud old fool, miss; but to ye, to ye, he's clar grit all through.
+
+Jovita (passionately, aside). Tricked, fooled, like a child! and through
+the means of this treacherous, drunken tool. (Stamping her foot.) Ah!
+we shall see! You are wise, you are wise, Don Jose; but your daughter
+is not a novice, nor a helpless creature of the Holy Church.
+(Passionately.) I'll--I'll become a Protestant to-morrow!
+
+Sandy (unheeding her passion, and becoming more earnest and
+self-possessed). Ef ye hed a father, miss, ez instead o' harkinin'
+to your slightest wish, and surroundin' ye with luxury, hed made your
+infancy a struggle for life among strangers, and your childhood a
+disgrace and a temptation; ef he had left ye with no company but want,
+with no companions but guilt, with no mother but suffering; ef he had
+made your home, this home, so unhappy, so vile, so terrible, so awful,
+that the crowded streets and gutters of a great city was something to
+fly to for relief; ef he had made his presence, his very name,--your
+name, miss, allowin' it was your father,--ef he had made that presence
+so hateful, that name so infamous, that exile, that flyin' to furrin'
+parts, that wanderin' among strange folks ez didn't know ye, was the
+only way to make life endurable; and ef he'd given ye,--I mean this
+good old man Don Jose, miss,--ef he'd given ye as part of yer heritage
+a taint, a weakness in yer very blood, a fondness for a poison, a poison
+that soothed ye like a vampire bat and sucked yer life-blood (seizing
+her arm) ez it soothed ye; ef this curse that hung over ye dragged ye
+down day by day, till hating him, loathing him, ye saw yerself day by
+day becoming more and more like him, till ye knew that his fate was
+yours, and yours his,--why then, Miss Jovita (rising with an hysterical,
+drunken laugh), why then, I'd run away with ye myself,--I would, damn
+me!
+
+Jovita (who has been withdrawing from him scornfully). Well acted,
+Diego. Don Jose should have seen his pupil. Trust me, my father will
+reward you. (Aside.) And yet there were tears in his drunken eyes.
+Bah! it is the liquor: he is no longer sane. And, either hypocrite or
+imbecile, he is to be trusted no longer. But where and why is he going?
+(Aloud.) You are leaving us, Diego.
+
+Sandy (quietly). Well, the old man and me don't get on together.
+
+Jovita (scornfully). Bueno! I see. Then you abandon me.
+
+Sandy (quickly). To the old man, miss,--not the young one. (Walks to the
+table, and begins to pour out liquor.)
+
+Jovita (angrily). You would not dare to talk to me thus if John
+Oakhurst--ah! (Checking herself.)
+
+Sandy (drops glass on table, hurries to centre, and seizes DONA JOVITA).
+Eh! Wot name did you say? (Looks at her amazed and bewildered.)
+
+Jovita (terrified, aside). Mother of God! What have I done? Broken my
+sacred pledge to keep his name secret. No! No! Diego did not hear me!
+Surely this wretched drunkard does not know him. (Aloud.) Nothing. I
+said nothing: I mentioned no name.
+
+Sandy (still amazed, frightened, and bewildered, passing his hand over
+his forehead slowly). Ye mentioned no name? Surely. I am wild, crazed.
+Tell me, miss--ye didn't,--I know ye didn't, but I thought it sounded
+like it,--ye didn't mention the name of--of--of--John Oakhurst?
+
+Jovita (hurriedly). No, of course not! You terrify me, Diego. You are
+wild.
+
+Sandy (dropping her hand with a sigh of relief). No, no! In course
+ye didn't. I was wild, miss, wild; this drink has confused me yer.
+(Pointing to his head.) There are times when I hear that name,
+miss,--times when I see his face. (Sadly.) But it's when I've took too
+much--too much. I'll drink no more--no more!--to-night--to-night! (Drops
+his head slowly in his hands.)
+
+Jovita (looking at DIEGO--aside). Really, I'm feeling very
+uncomfortable. I'd like to ask a question of this maniac. But nonsense!
+Don Juan gave me to understand Oakhurst wasn't his real name; that is,
+he intimated there was something dreadful and mysterious about it that
+mustn't be told,--something that would frighten people. HOLY VIRGIN!
+it has! Why, this reckless vagabond here is pale and agitated. Don Juan
+shall explain this mystery to-night. But then, how shall I see him?
+Ah, I have it. The night of the last festa, when I could not leave the
+rancho, he begged me to show a light from the flat roof of the upper
+corridor, that he might know I was thinking of him,--dear fellow! He
+will linger to-night at the Mission; he will see the light; he will know
+that I have not forgotten. He will approach the rancho; I shall manage
+to slip away at midnight to the ruined Mission. I shall--ah, it is
+my father! Holy Virgin, befriend me now with self-possession. (Stands
+quietly at L., looking toward SANDY, who still remains buried in
+thought, as)--
+
+Enter DON JOSE; regards his daughter and DIEGO with a sarcastic smile.
+
+Don Jose (aside). Bueno! It is as I expected,--an explanation, an
+explosion, a lover's quarrel, an end to romance. From his looks I should
+say she has been teaching the adventurer a lesson. Good! I could embrace
+her. (Crosses to SANDY--aloud.) You still here!
+
+Sandy (rising with a start). Yes! I--a--I was only taking leave of Miss
+Jovita that hez bin kind to me. She's a good gal, ole man, and won't be
+any the worse when I'm gone.--Good-by, Miss Jovita (extending his hand):
+I wish ye luck.
+
+Jovita (coldly). Adios, friend Diego. (Aside, hurriedly.) You will not
+expose my secret?
+
+Sandy (aside). It ain't in me, miss. (To DON JOSE, going.) Adios, ole
+man. (Shouldering his pack.)
+
+Don Jose. Adios, friend Diego. (Formally.) May good luck attend you!
+(Aside.) You understand, on your word as--as--as--A GENTLEMAN!--you have
+no further communication with this rancho, or aught that it contains.
+
+Sandy (gravely). I hear ye, ole man. Adios. (Goes to gateway, but pauses
+at table, and begins to fill a glass of aguardiente.)
+
+Don Jose (aside, looking at his daughter). I could embrace her now. She
+is truly a Castro. (Aloud to JOVITA.) Hark ye, little one! I have news
+that will please you, and--who knows? perhaps break up the monotony of
+the dull life of the rancho. To-night come to me two famous caballeros,
+Americanos, you understand: they will be here soon, even now. Retire,
+and make ready to receive them. [Exit JOVITA.
+
+Don Jose (aside, looking at SANDY). He lingers. I shall not be satisfied
+until Concho has seen him safely beyond the Mission wall.
+
+Enter CONCHO.
+
+Concho. Two caballeros have dismounted in the corral, and seek the honor
+of Don Jose's presence.
+
+Don Jose. Bueno! (Aside.) Follow that fellow beyond the Mission.
+(Aloud.) Admit the strangers. Did they give their names?
+
+Concho. They did, Don Jose,--Col. Culpepper Starbottle and the Don
+Alexandro Morton.
+
+Sandy (dropping glass of aguardiente, and staggering stupidly to the
+centre, confronting DON JOSE and CONCHO, still holding bottle). Eh! Wot?
+Wot name did you say? (Looks stupidly and amazedly at CONCHO and DON
+JOSE, and then slowly passes his hand over his forehead. Then slowly
+and apologetically.) I axes your pardon, Don Jose, and yours, sir (to
+CONCHO), but I thought ye called me. No!--that ez--I mean--I mean--I'm
+a little off color here (pointing to his head). I don't follow
+suit--I--eh--eh! Oh!--ye'll pardon me, sir, but thar's names--perhaps
+yer darter will remember that I was took a bit ago on a name--thar's
+names sorter hangin' round me yer (pointing to his head), that I thinks
+I hear--but bein' drunk--I hopes ye'll excoos me. Adios. (Staggers to
+gateway, CONCHO following.)
+
+Concho (aside). There is something more in this than Don Jose would have
+known. I'll watch Diego, and keep an eye on Miss Jovita too.
+
+Exit, following SANDY, who, in exit, jostles against COL. STARBOTTLE
+entering, who stops and leans exhaustedly at the wall to get his breath;
+following him closely, and oblivious of SANDY MORTON, ALEXANDER MORTON,
+sen. Enter COL. STARBOTTLE and ALEXANDER MORTON, sen.
+
+
+SCENE 2.--The Same.
+
+
+Col. Starbottle (entering, to DON JOSE). Overlooking the
+insult of--er--inebriated individual, whose menial position in
+this--er--er--household precludes a demand for personal satisfaction,
+sir, I believe I have the honor of addressing Don Jose Castro. Very
+good, sir. Permit me, sir, to introduce myself as Col. Culpepper
+Starbottle--demn me! the legal adviser of Mr. Alexander Morton,
+sen., and I may add, sir, the friend of that gentleman, and as such,
+sir--er--er--personally--personally responsible.
+
+Alexander Morton (puritanically and lugubriously). As a God-fearing
+man and forgiving Christian, Mr. Castro, I trust you will overlook
+the habitual profanity of the erring but well-meaning man, who, by the
+necessities of my situation, accompanies me. I am the person--a helpless
+sinner--mentioned in the letters which I believe have preceded me. As
+a professing member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, I have
+ventured, in the interest of works rather than faith, to overlook the
+plain doctrines of the church in claiming sympathy of a superstitious
+Papist.
+
+Starbottle (interrupting, aside to ALEXANDER MORTON). Ahem! ahem!
+(Aloud to DON JOSE.) My friend's manner, sir, reminds me of--er--er--Ram
+Bootgum Sing, first secretary of Turkish legation at Washington in '45;
+most remarkable man--demn me--most remarkable--and warm personal friend.
+Challenged Tod Robinson for putting him next to Hebrew banker at dinner,
+with remark--demn me--that they were both believers in the profit!
+he, he! Amusing, perhaps; irreverent, certainly. Fought with cimeters.
+Second pass, Ram divided Tod in two pieces--fact, sir--just here
+(pointing) in--er--er--regions of moral emotions. Upper half called to
+me,--said to me warningly--last words--never forget it,--"Star,"--always
+called me Star,--"Respect man's religious convictions." Legs dead;
+emotion confined to upper part of body--pathetic picture. Ged, sir,
+something to be remembered!
+
+Don Jose (with grave Spanish courtesy). You are welcome, gentlemen, to
+the rancho of the Blessed Fisherman. Your letters, with their honorable
+report, are here. Believe me, senores, in your modesty you have
+forgotten to mention your strongest claim to the hospitality of my
+house,--the royal right of strangers.
+
+Morton. Angels before this have been entertained as strangers, says
+the Good Book; and that, I take it, is your authority for this
+ceremoniousness which else were but lip-service and Papist airs. But
+I am here in the performance of a duty, Mr. Castro,--the duty of a
+Christian father. I am seeking a prodigal son. I am seeking him in his
+wine-husks and among his harl--
+
+Starbottle (interrupting). A single moment. (To DON JOSE.) Permit me
+to--er--er--explain. As my friend Mr. Morton states, we are, in fact, at
+present engaged in--er--er--quest--er--pilgrimage that possibly to
+some, unless deterred by considerations of responsibility--personal
+responsibility--sir--Ged, sir, might be looked upon as visionary,
+enthusiastic, sentimental, fanatical. We are seeking a son, or, as my
+friend tersely and scripturally expresses it--er--er--prodigal son.
+I say scripturally, sir, and tersely, but not, you understand it,
+literally, nor I may add, sir, legally. Ged, sir, as a precedent, I
+admit we are wrong. To the best of my knowledge, sir, the--er--Prodigal
+Son sought his own father. To be frank, sir,--and Ged, sir, if Culpepper
+Starbottle has a fault, it is frankness, sir. As Nelse Buckthorne said
+to me in Nashville, in '47, "You would infer, Col. Starbottle, that
+I equivocate." I replied, "I do, sir; and permit me to add that
+equivocation has all the guilt of a lie, with cowardice superadded." The
+next morning at nine o'clock, Ged, sir, he gasped to me--he was lying on
+the ground, hole through his left lung just here (illustrating with DON
+JOSE'S coat),--he gasped, "If you have a merit, Star, above others, it
+is frankness!" his last words, sir,--demn me.... To be frank, sir, years
+ago, in the wild exuberance of youth, the son of this gentleman left
+his--er--er--er--boyhood's home, owing to an innocent but natural
+misunderstanding with the legal protector of his youth--
+
+Morton (interrupting gravely and demurely). Driven from home by my own
+sinful and then unregenerate hand--
+
+Starbottle (quickly). One moment, a simple moment. We will not weary
+you with--er--er--history, or the vagaries of youth. He--er--came to
+California in '49. A year ago, touched by--er--er--parental emotion
+and solicitude, my friend resolved to seek him here. Believing that
+the--er--er--lawlessness of--er--er--untrammelled youth and boyish
+inexperience might have led him into some trifling indiscretion, we
+have sought him successively in hospitals, alms-houses, reformatories,
+State's prisons, lunatic and inebriate asylums, and--er--er--even on
+the monumental inscriptions of the--er--er--country churchyards. We
+have thus far, I grieve to say, although acquiring much and valuable
+information of a varied character and interest, as far as the direct
+matter of our search,--we have been, I think I may say, unsuccessful.
+Our search has been attended with the--er--disbursement of some capital
+under my--er--er--direction, which, though large, represents quite
+inadequately the--er--er--earnestness of our endeavors.
+
+Enter MANUELA.
+
+Manuela (to DON JOSE). The Dona Jovita is waiting to receive you.
+
+Don Jose (to MORTON). You shall tell me further of your interesting
+pilgrimage hereafter. At present my daughter awaits us to place this
+humble roof at your disposal. I am a widower, Don Alexandro, like
+yourself. When I say that, like you, I have an only child, and that
+I love her, you will understand how earnest is my sympathy. This way,
+gentlemen. (Leading to door in corridor, and awaiting them.)
+
+Starbottle (aside). Umph! an interview with lovely woman
+means--er--intoxication, but--er--er--no liquor. It's evident that the
+Don doesn't drink. Eh! (Catches sight of table in corridor, and bottle.)
+Oh, he does, but some absurd Spanish formality prevents his doing the
+polite thing before dinner. (Aloud, to DON JOSE.) One moment, sir, one
+moment. If you will--er--er--pardon the--er--seeming discourtesy,
+for which I am, I admit--or--personally responsible, I will for a few
+moments enjoy the--er--er--delicious air of the courtyard, and the
+beauties of Nature as displayed in the--er--sunset. I will--er--rejoin
+you and the--er--er--ladies a moment later.
+
+Don Jose. The house is your own, senor: do as you will. This way, Don
+Alexandro. [Exit, in door L., DON JOSE and MORTON, sen.
+
+Starbottle. "Do as you will." Well, I don't understand Spanish ceremony,
+but that's certainly good English. (Going to table.) Eh! (Smelling
+decanter.) Robinson County whiskey! Umph! I have observed that
+the spirit of American institutions, sir, are already penetrating
+the--er--er--superstitions of--er--foreign and effete civilizations.
+(Pours out glass of whiskey, and drinks; pours again, and observes
+MANUELA watching him respectfully.) What the Devil is that girl looking
+at? Eh! (Puts down glass.)
+
+Manuela (aside). He is fierce and warlike. Mother of God! But he is not
+so awful as that gray-haired caballero, who looks like a fasting St.
+Anthony. And he loves aguardiente: he will pity poor Diego the more.
+(Aloud.) Ahem! Senor. (Courtesies coquettishly.)
+
+Col. Starbottle (aside). Oh, I see. Ged! not a bad-looking girl,--a
+trifle dark, but Southern, and--er--tropical. Ged, Star, Star, this
+won't do, sir; no, sir. The filial affections of Aeneas are not to be
+sacrificed through the blandishments of--er--Dodo--I mean a Dido.
+
+Manuela. O senor, you are kind, you are good. You are an Americano, one
+of a great nation. You will feel sympathy for a poor young man,--a mere
+muchacho,--one of your own race, who was a vaquero here, senor. He has
+been sent away from us here disgraced, alone, hungry, perhaps penniless.
+(Wipes her eyes.)
+
+Col. Starbottle. The Devil! Another prodigal. (Aloud.) My dear, the case
+you have just stated would appear to be the--er--er--normal condition
+of the--er--youth of America. But why was he discharged? (Pouring out
+liquor.)
+
+Manuela (demurely glancing at the colonel). He was drunk, senor.
+
+Starbottle (potently). Drunkenness, my child, which is--er--weakness in
+the--er--er--gentleman, in the subordinate is a crime. What--er--excites
+the social impulse and exhilarates the fancy of the--er--master of the
+house, in the performance of his duty, renders the servant unfit
+for his. Legally it is a breach of contract. I should give it as my
+opinion,--for which I am personally responsible,--that your friend Diego
+could not recover. Ged! (Aside.) I wonder if this scapegoat could be our
+black sheep.
+
+Manuela. But that was not all, senor. It was an excuse only. He was sent
+away for helping our young lady to a cavalier. He was discharged because
+he would not be a traitor to her. He was sent away because he was too
+good, too honorable,--too-- (Bursts out crying.)
+
+Starbottle (aside). Oh, the Devil! THIS is no Sandy Morton. (Coming
+forward gravely.) I have never yet analyzed the--er--er--character
+of the young gentleman I have the honor to assist in restoring to his
+family and society; but judging--er--calmly--er--dispassionately, my
+knowledge of his own father--from what the old gentleman must have been
+in his unregenerate state, and knowing what he is now in his present
+reformed Christian condition, I should say calmly and deliberately that
+the son must be the most infernal and accomplished villain unhung. Ged,
+I have a thought, an inspiration. (To MANUELA, tapping her under the
+chin.) I see, my dear; a lover, ha, ha! Ah, you rogue! Well, well, we
+will talk of this again. I will--er--er--interest myself in this Diego.
+[Exit MANUELA.
+
+Starbottle (solus). How would it do to get up a prodigal? Umph.
+Something must be done soon: the old man grows languid in his search.
+My position as a sinecure is--er--in peril. A prodigal ready made! But
+could I get a scoundrel bad enough to satisfy the old man? Ged, that's
+serious. Let me see: he admits that he is unable to recognize his own
+son in face, features, manner, or speech. Good! If I could pick up some
+rascal whose--er--irregularities didn't quite fill the bill, and could
+say--Ged!--that he was reforming. Reforming! Ged, Star! That very
+defect would show the hereditary taint, demn me! I must think of this
+seriously. Ged, Star! the idea is--an inspiration of humanity and
+virtue. Who knows? it might be the saving of the vagabond,--a crown of
+glory to the old man's age. Inspiration, did I say? Ged, Star, it's a
+DUTY,--a sacred, solemn duty, for which you are responsible,--personally
+responsible.
+
+Lights down half. Enter from corridor L., MORTON, DON JOSE, the DONA
+JOVITA, and MANUELA.
+
+Dona Jovita (stepping forward with exaggerated Spanish courtesy). A
+thousand graces await your Excellency, Commander Don--Don--
+
+Starbottle (bowing to the ground with equal delight and exaggerated
+courtesy). Er--Coolpepero!
+
+Dona Jovita. Don Culpepero! If we throw ourselves unasked at your
+Excellency's feet (courtesy), if we appear unsought before the light of
+your Excellency's eyes (courtesy), if we err in maidenly decorum in thus
+seeking unbidden your Excellency's presence (courtesy), believe us, it
+is the fear of some greater, some graver indecorum in our conduct that
+has withdrawn your Excellency's person from us since you have graced our
+roof with your company. We know, Senor Commander, how superior are the
+charms of the American ladies. It is in no spirit of rivalry with them,
+but to show--Mother of God!--that we are not absolutely ugly, that we
+intrude upon your Excellency's solitude. (Aside.) I shall need the old
+fool, and shall use him.
+
+Col. Starbottle (who has been bowing and saluting with equal
+extravagance, during this speech--aside). Ged! she IS beautiful!
+(Aloud.) Permit me er--er--Dona Jovita, to correct--Ged, I must say
+it, correct erroneous statements. The man who should--er--utter in my
+presence remarks disparaging those--er--charms it is my privilege
+to behold, I should hold responsible,--Ged! personally responsible.
+You--er--remind me of er--incident, trifling perhaps, but pleasing,
+Charleston in '52,--a reception at John C. Calhoun's. A lady, one of the
+demnedest beautiful women you ever saw, said to me, "Star!"--she always
+called me Star,--"you've avoided me, you have, Star! I fear you are no
+longer my friend."--"Your friend, madam," I said. "No, I've avoided you
+because I am your lover." Ged, Miss Jovita, a fact--demn me. Sensation.
+Husband heard garbled report. He was old friend, but jealous, rash,
+indiscreet. Fell at first fire--umph--January 5th. Lady--beautiful
+woman--never forgave: went into convent. Sad affair. And all a
+mistake--demn me,--all a mistake, through perhaps extravagant gallantry
+and compliment. I lingered here, oblivious perhaps of--er--beauty, in
+the enjoyment of Nature.
+
+Dona Jovita. Is there enough for your Excellency to share with me,
+since it must be my rival? See, the fog is clearing away: we shall have
+moonlight. (DON JOSE and MORTON seat themselves at table.) Shall we not
+let these venerable caballeros enjoy their confidences and experiences
+together? (Aside.) Don Jose watches me like a fox, does not intend
+to lose sight of me. How shall I show the light three times from the
+courtyard roof? I have it! (Takes STARBOTTLE'S arm.) It is too pleasant
+to withdraw. There is a view from the courtyard wall your Excellency
+should see. Will you accompany me? The ascent is easy.
+
+Starbottle (bowing). I will ascend, although, permit me to say, Dona
+Jovita, it would be--er--impossible for me to be nearer--er--heaven,
+than--er--at present.
+
+Dona Jovita. FLATTERER! Come, you shall tell me about this sad lady who
+died. Ah, Don Culpepero, let me hope all your experiences will not be so
+fatal to us!
+
+[Exeunt DONA JOVITA and STARBOTTLE.
+
+Morton (aside). A froward daughter of Baal, and, if I mistake not,
+even now concocting mischief for this foolish, indulgent, stiff-necked
+father. (Aloud.) Your only daughter, I presume.
+
+Don Jose. My darling, Don Alexandro. Motherless from her infancy. A
+little wild, and inclined to gayety, but I hope not seeking for more
+than these walls afford. I have checked her but seldom, Don Alexandro,
+and then I did not let her see my hand on the rein that held her back. I
+do not ask her confidence always: I only want her to know that when the
+time comes it can be given to me without fear.
+
+Morton. Umph!
+
+Don Jose (leaning forward confidentially). To show that you have not
+intrusted your confidence regarding your wayward son--whom may the
+saints return to you!--to unsympathetic or inexperienced ears, I will
+impart a secret. A few weeks ago I detected an innocent intimacy between
+this foolish girl and a vagabond vaquero in my employ. You understand,
+it was on her part romantic, visionary; on his, calculating, shrewd,
+self-interested, for he expected to become my heir. I did not lock her
+up. I did not tax her with it. I humored it. Today I satisfied the
+lover that his investment was not profitable, that a marriage without my
+consent entailed the loss of the property, and then left them together.
+They parted in tears, think you, Don Alexandro? No, but mutually hating
+each other. The romance was over. An American would have opposed the
+girl, have driven her to secrecy, to an elopement perhaps. Eh?
+
+Morton (scornfully). And you believe that they have abandoned their
+plans?
+
+Don Jose. I am sure--hush! she is here!
+
+Enter, on roof of corridor, STARBOTTLE and JOVITA.
+
+Col. Starbottle. Really, a superb landscape! An admirable view of
+the--er--fog--rolling over the Mission Hills, the plains below, and
+the--er--er--single figure of--er--motionless horseman--
+
+Dona Jovita (quickly). Some belated vaquero. Do you smoke, Senor
+Commander?
+
+Starbottle. At times.
+
+Dona Jovita. With me. I will light a cigarette for you: it is the
+custom.
+
+COL. STARBOTTLE draws match from his pocket, and is about to light, but
+is stopped by DONA JOVITA.
+
+Dona Jovita. Pardon, your Excellency, but we cannot endure your American
+matches. There is a taper in the passage.
+
+COL. STARBOTTLE brings taper: DONA JOVITA turns to light cigarette, but
+manages to blow out candle.
+
+Dona Jovita. I must try your gallantry again. That is once I have
+failed. (Significantly.)
+
+COL. STARBOTTLE relights candle, business, same results.
+
+Dona Jovita. I am stupid and nervous to-night. I have failed twice.
+(With emphasis.)
+
+COL. STARBOTTLE repeats business with candle. DONA JOVITA lights
+cigarette, hands it to the colonel.
+
+Dona Jovita. Thrice, and I have succeeded. (Blows out candle.)
+
+Col. Starbottle. A thousand thanks! There is a--er--er--light on the
+plain.
+
+Dona Jovita (hastily). It is the vaqueros returning. My father gives a
+festa to peons in honor of your arrival. There will be a dance. You have
+been patient, Senor Commander: you shall have my hand for a waltz.
+
+Enter vaqueros, their wives and daughters. A dance, during which the
+"sembi canca" is danced by COL. STARBOTTLE and DONA JOVITA. Business,
+during which the bell of Mission Church, faintly illuminated beyond the
+wall, strikes twelve. Dancers withdraw hurriedly, leaving alone MANUELA,
+DONA JOVITA, COL. STARBOTTLE, DON JOSE, and CONCHO. CONCHO formally
+hands keys to Don Jose.
+
+Don Jose (delivering keys to MORTON with stately impressiveness). Take
+them, Don Alexandro Morton, and with them all that they unlock for
+bliss or bale. Take them, noble guest, and with them the homage of this
+family,--to-night, Don Alexandro, your humble servants. Good-night,
+gentlemen. May a thousand angels attend you, O Don Alexandro and Don
+Culpepero!
+
+Dona Jovita. Good-night, Don Alexandro. May your dreams to-night see all
+your wishes fulfilled! Good-night, O Senor Commander. May she you dream
+of be as happy as you!
+
+Manuela and Concho (together). Good-night, O senores and illustrious
+gentlemen! may the Blessed Fisherman watch over you! (Both parties
+retreat into opposite corridors, bowing.)
+
+MANUELA, CONCHO, MORTON, DON JOSE. JOVITA. STARBOTTLE.
+
+
+SCENE 3.--The same. Stage darkened. Fog passing beyond wall outside, and
+occasionally obscuring moonlit landscape beyond. Enter JOVITA softly,
+from corridor L. Her face is partly hidden by Spanish mantilla.
+
+Jovita. All quiet at last; and, thanks to much aguardiente, my warlike
+admirer snores peacefully above. Yet I could swear I heard the old
+Puritan's door creak as I descended! Pshaw! What matters! (Goes to
+gateway, and tries gate.) Locked! Carramba! I see it now. Under the
+pretext of reviving the old ceremony, Don Jose has locked the gates, and
+placed me in the custody of his guest. Stay! There is a door leading to
+the corral from the passage by Concho's room. Bueno! Don Jose shall see!
+[Exit R.
+
+Enter cautiously R. OLD MORTON.
+
+Old Morton. I was not mistaken! It was the skirt of that Jezebel
+daughter that whisked past my door a moment ago, and her figure that
+flitted down that corridor. So! The lover driven out of the house at
+four P. M., and at twelve o'clock at night the young lady trying the
+gate secretly. This may be Spanish resignation and filial submission,
+but it looks very like Yankee disobedience and forwardness. Perhaps it's
+well that the keys are in my pocket. This fond confiding Papist may find
+the heretic American father of some service. (Conceals himself behind
+pillar of corridor.)
+
+After a pause the head of JOHN OAKHURST appears over the wall of
+corridor: he climbs up to roof of corridor, and descends very quietly
+and deliberately to stage.
+
+Oakhurst (dusting his clothing with his handkerchief). I never knew
+before why these Spaniards covered their adobe walls with whitewash.
+(Leans against pillar in shadow.)
+
+Re-enter JOVITA, hastily.
+
+Jovita. All is lost; the corral door is locked; the key is outside, and
+Concho is gone,--gone where? Madre di Dios! to discover, perhaps to kill
+him.
+
+Oakhurst (approaching her). No.
+
+Jovita. Juan! (Embracing him.) But how did you get here? This is
+madness!
+
+Oakhurst. As you did not come to the mission, I came to the rancho.
+I found the gate locked--by the way, is not that a novelty here?--I
+climbed the wall. But you, Miss Castro, you are trembling! Your little
+hands are cold!
+
+Jovita (glancing around). Nothing, nothing! But you are running a
+terrible risk. At any moment we may be discovered.
+
+Oakhurst. I understand you: it would be bad for the discoverer. Never
+fear, I will be patient.
+
+Jovita. But I feared that you might meet Concho.
+
+Oakhurst. Concho--Concho--(meditatively). Let me see,--tall, dark, long
+in the arm, weighs about one hundred and eighty, and active.
+
+Jovita. Yes; tell me! You have met him?
+
+Oakhurst. Possibly, possibly. Was he a friend of yours?
+
+Jovita. No!
+
+Oakhurst. That's better. Are his pursuits here sedentary, or active?
+
+Jovita. He is my father's major-domo.
+
+Oakhurst. I see: a sinecure. (Aside.) Well, if he has to lay up for a
+week or two, the rancho won't suffer.
+
+Jovita. Well?
+
+Oakhurst. Well!
+
+Jovita (passionately). There, having scaled the wall, at the risk of
+being discovered--this is all you have to say! (Turning away.)
+
+Oakhurst (quietly). Perhaps, Jovita (taking her hand with grave
+earnestness), to a clandestine intimacy like ours there is but one end.
+It is not merely elopement, not merely marriage, it is exposure! Sooner
+or later you and I must face the eyes we now shun. What matters if
+tonight or later?
+
+Jovita (quickly). I am ready. It was you who--
+
+Oakhurst. It was I who first demanded secrecy, but it was I who told you
+when we last met that I would tell you why to-night.
+
+Jovita. I am ready; but hear me, Juan, nothing can change my faith in
+you!
+
+Oakhurst (sadly). You know not what you say. Listen, my child. I am a
+gambler. Not the man who lavishes his fortune at the gaming-table for
+excitement's sake; not the fanatic who stakes his own earnings--perhaps
+the confided earnings of others--on a single coup. No, he is the man who
+loses,--whom the world deplores, pities, and forgives. I am the man who
+wins--whom the world hates and despises.
+
+Jovita. I do not understand you, Juan.
+
+Oakhurst. So much the better, perhaps. But you must hear me. I make a
+profession--an occupation more exacting, more wearying, more laborious,
+than that of your meanest herdsman--of that which others make a
+dissipation of the senses. And yet, Jovita, there is not the meanest
+vaquero in this ranch, who, playing against me, winning or losing, is
+not held to be my superior. I have no friends--only confederates. Even
+the woman who dares to pity me must do it in secret.
+
+Jovita. But you will abandon this dreadful trade. As the son of the
+rich Don Jose, no one dare scorn you. My father will relent. I am his
+heiress.
+
+Oakhurst. No more, Jovita, no more. If I were the man who could purchase
+the world's respect through a woman's weakness for him, I should not be
+here to-night. I am not here to sue your father's daughter with hopes
+of forgiveness, promises of reformation. Reformation, in a man like me,
+means cowardice or self-interest. (OLD MORTON, becoming excited, leans
+slowly out from the shadow of the pillar listening intently.) I am here
+to take, by force if necessary, a gambler's wife,--the woman who will
+share my fortunes, my disgrace, my losses; who is willing to leave her
+old life of indulgence, of luxury, of respectability, for mine. You are
+frightened, little dove: compose yourself (soothing her tenderly and
+sadly); you are frightened at the cruel hawk who has chosen you for a
+mate.
+
+Old Morton (aside). God in heaven! This is like HIM! like me!--like me,
+before the blessed Lord lifted me into regeneration. If it should be!
+(Leans forward anxiously from pillar.)
+
+Oakhurst (aside). Still silent! Poor dove, I can hear her foolish heart
+flutter against mine. Another moment decides our fate. Another moment:
+John Oakhurst and freedom, or Red Gulch and--she is moving. (To JOVITA.)
+I am harsh, little one, and cold. Perhaps I have had much to make me so.
+But when (with feeling) I first met you; when, lifting my eyes to the
+church-porch, I saw your beautiful face; when, in sheer recklessness
+and bravado, I raised my hat to you; when you--you, Jovita--lifted
+your brave eyes to mine, and there, there in the sanctuary, returned
+my salute,--the salutation of the gambler, the outcast, the
+reprobate,--then, then I swore that you should be mine, if I tore you
+from the sanctuary. Speak now, Jovita: if it was coquetry, speak now; I
+forgive you: if it was sheer wantonness, speak now; I shall spare you:
+but if--
+
+Jovita (throwing herself in his arms). Love, Juan! I am yours, now
+and forever. (Pause.) But you have not told me all. I will go with you
+to-night--now. I leave behind me all,--my home, my father, my--(pause)
+my name. You have forgotten, Juan, you have not told me what I change
+THAT for: you have not told me YOURS.
+
+OLD MORTON, in eager excitement, leans beyond shadow of pillar.
+
+Oakhurst (embracing her tenderly, with a smile). If I have not told you
+who I am, it was because, darling, it was more important that you should
+know what I am. Now that you know that--why--(embarrassedly) I
+have nothing more to tell. I did not wish you to repeat the name of
+Oakhurst--because--(aside) how the Devil shall I tell her that Oakhurst
+was my real name, after all, and that I only feared she might divulge
+it?--(aloud) because--because--(determinedly) I doubted your ability
+to keep a secret. My real name is--(looks up, and sees MORTON leaning
+beyond pillar) is a secret. (Pause, in which OAKHURST slowly recovers
+his coolness.) It will be given to the good priest who to-night joins
+our fate forever, Jovita,--forever, in spite of calumny, opposition,
+or SPIES! the padre whom we shall reach, if enough life remains in your
+pulse and mine to clasp these hands together. (After a pause.) Are you
+content?
+
+Jovita. I am.
+
+Oakhurst. Then there is not a moment to lose. Retire, and prepare
+yourself for a journey. I will wait here.
+
+Jovita. I am ready now.
+
+Oakhurst (looking toward pillar). Pardon, my darling: there was a
+bracelet--a mere trifle--I once gave you. It is not on your wrist. I
+am a trifle superstitious, perhaps: it was my first gift. Bring it with
+you. I will wait. Go!
+
+[Exit JOVITA.
+
+OAKHURST watches her exit, lounges indifferently toward gate; when
+opposite pillar, suddenly seizes MORTON by the throat, and drags him
+noiselessly to centre.
+
+Oakhurst (hurriedly). One outcry,--a single word,--and it is your last.
+I care not who YOU may be!--who I am,--you have heard enough to know,
+at least, that you are in the grip of a desperate man. (Keys fall from
+MORTON'S hand. OAKHURST seizes them.) Silence! on your life.
+
+Morton (struggling). You would not dare! I command you--
+
+Oakhurst (dragging him to gateway). Out you must go.
+
+Morton. Stop, I command you. I never turned MY father out of doors!
+
+Oakhurst (gazing at MORTON). It is an OLD man! I release you. Do as you
+will, only remember that that girl is mine forever, that there is no
+power on earth will keep me from her.
+
+Morton. On conditions.
+
+Oakhurst. Who are you that make conditions? You are not--her father?
+
+Morton. No but I am YOURS! Alexander Morton, I charge you to hear me.
+
+Oakhurst (starting in astonishment; aside). Sandy Morton, my lost
+partner's father! This is fate.
+
+Morton. You are astonished; but I thought so. Ay, you will hear me now!
+I am your father, Alexander Morton, who drove you, a helpless boy, into
+disgrace and misery. I know your shameless life: for twenty years it was
+mine, and worse, until, by the grace of God, I reformed, as you shall.
+I have stopped you in a disgraceful act. Your mother--God forgive
+me!--left HER house, for MY arms, as wickedly, as wantonly, as
+shamelessly--
+
+Oakhurst. Stop, old man! Stop! Another word (seizing him), and I may
+forget your years.
+
+Morton. But not your blood. No, Alexander Morton, I have come thousands
+of miles for one sacred purpose,--to save you; and I shall, with God's
+will, do it now. Be it so, on one condition. You shall have this girl;
+but lawfully, openly, with the sanction of Heaven and your parents.
+
+Oakhurst (aside). I see a ray of hope. This is Sandy's father; the cold,
+insensate brute, who drove him into exile, the one bitter memory of
+his life. Sandy disappeared, irreclaimable, or living alone, hating
+irrevocably the author of his misery; why should not I--
+
+Morton (continuing). On one condition. Hear me, Alexander Morton. If
+within a year, you, abandoning your evil practices, your wayward life,
+seek to reform beneath my roof, I will make this proud Spanish Don glad
+to accept you as the more than equal of his daughter.
+
+Oakhurst (aside). It would be an easy deception. Sandy has given me
+the details of his early life. At least, before the imposition was
+discovered I shall be-- (Aloud.) I--I-- (Aside.) Perdition! SHE is
+coming! There is a light moving in the upper chamber. Don Jose is
+awakened. (Aloud.) I--I--accept.
+
+Morton. It is well. Take these keys, open yonder gate, and fly! (As
+OAKHURST hesitates.) Obey me. I will meet your sweetheart, and
+explain all. You will come here at daylight in the morning, and claim
+admittance, not as a vagabond, a housebreaker, but as my son. You
+hesitate. Alexander Morton, I, your father, command you. Go!
+
+OAKHURST goes to the gate, opens it, as the sound of DIEGO'S voice,
+singing in the fog, comes faintly in.
+
+
+     O yer's your Sandy Morton,
+                Drink him down!
+     O yer's your Sandy Morton,
+                Drink him down!
+     O yer's your Sandy Morton,
+     For he's drunk, and goin' a-courtin'.
+     O yer's your Sandy Morton,
+                Drink him down!
+
+
+OAKHURST recoils against gate, MORTON hesitates, as window in corridor
+opens, and DON JOSE calls from upper corridor.
+
+Don Jose. Concho! (Pause.) 'Tis that vagabond Diego, lost his way in the
+fog. Strange that Concho should have overlooked him. I will descend.
+
+Morton (to OAKHURST). Do you hear?
+
+Exit OAKHURST through gateway. MORTON closes gate, and returns to
+centre. Enter JOVITA hurriedly.
+
+Jovita. I have it here. Quick! there is a light in Don Jose's chamber;
+my father is coming down. (Sees MORTON, and screams.)
+
+Morton (seizing her.) Hush! for your own sake; for HIS; control
+yourself. He is gone, but he will return. (To JOVITA, still struggling.)
+Hush, I beg, Miss Jovita. I beg, I command you, my daughter. Hush!
+
+Jovita (whispering). His voice has changed. What does this mean?
+(Aloud.) Where has he gone? and why are YOU here?
+
+Morton (slowly and seriously). He has left me here to answer the
+unanswered question you asked him. (Enter Don Jose and Col. STARBOTTLE,
+R. and L.) I am here to tell you that I am his father, and that he is
+Alexander Morton.
+
+TABLEAUX.
+
+Curtain.
+
+END OF ACT I.
+
+
+
+
+ACT II.
+
+
+SCENE 1.--Red Gulch. Canyon of river, and distant view of Sierras,
+snow-ravined. Schoolhouse of logs in right middle distance. Ledge of
+rocks in centre. On steps of schoolhouse two large bunches of flowers.
+Enter STARBOTTLE, slowly climbing rocks L., panting and exhausted.
+Seats himself on rock, foreground, and wipes his face with his
+pocket-handkerchief.
+
+
+Starbottle. This is evidently the er--locality. Here are the--er--groves
+of Academus--the heights of er--Ida! I should say that the unwillingness
+which the--er--divine Shakespeare points out in the--er--"whining
+schoolboy" is intensified in--er--climbing this height, and
+the--er--alacrity of his departure must be in exact ratio to his
+gravitation. Good idea. Ged! say it to schoolma'am. Wonder what she's
+like? Humph! the usual thin, weazened, hatchet-faced Yankee spinster,
+with an indecent familiarity with Webster's Dictionary! And this is the
+woman, Star, you're expected to discover, and bring back to affluence
+and plenty. This is the new fanaticism of Mr. Alexander Morton, sen.
+Ged! not satisfied with dragging his prodigal son out of merited
+obscurity, this miserable old lunatic commissions ME to hunt up another
+of his abused relatives; some forty-fifth cousin, whose mother he
+had frozen, beaten, or starved to death! And all this to please his
+prodigal! Ged! if that prodigal hadn't presented himself that morning,
+I'd have picked up--er--some--er--reduced gentleman--Ged, that knew
+how to spend the old man's money to better advantage. (Musing.) If this
+schoolmistress were barely good-looking, Star,--and she's sure to
+have fifty thousand from the old man,--Ged, you might get even with
+Alexander, sen., for betrothing his prodigal to Dona Jovita, in spite of
+the--er--evident preference that the girl showed for you. Capital idea!
+If she's not positively hideous I'll do it! Ged! I'll reconnoitre
+first! (Musing.) I could stand one eye; yes--er--single eye would not
+be positively objectionable in the--er--present experiments of
+science toward the--er--the substitution of glass. Red hair, Star,
+is--er--Venetian,--the beauty of Giorgione. (Goes up to schoolhouse
+window, and looks in.) Too early! Seven empty benches; seven desks
+splashed with ink. The--er--rostrum of the awful Minerva empty,
+but--er--adorned with flowers, nosegays--demn me! And here, here
+on the--er--very threshold (looking down), floral tributes.
+The--er--conceit of these New England schoolma'ams, and
+their--er--evident Jesuitical influence over the young, is fraught,
+sir, fraught with--er--darkly political significance. Eh, Ged! there's
+a caricature on the blackboard. (Laughing.) Ha, ha! Absurd chalk outline
+of ridiculous fat person. Evidently the schoolma'am's admirer. Ged!
+immensely funny! Ah! boys will be boys. Like you, Star, just like
+you,--always up to tricks like that. A sentence scrawled below the
+figure seems to be--er--explanation. Hem! (Takes out eyeglass.) Let's
+see (reading.) "This is old"--old--er--old--demme, sir!--"Starbottle!"
+This is infamous. I haven't been forty-eight hours in the place, and
+to my certain knowledge haven't spoken to a child. Ged, sir, it's
+the--er--posting of a libel! The woman, the--er--female, who permits
+this kind of thing, should be made responsible--er--personally
+responsible. Eh, hush! What have we here? (Retires to ledge of rocks.)
+
+Enter MISS MARY L., reading letter.
+
+Miss Mary. Strange! Is it all a dream? No! here are the familiar rocks,
+the distant snow-peaks, the schoolhouse, the spring below. An hour ago
+I was the poor schoolmistress of Red Gulch, with no ambition nor hope
+beyond this mountain wall; and now--oh, it must be a dream! But here
+is the letter. Certainly this is no delusion: it is too plain, formal,
+business-like. (Reads.)
+
+
+MY DEAR COUSIN--I address the only surviving child of my cousin Mary
+and her husband John Morris, both deceased. It is my duty as a Christian
+relative to provide you with a home--to share with you that wealth and
+those blessings that a kind providence has vouchsafed me. I am aware
+that my conduct to your father and mother, while in my sinful and
+unregenerate state, is no warrantee for my present promise; but my
+legal adviser, Col. Starbottle, who is empowered to treat with you, will
+assure you of the sincerity of my intention, and my legal ability to
+perform it. He will conduct you to my house; you will share its roof
+with me and my prodigal son Alexander, now by the grace of God restored,
+and mindful of the error of his ways. I enclose a draft for one thousand
+dollars: if you require more, draw upon me for the same.
+
+Your cousin,
+
+ALEXANDER MORTON, SEN.
+
+
+My mother's cousin--so! Cousin Alexander! a rich man, and reunited
+to the son he drove into shameful exile. Well! we will see this
+confidential lawyer; and until then--until then--why, we are the
+schoolmistress of Red Gulch, and responsible for its youthful prodigals.
+(Going to schoolhouse door.)
+
+Miss Mary (stopping to examine flowers). Poor, poor Sandy! Another
+offering, and, as he fondly believes, unknown and anonymous! As if he
+were not visible in every petal and leaf! The mariposa blossom of the
+plain. The snowflower I longed for, from those cool snowdrifts beyond
+the ridge. And I really believe he was sober when he arranged them. Poor
+fellow! I begin to think that the dissipated portion of this community
+are the most interesting. Ah! some one behind the rock,--Sandy, I'll
+wager. No! a stranger!
+
+Col. Starbottle (aside, and advancing). If I could make her think I
+left those flowers! (Aloud.) When I state that--er--I am
+perhaps--er--stranger--
+
+Miss Mary (interrupting him coldly). You explain, sir, your appearance
+on a spot which the rude courtesy of even this rude miner's camp has
+preserved from intrusion.
+
+Starbottle (slightly abashed, but recovering himself). Yes--Ged!--that
+is, I--er--saw you admiring--er--tribute--er--humble tribute of
+flowers. I am myself passionately devoted to flowers. Ged! I've
+spent hours--in--er--bending over the--er--graceful sunflower,
+in--er--plucking the timid violet from the overhanging but reluctant
+bough, in collecting the--er--er--fauna--I mean the--er--flora--of
+this--er--district.
+
+Miss Mary (who has been regarding him intently). Permit me to leave you
+in uninterrupted admiration of them. (Handing him flowers.) You
+will have ample time in your journey down the gulch to indulge your
+curiosity!
+
+Hands STARBOTTLE flowers, enters schoolhouse, and quietly closes door on
+STARBOTTLE as SANDY MORTON enters cautiously and sheepishly from left.
+SANDY stops in astonishment on observing STARBOTTLE, and remains by wing
+left.
+
+Starbottle (smelling flowers, and not noticing MISS MARY'S absence).
+Beautiful--er--exquisite. (Looking up at closed door.) Ged! Most
+extraordinary disappearance! (Looks around, and discovers SANDY;
+examines him for a moment through his eyeglass, and then, after a pause,
+inflates his chest, turns his back on SANDY, and advances to schoolhouse
+door. SANDY comes quickly, and, as STARBOTTLE raises his cane to rap on
+door, seizes his arm. Both men, regarding each other fixedly, holding
+each other, retreat slowly and cautiously to centre. Then STARBOTTLE
+disengages his arm.)
+
+Sandy (embarrassedly but determinedly). Look yer, stranger. By the rules
+of this camp, this place is sacred to the schoolma'am and her children.
+
+Starbottle (with lofty severity). It is! Then--er--permit me to ask,
+sir, what YOU are doing here.
+
+Sandy (embarrassed, and dropping his head in confusion). I was--passing.
+There is no school to-day.
+
+Starbottle. Then, sir, Ged! permit me to--er--DEMAND--DEMAND, sir--an
+apology. You have laid, sir, your hand upon my person--demn me! Not
+the first time, sir, either; for, if I am not mistaken, you are
+the--er--inebriated menial, sir, who two months ago jostled me,
+sir,--demn me,--as I entered the rancho of my friend Don Jose Castro.
+
+Sandy (starting, aside). Don Jose! (Aloud.) Hush, hush! She will hear
+you. No--that is--(stops, confused and embarrassed. Aside.) She will
+hear of my disgrace. He will tell her the whole story.
+
+Starbottle. I shall await your apology one hour. At the end of that
+time, if it is not forthcoming, I shall--er--er--waive your menial
+antecedents, and expect the--er--satisfaction of a gentleman.
+Good-morning, sir. (Turns to schoolhouse.)
+
+Sandy. No, no: you shall not go!
+
+Starbottle. Who will prevent me?
+
+Sandy (grappling him). I will. (Appealingly.) Look yer, stranger, don't
+provoke me, I, a desperate man, desperate and crazed with drink,--don't
+ye, don't ye do it! For God's sake, take your hands off me! Ye don't
+know what ye do. Ah! (Wildly, holding STARBOTTLE firmly, and forcing him
+backward to precipice beyond ledge of rocks.) Hear me. Three years ago,
+in a moment like this, I dragged a man--my friend--to this precipice.
+I--I--no! no!--don't anger me now! (Sandy's grip on STARBOTTLE relaxes
+slightly, and his head droops.)
+
+Starbottle (coolly). Permit me to remark, sir, that any reminiscence of
+your--er--friend--or any other man is--er--at this moment, irrelevant
+and impertinent. Permit me to point out the--er--fact, sir, that your
+hand is pressing heavily, demned heavily, on my shoulder.
+
+Sandy (fiercely). You shall not go!
+
+Starbottle (fiercely). Shall not?
+
+Struggle. STARBOTTLE draws derringer from his breast-pocket, and SANDY
+seizes his arm. In this position both parties struggle to ledge of
+rocks, and COL. STARBOTTLE is forced partly over.
+
+Miss Mary (opening schoolhouse door). I thought I heard voices. (Looking
+toward ledge of rocks, where COL. STARBOTTLE and SANDY are partly hidden
+by trees. Both men relax grasp of each other at MISS MARY'S voice.)
+
+Col. Starbottle (aloud and with voice slightly raised, to SANDY).
+By--er--leaning over this way a moment, a single moment, you
+will--er--perceive the trail I speak of. It follows the canyon to the
+right. It will bring you to--er--the settlement in an hour. (To
+MISS MARY, as if observing her for the first time.) I believe I
+am--er--right; but, being--er--more familiar with the locality, you can
+direct the gentleman better.
+
+SANDY slowly sinks on his knees beside rock, with his face averted
+from schoolhouse, as COL. STARBOTTLE disengages himself, and advances
+jauntily and gallantly to schoolhouse.
+
+Col. Starbottle. In--er--er--showing the stranger the--er--way, I
+perhaps interrupted our interview. The--er--observances of--er--civility
+and humanity must not be foregone, even for--er--the ladies.
+I--er--believe I address Miss Mary Morris. When I--er--state that my
+name is Col. Starbottle, charged on mission of--er--delicate nature, I
+believe I--er--explain MY intrusion.
+
+MISS MARY bows, and motions to schoolhouse door; COL. STARBOTTLE, bowing
+deeply, enters; but MISS MARY remains standing by door, looking toward
+trees that hide SANDY.
+
+Miss Mary (aside). I am sure it was Sandy's voice! But why does he
+conceal himself?
+
+Sandy (aside, rising slowly to his feet, with his back to schoolhouse
+door). Even this conceited bully overcomes me, and shames me with his
+readiness and tact. He was quick to spare her--a stranger--the spectacle
+of two angry men. I--I--must needs wrangle before her very door! Well,
+well! better out of her sight forever, than an object of pity or terror.
+[Exit slowly, and with downcast eyes, right.
+
+Miss Mary (watching the trail). It WAS Sandy! and this concealment means
+something more than bashfulness. Perhaps the stranger can explain.
+
+[Enters schoolhouse, and closes door.
+
+
+SCENE 2.--The same. Enter CONCHO, lame, cautiously, from R. Pauses at
+R., and then beckons to HOP SING, who follows R.
+
+Concho (impatiently). Well! you saw him?
+
+Hop Sing. Me see him.
+
+Concho. And you recognized him?
+
+Hop Sing. No shabe likoquize.
+
+Concho (furiously). You knew him, eh? Carramba! You KNEW him.
+
+Hop Sing (slowly and sententiously). Me shabe man you callee Diego.
+Me shabbee Led Gulchee call Sandy. Me shabbee man Poker Flat callee
+Alexandlee Molton. Allee same, John! Allee same!
+
+Concho (rubbing his hands). Bueno! Good John! good John! And you knew he
+was called Alexander Morton? And go on--good John--go on!
+
+Hop Sing. Me plentee washee shirtee--Melican man Poker Flat. Me plentee
+washee shirt Alexandlee Molton. Always litee, litee on shirt allee time.
+(Pointing to tail of his blouse, and imitating writing with finger.)
+Alexandlee Molton. Melican man tellee me--shirt say Alexandlee
+Molton--shabbee?
+
+Concho. Bueno! Excellent John. Good John. His linen marked Alexander
+Morton. The proofs are gathering! (crosses to C.)--the letter I found in
+his pack, addressed to Alexander Morton, Poker Flat, which first put me
+on his track; the story of his wife's infidelity, and her flight with
+his partner to red Gulch, the quarrel and fight that separated them, his
+flight to San Jose, his wanderings to the mission of San Carmel, to the
+rancho of the Holy Fisherman. The record is complete!
+
+Hop Sing. Alexandlee Molton--
+
+Concho (hurriedly returning to HOP SING). Yes! good John; yes, good
+John--go on. Alexander Morton--
+
+Hop Sing. Alexandlee Molton. Me washee shirt, Alexandlee Molton; he no
+pay washee. Me washee flowty dozen hep--four bittie dozen--twenty dollar
+hep. Alexandlee Molton no payee. He say, "Go to hellee!" You pay me
+(extending his hand).
+
+Concho. Car--! (checking himself). Poco tiempo, John! In good time,
+John. Forty dollar--yes. Fifty dollar! Tomorrow, John.
+
+Hop Sing. Me no likee "to-mollow!" Me no likee "nex time, John!"
+Allee time Melican man say, "Chalkee up, John," "No smallee change,
+John,"--umph. Plenty foolee me!
+
+Concho. You shall have your money, John; but go now--you comprehend.
+Carramba! go! (Pushes HOP SING to wing.)
+
+Hop Sing (expostulating). Flowty dozen, hep, John! twenty dollar, John.
+Sabe. Flowty--twenty--(gesticulating with fingers).
+
+[Exit HOP SING, pushed off by CONCHO.
+
+Concho. The pagan dolt! But he is important. Ah, if he were wiser,
+I should not rid myself of him so quickly! And now for the
+schoolmistress,--the sweetheart of Sandy. If these men have not lied,
+he is in love with her; and, if he is, he has told her his secret before
+now; and she will be swift to urge him to his rights. If he has not told
+her--umph! (laughing) it will not be a DAY--an HOUR--before she will
+find out if her lover is Alexander Morton, the rich man's son, or
+"Sandy," the unknown vagabond. Eh, friend Sandy! It was a woman that
+locked up your secret: it shall be a woman, Madre di Dios! who shall
+unlock it. Ha! (Goes to door of schoolhouse as door opens, and appears
+COL. STARBOTTLE.)
+
+Concho (aside). A thousand devils! the lawyer of the old man Morton.
+(Aloud.) Pardon, pardon! I am a stranger. I have lost my way on the
+mountain. I am seeking a trail. Senor, pardon!
+
+Starbottle (aside). Another man seeking the road! Ged, I believe he's
+lying too. (Aloud.) It is before you, sir, DOWN,--down the mountain.
+
+Concho. A thousand thanks, senor. (Aside.) Perdition catch him! (Aloud.)
+Thanks, senor. [Exit R.
+
+Starbottle. Ged, I've seen that face before. Ged, it's Castro's
+major-domo. Demn me, but I believe all his domestics have fallen in love
+with the pretty schoolma'am.
+
+Enter MISS MARY from schoolhouse.
+
+Miss Mary (slowly refolding letter). You are aware, then, of the
+contents of this note; and you are the friend of Alexander Morton, sen.?
+
+Col. Starbottle. Permit me a moment, a single moment,
+to--er--er--explain. I am Mr. Morton's legal adviser. There
+is--er--sense of--er--responsibility,--er--personal responsibility,
+about the term "friend," that at the--er--er--present moment I am
+not--er--prepared to assume. The substance of the letter is before you.
+I am here to--er--express its spirit. I am here (with great
+gallantry) to express the--er--yearnings of cousinly affection. I
+am aware--er--that OUR conduct,--if I may use the--er--the plural of
+advocacy,--I am aware that--er--OUR conduct has not in the past years
+been of--er--er--exemplary character. I am aware that the--er--death
+of our lamented cousin, your sainted mother, was--er--hastened--I
+may--er--say--pre--cip--itated--by our--er--indiscretion But we are
+hereto--er--confess judgment--with--er--er--costs.
+
+Miss Mary (interrupting). In other words, your client, my cousin, having
+ruined my father, having turned his own widowed relation out of doors,
+and sent me, her daughter, among strangers to earn her bread; having
+seen my mother sink and die in her struggle to keep her family from
+want,--this man now seeks to condone his offences--pardon me, sir, if I
+use your own legal phraseology--by offering me a home; by giving me part
+of his ill-gotten wealth, the association of his own hypocritical self,
+and the company of his shameless, profligate son--
+
+Starbottle (interrupting). A moment, Miss Morris,--a single moment!
+The epithets you have used, the--er--vigorous characterization of
+our--er--conduct, is--er--within the--er--strict rules of legal
+advocacy, correct. We are--er--rascals! we are--er--scoundrels! we
+are--er--well, I am not--er--prepared to say that we are not--er--demn
+me--hypocrites! But the young man you speak of--our son, whose past
+life (speaking as Col. Starbottle) no one more sincerely deprecates than
+myself,--that young man has reformed; has been for the past few months
+a miracle of sobriety, decorum, and industry; has taken, thanks to
+the example of--er--friends, a position of integrity in his father's
+business, of filial obedience in his father's household; is, in short, a
+paragon; and, demn me, I doubt if he's his father's son.
+
+Miss Mary. Enough, sir! You are waiting for my answer. There is no
+reason why it should not be as precise, as brief, and as formal as your
+message. Go to my cousin; say that you saw the person he claims as
+his relation; say that you found her, a poor schoolmistress, in a rude
+mining camp, dependent for her bread on the scant earnings of already
+impoverished men, dependent for her honor on the rude chivalry of
+outcasts and vagabonds; and say that then and there she repudiated your
+kinship, and respectfully declined your invitation.
+
+Starbottle (aside). Ged! Star! this is the--er--female of your species!
+This is the woman--the--er--one woman--for whom you are responsible,
+sir!--personally responsible!
+
+Miss Mary (coldly). You have my answer, sir.
+
+Col. Starbottle. Permit me--er--single moment,--a single moment!
+Between the er--present moment, and that of my departure--there
+is an--er--interval of twelve hours. May I, at the close of that
+interval--again present myself--without prejudice, for your final
+answer?
+
+Miss Mary (indifferently). As you will, sir. I shall be here.
+
+Col. Starbottle. Permit me. (Takes her hand gallantly.) Your conduct
+and manner, Miss Morris, remind me--er--singularly--of--er beautiful
+creature--one of the--er--first families. (Observing MISS MARY regarding
+him amusedly, becomes embarrassed.) That is--er--I mean--er--er--good
+morning, Miss Morris! (Passes by schoolhouse door, retreating and
+bowing, and picks up flowers from door-step.) Good morning!
+
+Miss Mary. Excuse me, Col. Starbottle (with winning politeness), but
+I fear I must rob you of those flowers. I recognize them now as the
+offering of one of my pupils. I fear I must revoke my gift (taking
+flowers from astonished colonel's hand), all except a single one for
+your buttonhole. Have you any choice, or shall I (archly) choose for
+you? Then it shall be this. (Begins to place flowers in buttonhole,
+COL. STARBOTTLE exhibiting extravagant gratitude in dumb show. Business
+prolonged through MISS MARY's speech.) If I am not wrong, colonel, the
+gentleman to whom you so kindly pointed out the road this morning was
+not a stranger to you. Ah! I am right. There, one moment,--a sprig of
+green, a single leaf, would set off the pink nicely. Here he is known
+only as "Sandy": you know the absurd habits of this camp. Of course he
+has another name. There! (releasing the colonel) it is much prettier
+now.
+
+Col. Starbottle. Ged, madam! The rarest exotic--the Victoria Regina--is
+not as--er--graceful--er--tribute!
+
+Miss Mary. And yet you refuse to satisfy my curiosity?
+
+Col. Starbottle (with great embarrassment, which at last resolves itself
+into increased dignity of manner). What you ask is--er--er--impossible!
+You are right: the--er--gentleman you allude to is known to me
+under--er--er--another name. But honor--Miss Morris, honor!--seals the
+lips of Col. Starbottle. (Aside.) If she should know he was a menial!
+No. The position of the man you have challenged, Star, must be equal to
+your own. (Aloud.) Anything, Miss Morris, but--er--that!
+
+Miss Mary (smiling). Be it so. Adios, Col. Starbottle.
+
+Col. Starbottle (gallantly). Au revoir, Miss Morris. [Exit,
+impressively, L.
+
+Miss Mary. So! Sandy conceals another name, which he withholds from
+Red Gulch. Well! Pshaw! What is that to me? The camp is made up of
+refugees,--men who perhaps have good reason to hide a name that may
+be infamous, the name that would publish a crime. Nonsense! Crime and
+Sandy! No, shame and guilt do not hide themselves in those honest but
+occasionally somewhat bloodshot eyes. Besides, goodness knows! the poor
+fellow's weakness is palpable enough. No, that is not the reason. It
+is no guilt that keeps his name hidden,--at least, not his. (Seating
+herself, and arranging flowers in her lap.) Poor Sandy! he must have
+climbed the eastern summit to get this. See, the rosy sunrise still
+lingers in its very petals; the dew is fresh upon it. Dear little
+mountain baby! I really believe that fellow got up before daylight, to
+climb that giddy height and secure its virgin freshness. And to think,
+in a moment of spite, I'd have given it to that bombastic warrior!
+(Pause.) That was a fine offer you refused just now, Miss Mary. Think of
+it: a home of luxury, a position of assured respect and homage; the life
+I once led, with all its difficulties smoothed away, its uncertainty
+dispelled,--think of it! My poor mother's dream fulfilled,--I, her
+daughter, the mistress of affluence, the queen of social power! What
+a temptation! Ah, Miss Mary, WAS it a temptation? Was there nothing
+in your free life here that stiffened your courage, that steeled the
+adamant of your refusal? or was it only the memory of your mother's
+wrongs? Luxury and wealth! Could you command a dwelling more charming
+than this? Position and respect! Is not the awful admiration of these
+lawless men more fascinating than the perilous flattery of gentlemen
+like Col. Starbottle? is not the devotion of these outcasts more
+complimentary than the lip-service of perfumed gallantry? (Pause.)
+It's very odd he doesn't come. I wonder if that conceited old fool said
+anything to him. (Rises, and then seats herself, smiling.) He HAS COME.
+He is dodging in and out of the manganita bushes below the spring. I
+suppose he imagines my visitor still here. The bashful fool! If anybody
+should see him, it would be enough to make a petty scandal! I'll give
+him a talking-to. (Pause.) I wonder if the ridiculous fool has gone
+to sleep in those bushes. (Rises.) Well, let him: it will help him to
+recover his senses from last night's dissipation; and you, Miss Mary,
+it is high time you were preparing the lessons for to-morrow. (Goes
+to schoolhouse, enters door, and slams it behind her; after a moment
+reappears with empty bucket.) Of course there's no water, and I am dying
+of thirst. (Goes slowly to left, and pauses embarrassedly and bashfully,
+presently laughs,--then suddenly frowns, and assumes an appearance of
+indignation.) Miss Mary Morris, have you become such an egregious fool
+that you dare not satisfy the ordinary cravings of human nature,
+just because an idle, dissipated, bashful blockhead--nonsense! [Exit,
+brandishing pail.
+
+
+SCENE 3.--The Same.
+
+(A pause. SANDY'S voice, without.) This way, miss: the trail is easier.
+
+(MISS MARY'S voice, without.) Never mind me; look after the bucket.
+
+Enter SANDY, carrying bucket with water, followed by MISS MARY. SANDY
+sets bucket down.
+
+Miss Mary. There, you've spilt half of it. If it had been whiskey, you'd
+have been more careful.
+
+Sandy (submissively). Yes, miss.
+
+Miss Mary (aside). "Yes, miss!" The man will drive me crazy with his
+saccharine imbecility. (Aloud.) I believe you would assent to anything,
+even if I said you were--an impostor!
+
+Sandy (amazedly). An impostor, Miss Mary?
+
+Miss Mary. Well, I don't know what other term you use in Red Gulch to
+express a man who conceals his real name under another.
+
+Sandy (embarrassed, but facing MISS MARY). Has anybody been tellin' ye I
+was an impostor, miss? Has thet derned old fool that I saw ye with--
+
+Miss Mary. "That old fool," as you call him, was too honorable a
+gentleman to disclose your secret, and too loyal a friend to traduce
+you by an epithet. Fear nothing, Mr. "Sandy": if you have limited your
+confidence to ONE friend, it has not been misplaced. But, dear me, don't
+think I wish to penetrate your secret. No. The little I learned was
+accidental. Besides, his business was with me: perhaps, as his friend,
+you already know it.
+
+Sandy (meekly). Perhaps, miss, he was too honorable a gentleman to
+disclose YOUR secret. His business was with me.
+
+Miss Mary (aside). He has taken a leaf out of my book! He is not so
+stupid, after all. (Aloud.) I have no secret. Col. Starbottle came here
+to make me an offer.
+
+Sandy (recoiling). An offer!
+
+Miss Mary. Of a home and independence. (Aside.) Poor fellow! how pale he
+looks! (Aloud.) Well, you see, I am more trustful than you. I will tell
+you MY secret; and you shall aid me with your counsel. (They sit on
+ledge of rocks.) Listen! My mother had a cousin once,--a cousin cruel,
+cowardly, selfish, and dissolute. She loved him, as women are apt to
+love such men,--loved him so that she beguiled her own husband to trust
+his fortunes in the hands of this wretched profligate. The husband
+was ruined, disgraced. The wife sought her cousin for help for her
+necessities. He met her with insult, and proposed that she should fly
+with him.
+
+Sandy. One moment, miss: it wasn't his pardner--his pardner's wife--eh?
+
+Miss Mary (impatiently). It was the helpless wife of his own blood,
+I tell you. The husband died broken-hearted. The wife, my mother,
+struggled in poverty, under the shadow of a proud name, to give me an
+education, and died while I was still a girl. To-day this cousin,--this
+more than murderer of my parents,--old, rich, self-satisfied, REFORMED,
+invites me, by virtue of that kinship he violated and despised, to his
+home, his wealth, his--his family roof-tree! The man you saw was his
+agent.
+
+Sandy. And you--
+
+Miss Mary. Refused.
+
+Sandy (passing his hand over his forehead). You did wrong, Miss Mary.
+
+Miss Mary. Wrong, sir? (Rising.)
+
+Sandy (humbly but firmly). Sit ye down, Miss Mary. It ain't for ye to
+throw your bright young life away yer in this place. It ain't for such
+as ye to soil your fair young hands by raking in the ashes to stir up
+the dead embers of a family wrong. It ain't for ye--ye'll pardon me,
+Miss Mary, for sayin' it--it ain't for ye to allow when it's TOO LATE
+fur a man to reform, or to go back of his reformation. Don't ye do it,
+miss, fur God's sake,--don't ye do it! Harkin, Miss Mary. If ye'll take
+my advice--a fool's advice, maybe--ye'll go. And when I tell ye that
+that advice, if ye take it, will take the sunshine out of these
+hills, the color off them trees, the freshness outer them flowers, the
+heart's-blood outer me,--ye'll know that I ain't thinkin' o' myself, but
+of ye. And I wouldn't say this much to ye, Miss Mary; but you're goin'
+away. There's a flower, miss, you're wearin' in your bosom,--a flower I
+picked at daybreak this morning, five miles away in the snow. The wind
+was blowing chill around it, so that my hands that dug for it were stiff
+and cold; but the roots were warm, Miss Mary, as they are now in your
+bosom. Ye'll keep that flower, Miss Mary, in remembrance of my love for
+ye, that kept warm and blossomed through the snow. And, don't start,
+Miss Mary,--for ye'll leave behind ye, as I did, the snow and rocks
+through which it bloomed. I axes your parding, miss: I'm hurtin' yer
+feelin's, sure.
+
+Miss Mary (rising with agitation). Nothing,--nothing; but climbing
+these stupid rocks has made me giddy: that's all. Your arm. (To SANDY
+impatiently). Can't you give me your arm? (SANDY supports MISS MARY
+awkwardly toward schoolhouse. At door MISS MARY pauses.) But if
+reformation is so easy, so acceptable, why have you not profited by
+it? Why have you not reformed? Why have I found you here, a disgraced,
+dissipated, anonymous outcast, whom an honest girl dare not know? Why do
+you presume to preach to me? Have you a father?
+
+Sandy. Hush, Miss Mary, hush! I had a father. Harkin. All that you have
+suffered from a kinship even so far removed, I have known from the hands
+of one who should have protected me. MY father was--but no matter. You,
+Miss Mary, came out of your trials like gold from the washing. I was
+only the dirt and gravel to be thrown away. It is too late, Miss Mary,
+too late. My father has never sought me, would turn me from his doors
+had I sought him. Perhaps he is only right.
+
+Miss Mary. But why should he be so different from others? Listen. This
+very cousin whose offer I refused had a son,--wild, wayward, by all
+report the most degraded of men. It was part of my cousin's reformation
+to save this son, and, if it were possible, snatch him from that
+terrible fate which seemed to be his only inheritance.
+
+Sandy (eagerly). Yes, miss.
+
+Miss Mary. To restore him to a regenerated home. With this idea he
+followed his prodigal to California. I, you understand, was only an
+after-thought consequent upon his success. He came to California upon
+this pilgrimage two years ago. He had no recollection, so they tell me,
+by which he could recognize this erring son; and at first his search
+was wild, profitless, and almost hopeless. But by degrees, and with
+a persistency that seemed to increase with his hopelessness, he was
+rewarded by finding some clew to him at--at--at--
+
+Sandy (excitedly). At Poker Flat?
+
+Miss Mary. Ah, perhaps you know the story,--at Poker Flat. He traced him
+to the Mission of San Carmel.
+
+Sandy. Yes, miss: go on.
+
+Miss Mary. He was more successful than he deserved, perhaps. He found
+him. I see you know the story.
+
+Sandy. Found him! Found him! Miss, did you say found him?
+
+Miss Mary. Yes, found him. And today Alexander Morton, the reclaimed
+prodigal, is part of the household I am invited to join. So you see, Mr.
+Sandy, there is still hope. What has happened to him is only a promise
+to you. Eh! Mr. Sandy--what is the matter? Are you ill? Your exertion
+this morning, perhaps. Speak to me! Gracious heavens, he is going mad!
+No! No! Yes--it cannot be--it is--he HAS broken his promise: he is drunk
+again.
+
+Sandy (rising, excited and confused). Excuse me, miss, I am a little
+onsartain HERE (pointing to his head). I can't--I disremember--what you
+said jus' now: ye mentioned the name o' that prodigal that was found.
+
+Miss Mary. Certainly: compose yourself,--my cousin's son, Alexander
+Morton. Listen, Sandy, you promised ME, you know, you said for MY sake
+you would not touch a drop. (Enter cautiously toward schoolhouse the
+DUCHESS, stops on observing SANDY, and hides behind rock.)
+
+Sandy (still bewildered and incoherent). I reckon. Harkin, miss, is that
+thar thing (pointing towards rock where DUCHESS is concealed)--is that a
+tree, or--or--a woman? Is it sorter movin' this way?
+
+Miss Mary (laying her hand on SANDY'S). Recover your senses, for
+Heaven's sake, Sandy,--for MY sake! It is only a tree.
+
+Sandy (rising). Then, miss, I've broke my word with ye: I'm drunk.
+P'r'aps I'd better be a-goin' (looking round confusedly) till I'm sober.
+(Going toward L.)
+
+Miss Mary (seizing his hand). But you'll see me again, Sandy: you'll
+come here--before--before--I go?
+
+Sandy. Yes, miss,--before ye go. (Staggers stupidly toward L. Aside.)
+Found him! found Alexander Morton! It's a third time, Sandy, the third
+time: it means--it means--you're mad! (Laughs wildly, and exit L.)
+
+Miss Mary (springing to her feet). There is a mystery behind all this,
+Mary Morris, that you--you--must discover. That man was NOT drunk: he
+HAD NOT broken his promise to me. What does it all mean? I have it.
+I will accept the offer of this Alexander Morton. I will tell him the
+story of this helpless man, this poor, poor, reckless Sandy. With the
+story of his own son before his eyes, he cannot but interest himself in
+his fate. He is rich: he will aid me in my search for Sandy's father,
+for Sandy's secret. At the worst, I can only follow the advice of this
+wretched man,--an advice so generous, so kind, so self-sacrificing. Ah--
+
+
+SCENE 4.--The same. Enter the DUCHESS, showily and extravagantly
+dressed. Her manner at first is a mixture of alternate shyness and
+bravado.
+
+The Duchess. I heerd tell that you was goin' down to 'Frisco to-morrow,
+for your vacation; and I couldn't let ye go till I came to thank ye for
+your kindness to my boy,--little Tommy.
+
+Miss Mary (aside. Rising abstractedly, and recalling herself with an
+effort). I see,--a poor outcast, the mother of my anonymous pupil.
+(Aloud.) Tommy! a good boy,--a dear, good little boy.
+
+Duchess. Thankee, miss, thankee. If I am his mother, thar ain't a
+sweeter, dearer, better boy lives than him. And, if I ain't much as
+says it, thar ain't a sweeter, dearer, angeler teacher than he's got. It
+ain't for you to be complimented by me, miss; it ain't for such as me
+to be comin' here in broad day to do it, either; but I come to ask a
+favor,--not for me, miss, but for the darling boy.
+
+Miss Mary (aside--abstractedly). This poor, degraded creature will kill
+me with her wearying gratitude. Sandy will not return, of course, while
+she is here. (Aloud.) Go on. If I can help you or yours, be assured I
+will.
+
+The Duchess. Thankee, miss. You see, thar's no one the boy has any claim
+on but me, and I ain't the proper person to bring him up. I did allow to
+send him to 'Frisco, last year; but when I heerd talk that a schoolma'am
+was comin' up, and you did, and he sorter tuk to ye natril from the
+first, I guess I did well to keep him yer. For, oh, miss, he loves ye
+so much; and, if you could hear him talk in his purty way, ye wouldn't
+refuse him anything.
+
+Miss Mary (with fatigued politeness, and increasing impatience). I see,
+I see: pray go on.
+
+The Duchess (with quiet persistency). It's natril he should take to ye,
+miss; for his father, when I first knowed him, miss, was a gentleman
+like yourself; and the boy must forget me sooner or later--and I ain't
+goin' to cry about THAT.
+
+Miss Mary (impatiently). Pray tell me how I can serve you.
+
+The Duchess. Yes, miss; you see, I came to ask you to take my
+Tommy,--God bless him for the sweetest, bestest boy that lives!--to take
+him with you. I've money plenty; and it's all yours and his. Put him
+in some good school, whar ye kin go and see, and sorter help him
+to--forget---his mother. Do with him what you like. The worst you can
+do will be kindness to what he would learn with me. You will: I know you
+will; won't you? You will make him as pure and as good as yourself; and
+when he has grown up, and is a gentleman, you will tell him his father's
+name,--the name that hasn't passed my lips for years,--the name of
+Alexander Morton.
+
+Miss Mary (aside). Alexander Morton! The prodigal! Ah, I see,--the
+ungathered husks of his idle harvest.
+
+The Duchess. You hesitate, Miss Mary. (Seizing her.) Do not take your
+hand away. You are smiling. God bless you! I know you will take my boy.
+Speak to me, Miss Mary.
+
+Miss Mary (aloud). I will take your child. More than that, I will take
+him to his father.
+
+The Duchess. No, no! for God's sake, no, Miss Mary! He has never seen
+him from his birth: he does not know him. He will disown him. He will
+curse him,--will curse me!
+
+Miss Mary. Why should he? Surely his crime is worse than yours.
+
+The Duchess. Hear me, Miss Mary. (Aside.) How can I tell her? (Aloud.)
+One moment, miss. I was once--ye may not believe it, miss--as good, as
+pure, as you. I had a husband, the father of this child. He was
+kind, good, easy, forgiving,--too good for me, miss, too simple and
+unsuspecting. He was what the world calls a fool, miss: he loved me too
+well,--the kind o' crime, miss,--beggin' your pardon, and all precepts
+to the contrairy,--the one thing that women like me never forgives. He
+had a pardner, miss, that governed him as HE never governed me;
+that held him with the stronger will, and maybe ME too. I was young,
+miss,--no older than yourself then; and I ran away with him,--left all,
+and ran away with my husband's pardner. My husband--nat'rally--took
+to drink. I axes your pardin', miss; but ye'll see now, allowin' your
+larnin', that Alexander Morton ain't the man as will take my child.
+
+Miss Mary. Nonsense. You are wrong. He has reformed; he has been
+restored to his home,--your child's home, your home if you will but
+claim it. Do not fear: I will make that right.
+
+Enter SANDY slowly and sheepishly, R.; stops on observing the Duchess,
+and stands amazed and motionless.
+
+Miss Mary (observing SANDY--aside). He HAS returned. Poor fellow! How
+shall I get rid of this woman? (Aloud.) Enough. If you are sincere, I
+will take your child, and, God help me! bring him to his home and yours.
+Are you satisfied?
+
+The Duchess. Thank ye! Thank ye, miss; but--but thar's a mistake
+somewhar. In course--it's natural--ye don't know the father of that
+child, my boy Tommy, under the name o' Alexander Morton. Ye're thinking,
+like as not, of another man. The man I mean lives yer, in this camp:
+they calls him Sandy, miss,--SANDY!
+
+Miss Mary (after a pause, coming forward passionately). Hush! I have
+given you my answer, be it Alexander Morton or Sandy. Go now: bring me
+the child this evening at my house. I will meet you there. (Leads the
+DUCHESS to wing. The DUCHESS endeavors to fall at her feet.)
+
+The Duchess. God bless you, miss!
+
+Miss Mary (hurriedly embracing her). No more, no more--but go!
+
+[Exit DUCHESS. MISS MARY returns hurriedly to centre, confronting SANDY.
+
+Miss Mary (to SANDY, hurriedly and excitedly). You have heard what that
+woman said. I do not ask you under what alias you are known here: I
+only ask a single question.--Is SHE your wife? are you the father of her
+child?
+
+Sandy (sinking upon his knees before her, and covering his face with his
+hands). I am!
+
+Miss Mary. Enough! (Taking flower from her bosom.) Here, I give you back
+the flower you gave me this morning. It has faded and died here upon my
+breast. But I shall replace it with your foundling,--the child of that
+woman, born like that flower in the snow! And I go now, Sandy, and leave
+behind me, as you said this morning, the snow and rocks in which it
+bloomed. Good-by! Farewell, farewell--forever! (Goes toward schoolhouse
+as--)
+
+Enter COL. STARBOTTLE.
+
+Miss Mary (to STARBOTTLE). You are here in season, sir. You must have
+come for an answer to your question. You must first give me one to mine.
+Who is this man (pointing to SANDY), the man you met upon the rocks this
+morning?
+
+Col. Starbottle. Ahem! I am--er--now fully prepared and responsible, I
+may say, miss--er--personally responsible, to answer that question. When
+you asked it this morning, the ordinary courtesy of the--er--code of
+honor threw a--er--cloak around the--er--antecedents of the--er--man
+whom I had--er--elected by a demand for personal satisfaction, to the
+equality of myself, an--er--gentleman! That--er--cloak is now removed. I
+have waited six hours for an apology or a--er--reply to my demand. I am
+now free to confess that the--er--person you allude to was first known
+by me, three months ago, as an inebriated menial,--a groom in the
+household of my friend Don Jose Castro,--by the--er--simple name of
+"Diego."
+
+Miss Mary (slowly). I am satisfied. I accept my cousin's invitation.
+
+[Exit slowly, supported by COL. STARBOTTLE, R.
+
+As STARBOTTLE and MISS MARY exeunt R., CONCHO and HOP SING enter
+cautiously, L. SANDY slowly rises to his feet, passes his hand across
+his forehead, looks around toward exit of STARBOTTLE and MISS MARY.
+
+Sandy (slowly, but with more calmness of demeanor). Gone, gone--forever!
+No: I am not mad, nor crazed with drink. My hands no longer tremble.
+There is no confusion here. (Feeling his forehead). I heard them all. It
+was no dream. I heard her every word. Alexander Morton, yes, they
+spoke of Alexander Morton. She is going to him, to my father. She is
+going--she, Mary, my cousin--she is going to my father. He has been
+seeking me--has found--ah! (Groans.) No, no, Sandy! Be patient, be calm:
+you are not crazy--no, no, good Sandy, good old boy! Be patient, be
+patient: it is coming, it is coming. Yes, I see: some one has leaped
+into my place; some one has leaped into the old man's arms. Some one
+will creep into HER heart! No! by God! No! I am Alexander Morton. Yes,
+yes! But how, how shall I prove it?--how? Who (CONCHO steps cautiously
+forward towards SANDY unobserved) will believe the vagabond, the
+outcast--my God!--the crazy drunkard?
+
+Concho (advancing, and laying his hand on SANDY). I will!
+
+Sandy (staggering back amazedly). You!
+
+Concho. Yes,--I, I,--Concho! You know me, Diego, you know me,--Concho,
+the major-domo of the Blessed Innocents. Ha! You know me now. Yes, I
+have come to save you. I have come to make you strong. So--I have come
+to help you strip the Judas that has stepped into your place,--the sham
+prodigal that has had the fatted calf and the ring,--ah! ah!
+
+Sandy. You? You do not know me!
+
+Concho. Ah! you think, you think, eh? Listen: Since you left I have
+tracked HIM--THE IMPOSTOR, this Judas, this coyote--step by step, until
+his tracks crossed yours; and then I sought you out. I know all. I found
+a letter you had dropped; that brought me to Poker Flat. Ah, you start!
+I have seen those who knew you as Alexander Morton. You see! Ah, I am
+wise.
+
+Sandy (aside). It is true. (Aloud.) But (suspiciously) why have you done
+this? You, Concho?--you were not my friend.
+
+Concho. No, but HE is my enemy. Ah, you start! Look at me, Alexander
+Morton, Sandy, Diego! You knew a man, strong, active, like yourself.
+Eh! Look at me now! Look at me, a cripple! Eh! lame and crushed here
+(pointing to his leg), broken and crushed here (pointing to his heart),
+by him,--the impostor! Listen, Diego. The night I was sent to track you
+from the rancho, he--this man--struck me from the wall, dashed me to the
+earth, and made MY BODY, broken and bruised, a stepping-stone to leap
+the wall into your place, Diego,--into your father's heart,--into my
+master's home. They found me dead, they thought,--no, not dead, Diego!
+It was sad, they said,--unfortunate. They nursed me; they talked
+of money--eh, Diego!--money! They would have pensioned me to hush
+scandal--eh! I was a dog, a foreigner, a Greaser! Eh! That is why I am
+here. No! I love you not, Diego; you are of his race; but I hate--Mother
+of God!--I HATE him!
+
+Sandy (rising to his feet, aside). Good! I begin to feel my courage
+return: my nerves are stronger. Courage, Sandy! (Aloud.) Be it
+so, Concho: there is my hand! We will help each other,--you to my
+birthright, I to your revenge! Hark ye! (SANDY'S manner becomes more
+calm and serious.) This impostor is NO craven, NO coyote. Whoever he is,
+he must be strong. He has most plausible evidences. We must have rigid
+proofs. I will go with you to Poker Flat. There is one man, if he be
+living, knows me better than any man who lives. He has done me wrong,--a
+great wrong, Concho,--but I will forgive him. I will do more,--I will
+ask his forgiveness. He will be a witness no man dare gainsay--my
+partner--God help him and forgive him as I do!--John Oakhurst.
+
+Concho. Oakhurst your partner!
+
+Sandy (angrily). Yes. Look ye, Concho, he has wronged me in a private
+way: that is MY business, not YOURS; but he was MY partner, no one shall
+abuse him before me.
+
+Concho. Be it so. Then sink here! Rot here! Go back to your husks, O
+prodigal! wallow in the ditches of this camp, and see your birthright
+sold for a dram of aguardiente! Lie here, dog and coyote that you are,
+with your mistress under the protection of your destroyer! For I tell
+you--I, Concho, the cripple--that the man who struck me down, the man
+who stepped into your birthright, the man who to-morrow welcomes your
+sweetheart in his arms, who holds the custody of your child, is your
+partner,--John Oakhurst.
+
+Sandy (who has been sinking under CONCHO'S words, rising convulsively to
+his feet). God be merciful to me a sinner! (Faints.)
+
+Concho (standing over his prostrate body exultingly). I am right. You
+are wise, Concho, you are wise! You have found Alexander Morton!
+
+Hop Sing (advancing slowly to SANDY'S side, and extending open palm).
+Me washee shirt flo you, flowty dozen hab. You no payee me. Me wantee
+twenty dollar hep. Sabe!
+
+Curtain.
+
+END OF ACT II.
+
+
+
+
+ACT III.
+
+
+SCENE 1.--The bank parlor of Morton & Son, San Francisco. Room richly
+furnished; two square library desks, left and right. At right, safe in
+wall; at left, same with practicable doors. Folding door in flat C.,
+leading to counting-room. Door in left to private room of ALEXANDER
+MORTON, sen.; door in right to private room of MORTON, jun. ALEXANDER
+MORTON, sen., discovered at desk R., opening and reading letters.
+
+Morton, sen. (laying down letter). Well, well, the usual story; letters
+from all sorts of people, who have done or intend to do all sorts of
+things for my reclaimed prodigal. (Reads.) "Dear Sir: five years ago
+I loaned some money to a stranger who answers the description of your
+recovered son. He will remember Jim Parker,--Limping Jim, of Poker Flat.
+Being at present short of funds, please send twenty dollars, amount
+loaned, by return mail. If not convenient, five dollars will do as
+instalment." Pshaw! (Throws letter aside, and takes up another.) "Dear
+Sir: I invite your attention to enclosed circular for a proposed Home
+for Dissipated and Anonymous Gold-Miners. Your well-known reputation for
+liberality, and your late valuable experience in the reformation of your
+son, will naturally enlist your broadest sympathies. We enclose a draft
+for five thousand dollars, for your signature." We shall see! Another:
+"Dear Sir: the Society for the Formation of Bible Classes in the Upper
+Stanislaus acknowledge your recent munificent gift of five hundred
+dollars to the cause. Last Sabbath Brother Hawkins of Poker Flat related
+with touching effect the story of your prodigal to an assemblage of over
+two hundred miners. Owing to unusual expenses, we regret to be compelled
+to draw upon you for five hundred dollars more." So! (Putting down
+letter.) If we were given to pride and vainglory, we might well be
+puffed up with the fame of our works and the contagion of our example:
+yet I fear that, with the worldly-minded, this praise of charity to
+others is only the prayerful expectation of some personal application to
+the praiser. (Rings hand-bell.)
+
+Enter JACKSON.
+
+(To JACKSON.) File these letters (handing letters) with the others.
+There is no answer. Has young Mr. Alexander come in yet?
+
+Jackson. He only left here an hour ago. It was steamer day yesterday: he
+was up all night, sir.
+
+Old Morton (aside). True. And the night before he travelled all night,
+riding two hours ahead of one of our defaulting agents, and saved the
+bank a hundred thousand dollars. Certainly his devotion to business is
+unremitting. (Aloud.) Any news from Col. Starbottle?
+
+Jackson. He left this note, sir, early this morning.
+
+Old Morton (takes it, and reads). "I think I may say, on my own personal
+responsibility, that the mission is successful. Miss Morris will arrive
+to-night with a female attendant and child." (To JACKSON.) That is all,
+sir. Stop! Has any one been smoking here?
+
+Jackson. Not to my knowledge, sir.
+
+Old Morton. There was a flavor of stale tobacco smoke in the room this
+morning when I entered, and ashes on the carpet. I KNOW that young Mr.
+Alexander has abandoned the pernicious habit. See that it does not occur
+again.
+
+Jackson. Yes, sir. (Aside.) I must warn Mr. Alexander that his friends
+must be more careful; and yet those ashes were good for a deposit of
+fifty thousand.
+
+Old Morton. Is any one waiting?
+
+Jackson. Yes, sir,--Don Jose Castro and Mr. Capper.
+
+Old Morton. Show in the Don: the policeman can wait.
+
+Jackson. Yes, sir. [Exit.
+
+Old Morton (taking up STARBOTTLE'S note). "Miss Morris will arrive
+to-night." And yet he saw her only yesterday. This is not like her
+mother: no. She would never have forgiven and forgotten so quickly.
+Perhaps she knew not my sin and her mother's wrongs; perhaps she
+has--has--CHRISTIAN forgiveness (sarcastically); perhaps, like my
+prodigal, she will be immaculately perfect. Well, well: at least her
+presence will make my home less lonely. "An attendant and child." A
+child! Ah, if HE, my boy, my Alexander, were still a child, I might warm
+this cold, cold heart in his sunshine! Strange that I cannot reconstruct
+from this dutiful, submissive, obedient, industrious Alexander,--this
+redeemed outcast, this son who shares my life, my fortunes, my
+heart,--the foolish, wilful, thoughtless, idle boy, that once defied me.
+I remember (musing, with a smile) how the little rascal, ha, ha! once
+struck me,--STRUCK ME!--when I corrected him: ha, ha! (Rubbing his hands
+with amusement, and then suddenly becoming grave and lugubrious.) No,
+no. These are the whisperings of the flesh. Why should I find fault with
+him for being all that a righteous conversion demands,--all that I asked
+and prayed for? No, Alexander Morton: it is you, YOU, who are not yet
+regenerate. It is YOU who are ungrateful to Him who blessed you, to Him
+whose guiding hand led you to--
+
+Enter JACKSON.
+
+Jackson. Don Jose Castro.
+
+Enter DON JOSE.
+
+Don Jose. A thousand pardons, senor, for interrupting you in the hours
+of business; but it is--it is of business I would speak. (Looking
+around.)
+
+Old Morton (to JACKSON). You can retire. (Exit JACKSON.) Be seated, Mr.
+Castro: I am at your service.
+
+Don Jose. It is of your--your son--
+
+Old Morton. Our firm is Morton & Son: in business we are one, Mr.
+Castro.
+
+Don Jose. Bueno! Then to you as to him I will speak. Here is a letter
+I received yesterday. It has significance, importance perhaps. But,
+whatever it is, it is something for you, not me, to know. If I am
+wronged much, Don Alexandro, you, you, are wronged still more. Shall
+I read it? Good. (Reads.) "The man to whom you have affianced your
+daughter is not the son of Alexander Morton. Have a care. If I do not
+prove him an impostor at the end of six days, believe me one, and not
+your true friend and servant, Concho." In six days, Don Alexandro, the
+year of probation is over, and I have promised my daughter's hand to
+your son. (Hands letter to MORTON.)
+
+Old Morton (ringing bell). Is that all, Mr. Castro?
+
+Don Jose. All, Mr. Castro? Carramba! is it not enough?
+
+Enter JACKSON.
+
+Old Morton (to JACKSON). You have kept a record of this business during
+the last eighteen months. Look at this letter. (Handing letter.) Is the
+handwriting familiar?
+
+Jackson (taking letter). Can't say, sir. The form is the old one.
+
+Old Morton. How many such letters have you received?
+
+Jackson. Four hundred and forty-one, sir. This is the four hundred and
+forty-second application for your son's position, sir.
+
+Don Jose. Pardon. This is not an application: it is only information or
+caution.
+
+Old Morton (to JACKSON). How many letters of information or caution have
+we received?
+
+Jackson. This makes seven hundred and eighty-one, sir.
+
+Old Morton. How, sir! (Quickly.) There were but seven hundred and
+seventy-nine last night.
+
+Jackson. Beg pardon, sir! The gentleman who carried Mr. Alexander's
+valise from the boat was the seven hundred and eightieth.
+
+Old Morton. Explain yourself, sir.
+
+Jackson. He imparted to me, while receiving his stipend, the fact that
+he did not believe young Mr. Alexander was your son. An hour later,
+sir, he also imparted to me confidentially that he believed you were his
+father, and requested the loan of five dollars, to be repaid by you,
+to enable him to purchase a clean shirt, and appear before you in
+respectable condition. He waited for you an hour, and expressed some
+indignation that he had not an equal show with others to throw himself
+into your arms.
+
+Don Jose (rising, aside, and uplifting his hands). Carramba! These
+Americanos are of the Devil! (Aloud.) Enough, Don Alexandro! Then you
+think this letter is only worth--
+
+Old Morton. One moment. I can perhaps tell you exactly its market value.
+(To JACKSON.) Go on, sir.
+
+Jackson. At half-past ten, sir, then being slightly under the influence
+of liquor, he accepted the price of a deck passage to Stockton.
+
+Old Morton. How much was that, sir?
+
+Jackson. Fifty cents.
+
+Old Morton. Exactly so! There you have, sir (to DON JOSE), the market
+value of the information you have received. I would advise you, as a
+business matter, not to pay more. As a business matter, you can at any
+time draw upon us for the amount. (To JACKSON.) Admit Mr. Capper. [Exit
+JACKSON.
+
+Don Jose (rising with dignity). This is an insult, Don Alexandro.
+
+Old Morton. You are wrong, Mr. Castro: it is BUSINESS; sought, I
+believe, by yourself. Now that it is transacted, I beg you to dine with
+me to-morrow to meet my niece. No offence, sir, no offence. Come, come!
+Business, you know, business.
+
+Don Jose (relaxing). Be it so! I will come. (Aside.) These Americanos,
+these Americanos, are of the Devil! (Aloud.) Adios. (Going.) I hear,
+by report, that you have met with the misfortune of a serious loss by
+robbery?
+
+Old Morton (aside). So our mishap is known everywhere. (Aloud.) No
+serious misfortune, Mr. Castro, even if we do not recover the money.
+Adios.
+
+[Exit Don Jose.
+
+Old Morton. The stiff-necked Papist! That he should dare, for the sake
+of his black-browed, froward daughter, to--question the faith on which
+I have pinned my future! Well, with God's blessing, I gave him some
+wholesome discipline. If it were not for my covenant with Alexander--and
+nobly he has fulfilled his part,--I should forbid his alliance with the
+blood of this spying Jesuit.
+
+Enter Mr. JACKSON, leading in CAPPER.
+
+Jackson. Policeman, sir. [Exit.
+
+Capper (turning sharply). Who's that man?
+
+Old Morton. Jackson, clerk.
+
+Capper. Umph! Been here long?
+
+Old Morton. A year. He was appointed by my son.
+
+Capper. Know anything of his previous life?
+
+Old Morton (stiffly). I have already told you he is an appointee of my
+son's.
+
+Capper. Yes! (Aside.) "Like master, like man." (Aloud.) Well,
+to business. We have worked up the robbery. We have reached two
+conclusions,--one, that the work was not done by professionals; the
+other, consequent upon this, that you can't recover the money.
+
+Old Morton. Excuse me, sir, but I do not see the last conclusion.
+
+Capper. Then listen. The professional thief has only one or two ways of
+disposing of his plunder, and these ways are always well known to us.
+Good! Your stolen coin has not been disposed of in the regular way,
+through the usual hands which we could at any time seize. Of this we are
+satisfied.
+
+Old Morton. How do you know it?
+
+Capper. In this way. The only clew we have to the identification of the
+missing money were two boxes of Mexican doubloons.
+
+Old Morton (aside). Mr. Castro's special deposit! He may have reason for
+his interest. (Aloud.) Go on.
+
+Capper. It is a coin rare in circulation in the interior. The night
+after the robbery, the dealer of a monte-table in Sacramento paid out
+five thousand dollars in doubloons. He declared it was taken in at the
+table, and could not identify the players. Of course, OF COURSE! So far,
+you see, you are helpless. We have only established one fact, that the
+robber is--is--(significantly) a gambler.
+
+Old Morton (quietly). The regular trade of the thief seems to me to be
+of little importance if you cannot identify him, or recover my money.
+But go on, sir, go on: or is this all?
+
+Capper (aside). The old fool is blind. That is natural. (Aloud.) It is
+not all. The crime will doubtless be repeated. The man who has access
+to your vaults, who has taken only thirty thousand dollars when he could
+have secured half a million,--this man, who has already gambled that
+thirty thousand away,--will not stop there. He will in a day or two,
+perhaps to-day, try to retrieve his losses out of YOUR capital. I am
+here to prevent it.
+
+Old Morton (becoming interested). How?
+
+Capper. Give me, for forty-eight hours, free access to this building.
+Let me conceal myself somewhere, anywhere, within these walls. Let it be
+without the knowledge of your clerks, even of YOUR SON!
+
+Old Morton (proudly). Mr. Alexander Morton is absent to-day. There is
+no other reason why he should not be here to consent to the acts of his
+partner and father.
+
+Capper (quickly). Very good. It is only to insure absolute secrecy.
+
+Old Morton (aside). Another robbery might excite a suspicion, worse
+for our credit than our actual loss. There is a significant earnestness
+about this man, that awakens my fears. If Alexander were only here.
+(Aloud.) I accept. (CAPPER has been trying doors R. and L.)
+
+Capper. What room is this? (At R.)
+
+Old Morton. My son's: I would prefer--
+
+Capper. And this? (At L.)
+
+Old Morton. Mine, sir; if you choose--
+
+Capper (locking door, and putting key in his pocket). This will do.
+Oblige me by making the necessary arrangements in your counting-room.
+
+Old Morton (hesitating and aside). He is right: perhaps it is only
+prudence, and I am saving Alexander additional care and annoyance.
+[Exit.
+
+Enter MR. SHADOW cautiously, C.
+
+Shadow (in a lisping whisper to CAPPER). I've got the litht of the
+clerkth complete.
+
+Capper (triumphantly). Put it in your pocket, Shadow. We don't care for
+the lackeys now: we are after the master.
+
+Shadow. Eh! the mathter?
+
+Capper. Yes: the master,--the young master, the reclaimed son, the
+reformed prodigal! ha, ha!--the young man who compensates himself for
+all this austere devotion to business and principle by dipping into
+the old man's vaults when he wants a pasear: eh, Shadow? That's the
+man we're after. Look here! I never took any stock in that young man's
+reformation. Ye don't teach old sports like him new tricks. They're a
+bad lot, father and son,--eh, Shadow?--and he's a chip of the old block.
+I spotted him before this robbery, before we were ever called in
+here professionally. I've had my eye on Alexander Morton, alias John
+Oakhurst; and, when I found the old man's doubloons raked over a
+monte-table at Sacramento, I knew where to look for the thief. Eh,
+Shadow?
+
+Shadow (aside). He ith enormouth, thith Mithter Capper.
+
+Enter OLD MORTON.
+
+Old Morton. I have arranged everything. You will not be disturbed or
+suspected here in my private office. Eh! (Looking at SHADOW.) Who has
+slipped in here?
+
+Capper. Only my Shadow, Mr. Morton; but I can rid myself even of that.
+(Crosses to SHADOW.) Take this card to the office, and wait for further
+orders. Vanish, Shadow! [Exit SHADOW.
+
+Enter JACKSON.
+
+Jackson. Mr. Alexander has come in, sir. (OLD MORTON and CAPPER start.)
+
+Old Morton. Where is he?
+
+Jackson. In his private room, sir.
+
+Old Morton. Enough: you can go.
+
+[Exit JACKSON.
+
+Capper (crossing to MORTON). Remember, you have given your pledge of
+secrecy. Beware! Your honor, your property, the credit and reputation of
+your bank, are at stake.
+
+Old Morton (after a pause of hesitation, with dignity). I gave you
+my word, sir, while my son was not present. I shall save myself
+from breaking my word with you, or concealing anything from him, by
+withdrawing myself. For the next twenty-four hours, this room (pointing
+to private room R.) is yours.
+
+Each regards the other. Exit OLD MORTON C., as CAPPER exit in private
+room R. After a pause, door of room L. opens, and HARRY YORK appears,
+slightly intoxicated, followed by JOHN OAKHURST.
+
+Harry York (looking around). By Jove! Morton, but you've got things in
+style here. And this yer's the gov'nor's desk; and here old Praise
+god Barebones sits opposite ye. Look yer, old boy (throwing himself in
+chair), I kin allow how it comes easy for ye to run this bank, for it's
+about as exciting, these times, as faro was to ye in '49, when I first
+knew ye as Jack Oakhurst; but how the Devil you can sit opposite that
+stiff embodiment of all the Ten Commandments, day by day, damn it!
+that's wot GETS me! Why, the first day I came here on business, the
+old man froze me so that I couldn't thaw a deposit out of my pocket. It
+chills me to think of it.
+
+Oakhurst (hastily). I suppose I am accustomed to him. But come, Harry:
+let me warm you. (Opens door of safe L., and discovers cupboard,
+decanter, and glasses.)
+
+York (laughing). By Jove! under the old man's very nose. Jack, this is
+like you. (Takes a drink.) Well, old boy, this is like old times. But
+you don't drink?
+
+Oakhurst. No, nor smoke. The fact is, Harry, I've taken a year's pledge.
+I've six days still to run; after that (gloomily), why (with a reckless
+laugh), I shall be Jack Oakhurst again.
+
+York. Lord! to think of your turning out to be anybody's son,
+Jack!--least of all, HIS! (Pointing to chair.)
+
+Oakhurst (laughing recklessly). Not more strange than that I should find
+Harry York, the spendthrift of Poker Flat, the rich and respected Mr.
+York, produce merchant of San Francisco.
+
+York. Yes; but, my boy, you see I didn't strike it--in a rich father. I
+gave up gambling, married, and settled down, saved my money, invested a
+little here and there, and--worked for it, Jack, damn me,--worked for it
+like a damned horse!
+
+Oakhurst (aside). True, this is not work.
+
+York. But that ain't my business with ye now, old boy: it's this. You've
+had some trials and troubles in the bank lately,--a defalcation of
+agents one day, a robbery next. It's luck, my boy, luck! but ye know
+people will talk. You don't mind my sayin' that there's rumors 'round.
+The old man's mighty unpopular because he's a saint; and folks don't
+entirely fancy you because you used to be the reverse. Well, Jack, it
+amounts to 'bout this: I've withdrawn my account from Parkinson's, in
+Sacramento, and I've got a pretty heavy balance on hand--nigh on two
+hundred thousand--in bonds and certificates here; and if it will help
+you over the rough places, old boy, as a deposit, yer it is (drawing
+pocket-book.)
+
+Oakhurst (greatly affected, but endeavoring to conceal it). Thank you,
+Harry, old fellow--but--
+
+York (quickly). I know: I'll take the risk, a business risk. You'll
+stand by me all you can, old boy; you'll make it pay all you can; and if
+you lose it--why--all right!
+
+Oakhurst (embarrassed). As a deposit with Morton & Son, drawing two per
+cent monthly interest--
+
+York. Damn Morton & Son! I'll back it with Jack Oakhurst, the man I
+know.
+
+Oakhurst (advancing slowly). I'll take it, Harry.
+
+York (extending his hand). It's a square game, Jack!
+
+Oakhurst (seizing his hand with repressed emotion). It's a square game,
+Harry York, if I live.
+
+York. Then I'll travel. Good-night, old boy. I'll send my clerk around
+in the morning to put things right. Good-night (going).
+
+Oakhurst (grasping YORK'S hand). One moment--no--nothing! Good-night.
+[Exit YORK.
+
+OAKHURST follows him to door, and then returns to desk, throwing himself
+in chair, and burying his face in his hands.
+
+Oakhurst (with deep feeling). It needed but this to fill the measure of
+my degradation. I have borne the suspicions of the old man's enemies,
+the half-pitying, half-contemptuous sympathy of his friends, even his
+own cold, heartless, fanatical fulfilment of his sense of duty; but
+THIS--this confidence from one who had most reason to scorn me, this
+trust from one who knew me as I WAS,--this is the hardest burden. And
+he, too, in time will know me to be an impostor. He too--a reformed man;
+but he has honorably retraced his steps, and won the position I hold
+by a trick, an imposture. And what is all my labor beside his honest
+sincerity? I have fought against the chances that might discover my
+deception, against the enemies who would overthrow me, against the
+fate that put me here; and I have been successful--yes, a successful
+impostor! I have even fought against the human instinct that told this
+fierce, foolish old man that I was an alien to his house, to his blood;
+I have even felt him scan my face eagerly for some reflection of his
+long-lost boy, for some realization of his dream; and I have seen him
+turn away, cold, heartsick, and despairing. What matters that I have
+been to him devoted, untiring, submissive, ay, a better son to him than
+his own weak flesh and blood would have been? He would to-morrow cast
+me forth to welcome the outcast, Sandy Morton. Well, what matters?
+(Recklessly.) Nothing. In six days it will be over; in six days the year
+of my probation will have passed; in six days I will disclose to him the
+deceit I have practised, and will face the world again as John Oakhurst,
+the gambler, who staked and lost ALL on a single cast. And Jovita! Well,
+well!--the game is made: it is too late to draw out now. (Rings bell.
+Enter JACKSON.) Who has been here?
+
+Jackson. Only Don Jose, and Mr. Capper, the detective.
+
+Oakhurst. The detective? What for?
+
+Jackson. To work up the robbery, sir.
+
+Oakhurst. True! Capper, Capper, yes! A man of wild and ridiculous
+theories, but well-meaning, brave, and honest. (Aside.) This is the old
+man's idea. He does not know that I was on the trail of the thieves an
+hour before the police were notified. (Aloud.) Well, sir?
+
+Jackson. He told your father he thought the recovery of the money
+hopeless, but he came to caution us against a second attempt.
+
+Oakhurst (aside, starting). True! I had not thought of that.
+(Excitedly.) The success of their first attempt will incite them to
+another; the money they have stolen is gone by this time. (Aloud.)
+Jackson, I will stay here to-night and to-morrow night, and relieve your
+regular watchman. You will, of course, say nothing of my intention.
+
+Jackson. Yes, sir. (Lingering.)
+
+Oakhurst (after a pause). That is all, Mr. Jackson.
+
+Jackson. Beg your pardon, Mr. Morton; but Col. Starbottle, with two
+ladies, was here half an hour ago, and said they would come again when
+you were alone.
+
+Oakhurst. Very well: admit them.
+
+Jackson. Beg pardon, sir; but they seemed to avoid seeing your father
+until they had seen you. It looked mysterious, and I thought I would
+tell you first.
+
+Oakhurst (laughing). Admit them, Mr. Jackson. (Exit JACKSON.) This
+poor fellow's devotion is increasing. He, too, believes that his old
+associate in dissipation, John Oakhurst, IS the son of Alexander Morton.
+He, too, will have to share in the disgrace of the impostor. Ladies!
+umph! (Looking down at his clothes.) I'm afraid the reform of Alexander
+Morton hasn't improved the usual neatness of John Oakhurst. I haven't
+slept, nor changed my clothes, for three days. (Goes to door of MORTON,
+sen.'s, room.) Locked, and the key on the inside! That's strange.
+Nonsense! the old man has locked his door and gone out through the
+private entrance. Well, I'll find means of making my toilet here. [Exit
+into private room L.
+
+Enter JACKSON, leading in COL. STARBOTTLE, MISS MARY, the DUCHESS, and
+child of three years.
+
+Jackson. Mr. Alexander Morton, jun., is in his private room. He will be
+here in a moment. [Exit JACKSON.
+
+Starbottle. One moment, a single moment, Miss Mary. Permit me to--er--if
+I may so express myself, to--er--group the party, to--er--place
+the--er--present company into position. I have--er--observed as part of
+my--er--legal experience, that in cases of moral illustration a great, I
+may say--er--tremendous, effect on the--er--jury, I mean the--er--guilty
+party, has been produced by the attitude of the--er--victim and martyr.
+You, madam, as the--er--injured wife (placing her), shall stand here,
+firm yet expectant, protecting your child, yet looking hopefully for
+assistance toward its natural protector. You, Miss Mary, shall stand
+here (placing her), as Moral Retribution, leaning toward and slightly
+appealing to me, the image of--er--er--Inflexible Justice! (Inflates his
+chest, puts his hand in his bosom, and strikes an attitude.)
+
+Door of young Morton's room opens, and discloses MR. OAKHURST gazing at
+the group. He starts slightly on observing the DUCHESS, but instantly
+recovers himself, and faces the company coldly. The DUCHESS starts
+on observing OAKHURST, and struggles in confusion towards the door,
+dragging with her the child and MISS MARY, who endeavors to re-assure
+her. COL. STARBOTTLE looks in astonishment from one to the other, and
+advances to front.
+
+Col. Starbottle (aside). The--er--tableau, although striking in moral
+force, is apparently--er--deficient in moral stamina.
+
+Miss Mary (angrily to the DUCHESS). I'm ashamed of you! (To OAKHURST,
+advancing.) I don't ask pardon for my intrusion. If you are Alexander
+Morton, you are my kinsman, and you will know that I cannot introduce
+myself better than as the protector of an injured woman. Come here! (To
+the DUCHESS, dragging her towards OAKHURST. To OAKHURST.) Look upon this
+woman: she claims to be--
+
+Starbottle (stepping between MISS MARY and the DUCHESS). A moment,
+Miss Mary, a single moment! Permit me to--er--explain. The whole thing,
+the--er--situation reminds me, demn me, of most amusing incident at
+Sacramento in '52. Large party at Hank Suedecois: know Hank? Confirmed
+old bach of sixty. Dinner for forty. Everything in style, first
+families, Ged,--Judge Beeswinger, Mat Boompointer, and Maje Blodgett
+of Ahlabam: know old Maje Blodgett? Well, Maje was there. Ged, sir,
+delay,--everybody waiting. I went to Hank. "Hank," I says,
+"what's matter? why delay?"--"Star," he says,--always called me
+Star,--"Star,--it's cook!"--"Demn cook," I says: "discharge
+cook,--only a black mulatto anyway!"--"Can't, Star," he says:
+"impossible!"--"Can't?" says I.--"No," says he. "Listen, Star," he says,
+"family secret! Honor! Can't discharge cook, because cook--demn
+it--'s MY wife!" Fact, sir, fact--showed marriage certificate--married
+privately seven years! Fact, sir--
+
+The Duchess (to MISS MARY). Some other time, miss, let us go now.
+There's a mistake, miss, I can't explain. Some other time, miss! See,
+miss, how cold and stern he looks! another time, miss! (Struggling.) For
+God's sake, miss, let me go!
+
+Miss Mary. No! This mystery must be cleared up now, before I enter HIS
+house,--before I accept the charge of this--
+
+Starbottle (interrupting, and crossing before MISS MARY). A moment--a
+single moment, miss. (To OAKHURST.) Mr. Morton, you will pardon the
+exuberance, and perhaps, under the circumstances, somewhat natural
+impulsiveness, of the--er--sex, for which I am perhaps responsible; I
+may say--er--personally, sir,--personally responsible--
+
+Oakhurst (coldly). Go on, sir.
+
+Starbottle. The lady on my right is--er--the niece of your father,--your
+cousin. The lady on my left, engaged in soothing the--er--bashful
+timidity of infancy, is--er--that is--er--claims to be, the mother of
+the child of Alexander Morton.
+
+Oakhurst (calmly). She is right.
+
+Miss Mary (rushing forward). Then you are--
+
+Oakhurst (gently restraining her). You have another question to ask: you
+hesitate: let me ask it. (Crossing to the DUCHESS.) You have heard my
+answer. Madam, are you the legal wife of Alexander Morton?
+
+The Duchess (sinking upon her knees, and dropping her face in her
+hands). No!
+
+Oakhurst. Enough: I will take the child. Pardon me, Miss Morris, but you
+have heard enough to know that your mission is accomplished, but what
+else passes between this woman and myself becomes no stranger to hear.
+(Motions toward room L.)
+
+Miss Mary (aside). It is HIS son. I am satisfied (going). Come, colonel.
+
+[Exeunt into room L., STARBOTTLE and MISS MARY.
+
+The Duchess (crossing to OAKHURST, and falling at his feet). Forgive me,
+Jack, forgive me! It was no fault of mine. I did not know that you were
+here. I did not know that you had taken his name!
+
+Oakhurst. Hush--on your life!
+
+The Duchess. Hear me, Jack! I was anxious only for a home for my child.
+I came to HER--the schoolmistress of Red Gulch--for aid. I told her the
+name of my boy's father. She--she brought me here. Oh, forgive me, Jack!
+I have offended you!
+
+Oakhurst. How can I believe you? You have deceived HIM. You have
+deceived me. Listen! When I said, a moment ago, you were not the wife
+of Alexander Morton, it was because I knew that your first husband--the
+Australian convict Pritchard--was still living; that you had deceived
+Sandy Morton as you had deceived me. That was why I left you. Tell me,
+have you deceived me also about him, as you did about the other? Is HE
+living, and with you; or dead, as you declared.
+
+The Duchess (aside). He will kill me if I tell him. (Aloud.) No, no. He
+is gone--is dead these three years.
+
+Oakhurst. You swear!
+
+The Duchess (hesitates, gasps, and looks around for her child; then
+seizing it, and drawing it toward her). I--swear.
+
+Oakhurst. Enough. Seek not to know why I am here, and under his name.
+Enough for you that it has saved your child's future, and secured him
+his heritage past all revocation. Yet remember! a word from you within
+the next few days destroys it all. After that, I care not what you say.
+
+The Duchess. Jack! One word, Jack, before I go. I never thought to bring
+my shame to you!--to HIM!
+
+Oakhurst. It was no trick, then, no contrivance, that brought her here.
+No: it was fate. And at least I shall save his child.
+
+Re-enter STARBOTTLE, MISS MARY, and DUCHESS.
+
+Col. Starbottle (impressively). Permit me, Mr. Alexander Morton, as
+the friend of my--er--principal to declare that we have
+received--honorable--honorable--satisfaction. Allow me, sir, to grasp
+the hand, the--er--cherished hand of a gentleman who, demn me! has
+fulfilled all his duties to--er--society and gentlemen. And allow me to
+add, sir, should any invidious criticism of the present--er--settlement
+be uttered in my presence, I shall hold that critic responsible,
+sir--er--personally responsible!
+
+Miss Mary (sweeping truculently and aggressively up to JOHN OAKHURST).
+And permit ME to add, sir, that, if you can see your way clearly out
+of this wretched muddle, it's more than I can. This arrangement may be
+according to the Californian code of morality, but it doesn't accord
+with my Eastern ideas of right and wrong. If this foolish, wretched
+creature chooses to abandon all claim upon you, chooses to run away from
+you,--why, I suppose, as a GENTLEMAN, according to your laws of honor,
+you are absolved. Good-night, Mr. Alexander Morton. (Goes to door C.,
+and exit, pushing out STARBOTTLE, the DUCHESS, and child. MR. OAKHURST
+sinks into chair at desk, burying his face in his hands. Re-enter slowly
+and embarrassedly, MISS MARY: looks toward OAKHURST, and comes slowly
+down stage.)
+
+Miss Mary (aside). I was too hard on him. I was not so hard on Sandy
+when I thought that he--he--was the father of her child. And he's my own
+flesh and blood, too; and--he's crying. (Aloud.) Mr. Morton.
+
+Oakhurst (slowly lifting his head). Yes; Miss Mary.
+
+Miss Mary. I spoke hastily just then. I--I--thought--you
+see--I--(angrily and passionately) I mean this. I'm a stranger. I don't
+understand your Californian ways, and I don't want to. But I believe
+you've done what you thought was right, according to a MAN'S idea of
+right; and--there's my hand. Take it, take it; for it's a novelty, Mr.
+Morton: it's the hand of an honest girl!
+
+Oakhurst (hesitates, then rises, sinks on one knee, and raises MISS
+MARY'S fingers to his lips). God bless you, miss! God bless you!
+
+Miss Mary (retreating to centre door). Good-night, good-night
+(slowly),--cousin--Alexander. [Exit. Dark stage.
+
+Oakhurst (rising swiftly). No, no: it is false! Ah! She's gone. Another
+moment, and I would have told her all. Pshaw! courage, man! It is only
+six days more, and you are free, and this year's shame and agony forever
+ended.
+
+Enter JACKSON.
+
+Jackson. As you ordered, sir, the night watchman has been relieved, and
+has just gone.
+
+Oakhurst. Very good, sir; and you?
+
+Jackson. I relieved the porter, sir; and I shall bunk on two chairs in
+the counting-room. You'll find me handy if you want me, sir. Good-night,
+sir. [Exit C.
+
+Oakhurst. I fear these rascals will not dare to make their second
+attempt to-night. A quiet scrimmage with them, enough to keep me awake
+or from thinking, would be a good fortune. No, no! no such luck for
+you to-night, John Oakhurst! You are playing a losing game.... Yet
+the robbery was a bold one. At eleven o'clock, while the bank was yet
+lighted, and Mr. Jackson and another clerk were at work here, three
+well-dressed men pick the lock of the counting-house door, enter, and
+turn the key on the clerks in this parlor, and carry away a box of
+doubloons not yet placed in the vaults by the porter; and all this done
+so cautiously that the clerks within knew nothing of it until notified
+of the open street door by the private watchman, and so boldly that the
+watchman, seeing them here, believed them clerks of the bank, and let
+them go unmolested. No: this was the coincidence of good luck, not of
+bold premeditation. There will be no second attempt. (Yawns.) If they
+don't come soon I shall fall asleep. Four nights without rest will tell
+on a man, unless he has some excitement to back him. (Nods.) Hallo! What
+was that? Oh! Jackson in the counting-room getting to bed. I'll look at
+that front door myself. (Takes revolver from desk and goes to door C.,
+tries lock, comes down stage with revolver, examines it, and lays it
+down.)
+
+Oakhurst (slowly and quietly.) The door is locked on the outside: that
+may have been an accident. The caps are taken from my pistol: THAT was
+not! Well, here is the vault, and here is John Oakhurst: to reach the
+one, they must pass the other.
+
+(Takes off his coat, seizes poker from grate, and approaches safe.) Ha!
+some one is moving in the old man's room. (Approaches door of room R.
+as--
+
+Enter noiselessly and cautiously from room L., PRITCHARD, SILKY, and
+SOAPY. PRITCHARD and his confederates approach OAKHURST from behind,
+carrying lariat, or slip-noose.
+
+Oakhurst (listening at door R.) Good. At least I know from what quarter
+to expect the attack. Ah!
+
+PRITCHARD throws slip-noose over OAKHURST from behind; OAKHURST puts
+his hand in his breast as the slip-noose is drawn across his bosom,
+pinioning one arm over his breast, and the other at his side. SILKY and
+SOAPY, directed by PRITCHARD, drag OAKHURST to chair facing front, and
+pinion his legs. PRITCHARD, C., regarding him.
+
+Oakhurst (very coolly). You have left me my voice, I suppose, because it
+is useless.
+
+Pritchard. That's so, pard. 'Twon't be no help to ye.
+
+Oakhurst. Then you have killed Jackson.
+
+Pritchard. Lord love ye, no! That ain't like us, pard! Jackson's tendin'
+door for us, and kinder lookin' out gin'rally for the boys. Thar's
+nothin' mean about Jackson.
+
+Soapy. No! Jackson's a squar man. Eh, Silky?
+
+Silky. Ez white a man ez they is, pard!
+
+Oakhurst (aside). The traitor! (Aloud.) Well!
+
+Pritchard. Well, you want ter know our business. Call upon a business
+man in business hours. Our little game is this, Mr. Jack Morton
+Alexander Oakhurst. When we was here the other night, we was wantin'
+a key to that theer lock (pointing to vault), and we sorter dropped in
+passin' to get it.
+
+Oakhurst. And suppose I refuse to give it up?
+
+Pritchard. We were kalkilatin' on yer bein' even that impolite: wasn't
+we, boys?
+
+Silky and Soapy. We was that.
+
+Pritchard. And so we got Mr. Jackson to take an impression of it in wax.
+Oh, he's a squar man--is Mr. Jackson!
+
+Silky. Jackson is a white man, Soapy!
+
+Soapy. They don't make no better men nor Jackson, Silky.
+
+Pritchard. And we've got a duplicate key here. But we don't want any
+differences, pard: we only want a squar game. It seemed to us--some of
+your old pards as knew ye, Jack--that ye had a rather soft thing here,
+reformin'; and we thought ye was kinder throwin' off on the boys, not
+givin' 'em any hand in the game. But thar ain't anythin' mean about us.
+Eh, boys?
+
+Soapy. We is allers ready to chip in ekal in the game. Eh, Silky?
+
+Silky. That's me, Soapy.
+
+Pritchard. Ye see, the boys is free and open-handed, Jack. And so the
+proposition we wanter make to ye, Jack, is this. It's reg'lar on the
+squar. We reckon, takin' Mr. Jackson's word,--and thar ain't no man's
+word ez is better nor Jackson's,--that there's nigh on to two millions
+in that vault, not to speak of a little speshil deposit o' York's, ez we
+learn from that accommodatin' friend, Mr. Jackson. We propose to share
+it with ye, on ekil terms--us five--countin' Jackson, a square man. In
+course, we takes the risk o' packin' it away to-night comfortable. Ez
+your friends, Jack, we allow this yer little arrangement to be a deuced
+sight easier for you than playin' Sandy Morton on a riglar salary, with
+the chance o' the real Sandy poppin' in upon ye any night.
+
+Oakkurst. It's a lie. Sandy is dead.
+
+Pritchard. In course, in course; that is your little game! But we
+kalkilated, Jack, even on that, on yer bein' rambunktious and contrary;
+and so we went ter Red Gulch, and found Sandy. Ye know I take a kind o'
+interest in Sandy: he's the second husband of my wife, the woman you run
+away with, pard. But thar's nothin' mean about me! eh, boys?
+
+Silky. No! he's the forgivingest kind of a man, is Pritchard.
+
+Soapy. That's so, Silky.
+
+Pritchard. And, thinkin' ye might be dubious, we filled Sandy about
+full o' rye whiskey, and brought him along; and one of our pards is
+preambulatin' the streets with him, ready to bring him on call.
+
+Oakhurst. It's a lie, Pritchard,--a cowardly lie!
+
+Pritchard. Is it? Hush!
+
+Sandy (without, singing),--
+
+
+     Oh, yer's yer Sandy Morton,
+           Drink him down!
+     Oh, yer's yer Sandy Morton,
+           Drink him down!
+     Oh, yer's yer Sandy Morton,
+           All alive and just a-snortin'!
+     Oh, yer's yer Sandy Morton,
+           Drink him down!
+
+
+Pritchard. We don't propose to run him in yer, cept we're took, or yer
+unaccommodatin' to the boys.
+
+Oakhurst. And if I refuse?
+
+Pritchard. Why, we'll take what we can get; and we'll leave Sandy Morton
+with you yer, to sorter alleviate the old man's feelin's over the loss
+of his money. There's nothin' mean about us; no! eh, boys? (Going toward
+safe.)
+
+Oakhurst. Hear me a moment, Henry Pritchard. (PRITCHARD stops abreast
+of OAKHURST.) Four years ago you were assaulted in the Arcade Saloon in
+Sacramento. You would have been killed, but your assailant suddenly fell
+dead by a pistol-shot fired from some unknown hand. I stood twenty feet
+from you with folded arms; but that shot was fired by me,--me, Henry
+Pritchard,--through my clothes, from a derringer hidden in my waistcoat!
+Understand me, I do not ask your gratitude now. But that pistol is in my
+right hand, and now covers you. Make a single motion,--of a muscle,--and
+it is your last.
+
+Pritchard (motionless, but excitedly). You dare not fire! No, dare not!
+A shot here will bring my pal and Sandy Morton to confront you. You will
+have killed me to save exposure, have added murder to imposture! You
+have no witness to this attempt!
+
+Capper (opening door of room L., at the same moment that two policemen
+appear at door C., and two at room R). You are wrong: he has five
+(crossing to SILKY and SOAPY, and laying his hands on their shoulders);
+and, if I mistake not, he has two more in these gentlemen, whom I
+know, and who will be quite as willing to furnish the necessary State's
+evidence of the robbery, as of the fact that they never knew any other
+Alexander Morton than the gentleman who sits in that chair.
+
+Soapy. That's so, Silky.
+
+Silky. That's so, Soapy.
+
+Capper (to policemen). Take them away.
+
+[Exit policemen with PRITCHARD, SOAPY, and SILKY. CAPPER unbinds
+OAKHURST.
+
+Oakhurst. Then I have to thank you, Mr. C.
+
+Capper. Yes! "A man of ridiculous theories, but well-meaning, brave, and
+honest." No, sir; don't apologize: you were right, Mr. Oakhurst. It is
+I who owe you an apology. I came here, believing YOU were the
+robber, having no faith in you or your reformation, expecting,--yes,
+sir,--hoping, to detect you in the act. Hear me! From the hour you first
+entered the bank, I have shadowed your every movement, I have been the
+silent witness of all that has passed in this room. You have played a
+desperate game, Mr. Oakhurst; but I'll see you through it. If you are
+true to your resolve, for the next six days, I will hold these wretches
+silent. I will protect your imposture with the strong arm of the law. I
+don't like YOUR theories, sir; but I believe you to be well-meaning, and
+I know you to be brave and honest.
+
+Oakhurst (grasping his hand). I shall not forget this. But Sandy--
+
+Capper. I will put my men on his track, and have him brought quietly
+here. I can give you no aid beyond that. As an honorable man, I need not
+tell you your duty. Settle it with him as best you can.
+
+Oakhurst. You are right; I WILL see him. (Aside.) Unless he has changed,
+he will listen to me, he will obey me.
+
+Capper. Hush! (Blows out candle.) Stand here!
+
+CAPPER and OAKHURST retreat to wing L., as enter MORTON, sen., from room
+R.
+
+Morton. The private door open, the room dark, and Capper gone. I don't
+like this. The more I think of the mystery of that man's manner this
+morning, the more it seems to hide some terrible secret I must fathom!
+There are matches here. (Strikes a light, as CAPPER draws OAKHURST,
+struggling, back into shadow.) What's this? (Picking up key.) The key of
+the vault. A chair overturned. (Touches bell.) No answer! Jackson gone!
+My God! A terrible suspicion haunts me! No. Hush! (Retreats to private
+room R., as door of L. opens and--)
+
+Enter SANDY.
+
+Sandy (drunkenly). Shoo! Shoo! boys, whar are ye, boys, eh? Pritchard,
+Silky, Soapy! Whar are ye, boys?
+
+Morton (aside). A crime has been committed, and here is one of the
+gang. God has delivered him in my hands. (Draws revolver, and fires, as
+OAKHURST breaks from CAPPER, and strikes up MORTON'S pistol. CAPPER at
+same moment seizes SANDY, and drags him in room L. MORTON and OAKHURST
+struggle to centre.)
+
+Morton (relaxing hold of OAKHURST). Alexander! Good God! Why are you
+here? Why have you stepped between me and retribution? You hesitate. God
+in heaven! Speak, Alexander, my son, speak for God's sake! Tell me--tell
+me that this detective's suspicions are not true. Tell me that you are
+not--not--no, I cannot say it. Speak, Alexander Morton, I command you!
+Who is this man you have saved? Is it--is it--your accomplice?
+
+Oakhurst (sinking at his feet). Don't ask me! You know not what you ask!
+I implore you--
+
+Capper (appearing quietly from room L., and locking the door behind
+him). Your son has acted under MY orders. The man he has saved, as he
+has saved you, was a decoy,--one of my policemen.
+
+TABLEAU.
+
+CAPPER, MORTON, OAKHURST.
+
+Curtain.
+
+END OF ACT III.
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV.
+
+
+SCENE 1.--MR. MORTON'S villa, Russian Hill, Night. OAKHURST'S bedroom.
+Sofa in alcove C., door in flat left of C. SANDY MORTON discovered,
+unconscious, lying on sofa; OAKHURST standing at his head, two policemen
+at his feet. Candles on table L.
+
+Oakhurst. That will do. You are sure he was unconscious as you brought
+him in?
+
+First Policeman. Sure, sir? He hasn't known anything since we picked him
+up on the sidewalk outside the bank.
+
+Oakhurst. Good! You have fulfilled your orders well, and your chief
+shall know it. Go now. Be as cautious in going out as you were
+on entering. Here is the private staircase. (Opens door L.) [Exit
+policeman.
+
+Oakhurst (listening). Gone! and without disturbing any one. So far, luck
+has befriended me. He will sleep to-night beneath his father's roof. His
+father! umph! would the old man recognize him here? Would he take to his
+heart this drunken outcast, picked from the gutters of the street, and
+brought here by the strong arm of the law? Hush! (A knock without.) Ah,
+it is the colonel: he is prompt to the hour. (Opens door cautiously, and
+admits COL. STARBOTTLE.)
+
+Starbottle (looking around, and overlooking SANDY). I presume the
+other--er--principal is not yet on the ground?
+
+Oakhurst (motioning to sofa). He IS!
+
+Starbottle (starting as he looks towards sofa). Ged, you don't mean to
+say it's all OVER, without witnesses, without my--er--presence?
+
+Oakhurst. Pardon me, Col. Starbottle; but, if you look again, you will
+perceive that the gentleman is only drunk.
+
+Starbottle. Eh? Ged! not uncommon, sir, not uncommon! I remember
+singular incident at--er--Louisville in '47. Old Judge Tollim--know old
+Judge Tolly?--Ged! he came to ground drunk, sir; couldn't stand! Demn
+me, sir, had to put him into position with kitchen poker down his back,
+and two sections of lightning-rod in his--er--trousers, demn me!
+Firm, sir, firm, you understand, here (striking his breast), but--here
+(striking his legs)--er--er--wobbly! No, sir! Intoxication of principal
+not a bar, sir, to personal satisfaction! (Goes towards sofa with
+eyeglass.) Good Ged! why, it's Diego! (Returning stifly to OAKHURST.)
+Excuse me, sir, but this is a case in which I cannot act. Cannot,
+sir,--impossible! absurd! pre--post--or--ous! I recogmze in
+the--er--inebriated menial on yonder sofa a person, sir, who, having
+already declined my personal challenge, is--er--excluded from the
+consideration of gentlemen. The person who lies there, sir, is Diego,--a
+menial of Don Jose Castro,---alias "Sandy," the vagabond of Red Gulch.
+
+Oakhurst. You have omitted one title, his true one. He is Alexander
+Morton, the son of the master of this house.
+
+Starbottle (starting in bewilderment). Alexander Morton! (Aside.) Ged!
+my first suspicions were correct. Star, you have lost the opportunity
+of making your fortune as a scoundrel; but you have at a pecuniary
+sacrifice, preserved your honor.
+
+Oakhurst. Yes. Hear me, Col. Starbottle. I have summoned you here
+to-night, as I have already intimated, on an affair of honor. I have
+sought you as my father's legal counsel, as a disinterested witness, as
+a gentleman of honor. The man who lies before you was once my friend and
+partner. I have wronged him doubly. As his partner, I ran away with the
+woman he believed, and still believes, to be his wife; as his friend,
+I have for a twelvemonth kept him from the enjoyment of his home, his
+patrimony, by a shameful deception. I have summoned you to-night to
+witness my confession; as a lawyer, to arrange those details necessary
+to restore to him his property; as a man of honor, to receive from me
+whatever retribution he demands. You will be a witness to our
+interview. Whatever befalls me here, you will explain to Mr. Morton--to
+Jovita--that I accepted it as a man, and did not avoid, here or
+elsewhere, the penalty of my crime. (Folding his arms.)
+
+Slarbottle. Umph! The case is, as you say, a delicate one, but
+not--not--peculiar. No, sir! Ged, sir, I remember Tom Marshall--know Tom
+Marshall of Kentucky?--said to me, "Star!"--always calls me Star,--"how
+in blank, sir, can you remember the REAL names of your clients?"--"Why,"
+says I, "Tom," always called him Tom,--"yesterday I was called to make
+will--most distinguished family of Virginia--as lawyer and gentleman,
+you understand: can't mention name. Waited for signature--most
+distinguished name: Ged, sir, man signed Bloggins,--Peter Bloggins.
+Fact, demme! 'Mistake,' I said,--'excitement; exaltation of fever. Non
+compos. Compose yourself, Bob.'--'Star,' he said,--always called me
+Star,--'for forty-seven years I have been an impostor!'--his very words,
+sir. 'I am not'--you understand: 'I AM Peter Bloggins!'"
+
+Oakhurst. But, my dear colonel, I--
+
+Starbottle (loftily). Say no more, sir! I accept the--er position. Let
+us see! The gentleman will, on recognition, probably make a personal
+attack. You are armed. Ah, no? Umph! On reflection I would not permit
+him to strike a single blow: I would anticipate it. It will provoke the
+challenge from him, leaving YOU, sir, the--er--choice of weapons.
+
+Oakhurst. Hush! he is moving! Take your stand here, in this alcove.
+Remember, as a gentleman, and a man of honor, Col. Starbottle, I trust
+you not to interfere between the injured man and--justice! (Pushes COL.
+STARBOTTLE into alcove behind couch, and approaches SANDY.)
+
+Sandy (waking slowly--and incoherently). Hush, Silky! hush! Eh? Oh, hush
+yourself! (Sings.)
+
+
+     Oh, yer's yer Sandy Morton,
+           Drink him down!
+
+
+Eh! Oh! (Half sits up on couch.) Eh! (Looking around him.) Where the
+devil am I?
+
+Oakhurst (advancing and leaning over SANDY'S couch). In the house of
+your father, Alexander Morton.
+
+Sandy (recoiling in astonishment). His voice, John Oakhurst! What--ah!
+(Rises, and rushes towards OAKHURST with uplifted hand.)
+
+Starbottle (gesticulating in whisper). A blow! a single blow would be
+sufficient.
+
+Sandy (looking at OAKHURST, who regards him calmly). I--eh! I--eh! Ha,
+ha! I'm glad to see--old pard! I'm glad to see ye! (COL. STARBOTTLE
+lifts his hand in amazement.)
+
+Oakhurst (declining his hand). Do you understand me, Sandy Morton?
+Listen. I am John Oakhurst,--the man who has deceived your father, who
+has deceived you.
+
+Sandy (without heeding his words, but regarding him affectionately).
+To think of it--Jack Oakhurst! It's like him, like Jack. He was allers
+onsartain, the darned little cuss! Jack! Look at him, will ye, boys?
+look at him! Growed too, and dressed to kill, and sittin' in this yer
+house as natril as a jaybird! (Looking around.) Nasty, ain't it, Jack?
+and this yer's your house--the old man's house--eh? Why, this is--this
+is where she came. Jack, Jack! (Eagerly.) Tell me, pard, where is she?
+
+Starbottle (aside, rubbing his hands). We shall have it now!
+
+Oakhurst. She has gone,--gone! But hear me. She had deceived you as she
+has me. She has gone,--gone with her first husband, Henry Pritchard.
+
+Sandy (stupefied). Gone! Her first husband! Pritchard!
+
+Oakhurst. Ay, your wife!
+
+Sandy. Oh, damn my wife! I'm talking of Mary,--Miss Mary,--the little
+schoolma'am, Jack; the little rose of Poker Flat. Oh! I see--ye didn't
+know her, Jack,--the pertiest, sweetest little--
+
+Oakhurst (turning away coldly). Ay, ay! She is here!
+
+Sandy (looking after him affectionately). Look at him, boys! Allers
+the same,--high-toned, cold, even to his pardner! That's him,--Jack
+Oakhurst! But Jack, Jack, you're goin' to shake hands, ain't ye?
+(Extends his hand, after a pause. OAKHURST takes it gloomily.)
+
+Col. Starbottle (who has been regarding interview with visible scorn
+and disgust, advancing to OAKHURST). You will--er--pardon me if,
+under the--er--circumstances, I withdraw from this--er--disgraceful
+proceeding. The condonation, by that man, of two of the most tremendous
+offences to society and to the code, without apology or satisfaction,
+Ged, sir, is--er--er--of itself an insult to the spectator. I go, sir--
+
+Oakhurst. But, Col. Starbottle--
+
+Starbottle. Permit me to say, sir, that I hold myself for this, sir,
+responsible, sir,--personally responsible.
+
+[Exit STARBOTTLE, glancing furiously at SANDY, who sinks on sofa
+laughing.
+
+Oakhurst (aside). He will change his mind in half an hour. But, in the
+mean time, time is precious. (Aloud.) Sandy, come!
+
+Sandy (rising with alacrity). Yes, Jack, I'm ready.
+
+Oakhurst. We are going (slowly and solemnly)--we are going to see your
+father.
+
+Sandy (dropping back with bashful embarrassment, and struggling to
+release his arm from OAKHURST). No, Jack! Not just yet, Jack; in a
+little while, ole boy! in about six months, or mebbe--a year, Jack! not
+now, not now! I ain't feelin' exactly well, Jack,--I ain't.
+
+Oakhurst. Nonsense, Sandy! Consider your duty and my honor.
+
+Sandy (regaining his seat). That's all very well, Jack; but ye see,
+pard, you've known the old man for nigh on a year, and it's twenty-five
+since I met him. No, Jack; you don't play any ole man on to me to-night,
+Jack. No, you and me'll just drop out for a pasear. Jack, eh? (Taking
+OAKHURST'S arm.) Come!
+
+Oakhurst. Impossible! Hush! (Listening.) It is HE passing through the
+corridor. (Goes to wing R., and listens.)
+
+Sandy (crowding hastily behind OAKHURST in alarm). But, I say, Jack! he
+won't come in here? He's goin' to bed, you know. Eh? It ain't right for
+a man o' his years--and he must be goin' on ninety, Jack--to be up like
+this. It ain't healthy.
+
+Oakhurst. You know him not. He seems to need no rest (sadly). Night
+after night, long after the servants are abed, and the house is still,
+I hear that step slowly pacing the corridor. It is the last sound as I
+close my eyes, the first challenge of the morning.
+
+Sandy. The ol' scound--(checking himself)--I mean, Jack, the ol' man has
+suthin' on his mind. But, Jack (in great alarm), he don't waltz in upon
+ye, Jack? He don't p'int them feet in yer, Jack? Ye ain't got to put up
+with that, Jack, along o' yer other trials?
+
+Oakhurst. He often seeks me here. Ah--yes--he is coming this way now.
+
+Sandy (in ludicrous terror). Jack, pard, quick I hide me somewhere,
+Jack!
+
+Oakhurst (opening door R.). In there, quick! Not a sound, as you value
+your future! [Exit SANDY hurriedly R.
+
+
+SCENE 2.--The same. Enter door R., OLD MORTON, in dressing-gown, with
+candle.
+
+Old Morton. Not abed yet, Alexander? Well, well, I don't blame you, my
+son it has been for you a trying, trying night. Yes, I see: like me, you
+are a little nervous and wakeful. (Slowly takes chair, and comfortably
+composes himself.)
+
+Oakhurst (aside). He is in for a midnight gossip. How shall I dispose of
+Sandy?
+
+Old Morton. Yes (meditatively),--yes, you have overworked lately. Never
+mind. In a day or two more you shall have a vacation, sir,--a vacation!
+
+Oakhurst (aside). He knows not how truly he speaks. (Aloud.) Yes, sir, I
+was still up. I have only just now dismissed the policemen.
+
+Old Morton. Ay. I heard voices, and saw a light in your window. I came
+to tell you, Alexander, Capper has explained all about--about the decoy!
+More; he has told me of your courage and your invaluable assistance. For
+a moment, sir,--I don't mind telling you now in confidence,--I doubted
+YOU--
+
+Oakhurst (in feigned deprecation). Oh, sir!
+
+Old Morton. Only for a moment. You will find, Alexander, that even
+that doubt shall have full apology when the year of your probation has
+expired. Besides, sir. I know all.
+
+Oakhurst (starting). All!
+
+Old Morton. Yes, the story about the Duchess and your child. You are
+surprised. Col. Starbottle told me all. I forgive you, Alexander, for
+the sake of your boy.
+
+Oakhurst. My boy, sir!
+
+Old Morton. Yes, your boy. And let me tell you, sir, he's a fine young
+fellow. Looks like you,--looks as you did when YOU were a boy. He's a
+Morton too, every inch of him, there's no denying that. No, sir. You may
+have changed; but he--he--is the living image of my little Alexander. He
+took to me, too,--lifted his little arms--and--and-- (Becomes affected,
+and leans his head in his hands.)
+
+Oakhurst (rising). You are not well, sir. Let me lead you to your room.
+
+Old Morton. No! it is nothing: a glass of water, Alexander!
+
+Oakhurst (aside). He is very pale. The agitation of the night has
+overcome him. (Goes to table R.) A little spirits will revive him.
+(Pours from decanter in glass, and returns to MORTON.)
+
+Old Morton (after drinking). There was spirits in that water, Alexander.
+Five years ago, I vowed at your mother's grave to abandon the use of
+intoxicating liquors.
+
+Oakhurst. Believe me, sir, my mother will forgive you.
+
+Old Morton. Doubtless. It has revived me. I am getting to be an old man,
+Aleck. (Holds out his glass half-unconsciously, and OAKHURST replenishes
+it from decanter.) Yes, an old man, Aleck; but the boy,--ah, I live
+again in him. The little rascal! He asked me, Aleck, for a "chaw
+tobacker!" and wanted to know if I was the "ol' duffer." Ha, ha! He
+did. Ha, ha! Come, come, don't be despondent. I was like you once, damn
+it,--ahem--it's all for the best, my boy, all for the best. I'll take
+the young rascal (aside)--damn it, he's already taken me--(aloud) on
+equal terms. There, Aleck, what do you say?
+
+Oakhurst. Really, sir, this forbearance,--this kindness--(aside) I see a
+ray of light.
+
+Old Morton. Nonsense! I'll take the boy, I tell you, and do well for
+him,--the little rascal!--as if he were the legal heir. But, I say,
+Aleck (laughing), ha, ha!--what about--ha, ha!--what about Dona Jovita,
+eh? and what about Don Jose Castro, eh? How will the lady like a
+ready-made family, eh? (Poking OAKHURST in the ribs.) What will the Don
+say to the family succession? Ha, ha!
+
+Oakhurst (proudly). Really, sir, I care but little.
+
+Old Morton (aside). Oh, ho! I'll sound him. (Aloud.) Look ye, Alexander,
+I have given my word to you and Don Jose Castro, and I'll keep it. But
+if you can do any better, eh--if--eh?--the schoolma'am's a mighty pretty
+girl and a bright one, eh, Aleck? And it's all in the family--eh? And
+she thinks well of you; and I will say, for a girl brought up as she's
+been, and knowin' your relations with the Duchess and the boy, to say a
+kind word for ye, Aleck, is a good sign,--you follow me, Aleck,--if you
+think--why, old Don Jose might whistle for a son-in-law, eh?
+
+Oakhurst (interrupting indignantly). Sir! (Aside.) Stop! (Aloud.) Do you
+mean to say, sir, that if I should consent to this--suggestion--that, if
+the lady were willing, YOU would offer no impediment?
+
+Old Morton. Impediment, my dear boy! you should have my blessing.
+
+Oakhurst. Pardon me a moment. You have in the last year, sir, taught
+me the importance of business formality in all the relations of life.
+Following that idea, the conditions of my engagement with Jovita Castro
+were drawn up with your hand. Are you willing to make this recantation
+as formal, this new contract as businesslike and valid?
+
+Old Morton (eagerly). I am.
+
+Oakhurst. Then sit here, and write at my dictation. (Pointing to table
+L. OLD MORTON takes seat at table.) "In view of the evident preferences
+of my son Alexander Morton, and of certain family interests, I hereby
+revoke my consent to his marriage with the Dona Jovita Castro, and
+accord him full permission to woo and win his cousin, Miss Mary Morris,
+promising him the same aid and assistance previously offered in his suit
+with Miss Castro."
+
+Old Morton (signing). Alexander Morton, sen. There, Aleck! You have
+forgotten one legal formality. We have no witness. Ha, ha!
+
+Oakhurst (significantly). I will be a sufficient witness.
+
+Old Morton. Ha, ha! (Fills glass from decanter, after which OAKHURST
+quietly removes decanter beyond his reach.) Very good! Aleck, I've been
+thinking of a plan,--I've been thinking of retiring from the bank. I'm
+getting old, and my ways are not the popular ways of business here. I've
+been thinking of you, you dog,--of leaving the bank to you,--to you,
+sir, eh--the day--the day you marry the schoolma'am--eh. I'll stay home
+and take care of the boy--eh--hic! The little rascal!--lifted his arms
+to me--did, Aleck! by God! (Incoherently.) Eh!
+
+Oakhurst. Hush! (Aside.) Sandy will overhear him, and appear.
+
+Old Morton (greatly affected by liquor.) Hush! eh!--of course--shoo!
+shoo! (The actor will here endeavor to reproduce in OLD MORTON'S drunken
+behavior, without exactly imitating him, the general characteristics of
+his son's intoxication.) Eh!--I say, Aleck, old boy! what will the Don
+say? eh? Ha, ha, ha! And Jovita, that firebrand, how will she--hic--like
+it, eh? (Laughs immoderately.)
+
+Oakhurst. Hush! We will be overheard! The servants, sir!
+
+Old Morton. Damn the servants! Don't I--hic--pay them wages--eh?
+
+Oakhurst. Let me lead you to your own room. You are nervously excited. A
+little rest, sir, will do you good. (Taking his arm.)
+
+Old Morton. No shir, no shir, 'm nerrer goin' to bed any more. Bed's bad
+habit!--hic--drunken habit. Lesh stay up all ni, Aleck! You and me! Lesh
+nev'r--go--bed any more! Whar's whiskey--eh? (Staggers to the table for
+decanter as OAKHURST seizes him, struggle up stage, and then OLD MORTON,
+in struggle, falls helplessly on sofa, in same attitude as SANDY was
+discovered.)
+
+Enter SANDY cautiously from door L.
+
+Sandy (to OAKHURST). Jack! Eh, Jack--
+
+Oakhurst. Hush! Go! I will follow you in a moment. (Pushes him back to
+door L.)
+
+Sandy (catching sight of OLD MORTON). Hallo! What's up?
+
+Oakhurst. Nothing. He was overtaken with a sudden faintness. He will
+revive presently: go!
+
+Sandy (hesitating). I say, Jack, he wasn't taken sick along o' me, eh,
+Jack?
+
+Oakhurst. No! No! But go (pushing him toward door).
+
+Sandy. Hold on: I'm going. But, Jack, I've got a kind of faintness yer,
+too. (Goes to side-table, and takes up decanter.) And thar's nothing
+reaches that faintness like whiskey. (Fills glass.) Old Morton
+(drunkenly and half-consciously from couch). Whiskey--who
+shed--whiskey--eh? Eh--O--gimme some, Aleck--Aleck, my son,--my son!--my
+old prodigal--Old Proddy, my boy--gimme--whiskey--(sings)--
+
+
+     Oh, yer's yer good old whiskey,
+           Drink it down!
+
+
+Eh? I com--mand you,--pass the whiskey!
+
+SANDY, at first panic-stricken, and then remorsefully conscious, throws
+glass down, with gesture of fear and loathing. OAKHURST advances to his
+side hurriedly.
+
+Oakhurst (in hurried whisper). Give him the whiskey, quick! It will keep
+him quiet. (Is about to take decanter when SANDY seizes it: struggle
+with OAKHURST.)
+
+Sandy (with feeling). No, no, Jack, no! (Suddenly with great strength
+and determination, breaks from him, and throws decanter from window.)
+No, NEVER!
+
+Old Morton (struggling drunkenly to his feet). Eh--who sh'd never?
+(OAKHURST shoves SANDY in room L., and follows him, closing door.) Eh,
+Aleck? (Groping.) Eh, where'sh light? All gone. (Lapses on sofa again,
+after an ineffectual struggle to get up, and then resumes his old
+attitude.)
+
+(Change scene quickly.)
+
+
+SCENE 3.--Ante-room in MR. MORTON'S villa. Front scene. Enter DON JOSE
+CASTRO and CONCHO, preceded by SERVANT, L.
+
+Servant. This way, gentlemen.
+
+Don Jose. Carry this card to Alexander Morton, sen.
+
+Servant. Beg pardon, sir, but there's only one name here, sir (looking
+at CONCHO).
+
+Don Jose (proudly). That is my servant, sir. [Exit SERVANT.
+
+Don Jose (aside). I don't half like this business. But my money locked
+up in his bank, and my daughter's hand bound to his son, demand it.
+(Aloud.) This is no child's play, Concho, you understand.
+
+Concho. Ah! I am wise. Believe me, if I have not proofs which shall
+blanch the cheek of this old man, I am a fool, Don Jose!
+
+Re-enter SERVANT.
+
+Servant. Mr. Morton, sen., passed a bad night, and has left word not to
+be disturbed this morning. But Mr. Morton, jun., will attend you, sir.
+
+Concho (aside). So the impostor will face it out. Well, let him come.
+
+Don Jose (to SERVANT) I wait his pleasure. [Exit SERVANT.
+
+Don Jose. You hear, Concho? You shall face this man. I shall repeat to
+him all you have told me. If you fail to make good your charge, on your
+head rests the consequences.
+
+Concho. He will of course deny. He is a desperate man: he will perhaps
+attack me. Eh! Ah! (Drawing revolver.)
+
+Don Jose. Put up your foolish weapon. The sight of the father he has
+deceived will be more terrible to him than the pistol of the spy.
+
+Enter COL. STARBOTTLE, C.
+
+Starbottle. Mr. Alexander Morton, Jun., will be with you in a moment.
+(Takes attitude by door, puts his hand in his breast, and inflates
+himself.)
+
+Concho (to DON JOSE, aside). It is the bullying lawyer. They will try to
+outface us, my patron; but we shall triumph. (Aloud.) He comes, eh!--Mr.
+Alexander Morton, gentlemen! I will show you a cheat, an impostor!
+
+Enter, in correct, precise morning dress, SANDY MORTON. There is in his
+make-up and manner a suggestion of the father.
+
+Concho (recoiling, aside). Diego! The real son. (Aloud, furiously.)
+It is a trick to defeat justice,--eh!--a miserable trick! But it shall
+fail, it shall fail!
+
+Col. Starbottle. Permit me, a moment,--a single moment. (To Concho.) You
+have--er--er--characterized my introduction of this--er--gentleman as
+a "cheat" and an "imposture." Are you prepared to deny that this is
+Alexander Morton?
+
+Don Jose (astonished, aside). These Americanos are of the Devil! (Aloud
+and sternly.) Answer him, Concho, I command you.
+
+Concho (in half-insane rage). It is Alexander Morton; but it is a
+trick,--a cowardly trick! Where is the other impostor, this Mr. John
+Oakhurst?
+
+Sandy (advancing with dignity and something of his father's cold
+manner). He will answer for himself, when called for. (To DON JOSE.) You
+have asked for me, sir: may I inquire your business?
+
+Concho. Eh! It is a trick,--a trick!
+
+Don Jose (to CONCHO). Silence, sir! (To SANDY, with dignity.) I know
+not the meaning of this masquerade. I only know that you are NOT the
+gentleman hitherto known to me as the son of Alexander Morton. I am
+here, sir, to demand my rights as a man of property and a father. I have
+received this morning a check from the house of Morton & Son, for the
+amount of my deposit with them. So far--in view of this complication--it
+is well. Who knows? Bueno! But the signature of Morton & Son to the
+check is not in the handwriting I have known. Look at it, sir. (To
+SANDY, handing check.)
+
+Sandy (examining check). It is my handwriting, sir, and was signed this
+morning. Has it been refused?
+
+Don Jose. Pardon me, sir. It has not been presented. With this doubt in
+my mind, I preferred to submit it first to you.
+
+Starbottle. A moment, a single moment, sir. While as a--er--gentleman
+and a man of honor, I--er--appreciate your motives, permit me to say,
+sir, as a lawyer, that your visit is premature. On the testimony of
+your own witness, the identification of Mr. Alexander Morton, jun.,
+is--er--complete; he has admitted the signature as his own; you have not
+yet presented the check to the bank.
+
+Don Jose. Pardon me, Col. Starbottle. It is not all. (To SANDY.) By a
+written agreement with Alexander Morton, sen., the hand of my daughter
+is promised to his son, who now stands before me, as my former servant,
+dismissed from my service for drunkenness.
+
+Sandy. That agreement is revoked.
+
+Don Jose. Revoked!
+
+Sandy (handing paper). Cast your eyes over that paper. At least you will
+recognize THAT signature.
+
+Don Jose (reads). "In view of the evident preferences of my son,
+Alexander Morton, and of certain family interests, I hereby revoke my
+consent to his marriage with the Dona Jovita Castro, and accord him full
+permission to woo and win his cousin, Miss Mary Morris; promising him
+the same aid and assistance previously offered in his suit with Miss
+Castro.--ALEXANDER MORTON, SEN."
+
+Concho. Ah! Carramba! Do you not see the trick,--eh, the conspiracy?
+It was this man, as Diego, your daughter's groom, helped his friend Mr.
+Oakhurst to the heiress. Ah, you comprehend! It was an old trick! You
+shall see, you shall see! Ah! I am wise, I am wise!
+
+Don Jose (aside). Could I have been deceived? But no! This paper that
+releases HIM gives the impostor no claim.
+
+Sandy (resuming his old easy manner, dropping his formality, and placing
+his hand on DON JOSE'S shoulder). Look yar, ole man: I didn't allow to
+ever see ye agin, and this yer ain't none o' MY seekin'. But, since yer
+here, I don't mind tellin' ye that but for me that gal of yours would
+have run away a year ago, and married an unknown lover. And I don't
+mind adding, that, hed I known that unknown lover was my friend John
+Oakhurst, I'd have helped her do it. (Going.) Good-morning, Don Jose.
+
+Don Jose. Insolent! I shall expect an account for this from
+your--father, sir.
+
+Sandy. Adios, Don Jose. [Exit C.
+
+Concho. It is a trick--I told you. Ah, I am wise. (Going to DON JOSE.)
+
+Don Jose (throwing him off). Fool! [Exit DON JOSE.
+
+Concho (infuriated). Eh! Fool yourself--dotard! No matter: I will expose
+all--ah! I will see Jovita;--I will revenge myself on this impostor! (Is
+about to follow, when COL. STARBOTTLE leaves his position by the door,
+and touches CONCHO on the shoulder.)
+
+Starbottle. Excuse me.
+
+Concho. Eh?
+
+Starbottle. You have forgotten something.
+
+Conhho. Something?
+
+Starbottle. An apology, sir. You were good enough to
+express--er--incredulity--when I presented Mr. Morton: you were kind
+enough to characterize the conduct of my er--principal by--an epithet.
+You have alluded to me, sir,--ME--
+
+Concho (wrathfully). Bully! (Aside.) I have heard that this pomposo,
+this braggart, is a Yankee trick too; that he has the front of a lion,
+the liver of the chicken. (Aloud.) Yes, I have said, you hear I have
+said, I, Concho (striking his breast), have said you are a--bully!
+
+Starbottle (coolly). Then you are prepared to give me satisfaction,
+sir,--personal satisfaction.
+
+Concho (raging). Yes, sir, now--you understand, now (taking out pistol),
+anywhere, here! Yes, here. Ah! you start,--yes, here and now! Face to
+face, you understand, without seconds,--face to face. So. (Presenting
+pistol.)
+
+Starbottle (quietly). Permit me to--er--apologize.
+
+Concho. Ah! It is too late!
+
+Starbottle (interrupting). Excuse me, but I feared you would not honor
+me so completely and satisfactorily. Ged, sir, I begin to respect you!
+I accede to all your propositions of time and position. The pistol you
+hold in your hand is a derringer, I presume, loaded. Ah--er--I am right.
+The one I now produce (showing pistol) is--er--as you will perceive the
+same size and pattern, and--er--unloaded. We will place them both, so,
+under the cloth of this table. You shall draw one pistol, I will take
+the other. I will put that clock at ten minutes to nine, when we will
+take our positions across this table; as you--er--happily express it,
+"face to face." As the clock strikes the hour, we will fire on the
+second stroke.
+
+Concho (aside). It is a trick, a Yankee trick! (Aloud.) I am ready.
+Now--at once!
+
+Starbottle (gravely). Permit me, sir, to thank you. Your conduct, sir,
+reminds me of singular incident--
+
+Concho (angrily interrupting). Come, come! It is no child's play. We
+have much of this talk, eh! It is action, eh, you comprehend,--action.
+
+(STARBOTTLE places pistols under the cloth, and sets clock. CONCHO draws
+pistol from cloth; STARBOTTLE takes remaining pistol. Both men assume
+position, presenting their weapons; STARBOTTLE pompously but seriously,
+CONCHO angrily and nervously.)
+
+Starbottle (after a pause). One moment, a single moment--
+
+Concho. Ah, a trick! Coward! you cannot destroy my aim.
+
+Starbottle. I overlook the--er--epithet. I wished only to ask, if
+you should be--er--unfortunate, if there was anything I could say to
+your--er--friends.
+
+Concho. You cannot make the fool of me, coward. No!
+
+Starbottle. My object was only precautionary. Owing to the position in
+which you--er--persist in holding your weapon, in a line with my
+right eye, I perceive that a ray of light enters the nipple,
+and--er--illuminates the barrel. I judge from this that you have been
+unfortunate enough to draw the--er--er--unloaded pistol.
+
+Concho (tremulously lowering weapon). Eh! Ah! This is murder! (Drops
+pistol.) Murder!--eh--help (retreating), help!
+
+[Exit hurriedly door C., as clock strikes. COL. STARBOTTLE lowers his
+pistol, and moves with great pomposity to the other side of the table,
+taking up pistol.
+
+Starbottle (examining pistol). Ah! (Lifts it, and discharges it.) It
+seems that I am mistaken. (Going.) The pistol WAS--er--loaded! [Exit.
+
+
+SCENE 4.--Front scene. Room in villa. Enter MISS MARY and JOVITA.
+
+Miss Mary. I tell you, you are wrong, you are not only misunderstanding
+your lover, which is a woman's privilege, but you are abusing my cousin,
+which, as his relative, I won't put up with.
+
+Jovita (passionately). But hear me, Miss Mary. It is a year since we
+were betrothed; and such a betrothal! Why, I was signed, sealed, and
+delivered to him, on conditions, as if I were a part of the rancho; and
+the very night, too, I had engaged to run away with him! And during that
+year I have seen the gentleman twice,--yes, twice!
+
+Miss Mary. But he has written?
+
+Jovita. Mother of God! Yes,--letters delivered by my father, sent to HIS
+CARE, read by him first, of course; letters hoping that I was well,
+and obeying my father's commands; letters assuring me of his unaltered
+devotion; letters that, compared with the ones he used to hide in the
+confessional of the ruined mission church, were as ice to fire, were
+as that snow-flower you value so much, Mary, to this mariposa blossom I
+wear in my hair. And then to think that this man--this John Oakhurst, as
+I knew him; this man who used to ride twenty miles for a smile from me
+on the church porch; this Don Juan who leaped that garden wall (fifteen
+feet, Mary, if it is an inch), and made old Concho his stepping-stone;
+this man, who daily perilled death for my sake--is changed into this
+formal, methodical man of business--is--is--I tell you there's a WOMAN
+at the bottom of it! I know it sure!
+
+Miss Mary (aside). How can I tell her about the Duchess? I won't!
+(Aloud.) But listen, my dear Jovita. You know he is under probation
+for you, Jovita. All this is for you. His father is cold, methodical,
+unsympathetic. HE looks only to his bond with this son,--this son
+that he treats, even in matters of the heart, as a BUSINESS partner.
+Remember, on his complete reformation, and subjection to his father's
+will, depends your hand. Remember the agreement!
+
+Jovita. The agreement; yes! It is the agreement, always the agreement!
+May the Devil fly away with the agreement! Look you, Miss Mary, I, Dona
+Jovita, didn't fall in love with an agreement: it was with a man! Why, I
+might have married a dozen agreements--yes, of a shorter limitation than
+this! (Crossing.)
+
+Miss Mary. Yes. But what if your lover had failed to keep those promises
+by which he was to gain your hand? what if he were a man incapable of
+self-control? what if he were--a--a drunkard?
+
+Jovita (musing). A drunkard! (Aside.) There was Diego, he was a
+drunkard; but he was faithless. (Aloud.) You mean a weak, faithless
+drunkard?
+
+Miss Mary. No! (Sadly.) Faithless only to himself, but devoted--yes,
+devoted to YOU.
+
+Jovita. Miss Mary, I have found that one big vice in a man is apt to
+keep out a great many smaller ones.
+
+Miss Mary. Yes; but if he were a slave to liquor?
+
+Jovita. My dear, I should try to change his mistress. Oh, give me a
+man that is capable of a devotion to anything, rather than a cold,
+calculating average of all the virtues!
+
+Miss Mary (aside). I, who aspire to be her teacher, am only her pupil.
+(Aloud.) But what if, in this very drunkenness, this recklessness, he
+had once loved and worshipped another woman? What if you discovered all
+this after--after--he had won your heart?
+
+Jovita. I should adore him! Ah, Miss Mary! Love differs from all the
+other contagious diseases: the last time a man is exposed to it,
+he takes it most readily, and has it the worst! But you, YOU cannot
+sympathize with me. You have some lover, the ideal of the virtues; some
+man as correct, as well regulated, as calm as--yourself; some one
+who addresses you in the fixed morality and severe penmanship of the
+copy-books. He will never precipitate himself over a garden wall or
+through a window. Your Jacob will wait for you through seven years, and
+receive you from the hands of your cousin and guardian--as a reward of
+merit! No, you could not love a vagabond.
+
+Miss Mary (very slowly and quietly). No?
+
+Jovita. No! (Passionately.) No, it is impossible. Forgive me, Miss Mary:
+you are good; a better girl than I am. But think of me! A year ago my
+lover leaped a wall at midnight to fly with me: today, the day that
+gives me to him, he writes a few cold lines, saying that he has
+business, BUSINESS--you understand--business, and that he shall not see
+me until we meet in the presence of--of--of--our fathers.
+
+Miss Mary. Yes; but you will see him at least, perhaps alone. Listen: it
+is no formal meeting, but one of festivity. My guardian has told me, in
+his quaint scriptural way, it is the killing of the fatted calf, over
+his long-lost prodigal. Have patience, little one. Ah! Jovita, we are
+of a different race, but we are of one sex; and as a woman I know how to
+accept another woman's abuse of her lover. Come, come! [Exeunt MISS MARY
+and JOVITA.
+
+
+SCENE 5.--The drawing-room of MR. MORTON'S villa. Large open arch in
+centre, leading to veranda, looking on distant view of San Francisco;
+richly furnished,--sofas, arm-chairs, and tete-a-tetes. Enter COL.
+STARBOTTLE, C., carrying bouquet, preceded by SERVANT, bowing.
+
+Starbottle. Take my kyard to Miss Morris. [Exit SERVANT.
+
+Starbottle. Star! This is the momentous epoch of your life! It is a
+moment for which you--are--I may say alone responsible,--personally
+responsible! She will be naturally gratified by the--er--flowers. She
+will at once recognize this bouquet as a delicate souvenir of Red Gulch,
+and will appreciate your recollection. And the fact, the crushing fact,
+that you have overlooked the--er--ungentlemanly conduct of her OWN
+cousin Sandy, the real Alexander Morton, that you have--er--assisted
+to restore the ex-vaquero to his rights, will--er--er--at once open
+the door to--er--mutual confidence and--er--a continuance of
+that--er--prepossession I have already noticed. Ahem! here she is.
+
+Enter MISS MARY in full dress.
+
+Miss Mary. You are early, Col. Starbottle. This promptitude does honor
+to our poor occasion.
+
+Col. Starbottle. Ged, Miss Mary, promptness with a lady and an adversary
+is the first duty of--er--gentleman. I wished that--er--the morning
+dew might still be--er--fresh in these flowers. I gathered them myself
+(presenting bouquet) at--er--er--flower-stand in the--er--California
+market.
+
+Miss Mary (aside). Flowers! I needed no such reminder of poor Sandy.
+(Aloud.) I thank you, colonel.
+
+Starbattle. Ged, ma'am, I am repaid doubly. Your conduct, Miss Mary,
+reminds me of little incident that occurred at Richmond, in '58. Dinner
+party--came early--but obliged to go--as now--on important business,
+before dessert--before dessert. Lady sat next to me--beautiful
+woman--excuse me if I don't mention names--said to me, "Star,"--always
+called me Star,--"Star, you remind me of the month of May."--"Ged,
+madam,"--I said, "delighted, proud; but why?"--"Because," she said, "you
+come in with the--er--oysters."--No! Ged, pardon me--ridiculous
+mistake! I mean--er--"you come in with the--er--flowers, and go before
+the--er--fruits."
+
+Miss Mary. Ah, colonel! I appreciate her disappointment. Let us hope,
+however, that some day you may find that happy woman who will be able to
+keep you through the whole dinner and the whole season, until December
+and the ices!
+
+Starbottle. Ged! excellent! Capital! (seriously.) Miss Mary! (Suddenly
+inflating his chest, striking attitude, and gazing on MISS MARY with
+languishing eyes.) There is--er such a woman!
+
+Miss Mary (aside). What can he mean?
+
+Starbottle (taking seat beside her). Allow me, Miss Mary, a few moments
+of confidential--er--confidential disclosure. To-day is, as you are
+aware--the day on which, according to--er--agreement between parties, my
+friend and client, Mr. Morton, sen.,--formally accepts his prodigal son.
+It is my--er--duty to state that--er--the gentleman who has for the
+past year occupied that position has behaved with great discretion,
+and--er--fulfilled his part of the--er--agreement. But it
+would--er--appear that there has been a--er--slight delusion regarding
+the identity of that prodigal,--a delusion shared by all the parties
+except, perhaps, myself. I have to prepare you for a shock. The
+gentleman whom you have recently known as Alexander Morton, jun., is not
+the prodigal son; is not your--er--cousin; is, in fact, no relation to
+you. Prepare yourself, Miss Mary, for a little disappointment,--for--
+er--degradation. The genuine son has been--er--discovered in the person
+of--er--low menial--or--vagabond,--"Sandy," the--er--outcast of Red Gulch!
+
+Miss Mary (rising in astonishment). Sandy! Then he was right. (Aside.)
+The child is his! and that woman--
+
+Starbottle. Compose yourself, Miss Mary. I know the--er--effect
+of--er--revelation like this upon--er--proud and aristocratic nature.
+Ged! My own, I assure you, beats in--er--responsive indignation. You
+can never consent to remain beneath this roof, and--er--receive
+a--er--vagabond and--er--menial on equal terms. The--er--necessities
+of my--er--profession may--er--compel me; but you--er--never! Holding
+myself--er--er--responsible for having introduced you here, it is
+my--er--duty to provide you with--another home! It is my--er--duty to
+protect--
+
+Miss Mary (aside). Sandy here, and beneath this roof! Why has he not
+sought me? Ah, I know too well: he dare not face me with his child!
+
+Starbottle (aside). She turns away! it is maiden coyness. (Aloud.) If,
+Miss Mary, the--er--devotion of a life-time; if the--er--chivalrous and
+respectful adoration of a man--er--whose record is--er--not unknown in
+the Court of Honor (dropping on one knee with excessive gallantry); if
+the--er--measure--
+
+Miss Mary (oblivious of COL. STARBOTTLE). I WILL--I MUST see him! Ah!
+(looking L.) he is coming!
+
+Enter SANDY.
+
+Starbottle (rising with great readiness and tact). I have found it
+(presenting flower). It had fallen beneath the sofa.
+
+Sandy (to MISS MARY, stopping short in embarrassment). I did not know
+you--I--I--thought there was no one here.
+
+Miss Mary (to STARBOTTLE). May I ask you to excuse me for a moment? I
+have a few words to say to--to my COUSIN!
+
+STARBOTTLE bows gallantly to MISS MARY, and stiffly to SANDY, and exit
+R. A long pause; MISS MARY remains seated pulling flowers, SANDY remains
+standing by wing, foolish and embarrassed. Business.
+
+Miss Mary (impatiently). Well?
+
+Sandy (slowly). I axes your pardon, miss; but you told THAT gentleman
+you had a few words--to say to me.
+
+Miss Mary (passionately, aside). Fool! (Aloud.) I had; but I am waiting
+to first answer your inquiries about your--your--child. I have fulfilled
+my trust, sir.
+
+Sandy. You have, Miss Mary, and I thank you.
+
+Miss Mary. I might perhaps have expected that this revelation of our
+kinship would have come from other lips than a stranger's; but--no
+matter! I wish you joy, sir, of your heritage. (Going.) You have found a
+home, sir, at last, for yourself and--and--your child. Good-day, sir.
+
+Sandy. Miss Mary!
+
+Miss Mary. I must make ready to receive your father's guests. It is his
+orders: I am only his poor relation. Good-by, sir. [Exit L.
+
+Sandy (watching her). She is gone!--gone! No! She has dropped on the
+sofa in the ante-room, and is crying. Crying! I promised Jack I wouldn't
+speak until the time came. I'll go back. (Hesitating, and looking toward
+L.) Poor girl! How she must hate me! I might just say a word, one word
+to thank her for her kindness to Johnny,--only one word, and then go
+away. I--I--can keep from liquor. I swore I would to Jack, that night
+I saw the old man--drunk,--and I have. But--I can't keep--from--her!
+No--damn it! (Going toward L.) No!--I'll go! [Exit L.
+
+Enter hurriedly and excitedly JOVITA, R., followed by MANUELA.
+
+Jovita. Where is she? Where is HE?--the traitor!
+
+Manuela (entreatingly). Compose yourself, Dona Jovita, for the love
+of God! This is madness: believe me, there is some mistake. It is some
+trick of an enemy,--of that ingrate, that coyote, Concho, who hates the
+Don Alexandro.
+
+Jovita. A trick! Call you this a trick? Look at this paper, put into my
+hands by my father a moment ago. Read it. Ah! listen. (Reads.) "In view
+of the EVIDENT PREFERENCES of my son, Alexander Morton, I hereby revoke
+my consent to his marriage with the Dona Jovita Castro, and accord him
+full permission to woo and win his cousin, Miss Mary Morris!" Call you
+this a trick, eh? No, it is their perfidy! This is why SHE was brought
+here on the eve of my betrothal. This accounts for his silence, his
+absence. Oh, I shall go mad!
+
+Manuela. Compose yourself, miss. If I am not deceived, there is one here
+who will aid us,--who will expose this deceit. Listen: an hour ago, as
+I passed through the hall, I saw Diego, our old Diego,--your friend and
+confidant, Diego.
+
+Jovita. The drunkard--the faithless Diego!
+
+Manuela. Never, Miss Jovita; not drunken! For, as he passed before me,
+he was as straight, as upright, as fine as your lover. Come, miss, we
+will seek him.
+
+Jovita. Never! He, too, is a traitor.
+
+Manuela. Believe me, no! Come, Miss Jovita. (Looking toward L.) See, he
+is there. Some one is with him.
+
+Jovita (looking). You are right; and it is she--SHE, Miss Mary! What? he
+is kissing her hand! and she--SHE, the double traitress--drops her head
+upon his shoulder! Oh, this is infamy!
+
+Manuela. Hush! Some one is coming. The guests are arriving. They must
+not see you thus. This way, Miss Jovita,--this way. After a little,
+a little, the mystery will be explained. (Taking JOVITA'S hand, and
+leading her R.)
+
+Jovita (going). And this was the correct schoolmistress, the preceptress
+and example of all the virtues! ha! (laughing hysterically) ha!
+
+[Exeunt JOVITA and MANUELA.
+
+
+SCENE 6.--The same. Enter SERVANT; opens folding doors C., revealing
+veranda and view of distant city beyond. Stage, fog effect from without.
+Enter STARBOTTLE and OAKHURST, R., in full evening dress.
+
+Starbottle (walking towards veranda). A foggy evening for our
+anniversary.
+
+Oakhurst. Yes. (Aside.) It was such a night as this I first stepped
+into Sandy's place, I first met the old man. Well, it will be soon over.
+(Aloud.) You have the papers and transfers all ready?
+
+Starbottle. In my--er--pocket. Mr. Morton, sen., should be here to
+receive his guests.
+
+Oakhurst. He will be here presently: until then the duty devolves on
+me. He has secluded himself even from me! (Aside.) Perhaps it is in very
+shame for his recent weakness.
+
+Enter SERVANT.
+
+Servant. Don Jose Castro, Miss Castro, and Miss Morris.
+
+Enter DON JOSE with JOVITA and MISS MARY on either arm. All formally
+salute MR. OAKHURST, except MISS JOVITA, who turns coldly away, taking
+seat remotely on sofa. COL. STARBOTTLE gallantly approaches MISS MARY,
+and takes seat beside her.
+
+Oakhurst (aside). They are here to see my punishment. There is no
+sympathy even in her eyes.
+
+Enter SERVANT.
+
+Servant. Mr. Concepcion Garcia and Mr. Capper.
+
+Concho (approaching OAKHURST, rubbing his hands). I wish you joy, Mr.
+Alexander Morton!
+
+Oakhurst (excitedly, aside). Shall I throw him from the window! The
+dog!--even he!
+
+Capper (approaching MR. OAKHURST). You have done well. Be bold. I will
+see you through. As for THAT man (pointing to CONCHO), leave him to ME!
+(Lays his hand on Concho's shoulder, and leads him to sofa R. OAKHURST
+takes seat in chair L. as SANDY enters quietly from door L., and stands
+leaning upon his chair.)
+
+Starbottle (rising). Ladies and gentlemen, we are waiting only for the
+presence of Mr. Alexander Morton, sen. I regret to say that for the last
+twenty-four hours--he has been--er--exceedingly preoccupied with the
+momentous cares of the--er--occasion. You who know the austere habits
+of my friend and--er--client will probably understand that he may be at
+this very moment engaged in prayerful and Christian meditation, invoking
+the Throne of Grace, previous to the solemn duties of--er--er--tonight.
+
+Enter SERVANT.
+
+Servant. Mr. Alexander Morton, sen.
+
+Enter OLD MORTON, drunk, in evening costume, cravat awry, coat
+half-buttoned up, and half-surly, half-idiotic manner. All rise in
+astonishment. SANDY starts forward. OAKHURST pulls him back.
+
+Morton (thickly). Don't rish! Don't rish! We'll all sit down! How do you
+do, sir? I wish ye well, miss. (Goes around and laboriously shakes hands
+with everybody.) Now lesh all take a drink! lesh you take a drink, and
+you take a drink, and you take a drink!
+
+Starbottle. Permit me, ladies and gentlemen, to--er--explain: our friend
+is--er--evidently laboring under--er--er--accident of hospitality! In a
+moment he will be himself.
+
+Old Morton. Hush up! Dry up--yourself--old turkey-cock! Eh!
+
+Sandy (despairingly). He will not understand us! (To STARBOTTLE.) He
+will not know me! What is to be done?
+
+Old Morton. Give me some whishkey. Lesh all take a drink! (Enter SERVANT
+with decanter and glasses.)
+
+Old Morton (starting forward). Lesh all take a drink!
+
+Sandy. Stop!
+
+Old Morton (recovering himself slightly). Who says stop? Who dares
+countermand my orderish?
+
+Concho (coming forward). Who? I will tell you: eh! eh! Diego--dismissed
+from the rancho of Don Jose for drunkenness! Sandy--the vagabond of Red
+Gulch!
+
+Sandy (passionately seizing OLD MORTON'S arm). Yes, Diego--Sandy--the
+outcast--but, God help me! no longer the drunkard. I forbid you to touch
+that glass!--I, your son, Alexander Morton! Yes, look at me, father: I,
+with drunkenness in my blood, planted by you, fostered by you--I whom
+you sought to save--I--I stand here to save you! Go! (To SERVANT.) Go!
+While he is thus, I--I, am master here!
+
+Old Morton (cowed and frightened). That voice! (Passing his hand over
+his forehead.) Am I dreaming Aleck, where are you? Alexander, speak, I
+command you: is this the truth?
+
+Oakhurst (slowly). It is!
+
+Starbottle. One moment--a single moment: permit me to--er--er--explain.
+The gentleman who has just--er--dismissed the refreshment is, to the
+best of my legal knowledge, your son. The gentleman who for the
+past year has so admirably filled the functions of that office
+is--er--prepared to admit this. The proofs are--er--conclusive. It is
+with the--er--intention of offering them, and--er--returning your lawful
+heir, that we--er--are here to-night.
+
+Old Morton (rising to his feet). And renounce you both! Out of my
+house, out of my sight, out of my heart, forever! Go! liars, swindlers,
+confederates! Drunk--
+
+Oakhurst (retiring slowly with SANDY). We are going, sir!
+
+Old Morton. Go! open the doors there WIDE, wide enough for such a
+breadth of infamy! Do you hear me? I am master here!
+
+Stands erect, as OAKHURST and SANDY, hand in hand, slowly retreat
+backward to centre,--then suddenly utters a cry, and falls heavily on
+sofa. Both pause: OAKHURST remains quiet and motionless; SANDY, after a
+moment's hesitation, rushes forward, and falls at his feet.
+
+Sandy. Father, forgive me!
+
+Old Morton (putting his hand round SANDY'S neck, and motioning him
+to door). Go! both of you, both of you! (Resisting SANDY'S attempt to
+rise.) Did you hear me? Go!
+
+Starbottle. Permit me to--explain. Your conduct, Mr. Morton, reminds me
+of sing'lar incident in '47--
+
+Old Morton. Silence!
+
+Oakhurst. One word, Mr. Morton! Shamed and disgraced as I am, I leave
+this roof more gladly than I entered it. How I came here, you best know.
+How I yielded madly to the temptation, the promise of a better life; how
+I fell, through the hope of reformation,--no one should know better than
+you, sir, the reformer. I do not ask your pardon. You know that I did my
+duty to you as your presumed son. Your real son will bear witness, that,
+from the hour I knew of his existence, I did my duty equally to him.
+Col. Starbottle has all the legal transfers and papers necessary to
+make the restoration of your son--the integrity of your business
+name--complete. I take nothing out of this life that I did not bring in
+it,--except my self-respect! I go--as I came--alone!
+
+Jovita (rushing towards him). No! no! You shall take ME! I have wronged
+you, Jack, cruelly; I have doubted you; but you shall not go alone. I
+care not for this contract! You are more to me, by your own right, Jack,
+than by any kinship with such as these!
+
+Oakhurst (raising her gently). I thank you, darling. But it is too late
+now. To be more worthy of you, to win YOU, I waived the title I had to
+you in my own manhood, to borrow another's more legal claim. I who would
+not win you as a gambler, cannot make you now the wife of a convicted
+impostor. No! Hear me, darling! do not make my disgrace greater than it
+is. In the years to come, Jovita, think of me as one who loved you well
+enough to go through shame to win you, but too well to ask you to share
+with him that shame. Farewell, darling, farewell! (Releases himself from
+JOVITA'S arms, who falls beside him.)
+
+Concho (rubbing his hands, and standing before him). Oho! Mr. John
+Oakhurst--eh--was it for this, eh--you leaped the garden wall, eh? was
+it for this you struck me down, eh? You are not wise, eh? You should
+have run away with the Dona when you could--ah, ah, impostor!
+
+Sandy (leaping to his feet). Jack, you shall not go! I will go with you!
+
+Oakhurst. No! Your place is there. (Pointing to old MORTON, whose head
+has sunk drunkenly on his breast.) Heed not this man; his tongue carries
+only the borrowed lash of his master.
+
+Concho. Eh! you are bold now--bold; but I said I would have revenge--ah,
+revenge!
+
+Sandy (rushing toward him). Coward!
+
+Don Jose. Hold your hand, sir! Hold! I allow no one to correct my
+menials but myself. Concho, order my carriage!
+
+Concho. It is ready, sir.
+
+Don Jose. Then lead the way to it, for my daughter and her husband, John
+Oakhurst.--Good-night, Mr. Morton, I can sympathize with you; for we
+have both found a son. I am willing to exchange my dismissed servant for
+your dismissed PARTNER.
+
+Starbottle (advancing). Ged, sir, I respect you! Ged, sir, permit me,
+sir, to grasp that honorable hand!
+
+Old Morton (excitedly). He is right, my partner. What have I done!
+The house of Morton & Son dissolved. The man known as my partner--a
+fugitive! No, Alexander!
+
+Starbottle. One moment--a single moment! As a lawyer, permit me to
+say, sir, that the whole complication may be settled, sir, by
+the--er--addition of--er--single letter! The house of Morton & Son shall
+hereafter read Morton & Sons. The papers for the legal adoption of Mr.
+Oakhurst are--er--in my pocket.
+
+Old Morton (more soberly). Have it your own way, sir! Morton & Sons be
+it. Hark ye, Don Jose! We are equal at last. But--hark ye, Aleck!
+How about the boy, eh?--my grandson, eh? Is this one of the sons by
+adoption?
+
+Sandy (embarrassedly). It is my own, sir.
+
+Capper (advancing). He can with safety claim it; for the mother is on
+her way to Australia with her husband.
+
+Old Morton. And the schoolma'am, eh?
+
+Miss Mary. She will claim the usual year of probation for your prodigal,
+and then--
+
+Sandy. God bless ye, Miss Mary!
+
+Old Morton. I am in a dream! But the world--my friends--my patrons--how
+can I explain?
+
+Starbottle. I will--er--explain. (Advancing slowly to front--to
+audience.) One moment--er--a single moment! If anything that
+has--er--transpired this evening--might seem to you, ladies
+and gentlemen--er--morally or--er--legally--or honorably to
+require--er--apology--or--er--explanation--permit me to say--that
+I--Col. Culpepper Starbottle, hold myself responsible--er--personally
+responsible.
+
+Capper. Concho.
+
+Old Morton. Sandy. Miss Mary. Don Jose. Jovita. Oakhurst.
+
+Col. Starbottle.
+
+Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Two Men of Sandy Bar, by Bret Harte
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TWO MEN OF SANDY BAR ***
+
+***** This file should be named 2570.txt or 2570.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/7/2570/
+
+Produced by Donald Lainson
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.