George M. Baker

“ Ruth. And you have mine—you shall not see him.
New. You are a clever woman, Mrs. Graham, and though you once scorned my love, I cannot but admire your courage.
Ruth (scornfully) . Your love! That is an emotion which has never entered your being. Your heart is too cold and treacherous; it cannot harbor that which is loyal and true. I am only too thankful that I escaped such pretensions.
New. Have a care, madam; I am too dangerous to trifle with. Let me pass! No woman shall stand in my way! (Tries to take her from door by force; Roger enters, takes Newcomb by shoulder and turns him round.) ”

“ Why, you are too old a friend. What should I do, if I were to fall in love with you? It would spoil all the fun, and now, you are my devoted slave.
Potts. What's the matter with my being in love and playing the devoted too?
Dor. Never. Now, Pinky, you are just the dearest fellow in the world, and I am awfully fond of you; you are no end jolly. So come (offers hand, which Potts takes) , let's be friends forever, and keep sentiment out of the question. (Seriously.) And you know, Pinky, I can never forget Roger Carruth.
Potts. No, Miss Dorothy, and I would not have you. ”

“ Bijah. Thus far, swimmingly; from Oldtown to Baltimore has been a triumphant march, but just here I've struck something.
Polly. From the looks of that eye, and the mud on that coat, I should say something had struck you. Bijah, you're a crank. Your peace and flag won't stir anything down this way. If you are not both suspended from a tree before you reach New Orleans, you may think yourself lucky. If your wits were as sharp and dazzling as your name, you would shoulder your gun and join that regiment.
Bijah. Oh, Polly, you're way off. No such work for me. I am the Standard Bearer. ”

“ That man Dowling was worse than nothing. It was a bad shot; we need better marksmen in our armies.
Gibbs. You are bound to murder him?
New. Murder? no indeed. “All's fair in love and war.” Are we not enemies? Is he not the invader of the sacred soil that was my birthplace? Has he not won the heart of the woman I once loved? That affection is now dead, and hatred has risen from the ashes. She scorned me once, and I shall not rest until her happiness is wrecked.
Gibbs. Then that explains your treachery towards her brother, Roger Carruth. (Dor. leans forward; listening.) ”

“ Graham, you are morbid. A colonel's life is at hazard as well as that of a private. Why could not the shot from an enemy's rifle have done the work?
Ruth. Impossible! the enemy were in front. Only a coward would do so contemptible a deed.
New. True, there are some without honor, Mrs. Graham. Your brother, Roger Carruth, for instance.
Ruth (rising) . How dare you, Mr. Newcomb, in my own home, speak so slightingly of my brother? Why have you turned against him? When he was first accused of the crime, you acted as his friend. ”

“ Newcomb is down on Mr. Roger, and he is so intimate with the colonel, who believes that he is something of a saint, that he has made the colonel down on him too. That just breaks poor Mrs. Graham's heart, for Mr. Roger is her brother, you know. I should think Mr. Roger might send Miss Dorothy some word, at least, and not leave her to fret her heart out. Oh, these men, they make me tired. Haven't a thought for any one besides themselves.
Bijah. Hush, Polly, don't say that. Haven't I marched from Oldtown just to catch a glimpse of your sweet face? ”

“ Good-by, Pinky.
(Exeunt Dorothy, Polly, and Bijah.)
Potts. Poor Bijah looks unhappy, because the maid of his heart won't smile upon him. He has a good heart, and is “true as steel.”
Roger (hand on Potts's shoulder; music) . Indeed he is. No one knows it better than I. He stood my friend in my darkest hours. Ah, Potts! I have a hard battle yet to fight. Newcomb must not win the day. My plan is a bold one. Stand by me, old man; your friendship will be tried. (Taking his hand.) ”

“ Polly. Poor thing, so active a poetical brain should not be allowed to starve. Come with me. (Exeunt, R., Polly and Bijah.)
(Major Pinkerton Potts and Dorothy enter, both in riding costume, and laughing heartily at Potts's appearance, who is brushing dirt from his clothes.)
Dor. Well done, Pinky, that last leap was too much for you. That's your punishment for insisting upon pouring into my tired ears, a whole battalion of pretty speeches. Pride must have a fall. If your shots in battle do not find a more responsive target, your record will not be an enviable one. ”

“ Ruth. Mr. Newcomb, you call yourself friend. I do not believe you. Roger is as innocent of that crime as I am, and you know it. Not content with attempting to overturn my faith in my brother, you have spared no time or trouble to turn the colonel against him. He believes in your friendship so thoroughly, he never thinks to doubt your word.
New. That is as it should be, Mrs. Graham. And, I hope, some day, the colonel's wife will favor me with her confidence. ”

“ Potts. I thought you were to leave that to me. Lost your faith in your old friend?
Dor. (taking his hand) . Don't think that for a moment. I could not remain at home. I did not dare tell Ruth, and I must tell my thoughts to some one; they were driving me frantic. Do find Roger for me—that's a dear fellow.
Potts. That is easier said than done. He must keep out of the colonel's way, and that is his tent.
Dor. You have wits enough to manage that. Don't tell him who is here, leave that to me; I mean to give him a surprise.
Potts. Let a woman alone for keeping a secret. ”

“ And do you think, sir, that I, their only protector, will allow one whose name is sullied to hold an interview with them?
Ruth (goes to Colonel) . Gordon, you forget that you are speaking to my brother.
Dor. (goes to Roger) . And please remember, Gordon, that this man I love and honor above all others.
Col. Stop, I say. In my own house, I will speak my mind. Roger Carruth, leave this house. All here bear honored names. We do not associate with dishonest men.
Ruth (sobbing) . Gordon, how can you be so cruel?
Roger. Colonel Graham, you forget to whom you are speaking. ”

“ Faith, an' if yees have a foiner coat, you're a black guard shtill.
(Exeunt Kil. and Pete; the latter making fun of Kil.)
Polly. Pete's bright enough for him. I've taken quite a shine to my black diamond. (Bijah appears in door, C.) How devoted he is to the colonel! Heigho! wish some one was devoted to me. Nonsense; I don't care. I am so happy, now that horrid war is over. I am ready to embrace anybody and everybody. (Extends arms; Bijah steps quickly, and Polly embraces him.)
Bijah. And I am just the man to appreciate it, Polly.
Polly. Bijah Bright! Bless my soul, how you frighten me! ”

“ Potts. Hard as it was for the colonel to believe Newcomb guilty, he, of course, took Roger's side. Newcomb tried a game of bluff, but it didn't work. He is at large, but we are only waiting for some new development. It will come, and with it the downfall of Newcomb.
Dor. He richly deserves it. Think of the wrong he has done Roger.
Potts (taking both her hands) . Your faith and devotion to Roger have just made me hungry. I want some one to have faith in me, too. Now, don't breathe it, but I've just “gone and done” it myself.
Dor. Pinky, what do you mean? You are in love with a girl? ”

“ If you were not Roger's best friend, I should say something that you would not like.
Potts. I fly to do your bidding. Don't empty your vial of pent-up wrath over my defenceless shoulders. I should not dare to look a pretty girl in the face for a week.
Dor. What a vacation the pretty girls would have! [Pg 25] Come, do hurry, or the colonel will return and spoil everything.
Potts. Au revoir! (Salutes and exit past sentinel, who salutes.)
Dor. My heart is fluttering like an imprisoned butterfly. Hark! Polly, some one else is coming.
Polly (looking) . Pity sakes alive! It's Bijah Bright ”

“ Polly. Now, Pete, make everything bright and cheerful. Mr. Roger is expected home to-night; we must do our share towards a warm welcome. The poor colonel is so unhappy. Between the treachery of his friend, and Mr. Roger's brave deed, he is torn with conflicting emotions.
Pete. I's powerful sorry for dear Massa Colonel. Wish I could do somefin for him.
Polly. You do your work well, that will satisfy him. (Takes banjo from corner.) But I tell you what, Pete, you can do something for me. Play a dance tune on this banjo. I haven't heard one since I left Oldtown. ”

“ O Ruth, I wish you could have seen his lordship ignominiously turning a somersault in the mire. Don't be surprised, if the next news that you hear is that Major Pinkerton Potts, formerly officer in the Union Army, had reached the zenith of success, and was now dazzling all Europe by his acrobatic feats. Pinky, don't forget your old friends when fortune smiles upon you, and (mock courtesy) send us a box. (All laugh.)
(Enter Colonel and Newcomb; Colonel leaning upon Newcomb's arm, very weak. Leans against door.)
Col. Yes, Newcomb, I must rejoin my regiment to-day. No more holidays for me. ”

“ Look, Polly, Mrs. Graham's picture. It must be the colonel's.
Polly. Pity sakes alive! so it is. He must not see us here.
Dor. No indeed. I wonder how I can find Roger; ever since I overheard that plot, sleep has forsaken me.
Polly (walking about, looking through trees R.) . Some one is coming this way. (Looks again.) And I really believe it is Major Potts.
Dor. They say “Fortune favors the brave.” This is indeed a lucky find. (Polly beckons; Major appears.)
Potts. Why, Polly Primrose, what are you doing here? (Sees Dor.) Miss Dorothy, have you lost your senses? In camp! ”

“ Gibbs (right arm free) . One who has suffered much at your hands; who has borne with patience your taunts and slurs; who, knowing of the colonel's danger, tried to save his life. One whom you thought “as good as dead” stands before you. A victim of your treachery. (Tears off whiskers and wig.) Roger Carruth.
(Tableau.—Kil., C., kneeling and holding Pete's head on knees; Col. staggers back and leans against soldiers, who support him; Potts and Bijah each holding one of Roger's hands, looking at him; Roger looking at New., who stares at him horror-stricken.) ”

“ Polly (holding out hand) . Bijah, give me your hand; you are my friend for life. The colonel is one of the bravest and best of men. The shot that brought him down could not keep him there: for, beckoning to two of his men, he was carried in their arms to the head of his regiment; and, waving his sword, led them on, driving the enemy in all directions. Mr. Randolph Newcomb, one of the fine gentlemen of the city, professes great friendship for the colonel ”

“ Roger. The colonel?
Dor. (excitedly) . Yes, yes. You must save him. He shall owe his life to you. Some one calling himself friend is his foe. (Rising; forgets, and assumes natural voice.) He has done you a grievous wrong, but you will forgive that?
[Pg 27]
Roger. That voice! (Raises Dorothy's veil.) Dorothy?
Potts. Cleverly done, little maid. You actually waited eight minutes. (Looks at watch.)
Roger. Major! Dorothy, what does this mean?
Potts. A well-laid scheme, Roger, to hold a stolen interview with you. Miss Dorothy, you can talk with Roger just five minutes, no longer. ”

“ Farewell, Dorothy. (Exit Roger, C.)
Ruth. Gordon, you have broken my heart.
Dor. You call yourself a soldier. If I were your country, I would disown you.
Col. Hush, Ruth, don't condemn me. Dorothy, I have done what seemed my duty.
Dor. There are some duties it is wiser to overlook. (Colonel and Ruth stand talking together; Dorothy drags Potts down front.)
[Pg 17]
Dor. Pinky, what do you think of all this?
Potts. A downright dirty piece of business, but don't blame the colonel. Newcomb is at the bottom of this.
Dor. Newcomb? Oh, yes. Pinky, what do you think? ”

“ There in each other's genial society we will partake of pie, and talk over that coming wedding in Oldtown. (Exeunt Polly and Bijah, R.; enter Colonel and Kilroy, L.)
Col. Tell your master, Mr. Newcomb, that I will see him this evening.
Kil. Indade, sir, he shall have your orders. (Aside.) Faith, it's a foine pie they be afther baking for Newcomb. By me powers, I wouldn't loike to be here at the cutting of it. (Exit Kilroy, C.)
Col. (sinks into chair at table) . It is hard to believe in Newcomb's treachery; he has always seemed so warm a friend. (Enter Ruth, R.)
Ruth (goes to Colonel) . ”

“ Roger. Through that good friend of ours, Bijah Bright.
Dor. (goes to Bijah) . Mr. Bright, I come to thank you once more. Polly, you can trust this man. He has proved loyal every time.
Polly. Thank you, Miss Dorothy. It's pleased I am to hear you say so.
Bijah. She has promised to marry me, and we invite you to Oldtown for the wedding.
Dor. I accept upon the spot. Be good to him, Polly; he deserves it.
Bijah. That she will. I can trust her for that.
(Enter Pete, C.)
Pete. O Massa Colonel, such a time; it's jest orful. Massa Newcomb he jests rants and tears like a house afire. ”

“ If this keeps on much longer, there will be none left for the hopeful Down-East girls and full-blown spinsters, whose natural expectations are warm corners in the hearts of these brave heroes. What a queer lot of men. ”

“ Dor. (raises head; comes forward) . A visitor, Polly?
Polly. Yes ma'am. A friend from Oldtown; and only think, Miss Dorothy, he knows your Mr. Roger.
[Pg 13]
Dor. Knows my Roger? (Goes to Bijah.) Oh, tell me of him; where is he?
Bijah. That I cannot tell you (takes letter from pocket) , but here is a letter, which he bade me give you should I ever come to Baltimore.
(Dor. takes letter; breaks seal. Bijah and Polly retire to window; music.)
Dor. (reads) . My darling Dorothy.—That you still have faith in me I have no doubt. Your heart is too pure for anything else. ”

“ He missed fire, and my wrist caught the shot.
Col. Where is the sentinel?
Kil. (points at Gibbs) . Faith, and there he is.
Col. So, sir, placed here on honor to guard your colonel's life, you turn traitor. Speak, man, why have you done this? (Gibbs remains silent.)
Col. (goes to Pete) . Poor little fellow! You have killed him.
Kil. If yees plaze, colonel, his sinses are only knocked out of him.
Col. (to Gibbs) . Man, why are you silent?
New. He is too great a coward to defend himself. He dare not speak. (Music.)
Gibbs. Dare not? Be careful, Newcomb; the game is not yet yours. ”

“ Col. turns to enter tent; New. appears at extreme L., and watches Gibbs; Gibbs sees New., stops a moment, then follows Col., aims at him, turns quickly, and fires at New. Pete, who has followed Gibbs, springs upon his back, and grasps him soon as shot is fired. New. is wounded in wrist. Gibbs swings Pete around and knocks him senseless with butt of gun. Potts and Bijah seize Gibbs; Col. turns as shot is fired; Soldiers appear; stage grows light ”

“ Is it a quarrel with “my dearest friend Mollie”?
Dor. Don't speak like that. No one ever gives me credit for any depth of feeling, just because I laugh and take the good of life as it comes along.
Roger. Which I hope you will always do, Dorothy dear. Come, forgive me, and tell me your trouble.
Dor. Before the colonel left home after his illness, Mr. Newcomb called one day. I entered the drawing-room, and overheard a conversation which he was having with some man,—a soldier in the colonel's regiment.
Roger. Did you hear the man's name?
Dor. Yes; Mr. Newcomb called him Gibbs. ”