Angels of Darkness

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Angels of Darkness is a play written by Arthur Conan Doyle, probably between 1888 and 1890, from Bush Villa, Southsea (UK).

The play is an adaptation of A Study in Scarlet with Dr. Watson but without Sherlock Holmes. However, the play written on 5 notebooks is unfinished.

Angels of Darkness

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Dramatis Personae

• John Ferrier [A Gentile farmer of Utah]
• Jefferson Hope [Washoe Hunter & Silver miner]
• Elias Fortescue Smee [Traveller in notions]
• John Watson, MD. [San Francisco Practitioner]
• Sir Montague Brown (Aristocratic English globetrotter)
• Splayfoot Dick (Ferrier's negro Servant)
• Elder Johnstone (The latter day saint)
• John Drebber (Leaders of Avenging Angels)
• Lovejoy Stangerson (Leaders of Avenging Angels)
• Short (Avenging angels)
• Stephens (Avenging angels)
• Hiram Cooper (Unorthodox Morman)
• Ling-Tchu (Ferrier's Chinese Laundryman)
• Lucy Ferrier (John Ferrier's daughter)
• Biddy McGee (Ferrier's Irish Help)
• Mrs. Carpenter (Keeper of San Francisco boarding House)
• Rose Carpenter (Her daughter)

Act I.

[Scene the interior of the large logbuilt farmhouse of John Ferrier. Rough wooden tables and chairs. A dresser with dishes at one side. A Stove at the other. Saddles and bridles in a corner. Guns hung on the wall. At one side a small table with some embroidery and a work basket.]

[Enter Splayfoot Dick an escaped Negro from the South whom John Ferrier has engaged as general servant and farm hand.]

Splayfoot Dick : Massa Ferrier he no come back from Salt Lake City, and Missey she be down in the field on de top of de black mustang. Gosamighty but he jump over hedge and fence while Missey sit on him as quiet as a dob o' mud upon a shovel. What for should I work? Guess I might as well be back in the sugar plantation agin if I am to work all day. Look all that I gone been done today! After breakfas' I smoke one pipe in um cowhouse. Dat one thing. Then I watch Sally milk um cows. Dat two jobs. Then I watch Ling Tchu clean um bits and stirrups. Dat three jobs. Then I kick um for one lazy yellow-face Mongolian blackguard. Dat makes four. Guess it's time I had a rest now.

[Takes out his short black pipe, sits down on the bench by the stove and smokes placidly. Presently something catches his eye, and he shouts angrily.]

Ling-tchu! Ling-tchu!

[Enter Chinese laundryman & servant.]

[Chinaman dressed in dark blue blouse, dark blue drawers gathered in at ancles. Straw Conical hat and wooden sabots.]

Ling-Tchu : What you wantee, Dickee?

Dick : Why you no blacken dis stove this morning, you coloured rascal!

Ling-Tchu : (aside) Sposee him rubbee him facee against so him blackee it quick enough (To Dick) Allee-righ-tee, Massa Dickee!

Dick : Allee righty! What sort o' talk that? Why you no talk the English same as all other folk? For my part I no see what you want in this country atall. 'Merica for the Mericans' say I. S'pose a man not able to speak um language. I guess him best be toted back to um own country. We don't want no heathen furriners here.

Ling-Tchu : Allee rightee.

Dick : Allee rightee — I tell you it's allee wrongee. Where is Missey Lucy.

Ling-Tchu : She passee through garden.

Dick : How you know dat?

Ling-Tchu : She leave um markee footee footee all same top-side um flowerbed.

Dick : What fool's talk this? How you know Missy Lucy's footmark from my footmark or any other one.

Ling-Tchu : 'Spose Missee Lucee tread topside um flowerbed it no easy findee placee.

Dick : Well?

Ling-Tchu : Spose blackee Dickee tread it no easy findee um flowerbed.

[Flies with streaming tail before Dick can find anything to hurl at him.]

Dick : (excitedly) Dere! Dat what come from the employment o' furriners. But hush! I hear him step coming up de pathway. Ho! Ho! Now I fix him. (Stands behind the door with a bundle of shavings)

[Enter Elias Fortescue Smee the Yankee pedlar whom Dick instantly smites with his bundle.]

[Smee — Broadbrimmed soft felt hat, bright tie, long drab coat and high boots. Carries his samples in a large shiney bag.]

Dick : Oh Gosamighty! I've made a mistake.

Smee : I guess you have. If you make another like it I reckon this house will be a nigger short. You tarnation thief! If I draw my six shooter, I'll fill you up with lead until it will pay a mining company to work you.

Dick : Accept the 'pology of a Gem'man, sah, for the trifling liberty I gone done take. I thought you was that yellow Chinee rascal. Now, sah, what I do for you?

Smee : Where's Mister John Ferrier?

Dick : Massa gone to Salt Lake City, sah. Gone to draw de dollars for them ere sixteen draught bullocks which I sell a party o' Gentiles from de plains. I expect him to be back here presently. What I tell him your name and business, sah?

Smee : Elias Fortescue Smee of Jacksonville, Jackson County in the State o' New Jersey. As to business I guess the thing that I don't trade in has not yet been found. I am sole agent in Utah for Webb and Websters new publication "A hundred and forty facts worth knowing" in two volumes octavo, marble covered, illustrated with full index and a preface by the Author for the ridic'lous sum of two dollars. We positively refuse to take more than two dollars for it. I am also sole and only representative of the Pacific Insurance Office limited, premiums payable monthly, quarterly, or annually, all claims promptly settled on presentation of medical certificate. Thems my two principal cards but I also run light'nin' rods, hair oil, Walker's excelsior pills, Moir's double soled boots and a selection of other notions of a most partic'larly fascinatin' and elevatin' character. Aoeto That's what I sell. As to buying I guess I'm open to bid for for anything from a Kentucky rifle to a silver mine. (Searches about in his handbag, and produces a small box which he holds open in a genial way to the Negro) Have an excelsior pill.

Dick : Tanks, Massa Smee, I already done gone my breakfas'.

Smee : Guess food for the mind is what you want. That thoughtful brow and sensitive mouth tell their own story. Now here's a book. Every fact in it is worth a dollar, and there are a hundred and forty of them. No stuffing here but all good solid grit. It's just writ for you. You'll want to sit up nights to read this book. There's been nothing like it since Bill Shakespeare went under. It's a strain on a man's brain, but you could tackle it, safe enough.

Dick : Thank you, massa. I dessay I could bear up agin it.

Smee : It's full o' talk about everything. Take a look into it and see. (Opens one volume) Now here — the first thing we come to. How many hairs do you suppose a man has on his head?

Dick : I specks that depends on whether he's married or not. There's Elder Johnstone what has fifteen wives if dey only takes out a fistful each it leaves him like a peeled turnup. But how many do dat book say him hab got.

Smee : Two hundred and thirty four thousand, eight hundred an' ninety seven. No slouch of a figure, you see, but reckoned out to the last one.

Dick : Two hundred and thirty four thousand, eight hundred an' ninety seven. Guess I've seen some folk that would be mighty glad to have had de ninety seven. But it's a 'straordinary book. What's dat you've got to now?

Smee : (reading) 'The formation of coral reefs' — It says that the coral is formed by swarms o' insects.

Dick : If swarms ob insec's make coral, den dat 'ere yellow Chinee ought to be just one mass o' coral. How much you say dis book?

Smee : Two dollars.

Dick : I take him (takes money from the corner of his red bandanna handkerchief and hands it to the Yankee)

Smee : (fumbling in his bag) Maybe I can fix you up with some more things. You don't happen to want Higginson's Wash for Chilblains, do you? Or Murphys putrifying lotion? Or J.H. Merryweather's Bloom for the Complexion? Or a tin of the Imperial freckle remover?

Dick : No tanks. Massa Smee, I not need any of dese tings.

Smee : Then I guess there's no more dealing to be done. You don't want to ensure your life, eh?

Dick : No, sah.

Smee : Don't want to Speckilate in light'ning rods?

Dick : No, sah.

Smee : Nor in alarum clocks with double chimes and a Self winding apparatus.

Dick : No, sah.

Smee : Guess there's a frost set in in this commercial centre. Well, solong, friend. I'll mebbe look in when Mister Ferrier is come back. (exit with leaving his bag).

Dick : Dat one mighty perlite gemman! What him say? My noble mouf an' sensitive brow. Must tell Sally 'bout dat. But Lor if here ain't Missy Lucy as pert and as sassy as a blue jay!

[Enter Lucy Ferrier, a slim beautiful girl of 17 with a riding whip in her hand.]

[Lucy — Sunbonnet and pink gown.]

Lucy : (excitedly) Oh Dick. Whatever do you think has happened. I set Black Carlo at the Ragged Gap, and he came down on his knees, because he didn't get a fair take off, and he's knocked the hair off in two places. Isn't it dreadful?

Dick : Well, Missy, spose you had hurt yourself that would be dreadf'ler still. What Massa Ferrier say if he come back an' find you done gone hurt broke your bones. Guess there would be some more bones broke besides yours. He'd make me wish I was back on the Plantation agin. And as to Massa Jefferson Hope I'd as soon meet a hungry grizzly, if anything was to happen to Missy.

Lucy : (With some embarassment) Why that's it, Dick. It was Mister Jefferson Hope who gave me the mustang and — Well I wouldn't like him to think that I didn't take care of what he gave me.

Dick : No, missy — in course not.

Lucy : So I want you just to run round to the stable and look at Black Carlo and, do what you can to make him all right. Or perhaps Ling-Tchu—

Dick : Pah! What dat yellow scoundrel know of 'bout horses. I surprised at you, Missy Lucy! I go self this moment wid soft soap an' liniment. Soon hab him right. Ho! Ho! Ling-Tchu indeed! (walks off with an air of much importance).

[Lucy sits down at the little round table with her embroidery.]

Lucy : I wonder if Jefferson will come back with father. He's going away to Nevada tomorrow prospecting, so he is sure to come today. I wonder if he will speak out. Oh whatever shall I say or do! I have no mother, no sister to advise me. Who can I ask? There's only Sally and Dick and Ling-Tchu. I know well that he loves me. I can read it in his eyes. But I can read something else in his eyes sometimes which frightens me. Not always. Only sometimes. When he is thwarted or angered. Oh even if I did not love him I don't think I would dare to refuse him. They tell me that even the rough hunters and the miners are afraid of him. Yet he is so generous — so noble! But hark! (starting up) I hear the hoofs of horses. Of two horses! Ha! (clapping her hands) I hear his voice. I knew that he would come. He is here. Now I must hold my own. crossed out words I would not have him think that I am unmaidenly.

[Enter John Ferrier and Jefferson Hope.]

[Ferrier — Buff coat, leather breetches & high boots. Jefferson Hope — Velvet Jacket, silver buttons, Sash with pistols in it. Sombrero, high boots.

Ferrier : Ah, Lucy, me darlin'!

Lucy : (embracing him) Dearest father! (pats his face affectionately) It is so lonely without you.

Ferrier : Here's friend Hope come up to say goodbye to us.

Lucy : (Shaking hands with Hope) You are going then?

Hope : The boys are all on the trail now, and I ought to be with them. I'll catch 'em by tomorrow sundown for they have no cattle to compare with old Borderer. I could not go though without seeing you again and having a word with you.

Ferrier : Sit ye down, Hope, sit ye down! (Throws a bag of money down upon the table) Put that away with the rest, Lucy. (She trips away and throws it into a' heavy ironbound chest which she locks). This is a great day with us, Hope?

Hope : Aye! How's that then?

Ferrier : Well, lad, it was twelve years this very day since my gal here and I was found lying by the Mormons on Starvation Bluff. She was a little lass then with golden hair scarce more'n a baby, but uncommon spry with her little tongue. Our party had gone under and I'd footed it all the way from the San Juan to the Sierra Blanco with the child on me back. I never thought then to have lived to see my own lands around me and a fine homestead over our heads.

Hope : And how did the Mormons treat you?

Ferrier : Well. Well. I have not a word to say agin them. There was two Elders, Elder Drebber and Elder Stangerson, old men now with grown up children, but hale and hearty then. They took us in their waggons turn and turn. They was deputed to convert us. Guess they didn't make much of a job o' that. I was a good hunter in those days and I made myself kinder useful, so when we came to the Land o' Promise as they called it, I was given as good a share as any o' the others. Since then things has prospered with me. This was but a log but to start with, but it's a roomy kind o' shanty now. I could ha' walked over my land before breakfas' once, but now I think myself tarnation smart if I ride over it before dinner. Guess I could swap dollars with any o' them except the Prophet himself, and maybe Elder Johnstone. Ye see this Californey gold boom has brought trade through the valley an' made it a kinder half way house atwixt the east and the west. If a man keeps his eyes well skinned he can scarce help drawing in the stamps.

Hope : But this prophet an' his religion how does that suit you and Miss Lucy here?

Ferrier : Well, Well! We lie low an' keep dark over it. If a man lives clean and acts square it don't much matter what he may think in his own heart, I reckon. I give to their funds, and I stood my share towards the temple and the tithe offering. They don't trouble me much about it. They've been at me to marry agin, but I guess one wife is enough for one life, an' I can look my Hester square in the face in the next world, if I stick true to her in this.

Hope : They're awkard critters when you stroke 'em the wrong way are the Mormons. Guess even up in the mountains we heard tell about the Danite band and the Council of four.

Lucy : The Danite band. Mr. Hope! Who are they?

Hope : (Seriously) They are folk that it is best not to speak of — no not in the heart o' your own family, with bolted doors and barred windows.

Ferrier : Pshaw man! I have heard these old wives tales. They are a slander upon a quiet and harmless set o' folk.

Hope : Quiet eh! And harmless! Well I'll tell ye. Last fall I was prospectin' away up in the Wahsatch Mountains. One night I was walking down one o' the valleys where it was too steep for ridin' when I heard the sound o' folk acomin' in my direction. I smelled mischief, there was so many of them, so I dropped down behind a pine log and cached myself. Presently a man flitted past me in the gloom. And then another, and another. It looked as though there was no end to them. Fifty seven o' them there was in all. They was got up like red-skins. But they wore boots. Not a man of them without boots. There was the tracks o' them afterwards in the moonshine. I never struck no such injuns as that afore in all my travels though I reckon that I have brushed up against every tribe from Arizona to the Rockies. Farmer Ferrier I ain't a man that makes mistakes. Those were not Indians. They were whites.

Ferrier : Aye, lad, and what then?

Hope : Early that mornin' there was a great flare among the mountains. I seed the light of it in the sky. It wasn't until long after that I heard the reason. A German emigrant party had been attacked by Injuns, the men killed, the waggons burned and the women carried off. What Injuns are there in the Wahsatch mountains? I guess you might have found those Injuns with plug hats and biled shirts singin' hymns in the Temple before the week was out.

Ferrier : (thoughtfully) Ah! I have heard talk of this sort of before but had put it down as empty gossip.

Hope : It is no gossip. It is the truth.

Lucy : Can it really be that we live amid such wickedness!

Hope : All I say is be careful to keep on the right side o' the hedge.

Ferrier : Well, well, handsome is as handsome does, and the saints has been good friends to me. I don't reckon that we are goin' to fall out after twelve years o' friendship. (Aside with a knowing look) Now I guess John Ferrier, if you were to carry your carcass out o' this neither o' these young critters would be like to bust into tears at the sight o' your back. Well he's a likely lad enough, an' he's a Christian which is more than these folk are, to my mind, for all their prophets and their preachings. (To Lucy) I'll be back in two shakes, dearie. (Aside as he leaves the room) I can see by the glint o' her eyes that her dear heart is sot on him. It would be selfish o' me to hold her back, (exit) though the sunshine will have gone from my life when he leads her to the Church (exit).

Hope : Lucy. I have been longing for a word with you. There never was a deer thirsted for the springs as I thirst for one word from your sweet lips. I am a plain man, a Washoe miner and a scout. I've been bred in a hard school, Lucy, and I've never had a chance to larn the soft words that win a gal's heart, but I'm a man that never yet went back away from his word and never yet backed down when I had set myself to put a thing through. You mind that first day when I seed ye a galloping down the Salt Lake Road with your bonny on a half-broke mustang with the light o' heaven in your blue eyes, and your bonny hair flying in the wind. You remember it?

Lucy : I should remember it since you saved my life. How can I ever forget how you plunged in amongst the fierce half mad bullocks and dragged me into safety. Another minute and I should have been under their hoofs.

Hope : Well, Lucy, when I seed you that day my heart kind of opened, and I felt a better man thatn I have done since I kissed my mother at St. Louis before I took the Western trail. Aye, lass, such a life as mine lends leaves a man with a hard hand and a rough tongue but I wern't so far gone that I couldn't tell an angel o' Heaven when I seed one. Lucy with you I am saved. Without you I am lost — lost, girl, body and soul. Shall I go from this house a happy and a softened man, or shall I set out into the mountains, as fierce and as desperate as any beast that lives among them. It's a bad thing to let a devil loose into the world, Lucy.

Lucy : (Shrinking away from his stern face and fierce eyes). You frighten me, Mister Hope. Why do you speak and look so wildly?

Hope : Because the love within me is wild and raging. Because I stand at the turning point of my life and the path goes either up or down. What are the watery passions of which I have heard or read to this furious redhot torrent which surges through my veins (passes his quivering fingers across his eyes). But there. I frighten you. In one word, Lucy, will you be ready to come with me when I am here again?

Lucy : (blushing and laughing) And when will that be?

Hope : A couple of months at the outside. May I come and claim you then, my heart's darling. Who is there who can stand between us?

Lucy : But how about father?

Hope : He knows of it and has given his consent provided that we get these mines working all right. I have no fear for that. But speak, Lucy. What say you to it?

Lucy : Oh well; of course if father and you have settled it all there is no more to be said.

Hope : (hoarsely, drawing her to his bosom) Thank God! It is settled then. See the sunlight gilding that dark mountain, love (pointing through the side window). I was like that Mountain, as sombre and as lonely, but your sweet love has come to throw a glory over my dreary life life. The mountain shall have left its base, and the sun shall have ceased to shine, before my heart will turn from you. You send me forth a happy and a hopeful man.

Lucy : But you are not going now, dear Jefferson. You surely are not going to leave me at once.

Hope : Every minute that I stay the harder it is to go. Duty calls me. The boys will wait in the Cañon. You would not have me break my word to them. My very heart strings hold me here but I must snap them. If I hesitate I know well that I shall never go atall. You will tell the old man. Goodbye, my own darling, goodbye!

[Gives a last convulsive embrace and darts out.]

[Lucy stands at the door waving her kerchief until he disappears.]

Lucy : He has gone. How fiery and impetuous he is! But it is his love which makes him so. I wonder if all men are like that. It is like a dream. How brave and loving he is! But he frightened me sometimes. And then fancy riding away like that. What will dear papa father think of it. Ah, I hear his step upon the verandah. I must run and tell him all about it. (Exit joyously)

[Enter Biddy McGee the Irish help.]

[Biddy — Chintz Gown, a shovel in one hand and a brush in the other.]

Biddy : And there goes Missy's young man! And in hoigh sperrits too for he's afther givin' me foive Mexican dollars. 'Take care o' your misttiressl' says he wid his two oies shinin', an' wid that he slips this into me hand, gives a great jump onto his big black horse an' was down the road afore I could as much as say 'Thank ye koindly, your honour!' Faith, if I was missy I'd as soon think o' marryin' a jumpin' cracker, or leadin' Mount Vesuvius up to the altar. Well there's one thing if she marries him she'll have the whole o' a man all to herself and thats a rare thing in these parts. None o' your joint stock companies for me. There was ould Hiram Pennigent down here last tuesday mornin' as iver was as bould as brass though I hear as he has tin woives already and the house so full o' them and their children that they have to come out to lit him git in. I lit him have it on the head wid de saucepan to tach him to insult a definceless gurl — the spalpeen! A pretty thing if when I came back to Bally Shannon 'Father Burke was to say, lookin' at me finger 'You're a married woman, Biddy? 'Yes, Your Riverince' says I. "Then where's your husband, Biddy? says he "If ye plase, your riverince, the other tin sharehoulders wouldn't let me have him" says I. Sure I couldn't look the neighbours in the face. What wid the Saints, and the black naygurs, and the yeller Chinese, there ain't much o' a selection in Utah.

[Enter Elias Fortescue Smee.]

Biddy : Murder an turf, who's this atall?

Smee : (Coming forward with many bows and his hat in his hand) I've come to fetch my emporium.

Biddy : Fetch your what?

Smee : My emporium. I left it here. (aside) The gal's got dollars in her hand. Maybe she's on for a trade. She don't look one o' the readin' sort. "A hundred and forty fac's" would be clean throwed away upon her. But maybe she'll insure her life. I'll try her.

Biddy : (aside) What is the cratur glowerin' at me for? I wonder if he manes me by his porium.

Smee : You live here?

Biddy : Did ye think I looked like a burglar thin?

Smee : (aside) Well if she ain't as peart as a hossfly! No, Miss, I guess you look reg'lar domesticated. Seems to me this house is kinder bare o' women alongside o' most o' the others.

Biddy : We are Christians down here. No Polygamies need apply.

Smee : I reckon ye make up in quality for what ye want in quantity. It's all so clean an' spry too! It's easy to see that you was born to take care o' a house o' your own.

Biddy : (aside — looking down modestly) It's asy to see what he's afther, though I niver heard it called by the name o' Porium afore.

Smee : My name is Smee — Elias Fortescue Smee o' Jacksonville, Jackson County in the State o' 'New Jersey. What shall I call ye, Miss?

Biddy : Before ye say another word, young man, tell me how many wives ye've got.

Smee : Nary one.

Biddy : What not one atall?

Smee : Not a sign o' one.

Biddy : Then go on, young man. My name is Bridget McGee. Biddy my friends call me. You can call me Biddy.

Smee : Well then, Biddy, a gal like you is sure to think o' marrying some o' these fine days.

Biddy : (aside) Bedad he's not one to bate about the bush. (To Smee) Sure it's what I never gave a thought to.

Smee : Wal I guess you'd best give a thought to it now. Marriage means responsibility. Households will increase. It's a way they have after marriage. It's always well to be provided against all risks (aside) What's the cratur drivin' at atall atall! If you should be called away from this world, and if you should leave your dear husband behind I allow that you would wish to leave him better off than you found him. Life is short, Biddy, and we all have to hand our checks in some day.

Biddy : Young man when I've got a husband it will be toime enough to talk o' what I shall leave him. (aside) Thats not the way they do their courtin' at Ballyshannon. But maybe they have a different style in these parts.

Smee : It helps a gal to git a mate when it is known that she has something to leave behind her. There was a gal in Frisco came to me to insure her life last fall and I give my word I was so took by her thrift and level headed ways that I hitched on to her there and then and bespoke her for myself.

Biddy : Ye did what, young man?

Smee : I said the word to her, Biddy. Got engaged to her.

Biddy : Biddy, ye blackguard! How dare ye call me Biddy. If you're engaged to another woman what was it ye wanted out o' me. Answer me that ye I sourfaced spalpeen!

Smee : I wanted to ensure your life for a thousand dollars in the Pacific Insurance Company limited, annual premium twenty dollars to be paid monthly, quarterly or annually.

Biddy : Away wid yer beggarly insurance and yourself too. I loike your impudence wid your Biddies and your Poriums. D'ye think I've nothing bether to do but to listen to your bletterin' while the praties is Min' out o' their jackets and the mate is all stewed down into soup.

Smee : (holding out a volume) Wal then will ye speckilate in books.

Biddy : Away wid ye to Frisco, you and your books! (Knocks it across the room with her broom) Bedad your coat tails would be the purtiest part of ye in my oies. I'd rather marry the tinth part o' a Saint than be the wife o' a wanderin' book shop (Sails indignantly out).

Smee : (calmly, picking up his book) She seems a trifle annoyed. Guess she didn't like somthin' I said. Women is queer. They don't understan' business. That one was quite put out, though she tried to hide it. The smallest thing makes 'em turn nasty. Now the other day there was a woman standin' at her door with her face just one big freckle. 'Guess what you need is a tin o' the Imperial freckle remover 'says I. The words were no sooner out o' my mouth than she was after me with a rolling pin. If I hadn't been off like a streak she'd have hand my scalp. Ah there's my emporium under the table. Now I'm off! But here's some one coming. Guess I'll stay and see whether I can't trade.

[Enter Ferrier with Lucy on his arm.]

Ferrier : If you kinder hanker after him, dearie, and if he is sot on you, why there's no need for any talk about it.

Lucy : You dear good kind old dad!

Ferrier : Mind ye, dear, he's a man as wants managin'. It's a pretty big contract that you've taken on your hands. He's as quick as fire and as savage as a wildcat when his dander is riz. Yet the lad's heart is in the right place, I believe. After all I must not forget that he has some claim on you since he saved your life.

Lucy : Yes, dad. And I am not in the least afraid of him. I know that he can be terribly stern, but he is just, and oh, dad, you should see how soft his eyes were, and how gentle his voice when he spoke to me of love.

Ferrier : Ah lass what man's eyes would not be soft, and his eyes gentle when your love was to be won. You are very young yet, Lucy. I pray God that we are doing right in this matter. Yet I shall be glad to see you wedded to an honest Christian, lass, than making one of such households as we see around us.

Smee : (Coming forward very politely) Mister Ferrier, I reckon?

Ferrier : My name, sir.

Smee : Guess I heard you say something of a wedding.

Ferrier : And what then, sir?

Smee : Why then, sir, I've arrived where I can do business. Might I trouble you to cast your eye down that list, sir, (handing out a long printed bill from his inside pocket). This is the list drawn up by Mackay and Ferguson, wholesale dealers, which contains every article needed by a young couple, all at the lowest prices with a cash discount of ten per cent. You put your pencil mark before what you want and I reckon it will come to you just as fast as Fargo and Wells express agency can bring it. It's all there, Missey, from needles to nutmeg graters just awaitin' for a lovin' couple to order it.

Ferrier : Thank ye we have no need o' your goods at present. I hope that when my daughter marries she may live with me. But who are you atall?

Smee : My name is Smee, sir, Elias Fortescue Smee of Jacksonville, Jackson County in the State of New Jersey, a location which you may have heard tell of, as being remarkable for the beauty of its women, and for the grit and unobtrusive modesty of it's men. I travel in notions, sir, intments and balsams, salves and liniments, also dealing in facts, lives, an' other investments. Now here's a book — (whipping out his two volumes).

Ferrier : Thankee. I want nothing today.

Smee : This is knowledge, sir, and I guess every man wants knowledge every day.

Ferrier : (Sternly) Enough said. We have private business together.

Smee : Here are one hundred and forty facts—

Ferrier : Here is one fact. If you don't get out through that door I'll kick you through it.

Smee : Do what, sir?

Ferrier : (louder) Kick you through it.

Smee : You will kick me?

Ferrier : Yes, sir.

Smee : Kick me? What with?

Ferrier : With this boot, sir.

Smee : That boot.

Ferrier : Yes, sir.

Smee : What sort o' boot is that to kick a man with. It was never built for the job. Now if you will let me sell you a pair of Moir's double soled square toed porpoise hide projecters you will feel much more on the kick.

Ferrier : (Advancing angrily) Are you going or no?

Smee : (Retreating) I was thinking of makin' a move. The idea grows upon me. (Aside) The old man is ruffled. He struggles to conceal it but I can see it. Guess my delicacy won't allow me to stay. I am too thin skinned for business — also for kickin'. Stay though we might deal yet (To Ferrier, fumbling in his bag) I have a bottle here of nerve sedative, a dime a dose, warranted to—

[Ferrier makes a rush at him, and Smee vanishes with his bag through the open door.]

Ferrier : (wiping his face) The chatterin' longtongued varmint! Seems to me my temper's pretty good to bear up agin him so long as I did.

Lucy : But you musn't vex yourself about so small a thing, dad.

Ferrier : Ha, lass, if your Jefferson had been here the cuss would ha' gone out through the winder instead o' the door. But is this him comin' back?

Lucy : (peeping through the window) No, dad, it's neighbour Cooper. In a hurry too and lookin' quite flurried.

Ferrier : Maybee that Yankee Coon has been tryin' to sell him somethin'. (Enter Cooper) Ha, Hiram Cooper, how goes the world with ye today?

[Cooper — Sombre sad coloured dress. Broad brimmed hat.]

Cooper : Well enough with myself, friend Ferrier, well enough with myself. Yet it's a queer world and there are some queer folks in it. My respects to you, Miss!

Ferrier : That's true enough, neighbour. But you appear excited this morning. What is it?

Cooper : Its a business that I think we had best discuss alone. No offence to you, Miss Lucy, but there are some things which are too rough for ladies ears.

Lucy : I shall go and help Dick to doctor Black Carlo.

Ferrier : Aye, do, lass. I shall be out in the stables before long [Exit Lucy] Now, Hiram, what ails you this morning?

[Cooper goes very cautiously to the door and looks behind it, he then examines the window curtains and the finally comes over to Ferrier.]

Ferrier : What in thunder are you after, Cooper. Do you think there are spies in the house.

Cooper : I am sure of it.

Ferrier : What!

Cooper : There is a spy in every house in this accursed valley. No man is safe. The word that is breathed by the lover into his gal's ear, the word that is whispered from friend to friend in lonely places, the thought that is confided by a husband to the wife of his heart in the silent watches of the night — all comes to their ears.

Ferrier : Their ears! Whose ears?

Cooper : The ears of the Holy Four. The ears of the avenging angels. The ears of the men who come like shadows and go like shadows, leaving ruin and desolation behind them.

Ferrier : Cooper. I guess these are wild words. What's come over you, old friend. Sit down and tell me what is on your mind.

They sit on opposite sides of the centre table

Cooper : Yes, Ferrier, you are right. My nerves are shaken. Young Wheatstone is gone.

Ferrier : Gone! Young Sammy Wheatstone! Gone where?

Cooper : Ah where indeed. Where all the others have gone who have been spirited out o' this valley during the last two years. We shall never see Sam again.

Ferrier : But what is this that you are saying. Is he dead?

Cooper : No man saw him die.

Ferrier : Then he is alive.

Cooper : But no man saw Spurling die, or Conky Jones, or Matthew Start. Yet dead they are, and their people in mourning. Ah Ferrier, man, we must gird up our loins and strike for our freedom or be for ever slaves. Samuel Wheatstone set himself up against the Holy Four, and Samuel Wheatstone is dead.

Ferrier : But this is all new to me. As you know I have stuck by my farm and hear little of what is doing in the valley. Some rumours I have heard of this Holy Four and of the Avenging Angels, but it blew past me as the wind.

Cooper : Last night young Sam Wheatstone was as well and as full of life as you are. There had been some question between the Church and him as to some tenth charge upon his lands, and he had stood out for what appeared to be his right. Yesterday morning he found a message on a paper which was nailed upon the door of his farmhouse to say that the sum must be paid in before the evening, or he had best bid farewell to his wife. Sam brought me the note last night and showed it to me. I advised him to pay. He swore he would have justice. I told him of the secret power which these men wield. He spoke of the American law. At nine o'clock he left my house and has never been seen since. No, nor ever will be until the crack o' doom.

Ferrier : Do you say that murder has been done then.

Cooper : I say this that there is a terrible power amongst us which strikes down everything which is opposed to it. I say also that it has such spies and such an organisation at its command that a man cannot say what is in his mind, not when he is afloat alone in the centre of the lake, nor when he stands upon the highest pinnacle of the Great Divide without a risk that what he says may be carried to them. I say also that when they have marked their victim there is no hope for him. He is lost irretrievably. He may herd among his fellows, or he may seek safety behind his own walls, but he is torn away and none can say whence the blow came that struck him down. The very hand that he shakes in friendship may be that which is appointed to do the deed.

Ferrier : But who does these things? Who are the Holy Four? Is the prophet concerned in it?

Cooper : Rumour says that he is not and that he dare not set his face against it. The great terror hangs over him as over us.

Ferrier : Speak out, man. I can see that there is a thought in your mind. Who are these men?

Cooper : (looking about him cautiously) It is not good to speak of such things above one's breath. It is said in the town that Elder Johnstone is the most to be feared of the four, and that Elder Drebber and Elder Stangerson are also among them. Their sons are said also to be among the most active of the Avenging Angels who carry out the secret decrees. God preserve us all from their visitation!

Ferrier : Well, well, Hiram, we must not let fear run away with us. I guess we are free American Citizens and are not to be bullied by no such gang as you talk of. I will be down your way tonight, friend, and we shall talk over this matter further (rising)

Cooper : I shall be right glad to have your thoughts upon it. But hark ye, Ferrier, not a word to any one unless you know that you can trust them. Your honest nature is not used to hide your thoughts. Yet what chance have we with these devils unless we match cunning with cunning.

Ferrier : Never fear, neighbour. I was a hunter afore I was a farmer.

Cooper : Till tonight then

Ferrier : Till tonight.

[Exit Cooper.]

Ferrier : (walking up and down in deep thought). Hiram Cooper is frightened. Maybe he makes too much of the matter. Sammy Wheatstone may have met with some accident. But there were the others. Strange that Jefferson Hope should have spoken of these Avenging Angels this very morning. Guess it's very fine to talk o' the American law and the Acts o' Congress, but what are the acts o' Congress worth unless there's a U.S. regulation bayonet behind them to enforce them. It's every man for himself out Utah way, and the quickest shot is the best lawyer. Dick, you rascal, Dick!

Dick : Yes, Massa. (I'se a comin!

[Enter Splayfoot Dick.]

Ferrier : Has any one been in my absence.

Dick : Yes Massa. Dere was one very agreable gem'man who done gone drop in and tell me how many hairs I hab in my head. When I hab time I count them and see if he quite right.

Ferrier : I am in no mood for fooling. Who has been?

Dick : Massa Smee was his name, sah. Real purlite gem'man. He said dat my mouf—"

Ferrier : Enough. Not a word of the fellow.

Dick : Den afore he come, sah, dere was another gem'man ride up. It was Elder Johnstone o' Salt Lake City.

Ferrier : (starting) Elder Johnstone!

Dick : Yes, sah, Elder Johnstone, de latter day saint.

Ferrier : (moodily to himself) What could the fellow want with me. I only know him as a harsh unbendin' man with a tongue as bitter as the alkali dust. Cooper says that he heads the Holy Four. I trust that there is no mischief in this visit. (To Dick) Did he leave any message.

Dick : No, sah! He say that he come again. Not a nice gem'man, Massa Johnstone, atall.

Ferrier : What's the matter with him then?

Dick : He gallop up. "Hi, you black heathen!' he cry 'Where your massa, heh?' His face was like one thunder cloud. I no dare go near him, sah. He hab one cow hide in his hand. When I young I fell into de habit ob being cowhided, but now I done gone broke myself of it, and I tink it pity to get into de way again. But Lor' a' Massy who dis dat ride up de land. Why tis same Massa Elder Johnstone himself. Here him come as hard as him horse carry him

[Rough Voice outside. Hullo within! Where is that nigger?]

Dick : He call me. What I do? Ferrier. Out with you, you lazy dog, and hold the horse.

[Enter Lingtchu.]

Dick : Lingtchu, you hear what massa say! Out wid you, you lazy dog, and hold de horse.

Ling-Tchu : Allee rightee, black Dickee, I holdee him and takee him chop chop chow chow.

[Exeunt Dick and Lingtchu.]

[Enter Elder Johnstone]

Ferrier : (to himself) My heart kind o' misgives me. There's mischief in the wind (Enter Elder Johnstone). Ah, Elder! (advances upon him with outstretched hand. The other draws himself up sternly and puts his hand behind his back)

[Johnstone — Black semiclerical coat buttoned well up. Grey riding breetches. High boots. Long hard face.]

Johnstone : It is not to shake thy hand, farmer Ferrier, that I have come here this day. There is a voice within me which tells me that it would have been better for those of the true faith if we had never set eyes upon thy face.

Ferrier : Nay, Elder, these are hard words.

Johnstone : Farmer Ferrier the believers have been good friends to you. We picked you up when we you were standing in the desert, we shared our food with you, led you safe to the chosen valley, gave you a goodly share of land, and allowed you to wax rich under our protection. Is this not so?

Ferrier : It is true, every word of it.

Johnstone : In return for all this we asked but one condition. That was that you should embrace the true faith and conform in every way to its usages. This you promised to do, and this, if common report says truly you have neglected.

Ferrier : (Throwing out his hands in expostulation) But how have I neglected it? Have I not given to the common fund? Have I not attended at the Temple? Have I not—

Johnstone : Where are your wives, John Ferrier. Call them in that I may greet them.

Ferrier : It is true that I have not married. But women were few and there were many who had a better claim than me. I was not a lonely man. I had my daughter to attend to my wants.

Johnstone : It is of that daughter that I would fain speak to you. She has grown to be the flower of Utah. She has found favour in the eyes of many who are high in the land.

[John Ferrier groans & makes an impatient movement.]

Johnstone : There are stories afloat of her which I would fain disbelieve — stories that she is sealed to some Gentile. This must be the gossip of evil tongues. You know that the elect wed only with the elect. Who marries a Gentile commits grievous sin. This being so it is impossible that you who profess the holy creed should suffer your daughter to violate it.

[Ferrier is silent, but plays nervously with his riding whip.]

Upon this one point your whole faith shall be tested — so it hath been decreed on the council of four. The girl is young, and we would not wed her to grey hairs, neither would we deprive her of all choice. We Elders have many heifers but it is time that our children were provided. Stangerson has a son and Drebber has a son. Either of them would gladly welcome your daughter to their house. Let her choose between them. They are young, rich and of the true faith. What say you to that?

[Ferrier remains silent with knitted brows and twitching face.]

Ferrier : You will give us time. My daughter is very young. She is scarce of an age to marry.

Johnstone : She shall have a month to decide. At the end of that time the young men shall come to you for your answer. (Walks towards the door — faces round with flashing eyes) It were better for thee, John Ferrier, that thou and she were now lying blanched Skeletons upon the Sierra Blanco, than that you should put your weak wills against the Holy Four. [Exit with a threatening wave of his hands]

[Ferrier throws himself down in a chair and sinks his head upon his breast. Lucy slips into the room behind him and lays her hand caressingly upon his shoulder. He glances up and sees that she is pale and scared.]

Ferrier : Lucy! You have heard?

Lucy : Yes, Dad. I could not help it. His voice rang through the house. Oh father, father, what shall we do? (Kneels at his feet).

Ferrier : (Smoothing down her hair) Don't you scare yourself 'bout nothing, dearie. We'll fix it up somehow or another. You don't kind of feel your fancy lessenin' for friend Hope, do ye?

Lucy : Oh, father!

Ferrier : No. Incourse not. I shouldn't care to hear ye say as ye did. I tell ye the card I'll play, lass. There's a party going to Nevada tomorrow and I'll send him a message to let him know the hole we are in. If I know anything o' that young man he'll be back here with a speed that would whip electro-telegraphs.

Lucy : (laughing through her tears). If he comes he will advise us for the best. But it is for you that I am frightened, dad. One hears such dreadful stories about those who oppose the Council. Something terrible always happens to them.

Ferrier : But we have not opposed them yet. Time enough to look out for squalls when we do. We have a clear month before us. At the end o' that I guess we had best shin out o' Utah.

Lucy : Leave Utah!

Ferrier : That's about the size of it

Lucy : But the farm?

Ferrier : We shall raise as much as we can in money and let the rest go. To tell the truth, Lucy, it isn't the first time I've thought o' doin' it. I don't care about knucklin' down to any men as these folk do to their darned Elders. I'm a freeborn American and I'm not used to it. Guess I'm too old to learn. If they come browsing about this farm they might chance to run up agin a charge o' buck shot flying around promiscuous.

Lucy : But if they won't let us leave the valley, dad.

Ferrier : Wait till Jefferson comes and we shall soon manage that. There's nothin' to be feared, and there ain't no danger atall (Aside, taking his gun down from the wall) For all that I'll just see that old brownie here is well primed. It's as well to be ready for all things.

[Curtain falls on Lucy Ferrier sitting by the table with her head sunk upon her hands, while John Ferrier is cleaning his gun in the background.]

Act II.

Scene I : Inside Ferrier's farmhouse.

[Enter Splayfoot Dick brushing a top boot.]

Dick : Dis house not de same dat it used to was. What come over Massa and Missey! I 'member when he would sifIg laugh and she would sing as bright as de birds in de seedtime. Dere is no laugh and no sing now. Massa gone thin. Missy gone white. Nobody keep up um spirits up except dis niggar, and he not so over an' above bustin' wid joy neither. When I feel sad I brush boots. Dat ease my mind. When I brush 'em all, den I brush em again. S'pose anybody want to find Dick, he only got to look for de blacking bottle. Dat coloured rascal Ling-tchu hab no boots that I can brush. He hab slippers dat make no sound. (Enter Lingtchu) When one forgot all 'bout him he stand as like as not at his elbow. Ha, dere he is! Look here you Chinee rascal s'pose you no tell me when you comin' I put dis blackin' brush through you.

Ling-Tchu : Wantee talkee, Black Dickee. Tellee mee. You lubee Missee Lucy.

Dick : Yes I lub Missey Lucy. She always very good Missey to me.

Ling-Tchu : You lubee Massa Ferrier?

Dick : Yes. Massa Ferrier very good man. He take me when I not know what to do or where to go.

Ling-Tchu : Lubee em very much?

Dick : Wid all my heart. What you mean, Ling-tchu?

Ling-Tchu : Tellee me, Dickee. Which you lubee best this Melican man or plenty dollar?

Dick : (stiffly) I am a coloured gem'man, sah. I no sell my lub for all de gold in Californey. Spose a man be a good friend to me, den I freeze on to him and I nebbar desert him. No, sah.

Ling-Tchu : Good Dickee! Good Dickee! But think, Dickee! Lub a very good thingee, but what good it do you. S'pose you hab dollar you buy muchee rumee, muchee baccy, muchee opium. Rich Dickee no buy blackee de boots, but hab de boots blackee for him.

Dick : What all dis talk? What you mean? I tink you dam rascal, Lingtchu. You no play tricks in dis house or by de powers I hang you up on dat hook by your pigtail. You pot o' yellow paint! What you mean, eh?

Ling-Tchu : Allee rightee, Dickee. Jokee jokee.

Dick : (turning away) I not like dat kind of joke.

[The moment his back is turned the demure Lingtchu makes a furious motion of his crooked fingers towards him, and spits at him like a wildcat.]

Dick : What you say, eh?

Ling-Tchu : I laughee at jokey jokey.

Dick : You go laugh in de stables den. Dis here room not built for coloured Chinees to laugh in.

Ling-Tchu : Goodee bye, Dick! Goodee bye! (Exit).

Dick : (brushing his boot) Now what dat rascal mean by his talk 'bout dollars. I keep my eye on him. (Turns round and sees a paper pinned upon the edge of the curtains) What dis atall? (picks it off and discloses a large printed). Two! What dat mean, I wonder. Not de first time dat I notice numbers stuck up 'bout de house. Must ask Massa Ferrier what de meanin' ob it am. (Knocking at the door) Come in. [Enter Cooper, the friendly Mormon]

Cooper : Your master at home, Dick?

Dick : No, sah. But I specks him every minute. Miss Lucy is in her room, sah. Ah, here she come!

[Enter Lucy Ferrier.]

Lucy : Good day, Mister Cooper. I thought it was your voice so I came down.

Cooper : And glad I am to see you, Miss Lucy. I wanted a word with you.

Lucy : Sit down, Mister Cooper. Will you take anything after your ride. No! Then you need not stay, Dick. (Exit Dick)

Cooper : May I take the privilege of a friend, Miss Lucy, and speak plain to you?

Lucy : Oh, Mister Cooper, there never was a time when we needed friends so much.

Cooper : You say true, Miss Lucy. It would be false friendship that would strive to conceal it. Have you observed a change in your father of late?

Lucy : It breaks my heart. Day by day he grows thinner and more worn. The last month has changed him more than all the twelve long years since we settled in the valley.

Cooper : And do you know what it is?

Lucy : Alas, I can guess.

Cooper : You can. Then it is easier for me to speak about it. You know that the Council of Four have assigned you to the son either of Elder Drebber or of Elder Stangerson?

Lucy : I have heard it.

Cooper : And that your father has been warned that a month only is left to him to come to a decision?

Lucy : Oh, Mister Cooper, we were so happy until this came upon us. What shall we do? What shall we do?

Cooper : I must speak plainly that you may understand me. The Holy four never threaten without striking. Nor do they ever strike and miss. You are in their power. You cannot get away from them. Let us look the facts square in the face.

Lucy : Give me your advise, sir. I have no one to turn to.

Cooper : Well now we will suppose that you hold out. We will suppose that you make a stand and refuse to back down. What is the first thing that will happen. When your time of grace is expired, and I understand that it is now nearly at an end, your father will be spirited away. He will vanish like the smoke from a rifle, and you shall never see him again.

Lucy : Oh, Mister Cooper! Mister Cooper!

Cooper : Let us see what would happen then. By the law all orphans under the age of twenty one are left, together with their property, under the charge of the Holy Four. They would therefore award you to whichever suitor they wished and the law would support them.

Lucy : For Pity's sake tell me what I am to do.

Cooper : Well now let us look upon the other side. Suppose that you yield to the wishes of the Council. You would then be married to one of these young Mormons, but your father's life would be spared.

Lucy : But I am betrothed, Mister Cooper. My hand is promised to another man.

Cooper : So I have heard, Miss Lucy. But he is away.

Lucy : He will soon be here. I am sure of it.

Cooper : What can he do when he comes. He will throw his life away to no purpose. You must in any case resign him. If you do so of your own accord your father saves his life.

Lucy : (distractedly) Great heaven, was ever a poor girl put in such a position! I must either be false to my love or bring death upon my father. Do what I may something terrible rises up before me.

[Enter John Ferrier.]

Ferrier : What is this, Lucy? In tears!

Lucy : Dear, dear father! I am torn this way and that. Oh that he would come!

Ferrier : How is this, Hiram Cooper? What have you been saying to her?

Cooper : I have been speaking to her for your good and for hers.

Ferrier : And by what right, sir?

Cooper : By the right of a friend who will help you whether you like or no.

Ferrier : Hiram, Hiram, I have tried to keep it from her. I know that you mean well by us, neighbour, but why should the little lass be troubled.

Lucy : Father, you pain me when you treat me so. Am I so weak, so foolish, that I cannot share your sorrows with you. When joys came to this house the larger share was ever mine. And now the trouble is all to fall upon your grey hairs and I am to bear none of it. It is unjust, monstrous. Good Mr. Cooper has opened my eyes. He is a true friend. Take me into your confidence, Dad. Forget that I am a girl. Let me be your son until this time of trial has passed away from us.

Ferrier : She is a brave lass, Hiram, a brave lass. Well, dearie, we have been in a tighter place than this together and we have pulled through. Maybe we will again.

Cooper : There is but one way. If Miss Lucy will do as the Holy Four command all will be well. If not, I tell you plainly that nothing can save you.

Ferrier : Sit ye down here, neighbour. And you, Lucy come and sit down by the side o' me. You remember what you said, Hiram. That these devils are every where and that there eye is ever on you. It was gospel truth every word of it.

Lucy : Ah, you found it then?

Ferrier : I will tell you. It is nigh a month since Elder Johnstone came here and left his threat behind him. In a month, he said, they would send for their answer. Well next mornin' when I woke what think you that I found?

Lucy : What, dad?

Ferrier : A paper pinned upon my blanket. Whoever put it there might have stabbed me to the heart as I lay. On it was printed 'twenty nine days and then—' That was all. 'Twenty nine days and then—' I am no coward but it gave me a turn. That night I bolted my room door, but in the morning there was a great 28 scrawled with a burned stick upon the rafters. I sat up with a loaded gun and watched over the house yet at dawn I found that 27 had been printed upon my door. So every night one was taken from my stock o' days, and every mornin' I found a reminder awaitin' me without my ever being able to tell whence these messages came. It was tryin', Hiram, very tryin'! Pretty soon thirty changed to twenty and twenty to ten. Tomorrow is my last day o' grace. I have no doubt that the devil's tally is marked up somewhere. I have ceased to look for it. My sole hope lies in Jefferson Hope. Lucy.

Lucy : Could we not fly, dad?

Cooper : I fear that you are watched, Miss Lucy, and closely. Besides all the mountain paths are guarded by the Angels. No, I say again, that submission is your only safety.

[Enter Splayfoot Dick.]

Dick : If you please, Mister Ferrier, sah, two gem'men wish speak to you, sah.

Ferrier : Two gentlemen. Who are they?

Dick : Their names Massa Drebber, sah, and Massa Stangerson.

[Lucy starts — Cooper whistles.]

Ferrier : You may ask them to step in, Dick.

[Exit Dick.]

Ferrier : Nay, Hiram, don't leave us. I don't wish you to take a hand in this game, or to get yourself into trouble but you can sit by in quiet with your eyes and ears open. [Cooper sits down again]

Lucy : Shall I go, father!

Ferrier : Nay, lass, unless you would rather Lucy. I would rather be by your side. [Nestles up to him and puts her arm inside his]

[Enter Drebber and Stangerson.]

Drebber : God save all here! Your servant, Farmer Ferrier! And yours, Hiram Cooper! And yours, Miss Lucy!

Stangerson : A blessing upon this roof and upon all who are under it. A threefold blessing upon the maiden who is as the light of our eyes.

Ferrier : I thank you, gentlemen. I thank you. Will you seat yourselves. Lucy, these gentlemen are warm from their ride. They have looked in as they passed doubtless that they might drain a horn of our milk.

Stangerson : Not so, Farmer Ferrier, we have another object in our coming.

Drebber : As Farmer Ferrier very well knows.

Stangerson : We have come under the sanction of the Holy Four to entreat—

Drebber : to demand—

Stangerson : —that the maiden who looks upon you as her father will consent to look upon us and to choose one or other of us as a mate for herself.

Drebber : Elder Johnstone told you a month ago, Farmer Ferrier, that we would come. You knew our errand well enough. There is not another woman in the valley who would not have been glad to come to us at half a nod without all this fuss and palaver. Still it is the best fruit, Missey, that hangs the highest. We don't blame you for hangin' back: But you must choose between us now and ha' done with it.

Stangerson : I have known ye, missey, ever since you was brought to our waggon in the desert. My father the Elder was the first friend that either of you had. He found you. You'd ha starved if he hadn't pick you up. Seems to me we've got the first call upon you. Then I have but four wives while Brother Drebber here has seven.

Drebber : The question is not how many wives we have, but how many we can keep. My father has now given over his mills to me and I am the richer man.

Stangerson : But I have the better prospects. When the Lord removes my father I shall have his tanning yard and his leather factory. Then I am your elder and stand higher in the church.

Drebber : (stroking his upper lip) It will be for the maiden to decide. We will leave it all to her decision.

Ferrier : (rising to his feet) Then her decision is ready. She will have none of you, you canting brazen faced scoundrels. None of you, d'ye hear. Away with you to your other mistresses and tell them how you fared when you asked a pure woman to join them.

Drebber : What! Are you mad?

Ferrier : Yes — mad when I hesitated even for a moment as to the course I should follow. Out o' my sight while I am still able to keep my hands off you.

Stangerson : John Ferrier, do you know what you are doing?

Ferrier : My duty.

Stangerson : You are signing your own death warrant. Who has ever set his will against the Council and lived? Consider what you do, John Ferrier.

Ferrier : I have considered.

Drebber : In twenty four hours you will be a dead man, and we shall have married Missey in spite of you.

Stangerson : You hear, Miss Lucy. What do you say to it? Will you allow your father's foolish obstinacy to be fatal to him. Y His life is in your hands. Will you not marry one of us?

Lucy : (with her hand to her throat) Yes — Yes. I will.

Ferrier : My God! What! Lucy!

Drebber : Let the maiden speak.

Stangerson : Her heart goes out to us.

Ferrier : You love one of these?

Lucy : (faintly) Yes.

Ferrier : Great heaven! And she never told me. Which do you love?

Lucy : (Looks wildly from one to the other of them, cries out "Oh I cannot, I cannot!" and sinks fainting to the floor. Hiram Cooper hastens to her assistance)

Ferrier : No, she cannot, the sweet angel. Fool that I was to doubt her. You have scared her with your tall words until she was ready to sacrifice herself to save my worthless life. Marry you! She would rather marry a digger Indian. Out o' my house or I'll set the dogs at you.

[Enter Biddy, who assists Hiram Cooper to tend to Lucy.]

Biddy : Ah, me darlint! me jewel! Och the varmint that could ill use ye!

Ferrier : Out you go. Let me know when you've settled which it is to be.

Drebber : You shall smart for this. Our next visit will be of a different sort.

Stangerson : The hand of the Lord will shall be heavy upon you. He will arise and smite you.

Ferrier : If you don't leave my house I shall be the first to start the smiting. Here, where is my gun? (rushes to his fowling piece. Drebber and Stangerson vanish from the door)

Ferrier : (wiping his forehead). They are gone. I am glad for I would have done them a mischief. The young scoundrels. I don't know which is the worse the bulldog brute or the oiley canting one hypocrite.

Lucy : (faintly) Oh father, father, what have you done?

Cooper : Say rather what are you to do. I do not blame you, Ferrier, but you must look facts in the face. You cannot save either yourself or her.

Ferrier : Cannot I?

Cooper : I cannot see a way

Ferrier : (sternly) But I can.

Cooper : What then?

Ferrier : Hiram Cooper, how many barrels are there to this gun?

Cooper : There are two, friend.

Ferrier : Aye, two. One for her and one for me, neighbour. Let us fight while we can, and when all is lost a pressure on this trigger sends us beyond their reach.

Cooper : By heaven, Ferrier, I love your spirit. I am with you heart and soul. We must break this tyranny or die like free men with arms in our hands.

Biddy : Whoop! Hurrah for Tipperary!

Ferrier : Take your mistress to her room, Biddy. You must go, dearie, and have all the rest you can for our lives may come to depend upon your strength.

Lucy : I shall go father. I shall do all that you bid me. I wish that I had never been born when I think of the trouble which I have brought upon you.

Ferrier : Nay, lass, you need not fret your mind about that. Sooner or later I was bound to fight them. They would have wanted me to take some of their cursed squaws into my house. There is always a way to pick a quarrel. Now go and lie down.

Lucy : For the present then. (She kisses him & leaves)

Ferrier : The sun is setting, Cooper. Do you think an attack will be made upon us tonight?

Cooper : Your month is not yet up. The promises of the Council are as certain as their threats. If they gave you a month you will have it to the last day.

Ferrier : Tomorrow is the last day.

Cooper : Then until tomorrow night you are safe — unless you try to escape.

Ferrier : Much can be done in twenty four hours.

Cooper : You can do little yourself. You are too well watched. But I might be able to elude them. There are many discontented men in the City, western hunters and cattlemen who might help us against the Saints. I shall see tonight what I can do among them.

Ferrier : God bless you, Hiram! You have been a true friend. You will let me know what success you have.

Cooper : I shall start work at once and let you have a note before nightfall to tell you how I fare. Moments are precious. Farewell!

Ferrier : Farewell, old friend, farewell!

[Exit Hiram Cooper.]

I have small hopes of his errand. Why should men expose themselves to the vengeance of the Council for the sake of Lucy or of me! We must help ourselves. I reckon it would be a small matter to me if the lass were only safe. I have looked death in the eyes before, and I don't fear doin' it again. But she! The thought of her goes to my heart like a knife. (rapping heard) Who is there?

Dick : (outside) Only me, massa.

Ferrier : (fretfully) Come in! Come in! [Enter Dick)

Dick : I only want to say one word, Massa. I been gone understan' dat you and Missey Lucy in trouble, and dat the Council have pick quarrel with you?

Ferrier : Well, what then?

Dick : I got a black skin, Massa Ferrier, but may I hope dat my heart is not black. You help me when I was down. Maybe I help you now. I give me gun and sword, and I fight to the last drop o' my blood.

Ferrier : (shaking his hand) You are an honest fellow, Dick, and a faithful servant. I thank you for your offer but you can do little for us. I should wish you for your own sake to keep clear of the whole business.

Dick : You promise me dat s'pose it come to fightin' you will let me help.

Ferrier : Yes I promise you that, Dick.

Dick : S'pose you ask my advice, Massa, you would ask Massa Drebber and Massa Stangerson to come here again. Then when they come you and me and Massa Cooper could catch um, and tie um, and put um down in the cellar. Tell um dat you keep um dere until all is quiet, and dat if de Council get up to any games you cut um throat.

Ferrier : No, Dick, it would not do. It would not do. But we shall be ready for anything. Come into the kitchen with me and load the guns. Take the two rifles and the shot gun.

[Exeunt Ferrier & Dick with the guns.]

[Enter Ling-tchu.]

[He moves noiselessly about the room, looks at the papers on the table, then approaches the door of the next room and listens intently at the keyhole.]

[Enter Biddy with the broom in her hand. Observing Ling-tchu's occupation she comes very quietly up behind him, and taking the end of his long pigtail she ties it to her broom. Then she suddenly hauls upon the broom all her might dragging the Chinaman backwards across the stage.]

Biddy : Ack ye sneakin' spalpeen. Did I catch ye at your sneakin dirty tricks then. Whoo! (swings the Chinaman round in a circle) Ah, ye would, would ye? It's like playin' a salmon in the ould river at Ballyshannon.

Ling-Tchu : You letee me go, Biddy. You letee me go. I gib you dollars, Biddy — muchee dollars!

Biddy : Dollars, ye imp! I'll dollar ye. Whoo! (Round he goes again—

[Ferrier and Dick rush in with guns in hands.]

Ferrier : What is it? Are we attacked?

Dick : Don't fire, Massa, it is Ling-tchu. Biddy got him by de pigtail.

Biddy : Sure I'm afther surroundin' him and takin' him prisoner. When I come in, there he was wid his ear stuck up agin the keyhole listenin' to all that your honour was sayin'.

Ferrier : Ha!

Dick : He one dam rascal, Massa. He come this mornin' ask me whether I want dollar, and talk of Missey Lucy and yourself, sah.

Ferrier : Ha! Is this their secret agent! Look here, you villain, was it you who printed numbers on my walls?

Ling-Tchu : Printee, Massa? What printee? No sabe. Poor Chinee, singee, dancee, all same one baby. No sabe printee.

Dick : He know more dan he pretend

Ling-Tchu : Dirty Dickee. Who stealee um sugar, Dickee?

Biddy : The heathen baste!

Ling-Tchu : Poor Biddy! No hubband for Biddy! Biddy wantee man hubband. Man Hubband no wantee Biddy. Biddy.

Biddy : What's that ye say, ye crawlin' greasy yellow-chopped—

Dick : My gun loaded, Massa Ferrier. Spose I shoot him and so stop him jaw.

Ferrier : Time enough for that. Open the cellar door there. Now throw him down. So! He is safe enough there until we want him. The yellow varmint is not worth powder and shot. Go back and clean and load the guns, Dick. And you, Biddy, how comes it that you are not with your mistress?

Biddy : Sure Missey is asleep, the darlint! There she lies, the sweet lamb, wid the tears on her eyelashes like the dew on the shamrock. Sure if wishin' would do it I'd have the whole o' the Connaught Rangers here tonight, and sure I am that divil a one o' them from the Colonel o' the rigiment to the gassoon that beats bates the drum, but would be proud to foight for her. More be token there's one o' them, Corporal Septimius O'Flaherty that would be glad enough to come if it was only to see Biddy McGee o' Ballyshannon, who druv him to take the shillin'. Maybe I can help ye, Misther Ferrier, for I understan' the defendin' o' houses seein' that my father was evicted in the ould counthry. Sure we had all the Constabulary o' Tipperary at the door from the tuesday till the Froiday, an' they moight ha' been there yet if the praties hadn't run short. All I axe is plenty o' hot porridge, a ladle and a winder.

Ferrier : My good lass I am sure that you mean well but you can serve me best by staying with your mistress.

Biddy : Then I'll away to her, sarr, and sit by her till she wakes. It's a pity. Misther Ferrier, that we hear no word of him who ought to be by her soide at such a toime. I wouldn't give that for a man if I couldn't lay me hand upon him when I wanted him (exit).

Ferrier : (despondingly). Yes. She is right. She is right. What can have become of Jefferson Hope. It is twenty eight days since my messenger started. He should have found him before this. And yet the Nevada mountains is a broad address and the message may have gone astray. He is a warmhearted fiery lad. He would not let anything stand in the way of his coming. What time is it Half past ten. Hiram said that he would send me word tonight. Hist! What is that? Footsteps upon the garden walk. Can it be Jefferson? No, his step is quicker and lighter. Can it be—? (Knock at the door). Who is there?

Voice : It's me.

Ferrier : Who?

Voice : It's me.

Ferrier : (taking up his gun) Give your name or by the eternal I fire through the door.

Voice : Smee, I tell you. Guess I've told you twice. Elias Fortescue Smee o' Jacksonville, Jackson County in the State o' New Jersey.

Ferrier : This infernal Yankee pedlar. What can he want at this hour o' night. I suppose I must let him in (unbolts the door).

Smee : (poking his head cautiously round the corner) No kickin', old man.

Ferrier : (drily) That depends.

Smee : To depend means to hang. Look it up in Webster's pocket unabridged bought out by the Baltimore press at the ridic'lous sum o' fifty cents. Guess if all I hear is c'rect there is some chance o' your dependin' afore you get through with the biz.

Ferrier : Sir, say what you have to say in God's name and leave me.

Smee : Awkard kind o' arrangement ye have for shoutin' through the door. Guess if you'll give one an order I could rig you up a tube with stopper and whistle that would save all trouble.

Ferrier : See here, sir. From what you said just now I perceive that you know the position in which I stand. For myself I care nothing, but my dear daughter shares my danger. I ask you as a man is this the time to pester me with suggestions and interventions.

Smee : Sir, you speak like a square man. It is not. I axe your pardon, sir. Can't do more. I've been steady on the trade ever since I was reared, d'ye see, and I've got kind o' used to it. My lower jaw sort o' wags on its own account. I didn't come here to trade. I've got a note.

Ferrier : A note?

Smee : From Hiram Cooper. (hands it over)

Ferrier : (walking over to the lamp) Let us see what he says. (reads rapidly). 'Dear friend, I find myself dogged with spies and unable to do any good. I have had a warning that if I do not stay in my house I shall be myself proceeded against by the Council. God help you and save you! The bearer is one of the few that I was able to speak with. He is willing to stand by you.' Hum! There goes another o' the props that held him us up from ruin. We are like sheep in the shambles.

Smee : (lighting a cigar ) Hope you don't objec' to 'baccy smoke, friend. Choice weeds these. Get 'em from the Lusitania agent at three dollars a hundred, carriage paid. Try one.

Ferrier : No, I thank you. I understan' from this note that you are willing to risk your life in our defence. I cannot see why you should do this. You have no interest in the matter.

Smee : No interest! Ain't you a policy holder in the Pacific Insurance Limited?

Ferrier : Well, what o' that?

Smee : Guess as an agent o' that 'ere company I can't afford to let that policy become due quicker than the course o' nature. No, sirree ! Your life is worth five thousand dollars to me, and I allow that it's my duty to freeze on to you as long as I can wag a finger. I've got a pretty thing in shootin' irons here, by Webb and Meredith, seven chambers, self adjustin', with patent extractor and easy pull. Five dollars in plain case, or seven dollars brass bound. I've wanted to give it a show.

Ferrier : Well, friend, it is getting' late. You are a brave man and I accept your help. We will sit up tonight watch and watch. If you will sleep on my bed I will call you at three. After that you can watch and I will rest. Dick!

Dick : Yes, sah! (Enter with gun slung over his shoulder)

Ferrier : Show this gentleman to my room

Smee : Hullo, friend, how d'ye get on with the facts?

Dick : Dey am mighty solid, sah — mighty solid. I read one fac' every day and den I put my head under de pump. What was it dat I read dis mornin'? A reg'lar twister it was, sah. Spectrum analysis. Dat was de name. Spectrum — analysis

Smee : Sho! Somethin to do wi' ghosts likely. What they're m ade of.

Dick : Yesterday I read de growth ob de Aryan root.

Smee : Growth of the hairy root. It would make a darned fine name for a hair wash.

Dick : Not hairy, sah. Aryan. Dey was a people, sah! All right, Massa. Dis way, Massa Smee, dis way! sah!

Ferrier : (Sits down by the table on which stands the lamp) It is nigh midnight. By this time tomorrow the thing will be settled one way or the other. I have had a good spell. My hair is grey and my blood is cold. But my poor lamb, what has she seen of life! She is a flower plucked in the bud. My heart bleeds for her. Yet I will kill her, yes, by God if every other means fails I will kill her rather than she should fall into the hands of these preaching canting devils! (Walks over to the window and gazes out, shielding himself with the curtain) How peaceful and still! The moon is shining brightly. Who would think to look down the silent valley that a nameless terror hung over it — that the spirit of murder dwelt among these beautiful mountains (Walks up and down) This Yankee is a cool hand. He and I and Dick might make some sort of fight. At least they shall not spirit me away noiselessly as they did the others. Hush! What was that? It must have been a rat. Jack Ferrier, my lad, your narves used to be stronger than that. I'm all atwitch like an overstrung fiddle. There's that sound again. It's a scratching at the door. Someone scratching at the door. Hush! Yes I hear it plainly. There is someone there. By the eternal this is too much to bear! I'll have an end to it, sink or swim! (dashes up to the door and throws it open — looks out at the level of his eyes and sees nothing) I could ha' sworn — (casts his eyes down and sees a man writhing on his face into the room. Ferrier springs back with a cry and seizes his gun. The figure springs up, and shuts, bars and bolts the door]

Ferrier : By heaven, it is Jefferson Hope!

Hope : The same. How is Lucy?

Ferrier : M (wringing his hand) My brave lad! The sight of you gives me fresh hope. But why did you come in like that?

Hope : The house is watched. They have placed their guard upon it. They are darned sharp but not sharp enough to catch a Washoe hunter. Is Lucy well?

Ferrier : She is well and asleep.

Hope : Thank God! Give me food, Ferrier. I have not tasted bit or sup since yesterday mornin'

[Ferrier takes some bread and cold meat from the cupboard. Hope eats voraciously.]

Ferrier : We had given you up.

Hope : It is but three days since I got your message. I have travelled night and day ever since.

Ferrier : You are a man to be proud of. There are not many who would come to share our danger and our troubles.

Hope : You've hit it there, pard. I have a respect for you, but if you were alone in this business I'd think twice before I put my head in such a hornets nest. It's Lucy that brings me here, and before harm comes on her I guess there will be one less o' the Hope family in Utah.

Ferrier : Have you any plan?

Hope : Tomorrow is your last day and unless you act tonight you are lost. I have a mule and two horses waiting in the Eagle Ravine. How much money have you?

Ferrier : In that chest there are two thousand in gold and five in notes.

Hope : That will do. I have as much more to add to it. It will serve to start up in life again. We must push for Carson City across the mountains. You had best wake Lucy.

Ferrier : I will do so while you satisfy your hunger.

[Exit.]

[Enter Smee with a candle in his hand.]

Smee : Not Nary wink o' sleep though I took a double dose o' the celestial balsamic soporific. Where's old true blue? And who in thunder's this! An avenging angel likely.

Hope : Young man, I have the drop on you. If you put your hands to your belt I fire. (covers him with his revolver] What's your name and biz? Stand stiff, speak clar, and mind your stops.

Smee : My name is Smee, sir. Elias Fortescue Smee o' Jacksonville, Jackson County in the State o' New Jersey. My business in a gen'ral way is trade, but just at present it's the defendin' of an honest man against a set o' scamps.

Hope : Well I reckon ye can say your prayers. We don't allow no strangers wi' candles to prowl about in our houses after dark.

Smee : Our house? Whose house? Guess if you touch that pistol off, young man, it will be as good as takin' ten thousand dollars out o' the Pacific Insurance Limited.

[Enter Ferrier.]

Ferrier : Hi, Jefferson! What are you about, man? This is a friend.

Hope : (laying down his pistol) A friend is it? Why, boss, you seem to ha' started to run a hotel since I was last in these parts.

Ferrier : Mr. Smee has volunteered to see us through this affair.

Hope : (holding out his hand) Then by heaven you are a brave man and I respect you. I am sorry that I—

Smee : Enough said, friend, enough said. When a man has been in the bookagency and lightenin' rod business for a few years he gets kind o' used to havin' pistols pointed at him.

Hope : Where is a bag for the food? This will do. Put the meat and the bread into it. So. We must travel light.

[Enter Lucy clad for a journey — and followed by Biddy.]

Lucy : (running forward) Jefferson! Dear Jefferson!

Hope : (embracing her) My own Lucy! (holds her out at arms length and looks hard at her) Pale and worn but all well. Thank God! You are ready to come?

Lucy : Any where with you.

Hope : Every minute is of importance. The house is watched front and back. Through this side window we may make our way unseen. There is a bush outside that shades it.

Ferrier : What if we are stopped?

Hope : (Slapping his revolver) If they are too many for us we shall take one or two of them with us. Once on the road we are only two miles from the ravine where the horses are crossed out word waitin'. By daybreak we should be deep into the mountains.

[Enter Splayfoot Dick armed.]

Dick : You'll let me come wid you, massa?

Ferrier : What say you, Jefferson?

Hope : You had better stay behind with Biddy, Dick. The Council have no quarrel with you. If you come with us you can do little to help, and you will be an extra mouth to feed.

Dick : Oh, massa, Please God you and Missey come all right!

Biddy : Oh you darlint! Sure I would give my heart's blood to serve you.

Ferrier : Goodbye, my faithful friends. You will find money here to help you to a fresh home. The window is open. I little thought to leave my homestead thus.

[Ferrier steps through, then Lucy is helped through, Smee and Hope following}. Dick pulls to the window. He and Biddy stand gazing after the fugitives. The cellar flap slowly opens and the head of Lingtchu protrudes.]

Biddy : Sure they are creepin' among de bushes.

Dick : Gosamighty, what is dat upon de path?

Biddy : Sure it's a Mormon on guard. Och they are lost and destroyed entoirely.

Dick : What dey do now? He not see them.

Biddy : Missey and Master lie quoiet. The other two are crawlin' up to the man. Oh, mother o' Moses but they've knocked him over as nate as an old cock on a wall. Be Jabers if that Misther Smee comes here agin Oi'll give him a kiss.

Dick : Hurroo! Dey are safe. Dey are upon de road! I see them run. Massa Hope carry Missey Lucy. Hurroo.

[During this dialogue Lingtchu has slowly & silently crept out of the cellar. He now takes up the candle which Smee had put down, and rushes to the front window where he waves the light as a signal.]

Biddy : Oh the baste!

Dick : I shoot him (puts up his gun).

Biddy : No, no, they would hear it. Lave him to me! (Biddy charges at Lingtchu with her broom stick upsets him, and stands over him in triumphant attitude as the curtain falls).

Act III.

[Madame Charpentiers boarding house in San Francisco. House with Verandah at back. Gardens in front with many shrubs, garden seat, small wicker table &c. Enter Mrs. Charpentier and Rose.]

Mrs. Carpenter : Child, your great fault is that you are too feminine.

Rose : Well, ma, I guess that is better than being too masculine.

Mrs. Carpenter : I would have you neuter, child. You must rise above your unfortunate sex. The woman of the future will be all brain — all intellect. She will have cast off her weak emotional nature, and aspired to be man's companion, not his slave. What is woman's mission, child

Rose : Guess it's to marry a man.

Mrs. Carpenter : To rule a man, child, to rule a man.

Rose : Well, it's all the same.

Mrs. Carpenter : Very good, my dear. You will do credit to my teaching. My maxim in life has always been to keep man in his place

Rose : Say, ma, I guess you didn't explain your views to Pa, before you married him.

Mrs. Carpenter : No, my dear, I explained them to him afterwards.

Rose : (aside) Oh, poor papa! What a time he must have had of it!

Mrs. Carpenter : Lords of creation, indeed! Where are they superior to us? [Enter Splayfoot Dick with a bundle in his hand, done up in a red handkerchief] Is it in patience? Is it in virtue? Is it in courage? Courage, indeed! [Suddenly sees Dick, and screams violently] Oh, Rose, oh! What a sinister looking black ruffian! Oh, oh! Help, Mr. Smee, Mr. Smee! [Smee comes rushing in, and Mrs. Carpenter takes refuge behind him] Oh, Mr. Smee, do send away that dreadful man!

Smee : Black Dick, by all that's wonderful!

Dick : (clasping his hands, and dancing about in his delight) Oh, Massa Smee! Massa Smee! But dis is a joyful day! Where you are, Miss Lucy not far off! Oh, Gosamighty but my heart am a bustin' wid pleasure! And Missy Lucy am all well?

Smee : (Gravely) Well, as well as we can expect, Dick.

Dick : (weeping) Ah, poor ole Massa Ferrier! And poor Massa Jefferson Hope! I heard tell of it! Tank God dat you was there to save de poor faderless chile. Tank God, for dat, Massa Smee! I carries a razor in my boot, sah, and I am ready to shed my last drop o' hoemoglobin for Missy Lucy"

Smee : Drop of what?

Dick : Hoemoglobin, sah! Dey used to call it blood, sah, but we've gone one higher, and it's hoemoglobin now among de eddicated classes. It's all in dat book what I bought from you.

Mrs. Carpenter : (to Rose) What a singular man! He laughs and he cries almost simultaneously. The creature does not know his own mind. And this is man, Rose! This is a specimen of our lords and masters! What do you want, man?

Dick : I wants a place, Missus.

Mrs. Carpenter : A place! What as?

Dick : I don't care what I do, as long's I keep nigh my Missy Lucy

Smee : He's an honest, faithful critter, Marm. He'd stick to you as true as a stock to a barrel.

Rose : You know, ma, you said the other day that we only needed a black butler to complete the establishment.

Mrs. Carpenter : Well, child, well! But what have you in that bundle, man?

Dick : A hundert and forty fac's.

Mrs. Carpenter : A hundred what?

Dick : A hundert and forty fac's worth knowing. I knows em all now, but I totes em around, for fear I forget 'em.

Mrs. Carpenter : The man has intellect, Rose. He reads and improves his mind. I am glad to see that you have literary tastes, man, and I hope that you remember what you read.

Dick : Purty well, Marm, purty well! I can tell you how many hairs you hab in your head.

Mrs. Carpenter : (aside) Good heavens, the man has detected my front.

Dick : Shall I tell you?

Mrs. Carpenter : No, no, don't say a word about it. (aside) How very awkward! In Mr. Smee's presence too! (To Dick) I shall expect to see you tonight, when you may enter into your new duties. Good morning, Mr. Smee! Come, Rose, I think our boarders require our presence.

[Exeunt Mrs. C. and Rose.]

Dick : And it is all true, Massa Smee? And poor ole Massa, and Mister Jefferson Hope are gone.

Smee : Yes, Dick. They are gone where brave men go. I guess a sounder-hearted man than friend Ferrier was ain't to be found on this side the Rockies. It was on the evenin' of the second day, an hour after sundown, that the varmints came up wi' us. We were campin' for a rest for we thought that we had shook them off. Nary thing did we see, but there was a sputter o' fire out of the chapparal bushes, and the old man leaped into the air, he did, wi' his face all in a work, and his hand to his side. "Save the gal, Smee!" he cried, and then down on his face, shot through the head heart. Hope, he rushed for them — fierce as a catamount is that young man — but a volley met em him an' he reeled back, an' toppled over the cuffed ge. For me, I up wi' the girl and we onto the best mustang, and off down the gorge as fast as hoofs would carry us. Guess the buckshot hummed about us like the muskeeters in an Alabama swamp, but we got clear off untouched. Three days later we were in Carson, the heaviest-hearted pair that ever rode into the city. Missy had brain fever and it was a month afore she could move. When she was better we jogged on here to Frisco, and here we have been for nigh half a year. I reckon it's taken all the sand clar out of me. I hain't done a trade — not so much as a simple swap, since I came back from Utah. I 'm clean ruined for business.

Dick : Tell me, Massa Smee, did you see none of the angels.

Smee : Nary one, but I saw the glint of their gun barrels. That was enough for Elias Fortescue Smee. I didn't feel no curiosity after that. I guessed it was time to go, so I went.

Dick : It was Massa Drebber who led them, sah. Massa Drebber and Massa Stangerson. There were fifteen on the job. It was Biddy found out about it, and she sent me from Utah to warn you and Missy Lucy.

Smee : Eh, to warn us?

Dick : (In a low earnest voice) Yes, Massa, to warn you that they were still after you. That there was to be no safety for you till they had Missy back in Salt Lake City. The whole power of the Holy Four is bent on dat one objec', sah.

Smee : (agitated, and grasping his companion by the wrist). Is this so? Is this so indeed?

Dick : It is true, Massa, certain sure.

Smee : And these hell hounds are still on our trail?

Dick : The Holy four hab a long arm.

Smee : But what can they do? Here in Frisco we are free American citizens and Christians. Yet they've done some tall strokes, these Angels. Guess I'll clean that old shooting iron — a beautiful weapin, Dick, six barrel, hairtrigger, central fire, rebounding locks, & automatic cleaner to be had in a brass bound box for the ridic'lous sum of ten dollars. See here, Dick, you an' I play this game alone.

Dick : Yes, Massa.

Smee : Nary word to Miss Lucy

Dick : No, Massa.

Smee : Mouth shut and eyes skinned

Dick : Yes, Massa

Smee : Never let her out o' our sight

Dick : No Massa.

Smee : Then come after me. She'll be right glad to see you.

[Enter The Count de Chargny (Drebber) in an invalid's chair with blue goggles, and a scarf round his chin. He is pushed by his pretended valet. John Short.]

Smee : Goodday, Count! Guess this is the weather to set you on your legs again. Our Californey air is pure — it is that, sir. I've had thoughts of forming a company to lay on pipes, and take some of it across to freshen up your stale European atmosphere

Count : Mais oui, Monsieur Smee. You have reason. I have cause to thank your air. Draw me into the sunshine, good Short!

[Exit Dick with Smee.]

[The Count watches them keenly as they go.]

Count : Further still, John Short, further still. Now we are safe. Short, we must act and act promptly. Stand nearer, as if you were arranging my shawls. Did you see that niggar?

Short : Yes, Mister Drebber.

Count : Hush! No names! Did you recognise him

Short : No

Count : It is John Ferrier's niggar. He has been sent from Utah with a warning. The affair is ripe,

Short : Our plans will miscarry unless we are prompt.

Short : All is ready in the town.

Count : Ha!

Short : I have been out this morning. Stangerson has seven men in the house on Union Street. They have a horse and cab. At the sign of three candles in our window they will be here. Then it is but beguiling her out into the garden after sundown, and clapping a chloroformed handkerchief over her mouth. Once at Union Street the game is in our own hands. We can keep her there for months, for the house stands in it's own grounds. At our own leisure we may take her back to the City

Short. : It is.

Count : It is well planned. But we must delay no longer. I have had a letter from Elder Johnson. He says that we have waited over long. They are impatient in the council.

Short : She will vanish amid all their guards and police, as if the earth had opened and swallowed the her.

Count : I believe that I am suspected by that infernal Englishman. The fellow is not such an idiot as he looks, and this French disguise sits awkwardly upon me at times. Here he comes with

Dr. Watson : (louder). A leetle more into the sun, mon garcon — a leetle more into the sun!

[Enter Dr. Watson & Sir Montague Brown.]

Sir Mont. : Ah, my complaint is one you can't cure, don't you know, doctaw. There's no dwug can do me any good, you know.

Dr. Watson : What's the matter then, Sir Montague?

Sir Mont. : I'm bawed, deah boy. I'm bawed. I'm the most bawed thing in cweation, don't you know, unless its an Artesian well.

Dr. Watson : You must rouse yourself

Sir Mont. : I can't

Dr. Watson : See life

Sir Mont. : I've seen it. It's not worth seeing, don't you know. I mean to say it's such a baw! Believe me, deah boy, its a baw!

Dr. Watson : Travel then

Sir Mont. : So I do. Then I twavel back again. If you twavel far enough you find yourself where you started from. That's the worst of the world being round, don't you know. I mean to say that if it was flat, or square, or lopsided, it wouldn't be half such a baw.

Dr. Watson : Try study

Sir Mont. : Couldn't possibly — I weally couldn't, doctaw! If I try to read I inwariably fall fast asleep. Poor old Governor sent me to the 'Varsity for three years, and I give you my word I hardly had my eyes open the whole time. I mean to say, deah boy, that if I try to think I instantly become comatose. Most unfortunate family failing.

Dr. Watson : Why not have a turn at soldiering?

Sir Mont. : So I did. I had a turn against the Kaffirs. I shot at Kaffirs. Kaffirs shot at me. Kaffirs shouted. I shouted. Seemed to me to be a demned silly business so I came away.

Dr. Watson : Well then, I recommend yachting — a cruise in the Pacific.

Sir Mont. : I've been there, but weally, deah boy, it was doosed slow. I mean to say, of all the moist sloppy places that I ever saw, the Pacific is the worst. But here's your other patient, doctaw! Good morning, Count!

Count : Ah, bon jour, Sir Montague. I thought dat it was your voice, but my poor eyes are verra weak. And you, doctor, how do you carry yourself?

Dr. Watson : Rather busy, as usual. But your strength is slow of returning (feels his pulse) and yet your pulse is that of a healthy man. Your case is a remarkable one. May I ask what is the matter with your eyes?

Count : Ah it is an how you call it — an inflammation. I can see leetle or nothing. I caught him in Egypt from the heat and the brightness of the sun.

Dr. Watson : May I look at them?

Count : I am now under de care of an oculeest. I believe dat it is not de etiquette dat one doctor meddle with the case of anoder.

Dr. Watson : Not as a doctor. It was merely as a friend that I wished to see them.

Count : Ah, merci, mon ami. It is not necessaire.

Sir Mont. : Haw! You've been in Egypt, heh? Up the Nile, I suppose?

Count : Yes, Sir Montague.

Sir Mont. : Fine old country, that! But in a shocking state of diswepair, don't you know! I mean to say it wants setting in order badly. Pywamids are all tumbling to pieces. Went up 'em. Great baw! Arab jumped and I jumped! Then Arab jumped again, and I jumped. Got on the top. Nothing on the top. Thought it a demned silly business and came down again. Which is your favourite pyramid, Count?

Count : I did not veesit them.

Sir Mont. : In Egypt, and not visit the Pyramids! Weally now! I mean to say, how high did you go up the Nile?

Count : I forget de name of de place.

Sir Mont. : Went up in a steamer, I suppose?

Count : Yes — in a steamer

Sir Mont. : Did not change, atall?

Count : No

Sir Mont. : Not even at the Cateracts, heh? Steamed right up 'em heh? (winking at the doctor)

Count : Sir, you make joke at my expense. It is well to insult a blind and sick man.

Sir Mont. : How do I insult you — heh?

Count : I see you wink and mock

Sir Mont. : See me, heh! I mean to say how about the inflammation that blinded you. [Enter Smee]

Count : (With furious gestures) Take me avay, John Short! I vill not stay here to be insulted. When I recover, sir, I have satisfaction for this. Away, John Short! I — I — I not can speak for rage.

[Puts his hand to his throat.]

Smee : (fumbling in his bag) Then try Merrydew's Membrane soother at 40 cents a box, or three in a cardboard case for the absurd sum of one dollar.

Count : (hissing) Yankee fool! (drives off the stage with a motion of rage and contempt)

Smee : (meditatively). That man is ruffled. He endeavours to conceal it, but he is distinctly ruffled.

Dr. Watson : (to Sir Mont.) Why did you vex him so?

Sir Mont. : The fellows a fwaud, deah boy. I've been watching him for a day or two. He's as well as you are, and has never been in Egypt or in Fwance either in his life.

Dr. Watson : Then what can his little game be. He is quiet and he pays his way.

Sir Mont. : Can't say, I am sure. 'Fwaid to think for it plays the doose with me. Think I'll light a cigawette and stroll after our fwiend. He helps to pass the time. Ta-ta, doctaw! By, by. Mr. Smee!

[Exit Sir Montague.]

Smee : That young Britisher is my best customer. I just freeze to him. Guess I've insured his life, and I have sold him a sample of every darned thing I hold an agency for, from the Imperial freckle remover, to the Columbian double jointed self registering sewing machine. 'Have a box of the excelsiors' says I. 'Put it up' says he. 'Try the electric hair restorer' says I. Tut it up,' says he. 'Have one of our seventy five foot cooper tipped steel rivetted lightning rods' says I. Put it up' says he 'Up where?' says I 'That's your business' says he. Oh, he ain't no slouch of a man to do business with.

Dr. Watson : He's a curious fellow, Mister Smee — a very curious fellow. I am glad to have this opportunity of having a few words alone with you. There is a matter which I am most anxious to speak with you about

Smee : (sitting down in a garden chair) Guess I'll sit down then. Drive along, doctor.

Dr. Watson : It is about Miss Lucy Ferrier

Smee : Ah!

Dr. Watson : I know something of her unhappy history. I know something too of the chivalry which made you stand by her in the hour of her danger.

Smee : I guess I have done no more than I would have another man do to my own gal if she were in a tight place.

Dr. Watson : You will be the first to allow that her present position is a strange one, and one which cannot continue indefinitely. I love her, sir. I ha loved her ever since she first came to brighten this house up with her sweet face, and her pretty ways. Why not give me the right to guard over her, Mr. Smee. I feel that you have a claim to stand in the place of her father. I will answer for it that no further sorrow comes upon her young life.

Smee : Well, sir, I can do a trade in general fixin's, and there ain't many things that I can't furnish on demand. When it comes to an order for a wife though, why I closes the store, and put up the shutters.

Dr. Watson : But I ask you simply to use your influence, Smee. A word from you would go a long way.

Smee : Well, you've sprung this rayther sudden, doctor. For myself, I say frank and free that I look upon you as a square man. But gals is queer critters, even the best of them. If Hope were alive it would be right and proper that Lucy should stand by him, but I saw him myself with these two eyes, roll over the cliff edge in the Colorado Canon. Yet she's a true hearted lass, and he's alive in her heart, if he's dead to all else in the world.

Dr. Watson : That is so, Smee. And yet I believe that she is attached to me. Even when she refused me I seemed to read it in her dear eyes.

Smee : You have spoken to her then?

Dr. Watson : Three months ago. She answered me that her heart was in the grave, and that her highest hope in life was to

Smee : She gave you no hope then?

Dr. Watson : I told her that I would say no word of it to her for three months. They expire tonight. Tomorrow I shall speak to her again. A word from you might turn the scale.

Smee : Well, friend, I wish you success. So much I tell you that I wish you success. She's had bitter bad luck in this life so far, and I'd be darned glad to see her safely anchored in some good man's heart. Heark, I hear her voice, and coming this way. Off with you, doe, and I may have good news when we meet again.

[Enter Lucy and Splayfoot Dick.]

Lucy : Ah, Dick, it brings back the happy old days when I look upon your honest fact. And Biddy you say is well?

Dick : Biddy am very anxious to come after you, s'pose I tell her where you are. Biddy am very much frighted for fear she get sealed to someone by the Holy Four. I very glad to marry Biddy myself, but she say that suppose I get bleached she think about it. 'Don't want a hubband wid his face in mournin" ays Biddy 'No Christian Minstrels need apply' says she.

Smee : That will do, Dick. I wish to speak to Miss Lucy alone.

Dick : All right, Massa. I go to Missus Carpenter (exit)

Smee : You look bright and chirpy this mornin, Miss Lucy.

Lucy : It is this balmy air, and the sweet smell of the flowers. Tell me, Mr. Smee, did it ever strike you that Sir Willoughby Montague Brown is mad.

Smee : Wal, no, Missy — I guess not.

Lucy : I wonder if all the folk in England wear eyeglasses, and talk as he does. It must be such a funny country.

Smee : Was it because he wears an eyeglass that you think him mad.

Lucy : He is so very strange. I was helping to nurse the poor sick count just now, arranging his pillows for him — when Sir Montague drew me aside. He begged me most earnestly never to let myself be alone with the Count

Smee : Wal, maybe that young man sees more with his weak eye, than we do with our strong ones.

Lucy : But how could the poor blind Count harm me? No. I believe that disappointed love has turned poor Sir Montague's brain.

Smee : Dissapinted, is he?

Lucy : Yes — he is in love with Rose — Miss Carpenter, your know. For some time back he has been in the habit of proposing to her every morning and evening. Occasionally he proposes in the middle of the day as well.

Smee : And she refuses him

Lucy : She has refused him thirty one times

Smee : (rapturously) There is business in that young man. Thirty one times, eh? What an insurance agent he would have made!

Lucy : She has really been very cruel to him

Smee : He seems to bear up agin it

Lucy : He conceals his feelings, but I really think that it preys upon his mind. I spoke to her very seriously about it.

Smee : You would not be so unkind?

Lucy : Oh, I am different

Smee : There's our mutual friend the doctor now—

Lucy : Don't, Mr. Smee, don't!

Smee : He's in a worse case than Sir Montague.

Lucy : You know my miserable past. You should have some sympathy.

Smee : So I have, Miss Lucy. I am brimful and overflowin' with sympathy. But there's a better thing even than sympathy, and that is good sound advice. I should like to give you some, if you'll take the word of a man who is old enough to be your father. You won't think me too forward now?

Lucy : You have been a true friend. I should be a most ungrateful and foolish girl if I did not listen to your advice

Smee : Wal then, my advice is, don't let one grief breed more griefs. Don't let one shadow shut out all the sunshine from you. Have done with your past and start afresh. Shuffle, cut and have a new deal. That's my advice.

Lucy : I fear I don't quite follow.

Smee : I'm such a clumsy tongued galoot. What I mean is this, Miss Lucy. There's a good man has crossed our trail — as white a man as ever stepped. But he has gone from among us, and it won't serve him that you should sorrow for life. If Hope is the man that I think he would not have you waste your best years. Neither would your father, if he had lived. I guess that my voice is their voice when I tell you to do what your heart bids you.

Lucy : I am torn this way and that. I do not know what I should do.

Smee : Wal, then, our friend the doctor — do you like it him?

Lucy : He has been most kind and considerate. He is a true-hearted gentlemen. I should have died in that illness but for his care. I sometimes wish that I had.

Smee : Dont 'ee now — don't ee! Your narves is still weak. You'd be the better for a bottle of McIntosh's Oriental Sedative — never fails to sooth — hundreds of unsolicited testimonials.

Lucy : No, No, Mr. Smee. There is nothing wrong.

Smee : Wal then, don't 'ee talk like that. If you don't like the doc — well and good, all the worse for him. But if you do, don't shut your heart agin him. Just because you have felt kindly to another before him. There ain't no kind of sense in that. It's agin Natur, and it's agin reason.

Lucy : Say no more about it, Mr. Smee, I beg of you. But here comes Mrs. Carpenter and Rosie.

Smee : There's a storm on too, I reckon. When that good lady goes on the warpath it is time that the male persuasion cleared out of the way.

[Exit. Enter Mrs. C. & Rose.]

Mrs. Carpenter : I am surprised at you, Rose. I could not have believed it of you.

Rose : Well, ma, I am sure I am very sorry

Mrs. Carpenter : Sorry! You may well be, you foolish girl. This English gentleman has done you the honour to propose to you.

Rose : Thirty one times mother

Mrs. Carpenter : And you have refused him?

Rose : Thirty one times mother.

Mrs. Carpenter : Heartless, selfish, girl! Why did you not think of your family? Why did you not consider how pleased & proud we should be at your success, little as you deserve it

Rose : But, mother, you taught me to despise men

Mrs. Carpenter : Men, Rose, but not Baronets

Rose : You said that they were the inferior sex.

Mrs. Carpenter : I was not speaking of noblemen.

Rose : But, ma, you said that nobility was a narrow and effete institution

Mrs. Carpenter : So it is, child. That is why it would be so delightful to belong to it. Have you no ambition, girl. Can you not realise your return to your estates, driving through lines of bowing peasants in an open carriage, with your mother by your side

Rose : With you, ma?

Mrs. Carpenter : Certainly

Rose : But my husband — where would he be?

Mrs. Carpenter : Oh I had forgot him. He would be in the dickey, or behind, or up beside the driver. Miss Ferrier, I appeal to you whether this child is not enough to break a mother's heart. She has refused the Baronet.

Rose : Oh, Lucy knows all about it. She says that it has affected his reason, but I don't think he has much reason to affect.

Mrs. Carpenter : Consider, Rose, that you would be my lady

Rose : Whose lady? Yours?

Mrs. Carpenter : No, my lady — everybody's lady.

Rose : But I don't want to be everybody's lady

Mrs. Carpenter : Cruel heartless girl! Miss Ferrier, can you say nothing to soften her? Is it for this that I have slaved & toiled — that I have descended to keep a boarding house. that she might have a fitting education (weeps).

Rose : There! Three! I am sure I want to make things pleasant all round. After all there is no harm done. (looks at her watch) He will propose again in about 16 minutes. I will take him if you are so set upon it.

Mrs. Carpenter : Dear sweet child! But will it be so? How can you tell that he will propose again?

Rose : He is a man who is very regular in his habits.

Mrs. Carpenter : You good dutiful child! I shall leave you here with all confidence. (aside) And I'll take good care that the baronet comes out. Lady Montague Brown! Think of it! (Exit Ecstatically).

Lucy : I am so glad, dear. I think that he is a kind good man, behind all his funny little ways.

Rose : Oh, he's all right. I don't mind telling you, dear, that if he had begun to turn his eyeglass on any other girl I should have felt awful bad. I'm very fond of Sir Monty — in fact I'm so used to him that I don't think I could get along without him. He's very nice as a proposer. It seems a pity to spoil it by accepting him. It would be very jolly to keep him so always.

Lucy : He might tire of that

Rose : Oh no. He likes it very much. He says that he has atlast found an object in life. That's me. But you, what am I to say to you, Lucy? What am I to call you?

Lucy : Why, what do you mean, Rose?

Rose : Oh you little brazen hypocrite, to look me in the face with those big innocent eyes and tell me you don't know ask me what I mean. As if you don't know! There now you are blushing. That is an acknowledgement.

Lucy : Don't be so silly, Rose!

Rose : You lecture me about being cruel. Why you are ten thousand times worse. I give Sir Monty the privilege of proposing as often as he likes, but you won't let the poor doctor speak to you. It's barbarous, Lucy, positively in human.

Lucy : Ah, you don't know, Rose!

Rose : The poor man is brokenhearted. Such a noble fellow he is too! When the Cholera was here he spent the whole time attending the sick poor, though he never got a penny dollar out of them. So tender-hearted too, and yet so manly! Why at the riots last year he faced the whole mob of hoodlums to save some poor chinaman who was being stoned. Oh, Lucy, he is not a man to play with.

Lucy : Oh, Rose. I think I shall go mad! I am torn this way and that. I do not know what to do! My past life has been darkened by a terrible misfortune. The man whom I loved sacrificed himself in defending me. It is unwomanly, unmaidenly, that I should ever think of another. And yet — and yet — he has been so good, so patient, so loyal to his promise, and so obedient to my wishes.

Rose : (soothingly) There! There! You are overdone, I guess. (leads her off) Just you trot away and lie down now. Think it all over & act according You dont mend the past by making a good man miserable. Promise me that you will consider it

Lucy : I will, Rose.

Rose : That's all right (kisses her) Au revoir! (Exit Lucy)I must wait for Monty. He's nearly due. Sounds as if he were a train. Poor dear Lucy! But I think that she is yielding. Why should she make her whole life miserable, and his as well. Why here is the d octor himself.

[Enter Dr. Watson, who gazes after Lucy.]

Dr. Watson : Is that not Miss Ferrier who has just left you?

Rose : Yes, doctor. What then?

Dr. Watson : Her step is so elastic, her bearing so erect. Who would believe that it was the same crushed and sadfaced girl who came to this boarding house nine months a year ago

Rose : Well, doctor, we all know who is to be thanked for the change. She says herself that you saved her life.

Dr. Watson : (Excitedly) Does she? Does she indeed?

Rose : Yes, and a great many other kind things as well.

Dr. Watson : God bless you for telling me so! Ah you little know what it means to me.

Rose : I can guess, doctor. I am your friend & I have been speaking to her about you.

Dr. Watson : Ah!

Rose : She has gone to lie down

Dr. Watson : Yes

Rose : You shall not see her again tonight

Dr. Watson : No

Rose : But you will see her tomorrow

Dr. Watson : Yes

Rose : Then is your time

Dr. Watson : Yes.

Rose : Speak boldly and press for an answer. All will come right. Ta ta! (retreats)

Dr. Watson : But, Miss Carpenter — Rose — one word!

Rose : Guess I've got some business of my own to look to. So long, doctor! Can't wait! Good night (exit)

[Grows dark — lamps in house.]

Dr. Watson : She would not have spoken so, had there not been some reason. Lucy's heart has softened towards me. 'Tomorrow' she said. And then again 'All will come right'. If she proves mistaken it will be bitter — very bitter. Still even then, John Watson, my boy, you must play the man. There is work to be done in the world. If we are not happy ourselves — we may help to make others so. There's nothing takes the sting out of our own sorrow so quickly as giving some other poor devil a helping hand. She has been true to this Jefferson Hope. I should not wish her to be otherwise. But he is dead, and she is free. (A piano heard in the house) That is surely her touch. She has not retired then. I shall go to the drawing room door, and see. (exit)

[Enter Jefferson Hope, feeble and tattered, gasping for breath & leaning upon a stick.]

Hope : This should be the house. Worn and spent, with one foot in the grave, I have dragged myself a thousand miles to see her once more. Well I know that she can now never be mine. But I make for her as a wounded buck makes for the water spring.

[Leans against a garden bench.]

God, how my heart beats! Some one comes. Can it be her? No, it is a man.

[Enter Dr. Watson.]

Dr. Watson : Yes. She is there. But I will not see her now. I said 3 months & 3 months it shall be. But hullo! What have we here? What do you want?

Hope : Young man, I guess that I want for everything. Above all I want a doctor.

Dr. Watson : I hope that all your wants may be as easily met. I am a doctor.

Hope : Are you so? Then, doc, you are talkin' to a dying man

Dr. Watson : Eh? What! Where is your hurt?

Hope : Give me your hand. (Puts it to his heart) What do you feel? Put your ear down. What do you hear?

Dr. Watson : Great heaven! It is like some huge engine in a frail building, which shakes from roof to cellar at every vibration. Why, man, you have an aortic aneurism.

Hope : That is what they call it. I got it from a fall, and from want and privation among the mountains. Any shock or excitement may burst it. So I am told.

Dr. Watson : My poor fellow you should be in bed. You are killing yourself by walking about.

Hope : I have something that I must do before I die. Until then I wish to live. Ether is the thing, doc. I have an attack coming on me now. Lay me back on the bench — so. Now bring me back some ether.

Dr. Watson : There is a bottle in my room. Lie quiet, my poor fellow, and I will fetch it

[Exit.]

Hope : Ah! It passes off again! (staggers to his feet) And this is where she lives. This is where Smee has brought her. If ever God in heaven blessed a man may he bless that Smee! He is staunch. But perhaps he does not know the peril that hangs over them. (Suddenly the shadow of Lucy is seen upon the blind) Great heaven, it is she! Lucy, Lucy, my darlin' I have come back to you — weak, helpless, dyin'. I have come back to you. Oh, my heart how it throbs and buzzes! (Sinks back panting upon the bench)

'[Enter Watson with bottle.]

Dr. Watson : How are you now? Here is the ether.

Hope : (deliriously) I would know her — I would know her my bonny flower, yes even her shadow, out of a million. It was she. It was Lucy.

Dr. Watson : (excitedly) Lucy? Lucy who?

Hope : Lucy. Sweet Lucy. Sweet Lucy Ferrier.

Dr. Watson : (staggering back) Lucy Ferrier. Who are you? Speak, man! Who are you, who speak of Lucy Ferrier?

Hope : Who am I? A wandering man — a man without a home. Jefferson Hope is my name.

Dr. Watson : My God! The dead man come back!

Hope : (gasping) Quick, doctor, with the ether. My head swims! I am going!

Dr. Watson : (stooping) His pulse has stopped! Now it feebly beats again. Without the ether he is a dead man. What is this devil that whispers in my ear? What is this black thought that drives all other thought from my brain! I have but no more. Should I turn away for one minute he is dead, and who will know more of him, save that he is some poor tattered tramp who has crawled here to die. (Suddenly & wildly) Never! Never, I say! If I cannot have Lucy, let me at least remain worthy of her. Drink it, man, drink it, and live!

Hope : (feebly) The blood runs warmer through my veins. A weight is lifted from my chest. You have saved my life! (Stands feebly up)

Dr. Watson : (supporting him & advancing with him) Yes I have saved his life, and I have irretrievably ruined my own. (sets him on garden chair) Your pulse is as steady as mine now. If you will but avoid excitement you are safe.

Hope : Keep me alive a few short hours. I have work to do. Then let it go, and the sooner the better

Dr. Watson : Come in with me! You can have my bed. I would as soon sleep on the floor.

Hope : You are a good man, doc, but it comes more nat'ral to me to sleep on in the floor open. But tell me! There's an old and dear friend o' mine in that house. Miss Ferrier is her name. How is she? Well? Happy?

Dr. Watson : She is well. I cannot say that she is happy. She is still grieving for your death.

Hope : Ha, you know me then?

Dr. Watson : Yes, I have heard her speak of you.

Hope : (excitedly) She still thinks of me?

Dr. Watson : I tell you that your life depends upon your not exciting yourself. Never was man mourned more faithfully than you have been. Smee also told me of your death.

Hope : I do not wonder that you he should think so. I was shot here under the collarbone. I staggered back, and toppled over the cliff. There was a bit of a spur some little way down, & there I fell, lay senseless from pain & loss of blood. How long I lay I cannot say. Light came and darkness — darkness and light. The sun shone, and rain fell, and sleet beat against me, and the rain fell again. It is all like an ugly dream. When atlast a party o' prospecters heard my groans, and drew me up I had this hellish thing in my breast, and the seal of death was on me. Since then I have lived but for one end.

Dr. Watson : For what then?

Hope : For vengeance — vengeance on the men who had darkened our lives, who had chased us like wild beasts, who had murdered John Ferrier, and who had slain me too as surely as if I were laid out with the candles burning.

Dr. Watson : I wonder that you did not let Miss Ferrier know that you lived.

Hope : God help me, I wished her to think that I was dead. I wished it, but oh it was a bitter hard thing to wish. I thought of her in her young beauty, so bright, so sweet. I thought of myself a shattered, mangled wreck. What was I that I should keep her tied to me! She should think me dead. She should be free. Love was not for me. There was but one thing for me — my revenge.

Dr. Watson : By heaven, Hope, you are a noble fellow!

Hope : I have dogged them. I have tracked them. I was behind them in Utah! I am behind them now. I tell you, doc, that it were better for them to have a starved bloodhound upon their trail, than the ruined and broken Jefferson Hope.

Dr. Watson : Whom then do you follow?

Hope : Stangerson who led the angels. Drebber who shot old Ferrier

Dr. Watson : What! Are Drebber & Stangerson in Frisco?

Hope : Drebber is. Stangerson was.

Dr. Watson : Was?

Hope : Doc, look at my sleeve!

Dr. Watson : It is clammy! It is spotted!

Hope : It is Stangerson's heart blood

Dr. Watson : (shrinking) You have not murdered him!

Hope : Who talks of murder? Had I slain him as his cursed gang slew Ferrier where would be the injustice? But I gave him a show, I knew that it could not help him, but I gave it to him. It was in a waste and solitary place. He had his knife. I had mine. He flung himself upon me, but I had the strength of ten men, for I had the strength of justice and right. "This from John Ferrier!" I whispered, as I drove my knife through his heart. Half my work is done. I have nearly earned his my rest

Dr. Watson : (aside) This is a terrible man!

Hope : I wish no one to see me. But I must watch over her. I will sleep here among the shrubs. But one word before you go, doc! Lucy is well, and still mindful of me, you say. But she knew that she was free. Is she not married? Is she not engaged? She is one who would shed love around her as the sun sheds light.

Dr. Watson : She is neither married nor engaged.

Hope : What! Has no other man felt his heart soften as I did mine. Has no one during these long months learned to love her.

Dr. Watson : There is one such.

Hope : Ha! Who is the man?

Dr. Watson : He is a man of small account

Hope : And he loves her?

Dr. Watson : He loves her dearly.

Hope : What is he?

Dr. Watson : He is in my own profession

Hope : A doctor, you say! Tell me of him! Is he worthy of himer?

Dr. Watson : No.

Hope : Not worthy of her? And yet he dare approach her with words of love. By heaven I—!"

Dr. Watson : One word! The man is perhaps no worse than others. But I would ask you which one of all of us is worthy of a pure woman. Think well of that before you judge him. Oh it is a sorry bargain for the woman! A man's soul, all seared and hardened with sin, worn with the rough struggle of life, darkened by the evil thought and the evil deed. Balance such a one against the pure & unspotted spirit of an angel woman. Who shall say that he is worthy? Not I. I am unworthy of Lucy.

Hope : You! You! Then it is you who love her!

Dr. Watson : My secret is out. It is I.

Hope : And she would not listen?

Dr. Watson : No.

Hope : But you had hopes?

Dr. Watson : I should lie if I said I had not.

Hope : You loved her — and yet knowing who I was, you saved my life.

Dr. Watson : It was my love that bade me do it

Hope : Ha, that is love indeed. Go from me. I have spoken enough. Leave me here

Dr. Watson : Can I do no more

Hope : Nothing more. Good night

Dr. Watson : Good night! (Exit).

Hope : Because he loved her he saved my life! There spoke a true man. Aye, Jeff boy, she'll be happier with him — happier with him! Do your task, old wolfhound, and then take your rest. But I hear a woman's voice. I must not be seen

[Withdraws among the bushes.]

[Enter Rose and Sir Willoughby Montague.]

Rose : And you really, really, love me then?

Sir Mont. : Oh, most awfully.

Rose : What ever will your mother say?

Sir Mont. : Well, you see, the mater can't object you know. She told me to bring her specimens of the pwoducts of the countwies I visited. She said it was a pwactical education. I'll tell her that I have taken some twouble to secure her a fine specimen of the Californian woman

Rose : How silly you are, Willy Monty! She'd think it was some wild creature

Sir Mont. : Very wild and very shy. The only cweature I ever went out after thirty one times before I could get near it

Rose : But your father people, Willy? Won't he they think that you have married beneath you?

Sir Mont. : So I have.

Rose : What?

Sir Mont. : About five inches beneath me.

Rose : You absurd boy! But think how old a family yours is, away and away back so far as one can think. My father had no coat of arms. When he came west he hardly had the coat, I guess, without the arms. And yet Willy Monty, you want to marry his daughter. I should be real sorry if you made a mistake over it.

Sir Mont. : Ancestors are a baw! They won't leave one alone. I don't bother them. What do they want to pester me for. You never seem to get away from them. My Governor's used to be too much when he's was on them. 'Live up to them!" saysid he "Be worthy of them! Bear them in mind!" "Which of them?" said I. "All of them" said he. We keep them in the picture room, about a hundred of them, and they don't look nice people atall. I don't think you'd see a sulkier looking lot anywhere. And their dress! No two of them alike! They're an awful scratch team. But why should I be for ever pestered with them just because I happen to be related to them by marriage. Where's Lucy Ferrier?

Rose : She's within inside. Oh, Willy Monty, I do wish that you could do something that would make her take Doctor Watson for he loves her dearly, and she loves him, and there is nothing but the shadow of this dead man between them.

Sir Mont. : Let us go in then & speak to her. I'm so awfully happy muself, don't you know, that I should like to see everybody else happy too. (Exeunt.

[Enter Stranger, cloaked with large slouch hat — looks about him very cautiously. Whistles softly three times. No answer. Whistles again.]

[Enter Short — Drebber's attendant.]

Short : The Signal! Who is it? Ha, Stephen, all is not ready

Stephens : But all is over?

Short : Over?

Stephens : Yes, Stangerson is murdered, the police are on our track and the whole game is up.

Short : My God! This is news indeed! But who slew Stangerson

Stephens : No one knows. A knife was driven through his heart. We are angels of darkness, friend, but I begin to think that there are is some darker angel than ourselves upon our track. The boys have fled, and I have come at the risk of my life to give you warning. Look out for your own skin, for all is out and there is talk of lynching.

[Exit.]

Short : Here there is an ending to our plans. By heaven. I hear the distant shouting of the crowd. We have not time to lose. I must warn Drebber, and be off by the other gate. [Exit.]

[Enter Smee.]

Smee : Now, I'm darned if I can make it out. It's too much for you, Elias Fortescue, my boy! But there's somethin' there, and blame my skin if I don't get to the bottom of it. What's friend Watson lookin' so long in the face about? And where is that coyote of a Short running to. And what was he jabbering in the sick count's ear? There's some darned underhand biz going forward, and I guess I'll see Mrs. C. through it. She's a good woman that. I have thoughts' o' that woman. She ain't new, and she's of her own style, but she's a good, solid, dependable, domestic article without which no household is complete. Anyhow I won't have her put upon. I'll up to my room, and get my shootin' iron, and then just keep my eye on some of these rustlers [Exit

[Enter Drebber.]

[Curses, gnashes his teeth & shakes his fist up at the windows of the house.]

Drebber : If these cowards had not deserted me I would have snatched her away even now. What, all for nothing! But it shall not be so. When did I set my will upon a thing and fail. By God, it shall not be so. I leave you now, but I will be back. I will be behind you like your shadow. My eye shall ever be upon you. And oh the day must come — it must come."

[Turns to leave. Hope rises.]

Hope : Drebber!

Drebber : Who calls?

Hope : Drebber!

Drebber : What is this? A tramp!

Hope : Drebber, look upon my face! Drebber (approaches him — starts violently] Great heaven, it is Jefferson Hope.

Hope : (solemnly) May God have mercy upon your sinful soul!

Drebber : You may need your prayers for yourself.

Hope : I do. I do. I stand upon the edge of the grave. But you stand closer still. There is death upon your face. God help you, Drebber.

Drebber : You shall not scare me with this fool's talk. What would you do?

Hope : I would kill you

Drebber : You have turned murderer then?

Hope : Enough talk. Stangerson has gone and you shall follow. But you shall have a show as he had (draws a revolver) Where is your pistol?

Drebber : I have none.

Hope : (Putting his pistol down on the table, and drawing a knife) Your knife then. Let it be man to man.

Drebber : I have no knife. I am an unarmed man.

Hope : Ha! But you will not escape me so! There lies the loaded pistol. Here is paper. We shall draw lots, and he who has the longest slip shall have the pistol against the knife

[Turns to tear the paper. Drebber draws a knife and stabs him between the shoulders. Hope falls senseless.]

Drebber : Dog, who needs prayers now?

Smee : (rushing in with his revolver). I heard groans. What is it? Stand fast there or by the Lord I fire!

[Drebber rushes away for the gate. Smee fires two shots and Drebber falls dead.]

Smee : (stooping over Drebber's body). There has been some devil's work here. He hold's a bloody knife in his hand. By his dress he should be the French Count, DeChargny. (Turns him over). Great Lord it is Drebber the Mormon. And who is this that he has stabbed. What! By all that is marvellous it is Jefferson Hope.

Hope : (faintly) Hold me up stranger!

Smee : No stranger, Hope. You have not forgotten Smee.

Hope : Ah, Smee! Where is he? Where is Drebber"

Smee : There he lies. I shot him.

Hope : Then God in heaven bless you! God in heaven bless you, Smee! I have no more to do. It is time that I were at rest (Smee supports his head)

[Cries from without of "This way! This way!" "Who fired the shots?" to.]

[Enter Mrs. Charpentier, Rose, Lucy, Sir Willoughby Montague Brown, Dr. Watson, Splayfoot Dick to.]

Mrs. Carpenter : Oh what is it? What is it?"

Rose : Good heavens! A wounded man!

Mrs. Carpenter : Oh my house will be ruined

Dr. Watson : It would have been but for the bravery of this fine fellow

Dick : Oh Lor-a-massy if it ain't Massa Jefferson Hope!

Lucy : What, Jefferson! Oh, Jefferson, Jefferson! (Sinks down on one knee beside him. Watson kneels on the other side to feel his pulse, while Smee supports him behind) This is a dream. Surely it is a dream. And have we found you atlast? Oh but you are in pain — you are bleeding

Hope : No pain, my little lass, no pain. My heart is glad and my work is done — well done! (He takes her right hand while Lucy turns away her head with her left hand to her eyes). A promise is a promise, Lucy, is it not? This hand is still my own — my very own."

Lucy : It is yours, crossed out word Jefferson

Hope : And the heart?

Lucy : What have you not given for me, Jefferson. How can I but be yours?

Hope : And the heart?

Lucy : Oh Jefferson, how can I pay all I owe you.

Hope : Ah, the little lass, the little lass! Well, well, it is as it should be. Loose my hand, Lucy! Now grasp it tight! (passes her hand into Watson's) You will make me a promise, Lucy.

Lucy : (with face still averted and thinking that she still holds Hope's hand.) What is it, Jefferson?

Hope : That he who holds your hand shall have your hand. That he is yours, and you are his until death to you part.

Lucy : But I have promised it

Hope : Again, Lucy.

Lucy : I promise it again.

Hope : (faintly) Swear it

Lucy : I swear

Hope : Then thank heaven! For I leave you in the care of a good man (sinks back).

Lucy : Oh what is this? What have I done?

Smee : By heaven, he is gone! But I will finish his work. To me he leaves these angels of darkness

Dr. Watson : And to me an angel of light.

Curtain.

Act IV. The Same.

[Still dark in the garden with lights in the windows and on the Verandah.]

[Jefferson Hope lying on the garden bench Dr. Watson by his side.]

Dr. Watson : Your pulse is as steady as mine now. If you will but avoid excitement you are safe.

Hope : Keep me alive for another day or two, doc. Then let it go, and the sooner the better.

Dr. Watson : Come in with me. You can have my bed. I would as soon sleep on the sofa.

Hope : You are a kind man, stranger, but it comes more natral to me to sleep in the open. But tell me, friend doc — there is an old and very dear friend o' mine in that house. Miss Ferrier is her name. How is she? Is she well? Is she happy?

Dr. Watson : She is well. I cannot say that she is happy. For one thing she is still grievinly for your death.

Hope : Ha, you know me then?

Dr. Watson : Yes, I have heard her speak your about you.

Hope : (excitedly) She still thinks of me?

Dr. Watson : I tell you that you must not excite yourself Never was a man mourned more faithfully that than you have been. Smee also told me that you were dead.

Hope : I do not wonder that you he should think so. I was shot here, just under the collarbone. I can still just The wound is scarce healed now. I staggered back and toppled over the cliff. As it chanced however there was a bit o' a spur some little way down and there I fell and lay senseless from pain an' loss o' blood. How long I was there I cannot say. Light came and darkness — darkness and light. The sun shone, and rain fell, and sleet beat against me, and the sun shone again. It is all like an ugly dream. When atlast a party o' prospecters heard my groans an' drew me up I had this hellish thing in my chest, and the seal of death was on me. Since then I have lived but for one end. It was vengeance.

Dr. Watson : Ah!

Hope : Vengeance on the men who had clouded our lives, who had chased us as if we had been wild beasts, who had slain John Ferrier, aye and who had slain me too as surely as if I were laid out with the candles burning.

Dr. Watson : I wonder that you did not send after Lucy — Miss Ferrier to say that you were alive.

Hope : God help me. I wished her to think me dead! I wished it, but oh it was a bitter hard thing to wish. I thought of her in her young beauty — so spry, so bright, so sweet — I thought of myself a shattered mangled wreck — What was I that I should keep her tied to me? She should think me dead. She should be free. Love was not for me. There was only one thing for me. It was revenge.

Dr. Watson : By heaven, Hope, you are a noble fellow!

Hope : I lay by till I was stronger and then I took the back track to Salt Lake City. I lived in the mountains as wild and fierce as any grizzly among them. Two men I had marked for death. The one was Stangerson, who led the Angels the other was Drebber who I learned had been, the man who shot Ferrier. I was behind them like their shadow. Stangerson showed at his window one night. I sent a bullet through his arm. Drebber passed under my den. I rolled a great boulder on him which tore up a fir tree within a yard of where he stood. After a time they came to learn who their enemy was. They led parties against me. It was like chasing a shadow. Then after a time they vanished with some of their followers and I learned that they had gone to Frisco to bring Lucy back. Here I have followed them, and I tell you, doc, that it were better for them if they had to have a starving bloodhound on their trail than the ruined and broken Jefferson Hope.

Dr. Watson : Are you indeed sure of this? Are Drebber & Stangerson in Frisco.

Hope : Drebber is. Stangerson was.

Dr. Watson : Was?

Hope : Doc, look at my sleeve.

Dr. Watson : It is clammy. It is spotted.

Hope : It is Stangerson's heart's blood

Dr. Watson : (shrinking) You have not murdered him

Hope : Who talks of murder? Had I slain him as his cursed gang slew Ferrier where would be the injustice. But I gave him a show. I knew that it would not help him, but I gave it him. It was in a waste and solitary place. He had his knife. I had mine. He flung himself upon me, but I had the strength of ten men, for I had the strength of Justice and of right. "This from John Ferrier!" I whispered, as I drove my knife through his heart. Half my work is done. I have nearly earned my rest.

Dr. Watson : (aside) This is a terrible man

Hope : I wish no one to see me. But I must watch over her. I shall sleep among the shrubs.

Dr. Watson : I shall leave the ether on the garden chair. There is a clean glass & water in case you should have another spasm.

Hope : One word before you go, doc. Lucy is well and still mindful of me, you say. But she knew that she was free. Is she not married? Is she not engaged? She is one who would shed love round her, as the sun sheds light.

Dr. Watson : She is neither married nor engaged.

Hope : Ha What! Has no other man felt his heart soften as I did mine. Has no one during these long months learned to love her.

Dr. Watson : There is one such.

Hope : Ha! Who is the man?

Dr. Watson : He is a man of small account

Hope : And he loves her?

Dr. Watson : He loves her dearly

Hope : What is he?

Dr. Watson : He is in my own profession Hope. A doctor, you say. Tell me about him. Is he worthy of her?

Dr. Watson : No

Hope : Not worthy of her? And yet he dare approach her with words of love. By heaven I—

Dr. Watson : One word. The man is perhaps no worse than others. But I would ask you which one of us is worthy of a pure woman. Think well of that before you judge him. Oh it is a sorry bargain for the woman. A man's soul all scarred and hardened with sin, worn with the rough struggle of life, darkened by the evil thought and the evil deed. Balance such a one against the pure and unspotted spirit of an angel woman. Who shall say that he is worthy? Not I. I am unworthy of Lucy

Hope : You? You? Then it is you who love her.

Dr. Watson : My secret is out. It is I.

Hope : And she would not listen?

Dr. Watson : No

Hope : But you had hopes

Dr. Watson : I should lie if I said I had not.

Hope : You loved her — and yet knowing who I was you saved my life

Dr. Watson : It was my love that bade me do it

Hope : Ha, that is love indeed! Go from me. I have spoken enough. Leave me here among the shrubs.

Dr. Watson : There is nothing more that I can do for you?

Hope : Nothing. Good night

Dr. Watson : Good night (exit).

Hope : Because he loved her he saved my life. There spoke a truehearted man. His very talk of his own unworthiness showed that he was indeed worthy. But I hear a woman's voice. It is not hers. I must lie low and keep dark old watch dog for there is danger in the air. [Conceals himself among shrubs]

[Enter Rose and Sir Willy.]

Rose : crossed out word And you really love me then?

Sir Willy : Oh yes. I love you most awfully

Rose : What will your mother say?

Sir Willy : Oh the mater's all right. She told me to bring her specimens of the products of the different countries I visited. She said it was a practical education. I'll tell her that I have taken some twouble to secure for her a fine specimen of the Californian woman.

Rose : How silly you are, Willy! She would think it was some wild creature

Sir Willy : Very wild and very shy. The only crweature I ever went out after thirty one times before I could get near it.

Rose : But your father, Willy? Won't he think that you have married beneath you?

Sir Willy : So I have

Rose : What!

Sir Willy : About five inches beneath me.

Rose : You absurd boy! But think of how old a family yours is, and what great traditions you have away and away back as far as you can think. My father had no coat of arms. I think that when he came West he hardly had the coat without the arms. And yet, Willy, you want to marry his daughter. I should be real sorry if you made a mistake over it.

Sir Willy : Ancestors are a baw. They won't leave one alone. I don't bother them. Why should they want to pester me. You never seem to get away from them. My Governor's too much when he's on them. 'Live up them' says he 'Be worthy of them. Bear them in mind!' Which of them' said I 'All of them' said he. We keep them in the picture room, about a hundred of them, and they don't look nice people atall. I dont think you'd see a sulkier looking lot anywhere. And their dress! No two of them alike. You never saw such a scratch team. But why should I be for ever pestered with them just because I happen to be related to them by marriage.

Rose : Ah but how charming to belong to so old a family

Sir Willy : I'll tell you what, Rosie. We old families are like the old houses that we live in, inclined to get a little weak at the top. But who's that?

Rose : It is the sick Count in his chair

Sir Willy : Ha, my friend DeChargny! The blind man who can see, and the twaveller who has never twavelled. Awful funny man, DeChargny!

Rose : Let us go in, for he is real mad with you for what you said to him the other day.

Sir Willy : I've been watching DeChargny. He's the most interwesting thing that I've seen in America. Kind of dwy humour about him. Good evening, Count.

DeChargny : (Driven forward by John Short). I do not weesh to have any talk with you. I come out to breathe de fresh air of de evening, and not to hold talk mit a man who have insult my honnair.

Sir Willy : Funny dog!

DeChargny : Ah, you laugh at me!

Sir Willy : He! He! He's got such an awful taking way with him! Ta-ta Count! Take care that the night air, doesn't make your eyes worse. [Exit with Rose.]

Count : (to Short). That cursed Englishman! I cannot tell whether he is the idiot that he looks, or whether he has formed some suspicion. If he crosses our path we must crush him. Have you been into the town, Short?

Short : Yes, Mr. Drebber, and all is ready, but Mr. Stangerson is not to be found.

Count : Not to be found!

Short : No, sir. He left them this morning & has not been seen since.

Count : The cursed fool! A pretty time this to be away, at the very moment when our plans have come to a head. He was always softhearted when there was real work to be done. But Purdie is there.

Short : Yes, Mr. Drebber, with his six men, all staunch and true. They will be outside with the carriage in ten minutes time. They will wait there until they get your signal

Count : I will light the three candles in the window of my room when all is ready.

Short : And how will you entice her out?

Count : That I have already planned. There is a sick girl whom she has befriended. A line from her asking her to come out for an instant alone will put her into our power. I have written it, and when all is ready you will give it to that nigger servant to deliver (gives him the note)

Short : I will do so.

Count : Do you wait there coming in the street. I will go inside & signal the moment for action

[Exeunt Count and Drebber.]

Hope : (Rising to his feet from among the shrubs, and staggering forward). My God, how my heart beats! I fear that this cursed thing cannot last very long. Ah, but I would die in peace could I know that I had cleared the second reptile as I have the first from my sweet Lucys path. Then indeed my task would be ended. But who is this old man in the chair, and why did he whisper so to his serving man? There is something in face and voice which reminds me — of what? Of what? This trouble within me has clouded my mind. Where have I heard that voice. But here is my friend the doctor.

[Enter Watson & Splayfoot Dick.]

Dr. Watson : Bring them here, Dick.

Dick : All right, Massa Watson. I tote 'em along sah!

Dr. Watson : Ah, here he is. I have brought you a pillow & blanket, friend, for it's not right that a man as ill as you should lie out among the dews.

Hope : What, doc, so careful of a life which stands in the way of your happiness.

Dr. Watson : Your life is dear to her, and so your life is dear to me.

Dick : (coming forward with blanket & pillow). Oh, Gosamighty, if it ain't Massa Jefferson. Oh, lor, Massa Jefferson but this is a glad day.

Hope : Ha, Dick. I'm right glad to see that your young mistress has a faithful friend by her. She may need her friends ere long.

Dick : You say right, Massa. By gosh, sah, I carry my razor in my boot, and I shed my la3t drop f hoemoglobin before a hand be laid on missy I shed my last drop ob hoemoglobin.

Hope :Drop of what?

Dick : Hoemoglobin, sah! Day used to call it blood, sah, but we've gone one higher and it's hoemoglobin now among de eddicated classes. It's all in de book dat Massa Smee gave me.

Hope : Ah, there is Smee too! The lass has a good bodyguard. But say, doc, who is that sick man in a chair who passed just now?

Dr. Watson : He calls himself the Count de Chargny and claims to be a Frenchman, but he is a mystery to me. But if you must sleep out, Hope, let me put the blanket in this arbour for you.

Hope : Thank you, doc, I will sleep here on the ground. There is something that tells me that it will not be very long ere I sleep under it. What is that bottle, doc."

Dr. Watson : It is a new heart sedative. A drop or two will give you relief should you have another spasm. Here is the water beside it. Be careful of it however, for though it has neither smell nor colour it is a powerful poison, and there is enough there to kill a dozen men.

Hope : I will have care, doc. My road will be short enough without my shortening it. So long, friend! These are snug quarters to one who is used to the mountains. A word with you, Dick!

Dick : Yes, massa!

Hope : You say that you know that danger still hangs over your mistress

Dick : I am come lately from Salt Lake City, sah. I know dat de angels are still out after her. I know dat Drebber and Stangerson not been seen dare for months. Dat's why I wear my razor in my boot and go 'bout wid my eyes open.

Hope : You are right, Dick. And I have cause to believe that it will not be long before the blow falls. But they may find that a darker angel than themselves is on their own trail. Where do you sleep, Dick?"

Dick : Up there in the front, Massa Jefferson Hope. Then keep your window open, and come to me if I call for you.

Dick : Yes, Massa, (turns)

Hope : One word more!

Dick : Yes, Massa.

Hope : Not a word to Miss Lucy of my being here.

Dick : Not a word to Miss Lucy! Oh, why that, sah, when she mourn for you & think you dead.

Hope : Let her still think so. I am dead to her. You see how it is with me, Dick. These devils have done for me, but what spark of life is left shall still be used in her service. When she is safe then I shall vanish again for I am too poor, too broken a thing to claim a woman's love

Dick : [End of manuscript.]

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