Baker 
 Our Boys of 1776
 
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 OUR BOYS OF 1776, OR 
 )NE HUNDRED YEARS A GO 
 
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 THE A M A70NS '' arce k* Th ree Acts. Seven males, fire females. 
 ULi AUIAL, i"\j Costumes, modern ; scenery, not difficult. Plays 
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 OUR BOYS OF 1776 
 
 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO 
 
 Patriotic Drama in (Ctoo 3cts 
 
 BY 
 
 GEO. M. BAKKK 
 
 AITTHOR OF "AMONG TMK BRKAKKKS," "NKVADA," "KI 
 
 TRH'MI'II." II.. 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1876, BY <;i<>. M. |!AKRR 
 COPYRIGHT, n/)^, BY KMII.Y K. HAKKK (IN KKNKWAI.) 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 WALTICR II. H. \KI-K & CO.
 
 HANDY DRAMAS 
 
 FOR AMATEU R ACTORS 
 NEW PIECES 
 
 FOR 
 
 l^ome, Sdjool anti public Entertainment 
 
 BY 
 
 GEORGE M. BAKER 
 
 fflluetratefc 
 
 CONTAINIA T G 
 
 THE FLOWER OF THE FAMILY 
 
 PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE 
 
 A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO 
 
 ABOVE THE CLOUDS 
 
 THE LITTLE BROWN JUG 
 SEEING THE ELEPHANT 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1876, BY GHORGK M. BAKER 
 COPYRIGHT, 1904, BY EMILY F. BAKER (IN RENEWAL)
 
 PS 
 
 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 
 A PATRIOTIC DRAMA IN TWO ACTS. 
 
 CHARACTERS. 
 
 OBED STERLING, a Quaker. 
 
 EPHRAIM STERLING, his Son. 
 
 ELMER GRANGER, a Young Patriot. 
 
 URIEL BOSWORTH, a Quaker Convert. 
 
 PRETZEL, a Dutchman. 
 
 GINGER, a Negro. 
 
 BURKE, ) _ 
 
 BLUCHER, i Tone8 ' 
 
 RACHEL STERLING, the Quaker Mother. 
 
 RUTH STERLING, her Daughter. 
 
 PRUDENCE GRANGER, Elmer's Sister. 
 
 The scene of the drama is near Philadelphia, July 4, 1776. 
 
 COSTUMES. 
 
 OBED. Black, brown, or gray Quaker suit; white hair, parted 
 in centre; long stockings, to match suit; plain black shoes; 
 broad-brimmed hat. 
 
 HOSWORTH and EPHRAIM. Quaker suits of same character, but 
 differing in color or in the color of stockings. Bosworth has 
 hlark hair, 'parted in middle; Ephraim a very light wig, parted 
 in the middle, with hair slightly curly at ends. 
 
 217 
 
 1105795
 
 218 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. 
 
 ELMER. Neat suit of continental fashion ; brown coat; buff vest- 
 white necktie; brown breeches; blue stockings; shoes with 
 buckles; cocked hat. 
 
 PRETZEL. Brown trunks, or full trousers fastened at the knee; 
 blue stockings; short brown coat; small Dutch cap, or knit 
 woollen cap with tassel at end. 
 
 GINGER. Gray breeches; red stockings; blue striped shirt; red 
 waistcoat, open ; grizzled wig ; heavy shoes. 
 
 BLUCHER and BURKE. Brown coats; red waistcoats; dark 
 breeches; brown or gray stockings; shoes without buckles. 
 
 MRS. STERLING. Gray dress; white kerchief, neatly pinned 
 
 - across bosom ; Quaker cap. 
 
 RUTH. Brown or gray dress, opening in front, showing white 
 skirt, rather short; long sleeves; high neck; white hose, and 
 black shoes; hair light, in Grecian knot. 
 
 PRUDENCE. Short patch petticoat, with looped overskirt and 
 waist of red material ; sleeves rolled up in first act, and apron 
 on; hair done up high with large comb; sleeves turned down 
 for second act. 
 
 The Quaker costumes may be hard to obtain, but can easily be 
 manufactured. For hats, cover wide-rimmed straw hats with 
 brown or gray cambric, " wrong-side " out. For coats, " stand 
 up" the collars of any old-fashioned dark coats, to give a prim 
 and stiff appearance. The balance can easily be obtained. Guns 
 used in this piece should have the appearance of flint-locks. 
 
 STAGE DIRECTIONS. 
 
 R., right; c., centre; L., left; L c., left centre; R. c., right cen 
 tre; L. 1 E., left first entrance; R. IE., right first entrance; FLAT, 
 scene at back of stage; R. u. E., right upper entrance.
 
 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 OB, 
 
 OUR BOYS OF 1T76. 
 
 A PATRIOTIC DRAMA IN TWO ACTS. 
 
 ACT I. MORNING. Kitchen in Obed Sterling's house. 
 Door in flat R. c. Window in flat L. c., with muslin 
 curtain draped. Fireplace R., withjire burning, <md 
 teakettle hanging on crane. Door or entrance L. IE., 
 R. IE., and R. u. E. Settle R., between flre and 
 door. (If this cannot be easily procured, form one 
 by placing two wooden chairs side by side, and cover 
 with cotton cloth.) L. c., near window, tub on wooden 
 bench, partly filled with suds and white clothes, dish 
 of soft soap on bench, clothes-basket and pail on 
 floor beside tab. Table L., against scene, chair 11. of 
 it. Add any old-fashioned things, such as KJ >in nhnj- 
 wheel, churn, &c., that may be procurable, and place 
 out of the way at R. or L. As the curtain >/* .--. 
 drum and fife are heard playing " Yankee Do<><ll> '' 
 outside, gradually dying away in the distance. PRU 
 DENCE discovered at window, holding back curtain, 
 and looking out. 
 
 219
 
 220 ONE HUNDRED TEARS AGO ; 
 
 Prudence. There they go. Bless their true, loyal 
 hearts ! I wish King George could only see them. He'd 
 need but one look at their stout forms and brave faces to 
 teach him that all the Stamp Acts in creation couldn't 
 stamp out the grit that's ground into every mother's soji 
 that has rolled in this rugged soil. ( Turns to tub, and 
 washes briskly.) I'm glad to see this sojering here. It 
 did look for a while as though the Tories were going to 
 have it all their own way ; but the patriots have woke 
 up, and I reckon there'll be lively times here. It takes 
 me right back to dear old Concord, and the day the 
 British came up to surprise us. The drum and fife 
 played to some purpose then. They came and found us 
 ready, and the getting back a pesky sight harder than 
 the coming. It was a sad day for us. Father fell 
 among the first. Our old house was burned to the 
 ground ; and mother (it sickens me to think of it) was 
 butchered by a coward. And, but for nrv brave brother, 
 I I (Puts hands to her eyes.) Dear me ! I've 
 filled my eyes with suds. I won't think of that fearful 
 scene. Many homes must be blasted before the tyrant 
 can be made to feel he is powerless to enslave a people 
 roused to a sense of their wrongs. Come, Prudence, 
 chirk up. There's bluing enough in your tub ; so 
 don't you get the blues. (Sings air " Yankee 
 Doodle.") 
 
 " Father and I went down to camp, 
 
 Along of Capt. Tooding; 
 And there we saw the men and boys, 
 As thick as hasty pudding." 
 
 (Enter PRETZEL door in flat, with pipe in his mouth-
 
 OK, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 221 
 
 leans against door-post, and smokes while she is sing* 
 ing the chorus. ) 
 
 " Yankee doodle, keep it up, 
 
 Yankee doodle dandy; 
 Mind the music and the steps, 
 And with the girls be handy." 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw, dot is goot. Miss Prudence, vash 
 you dare ? 
 
 Prudence. Yes, Mr. Pretzel, I wash here. 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw. I hear you sing soraetings. You hear 
 der droms and der fifes ven der play 'long mit der 
 music ? 
 
 Prudence. Hear them? I should think so. That 
 tune should wake the spirit of every man who loves his 
 country. 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw, dot is so. It vake me right up from 
 mine shleep, and I feel so mad dot I moost do some- 
 tings right avay pretty quick. 
 
 Prudence. For your country? You have a noble 
 spirit, Mr. Pretzel. 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw, spirit is goot. I moost do sometings : 
 so I call mine man Yawcup to go right avay and get 
 me 
 
 Prudence. Your gun. I see, noble Pretzel. 
 
 Pretzel. Right avay down cellar, and draw mine 
 peer. 
 
 Prudence. Pshaw ! you've got no patriotism. 
 
 Pretzel. Batriotism. I donno vhat you mean by 
 dot ; but I be got der pest peer 
 
 Prudence. Is this the time to think of beer? 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw, der ish no time dot ever vas to coine 
 pefore dot I do not tink of mine peer.
 
 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 Prudence. 'Tis out of place now. 
 
 Pretzel. Nein : 'tis in der keg onder de stairs, first 
 on der right as you go town mit der left. 
 
 Prudence. I don't want to hear any more about 
 your beer. 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw. Veil, I haf else sometings dot will 
 blease you (sits on settle) , sometings dot make me 
 so shtupid dot I can't shut mine eyes vhen I haf gone 
 to shleep mit mine ped. Dot is you, fraulein. I loaf 
 you. 
 
 Prudence (with clothes in her hands, starts back : very 
 loud). What? 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw. I loaf you petter dan sourkraut, 
 petter dan mine peer. Ven I tink of you mit your 
 pright eyes, my heart joomp right out of mine mout, 
 and peats droomsticks mit 1113" posom. 
 
 Prudence (snapping her teeth, and wringing out a 
 sheet). It does, does it? 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw. So I get run ofer from mine house 
 to get you for mine frau. So }'ou comes mit me, and 
 be mine frau, and you shall vash all der day mit your 
 tub, all mine close dot never haf peen vashed at all 
 some moi'C. 
 
 Prudence (who has twisted a wet sheet into a weapon) . 
 Mr. Pretzel, do you see that door? 
 
 Pretzel (looks round at door without rising). Yaw ; 
 dot is a goot toor. 
 
 Prudence (comes down stage) . Then instantly take 
 yourself outside of it. 
 
 Pretzel. Mit you, fraulein? 
 
 Prudence (strikes pipe from his mouth tvith her
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 
 
 weapon). Never, you mean, contemptible, cowardly 
 Dutchman ! 
 
 Pretzel (jumping up). Vhat for you smash mine 
 pipe? You vant to proke mine heart mit your non 
 sense ? 
 
 Prudence. I'll break your head if you're not out of 
 this house quick. (Flourishing her weapon.) Go ! 
 
 Pretzel. Keep avay ! I'll bring you tarnages mit a 
 court ; and I'll nefer come back here some more. 
 
 Prudence. If you do, I'll scald 3 r ou. ( Tfircnti'tti/ifj. ) 
 Go! 
 
 Pretzel (at door). Yaw. May I nefer hope to die 
 if I do. (Exit door in flat.) 
 
 Prudence (returns to tub). Was there ever such im 
 pudence? Ha, ha, ha! I've found a lover at la-t. 
 Poor old Pretzel wants a frau. " You come mit inc." 
 Ha, ha, ha! I needn't die an old maid; but it will 
 certainly be my last chance when I consent to become 
 Frau Pretzel. ( Wrings out clothes, and /)///* fix m in 
 basket. GINGER heard outside whistling " }'tink<c. 
 Doodle." He throws open door, and marches dim-ii 
 stage to front, still whistling ; has a heavy stick of wood 
 at "shoulder-arms.") 
 
 Ginger (marking time) . Ker-ker-kerumpany ten 
 sion. Halt ! order hams ! (Lets stick down upon his 
 toe; drops it, seizes foot with both hands, hops </< /*.<< 
 stage on one foot howling, drops into chair, L.) Wh- 
 wli-wliat do infusion in de ranks? Whooh ! dar's a 
 halt in de confield sure's you bawn. 
 
 Prudence. Ginger, where on earth have you been? 
 
 Ginger. Hm? Dat you, Miss Prudence ? Been HO\MI
 
 224 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 wid de sojers onto de de pomade ground, you kiow, 
 down de cow-pastur. Lots of 'em down dar, and so 
 fine. Oh, golty ! Dar was Gunnel Stuffin 
 
 Prudence. No, no, Ginger : Col. Griffin. 
 ' Ginger. Hm ? Wai, he had stuffin miff in his buzzum 
 to fill a bolster. Den dar was Capn Capn Gingham. 
 
 Prudence. Oh, no, Ginger ! Capt. Ingram. 
 
 Ginger. Yas, dat what I said, Cap'n Gingham. 
 He was dressed up fine, he was. He had a big shut 
 shut - shut two on his head ; an' an' an' a 
 yaller flume stuck into it ; an' an' a red crash 
 round his waist ; an' an' a napkin on his back ; 
 an' an' a partridge-box fastened onto his side. 
 Golly ! he jes as proud as as a rooster in de barn 
 yard. Lots dere, Miss Prudence. I wanted to jine, 
 but dey wouldn't let me. Said 'twould spoil my com 
 plex. Dey was going to trabble in de sun, and I'd get 
 tanned. If some of dem fellows don't get tanned, 
 den shoot me. 
 
 Prudence. It is a grand rising. I've seen many 
 such down East. 
 
 Ginger. Down Yeast ! Yas, dat's de }-east dat sets 
 de whole country rising. 
 
 Prudence. Come, Ginger, help me with the basket. 
 
 Ginger (rising). To be sure, to be sure ! (Limx>s.) 
 Have jes' about smashed dat ere hoof (feels of heel) ; 
 but de vital part am safe. (Enter MRS. STERLING 
 R. u. E., with knitting in her hands.) 
 
 Mrs. S. Has thee nearly finished thy washing, Pru 
 dence ? 
 
 Prudence. Yes. The last basketful is just going 
 oat.
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OP 1776. 225 
 
 Mrs. S. Thee is a smart girl, Prudence, and a 
 good one. 
 
 Prudence. And you are a good, kind friend to me ; 
 for when I had no home, out of love for my mother, 
 who had left the Friends to marry my father, you 
 called me to you, and comforted me in my sorrow 
 with loving words and kind acts. 
 
 Mrs. S. Child, thee has repaid us a thousand-fold. 
 Thy hands are skilful, th}' feet active, thy whole soul is 
 in thy work, and thy singing and laughter sunshine in 
 our sober house. 
 
 Ginger. Dat's so, missus ; she de sunshine in de 
 garden too. De roses blush wid pleasure when she 
 skips along de paths ; an' an' de great proud 
 sunflowers look ashamed of demselves for being so 
 ugly looking ; an' an' de inyuns waft de fragrance ; 
 an' an' 
 
 Prudence. Ha, ha, ha ! Ginger, you are too ro 
 mantic. 
 
 Ginger. Got a little touch of de rumatics when dat 
 ar stick dropped. 
 
 Prudence. Come, we shall not get the clothes out 
 to-day. (Takes handle of basket.) 
 
 Ginger (takes other side of basket). Say, Miss 
 Prudence, why am we us, you and me like twin*? 
 
 Pnidence. Can't guess that, Ginger. 
 
 Ginger. Kase kase kase we's so clothesly 
 united. See? Yah, yah, yah! Dat's a conundci- 
 done. 
 
 /'nidence. It's overdone, Ginger; we must find a 
 dividing line somewhere. 
 15
 
 226 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 Ginger. We'll hab to trabble from pole to pole to 
 find it. Yah, yah, yah ! (Exeunt PRUDJ KCE and 
 GINGER, with basket, door in F.) 
 
 Mrs. S. (sitting on settle, and knitting). She's a 
 deai- good girl, though she does plague the Friends 
 with her plain talk on equal rights and liberty. The}- 
 call her a firebrand : but I like her all the better for 
 that. She is a spark thrown up by the great fire of 
 patriotism which roared so grandly at Concord, fallen 
 here to kindle a fresh blaze for liberty. Ah, Rachel ! 
 thee is a little treacherous to thy faith. The Friends 
 counsel peace ; but I fear thy heart is with the op 
 pressed. (Enter, door in flat, OBED STERLING, followed 
 by Bos WORTH.) 
 
 Obed. What thee says may be true, Friend Bos- 
 worth ; but the Friends counsel neutrality in these 
 troublous daj-s. 
 
 Bosivortli. Nay, nay ; the Friends are wrong. We 
 must take side in the coming struggle. Thee knows 
 the rebels are in council now in the city, have already 
 framed a declaration of independence which to-day 
 will be adopted. Their harangues are loud and bitter. 
 They hurl defiance at our good Friend George, who is 
 the rightful owner of this soil. We must be just to 
 him. 
 
 Mrs. S. Though he be unjust to us. Thinkest thou 
 this would be the advice of Friend William Penn, who 
 bought this land of Friend George, and gave it to us 
 as a refuge from oppressors ? 
 
 Obed. Naj- nay, Rachel ; thee must not counsel 
 opposition. We are Friends. If our enemy smite us 
 on the right cheek, we must turn to him the left.
 
 OR, ODE BOYS OF 1776. 
 
 Mrs. S. Verily, Obed, thee speaks not the words 
 of soberness. When the tax-gatherer did smite thee 
 on the cheek, thee did turn upon him with thy fist, and 
 smite him to the ground. 
 
 Obed. Nay, speak not of that, Rachel. I did for 
 get myself. 
 
 Mrs. S. Then let thy memory be treacherous again 
 on the side of right and justice. 
 
 Obed. Nay, nay, it must not be. I should set a 
 bad example to son Ephraim, who is strongly imbued 
 with the principles of peace ; and daughter Ruth 
 where is the child ? 
 
 Mrs. S. I left her at her window tending plants. 
 
 Obed. Thee had better go to her. I thought I saw 
 her, as I came in, with her eyes fastened upon the 
 warlike evolutions of the rebels beyond. I fear the 
 plants will be neglected. 
 
 Mrs. S. I will send her to thee and Friend Bos- 
 worth. (Exit R. u. E.) 
 
 Obed. Sit thee down, Friend Bosworth (sits on 
 settle) . 
 
 Bosworth (takes chair from table, and sits c.). 
 Friend Obed, thy daughter is a comely damsel, and 
 fair to look upon. 
 
 Obed. Yea, she is like the best fruits of my orchard, 
 fair and rosy to the eye, sound and wholesome to 
 the core. 
 
 Bosworth. Thee will not think me presuming, 
 Obed ; for thee has been very kind to me. When I 
 came to thee a stranger, thee did use th} T influence with 
 the Friends, and made me one of thy sect. 
 a
 
 228 ONE HUNDRED YEAKS AGO ; 
 
 Obed. Yea, thee was a stranger, one who had 
 fled from persecution in Massachusetts, because thee 
 would not join the unrighteous rebels in their oppo 
 sition to Friend George. Yea, I did stand thy friend. 
 
 Bosworth. Thee can stand my friend again, if thee 
 but choose. I love thy daughter Ruth. 
 
 Obed. Thee thee love nrv daughter ! 
 
 Bosworth, Yea, Friend Obed ; give her to me, and 
 thee will never regret it. 
 
 Obed. If daughter Ruth saith Yea to thy petition, 
 thee will find me thy friend ; but she shall make her 
 own free choice. 
 
 Bosivorth. Hearken, Friend Obed. In a few days 
 this place will be filled with British soldiers. Only 
 the friends of Friend George will be free from molesta 
 tion. Should thee remain neutral, thy fine place 
 will be despoiled, thy gold seized, thyself and thy 
 friends be left homeless. Thee should prepare for 
 this. 
 
 Obed. Prepare ! How ? 
 
 Bosworth. Make friends with the agents of Friend 
 George. Offer thy services to assist in breaking down 
 this unhallowed rebellion. 
 
 Obed. Offer my services ! Don't thee forget I am 
 a Friend, forbidden to bear arms? 
 
 Bosworth. Thee need not, Friend Obed, bear arms. 
 There are other ways in which thee can aid. I am 
 in the service of Friend George. 
 
 Obed. Thee, Friend Bosworth? 
 
 Boswortli. Yea. When his soldiers come, I shall 
 pass in a list of the loyal and the rebellious. The
 
 OR, OUR ROYS OF !77fi. 229 
 
 properly of the rebels will be seized. The loyal will 
 still hold their own. 
 
 Obed. Bos worth, thee is a spy. 
 
 Bosivorth. Thee gives my poor services a hard 
 name. No matter. These rebels shall suffer for the 
 wrongs they have heaped upon me ; and I'll sell them 
 body and soul, if craft and cunning can do it. 
 
 Obed. And thee would marry my daughter? 
 
 Bosivorth. Would? I will. I ain powerful now. I 
 can denounce ; I can protect. If thee will use thy 
 influence with her, I stand thy friend ; if not, thee and 
 thy household must be outlawed. 'Tis a fair bargain. 
 Her hand for thy peace, perhaps thy life. 
 
 Obed. Nay, thee knows 'tis my custom to sleep 
 upon a bargain. Fear not ; thy offer shall be well con 
 sidered. Hush ! Here is daughter Ruth. (Enter 
 Ruth R. u. E.) 
 
 Ruth. Mother tells me thee does want me, father. 
 
 Obed. Nay, daughter. I did but ask for thee, miss 
 ing thee from the kitchen. 
 
 Ruth. Prudence sent me away. I would have 
 helped her with the washing, but she bade me begone ; 
 so I have been at my window, watering the plants. 
 
 Obed. And watching the men of war on the green. 
 
 Ruth. Yea, thee is right. My eyes would wander 
 that way. Was I wrong? Thee has taught me that 
 war is unholy ; that man has no right to take the life 
 of his brother-man. 
 
 Obed. Thee has been taught well. 
 
 Ruth. Then Friend George across the water must 
 be a very wicked man ; for 'twas by his order the first 
 blood was shed.
 
 230 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 Obed. Nay : he was but asserting his right to his 
 own property. 
 
 Ruth. Then our neighbors do right in defending 
 their liberties. Is it not so? 
 
 Obed. Nay, child ; thee cannot understand this 
 quarrel. Thee had better hold thy peace. Does thee 
 not see Friend Bosworth? 
 
 Ruth. Friend Bosworth, thee is welcome. 
 
 Bosworth. Thee is always kind, Friend Ruth. 
 And so thee has a wicked sympathy for these rebel 
 lious neighbors? 
 
 Ruth. Yea. I must be a very wicked little Quaker ; 
 for I do hope they will wax strong in their faith that 
 liberty is a birthright ; and he who would not defend it 
 with his life is a coward. ( Turns up stage to ivindow, 
 and looks out.} 
 
 Bosivorth. Friend Obed, thee has a little rebel 
 beneath thy roof. 
 
 Obed, Nay, never heed her, Friend Bosworth. 
 Her mother has an obstinate nature, and is apt to be 
 a little tart of tongue ; and the child is her constant 
 companion. I grieve at this backsliding from the 
 principles of our faith. But thee will find son Eph- 
 raim untainted with the war-spirit. He is a lad after 
 my o-vn heart. Come, let us go to my room. I would 
 hear more of thy plans. (Exit L.) 
 
 Bosworth (rises, sets buck chair, turns, and looks at 
 RUTH). Verily, she is a little rebel. But when thee 
 is mine, my pretty Ruth, I'll teach thee better. 
 (Exit L.) 
 
 Ruth (comes down R.). I like not Friend Bosworth.
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF I77B. 231 
 
 Ho looks no one in the face : he is soft of step, and 
 luitli a sneaking way of watching that troubles in.. 
 When my eyes arc turned away, I can feel his eyes 
 upon me, for a shudder, as though a snake was crossing 
 my path, runs through me. He is not to be trusted. 
 ( llnter PRUDENCE door in flat with jvu'l a ml <li/>/>t ,-. \ 
 
 Prudence {comes L.). Hallo, Miss Impudence, didn't 
 I tell you not to come into the kitchen? 
 
 Ruth. Nay, thee must not be angry, Prudence. 
 Father sent for me. 
 
 Prudence. Well, remember 3-011 are to touch nothing. 
 Its no matter though, the washing's out. (Knnrk t 
 door}. Who's that? Come in. (Enter ELMER ( 
 GER with gun: looks at RUTH.) 
 
 Elmer. Is this the house of Obed Sterling? (Sees 
 PRUDENCE: drops gun.} O Prudence, sister! 
 
 Prudence. Why, it's Elmer ! (They run into each 
 other's arms.) Oh, I'm so glad to see 3-011 again ! 
 
 Elmer. Why, sis, you dear little soul ! give us 
 another buss. 
 
 Prudence. A dozen. Now, where did 3-011 come 
 from, and what brings 3-011 here? 
 
 Elmer. I came here with our delegate to the con 
 vention from Massachusetts. Arrived at Philadelphia 
 3"esterda3', saw a good day's work, had a good night's 
 rest, and came out earlv this morning to hunt you up 
 before I go back to witness the adoption of the declara 
 tion. Sis, the whole county is rising. It needs but 
 that determined act to thrill all loyal hearts, and 
 tyranny is crushed, our land is free. (Looks at \\\ m, 
 who stands R. watching them.) But there's somebody, 
 Prudence. Manners, sis, manners.
 
 232 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 Prudence. Why, that's Ruth. Ruth, this is my 
 brother Elmer. 
 
 Elmer. Hope }*ou are well, marm. 
 
 Ruth. Nay, thee is mistaken, the mother is within. 
 I am daughter Ruth. 
 
 Prudence. Ha, ha, ha! She's a funn}- little thing, 
 Elmer. 
 
 Elmer. She's a beauty, sis. I'd like to shake 
 hands with her. 
 
 Prudence. Then, why don't you? she won't bite. 
 
 Rutli. Thee is very welcome, Friend Elmer. I 
 would like to shake hands with thee, but thee seem a 
 bit bashful. 
 
 Elmer. Bashful! me? My gracious, sis, did you 
 hear that? 
 
 Prudence. Ha, ha, ha ! You're frightened, Elmer. 
 
 Elmer (crossing to RUTH) . I am a rebel, Miss Ruth, 
 in arms against a t}'rant king. I would gladly give 
 my life to see my country free. Will you give me your 
 hand now? 
 
 Ruth. Yea, thee is a man after my own heart. 
 Thee shall have both (offers her hands, which he takes). 
 I love thy sister dearly : should I not share her pride in 
 such a noble patriot as thee is ? 
 
 Elmer (pressing her hands). Thank you. Sympa 
 thy for our cause from those whose principles forbid 
 resistance, is a proof we are right. We only ask our 
 liberty to hold what is our own, nought else. 
 
 Ruth. Indeed ! Yet thee now holds what is not 
 thy own, my hands. 
 
 Elmer (dropping her hands') . I beg your pardon. 1
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OP 1776. 233 
 
 Ruth. Nay, thee must not 'feel hurt: thee may 
 have them again if 'twill please thee. (Gives hands.) 
 
 Elmer. Oh, you (drops them suddenly, and turns 
 to PRUDENCE) . Sis, I must run, or I shall be in love 
 with this fascinating little Quaker. 
 
 Prudence. Nonsense. Yankees never run. ( They 
 talk together.) 
 
 Ruth (aside) . I never saw a man I liked so well. 
 He hath a good form, a noble face, and eyes, ah ! they 
 make me shudder; not as Friend Bosworth's eyes do, 
 but still a shudder, yet very pleasant to feel : I like it. 
 
 Prudence. I mustn't stop to talk with you now, 
 Elmer : must get the washing things out of the way. 
 You run into the garden with Ruth while I pick up a bit, 
 
 Ruth. Yea, Friend Elmer, I will show thee the way. 
 Thee is not afraid to trust thyself with me? 
 
 Elmer. Afraid ! (aside) but I am. (Aloud.) Oh, 
 certainly not ! will you take my arm ? 
 
 Ruth. Nay, give me thy hand, and I will lead thee 
 to the flower-beds. (Gives hand, and leads him to 
 door.) 
 
 Prudence. Ah ! Elmer ? (he turns) . Thee seems a 
 bit bashful. Ha, ha, ha ! (He shakes his Jist at her, 
 then exit with RUTH.) Well, he's provided for: so I'll 
 go to work again. (Goes behind tub, and dips water 
 from tub to pail.) It's just good to see that I toy from 
 the old place again. (Enter EPHRAIM, door in i . . </ ' / ' - 
 ly ; stands at door a second, and looks at I'KI i 
 then creeps to door R. u. E., listens, then steps o* 
 PRUDENCE, raises her face, and kisses her; // / 
 quickly back to door, and stands meekly tiuirliny hi$ 
 thumbs, with eyes turned to the ceilhuj.
 
 236 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 Prudence Well, don't upset my tub, then. Ephraim, 
 if I thought I could depend upon you, I would 
 
 Ephraim {eagerly) . Yea, thee would 
 
 Prudence. Ask thee to help me with the tub. 
 
 Ephraim. Nay, thee mocks me. I'll have no 
 more to say to thee. (Comes down L.) 
 
 Prudence. That's right, Ephraim. Silence is so 
 becoming to a Quaker ! (Sings.) 
 
 Father and I went down to camp, 
 
 Along with Siah Baker; 
 And there we saw the patriot boys, 
 
 But not a single Quaker. 
 
 (Enter GINGER while she is singing, door in fiat, and 
 joins in chorus.) 
 
 Yankee Doodle, &c. (as before). 
 
 Ephraim. Yea, the Friends may well call her a fire 
 brand, for she'll drive me to the battle-field in spite 
 of myself. (Exit L.) 
 
 Ginger. Dat's de camp-meeting for me. Whenj-ou 
 gwine down dar again, Miss Prudence? 
 
 Prudence. Here, Ginger, catch hold of the tub. 
 
 Ginger. Yas, indeed. (They take tub from bench r 
 and set it on stage near L). Hallo, who's dat? 
 
 (Enter RUTH and ELMER, door in flat : he has his 
 arm about her waist.) 
 
 Ruth. Thee sees I have brought thy brother back 
 safe, Prudence. 
 
 Elmer. And we've had a delightful ramble. 
 
 Prudence. Yes, you have waisted no time in getting 
 acquainted. (ROTH sits on settle.) Come, Ginger, 
 take out the bench.
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 177(1 237 
 
 Elmer. Hallo, this is Ginger: I've heard of him. 
 
 Prudence. And Ginger has heard of 3-011. This 
 is my brother Elmer, Ginger. 
 
 Ginger. By golly, you don't mean it! Massa 
 Elmer, you's jes one ob de patriots. (Boies and 
 scrapes.) 
 
 Elmer. Give me your hand, Ginger. 
 
 Ginger. Wh-wh-what! you gwine to shake hands 
 wid a darky? 
 
 Elmer (shaking hands). Yes, and proud to have 
 the chance, Ginger. My sister has told me how boldly 
 you came to her rescue, when a Tory dared to step 
 across her path. You're a brave fellow. 
 
 Ginger. Tank you, massa. (Holds up his hand.) 
 Ole hand, 3-011' s been shook by a brave man : dar 
 sha'n't no more soap and water wipe out dat are honor, 
 chile, neber. B\- golty, dese Down-Easters be white 
 men ; da3"'ll be freeing all de darkies one ob dese days. 
 (Takes up bench, and goes to door.) Tank you, Massa 
 Elmer. I's a poor old dark3 r , but I got a heart, and, 
 if I could die for 3'ou and Miss Prudence, I'd do it 
 freeh-. (Exit door F.) 
 
 Elmer. Now, Prudence, come and sit down : I've 
 much to sa\- to 3-011. 
 
 Prudence. No : work first, and pleasure afterwards. 
 ( Takes up pail. ) I must go for water. 
 
 Elmer (taking pail) . Not while I am here : where 
 shall I find it? 
 
 Prudence. I'll show 3 r ou, come. (Exit PRUDENCE 
 and ELMER, door in flat.) 
 
 Ruth. I like Friend Elmer. What a pity he's one
 
 238 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 of the world's people ! But yet I think I like him 
 the better for that. None of the Friends can talk so 
 sweetly and so bravely. (Enter L. Bosivorth.) 
 
 Bosivorth (aside). I have found her alone at last. 
 Friend Obed seems to be of a wavering nature. I fear 
 I cannot depend much upon his assistance. I'll know 
 my fate here at once. (Aside.) Friend Ruth. 
 
 Rath. Well, Friend Bosworth. 
 
 Bosivorth. I have told thy father that I love thee. 
 
 Ruth. Indeed ! Thee never told me as much. 
 
 Bosworth. I tell thee now, that I love thee dearly. 
 
 Ruth. Has thee seen the 3'oung patriot, Elmer 
 Granger ? 
 
 Bosivorth. Thee does not mean to tell me the brother 
 of Prudence is here? 
 
 Ruth. Yea, he is here. We have held sweet con 
 verse together, and I like him. He is so comely and 
 brave, I think he would inspire thee with admiration, 
 Friend Bosworth, and thee is not a man easily moved. 
 
 Bosworth. We will speak of him another time. I 
 told thee that I loved thee. 
 
 Ruth. I heard thee, and thought how pleasant would 
 be those words from the lips of Friend Elmer. 
 
 Bosworth. Ruth Sterling, would thee insult me? 
 Does thee not know that this language indicates a 
 marked preference for this young rebel ? 
 
 Ruth. Nay, I did not know it ; but, if thee thinks it 
 does, I'm very glad. 
 
 Bosivorth. Ruth Sterling, thee must think of him no 
 more. It is thy father's wish that thee shall become 
 my wife. Ruth, Ruth, thee knows not how dearly I
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 239 
 
 love thee. (Sits beside her, and attempts to take her 
 hand : she rises indignantly. ) 
 
 Jittth. Be silent, I command thee ; not even my 
 father's wish shall compel me to hear such words from 
 thy lips. 
 
 Bosivorth. Be warned in time, Ruth. Thy father's 
 life is in my hands. Consent to be my wife, and in 
 the coming struggle I will protect him ; refuse, and 1 
 give him up to the ruthless hands of the advancing foe. 
 
 Ruth. Thee speaks falsely, Uriel Bosworth. My 
 father can owe nothing to thee, and if he did would 
 rather die than peril his daughter's happiness. Be 
 gone ! 
 
 Bosworth. Nay, Ruth (puts his arm about Jier 
 waist, and seizes her hand). I'll not be repulsed so 
 coolly. 
 
 Ruth (struggling) . Release me, I command thee. 
 
 Bosworth. I will be heard. (Enter KI.MEK. door 
 in flat, with peril; drops it; seizes BOSWORTH, and //>///* 
 him across stage.) 
 
 Elmer. You have been heard, friend. (Enter Mi:-. 
 STERLING, R. 1 E. ; OBED and EPHRAIM, L.) You see 
 you have aroused the whole family. 
 
 Obed. Daughter Ruth, I heard thy voice raised in 
 anger. 
 
 Hnsworth. Friend Obed, I am to blame. Carried 
 away by the love which thee knows burns within TIU-. 
 I nr^ed MIV suit so warmly as to frighten Ruth. She 
 must pardon and forget. 
 
 Hath. Yea, Friend Bosworth. I will pardon, but 
 I cannot forget.
 
 240 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 Obed. Stranger, thee is welcome. 
 
 Ruth. He is no stranger, father. This is Elmer 
 Granger. 
 
 Obed. The brother of Prudence ? Thee is heartily 
 welcome. (Gives his hand.) 
 
 Elmer. Thanks, Friend Sterling. (Enter PRUDENCE 
 door in F.) 
 
 Prudence. Yes, that's my big brother. Come, Eph- 
 raim, you should know him. 
 
 Ephraim. Friend Elmer, I am glad to meet thee. 
 (Shakes hands.) 
 
 Elmer. I've heard of you. Prudence often writes. 
 I think you've a warm corner in her heart. 
 
 Prudence (pinching him). You silly goose ! You'll 
 spoil every thing. 
 
 Elmer. Then I'll be dumb as an oyster. 
 
 (ELMER c. ; PRUDENCE R. c. ; RUTH on settle; MRS. 
 S. stands behind her, ivith hand on her shoulder ; OBED 
 L. c. ; EPHRAIM next L. ; and BOSWORTH extreme left.) 
 
 Obed. Thee has seen stormy times in thy native 
 place ; thee has suffered deeply in this wicked rebellion. 
 
 Elmer. Wicked rebellion? You are wrong, friend. 
 If ever the torch of war is lighted in a holy cause, 'tis 
 when it flames above the altar of liberty. Remember 
 that 'twas only after the iron heel of the oppressor had 
 trampled on our hard-won harvest that we rose defiant. 
 I have seen the home of my cnildhood laid in ashes, 
 my father shot down by foreign hirelings who had no 
 rights to enforce, no homes to protect, our dearest 
 rights insulted to feed the vanity of the despot who 
 sits on England's throne. He would be a coward in-
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 241 
 
 deed, who, with such blighting wrongs to avenge, would 
 not dare all to free the land of such a curse. 
 
 Boswortli. Young blood is hot, and fiery words but 
 cheap. Save thy breath : we are loyal to Friend George. 
 
 Mrs. S. (coming clown). Nay, speak for thyself, 
 Friend Bosworth. Friend Elmer, thee is welcome. 
 (Gives her hand.) Thee sees they have forgotten 
 me : I am Rachel Sterling. 
 
 Elmer (clasping her Jtand). My dear mother's true 
 and steadfast friend. 
 
 Mrs. S. Yea, it was a sore trial to my friendship 
 when she left us to mate with one of the world's peo 
 ple. 
 
 Elmer. But you were true to her always. You 
 showed your love by giving my sister a home. Poor 
 mother, hers was a hard fate. I could not sorrow for my 
 father ; for he died bravety, with musket in hand. But 
 mother curse the fiend that basel}' struck her down! 
 The}- told me that our home was in flames. I left the 
 ranks of the little band, who were struggling apiinst 
 the foe, and rushed home to protect my mother. As 1 
 neared the house I saw her flying from its door, pursued 
 by one Richard Cross, a renegade, who had led our 
 foes to plunder. Even as I looked he raised the sword 
 he bore, and struck her down. I flew at him, seized 
 his weapon, and struck at his bared head. He raised 
 his hand, and caught the blow, then turned and fled. I 
 could not overtake him, and returned to meet a last 
 look from my mother's eyes, as she sunk in dr:ith, 
 The renegade fled from our town. Hebc:n> the mark 
 
 O 
 
 of the sword on his right hand ; and, should we ever 
 16
 
 242 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 meet, my mother's death shall be terribly avenged. 
 (BOSWORTH hides his right hand in his bosom.) 
 
 Mrs. S. Nay, thee must not speak of vengeance ; 
 let the man of sin depart in peace ; within he bears his 
 punishment. Thy mother was a good woman. I am 
 glad she wed the man of her choice. 
 
 Elmer. Then you have not the Friends' prejudice 
 against marriage outside the sect. 
 
 Mrs. S. I may have the prejudice ; but I would not 
 stand in the wa}' of happiness. 
 
 Elmer. Even were it your own daughter ? 
 
 Mrs. S. Yea. My daughter Ruth shall make her 
 choice ; and I shall love him even though he be of the 
 world's people. 
 
 Prudence (aside to ELMER). Hear that, brother. 
 Don't lose the opportunity. Ruth may be yours. 
 
 Elmer (aside to PRUDENCE). I'll win the little 
 Quaker, in spite of the scowling Friend yonder. (Enter 
 GINGER, door in v.) 
 
 Ginger. Here comes old Pretzel, running like de 
 debble. Somefin's broke, sure for sartin. 
 
 Prudence. Well, you break for that teakettle. I 
 must scald out my tub. 
 
 Ginger (goes to fireplace). I'll fotch him, Miss 
 Prudence. 
 
 (Enter PRETZEL, door in flat, ivith his hand to his 
 nose, which is bleeding.) 
 
 Pretzel. Murter, tieves ! Mine prains is broke, ant 
 rny heat all running a,vay. Look at dot, see de bleet 
 dot I ish shedding for mine country. 
 
 Obed. What's the trouble, friend Pretzel?
 
 OR, OUR BOYS Of '776. 243 
 
 Pretzel. De Tories come to mine house. Dey proko 
 mine vindows, dey lets mine peer all runt ava}-, ant 
 dey vill pull der house up to der grount if somepody 
 don't come right avay pretty quick. 
 
 Elmer. The dastard. Another outrage to rouse tli- 
 slumbering patriotism of j'our insulted people ! Thrv 
 shall find one strong arm to bar the way. 
 
 Pretzel. Dot's right. You're a prave young m:ni. 
 De}- vill run vhen dey see 3-011. Go right avay <inirk, 
 ant I vill vait here till you come pack. (Going L.) 
 
 Elmer. No, you must lead the way. Coiii*j, come : 
 we lose time. -(Takes his </UH.) Now, friends, wi- 
 have an opportunity to show these cowards whf :i !\-\v 
 brave men can do. Who will follow? (AH stand 
 silent.) Must I be alone in this good work? 
 
 Bosworth. We are a peaceable people, we Meddle 
 not with broils. Thee will find none here to ni^t 
 thee. 
 
 Elmer. Indeed, I expected little from you. You 
 have the air of a coward, one who would force his love 
 upon an unwilling woman. You need not scowl. I 
 fear you not. 
 
 Prudence. Oh, I wish I was a man ! Bring nu> t'iMt 
 kettle, Ginger. 
 
 Ginger (brings kettle over to tub). Yas, indi-oi. 
 den I'm wid you, Massa Elmer. 
 
 Prudence (pours boiling water into tub. Gi 
 stands just L. of tub). I'd like to scald somebody. 
 Might make a little stir. Lord knows there's s<rae 
 needed here. 
 
 Elmer. Ginger, you're a brave fellow : come, w* *
 
 244 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 no time to lose. Hear me, friends. I know not the 
 number of the foe. For myself I care not, but I would 
 have our onset a success. Remember, if this outrage 
 is not quickly avenged, you maj' be the next victims. 
 For your own sakes be wise. Come (pause). Shame ! 
 In a neighbor's cause will not one join with us to pre 
 vent outrage? 
 
 Obecl. Nay : our faith forbids violence. Not one. 
 
 Ephraim (stepping to c.) . Yea, there is one : I will 
 join thee. 
 
 Obed, Bosworth, Ruth. Thee ! 
 
 Ephraim. Yea, I. There's my hand, Friend Elmer. 
 Tell me what to do, where to strike, and thee will find 
 the Quaker's arm is strong for the right. (Prudence 
 goes off, i..) 
 
 Obed. Son Ephraim ! Is thee gone mad ? thee will 
 disgrace the coat of drab. 
 
 Ephraim (taking off his coat, and throwing it down) . 
 Nay, I'll leave it behind. 'Twill give me more free 
 dom. I will smite the enemy with my fists. If I only 
 had a gun now ! (Enter Prudence, L.) 
 
 Prudence. Here it is, Ephraim. I brought it from 
 Concord, that I might give it to the brave man who 
 would fight forme. O Ephraim! (Throws her arms 
 about his neck, and kisses him.) 
 
 Ephraim. Verilj-, I wax strong for the fight. On, 
 Friend Elmer, on ! 
 
 Ginger. Golly, dar's fight in de young Quaker. 
 
 Elmer (gives his hand to Ephraim) . Thanks, vou 
 are a good true man, a friend indeed. 
 
 Bosworth. You'll repent this, young man.
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OP 1776. l!l.'i 
 
 Elmer. Silence. Dare you stand between a man 
 and his country's cause? Young blood is hot, and fiery 
 words are cheap, you say. My deeds shall speak for 
 me. Come, Pretzel. 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw. I vill pe mit you pretty quick. 
 (Passes GINGER, and steps on his toe.) 
 
 Ginger. Ow, dat ar corn again ! (Pushing PRETZEL, 
 he sits down in tub of water.) 
 
 Pretzel (with hands on sides of tub raises himself) . 
 Py gracious, someting's purning ! 
 
 Ginger. Yah, yah, yah ! dat Dutchman always in 
 hot water. 
 
 TABLEAU. ELMER and EPIIRAIM at door with hands 
 clasped; PRUDENCE L. back; PRETZEL in tub ; GINUEK 
 next L., laughing; BOSWORTH extreme L.; Rrxn xfumlx 
 by fireplace with hands clasped, looking intently at EL 
 MER ; MRS. STERLING behind settle watching EPHRAIM ; 
 OBED R. Curtain. 
 
 From the time of Pretzel's entrance, let the speech be 
 quick, the action rapid.
 
 246 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 ACT II. Evening. Scene same as in Act I. Cur* 
 tain at window drawn. Bright fire in fireplace. 
 Candle burning on table. PRUDENCE seated at table 
 sewing, or spinning if there is a ivheel on stage. 
 MRS. STERLING on settle knitting. OBED seated in a 
 chair, which is set back against scene R., near fireplace 
 next 1 E. ; his head leaning back, with a silk hand 
 kerchief thrown over it; his hands folded across his 
 breast. 
 
 Prudence. After a storm comes a calm. The ven 
 erable Obed and his spouse have been having what 
 would be called among the world's people, a spat. I 
 never heard two people go on so; and now he's evi 
 dently disciplining himself for rebelling against the 
 spirit of peace. (OBED groans.) No, he's waking up 
 again. 
 
 Obed (snatching off handkerchief). I tell thee, 
 Rachel, thee is a foolish woman. Thee has listened 
 to the mutterings of the rebellious ; thee has given 
 thy heart ; yea, encouraged thy daughter to sympathize 
 with the discontented, and now our own children turn 
 against us. 
 
 Mrs. S. Speak for thyself, Obed. Our children 
 have not turned against me, and I blame not myself that 
 they have a warm interest in the success of the right. 
 
 Obed (groans) . Yea, verily, peace hath fled from our 
 dwelling. This firebrand cometh among us with his 
 warlike tongue, and our daughter warmeth towards
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. *J4< 
 
 him ; and our son forsaketh the path of peace, and goeth 
 forth to slay. It shall not be. The girl shall be locked 
 in her chamber, and the boy 
 
 Mrs. S. Nay. Be not a fool, Obed. Thee might 
 as well attempt to stop the whirlwind as to quench the 
 fire of patriotism when 'tis kindled in a man's breast, 
 or to smother love when once it hath found a resting- 
 place in a maiden's heart. 
 
 Prudence (aside). That's what I call sound doc 
 trine. 
 
 Obed. Rachel, thee is mad. Knows thee not that 
 the fruitage of love is marriage, and Friends cannot 
 marry out of their own sect? 
 
 Mrs. S. Thee knows 'tis a clause in our creed to 
 which I could never give approval. Does thee re 
 member Hester Page, who loved the father of Elnn-r 
 and Prudence? She was beloved by all. She married, 
 and the Friends turned from her. I felt they were un 
 just to her ; that she deserved better treatment after 
 all her devotion to the good works among us. She fell 
 a martyr in the cause of liberty ; and if I could atone 
 for our neglect of her by the gift of our daughter to her 
 son, her noble son, I would consent, though all the 
 Friends with uplifted hands and looks of horror should 
 cry, "Nay." 
 
 Prudence (aside) . Glory hallelujah ! 
 
 Obed. Nay, be silent: thee'll get a smart talkin^- 
 to at the next Yearly Meeting. 
 
 Mrs. S. Yea ; but I have a tongue, and can talk 
 back, Obed. 
 
 Obed. Yea, and drown the elders with thy clamor.
 
 248 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 Ginger (outside). Brcss do Lord, I'se home! Hallo 
 Massa Eph., is yer comin' ? (Enter door in F.) 
 
 Prudence (rising). Why, Ginger, where have you 
 been all day? Where's Ephraim and Elmer? Is any 
 body hurt? Why don't you speak? 
 
 Ginger. Now, jes you hole on, Miss Prudence. 
 Does yer tink I's gwine to answer forty -leben ques 
 tions widout a breaf ? Here I is : dat's naff for me. 
 
 Mrs. S. Are the lads safe, Ginger? 
 
 Ginger. Wa'l, I dunno, misses. I'm safe, an' 
 dat's de most consequential. I'll tole 3-011 all about 
 it. We went down clar to old Pretzel's dis\ mornin', 
 Massa Elmer, Massa Eph., an' an' Ginger, dat's 
 me. De old Dutchman, he's a sneak ; he jis watch his 
 chance, and when we wasn't looking he clared, he did. 
 But we went down clar, got mos' to de house, and we 
 hear de wus % yellin' dat eber was. Den Massa Elmer, 
 he says, says he, Hole on, let's squirmish a bit : so 
 we lay down onto de grass and squirmished up to de 
 fence ; den worked on up to de woodpile, and made 
 dat a sort of a-a-a bull-whack. Den Massa Elmer 
 and Massa Eph. dey loaded der muskats, an' I loaded 
 a big stick off de woodpile. Dat ar Massa Eph., by 
 golly, I nebber seed a man so nerbous in my life ; he 
 kept a pourin' in de powder an' de shot, and ram- 
 ing down, till he must have had six bustin' charges in 
 dat ar muskat. Den we looked round de corner ob de 
 woodpile, an' dar was six Tory fellows a-sittin' on de 
 grass, wid a keg of old Pretzel's beer an'-an' sour 
 kruet, an'-an'-snasengers, jes a stuffin' an' drinkin'. 
 Den Massa Elmer sings out, Blaze away, bo} T s, an'-an'
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OP 1776. 249 
 
 let fly. Den Massa Eph., he sings out, an' he let fly. 
 Dar was an explosion like a cannon : de old muskat 
 kicked ; an' Massa Eph., he jes layed on his back an' 
 hollered. But dem are Tories dey jes scooted down 
 the road, wid Massa Elmer an' Massa Eph. loading 
 up and blazin' away. Dey dropped four Sn 'era. We 
 kep' up de chase three hours ; den we lost sight of 
 Massa Elmer an' de Tories, and turned back. 
 
 Prudence. Did you forsake Elmer? 
 
 Ginger. No, chile, he forsake us. Couldn't keep 
 up wid him no how. 
 
 Mrs. S. But where's Ephraim? 
 
 Eph. (Enter door in F.) Yea, verily, he is here. 
 
 (His coat and vest are gone, one of his stockings is 
 hanging over his shoe, the sleeve of his shirt is ripped up, 
 elbow scraped, a red handkerchief round his head, one 
 eye blacked, and face begrimed with powder and dust, 
 gun in hand.) 
 
 Obed (groans) . Ephraim, my son, does thee return 
 to us in such a pitiful plight? 
 
 Ephraim. Yea, I have smelt the smoke of battle, 
 I have smitten the dcspoiler with snipe-shot. I have felt 
 the butt of my musket in near proximity to my eye. I 
 have sat in the dust, and, in the language of the world's 
 people, have had a jolly good fight. 
 
 Ginger. Dat's so ; and won de victory. 
 
 Obed (groans). Ephraim, my son, my heart i-; 
 sore troubled. Thee was reared a child of peace ; 
 thee is now a man of war and sin ; thee has brought 
 shame to our house. 
 
 Ephraim (boldly) . Nay, father, I have brought no
 
 250 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 shame. What right have I, with all the blood and sinews 
 of a man, to sit idty down and talk of peace, when my 
 countrymen east, west, north, and south, are roused to 
 arms, at the encroaching of tyranny upon their rights 
 and liberties ? I have been reared a child of peace, 
 and the inward spirit now teaches me there shall be 
 no peace until we, with brave, stout hearts and strong 
 right arms, have taught the intruders we have the power 
 to maintain it. (Comes down L.) 
 
 Prudence (dapping her hands). Hurray! Them's 
 my sentiments. 
 
 Mrs. S. Prudence, thee forgets thj'self. Eph- 
 raini, my son, thy person needs proper care. 
 
 Epliraim. Yea ; and I am as hungry as the bear 
 that roameth the wilderness. (Enter BOSWORTH, door 
 in fiat.) 
 
 Bosworth. Ah, Ephraim has returned. What 
 transformations here, child of Belial? 
 
 Ephraim (stepping forward quickly). Nay, Friend 
 Bosworth, thee had better keep a civil tongue in thy 
 head. The fires of war are yet hot within me, and per- 
 adventure thy skull may open wider than thy mouth. 
 
 Bostvorth. Dares thee threaten me? 
 
 Ephraim. Yea, I dare, for thee is a smooth, sneak 
 ing traitor, Friend Bosworth. (Advancing on him.) 
 
 Obed (stepping before BOSWORTH). Stand back, 
 Ephraim : in my house a guest is sacred. 
 
 Prudence. Land sakes ! I never saw a man so full 
 of fight. 
 
 Ginger. Yaas. I guess dar ain't much stuffin' in his 
 buzzum.
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 2- r l 
 
 Obed. Go to thy room, Ephraiin. When tlice is 
 thyself, I'll speak with thee. 
 
 Mrs. S. Come, Ephraim, thy mother will attend 
 thee. (Pats him upon the shoulder.) Thee is fiery, 
 but 'tis in a good cause, and thy mother is proud of 
 thee. (Exeunt MRS. S. and EPHRAIM, L.) 
 
 Ginger. Miss Prudence, can't you find me som- 
 fm to gnaw? ain't tasted noffin since breakfus. 
 
 Prudence (coming to R. u. E.) Yes, come with me: 
 I can find a cold fowl. (Exit.) 
 
 Ginger (following). Dat's good, jes let me get 
 foul of it, and gib it a burial-place. 
 
 Bosworth. Friend Obed, I grieve with thee, that 
 the child of thy faith should have gone the way of 
 wickedness. 
 
 Obed. Thee needn't trouble thyself, Friend Bos- 
 worth. Thee has sins enough of thine own to grieve 
 for. The lad's spirit has been aroused, he hath found 
 he has a strong arm, that his country needs him. If 
 he must fight, I hope his aim will be sure, and the 
 enemy bite the dust before him. 
 
 Bosworth. Obed Sterling, is thee turning traitor 
 too? Beware! thee is a marked man. Give these 
 rebels sympathy even in thy thoughts, and nought can 
 save thee. 
 
 Obed. Hark thee, Friend Bosworth : thee has dared 
 to threaten me before. I have borne with thee because 
 thee has been our friend (fiercely) ; but, if thee dare 
 use such words to me again, I will pitch thee out of 
 yonder window. 
 
 Bosworth (aside). The old man is stubborn. I
 
 252 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO-, 
 
 must dissemble. (Aloud.) Nay, nay ! Friend Obed. 
 I meant not to threaten ; I would but point out to thee 
 thy danger. Thee shall have all protection from me. 
 Verily it would be base in me to persecute thee, when 
 I love thy daughter so dearly. 
 
 Obed. Thee has spoken with my daughter? 
 
 Bosivorth. Yea, I did urge my suit, but was inter 
 rupted by that wicked wretch, Elmer Granger. Beware 
 of him. He looks upon the girl with favor. There is 
 danger in his presence. Secure thy daughter's safety 
 by giving me thy promise she shall be mine. 
 
 Obed. I told thee I would sleep upon it. As 
 thee seems in haste, we will settle the matter now. 
 Here comes my daughter. (Enter RUTH 1 E. R. ) 
 Ruth, child, come hither. Thee sees Friend Bosworth, 
 a man of strong build, and not uncomely, of good 
 report among the Friends ; not burdened with wealth, 
 but active in its pursuit. He asks me to give him 
 thy hand, would have thee be his wife. 
 
 Bosworth. Yea, Ruth, I love thee with my whole 
 soul. 
 
 Obed. Speak, daughter: thy fate is in thy own 
 hands. Neither thy father nor thy mother will prevent 
 thy free choice. 
 
 Ruth. Father, thee has ever been kind to me. 
 Never an unkind word has thee given me. From my 
 earliest days thee has been ever watchful over my 
 thoughts and wishes. No blessing thee could be 
 stow has ever been withheld. I honor thee above all 
 men. Thy judgment is so wise that thy word is law 
 to me. I know Friend Bosworth professes love for me ;
 
 OR, OUR HOYS OP 1770. li.>.-. 
 
 and yet my heart has felt no answering thrill (o his 
 protestations. I shrink from his glance, and tivinM 
 in his presence. Nay, I will he frank. Another, with no 
 words, with no entreaties, has touched a chord within my 
 being that vibrates with ecstasy at his approach. He 
 is of the world's people, yet brave, strong, and true. 
 Yet I am but a child, and may not know my own heart. 
 My fate I leave in thy hands. Speak, lather : what 
 thee says shall guide me. 
 
 Obed (takes RUTH'S hand, kisses her on the j'<n-t'hcnd, 
 then turns to BOSWORTH). Friend Bos worth, thee has 
 th} r answer. {Comes to L.) 
 
 Bosioorth (c. ) . Na} r , this will not serve. I must have 
 a plain answer, yes, or no. 
 
 Obed (sternly). No. A thousand times no. My 
 daughter is not for such as thou. 
 
 Bosworth. Nay, bear with me, Friend Obed. 
 
 Obed. Nay, thy friend no more, Bosworth. I have 
 borne with thee until Patience is indignant at me. 
 By thy own confession, thee is a spy ; but that I 
 feared my daughter loved thee, I would have driven 
 thee from m}' house, when thee first spoke. Now, I 
 tell thee, quit my house. 
 
 Bostvorth. Has thee forgotten I can destroy thee? 
 
 Obed. Do thy worst. No harm can come to him 
 who obeys the voice of conscience. 
 
 Bosworth. Then, dread my vengeance. You know 
 me not. You thought I was a cowardly Quaker. I 
 have deceived you and your tribe. The opinions of your 
 sect are known to me ; ay, and all their wealth, and 
 where 'tis to be found. One motive only has kept me in
 
 252 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO 
 
 must dissemble. (Aloud.) Nay, nay ! Friend Obed. 
 I meant not to threaten ; I would but point; out to thee 
 thy danger. Thee shall have all protection from me. 
 Verily it would be base in me to persecute thee, when 
 I love thy daughter so dearly. 
 
 Obed. Thee has spoken with my daughter? 
 
 Bosworth. Yea, I did urge my suit, but was inter 
 rupted by that wicked wretch, Elmer Granger. Beware 
 of him. He looks upon the girl with favor. There is 
 danger in his presence. Secure thy daughter's safety 
 by giving me thy promise she shall be mine. 
 
 Obed. I told thee I would sleep upon it. As 
 thee seems in haste, we will settle the matter now. 
 Here comes my daughter. (Enter RUTH 1 E. R. ) 
 Ruth, child, come hither. Thee sees Friend Bosworth, 
 a man of strong build, and not uncomely, of good 
 report among the Friends ; not burdened with wealth, 
 but active in its pursuit. He asks me to give him 
 th}' hand, would have thee be his wife. 
 
 Bosworth. Yea, Ruth, I love thee with my whole 
 soul. 
 
 Obed. Speak, daughter: thy fate is in thy own 
 hands. Neither thy father nor thy mother will prevent 
 thy free choice. 
 
 Ruth. Father, thee has ever been kind to me. 
 Never an unkind word has thee given me. From my 
 earliest days thee has been ever watchful over my 
 thoughts and wishes. No blessing thee could be 
 stow has ever been withheld. I honor thee above all 
 men. Thy judgment is so wise that thy word is law 
 to me. I know Friend Bosworth professes love for me ;
 
 OR, OUR HOYS OP 1770. 2.M 
 
 and yet my heart has felt no answering thrill to his 
 protestations. I shrink from his glance, and tmnl.Ic 
 in his presence. Nay, I will he frank. Another, with no 
 words, with no entreaties, has touched a chord Within my 
 being that vibrates with ecstasy at his approach. II- 
 is of the world's people, yet brave, strong, and true. 
 Yet I am but a child, and may not know my own heart. 
 My fate I leave in thy hands. Speak, father : what 
 thee says shall guide me. 
 
 Obed (takes RUTH'S hand, kisses her on the forehead, 
 then turns to Bos WORTH). Friend Bos worth, thee has 
 thy answer. (Comes to L.) 
 
 Bosworth (c. ) . Nay, this will not serve. I must have 
 a plain answer, yes, or no. 
 
 Obed (sternly). No. A thousand times no. My 
 daughter is not for such as thou. 
 
 Bosworth. Nay, bear with me, Friend Obed. 
 
 Obed. Nay, thy friend no more, Bosworth. I have 
 borne with thee until Patience is indignant at me. 
 B\ - thy own confession, thee is a spy ; but that I 
 feared my daughter loved thee, I would have driven 
 thee from my house, when thee first spoke. Now, I 
 tell thee, quit m} - house. 
 
 Bosworth. Has thee forgotten I can destroy thee? 
 
 Obed. Do thy worst. No harm cun come to him 
 who obeys the voice of conscience. 
 
 Bosworth. Then, dread my vengeance. You know 
 me not. You thought I was a cowardly Quaker. I 
 have deceived you and your tribe. The opinions of your 
 sect are known to me ; ay, and all their wealth, and 
 where 'tis to be found. One motive only has kept me in
 
 254 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 3'our midst, love for your daughter. She scorns me. 
 Now comes my turn. I will seize, burn, destro}', till 
 you shall tremble at my name (goes to door) . You have 
 need of all jour caution. The hour of vengeance is 
 approaching. Ruth Sterling, you tremble in 1113* pres 
 ence : ha, ha, ha ! Present or absent, 3'ou shall now 
 tremble at the thought of me, for I swear 3-011 shall 
 be mine. (Exit door in fiat.) 
 
 Ruth (running to OBED : they meet in c. of stage) . 
 
 father, father ! he terrifies me. 
 
 Obed. Na3", fear not, child, He is a bad, wicked 
 man ; but he cannot harm thee. Go to thy rest. 
 (Leads her to 1 E. R.) 
 
 Ruth. But, father, thee is grieved that I love Elmer 
 Granger. 
 
 Obed (groans). He is of the world's people. The 
 Friends will groan in spirit ; but thee has said, no bless 
 ing I could bestow upon thee was ever withheld. Go to 
 tli3 r rest in peace. (Exit Ruth I E. R.) 
 
 Obed (groans). Verily, Friend Obed, thee is run 
 ning up a long account for settlement at Yearby Meet 
 ing. (Enter EPHRAIM from door L. ; costume same 
 as in Act /., spruce and clean, gun in his hand.) 
 Ephraim, my son, thee is not going out on the war 
 path again? 
 
 Eph. Yea, father. Friend Elmer may need my help. 
 
 1 go to seek him. 
 
 Obed. Give me thy hand, Ephraim. {They shake 
 hands.) It grieves me that thee is become a man of 
 war ; but, if thee must go, remember the maxim of the 
 world's people, " Put thy trust in Providence, and keep
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 2f5 
 
 thy powder dry." And do not forget the words of that 
 brave but sinful Friend, Israel Putnam, " Wait until 
 thee sees the white of their eyes." Peace go with thee, 
 in}- son ! 
 
 Eph (patting gun). Yea, I have it in my hands. 
 
 Obed (groans). Yea, Rachel is right; but the 
 women must not have it all their own wa}'. (Exit 
 L. 1 E.) 
 
 Eph. Now I will seek Friend Elmer. (Goes up. 
 Enter PRUDENCE, door R. u. E.) 
 
 Prudence. Ephraim, you are not going out again 
 to-night ? 
 
 Eph. Verily, Friend Prudence, it is not right that I 
 should leave thy brother in the midst of wolves. I 
 go to seek him. 
 
 Prudence. O Ephraim ! you a perfect fire-eater, 
 a man that I am proud to call my lover. 
 
 Eph. Nay, thee is mistaken. I am no woman's 
 lover. 
 
 Prudence. What? Didn't you make love to me 
 over the washing this morning? 
 
 Eph. Yea, I did speak some tender words of non 
 sense in thine ear. 
 
 Prudence. In my ear ! Why, you kissed me ! 
 
 Eph. Yea, I did imprint the seal of friendship upon 
 thy lips. But I have another mistress now. 
 
 Prudence. You don't mean to say j'ou've fallen in 
 love with another woman ! Who is she ? 
 
 Eph. My country. Thee did mock my profession 
 of peace. Thee did call me a coward. And I girded 
 on my armor, and went forth to battle.
 
 -of) ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; 
 
 Prudence. Yes, I aroused the manhood within you, 
 and made you a patriot. 
 
 Eph. Yea, and so filled my heart with martial fire, 
 it hath not room for any tenderer flame. If thee loves 
 me, thee is to be pitied, for thee has given me to 
 another and a sterner mistress. The war-drum rings 
 in my ears, the flash of musketry is before my eyes. I 
 I hunger for the fight, and have no appetite for love. 
 Fare thee well, Friend Prudence. If thee has lost a 
 lover, thy country has found a defender. (Sings.) 
 
 Yankee Doodle, keep it up, 
 
 Yankee Doodle daudee; 
 Mind the music and the steps, 
 
 And leave the girls behind thee. 
 
 [Exit door in F. 
 
 Prudence. Well, I never ! Mittened by a Quaker ! 
 I shall never hold up my head again. I've roused the 
 lion, and lost the lamb ; the Quaker wasn't worth hav 
 ing, but the soldier's quite another article. Oh\dear, 
 dear, dear ! this comes of meddling with politics. 
 Maybe he'll get shot, and I'll have his death to answer 
 for. Ah Prudence ! I'm afraid you care more for this 
 fellow than you dream of. (Takes up candle.} I'm 
 not going to lose any sleep for him. (Crosses to R. IE.) 
 He hungers for the fight. Ah Ephraim ! courage may 
 serve you. in the battle, but Prudence is a virtue not to 
 be despised. (Exit 1 E.) 
 
 (Enter GINGER R. u. E., gnawing a bone.) 
 Ginger. Dah, dat ar fowl's gone to roost. I've 
 cleaned the cubburd of all de eatables and drinkables*
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 257 
 
 Dun no what dey'll do for breakfus in dc raornin, but de 
 clams ob hunger must be dissatisfied if it breeds a fam 
 ine. Eberybody gone to bed, den I'll go out to dc 
 barn and snooze myself. Hullo, what dat? (Listens 
 at door. ) Sh ! dar's sumbody prowlin 'round de house. 
 Whispers. Halt, Ginger, das mischif in de wind. 
 Keep dark, honey. (Lies down behind settle. Door is 
 pushed open slowly, and Bos WORTH looks in, then creeps 
 cautiously down, listens at door L., then goes back to 
 door in flat, and beckons.) 
 
 (Enter BURKE and BLUCHER, tvitJi guns. Att three 
 come down stage, BURKE R., BLUCHER L., BOSWORTH 
 c.) 
 
 Burke. Look here, Broadbrim. What kind of a job 
 is this? 
 
 Blucher. Yes. Plunder, or murder? Speak out. 
 
 Bosworth. Silence ! (Creeps to door, L., and turns 
 key.) There, I've locked in the only one from whom 
 we might expect interruption, young Sterling. He's 
 had a fight to-day, so he'll sleep soundly now. 
 
 Blucher. We can easily give him a sleeping-powder, 
 if you say the words (slapping gun). 
 
 Blucher. With a pill added that will be sure to 
 quiet him. 
 
 Bosworth. Hist ! What brings you here to-night? 
 
 Burke. It's all along of that fight at the Dutch 
 man's this morning. We were surprised by an infer 
 nal rebel, who drove us beyond Carter's, until his 
 comrades deserted ; and then we turned and took him. 
 I wanted to swing him to a tree, but the cap'n said 
 %o; he wu a brave fellow, and we must take him 
 17
 
 258 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 down to camp, and honor him with a shooting. So we 
 took him down there, tied him to a tree, and went to 
 supper. When supper was gone, we found the rebel 
 gone also. So Blue and I were detailed to retake him. 
 We tracked him to within a mile of this house, and then 
 lost him. 
 
 Bosiuorth. But you are on his track now. He and the 
 owner of this place, Obed Sterling, are leagued togeth 
 er. 
 
 Blucher. Sterling ! Why, Sterling's a Quaker. 
 
 Bosiuorth. He's a traitor. You know me? 
 
 Burke. Know you, Broadbrim, the spy? Ay, we 
 have orders from Cap'n Trot to obey you when the 
 service requires. 
 
 Bosworth. Ay, I have need of you now. My orders 
 from headquarters are to shoot this Sterling ; to seize 
 his daughter, and take her to Carter's. 
 
 Blucher. Oh, we don't want to meddle with girls ! 
 
 Bosiuorth. The service demands obedience. 
 
 Blucher. All right, Broadbrim. 
 
 Bosiuorth. Then you look out for the old man, and 
 I'll take care of the girl. First to arouse Sterling. 
 You, Blucher, go beneath the window of his room, at 
 that corner (points to L. 1 E.), throw up a stone ; he'll 
 open the window ; tell him Friend Garner is sick and 
 needs him ; that will bring him out. When he appears 
 make short work of him, for he is a traitor to the king, 
 and well deserves what he must receive, instant 
 death. 
 
 Burke. Never fear. I seldom lose a shot. 
 
 Blucher. Nor I. Old Deadeye is sure death.
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 259 
 
 Bosworth. Be cautious. Give me ton minutes to 
 secure the girl, then follow my instructions. 
 
 Bhicher, All right. But who pays the funeral ex 
 penses ? 
 
 Bosworth (handing him a purse). The King of Eng 
 land. 
 
 Blucher (throws up purse) . Long live the king ! 
 
 Bosworth. Now away. Hush! who's that? (En~ 
 ter PRETZEL, door injlat. BLUCHER and BURKE crouch 
 on thejioor R. and L.) 
 
 Pretzel. Ha, ha ! Friend Sterling ; wash you op ? 
 Dot is goot. I ish as try as never vas. Dose rascals 
 trink op all mine peer, and I coome to get some of your 
 cider. Hy ! vhat is dot ? Friend Sterling, you is not 
 Friend Sterling after all. 
 
 Ginger (peeps over settle). By golly, dat ar Dutch 
 man in anoder scrape. 
 
 Bosworth. What do you want here ? 
 
 Pretzel (shaking). Oh, notings if you bleese. I just 
 got run ober from mine house. Didn't know you had 
 gompany. (BURKE and BLUCHER rise, and point guns 
 at him.) Mine gracious gootness, ton't you do dot 
 (falls on his knees). I'm only a poor Tuchman vidout 
 fader or moder. 
 
 Bosworth. Get up, fool. 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw, right avay puty quick (rises). Ef 
 you bleese, don't explode your guns mit MH-. I'm ony 
 a poor 
 
 Bosworth. Shut up ! 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw. I like to say notings init my inout 
 shut.
 
 260 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 Bosworth. Take him out and lock him in the barn. 
 
 Pretzel. In ter parn mit ter pigs? I don't like dot 
 puty veil. 
 
 Bosworth. Do as I bid you ; if he opens his mouth, 
 throw him in the horse-pond. 
 
 Pretzel. Dot's vhat you call horspuddalit}'. I don't 
 like dot. 
 
 Blucher. Come, start, Dutchy. 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw, don't pint dem tings ; dey might go 
 off. 
 
 Burke. After you. (PRETZEL backs up to door. 
 BURKE and BLUCHER follow witli their guns pointed at 
 him.) 
 
 Pretzel. Dis is too pad. You don't got some piz- 
 ness here, an' I don't got mine cider. (They threaten 
 him ivith guns; he exits in a hurry, followed by BLUCHER 
 and BURKE.) 
 
 Bosworth. Now, then, my pretty Ruth, if you 
 won't be mine by fair means, you shall by foul. (Creeps 
 sloiuly to R. I.E.) 
 
 Ginger (rises) . Der' s gwine to be trouble in dis yer 
 family; it's about time I looked up MassaEph. (Exit 
 door in F.) 
 
 Bosioorth (turning quickly) . What's that? I thought 
 I heard a step. It must have been Blucher (turns to 
 R.). Ah, the pretty Ruth comes this way. 'Twill 
 save the trouble of calling her. (Creeps behind settle, 
 and hides. Enter RUTH with a lighted candle: she 
 places it on the table and goes to window, speaking as 
 she enters.) 
 
 Ruth. I cannot go to rest while Friend Elmer is in
 
 OK, OUR BOYS OP 177f,. 261 
 
 If he is safe, he would have returned to see 
 his sister. (Looks out of window.) Nay, 'tis very 
 dark. What can have become of him ! He is brave 
 and noble, and his must be a good heart, it mo\ 
 quickly at the call of distress. I doubt if he thinks 
 of me. Why should he? Ah, that's a wise question, 
 too profound from my head, so I'll leave the heart (o 
 answer it. And that says yea, as there's truth in 
 his bright e} r es, he does. I wish he'd come. His sister 
 must be so anxious about him, and she sleeps soundly. 
 I looked in upon her : she had thrown herself dressed 
 upon the bed and slept. I could not do that, and yet 
 I am so anxious ! (BOSWORTH rises.) Ah, who's that? 
 (Comes down L.) 
 
 Bosworth (coming down R.) One not unknown to 
 you. 
 
 Ruth. Thee here again ! 
 
 Bosiuorth. Ay, my pretty Ruth. I could not leave 
 the Quaker fold and go out among the world's people 
 alone, and so I have returned for thee to bear me 
 company. 
 
 Ruth. Thee does but jest, Uriel Bosworth, :md 
 th}' humor is so grim I like it not. 
 
 Bosworth. No, it makes you tremble, pretty Ruth. 
 Come, you must go with me. I told von yon wen- 
 very dear to me. I can't live without yon. You 
 have kindled a fierce passion in my breast. so lien v 
 that, were a thousand in my path, I'd slay limn n'.l 
 before I'd lose you. 
 
 Ruth. Thee has no right to enter hero. Th- 
 abase, bad man. sm-:ikm? lik- :i thii-f. \\hru d-nkm->
 
 262 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; 
 
 covers the earth, into the house of the man thee dares 
 not face in open daylight. 
 
 Bosivorth. I dare face thee, Ruth 
 
 Ruth. Ay, with a bold front but a coward heart. 
 Thee is a traitor to our faith, a traitor to the cause of 
 libert}', and, still greater shame, a traitor to the name 
 of manhood. Get thee hence ! 
 
 Bostvorth. Ho, ho ! bravely spoken, Ruth. You 
 are a girl of spirit. You are a prize worth winning. 
 But }'ou forget you are alone and unprotected. Your 
 brother is securely bound, your father doomed if he 
 moves from his chamber. I come not alone. 
 
 Ruth. Thee is a brave man, Uriel Bosworth. 
 Thy tyrant master must be proud of his followers who 
 war upon women. 
 
 Bosworth. Ruth Sterling, I swear 
 
 Ruth. Silence ! Insult not my father's roof with 
 an oath. Insult not his daughter witli the profanation 
 of that holy virtue which exists alone in honest hearts. 
 Begone ! 
 
 Bosivorth. Not without }*ou, Ruth. You must go 
 with me. Do not compel me to use force. You are 
 unprotected. 
 
 Ruth. Stand back, traitor. My protection is there 
 (points up), though dangers surround me, He will 
 securely guard and guide. Stand back, and let me 
 pass. (Goes towards R.) 
 
 Bosworth (seizing her wrist). Nay, na}-, m}- pretty 
 Quaker. There is no escape. You must come with 
 me. 
 
 Ruth. Uriel Bosworth, release me. (Flinging off 
 kis hand, and going L.)
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 263 
 
 Boswortli (comes R.) You cannot pass to your cham 
 ber. Hereafter the path of life we travel together. 
 Come. 
 
 Ruth. Never. Thee has my father in thy power. 
 I'll trust my fate to the darkness of the night. (Runt 
 up to door in fiat.) 
 
 Bosworth (seizing her in c. of stage) . No, no, Ruth ; 
 trust to the light of my love. 
 
 Ruth (tttruyyling to free herself). No, no ! Rather 
 death. Father! brother! Elmer, Elmer! (Enter 
 ELMER door in R.) 
 
 Elmer. Here at thy call, Ruth (strikes BOSWORTH 
 a bloiv in his breast with his fist. He staggers back and 
 falls R. RUTH, with a cry, throivs herself upon ELMER'S 
 breast). Lie there, dog ! Nay, nay, do not tremble, 
 Ruth : there is no danger. 
 
 Bosworth (springing to his feet). Yon lie, you curs 
 ed rebel ! The house is surrounded by my friends. 
 There is danger to you. Your fate is sealed. Release 
 that girl ! 
 
 Elmer (quietly). Certainly, if she desires it. 
 
 Ruth (clinging to him) . Na} 1 , nay, Friend Elmer. 
 
 Elmer (with his arms about her) . You see she is 
 contented here. (Cooly.) And I rather like it, Friend 
 Bosworth. 
 
 Bosworth. I'll tear her from thee. (Rushing at him. 
 ELMER quietly infolds her with his left arm, and seizes 
 the right wrist of BOSWORTH.) 
 
 Elmer (fiercely). Dare to profane her with thy 
 dastard hand, and I'll tear (starting, and glancing at 
 band). Ah ! what is this? (Steps in front of RUTH,
 
 264 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 still grasping BOSWORTH'S wrist.) A blood- red scar 
 across the hand (looks inquiringly at BOSWORTH'S face). 
 Yes, yes, despite the shaven face, the Quaker garb, I 
 know thee now, Richard Cross, my mother's murderer. 
 (Flings Bos WORTH back to R.) 
 
 Bosworth. 'Tis false ; we never met until this day. 
 
 Elmer. But once : the day you outraged mankind 
 by a deed so coldly cruel that fiends would blush to 
 own it. For a year I have sought you, Richard Cross, 
 in town and country, midst my country's foes ; ay, 
 turned the dead upon the field of battle that I might 
 find that bloody mark upon a lifeless hand and know 
 my mother's murder was avenged. At last we meet. 
 Heaven has reserved thee for a son's avenging hand. 
 Richard Cross, but one of us must quit this place alive. 
 (Approaches him.) 
 
 Bosworth (aloud). Stand back! my friends are at 
 my call. Hallo, Burke ! 
 
 Elmer (seizing him by the throat) . Too late ! too 
 late ! Dog, you must die. 
 
 Bosworth. Take off your hand ! (Struggle.) 
 
 Ruth(L.). Elmer, forbear. (ELMER and BOSWORTH, 
 who have been struggling, pause with their hands on each 
 other.) Respect my father's roof. This is a home of 
 peace, let no unhallowed deed pollute its fair fame. 
 Thy mother is an angel now ; and vengeance, by the 
 will of heaven, wields its own power in the guilty 
 breast, to punish and destroy. 
 
 Elmer. You are right, Ruth. This house shall be 
 respected. (Flings BOSWORTH back R.) Richard 
 Cross, the girl you have insulted saves }-ou now ; but 
 beware ! your fate is sealed whene'er we meet again.
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 
 
 Bosworth. And yours is already sealed. ( Takes a 
 knife from his bosom, and rushes at ELMER, o. ELMER 
 steps R., puts up his left arm, and receives the blow.) 
 
 Elmer (seizing his own left arm with fiis right). Ah ! 
 (Staggers to R.) 
 
 Bosworth (running up to door L.) Curse the luck! 
 Yet, though my hand has failed, you are doomed. 
 Fool, you know me not ; I did strike down your mother, 
 and I glory in the deed. You have stepped between 
 me and the woman there ; but she is mine, and you 
 this night shall keep your mother company. (Exit 
 door in fiat.) 
 
 Ruth (running to ELMER). Thee is sorely hurt, 
 dear Elmer. 
 
 Elmer. Nay, 'tis but a scratch. (Report of two 
 guns in quick succession outside.) Ah, what's that? 
 
 Bosworth (outside) . Oh ! Fools, you have slain your 
 leader. 
 
 Elmer. Even so, the wretch has fallen into his own 
 trap. You were right, Ruth : vengeance alone belong- 
 eth to Him. (Enter door in flat, EPHRAIM with gun. 
 ffe stands it beside window.) 
 
 Ephraim. Yea, verily, Friend Bosworth lieth in the 
 road, with two bullets in his body ; and, in the lan 
 guage of the world's people, he is as dead as a door 
 nail. (Enter R., PRUDENCE. She crosses to L.) 
 
 Prudence. What on earth is all this racket about? 
 (Enter OBED, L., followed by MRS. S. ; he in his shirt 
 sleeves; she with a short nightdress over dark petticoat, 
 nightcap on her head.) 
 
 Obed. Verily, the foe is upon us.
 
 266 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 
 
 Mrs. S. Children, what does this mean? 
 
 Elmer. Simply, Friend Obed, that the wolf in 
 sheep's clothing, known to you as Uriel Bosworth, has 
 invaded your home with the design of carrying off your 
 daughter. 
 
 Ruth. Yea, and the brave Friend Elmer hath de 
 fended thy daughter with an arm of power and a heart 
 of steel. 
 
 Obed. Verily, we owe thanks to our brave defender, 
 and our daughter will prize him as a dear friend. 
 
 Elmer. May I not hope to find a warmer place 
 in your affections, Ruth? 
 
 Ruth. Yea, thee is so brave and powerful that no 
 place thou wishest can be too strong for thee. 
 
 Obed. Yea, verily, this sounds very much like love 
 (groans') . What will the Friends say ? 
 
 Mrs. S. Never thee trouble thyself about the 
 Friends, Obed. The young people will settle their 
 affairs without their aid. 
 
 Ephraim (L.). Yea, it is not good for man to be 
 alone, and my heart warmeth to one of the fair sex 
 among the world's people. 
 
 Obed (c.). Thou, Ephraim? Profanation upon pro 
 fanation. (Groans.) 
 
 Ephraim. Yea, I have been taught the rules of war 
 by her, and with her I would walk the flowery paths of 
 peace. Her name is Prudence, and her features are 
 comely. 
 
 Prudence. Well, I never ! And you sacked me an 
 hour ago. 
 
 Ephraim. Yea, and in sackcloth and ashes have I 
 repented.
 
 OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 287 
 
 Obed. Verily, this is too much. We shall all he 
 disowned. (Groans.) We would give our lamb to the 
 sacrifice, and now 
 
 Mrs. S. Verily, Obed, we might as well be hung for 
 a sheep as a lamb. 
 
 Obed. Yea, verily. (Groans.) 
 
 (Distant fife and drum heard; distant report of mus 
 ketry, with cheers and ringing of bells. ) 
 
 Ginger (outside). Hooray! hooray! (runs in door 
 in flat}. D'ye hear dat? Dey's gone and done it. 
 Yas indeed. Down dar to Filledel. Dey's 'dopted de 
 declamation of jurisprudence ; an' ' an de country 
 am free. Yas it am. By golly, 1's gwine to make one 
 explosion. (Runs to window, throws it up, takes gun, 
 points it out, and fires; gun kicks him over onto floor.) 
 We'se free ! we'se free ! 
 
 Pretzel (outside). Oh, mine gracious, mine het pes 
 plown into der mittle of der week pefore next. (En 
 ters door in flat holding on to his head.) 
 
 Ginger. Golly, dat ar Tuchman's for ebber and ebber 
 lay in' round loose. 
 
 Pretzel (comes down). Mine het is full of pullets, 
 unt mine pniins is full of mine poots. 
 
 Ginger. Yah, yah ! dat ain't nuffln, Massa Pretzel ; 
 dat's only a salute (goes down extreme L.). 
 
 Pretzel (goes down R.). Salute? Dot's vat you call 
 him. He purn my eyeprows off mit his nonsense. Dot 
 is no goot. 
 
 Ginger. Burn your eyebrows off; yah, }-ah ! Yas, 
 so you can see de glorious orb of liberty breaking - 
 
 Pretzel. Yaw, let him preak ; he don't owe me 
 sometings pretty much.
 
 New Farces and Comedies 
 GADSBY'S GIRLS 
 
 A Farce in Three Acts 
 
 By Bertha Currier Porter 
 
 Five males, four females. Costumes modern ; scenery, an exterior and 
 an interior. Plays an hour and a half. An exceptionally bright and 
 vivacious little piece, full of action. The irrepressible Gadsby's adven 
 tures with the fiancees of three of his friends are full of interest and fun. 
 All the parts good. Well suited for High School performance. 
 Price, 25 cents 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 RICHARD STANLEY, a lawyer. 
 
 JOSEPH PARKER, a clerk. 
 
 MORRIS YOUNG, a medical student. 
 
 STEVE, the farm boy. Friendly, but not loquacious. 
 
 MABEL PARKINS, frivolous and dressy ; engaged to Richard. 
 
 ESTHER CARROLL, botanical and birdy ; engaged to Joseph. 
 
 GRACE CHESTER, just girl; engaged to Morris. 
 
 MRS. DODGE, who takes boarders. 
 
 MAXIMILIAN HUNNEWELL GADSBY, a butterfy. 
 
 THE GIRL WHO PAID THE BILLS 
 A Comedy in One Act 
 
 By Nina Rhoades 
 
 Two males, four females. Costumes modern ; scene, an easy interior. 
 Plays thirty-five minutes. A clever piece of high class, admirably written 
 and suited to the best taste. A pretty little love story, wholesome and un 
 sentimental in tone. Well recommended. 
 
 Price, 15 cents 
 
 THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT 
 
 A Play in One Act 
 
 By Willis Steell 
 
 Three males, one female. Costumes modern; scene, an interior. 
 Plays twenty minutes. An easy piece of strong dramatic interest, origi 
 nally produced in Vaudeville by Julius Steger. Free to amateurs j royalty 
 required for professional performance. 
 
 Price, 75* cents
 
 50 
 
 THE MAGISTRATE ; 
 
 females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all 
 interior. Plays two hours and a half. 
 
 THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITP !?""" , in j 
 
 Costumes, modern ; scenery, all interiors PI 
 
 THF PROFI IfiATF ^ay ^ Four Actn oeven males, five females. 
 UMUA1L, gceneryi three interiors, rather elaborate; 
 costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 
 
 Farce in Three .v seven 
 
 fein . lUs Costu 
 
 three interiors. Plays a full evening. 
 
 THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY 
 
 . 
 
 tumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 
 
 SWFFT I AVFNDFB Comedy In Three Acts. Seven males. 
 JTTCC1 IWULUULR fema]es Scene, a single in t 
 
 modern. Plays a full evening. 
 
 THF TIMFS Coined y ln Four Acts - six ma^s. seven females. 
 
 Scene, a single interior; costume.-, 
 full evening. 
 
 THF WFAIfFD SFY : u Three Acts. Eight n 
 
 IUC nCAIVCft JCA f n 
 
 Interiors. Plays a full evening. 
 
 A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE * 
 
 
 Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 
 
 Walter 1^ 15afeet & Company 
 
 No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 Form L9-50m-4,'61(B8994s4 
 
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 Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 
 
 
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 S. J. PARKHILL 4 CO., PRINTERS. BOSTON. U.S.A.