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
a full evening.
)
THE r A RIVET MINTCTED Farce in Four Acts. Ten males, nine
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VAlWf 1 VIVA Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays
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111C UA1 t,VHW yUKA femaleg Costumes, modern ; scenery,
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THE HARRY HAfi^P Comedy in Three Acts. Ten males, five
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Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes,
modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening.
I AHY RATTNTIFITr PI * y k* Four Acts. Eight males, seven fe-
L,AV1 ITtl male8- Costumes, modern ; scenery, four in
teriors, not easy Plays a full evening.
I FTTY I^ 8111 * k 1 ^' ar Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five fe-
^ males. Costumes, modern ; acenery complicated. Plays a
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No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts
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 *
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Walter 1^ 15afeet & Company
No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
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