Under the Gaslight/Act III
ACT III.
SCENE I.—The Tombs Police Court. Long high desk, with three seats, across back from R. to L. on Platform. Railing in front. Railing around L. H. with opening C. In front of railing, a bench R. and L.H. Gate in C. of railing.
Judge Bowling and another Justice seated behind high desk, C. with clerk on his L. H. Justice is reading paper, with his feet upon desk, R. H. Policeman at R. and L., 1, 2, E. Policeman 9-9-9 at gate, C. Hard-looking set of men and women on benches, R. and L. Lawyer Splinter is talking to Rafferdi, who is in crowd down R.
Bow. Smithers, keep those people quiet. (9-9-9 handling people roughly.) Here—easy, officer; treat those poor people decently. Well, whom have you got there?
9-9-9. (Going to 1, E. L. H., and dragging urchin within railing.) Pickpocket, your Honor. Caught in the act.
Bow. What's he got to say for himself? Nothing, eh? What's his name?
9-9-9. (Stooping down to boy as if asking him.) Says his name is Peter Rich.
Bow. You stand a poor chance, Rich! Take him away. (Bowling consults with other Justice, as the boy is taken off E. R. H.)
Splinter. (To Rafferdi, who has his monkey and organ.) So you want to get out, eh? How much money have you got?
Raff. Be jabers! half a dollar in cents is all the money I'm worth in the world.
Splin. Give it to me. I thought you organ fellows were Italians.
Raff. Devil doubt it! Aint I got a monkey?
9-9-9. Here, you; come up here. (Takes Rafferdi inside the railing, L. H.)
Bow. Now, then; what's this, officer?
9-9-9. (Rafferdi takes stand R.) Complaint of disturbing the neighborhood.
Bow. What have you got to say for yourself?
Splin. (R. H.) If your Honor please, I appear for this man.
Bow. Well, what have you got to say for him?
Splin. Here is an unfortunate man, your Honor—a native of Sunny Italy. He came to our free and happy country, and being a votary of music, he bought an organ and a monkey, and tried to earn his bread. But the myrmidons of the law were upon him, and the Eagle of Liberty drooped his pinions as Rafferdi was hurried to his dungeon.
Bow. Rafferdi!—You re an Irishman, ain't you? What do you mean by deceiving us?
Raf. Sure I didn't. It's the lawyer chap there. I paid him fifty cints and he's lying out the worth of it.
Bow. You fellows are regular nuisances! I've a great mind to commit you.
Splin. Commit him! If the Court please—reflect—commit him—to prison—what will become of his monkey?
Bow. Well, I'll commit him too.
Splin. You cannot. I defy the Court to find anything in the Statutes authorizing the committal of the monkey.
Bow. Well, we'll leave out the monkey.
Splin. And if the Court please, what is the monkey to do in the wide world, with his natural protector in prison? I appeal to those kindlier feelings in your honor's breast—which must ever temper justice with mercy. This monkey is perhaps an orphan!
Bow. (Laughing.) Take them both away, and don't let me catch you here again Mr. Rafferdi or you ll go to jail.
9-9-9. (Pulling Sam who is drunk out of a crowd.) Get up here.
Sam. (Noisily.) Look yah—don't pull me around.
Bow. Silence there! what's all this noise about?
Sam. Whar's de Court? I want to see de Judge.
Splin. (Approaching him.) My colored friend can I assist you?
Sam. Am you a Counsellor-at-Law?
Splin. Yes, retain me! How much money have you got?
Sam. I ain't got no money but I've got a policy ticket. It' bound to draw a prize.
Splin. Got any pawn tickets?
Sam. Ob course. (Giving him a handful.)
Bow. Well, what's the charge?
9-9-9. (R. H. C.) Drunk and disorderly.
Bow. Well, my man, what have you to say?
Sam. Dis here gemman represents me.
Splin. We admit, if the Court please, that we were slightly intoxicated, but we claim the privilege, as the equal of the white man.
Bow. (To Clerk.) Very good! Commit him for ten days.
Splin. But this is an outrage, your honor.
Bow. (To Officer.) Take him off! (Motioning to Sam.) (Splinter sits down discomfited, Sam very wroth.)
Sam. What?
Bow. Take him away.
Sam. Look here, judge, hab you read the Civil Right Bill? You can't send dis nigger to prison while dat bill am de law of de land.
Bow. That'll do—remove him.
Sam. I ain't no gipsy, I'm one of de Bureau niggers, I am! Where am de law? Don't touch me, white man! Dis am corruption—dis am 'ficial delinquency.
9-9-9. (Collars him and carries him off.)
Sam. Mr. Stevens! Thaddeus! (Exit R. H. 1 E.
Bow. Any more prisoners? (Noise L. 1 E.) What noise is that?
(Officer goes out. Byke enters, followed by the officer who escorts Laura.)
Byke. Where is the judge? O, where is the good, kind judge?
Bow. Well, my dear sir, what is the matter?
Byke. O, sir, forgive my tears. I'm a broken-hearted man!
Bow. Be calm, my dear sir. Officer, bring this gentleman a chair.
Byke. Ah, sir, you are very good to a poor distressed father, whose existence has been made a desert on account of his child.
Bow. Repress your emotion, and tell me what you want.
Byke. I want my child.
Bow. Where is she?
Byke. She is here, sir—here—my darling, my beautiful child, and so unfilial—so unnatural.
Bow. How is this, young lady?
Laura. (Standing inside railing L. H.) It is all a lie. He is not my father.
Byke. Not your father? Oh, dear, oh, dear, you will break my heart.
Bow. This needs some explanation. If not his child, who are you?
Laura. I am—I dare not say it. I know not who I am, but I feel that he cannot be my father.
Byke. O, dear—O—
Bow. (Sharply.) Silence! (To Laura sternly.) You say you don't know who you are. Do you know this man?
Laura. Yes.
Bow. Where, and with whom do you live?
Laura. I have lived alone for four months.
Bow. And with whom did you live before that?
Laura. O, forgive me, if I seem disobedient—but I cannot tell.
Bow. Then I must look to this gentleman for information.
Byke. And 1 will gladly give it. Yes, sir, I will gladly tell. She was taken from me years ago, when she was but a little child, by rich people who wanted to adopt her. I refused—they paid me—I was poor—I was starving—I forebore to claim her—she was happy, but they turned her forth four months ago into the street. I could not see her suffer—my child—the prop of my declining days. I begged her to come—she refused. My enemies had poisoned my daughter's mind against me, her father. I am still poor. I taught school, but I have saved a little money, only for her.
Bow. How old is she?
Byke. Nineteen.
Bow. (To Laura.) Your father is your legal guardian during your minority, and is entitled to your custody. Why are you so undutiful? Try to correct this.
Byke. Oh, bless you, dear, good judge for those words.
Laura. O, have I no friends, must I go with him?
Bow. Certainly.
Laura. Anything then. Exposure! Disgrace, rather than that!
[Judges consult. Enter Snorkey L. goes opposite to Laura and signals her.
Byke. (Aside.) Snorkey! the devil!
Snorkey. (Crossing to Laura L. C.) Can I help you miss? Only tell me what to do, and if it takes my other arm off, I'll save you.
Laura. Yes, yes, you can help me! (To Judge.) Will you let me send a message?
Bow. You may do that.
Laura. Run to that house—not my house—but the one in which you saw me first. Do you remember it?
Snorkey. Don't I, and the wine and cakes.
Laura. Ask for Miss Pearl. Tell her where I am. Tell her to come instantly. (Snorkey going.) Stay—tell her to bring the ebony box in mother's cabinet. Can you recollect?
Snorkey. Can I what? Gaze at this giant intellect and don't ask me! The ebony box—all right—I'm off.
[Exit L.
Bow. It would have been as well, young lady, to have answered frankly at first.
Byke. O, sir! Don't be harsh with her! Don't be harsh with my poor child!
Bow. Your father has a most Christian disposition.
Laura. Sir, I have told you, and I now solemnly repeat it, that this man is no relation of mine. I desire to remain unknown, for I am most unfortunate; but the injustice you are about to commit forces me to reveal myself, though in doing so I shall increase a sorrow already hard to bear. (Splinter talks with Laura aside.)
Bow. We sit here to do right, according to the facts before us. And let me tell you, young lady, that your obstinate silence has more than convinced us that your father's statement is correct. Further, unless the witnesses you have sent for can directly contradict him, we shall not alter our decision.
Laura. Let it be so. He says he gave me into the care of certain wealthy people when I was a little child.
Byke. I am willing to swear to it.
Laura. (Splinter watching effect of question) Then he will be able to describe the clothes in which I was dressed at the time. They were safely kept. I have sent for them.
Byke. Let them be produced—and I will recognize every little precious garment. (Aside.) This is getting ferociously hot for me! Ha!
Snorkey. (Excitedly) Here's a witness! Here's evidence!
Laura. (Ray takes her hand through the rail.) Ray?
Bow. Who is this?
Ray. I am a friend, sir, of this lady.
Byke. He is a dreadful character—a villain who wants to lead my child astray! Don't—please don't let him contaminate her!
Bow. Silence! (To Ray.) Can you disprove that this young lady is his daughter.
Ray. His daughter? (Looks at Laura.)
Laura. He knows nothing.
Bow. Let him answer. Come—have you any knowledge of this matter?
Ray. I had been told, sir, that———(Laura looks at him.) No—I know nothing.
Laura. Have you brought the ebony box? It contained the clothes which I wore when———
Ray. I understand; but in my haste, and not knowing your peril I brought nothing. But can you not remember them yourself?
Laura. Perfectly.
Ray. Write, then (Handing her a memorandum book.) To Bow.) Sir, this lady will hand you a description of those articles which she wore when she was found, thirteen years ago. Then let this scoundrel be questioned and if he fail to answer, I will accuse him of an attempted abduction.
Bow. That's the way.
Byke. (Aside.) It will not be a great effort for me to remember.
Bow. (Taking the book from Ray.) Now, sir, I will listen to you.
(Ray and Laura are eager and expectant.)
Byke. (Deliberately.) A soiled gingham frock, patched and torn. (Laura gives a shudder and turns aside.)
Bow. What kind of shoes and stockings?
Byke. Her feet were bare.
Bow. And the color of her hood?
Byke. Her dear little head was uncovered.
Bow. (Handing book back.) He has answered correctly.
Laura. It is useless to struggle more! Heaven alone can help me!
Ray. You can see, sir, that this lady cannot be his daughter. Look at her and at him!
Bow. I only see that he has pretty well proven his case. She must go with him, and let her learn to love him as a daughter should.
Ray. She shall not! I will follow him wherever he goes.
Byke. (Taking Laura's hand.) I appeal to the Court.
Bow. Officer, take charge of that person, until this gentleman is gone.
Byke. (Coming forward with Laura who is dumb and despairing.) My child, try and remember the words of the good judge. "You must learn to love me as a daughter should." (Leading her towards R. H.)
Snorkey. (To Ray.) Stay here, sir, I'll track him. No one suspects me!
Laura R. H.Byke R. C.Snorkey C.Ray L. H.
SCENE II.—Exterior of the Tombs, with ballads on strings upon the railings. Enter Judas followed by Peachblossom L. H. 1 E.
Peach. Only tell me where he has taken her, and I'll go with you indeed I will.
Judas. We don't want you, we wouldn't be bothered with you, she's our game.
Pearl. What are you going to do with her?
Judas. Do! why we'll coin her. Turn her into dollars. We've had it on foot for a long time.
Peach. What! Is she the rich young lady I heard you and Byke speak of so often before I got away from you?
Judas. (Savagely.) Heard me speak of! What did you hear?
Peach. (Dancing off.) O, I know! I know more than you suppose. When you used to lock me up in the back cellar for running away, you forgot that doors had key-holes.
Judas. (Aside.) This girl must be silenced.
Peach. What are you muttering about—don't you know how Byke used to throw you down and trample on you for muttering?
Judas. I'll have you yet, my beauty.
Peach. I think you are a great fool, Judas.
Judas. Likely. Likely.
Peach. Why don't you give up Miss Nina to that handsome young gentleman? He'd pay you well for the secret. He'd give his whole fortune for her, I know, I saw it in his face. And he'd treat you better than Byke does.
Judas. Not yet my chicken; besides, what does he care for her now Isn't he going to marry the other girl—she's the one will pay when the time comes—but we intend to hold the goods till the price is high.
Peach. Then, if you won't, I'll tell all as I knows. I'll tell him all I used to overhear about babies and cradles, and he'll understand it perhaps, if I don't.
Judas. (Aside.) Hang her—she'll make mischief. (Aloud.) Well, come along with me, my beauty, and I'll talk it over with you.
Peach. Don't touch me, I won't trust you with your hands on me. (Judas makes a dart at her.) I knew that was your game. But I'll be even with you yet. (Dancing off tantalizingly before Judas. Both exit R. H.)
(Enter Snorkey R. 1 E.)
Snorkey. (Despondent.) I'm no more use than a gun without a trigger. I tried to follow Byke, but he smoked me in a minute. Then I tried to make up with him, but he swore that I went against him in Court, and so he wouldn't have me at no price. Then I ran after the carriage that he got into with the lady, till a damn'd old woman caught me for upsetting her apple stand and bursting up her business. What am I to do now? I'm afraid to go back to the Cap'n, he won't have me at any price either, I suppose. (Gazing at ballads, hand in his pockets—going from one to the other. Enter Bermudas L. 1 E. with ballads in his hands and preparing to take others off the line as if to shut up shop.
Ber. (After gazing at Snorkey.) What are you a doing of—sa-a-y? (Snorkey takes no notice.) This here's one of the fellows as steals the bread of the poor man. Reading all the songs for nothin, and got bags of gold at home. Sa-a-y!
Snorkey. Well, youngster, what are you groaning about? Have you got the cholera?
Ber. Ah! What are you doing? Taking the bloom off my songs? You're read them 'ere ballads till they're in rags.
Snorkey. I was looking for the "Prairie Bird."
Ber. Perary Bird! eh? There aint no perary bird. There's a "Perary Flower."
Snorkey. Now don't go into convulsions. I'll find it. (Turns to songs.)
Ber. Sa-ay—you needn't look no further for that bird! I've found him, and no mistake. He's a big Shanghae with a red comb and no feathers.
Snorkey. He's dropped on me.
Ber. Ain't you a mean cuss, sa-ay? Why don't you come down with your two cents, and support trade?
Snorkey. But I ain't got two cents. What's a fellow to do if he hasn't got a red?
Ber. (Toning down.) Haint you? Where's your messages?
Snorkey. Havn't had one go to-day.
Ber. Where do you hang out?
Snorkey. Nowheres.
Ber. My eye—no roost?
Snorkey. No.
Ber. I tell you what, come along with us—we've got a bully place—no rent—no taxes—no nothin.
Snorkey. Where is it?
Ber. Down under the pier!—I discovered it. I was in swimmin' and seed a hole and I went in. Lots of room, just the place for a quiet roost. We has jolly times every night I tell you on the dock; and when it is time to turn in we goes below, and has it as snug as a hotel; come down with us.
Snorkey. I will! These young rascals will help me track that scoundrel yet.
Ber. Now, help me to take in my show windows; it's time to shut up shop.
(Enter Ray Trafford, L.)
Ray. If what that crazy girl has told me can be true, Laura may yet be restored to her friends if not to me, for I have dispelled that dream for ever. But that villain must be traced immediately, or he will convey his victim fur beyond our reach or rescue.
(Snorkey helping to take down songs, sees Trafford, who has crossed to R. H.)
Snorkey. Hollo! Cap'n!
Ray. The man of all I wanted. You tracked him?
Snorkey. They was too much for me, sir—two horses was—but I saw them turn into Greenwich street, near Jay.
Ray. This may give us a clue. I have learned from a girl who knows this fellow, that he has some hiding-place over the river, and owns a boat which is always fastened near the pier where the Boston Steamers are.
Snorkey. Well, Cap'n, if anything's to be done, you'll find me at Pier—what's the number of our pier, Shorty?
Ber. Pier 30!—Down stairs!
Snorkey. Pier 30. That's my new home, and if you want me, say the word.
Ray. You will help me?
Snorkey. You bet, Cap'n. I was on Columbia's side for four years, and I'll fight for her daughters for the rest of my life, if you say so. If there's any fight in count me in, Cap'n.
Ray. Thank you. brave fellow. Here take this—no nonsense—take it. Pier 30 is it?
Snorkey. Pier 30. (Exit Trafford, R. 1 E.)
Ber. (Eyeing money.) How much, Perary?
Snorkey. One—two—three—four—four dollars.
Ber. Four dollars! Sa-ay—Don't you want to buy a share in a paying business? I'm looking out for a partner with a cash capital, for the ballad business. Or I tell you what to do. Lay your money on me in a mill. I'm going to be a prize fighter, and get reported in the respectable dailies. "Rattling Mill, 99th round, Bermudas the victor, having knocked his antagonist into nowheres."
Snorkey. Come along, you young imp. I could floor you with my own arm, and then the report would be: "25th round—Snorkey came up first, while his antagonist showed great signs of distress."
Ber. Say, Perary, what are you going to do with all that money?
Snorkey. I won't bet it on you, sure.
Ber. I'll tell you what to do, let's go and board at the Metropolitan Hotel for an hour.
Snorkey. What will we do for toothpicks?
Ber. Oh, go along. You can't get anything to eat for four dollars.
SCENE III.—Foot of Pier 30, North River. Sea cloth down and working—A pier projecting into the river. A large cavity in front. Bow of a vessel at back, and other steamers, vessels and piers in perspective on either side. The flat gives view of Jersey City and the river shipping by starlight. Music of distant serenade heard.
Byke enters sculling a boat, R. 2d E. and fastens his boat to the pier L. H. Old Judas is on the pier, smoking pipe, looking down.
Judas. Have you fixed everything across the river?
Byke. Yes, I have a horse and wagon waiting near the shore to carry her to the farm. Has any one been around here.
Judas. Not a soul. I've been waiting here for an hour. What made you so long?
Byke. I pulled down the river for a spell to throw any spies off the track. It was necessary after what you told me of that girl's threat to blab about the Boston pier.
Judas. Pshaw! she'd never dare.
Byke. Never mind, it's best to be certain. Is the prize safe?
Judas. Yes, she was worn out, and slept when I came away. How her blood tells—she wouldn't shed a tear.
Byke. Bah! if she'd been more of a woman and set up a screaming, we shouldn't have been able to get her at all. Success to all girls of spirit, say I.
Judas. Don't you think it might be worth while to treat with this young spark, Trafford, and hear what he has to offer?
Byke. Satan take him! no. That'll spoil your game about the other girl, Pearl. He was making up to her all right, and if he pets this one back he'll upset the whole game by marrying her. I tell you he's got the old feeling for her, spite of her running away. Now you can judge for yourself, and do as you please.
Judas. Then I do as you do—get her out of the city. When Pearl is married to him we can treat for Laura's ransom, by threatening them with the real recret.
Byke. Then that's settled. (Taking out flask.) Here's the precious infant's health. Do you think she'll go easy, or shall we drug her?
Judas. Just tell her it's to meet her beau and get her ransom, or give her a reason and she'll be as mild as a lamb.
Byke. Ha! let me get hold of her, and I'll answer she goes across, reason or no reason. (Bermudas calls outside L. H.) There's a noise.
Judas. It's only the market boys coming down for a swim.
Byke. Softly then, come along. [Music. Exeunt L.
[Enter Ber., Peanuts, and a couple other boys, L.
Ber. Say, Peanuts, go down and see if any of the fellows is come yet. (Peanuts scrambles down to hole in front on side of dock; comes out again.)
Peanuts. There's nobody there.
Snorkey. (without.) Hollo!
Ber. Hollo! That's our new chum. Hollo! follow your front teeth, and you'll get here afore you knows it.
Snorkey. What a very airy location.
Ber. It's a very convenient hotel. Hot and cold saltwater baths at the very door of your bedrooms, and sometimes when the tide rises we has the bath brought to us in bed—doesn't we, Peanuts?
Peanuts. That's so.
Snorkey. Come, what do you do before you go to bed?
Ber. We has a swarry. Say, one of you fellows, go down and bring up the piany forty. (Peanuts goes into hole and gets banjo.) What'll I give you?
Snorkey. Something lively. (Music, and dance by boys, ensue,—given according to capacity and talent. At the end of it, a general shout of jubilee; when—
Sergeant of Patrol. (Outside.) Here, boys! less noise.
Ber. It's Acton and the police. Let's go to bed. (Ber. and boys get down into hole.)
Sergeant. (Entering L. in patrol boat.) If you boys don't make less noise, I'll have to clear you out.
Ber. (On the pier.) It's an extra occasion, Mr. Acton;—we're having a distinguished military guest, and we're entertaining him. (Boat passes out, R.) Come along, Perary, let's go to bed. (Snorkey is about to descend.)
(Enter Ray Trafford, L. on pier.)
Ray. Is that you, Snorkey?
Snorkey. (Quickly whispering.) Here, sir. Anything turned up?
Ray. Byke was overheard to say he intended crossing the river to-night; he will doubtless use that boat which he keeps by the Boston Pier. The river patrol are on the watch for him. But I will meet him before he can embark.
Snorkey. Which Boston Pier is it, Cap'n? there are three on this river.
Ray. Three!
Snorkey. Yes; one of them is two slips below. I tell you what, Cap'n: You get the officers, go by the shore way, search all the slips; I'll find a boat about here, and will drop down the river, and keep an eye around generally.
Voice. (Without, L. H.) This way, sir.
Ray. That's the patrol calling me. Your idea is a good one. Keep a sharp eye down the stream. Exit L.
Snorkey. (Alone.) Now for my lay.
Ber. (Popping his head up.) Say, can't I do nothin? I'm the Fifth-Ward Chicken, and if there's any muss, let me have a shy.
Snorkey. No; get in and keep quiet. (Ber. disappears.) I wonder where I can find a boat. There ought to be plenty tied up about here. My eye! (Discovering Byke's) Here's one for the wishin'; sculls too. I'm in luck. Say, Bermuda whose boat is this?
Ber. Yours, if you like. Tie it loose.
Ber. (Inside.) Keep your toe out of my ear!
(Pause.) [Byke, Laura, and Judas, enter on pier from L.
Laura. Is this the place? There is no one here; you have deceived me.
Byke. Well, we have but we won't do so any longer.
Laura. What do you mean?
Byke. (Drawing pistol.) Do you see this? It is my dog Trusty. It has a very loud voice and a sharp bite; and if you scream out, I'll try if it can't outscream you. Judas, unfasten the boat.
Laura. What are you about to do? You will not murder me?
Byke. No; we only mean to take you to the other shore, where your friends won't think of finding you. Quick, Judas.
Judas. The boat's gone.
Byke. Damn you, what do you mean? Where is it? Here; hold her. (Judas clutches Laura.) Where the devil is that boat?
Snorkey. (Re-appearing in boat from R.) Here!
Byke. Snorkey! We're betrayed. Come. (Drags Laura towards L.)
Snorkey. The police are there! Turn, you coward! Don't run from a one-armed man!
Byke. Judas, take her! (Snorkey strikes at him with oar. Byke takes oar from him and strikes him; he falls in boat. The boys hear the noise, and scramble up at back. The patrol boat appears at R., with lights.)
Snorkey. Help! Bermudas!
Ber. Hi! Ninety-ninth round! first blood for Bermudas! (Jumps at Byke.)
Byke. (Flinging Ber. off.) Judas, toss her over!
Judas throws Laura over back of pier. Ray enters L. Boys all get on pier and surround Byke, fighting him. Officers enter at L. Ray leaps into water after Laura.)
Curtain.
Moonlight on during Scene.