class="allsc">R. motioning Policeman to follow. Stands R. 1 E.

Deacon. No, don't go. Don't. All right—I'll—get ready—(slowly rises, looks for coat. Does not notice Wheeler and Policeman) Never had so glorious a time—before—(places hand on head) Oh,—my—head! Where's—my—coat? (sees it on floor. Bis. of attempting to pick it up; finally falls in a heap beside it. Picks it up and examines it) Blast it, some—boy—been—fooling—with it—turned it inside out. (turns coat) I've—had—another—sun—stroke—wish—I—was—home—in—bed—I'm—sick—

Wheeler. (to officer. Talks through scene) If you detain that man here for two hours, and then take him to Mrs. Thornton's residence, I will make it well worth your trouble. Will you do it? (Officer bows head) Very well; now go and assist him. (Officer goes to Deacon, who has coat turned inside out and one sleeve on. Officer tries to take it off, but the Deacon protests and finally has his own way) A pretty plight for one's father-in-law to be in! Perhaps if he knew me he would reconsider the opinion he expressed about me a moment ago. (smiles)

Enter Billy L. U. E., with large carpet-bag, half crying. Talks as he comes to gate. Pete follows him and beckons L. as though urging others to follow.

Billy. Now leave me alone. Dog-gone your ugly pictures! I didn't do nuffin to amongst you. (leans on gate. Faces R. C. Pete sneaks up and pinches him. Billy kicks and yells. Cries. Officer assisting Deacon to feet, sees Pete)

Officer. Leave that boy alone, you black rascal, or I'll arrest you.

Pete. Well, make him take in his sign, if he don't want de boys to hab any fun wid him. You can't scare me, ole fiddle strings, I knows yo'. (Officer feints to start for him. Pete pulls off hat and runs off L. U. E.)

Deacon. (authoritatively) Come here, Billy. (Billy opens gate and goes down to Deacon, sniffling. Deacon looks steadily at him a moment)

Enter three lads and lassies R. U. E., with Violinist. Wheeler whistles to them softly as they reach gate and beckons for them to enter. They come in; Violinist goes up L. , the rest R. Wheeler goes to them and makes a proposition, then exit door, R. 2 E.

Deacon. Billy, you're drunk! Now don't deny it. Aren't you ashamed of yourself, for disgracing me? Now go to that seat (pointing up L.) and stay there until I'm ready to leave. (Billy goes to settee up L. and sits. Has large placard on back with the words "Pinch me" printed on it)

One of the lads goes to the Violinist and speaks to him, then returns R. Violinist starts playing "I Won't Go Home Till Morning." Villagers form set and commence dancing. Officer urges Deacon to become his partner. Deacon consents. Take position. After a few steps the Deacon evinces great gusto. Commences singing, seizes one of the lassies, shoves her partner into his position. Laddie becomes angry, shows fight. Strikes the Deacon, who pulls up sleeves and starts for his assailant. General confusion. Officer arrests Laddie and starts toward gate with him. Deacon comes C., singing and dancing. As curtain falls, he suddenly clasps hands to head, exclaiming:

Deacon. Oh, my head, my head!

QUICK DROP.

ACT II.

Scene.—Mrs. Thornton's sitting-room. Pete is seated on rocking-chair R., with left leg dangling over arm; has lighted cigar in R. hand and occasionally draws it. Is rocking and softly singing "Gospel Train," as curtain rises.

Enter Daisy L. 2 E. Pete springs quickly to feet and hides cigar under coat.

Pete. Golly, but you scared me. I thought it was missus. (resumes former position, singing and smoking)

Daisy. You can thank your lucky stars that you were mistaken. (amazed at Pete's attire) For goodness sake, what are you doing rigged out in Mr. George's clothes?

Pete. Why, yo' know missus 'spects her brudder-in-law, de Deacon, dis mawnin', an' some oder company fur dinner, an' as I'se de only male pusson in dis house now, I spruced up to do de honors ob de 'casion.

Daisy. Honors of the occasion! Why, what do you mean?

Pete. When people hab parties an' 'ceptions don't dey always hab somebody to do de 'ceivin'?

Daisy. Of course they do, but you are not such a great goose as to suppose Mrs. Thornton will call upon a black booby like you to meet her guests, are you?

Pete. (rising hastily and assuming a threatening attitude) Black booby? Don't yo' say that again! (contemptuously) Niggahs always better than poor white trash. I 'spose yo' think if yo' was a man missus would call upon yo', but she'd nebber do dat while I was around, suah. (resumes seat)

Daisy. (soothingly) There, there, Pete, I did not mean to hurt your feelings, but you get on your "high horse" so often and make yourself so ridiculous that one must say something to save you from being thrown and badly injured.

Pete. Well, it's none ob yo'r bis'nis if dat hoss breaks my neck.

Daisy. Very well, then, Pete, we will drop the subject. Now, I want to ask you something.

Pete. It am no use, fo' I'll not answer yo'.

Daisy. Yes, you will, for maybe there'll be some money in it for you.

Pete. (eagerly) What am it?

Daisy. Did you find a watch charm or a packet of letters anywhere in the house this morning?

Pete. (sulkily) No, I didn't, and mighty little good would it do yo' if I did. (gently draws at cigar)

Daisy. Mr. Wheeler lost a charm and some letters here last night, and he told me this morning that he would give me ten dollars if I found and returned them to him. Now, if you have found them I'll give you five dollars for them.

Pete. (straightening up in chair) Let me see if I 'stand yo' right. Mr. Wheeler lost a charm an' some letters?

Daisy. Yes.

Pete. An' he offered ten dollars to hab dem