The Ghost Breaker: A Melodramatic Farce in Four Acts Part 12

MAXIMO. I don't see it.

DOLORES. But I tell you I did see it. (_She runs_ R.C., _calling_) Father--Father--come quickly.

PEDRO. (_Entering_ R.) What is it? What are you looking at? (_Cross_ C.)

DOLORES. (L.C., _pointing out window_) A light--a light in the castle.

I saw it!

PEDRO. (_Going to window_) Nombre de Dios. (MAXIMO _and_ GASPAR _back to_ L.C.)

DOLORES. (C. _to_ GASPAR _and_ MAXIMO) Well, why don't you do something?

Are you going to stand there like scared sheep, and let a man, your Prince, signal to you in vain?

ROBLEDO. Who's the little devil tearing to pieces now? (C. _cross to_ DOLORES.)

DOLORES. You, Don Robledo, sword-fighter, toreador, fire-eater, hero of a hundred duels--you--Don Robledo--coward! (_He chucks_ DOLORES _under the chin. She throws his hand off._) I asked you to go into the castle and rescue your Prince. I ask you now to answer the signal that I just saw in the tower window. Perhaps your Prince has just crawled to that tower window where he can see our lights. Perhaps he has burned something, a sc.r.a.p of paper, in the hope that some of you gentlemen would notice it and come to his a.s.sistance, but he doesn't know what cowards you are or he wouldn't have wasted his matches. Don Robledo--coward!

ROBLEDO. Coward, never! A fair fight in the open and I'll meet the best man that walks the earth. (_Turns to_ VILLAGERS.) Any two or three! (_To table_ L.)

DOLORES. I don't ask you to kill one or two or three of these poor whimpering sheep! I ask you to dare something. (DUKE _enters_ C.) I ask you and these gentlemen--(_Point to_ VILLAGERS)--to go to the aid of your Prince--and there isn't a man among you who dares! G.o.d, how I could love such a man!

DUKE. (_Down_ C., _sarcastically to_ DOLORES) A pretty speech, Senorita!

ROBLEDO. (_Seeing_ DUKE, _removes hat and bows_) Your Excellency!

GASPAR. The Duke D'Alva! (VILLAGERS _remove hats and bow to_ DUKE.)

PEDRO. His Excellency!

VILLAGERS. The Duke, His Excellency, etc.

DUKE. Charming sentiments you express for your fellow townsmen, whose healthy common-sense prevents them from rus.h.i.+ng to a fool's death.

Still, all fools are not dead yet. One of them will be here tonight. And you, Senorita, will doubtless be pleased to look upon him, as he has come all the way from America for the privilege of entering the castle and playing your hero.

DOLORES. (_To_ ROBLEDO) And did her Highness have to go all the way to America to find him?

DUKE. Yes, he's from America, where all the fools come from. (_Everybody laughs but_ DOLORES. _To_ ROBLEDO) A word with you alone, Senor.

(ROBLEDO _looks at_ GASPAR _and_ MAXIMO. PEDRO, _scared, motions_ VILLAGERS _off to_ R. PEDRO, MAXIMO _and_ VILLAGERS _exit door_ R.)

DOLORES. Can I get your Excellency anything?

DUKE. Don't mind me. I'll look out for myself. Her Highness will be here very soon and will doubtless remain here for the night. I drove ahead to prepare you.

DOLORES. Yes, your Excellency! (_Bowing--exit door_ R.)

DUKE. (_Half sits on table_ L., _watches_ DOLORES _off_. _To_ ROBLEDO) You've got work before you--Robledo.

ROBLEDO. (_Center_) I'm ready, Excellency.

DUKE. (_Rising, across to_ ROBLEDO) Yes, but this American may be dangerous.

ROBLEDO. In what way?

DUKE. Unless he is stopped he will go into that castle tonight--and I look upon you to stop him. He is coming here to solve the mystery and to find the Prince. I shall endeavor to stop him, but if I fail, Robledo, it rests with you.

ROBLEDO. I can a.s.sure your Excellency I will convince the American that his presence in the castle tonight is quite unnecessary. Have you any instructions?

DUKE. Any way you please, Robledo--means are of no consequence in this world. What I want is results. Only don't underestimate your man. He will shoot, and I think he will shoot quick.

ROBLEDO. Good! (_Enter_ PEDRO _door_ R. _with tray and bottles and two gla.s.ses. Cross and put them on table up_ C.)

DUKE. (_Taking coin from pocket_) Here, take this and have them drink to my health and that of her Highness! (ROBLEDO _bows and exits_ R.)

PEDRO. Is there anything else your Excellency desires?

DUKE. Yes, hot water, soap and towels. (_Looks at hands._)

PEDRO. This way, your Excellency. (_Exit_ DUKE _and_ PEDRO _upstairs and off_ L.)

ROBLEDO. (_Heard off stage_ R.) To his Gracious Excellency, the Duke D'Alva!

VILLAGERS. (_Off stage_) The Duke! The Duke! The Duke!

(_Enter_ DOLORES R., _crossing to window_ L.)

ROBLEDO. Louder, you beggars, louder, or I'll give you something to yell for!

VILLAGERS. (_Much louder_) The Duke! The Duke! Long live the Duke! The Duke! etc.

(_Lights seen of automobile approaching._)

DOLORES. Her Highness! (_Calls_) Father! Father!

PEDRO. (_Entering_) What is it, Dolores?

DOLORES. Quick! Her Highness is here!

PEDRO. Her Highness! (_He bustles downstairs._) Her Highness! (_Calls off_ R.) Her Highness!

(VILLAGERS _enter door_ R. _Enter_ PRINCESS, NITA _and_ JOSE _in motor clothes_. PRINCESS _comes_ C. JOSE _door_ L. NITA _left center up stage_. DOLORES L.C. PEDRO _right center_, C. VILLAGERS _in door_ R., _bowing low_.)

PEDRO. Your Highness does my humble inn great honor---- (VILLAGERS _bow_.)

PRINCESS. Thank you. (_She nods to_ VILLAGERS, _extends her hand to_ DOLORES, _who carries it to her lips, curtseying_.)

DOLORES. Your gracious Highness, we are ill prepared for this great favor. Your exalted cousin gave but short warning of your coming.

PRINCESS. My child, any place to remove the dust of travel will do for the present. Jose, I shall want the car later.