The Ghost Breaker: A Melodramatic Farce in Four Acts Part 13

NITA. (L.C.) Your Highness is not thinking of going on to the castle tonight?

PRINCESS. I must have news.

NITA. But you're all worn out. You're all unstrung.

PRINCESS. When Mr. Warren comes, tell him I will be down directly.

DOLORES. I will tell the Senor American, your Highness.

PRINCESS. Thank you. (_Exit_ PRINCESS _and_ NITA, PEDRO _showing them upstairs_.)

(_Enter_ JARVIS D.C.; _followed by_ RUSTY, _both carrying suitcases_.

DOLORES _bows_. RUSTY _comes to_ DOLORES. JARVIS L.C. RUSTY _crosses_ JARVIS _to_ L. DOLORES _returns bow_.)

DOLORES. Gentlemen--a man!

JARVIS. Rusty, we're discovered! Did you by any chance address me, Senorita?

DOLORES. I called the attention of these valiant gentlemen of Segura to the only man who dares to enter the castle.

JARVIS. How did you know?

DOLORES. All Segura knows by this time.

(_Enter_ ROBLEDO _door_ R., _pus.h.i.+ng through_ VILLAGERS; DOLORES _tries to stop him; he pushes her aside, swaggering toward_ JARVIS.)

ROBLEDO. So you're the brave American, Senor?

JARVIS. I'm an American. (_Turning to_ RUSTY _on_ L.) Here's another one. (RUSTY _salutes_.) We're both Americans.

ROBLEDO. And you both want to die? (RUSTY _makes wry face and big eyes_.)

JARVIS. (L.C.) Well, I'm not really anxious about it, Senor.

ROBLEDO. Better keep out of the castle, then.

JARVIS. Oh, you mean that ghost? Oh, I'm not afraid of a little thing like that, Senor.

ROBLEDO. No? (_Turns to_ DOLORES C.) Well, Senorita, we gentlemen of Segura will drink to your American. (_To_ JARVIS) The maddest fool that ever came to Spain! (ROBLEDO _crosses to_ DOLORES, _chucks her under chin, laughing_. DOLORES _throws his hand off; motions Villagers off, and exits after them_. JARVIS _and_ RUSTY _watch them off_.)

RUSTY. He's a nice man.

JARVIS. Pile the bags up there, Rusty. (_Put bags on table_ L.)

RUSTY. Yas, sir.

JARVIS. Looks like we were in for a warm reception.

RUSTY. Yas, sir, 'tis a trifle warm. (_Crosses below table_ L., _back to audience_.)

DOLORES. Pardon, Senor. Her Highness wishes me to tell you that she will be down directly.

JARVIS. Thank you, Senorita, and who, may I ask, was the cheerful individual that flattered me with such a toast?

DOLORES. (_At_ C., _looking after_ ROBLEDO--_crosses to_ JARVIS) Don Robledo, Senor.

JARVIS. Don Robledo--sounds dangerous, but doesn't mean much to me.

DOLORES. It may mean much before you reach the castle. Let me tell you something. Quick, your hand, Senor! No, the other one. (_Grasps his hand._) I'll pretend to read your palm. Every one of those breaks in your life-line means a moment when you stood face to face with death, and yet, see those little squares of protection around each break! Senor American, there is one break which you have not yet reached, and the protecting square is not perfect like the others.

JARVIS. I reckon that square will take care of itself when the time comes.

DOLORES. But the time is now, Senor.

JARVIS. So--and are the senorita's eyes so sharp that she can tell the day and the hour?

DOLORES. Not my eyes, Senor American, but my ears. (DUKE _comes downstairs_.) In all my experience I have seen but one hand like yours--it speaks of danger, and that hand belongs to Don Robledo.

DUKE. (_Still on stairs_) Well, Mr. Warren!

DOLORES. Pardon, Senor! (_Curtsies to_ JARVIS _and steps back from him_.)

JARVIS. Good-bye, Senorita. Many thanks for your occult wisdom. I'll take good care of that little square. (DOLORES _crosses, bows to_ DUKE, _exits_ R., _closing door_.)

[Ill.u.s.tration: "THE GHOST BREAKER" _See Page 46_]

DUKE. (_Coming down_) Well, Mr. Warren, looking into the future? (_Lays coat on table_ C. JARVIS L.C.)

JARVIS. Yes, Duke. The immediate future promises to be very interesting.

A dark man is to cross my path.

DUKE. (R.C.) Do you believe in such foolery?

JARVIS. I like to, on this occasion, for I hope it means someone I very much want to meet.

DUKE. Mr. Warren, I feel a certain responsibility for Her Highness'

actions, and the prospect of your death tonight is most uncomfortable.

JARVIS. You think I won't come back?

DUKE. I think if you go to that castle tonight you take your life in your hands.

JARVIS. I've got a pretty good grip.

DUKE. Look here. You Americans are shrewd traders. You get dollar for dollar when you bargain. You are not giving away your life for nothing.

Now, what was the price?

JARVIS. Oh, not very much. The deal was made on bargain day. My life happened to be a little below par.