THE SILVER KING
A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS
BY
HENRY ARTHUR JONES
AND
HENRY HERMAN
I held it truth with him who sings
To one clear harp in divers tones.
That man may rise on stepping stones
Of their dead selves to higher thing*.
But who shall so forecast the years
And find in loss a gain to match,
And reach a hand through time to catch
The far off interest of tears >
TENNYSON: "In Meraorium.*
COPYRIGHT, 1907, BY HENRY ARTHUR JONES
All Rights Reserved
CAUTION: Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned that "THE
SILVER KING," being fully protected under the copyright laws
of the United States of America, and the British Empire, and the
other countries of the Copyright Union, is subject to a royalty, and
anyone presenting the play without the consent of the owners or their
authorized agents will be liable to the penalties by law provided.
Do not make any arrangment for the presentation of this play with-
out first securing permission in writing from Samuel French, at
25 West 45th Street, New York City, or at 811 West 7th Street,
Los Angeles, Calif.
NEW YORK
SAMUEL FRENCH
PUBLISHER
25 WEST 45tH STREET
LONDON
SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD.
26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET
STRAND, W.C.2
ft?
7
PERSONS REPRESENTED.
WILFRED DENVER.
CAPTAIN HERBERT SKINNER,
HARRY CORKETT,
ELIAH COOMBE,
CRIPPS,
DANIEL JAIKES,
SAM BAXTER,
GEOFFREY WARE,
TUBES,
BlNKS,
BROWNSON,
PARKYN,
FRANK SELWYN,
GAFFER POTTLE.
LEAKER,
NELLY DENVER,
OLIVE,
TABITHA DURDEN.
SUSY,
CISSY DENVER, )
NED DENVER, V
MRS. GAMMAGE
Known as " The Spider."
Clerk lo Geoffrey Ware.
A receiver of stolen goods.
A locksmith.
An old servant in the Denvev
family.
A detective.
An engineer.
Landlord of the " Wheat,
sheaf."
Tradesmen.
A parish clerk.
Secretary to Mr. John Frank
lin.
A porter.
Denver's wife.
Skinner's wife.
The waitress
" Chequers."
Nelly's children.
at the
RAILWAY INSPECTOR. PASSENGERS, CLERKS, RUSTICS,
CHILDREN, TRADESMEN, DETECTIVES, SERVANTS, ETC.
The following is a copy of the playbill of the first performance
of the " Silver King" at the Princess's Theatre, London :
ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER i6TH, 1882, AND FOLLOWING EVENINGS
will be acted an entirely New and Original Drama, entitled
THE SILVER KING
WRITTEN BY
HENRY A. JONES AND HENRY HERMAN.
Produced under the sole direction of Mr. Wilson Barrett.
WILFBBD DENVER Mr. Wilson Barrett.
NIC 1. 1. IK DENVER, his Wife Miss Eastlake.
CISSY AND NED, their children Misses M. Clitherow and C
Burton.
DANIEL JAIKES, their Servant Mr. George Barrett.
FRANK SBLWYN, Private Secretary
to Mr. John Franklin Mr. Neville Doone.
GEOFFREY WARE, an Engineer. . . Mr. Brian Darley.
SAMUEL BAXTER, a Detective Mr. Walter Speakman.
CAPT. HERBERT SKINNER, known
as " The Spider " Mr. E. S. Willard.
HENRY CORKETT, Geoffrey Ware's
Clerk Mr. Chas. Coote.
ELIAH COOMBE, a Marine Store
Dealer Mr. Clifford Cooper.
CRIPPS, a Locksmith Mr. Frank Huntley.
MR. PARKYN, Parish Clerk of Gad-
desden Mr. J. Beauchatnp.
MESSRS. BINKS AND BROWNSON, Messrs. H. Deane & Chart.
Tradesmen ford.
BILCHER AND TEDDY, Betting Men, Messrs. Warin & C. Gurth.
TUBBS, Landlord of the "Wheat-
sheaf " Mr. H. de Solla.
GAFFER POTTLE Mr. J. B. Johnstone.
i
THE SILVER KING
CABMAN Mr. H. Evans.
LEAKER, a Porter. . . . , Mr. W. A. Elliott.
SERVANTS Messrs. C. Crofton & Colea
DETECTIVES Messrs. Polhill & Bland.
PORTER, Mr. Carson Newsboy,.. . .Mr. Besley.
OI.IVE SKINNER, Capt. Skinner's
Wife Miss Dora Vivian.
TABITHA DURDEN Mrs. Huntley.
SUSY, Waitress at the " Chequers "Miss Wood worth.
MRS. GAMMAGE Mrs. Beckett.
LADY PASSENGER Miss Nellie Palmer.
SCHOOLGIRLS Misses J. & F. Beckett.
Railway Officials, Clerks, Children, Passengers.
SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY.
ACT I.
SCENE. I. The Skittle Alley of " The Wheatsheaf," darken-
well.
SCENE. II. Clerkenwell Close.
SCENE. III. 114 Hatton Garden.
ACT II.
SCENE. I. Room in Denver's House.
SCENE. II. A London Railway Station.
SCENE. III. A Country Lane.
SCENE. IV. " The Chequers, " Gaddesden.
SCENE. V. Room in "The Chequers."
ACT III.
SCENE. I. Skinner's Villa, near Biotnley.
SCENE. II. Nellie Denver's Home (Winter).
ACT IV.
SCENE. I. Library at the Lawn, Kensington Park Gardens.
SCENE. II. The Grange, Gardenhurst.
SCENE. III. Outside Black Brake Wharf at Rotherhithe.
SCENE. IV. Black Brake Wharf, Rotherhithe.
ACT V.
SCENE. I. Reception Room at the Lawn.
SCENE. II. Skinner's Villa.
SCENE. III. The Grange.
Three Years and Six Months elapse between Acts 2 and 3.
Six Months elapse between Acts 3 and 4.
The following is a copy of the playbill of the first performance
of the "Silver King," at Wallaces Theatre, New York.
ON SATURDAY EVENING. JANUARY 27TH, 1883
FIRST NIGHT
After Months of Careful Preparation of an Entirely
Hew and Original Drama
ENTITLED
THE SILVER KING
WRITTEN BY
MESSRS. HENRY A. JONES AND HENRY HERMAN
At produced at the PRINCESS THEATRE London, under direction of
MR. WILSON BARRETT
and here by hjs representative,
MR. CHARLES CATHCART.
THE SCENERY BY MR. R. MARSTON
(By the courteous permission of Mr. A. M. Palmer, oi the Union Square Theatre)
MR. P. GOATCHER AND MR. J. MAZZANOVICH,
The Overture and Incidental Music by Mr. Michael Connelly.
Mechanical Effects by Mr. F. Dorrington.
Appointments and Furniture by Mr. E. Siedle.
Gas and Calcium Effects by Mr. J. F. DriscolL
I held it truth, with him who sings
On one clear harp of divers tones,
That men may rise on stepping stones
Of their dead selves to higher things.
TENNYSON.
Hi
THE CAST.
WILFRED DENVER Mr. Osmond Tearle.
His First Appearance this Season.
NELUE DENVER, his wife Miss Rose Coghlan.
CISSY ( .. i-u 1 , ... Miss Carrie Elberts.
NED {their children } Miss May Germon.
DANIEI, JAIKES, an old servant of
the Denver family Mr. John Gilbert.
CAPT. HERBERT SKINNER, known
as " The Spider," Mr. Herbert Kelcey.
SAM BAXTER, a Detective Mr. C. P. Flockton.
EUAH COOMBE, a Marine Store
Dealer . . . . Mr. Daniel Leeson.
HARRY CoRKETT, Clerk to Geoffrey
Ware Mr. Sidney Howard.
CRIPPS, a Locksmith Mr. Harry Gwynette.
FRANK SELWYN Mr. J. C. Buckstone.
GEOFFREY WARE, an Engineer. . .Mr. Harry Bell.
PARKYN, Parish Clerk at Gaddes-
den Mr. C. E. Edwin.
BII.CHER Mr. Charles Foster.
TUBES, Landlord of " The Wheat-
sheaf " , Mr. John Germon.
GAFFER POTTLE Mr. H. Meeker.
LEAKER, a Porter Mr. W. Butler.
TEDDY Mr. H. Pearson.
INSPECTOR Mr. F. N. Salter.
PORTER Mr. S. Dubois.
BINKS I T j I J.Gibson.
JENNINGS \ Tradesmen \ Mr. T. Joyce.
DETECTIVE Mr. C. Burnell.
NEWSBOY Master J. Lein.
OWVE SKINNER, Capt. Skinner's
Wife Miss Agnes Elliott
TABITHA DURDEN Miss E. Blaisdell.
SUSY, Waitress at " The Chequers, "Miss Marion Booth.
MRS. GAMMAGE Mrs. J. Elberts.
Railway officials, Children, Passengers, Detectives, etc.
iv
SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY.
ACT I.
SCENE. I. Skittle Alley of " The Wheat-
sheaf," Clerkenwell J. Mazzanovich.
SCENE. II. Clerkenwell Close J. Mazzanovich.
SCENE. III. 114 Hatton Gardens J. Mazzanovich.
ACT II.
SCENE. 1. Room in Denver's House P. Goatcher.
SCENE. II. London Railway Station J. Mazzanovich.
SCENE. III. A Country Lane J. Mazzanovich.
SCENE. IV. "The Chequers," Gaddesden J. Mazzanovich.
SCENE. V. Room in " The Chequers " J. Mazzanovich.
Three Years and Six Months Elapse.
ACT III.
SCENE. I. Skinner's Villa R. Marston.
SCENE. II. Nellie Denver's Home R. Marston.
Six Months Elapse.
ACT IV.
SCENE. I. Library at The Lawn, Kensington Park
Gardens P. Goatcher.
SCENE. II. The Grange, Gardenhurst P. Goatcher.
SCENE. III. Outside Black Brake Wharf at Rother-
hithe P. Goatcher.
SCENE. IV. Black Brake Wharf P. Goatcher.
ACT V.
SCENE. I. Reception Room at The Lawn P. Goatcher.
SCENE. II. Skinner's Villa R. Marston.
SCENE. III. The Grange P. Goatcher.
ACT I. SCENE I. "THE WHEATSHEAF"
Street Cloth
Door Leading to Bar\ Backing
Left
ACT I. SCENE II. STREET CLOTH IN 1
ACT I. SCENE III. GEOFFREY WARE'S ROOM
Backing
Mreplace Backing
Hotaetop Backing
Right
Left
ACT I. 1 *
SCENE: The Skittle Alley at the " Wheatshcaf"
Clerkenwell.
(Discover TUBES, TEDDY, BILCHER and drinkers.
BlLCHER is in the midst of an excited narrative,
the others are grouped round him at bar?) *
BILCHER.
And they kept like that, neck and neck the three
of 'em till just as they were turning the corner
drawing in home, and then Marcher put on a bit of
a spurt, and by Jove, Blue Ribbon shot ahead like a
flash of greased lightning and won by a short head.
Never saw such a pretty finish in my life !
(Enter WARE. 1 )
WARE.
(To BlLCHER.) Well, what about Denver?
BILCHER.
(70 WARE.) Doubled up this time and no mis-
take. Went a smasher on Patacake and lost every-
thing owes me a hundred and fifty pounds besides.
WARE.
Ah ! (Aside.) It has come at last then. (To
BlLCHER.) You're sure you've cleaned him out)
BILCHER.
me and Braggins between
Oh yes, me ana craggms between us.
obliged to you for introducing him to us.
Much
1 Music taktt
curtain /.
1 Betinntr*
Tuttt, Teddy,
Bilcker,
Jaikes, Ware,
and othtrt.
' Lightt up.
FuU.
At rise a/
curtain call
Denver,
Coombe,
Bajctrr and
Corkttt.
* Gate R. V. K.
He comet to
Bilfker. Tktf
go dawn U C.
ACT I
THE SILVEK KING
SC. I
* Bilcher re-
turns to bar.
* Gate R. u. B.
8 Behind bar.
Music cue.
WARE.
How did he take it?
BILCHER.
Oh, tried to laugh and joke it oft. He's as drunk
as a fiddler ; he was pretty mellow when we started
this morning, and we've kept him well doctored up
all day.
WARE.
That's right. Keep him at it. Where is he ?
BILCHER.
We left him drinking at the bar at Waterloo Sta-
tion ; but he's promised to turn up here.
WARE.
I'll run in and have a look at him by and by. 1 (Go-
ing, aside.} Ruined ! Now, Nellie Hathaway, I
think I'll show you that you made a slight mistake
when you threw me over and married Wilfred Den-
ver.
(Exit WARE. 2 )
TUBES. 8
So poor young Denver came a cropper to-day?
BILCHER.
Yes.
TUBES.
Poor fellow ! I'm sorry for him. He's a down-
right good-hearted, jolly young fellow, Mr. Denver
is.
TEDDY.
So he is, Tubbs, when he's sober.
BILCHER.
And that ain't been the last six months * Tubbs
takes care of that.
6
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
(Enter JAIKES l as if looking round for somebody?)
TUBES.
(In low -voice to drinkers at bar.) Look ! There's
Mr. Denver's old servant he's come to look after
his master.
JAIKES.
What cheer, Mr. Tubbs ?
TUBES.
You must give him a little extry time to-night.
There's a good many public houses between Epsom
and here.
JAIKES.
Ah, but he'll be home early to-night ; he promised
the missis he would ; and I want to ketch him and
pop him off to bed quiet afore she sets eyes on him,
d'ye see?
TUBES.
Ah, I shouldn't wonder if he's a bit fresh, eh ?
JAIKES.
Anybody might happen to get a bit fresh on Derby
Day, you know.
TUBES.
He's been going it a pretty pace lately, ain't he?
JAIKES.
Well, he's a bit wild, but there ain't no harm in
him. Bless you, it's the blood ; he's got too much
nature in him, that's where it is. His father was
just like him when he was a young man. Larking,
hunting, drinking, fighting, steeple-chasing any
mortal spree under the sun, out all night, and as fresh
as a daisy in the morning! And his grandfather, old
Squire Denver, just such another. There was a man
for you if you like. The last ten years of his life he
never went to bed sober one night. Yes, he did one
night, when the groom locked him in the stable by
mistake, and then he was ill for months afterwards.'
7
1 Gatt R. u. B.
1 Teddy hand*
J a ikes stool
vihickjaiket
sitt ttf<m, C
AUlaufk.
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
TEDDY.
Oh, he could take his lotion pretty reg'lar, eh ?
JAIKES.
I believe you. Well, when I was a dozen years
younger, I could take my whack, and a tidy whack
it was too, but, bless you, I wasn't in it with old
Squire Denver, and Master Will's a chip of the old
block. He'll make a man yet. 1
* Music cue.
* R. U. B.
\ Call Skinner.
8 Goes to table R.
BlLCHER.
He'll make a madman if he doesn't leave off drink-
ing.
JAIKES.
You let him be \ He's all right Master Will's
all right \
(DENVER rolls in gate?) *
DENVER.
(Very drunk.) Yes, I'm all right I'm all right!
I'm 's drunk as a fool, and I've lost every cursed
ha'penny I've got in the world. I'm all right ! 3
TUBES.
What, backed the wrong horse, Mr. Denver?
DENVER.
No, Tubbs, no, I backed the right horse, and then
the wrong horse went and won. 4
That's a pity !
TEDDY.
DENVER.
Not a bit of it. I've lost, you've won if there
were no fools like me in the world, what would be-
come of the poor rogues ?
BlLCHER.
Well, you seem pretty merry over it.
8
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
DENVER. 1
Yes, Bilcher. I've lost my money to-day and to-
morrow I shall lose your acquaintance. I'm quite
satisfied with the bargain.
JAIKES.
What ? Ba.d luck again, Master Will ? *
DENVER.
The devil's own luck, Jaikes. I put everything on
Patacake, and I'm ruined, Jaikes.
JAIKES.
No, Master Will, don't say that !
DENVER.
Well, say stumped, cleaned out, licked into a
cocked hat. Bilcher, 8 I owe you a hundred and fifty
pounds.
BILCHER.
Yes, and I should like to know how I'm to be
paid.
DENVER.
So should I, Bilcher !
BILCHER.
Why didn't you take my advice? I told you that
blackguard Braggins was doing you.
DENVER.
Yes, and Braggins told me the same about you.
Come, Bilcher, don't be greedy * you've had a good
picking out of me, let the other blackguards have
their turn.
BILCHER.
I wash my hands of you.
DENVER.
Very well, Bilcher, they won't be any the worse
for a good wash. 5
1 Teddy replace*
stool at bar.
1 Goes to Denver.
* Belcher drop*
down L. c.
4 Rising and
going centre.
Returns t
table R.
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
SC. I
JAIKES. 1
Come Master Will, you'd better come home.
DENVER.
Home! What should I go home for? To show
my poor wife what a drunken brute she's got for a
husband ? To show my innocent children what an
object they've got for a father? No, I won't go
home, I've got no home. I've drunk it up.
JAIKES.
For mercy's sake, Master Will, don't talk like
that!
DENVER. (Furiously?)
Get home with you !
1 Grouts R.
stable.
Seated at table
R.
Yes I'll go home!
JAIKES. 2
DENVER.
(Drops his voiced) Jaikes, don't let her come here
and find me like this tell her I haven't come back
tell her I'm not to be found tell her any lie that
comes handiest, but don't let her see me. Be off
now, be off ! s
JAIKES.
(Going.} Poor Master Will! Ruined! What'll
become of poor Missus and the dear little 'uns?
(Exit?}
(BAXTER has entered*}
DENVER.'
(Takes out revolver?) There's always one way
out of it. If it wasn't such a coward's trick I'd do it.
BAXTER.
(In a low voice to DENVER.) If you don't know
what to do with that, I'll take care of it for you.
10
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
DENVER.
(Putting revolver in pocket again.} Thank you, I
do know what to do with it, much obliged for
your advice. (Aside.) I may want it, to-night. 1
(BAXTER looks after him, shrugs his shoulders, goes
to table and picks up newspaper. COOMBE enters
directly after BAXTER. Enttr HENRY CORKETT, 1
a young cockney clerk, flushed, swaggering, cigar
in mouth, hat on one side.)
CORKETT.
(With patronising wave of hand to TUBES.) Ha,
Tubbs, how do ?
TUBES.
How do, 'Any ?
CORKETT.
'Enery Corkett, Esquire, from you, Tubbs, if you
please. What do you think of that, Tubbs, eh?
(Flourishing a roll of bank notes.) Backed " Blue
Ribbon " for a win and a place, and landed five hun-
dred pounds. Look there ! (Flourishiug notes.)
DENVER.
Biggest fools, best luck !
CORKETT.
(Turning round angrily.) What did you say ?
DENVER.
I said I wished I'd got no brains, because then I
could make money at horse racing.
CORKETT.
Oh, it's you, is it, Mr. Denver? I've seen you at
my guv'nor's place in Hatton Garden. You know
me. My name's Corkett I'm Mr. Ware's clerk.
COOMBE. 1
(Aside.) Mr." Ware's clerk !
II
1 Gott to co
ter.
1 Gait *. u. R.
Goes straight
to bar.
S tail dot talk
B.
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. i
1 Ctittre.
Attar,
DENVER.
(After staring at him a moment?) No, beg pardon,
but I don't know you.
BAXTER. 1
(Aside, seeing COOMBE.) Mr. Eliah Coombe !
Any little game on to-night, I wonder ? A glass of
bitter.
CORKETT. 2
Bitter be blowed ! Have some champagne. Tubbs,
it's my shout. Champagne for everybody.
COOMBE.
(Aside, watching CORKETT.) Mr. Ware's clerk.
If I could get hold of him it would make our little
job easy to-night. (Rises and goes up to Skittle Alley
with drink?)
CORKETT.
Come, gentlemen all, drink my health !
DENVER.
Certainly ! (Raising his glass?) Here's to the
health of the beggars that win put them on horse-
back and let them ride to the devil ! *
TUBBS/
(To CORKETT.) Don't take any notice of him.
He's been hard hit at the Derby to-day.
CORKETT.
Look here, gentlemen, I'm fly ! Hang the ex-
pense "
* R. Goes to table
R. and sits.
* Corkett goes
towards Den-
ver but is held
back by others.
B Returns to bar.
8 Gets to table L.
and sits.
1 Goes to head of
5
BAXTER.
You young ass, put those notes in your pocket
and go home to bed. 6
CORKETT.
(Turns sharply around?) Shan't ! Who are you ? 7
Can you show as much money as that ? No ! Then
you shut up and take a back seat. I've won my money
12
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
fair and honest and I shall spend it how I like.
Hang it, I shall light my pipe with it if I like. Give
me a cigar, Tubbs.
(TUBES gives him cigar. CORKETT strikes match?)
(To BAXTER.) There ! That's a five pound note.
(Lights the note with match and then lights cigar with
note] There, that'll show you what I'm made of?
I'm a gentleman, I am. Money ain't no object to
me. 1
DENVER.
(Aside.} That fool with five hundred pounds, and
to-morrow my wife and children will be starving.
( To CORKETT.) Look here, you ! You've got more
money than you know what to do with, I'll have you
at any game you like for any stake.
CORKETT.*
I don't want your money.
DENVER.
But I want yours! If you've got the pluck of a
rabbit, stake it, win or lose.
CORKETT.
Very well, what shall it be ?
DENVER.*
Cards Billiards, I don't care.
CORKETT.
Fifty up then I'm ready !
DENVER.
Come on, then. Hang it all, my luck must
change! It shall change! I will win or the devil's
in it ! 4 (Exit?}
CORKETT.
Come on, gentlemen, and see the fun !
(Exit, followed by several of the drinkers, leaving only
one or two at bar).
13
1 Re turns to bar
1 Going L. C
' Ristt and fo*t
l_ 2 B.
Music cut'
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. i
Music cue.
$ Call Nelly.
1 L. tabie, and
tits.
COOMBE.
(Aside.) The Spider at last !
(Enter SKINNER R. U. E. * Very well dressed. Light
summer overcoat and faultless evening dress.)
BAXTER.
(Aside) The Spider and Coombe. There's some
big game on to-night.
SKINNER.
(Glancing round.) Baxter the detective! The
deuce ! (Goes to him) l Anything fresh in the
paper ?
BAXTER.
Blue Ribbon pulled it off to-day.
SKINNER.
Ah, I don't bet.
BAXTER.
They've caught the man who committed the jewel
robbery at Lady Fairford's. (Giving him paper and
indicating paragraph?) It may interest you, it seems
he was quite a swell, as well dressed as you are !
SKINNER.
Was he ? The cheek of these fellows !
BAXTER.
You're right they -are cheeky ! (Looks straight
at SKINNER for some moments?)
(SKINNER'S face remains perfectly impassive?)
(Aside?) A cucumber isn't in it with him.*
COOMBE. 8
(To SKINNER.) My dear boy, I'm so glad you've
come.
SKINNER.
(In a low voice without taking his eyes off the
14
* Rises and goes
to bar.
1 Has got up and
crept dawn c.
gets it,, of Skin-
ner.
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT 1
If you accost me again in a public place, I'll
wring your neck for you, you old weasel !
COOMBE. 1
My dear boy, business is business, and it's a big
fortune for us all a sackful of diamonds in Hatton
Garden no risk no danger, all as safe and easy as
saying your prayers.
SKINNER.
How do we get in ?
COOMBE.
Cut through the wall of the next house. There's
a young chap playing billiards inside
SKINNER.
Will you hold your infernal cackle ? Don't you
see that man watching us ? * It's Baxter the detec-
tive.
COOMBE.
(Alarmed.) Baxter the detective ?
SKINNER.
Yes, you fool, don't look at him. He means to
follow me up. I'll throw him off the scent directly.
(Re-enter CORKETT, followed by drinkers. 1 )
CORKETT.
(Elated.) Landed him proper, didn't I ? Ha,
Tubbs, pulled it off again, my boy !
TUBES.
What have you won, 'Arry ?
CORKETT.
Rather ! Why, he wasn't in it.
COOMBE.
(Aside to SPIDER.) See that young sprig there
IS
1 Crottet in /rout
of Skinner
and sits L. of
table L.
1 Baxter kat
noted kimttff
at table R.
L. 2 B. a
to bar.
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
SC. I
he sleeps in the house we want to get into if we
could get hold of him
1 Goes up to
counter.
* Goes up to R.
U. B. then
down to L.
table again to
get his stick,
crosses to R. 2.
8 At gate.
' R. 2 E.
1 Coming c.
SKINNER.
Will you shut up ?
CORKETT.
Now, gentlemen, let's be merry ! Drink up I
Look here, I've made my money like a gentleman
and I'll spend it like a gentleman.
SKINNER.
Just relieve him of those notes while I draw off
Baxter's attention. You'll be able to get hold of
him when he's cleaned out.
COOMBE,
You'll be there as soon as it*s dusk a hundred
and fourteen, Hatton Garden.
SKINNER.
Where's the Ancient Briton ?
COOMBE.
He'll be on the spot. 1
SKINNER.
Right ! So you want to have a finger in our pie,
do you, Sam Baxter? 2 {Seeing that BAXTER is cau-
tiously following him.} That's right ! Follow me
up ! I'll lead you a pretty dance to-night. 8 (Shouts
eft.) Hi ! Boy ! Get me a hansom !
(Exeunt SKINNER and BAXTER)*
(COOMBE has in the meantime picked CORKETT'S
pocket?)
CORKETT.
Now, gentlemen, I'm blowed if I don't stand you
another bottle of champagne. I've got money
enough (Stops short suddenly?) Here, somebody's
stole my money. 5
16
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
TUBES.
What ? Nonsense ! 'Enery, there ain't no thieves
here. Feel again. 1
CORKETT.
(Feeling desperately in his pockets) Yes, it's gone.
It's gone. My money I'm robbed, I'm ruined ! I'm
ruined ! Give me my money, do you hear give me
my money or I'll (Seises BlLCHER, who happens to
stand next to him, by the throat.)
BlLCHER.
(Shaking him off roughly) You hold off, youngster,
or I'll smash you. I haven't got your money.
CORKETT.
Somebody's got it ! Somebody must have it !
COOMBE.*
Come, gentlemen, no larks with the poor young
fellow. If you've got his money give it back to
him !
CORKETT.
(Crying piteously) I'm ruined, you know, I'm
ruined !
COOMBE.
(Suddenly.) Why, of course, that man must have
it.
CORKETT. 1
Which ? (Runs to COOMBE.)
COOMBB.
Why, the man with the billy-cock hat and check
trousers ! (Describing BAXTER.) I saw him sneak-
ing round your elbow he's got it.
CORKETT.
Which way did he go?
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
SC. I
* Goes to bar.
Now back be-
hind bar.
COOMBE.
This way come on ! I'll help you catch him I
shall know the rascal again when I see him come
on !
CORKETT.
Come on, gentlemen, and help me find him. I'm
ruined. I'm ruined. (Crying pit eously.}
(Exit COOMBE followed by CORKETT. 1 )
ENTER DENVER.'
DENVER.
There's another man ruined. Cheer up ! We'll
go to the dogs together. Tubbs, give me some
brandy. 8
TUBES. 4
You've had enough, Mr. Denver.
DENVER.
I'm the best judge of that it's a free country
anybody can drink himself to death that likes I
will have it, I will. 8
(Enter GEOFFREY WARE. 6 )
WARE.
( Watching DENVER.) Ah, there you are, my fine
fellow. I think my plan is working pretty well. I
think Nelly had better have married me after all.
Stick to it, I'll bring you to the gutter, I'll see you
in the workhouse yet before I've done with you.
(Comes up to DENVER, slaps him on the back cordially?)
Well, Will, how are you ?
DENVER.
I'm three parts drunk and the rest mad, so keep
out of my way, Geoffrey Ware.
WARE. 7
Nonsense, Will, I never saw you looking so bright
and sober. I'm very glad for Nelly's sake.
18
Sits R. O/L.
table.
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT r
j
DENVER.
(Fiercely rising.) Whose sake ?
WARE.
Mrs. Denver excuse the slip of the tongue. She
was once engaged to me, you know.
DENVER.
She knew better than to marry you, didn't she ?
WARE.
It seems she did, for she married you. 1
DENVER.
Yes, and she'll stick to me through thick and thin.
Why, you sneaking cur, do you think my wife can't
see through you ? Do you think I don't know why
you're always creeping and skulking about my house
under pretence of being my friend? Now listen to
me, I'm going to the dogs* I'm drinking myself to
death as fast as I can. I shall be dead in no time,
but she won't marry you, Geoffrey Ware. She'll
marry a sweep sooner you know, a sweep of the
other sort I mean. Now you've got it straight, go
and chew the cud of that, and then buy a rope and
hang yourself. 1
WARE.*
Come, Will, I don't bear you any grudge for tak-
ing away my sweetheart, I'm only too glad to see
what a nice, kind, sober husband she's got.
DENVER.
I've warned you once. Take a fool's advice and
keep out of my way. The devil's in me to-night,
and he'll break out directly.
WARE.
Ah, well, take care of yourself, dear boy, for my
sake. Give my kindest regards to Nelly.
(DENVER rising, dashes the contents of his glass in
WARE'S face. TUBE & BILCHER conic down and
seize DENVER. TEDDY gets WARE away?)
19
1 Ruing.
Taking uf kit
floss and sitt
\~qftabU.
E.C.
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
DENVER.
(Held by TUBES and BiLCHER.) Take that man
away ! Take him away before I kill him.
WARE.
Ta, ta, Will, don't forget my message to your
better half. (Exits. 1 )
TUBES.
Now, Mr. Denver, you'd better go home, you
know.
DENVER.*
No, no, let me stay here, Tubbs ! Oh, my head ! s
(Lets his head fall on tabled)
TUBES.
Come away, Mr. Bilcher, perhaps he drop off to
sleep and then we can carry him home. 4
DENVER.
Yes, carry me home, Tubbs, and sing " Here the
conquering hero comes!" and then bury me and
play the Dead March in Saul. 5
(TUBES has beckoned all off?)
(DENVER is alone. NELLY Enters* comes down
behind him very timidly, he starts, turns around and
sees her.) t
DENVER.
Nelly, you here ! You in this place ?
NELLY. 7
Yes, isn't a wife's place by her husband's side ?
DENVER.
Not when he's such a husband as I am. You go
home, my darling ; you go home, I'll come by and
by.
NELLY.
No, my poor Will, come now !
20
l_ of table L.
* Seated
* Goes back into
bar.
* Music cue.
8 Gait R. u. K.
J Call Coombe,
Corkett.
' . of Denver,
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT 1
DENVER.
I've ruined you, Nell, I've lost every sixpence I've
got in the world. To-morrow you and the chicks
will be starving. Ah, Nell, my bonnie, bonnie girl,
look at me what made you marry me, a drunken
brute like me?
NELLY.
Because I loved you I love you still. Never
mind the past, dear, come home and make a fresh
start to-morrow.
DENVER.
I can't. I must go on. I can't stop. I'm going
down, down as fast as I can go I don't know
where !
NELLY.
(Throwing her arms round him?) Oh, don't say
that, dear. You must stop yourself for my sake
for your Nell's sake.
DENVER.
(Stroking her face?) The sweetest and truest wife
a man ever had, and married to such a wretch as I
am. (Changing his tone?) Don't you come here!
You only make me think what a brute I've been to
you.
NELLY.
Oh, Will, I have just put our little Cissy and Ned
to bed and they have said " God bless dear father! "
(GEOFFREY WARE Enters behind unperceived. 1 )
DENVER.
(Starting up maddened?) Ah ! Don't teach them
that ! Don't teach them to pray for me. Teach
them to curse and hate me. Go away, Nell, don't
you see the people all staring at us? Go home, my
girl ! I'll come home when I'm sober. Go home,
m y g' f l & home ! (Rushes to bar?) Tubbs, give
me some brandy, don't keep me waiting !
(NELLY goes a step after him and then sinks into chair
crying?)
21
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. i
1 Down l of
Nelly.
* Rising.
* Crosses to
R. 2 B.
Flourishing
revolver.
WARE. 1
(To her in low voice?) Have you suffered enough ?
NELLY. 1
(Hiding her tears?) Geoffrey Ware ! (Aside?)
That he should see me here !
WARE.
Has he dragged you deep enough into the mire
or will you go deeper still, to rags, to the gutter, to
starvation ? Nelly, you once promised to be my
wife.
NELLY.
Yes, and I repented even before I promised. I
never loved you and you know it. You worried me
into a consent, and when I found out my mistake, I
told you of it and married a better man !
DENVER.
(Whose back is towards them?) That hound back
again, and talking to my wife.
WARE.
Ah, there stands the better man ! Look at him
A pattern husband a pattern father, prosperous,
happy, respectable, sober!
NELLY.
Oh, this is manly of you. What harm have I ever
done to you ?
WARE.
You married him. I swore that day I'd ruin him,
and I kept my word. Good evening, Mrs. Denver.'
DENVER.
(Turning?) Stop, you cur, and answer to me. 4
WARE.
(Coolly?) My dear fellow, you're drunk, you know
(Exit laughing at DENVER. 6 )
(DENVER rushes at him. NELLY stops him.)
22
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
* Both Ntlty and
Jaiket hold
Denver.
NELLY.
Ah, Will, he's not worth it.
(TUBES and OTHERS enter from house. 1 JAIKES
enters from gate?) 'Gate*, u.
DENVER.*
Let me get at him ! Let me go !
JAIKES.
Master Will ! Master Will
NELLY.
No, no ! Will, he's not worth it.
JAIKES.
What are you going to do, Master Will?
DENVER.
I'm going to kill that man ! I'll shoot him like a
dog !
(Breaks from them and rushes off.) *
NELLY.
(Calling after him) Will ! Will ! Stop ! Ah,
will nobody stop him ? &
(JAIKES and NELLY go o/.<)
END OF SCENE I.
SCENE II. T A Street in Clerkenwell*
(Enter COOMBE and CORKETT.')*
COOMBE.
You say you don't know the numbers of the
notes?
CORKETT.
No, I only took 'em off the bookmaker this after-
noon and I never took the numbers.
23
* Music.
Front tcent.
Left. Run-
ning ; Corkttt
Jint, Coomt*
following u\
ff/trtatk.
\ Call Wart,
Leafier,
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
> Corkett R. c.
Coombe L. c.
COOMBE. 1
(Aside} That's lucky ! (Aloud.} Well, you see
the man got off with them.
CORKETT.
Yes, and I say, you won't split on me, will yer ?
I'd borrowed that money to put it on " Blue
Ribbon."
COOMBE.
Borrowed the money ?
CORKETT.
Yes, eighty pounds off my guv'nor, Mr. Ware.
COOMBE.
Oh, I see, without his knowing, that's awkward
that's very awkward.
CORKETT.
I'd got the straight tip I knew Blue Ribbon was
a moral, and I meant to put the money back, honor
bright I did.
COOMBE.
Of course you did. You was actuated by very
honourable intentions.
CORKETT.
And now I shall be found out to-morrow and
have to go to quod.
COOMBE.
Ah, that's a pity, and the worst of it is the judges
are so unfeeling to parties as borrow their guv'nor's
money without mentioning it to their guv'nors.
Are they ?
CORKETT.
COOMBE.
Oh, brutal, especially to young men as borrow
their guv'nor's money to put it on horses.
24
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
CORKETT.
You don't say so. I say how long do you think
I shall get ?
COOMBE.
Well, if you happen to get a nice, kind, feeling
judge with his stomick in good working order, you
may get off with say seven years.
CORKETT.
Seven years?
COOMBE.
Yes, but don't reckon on that. There was a
young fellow tried at the Old Bailey a week or two
since, for borrowing money as you've done, a hand-
some, pleasant young man he seemed to be, just like
you.
CORKETT
Yes, and what did he get ?
COOMBE.
Fourteen years.
CORKETT. 1
(Collapses!) Fourteen years !
COOMBE.
Yes, I felt quite sorry for him.
CORKETT. 1
I say, what's it like in
COOMBE.
Speaking from hearsay, it ain't likely to suit a
a young man of your constitution. It'll bottle you
up in less than three months.
CORKETT.
Think so ?
COOMBE.
Sure of it. Skilly won't relish much after cham-
25
> Fall* on
Coombt't
shoulder.
* KtcovertHf
kimitlf.
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
pagne, will it ? And as for the treadmill, though it's
a prime exercise, as a game it ain't to be compared
to billiards.
CORKETT.
What can I do ?
COOMBE.
Well, I've took a bit of a fancy to you, and I'll
tell you what I'll do. I'll lend you the eighty
pounds.
CORKETT.
(Seizing his hand eagerly?) You will ? You're a
brick !
COOMBE.
Yes, providing you'll oblige me in a little matter.
CORKETT.
I'll do anything for you. You're a jolly kind old
man and no mistake.
COOMBE.
You live at a hundred and fourteen Hatton
Garden, don't you ?
CORKETT.
Yes.
COOMBE.
Who sleeps in the house beside you ?
CORKETT.
Only my guv'nor and the old porter.
COOMBE.
Your guv'nor spends his evenings out, don't he?
CORKETT.
Comes in about twelve as a rule.
COOMBE.
Well, a friend of mine wants to spend half an
26
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT 1
hour in your guv'nor's sitting-room to-night he's a
photographer and he's taking views of London.
Could you let us into the house and keep the old
porter out of the way ?
I say, what's up ?
CORKETT.
COOMBE.
Never mind, will you help us or will you go to
quod to-morrow ?
CORKETT.
I'll help you.
COOMBE. 1
There's a sensible young man.
(Enter JAIKES excited. 1 }
JAIKES.
(Crossing.') I've lost my way in these courts and
alleys and goodness knows what mischief's happen-
ing (Seeing CORKETT.) Ah, you're Mr. Ware's clerk,
aren't you ?
CORKETT.
Yes. Why, it's Mr. Denver's servant, ain't it ?
JAIKES.
Yes, come on with me to Mr. Ware's in Hatton
Garden. Come on quick.
COOMBE.
(Aside.} Hillo, I must stop this.
CORKETT.
(Exchanging a glance with COOMBE.) What's
the matter ?
JAIKES.
Murder'll be the matter if we don't stop it. My
poor master's got the drink inside of him. He's
27
1 Cresset R.
Uaves Corkttt
1 Left.
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
beside himself, he's threatened to kill Mr. Ware.
Come and help me get him away.
* Coining be-
tween Jaikes
and Corkett.
COOMBE. 1
I beg your pardon, are you looking for the young
gentleman as was drinking in the " Wheatsheaf "
just now?
JAIKES.
Yes, have you seen anything of him ?
COOMBE.
Yes, he came out of that public house not two
minutes ago, and he took a cab and told the driver
to go to Charing Cross Station, didn't he? (To
CORKETT.)
CORKETT.
Yes, 'ansom.
JAIKES.
Are you sure it was my master ?
COOMBE.
Oh, quite sure. (To CORKETT.) You're sure it
was Mr. Denver, ain't you ?
CORKETT.
Oh yes, I'll take my oath of it.
COOMBE.
It's very lucky you met us. You'll find your
master at Charing Cross Railway Station. Make
haste.
JAIKES.
Thankyou, mate, thank you, I'll go there straight !
(Exit?)
COOMBE.
Yes, do, you old fool, and you won't find him.
We shall have to look out and keep that tipsy fellow
out of our way. (To CORKETT.) Now, my dear
28
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
boy, you stroll on just in front of me. Don't get
out of my sight that's it !
CORKETT.
No, and if I once get out of this mess I'll never
get into another. (Exit. 1 )
COOMBE.
That's done neat and clean. Now if the Ancient
Briton can't work in off the leads, this young gentle-
man will open the front door for us, and all we've
got to do is to walk upstairs. 1 (Exit?)
END OF SCENE II.
SCENE III.
SCENE. GEOFFREY WARE'S sitting room in Hatten
Garden? Window right. Table with cloth centre,
sideboard against right wall. Door at back.
(Discover WARE standing by table with hat on button-
ing his gloves, also LEAKER, an old porter, at door
L. C.)*
WARE.
Leaker, I'm going out, leave the door on the latch.
LEAKER.
Yes, sir. Shall I wait up for you, sir?
WARE.
No, I don't know what time I shall be back. I
may come in in half an hour, or I may not come in
at all. You can go to bed when you like. (Going
out at aoo+.) Good night.
LEAKER.
Good ni^ht, sir.*
(Exit WARE at back. LEAKER takes out light* and
exit after hint.)
29
* Music cut.
* Light, % /
% Call Denver
Coombt.
Music cut.
Ligktt chttk
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
SC. Ill
(A pause. Stage dark. CRIPPS is seen at window, he
lifts window noiselessly and Enters very softly
with dark lantern in his hand.)
1 Croats L
I. of table.
CRIPPS.
Coast clear, that's all right ! * (Moves away sideboard
from wall.) This must be the spot. (Listens a
short, faint, peculiar whistle is heard off. CRIPPS
returns it and goes on lifting sideboard?)
(Enter SKINNER at back?}
SKINNER.
All clear ?
Yes, Captain !
Light !
CRIPPS.
SKINNER.
(CRIPPS turns lantern on SKINNER, helps him off
with coat, discovers faultless evening dress-suit.
SKINNER turns up his sleeves.)*
Give me my tools. You'll find them in that
pocket.
(CRIPPS takes case out of pocket, hands it to SKINNER,
then puts coat on front of table. SKINNER opens
case and looks at tools.)
CRIPPS. 3
Beauties, ain't they ? I was a week making them
jemmies.
SKINNER.
Well, it was time well spent. What the plague
did you want me for to-night? I was just starting
for Lady Blanche Wynter's dinner party.
CRIPPS.
(Measuring along wall?) What the blazes has that
got to do with me ? If you're above your business,
say so, and I'll crack the crib myself.
30
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
SKINNER.
(Takes from neat mahogany case a tool and lays it
on table?) Give me the plan !
(CRIPPS gives him the plan he studies it.)
CRIPPS.
The safe's just the other side of this wall here.
Thinks I when I was a-fixing up that there safe,
" this'll be a splendid plant for us;" and the gents
next door was extry particular about having it made
strong. " Cause," says they, " there'll often be fifty
pounds worth of diamonds in that there safe."
SKINNER.
( Who has been studying plan and not listening to
CRIPPS.) Shut up ! Not so much cackle. Now,
Cripps, look alive, because I must be at Lady
Blanche's dance at twelve.
CRIPPS.
Blow Lady Blanche !
(SKINNER takes up instrument, comes to wall, is about
to pierce it when noise of knockiug and ringing is
heard down stairs.)
SKINNER.
What's that row ?
(Enter COOMBE in great trouble.)
COOMBE.
My dear boy, here's that tipsy fellow down at the
door, playing deuce and tommy, swears he'll pull the
house down if we don't let him come up.
(Knocking and ringing continues.)
SKINNER.
What's he want ?
COOMBE.
Mr. Ware. He won't take our word he's out-
What can we do ?
31
1 L. c. door
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
SC. Ill
SKINNER.
Send him up here.
COOMBE.
What, here ?
SKINNER.
Yes, tell him Mr. Ware's at home and send him up.
(Exit COOMBE.) l
Where's my chloroform pad ? * Oh, here it is.
(Pours chloroform on pad.} I'll soon quiet him.
Cripps, out with that light. Stand there ! 3
(Stage dark. They stand behind door.} *
COOMBE.
There he is you'll find Mr. Ware in
J Door L. c
1 Gets pad from
Pocket.
' Music eve.
Skinner R. of
door, Crippi L.
1 Door L. c.
(Outside?)
that room.
(Enter DENVER 6 %vit 'h revolver, followed by COOMBE.)
DENVER.
Now, you hound, come out and settle accounts
with me. Come out and show your face. Where
are you ?
(SKINNER leaps out on him, and puts chloroform on
pad over DENVER'S nose. CRIPPS helps him.
DENVER struggles but is overpowered ; they lay
him on rug by fireplace?)
SKINNER.
That revolver ! Take it away from him, put it on
the table.
(CRIPPS takes revolver?)
Lie there, you brute ! You won't trouble us any
more.
(CRIPPS is examining revolver as SKINNER crosses.)
Put that revolver down, Cripps, anywhere on the
table. Look alive ! Show me a light. (Getting to
wall again?)
32
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
(Enter CORKETT suddenly.) '
CORKETT.
(In a frightened whisper!) Here, where are you ?
I say, clear out of this all of you. Here's my guv'-
nor coming back he's left something. Oh, crimes,
here he is.
(Enter WARE. He stands a moment in doorway
strikes match. CORKETT tries to dodge by him.)
WARE.
(Sees him.) Hillo? What are you doing here ?*
Who are these men ? * What business have you here ?
SKINNER.
We are friends of your clerk we met him at the
Derby, and he insisted on our coming here to spend
the evening with him, and so naturally as a matter
of course (Coolly putting tools in box.) excuse me,
I have an appointment !
WARE.
Wait a bit, I want this cleared up ! (Sees tools on
table.) Ah ! These are burglars' tools ! A revolver !
Help ! Murder ! Thieves ! *
SKINNER.
(Snatching up revolver and shooting WARE^ Take
that, you fool, since you won't be quiet !
(WARE falls in front of table a pause.)
COOMBE.
My dear boy, this is terrible.
CORKETT. 4
He's killed him, he's killed him !
SKINNER.
Cripps, back with the case sharp ! Everybody off.
(They put back bookcase quickly.)
3 33
1 Doer L.C.
1 Draft down L
* Gott uf if
tabU.
*. of talk
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. in
CORKETT.
We shall all swing for this. (Shows great fright?)
SKINNER.
You will, if you don't keep your mouth shut.
CRIPPS.
We must risk the leads come on we mustn't be
seen coming out of the door. (Gets out at window?)
SKINNER.
(Putting on coat and coolly pocketing tools?) Look
alive, Coombe ! Shake up that idiot ! (Indicating
CORKETT who is paralysed with fright?)
COOMBE.
(Shaking CORKETT.) Come on, or else they'll
collar you for this. (Hurries him out of window and
gets out himself?)
SKINNER. 1
(Looking at WARE.) I've gone a step too far this
time. The fool ! Why wouldn't he let me pass !
(Gets out of window and closes it down?)
(Stage dark. A pause. Enter LEAKER with candle*
rubbing his eyes and yawniug as if just wakened from
sleep?)
LEAKER.
( Yawning?) I thought I heard a noise like a shot.
I must have been dreaming. I wonder how long
I've been asleep ? Mr. Ware not come yet. (Going
a step or tivo and stumbling over DENVER.) Hillo !
Who's this ? (Stoops and looks down?) Why, it's
Mr. Denver! How did he get in here? 3 (Kneels
down and shouts at and shakes DENVER.) Mr. Den-
ver ! Wake up, wake up !
(DENVER mutters something and stirs?)
Don't lay there, sir. Let me assist you into this
chair. (Shakes him?) Drunk again. D'ye hear,
34
1 Skinner is
about to place
revolver in his
pocket when he
sees Denver
and places it
on table in-
stead.
Lights % up.
* Puts candle on
mantelshelf.
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT I
Mr. Denver, wake up ! (Shakes him and gets him
into chair.) l
DENVER.
(Rousing himself and opening his eyes) Al'right !
Don't be in a hurry. Where am I ?
LEAKER.
You're in Mr. Ware's room at Hatton Garden, sir.
DENVER.
(In chair.) Of course I am. (Passing his hand
over his head, drops back into chair.)
LEAKER.
Shall I light you downstairs ?
DENVER.
No, I'll go soon. Who is it Leaker?
LEAKER.
Yes, it's Leaker.
DENVER.
You know me, Leaker?
LEAKER.
Yes, I know you, sir. I'd better let him stay, he
won't do any harm. (To DENVER.) I'll leave you
the candle, sir, and you can go home when you've
quite woke up. Well, good-night, sir, I'm going to
bed. Mind you latch the street door when you go
out. Good-night, sir.
DENVER.
Latch street door all right, Leaker.
(Exit LEAKER D. in F. 1 )
(Sits tip and stares round him, tries to collect him-
self.) What's up? What's the matter? (Shakes
himself.) What am I doing here ? This won't do !
Get home ! Get home, you drunken scoundrel !
35
ACT I
THE SILVER KING
sc. in
Aren't you ashamed of yourself, Will Denver?
Keeping your poor wife sitting up half the night foi
you get home, d'ye hear, get home. (Raises him-
self with difficulty and stares round and staggers?)
What's the matter with my head ? I can't recollect !
What place is this ? ( With a sudden flash of recol-
lection^) Ah ! Geoffrey Ware's room, I remember
yes, yes, I said I'd kill him and Oh, my head, I'd
better get home. Where's my hat ? (Gets up, takes
candle, staggers, steadies himself, comes round table,
sees WARE.) What's that? It's Geoffrey Ware)
What's he doing here ? Get up, will you ? (Kneels
down.} Ah, what's this? Blood! He's shot ! My
God, I've murdered him. No ! No ! Let me think.
What happened ? Ah yes, I remember now I came
in at that door, he sprang at me and then we strug-
gled. (Looking at revolver?) My revolver. One
barrel fired I've murdered him. No, he's not dead,
Geoffrey Ware ! Is he dead ? (Eagerly feeling
WARE'S pulse.} No, it doesn't beat. (Tears down
WARE'S waistcoat and shirt, puts his ear over WARE'S
heart.} No, no, quite still, quite still. He's dead !
Dead! Dead! Oh, I've killed him I've killed him.
(Rising frantically, takes up revolver and puts it in
his pocket.) What can I do? (With a great cry.}
Don't stare at me like that ! (Snatching off table
cover and throwing it over body, his eyes fixed and
staring at it unable to take off his glance} Close
those eyes, Geoffrey close them. Ah, yes, I mur-
dered hirr 1 ve done it I've done it murdered
himj (Exit, his lips mechanically Jabbering.} I've
done it ! I've done it ! I've done it ! I've done
it! I've done it I 1 (Exit.)
END OF ACT I.
(A night passes between Act i and 2.)
ACT II.*
SCENE I. Interior of DENVER'S house* Window
at back. Doors right and left. Small table centre of
stage. Chairs right and left. 1
The clock strikes six*
(NELLY discovered at window looking anxiously off^
NELLY.
Six o'clock ! Will he never come?
{Enter JAIKES. 4 )
Well, Jaikes?
JAIKES.
I can't see nothing of him, missus !
NELLY.
You don't think he has carried out his threat ?
JAIKES.
Not he, missus, don't you fear. Mr. Will won't
do no harm. Now don't you sit up any longer,
missus.
NELLY.
I'm used to it, Jaikes, I'm used to it.
JAIKES.
This sitting up o* nights is making you quite pale
and thin, and such bonny rosy cheeks as you used
to have in the old days.
37
J Be/ft utter t.
Nelly, Jaik
* Music to optn.
Lights full *P
% Call Denver.
* Doori.
ACT II. SCENE I. DENVERS HOUSE
Backing
Right
Door
French Window
Chair
| [ Chair.
Door
Left
ACT II. SCENE II. RAILWAY STATION IN 1
ACT n. SCENE in, EXTERIOR OP THE "CHEQUERS" IN 2
Interior Backing
poor
Porch
u
Seat
Left
ACT n. SCENE rv.
INTERIOR OF THE "CHEQUERS" (AN OLD VILLAGE INN)
Wood Backing Interior Backing
Window
D
Chair
| | Chair
Door /
PegYm Wall
Dresser
Right
Lelfc
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
SC. I
1 Gets down to
chair, sits R.
of table.
R. of Netty.
NELLY.
Ah, the old days the dear old Grange. The
happy, happy times that will never come again.
JAIKES.
Yes, it will, missus. I don't know how, but
some'ut inside me prophesies as it will.
NELLY. 1
Bless you, Jaikes, I don't know how I shall bear
my troubles when you are gone.
JAIKES.*
When I'm what, missus ?
NELLY.
Gone yes, we're ruined ; we can't pay you the
wages we owe you.
JAIKES.
There'll be time enough for that when I asks
you.
NELLY.
Ah, but we can't afford to keep a servant any
longer you have clung to us all through, my old
friend, but We shall have to part from you now.
JAIKES.
You won't find me so easy to
Will you, though?
get rid of.
NELLY.
Crosses to R.
Ah, Jaikes, we're a sinking ship, you'd better
leave us before we go down.
JAIKES.
No, missus, my voyage is pretty well over, and if
you go down, I'll go down with you. I stuck to
you in your prosperity I took your wages when
your purse was full, and your hand was free, and I
ain't going to leave you now adversity's come and
the cupboard's empty. No ! No ! s
38
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
1 Riv*.
NELLY.
Dear kind Jaikes, but you know you could go
back to the Grange ; they want a butler, and would
be glad to have you.
JAIKES.
I daresay they would, but they won't get me I
know when I'm well off.
NELLY.
But I am forgetting, Jaikes, you must be very
tired. Go and get some sleep.
JAIKES.
I'd rather wait with you, missus.
NELLY. 1
I'll call you, Jaikes, if I want any help. Go,
Jaikes, go just to please me.
JAIKES.
Very well, missus, if you wish it.
NELLY.
There's a good Jaikes. Good night.
JAIKES.
Not 'good night,' missus, it's 'good morning.' 1
(Exit JAIKES.')
NELLY.*
Ah ! if it were the dawn of a new and happy life !
(Enter DENVER/)*
Will!*
DENVER.
Don't touch me ! You don't know what I am !
Keep away from me !
* Afutic.
Goes to win-
dow.
Left.
J Call Baxttr,
tnd Dtttctivt.
Crosut to L.
39
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc I
* Gets R., after a
momentary
look of bewil-
derment.
* L. of table.
Retreats to L.
flat.
* Sinks on chair
R. of table.
Nelly gets to R.
Coming to him.
NELLY.*
Ah, Will ! Not that not that ! For mercy V
sake, say it's not true !
DENVER. 1
Ah, if I could ! Yes it's true ! I've killed him '
Oh, if I could wipe it out ! If I could bring bach
the past few hours ! Fool ! Fool ! Fool !
NELLY.
How did it happen ?
DENVER.
I don't know! I was mad dazed. I went to
his rooms, it was dark I called out for him he
sprang upon me from behind the door we struggled
I suppose my revolver must have gone off and
then I I I don't know what happened. The
next thing I remember was Leaker, the porter, woke
me and left me and I looked round the room and
and (Picturing the scene) there he was dead
dead shot by me. s Look ! Look ! he's staring at
me. Look! Look! He'll stare at me for ever.
There ! Don't you see him ? (Pointing to the floor .)
Hide him hide him from me !
NELLY.
( With a great cry of pity goes to him and covers his
face with her hands.) Oh, my poor Will !
DENVER.
Don't touch me, I say ! There's blood upon my
hands. 4 Oh, my poor girl! Have I brought you to
this?
NELLY. 6
Don't think of me think of yourself you must
hide!
DENVER.
Hide ! No ! let them come and take me, you will
be well rid of me.
(NELLY puts her arms round his neck)
40
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
Don't pity me. If there is a spark of love left in
your breast for me, crush it out. Oh, I've been
the maddest fool that was ever sent upon this earth
to work mischief.
NELLY. 1
What time was it when it happened ?
DENVER.
I don't know a little before twelve, I think. I've
been rushing about the streets ever since trying to
get away from him and from myself.
NELLY.*
You mustn't stay here ! This will be the first place
they will search. You must go to one of the big rail-
way stations and take a ticket for a long distance
do you see make it appear you are trying to leave
the country, and then you must leave the train at
the first station, and so throw them off the scent.
(Puts her arms round DENVER'S neck.*) You'll do as
I tell you, won't you, Will ?
DENVER.
Oh, my wife ! Why don't you hate me ? Why
don't you curse me?
NELLY.
Because you never had so much need of my love
and of my prayers as you have now. We're wasting
time. What money have you ?
(DENVER feels in his pocket, takes out revolver.*)
DENVER.
Ah ! this cursed thing ! Take it away before I
do any more mischief with it.
(NELLY takes it from him?)
NELLY.
Never mind that now. I'll get rid of it when you
are gone. (Puts revolver on table.) What money
have you?
41
1 Behind Den-
ver' t chair.
* On tkt *. */
Dtnvtr.
* From behind.
4 Moves L. of
tabli.
Sht it ttanding
front of chair
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
J Call Railway
Inspector,
Rail-way Pas-
sengtrs, News-
6oy, Tipsy
Passenger,
Lady Passen-
ger.
DENVER.
Not a shilling in the world.
NELLY.
Nor I. Ah, you will be lost and all for the want
of a few pounds.
(JAIKES has enter edduring the last speech?) * *
JAIKES.
No, missus, he shan't. I've saved up a little
money against a rainy day, and Master Will's as
welcome to it as if it was his own. But what has
happened ?
NELLY.
Oh, the worst ! Out of pity don't ask. Only
help us.
JAIKES."
Aye, that I will. What can I do?
NELLY. 3
Quick, get the money. Wait ! Your master
must have some disguise. Think what he can have.
JAIKES.
Yes, missus. There's my poor brother Frank's
things. They sent 'em to me when he died. How
will they do ?
NELLY.
Sailor's clothes ! They'll do. Quick ! Get them
and put them into the portmanteau and, Jaikes,
his top coat and hat. Hurry, it's life or death !
(Exit JAIKES. 4 )
(Goes to DENVER and puts her arms around his
neck.} Oh, Will, you must save yourself for my sake.
DENVER. 5
I shan't escape they'll soon run me down, Nell.
42
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
> NtUy It ads
Denver to-
wards door R.,
fautes, then fit
retreats to
front oftablt.
Door*.
*R.
NELLY.
Ah ! no, no, no, you must escape ! You shall !
Oh, how I will pray for it this night, and you will do
your utmost for my sake ? You will find means of
letting me know where you are ?
DENVER.
Yes, and the children my little Ned and Cissy
dare I kiss them before I go ?
NELLY.
Yes come, they are asleep. 1
DENVER.
No! No! I'm not fit to kiss them! Oh,
Nelly, when they grow up and ask for their father,
what will you say ? (Bursts into tears.)
(Enter JAIKES * with overcoat, hat t portmanteau and
purse.)
JAIKES. 8
Here you are, Master Will. You'll find poor
Frank's clothes inside he was about your figure.
Here's the money there's nearly forty pounds.
(NSLLY helps DENVER on with his overcoat^)
DENVER.
I can't take your savings, Jaikes.
JAIKES.
Don't say mine, Master Will. It all came from
you and if the last drop of blood in my old heart
could save you, you should have that as well.
NELLY. 4
Quick, dear ! you must take it.
DENVER. 5
Give me a few pounds and then I'll shift for my-
self.' Here, you keep the rest for her. You'll take
care of her, won't you, Jaikes ?
43
1 Takes money
from Sttrtt.
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
3 Describes Bax-
ter goes to
door L.
JAIKES.
You needn't ask me that, Master Will.
NELLY.
( Throwing her arms round DENVER.) Oh, Will !
that ever we should part like this !
(Loud knock at door. 1 )
What's that?
DENVER.
They have come for me.
JAIKES.
(Goes to window and looks off.) A chap with a
billycock hat and check trousers. 1
DENVER.
It must be a detective. What shall I do ?
NELLY.
This way quick, we'll try to keep him.*
DENVER.
Good-bye ! Oh, my wife, forgive me ! Forgive
me ! 4
NELLY.
Go for your life !
(NELLY hurries DENVER off?)
(Then turns to JAIKES.) Jaikes, quick to your
room. Look out of your window. Ask the man to
wait a few minutes. Keep him as long as you can. 6
(Hurries JAIKES off})
(Sinks exhausted into chair*) Oh, my husband I
my husband !
(BAXTER enters through window? NELLY hears him
and turns with a shriek?)
44
Getting him to-
wards R. door.
Kisses Netty.
6 R. door.
* Music cite.
R. of table.
* And goes down
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
NELLY. 1
Ah, what do you want ?
BAXTER.*
Mr. Wilfred Denver is he at home ?
NELLY.
(Making a desperate effort to appear calm.} Yes
of course he is he is upstairs in bed. What do you
want him for ?
BAXTER. 8
(Looking at her keenly.) I think you know ; but
if you don't I'd rather not tell you. I must see him
at once.
NELLY.
Yes, on what business? Can't you tell me? I
am his wife.
BAXTER.
God help you then !
NELLY.
Why why ? Tell me your business I must I
will know.
BAXTER.
Since you will know, I want him on a charge of
murder.
NELLY.
Murder ! Oh, he is innocent, he'll be able to
explain.
BAXTER.
No doubt ! I must see him at once.
NELLY.
I'll tell him. Will you kindly sit down and wait
a few minutes till he is dressed ?
BAXTER.
Mrs. Denver, forgive me, you are not telling me
the truth your husband is not in this house.
45
1 Risine and
ttanding IH
front of tablt
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. II
1 Goes towards
door L.
* Door L.
Doori~
* Gets to door L.
NELLY.
Yes yes, wait a few moments. What makes you
think I am deceiving you ? Wait sit down, I will
fetch him. 1
(2nd DETECTIVE rushes intf
DETECTIVE.
Here, Sam ! Look alive ! Our man's got away
in a cab. Quick, we'll catch him !
(Exit.}*
(NELLY throws up her arms in despair? BAXTER is
going, sees revolver on table, picks it up.)
BAXTER.
Revolver ! One barrel fired ! We'll see if the
bullet '11 fit it.
NELLY.
(At door, clinging to BAXTER.) No, no, you
shan't go !
BAXTER.
I must do my duty ! Stand aside, Mrs. Denver,
I must do my duty.
(Exit BAXTER, 5 NELLY clinging to him and trying
to stop him.)
END OF SCENE I.
8 Lights full up.
7 In ist Grooves
folding doors
in v..flat.
Music to open.
% Call Parkyn,
Binks, Bran-
son.
L. IB.
SCENE II. 6
SCENE : A London Railway Station} +
(INSPECTOR opens doors. During scene, passengers
of all classes enter from left and pass off through
doors at back.)
(Enter DENVER hurriedly 8 %vith portmanteau ;
he glances behind him, looks furtively round.)
46
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
DENVER.
They're after me. Will they reach the station
before the train starts? It's my last chance !
{Newspaper boy coming through door?)
BOY.
Paper, sir ?
No!
DENVER.
BOY.
Winner of the Derby, sir ! Murder in Hatton
Garden last night.
DENVER.
(Starting slightly?) Yes, give me one any one
will do. (Gives coin to boy and takes paper?)
INSPECTOR.
(Coming just through doors. 1 } Now, sir, quick if
you're going by this train. Your ticket?
(DENVER shows ticket, INSPECTOR looks at it.}
Liverpool front carriage next the engine. Make
haste !
(DENVER exit hurriedly through doors in flat?)
BOY.
That cove's in a big hurry. Give me a tanner
penny for the paper, fivepence for the boy.
(Exit. 1 )
(Enter a TIPSY PASSENGER. 4 )
TIPSY P.
(Going up to INSPECTOR.) Excuse me, sir, I want
to ask you a simple question.
INSP.
Well, what is it ?
Wkiftle keard
off a tecond
whistle heard
in reply at a
little dutantt
off.
47
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
* L. of Inspector.
* Inspector
throws T. P.
R.
* Through door
C.
/Ji>>. enters
door F.
TIPSY P. 1
I've got a third class ticket for Glasgow, guv'nor.
(Produces ticket?) Look there, you can see it's all
square what I wish to know is simply this does
that include refreshments on the road ?
INSP.
(Angrily?) No, it don't !
TIPSY P.
All right, guv'nor, no 'fence, I hope merely a
suggestion on my part Railway Companies pr'vide
r'freshments on the road. Splendid idea, old flow !
Bring you in lots of traffic. 2
(Enter well-dressed Lady. INSPECTOR leaves TlPS"
PASSENGER and goes up to her, touches his cap very
respectfully?)
INSP.
( Very servilely?) Can I find you a carriage, madam }
LADY.
Yes. First class to Manchester.
INSP.
Yes, madam. Allow me to take your rugs and
umbrella.
(LADY gives up things to INSPECTOR.)
Thank you this way, madam.
(Bows her off very respectfully.) 9
TIPSY P.
That's because she's a first classer. They don't
show me to my carriage.
INSP.
(Coming to door at back, rings bell?) This way for
Rugby, Stafford, Crewe, Manchester, Liverpool
and the North.
(Goes off again.*)
48
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
1 L. of kirn.
TIPSY P. 1
(With much tipsy dignity^ Will you kindly con-
duct me to a third class smoking carriage ?
INSP.
(Has returned?) Third class smoking at end of
the train.
TIPSY P.
Kindly conduct me to my carriage and open the
door for me.
INSP
Get out ! Go and find your carriage.
TIPSY P.
No, I will not find my carriage. I will be escorted
to my carriage.
(INSPECTOR takes him by the scruff of the neck and
runs him off.)
(BAXTER rushes on. 1 )
BAXTER.*
Express gone ?
INSP.*
Yes, three minutes ago.
BAXTER.
Just my luck again. I missed the Spider last
night, and now this man's missed me. (To IN-
SPECTOR.) Did you happen to notice a gentleman
in a brown overcoat, brown hat, with a portmanteau *
INSP.
Rather dark, with small beard and moustache ?
BAXTER.
Yes.
INSP.
The very man. Came through this door about
4 49
L.IE.
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. in
1 Crosses as he
speaks to L.
Music cue.
L. I B.
8 Lights full up.
\CallSusie.
8 Parky*. L. C.
Parkyn,
Brownson be-
side him and
Sinks beside
Brownson.
three minutes ago he caught the express. 1 He's
got a first class ticket for Liverpool. He's in the
front carriage of the train.
BAXTER.
Where does the train stop the first place?
INSP.
Rugby nine thirty-five.
(Exit*)
BAXTER.
(Takes out pocketbook and writes hurriedly?)
" From Sam Baxter, Scotland Yard. To Police
Station, Rugby. Meet nine thirty-five down ex-
press, detain Wilfred Denver front carriage of train
about thirty, dark, small beard and moustache,
brown hat, brown overcoat. Wanted for murder."
I'll just nip across to the Telegraph Office, then to
Scotland Yard. We shall nab him at Rugby. 3
(Exit BAXTER.*)
END OF SCENE II.
SCENE III. 6 *
SCENE : The exterior of " The Chequers" a way-
side Inn with deeply recessed porch towards right.
(Discovered seated in the porch drinking and smok-
ing BlNKS and BROWNSON, two tradesmen, and
PARKYN the Parish clerk. PARKYN is reading
the " Daily Telegraph"}*
BlNKS.
(Politely?] When you're quite finished with that
paper, Mr. Parkyn.
PARKYN.
When I've quite finished with it, Mr. Binks, I'D
hand it over to you.
-*> 50
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
BROWNSON.
Yes, Parkyn don't be greedy. Let's all have
benefit of the news.
PARKYN.
I'm reading about a murder as was committed in
Hatton Garden, London, last night.
BROWNSON.
Ah, I like a good murder ; it's very pretty reading.
BlNKS.
Ah ! it's wonderful how tastes differ. Now my
wife, she's all for divorce and breach of promise cases.
BROWNSON.
So's my missus. It's my belief that women never
look at a newspaper for anything except these spicy
little bits.
BlNKS.
Well, a divorce is all very well in its way, but I
say, Give me a jolly good murder, one as ain't found
out for a month or two, and puzzles judge and jury
and everybody. That's what I like.
BROWNSON.
Ah ! and where you ain't quite certain it's the
right man till after he's hung, eh ? (Regretfully^)
Ah ! we don't get such murders nowadays.
BlNKS.
Have they found out who done the murder as
you're reading about, Mr. Parkyn ?
PARKYN.
Oh yes, a party by the name of Denver. There
ain't no doubt about that.
BROWNSON.
Ah, that's a pity. It takes away all the interest
and excitement.
51
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. in
BlNKS.
I don't wish to hurry you, Mr. Parkyn, but when
you've quite finished with the paper. Excuse me.
PARKYN.
Don't mention it, Mr. Binks.
BlNKS.
(Aside to BROWNSON.) Parkyn gets more hoggish
over the paper every day.
BROWNSON.
Read it out loud, Parkyn, and then we can all
hear it.
PARKYN.
Very well, gentlemen, if it's the wish of the com-
pany.
BINKS.
I think it's my turn to read out loud to-night, Mr.
Parkyn. You read out the " Horrible affair at Cam-
berwell " last night, and the " Revolting Tragedy "
the night before.
PARKYN.
Well, Mr. Binks, and if I did, am I not the clerk
of this parish ?
BINKS.
Yes, Mr. Parkyn, but because we're obliged to
listen to you on Sundays when you've got us in
church and we can't help ourselves, is no reason why
you should bullyrag us a week-days when we've got
the right of reply.
PARKYN.
Perhaps you are not aware, Mr. Binks, that the
Lord Bishop of this diocese has particularly admired
my reading of the psalms.
BINKS.
Very likely, Mr. Parkyn, but then the psalms is
one thing and " The Daily Telegraph " another.
52
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
PARKYN.
Gentlemen, I'm in your hands.
BROWNSON.
Go on, Mr. Parkyn, read out let's hear all about
this murder.
PARKYN.
Mr. Binks, you are in a minority. 1 (Coughs, ad-
fusts his spectacles, looks severely at BlNKS and be-
gins!) " A Downward Career."
BROWNSON.
Wait a bit, let's fill up our glasses and then we
can start comfortable. (Calls.) Susy ! Susy, my
dear !
(ENTER SUSY from house.) t
SUSY. 1
Did you call, sir?
BROWNSON.
(Giving her his glass.) As per usual, my dear.
(SUSY takes glass 'and exits.)*
PARKYN.
(Reading.) "A downward career. Last night a
shocking murder was committed at 114 Hatton
Garden. The victim was a young engineer named
Geoffrey Ware, who occupied the first and second
floors of the house in question. It appears that a few
minutes before eleven last night, James Leaker, the
porter, and the housekeeper of the premises, went
into Mr. Ware's room, and found there an acquaint-
ance of the deceased, by name Wilfred Denver." *
(ENTER SUSY 6 with glass of grog which she places in
front of BROWNSON.)
SUSY.
Hot or cold, Mr. Brownson ?
1 Parkyn putt
paper under
hit left arm.
Rinks and
Brownson
read it fur-
tively, Parkyn
sees them and
snatches paper
away.
J Call Denvtr.
1 Goes to Binkt.
Chucks Binkt
uncle* chin
then Parkyn.
Parkyn rus-
tles Paper at
her as the ex-
its, Binks and
Brtnuuson
cough.
.Music.
From porch C
53
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. in
1 Susie tosses her
head and ex-
its slamming
door.
* Right.
R. of porch.
PARKYN.
If you interrupt, Susy, it's impossible for me to
read. 1
(DENVER limps on* in travel-stained sailors dress,
haggard and lame he is clean shaven and appears
utterly prostrate and exhausted?)
DENVER.
(Aside.) I can't drag a step further. Let them
come and take me and end it. (Gets to porch and sinks
on seat?)
PARKYN.
(Resuming.) " And found there an acquaintance
of the deceased, by name Wilfred Denver."
(DENVER starts up as if shot, glances fiercely round
at all of them?)
DENVER.
Well!
(They all stare round at him.)
BROWNSON.
What's the matter, mate ?
DENVER.
(Recovering himself) Nothing I beg pardon,
gentlemen I was thinking of something else.
Don't take any notice of me. (Sits.)
BROWNSON.
Go on, Mr. Parkyn.
PARKYN.
(Resuming) " Wilfred Denver, a young fellow of
good connections, who has lately been leading a life
of gambling and dissipation and who had returned
54
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
from the Derby in a drunken frenzy, aggravated it
is said by heavy betting losses."
DENVER.
(Starting up fiercely and calls.) Waiter ! Waiter !
PARKYN.
(Looking at him severely <n>er his spectacles!) I
really cannot read, sir, if you interrupt.
DENVER.
(Savagely.) Who asked you to read ? Keep your
tongue quiet for a few minutes, can't you?
(PARKYN puts down paper in disgust, BlNKS and
BROWNSON snatch it up and read. Enter SUSY
from Inn) *
SUSY.
Did you call, sir?
DENVER.
Yes, something to eat. Anything there is in the
house. Lay it in a private room.
SUSY.
Yes, sir.
(Exit into house!)
BROWNSON.
Have they caught the man ?
(DENVER listens attentively!)
BINKS.
No, but the police are after him. Here's a de-
scription of him. " About thirty, medium height,
well built, clean cut features, with dissipated look, a
small beard and moustache."
PARKYN.
Poor fellow, I wonder how he feels to-night.
55
1 Sraamsem
snatches paper
from ground.
Sinks
inatchti U
from Brovm-
ton. Parky*
fetlt on
groirrdfor
paper audit
visibly an-
noyed u'un kt
finds Sinks
has ii.
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. in
BROWNSON.
Ah ! I shouldn't like to be in his shoes.
DENVER.
Are you talking about the Hatton Garden mur-
der?
Yes, sir, we are !
PARKYN.
DENVER.
Ah ! I know Hatton Garden very well. Have
they discovered anything fresh ?
BINKS.
No, that's only the morning paper. The evening
paper ain't come yet.
DENVER.
It is to be hoped they'll catch the man before
long.
PARKYN.
Oh, I expect they'll soon run him down.
DENVER.
Yes, I expect so. (Aside?) I shall betray myself
in another moment.
BINKS.
(To DENVER.) Stranger in these parts, mate?
DENVER.
Yes no I know them a little.
BINKS.
Sailor, eh ? (Noticing his clothes?)
DENVER.
Yes.
PARKYN.
Where might you be making for, sir ?
56
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
DENVER.
I'm going to join my ship.
BROWNSON.
And where might that be, mate ?
DENVER.
She's at at at (Starting up furiously?) What
the devil's that got to do with you ? (Shouts.)
Waiter ! Waiter !
(Enter SuSY/rw Inn.)
Show me to a private room where these men can't
pester me.
(Exeunt DENVER and SUSY into house)
PARKYN.
(Rises.) Pester him! Why, what's the matter
With the man ? *
BINKS.
(Rising) Pester him indeed ! I wonder who he
Is? 1 (Looking after him.) o<v
PARKYN.'
He's a madman, that's what he is. Did you no-
tice how he stared at us?
BROWNSON.* * uc
Perhaps he has escaped from somewhere.
BINKS.
Let's go in and put Mrs. Buddens on her guard.
He's a dangerous character to have about the house. 8 Exuprck c
BROWNSON.
Yes, come on, Mr. Parkyn, we may find out some-
thing more about him.'
(Exeunt ALL into Inn)
(Rapid change to interior.)
57
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. iv
1 Lights full uf.
*L.F.
SOt L. of table.
SCENE IV. 1
SCENE : Room in " The Chequers."
(Discover DENVER hanging cap on peg.* SUSY right
of table laying cloth,}
(MUSIC to begin.)
SUSY.
You look tired.
DENVER.
(Getting L. of table.) Yes, my girl, I am.
SUSY.
What's the matter with your foot ?
DENVER.
Nothing.
SUSY.
That's a fib you're quite lame.
DENVER.
No, no, I've walked a good bit to-day and I'm
dead beat. 8
SUSY.
Never mind, you'll be better to-morrow.
DENVER.
Yes, I shall be better to-morrow. Bring me some
water, will you ?
SUSY.
Yes anything else ?
DENVER.
You get the London evening paper here?
SUSY.
Yes ; it generally comes about this time.
58
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
DENVER.
Let me have it the moment it comes. (Aside?) I
can't help what they suspect, I must know.
(SUSY is looking compassionately at him.)
Don't look at me, there's a good girl, go out
shut the door, and don't let me be disturbed.
SUSY.
is.
(Going out, aside.) Poor fellow, I wonder who he
(Exit * leaving it open.)
DENVER.
How long will it last ? I wonder if anyone saw
me jump from the train. What a fearful jump !
What a mercy I wasn't dashed to pieces. I wonder
what time it is. It must be about a quarter-past
eight. A quarter-past eight. And yesterday at this
time I was innocent ! Yesterday he was alive and
I could laugh and play the fool, and_ now ! Oh
rjr>^ \ pn*. hark Thy universe and give me 'yesTerday !
Too late ! Too late ! Ah, my wife, how thoughtful
she was. Shall I ever see her again and my chil-
dren Ah, Heaven, work out some way of escape for
me not for my own sake, not to shield me from the
just consequences of my crime, but for the sake of
my dear wife and innocent children who have never
done any wrong. Spare me till I have made atone-
ment for the evil I have done. (Looks round.) I
wonder where I am ? I must have dragged at least
twenty miles to-day. (Sees Railway Time Table.)*
Ah, a Railway Time Table, then there is a station
somewhere near. (Crosses and gets Time Table and
returns to table and sits.)
(Enter SUSY 1 with water.)
SUSY.
(Pouring out water) There you are ! *
59
1 D. r. u.c.
* Time TabU it
I- o/fioer.
D.F.
At R. oftatU,
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
sc. IV
DENVER.
Thank you, my girl. (Drinks.)
SUSY.
You ain't a bit like a sailor. 1
DENVER.
Why not ? What makes you think that ?
SUSY.
1 Polishing tray.
* Polishing tray
furiously.
Exit door L C.
Sailors are always hearty and jolly, and want te
kiss me. 1 (Pauses?) I know you've hurt your foct
I wish you'd let John the ostler see it he's as good
as a doctor for sprains, and he'll tell you what to
bathe it with.
DENVER.
No no let me alone, that's all I want, and don'1
forget the Evening Paper.
SUSY.
Very well, you shall have it the moment it comes.
(Exit leaving door open^f
DENVER.
I can't eat, and yet I must I must put some
strength into me. I can't last out another day like
this.
(PARKYN and BROWNSON talk outside. DENVER
sees the door open, limps up to it and is about to shut
it when his attention is arrested.}
Hark ! What are they talking about in there ?
PARKYN (voice heard outside).
I never heard sentence of death passed but once,
and that was when I was a boy, but I shall never
forget it.
BiNKS.
(Outside^ Tell us all about it, Mr. Parkyn.
60
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
PARKYN.
(Outside?) Well ! It was on James Beecroft, the
Aylesbury murderer; and the jury had been over
two hours deliberating and it was late at night, and
the court was lighted with candles in them days.
And one of the candles was burnt down to the
socket and kept on drip, drip, drip on my shoulder ;
and I couldn't stir, for we was packed at tight as
herrings in a barrel ; and the jury came out and every-
body was as quiet as death ; and the foreman of the
jury gave in the verdict, and that candle went out
the very moment as he said "Guilty." And the
man's wife was in court and she screamed out to the
judge to save her husband, and they had to drag her
out of court, and she was carried out shrieking like
a mad thing. And the judge was sobbing like a
baby and when the court had got quiet again, the
judge took out the Black Cap
(DENVER slams the door furiously!)
DENVER.
God ! I can bear it no longer. Have mercy upon
me, and end it now. (Comes down C.)
(Enter SUSY with paper.)
(He stares at her.) Well ?
SUSY.
Paper, sir. 1
(DENVER takes paper from her mechanically and
watches her out of room. She delays her Exit a
moment looking at him. The moment she has gone,
he opens the paper and with feverish haste looks up
and down it.)
DENVER.'
What's this ? " Terrible railway calamity.
Seven thirty-five express from Euston ' That's
the train I was in. (Reading breathlessly.) " as-
61
i-of Deitvtr.
1 Sit* L. tftabU
ACT II
THE SILVER KING
SC. IV
Rises.
* Music.
* D00TL. C
4 Down L.
cending an incline came into collision with
some detached wagons of a goods train descending
the incline on the same line of rail one of the
wagons was loaded with petroleum the bar-
rels burst with the shock, the vapour of the oil came
in contact with the engine fire and in a moment the
front part of the train was wrapped in fierce and inex
tinguishable flames. The three front carriages, with
all their occupants, were burning for upwards of an
hour and were unapproachable on account of the in-
tense heat. Nothing was left of them but cinders.
Amongst the ill-fated passengers was Wilfred Den-
ver " "who committed the murder in Hatton Gar-
den last night " What's this ? " and who has thus
paid the last penalty of his crime in the very act of
flying from justice." (Reads again.}
ill-fated . passagexs,.was..Wj]frecL Denv-er " Yes, it
is here ! " paid the last penalty of his crime." Then
I am dead dead to all the world. 1 Dead ! Yes,
dead ! 2
(Kneels.') Merciful Father, Thou hast heard my
prayer and given me my life. I take it to give it
back to Thee. My wife ! She will see this and
think me dead. Ah ! better so, better so than to be
tied to a murderer ! (Rises.) Yes, my darling, I have
done you harm enough ! Now I will set you free.
(Enter SUSY. 3 )
How far is it to the station ?
SUSY.*
A mile, sir.
DENVER.
There is a late train down to Bristol, is there not?
SUSY.
Yes, sir, the down night mail.
DENVER.
Order a horse and conveyance to meet it at once.
62
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT II
Yes, sir.
SUSY.
(Exit. 1 )
DENVER.
I shall reach Bristol to-night Wilfred Denver is
dead ! Tcvmorrow I begin a new life !_"
END OF ACT II.
1 /?<*> ue
1 Mutic fortt /09
curtain.
Bight
ACT III. SCENE I. "THE SPIDER'S VILLA"
This Scene is also Act V, Scene I. with a Door R instead of Fireplace
Snow Backing
Window
Curtains to Window
Armchair
Cabinet
Q
Armchair
Door
Left
Right
ACT HI. SCENE II. SNOW SCENE
Snow Cloth
Interior Backing
Railings
Railings
Q Door
=3
Tu
Small Table Door/
Porch
Doid Chair <{_
J
o Small
fe
4 Old
o
D
Table
C
^
Bench
- _
Steps
Left
J Beginners.
Skinner^
Olive.
This scene is
built on a plat-
form dividing
in the c. to
wheel off at
change.
1 Lights full up.
Music to open.
*R.
\ Call Coombe,
Cripps, Ser-
vant.
' R. c. by win-
dow.
Coming down
to Skinner,
ACT III. *
(SCENE I. SKINNER'S villa at Bromley. A
luxuriously furnished apartment. Door right,
window at back shelving a snowy landscape outside.
Fireplace right, with large comfortable fire burning.
Door left.)
(Discover OLIVE SKINNER at window locking out.
SKINNER is seated 2 in a luxurious arm-chair near
fire. He is reading a French novel.) *
OLIVE. 8
More snow! 4 Herbert, you don't really mean to
turn that poor woman and her children out of that
wretched cottage ?
Yes, I do !
Why?
SKINNER.
OLIVE.
SKINNER.
They are starving, one of the children is dying.
I object to people starving and dying on my prop,
erty.
OLIVE.
But what will they do? Where will they go ?
SKINNER.
There's a nice comfortable workhouse about two
miles off.
64
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
OLIVE. 1
But surely, Herbert
SKINNER.
Now don't argue, Olive, the woman can't pay her
rent she must go !
OLIVE.
But it isn't her fault she is poor.*
SKINNER.
Fault! It's no fault in England to be poor. It's
a crime. That's the reason I'm rich.
OLIVE.
Rich ? When I think how our money is got, I
grudge the poorest labourer's wife her crust of bread
and drink of water.*
SKINNER.
Ah, that's foolish. My dear Olive, all living crea-
tures prey upon one another. The duck gobbles up
the worm, the man gobbles up the duck, and then
the worm gobbles up the man again. It's the great
law of nature. My profession is just as good as any
other, till I'm found out.
OLIVE. 4
When you talk like that I hate you. Your pro-
fession, indeed ! Burglary burglary and (In a
whisper.) murder !
SKINNER.
(Starts up with a 'frightened look and seizes her by
wrist.) If you remind me of that cursed affair again
I'll I'll (Dropping her hand.) There, don't be a
fool, Olive, don't do it again, there's a good girl. 5
OLIVE.
You're not quite deaf to the voice of conscience,
it seems.
5 65
1 Puts her arm*
on tht back of
hit chair.
Pause, fttt to
iuork-tablt.
Pause.
* Risttfott t
him.
' Sluts into a
chair, deadly
quiet, and
ttares in front
of him.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. l
SKINNER.
I wish to goodness I could be deaf to your voice
1 Gets back to
work-table
and sits.
1 Rising and
putting his
arm on the
mantel-piece.
Turning to
Olive.
* Doori*
\ Call Corkett.
8 L. door.
' Skinner crosses
to L. Olive
gets up to -win-
dow.
L. D.
occasionally.
OLIVE. ]
Herbert, can't you make some reparation, can
you not do something to wipe the stain off that
man's memory ?
SKINNER.
No, I can't ! * Shut up ! What a fool I was to
tell you.
OLIVE.
Do you think I would have let you tell me if I had
guessed what your secret was? I've not had one
peaceful moment since.
SKINNER. 3
No, and what's more, you haven't let me have
one either. For Heaven's sake, Olive, don't look
like that, or you'll be old and ugly in no time.
Let's forget the cursed thing.
(Enter SERVANT.) * *
(To SERVANT, his manner entirely changed')
They've come ?
Yes, sir.
Send them up.
SERVANT.
SKINNER.
(Exit SERVANT.) 5
(OLIVE rises and is going out?)
You'd better stay one must be polite to one's busi-
ness acquaintances. 6
(Enter SERVANT 7 showing in COOMBE and CRIPPS.)
(Exit SERVANT.)
66
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
COO M BE.
My dear boy !
(To OLIVE). 1
(To SKINNER.) 1
How d'ye do, ma'am ?
(He holds out his hand to OLIVE, she shrinks from
taking it. SKINNER throws her a look of com-
mand, she then shakes hands with COOMBE.)
CRIPPS. 3
(Is smoking a short pipe, does not take off his hat,
nods familiarly to OLIVE.) My respects, ma'am.
(Looks round the room.} Spider, this is a blazing
snug crib you have got here.
SKINNER. 4
Yes, pretty well. By the way, Cripps, I wish
you'd be a little more careful in your selection of
adjectives.
CRIPPS. 5
What's the matter with my adjectives ? Them as
don't like my company can leave it.
OLIVE. 8
Then there's no occasion for me to stay, I think.
CRIPPS.
(Seated in easy-chair stretching out his legs and
smoking short pipe.} Not a bit, ma'am. No offence
to you, but I hates a parcel of women folk poking
their noses where they ain't wanted. There !
That's what I call business. There ain't no non-
sense about me.
SKINNER.
No, nor any superfluous politeness.
CRIPPS.
I hates politeness. I hates folks as are civil and
67
1 A dvancing to
kirn.
1 Afttr crossing
taker.
Sit* in chair L.
* Crossing to L.
and txits door
L.
* Skinner of ens
the door for
her, then
comes to c. &#
tvueen Coomtt
and (.'riffs.
The former
hat seated
himself in
chair oy work-
table. Skin-
ner fasses 6e-
hind (.riffs to
stuck up.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
c.
* Crosses to R. c.
* Is seated in
chair by work-
table.
' Leans against
the arm of
chair.
SKINNER. 1
My dear fellow, consider the dignity of our pro-
fession. There's no reason why we shouldn't be
gentlemen.
CRIPPS.
Gentlemen ! There's nothing of the gentleman
about me.
SKINNER.
Hush, don't tell us so, or we shall begin to believe
it by and bye. 2
COOMBE. 3
Now, my dear boys, let's get to business.
SKINNER.
Fire away, Father Christmas ! * I'm all attention ;
but before we set out for fresh woods and pastures
new, let's square Lady Blanche's diamonds. Where
are they ?
COOMBE.
Down at my wharf by the river along with the
other swag.
SKINNER.
Who looks after that place now ?
COOMBE.
It's locked up at present.
SKINNER.
That won't do, you know you must keep some-
body there somebody you know.
COOMBE.
You can't spare one of your people, I suppose ?
SKINNER.
No, I'm very comfortably suited just now. My
coachman has just done eighteen months ; my cook's
68
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
a jewel she's the one that stole Lord Farthinghoe's
silver I always like to encourage enterprise. My
housemaid was born in Durham jail, and my footman
I took out of charity when his father went to do his
fourteen years. In fact, I haven't a soul about the
place that I can't trust.
(Enter SERVANT.) '
SERVANT.
The Duke of New York's below, sir.
SKINNER.
That fellow ! Give him a bit of dinner and kick
him out of the place.
SERVANT.
He says he must see you, sir.
SKINNER.
(Shrugs his shoulders.} Send him up. 1
SERVANT. 3
Here he is, sir.
(Enter CoRKETT door, * seedy, half starved, dirty,
shivering, unshorn, ragged, his hair cropped as if
just out of prison!) *
(Exit SERVANT.) 5
COOMBE. 6
Dear me! Why, it's our dear old friend, Mr.
'Enery Corkett.
CORKETT. 7
Your old friend. A pretty hole you let your
friends into.
COOMBE.
My dear boy, what was we to do ? Why, it might
have happened to any of us.
69
1 Goes tofirt.
' Looking ojf L
% Call Ntlly.
Doorl~
Rises.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
1 Seated in arm-
chair.
* L. ef 'Skinner.
1 Coombe Kat
seated himself
+. of table.
CORKETT.
All my eye, Father Christmas. You were wide
oh, you three, and you meant to let me in. There's
Spider there, (Goes to SKINNER.) Now then, Mr.
Spider, can't you speak to an old pal ?
SKINNER. 1
So ! you're out again, are you ?
CORKETT. 1
Yes, I've just done the twelve months as you
ought to have done.
SKINNER.*
Very well, don't brag about it, and perhaps you'll
get another twelve months.
CORKETT.
Oh no, I shan't, I'm going to turn honest.
SKINNER.
Very well you make an infernally bad rogue,
Corkett I don't know how you'll answer in the
other line. My private opinion is you won't be a
credit to either.
CORKETT.
I ain't going to be your tool and cat's-paw any
longer.
SKINNER.
Very well.
CORKETT.
Here you are living in bang up style, surrounded
by every luxury.
SKINNER.
The fruits of years of honourable industry.
70
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT ir
I Stated i* chair.
CORKETT.
While I ain't got the price of a glass of bitter.
SKINNER.
Try a few bitter reflections.
CORKETT.
No, I shan't ! I shall try honesty.
SKINNER. 1
Do it's always the last resource of people who
fail as rogues. 1
CORKETT.
And mind you, Spider, once I do turn honest, I
shall turn damned honest, and make it jolly hot for
all of you.
Coo M BE. 2
Come, come, you know what the Spider is, you
must brush him the right way of the wool.* Now
we've got a splendid plant on, ain't we, Spider, and
he shall stand in.
No, I'm d-
SKINNER.
if he shall.
COO M BE.
(Aside to SKINNER.) My dear boy, we must keep
his mouth shut or else he'll go and blab about that
Hatton Garden affair.
SKINNER.
Corkett ! Corkett !* I'm not to be bullied, but if
you behave yourself, I don't mind doing something
for you.'
CORKETT.
All right, I'm fly ! Let's have some dinner to
start with. I've got rats inside of me. What time
do you dine, Spider?
7'
Comet to Cor-
kett and fttt
hint c.
* Corkett foes H
to cabinet at
tack.
Corkett foft t
kirn.
Coombe c. dift
Corkett in
ribs. Corkett
digt him back
Coombe then
tits chair K. of
table.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
* Doori~
SKINNER.
Seven. 1 But pray don't wait for me. (Rings.)
CORKETT.
I won't ; I'll have some lunch now, and then I'll
dine with you by and bye.
SKINNER.
We always dress for dinner. Mrs. Skinner makes
a point of it.
CORKETT.
Very sorry, Spider, I've left my dress togs with
my uncle. You'll have to excuse morning dress this
time.
(Enter SERVANT.) 2
SKINNER.
Some lunch for this gentleman.
CORKETT.
And some wine, Spider.
SKINNER. 3
Some claret for the gentleman.
CORKETT.
Claret be blowed. Let's have some champagne.
SKINNER.
Some champagne for the gentleman.
CRIPPS.
(Rising?) I think I'll join the gentleman. I've
had one dinner, but mine's a wonderful accommo-
dating sort of stomach.
(Exeunt SERVANT and CRIPPS.)*
CORKETT.
Au revoir (Going.) Spider meet you at dinner.
Door'L.
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
* R. C by firt,
looking after
him.
* Gels to C.
4 Door l.
Seven, I think you said. (Aside.) If I can't take it
out of Spider, I'll take it out of his champagne.
(Exit.) 1 * Door
SKINNER. 2
The brute ! If he gets a spoonful of wine into
him, it'll fly into the place where his brains ought to
be, and he may open his mouth too wide. Coombe,
you'd better go and look after him. 8
COOMBE.
All right, my dear boy. Anything for an honest
living.
(Exit.)'
SKINNER. 5
That cursed Corkett turned up again ! Am I
always to be reminded of that ? I wish they'd all die.
I'll cut the whole gang after my next ' coup,' disap-
pear, retire to some quiet country place, go to church
regularly, turn churchwarden and set an example to
all the parish. 6
(Enter OLIVE showing in NELLY. She is haggard,
pale and very poorly dressed?) T *
OLIVE.
(To NELLY.) Come in. Here is my husband
you shall speak to him yourself.
SKINNER.
What is it now? Do shut that door.
(NELLY shuts door.)
What is it ?
OLIVE.'
This is the poor woman who lives in the gardener's
old cottage.
73
Goes tofirt
and sit* in
arm-chair.
r They enter by
L. door.
t Calljaiket.
* At back ef kit
ckair.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
1 Centre.
1 Olive gets to
window.
* Turning to
Olive.
Gets L.
NELLY. 1
Mercy, sir, mercy on a starving woman and a dying
child.
SKINNER.
My good woman, you'll be much better off in
the workhouse. You will be provided with food
and your child will be attended by a doctor.
NELLY.
But he will die it will kill him to move him this
bitter weather. Have mercy, sir, have mercy ! J
SKINNER.
Now please don't make a scene. I've made up
my mind to pull down that cottage. It isn't fit for
a dog to live in.
NELLY.
Then let me live in it, and my children, only fora
few days only till my child is better or dead.
SKINNER.
Yes, that's just it ! Your child may die and I
don't wish him to die on my property, a hundred
yards from my door. I dislike death, it's a nuisance,
and I don't wish to be reminded of it.
NELLY.
Ah, but think of it, it's the last chance for my
child. If you turn us out to-night, my boy will die.
OLIVE.
Oh, Herbert, think what you are doing!
NELLY.*
Oh, thank you for that. Beg him to let me stay.
OLIVE.
I have no influence over my husband. 1
74
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
1 Riies and
ttandt with
back tofirt.
SKINNER.
(To NELLY.) Have the goodness to believe I
mean what I say. 1
(NELLY kneels to him.)
Now get up, there's no need to kneel to me.
NELLY.
Yes ! yes ! there is much need. You shall not
say me 'no. 1 Oh, I'm sure you are good and kind
at heart you do not wish my boy, my brave, beauti-
ful boy to die. Ah, you are listening you will have
mercy yes, yes, yes !
SKINNER.
(After a pause) Very well. If you don't bother
me any more you can stay till your child gets better. 1
NELLY.
(Rises.) God bless you ! God bless you !
SKINNER.
Yes, we know all about that. Now go away and
don't make any more fuss.*
NELLY.
Oh, but I can't help thanking you and * you too
with my whole heart.
SKINNER.
There, that'll do, Olive, show the woman out.
OLIVE.'
Will you come this way, Mrs I don't know your
name.
NELLY.
My name is Nelly. (TV SKINNER.) Thank you
again and again. You have saved my child's life.
(Exeunt OLIVE and NELLY.)*
75
1 Gott to fir*
* Olivt crotttt R
TurnitiftO
Olivt.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
SC. I
IL.D.
8 Crosses to
Coombe,
L.O
(COOMBE Enters l almost instantaneously, looking
scared?)
SKINNER.
What's the matter now ?
COOMBE.
(Pointing out after NELLY.) That woman! That
woman !
SKINNER.
Well, what of her ? What's the matter, man ?
Have you seen a ghost ? 2
COOMBE. 3
I knew her again in a moment.
SKINNER. 4
Who is she ?
COOMBE.
Denver's widow.
SKINNER.
You must be mistaken. How do you know her?
COOMBE.
They pointed her out to me at the inquest on
Ware's body. I'm not likely to forget her.
SKINNER.
(Aside.) That man's widow here at my door.
(Stands pale and speechless, for a few moments,
then in a low, hoarse voice speaks to COOMBE.)
Coombe, you can do this job for me.
What? What?
COOMBE.
SKINNER.
My wife has got a maggot in her brain about that
76
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
Hatton Garden accident. If she finds out that this
woman is Denver's widow, she'll make my life a pur-
gatory and the whole business'll leak out.
Coo M BE.
What's to be done?
SKINNER.
She's living in that old tumble-down cottage of
mine you know. She can't pay her rent she's
had notice to quit for the last fortnight go and get
some men and turn her and her belongings out of
my place.
Coo M BE.
All right, leave it to me.
Do it at once.
It's done.
SKINNER.
Coo M BE.
(Exit.)
SKINNER.
Denver's widow ! Lucky I found it out and can
bundle them out. They can do their starving some-
where else they shan't do it on my property. 1
END OF SCENE I.
SCENE II. 4
SCENE : NELLY DENVER'S home,
interior and school/louse?
Winter. Cottage
(Enter NELLY from inner room of cottage. She
pauses at the door and looks in again, speaking as
she looks.)
77
1 DoorL.
1 Music.
* Doori-
Light, %.
Mtttic to Ar/M.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. II
J Call Cissy and
all tchool
children.
* Crosses stage.
* R. of table.
Hanging his
hat on a peg.
NELLY.
Sleep on, my darling boy ! You are happier so.
You do not feel you are hungry, and you do not tear
your poor mother's heart by begging for the food
she has not got to give.
(Enter JAIKES 1 through stile with bundle of sticks and
some coal in an old sack. He is beating himself to
keep warm.) t
JAIKES.
This is a freezer and no mistake.* (Enters cottage)
NELLY.'
(Eagerly.) Well, Jaikes, any success ?
JAIKES. 4
Success, missus, rather ! Things is looking up.
What do you think ? I'ye been and earned a shill-
ing this afternoon.
NELLY.
(Joyfully.) A shilling, Jaikes?
JAIKES. 5
Yes, a whole shilling, straight off ! Earned it all
in a couple of hours. There it is ! (Puts shilling on
table)
NELLY.
Oh, Jaikes, isn't that lucky ! I was just wonder-
ing whether we should have anything to eat to-
night.
JAIKES.
Eat ! Lor' bless you, we'll have a reg'lar Lord
Mayor's banquet. What did the gentleman say
about letting us stay on ?
NELLY.
At first he was very hard and cruel and said we
78
L. of talk.
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
must go, but I went down on my knees to him and
begged so hard and wouldn't take ' no/ till he was
obliged to say we might stay till Ned was better.
JAIKES.
Bless your sweet, pale face, missus, he must have
had a heart made of brickbats if he could have said
4 no ' to you. 1
NELLY.
And so you see we haven't got to turn out after
all, Jaikes.
(JAIKES begins to put sticks and lay fire?)
You have brought some wood and some coals ? *
1 Crosses to fire-
plaee B.
1 Gttt L. of him.
JAIKES.
Yes ; you see it gets a bit chilly towards the even-
ing, and I thought a fire 'ud look cheerful.
NELLY.
Where did you get the firing from, Jaikes? 1
JAIKES.
I begged it off Bodgers the baker.
NELLY.
Bodgers the baker that dreadful hard-hearted
man ?
JAIKES.
Oh, Bodgers is all right once you get the right
side of him, though judging from Bodgers 'squint
you'd think he was capable of anything,
NELLY.
And how did you manage to get the soft side of
him? 4
JAIKES.
Well, I went to work artful ; you see, Bodgers's
missus is a regular downright tartar.
79
* Gets matches
from the man-
tel-piece.
* Lights match
and fives it to
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
1 Lights fire.
' Rises and puts
sack up stags
8 Kneels by fire.
4 Coming down
L. of table.
* Rise*.
NELLY.
Is she ?
JAIKES.
Oh, yes, she leads Bodgers a dreadful life. It's
no wonder he squints * with such a wife as he's got.
Well I hangs about the bakehouse and sympathises
with Bodgers, and says all the hard things as I could
invent about womenkind. Oh, I laid it on thick ! *
NELLY.
But you didn't mean it, Jaikes ? 8
JAIKES. 4
Not I, missus. My private opinion of women is
as they're angels, you in particular, missus. Well, I
kept on helping Bodgers and a sympathising with
him, and Bodgers, he says, " I know what you're
after, you old vagabond," says he.
NELLY.
He called you an old vagabond ?
JAIKES.
Yes, but I didn't take no notice of that.
*
NELLY.
No, put it down to his ignorance.
JAIKES.
Yes, that's what I did, '' You're after a job, you
old scarecrow," says he. " Now be off ! Get out,
'cos I shan't employ you," and he takes a shilling
out of the till and chucks it down at me, and I picks
it up and I says, " I takes it, Mr. Bodgers, just to
show the respect I've got for you, and 'cos I know
you'd be offended if I didn't
NELLY.
That was clever of you, Jaikes, to earn a shilling
in that way. 5
80
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
1 Putt ckair .
of table.
sa.
Got* L. o/tabl*
JAIKES.
It was artful, wasn't it ? And now, missus, what
shall we do with it ? l
NELLY. 2
Well, Jaikes, it's your money.
JAIKES. 8
No, missus, I only earned it for you and the dear
little master and missy.
NELLY.
Well, what do you think, Jaikes?
JAIKES.
Faggots is cheap and relishing.
NELLY.
I don't think they like faggots.
JAIKES.
No ? What do you say to some nice red herrings
soft roe'd 'uns ?
NELLY.
Yes, red herrings are nice, but do you think, Jaikes,
there is enough support in them for growing
children?
JAIKES.
Well, perhaps there ain't, but there's plenty of
flavour. (Suddenly.) I've got it, missus !
NELLY.
Well, what, Jaikes ?
JAIKES.
Saveloys ! After all, there's nothing like saveloys,
is there ? Talk about your partridge, your venison,
and your 'are, why, I've tasted saveloys as 'ud give
6 81
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
'em all a start if it came to a question of game. But
there, missus, you take the shilling and spend it how
you think proper.
1 Rises and puts
back chair.
* Puts on her
bonnet and
shawl.
l_ of tabU.
Gtts to fire.
NELLY. 1
You may be sure I shan't forget half an ounce
of tobacco. 1
JAIKES.
Tobacco now don't you, missus, I've given up
smoking.
NELLY.
Given up smoking, Jaikes ?
JAIKES. 3
Yes ; you see, missus, there's so many boys have
took to it lately I thought it was about time for
men to leave off.*
NELLY.
Well, I shall insist on your having a good hearty
meal with us.
JAIKES.
Now don't you, missus. I ain't hungry. I've
been smelling the dinners at Bodgers' all day, and
what with his roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, his
beefsteak and kidney pie, roast duck and stuffing, I
sniffed and sniffed at them till I got a reg'lar attack
of indigestion.
NELLY.
Well, if you don t manage to find a great big ap-
petite before I come back, there'll be such a to-do
in this house as never was.
JAIKES.
Don't I tell you, missus, I ain't hungry. Now
you make haste and get something for Master Ned
by when he wakes.
82
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
1 Draft dffam L.
of table.
*Gelt to . e)
tabU.
NELLY.
(Going to inner door and looking off.) Look, Jaikes,
how pretty he looks in his sleep.
JAIKES. 1
(Going to inner door.} Yes, bless his heart How
much he do remind me of but I mustn't say that,
must I ?
NELLY.
Yes, say it, Jaikes I like to think of him my
dear dead Will ! Whatever his faults, he was always
the best of husbands to me. (Crying a little, then
wiping away her tears.) But there, I mustn't cry to-
day now we've been so fortunate. Oh, Jaikes, I feel
so much happier. I think we shall weather the
storm after all.*
JAIKES.
Why, of course we shall, now I can go and earn
shillings off-hand like that.
NELLY.
(Taking JAIKES' hands and swinging them back-
wards and forwards in her own.} And the cruel
winter will soon be over.
JAIKES.
And the nice warm spring days will come.
NELLY.
And darling Ned will get well and strong again.
JAIKES.
And I shall get lots of work and earn heaps of
money.
NELLY.
How happy we shall be !
83
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. II
JAIKES.
Lor' bless you, missus, we shall get on like a house
afire now.
NELLY.
Dear old Jaikes ! Wait here, Jaikes, I'll be back
soon, and then we'll have our Lord Mayor's Banquet
all together.
1 L. 2 B.
J Call Denver.
* Crossing to
fire.
' Speaks as he
crosses stage.
L.O. E.
(Opens door, crossing stage, Exit.) 1 *
JAIKES.
Blow up, Bodgers ! * (Poking up fire) There !
That's a blazing up beautiful. We shall soon have
quite a Fifth of November. Master Ned's asleep-
ing as sound as a top Miss Cissy will be out of
school soon and she'll take care of him. I wish I
could earn another sixpence. We can't have much
of a Lord Mayor's Banquet with a shilling, but with
eighteen pence, what a treat we could have. (Exit
from cottage)* I'll try ! I'll try ! There's life in
the old dog yet.
(Exit * running feebly and beating his arms)
(CHILDREN in school sing the following hymn. After
first verse enter DENVER. 5 He has changed very
much, his hair is almost white, and his face worn,
his manner grave and subdued. He enters listen-
ing to the children's voices. The hymn is sung to
the accompaniment of an harmonium)
ist Verse.
What though my sins as mountains rise
And reach and swell to Heaven,
Yet Mercy is above the skies
I may be still forgiven.
2nd Verse.
Then let me stay in doubt no more
Since there is sure release,
For ever open stands the door,
Repentance, Pardon, Peace.
84
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
DENVER. 1
Repentance, Pardon, Peace ! The old, old mes-
sage ! The sweet old message ! That must be for
me yes, even for me. 1
They are coming out. Perhaps I shall be able to
get some news of my dear ones. I have tracked them
so far, from one wretched home to another Shall I
ever find them, or find them only in the grave?*
(CHILDREN come out of school? skipping, shouting,
laughing, etc. ClSSY DENVER comes out among
the others ; they are laughing, romping, and play-
ing. She stands apart for a moment and then goes
timidly up to them.}
CISSY.'
Let me play with you !
BIG GIRL.*
No, come away from her, girls ! Nobody is to
speak to her. (70 ClSSY.) Our fathers and mothers
are respectable. Come on, girls !
(Exeunt all t/ie school-girls but one." 1 )
(ClSSY is left sobbing when the little school-girl who
has stayed behind goes up to her and offers ClSSY a
piece of cake.)
LITTLE GIRL.
There, Cissy, don't you cry. I've got a piece of
cake. There (Giving cake.) don't you tell anybody
I love you if the others don't.
(Kisses ClSSY and runs off. 6 )
DENVER.'
Why are you crying, my dear ?
CISSY. 10
The girls won't play with me. They won't
speak to me.
85
1 Sinking on
bench L. c
1 Noise of chil.
dren in school.
* Retire*
stage.
L.J..
USB.
L. a B. Cisty it
crying.
Denver comet
down to City.
R. o/Denvtr.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
DENVER.
Why how's that ? What makes them so cruel ?
(CISSY is silent.}
Come, tell me all about it. You're not afraid of
me, are you ?
CISSY.
(Looking up into his face.) No, I like you.
DENVER.
That's right. I thought we should get on to-
gether. Now tell me all your troubles why won't
they play with you ?
CISSY.
(Looking cautiously round.) You won't tell any-
body, will you ?
DENVER.
No, I promise you it shall be a secret.
CISSY.
(In a whisper) They say my father killed a man.
(DENVER starts up stung with pain and turns away
his face)
Ah ! that makes you turn away from me.
DENVER.
No ! No, my dear, don't think that. Tell me
quick what is your name ?
Cissy Denver.
CISSY.
DENVER.
(Aside) My own child ! The sins of the father
are visited upon the children. Oh, Heaven, is it
just? What has this innocent lamb done that she
should be hounded for my crime.
86
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
CISSY.
Why are you crying ?
DENVER.
Never mind me I Never mind me! Where do
you live ?
CISSY.
(Points) In here.
DENVER.
In there?
CISSY.
Yes, will you come in ? (Goes inside the cottage,
leaves the door open. As soon as she sees the fire, she
runs to it.)
DENVER.
My own little Cissy that I left a toddling baby.
(Enters cottage .)
CISSY.
(Kneeling by fire and clapping hands) Oh, look !
A fire ! A fire ! We haven't had a fire for I don't
know how long. ( Warms her hands)
DENVER.
(At back of table aside) In this wretched hole
and without a fire! (Comes /0CISSY aloud) Who
else lives with you, Cissy?
CISSY.
Mother and Ned, and our old Jaikes. You don't
know our old Jaikes. I do love him !
DENVER.
God bless him ! Where are the others, Cissy ?
CISSY.
I daresay Jaikes has gone to (jet some work, and
mother is in the next room nursing Ned, I'll tell her
you 're here. 1
37
* atu t g**t
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
1 Gets towards
door.
* At the door,
preparing to
go.
At door.
uc
b Gets chair,
places it k. of
table by fire.
Dusting chair
with pinafore.
DENVER. 1
No, no, I must go I have no business here. 1
CISSY.
( Who kas been to inner door, opened it and looked in.)
No mother isn't at home. Oh, I know, we can't
pay our rent, and she's gone to ask the gentleman to
let us stop on for a few days. 8
DENVER.
(Aside?) To stay on here !
CISSY.
(Runs to door.} Ned's in there, he's asleep.
(DENVER is going to door to look, ClSSY closes door
and comes away?)
Hush ! you mustn't wake him. He's been very ill.
DENVER/
111 ! Not very ill ? Not dangerously ill ?
CISSY.
(Goes to him?) Yes, but he's getting better.
Won't you sit down and warm yourself. There's
only one chair, but you may have that. 6
DENVER.
(Sits?) May I ? And will you come and sit on
my knee? (Holds out his arms?) Don't be afraid
come !
CISSY.
(Going to him?) Oh, I'm not a bit afraid of you.
DENVER.
What has been the matter with your little brother ?
CISSY.
(Sitting on DENVER'S knee?) The doctor says he
88
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
has not had enough to eat. We have been so poor ;
sometimes we hive scarcely had anything for days.
Mother tried to get a living by teaching, but when
people found out who my father was, they wouldn't
let her teach any more.
DENVER.
(Aside.') The fiends! (Aloud.) But your mother
has had some money some friends have sent her
some, eh?
CISSY.
No, she has no friends.
DENVER.
Yes, Cissy, yes think again. She has had some
money sent her ?
CISSY.
No ; who would send her money ?
DENVER.
(Aside.) It has never reached her. (Aloud.) And
does the doctor think your little brother will get
better ?
ClSSY. 1
Yes ; if he could have nice things to eat.
DENVER.
So he shall ! Everything that money can buy.
(Takes out purse.) Here, take this, you'll find plenty
of money in that.
CISSY.
Is that for mother ? Oh, that is kind.
DENVER.
No, my dear, don't say that. Wait a minute.
I've got some more money loose in my pocket.
(Taking it out and putting it in purse.) There, now
you've got all my money.
Gett
ver's
t off L
'j krue.
Dtn
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. II
CISSY.
And what will you do without it ?
DENVER.
Oh, I've got plenty more at home ; and now
(Looking hungrily at her and longing to embrace her.)
I wonder if you'll give me a kiss ?
Yes, that I will.
CISSY.
DENVER.
(Takes her in his arms and kisses her hungrily?)
Don't take any notice of me, dear don't mind my
kissing you. I had a little girl of my own once, and
when I kiss you it seems as if she came back to me
again.
CISSY.
She is dead then ?
DENVER.
Yes, dead (Aside.} to me. Suppose, Cissy, that
you I mean that I (Aside.) I can't say it !
CISSY.
I know I should have been very fond of you if
you had been my father.
DENVER.
(Clasps her in his arms eagerly and kisses her again
and again) God bless you, my darling ; you mustn't
mind when your schoolfellows speak unkindly of
your dead father.
CISSY.
I won't I don't believe it's true. I don't believe
he was a bad man, because if he had been, Jaikes and
mother wouldn't have been so fond of him.
90
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
DENVER.
Always think that, my dear, always think that.
How thin your clothes are, dear. (He takes his
muffler off and puts it round ClSSY.) There, dear,
that will keep a little of the cold out.
CISSY.
Oh, isn't it pretty ?
DENVER.
There, now run and find your mother and give
her that purse.
ClSSY. 1
And who shall I tell her gave it to me?
DENVER.
Say somebody gave it to you who happened to
see you and thought you were like a little girl he had
lost, and say, too, that (Breaking doivn, aside.} Oh,
my wife, if I could but send you one word from my
living grave !
CISSY.
Yes, what else shall I say ?
DENVER.
(Rising} I dare not ! No, dear, there is no other
message. Your mother does not know me. (Kisses
her} Run along, dear, make haste and tell her of
your good fortune.
CISSY.
Yes, that I will ! (Coming out of cottage} She's
gone to Mr. Skinner's that nice big house across
the field.
(Exit}*
DENVER.
(Following her to door} Run on then, my brave
91
1 Getting round
l_ oftablt.
L.ai
ACT III.
THE SILVER KING
SC. II
little queen. (He watches her off and then looks care-
fully and cautiously round.} My boy, I must see my
boy ! (Re-enters cottage cautiously.) Just one look,
one kiss, nobody is about.
IL.IB.
\CallNtlly,
Olive^Coombe.
J Crossing stage.
* Goes up to stile.
8 L. of Denver
up stage.
(DENVER goes into inner room, is absent a few mo-
ments then returns in tears. JA1KES Enters x rub-
bing his hands to warm them.) *
JAIKES. 2
Artfulness ain't done it this time. Not a blessed
ha'penny ! Whew ! it gets colder and colder. 3 I
wonder where the missy is ?
DENVER.
(Coming- out.) My little baby boy that I left,
grown so thin, so pale, so wasted is there no end to
my sin, no end to its bitter fruit ? (Sees JAIKES
aside) Jaikes!
JAIKES.
Hillo! What are you doing in there?
DENVER. 4
( Turns away his face from JAIKES and muffles it
partly with his cape so that JAIKES does not see his
features?) Excuse my intrusion, I was passing your
cottage and happened to come in. I take a great
interest in the sick poor. There's a little boy in
that room he's dangerously ill send for the doctor
to see him at once. Have the best advice you can
get and give him some nourishing food, the best of
everything. (Still keeping his face averted from
JAIKES and speaking in slightly disguised tones)
JAIKES. 5
Oh, yes, that's all very well, but where's the
money to come from ?
DENVER.
(Aside) Cissy has my purse. (Aloud) I will pay
for whatever is required. I have just given away all
92
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
the money I have about me, but you can have the
bills sent in to me. John Franklin, Kensington
Gardens, London.
JAIKES.
Oh, yes, it's likely I can get tick on the strength
o* that, ain't it ? A pound of tea and a quartern loaf
and put it down to Mr. John Franklin, Kensington
Gardens, London.
DENVER.
Do as I tell you you will find it all right.
JAIKES.
Who is Mr. John Franklin ? If you want to help
us.why don't you give us some money and let's have
a look at your face ? (Peers round DENVER'S muffler
and recognises hitn.) Master Will ! (Drops on his
knees.) Master Will ! God forgive me ! It's Master
Will come back from the dead. Say it's really you,
Master Will !
DENVER.
Yes, it is I, come back, as you say from the dead.
My wife! Is she well? How is she? Has she suf-
fered much ? Does she ever speak of me?
JAIKES.
Oh, Master Will, I can't tell you what she's had
to go through. It's been a terrible hard fight for
her, but she's borne up like a angel. Oh, sir, you've
come back at the right time. We're nearly starving.
DENVER. 1
Starving ? That's all over now. I'm rich, Jaikes,
I'm rich ! When I left England I went to^the Silver
Mines of Nevada I had to struggle hardaF firsFand
could only send you a few dollars I was almost
starving myself, but one morning I struck a rich vein
of silver; to-day I'm richer than lean count; and
then I sent you a thousand dollars, and so none of
it reached you ?
93
1 ffeffsJaiJtft to
ttat on tunck
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. II
JAIKES.
No, sir, you see we've changed our home so often
and she always took care not to leave our address
for fear
L. o/Jaikes. DENVER. 1
For fear my wretched story should follow you, I
see.
JAIKES.
Ah, sir, don't say any more about that that's all
past now. Oh, don't you mind my crying, sir ; to
see you come back like this is too much for me I
can't believe it, sir. (Rises.) And Miss Nelly she'll
go mad with joy.
DENVER.
She must not know, Jaikes.
JAIKES.
Not know ? Not tell her, Master Will ?
DENVER.
Not yet ! Not yet. Listen, Jaikes, I have come
back to England with one thought, with one resolve
to make -her happy. Whatever happens to me,
that I will do. Shall I ask her to share my night-
mare of a life, put her on a ceaseless rack of anxiety
and suspense, torture her as I am tortured ? Heaven
forbid !
JAIKES.
But surely, Master Will, you are safe after all
these years ?
DENVER.
I shall never be safe till I stand in the dock to
answer for my crime I shall be safe then. I've
started a hundred times to give myself up, but I have
always been held back by the thought that I was not
myself that night ; but it will come, Jaikes,
94
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
JAIKES.
What will come, sir ?
DENVER.
Detection. It may be to-morrow, or it may not
be for years, but it will come, and if I were to join
her, suspicion would be aroused at once. I might
be discovered, dragged from her side, tried, con-
demned and hanged.
JAIKES.
Master Will ! But if missus could but know. If
she could but know.
DENVER.
Not yet Jaikes. Listen, you shall take her from
this poverty and put her in her old home with every,
thing that money can buy, and then, when I have
made her rich, cheerful, contented, I will ask myself
whether I may dare to throw the shadow of my life
across her happiness. In the meantime, promise me,
swear to me that she shall not know.
JAIKES.
Why, of course, Master Will, if you wishes it.
DENVER.
Jaikes, I must see her I am dying to look on her
dear face, to hear one word from her lips to see
her without being seen.
JAIKES.
That's easily managed. Stand here, 1 you'll be able
to see her and hear her and she'll never be none the
wiser.
DENVER.
God bless you, my dear old Jaikes, for all your
kindness. God bless you, I shall never be able to
repay you.
95
terior of tat'
taft window.
ACT III
SC. II
JAIKES.
There now, don't you talk nothing about that,
Master Will. Why, to see you come back like this
pays me fifty times over. I allus said you would.
(Crying with Joy.) I allus said l (Looks off?) Here
comes Miss Nelly.
(DENVER and JAIKES go up and get behind cottage.
Enter NELLY, 8 crosses stage and goes into cottage?)*
1 Music.
1 u a B.
J Call Cisty.
* Goes up to door
of inner room,
looks inside,
shows content
and shuts door.
* Takes off bon-
net and shawl
and hangs
them up.
Standing L. by
tittle.
r *. of table.
DENVER.
(Coming from behind.) My wife ! My poor wife !
(NELLY in cottage puts her purchases on table.)
NELLY.
There, my precious ones, you shall have a meal
to-night at any rate. 8 I wonder where Jaikes and
Cissy are ? *
DENVER.
My own Nell, the girl who left her own bright
home to follow my cursed fortunes. Oh, if I look
another moment I must rush to her and hold her in
my arms !
(Enter OLIVE, quickly" crosses stage and enters cottage.
DENVER retires behind cottage and comes out again
after she has entered?)
OLIVE. 6
I am the bearer of bad news. My husband has
repented of his kindness. He will not let you stay
here.
NELLY. 7
Not let me stay here ?
OLIVE.
No since you left him he has learned who you
are. He has found out that you are the wife of a
(DENVER turns aside as if stabbed with pain?)
96
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
NELLY.
(Checks OLIVE.) Ah no, no, for pity's sake don't
say it. I have heard the word so often. Yes, it is
true I am the widow of such a man, and for that I
am to be punished, it seems. (Sobbing?)
OLIVE.
Who knows it is true ? Who knows that your
husband did really kill that man ?
DENVER.
(Eagerly^ What's that?
NELLY.
Why, what doubt can there be ?
OLIVE.
It was never proved. He was never tried. Who
knows but that there might have been some terrible
mistake ?
DENVER.
(Outside?) Some terrible mistake ?
NELLY.
What do you mean? What do you know?
OLIVE.
(Recovering herself quickly.} Nothing I thought
it might comfort you to think your husband was in-
nocent. It could do no harm now that he is dead ;
but I am forgetting my errand. I came here to help
you and I dare not stay. (Takes out purse.)
(COOMBE'S voice heard off.) 1
COOMBE.
(Outside.) You can wait here. Be ready if I want
you.
(COOMBE Enters? as DENVER hears and sees
COOMBE, he retires) 1
7 97
'L.1B.
1 L. U. K.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. li
COOMBE.
But we'll try persuasion first. (Enters cottage.)
DENVER. 1
The man who showed me into Geoffrey Ware's
room that dreadful night. What does it mean ?
1 Coming away
from cottage.
OLIVE.
There are three pounds five shillings. It is all I
have.
(Takes money out of purse and shows it empty.
COOMBE, who has entered unseen by NELLY or
OLIVE, gets to back of table and picks up money.)
COOMBE.
It won't be necessary, ma'am. I'll take it to your
husband. Your husband wants you you'd better
go. (Holds door of cottage open for OLIVE.)
OLIVE.
Oh, if he were not my husband !
(Exit quickly from cottage and crosses stage, going
COOMBE.
(Calling after her.) Ah ! you shouldn't have
took your place for life. (Shuts door and turns to
NELLY.)
DENVER.
What now ? If I stop this ruffian he'll call his
men and there may be a disturbance, and I may be
involved. What can I do?
COOMBE.
Now, my dear good lady, 3 there's a pleasant way
of doing things and a unpleasant, and I always try
the pleasant way first.
98
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT III
NELLY.
Oh, don't make any words about it. You have
come to turn me out, is it not so?
COOMBE.
Oh, dear no. I've only come to ask you in the
kindest manner possible to pay your rent. Three
pounds five shillings.
NELLY.
How can I pay it ? I haven't a shilling in the
world, and you know I haven't. 1
DENVER.
(Outside.) Where is Cissy ? Where is the money ?
COOMBE.
Ah, that's a pity ! Because as you can't pay you
must go.
* R. oftabit.
NELLY.
No, no ! Let me stay to-night only to-night. I
will go to-morrow morning. My child is in that
room very ill, and if he is moved in this bitter
weather, it will kill him. Let me stay to-night, I
will do no harm.
COOMBE.
Now look here, my dear good lady it's no good
your begging and praying to me, 'cos go you must.
NELLY.
Oh, is there no tenderness, no pity on the earth ! *
COOMBE. 8
Now, look sharp ! Are you going to pack up?
NELLY.
Yes, yes, give me a little time, I will go. (Goes
into inn f r room, re-entering almost immediately very
determinedly^) No, I will not go. My child is sleep-
99
oittfuf stag*.
Gett round
front of taolt
to fir t.
ACT III
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
* Goes towards
door.
* Getting to R. of
taole.
ing. He is getting better, I will not wake him and
take him into the bitter cold to kill him. (She bolts
the door and stands with her back to it.)
COOMBE.
(Stands with his back to fire.) Will you go quietly,
or shall I have to send for my men to turn you out ?
NELLY.
I tell you I will not go. Go back and tell your
master that here I stay I and my children till he
drags our bodies out and flings them into the streets.
COOMBE.
Oh very well, we must try the unpleasant way
then. 1
NELLY. 2
Merciful Father, help me now 1
DENVER.
(Outside) I can bear it no longer,
(Comes to door t is about to open it when ClSSY 8 runs
to him.)
Quick, my child, give your mother the money !
(Pushes her through doorway. He has opened the
door.)
CISSY. 4
Mother, look what the kind gentleman gave me !
NELLY.
(Seizes money eagerly.) An angel from Heaven
has sent it. 5
To COOMBE, as she throws money on the table.)
Here, take your money ! Now you go ! (Points to
door)
(COOMBE baffled, picks up money)
END OF ACT III.
IOO
' Enters L. 2 L-
Kunming' to R.
o/NeUy.
ACT TV. SCENE I. HANDSOME CHAMBER CLOTH IN 1
ACT TV. SCENE II. GRANGE. SCENE IN 5
Back Cloth
Fence
^Garden Gate
Arbour
o
Flower
Setriece
ACT IV. SCENE III. EXTERIOR OF WHARF SCENE IN 1
ACT IV. SCENE IV. INTERIOR OF WHARF
River Cloth
Ground Bow
Window
DC or
Rigbi
Bales and Cases
D
Chair
Fireplace
D
Chair
V
LefT
ACT IV. *
SCENE I. 1
SCENE :* Room in DENVER'S house, Kensington Gar-
dens. Doors right and left. Window to left.
(Enter FRANK SELWYN showing in BAXTER.' *
BAXTER.*
Mr. John Franklin not in, eh ?
SELWYN.'
No. I am his private secretary.
BAXTER.
(Looking at him keenly.) Oh ! you are his private
secretary? (Aside.) This is the young sprig I'm
after.
SELWYN.
Perhaps I might do.
BAXTER.
No. I think not. When can I see Mr. Franklin ?
SELWYN.
It's uncertain. What's your business ?
BAXTER.
That's my business ! I'll wait. (Turns back to
audience and stands looking at picture on wall,
whistling.)
101
J Btginnert.
Baxter,
Seltvyn.
1 Music to off*.
* Left.
% Call Denver.
L.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
SELWYN.
(Aside, looking at BAXTER.) Can he have come
about that cursed cheque ? It must come sooner or
later. Mr. Franklin must find me out, find out that
I have repaid his goodness by robbing him, returned
his trust by forging his name !
BAXTER.
(Turning round.) I suppose you've got a nice
comfortable berth as Mr. Franklin's private secre-,
tary?
SELWYN.
Yes.
BAXTER.
Very rich man, isn't he ?
SELWYN.
Very.
BAXTER.
Made his money in Silver Mining, didn't he ?
SELWYN.
Yes.
BAXTER.
Ah ! so I've heard. Went to bed one night a
common miner, and the next a millionaire.
SELWYN.
I've heard so. They call him the Silver King.
BAXTER.
Gives a lot of money away, doesn't he ?
SELWYN.
His whole life is spent in doing good. He's as
noble and generous as he is rich.
102
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
BAXTER.
Ah ! employs you to look after the deserving
cases trusts you with his purse, and his cheque book
occasionally, eh ?
SELWYN.
( Wildly.} What do you mean ?
BAXTER.
Nothing, only you must take care he doesn't get
imposed on. (Aside.) It's all right the young
idiot !
SELWYN.
(Aside.) It must come !
(Enter DENVER.) * *
DENVER.
Somebody wishes to see me, Frank ?
BAXTER.
Mr. John Franklin ? (Looking at DENVER.)
DENVER. 2
Yes, I am John Franklin. What do you want ?
BAXTER. 3
I beg pardon. That is my card. (Giving card)
Sam Baxter, Scotland Yard. (Aside, as DENVER
takes card) I've seen you before somewhere, my
gentleman.
DENVER.
(Wincing under BAXTER'S steady gaze.) Well,
what is your business? I must beg you to make
haste as I have to catch a train into the country.
BAXTER.
Then I'll come to the point at once.
(Opens his pocket-book, takes out papers. SELWYN
is going, BAXTER stops hint.)
103
Right.
t Call fat : ket ;
Tabby * Mr*.
Gantmaet,
Gafftr Pottlt
and villagtrs.
1 Comes C
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. i
Mr. Private Secretary, you needn't go. We may
want you. (Aside, looking at papers.} Now where
have I seen you before, Mr. Franklin? (Aloud, tak-
ing a cheque from pocket-book^) Oh, her it is !
SELWYN.
(Aside.) The cheque I forged !
BAXTER.
You bank at the County and Metrojwlitan ?
DENVER.
Yes.
BAXTER.
This cheque was presented yesterday for payment
in the ordinary way. The clerk refused to cash it,
detained the presenter and sent for you immediately.
You were not at home, and so the affair was placed
in my hands.
(DENVER comprehends the situation, and as SELWYN
makes a movement as if to speak, stops him with a
look of caution and silences him.)
DENVER.
(To BAXTER.) Give me the cheque.
(BAXTER gives cheque, DENVER looks at it.)
Well?
BAXTER.
That signature, sir ?
DENVER.
Well?
* Sehvyn makes
a movtnent as
if to speak hit
Denver stops
hint with a
glance.
BAXTER.
Is it in your handwriting, sir ?*
DENVER.
Yes, it's quite right.
104
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
(SELWYN gives sigh and shows immense relief, and is
about to blab out his gratitude. DENVER stops
him with a look.}
Yes, the signature is a little awkward. I must
have been in a hurry.
(BAXTER still looks incredulous.)
Do you doubt me ?
BAXTER.
Oh, no, sir, if you say so, sir, of course it's all
right if you wrote the cheque why, there's an end
of the matter, isn't there, sir ?
DENVER.
I think so. You may take the cheque back to the
bank, tell the cashier it is all right. If necessary I'll
call at the bank to-morrow and make the matter
right. Will you accept a five-pound note for your
trouble ? l
BAXTER.
Thank you, sir, and if ever you should want my
assistance in any little matter of business, sir, I shall
be happy to oblige you, sir, and to keep my mouth
shut. (In putting the note in his pocket lie intention-
ally drops a piece of paper.)
DENVER.
Thank you, I have your card.
BAXTER.
(Aside to DENVER.) Keep your eye on that
youngster he's got mixed up with a bad lot.
(Aloud.) Good day, Mr. Franklin. 1
^ DENVER.
Good day, Mr. Baxter. (Turns to SELWYN.)
1 Giver &**<*>
noU
BAXTER.
(Glancing back at DENVER aside.) I've had you
through my hands somewhere. (Exit.)*
105
Lt/).
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. i
1 Denver crosses
to Selivyn and
puts his hand
on his
shoulder.
* Crosses to R.
Right door.
* R. door.
DENVER. 1
Don't do it again, my boy, don't do it again ! *
SELWYN.
I never will, sir ! Oh, sir, your kindness breaks
my heart ! I've been such a bad fellow, sir! I don't
deserve that you should forgive me. I shall be
ashamed to meet you in the future, sir.
DENVER.
I hope not. This was your first step downwards,
pray that it may be your last.
SELWYN.
It shall ! It shall !
DENVER.
Remember, I still trust you !
(Exit.)*
SELWYN.
I'll make a fresh start to-day. God bless him !
(Re-Enter BAXTER.) 8
BAXTER.
I beg pardon, I must have dropped a paper here !
Nobody here ! (Picks up the paper he had previously
dropped, creeps to the window and looks out.} There
goes Mr. Franklin in a cab. Drives off ! Now when
and where have I had that man through my hands?
Deuce take my memory! (Comes slowly away from
window.} Dear! Dear! (Snaps his fingers and taps
his forehead to aid his memory in crossing the stage,
stops suddenly.) Good heavens ! Yes ! that's the man !
Derby night four years ago ! The Skittle Alley at
the " Wheatsheaf " the revolver, whew ! Here's a
find ! John Franklin, millionaire, philanthropist and
1 06
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
Silver King, an unhung murderer. The hair grown
grey but the same face. By Jove! What a catch
for me ! l
(Exit very swiftly and with great animation?)
END OF SCENE I.
SCENE II. 1
(Exterior of The Grange?)
(Discover OLD VILLAGE PEOPLE. JAIKES enters*
very respectably dressed.) *
JAIKES.
Well, Gaffer Pottle! Mrs. Gammage ! Hillo,
Tabby !
GAFFER.*
(An ancient decrepit villager.) My humble re-
spects, Muster Jaikes. (Turning to TABBY.) Curt-
sey, Tabitha ! Curtsey ! Curtsey, you old fool !
Don't you know Muster Jaikes is Master of the
Grange and Lord of the Manor ?
TABBY. 6
Ah, Daniel Jaikes and me was brought up to-
gether. I ain't going to curtsey to Dan'l Jaikes.
I'm going to shake hands with him.' Don't you re-
member how fond we was of one another when we
was boy and girl together, eh, Dan'l dear ?
JAIKES. 7
No, I don't. It's too many years ago and
don't call me Dan'l. 8 (Aside.) Tabby's a setting
her cap at me again, I must put a stop to that.
GAFFER.
I hopes Miss Nelly is pretty tolerable ?
107
1 Music.
Call Ntlly,
Citsy, Nut.
Crotset to C.
Tabby gott uf
ttaft.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
JAIKES.
Oh, she's all right ! Your dinner ain't ready yet.
You can wait here a few minutes, and mind you all
behaves yourselves ! ( Very severely to TABBY.) Tab-
by, let those flowers alone. I'll tell Mrs. Denver
you have arrove.
(Exit JAIKES.) 1
GAFFER.
Dan'l Jaikes seems to be rather 'igh and mighty
now he's come into his fortin' !
MRS. G. 1
Ah ! Fancy Dan'l Jaikes coming and buying the
Grange and being Lord of the Manor, and bringing
Miss Nelly back to live in it.
GAFFER.
I can't make out who this here Uncle Samiwell
was as has died and left Dan'l all this money.
MRS. G.
Aye, Dan'l never had no Uncle Samiwell as ever I
heered on.
TABBY.
Ah, you folks don't know nothin' about it. Dan'l's
master of the Grange, ain't he ? And I wouldn't say
as I mightn't be missus afore long.
GAFFER.
I wouldn't say as you mightn't, Tabby. Pigs
might fly, but I've kep' pigs for up'ards of fifty years,
and I never see 'm make a start.
MRS. G.
No, Tabby, Muster Jaikes didn't seem to be no-
ways particler smit with you just now.
1 08
* Coming down
stag*.
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
1 Music.
* L. U. B.
R.
u
c.
GAFFER.
Aye, aye, Tabby, you've had three husbands and
buried 'em all. You let well alone. 1
(Enter from house 1 NELLY well dressed, with ClSSY*
and NED * clinging to her, one on each side. J AIKES
following them. Old People bow and curtsey!)
NELLY.'
Well, you have come, all of you, that's right.
How do you do, all of you ? (Shaking hands with
some of them!) How do you do, Tabby ?
TABBY/
We're all well and hearty, thank you kindly, and
we be mortal glad to see you back at the Grange
again, bain't we, Gaffer ?
GAFFER.
Aye, we didn't like they folks as come here when
you and Muster Denver left.
MRS. G. 7
They was mean, they was.
TABBY.
Aye, no beef and coals at Christmas, no pea soup,
no blankets, no flannel petticoats, no nothing!-
(ClSSY runs off into shrubbery!)*
GAFFER.
Aye, we knowed when you come back, Miss Nelly,
there'd be plenty for everybody.
NELLY.
I hope so. You see, my friends, I have known
what it is to be poor myself. Since I left you I have
heard my children cry for bread, indeed, if it were
not for the kindness of my old friend here
(Indicating JAIKES, who shuffles about and looks very
uncomfortable!)
109
Cissy runs off
with Ntd
R. 2 R.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. II
JAIKES. 1
Yes, yes, missus ! We'll drop the subject.
NELLY.
No, we will not. You know I owe everything to
you. (To the old people.) Go and have your dinner,
all of you. You'll find it ready in the hall. It is
Jaikes that provides it for you, not I. First thank
the Giver of all good, and then thank our dear old
Jaikes. 2
JAIKES.
No, no, I won't be thanked 1
(Hurries them into house.)*
Be off, you old vermints, be off !
(TABBY stops behind^)
Now, Tabby !
NELLY.
What do you want ?
1 Crosses to seat
R. c. and sits.
8 L. of Tabby.
L. U. B.
TABBY.*
(Curtseying to NELLY.) Oh ! if you please, Miss
Nelly, we liked that bit of beef you sent us so much.
The next time we hopes it'll be a little larger and
not quite so fat. And I'm getting short o' tea and
candles, and a little drop of gin is comforting afte
washing all day. And my best gown's wore out.
JAIKES. 5
Good job too ! I wish it was your tongue in-
stead.
NELLY.
Very well, Tabby, I won't forget you.
JAIKES.
Now will you be off and get your dinner, or else
you shan't have none ! Be off ! (Hurries her off.)
(Exit TABBY.) 6
no
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
The old hussy ! You mustn't let her impose on
you, missus.
NELLY.
Ah, Jaikes, it is for you to say you are master
here.
JAIKES. 1
Yes, yes of course, so I am I forgot that ! Still,
you know, missus, all this money is, as you may say,
yours.
NELLY.
Mine, Jaikes?
JAIKES.
Yes, you see my Uncle Samuel left particular in-
structions in his will well, never mind my Uncle
Samuel, we'll drop the subject. Ain't you 'appy
now you're back in your old home, missus?
NELLY.
Yes, Jaikes. I am happy ! (Sig/ts.)
JAIKES.
Quite happy, Missus?
NELLY.
(Sighs.) Yes, Jaikes, happier than I ever hoped
to be.
JAIKES.
There's some'ut, missus ! I can see something
you miss, now, ain't there? Tell the truth.
NELLY.
Yes, Jaikes, there is.
JAIKES.
What is it, missus? I've ordered 'em to lay out
the garden just as it used to be and to plant a new
chestnut tree where the old 'un was blown down
ill
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. II
Music.
NELLY.
It isn't that, Jaikes.
JAIKES.
The old fish-pond as they folks filled up I'll have
it dug out again ?
NELLY.
Ah, no, don't trouble about that.
JAIKES.
Then what is it, missus ? You shall have it if it
costs a mint of money. 1
NELLY.
Oh, Jaikes, can't you see what it is? I'm back in
my old home without the man who made it all dear
to me without my Will ! Oh, I love him still yes,
I love him as much to-day as the day I married him
in the church yonder. It was under this tree I
promised to be his wife. Oh, Jaikes, I remember it
as if it were yesterday. Everything here, every tree,
every brick in the old house, every little nook and
corner brings back to me his dear handsome face
until I can sometimes hardly stop myself from run-
ning all through the grounds and fields and calling
out " Will ! Will ! come back to me, come back to
me, if it were but for a moment ! " Now you know
what it is I miss in my old home, my husband's love
and you can't give that back to me, Jaikes, no, no,
not that, not that ! (Exit'.)**
JAIKES.
(Looking after her.} Can't I ? Oh, yes, I can,
and I will, too, this very day ! I've wrote and told
him I can't keep his secret no longer he's on his
way to you now as fast as the train can bring him !
You wait a bit, missus, and I'll dry up them tears
for you ! You shall be the happiest woman in
England afore this day's over, that you shall ! Make
haste, Master Will, make haste and come !
(Re-Enter TABBY.)
Hillo! what now, Tabby? 4
112
1 L2 E.
t Call Denver.
1 l~ 3 K.
* Jaikes has his
back to Tabby
"who tafs him
on the back.
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
TABBY.
(Very affectionately) Oh, Dan'l dear ! I'm so glad
you've come back again. Ain't you glad to be back
among your old friends, Dan'l dear?
JAIKES.
(Cautiously edging from her.) Yes yes mid-
dling!
TABBY.
Don't you remember when we used to go cow-
slipping, eh, Dan'l ?
JAKES. 1
(Resolutely.) No, I never went cowslippin' along
of you, Tabby.
TABBY.'
Oh, yes, you did, Dan'l. And our games at hide
and seek?
No
JAIKES.
TABBY.
Oh, yes, Dan'l, I used to hide and you used to try
and find me.
JAIKES.
Oh, no, Tabby ! I used to hide and you used to
try and find me !
TABBY.
Oh, Dan'l, you don't know how fond I've allays
been of you, and now you're gettin' old and I'm
gettin' old
JAIKES.
Yes, you are, Tabby, and precious ugly into the
bargain !
TABBY.
And I've been thinking how nice it 'ud be if we
could end our days together.
8 113
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
SC. II
JAIKES.
I'm much obliged, Tabby, but I don't want to end
my days just at present.
TABBY.
Ah, but, Dan'l dear me to take care of you and
nurse you up, and you to take care of me and nurse
me up wouldn't that be nice ?
JAIKES.
(Resolutely?) No, no, you might like it ; but I
ain't ambitious, Tabby, I'm very content as I am.
TABBY.
Ah, Dan'l you've never been married.
JAIKES.
And you have three times.
TABBY.
And the best of wives I've made, I'm sure. Ask
my three good men else.
JAIKES.
It 'ud be a sin to disturb 'em now they've got a
bit of peace.
TABBY.
And I should make a better wife now than ever.
JAIKES.
You ought, Tabby, you've had plenty of
1 Tatty starts
back horrified.
nence.
TABBY.
(Taking his arm affectionately?) Well, then, what
do you say, lovey when shall we be married ?
JAIKES.
(Aghast?) Married ! Me marry you ! Why, you
old Mormon, 1 you old female Henry the Eighth J
114
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
You old wolf in sheep's clothing ! You you, you
old Bluebeard in petticoats! Me marry you!
Never! Never! Be off with you ! Be off! (Frightens
her off.)
(Exit TABBY.) >
I've had a narrow squeak that time !
(Enter ClSSY with flower s.y
CISSY.
Look, Jaikes, for mamma ! Aren't they pretty ?
Oh, Jaikes, it was kind of you to bring us to this
beautiful home !
JAIKES.
Ah ! it ain't me, little missy, it isn't me as is doing
it at all !
(DENVER 4 appears at gate.)
DENVER.
JAIKES.
Jaikes !
Master Will !
DENVER.
Is anybody about ? Can I come in ?
JAIKES.
Yes, come in, Master Will ! Miss Nelly's gone to
give her poor people their dinner and I'm all alone. 8
DENVER.
You're sure I shan't be seen ?
JAIKES. 4
No fear, sir, I'll keep a good look out.
DENVER.
How is she ? Is she quiet well and happy and
the children ?
Exit City
L. 2 B.
4 Enters R. U. B.
Denver \ernu
dawn C
THE SILVER KING
sc. II
JAIKES.
Yes, they're all quite well. Oh, Master Will, I'm
so glad you've come. I can't hold out much longer!
Uncle Samuel has got me into a dreadful mess ! I
wish we hadn't invented him. And then there's all
that money as you sent her anenonymously from
America.
1 Grasses slowly
to seat R. of
Jaikes. Jaikes
close to L. of
seat.
DENVER.
Yes?
JAIKES.
Well, it didn't turn up while we was starving, but
now we're rolling in money and it's a nuisance, it all
turns up as bold as brass. Oh, Master Will, don't
hide it from her no longer tell her as you're alive
you wait here I'll go and fetch her to you.
DENVER.
Stop, Jaikes, you mustn't go !
JAIKES.
Master Will, when you brought her back here and
spent all that money to make the old place just like
it used to be when she was a girl, you thought you
was going to make her happy, didn't you ?
DENVER. 1
And have I not made her happy? What more
can I do ?
JAIKES.
Why, sir, don't you see home ain't four walls and
the ceiling and the furniture home's the place
where them as loves us is and it was you what
made this place home for her, and she's breaking
her heart 'cause it's her home no longer.
DENVER.
Jaikes, I will tell you why my wife must not know
that I am alive, and when I have told you never
speak of it again. Last night I went down to the
river to a place owned by that man Coombe.
116
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
JAIKES.
What, the man as was going to turn the missus
out?
DENVER.
Yes, I've been following him up for the last six
months, ever since I recognised him as the man that
showed me into Geoffrey Ware's room that night.
Just as drowning men catch at straws, I have caught
at the straw of a hope that I might find out some-
thing. I don't know what something that might
give me a right to believe that I did not shed that
man's blood
JAIKES.
Ah, how happy it would make her !
DENVER.
And so night after night I go to that place and
watch, and watch, and watch. I've tried to get in,
all in vain, it's a hopeless task. Well, when I got
back last night, I found your letter waiting for me
begging me to make myself known to my wife. I
read the letter again and again, and the more I tried
to persuade myself that for her dear sake I must
keep silence, the more my heart cried out " I must
have her ! I will have her ! If I die for it, she shall
be my own again!" And then I thought I would
take her out to Nevada, to the city that I have built,
where every man would shed his blood for me, and
every child is taught to reverence the name of John
Franklin. " There," I thought, " I shall be free from
the past, safe from the law there," I said, " we will
live the rest of our days honored, happy, beloved,
in peace with ourselves and all the world." And so
I spent half the night planning out a happy future
with her and my children. Oh, Jaikes, I was so
happy I couldn't sleep for joy of it, and when at
last I put my head on my pillow, my one thought
was " To-morrow I will tell her I am alive ! To-
morrow I will take her in my arms and call her my
wife again ! "
117
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
SC. II
Call Cissy,
Gaffer Pottlt.
JAIKES.
And so you shall, Master Will ! Let me fetch
her to you ! Let me fetch her to you ! t
DENVER.
Stay ! I fell asleep, Jaikes do you know what a
murderer's sleep is? It's the waking time of con-
science ! It's the whipping-post she ties him to while
she lashes and stings his poor helpless guilty soul !
Sleep ! It's a bed of spikes and harrows ! It's a
precipice over which he falls sheer upon the jags and
forks of memory ! It's a torchlight procession of
devils, raking out every infernal sewer and cranny of
his brain ! It's ten thousand mirrors dangling round
him to picture and re-picture to him nothing but
himself. Sleep oh ! God, there is no hell like a
murderer's sleep ! 1 That's, what my sleep has been
these four years past. FT fell asleep last night and I
dreamed that we were"fcver in Nevada and we were
seated on a throne, she and I ; 2 and it was in a great
hall of Justice, and a man was brought before me
charged with a crime ; and just as I opened my
mouth to pronounce sentence upon him, Geoffrey
Ware came up out of his grave, with his eyes staring,
staring, staring, as they stared at me on that night,
and as they will stare at me till I die, and he said,
" Come down ! Come down ! you whited sepulchre !
How dare you sit in that place to judge men?"
And he leapt up in his grave close to the throne
where I was and seized me by the throat and
dragged me down, and we struggled and fought like
wild beasts we seemed to be fighting for years
and at last I mastered him, and held him down and
wouldn't let him stir. 8 And then I saw a hand com-
ing out of the sky, a long, bony hand with no flesh
on it, and nails like eagle's claws, and it came slowly
4 out of the sky, reaching for miles it seemed,
slowly, slowly it reached down to the very place
where I was, and it fastened on my heart, and it
took me and set me in the justice hall in the pris-
oner's dock, and when I looked at my judge, it was
Geoffrey Ware ! And I cried out for mercy, but
118
Holding
Jaikes hand.
* Releases
faikes 1 hand
and rises.
' Sits again.
' Raising his
hand.
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
Holding
Jaikes arm.
* Drops into
garden seat
and sobs.
% Call Nelly,
Coomte,
Crippt.
there was none! And the hand gripped me again
as a hawk grips a wren, and set me on the gallows,
and I felt the plank fall from my feet, and I dropped
dropped, dropped and I awoke !*J //** hand
^ across kit eyes.
JAIKES.
For mercy's sake, Master Will
DENVER.
Then I knew that the dream was sent for a mes-
sage to tell me that though I should fly to the utter-
most ends of the earth * as high as the stars are
above, or as deep as the deepest sea bed is below,
there is no hiding-place for me, no rest, no hope, no
shelter, no escape ! *
(A pause. CISSY runs on.)**
CISSY.
Jaikes, who's that ?
(DENVER looks up and strives to hide his fears.)
Oh ! it's you ! (She runs to him and sits on his
left knee.) You've come to see us in our new home !
But you are crying what's the matter? Are you
unhappy?
DENVER.
(Putting his arms round her.) Not now, Cissy
not now ! Not now !
CISSY.
Jaikes, do you know the kind gentleman ?
JAIKES.
( Who has gone tip stage and keeping watch looking
off.) No, missy, no !
CISSY.
I'm so glad you've come! You shall come and
live with us, will you?
DENVER.
What would you do with me?
119
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
SC. II
CISSY.
You shall play with Ned and me. We've got a
rocking horse and soldiers, and lots of things.
DENVER.
What games we could have, couldn't we?
CISSY.
(Clapping her hands.) Yes ! Oh, do stay, will you !
Do! Do!
DENVER.
And your mother?
CISSY.
Oh, I know she'd be glad to have you. She's al-
ways talking about you and wondering who you
are. Who are you ?
DENVER.
Who am I?
CISSY.
Yes, tell me tell me true !
DENVER.
Well, I'm a king.
CISSY.
But what king are you ?
DENVER.
I'm the Silver King ! At least that's what men
call me.
JAIKES.
(Looking off.) The other way, Gaffer Pottle this
(Calls out severely) is private ! (Looking at DENVER
warningly.)
DENVER.
(Starting up) I must go good-bye, Cissy !
(Kisses her.)
1 20
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
CISSY.
(Holding DENVER'S hand.) No, no, you mustn't
go ! Mamma does want to see you so badly ! Wait
here ! I'll go and fetch her.
(Runs off to house calling.)*
Mamma !
JAIKES. 1
Master Will, won't you stay ?
DENVER.
No, Jaikes let me go! Not a word, for her
sake ! Let me go ! (Exit quickly) *
(Enter ClSSY.) 4
ClSSY. 8
Come on, mamma ! (Looks round.) Where is he,
Jaikes ?
(Enter NELLY.)'
NELLY. 7
Where is he ?
JAIKES.
Where's who, missus ? "
NELLY.
The gentleman who was here who gave the purse
to Cissy.
JAIKES.
Oh, yes, missus, there was a gentleman here, but
as as he was rather pressed for time he had to go
to to catch his train.
NELLY.
(Going up towards gate) Why did you let him
go, Jaikes, when you knew how much I wanted to
thank him? He can't have got far I'll go after him.
(Is preparing to go after DENVER, JAIKES goes be-
fore her.)
121
R. U. R.
From hovit.
* From houst.
'L.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. n
JAIKES.
No, don't you go, missus! I'll run after him and
bring him back. I shall catch him before he gets to
the station.
(Exit JAIKES l after DENVER.)
1 R. U. B.
1 R. C. Cissy is
at gate looking
after Jaikes.
Cissy comes
down to her
mothers and
stands L. of
her.
* Ntlly is seated.
NELLY.
(At gate, slowly comes down to seat.}* Who can it
be, this unknown friend, this silent, unseen protector,
this guardian who is ever watching over my path ?
Cissy, 8 what was the gentleman like ? 4
CISSY.
Oh, he was a very nice old gentleman !
NELLY.
Old?
CISSY.
Oh, yes, his hair was nearly white, and he was
crying so much.
NELLY.
Crying? Why should he cry? (With sudden joy,
aside} Can it be? Oh, if it were he, if it could be,
if it might be, if it were possible! (Eagerly snatches
locket from neck, opens it, shotvs it to ClSSY very
eagerly} Cissy, was he like this ?
CISSY.
Why, that's my father's likeness, mamma !
NELLY.
Yes, was he like that ?
CISSY.
(After looking at it for a moment or two.} Oh, no,,
mamma ! The Silver King's hair is nearly white.
NELLY.
But the face, Cissy, the face ?
122
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
CISSY.
(Looking again.} No, my .father's face is quite
young and happy, and the Silver King's face is so
sad and old. No, the Silver King isn't a bit like
that. (Kneels by NELLY.)
NELLY.
(Shutting up locket?) Of course not, I knew it was
impossible ! I was mad to dream of such a thing.
CISSY.
Mamma, it wasn't true, was it, what the school-
girls used to say ?
NELLY.
What, dear ?
CISSY.
That my father had killed a man.
NELLY.
(Aside.} I can't tell her the truth, I will not tell
her a lie !
(Enter JAIKES at gate.}
JAIKES. (Panting breathless}
I couldn't catch him, missus.
(ClSSY goes up to gate and looks off}
I followed him right up to the station and the
train had just started !
(Whistle heard.} 1
ClSSY. 2
Oh, Jaikes, that is a story ! The train's only just
started, for I heard the whistle and I can see the
smoke. (Points off R.)*
(NELLY goes up to gate, looks at JAIKES, who shuffles
about and looks guilty and miserable}
123
* A I fate looking
off*.
' Cissy runs off
L. 3 B. anart-
turns immfiii-
atelyivith Ntd
they tit in
arbour L. C.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
At gate.
* Down t.
1 Coming down
R. C.
* Croats R.
c
* Music.
NELLY. 1
Why are you playing me false? Why don't you
tell me the truth ?
JAIKES. 2
(Aside, very uncomfortable) It'll come out it'll
come out !
NELLY."
Who is this man? Your uncle who died ? This
gentleman who gave the purse to Cissy, this unknown
friend who sent me all that money from America
who is he ?
JAIKES.
How should I know? I hates folks as sends
anenonymous letters I'd string 'em all to the nearest
lamp-post without judge or jury ! *
NELLY.
Jaikes, I will take no more money from you, no
more food, no more shelter till I know where it comes
from. As bare and helpless as we came into this
Grange, I and my children will leave it this very day
and go out again to starve unless I know who it is
that is loading me with all this wealth and kindness.
Who is he, Jaikes ? Who is he ? Who is he, I say ?
JAIKES.
Oh, missus, can't you guess?
NELLY.'
(Frantically.} Ah, I know it! I knew it ! He
is alive ! Take me to him ! Make haste ! I cannot
wait a moment ! (Catching ClSSY and NED in her
arms.) Ned ! Cissy ! My darlings, kiss me, kiss
me, your father is alive! 6 (Kissing them eagerly,
crying with joy.)
PICTURE.
END OF SCENE II.
NOTE. When the piece is played in six acts the curtain falls here
and the third scene becomes the first scene of the next act.
124
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
SCENE in. 1
(Front scene. The exterior ofCoombe's Wharf, with
gate leading into the wharf yard.)
(Enter CRIPPS from yard looking round.) 1
CRIPPS.
Now I wonder whether Father Christmas intends
to turn up or whether I'm to be kept here all the
night ?
' (Enter COOMBE.)' *
Oh, here you are !
COOMBE.*
My dear boy, I hope I ain't kept you waiting very
long, my dear boy.
CRIPPS.
Yes, you 'ave, and the next time just you give me
the straight tip and I'll go and get drunk instead of
wasting my time.
COOMBE.
Where's the Spider ?
CRIPPS.
He's just gone, and he wanted to know why the
blazes you don't get somebody to look after this
crib and let us in instead of keeping us hangin' about
the place as if we was suspicious characters.
COOMBE.
I wish I could get hold of a likely party.
CRIPPS.
I thought you had got your heye upon a man-
COOMBE.
So I had, little Johnny Piper, the very man for
the job.
125
Lifktt % /.
EnttrfL.
\ Call Denvtr,
Corkttt,
AC I
THE SILVER KING
sc. in
CRIPPS.
Well, why didn't you have him ?
COOMBE.
He got the clinch only last week eighteen
months. You see it's no good having anybody here
as ain't got a unblemished character. We don't
want to have the bluebottles come sniffing round
here, do we ?
CRIPPS.
Not likely !
COOMBE.
I suppose the Spider's comin' back ?
CRIPPS.
Yes, he didn't seem much to relish the prospect
of spending his time with me in your back -yard here,
so he's gone off to his club he said he'd be back
here at ten.
COOMBE.
Ah ! the Spider always keeps Greenwich time.
CRIPPS.
Yes, other folks' Greenwich time, when he can
nobble 'em. Ah ! the Spider's a deep 'un ! He was
never bred up on pidgin's milk, Spider wasn't.
COOMBE.
Spider's too grasping. We shall have to take him
down a peg or two.
CRIPPS.
It's that viller residence of his what swallows up
all our hard won earnings. Why, you and me might
take viller residences if we liked, couldn't we ?
COOMBE.
Yes, of course.
126
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
1 Cr asset R.
CRIPPS.
And we could keep our cooks and buttons, and
'arf a dozen 'osses, and mix with the gentry if we
felt so disposed, couldn't we ?
COOMBE.
Yes, to be sure we could but we don't.
CRIPPS.
No 'cos why ? 'Cos the less we mix with the
gentry the better except in the way of business.
COOMBE.
Yes, Master Spider's a flying too high for us.
You back me up to-night and we'll clip his wings a
bit.
CRIPPS.
AU right. I'll back you up. Come on inside. 1
(Going in.)
(DENVER Xnters* dressed as a ragged, shabby old
porter!)
DENVER. 3
Here's poor deaf Dicky. (Grinning to COOMBE.)
COOMBE.
No ! nothing for you to-night, Dicky !
DENVER.
Yes, guv'nor, find a job for Dicky. Poor deaf
Oicky 1 Find a job for poor deaf Dicky, guv'nor !
CRIPPS.
Who the blazes is this cove?
COOMBE.
Oh, he's been knocking about here on and off for
the last six months. 4 He's handy to run errands
and take letters to the sea captains that want to
127
* Crosses to L. of
Coombe.
Cr asset t
Cr&s.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. in
buy my old iron, d'ye see ? (Winking and nudging
CRIPPS.) He's as deaf as a post, and he ain't quite
right in his upper storey.
DENVER.
Don't be hard on poor deaf Dicky, guv'nor give
Dicky a job ! Dicky run very fast and get back in
no time. Find a job for poor deaf Dicky.
COOMBE.
(Shaking his head vigorously.} No ! no ! no !
DENVER.
Mr. Coombe shakes his head and says No ! no !
no ! but Dicky says Yes ! yes ! yes ! Poor Dicky,
so hungry ! Dicky hasn't had a job all day.
COOMBE.
(Entering wharf} No no, I've got no jobs to-
night.
DENVER.
(Imploringly, stopping him} Dicky only wants a
master to treat him kind and dry bread to eat and
rags to wear Dicky's so cold.
CRIPPS.
Well, be off and get what you want at the work-
house, you forty horse power idiot !
COOMBE.
Oh, he's useful to me sometimes. (Takes out
money.} There's a sixpence. Go and get some sup-
per ; and don't make a beast of yourself.
DENVER.
Thank you, guv'nor, thank you ! Dicky do any.
thing for you, guv'nor ! Dicky very fond of you !
Dicky likes
COOMBE.
(Pointing him off} Be off with you !
128
SC. Ill
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
* Denver en-
deavovrs to
follow them
hut doortlaml
in kisfact.
DENVER.
(Running off.) Dicky's got a sixpence ! Dicky's
got a sixpence !
CRIPPS.
(Looking after Aim.) He's as daft as forty blessed
hatters. Come in, Father Christmas !
1 (COOMBE and CRIPPS go into gate.)
( The gate closes with a clang?
DENVER.
Shut out! Shut out ! Shall I never worm my-
self in ? I must be mad to dream that ever I shall
wring this man's secret from him ; and yet he was in
Geoffrey Ware's room that night ! Let me think of
that ! Let me beat it into my brain. This man led
me up those stairs why ? why? Oh, if I could but
remember after that !* No ! no ! All's dark ! All's
uncertain. To think that within a dozen yards of
me, there is a man whose word might give me wife,
children, home, all ! All ! And I stand here and
can do nothing!
(Enter CORKETT loudly dressed) * *
CORKETT.
(Aside) Now I wonder which is old Coombe's
shanty ? I know it's somewhere about here ! 5
DENVER.
(Sauntering by him in apparent carelessness and
recognises him.) Geoffrey Ware's old clerk ! What
has he to do with this man ? Can this be another
link in the chain ?*
CORKETT. 7
(Aside) I can see their little dodge. They mean
to cut 'Enery Corkett. Spider's never at home
when I call, and when I met him in Regent's Street
9
* Passing ka
hand over hit
Jorektad.
"L.
% Call Skinner.
Goes to x.
* Cr asset t* up
treme U
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. in
1 Denver comes
to hint.
the other day, he wouldn't so much as give me a
friendly nod ; stared at me as if I was so much dirt.
I ain't going to be treated like so much dirt, and
I ain't going to be cut, or else I shall cut up rough.
I'll just let master Spider see as 'Enery Corkett's as
good as he is. Now I wonder where Father Christ-
mas hangs out ? (Sees DENVER.) Hillo ! I say, my
good fellow !
DENVER. 1
(Holding his hand to his ear.} Eh ?
CORKETT.
(Aside.} He's deaf ! (Shouts.) Can you tell me
where I can find a party by the name of Coombe a
marine store dealer ? Coombe !
DENVER.
Deaf Dicky got no home got no friends.
CORKETT.
(Aside.) He's a blooming idiot ! (Shouts) Well,
find me a party by the name of Coombe. He lives
in the Gray's Inn Road, and he's got a wharf some-
where down here Coombe !
DENVER.
(Nodding.) Coombe! Dicky knows Mr. Coombe!
White hair, red nose, spectacles, nice kind gentleman,
good old gentleman !
CORKETT.
That's him ! A perfect beauty, old Coombe is.
Where is he ?
DENVER.
Dicky mustn't tell. Dicky take message give
Dicky letter and sixpence and Dicky take it to Mr.
Coombe let Dicky take letter to Mr. Coombe.
CORKETT.
Oh, I see caution's the word ! Father Christmas
130
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
don't want to be smelt out. I'll go into a pub and
write a letter to Coombe and give it to this daffy to
take, and then I'll follow him up and see where he
goes. (Shouts.) Well, come on, old dunderhead,
I'll give you a letter to take to him.
DENVER.
Thank you, thank you ! Dicky take it to Mr.
Coombe 1
(Exit CORKETT.) 1
DENVER.
At last ! At last ! At last !
(Exit after CORKETT.) 5
END OF SCENE III.
SCENE IV. 4
Interior and Exterior of COOMBE'S Wharf.
(Discover COOMBE and CRIPPS.) 5
CRIPPS.
I say, let's have some wet. (Lights pipe.)
COOMBE.
Put a name on it.
CRIPPS.
Oh, beer, gin, rum, whisky, brandy, anything as
has got some taste in it.
COOMBE.
I'll give you a wee drop of prime Highland whisky,
my dear boy.
(Exit at inner door.)*
CRIPPS.
(Shouting after him) Bring the jar while you are
about it.
*.
* Mtttie.
*.
Light* %*p.
' Coombe and
Cripps insult
hut. Cripps
teated at back
of tabU
Coombe stand-
ing L. of table.
u u. a.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. iv
(SKINNER Enters l outside and whistles.)
The Spider !
(Rises and goes to door, unlocks it, admits SPIDER,
then closes door and r clocks it.)
* Crosses to L.
foot of table.
1 Seats himself
at back of
table.
L.
SKINNER. 1
Well ! ( Taking off gloves) Where is the vener-
able Coombe ?
CRIPPS."
The venerable Coombe is getting this child some
whisky.
SKINNER.
(Dropping his voice) Between ourselves, I half
suspect Mr. Coombe means to execute a double
shuffle on his own account with those diamonds of
Lady Blanche.
CRIPPS.
He'd better not try it on.
SKINNER.
Just so ! You back me up and we'll get at the
truth to-night.
All right !
CRIPPS.
I'll back you up.
(COOMBE re-enters ' with whisky jar and water jug
and glass, which he sets down in front #/ CRIPPS
who helps himself largely)
COOMBE. 5
(Cordially holding out his hand to SKINNER.) My
dear boy, I'm delighted to see you.
SKINNER."
Reciprocated, Mr. Coombe there's something
magical in the grasp of your hand. It's horny and
damned dirty what of that ? It's honest ! The
132
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
shake of an honest hand does me good. (Takes out
his handkerchief and wipes his hands behind his
back.)
(Enter DENVER l outside with letter. Knocks at door.
SKINNER puts out light.)
CRIPPS.
Who the blazes is that ?
COOMBE.
(Goes to door? calls out.) Who's there? Who's
there?
DENVER.
(Knocks) Poor deaf Dicky got letter for Mr.
Coombe. Let Dicky in please.
* Door in central
partition.
Coombe goet
behind tabU to
door. Skin-
ner draft
down i_
COOMBE.
All right, Spider, it's only a deaf idiot that brings
messages for me ! (Opens door.)
(SKINNER lights candle.)*
DENVER. (At door.)
Letter, guv'nor. Gentleman wanted to know
where Mr. Coombe lived. Dicky wouldn't tell him.
Dicky wanted to bring letter and earn sixpence
gentleman give Dicky twopence, gentleman hadn't
got any more.
(He has been trying to enter but COOMBE stops at the
door.)
COOMBE.
All right ! Give me the letter. Wait !
(DENVER is coming inside. COOMBE shoves him
out.)
No, outside ! (Shuts door in DENVER'S face.)
DENVER.
(Outside.) How long ? How long ?
133
* Skinner titt I.
oftabU.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. iv
1 Coombe sits K.
<tf tabU.
* Denver is lis-
tening at door
till Coombe
opens same.
Strikes ttible
with his fist.
COOMBE. 1
(Opens letter?) From the Duke of New York.
SKINNER.
Curse the fellow ! To think how many good people
die off every day, and yet that blackguard persists
in living on.
COOMBE. 2
(Reads letter?) " Dear Father Christmas : I'm
cleaned out and I want a little of the rhino. You
ain't treating me fair. I must see you to-night, so
send me back a message by the idiot who brings
this."
SKINNER.
(Snatching letter?) Tell him to go to the devil !
Now, Coombe, sharp's the word ! Let's get to
business.
COOMBE.
I'll send off Deaf Dicky first.
CRIPPS.
(Suddenly struck with an idea?) Boil me down
into mock turtle soup ! 3
SKINNER.
What's the matter, Cripps ?
^
CRIPPS.
Why, the deaf chap would be just the man to keep
this here crib.
SKINNER.
We ought to have somebody here. What's the
fellow like?
COOMBE.
He's deaf and an idiot. The police'd never be
able to get anything out of him, and he could never
tell any lies against us.
134
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
t Call Corkttt.
1 Coombtvuorkt
rmtnd back of
table and tilt
u
SKINNER.
That's the sort of man we want. Bring him in I
Let's have a look at him.
(COOMBE opens the door and beckons DENVER in. He
comes in grinning and touching his cap to SKINNER
and GRIFFS) *
SKINNER.
What's your name ?
(DENVER touches his cap and grins^f
What's your name ?
DENVER.*
(Nodding and grinning?) Yes, guv'nor !
CRIPPS.
What's your confounded name, you thick-headed
hoddy-dod ? *
DENVER.*
He's round at the public house. Dicky go and
fetch him, guv'nor?
SKINNER. 8
This man would be a perfect treasure in the wit-
ness box.
DENVER.
Dicky go there if you like, guv'nor.
SKINNER.
I should like to see him under cross-examination.
DENVER.
Dicky take him an answer ?
SKINNER.
(Shaking his head.} No answer. Listen ! You
want work don't you WORK ! (Shouting.)
135
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
sc. iv
DENVER.
Work ? Oh, yes, guv'nor ! Dicky work very hard
scrub the floor, run messages. Dicky do what you
tell him.
SKINNER.
Coombe, this man is like you. He'll do anything
for an honest living.
COOMBE. 1
Shall we have him ?
DENVER.
Dicky be as faithful as a dog. Dicky follow you
about everywhere and never leave you never leave
you.
SKINNER. 2
The devil you won't ! That would be rather
awkward !
DENVER.
Give poor Dicky a chance, guv'nor.
SKINNER.
He's as safe as anybody we can get. All right,
Coombe, give him a trial ! 3
DENVER.
What did you say, guv'nor?
SKINNER.
(Indicating COOMBE.) No, he'll tell you. I can't
shout any more. 4
COOMBE. 5
You can come here as porter and sleep on the
premises. ( Takes a shilling and counts on his fingers.}
Look ! Fifteen shillings a week fifteen shillings !
DENVER.
Oh, thank you ! thank you ! Dicky so glad ! so
glad ! so glad !
136
Goes up R. of
table.
* Goes -up behind
chair R.
* Crosses to R.
shouting.
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
1 Coomb t got*
up stag* round
R. of table and
off L. v. K.
DfHVfr/ol-
lovit hint.
* Skinner titt R.
of tablt.
COO M BE.
(Beckoning DENVER.) Come this way, I'll show
you where you've got to sleep. Sleep ! l
DENVER.
Dicky stay here always Dicky very fond of Mr.
Coombe Dicky stay here always! Thank you, Mr.
Coombe thank you, too. sir ! Thank you, too !
(Exit at inner door? after COOMBE.)
SKINNER. 3
( To CRIPPS, taking out moulds .) Cripps, I want
you to make me some keys to fit these moulds.
(Explains to CRIPPS in dumb show. Enter CORKETT
out side $
CORKETT.
That idiot's a longtime gone. This was the place
he went in at. (Looks through the keyhole.) There's
a light inside. (Knocks.)
SKINNER. (Puts out light.)
Who the plague is that ?
(CORKETT knocks again, and whistles in peculiar
manner.
CRIPPS.
It's that blessed Duke of New York.
SKINNER. (Relighting.)
You'd better let him in or else he'll kick up a row.
(CRIPPS goes to door, unlocks it, admits CORKETT,
who is very loudly dressed, outrageous tweed snif,
eyeglass, crutch stick, white hat, light kid gloT.>es.
CRIPPS locks door, leaving key.)*
CORKETT.
How do, dear boys !' Ah, Spider, old chummy !
(Waving his hand to SKINNER.) Bless you, bless
you !
'37
' CriMs returitt
to nil seat at
he ad cj tabU.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
SC. IV
SKINNER.
Bless yourself ! Pray for some brains. What do
you want here ?
CORKETT.
L. s. d., especially the L.
SKINNER.
What have you done with that last twenty
pounds?
* Crosset to L.
1 L. u. B.
* Goes up and
tits on bales.
Blued it! 1
CORKETT.
SKINNER.
(Looking at CORKETT'S clothes^) You've been to
my tailor's again, I see.
CORKETT.
Yes. Neat, ain't they ? Told him to put 'em
down to your account. Hope you don't mind it,
dear boy !
SKINNER.
( Venomously^) Take care, you brute ! You're
nearly at the end of your tether !
(Enter COOMBE.)*
COOMBE.
(Seeing CORKETT, shakes hands with him.) Why,
it's our young friend, 'Enery Corkett.
CORKETT.
Dear old Father Christmas ! 3
SKINNER.
Now, Coombe, have you stowed away your March
hare?
138
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
COOMBE. 1
Yes, I've took him up to the cock-loft and give
him some bread and cheese and left him. He seems
happy enough.
SKINNER.
Then business sharp. Where's the money-box ?
(COOMBE takes cash-box out of chimney, opens it and
1 Sits L. oftabtf
takes out money.}
CRIPPS.
How much ?
COOMBE.
A hundred and eighty.
SKINNER.
Only a hundred and eighty for all that plate? I'd
better have left it on Sir George's sideboard I shall
miss it the next time I dine with him.
COOMBE.
(Giving money to CRIPPS and SKINNER.) That
clears Sir George's plate.
SKINNER.
(Pocketing money?) Right! (TVCOOMBE.) Now,
my venerable chum, just one word with you about
Lady Blanche's jewels where are they ?*
COOMBE. (Uneasily.}
Well, you see, my dear boy, I didn't like to leave
them here and and so I took 'em to my own place
my shop in the Gray's Inn Road. I thought
they'd be safe there. 1
SKINNER.
Now, Coombe, you're telling lies, you know. Lies !
and setting a bad example to Cripps here !
139
* Coombe shuts
cask-box with
a bang.
' Coombt re-
turns cask-tax
to chimney-
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
SC. IV
1 At top of tabU.
2 Uj> stage.
8 Comes down L.
4 Music cue.
CRIPPS. 1
Yes. Father Christmas, don't you try any hanky
panky tricks with this child. You know me. Handle
me gentle, use me well, fair and square, I've got the
temper of a sucking lamb, haven't I, Spider?
SKINNER.
You have, Mr. Cripps, and also its playfulness and
innocence.
CRIPPS.
But rub me the wrong way come any dodge, try
to do me out of my fair share of the swag, and then
! (Brings fist on table with tremendous forced)
SKINNER.
Then you have the ferocity of the British lion in
mortal combat with the apocryphal unicorn. Now,
Coombe, once more, where are Lady Blanche's
diamonds?
COOMBE.
My dear boy, I've got a gentleman coming to see
'em next week a gentleman from Amsterdam.
CRIPPS.
Damn Amsterdam !
SKINNER.
Never mind that, I want my property !
CORKETT. 2
(Aside?) There's a reward of a thousand pounds
offered for them jewels, I'll have a cut in here ! * 4
(DENVER creeps on and hides behind bales and
listens with great interest?)
SKINNER.
Those jewels are worth six thousand pounds, and
once more for the last time, where are they ?
140
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
1 Butt ring fist on
table.
1 Banging fist
on tablt.
Banging fitt
on table.
4 Banging fitt
on table.
COO M BE.
Don't get into a temper, Spider ! I tell you I may
have a customer for 'em next week we'll settle for
'em then ! '
SKINNER.
No, we won't settle for them then, we'll settle for
them now ! *
CRIPPS.
Yes, we'll settle for 'em now ! *
CORKETT.
(Joining in.) Yes, we'll settle for 'em now ! *
SKINNER.
(Turning sharply on CORKETT.) You infernal
jackanapes, what business is it of yours ?
CORKETT.
Every business of mine, Mr. Spider, look there !
( Turns out his pockets, shows they are empty.') That's
what business it is of mine ! I mean to have fifty
quid out of this !
SKINNER.
Oh, you do, do you ?
CORKETT.
(Promptly.) If you don't give it me I'll let on
about Hatton Gardens four year ago.
(DENVER starts violently and shows great interest.)
SKINNER.
( With deadly rage.) I f you say h al f a word more
CORKETT.
(Promptly.) Half a word more ! '
(SKINNER seises him by the throat, COOMBE seizes
SKINNER.)
141
Skinner seiiet
Corkett by tkt
throat ana
throws him
round*, into
the arms of
Cri*
Coomb* , L.,
seizes Skinner
from behind
and restraint
him.
ACT IV
THE SILVER KING
SC. IV
COOMBE.
(Alarmed.) Come, come, my dear boys, this won't
do!
CRIPPS.
(Holding CORKETT.) * Stow it, Spider, stow it !
SKINNER.
I've given you rope enough, Mr. Corkett !
CORKETT.
(Still held by CRIPPS.) Don't you talk about rope,
Spider! If it comes to hanging, it won't be me, it'll
be you !
(DENVER shows great interest. SKINNER tries to
get at CORKETT. COOMBE interposes^)
SKINNER.
Curse you, will you never give me peace till I kill
you ?
CORKETT.
Yes, as you killed Geoffrey Ware !
(DENVER,, no longer able to restrain himself, leaps up
with a terrific scream of joy.)
DENVER.
Ah ! innocent ! Innocent ! Thank God !
ALL.
(Turns round and sees DENVER.) Who is it ? Who
is it?
DENVER.
Wilfred Denver ! ( To CRIPPS and CORKETT, who
are in front of door -.)* Stand from that door!
(They do not move. DENVER flourishes crowbar
CRIPPS and CORKETT retreat down stage.)
142
SC. IV
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV
1 ALL.
(Overcome, helpless?) Stop him ! Stop him !
DENVER.
Stop me ! The whole world shall not stop me
now!
(Gets through door * and bangs it to.}
PICTURE.
END OF ACT IV.
t Beginners.
Spider, Olive.
up and
work with.
candle.
Music to of en.
1 The stage set
with cabinet
fixed to flat,
so as to draw
off at change.
window cur-
tain -R.flat.
* L. crosses stage
to door R. and
calls off.
\ Call Coomoe,
Cripps,
Corkett.
* Comes to chair
c sits.
ZW-R.
R.
ACT V. *
SCENE I. SKINNER'S villa as in the first scene of
Act 2, Night. Moonlight^-
(Enter SKINNER with a lighted candle and bag by
door.) *
SKINNER. 3
Olive! (Pause.) Olive! Olive!*
OLIVE.
(Outside.) Yes!
SKINNER.
Come down at once, I want you. 4 (Takes jewel
case and cash-box out of bag.) Now, have I got every-
thing? Yes, I think so, everything worth taking.
Coombe's private cash-box. (Taking a jemmy from
his pocket and prises cash-box open, takes out jewels.)
As I thought Lady Blanche's jewels ! The old fox !
The old sweep ! I knew he meant to rob me. (Takes
out a bag of money from cash-box.) Hillo, Mr.
Coombe's private savings ! That's lucky. They'll
come in handy at a pinch. (Puts bag in his pocket)
(Enter OLIVE. 5 She is in a dressing gown and with
her hair down as if newly aroused from sleep.)
OLIVE.,
What do you want ?
144
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT V
SKINNER. 1
Shut the door.
OLIVE.
Herbert! Something has happened. What is it?
SKINNER.
The worst. That man Denver is alive.
OLIVE.
. Alive ! No Impossible !
SKINNER.
Yes, and has got on our scent. Knows every-
thing.
OLIVE.
Have I not always said a day of retribution would
come ?
SKINNER.
For Heaven's sake don't preach now. Listen to
me, and if you make one mistake in carrying out my
instructions, it's death and ruin to me. Now will
you obey?
OLIVE.
Oh, Herbert !
SKINNER.
No sermons. Will you do as I tell you ?
OLIVE.
You know I will if it's to save you.
SKINNER.
You see all this? (Opens cabinet puts all the
jewels, etc., into it.)
OLIVE.
Yes.
10
145
ACT V
THE SILVER KING
SC. I
1 Puts Olive to
R. C
SKINNER.
While this is safe, I'm safe,
ruined you understand ?
If it's found, I'm
Yes.
OLIVE.
SKINNER.
(Locking cabinet and giving the key to OLIVE.)
There's the key. The moment I leave this house,
take all that, sew it securely in your dress, walk to
Lewisham, take the first train to Charing Cross and
the morning express to Paris go to the old address,
I'll join you as soon as I can. 1 Remember what's
at stake. If you find yourself watched or followed,
get rid of it burn it, plant it on somebody else, for
Heaven's sake, don't be found with it on you.
Don't write to me. Now, is that all ? Yes, that's all.
\
OLIVE.
I shall not see you again ?
SKINNER.
Not for a week or two. Good-bye ! (Kisses her.}
OLIVE.
Good-bye, Herbert. Take care !
SKINNER.
It's you who must take care. I can trust you,
Olive ?
OLIVE.
Yes, I will make no mistake. It shall not be found.
SKINNER.
Good girl ! I shall make something of you yet.
(Whistle heard off)
Coombe ! (To OLIVE.) Now be off. The moment
the house is clear set to work.
(Exit SKINNER.) *
146
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT Y
OLIVE.
Oh, Herbert, what am I doing for your sake ?
(Exit OLIVE.) 1
(Enter SKINNER * followed by COOMBE, CRIPPS and
CORKETT.) *
COOMBE. 3
My dear boy ! What luck ! Did you follow
him up ?
SKINNER. 4
Yes, to a big place in Kensington Gardens; he's
John Franklin, the millionaire. The Silver King !
COOMBE.
Well, what did you do, my dear boy ?
SKINNER.
Cheeked it out, went into the place and asked for
him gave my name and was shown up.
CORKETT. 5
And what did he say, Spider?
SKINNER.
He's just driven off into the country Heaven
knows why ; but I got his address and I can put
my hand on him when I choose.
CRIPPS. 6
Yes, but can you stop his jaw ?
SKINNER.
Yes, I can stop his if, I can stop yours ! Now look
here, you three we are perfectly safe while we hold
our tongues. There's not a fraction of evidence
against us, and there never will be if we keep quiet.
But the moment one of us opens his mouth, it's
transportation for all of us. Now, do we stick to-
gether ?
147
1 Door*.
1 Door t_
\ Call Baxttr,
Larkyn.
L. of Coomb*.
ACJT V
THE SILVER KING
sc. i
* Coombe crosses
to L. Cripps
and Corkett
gets round
back to R.
CRIPPS.
Yes, of course we will, Spider.
SKINNER.
Right ! Now there's not a moment to waste.
Coombe, you go to your place in the Gray Inn's
Road. 1 You may get a visit from the police to-mor-
row be ready for them ; destroy every scrap that
could tell a tale. Sharp's the word off you go !
COOMBE.
But the swag at the wharf ?
SKINNER.
The swag is not at the wharf. It's safe. Now
will you go ?
(Hustles COOMBE off) *
Now you, Cripps, you go to the Lawn, Kensing-
ton, and watch the house.
* Door L., Skin-
ner gets back
toe.
*R.
Whose house ?
CRIPPS. 3
SKINNER.
Denver's Franklin's, or whatever he calls him-
self take the Moucher with you and send him to
the Carr Lane Crib to report every three hours.
CRIPPS.
But the blessed swag what about that ?
SKINNER.
Don't I tell you the swag is safe?
CRIPPS.
Yes, but where is it ? What do you call safe ?
148
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT V
SKINNER.
I call a thing safe, Cripps, when that thing is in
my possession and its whereabouts is known only to
myself. Now the swag is safe in that sense.
CRIPPS.
That's all my eye !
SKINNER.
You shall have your share when the time comes.
CORKETT. 1
(Aside.) Yes, and I'll have mine.
SKINNER.
No words~(70 CRIPPS.) Bundle off !
(Shoves CRIPPS off.) *
CORKETT. 8
And what am I to do, Spider ?
SKINNER.
You ! 4 It was your cursed blabbing that brought
us into this infernal mess. Now I'll give you just
one word of caution. If you ever open your mouth
one single half inch, it's all up with you. If that
Hatton Garden business comes to light if it's ever
known that Denver didn't do it, it will be known
that Corkett did. We've made up our minds
that if one of us has to swing for it, it'll be you.
Now you're warned. 5
CORKETT.
Oh yes, Spider, I'll take my davy I'll never men-
tion it again.
SKINNER.
( Taking money bag from pocket?) Now if I let you
have a sufficient sum, do you think you can manage
to make yourself scarce for three months ?
149
1 Door I-
8 Dropping
down R.
Sift l_ c.
ACT V
THE SILVER KING
sc. I
1 R. of Skinner.
* Crossing to L.
* Left.
I'll try, Spider.
tinent if I'd got coin enough.
Amsterdam.
CORKETT. 1
I should like to go on the Con-
I've got a pal
in
SKINNER.
Very well, I'll let you have fifty pounds.
CORKETT.
Fifty pounds ! Oh, come, Spider, don't be stingy 1
Three months and they're sure to cheat me. I can't
speak a word of Dutch. Make it a hundred and I'll
be off slick to-morrow morning.
SKINNER.
I shall give you sixty and not a penny more.
(Begins to count out money aside.} Coombe's money
comes in handy.
CORKETT.
( Watching him, aside.} That's one of old Coombe's
bags. How did Spider get
brought the swag here.
that ? He must have
SKINNER.
(Giving him money.} There you are, and don't
reckon on getting any more from me. I've had just
as much of you as I can swallow. There's a train
from Liverpool Street to Harwich at eight o'clock.
You'd better go by it.
CORKETT. 1
All right, Spider, I'm off. Ta, ta.
SKINNER.
I think I've shut his mouth for the time ; but the
moment he's spent the money he'll come back.
Curse them, I won't trust any of them. Now let me
see ! Olive is safe ! The swag is safe ! Nothing
150
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT v
can touch me. The Grange, Gardenhurst, Bucks.
Now then for Mr. John Franklin.
(Puts out light and Exit.} '
(A pause. Enter BAXTER cautiously by window.)*
BAXTER. 3
The light out. Which way did they go ? He
brought that stuff here. It must be in the house
somewhere. Oh, if I could only nab you, Spider.
To think that I know that that rascal has had his
finger in every jewel robbery for the last ten years,
and I've never been able to lay my hands on him.
But I think I shall be one too many for you this
time. There's some big swag about here to-night,
and I don't leave this house till I've smelt it out. 4
(Hears footsteps and retreats to window.) 8
(Enter OLIVE.)
(Aside.) The Spider's wife !
OLIVE.'
They have left the house now is the time. (Goe*
to cabinet and unlocks it.) Oh, how my heart beats.
Courage for Herbert's sake. Hark, who's that ?
Somebody at that window. Who can it be ? (Leaves
cabinet open, stands back, touches BAXTER screams.)
Who's there?
BAXTER.
Silence for your life.
(Struggles with OLIVE, who would scream out, but
that BAXTER puts his hand over lier mouth and
hustles her offT>. R.)
Who's this coming? Is it Spider? Steady, Sam,
steady ! (Hides behind curtain)
(Re-Enter CORKETT.) 7 *
CCRKETT.
Spider's safe off. He's all right the swag must
1 Door\~
*R.C
4 Gats towards
D. R.
R.C.
* Enters R.
Call Denver,
Ntlly^Jaikit,
Citty, N*d.
ACT V
THE SILVER KING
SC. I
be here. He couldn't have carted it nowhere else.
Now where's he put it ? All's quiet if I can only
collar it I will make myself scarce. I'll go to the
continent and enjoy myself. (Knocks against cabinet?)
What's that ? Why it's the blessed cabinet. Crimes !
It's open ! (Feels inside?) These are the cases !
Here's a lucky squeeze. (Takes jewel cases out, etc?)
Golly, here's all the blessed lot of it. Why it'll be a
perfect little gold mine to me. (Kneels down to look
at jewels and stuffs them into his pockets quickly?) I
can be honest now for the rest of my life. After all,
honesty is the best policy. (Stuffs one case under
his waistcoat?) Won't old Spider be jolly mad when
he finds it out. I'm off my name's Walker !
(During the latter part ofCORKETT'ssfleec/t, LARKIN'
a detective, has sneaked round from window?- As
CORKETT rises and is going off* he confronts him.
TABLEAU. CORKETT then turns to escape right
and is met by BAXTER who pounces on him?)
TOL.
BAXTER.
No, it isn't ! It's Corkett ! I know you, you
young blackguard. (To LARKIN.) Turn on the
light.
CORKETT. 3
Nobbled Baxter fourteen years !
BAXTER.
Now, my young friend, turn out. Let's see what's
in your pockets.
CORKETT.
I've only got my handkerchief.
BAXTER.
Let's have a look at it.
CORKETT,
And a bunch of keys !
152
SC. I
THE SILVER KING
ACT V
1 From toat
pocket.
BAXTER.
Turn out produce !
(CORKETT begins to gingerly fumble about and pro-
duces not hing.)
Now, will you hand over?
CORKETT.
Yes, sir. (Produces a jewel case.) 1
BAXTER.
(Opens it.) The Honourable Mrs. Farebrother's
rings. Stolen from her maid while travelling.
CORKETT.
I don't know neither her nor her maid.
BAXTER.
Fire away ! The next !
(CORKETT produces another? BAXTER looks at it.)
Hunt and Cask. Bracelets ! Bond Street rob-
bery last Autumn.
CORKETT.
I can prove an alibi. I was in quod at the time.
BAXTER.
The next ? Look alive ! Here, I've got no time
to waste. ( Taps CORKETT'S waistcoat where case is.)
What's this? (Takes out case and looks at it.) By
Jove, Lady Blanche Wynter's jewels !
CORKETT.
Yes, I was just agoing to take 'em to her.
BAXTER.
I'll save you the trouble.
153
1 From coat
pocket.
ACT V
THE SILVER KING
SC. II
CORKETT.
There's a reward of a thousand pounds offered for
them jewels.
BAXTER.
I'll save you the trouble of taking that too.
CORKETT.
I say, you know, I'll just tell you how this hap-
pened now it ain't my fault, it's my misfortune
1 Baxter takes
hold ofCor-
kett by the col-
lar and hustles
him off*., c.
* Music.
1 Lights full up.
Music.
% Call Skinner.
* Comes down
and sits on
seat R. C.
Bypath R U. K.
L. V. B.
BAXTER.
Oh yes, you're a very much injured young man.
Now, my sweet innocent, you just come along nicely
with me.
CORKETT.
Yes, so I will. I'll come like a lamb. But I say,
you know, this ain't my swag not a blessed bit of
it. It's all Spider's. 1
BAXTER.
We'll talk about Spider by and by. Trot !
(Exeunt all through window.) *
END OF SCENE I.
SCENE II."
SCENE : The Grange, Gardenhurst. As in Act
IV. SCENE 2. Early Morning*
(NELLY discovered at gate 6 looking anxiously off.)**
NELLY.
Make haste, Jaikes, make haste and bring him to
me. 7 What if Jaikes could not find him or if Will
would not come? Oh yes, he will the train is
whirling him to me. He is coming he is coming!
(DENVER and JAIKES Enter* DENAER sends
JAIKES off.} 9
154
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT V
DENVER.
(To JAIKES, as they enter.) Go round to the front
and bring her to me.
(Exit JAIKES.) '
(At gate, sees NELLY.) Ah, there she is. (Aloud)
(NELLY turning, sees him, does not recognise him for
a minute he holds out his arms and she drops
gradually into them.)
NELLY. 2
Is it my Will ? My Will this face this white
hair my Will alive ?
DENVER.'
(Clasping her.) Nell! (Kisses her hungrily a long
embrace.)
NELLY.
(Hysterically.) Oh, Will don't speak. Don't say
a word. Only let me look at you. Oh, let me cry or
else my heart will break. Don't stop me, Will.
Ha, ha, ha ! (Sobbing and laughing in DENVER'S
arms.)
(Enter JAIKES.) 4
JAIKES.
(Aside.) I can't find her nowhere she ain't at
home. (Sees NELLY in DENVER'S arms) Ah, yes,
she's at home at last. (Creeping quietly off on tip-
toe.)
DENVER.
(To JAIKES.) Where are you going ?
JAIKES.
I'm going to have a look at the weather, Master
(Exit JAIKES.)'
155
ACT V
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
DENVER.
(Sitting on seat, NELLY at his feet* soothing her.)
That's right, have a good cry and ease your heart.
Oh, Nell! Nell ! I've such news for you the best
news ever spoken. There is no other news think
of it I never killed that man, I am innocent !
NELLY.
Oh, Will, can it be so? Oh, Will, it seems to me
as if I were dreaming. I can only look in this dear
changed face and ask " Is it true ? "
DENVER.
Yes, my own. Do you think I am changed ?
NELLY.
Yes, and no changed and not changed you are
always the same to me you are always my Will !
You are not changed a bit.
DENVER.
Nell, our children our little Ned and Cissy
where are they ?
NELLY.
I was waiting for you to ask that, I've been watch-
ing them all night. Come, we'll go and wake them.
(Enter JAIKES, * with the two children, one on each
side, dragging him by each hand.)
JAIKES.
Gently gently, missy gently, Master Ned !
That's my old rheumaticky arm. Don't you pull it
out of joint, you young Turk.
DENVER.
(Meeting children and taking them to seat, puts them
on his knees^f Ned, Cissy, do you know me? I'm
your father that was dead I am alive again and I
have come home to you, my brave boy, my dear little
girl ; put your arms round my neck, both of you.
Quite, quite close that's it, my darlings!
156
* Cissy on R. knee
and Ned on L.
knee.
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT V
CISSY. x
I know who that little girl was that you lost !
DENVER.
Well, tell me who was she ?
CISSY.
Why me, wasn't she ?
DENVER.
Yes, I've found her now I shall never lose her
again.
CISSY.
No, we shall never let you go away again, shall we,
mamma?
NED.
But you are crying ?
CISSY.
And Jaikes, you too? What is there to cry for?
JAIKES.
Don't you take no notice of me, missy. (Blubber-
ing?) I'm not crying I'm only laughing the wrong
way.
NELLY. 2
Cissy, when you were a little baby and could just
run about, you used to call somebody upstairs and
down all over the house don't you remember?
Who was it ?
CISSY.
(Hugging DENVER.) Daddy !
JAIKES.*
Yes, missy, and I can remember when your daddy
used to go toddling a calling " Jaikes " all over the
house. Ah, Master Will, I can just remember your
157
ACT V
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
1 Netty gets to
back of seat.
* Bypath R. u. B.
stands at gate
\ Call Baxter,
Larkyn*
great great-grandfather. I've seen five generations of
you and I've never had a happier moment than this
in all my life. 1
(Enter SKINNER * looking anxiously round. His face
is livid and his whole appearance betokens his intense
anxiety?) *
NELLY.
(Sees SKINNER.) Look, Will, that man !
DENVER.
(Starts up, sees SKINNER to JAIKES.) Jaikes,
take my children away !
(Exit JAIKES 8 with CHILDREN.)
(To NELLY.) Go into the house, Nell. I will
come to you when I have sent this man away. 4
NELLY. 5
No, let me stay I would rather stay !
SKINNER.
(Advancing?) Mr. John Franklin !
DENVER.
Denver, sir. (To NELLY.) Come, Nell, I have no
business with this man !
L. 3 K.
Passes Netty to
8 As they both
get L. c. on
Denver's L.
.&
SKINNER.'
Mrs. Franklin, I hold your husband's life in my
hands. If you value it, beg him to hear what I have
to say.
NELLY.
Oh, Will, is it true ? Are you in danger ? Yes,
let us hear what he has to say.
SKINNER.
What I have to say must be said to him alone.
NELLY.
Oh, Will, listen to him for my sake !
SC. II
THE SILVER KING
ACT V
uc.
DENVER.
Remain within sight, within call. 1 (To SKINNER.)
T^T i *
JNow, sir !
SKINNER.*
Look here, Mr. Franklin !
DENVER.'
Denver, sir !
SKINNER.
I thought I had better not mention that name I
do not want to get you into trouble.
DENVER.
I'll take care you don't do that !
SKINNER.
(Aside.} He seems calm he means mischief.
(A/oud.) You appear to misunderstand me.
DENVER.
Not at all ! I understand you perfectly. I've
watched you night and day for the last five months.
SKINNER.
( Whose self -confidence is shaken by DENVER'S cool-
ness.) What do you know ! What have you seen ?
DENVER.
Enough for my purpose.
SKINNER.
And you mean to use it ?
DENVER.
I do.
SKINNER.
Take care ! I warn you, don't quarrel with me.
I'll give you a chance if you're wise, you'll take it
before it's too late.
159
ACT V
THE SILVER KING
sc. ii
1 Enttrt L. 2 H.
1 On L. of Dtn-
Go on.
DENVER.
SKINNER.
We are both in a devil of a mess. Why not make
a mutual concession, silence for silence you keep
quiet on my affairs, I will keep quiet on yours you
allow me to pursue my business, I allow you to pur-
sue yours.
DENVER.
And the alternative?
SKINNER.
You fight me I fight you. You proclaim me a
thief and get me a possible five or seven years I
proclaim you as a murderer and get you hanged.
Take care, it's an edged tool we are playing with. It
cuts both ways, but the handle is in my hands, and
the blade towards you. You had better remain John
Franklin Wilfred Denver is dead let him remain
so.
DENVER.
You lie ! Down to your very soul, you lie ! Wil-
fred Denver is alive, and to-day all the world shall
know it. (Calls.) Nell !
(NELLY l comes to him.)
There stands the murderer of Geoffrey Ware ! He
wants to bargain with me, shall I hide myself or shall
I tell the truth to the world ? Shall I make peace
with him or shall Ifight him? Give him his answer,
Nell!
NELLY. 2
You shall fight him !
DENVER.
You have your answer go !
SKINNER.
I shall go straight from here and give information
to the police that Wilfred Denver is alive.
160
THE SILVER KING
L. and two Wharf wings R. Wall piece across stage R.
Cut border in 2.
ACT V.
Scene i Fancy chamber 2. Doors R. and L. Window R. C.
Chamber borders.
Scene 2 Repeat Scene 2 Act 4.
PROPERTY PLOT.
ACT I.
Scene i Two round iron tables, i long wooden table, i form,
4 wooden chairs, 3 high stools, 4 white wine glasses, 4
green glasses, 4 champagne glasses, 4 tumblers, cork-screw,
water bottle, 3 cigar boxes, small tray, plenty of bottles, 3
small mugs, clay pipes, matches in match trays, 6 cigars,
banknotes for Corkett, 2 glass cloths, champagne bottle
with ginger ale in same, revolver for Denver, small cane for
Corkett, plenty of newspapers.
Scene 2 Nothing.
Scene 3 Dark furniture, 3 chairs, large round table on casters,
large cover on same, arm-chair. R., bookcase L., fireplace,
clock, fire-irons, fender and mat to same, ornaments, on
mantel-shelf R. candle in brass candlestick, table under
window R., cover and books on same, lighted lantern, two-
foot rule, box of burglars' tools, two loaded revolvers,
knocker and bell off stage, L. C., plan for Cripps, chloro-
form pad for Spider, small phial, carpet and rugs.
ACT II.
Scene I Square table C., with cover, 4 chairs, portmanteau,
bag of coins, curtains to window C., revolver for Denver,
knocker in prompt entrance, carpet and rugs. (Dress stage
with fancy table plants, etc.)
Scene 2 Bundle of papers (newspapers).
Scene 3 Small tray, 2 glasses, Daily Telegraph, 2 long pipes,
glass cloth, ivy for porch, rustic bench.
Scene 4 Square table C., chairs R. and L. at back, time table
hung on scene at back L., cloth on table, plate, knife and
fork, small tray, jug of water and glass, newspaper, dish (
loaf of bread, gong-bell, toast, parsley.
165
THE SILVER KING
ACT in.
Scene i 2 arm-chairs, x small chair, small table, fancy book,
curtains to window R. C., mats for door, pipe for Cripps,
work basket, book, newspaper.
Scene 2 Small round table, i old chair, small basket, sack
with paper and coke, box of matches, organ off stage L., 5
small packets, loaf of bread, coin for Jaikes, purse of coin
for Olive, purse of coin for Denver, cake for child.
ACT IV.
Scene I Pocket-book and card, also cheque for Baxter, bank
note and pocket-book for Denver.
Scene 2 Garden seat with arms R. C., 2 garden chairs, bunch
of flowers, locket for Nelly, plants and flowers.
Scene 3 Large key, cigarette for Corkett.
Scene 4 Stone bottle and 2 tin cups, cash-box in fireplace, 3
packets of coin in same, crowbar, bales of goods, candle in
old candlestick, 3 wooden chairs, old table, box of matches,
wax moulds, letter for Denver.
ACT V.
Scene r Black bag, 3 jewel cases, cash-box, bag of coin,
burglars' tools, lighted candle in brass candlestick, I chair,
cabinet at back of scene, lighted lantern.
Scene 2 Repeat Act 4, Scene 2. Handcuffs,
GAS PLOT.
ACT I.
Scene i Full up.
Scene 2 Three-quarters up.
Scene 5 Down low to open.
Fire to light.
To work with candle.
Scene i Full up.
Scene 2 Full up.
Scene 3 Full up.
Scene 4 Full up.
ACT II.
Bunch at window. R. C.
Bunch at window.
1 66
R. C.
THE SILVER KING
ACT IIL
Scene i Full up.
Scene 2 Full up.
Fire to light at cue R. H.
Bunch or strip at back of cloth.
ACT IV.
Scene i Full up.
Scene 2 Full up. Bunches in wings R. and L.
Scene 3 Half up or Green foots.
Scene 4 Half up or Green foots.
Borders half up or Green.
Green length behind wall.
ACT V.
Scene I Down to begin work with candle and lantern.
Scene 2 Full up. Bunches in wings R. and L.
NOTE. All changes made in darkness.
167
THE SILVER KING
CALLS.
ACT I.
Scene r Beginners. Bilcher, Teddy, Tubbs, Geoffrey Ware,
Jaikes, and others.
At rise of curtain. Denver, Corkett, Baxter, Coombe
At Denver's entrance. Spider.
At Spider's entrance. Nelly.
At Nelly's entrance. Coombe, Corkett.
Scene 2 At opening of Scene 2. Ware, Leaker, Cripps, Spider.
Scene 3 At opening of Scene S. Denver, Coombe.
ACT II.
Scene i Beginners. Nelly, Jaikes.
At rise of curtain. Denver.
At Denver's entrance. Baxter and Second Detective.
At Jaikes' 2nd entrance. Railway Inspector, Rail-
way Passengers, Newsboy, Tipsy Passenger, Lady
Passenger.
Scene 2 At opening of Scene 2. Parkyn, Binks, Bronson.
Scene 3 At opening of Scene S. Susie.
At Susie's 1st entrance. Denver.
ACT III.
Scene i Beginners. Spider and Olive.
At rise of curtain. Coombe, Cripps, Spider's
Servant.
At 1st entrance Spider's Servant. Corkett.
At Corkett' s entrance. Nelly.
At Nelly's entrance. Jaikes.
Scene 2 At Jaikes' 1st entrance. Cissy and all School-children.
At Nelly's exit. Denver.
At Jaikes' 2nd entrance. Nelly, Olive, Coombe.
At Nelly's Entrance. Cissy.
168
THE SILVER KING
ACT IV.
Scene I Beginners. Baxter, Selwyn.
At rise of curtain. Denver.
At Denver's entrance. Jaikes, Tabby, Mrs. Gam-
mage, Gaffer Pottle, and all villagers.
Scene 2 At opening- of Scene Nelly, Cissy, and Ned.
At Nelly's exit. Denver.
Cue "Let me fetch her to you." Cissy, Gaffer Pottle.
At Cissy's entrance. Nelly, Coombe, Cripps.
Scene 3 At Coombe's entrance. Denver, Corkett.
At Corkett's entrance. Spider.
Scene 4 At Denver's entrance to hut. Corkett
ACT V.
Scene I Beginners. Spider, Olive.
At opening of Scene 1. Coombe, Cripps, and
Corkett.
At Coombe' s entrance. Baxter and Larky n.
At Corkett' s 2nd entrance. Nelly, Denver, Jaikes,
Cissy, Ned.
Scene a At opening of Scene 2. Spider.
At Spider's entrance. Baxter, Larkyn.
169
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