ACT I
ALASKA COMPANY'S STORE AT DAWSON
Scene. Alaska Commercial Company's store at Dawson. It is eleven o'clock of a cold winter morning. In front, on the left, a very large wood-burning stove. Beside the stove is a woodbox filled with firewood. Farther back, on left, a door with sign on it, "Private." On right, door, a street entrance; alongside are wisp-brooms for brushing snow from moccasins. In the background a long counter running full length of room with just space at either end for ingress or egress. Large gold-scales rest upon counter. Behind counter equally long rows of shelves, broken in two places by ordinary small-paned house-windows. Windows are source of a dim, gray light. Doors, window-frames, and sashes are of rough, unstained pine boards. Shelves practically empty, with here and there upon them an article of hardware (such as pots, pans, and tea-kettles), or of dry-goods (such as pasteboard boxes and bolts of cloth). The walls of the store are of logs stuffed between with brown moss. On counter, furs, moccasins, mittens, and blankets, piled up or spread out for inspection. In front of counter many snow-shoes, picks, shovels, axes, gold-pans, axe-handles, and oblong sheet-iron Yukon stoves. The feature most notable is the absence of foodstuffs in any considerable quantity. On shelves a few tins of mushrooms, a few bottles of olives.
About the stove, backs to the stove and hands behind their backs, clad in mackinaw suits, mittens dangling from around their necks at ends of leather thongs, ear-flaps of fur caps raised, are several miners. Prince stands by stove An Indian is replenishing the fire with great chunks of wood. Mounted police pass in and out. Sitka Charley is examining snow-shoes, bending and testing them. Behind the counter are several clerks, one of whom is waiting upon a bearded miner near end of counter to right.
MINER
(Pathetically.) No flour?
CLERK
(Shakes head.)
MINER
(Increased pathos.)
No beans?
CLERK
(Shakes head as before.)
MINER
(Supreme pathos.)
No sugar?
CLERK
(Coming from behind counter and approaching stove, visibly irritated, shaking his head violently; midway he encounters Miner, who retreats backward before him.)
No! No! No! I tell you no! No flour, no beans, no sugar, nothing!
(Warms his hands over stove and glares ferociously at Miner.)
(Dave Harney enters from right, brushes snow from moccasins, and walks across to stove. He is tall and lean, has a loose-jointed, shambling gait, and listens interestedly to Clerk and Miner. He evinces a desire to speak, but his mustached mouth is so iced-up that he cannot open it. He bends over stove to thaw the ice.)
MINER
(To Clerk, with growing anger.)
It's all very well for your playing the high an' lofty, you sneakin' little counter-jumper. But we all know what your damned Company is up to. You're holdin' grub for a rise, that's what you're doin'. Famine prices is your game.
CLERK
Look at the shelves, man! Look at them!
MINER
How about the warehouses, eh? Stacked to the roof with grub!
CLERK
They're not.
MINER
I suppose you'll say they're empty.
CLERK
They're not. But what little grub's in them belongs to the sour-doughs who filed their orders last spring and summer before ever you thought of coming into the country. And even the sourdoughs are scaled down, cut clean in half. Now shut up. I don't want to hear any more from you. You newcomers needn't think you're going to run this country, because you ain't.
(Turning his hack on Miner.)
Damned cheechawker!
MINER
(Breaking down and showing fear, not of Clerk, but of famine.)
But good heavens, man, what am I to do? I haven't fifty pounds of flour for the whole winter.
I can pay for my grub if you'll sell it to me. You can't leave me starve!
DAVE HARNEY
(Tearing the last chunk oj ice from mustache and sending it rattling to the floor. He speaks with a drawl.)
Aw, you tenderfeet make me tired. I never seen the beat of you critters. Better men than you have starved in this country, an' they didn't make no bones about it neither—they was all bones I calkilate. What do you think this is? A Sunday picnic? Jes' come in, eh? An' you're clean scairt. Look at me—old-timer, sir, a sour-dough, an' proud of it! I come into this country before there was any blamed Company, fished for my breakfast, an' hunted my supper. An' when the fish didn't bite an' they wa'n't any game, jes' cinched my belt tighter an' hiked along, livin' on salmon-bellies and rabbit tracks an' eatin' my moccasins.
(Jubilantly.)
Oh, I tell you this is the country that'll take the saleratus out of you!
(Miner, awed by being face to face with an old-timer, withers up during harangue, and at finish shrinks behind other miners, and from there makes exit to right.)
(Drawing paper from pocket and presenting it.)
Now lookee here, Mister Clerk, what'd you call that?
CLERK
(Glancing perfunctorily at paper.)
Grub contract.
DAVE HARNEY
What's it stand for?
CLERK
(Wearily.)
One thousand pounds of grub.
DAVE HARNEY
An' how much sugar?
CLERK
One thousand pounds of grub.
DAVE HARNEY
Say it again.
CLERK
(Looking for item on paper and reading.) Seventy-five pounds.
DAVE HARNEY
(Triumphantly.)
That's the way I made it out. I thought my eyes was all right.
CLERK
(After a pause.)
Well?
DAVE HARNEY
Well, that mangy little cuss around at the warehouse said I could only get five hundred on that piece of paper, an' nary sugar. What's that mean?
CLERK
It means five hundred pounds and no sugar. Scale-down went into effect to-day. Orders.
DAVE HARNEY
(Wistfully.)
An' nary sugar?
CLERK
Nary sugar.
DAVE HARNEY
That grub's mine, an' that sugar. I paid for it last spring. Weighed my dust in on them scales there.
CLERK
Can't help it. Orders.
DAVE HARNEY
(Wistfully.)
An' nary sugar?
CLERK
Nary sugar.
DAVE HARNEY
(Meditatively, in low voice.)
Curious, ain't it? Mighty curious—me ownin' two five-hundred-foot Eldorado claims, with five million if I'm wuth a cent, an' no sweetenin' for my coffee or mush.
('Whirling upon Clerk in sudden wrath, Clerk retreating wearily to behind counter.)
Why, gosh dang it! this country kin go to blazes! I'll sell out! I'll quit it cold! I'll—I'll—go back to the States! I'll—I'll—see the management!
(Strides rapidly toward door to left.)
CLERK
Hold on!
(Dave Harney stops.)
The boss is busy. Vanderlip's with'm.
DAVE HARNEY
He's buckin' the sugar proposition, too, eh? Clerk
No, he ain't.
DAVE HARNEY
Then here goes. Dave Harney don't wait on Vanderlip or any other man.
(Jerks open door marked "Private.")
(Vanderlip appears in doorway, just entering.)
VANDERLIP
Hello, Dave. What's the rush?
DAVE HARNEY
Hello, Vanderlip. Got any sugar to sell?
VANDERLIP
No, but I want to buy—
DAVE HARNEY
(Interrupting.)
No sugar, you can't do business with me.
(Rushes through door, slamming it after him.)
(General laugh from miners about stove. Clerk throws up his arms despairingly.)
(Vanderlip looks backward through door, which he pulls open for a moment, and laughs at Dave Harney.)
(Loraine Lisznayi enters from right and pauses at door to brush snow from moccasins.)
VANDERLIP
(Sees Loraine Lisznayi, starts across to meet her, but stops midway to speak hurriedly to Sitka Charley.)
How about those dogs, Charley?
SITKA CHARLEY
I get um all right by and by.
VANDERLIP
I want them right away, to-day.
SITKA CHARLEY
Yesterday you tell me to-morrow.
VANDERLIP
To-day, I tell you to-day. Never mind the price. I must have them—good dogs. Tonight, twelve o'clock, have them down at the water-hole all ready, harnesses, grub, everything in shape. And you're to drive them down river for me. Sure?
SITKA CHARLEY
Sure.
VANDERLIP
(Over his shoulder as he continues to cross to right.)
Never mind the price. I must have them.
(Crosses on over to right to Loraine Lisznayi, an expression of joy on his face. Sweeps off his Fur cap and shakes her hand.)
LORAINE
You must do better than that. Had there been a woman here, your face would have given everything away.
VANDERLIP
I can't help the gladness getting into my face, Loraine.
LORAINE
Don't call me Loraine. Somebody might hear. And we can't be too careful. And you mustn't talk but for a moment, Floyd.
VANDERLIP
(Grinning broadly.)
There you go, calling me Floyd. Somebody might hear. But who's afraid? I'm not. Let 'em hear. I'm glad of it! Proud of it that you're mine. The dearest little woman in the world, and mine, all mine!
LORAINE
(Glancing furtively about and finding that nobody is paying any attention.)
Hush, dear. Wait until we are safely away, and then I shall be proud before all the world to have you proud of me. You are such a man! Such a man!
VANDERLIP
Just wait until I get you into that Mediterranean palace. We'll make 'em sit up with this Klondike gold of ours. People don't know how rich I am, Loraine. Nor do you. I've got pay-claims over on Dominion Creek nobody dreams of, and—
LORAINE
I don't care how much you've got, or how little. It's you, you big, big man, you, my hero, that I care for. You'll grace a palace like a prince, and I've known a few princes, too.
VANDERLIP
And queens, too, didn't you say?
LORAINE
Yes, and queens, too. And they will be proud and glad to know you. They don't have men like you over there—real men. You'll create a sensation.
VANDERLIP
(Anxiously.)
But this living in palaces—sort of softening and fattening, ain't it? I don't like fat.
(Looks her over critically.)
You don't incline that way, do you?
LORAINE
(Laughing.)
You foolish, dear man, of course not. Do I look it?
VANDERLIP
(Slowly.)
Well, you look round—and plump.
LORAINE
I've always been plump like this. I'm like my mother. She was that way. She never got stout, and neither shall I.
VANDERLIP
(Anxiety going out of face, being replaced by satisfaction.)
Oh, you're all right, Loraine, you bet.
LORAINE
But you must leave me now, Floyd. Somebody may come in at any moment. Besides, I've a few little things to buy for our journey.
VANDERLIP
And they're fixing my money for me in there.
(Nodding toward door at lejt. Loraine betrays keen and involuntary interest). Letters of credit, you know, and all that. Can't carry much dust. Too heavy. And by the way, keep the weight down. Don't buy too many little things. Dogs are dogs, and they can only haul so much.
LORAINE
Only enough for me to be comfortable.
VANDERLIP
A woman needs so almighty much to be comfortable. But it'll be all right. Two sleds'll carry us, no matter how comfortable you make yourself. Bring plenty of foot-gear, moccasins, and stockings, and such things. And be at the water-hole at midnight with your whole outfit. Be sure that Indian of yours has enough dog food. I'll get my dogs to-day some time.
LORAINE
Which water-hole?
VANDERLIP
The one by the hospital. Don't make a mistake and go to the other one. It's way out of the way.
LORAINE
And now you simply must leave me. And you mustn't see me again to-day—not till midnight, at the water-hole, by the hospital. You know I can scarcely bear to have you out of my sight. But these women—oh, they are such suspicious creatures!
VANDERLIP
Good-by, then, until to-night.
(Turns to go toward left.)
LORAINE
(Softly.)
Floyd!
(Vanderlip turns back.)
You must go to the ball to-night. I've begged off, but you must go. It will avert any possible suspicion.
VANDERLIP
I was going anyway, just to drop in for a while. I—that is, you see—I promised Mrs. Eppingwell I'd go.
LORAINE
(Jealously.) Mrs. Eppingwell!
VANDERLIP
Of course, but it's all right, Loraine. She don't count.
LORAINE
Of course not. But then, Floyd, I care so much for you that I can't help a little jealousy—but there, there, you must go. Good-by, dear.
VANDERLIP
Good-by dear, dear Loraine. (Turns to go toward left.)
LORAINE
(Softly.) Floyd!
VANDERLIP
(Turns back, waits, and after a pause.) Well?
LORAINE
(With sweet reproof.)
I've been hearing things about you, sir.
VANDERLIP
What's up now?
LORAINE
Oh, you seem to have—how shall I say!—a penchant for foreigners.
VANDERLIP
(Mystified.)
Darned if I know what you're talking about. Penchant—is that something to eat?
LORAINE
(Laughing.)
Well, then, there is a certain woman, supposed to be Greek, at any rate a foreigner like myself; but with the most adorable accent—or so the men say—
VANDERLIP
(Interrupting.)
Freda, you mean.
LORAINE
(Fastidious expression on face.)
Yes, I believe that is the woman's name.
Vanderlip (Laughing jovially.)
There ain't anything in it. I don't care a rap for her—not a rap.
LORAINE
Then there's that Mrs. Eppingwell. I can't help thinking you are a little devoted to her.
VANDERLIP
(Showing slight embarrassment.)
Oh, well, I've only seen her in a social way—that's all, in a social way.
LORAINE
And you do love only me?
(He nods.)
Then tell me that you do.
VANDERLIP
(With impulsive eagerness, half lifting his arms as if to embrace her and controlling himself with an effort.)
Oh, I do, Loraine. I do, I do.
LORAINE
It is sweet to hear you say it. And now you really must go. Good-by, dear, good-by.
(He crosses stage to left and goes out.)
(She starts to cross stage to rear, but is approached and stopped by Sitka Charley.)
SITKA CHARLEY
(Gruffly.) Good morning.
LORAINE
(Sweetly.)
Good morning, Charley.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Bluntly.)
You got my money?
LORAINE
Oh, let me see. How much is it?
SITKA CHARLEY
Two hundred dollar.
LORAINE
I'll tell you. You come to my cabin to-morrow morning, and I'll give it to you.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Not letting on that he knows she is lying.) To-morrow morning you give me money?
LORAINE
At my cabin, don't forget.
SITKA CHARLEY
All right, to-morrow morning.
(He turns abruptly and starts to go toward stove.)
LORAINE
(Calling.)
Oh, Charley!
(He turns back to her.)
Is Dominion Creek very rich?
SITKA CHARLEY
Dam rich.
LORAINE
And do you know whether Mr. Vanderlip has any claims there?
SITKA CHARLEY
Me no know.
(Starts to go.)
LORAINE
(Detaining him.)
But Mr. Vanderlip is very rich, isn't he? You know that?
SITKA CHARLEY
Vanderlip dam rich.
(Sitka Charley turns abruptly and goes back to stove.)
(Loraine crosses stage to left rear to counter, where a clerk waits upon her.)
(Enter Mrs. Eppingwell and Mrs. McFee from right. Both engage in brushing snow from moccasins.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Finishing first, and looking about the store as if in quest of some one.) as I don't see anything of Captain Eppingwell, and he is the soul of promptness.
MRS. McFEE
(Still brushing snow.)
Mayhap we are a bit early, Mrs. Eppingwell. But as I was saying, it's verra dootful morals the giving of this masked ball. Masked, mind you, with every low dance-hall creature a-dying to come and put decent folk to the shame of their company. I speak my mind, and it's ay shameful that honest bodies must be so sore put. There'll be ruffians and gamblers with masks over their sinful faces, and who's to know? And there's that Freda woman. 'Tis said she plays with the souls of men as a child with a wee bit of a pipe plays with soap-bubbles. And there's all the rest—bold hussies!—who's to stop them from flaunting their fine feathers in our faces? Who's to stop them, I make free to ask?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Smiling.)
The doorkeeper, of course. It is quite simple. Masks must be lifted at the door.
MRS. McFEE
Ou, ay, verra simple, I should say. Belike you'll undertake the doorkeeping, and belike you'll know the face of every rapscallion of them.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
We'll get one of the men who do know—Mr. Prince, for example. There he is, by the stove. We'll ask him to be doorkeeper.
(Prince goes to rear and joins Loraine.)
MRS. McFEE
(With more than usual asperity.)
And how comes it Mr. Prince should know the children of sin and still be company for decent bodies?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Because he is a man, I imagine.
(Mrs. McFee snorts.)
There is Sitka Charley. I suppose you would bar him if he wanted to come?
MRS. MCFEE
(Judicially.)
Why, no, he's a verra good soul.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Yet I'm sure he knows all the children of sin, you call them.
MRS. McFEE
But he's an Indian, and he doesna dance.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Laughing.)
Then I suppose I shall not shock you by speaking to him.
(Approaches Sitka Charley, while Mrs. McFee goes to counter and is waited on by a clerk.)
Good morning, Charley. Have you seen Captain Eppingwell?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Nodding good morning.)
Yes.
Mrs. Eppingwell How long ago? Was he here?
SITKA CHARLEY
I see um last night.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Oh!
(Laughing.)
I've seen him later than that. But he was to meet me here.
SITKA CHARLEY
Um.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Trying to make conversation.)
It is rather cold this morning.
Um.
SITKA CHARLEY
MRS. EPPINGWELL
How cold?
SITKA CHARLEY
Sixty-five below. Any dogs to sell?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Still trying to buy dogs! For whom this time? Sitka Charley
Vanderlip. He want eight dogs.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Startled and interested.) Mr. Vanderlip?
Um.
SITKA CHARLEY
Mrs. Eppingwell What does he want with dogs?
Sitka Charley Um. Got dogs?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(A sudden thought striking her.)
Yes, I've dogs to sell. Or rather, Captain Eppingwell has.
SITKA CHARLEY
Fresh dogs? Strong dogs?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Considering.)
Well, no. You see, he just arrived yesterday. It was a long trip.
SITKA CHARLEY
Yes, me know—sixteen hundred miles. Dogs all bones, all played out, no good.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
How soon does he want the dogs?
SITKA CHARLEY
Right away, now, to-day.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
What does he want the dogs for?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Stolidly.)
Um?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
What does Mr. Vanderlip want the dogs for?
SITKA CHARLEY
That no Sitka Charley's business. That Vanderlip's business.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
But I want to know.
SITKA CHARLEY
Then you ask Vanderlip.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Tell me.
SITKA CHARLEY
Much better you ask Vanderlip, I think so.
(A pause, during which Sitka Charley merely waits, while Mrs. Eppingwell seems to be thinking. When she speaks, it is in a changed, serious tone.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Charley, we have travelled the Long Trail together, you and I.
SITKA CHARLEY
Um.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
We journeyed through the Hills of Silence. We saw our last dogs drop in the traces. We staggered and fell, and crawled on our hands and knees through the snow because we had not enough to eat, and it was very cold. We had our last food stolen—
SITKA CHARLEY
(Eyes flashing, face stiffening, grimly and with satisfaction.)
Captain Eppingwell kill one man who steal food. I kill other man. I know.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Shuddering.)
Yes, it was terrible. But we kept the faith of food and blanket, you and I, Charley.
SITKA CHARLEY
And Captain Eppingwell.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
And Captain Eppingwell. And by that faith of food and blanket I want you to tell me the truth now.
SITKA CHARLEY
Um.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Eagerly.)
Will you?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Nodding his head.)
Um.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Hurriedly.)
Mr. Vanderlip wants dogs, fresh dogs—why? Sitka Charley
He make a long travel, many sleeps.
Mrs. Eppingwell Where? When? Tell me all.
SITKA CHARLEY
Um travel down river. Um start to-night.
Mrs. Eppingwell He goes alone?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Shaking his head.)
No.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Who goes with him?
Me go.
SITKA CHARLEY
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Irritably.)
Yes, yes, of course. But you don't count. Anybody else?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Nodding his head.)
Um.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Triumphantly.)
Just as I thought. Tell me, Charley, it is—it is this—er—this horrid woman? You know.
SITKA CHARLEY
Um, this bad woman—this damn bad woman. Um, she go with him, to-night, twelve o'clock, the water-hole. She meet um there.
Mrs. Eppingwell (Eagerly.)
Yes, yes. And then....
SITKA CHARLEY
And then she go with um, many sleeps, down the river.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
And you will get the dogs?
SITKA CHARLEY
Sure, I get um.
(Enter Dave Harney from left, striding angrily.) I get um now—
DAVE HARNEY
Good-by.
(Starts in the direction of Dave Harney.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Wait a minute, Charley.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Over his shoulder.)
I come back. You wait.
(Approaches Dave Harney.)
Hello, Dave. Cold to-day.
DAVE HARNEY
(Whirling upon him savagely.)
You betcher life it's cold—regular freeze-out, with me frozen. But I'm goin' to quit it, quit it cold. I'll harness up my dogs and hit the high places for a land of justice where a man can get what he's ordered a year before and paid for.
SITKA CHARLEY
Got any dogs to sell?
DAVE HARNEY
Got any sugar to sell?
SITKA CHARLEY
I buy um dogs.
DAVE HARNEY
I'm buyin' sugar.
SITKA CHARLEY
I got no sugar. You got dogs. I buy dogs eight dogs—how much?
Dave Harney Five hundred dollars a dog.
SITKA CHARLEY
Um—eight dogs—four thousand dollar.
DAVE HARNEY
Dogs is wuth what you're willin' to pay for 'em.
SITKA CHARLEY
Um.
DAVE HARNEY
Look here, Charley, I used to be a miner, but I'm a business man now. Got any sugar?
SITKA CHARLEY
No sugar.
DAVE HARNEY
I'll throw a lot off them dogs for some sugar. No sugar, they cost you four thousand.
(Turns to go.)
SITKA CHARLEY
(Making no movement to detain him.)
Um.
DAVE HARNEY
(Over his shoulder.)
Four thousand,
CHARLEY
Um.
SITKA CHARLEY
They're wuth it if you want 'em real bad.
SITKA CHARLEY
All right, Dave. I buy.
DAVE HARNEY
Bring the dust around to my cabin at one o'clock.
SITKA CHARLEY
I buy now.
DAVE HARNEY
No, you don't. I'm goin' back to tell 'em what I think of 'em, the skunks! They've got sweetenin' in plenty for their own mush and coffee. You betcher life they have, and I'm goin' to get some of it or know the reason why.
(Storms out through door to lejt.)
(Sitka Charley returns to Mrs. Eppingwell.)
SITKA CHARLEY
That Dave Harney all the same one big robber. But I get um dogs all right.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Tell me about this—er—this woman, Charley, this Freda—Freda Moloof her name is, isn't it?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Showing plainly that his attention has been called off from the consideration of Loraine Lisznayi.)
Oh, Freda!
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Smiling.)
You call her Freda.
SITKA CHARLEY
Everybody call her Freda. Um good name. Me like it.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Well, what kind of a woman is she?
SITKA CHARLEY
Um good woman.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(With an angry movement of arm and clenching of hand.)
Oh!
SITKA CHARLEY
(Looking surprised and getting stubborn.) Me know Freda long time—two years. Um good woman. Um tongue speak true. Um just like you, no afraid. Um just like you, travel Long Trail with me. No afraid, very soft heart; sorry for dogs; no ride on sled when dogs tired. Um tired, but um walk. And um tongue straight; all the time speak true. I am Sitka Charley—I know.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Yes, yes. Go on.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Considering.)
Freda no like men.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Now that is too much, Charley? How about Mr. Vanderlip?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Shrugs his shoulders.)
I know Freda long time. Freda know Vanderlip short time. Maybe Freda like Vanderlip. I don't know. But before she never like men, that I know. Maybe you like Mr. Vanderlip I think. (Mrs. Eppingwell smiles, and Sitka Charley grows more positive.) Vanderlip come your cabin all the time. You ride on Vanderlip's sled. I know. I see. Maybe you like Vanderlip.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
You don't understand, Charley. I have reasons for being nice to Mr. Vanderlip.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Sceptically.)
Um.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
And, Charley, you mustn't tell anybody what you have told me about Mr. Vanderlip going away to-night with that—that woman.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Weighing her words.)
Maybe I tell Freda.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Stamping foot angrily.)
Don't be foolish, Charley. She is the last person in the world who ought to know. Of course you'll not tell her. Tell no one.
(Sitka Charley hesitates.)
Promise me you'll not tell. Promise me by the faith of food and blanket.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Reluctantly.)
All right, I no tell.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
They say Freda is a dancer. Have you seen her dance?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Nodding his heady a pleased expression on his face.)
I see um. Very good dance. Um dance at Juneau, two years ago, first time I see. Treadwell Mine no work that day. No men to work. All men come Juneau and look see Freda dance. Freda makum much money. Um speak to me. Um say, "Charley, I go Yukon Country. You drive my dogs, how much?" Then Freda travel Long Trail with me.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
They say many men like her.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Nodding head vigorously.)
Um, sure. Me like her too, very much.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Smiling tolerantly.)
And they say she makes fools of men.
SITKA CHARLEY
Sure. Dam fools. Men just like bubble. Freda just make play with um—smash!—just like that. Everybody say so.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
What kind of a looking woman is she?
SITKA CHARLEY
You no see um?
Mrs. Eppingwell No. What does she look like?
(Freda enters from right.)
SITKA CHARLEY
(Looking at Freda.)
Um there now.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Not understanding.)
What?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Nodding head toward Freda.)
Um Freda there.
(Mrs. Eppingwell turns involuntarily to look. Freda pauses on entering, starts as though to retreat at sight of the crowd, then stiffens herself, face and body, to meet it, and proceeds to brush snow from moccasins. There is silence in store. Then a perturbation amongst miners about stove, men craning their heads over one another's shoulders to look at Freda. The clerks look at her. Everybody looks at her.)
(Mrs. McFee turns up her nose several degrees, and, plainly advertising a highly moral rage, walks over to Mrs. Eppingwell.)
MRS. McFEE
(To Mrs. Eppingwell, but glaring at Freda.)
It's my way of thinking that it is high time for decent bodies to be going.
(Sitka Charley glares angrily at Mrs. McFee.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(In low voice.)
Hush. It is a public place, and she has as much right here as you or I. Don't insult the poor woman.
MRS. McFEE
(Snorting.)
In my way of thinking the insult's the other way around. Come you, Mrs. Eppingwell, we must go. The verra air is contameenated.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Pleadingly.)
Do please restrain yourself, Mrs. McFee. Don't make a scene.
MRS. MCFEE
(Raising her voice.)
I'll no restrain myself, and I'll no wait for you if you see proper no to come now. The hussy!
(Mrs. McFee, nose high in the air, turns to make exit at right. Freda has just finished brushing snow, and has risen erect. Mrs. McFee, passing her to go out the door, sniffs audibly and draws aside her skirt. Freda makes no movement, though her lips tighten. Exit Mrs. McFee. Freda tries to hang up wisp-broom, but her hand trembles, misses peg, and wisp-broom falls to floor. She picks it up and this time hangs it properly. Turns and goes to right rear to counter, where clerk waits upon her.)
SITKA CHARLEY
(Glaring after Mrs. McFee, angrily).
That womans no like Freda. What for?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Speaking gently.)
No women like Freda.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Stunned, slowly.)
You no like Freda?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(More gently even than before.)
No, Charley, I do not like Freda.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Showing anger.)
What for you no like Freda?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
I cannot explain. You would not understand.
SITKA CHARLEY
(More anger.)
Me Sitka Charley. Me understand. What for you no like Freda?
(Captain Eppingwell enters from right.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
I—
(Catching sight of Capt. Eppingwell.) There is Captain Eppingwell now.
(Capt. Eppingwell brushes moccasins quickly, and goes immediately to Mrs. Eppingwell. Sitka Charley, still angry, joins group about stove.)
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
Early, as usual, Maud.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
No, merely on time. It is you who are late. Capt. Eppingwell
Impossible!
(Looks at his watch and smiles triumphantly.)
I knew it. On time to the tick of the second.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Smiling.)
Not by Dawson time.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
Oh! of course. I haven't changed my watch. I'm still going by sun-time. Sorry.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Smiling.)
I forgive you. It is the first time, but I really can't count it against you.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
(Looking closely into her face.)
What's wrong?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Archie, you're the dearest man I know. Of course there is something wrong, and of course you knew it as soon as you set eyes on me. Well, I am beaten.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
The Ever-Victorious-One beaten! Impossible! I'll not believe it.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
I am, just the same. Here I have been trying to save Floyd Vanderlip, counteracting that evil woman's influence, having him to tea and dinner and giving him no end of my time, and Flossie isn't here yet, and he runs away with Freda Mo-loof to-night. It's all arranged, and everything.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
But—but—wait a minute. Enlighten me. I am only a poor traveller. Who is this Flossie? And why shouldn't this Vanderlip-man—whoever he is—run away if he wants to?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
How ridiculous of me! I forget you've been away. You know who Freda Moloof is?
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
Surely, surely. She has the most magnificent furs and the most magnificent dogs in all Alaska. A fascinating creature, I—er—understand. She plays with men as a child plays with bubbles.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
It seems to me I've heard that before.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
It has become a saying in the country.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
I have heard of men who whistle women up as they would whistle dogs. She must be the type of woman that whistles men.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
(Warmly.)
All she has to do is look at a man.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Smiling.)
You speak as though she had looked at you.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
(Smiling.)
A very interesting woman.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Well, anyway, she has cast eyes and wiles upon Floyd Vanderlip.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
But why shouldn't she? This is a free country.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Wait a minute. I'm trying to explain. Floyd Vanderlip is engaged to marry some one else.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
O-o-h!
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Floyd Vanderlip is a big, strong man. For five years he chased Eldorados over the ice-fields, living on moose and salmon and working like a beast. He never had an idle moment in which to be wicked. Then he struck it on Klondike and is worth millions and millions. Also, he sat down for the first time in five years and rested.
He remembered a girl who was waiting for him down in the States—a young thing—and sent for her to come in. They were to be married as soon as she arrived. He has a cabin all ready. Well, that's Flossie. She is coming in over the ice now—he's told me all about it—and ought to be here any day. I've been looking for her, and looking for her, till I am almost sick. Then this Freda Moloof cast her spell upon him. I heard the gossip—
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
And proceeded to take a hand. I begin to understand.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
I did my best to break her influence. The time and thought I've wasted upon that man! It's almost scandalous the way I've devoted myself to him! Sitka Charley believes I am in love with him—told me so to my face. And it's all wasted, card parties and everything. What was I against the only woman in Klondike who possesses a piano and a maid? And to-night he runs away down the river with her.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
With Freda Moloof?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
With Freda Moloof. There she is now, buying things for the journey most probably.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
(Turning to look at Freda, and turning back again.)
I must say she couldn't have done better if he is worth all you say he is. I remember him now, a strapping fellow, brave as a lion and all that.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Yes, but he's caressed more shovel-handles than women's hands, and that's the trouble with him. And I don't know what I shall do.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
You could scarcely serve an injunction on him.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
I don't know what I'll do. Floyd Vanderlip is not the sort of man to appeal to. To try to impress him to do the right thing would be like setting fire to a powder mill. I wish I knew how near Flossie is. There hasn't been a courier or a mail carrier in for weeks and weeks. The mail from Dyea is twenty days overdue.
(Enter Mail Carrier, carrying leather mail-pouch. He is clad in a long squirrel-skin parka reaching to his knees, the hood drawn over his head and ears and leaving only jace exposed. Face and mouth are iced-up, making speech impossible. He does not stop to brush snow jrom moccasins, but proceeds rapidly to cross to stove.)
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
There is the man who can tell you about Flossie. Shall I ask him?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Oh! the mail carrier? At last! And in the nick of time. Yes, do.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
(Stepping into the path of the Mail Carrier.)
What's the news?
(Mail Carrier makes dumb show that he cannot speak, waving his arms and pointing to his iced mouth and then to the stove.)
(Capt. Eppingwell laughs and lets him pass.)
(To Mrs. Eppingwell.)
He's so iced up he cannot speak. Wait till he thaws out, and then I'll get hold of him. In the meantime—
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Interrupting.)
In the meantime you must meet the Lisznayi.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
The Lisznayi!
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Yes, she is a fascinating woman, our latest acquisition. An Old World Hungarian with all the do and dare of the New World blood. She was a friend of the Queen of Roumania. Posed as a model for the Queen. Had cardinals and princes at her beck and call. Plenty of money, of course, position, and all that. Came into the Klondike out of sheer love of adventure, and possibly because she was bored. You'll enjoy her, I know. There she is over there. Do you care to?
(Mrs. Eppingwell and Capt. Eppingwell walk over to left rear to Loraine Lisznayi and Prince.)
(Mail Carrier tries to get to stove, but is blocked by miners, who are demanding: "What's the news?" "How's the trail?" "Any letters for me?" "And me?" "And me?" "Where did you meet O'Brien? He left ten days ago." "How's the ice on Thirty Mile River?" etc.y etc. To all of which Mail Carrier replies by waving his arms and thrusting through the crowd till he gets to stove, over which he holds his Face.)
(Dave Harney enters from left, still in towering rage, but his jace lights up, as though struck by a sudden thought when he catches sight oj Mail Carrier. He strides over, clutches Mail Carrier by the arm and draws him to one side.)
DAVE HARNEY
(In a whisper.)
Got a noospaper?
MAIL CARRIER
(Nods head.)
DAVE HARNEY
How many?
MAIL CARRIER
(Holds up one finger.)
DAVE HARNEY
I'll give you twenty dollars for it.
MAIL CARRIER
(Shakes head.)
DAVE HARNEY
(Bidding rapidly, each bid being met by a shake of Mail Carrier's head.) Twenty-five. Thirty. Thirty-five. Forty. Fifty.
MAIL CARRIER
(Nods head and goes back to stove.)
(Freda walks forward toward stove and beckons to Sitka Charley, who leaves group about stove and comes to her.)
FREDA
Tell the Mail Carrier I want to speak to him, Charley.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Obediently.)
Urn.
(Sitka Charley crosses to stove, where Mail Carrier is pulling the ice from his mouth.)
Freda want talk some with you.
MAIL CARRIER
(Turning to look at Freda, nods head and mumbles incoherently, at same time starting to go to Freda and still pulling ice jrom mouth. He shakes hands with Freda and speaks thickly at first.)
How do do, Freda.
FREDA
How do you do, Joe. What kind of a trip did you have?
MAIL CARRIER
Pretty rough, but I made good time just the same. Passed everything in sight.
FREDA
That is what I wanted to ask you about. Did you pass the outfit of a girl, or, rather, of a young woman?
MAIL CARRIER
Coming in by herself, with a dog-puncher and an Indian?
FREDA
Yes. Where did you pass her?
MAIL CARRIER
Yesterday afternoon, about three o'clock. They were making camp early. She was pretty tired from the looks of her.
FREDA
When should she get in?
MAIL CARRIER
I talked with the dog-puncher. He said they'd camp to-night at Mooseback and come in tomorrow. That's twenty-five miles, and if they don't start too late, they'll make Dawson by the middle of the day.
FREDA
What kind of a girl is she?
MAIL CARRIER
Good. How do you mean?
FREDA
I mean what kind of a looking girl is she? How did she strike you?
MAIL CARRIER
Oh, one of the soft and clingy kind, I guess I'd call her. You know, the kind that needs lots of cuddling and petting. Pretty, yes, danged pretty. Blue eyes, wavy hair, and all the rest—trembly lips and teary eyes—smily and weepy, you know, all in the same moment. But, gee! Freda, I can't stand here gassin' all day. I got about a thousand dollars' worth of letters to deliver—a dollar apiece and cheap at the price. I'll see you later. So long.
FREDA
All right, Joe. Tell Sitka Charley I want to see him, will you?
(Mail Carrier returns to stove, picks up mail pouch, and sends Sitka Charley to Freda.)
(Capt. Eppingwell comes to Mail Carrier, and is leading him off to Mrs. Eppingwell when Dave Harney interposes.)
DAVE HARNEY
Hold your hosses, Joe. How about that dicker for the noospaper? You said Yes to fifty.
MAIL CARRIER
(Pulling out his gold sack and drawing newspaper from pocket and giving both to Dave Harney.)
All right. Just weigh the fifty into that.
(Dave Harney takes gold sack over to scales, produces his own gold sack, and a clerk weighs from one sack into the other.)
(Mail Carrier accompanies Capt. Eppingwell to Mrs. Eppingwell.)
(Capt. Eppingwell, Loraine Lisznayi, and Prince move along counter toward right and inspect mittens and moccasins.)
FREDA
What time to-morrow has he decided upon starting?
SITKA CHARLEY
No to-morrow. To-day, to-night, twelve o'clock to-night.
FREDA
(Startled.)
To-night! Are you sure?
Um.
SITKA CHARLEY
FREDA
You said to-morrow.
SITKA CHARLEY
Vanderlip um change mind. Look like much hurry.
FREDA
And the Lisznayi woman?
SITKA CHARLEY
She wait water-hole. Um meet her there. One Indian drive her dogs. Me drive Vanderlip's dogs.
FREDA
But Vanderlip mustn't go to-night.
Charley, he simply mustn't.
I tell you,
SITKA CHARLEY
(Incredulously.)
Um.
FREDA
Not only that, but you must help me to keep him from going.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Angrily.)
What for, Freda? I am Sitka Charley. I buy dogs, I sell dogs, I drive dogs. I help you dogs, yes. What for I help you other things? Vanderlip all the same one big chief. Um womans like um.
(Holding up fingers.)
One, two, three womans like um. That um womans' trouble. No Sitka Charley's trouble. What for, Freda?
FREDA
Why, what are you thinking about?
Sitka Charley I think you one big fool, Freda.
FREDA
(Smiling sadly.)
And I think you are right, Charley, when I look back.
SITKA CHARLEY
No look back. Right now. What for you make fool with Vanderlip? Him no good. Him big fool too.
FREDA
Oh, I see. You think I am in love with him.
Sitka Charley (With satisfaction.)
Um.
FREDA
You really think so?
SITKA CHARLEY
Um. What for you say he must no go to-night? Um?
FREDA
Listen, Charley. You must help me, and I'll tell you all about it. There is a little girl coming in over the ice to marry Vanderlip—
SITKA CHARLEY
(Interrupting excitedly.)
One more woman! Um Vanderlip one dam big chief.
(Holding up fingers.)
One woman, two woman, three woman, four womans.
FREDA
(Surprised.) Four women?
SITKA CHARLEY
Um. Four womans.
FREDA
Who are they?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Holding up fingers.)
Little girl come in over ice—one. Lisznayi woman go 'way with um—two. Freda no want Lisznayi woman go 'way with um—three. Mrs. Eppingwell—four. One—two—three—four—womans.
FREDA
(Surprised.)
Mrs. Eppingwell! Oh, you told me about her once. She was the woman who was with you on that trip through the Hills of Silence. She is a very brave woman. I have heard much of her, and I like her. If I were a man, I could love her. She must be very good, and sweet, and kind.
SITKA CHARLEY
Sure. And um hard like iron sometimes. But um no like you. Um say so. What for um no like you?
FREDA
(Gently.)
No woman likes me, Charley.
SITKA CHARLEY
All men like you.
FREDA
(With touch of anger.)
All men are fools.
SITKA CHARLEY
What for womans no like you?
FREDA
(Meditatively).
And she likes Vanderlip. How do you know? What do you know?
SITKA CHARLEY
No can tell. I promise.
FREDA
Promised whom?
SITKA CHARLEY
Mrs. Eppingwell. Um Mrs. Eppingwell very good woman.
FREDA
But she has a husband. It is not good for her to like another man. What do you think?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Perplexedly.)
I think I don't know. I think all um womans crazy. What for all um womans like this Vanderlip man?
FREDA
(Decisively.)
Well, I don't.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Sceptically.)
Um.
FREDA
Let me show you, Charley, and then you will know why I want you to help me. And, remember, you mustn't tell a word of any of this to any one.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Debating the proposition.)
Um—maybe I tell Mrs. Eppingwell.
FREDA
(Angrily.)
Don't be silly, Charley. You mustn't tell anybody. Promise me now.
SITKA CHARLEY
(With despairing perplexity.) All right, I no tell.
FREDA
Now this little girl is coming in over the ice—her name is Flossie. She has lived a soft life down in California, where the sun is warm and there is no snow. She does not know hardship, nor the trail, and she is having a hard time now on the trail. Think of it!—sixty-five degrees below zero this morning, and she is out in it, walking, walking, walking, her breath freezing, her mouth icing up, her eyebrows rimed with frost. And she is very stiff, and sore, and tired. Every step of the trail she takes in pain. It is like a bad dream to her, Charley. But she sees, always before her, at the end of the dream, an awakening at Dawson, in the arms of the man who is to marry her. But, Charley, what if when she gets to Dawson there is no Floyd Vanderlip? no man to marry her? It will break her heart. It will be no happy awakening from a bad dream, but the beginning of a worse dream. And she is a little girl, Charley—not a strong woman like me who does not care. She will care, and she will know nobody, and she will cry, and cry, and cry. Did you ever hear a woman cry, Charley? Think of it, she is only a little girl.
SITKA CHARLEY
Um. More like baby.
FREDA
Yes, put it that way, more like a baby. She cannot stand pain.
SITKA CHARLEY
Oh, on trail, too much walk make um hurt.
FREDA
No, no.
(Holds hand to heart.)
Pain here.
SITKA CHARLEY
Um. I know. Um sick. What um call heart disease. I see one man sick that way. Um fall down dead, just like that.
FREDA
(Irritably.)
Oh, you don't understand.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Puzzled.)
I don't know. Womans all crazy.
FREDA
(Smiling.)
I think I can explain. Last summer you were in a canoe race on the river. You paddled very hard, but you lost.
(Putting hand to heart.)
And it hurt you—
SITKA CHARLEY
(Interrupting.)
Um. Um. Paddle like hell. No win race. (Stroking first one arm and then the other.) Much tired right here.
(Putting hand over heart.)
And um much hurt right here, no tired, just hurt like rheumatism, because I am sorry I lose race.
(Nods head repeatedly.)
Um. Um.
FREDA
The very thing. She doesn't know it, but she is racing against this Lisznayi woman. Flossie must get here before the other woman steals her man. And you must help her win the race. Will you?
SITKA CHARLEY
You know this Flossie girl?
FREDA
No.
SITKA CHARLEY
No?
FREDA
Never saw her in my life. But she is coming into a strange country without a friend or a dollar when she gets here. She will have great trouble. And you know, Charley, it is not good for a woman to be without friends or money in this country.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Puzzled as much as ever.)
Don't know Flossie girl. No like Vanderlip man. What for you care?... Much foolishness. All womans crazy.... All right, I help.
(Mail Carrier has-finished interview with Mrs. Eppingwell, received gold sack back from Dave Harney, and gone out with mail pouch to left. Capt. Eppingwell and Loraine Lisznayi have rejoined Mrs. Eppingwell.)
(Loraine Lisznayi says good-by to them, and starts to make exit to right, passing close to Freda and Sitka Charley. She pauses one or two paces away.)
LORAINE
(Favoring Freda with a quick but sweeping, scornful glance.)
Come here, Charley. I want to speak to you a moment.
(Her conduct angers Sitka Charley, who grows stolid and refuses to move or reply.)
FREDA
Speak with her, Charley.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Sullenly.)
No speak.
(Loraine Lisznayi, scornful expression on face, proceeds on her way, and makes exit to right.)
FREDA
Why didn't you, Charley?
SITKA CHARLEY
(Angrily.)
What for she look at you that way?
FREDA
(Ignoring the question.)
They say she is a rich woman in her own country. But I don't believe it. I think she is after Vanderlip's money.
SITKA CHARLEY
Lisznayi woman no got money. I know. I sell her dogs—eight hundred dollars. She pay me three hundred. Two weeks, three weeks, I no get other five hundred dollars. Um no got five hundred. I say, "My dogs, give me back." She give back. Me have fur robe. Good fur robe. She buy, two hundred dollar. Um no pay. Um have good fur robe. Me no have nothing. Um have cabin. Um no pay rent to Johnson. Um smile very nice, um Johnson wait. I know, I see. Um dogs she got now, Vanderlip give, make present. Um no pay firewood. Um no pay many things.
FREDA
I thought so. And now to win the race. Dogs first of all. Flossie must be brought in to-night. I want you here in Dawson, Charley. So you must send some Indian up the trail with a fresh team of dogs. Flossie camps at Mooseback tonight. He is to let her think that Vanderlip has sent the dogs, and that Vanderlip wants her to come right on to-night. Understand?
SITKA CHARLEY
Um. Sure.
FREDA
(Preparing to start toward door at right.)
Start the dogs right away with a man you can trust. And he must be sure to let Flossie think that Vanderlip sent him. At the best, Flossie can't arrive until late to-night. And there may be delays. You keep on Vanderlip's trail so that you will know always where he is.
(Freda and Sitka Charley start to walk toward the door at right.)
When I send for him you must bring him to me, and I'll hold him till Flossie gets in.
SITKA CHARLEY
(Touching Freda's arm.)
No very strong, Freda.
FREDA
(Tapping her forehead.)
Vanderlip no very strong, Charley.
(Both cover ears, pull on mittens, and go out.)
(Dave Harney, unobserved, has been squatting on hams in front of counter to right, intently reading newspaper. He is making dumb show of excited interest. One of the miners discovers him, runs over to him, and starts to read newspaper over his shoulder. Dave Harney folds newspaper across, resting it on his knee, and looks up coolly into face of Miner.)
MINER
(In hurt voice.)
Can't you give a fellow a squint at your paper?
DAVE HARNEY
Got any sugar?
Sure.
MINER
DAVE HARNEY
Give me a whack at your sugar barrel?
MINER
(Surprised and shocked.)
No.
DAVE HARNEY
Then nary squint at my noospaper.
(In meantime other miners and clerks have surrounded him, all demanding to see his newspaper. Whereupon he puts paper in his pocket, rises to his feet, and starts toward door to right, miners and clerks following him and grumbling at his meanness.)
DAVE HARNEY
(Pausing with his hand on door.)
You think you're smart, don't you? Got a corner on sugar, eh? And poor Dave Harney left without no sweetenin' for his coffee an' mush. Well, poor Dave Harney's got a corner on noos. When you want noos, come an' see him, an' be sure an bring your sugar along.
(Goes out, followed by miners.)
(Mrs. Eppingwell and Capt. Eppingwell come forward to stove and warm their hands.)
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
(Continuing conversation.)
Perhaps Freda doesn't know about Flossie. I always thought her a good girl at heart.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Why this haste then? Why are they running away to-night instead of to-morrow as they had planned? They must have received information somehow, even before the mail carrier arrived. (Enter Mail Carrier from left.)
And look how she captured the mail carrier at once, and for one thing, I know, to learn Flossie's whereabouts.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
Here he is now. Let's ask him.
(Beckons Mail Carrier over to him.)
You were talking with Freda a little while ago. What did she want to learn?
MAIL CARRIER
(Pausing only long enough to reply, and then going on to make exit to right.) Same thing as your wife—where I passed that girl's outfit.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Quietly.)
I knew it.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
But why couldn't I go around, or you, and talk with Freda, explain the situation fully to her, and make an appeal to whatever good is in her?
Mrs. Eppingwell (Smiling.)
You don't know women, Archie,
(Adding as an afterthought.)
Well as women know women. No, she must be beaten at her own game. Flossie must arrive before midnight to-night.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
But she camps at Mooseback.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
There are dogs in Dawson. Now, Archie, this is for you to do. Borrow a team of fresh dogs somewhere, put your Indian in charge of it, that one-eyed man, he's faithful, and start him up the trail to Flossie. Let her think Floyd Vanderlip has sent the dogs to bring her in right away.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
(Smiling.)
Ah, I see. The impatience of the ardent and long-denied lover.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Smiling in return.)
And once Flossie is here and gets her arms around Floyd Vanderlip's neck, Freda Moloof will wait in vain at the water-hole.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
That will settle it. Freda's not the woman to stand knocking her feet around a water-hole very long for any man.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Good-naturedly. )
You seem to know a great deal about what kind of a woman this dancer is.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
I know enough about her, when it comes to Vanderlip and Flossie, to think her the best of the boiling... and to have a sneaking regret for her being beaten this way.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
You may be kind-hearted, Archie, but you are unwise.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
(Sighing.)
Oh, well, after the manner of civilized man I submit to my womenkind. All right, I'll send the dogs at once.
(Makes a movement to start toward door to right, and Mrs. Eppingwell starts with him.)
(Mrs. Eppingwell, struck suddenly by a new idea, pauses. Capt. Eppingwell pauses a step in advance and looks at her.)
What's wrong now?
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Suppose there is some mischance, a delay, and Flossie doesn't get in by midnight?
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
Then Freda wins.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(Decisively.)
No, she doesn't.
(Thinks for a moment.)
Floyd Vanderlip is coming to the ball. I'll see that he comes. I'll be very nice to him and watch him closely so that he does not sneak away. If Flossie fails to arrive, say by half-past eleven, I'll be taken ill, and I'll ask Vanderlip to take me home; and I'll hold him, no matter how terribly ill or terribly nice I have to be, until midnight is well past or until Flossie arrives.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
Then it's my duty to disappear about the time you are taken ill.
MRS. EPPINGWELL
Archie, though I tell you for the thousandth time, you are a perfect dear. And I can be as terribly nice as I please to Floyd Vanderlip?
(Capt. Eppingwell laughs and nods, and they continue toward door.)
MRS. EPPINGWELL
(While they are pulling on mittens, etc.)
And now the dogs. Don't delay a moment, Archie, please.
CAPT. EPPINGWELL
The one-eyed man and the six dogs start at once.
(They go out.)
(Only clerks behind counter are left on the stage.)
(Nothing happens for a full minute, when Mrs. McFee appears at right, peeping through door, which she holds ajar. She peers cautiously about, enters, and sniffs the air several times. Then she smiles a sour smile of satisfaction.)
MRS. McFEE
And now a decent body can make her purchases.
CURTAIN
