Dirty Work at the 1

Crossroads

Dirty Work at the Crossroads

or,
Tempted, Tried and True

A Gay ‘Nineties Melodrama

In Three Acts

By
Bill Johnson

Characters:
NELLIE LOVELACE, as true as she is tender.
ADAM OAKHART, as brave as he is bashful.
THE WIDOW LOVELACE, as sweet as she is simple.
MUNRO MURGATROYD, as wild as he is wicked.
IDA RHINEGOLD, as deep as she is dyed.
MOOKIE MAGUGGINS, as rude as he is rustic.
MRS UPSON ASTERBILT, of Newport and Brooklyn
LEONIE, her daughter, a Madison Avenue belle.
FLEURETTE, their French maid, Oo la la.
LITTLE NELL, who never had a father.
Dirty Work at the 2
Crossroads

Act One

The Place: A country garden on the banks of the Mill River, near Totoket,
Connecticut.

The Time: The Gay ‘Nineties.

MUNRO MURGATROYD, an artist, is painting a landscape on an easel.

MOOKIE MAGUGGINS, the hired man, sits on a stump chewing a straw and
watching him.

MUNRO: (After a few moments of work, stands back and observes the
painting) At last! It is finished! How do you like it, Mookie?
MOOKIE: Wunnerful, by gum! So real, it looks like a pitcher onna
calendar.
MUNRO: You have quite a taste for the fine arts, Mookie Maguggins. Do
you think Miss Nellie will enjoy it?
MOOKIE: Be it fur her ye’re paintin’ it, Mister Murgatroyd?
MUNRO: It is indeed.
MOOKIE: Bless you, sor – she’ll love it. Miz Nellie allus was a gal fur
pitchers.
MUNRO: (Aside) Simple lout. But I can use him for my purposes. (To
MOOKIE) Your young mistress must be very popular with the
country rustics, eh, Mookie?
MOOKIE: Bless you, sor. She c’ld be engaged twicet-over. But a mighty
partic’lar gal is our Miz Nellie. Cal’late thar’ll be no other man
fur her save Adam Oakhart.
(MUSIC: ADAM’S theme.)
MUNRO: Adam Oakhart, the blacksmith’s son?
MOOKIE: Aye, sor – and what a handy man he is around the livery
stable.
MUNRO: He loves Miss Nellie?
MOOKIE: Ever since they was children, Mister Murgatroyd.
MUNRO: Are they – (Aside) Oh, cursed word – (Aloud) engaged?
MOOKIE: Engaged hard an’ fast.
MUNRO: And there is to be a wedding?
MOOKIE: Whenna goldenrod blooms in September, sor. Thet’s Miz
Nellie’s favor’t posey – the goldenrod. (Sneezes) Ker-choo!
Cain’t even think o’thet thar goldenrod ‘thout kerchooin’. Ker-
choo! Ker-choo! (Pulls out handkerchief and wipes his nose)
MUNRO: (To the audience) So, the beautiful Nellie Lovelace would wed
the humble blacksmith’s son? Never! Little does she know my
purpose. (Packs painting paraphernalia away)
MOOKIE: ‘Course, since ye come to visit here this summer, Mister
Murgatroyd, an’ took lodgin’ in her mother’s house, Miz Nellie
ain’t thought so much o’ Adam as she useter. Cal’late she’s
Dirty Work at the 3
Crossroads

taken by your fast city ways. But come September, and ye

return to Bridgeport –
MUNRO: Here, Mookie, will you carry my easel into the house? (Loads
him down with painting paraphenalia) There, you’re more than
loaded.
MOOKIE: Hur, hur! Thet I am, sor – loaded like a gun. Ye gotta treat me
with care, sor.
MUNRO: Treat you with care, Mookie?
MOOKIE: Yis sor, or I might go off! Haw! Haw! Haw! (Exits to house)
MUNRO: (To the audience) What a chowderhead he is! But the girl,
Nellie, daughter of the Widow Lovelace, is always present in
my thoughts. I swear she shall be mine! Vain, simple-headed
beauty! How can she resist me? Am I not a man of the world?
True, I have not a penny to my name, but this farm of the
Widow Lovelace is a valuable property. I have it on secret
information that the new railroad is coming this way, will cross
the river, somewhere near this point. So, what better way to
fortune than marrying one?
(MUSIC: Mysterioso. IDA’s theme.)
IDA: (She enters in a boat) Ah, Munro Murgatroyd, as I live and
breathe!
MUNRO: Eh? What? Ida? You here!
IDA: Yes, it is I, Ida Rhinegold.
MUNRO: But I thought you were still at Green Oaks, that you were –
IDA: That I was put away for good, eh, Munro?
MUNRO: Why, Ida, you speak like a fool. Are you not my wife?
(MUSIC: Chord)
IDA: Yes, I am your wife – but not an acknowledged one. And did
you not have me shut up in Green Oaks asylum, pretending I
was insane?
MUNRO: Come, come, Ida. Let bygones be bygones. There is work for
both of us here.
IDA: Dirty work, I warrant. That’s the only kind you ever had a hand
in.
MUNRO: You shall judge for yourself, Ida. Look around you. Is this not a
beautiful farm?
(MUSIC: Spring song)
IDA: And since when have you taken a liking for the country life?
MUNRO: Since I discovered – (Lowers voice cautiously) the New York,
New Haven railroad is coming this way. They are taking
options on property for the right of way. This spot is the
narrowest on the river. They must bridge it here. I have only to
acquire this farm, and my fortune is made!
IDA: How? You have no money, you’re nothing but a penniless
artist. For years you lived on my meagre earnings as a music
hall entertainer.
Dirty Work at the 4
Crossroads

MUNRO: Listen carefully. This property is owned by the Widow

Lovelace. She has an only daughter, Nellie, a simple country
lass. I only have to marry Nellie–
IDA: But you cannot marry her – you are my husband in the sight of
heaven.
MUNRO: Of course I am, Ida – but think what it will mean? Riches,
travel, gowns. You have only to remain silent until I have
secured the farm.
IDA: And how do you propose to do that?
MUNRO: Having married Nellie, I come into control of her property. I will
immediately sell it to the railroad and have her committed to
Green Oaks.
Then you and I, Ida, shall spend the rest of our lives in luxury
and wealth, travelling on the continent, visiting Paris, living a
life of ease.
IDA: You paint a pretty picture. But what about the Widow
Lovelace? Did you not say the property belonged to her?
MUNRO: The Widow Lovelace is not long for this world, I promise you
that.
IDA: Not – not murder? No, Munro – not that!
MUNRO: Murder is an ugly word, Ida. Shall we say, the Widow Lovelace,
shortly after drinking her afternoon tea some sunny day, will
be taken ill – mortally ill?
IDA: You villain, you!
MUNRO: Come, Ida – you will assist me?
IDA: I dare not trust you, Munro.
MUNRO: You must! Time is of the essence. Even now the railroad
agents are coming this way. The girl must flee with me
tonight.
IDA: Tonight?
MUNRO: You shall bend her to my will. She is in love with a village
swain. It will be easy for you with your slinking, knowing ways,
to win him away. Then Nellie, heartbroken, shall need
comforting, and who better than I to comfort her? I tell you
Ida, with your assistance, the girl is mine.
IDA: How can I trust you?
MUNRO: You have no choice, unless –
IDA: Unless what, Munro Murgatroyd?
MUNRO: Unless you would return to Green Oaks, the abode of the
alcoholic insane. You forget I am your husband and have your
commitment papers. I did it once, and I can do it again.
IDA: You villain! You have me in your clutches. Very well, then I
consent.
MUNRO: Good!
IDA: Now tell me the part I am to play in this unholy drama.
MUNRO: Walk down to the crossroads and make the acquaintance of
one Adam Oakhart. You will find him in the livery stable.
Dirty Work at the 5
Crossroads

IDA: I go. (begins to leave) But when it is done – (To Audience)

Beware how you play me false! (Exits)
(Music: IDA’s theme)
MUNRO: The devil take her! (To the audience) If she wasn’t so useful to
my plans –
(Music: WIDOW’s theme)
WIDOW: (Enters from house, carrying tray of tea-things.) Ah, good
afternoon, Mister Murgatroyd. (Takes tray to table)
MUNRO: Good afternoon, Widow Lovelace.
WIDOW: Thought I’d have my tea out here. It’s such a smilin’ day.
Won’t you jine me? (Sits at table)
MUNRO: Thank you. Nothing would give me more pleasure. (Aside, as
WIDOW arranges cups and saucers) Now is my chance. A few
drops from this vial, in her tea, and then – (Takes tiny vial
from pocket.)
WIDOW: Come, sit down. (MUNRO sits.)
MUNRO: Widow Lovelace, I have a confession to make.
WIDOW: A confession? Sakes! Wait’ll I fix your tea. How many lumps?
MUNRO: Seven.
WIDOW: (Counting lumps of sugar into his cup) One, two, three, four –
How many months you been boardin’ with us, Mister
Murgatroyd?
MUNRO: Two.
WIDOW: (Miscounting lumps) Two – three, four, five, six – how much
longer you calc’latin’ on stayin’?
MUNRO: Just one.
WIDOW: (Miscounting) Two, three, four, five, six, and one is seven.
There you are. (Passes tea) Hope it’s sweet enough.
MUNRO: Thank you. (Sips tea) There’s only one thing sweeter, Mrs
Lovelace.
WIDOW: What’s that?
MUNRO: Your daughter, Nellie. I love her!
WIDOW: Sakes alive!
MUNRO: I know that I am older than she, and wiser in the ways of the
world -
WIDOW: No, no, say no more. Nellie is not for the likes of you. She is
promised to Adam Oakhart.
MUNRO: Mrs Lovelace, you may think this but the passing fancy of a
summer boarder, but it is not so. I love your daughter, Nellie,
and she loves me.
WIDOW: No, no, ‘tis false. Nellie is true to Adam.
MUNRO: Not so, she has written me letters –
WIDOW: Letters?
MUNRO: Letters declaring her love.
WIDOW: I can not believe it. Show me one.
MUNRO: (Aside) Curses! I have no letters. (Aloud) I have them in my
bureau. I will show them to you later. (Aside) One may be
easily forged.
Dirty Work at the 6
Crossroads

WIDOW: Sir, I do not like this at all. I gave you the advantage of my
home, and you have taken advantage of my little Nellie.
MUNRO: But I love your daughter! I want her for my own.
WIDOW: Never, by fair means or foul. And now, sir, I must ask you to
make other living arrangements. Your presence here is no
longer wanted. (Rises haughtily, turning back on him.)
MUNRO: There, there, good Mother. Perhaps we are overexcited. (Pours
contents of vial into tea) Let us talk no more of the matter
now. Won’t you drink your tea?
WIDOW: (Coldly) Yes, thanky. The shock of this news has made me
faint. (He hands her a cup of tea.) You are a man of the world,
Mr Murgatroyd. You will find women everywhere more adapted
to your requirements, but Nellie, little Nellie, is like some timid
wildflower growing sheltered in the woods. Transplanted, she
would fade and die. (She drinks)
MUNRO: (Aside) It will take effect within the hour. (Aloud) Perhaps you
are right, good Mother. Perhaps Nellie is not for me. (WIDOW
coughs and chokes) Are you ill, good Mother?
WIDOW: Sakes, but I feel drowsy. I will go in and lay down. When Nellie
comes, will you send her to me?
MUNRO: Certainly, certainly. Here, let me assist you, good Mother!
(Takes her arm and they exit into the house)
(MUSIC: First sad and in a minor key,
then it brightens into NELLIE’s theme.)
NELLIE: (Enters) I know Adam doesn’t love me, or he wouldn’t have
looked at that woman. It shows his ill-breeding. He’s nothing
like Mr Murgatroyd. Now there’s a fine gentleman. Adam
Oakhart isn’t fit to black his boots.
(MUSIC: MUNRO’s theme)
MUNRO: (Enters from house.) Ah, good afternoon, Miss Nellie. May I say
dear Miss Nellie.
NELLIE: Good afternoon, Mr Murgatroyd. And you may say anything
you wish.
MUNRO: Let me tell you of Bridgeport, Nellie –
NELLIE: Bridgeport, the big city! Oh, how I’d love to live there.
MUNRO: You shall, Nellie, with me. You only have to say the word.
NELLIE: Sir! I know I am only a country girl, not used to city ways, but
that does not permit you to insult me.
MUNRO: Insult you? Never. No Nellie, I love you. From that first tender
moment when I saw you, swinging on the barnyard gate,
calling the pigs, I loved you. Now I throw myself at your feet.
(Kneels) I ask you, beg you, plead with you to be my bride.
NELLIE: No, no, that can never be. I love another. I have from
tenderest infancy been promised to Adam Oakhart.
MUNRO: (Rising) Adam Oakhart! He does not love you!
NELLIE: How dare you!
MUNRO: Nellie, forgive me. I would spare you this – but have you not
heard of the notorious Ida Rhinegold?
Dirty Work at the 7
Crossroads

NELLIE: Why do you mention her vile name to me?

MUNRO: Forgive me for sullying your ears, but this you must know. She
is an old flame of Adam Oakhart’s. He met her on a visit to
New Haven.
NELLIE: Adam false to me? I cannot believe it.
MUNRO: Then look yonder! (Points) Believe your own eyes!
NELLIE: (Looking) Adam approaches. He is walking with a strange
woman. (To MUNRO) Tell me, Mr Murgatroyd, is that the
notorious Ida Rhinegold?
MUNRO: None other.
NELLIE: (Watching off stage) He takes her arm. He smiles at her
tenderly. Oh, Adam, Adam! Oh, my Adam!
MUNRO: Come, my little one. You must be brave. You must not let him
see you weeping.
NELLIE: You are right. Thank you for your counsel – Munro. No, Adam
Oakhart shall never see me weeping. (Bursts into tears,
rushes off)
MUNRO: Nellie! Wait! Nellie! (To audience) The game is mine! Ha! Ha!
Ha! (Exits)
(MUSIC: MUNRO’s theme,
then changing into ADAM’s theme – a heroic motif)
(ADAM enters with IDA on his arm.)
IDA: Thank you for the generous use of your arm.
ADAM: Quite all right, marm. Glad to be of service. Is this where you
left your boat?
IDA: Yes, I was merely taking a paddle on the river when I sprung a
leak. I am sure that you can help me.
ADAM: Horses is my line, but I’ll do my best. (Starts to go)
IDA: But wait – I would talk with you.
ADAM: Yes, marm?
IDA: Tell me, are all the men of this neighbourhood as handsome
and stalwart as you?
ADAM: Oh, I ain’t so handsome, marm. There’s lots more handsome
‘n me. Take Buchanan for one.
IDA: Buchanan?
ADAM: My horse. You should see his eyes – they’re soft and gentle
like – that velvet. His mane is long and silky as – your hair. His
hocks are like – your ankles.
IDA: Sir, you insult me. How dare you compare me with a horse?
ADAM: Oh, no, marm – no offence meant – rather a compliment.
IDA: You have not seen my ankle. How can you compare it with
Buchanan’s?
ADAM: You’re right, marm. I shouldn’t have spoke so hasty.
IDA: But wait, we can remedy that. You shall see my ankle. Then
tell me which is most beautiful. (Puts foot on stump or rock.
NELLIE appears and watches. Seen by IDA but not ADAM)
ADAM: Oh, no, marm, that won’t be necessary. (Turns away)
Dirty Work at the 8
Crossroads

IDA: Come now, you aren’t afraid, are you? (Starts pulling her skirt
slowly)
NELLIE: (Aside) If he looks he is not the man I thought him.
IDA: Come, come – not afraid? (Reveals her ankle. ADAM slowly
turns and looks)
NELLIE: (Aghast. Aside) Lost! Lost! (Exits)
IDA: Well? What do you think of it?
ADAM: (Gulping) Nice, marm, nice enough. But Buchanan’s
tendons –
IDA: You fool! How can you prefer a horse’s ankles to a woman’s?
ADAM: Oh, I don’t marm. Nellie has awful nice hocks.
IDA: Another horse, I presume?
ADAM: Oh, no, marm. Nellie’s the mos’ wunnerful gal in the world.
When the golderood blooms, we’re to be wed.
IDA: Aaah!
ADAM: What is it, marm?
IDA: A bee! A bee! I’m mortally afraid of bees. Save me! Save me!
(Faints)
ADAM: That’s all right, marm. I’m here. Don’t be afeard. (She
collapses in his arms. He gulps) Gosh!
NELLIE: (Entering on the arm of MUNRO) Well! I hope we are not
intruding. Come, Munro.
ADAM: Hello Nellie. Gosh, you’re just in time. Help me.
NELLIE: Help you indeed! You seem to be doing very well without me.
Come, Munro – we will leave Mr Oakhart to his own de-vices.
(Exits)
MUNRO: Ha! Ha! Ha! Indeed yes. Boys will be boys! (Gives well done
sign to the “fainting” IDA then follows NELLIE out.)
IDA: (After winking at MUNRO she slowly revives) Where am I?
Where am I?
ADAM: You’re right here. New Haven County, Connecticut.
IDA: In your arms?
ADAM: Calc’late so.
IDA: (Drawing away) How dare you take advantage of my
indisposition? Unloose me, sir, or I shall scream for help. Hel-
ADAM: Shush, shush – please don’t scream. I don’t think Nellie would
understand.
IDA: Help! Help!
ADAM: (Running back and forth, distracted) Don’t scream! Nellie!
Don’t scream! Nellie!
MUNRO: (Re-enters) Did I hear a cry for help?
IDA: This son of a blacksmith took advantage of me!
MUNRO: Why, you cur! A poor, innocent, defenceless woman, and you
insulted her! Why, if I had my way, you’d be whipped out of
the county.
ADAM: Now wait a minute stranger. You ain’t got the straight of
this.
Dirty Work at the 9
Crossroads

MUNRO: Ha, ha! The old story – a man taking advantage of a woman’s
simple courtesy. Thank heaven I arrived in time. Now be off
with you, before I forget I’m a gentleman. (Points off)
ADAM: But the lady asked me to fix her boat.
MUNRO: Fix her boat? A likely story. Be off with you – or shall I summon
Miss Nellie and pour in her delicate ears the story of your
wicked perfidy?
ADAM: No, no – don’t tell Nellie. I’ll go, I’ll go – but when I’ve got this
whole thing figgered out, I’ll return. There’s somep’n around
here that smells, and I don’t mean the livery stable.
MUNRO: (Pointing dramatically) Go! (ADAM Exits)
(MUSIC: ADAM’s theme in minor key)
IDA: Silly bumpkin!
MUNRO: Good work, Ida. You managed well.
IDA: And the girl? Nellie?
MUNRO: Mine, all mine! But you must help me further. Convince her
she must go with me tonight. Ha! Ha! Ha! And have her put it
in writing.
IDA: But what influence can I have upon her?
MUNRO: She is like all women, easily led. If only she will forget Adam
Oakhart.
IDA: He loves her better than his horse – and the loss of her will
break his heart.
MUNRO: What matter? This night – her acceptance in writing.
IDA: Why in writing?
MUNRO: To show her doubting, dying mother that I am in truth in
possession of such a letter. Do your work well. And diamonds
will be yours. (Exits)
IDA: (Alone) I’ll do my work well, but not for the love of you, Munro
Murgatroyd. I will get her to write two lines – and then, the
reward!
NELLIE: (Enters) What? You here, and alone. Where is Adam?
IDA: He fled, after basely insulting me.
NELLIE: Insulted you – how?
IDA: He asked me to be his wife.
NELLIE: I do not believe you.
IDA: I refused his rude advances.
NELLIE: Adam loves me - or did so once.
IDA: You’re a stupid fool! Did I not see you walking with Munro
Murgatroyd?
NELLIE: You know him?
IDA: Only by reputation. (Aside) And what a reputation – all bad
(Aloud) What a fortunate girl you are!
NELLIE: Fortunate?
IDA: To have Munro Murgatroyd at your feet. Think of what he
presents – a life of brilliance, travelling, and dresses, and gold
and diamonds. (Aside) What a fool she is to believe it!
NELLIE: You think I should accompany him to Bridgeport?
Dirty Work at the 10
Crossroads

IDA: By all means.

NELLIE: But it would break my poor mother’s heart. And what about
Adam?
IDA: Adam? What life does he offer? A home in a livery stable! You
must be mad to lose this opportunity. Why not write one line
to Mr Murgatroyd, to say that you will go with him?
NELLIE: I can’t! I can’t!
IDA: Have you no pride? Have you no spirit? When you saw Adam
Oakhart with your own two eyes ogling me?
NELLIE: You are right! I will go to Bridgeport!
(MUSIC: Chord)
IDA: Good. Write Murgatroyd a note now.
NELLIE: Why should I write? He is close by.
IDA: Why? Because – no well-bred Bridgeport lady accepts a
gentleman’s propositions verbally.
NELLIE: No? Then where is pen and paper? (Starts towards house)
IDA: Here. (Opens purse) I carry them in my reticule. I have always
found it pays to get proposals in writing. A lady should always
be prepared. (They go to the table. IDA arranges paper and
pen so that NELLIE may write)
NELLIE: How shall I begin it? “Dear Mr Murgatroyd”?
IDA: No, no. “Dearest Munro.”
NELLIE: But that’s so familiar –
IDA: And what could be more familiar – than going with a man to
Bridgeport?
NELLIE: (Writes the letter, pausing from time to time. IDA watching
over her shoulder.) “Dearest Munro. I trust to your honour and
the love you say you bear me. I will fly – but take me away
tonight so that I may never look on the faces here again. I
trust to you. Do not let me trust in vain.” (To IDA) Oh, he will
marry me, won’t he?
IDA: He is a gentleman, and he will keep his word. (NELLIE rises)
Stay and sign it! (NELLIE does so then addresses envelope).
That’s done. So far, so well. (Seals letter in envelope)
NELLIE: No, no! Give it back. I cannot send that letter.
IDA: I’ll take care of it. (Holds letter from her)
MOOKIE: (Enters from house.) Beg pardon, Miz Nellie, I was agoin’ ta –
IDA: (To MOOKIE) Come here. You will deliver this message to Mr.
Murgatroyd. You will find him yonder. (Points)
MOOKIE: Wan’ me to take this – ?
IDA: Here’s a dime for you – take it – Take it!
MOOKIE: Should I, Miz Nellie?
NELLIE: As you wish, only – I’d really rather –
IDA: (To Nellie) Good. Courage. Come with me. (Drawing NELLIE
off) All will be well. Keep a stiff upper lip. Come, I’ll help you
pack. (They exit into house.)
MOOKIE: (Alone) They’s somep’n up. What did she go and gimme a
dime for? Ladies don’t give gentlemens dimes lessen
Dirty Work at the 11
Crossroads

somep’ns up. I wunner what’s inside? (WIDOW enters from

house)
WIDOW: What you be doin’ there, Mookie?
MOOKIE: Nothin’, marm. (Tries to hide letter)
WIDOW: Then what are you hidin’ behind your back?
MOOKIE: Nothin’, marm, nothin’. See – nothin’. (Keeps letter in one
hand behind his back; shows the other)
WIDOW: Let’s see t’other hand.
MOOKIE: (Puts hand behind back; switches letter; shows other hand)
Still nothin’, marm, on’y more so.
WIDOW: I saw you. You was readin’ a letter.
MOOKIE: (Bringing it out) Yes, marm. I kin not tell a lie. On’y a letter for
Mr. Murgatroyd, marm.
WIDOW: Mr. Murgatroyd? Who from? (MOOKIE tries to read envelope)
ADAM: (Enters. To the audience) I cannot stand this any longer. I must
see Nellie and explain. (Sees WIDOW; touches hat) ‘Evenin’,
marm.
WIDOW: Oh, Adam! Tell me what this letter is. Mookie can’t read and I
haven’t my specs.
ADAM: Of course. Let me see the letter, Mookie. Nellie’s handwriting.
WIDOW: Nellie writing to Mr Murgatroyd? Then what he said is true.
ADAM: What did he say, marm?
WIDOW: He said – he said. But better read the letter, Adam. I grow
faint. (Hand to brow, sinks in chair)
ADAM: (Aside) I see it all now. Sending him love notes! Oh, what
a fool I’ve been!
WIDOW: I’ll know what it says. (Calls) Nellie! Nellie, come here! (NELLIE
and IDA enter from house)
NELLIE: Yes, Mother?
WIDOW: This letter from you to Mr Murgatroyd. What is it?
NELLIE: Oh, Mother –
WIDOW: What does it mean. That what he told me was true? (NELLIE
hangs her head in shame) Answer me, child! (NELLIE droops
lower) It is true! (Grasps bosom) My heart! My heart! (Faints)
NELLIE: (Going to her) Mother!
WIDOW: Stay away. I will not have your hands touching me.
NELLIE: But you’re ill.
WIDOW: Mookie will help. Even though he be no kin of mine, he is loyal
and honest and good. Can you say as much? Look me in the
eye and say as much?
NELLIE: (She tries to face her mother but is compelled to avert her
head.) Oh, Mother! (MUNRO appears, unseen by others)
WIDOW: What does the letter say, Adam?
MUNRO: (Aside) ‘Tis better than I expected. My triumph has come at
last. The mother dying, the girl shamed before the world.
ADAM: (Opening letter) It is not mine to read.
WIDOW: Read it. I would know the truth before I die.
(MUSIC: Sad, melancholy theme)
Dirty Work at the 12
Crossroads

ADAM: (Pretends to read, but the letter hangs in his hand as he

makes it up as he goes along) Dear – Mr Murgatroyd; You ask
me if I will go away from home. I own that I have been dazzled
by the thought of a grander home than I could ever hope for,
in Bridgeport. But if I go away I would break two hearts that
love me better than life. My decision is irrevocable. I will not
leave my happy home! (Tears up letter)
WIDOW: Nellie! (Opens arms joyfully)
NELLIE: Mother! (They embrace)
WIDOW: I die content! (She dies)
NELLIE: Oh! Adam -? (Holds out her arms to him, pleading. He turns
his back, spurning her) Mother! (Buries head in mother’s
shoulders, sobbing.)
MUNRO: Curses! Foiled!

CURTAIN

ACT TWO
Scene I
The Place: The same. A sign on the house proclaims: Boarders Taken In –
Ladies Only

The time: The following autumn.

Music: Country air as in Act 1, played in a minor key. NELLIE enters from
the house.

NELLIE: Here, chick, chick, chick! (Sprinkles imaginary corn about

stage. Calls off) Mookie, come here!
MOOKIE: (Enters) Yep, Miz Nellie?
NELLIE: Has old Biddie laid yet?
MOOKIE: No, marm, not yet.
NELLIE: We haven’t an egg in the house. And now, with the new sign
up, who knows but that a boarder may approach us at any
time. (Exits “sprinkling corn”) Here, chick, chick, chick!
MOOKIE: (Alone) Poor Miz Nellie, Sence her maw died so sudden las’
spring, an Mr. Adam left so hasty, she ain’t been herself.
Grievin’ her purty lil heart away, that’s what she is – ever
since that fatal day I didn’t deliver that letter. True enough, Mr.
Murgatroyd departed too, when Miz Nellie repulsed him. Now
here she is, livin’ all alone, savin’ me o’ course, tryin’ to keep
body an’ shoe-soles together. (MRS ASTERBILT, LEONIE and
FLEURETTE enter)
ASTERBILT: Fleurette, inquire of that yokel yonder. Perhaps he can give us
the information we require.
LEONIE: Oh, Mama! We could never be comfortable here.
ASTERBILT: Silence, Miss! I have had quite enough of your whims for one
day. Fleurette, approach the rude fellow.
Dirty Work at the 13
Crossroads

FLEURETTE:Ooo la, la! May wee. May wee-wee. Masewer! Masewer!

MOOKIE: Who’s she callin’ her sewer?
FLEURETTE:You are ze contree farmaire, no?
MOOKIE: What kind o’ lingo is thet?
FLEURETTE:Ah, Masewer, you are so strong, so beeg, so ‘andsome!
MOOKIE: (Looking behind him) Who is?
ASTERBILT: Come, come, Fleurette. We are waiting.
FLEURETTE:Tell me, Masewer, ees zees ze ‘ouse of ze Mam’zelle Nellie?
MOOKIE: Mebbe it be; mebbe t’ain’t. If you’re bill collectors, ‘tain’t.
ASTERBILT: Don’t be absurd. My French maid was inquiring as we are
seeking a temporary abode. They told us at the station Miss
Lovelace occasionally accommodates lodgers.
MOOKIE: That be true, but only females.
FLEURETTE:Ooo la la!
LEONIE: Mama, this is quite absurd.
ASTERBILT: Silence, Miss. I am handling this. Certainly, this is the retreat
for which we are searching. That dreadful man shall never find
you here.
LEONIE: But, Mama, I love him!
ASTERBILT: Silence, Miss.
NELLIE: (Enters, still sprinkling corn) Here chick, chick, chick! (Seeing
guests) Oh, good day.
ASTERBILT: Summon your mother, girl, I would speak with her.
NELLIE: I’m sorry, ma’am, but my mother has passed from this vale of
wrath and tears.
ASTERBILT: But you, a mere chit of a child – you do not live here all alone?
NELLIE: No, not all alone. Ma’am. Mookie, here, helps me out.
ASTERBILT: I have been informed that you take in lodgers. I would like
accomodations for myself and daughter as well as our French
maid.
NELLIE: I fear our humble abode is too simple for such fine folks as
you, ma’am.
ASTERBILT: Nonsense. It is what we are seeking. (Aside to NELLIE) My
daughter, Leonie, has formed an unholy attachment for an
adventurer. I wish to separate them; the more rural and
detached the atmosphere, the better.
I am Mrs Upson Asterbilt. Perhaps you have heard of me?
NELLIE: Not the Mrs Upson Asterbilt, the widow of the rich Upson
Asterbilt, the Wall Street financier?
ASTERBILT: I am. Since my husband’s death, a year ago, and my return
from – from points abroad, I have been in full control of his
fortune. It amounts to seven hundred and fifty million dollars.
How much is the rent here?
NELLIE: Three dollars and a half a week, ma’am.
ASTERBILT: Make it three dollars for Leonie and myself, two for Fleurette,
and we shall remain.
NELLIE: As you wish, ma’am. I am honoured.
ASTERBILT: Then show us to our rooms. I wish to freshen up before dinner.
Dirty Work at the 14
Crossroads

NELLIE: Follow me, ma’am. (Exits into house, MOOKIE exits toward
barn)
ASTERBILT: Come, Leonie.
LEONIE: No, Mama! I refuse to enter such a vulgar hostel.
ASTERBILT: Miss, you will obey me, or I will cut you off without a penny.
LEONIE: I’ll run away. I promise you Mama, I’ll run away!
ASTERBILT: And where would you run to? I promise, without your fortune,
this so-called sweetheart of yours would not look at you twice.
No, Miss, you will obey me. And from this point on I will not
even hear mentioned the name of Munro Murgatroyd.
(MUSIC: Chord)
(Exits into house)
LEONIE: (Calling after her) You wrong him, Mama, you wrong him.
Munro is as good as he is handsome, as rich as he is brave,
and as loving as he is clever. (To audience) Oh, how my little
heart trembles at the very thought of him! (Exits into house)
FLEURETTE:(Alone) Oo la la! Yong mam’zelle ees so in love, she ‘as
arrange for her lovair to follow at a discreet distonce, ‘an to
take up lodsheens near by, so I can carry lettairs between
zem. Not zat eet is ‘onourable but I am well paid, so what I
care? Ah, even now ‘e approach.
(MUSIC: Munro’s theme)
MUNRO: (Skulks in) P’st! P’st!
FLEURETTE:Ah. Masewer, you follow too closely.
MUNRO: Where is my darling Leonie, Fleurette?
FLEURETTE:Wiz ze old dragon in yonder ‘ouse. Zey ‘ave taken up
lodsheens.
MUNRO: In yonder house? Amazement! It is the home of Nellie
Lovelace. What cruel fate has brought the Asterbilts here?
FLEURETTE:You know zees Nellie Lovelace?
MUNRO: No, no. How would I know the Widow’s daughter? (Aside) If I
am to remain in these parts I must adopt a disguise. (To
FLEURETTE) Tell your young mistress I am nearby, to have no
fear, and to meet me at the crossroads in an hour.
FLEURETTE:Wee, wee! Wee wee!
MUNRO: Go now and advise her. Here is a five-cent piece. (Gives her
nickel)
FLEURETTE:Mercy, mercy. (Exits)
MUNRO: (Pulls out false whiskers from pocket) Fortunately, I considered
this possibility and have brought with me this disguise. It will
conceal me utterly. No one will be the wiser that Munro
Murgatroyd has returned to his former haunts. (Puts on false
beard, turns coat inside out, and crushes hat into comical
shape. MOOKIE enters) Ah, here comes my old friend, Mookie.
I will test my disguise. (Adopting a cracked farmer’s voice)
Young man, come here!
MOOKIE: (To Audience) Who’s that ol’ gaffer? Must be a stranger in
these parts. (To MUNRO) Who be ye, ol’ gaffer?
Dirty Work at the 15
Crossroads

MUNRO: I’m jist a pore ol’ man who’s lost his way. I ain’t so young and
spry as I useter, by cracky!
MOOKIE: Where do ye come from, stranger?
MUNRO: Yonder, over yonder.
MOOKIE: New Haven?
NELLIE: (Calls from off) Mookie! Mookie! (Enters from house)
MUNRO: (Aside) Ah, the widow’s daughter and my former love. I must
make myself scarce. (Exits)
NELLIE: Mookie, who was that old gentleman?
MOOKIE: Huh? He did’n’ say.
NELLIE: Strange! His back had a familiar look. But no, I have never
seen him before, I am sure of that. Mookie, we must have
some eggs for supper.
Here is a dollar. Go to the village and purchase the necessary
provender.
MOOKIE: A whul dollar? By gum and by golly, h’aint seen thet much
money in a month o’ Mondays.
NELLIE: Spend it wisely, Mookie. It must buy us all food for a week.
MOOKIE: Miz Nellie, why don’t ye take thet offer from the choo-choo
company? They want desperate bad to buy this propputy so
they kin build a bridge o’er the river.
NELLIE: No, it was my mother’s last abode. By wilful behaviour, I
caused her death. I shall never leave her last resting place. Go
now, Mookie. We’ll speak no more of selling out to the railroad.
(To audience) If Adam would only return! (Exits into house)
MOOKIE: (Alone) Poor Miz Nellie, how she blames hersel’, pinin’ away
for her lost love. Adam Oakhart left the village an’ some say
he took to drink to forgit her. I hear he’s in New Haven, a
miserable drunkard, rollin’ about the streets, ashamed to look
on the face o’ his ol’ friends and neighbours. (Looks at dollar)
Waal, to the store. (Exits)
(MUSIC: MUNRO’s theme)
MUNRO: (Enters in disguise) There is no one about. Perhaps I can get a
glimpse of the Lovely Leonie. A pebble tossed upon the
window – (Bends over to pick one up)
IDA: (Enters. Sees MUNRO bent over, his back toward her) Well as I
live and breathe – Munro Murgatroyd!
MUNRO: (Startled. Aside) Ida Rhinegold. Curses!
IDA: Munro! What are you doing behind that hedge?
MUNRO: (Assuming his yokel character) Be ye speakin’ to me, young
Miss?
IDA: Come out of it, Munro. I’d recognize the back of your neck
anywhere.
MUNRO: (Aside) Why is she here? (Aloud, becoming himself) Merely
rehearsing for an amateur theatrical, my dear Ida.
IDA: Yeah? What do you play – a bowl of spinach?
MUNRO: Come, I must not be seen by anyone in that house.
Dirty Work at the 16
Crossroads

IDA: Oh, no? Then you’ll tell me what the game is. Or I’ll call your
name high, wide and handsome. (Pretends to raise her voice)
Mun –
MUNRO: Silence, you jade! Would you ruin all?
IDA: What’s up?
MUNRO: Since you left me so suddenly last spring –
IDA: Yes, sent to jail on your false charges.
MUNRO: Why, Ida, you wrong me. You were arrested while plying your
trade in Bridgeport.
IDA: Be that as it may. I am still your wife.
MUNRO: Hush! You’ll spoil my plans.
IDA: But wait – this is the house of Nellie Lovelace. You’re not still
pursuing that game – after she spurned you?
MUNRO: No, no – the plunder is far bigger this time. None other than
the wealthy heiress, Leonie Asterbilt.
IDA: Leonie Asterbilt – and you?
MUNRO: Yes, the silly girl has taken quite a fancy to me, but her mother
has forbidden it, and brought her here, hoping she will forget
me.
IDA: Ha! As if any woman could forget Munro Murgatroyd.
MUNRO: I fear, though, the game is up. Of course, the little fool would
run away with me, but what would I gain? Her mother would
disinherit her.
IDA: Suppose, just suppose, I could help you with this little game,
Munro?
MUNRO: You help me? How?
IDA: Never mind that. What’s in it for me?
MUNRO: Do you mean to say you could obtain her mother’s consent to
our union, you, Ida?
IDA: I do. What’s in it for me? And figure it in thousands - they’re
easier to count.
MUNRO: Why, I do not believe you could, but if you could –
IDA: Suppose you promise me a cool five thousand on the morning
of your marriage, and on goes my patent, particular screw
(Dramatizes this as though turning a corkscrew)
MUNRO: Done. But what is it? What is your patent, particular screw?
IDA: Never mind. That’s my business. Is it agreed?
MUNRO: Agreed. Here’s my hand on it. What your hold on Mrs Asterbilt
could be, I cannot imagine, but apparently you have a hold.
IDA: A certain photograph is needed. I have it in my rooms. I shall
return shortly. And you will not need that ridiculous disguise.
MUNRO: Good. (Removing beard) I have already arranged for Leonie to
meet me at the crossroads. Join us there.
IDA: And beware, Munro Murgatroyd, do not play me false. Do not
think you can play any tricks on me. Ah, no! I’d turn you over
to the police so fast – (Aside) And I believe I will – Once the
five thousand is mine. (Exits)
Dirty Work at the 17
Crossroads

MUNRO: Curses on her! But I need her assistance badly. But once
Leonie Asterbilt is mine, let her try and get the five thousand!
Ha! Ha! Ha!
NELLIE: (Enters from house, sweeping doorsill) Munro Murgatroyd!
(MUSIC: Chord)
MUNRO: Horrors! Discovered!
NELLIE: What do you here?
MUNRO: Why, Nellie, you’re looking well. I was but passing by. I
thought I’d stop and pay my respects.
NELLIE: Your respects! Be off! You wrecker of happy homes!
MUNRO: Nellie, you are a cruel love. Is there no touch of pity in those
relentless eyes? No last forgiveness for me in your heart?
NELLIE: Forgive you? I’d see you dead at my feet! Now be off, before I
beat you! (Raises broom)
MUNRO: I’m going! I’m going!
NELLIE: And never darken again these paths where once I trod in holy
innocence.
MUNRO: (Aside) Curses on the girl. She hates me as though I were
poison. But I shall be revenged, terribly revenged. Wait and
see. (Exits)
NELLIE: He is gone. What a fright he gave me! Why has he returned?
He revives old memories, of good, honest Adam, of my dear
Mother. I shall pluck some flowers for her grave. Goldenrod. It
was to have been my wedding bouquet. (Sneezes) Kerchoo!
(Exits)
(MUSIC: Gay, dancing theme)
LEONIE: (Enters from house, carries book. Sits at table) I cannot read. I
cannot do anything. Oh, dear, the more I try to forget him, the
more I can only be happy with him constantly at my side.
Oh,Munro! How eternal are these moments till I see you.
NELLIE: (Re-enters with bouquet of goldenrod) Ah, Miss Leonie –
enjoying the country air? Isn’t it sweet? Isn’t it fragrant?
Kerchoo!
LEONIE: (Sighing) Heigh-ho
NELLIE: Oh, what a sigh! Do you long for something?
LEONIE: I have everything I could wish for, but one thing.
NELLIE: You don’t mean– a sweetheart?
LEONIE: Yes, I am in love – deeply, passionately, constantly.
NELLIE: And what does your mother say to all this?
LEONIE: She objects to him, of course. That is why she has torn us
apart. But I’ve made up my mind to act without her consent. I
am meeting him at the crossroads shortly.
NELLIE: Leonie, my dear – don’t let your love for this man be a blight
upon you. I disobeyed my mother by loving without her
knowledge, and I have suffered bitterly for it. That is why I am
now dependent upon taking in lodgers, ever tormented with
remorse for having broken a heart that loved me better than
everything in the world.
Dirty Work at the 18
Crossroads

LEONIE: I don’t believe the young men of the present day have hearts
– only eye-glasses. Come, Nellie – may I call you Nellie and
you shall call me Leonie – we shall be such good friends. Tell
me about your lover – not the one with the broken heart, but
the one you loved unwisely but too well.
NELLIE: He was handsome, tall, dark, and with a smile of conscious
power.
LEONIE: Oh, this is almost describing my Munro!
(MUSIC: Chord)
NELLIE: Who?
LEONIE: Munro Murgatroyd! He is the one I have been telling you of.
NELLIE: (Aside) Munro Murgatroyd!
LEONIE: Do you know him?
NELLIE: No, certainly not. (Aside) Oh, I must save this child from a fate
worse than mine. (Aloud) Leonie, dear friend, will you do
something for me?
LEONIE: Of course, Nellie.
NELLIE: These flowers I gathered for my mother’s grave. You will find it
yonder under the great oak in the pasture. Will you carry them
there for me?
LEONIE: I’d love to, Nellie. (Takes bouquet, smells it) Kerchoo! (Exits)
NELLIE: (Alone) Murgatroyd! The man she loves, or thinks she does. It
is my duty to save her. And I shall! Ah, Munro Murgatroyd, the
stake you are playing for is higher than that of the poor
country girl, but beware, for one whom you little suspect is
watching you and will defeat your game.
(MUSIC: Triumphant fanfare)
ASTERBILT: (Enters from house) Ah, Miss Lovelace – have you seen my
daughter?
NELLIE: Why, yes, Mrs Asterbilt – she’s strolling in the pasture.
ASTERBILT: She is safe then. (Sits)
NELLIE: Mrs Asterbilt, may I speak with you?
ASTERBILT: I am all attention.
NELLIE: I have just learned the name of the man your daughter loves.
He will bring shame and sorrow to your heart, as only I can
know.
ASTERBILT: Munro Murgatroyd?
NELLIE: None other. Are you aware of his real character?
ASTERBILT: No. What do you know of him?
NELLIE: Alas, it is a sad story, and too long to tell. That I do know him
is well enough. Oh, ma’am, do not let him repeat to your
daughter what he used to beguile the child of another.
ASTERBILT: I have already forbidden them to meet.
NELLIE: You love your daughter?
ASTERBILT: I adore her. I do not know what I should do if she were to bring
disgrace to our name.
NELLIE: Then I must warn you – even now they are planning a
meeting.
Dirty Work at the 19
Crossroads

ASTERBILT: He is here – Munro Murgatroyd?

NELLIE: I have seen him lurking about the house. But this is your
security. He is nothing but a fortune hunter. Once it is made
clear that if Leonie marries without your consent, she is
penniless – you are safe.
ASTERBILT: You are right. I will see this cad. I shall tell him if he takes
Leonie away, I will disinherit and discard her, renounce her
forever as my child!
NELLIE: Do that – and all is well. I shall send Leonie to you. Be
steadfast in your resolution. He is a cunning villain. Beware,
oh, beware! (Exits)
ASTERBILT: (Alone.) How shall I reason with Leonie? Alas, she has a mind
of her own.
MUNRO: (Enters. Aside) I will speak to this weather-beaten old dragon
at once. (Aloud) Ah, there, Mrs Upson Asterbilt!
ASTERBILT: You here, Murgatroyd? I thought I made it quite clear your
attentions were unwelcome. (Turns her back on him)
MUNRO: (Aside) Curse her cold-bloodedness. (Aloud) Madam, I love
your daughter, Leonie, and the impulse of my passion must
plead my excuse.
ASTERBILT: (Turning on him) Listen to me, Mr Murgatroyd. The Upson
Asterbilt name is an old and respected one. But I tell you, I
would sooner see myself trodden down in the worst shame,
and our name blackened beyond redemption, than see my
daughter become your wife. Listen and mark me well: If she is
mad enough to flee with you, without my consent, I will utterly
cast her from me, and never look upon her face again. (Moves
away from MUNRO, turning her back on him. MUSIC: Ida’s
theme)
IDA: (Enters with old photograph.) I am here – ready to collect the
five thousand.
ASTERBILT: (Turns) So, sir, I hope that your coming here – (Sees IDA) Who
is that woman?
IDA: You had better present me to your friend.
MUNRO: Mrs Asterbilt, may I have the honour of presenting an old
friend of mine, Miss Ida Rhinegold.
ASTERBILT: (Aside) Then it is she – my only enemy. (Aloud) This
impertinence passes endurance. Not only do you follow me to
this rural retreat, you presume to impose your disreputable
friends upon me as well.
IDA: Not so fast, Mrs Upson Asterbilt, not so fast. For a disreputable
friend, I’ve certainly been seen with some highly reputable
people. (Shows her photograph)
ASTERBILT: No, no – not that.
IDA: (To MUNRO) Mr Murgatroyd, will you be good enough to leave
us for a moment? (He bows and exits) Thank you. (To MRS
ASTERBILT) Ha! So you are surprised, eh – just a little taken
aback?
Dirty Work at the 20
Crossroads

ASTERBILT: I had hoped never to see your face again. I thought you were
still at Green Oaks.
IDA: I was incarcerated there under false pretences. Can you say as
much?
ASTERBILT: What do you want with me? You must not remain here. Go, I
will pay anything to be rid of your hateful presence. Name
your price.
IDA: My price?
ASTERBILT: Yes. You can have no other object than blackmail. Destroy that
picture. I shall go mad again as the memories it revives surge
before me.
IDA: Memories of the lunatic asylum? Memories of the padded cell?
Ah, what would not your fine, respected social world give to
know that the famous Mrs Upson Asterbilt was nothing but a
dipsomaniac.
ASTERBILT: Silence! I have been cured – completely cured.
IDA: Nevertheless, you were confined to Green Oaks, as this
photograph taken there proves. Confined there for several
years while the Fifth Avenue crowd believed you on an
extended world tour.
ASTERBILT: Enough! Say no more. What is your price? Name it and go.
IDA: Well, there’s my old pal, Munro Murgatroyd, Esquire, standing
under that tree yonder. He shall have your daughter.
ASTERBILT: Never, never! I defy you, Ida Rhinegold. Marry my child to a
scoundrel? Never! Do your worst. I will not.
IDA: Oh, no? I have only to turn this over to the New York World
and the whole universe shall hear –
ASTERBILT: Never!
IDA: (Shouting) Everybody! All of you, near and far! Come and
hear! Come and hear!
ASTERBILT: Oh, shame! Oh, degradation!
IDA: There is still time –
ASTERBILT: Never! Work your will! Leonie shall not suffer for my sins.
(MUSIC: Agitato)
(Enter LEONIE and NELLIE, FLEURETTE, MUNRO, MOOKIE)
OMNES: (Exclamations ad lib.) What is it? What has happened? (Etc)
LEONIE: Mother, what is it?
ASTERBILT: Oh, Leonie! Oh, misery! Oh, shame!
LEONIE: Who is this person? (Points to IDA)
IDA: Ida Rhinegold Murgatroyd!
LEONIE: Murgatroyd?
MUNRO: (To IDA) Silence, you jade! Would you ruin all? (Aloud) Leonie,
this woman is my – sister.
IDA: Let her know the truth, the whole truth Munro. Your little game
has failed. Mrs Asterbilt refuses to be blackmailed.
NELLIE: (Aside) Thanks to me.
MUNRO: Curses! Foiled again!
LEONIE: What is the meaning of all this, Mama?
Dirty Work at the 21
Crossroads

ASTERBILT: Leonie, this woman has a hold on me. All those years you
believed me abroad I was confined to Green Oaks asylum, for
alcoholism. No, do not start. I was discharged as cured.
MUNRO: Confined to an asylum, you? The mother of the girl I wished to
marry?
LEONIE: Oh, Mama! Munro, if you love me. If you have one spark of
manly feeling, you’ll take your sister from my mother’s
presence.
MUNRO: I beg your pardon. I do not love you. I have no intention of
marrying the tainted offspring of a dipsomaniac. Thank
heaven, fate has intervened in time. (Stalks off. LEONIE faints)
(MUSIC: MUNRO’s theme)

(SLOW CURTAIN)

ACT TWO
Scene II

The Place: The same

The Time: That night

At rise: MOOKIE and FLEURETTE are discovered seated at table, on which

is a lighted lantern. They are laughing and talking.

FLEURETTE:Oooo la la! You are soch a teasie-weasie.

MOOKIE: (Laughing heartily) Hur! Hur! Hur!
FLEURETTE:(Laughing gayly. In French) Je t’adore! Je t’adore!
MOOKIE: Shut the door? (Looks) The door is shut.
FLEURETTE:No, no, no. Je t’adore! Je t’adore!
MOOKIE: Shut the door? But I tell you –
FLEURETTE:No, no. You do not understand. Je t’adore! (Kisses him coyly)
MOOKIE: By gum, I unnerstand thet in any language!
LEONIE: (Opens door) Fleurette, are you out there?
FLEURETTE:(Jumping off MOOKIE’s lap) Wee, Mam’zelle.
LEONIE: Will you come in the house, please? Mother needs you.
(Closes door)
FLEURETTE:Poor madame! She ees so bittair over what happen zees
afternoon; eet has driven ‘er to drink.
MOOKIE: What did happen? Ain’t figgered it out.
FLEURETTE:Masewer Murgatroyd vould not marree wiz Mam’zelle Leonie
when ‘e learn that once ‘er mama was – ‘ow you say? – a dizzy
maniac. (Exits into house)
(MUSIC: Adam’s theme in a minor key)
ADAM: (Enters. He is ragged and dirty) P’st! P’st! Mookie
Maguggins!
MOOKIE: Adam Oakhart, sure as churnin’ butter!
ADAM: (Sadly) Yes, it is me, or what is left of me.
Dirty Work at the 22
Crossroads

MOOKIE: Oh, Adam, what a change in ye. Your rumpled clothes, your
rollin’ eyes, your unsteady gait.
ADAM: Drink, aye. It made me forget her. It made me forget that fatal
day when I found that Nellie loved another.
MOOKIE: Do ye still love Nellie, Adam?
ADAM: More than ever! I can’t get her out of my thoughts. She haunts
my living hours, and my sleeping ones. Tell me Mookie, is she
well and happy?
MOOKIE: She’s well, yes. Happy – no.
ADAM: This Munro Murgatroyd – did he treat her well?
MOOKIE: Bless you, sor, she never took up with him. She stayed here,
waitin’ an’ prayin’ for your return, hopin’ for your forgiveness.
ADAM: My forgiveness? I forgive her? I am not fit to grovel at her feet.
(Takes swig)
MOOKIE: Tell her thet yourself, Adam. Let me call her out.
ADAM: (Staying him) No, no – never! I would frighten her in my
condition.
MOOKIE: But ye’ve com all the way from the city to see her.
ADAM: Do this for me, Mookie. Call her to the door on some pretext or
other. I will remain in the shadows. Do that for me, will you,
old friend?
MOOKIE: Aye sir. I’d be proud to. (Knocks at door) Miz Nellie! Miz Nellie!
ADAM: Her name, her blessed name. Even the sound of it makes me
more a man. Away, you mocker! (Throws away bottle)
NELLIE: (Opens door) Did I hear you calling, Mookie?
MOOKIE: Waal, er, um, yis, you did. I wanted t’ask ye ‘bout – I wanted
to tell ye about – thet is, well, howsoever, do ye think it’s goin’
ter rain?
NELLIE: Rain – with all the stars out? Certainly not. I only wish I could
come out and enjoy it.
MOOKIE: Why don’t ye, Miss?
NELLIE: Because that evil man may be lurking in the darkness.
MOOKIE: Evil man, Miz Nellie? They ain’t nobody here but us chickens.
NELLIE: I refer to that villain, that Munro Murgatroyd.
MOOKIE: No’m. He ain’t lurking about. Miz Nellie. Tell me, Miz Nellie, do
ye ever think o’ the man you was goin’ to marry – come
goldenrod time?
NELLIE: Adam Oakhart? Yes, I think of him often – often, Mookie,
whenever I pass the livery stable.
MOOKIE: It’s goldenrod time now, Miz Nellie.
ADAM: (Sneezes) Ker-ker-ker-kerchoo!
NELLIE: What was that?
MOOKIE: Thought I heard a chicken sneeze is all.
NELLIE: It’s cold out here. I’m going inside now, Mookie. Goodnight.
MOOKIE: God bless ye, Miz Nellie.
NELLIE: (In doorway. To audience) There is a strange foreboding in the
air tonight. I have a feeling that all is not well. (Exits into
house)
Dirty Work at the 23
Crossroads

ADAM: She is gone! And with her going went the sun, and the moon,
and the stars. All is black now. The night is dark and full of
terrors. Where is my bottle?
MOOKIE: But sor, haven’t ye had enough to drink?
ADAM: Enough? What man ever had enough?
MOOKIE: Come with me, sor – ye can rest up out in the barn.
ADAM: Good, kind, generous Mookie.
MOOKIE: Follow me, sor. (They exit)
(MUSIC: IDA’s theme)
IDA: (Enters) I am alone. I knew it must come to this at last. I can
bear no longer my remorse and despair. My plan to blackmail
Mrs Asterbilt has been foiled. I refuse to be dependent on the
whims of Munro Murgatroyd. Better the wide rolling river than
that, better the river! (Goes to riverbank) My life seems to
sweep before me in a dream. Why did I harm those poor,
innocent girls? Sweet Nellie Lovelace, Leonie Asterbilt – they
never did me any harm. And I, miserable wretch that I am,
have only hate and jealousy in my heart as black and vile as
the pits of hell. I shall end it all. (Throws down reticule)
Goodbye, world! (Raises arms in air, about to jump)
(MUSIC: Tremolo)
ADAM: (Enters) Stop! Stay your leap!
(MUSIC: Chord)
IDA: Curses! Foiled even in death. (Turns to him)
ADAM: Who are you?
IDA: I was once a woman, fair and lovely. Once a girl, waiting for
love’s first kiss, once a -
ADAM: (Still intoxicated) That’s enough. Tha’s more ‘n enough for one
li’l woman like you. I know you now. You are Ida Rhinegold, the
toast of New Haven.
IDA: Yes, and see what I have come to – a crumb so low I dare not
even ask your forgiveness.
ADAM: You did me a cruel wrong, Ida, but I will not bear malice.
IDA: Thank you for those kind words. I need forgiveness now, all I
can gather.
ADAM: You weren’t thinking of the river?
IDA: What else is there for me?
ADAM: Are you indeed a fallen creature? (IDA hangs her head) Then
you have the greatest claim upon my compassion, “for he that
lifts a fallen fellow creature from the dust is greater than the
hero who conquers a world.”
IDA: Merciful heaven! My mother’s dying words!
ADAM: I, too, will be saved. Come! (Picks up her reticule) Let us go
together – let us find peace in the soft, sweet solace of religion
–
(MUSIC: Very sad and sweet)
IDA: Merciful heaven! Grant the prayer of a poor wretch be heard.
(She stumbles)
Dirty Work at the 24
Crossroads

ADAM: Wait here. I will find Buchanan. (Exits)

(MUSIC: Agitato)
(IDA remains. ASTERBILT, wearing long black cloak and
carrying knife enters, watches IDA)
IDA: Where is my reticule? I had it with me. I remember now. I
dropped it on the bank of the river. (Goes to riverbank) I
thought I dropped it right here. (Bends over. ASTERBILT stabs
her in the back, and she falls over bank into the river,
disappearing from sight. ASTERBILT flourishes knife in
triumph.)
ASTERBILT: There! I triumph. She will torment me never! (Exits into house
after throwing knife down)
ADAM: (Enters, still carrying reticule) Ida! (Calls) Where are you, Ida?
(Approaches bank) What is that – a hat floating in the stream?
Ida’s hat! She has jumped after all – but stay – (Finds knife)
What fearful thing is this?
MUNRO: (Enters) Ah, my deadly rival, and I have him in my power.
ADAM: Who could have done it? We were alone. There was no one
about but us. Could I in my drunken folly? But no, no!
MUNRO: (Aside) I will pretend I saw him commit the act.
ADAM: (Kneeling) Here on my bended knees, I swear, before heaven,
never, never to touch another drop of the drink! (Looks at
house) Oh, Nellie! God, forgive me, a murderer, and I love
you! I should have stayed with you. I never should have gone
to New Haven. (Falls to floor, head buried in arms)
MUNRO: (Going to him) Look up, Adam Oakhart. Do you know what you
have done? Do you know that you have murdered Ida
Rhinegold?
ADAM: No, no! Great Joseph! Am I found out already? Is there
no hope of escape?
NELLIE: (Enters from house with lamp or candle) What is this racket I
hear? (MUNRO shrinks back)
ADAM: (Aside) My loved one, my Nellie!
NELLIE: (Surprised) Adam Oakhart! You have returned?
ADAM: Touch me not, Nellie! Try and forget and forgive your Adam.
NELLIE: Adam, what have you done?
ADAM: Murder, black murder.
NELLIE: Who dares accuse you of so foul a crime?
MUNRO: (Coming forward) I do!
NELLIE: Munro Murgatroyd!
MUNRO: I saw the deed. I saw it all. As a witness, I accuse him of the
crime. (Places hand on ADAM’s shoulder)
NELLIE: Take your hand from him. I do not believe him guilty.
MUNRO: Look at his hands. In one a knife dripping with gore. In the
other, Ida’s reticule. Desperate for money, he approaches the
helpless female. Ida struggles. The villain draws his knife. He
plunges it into her bosom. She falls. He throws her lifeless
body into the river. He grabs her purse. He turns to flee.
Dirty Work at the 25
Crossroads

NELLIE: No, no – say no more. The picture you paint is too horrible.
Adam could not be guilty of such a deed.
MUNRO: If he is not guilty, let him prove his innocence before a jury of
his peers – (Aside) If he can. Ha! Ha! Ha!
NELLIE: What business have you with this wretched affair? What are
you doing out at nine o’clock at night?
MUNRO: (Aside) Curse her! I will break her spirit yet. (Aloud) Nellie, this
has gone too far. Adam Oakhart, as a citizen witnessing a
crime, I arrest you for the murder of Ida Rhinegold. (Hand on
his shoulder)
NELLIE: No, no, I will never believe it! He is my Adam, and I love him.
Adam, Adam! Why, why did you ever leave the livery stable?
(Falls sobbing)
(MUSIC: “Hearts and Flowers”)

CURTAIN

ACT THREE

Scene I

The Place: The same

The time: Several days later. Sunshine. Birds twittering.

Music: “Spring song” in a minor key. NELLIE discovered sitting at table;

MOOKIE close by with an old-fashioned carpet-bag or valise and his
“Sundays.”

NELLIE: Are you all packed, Mookie?

MOOKIE: Yep – all my goods an’ cattles, as they say inna auction bills.
(Indicates valise)
NELLIE: I hope you do well in the town constabulary.
MOOKIE: Thanky, Miz Nellie – but ye knows I’d ruther stay here.
NELLIE: No place for you here, Mookie. (Sighs deeply) I have finally
bowed to the importunities of the New York, New Haven and
Hartford and sold the farm. Before long, great iron monsters
will come rushing through here, disturbing the peace of my
mother’s grave. But I had to hire lawyers for Adam. (Sighs)
MOOKIE: Well, I’m grateful to you for findin’ a place for me. ‘Twill be a
heap diff’nt, workin’ in the County Jail.
NELLIE: And if you have a chance to serve Adam, do all you can to
lessen the sting of capture.
MOOKIE: Thet I will, Miz Nellie. On’y I hates leavin’ you here alone. Even
them new boarders is gone.
NELLIE: Yes, Mrs Asterbilt has departed for San Francisco. With her
unfortunate secret known, she will find no peace here in the
East.
Dirty Work at the 26
Crossroads

MOOKIE: He’s a bad ‘un, that Munro Murgatroyd. ‘Tis my opinion he’ll
do somep’n nasty one o’ these days.
NELLIE: I’d rather you didn’t discuss Munro Murgatroyd.
MOOKIE: I shan’t, Miz Nellie. I’m sorry.
NELLIE: Now you’d better be on your way. Goodbye, Mookie. (Extends
hand)
MOOKIE: G’bye, Miz Nellie. (They shake hands nobly) Thanky kindly for
all ye’ve done. And keep yore spirits up. (Exits)
NELLIE: (Alone) Good old Mookie! I shall miss him greatly. There beats
a heart of purest gold.
(MUSIC: MUNRO’s theme)
MUNRO: (Enters. Aside) Ah, my precious beauty! Time to bring you to
your knees. (Coming down. Sweetly) Nellie!
NELLIE: (Jumping up, startled) You here!
MUNRO: Pardon me. (Bows respectfully) I know that my presence is
unwelcome.
NELLIE: (Coldly) It is! Most unwelcome.
MUNRO: (Pleading) Nellie! (Steps toward her)
NELLIE: (Spurning him) Leave me! Begone!
MUNRO: I come to say goodbye for the last time. I meant to address
you only in the formalest of terms, as one who has forfeited
your esteem, but – (Passionately) as I look upon the face of
the girl I once loved the old passion is born again and blazes
like a flame within me.
NELLIE: You forget, sir, I am fully aware of your double-dealery.
MUNRO: You mean that I have loved another? Leonie Asterbilt? I never
really loved her. I was half-maddened by the loss of you and
looked elsewhere for consolation.
NELLIE: Enough. I am no longer the young and foolish girl who was
dazzled by your lies. You played upon my folly, never upon my
love.
MUNRO: Nellie, I am about to return to Bridgeport. I shall never see you
again.
NELLIE: (Joyfully) Never!
MUNRO: Unless you will consent to accompany me. (Moves toward her)
NELLIE: I accompany you? I had rather accompany a tiger to his lair.
MUNRO: Nellie, you are a cruel love –
NELLIE: No, Munro, you have done your worst. Leave me.
MUNRO: Done my worst? (Aside) Little does she know me if she thinks
that. (Aloud) Even now, your beloved son of a blacksmith lies
rotting in a cell.
NELLIE: Thanks to your false testimony.
MUNRO: His case remains to be tried. I am a witness, and may prove
an awkward witness too.
NELLIE: No matter what you say, I will not believe it.
MUNRO: I saw Adam slay Ida Rhinegold. My evidence will convict him
even as it has caused his arrest.
NELLIE: (Pleading) but will you not give it? Say that you will not?
Dirty Work at the 27
Crossroads

MUNRO: His life is in your hands.

NELLIE: (Sobbing) How can I save him? What can I do? What can I do?
MUNRO: Shall I tell you, Nellie – (Takes her hand. She shudders but
allows it) I have always loved you. Let us fly together to
another land, where, in our love unbroken, we shall forget the
wretched Adam.
NELLIE: No! Never! His happiness I am not fit to have, but his fate I will
share.
MUNRO: I alone can save him. The fate you would share rests in my
hands. You will ruin him. But listen to me – (Tries to embrace
her)
NELLIE: (Avoids him) Stand off! My place is by his side and not by
yours.
MUNRO: Do you defy me?
NELLIE: Do your worst! And what that is I know too well.
MUNRO: Rash girl! What would you do?
NELLIE: Save him. I know not how – but I will save him.
MUNRO: (Crossing to her) High words Nellie Lovelace! You shall live to
repent them.
NELLIE: (Cringing) Stay back! Do not approach me.
MUNRO: Come, come, my proud beauty! You are alone and friendless,
your sweetheart is a wretched murderer, but I, I love you with
a passion transcending all else.
NELLIE: (Frightened) Stand back!
MUNRO: You are young and beautiful, and thus I bend you to my will.
(He grabs her two hands. She struggles. They wrestle to the
tune of the MUSIC, which should be Agitato)
NELLIE: Help! Mercy!
MOOKIE: (Enters. Seizes MUNRO and throws him to the ground)
(MUSIC: Great chord.)
MUNRO: (Hissing. Aside) I’ll be horribly revenged for this.
NELLIE: Bless you, good Mookie, you returned when I needed you
most.
MOOKIE: (Kicking MUNRO) Be off with ye –
MUNRO: (Rising, dusting himself off) You’ll regret this, you chophead. I
am a man who –
MOOKIE: You are a man? Why -
NELLIE: Enough, Mookie. Say no more. Leave us, Munro. I will never
forgive you for this.
MUNRO: (Crossing DS) I go. (Aside) But I shall return. I will have her! I
vow it! (Exits)
MOOKIE: He’s gone. He won’t bother ye agin – an’ if he does, just send
me a “tella-giraffe” and I’ll come a-rootin’ an’ a-tootin’, I snum
I will. (Exits)
NELLIE: (Alone. To audience) I am alone. The past is o’er. The future,
what does it hold?

CURTAIN
Dirty Work at the 28
Crossroads

ACT THREE

Scene Two

THE PLACE: The same, with one exception. The railroad has encroached
upon NELLIE’s home, which is now a signal house with a sign
on it reading “N.Y.,N.H.& H.R.R. Chairs and table are removed,
as well as flower beds etc. Against the ground row up c. is
stood a flat or beaverboard painted to resemble a railroad
track, crossing the river on a trestle, the tracks fading into the
distance. This painted track connects on stage with two rails
on ties which fan out into the footlights; so that the effect is of
a train coming over the bridge, straight at the audience. A
“Stop, Look, Listen” crossing signal is optional.

THE TIME: Several years later.

AT RISE: Sound effect of a departing train. NELLIE is discovered

standing on the track looking out toward the audience. She
wears a ragged old shawl, her hair is drawn back tight, and
she waves a red signal flag.

NELLIE: Yonder goes the five-fifteen – now no other train until the six
o’clock express. (Crosses to house) How strange it all seems!
Once my happy childhood home - now a railroad crossing and
a signal station. How kind it was of the New York, New Haven
and Hartford, in my hour of distress, to give me a position as a
crossing watch-woman. Who says corporations are heartless?
(Leans flag against house) All my inheritance spent in Adam’s
defence – without result. At least he and I were married by the
chaplain in the prison. I have his child to comfort me, sweet
Little Nell! (Calls) Little Nellie! Nellie, come to Mama, dear!
LITTLE NELL: (Enters from house) Yes, Mama.
NELLIE: Dear, bright, smiling little girl! How she reminds me of my
mother.
LITTLE NELL: Mama, will I go to heaven when I die?
NELLIE: Of course, dearest. All good little girls go to heaven.
LITTLE NELL: Even when they don’t have daddies?
NELLIE: Poor, blighted, lonesome little child! Never to know a father’s
caress. (Wipes eyes)
LITTLE NELL: Mother, what makes you cry? Don’t cry any more. It
makes me want to cry, too.
NELLIE: (Aside) Yes, I must be brave. She must never know the truth
about her father. (Aloud) Now you must go inside, dear. I will
be in shortly. As soon as I have flagged the Express. It is
growing dark.
LITTLE NELL: Yes, Mama. Will you sing to me?
Dirty Work at the 29
Crossroads

NELLIE: Yes, dear, climb into your little trundle bed – and Mother will
come and sing. (LITTLE NELL goes into house) Even though
your heart is breaking, you must sing.
MOOKIE: (Off) Miz Oakhart! Miz Oakhart!
NELLIE: Ah, my old friend, Mookie Maguggins – now Sheriff of this
county.
MOOKIE: (Rushes in, puffing) Has the six o’clock flyer come through
yet?
NELLIE: Why, no, Mookie. It isn’t time.
MOOKIE: That’s good. I was afearin’ we’d missed it.
NELLIE: Missed it, Mookie? But the six o’clock express does not stop
here – except on signal.
MOOKIE: I got a special order to flag it. (Shows paper) I’m takin’ a
prisoner to the state penitentuary. He’s on his way to be hung.
NELLIE: Hung? How dreadful! Anyone I know?
MOOKIE: (Sadly) Yes, Miz Oakhart – yore husband.
NELLIE: (Surprised) Adam? Then his last appeal has failed?
MOOKIE: That it has. Nothin’ left for him now but the gallus.
NELLIE: (Hiding face in hands) Oh, Mookie – how awful!
MOOKIE: I’m on’y doin’ my sworn duty, marm.
NELLIE: I do not blame you, good Mookie. But surely, I may speak to
him. To murmur my last farewell?
MOOKIE: Can’t be done, marm. Clean agin orders. You see, he’s an
exter-special criminal – he’s a murderer. We’re more pertickler
about them.
NELLIE: (Pleading) Mookie, do you love me?
MOOKIE: ‘Course I loves you, marm, in a respectable sort of way. You
always was good to me.
NELLIE: Then – you will do a great thing for my sake?
MOOKIE: Let you see yore husband? ‘Course I will! What do you think I
came early for?
NELLIE: Thank you, good Mookie, but it is much more than that I am
asking. (Cautiously) Mookie – prisoners have escaped before
now.
MOOKIE: Escaped?
NELLIE: Why not this one? (Aside) I must not shrink from saving him at
any cost. (Aloud) Oh, help me, Mookie. (Kneeling) My old
friend Mookie, save him, and my life shall be devoted to you.
MOOKIE: Oh, Miz Nellie – you don’t know what ye’re sayin’. If I consent
they will blame me.
NELLIE: No, no – they will believe you are on the train – until too late. I
will keep him hidden here until the search is abandoned – then
when all is calm he can make his escape to Canada.
MOOKIE: You mean I’m to pretend he jumped off the train?
NELLIE: Yes, yes, good Mookie. They will never find him – and you will
not be blamed. Say yes, Mookie, say yes!
MOOKIE: (After a long pause as he wavers) Yes, Miz Nellie. You was
good me. I’ll repay you.
Dirty Work at the 30
Crossroads

NELLIE: (Rises) Thank you, thank you. We must make haste. Bring him
here. I’ll hide him in the cellar.
MOOKIE: I’ll do it. I’ll do it by cracky! (Exits)
NELLIE: (Elated) Oh, joy! Oh, rapture! Fate has intervened. Fate has
shown the way. (MOOKIE re-enters with ADAM in handcuffs.
He wears striped convict suit) Adam, my husband! (Rushes to
him. They embrace)
ADAM: Nellie, what bitter fate allows us to meet?
NELLIE: No, no, Adam, look up! All is well. Mookie is going to permit
your escape.
ADAM: Escape? (To MOOKIE) Do you mean it?
MOOKIE: Aye (Removes handcuffs)
NELLIE: Come. I will conceal you in our cellar until all search is past.
There you may meet our daughter. (Leads him to house)
ADAM: A daughter, you say? We have a daughter? Oh, rapture!
NELLIE: This way, Adam, love, husband! (They go into the house)
MOOKIE: Waal now, by cracky – reckon I’ve gone and done it. Gone
counter to my sworn oath o’ office. (Postman’s WHISTLE off)
Why, there’s the postman. He gets here late. I’ll go see if he’s
got any mail for Nellie. (Exits)
NELLIE: (Re-enters from house) Thank heaven, he is carefully
preserved in the fruit-cellar. Now I must go about my duties as
though nothing untoward had occurred.
MOOKIE: (Re-enters with letter) A letter for you, Miz Oakhart. The
postman just give it to me. It’s from some foreign land –
(reads postmark) Lost Angels, Californ-eye-a.
NELLIE: Thank you, Mookie. (Takes letter) Now who could be writing
me from California? (Opens letter. Reads signature)
Amazement! It’s from Leonie Asterbilt! Why would she be
writing me? (Reads hastily. Is amazed.)
MOOKIE: What does she say?
NELLIE: (Great surprise at what she reads) But this is incredible news,
Mookie, listen: (Reads) “My mother has passed away. On her
deathbed she confessed to a dreadful crime. On the night
preceding our departure from your abode, she stabbed Ida
Rhinegold and flung her body into the river. My only hope is no
one has suffered for the deed for which she alone was guilty.
Signed, Leonie Asterbilt.” Heaven has answered my prayers!
MOOKIE: Thet means Adam is innocent, always has been. Thet letter
proves it.
NELLIE: (Joyfully) Yes, oh yes! Mookie, hasten to the town; bring the
authorities here. Tell them I have proof of Adam’s innocence!
MOOKIE: Yep, I’ll do that, Mis Nellie, but ye better let me have that
letter.
NELLIE: No, no – it is priceless. I dare not let it from me.
MOOKIE: I’ll return within the hour! (Exits)
NELLIE: I knew the truth would come to light someday, but I never
suspected Mrs Asterbilt of so foul a crime. She must have
Dirty Work at the 31
Crossroads

done it in a drunken frenzy. Let me read the letter again.

(Reads)
MUNRO: (Off) Help! Help! (MUSIC: Munro’s theme)
NELLIE: I hear a voice crying over there – (Looks off) Who could it be?
Some strange man’s crawling on the ground.
MUNRO: (Crawls on. He is dressed like a hobo, ragged, patched
clothes, half-shaven and dirty) Water! Water!
NELLIE: He is hurt! He is dying! (Gets dipper of water from bucket
near house) Here, drink.
MUNRO: Thank you, thank you. (Drinks greedily)
NELLIE: Who are you?
MUNRO: A hungry and footsore stranger – a dying man. More! More!
NELLIE: (Returning to bucket with dipper) Some poor old tramp who
has been thrown from a passing train by a cruel brakeman.
Poor fellow!
MUNRO: Water! Water!
NELLIE: (Returning) Unfortunate wretch.
MUNRO: (After drinking) That brings strength to me. I am a man once
more. I was dying – you’ve saved my life. Yes! (Gets up) It
brings the blood back to my heart -
NELLIE: (Growing fearful) Who are you? (She shrinks away)
MUNRO: (Viciously) Why do you shrink from me like all the rest?
NELLIE: (Aside) Munro Murgatroyd.
MUNRO: Are you so timid that the sight of a poor, starved, footsore
fellow creature frightens you? What is there to fear from me?
(Recognises her) Ah! Nellie Lovelace?
NELLIE: Nellie Oakhart! I am Adam Oakhart’s wife. What evil chance
has brought you here?
MUNRO: Still the same proud Nellie. (Looks around) And yet your
circumstances seem strangely altered.
NELLIE: I have remained faithful, Munro. Can you say as much?
MUNRO: So my rival still holds your affections. You still love the vile
murderer.
NELLIE: Oh, no, murderer no more. I have here the full confession of
the crime, given on their deathbed by the one who did the
deed. (Holds up letter)
MUNRO: (Aside) Foiled, beaten everywhere! (Aloud) Where is the
blacksmith’s son?
NELLIE: This letter has just come. Even now I am expecting the proper
authorities, who will order Adam’s release.
MUNRO: You are alone. You hold in your hands the confession which will
make him free again. If it were destroyed – all proof – (Seizes
NELLIE)
NELLIE: Let me go! Help! Help!
(MUSIC: Agitato as they struggle)
LITTLE NELL: (Rushes in from house) Mama, what is it? What are you
doing with that awful man?
NELLIE: Run, child – fetch your father!
Dirty Work at the 32
Crossroads

LITTLE NELL: Father, dear Father! (Exits into house)

MUNRO: (Having obtained letter) So he is here with you – my rival
already free?
ADAM: (Enters from house, followed by LITTLE NELL) What is it,
Nellie?
MUNRO: And in convict garb? As I live and breathe! Isn’t he the
handsome creature? Ha, ha, ha!
ADAM: Who is this man? Wait, I recognise that bitter laugh -
NELLIE: Beware, Adam, beware! It is our deadly enemy, Munro
Murgatroyd. He has in his possession a letter proving your
innocence.
ADAM: Give it to me, sir.
MUNRO: Give it to you? Ha, ha, ha! (Puts it in pocket)
ADAM: (Advancing) Munro Murgatroyd, I’m beginning to think
you don’t like me.
MUNRO: Stand back! (Draws gun) Don’t like you? You are the bitterest
curse of my life. My first revenge broke down and you
escaped. Now I have you in my power.
NELLIE: No, no. Have mercy, mercy!
MUNRO: Mercy? Never!
NELLIE: What are you going to do?
MUNRO: There is one bullet in this gun. It is for him who I hate.
LITTLE NELL: Whom you hate. (Goes toward him)
MUNRO: Or perhaps for this little grammarian here. Yes! (Grabs LITTLE
NELL)
NELLIE: (Screaming) Look out!
MUNRO: Stand back! Come one step closer, and the bullet shall be
hers. (Holds onto the child, pointing gun at her)
ADAM: You villain!
MUNRO: Now I have you all in my power. Adam shall die – not by my
gun, so the guilt shall not be mine – but a nameless death, the
death of an escaping convict. (Produces rope)
NELLIE: What are you going to do?
MUNRO: Adam Oakhart, to the railroad track.
NELLIE: Not that! Not that!
MUNRO: Do as I command, or the bullet shall be your child’s. (Points
gun at LITTLE NELL)
ADAM: He has us in his power. (Goes to tracks. MUNRO throws
rope to NELLIE)
NELLIE: What would you have me do?
MUNRO: Bind your husband to the railroad track, at the peril of your
child’s life.
NELLIE: No, no!
ADAM: Do as he says, Nellie. There’s no reasoning with such a viper.
(Lays down on track)
MUNRO: Bind him to the tracks, even as I shall bind you to my will.
ADAM: Obey him, Nellie – what is my useless life compared to
Little Nell’s?
Dirty Work at the 33
Crossroads

(MUSIC: Sad and melancholy)

MUNRO: Make the knots tight. I am watching you. (Keeps gun on
LITTLE NELL)
NELLIE: Adam! My poor Adam! Saved, only to be lost again!
MUNRO: (Laughing) Ha, ha, ha!
NELLIE: Man, man, have you no pity in your soul?
MUNRO: None, for the proud Nellie Lovelace. Revenge and cruelty have
always been my mastering emotions. Even as a child, I’d pluck
the wings from moths and watch them squirm.
LITTLE NELL: You nasty man! (Kicks him)
MUNRO: You little brat! (Nurses bruise)
NELLIE: (Shouting) Run, Nellie, run to the woods and hide! (LITTLE
NELL runs off)
MUNRO: Stop! (Points gun, fires off after LITTLE NELL. NELLIE screams)
Curses! I missed!
NELLIE: Thank heaven, at least she is free from harm.
MUNRO: Is he bound?
NELLIE: Yes. May I kiss him farewell?
MUNRO: Do so – one last embrace. Never let it be said Munro
Murgatroyd wasn’t considerate. Ha! Ha! Ha!
(MUSIC: Doloroso)
ADAM: (As NELLIE kisses him tenderly on the brow) Farewell, my
Nellie, farewell. (Train WHISTLE in distance)
NELLIE: Ah, the train! (Tries to unfasten rope)
MUNRO: On, no, you don’t! (Pulls her away from track)
NELLIE: Let me go!
MUNRO: (Drags her away) Come with me, Nellie. We shall retire into
the house – there to watch from yonder window. (Gathers her
up in his arms)
NELLIE: Help!
ADAM: (Straining at his ropes) Villain, vile villain!
NELLIE: (As MUNRO carries her toward house) Adam! Love! Husband!
MUNRO: So now, my proud beauty. I have you in my power. (Church
bell chimes six times. MUNRO carries NELLIE into the house
and closes the door)
(MUSIC: Furioso)
(TRAIN is heard approaching. ADAM struggles get free. NELLIE
and MUNRO are seen through the window, struggling. The
lights are very dim. The stage is dark.)
ADAM: (Writhing) Is there no help, in heaven or on earth?
MOOKIE: (Enters) Thet there is, sor – on earth
(MUSIC:Chord)
ADAM: Quick, Mookie, free me.
MOOKIE: Thet I will, sor. What devil did this? Don’t tell me, I kin guess.
(Starts to untie ropes) (TRAIN comes nearer)
MUNRO: (Enters from house. Aside) Ah, the cunning rascal; he thinks to
defeat my purpose! (Locks door behind him. Produces second
Dirty Work at the 34
Crossroads

noose of rope; steals up behind MOOKIE. Neither of the men

see him)
MOOKIE: Keep yore chin up , Adam. I’ll have you loose quicker’n yeast.
MUNRO: (Lassoing MOOKIE) Oh, yeah?
MOOKIE: Waylaid!
MUNRO: Little do you know the power of Munro Murgatroyd. Now, my
friend, our ancient score shall be settled too. (Binds MOOKIE
to track) The world shall believe both the keeper and the
convict died in an attempted escape.
NELLIE: (Beating on door from inside) Let me out! Let me out!
MUNRO: Never! This is my hour of triumph! (Completes work; starts to
move away to discover foot is caught in track) My foot!
(Struggles to free himself) I am caught! Caught in my own
trap! Help! Help! (Struggles to get leg loose)
(TRAIN louder)
NELLIE: Help! Help!
ADAM: (Calling) Nellie! Quickly! Cut our bonds!
NELLIE: I cannot! I am locked within! (Pounds on door)
ADAM: Our last hope has gone! Is this then to be the end?
IDA: (Off) Courage, Adam Oakhart, courage! (Enters paddling boat
as in Act one)
MUNRO: Whose voice is that?
IDA: It is I! Ida Rhinegold!
MUNRO: Ida? Loose me quickly! There is not a moment to lose. Any
moment the train will sweep across the trestle.
IDA: (Scornfully) Loose you, vile villain? I would see you burn in the
darkest flames below. Adam Oakhart alone shall have my
help. (Goes to him)
ADAM: No, no – there is not a moment to lose. Free Mookie first.
MOOKIE: After you, Adam, after you! (IDA starts to work on ADAM’s
bonds)
(TRAIN whistles)
MUNRO: Save me! Have mercy! Mercy!
MOOKIE: Look out! (The TRAIN is seen coming across the trestle. This is
done by a light which is gradually unmasked so it grows
bigger and brighter as the sound of the rushing train thunders
in the ears.)

(Quick Curtain)
(Lights come up dimly on picture: ADAM stands near house
with NELLIE in his arms. LITTLE NELL clings to his leg. MOOKIE
and IDA stand near tracks looking down at body of MUNRO,
still on tracks, over which a sheet has been thrown.)
ADAM: Nellie, look up. The danger is past.
NELLIE: You are safe, dear husband?
ADAM: Yes, all are saved, except, except – (Glances at MUNRO)
NELLIE: A cruel fate, even for a villain. And whom am I to thank for this
great service?
Dirty Work at the 35
Crossroads

IDA: (Coming forward) Me. Ida Rhinegold.

NELLIE: Then you are not dead?
IDA: No. When I was shoved in the river, I struck out. Being a pretty
good swimmer I reached the opposite shore. Weak and
wounded, I knew not my identity. I was taken to a convent of
good sisters, and only this morning recovered my memory. I
set out for here – the rest you know.
NELLIE: Dear, good Ida! You came most opportunely.
ADAM: (Taking Nellie’s hand, they come to footlights) All the clouds of
our life have passed away, and now no gloom obscures the
future, no shadow flecks the presence of my brave, my
tempted, my tried, yet ever true Nellie.

THE END