wild and ridiculous
theories, but well-meaning, brave, and honest. (Aside.) This is the old
man's idea. He does not know that I was on the trail of the thieves an
hour before the police were notified. (Aloud.) Well, sir?

Jackson. He told your father he thought the recovery of the money
hopeless, but he came to caution us against a second attempt.

Oakhurst (aside, starting). True! I had not thought of that.
(Excitedly.) The success of their first attempt will incite them to
another; the money they have stolen is gone by this time. (Aloud.)
Jackson, I will stay here to-night and to-morrow night, and relieve your
regular watchman. You will, of course, say nothing of my intention.

Jackson. Yes, sir. (Lingering.)

Oakhurst (after a pause). That is all, Mr. Jackson.

Jackson. Beg your pardon, Mr. Morton; but Col. Starbottle, with two
ladies, was here half an hour ago, and said they would come again when
you were alone.

Oakhurst. Very well: admit them.

Jackson. Beg pardon, sir; but they seemed to avoid seeing your father
until they had seen you. It looked mysterious, and I thought I would
tell you first.

Oakhurst (laughing). Admit them, Mr. Jackson. (Exit JACKSON.) This
poor fellow's devotion is increasing. He, too, believes that his old
associate in dissipation, John Oakhurst, IS the son of Alexander Morton.
He, too, will have to share in the disgrace of the impostor. Ladies!
umph! (Looking down at his clothes.) I'm afraid the reform of Alexander
Morton hasn't improved the usual neatness of John Oakhurst. I haven't
slept, nor changed my clothes, for three days. (Goes to door of MORTON,
sen.'s, room.) Locked, and the key on the inside! That's strange.
Nonsense! the old man has locked his door and gone out through the
private entrance. Well, I'll find means of making my toilet here. [Exit
into private room L.

Enter JACKSON, leading in COL. STARBOTTLE, MISS MARY, the DUCHESS, and
child of three years.

Jackson. Mr. Alexander Morton, jun., is in his private room. He will be
here in a moment. [Exit JACKSON.

Starbottle. One moment, a single moment, Miss Mary. Permit me to--er--if
I may so express myself, to--er--group the party, to--er--place
the--er--present company into position. I have--er--observed as part of
my--er--legal experience, that in cases of moral illustration a great, I
may say--er--tremendous, effect on the--er--jury, I mean the--er--guilty
party, has been produced by the attitude of the--er--