Page:The Conspirators and Lovers.djvu/5



THE SOCIAL WAR OF 1 O O O 5 OR, THE CONSPIKATOES AND LOYEES.

ACT. I.

SCENE I. — The Cojispiratorsmect in Tabernacle Hall, in Sacredly Secret Conclave^ Prest. Joe Pier in the chair. Discovered. [Groove 1.]

Deacon Rob Stew. Mr. President, I have a very important matter to lay before you, which requires immediate action, and I hope that the brotherhood is ready to use any means to accomplish what I propose. Should there be any chicken-hearted brothers or sisters present, I move that they be expelled.

Mr. Grumbler. [Jumping to his feet, said roughly.] Mr. President, our deacon is too imperious, and I shall oppose such broad cast dictation. If he don't trust us, neither shall we return the compliment.

Dea. S. Stop, Mr. Grumbler, you are a suspicious and faithless fool, who is not to be trusted with any important work. I say,, Mr. President, that brother Grumbler shall at once leave the room.

Frest. Joe Fier. I will leave this matter to the majority of the friends.

Nancy Clover. Brothers, I am grieved at your silly conduct ; are we not a unit? does not a house divided against itself fall? and shall we quarrel amongst ourselves, whilst a dangerous enemy is entering into our family, who, if his course is not summarily checked, will destroy our influence, and beloved cause entirely ?

Frest. F. I now call for the question, and plans of Deacon Stew.

Dea. S. Beloved Saints, we are the elect, and it behooves us to use any means to keep innovators and reprobates away from our path! First, we shall use moderate, but effectual means I if, however, they fail, we shall, Secondly, drive the bullet or dagger to the inner recesses of the heart of the defiler of the brotherhood!

There is a man in our midst, who has always held sentiments antagonistic to, and dangerously at variance with, our common cause;