Lafitte, a play in prologue and four acts

by Lucile Rutland; Lucie Levéque Ayres

FATH. P. Captain, are we in any danger?

CAPT. Not in the least. It’s only a cross sea. (thunder and lightning.)

FATH. P. But—

CAPT. (Taking Father Poularde up to a hatchway leading below.) Put your ear here. (Father Poularde puts his ear to the hatchway.) What do you hear?

FATH. P. Nothing—but swearing.

CAPT. Just so. Those men are old sailors. Would they be swearing if there were any danger?

FATH. P. (grasping Captain’s hand.) Thank you. (exeunt; enter two ship’s officers, meeting each other.)

1st OFF. Have you noticed that craft off to Westward?

2nd OFF. No. What of her?

1st OFF. Come and See. (exeunt; thunder and lightning; enter Father Poularde, very unsteady on his legs and very sick; he looks around cautiously; creeps up to the hatchway and listens intently; then falls back relieved.)