(INT) - Interior shot
(EXT) - Exterior shot
Beat - A pause between lines or actions
Continuous - the time of the next scene follows immediately after the
current scene
TEASER 1
(INT) Afternoon first day, Boys Room at Plumfield
(Dan, Emil, Nat, and Tommy are each reading a copy of "Oliver Twist". Nan comes in with her book.)
NAN: I don't know about you but I just can't read anymore.
NAT: The reports are due in 4 days Nan.
NAN: Yeah, well I can read it tomorrow. Anyone want to go fishin'?
DAN: (Closing his book) Yeah. Sounds good to me.
EMIL: I'll go.(Tosses his book on his bed.)
NAN: What about you Nat?
NAT: No. I'm gonna keep reading.
EMIL: Figures.
DAN: Tommy. You comin'? (Heads towards the door)
TOMMY: No. You better go without me.
(Nan, Dan and Emil leave laughing at the boys for staying, and we close on the rest of the boys reading their books.)
END TEASER 1
TEASER 2
(INT) Evening first day, Plumfield kitchen
(Jo walks in from the dining room as Nick walks in from outside.)
NICK: Hey Jo.
JO: Oh hi, Nick. When did you get back?
NICK: (Pulls his coat off and drops it over the back of a chair. Obviously bothered by something.) Just got here.
JO: (Trying to find out what is wrong with him.) You must be tired, taking a long trip like that after working two jobs for three months since Ben left.
NICK: I'm alright.
JO: You don't have to drive yourself to exhaustion just to pay me back, Nick.
NICK: I just don't like owin' people is all.
JO: Are you hungry?
NICK: Ain't eaten all day. (He drops roughly into the chair and stares at the table.)
JO: I'll get you something. (She goes to the stove and begins to prepare a plate of food for him but looks at him closely.) Are you all right?
NICK: (Half-heartedly.) Yeah.
JO: How's Ben feeling?
NICK: He'll be alright.
JO: Was it those men that were here looking for him?
NICK: Nah. It was just an accident. He was drunk again. (Beat. Shaking his head.) I failed 'em, Jo. 'Fore they died, I promised my folks I'd bring Ben up right and I didn't. I shoulda taught 'im better.
JO: You were just a kid yourself. You did the best you could.
NICK: Don't matter. I made a promise and I didn't do it. Pa used ta say a man's only as good as his word. Looks like mine didn't mean nothin'.
(Dan enters the kitchen with a stack of plates and stays there cleaning them as the adults speak.)
JO: Don't be so angry with yourself, Nick. Ben's made some mistakes but he's a good man. How did your visit with him go? Did you straighten everything out?
NICK: (Takes a deep breath and shifts angrily in his chair.) I was there four days tendin' to him and he never said one word ta me. Not one! He was the only family I had left, Jo. (As he speaks, Jo lifts the plate, winces, and nearly drops it. She grabs her wrist instinctively.) Ya alright?
JO: (Hesitates, biting her lip, knowing he doesn't need to have to deal with this now.) Of course. (She winces again as she lifts the plate.)
NICK: (Worried.) Jo?
(Jo is still holding her wrist as Asia enters.)
ASIA: I see she told you about our visit from Thomas Ryan.
NICK: (Reacting to the name.) Ryan? He came looking for Theresa? I mean Sarah? What happened?
JO: (Stunned by his mention of Theresa and trying to stay in control of her own emotions about what happened.) Yes.
NICK: (His emotions still raw from his problems with Ben and his own painful memories rushing back, he pounds the table angrily.) Don't that man ever give up?
JO: He thought she was here and he knew that you were not.
NICK: (Feeling guilty as well as angry now, he rises from his chair and begins to pace around the room.) Sorry I wasn't here. Shoulda been. Wouldn't have let him touch nobody.
JO: (Sees how upset Nick is and tries to make light of it, while he continues to pace.) You should have seen it when he went up the porch stairs. There was Asia with her hands on her hips saying, "Mister, I don't care if you are a minister or a messenger from God himself. If you try to come in here or even look at me crosswise, you're gonna be sorry!"
(Nick is not amused, but is continuing to pace so Jo goes on.)
JO: (With a fake laugh.) And then Amy appears behind Asia, holding the rifle. She was shaking like a leaf holding that thing. I thought she was going to shoot herself in the foot. Asia took the rifle from her and then he left. (Still trying to make light of it.) It was no big deal.
NICK: (Angry.) No big deal? What happened to you?
DAN: (Turning from his work and joining the conversation as Jo and Asia are not answering him.) Before Asia and Mrs. Laurence got there, Mrs. Jo tried to stop him from coming into the house and he pushed her to the ground. Sprained her wrist. He said it was all Mrs. Jo's fault that Sarah left him.
JO: (Trying to stop him.) Dan.
DAN: And he said he'd be back.
NICK: (Extremely angry.) He said he'd be back? (He turns to Jo.) Did you tell the Sheriff?
JO: (Touching Nick's arm to try and calm him.) Yes, after I saw Dr. Pierce. The Sheriff said he would speak to him.
NICK: (Very angry, his body begins to shake with rage.) That's what they all say. When was Ryan here?
ASIA: This afternoon.
NICK: (Seething.) He's probably still in Concord. I gotta talk ta him.(Knocks the chair over as he grabs his coat and heads for the door.)
JO: Nick? What are you doing?
NICK: (He stops and looks at her, still shaking with rage. The look in his eyes frightens her.) Don't worry Jo. He ain't gonna be makin' any more trouble for ya. (He turns back and heads to the door.)
JO: Nick, don't go. (He keeps going.) Nick!
(He leaves the door open as he storms out. We hear his horse whinny and then hear it riding out fast.)
(Jo, Asia and Dan all look at each other worried.)
END TEASER 2
ACT 1 SCENE 1
(EXT) Morning 2nd Day, outside schoolroom
(Dan, Nat, Emil, and others are talking on their way to the schoolroom.)
DAN: (To Nat) Nick asked me to help him with the fence in the far pasture today.
NAT: Really? That sounds great.
EMIL: Yeah, he asked me too.
DAN: I love working with Nick.
EMIL: And I love listening to the stories he tells. He's sure had some adventures hasn't he?
NAT: He hasn't told us a story in a long time.
DAN: Maybe we can get him to tell us more about Ben today.
EMIL: Or about his trip to see him.
NAT: I don't think that's such a good idea. Dan, you said you heard him in the kitchen with Mrs. Jo when he got back last night and he didn't seem too happy.
(Franz rings bell.)
EMIL: We better get inside.
(They all go inside the schoolroom.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 2
(EXT) Same time Morning 2nd Day, outside Plumfield
(We see the Sheriff and a deputy driving a wagon up the road toward Plumfield. Two other deputies are on horseback.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 3
(EXT) Continuous Morning 2nd Day, Inside school room
(The kids are all in their seats as Franz enters.)
FRANZ: Good morning.
DAN: (Whispering to Nat.)
FRANZ: Excuse me, Dan.
DAN: Sorry Franz.
FRANZ: I want to go over the parts of a book report and what I expect to see. I hope all of you are well on your way to finishing your reports. The reports on "Oliver Twist" are due in two days.
(Some kids nod their heads in agreement, others look around to see if anyone else is not well on their way to finishing.)
FRANZ: Who remembers what the first part of the report should be called? (Several children raise their hands.) Bess?
BESS: The introduction.
(They are all distracted by voices outside.)
FRANZ: That's right, and what does it do, Emil?
EMIL: Introduces the characters.
FRANZ: And what else, Nan?
NAN: Tells the author.
FRANZ: That's right. Dan, what else?
DAN: It gives a basic idea of the story.
(They hear the voices again.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 4
(INT) Same time (Morning 2nd day) Plumfield parlor
(Jo, Asia & the Sheriff are standing. The Sheriff has his coat on having recently arrived.)
JO: That's terrible. I cannot believe that Thomas Ryan is dead.
ASIA: How could anyone beat him like that? It's not human.
SHERIFF: Well, that's why I'm here…(reaction Jo and Asia.)… Do you know where I can find Mr. Riley? He was seen with Reverend Ryan last night. I'd like to ask him some questions. (Reaction Jo and Asia. They are both remembering how angry he was about Ryan's visit when he left last night. They look at each other.)
JO: (Nervous) I haven't seen him yet this morning.
ASIA: He didn't come for breakfast.
(Door opens. Deputy #1 looks in)
DEPUTY #1: Excuse me Sheriff. We got him.(They all move towards the door.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 5
(INT) (Continuous) Morning 1st day Inside schoolroom
FRANZ: Very good. Looks like we all understand the introduction. Now lets move on to the next part. (Hands are raised again) Nat?
NAT: Next you have to analyze the story, the characters and the plot. You have to explain why the characters did what they did and why they made the choices they made.
FRANZ: I sure hope that all of you do as well on your reports as you are doing on explaining them. I'm glad you understand all that's involved. Now who can tell me what comes next?
(The door opens and a deputy comes in.)
DEPUTY #2: Excuse me. I'm looking for Mr. Riley.
(Reaction kids.)
DEPUTY #3: (OC) We got him.
(Deputy turns and hurries outside. Franz tries to stop kids but they all follow.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 6
(EXT) (Continuous) Morning 2nd day outside Plumfield)
(We see 2 deputies roughly leading Nick to the Sheriff's wagon. Jo, Asia and the Sheriff are outside now and all meet at the wagon. The kids are running over chattering about the excitement. The Sheriff and deputies surround Nick as they fire questions at him.)
NICK: Hey. Easy. I told ya I didn't do nothin' to 'im. We just talked.
SHERIFF: And we need to talk to you. So you were with Reverend Ryan last night in town?
NICK: We talked, yeah.
SHERIFF: What happened to your hands? (We see the back of Nick's hands are cut and bruised.)
NICK: After puttin' my horse away last night, I…
SHERIFF: (Interrupting) Likely story. We have witnesses that say you were arguing with him in the street.
NICK: Yeah, I was, but I didn't…
DEPUTY #1: And a few people say they saw you riding out of town real fast. Like you were running from something.
(He pushes Nick against the wagon and pulls his arm behind his back.)
NAT: Nick! (He moves forward but Franz stops him.)
NICK: I wasn't runnin' then and I ain't runnin' now. Take it easy.
SHERIFF: Better put these on him. (Hands deputy handcuffs.)
(Kids look at Jo, scared. Rob buries his head in her skirt.)
JO: Is that necessary?
SHERIFF: It's a serious crime, Mrs. Bhaer.
(Deputy cuffs Nick's hands behind his back.)
NAT: He told you he didn't do it.
SHERIFF: Let's go.
(Nick looks at Jo as they lead him away.)
FRANZ: All right everybody. Back to school.
KIDS: (Mumbling and complaining)
(The wagon drives away with Nick, the Sheriff and a deputy. The other deputies leave on horseback and Jo rushes to the barn for her horse.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 1 SCENE 7
(EXT Town) Morning 2nd day in town
(Sheriff and deputies leading Nick across street to jail. Hands still cuffed behind his back. Crowd is yelling and jeering. Jo and Laurie come up the street. Men begin throwing rocks and one hits Nick below his left eye, causing him to stagger and his face to bleed. Crowd laughs.)
(INT Sheriff's office) (Continuous)
(Nick, Sheriff and Deputy #1 move into Sheriff's office with Jo and Laurie right behind. The Sheriff leads Nick to a chair and sits him down. Nick is trying to clear his head. Laurie moves aside with the Sheriff.)
JO: The whole town is furious. (Nick is still handcuffed so she takes her handkerchief and starts to clean the blood from his face.)
NICK: I noticed.(He winces as she touches the cut.)
JO: (She pulls her hand away and stops while she speaks.) Nick, you were so angry when you left last night. And your hands…
NICK: Jo, I didn't do it.
(Jo looks at him but does not speak)
NICK: (Beat) Looks like I won't be able to start buildin' that fence today. (Winces again as she begins cleaning again.) I know ya wanted it done.
JO: Don't worry about that now, Nick. (Beat.) I'll wire Ben when I leave here.
NICK: No. Don't. (Pain filling his eyes.) He don't care Jo.
JO: He's your brother, Nick. He should know. (Still cleaning the cut on his face, she looks up as Laurie comes over.)
LAURIE: Ooh. That looks bad. We should get Dr. Pierce.
NICK: I'm alright. What'd the Sheriff say?
LAURIE: You're being charged with murder. (Reaction Nick)
JO: (Beat) Laurie, what should we do?
LAURIE: I don't know. I'll wire Edward. (He leaves and the Sheriff comes over.)
NICK: You do believe me Jo, don't you?
(Again Jo doesn't answer.)
SHERIFF: (Pulling Nick up.) Come on. In here. (He leads Nick into jail cell, removes the handcuffs and closes door. Nick and Jo look at each other and then she turns her back and walks away leaving Nick there alone.)
END OF ACT 1
ACT 2 SCENE 1
(INT) Morning 3rd day Plumfield dining room
(Kids are setting the table as they talk.)
TOMMY: "Oliver Twist" sure is a long book.
NAT: Yeah. But it's getting really interesting.
DAN: Interesting? Watching worms is more interesting.
NAT: You just have to keep reading Dan. You're going to love it.
NAN: Hey Dan. Wanta go fishing this afternoon?
DAN: Yeah sure.
EMIL: Count me in, too.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 2
(INT) Morning 3rd day inside school room
(Children are at their desks, leaning in towards Dan to hear what he is saying. Starts out as simple story telling but picks up momentum as they "choose sides".)
TOMMY: So what else did Ben tell you that day, Dan?
DAN: He said their uncle used to beat him, and when he hit Ben, too he packed their things and they left.
NAT: (Trying to get Dan to stop talking about what Ben said that day three months ago.) Dan!
NAN: (Ignoring Nat) His uncle really beat him?
DAN: (Relishing the attention) Yeah.
NAT: Dan, you have no right to tell them this.
DAN: (Glances at Nat and then turns back) Yeah, he beat him real bad.
BESS: How awful.
DAN: Yeah, so when he came back the other night he said that Ben didn't say one word to him the whole time he was there. Then when he heard about Reverend Ryan coming and hurting Mrs. Jo, well Nick was really mad when he left. Never seen him like that before (Beat) except last Christmas…
NAN: Guess when he gets real mad he likes to hit somebody.
DAN: Sure seems like it.
NAT: That was different.
DAN: And did you see his hands?
TOMMY: What did he say? An accident in the barn? Yeah, right. (All the kids laugh, except for Nat.)
(Franz enters the room)
BESS: Well, anyway, Nick's sure in a lot of trouble.
EMIL: Yeah. My uncle says he's sure Nick did it.
NAT: He didn't do it!
FRANZ: Good morning everybody.
KIDS: Good morning Franz.
FRANZ: Just a reminder that the book reports are due in two days. Hope you've all finished reading by now. If you'll copy these problems down we will begin with arithmetic.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 3
(INT) Evening 3rd day, Plumfield parlor
(Jo is sitting at her desk when Nat comes in.)
NAT: Mrs. Jo?
JO: Hi, Nat.
NAT: How is Nick?
JO: I don't know Nat. I didn't see him.
NAT: (Surprised.) But you were in town today.
JO: Yes, I was Nat, but I was very busy. Maybe I can get to see him tomorrow.
NAT: I want to go see him.
JO: No Nat. That's not a good idea.
(Dan walks into the room.)
NAT: Why not? We can't just leave him there alone.
JO:People are very angry and upset about what happened, Nat. Everyone is talking about Nick. I don't want you getting into the middle of that. If there is anything you want to know I can tell you, but I don't want you running into any problems town.
(Nat looks at Jo, upset. He turns and leaves without a word.)
DAN: What are they saying about Nick, Mrs. Jo?
JO: They are talking about all of the things written about him in the newspaper during the lawsuit. Everybody knows about his record for assaults, now. And of course they remember how he hit Captain Hoffman and how he went after Mr. McBride. And they all know the trouble Ben got into. (She shakes her head.) They say that's the sort of thing you can expect from an illiterate and itinerant Merchant Marine.
DAN: Huh?
JO: They mean a man who can't read, has no education and no home
DAN: Oh. (Beat.) What do they say happened that night?
JO: They say Nick went into town very angry, asking everybody where Reverend Ryan was, like he was hunting him down. When he found him Nick told him that if he was a real man he wouldn't have waited until he was gone and then try and force his way into a house full of women and children.
DAN: What did Reverend Ryan say then?
JO: Apparently he blamed Nick and me for Sarah leaving him and said that he would do whatever it took to find her and get her back. (Sounding nervous.) He said he knew that we know where she is and that if Nick didn't tell her he would find it out from me.
DAN: Don't worry Mrs. Jo. Nick's back now. He would never let him… (He stops, realizing what he is saying. They look at each other. Beat.) Where did Nick find him?
JO: In the tavern.
DAN: Bet that made Nick even more angry, finding him drinking.
JO: Why do you say that?
DAN: When Ben was here he told Nat and me that their uncle used to get drunk and beat Nick. (Jo gasps.)
JO: He hit him? He was just a boy!
DAN: That's what Ben said. Nick never told you?
JO: No. He didn't.
DAN: No wonder Nick was so angry that night, remembering all that and finding out how Reverend Ryan hurt you.
JO: (Sorting all the pieces out in her mind.) And how Ben wouldn't speak to him when he went to see him. Nick was already exhausted and very upset when he got back that night. No wonder he… (She stops and they look at each other. Neither one wanting to say it.)
DAN: Captain Hoffman says they'll hang him.
JO: Yes, Dan. They will.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 4
(EXT) Afternoon 4th day outside Plumfield
(Nick and Laurie are standing next to Laurie's carriage. Nick's face is cut and bruised from the rock. He looks disheveled, not having changed or shaved for a few days.)
NICK: Can't thank ya enough for gettin' me outta there, Laurie.
LAURIE: Well, you can thank Edward, not me. And it is just temporary, in Jo's custody. You're lucky the judge is a friend of her father's.
NICK: What's gonna happen next?
LAURIE: We wait for Edward to come and in the meantime, I guess we hope that there is a witness that can clear your name before the trial. I hope someone can.
NICK: I'm tellin' the truth Laurie!
LAURIE: I should go see Jo. Are you coming?
NICK: (He hesitates.) Not now. I wanta get cleaned up and then I should be gettin' to work. I'll see her later.
(Nick walks away towards the barn as Laurie walks into the house.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 5
(EXT) Afternoon 4th day outside school
(Nick, cleaned, shaved and changed now, is working as kids leave school.)
NAT: (Shouting) Nick's back! (To Nick) Is it over?
NICK: 'Fraid not, Nat. Hi guys. (They don't respond)
NAT: What happened to you? (Pointing to the cut on his face.) Are you all right?
NICK: Never mind, Nat. It's nothin'. Come on kids. There's chores to do. (Nobody moves.) Dan, Emil, I'll need your help with the fence in the far pasture.
DAN: I can't go, Nick.
NICK: (Looks at Dan.)
DAN: (Stuttering) I - I - I got this book report. It's due tomorrow. Gotta start reading.
EMIL: I gotta read, too.
(Other kids nod and agree)
NAT: (Getting annoyed with the other kids.) I'll help you, Nick.
NICK: Thanks, Nat, but shouldn't you be finishin' your book report?
NAT: I'm already finished.
EMIL: You're finished, Nat? That's just like you.
NAT: Please Nick.
NICK: Alright Nat. Be glad to have the help.
(Kids go ahead with chores, avoiding Nick as he heads to the barn, but making looks and whispers. We see Jo walking in their direction but still a distance away.)
NAT: (To Dan) What was that all about?
DAN: I'm not going anywhere with him, Nat.
EMIL: Yeah, me neither. Why did Mrs. Jo let him come back here anyway?
NAT: This is his home, Emil.
EMIL: Not for long I bet. They'll send him to prison for sure if they don't hang him.
NAT: Stop it.
EMIL: He's not like us Nat. Look at all the trouble Ben was in. Have you ever heard of anybody in trouble like that? Nick's been in jail, he's been shot more than once, he's just not like us. Who knows what else he could do? . (Emil leaves.)
NAT: He didn't do it!
DAN: That's what he says.
NAT: His word has always been good enough for you before, Dan.
DAN: Yeah, well that was before.
NAT: Before what? Before he was accused of something he didn't do?
DAN: No Nat, before he did something that I can't accept. I never liked Reverend Ryan either, and I was really angry about what he did to Mrs. Jo, but, killing him is just wrong. You know that. Besides, Nick never told us about Ben. Who knows what else he'd lie about?
NAT: (Angry) That's different and you know it. (Beat. Calms down.) Look Dan, you've always made up your own mind about things. This just isn't like you to believe what everyone's saying. Think about it Dan. You know Nick. You know he wouldn't do something like that.
DAN: I don't know Nat, there's witnesses that saw them arguing and…
NAT: (Interrupting.) But they didn't see Nick hit him, did they?
DAN: No, but he was riding out of town real fast.
NAT: That doesn't mean anything Dan.
(Dan is still not convinced. Nat shakes his head and walks over to Nick who is preparing the wagon with supplies for building the fence. Jo is passing nearby.)
Nick: Hey Jo.
(Jo looks at him and nods but she walks past, avoiding him. Nick watches her walk away.)
NAT: Are we ready Nick? (Beat) Nick?
NICK: Huh?
NAT: Are we ready to go?
NICK: Uh, yeah. (Pulling his eyes away from Jo and helping Nat into the wagon.) Ya sure ya wanta go with me, Nat?
NAT: I'm sure.
(Nick climbs in wagon and Dan watches as they ride off. Emil comes over.)
EMIL: You going to read now or do you want to go fishing?
DAN: That book is so boring. Let's go fishing.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 6
(EXT) Afternoon 4th day far pasture
(Nick and Nat are working on the fence.)
NICK: So what's this book y'all have to read Nat?
NAT: It's called "Oliver Twist". It's by Charles Dickens.
NICK: Never heard of 'im.
NAT: He's from England. The book's about a boy who grew up in an orphanage. He makes the proprietor angry and gets sent away. He gets into all kinds of trouble on the streets. Then he meets a woman who takes a liking to him. She thinks he can make something better of himself and, in the end, she helps him find a home and a normal life.
NICK: (Thinks about that for a moment.) Sounds to me like you and Dan could relate to that.
NAT: Yeah. I sure could.
NICK: I never had nobody … (He looks at Nat and stops himself.) Fence is comin' along real nice. Ain't it?
NAT: (Beat) Nick?
NICK: Yeah Nat?
NAT: I know you didn't do it.
NICK: Thanks Nat. I appreciate that.
NAT: I don't know why they think you could've done it. (Nick just looks at him.) They're gonna find out who did it Nick. I know they will.
END OF SCENE
ACT 2 SCENE 7
(INT) Night 4th day, Plumfield kitchen
(Jo is standing by the fireplace when Nick comes in. Jo jumps, startled. Conversation is polite but they stay on opposite sides of the room.)
NICK: Sorry, Jo. Did I scare ya?
JO: I just didn't expect you. It's very late.
NICK: Got a lot to catch up on. We started the fence in the far pasture.
JO: Thank you. Nat said it's coming along nicely.
NICK: S'pose so. Pretty hungry, though. Anythin' left from supper?
JO: (She moves to the counter and begins preparing a plate of food while she speaks.) Have you sent a telegram to Ben? I really think you should.
NICK: (Angry.) I don't wanta talk about him, Jo!
(He moves quickly forward towards Jo as he speaks. She steps back & reaches to the counter, almost instinctively, where we see a large knife. Nick sees it, too and stops.)
NICK: (Looking crushed and defeated for the first time in this whole ordeal.) You too, Jo? (Beat. He turns and walks towards the door.)
JO: Nick.
(He stops. She says nothing. Beat, then…)
NICK: I'll lock the door on my way out.
(He leaves, closing the door behind him. We hold on Jo.)
END OF ACT 2
ACT 3 SCENE 1
(EXT) Afternoon 5th day, outside Plumfield near kitchen door
(Nick walks into kitchen and Jo, Nat, Dan and others are unloading crates of groceries from the wagon.)
NAT: Nick was standing there ignoring the comments and Mr. Burke pushed him. Nick just took it. Then Mr. Burke said, "You're not so tough now, huh?" And then he hit Nick. Tore the cut wide open again. (We see Nick coming out the kitchen door but they don't.)
DAN: So what did Nick do?
NAT: He just walked away.
DAN: Really? (They now see Nick right behind them (with the cut on his face bleeding again). The pain and embarrassment are evident in his eyes. They all pick up crates and head inside as Nick stays by the wagon.)
(INT) Continuous Plumfield kitchen
NAT: They gave him a hard time at Mr. Gerson's store, too. He told Nick to wait outside while he filled your order. And he said that next time you should send somebody else. I thought that they were Nick's friends, Mrs. Jo. How can they treat him like this?
JO: People can get pretty confused at times like these Nat.
NAT: (Looks at Dan and Mrs. Jo. Beat) Yeah. I noticed.
(He walks out the door followed by Dan and then Jo. Nick, carrying crates, arrives at the door coming in at the same time. He turns to let her past, looking away to avoid eye contact. We close on Nick standing in the doorway watching Jo walk away.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 2
(EXT) Afternoon 5th day. Outside Plumfield, near the chicken coop
(Jo is standing by the chicken coop just watching the chickens as Nick approaches.)
NICK: Jo, I gotta talk ta ya.
JO: Can't it wait? I have alot to do. (She starts to walk away.)
NICK: It'll jus' take a minute, Jo. (She stops and looks at him. He hesitates, embarrassed.) In town today, at Gerson's store…
JO: (Abruptly.) Nat told me.
NICK: I didn't know he heard.
JO: Well, he did and he's very upset.
NICK: Sorry 'bout that. Don't like those kids gettin' mixed up in somethin' like this.
JO: You should have thought of that a week ago! (Nearly shouting.) Nick, how could you do such a thing?
NICK: Jo, I…
JO: I know you were angry but there is just no excuse for losing your temper like that! That's just like your uncle and Thomas Ryan.
NICK: (Shocked and hurt by that comparison.) I can't believe…
JO: (Interrupting.) Would you excuse me? I have work to do.
(Jo turns quickly leaving Nick standing there stunned and watching her walk away again. We hear a little voice from behind Nick.)
ROB: Nick?
NICK: (He turns around.) Yeah Rob.
ROB: Did you do something really bad?
NICK: (Kneels down on one knee to look at Rob.) No Rob, I didn't.
ROB: Then why is everyone so angry with you?
NICK: 'Cuz they don't believe me.
ROB: That happens to me sometimes. But in the end Mother always believes me.
NICK: (Smiling.) That's good Rob. It's nice to have someone believe in you.
(Rob gives Nick a quick hug and runs off. Nick, still on one knee, drops his head and looks at the ground, overwhelmed.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 3
(INT) Morning 6th day, inside school room
FRANZ: (Handing reports back) Good job, Nat.
EMIL: Of course.
FRANZ: Very impressive Bess.
DAN: What else is new?
FRANZ: Tommy, read my comments on there, please. I can tell you worked very hard on that.
TOMMY: Sure did Franz.
NAN: Good job, Tommy
(Franz pauses then. The kids with their reports are looking at them and the other kids are looking at Franz and starting to shift uncomfortably in their chairs. We can see Franz starting to get angry.)
FRANZ: Dan.
DAN: Uh, yes Franz?
FRANZ: What book did you read? (Kids laugh. Franz gives an angry look and they all quiet down)
DAN: "Oliver Twist" just like everybody else.
FRANZ: (Angry) Emil? Nan? What book did you read? (They both look down and say nothing.) Dan, if you had bothered to read more than the first chapter you would have known that it was about a lot more than a hungry boy in an orphanage. (Dan just looks at him) Emil, looks like you only read the middle of the book.
EMIL: I didn't just read the middle Franz.
FRANZ: This was not just about a street gang. If you had read more you would have known that. You can't make a proper report and come to a proper conclusion if you don't read the whole story. Nan, you seem to have read a little more but you obviously didn't read the whole thing either. You have no real idea of the depth of the characters. You say (he looks at the report) "Fagan, Sykes, Monks, and Nancy are just plain bad people." Now if you had read the story as you should have you would know that you could say that about the others but not about Nancy. You have to look at all of their actions. What do they do, what choices do they make in difficult situations? How do they react when someone needs help? For example, did you know that Nancy died protecting Oliver? (Nan sheepishly shakes her head no.) Obviously not or you wouldn't label her "just plain bad." (Franz goes to the front of the room.) Now, I expect each of you to have a finished report on my desk tomorrow morning, on the whole book!
EMIL: Can we have the other reports back?
FRANZ: No. You will start from the beginning again and do it properly this time. Now, let's move on. (Kids exchange glances.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 4
(EXT) Afternoon 6th day near the bridge
(Nick and Nat are in the wagon returning from working on the fence and are riding near the river.)
NICK: (Smiling at the memory.) …Ben would carry that toy ship everywhere. I'd just carved it out of an old log but he'd play with it for hours at a time. Don't know how many times I went into the river ta fetch it after he set it afloat again.
NAT: You loved Ben a lot, huh?
NICK: Still do.
NAT: (Hesitant.) Can I ask you a question, Nick?
NICK: Yeah, sure Nat.
NAT: (Hesitant) What did you do after you and Ben left your uncle? Did you live on the streets? I mean, when my father died I was so lucky to have Dan and the other guys around to help me… (Nick nods his head in understanding.) I wouldn't have made it on my own. Then Mrs. Jo and Mr. Laurence brought us here. I just don't know how you managed by yourself like you did. And with a kid to take care of.
NICK: (Thinks back to those hard times for a moment.) I dunno Nat. Just took one day at a time I s'pose. Always tryin' ta find somethin' ta eat or a place ta sleep. Had a job loadin' boxcars for a while, 'til Ben got me fired.
NAT: That's a tough job for a kid.
NICK: S'pose so, but we needed the money. Never begged or stole nothin' though, no matter how hungry I got. (He stops and looks at Nat, thankful to have someone who understands and cares.) It was awful scary. (Nat nods his head in understanding. Nick spots a puppy caught in the cold fast current.) Whoa! (Pulling in the horse.) Look at that poor li'l pup. (He gets down from the wagon.)
NAT: (As Nick is taking off his coat.) You can't go in there. Nick! It's too cold. (Nick heads into the river. Water is chest high.) Nick!
(Nick gets to the puppy and, snuggling her close, carries her to the wagon. He's soaked and shivering, but he wraps the puppy in his coat and hands her to Nat.)
NICK: (Shivering.) We'll warm her up and feed her and she should be alright. (Climbing into the wagon.) Let's git goin'.
(They take off in the wagon with Nat holding the puppy wrapped in Nick's coat.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 5
(INT) Evening 6th day, Plumfield Parlor
MEG: I received a telegram from Edward. He won't be able to get here until two days before the trial.
JO: Well, I am sure he will do the best he can to get here in time.
MEG: You don't seem too concerned.
JO: Why should I be? There will be a trial and that will be the end of it.
MEG: And you are fine with that? No matter what the outcome?
JO: (She looks at Meg, ignoring the question.) I thought I knew him Meg. I really did. But when Ben came I was so shocked. I still can't believe that he never told me about him. Why wouldn't he tell me something like that? Why won't he tell me about Theresa? I just don't know. And the life they've lived, drinking, gambling, fighting… He's been in jail; he's been shot. It's like something I would write in my books.
MEG: It can't be that bad.
JO: Meg, it's worse! (Meg is shocked. Jo turns suddenly angry.) How could he do it Meg? How could he do this to us? Everything was going so well and then… (She stops.) He was so angry that night Meg, angry at himself, angry at Ben, angry at the world and then he saw I was hurt and he found out about Reverend Ryan's visit and he just stormed out of here in a rage. They'll hang him, Meg. I don't want… (She stops herself.)
MEG: So you think he did it?
JO: (Her face was set in anger, but now it softens.) I don't know what I think anymore.
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 6
(INT) Evening 6th day, Plumfield kitchen
(Asia is cooking. The small puppy is resting on Nick's coat by the fireplace. Jo enters.)
JO: Smells good, Asia. (Puppy whimpers)
ASIA: Oh hi Mrs. Jo.
JO: Where did the puppy come from? (Goes over and picks her up.)
ASIA: A few minutes ago there was a knock at the door. There was Nick shivering, soaked to the bone and carrying that puppy.
JO: He knocked?
ASIA: Uh huh. Said he pulled the poor thing from the river. Asked me to feed her and keep her warm by the fire. Said he'd go looking for her Ma tomorrow. (Shakes her head) Hasn't eaten all week himself and he asks me to feed a puppy.
(Nat enters with a bucket of milk.)
NAT: Nick asked me to bring this to you.
(Jo takes a bowl, dips it into the bucket and places it next to the puppy.)
JO: (Touches the "bed" where the puppy was resting.) Is this Nick's coat?
ASIA: Yes. Had her wrapped in it.
JO: Nick must have been freezing.
ASIA: (Nods her head yes.) Never seen anybody so cold. He could barely talk. I told him to get out of those wet clothes before he got sick. (Shakes her head.) That man is harder to figure than a mystery novel.
NAT: Not so hard to figure. He's always doing things like that. I'd have been surprised if he didn't go get her.
(Reaction Jo. Nodding her head in agreement. She's figured him out!!!)
JO: When did he leave?
ASIA: He'd just left when you came in.
(Jo heads for door but Laurie and Amy come in. She looks out the door to try and see him. No luck.)
AMY: It's so cold out there. Quite a chill.
(They exchange greetings)
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 7
Same time, 6th day Boys room at Plumfield
(Dan, Emil, and Nan, sitting on beds, reading "Oliver Twist". Bess comes in.)
DAN: Franz was really mad about those book reports.
EMIL: Yeah.
NAN: Now we have to write another whole report by tomorrow. That's not fair.
BESS: Well if you had read the whole book the first time like you were supposed to then you wouldn't have to be doing this tonight. But, Nan, you better hurry before my parents pick us up.
DAN: Why have you been going into town at night anyway, Bess? Is it because of Nick?
BESS: Yes, of course. Mother says it's too dangerous here.
EMIL: Will you please be quiet Bess? I'm trying to read.
NAN: I sure wish I knew the whole story, already. (As Nat walks in the door)
NAT: You already know the whole story but you just don't see it.
DAN: What?
NAT: Don't you see? You're doing the same thing with Nick as you did with your reports. You're not looking at the whole story.
EMIL: What are you talking about, Nat?
NAT: All you see is what the people in town are saying. But that's not the whole story. (Kids look confused and so he goes on.) You have to look at everything we know about Nick and then make up your mind.
NAN: (Humoring him) OK, Nat. What do we know?
NAT: Dan, you said Nick was so sad when you shot that bird with an arrow and he cringed when he saw that lion had been whipped. Emil, Nick went to jail for protecting you from your Uncle. And look at all he's done for Mrs. Jo. He almost died when that man shot him last year, but if he had to do it again we all know he'd still go after her. Not one of us can say that Nick hasn't helped us out whenever we needed him. No matter what the cost. Who knows him better - us or Captain Hoffman and Mr. McBride? Now that's the whole story. Do you still think he could beat Reverend Ryan to death like that? Is he "just plain bad", Nan?
(Kids are quiet for a minute. Not ready to admit that they had been so wrong)
DAN: No, Nat. You're right.
(Emil, Bess and Nan and the others sheepishly agree)
NAN: Poor Nick. We've treated him so awful. I feel so bad.
EMIL: I wonder if he'll ever forgive us.
BESS: (Looking out the window) Oh no. My parents are here. We have to talk to them.
(They all rush out of the room).
END OF SCENE
ACT 3 SCENE 8
(INT) Same time 6th day, Plumfield parlor
(Amy and Laurie have just gone into the parlor from the kitchen and are talking with Jo.)
JO: I really have to ask you to reconsider. I just don't think this is necessary and it's scaring the children.
AMY: We can't be too careful.
JO: Amy, I know you are frightened and upset but I'm just sure that Nick didn't do it.
LAURIE: We've discussed this before, Jo. We're just doing what we think is best.
JO: I know but…
AMY: I know you are fond of Nick and you must feel terribly torn, but what do we really know about him, Jo?
JO: (Emphatically) We know that since he's been here he's done nothing but help all of us. He's never hurt any of us. How many times has he brought Bess into town for you? Remember how he helped you, Laurie when…
LAURIE: (Interrupting, embarrassed) Yes, Jo, I know.
JO: I know his past was difficult and hard for us to even comprehend. But, having a hard life doesn't make you a bad person. Look what he did for Penny, and he risked his life for me. That's just not the same kind of man who would do something like this!
(The kids rush into the room as she finishes. Nat goes to her and hugs her. The other kids smile approvingly at what they just heard her say.)
BESS: We don't want to go, Father. We believe Nick.
LAURIE: Well, your Aunt Jo is making a lot of sense. I don't see why you couldn't stay here tonight if that's what you prefer (beat) and if it's all right with your Mother. (They all look at Amy, the last hold out)
BESS: Please Mother. (She looks at her Mother, pleading)
NAN: Please.
AMY: (Reluctantly) (to Jo) Well, I suppose you are right, Jo. (to girls) You can stay if that's what you desire.
(Kids send up a cheer)
JO: Children, go finish your homework before dinner. I'll go tell Asia we'll have a few more people for dinner. You will join us Amy, Laurie?
LAURIE: Yes, we'd be delighted.
END OF ACT 3
ACT 4 SCENE 1
(EXT) Evening 6th day, outside Plumfield
(Nick, without a coat on, is chopping wood and keeps chopping as Jo approaches and while they talk. He doesn't even look at her. He's taking all of his anger and frustration out on this wood. Even without a coat on in the cold, he's sweating. The conversation begins rather strained, but rhythmic like the blow of the axe. Both are uncomfortable. They have barely spoken since that night in the kitchen.)
JO: I brought you your coat. You must be cold.
NICK: I'm alright. (Swings axe.)
JO: What you did for that puppy…
NICK: Couldn't let her drown. (Swings axe.)
JO: You must be hungry.
NICK: Been hungry before. (Swings axe.)
JO: You haven't eaten all week.
NICK: Gone a lot longer than that without eatin'. (Swings axe.)
JO: Nick, you cannot keep going like this.
NICK: I'll manage. (Swings axe.)
JO: Do you plan to eat in town?
NICK: Not exactly welcome there, either! (He looks up at her just for a second.)
(Reaction Jo)
NICK: (Sees Amy and Laurie walking in the distance) They come to take Bess and Nan to town again tonight? (Swings axe.)
JO: No. They came for dinner and we would like you to join us.
NICK: Hah! (Meaning yeah, right) (Swings axe.)
JO: Really Nick. (She moves closer, forcing him to stop chopping the wood.) I want you to know, we all want you to know that we believe you. (She puts her hand on his arm.)
(Nick looks at her intently, right into her eyes, right into her soul.)
JO: Will you join us? (He looks away and then looks back into her eyes again) Please?
NICK: (He's still looking. Beat. Then he nods his head.) Alright.
JO: Good.
END OF SCENE
ACT 4 SCENE 2
(EXT) Afternoon 7th day outside school
(Nick is working as kids leave school. Kids race out to Nick. Dan gets there first.)
NICK: Hey there. What's the hurry?
DAN: Now that I'm finished with that book report I thought I could help you with the fence.
EMIL: Yeah, me too Nick.
NICK: Alright guys.
(Nan arrives next, followed by the others.)
NAN: Nick, where's the puppy? I want to help you with her. She's so sweet.
NICK: Found her Ma this morning. She's home now.
NAN: Oh, I was hoping we could keep her around for a while.
NICK: No use gettin' too attached, Nan.
TOMMY: Nick? Tonight after dinner would you teach me how to play chess, like you taught Emil last night?
NICK: Sure, Tommy, it would be my pleasure, until Edward comes, that is. Got a lot ta do tonight.
NAT: Would you teach me, too?
NICK: Of course, Nat
TOMMY: Tonight is my turn, Nat. I asked first.
EMIL: And I want a chance to play again sometime.
NICK: Hey, wait a minute. Mrs. Jo knows how to play and so does Bess. There's chance for all of you to learn.
TOMMY: But I want to learn from you, Nick. (Others agree)
NICK: Well, sure hope I can clear my name so's I can teach all of you then.
DAN: Besides, Nick, if we keep you here playing chess at night then you can't get into any more trouble in town, right? (He smiles)
(Kids look at Nick unsure what his reaction will be)
NICK: (Laughing) Yeah, I s'pose you're right, Dan.
NAT: We sure like having you here, Nick.
EMIL: Can't imagine Plumfield without you. (The other kids agree.)
NICK: (Embarrassed, he changes the subject) Come on, let's stop talking and get these chores done.
(Kids all start doing their chores. Nick stands there alone, shakes his head and goes back to work.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 4 SCENE 3
(EXT) Afternoon 7th day far pasture
(Nick, Dan and Emil are finishing up the fence.)
EMIL: It looks so pretty it seems a shame to put a fence up.
NICK: Nothin' wrong with fences Emil. Keeps things in order. Makes everything stay in it's proper place and if you make 'em right you hardly notice 'em. Like this one.
(There is an awkward silence as they work.)
DAN: Nick?
NICK: Yeah Dan.
DAN: I want to apologize.
EMIL: Me too Nick.
NICK: No apologies needed guys.
DAN: We were so busy following the crowd we didn't think about you - how you couldn't have done something like that.
NICK: It's alright guys. (Beat) Nat told me about that book y'all had to read. Sounds interestin'.
DAN: Yeah, it really was, once we finally read it….
(We fade out as they tell Nick about the book.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 4 SCENE 4
(INT) Night 7th day, Plumfield parlor
MEG: Jo, how are you holding up? You look very tired.
JO: I'm fine Meg, really. It's Nick I'm concerned about.
MEG: We all are, Jo. Edward will do everything he can to help him.
JO: Did he tell you what he thinks so far?
MEG: (Hesitates.)
JO: Meg?
MEG: He said it does not look good for Nick. (Tears well up in Jo's eyes.) The town is pretty convinced that he's guilty already and the new judge won't allow the trial to be moved.
JO: I can't believe that they removed Father's friend from the trial.
MEG: He did Nick a favor by letting him out before the trial, Jo.
JO: Oh Meg! (Jo begins to cry. Meg puts her arm around her to comfort her.) I can't believe I doubted Nick, and for so long.
MEG: It's all right Jo.
JO: (Still crying.) He's been so good about it, but I must have hurt him fiercely.
MEG: You had a right to be unsure, Jo. And you have all of these children to protect. You were only doing what you felt was right.
JO: I was so afraid of what would happen to him. I didn't want to care. Thinking he was guilty, well, it didn't hurt as much. It was easier to be angry. And then the children followed my example and shunned him as well.
MEG: Oh, you poor thing. This has been so hard for you. Let me get you a cup of tea. It will help you calm down.
JO: (Holding on to Meg's arm.) Please don't leave me.
MEG: I'm right here Jo.
JO: (Crying hard.) I don't want to lose him, Meg! I couldn't bear it.
MEG: You won't lose him.
JO: (Still crying.) Edward said it doesn't look good. If they find him guilty they'll hang him Meg. What can we do?
MEG: I don't know Jo. Just be here for him, I guess.
JO: The one thing I can do for him and I haven't done it. I've been so busy avoiding him. It's unforgivable.
MEG: He is not angry with you, Jo. You have to forgive yourself.
END OF SCENE
ACT 4 SCENE 5
(INT) Night 7th day, Same time, Plumfield Dining room
(Edward and Nick are seated. Nick is leaning forward, his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands.)
EDWARD: Are you all right?
NICK: (Looks up.) Yeah.
EDWARD: So let me get this straight, you spent six months in a Mexican prison, but you were the witness to the crime?
NICK: That's right. They didn't like what I saw. But they said they was holdin' me for my own protection. I tell ya Edward, important people and bad timin' don't mix good. I've learned' that lesson the hard way.
EDWARD: There was never a trial?
NICK: What good is a trial, there or here? They were as sure he was innocent as this town's sure I'm guilty.
EDWARD: You will get a fair trial, Nick.
NICK: They're already buildin' the gallows, Edward.
EDWARD: (Shaking his head.) A Mexican prison. Was it as bad as they say?
NICK: (Clenching his jaw.) Can we just get on with this?
EDWARD: Nick, I realize that this must be extremely difficult for you, but I need to know as much as I can about your record. I do not need any surprises at the trial.
NICK: (Stands up and moves toward Edward, angrily.) So what d'ya need ta know? How many times a week they beat me or whipped me so I'd change my story? How the doctor would come and fix me up so they could beat me again?
EDWARD: Nick. (He rises from his chair and moves toward Nick.)
NICK: Or do ya need ta know how many times a month they let me eat that bug infested food?
EDWARD: Nick.
NICK: (Shaking with anger.) Ya ever been whipped Edward? Your back all torn apart, your hands tied up tight so ya can't do nothin' 'bout it? Nah, I don't s'pose ya have. Don't s'pose a man like you's been beaten either. Heck, I bet ya ain't never even been hit. Have ya? (Beat. He looks at Edward who looks down. Nick gives a sarcastic laugh and shakes his head.) Ain't never even been hit. Ya must be associatin' with the right sort o' fellas Edward.
EDWARD: (Beat. Firmly.) Are you finished?
NICK: (Startled, but still angry.) Yeah, I'm finished.
EDWARD: (Putting his hand on Nick's shaking shoulder and looking him right in the eye.) Nick, take it easy. (Nick takes a deep breath as he calms down.) They are going to be asking you many difficult questions at this trial and they will love it if you lose your temper like that.
NICK: (Nodding his head.) You're right. Sorry.
EDWARD: (Takes his hand off Nick's shoulder and nods his head.) And I am sorry I asked that. I shouldn't have. I was just curious.
NICK: I understand. (He drops back into a chair.) Couldn't begin to describe it, Edward.
EDWARD: (He sits back down.) You don't have to. What I do need to know is how you got out of there.
NICK: (Takes a deep breath, shifts in his seat, and looks away.)
EDWARD: (Shakes his head in exasperation.) Oh no, Nick. Don't tell me.
NICK: 'Fraid so. They didn't LET me leave, that's for sure.
EDWARD: (Makes another note in his pad. Frustrated.) If anyone hears about this… (Shakes his head as he looks at his notes.)
NICK: Never tol' nobody but you, but ya got my whole life wrote out on that pad for the whole world ta see.
EDWARD: You're right. (Looks at the pad, flipping back through the pages.) Jo could use this stuff for her books. (Nick begins to chuckle.) She would have to tone it down, though. It's a little rough even for her.
(Nick is laughing hard now and Edward is laughing, too. They calm themselves, shaking their heads as Jo and Meg walk in.)
JO: I can't imagine what you could be laughing about in here.
(The men look at each other and start laughing again.)
MEG: Edward, what is so funny?
EDWARD: (Trying to stop laughing.) I'm sorry, but my conversation with Nick is confidential.
(Jo and Meg look at each other questioningly as Nick and Edward calm themselves, wiping the tears of laughter from their eyes.)
NICK: (Notices Jo's swollen, bloodshot eyes and he suddenly becomes serious again. He rises from his chair and goes to Jo, concerned.) Ya alright?
JO: Of course. (She looks down and smoothes her dress.)
NICK: (Doesn't believe her but knows she won't talk.) Sorry Jo, Meg but we ain't done here, yet.
EDWARD: Nick, you look exhausted. We could finish this in the morning. I am staying right upstairs. We could meet over breakfast.
NICK: (Turns wearily to Edward and nods his head.) Alright. (He looks at the three of them.) G'night. (They watch him leave.)
MEG: How is he holding up, Edward?
EDWARD: Better than anyone else I have seen in his situation, and considering I think he is innocent, he is doing incredibly well. I just wish he would not worry so much about paying me. He does not need any more stress.
JO: (Shaking her head and smiling.) That sounds like Nick. He won't rest until he's paid you every penny. But it was so good to see him laughing. Thank you Edward.
END OF SCENE
ACT 4 SCENE 6
(INT) Morning 8th Day, Inside schoolroom
(Dan is standing in front of the class reading from his book report.)
DAN: In conclusion, "Oliver Twist" is a thrilling story filled with interesting characters and plenty of excitement. Many of the characters are as complex as real people, with difficult choices facing them all the time. The story contains many twists and turns which keeps the reader's attention through the whole book. I liked the story especially because I could relate to many of the things that happened to Oliver.
FRANZ: Thank you, Dan. That was excellent. You may sit down. (Dan moves to his desk and Franz moves to the front of the room.) It sounds to me like the three of you rather enjoyed the book. (Dan shakes his head yes.)
NAN: Yes, sir.
EMIL: Yeah, I really liked it.
FRANZ: Can you please explain to me, then, why your reports did not reflect that the first time around? (The three of them look at each other.)
DAN: (Looking apologetic.) You were right, Franz, I didn't read the whole story the first time. I thought it was kind of boring so I didn't read anymore. When I read it the second time, though, I realized how exciting and interesting it got.
EMIL: Same with me.
NAN: The first time I thought it would be no big deal to just read parts of it. I kinda figured that I knew enough and it wasn't important to read everything.
FRANZ: Have you learned anything from this?
EMIL: A book can be more exciting than it seems at first, but you have to read it to find that out.
NAN: If you want all the facts and a good grade you have to read the whole thing.
DAN: I learned that it's not real good to jump to conclusions. I read a little bit and I'd had enough. Decided that fishing would be a lot more fun. (The kids laugh.) But you can't write a proper report (He looks at Nat.) or come to the right conclusion without looking at the whole story. Did the same thing with Nick. I got so caught up in what everyone was saying that I didn't even think about what I already knew about him. It was just like not reading the whole story.
FRANZ: Very good then. Now let's all try not to make any more hasty conclusions because you only cheat yourselves when you do. As Dan pointed out to us, this is a lesson for life as well as for school. You simply can't make good judgments or draw proper conclusions without all of the information available. By not reading the whole story or considering all you know about something you impede your path to knowledge. (Dan looks at Nat, confused.)
NAT: (To Dan) He means like putting up a fence. (Dan nods his head, understanding.)
END OF ACT 4
ACT 5 SCENE 1
(INT) Evening 8th day, Nick's room
(Nick is seated as Jo walks in.)
NICK: The Sheriff'll be here soon. Says I'll be safer if I stay in that jail cell now that the trial's startin'.
JO: Nick, I've been thinking, maybe you should do what Edward recommended and…
NICK: (Firmly.) No!
JO: (Raising her voice, scared.) Nick, they'll hang you!
NICK: Don't ya think I know that? (Reaction Jo. He closes his eyes, catches his breath and runs both hands through his hair. Beat.) I don't wanta die like that, Jo.
JO: Then do what Edward says and just admit…
NICK: Jo. (She stops and looks at him.) I'd rather hang than admit ta somethin' I didn't do. (Beat) Don't want Ben or those kids rememberin' me as a …(He stops and looks away.)
JO: (Sadly.) Yes, I understand. (Beat.) I'm sorry I can't be at the trial tomorrow.
NICK: (Takes a deep breath.) It's alright Jo. I'm used ta bein' alone.
(The door opens and Edward leans in the door.)
EDWARD: The Sheriff is here.
NICK: (Gets up a little shakily.) Alright Edward. I'll be right there. (Edward goes out.) (Nick looks at Jo.) Tell the kids good-bye for me.
JO: (Catches her breath.) All right. Good luck.
NICK: (Swallows hard.) Thank ya. (He turns and walks towards the door. He stops and turns back.) Good-bye, Jo. (He leans over to her and brushes her cheek with his lips. She wipes a tear from her eye. He turns away and she watches him. He walks out, glances at her again and then closes the door quietly behind him.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 5 SCENE 2
(INT) Afternoon 10th day, Jail cell
(Nick is sitting alone on the cot in the jail cell. Elbows on knees, head in hands. He doesn't move as the door from the outside opens. We hear the sound of each practice of the gallows and yelling and cheering from outside.)
SHERIFF: (O.C.) Go right on in, Mrs. Bhaer. We'll be coming to get him in a few minutes. (Jo moves inside the office and the Sheriff closes the door, leaving them alone.)
JO: Nick?
NICK: Hey Jo. (He looks up. His face fills with pain as he notices a red spot on her dress. He rises from the cot, but stays on the other side of the cell.) What happened? Ya alright?
JO: It's just a tomato. I'm fine.
NICK: Out there? Cuz of me?
JO: (Bites her lip, not answering, but he knows the answer already.)
NICK: What're ya doin' here?
JO: I didn't want you to be alone now.
NICK: (He looks away, swallows hard and looks back.) The kids aren't…
JO: No. Franz and Asia are with them back at Plumfield, (Beat) praying.
NICK: (He takes a deep, quivering breath.) Good. Don't want them seein' this. Your sisters and Laurie?
JO: They're with Edward, outside.
NICK: (He looks away, clenching his jaw. Beat. He whispers the name.) Rob?
JO: (Choking back the tears.) He's with Marmee and Father. He said to tell you he believes in you.
NICK: (He drops back onto the cot, his head in his hands again. He collects himself. Beat. He looks up.) I sure hope Ben sends that money he owes us. That should cover the rest o' what I owe ya and pay Edward, too. It'll have ta. Don't got nothin' worth anythin'.
JO: Nick, you don't have to…
NICK: (Interrupting. Rising from the cot.) Can't pay ya later, Jo. There is no tomorrow.
JO: (Begins to cry.)
NICK: Jo, don't. Please. (She keeps crying. He takes a deep breath and moves toward her. With the bars separating them, he closes his hands around hers as she clutches the bars.) I'm sorry for all the trouble my bein' here has brought ta ya.
JO: It's not like that. You've brought many things into my life, Nick. Good things, not trouble.
NICK: (A touch of a smile crosses his face.) You make me feel like nobody else ever did. I'll always… (He stops, catches his breath and turns away. His hands still on hers.)
JO: I will, too. Always. (He turns back and their eyes lock.)
(The door opens and we hear the crowd, louder than before. The Sheriff and deputies come in.)
NICK: (His eyes and voice are filled with love and urgency.) Ben!
JO: I'll go to Boston myself.
NICK: I don't want him thinkin'…
JO: I'll tell him, Nick. And if he won't listen I'll board that ship to Africa and make him listen.
NICK: (A slight smile.) I bet ya would.
(The Sheriff enters the cell. As they look into each others eyes, Nick gives her hands a squeeze and stoically pulls his hands behind his back. The Sheriff puts the handcuffs on as they speak.)
NICK: In my shirt pocket there's a letter ta him. Hope I wrote it good.
JO: (A slight smile.) I'm sure you did. He'll be proud of you. (She reaches into his pocket for the letter and can feel his heart pounding. She catches her breath as tears well up in her eyes.)
NICK: Jo, tell him I love him. (She looks at him as a tear rolls down his cheek.)
JO: I will.
NICK: (As she reaches up and wipes the tear from his cheek.) I wanted ta be strong for you today. I wanted ta be strong for you always.
(Jo won't let herself look as the Sheriff bends down and begins to shackle Nick's ankles.)
JO: (She takes a deep breath, collecting herself.) You will always be my strength, Nick, in here. (She touches her heart.)
NICK: Jo, I never tol' ya, but… (He stops himself.)
JO: Nick, I…
NICK: (Interrupting. Their eyes locked.) Shhh. Not here, Jo. Not now. Not like this.
SHERIFF: Come on Riley. It's time.
(Jo watches in amazement as Nick takes a deep breath and stands straight and tall, holding his head high. He pulls his eyes away from her and his face clears of emotion, as if set in stone. But she can hear every breath he takes. The Sheriff leads him out the door into the yelling, jeering, angry, blood thirsty crowd. Jo sits down and begins to cry uncontrollably. She doesn't hear Harrison Bridger enter.)
HARRISON: (Seeing her crying.) Oh my God, Jo. Am I too late?
JO: (Very sad and angry, she snaps.) No, you blood thirsty monster. Go outside and watch them hang an innocent man.
HARRISON: (Running out the door.) I have to stop them. (O.C.) Stop!!
(It takes Jo a moment to realize what he said. Then she jumps up and runs out the door behind him.)
In town, near the gallows. (Continuous.)
(Jo looks up as she tries to push her way through the maddening crowd. She sees Edward waiting by the gallows and Eli McBride and Captain Hoffman standing right in front.)
JO: Stop! (Her knees feel weak as she sees the Sheriff leading Nick up the stairs of the gallows. Suddenly, she hears Meg, Amy and Laurie beside her. They speak as they push their way through the crowd.)
AMY: What is Mr. Bridger doing?
JO: He's trying to stop them.
MEG: But they can't hear him over the crowd.
SHERIFF: (Barely audible above the crowd.) Nicholas Riley, you have been found guilty of the murder of Thomas Ryan and have been sentenced to death by hanging.
(The crowd begins to surge forward, eager to get the best view.)
JO: (She watches in horror as the hooded executioner moves Nick forward and puts the noose around his neck.) No! Stop!
(Nick's face remains set in stone, showing no emotion. He sees McBride and Hoffman who were both so instrumental in his conviction and he stares them in the eyes until they turn away. The executioner pulls the noose tight, tilting Nick's head to the side. The crowd is cheering and applauding. Then he moves towards the large lever that will open the floor beneath Nick.)
JO: No!! (Her knees buckle beneath her as she faints to the ground and everything goes black.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 5 SCENE 3
(EXT) Afternoon 10th day, continuous, At the gallows.
(The executioner's hand is moving to the lever, Nick's head is in the noose.)
HARRISON: Wait! Stop!
SHERIFF: I'm sorry Mr. Bridger but you will have to stay back.
HARRISON: Wait. I have witnesses…
(Harrison sees the executioner nearing the lever. He jumps up onto the platform, moves to the lever and holds it in place. Nick sees him jump on, but can not see what is happening behind him and he begins to breathe even faster.)
HARRISON: You have to listen to me. I have witnesses.
(Deputies jump up onto the platform as the crowd roars louder. Edward jumps on too. The deputies struggle with Harrison and Edward and punches are thrown, knocking Nick around and causing the noose around his neck to tighten. He struggles to breathe as the fight continues.)
SHERIFF: (To deputies.) Wait. Let's hear what he has to say. We got plenty of time for a hanging.
(Edward tries to go to Nick to loosen the rope, but the deputies hold him back.)
HARRISON: I have two signed statements here from witnesses who say they saw Mr. Riley arguing with Mr. Ryan… (The crowd jeers and screams to hang him. Harrison waves to them to quiet and raises his voice louder.) And then they saw Mr. Riley walk away, mount his horse and ride off fast. He never touched Mr. Ryan. Then I have another statement from a witness who saw Mr. Ryan with another man shortly after that. All three witnesses had been staying in the hotel and left early the next morning, never knowing about the murder. (He looks at Nick who has passed out from lack of air.) You are about to hang an innocent man. (He waves the papers in the air.) You have to stop!
EDWARD: Nick! (He moves to Nick and this time nobody stops him. He lifts Nick's slumping body, easing the tension of the rope. He yells.) Cut him down! Cut him down!
(The crowd goes silent. The Sheriff cuts the rope and Edward and Harrison lay Nick's lifeless body down and remove the rope from around his neck.)
EDWARD: Nick? (He pats Nick's face, trying to rouse him.) Nick? (He slaps harder.)
NICK: (He stirs and coughs. Then he murmurs.) Jo? Jo?
HARRISON: Sheriff, can you remove those handcuffs and shackles? He must be extremely uncomfortable.
SHERIFF: I'm afraid not. Until we get this straightened out, he's still my prisoner.
HARRISON: (Looking at Nick coughing and mumbling Jo's name.) Mr. Riley? Nick? You're all right. (To Edward.) Lets sit him up.)
(They pull Nick up and he tenses up and tries to pull away, startled, but becomes more conscious.)
NICK: (Agitated and confused.) Huh?
EDWARD: (Calming him.) You're all right Nick. We'll bring you back to the jail now. You should be out soon.
(Nick looks around, confused, but is able to rise to his feet with the help of Edward and Harrison. The crowd claps and cheers. With the Sheriff and deputies, they move through the parting crowd back to the jail.)
(INT) In the jail, continuous
(Jo is just waking up after fainting and being brought there by Meg, Amy and Laurie. They hear the deafening roar of the crowd, then silence, and then cheering. They are all devastated.)
AMY: Oh no.
MEG: This can't be happening.
LAURIE: How could this be?
JO: Nick!! (She begins to cry uncontrollably, her head on the shoulder of Meg, who is crying, too. Amy is crying in the arms of Laurie, who has tears in his own eyes.)
LAURIE: (He kisses Amy's head as he holds her and whispers.) Come on now. You have to be strong for Jo. She needs you. (But Amy can not stop crying.)
MEG: Oh Jo. You poor thing. I wish there was something I could say.
JO: Tell me it's not true. Tell me he's not…
(The door opens and Harrison walks in.)
HARRISON: I'm sorry… (He stops as they all begin to cry even harder.) Wait. You don't understand. Let me explain…
NICK: (Being led through the door by the Sheriff. He is still handcuffed and shackled. He looks confused and his voice is hoarse.) Wish somebody would explain it ta me.
JO: (Recognizes the voice and looks up, not believing her ears or her eyes.) Nick! (She moves to him quickly, throwing her arms around his neck and holding him close. She holds his face in her hands and looks at him, still finding it hard to believe. He leans down. Their lips touch.)
SHERIFF: (Pulling Nick away.) Come on Riley. You aren't out of this yet.
(He leads Nick into the jail cell, removes the handcuffs and leg shackles and closes the door.)
END OF SCENE
ACT 5 SCENE 4
(INT) Several hours later. Laurie's office.
(Jo, Meg, Amy, Laurie and Harrison are all pacing around nervously.)
JO: I wish they would hurry up. It's been hours already. When will they let him out?
LAURIE: Soon Jo. Just be patient a little longer.
JO: But he's all alone.
MEG: Edward is with him, Jo.
JO: But what if they don't believe the witnesses? What if they… (She stops herself and begins to cry.) Oh, I can't go through that again.
HARRISON: Don't worry, Jo. The witnesses' accounts are solid. He'll get out.
JO: I hope it's soon. The waiting is unbearable. (They all stop pacing as the door opens. Edward walks in wearily with a physically and emotionally exhausted, but relieved Nick behind him.)
EDWARD: Excellent job Mr. Bridger. I knew I could count on you to help. And to confirm your findings the Sheriff in Bedford just sent a wire that a man has confessed to the murder. The judge has cleared Nick completely.
(They all begin to congratulate Nick and Edward and to celebrate together. They end up paired off: Amy and Laurie, Meg and Edward, Jo and Nick. Harrison stands alone.)
NICK: (Reaching his hand out to shake hands with Harrison.) Looks like I owe ya my life, Mr. Bridger. Thank ya. Don't know how I can ever repay ya for that.
HARRISON: You are very welcome, Mr. Riley. I was just doing my job.
JO: You did more than just your job, Harrison. The way you stopped them. You were great. (He blushes, embarrassed. She lowers her voice, embarrassed by what she has to say now.) I am so sorry for what I said earlier.
HARRISON: Apology accepted.
NICK: (Turns to Edward and points to his black eye.) I see ya got yourself hit, Edward. Sorry 'bout that.
EDWARD: (Touching the eye tenderly and smiling.) Yes, well, I must be associating with the wrong sort of fellows lately.
NICK: (Shakes his head, grins and shrugs.) Must be.
END OF ACT 5
EPILOGUE
(INT) Night 10th day, Barn
(Nick is shirtless, (writer's note: You've been waiting for that ladies so I'm happy to oblige.) wearing work gloves and punching with fury at a stuffed seaman's bag hanging from the rafters. He is sweating and breathing heavy. (Writer's note: Happy to oblige again.) He does not hear Jo come in. She sees the rope burn and bruises that ring his neck and she shudders. She watches him for a while, admiring the muscles rippling through his back, shoulders, chest and arms, (writers note: Keep breathing ladies) as he fights the demons that only he sees hidden in that bag. Jo feels it getting rather warm. (Writer's note: Do you feel it, too, ladies?) She clears her throat. Nick turns, startled, and gets hit in the face with the swinging seaman's bag.)
JO: There you are. Everyone is looking for you. What's a party without the guest of honor?
NICK: Sorry. (Still breathing hard. Points to the bag.) Rigged this up after Ben left. Kinda helps me.
JO: That night? Your hands?
NICK: (Nods his head yes.) I was so angry, didn't even stop ta put gloves on. Pretty stupid, huh? (He suddenly remembers that he is shirtless (writer's note: You didn't forget ladies, did you?) He picks up his shirt and puts it on.)
JO: (Upbeat) You must be relieved now that Harrison Bridger found those witnesses who cleared your name. It's all over.
NICK: (Quietly, unconvinced) Yeah, I s'pose. (He takes a towel and begins to wipe the sweat from his face. He sees blood on the towel, the cut having been ripped open again by the swinging seaman's bag. He sighs and shakes his head.)
JO: Let me take a look at that. (Takes the cloth from him to tend to the cut on his face.) It's just not healing well, is it?
NICK: Some things just take longer to heal than others, Jo.
JO: I want to apologize, Nick. (He flinches as she touches the cut on his face) I know I wasn't much help…
NICK: I ain't lookin' for apologies.
JO: I know. Still I should have been there for you when you needed me.
NICK: (Gently moves her hand away.) I don't need anybody, Jo. Ain't had nobody I could depend on since I was 12. (Reaction Jo.) Manage just fine by myself. (There is a long silence. He looks away. Almost whispering.) I was so scared, Jo.
JO: Nick Riley scared?
NICK: (His back still to her.) Forget it.
JO: I'm sorry. You had every right to be scared. I was too. I just never picture you that way.
NICK: Really? (He turns back to look at her.) Feels like I've spent every day of my life scared Jo. Scared of losin' my folks, scared of my uncle, scared of havin' ta care for Ben. (He stops, looks at her and swallows hard, almost not able to say it.) Scared of dyin' alone.
JO: (Taken aback, she shudders, suddenly chilled. She does not know what to say.)
NICK: (He turns away, turns back and starts to speak but stops. Shakes his head and turns away again.)
JO: Nick? What is it?
NICK: (Speaks softly, tentatively with his back to Jo.) What kind of person could do something like was done to Ryan?
JO: (Shuddering at the thought) A horribly violent person. Vicious, heartless, brutal…
NICK: (Interrupting. His back still turned to Jo.) So that's the way people see me.
JO: (Surprised) No! Of course not.
NICK: (Turns half way to her) Then why was everyone so sure I'd done it?
JO: Nobody was sure.
NICK: Jo, they was throwin' rocks at me. Felt like they was sure to me.
JO: Well, there were people who saw you…
NICK: (Interrupting) If they saw Laurie or Edward would they have arrested 'em? Thrown rocks at 'em? You know that wouldn't have happened. (Beat. Turns to face her straight on.) And you wouldn't have doubted them either.
(Reaction Jo. She can't deny that and the guilt shows in her face.)
NICK: (He sees how bad he made her feel.) I'm sorry. (Continuing) They're rich, educated, have important jobs, come from good families. People respect that. Then there's people like me. Folks don't respect somebody like me, Jo. Feel sorry for 'em maybe, but no respect. (Shakes his head.) Don't want people feelin' sorry for me.
JO: People who look at you that way haven't gotten to know you. They only know part of your story. Once they know you they will respect you despite your background. Just like all of us do.
NICK: Ya know, I never used ta care what people thought 'bout me. Took care o' myself, took care o' Ben - didn't matter what folks thought. But since I've been here, that's changed. (Jo smiles, shaking her head in agreement. Beat) Don't know if I like the change, though.
JO: (Surprised) Why do you say that?
NICK: Don't like people I care about doubtin' me. (Jo looks away guiltily.) Don't hurt as much if ya don't care.
JO: That's true. It doesn't. (Beat) Nick, you've lost or been hurt by people you care about all your life so you've closed yourself off, put up a fence.
(Nick is expressionless, almost confirming what she is saying)
JO: (Continuing.) But Nick, when you close yourself off to the pain of being hurt you also close yourself off to the joy of being loved. (Nick shifts uncomfortably but continues to look at her.) As much as it hurts me to have lost Fritz I wouldn't have given up the time I had with him for anything. The good times were worth all the pain.
NICK: I don't know if it's worth it.
JO: (Raises her eyebrows and smiles affectionately.) You'll have to decide that for yourself.
NICK: (Smiles back) S'pose I do.
(They are both quiet for a minute, looking at each other.)
JO: So, are you coming to the party? Asia made your favorite. Apple pie with loads of cinnamon.
NICK: (He looks at her and smiles again.) Sure.
(We close on them walking out the door.)
