The Zone Police Davis, Richard Harding Derived Text Format to access the structural information conversion Mathias Göbel TextGrid CC-BY-4.0 Lizenzvertrag Richard Harding Davis, 1864 – 1916 The Zone Police: A Play in One Act by Richard Harding Davis New York London Samuel French 20 p. MEEHAN. AINTREE. STANDISH. BULLARD. One-act Prose data extraction from source 1914
CHARACTERS. MAJOR AINTREE United States Army STANDISH Lieutenant in the Canal Zone Police MEEHAN Sargeant in the Canal Zone Police BULLARD a C. Z. Policeman
CHARACTERS AND THEIR COSTUMES.

MAJOR AINTREE: — Is a distinguished looking man between thirty-five and forty. He wears the white duck "tropic" uniform and insignia of a Major of Infantry in the regular army. He carries no side arms .

LIEUT. STANDISH: — Is a smart young man of twenty-three. He wears the uniform of the C. Z police. It consists of a khaki tunic with shoulder straps, flap breast pockets, flap hip pockets. No belt. Riding breeches, tan leather gaiters, tan shoes, and a khaki-colored Stetson sombrero with a stiff flat brim .

SARGEANT MEEHAN: — Is an Irish-American of fifty years, with gray hair and of soldiery bearing .

BULLARD: — Is a young man of the same age as STANDISH.

BULLARD and MEEHAN both wear uniforms similar to the one worn by STANDISH. Like him they do not wear belts. This is emphasized, because the sombrero with flat brim and the absence of the belt is what makes the difference between the uniform of the Zone police and that of a U. S. Regular .

MEEHAN wears Sargeant stripes on his left sleeve. He is without a hat . BULLARD carries a night stick with a leather thong, and above his left breast pocket wears a silver shield. On the front of his sombrero is a silver insignia which shows his number surrounded by a wreath .

LIEUT. STANDISH does not wear any insignia on his sombrero. His shield is of gold. On either side of the opening of the standing collar of his tunic is a single bar. There is also a single bar on the shoulder straps .

 The scene is laid at the Las Palmas Police Station on the Isthmus of Panama .

SCENE: — The interior of a police station; bare, and official looking. It belongs to the Canal Zone Police on the Isthmus of Panama. It is supposed to stand in an open space within fifty yards of a railroad station on the railroad between Colon and Panama. In the play the station is referred to as "Las Palmas."

The walls are of plaster or planed boards. in the back wall is a door opening on the level of the ground. Directly to the right of this door is a small stand or table holding a water cooler with a practical spigot and a white enameled cup. On the floor below the spigot, to catch the overflow of water, is a gray stone jar .

In the right wall half way down stage is a door of iron bars with a large practical lock. This door is supposed to lead to a corridor of cells. Below this door is a table with a flat top, set broadside to the audience. On it are a student lamp with a green shade, writing materials, long books bound in calfskin. Behind it facing audience, a plain wooden chair. Down stage far to the left on a line with this table is a larger table, end on to the audience; with a swivel chair to the left of it, facing right. On the center of this table is another student lamp with green shade, writing materials and on the lower end a hand telephone. The walls are hung with maps of the Canal, of Central America and South America, and with printed bills, describing Criminals wanted by the police. These latter show photographs of the men wanted; the "Reward" is conspicuous . ( These bills may be obtained at any police headquarters of detective agency ).

The backdrop shows tropical surroundings, the Culebra Cut, palm trees. The light outside is faint moonlight; inside the light comes from the two student lamps. No light comes through the door on the right .

If a set is especially built for this scene, on each side of the center door there should be a window, without glass and protected by iron bars. The doors to the center entrance are supposed to open out, and do not show .

DISCOVERED: — MEEHAN is standing up stage at right of water cooler with his right profile towards audience. Around his forearm swings a ring on which are keys. On his left hand he holds the iron cup. Water is running into the cup .

BULLARD wearing his sombrero and with his night stick under his arm, stands at the chair to the left of the big table at left. In his hands he holds a slip of paper which he is studying .

 BUL.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 45 chars .

BUL.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

MEEHAN. ( consenting )

Contains 35 words in 4 sentences using 152 chars .

BUL.

Contains 25 words in 5 sentences using 118 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars .

BUL. ( to 'phone )

Contains 99 words in 16 sentences using 543 chars .

MEEHAN. ( regretfully )

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars .

BUL. ( indifferently )

Contains 31 words in 6 sentences using 156 chars .

MEEHAN. ( takes cup to cooler )

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars .

BUL. ( surprised )

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 76 chars .

BUL. ( increduluous )

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 115 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars .

BUL.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 30 words in 5 sentences using 130 chars .

BUL.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars .

BUL.

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 63 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars .

BUL.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 102 chars .

BUL.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 183 chars .

BUL.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars .

BUL. ( disgustedly )

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 3 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 85 chars .

BUL.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 141 chars .

BUL.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 129 chars .

BUL.

Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars .

MEEHAN. ( in a whisper )

Contains 7 words in 3 sentences using 38 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 74 chars .

BUL.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 85 chars .

BUL.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars .

STANDISH. ( to BULLARD)

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars .

STANDISH. ( to BULLARD)

Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 103 chars .

BUL. ( glancing at 'phone )

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars .

BUL.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars .

( Exit C. L. STANDISH takes a revolver from his hip pocket, lays it on upper end of table left. Takes from pocket of his tunic a notebook and pencil. Seats himself at table left, and writes in notebook .) STANDISH. ( holding up notebook )

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 143 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 72 words in 7 sentences using 335 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars .

STANDISH. ( sharply )

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 78 chars .

MEEHAN. ( reluctantly )

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 95 words in 9 sentences using 471 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 30 words in 4 sentences using 144 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 113 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 57 words in 5 sentences using 270 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 152 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 15 words in 4 sentences using 64 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 9 words in 4 sentences using 40 chars .

MEEHAN. ( listening )

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

STANDISH. ( impatiently )

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars .

MEEHAN. ( listening )

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 13 chars .

MEEHAN. ( to 'phone )

Contains 35 words in 4 sentences using 188 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

MEEHAN. ( to 'phone )

Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 106 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

MEEHAN. ( to 'phone )

Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 126 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 98 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 48 chars .

( Crosses to table left; picks up notebook and writes in it, then sits . BULLARD enters hurriedly, comes down C. He is panting as though he had been running .) BUL. ( saluting )

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 58 chars .

BULLARD.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars .

BUL.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 41 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

BUL.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars .

( For an instant STANDISH considers, then speaks eagerly .) STANDISH.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars .

BUL.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 122 chars .

BUL.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars .

BUL. ( aggrieved )

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 135 chars .

BUL.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars .

BUL.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 159 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 118 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars .

MEEHAN.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 74 chars .

STANDISH. ( hotly )

Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 96 chars .

MEEHAN. ( with gesture for silence )

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars .

(AINTREE enters from left center, he walks unsteadily. He is intoxicated, and furiously angry .) AINTREE.

Contains 136 words in 12 sentences using 663 chars .

STANDISH. ( quietly )

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 60 chars .

STANDISH. ( quietly )

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 31 words in 4 sentences using 154 chars .

STANDISH. ( sternly )

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 168 chars .

AINTREE. ( furious )

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 22 words in 4 sentences using 117 chars .

STANDISH. ( slowly, contemptuously )

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

AINTREE. ( increduous )

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 118 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 83 words in 6 sentences using 395 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 44 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 97 words in 8 sentences using 443 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 39 words in 6 sentences using 177 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 87 chars .

AINTREE. ( bewildered )

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars .

STANDISH. ( coldly )

Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 133 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 72 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 52 words in 4 sentences using 244 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 59 chars .

AINTREE. ( laughs contemptuously )

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 10 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars .

(AINTREE recognizes that the tone of STANDISH is final. By an effort of the will he pulls himself together. The seriousness of the situation sobers him. When he speaks his voice is low and calm .) AINTREE. ( to MEEHAN)

Contains 81 words in 8 sentences using 393 chars .

STANDISH. ( coldly )

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 79 words in 4 sentences using 355 chars .

STANDISH. ( eagerly )

Contains 38 words in 2 sentences using 165 chars .

AINTREE. ( savagely )

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars .

STANDISH.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars .

( As though the interview was at an end , STANDISH picks up and lights cigar , AINTREE still defiant starts door R. BULLARD runs on center and comes down to table L.) BULLARD. ( excitedly )

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 7 chars .

(BULLARD turns pretending for the first time to observe the presence of AINTREE. He points at him, speaking in a whisper .) BULLARD.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 151 words in 11 sentences using 713 chars .

STANDISH. ( happily )

Contains 37 words in 2 sentences using 184 chars .

AINTREE.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 76 chars .

STANDISH. ( to BULLARD)

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars .

(BULLARD salutes and exits .) AINTREE. ( breaking down )

Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 22 chars .

STANDISH. ( to MEEHAN)

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars .

THE CURTAIN FALLS.