Liquid–Gas and Solid–Gas Separators
Jean-Paul Duroudier
First published 2016 in Great Britain and the United States by ISTE Press Ltd and Elsevier Ltd
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2.2.
2.
2.2.1.
2.3.
2.3.1.
Chapter 3. Wet Dust Removal from Gases:
Drums
3.1.
3.1.5.
3.1.6.
3.1.7.
3.1.8.
3.1.9.
3.1.11.
3.1.13.
3.1.14.
3.1.15.
3.2.
3.2.1.
3.2.2.
3.2.3.
3.2.4.
3.2.5.
3.2.6.
3.2.7.
3.3.
3.3.1.
3.3.2.
3.4.
3.4.1.
3.4.2.
3.5.
3.6.1.
3.6.2.
4.1.
4.1.1.
4.1.3.
4.1.4.
4.1.5.
4.1.6.
4.1.7.
4.1.8.
4.1.9.
4.1.10.
4.1.11.
4.1.12.
4.1.13.
4.1.14.
4.2. The disk
4.2.1.
4.2.2.
4.2.3.
4.2.4.
4.2.5.
4.3.
4.3.1.
4.3.2.
4.4.
4.4.1.
4.4.2.
Preface
The observation is often made that, in creating a chemical installation, the time spent on the recipient where the reaction takes place (the reactor) accounts for no more than 5% of the total time spent on the project. This series of books deals with the remaining 95% (with the exception of oil-fired furnaces).
It is conceivable that humans will never understand all the truths of the world. What is certain, though, is that we can and indeed must understand what we and other humans have done and created, and, in particular, the tools we have designed.
Even two thousand years ago, the saying existed: “faber fit fabricando”, which, loosely translated, means: “c’est en forgeant que l’on devient forgeron” (a popular French adage: one becomes a smith by smithing), or, still more freely translated into English, “practice makes perfect”. The “artisan” (faber) of the 21st Century is really the engineer who devises or describes models of thought. It is precisely that which this series of books investigates, the author having long combined industrial practice and reflection about world research.
Scientific and technical research in the 20th century was characterized by a veritable explosion of results. Undeniably, some of the techniques discussed herein date back a very long way (for instance, the mixture of water and ethanol has been being distilled for over a millennium). Today, though, computers are needed to simulate the operation of the atmospheric distillation column of an oil refinery. The laws used may be simple statistical
correlations but, sometimes, simple reasoning is enough to account for a phenomenon.
Since our very beginnings on this planet, humans have had to deal with the four primordial “elements” as they were known in the ancient world: earth, water, air and fire (and a fifth: aether). Today, we speak of gases, liquids, minerals and vegetables, and finally energy.
The unit operation expressing the behavior of matter are described in thirteen volumes.
It would be pointless, as popular wisdom has it, to try to “reinvent the wheel” – i.e. go through prior results. Indeed, we well know that all human reflection is based on memory, and it has been said for centuries that every generation is standing on the shoulders of the previous one.
Therefore, exploiting numerous references taken from all over the world, this series of books describes the operation, the advantages, the drawbacks and, especially, the choices needing to be made for the various pieces of equipment used in tens of elementary operations in industry. It presents simple calculations but also sophisticated logics which will help businesses avoid lengthy and costly testing and trial-and-error.
Herein, readers will find the methods needed for the understanding the machinery, even if, sometimes, we must not shy away from complicated calculations. Fortunately, engineers are trained in computer science, and highly-accurate machines are available on the market, which enables the operator or designer to, themselves, build the programs they need. Indeed, we have to be careful in using commercial programs with obscure internal logic which are not necessarily well suited to the problem at hand.
The copies of all the publications used in this book were provided by the Institut National d’Information Scientifique et Technique at Vandœuvre-lèsNancy.
The books published in France can be consulted at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France; those from elsewhere are available at the British Library in London.
In the in-chapter bibliographies, the name of the author is specified so as to give each researcher his/her due. By consulting these works, readers may
gain more in-depth knowledge about each subject if he/she so desires. In a reflection of today’s multilingual world, the references to which this series points are in German, French and English.
The problems of optimization of costs have not been touched upon. However, when armed with a good knowledge of the devices’ operating parameters, there is no problem with using the method of steepest descent so as to minimize the sum of the investment and operating expenditure.
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Separation by Decantation or Precipitation in a Magnetic or Electrical Field
1.1. Separation in a magnetic field
1.1.1. Recap on magnetic fields
In a vacuum, the magnetic induction caused by an electrical current I has the following dimensions:
[][]00 intensity BH m =μ=μ×
H: magnetic field
0 : μ magnetic permeability of a vacuum
The value of μ0 depends on the system of units used.
International system (SI) μ0 = 4π.10–7 [B] = Tesla or Ampere per meter × μ0.
EMCGS
0 4 μ =π [ ] Bgauss =
Let us examine the units of magnetic field:
1 oersted is the value of the magnetic field H which, in a vacuum, produces B = 1 gauss.
The SI unit of field, in a vacuum, produces an induction of 7 4.10 π Tesla.
definition:
From this, we deduce: 17 1A.m4.10Tesla 1oersted1gauss →π →
We can divide both sides of the equation in turn, because the induction is proportional to the field.
1,000oerstedgauss 4A.m4.10Tesla == ππ
Thus, we have the following correspondence between the units of magnetic induction:
1 Tesla = 10,000 gauss
1.1.2. Intensity of magnetization and magnetic separation
When subjected to a magnetic induction B, an elementary volume v of magnetizable substance acquires local magnetization M, where M is the magnetic moment of the elementary volume.
The volumetric intensity of magnetization per unit volume is:
The dimensions of the magnetic moment are:
Electrical intensity × surface = I.m²
χ is the magnetic susceptibility, which is approximately 10-5 in the SI.
As [ ] [ ] MI.m,we21 have M/vI.m==
J is therefore measured in the same units as H, and the magnetic susceptibility is a dimensionless number.
1.1.3. Classification of solids
1) Depending on the sign of the magnetic susceptibility:
– diamagnetics move away from zones of strong field, towards zones of weak field. Their susceptibility is negative (such is the case with graphite, for example). They cannot be separated using a magnetic field;
– ferromagnetics (Fe, Co, Ni), paramagnetics (Pt, Pd, Pyrite, FeO, MnO, NiO), antiferromagnetics and ferrimagnetics (ferrites M2O4 where M is a divalent metal such as Mg, Fe, Co or Mn) are attracted to zones where the field is strong. It is these substances that we can treat using a magnetic field.
2) Depending on their magnetizability:
– non-metallic minerals are not magnetizable, even by fields stronger than 25×105 A.m-1;
– the separation of metallic minerals requires induction fields between 5×105 A.m-1 (weak fields) and 25×105 A.m-1 (strong fields). The range of susceptibilities is such that:
(in the international system, the value χ/μ0 is 1/4π CGS units of the value χ).
Table 1.1 shows the susceptibility of a number of solids.
Note that magnetite, which is aptly named, can be separated by an induction field weaker than 1.2×105 A.m-1 because, for it, χ/µ0 > 240×10-6.
Finally, a solid is more magnetizable when its magnetic susceptibility is high.
1.1.4.
Table 1.1. Susceptibility of minerals (χ/µ0 in 10-6)
Processes of magnetic separation
When a magnetizable solid is subjected to a magnetic induction field, the local magnetic moments are oriented in the direction of the induction fields, and the whole solid becomes similar to a magnet, each pole is attracted by the opposite pole of any magnet in the vicinity.
When we want to attract a product which is not highly magnetizable, we must use a powerful magnet, and vice versa. In the way of magnets, we could use:
– permanent magnets;
– electro-magnets, whose intensity can be varied from one machine to another;
– cylinders of mild steel, situated in the air gap of powerful magnets, and magnetized by induction (“induced rotors”).
The general principle is to attract the magnetizable particles with a metal surface which is, itself, magnetized. Then, the metal surface moves out of the induction field and the particles that it had attracted detach, generally aided by centrifugal force (if the attracting surface is a cylinder) or a fluid current.
Whether the product is dry or dispersed in water, the principles remain the same. However, humid separation is limited by the viscosity of the liquid –particularly in the case of fine particles, whose velocity of displacement is reduced. Dry separation circumvents this problem but, in order to treat particles which are smaller than 20µm, the product’s humidity must be less than 1%.
1.2. Electrofilters
1.2.1. Description
The general design of an electrofilter is shown by Figure 1.1. The wires have a lower potential than the plates. As the corona effect manifests around the wires, we say that, in this case, the discharge is negative.
Figure 1.1. Electrofilter
The frames are held in place by quartz insulators (which are insensitive to significant variations in temperature), electrically heated if necessary, to prevent the formation of condensates on the insulators, because of the high water vapor content of the gases.
The shape of the receiver plates (collecting plates) is as shown in Figure 1.2.
This shape decreases the risks of the fixed dust particles rebounding. The velocity of the gases must be fairly high to render the installation profitable. However, it must not be too high, so as not to entrain the particles which have already precipitated.
The distribution of the gases as they enter the electrofilter is crucially important for the yield. The speed of the gas streams, measured with an anemometer, must be as uniform as possible. To this effect, we install perforated sheet metals in the inlet diffuser. These sheets create almost all of the pressure drop in the device. They constitute something of a pre-deduster, which necessitates the installation of a dust hopper beneath the diffuser.
When the gases enter through the top or the bottom, we install guide vanes rectifying the gaseous streams and bringing them to the horizontal in front of the perforated sheet metal at the inlet to the electrofilter.
1.2.2.
Shaking
To dislodge the dust situated on the collecting electrodes, we periodically give those electrodes with a vibrational motion. The plates need to oscillate easily over the whole of their height so that the effect of the shaking at their bottom is transmitted fully to their top.
Figure 1.2. Collecting electrodes
The shaking lends the plates an acceleration of 50 to 100 g (g = 9.81 m.s-2) and thus evacuates 90% of the dust collected.
The dust must fall in clusters because their drop speed is high (as the air resistance is negligible). Given the presence of the air stream, we cannot hope to make isolated particles fall. If such particles appear during the course of the shaking, the separation will need to be restarted from a distance of a few centimeters in front of the collecting electrode and, if the device is too short, the yield will drop.
Preferably, shaking should not be continuous and should be timed so that, between two operations, the clusters of dust have the time to grow – in other words, so that the thickness of the dust layer is sufficient. For example, we could adopt rest intervals of 5 minutes at the inlet and 15 minutes at the outlet (because it is here that there is least dust). The optimal interval between shaking cycles, and their intensity, need to be determined at startup.
If the dust has trouble detaching, we could spray: – water if the dust is water-soluble; – mineral oil for organic products (tar, naphthalene, etc.).
1.2.3. The transport mechanism
When there is a sufficient potential difference between a highly-curved electrode – say, a wire (and, a fortiori, a barbed wire) – and an electrode with little or no curvature like a plate, the wire is literally covered in charged ions which radiate in the ultra-violet spectrum. This is known as the corona effect.
In industrial electrofilters, the wires are given a negative potential in relation to the plates (the opposite is true in air-conditioning, so as to moderate the appearance of ozone). The wires constitute the emissive electrode and the plates (on which the dust accumulates) are the collecting electrodes.
Electrons are emitted by the wires by way of the photoelectrical effect, generally speaking, and in the electrofilter by the shock of positive ions moving away from the positive collecting electrode toward the wires. In their movement in opposite directions, the electrons encounter the molecules of gas (and the collisions between them liberate secondary electrons) and positive
ions, with the production of UV radiation. Above all, though (and it is here that the interest lies), electrons affix to the gaseous molecules and transform them into negative ions, which in turn affix to the dust, giving it a negative charge.
1.2.4. Apparition of sparks and counter-ionization
The dust deposited on the collecting electrode has a certain resistance and, according to Ohm’s law, a potential difference arises between the faces of the dust layer.
If the resistivity of the dust is sufficiently high, the corresponding potential difference may become greater than the breakdown voltage of the imperfect insulator, which is dust. Sparks fly (breakdown) and cause the formation of craters in which ions of both polarities come into being. This has a number of consequences:
1) when a spark appears, it is a preferential path for the electric current and the intensity passing through the installation increases sharply; it is then necessary for a device to be put in place to limit the intensity if we wish to avoid damaging the electrical circuits;
2) with the apparition of sparks, ions of both polarities are formed in the craters, and the positive ions formed are attracted into the gas space by the negatively-charged particles, equalizing and thus neutralizing their charge –hence the term “counter-ionization”;
3) the formation of craters tends to re-disperse the dust collected into the gaseous environment.
The last two points above are significant causes of yield reduction and, in order for an installation to function properly, it is important that the frequency of disruptions is no higher than 1min-1 per electrical section. In practice, for the working voltage, we choose the nominal voltage compatible with that condition, which is tantamount to adopting a potential difference equal to 90% of the disruption voltage.
Note that the disruption electrical voltage is lower in the case of positive discharge than negative discharge, meaning that sparks occur more readily with a positive discharge. This is one of the reasons why dust removers operate with negative discharge.
1.2.5. Geometric data
Perforated sheet metal is installed at the input to the deduster so as to regulate the flow of gas. If these sheets are improperly attached, or if the fixings give way under the influence of a blow or of thermal expansion, an imbalance of gaseous flow will arise, which is detrimental to the overall yield, because the higher yield obtained for the slowest gaseous veins does not compensate for the degradation of the yield obtained with the faster veins.
If the wires were spaced a considerable distance apart, the current density on the collecting plates at the end of the wires could be 50% higher than the installation’s average value. It is therefore useful to space the wires closer together – i.e. to increase the number thereof – but no great improvement is obtained once the distance separating two consecutive wires becomes smaller than the spacing between two plates.
The surface area of the collecting electrodes may be up to a maximum of 150 m² per m3.s-1 of gas in real conditions (non-standard). This surface area will be larger when separation is more difficult and, with the velocity of the gas remaining constant, the surface area determines the number of plates (i.e. their spacing) and the distance traveled by the gas in the device (characterized by the elongation – i.e. the ratio of the device’s length to its height). Let us first examine this latter point.
At a given gas velocity VG, the length of the gas path defines the residence time of the gas in the device, and that length of stay is no greater than 15 seconds. If the elongation is sufficient, natural sedimentation of the coarser particles occurs (particularly if VG is no greater than 1 m.s-1). The elongation also has an influence on the losses engendered by shaking (to dislodge the layer of dust from the plates). If the device is too short, dust falling from the plates may be entrained out of the electrofilter by the gas stream. In the case of finer dust, the drop time over a height of 7–10 m may reach up to several seconds and if, in addition, the elongation is less than 1 and VG greater than 1.5 m.s-1, there will be harmful consequences for the yield. In practice, the elongation L/H lies somewhere between the following bounds:
0.5 < L/H < 1.5
and, most usually:
0.7 < L/H < 1.3
(L: length; H: height)
The spacing of the plates varies, from case to case, between 0.15 and 0.40 m. Significant spacing is used when the dust concentration is high, so as to minimize the risks of sparks. On the other hand, spacing close together lowers the necessary voltage, but it is then more difficult to obtain a regular alignment. We shall soon see, though, that it is possible to circumvent this problem by dividing the device into independent sections.
A large surface of collecting electrodes with a single electrical inlet exhibits two weaknesses which favor the appearance of sparks because of imbalance of the current density:
– it is difficult to rigorously maintain the alignment of the electrodes; – there are numerous local accumulations of dust not evacuated by the shaking.
Thus, the idea was to divide the device into sections, each with an independent electrical supply. Depending on the device, there may be between 2 and 8 sections per 100 m3.s-1 of gas, each section with a surface area ranging between 500 and 8000 m².
Thus, if we wish to process 100 m3.s-1 of a gas with 90 m².(m3.s-1)-1, we need to use 9000 m², which could be divided into three sections of 3000 m². By working in this way, we can hope to increase the voltage at which sparks begin to appear by 5–10 kV.
In summary, with a proper design, we can expect a good yield, because there will be:
– uniformity of the gas flowrate; – correct alignment of the electrodes; – uniformity of the current density on the electrodes.
If these three conditions are not respected, it is possible for a predicted yield of 95% to 99% to be, in reality, only 50% to 90%.
1.2.6. Operational equation
In the gaseous space, the flux of electrical charges passing across an elementary surface dS is:
n (u q E) dS
Here, u is the mobility of the charged ions, E the electrical field and q the volumetric charge density. The vector n is the unit vector normal to the elementary surface dS.
In the permanent regime, there is no accumulation of charges in a closed surface: () S nuqEdS0 =
The mobility u is a constant which we can extract from the sum sign. Let us then apply Ostrogradsky’s theorem: ()() V S 0nqEdSdivqEdV =⋅=
These equalities do not depend on the chosen volume; they are equivalent to:
div (qE) = 0
However, using vectorial analysis, we can show (see Spiegel, p. 120) that:
div (qE) = q div E + E.grad q
According to Maxwell’s laws: q = div D = εr ε0 div E
(In the case of interest to us here, the relative permittivity εr is very close to 1, because we are dealing with gas at atmospheric pressure).
From the last three equations, it results that: 2 0 q Egradq0+⋅= ε
However:
E = - grad V
where V is the electrical potential. We finally obtain the operational equation:
q² = ε0 grad V. grad q
1.2.7. Calculation of the potential field
For calculating the potential field, we have two equations at our disposal: – Poisson’s equation: 0 q V0Δ+= ε
– the operational equation:
q² = ε0 grad V. grad q
In the y direction, the arrangement of the wires is periodic, with a spatial period d and the domain of length d exhibits two axes of symmetry. Therefore, we merely need to perform the calculations on the cross-hatched domain D.
This domain is divided into elementary squares. Figure 1.4 represents four of these squares whose side length is equal to a.
Figure 1.3. Arrangement of wires and collecting electrodes
For the potential, the boundary conditions are as follows:
Its value is imposed on the wire and on the collecting electrode. In addition, owing to the symmetry:
on the side OP: 0 x
on the sides OR and PQ : 0
Poisson’s equation is written thus:
We then take a uniform charge density q(0) – e.g. equal to 1013 elementary charges per m3 (i.e. 1.602×10-6 C/m3).
The Poisson equation can then be used to calculate the potential field.
If we know the potential field, we need to calculate new values of the charge density. For this purpose, we need to know the lineic current density jL on the wire.
Figure 1.4. Typical mesh
If we suppose that the wire occupies the point 0 in the typical mesh, we can write the following, with u being the celerity of the charged particles:
With the exception of the point 0, in light of symmetry, we are able to write:
on the side OP:
on the sides OR and PQ
On the collecting electrode, we write the operational equation, expressing the derivatives with respect to x using the left-hand differences.
Within the domain D, we write that equation in the form:
and on the collecting electrode, if we accept that the point 0 of the typical mesh is on that electrode:
Thus, we have as many linear equations in q(1) as there are unknowns. After solving this system, we replace q(0) with q(1), and continue in this way until the values of q no longer vary. Having thus determined the range of the charge densities, we recalculate the potential range and continue until both ranges no longer vary.
Remember that the expression of the derivative by left difference is:
1.2.8. Consequences
Leutert et al. [LEU 72] applied this method, and their publication gives the fields obtained. We then say that the electrical field is nearly uniform over four fifths of the distance separating the plates from the wires (starting at the plates). This is why, hereafter, we shall accept the hypothesis of a uniform electrical field at a distance from each particle which is significant in relation to the size of that particle.
On the other hand, as regards the electrical charges, the above calculations do indeed give the electrical charge at each point, but that charge is an overall charge which is the sum of three terms, pertaining respectively to:
– the electrons; – the ions; or – the charged particles of dust.
At present, we are unable to distribute the overall charge into those three elements. However, in the practical calculations, we accept that only the ions are significant.
1.2.9. Potential due to a uniform field and to a dielectrical particle
Let us begin by looking for the potential V0 linked to the lone uniform field E0. We can write:
Let us take the origin of the potentials at point 0 and integrate equation [1.1]:
This expression automatically satisfies equation [1.2] and, finally:
VErcos=−θ
Outside of the particle, which is initially supposed to be non-charged, we can seek an expression of the potential in the form of a serial expansion:
Indeed, a long way from the particle, we must find the expression of the potential due to a uniform field.
Inside of the supposedly-spherical particle whose center lies at 0, we can also look for an expression of the potential in the form of a serial expansion:
Figure 1.5. Dielectric particle assimilated to point 0
Indeed, at point 0, the potential must not only remain finite but actually disappear, because we have taken the origin of the potentials at that point.
Let us write that at the surface of the particle, the potential is continuous:
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B —[Gruffly.] I’ve naught to forget—leastways naught that’s in your mind. But they’s things about the stubborn will o’ woman I’d like to forget. [They look at each other across the table. There is a pause. Finally he cannot stand her accusing glance. He looks away, gets to his feet, walks about, then sits down again, his face set determinedly—with a grim smile.] Well, here we be, Sarah—alone together for the first time since—
M . B —[Quickly.] Since that night, Isaiah.
B —[As if he hadn’t heard.] Since I come back to you, almost. Did ye ever stop to think o’ how strange it be we’d ever come to this? I never dreamed a day’d come when ye’d force me to sleep away from ye, alone in a shed like a mangy dog!
M . B —[Gently.] I didn’t drive you away, Isaiah. You came o’ your own will.
B —Because o’ your naggin’ tongue, woman—and the wrong ye thought o’ me.
M . B —[Shaking her head, slowly.]
It wasn’t me you ran from, Isaiah. You ran away from your own self— the conscience God put in you that you think you can fool with lies.
B —[Starting to his feet—angrily.] Lies?
M . B —It’s the truth, Isaiah, only you be too weak to face it.
B —[With defiant bravado.] Ye’ll find I be strong enough to face anything, true or lie! [Then protestingly.] What call have ye to think evil o’ me, Sarah? It’s mad o’ ye to hold me to account for things I said in my sleep—for the damned nightmares that set me talkin’ wild when I’d just come home and my head was still cracked with the thirst and the sun I’d borne on that island. Is that right, woman, to be blamin’ me for mad dreams?
M . B —You confessed the rest of what you said was true—of the gold you’d found and buried there.
B —[With a sudden fierce exultation.] Aye—that be true as Bible, Sarah. When I’ve sailed back in the schooner, ye’ll see for yourself. There be a big chest o’ it, yellow and heavy, and fixed up with diamonds, emeralds and sech, that be worth more, even, nor the gold. We’ll be rich, Sarah—rich like I’ve always dreamed we’d be! There’ll be silks and
carriages for ye—all the woman’s truck in the world ye’ve a mind to want —and all that Nat and Sue’ll want, too.
M . B —[With a shudder.] Are you tryin’ to bribe me, Isaiah— with a treasure that’s been cursed by God?
B —[As if he hadn’t heard.] D’ye remember long ago, back East, just after we was married, and I was skipper o’ my first whalin’ ship, how that foreigner come to me with the map o’ the pirates’ gold and asked me to charter the ship? D’ye remember o’ how I’d talk to ye o’ findin’ ambergris, a pile o’ it on one vige that’d make us rich? Ye used to take interest then, and all th’ voyage with me ye’d be hopin’ I’d find it, too.
M . B —That was my sin o’ greed that I’m bein’ punished for now.
B —[Again as if he hadn’t heard.] And now when it’s come to us at last—bigger nor I ever dreamed on—ye drive me away from ye and say it’s cursed.
M . B —[Inexorably.] Cursed with the blood o’ the man and boy ye murdered!
B —[In a mad rage.] Ye lie, woman! I spoke no word!
M . B —That’s what you kept repeatin’ in your sleep, night after night that first week you was home, till I knew the truth, and could bear no more. “I spoke no word!” you kept sayin’, as if ’twas your own soul had you at the bar of judgment. And “That cook, he didn’t believe ’twas gold,” you’d say, and curse him.
B —[Wildly.] He was lyin’, the thief! Lyin’ so’s he and the boy could steal th’ gold. I made him own up he was lyin’. What if it’s all true, what ye heard? Hadn’t we the right to do away with two thieves? And we was all mad with thirst and sun. Can ye hold madmen to account for the things they do?
M . B —You wasn’t so crazed but you remember.
B —I remember I spoke no word, Sarah—as God’s my judge!
M . B —But you could have prevented it with a word, couldn’t you, Isaiah? That heathen savage lives in the fear of you. He’d not have done it if——
B —[Gloomily.] That’s woman’s talk. There be three o’ us can swear in any court I spoke no word.
M . B —What are courts? Can you swear it to yourself? You can’t, and it’s that’s drivin’ you mad, Isaiah. Oh, I’d never have believed it of you for all you said in sleep, if it wasn’t for the way you looked and acted out of sleep. I watched you that first week, Isaiah, till the fear of it had me down sick. I had to watch you, you was so strange and fearful to me. At first I kept sayin’, ’twas only you wasn’t rid o’ the thirst and the sun yet. But then, all to once, God gave me sight, and I saw ’twas guilt written on your face, on the queer stricken way you acted, and guilt in your eyes. [She stares into them.] I see it now, as I always see it when you look at me. [She covers her face with her hands with a sob.]
B —[His face haggard and drawn—hopelessly, as if he were too beaten to oppose her further—in a hoarse whisper.] What would ye have me do, Sarah?
M . B —[Taking her hands from her face—her eyes lighting up with religious fervor.] Confess your sin, Isaiah! Confess to God and men, and make your peace and take your punishment. Forget that gold that’s cursed and the voyage you be settin’ out on, and make your peace. [Passionately ] I ask you to do this for my sake and the children’s, and your own most of all! I’ll get down on my knees, Isaiah, and pray you to do it, as I’ve prayed to God to send you his grace! Confess and wash your soul of the stain o’ blood that’s on it. I ask you that, Isaiah—and God asks you—to make your peace with Him.
B —[His face tortured by the inward struggle—as if the word strangled him.] Confess and let someone steal the gold! [This thought destroys her influence over him in a second. His obsession regains possession of him instantly, filling him with rebellious strength. He laughs harshly.] Ye’d make an old woman o’ me, would ye, Sarah?—an old, Sunday go-to-meetin’ woman snivvelin’ and prayin’ to God for pardon! Pardon for what? Because two sneakin’ thieves are dead and done for? I spoke no word, I tell ye—but if I had, I’d not repent it. What I’ve done I’ve done, and I’ve never asked pardon o’ God or men for ought I’ve done, and never will. Confess, and give up the gold I’ve dreamed of all my life that I’ve found at last! By thunder, ye must think I’m crazed!
M . B —[Seeming to shrivel up on her chair as she sees she has lost—weakly.] You be lost, Isaiah—no one can stop you.
B —[Triumphantly.] Aye, none’ll stop me. I’ll go my course alone. I’m glad ye see that, Sarah.
M . B —[Feebly trying to get to her feet.] I’ll go to home.
B —Ye’ll stay, Sarah. Ye’ve had your say, and I’ve listened to ye; now I’ll have mine and ye listen to me. [M . B sinks back in her chair exhaustedly. B continues slowly.] The schooner sails at dawn on the full tide. I ask ye again and for the last time, will ye christen her with your name afore she sails?
M . B —[Firmly.] No.
B —[Menacingly.] Take heed, Sarah, o’ what ye’re sayin’! I’m your husband ye’ve sworn to obey. By right I kin order ye, not ask.
M . B —I’ve never refused in anything that’s right—but this be wicked wrong.
B —It’s only your stubborn woman’s spite makes ye refuse. Ye’ve christened every ship I’ve ever been skipper on, and it’s brought me luck o’ a kind, though not the luck I wanted. And we’ll christen this one with your own name to bring me the luck I’ve always been seekin’.
M . B —[Resolutely ] I won’t, Isaiah.
B —Ye will, Sarah, for I’ll make ye. Ye force me to it.
M . B —[Again trying to get up.] Is this the way you talk to me who’ve been a good wife to you for more than thirty years?
B —[Commandingly.] Wait! [Threateningly.] If ye don’t christen her afore she sails, I’ll take Nat on the vige along with me. [M . B sinks back in her chair, stunned.] He wants to go, ye know it. He’s asked me a hundred times. He s’spects—’bout the gold—but he don’t know for sartin. But I’ll tell him the truth o’ it, and he’ll come with me, unless—
M . B —[Looking at him with terror-stricken eyes— imploringly ] You won’t do that, Isaiah? You won’t take Nat away from me and drag him into sin? I know he’ll go if you give him the word, in spite of what I say. [Pitifully.] You be only frightenin’ me! You can’t be so wicked cruel as that.
B —I’ll do it, I take my oath—unless—
M . B —[With hysterical anger.] Then I’ll tell him myself—of the murders you did, and—
B —[Grimly.] And I’ll say ’twas done in fair fight to keep them from stealin’ the gold! I’ll tell him your’s is a woman’s notion, and he’ll believe me, not you. He’s his father’s son, and he’s set to go. Ye know it, Sarah. [She falls back in the chair hopelessly staring at him with horrified eyes. He turns away and adds after a pause.] So ye’ll christen the Sarah Allen in the mornin’ afore she sails, won’t ye, Sarah?
M . B —[In a terrified tone.] Yes—if it’s needful to save Nat— and God’ll forgive me when He sees my reason. But you—Oh, Isaiah! [She shudders and then breaks down, sobbing.]
B —[After a pause, turns to her humbly as if asking her forgiveness.] Ye mustn’t think hard o’ me that I want your name. It’s because it’s a good woman’s name, and I know it’ll bring luck to our vige. I’d find it hard to sail without it—the way things be.
M . B —[Getting to her feet—in a state of feverish fear of him.]
I’m goin’ to home.
B —[Going to her.] I’ll help ye to the top o’ the hill, Sarah.
M . B —[Shrinking from him in terror.] No. Don’t you touch me! Don’t you touch me! [She hobbles quickly out of the door in the rear, looking back frightenedly over her shoulder to see if he is following as
[The Curtain Falls]
ACT THREE
S Dawn of the following morning—exterior of the B home, showing the main entrance, facing left, toward the harbor On either side of the door, two large windows, their heavy green shutters tightly closed. In front of the door, a small porch, the roof supported by four white column. A flight of three steps goes up to this porch from the ground. Two paths lead to the steps through the straggly patches of grass, one around the corner of the house to the rear, the other straight to the left to the edge of the cliff where there is a small projecting iron platform, fenced in by a rail. The top of a steel ladder can be seen. This ladder leads up the side or the cliff from the shore below to the platform. The edge of the cliff extends from the left corner front, half-diagonally back to the right, rear-center.
In the grey half-light of the dawn, H , C , and J K are discovered. H is standing on the steel platform looking down at the shore below. C is sprawled on the ground nearby. J squats on his haunches, his eyes staring out to sea as if he were trying to pierce the distance to the warm islands of his birth. C wears dungarees, J dungaree pants and a black jersey; H , the same as in A T .
C —[With sluggish indifference.] Ain’t she finished with it yet?
H —[Irritably.] No, damn her! I kin see ’em all together on the wharf at the bow o’ the schooner. That old crow o’ a woman o’ his! Why the hell don’t she christen her and be done with it and let us make sail?
C —[After a pause.] Funny, ain’t it—his orderin’ us to come up here and wait till it’s all done.
H —[Angrily.] That’s her doin’, too. She thinks we ain’t good enough to be where she is. [After a pause.] But there’s nothin’ funny to me that he does no more. He’s still out o’ his head, d’ye know that, Cates?
C —[Stupidly.] I ain’t noticed nothin’ diff’rent ’bout him.
H —[Scornfully.] He axed me if I ever seen them two in my sleep— that cook and the boy o’ the Triton. Said he did often.
C —[Immediately protesting uneasily as if he had been accused.] They was with us in the boat b’fore we fetched the island, that’s all ’bout
’em I remember. I was crazy, after.
H —[Looking at him with contempt.] So was we all crazy, for the matter o’ that. I’ll not call ye a liar, Cates, but—a hell o’ a man ye be! You wasn’t so out o’ your head that ye forgot the gold, was ye?
C —[His eyes glistening.] That’s diff’rent. Any man’d remember that, even if he was crazy.
H —[With a greedy grin.] Aye. That’s the one thing I see in my sleep. [Gloatingly ] We’ll dig it up soon now. In three months we’d ought to be there—an’ then we’ll be rich, by Christ! [There is the faint sound of cries from the beach below. H starts and turns to look down again.] They must ’a’ finished it. [C and J come to the edge to look down.]
J —[Suddenly—with an eager childish curiosity ] That falla wife Captain she make strong falla spell on ship, we sail fast, plenty good wind?
H —[Contemptuously.] Aye, that’s as near as ye’ll come to it. She’s makin’ a spell. Ye stay here, Jimmy, and tell us when the Old Man is comin’. [J remains looking down. H motions C to follow him, front—then in a low voice, disgustedly.] Did ye hear that damn fool nigger?
C —[Grumblingly.] Why the hell is the Old Man givin’ him a full share? One piece o’ it’d be enough for a nigger like him.
H —[Craftily.] There’s a way to get rid o’ him—if it comes to that. He knifed them two, ye remember.
C —Aye.
H —The two o’ us can take oath to that in any court.
C —Aye.
H —[After a calculating look into his companion’s greedy eyes— meaningly.] We’re two sane men, Cates—and the other two to share is a lunatic and a nigger. The skipper’s showed me where there’s a copy o’ his map o’ the island locked up in the cabin—in case anything happens to him I’m to bring back the gold to his woman, he says. [He laughs harshly.] Bring it back! Catch me! The fool! I’ll be open with ye, Cates. If I could navigate and find the island myself I wouldn’t wait for a cracked man to take me there. No, be damned if I would! Me and you’d chance it alone someway or other.
C —[Greedily.] The two o’ us—share and share alike! [Then shaking his head warningly.] But he’s a hard man to git the best on.
H —[Grimly.] And I be a hard man, too. And he’s not right in his head. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for a chance. Something may turn up— and maybe—
J —[Turning to them.] Captain, he come. [C and H separate hastily. B climbs into sight up the ladder to the platform. He is breathing heavily but his expression is one of triumphant exultation.]
B —[Motions with his arms.] Down with ye and git aboard. The schooner’s got a name now—a name that’ll bring us luck. We’ll sail on this tide.
H —Aye—aye, sir.
B —I got to wait here till they climb up the path. I’ll be aboard afore long. See that ye have her ready to cast off by then.
H —Aye—aye, sir. [He and C disappear down the ladder. J lingers, looking sidewise at his Captain.]
B —[Noticing him—gruffly but almost kindly.] What are ye waitin’ for?
J —[Volubly.] That old falla wife belong you, Captain, she make strong falla spell for wind blow plenty? She catch strong devil charm for schooner, Captain?
B —[Scowling.] What’s that, ye brown devil? [Then suddenly laughing harshly.] Yes—a strong spell to bring us luck. [Roughly.] Git aboard, ye dog! Don’t let her find ye here with me. [J disappears hurriedly down the ladder. B remains at the edge looking down after him. There is a sound of voices from the right and presently M . B , S , D and N enter, coming around the house from the rear. N and D walk at either side of M . B , who is in a state of complete collapse, so that they are practically carrying her. S follows, her handkerchief to her eyes. N keeps his eyes on the ground, his expression fixed and gloomy. D casts a glance of angry indignation at the Captain, who, after one indifferent look at them, has turned back to watch the operations on the schooner below.]
B —[As they reach the steps of the house—intent on the work below—makes a megaphone of his hands and shouts in stentorian tones.] Look lively there, Horne!
S —[Protestingly.] Pa!
B —[Wheels about. When he meets his daughter’s eyes he controls his angry impatience and speaks gently ] What d’ye want, Sue?
S —[Pointing to her mother who is being assisted through the door— her voice trembling.] You mustn’t shout. She’s very sick.
B —[Dully, as if he didn’t understand.] Sick?
S —[Turning to the door.] Wait. I’ll be right back. [She enters the house. As soon as she is gone all of B ’ excitement returns. He paces up and down with nervous impatience. N comes out of the house.]
N —[In a tone of anxiety.] Ma seems bad. We can’t do anything. I’m going for the doctor. [As his father doesn’t seem to hear him—tapping him on the shoulder, his voice breaking.] Why did you make her do it, Pa? It was too much for her strength. Wouldn’t anyone else or any other name have done just as well?
B —[Impatiently.] No. It had to be.
N —When she spoke the words—and fell back in a faint—I thought she was dead.
B —[Vaguely.] Weakness. She’ll be all right again after a rest. [He draws N ’ attention to the schooner.] Smart lines on that schooner, boy. She’ll sail hell bent in a breeze. I knowed what I was about when I bought her.
N —[Staring down fascinatedly.] How long will the voyage take?
B —[Preoccupied.] How long?
N —[Insinuatingly.] To get to the island.
B —Three months at most—with fair luck. [Exultantly.] And I’ll have luck now!
N —Then in six months you may be back—with it?
B —Aye, with—[Stopping abruptly, turns and stares into his son’s eyes—angrily.] With what? What boy’s foolishness be ye talkin’?
N —[Pleading fiercely.] I want to go, Pa! There’s no good in my staying here any more. I can’t think of anything but—Oh, why don’t you be fair and let me sail with you!
B —[Sternly, to conceal his uneasiness.] Keep clear o’ this, boy, I’ve warned ye!
S —[Appearing in doorway—indignantly.] Nat! Haven’t you gone for the doctor yet?
N —[Shame-facedly.] I forgot.
S —Forgot!
N —[Starting off.] I’m going, Sue. [Then over his shoulder.] You won’t sail before I come back, Pa? [B does not answer. N stands miserably hesitating.]
S —Nat! For heaven’s sake! [N hurries off around the corner of the house, rear. Sue comes to her father who is watching her with a queer, humble, hunted expression.]
B —Well, Sue?
S —[Her voice trembling.] Oh, Pa, how can you do such terrible things. How could you drag Ma out of bed at dawn to christen your old boat —when you knew how sick she’s been!
B —[Avoiding her eyes.] It’s only weakness. She’ll get well o’ it soon.
S —Pa! How can you say things like that—as if you didn’t care! [Accusingly.] The way you’ve acted ever since you’ve been home almost, anyone would think—you hated her!
B —[Wincing.] No!
S —Oh, Pa, what is it that has come between you? Can’t you tell me? Can’t I help to set things right again?
B —[Mumblingly ] Nothin’—nothin’ ye kin help—nor me. Keep clear o’ it, Sue. Danny—ye think o’ him, that’s enough for ye.
S —But things can’t go on like this. Don’t you see how it’s killing Ma?
B —She’ll forget her stubborn notions, now I be sailin’ away.
S —But you’re not—not going for a while now, are you?
B —Ain’t I been sayin’ I’d sail at dawn today? They’re makin’ her ready to cast off. I’m waitin’ for Horne to hail.
S —[Looking at him for a moment with shocked amazement.] But— you can’t mean—right now!
B —[Keeping his face averted.] Aye—or we’ll miss this tide.
S —[Putting her hands on his shoulders and trying to look into his face.] Pa! You can’t mean that! [His face is set with his obsessed
determination. She lets her hands fall with a shudder.] You can’t be as cruel as that! Why, I thought, of course, you’d put off—[Wildly ] You have, haven’t you, Pa? You did tell those men you couldn’t sail when you saw how sick Ma was, didn’t you—when she fainted down on the wharf?
B —[Implacably.] I said I was sailin’ by this tide—and sail I will, by thunder!
S —Pa! [Then pleadingly.] When the doctor comes and you hear what he says—
B —[Roughly.] I ain’t stoppin’ on his word nor any man’s. I know what’s best to do. [Intensely.] That schooner’s been fit to sail these two weeks past. I been waitin’ on her stubborn will [he gestures toward the house], eatin’ my heart out day and night. Then I swore I’d sail today. I tell ye, Sue, I got a feelin’ in my bones if I don’t put out now I never will. Aye, I feel it deep down inside me. [In a tone of superstitious awe.] And when she christened the schooner—jest to the minute, mind ye!—a fair breeze sprung up and come down out o’ the land to blow her out to sea—like a sign o’ good luck.
S —[Aroused to angry indignation.] What kind of a man have you become—to think of such things now! Oh, I can’t believe you’re the same man who used to be my father!
B —Sue!
S —To talk cold-bloodedly of sailing away on a long voyage when Ma’s inside—dying for all you seem to know or care! Oh, I hate you when you’re like this! You’re not the father I love! You’ve changed into someone else—hateful and cruel—and I hate him, I hate him! [She breaks down, sobbing hysterically.]
B —[Who has listened to her with a face suddenly stricken by fear and torturing remorse.] Sue! Ye don’t know what ye be sayin’, do ye?
S —I do! You’re not the same to me any more—or to any of us. I’m afraid of you. And when you coldly propose to go away—now—I hate you, yes I do! And I hate those three awful men who make you act this way. I hate the schooner! I wish she and they were at the bottom of the sea!
B —[Frenziedly—putting his hand over her mouth to stop her words.] Stop, girl! Don’t ye dare—
S —[Shrinking away from him—frightenedly.] Pa!
B —[Bewilderedly, pleading for forgiveness.] Don’t heed that, Sue—I didn’t mean—ye git me so riled—I’d not hurt ye for all the gold in the world. But don’t ye talk wrong o’ things ye can’t know on.
S —Oh, Pa, what kind of things must they be—when you’re ashamed to tell them!
B —I ain’t ashamed. It ain’t that. On’y they be things a girl’s no call to meddle in. They be men’s business and I be man enough to carry ’em out alone. Ye’ll know all they be to know—and your Ma and Nat, too— when I come back from this vige. And the sooner I sail, the quicker I’ll be back to ye. Oh, ye’ll be glad enough then—when ye see with your own eyes! Ye’ll bless me then ’stead o’ turning agin me! [Hesitating for a second —then somberly.] On’y now—till it’s all over and done—ye’d best keep clear o’ it.
S —[Passionately.] I don’t care—I don’t want to know anything about it. What I do know is that you can’t sail now. Oh, Pa, don’t you see you can’t? Haven’t you any heart at all? Can’t you see how bad Ma is?
B —It’s the sight o’ me sickens her. She’ll git better with me away from her.
S —No. She needs you. She doesn’t want you to go. She called your name just a while ago—the only word she’s spoken since she christened the ship. Come in to her, Pa! Tell her you won’t go!
B —[Desperately.] I got to git away from her, I tell ye, Sue! She’s been houndin’ me ever since I got back—houndin’ me with her stubborn tongue till she’s druv me mad, a’most! Ye’ve been on’y givin’ thought to her, not me. They’s my side to it, too!
S —I’ll talk to her, Pa. She can’t realize she’s hurting you or she wouldn’t—And then everything will be just the same as it used to be again.
B —[Shaking his head.] They be too much between. The only chance for that be my plan—to sail away and come back with—what I be seekin’. Then she’ll give over her stubborn naggin’—if she’s human woman. It’s for her sake as much as my own I’m goin’—for her and you and Nat. [With a sudden return of his old resolution.] I’ve made up my mind, I tell ye, and in the end ye’ll know I be right. [A hail in H ’ voice comes thinly up from the shore below. B starts, his eyes gleaming.] Ye hear? It’s Horne hailin’ me to come. They be ready to cast off. I’ll git aboard. [He starts for the ladder.]
S —Pa! After all I’ve said—without one word of good-bye to Ma! [Hysterically ] Oh, what can I do, what can I say to stop you! She hasn’t spoken but that one call for you. She hardly seems to breathe. If it weren’t for her eyes I’d believe she was dead—but her eyes look for you. She’ll die if you go, Pa!
B —No!
S —You might just as well kill her now in cold blood as murder her that way!
B —[Shaken—raising his hands as if to put them over his ears to shut out her words—hoarsely.] No! Ye lie! She’ll live till I git back and all’ll be as it was again!
D —[Appearing in the doorway, his face working with grief and anger—harshly.] Captain Bartlett! [Then lowering his voice as he sees Sue.] Mrs. Bartlett is asking to see you, Captain, before you go.
S —There! Didn’t I tell you, Pa!
B —[Struggling with himself—dully.] She’s wantin’ to bound me again, that be all.
S —[Seeing him weakening—grasps his hand persuasively ] Pa! Come with me. She won’t hound you. How silly you are! Come! [Hesitatingly, head bowed, he follows her toward the door.]
B —[As he comes to D he stops and looks into the young man’s angry, accusing face. He mutters half mockingly.] So ye, too, be agin me, Danny?
D —[Unable to restrain his indignation.] What man that’s a real man wouldn’t be against you, sir?
S —[Frightenedly.] Danny! Pa!
B —[In a sudden rage draws back his fist threateningly. D stares into his eyes unflinchingly B controls himself with an effort and lets his arm fall to his side—scornfully.] Big words from a boy, Danny. I’ll forget them this time—on account o’ Sue. [He turns to her.] I’m goin’ in to her to please ye, Sue—but if ye think any words that she kin say’ll change my mind, ye make a mistake—for I be sailin’ out as I planned I would in spite o’ all hell! [He walks resolutely into the house. S follows him after exchanging a hopeless glance with D .]
D —[To himself—with a shudder.] He’s mad, damn him! [He paces up and down. H appears on the ladder from below, followed by C .]
H —[Coming forward and addressing D .] Is the skipper about?
D —[Curtly.] He’s in the house. You can’t speak to him now.
H —She’s ready to cast off. I hailed him from below but I ’spect he didn’t hear. [As D makes no comment—impatiently.] If he don’t shake a leg, we’ll miss the tide. There’s a bit o’ fair breeze, too.
D —[Glancing at him resentfully.] Don’t count on his sailing today. It’s just as likely he’ll change his mind.
H —[Angrily ] Change his mind again? After us waitin’ and wastin’ time for weeks! [To C in a loud tone so D can hear.] What did I tell ye, Cates? He’s crazy as hell.
D —[Sharply.] What’s that?
H —I was tellin’ Cates the skipper’s not right in his head [Angrily.] What man in his senses’d do the way he does?
D —[Letting his resentment escape him.] That’s no lie, damn it!
H —[Surprised.] Aye, ye’ve seen it, too, have ye? [After a pause.] Now I axe ye, as a sailor, how’d ye like to be puttin’ out on a vige with a cracked man for skipper? [S comes out of the door, stops with a shudder of disgust as she sees the two sailors, and stands listening. They do not notice her presence.]
D —It seems to me a crazy voyage all round. What kind of trading is it you’re to do?
H —[Suspiciously.] Ye’ll have to ask the skipper that.
D —[With a scornful shrug.] I was forgetting it’s such a dead secret. That the craziest part, eh? [With sudden interest as if a new idea had come to him.] But you know all about it, don’t you—what the Captain plans to do on this voyage—and all that?
H —[Dryly.] Aye, as well as himself—but I’m tellin’ no man.
D —And I’m not asking. What do you suppose I care about any sneaking trade deal in the Islands he may have up his sleeve? What I want to find out is: Do you know enough about this business to make this one voyage alone and attend to everything—in case the Captain can’t go?
H —[Exchanging a quick glance with Cates—trying to hide his eagerness.] Aye, I could do as well as any man alive. I’ve been sailin’ this sea for twenty year or more and I know the Island trade inside and out. He could trust me for it—and I’d make more money for him than he’s likely to make with his head out o’ gear. [Then scowling.] On’y trouble is, who’d Captain her if he ain’t goin’?
D —[Disappointedly.] Then you don’t know navigation enough for that?
H —I’ve never riz above bo’sun. [Then after a pause in which he appears to be calculating something—curiously.] Why d’ye ask me them questions? [Insinuatingly—almost in a whisper.] It can’t be done ’less we got an officer like you aboard.
D —[Angrily ] Eh? What’re you driving at? D’you think I—
S —[Who has been listening with aroused interest.] Danny! [She comes down to him. H and C bob their heads respectfully and move back near the platform. H watches S and D out of the corner of his eye.] Danny, I’ve been listening to what you were saying, but I don’t understand. What are you thinking of?
D [Excitedly.] I was thinking—Listen, Sue! Seems to me from what I saw your Pa’s out of his right mind, and, being that way, he’s sure bound to go unless someone or something steps in to stop him. D’you think your Ma——?
S —[Shaking her head—sadly.] No, I’m afraid anything she says will only make things worse.
D —Then you’ve no hope—? No more have I. Something’s got to be done to keep him home in spite of himself. Even leaving your Ma out of it, he’s not in any fit state to take a ship to sea; and I was thinking if we could fix it some way so that fellow Horne could take her out on this voyage—
S —But, Danny, Pa’d never give in to that.
D —I wasn’t thinking he would. It’d have to be done on the sly. We —you’d have to give the word—and keep him in the house somehow—and then when he did come out it’d be too late. The schooner’d be gone.
S —[Disturbed, but showing that this plan has caught her mind.] But —would it be fair?—he’d never forgive—
D —When he’s back in his right mind again, he would. [Earnestly.] I’m not fond of lying and tricks myself, Sue, but this is a case where you can’t pick and choose. You can’t let him sail, and wreck his ship and himself in the bargain, likely. Then, there’s your Ma——
S —No, no, we can’t let him. [With a glance at H and C .] But I don’t trust those men.
D —No more do I; but it would be better to chance them than— [Suddenly interrupting himself—with a shrug of his shoulders.] But there’s no good talking of that. I was forgetting. None of them can navigate. They couldn’t take her out.
S —But didn’t I hear him say—if they had an officer on board—like you—
D —Yes, but where’ll you find one at a second’s notice?
S —[Meaningly.] And you told me, didn’t you, that you’d just got your master’s papers. Then you’re a captain by rights.
D —[Looking at her with stunned astonishment.] Sue! D’you mean
S —[A light coming over her face.] Oh, Danny, we could trust you! He’d trust you! And after he’d calmed down I know he wouldn’t mind so much. Oh, Danny, it’ll break my heart to have you go, to send you away just after you’ve come back. But I don’t see any other way. I wouldn’t ask —if it wasn’t for Ma being, this way—and him—Oh, Danny, can’t you see your way to do it—for my sake?
D —[Bewilderedly.] Why, Sue, I—I never thought—[Then as he sees the look of disappointment which comes over her face at his hesitancy— resolutely ] Why sure, Sue, I’ll do it—if you want me to. I’ll do it if it can be done. But we’ve got to hustle. You stand in the door, Sue. You’ve got to keep him in the house some way if he aims to come out. And I’ll talk to them. [S goes to the doorway. D goes over to H and C .]
S —[After listening.] He’s still in with Ma. It’s all right.
D —[To H , with forced joviality.] How would you like me for skipper on this one voyage?
H —[Craftily.] Ye got your skipper’s papers all reg’lar?
D —Yes, that part of it’s all right and square. Listen here. Miss Sue’s decided her father isn’t in a fit state to Captain this trip. It’d mean danger
for him and the schooner—and for you.
H —That’s no lie.
C —[To H protestingly.] But if we git ketched the Old Man’ll take it out o’ our hides, not his’n.
H —[Savagely.] Shut up, ye fool! [To D , craftily.] Cates is right, jest the same. Ye are as good as his married son and she’s his daughter. He’d not blame you if things went wrong. He’d take it out on us.
D —[Impatiently.] I’ll shoulder all that risk, man!
S —[Earnestly.] No harm will come to any of you, I promise you. This is all my plan, and I’ll tell my father I’m alone to blame.
H —[In the tone of one clinching a bargain.] Then we’ll chance it. [Warningly.] But it’s got to be done smart, sir. Ye’d best look lively.
D —I’ve got to get my dunnage. I’ll be right back and we’ll tumble aboard. [He goes to the door.] Hold him, Sue, on some excuse if he’s coming. Only a second now and it’ll all be safe. [He goes into the house. She follows him in.]
C —[With stupid anger ] This is a hell o’ a mess we’re gettin’ in, if ye axe me.
H —And I tell ye it’s a great stroke o’ luck. It couldn’t o’ come out better.
C —He’ll be aboard to spy on us.
H —Let him! What does he know? He thinks we’re goin’ tradin’, and there’s no one to tell him diff’rent but me.
C —He’ll know better afore long. He’ll s’pect—
H —’Bout the gold? He ain’t that kind. He’s a soft young swab o’ a lady steamer’s mate. Leave me to fool him. And when the time comes to git rid o’ him, I’ll find a means some way or other. But can’t ye see, ye fool, it’s luck to have him with us till we git clear o’ civilized ports? He kin navigate and he’s got skipper’s papers that’ll come in handy if there’s any trouble. And if anythin’ goes wrong at the start and we’re brung back, him and the girl’ll take the blame.
C —[Stupidly.] S’long as he don’t git no share o’ the gold——
H —[Contemptuously ] Share, ye dumbhead! I’d see him in hell first —and send him there myself. [D comes out of the house carrying his
bag which he hands to C . S follows him.]
D —Look lively now! Let’s hustle aboard and get her under way.
H —Aye—aye, sir. [He and C clamber hurriedly down the ladder.]
S —[Throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.] Good-bye, Danny. It’s so fine of you to do this for us! I’ll never forget——
D —[Tenderly ] Ssssh! It’s nothing, Sue.
S —[Tearfully.] Oh, Danny, I hope I’m doing right! I’ll miss you so dreadfully! But you’ll come back just as soon as you can—
D —Of course!
S —Danny! Danny! I love you so!
D —And I guess you know I love you, don’t you? [Kisses her.] And we’ll be married when I come back this time sure?
S —Yes—yes—Danny—sure!
D —I’ve got to run. Good-bye, Sue.
S —Good-bye, dear. [They kiss for the last time and he disappears down the ladder. She stands at the top, sobbing, following him with her eyes. N comes around the house from the rear and goes to the front door.]
N —[Seeing his sister.] Sue! He hasn’t gone yet, has he? [She doesn’t hear him. He hesitates in the doorway for a moment, listening for the sound of his father’s voice from inside. Then, very careful to make no noise, he tiptoes carefully into the house. S waves her hand to D who has evidently now got aboard the ship. Then she covers her face with her hands, sobbing. N comes out of the house again and goes to his sister. As she sees him approaching, she dries her eyes hastily, trying to smile.]
S —Did you get the doctor, Nat?
N —Yes, he’s coming right away, he promised. [Looking at her face.] What—have you been crying?
S —No. [She walks away from the edge of the cliff, drawing him with her.]
N —Yes, you have. Look at your eyes.
S —Oh, Nat, everything’s so awful! [She breaks down again.]
N —[Trying to comfort her in an absentminded way.] There, don’t get worked up. Ma’ll be all right as soon as the doctor comes. [Then curiously.]
Pa’s inside with her. They were arguing—have they made it up, d’you think?
S —Oh, Nat, I don’t know. I don’t think so.
N —The strain’s been too much for him—waiting and hiding his secret from all of us. What do you suppose it is, Sue—ambergris?
S —[Wildly.] I don’t know and I don’t care! [Noticing the strange preoccupied look in his eyes—trying to bring him back to earth— scornfully ] Ambergris! Are you going crazy? Don’t you remember you’ve always been the first one to laugh at that silly idea?
N —Well, there’s something—— [Starts for the platform. S does her best to interpose to hold him back.] Are they all ready on the schooner. He’ll have to hurry if she’s going to sail on this tide. [With sudden passion.] Oh, I’ve got to go! I can’t stay here! [Pleadingly.] Don’t you think, Sue, if you were to ask him for me he’d—You’re the only one he seems to act sane with or care about any more.
S —No! I won’t! I can’t!
N —[Angrily.] Haven’t you any sense? Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if I went in his place?
S —No. You know that’s a lie. Ma would lose her mind if you went.
N —And I’ll lose mine if I stay! [Half aware of S ’ intention to keep him from looking down at the schooner—irritably.] What are you holding my arm for, Sue? I want to see what they’re doing. [He pushes her aside and goes to the platform—excitedly.] Hello, they’ve got the fores’l and mains’l set. They’re setting the stays’l. [In amazement.] Why—they’re casting off! She’s moving away from the wharf! [More and more excitedly.] I see four of them on board! Who—who is that, Sue?
S —It’s Danny.
N —[Furiously.] Danny! What right has he—when I can’t! Sue, call Pa! They’re sailing, I tell you, you little fool!
S —[Trying to calm him—her voice trembling.] Nat! Don’t be such a donkey! Danny’s only going a little way—just trying the boat to see how she sails while they’re waiting for Pa.
N —[Uncertainly.] Oh. [Then bitterly.] I was never allowed to do even that—his own son! Look, Sue, that must be Danny at the stern waving.
S —[Brokenly.] Yes. [She waves her handkerchief over her head—then breaks down, sobbing again. There is the noise of B ’ voice from inside and a moment later he appears in the doorway. He seems terribly shattered, at the end of his tether. He hesitates uncertainly, looking about him wildly as if he didn’t know what to do or where to go.]
S —[After one look at his face, runs to him and flings her arms about his neck.] Pa! [She weeps on his shoulder.]
B —Sue, ye did wrong beggin’ me to see her. I knowed it’d do no good. Ye promised she’d not hound me——“Confess,” she says—when they be naught to tell that couldn’t be swore to in any court. “Don’t go on this vige,” she says, “there be the curse o’ God on it.” [With a note of baffled anguish.] She kin say that after givin’ the ship her own name! [With wild, haggard defiance.] But curse or no curse, I be goin’! [He moves toward the platform, S clinging to his arm.]
S —[Frightenedly.] Pa! Go back in the house, won’t you?
B —I be sorry to go agin your will, Sue, but it’s got to be. Ye’ll know the reason some day—and be glad o’ it. And now good-bye to ye. [With a sudden strange tenderness he bends and kisses his daughter. Then as she seems about to protest further, his expression becomes stern and inflexible.] No more o’ talk, Sue! I be bound out. [He takes her hand off his arm and strides to the platform. One look down at the harbor and he stands transfixed—in a hoarse whisper.] What damned trick be this? [He points to the schooner and turns to N bewilderedly.] Ain’t that my schooner, boy— the Sarah Allen—reachin’ toward the p’int?
N —[Surprised.] Yes, certainly. Didn’t you know? Danny’s trying her to see how she sails while they’re waiting for you.
B —[With a tremendous sigh of relief.]
Aye. [Then angrily.] He takes a lot o’ rope to himself without askin’ leave o’ me. Don’t he know they’s no time to waste on boy’s foolin’? [Then with admiration.] She sails smart, don’t she, boy? I knowed she’d show a pair o’ heels.
N —[With enthusiasm.] Yes, she’s a daisy! Say, Danny’s taking her pretty far out, isn’t he?
B —[Anxiously ] He’d ought to come about now if he’s to tack back inside the p’int. [Furiously.] Come about, damn ye! The swab! That’s
