Fagged Out

Fagged Out By Claude C. Cornwall [A one-act playlet written January 23, 1921, to give emphasis to the M. I. A. slogan: "We stand for the Non-use and Non-sale of Tobacco." Produced first at Los Angeles, March 5, 1921, then during the con- vention tour of the Arizona Branches, March 8, 1921: President Joseph W. McMurrin, Superintendent Claude C. Cornwall, Elders Axel A. Madsen, Van H. Grant, Arthur S. "Woods, Melvin Freebairn, Miss Helen Bennion, Miss Sophronia Quayle, were in the cast. During this trip the play was produced at: Car S 40 "Calif ornian," en- route to Tucson, March 8; this was the "Pullman train" production; Bing- hampton, March 9; Pomerene, March 10; St. David, March 11; Bisbee, March 12; Whitewater, March 14; Douglas, March 15; Phoenix, March 17; Ray, March 18; Hayden, March 19; Mesa, March 21; Roosevelt, March 22; Ocean Park, March 30. At the Roosevelt dam, the play was produced in the Hotel Lobby. The guests here made up a purse and gave the players $17. President Lesueur took us from Mesa to the Dam in his car. Produced during the M. I. A. General conference at the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, Friday, June 10 : Spencer Young, Lew Thomas, Miss Fay Cornwall, Don Carlos Wood, Claude C. Cornwall, Miss Helen Bennion. — Editors.] Scene: Interior of Mr. White's home. Evening. Characters: James H. White, a business man; Mrs. White, his wife; Fred White, their son; Roy Adams, works with Fred; Miss Helen McDonald, a schoolgirl; Mr. Richard Howell, Mgr. Howell & Co. Time: The present. (At the rise of curtain Mr. and Mrs. White are discovered talking with each other. They are waiting for Mr. Howell to arrive.) Mrs. White: What did Mr. Howell say? Mr. White: He didn't say much — only that he couldn't keep the boy. He is coming here to talk with me tonight. Mrs. White: But what has the boy done? You know Fred has been working for Mr. Howell over a year. Mr. White: It's a surprise to me — and a disappointment — to think that one of my own boys can't keep his job. Mrs. White: What has gone wrong with the boy? Mr., White: That's what I can't make out. Mother, have you had a serious talk with Fred lately? Mrs. White: No — he avoids me — but that's to be expected. He's eighteen now— at that age all boys are naturally shy. Mr. White: But Fred has been peculiar of late. He

892 IMPROVEMENT ERA doesn't look me squarely in the eye. I can't imagine what has brought about the change. (A knock is heard. Mrs. White answers the door and ad- mits Mr. Howell.) Mrs. White: Good evening — Mr. Howell, I believe? Mr. Howell: Yes, Mr. Howell. Mr. White: Come right in, Mr. Howell. Mrs. White: (Takes his coat and hat, places them on the rack.) Mr. White: Will you sit here? Mr. Howell: Thank you. Mrs. White: (Excusing herself.) I suppose you wish to talk with Mr. White? Mr. Howell: Thank you — that is — there is really no reason why you should not — Mrs. White: I have a number of things to attend to — you know, there are no office hours when it comes to women's work. Mr. Howell: I have heard Mrs. Howell say that many times. (They laugh. Exit Mrs. W. They sit.) Mr. Howell: Well — Mr. White. I have come to talk with you about the boy. Mr. White: Yes. Mr. Howell: A year ago Fred came to me and asked for a job. I put him to work. I have never seen more ambition in a young fellow than he manifested at that time. There wasn't a finer young man on the force. I used to watch his record every day. It was a pleasure to see him gaining ground. No boy in my employ showed prospects of a more brilliant future than Fred White. I want you to know that. But the last few months have been a puzzle. The very life has gone out of him. He comes to work in the morning full of pep, but in an hour it is all gone. Does he stay out nights? Mr. White: Occasionally — but not often late. Mr. Howell: He has lost all interest in the firm, and has developed a total indifference to his work. Mr. White: What could have broken down his spirit like this? Mr. Howell: The climax of the matter came yesterday. He has been making collections from some of our customers. Gus Harms is one of our largest purchasers. An order has been charged to him for several months. I wrote to him about the matter and he replied that it had been paid. I could find no record so I wrote him again, and he sent me a receipted bill, bearing Fred's signature. Mr. White: Oh, but that must be a mistake! He has prob- ably forgotten to turn it in.

FAGGED OUT 893 Mr. Howell: It is that kind for forgetting which makes it necessary for me to let Fred go. I haven't taken this up with the boy yet. I have come to you first. Mr. White: This is a problem. (Rises.) Of course you can't keep him. You wouldn't be expected to do that. But what has brought about this change in the boy? I have noticed his indifference around home. Our young people cannot assume responsibility. We do too many things for them. The side- walk keeps the mud from their feet, the automobile takes them leisurely where we used to walk. If they are to be amused they go to the movies, where it is all prepared for them. All they have to do is to slip listlessly into the stream of ready made experiences, and when responsibility comes, they fail; they cannot stand up under its weight. Mr. Howell: In a measure, you are right. And yet, that shouldn't be the case with Fred. He has always had his duties at home, has he not? Mr. White: I have tried to keep him busy. It is only dur- ing the last six months that his foundation seems to have been completely undermined. (Frects whistle is heard outside.) Mr. White: There is Fred now. Perhaps it will be well not to let him know you are here. Will you come into the study? (Exeunt. The doorbell rings, Mother enters, notices the room empty, goes to the door and admits Helen McDonald.) Mrs. White: Why Helen, when did you get back? Helen: I'm not back yet, that is, not home. The folks didn't meet me at the station. I tried to telephone, but there must not be any one at home. I guess I look a sight. Mrs. White: Didn't they know you were coming? Helen: I wired from the train this afternoon, but they must have been away all day. Mrs. White: Fred is here. I heard him a minute ago. He can take you over in the car. I know he will be glad to see you. Helen: Do you really think so? Mrs. White: He speaks of you often. Helen: Oh, it will be so good to see a boy again. Mrs. White: Oh, that's right— you don't see many boys at your school. And what have you been doing? Helen: Oh I'm becoming quite a lady— learning to cour- tesy, be sad, be polite— now watch this, "I'm so delighted to see you, Mrs. White." There— how's that for a perfect lady? Mrs. White: (Laughing) You will always be the same Helen (Both laugh). Well now take off your things and rest yourself. I'll go and call Fred. Helen: My hair will all fall down if I do.

894 IMPROVEMENT ERA Mrs. White: Then come with me. We'll find a mirror, and then give Fred a surprise. (Exeunt rear. Fred and Ray enter from outside.) Fred: Come in a minute, Ray. (Calls) Mother! I guess nobody's home. What do you say if we go for a ride? Ray: It's all right with me. Fred: (Picking up newspaper) . Harry Lowes lands homer in the 13th. Lefty's long swat saves series for Seals. What do you know about that? 13 innings and then lands a home run! Ray: (Looking at paper). Must have been some game. I'd like to have seen it. Fred: Why didn't you go? Ray: Can't afford the time just now. Fred: (Sarcastically). Oh yes, you are a very busy man, aren't you? Ray: Yes, and I'm going to keep busy, too. The boss treated me mighty swell today. Fred: How? Ray: Ten-dollar raise. (Triumphantly) . And he said if I'd keep it up I'd make a place with the firm. Fred: (Tosses his head). Oh well, you've got a stand in with the old man. He's always treated me rotten enough. Ray: Come on, Fred, you can make good if you try. Howell will be dead square with you if you give him a chance. Fred: Oh, you are going to start preaching to me, are you? Ray: No. (Turns away from him.) Well, if we're going down town, let's be moving. Fred: All right. (Takes a "fake" cigarette from pocket and offers it to Ray.) Here, want a "Fag?" Ray: No! And I don't see why you use them. Fred: All right, little sister, all right — but don't quarrel with me. (Lights match and holds it under cigarette, starts for door. Ray has already gone out. Enter Mr. White followed by Mr. Howell.) Mr. White: (Calls.) Fred — is that you? Just a minute. Fred: (Takes cigarette in right hand and hides it behind him.) Yes, (Calls) I'll be out in a minute, Ray. (To Mr. White.) What is it? Mr. White: Do you know Mr. Howell? Fred: (Takes off his hat with his left hand). Yes sir. Mr. White: Mr. Howell and I have been talking things over, and he has told me some things which astonish me. There is no use beating around the bush. We might as well come right to the point. Mr. Howell tells me there are discrepancies in your accounts.

FAGGED OUT 895 ™ed4Jn my accounts? IVe always turned them in straight. Mr. White: Are you absolutely sure of that, my boy? Fred: Yes. Howell: Fred, here is a receipted bill from Mr. Harms. This is your signature is it not? Did you turn that in? Fred: (Stands defiant for a moment, and then breaks down) No; I collected it all right, but that night I went out with the boys, and lost it in a game. IVe tried to make it up, but every- thing has been against me, and I couldn't do it. Mr. Howell: I know how it. is, Fred. But I'm going to give you another chance. This is just between us three— no one else need know. I'll make up the money and you can pay me. We'll just forget the whole matter. Come on, boy — give me your hand. Fred: (Hesitates and shows signs of uneasiness because of the cigarette) . Mr. Howell: I know just how you feel about it. (Reaches for Fred's arm. Fred drops the cigarette, and Howell takes his hand. Howell picks it up.) No! You don't use cigarettes? (Steps back astonished). White: I had never dreamed of that. Howell: That makes it different. I don't know what I can do now. That's too much of a handicap. You are not Fred White any longer. You are a slave of the "Fag." Look, Fred — this is your boss, and you can't serve any other. (Turns to Mr. White.) Mr. White I am afraid I must re-consider — Mother: (Enters buoyantly because she thinks the men are still in the study) . Fred, I have a surprise for you. Helen: (Enters joyfully). And I'm the surprise! (Helen notes Fredas situation. He keeps his eyes on the floor away from her). Helen: Aren't you glad to see me? (She turns to Mr. Howell and asks): What is the matter? (Goes to mother). Mr. Howell: Fred has been carrying his head in the clouds. His vision has been dimmed by the mist. He's "Fagged" out. But I think his feet are planted on solid earth again, and he'll come out alright — when the smoke clears away. Fred: Goes to Mr. Howell and grips his hand.) I'm going to try it, (Turns to Helen) and you are going to help me, aren't you? (She takes his hand.) Curtain