Chapter-16

-- The Great MacFin --
(An English Crumpet Western)

ACT II

$SCENE IV
[Outside MacFin's castle]

[Enter ROSS and an old Man]

Old Man
Threescore and ten years I can remember well: That I have seen some dreadful and strange things; ...but *this* ... *this* sore night Hath trifled all my former knowings.

ROSS
O Yes, good father, the heavens, are so troubled with man's act, that darkness strangles the Sun and in that day of shame; darkness did the face of earth entomb, When living light should'v kiss it?

Old Man
Even as the deed twas done: Now, On Tuesday last, A falcon, towering in her pride of place, Was by a mere mousing-owl stalked and kill't.

ROSS
... And I hear'd the Owner's horses- for this story is most strange, but certain- Turn'd wild and broke their stalls and escaped... as if they would make War on all mankind.

Old Man
... and 'Tis said they did eat each other.

ROSS
Oh'yes! They did that to - to the amazement of mine eyes That look'd upon't.

Look, here comes the good Horace.

[Enter Horace]

How are you doing, sir?

Horace
Why? Can't you see?

ROSS
Do you know who did that bloody deed?

Horace
Of course ... Those that The Great MacFin hath slain.

ROSS
Alas, that day! How could they pretend?

Horace
They were hired by Arthur and McGillis, the owners's two sons, Since Both of *them* stole away and fled; which now puts upon them a Suspicion of that deed.

ROSS
It is still a sin 'gainst nature.

It must'a been ambition.

'tis most likely The land will now fall upon The Great MacFin.

Horace
Yes, He is already named, and gone to the County Seat To git title.

ROSS
But whar's the Owner's body?

Horace
Oh that was carried back to the Main Ranch, to be buired at the The sacred cemetary of his kin- As guardian of their bones.

ROSS
Will you go to town?

Horace
No, m'friend, I'm on my way into town.

ROSS
Then I'll be off, also.

Horace
Well, have a nice day! adieu!

[quietly]
Lest our old saddles sit easier than our new!

ROSS
Farewell, father.

Old Man
God's peace go with you, my Lad; and with those That would make good of bad, and friends of foes!

[They All Git Out]

---

 

-- The Great MacFin --
(An English Crumpet Western)

ACT III

$SCENE I
[In the Forest near The the main ranch house]

[Enter Langstorm]

Langstorm [quietly]
Thou hast it now, MacFin: You're the Owner and foreman of the North and South Fork ranges, all the ranch is yours, Just as those weird cowpokes had promised, but I fear, The way you got it was most foul: yet it was said You would not git it long, ... and that myself should be the root and father Of many Owners, yet to come, ... If they spoke the truth.

Whatever they said 'bout you, MacFin, their speeches shine-- and on thee, they made good, I only hope they be not m'oracles as well, And set me up in tempted hope!

But hush! no more.

[The dinnerbell sounds: Enter MacFin, as Owner, LADY MacFin, as queen, McRiffkin, ROSS, bosss, Ladies, and cowboys]

MacFin
Well ... Here's our chief guest.

LADY MacFin
If he had been forgotten, 'twould be as a gap in our great dinner, And very unbecoming, to us.

MacFin
To-night we hold a solemn supper sir, And I humbly request your presence.

Langstorm
You are the Owner, MacFin ... only Command me;

MacFin
Well ... Are you leaving, this afternoon?

Langstorm
Oh Yes, boss.

MacFin
We would have liked your good advice, In today's meeting; but we'll take it to-morrow.

Are you going far?

Langstorm
I'll begone the day, and will ride back tonight.

MacFin
Don't fergit dinner.

Langstorm
Ok boss.

MacFin
By the way ... We hear, those bloody cousins are still at the State Capital or in Texas and haven't confessed, yet, to their cruel murder.

We also hear that they are filling their friends, there, With strange stories ... but more of that to-morrow.

Bueno Bye, Till you return this night. Is Bud going with you?

Langstorm
Yes, boss. Now it's aboot time for me to git!

MacFin
I wish your horses swift and sure footing; And so I do commend you to their backs. So ... Farewell!

[Exit Langstorm]

Ok, everybody make sure your back here by seven o'clock, this night.

Until then, Peace be with you!

[They All Git Out all but MacFin, and an attendant]

Is anyone else here to see me?

ATTENDANT
Yes boss. But they are at the the house gate.

MacFin
Well, Bring them in.

[Exit Attendant]

I find that Just To be Owner is nothing; But to be safely the Owner ... Me thinks I should now fear Langstorm; he is such a Great and holy person ... it's this I fear: and 'tis much he may dare; And, with his dauntless temper of mind, He has wisdom guided by common sense, To act in safety. There is none but him That I do fear: and, because of him m'clever plan may fail;

Oh Yes I have become the Owner of these ranges; but I have no son of mine to succeed me. If'n 't be so, then for Langstorm's sons have I murder'd the gracious Owner; and Only for them have I given up m'eternal soul to the devil ... To make *them* Owners,

The seed of Langstorm ... to become Owners! If only fate will help me ... one last time!

Who's there!

[Re-enter Attendant, with two farmers]

Now go to the door, and stay there till I call.

[Exit Attendant]

Was it not yesterday we spoke together?

First farmer
Yes it was, MacFin.

MacFin
Well then, did you listen to me? Did you Know That it was *he* in times past that did cause your misfortune?

I made it clear, last time, that it was *he* who sold you those badly made plows.

Yes, it was-Langstorm!

First farmer
Yes, you told us.

MacFin
I did so, and went further, which is now the point of our second meeting, today.

Why Are you still so patient; that you can let this go? Do you still pray for this man and for his sons?

He would make beggars of you all!

First farmer
We're not going to let him get away with it, MacFin.

MacFin
Well if you've finally got guts, be swift. Use what ever means you can.

Second farmer
We will, MacFin. We have had 'bout all we can take and we'll get the job done, no matter what!

First farmer
I'm with him, MacFin. We have been hit by so many problems that We have nothing left but to get rid of him before he gets rid of us.

MacFin
So-Both of you now know Langstorm is your enemy?

Both farmers
Yes, boss.

MacFin
And he be mine. Every minute he lives, is a threat to me.

I thought when I became Owner of this spread, I could sweep him from m'sight.

But I can't because we have certain friends that are both his and mine, and I can't afford to loose them, at this time.

So I need your help to get rid of him, quietly, and for many reasons.

Second farmer
We will, MacFin. He's History!

First farmer
As Though our lives depended on it -- which it does!

MacFin
Good show! Within this hour at most I will advise you whar to plant yourselves; Watch the clock for't must be done to-night.

Just one more thing ...

To finish the job, Bud his friend, will be with him, and it is just as important to do him in, as well.

Have a drink, Then I'll come to you, anon.

Both farmers
Thanks MacFin. aboot Bud ... no problem-o!

MacFin
I'll call upon you soon: wait here!

[All the farmers and ranch hands git out]

Ok Langstorm, you and yours are a'gonna git it, tonight.

[Exit]

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