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<title>The Island Heritage</title>
<author>Phil J. Fisher</author>
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<publisher> Milne Library </publisher>
<pubPlace>Geneseo</pubPlace>
<date when="2020"/>
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<p>Published under a <ref target="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License</ref>.</p>
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<title>The Island Heritage</title> by <author>Phil J. Fisher</author>. <pubPlace>London</pubPlace>: <publisher>The Holborn Publishing House</publisher> <date when="1926">1926</date>.
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<tagUsage gi="stage" rendition="#stage">Marks stage directions in the source text.</tagUsage>
<tagUsage gi="lg" rendition="#lg">Stanza of lyrics or poetry.</tagUsage>
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<docTitle>
<titlePart type="main">THE ISLAND HERITAGE<lb/>Episodes from the Missionary History of Fernando Poo, West Africa<lb/> A play for young people<lb/> By Phil J. Fisher<lb/> Author of <emph>The Opening of the Door, etc.</emph></titlePart>
</docTitle>
<docImprint>London<lb/>The Holborn Publishing House<lb/>1926</docImprint>
</titlePage>
<pb n="2" facs="Island_Heritage_2.JPG"/>
<castList>
<head>Characters in the Play.</head>
<castGroup>
<head>SCENE I.</head>
<castItem>
<role>REV. JOS. MERRICK,</role> <roleDesc>Minister of Jericho Baptist Church, Jamaica.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>MRS. MERRICK,</role> <roleDesc>his wife</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>REV. JOHN CLARKE</role> <roleDesc>Pioneer (Baptist) Missionary to Fernando Poo, late of Jamaica.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>DR. G. K. PRINCE</role> <roleDesc>(same as above).</roleDesc>
</castItem>
</castGroup>
<castGroup>
<head>SCENE II.</head>
<castItem>
<role>CAPT. WM. ROBINSON.</role> <roleDesc> Master of the barque Elgiva.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>JAMES HANDS,</role> <roleDesc> Ship’s Carpenter.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>T. R. PRINCE,</role> <roleDesc> a Native Trader of Fernando Poo.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
</castGroup>
<castGroup>
<head>SCENE III.</head>
<castItem>
<role>REV. HENRY ROE,</role> <roleDesc> first P.M. Missionary to the Island.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>MRS. ROE,</role> <roleDesc> his wife.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>REV. R. W. BURNETT,</role> <roleDesc> colleague of Mr. ROE.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>MRS. BURNETT,</role> <roleDesc> his wife.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>WILLIE BURNETT,</role> <roleDesc> their infant son.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>T.R. PRINCE,</role> <roleDesc> as in scene II.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>MAMMA NICOLLS,</role> <roleDesc> a Native Widow. </roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>MAMMA JOB,</role> <roleDesc> a Native Widow.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>ROSA,</role> <roleDesc> Native maid to Mamma NICOLLS.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>‘RIA,</role> <roleDesc> Native maid to Mamma NICOLLS. </roleDesc>
</castItem>
</castGroup>
<castGroup>
<head>SCENE IV.</head>
<castItem>
<role>REV. ROBERT FAIRLEY,</role> <roleDesc> Missionary at Santa Isabel.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>REV. J. MARCUS BROWN,</role> <roleDesc> Missionary-designated to Archibong. </roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>TIM,</role> <roleDesc> a Native House-boy.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>YELLOW WILL,</role> <roleDesc> a Krooman.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
</castGroup>
<castGroup>
<head>SCENE V.</head>
<castItem>
<role>REV. W. NORCROSS,</role> <roleDesc> Missionary at Igumale, Nigeria.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>MRS. NORCROSS,</role> <roleDesc> his wife.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>JESSIE,</role> <roleDesc> a Native Girl.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
<castItem>
<role>JERRY,</role> <roleDesc> a Native interpreter.</roleDesc>
</castItem>
</castGroup>
</castList>
<performance>
<note>As no characters except T.R. PRINCE appear in more than one scene, the whole can be rendered by about a dozen performers, if desired, by duplication of parts. The following suggestion for distribution may be helpful:</note>
<list>
<head>MALE PARTS</head>
<item>A. MERRICK, ROE, FAIRLEY.</item>
<item>B. CLARKE, HANDS, BROWN.</item>
<item>C. DR. PRINCE, ROBINSON, BURNETT.</item>
<item>D. T.R. PRINCE, YELLOW WILL. (Black).</item>
<item>E. TIM, JERRY. (Black).</item>
</list>
<list>
<head>FEMALE PARTS</head>
<item>A. Mrs. MERRICK, Mrs. ROE.</item>
<item>B. Mrs. BURNETT.</item>
<item>C. Mamma NICOLLS. (Black).</item>
<item>D. Mamma JOB. (Black).</item>
<item>E. ROSA, JESSIE. (Black).</item>
<item>F. ‘RIA. (Black).</item>
</list>
<p>It will be noticed that Scene III is so arranged that ROSA and ‘RIA can be used for the group in the doorway. The person taking TIM and JERRY can supply a third. The child (WILLIE) merely accompanies the elder players in Scene III and is only a short time on the stage.</p>
</performance>
</front>
<body>
<pb n="3" facs="Island_Heritage_3.JPG"/>
<div1 type="introduction">
<head>Introduction</head>
<p>Having formed the intention sometime to attempt a little play on our Mission work of <name type="place">Fernando Poo</name>, I began to read and gather material, and found no lack of distinctive interest. There is the cocoa-farming, for instance, and the education struggle, and the ministry to the polyglot indentured labourers by means of the quaint Kroo-English. From the first, however, it was the historical line which fascinated me, particularly the persistence of the vision of extension to the West Coast, of which the recent advance into Okpoto is the latest fruit. But this seemed a big thing to present dramatically in a single short play. I decided at last, to attempt its presentation in five key episodes. This meant, to my regret, putting aside a good deal of material of characteristic interest, and also leaving out much of the story of noble and fruitful labour on the Island itself, particularly in respect of later years. But having chosen my theme it was necessary to be economically faithful to it. I hope this will explain what might appear to be a failure to do justice to work accomplished in <name type="place">Fernando Poo</name> during the last thirty years. The full story of the Island toil and achievement is not told here, but some exposition of what our Nigerian triumphs owe to the Island initiators is attempted.</p>
<p>To the facts of the history I have been at pains to be as just as possible. <name type="person">Clarke</name> and <name type="person">Prince</name> did visit Jericho under the circumstances narrated, and <name type="person">Merrick</name> and <rs><name type="person">his wife</name></rs> did accompany them on their return to <name type="place">Fernando Poo</name>, together with a number of native families. The details in Scene II follow closely the records and the evidence of the historic letters. Scene III. takes a little liberty with the accounts given by <name type="person">Henry Roe</name>, for sake of dramatic effectiveness, as <name type="person">Mr. Burnett</name> appears to have “tarried by the stuff” at the beach until later in the day. Thus I have but given him his Biblical portion! The dialogue in Scene IV. is of course entirely imaginary, but the facts are according to the history, and <name type="person">Mr. Fairley</name> has kindly read the MS. and passed it for publication. For the final scene I have drawn on some personal letters from my friend, <name type="person">Mr. Norcross.</name></p>
<p>The whole play is of sufficient length to provide an evening’s programme, and fairly full directions are given for the sake of those who want to do it thoroughly. But matters of costume and scenery can be quite simply devised, and if necessary one or two scenes can be abridged for shorter performance, though this should be judiciously done. Those who have attempted previous plays will know how to “make-up” the black characters. The use of old black stocking-tops, jerseys, etc., reduces the necessary use of grease-paint or burnt cork to the minimum.</p>
<p>The parts are best suited to young people of <num value="16">16</num> or <num value="17">17</num> and upwards. There are opportunities of good acting in some of the characters. Care should be taken not to burlesque the honouree native characters in Scene III. The speech is quaint, but the emotions are sacred. A portrait of <name type="person">Capt. Robinson,</name> appeared in the Liverpool Conference Handbook; others -as of <name type="person">Mamma Job</name> and <name type="person">T.R. Prince</name>—may be found in some of our missionary publications (e.g. <name type="person">Rev. N. Boocock’s</name> <hi rend="italics">Our Fernandian Missions</hi>).</p>
<pb n="4" facs="Island_Heritage_4.JPG"/>
<p>The musical prologues should be practised well; the intoned verses need clear enunciation and should not be hurried, keeping time and rhythm with the accompaniment. They are intended for a small choir, a selected portion (or a strong solo voice) taking the recitative, the rest supplying the softly-hummed accompaniment. The first programmes, giving the scene settings, is again recommended. Otherwise, a brief introductory talk explaining the historical scheme is desirable.</p>
<p>My grateful acknowledgements are due to a number of generous helpers—to the <name type="person">Rev. R. W. Burnett</name> (the infant of Scene III) for the loan of valuable books, now out of print, by <name type="person">Henry Roe</name>, some Baptist Missionary publications, the first volume of our Missionary Records, etc. and for much information; to the <name type="person">Rev. Fairley</name> for the use of his scrap-books and other useful help; to the <name type="person">Rev. W. H. Collins</name>, who generously handed over to me all his notebooks, and to whom I am chiefly indebted for the “principles” of Kroo-English; and once again to my ever-responsive friend <name type="person">Clement Gerrard</name> for revising the musical pages.</p>
</div1>
<div1 type="pronunciation">
<head>Pronunciation and Notes.</head>
<div2>
<head>Scene I.</head>
<p><hi rend="italics">Fernao</hi> = Fer-nah-o.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Adeyas</hi> = A-day-ahs. A name at first given to the Bubis, now regarded as incorrect.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Bubis</hi> = Boo-bees.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Ibos</hi> = Ee-boes. </p>
</div2>
<div2>
<head>Scene III.</head>
<p>“Pass I sarbe,” i.e., “unless I serve.”</p>
<p>“sabby,” i.e., “savvy” = know. Cf. French <foreign>savoir</foreign>.</p>
<p>“lib,” i.e., “live.”</p>
<p>“so-tee-ee-eh.” This is long-drawn out. A graphic Kroo expression for “until” conveying the idea of a very long time.</p>
<p>“ober dey-dey,” i.e., “over there.”</p>
<p>“catch me house,” i.e., “arrive at my house.”</p>
</div2>
<div2>
<head>Scene IV.</head>
<p><hi rend="italics">Rio del Rey,</hi> = Ree-o del Ray. (King’s River).</p>
<p>“Mr. Buckenham and the Luddingtons.” The former was buried at Calabar. Mr. and Mrs. Luddington returned to England to die from the effects of their service in Fernando Poo. Since the date of this scene the Rev. M. H. Barron and Mrs. Boocock have filled other graves.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Santa Isabel</hi> = Sant-a Is-a-bél.</p>
<p>“Barleycorn.” The <name type="person">Rev. William Napoleon Barleycorn,</name>, native missionary. Died, <date when="1925">1925</date>.</p>
<pb n="5" facs="Island_Heritage_5.JPG"/>
<p>“Ben Twajo.” Now the Rev. B. T. Showell, native missionary in Nigeria.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Bielo</hi>= Bee-ay-lo.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Biappa</hi> = Bee-ap-pah.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Banni</hi> = Bann-ee.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Menes</hi> = May-nays. Henry Hodge Mene and his family.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Opobo</hi> = Ö-po-bo.</p>
<p>“God-palavar” i.e., religion. (pa-lah-ver).</p>
</div2>
<div2>
<head>Scene V. </head>
<p><hi rend="italics">Ih</hi> = eeh (“yes”).</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Okpotos</hi> = Ok-po-toes.</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Oron</hi> = Ö-ron</p>
<p><hi rend="italics">Efik</hi> = Ef-ik</p>
</div2>
</div1>
<div1 type="scene" n="1">
<head>Scene I. The Baptist Pioneers.</head>
<div2>
<head>Prologue to Scene I.</head>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>We show you a story</l>
<l>To stir your remembrance,</l>
<l>To bring you a challenge!</l>
<l>Behold the beginnings:</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>In far-off Jamaica</l>
<l>The pioneers storm-driven</l>
<l>Narrate to old comrades</l>
<l>Their Island adventure.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>In far-off Jamaica—</l>
<l>Where, freed from their slave-chains,</l>
<l>Dark African exiles</l>
<l>Speed thoughts to their homeland.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>And long that the Gospel</l>
<l>Their own hearts rejoicing</l>
<l>Shall dawn on their kinsmen</l>
<l>And lighten their darkness.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>O greet, then, with honour</l>
<l>These true sons of Carey</l>
<l>By whom God has destined</l>
<l>A heritage for us!</l>
</lg>
</div2>
<pb n="6" facs="Island_Heritage_6.JPG"/>
<div2>
<head>Prologue to "The Island Heritage"</head>
<notatedMusic>
<graphic width="500px" url="Island_Heritage_6_cleaned.jpg"/>
<desc>Prologue to "The Island Heritage"</desc>
</notatedMusic>
<pb n="7" facs="Island_Heritage_7.JPG"/>
<lb/><notatedMusic>
<graphic width="500px" url="Island_Heritage_7_cleaned.jpg"/>
<desc>Prologue to "The Island Heritage", continued</desc>
</notatedMusic>
</div2>
<pb n="8" facs="Island_Heritage_8.JPG"/>
<div2>
<head>The Island Heritage.</head>
</div2>
<div2>
<head>Scene I. The Baptist Pioneers.</head>
<stage type="setting">[The scene is in JOSESPH MERRICKS'S manse at Jericho, Jamaica. Time, June 1842. Room simply furnished with chairs, a table, a picture or two on the walls, etc. Mr. and Mrs. MERRICK are just receiving as guests the Rev. JOHN CLARKE and Dr. G. K. PRINCE, at one time workers in Jamaica, but now returning from pioneer missionary labours in Fernando Poo. Dress suitable to the period. Door on Right. Fireplace occupies centre of wall at back. CLARKE and PRINCE are to Left of scene, MERRICK Left centre, and Mrs. MERRICK near door, all standing.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <stage type="gesture">[looking round]</stage><p>Ah, Merrick, it brings back old times to be in this house again.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>It welcomes you very heartily, my dear Mr.. Clarke, and you will have a great welcome from your old flock at the meeting to-night. Your labours here will never be forgotten. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. M.:</speaker> <p>We have been besieged with enquiries about you.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>Thank you, thank you! God Blessed us very graciously in Jericho, my friends, and I rejoice that His blessing abides still.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. M:</speaker> <p>Well, I must leave you for a few moments—I have duties to attend to. You can have a good talk, but leave something to tell me. I shall join you shortly. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>As soon as you can, dear. <stage type="exit">[Mrs. M. goes out, R.]</stage> A few weeks ago we had no anticipation of this happy re-union, Doctor. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker> <p>Nor had we. We had thought to have been in England by this time, but the more we think about it the more we see the hand of God in this matter. He knew the solicitude of His people in Jamaica for their African brothers, and designed that we should first come and tell the story of our work to them. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[quoting quietly]</stage>
<lg type="stanza">
<l> "God moves in a mysterious way</l>
<l> His wonders to perform; </l>
<l> He plants His footsteps in the sea</l>
<l>And rides upon the storm."</l></lg></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>Ah, yes! But come, sit down and let me hear something more of it. I am eager to have it from your lips. <stage type="business">[They take chairs.]</stage> You were really in great peril, I believe. </p></sp>
<pb n="9" facs="Island_Heritage_9.JPG"/>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>We were safe in the Divine care, but to human sense matters were for a time very precarious. We left Fernando Poo by the barque Maryon the third of February, and all went well for a week or two, but when we got well out into the Atlantic we encountered storm after storm. Lightning struck us and carried away one of the masts, and for two days, the barque was practically a wreck, driven helplessly at the mercy of the tempest. We hailed two ships bound for England in the hope that they would take us on board, but they refused. At length with great difficulty a jury-mast was rigged, and the master, running before the wind made the port of Demerara. We could not but see in this a providential detection, and proceeding to St. Thomas we found another barque going to Jamaica, and arrived at Kingston, as you know, on the 27th of May.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>God be praised for His preserving mercy!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker> <p>Amen! and that all these things turn out for the furtherance of the Gospel. For our visitation of the churches here is certainly going to produce rich fruits. We have had enthusiastic meetings at Kingston, Spanish Town and Falmouth, and already some have been moved to offer their lives for service in Africa.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>We shall have a great meeting here to-night.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>And to-morrow we are due at Salter’s Hall, where they are most eager to receive us. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>Much, indeed, may come of this visitation, under god. <stage type="entrance">[Re-enter Mrs. M. Right.]</stage> Ah! here is my wife again. She is as impatient as I am to hear the news of Africa.</p></sp> <stage type="business">[MERRICK rises as he says this and places a chair for Mrs. M., who sits.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. M.:</speaker> <p>Indeed, I am longing to know more. You have been so much in our prayers, and Africa has become of such intense interest to us. For, you know, whatever one prays about earnestly is bound to mean increasingly more to one’s mind. After all, isn’t this our work? Over three years ago now, you remember, we in Jamaica sent a memorial to the Committee at home, urging them to mission Africa.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>Yes, we shall always be proud to remember that—and it was our own coloured folk, stirred by the Spirit of God to a passionate concern for the land from which they were unrighteously torn, who cried out for it. Let that honour be theirs, whatever the future may bring.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker> <p>Yes, it has been born of the patriotism of the Cross! And may its portent be realised—the evangelisation of Africa by Africans!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>Amen to that! But now to Fernando Poo. We were rather disappointed that you did not actually get to the mainland, as no doubt you were yourselves. You had always talked of the Niger.</p></sp>
<pb n="10" facs="Island_Heritage_10.JPG"/>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>Yes, it was a disappointment, but our full design proved impracticable, at least for the time. We visited and explored the Niger coast and further along to the Cameroons, and we tried to get passage up the Niger, but failed. Any hope of working up to the interior by the river seems impossible at present, and the marshy condition of the coast renders it extremely unhealthy. Altogether, the best course seemed to be to make Fernando Poo our base of operations for a commencement. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. M.:</speaker> <p>You were no doubt wisely led. And what is the Island like?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>It is of great natural beauty; not large—only 36 miles long and an average of about 24 in breadth. Inland it is mountainous, the highest point, Clarence Peak, rising to 10,000 feet. It is well wooded, and there is good supply of spring water. The soil is fertile and the climatic conditions better in many ways than on the coast of the mainland. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. M.:</speaker> <p>And it is under British administration, isn’t it?—in spite of its foreign name?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>Yes; it has had a changeful history. It was discovered by a Portuguese, Fernao da Po, but the Portuguese exchanged it to Spain for some other islands. The Spaniards tried to settle, but they aroused the enmity of the natives by their cruelty, until, the wells being poisoned, they fled, and for many years the Island was abandoned. But in 1827 the British Government took occupation, mainly to use it as a base for the suppression of slave ships, and to land the freed slaves from captured vessels. There is still a British Governor, though no longer a naval station. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>It is certainly good to be under the protection of the British flag. And what of the people?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>The natives are called Adeyas, or some call them Bubis. They are a simple and good-natured tribe, of friendly disposition, but their condition is very pitiable. They are almost naked and live in miserable huts, while their religion seems to be a kind of devil-worship, full of the most horrible superstition. Besides the Bubis, however, there are in Clarence, which is where our mission station is located, a number of people from various coast tribes. Many of these were slaves, rescured by our navy from the slave-traders. Dr. Prince made a census of their tribes last April. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker> <p>They represent 26 different tribes from the mainland or other islands. There are a good number of them Ibos, who belong to the Niger country, and still more are Kroos. This is particularly interesting because we have so many of these tribes in Jamaica. I believe at Salter’s Hill alone we have about 130 of the Ibo tribe and quite a few Kroos.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>A most interesting link—and surely an opportunity, for if these can be won for Christ they can become messengers to their own people on the mainland.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>That is our hope. Moreover, some of these folk from the coast who are not ex-slaves have formerly had <pb n="11" facs="Island_Heritage_11.JPG"/>some touch with Methodist missions in Sierra Leone and elsewhere, so that the Gospel is not entirely strange to them, and some can read and write and speak a sort of English.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. M.:</speaker> <p>And God has prospered your labours?—though at the price of suffering, no doubt. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>We have had our difficulties—we have even had to endure some hardship, but the missionary counts on this. And it is worth it all to bring light to dark Africa. And oh! the joy of the labourer’s reward! We have had classes of between 60 and 70 people, and that Sunday in November, ten months after our landing, filled our cup full. That was a day never to be forgotten, eh, Prince? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker> <p>Never, please God! It was the feast of first fruits—five souls won from heathendom descended into the waters of baptism. And afterwards we had our first gathering at the Lord’s Table.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>Praise God! It is His seal! Oh, that Fernando Poo may become all His—and then a wider field! You haven’t given up all hopes of the Niger, Mr. Clarke? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>We dare not! There are people there, and all along that coast, ready for the gospel. In one town we gathered a congregation of five hundred.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker> <p>No, no; the continent is on our hearts and its call is ever in our ears. The Island is itself yielding fruits—we have established a school of 70 scholars at Clarence. But we must ever regard it also as an observation post for the dawn of opportunity on the mainland. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>What we want meanwhile is a small sloop or cutter: this would make it possible for us to keep in touch with the mainland and even, perhaps, to navigate the Niger river. We are hoping, in fact, that some vessel will be forthcoming through the Baptist Jubilee Fund. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <p>That is good news. Now that the enterprise has actually started, the watchword must be “Forward!”</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>Forward it shall be, God helping us. Africa must be Christ’s. We must have more workers, and in this matter I believe Jamaica will do her part. </p></sp><stage type="delivery">[A pause.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>MERRICK:</speaker> <stage type="business">[rising and taking his wife’s hand, who looks up at him and rises also]</stage> <p>Mr. Clarke—Doctor—my wife and I have talked this over and prayed mucho about it, and we feel that the call of Africa has come to us. If more workers are needed, we are ready to go. Will you have us? </p></sp>
<stage type="business">[CLARKE rises and takes MERRICK’S hand: then PRINCE also follows suit, taking Mrs. MERRICK’S hand.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>CLARKE:</speaker> <p>Joseph, I have always regarded you as my son in the Gospel. I am proud that you should be moved to this.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker> <p>The Lord bless you, dear lady! You are doing a brave thing. But it is a great ordination. All for Africa means Africa for Christ.</p></sp>
<stage type="technical">CURTAIN.</stage>
</div2>
</div1>
<pb n="12" facs="Island_Heritage_12.JPG"/>
<div1 type="scene" n="2">
<head>Scene II. The Treasure-finders.</head>
<div2>
<head>Prologue to Scene II.</head>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>We show you a story</l>
<l>to stir your remembrance, </l>
<l>to bring you a challenge!</l>
<l>Now mark the next chapter:</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>On board the Elgiva</l>
<l>Moored fast by the Island,</l>
<l>Three men sit in council</l>
<l>And write fateful letters:</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>The rugged sea-captain,</l>
<l>The carpenter-preacher,</l>
<l>The dark-skinned Fernandian</l>
<l>In one faith accordant.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>They plead for the Island, </l>
<l>The flock long untended, </l>
<l>The door that stands open, </l>
<l>the distant horizon.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>Oh, you to whose fathers</l>
<l>Came ringing the summons,</l>
<l>To-day in your hearts may </l>
<l>The call be re-echoed!</l>
</lg>
</div2>
<div2>
<head>Scene II. The Treasure-finders.</head>
<stage type="setting blocking">[The cabin of the barque Elgiva, anchored off Santa Isabel (formerly Clarence), Fernando Poo, August, 1869. Cabin table in centre, with benches. Open porthole in back scene. A chart or map pinned on wall to right of porthole. Pegs to left with oilskin coat and sou’-wester, and captain’s pilot coat. Door of cabin, RIGHT. Chest or box against wall LEFT. Capt. Wm. ROBINSON is seated at table (L) in shirt-sleeves, for it is hot, writing. A knock comes at the door, which stands open.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> Come in! <stage type="entrance">[Enter Ship’s Carpenter JAMES HANDS, followed by T.R. PRINCE, a native, in loose European dress.]</stage> Ah, it’s you, James—and friend Prince, I see. <stage type="gesture">[PRINCE inclines his head.]</stage> Come and sit down. It’s about the mission work, I suppose. You want me to write a letter, don’t you? <stage type="blocking">[They sit, HANDS at back, PRINCE on R. of table.]</stage> </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> Yes, Cap’n, if you would be so good, I think it would help. I have written to Brother Crook at Liverpool, as I mentioned to you, telling him about the work here, and what an opportunity there is. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> Yes. That’s good.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> I hope he will stir up the Boundary Street Society, perhaps with the advice of Mr. Wilkinson, the minister, to take some steps in the matter. But I fear I didn’t put it very well—I’m a rambling sort of hand at a letter—and I thought if you would write and explain things too, seeing we are both members there, it might have more weight. <pb n="13" facs="Island_Heritage_13.JPG"/>And Brother Prince, here, is willing to draw up a letter to the General Secretary at London, Mr. Antliff, and get some of the main Christian folk here to sign it; and so, going three-fold, so to say, the appeal may be surer of getting considered. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> I think that’s not a bad idea. Let me see, now: what, roughly, did you tell Brother Cooke? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> I told him how we came here, three weeks ago, and how going on shore in the way of my work I was asked to go and see a sick man, and how I found he was a coloured man, but knew the Lord. Then how I had preached, and discovered other coloured folk who had received the Gospel. I told him a bit about what I had been able to do for the Lord whilst you were across at Bonny, Cap’n, and said I was sure we could found a society here for Primitive Methodism if the Connexion was willing to take it up.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> Ay, ay. Good! Didn’t you tell me there used to be a Baptist mission here at one time? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> That’s right, Cap’n. Brother Prince will be able to tell you about that.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> Yes, Cap’n. Baptists came 1842 and did good work for the Lord for 16 years. Fernando Poo was under British Government then, but in 1858 the Spanish come back and bring Roman Catholic faith, and hinder the work so bad that Baptists was have to go. For ten years we have no missionary, no shepherd for the sheep. We shall be too glad to have missionaries once more, and there is great deal of work to do.</p></sp>
<stage type="novelistic">[PRINCE is a trader, a native of Sierra Leone, where he received some education. He speaks almost correct English, very different from the “pidgin” spoken by some of the later characters—unless he is speaking to some of these, when he sometimes adopts their idiom.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> Yes, friend, the need is very plain. Where did the Baptists go to? Did they return home? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> No, suh. Mr. Saker, who was missionary here when the trouble come, went over to mainland—to Congo country. He took all the things of the mission there.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> I see. They would not be likely to come back, I suppose? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> No, suh, I not think so. We have talk about sending to Dr. Crowther, the black Bishop on the Niger, to ask his Church to send missionaries. But now God sent Mr. Hands to preach to us and we have much blessing, so we like to ask his Church.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> What about the Spanish? I suppose there wouldn't be likelihood of trouble with them again? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> I think not, sir, since the revolution in Spain. You see, they have ordered liberty of worship in all Spanish dominions. And the Popish priests are not doing much here now. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> That’s a good thing, though I don’t trust these Papists overmuch. Anyhow, I’m glad of the work you <pb n="14" facs="Island_Heritage_14.JPG"/>have been able to do, James, and I earnestly hope good will follow from it.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> We should be glad if Mr. Hands stay and do God’s work with us, Cap’n. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> Yes, I know, and he would be willing to do so, and I should be glad too if it could be managed; but I dare not spare him from my ship in these troublous waters. Maybe he has already done the work God wanted him to do among you, and if I can help in any way to further the Lord’s interests here I shall feel it a privilege. It seems to me there’s a real opening for Primitive Methodism here. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> I am sure, Cap’n, that Providence has prepared the way, and if our Connexion makes a beginning God alone knows where it may lead to.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> I’m of the same opinion, James. Now then, let me see. <stage type="business">[Making notes.]</stage> I shall explain about freedom of worship. And that some amount of English is spoken .. But better, I think, that anyone sent here should know Spanish. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> It would give a better chance of work amongst them—and they need! We’ve had several attending the meetings. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> Good! I’ll note it. Then I’ll mention the success of your work, James, and how you would gladly continue if you might. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> Tell them, suh, a house will be found for the missionary, and a church. We’s been making a collection for a church.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> Yes, I’ll say that. But books, Bibles, etc., must be sent, of course. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> School-books too, sir, because there’s no schoolmaster here. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><stage type="business">[still taking notes]</stage><p> School-books. Right! … And I shall point out, too, that there’s a vast field for future development within reach of this Island. I have seen, myself, miles of coast across there where there is no sort of a missionary.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> Ay, sir. Give them the full view. If God blesses the work it’s bound to get across the Gulf. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> Very good; I will put the letter together to-night, and may God further our designs! <stage type="blocking">[Rises, on which others rise also.]</stage> Friend Prince, you will bring me your letter to-morrow, then all can go by the mail together. And now I must be seeing after that cargo. I’m hoping to sail in a few days. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> We are having a meeting at Mamma Job’s to-night, Cap’n.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROBINSON:</speaker><p> All right, James. Go by all means, and the Lord bless your gathering. I’m afraid I have too much to do to-night. That is a remarkable woman—Mamma Job! Ask her to remember me in her prayers. <stage type="blocking">[Walking about them to the cabin door, RIGHT.]</stage></p></sp>
<sp><speaker>HANDS:</speaker><p> I will, sir, and thank you for your help and interest. </p></sp>
<stage type="technical exit">CURTAIN as they go out.</stage>
</div2>
</div1>
<pb n="15" facs="Island_Heritage_15.JPG"/>
<div1 type="scene" n="3">
<head>Scene III. The Inheritors</head>
<div2>
<head>Prologue to Scene III.</head>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>We show you a story</l>
<l>To stir your remembrance</l>
<l>To bring you a challenge!</l>
<l>See now the call answered:</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>In Sant’ Isabel, lo!</l>
<l>A plain native dwelling</l>
<l>Where lives with her maidens </l>
<l>An African widow.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>With full heart and joyous</l>
<l>She welcomes the strangers,</l>
<l>And tells how she trusted </l>
<l>The love of the Saviour.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>And now comes that other</l>
<l>Dark Mother in Israel,</l>
<l>And blesses their coming </l>
<l>With prayer-fragrant fervour.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>Oh, shall we not render</l>
<l>To God acclamation</l>
<l>Who gave us a treasure </l>
<l>So rich to inherit?</l>
</lg>
</div2>
<div2>
<head>Scene III. The Inheritors</head>
<stage type="setting">[The house of Mammy NICOLLS, on the Calle de Nicholas, Santa Isabel, February, 1870. It is a wooden house, elevated from the ground and entered by a wooden stepladder, RIGHT. Door on LEFT to inner apartment. Window at back without glass, but wooden shutters. Plain furniture: chairs round walls, small table with coloured cloth. A swiss cuckoo-clock on wall LEFT. It is 11 a.m. The party have just entered the house, Widow NICOLLS, in gay print dress and turban, having come up with them from the beach. She stands back CENTRE, by the window, manifestly excited. As she speaks she looks towards the inner door. Rev. and Mrs. HENRY ROE, Rev. and Mrs. R. W. BURNETT and little WILLIE BURNETT (2 years old) are occupying the RIGHT half of the stage, with T. R. PRINCE behind them, just as they have come in at the door, RIGHT. Mr. BURNETT has been carrying WILLIE, and sets him down as soon as the curtain rises.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N.:</speaker><p> ‘Ria! Rosa! <stage type="entrance delivery">[These, Mammy N.’s native maids, come running from inner room, through door LEFT. They are shy, but curious and smiling. They bob curtseys as they face the new-comers.]</stage> Set de chairs fo’ the Lor’s sarbants!</p></sp> <stage type="blocking gesture">[They bring chairs from around the walls and set them forward. Smiling their thanks, Mr. and Mrs. ROE sit facing front, the BURNETTS on RIGHT, facing inward. Mrs. B. takes WILLIE. PRINCE stands between these two groups towards the back. As conversation continues, Mammy N. moves about, chiefly occupying LEFT of stage. Girls retire into background, LEFT.]</stage>
<pb n="16" facs="Island_Heritage_16.JPG"/>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker> <stage type="gesture">[wiping his face]</stage><p> Ha! Quite a little climb from the shore. Well, Mrs. Nicolls, you all gave us a good welcome down there. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N:</speaker><p> Bress de Lor’ O my soul! Dis a mighty big mussy fo’ us po’ people. De good Lor’ no forget F’nando Poo! He no forsake Him fait’ful chil’ren.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker><p> It is a great joy to us to be here, Mrs. Nicolls. We believe truly that God has sent us. Our hearts burn with desire for the people of Africa, and we come gladly to spend and be spent for you. </p></sp>
<stage type="delivery">[Mr. ROE has an exuberant manner, free gesture, rather rhetorical utterance, but he is very earnest. Mr. BURNETT is quieter, less expressive, speaking in measured voice.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N.:</speaker><p> Me heart berry full. Lor’ Jesus do so much fo’ me. Me lib ober dey-dey in big country. Me young gall. Bad men come, kill plenty people, take me away fo’ slabe-ship, fo’ sell me fo’ slabe. Me sad, sad, sad too much. Den de good English ship come, bring me here F’nando Poo, make me fo’ go free. Me lub de English fo’ make me free woman. Me plenty glad fo’ see you sarbants o’ Jesus. Praise de Lor’! me be berry good o you—do ebbery-ting fo’ sarbe you. Oh, me no fit lib pass I lub de Lor’, pass I sarbe Him!</p></sp>
<stage type="delivery">[All this very passionately, movingly spoken. Missionaries—to whom this broken English is strange, listen very intently, with puzzled expressions, but trying to look as if they understand. Mrs. ROE really does catch the drift of it.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. ROE:</speaker><p> So you were actually rescued from slavery! Oh, no wonder you are thankful! We had heard that some who were freed from the slavers were amongst the Lord’s followers here. Was not Mamma Job also brought here in that way? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N.:</speaker><p> Mammy Job, yas’m, t’ank Him name! She dun come here all same like me—she took fo’ slabe-ship. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. BURNETT:</speaker><p> What a fine-looking old lady she is! We have heard a great deal of the good work she has done.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N.:</speaker><p> Yas’m. praise de Lor’! Mammy Job be good, good too much! </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker><stage type="delivery">[deprecatingly]</stage><p> Oh, not too much—we won’t say that!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[interposing]</stage><p> Mammy Nicolls mean, suh, she is a very good woman.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N:</speaker><p> Yassah! Plenty good woman—good too much.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker> <stage type="gesture">[smiling]</stage><p> Ah, I see! I beg your pardon.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BURNETT:</speaker><p> She wants us to have our first meeting in her house to-night, I believe.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> Yes, suh. From the time the church has been close’ we have many prayer meetings in Mamma Job’s <pb n="17" facs="Island_Heritage_17.JPG"/>house. She have much pleasure to think that you preach the Word of God there for the first time after you come. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. ROE:</speaker><p> She is coming here presently, isn’t she? I thought I understood her to say so on the beach. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> Yes, ma’am. She went to see a person who is sick, to take the news that you are come. She is coming here on her way for home. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker><p> That is good! <stage type="delivery">[To Mammy N.]</stage> And you came to know the Lord through the Baptist missionaries, I suppose Mrs. Nicolls? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N.:</speaker> <stage type="gesture">[nodding and smiling]</stage><p> Yassah! Massa Clarke, he dun tell de lub ob Jesus, how He die on de cross fo’ me. Ah, massa, me feel bad too much—no sabby how fo’ do! But Massa Clarke he say, “Trus’ Jesus! Beliebe on Him name! He fit fo’ take all de bad what be inside away, make me heart white.” An’ bress de Lor’, I trus’ Him an’ He dun gib me a new heart. I lib fo’ praise Him, lib fo’ sing, me heart be gladdy too much. Den Massa Clarke say I be baptise’.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker> <stage type="gesture">[smiling]</stage><p> That is a splendid testimony, my sister. Praise the Lord for it! <stage type="delivery">[Aside, to wife]</stage> One will soon get to understand this quaint speech. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. BURNETT:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[to BURNETT]</stage><p> Dear, do you think I might put Willie to bed? It is very hot, and I think he is tired.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BURNETT:</speaker><p> Oh, yes, I’m sure Mrs. Nicolls will be able to oblige us. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker> <stage type="novelistic">[who has heard this]</stage><p> Surely, Mrs. Burnett. Mammy, the little boy very tired. Mrs. Burnett like fo’ make him lie down. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N.:</speaker> <stage type="blocking">[starting forward]</stage><p> Ah! de po’ deah li’l chile! <stage type="blocking">[Turning to girls]</stage> Rosa! ‘Ria! Go fo’ make fit dat li’l bed! Make you go quick-quick! <stage type="delivery blocking">[To Mrs. B. again, as girls go LEFT.]</stage> Come fo’ this side, Missy Bawnett. Me put ‘um fo’ bye-bye, de bressed chile!</p></sp>
<stage type="blocking exit">[Leads the way through door, LEFT, Mrs. B. following with WILLIE. As they disappear ROE rises and walks about, clasping his hands, etc. Meanwhile several natives have gathered in the doorway, R.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker><p> Friend Burnett! to think we are actually in Africa! How I have dreamed of this day! What a call is ours! What a work to put our hands to! How I burn to be at it! To hear an African woman’s testimony to the Divine grace! To see Brother Prince here <stage type="blocking gesture">[going and clapping him on the shoulder]</stage> a trophy of the Gospel! Do you not rejoice that we have been chosen for such a work? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BURNETT:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[soberly]</stage> <p>I am deeply sensible of the privilege, Friend Roe. I trust we and ours will be given strength to discharge our mission. </p></sp>
<pb n="18" facs="Island_Heritage_18.JPG"/>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker> <stage type="blocking">[still moving restlessly about, faces natives at door]</stage><p> Welcome, my friends! We have come to Fernando Poo to give you the good news of the Gospel. We hope soon to have the opportunity of telling the story of Jesus to you. We invite you all to come to Mamma Job’s house to-night to hear what we have to say to you in God’s name. <stage type="delivery">[To B. and Mrs. R.]</stage> Let us sing a verse to them! <stage type="gesture">[Strikes up]</stage></p>
<p><cit><quote>“We are marching on with shield and banner bright,”</quote></cit> <stage type="delivery">[S.S.H. 226. One verse and chorus.]</stage></p></sp>
<stage type="blocking entrance">[Mammy N. re-enters as the verse is commenced, and beats time to the song with great delight. Mrs. R. and BURNETT stand and join in singing. As chorus concludes, there is a stir at door, RIGHT, and enter Mamma JOB, dressed similarly to Mammy NICOLLS.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>Mamma JOB:</speaker><p> Ah, dey you is! <stage type="gesture">[laughs musically]</stage> Dis am de Day of Jubilee. Ebberybody glad dat de messengers ob de Gospel dun come to F’nando Poo!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N:</speaker><p> Ah, Bessy! Praise de Lor’! I sabby fo’ true you be plenty glad dis time.. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mammy JOB:</speaker><p> Oh, yas <stage type="delivery">[with a sigh of deep content]</stage> I t’ank me Fader I lib fo’ see dis day! Oh, massas an’ missy we bin pray long, long time dat de Lor’ send Him sarbants f’ Him work. De harbest be plenteous, it be all white fo’ be gadered in, but oh, dem labor’rs be few! Dis ting be de Lor’s doin’s. He sabby we pray all time, we ax in fait’ beliebin’, so-tee-ee-eh He send dem labor’rs! Ah, we t’ank you, we t’ank you fo’ come!</p></sp>
<stage type="novelistic">[Seeing the missionaries somewhat bewildered, PRINCE explains.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> Mammy Job say, God know they go on praying and believing until he send His labourers.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker><p> Indeed, Mrs. Job, God answers prayer, and we are come at His behest to do His will. Your welcome has touched all our hearts, and we are made stronger by the knowledge of your prayers. We know there is much to do, and with God’s help and your continued prayers we are resolved to attempt it, and to win Fernando Poo for Him. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mamma JOB:</speaker><p> Yas, F’nando Poo, yas! And plenty, plenty more place in Africa no sabby de true word about Jesus. <stage type="gesture">[With hands on her breast.]</stage> Me Ibo—me took for slabe, all same like Mammy Nicolls. But de English sabe me. Yas, t’ank de Lor’ fo’ de English! Me English subjec’ Massa Roe <stage type="delivery">[very proudly]</stage>—me no Spanish! Ober dey-dey <stage type="gesture">[pointing towards window]</stage> plenty, plenty me peoples no sabby not’ing ‘bout dere Sabiour. S’pose bime-bye more missionaries come, den dey go fo’ me Ibo people—change dem hearts from bad fashion? Dat be plenty fine t’ing, Massa Bawnett!</p></sp>
<pb n="19" facs="Island_Heritage_19.JPG"/>
<sp><speaker>BURNETT:</speaker><p> We hope truly, Mrs. Job, that the work won’t end here. Nay, if God blesses our work we may even be able to send African evangelists from this Island to your people over yonder. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker><p> We dare set no bounds to God’s purposes. We claim Africa as our heritage in His name! </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mamma JOB:</speaker><p> Praise de Heabenly Father for all Him mussies! Now me go ‘bout me doin’s. You all come catch me house fo’ prayer-meetin’ to-night! We muss t’ank de Lor’ good fashion for dem big blessin’s dis day. Good mawnin’ and de Lor’ strenken you! </p></sp>
<stage type="blocking">[They bid her good morning, and she goes, RIGHT. During this last dialogue PRINCE has been talking apart. LEFT, with Mammy N. He now comes across to missionaries.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> I must go too; I have some work to do. I think you will be all right here, dear suhs. Mammy Nicolls will do all she can to make you comfortable. There is three rooms for you yourselves, and I will send you a boy for cook. And you no need to be troubled for food. I will send supply each day. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker><p> Thank you, thank you, brother Prince! We shall never forget your kindness. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BURNETT:</speaker><p> It has been a great cheer to us. The Lord reward you, friend!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> It is nothing, I am too glad. <stage type="delivery">[To Mammy N.]</stage> You lib for take dem Mammy Job’s for prayer-meeting, Mammy?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mammy N.:</speaker><p> Yas, me do dat fo’ sure, Daddy Prince.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>PRINCE:</speaker><p> Then I go now. Good morning, ma’am! Good morning, suhs! I see you to-night at the meeting.</p></sp>
<stage type="blocking exit">[They respond, and PRINCE goes, R. Mammy N. follows, making as if to say something further to him. Mrs. ROE goes to find Mrs. BURNETT, through door LEFT.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>ROE:</speaker><p> Surely God has met us here! The work is His; His presence is with us. O for grace to labour for Him!</p>
<stage type="delivery">[Quotes]</stage>
<cit>
<quote>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>“I would the precious time redeem,</l>
<l>And longer live for this alone,</l>
<l>To spend, and to be spent for them</l>
<l>Who have not yet my Saviour known; </l>
<l>Fully on these my mission prove, </l>
<l>And only breathe to breathe Thy love.</l>
</lg>
</quote>
<bibl>The United Methodist Hymnal #650</bibl>
</cit>
</sp>
<sp><speaker>BURNETT</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[continuing]</stage>
<cit>
<quote>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>Enlarge, inflame and fill my heart</l>
<l>With boundless charity divine!</l>
<l>So shall I all my strength exert, </l>
<l>And love them with a love like Thine;</l>
<l>And lead them to Thy open side, </l>
<l>The sheep for who their shepherd died.”</l>
</lg>
</quote>
</cit></sp>
<stage type="gesture">[They clasp hands.]</stage>
<stage type="technical">CURTAIN.</stage>
</div2>
</div1>
<pb n="20" facs="Island_Heritage_20.JPG"/>
<div1 type="scene" n="4">
<head>Scene IV.: THE FARTHER ADVENTURE</head>
<div2>
<head>Prologue to Scene IV.</head>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>We show you a story</l>
<l>To stir your remembrance</l>
<l>To bring you a challenge!</l>
<l>The larger field opens.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>A score and three years pass,</l>
<l>And now from the Island</l>
<l>Two seek on the morrow </l>
<l>A greater adventure.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>From lips of the veteran</l>
<l>The young man unseasoned</l>
<l>Hears tales of the conflict</l>
<l>Which kindle his ardour.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>For Africa’s ransom</l>
<l>He pledges devotion, </l>
<l>And braces his courage</l>
<l>To dare and to suffer. </l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>Oh, hail with thanksgiving</l>
<l>This hour long awaited,</l>
<l>And spare them a tribute</l>
<l>Who toiled for its advent!</l>
</lg>
</div2>
<div2>
<head>Scene IV.: THE FARTHER ADVENTURE</head>
<stage type="setting">[The verandah of the Mission House at Santa Isabel, December, 1893. One or two basket chairs, and a small cane table beside one of these, LEFT. On the table a basket of oranges. Background representing wall of house, with two shuttered windows—or hanging blinds. Entrance is on RIGHT. As curtain rises, Revs. ROBERT FAIRLEY and J. MARCUS BROWN—the latter lately out from England—walk on. They are dress in whites. They drop into chair, BROWN mopping his brow. FAIRLEY takes chair by the table.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Well, that’s settled. We go by the S.S. Fernando Poo. Rather good, that! We leave Fernando Poo but Fernando Poo takes us to Rio del Rey and the doorstep of the continent. What do you say to that? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker> <stage type="gesture">[still employing the handkerchief]</stage><p> I should say it is a good augury. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> I hope so, with all my heart. Warm, eh?—for December! <stage type="delivery">[laughing]</stage></p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[laughing in response]</stage><p> It is rather warm—for an unseasoned Englander!</p></sp>
<pb n="21" facs="Island_Heritage_21.JPG"/>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker> <stage type="gesture">[reaching towards basket]</stage><p> Try an orange! <stage type="gesture">[throwing one]</stage>. You want to come to Africa to appreciate an orange. I’ll have one myself. <stage type="gesture">[Taking another.]</stage> I confess I was a bit staggered when you landed here with all that cargo, and it came home to me that I had to get you and it across to Archibong. The mission boat’s a useful little craft for yourself and a lunch-bag, but she isn’t a pantechnicon! However, Fernando Poo will see us to Rio, and if we take the boat in tow we can go up the river to Archibong in her, and after I’ve seen you settled I can return in her. So that’s another difficulty solved—though I shouldn’t wonder if there are a few more lying in ambush for us before we part company. You won’t be long finding out, my dear Brown, that difficulties fill up a good part of the missionary’s programme, and the getting over ‘em is his desperate delight. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> Yes, one rather expects that. I shall do my best.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[heartily]</stage><p> That I’m sure you will, my boy, and come out on top! Why, think of the story of this little island! If ever it should come to be written it will be an epic of triumph over difficulties. There was the Baptist start—and then they had to clear out. All finished, apparently—but the brave little company of black Christians carried on, until Hands found them out, and stirred up Primitive Methodism. And since Burnett and Roe came out, 23 years ago, what a tale of dogged perseverance in face of all sorts of obstacles! We’ve made but slow progress, perhaps, but what it has cost to hold our ground and gain what headway we have done, only those who have been through it can know.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> It has been a chequered history, I know. You have had such handicaps here—the uncertain attitude of a foreign government—the Roman antagonism—all that! </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Yes, that accounts for a great deal. Holland banished, Welford imprisoned and banished, Nicol—our native worker—put in chains—those were some bad passages. Barleycorn bravely carrying on for two periods without a white missionary on the island—he and old Daddy MacFoy. Then, you know, Harvey Roe was shipwrecked on his way out and had to return—that helped to account for the island being left shepherdless the second time, Buckenham having broken down with repeated attacks of malaria.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> There are graves, too!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Yes, there are graves: Blackburn, Mrs. Maylott—and you can count Mrs. Buckenham and the Luddingtons as well, though their graves aren’t actually here. These, besides the babes…. But it has been uphill all the way—no grateful relief of a sudden breakdown of barriers and a great leap forward. Every inch has been won (ha sido ganado) by hard fighting. And so I love this little island, for there’s nothing so dear as what you’ve had to fight for. </p></sp>
<pb n="22" facs="Island_Heritage_22.JPG"/>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> True! And you’ve had a good share in it, Mr. Fairley.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Over ten years—getting on for half the period, but not half the conflict: there are a good many more to share in that. Just take the three main centres. Santa Isabel here has been hampered all through by trouble with the authorities, and I’ve seen a bit of that, though not the worst, perhaps. You see, we’re right under their noses here, and they have done their worst to prevent us carrying on any schools—which goes right to the root of any work of development, of course.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> The priests, I suppose, are at the bottom of that.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Partly, but partly I think they are jealous of Anglicising influences. That’s been the case with some Governors, anyhow. We sent Barleycorn to Spain to learn Spanish and qualify as a teacher, you know, to meet that difficulty, but it didn’t end the trouble. Then look at San Carlos—or George’s Bay, as we used to call it. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> Yes, you have had something to do with that. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> A bit. But Burnett and Roe spotted it from the first, and it was Maylott, who did the pioneering, and then Luddington followed him up. Theophilus Parr, too did yeoman work there—linguistic amongst the rest. Our converts there were hard won. There was stiff persecution from old King Sopo—but God broke down Sopo’s heart at last. He died a Christian about two years ago, and was buried on the Mission, instead of with his heathen fathers. And we’ve got one of his sons, Ben Twajo, who, one day, may do better than his father. Death took two of our most promising converts—Samuel Antliff Hooree and James Reading Bielo.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> Those providences are hard to understand.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> They are. Hooree was our first Bubi convert, and I had great hopes of James…. There were attempts at further extension, too. First Luddington, then Parr and Griffiths, made great efforts to get an entry into Biappa, over on the south-east of the Island, but could not make headway with the king. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> We have never got any footing on that side.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> No; and the people that way are said to be of a sturdier type, too. Apparently the old king was a bit too sturdy an obstacle. It was like trying to draw a badger. But the Bubis are not easy to rouse. Now take Banni. I know a bit about Bannie, too <stage type="delivery">[chuckling]</stage>. It was Holland who prospected there first, about 188-—went over two or three times. I know I went with Buckenham and William Barleycorn in ‘84. My word! we did, and had a palaver and got consent for a site for a mission house, but <stage type="delivery">[laughing]</stage> it was the journey back at night that put the cap on. Our torches gave out and it rained a deluge, and for three hours we had to wait in the pitch-black forest for the moon to rise and show us our way. I remember we sang “Leader of faithful souls and Guide” to keep our courage up!</p></sp>
<pb n="23" facs="Island_Heritage_23.JPG"/>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> Let me see—</p>
<cit>
<quote>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>“We’ve no abiding city here, </l>
<l>But seek a city out of sight; </l>
<l>Thither our steady course we steer,</l>
<l>Aspiring to the plains of light.”</l>
</lg>
</quote>
<bibl>Hymn XLI. "The Traveller", Hymns for those that seek, and those that have Redemption, 1747. Meter 8.8.8.8.8.8. Tune: Mount Beacon, Marienlyst</bibl>
</cit>
<p>Isn’t that how it goes on?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[delightedly]</stage><p> That’s right! Oh, there’s a lot in it that was very appropriate. Well, we put Barleycorn at Banni for a start. Then the disturbances came at Isabel, and he had to come here, and poor Banni was left abandoned. He returned later, and then when he went to Spain young W.F. Nicol, another native, was put in charge. Jabez Bell was the first white they got. He came and took over in ‘87, and what a tale of heroic work is his! They talk about “working like a nigger”—<stage type="delivery">[a laugh]</stage> that saying doesn’t sort with Bell’s experiences at Banni. He’s had to do it all—couldn’t even get any help from the people to build his church unless they were paid for it, and then it depended on their mood; the chiefs hindering as much as they could. He has tried in vain to get the sympathies of the adult population so far, but he won’t give in. He is bent on laying foundations, so he has taken nearly a score of children into the Mission House, and is determined by a combination of education and industrial work—cocoa farming—to create something to build on. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> It’s a wonderful story altogether. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> It is a wonderful story—wonderful for the faith and persistence that have gone into the making of it. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> And not without fruit.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Thank God! no. Fernando Poo has had its trophies of grace—men like Peter Bull and William Barleycorn and the Menes, and John Petty Sogo; women like Mamma Job, Mamma Macaulay and others. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> Surely work with such a history can never die. It will go on, in spite of all that wars against it. And now that we have got a footing on the mainland as well -. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[breaking in]</stage><p> Ah! and that’s part of the history, Brown, painted in the same colours. It belongs to the heritage of the Island. The Baptists, Hands, and Robinson, Burnett and Roe—all saw that vision. Buckenham, going across to Bonny to meet his wife in ‘84, had a trip to Opobo in the Ibo country, and was impressed with its possibilities. When he got back here—I was on the Island at the time—we conferred and reported home about it. Well, you know how the tale goes on: the Burnetts, father and son, were sent there two years later, found the country upset and King Ja-Ja turned unfriendly, so had to come away. In ‘91 Holland paid another visit, but got no further. Then last year I was given a sort of <pb n="24" facs="Island_Heritage_24.JPG"/>general commission. I was stationed to Africa! Think of that!—a continental circuit with a vengeance. I went across to Opobo but found were now forestalled—the Anglicans had got established. So then I turned east and fixed on Rio del Rey, and we proceeded to settle there. But, as you know, after three months it was declared German territory, so we had to move, selecting Archibong as our spot. There we have placed our native worker, Mr. Knox—Mrs. Knox goes with us to-morrow—and there you take on, my boy. The ground has been prepared; it’s your honour to put in the foundations and see the structure rise. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> Yes, it is a great honour; I feel that. I hope I shall have grace and health and strength to discharge it. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Well my boy, it will be a lonely job for you. Your nearest white neighbour, a Swede, is 30 miles away—no other Englishman for 70 miles. But “put a cheerful courage on.” I shan’t forget you, and distance can’t divide spirit. If in need, let me know, and I will come to you if at all possible. <stage type="blocking">[They rise, and BROWN grips FAIRLEY’S hand.]</stage></p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> Thanks! I must take up the heritage—of difficulties faced and overcome. <stage type="entrance">[Enter TIM, native house boy]</stage> </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>TIM:</speaker><p> Massa, I come for tell you tiffin be fit. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Ah, tea’s ready. Right you are, Tim!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>TIM:</speaker><p> Please, Massa, Yellow Will come to you for palaver.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Yellow Will? Very well, send him up. <stage type="exit">[TIM goes.]</stage> This is one of the Kroo-boys I’ve engaged for the boat to-morrow. Something gone wrong, I suppose. <stage type="entrance">[Enter YELLOW WILL]</stage> Well, what palaver, Yellow Will?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>YELLOW WILL:</speaker><p> Please, Massa, me no fit for go for dem big water in dem small boat. S’pose tornado go catch we, I go die.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Suppose you go die; it be all same for all other man, and Massa too go die. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>YELLOW WILL:</speaker><p> Massa, dat no be all same. Massa sabby God-palaver good, and s’pose he go die he go for up <stage type="gesture">[with gesture]</stage>. Me no sabby God-palaver, and s’pose I go die, me no go for down! <stage type="gesture">[pointing again]</stage>.</p></sp> <stage type="modifier">[BROWN is visibly amused. FAIRLEY listens gravely.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Very well. I make for get other person. <stage type="exit delivery">[YELLOW WILL goes, relieved. When he is gone both break into laughter.]</stage></p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Well, he’s got a good idea of the difference between up and down, anyhow! However, it happens there are two boys who want to go with us, so we can fill the gap.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>BROWN:</speaker><p> It was very funny.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>FAIRLEY:</speaker><p> Oh, these Kroomen are only like overgrown children. Well, come along; we’ll have that cup of tea. Then there will be a few things to see to. “To-morrow to fresh woods and pastures new.”</p></sp> <stage type="exit">[They go off, RIGHT.]</stage>
<stage type="technical">CURTAIN.</stage>
</div2>
</div1>
<pb n="25" facs="Island_Heritage_25.JPG"/>
<div1 type="scene" n="5">
<head>Scene V: The Fulfilling of the Dream.</head>
<div2>
<head>Prologue to Scene V.</head>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>We show you a story</l>
<l>To stir your remembrance,</l>
<l>To bring you a challenge!</l>
<l>And this is our climax:</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>To-day in Okpoto, </l>
<l>The heart of Nigeria,</l>
<l>Two brave hearts are toiling</l>
<l>In hope of the future.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>Far, Far from their kindred,</l>
<l>In lone isolation,</l>
<l>They build the foundations</l>
<l>With manifold labour. </l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>And watching the sunset</l>
<l>They’re praying and yearning</l>
<l>That we may remember</l>
<l>And aid their endeavours.</l>
</lg>
<lg type="stanza">
<l>Oh, let not this pleading</l>
<l>Go by you unanswered,</l>
<l>But meeting the challenge.</l>
<l>Praise God for the story! </l>
</lg>
</div2>
<div2>
<head>Scene V: The Fulfilling of the Dream.</head>
<stage type="setting">[Under a tree near the temporary Mission House, Igumale, Nigeria, September, 1925. It is late afternoon. Mrs. NORCROSS sits in a chair, sewing, LEFT. JESSIE, native girl, sits on ground beside her, threading needles. Mrs. NORCROSS pauses in her work and looks up, her eyes fixed on distance, and sighs. Then she speaks aloud.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday—four days to the mail! … That needle ready, Jessie? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>JESSIE:</speaker><p> Ih, Ma. <stage type="gesture">[offering it]</stage> <stage type="entrance">[Enter Mr. NORCROSS, RIGHT. He is dressed in shirt and trousers, with sun helmet.]</stage></p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Well! … still busy? <stage type="gesture">[Glances at wrist-watch]</stage> Half-past five. It will be dark in half-an-hour. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> <stage type="gesture">[looking at hers]</stage>Half-past five! So it is! Jessie, run and put the kettle on. I will come in a few minutes. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>JESSIE:</speaker><p> Ih, Ma. <stage type="blocking">[Gets up and goes, RIGHT.]</stage></p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker> <stage type="gesture">[stretches his arms and yawns]</stage><p> O-ho-ho! Well, there’s another day’s work done—outside, at any rate. I must do a bit more at the translation to-night. <stage type="blocking">[Throws himself down on ground beside Mrs. N.]</stage> Lonely, old girl?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[evasively]</stage><p> Oh, there’s plenty to do.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS :</speaker><stage type="delivery">[laughing]</stage><p> We certainly don’t lack for that! Now, what have I done to-day? <stage type="gesture">[Ticking off on his <pb n="26" facs="Island_Heritage_26.JPG"/>fingers]</stage> Sawed up and planed various lengths of plank and scantling; prepared a hundredweight or two of cement (and wondered how far I could make it go!); attended to a dozen sick folk; sold two primers to aspiring scholars; mended the water-tank of a promising leak; settled two heated palavers; captured … let me see <stage type="gesture">[consults note-book]</stage> seven new words and one fresh idiom, and ….oh, I forget the rest! What is your husband, Mrs. Norcross?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> Oh, he’s a pretty useful and frightfully busy man—and the husband of a fairly useful wife, who is also sometimes busy!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Thank you, kindly, ma’am, and I beg your pardon! …. Well, it’s all got to be done, and it’s good fun enough. Only you want to be getting at the real thing. When you know that there are sixty to eighty thousand Okpotos more in need of a New Testament than anything else in the whole world, all this business of purlins and scantlings, nuts and bolts and cement, rather gets on your nerves.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> We’ll be able to get on with the main thing all the better, my lad, when the house is finished. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> True for you! And so I’m all the more anxious to get on with it. Our term’s wearing away, and we’ll be glad enough to have a look at the old England again—but the break in the work is a nuisance. If only we could keep going!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> Yes, it’s slow work for few hands. I often wonder whether they can realise at home what it is really like. It looks romantic from a distance, but there are days and weeks of unbroken toil and drudgery. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> And yet there are thrills—even in the thick of it. I got one the other day when we stopped the work on the house for that dedication prayer. One felt, here’s another foundation stone planted for the Church of God in Africa—another claim pegged out. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> I felt that, too, and even the native boys were impressed, I think.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Yes, the dead silence was eloquent. <stage type="delivery">[Laughs]</stage> I fancy I mystified them a bit by sticking that P.M. Leader in a bottle and burying it in the foundation. Anyhow, it all helped to produce the effect on them of something very solemn and important. And, after all, it is a great romance—the whole business—that we should be here, nearly 200 miles up-country, establishing the outpost of Primitive Methodism. Just over thirty years it has taken to get here, from the first commencement at Archibongville. There was the strategic move across the river to Jamestown and Oron, which brought us to the open door of Nigeria. From there our Efik evangelisation developed; then we advanced into Ibo country, and a wonderful chapter that has been. And now here we are amongst the Okpotos. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> And all from the beginning in Fernando Poo!</p></sp>
<pb n="27" facs="Island_Heritage_27.JPG"/>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> All from the little island. Yes, this heritage has come down to us from the first adventure. We are helping to fulfil a dream which was cherished by a long succession of toilers.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> Is a great vision ever lost?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Not if God can help it, nor so long as His Spirit can find men and women willing to pursue it. <stage type="blocking">[Rising to his feet]</stage> My word! it’s a chain of wonderful links, when you think of it! Clarke and his Jamaica congregations—Mamma Job (herself an Ibo)—Hands—Burnett and Roe and all their successors to Fairley and Brown—then the rest, including the girls, and the growing native agency. John Enang Gill, Efik-born, the Training Institutes and all their products, and their further promise.</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> “Ours is a goodly heritage.”</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Yes, you and I may be only humble specimens, my dear, but we are privileged to be the advance guard of all this great story. We—we must keep the charge...<stage type="delivery">[Changing his tone]</stage> That is, of course, I’m the humble specimen—journeyman-jack-of-all-trades. You <stage type="gesture">[taking off his hat to her]</stage>—you are the most wonderful—</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> <stage type="delivery">[breaking in]</stage>: Now, don’t be silly!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> You should let me finish!—the most wonderful provider a tired and hungry man ever had!</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> Yes, it’s nearly dark. I will go and help Jessie <stage type="gesture">[gathering up her things.]</stage></p></sp>
<stage type="entrance">[Enter JERRY, native interpreter, RIGHT. He wears an indelible broad smile.]</stage>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Well, Jerry! still smiling! You’d brighten up the wettest of wet weeks. What is it now? </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>JERRY:</speaker><p> You want me for book-palaver to-night sah?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Yes, Jerry. We must get on with the translation again to-night. Make you ready for I call. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>JERRY:</speaker><p> Yes, sah. <stage type="exit">[Departs, RIGHT, still smiling.]</stage></p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Don’t know what I’d do without old Jerry. He’s useful as an interpreter, but as a smiler he’s beyond price. </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker><p> Poor Jerry! And he has something to put up with, with that bush wife of his. <stage type="blocking">[Making as if to go]</stage> Are you coming now?</p></sp>
<sp><speaker>NORCROSS:</speaker><p> Yes. <stage type="blocking">[She starts to go, but N. detains her, looking out towards audience, and they stand together arm-in-arm.]</stage> Wait a second! Let us watch the sunset. Isn’t it gorgeous! One never gets tired of them. … And so another day is done. … and so much waits on to-morrow! Oh, surely the Church at home will not fail us! They won’t let the story come to an end and make us lose our heritage! They will never cause our labour to be in vain! They must rise to the occasion and answer the call, and ensure an even more glorious to-morrow! </p></sp>
<sp><speaker>Mrs. N.:</speaker> <stage type="delivery">[slowly]</stage> <p>I think they will stand by us. … I am sure they will!</p></sp>
<stage type="blocking">[They stand silent for a moment, then turn and walk slowly off, RIGHT.]</stage>
<stage type="technical">CURTAIN.</stage>
</div2>
</div1>
</body>
</text>
</TEI>
