Harcourt/Hastings/Walsh
One-eyed Charlie
Argus
Lars
Bruce Bertram
Claude Lacombe,
Lieutenant French Navy
Bible Girl
Leader of Simmonites
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Harcourt/Hastings/Walsh |
One-eyed Charlie
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Argus |
Lars
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Bruce Bertram |
Claude Lacombe, |
Bible Girl |
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Teaser:
On the shore of Mantaia Island
A schooner is anchored. Four people paddle an outrigger canoe to shore. Three are islanders and in the bow is Isabelle Reed. Isabelle gets out on the sand and is approached by a well-dressed European man.
Isabelle: You must be Harcourt. (She seems impatient and annoyed)
Harcourt: (in an Irish accent) Miss Reed. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Francis Harcourt at your service.
Isabelle: Your men were late.
Harcourt: Well, I’m terribly sorry about that but I’m sure you realize just how difficult it is to find good help in this part of the world.
Isabelle: Look, I’m short on time. Can we get on with it?
Harcourt bows deeply for Isabelle to precede him. They walk. In the background, islanders are working along the stony banks of a stream. Isabelle is very interested in their activity
Harcourt: Just wait till you see this property. A thousand pristine acres – just perfect for a horse ranch.
Isabelle: What are they doing?
Harcourt: The natives? (chuckles) They are panning for gold. Can you believe it? Pathetic, really.
Isabelle: Have they found any?
Harcourt: Well, none as far as I know. Now, don’t worry, Miss Reed, the natives may be delusional but they’re friendly enough. (he has to wait for Isabelle) Miss Reed?
Isabelle: Yes, coming.
As the two walk away, some of the islanders begin to argue, fighting for possession of the gold pan.
Harcourt: I must say, Miss Reed, I’m surprised to see a woman of your beauty all alone in this corner of the world. Perhaps you haven’t found the right man to take you away from all of it, heh?
Isabelle: If I were looking for a man, it wouldn’t be you.
Natives continue to quarrel in the background. A burly older native with an eye patch wrestles with a younger man. Isabelle and Harcourt turn at the sound of a gunshot. Harcourt draws a pistol from the back of his waistband, aims and fires. A bullet strikes the water between the legs of the younger native standing, pistol in hand, over the body of the older native lying in the stream.
Harcourt shouts as he approaches the natives. The natives begin to run away.
Harcourt: Hey! You bunch of savages! Get out of here, all of you. Move it. Move it. Get out.
Harcourt: (as he examines the fallen man) I’m afraid he’s dead.
Isabelle: Well, if this is a taste of the native culture, I’m not sure I want to be a part of it.
Harcourt: I assure you, Miss Reed, this kind of violence has never happened on Mangaia before. And after I’ve spoken to the local chief, I can guarantee it will never happen again. I’ll…I’ll move the body. Would you mind getting the gun for me please?
Isabelle: Of course.
As she takes the pistol out of the stream, she notices a large nugget of gold beside it. She picks it up and looks around to see if anyone has noticed.
Opening credits.
Act I:
Outside Lavinia’s bar
Grief: Five weeks at sea and I don’t know what I need more – a hot meal or a bath.
Mauriri: A bath.
Grief: Thanks. You’re not smelling so good yourself. Grab our table.
Grief enters the building and approaches the bar. He ends up standing beside a French naval officer, Claude Lacombe, as he looks around for Lavinia.
Grief: (calling out) Lavinia?
Lacombe: Miss Lavinia’s not here.
Grief: (to barmaid) Two beers, please.
He turns to the naval officer.
Grief: Lieutenant, isn’t that your cruiser sitting out in Matavai Bay?
Lacombe: That’s right. The Valiant.
Grief: The Valiant. First in her class. Performs very well close-hauled, I believe.
Lacombe: That’s classified information. How did you know that?
Grief: Let’s just say I have some friends in low places.
Both laugh.
Grief: So how long is your ship here for, Lieutenant?
Lacombe: You eager for us to leave, Mister…?
Grief: Captain. Captain Grief. (they shake hands) No, just curious.
Lacombe: Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t rightly know, but if one of those friends of yours hears anything…
Grief: I’ll let you know.
Grief takes the two pints of beer and moves to the table at which Mauriri is seated.
Mauriri: Who’s the suit?
Grief: He’s off the French cruiser.
Mauriri: Nice uniform. You know, I once considered joining the French navy.
Grief: Really?
Mauriri: Umhm. But I couldn’t stand the food.
Grief: It couldn’t be worse than what you cook on the Rattler.
Mauriri: (laughs then looks toward the bar) Hey!
Lavinia places a basket of fruit on the bar, approaches the naval officer and kisses him. Grief looks on, a hurt look on his face. Lavinia sees David there and, with a troubled expression, moves away from the bar.
Outside the livery stables
Harcourt walks toward the stable as Isabelle canters by on Dante. She dismounts and hands the reins to Paiku as Harcourt greets her.
Harcourt: Fine, proud animals you’ve got here, Miss Reed. They’re going to enjoy your new property.
Isabelle: I’ve given it a lot of thought and, uh, I’m not sure it’s wise for me to build a horse ranch on your property. I have the safety of my animals to consider.
Harcourt: But, Miss Reed, I’ve spoken to the local chief. Now, he assures me there’ll be no further incident.
Isabelle: As much as I would like to take you at your word, I’m afraid I can’t live so close to a feuding tribe… Unless…
Harcourt: Unless…?
Isabelle: Unless you were to sell me the property to the east. That way, the river would act as a buffer zone between my ranch and the tribe.
Harcourt: (sighing) You strike a hard bargain, Miss Reed. Well now, the price for both properties – twenty thousand francs.
Isabelle: You were asking ten.
Harcourt: Well, the tribe has lived on that land for generations. It’s only fair they should be compensated … for the inconvenience.
Isabelle: Fifteen.
Harcourt: I won’t sacrifice me principles, Miss Reed, but I will sell them. Seventeen five and that’s me final offer, Miss Reed.
Isabelle: Alright. Seventeen -five.
Harcourt: Excellent. And when can I close the deal?
Isabelle: Tomorrow.
They shake hands on the deal.
Harcourt: You’ve made the right decision, Miss Reed. I’m sure you’re going to have many prosperous years on Mangaia.
Isabelle: I’m sure.
Harcourt: Well, till tomorrow then.
Harcourt leaves and Isabelle moves to her saddlebag, takes out the gold nugget and displays it to Paiku, smiling in triumph. Then the smile leaves her face.
Isabelle: How the hell am I going to get that kind of money?
Inside a hotel room
Harcourt enters room and walks past a native with a black eye-patch last seen seemingly dead in a stream on Mangaia. He is One-Eyed-Charlie.
Harcourt: She took the bait. You’ll have your commission tomorrow.
The Irish accent is gone.
The Rattler at anchor
Natives bring a canoe alongside the Rattler. David helps Lavinia aboard the deck of the schooner.
Grief: How are you?
Lavinia: Good, David. You?
Grief: Oh, can’t complain.
Lavinia: So, how was the trip?
Grief: Oh, you know - the usual.
His laugh is strained.
Lavinia: I, uh, hear you met Claude.
Grief: Claude? Yes, the lieutenant who gave you lessons in French kissing.
Lavinia: Look, David, I’m sorry if you…
Grief: No, don’t apologize.
Lavinia: I’m not apologizing. I just wish I had the opportunity to talk to you before you met him, that’s all.
Grief: Lavinia, I’m not some lost puppy dog following you around with a broken heart.
Lavinia: I never said you were. I just came out here to see if there was anything that we should be talking about.
Grief: No, nothing comes to mind.
Lavinia steps closer to David.
Lavinia: Are you sure?
David looks at her then turns and walks a few steps away.
Grief: Yeah. … I think it’s terrific you’ve met someone. I’m very happy for you.
Lavinia: You are, really?
Grief: Um, hm. I suppose the question is – does he make you happy?
Lavinia: Yes. Yes, he does.
A brief awkward silence ensues.
Lavinia: Listen. I think you and Mauriri should come around for dinner some time next week and meet Claude. I think you’d like him. You have loads in common.
Grief: We already have something very special in common.
With a brief nod, Lavinia turns to her canoe, steps in and paddles away. Two islanders are also in the canoe. Mauriri emerges from below as Grief walks toward the stern and throws himself onto a pile of sails. Mauriri follows and sits on the rail close by.
Grief: Did I make a mistake in letting her go?
Mauriri: You did say she was pushing you into something you weren’t ready for.
Grief: I thought I wasn’t ready. Now I’m starting to wonder whether I got cold feet.
Mauriri: Ah, who knows? Maybe some day you’ll get back together.
Grief: Ahh, I don’t see how falling in love with another person is going to strengthen our relationship.
Mauriri: Partner, you did the right thing. You let her get on with her life. (Mauriri reaches to give David a pat on the leg then stands and walks over to adjust the sails.)
Grief: If I did the right thing, why do I feel so lousy about it?
The church at Matavai
Colin Trent putting hymnals in the pews is followed by Isabelle Reed.
Colin: Absolutely not.
Isabelle: Colin, think about it.
Colin: I have thought about it. I’m not in the business of playing fast and loose with the church’s discretionary fund.
Isabelle: I’m not asking you to gamble with it; I’m asking you to invest it. You told everyone at dinner the other night the bishop gave you complete freedom to use the money as you see fit.
Colin: Yes, use it. Not lose it.
Isabelle: Colin, I came to you because I know how much good this investment can do for everyone.
Colin: You came to me because you think I have ‘dupe’ written across my forehead.
By this time they are on the street outside the church, Isabelle still pursuing the irritated reverend as he walks toward the vicarage.
Isabelle: That is not true. I want everyone to benefit from the gift I have been given.
Colin: Oh, Isabelle, please. I have a hard time believing your motives in this matter are entirely selfless.
Isabelle: I don’t pretend that they are. That’s the difference between me and many of your parishioners. Look at this.
She holds out the gold nugget. Trent is interested in spite of himself.
Colin: Is that what I think it is?
Isabelle: I’ve already had it examined by a geologist. It’s for real.
Colin: And that came from the property you wish to purchase?
Isabelle: That’s right. And since I’m not a miner, I’m going to sell it to a mining company. They will give us ten -- twenty times -- what we pay for it. Plus a small percentage of the yield. Think, Colin, of all the good this money will do – homes for the poor, schools all over Tahiti, teachers to run them.
Colin: And which charity will be your beneficiary?
Isabelle: Well, my favourite charity, of course, - me!
Colin (laughing): There’s an old proverb. It’s easier for a camel to slip through the eye of a needle than –
Isabelle: - than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Hmm. Oh, when I get to the pearly gates, I’ll just have to remind Saint Peter of the favour I did him today.
Colin: How much did you say you need?
Isabelle turns to him and smiles.
Lavinia’s room above the bar
Two figures are on the bed under the blankets. Amid giggles and laughter, they roll onto the floor. The upper bodies of Lavinia and the lieutenant can be seen.
Lacombe: I love the way you kiss
Lavinia: I know.
Lacombe: All other kisses are but a vague memory…. Is something wrong?
Lavinia: No
Lacombe: Are you having second thoughts?
Lavinia: Second thoughts?
Lacombe: About being with me.
Lavinia: No. No, I’m not. It’s just … things are moving so fast. My god, my head is spinning. I’m not usually like this.
Claude rolls away to lie beside her.
Lacombe: I know. Me, either. Truth is - I’ve never felt this way about anybody.
Lavinia: What are you saying?
Lacombe: I’m falling in love with you, Lavinia.
Lavinia sighs.
Lacombe: I can stop if you want.
Lavinia: What do you mean – you can stop?
Lacombe: The feeling – it’s like a flower that’s growing just out of reach. If we continue like this, then it will grow and blossom. All we need to do is reach out and pluck it.
Lavinia: That is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.
Lavinia kisses him tenderly.
The market at Matavai
Isabelle walks along in conversation with the owner of a mining company, Bruce Bertram.
Isabelle: I’m just a simple horse-trader. I don’t know the first thing about gold. That’s why I came to you.
Bertram: Well, you came to the right man, Miss Reed. Guzman, my geologist, has drilled a number of core samples on your property.
Isabelle: And you expect confirmation this morning?
Bertram: I expect to hear from him, yeah.
Isabelle holds up a silk scarf from a merchant’s table to admire it.
Isabelle: Ah, this is beautiful. Hmmm.
She puts it back.
Bertram: So buy it. If that sample is any indication, money’s hardly going to be any problem for you.
Isabelle: You’re absolutely right.
Isabelle picks up the scarf and, taking cash from her bodice, turns to the Chinese merchant to offer him the money.
Isabelle: (to the merchant) Keep the change.
Merchant: Thank you.
Office of the Matavai Messenger (the newspaper run by Claire Devon)
Harcourt, no longer sporting a moustache knocks and enters accompanied by the one-eyed islander.
Claire: Oh, Mr Hastings. Come in.
Harcourt/Hastings: Morning, Miss Devon.
Claire: Uh, your investment is ready for final proof. I was just about to go to print. You’re lucky you caught me.
Hastings reads the advertisement.
Harcourt/Hastings: “An Investment Opportunity of a Lifetime” Beautiful, my dear. The only thing missing is my company’s postal address. It should be here in the bottom right-hand corner.
Claire: Well, it was there; it must have slipped off.
She turns to fetch the address.
One-Eyed-Charlie: Mr. Walsh, I was wondering if –
Harcourt/Hastings: (cutting him off, quietly) Hastings .
One-Eyed-Charlie: Sorry…
Claire notices the slip on her way into the press room. She returns with the missing address and places it on the ad.
Harcourt/Hastings: Excellent.
Claire: Hmmm.
The telegraph office at Matavai
Isabelle and the mining company owner enter.
Bertram: Name is Bruce Bertram. I’m looking for a telegram from Sidney Minerals Incorporated.
Telegraph operator: Just came in. There you are.
Bertram: I hope you can get your money back on that shoal, Miss Reed.
Isabelle: What?
Bertram: There’s not an ounce of gold on that entire island. Your property’s worthless.
Isabelle stands in stunned disbelief as Bertram walks away.
Act II
In the vicarage
Colin: This is unconscionable. It’s unbelievable.
Isabelle: (subdued) I’m sorry, Colin.
Colin: You’re telling me the land is worthless. There’s no gold?
Isabelle: I was conned. We were conned.
Colin: (shrill) Do you realize the bishop is going to be here in a week. What am I going to tell him – that I’ve lost the discretionary fund to a con man.
Isabelle: It’s not too late. I will find this man and get your money back.
Colin: (voice rising even more) How exactly are you going to do that? You don’t even know his real name. He could be half way round the world by now.
Isabelle: Yeah, well someone in Tahiti has to know who he is. Now I will find him even if I have to go to the ends of the earth to do it. Colin, I promise you –
Colin: (angry) Don’t … make any more promises you can’t keep.
He turns his back on Isabelle trying to collect himself. She is crushed by his reaction.
Colin: Now, please leave before one of us takes the Lord’s name in vain.
Isabelle lingers for a moment then goes to the door. She hesitates, unable to walk away, makes a decision and turns to Colin.
Isabelle: (full of impassioned sincerity) I know you don’t believe me, but I will get your money back.
Lavinia’s bar
Isabelle, Mauriri and David sit at a table.
Grief: Well, you’ve really done it this time, Isabelle. Once the bishop finds out about this, he’s going to send Colin back to England.
Isabelle: You don’t think I feel bad? I lost all my life savings, too.
Mauriri: This sounds a lot like that con we heard about in Borneo last year.
Isabelle: This has happened before?
Mauriri: (enjoying Isabelle’s discomfiture) This con man sold acres of worthless jungle after hiring local tribesmen to pretend to fight over non-existent gold.
Grief’s attention strays to Lavinia figuring in her ledger at the bar.
Mauriri: They put on quite a show for the suckers.
Isabelle, offended, takes the gold nugget back from Mauriri.
Grief: You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble if you’d come to us sooner. Why didn’t you?
Isabelle: I was stupid … and greedy.
Grief: (smug) Where have we heard that before?
Isabelle: Yeah, okay. Well I’ve learned my lesson. But I’ve got Colin wrapped up in this and I need to find this con man.
Grief: Who did you write the cheque to?
Isabelle: Hastings Enterprises.
Grief: Hastings? … Be right back.
Grief approaches the bar (and Lavinia) to buy a copy of the Matavai Messenger. He exchanges a glance with Lavinia. He returns to the table, places the newspaper in front of Isabelle and points to the ad.
Grief: Hastings Enterprises. Does the scam look familiar?
Isabelle: I was conned by Francis Harcourt. Where does Hastings fit in?
Claire Devon, approaching the table, overhears the conversation.
Claire: His name isn’t Hastings or Harcourt. It’s Leo Walsh and he’s a fraud.
She shows them a poster of Walsh ‘wanted for skulduggery’
Isabelle: Leo Walsh.
Claire: He came out here years ago to search for gold and silver deposits but he was an utter failure at prospecting.
Grief: There’s obviously more money to be made in scamming people than digging for gold.
Claire: There was one incident where he convinced some Australian miners that their silver mine had dried up. The miners packed up, left. Walsh made a fortune. Apparently he lost it all in a shipwreck.
Isabelle: My heart bleeds for him.
Grief: Any idea where Walsh is now?
Claire: Sorry. There was someone else with Walsh, an island man who called him by his real name. Scruffy-looking fellow –big hat, wore a patch over his left eye.
Mauriri: One-Eyed Charlie.
Grief is still watching Lavinia as Claude approaches the bar.
Lacombe: I’ll see you upstairs.
Lavinia: Um hm.
David watches as first Lacombe then Lavinia run up the stairs to the hotel.
Lavinia’s room above the bar
Claude and Lavinia run in laughing and close the door.
Lavinia: What is it? I have customers downstairs. I need to get back to work.
Lacombe: I just wanted a minute with you. The Valiant has received her new orders. We’re to return to France to participate in the Bastille Day celebrations.
Lavinia: When are you coming back?
Lacombe: We’re not.
Lavinia: What do you mean –“we’re not”?
Lacombe: Lavinia, it’s not my choice. I have orders to …
Lavinia: I know that.
Lacombe: Come to France with me. Be my wife.
Lavinia is clearly unprepared for his declaration and makes no response.
On the street of Matavai
One-Eyed Charlie sits on the boardwalk struggling to close a small suitcase. He is approached by David and Mauriri. style='color:red'>David kicks the suitcase lightly.
Charlie: David. Mauriri.
Grief: Going somewhere, Charlie?
Charlie: Yeah, Why?
Grief: We just wanted to make sure you were alright. We heard you got shot on Mangaia Island.
Charlie: Feelin’ alright now.
Grief: Where is he?
Charlie: Who?
Mauriri: Don’t play games, Cyclops. We know what’s going on -- Walsh.
Isabelle approaches.
Charlie: Walsh? (Stands up slowly.) Walsh.
He picks up his suticase then suddenly tosses it towards the others, turns and runs away. David, Mauriri and Isabelle follow. In the mad scramble people and stacks of goods are knocked over. David gets ahead of Charlie as the fugitive reaches the shore.
Charlie (waving as he looks seaward): Wait. Wait.
Grief knocks him down. Isabelle pulls a gun from her boot and levels it at the fallen man.
Isabelle: Where’s Walsh?
Charlie: You don’t need the gun, lady. I’ll tell you. Mr Walsh left this morning for Noopapa Island.
Grief: A word of advice, Charlie-boy. Find another line of work. Because the next time you get shot, it might be for real.
Aboard the Rattler en route
Isabelle is sitting on deck as David adjusts the shrouds.
Grief: Just one thing I don’t understand. Any number of investors would have tripped over themselves to give you the money.
Isabelle: I know.
Grief: So why drag Colin into it.
Isabelle: ‘Cause I know what people think of me. This looked like a good chance for me to prove them wrong – do something that might benefit a lot of people. My mistake! Now all I want to do is find Colin’s money and have Walsh arrested. Then maybe, because I will have done a good deed, my luck will change.
Grief: To what?
Isabelle: Well, you never know. Some dashing young man might propose to me. It’s happened to Lavinia.
Grief looks to Mauriri for confirmation. Mauriri is unresponsive.
Isabelle: You don’t know? Lacombe has proposed to Lavinia. They’re getting married.
David looks upset.
At anchor off Noopapa Island
David rows a lifeboat with Isabelle and Mauriri to land.
On Noopapa Island.
David, Mauriri and Isabelle make their way over stony treacherous terrain. In the distance they hear a woman’s scream. Immediately, they run toward it.
A woman dressed in black is lying on the ground, struggling with two men also in black who are kneeling astride her. Her screams dissolve into hoots of laughter just as David and Mauriri run in to tackle the two men and knock them sprawling.
Bible girl: What do you think you’re doing?
David and Mauriri stand staring at the men and her realizing they have misinterpreted the situation, that the three were only engaged in horseplay.
Grief: We thought we were rescuing you.
Bible girl: I’ve never had to be rescued from my brothers before.
Isabelle stifles a giggle. Mauriri grins in embarrassment.
At the Simmonite settlement
The three visitors are seated at a long table with seven members of the black-robed group under a canopy. A meal sits in front of each person, but no-one is eating. Most, including Mauriri, have their hands folded in front of them.
Bible girl: I suppose I should be angry but considering your motives, I’ll forgive you.
Isabelle: So, does anyone else live on the island, apart from you and your group?
Bible girl: About three dozen homesteaders.
Grief: Are there any authorities?
Bible girl: There haven’t been police here for a long time. We believe peace shouldn’t depend on force.
Mauriri: We?
Bible girl: The Simmonite Church
Isabelle: Simmonite?
Bible girl: We believe in living a simple life away from the evils of the so-called civilized world. And we don’t believe in fighting or violence.
Grief: Then you’re, uh, pacifists.
Bible girl: We believe that the world has turned away from God so we’ve come here to live as the Lord intended.
Mauriri: Sounds like a perfect way of life.
Bible girl: At one time it was. But the British colonial administration never authorized the sale of the island so, according to them, no-one owns it. And that means anyone can come here and do whatever they want.
Isabelle: Someone has come?
Bible girl: The land-broker. He’s bringing buyers from all over.
On the riverbank on Noopapa Island
Leo Walsh talks to a number of natives outfitted with mining tools.
Walsh: Right, time to get started. You lot, pan the river. The others use picks and shovels.
Isabelle, David and Mauriri listen in on the conversation from a ledge above the river.
Walsh: And put some effort into it; it’s got to look like the real thing. I don’t want any… (his voice fades into the background)
Isabelle moves to approach Walsh. David holds her back.
Grief: Uh-uh. Not so fast!
Isabelle: He’s mine, David.
Grief: And what are you going to do with him?
Isabelle: (a little taken aback) Why… I want my money back!
Mauriri: And how do you plan to do that? By holding a gun to his head?
Isabelle: It’s worked before.
Grief: Sometimes one has to try the more subtle approach in this business. It’s called ‘conning the con man’.
Smiling, Grief shows the others a copy of the advertisement from the paper. Walsh is walking alone smoking a cigar. Grief moves toward him.
Mauriri: Here we go!
Isabelle sighs. They both follow. Grief hails Walsh.
Grief: Ah, Mr. Hastings. Mr. Hastings. Hello there. William Hargraves is my name. (shaking hands) I saw your advertisement in the paper. I’ve heard a great deal about you.
Isabelle and Mauriri, concealed in the woods, watch the exchange.
Walsh: Really? What is it that you do, Mr., uh, Mr. Hargraves.
Grief: Oh, I’m a, uh, horse breeder in New South Wales.
Walsh: New South Wales? I have a cousin in that territory. He also breeds. Perhaps you’ve heard of him – Aaron Treadway?
Grief: Treadway? Treadway? No, doesn’t ring a bell.
Isabelle in the bushes reacts in disgust.
Isabelle: (aside to Mauriri in a whisper) He’s only got the largest ranch in the state. I can’t believe he’s never heard of it.
Grief: Mind you, New South Wales is a pretty big place.
Walsh: So I’ve heard. You know, Mr Hargraves … (he drops his cigar and draws a pistol from his waistband) - your accent sounds nothing like my cousin’s.
Isabelle moves stealthily closer as Mauriri turns his attention to some armed natives near-by.
Grief: Oh, really?
Walsh: Yes, really.
As he levels his gun at David’s chest, Isabelle comes from behind him with her gun pointed at Walsh’ head then sticks the gun barrel in his neck.
Isabelle: Drop it.
David laughs as Walsh drops his gun.
Walsh: Why, Miss Reed, what an unexpected surprise!
Isabelle moves in front of Walsh and kicks his gun away. As a couple of natives approach the threesome, Mauriri creeps up from behind and knocks their heads together. Both drop to the group, unconscious.
Isabelle: Where the hell is my money?
Walsh: Your money?
Grief: Well, in case you haven’t noticed, she’s holding a gun.
Walsh: Yes, I can’t believe her audacity. (he shifts his focus to Isabelle) I never told you there was gold on that island. You simply assumed that there was. (Mauriri has joined the group)
Isabelle: I don’t want an explanation. All I want is a full and complete refund. (Walsh chuckles in disbelief)
Mauriri: (from behind Walsh) Some of that money belongs to the church.
Walsh: (taking on a sanctimonious look) Tsk, tsk, tsk. Taking from the collection plate now, are we?
Isabelle draws back the revolver to strike Walsh. David holds her back.
Grief: Ah-ah, Isabelle.
Walsh: (in a more ingratiating tone) Look, if I could say one word in my defence…
Isabelle: What?
Walsh lets out a piercing whistle which alerts the natives. They approach, armed with picks and shovels. Distracted by the commotion, no-one notices Walsh take a derringer from his pocket until he aims it at Isabelle. As they are surrounded by the natives, she throws her pistol to the ground.
Walsh: I’m sorry, but a full refund was never in the contract.
David, Mauriri and Isabelle stand in furious silence.
ACT III
On the riverbank on Noopapa Island
Walsh: In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m running things on this island. Now get lost! (He holds his derringer at Isabelle’s chin, then looks to David and Mauriri.) All of you!
Isabelle turns and walks away, followed more slowly by David and Mauriri.
Mauriri: That’s the last time I’m letting you two take control.
Grief: Yeah, well, I was doing all right till she butted in.
Isabelle: Oh, you are so ungrateful. I saved your skin.
David laughs in derision.
Grief: Not likely!
Mauriri: Shut up!
In the church at Matavai
Colin Trent kneels in a pew, praying. Lavinia approaches as he rises.
Lavinia: My mother always told me to be careful what you wished for… Claude’s asked me to marry him. (Lavinia smiles broadly)
Colin: (returning the smile) Congratulations!
Lavinia: (the smile disappears) What is wrong with me! This is exactly what I wanted – a wonderful loving husband. Now it’s staring me in the face and – I’m hesitating.
Colin: When does he ship out?
Lavinia: Two days from now.
Colin: Well, I suppose there’s only one real question: Do you love him?
Lavinia: That’s just it – I don’t know. Everything is moving so fast… I do have strong feelings for him.
Colin: Maybe there’s something else you haven’t considered. France is very different than Tahiti. It’s much older with a lot of entrenched ideas. You may not be made to feel welcome there.
Lavinia: Because of my skin colour?
Colin: I’m not saying it will happen, but there are some things the civilized world isn’t very civilized about.
Lavinia: (pensively) So, I could go to France with a man who loves me and be an outcast or I can stay here and be trapped by the past.
Colin: What do you mean?
Lavinia: I knew when David and I separated things would be difficult – seeing him around town – seeing him with other women…
Colin: But you seem to be handling it remarkably well. You and David are friends.
Lavinia: That’s just it. He moved out of my bed but … not my heart. (Colin looks down, thoughtful) Maybe I haven’t given myself the opportunity to fall in love with Claude. Maybe if I’m to truly love another man, I have to physically leave David behind. (she looks to Colin for support) What should I do?
Colin: (clearly uncomfortable) Oh, Lavinia. (He removes his glasses.)
Lavinia: (desperate) Oh Colin, please. You’re the only person I can ask about this.
Colin: I’d do anything I could to help you. But that’s one question no-one can answer for you.
Lavinia looks confused and sad. Colin, troubled, sits with a sigh as she leaves the church.
In the bush on Noopapa Island
Isabelle leads David and Mauriri through the uneven terrain.
Isabelle: We can go back to the Rattler, get the crew, more guns …
Mauriri: -and kill half a dozen people!
Isabelle: (indignant) I’m not thinking of myself; I’m thinking of Colin. The bishop’s going to be in Tahiti any day now and we’ve got to do something!
Grief: What we’ve got to do is make an exchange. (Isabelle, intrigued by the idea, turns around) I don’t know… give him something he needs – even more than money.
Isabelle: (sarcastically) Yeah, what would that be?
Their attention is drawn to the sound of men landing boats on the shore nearby. Isabelle gestures for David and Mauriri to hide when she sees several armed men. They scramble for cover as the group, led by a dangerous-looking man who is loading his shotgun as they entered the jungle and pass the hidden group.
Shouts < Come on! This way!>
Grief: (in a whisper) Who the hell are these guys?
By the riverbank on Noopapa Island
Rifle shots disturb Walsh’ natives as they sit by the stream. One islander reaches for a rifle.
Lars: I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
David, Mauriri and Isabelle look on from a concealed position as the armed men approach Walsh.
Argus: Leo Walsh. Don’t hurt my feelings and tell me you don’t remember who I am.
Walsh: (clearly rattled) It’s…It’s Argus. Right?
Argus: That’s right. The man you swindled a fortune out of silver. Remember?
Walsh: Believe me, I had no idea that mine was still productive. If you would just let me explain!
Argus: You’ve got me all wrong. I’m prepared to let bygones be bygones. You see, I know about the gold.
Argus walks away. His companion uses a rifle to push Walsh after him.
Argus: And I know you’re going to swindle these poor, innocent people out of their money so you can set up a mining operation of your own. But don’t worry about that; we’re here to help.
Walsh: Well, that’s very generous of you, Argus, but, uh, the fact is (in a conspiratorial tone) – there is no gold here.
Argus: (laughing sarcastically) Now, how stupid do you think I am! Do you think I’d fall for that line twice in one lifetime?
Walsh: (quite frantic now) No, I’m telling the truth. Do you think I’d sell the land if there was gold on it?
They laugh together. Then Argus hits Walsh with a right hook. Walsh goes down holding his hand to his lip.
Argus: You had me going for a moment there, Walsh. But you could sell swampland to your own mother, couldn’t you? (He turns to his companions) We’re going to need a bigger work force. Round up everyone on the island.
Shouts < Come on! Let’s go!>
Walsh starts to scramble away on hands and knees.
Argus: You!
Walsh: Me?
Argus: You’re gonna show me where the gold is.
He steps toward Walsh in a threatening manner and points his shotgun at Walsh’ head.
Argus: And you’re going to do it right now!
Walsh: The gold, yes, yes, of course.
David, Isabelle and Mauriri look on from above. They speak in hushed tones.
Isabelle: Time to bring in Morlais?
Grief: No point. He has no jurisdiction here.
Isabelle: We can’t just do nothing!
Grief: We’re gonna need help.
At the Simmonite settlement
Bible girl: Absolutely not!
Grief: Look, these miners mean business. It’s the only way you’re going to drive them off this island.
Bible girl: (walking along followed by David and Isabelle) Do you know anything about our philosophy. We would die before taking another life.
Grief: You may die if you don’t gather up your people and organize some kind of a resistance.
Bible girl: I couldn’t do that even if I wanted to.
Isabelle: Are you prepared to watch your brothers be worked to death as slave labour?
Bible girl: They believe as I do. We will not fight.
Armed miners can be seen approaching the settlement. Mauriri sees them and turns to warn the others.
Mauriri: (in a harsh whisper) David, they’re coming.
Grief: We’re out of time.
Bible girl: Everyone, quick! Quick!
All the settlers run accompanied by David, Isabelle and Mauriri.
The miners enter the apparently abandoned settlement.
Lars: Search the place!
They enter the buildings then hear the sound of prayer.
Bible girl: We beseech you, god of mercy and love…
Unthinkingly, the miner removes his hat, then calls his comrades.
Lars: Over here!
He puts his hat back on and grabs one of the praying sect members.
Lars: Come on, you! Let’s go.
The man comes close to resisting before gathering himself and walking away. It is David, dressed in the black costume of the sect.
Lars: You got a problem?
Grief: (head down, mumbling) No problem.
David is followed by Isabelle and Mauriri also disguised in black outfits, Isabelle sporting the long-sleeved blouse and ankle-length skirt worn by the other Simmonite women.
Lars: Anyone else here? … Well, you’ll come out sooner or later. (to his men) Torch the place!
The woman leader of the Simmonites, last out of the gathering hall, picks up the Bible as she leaves. The miners toss matches into the tent. It quickly goes up in flames. The sect members watch, stony-faced as their settlement burns.
ACT IV
On the riverbank on Noopapa Island
An explosion blows rubble and dust everywhere. As the dust clears, the armed miners approach their captive work force.
Argus: Now start digging, all of you!
Shouts < Let’s go! Come on! >
Isabelle, looking mulish and angry, walks toward Argus, followed by David and the others.
Isabelle: With what? Our bare hands?
The angry leader rams his rifle butt into David’s midsection, driving him to his knees gasping in pain. Argus levels his shotgun at David’s head.
Argus: That’s what you get for her insubordination. Now, has anybody else got a problem? (hearing no objections) I didn’t think so. (He turns and kicks David in the stomach.) Dig! Move!
Shouts <Come on, get to work! You there, come on!>
The Simmonite leader helps David to his feet.
Shouts <Pick up those shovels! Come on!>
She places the Bible on a large rock before going to work.
At the riverbank on Noopapa Island
Some time has passed. The workers look hot, dirty and dishevelled as they sift dirt through a sieve guarded closely by the armed miners. Isabelle is working with a pick-axe. Argus’ second-in-command, Lars, is very interested in her, smiling as he watches her work. David, gathering dirt in a bucket, notices the man’s attraction. He continues to watch as the miners haul a large wooden container into a lean-to on the hillside. A guard notices his idleness and grabs him roughly.
Guard: Come on, now. You can do better than that, boy. Get back to work.
Lars approaches Isabelle and grabs a rock out of her hand, much to Isabelle’s annoyance.
Lars: Argus, over here (He is studying the rock closely.)
Argus comes down the hillside, knocking David over with his foot as he passes.
Lars: Too much volcanic rock. Are you sure there’s gold here?
Argus sifts dirt through his hand then strides towards Walsh who is cowering beside David. Argus grabs a fistful of the con man’s hair to pull his head back.
Argus: Walsh, you see the sun? (He points his shotgun at Walsh’ neck.)
Shouts in the background < Pick it up! Pick it up!>
Argus: If it gets to noon and we haven’t found any gold yet, I’m going to start shooting people – starting with you. Got it?
Walsh, nearly undone with fright, nods yes.
Argus: Good.
Walsh cringes as Argus walks away. David creeps nearer.
Grief: Looks like you’re in a spot of trouble, my friend.
Walsh: You’ve got to help me, Grief. Please. I’ll do anything.
Grief: Give Isabelle back her money … and everybody else that you’ve conned. (Walsh looks like a rat in a trap, licking his lips, his eyes darting.)
Grief: You hear me?
Walsh: (nods) I hear you. I’m thinking about it.
Grief: (disgusted) I’ll see you in the next life. (he turns to move away.)
Walsh: (in a panic) No. Alright. I’ll do it. I’ll do it.
David tosses the gold nugget in the sand in front of Walsh.
Grief: Look familiar?
Walsh picks up the nugget and gulps, trying to get his nerve up.
Walsh: (shouting) Mr. Argus!
Argus approaches. Walsh eagerly holds out the nugget. Argus takes it from him and bites it to check its authenticity.
Argus: It’s gold alright. Keep digging.
Shouts < You heard that. Keep digging>
Argus tosses the nugget to his second-in-command. David moves toward Isabelle.
Isabelle: (while working) I’m beginning to wish I never came to you for help.
Grief: Yeah, well that makes two of us.
The Argus' men are congratulating each other on finding the nugget.
Grief: I need you to create a diversion.
Isabelle looks around in disbelief.
Grief: They’ve put their dynamite beyond the quarry. I need you to blow it up.
She looks toward the area he indicates then looks back at him in amazement.
Isabelle: (sarcastically) Oh, and how am I supposed to do that?
The second-in-command comes up from behind David and lashes him across the back.
Lars: No talking!
Grief: Can’t you see she’s about to pass out? (to Isabelle) Miss?
Isabelle takes the hint, sways and begins to crumple toward the miner.
Lars: (to Isabelle) Are you alright? (she falls into his arms.)
Grief: (urgently) She needs water.
The second-in-command walks away from the work area, a limp Isabelle in his arms.
David leans toward Mauriri
Grief: Get ready.
The second-in-command takes Isabelle past the ammo dump and places her gently on the ground, her upper body propped against a tree. He leaves her to get water. She looks around furtively then feigns unconsciousness again as he returns with a bucket of water and a ladle.
Mauriri dumps a bucket of dirt in the sieve then he and David scan the horizon, seeing Isabelle and her guard on one rise, Argus and some men on another.
Grief: You all right?
Mauriri: Easy. What’s the signal?
Grief: You’ll know when you hear it.
Isabelle has been ‘revived’ by the water.
Isabelle: Hi there, handsome.
Lars, flattered and flustered by her attention, removes his hat.
Isabelle begins to unbutton her high-collared blouse as her captor, goggling, takes a drink from the ladle.
Isabelle: (in a provocative tone) It’s just too hot to be wearing black, don’t you think? (as she bares her upper chest)
Lars is clearly impressed.
Lars: I know what you mean.
Unable to resist any longer, he moves toward her to kiss her neck. She reacts in fake delight.
Isabelle: What’s your name, sweetie?
Lars: Lars.
Isabelle: Ah, a real man’s name!
With one arm she pulls him toward her; with the other, she searches for a rock to use as a weapon. Her hand closes on an appropriate one.
Isabelle: Can you do something for me, Lars?
Lars: Yeah.
Isabelle clobbers him with the rock. He collapses to the ground.
Isabelle: (in a nasty tone) Sleep!
She gets up in disgust and moves toward the lean-to.
Argus moves through the camp, fondles the face of the Simmonite leader who bridles at the touch. He looks around the camp.
Argus: Any of you men seen Lars?
The men shake their heads. Argus is alarmed.
Argus: You three, come with me!
They run off and soon find Lars unconscious on the ground. Argus checks him, sees the blood on his head, then jumps up and runs to the dynamite dump. They enter the lean-to to see the fuse burning close to the barrels of dynamite.
Argus: (panicky) Run! (As he yells, all flee from the tent.)
Isabelle hides, safe in the jungle. Argus and his men are just outside the tent as the dynamite goes off in a series of explosions. The men are tossed through the air by the force of the explosion. Isabelle covers her ears from the deafening noise. Chaos erupts on the riverbank.
Mauriri and David take advantage of the bedlam to attack two guards. They seize the guns and encourage the natives and sect members to run away. The other guards begin to shoot at them as Mauriri stands alone, blazing away at them with his pistol.
Mauriri: Come on, everybody. Get going! (As Argus’ men charge forward.) Other way!
Soon attackers and defenders are forced to take cover behind boulders.
Walsh, crouching beside David holds out his hand for a gun.
Walsh: Come on. You need me.
Grief: (gives him a rifle) Don’t make me regret this.
Grief, Mauriri and Walsh are hunkered behind rock as most of the others have escaped. The Simmonite leader stumbles then turns back to retrieve her Bible. Argus, who had been stunned by the explosion, regains his wits in time to see her escaping. Isabelle, still in the jungle, sees that Mauriri and David are pinned down by gunfire. She makes her decision and scrambles toward them, carrying with her a canvas bag. The guards fire furiously at this exposed target and ducking, she throws herself across the rocks and slides into David’s lap.
Grief: (smiling widely) Good job at the ammo dump. (Isabelle is panting as she laughs, clearly appreciating the compliment.) Got any other ideas?
Isabelle: (very pleased with herself) Many of them.
She reaches into her bag and pulls out sticks of dynamite equipped with fuses. David laughs in appreciation.
Isabelle: Matches?
Walsh: (reaching forward with matches) Glad to be of service.
The guards continue to fire as Isabelle distributes the dynamite, fuses lit until each is holding a stick.
Grief: Now! (They all toss their dynamite)
The guards look behind themselves in dismay as the dynamite lands then duck for cover as three explosions rock the area. The defenders rise to see the miners motionless on the ground.
Walsh: Well, that looks like all of them!
Argus: (from behind them) Not quite. (Gun drawn, he has the Simmonite leader, still clutching her bible, as a shield before him.) Put the guns down now.
Walsh, Isabelle, Grief and Mauriri immediately drop their guns. Grief steps toward Argus.
Grief: It’s over, Argus. You’ve lost.
Argus: I’m going back to my boat and if I hear so much as one footstep behind me, then, uh, the bible girl gets it.
Grief: (very sure) You can’t shoot her.
Argus: (surprised) Oh, really? Why not?
Grief: Because she’s protected… (looking meaningfully at the Simmonite leader) …by the good book.
The Simmonite leader hears the hint and responds, smashing the Bible into Argus’ face, then bolting. Mauriri and David dash toward Argus as Isabelle retrieves her pistol from the ground. Grief nails the stunned man with a knee to the chin. Walsh hits the ground as Isabelle levels her gun at him. Mauriri tosses his Simmonite hat on the fallen man’s head and smiles in triumph. David looks at the Simmonite leader, a grin on his face.
Grief: Not bad … for a pacifist! (She smiles shyly)
Walsh attempts to sneak away quietly behind Isabelle. She hears him and swivels her gun to bear on him.
Isabelle: Uh! Going somewhere? (Walsh puts on a display of surprised innocence.)
At the dock at Matavai
Lavinia approaches Lacombe as he waits on the dock.
Lacombe: Where are your bags? (silence) You’re not coming.
Lavinia: (with difficulty) You deserve someone who can love you with all of their heart, not someone who may love you someday. (Lacombe looks away) Are you angry?
Lacombe: No…I knew I was moving too fast for you. I thought maybe a proposal would awaken feelings inside of you that you didn’t know you had.
Lavinia: I do have feelings for you. This was just too fast… Who knows… maybe in a month, I will kick myself for having let you go.
Lacombe: (with emphasis) I hope so. (They gently kiss and sigh with regret.) Take care.
Lavinia: And you.
He puts on his cap and strides away towards a waiting lifeboat.
Lavinia remains motionless on the dock, armed crossed, a troubled look on her face, still watching him as he leaves. Colin sees her from behind, a troubled look on his face as well. Morlais comes alongside him.
Morlais: Ah, here they come!
From the shore walk David, Walsh, Isabelle and Mauriri.
Grief: Here’s another man from your ‘Wanted’ list, Morlais. I’ll have to start charging you commission soon. (Walsh is restless behind Grief, looking around. Isabelle remains conscious of his every move.)
Colin: (to Isabelle) Is this the gentleman? (She responds with raised eyebrows and a smile.)
Walsh: Reverend, look, I want you to know I had no idea the money was from a church.
Isabelle: (interrupting) Just give him the money.
Walsh: Yes. Look, I was hoping that perhaps we could deal with this matter with a certified cheque.
Isabelle: (interrupting again, this time in a threatening tone) Leo.
Walsh: (in a frustrated manner) I suppose not. (He pulls out a wad of cash and reluctantly hands it to Colin.) Well, it’s been a pleasure doing business with you. (He turns to leave.)
Morlais: ot so fast, Walsh. You’re wanted for questioning in a number of other cases. (to his soldiers) Take him away.
Walsh: (disturbed) There must be some kind of mistake. I…
Guard: Come along, sir.
Walsh: Come now, gentlemen, we can reach some kind of… (his voice fades as he’s led away)
Isabelle: (clearly worried that she has ruined her relationship with Trent) I’m sorry, Colin.
Colin: No. You were right. I’m sorry I doubted your word. (Isabelle smiles in relief and walks away.)
David remains standing there staring at Lavinia as she returns from the dock. She sees him watching, hesitates for a moment, and then continues on her way. Mauriri sees the interplay between them, looks at David, claps him sympathetically on the shoulder and walks away. Lavinia and David continue to make eye contact as she passes until finally Grief looks away. Taking a deep breath, he looks out to sea, lost in his thoughts.
Closing credits
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