New Orleans Republican., 1868-12-14
"BLOw FOR BLOW"

The Plot and Incidents.
The play of "Blow for Blow" is having a
long run at the Boston Museum, and the
Transcript, of that city, gives the following
synopsis of its plot:
The prologue tells US that Josiah Grad
dock, a lawyer, who had embezzled some
trust money in his charge, had committed
forgery to raise the means to replace the
trust money, that his daughter Mildred is
engaged to Lieutenant Linden, naval Off
GER heir to baronetcy and with other great
expectations; that Drummond, head clerk
to Crsddock, is a rejected suitor for the
hand of Mildred. In pressing his suit he
ISLANDERS her accepted lover, and being over
heard by Linden receives a sound thrashing
and is determined upon having revenge
therefor. Craddock's arrest for the forgery
gives the clerk his first opportunity to return
blow for blow, and he does this by produc-
ing the conclusive evidence against his EN-
ployer. His triumph is somewhat dashed
when he finds that Linden holds his faith
and will still marry the daughter of felon.
There are also two other characters intro.
duced who have not much to do with the
plot, but great deal toward enlivening
rather serious story. These are Charley
Seraggs, second clerk in Craddock's Office,
and Kitty Wobbler.
The first act OF the drama commences
after lapse of five years; Mildred is dead,
her death having occurred during the alb
sence Of her husband at sea, and twin
sister of Mildred. who bears striking re-
semblance to her, Is introduced in the per-
son OF Mrs. Alice Petherick, widow, and
in reduced circumstances. We are also
made acquainted with the good genius of
the play, who in the end unravels all entan.
clements and sets everything to rights, DR..
Grace, by name. To Alice comes the still
revengeful clerk, with story of cruelty and
fha v1or Of nd 40 rd ha,
sister, and by working upon the strong
affection for her, enlists Alice in his plans
tor revenge. Linden is married again, and
happy, with the exception of the moments
of reflection he sometimes gives to the OBJ
scure story Of Mildred's fate. Our eccen.
tric friend, Charley. spraggs, and the
sprigbtly Kitty Wobbler also turn up In
the drama, and are frequent visters to Alice,
as is also DR.. Grace, in his professional Ca
pacity. Drummond introduces Alice to
Linden as Mildred, having first informed
him that she is still alive, and the resem-
blance is so strong that he has no doubt of
the truth of the story.
Overwhelmed with this misfortune, re.
vering the memory Of his first wife. and
loving his second, it may be imagined that
tine new Sir Harvey Linden, baronet, Is in
very distressing dilemma. A portrait of
Mildred being shown to DR.. Grace, raises
the suspicion of the latter as to the truth of
the story. He recognizes it rs the likeness
OF Alice. Lady Linden meanwhile visits
Alice, and proves to her that her husband
was true to the memory Of Mildred, and
also awakens her suspicious as to the part
played BY DFummond. She sees she has
been made tool of to further his revenge,
and his shameless disclosure to her OF his
intention 70 raise money from Linden, com
pletes the discovery. Indignant at this
knowledge, and remorseful for the injury
she had inflicted upon Innocent neraons
she discloses the plot and denounces the
villain. Craddock aso reappears and adds
his denunciations II does not appear what
is done to the bafied clerk, but In the Lon.
don representation of the play he Is hurried,
after brief struggle with his former EN-
ployer. from thirdstory window into the
street. This rather startling and abrupt
termination Of his career Is very properly
dispensed with at the Museum.
1t may be brought ont on the New Or
leans boards shortly.