SCENE. _The Ellingham Homestead in the Shenandoah Valley. Exterior.
Three Top Mountain in the distance. A corner of the house, with
projecting end of veranda. Low wall extending up from veranda. A wide
opening in the wall, with a low, heavy stone post, with flat top, on
each side. Beyond the wall and opening, a road runs across stage.
At the back of this road, elevation of rock and turf. This slopes up
behind wood wing. It is level on the top about twelve feet; slopes
down to road, and also out behind wood wings. The level part in the
centre rises to about four feet above the stage. Beyond this elevation
the distance is a broad valley, with Three Top Mountain rising on the
right. Foliage appropriate to northern Virginia--walnut, cottonwood,
&c. Rustic seats and table. Seat near veranda. A low rock near the
stone post. Sunset when curtain rises. As the act proceeds this fades
into twilight and then bright moonlight. The number references for the
trumpet signals, in this and the next act, are to the official book,
entitled "Cavalry Tactics, United States Army," published by D.
Appleton & Co., N.Y., 1887. The number references for the Torch
Signals, in this act, are to the General Service Code. This code may
be found, with illustrations and instructions, in a book entitled
"Signal Tactics," by Lieutenant Hugh T. Reed, U.S. Army, published by
John Riley & Sons, N.Y., 1880. At rise of curtain, Trumpet Signal
No. 34 or No. 35 is heard very distant._ GERTRUDE _and_ MADELINE
_discovered on elevation up center._ GERTRUDE _is shading her eyes
with her hand and looking off._ MADELINE _stands a little below her,
on the incline, resting her arm about_ GERTRUDE'S _waist, also looking
off._
GERTRUDE. It is a regiment of Union Cavalry. The Federal troops now
have their lines three miles beyond us, and only a month ago the
Confederate Army was north of Winchester. One army or the other has
been marching up and down the Shenandoah Valley for three years. I
wonder what the next change will be. We in Virginia have had more than
our share of the war. [_Looking off._
MADELINE. You have, indeed, Gertrude. [_Walking down to seat._] And we
at home in Washington have pitied you so much. But everybody says that
there will be peace in the Valley after this. [_Dropping into seat._
GERTRUDE. Peace! [_Coming down._] That word means something very
different to us poor Southerners from what it means to you.
MADELINE. I know, dear; and we in the North know how you have
suffered, too. We were very glad when General Buckthorn was appointed
to the command of the Nineteenth Army Corps, so that Jenny could get
permission for herself and me to come and visit you.
GERTRUDE. The old General will do anything for Jenny, I suppose.
MADELINE. Yes. [_Laughing._] We say in Washington that Jenny is in
command of the Nineteenth Army Corps herself.
GERTRUDE. I was never more astonished or delighted in my life than
when you and Jenny Buckthorn rode up, this morning, with a guard from
Winchester; and Madeline, dear, I--I only wish that my brother Robert
could be here, too. Do you remember in Charleston, darling--that
morning--when I told you that--that Robert loved you?
MADELINE. He--[_Looking down._]--he told me so himself only a little
while afterwards, and while we were standing there, on the shore of
the bay--the--the shot was fired which compelled him to enter this
awful war--and me to return to my home in the North.
GERTRUDE. I was watching for that shot, too. [_Turning._
MADELINE. Yes--[_Rising_.]--you and brother Kerchival--
GERTRUDE. We won't talk about that, my dear. We were speaking of
Robert. As I told you this morning, I have not heard from him since
the battle of Winchester, a month ago. Oh, Madeline! the many, many
long weeks, like these, we have suffered, after some terrible battle
in which he has been engaged. I do not know, now, whether he is living
or dead.
MADELINE. The whole war has been one long suspense to me. [_Dropping
her face into her hands_.
GERTRUDE. My dear sister! [_Placing her arm about her waist and moving
left_.] You are a Northern girl, and I am a Rebel--but we are sisters.
[_They go up veranda and out_. An OLD COUNTRYMAN _comes in on a cane.
He stops and glances back, raises a broken portion of the capstone
of post, and places a letter under it_. GERTRUDE _has stepped back on
veranda and is watching him. He raises his head sharply, looking at
her and bringing his finger to his lips. He drops his head again, as
with age, and goes out._
GERTRUDE _moves down to stage and up to road, looks right and left,
raises the broken stone, glancing back as she does so; takes letter
and moves down_.] Robert is alive! It is his handwriting! [_Tears open
the wrapper_.] Only a line from him! and this--a despatch--and also a
letter to me! Why, it is from Mrs. Haverill--from Washington--with a
United States postmark. [_Reads from a scrap of paper_.]
"The enclosed despatch must be in the hands of Captain Edward Thornton
before eight o'clock to-night. We have signaled to him from Three Top
Mountain, and he is waiting for it at the bend in Oak Run. Our trusty
scout at the Old Forge will carry it if you will put it in his hands."
The scout is not there, now; I will carry it to Captain Thornton
myself. I--I haven't my own dear horse to depend on now; Jack knew
every foot of the way through the woods about here; he could have
carried a despatch himself. I can't bear to think of Jack; it's
two years since he was captured by the enemy--and if he is still
living--I--I suppose he is carrying one of their officers. No! Jack
wouldn't fight on that side. He was a Rebel--as I am. He was one of
the Black Horse Cavalry--his eyes always flashed towards the North.
Poor Jack! my pet. [_Brushing her eyes_.] But this is no time for
tears. I must do the best I can with the gray horse. Captain Thornton
shall have the despatch. [_Reads from note_.]
"I also enclose a letter for you. I found it in a United States
mail-bag which we captured from the enemy."
Oh--that's the way Mrs. Haverill's letter came--ha--ha--ha--by way of
the Rebel Army! [_Opens it; reads._]
"My Darling Gertrude: When Colonel Kerchival West was in Washington
last week, on his way from Chattanooga, to serve under Sheridan in the
Shenandoah Valley, he called upon me. It was the first time I had seen
him since the opening of the war. I am certain that he still loves
you, dear." [_She kisses the letter eagerly, then draws up._
It is quite immaterial to me whether Kerchival West still loves me or
not. [_Reads._
"I have kept your secret, my darling."--Ah! my secret!--"but I
was sorely tempted to betray the confidence you reposed in me at
Charleston. If Kerchival West had heard you say, as I did, when your
face was hidden in my bosom, that night, that you loved him with your
whole heart--"--Oh! I could bite my tongue out now for making that
confession--[_Looks down at letter with a smile._] "I am certain
that he still loves you." [_Trumpet Signal No. 41. Kisses the letter
repeatedly. Trumpet Signal No. 41, louder than at first. She starts,
listening._
JENNY BUCKTHORN _runs in on the veranda._
JENNY. Do you hear, Gertrude, they are going to pass this very house.
[_Military band. "John Brown" playing in the distance. Chorus of
Soldiers._] I've been watching them through my glass; it is Colonel
Kerchival West's regiment.
GERTRUDE. [_Eagerly, then coldly._] Colonel West's! It is perfectly
indifferent to me whose regiment it is.
JENNY. Oh! Of course. [_Coming down._] It is equally indifferent to
me; Captain Heartsease is in command of the first troop. [_Trumpet
Signal No. 52._] Column right! [_She runs up to road. Looks._] They
are coming up the hill.
GERTRUDE. At my very door! And Kerchival West in command! I will not
stand here and see them pass. The despatch for Captain Thornton! I
will carry it to him as soon as they are gone. [_Exit up veranda, the
band and chorus increasing in volume._
JENNY. Cavalry! That's the branch of the service I was born in; I was
in a fort at the time--on the Plains. Sergeant Barket always said that
my first baby squall was a command to the garrison; if any officer
or soldier, from my father down, failed to obey my orders, I
court-martialed him on the spot. I'll make 'em pass in review.
[_Jumping up on the rustic seat._] Yes! [_Looking off._] There's
Captain Heartsease himself, at the head of the first troop. Draw
sabre! [_With parasol._] Present! [_Imitating the action. Music. The
band and chorus now full and loud; she swings parasol in time. Trumpet
Signal No. 40. Band and chorus suddenly cease._] Halt! Why, they are
stopping here. [_Trumpet Signal No. 38._] Dismount! I--I wonder if
they are going to--I do believe--[_Looking left eagerly. Trumpet
Signal No. 17._] Assembly of Guard Details! As sure as fate, they
are going into camp here. We girls will have a jolly time. [_Jumping
down._] Ha--ha--ha--ha! Let me see. How shall I receive Captain
Heartsease? He deserves a court-martial, for he stole my lace
handkerchief--at Mrs. Grayson's reception--in Washington. He was
called away by orders to the West that very night, and we haven't met
since. [_Sighs._] He's been in lots of battles since then; I suppose
he's forgotten all about the handkerchief. We girls, at home, don't
forget such things. We aren't in battles. All we do is to--to scrape
lint and flirt with other officers.
_Enter_ CAPTAIN HEARTSEASE, _followed by_ COLONEL ROBERT ELLINGHAM;
_stops at gate._
HEARTSEASE. This way, Colonel Ellingham. [_They enter. As they come
down,_ HEARTSEASE _stops suddenly, looking at_ JENNY; _puts up his
glasses._] Miss Buckthorn!
JENNY. Captain Heartsease!
HEARTSEASE. [_Very quietly and with perfect composure._] I am
thunderstruck. The unexpected sight of you has thrown me into a fever
of excitement.
JENNY. Has it? [_Aside._] If he gets so excited as that in battle, it
must be awful. [_Aloud._] Colonel Ellingham! [_Crossing to him._
ELLINGHAM. Miss Buckthorn! You are visiting my sister? I am what may
be called a visitor--by force--myself.
JENNY. Oh! You're a prisoner!
ELLINGHAM. I ventured too far within the Union lines to-night, and
they have picked me up. But Major Wilson has kindly accepted my
parole, and I shall make the best of it.
JENNY. Is Major Wilson in command of the regiment?
HEARTSEASE. Yes. Colonel West is to join us at this point, during the
evening.
ELLINGHAM. I am very glad you are here, Miss Buckthorn, with Gertrude.
JENNY. Somebody here will be delighted to see you, Colonel.
ELLINGHAM. My sister can hardly be pleased to see me as a prisoner.
JENNY. Not your sister. [_Passing him and crossing to veranda, turns
and beckons to him. She motions with her thumb over her shoulder. He
goes up the steps of the veranda and turns._
ELLINGHAM. What do you mean?
JENNY. I mean this--[_Reaching up her face, he leans down, placing his
ear near her lips._]--somebody else's sister! When she first sees you,
be near enough to catch her.
ELLINGHAM. I understand you! Madeline! [_Exit on veranda._ JENNY _runs
up steps after him, stops and looks back at_ HEARTSEASE _over the
railing._ HEARTSEASE _takes a lace handkerchief from his pocket._
JENNY. I do believe that's my handkerchief. [A GUARD OF SENTRIES
_marches in and across stage in road. The_ CORPORAL _in command orders
halt and a_ SENTRY _to post, then marches_ GUARD _out. The_ SENTRY
_stands with his back to audience, afterwards moving out, appearing
and disappearing during Act._
HEARTSEASE. Miss Buckthorn! I owe you an apology. After I left
your side, the last time we met, I found your handkerchief in my
possession. I assure you, it was an accident.
JENNY. [_Aside, pouting._] I thought he _intended_ to steal it.
[_Aloud._] That was more than a year ago. [_Then brightly._] Do you
always carry it with you?
HEARTSEASE. Always; there. [_Indicating his left breast pocket._
JENNY. Next to his heart!
HEARTSEASE. Shall I return it to you?
JENNY. Oh, if a lace handkerchief can be of any use to you, Captain,
during the hardships of a campaign--you--you may keep that one. You
soldiers have so few comforts--and it's real lace.
HEARTSEASE. Thank you. [_Returning handkerchief to his pocket._] Miss
Buckthorn, your papa is in command of the Nineteenth Army Corps. He
doesn't like me.
JENNY. I know it.
HEARTSEASE. But you are in command of him,
JENNY. Yes; I always have been.
HEARTSEASE. If ever you decide to assume command of any other man,
I--I trust you will give _me_ your orders.
JENNY. [_Aside, starting back._] If that was intended for a proposal,
it's the queerest-shaped one I ever heard of. [_Aloud._] Do you mean,
Captain, that--that you--I must command myself now. [_Shouldering her
parasol._] 'Bout--face! March! [_Turning squarely around, marches up
and out on veranda._
HEARTSEASE. I have been placed on waiting orders. [_Stepping up and
looking after her; then very quietly and without emotion._] I am in an
agony of suspense. The sight of that girl always arouses the strongest
emotions of my nature.
[_Enter_ COLONEL KERCHIVAL WEST, _looking at paper in his hand. The_
SENTINEL, _in road, comes to a salute._]
Colonel West!
KERCHIVAL. Captain!
HEARTSEASE. You have rejoined the regiment sooner than we expected.
KERCHIVAL. [_Looking at paper._] Yes; General Haverill is to meet me
here at seven o'clock. Major Wilson tells me that some of your company
captured Colonel Robert Ellingham, of the Tenth Virginia.
HEARTSEASE. He is here under parole.
KERCHIVAL. And this is the old Ellingham homestead. [_Aside._]
Gertrude herself is here, I suppose; almost a prisoner to me, like
her brother; and my troops surround their home. She must, indeed, feel
that I am her enemy now. Ah, well, war is war. [_Aloud._] By the bye,
Heartsease, a young Lieutenant, Frank Bedloe, has joined our troop?
HEARTSEASE. Yes; an excellent young officer.
KERCHIVAL. I sent for him as I came through the camp. Lieutenant Frank
"Bedloe" is the son of General Haverill.
HEARTSEASE. Indeed! Under an assumed name!
KERCHIVAL. He was supposed to have been killed in New Orleans more
than a year ago; but he was taken prisoner instead. [_Looking left._
HEARTSEASE. He is here.
KERCHIVAL. I should never have known him--with his full beard and
bronzed face. His face was as smooth as a boy's when I last met him in
Charleston.
_Enter_ LIEUTENANT FRANK BEDLOE; _he stops, saluting._
FRANK. You wished me to report to you, Colonel?
KERCHIVAL. You have been assigned to the regiment during my absence.
FRANK. Yes, sir. [KERCHIVAL _moves to him and grasps his hand; looks
into his eyes a moment before speaking._
KERCHIVAL. Frank Haverill.
FRANK. You--you know me, sir?
KERCHIVAL. I saw Mrs. Haverill while I was passing through Washington
on Saturday. She told me that you had escaped from prison in Richmond,
and had re-entered the service. She did not know then that you
had been assigned to my regiment. I received a letter from her, in
Winchester, this morning, informing me of the fact, and asking for my
good offices in your behalf. But here is the letter. [_Taking letter
from wallet and giving it to him._] It is for you rather than for me.
I shall do everything I can for you, my dear fellow.
FRANK. Thank you, sir. [_Opens letter, dropping the envelope upon the
table._] Kind, thoughtful and gentle to my faults, as ever--[_Looking
at the letter._]--and always thinking of my welfare. My poor little
wife, too, is under her protection. Gentlemen, I beg of you not to
reveal my secret to my father.
KERCHIVAL. General Haverill shall know nothing from us, my boy; you
have my word for that.
HEARTSEASE. Nothing.
KERCHIVAL. And he cannot possibly recognize you. What with your full
beard, and thinking as he does, that you are--
FRANK. That I am dead. I am dead to him. It would have been better
if I had died. Nothing but my death--not even that--can wipe out the
disgrace which I brought upon his name.
HEARTSEASE. [_Looking right._] General Haverill has arrived.
_Enter_ GENERAL HAVERILL _with a_ STAFF OFFICER.
FRANK. My father!
HAVERILL. [_Exchanging salutes with the three officers. He turns to
the_ STAFF OFFICER, _giving him a paper and brief instructions in dumb
show. The_ OFFICER _goes out over the incline. Another_ STAFF OFFICER
_enters, salutes and hands him a paper, then stands up stage._]
Ah! The men are ready. [_Looking at the paper. Then to_ KERCHIVAL.]
Colonel! I have a very important matter to arrange with you; there
is not a moment to be lost. I will ask Captain Heartsease to remain.
[FRANK _salutes and starts up stage;_ HAVERILL _looks at him, starting
slightly; raises his hand to detain him._] One moment; your name!
HEARTSEASE. Lieutenant Bedloe, General, of my own troop, and one of
our best officers. [HAVERILL _steps to_ FRANK, _looking into his face
a moment._
HAVERILL. Pardon me! [_Stepping down stage._ FRANK _moves up, stops
and looks back at him._ HAVERILL _stands a moment in thought, covers
his face with one hand, then draws up._] Colonel West! We have a
most dangerous piece of work for a young officer--[FRANK _starts
joyfully._]--to lead a party of men, whom I have already selected. I
cannot order an officer to undertake anything so nearly hopeless; he
must be a volunteer.
FRANK. Oh, sir, General! Let me be their leader.
HAVERILL. I thought you had passed on.
FRANK. Do not refuse me, sir. [HAVERILL _looks at him a moment._
HEARTSEASE _and_ KERCHIVAL _exchange glances._
HAVERILL. You are the man we need, my young friend. You shall go.
Listen! We wish to secure a key to the cipher despatches, which the
enemy are now sending from their signal station on Three Top Mountain.
There is another Confederate Signal Station in the Valley, just beyond
Buckton's Ford. [_Pointing._] Your duty will be this: First, to get
inside the enemy's line; then to follow a path through the woods,
with one of our scouts as your guide; attack the Station suddenly, and
secure their code, if possible. I have this moment received word that
the scout and the men are at the fort, now, awaiting their
leader. Major McCandless, of my staff, will take you to the place.
[_Indicating the_ STAFF OFFICER. FRANK _exchanges salutes with him._]
My young friend! I do not conceal from you the dangerous nature of the
work on which I am sending you. If--if you do not return, I--I will
write, myself, to your friends. [_Taking out note-book._] Have you a
father living?
FRANK. My--father--is--is--he is--
HAVERILL. I understand you. A mother? Or--
KERCHIVAL. I have the address of Lieutenant Bedloe's friends, General.
HAVERILL. I will ask you to give it to me, if necessary. [_Extends his
hand._] Good-bye, my lad. [FRANK _moves to him._ HAVERILL _grasps his
hand, warmly._] Keep a brave heart and come back to us. [FRANK _moves
up stage. Exit_ STAFF OFFICER.
FRANK. He is my father still. [_Exit._
HAVERILL. My dead boy's face! [_Dropping his face into both hands._
HEARTSEASE. [_Apart to_ KERCHIVAL.] He shall not go alone. [_Aloud._]
General! Will you kindly give me leave of absence from the command?
HAVERILL. Leave of absence! To an officer in active service--and in
the presence of the enemy?
KERCHIVAL. [_Taking hand of_ HEARTSEASE. _Apart._] God bless you, old
fellow! Look after the boy.
HAVERILL. A--h--[_With a sudden thought, turns._] I think I understand
you, Captain Heartsease. Yes; you may have leave of absence.
HEARTSEASE. Thank you. [_Salutes._ HAVERILL _and_ KERCHIVAL _salute.
Exit_ HEARTSEASE.
KERCHIVAL. Have you any further orders for me, General?
HAVERILL. I wish you to understand the great importance of the duty
to which I have just assigned this young officer. General Sheridan
started for Washington this noon, by way of Front Royal. Since his
departure, we have had reason to believe that the enemy are about
to move, and we must be able to read their signal despatches, if
possible. [_Sitting._] I have ordered Captain Lockwood, of our own
Signal Corps, to report to you here, with officers and men. [_Takes up
the empty envelope on table, unconsciously, as he speaks, tapping it
on the table._] If Lieutenant Bedloe succeeds in getting the key
to the enemy's cipher, we can signal from this point--[_Pointing
to elevation._]--to our station at Front Royal. Men and horses are
waiting there now, to carry forward a message, if necessary, to
General Sheridan himself. [_He starts suddenly, looking at the
envelope in his hand; reads address. Aside._] "Colonel Kerchival
West"--in my wife's handwriting.
KERCHIVAL. I'll attend to your orders.
HAVERILL. Postmarked at Washington, yesterday. [_Reads._] "Private and
confidential." [_Aloud._] Colonel West! I found a paragraph, to-day,
in a paper published in Richmond, taken from a prisoner. I will read
it to you. [_Takes newspaper slip from his wallet and reads._]
"From the Charleston Mercury. Captain Edward Thornton, of the
Confederate Secret Service, has been assigned to duty in the
Shenandoah Valley. Our gallant Captain still bears upon his face the
mark of his meeting, in 1861, with Lieutenant, now Colonel Kerchival
West, who is also to serve in the Valley, with Sheridan's Army.
Another meeting between these two men would be one of the strange
coincidences of the war, as they were at one time, if not indeed at
present, interested in the same beautiful woman." [_Rises._]
I will ask you to read the last few lines, yourself. [_Hands KERCHIVAL
the slip._
KERCHIVAL. [_Reading._] "The scandal connected with the lovely wife
of a Northern officer, at the opening of the war, was overshadowed,
of course, by the attack on Fort Sumter; but many Charlestonians will
remember it. The lady in defense of whose good name Captain Thornton
fought the duel"--he defending her good name!--"is the wife of General
Haverill, who will be Colonel West's immediate commander." [_He pauses
a moment, then hands back the slip._] General! I struck Mr. Thornton,
after a personal quarrel.
HAVERILL. And the cause of the blow? There is much more in this than
I have ever known of. I need hardly say that I do not accept the
statement of this scandalous paragraph as correct. I will ask you to
tell me the whole story, frankly, as man to man.
KERCHIVAL. [_After a moment's thought._] I will tell
you--all--frankly, General.
_Enter_ SERGEANT BARKET.
BARKET. Colonel West? Adjutant Rollins wishes to report--a
prisoner--just captured.
HAVERILL. We will meet again later, to-night, when the camp is at
rest. We are both soldiers, and have duties before us, at once. For
the present, Colonel, be on the alert; we must watch the enemy.
[_He moves up stage._ BARKET _salutes._ HAVERILL _stops and looks at
envelope in his hands, reading._] "Private and confidential." [_Exit._
KERCHIVAL. Sergeant Barket! Lieutenant Bedloe has crossed the enemy's
line, at Buckton's Ford, with a party of men. I wish you to ride to
the Ford yourself, and remain there, with your horse in readiness and
fresh. As soon as any survivor of the party returns, ride back with
the first news at full speed.
BARKET. Yes, sir. [_Starting._
KERCHIVAL. You say a prisoner has been captured? Is it a spy?
BARKET. Worse--a petticoat.
KERCHIVAL. A female prisoner! [_Dropping into seat._
BARKET. I towld the byes your honour wouldn't thank us fer the
catchin' of her. The worst of it is she's a lady; and what's worse
still, it's a purty one.
KERCHIVAL. Tell Major Wilson, for me, to let her take the oath, and
everything else she wants. The Government of the United States will
send her an apology and a new bonnet.
BARKET. The young lady is to take the oath, is it? She says she'll see
us damned first.
KERCHIVAL. A lady, Barket?
BARKET. Well! she didn't use thim exact words. That's the way I
understand her emphasis. Ivery time she looks at me, I feel like
getting under a boom-proof. She was dashing through the woods on a
gray horse, sur; and we had the divil's own chase. But we came up wid
her, at last, down by the bend in Oak Run. Just at that moment we saw
the figure of a Confederate officer, disappearing among the trays on
the ither side.
KERCHIVAL. A--h!
BARKET. Two of us rayturned wid the girl; and the rist wint after the
officer. Nothing has been heard of thim yet.
KERCHIVAL. Have you found any despatches on the prisoner?
BARKET. Well!--yer honour, I'm a bachelor, meself; and I'm not familar
with the jayography of the sex. We byes are in mortal terror for fear
somebody might order us to go on an exploring expedition.
KERCHIVAL. Tell them to send the prisoner here, Barket, and hurry to
Buckton's Ford yourself, at once.
BARKET. As fast as me horse can carry me, sir, and it's a good one.
[_Exit._
KERCHIVAL. I'd rather deal with half the Confederate Army than with
one woman, but I must question her. They captured her down by the Bend
in Oak Run. [_Taking out map; looks at it._] I see. She had just
met, or was about to meet, a Confederate officer at that point. It
is evident that she was either taking him a despatch or was there to
receive one. Oak Run. [CORPORAL DUNN _and Two_ SOLDIERS _enter, with_
GERTRUDE _as a prisoner. They stop;_ KERCHIVAL _sits studying map._
GERTRUDE _glances at him and marches down with head erect; stops, with
her back to him._
CORPORAL DUNN. The prisoner, Colonel West!
KERCHIVAL. Ah! Very well, Corporal; you can go. [_Rising; he motions
the_ GUARD _to retire._ CORPORAL DUNN _gives the necessary orders and
exit with_ GUARD.] Be seated, madam. [GERTRUDE _draws up, folding
her arms and planting her foot, spitefully._ KERCHIVAL _shrugs his
shoulder. Aside._] I wish they'd capture a tigress for me, or some
other female animal that I know how to manage better than I do a
woman. [_Aloud._] I am very sorry, madam, but, of course, my duty as
a military officer is paramount to all other considerations. You have
been captured within the lines of this army, and under circumstances
which lead me to think that you have important despatches upon your
person. I trust that you will give me whatever you have at once. I
shall be exceedingly sorry if you compel me to adopt the extreme--and
the very disagreeable course--for both of us--of having--you--I--I
hesitate even to use the word, madam--but military law is
absolute--having you--
GERTRUDE. Searched! If you dare, Colonel West! [_Turning to him
suddenly and drawing up to her full height._
KERCHIVAL. Gertrude Ellingham! [_Springs across to her, with his arms
extended._] My dear Gertrude!
GERTRUDE. [_Turning her back upon him._] Not "dear Gertrude" to you,
sir!
KERCHIVAL. Not?--Oh! I forgot.
GERTRUDE. [_Coldly._] I am your prisoner.
KERCHIVAL. Yes. [_Drawing up firmly, with a change of manner._] We
will return to the painful realities of war. I am very sorry that
you have placed yourself in a position like this, and, believe me,
Gertrude--[_With growing tenderness._]--I am still more sorry to be in
such a position myself. [_Resting one hand on her arm, and his other
arm about her waist._
GERTRUDE. [_After looking down at his hands._] You don't like the
position? [_He starts back, drawing up with dignity._] Is that the
paramount duty of a military officer?
KERCHIVAL. You will please hand me whatever despatches or other papers
may be in your possession.
GERTRUDE. [_Looking away._] You will _force_ me, I suppose. I am a
woman; you have the power. Order in the guard! A corporal and two
men--you'd better make it a dozen--I am dangerous! Call the whole
regiment to arms! Beat the long roll! I won't give up, if all the
armies of the United States surround me.
_Enter_ GENERAL BUCKTHORN.
KERCHIVAL. General Buckthorn! [_Saluting._
BUCKTHORN. Colonel West.
GERTRUDE. [_Aside._] Jenny's father! [BUCKTHORN _glances at_ GERTRUDE,
_who still stands looking away. He moves down to_ KERCHIVAL.
BUCKTHORN. [_Apart, gruffly._] I was passing with my staff, and I
was informed that you had captured a woman bearing despatches to the
enemy. Is this the one?
KERCHIVAL. Yes, General.
BUCKTHORN. Ah! [_Turning, looks at her._
GERTRUDE. I wonder if he will recognize me. He hasn't seen me since I
was a little girl. [_Turns toward, him._
BUCKTHORN. [_Turning to_ KERCHIVAL; _punches him in the ribs._] Fine
young woman!--[_Turns and bows to her very gallantly, removing his
hat. She bows deeply in return._] A-h-e-m! [_Suddenly pulling himself
up to a stern, military air; then gruffly to_ KERCHIVAL, _extending
his hand._] Let me see the despatches.
KERCHIVAL. She declines positively to give them up.
BUCKTHORN. Oh! Does she? [_Walks thoughtfully; turns._] My dear young
lady! I trust you will give us no further trouble. Kindly let us have
those despatches.
GERTRUDE. [_Looking away._] I have no despatches, and I would not give
them to you if I had.
BUCKTHORN. What! You defy my authority? Colonel West, I command you!
Search the prisoner! [GERTRUDE _turns suddenly towards_ KERCHIVAL,
_facing him defiantly. He looks across at her aghast. A moment's
pause._
KERCHIVAL. General Buckthorn--I decline to obey that order.
BUCKTHORN. You--you decline to obey my order! [_Moves down to him
fiercely._
KERCHIVAL. [_Apart._] General! It is the woman I love.
BUCKTHORN. [_Apart._] Is it? Damn you, sir! I wouldn't have an officer
in my army corps who would obey me, under such circumstances. I'll
have to look for those despatches myself.
KERCHIVAL. [_Facing him, angrily._] If you dare, General Buckthorn!
BUCKTHORN. [_Apart._] Blast your eyes! I'd kick you out of the army if
you'd _let_ me search her; but it's my military duty to swear at you.
[_To_ GERTRUDE.] Colonel West has sacrificed his life to protect you.
GERTRUDE. His life!
BUCKTHORN. I shall have him shot for insubordination to his commander,
immediately. [_Gives_ KERCHIVAL _a huge wink, and turns._
GERTRUDE. Oh, sir! General! I have told you the truth. I have no
despatches. Believe me, sir, I haven't so much as a piece of paper
about me, except--
BUCKTHORN. Except? [_Turning sharply._
GERTRUDE. Only a letter. Here it is. [_Taking letter from the bosom of
her dress._] Upon my soul, it is all I have. Truly it is.
BUCKTHORN. [_Taking letter._] Colonel West, you're reprieved. [_Winks
at_ KERCHIVAL, _who turns away, laughing._ BUCKTHORN _reads letter._]
"Washington"--Ho!--ho! From within our own lines!--"Colonel Kerchival
West--"
KERCHIVAL. Eh?
GERTRUDE. Please, General!--Don't read it aloud.
BUCKTHORN. Very well! I won't.
KERCHIVAL. [_Aside._] I wonder what it has to do with me?
BUCKTHORN. [_Reading. Aside._] "If Kerchival West had heard you say,
as I did--m--m----that you loved him with your whole heart--" [_He
glances up at_ GERTRUDE, _who drops her head coyly._] This is a
very important military document. [_Turns to last page._] "Signed,
Constance Haverill." [_Turns to front page._] "My dear Gertrude!" Is
this Miss Gertrude Ellingham?
GERTRUDE. Yes, General.
BUCKTHORN. I sent my daughter, Jenny, to your house, with an escort,
this morning.
GERTRUDE. She is here.
BUCKTHORN. [_Tapping her under the chin._] You're an arrant little
Rebel, my dear; but I like you immensely. [_Draws up suddenly,
with an_ "Ahem!" _Turns to_ KERCHIVAL.] Colonel West, I leave this
dangerous young woman in your charge. [KERCHIVAL _approaches._] If
she disobeys you in any way, or attempts to escape--read that letter!
[_Giving him the letter._
GERTRUDE. Oh! General!
BUCKTHORN. But not till then.
KERCHIVAL. [_Tenderly, taking her hand_.] My--prisoner!
GERTRUDE. [_Aside_.] I could scratch my own eyes out--or his,
either--rather than have him read that letter.
_Enter_ CORPORAL DUNN, _with_ GUARD _of four soldiers and_ CAPTAIN
EDWARD THORNTON _as a prisoner_.
KERCHIVAL. Edward Thornton!
GERTRUDE. They have taken him also! He has the despatch!
CORPORAL DUNN. The Confederate Officer, Colonel, who was pursued by
our troops at Oak Run, after they captured the young lady.
BUCKTHORN. The little witch has been communicating with the enemy!
KERCHIVAL. [_To_ GERTRUDE.] You will give me your parole of honour
until we next meet?
GERTRUDE. Yes. [_Aside_.] That letter! I _am_ his prisoner. [_She
walks up the steps and looks back at_ THORNTON. _Exit_.
KERCHIVAL. [_To_ BUCKTHORN.] We will probably find the despatches we
have been looking for now, General.
BUCKTHORN. Prisoner! You will hand us what papers you may have.
THORNTON. I will hand you nothing.
BUCKTHORN. Colonel! [KERCHIVAL _motions to_ THORNTON, _who looks at
him sullenly_.
KERCHIVAL. Corporal Dunn!--search the prisoner. [DUNN _steps to_
THORNTON, _taking him by the shoulder and turning him rather roughly_.
THORNTON'S _back to the audience._ DUNN _throws open his coat, takes
paper from his breast, hands it to_ KERCHIVAL, _who gives it to_
BUCKTHORN.] Proceed with the search. [DUNN _continues the search_.
BUCKTHORN _drops upon seat, lights a match, looks at the paper._
BUCKTHORN. [_Reading_.] "General Rosser will rejoin General Early with
all the cavalry in his command, at----" This is important. [_Continues
to read with matches. The_ CORPORAL _hands a packet to_ KERCHIVAL. _He
removes the covering_.
KERCHIVAL. [_Starting_.] A portrait of Mrs. Haverill! [_He touches_
CORPORAL DUNN _on the shoulder quickly and motions him to retire._
DUNN _falls back to the_ GUARD. KERCHIVAL _speaks apart to_ THORNTON,
_who has turned front_.] How did this portrait come into your
possession?
THORNTON. That is my affair, not yours!
BUCKTHORN. Anything else, Colonel?
KERCHIVAL. [_Placing the miniature in his pocket._] Nothing!
THORNTON. [_Apart, over_ KERCHIVAL'S _shoulder._] A time will come,
perhaps, when I can avenge the insult of this search, and also this
scar. [_Pointing to a scar on his face._] Your aim was better than
mine in Charleston, but we shall meet again; give me back that
picture.
KERCHIVAL. Corporal! Take your prisoner!
THORNTON. Ah! [_Viciously springing at_ KERCHIVAL; CORPORAL DUNN
_springs forward, seizes_ THORNTON, _throws him back to the_ GUARD
_and stands with his carbine levelled at_ THORNTON; _looks at_
KERCHIVAL, _who quietly motions him out._ CORPORAL DUNN _gives the
orders to the men and marches out with_ THORNTON.
BUCKTHORN. Ah! [_Still reading with matches._] Colonel! [_Rising._]
The enemy has a new movement on foot, and General Sheridan has left
the army! Listen! [_Reads from despatches with matches._] "Watch for a
signal from Three Top Mountain to-night."
KERCHIVAL. We hope to be able to read that signal ourselves.
BUCKTHORN. Yes, I know. Be on your guard. I will speak with General
Haverill, and then ride over to General Wright's headquarters. Keep us
informed.
KERCHIVAL. I will, General. [_Saluting._ BUCKTHORN _salutes and
exit._] "Watch for a signal from Three Top Mountain to-night."
[_Looking up at mountain._] We shall be helpless to read it unless
Lieutenant Bedloe is successful. I only hope the poor boy is not lying
dead, already, in those dark woods beyond the Ford. [_Looking off;
turns down stage, taking the miniature from his pocket._] How
came Edward Thornton to have this portrait of Mrs. Haverill in his
possession? [GERTRUDE _runs in on veranda._
GERTRUDE. Oh, Colonel West! He's here! [_Looks back._] They are coming
this way with him.
KERCHIVAL. Him! Who?
GERTRUDE. Jack.
KERCHIVAL. Jack!
GERTRUDE. My own horse!
KERCHIVAL. Ah, I remember! He and I were acquainted in Charleston.
GERTRUDE. Two troopers are passing through the camp with him.
KERCHIVAL. He is not in your possession?
GERTRUDE. He was captured at the battle of Fair Oaks, but I recognized
him the moment I saw him; and I am sure he knew me, too, when I
went up to him. He whinnied and looked so happy. You are in command
here--[_Running down._]--you will compel them to give him up to me?
KERCHIVAL. If he is in my command, your pet shall be returned to you.
I'll give one of my own horses to the Government as a substitute, if
necessary.
GERTRUDE. Oh, thank you, my dear Kerchival! [_Going to him; he takes
her hand, looking into her eyes._] I--I could almost--
KERCHIVAL. Can you almost confess, at last, Gertrude, that you--love
me? [_Tenderly; she draws back, hanging her head, but leaving her hand
in his._] Have I been wrong? I felt that that confession was hovering
on your tongue when we were separated in Charleston. Have I seen that
confession in your eyes since we met again to-day--even among the
angry flashes which they have shot out at me? During all this terrible
war--in the camp and the trench--in the battle--I have dreamed of a
meeting like this. You are still silent? [_Her hand is still in his.
She is looking down. A smile steals over her face, and she raises her
eyes to his, taking his hand in both her own._
GERTRUDE. Kerchival! I--[_Enter_ BENSON. _She looks around over her
shoulder._ KERCHIVAL _looks up stage. A_ TROOPER, _leading the large
black horse of Act I, now caparisoned in military saddle, bridle, &c.,
follows_ BENSON _across; another_ TROOPER _follows._] Jack! [_She runs
up stage, meeting horse._ KERCHIVAL _turns._
KERCHIVAL. Confound Jack! That infernal horse was always in my way!
GERTRUDE. [_With her arm about her horse's neck._] My darling old
fellow! Is he not beautiful, Kerchival? They have taken good care of
him. How soft his coat is!
KERCHIVAL. Benson, explain this!
BENSON. I was instructed to show this horse and his leader through the
lines, sir.
KERCHIVAL. What are your orders, my man? [_Moving up, the_ TROOPER
_hands him a paper. He moves a few steps down, reading it._
GERTRUDE. You are to be mine again, Jack, mine! [_Resting her cheek
against the horse's head and patting it._] The Colonel has promised it
to me.
KERCHIVAL. Ah! [_With a start, as he reads the paper._ GERTRUDE
_raises her head and looks at him._] This is General Sheridan's horse,
on his way to Winchester, for the use of the General when he returns
from Washington.
GERTRUDE. General Sheridan's horse? He is mine!
KERCHIVAL. I have no authority to detain him. He must go on.
GERTRUDE. I have hold of Jack's bridle, and you may order your men to
take out their sabres and cut my hand off.
KERCHIVAL. [_Approaches her and gently takes her hand as it holds
the bridle._] I would rather have my own hand cut off, Gertrude,
than bring tears to your eyes, but there is no alternative! [GERTRUDE
_releases the bridle and turns front, brushing her eyes, her hand
still held in his, his back to the audience. He returns order, and
motions_ TROOPERS _out; they move out with horse._ GERTRUDE _starts
after the horse;_ KERCHIVAL _turns quickly to check her._] You
forget--that--you are my prisoner.
GERTRUDE. I _will_ go!
KERCHIVAL. General Buckthorn left me special instructions--[_Taking
out wallet and letter._]--in case you declined to obey my orders--
GERTRUDE. Oh, Colonel! Please don't read that letter. [_She stands
near him, dropping her head. He glances up at her from the letter. She
glances up at him and drops her eyes again._] I will obey you.
KERCHIVAL. [_Aside._] What the deuce can there be in that letter?
GERTRUDE. Colonel West! Your men made me a prisoner this afternoon;
to-night you have robbed me, by your own orders, of--of--Jack is only
a pet, but I love him; and my brother is also a captive in your hands.
When we separated in Charleston you said that we were enemies. What is
there lacking to make those words true to-day? You _are_ my enemy!
A few moments ago you asked me to make a confession to you. You
can judge for yourself whether it is likely to be a confession
of--love--or of hatred!
KERCHIVAL. Hatred!
GERTRUDE. [_Facing him._] Listen to my confession, sir! From the
bottom of my heart--
KERCHIVAL. Stop!
GERTRUDE. I will not stop!
KERCHIVAL. I command you.
GERTRUDE. Indeed! [_He throws open the wallet in his hand and raises
the letter._] Ah! [_She turns away; turns again, as if to speak. He
half opens the letter. She stamps her foot and walks up steps of the
veranda. Here she turns again._] I tell you, I--[_He opens the letter.
She turns, and exits with spiteful step._
KERCHIVAL. I wonder if that document orders me to cut her head off!
[_Returning it to wallet and pocket._] Was ever lover in such a
position? I am obliged to cross the woman I love at every step.
_Enter_ CORPORAL DUNN, _very hurriedly._
CORPORAL DUNN. A message from Adjutant Rollins, sir! The prisoner,
Captain Thornton, dashed away from the special guard which was placed
over him, and he has escaped. He had a knife concealed, and two of the
guard are badly wounded. Adjutant Rollins thinks the prisoner is still
within the lines of the camp--in one of the houses or the stables.
KERCHIVAL. Tell Major Wilson to place the remainder of the guard under
arrest, and to take every possible means to recapture the prisoner.
[CORPORAL DUNN _salutes, and exits._] So! Thornton has jumped his
guard, and he is armed. I wonder if he is trying to get away, or to
find me. From what I know of the man, he doesn't much care which he
succeeds in doing. That scar which I gave him in Charleston is deeper
in his heart than it is in his face. [_A signal light suddenly appears
on Three Top Mountain. The "Call."_] Ah!--the enemy's signal! [_Enter_
CAPTAIN LOCKWOOD, _followed by_ LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS.] Captain
Lockwood! You are here! Are your Signalmen with you?
LOCKWOOD. Yes, Colonel; and one of my Lieutenants.
[_The_ LIEUTENANT _is looking up at signal with glass._ CAPTAIN
LOCKWOOD _does the same._ HAVERILL _enters, followed by two_ STAFF
OFFICERS.
HAVERILL. [_As he enters._] Can you make anything of it, Captain?
LOCKWOOD. Nothing, General! Our services are quite useless unless
Lieutenant Bedloe returns with the key to their signals.
HAVERILL. A--h! [_Coming down stage._] We shall fail. It is time he
had returned, if successful.
SENTINEL. [_Without._] Halt! Who goes there? [KERCHIVAL _runs
up stage, and half way up incline, looking off._] Halt! [_A shot
without._
BARKET. [_Without._] Och!--Ye murtherin spalpeen!
KERCHIVAL. Sentinel! Let him pass; it is Sergeant Barket.
SENTINEL. [_Without._] Pass on.
KERCHIVAL. He didn't give the countersign. News from Lieutenant
Bedloe, General!
BARKET. [_Hurrying in, up slope._] Colonel Wist, our brave byes wiped
out the enemy, and here's the papers.
KERCHIVAL. [_Taking papers.--Then to_ LOCKWOOD.] Is that the key?
LOCKWOOD. Yes. Lieutenant! [LIEUTENANT _hurries up to elevation,
looking through his glass._ LOCKWOOD _opens book._
HAVERILL. What of Lieutenant Bedloe, Sergeant?
BARKET. Sayreously wounded, and in the hands of the inimy!
HAVERILL. [_Sighing._] A--h.
BARKET. [_Coming down stone steps._] It is reported that Captain
Heartsease was shot dead at his side.
KERCHIVAL. Heartsease dead!
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. [_Reading signals._]
Twelve--Twenty-two--Eleven.
BARKET. Begorra! I forgot the Sintinil entirely, but he didn't forget
me. [_Holding his left arm._
HAVERILL. Colonel West! We must make every possible sacrifice for the
immediate exchange of Lieutenant Bedloe, if he is still living. It is
due to him. Colonel Robert Ellingham is a prisoner in this camp; offer
him his own exchange for young Bedloe.
KERCHIVAL. He will accept, of course. I will ride to the front with
him myself, General, and show him through the lines.
HAVERILL. At once! [KERCHIVAL _crosses front and exit on veranda._
HAVERILL _crosses._] Can you follow the despatch, Captain?
LOCKWOOD. Perfectly; everything is here
HAVERILL. Well!
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. Eleven--Twenty-two--One--Twelve.
LOCKWOOD. [_From book._] "General Longstreet is coming with--"
HAVERILL. Longstreet!
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. One--Twenty-one.
LOCKWOOD. "With eighteen thousand men."
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. Two--Eleven--Twenty-two.
LOCKWOOD. "Sheridan is away!"
HAVERILL. They have discovered his absence!
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. Two--Twenty-two--Eleven--One--Twelve--One.
LOCKWOOD. "We will crush the Union Army before he can return."
HAVERILL. Signal that despatch from here to our Station at Front
Royal. [_Pointing._] Tell them to send it after General Sheridan--and
ride for their lives. [LOCKWOOD _hurries out._] Major Burton! We will
ride to General Wright's headquarters at once--our horses! [_Noise of
a struggle without._
BARKET. [_Looking._] What the devil is the row out there? [_Exit. Also
one of the_ STAFF OFFICERS.
HAVERILL. [_Looking off._] What is this? Colonel West wounded!
_Enter_ KERCHIVAL WEST, _his coat thrown open, with_ ELLINGHAM, BARKET
_assisting._
ELLINGHAM. Steady, Kerchival, old boy! You should have let us carry
you.
KERCHIVAL. Nonsense, old fellow! It's a mere touch with the point of
the knife. I--I'm faint--with the loss of a little blood--that's all.
Bob!--I--[_Reels suddenly and is caught by_ ELLINGHAM _as he sinks to
the ground, insensible._
ELLINGHAM. Kerchival! [_Kneeling at his side._
HAVERILL. Go for the surgeon! [_To_ STAFF OFFICER, _who goes out
quickly on veranda._] How did this happen? [_Enter_ CORPORAL DUNN
_and_ GUARD, _with_ THORNTON. _He is in his shirt sleeves and
disheveled, his arms folded. They march down._] Captain Thornton!
ELLINGHAM. We were leaving the house together; a hunted animal
sprang suddenly across our path, like a panther. [_Looking over his
shoulder._] There it stands. Kerchival!--my brother!
CORPORAL DUNN. We had just brought this prisoner to bay, but I'm
afraid we were too late.
HAVERILL. This is assassination, sir, not war. If you have killed
him--
THORNTON. Do what you like with me; we need waste no words. I had an
old account to settle, and I have paid my debt.
ELLINGHAM. General Haverill! I took these from his breast when he
first fell. [_Handing up wallet and miniature to_ HAVERILL. HAVERILL
_starts as he looks at the miniature._ THORNTON _watches him._
HAVERILL. [_Aside._] My wife's portrait!
THORNTON. If I have killed him--your honour will be buried in the same
grave.
HAVERILL. Her picture on his breast! She gave it to him--not to
my son! [_Dropping into seat._ CAPTAIN LOCKWOOD _enters with a_
SIGNALMAN, _who has a burning torch on a long pole; he hurries up
the elevation._ CAPTAIN LOCKWOOD _stands below, facing him. Almost
simultaneously with the entrance of the_ SIGNALMAN, GERTRUDE _runs in
on veranda._
GERTRUDE. They are calling for a surgeon! Who is it? Brother!--you are
safe,--ah! [_Uttering a scream, as she sees_ KERCHIVAL, _and falling
on her knees at his side._] Kerchival! Forget those last bitter words
I said to you. Can't you hear my confession? I do love you. Can't you
hear me? I love you! [_The_ SIGNALMAN _is swinging the torch as the
curtain descends,_ LOCKWOOD _looking right._
CURTAIN.