The parlor of the Stuart home. A large room with high ceiling and
carved doors and mantels. The room, when in order, is beautiful in
every appointment. The furniture, old mahogany, the hangings and
ornaments are handsome and in good taste. Now, however, the furniture
is piled together, as though for moving; the pictures, down from their
places, stand against the wall; some cut through with sabers. Many of
the chairs are broken and overturned. A large sofa is against the wall;
this has been slit open and all the bedding torn out. A table left near
it, and by the sofa a large fire chair. At the back and near the right
stands the great cedar chest. It, as well as the other things, was
carried out by the soldiers in Act I. On the right, a desk with writing
materials. On the left (back) a door. At back (center) double doors,
with heavy curtains, leading to the hall where may be seen a large
"grandfather clock," the face smashed in, as though with an ax. On the
right, a large bay window with two steps leading up to it, looking out
on the moonlit garden. It is after dusk, three days later than Act I.
The curtain rises on an empty stage. There is a dreary half light over
everything.
[Enter from the hall Cupid and Marthy. He has a candle in a heavy
iron candlestick in his hand. She carries a large woolen
blanket. They speak in subdued voices, very low.
Cupid (placing candle near the chest). Missus say ter bring the
silber up stairs ter her room. She feard it ain't safe down here.
Marthy (spreads the blanket she carries on the floor, and
together they lift out the silver during the following dialogue).
'Tain't nothin' safe round here, now dem Yankees is come.
[Cupid pauses a moment.
Cupid. I sho was glad when mistus sent for me and speak rite out
'bout de silber. 'Pears like hit de fust thing she er Miss Charlotte
done notice.
Marthy. Dey ant neither one ob um cry. Dat what worry me. Ef dey
could bof brek rite down and have er good long cry, hit ud do um a power
er good.
[A slight pause.
Cupid. I got um dar in time, please Gaud. He let dis ole nigger
do dat much fer Mars George. He ax bout us all, Old Missus say, in de
few minutes he had lef. He say he powerful glad we git dar.
Marthy. It's de Lord's will, 'nd hits rite, but hit pears like we
don had little mo den our share ob de trouble. Dar de silber, hits
ready. You pack it up to Mistus, and ax her can't I fix her little
somethin' ter eat. I don't know what hits gwine ter be.
Cupid (brightening). Would she eat a piece ob nice young chicken?
Marthy. Go way, nigger, don't I know dar ant bin no chicken nor
nothin' else fer Old Mistus ter eat on this place fer more dan a month;
what you come round here talking bout chicken fer?
Cupid. Kin you keep you mouth shet bout somethin if I tells you?
Marthy (on her guard). Dat pens on what hits bout.
Cupid. I got a chicken, three fo on um, and some flour and some
butter, too. I tell you mistus gwine get chicken ef dars chicken lef in
dis world.
Marthy (suspicious). Whar did you get hit?
Cupid. I went down dar long twods whar de Yankees campin
yestiddy. I powerful skerd, yet I bleged to go, cause I got ter git
somethin for mistus ter eat, and de very fust person I meet war Mars
Winthrop. Pears like he don come down de lane by hisself, and he standin
down dar at de bars at de end ob de lane, lookin way off twords de
house. Pears like he studyin bout somethin. He mighty sorrowful and
lonesom lookin. He suprised ter see me, but he ax me rite off how de
people was and most pintedly bout ole mistus and Miss Fair. Den he ax me
how dey stand de trouble dat come to um, and ax me ant dar nothin on de
earth he can do. Cos I tell we all well and dat we din't need nothin,
cause I ant gwine ter tell him dar ant nothin lef sep hog meat and corn
meal. Well, sir, dat white man he tek me rite in de tent and gib me a
gret basket full ub de bes dey had and say hit fer me ter tek home ter
you, but hit pears like he onderstand mighty well, and he gib me a
dollar and mek me promise not ter say nothin bout see him. Dat how I
come ter had de chicken fer mistus. He powerful good white man if he
is er Yankeey.
Marthy. Whar dat basket? Git hit. Mistus ant touch nothin cep a little
tea fer days, and Miss Charlotte she jest set dar at de winder lookin so
white and still. She ant war no dress cep dat white one jes like she
gwine get married. She ant realise hit somehow. Soon as de flowers wilt
she put fresh ones in de place (she turns to Cupid). Get me de basket
and tek hit to de kitchen. Dem chillun shan't go hungry (she looks about
the room). I got ter fix dis some way (she begins to straighten room).
I's glad dem Yankees ant get ter mistus room. I bleeged ter get dis
lookin better fo mistus see it. She ant bin in here since she come home.
Cupid. Mars Winthrop sure anxious ter do somethin fer we all.
Pears like he most es griev as we is bout Mars George. I don fix up
little sprise fo um.
Marthy. What you know 'bout sprisin'? Why don you git de basket?
Cupid. I don hear Mistus say she anxious ter see Mars Winthrop
and Mars Hopkins, so she kin thank um ter all dey don--gitten de
ambulance wagen and sendin' de soldiers ter tek ker ob de place. And
when I seed um, I tole him Mistus want see him. He brighten up mighty,
and say dey come over har ter night. Now, don't you let on.
Marthy. Cose I ain't. Go on, nigger, wid de silber.
[Exit Cupid with silver.
Hit's somethin' ter git de minds off de trouble; It'll do um a power er
good.
[Enter Fair from the hall; she is very pale and tired looking:
she wears a simple little black dress; her hair tied with
a black ribbon; all her youthful gaiety is gone; she seems
suddenly to have become a woman. Her voice has a tired,
pathetic sound, as though she were constantly fighting for
her self-control.
Fair (timidly looking around her, as though afraid). I have been
afraid to come in here before. It's very bad, isn't it, Marthy?
Marthy. I was jes tryin' ter get hit lookin' little better fo'
you seed it.
Fair (wearily). No matter, Marthy; leave it as it is. I'll help
you to-morrow.
Marthy. I rekon I better git dem pictures up in de attic fo' your
mar see um.
[She takes up one picture, mutilated beyond recognition, and tries
to cover it with her apron.
Fair. What is it, Marthy?
Marthy. 'Tain't nothin', honey. You go on back ter your mar and
let old Marthy get things straight.
Fair (with an effort). Let me see it--I'd rather, please. (She
holds out her hand; Marthy gives her the picture). Oh, Marthy, not even
this. They couldn't even leave his picture.
Marthy. Dar, my lamb; don't you cry when you bin so brave. Dars a
nother picture of Mars George in yo' mar's room. (She draws Fair's head
down upon her knee, stroking her hair). My blessed chile--my lamb!
Fair (raising her face and trying to stop her tears). There,
there, that was very foolish, and I won't any more. Take this away and
hide it.
[Marthy takes picture, rolls it in her apron, and starts to door.
[Enter Bev from the hall. He, too, is very changed. All his
boyish gaiety is covered with a deep sorrow. He tries to
speak cheerfully to comfort her.
Fair. Oh, Bev, I've been wishing so you'd come.
[She goes quickly to him. He puts his arm around her, comforting
her.
Marthy. Why don't you chullen go out fer a little walk. Mars
Bev'll tek good care of you. It ud do you good, honey.
Fair (looks towards the window). Oh, no; not out there.
Bev. We'll be all right here; don't you worry, Marthy.
[Exit Marthy.
Fair. Bev, have you spoken to Charlotte?
Bev. Yes; she and mother seem so much better now. She's taken off
the white dress and put on the black one. Mother said they both had so
much left to live for. And Charlotte smiled and called me to her, and
asked if the soldiers were still here, and if my uniform was finished,
and begged me not to be unhappy. And she told me George was just as much
ours as he had ever been, and told me how proud she was when all the
soldiers told her he had been the first one in the fight.
Fair. I am so glad. Oh, Bev, it broke my heart! I felt as though
we couldn't give George, too.
Bev. But we must think first of the South. We've given Phil and
George now--father, if it must be--and then I'll go; but he and I'll
come back to you.
[Enter at the back Mrs. S. and Charlotte; they walk hand in hand.
Charlotte wears a black dress like Fair's. Mrs. S. wears
the costume she wore in Act I. Charlotte's color has come
back, and she seems almost herself save for a slightly
strained note in her voice.
Char. We are so glad to find you here. We came to see what had
been left us--not very much. Well, we four are still together, and we
have the home.
Mrs. S. This does not matter; we must not think of little things.
But we have father yet, and Carter and Gordon. God willing, we will have
them safe again with us.
Char. (softly, with deep, tender emotion). And George, mother,
we have him still; he is not gone. I tell you, my own sweetheart is not
away, and every day that passes brings me nearer to him. For he is still
my own true George; he's with me now; yes, now. And I may keep him ever
with me, here.
[She softly lays her hand over her heart.
Mrs. S. (gently drawing her nearer). My own dear daughter, may we
have strength to feel he is not gone. Dear child, you have shown us all
how George would have us live.
[She kisses her.
Char. There, mother, there. Now what can we do to make things
brighter here. First, some light (she lights the candles). There, that's
better. Ah, the room will take us many days, I fear.
Bev (helping them with the furniture). Mother, did you know that
Winthrop has had a man stationed near the house for our protection? I've
been wanting to see him to say how we thank him, but he has been very
busy in the camp.
Fair. Is he still there?
Bev. Yes. The whole regiment is stationed there now.
Mrs. S. We will see him before they go away. Perhaps we can show
him in some way that we are very grateful.
Char. He sent the ambulance to us when there was only one, and he
gave a guard to see us safely through the lines, and even when we were
at home he asked that we would keep the guard for our protection. Yes,
mother, we must thank him for all this. And George would wish it so, I'm
sure of it.
Fair (softly). Will he come here again; oh, mother, will he come?
[Enter Marthy with a table cloth over her arm.
Marthy. I don fix a little sprise for you all. I gwine gib you de
best supper. Kin I fix it har for you?
[She spreads the cloth on the table.
Mrs. S. Why, Marthy, I'd forgotten. But is there anything for us
except corn meal?
Marthy (delighted). You jes wait an see. I gwine gib you what you
used to--dat I iz.
[Exit.
Mrs. S. Dear old Marthy. I often think--(a knock is heard at the
door (Left). What was that?
Bev. Some one at the door.
Mrs. S. Impossible! it leads to your room.
[The knock again.
Bev. Who's there? (he opens the door) Who's in here?
Carter (within). Are you all there?
Bev. What do you mean? Come out!
[Enter Carter disguised. He wears a black beard, a hat pulled far
over his eyes, and old, rough clothes and a very shabby U.S.
Army cloak; he has a pack on his back: he looks about, sees
only the family, throws down the pack, tearing off his hat
and beard.
Carter. Charlotte! Aunt!
[They pause for a moment, then rush to him.
Char. Carter!
Carter. Shut that window--quick!
[Fair runs to window, draws curtains.
Mrs. S. Carter! How have you come? Do you know--
Carter. Yes. I know they're out there still. That is why I am here.
Char. A spy! Oh, God!
Carter. I'm safe so far. I've been all through the camp dressed
as a pedler. I got the plans; all Morgan has to know. Have you seen
Winthrop? Does he come here?
Mrs. S. No.
Carter. Thank God! Then I can stay till midnight.
Mrs. S. Where have you been the past three days?
Carter. We've been hiding in a cane-brake two miles down the
river. Uncle and Gordon are with me; the others went back to Morgan.
As soon as I get to him with the plans of Winthrop's forces, he will
attack. Have you a horse here?
Bev. Yes, Tony; you can take him.
Carter. We thought the enemy had gone on down the river. If
I could get the plans, I was to take them on to Morgan, and they to
follow. Here, take the paper, Charlotte. I must not lose a minute.
Bring that candle. (He gives Charlotte a paper).
[Fair brings candle and holds it for Charlotte to read.
I must not carry that. 'Twould mean my certain death if I were captured.
I run the chances as it is. Here, see if I know it?
Char. (opens paper). Begin.
Carter (reciting). "Twelfth Massachusetts, under Winthrop's command,
stationed on south bank of Aspen river, two miles below station known as
Fairmount Junction. Evident plans for encampment of some days. Long
hill, covered with scrub pine and bushes, on right. Affords excellent
cover. Aspen river on left. Too deep to attempt ford. Large encampment.
Valuable stores. Pickets stationed quarter mile out on all roads." Is
that right?
Char. Yes, you know it--you are sure?
Carter. I've said it over to myself until I know it backward.
Burn it.
Char. The candle, Fair. (She holds paper in flame until
destroyed; she tears remaining bits). Is there any more?
Carter. Yes, but I am sure of it all. If I can only get to Morgan
with it, we can wipe them from existence.
Fair. You mean you'd kill them all?
Carter. I've learned more than just the location of the enemy.
Fair. What else?
Carter. I have Winthrop's plans.
Fair (almost in a whisper). How?
Carter. I stole them from his tent.
Fair. You have them with you?
Carter. I memorized and then destroyed them. (He turns to Mrs.
S.). What time is it?
Mrs. S. About seven.
Carter. Uncle and Gordon may come on here. We were almost certain
the camp had moved. If they do not come before I leave, watch out and
take them in.
Mrs. S. When were they coming?
Carter. Later. We thought it best not to travel all together.
Mrs. S. Are they disguised?
Carter. No; but they know the road so well, they'll not be captured.
Mrs. S. God grant it!
Carter. Can you get me some food? I'm nearly starved. I had only
what we could kill to eat.
Mrs. S. Of course; I might have known. Fair, come with me.
[They start towards the door, when voices are heard in the hall
outside. Mrs. S. pauses in terror. She turns to Fair,
unable to speak.
Cupid (outside). Yes, Marster, dey's in dar. Come right in, sir.
Dey be dat glad ter see you.
Winth. (without). Are you sure we're not intruding?
Char. God in heaven, Winthrop! Quick, Carter, here! (She pushes him into
the high back chair near (Left), snatches the cloth from the table,
throwing it partly over chair, concealing him. Stands facing the door).
[Bev snatches cloak and pack, throwing them behind sofa.
(In a low voice). Be calm; it means his life.
Cupid (at door). Rite in har, Marster. (He draws curtains.
Winthrop and Hopkins stand on the threshold. Then proudly)--Mars
Winthrop and Mars Hopkins, Mistus.
[The men advance.
Winth. I trust we do not intrude. Your servant told me you had
expressed a wish to see us.
Mrs. S. (quickly). It is a great pleasure to see you here again.
You must feel that you are welcome, for I have much to thank you for.
Winth. (taking her hand). Would to God I could have done more,
madam.
Mrs. S. No, no: you must not speak so to me. We will go back to
the old times before the trouble came. I was Cousin Lucy to you then; so
let it be as it has always been.
Hop. (offering hand). Have we a right to such a welcome?
Mrs. S. Your right has always been our greatest pleasure. But the
room here is a poor place in its condition. Fair, take them to the
dining room. It is better there.
Fair. Yes, yes; come with me.
Winth. Surely there is something we can do to make amends for
this. (He looks about the room). And surely in return for your great
kindness, you will allow--
Mrs. S. No, no; I tell you, you must think no more of that. We
are your friends now, your kinsmen. There is nothing you can do, for you
have done enough. I pray now you will go with Fair into the dining room
and let her offer you refreshment. And Mr. Hopkins, you must go with
them. We'll come, in just a moment.
Hop. Certainly, madam.
[He starts to the door.
Winth. I am distressed beyond all words to see this condition of
your home. (He comes to the sofa, very near the chair). You must let my
company have your furniture repaired. Too bad. Too bad.
[He looks at the other things.
Mrs. S. (almost hysterical). Believe me this does not matter.
Now, if you will let Fair take you to the dining room--
Winth. You'll come with us, Miss Charlotte?
Char. In just a moment, sir.
[He starts to the door. The sofa is partially before him.
He turns and comes in front of the chair where Carter
is concealed.
Winth. (stops with a great start, gazing at Carter). My God!
[Charlotte shrinks back, wild with terror. Hopkins turns at door.
Hop. (coming forward quickly). What is it?
[Carter rises from the chair, despairing, yet with simple dignity.
Carter. I surrender, sir!
Hop. Hillary! (He turns to Winthrop). It is--
Winth. The worst!
[Charlotte comes slowly before Winthrop. She is very white.
She tries to speak, but her lips give no sound. She
comes nearer.
Char. My brother! In God's name what will you do? (Winthrop turns
away). Speak! What will it mean?
Winth. (slowly, with a tremendous effort). That we--
Char. The worst!
Winth. The best that I can do.
Char. (a wild gleam of hope in her face). You will save him. You
can do this for us; say he will live; we ask no more than that. His
life--you hear--his life; give that to me!
Carter (gently putting his arm around her). Hush, dearest. That
must be enough. I am his prisoner. You must not ask for that which in
honor he must refuse.
Char. (breaking wildly from him). You hear, mother; Fair, you
hear. Speak to him. Ah, he cannot refuse. Speak to him. Down on your
knees, if it must be. Mother, go to him. It is my brother's life!
Hop. (to Winthrop). There's nothing else--for us?
Winth. Our duty. Help me, boy. God knows I need it.
Mrs. S. (coming before Winthrop; speaking in a low, strained
voice). We await your pleasure. Is there nothing you can do? In the
happy memory of the days that are not deeply buried in the past, in
memory of the love we bore to you; in memory of the state that gave you
birth--and that has always held a home for you; in memory of all this,
say what you can do for us. If you take him, then tear out our hearts
and take them too. Oh, surely, there is something you can do. Speak now,
for those who are your kinsmen and have loved you await your answer.
[Winthrop has stood gazing off before him, his hands clenched
at his side. Breathing heavily he turns to them.
Winth. My duty to the country that has put her trust in me must
give your answer, not my heart, for that seems dead (slowly). He must go
with me.
Char. Ah!
[Winthrop, after his answer, has stood gazing off before him.
Fair comes timidly forward, but he does not hear her. She
softly lays her hand upon his arm. He looks down, sees her,
and suddenly a radiant glow of happiness crosses his face,
then vanishes, leaving it cold as before. Fair looks up
into his face, then softly lays her other hand in his.
Fair. But--if--I love you, Steve?
Winth. (softly takes her in his arms, bending close over her).
Even though you love me (Fair shrinks away from him. He turns to
Hopkins: when he speaks his voice has a mechanical, hollow sound). Back
to the camp; Mr. Hillary will accompany us.
Hillary. I am ready sir.
[He goes to the door with Hopkins. Charlotte, with a wild cry of
"No, no!" rushes to him, throwing her arms around his neck.
He softly kisses her, then hands her over to Mrs. S., who
takes her in her arms. He then turns to Hopkins, making a
sign of assent, and together they leave the room, followed
by Winthrop.
Cupid (coming slowly forward, a haggard look on his face). Mistis
(almost pleading) Mistis! Kin you forgib dis old fool nigger? I thought
hit ud cheer you ter see um. Fo Gaud I never thought of Marster Carter
coming here. Fo Gaud I never!
Mrs. S. We do not blame you. How could we have known. How could we?
Char. (raising her face). There's father yet and Gordon. They may
come at any minute. We must save them. How, How; what can we do; what
can we do?
[She crosses to the window, her hands pressed to her head.
Bev. Mother, if they come, it's sure to be across the orchard,
then up the road through the wood. Cupid, you go and watch: and if you
see a sign of any one, come tell us. Quick!
Mrs. S. If it's your Master, bring him here--in through the
window of Bev's room. Keep away from the front of the house.
Cupid. Yes, Mistis. Dis ole fool nigger can do dat.
[Exit.
Mrs. S. (comes gently to Fair who stands looking down with a
drawn look of suffering). Fair, my baby child, would it not have been
better--could it have been easier--had you told me.
Fair. (coming to her arms). I meant to tell you mother--but, oh!
I was afraid. The old days seemed so far away, and I so weak and
foolish! And then he went into the army and came down here in arms
against his people! The night you went to George, he asked me, and--I
told a lie! I said I did not love him. But to-night, with the wild
chance of saving Carter (she looks up into her mother's face and
smiles), I told the truth!
Mrs. S. (softly kissing her). And it was best. My heart's own
child! Your only happiness was there.
Char. (who has stood by the window listening). Best! What do we
know about things that are best? And love and truth--what do we know of
these? Are they not torn from us, trampled down, ground beneath our
feet? And happiness--is it for us? Ah! no, no. For, are not our hearts
crushed down in the cold black earth that covers those we love? What is
there in this life for us? We are grown old before our time. Ah! in
God's name, don't speak of love or happiness when it is such a mockery
to us and those we love!
[She sinks limply down upon the sofa, burying her face in her
hands.
[Mrs. S. kneels by the sofa, taking one hand in hers.
Mrs. S. My child, even though we walk through the valley of the
shadow, look to Him who has given us, and who in His wisdom has taken
away. He has said, "O grave, where is thy victory!" Oh, dearest child,
look up to Him! He will give us again to the ones we love!
Char. (raising her face to hers). And for His sake, I will.
[Enter Cupid, hurriedly.
Cupid. Mistis, dey's comin'! dey's comin'!--Marster and Mars Gordon.
Mrs. S. Where?
Cupid. Rite out dar, in de hall.
[Enter Col. S. and Gordon. They are pale and very tired looking;
their clothes covered with dust.
Mrs. S. (quickly to Col. S.). Philip, are you safe!
Col. S. We've found the location of the enemy.
Gordon (quickly). Where is Carter? He came here.
Char. They took him! Carter's captured!
Col. S. What!
Mrs. S. He was captured here in this room; he was disguised.
Gordon. How was he taken?
Char. Old Cupid did not know--he brought Winthrop and Hopkins
here. He was discovered. They carried him away.
Col. S. Great God! and he had papers! Did they find any?
Fair. No, we burned the paper, but he knows all the plans of
Winthrop's army.
Col. S. What did he say? Ah, if we only could have met him in time!
Char. He told us very little, only the position of the camp. But
he knows all the plans and orders off by heart. He stole the plans from
Winthrop's tent. But they have taken him--a spy! I tell you, they have
taken him.
Gordon. We must not stay here a moment. A party will come and
search the place.
Fair. Where will they take him?
Gordon. Where? (thinking). That's it. Where will they take him.
His release. He had no papers on him. He'll not be shot down as a spy.
Columbus; the prison there (slowly). Morgan's got to have that news.
Escape; what is there else. Colonel, I must have a word with you in
private (he turns to the others). You'll leave us for a moment. Here,
Bev, have the best horse saddled for Col. Stuart. Take him to the far
end of the orchard, fasten him to the big sycamore tree. You know the
place.
Bev. Yes.
Gordon. Go, quick! Send Cupid with the horse and come back here.
[Exit Bev.
Col. S. What is your plan?
Gordon. You'll see. Mrs. Stuart, you Charlotte and Fair keep
watch, and if you see the enemy, come back to us.
Char. Here, mother, Fair; we must not lose a moment.
[They exit.
Col. S. Now, what your plan?
Gordon. Carter has the plans of Winthrop's army. These plans he
must give Morgan.
Col. S. But he is taken. How boy; how can he get the plans to
Morgan?
Gordon. Carter will be taken to Columbus; the prison is not a
long trip from here. They'll send him with a guard on the first train.
There's nothing else (he comes nearer, speaking very intently). The
prison at Columbus; we must tunnel it!
Col. S. Ah, I see. But how; how will we get the word to him?
Gordon. Leave that to me. For God's sake let me have my way in
this! I tell you there's not one other chance; we've got to put this
through. You have been to the prison there. Now, under the long room
where all the boys are kept, there is a big drain pipe; it's opening is
two hundred yards down the river (slowly measuring his words). Ten days
from now--that will be the 22nd--employ a man to crawl up the pipe until
he is exactly underneath the prison; this at midnight of the 22nd. Tell
him to dig straight up until he strikes the brick work of the floor.
Then Carter will have word and he will tunnel out to meet him.
Col. S. But how can he get word? Don't you see that unless some
one is there to tell him, the plan will never work.
Gordon. I tell you he shall know. I cannot tell you now, but he
shall know. Do not question me, but if ever you or General Morgan
trusted me, put me to the test and trust me now. Get them to hide
you--anywhere--the garden's best--where you can see this window. They'll
search the house first, and when you hear a signal (a pause) the
breaking of that window, go to your horse and ride for your life and
mine.
Col. S. But you, boy; what will you--
Gordon. Oh, trust me, sir; I tell you trust me. I shall be all
right. Go on before it is too late and let them hide you.
[Enter Bev.
Bev. The horse is there. You know the tree, father; you can find it.
Col. S. I'll take you at your word (he clasps his hand). At
midnight of the 22nd.
Gordon. Remember when you hear the breaking of the glass.
Col. S. Where's your mother?
Bev. They're waiting in the dining room.
[Exit Col. S.
Gordon (intently). Can I trust you with the life of Morgan's army?
Bev. Show me. I'd give my life for Morgan.
Gordon. Then do what I say. Run to George's room, get me out a
suit of his clothes; lay them on the bed; leave the door open. Then go
to Charlotte and tell her I must see her here at once. Keep your mother
and Fair in the dining room.
[Exit Bev running.
(Sinks down at the table, his hands clutching at the wood, his face
drawn and white, his eyes staring). Show me the way. God! Am I afraid.
No, No! It is not that. For greater love has no man than this, that
he--that he--what is the rest? Ah, God! (rises quickly: sits at desk:
writes; his face showing a terrible resolve.)
[As he finishes paper, enter Charlotte from the hall.
Char. Bev said you wanted me.
Gordon. Charlotte, we've got to save Morgan's army as sure as
there's a God in heaven, and just as sure you've got to help me. Do
exactly what I ask and keep your nerve, for if you flinch a moment, we
are lost.
Char. How? Tell me. I am not afraid.
Gordon. And I believe you. The enemy are sure to come and search
the house. When they come, you must get them all together here. Do not
be surprised at anything you see. Take this paper. It's simply a decoy.
The plans are false. Use it to get them in this room. If need be, say
you have taken it from Carter.
Char. (white with terror). I will.
[Takes paper.
Gordon. Remember, you and I have got to save the army. Now, when
the men are here, on some pretense or other, you must break that window.
It is a signal for the colonel to escape. You understand. You will not
fail?
Char. Decoy them with this paper, and when they are here, break
that window. I can do it, and I will.
Gordon (taking her hands and looking straight in her eyes). The
life of Morgan's army is in your two hands. You will not fail.
[Exit hurriedly into the hall.
Char. God help me through this evening's work.
[Enter Bev, Mrs. S., Fair, Marthy and Cupid hurriedly.
Bev. They're coming, a whole squad of soldiers, up the avenue. I
can hear them!
Char. The avenue, you say?
Bev. Yes, they're nearly here.
Char. You stay in here. You must obey me. Stay, and let me keep
them. (Exit into hall. The voices of many solders are heard, the noise
of their boots on the porch. (Without)--So you have come to search the
place?
[A wild sort of irony in her tone.
Winth. With your permission.
Char. (at the door). Oh, certainly. Come in, come in. Perhaps you
think you'll find other of your friends?
Winth. Madam, my quickest way is to make the best of a bad
business, for you must see my duty in this matter. My men, with your
permission, must search your house and then your grounds.
Mrs. S. I have told you, sir, that no one can deny the right of
conquest.
[Winthrop, white and silent, turns to the men.
Winth. Hopkins, will you conduct the search, as quickly and as
quietly as possible?
Hop. As you say.
[He and the soldiers start to the door, but are stopped by a cry
from Charlotte, who stands between curtains at door center.
Char. Wait there! Your search shall not be long. See, I have all
you wish. I have the paper here! (She tears it from the front of her
dress). See, all the plans! Your visit shall not be in vain. And if you
want a prisoner, and if you are not satisfied, why then take me. Ha!
I am not afraid of you! Come, take me as your spy; I'll do you men no
harm. Here, take the paper; it's all you need. I have the information,
but I'll give it back to you. (She tears the paper in pieces, flinging
it at them). There, fit the pieces for yourselves!
[The men all gather around the table, placing the paper before
them.
Hop. It's only torn twice. Spread that piece out. What's here?
[They all bend over the paper. There is a movement in the hall.
All the men look up, facing the door.
Hop. Who's there?
Gordon (draws back the curtains, entering from the hall in citizen's
clothes). Your prisoner, sir!
[All the men start, then some go quickly to him. Mrs. S. gives
a cry of "Gordon!" Then she and Fair stand gazing in a
horrified way at him. Charlotte takes a step nearer.
Char. (under her breath). My God!
Hop. (to Gordon). I arrest you as a spy!
Gordon. I am already your prisoner.
Winth. (in an agony). Why did you not escape!
Gordon. I had no chance.
Winth. Ah!
Evans (by the table with the paper). Colonel, look at this paper.
As I'm alive, I think it is a trick! The ink is hardly dry. What if she
meant it for a signal?
Char. A signal! So that's it, you dog! You think I led him into his
surrender; you think it is because I am afraid, and that is why I gave
the paper up to you! A signal, then! If that is so, then every thing I
do must seem a signal. I go up to him so (she goes to Gordon); I take
his hands and look into his eyes; I say to him: Well done; you are a
hero, even though you fail, I throw the curtains back and tell you, you
can search the place: there's no more you can find; he is the last. And
if I take this bowl and crash it at your feet, as I do now, you think
that, too, a signal; and with this candle in my hand (she snatches up
candlestick), instead of lighting you throughout the house, I rush up to
the window here and crash it through the glass, as I do now, and cry to
you: Come on! Come on! You call them all my signals?
[She dashes out of the room and down the hall, as
THE CURTAIN FALLS.