The prison at Columbus. A large, bare room, built of gray stone.
At the back and to the left a door with heavy iron bars leading to
the whitewashed corridor, where a lantern is hanging. A smaller door
on right leading to another room of the prison. High up in the wall
(Left) is a window with iron bars across it. At the back are two straw
mattresses, with old army blankets on them. To the right a pile of
straw which has evidently served as a bed. On each side of the stage
there is a rough wooden bench. It is 11 o'clock on the night of May
22nd. The moon shines brightly in at the window. The prison clock
slowly strikes the hour as the curtain rises. A soldier dressed in
a torn white shirt and trousers of Confederate gray, lies asleep on
the straw. Two soldiers lie stretched on the floor at front of stage
(Right), two others walking restlessly about, while another is reading
by the stump of a candle stuck in a bottle.
First Soldier. Has he been in for the last time to-night?
[He lifts a bit of candle on the floor and puts it near them.
Second Soldier. I reckon not. I haven't heard the big door close
outside.
First Soldier. I say, let's play a game of checkers. We can hide
it if he comes.
Second Soldier. How'll we play--what with?
First Soldier. Just you watch here. (Takes a bit of chalk out of
his pocket and marks off a checker board on the floor. How's that? He'll
never see it.
Second Soldier. We'll use bits of straw for men. Here--
[He breaks bits of straw and they begin to play.
Third Soldier (reading). I say, what time is it?
First Soldier (playing). Just struck eleven. (To Second
Soldier)--Here, I jump that man.
Third Soldier. Well, my light goes out. I've got to have some for
to-morrow.
[He comes over and begins to watch the game.
Second Soldier. Here, crown that man.
First Soldier (laughing). With what?
Third Soldier. Say, boys, want a treat? I got a midnight supper here.
First Soldier. Midnight hell!
Third Soldier. Look here!
[Goes to straw (Right), takes out a crust of bread and a small
parcel done up in paper.
Second Soldier. There, the game's mine!
First Soldier (looks up, laughing). Where's your midnight spread?
Third Soldier. Ever eat any rat? Best thing going.
First Soldier. Where'd you catch him?
Third Soldier. In my bed. Got him roasted, too. Here--
[Gives them pieces of rat and breaks the bread.
First Soldier (his mouth full). Bully! Wish I'd catch one. I'm
such a good mouser, there ain't many left around here.
Second Soldier. Say, where's that young fellow, Hillary?
[Looks around.
Third Soldier. In the parlor, talking to company. This is his at
home day.
[They all laugh.
First Soldier. He's pretty blue, I reckon. There's talk of hanging
him for a spy. They didn't find no papers--only reason they sent him here.
Third Soldier. Who's the fellow came in last night?
First Soldier. Caybel, Cabell, or some such name. Had a close
call, too. Don't know yet he's safe. He didn't let on, but I think he's
a friend of Hillary. Both captured at the same place. Been trying to
talk to him all day, but Old Hill watches pretty close when a new one
comes in (Bill's voice outside, singing a snatch of a song). Watch out!
Hide the scraps; here's Bill.
[They cover the remains of feast and checker board, and the sound
of a key is heard in the door. Enter Bill, the turnkey.
He is a gruff old fellow of about sixty, powerfully built,
with a cold, hard face. He carries an old fashioned lantern
and a bunch of keys.
Bill (holding up lantern, looking about). Here, you all, get up from
there: go to bed. What do you think this is--a pleasure resort? (the men
rise to their feet, facing him with sullen faces). Go in thar, you hear
(he pushes them roughly to the door (Right). Wars them others?
First Soldier. In there.
Bill. Who else?
First Soldier. Three others.
Bill (wakes up men sleeping, shaking them roughly; then goes to
door (Right), holds up lantern, looking in). Go on ter sleep. Don't you
set round here all night.
[He holds door open and the soldiers pass in. As the Third
Soldier passes, he stops.
Third Soldier. I wonder if you'll get me a drink of water. The
bucket's been dry since noon.
Bill. That's a lie! Always water there.
Third Soldier. You can see for yourself it's empty.
Bill. What do drink so damned much for, then?
Third Soldier. Will you get me the water, please?
Bill. No I aint going ter get yer no water. Go on ter sleep. What
do you think I am, a nigger paid to wait on you?
Third Soldier. If I told you what I thought, you'd put the
bracelets on me and throw me in the pit.
Bill. Well, watch you don't go there anyway.
Third Soldier. For God's sake!
Bill. Shut up!
[Exit into hall.
Third Soldier. Seven hours!
[Enter Carter. He is very pale and worn looking. He is without
his coat; his clothes ragged and soiled.
Carter (looking up). What's the trouble?
Third Soldier. Nothing. No water, that's all.
Carter. I've got a little in a cup near the window. Take it.
Third Soldier (hesitates). Don't you want it?
Carter. No. But, say, will you do something for me?
Third Soldier. Won't I, though.
Carter. And keep quiet about it?
Third Soldier. Yes.
Carter. That fellow Cabell in there is a friend of mine. He's got
something to tell me, but the warden watches you like a hawk. Send him
in here and keep the others there.
[Exit soldier.
I can't make it out. He was captured alone. Uncle escaped. Then why not
he? They were together. He's got to tell me, for I--
[Enter Gordon.
Shut the door!
Gordon (looking quickly around). We are alone. What time is it?
Carter. A little after eleven.
Gordon. There's time! There's time!
Carter. What do you mean?
Gordon (come nearer). We're going to escape.
Carter (breathless). Escape! How?
Gordon. I've tried all day to get a word with you but that warden
watches too close. We're going to get out of this--You first. Remember,
you have got the information.
Carter. All of it. But what's your plan?
Gordon. Before they brought me here I got word with your uncle
and told him where we'd be. 'Twas a shot in the air, but it struck all
right. I told them they would take us to the prison here at Columbus.
Now underneath this floor there is a big drain pipe very near the brick
work and on this night at twelve o'clock, a man sent here by Morgan was
coming up the drain and tunnel up to us (here the prison clock strikes
the half-hour). Ah! The bell! One. The half hour. Now if the man shall
come we can be waiting. This is the room. Ah, if he should fail.
Carter. Can you save any of the others, shall we tell them?
Gordon. What time does the warden come on his last rounds?
Carter. Usually about twelve.
Gordon. Twelve. The very hour!
Carter. He may be late.
Gordon. We'll have to chance it.
Carter. How will we know when he comes up the drain?
Gordon. I told your uncle to have him dig until he came to the
brick work, then we can tear up the floor and go down to him.
Carter. How is it you were captured and not Uncle Phil. I don't
understand?
Gordon. Some carelessness of mine. But that don't matter. We're
going to escape.
Carter. But it does matter. Tell me how it was. You said you got
word to him at one time and then you said he did not know of your
arrest. Now tell me straight, how were you captured.
Gordon (on his guard). Why I was scouting around for
information--They took me--That was all--I went too near the camp--the
moon was bright--The sentry saw me--I was not careful.
Carter (closer). You told me you were taken in my uncle's home.
Gordon. I ran there to escape. They followed me--they came in
after me. I had no chance.
Carter. And in that time you got into George's clothes for a
disguise. (slowly) I don't believe you.
Gordon. What do you mean?
Carter. I mean that I'm a fool. And that you are the best and
bravest friend a man ever had in the world. At first I did believe you,
though I did not understand. And now I see too clearly why you lied to
me. (slowly) you gave yourself up to the enemy so they would send you
here with me. Your plan was made before--not afterwards. You gave your
life into their hands to save me (he comes slowly forward) I am not
worth it. Oh, I am not worth your life.
[He takes his hand.
Gordon. Pray God; its not in vain.
Carter. You did this thing for me and for the information to give
Morgan?
Gordon (slowly). Yes.
Carter. And was there nothing else?
Gordon (slowly turning away). Perhaps.
Carter. Fair?
Gordon. Yes.
Carter. But--she does not--love--me.
Gordon (wearily). I know that.
Carter. Then, why? Oh, tell me, Gordon, for I do not understand.
Tell me. A life is such a precious thing to give.
Gordon (who has turned away, speaking slowly). You--know--that I
love her.
Carter. I was afraid of it.
Gordon. And still you do not understand?
Carter. No, I don't believe I do.
Gordon (with deep emotion). It is because I love her, and I know
the man she loves.
[Carter draws suddenly back.
But it can never be. I think she knows it, poor little girl. And if it
must he, she will then give up her love, as she has many things almost
as dear to her. And now when you are free, I want you to go back
home--to her. And when at last, if you shall win the dearest thing in
life--oh, boy, be worthy of her love--be strong and true! Make up to her
for all that she has suffered. God grant that you may teach her to
forget.
[He turns away to the window.
Carter (coming behind him, speaking in a low, strained voice).
But why all this for me? Are not your chances for escape as good as
mine?
[Gordon does not move.
(Slowly Carter realizes the truth: he is deadly pale; then with a short
intaking of the breath, he catches Gordon's arm). You mean--
Gordon (turns, facing him). Yes.
Carter. To hide the place where I escape. No! You hear me--No!
Gordon. Quiet! For God's sake! (He comes close to Carter, placing
both hands on his shoulders, looking him squarely in the eyes). You are
going straight to Morgan, and you are going to save him and his army.
Carter. And you--
Gordon. I will come later.
Carter. How much?
Gordon. Two hours.
Carter. They'd find you out before then. But why, why not you
take the news to Morgan?
Gordon. There is not time for me to even hear it: and if there
were--. Ha! what's that?
[Far down underneath the floor the sound of metal striking on
the rock.
You hear!
[The sound again.
Listen!
[The sound a little louder.
What part of the floor?
[The clock begins to strike twelve.
Carter. Under the mattress--here!
Gordon. Go to the door and listen for him.
[Carter goes to door and bends down, listening. Gordon pushes
aside the mattress and begins to claw the bricks with
his fingers.
Carter. All's quiet. He does not always come. Here, your hands
are bleeding.
[He begins to help with the bricks. They get one up, then some
dirt, then another brick.
Gordon. Only a second now (he and Carter tear up more bricks)
Look out! (he pushes Carter back. A man's hand and arm appear through
the floor, then is quickly withdrawn). All right!
Voice Below. Are you safe?
Gordon. Yes.
Voice. Horse outside. Come!
Carter. Gordon, you have--
Gordon. Not a word. Now's the time.
[As he is about to help Carter in the hole, the voice of Bill
is heard outside.
Bill (without). All right, in a minute.
Gordon. You hear. Quick!
[He helps Carter down through the floor as the key is heard in
the door. Gordon throws the bricks back into place, and
then draws mattress over them. He snatches up blanket,
drawing it partially over him, strikes out candle with
his hand, pillows his head on his arm and pretends to be
asleep. Enter Bill from the hall. He is very cross at
having been disturbed.
Bill. Nice time o' night to be coming asking for prisoners. Fool!
Why couldn't he wait till mornin (holds up lantern). Humph! Must all be
sleepin in the parlor. Well, I'll get um out of thar (he catches sight
of Gordon). Well, friendly fellow--this; wants room to himself. You,
there; get up! (Gordon moves and half turns, but does not open eyes)
Thunder! Are you dead? Get up!
[Shakes him roughly by the arm.
Gordon (half rising, as though very sleepy). What's the matter?
Bill. Matter? Get up from thar and you'll see.
Gordon. Well, I'm awake. What do you want?
Bill. Two fellers from the army ter see yer. Hump! That makes you
look up, don't it? I guess they've got important business with you, you
damned spy!
Gordon (rises quickly, confronting him). Be careful!
Bill (astonished, but drawing back). Careful, eh? We'll be
careful enough of you. I don't guess your stay will be much longer here.
That is the way we has with spies--damn you! (he opens the door). In
here, sir.
[Enter Winthrop and Hopkins. They wear their hats and long
riding capes and have evidently come a long way.
Hopkins. That's all, thank you. Wait outside and leave the lantern.
[Exit Bill.
Winthrop. In here?
Hop. Yes. This is the room.
[They come forward.
Gordon (rises to his feet). Good evening!
Winth. Cabell!
Hop. Good evening!
[Winthrop offers hand. Gordon looks at him for a second,
then gives hand.
Winth. Our business is of the uttermost importance, sir. You must
excuse the hour.
Gordon. That does not matter.
Hop. Hillary is in here with you, I understand. We have come to
see you both.
Gordon. There are only a few of us in this part of the prison. We
share the two rooms.
Winth. Our time is limited sir, we must see Mr. Hillary also.
Gordon. I'll find him, sir. (He goes to the door then turns)
Could you not tell me, without him. He's been quite ill. He's only just
asleep.
Winth. I'm sorry to hear this. How is he now?
Gordon (hesitates for a second). I think--He's very much better
now.
Winth. But you will he enough. Now Cabell, first you must
understand why we come here to-night. We came to try and save your life.
You and Hillary have been captured in disguise, which means you both are
spies, but we found no papers on you, and for that reason I could send
you here. Now, Hopkins and I have thought and thought about your
capture: but we cannot understand it, and that is why we come to you.
You've played a part--a desperate game. You had some motive back of your
surrender, but what we cannot guess. Now, man, I want to help you for
your sake and for the sake of those back there. Go call out Hillary, and
make a clean breast of it all. Tell me your game. Confess, and I will
get you both your liberty.
[Gordon stands looking at him for a second, then very slowly:
Gordon. I--I--don't understand what you ask. Surely, you have
forgotten that you are speaking to an enlisted soldier of the South.
Winth. (quickly). I didn't mean that. See here--I only thought
you'd fail, and then there was a chance to save the hearts of those you
love, even as I love them.
Gordon. We'll not fail!
Winth. Where's Hillary? I must see him.
Gordon (going to the door). No, no; not that. I tell you, he is
ill--asleep. Surely, I can answer you. Speak; say all you have to me.
I'll answer you, but not to him.
[The bell strikes the half hour.
What's that--the bell again?
Winth. 12:30. Hopkins, we must see the man. (To Gordon)--I tell
you, sir, we must.
[Enter Bill.
Bill. Are ye all right, sir?
Hop. Here, take the light and go in softly, and see if Mr.
Hillary is awake.
Bill. What's wrong with him?
Hop. You ought to know; he's very ill.
Bill. Ill! He? Not a healthier man than him in here.
Hop. What!
Gordon (at the door). I tell you, don't disturb him.
Winth. It is essential. (To Bill)--Call Mr. Hillary.
[Exit Bill: pushes past Gordon with lantern. He is heard
shouting, "Here, git up! Whar's Hillary? You thar!
Get up!" A confused sound of voices: then Bill says
loudly, "Here, whar is he? None of your damned jokes!"
The voices grow louder.
[Enter Bill, hurriedly.
Bill (excited). He's not in thar! Look 'round the room. Ain't he
in here!
[Goes hurriedly to the straw, then to mattress, then dashes
into the other room.
Hop. Escaped! Impossible! Why not you?
[Re-enter Bill, runs to door on left, then into hall, crying,
"Escaped prisoner! Guard!" The prison bell begins to ring.
[Enter Bill, followed by four men with rifles, carrying lanterns.
Bill (rushes to Gordon in a rage). Whar's that fellow gone? Tell
me, or I'll--
[Starts to strike him.
Winth. You'll be kicked out of this prison--(To guards) Search
the rooms. He may be hiding (to Gordon). For God's sake man, where has
he gone?
[Gordon has come to the mattress, where he half kneels, watching
the others.
Gordon (in a low voice). No.
[Re-enter the guard, followed by the rest of the prisoners,
much excited. They talk in low voices to one another.
Hop. (coming forward with the lantern). Hello! What's this? Fresh
earth on the floor. Here, men. Quick!
[They snatch away the mattress, disclosing the round hole in the
floor.
Winth. He's gone.
Hop. (bending down). Where does this lead?
Winth. The drain pipe underneath the prison. Here, men, to the
entrance on the river bank. Two of you wait to watch in here.
[Exit two of the guard and Bill.
Hop. What do you think it means?
Winth. That their plan has been successful.
Hop. (in an agony). Hillary had important news, but what--what
can he have found out?
Winth. (turns to Gordon, almost pleading). Have you nothing for
us to hear?
Gordon. Nothing.
Winth. Tell me, man. Ah, tell me why. You came into this of your
own free choice, I can see that. You came that you might save him. That
was not all. He had information. Then, that was it. Well, sir, the fight
is on. You've won so far.
[A sudden radiant look of joy comes over Gordon's face.
Gordon. I pray God you are not mistaken.
[Re-enter Bill and the guards.
Bill. He's gone, whether by boat or horse we can't tell. We have
a guard stationed at the river.
Winth. Very good. You may wait outside.
[Exit the two men.
Send the men back to the room.
Bill. Git back to bed, all of ye!
[The men go back to room (Right). As they pass Gordon, the
soldier Carter gave the water to stops quickly, catching
his hand.
Third Soldier. I wish you could have gone too.
[Gordon presses his hand, then the soldier exits with the others.
Bill. What else, sir?
Hop. Nothing; you can go.
[Exit Bill.
Winth. (comes slowly up to Gordon). Tomorrow. Have you thought
about tomorrow?
Gordon (raising his head). Yes.
Winth. And the women who love you--Little Fair and Charlotte?
Gordon. They too!
Winth. (breaks out). Is there no hope for you: you will not
speak? Ah, in God's name, think what you do!
Gordon. I have thought, sir.
Winth. (speaking low and very intently). Tell the news that
Carter carried; tell me the way that he has gone, and why; tell me
things he has found out--and, man, your part shall go unheeded and he
released, if captured before he gives that news: tell me. Ah, God! man,
tell me, and tomorrow, instead of giving up your life, you shall go
free. You understand? You shall go free.
[For just a second Gordon hesitates. Winthrop starts forward
with a glad cry of "Yes." Then Gordon looks away off
towards the moon-lit window; his face is strangely bright;
he is almost smiling; he turns to Winthrop.
Gordon. If I had a thousand lives, I'd give each one of them in
turn for the Confederacy!
[As Gordon finishes speaking, the clock outside strikes one.
Winth. (starts as the clock strikes). You hear? Five hours more:
Then you must die! You hear it--you must die! No power on earth can save
you but yourself. Speak--for God's sake, speak! and let me take you home
to them a free man--
Gordon. And a coward?
Winth. No, not that. The chances on your side are even. You have
done all you could. Think of the old days when we lived down there, and
how we hunted and fished and played together. Think of the love that's
there for you. Think what your death would mean to them. Ah, speak out!
Think of their grief!
Gordon. Grief does not kill. They will not die. If they were
here, they'd say to me, each one of them: Be strong!
[Winthrop starts, then turns quickly away into the darkness
outside the square of moonlight, covering his face with
his hands. When he turns, his face is drawn and white.
Winth. (takes his hand, pressing it). I can take them no better
word than this: you died as you have lived.
[He turns to the door where Hopkins has awaited him. Quickly
they go out into the hall. Bill's voice is heard without.
Bill. You through for the night!
[He closes the door and locks it. At the sound of the key
Gordon sinks to his knees in the square of moonlight.
Gordon. Thank God! (He remains with head bowed for a second, then
looks about him). Five hours more!
[The heavy door of the prison is heard to close.
Gone! (He rises quickly to his feet). They have gone--and in the morning
I have got to die! To-morrow! And on the scaffold, as a thief! To-night
I have begun--to-morrow, then, sees how I end! Here, here, I must not
think of that. No, no; I will not. That is not for me. Five hours more!
The time is very short. Show me, dear God, how I shall spend it well and
like a man! For is not Morgan saved! Has not the news gone safely out to
him! And who has done all this! Thank God! thank God! he gave that place
to me! What matter if I am afraid, for now 'tis done--'tis done! I've
saved the greatest man that ever lived. I've saved him--saved him!
I--yes, I! What does it matter that I want to live--I want to live!
[He sinks down upon the mattress, covering his face with his
arms, as
THE CURTAIN FALLS.