After Taps

After Taps. SCENE I.—_Encampment of Union troops at Harrison's Landing one week later; time, noon. View of James River at back._ COLONEL GRAHAM'S _tent_, L.C., _opening facing audience. Trees_ R. _and_ L.; _fallen log_ R. _Campstool outside tent; inside, table, stools, couch. In one corner, banjo; old army coat, hanging. Sentinel pacing at back. Soldiers grouped about; wooden table_ C., _at which are seated soldiers playing cards_. KILROY _on log_ R.; BIJAH BRIGHT _standing back of table. Soldiers laugh as curtain is raised._

Bijah. Wal, that's a true story, and don't you forget it.

KILROY. Faith, it's an injy rubber memory yees have any way. An' divil a bit does it trouble yees to stretch it. Be jabers! it makes me dhry to listen to yees. (_Drinks from canteen, then looks at watch._) Shure, it's toime I was on watch. (_Exits_ R.)

(_Enter_ COLONEL GRAHAM _and_ MAJOR POTTS. _Soldiers rise, salute, and disperse._)

Bijah. (_down front_) Ha, ha! I've given them chaff enough for one day. It will give them something to talk about and keep them out of mischief. (_Exit_ R.; COLONEL GRAHAM _seats himself on stool outside tent_.)

Col. Ah, major, already new life fills my veins; to know that I am with my men again. That seven days' fight is over at last; poor fellows! how many have answered their last call, and lie with white faces upturned to the sky; only the heavy dew for a winding-sheet; while the wounded are waiting for transports to take them back to Washington.

Potts. Those were hard days, colonel; but we _must_ succeed in the end. When we have gained the victory, some of those brave fellows, whose souls are as white as their faces, will, if they can look down upon their country, rejoice that they gave their lives for so glorious a cause.

(GUARD _approaches with sentinel_.)

Sent. Halt! who comes there?

GUARD. Friend.

Sent. Advance, friend, and give the countersign.

(GUARD _gives the countersign in whisper_; KILROY _takes sentinel's place. The relieved sentinel falls behind guard and marches off._)

Major. Any orders, colonel?

Col. No, major, go amongst the men if you will, and speak words of encouragement; I shall be my old self to-morrow. (POTTS _salutes, and exit past_ KILROY, _who salutes_. COLONEL _enters tent and writes at table_. KILROY, _pacing to and fro, suddenly starts and lowers musket_.)

Kil. Halt! who comes there? (_No answer; paces again._) Plague take it! only the wind. (PETE _appears, crawling on hands and knees_.)

Kil. Halt! who comes there? Advance, and give the countersign.

Pete. (_rising and coming forward_) 'Deed I can't sign nuffin, massa.

Kil. (_dragging him forward_). Well, by the powers, if it ain't a shmall nagur.

Pete. 'Deed, massa, I done mean no harm; I's scared blue, I is.

Kil. Blue, is it? faith it must be navy blue thin, wid a coat of tan outshide it. Phat are yees doing here?

Pete. I's only come to find my mammy.

Kil. Foind yees mammy. It's a foine place yees come to luk for her; p'raps yees thinks she's a bowld sojer by in petticoats, ha, ha!

Pete. Please, massa, I tought maybe, when she runned away, der Union men would be good to her, and let her stay wid dem.

Kil. Bliss his heart, a good bit of faith he has thin, and Patrick Kilroy is the last man, though he has an Irish heart, that would lit any harm come to this shmall spal-peen. Corporal of the guard, post four.

(_Enter_ CORPORAL.)

Kil. (_with hand on_ PETE'S _shoulder_). Look here, sir. See what I've found crossing the line. Shure it's a bit of ould Africa.

CORP. All right, I'll show him to the colonel. (KILROY _resumes march_; CORPORAL _leads_ PETE _to_ COLONEL'S _tent and salutes_.)

Col. Well, what is it?

CORP. A contraband discovered crossing the lines.

Col. Very well, leave him to me.

(CORPORAL _salutes and exit_.)

Col. (_coming out of tent_). My fine fellow, what is your name?

Pete. Dey neber done gib me one, massa, only Pete.

Col. How old are you?

Pete. (_scratching head_) Dunno, 'specs I'se purty old; I'se had heaps of fun.

Col. Where did you come from?

Pete. (_points across river_) Ober dere. Powerful hard time I'se had too, massa. I'se runned away.

Col. Why did you come here?

Pete. Ole massa, he sold my brudder, an' I jest feared he'd make me gwine too. An' I knowed der Union men was heaps good to de poor niggers, an' I tought p'raps yer might tell me whar my mammy is.

Col. No, Pete, my boy, I don't know where your mammy is. (_Puts hand on_ PETE'S _shoulder_.) What are you going to do?

Pete. (_scratching head_) Dunno! (_Thinks a moment, then looks brightly into_ COLONEL'S _face_.) 'Specs I should jes lub to stay wid you.

Col. (_seating himself on stool, outside tent_). Stay with me? What could you do?

Pete. I can brack yer boots, massa. An' oh, massa Colonel, I do so lub a horse! Let me take care ob yours. I can handle 'em, massa, if dey be eber so debblesome. Please jes try me; an' I do eberyting yer axes me, sho's yer born.

Col. I havn't a horse, Pete; but you look like a pretty good boy. I think I can trust you. Yes, I will give you a trial.

Pete. Yer really means it? (COLONEL _nods assent_.) Ki-yi! (_Turns somersaults._)

Col. Ha, ha! I'll make you my bodyguard.

Pete. (_perplexed_) I ain't got no uniform, massa; 'specs I needs a sword for dat.

Col. That is a ragged coat you have on for this time of year. (_Goes into tent and brings out old army coat with gold stripes and buttons_). Here, put this on. You won't grow to it this year (_laughs_), but it is better than nothing.

Pete. (_delighted; changes coat and walks about, admiring himself_) I jes wish my ole mammy see me now, she'd be proud, she'd be.

Col. Pete, you are to take good care of everything that belongs to me; and some day, when the war is over, we will go North and try to find your mammy.

Pete. Has you a mammy, Massa Colonel?

Col. No, Pete; she died long ago; but a dear wife and sister are praying for a safe return.

Pete. Massa Colonel, I'll do jes de bery bes I knows.

Col. Well said, Pete. Now go into my tent and put it in order.

Pete. All right, massa. (_Salutes and enters tent; enter_ POTTS _and_ BIJAH.)

Col. Ah, major! Whom have we here?

Potts. (_salutes_) Bijah Bright, the standard-bearer of your regiment.(BIJAH _salutes_.)

Col. A grave duty, Mr. Bright. May it not be trodden beneath your feet.

Bijah. Wal, I guess not, colonel: not while this right arm is strong. Jest feel that muscle.

Col. Ha, ha! There's no doubt about that, or your heart either.

Bijah. Only one corner reserved; the rest belongs to my country.

Col. And may I ask who possesses so great a treasure?

Bijah. Why, don't you know? My Polly, your Polly.

Col. My Polly? Ah, I see. You mean Polly Primrose. Mr. Bright, you are to be congratulated; she's a treasure.

Bijah. Don't be in a hurry with good wishes, sir. She's on the wing, and my shot has not yet brought her down.

Col. On the anxious seat, are you? (_Giving hand to_ BIJAH.) I can at least wish you success.

Bijah. (_salutes_) Thank you, sir.

Col. Major, if you see a small darky about here, it is all right. He crossed the lines, and I will take care of him.

Potts. Very well, sir. He shall not be molested. (POTTS _and_ BIJAH _salute as_ COLONEL _exits past guard, who salutes_; MAJOR _seats himself on end of log_ R.; BIJAH _walks up and down_.)

Potts. But tell me more of this Newcomb, Bijah. What can be his motive in planning the colonel's death?

Bijah. Wal, before Mr. Roger's sister married Colonel Graham, Newcomb was all-fired gone on her. I know, for I was about Baltimore at the time and heard no end of gossip. You see, Mrs. Graham didn't take to him, and snubbed him on all occasions. By Jiminy, wasn't he mad! The whole truth of the matter is, he's bound to be revenged, and takes what's nearest and dearest. He was the means of the colonel's injury, and I'm scared blue for fear that he will try it again. Roger Carruth has his eye on him, for he has a double debt to pay. (PETE _heard playing banjo inside tent_.)

Potts. What's this? (_Goes to tent and brings_ PETE, _holding banjo, down stage_; BIJAH _follows_.) Who are you?

Pete. Please; massa, I's only Pete.

Potts. Where did you come from?

Pete. Ober dar, massa, and de colonel he's gwine to let me stay wid him.

Potts. Well, give us a tune.

Pete. (_salutes_) Deed, massa, dis yer belongs to de colonel; 'specs he wouldn't like to hab me gib yer dat.

Potts. Yes, he will; I can answer for that.

Pete. All right, massa. I'll play de bes I know.

Potts. Good, and here's a quarter for inspiration.

(PETE _salutes, takes coin, and seats himself on floor_ C. POTTS _sits on camp-stool_; PETE _plays and sings a negro melody_; SOLDIERS _appear and group at back, listening_.)

Potts. Bravo, bravo! (SOLDIERS _applaud, then gradually disperse_.) I tell you what, Bijah, music and a song like that cheer a man up. If we have many more days of dead calm and quiet, I shall be tempted to desert the cause and soothe my troubled spirit with the society of some fair maiden.

Bijah. (_turns_ PETE _around; laughs at coat_) You're a great one, you are. Where did you get that coat?

Pete. Massa Colonel gib me dat; he's heaps good to me, he is. I takes care ob eberyting, and I's his guard.

Bijah. His what? Guard? Oh, ho! You mean body-guard. (_Whistles; aside._) Wal, I vum, here's an idea. We'll work him. (_To_ PETE.) Go back to your work, Pete. (PETE _goes into tent_.) Major, I have an idea. (POTTS _comes down front_; BIJAH _takes his arm_.)

Potts. Isn't it rather dangerous to give it away?

Bijah. How can we look out for the colonel? We can't always be at his side, or he will suspect something. He must not be warned, his health won't stand that. That small specimen of black humanity calls himself the colonel's guard; body-guard, he means. Now, why can't he be warned of the colonel's danger, and I'll trust him for the rest? He's mightily taken with the colonel, and you know what a darky's devotion is.

Potts. Bijah, you're a trump! If that is a specimen of your stock of ideas, you are a valuable man. Pete, come here. (PETE _runs out of tent_.)

Potts. Come here; we wish to talk with you.

Pete. I's all ready, sar; bof years wide open.

Bijah. That's all right. Keep your mouth shut.

Potts. You like the colonel pretty well, don't you?

Pete. Like him, massa? Deed I does. He's heaps good ter me. Look at des yer cloe's.

Potts. You can pay him back for them, if you will.

Pete. (_putting hands in pockets; turns them wrong side out; looks at them dolefully, then at_ POTTS) Please, massa, I can't gib yer nuffin.

Potts. (_patting_ PETE _on back_) I don't mean money.

Pete. Does yer mean I can do somefin for him?

Bijah. Yes, that's jest the pint.

Pete. Deed, I'd just like dat. Does yer know what he's gwine ter do for me? When dis yer war is ober he's gwine to help me find my mammy. Don't yer tink I 'specs him for dat?

Potts. Gad, you're a lucky fellow to find such a friend as that. I wish the colonel would help me find a sweetheart.

Pete. (_grinning_) 'Specs for such a fine-lookin gennleman as you is, massa, de colonel would not have to work bery hard.

Potts. Thank you, Pete. That's praise worth having.

Bijah. I say, Pete, there's some one in this world, that _doesn't_ love the colonel: you must take good care of him. One of these fine days some one will try to shoot him.

Pete. Shoot massa Colonel? Not if Pete can help it.

Bijah. Mind, you keep both eyes wide open. (_Exit_ BIJAH _through trees_.)

Pete. Deed I will, massa.

Potts. Pete, my boy, the colonel is one of my dearest friends. I promised his wife that I would take good care of him, but I may be called away at any moment. I commend him to your care. And remember, the trust is a sacred one. (_Exit_ POTTS.)

Pete. (_salutes; wipes eyes on sleeves, and stands looking after him_) I'll do de bes I knows. Golly, 'specs I didn't jine de army for nuffin. (_Goes into tent; brings out pail and exits_ R. _through the trees for water. Enter_ POLLY, _wearing cloak and poke bonnet, with basket covered with napkin on arm, leading_ DOR., _disguised as an old lady; bonnet with veil over face_.)

Polly. (_out of breath_) My gracious! thankful enough, I am, that we are out of sight of those horrid soldiers. One of them tried to kiss me. Ugh! it makes me shiver to think of it. Miss Dorothy, here we are at last.

Dor. (_raising veil_). Indeed, I am thankful too. I am so tired. (_Looks about._) Where are we, Polly?

Polly. Right in camp, miss; see that tent? I wonder who lives there? Let's look in and find out. (_Both enter tent._)

Dor. (_takes picture in frame from table_). Look, Polly, Mrs. Graham's picture. It must be the colonel's.

Polly. Pity sakes alive! so it is. He must not see us here.

Dor. No indeed. I wonder how I can find Roger; ever since I overheard that plot, sleep has forsaken me.

Polly. (_walking about, looking through trees_ R.) Some one is coming this way. (_Looks again._) And I really believe it is Major Potts.

Dor. They say “Fortune favors the brave.” This is indeed a lucky find. (POLLY _beckons_; MAJOR _appears_.)

Potts. Why, Polly Primrose, what are you doing here? (_Sees_ DOR.) Miss Dorothy, have you lost your senses? In camp! How did you enter?

Dor. Behold my disguise. (_Pulls veil over face; then lifts it._) I am Polly's antiquated aunt. She has cakes to sell.

Polly. Yes, do have one. (_Offers cakes._)

Potts. (_taking one_) But what means this masquerading?

Dor. I must see Roger, Pinky, and could think of no way but this. I must tell him of the plot I overheard.

Potts. I thought you were to leave that to me. Lost your faith in your old friend?

Dor. (_taking his hand_). Don't think that for a moment. I could not remain at home. I did not dare tell Ruth, and I must tell my thoughts to some one; they were driving me frantic. Do find Roger for me—that's a dear fellow.

Potts. That is easier said than done. He must keep out of the colonel's way, and that is his tent.

Dor. You have wits enough to manage that. Don't tell him who is here, leave that to me; I mean to give him a surprise.

Potts. Let a woman alone for keeping a secret. You will undeceive him in five minutes. I know enough of the fair sex for that.

Dor. If you were not Roger's best friend, I should say something that you would not like.

Potts. I fly to do your bidding. Don't empty your vial of pent-up wrath over my defenceless shoulders. I should not dare to look a pretty girl in the face for a week.

Dor. What a vacation the pretty girls would have! Come, do hurry, or the colonel will return and spoil everything.

Potts. _Au revoir!_ (_Salutes and exit past sentinel, who salutes._)

Dor. My heart is fluttering like an imprisoned butterfly. Hark! Polly, some one else is coming.

Polly. (_looking_) Pity sakes alive! It's Bijah Bright; seat yourself on this log and don't speak. (DOR. _covers face; seats herself on log_; POLLY _draws hood together_.)

(_Enter_ BIJAH, R.)

Bijah. Wal, I agree with the major. This is getting monotonous; my blood boils for excitement; even the sight of a pretty face wouldn't go bad. That reminds me. (_Takes picture out of pocket._) If I can't do that, there is no law to prevent me from looking at a pretty girl's picture; and “by gorry,” she is worth looking at. (_Kisses picture._)

Polly. Well, I never! Now, I should just like to know—_another_ girl, has he? I'll pay him well for that; deceiving me with his soft speeches.

Bijah. (_turns_) Bless my soul! if here isn't a sweet lass now. What! ho! my pretty maid; where are you going?

Polly. (_disguises voice; courtesying_) If you please, sir, I have cakes to sell. (_Uncovers basket._)

Bijah. Here's luck. Just what I've been looking for. I'll take half a dozen. (_Gives coin; bites cake._) My! what cakes! “Is this heaven, Uncle Tom?” (_Bites again._) These bring to me visions of Polly's kitchen and her pies.

Where'er I roam, where'er I be, No cakes can equal Polly P's.

This is richness. (_To_ POLLY.) Why do you hide your face? Let me look at you.

Polly. Indeed I can't.

Bijah. You can't. Wal, I can. (_Tries to raise her head._) Come now, give me a kiss. (POLLY _suddenly raises head, throws back hood and discloses herself to_ BIJAH'S _astonished gaze_.)

Bijah. Polly—Polly Primrose!

Polly. (_indignantly_) Yes, Polly—Polly Primrose. Aren't you ashamed of yourself? You're a nice kind of a man, you are, pretending to be fond of me.

Bijah. Oh, come, Polly, I didn't mean any harm.

Polly. Oh no, no harm, of course not. Kissing every girl you meet. Don't speak to me—I'll never trust you or any other man again.

(_Enter_ POTTS _and_ ROGER.)

Potts. What is this? An indignation meeting? Bijah quarrelling with a pretty woman? No, yes, it is—Polly Primrose; but who is this? (_Looking at_ DOR.)

Polly. That's my aunt, she came with me.

Roger. Poor old lady; she seems tired.

Polly. That she is; but she's never too tired to tell fortunes; wouldn't you like to hear yours?

Roger. Anything to kill time. (_Goes to_ DOR.) Come, let's hear it. My time is short. (_Looking about._) No danger of the colonel's appearance, is there, Potts?

Potts. No, Roger, he is busily engaged. I've looked out for that.

Roger. Good! Now, what is the wheel of fortune to bring me? Oh! (_Crosses_ DOR.'S _palm with silver_.) I remember, no golden treasure disclosed, unless the key be silver.

Dor. (_taking_ ROGER'S _hand; disguised voice_). Young man, you have had serious trouble; some cloud hangs over you. You are suspected of some crime.

Roger. (_starting_) What witchcraft is here?

Dor. But you are innocent. If you have patience, your name will soon be cleared.

Roger. I hope so with all my heart.

Dor. You have a good heart, and, let me see—yes—that line is crossed—you have given it to some one.

(_Exeunt_ POLLY _and_ BIJAH _through trees_, L.)

Potts. (_slapping_ ROGER _on back; laughs_) You are hard hit, old man. Even the witches can read your heart.

Dor. (_addressing_ POTTS). Your time is coming, sir. “He laughs best who laughs last.”

Roger. Ha, ha! Potts, some time that heart of yours won't stand the fire. Then I will charter a Gatling gun to return all your volleys.

Dor. (_looking at_ ROGER'S _hand_). But what is this? Some danger lurks near a friend; perhaps a brother.

Roger. I have no brother.

Dor. No; not a real brother, but—

Roger. The colonel?

Dor. (_excitedly_). Yes, yes. You must save him. He shall owe his life to you. Some one calling himself friend is his foe. (_Rising; forgets, and assumes natural voice._) He has done you a grievous wrong, but you will forgive that?

Roger. That voice! (_Raises_ DOROTHY'S _veil_.) Dorothy?

Potts. Cleverly done, little maid. You actually waited eight minutes. (_Looks at watch._)

Roger. Major! Dorothy, what does this mean?

Potts. A well-laid scheme, Roger, to hold a stolen interview with you. Miss Dorothy, you can talk with Roger just five minutes, no longer. The colonel will return by that time.

(_Exit_ MAJOR. ROGER _sits on log_; DOR. _kneels at his side_.)

Dor. Forgive me for coming, Roger, but I was so anxious.

Roger. Anxious, little one? Why, what is the trouble? Is it a quarrel with “my dearest friend Mollie”?

Dor. Don't speak like that. No one ever gives me credit for any depth of feeling, just because I laugh and take the good of life as it comes along.

Roger. Which I hope you will always do, Dorothy dear. Come, forgive me, and tell me your trouble.

Dor. Before the colonel left home after his illness, Mr. Newcomb called one day. I entered the drawing-room, and overheard a conversation which he was having with some man,—a soldier in the colonel's regiment.

Roger. Did you hear the man's name?

Dor. Yes; Mr. Newcomb called him Gibbs. Oh, I was so frightened, for I heard them plan to kill the colonel.

Roger. Kill the colonel? How? When?

Dor. This man was, some night, to be placed as the colonel's sentinel. That was to be the time and place. “After Taps” they said.

Roger. Have you told any one of this?

Dor. Only the major. It would never do to tell Ruth. She worries enough without that.

Roger. And you have kept it all to yourself? No wonder you were anxious. Dorothy, you are a treasure.

Dor. But tell me, how can you save Gordon?

Roger. He says and thinks hard things of me, Dorothy. (_Both rise._)

Dor. But you know at heart he does not mean it. It is all through that horrid Newcomb.

Roger. Yes; that horrid Newcomb.

Dor. Promise me that you will do your best to save him.

Roger. No need to promise that. He is your brother; for that, if for no other reason, I must forget and forgive.

Dor. Roger, you have made me so happy.

Roger. Then, for all I have suffered, I ask no better reward.

(_Enter_ POTTS.)

Potts. Time's up. (POLLY _and_ BIJAH _enter_.) Where is Polly?

Polly. Here I am, sir.

(BIJAH _very dejected_.)

Roger. Bijah, escort them both. Give the countersign, that they may cross the lines safely.

Polly. We do not need his assistance. He had better wait for another girl. (_Glares at_ BIJAH.) Come, Miss Dorothy.

Roger. (_embraces_ DOR.) Good-by, sweetheart. No more anxious moments, remember.

Dor. Never. Good-by, Pinky.

(_Exeunt_ DOROTHY, POLLY, _and_ BIJAH.)

Potts. Poor Bijah looks unhappy, because the maid of his heart won't smile upon him. He has a good heart, and is “true as steel.”

Roger. (_hand on_ POTTS'S _shoulder; music_) Indeed he is. No one knows it better than I. He stood my friend in my darkest hours. Ah, Potts! I have a hard battle yet to fight. Newcomb must not win the day. My plan is a bold one. Stand by me, old man; your friendship will be tried. (_Taking his hand._) But those honest eyes of yours never failed me yet. This firm pressure of your hand, and the knowledge of Dorothy's faith and love, give me strength and courage to do my duty.

SCENE II.—_Same as Scene I. Evening._ KILROY _has been relieved; lights across the river; table removed from the stage_, C.

Pete. (_discovered lighting candle in_ COLONEL'S _tent_) Golly, I feels powerful big, I does, wid dis yer coat ob de colonel's. 'Specs some time, dey will mistook us, and I gets all de salutes. (_Comes out of tent._) Dey will 'proach me dis yer fashion. (_Imitates_ ORDERLY _and salutes_.) Massa Colonel. (_Imitates_ COLONEL.) Yas, sar. (_Imitates_ ORDERLY.) A 'spatch from de general. (_Imitates._) Very well, sar. (_Salutes; walks about with dignity; enter_ KILROY.)

Kil. Faith, and if it ain't the shmall heathen we saved from the other soide. Luk at the shtyle of him,—parading about wid the colonel's shtripes and buttons. Whist, honey, phat are yees doing wid that coat?

Pete. (_turning_) I's habin' heaps of fun, I is. Massa Colonel gib me dis yer coat, an' I's playin' wid my 'magination, an' tinks I'se de colonel.

Kil. Playin' wid phat is it? The nixt thing you know, it may be powder phat's playin' wid you.

Pete. Does yer 'member, sah, when I comed across de line?

Kil. Will, indade I does. A foine specimen yees were. Shure, for a minit, I thought it was the divil himself, coming to give me a surprise party.

Pete. (_grins_) Den yer don't trabel wid him all de time, massa?

Kil. Oh, yer shpalpeen! (_Strikes at_ PETE, _who dodges, turns a somersault, and exit past sentinel_.)

Kil. A shmart one, by the powers! Travel with the divil is it? Faith, and he goes it so fast, niver a bit cud I kape up wid him. If that shmall imp don't show more respict to his betthers, a shmall chance he'll get to travel with any one.

(_Exit_ KIL., R.; GUARD _approaches with change of sentinel_.)

Sent. Halt! Who comes there?

GUARD. Friend.

Sent. Advance, friend, and give the countersign.

(GUARD _gives it_; GIBBS _stands as sentinel; relieved_ SENTINEL _marches off behind_ GUARD.)

Gibbs. I wonder if Newcomb is on the watch. Yes; here he comes. Too clever to miss the game.

(_Enter_ COL. _and_ NEW.; GIBBS _salutes_ COL.; NEW. _looks at_ GIBBS, _and starts_.)

Col. What's the matter, Newcomb? Not nervous, are you?

New. It's nothing. Thought I saw a shadow. Do you have any of those black devils hanging about here?

Col. Yes, occasionally one; but they never give us any trouble. One little fellow crossed the line to-day, and he was so bright and clever,—wanted to stay here with me; so I have set him to work, and I expect he will take excellent care of me. I admire the devotion of that race; treat them kindly, and you are always sure of plenty of friends.

New. I prefer a higher type of humanity for associates.

Col. What a pity, Newcomb, that two such warm friends as we should not have heart for the same cause! However, some day you will be of my opinion, I hope.

(COL. _sits at table inside tent_; NEW. _on stool at opening_.)

New. Hardly that, yet. Whatever the end may be, I trust we shall still be good comrades.

Col. That sentiment I echo with my whole heart. But tell me, Newcomb, do you ever hear anything of Roger Carruth?

(GIBBS _listens at side of tent_.)

New. Never. He won't show himself in this part of the country again.

Col. You are sure that you have evidence of his guilt? I would not misjudge the boy for all the world; I am too fond of him for that.

New. Why should I, his friend and yours, seek to turn you against him?

Gibbs. (_aside_) Why, indeed!

Col. I cannot understand it—so true and honorable, always. Some fearful temptation must have stood in his way.

New. Evil will show itself. If the seed is there, time will surely make it grow.

Col. No, no, Newcomb; don't say that. Why, man, would you have me think for a moment that it was more than a sudden pitfall?

New. The evidence grows stronger and stronger against him.

Col. Oh, Newcomb, this is so hard to bear! (_Covers face with hands_; GIBBS _returns to place and resumes march_.)

New. (_rises_). Never mind, old fellow. (_Places hand on_ COL.'S _arm_.) You have some friends left who have not played the knave.

Col. (_rising; holds out hand_). True, Newcomb; I have much to thank you for. This kindly interest in my welfare, I trust the time will come when I can repay it.

New. Don't worry about that. (_Looks at watch._) It is almost time for taps.

Col. Won't you stay and smoke with me?

New. Not to-night. Early hours are prescribed for you. Good-night.

Col. Good-night.

(NEW. _goes up stage_; COL. _enters tent; enter_ PETE, R.; _sees_ NEW. _talking with_ GIBBS.)

Pete. I wonder if he lubs de colonel. 'Specs I jes listen to der comversation. (_Creeps behind tree near_ GIBBS.)

New. Well, are you ready for your work?

Gibbs. Yes, sir.

New. No chicken-hearted business about this. Is your aim a true one?

Gibbs. Yes; true as steel.

New. I can depend upon you?

Gibbs. You can, sir. I feel a special interest in the work to-night.

New. At what time?

Gibbs. After taps.

New. It will soon be here. (_Bugle-call for taps._)

Gibbs. That is the call. Ten minutes more; before the lights are out.

New. All right. Make your shot tell.

Gibbs. I will do my best, sir.

New. Good-night. (GIBBS _salutes_; NEW. _exit_.)

Pete. (_shaking_) Golly, my hair just frozen stiff; bof my knees powerful confectionate. Dey's plotting mischief, dey is. An' if Pete don't keep bof eyes wide open, dere will be trouble in de camp. (_Hides behind tree._)

(_Enter_ MAJOR _and_ BIJAH.)

Potts. Newcomb is about the camp. I fear mischief is brewing.

Bijah. I'd jest like to see the sport. I wonder who he is working this time.

Major. (_goes to_ COL.'S _tent; salutes_) All right for the night, colonel?

Col. (_raising head from hand_). Yes, major; good-night.

Major. Good-night. (_Salutes._)

Bijah. (_looking through trees in flat_, L.) Major, look there! I'll bet you a fiver, that's Newcomb.

Potts. (_looking over_ BIJAH'S _shoulder_) You're right. Let us hide and watch him. (_Both hide in trees_, L.; _drum-call for lights out; stage darkens_; COL. _puts out candle and stands in doorway_.)

Col. I wonder where that snowball of mine is? Pete! Pete!

Pete. (_runs across stage_) Here I is (_salutes_), massa!

Col. What are you doing at this time of night?

Pete. I's watchin' somefin, massa. I heard a crackling in der bushes; 'specs it possum. Yer don't mind if I looks, massa?

Col. No; only don't stray away too far.

Pete. 'Deed I won't, Massa Colonel. (_Salutes, and resumes watch._)

Bijah. You bet he scents the game.

Col. (_crosses stage, goes up back; stands looking at river._) I wonder why it is my thoughts are all of Roger to-night. Poor Ruth! how heavy her heart is; and I spoke words which did not lighten the burden. Down deep in my heart I cannot think him guilty. Yet Newcomb is so sure,—and Newcomb knows. (_To_ SENTINEL.) Everything all right?

Gibbs. (_salutes_) All right, sir.

(COL. _turns to enter tent_; NEW. _appears at extreme_ L., _and watches_ GIBBS; GIBBS _sees_ NEW., _stops a moment, then follows_ COL., _aims at him, turns quickly, and fires at_ NEW. PETE, _who has followed_ GIBBS, _springs upon his back, and grasps him soon as shot is fired_. NEW. _is wounded in wrist_. GIBBS _swings_ PETE _around and knocks him senseless with butt of gun_. POTTS _and_ BIJAH _seize_ GIBBS; COL. _turns as shot is fired_; SOLDIERS _appear; stage grows light_; KIL. _runs to_ PETE _and raises head_.)

New. (_holding wrist_). The traitor! I'll pay him well for this.

Col. What does this mean? Treason in the camp?

New. It means, colonel, that this man attempted your life. I overheard his plotting and came to warn you. He missed fire, and my wrist caught the shot.

Col. Where is the sentinel?

Kil. (_points at_ GIBBS). Faith, and there he is.

Col. So, sir, placed here on honor to guard your colonel's life, you turn traitor. Speak, man, why have you done this? (GIBBS _remains silent_.)

Col. (_goes to_ PETE). Poor little fellow! You have killed him.

Kil. If yees plaze, colonel, his sinses are only knocked out of him.

Col. (_to_ GIBBS). Man, why are you silent?

New. He is too great a coward to defend himself. He dare not speak. (_Music._)

Gibbs. Dare not? Be careful, Newcomb; the game is not yet yours. You call me traitor: coward. Yet beneath the stars in heaven there is not one who wears, beneath his coat, a blacker heart than yours.

New. What do you mean? Who are you that dares to accuse me?

Gibbs. (_right arm free_) One who has suffered much at your hands; who has borne with patience your taunts and slurs; who, knowing of the colonel's danger, tried to save his life. One whom you thought “as good as dead” stands before you. A victim of your treachery. (_Tears off whiskers and wig._) Roger Carruth.

(TABLEAU.—KIL., C., _kneeling and holding_ PETE'S _head on knees_; COL. _staggers back and leans against soldiers, who support him_; POTTS _and_ BIJAH _each holding one of_ ROGER'S _hands, looking at him_; ROGER _looking at_ NEW., _who stares at him horror-stricken_.)

CURTAIN.