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Thompson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Zina: the Slave Girl or Which the Traitor? - A Drama in Four Acts - -Author: A. Thompson - -Release Date: October 5, 2019 [EBook #60425] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZINA: THE SLAVE GIRL *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, hekula03, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by the Library of Congress) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><b>Transcriber’s Note:</b></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='titlepage'> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>ZINA: THE SLAVE GIRL<br /> <span class='c002'>OR</span><br /> <span class='xlarge'>WHICH THE TRAITOR?</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><i>A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS.</i></div> - <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>By Dr. A. THOMPSON, of Lowell, Mass.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c004'>[Entered according to an Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by <span class='sc'>Augustin -Thompson</span>, of Lowell, Mass., in the office of the Librarian of Congress, -at Washington, D. C.]</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div>LOWELL, MASS.:</div> - <div>COURIER PRESS: MARDEN AND ROWELL.</div> - <div>1882.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> -<div class='section ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div>ZINA: THE SLAVE GIRL.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div> - <h2 class='c007'>CAST OF CHARACTERS.</h2> -</div> -<ul class='index c003'> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Gen. Francis Halcom.</span> An exile.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Keele Brightly.</span> Slavetrader, gambler, and guerilla chief.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Martelle d’Arneaux.</span> A true type of the old Southern chivalry.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Merald Myers.</span> A gambler, duellist, and slavetrader.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Gen. W. T. Sherman.</span> Commanding the Union Army of the Cumberland.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Gen. J. B. Hood.</span> Commanding Rebel Army of the Tennessee.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah Goferum.</span> A striking illustration of what the back towns can produce in a case of emergency.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Barney O’Flanagan.</span> An adopted citizen, who sticks by his friends.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Col. J. H. Gilday.</span> Of the Rebel Army.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Orderlies</span>, <span class='sc'>Soldiers</span>, <span class='fss'>ETC.</span></li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Zina: The Slave Girl.</span> Property of Keele Brightly.</li> - <li class='c008'><span class='sc'>Sally Rideout.</span> The girl with a farm of her own, who dotes on Hezekiah, and sings to keep her disposition level.</li> -</ul> - -<div class='section ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div>ZINA:</div> - <div class='c005'><span class='xlarge'>THE SLAVE GIRL.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> - <h2 class='c007'>ACT I.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'><span class='sc'>Scene 1.</span>—<i>Streets of Mobile.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Arneaux</span> <i>discovered looking over some papers R. Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Zina</span> <i>L, carrying a heavy carpet-bag</i>. D’A. <i>recognizes her</i>.</h3> - -<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Arneaux.</span> Ah! your master and myself seem to be of -one mind today. I did not see you on the train. When do -you return?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> When master has drank enough and played his money -away.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Zina, you have been weeping. Some more abuse?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, please don’t ask me anything, master.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Zina, do you like your master?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Please don’t ask me to say.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Now, my little one, do you think you would be happier -if you should come to live at our cottage?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, I should be so glad, Master D’Arneaux; but I -can not think of that, it is so impossible!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. My mother seems so happy when you come over to -sing to her.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I pity her so much; she is so helpless and lonely since -Nelly died.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Zina, you could be a daughter to my mother.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> She seems to stop mourning for Nelly when I sing to -her, and her face lights up with the old smile as it used to do, -when I used to come over to learn to read and sing.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. If I should buy you off your master, how would you -like it?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, please, Master D’Arneaux, don’t give me a hope -like that! When disappointment comes it makes me feel so bad.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Now, why would you be glad to come with us?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> You have been so kind to me. Oh, if you will buy -me, I will work so hard for you!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Are you not happy in your old home?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina</span> (<i>looking about</i>). Please don’t tell master! but I get -so tired—My life is so hopeless, and the driver beats me so -hard—</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Why do they do that? I always see you at work.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Because I hid in the swamp when he was trying to sell -me to some brutal traders from the coast. Oh, please buy me, -Master D’Arneaux! I will work for you day and night and eat -the poor food after the other hands.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. But you have seemed to be so much attached to your -master, I had hardly dared to broach the matter of adding your -pretty face and good heart to the family of my mother.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, please do not say what I tell you! they would -whip me so. I force myself to appear happy and contented, to -please master. He is so cross when he finds me crying. Oh, -he drinks so much! You will not tell him what I have said? -(<i>Falls on her knees, sobbing.</i>) I am so fearful of a worse fate -than that.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Have they dared to insult you while you are but a -child?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, please buy me, Master D’Arneaux, I am so <i>miserable</i> -now.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Zina, your honor is more sacred than your life, and you -have the right to defend it to the death, even against your master -(<i>handing stiletto</i>). Take this knife and kill the miscreant -who would insult you.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina</span> (<i>kissing and hugging it to her bosom</i>). Oh, I am so -helpless alone with them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Zina, you were not born to be a slave. God has not -put the stamp of that race in your angel face. Your brain is -sharper than your master’s. Think! at fourteen you read as -well as the best at the plantation. In music you are a prodigy.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, Master D’Arneaux, you are always so kind to me. -Heaven is good to your help when it gives so good a master.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. It is Heaven, too, that gives <i>you</i> so much of sympathy -and goddness.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I have thought I was so bad, Master D’Arneaux.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>D’A. Why did you think that, my little one?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> The driver says, only the wicked are unhappy. Oh, -it is so hard for me to be good.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. You make a very grave mistake, Zina. The best people -that have lived have been full of tears.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I feel so much better when I can cry.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. So did you cry when our Nelly died, yet you had done -no wrong.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina</span> (<i>hesitatingly</i>). She was such a sister to me, when I was -only a miserable slave. She learned me to sing and your mother -learned me to read—</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. And you have repaid my poor, helpless old mother -with so many beautiful songs—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> How else can I pay her for all that makes sunshine -for my miserable life?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Zina, you are a noble girl. Too good and pure for -labor among the coarse field hands. Heaven never made you -for this. Your brain and voice came from Him who gives such -gifts for a nobler purpose. To scatter happiness as He scatters -beautiful wild flowers in the uninviting nooks of the earth.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, I do not know what to say, Master D’Arneaux, -you are so good to me. (<i>Zina rises.</i>) If you buy me, may I -have a little bed of flowers? I will take care of them when -there is no work to do.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. All the flowers you please, little one, where you like, -and your own time to work in them.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, I am so glad! I forget all my misery and unhappiness -when I am doing that.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. It is an evidence of a pure and noble heart to love -the beautiful.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Please don’t tell master, but he stamps on my flowers -and tells me to waste my time in the cotton field. Oh! I try so -hard to please him, that he won’t order the driver to beat me!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. He is a brutal dog!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Please don’t say so to him. He will know I have -been saying something to you (<i>taking bag and goes to R</i>). Oh, -I must go now! He is so angry when I am gone too long.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. But he knows you are after the baggage?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> And he knows I have had time to go and get back -(<i>dropping on knees</i>). Oh, please buy me, Master D’Arneaux, -I am so unhappy now! I will work so hard to get your money -back.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>D’A. (<i>Brushing hair from forehead.</i>) Dry the tears, little -one, I will see what I can do for you.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, you will try, won’t you, Master D’Arneaux? I -am so fearful that I shall be sold to some traders tomorrow. -(<i>Seizes and passionately kisses D’A.’s hand, Zina rises slowly, -covering face, then hurries out R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. I <i>will</i> try (<i>looking after her</i>)! That was a rash -promise. What if he shall demand more than I have? That -would sweep my mother’s comforts away (<i>overcome</i>). My God! -Can it be right that such innocence should be given to the mercy -of such brutes? If this system is divine, it is <i>not</i> divine that -devils should own or handle it. If in the coming conflict I shall -fall, what next? Poor Cora, when I told her my duty was at the -front, and I trusted my mother to her care, that look of agony -I shall never forget, as she gathered her babies to her heart and -said: “Master, I could always be a slave for you, but if you -are killed, what will become of my baby boys?” It has rung in -my ears like the knell of hope, <i>forever</i> since. Poor woman! -They shall never send your children to the auction block to pay -a debt for me. If from shame I left her then without an answer, -she shall have it today from the best of my manhood. I will -free my people before I go. The land and cottage will keep my -mother—Ah, I had forgotten Brightly’s mortgage! My -death may send my mother to the poor-house (<i>thinking</i>). The -proceeds of my last crop will clear this, or buy the girl. Heaven -help me to do right! (<i>Exit R.</i>)</p> - -<h3 class='c012'><span class='sc'>Scene 2.</span> <i>Cafe in Hotel Leon, Mobile.</i> <span class='sc'>Myers</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Brightly</span> <i>are discovered seated at a card table L. Bar rear centre.</i></h3> - -<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> A fact, as said old Bob, “Cotton is king,” and -a truer boast never was made.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Some idle slush that happens to suit the vanity of -the cotton growers. Our roosters always strut the loudest.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Why not? If two hundred millions’ worth of -cotton never crossed the sea, how long would you have to hunt -for a gold coin on the Atlantic seaboard?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> What of your gold mines?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> A drop, only. Shut off the cotton production -and how would we carry on a foreign trade?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Exchange your cereals. Again,—if you had nothing -to buy with, you wouldn’t buy. No matter how much you -produce here, you are forced to part with it to feed your always -famished vanity. Before California, your cotton, cereals -and meat went. Now it is California as well! Mark this: If -thrown on your own resources, without a particle of foreign importation, -you would be infinitely better off, because it would -give an impetus to the development of your natural resources, -so unparalleled.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Come to natural resources, how came New -York and New England with their wealth, and how would your -pauper labor obtain their cheap clothing?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Egypt can raise cotton enough for the world. Thrift, -hard labor and plenty of brains will make anybody what he -needs.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Of course, even if the business was basswood, -hams and Peter Funk jewelry.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> It is not to your credit that they find a susceptible -market here.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Why, Myers, we run the rest of this country -as middlemen. We have tolerated the leeches a hundred years. -Now we propose to shut down.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> When you will spoil the whole. (<i>Enter Hood R.</i>) -It takes brains to run a country like this, and the south haven’t -got the material.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Indeed!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Yes, sir; indeed. It is one thing to raise cotton -and another thing to make it valuable. You never had sense -enough in the south to utilize it. If you have, where are -your mills? The south is loaded with water-power. The -brains of the country are in New England and the middle states. -Kick those friends in the face and where are you? England, -you say? They would hold the same relation to you at once. -What do you gain? An enemy on the border. I owe allegiance -to the British crown, but I like your country. It will be -my future home.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I was going to say—that I was afraid this country -couldn’t do without ye.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Sum the south and its institutions, and what is it? -Planters who know nothing but to buy and work a nigger. A -large element whose highest ambition is hog, hominy, a horse -race and whiskey enough for the present. Politicians, who discover -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>nothing but that the north is leeching its living from the -south and stealing its niggers.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> How much would it cost to get two or three -Johnny Bulls like you to come over and run this machine?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Sarcasm don’t answer argument. It takes a variety -of people and interests to make a country like this. I have -travelled it all over. It’s a big thing. Believe me, gentlemen, -when I say that you require New England for its manufacturing -push, the west for its bread and meat, the south for its cotton -and sugar. Kick out one and you spoil the whole.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Myers, you should have chosen the law instead -of Faro and speckelatin in niggers.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Why?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> You got so much cheek, and you can twist a lie -so it will look like a fact.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Now don’t insult me!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Oh, get out! You are as sensitive as a Yankee -nigger stealer. (<i>Enter D’Arneaux R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Good morning, gentlemen. Brightly, please say to -my mother, pressing business calls me to Charleston, at once.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> The devil! What is up now?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. The last dispatches announce that the bombardment -of Sumter has commenced.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Jest as I expected.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. I enter the army tonight, Capt. Hood, may I expect -to enter under your command?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Sorry, but my company is full. Everything is full.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Why not stick to the Regulators? You got a -commission there?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Then I will return to Creelsboro tonight, take leave -of my mother in the morning, then hie for the frontier.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> What’s your rush? I can’t get ready as soon as -that!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. The state owns the right to my head and arm now. -A quick blow, and an honorable, bloodless peace.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Well said, my boy. We fight our own countrymen, -whose ancestors stood shoulder to shoulder with ours for the -first independence. The first shot makes me shudder, for I -cannot see the end.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. War is cruel, and I have hoped against hope that -it would not come.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> I like your sentiments, my boy. May I hope a bullet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>may never find you. But the north will fight. It is the exasperation -wrought by cruel pictures of the wrong we have -carried as best we could, through the first century of the Republic.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Now, gentlemen, don’t get melancholy. Yankees -won’t fight. They are by instinct thieves and shopkeepers. I -will bet you my best nigger you can’t hire one to cross the line.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> I have travelled in that country some, and I will -meet your wager and go you one better, that you smell as much -Yankee gunpowder the next year as you can take care of.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Pointing to Myers, laughing.</i>) It’s chronic, -Johnny Bull!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Did I understand you that you are an Englishman?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> An Australian, sir, on a spec, plying between Mobile -and Havana. Got anything to sell?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Your line of trade?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> I prefer handsome women.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. And when he is tired of them, they are turned over to -another master in the auction yards of Havana.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Exactly. I made $700 on the last one.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> It remains for Old and New England to furnish the -men, that have loaded the south with its most ignominious -reputation. (<i>Myers springs to his feet.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Do you insult the legitimate business of your country?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> The absolute freedom the Republic confers upon -you has never legalized a crime against humanity.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> What say you, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> When this country opens its doors to the citizens of -another state, it expects no insults to its hospitality!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Do you fight, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> I do, sir, most assuredly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. You can take your choice, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers</span> (<i>to D’Arneaux</i>). I have no quarrel with you, sir. -(<i>To Hood.</i>) You will hear from me in the morning. Your -profession, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> It is honorable, sir. Be assured that I feel the -degradation of the match as much as yourself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> This squabble with the free states has seemed to -convey the idea to every scrub in the south that he must carry -the honor of his own section on his own little back.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Squabble?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Well, what else? Neither section has an army, or -a respectable ship of war. There are not ten thousand men in -the country that know a right-shoulder shift from a present. -This is a fanatical mob broke loose.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Myers, it is cruelty to a lunatic to fight you.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Nothing collapses the vanity of a ponderous presumption -so quick as a ridiculous fact.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly</span> (<i>to Hood and D’Arneaux</i>). Oh, he knows it all. -(<i>To Myers.</i>) Look here. I knew of a Johnny Bull once that -had the conceit taken out of him by a little nation that made a -navy out of its little coasting schooners. It lays hard on Johnny’s -stomach to this day.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Whatever the merits of this quarrel may be, John -Bull will soon observe that it don’t take three years to make a -soldier on this side of the water.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Come, Brightly, as you and I have not quarrelled, let -us have a whack at the national game. (<i>Deals cards—they play.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Myers, you are the sauciest devil in Mobile.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Why?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Because you are the best shot, I suppose.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Then Mobile tolerates me, does it?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> It does.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Then suppose it should choose to do otherwise?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Some citizen would wring your nose and kick you out. -(<i>Myers springs to his feet, Brightly between.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Hold on, gentlemen. There’s time enough to -settle this hash in the morning. (<i>Pushes Myers to his chair.</i>) -Deal the cards.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> These gentlemen insist on being insultingly snappish.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> This is a slave state, sir, but not an auction room. -I desire you to understand the strength of my contempt for yourself -and the business that gives you a dishonorable living.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> If you should ever cross the water, do you think -anything in the line of Royalty would be able to obtain any condescension -from you?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> I associate with nothing but gentlemen, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> And I suppose you fight nothing but gentlemen, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> I sometimes kick a ruffian!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers</span> (<i>suppressed rage</i>). Indeed! We will see how hard -you kick, in the morning. Say, Brightly. Now you are off for -the army, sell me that little red-cheeked jade I saw carrying -your baggage to the depot.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span><span class='sc'>Brightly</span> (<i>catching a look from D’A.</i>). No siree! That girl -is the smartest piece of meat in the whole of Tennessee! I -brought her up from a baby. Why, she can sing like an Opera, -and read—wal, she does all the readin’ and letter writin’ on the -plantation. (<i>Hood and D’A. converse—R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> I s’pose that all goes for talk!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Why, bless your heart, there ain’t a nigger or -white woman in Creelsboro’ that wouldn’t die for her! She’s -one er the institutions of that place.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Worth about a thousand more, I suppose, on account -of that! Never saw a Tennessee trader that didn’t have sixteen -or seventeen hundred dollars’ worth of extra virtues in his -particular nigger!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> On er bright, and no blowin’!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Oh the south is full of them!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Then go and buy ’em.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Brightly, I don’t know why, but I have just taken a -liking to that little romp. She is pretty and fresh as a new picture. -Say, she hasn’t been married?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Not a bit of it. She’s only jest sixteen.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Say, I will give twelve hundred for her, because you -and I are old friends.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> No, yer don’t!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Fifteen?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> It’s no use talkin’! If I should sell that little -brat, there would be hell to pay in Creelsboro’ for two years.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Now look here, Brightly; when I take a liking I am -willing to pay for it. I am going to make you an offer you won’t -refuse—twenty-five hundred!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> You had better wait and see if you get by Hood -in the morning.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> I shall kill him at the first shot.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> But he fires once, himself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> He will die too soon for that. I have never found -it necessary to fire twice. The other man always forgets to finish -his business.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Why, Myers, you hain’t no more idea of what -there is in that gal, than you have of kingdom come. (<i>Blows a -whistle, and Zina dashes in R, looking inquiringly.</i>) Ain’t that -jest the handsomest piece of furnicher ye ever looked at?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Beautiful!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Now I jest want you to hear her sing. Now, little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>one, hoe in. Do yer handsomest, and I’ll give yer four days -off.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh please, master, I feel so bad today. (<i>Falling on -her knees and covering her face.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly</span> (<i>Rising and drawing a whip from under his coat.</i>) -Ah ha! Sulks again? Niggers don’t say won’t to me.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Please don’t make me sing, master, today. (<i>Falls on -face sobbing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly</span> (<i>interrupting</i>). Ah, you won’t, hey? Then I will -give you something to sulk for. (<i>Advances towards her, and -D’Arneaux steps between. They look each other in the face a -moment. Brightly goes to seat again.</i>) The young one ain’t -well today.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Well, three thousand.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Catching a look from D’Arneaux.</i>) I’ll tell ye -tomorrow.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> I’ll bet ye five hundred on this hand without lookin’. -(<i>D’A. raises Zina up to knees. She clings to D’A.’s hands—face -hid.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> All right. My chance is as good as your’n, then. -Show!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers</span> (<i>as both show</i>). Got ye! This is a matter of pure -luck, and may as well be done blindfolded. Do you know I lost -fifteen thousand dollars once in Havana at one sitting?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Enough to make me rich! (<i>Rests face on hands.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> I was teetotally cleaned out. I put up my breastpin -and won. When I got up, I was five thousand dollars better -off than I was when I commenced. Try it again?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I have just about enough left to get me home -again. (<i>Turns away.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Borrow?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>To D’A.</i>) D’Arneaux, lend me a thousand dollars.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. I shall be obliged to use all I have tomorrow. I would -play no more.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> I want him to win back part of this, so we can part -with good feeling.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Then give it to him, and have done with it!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I refuse a gift from any one!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Any gentleman would say that.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Then return what you have won dishonestly.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers</span> (<i>springing to his feet</i>). This is the second time you -have insulted me tonight, without provocation.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>D’A. <i>Gentlemen</i> resent the first insult!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Can I expect to see you at “Bayou Sara” with your -friend in the morning?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. You can, sir! I prefer to meet you first myself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> It is immaterial to me.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Now, gentlemen, this quarrel is for nothing.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. He has insulted the hospitality of my country. He -must carry his life in his hands for that!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Do your boasting after the fight. Brightly, I lend -you five hundred to continue the game. I want to go out from -here with one friend.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Jest as you say (<i>they seat at table</i>). I am going -to get ye this time. You dealt last (<i>deals cards</i>).</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Will bet you the even $500, and show as before.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Playin’ is all luck, anyway.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Do you go it?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Yes. What have ye got (<i>both show</i>)?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Sorry, Brightly. I was hoping you would win this. -Nevertheless, luck will come somewhere. Say, I will bet you -thirty-five hundred against the girl?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> No, I won’t! (<i>D’A. and Zina, excited, gather -nearer.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> That would give you a chance to win 2000 more -than you had when you commenced. Try it again.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Hesitating, finally brings his fist down on the -table.</i>) Done!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, master. (<i>Zina drops on her knees and bows her -head on Brightly, sobbing. Brightly throws her off.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. (<i>Dashing forward and flinging his pocket-book on the -table.</i>) No, by heaven, you shall not! There are eighteen -hundred dollars. It is all I have. Take it and say the girl is -free. Then <i>waste</i> the money if you like.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> (<i>To Brightly.</i>) Do you take this scoundrel through -the country as guardian for your property, because you are unfit -to handle it yourself?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> What I own I control. Deal the cards! It is -$3500 or the girl!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Thirty-five hundred dollars or the girl. Show (<i>both -show</i>.) You have lost again!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. And you have won dishonestly!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> You lie! (<i>Zina half rises in terror.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Take that money and let the girl go free.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Who are you (<i>rises and confronts</i>)?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. What are you?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Well, say it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. A gambler with the honor of a thief.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> In the morning you shall swallow that.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. A libertine without an honorable thought!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> This shall be your last croak!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. A ruffian, whose business it is to send—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> Have done—</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Beauty and virtue to the auction block for prostitution! -(<i>Myers strikes D’Arneaux and is struck in return.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Myers.</span> I will not wait for morning to settle this. (<i>Flings -off hat, draws knife. Zina rises in terror.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. It shall be as you choose (<i>dashing to bar and seizing a -knife</i>). And the freedom of this helpless girl shall be the issue!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Dashing between.</i>) Hold on, gentlemen!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Stand aside, sir! This is a question of manhood you -are unfit to decide. (<i>Myers dashes by Brightly and attacks D’A. -They fight. Myers is killed L. at once. D’A. drops his -knife and stands aghast at his work. Turning suddenly to R.</i>) -It is a poltroon who would not fight from such a provocation. -(<i>Zina drops on her knees sobbing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. (<i>To Brightly.</i>) The result of this duel ends your -control as master here. (<i>Zina falls on face sobbing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> When did I give papers to convey her?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. I sought the quarrel that has ended that miscreant’s -life, because he has lived in vandalism on the ruins of helpless -innocence!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> What is that to me?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. By every sense of even a gambler’s honor, this child is -free. If you deny that, it shall be the last time the law shall -protect your infamy. Peril her liberty and honor again if you -dare, and you shall answer to me. (<i>Curtain.</i>)</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c007'>ACT II.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'><span class='sc'>Scene 1.</span> <i>Landscape. Whole stage. Gen. Halcom discovered, R, looking away with field-glass. Soldiers “en picket,” rear.</i></h3> - -<p class='c010'><i>Enter Barney L. U. E., looking badly as if from a drunken -debauch.</i></p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>1st <span class='sc'>Soldier</span> and <span class='sc'>Soldiers</span>. Guardhouse! Guardhouse!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>Stopping, &c.</i>) Close up them holes in your face; -the flies may get inside and blow you.</p> - -<p class='c011'>1st <span class='sc'>Sol.</span>, &c. Pull up yer trowsers, they are wearing out your -heels. (<i>Soldiers laugh. Barney enraged.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> I will have that thafe killed that got so many idiots -down here.</p> - -<p class='c011'>1st <span class='sc'>Sol.</span> Turn off the gas or your head will collapse.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>Throwing off hat and coat, L.</i>) Come out here -with them idiots. Come out! Come out! (<i>Spanks his hand -on floor.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>1st <span class='sc'>Sol.</span> Ah-r, Barney, get out, we were only in fun.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Go away wid you for a thafe and blackguard ye are.</p> - -<p class='c011'>1st <span class='sc'>Sol.</span> Come, Barney, let’s have a drink and make up. -(<i>Soldier produces bottle. Barney looks incredulous, as if expecting -some imposition. He approaches very slowly.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> And you have no sickness in it?</p> - -<p class='c011'>1st <span class='sc'>Sol.</span> Ah-r, what do you take us for? (<i>Barney takes -bottle and attempts to drink. Finds it empty. Flings it out L. -Spanks his hand on the floor. Soldiers laugh very loud.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Come out! Come out, you thafe er the worruld! -I’ll bat your dam head off you. Come out! (<i>Gen. Halcom turns, -looks at them a moment. Barney subsides, and as he puts on -coat and hat, turns often to see if Hal. is looking at him. Enter -Orderly L. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Orderly.</span> (<i>To Gen. Hal.</i>) A note, sir, from the commander-in-chief.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> One moment (<i>reads note</i>). Say to the commander-in-chief -that the enemy are massing on our immediate front. -(<i>Orderly salutes and retires L. U. E.</i>) The picket will report -to chief of brigade guard. (<i>Pickets retire. L. U. E. Halcom -follows slowly. Soon a squad of rebel soldiers enter R. with -Keele. Brightly peering cautiously. D’A. shows R. U. E. A -picket fires out L. U. E. A return shot and he falls. Three -other shots and rebels retire R., but soon come slowly back.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Some of those Yankees have learned to shoot -since this fight began. (<i>To men.</i>) Take that body behind the -hill and bury it. (<i>Rebel soldiers drag the body out R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. (<i>Approaching, handing Brightly a note.</i>) An order -from the commander.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Reads and throws it down.</i>) I take no orders -from any one.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>D’A. Are you a soldier or brigand?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Either you please.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. The laws of every nation compel allegiance to the -country that gives its protection.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Protection, did you say?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Aye, protection!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> When this confederacy finds itself able to stand -alone, it may assume impudence enough to ask my allegiance -on account of the protection it can give.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. As did the colonies in the first insurrection, this government -holds the inhabitants of its territory subject to the -military conscription.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Its object, an asylum for broken down political -beats.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. A separation from the free states!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Which I oppose.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Then, sir, you are a traitor.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Be careful, young man; you are not robust -enough to use such talk with a man. I fight to repel Yankee -intrusion upon our domestic affairs.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. A patriotism that simply asks protection for your -pocket.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Whose reaches farther?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Who has no pride in a magnificent nationality, would -simply root his way through the world like a hog, for the benefit -of his stomach.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Well, who gets, or cares for more?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. He whose ambition leaps the instinct of the animal, to -achieve honor, magnificence and power.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> You had that before and the north paid the bills. -This is simply a domestic fight.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. For the liberty and honor of the south.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Liberty and honor? The world very properly -forgot both when the crusade ended. A country hampered with -slavery and the arrogance of wealth, prating of liberty and -honor!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Well, you have graduated at a school that can say even -more.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Honor is a bag of gas for the mouth. A presumptuous -idea manufactured for the occasion.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Well?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> While driving a sharp bargain for a soul and body -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>in a black hide, or speculating on deceptive conclusions, did -you ever feel it?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. I have done neither.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I spoke of the custom of the country you defend.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Well?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> What is liberty? An unwanted, useless thing, -stamped upon in every prosperous part of the country. Even -the old cradle of our fabled liberty rocks for the benefit of the -capitalist, who starves his brainless neighbor for the benefit of -his vanity. I do not disagree with him. From the beginning, -custom, law and tradition have said, it is to him that can. In -nature, the large fish eat the smaller. The same of the birds -and beasts. The <i>world</i> is a slave pen. Statutes never made a -man free. Take in the boasted freedom and civilization of New -England, are her working people more free than ours? Does -the working man dare assert the rights of a freeman there? -The hypocrisy of this presumption is manifest everywhere. The -rich demand the servile submission of the poor, and they give it -or starve! Be frank. Say that you fight to control for your -pocket and stomach. Unite with the slaveholders of the north -and shed no more aristocratic blood. Say he that works for -another is a slave, and I am with you.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Are you done?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> For the present.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. For the last three years the regulators have lived a life -of brigandage for your benefit. They now demand that you -shall receive your orders from the department commander.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Ah, indeed! Then they propose that the tail -shall wag the dog.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. The last trap to which you led cost half the command. -Take your orders from the proper source, or they refuse to follow -you farther.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> This is treason!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. In this instance, it is to him that can.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Then they would command?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Or be commanded for a less purposeless object.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> How long since these brainless brutes set themselves -up to direct the intellectual part of this campaign?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Since they have learned that they are without a competent -leader.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Are they not thieves and drunkards by instinct?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. I will convey the insult to the troops.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> And as much to yourself!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. When the country has used my life to its satisfaction, -I will resent that in a proper manner. For the present it shall -help to make the nation.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> A nation? What are nations? The synonym of -two neighbors who fight across a fence over the scratch of a hen. -Their dogs assume the dangerous roles. If the leaders of this -breakup were compelled to shoulder a rifle and take themselves -to the front, there would be no war. Instead, that Christian -concession they call the “Peace Congress,” would come to the -front so quick, it would excite your admiration, and its present -auxiliaries would still live to swallow insults, instead of sneaking -behind the servile hounds they push to the front.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. And the brave and honorable Brigand Chief, whose -chivalrous ilk forbids such dishonor, would still steal on his -helpless enemy at night, though it wore a petticoat, in sightless -slumber, and compel the knife and torch to hide his cowardice!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Drawing knife.</i>) I will not wait for the birth of -a nation to settle that insult!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. (<i>Drawing.</i>) This result is your own seeking! (<i>As -they attempt to fight, Hood dashes in L. U. E. and intercepts.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Hold! Is there not blood enough wasted already? -(<i>Both attempt to speak.</i>) Not a word, gentlemen! There is a -chance for your sanguinary extravagance at the front. D’Arneaux, -an hour since you volunteered for the enemy’s lines. Do -you serve the army by quarrels with ruffians? Attend to your -business, or leave it with better hands. Now, too! (<i>Neither -move.</i>) I command here! (<i>Both leave slowly. Brightly L., -D’A. R.</i>) So do the ruffianly elements divide my strength, and -ruin the efficiency of the army. Half the pickets are drunk or -asleep. I am not surprised that the federals push their advance -to our very camp fires. (<i>Hez. creeps on very cautiously at L. -U. E., cocking gun at port.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> How de dew? (<i>Hood starts and turns. Both -eye each other a moment in silence.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Well?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I s’pose your my meat.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Can you direct me to the federal headquarters, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Looking at Hood a moment.</i>) I’ll be darned if -ye hain’t got me. Old Tecump keeps his office on top of his old -white horse most of the time.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>Pointing R.</i>) I think, sir, in this direction.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Don’t you go there! Johnnies are thicker in -them woods than lunatics in a crazy house. Jest popped one -on ’em, less ’n half an hour ago.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> I have some valuable information for the federal commander.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You git out! Is old Hood got shot?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Not to my knowledge.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I bin wantin’ to light on that old critter’s kerrin -for over a month. If I get a bead on him, Old Secesh is goin’ -ter have a fewneral.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> I am very anxious, sir, and no time to lose.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I bin whoopin’ on that line since daylight. I’m -hungrier than a Floridy allagater.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>Turning to leave.</i>) I must be moving. Good day, -sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say! Ye hain’t got nothin’ in yer pocket ter -scald a feller’s in’ards, have ye?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> I regret, sir, that I cannot accommodate you. Good -day, sir. (<i>Attempts to leave R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> If ye stick to me, I’ll get ye there when the relief -comes. When the old general sees you with me, he’ll do the -square thing by ye. I know old Tecump just as well as I do -you. He and I have spilt some fluid since we come down on -this racket. He’s five trumps and four aces in a lone hand every -time you hit him.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> You observe I am in the disguise of a rebel general, -to avoid their pickets.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I wonder if I don’t know skim milk when I -see it?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> If I should be seen in the company of a Yankee, I -should be shot at sight.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Wal, I guess yer head is level on that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>About to leave—R.</i>) Good day, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say, I don’t s’pose you’ve got any tobacker in yer -trowsis, have ye?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>Producing it.</i>) Certainly, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Jest give us a chaw. (<i>Hood complies.</i>) My -stomach is as holler as a collapsed balloon. (<i>Bites off a chew, -and returns plug.</i>) ’Bliged at ye.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>Turning to go.</i>) Good day, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say? You jest keep your eye peeled, or them -Johnnies will get your hair. (<i>Exit Hood—R.</i>) That’s a darn -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>nice old critter. But I don’t think he’s so bright as some folks, -or else he wouldn’t be caterwaulin’ round here on the picket line -alone. He don’t know nothin’ about war! I’ll be darned if I -don’t think I’ve got stuck some myself. Down east, you can -foller the tellegraff poles. They hain’t got scarcely any on ’em -in this heathen country. This is about the meanest place I ever -travelled in. If I hain’t eat my peck of dirt 250 times since I -hit this land er snakes, you can chaw my ear. I hain’t had a -good square wash for over two years. My hide would raise pertaters -stouter than a down-east cut-down. (<i>Shot from R., and -his hat flies into L. wings.</i>) Gosh all Jewpiter, if that critter -hasn’t spil’t my best hat. (<i>Chasing it out L. Other shots, and -two rebel soldiers creep on R. A shot from L.; one falls, and -the other retreats. Hez. comes on L.</i>) There ain’t no two -Johnnies can drive me. (<i>Feels of the dead rebel.</i>) Bet ye tew -dollars and a half that critter won’t get well. (<i>Exit L. slowly, -looking back often. Brightly creeps on from R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Those Yankee pickets will shoot the rear guard -through the camp yet. (<i>Looking out, R.</i>) Come here. (<i>Enter -Zina, hatless and ragged.</i>) I have spotted you. If you attempt -to escape again, I will shoot you at sight! What are you skulking -around here for?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I was lost; I did not know where I was going.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> You lie! Why do you follow my lieutenant’s -footsteps so much like a cur? You are my property. Not a dog. -What do you hope for? That he will buy you? He can never -do that. Not if his house was solid gold, and he offered me all -he had. White niggers are hard to manage, but I am the man -that never failed on one yet. Look at me! (<i>Zina looks at him -in terror.</i>) If you speak to him again, I will flog your hide off.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, he is all the friend I have in the wide world.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Who feeds your hungry maw and rags your lousy hide?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> When my heart is almost breaking, and I beg for God -to let me die, the kind words he speaks make me hope again so -much—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> In love, hey? A nigger, a field hand, in love with -a gentleman! At least, he passes himself off for one. Within -twelve hours, I will take the pimp out of his proud strut.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, I am such a miserable slave to love so good a master -as he. He is too noble to do a wrong to any one.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> While he has dogged my footsteps when I leave -the camp with you, and has twice incited you to escape?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Heaven is my witness, he <i>did</i> not do that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I will have an end of this! Today he volunteered -to enter the enemy’s camp as a spy—ostensibly as a deserter. -He will be betrayed!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Do with me as you will, and I will never complain; -but he is innocent.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> When he attempts to return, he will be arrested -by the enemy, with the proofs of his business on his person! A -court-martial, an execution, and the end! (<i>Zina in agony.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> My God, what shall I do?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Nothing. (<i>Zina drops on her knees.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, what will you ask of me, and I will never cause -you trouble again?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I make no conditions when I control!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> If I have ever loved anything, it has been lost to me. -(<i>Sinking down, sobbing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Of what use are you to me now? I have taken -insult after insult from <i>him</i>, until I have reached the last. If -this fails, I will kill him!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Springing up.</i>) Then I will tell him the infamous -traitor that you are.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Dashing forward to strike her.</i>) You will?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Defending with stiletto.</i>) Stand off, you cowardly -cur!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Springing back and drawing bowie knife.</i>) Ah -ha, revolt?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Aye, revolt!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Before this, I had determined to kill you. (<i>Rolling -up cuffs, &c.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Who strikes a woman is a coward!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> You have earned your right to the knife now, and -you shall have it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I have worked for you since I could walk, and never -played. You have beat and starved me in return, after I had -done the best I could.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Rant, for this shall be your last time!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Your brutal strength loves best to beat the helpless. -But while I live I will defend myself!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Before my arm—like a breath of heedless air.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> This shall be the last with me. My hands have earned -the right to be free, and now I will be, or you shall kill me!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> This knife shall answer that!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Aye, it shall be to the death for one. But you shall -see how a puny girl shall fight a brutal coward, in defence of her -life and honor!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Your snarling lout shall not protect you this time.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Despair.</i>) God help me and save Master D’Arneaux!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Quickly.</i>) He has already passed the guard! -(<i>Zina starts, chokes, staggers, drops her stiletto and faints. B. -rushes towards her.</i>) I will end these insults here. (<i>A shot -from the L. strikes his arm. He whirls round and dashes out -at R., as Hez. rushes in at L., saying:</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Gosh all hemlock! That’s twice we missed that -critter in the same place. Here I been catawaulin’ round here -for four days, and I hain’t took but thirteen scalps. But I wonder -if we didn’t wade inter them critters yesterday. There is -more cannon balls wasted down in that ar’ medder than you can -stow inter our meetin’ house. Hannah Doolittle! Wan’t there -some glory got loose in that fite! There was more halleluyer -in four minnits than you could twist out er two hundred and fifty -comeouter camp meetings. Jewlyus Jehosafat! I jest as lives -died as not! When we scooted that rebel meat, I felt prouder’n -Sal Screwton when she got her fust bussel. (<i>Meantime, enter -Gen. Halcom, L.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Well?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Turning, surprised, cocking his gun.</i>) Gosh all -Jewpiter! I thought it was Jeff Davis!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> What have you found?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Guess them critters have gone a fishin’. Hain’t -had a houter of a pop for half an hour, except one, as I hope ter -holler. (<i>Halcom discovers Zina.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> What is this, Hezekiah?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Wall, I’ll be darned if ye hain’t got me. Do ye -s’pose they lay out round here nights?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> (<i>Looking closely.</i>) She sleeps. (<i>Tries to wake -her and fails.</i>) She is unconscious. (<i>Turns her face towards -himself, starts.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Hain’t she handsome?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> She is indeed beautiful! The child is sick, and -perhaps starving. Give me your canteen. (<i>Bathes her face.</i>) -Call some of the pickets. (<i>Bathes still. Hez. goes out L. U. -E., and soon returns with Barney and a stretcher.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Indade now. Do thim blackguards murder beautiful -little girruls like that?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> The child is seriously sick. Take her to my surgeon, -and say it is my desire that every effort shall be made in -her behalf. Handle her carefully. (<i>Hez. and Bar. put her on -the stretcher, raise her tenderly, and bear her out at L. U. E.</i>) -Poor child! She is the victim of brutality, or the hardships of -the front have nearly killed her. (<i>Hesitates.</i>) So much like -my mother’s face! (<i>Bows head. Enter Sherman R. U. E., in -heavy military cloak.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Well, Halcom, have the blues got you again? -(<i>Darken stage gradually.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> General, you must not remain here! We are -within rifle range of the enemy’s pickets. It is exceedingly -dangerous.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> It is growing too dark for sharpshooters to operate.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> The country cannot afford to have you exposed.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Pray, why not?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> We are engaged in a desperate march to the sea. -The army is too far from its base to exist without a competent -leader. If you should fall, what next?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Half my men, sir, are fit to command.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> General, you are too sanguine of the capabilities -of others. I repeat again, you <i>must</i> be careful. The safety of -the army demands it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Halcom, you are too anxious for the safety of every -one but yourself. The army has a common impression that -you are the most daring, reckless officer at the front.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> It matters but little if I fall.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Why, my dear sir, your life—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Is worth nothing for myself. If it please heaven -that I live to see a full and earnest liberty here, with all the -stars of the old flag still lingering there, it matters little what -becomes of me.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Halcom, I never see you smile! There is some -terrible misfortune hidden behind your sad, melancholy face, you -have never yet revealed. Desperate; rash; impetuous; you -have won your double stars at twenty-eight. A brilliant military -dash that thrills the army; and you fell back so quietly to -the seclusion of your quarters, and never seem to hope or look -for reward. But for this, your life has been a blank to me.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> There is nothing in the history of my family I -could wish to conceal.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> I have looked in vain for its justification, while I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>have observed in you a seeming too sanguinary hate of our misguided -countrymen.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> I have sometimes thought that I may be insane -from the wrongs I have suffered from the men who lead this revolt. -Not thirty leagues from here I first saw the light. My -family came of the Huguenot emigrants that settled in the Carolinas. -As the rush of population swept towards the west -my ancestors found a home in the wilds of Tennessee. My father -inherited twenty thousand acres in the Cumberland Valley. -Our home was happy. My angel mother was a friend to the -helpless and wronged. At twelve years of age I kissed her the -last good bye (<i>hesitating</i>), and left to educate myself in the free -schools of New England. My father was no traitor to the -principles of right and justice. Accused of no overt act, he -had the right to advocate his convictions, and these were so -born and educated in right, infamy had no manly response. -The knife and torch of the assassin met his appeal to the honor -of his adversaries. One day a dispatch came to me. I hurriedly -broke the seal. They had all perished by the hand of the -assassin. Five weeks later I awoke from the delirium of a fever -that has never left my brain. (<i>Shows Sherman a picture.</i>) -My mother. She was so good and beautiful.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> She was, indeed, beautiful (<i>returns it</i>).</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Kneeling in my New England home, with her sweet -face looking from that picture into my own, I swore that my -hand should never stay, until it should find the life of her assassin.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Such revenge is honorable.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> An infant sister was born during my absence—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> She still lives?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Her ashes mingle with the others in the ruins of -our old home.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Only the class that can buy and sell human hearts -and affections can produce such villains.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Fifteen years since I have made my annual pilgrimage -to the desolate spot where I was born. A tablet to -their memory survives until I leave. Often in disguise I have entered -the councils of my enemies. Seven of the fiends I have -looked in the face, while my hands clutched their throats till -the last gurgle of life had been gone an hour. The chief still -survives. I have tracked him through the gambling hells and -slave yards of the southern cities, till I have found him in command -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>of a guerilla force in this department. Twice I have -seemed to annihilate them, but he has never appeared among -the slain.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Be careful, Halcom. You must not peril your -life for so worthless an object. Your military fame is the -property of the country. You peril this for a chance at a dog. -When your division assaults the works of the enemy tomorrow, -I urge it as a claim of your country, that you shall not needlessly -expose yourself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> So much will I as becomes a soldier who would -defend his country from such assassins. If I fall, let me sleep -in my old home in the soil of Tennessee, whose honor I have -tried to defend against the cowards who have dragged her into -this infamous revolt.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> (<i>Taking his hand.</i>) Well said, my boy. You -will not fall. God will protect the brave hearts that are to save -the home he has made for the poor. I have gazed in wonder -and surprise so many times on the brave fellows that sprang so -wildly to the front, before the echoes of Sumter’s cannon had -hardly died away among the free hills of the north. Half of -them fit to be governors or presidents! What a people have -sprung from the little squad that first planted civil liberty on old -Plymouth Rock. Brave old New England! How quickly her -sword leaped from the scabbard when slavery struck at this. -How the offshoots of her brain throb and flash across the prairies -of the great west. How her freedom and little church spires -cling to the hills as her civilization marches for the western sea! -It is God’s advance guard leading the way to a larger and freer -home for the poor. Think, Halcom, of the glory that is coming. -The star is in the west now. Fifty years hence a hundred millions -of free and prosperous people will offer thanksgiving to -heaven for this, your sword shall help so much to win.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> It is indeed beautiful to contemplate. But there -are bitter cups for many to drain before that glory comes. I -hope for nothing. My family are gone. When my heart reaches -out for my kindred, it remembers only that the assassin has -left nothing to love but the ashes of the old home.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Let us pursue this painful subject no longer. Go -and sleep now. Howard tells me you are watching forever.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> You will expect us to carry the left redoubts at -daybreak?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> If heaven wills.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> The men will do all you may expect. Listen for -my cannon at daybreak.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> At daybreak?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> At daybreak. (<i>Hal. salutes and retires R. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> The bravest and most honorable man I ever saw! So -young to command. (<i>Turns to leave L.U.E., meets Hez. entering.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Hold on there, you old gunpowder guzzler, you -come here and give me the password or I’ll blow you out er -water. I will, by jingo!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> (<i>To rear centre slowly.</i>) Atlanta.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Scratching head and thinking.</i>) I’ll be darned -ter Moses ef I don’t think that is the password arter all. My -memory wants joggin, wuss ’n Ike Acorn’s cabbages that was -planted in a sandbank coz ’twas easy hoin’.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Are you on the regular picket tonight?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I’ll be darned if ye hain’t got me. I bin catawaulin -round here all day ter get a pop at some er them Johnnies, -and Barney brings out the provender.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Do you know the general-in-chief, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Well, I should think I ought ter. He and I -have drinked over a barrel together since this rumpus come up.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> How do you like the service, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Now you’ve hit me where I bile over. When the -fightin’ fust commenced, I thought I wan’t no great shakes er -gettin’ shot for thirteen dollars a month, till one day one er them -bumbshells come along and peeled the whole hind eend of my -trowsers off. That made me madder than a kicked hornet. I -just got a bead on my old shooter, and I let her sliver right into -um. I shouldn’t wonder if I killed thirty or forty er them darn -skunks. I had four fingers and a half in that gun.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Quite a good beginning, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Ye see when I get my dander up something has -got to come, or bust. How long do you suppose the old general -is goin’ ter keep us out here killin’ them critters? I’d jest -like ter give him a piece er my brains on that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Well, sir, what would you do to make the machine -work faster?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Well, I should pizen their grub. You tell him -that and I shouldn’t wonder ef he’d dew it. They say he’s a -dam rough old critter; but he can spile more Jersey pizen -than any other critter this side er sundown. Say, how long -have you been in this machine?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> About thirty years, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You git out! Why you must be chock full er -bullets by this time. I spose you’d feel kinder lonesome if ye -didn’t have two or three pounds on ’em in ye all the time. I -like ter had the daylights knocked out er me yesterday. One er -them bumbshells struck a tree jest over my head, when I was -fodderin’ up, and it sp’ilt forty cents’ worth er vittles for me in -less than two minnits. If that bumbshell had hit jest seventeen -inches lower, Sal. Rideout would er bin out jest my figger exactly. -I quit eatin’ then, and went inter my tent to fix up my -shirt collar, so if I got shot, I would lay out handsome, and who -do you s’pose I see crawlin’ under the back er the general’s tent, -when the guard wan’t lookin’?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> I have not the least idea, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> A dam sneakin’ skunk of a rebel, with a knife -in his mouth. When I got in there, he tried ter hide under the -general’s bunk. The way I placed that old hob-nailed cowhide -under the lower eend er his jacket, would er upset a meetin’-house. -I’ll be darned if that critter didn’t up and snap a pistol -right in my face. I jest laid down my gun, and if I didn’t plow -and harrer his anatomy, you can dig me out for a hog’s trough, -and kiss me for his mother.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> What became of the man, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I jist wasted him all over half an acre, fore he -got away. (<i>Hez. suddenly stops and presses his hand on his -belly, doubling up.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> What is the matter, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> It’s my old colic comin’ agin. I got ter go and -git a gin sling. (<i>Dashes his gun in Sherman’s hands, knocking -him half down.</i>) Jest hold my old shooter. (<i>Dashes out -at L.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Hold on, sir. Here! Halt, you scoundrel! (<i>Recovering -his feet.</i>) Gone? Confound that idiot. I will have -him court-martialed for leaving his post. (<i>Thinking.</i>) Then I -should be shown up for allowing the fool to impose upon me. -The general of the army on guard! I shall be the laughing -stock of the whole army. I’ll wage my commission that he made -that to get off for a drink. I’ll scare the idiot out of his senses -when he returns. Here he comes. Halt, sir! Stand there till -I call the officer of the guard. Move if you dare, sir, and you -are a dead man! (<i>Hez. walks up and takes the gun away, saying—</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You git out. If you don’t know me, you’re the -biggest puddin’ head in the country!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> You are the most impudent scoundrel I ever met.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Handing money.</i>) Here’s a quarter for ye. Now -you go home and put that knowledge box er your’n under a gardeen, -or somebody’ll shoot you for a stray mule.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> You are an idiot, sir!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Throwing hat, coat and gun down, L.</i>) I don’t -take that from nobody.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Hold on, sir! What are you going to do?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Goin’ ter trample on your constitushun about -four minnits. (<i>Turns to attack, and meets Sherman’s revolver.</i>) -Lay down that shooter, I’ll give ye four dollars.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> I am a gentleman, sir, no ruffian.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Glad ye told me, I shouldn’t er known it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> You want to fight, sir, do you? You shall have -all you desire, sir!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Then peel and prong round here.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> I will meet you here at sunset, tomorrow, sir, for -a duel. Arms, broadaxes! Then I will kill you, sir, like a dog.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> How much do you weigh when you’re all bloated -up?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> I am known as the worst man in the west, sir!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Nobody would look at ye and dispute it. If I -looked as bad as you do, I’d hold my breath till I died. I chawed -up twenty-seven men once, with a common axe. When I wade -in with a broadaxe—wall, you get your friends to come down -and hunt up the corpse in about fourteen seconds after they say -time.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Do you stop to bury your dead, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Now you git out. (<i>Picking up coat.</i>) If the old -general should come along and find me talkin’ to you, he’d raise -all possess about it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> (<i>Turning to R. to leave.</i>) Remember, sir, tomorrow -at sunset. I trust that you are no coward that will -waste my time, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Don’t you fret. Fore I get through with ye, -you’ll think a meetin’-house has fell down on ye. (<i>Exit Sherman, -R. Hez. puts on his clothes.</i>) Spose that critter will -come, or was he blowin’? I don’t think I’m healthy! I ain’t -no ’count with a broadaxe! (<i>Enter Sally, R. U. E., in male attire, -face covered by a wide-rimmed hat.</i>) Hello, there, you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>padded up young scallawag! What are you catawaulin’ after, -out here?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> (<i>Aside.</i>) He won’t know me.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Come putty near shootin’ you for a stray calf. -Bin more corpses carried off er this beat since I bin on, than a -hoss can haul.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> (<i>Approaching sideways, with hat over her eyes.</i>) -Come putty near shootin’, did ye? You gaunt, hamstrung old -spavin!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You’d er bin a corpse now, if I hadn’t took you -for a mule.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> I would, hey? You old collapse, you!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> If you should strain hard, do you spose you could -tell whose fool has broke loose?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> That is an insult I won’t swallow!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Who told ye too?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> (<i>Bristling up.</i>) I will have blood for that! Blood, -sir! R. R. (<i>As Hez. turns to L. she dashes out R. and hides.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> If I don’t (<i>turns to L. to throw off hat and coat.</i>) -collapse your constertushun, I hope I may rot. (<i>Turning, he -finds she has disappeared.</i>) There’ll be two or three fewnerals -round here bime by. (<i>Looks out L. U. E.</i>) There comes a -Johnny! (<i>Hides, L. Brightly enters cautiously, L. U. E. As -he works along towards R. U. E., Hez. creeps up behind, and -pounces on him, throwing him down. They tussle all about the -rear of the stage. Enter Barney, L. and dances about to get -in the fight, as scene closes.</i>)</p> - -<h3 class='c012'><span class='sc'>Scene 2.</span> <i>Landscape and Wood. Centre.</i></h3> - -<p class='c010'>(<i>Enter Sherman and Halcom, at L. U. E., and go to R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> I am about to attempt the capture of Atlanta by -a flank movement. I wish you to throw your Division forward -and occupy that ridge on the right of the railway. I have ordered -twelve batteries to protect you from an enfilade. The position, -you see, covers the line of his communications. The successful -accomplishment of this will probably compel Hood to -evacuate his strong positions and fall back. I give you the position -of honor because you do not fail.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Thank you!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Once clear of this line of entrenchments, we have -them in the open country before us. (<i>Enter Hez. L. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say, General. We have just took the darndest, -rantankerest piece er rebel meat you ever put your eyes on. -He’s got more red pepper in his constertewshun than a Boston -wholesale grocery store. He’s wus’n them hyennys in Barnum’s -circus! Had ter tie the darn critter ter keep him from chawin’ -up everybody. Don’t ye know, that critter had cheek enough -ter walk right over my beat, jest as if I want there. I jest laid -down my gun, and if I didn’t hop onter his kerrin, you can -chaw my ear.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Did you notice his rank, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Wal, I did think he was a little rank when I got -through with him.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> I mean, sir, did you notice if he was an officer?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I never thought ter ask him ’bout that. He tumbled -so fast. I had ter hump ter keep up. Why, he’s the same -feller I see trying ter crawl under Frank’s tent.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Who is Frank, sir?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Jehosafat! Don’t you know Frank?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> I think not, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Pulling Halcom to the front.</i>) There is jest -the handsomest piece er furnicher this side er sundown.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Why, you rascal, that is General Halcom.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You git out! That’s our Frank.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Look here, sir, you were on guard last night.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Looking at Sherman, and then aside.</i>) Jewrusalem! -That was the old Gineral I run into last night. Now -I’ve gone and spilt the apple sass all over the best table cloth. -(<i>Turns and grasps Sherman’s hands.</i>) How de dew? I know’d -that was you last night, all the time. Ain’t I the wust blackguard -you ever run into?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Bring in that prisoner, sir. I will deal with you -when there is less business on hand.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Attempting to leave.</i>) Jess you say. I spose -you boss this cahoot. (<i>Turns back.</i>) Say, you keep your eye -peeled. He’s a darn pizen critter. He may try to get your -guzzle. (<i>Exit Hez. L.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Is that man insane or a fool?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Neither. He is one of the rough diamonds of the -army: the very first man I enlisted in the old Bay State. Brave -as a lion, and keen as a razor.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Why, the rascal would have thrashed me blind -last night, but for my revolver.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Indeed! His patriotism drifts only in the rudeness -of its native channel. I put up with his familiarities, because -he cannot understand the necessity for military etiquette. -(<i>Crosses to L. front. Enter Hez. and Barney, L. U. E., driving -Brightly ahead of them, hands bound behind him.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>To Sherman.</i>) Name it and you can have it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> (<i>To Hez.</i>) Untie his hands. (<i>Hez. unties, &c.</i>) -Sir, I hear that you have been arrested as a spy.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I am a prisoner of war.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Now I remember—you have once before been -convicted of spying, and escaped. (<i>Halcom crosses to R. turns, -when both start from recognition.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> The assassin of my family!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Of whom do you speak?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Yourself, coward!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Then you may consider yourself a liar!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> (<i>To Sherman.</i>) During the last fifteen years, I -have hunted this brute through the slave yards and gambling -hells of the south. Now he shall answer to me. You shall meet -me with the favorite weapon of your cowardice.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I am unarmed.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> (<i>Throwing his knife at Brightly’s feet.</i>) So am I.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>To Sherman.</i>) Am I to be murdered while a -helpless prisoner?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Take the knife, coward! (<i>Holding up his empty -hands.</i>) My mother was helpless!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> (<i>Stepping between and taking hold of Halcom’s -arm.</i>) Not now, Halcom. The military law shall accomplish -all you desire. (<i>Brightly seizes the knife from the floor, and -dashes like lightning forward to stab Sherman in the back. Hez. -seizes him instantly, wrests the knife from him, and flings him to L.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You darn sneakin’ dog, you!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Your own life!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> (<i>To Hez.</i>) Remove the prisoner! See to it that -he is well ironed. I will deal with him tomorrow!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>To Sherman.</i>) Say, General, if it don’t make -no difference to you, I’d like ter make this critter inter a stuffed -pirate for Barnum’s circus.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> I said remove him, and I hold you responsible if -he escapes!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Jess you say. It’s your fewneral! (<i>To Brightly.</i>) -Now you travil, or I’ll let daylight through them rotten -ribs er yourn so quick, you’ll think your struck with all the litenin’ -the Lord’s got the use on. Git! (<i>Exit Brightly L. Turns -at entrance to give H. and S. a look of contempt.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> If he escapes my bullet this time, it will be from -the intervention of heaven! (<i>Enter Orderly, front, and salutes.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Orderly.</span> Gen. Howard orders me to report that Hood has -withdrawn behind the river.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Our opportunity is lost! There are other spies -in the camp! Tell Howard to move to the bank of the river, -and await orders. (<i>To Halcom.</i>) Cross a heavy reconnoisance -at Herrick’s ford, and report as soon as possible. (<i>Halcom salutes -and retires R. Sherman L. U. E. Enter Barney R. U. E. -passing along.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Bad luck to this haythen country. I’m killed from -every stone and stump in it. I don’t like rebellyions! If yer -killed with nobody to get a pension for it, where’s the luck in -it? (<i>Enter Hez. behind, cautiously.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>In a stentorian voice.</i>) Move, and I kill you! -(<i>Barney motionless.</i>) Drop that gun! (<i>Drops it.</i>) Hands -up! (<i>Holds up hands.</i>) Right about! (<i>As Barney turns, -Hez. breaks down in loud laughter.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Don’t you do that again; I might kill you sometime.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Scartest man I ever looked at!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> No sir—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I see the bristles risin’ up the whole length er -your back!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> No sir. I was playin’ wid yer.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say, Barney, wasn’t ye scart?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> I might be narvous a little.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Pulling bottle.</i>) S’pose we have a little nerve -powder. (<i>Hands bottle to Barney.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> I was always a friend to that! Here’s to George -Washington and Danny O’Connell. The two boys ye can’t make -afraid or ashamed of the country that giv em their first pertaties. -(<i>Drinks, and hands bottle to Hez.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Here’s tew Pardunk and the gal that’s waitin’ -for me, and a chain litenin’ diet to the darn sneakin’ skunk of a -rebel that would spit on the bird that’s goin’ to roost with impewnity -all over North and South Ameriky. (<i>Drinks; Barney -looks about cautiously. Set guns against tree, R. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> I would like it if there was no corporals.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> How much guard-house do ye s’pose you’ve had -Barney, since we left Pardunk?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> I should guess fifteen months. And thim blackguards -are the spalpeens that bother me like that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> What did ye come out here for, Barney?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> For a pinsion!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Gittin’ rich, wasn’t ye?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> To be sure I was. Wasn’t I ingaged to Biddy -Maloney? Didn’t she have a peanut store on the sidewalk and -a suit of rooms in Tim Sullivan’s cellar? Didn’t she fail four -times in one summer and pay ten cints? Ah’r, the smart girl -she is! With a gal like that, what is the need er workin’?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say, Barney, how would you like to be a Jigadier -Brindle?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> What, one er them fellers with brass things on ’em?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Yes.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> I have ambishun like that. Then I could go to the -hospittle when the whiskey makes me sick, and be kapin’ out -of the fight. (<i>Trying to see something on Barney’s back, when -Barney turns back to the audience. As he does, Hez. says—</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Ye know how to protect yer rear. (<i>Lifts Barney’s -coat tail, and exhibits a black patch as large as a chair bottom, -sewed on Barney’s seat.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>Swelling with rage.</i>) I do that! I’m a jintleman! -No blackguard! I poke no fun to make a laugh on a jintleman! -Whin a blackguard attacks me reputation, I don’t care what he -says! When he puts his dirty hands on my karrackter, I will -resint it like a man! I’m an Irishman, and me honor’s me own! -I have no cheap words with a blackguard without the iddication -of a jintleman! I am no thafe to be spit upon! Come out! -Come out! (<i>Motioning towards R. U. E.</i>) Come out! (<i>Hez. -hands a bottle towards him. Barney catches sight of it as he -says—</i>) Come—(<i>Breaks down in a broad grin.</i>) What kind er -wather is that?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Medicine for fits. (<i>Barney drinks.</i>) Old Deacon -Jones took about a quart er that once, by mistake. Said -he thought the whole neighborhood was a jewsharp, and he was -playin’ on it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> ’Pon my word!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Know’d of a feller in Shadagy, that was brought -up on that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> That same?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Yes sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> How long was he doin’ that?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> He grow’d so long they couldn’t tax him when -he was twenty-one.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> How was the blackguard gettin’ by that?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> They considered the most of him was out er the -county. (<i>Sally enters R. in male attire. Steps between them -and their guns. Draws pistol.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Cowards! (<i>Both turn in dismay and take in situation.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> The blackguard!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Prisoners of war, only to die!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Throwing off coat.</i>) Not if this piece er meat -knows itself! (<i>Turns and meets Sally’s revolver.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Halt! (<i>Hez. stops.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Darn your picter!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> I prefer to take you alive, that you may have the -honor to die under the majesty of the law, for connivance with -the spies of the enemy!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>Looking at Hez.</i>) The thafe!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Who said that?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> The angels were lookin’!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You tell him he’s a liar!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>To Hez.</i>) It’s some poor thing that’s crazy from -bein’ insane.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Yes, we know’ you’re a big ingin. (<i>Offers her a -bottle.</i>) Have some firewater? (<i>Sally takes and pockets bottle.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> So has the dignity of my mission been insulted: you -shall die now! Cowards, you have two minutes to live! Take -off your hats and coats. (<i>Both comply.</i>) It were unworthy -for you to die in the Union blue! One minute more! (<i>Holds -her watch in her hand.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Stop! Will you take two months pay?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> How long shall I be insulted thus?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Have you ever bin a father or mother?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Yes sir. Have you bin that?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> I’ll hear no more! (<i>Looking at watch.</i>) Five seconds -more! Now your hour has come! (<i>Points pistol. Both -duck and dodge.</i>) Die, cowards, die! (<i>Both dash up in L. -U. E. Sally follows as if to shoot. Both put up their legs and -hands as if to ward off. Sally breaks down laughing, and throws -off her hat.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Recognizing.</i>) Jewniper hallelewyer!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> The blackguard?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Jerewserlim swipes! Where did you bile up -from?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>Seizing his gun.</i>) I shall bust with contimpt! -(<i>Goes out L. U. E. in a rage.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Gosh all Jewpiter! I thought you was old Hood. -Come here and let me see if you hain’t a ghost! (<i>Dashes into -Hez. arms.</i>) All here, by beeswax! (<i>Kisses her.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> (<i>Pulling out note book.</i>) Look er that! I’m war -correspondent of the Pordunk Cultivater.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You git out! Where ye get them close?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Hez., after you went away, I couldn’t eat nor sleep -for fourteen weeks.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You don’t?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Fact! Then my best hen and the old cat died, and -I jest thought I should go crazy. Then Bill Larkins ’listed for -a sutler, and I was mad all over. After you left, that scallawag -was preachin’ treason all the time, till he found he could be a -sutler. He’s bin <i>ravin’</i> for rebel blood ever since. A man jest -told me that Bill bought a bad barrel er vinnegar for half a dollar—made -it into eighteen barrels er cider, and sold it all out to -the regiment for ten cents a glass!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I thought I smelt vinegar awful strong when I -was over there t’other day!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> You jest wait for the next Pordunk Cultivater! If -I don’t chaw him up!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You jest wait till I get home and light on him -again!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Ye see when Bill Larkins done that, I said I would -get some men’s clothes and ’list myself! When it come round -ter bein’ examined by the doctor, I had ter back out. Then I -jest went and hired out on the Perdunk Cultivater.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Sal, I never’s so proud on ye ’fore in my life. -Yer jest handsum!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Now you get out, Hez. You’re soapin?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> On’er bright?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Oh, yer ought ter see me in my new dress, Hez. I -had it made after you left. Oh, my! It’s got a tail to it more’n -four feet long! Pashe Milliken made it. She got the pattern -of Butrick in Boston. It’s a stunner! Got a flummux all over -the hind part of it. But Pashe beat me on one thing, though.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> How’d she do that?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Ye see they have to put in somethin’ behind here, to -make ’em swell. Pashe told me it was stuffin’. One day I heard -a crumplin’, and I ripped open the linen to see what it was. -Don’t yer think, that hump was swell’d up with old Pordunk -Cultivators!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You git out!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> When I get home, I’m jest goin’ ter lay fer her.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say, Sal. I s’pose ye got that dress ter git married -in, didn’t ye?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Ye don’t s’pose I’d spread like that jest for a go-ter-meetin’ -dress, do ye?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Cost six dollars?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Six dollars! It cost eight, beside the pattern; that -was one er the best ones Butrick had.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You get out!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Oh, wan’t Hannah Doolittle jealous! Such a tail -draggin’ in the street. She said she wouldn’t have one if it was -give to her. Her pink caliker cost ninety cents.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say, Sal. I bin lonesomer than a stray ghost, -I ain’t seen you for so long. Tell us all about what’s goin’ on -ter home. Has Ike Spaulding shingled his woodshed yet? -What’s come of Preposterous Perkins and Mercy Ann Stubbs? -S’pose they’ve got a whole family by this time.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> (<i>Covering her face.</i>) Now, Hez., ain’t you ’shamed -er yourself!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Has Suke Peabody and old Inkhorn tied up yet?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Course they have.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Suke don’t care any more for that old mummy, -than she does for our old farrer cow. She jest wants ter get her -fingers in on his money, then she’ll pizen him ter death in less’n -a week. If she don’t she’s got more endurance than a mule.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Ain’t he soft on her, though?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Soft? You can stab him with a cat’s tail, and -not ruffle a feather. (<i>A shot from R.</i>) Jehosafat! Them Johnnies -are comin’. Let’s get out. (<i>Attempts to push her out, L.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> (<i>Drawing knife and revolver.</i>) Hold on, Hez. Let -me get a lick at them fellers.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Pushing her out L.</i>) You get out! You do -no nothin’ about war. (<i>Disappears L. Enter rebel soldiers R, -and cross to L. Exit all L.</i>)</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span> - <h3 class='c012'><span class='sc'>Scene 3.</span> <i>Night. Ordinary room, back. Window L, rear.</i> <span class='sc'>Keele Brightly</span> <i>disc. chained rear centre, covered with a large blanket that reaches to the floor</i>. <span class='sc'>Barney</span> <i>R, on guard. Stage dark.</i></h3> -</div> - -<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> It’s the devil will pick your bones for you in the -mornin’. Shoot him at daylight, sez the gineral, and he’ll be -doin’ it too. Do you mind that! (<i>Brightly hangs his head in -silence.</i>) Now don’t be blubberin’ about it. It won’t do ye -any good. They’ are goin’ ter make y’er bones inter rattles for -them nagurs, and that’s the most good that could come of ye.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Fool!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>Laying down hat and gun.</i>) Don’t you talk back -to me, or I’ll bat you! You thafe er the wurruld! (<i>Enter Gen. -Halcom, R. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Keele Brightly, your last hour is close at hand. I -have not intruded myself to torture you with recriminations. I -yield my right to the law of military necessity. I come because -I have been moved to pity by that heart-broken child lying at -the outer guard, begging so piteously to see the last man she -ought to love or respect. I have at last obtained permission for -her to see you, immediately preceding your execution. I have -come to ask you to forget the brute, and give her one kind word -before you die. All night long and yesterday, through the rain -and cold, shelterless, and refusing food, she sat by the door, -waiting for your coming. Her piteous pleadings for your worthless -life, when the General returned from the front, would have -melted a heart of stone. How have you repaid her life of devotion? -She has never known father or mother. A generous -heart must love something! Within an hour she will be out in -the world, worse than an orphan. Who is she? She was not -born a slave. You sought a groundless revenge. Are you not -satisfied? My mother’s face lives in hers! (<i>Breaks down.</i>) If -any one of my family live—looking God in the face—speak! -Have you nothing to say?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Nothing!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> May God have mercy on you who never had any, -when it was so easy to give. (<i>Exit Halcom, R, looking back -twice, as if expecting B. to relent.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>To Brightly.</i>) Did you mind that talkin’? (<i>B. -silent.</i>) Hey? Jist one hour, says the Gineral, and you will -be an orfin. If you make yourself a dam fool like that, you may -be two orfins! (<i>Zina dashes in at R. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Master D’Arneaux! (<i>Drops on her knee.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Turned away.</i>) Sh—do not recognize me. (<i>Giving -his hand behind, as Barney paces to R.</i>) Are there any -means of escape?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Shying key into Brightly’s hands.</i>) This will unfasten -your irons. I have removed the outer fastening on the -window. It will open at your touch. When the back of the -guard is turned, unlock your irons. The river runs close by. -You are safe if you reach the other side. When I seize the -guard, spring through the window and make for the river. (<i>B. -drops on his knees as if in meditation. Zina kneels and leans -her head on his shoulder. As Barney turns to R, she springs -on his back like a tiger, locking her arm across his throat, -strangles him. Meantime she and Barney speak simultaneously. -Brightly unlocks fetters.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Lave hold er there, ye whilp! Lave go, or by me -mother—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> The river! The river! (<i>Barney and Zina struggle, -while Brightly is unfastening his fetters. During the struggle, -Barney’s gun goes off, as Brightly disappears through the window. -When the gun goes off, and Zina sees Brightly clear, she -falls on her face sobbing, and Barney dashes out L. U. E., in -pursuit. Curtain.</i>)</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c007'>ACT III.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'><span class='sc'>Scene 1.</span> <i>Landscape or wood back.</i> (<i>Enter Barney, L. U. E., peering cautiously.</i>)</h3> - -<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> It’s to the river he would! The blackguard! ’Pon -my word, I’ll bat that thafe! Now didn’t that little girrul be -doing that well! The illegant little baste! And it’s so decavin -where the little darlin’ found the kay! It was killed she was -intirely, whin she found out it was me she was chokin’. ’Pon -my word, it is a thafe of a clown that wouldn’t be proud to be -choked by a pretty little girrul like that. She jist cried as if -she was killed. I told her she should choke me to death, and I -would find no fault. (<i>A sudden start as if a noise. Looking -about.</i>) Ah’r, so ye would do that. (<i>Looking out L. U. E.</i>) -’Pon my word, that cow! (<i>Turning to look cautiously out R.</i>) -Let me see, (<i>cogitating</i>), it was meself that would surround the -blackguard, when Hezekiah would bat the thafe when he would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>come round by them cook-houses. (<i>Enter Brightly, L. U. E., -stealthily. Dis. Barney; halts; draws a knife from his bootleg. -Creeps stealthily towards Barney, as Hez. enters behind -him; throws off hat, coat, gun, seizes a stone, and follows -Brightly, with the evident intention of knocking his head off. -Meantime Barney is saying</i>)—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Let me say that agin, and I won’t be forgetin’ it. -It is I, meself, that will surround thim cook-houses, while the -blackguard will bat Hezekiah, and its to the river says he—(<i>Arriving -close up to Barney, Brightly prepares to stab him. As -he is about to do so, Hez. flings the stone at his head with all -his might. It grazes the top of Brightly’s head, knocks his hat -off, strikes Barney in the back, and knocks him on his knees. -Brightly dashes out R. U. E. Hez. kicks at him, misses, then -pursues. Barney springs up and with shut eyes, strikes wildly -towards his supposed assailant with both hands. He stops, looks -about and sees nothing. Supposing his assailant to be concealed -very near, he drops on one knee, spanks his hand on the floor.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Come out wid yer! Come out, come out! I’ll bat -your dam head off you! Come out! (<i>Gets no response; gets -gun and hat hastily, and hurrying out L. U. E., saying,</i>) I will -hunt two years for that thafe! (<i>Enter Halcom, R. saying</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> A most marvelous escape! The poor child is excused -in supposing she was saving her friend. (<i>Enter Zina, L, -trembling with fear. Drops on her knees sobbing.</i>) Your offence -is forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, sir, I did not mean to do wrong. Please say you -do not hate me for that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> I do not. Your heroic impulsiveness for one you -believed to be your friend, excites only my admiration, though -so disastrous to you, as well as myself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, I try so hard to do right. (<i>Sobbing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Do not feel so bad; the past can never be helped.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Though he is so bad, I ought to love my master. Perhaps, -when the war is over, I can do something to make him a -better man. Oh, you will not think bad of me, I have so little -to love. (<i>Sobbing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Zina, why do you try to love the man who holds -your life in a bondage more hateful than death? Who has returned -your devotion with nothing but misery, destitution, and -the most servile submission. Who would sell your soul and -body to dishonor, without one pang of regret. An assassin, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>thief, coward, ruffian; who blights virtue and crushes the honest -aspirations and civil rights of all he touches.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh please, master, do not speak like that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> You have no master but God.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, I do not know what to do.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> There is some dark mystery covers your early life. -You are not of the race whose brain and life have been crushed -in the ignorance of slavery since this Republic began. Something -tells me your life was born in wrong. The brain of the -Anglo-Saxon—the white skin of another nation—the quick intelligence -and sublime conceptions of the northern blood, betray -the lie that binds you to a life like this.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, I do not know what I am.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> But God says through your angel face, and the -heavenly music in your soul, that your life was not born for this.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, my life is so hopeless—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Do you remember your mother?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I had no mother.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> No mother?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I grew up among the hands; I know nothing more.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> You had but one master?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Master Brightly is all I have ever known.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> They have told you nothing of your origin?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Nothing.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> You have no little keepsake in memory of the past!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Nothing.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> (<i>Breaking down.</i>) My God! There is a history -here the earth must have. Give it to me, and I will be content. -(<i>Drops head.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Rising and looking at him earnestly.</i>) Mistress -D’Arneaux has told me of a good God in heaven who gave us -the beautiful earth and flowers, who loves even the broken hearts -of the poor and helpless, whose hand leads always to happiness -and truth, whose justice is as the rocks and mountain cliffs of -our old home, that are never moved. But this is not for the -slave, for master beats his hands so cruelly when they have tried -to do the best they could.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> It is not the fault of heaven that men are bad. As -justice lives for all, so is there a counterpoise of wrong.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, my master has told me nothing of what you say.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Away back in the almost hidden past, there lived -a man whose mission was to substitute love for brutality. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>laid down his life for this. The same wrong that renders your -life hopeless, crushed his. Almost 1900 years have passed since -then, but the silent hand of the dead still lives in the better civilization -of the north.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, I have thought so much, and looked in hope for -better days to come, but it has been so hopeless. (<i>Halcom -looks earnestly at her.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> How would you like to come with me?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh, you have been so good to me—but—but Master -D’Arneaux will buy me when the war is done. Oh, his hands -are so happy—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> You are right, my little one. Master D’Arneaux -is a better man than I.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh no, I did not mean that. But—but I know Master -D’Arneaux so well. If it wasn’t that I know Master D’Arneaux -so well, I—I would go with you.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Right, right.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Did—did you have a mother?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> A long time ago. (<i>Turns away.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Master D’Arneaux had a mother, and he is so good to -his help. Do you feel bad because I said that?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Why, my little one?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> You always look at me so strangely. Oh, I do not -know what to say to you then.</p> - -<p class='c011'>H. Your face brings back to me so many memories of the past.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I am so sorry I made you feel so bad. Does your -mother live in the north?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> She is dead!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh I am so sorry she is dead. She must have been -such a good mother.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> She was indeed good, and beautiful as yourself. -(<i>Advances, kisses her forehead and turns away. Enter Sherman, -L. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> What, that little rebel owl again?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Prattling of the incongruous things of life, like the -child she is.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> The jade! I suppose she would assist that scoundrel -she calls her master, if she could.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> She asks me to intercede with you, that she may -go back to her old home again.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> And concoct some scheme of assassination with -that brute who has escaped.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Please let me go to my home. (<i>Drops on knee.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> (<i>Sharply.</i>) You will remain.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> She is an innocent, artless child, General.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Artless? She is a devil! During her master’s -escape, she held the guard with the ferocity of a tiger, while he -took his leisure to leave. Had she been a man, I would -have had her shot at once. Orderly, here! (<i>Enter Orderly, -L. U. E.</i>) Take this girl to the care of the guard again. Say -to the officer in charge, it shall go bad if she is allowed to stray -again. (<i>Orderly seizes her arm roughly and leads her away, L. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> (<i>To Orderly.</i>) Tenderly my boy.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> In war, women are devils, and you can’t strike -back. I can confine all but their tongues. They shall rant the -empty air with them.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hal.</span> Certainly, General, her childish years must be harmless.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Do you shut your eyes to the fact that she is only -here as a spy?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Why, she is a mere child, General.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> A very old child, with fifty years of a woman’s -cunning in her head.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Certainly you jest.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Female spies may remain in this camp without -harm. If they leave it, I am to blame for it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Why General, you see an enemy everywhere.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Young man, you seem to have an unusual interest -in that girl. Remember, this is war. No time for love and -moonshine.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Why, she is scarcely fifteen.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Old enough to absorb this love looney that distresses -incipient womanhood so much. (<i>Rapid firing at R. -Both bring their field glasses to bear, and look out.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> A sortie in front of my division. (<i>Springs out R. -Enter man with field telegraph, L.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Order five batteries from the Chief of Artillery -to the ridge on the right of the attack. Open at once. Tell -Schofield to shift his reserves to Howard’s support at once. -(<i>Firing gradually increases.</i>) Here comes the Artillery! Halcom -can never stop that charge! Tell McClernard to double-quick. -They will be overpowered. My God! The whole rebel -army is upon him! This is a surprise! What have the advance -guard been doing? A splendid charge, McClernard, on -my honor. (<i>Enter Orderly excitedly, R. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span><span class='sc'>Orderly.</span> Gen. Halcom is wounded and a prisoner!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Orderly, my horse! (<i>To Operator.</i>) Order a -double-quick advance all along the line. Order Kilpatrick to -attack their right with all the cavalry. Tell Schofield the double -stars to the first Brigadier inside the enemy’s works.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Orderly.</span> (<i>Entering L. U. E.</i>) Your horse, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Operator.</span> Orders all right, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> (<i>To Operator.</i>) Now move to the hill on the -right of the attack. (<i>Sherman springs into the saddle and gallops -off, R. Ord. and Operator leave R. U. E. Firing recedes. -Enter Barney, R. U. E., with three old muskets strapped to his -back, driving three rebel prisoners ahead of him.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Hip now, or I blow thim heads off ye. (<i>Arriving -in centre.</i>) Stop now. (<i>All halt.</i>) Look at me. (<i>All turn -their heads only.</i>) Look round with the whole of ye or I break -thim necks off ye. (<i>All front.</i>) You don’t know much, do ye? -I guess not. You don’t know any educashun, do ye? Hey? -I have heard about that. You don’t know’ any readin’ or writin’, -do you? Hey? I have heard about that. When Abe Linken -tells you, go home and behave yourself, you would fight about -that, would ye? You don’t know Abe Linken, I guess. He -would bat the divil out of ye. He told me to shoot any blackguards -lookin’ as bad as ye. Do you mind that? Have you got -any bottles in your pockets? You h’aint? (<i>Prepares to shoot, -when all rush up, and each gives him a bottle.</i>) Don’t you stop -like that again, or I bat you. You don’t know Bin Butler? I -guess you don’t. You better give four dollars you don’t. He -would break your damn heads off ye. (<i>Pointing L.</i>) Walk that -way now, or I blows the hell’s blazes out of ye. (<i>Exit all, L., -to Yankee Doodle. Enter Sally, R. U. E., a big horse pistol -in one hand, and a gigantic bowie knife in the other, her male -attire covered with a water-proof cloak.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> (<i>Feeling of her arms, &c.</i>) I wonder if I’m broke -anywhere. Jints all workin’! Now hain’t I got a lounder for -the Pordunk Cultivater! Never got so excited in my life. Hez. -is just inflated. He’s struttin’ about the picket line askin’ ’em -to send along somethin’ bigger. (<i>A shot, R. Sally dashes to -R. wings and listens.</i>) Gorry! I thought that was another -fight. (<i>Sings.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now that Zina don’t know which side she is on. But she’s a -sharp sprout though. Ye never know what she’s doin’ till she -does it. Tried ter interview her about her feller. She was the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>most surprised thing I ever looked at. She don’t know nothin’ -about courtin’. I wonder where her fun comes in? She is the -bluest thing out of a grave yard. By gorry, I ain’t goin’ ter die -till the time comes. I went over ter see her yesterday, and she -was down on the floor cryin’, and she didn’t know what for. The -old General thinks she’s got the devil in her. If she has, he’s -an awful mild one. Sometimes you could knock her down with -a feather. The old General don’t like women. He’s the first -man er that kind I ever see. Poor little Zina, she’s always in -trouble. When she heard General Halcom was took, she was -jist crazy. In less’n two hours she was missing, and the guard -don’t know how. I’ll bet ye tew dollars that girl is off for a fuss, -or else things is deceivin’. If I was going ter give any advice, -I should say, that anything that weighs less than a ton, had better -get off the track. (<i>Firing away to R.</i>) By gorry, there’s -another fight. (<i>Dashes off, R. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<h3 class='c012'><span class='sc'>Scene 2.</span> <i>Night.</i> Thunder storm rising. Flashes of lightning in the distance. Heavy forest back. A river running through at rear, half hidden among the trees. A flat-roofed log hut in rear centre. A hole cut in the roof 2½ feet square, near front, and covered with short boards nailed at one end, and so weakened by hewing that a woman’s strength might be able to break them. A rope fastened overhead, where it would dangle over rear of hut, then guyed to hang over the hole, and drawn up out of sight. A door at R. end of hut, and bar behind it. (<i>Gen. Halcom disc. asleep on the floor of the hut, wounded in the head. A rebel sentry pacing outside the door.</i>)</h3> - -<p class='c010'>(<i>Enter Gen. Hood, Keele Brightly, D’Arneaux, and others, R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> General, I have called your attention to this matter -at midnight, because the circumstances admit of no delay. -In yonder cabin a Major General of the union army is confined -as a prisoner of war. He owes allegiance, and is a native of -the state of Tennessee. As a traitor to his native state, I would -suggest that he be tried at once by a drum-head court-martial, -and shot as he deserves.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Why so urgent?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> The federals are rapidly forcing our positions. -He might be recaptured. It would be a direful calamity if he -should escape.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> He is but one man against us.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> A hundred men, sir. A devil, without restraint. -It was his division that first broke our lines at Lookout Mountain. -That robbed us of our victory at Chickamauga. His men -are goaded to fight like devils, while he plunges into the thickest -of the fight, hewing his way through the men as if they were -dummies.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Such bravery merits our consideration.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> For a traitor?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Yes, sir, for a traitor. Though he wears the traitor’s -garb, he is still one of the iron hearts of Tennessee.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> It is this deference to treason that disheartens -the army. The south swarms with men who opposed secession. -The coast clear, and they will fight against us. To keep these -traitors where they belong, the patriotic men of the army demand -an example. Refuse, and the foot of the northern tyrant -will be on our necks within the next year. As the commander -of the finest army in the south, I do not believe you will disappoint -them.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Let the prisoner be brought forth.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Sentinel, the Commander-in-Chief would speak -with the prisoner at once. (<i>Sentinel unlocks the door, and -kicks Halcom to wake him. He springs to his feet.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Well, what next? (<i>Sentinel points to the door, -and Halcom passes out, &c.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> You are a native of Tennessee?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Well?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> What do you mean by well?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Interpret to suit yourself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> It has been represented that you are a traitor to your -native state.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Undoubtedly.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Do you deny it?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Who is my accuser?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> An assassin and ravisher of defenceless women!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Liar!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> A coward, who covers his tracks with the knife -and torch!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> A traitor accuses me!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> A blatant ruffian, who fights only when no danger -steps in his way. (<i>Brightly draws to attack him. Hood steps -between.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Enough of this.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Leave him to his way.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> You were captured yesterday—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> While insensible from wounds.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> While fighting against your native state.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> To save her honor.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> By virtue of treason.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Who are you that speaks of treason?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> A soldier who never forgets his obligations to the soil -that gave him heritage.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Whose sword is dishonored with blighted virtue -and broken hearts, bartered for gold in the shambles of the auction -yards.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Keep your foul tongue civil, or I may forget myself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> It is honorable to be a traitor, when allegiance -would strangle liberty—outrage virtue—rob the poor of the right -to their miserable earnings, and trample on the most sacred affections -of the heart.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> The defence of a hypocrite.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Only cowards defend dishonor. (<i>Brightly draws, -and attempts to rush on him. D’A. dashes between.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. The man is unarmed.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Which leaves him no right to convey an insult.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Call a court-martial at once. The military law shall -settle this. (<i>Brightly hurries out, R.</i>) D’Arneaux, search his -person for arms. (<i>D’A. makes a fruitless search. Enter Brightly -with a drum and camp-stool, followed by a rebel officer.</i>) -Col. Gilday, you will act as judge advocate. (<i>Gilday prepares -for business.</i>) Capt. Brightly, take the stand. (<i>Sworn.</i>) State -to the court what you know of this man.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> The prisoner’s name is Francis Halcom. He is a -native of Creelsboro’, Tennessee, on the Cumberland river. I -have known the family since my childhood. With the exception -of three years in Massachusetts for education, Creelsboro’ -has always been his home. When Tennessee withdrew from the -confederation, he immediately went north, raised troops, and has -since led them on to pillage and murder in his native state. Yesterday, -he was captured with arms in his hands, fighting as becomes -a traitor. (<i>Steps aside.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> D’Arneaux, take the stand. (<i>Sworn.</i>) Tell the -court what you know of this case.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. I am acquainted with all the facts related by Captain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>Brightly. In addition, while the prisoner was absent in Massachusetts, -his family was assassinated, and home burned, on account -of political differences. When the war broke out, he was -exiled for the same reason.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> You would defend this murderer?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Justice demands <i>all</i> the facts.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Which palliate nothing.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Had the assassin destroyed my family, and deprived -me of my civil rights in the name of the state, <i>I too would have -been a traitor!</i></p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Leave your sword at my headquarters, and consider -yourself under arrest. Step aside.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. I wash my hands of this murder about to be consummated.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Go to your quarters, sir. I command here. (<i>D’A. -leaves slowly. To Halcom.</i>) You have heard the evidence -against you—what have you to say?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Of what use is a defence in such a court as this?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> The court will hear an excuse, even.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> The principal evidence is guilty of the murder of -my family.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I demand that he shall be made to prove that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> The closing of my life saves his.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I demand an end of this cant.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> I will hold him responsible for every word he speaks.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Who speaks of responsibility? The history of today -is yet to be written. When it is, a page will be given to -the infamy of the leaders of this revolt. Two thousand years -of the world’s best civilization tramples with disdain on the barbarisms -for which you contend. Justice, Christianity and manhood -alike repudiate the dishonor your sword sustains. What -is treason? (<i>Pointing to B.</i>) To defend my country against -such reptiles as that!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Will the court listen to this croaking liar longer?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Leave him to his falsehoods. They but invite the -bullet still more.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Most wise judge! How evenly are the scales of -justice balanced in your court! How commendable are the tales -that suit the judge! How villainously disgusting are the defensive -presumptions of the prisoner, that might so basely impugn -the intentions of the court!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Who hatches crime, will defend a lie!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Who subverts justice, is a traitor to God!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Let the bullet settle this at once.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>To the court.</i>) Gentlemen of the court, you have -heard the evidence. Is the prisoner guilty?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>All.</span> Aye, guilty!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Captain Brightly, return the prisoner to the cabin. -He will be allowed fifteen minutes to prepare. You will then -call a squad of men, and see to it that he is shot to the death.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Gen. Hood, I request that I may die by the hand -of a brave and honorable man.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> So I have decreed!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> His hands are tainted with the murder of defenceless -women.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> ’Tis false!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> So is he a coward! Twice I have thrown my knife -at his feet to defend himself against my empty hands, and he -has refused!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>To Hood.</i>) Do you believe the falsehoods of a -traitor?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Then be it so now!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>To Brightly.</i>) Well?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I will not risk a life that may be of use to my -country, in a duel with a man who has been condemned to death -for treason.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Well said, sir! Sentinel, remand the prisoner. (<i>Exit -Hood, R. Sentinel points to the cabin. Halcom goes slowly, -as if to enter. Halts at door and turns.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Keele Brightly, the chances of war have favored -you. I am the last of my family. My mother’s ashes are still -unavenged. I have had faith in God. Justice may come at -last from other hands than mine. (<i>Turns and enters the cabin, -and falls on one knee. Sentinel locks the door. Brightly leaves -R. As he disappears, Sentinel resumes his beat, and Zina shows -around L. end of cabin, and taps lightly to attract Halcom’s attention. -He hastens to listen.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Peering between the logs.</i>) It is I, Zina, come to -save you. There is a bar behind the door. Bar the door on -the inside, and make no noise. Then return quickly.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> God bless your brave little heart! (<i>Bars the door, -and returns to listen.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> This cabin is close to the river. Your friends are on -the other side. The walls are too strong to be broken. I will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>climb to the roof, tear off some boards, throw a rope over a -limb, and drop it through the opening. On this, ascend to the -roof quickly. The river is too deep to ford. A log is lodged -on the shore in rear of the cabin. With the rope, swing yourself -astride this. Pull a rope fastened to the other shore, and -it will soon land you with your friends on the other side. If you -are fired upon from this side, throw yourself into the water and -cling to the log.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> But what chance of escape is there for yourself?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Don’t fear for me.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> I will not accept my life, even, at the slightest risk -to your own.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Do not hesitate. If you do, you are lost.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Tell me, on honor, is there any danger for yourself? -(<i>Enter Brightly, with squad of men, for execution, R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> On my honor, I shall be safe. Watch for the rope. -I join you at your own camp. (<i>Zina springs to rear of cabin, -and ascends to roof, while Brightly is saying</i>)—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Sentinel, bring out the prisoner. (<i>Meantime Zina -is tugging to get off a board. Sentinel finds door fast.</i>) Break -down the door; there is an attempt to escape! (<i>Rebs rush at door, -one with an axe. Zina gets off first board at word “escape.” -Heavy firing, long roll, L.</i>) Some to the roof! Smash the -door! (<i>Zina gets off second board at word “door;” then fires -at rebs climbing up sides, when they retreat. Brightly to rebs -retreating, sword drawn. Gets off third board.</i>) Back to the -roof, cowards, or I will spit you like dogs. Get a log and crush -it! (<i>Meantime, she fires again, drives them back, and gets off -fourth board.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Soldier.</span> (<i>Entering L. in haste.</i>) The Yanks are bridging -the river.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Fight them like hell! (<i>Fourth board drops; rebs -crash in the door. Zina screams, flings rope into tree, and drops -it through hole. Meantime shots inside cabin, and rebs tumble -out door. Halcom climbs up a rope to roof. Rebs climb cabin -to catch him on roof. As H. arrives on roof, Zina pushes him -off rear into the water, and turns on the rebs.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Drawing knife.</i>) Back, you cowards, or I kill you -this time! (<i>Brightly dashes to R. rear. Curtain. Encore.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>(<i>Curtain rises on last tableau, except Zina has seized the -rope. Suddenly she places her knife in her teeth, springs off -rear, and swings into the water. Brightly dashes off building to L.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span><span class='sc'>Soldiers on Roof.</span> (<i>Rising.</i>) She is swimming the river! -(<i>Brightly seizes a rifle from a soldier, dashes round L., and, during -a flash of lightning, fires at her. D’Arneaux dashing in L., -knocks the rifle aside, too late. Brightly springs to R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. You have murdered that heroic girl! Take your knife, -coward, for, by heaven, one of us shall follow!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>To soldiers.</i>) Arrest that man for treason! -(<i>Soldiers surround D’A. with a cordon of bayonets, when he -drops his knife and hangs his head.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I have waited for this! A court-martial and the -bullet shall end it! (<i>Curtain.</i>)</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c007'>ACT IV.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'><span class='sc'>Scene 1.</span> <i>Night.</i> Heavy forest. Gen. Sherman disc. looking away to R. Occasional flashes of lightning, and thunder in the distance. Occasional picket firing, R. Staff, L.</h3> - -<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> A terrible storm! The men must be wet and hungry. -Orderly! (<i>Enter Ord. L. U. E.</i>) Tell the commissary -to hurry the hot coffee and fresh food to the front at once. (<i>Ex. -Ord. L. U. E.</i>) I must cross the river before daylight, or my -opportunity is lost. Martel! (<i>Enter Telegraph Operator, L. -U. E.</i>) Tell Schofield and Howard they must force a passage -of the river at four o’clock, at all hazards. (<i>Op. works machine -and waits.</i>) Do they understand?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Operator.</span> They do. (<i>Enter Halcom, R. U. E., coatless, -hair dishevelled, wounded.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> (<i>Rushing to grasp his hand.</i>) In heaven’s name, -Halcom, from where do you come?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> The rebel camp.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> How did you escape? (<i>Men offer clothing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Ask God, and the angel sent to my relief. (<i>Declining -clothes.</i>) Thank you, gentlemen, I need nothing now -but a coat.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Ah! A woman at the bottom of it. (<i>Halcom -watches out R.</i>) I sent word to Hood that if any harm came -to you, I would retaliate on every rebel officer in my charge.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Thank you, General. But your communication -would, doubtless, have come too late. But for my escape, I -should have been executed two hours ago.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Your escapes are marvelous. By the way, I have -orders from Washington to advance you to the first vacancy -among the corps commanders.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> (<i>Dropping his head.</i>) I had not expected that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Why not? In this army, sir, the best man wins.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> I am a native and citizen of the south.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> There are no lines for loyalty in this country.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> I am indebted to you for this.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> You are indebted to your own right arm, sir.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> I have been but a simple soldier, no more entitled -to advancement than the private who takes the brunt of the fight -in the first line.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Halcom, some men are born to command—to lead -a forlorn hope—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Which I never have.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Indeed! When at Lookout Mountain the storm -of rebel shot had melted the first line, and the reserves were already -wavering, and you seized and dared them to follow their -flag, rallying the broken ranks to that wild charge that swept -the rebel army from its entrenchments among the clouds, it was -a glory beside which the command of this army pales into insignificance!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Then the soldier shares equally with his commander! -(<i>Watches out R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> But you have not told me of this marvelous escape.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Ask me of something I cannot comprehend, and -you have all I can give.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> It often acts like that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> How?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Simple as any other phase of life. A storm at -night. A handsome cavalier, unjustly condemned, awaiting execution. -A lovely maiden hovers near. She drugs the guard, -and sets the prisoner free. Bewildered by the ecstasy of love -in such a moment of excitement, both are lost in its wild delirium. -They wake to an utter incomprehensibility of all that has -passed.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> General, I am content if such chafing pleases you. -But I am weighted with an anxiety that will drive me mad. -When I can know the heroic girl is safe, who perhaps has sacrificed -her life to save mine, I can forget that I am a coward, and -unfit to live! (<i>Crosses over to L.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Ah! I am getting interested in this case. Who -is this woman? What do you fear? Where is she? I can hardly -imagine a situation in this country or in either army, that can -be dangerous to a woman!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> No danger to a woman? They killed my mother -when she was helpless, and, with my sister, burned her in her -own home.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Such men are devils!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> And so am I! Can you trace the maniac through -Nashville, Chickamauga, and over Lookout Mountain, to the -banks of this river, and not guess at the origin of the hell that -is so fast consuming my life?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Treat it calmly, Halcom. It is something that -can never be mended. Leave the past to take care of itself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> There are fires that refuse to be quenched. No one -has struggled more manfully than myself to forget this. When -I would forget, memory conjures up the scene in the old home! -My mother’s helpless struggles with the devils who crushed her -innocent life! Of my sister burned alive! My God! How -can I forget this?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Tell me of your capture and escape.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> (<i>Hesitating.</i>) My division was overwhelmed by -the whole rebel army. In the desperate struggle, I was left -wounded and senseless on the field of battle. I was discovered -by my old enemy and conveyed to an old hut on the banks of -the Chattahoochee. After a parley with Hood and others, I was -tried by a drum-head court-martial for treason to my native -state, and sentenced to die fifteen minutes later. I was remanded -to the hut to await the preparations for my execution. I could -see no chance for escape, for Brightly had the details of my execution -at his own command. The rifles were already loading -that were to send me to eternity. I had sunk on my knees for -the last prayer, when a tapping on the logs outside, in rear of -the hut, attracted my attention. I hastened to listen. It was -too dark to see. But through the crevices between the logs, I -learned that the little rebel owl who had escaped <i>your</i> bullet, because -she was not a man, had come to effect my escape.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> That child? Surely, I was only in jest.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> That heroic child had eluded your guard, swam the -river at midnight in the violence of that terrible thunder-storm, -dragging a log hitched to a rope that led to the friendly shore, -that I might escape.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Impossible!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> I refused to save my life at the hazard of hers. -She had planned to escape with me. I heard the tramp of the -soldiers detailed to take my life. I heard her clambering to the -roof of the hut; the orders to drag me out to die; the sentinel -try the barred door; the crack of the breaking boards as she -was making an opening for my escape; the crash of the axe -breaking the door; an order that sent the devils to the roof to -prevent my escape; the ring of her pistol as she drove them -back to the earth again. The door crashed in, and the devils -were upon me; a rope fell at my feet. With almost superhuman -strength, I flung them back and gained the roof. A crowd were -clambering up the sides to destroy us. I sprang forward to her -defence. In an instant, she pushed me clear of the hut, safely -into the river.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> <i>Did you leave her!</i></p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> The next flash of lightning revealed her on the -roof, with her knife drawn, holding the traitors at bay, that I -might escape. I sprang back for the shore. I heard a splash -in the water. The next lightning flash revealed her battling the -rapids of the river to gain the other shore. A shot from the -rebel side, and all was dark again. I sprang after her. Two -hours I have frantically searched this bank of the river, without -avail. She has perished in the rapids of the river, or by that -coward shot from the rebel rifle, and I live like a coward! (<i>Zina -staggers in at R. U. E., as if unconscious of the presence of any -one; wounded in the left side of the head, often looking behind -to see if she is pursued. She staggers and is about to fall, -when she is discovered by Halcom, who springs forward, and -catches her in his arms. Sherman tears off his military cloak, -and wraps it about her.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> She has fainted.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> And is wounded. (<i>They revive her.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Please let me stay on this side of the river.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Let you stay on this side of the river! I will -shoot any man who attempts to prevent it! You shall command -this army if you like. (<i>Zina faints again.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> The poor child is dying.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sherman.</span> Not a bit of it. She is too smart to die! Take -her to my quarters. Orderly, here! (<i>Enter Ord. L. U. E.; -with Halcom takes her out, L. U. E.</i>) Have my surgeon attend -that girl, and tell him if he lets her die, I will hang him -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>an hour after. (<i>Exit Ord. L.</i>) I am the biggest ass in the -service. If I ever abuse a woman again, I hope I may be shot -by an idiot! (<i>Exit L. Enter Barney and Hez. L. U. E.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Now whin I would be arrestin’ a blackguard like -that, don’t you be a botherin’ me.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Now you git out. I guess it was jest about as -cheap for him ter git away, as it would be for you to get a collapse -in your real estate. (<i>Set guns against tree, sit down and -wipe perspiration, &c.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Now look in these two eyes of me. Didn’t ye be -kickin’ that blackguard whin I would be takin’ him?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I rayther kalkerlate you was on the pint er passin’ -in yer chips when I lit on that critter.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Ah ha! I’m nobody, I s’pose. Was I?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I guess that feller was the most astonished piece -er meat I ever traveled over. I kalkerlate that when I lit on -the other eend of his corperation, he come to the conklusion that -he was wrastlin’ with a first-class earthquake.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> I don’t care about thim airthquakes. I want none -er thim. My reputashin is spit upon.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I reckon I never jumped onter anything in that -line er critter that wanted ter go home so bad as he did.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Now look in me two eyes and be talkin’ honest -about it, and no braggin’. Didn’t ye be makin’ that blackguard -get away when I would arrest him?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Now, Irish, you just spill your gas in some other -line er preachin’, er else I’ll let him get your guzzle next time. -(<i>Enter Brightly and rebel soldiers, R. U. E., stealthily, seize -the guns and cover both.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Now whin I arrest a blackguard again, don’t you -be botherin’ me.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Throw up your hands! (<i>Points gun at them.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Bar.</span> (<i>Turning in surprise.</i>) Stop that! That gun is loaded.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Throws off coat.</i>) If I don’t make him drop -that gun. (<i>Turns and meets gun—subsides.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Surrender, or I’ll kill you like a dog.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Don’t care ef I dew.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span>, (<i>pointing R. U. E.</i>) Step into line there. (<i>Both comply.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say? Got eny terbacker in yer trowsis?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Shut your mouth and march now, or I will see -what virtue there is in this gun.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>March off R. U. E.</i>) Don’t care if I dew.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span> - <h3 class='c012'><span class='sc'>Scene 2.</span> <i>Gen. Hood’s headquarters.</i> Gen. seated at table, rear centre. D’Arneaux and two guards, L., facing R.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Lt. D’Arneaux, when you entered the military service, -I believed that you would soon wear the stars of a division -commander. Instead, you have presented us with the strange -anomaly of patriot and traitor. While to me you have presented -a soul of honor, you have sought every opportunity to strike -your country a cowardly blow in the dark!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. And I deny the falsehood with my whole soul and life.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Under the circumstances, a denial is wholly unnecessary. -You have had a fair trial. No one regrets more than -myself the military necessity that compels me to sign the warrant -for your execution. Your brilliant military record is no excuse -for disloyalty, and a most flagrant treason.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. As I expect to meet God before the next sunset, that -accusation is doubly false, though it comes from your own lips!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> There are a score of witnesses who saw you attempt -the life of your superior officer. (<i>D’A. hangs his head in silence.</i>) -If there had never occurred another offence, the articles -of war meet you with the bullet. (<i>To guards.</i>) Remove -the prisoner to the care of the guard. (<i>Ex. D’A. and guard, L.</i>) -Orderly! (<i>Enter rebel Orderly, L. U. E.</i>) Take this dispatch -to Gen. McGruder. (<i>Exit Ord. with dispatch. Enter Keele -Brightly, L., salutes.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I have the honor to report that I have captured -two Yankees, found lurking within our lines as spies.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Have them brought in. (<i>Brightly salutes and retires, -L.</i>) The camp is swarming with them! It is utterly useless to -attempt to prevent it without recourse to the most severe measures! -This careless indifference of the guards allows a constant -betrayal of my means of defence. (<i>Enter Brightly, L., followed -by Hez. and Barney, under guard.</i>) The guard will retire. -(<i>Exit guard, R. Brightly observes R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Rushing up to shake hands with Hood.</i>) How -de dew, Gineral? (<i>Hood refuses to shake. Hez. astonished.</i>) -Don’t blame ye a Hannah Cook! Never felt so mean about -anything afore in my life. You must think I’m putty darn small -pertaters, to let myself get roped in by a pair er runts like them. -(<i>Looks in Hood’s face a moment.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Well, sir, what have you to say for spying?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Now you get out! Why I know you (<i>grabs -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>Hood’s hand</i>) jest as well as I do Abe Linkon. (<i>Hood tries to -disengage his hand.</i>) Why, you are that old covey that I met -down there in the woods, that wanted ter know where the old -man lived. (<i>Lets go his hand.</i>) Don’t blame ye for wantin’ ter -give me the shake. Say? Got any terbacker in yer trowsis?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> No, sir!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Confidentially.</i>) Say, I never felt so disgraceful -about anything afore in my life. ’Tween you and I, let me -have a chance ter distribit their meat in a fair scratch, and I’ll -give ye forty dollars.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>To Brightly.</i>) Who is this fellow?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> His name is Goferum.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Goferum! What a name!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>Dashing to L., and throwing off coat.</i>) Jess -you say. I want you to understand that forty dollars is scarcer -than fools are in this country. (<i>Coat off, turns.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>To Brightly.</i>) Seize the fool! (<i>Barney throws off -coat, &c.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You bet! (<i>As he dashes for Brightly, he meets -a pistol, and knocks it one side as it goes off. Clinches Brightly, -throws him, and proceeds to punch his ribs, and struggle -around.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> (<i>Meantime.</i>) Guards, ho! (<i>Barney dashes about -for a fight.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>To Hood.</i>) Don’t you say guard-house to me, -you grayback thafe er the wurruld!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hood.</span> Guards, ho! Guards, ho!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Come out er that! Come out, you thafe er the -wurruld. Come out, and I bat your dam head off you. Come out. -(<i>Dashes forward, kicks table over, clinches Hood, throws him, -and proceeds to punch his ribs, as guards rush in R., and overpower -them.</i>)</p> - -<h3 class='c012'><span class='sc'>Scene 3.</span> <i>Landscape and wood front.</i> Enter Sally with pail, L., female attire.</h3> - -<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> (<i>Looking about.</i>) Now didn’t I wool that sargeant. -I’ll bet he hain’t got brains enough for a mule. It takes seven -hundred er them fellers to know as much as a Yankee. When -he was stealin’ the chickens at that deserted house, I told him -it warn’t fair to steal my chickens, when I was givin’ his men -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>coffee. Gorry, won’t they sleep some! Now Hez. he has learned -ter steal chickens since he come down here. You jest wait and -see me break him er that when I get him back to Pordunk! -Now I should like to see a man of mine stealin’ chickens, or -runnin’ after other wimen! Now wouldn’t there be the handsomest -fuss Pordunk ever looked at! (<i>Looking about.</i>) I guess -them fellers are snorin’ by this time. (<i>Exit R., cautiously.</i>)</p> - -<h3 class='c012'><span class='sc'>Scene 4.</span> <i>Room covering whole stage.</i> Door at R. centre. Large box, R. U. E. Hezekiah and Barney disc. rear centre, chained to a ring in the floor.</h3> - -<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I’ll bet ye tew dollars that feller come to the conclewshun -that he must er stole my gun from a whole regiment.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> And the grayback thafe at the table, that twitted -me about the guard-house.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Guess he thought he was goin’ through a fullin’ -mill.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> The blackguard! (<i>Very sober.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> ’Drather give fifty dollars than ter had yer hit the -old General.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> How the divil should I know he was a general, -without the two brass things on ’im?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> All them fellers az has ritin’ tools and tables in -their tents, is generals.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Didn’t the sargeant tell me I was never to know -one er thim without the two brass things on him?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> It don’t make no difference, now ye bin gone and -done it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Didn’t he begin it, twittin’ me about the guard-house, -the thafe!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> He was only callin’ the guard for help.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> The blackguard! Whin he was as big as I! And -he called thim three spalpeens a coort, when it takes more than -two dozen to make one er thim any day. (<i>Door opens R., rebel -soldier enters and reads from a paper.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Soldier.</span> The General commanding orders that the two union -prisoners, O’Flanagan and Goferum, convicted of spying in the -confederate camp, be notified that they are to be shot at daylight. -Per order General commanding. (<i>Exit soldier, R. Barney and -Hez. look at each other a moment in silence.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> He will do that?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> That’s the kind of hairpin he is.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> The blackguard!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Wal, I guess I’ve airn’t the powder and shot. If -my old shooter hain’t tapped a hundred and fifty er them critters, -you can jest hope ter holler.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> I will get some lawyer to appeal that coort.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You get out!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> That was no coort. The constitution of Ameriky -says nothing about a coort like that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> It don’t make no difference. The shootin’ will -come. They don’t care for constitewshuns down here.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> I’ll have that thafe tried for murder if he does that. -And I’ll tell him that to his face, too. I don’t care who any man -is that will do an illagal thing like that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> They don’t stop for law down here.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> The more the shame for ’em. He will have the -contimpt er the wurruld upon ’im.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> It wouldn’t do no good. They’ll bury you at daylight. -(<i>Short silence.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> And there ain’t niver a praste to be had in this -haythen country at all.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Ye don’t need none. If I hain’t licked rebels -enough ter get ter heaven without a priest, they can jest kick -me out.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Havn’t I done that same meself?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> So ye have, Barney, and this ain’t yer own country, -neither. If they don’t give ye two harps to my one, it ain’t -doin’ the fair thing by ye.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Divil a bit do I care for a harp, if I can get out er -this. (<i>Door opens, and Sally appears with two carbines in her -hands; hesitates a moment.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Now let me die.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> ’Pon my word.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Come here, and let me see if you ain’t a ghost. -(<i>Sally lays carbines behind the box and rushes to embrace Hez.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Give us a taste er that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> You git out. There ain’t enough ter go round. -(<i>Sally tries to unfasten irons.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Oh don’t you spread yourself. I have one er thim. -(<i>Turns away.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sal.</span> (<i>hunting round for axe.</i>) Hain’t ye got no axe, Hez.?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> ’Taint no use, Sal. Them irons can’t be broke.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> You git out, Hez. You jest show me where they -keep the axe.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> They don’t leave no axes round here. If ye had -one, ye’d get up such a noise, old Hood and the whole coop -would be down here whoopin’.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> I got the whole caboodle asleep with opium.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> ’Taint no use, Sal. That Keele Brightly said -we was spies, and we’re goin ter get shot at daylight. (<i>Sally -speechless with astonishment.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> The thafe. (<i>Sally drops on her knees sobbing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Oh what shall I do?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> I know how’ yer heart is, Sal, but ye can’t do us -no good. Jest git out as fast as ye can, and save yourself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> And tell Gineral Halcom about it, and divil a bit -but he will bat that spalpeen in the mornin’.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> (<i>Springing to her feet and wiping eyes.</i>) I have it. -(<i>Dashes for the door.</i>) I know what I’ll do.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Say, Sal. (<i>She turns back.</i>) Perhaps I shan’t -never see ye again. (<i>Sally falls on his breast sobbing.</i>) Tell -mother she ain’t got nothin’ to be ashamed on about me, except -I’m rough, and can’t talk so fine as some folks. Now she is -cheated out of her part er the farm, and the old man is so mean. -I don’t know what she <i>will</i> do. I’ve sent her all my wages and -bounty.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Sally.</span> Keep yer upper lip solid, Hez.; cos if yer lost to yer -mother, she can have a home with me as long as she lives. Good -bye. I got to get ye out, and I ain’t no time to lose. (<i>Dashes -out at R. door.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> ’Pon my word, that gal will knock the hell’s blazes -out er thim spalpeens, or I’m a thafe and a liar.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Ain’t she a rusher?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> ’Pon me word she is. Yer a lucky boy to have a -gal like that.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Makes me sick, cos it’s all goin’ for nothin’. -(<i>Makes a bad face, as if to cry.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Ah-r, don’t be doin’ that. Thim blackguards will -be sayin’ yer a Yankee coward.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> The man that can’t grind out some grief at leavin’ -a gal like that, ain’t got brains enough to know what he’s losin’.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Indade! Isn’t Biddy Maloney as fine a gal as she, -barrin’ the fitin’? (<i>Door opens at R., and Keele Brightly enters, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>followed by D’Arneaux and guard, one of whom proceeds to iron -D’A. to the same ring with Hez. and Barney.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>Looking about and at prisoners.</i>) As incomprehensible -as ever. The guard drugged and disarmed, and the -prisoners unmolested. Corporal, place a guard of twenty men -around this building, and you have my orders to shoot any person, -man or woman, approaching it without authority. I have -placed a barrel of powder beneath, with a fuse attached, leading -out under the door. If the Yankees attack us before daybreak, -fire the fuse, or kill the prisoners, and join your regiment -at once. (<i>Guard leaves with Corporal, R. Brightly -lingers to see all is secure, then leaves R.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>To Barney.</i>) Bet ye tew dollars this old machine -is about gin out. They’re killin’ their own.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>To Hez.</i>) Is he a Gineral? (<i>D’A. hangs head.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>To D’A.</i>) Say! Yer couldn’t tell a feller who’s -gittin’ licked outside, could ye? (<i>D’A. gives them no attention.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> (<i>To D’A.</i>) You don’t be talkin’?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>To D’A.</i>) Talk is cheap, and I thought I’d -give ye a chance on what ye had the most on.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Shoot thim at daylight, sez he. (<i>Makes a bad -face as if about to cry.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Don’t be blubberin’, Barney.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Don’t you see the daylight is comin’ through thim -cracks there?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Let her come. It ain’t goin’ to last long. (<i>A -board lifts up at L. and Zina crawls up through.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Zina!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Now let me die!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> ’Pon my word! (<i>Zina motions quiet.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> The guard! Master D’Arneaux, how are you here?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. A victim of the falsehood of your master.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> How?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Convicted of treason by false testimony, and sentenced -to die at sunrise.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh this is so cowardly and <i>unjust</i> to you, who have -been so brave and kind. Oh what <i>shall</i> I do?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. You can do nothing, Zina.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I will go to the General and say it is <i>not</i> true.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. You are but a poor slave girl. It would avail nothing. -Zina, through economy and speculations, I have become possessed -of five thousand dollars in gold. It is all buried beneath -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>the roots of the old cotton-wood that stands by the grave of our -Nelly. No one but my mother knows this. If, by the fortunes -of war, I should fall, it would keep my mother from want. If, -when peace and independence come, and I should live, to buy -your freedom, when I had determined to offer you my heart, -hand, and the honor of a soldier.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh you <i>would</i> not throw yourself away on a poor slave! -You <i>do</i> not know what you say!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. This has been the nurtured ambition of my heart, since, -with all your native goodness, I saw your generous devotion to -my helpless old mother.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> How <i>can</i> you love a poor, degraded slave girl, who -has <i>nothing</i> to offer but these miserable rags, and the memory -that she came of the hated race, so despised by all the world. -(<i>Falls on her knees, covers face.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. As God loves goodness in the human heart—as manhood -admires the noble, unselfish woman, though her covering -be undeserving rags—as the heart plays captive to the most -generous impulses of nature—as the honor of a soldier reaches -out to grasp its ideal, so do I offer my tribute of love. Zina, -all these dreams of the future die with me when the sun rises -over the eastern hills. Go out from here. Avoid the guard. -Find the money, and fly with my mother, where you can be -free. Save my mother from want, and I am content. Waste -no time, or you too may be lost.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Oh I cannot be so cowardly as to leave you now! -(<i>Rising.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Why did you come here, where there is nothing but -danger?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Pointing to Hez. and Barney.</i>) To save <i>these</i> who -have been so good and kind to me. When my master had turned -me away to starve, <i>these</i> men gave me their own food and blankets -when the storm was cold and pitiless. (<i>Shot R. Zina -goes to R. door to listen.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. (<i>To Hez. and Bar.</i>) My hand, good fellows. One -often sees that to admire in an enemy. (<i>Shake all, Hez. grudgingly. -Zina looks around the room and discovers the carbines, -places them on the box.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> When I was first lookin’ at ye, didn’t I be knowin’ -ye was no blackguard.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. When the other world begins to lift its shadows to light -us to the other side, the animosities of this life should be forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> (<i>To D’A.</i>) Give me your hand again. I allus -said I’d never shake with a rebel, but I’ll take it all back.</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Zina, before I die, there is a secret in your history the -excitement of the hour had well nigh caused me to forget. It -came to me by accident. You were not born a slave!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Z. Then who am I?</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. A lost child of the Halcoms!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Falling on her knees and covering her face.</i>) My -brave, noble brother!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. While confined, previous to my trial, I overheard conversation -between Brightly and one of his ruffian comrades, detailing -your history and a plan for your destruction. The reason—slavery -is abrogated, and you are one of the Halcoms. -Seventeen years since, Brightly was the leader of a band of -Regulators, raised to protect the planters from the abolitionists, -who were running off their help. I was a member of that company, -though a mere boy. An old political grudge had existed -between Brightly and your father for many years. On a dark -December night, backed by a crowd of selected desperadoes, -he murdered your father when he was without means of defence, -outraged and killed your mother,—then fired the house.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Shuddering.</i>) My poor mother! (<i>Sobbing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Some of those men are now standing guard around -this building. You were then a helpless infant in the cradle. -Old Milly, the nurse, escaped with you to the wood. Two days after -you were both kidnapped by Brightly, taken to his plantation -in Alabama, where he raised you as a slave. At the time of the -murder, your brother Frank, at the age of 12 years, was educating -in the free schools of New England. During the last 15 -years he has not ceased to search for the murderer of his family. -He has no knowledge that you have been saved from the burning -home. Within the last three years, Brightly has repeatedly -tried to sell you to cotton planters on the coast. Only my vigilance -and the color of your skin have prevented it. It was -Brightly’s hand that sent the bullet after your life, on the night -of your brother’s escape. If you are found here, your life is -lost. Go now. Day is breaking. God bless you. Remember -my mother. (<i>Distant rapid firing.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Springing to her feet and listening,</i>) Hark! My -brother is coming!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. Escape while you can. Quick, or you will be lost!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> (<i>Flings off turban.</i>) I will defend you until his sword -shall save us!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>D’A. You cannot, you are a weak girl! (<i>Zina bars the -door and slings carbine on belt.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> So I can fight and die with you! (<i>Rebs. attack the -door furiously. Zina holds it.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. This building is mined and you will be blown to atoms. -(<i>Zina holds the door.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I have filled the powder with water!</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. You will be killed. Conceal yourself beneath the floor. -(<i>Rebs. knock holes in middle of door with an axe.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Hezekiah.</span> Yes, go, Zina. God bless yer brave little heart.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Barney.</span> Please go, little girl, ye can’t do us no good! (<i>Heavy, -increasing firing R. Blows on the door rapid and continuous. -She holds it.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'>D’A. You cannot defend us! (<i>Zina seizes carbine and, -springing back, exclaims:</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> I am a Halcom! This rifle shall avenge my mother’s -life. (<i>Confederates smash the door until they knock it to pieces. -Then the door breaks down and a crowd of rebels rush through, -5 rapid shots from Zina and they retreat to outside, 3 men fall. -She drops the old and seizes another carbine as Brightly urges -them back. Five more shots throw them into a crowding confusion -at the door, when she stops firing from unloading. Brightly -and six soldiers rush to left front. Zina draws knife to defend -prisoners.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>As he and soldiers dash to L.</i>) Kill the prisoners. -(<i>Soldiers spring forward to bayonet them and are met by -Zina.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Who strikes the helpless is a coward! (<i>Soldiers hesitate, -with bayonets at her breast.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> You shall be food for my dogs!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> Coward! Thief! Assassin of my mother!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> So you bite the hand that fed you to life!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> My hands have earned your bread and mine!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>To soldiers.</i>) Kill her! (<i>Halcom dashes in R. -followed by soldiers, who cover rebs.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> Throw down your arms! (<i>Rebels drop arms and -Zina rushes into her brother’s arms saying:</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> My brother!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> I have long suspected this. My mother’s face lives -in this girl and in my memory seventeen years since as she -begged for mercy from a man who never felt it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> I am a prisoner of war.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> We have met, sir, for the last time. You shall fight -women and helpless prisoners no longer.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> Then have done with your preaching and come -on! (<i>Drops sword and draws knife.</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> I will not keep you waiting long! You shall fight -for your life this time like an honorable man!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Brightly.</span> (<i>To reb. soldiers</i>) The psalm of a traitor who -has stabbed his country in the back!</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Halcom.</span> (<i>To prisoners and Union soldiers.</i>) If this man -passes my hands safely he shall go free! (<i>Taking advantage -while Halcom is speaking to the Union prisoners, Brightly rushes -forward to stab him in the back, treacherously. Zina catches his -purpose, drops on one knee, knocks his hand up and drives her -knife to the hilt in the ruffian’s heart. Brightly staggers back and -falls. Zina springs up, aghast at the result, then drops knife, -covering her face, says:—</i>)</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='sc'>Zina.</span> My poor mother! (<i>Drops on her knees, then face, -sobbing until curtain falls.</i>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='small'>THE END.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c007'>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</h2> -</div> - <ol class='ol_1 c003'> - <li>The stage directions were inconsistently formatted. Some were italicized and some - not. Also some were in parentheses and some in square brackets. (As if the typesetter - ran out of parentheses or italics occassionally.) They were all altered to parentheses - and italics. - - </li> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - - </li> - <li>Retained anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Zina: the Slave Girl or Which the -Traitor?, by A. 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