SCENE. The Ellingham Homestead in the Shenandoah Valley. Exterior. Three Top Mountain in the distance. A corner of the house, with projecting end of veranda. Low wall extending up from veranda. A wide opening in the wall, with a low, heavy stone post, with flat top, on each side. Beyond the wall and opening, a road runs across stage. At the back of this road, elevation of rock and turf. This slopes up behind wood wing. It is level on the top about twelve feet; slopes down to road, and also out behind wood wings. The level part in the centre rises to about four feet above the stage. Beyond this elevation the distance is a broad valley, with Three Top Mountain rising on the right. Foliage appropriate to northern Virginia walnut, cottonwood, &c. Rustic seats and table. Seat near veranda. A low rock near the stone post. Sunset when curtain rises. As the act proceeds this fades into twilight and then bright moonlight. The number references for the trumpet signals, in this and the next act, are to the official book, entitled “Cavalry Tactics, United States Army,” published by D. Appleton & Co., N.Y., 1887. The number references for the Torch Signals, in this act, are to the General Service Code. This code may be found, with illustrations and instructions, in a book entitled “Signal Tactics,” by Lieutenant Hugh T. Reed, U.S. Army, published by John Riley & Sons, N.Y., 1880. At rise of curtain, Trumpet Signal No 34 or No 35 is heard very distant. GERTRUDE and MADELINE discovered on elevation up center. GERTRUDE is shading her eyes with her hand and looking off. MADELINE stands a little below her, on the incline, resting her arm about GERTRUDE’S waist, also looking off.

GERTRUDE. It is a regiment of Union Cavalry. The Federal troops now have their lines three miles beyond us, and only a month ago the Confederate Army was north of Winchester. One army or the other has been marching up and down the Shenandoah Valley for three years. I wonder what the next change will be. We in Virginia have had more than our share of the war. [Looking off.

MADELINE. You have, indeed, Gertrude. [Walking down to seat.] And we at home in Washington have pitied you so much. But everybody says that there will be peace in the Valley after this. [Dropping into seat.

GERTRUDE. Peace! [Coming down.] That word means something very different to us poor Southerners from what it means to you.

MADELINE. I know, dear; and we in the North know how you have suffered, too. We were very glad when General Buckthorn was appointed to the command of the Nineteenth Army Corps, so that Jenny could get permission for herself and me to come and visit you.

GERTRUDE. The old General will do anything for Jenny, I suppose.

MADELINE. Yes. [Laughing.] We say in Washington that Jenny is in command of the Nineteenth Army Corps herself.

GERTRUDE. I was never more astonished or delighted in my life than when you and Jenny Buckthorn rode up, this morning, with a guard from Winchester; and Madeline, dear, I I only wish that my brother Robert could be here, too. Do you remember in Charleston, darling that morning when I told you that that Robert loved you?

MADELINE. He [Looking down.] he told me so himself only a little while afterwards, and while we were standing there, on the shore of the bay the the shot was fired which compelled him to enter this awful war and me to return to my home in the North.

GERTRUDE. I was watching for that shot, too. [Turning.

MADELINE. Yes [Rising.] you and brother Kerchival

GERTRUDE. We won’t talk about that, my dear. We were speaking of Robert. As I told you this morning, I have not heard from him since the battle of Winchester, a month ago. Oh, Madeline! the many, many long weeks, like these, we have suffered, after some terrible battle in which he has been engaged. I do not know, now, whether he is living or dead.

MADELINE. The whole war has been one long suspense to me. [Dropping her face into her hands.

GERTRUDE. My dear sister! [Placing her arm about her waist and moving left.] You are a Northern girl, and I am a Rebel but we are sisters. [They go up veranda and out. An OLD COUNTRYMAN comes in on a cane. He stops and glances back, raises a broken portion of the capstone of post, and places a letter under it. GERTRUDE has stepped back on veranda and is watching him. He raises his head sharply, looking at her and bringing his finger to his lips. He drops his head again, as with age, and goes out.

GERTRUDE moves down to stage and up to road, looks right and left, raises the broken stone, glancing back as she does so; takes letter and moves down.] Robert is alive! It is his handwriting! [Tears open the wrapper.] Only a line from him! and this a despatch and also a letter to me! Why, it is from Mrs. Haverill from Washington with a United States postmark. [Reads from a scrap of paper.]

“The enclosed despatch must be in the hands of Captain Edward Thornton before eight o’clock to-night. We have signaled to him from Three Top Mountain, and he is waiting for it at the bend in Oak Run. Our trusty scout at the Old Forge will carry it if you will put it in his hands.”

The scout is not there, now; I will carry it to Captain Thornton myself. I I haven’t my own dear horse to depend on now; Jack knew every foot of the way through the woods about here; he could have carried a despatch himself. I can’t bear to think of Jack; it’s two years since he was captured by the enemy and if he is still living I I suppose he is carrying one of their officers. No! Jack wouldn’t fight on that side. He was a Rebel as I am. He was one of the Black Horse Cavalry his eyes always flashed towards the North. Poor Jack! my pet. [Brushing her eyes.] But this is no time for tears. I must do the best I can with the gray horse. Captain Thornton shall have the despatch. [Reads from note.]

“I also enclose a letter for you. I found it in a United States mail-bag which we captured from the enemy.”

Oh that’s the way Mrs. Haverill’s letter came ha ha ha by way of the Rebel Army! [Opens it; reads.]

“My Darling Gertrude: When Colonel Kerchival West was in Washington last week, on his way from Chattanooga, to serve under Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, he called upon me. It was the first time I had seen him since the opening of the war. I am certain that he still loves you, dear.” [She kisses the letter eagerly, then draws up.

It is quite immaterial to me whether Kerchival West still loves me or not. [Reads.

“I have kept your secret, my darling.” Ah! my secret! “but I was sorely tempted to betray the confidence you reposed in me at Charleston. If Kerchival West had heard you say, as I did, when your face was hidden in my bosom, that night, that you loved him with your whole heart “ Oh! I could bite my tongue out now for making that confession [Looks down at letter with a smile.] “I am certain that he still loves you.” [Trumpet Signal No 41. Kisses the letter repeatedly. Trumpet Signal No 41, louder than at first. She starts, listening.

JENNY BUCKTHORN runs in on the veranda.

JENNY. Do you hear, Gertrude, they are going to pass this very house. [Military band. “John Brown” playing in the distance. Chorus of Soldiers.] I’ve been watching them through my glass; it is Colonel Kerchival West’s regiment.

GERTRUDE. [Eagerly, then coldly.] Colonel West’s! It is perfectly indifferent to me whose regiment it is.

JENNY. Oh! Of course. [Coming down.] It is equally indifferent to me; Captain Heartsease is in command of the first troop. [Trumpet Signal No 52.] Column right! [She runs up to road. Looks.] They are coming up the hill.

GERTRUDE. At my very door! And Kerchival West in command! I will not stand here and see them pass. The despatch for Captain Thornton! I will carry it to him as soon as they are gone. [Exit up veranda, the band and chorus increasing in volume.

JENNY. Cavalry! That’s the branch of the service I was born in; I was in a fort at the time on the Plains. Sergeant Barket always said that my first baby squall was a command to the garrison; if any officer or soldier, from my father down, failed to obey my orders, I court-martialed him on the spot. I’ll make ’em pass in review. [Jumping up on the rustic seat.] Yes! [Looking off.] There’s Captain Heartsease himself, at the head of the first troop. Draw sabre! [With parasol.] Present! [Imitating the action. Music. The band and chorus now full and loud; she swings parasol in time. Trumpet Signal No 40. Band and chorus suddenly cease.] Halt! Why, they are stopping here. [Trumpet Signal No 38.] Dismount! I I wonder if they are going to I do believe [Looking left eagerly. Trumpet Signal No 17.] Assembly of Guard Details! As sure as fate, they are going into camp here. We girls will have a jolly time. [Jumping down.] Ha ha ha ha! Let me see. How shall I receive Captain Heartsease? He deserves a court-martial, for he stole my lace handkerchief at Mrs. Grayson’s reception in Washington. He was called away by orders to the West that very night, and we haven’t met since. [Sighs.] He’s been in lots of battles since then; I suppose he’s forgotten all about the handkerchief. We girls, at home, don’t forget such things. We aren’t in battles. All we do is to to scrape lint and flirt with other officers.

Enter CAPTAIN HEARTSEASE, followed by COLONEL ROBERT ELLINGHAM; stops at gate.

HEARTSEASE. This way, Colonel Ellingham. [They enter. As they come down, HEARTSEASE stops suddenly, looking at JENNY; puts up his glasses.] Miss Buckthorn!

JENNY. Captain Heartsease!

HEARTSEASE. [Very quietly and with perfect composure.] I am thunderstruck. The unexpected sight of you has thrown me into a fever of excitement.

JENNY. Has it? [Aside.] If he gets so excited as that in battle, it must be awful. [Aloud.] Colonel Ellingham! [Crossing to him.

ELLINGHAM. Miss Buckthorn! You are visiting my sister? I am what may be called a visitor by force myself.

JENNY. Oh! You’re a prisoner!

ELLINGHAM. I ventured too far within the Union lines to-night, and they have picked me up. But Major Wilson has kindly accepted my parole, and I shall make the best of it.

JENNY. Is Major Wilson in command of the regiment?

HEARTSEASE. Yes. Colonel West is to join us at this point, during the evening.

ELLINGHAM. I am very glad you are here, Miss Buckthorn, with Gertrude.

JENNY. Somebody here will be delighted to see you, Colonel.

ELLINGHAM. My sister can hardly be pleased to see me as a prisoner.

JENNY. Not your sister. [Passing him and crossing to veranda, turns and beckons to him. She motions with her thumb over her shoulder. He goes up the steps of the veranda and turns.

ELLINGHAM. What do you mean?

JENNY. I mean this [Reaching up her face, he leans down, placing his ear near her lips.] somebody else’s sister! When she first sees you, be near enough to catch her.

ELLINGHAM. I understand you! Madeline! [Exit on veranda. JENNY runs up steps after him, stops and looks back at HEARTSEASE over the railing. HEARTSEASE takes a lace handkerchief from his pocket.

JENNY. I do believe that’s my handkerchief. [A GUARD OF SENTRIES marches in and across stage in road. The CORPORAL in command orders halt and a SENTRY to post, then marches GUARD out. The SENTRY stands with his back to audience, afterwards moving out, appearing and disappearing during Act.

HEARTSEASE. Miss Buckthorn! I owe you an apology. After I left your side, the last time we met, I found your handkerchief in my possession. I assure you, it was an accident.

JENNY. [Aside, pouting.] I thought he intended to steal it. [Aloud.] That was more than a year ago. [Then brightly.] Do you always carry it with you?

HEARTSEASE. Always; there. [Indicating his left breast pocket.

JENNY. Next to his heart!

HEARTSEASE. Shall I return it to you?

JENNY. Oh, if a lace handkerchief can be of any use to you, Captain, during the hardships of a campaign you you may keep that one. You soldiers have so few comforts and it’s real lace.

HEARTSEASE. Thank you. [Returning handkerchief to his pocket.] Miss Buckthorn, your papa is in command of the Nineteenth Army Corps. He doesn’t like me.

JENNY. I know it.

HEARTSEASE. But you are in command of him,

JENNY. Yes; I always have been.

HEARTSEASE. If ever you decide to assume command of any other man, I I trust you will give me your orders.

JENNY. [Aside, starting back.] If that was intended for a proposal, it’s the queerest-shaped one I ever heard of. [Aloud.] Do you mean, Captain, that that you I must command myself now. [Shouldering her parasol.] ’Bout face! March! [Turning squarely around, marches up and out on veranda.

HEARTSEASE. I have been placed on waiting orders. [Stepping up and looking after her; then very quietly and without emotion.] I am in an agony of suspense. The sight of that girl always arouses the strongest emotions of my nature.

[Enter COLONEL KERCHIVAL WEST, looking at paper in his hand. The SENTINEL, in road, comes to a salute.]

Colonel West!

KERCHIVAL. Captain!

HEARTSEASE. You have rejoined the regiment sooner than we expected.

KERCHIVAL. [Looking at paper.] Yes; General Haverill is to meet me here at seven o’clock. Major Wilson tells me that some of your company captured Colonel Robert Ellingham, of the Tenth Virginia.

HEARTSEASE. He is here under parole.

KERCHIVAL. And this is the old Ellingham homestead. [Aside.] Gertrude herself is here, I suppose; almost a prisoner to me, like her brother; and my troops surround their home. She must, indeed, feel that I am her enemy now. Ah, well, war is war. [Aloud.] By the bye, Heartsease, a young Lieutenant, Frank Bedloe, has joined our troop?

HEARTSEASE. Yes; an excellent young officer.

KERCHIVAL. I sent for him as I came through the camp. Lieutenant Frank “Bedloe” is the son of General Haverill.

HEARTSEASE. Indeed! Under an assumed name!

KERCHIVAL. He was supposed to have been killed in New Orleans more than a year ago; but he was taken prisoner instead. [Looking left.

HEARTSEASE. He is here.

KERCHIVAL. I should never have known him with his full beard and bronzed face. His face was as smooth as a boy’s when I last met him in Charleston.

Enter LIEUTENANT FRANK BEDLOE; he stops, saluting.

FRANK. You wished me to report to you, Colonel?

KERCHIVAL. You have been assigned to the regiment during my absence.

FRANK. Yes, sir. [KERCHIVAL moves to him and grasps his hand; looks into his eyes a moment before speaking.

KERCHIVAL. Frank Haverill.

FRANK. You you know me, sir?

KERCHIVAL. I saw Mrs. Haverill while I was passing through Washington on Saturday. She told me that you had escaped from prison in Richmond, and had re-entered the service. She did not know then that you had been assigned to my regiment. I received a letter from her, in Winchester, this morning, informing me of the fact, and asking for my good offices in your behalf. But here is the letter. [Taking letter from wallet and giving it to him.] It is for you rather than for me. I shall do everything I can for you, my dear fellow.

FRANK. Thank you, sir. [Opens letter, dropping the envelope upon the table.] Kind, thoughtful and gentle to my faults, as ever [Looking at the letter.] and always thinking of my welfare. My poor little wife, too, is under her protection. Gentlemen, I beg of you not to reveal my secret to my father.

KERCHIVAL. General Haverill shall know nothing from us, my boy; you have my word for that.

HEARTSEASE. Nothing.

KERCHIVAL. And he cannot possibly recognize you. What with your full beard, and thinking as he does, that you are

FRANK. That I am dead. I am dead to him. It would have been better if I had died. Nothing but my death not even that can wipe out the disgrace which I brought upon his name.

HEARTSEASE. [Looking right.] General Haverill has arrived.

Enter GENERAL HAVERILL with a STAFF OFFICER.

FRANK. My father!

HAVERILL. [Exchanging salutes with the three officers. He turns to the STAFF OFFICER, giving him a paper and brief instructions in dumb show. The OFFICER goes out over the incline. Another STAFF OFFICER enters, salutes and hands him a paper, then stands up stage.] Ah! The men are ready. [Looking at the paper. Then to KERCHIVAL.] Colonel! I have a very important matter to arrange with you; there is not a moment to be lost. I will ask Captain Heartsease to remain. [FRANK salutes and starts up stage; HAVERILL looks at him, starting slightly; raises his hand to detain him.] One moment; your name!

HEARTSEASE. Lieutenant Bedloe, General, of my own troop, and one of our best officers. [HAVERILL steps to FRANK, looking into his face a moment.

HAVERILL. Pardon me! [Stepping down stage. FRANK moves up, stops and looks back at him. HAVERILL stands a moment in thought, covers his face with one hand, then draws up.] Colonel West! We have a most dangerous piece of work for a young officer [FRANK starts joyfully.] to lead a party of men, whom I have already selected. I cannot order an officer to undertake anything so nearly hopeless; he must be a volunteer.

FRANK. Oh, sir, General! Let me be their leader.

HAVERILL. I thought you had passed on.

FRANK. Do not refuse me, sir. [HAVERILL looks at him a moment. HEARTSEASE and KERCHIVAL exchange glances.

HAVERILL. You are the man we need, my young friend. You shall go. Listen! We wish to secure a key to the cipher despatches, which the enemy are now sending from their signal station on Three Top Mountain. There is another Confederate Signal Station in the Valley, just beyond Buckton’s Ford. [Pointing.] Your duty will be this: First, to get inside the enemy’s line; then to follow a path through the woods, with one of our scouts as your guide; attack the Station suddenly, and secure their code, if possible. I have this moment received word that the scout and the men are at the fort, now, awaiting their leader. Major McCandless, of my staff, will take you to the place. [Indicating the STAFF OFFICER. FRANK exchanges salutes with him.] My young friend! I do not conceal from you the dangerous nature of the work on which I am sending you. If if you do not return, I I will write, myself, to your friends. [Taking out note-book.] Have you a father living?

FRANK. My father is is he is

HAVERILL. I understand you. A mother? Or

KERCHIVAL. I have the address of Lieutenant Bedloe’s friends, General.

HAVERILL. I will ask you to give it to me, if necessary. [Extends his hand.] Good-bye, my lad. [FRANK moves to him. HAVERILL grasps his hand, warmly.] Keep a brave heart and come back to us. [FRANK moves up stage. Exit STAFF OFFICER.

FRANK. He is my father still. [Exit.

HAVERILL. My dead boy’s face! [Dropping his face into both hands.

HEARTSEASE. [Apart to KERCHIVAL.] He shall not go alone. [Aloud.] General! Will you kindly give me leave of absence from the command?

HAVERILL. Leave of absence! To an officer in active service and in the presence of the enemy?

KERCHIVAL. [Taking hand of HEARTSEASE. Apart.] God bless you, old fellow! Look after the boy.

HAVERILL. A h [With a sudden thought, turns.] I think I understand you, Captain Heartsease. Yes; you may have leave of absence.

HEARTSEASE. Thank you. [Salutes. HAVERILL and KERCHIVAL salute. Exit HEARTSEASE.

KERCHIVAL. Have you any further orders for me, General?

HAVERILL. I wish you to understand the great importance of the duty to which I have just assigned this young officer. General Sheridan started for Washington this noon, by way of Front Royal. Since his departure, we have had reason to believe that the enemy are about to move, and we must be able to read their signal despatches, if possible. [Sitting.] I have ordered Captain Lockwood, of our own Signal Corps, to report to you here, with officers and men. [Takes up the empty envelope on table, unconsciously, as he speaks, tapping it on the table.] If Lieutenant Bedloe succeeds in getting the key to the enemy’s cipher, we can signal from this point [Pointing to elevation.] to our station at Front Royal. Men and horses are waiting there now, to carry forward a message, if necessary, to General Sheridan himself. [He starts suddenly, looking at the envelope in his hand; reads address. Aside.] “Colonel Kerchival West” in my wife’s handwriting.

KERCHIVAL. I’ll attend to your orders.

HAVERILL. Postmarked at Washington, yesterday. [Reads.] “Private and confidential.” [Aloud.] Colonel West! I found a paragraph, to-day, in a paper published in Richmond, taken from a prisoner. I will read it to you. [Takes newspaper slip from his wallet and reads.]

“From the Charleston Mercury. Captain Edward Thornton, of the Confederate Secret Service, has been assigned to duty in the Shenandoah Valley. Our gallant Captain still bears upon his face the mark of his meeting, in 1861, with Lieutenant, now Colonel Kerchival West, who is also to serve in the Valley, with Sheridan’s Army. Another meeting between these two men would be one of the strange coincidences of the war, as they were at one time, if not indeed at present, interested in the same beautiful woman.” [Rises.]

I will ask you to read the last few lines, yourself. [Hands KERCHIVAL the slip.

KERCHIVAL. [Reading.] “The scandal connected with the lovely wife of a Northern officer, at the opening of the war, was overshadowed, of course, by the attack on Fort Sumter; but many Charlestonians will remember it. The lady in defense of whose good name Captain Thornton fought the duel” he defending her good name! “is the wife of General Haverill, who will be Colonel West’s immediate commander.” [He pauses a moment, then hands back the slip.] General! I struck Mr. Thornton, after a personal quarrel.

HAVERILL. And the cause of the blow? There is much more in this than I have ever known of. I need hardly say that I do not accept the statement of this scandalous paragraph as correct. I will ask you to tell me the whole story, frankly, as man to man.

KERCHIVAL. [After a moment’s thought.] I will tell you all frankly, General.

Enter SERGEANT BARKET.

BARKET. Colonel West? Adjutant Rollins wishes to report a prisoner just captured.

HAVERILL. We will meet again later, to-night, when the camp is at rest. We are both soldiers, and have duties before us, at once. For the present, Colonel, be on the alert; we must watch the enemy. [He moves up stage. BARKET salutes. HAVERILL stops and looks at envelope in his hands, reading.] “Private and confidential.” [Exit.

KERCHIVAL. Sergeant Barket! Lieutenant Bedloe has crossed the enemy’s line, at Buckton’s Ford, with a party of men. I wish you to ride to the Ford yourself, and remain there, with your horse in readiness and fresh. As soon as any survivor of the party returns, ride back with the first news at full speed.

BARKET. Yes, sir. [Starting.

KERCHIVAL. You say a prisoner has been captured? Is it a spy?

BARKET. Worse a petticoat.

KERCHIVAL. A female prisoner! [Dropping into seat.

BARKET. I towld the byes your honour wouldn’t thank us fer the catchin’ of her. The worst of it is she’s a lady; and what’s worse still, it’s a purty one.

KERCHIVAL. Tell Major Wilson, for me, to let her take the oath, and everything else she wants. The Government of the United States will send her an apology and a new bonnet.

BARKET. The young lady is to take the oath, is it? She says she’ll see us damned first.

KERCHIVAL. A lady, Barket?

BARKET. Well! she didn’t use thim exact words. That’s the way I understand her emphasis. Ivery time she looks at me, I feel like getting under a boom-proof. She was dashing through the woods on a gray horse, sur; and we had the divil’s own chase. But we came up wid her, at last, down by the bend in Oak Run. Just at that moment we saw the figure of a Confederate officer, disappearing among the trays on the ither side.

KERCHIVAL. A h!

BARKET. Two of us rayturned wid the girl; and the rist wint after the officer. Nothing has been heard of thim yet.

KERCHIVAL. Have you found any despatches on the prisoner?

BARKET. Well! yer honour, I’m a bachelor, meself; and I’m not familar with the jayography of the sex. We byes are in mortal terror for fear somebody might order us to go on an exploring expedition.

KERCHIVAL. Tell them to send the prisoner here, Barket, and hurry to Buckton’s Ford yourself, at once.

BARKET. As fast as me horse can carry me, sir, and it’s a good one. [Exit.

KERCHIVAL. I’d rather deal with half the Confederate Army than with one woman, but I must question her. They captured her down by the Bend in Oak Run. [Taking out map; looks at it.] I see. She had just met, or was about to meet, a Confederate officer at that point. It is evident that she was either taking him a despatch or was there to receive one. Oak Run. [CORPORAL DUNN and Two SOLDIERS enter, with GERTRUDE as a prisoner. They stop; KERCHIVAL sits studying map. GERTRUDE glances at him and marches down with head erect; stops, with her back to him.

CORPORAL DUNN. The prisoner, Colonel West!

KERCHIVAL. Ah! Very well, Corporal; you can go. [Rising; he motions the GUARD to retire. CORPORAL DUNN gives the necessary orders and exit with GUARD.] Be seated, madam. [GERTRUDE draws up, folding her arms and planting her foot, spitefully. KERCHIVAL shrugs his shoulder. Aside.] I wish they’d capture a tigress for me, or some other female animal that I know how to manage better than I do a woman. [Aloud.] I am very sorry, madam, but, of course, my duty as a military officer is paramount to all other considerations. You have been captured within the lines of this army, and under circumstances which lead me to think that you have important despatches upon your person. I trust that you will give me whatever you have at once. I shall be exceedingly sorry if you compel me to adopt the extreme and the very disagreeable course for both of us of having you I I hesitate even to use the word, madam but military law is absolute having you

GERTRUDE. Searched! If you dare, Colonel West! [Turning to him suddenly and drawing up to her full height.

KERCHIVAL. Gertrude Ellingham! [Springs across to her, with his arms extended.] My dear Gertrude!

GERTRUDE. [Turning her back upon him.] Not “dear Gertrude” to you, sir!

KERCHIVAL. Not? Oh! I forgot.

GERTRUDE. [Coldly.] I am your prisoner.

KERCHIVAL. Yes. [Drawing up firmly, with a change of manner.] We will return to the painful realities of war. I am very sorry that you have placed yourself in a position like this, and, believe me, Gertrude [With growing tenderness.] I am still more sorry to be in such a position myself. [Resting one hand on her arm, and his other arm about her waist.

GERTRUDE. [After looking down at his hands.] You don’t like the position? [He starts back, drawing up with dignity.] Is that the paramount duty of a military officer?

KERCHIVAL. You will please hand me whatever despatches or other papers may be in your possession.

GERTRUDE. [Looking away.] You will force me, I suppose. I am a woman; you have the power. Order in the guard! A corporal and two men you’d better make it a dozen I am dangerous! Call the whole regiment to arms! Beat the long roll! I won’t give up, if all the armies of the United States surround me.

Enter GENERAL BUCKTHORN.

KERCHIVAL. General Buckthorn! [Saluting.

BUCKTHORN. Colonel West.

GERTRUDE. [Aside.] Jenny’s father! [BUCKTHORN glances at GERTRUDE, who still stands looking away. He moves down to KERCHIVAL.

BUCKTHORN. [Apart, gruffly.] I was passing with my staff, and I was informed that you had captured a woman bearing despatches to the enemy. Is this the one?

KERCHIVAL. Yes, General.

BUCKTHORN. Ah! [Turning, looks at her.

GERTRUDE. I wonder if he will recognize me. He hasn’t seen me since I was a little girl. [Turns toward, him.

BUCKTHORN. [Turning to KERCHIVAL; punches him in the ribs.] Fine young woman! [Turns and bows to her very gallantly, removing his hat. She bows deeply in return.] A-h-e-m! [Suddenly pulling himself up to a stern, military air; then gruffly to KERCHIVAL, extending his hand.] Let me see the despatches.

KERCHIVAL. She declines positively to give them up.

BUCKTHORN. Oh! Does she? [Walks thoughtfully; turns.] My dear young lady! I trust you will give us no further trouble. Kindly let us have those despatches.

GERTRUDE. [Looking away.] I have no despatches, and I would not give them to you if I had.

BUCKTHORN. What! You defy my authority? Colonel West, I command you! Search the prisoner! [GERTRUDE turns suddenly towards KERCHIVAL, facing him defiantly. He looks across at her aghast. A moment’s pause.

KERCHIVAL. General Buckthorn I decline to obey that order.

BUCKTHORN. You you decline to obey my order! [Moves down to him fiercely.

KERCHIVAL. [Apart.] General! It is the woman I love.

BUCKTHORN. [Apart.] Is it? Damn you, sir! I wouldn’t have an officer in my army corps who would obey me, under such circumstances. I’ll have to look for those despatches myself.

KERCHIVAL. [Facing him, angrily.] If you dare, General Buckthorn!

BUCKTHORN. [Apart.] Blast your eyes! I’d kick you out of the army if you’d let me search her; but it’s my military duty to swear at you. [To GERTRUDE.] Colonel West has sacrificed his life to protect you.

GERTRUDE. His life!

BUCKTHORN. I shall have him shot for insubordination to his commander, immediately. [Gives KERCHIVAL a huge wink, and turns.

GERTRUDE. Oh, sir! General! I have told you the truth. I have no despatches. Believe me, sir, I haven’t so much as a piece of paper about me, except

BUCKTHORN. Except? [Turning sharply.

GERTRUDE. Only a letter. Here it is. [Taking letter from the bosom of her dress.] Upon my soul, it is all I have. Truly it is.

BUCKTHORN. [Taking letter.] Colonel West, you’re reprieved. [Winks at KERCHIVAL, who turns away, laughing. BUCKTHORN reads letter.] “Washington” Ho! ho! From within our own lines! “Colonel Kerchival West ”

KERCHIVAL. Eh?

GERTRUDE. Please, General! Don’t read it aloud.

BUCKTHORN. Very well! I won’t.

KERCHIVAL. [Aside.] I wonder what it has to do with me?

BUCKTHORN. [Reading. Aside.] “If Kerchival West had heard you say, as I did m m that you loved him with your whole heart ” [He glances up at GERTRUDE, who drops her head coyly.] This is a very important military document. [Turns to last page.] “Signed, Constance Haverill.” [Turns to front page.] “My dear Gertrude!” Is this Miss Gertrude Ellingham?

GERTRUDE. Yes, General.

BUCKTHORN. I sent my daughter, Jenny, to your house, with an escort, this morning.

GERTRUDE. She is here.

BUCKTHORN. [Tapping her under the chin.] You’re an arrant little Rebel, my dear; but I like you immensely. [Draws up suddenly, with an “Ahem!” Turns to KERCHIVAL.] Colonel West, I leave this dangerous young woman in your charge. [KERCHIVAL approaches.] If she disobeys you in any way, or attempts to escape read that letter! [Giving him the letter.

GERTRUDE. Oh! General!

BUCKTHORN. But not till then.

KERCHIVAL. [Tenderly, taking her hand.] My prisoner!

GERTRUDE. [Aside.] I could scratch my own eyes out or his, either rather than have him read that letter.

Enter CORPORAL DUNN, with GUARD of four soldiers and CAPTAIN EDWARD THORNTON as a prisoner.

KERCHIVAL. Edward Thornton!

GERTRUDE. They have taken him also! He has the despatch!

CORPORAL DUNN. The Confederate Officer, Colonel, who was pursued by our troops at Oak Run, after they captured the young lady.

BUCKTHORN. The little witch has been communicating with the enemy!

KERCHIVAL. [To GERTRUDE.] You will give me your parole of honour until we next meet?

GERTRUDE. Yes. [Aside.] That letter! I am his prisoner. [She walks up the steps and looks back at THORNTON. Exit.

KERCHIVAL. [To BUCKTHORN.] We will probably find the despatches we have been looking for now, General.

BUCKTHORN. Prisoner! You will hand us what papers you may have.

THORNTON. I will hand you nothing.

BUCKTHORN. Colonel! [KERCHIVAL motions to THORNTON, who looks at him sullenly.

KERCHIVAL. Corporal Dunn! search the prisoner. [DUNN steps to THORNTON, taking him by the shoulder and turning him rather roughly. THORNTON’S back to the audience. DUNN throws open his coat, takes paper from his breast, hands it to KERCHIVAL, who gives it to BUCKTHORN.] Proceed with the search. [DUNN continues the search. BUCKTHORN drops upon seat, lights a match, looks at the paper.

BUCKTHORN. [Reading.] “General Rosser will rejoin General Early with all the cavalry in his command, at ” This is important. [Continues to read with matches. The CORPORAL hands a packet to KERCHIVAL. He removes the covering.

KERCHIVAL. [Starting.] A portrait of Mrs. Haverill! [He touches CORPORAL DUNN on the shoulder quickly and motions him to retire. DUNN falls back to the GUARD. KERCHIVAL speaks apart to THORNTON, who has turned front.] How did this portrait come into your possession?

THORNTON. That is my affair, not yours!

BUCKTHORN. Anything else, Colonel?

KERCHIVAL. [Placing the miniature in his pocket.] Nothing!

THORNTON. [Apart, over KERCHIVAL’S shoulder.] A time will come, perhaps, when I can avenge the insult of this search, and also this scar. [Pointing to a scar on his face.] Your aim was better than mine in Charleston, but we shall meet again; give me back that picture.

KERCHIVAL. Corporal! Take your prisoner!

THORNTON. Ah! [Viciously springing at KERCHIVAL; CORPORAL DUNN springs forward, seizes THORNTON, throws him back to the GUARD and stands with his carbine levelled at THORNTON; looks at KERCHIVAL, who quietly motions him out. CORPORAL DUNN gives the orders to the men and marches out with THORNTON.

BUCKTHORN. Ah! [Still reading with matches.] Colonel! [Rising.] The enemy has a new movement on foot, and General Sheridan has left the army! Listen! [Reads from despatches with matches.] “Watch for a signal from Three Top Mountain to-night.”

KERCHIVAL. We hope to be able to read that signal ourselves.

BUCKTHORN. Yes, I know. Be on your guard. I will speak with General Haverill, and then ride over to General Wright’s headquarters. Keep us informed.

KERCHIVAL. I will, General. [Saluting. BUCKTHORN salutes and exit.] “Watch for a signal from Three Top Mountain to-night.” [Looking up at mountain.] We shall be helpless to read it unless Lieutenant Bedloe is successful. I only hope the poor boy is not lying dead, already, in those dark woods beyond the Ford. [Looking off; turns down stage, taking the miniature from his pocket.] How came Edward Thornton to have this portrait of Mrs. Haverill in his possession? [GERTRUDE runs in on veranda.

GERTRUDE. Oh, Colonel West! He’s here! [Looks back.] They are coming this way with him.

KERCHIVAL. Him! Who?

GERTRUDE. Jack.

KERCHIVAL. Jack!

GERTRUDE. My own horse!

KERCHIVAL. Ah, I remember! He and I were acquainted in Charleston.

GERTRUDE. Two troopers are passing through the camp with him.

KERCHIVAL. He is not in your possession?

GERTRUDE. He was captured at the battle of Fair Oaks, but I recognized him the moment I saw him; and I am sure he knew me, too, when I went up to him. He whinnied and looked so happy. You are in command here [Running down.] you will compel them to give him up to me?

KERCHIVAL. If he is in my command, your pet shall be returned to you. I’ll give one of my own horses to the Government as a substitute, if necessary.

GERTRUDE. Oh, thank you, my dear Kerchival! [Going to him; he takes her hand, looking into her eyes.] I I could almost

KERCHIVAL. Can you almost confess, at last, Gertrude, that you love me? [Tenderly; she draws back, hanging her head, but leaving her hand in his.] Have I been wrong? I felt that that confession was hovering on your tongue when we were separated in Charleston. Have I seen that confession in your eyes since we met again to-day even among the angry flashes which they have shot out at me? During all this terrible war in the camp and the trench in the battle I have dreamed of a meeting like this. You are still silent? [Her hand is still in his. She is looking down. A smile steals over her face, and she raises her eyes to his, taking his hand in both her own.

GERTRUDE. Kerchival! I [Enter BENSON. She looks around over her shoulder. KERCHIVAL looks up stage. A TROOPER, leading the large black horse of Act I, now caparisoned in military saddle, bridle, &c., follows BENSON across; another TROOPER follows.] Jack! [She runs up stage, meeting horse. KERCHIVAL turns.

KERCHIVAL. Confound Jack! That infernal horse was always in my way!

GERTRUDE. [With her arm about her horse’s neck.] My darling old fellow! Is he not beautiful, Kerchival? They have taken good care of him. How soft his coat is!

KERCHIVAL. Benson, explain this!

BENSON. I was instructed to show this horse and his leader through the lines, sir.

KERCHIVAL. What are your orders, my man? [Moving up, the TROOPER hands him a paper. He moves a few steps down, reading it.

GERTRUDE. You are to be mine again, Jack, mine! [Resting her cheek against the horse’s head and patting it.] The Colonel has promised it to me.

KERCHIVAL. Ah! [With a start, as he reads the paper. GERTRUDE raises her head and looks at him.] This is General Sheridan’s horse, on his way to Winchester, for the use of the General when he returns from Washington.

GERTRUDE. General Sheridan’s horse? He is mine!

KERCHIVAL. I have no authority to detain him. He must go on.

GERTRUDE. I have hold of Jack’s bridle, and you may order your men to take out their sabres and cut my hand off.

KERCHIVAL. [Approaches her and gently takes her hand as it holds the bridle.] I would rather have my own hand cut off, Gertrude, than bring tears to your eyes, but there is no alternative! [GERTRUDE releases the bridle and turns front, brushing her eyes, her hand still held in his, his back to the audience. He returns order, and motions TROOPERS out; they move out with horse. GERTRUDE starts after the horse; KERCHIVAL turns quickly to check her.] You forget that you are my prisoner.

GERTRUDE. I will go!

KERCHIVAL. General Buckthorn left me special instructions [Taking out wallet and letter.] in case you declined to obey my orders

GERTRUDE. Oh, Colonel! Please don’t read that letter. [She stands near him, dropping her head. He glances up at her from the letter. She glances up at him and drops her eyes again.] I will obey you.

KERCHIVAL. [Aside.] What the deuce can there be in that letter?

GERTRUDE. Colonel West! Your men made me a prisoner this afternoon; to-night you have robbed me, by your own orders, of of Jack is only a pet, but I love him; and my brother is also a captive in your hands. When we separated in Charleston you said that we were enemies. What is there lacking to make those words true to-day? You are my enemy! A few moments ago you asked me to make a confession to you. You can judge for yourself whether it is likely to be a confession of love or of hatred!

KERCHIVAL. Hatred!

GERTRUDE. [Facing him.] Listen to my confession, sir! From the bottom of my heart

KERCHIVAL. Stop!

GERTRUDE. I will not stop!

KERCHIVAL. I command you.

GERTRUDE. Indeed! [He throws open the wallet in his hand and raises the letter.] Ah! [She turns away; turns again, as if to speak. He half opens the letter. She stamps her foot and walks up steps of the veranda. Here she turns again.] I tell you, I [He opens the letter. She turns, and exits with spiteful step.

KERCHIVAL. I wonder if that document orders me to cut her head off! [Returning it to wallet and pocket.] Was ever lover in such a position? I am obliged to cross the woman I love at every step.

Enter CORPORAL DUNN, very hurriedly.

CORPORAL DUNN. A message from Adjutant Rollins, sir! The prisoner, Captain Thornton, dashed away from the special guard which was placed over him, and he has escaped. He had a knife concealed, and two of the guard are badly wounded. Adjutant Rollins thinks the prisoner is still within the lines of the camp in one of the houses or the stables.

KERCHIVAL. Tell Major Wilson to place the remainder of the guard under arrest, and to take every possible means to recapture the prisoner. [CORPORAL DUNN salutes, and exits.] So! Thornton has jumped his guard, and he is armed. I wonder if he is trying to get away, or to find me. From what I know of the man, he doesn’t much care which he succeeds in doing. That scar which I gave him in Charleston is deeper in his heart than it is in his face. [A signal light suddenly appears on Three Top Mountain. The “Call."] Ah! the enemy’s signal! [Enter CAPTAIN LOCKWOOD, followed by LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS.] Captain Lockwood! You are here! Are your Signalmen with you?

LOCKWOOD. Yes, Colonel; and one of my Lieutenants.

[The LIEUTENANT is looking up at signal with glass. CAPTAIN LOCKWOOD does the same. HAVERILL enters, followed by two STAFF OFFICERS.

HAVERILL. [As he enters.] Can you make anything of it, Captain?

LOCKWOOD. Nothing, General! Our services are quite useless unless Lieutenant Bedloe returns with the key to their signals.

HAVERILL. A h! [Coming down stage.] We shall fail. It is time he had returned, if successful.

SENTINEL. [Without.] Halt! Who goes there? [KERCHIVAL runs up stage, and half way up incline, looking off.] Halt! [A shot without.

BARKET. [Without.] Och! Ye murtherin spalpeen!

KERCHIVAL. Sentinel! Let him pass; it is Sergeant Barket.

SENTINEL. [Without.] Pass on.

KERCHIVAL. He didn’t give the countersign. News from Lieutenant
Bedloe, General!

BARKET. [Hurrying in, up slope.] Colonel Wist, our brave byes wiped out the enemy, and here’s the papers.

KERCHIVAL. [Taking papers. Then to LOCKWOOD.] Is that the key?

LOCKWOOD. Yes. Lieutenant! [LIEUTENANT hurries up to elevation, looking through his glass. LOCKWOOD opens book.

HAVERILL. What of Lieutenant Bedloe, Sergeant?

BARKET. Sayreously wounded, and in the hands of the inimy!

HAVERILL. [Sighing.] A h.

BARKET. [Coming down stone steps.] It is reported that Captain Heartsease was shot dead at his side.

KERCHIVAL. Heartsease dead!

LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. [Reading signals.] Twelve Twenty-two Eleven.

BARKET. Begorra! I forgot the Sintinil entirely, but he didn’t forget me. [Holding his left arm.

HAVERILL. Colonel West! We must make every possible sacrifice for the immediate exchange of Lieutenant Bedloe, if he is still living. It is due to him. Colonel Robert Ellingham is a prisoner in this camp; offer him his own exchange for young Bedloe.

KERCHIVAL. He will accept, of course. I will ride to the front with him myself, General, and show him through the lines.

HAVERILL. At once! [KERCHIVAL crosses front and exit on veranda. HAVERILL crosses.] Can you follow the despatch, Captain?

LOCKWOOD. Perfectly; everything is here

HAVERILL. Well!

LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. Eleven Twenty-two One Twelve.

LOCKWOOD. [From book.] “General Longstreet is coming with ”

HAVERILL. Longstreet!

LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. One Twenty-one.

LOCKWOOD. “With eighteen thousand men.”

LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. Two Eleven Twenty-two.

LOCKWOOD. “Sheridan is away!”

HAVERILL. They have discovered his absence!

LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. Two Twenty-two Eleven One Twelve One.

LOCKWOOD. “We will crush the Union Army before he can return.”

HAVERILL. Signal that despatch from here to our Station at Front Royal. [Pointing.] Tell them to send it after General Sheridan and ride for their lives. [LOCKWOOD hurries out.] Major Burton! We will ride to General Wright’s headquarters at once our horses! [Noise of a struggle without.

BARKET. [Looking.] What the devil is the row out there? [Exit. Also one of the STAFF OFFICERS.

HAVERILL. [Looking off.] What is this? Colonel West wounded!

Enter KERCHIVAL WEST, his coat thrown open, with ELLINGHAM, BARKET assisting.

ELLINGHAM. Steady, Kerchival, old boy! You should have let us carry you.

KERCHIVAL. Nonsense, old fellow! It’s a mere touch with the point of the knife. I I’m faint with the loss of a little blood that’s all. Bob! I [Reels suddenly and is caught by ELLINGHAM as he sinks to the ground, insensible.

ELLINGHAM. Kerchival! [Kneeling at his side.

HAVERILL. Go for the surgeon! [To STAFF OFFICER, who goes out quickly on veranda.] How did this happen? [Enter CORPORAL DUNN and GUARD, with THORNTON. He is in his shirt sleeves and disheveled, his arms folded. They march down.] Captain Thornton!

ELLINGHAM. We were leaving the house together; a hunted animal sprang suddenly across our path, like a panther. [Looking over his shoulder.] There it stands. Kerchival! my brother!

CORPORAL DUNN. We had just brought this prisoner to bay, but I’m afraid we were too late.

HAVERILL. This is assassination, sir, not war. If you have killed him

THORNTON. Do what you like with me; we need waste no words. I had an old account to settle, and I have paid my debt.

ELLINGHAM. General Haverill! I took these from his breast when he first fell. [Handing up wallet and miniature to HAVERILL. HAVERILL starts as he looks at the miniature. THORNTON watches him.

HAVERILL. [Aside.] My wife’s portrait!

THORNTON. If I have killed him your honour will be buried in the same grave.

HAVERILL. Her picture on his breast! She gave it to him not to my son! [Dropping into seat. CAPTAIN LOCKWOOD enters with a SIGNALMAN, who has a burning torch on a long pole; he hurries up the elevation. CAPTAIN LOCKWOOD stands below, facing him. Almost simultaneously with the entrance of the SIGNALMAN, GERTRUDE runs in on veranda.

GERTRUDE. They are calling for a surgeon! Who is it? Brother! you are safe, ah! [Uttering a scream, as she sees KERCHIVAL, and falling on her knees at his side.] Kerchival! Forget those last bitter words I said to you. Can’t you hear my confession? I do love you. Can’t you hear me? I love you! [The SIGNALMAN is swinging the torch as the curtain descends, LOCKWOOD looking right.

CURTAIN.