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.