CLEVELAND.  Pshaw!

SOLDIER.  This fellow attempted to pass without the countersign.

METCALF.  You see, sir, I was just about to enter to call on my friend, Mr. Elsworth, to sip an afternoon glass with him, when a big-booted fellow cried out, halt.  Now, sir, the idea of asking a man well in both legs to halt, is preposterous.  So I said, and walked on as straight as I could, when bang, bum, whiz, came one, two, three bullets scattering after my hide—­

CLEVELAND.  Have done, sir. [To WALTER.] I am desirous of giving you, sir, every opportunity to disprove your identity with Captain Armstrong.  I chance to know that gentleman’s handwriting.  There is a desk with pen and ink.  Will you stand that test?

WALTER. [Aside to ROSE.] That would never do.  There isn’t one of my pot-hooks that wouldn’t hang me.

ROSE. [Quickly.] Really, Major Cleveland, you might require a more reasonable test.  Don’t you see the Captain has a rheumatic hand?

CLEVELAND.  For a rheumatic hand, Miss Elsworth, he handled his sword somewhat skilfully, just now.  You see, sir, resistance is useless.  You will resign your sword, I trust.

[The two SOLDIERS, at a sign from CLEVELAND, have come up behind WALTER. He is seized.

WALTER.  Ha!  I am your prisoner, sir.

Enter MR. ELSWORTH and HARRY.

ELSWORTH.  What’s this?

CLEVELAND.  I regret to say, my dear Elsworth, that this gentleman must, for a few hours, remain my prisoner.  A mere form, sir.  He will, doubtless, be free in a few days.  I shall have to make use of one of your barns, sir.  It is really a pity that the Captain must be deprived of the dance to-night, but I will take care that his confinement shall not be severe.

ROSE.  This, sir, is a shameful breach of hospitality.  Captain Armstrong is my father’s guest, no less than yourself.  Every consideration of delicacy and honour requires you to consider him so.

CLEVELAND.  Miss Elsworth, I could wish you not to consider me wrong or cruel in this.

ROSE.  I judge, sir, by what I see.

CLEVELAND.  You are severe.

ROSE.  I am glad you find me so.

CLEVELAND.  Will you not say peace?

ROSE.  War, Major Cleveland, to the last.

ELSWORTH.  Daughter, more courtesy.

ROSE.  Oh! father, they may chain and bind our poor country, but they cannot find a way to chain a free woman’s free tongue.

CLEVELAND.  Lieutenant Elsworth, I place the Captain in your charge. 
Conduct him to a safe place.

HARRY.  This is the hard necessity of duty.

ELSWORTH.  And this will really be nothing serious?

CLEVELAND.  A bagatelle, I do assure you, sir.

WALTER. [Aside.] I thank him for calming the fears of the family—­but I know how hard it will go with me.