Gordon.  Carter will be taken to Columbus; the prison is not a long trip from here.  They’ll send him with a guard on the first train.  There’s nothing else (he comes nearer, speaking very intently).  The prison at Columbus; we must tunnel it!

Col.  S. Ah, I see.  But how; how will we get the word to him?

Gordon.  Leave that to me.  For God’s sake let me have my way in this!  I tell you there’s not one other chance; we’ve got to put this through.  You have been to the prison there.  Now, under the long room where all the boys are kept, there is a big drain pipe; it’s opening is two hundred yards down the river (slowly measuring his words).  Ten days from now—­that will be the 22nd—­employ a man to crawl up the pipe until he is exactly underneath the prison; this at midnight of the 22nd.  Tell him to dig straight up until he strikes the brick work of the floor.  Then Carter will have word and he will tunnel out to meet him.

Col.  S. But how can he get word?  Don’t you see that unless some one is there to tell him, the plan will never work.

Gordon.  I tell you he shall know.  I cannot tell you now, but he shall know.  Do not question me, but if ever you or General Morgan trusted me, put me to the test and trust me now.  Get them to hide you—­anywhere—­the garden’s best—­where you can see this window.  They’ll search the house first, and when you hear a signal (a pause) the breaking of that window, go to your horse and ride for your life and mine.

Col.  S. But you, boy; what will you—­

Gordon.  Oh, trust me, sir; I tell you trust me.  I shall be all right.  Go on before it is too late and let them hide you.

[Enter Bev.

Bev.  The horse is there.  You know the tree, father; you can find it.

Col.  S. I’ll take you at your word (he clasps his hand).  At midnight of the 22nd.

Gordon.  Remember when you hear the breaking of the glass.

Col.  S. Where’s your mother?

Bev.  They’re waiting in the dining room.

[Exit Col.  S.

Gordon (intently).  Can I trust you with the life of Morgan’s army?

Bev.  Show me.  I’d give my life for Morgan.

Gordon.  Then do what I say.  Run to George’s room, get me out a suit of his clothes; lay them on the bed; leave the door open.  Then go to Charlotte and tell her I must see her here at once.  Keep your mother and Fair in the dining room.

[Exit Bev running.

(Sinks down at the table, his hands clutching at the wood, his face drawn and white, his eyes staring).  Show me the way.  God!  Am I afraid.  No, No!  It is not that.  For greater love has no man than this, that he—­that he—­what is the rest?  Ah, God! (rises quickly:  sits at desk:  writes; his face showing a terrible resolve.)

        [As he finishes paper, enter Charlotte from the hall.

Char.  Bev said you wanted me.

Gordon.  Charlotte, we’ve got to save Morgan’s army as sure as there’s a God in heaven, and just as sure you’ve got to help me.  Do exactly what I ask and keep your nerve, for if you flinch a moment, we are lost.