[He lifts a bit of candle on the floor and puts it near them.

Second Soldier.  I reckon not.  I haven’t heard the big door close outside.

First Soldier.  I say, let’s play a game of checkers.  We can hide it if he comes.

Second Soldier.  How’ll we play—­what with?

First Soldier.  Just you watch here. (Takes a bit of chalk out of his pocket and marks off a checker board on the floor.  How’s that?  He’ll never see it.

Second Soldier.  We’ll use bits of straw for men.  Here—­

[He breaks bits of straw and they begin to play.

Third Soldier (reading).  I say, what time is it?

First Soldier (playing).  Just struck eleven. (To Second
Soldier)—­Here, I jump that man.

Third Soldier.  Well, my light goes out.  I’ve got to have some for to-morrow.

[He comes over and begins to watch the game.

Second Soldier.  Here, crown that man.

First Soldier (laughing).  With what?

Third Soldier.  Say, boys, want a treat?  I got a midnight supper here.

First Soldier.  Midnight hell!

Third Soldier.  Look here!

[Goes to straw (Right), takes out a crust of bread and a small
parcel done up in paper.

Second Soldier.  There, the game’s mine!

First Soldier (looks up, laughing).  Where’s your midnight spread?

Third Soldier.  Ever eat any rat?  Best thing going.

First Soldier.  Where’d you catch him?

Third Soldier.  In my bed.  Got him roasted, too.  Here—­

[Gives them pieces of rat and breaks the bread.

First Soldier (his mouth full).  Bully!  Wish I’d catch one.  I’m such a good mouser, there ain’t many left around here.

Second Soldier.  Say, where’s that young fellow, Hillary?

[Looks around.

Third Soldier.  In the parlor, talking to company.  This is his at home day.

[They all laugh.

First Soldier.  He’s pretty blue, I reckon.  There’s talk of hanging him for a spy.  They didn’t find no papers—­only reason they sent him here.

Third Soldier.  Who’s the fellow came in last night?

First Soldier.  Caybel, Cabell, or some such name.  Had a close call, too.  Don’t know yet he’s safe.  He didn’t let on, but I think he’s a friend of Hillary.  Both captured at the same place.  Been trying to talk to him all day, but Old Hill watches pretty close when a new one comes in (Bill’s voice outside, singing a snatch of a song).  Watch out!  Hide the scraps; here’s Bill.

[They cover the remains of feast and checker board, and the sound
of a key is heard in the door.  Enter Bill, the turnkey. 
He is a gruff old fellow of about sixty, powerfully built,
with a cold, hard face.  He carries an old fashioned lantern
and a bunch of keys.

Bill (holding up lantern, looking about).  Here, you all, get up from there:  go to bed.  What do you think this is—­a pleasure resort? (the men rise to their feet, facing him with sullen faces).  Go in thar, you hear (he pushes them roughly to the door (Right).  Wars them others?