Carter.  Can you save any of the others, shall we tell them?

Gordon.  What time does the warden come on his last rounds?

Carter.  Usually about twelve.

Gordon.  Twelve.  The very hour!

Carter.  He may be late.

Gordon.  We’ll have to chance it.

Carter.  How will we know when he comes up the drain?

Gordon.  I told your uncle to have him dig until he came to the brick work, then we can tear up the floor and go down to him.

Carter.  How is it you were captured and not Uncle Phil.  I don’t understand?

Gordon.  Some carelessness of mine.  But that don’t matter.  We’re going to escape.

Carter.  But it does matter.  Tell me how it was.  You said you got word to him at one time and then you said he did not know of your arrest.  Now tell me straight, how were you captured.

Gordon (on his guard).  Why I was scouting around for information—­They took me—­That was all—­I went too near the camp—­the moon was bright—­The sentry saw me—­I was not careful.

Carter (closer).  You told me you were taken in my uncle’s home.

Gordon.  I ran there to escape.  They followed me—­they came in after me.  I had no chance.

Carter.  And in that time you got into George’s clothes for a disguise. (slowly) I don’t believe you.

Gordon.  What do you mean?

Carter.  I mean that I’m a fool.  And that you are the best and bravest friend a man ever had in the world.  At first I did believe you, though I did not understand.  And now I see too clearly why you lied to me. (slowly) you gave yourself up to the enemy so they would send you here with me.  Your plan was made before—­not afterwards.  You gave your life into their hands to save me (he comes slowly forward) I am not worth it.  Oh, I am not worth your life.

[He takes his hand.

Gordon.  Pray God; its not in vain.

Carter.  You did this thing for me and for the information to give
Morgan?

Gordon (slowly).  Yes.

Carter.  And was there nothing else?

Gordon (slowly turning away).  Perhaps.

Carter.  Fair?

Gordon.  Yes.

Carter.  But—­she does not—­love—­me.

Gordon (wearily).  I know that.

Carter.  Then, why?  Oh, tell me, Gordon, for I do not understand. 
Tell me.  A life is such a precious thing to give.

Gordon (who has turned away, speaking slowly).  You—­know—­that I love her.

Carter.  I was afraid of it.

Gordon.  And still you do not understand?

Carter.  No, I don’t believe I do.

Gordon (with deep emotion).  It is because I love her, and I know the man she loves.

[Carter draws suddenly back.

But it can never be.  I think she knows it, poor little girl.  And if it must he, she will then give up her love, as she has many things almost as dear to her.  And now when you are free, I want you to go back home—­to her.  And when at last, if you shall win the dearest thing in life—­oh, boy, be worthy of her love—­be strong and true!  Make up to her for all that she has suffered.  God grant that you may teach her to forget.