Gordon.  Nothing.

Winth.  Tell me, man.  Ah, tell me why.  You came into this of your own free choice, I can see that.  You came that you might save him.  That was not all.  He had information.  Then, that was it.  Well, sir, the fight is on.  You’ve won so far.

[A sudden radiant look of joy comes over Gordon’s face.

Gordon.  I pray God you are not mistaken.

[Re-enter Bill and the guards.

Bill.  He’s gone, whether by boat or horse we can’t tell.  We have a guard stationed at the river.

Winth.  Very good.  You may wait outside.

[Exit the two men.

Send the men back to the room.

Bill.  Git back to bed, all of ye!

[The men go back to room (Right).  As they pass Gordon, the
soldier Carter gave the water to stops quickly, catching
his hand.

Third Soldier.  I wish you could have gone too.

[Gordon presses his hand, then the soldier exits with the others.

Bill.  What else, sir?

Hop.  Nothing; you can go.

[Exit Bill.

Winth. (comes slowly up to Gordon).  Tomorrow.  Have you thought about tomorrow?

Gordon (raising his head).  Yes.

Winth.  And the women who love you—­Little Fair and Charlotte?

Gordon.  They too!

Winth. (breaks out).  Is there no hope for you:  you will not speak?  Ah, in God’s name, think what you do!

Gordon.  I have thought, sir.

Winth. (speaking low and very intently).  Tell the news that Carter carried; tell me the way that he has gone, and why; tell me things he has found out—­and, man, your part shall go unheeded and he released, if captured before he gives that news:  tell me.  Ah, God! man, tell me, and tomorrow, instead of giving up your life, you shall go free.  You understand?  You shall go free.

[For just a second Gordon hesitates.  Winthrop starts forward
with a glad cry of “Yes.”  Then Gordon looks away off
towards the moon-lit window; his face is strangely bright;
he is almost smiling; he turns to Winthrop.

Gordon.  If I had a thousand lives, I’d give each one of them in turn for the Confederacy!

[As Gordon finishes speaking, the clock outside strikes one.

Winth. (starts as the clock strikes).  You hear?  Five hours more:  Then you must die!  You hear it—­you must die!  No power on earth can save you but yourself.  Speak—­for God’s sake, speak! and let me take you home to them a free man—­

Gordon.  And a coward?

Winth.  No, not that.  The chances on your side are even.  You have done all you could.  Think of the old days when we lived down there, and how we hunted and fished and played together.  Think of the love that’s there for you.  Think what your death would mean to them.  Ah, speak out!  Think of their grief!

Gordon.  Grief does not kill.  They will not die.  If they were here, they’d say to me, each one of them:  Be strong!