The Southern Cross Part 11

Char. A spy! Oh, G.o.d!

Carter. I'm safe so far. I've been all through the camp dressed as a pedler. I got the plans; all Morgan has to know. Have you seen Winthrop? Does he come here?

Mrs. S. No.

Carter. Thank G.o.d! Then I can stay till midnight.

Mrs. S. Where have you been the past three days?

Carter. We've been hiding in a cane-brake two miles down the river. Uncle and Gordon are with me; the others went back to Morgan.

As soon as I get to him with the plans of Winthrop's forces, he will attack. Have you a horse here?

Bev. Yes, Tony; you can take him.

Carter. We thought the enemy had gone on down the river. If I could get the plans, I was to take them on to Morgan, and they to follow. Here, take the paper, Charlotte. I must not lose a minute.

Bring that candle. (He gives Charlotte a paper).

[Fair brings candle and holds it for Charlotte to read.

I must not carry that. 'Twould mean my certain death if I were captured.

I run the chances as it is. Here, see if I know it?

Char. (opens paper). Begin.

Carter (reciting). "Twelfth Ma.s.sachusetts, under Winthrop's command, stationed on south bank of Aspen river, two miles below station known as Fairmount Junction. Evident plans for encampment of some days. Long hill, covered with scrub pine and bushes, on right. Affords excellent cover. Aspen river on left. Too deep to attempt ford. Large encampment.

Valuable stores. Pickets stationed quarter mile out on all roads." Is that right?

Char. Yes, you know it--you are sure?

Carter. I've said it over to myself until I know it backward.

Burn it.

Char. The candle, Fair. (She holds paper in flame until destroyed; she tears remaining bits). Is there any more?

Carter. Yes, but I am sure of it all. If I can only get to Morgan with it, we can wipe them from existence.

Fair. You mean you'd kill them all?

Carter. I've learned more than just the location of the enemy.

Fair. What else?

Carter. I have Winthrop's plans.

Fair (almost in a whisper). How?

Carter. I stole them from his tent.

Fair. You have them with you?

Carter. I memorized and then destroyed them. (He turns to Mrs.

S.). What time is it?

Mrs. S. About seven.

Carter. Uncle and Gordon may come on here. We were almost certain the camp had moved. If they do not come before I leave, watch out and take them in.

Mrs. S. When were they coming?

Carter. Later. We thought it best not to travel all together.

Mrs. S. Are they disguised?

Carter. No; but they know the road so well, they'll not be captured.

Mrs. S. G.o.d grant it!

Carter. Can you get me some food? I'm nearly starved. I had only what we could kill to eat.

Mrs. S. Of course; I might have known. Fair, come with me.

[They start towards the door, when voices are heard in the hall outside. Mrs. S. pauses in terror. She turns to Fair, unable to speak.

Cupid (outside). Yes, Marster, dey's in dar. Come right in, sir.

Dey be dat glad ter see you.

Winth. (without). Are you sure we're not intruding?

Char. G.o.d in heaven, Winthrop! Quick, Carter, here! (She pushes him into the high back chair near (Left), s.n.a.t.c.hes the cloth from the table, throwing it partly over chair, concealing him. Stands facing the door).

[Bev s.n.a.t.c.hes cloak and pack, throwing them behind sofa.

(In a low voice). Be calm; it means his life.

Cupid (at door). Rite in har, Marster. (He draws curtains.

Winthrop and Hopkins stand on the threshold. Then proudly)--Mars Winthrop and Mars Hopkins, Mistus.

[The men advance.

Winth. I trust we do not intrude. Your servant told me you had expressed a wish to see us.

Mrs. S. (quickly). It is a great pleasure to see you here again.

You must feel that you are welcome, for I have much to thank you for.

Winth. (taking her hand). Would to G.o.d I could have done more, madam.

Mrs. S. No, no: you must not speak so to me. We will go back to the old times before the trouble came. I was Cousin Lucy to you then; so let it be as it has always been.

Hop. (offering hand). Have we a right to such a welcome?