The Southern Cross Part 14

Gordon. Remember when you hear the breaking of the gla.s.s.

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. G.o.d! 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, G.o.d! (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 G.o.d 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.

Char. How? Tell me. I am not afraid.

Gordon. And I believe you. The enemy are sure to come and search the house. When they come, you must get them all together here. Do not be surprised at anything you see. Take this paper. It's simply a decoy.

The plans are false. Use it to get them in this room. If need be, say you have taken it from Carter.

Char. (white with terror). I will.

[Takes paper.

Gordon. Remember, you and I have got to save the army. Now, when the men are here, on some pretense or other, you must break that window.

It is a signal for the colonel to escape. You understand. You will not fail?

Char. Decoy them with this paper, and when they are here, break that window. I can do it, and I will.

Gordon (taking her hands and looking straight in her eyes). The life of Morgan's army is in your two hands. You will not fail.

[Exit hurriedly into the hall.

Char. G.o.d help me through this evening's work.

[Enter Bev, Mrs. S., Fair, Marthy and Cupid hurriedly.

Bev. They're coming, a whole squad of soldiers, up the avenue. I can hear them!

Char. The avenue, you say?

Bev. Yes, they're nearly here.

Char. You stay in here. You must obey me. Stay, and let me keep them. (Exit into hall. The voices of many solders are heard, the noise of their boots on the porch. (Without)--So you have come to search the place?

[A wild sort of irony in her tone.

Winth. With your permission.

Char. (at the door). Oh, certainly. Come in, come in. Perhaps you think you'll find other of your friends?

Winth. Madam, my quickest way is to make the best of a bad business, for you must see my duty in this matter. My men, with your permission, must search your house and then your grounds.

Mrs. S. I have told you, sir, that no one can deny the right of conquest.

[Winthrop, white and silent, turns to the men.

Winth. Hopkins, will you conduct the search, as quickly and as quietly as possible?

Hop. As you say.

[He and the soldiers start to the door, but are stopped by a cry from Charlotte, who stands between curtains at door center.

Char. Wait there! Your search shall not be long. See, I have all you wish. I have the paper here! (She tears it from the front of her dress). See, all the plans! Your visit shall not be in vain. And if you want a prisoner, and if you are not satisfied, why then take me. Ha!

I am not afraid of you! Come, take me as your spy; I'll do you men no harm. Here, take the paper; it's all you need. I have the information, but I'll give it back to you. (She tears the paper in pieces, flinging it at them). There, fit the pieces for yourselves!

[The men all gather around the table, placing the paper before them.

Hop. It's only torn twice. Spread that piece out. What's here?

[They all bend over the paper. There is a movement in the hall.

All the men look up, facing the door.

Hop. Who's there?

Gordon (draws back the curtains, entering from the hall in citizen's clothes). Your prisoner, sir!

[All the men start, then some go quickly to him. Mrs. S. gives a cry of "Gordon!" Then she and Fair stand gazing in a horrified way at him. Charlotte takes a step nearer.

Char. (under her breath). My G.o.d!

Hop. (to Gordon). I arrest you as a spy!

Gordon. I am already your prisoner.

Winth. (in an agony). Why did you not escape!

Gordon. I had no chance.