GERTRUDE. Colonel West! Your men made me a prisoner this afternoon; to-night you have robbed me, by your own orders, of--of--Jack is only a pet, but I love him; and my brother is also a captive in your hands. When we separated in Charleston you said that we were enemies. What is there lacking to make those words true to-day? You _are_ my enemy! A few moments ago you asked me to make a confession to you. You can judge for yourself whether it is likely to be a confession of--love--or of hatred!
GERTRUDE. [_Facing him._] Listen to my confession, sir! From the bottom of my heart--
GERTRUDE. Indeed! [_He throws open the wallet in his hand and raises the letter._] Ah! [_She turns away; turns again, as if to speak. He half opens the letter. She stamps her foot and walks up steps of the veranda. Here she turns again._] I tell you, I--[_He opens the letter. She turns, and exits with spiteful step._
KERCHIVAL. I wonder if that document orders me to cut her head off! [_Returning it to wallet and pocket._] Was ever lover in such a position? I am obliged to cross the woman I love at every step.
CORPORAL DUNN. A message from Adjutant Rollins, sir! The prisoner, Captain Thornton, dashed away from the special guard which was placed over him, and he has escaped. He had a knife concealed, and two of the guard are badly wounded. Adjutant Rollins thinks the prisoner is still within the lines of the camp--in one of the houses or the stables.
KERCHIVAL. Tell Major Wilson to place the remainder of the guard under arrest, and to take every possible means to recapture the prisoner. [CORPORAL DUNN _salutes, and exits._] So! Thornton has jumped his guard, and he is armed. I wonder if he is trying to get away, or to find me. From what I know of the man, he doesn't much care which he succeeds in doing. That scar which I gave him in Charleston is deeper in his heart than it is in his face. [_A signal light suddenly appears on Three Top Mountain. The "Call."_] Ah!--the enemy's signal! [_Enter_ CAPTAIN LOCKWOOD, _followed by_ LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS.] Captain Lockwood! You are here! Are your Signalmen with you?
LOCKWOOD. Yes, Colonel; and one of my Lieutenants.
[_The_ LIEUTENANT _is looking up at signal with glass._ CAPTAIN LOCKWOOD _does the same._ HAVERILL _enters, followed by two_ STAFF OFFICERS.