HolUn^er Corp. pH8.5 THE BAYON^ET % §xnmn, in imt %tU. By WM. H. McCartney (Major Muldoon), and J. H. SELWYN, Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, hy "Wm. H. McCartney (Major Muldoon), and John H. Selwyn, in the oflSce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NEW YORK. 1871. I. -5 ^' ^^\^^^1 ^\ \^ DRAMATIS PERSON.^. Captain John Fitzhugh. Lieut. Richard Connery. " James Morgan. " Henry Thompson. Col. McManus. Surgeon Walker. Clarence King. Hon. Arthur Moore. Hon. Samuel Blowiiard. Col. Roland. Miss Bessie Moore (subse- quently Private Milroy). Miss Eleanor King. Mrs. John Fitzhugh. Miss Clara Connery. Mrs. Morgan. Servants. William, servant to Capt. Fitz- hugh. Uncle Peter, cook to Capt. Fitzhugh. Peter, Mr. Moore's servant. Confederate Officer. Federal Non-Commissioned Officers. Soldiers, Citizens, Farmers, &c. Time. 1st Act, April, 1861. 2d Act, three weeks later. 3d Act, same time as last. 4th Act, 1863. ACT FIRST. SCENE FIRST. {Lawyers office, of the firm FiizhugU & Connery.) {Conner y is seen sitting face to the audience looking over a legal document, and office hoy sits on a high stool.) {As the curtain rises, — Enter Jas. Morgan, a law stu- dent.) {L.) Morgan, Good nlorning, Mr. Connery. Rather lively news this morning. Of course you know the President has called for troops to quell the insurrection ? Indeed, sir, war seems inevitable, and the worst of all wars, — civil war. I wish — Connery, {Looks up for the first time, and interrupting M.) Yes. Shouldn't wonder. Morgan. Will you allow me to light a cigar, sir? and perhaps you will smoke ? Pantelas ; hardly up to the times, — mild, — but consoling. {Proffers Connery a cigar.) Connery. Yes. Thank you. Then it is war, you think, Mr. Morgan? It occurs to me, that the people ought to be satisfied with such legal scrimmages as we are able to get up for them, — {lights the cigar) — where their losses are confined mostly to the pocket. But war, I take it, is a sort of national litigation, Mr. Morgan ; and the book men tell us we must have it just about once in twenty years, — just as we have the violent cholera seasons, and just as, in other countries, they have the plague and other contagious diseases, — although I don't see any particular necessity for this war. But I suppose the politicians have arranged all that. Mr. Morgan, have we anything for trial to-day ? Morgan. {Reading from a docket.) Yes, sir. "State vs. Harding." The Harding case is down for to-day. Is it for trial ? 1* 6 THE BAYONET. Connery. Harding — Burglar — That's one of Mr. Fitzliugli's cases, Mr. Morgan. Morgan. Yes, sir. Connery. Yes. J thought so. Fitzhugh tries his cases. That's a weakness of his, Mr. Morgan. Never try a crimuial case, especially when the defendant is out on bail, as is this Harding, if you can get it postponed. Witnesses for the government die, — the district attorney forgets, that gentle sweet dame Justice grows blind with the lapse of time, and if we could only manage to have the policemen grow forgetful as they ripen in years — it would doubtless prove very gratifying to such men as Harding, and to a large but not very respectable class of our fellow-citizens. {Outside drums, cheers and slwuting. M. moves to the window. (J. remains seated.) Morgan. Troops, Mr. Conner}^ They seem to be re- cruits in all sorts of uniforms. Yes, and our man Hard- ing is in the ranks. And they have, some of them, the number of Mr. Fitzhugh's regiment. Connery. Yes. Soldiers, and the flag business. Mr. Fitzhugh's regiment paraded yesterday for inspection, I think. I apprehend that's what keeps him from the office so late this morning. Is it a part of Mr. Fitzhugh's regi- ment? Morgan. {Resuming his seat.) They certainly had his regimental number. Connery. That looks quite squally for the senior mem- ber of this firm. But Mr. Fitzhugh has always looked the soldier ; that is to say, so far as we Americans, who really know but little of that trade, can judge, and possibly, the time for action is near at hand. But I think we must report him missing from his engagement of yesterday. {Enter Fitzhugh.) {L.) Fitzhugh. Not if this judicial tribunal knows herself, and, gentlemen, she leans that way. But you will please allow me to suggest, that you two seem to be in league with the farmers, to raise the price of cabbages by burn-" ing them. Mr. Connery, I don't pretend to know enough THE BAYONET. 7 about, farming to warrant me in writing a book on that subject, but I am willing to gamble that you bought that cigar in Chatham street. Whew! James! {To office ooy.) James ! please raise that window. {He raises it and resumes his seat.) Gentlemen, those cigars are strong enough and vile enough to stop a watch. Monjan. {Protesting.) But, Mr. Fitzhngh. Excuse me, I paid — Fitzhngh. Oh ! These were your cigars, were they? (Seats himself at his desk.) Mr. Morgan, if you really insist on smoking, please take my advice and don't use that kind of vegetable.'^ That loquacious Chinaman who sells cigars opposite the Astor House has a better brand than the Chatham-street cabbage brand. Elevate your taste Mr. Morgan ; elevate your taste, and patronize the Pagan I {Looks over his papers.) Morgan, But, Mr. Fitzhngh, — Filzhugh. Certainly. But, as our Celtic friends say, *' We zvill lave that go.'' How stands the docket to-day? Have we any strong candidates for that blissful seat of unwilling industry, Sing-Sing? Morgan. Harding's case is down for to-day, sir. But he don't seem to mind it much. I saw him out with a squad of soldiers a short time since. Filzhugh. Mr. Morgan ! You don't mean to tell me that you saw that twice-convicted burglar with a uniform on his back? Connery. {Interrupting.) Yes. But he saw him with part of a uniform on his back. And I must say, I fail to see how it deprives a man of his right to become a target to be shot at, to have been only twice convicted of the comparatively mild offence of burglary. Besides, you know, Mr. Fitzhngh, you ought not to complain, for you defended him, and it was through your brilliant legal strategy that he succeeded in getting into the State prison. Filzhugh. {Imitating C.) Yes. Connery. Yes. And while we are on the soldier ques- tion, {he smokes) please allow me to suggest for your edification captain ; that if there are people South so 8 THE BAYONET. rash and indiscreet as to have fired on the flag ah'eady, and the president has called on your militia duffers to gun those disturbers of the public peace in return, I am inclined to the belief, I say, that between you, you will manage to get up a first-class row, and if I mistake not, you will need the services of the entire Harding family before you get through. Morgan. And, Mr. Fitzhugh, arn't you aware that there is something going on in the military line this morn- ing? Fitzhugh. Yes, gentlemen, as you both know our regi- ment was ordered to be in readiness some little time since, and when we received the order for the parade yesterday, I thought we were to be ordered away at once, although it hardly seems possible that the two sections of this country are really about to shoot each other like barbar- ians and maniacs, I can hardly work myself up to that be- lief. However, if it comes to a case of protecting the flag of the United States of America, you can just enter John Fitzhugh's name as appearing for the defence. {Drums outside again. Morgan to the window. F. and C. remain seated, still at their documents.) Morgan. Here comes that squad again. {F. to the ivindow.) Fitzhugh. If that is not my orderly sergeant, I'm no militia man. Morgan. They are coming this way, sir. Fitzhugh. {To Morgan.) It looks like it, certainly. {To Connery.) Mr. Connery, the American Eagle begins to scream ! Connery, { Without looJdng up.) Yes ; let him scream ! {Rap outside.) Fitzhugh. Come in. {Enter Thompson, orderly sergeant of infantry. {L.) He salutes., places a paper on the desk, and resumes a stiff, soldierly appearance.) JSergt. Captain Fitzhugh. {K takes the paper ^ runs his eyes over it, and starts. Cheers and drums outside.) THE BAYONET. d Fitzhugh. Sergeant, will 3-011 please oixlcr those blood- thirsty patriots outside to repress their military ardor for a few moments? Just say to them, sergeant, that the chances are, they are likely to have plenty of the best of exercise for their lungs and legs shortly, in another quar- ter. (Sergt, salutes, retires (i.)? '>^oise ceases.) (Reads.) " Report with 3'our command at 12." (Looks at his ivatch.) It is now half-past eleven. Regiment ordered away. Mr. Connery, didn't I tell you the national bird had commenced to flutter ! Gentlemen, I am a peace- able man, you know, both of you, and if j^our evidence could be relied on, I think I could prove that fact before an}^ tribunal in this State. And I am free to admit, that when I became a militia man, I had not the slightest idea that our people were ever going to shoot each other with the coarse shot of actual war. But my regiment is going, and I am going. For John Fitzhugh is not of that stuff which makes soldiers in p^ace and citizens in war. Mr. Connery, buy yourself a woolen shirt and a shot-gun. Snipe shot won't do for this kind of game. Mr. Morgan, ask the courts to continue my cases, or send them to Vir- ginia for trial. 1 propose to sacrifice my clients on the altar of Mars. This (the order) admits me to practice before the highest tribunal in the land. The firm of Fitz- hugh & Connery is dissolved. John Fitzhugh, Yankee, and Captain of the militia, appears for the American Union ! (Enter Sergeant Thortipson (L), salutes.) Segt. T. Any orders, sir? Fitzhugh, Assemble the company, Sergeant. I will be at the armory at once. Dismissed. (The Sergeant salutes and turns.) Sergeant. (Tlie Sergeant faces about.) Sergt. T, Sir? Fitzhugh. Have you u\?iny recruits ? Sergt. T. All we need, sir. Find more than we can accept. 10 THE BAYONET. Fitzlingli, Have you a recruit bv the name of Harding? Sergt. T. Yes, sir ; a strong, likely man. Fitzhngh. Yes, Sergeant ; 1 always thought that man Harding would make a good soldier ; and as the State seems likely to claim his services, if the Nation don't se- cure them at once we will accept him. Dismissed. {The Sergeant salutes, retires L.) {Drums and shouting outside. Morgan looks from the window as the squad retires to the rear of the stage. Fitz- hugh hastib/ arranged his papers to be sent to his house. Cannery sits quietly all Ihe while ivithout raising his eyes from his document. Newspaper hoy outside.) Boy. (Outside.) 'Ere's the 'Erald, World and Tri- bune Extra ! News from the seat of war ! Two thousand men killed I (Morgan to the window.) Fitzhugh. What's that ? Morgan. A newsboy with some kind of war news. Fitzhugh. Call him in, Mr. Morgan. Morgan. (Head out of the icidow.) Here, boy, come in here. (Enter boy. L.) Boy. 'Ere's the 'Erald, World and Tribune Extra ! News from the seat of war ! Two thousand men killed ! Fitzhugh. Hold up there, you newspaper agent ! Aren't j^ou cutting that rather fat? Boy. (To F.) Paper, sir ? (Cannery looks up.) Connery. (To boy.) Yes; if you go on at that rate, you will do away with any necessity for another census. Boy, (To C.) Paper, sir? (All buy papers.) (Boy retires crying his papers.) Boy. 'Ere's the 'Erald, World and Tribune Extra! News from the seat of war ! Two thousand men killed ! (Exit. L). THE BAYONET. 11 Fitzliugli. Bad news, this, Mr. Conner}'. Those Southern Comanches have commenced tlie war-dance. Won't 3'ou take a hand? Depends on the draw entirely. It may be a major-general's commission, and it may be a pine coffin-box. Cannery. Yes. Haven't a cigar with j'ou, have j^ou Captain ? Fitzlmgh. Yes, I have ; {proffevring it) but do you mean to come out of your shell and support the flag? {Can- nery lights the cigar.) Connelly. Yes. I think perhaps we had better give up practice. I don't precisely see the necessity for all this. James, {to office boy) James, bring my coat. {Puts it on.) Thank you. James, take that box of papers to my house. Captain, I think I will bu}' that shirt. Mr. Morgan, the eagle is threatened with a military law suit. Shall we appear for the bird ? Morgan. With all my heart, sir ; I go for the Union ! Connery. Yes ; for the Union ! Good morning. Captain, we will meet you at the armory. We are soldiers now, aren't we, Mr. Morgan ? And in for the glory of getting shot, and having our illustrious names misspelt in the public prints. At the armory. Captain ! {Exeunt. L.) Fitzhugh. Nor do I see the necessity for this bloodshed, and I shudder at the parting from my wife and child. A soldier has no business to be married, — but 1 was mar- ried before I became a militia man. Brace up. Captain ! Brace up, John Fitzhugh ! It is hard, I know. But the country calls for men, and who shall answer if we holiday soldiers decline ? No ! There is no halting here. For me, — for every loyal man — there is but one course to pursue, and it is pointed out in the doctrine of John A. Dix, and it is the highest law of the land : " If any man attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot ! " {Fitzhugh to the window to see the passing troops^ as they now file past the rear of the stage from right to left. But not so as to be seen fairly by the audience. Their color only are seen, a small flag, and the tips of their bayonets They have two drums. {Scene closes. Flats in front.) 12 THE BAYONET. ACT FIRST. SCENE SECOND. (A Public Square in a city,) {Enter a squad of infantry troops from, the left^ pre- ceded by two drunns and a fife. They carry a small flag. Half way — across {towards the right) ; the Sergeant in command — Thompson.) Sergt. T. Squad, halt ! By the right flank, right face ! In place, rest ! {They J ace the audience^ Sergeant in front and right.) Well, raen, we are in for it. You have signed the rolls, and you are to all intents and purposes soldiers of the United States. But not legally so. until you have been mustered in by an officer representing the National Gov- ernment. So that if there is any man here who is sick of his bargain, he has only to say so, and we will strike his name from the rolls, and fill his place with some other man. This, men, is the only chance you will have to express your choice in this matter. Consider it well, men ! Harding. Look here, Sergeant ! We ain't none of us going to squeal, — we ain't, are we fellers? All. No! No! Sergt. T. All right, men. I am glad you are firm and true. Harding. You bet ! Sergt. T. Now, men, this is j^our last chance. Who goes back on his country? {Silence.) Sergt, grasps the colors; ivaves them.) Who stands by the flag? All. {Tumult uously.) We all do, — all of us. {Harding steps to the front and faces the squad.) Harding. Say, fellers I Three cheeri for the flag ! Now, wake 'em! {Cheers,) Three more for our Sergeant! Now, wake 'em again ! {Cheers, and he steps bach into the ranks.) THE BAYONET. Sergt. T. Thank you, men ; I will try to deal square- ly by you all, and we will all of us do our whole duty, I trust, like men. Aft.er you are dismissed you will have an opportunity to visit your families ; but }'ou will report at the armory, every man of you, in just three hours ; we are off to-night ; we are in at the start ; let us see this thing through. Attention Squad! {They straighten up.) Left face ! Break ranks ! March ! {All yell.) [Exeunt to R. and L.) (Singing.) ^ur Sergeant he's a first-class brick, Hurrah! Hurrah ! Our Seri BACK. Cannery follows ahout^ malting a suggestion noio and then ^ such as, — '•^Steady there! Keep your time! One, two; one, two. Draw in your chin, Scot!" — Sing- ing is heard ivithout. — William, the Captain's servant. This must not be a co7icert or minstrel nigger, bidaplayita- tion darkey, of a semi-religious comic turn of mind. He must ivear military trousers, and he can wear a civilian's coat or a cavalry jacket, or any other kind of a uniform. But he must be clean, and not ragged.) William, {outside.) "De day ob Jubilee am coming, White folks, bress de Lord I De day ob Jubilee am coming, Brack folks, bress deLord ! " (Enters. Sneaks into the captain's quarters, singing softly, repjeating.) ^ " Brack folks, bress de Lord I Brack folks, bress de Lord ! " ^P {Harding ivatches William.) Harding. (Aside.) If that moak goes through the Captain's canteen, this morning, we shall have a sick nig- ger in camp, — we shall, ( William steals a long pull from the Captain's canteen, re- peati7ig,^' Brack folks, etc." Takes the Captain's boots, and seats himself outside the tent, left and in front, and commences to brush them. Sings as he brushes.) William. Oh, ain't I glad I'se out ob de wilderness, — Out ob de wilderness; Oh, ain't I glad I'se out ob de wilderness 1 Go away, dar. (Brushes a fiy.) Brack folks, bress de Lord. (Harding ivatches. Left rear) De day ob — (Yawns.) De day ob jiibi — le — am ( Yawns.) — de day ob ju — bi — lee — am com — (Asleep over his boots.) Harding. Here, moak ; wake up there ! ( William starts.) THE BAYONET. 27 William. Sail? Hen ding. Wake up, I say. Do ye hear? William. Oh 3'es, sah ! I'se awake, sah ! Only fool- ing, sah ! {Harding off.) William. {Singing and hi ushing.) Dedayobju — bi — lee. {Asleep again. Harding 7iear.) Harding. Blow me, if that dose was enough for the moak. ( William twists and writhes in agony.) What? Oh, yes ; he's a sick nigger, — he is. {Retires to the rear and left.) William. Golly ! Gol}^ ! massa Captain ! What's de matter wid dis yere nigger? {Gives a 7iigger yell.) As true as Moses! Yere is a dead nisjger ! {YeHs.) What am de matter wid dis yere child? Dat whiskey's alive ! {Harding^ nearer.) I'm a dead nigger for sartain ! I'se dead, shuah? {On the ground. Capt. F. awakes — upon his bed.) Capt. F. See here ! You ebony prince of the House of Congo — what's the row here? {Looks for his boots.) William, where's my boots? {Aside.) What is the mat- ter with that boy ? {To the entrance of his quarters —^ discovers William rolling on th" ground.) I believe the boy is sick, or is he fooling again? No! That is gen- uine distress. Here ! Some one, — Orderly ! Orderly 1 {Harding appears.) Harding. Yes, sir ! Here, sir ! Copt. F. Orderly, go for the doctor! {Harding stands still.) William must be sick — He don't seem to be fooling — Come, Orderly ! I don't want a funeral in this camp, just now ! William. I'se adea I nigger ! I'se a dead nigger ! Capt. F. Do you hear that, Orderly? Come! Why don't you start? {Harding hands the Captain his boots — He puts them on.) 28 THE BAYONET. Hanlmg. {Aside.) It is all right, Captain ! All right, sir ! This is my lay, — this is ! ( William groans.) Copt. F. Oh! This is your lay is it? Well, you seem to have laid him out pretty effectually ; supposing you put him on his pegs again. What did jou do to him Harding ? You did'nt offer any violence to that poor bone of national contention, did you, Harding? {Last sharply.) William. I'se a dead nigger dis time, shuah ! llanlivg. Oh no, Captain, you don't think that ; you don't believe I would abuse a poor nigger, oh no ; my game is bigger nor niggers ; I go for white game — I do ; I only dosed your canteen, cos I heard you say some one was prigging your commissar}', and I wanted you to know it wasn't me. That's all. Ask him to histe, Captain, ask him to histe. ( Willi' im groans ) Capt. F. So, so ! {Aside.) Oh you wretched Ethio- pian ! {To H.) Bring the canteen. {Raiding gets it.) Here William, take a drop of this whiskey. I think you must have a touch of the colic. This climate don't seem to agree with you. ( William groans.) William. Oh, massa captain ! I nebber will touch dat canteen agen, nebber, nebber ! Capt. F. Oh, ho! Your usual morning cocktail don't seem to agree with you. {William groans.) Well, it's all right, only, in the future, you had better let me mix your drinks for you. Orderly, help up the boy and take him to his quarters, and let him sleep this off. And, Harding, no more of this ; I prefer to doctor my own fam- ily. And Harding, supposing I had happened to take an eye-opener before William came in ! No more of this, I sry ! llardiTig. I beg your parding. Captain, I didn't mean no harm, — I didn't. {Harding helps William up.) THE BAYONET. 29 Capt. F. It 's all right, Harding. (To William,) Feel kind of sea-sick, don't you, William? That whiskey is very strong. It was made for white soldiers, and it is entirely unsuited to the tender African stomach. (They, Wm. and Harding^ move off to the rear and left.) William. I believe ye, I believe ye, massa Captain ! {Copt F. moves into his quarters., lights a pipe. While this has been going on, the artillery squad has been drill' ing.) Sergt. B. Sqnad to the front ! March ! Halt ! Front face ! By the right flank ! Right face ! Break ranks, march ! {They disperse. Sergt. T. now marches the company back to the place where it for mid.) Sergt. T, Company, halt ! By the right flank, right face ! Break ranks, march ! {It disperses. Cannery moves to his quarters.) Connery, Good morning. Captain. Capl. F. Good morning, Mr. Connery. Has Mr. Mor- gan returned from the picket yet? Connery. I think not, sir ; hardly time yet. Capt. F. That was a fearful march we had, getting here yest( rday, Mr. Connery. {They lounge about on the straw.) Connery. Yes, ratlier. • Capt. F. . It all comes of these paper major-generals. Here is a man who was a tolerably successful criminal lawyer before he became a major-general, who reads in a book written by some other paper-fighter, that a man takes so many inches at a step, arid that a healthy man can take so many steps in a day. Then he multiplies the number of inches the man usually takes by the number of steps he ought to take, and he figures up, — that raw troops from the North can march thirty-one miles in a day, in a burning. Southern sun. And he makes us do it, too. The theory may be good enough in peace times, on 3* 30 THE BAYONET. a drill ground ; but the practice is rather uncomfortable in tliis locality, — eh, Mr. Conner^? {Both smoke.) Connery. Yes ; it's all of that. Coi't. F. Mr. Connery, How's your feet? Mine feel like boiled hams. Connery. Yes ; I think mine are slightly parboiled. {Capt. F. moves to the entrance to his quarters.) Copt. F. Have ycu been out round here, much, Mr. Conner}? What kind of a neighborhood is this? Are the natives hospitable? Crops well started, — plenty of fence rails? Don't it strike you as rather remarkable, that the rude Korthern soldier should prefer dry fence rails and window-shutters and house-blinds, to cutting good green oak? These children of the North are rather fastidi- ous about their fuel. 1 overheard Harding telling that man, Scot, that he calculated he had burnt four hundred and fifty-nine dollais' worth of fence rails, at ten cents apiece, since we came into this country. Conyiery. Yes ; the Southern mind was '•" fired up " on patriotism, and our fellows seem to be " firing up " on fence rails, — which tends to keep both sides w^arm. Capjt. F. Oh, yes — I see. But it is one of the results of war, which is commonly destructive of fences and poul- try. I see the General has favored us with strict orders against foraging. 1 hope you are doing all you can to assist me in impressing on the men the great importance of that order. The rights of property in this locality must be preserved. Connery. Yes ; I don't think the men disturb any property unless they want it. Capt. F. That is correct, Mr. Connery, — that is soidierl}^, sir. Connery. Yes ; soldierly. But I don't know precisely what we have in the mess ; chickens, perhaps ; I saw Harding with half a dozen. Capt. F. That man Harding is a very able commissary, Mr. Connery ; but he comes honestly by those unfrequent trifles which go to make up our daily bread — don't he? tonnery. Yes ; I don't doubt it. THE BAYONET. 31 Capt. F. I hope so ; there can be no doubt about it, and 1 couldn't think for a moment of living on food illegally, or clandestinely obtained from our Southern brothers, oh no! It would not set well on my Federal stomach. {Captain Fitzlmgh steps outside.) Mr. Connery, as this is our first morning here, I think I will look about a bit. This seems to be a fine country for agricultuie. It occurs to me, those green slopes must support the gentle sheep and calf, so beloved In' our rude barbarians and mud-sills. Orderly! {Hauling appears.) Harding, you were on orderly duty, 3^esterday? Harding. Yes, sir ; my time is up at eight o'clock. Cap)t. F. Well, do you know Harding, I think this countiy ought to be explored. Harding, look about over these green hills, you might find a sheep mine. And, Harding, if there is any kind of food in this wicked, rebellious country I prefer, it is lamb. I could put up with mutton, but I prefer lamb. You are excused from dut}^ to-day, Harding ; I will be here at breakfast, Mr. Connery. {Font L.) Harding. Thank you. Captain. Coymery. Yes ; the Captain is a faithful soldier, and a cheerful companion. But he is getting rather demoralized in his notions about food. But, then, you can't conduct a war as you would run a sabbath school ! I think a nap until breakfast will do me no harm. {He reflines; scene closes; flats in front.) 32 THE BAYONET. ACT SECOND. SCENE SECOND. {A Southern grove {cultivated), near a gentleman's residence. — Not tropical — oa/t, maple, cedar and hemlock trees interspersed, tvilh here ana there a chister of laurels. — There is a rustic open seat in the middle of the stage.) i^Enter.) Bessie Moore, daughter of the Hon. Arthur Moore. Eleanor King, her friend and companion. {They move to the seat.) Bessie. It is now three months, Eleanor, since your brother Clarence, my Clarence, — the only beloved of Bessie Moore — left us to enter the service of his coun- try — the glorious, patriotic, and yet destined to be, the free and independent South ! Three months, Eleanor, and it seems as if it were an age. But the letter ! {Loohing about.) Where is the letter? Read it ; please read it? Eleanor. {Looking about and feeling for the letter.) I hope it is not wicked, this clandestine correspondence. What would your father say, if he should happen to hear of it? Poor Bessie ! And I am so happy, — indeed I am, to be able to assist you in this matter. {Produces the wrong letter.) Oh, that is from my lover ! Bessie. I don't wish that one. Eleanor. No, of course not ! But, Bessie, how could j^ou hear from him at all, but for me? Bessie. Wicked ! No Eleanor, it is not wicked to love a man like Clarence, though he is poor. {Eleanor starts.) Please excuse me, Eleanor ; you know I meant no offence. Eleanor. Oh, I don't take any offence fron 3'ou, Bessie Moore, on that account. For, in loving my brother, to whom your father only objects because he is poor, you have proved yourself nobler, in that respect, at least, than is your father. THE BAYONET. 33 Bessie. Eleanor, remember ! He is mj'- father ! But let ns drop this subject. This clandestine correspondence troubles me a little, though. Wicked ! It may not be quite right to be engaged to Chirence without my father's consent or knowledge, but there is no sin in letter- writing. And besides, I love him ; and love, they say, cuts curious capers. And, is it not necessary, sometimes, to sin a little to love very much? Eleanor. I don't know, Bessie. Bessie. But the letter ; read the letter, please. Eleanor. Why, no. It is not for me to read. {Feels for it.) Where did I put that letter? Have I dropped it? You see, Bessie, I was terribly frustrated when your father entered the room jnst as I opened my letter, and found yours enclosed. Oh! Here it is! {Hands it to B.) And while you are reading it, Bessie, I will look about a step ; foi-, next to being alone with one's lover is being alone with a letter from one's lover. {Eleanor moves off. — L.) {Aside.) Clarence, my dear brother, I wonder if you will ever marry Bessie Moore? {Exit. L.) Bessie. {Reads.) " We have been here in camp two months." Dear, noble Clarence ! His country first and always. And they are coming North. (Looks up.) Yes, and then : Woe to ye, ye burning, pillaging ruffians, who are despoiling our dear (/Id State. {A bugle is heard in the distance faintly. Ee-enter Eleanor.) Eleanor. Bessie ! Bessie ! There are troops near here. Did you not hear the trum[)et? Bessie {vjithout looking up). Yes, Eleanor ; I know it. To our shame and sorrow, I know it Eleanor. Then why did you not tell me? Bessie. {Still reading.) I did not think it worth the while to waste my breath on those horrid P^ederal hirelings, who come down here to shoot and rob our Southern people. And, besides, they only came so near last night, papa says, — but please don't! interrupt me, P^leanor. ^Elennor. No; I don't wish to interrupt you, Bessie. {Aside.) It takes her so long to read that letter. But, Bessie, I did not know they were here. AVhere are they encamped ? St THE BAYONET. Bessie. It is only a company. I heard papa say they only came here to establish an outpost, or something of the sort. The company is near the railroad yonder. The main body of troops is four or five miles away. But don't Eleanor, please don't. {She reads.) ''And yoii continue firm and true, — I know you do, my love." Indeed, Clarence ; indeed, do I. {Eleanor is impatient. — Bugle blows again ) Eleanor. There it is again, Bessie. Do you hear it? Bessie. Yes, Eleanor, I hear it ! And I wish the in- strument and the creature who blows it, were ten thousand miles away. {Bessie takes out a locket, looks at it.) True to thee, Clarence. {Proudly.) I am a Moore ! {Resumes letter.) Eleanor. Why ! Bessie, have you not finished that let- ter yet? {Aside.) But this is her first, and Bessie is very aff^iectionate. {Bessie folds and puts away the letter.) Bessie. Yes, P31eanor, I have finished it ; and I thank you for your kindness in suggesting to Clarence to send it to you, as otherwise I could not well hear from him ; and I am rejoiced and happy to know that he is true to his co'jntry, nnd to me. Eleanor. But I don't quite like the idea of his becom- ing a soldier, Bessie. Soldiers are awful creatures, aren't they ? I remember to have heard some one say, that a man drops all the finer instincts of his nature when he takes up the sword. Bessie. Oh, no ! Eleanor. A gentleman is true to him- self in camp, or in the drawing-room. Think of your brother ; could he be anything but a gentlemen, in peace or in war? Eleanor. Clarence ? I know ; but he is unlike most men. Bessie, I wonder what these F'ederals are like? Bessip. I didn't know, and I don't wish to know. I hear the North is sending the scutn and filth of all its large cities into our beautiful SouLhern country ; be that as it may. I don't wish to set my eyes on one of them. Eleanor. But, Bessie, I do. I wish to know what kind of people my brother will have to fi^ht. I hear they are mostly foreigners. If this company is near the railroad, THE BAYONET. 35 we can see it from the brew of the hill there. Bessie, let's go and see them. {Takes her hand.) Bessie. No, no. Eleanor. Please do? I don't think they are badly dis- posed towards us ; you know the general sent us over a guard for the house, several days since. Come ; they will do us no harm. Bessie. Harm ! Harm us ! I fear no harm from them. I should like to see one of the ruffians come near enough, Bessie Moore, to offer any harm ! The miserable wretches ! Eleanor. Oh, never mind that ! You know I hate them as much as any one ; but I wish to see them. Come, Bessie, it is only a step. Please come. {Exeunt, L. Enter tivo soldiers. They peer about.) 1st Sol. Say, Jack, have we lost them? They came this way — two of 'em. The stunninest gals I ever seen. Jack! {Looks about.) I wonder which way they went? '2d Sol. Yes, Jim, — I know. But this is in that Fitz — something's limits, — this is — - and he was a looten- ant that's down on this thing, — he was. They are a hard pair for what they calls discipline, — they are. Suppose they should see us, Jim ! Oh ! let *s drop this ! " 1st Sol. They! Wh}^ what have they to do with us? We aint under their command, — we aint. This is a free country, — this is. Aint we got as much right here as them high-backed officers ? I guess we have ! 2d Sol. Oh ! I *m game for a lark ! But, suppose the girls should be real ladies, Jim ? They will make it warm for us. I couldn't face a real lady, no how, — I couldn't. \ St Sol. You are squealing, are you? Oh, come on ! {Exeunt. L.) (Screams without.) Bessie, Help ! help ! Father ! James ! {All rush on. L.) Eleanor. Help I help ! What in Heaven's name do you mean, men? Help! help! 36 THE BAYONET. 1st Sol. Now, see here, old gal, I don't want- no noise — I don't. 2cl. Sol. Say, Jim ; let's drop this game. (Bessie stands firm.) Bessie. What do you mean, you miserable wretches? Do you know you are on a gentleman's grounds who would shoot you, as he would any other kind of vermin, were he here ? Do you come South to offer violence to ladies? You are model Federal soldiers! Begone, you dogs! (Eleanor avouches near Bessie.) Eleanor. Bessie, don't excite them. Please don't, Bessie. 1st Sol. Shoot me, eh ? Me a dog ? The devil he will ! (The soldiers rush at the ladies — 1st soldier at Bessie^ 2d soklier at Eleanor. Stage business. Enter Capt. Fitz- hughfroni the rear and right.) Capt. F. I thought I heard a woman scream. (Dis- covers the soldiers and ladies struggling. Draivs Itis .sabre quickly^ by extending his arm atfidl length. To soldiers.) Here, you ruffians ; take your hands off those ladies ! (Soldiers do not see and do not heed him.) Don't under- stand my English? I wonder how this will affect you. (Knocks down 1st soldier tvith the fiat of his sabre. 2d soldier^ turning., discovers his comrade down., and the Cap- tain evidently meaning business. He releases Eleanor.^ who darts of. E.) 2d Sol. Say! You Captain ! Did you strike my pal? (Captain Fitzhugh makes at him.) Capt. F, Yqs ; you whe'.p ! And if you don't lie flat on your face until my guard comes, I will slice 3'ou into sandwich meat. Turn out the guard ! Turn out the guard ! 2d Sol. Oh, you will, will you! (Draws and pre- sents a, pistol.) See here, m}^ fine duck ! I ain't none of your gang, and I ain't on duty ; and if you move oat of your tracks, until me and my pal gets away from here, I will let daylight into you, — 1 will ! THE BAYONET. 37 {Enter Harding — Rear and left. — He hears the soldier's last speech, — Discovers pistol^ and knocks the soldier down, — striking from behind.) Harding. Shoot my Captain, will yer ! Oh, no ! I guess not ! {Jumps on him. — The first soldier begins to re- vive. — Harding jumj)s on him.) And you, too ! You are in this gang, are you? {Second soldier begins to arise, ivhen William rushes on him from the right, and butts him down.) Willia^n. What was yer doing to de Captain ? (Butts.) Capt. F. (Bessie shoivs faintness.) Harding, the lady faints ! Water — quick — water ! {Bessie faints in Capt. Fitzhugh's arms. — Harding rushes off to the left for water. — William points pistol at soldiers. Tableau. — If there is a second tableau, Eleanor can come on, with help.) {Curtain down.) 38 THE BAYONET. ACT THIRD. SCENE FIRST. {Residence of a wealthy Southerner, But it is not a planter's residence^ for it indicatps more cidtivation and refinement than is usually seen about a planter's home. Residence on the RIGHT, — on the left there is a sort of rustic seat under a vine and trellis-ivoi-k^ tvhich two persons could use for private conversation, without being overheard by the servants about the house. Hon. Aithur Moore., the pro- prietor^ is seated on the portico., ichich is extensive. It is in early June., and the shrubbery is in full foliage and luxuriant. Time., three iveeks after last Act, between 10 and 11 A.M. As the curtain rises, two ladies, Bessie Moore and Eleanor King, in morning costumes, step out of the house on to the portico.) Mr. Moore. Well, ladies ; are you going out for a walk? Fine morning this, ladips. Bessie. Yes, papa ; we have had no exercise these several days ! Eleanor. Yes, Mr. Moore ; Bessie has suddenly dis- covered the necessity for exercise, — and she seems to prefer it in the company of the Captain, — although she concludes to take me this morning. {Eleanor laughs.) Bessie. Eleanor! Why will you talk so? Is not the Captain a Northerner, and — and — Eleanor. And what, Bessie? Bessie. Oh ! Fie on you, Eleanor ! {Aside to Eleanor.) A married man, you dunce ! {Aiid to Mr. Moore.) A polite, gentlemanly officer, if he is a Northerner. Is he not, papa? And ought we not to be grateful to him, ail of us? THE BAYONET. 6d Mr. M. Indeed, he is 1 The Captain has been a heap of benefit to me, ladies. {Aside.) But 1 will turn our acquaintance to good account And, ladie.«, I hope you will show him all the attention your position and sex will permit. Eleanor. Oh, yes, sir ! ATe will I Indeed, we will ! Won't we, Bessie? Bessie. Eleanor, I am ashamed of you ! Good morn- ing, papa. Eleanor. Good morning, sir. Mr. M. Good morning, ladies. {Exeunt, L, Mr. Moore leaves the portico for the rustic seat.) Why not? He is a married man to be sure ; I have ascertained that fact, through my lawyers. But he is not wealthy ; only a lawyer and a captain. I can give him wealth and rank ; such, indeed, as he probably never dreamt of. He can't possibly think of getting much promotion where he now is ; our people will make quick work of these fellows, as fast as they can be sent here. I think he agrees with me on that subject; and I am resolved to test liim. {Looks at his watch.) It's now half past ten. I asked him to be here at eleven. {Takes a parchment commission from his pocket.) And I have secured him this commission. (Reads.) " John Fitzhugh of the Confederate States of America." {Chuckles.) Yes I He will be of the Con- federate States, when he accepts! ** Brigadier General " ! {Heads another pciper.) "General Fitzhugh will report for staff duty at the Adjutant's office, at Richmond. " Indeed ! That would secure a less ambitious man than is the Captain, if I mistake not. If I can only manage to keep him from disclosing this to that Lieut. Connery, — I don't like that fellow. 1 can make nothing, whatever, of that cool, calculating lawyer, — who is as thoroughly dis- ciplined as a taro bank dealer, with his mild, eternal " ?/es," and even temper. He is the first man I ever saw imper- vious to wine and flattery. {Enter Col Roland.) Col. Mr. Moore, good morning, sir ! Mr. M. Colonel, I'm glad to see you, sir, — indeed, I am, sir ! Take a seat, sir. I hope your family is well, sir. Beautiful day, sir. 40 THE BAYONET. {Colonel bows conlinuaUy .') Col. Thank you, air. Mr. M. Peter ! Peter I Ho, Peter I Pater. Yere I is, sah. Mr. M. Go into the library, Peter, and brinf? me that bottle of whiskey. (^Peter is kicking the ground.) Do you hear, Peter? Peter. Yes, sah. Mr. M. And two glasses, Peter. Peter. Yes, sah. {Peter moving to the house.) Mr. M. Vm right glad you've come, Colonel, — indeed I am. I sent the Captaiu a note with his breakftist, this morning, asking him to be here at eleven, and he says he will be here, sir. CoL That's a right clever dodge, sir, — furnishing the Captain with his breakfast every morning, sir. John Randolph, or some other Southerner, said in Congress some years ago, sir, " If you want to hit a Yankee, strike him in the pocket, sir." But I reckon I can improve on that, sir. If you want to win the good will of a Yankee Cap- tain, give him his breakfast, sir. A breakfast starts a man for the day, sir. A good breakfast makes him a gentleman, sir. But a bad breakfast makes him as surly as a bear, — as surly as a bear, sir ! You can't manage a man on an empty stomach, or on one badly filled. Eh, sir? Indeed you can't, sir. {Re-ente'^ Peter with glasses^ etc. — They Jill, touch, and drink together.) Mr. M. to Col. Our cause, — the South. {They drink. Exit Peter, ivith glasses, etc., into the house.) Col. And you think he will accept, sir? Mr. M. He can 't help it, sir. He is spooney on my daughter, sir. And she takes to him right smart, sir. At least, there is more than the ordinary amount of regard between them, sir. And then, the rank and the wealth, — wealth, sir. THE BAYONET. 41 Col. Yes, sir. That first meeting of theirs was calcu- lated to inspire something of that sentiment, sir; but still, that part of the case gets me, sir. How will you manage it, sir? Mr, M. Why, Colonel? If he accepts the commis- sion, he accepts the whole case, sir. There is no half-way here, sir, I shall send Bessie south in his charge. I have already deeded to her the Alabama estates in his trust — I think they can manage the rest, sir, — yes, sir. CoL But, my dear sir, have you broached the sub- ject to Bessie? Does she know of it, sir? Mr. M. Indeed, I have not, sir ! That would never do while she is under Mrs. Moore's eyes ; no, sir ! An obstinate woman, my wife, sir. She won't even consent to show herself when the Captain is about, sir. Although I think she admires the Captain ; but she has too much grit, sir. Too much Southern grit to show it, sir. Yes, sir Col. And have you spoken to him of the attack to- night, sir? Mr. M. Colonel, I have not, sir. I only received your letter announcing your purpose, this morning, sir. Per- haps we had better postpone it until we get his answer, sir. Col. Impossible, sir ! Impossible ! Our people are im- patient to get at these folks here, who are really isolated from the main body of their troops ; and I have had all I could do to restrain them so far, — yes, sir ; all I could do, sir. The Captain in charge of the party is at my house now, sir ! Yes, sir ! There now, sir ! Mr. M. There now, Colonel, is not that rather reckless and indiscreet, sir? Suppose some of your nig- gers inform on us, sir? Col, Oh, never mind that. Leave m3' niggers to me, sir. I know them, sir. Mr. M. But, Colonel, I insist on this : whether the Captain accepts or declines, he must not be harmed to- nigiit, sir! No, sir, — not harmed, sir ! Col. I think that can be arranged, sir ! Yes, sir ! i^Aside.) He and his Lieutenant are just ttie game we are after. But we attack his po^t to-night — sure, sir! In- deed, we will, sir ! 3* 42 THE BAYONET. Mr. M. (Looks at Jiis watch.) It is time for liiin, — he is very punctual, Colonel — will you please walk into the library, sir; let me sound him alone, sir, if you please, sir. {Col. re-enters the house.) I don't like this business of to-night ! What if he declines my proposals ? And shall I post him as to the attack? That would not do. {Moves to vortico. — Looks up.) Oh ! Here he is ! {Enter Capt. F. — He moves to the portico.) I am glad to see you, Captain. Capt. F. Thank you, Mr. Moore. Mr. M. Indeed I am, sir ! Take a seat, sir ! {Proffers chair on portico.) Capt. F. Thank you. {They sit or not, as may seem desirable.) Mr. M. How do you feel, sir? Fine weather, sir ! A wonderful climate we have here, sir ! Capt. F. Yes ; Mr. Moore. Tiiis is a very pleasant climate. {Aside.) Oh, Oh! "Whither blows the gentle Southern zephyr? Mr. M. The ladies are out for a short walk, sir! They will be here presently, sir — yes, sir! Here! Feter ! — Ho, Peter! {Re-enter Peter from the house.) Peter. Yere I is, sah ! 3Ir. M. Peter, go into the library and bring me that bottle of whiskey. {Aside to P.) Find Miss Bessie. Capt. F. If you please, Mr. Moore, — if you sent for the bottle on my account, I prefer not to take anything this morning — I don't feel just right. Mr. M. It will do you good, — do you good, sir. A soldier, Captain, never deserts his bottle or his — {Hesi- tates. The captain eyes him sharply.) Capt. F. Hisy?a(/, you intended to say, Mr. Moore? Mr. M. No, Captain. No, sir. I didn't have ibat in mind. But it is a very patriotic sentiment. Indeed it is, sir — yes, sir. Capt. F, Please excuse me, Mr. Moore ; I really don't — 3Ir. M. {Interrupting.) No excuses accepted, sir. I wish to drink your health, sii. {They JUL) Captain, THE BAYONET. 43 your good health, sir. And I wish for your prosperity and success, sir, — yes, sir. Capt. F. Thank'you, Mr. Moore. {They drink, Peter takes glasses, etc. Be-enters the house.) Mr. M. Please walk this way, Captain. Those niggers of mine have long ears, Captain. Yes, sir, — long ears, sir. Capt. F. (Aside.) What's this first family man driving at? {To Mr. M.) Yes; the African bump of curiosity is generally quite largely developed. {They move offthepoitico towards the seot^) Mr. M. Pleasant conceit. Captain. Yes, sir. Do you know, Capta,in, there is only one animal in the world more cuiious than the nigger? Yes sir. Only one, sir. Capt. F. Indeed ! {Aside.) The old duffer is coming at me with his monkey arguments. I must choke him oft". Mr. M. Yes, sir, — it is the monkey, sir. When I was in — Capt. F. {Interrvpting.) Excuse me, Mr. Moore; I don't wish to interrupt you in your cheerful and entertain- ing narrative of 3'our travels in those tropical countries, — which 1 think I have heard you say before, you visited in your youthful days. Mr. M. {Trying to set in.) Yes, sir; I — Cai)t. F. And — I am always pleased to hear you relate your foreign travels, — 1 only wish to suggest, that the most inquisitive creature I have ever met is my Lieut. Connery at poker. Mr. M, Indeed I Capt. F. Yes ; Mr. Moore. He always wishes to know what kind of a hand 1 have, and whether or not I am bluffing. And let me assure you his inquisitiveness has ah-eady cost me m3' first month's pay ; and if he con- tinues in that same frame of mind, he \vill have my boots and sahre before he gets through. For I can't help bluffing, and he insists on calling me. {Aside ) I flatter mystlt I headed oflTold secesh that lime. Mr. M, {Aside.) Good; the poorer the better I (lo Capt. F.) Yes, sir. Lieut. Connery seems to be a man of great nerve, sir. I should think he might play u strong game, sir. - — yes, sir. 44: THE BAYONET. Capt. F. You ought to see him play. But I would not advise you to play with him. We are not of the right temperament to meet his game. (^Aside.) Connery would scoop in this place in a weelv. Did I understand you to say the ladies were away from home? Mr. M. Only out for a walk, sir. {Aside.) Dern that nigger, why don't he find her? Only out for a walk, sir. And you received my note, sir ? Capt. F. Oh, yes ; thank you. And I am obliged to yoa for your kindness and politeness, Mr. Moore. Mr, M. Yes, Captain. Thank you, sir, {They are near the seat. M. feels for papers.) Capt. F. (Aside.) Why I What's the matter with this old rebel ? He don't seem to be drunk, but he is as affiable as a candidate for Congress. Mr. M. Captain, you will excuse me, sir. I am a bluff kind of a man, sir, — yes, sir. It's a way we Southern people have, sir. Capt. F. (Aside.) What the deuce is the matter with old Chivalry? Mr. M. What I am about to say is sacred, sir — sa- cred — and I rely on your honor as a gentleman, sir, — on your honor, sir. Capt. F. Yes ; my honor, perhaps, is worth more than m}^ note. Mr. M. Indeed, Captain, you are a cheerful man, and full of pleasant conceits, sir ; and I think a brave man, indeed, — I know it, sir! Capt. F. (Aside.) This is the longest conundrum I ever heard. Mr. M. But to business sir. I am about to send my daughter South. (Captaiyi starts.) Capt. F. (Aside.) Oh, ho ! This wind has a daugh- terly direction. (To Mr. Moore.) Indeed? Mr. M. Yes, sir ; you see, she don't like this business. Your soldiers are offensive. You understand. Captain? Your soldiers^ not all the officers, sir, — no, sir I Capt. F. (Aside.) I thought so. Mr. M. She will need a protecto.-, — some one to look after her interests, sir. (Mr, Moore eyes Captain bitzhuyh THE BAYONET. 45 sharply. The Captain is amazed.) But I have though, sir, considering your relations with tlie family. (Hesi- tates.) — Capt. F. (Aside.) What in the world have I to do with his family ? Mr. M. I have hoped, sir, I could induce you to under- take the charge, sir, — yes, sir, Capt. F. (Starts. — Aside. -^Whistles.) Me! Mr. Moore ? I go South ? Why, how could I get through the lines, if I were so disposed? (M, produces p)apers.) Mr M. Here, sir. Please look at these papers, sir. (Hands Capt. Fitzhugh the jxipers.) 1 am influential with our people. These papers fix all that, sir. — yes, sir. (Mr. Moore walks aioay a step or two.) Capt. F. (Reads.) " John Fitzhugh, Brigadier Gen- eral " — " report for duty " — " Richmond " — " estates in my trust" — why, Mr. Moore, this comes very unexpect- edly to me ! Mr. M. And your answer, Captain. Here is rank, wealth, and — Captain, your answer. Capt. F. (Aside.) As the Celts say, — "Howly schmoke ! " (To M.) I wish a little time to consider. Mr. M. Certainly, Captain ; un(;ler ordinary circum- stances, but in these war times — Despatch^ sir, — yes, sir, despatch! You consider this favorably, I hope, sir? Capt. F. Mr. Moore, I am a Federal soldier, and — Mr. M. I know, sir ; but, consider the inducements. Capt. F. Yes, Mr. Moore. I will consider ; Iwill give you my answer to-morrow. (Aside.) Will John Fitz- hugh desert his family and his colors? Hardly I Mr. M. And, Captain ! (Enter ladies.) Bessie. Captain Fitzhugh, I did not expect to see you this morning, but I am happy to meet you. Capt. F. Thank you, Miss Bessie. And Miss Eleanor, have you enjoyed your walk? Eleanor. Oh, you have discovered me ! Good morning. Captain. So-so ; but it is not precisely agreeable to walk 46 THE BAYONET. with one who is present in person, while her thoughts are elsewhere. Is it, Captain ? Cajjt. F, Perhaps not. Eleanor. Is it, Bessie? Bessie. (PettisJily.) Oh, please stop your nonsense. {Re-enter Colonel. The Copt, and the ladies converse on the left centre.) Mr. M. Captain, {Capt. F. moves toivards Mr. M.) please allow me, sir, to present my friend. Colonel Roland. Colonel, this is the Captain of whom you have heard me speak so often, — rescued my daughter, sir. A perfect gentleman, sir, — yes, sir, perfect gentleman. Col. I am proud to meet you. Captain. Hope you are well, sir. Have heard of 3'ou often, sir. How do you like our Southern country, sir? {They shake.) Capt. F. (Aside.) Here is a new first family man. Thank you. Colonel. I am tolerably well. You seem to have a fine country here, sir. A sort of pastoral country, is it not. Colonel? But you don't seem to pan out heavy on sheep. I thought I should be able to procure some of your celebrated Southern South Down mutton, about here, Colonel. CoL Haven't 3- ou bad an}'' of our mutton yet, sir ? Capt. F. Can't say that I have. Colonel. Col. Why, sir, I assure you I have, or I did have, two hundred of the finest sheep you ever saw, sir. But they have disappeared, sir. Yes, sir, — all gone, sir. Capt. F. Indeed ! Disease, Colonel ? Col. No, sir. I reckon not. It's the niggers or the troops, — I don't know which. Capt. F, Oh ! It must be the niggers. The African is fond of sheep, I have heard. And do you know. Colo- nel, our Northern soldiers come from the cities, mostl^^, and I doubt if they would dare to look a sheep in the face. Oh no. Colonel. It must be the niggers. I am certain of it. Col. Mr. Moore, I told you so. Captain — {Peter re-eriters.) THE BAYONET. 47 Peter (To Mr. Moore). Lunch is ready, sah. Mr. M. All right, Peter. (Exit Peter. P. to house. Capt. Fitzhugli offers his arm to Bessie. The Colonel offers his to Eleanor, They move owards the house.) Bessie. (Aside to the Captain.) Meet me in the grove after lunch without fail. (Captain starts.) Capt. F, (Aside to Bessie.) We will get excused. (To M.) Mr. Moore, will you please excuse us from lunch? Mr. M. Oh, certainly, Captain, if you wish. Yes, sir, — certainly, sir. (Bessie and the Captain move to the left. The others to the right, and into the house.) Col. (Aside to M.) He is fond of that kind of bait. Mr. M. (Aside.) Yes, sir. I have him, sir, — I have him. (Scene closes. Flats in front.) ACT THIRD. SCENE SECOND. (The grove ichere Capt, Fitzhugh and Bessie first met. William, the Captain's servant, is discovered looking, as if for some one to the right.) William. Not yere? I wonder whar dat Captain can be? Dar's music in de air, — dar is. R;3bs 'tack de Yanks. Golly ! And whar will dis yere child be? (Sings.) Oh, ain't T glad I'se out ob de wilderness ? Out ob de wilderness I Out ob de wilderness ! Oh, ain't I glad I'se out ob de wilderness ? Niggers, brees de Lord I 48 THE BAYONET. I wonder whar dat Captain can be ; must come dis yere way befo he goes to de camp. Sam Jones says de rebs will 'tack de Captain's camp to-night, shuah ! Must tell dis 3'ere to de Captain, befo he sees any odder nigger, shuah ! I rudder tink de Captain will make it salubrious for dem rebs. And dat Lieut. Connery — Golly ! What a smooth man, dat Massa Connery. Jest as smooth — jest as smooth — till you rubs de fur de wrong way, and den — diap dat cat ! drap dat cat ! Rebs 'tack dat camp? Go 'way dar, white trash, go 'way dar ! {Discovers the (Jap- tain and Bessie app'roaching. It.) As shuah as I'se going to be free nigger, dar comes de Captain and young missus Bessie. What's de Captain doing with de young missus? Dar's music 3'ere, for sartain — for sartain. I reckon dis yere child had better leave dis yere place. {He hides. Enter Capt. Fitzhugh and Bessie, R.) Capt. F. Bessie, it is hard to believe this. I should hardly think my relations — {hesitates) — I can hardly believe your father would keep this from me. ( William listens.) Bessie. Captain, you don't quite understand. They all know of your friendly relations with — {Checks herself.) Capt. F. Hello ! what 's this ? Bessie. Our family — Capt.F, {Aside.) Oh! Bessie. And they would not let father into the secret, lest, out of gratituae, he might disclose it to you. And it was not easy. Captain, with all my love for the South and our noble cause, thus to betray our friends. But you once befriended me, and we have met quite often since, and — {hesitates) — and I have resolved to befriend you. But if anything should happen to you — Capt. F. Oh! never fear that. {Aside.) Does not this beautiful creature take rather more stock in me than she ought to have in a man with a wife and child ? Bessie. But this will be a desperate tight. And that you should be injured here, so near us — 1 could not en- dure that, — no, no ! THR BAYONET. 49 Copt. F. We shall bo prepared for them, Bessie. It will not be especially desperate, I a|)prehend. {A^hU.) It is hard to tell where the gratitude leaves otf, and the affection begins. Eh ? Bexde. And 3^on will probably capture most of thera. Capt. F. It is my impression now, Bessie, that some of them had better be saving up their money to buy burial caskets if they are particular on that subject. Thirt\ of them, you say? They attack us at ten ; I wish they had concluded to come earlier, so as not to disturb our rest. But J think we will set up for them. liessie. Yes, Captain ; Colonel Roland's house ser- vant, Sam, followed me about this morning, twenty min- utes, to get an opportunity to tell me alone. He didn't dare to go to you for fear of beintr suspected. He says the leader of the party is now ( William still listens) at the Colonel's house, and he overheard them talking it over. • Capt. F. You don't mean to say that that dilapidatecl blonde of a colonel, whom I met at your ftither's house, is in this thing? Why, he was the politest specimen of the chivalry I have seen. He appeared to be especially solic- itous about my health. Bessie. Captain, please don't speak in that manner of our people. They are brave and chivalrous. But the brave and chivalrous are willing to fight for their country, unless, like my father, they are too old for the service, and it is only such creatures as this Colonel Roland who stay at home and talk fight, while they are cowards at heart, that brings us into disrepute, and leads you Northerners to use the word "chivalr}^" as a byeword and a reproach. Oh, we have chivalrous men and women, and you will yet meet them. But please excuse me. Captain, as you know I am not usually so patronizing. You know how to act. Don't trouble Colonel Roland or any one at his house, — that would bring suspicion on us at once. But be prepared, Captain, — be ready. {Hesitates.) Oh, never mind. Please take me to the house. Capt. F. Yes, Bessie, I thank you for great kind- ness and consideration. I know I ought not to have spoken as I did just now ; but I am not a saint, and — {They move off. R.) 5 e50 THE BAYONET. Bessie. There, Captain ! Please say no more about it. Capt. F. Yes. But that blonde Col — {Exeunt. R. William comes from his hiding place.) Wm. If dat nigger, Sam Jones, hasn't done gone tell de young missus — I'se a nigger sinner. Dar's going to be music round about yere. Thirty rebs going for de Yanks. I reckon dat camp is no place for dis yere child. Rebs 'tack de Yanks ! Go way dar, white trash ! Go way, dar! (Sirigs.) But — I lubs to hear the hreezes a kissing in de lano, I liibs to see de old folks when I'se get home again; I Itibs to hear the breezes a bumming all de day, — But de sweetest ting I eber saw, "Was my sweet Sally Gray. {^Shuffles.) Oh, Sally Gray, she looks so gay, I really tink I will: Oh, Sally Gray, she looks so gay. Keep still, me heart, keep still f • Oh, Sally Gray, she looks so gay, I really tink I will; Oh, Sally Gray, she looks so gay. Keep still, me heart, keep still I {Exits- L.) {Scene Closes.) ACT THIRD. SCENE THIRD. {Camp, same as before. Time, half-past nine, P, M, Moon dimly seen through the clouds. Ihe piece of artil- lery off, — sentry as before, — a bright fii e in the middle of the stage. The tents are lighted. In the officers' tent, Capt. Fitzhugh and Lieut. Morgan smoking, — Morgan reads a paper by the light of a candle stuck in a bottle. As the curtain rises, enter soldier with mail-bags, Jrom L. He moves to Sergt. TJiompson's quarters.) JSoL Mail, Sergeant I THE BAYONET. 51 Sergt. T. Turn out for mail ! Turn out for mail ! (Men rush to the Sergeant's tent for letters.) Come! Steady there, men ! ( They gradually disperse — some 2vith letters — to their quarters.) Capt» F. Mr. Morgan, didn't you hear some one say mail? JJeut. Morgan. Yes, sir ; I thought so. Capt. F. Rather late, to-night ; but it is because we are so far from the main camp. (^A soldier moves from the Sergeant's tent to the Captain's with a small package^ such as could be sent by mail, and two letters.) Sol. {To Capt. Fitzhugh.) Mail, sir. Capt. F. Come in. ( The soldier ( Orderly) leaves the mail-matter with the Cap- tain, and moves back to his quarters, saluting at entrance and exit.) Capt. F. A letter from home, — good ! Lieut. Morgan. And one for me, — better ! Capt F. Better for you, you mean, Mr. Morgan. Lieut. Morgan. Oh, yes, sir. {They read. The package is for the Captain, and contains a photograph of his wife and child. He moves to the camp-fire to look at it. Lieut. Morgan remains in his quarters reading.) Capt. F. {Aside with emotion.) A picture of my wife and child ! Such a coincidence ! She did not write me of this. And here I am, hardly out of that old rebel's si^ht and hearing, who talked to me of promotion and wealth, and Be his daughter. {Looks at it again; then at his uniform, forcibly .) I pass ! That blonde Col- onel, however, must be salted. He won't make a hand- some corpse. But what's the use of being particular among friends? {To his tent. To Mr. M.) No bad news, I hope, Mr. Morgan. Lieut. Morgan. Well, no sir ; not absolutely bad. But my poor mother writes very despondentl3\ 52 THE BAYONET. Capt. F. Sorry to hear that, sir. It is the worst feat- ure of this war, the sadness and gloom it brings, like a cold fog about our homes. You will hardly write her to-night ; perhaps not until after this scrimmage is over. Lieut. Morgan. I think I vyill write a word to-night, Captain, and leave it to be sent to-morrow, if anything happens to me. I have a presentiment I shall catch it to-night. Copt. F. Oh no, Mr. Morgan. Of course, you can write, if you see fit. But this will be a one-sided affair. They don't know we are expecting them, and we will giin them as boys shoot chickens in the conntry barnyards. Why, Mr. ISlorgan, I feel now, as if the mine had not been discovered which is to furnish the lead for the bullet to shoot me. Lieut. Morgayi. Yes ; I know you are a cheerful man, Captain, but I — Cct2^t. F. {Inter rvptiTig.) Oh, no ! Here, take a trifle of the army contractors' ready relief! {Proffers him a canteen.) Lieut. Morgan. No, thank you. Captain. Capt. F. No ; but I think I will press my pepper- mint. {TJie Copt, drinks. Morgan wirtes.) Sergeant? {Sergeant appears. Left and rear,) JSergt, T. Here, sir ! dqjt F. Mr. Connery has not yet returned. Seigt. T. He will be due in about twenty minutes. Capt F. Yes. Sergeant, come in. {Sergeant enters the tent.) Sergeant, we are to be attacked to-night. And, Sergeant, this is not a false alarm. Have you any rope in camp? Sergt. T. Yes, sir ; we have about fift}'^ feet of half- inch rope which they left from the forage wagons, when the3^ brought the straw. Capt. F. Well, Sergeant, I wish you to loosen all the gny ropes en this side of the tents. {Points to the side.) Do you understand. Sergeant? Seigt. T. Yes, sir. Capt. F. And fasten the ropes to each of the tents, to extend as far as possible from them, so that at signal THE BAYONET. 53 the tents cm be pulled down instantly, and the camp left clear for gunning purposes. We are going to have a shooting match in this camp. Do you comprehend, Ser- geant? Sergt. T. I think so, sir. Capt. F. Have yowY men pack their knapsacks and take them to the hill over there, and have them ready to withdraw with their pieces and fifty rounds of ammuni- tion. Instruct the picket up the pike to see nobody, and not to allow himself to be taken without giving any alarm ; and the same with the camp-guard, and keep up a good camp-fire. Do you understand, Sergeant? Sergt. T. Perfectly, sir. Capt. F. Have you seen my boy, William, this evening, Sergeant ? Sergt. T. No, sir. I don't think he is in camp. Capt. F. Perhaps that intelligent and discreet citizen has got wind of this. Dismissed. {The Sergeant salutes and retires up.) Mr. Morgan, if we are not able to bag the most of Ihese Johnnies on that plan, our pay ought to be stopped. ( The Sergeant instructs the sentry^ as he passes to his quar- ters — but does not speak so as to he heard. 'J he men are seen moving about., making preparations. Eater Lieut. Connery^ with squad from picket. R. Connery 'moves diredly to his quarters. The squad moves to the men*s quarters; the Sergt. in command.) Seigt. Squad, halt! By the right flank, right face! Break ranks, march I {They disperse.) Lieut. Connery. {To the Captain.) Well, Captain, {lights his pipe) what's up? Good evening, Mr. Morgan. Jdeut Morgan. Good evening, Mr. Connery. Capt. F. What's up? Not much. But somebody is liable to be down before morning. A party of guerillas proposes to surprise this camp to-night. That's all. Lieut. Connery. Yes? Is not that dodge pretty much played out? 54 THE BAYONET. Capt. F. Well, it seems not. It has not been pla3'ed at all yet. Lieut. Connery. But it has been threatened often enough. {Begins to remove his coat and sahre.) Capt. F. Oh, you need not unharness yet. This is a go, certain. They vibit us at ten, or thereabouts, — I know it. J jieut. Connery. Yes? How do you know it? CaiJt. F, My gentle tiger, please excuse me from an- swering that question, although it is not leading {Capt. F. begins to put on his coat and sabre), for it involves pri- vate domestic relations. Lieut. Connery. Yes? Petticoats? Capt F. Yes, petticoats, and possibly duplex elliptics, — old man. This is to be one of the timi^s that tr}' men's souls. Mine don't fully satisfy me, but I think I will stay by and see it out, 1 vvdl explain in detail, presently. Or- derly ! {Orderly enters.) derly. Here, sir ! Capt. F. Tell the 1st Sergeant to have taps blown. {Orderly moves to \st Sergeant Thompso7i's tent.) 1st Sergeant. Bugler, blow taps ! {Taps blown — bugler need not be seen. He uses the Artillery call for tajys. Stage shoidd be perfectly silent ivhile this is going on. Lights out.) Sentry. Lights out ! {Lights disappear through the camp. Captain F. picks up Lieut. Connery's or JAeut Morgan's cap, and uses it as a snuffer to extinguish candle.) Cajjt. F, {Softly.) Sergeant Thompson? Sergt. T. {Softly.) Here, sir. {The camp is now very quiet, and all conversation is in a low tone.) Capt. F. Ropes adjusted? Seigt. T. Yes, sir. Capt. F, Picket and guard instructed ? Sergt, T, Yes, sir. THE BAYONET. 55 Copt. F. Form the compan}^ ! Setgt. T. Yes, sir. (^The Sergt, moves to the tents, looks in — as if calling out the men, but does not speak so as to be heard. The corn- pan f/ forms quietly and silently. Officers stand whispering together.) {To Copt.) Company is formed, sir! Capt. F. Thank you, Sergeant. {Officers in proper places — softly.) Company! Ey the right flank, right face ! Forward by file right, march ! {The company moves off to the left and rear — disappears. Part oj the command remains with Capt. Fitzhugh, and Lieut. Morgan on the left, and the rest, about one-third, with Lieut. Connery, crosses over by the rear of the stage, so as not to be seen, to the right. Enter William, R. William moces to Capt's. tent.) William. {To Sentry.) Mr. Soger, whar is de Cap- tain ? Sentry. What do you want of him, moak? William. De rebs am a coming, shuah ! iSentry. Well, let 'era come ! 1 ain't going to kick, — I ain't ! The Captain is with the company on the hill, over there. You better git out of this. They will maice a stiff' of you, — they will. Wdliam. Oh, I don't fear nuffin ! I'se been watch- ing dem rebs dese two hours. Golly ! Won't dey cotch it ? {Exit L.) {A short interval. Suddenly, about a dozen musket shots are fired into the camp from the attacking paity on the RIGHT, hut the pa,ty is not seen fiom the front. The sentry falls, as if he luere shot; taking care to have his musket near by; his face to the hear of the stage, — Federals quite silent, and unseen. Then, six or eight htads art: seen pushed out from the right, ahd quickly ■withdrawn. 2 hen, enter Col. Jioland.) Colonel. {Softly.) This way, gentlemen ! ( To Cap- tain's tent.) Our game is here. {Fields ttnt empty.) Some derned Yankee game ! 56 THE BAYONET. (//e is followed by a crowd of men^ as many as can be far^ nished, up to twenty-Jive or thirtfj^ in all soi^ts of costumes, and a few gray uniforms. Thy peer about the tents, and one approaches Scot, the sentry, and empties his pockets, KNEELING ON HIM wMle he does it. Another puHs off Scot's boots, or attempts it. As soon as the attack- ing pa ity is well on, the tents are quickly pulled over, and the stage cleared. Light is gradually thrown on the middle of the stage, but not too much of it.) Bebel officer. Now then, men, stand by ! ( The men cluster about him wt no particular order, with their pieces ready for action, looking in all directions.) Capt. F. (Outside, loudly.) Company, ready! Aim! Fire! {They fire. Several of the attacking party drop, and the others face in the direction of the firing.) How are you, chivalry? Charge! {Fitzhugh's men should be so posted as to show the blaze of their muskets to the audience, and at the command ''' charge !" they commence to cheer and yell. But they must not come on too quickly for they are supposed to come some little distance.) Rebel officer. Stand up to them, men ! Ready ! Aim ! Fire ! {They fire on Capt. Fitzhugh's party before they gt in sight from the front.) Stand firm, men ! {They rally about him at " charge bayonets. ") Capt. F. Rall^', men, rally ! Give them your steel ! Go for them ! {Capt. Fitzhugh's party charges doivn on the attacking party from the left. The attacking party pours in their reseuved fire. Seoeral if F's. men drop, including Lieut, Morgan. Attacking party stands firm. Capt. Fitzh ugh' s party rktires. The attacking party at this, cheer wildly, mid yell.) Capt. F. ( Outside on left.) Steady, there, men ! Get into line ! Dress up on the left, there ! Now, go f jr them again ! Charge ! THE BAYONET. 57 {The attacking party in the meantime is reloading' Capt. Fitzh lights party again moves on the attacking party in the centre of the stage with cheers and yells. The last yield ; they fall back nearer the right. Capt. Fitzhugh's men gire fresh cheers^ and just thf^n Lieut. Cannery ivith his men dashes out from the right and the rear on the attack- ing party.) Lieut. Cannery. Surrender, you lousy rascals ! Drop your pieces and down on your knees ! {They throw down their pieces, some drop on their knees., others throw up their arms in t)ken of surrender.) Capt. F. Look out there, Mr. Connery ! You are los- ing your temper. Lieuf. Connery. Yes, I came near it. Colonel. {Rising, picks itp a musket and aims at Capt, Fitzhugh.) IJere goes one for luck ! /Sergeant. {/Using, shoots the Colonel, ju> rhaps you have heard, of me. Clarence King." Good Heavens ! Connery ! This is the affianced lover of Be , — of the lady who gave us information of the guerilla attack. Lieut. Connery. Yes, I thought so. Capt. F. Connery, please go in ; make some excuse to that M. C, and get him out here ; and keep Thompson in there wiiile I talk with the public benefactor. I never be- fore thought a member of Congress could be of any earth- ly use ; but I have changed my mind. Lieut. Connery. Yes, certainly, Captain. {Lieut. Connery enters cook-room ) Capt. F. Clarence King — Bessie Moore's lover, ap- peals to me. Hang him ! Quartermaster, you need not make a requisition tor that rope. {Enter Bloivhard, from cook-room.) Mr. Blowhard, please excuse me, sir, for in- terrupting you at dinner ; but it is a case of life and death. Blowhard. Captain ! 6* bb THE BAYONET. Capt. F, Yes, sir ! Perhaps you have heard of our scrimmage with the guerillas, where we were saved through the information of a lady ? Blowhard. I think I did hear of it. There was a lad}* in the case if I remember correctly. Rather romantic, was it not? Capt. F. Very romantic, and exceedingly convenient. Now, sir, a confederate officer to whom that lady is en- gaged, has been arrested, tried, and convicted as a spy, and sentenced to be hung. The findings of the court are on the way to Washington by this time, and I wish to save him, — to have him pardoned. Blowhard. But suppose he really were a spy ? Capt. F. But he was not ! 1 — Blowhard. Excuse me ; he has been convicted as such. Capt. F. Mr. Blowhard, I care not if he were a spy ! His future wife, if we can save him, once saved my life, and perhaps the lives of most of our company. Now, I propose to save him, guilty or not guilty! Will you assist me? Blowhard. Well, Captain, j^ou seem to take this so much at heart, 1 think we will see what can be done. Capt. F. Thank you, Mr. Blowhard. {Takes his hana.) God bless you ! Go in and finish your dinner. I am off' to head-quarters for a leave of absence, and then to one of my battery friends for horses — we must start to- night — to-night, Mr. Blowhard. Blowhard. But, Captain, it is a ride of fifty miles ! Capt. F, And it is a case of life and death ! Bloivhard. {Hesitating.) I will go. Capt. F, Good ! {Mr. Blowhard to cook-room. Capt. F. to right door.) Clarence, my boy, 1 will save thee ! {Scent closes. Flats in front .) THE BAYONET. 67 ACT FOURTH. SCENE SECOND. {A wood in Virginia, Thin growth of maple, cedar, oak and hemlock trees.) (Enter Capt. FitzhugK) Capt. F. If that M. C. didn't turn up just in time ! What a coincidence ! Bessie Moore saved me from those blood-thirsty guerillas, and now I am to save her lover, Clarence King, from the gallows. Stand a man on a caisson, tie a rope about his neck, fasten the other end to a tree, and then move on the caisson and leave him to struggle with the rope, — ugh ! It's bad enough to stand up and take your chance of being shot for the politicians of your country ; but I don t think it would be sweet to die for one's country on the end of a rope. Clarence, ray ^oy, you shall have a chance of getting winged, and become an experimental subject for some youthful medical student. (He discovers Mr. B. and William approaching.) Hello ! who is this ? (Enter Blowhard and William. William has a lantern. L.) Blowhard. Captain — you here ? on 3-our way back to camp, I suppose? Capt. F. Yes, sir. I have the leave and the horses. Blowhard. I am so glad you have been so successful. I thought I ought not to leave camp without calling on your Colonel, and I asked William to show me over. The Colonel don't live in my district, but he is a very influen- tial man in an adjoining district. Cap)t. F. Certainly — 1 go in for influential men, strong just now. 1 suppose you know acres of those people in Washington. l3o you wish anything more of William, sir? I will accompany you to the Colonel's quarters. Bloiuhard. Oh, no. He onl^^ came to direct me. 68 THE BAYONET. Capt. F, William, you can return to camp, and 3'oa can take the lantern with you ; we can get on better with- out it. Come, Mr. Blowharcl, if you please. {Exeunt, R.) William. Yes, sah, I ken go back to de camp — but dar is suffing goinonyere, dar is ; mighty cuiious child, disyere — mighty curious. {Discovery's some one coming.) What ! Why, bress me, if dar isn't a white trash! {Enter poor Virginia farmer from L. William holds lantern full in his face.) Who is yer, Mister? Farmer. Whose nigger are you ? William. See here, white trash. 1 don't want none of yer tobacco field talk, — dat's played out. I'se one of Uncle Sam's boys, — I is. Squit yer lip music ! Squit j-er non- sense, old rebellion. Farmer. {Aside.) The insolence of these niggers, when the Federals are about! But thare may be a regi- ment near by. William. {Aside.) What 's dat bacon-and-greens trash muttering about? Farmer. My good man — \\illiam. Dar it is ! Dat's de way you all talk when de Yanks am yere. Farmer. But, my good man, can j^ou tell me where the sutler is? William. Lookingforde sutler, is yer? Werry bad time dis yere for you folks to be looking for de sutler. Got a pass? Got any money? Farmer. {Nt^rvously .) I have only a little confederate money, my good man. William. What ! Confederate money I Farmer. No ; I mean greenbacks, — a small amount of greenbacks to buy a few stores foi- my family. {Aside.) I believe this nigger means to rob me. William^ See yere ! Old brick dust ! De sutler's tent am a right smart ways down dar, and you better be getting ; lor if any ob our boys finds you yere, dey will clean you out, — do you hear ? Faimer. Yes; I hear ; I'm going. Good evening, my good man, good evening. THE BAYONET. 69 {Exit R.) William. Dat's played. Git ! Git dar, Johnny ! Dese yere white trash am mighty good when de Yanks am y^^i'e ; but when de rebs come, — git dar, nigger ! Git ! ( Widiam moves towards left.) "What's dis yere. (Hides.) {Enter a squad of soldiery^ a corporal and four men. Between the men marches Cllarence King. — William watches.) William, If dat was not Massa King, I neber see him befo. Whar is dey going ? ( The soldiers move directly across the stage without halting^ and off at the right.) Willia7n. Whar is dey going wid Massa Clarence? {Widiam follows. Scene closes. Flats open.) ACT FOURTH. SCENE THIRD. {Head-quarters of Col. McManus. Ten days have elapsed since last scene. On the right a poor Virginia planter's house of squared logs, whitewashed, loith broad portico, one story and a half high. Locust trees about on the LEFT ; tico or three officers' wall tents. It is in the evening ; a sentry in an overcoat, paces in front, and there is a bright camp fire burning in the middle, about halfway back. En- ter Col. McManus from house to portico.) Colonel. Sentry ! Has Mr. Connery sent me another orderly ? Sentry, No, sir. But Mr. Connery is in the adjutant's quarters. Colonel. {Loudly.) Mr. Connery ! {Connery appears from officers' tent.) Lieut. Connery. Yes, Colonel ! 70 THE BAYONET. Colonel. Excuse me, Mr. Connery, for calling 3^011 out, but my boots are off. How al>oat that orlerly? Lieut, Connery. Yes, Colonel. The Sergeant made another detail before 1 left camp. Scot, who was on duty here, was takeu sick. Colonel. Sick, or drunk '^ Lieut. Connery. Yes, a little of both, perhaps. {Aside ) But I don't understand it — here at head-quarters. Some- thing is up ! But here comes the Sergeant, now, sir. {Enter Sergt. Harding, li. With him, Bessie Moore, dis- guised as a Federal Soldier, — Private Milroy. This disguise must be perfect. None of those fancy^ big-hipped, lady-like soldiers, but a Federal soldier in the proper uniform; and, as it is in the 7iight-time. he can wear an oven-oat.) Sergt. H. {Salutes.) Detail for orderly, sir. Colonel. All right. Sergeant dismissed. {Exit R. Lieut. Connery scrutinizes Milroy.) Colonel. Have you done any orderly duty, my man? Milroy. {Salutes.) Only at company head-quarters, sir. Colonel. It is the same here. Make yourself comfort- able where 3^ou can hear me when 1 call. {Colonel re-enters house.) Lieut. Connery. Where have I seen that face before? {Lieut. Conyiery re-enters officers' quarters. Milroy saunters about, looking here and there.) Sentry. Say, old pal ; just jined? Mdroy. T joined two clays since. Sentry. Then 30U must have a chaw about yer. Milroy. Certain 1}^ {Proffers sentry tobacco.) Sentry. That's none of yev sutler's plug, is it? Milroy. Oh, no ! I bought it in Washington, on my way here. {Looks about.) Would you like a drink? Sentry. You bet ! Got any? {Milroy nods ) Go out there, where it is darker. Some bloody smeller may be THR BAYONET. 71 round. [They move icell to left ; he drinks,') That's good for the chills ; got that in Washington, too, old pal? Mill oy. Yes I Sentry. I thought so. {He paces. Mihoy moves as far as possible from the sen- try to the left. Sentry keeps iceJl to the right ) Mihoy. {Aside.) So far 1 have been fortunate, indeed. I had some little difficulty in gcttiiii^ into this regiment, but luckily they were in need of recruits. But I was ter- ribl}^ scared when I was detailed into Capt. Fitzhugli's company ; and how fortunate for me that the Captain is absent on leave. I don't think this disguise, even, would deceive him; for Lieut. Connery, who never saw me but once, has been watching me sharply. What if they detect me ! Oh, Clarence ! Clarence ! how much I love thee ! But the papers 1 To find the papers ! Sentry. Say, old pal ! what are you doing out there? Milroy. Oh, nothing, — I'm only thinking. Sentry. Kind of lonesome ? Oh, you will get use to it. Milroy. Yes; I think so. {Aside.) That is the office tent. {Loud laughter and noise in the office tent.) The papers must be in there. But how to get at them. Those officers seem likel}' to make a night of it. Hear them. They little know, and for that matter, perhaps, little care, for the misery and sufferings of others. And Clarence is in irons almost within hearing of their carousal. Oh, this war! This horrid, cruel war! But the papers ! Those fearful papers, condemning my Clarence to be hung like a dog. {Shudders.) Let me but find them, and destroy them, and it will give our friends time to work for his pardon, and then to escape from this, before the Captain returns. {Colonel comes from the house to the portico.) Col. Orderly ! Milroy. Here, sir ! Cot. Take these papers to brigade head-quarters. Do you know where they are? Milroy. Oh yes, sir ! ( Takes the papers. Colonel re-enters the house.) 72 THE BAYONET. 3filroy. ( To sentry,) Please tell me where the brigade head-quaiters are? Sentry. {Laughs.) Ob, just across there, old pal. That big Sibley tent is where you want to go. (M. mt^ves ojf, i?., looking at the papers,) Milroy, What if the papers were here I {Exit R.) Sentry, Blow me, if that isn't the garaest cove I ever see; didn't know where he was going, and wouldn't ask old Mc. {Enter WiUiam^ L.) !Say, Moak ; haven't a chaw, have yer? William. Course, 1 has ; as de Captain says, I am fond of the critter comforts. {Proffers sentry tobacco.) Sentry. Good boy, Moak. You are going to vote, you are. William. Yes, sah I Soger, you hasn't seen nuffln of dem odder niggers, has yer? Sentry. Oh, yes 1 They are in the kitchen, they are. William. I'll go in dar. {Moves off, as if to go in the rear of the house on the right, suddenly turns to the left.) {Aside.) I wonder whar dat massa King can be. About yere somewhere, shuah I He is de man what dey tried for de spy. Hang dat massa King ! De debil dey will. {I^xit L. Re-enter Milroy, R.) Milroy. Not among those, surely. {Noise in the office tent.) Will they ever vacate that tent? Wdliam. {Outside, loudly.) Help, dar! Help, dar! Come out yere some ob you niggers ! ( Wiltiam rushes on, L.) Where dose niggers? {Discovers Milroy.) Here, soger ! Come out yere, if you please ! Dar is an officer has fell down dar, and de man is done gone killed. Come out yere. Mr. Soger, if yuu please ! ( WiUiam retreats, and is followed by Milroy. They bring in Capt. Fitzhugh, icho is insensible; when they get near the camp fire William recognizes the Captain.) THE BAYONET. 73 William. Oh, golly, soger ! It's de massa Captain ! It*s de massa Captain ! {Milroy stands confounded.) {Connery rashes out of the office tent ) Lieut. Connery. William, what's the matter here? Whom have you there? {Rtcognizesthe Captain.) Good Heavens ! it's the Captain ! Bring him in here. {Lieut. Connery takes the Captain by the shoulders.) La}^ hold of bis feet there, my man ! You look as if you were petri- fied ! ( All take hold, and carry him in. William rushes out of the tent.) William. De doctor ! whar am de doctor ? {Exit L. Milroy comes from the tent.) Milroy. Capt. Fitzhiigh here ! and hurt ! perhaps fatally. His horse must have fallen on him. Poor fellow ! But how fortunate that he could not see me ; 1 was com- pletely unnerved. {Enter Doctor and William, L. They move to the tent ivhere the Captain ivas taken,) William. Dar doctor, he is in dar. {They enter the tent. Williain comes out immediately.) William. Yes, sah. I '11 hab a bucket ob water dar in de twinklin' ob a lam's tail ! {Exit L.) Milroy. I wish I knew how badly he is injured. But it won't do for me to go in there. Sentry. Say, old pal, what's the row? Milroy. An officer's horse has fallen and injured him. Sentry. Oh! is that all? Say, old pal, you wouldn't mind giving me another pull at that glass friend of yours? Milroy. Oh, no ; you are welcome. {Milroy turns his back to the officers' quarters to give the drink to sentry They talk together. Connery looks fro7n the tent. lie-enter William, L., with bucket.) William. Yere is de water! Yere it is, doctor! 7 74 THE BAYONET. ( William enters tJie tent and comes therefrom directly ivith the Captain's coat.) Did any white man eber see such a looking coat as dis yere? {Paper drops Jrom the coat.) What's dat? Mighty big paper dat. {Takes it to thefire^ stoops to read. Spells.) C-1-a-r-e-n-c-e, Klarance ! What's dis? K-i-n-g. King! Wliy, dis yere am about de massa King ! P-a-r-d-o-n, Pardon ! What ! ! Oh, golly, golly ! But dis yere must go to massa King befo dis nigger sleeps. ( William drops the coat. Exit />., hastily.) {Cannery leaves the tent and moves to the rear and left and conceals himself. Col. Mc. appears on the portico.) Colonel. Orderly ! Here, orderly ! Milroy. Here, sir ! {Salutes.) Colonel. Orderly, take these papers to the adjutant's quarters. Ask him to please look them over to-night. Tell him they came by to-night's mail. You can then be excused for the night. {Milroy takes the papers. Colonel re-enters the house.) Milroy. {Aside.) What if the paper were here? {Peers about and looks at the papejs.) 1 can't see here. {Moves to the fire.) That's not it, nor that. {Starts.) Merci- ful heavens ! Here it is. {Beads ) " Henry Eaton," he gave that name. "Hung!" "Approved." {Pushes this 2^aper into his pocket.) But the others — I must de- liver them, or I shall be suspected before J can get away. {He enters the office tent, leaves the others, and moves to- wards the fire. Cannery watching.) Sentry, Say, old pal ! Getting cold, ain't you? You have been dismissed, you have. Milroy. Yes ; I was a little cold, but I am going to camp now ; good night ! Sentry. Good night, old pal ! Turn out early in the morning, old pal ! {Sentry paces hack to Milroy.) 3Iilroy. Oh, yes! {Coyinery watching. Milroy moves to the fire.) Let me be sure. Yes, yes! This is the paper. {Looks about, and lights ii. Coniiery approaches, THE BAYONET. 75 and when it is about half burnt.) Safe! Thank God ! Safe for the present ! {Coimery lays his hand on Milroy*s shoulder from behind.) Lieut. Cannery. Yes, safe ! {Tableau. Scene doses, — flats in front.) ACT FOURTH. SCENE FOURTH. (Aivood^same as scene second, third act. Enter private Scot, R., apparently unarmed; his coat is open, bat he carries a pistol under his coat.) Scot. Here it is six o'clock in the morning, and that cove, Mih-oy, not 3'et in camp. Jumped his bounty so quick. Here he gives me fifteen dollars (takes out the bills) to play sick, and let him have my post at old Mac's headquarters. But blow me, if I can make out what he wanted there. He might have cut from camp, if he wanted to shake us — he could. Oh, I guess he didn't know any better, and hived in with some of those head-quarter rib- roasters. Won't they skin him at draw? That Sergeant is a natural carder he is. Fifteen dollars ! and I says, I'll go down to the sutler's and jerk me a pair of them high top boots — I will. {Discovers a citizen approaching.) Hullo, that old Johnny has just bought a pair of them boots. Them's my boots. {Enter citizen, L.) Hullo ! old secesh ! How's your family? Citizen. Good morning, stranger ! My family is right well, I reckon, consideriu' how wearedruvup. Stranger, this war has ruined me ! J have lost ten likely niggers, all my stock, last week your people tuk the old mar, and now my daughter has run otf with one of your officers. Scot. Kind of rough, Johnny. Say, Johnny, what time is it? 76 THE BAYONET. Citizen. {Nervously.) I don't know what time it is, — on my honor as a gentleman, I don't know. sir. {Soldier draivs his pistol^ moves quickly on the citizen^ and presents it.) Scot. Say, Old Dominion, shell ! I want that ticker , I do. Citizen. 'Fore heaven, sir, I really don't know what time of day it is. 'Fore heaven, I don't, sir. Scot. No chin ! Shell ! or I will start a new Southern graveyard ! {Citizen gives Scot the watch.) Citizen. Stranger, that watch has been in my family twenty years. Scot. Oh, cheese it! that's too long for a watch to be in any one famil}^ I will keep it in mine a few days for a change. {Points to his boots.) Rebellion, come up out of them boots ! Citizen. Stranger, I have just bought these boots at your sutler's, down there. Stranger, my darter is to be married to-morrow to the officer, and I — Scot. {Interrvptihg.) Come up! {He pulls off the hoots. Scot moves off^ and pulls off' his hoots.) Issue me them mud hooks ! {They exchange hoots.) Sa}^ Johnny, do you live inside the lines .'^ Citizen. No, stranger. I got a pass to come in and buy — Scot. Come down with that pass? Citizen. But, stranger, if I am found inside the lines without a pass, I shall be arrested as a spy. Scot. That's m}^ little game. Come down with that pass! {Citizen gives Scot the pass.) But I will see you out of the lines; I knows the fellers on picket. Fall in, chivalry ! Squad about face ! ( 7 he citizen faces about as Scot ai7ns the pistol at him.) Forward, march ! {They move sloiily to the left.) Oh, I'll see ycu safely out of the lines. There is nothing mean about me. Oh, no ! Only I'm poor — I am — and I have to provide for myself. {Exeunt^ L. Scene closes. Flats in front.) THE BAYONET. 77 ACT' FOURTH. SCENE FIFTH. {Captain FKzImgh's head-quarters same as before; 8 A.M. 2 he captain is seen in his bed. Lieutenant Thompson near^ smoTxing and reading. A drill call outside. Capt, F. sits up in bed. He has on his trousers and stockings and woollen .shirt.) Capt. F. Mr. Thompson ! Was not that the drill call ? Lieut. Thompson. Yes, sir; it's now eight o'clock. Capt. F. I had no idea it was so late. {Feels of his neck and side.) Mr. Thompson ; I'm as stiff as one of those wooden Indians in trout of the tobacco stores ! Blazes ! But I feel as if I had been used for a foot ball. Lieut. Thompson. Well, Captain ; you were lucky to get off without any broken bones, considering that you run your horse directly into a ditch, some four feet deep, near head-quarters. When they brought you here I thought we should have to plant you, Captain. Capt. F. Plant me ! Run my horse into a ditch ! Why didn't the horse know enough to keep out of the ditches? According to your view of the case, it came near being my 'Mast ditch." Eh, Thompson? May I trouble yoi; for ray coat ? There is a paper in it I wish to examine^ Lieut, Tlwmpson, Certainly, Your overcoat? Capt. F. No, my frock cog.t. It's there, is it not? Lieut, Thompson. No, Captain. You wore only j'our overcoat when they brought you here. {F. starts^ — leaves the bed.) Capt. F. My coat not here? Here! William! Wil- liam;! where are my boots? What's t.he matter with that boy? Fire! fire I I dislike to excite William's hopes so ^arly in the morning, Mr. Thompson, but I don't s^ce my biOOts, do yoa? " ^ Lieut. Thompson. William has not been hcfre ?' about nine o'clock, last evening, sir. 7* ince 78 THE BAYONET. Capt. F. What! William not here? Mr. Thompson, this company is getting demoralized. Lieut. Thompson. Uncle Peter sa3^s he was not in camp last night. I will find yonr boots, Captain. {Exit C. R.) Capt. F. My coat missing,- — and the pardon with it. I snppose they pulled off tho coat when they took me into the Adjutant's (juarters, and put me back into the over- coat because it was easier to get on. 1 didn't come up very smiling after that round with the ditch. Here ! Orderly ! Orderly ! {Enter Orderly, R.) Orderly. Here, sir. {Salutes.) Capt. F, Orderly, go over to regimental head-quarters and see if they have my frock coat there. Bring it here. Lively! Orderly! {Orderly starts.) Don't drop any pa- pers from it ! Mind, now I Orderly. Yes, sir. {Exit Orderly, R, Re-enter Thompson with the Captain's boots, which gives to the Captain.) Copt. F. Thank you. {He pnlls on one, and com- mences to pull on the other.) Where is Mr. Connery? Lieut. Thompson. Don't know, Captain. {Capt, Fitzhugh stops tvith the boot half-way on.) Capt. F. Don't know? See here, Mr. Thompson, will you have the kindness to offer me a driuk, and if I refuse it, 1 shall then know I am asleep, as I now more than half suspect. Is he on picket duty ? Lieut. Thompson. No, sir. He turned out very earl}', this morning, and I overheard one of the men say he went towards army head-quarters. {Rap outside.) Copt. F. {Crossly.) Come in ! {Enter L., 1st Sergt. Hard in g.) Sergt. H. {Salutes.) Morning report, sir. {Gives the Captain the rep)ort.) One man missing. Capf.F. What? THE BAYONET. 79 SeryL IT, One man missing, =— Milroy, a recruit^ sir. On duty at regimental head-quarters, last night ; cut of camp all night ; not on post this morning. Capt. t. {Quietly; for he must shotv no feeling in the presence of the ^Sergeant.) All right, Sergeant ; dismissed. {Sergeant salutes. Exit L. Then, vigoroiidij.) How many recruits have we received in my absence? Lieut. Thompson. Six, sir. Cajn. F. And one of those high-price patriots jumps his bountj\ so soon? Lieut. Thompson. So it seems, sir. Copt. F. Mr. Thompson, this command is going to the devil. My coat is lost, William disappears, Mr. Connery goes off kiting all over the country, and the men com mence to desert,- — all in twelve hours. We ought to be mustered out, and made sutlers, or Freedmen's Bureau agents. Lieut. Thompson. Captain, I know you are not in the habit of drinking before breakfast, but 1 think a cocktail will do you good this morning. I know of no other rem- ed}' for all this, which is a mystery to me. Copt. F. Do yon, though? Well, Mr. Thompson, now I come to notice it, your head is quite horizontal on the top there. I think 1 will wet my Federal clay. But, make it a mild, lady-like ration, if you please, sir. {Rap outside.) Come in ! {Enter Doctor — {Surgeon Walker,) E.) Good morning, friend Quinine ! Doctor. Good morning, gentlemen. Lieut. Thompson. Hoav do you do. Doctor? Ca2)t. F. Uncle Peter ! uncle Peter 1 Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. Copt. F. Lay another plate for breakfast. Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. {Doctor moves to the Captain^ and feels of his pulse ) Doctor. A little fever. Quiet, and rest, though, is all you need. {The Captain arrangis his toilet. Thompson is mixing drinks.) Copt. F. Quiet and rest ! This is a nice spot for quiet and rest ! Doctor, what did you do with my coat last niffht ! 80 THE BAYONET. (^Doctor mecUfates.) Doctor. I think your bo,v, William, took it to clertn. Capt. F. My boy, William 1 Was that peregrinating African at head-quarters last night, when I located myself there ? Doctor. Certainly ; he was the first to find you. Copt. F. And now he turns up missing. Lieut. Thompson. Doctor, shall I mix yon a cocktail? Capt. F. Of course ; the Doctor knows the efficacy of " commissary ^' in driving off the chills. Doctor. If you please. {Raps outside.) Capt. F. Come in. {Enter Col. McMamis,) Colonel, how do 3^ou do? Colonel. Nicely, thank you, Captain. Good morning, Doctor. Good morning, Mr. Thompson. Putting up some of the Doctor's prescri[)tion? LieiU. Thompson. Yes, Colonel ; have one? Colonel. Don't care if I do. Doctor. He needs it. Capt. F. Uncle Peter ! Vncle Teter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. (.>apt. F. Lay another plate lor breakfast. Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Y^es, sah. Capt. F. Colonel, have you seen Mr. Connery this morning ? Colonel. No, Captain ; why do you ask me? Capt. F. Oh! for no especial reason. About half of my camp and most of my waidrobe is missing ; he among the rest. Colonel. 1 think he will turn up at the right time. It's a way he has. Capt. F. {Aside.) What does all this mean? There is some mystery here. (i?ops outside.) Come in. {Enter Orderly with cocU. L.) Orderly. Coat, sir. {Salutes.) {Hands the Captain his coat, who feels for the Pardon, at once.) THE BAYONET. 81 Copt F. {Aside.) Not here ! Where did 5'ou find it, Orderly ? Orderly. The camp-guard had it. Found it on the ground, this morning. Capt. F. Go directly back, and search where it was found. There is a paper missing from the pocket. Orderly. Yes, sir. {Salutes. Exit, L.) Capt. F. {Aside.) William had this coat, and left it on the ground all night ; and now he is missing, and the pardon also. What does tliis mean? {Loudly.) Gen- tlemen, there is going to be a first-class row in this army ! Colonel, How's that? \ Doctor. What? > {Together.) Lieut. TJiompson. Captain ! j Capt. F. Excuse me. I think my nerves are just a trifle weak this morning. As the first-family men saj^ *' Come, gentlemen, let's liquor ! " Lieut. Thor)ipbon. Here they are. {He indicates the cocktails ivhich he has mixed.) Capt. F. It is of no use, Colonel ; fire won't bring that boy this morning. Col. Indeed! Where is he? Capt. F. That is just what I have been trying to ascer- tain. ( They get their dippers or mugs in hand and arrange themselves for the tableau, — the Colonel in the middle, Doctor and Thompson on his right {the left), and the Capt. on his left {the right.) Gentlemen, I am — {They raise their dip- pers or mugs. Rap outside. Fettishly.) We shall never get this drink. Come in I {Enter Mrs. Fitzhugh and Clara Connelly.) {Tableau.) Clara. Where's Dick ? Where's Dick ? {She rushes about for him.) Mrs. F. Husband ! Capt. F. My wife here ? {They embrace.) 82 THE BAYONET. Clara. Where is Dick? Here, I must embrace some one. Col. Me! Doctor. Me ! Lieut. Thompson. Me ! ( Clara iv ithdraws.) Clara. Excuse me, gentlemen. Please consider your- selves all embraced. But, Captani, where is Dick? He is — (hesitates) — ^he is not hurt, Captain. Capt. F. Oh, no ! He was all right at daylight this morning, and as he has not been in action since with any- thing stronger than commissary, I think he is safe enough now. He will be here soon, I hope. Clara. Oh, thank you, Captain, thank you. Capt. F. Gentlemen, excuse me. In the excitement of this rather unexpected arrival of recruits, I have for- gotten to present you. Gentlemen, — Mrs. Fitzhugh, and Miss Clara Connery, my first officer's gushing sister. Clara. Oh! Captain! Capt. F. Ladies, — this is our Colonel, Colonel Mc- Manus ; and this is our surgeon, Dr. Walker. He is not the original Dr. Walker, for you will notice he wears the regulation clothing above his boots. And this is my second officer, Mr. Thompson. Clara, 3^ou will remember Mr. Thompson as our first sergeant, when we left home. Clara. {To T.) I am happy to meet you, Lieutenant. Lieut. Thompson. Thank you. {They step aside together, and take a position on the right, tolerably ntar the right door. Mrs. Fitzhugh is on the right of her hnshaod, the Captain; the left, the Doctor; and the Colonel on the right of the Doctor, — the left of the stage.) Capt. F. Uncle Peter ! Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. Capt. F. Lay two more plates foi- breakfast. Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. Capt. F. Is not tbis a perlect surprise, Colonel? 31rs. F. As .we intended to make it. Capt. F. As much, Captain, to you, as it was two hours since to 'nie. THE BAYONET. 88 Ca2yt. C, Yes ; it is a perfect success. And if Mr. Connery were only here to see Clara. {Enter Gonnery with Bessie Moore in her proper costume^ R. All start.) Lieut. Connery. Yes, Connery is here. {Discovers Claia.) Clara, you here? Clara, Dick! Oh, Dick! {They embrace.) Capt. C. Is it possible? Miss Bessie Moore here? Lieut Connery. Yes, she seems to be now. But I was in doubt about it, yesterday. Capt. F. Mr. Connery, please illuminate this subject. Lieut. Connery. Yes ; perhaps, though, the Colonel can do it better. Copt. F. The Colonel? More and more mystery. Doctor, please experiment on me, and let me know who I am, and where I am. {All laugh.) Col. Yes, Captain. Brieflj^, this is your missing yq- cvmt^ private Milroy ! Capt. F. Bessie Moore in Federal blue? Bessie. Indeed I was, yesterday. Col. Yes. Captain, Private Milroy enlisted in our regi- ment to save Henry Eaton, who is not Eaton, but Clarence King, and for whom Miss Moore has something of a liking. Private Milroy induced the Sergeant to detail him to our head-quarters last night, to enable him to destroy the find- ings of the court, and thereby gain time for his friends lo secure a pardon. Capt. F. Yes, Colonel, but he is already par — Coi. Excuse me. Captain ; Private Milroy succeeded in destroying the papers, and Mr. Connery — - Lieut. Country. Yes ; Connery happened to detect the fair incendiary in the act, and took him, — her, — to the Colonel's quarters. Bessie. And the Colonel's lady kindly loaned me this suit, which, perhaps, better becomes me than did the uni- lorm. 84 THE BAYONET. Capt. F. This is wonderful! Do 3^011 know, Colonel, this reminds me of the Arabian Nights business. Excuse me; I hiive forgotten to present you, Be, — Miss Bessie. Well, perhaps you all feel pretty well acquainted ; at least, you ought to by this time if you don't. But, Mr. Con- nery, why were you up so early this morning? Col. To get the approval at army head-quarters of Private Milroy's discharge. Lieut. Coimery. Yes ; here it is. {Gives it to Bessie.) Bessie. Thank you, Mr. Connery. Capt. F. Oh yes ! You have all done considerable in the sensation and surprise line ; itoiv for my turn, for our work is not yet completed. As to the pardon — {Enter Clarence King and Wm. R.) Wm. Wherefo' am de job not done? Massa Captain, yere is de pardon ! {Holds out the pardon which Connery takes.) And yere is de man ! {Bessie and Clarence King rush into each others arms^ and Wm. shuffles.) Dat's right ! Dat's right ! Capt. F. What's this? Why, this was to be my part of the sensation business ; but never mind. {Bessie cuid King separate.) Be — , Miss Bessie, this, 1 suppose, is the happy ma 1? Bessie. Indeed, he is. Clarence. Indeed, I am. And, Captain, I thank you. I {The Captain interrupts.) Cap)t. F. Oh, never mind that, old fellow. I only did a man's duty, Clarence. And, I thank you all, including my faithful and true friend here, William. Williayn. Yes, Massa King, dis am a big day for dis yere camp. Bessie. Mr. Connery, {Connery comes forward) I wish to thank 3'ou, sir, for your manl}^ consideration and great kindness. Now, {she takes Clarence by the hand) now, 1 think I can say, — safe, at last ! THE BAYONET. 85 Lieut. Connery. {Giving the pardon to King.) Yes, — now — safe ! Capt. C. Uncle Peter ! uncle Peter ! Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. Capt. C. Uncle Peter, lay all the plates for breakfast. Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sab. ( Uncle Peter thrusts his head through the cook-room door.) Unde Peter. {Aside,) Wbat de debil is de matter yere ? Capt. F. My friends, — a short time since, and before my family got to be so happily extensive as it new is, we were about to take something for the chills. I think, noio, we will postpone it, until I can send to the sutler's and procure something that will enable the ladies to join us, ivhen^ if you please, we will drink to this sentiment : — '' May the deplorable events which now distract our un- fortunate country, terminate as happily as these adven- tures seem likel}" to end." {Tableau.) {Curtain down,) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 211 958 4 # LIBRARY OF CONGRESS H 014 211 958 4 •