D’A. You will be killed. Conceal yourself beneath the floor. (Rebs. knock holes in middle of door with an axe.)
Hezekiah. Yes, go, Zina. God bless yer brave little heart.
Barney. Please go, little girl, ye can’t do us no good! (Heavy, increasing firing R. Blows on the door rapid and continuous. She holds it.)
D’A. You cannot defend us! (Zina seizes carbine and, springing back, exclaims:)
Zina. I am a Halcom! This rifle shall avenge my mother’s life. (Confederates smash the door until they knock it to pieces. Then the door breaks down and a crowd of rebels rush through, 5 rapid shots from Zina and they retreat to outside, 3 men fall. She drops the old and seizes another carbine as Brightly urges them back. Five more shots throw them into a crowding confusion at the door, when she stops firing from unloading. Brightly and six soldiers rush to left front. Zina draws knife to defend prisoners.)
Brightly. (As he and soldiers dash to L.) Kill the prisoners. (Soldiers spring forward to bayonet them and are met by Zina.)
Zina. Who strikes the helpless is a coward! (Soldiers hesitate, with bayonets at her breast.)
Brightly. You shall be food for my dogs!
Zina. Coward! Thief! Assassin of my mother!
Brightly. So you bite the hand that fed you to life!