Sally. (Bristling up.) I will have blood for that! Blood, sir! R. R. (As Hez. turns to L. she dashes out R. and hides.)
Hezekiah. If I don’t (turns to L. to throw off hat and coat.) collapse your constertushun, I hope I may rot. (Turning, he finds she has disappeared.) There’ll be two or three fewnerals round here bime by. (Looks out L. U. E.) There comes a Johnny! (Hides, L. Brightly enters cautiously, L. U. E. As he works along towards R. U. E., Hez. creeps up behind, and pounces on him, throwing him down. They tussle all about the rear of the stage. Enter Barney, L. and dances about to get in the fight, as scene closes.)
Scene 2. Landscape and Wood. Centre.
(Enter Sherman and Halcom, at L. U. E., and go to R.)
Sherman. I am about to attempt the capture of Atlanta by a flank movement. I wish you to throw your Division forward and occupy that ridge on the right of the railway. I have ordered twelve batteries to protect you from an enfilade. The position, you see, covers the line of his communications. The successful accomplishment of this will probably compel Hood to evacuate his strong positions and fall back. I give you the position of honor because you do not fail.
Halcom. Thank you!
Sherman. Once clear of this line of entrenchments, we have them in the open country before us. (Enter Hez. L. U. E.)
Hezekiah. Say, General. We have just took the darndest, rantankerest piece er rebel meat you ever put your eyes on. He’s got more red pepper in his constertewshun than a Boston wholesale grocery store. He’s wus’n them hyennys in Barnum’s circus! Had ter tie the darn critter ter keep him from chawin’ up everybody. Don’t ye know, that critter had cheek enough ter walk right over my beat, jest as if I want there. I jest laid down my gun, and if I didn’t hop onter his kerrin, you can chaw my ear.
Sherman. Did you notice his rank, sir?
Hezekiah. Wal, I did think he was a little rank when I got through with him.