D’A. Such bravery merits our consideration.
Hood. For a traitor?
D’A. Yes, sir, for a traitor. Though he wears the traitor’s garb, he is still one of the iron hearts of Tennessee.
Brightly. It is this deference to treason that disheartens the army. The south swarms with men who opposed secession. The coast clear, and they will fight against us. To keep these traitors where they belong, the patriotic men of the army demand an example. Refuse, and the foot of the northern tyrant will be on our necks within the next year. As the commander of the finest army in the south, I do not believe you will disappoint them.
Hood. Let the prisoner be brought forth.
Brightly. Sentinel, the Commander-in-Chief would speak with the prisoner at once. (Sentinel unlocks the door, and kicks Halcom to wake him. He springs to his feet.)
Halcom. Well, what next? (Sentinel points to the door, and Halcom passes out, &c.)
Hood. You are a native of Tennessee?
Halcom. Well?
Hood. What do you mean by well?