D’A. While confined, previous to my trial, I overheard conversation between Brightly and one of his ruffian comrades, detailing your history and a plan for your destruction. The reason—slavery is abrogated, and you are one of the Halcoms. Seventeen years since, Brightly was the leader of a band of Regulators, raised to protect the planters from the abolitionists, who were running off their help. I was a member of that company, though a mere boy. An old political grudge had existed between Brightly and your father for many years. On a dark December night, backed by a crowd of selected desperadoes, he murdered your father when he was without means of defence, outraged and killed your mother,—then fired the house.
Zina. (Shuddering.) My poor mother! (Sobbing.)
D’A. Some of those men are now standing guard around this building. You were then a helpless infant in the cradle. Old Milly, the nurse, escaped with you to the wood. Two days after you were both kidnapped by Brightly, taken to his plantation in Alabama, where he raised you as a slave. At the time of the murder, your brother Frank, at the age of 12 years, was educating in the free schools of New England. During the last 15 years he has not ceased to search for the murderer of his family. He has no knowledge that you have been saved from the burning home. Within the last three years, Brightly has repeatedly tried to sell you to cotton planters on the coast. Only my vigilance and the color of your skin have prevented it. It was Brightly’s hand that sent the bullet after your life, on the night of your brother’s escape. If you are found here, your life is lost. Go now. Day is breaking. God bless you. Remember my mother. (Distant rapid firing.)
Zina. (Springing to her feet and listening,) Hark! My brother is coming!
D’A. Escape while you can. Quick, or you will be lost!
Zina. (Flings off turban.) I will defend you until his sword shall save us!
D’A. You cannot, you are a weak girl! (Zina bars the door and slings carbine on belt.)
Zina. So I can fight and die with you! (Rebs. attack the door furiously. Zina holds it.)
D’A. This building is mined and you will be blown to atoms. (Zina holds the door.)
Zina. I have filled the powder with water!