BARKET. Colonel West? Adjutant Rollins wishes to report—a prisoner—just captured.
HAVERILL. We will meet again later, to-night, when the camp is at rest. We are both soldiers, and have duties before us, at once. For the present, Colonel, be on the alert; we must watch the enemy. [He moves up stage. BARKET salutes. HAVERILL stops and looks at envelope in his hands, reading.] "Private and confidential." [Exit.
KERCHIVAL. Sergeant Barket! Lieutenant Bedloe has crossed the enemy's line, at Buckton's Ford, with a party of men. I wish you to ride to the Ford yourself, and remain there, with your horse in readiness and fresh. As soon as any survivor of the party returns, ride back with the first news at full speed.
BARKET. Yes, sir. [Starting.
KERCHIVAL. You say a prisoner has been captured? Is it a spy?
BARKET. Worse—a petticoat.
KERCHIVAL. A female prisoner! [Dropping into seat.
BARKET. I towld the byes your honour wouldn't thank us fer the catchin' of her. The worst of it is she's a lady; and what's worse still, it's a purty one.
KERCHIVAL. Tell Major Wilson, for me, to let her take the oath, and everything else she wants. The Government of the United States will send her an apology and a new bonnet.
BARKET. The young lady is to take the oath, is it? She says she'll see us damned first.