GERTRUDE. They have taken him also! He has the despatch!
CORPORAL DUNN. The Confederate Officer, Colonel, who was pursued by our troops at Oak Run, after they captured the young lady.
BUCKTHORN. The little witch has been communicating with the enemy!
KERCHIVAL. [To GERTRUDE.] You will give me your parole of honour until we next meet?
GERTRUDE. Yes. [Aside.] That letter! I am his prisoner. [She walks up the steps and looks back at THORNTON. Exit.
KERCHIVAL. [To BUCKTHORN.] We will probably find the despatches we have been looking for now, General.
BUCKTHORN. Prisoner! You will hand us what papers you may have.
THORNTON. I will hand you nothing.
BUCKTHORN. Colonel! [KERCHIVAL motions to THORNTON, who looks at him sullenly.
KERCHIVAL. Corporal Dunn!—search the prisoner. [DUNN steps to
THORNTON, taking him by the shoulder and turning him rather roughly.
THORNTON'S back to the audience. DUNN throws open his coat, takes
paper from his breast, hands it to KERCHIVAL, who gives it to
BUCKTHORN.] Proceed with the search. [DUNN continues the search.
BUCKTHORN drops upon seat, lights a match, looks at the paper.