BUCKTHORN. [Reading.] "General Rosser will rejoin General Early with all the cavalry in his command, at——" This is important. [Continues to read with matches. The CORPORAL hands a packet to KERCHIVAL. He removes the covering.
KERCHIVAL. [Starting.] A portrait of Mrs. Haverill! [He touches CORPORAL DUNN on the shoulder quickly and motions him to retire. DUNN falls back to the GUARD. KERCHIVAL speaks apart to THORNTON, who has turned front.] How did this portrait come into your possession?
THORNTON. That is my affair, not yours!
BUCKTHORN. Anything else, Colonel?
KERCHIVAL. [Placing the miniature in his pocket.] Nothing!
THORNTON. [Apart, over KERCHIVAL'S shoulder.] A time will come, perhaps, when I can avenge the insult of this search, and also this scar. [Pointing to a scar on his face.] Your aim was better than mine in Charleston, but we shall meet again; give me back that picture.
KERCHIVAL. Corporal! Take your prisoner!
THORNTON. Ah! [Viciously springing at KERCHIVAL; CORPORAL DUNN springs forward, seizes THORNTON, throws him back to the GUARD and stands with his carbine levelled at THORNTON; looks at KERCHIVAL, who quietly motions him out. CORPORAL DUNN gives the orders to the men and marches out with THORNTON.
BUCKTHORN. Ah! [Still reading with matches.] Colonel! [Rising.] The enemy has a new movement on foot, and General Sheridan has left the army! Listen! [Reads from despatches with matches.] "Watch for a signal from Three Top Mountain to-night."
KERCHIVAL. We hope to be able to read that signal ourselves.