Nat—[Very pale—despairingly.] But he lied, didn’t he? It is gold—real gold—isn’t it?
Bartlett—[Slowly takes the studded anklet from his pocket and holds it out to Nat. The latter brings it to the light of the lantern. Bartlett sits on a chair, covering his face with his hands—in a tone of terrible suffering.] Ye’ll tell me, boy—if it’s gold or no. I’ve had it by me all this time—but I’ve been afeerd to show——
Nat—[In a tone of wild scorn.] Why, it’s brass, of course! The cheapest kind of junk—not worth a damn! [He flings it savagely into a corner of the room. Bartlett groans and seems to shrink up and turn into a figure of pitiable feebleness.]
Sue—[Pityingly.] Don’t, Nat. [She puts her arms around her father’s shoulders protectingly.]
Nat—[In a stifled voice.] What a damned fool I’ve been! [He flings himself down on the cot, his shoulders heaving.]
Bartlett—[Uncovers his grey face on which there is now settling an expression of strange peace—stroking his daughter’s hand.] Sue—don’t think hard o’ me. [He takes the map.] An end to this! [He slowly tears it into small pieces, seeming to grow weaker and weaker as he does so. Finally as he lets the fragments filter through his fingers, his whole frame suddenly relaxes. He sighs, his eyes shut, and sags back in his chair, his head bent forward limply on his chest.]
Sue—[Alarmed.] Pa! [She sinks to her knees beside him and looks up into his face.] Pa! Speak to me! It’s Sue! [Then turning toward her brother—terrifiedly.] Nat! Run—get the doctor—— [Nat starts to a sitting position. Sue tries with trembling hands to feel of her father’s pulse, his heart—then begins to sob hysterically.] Oh, Nat—he’s dead, I think—he’s dead!
[The Curtain Falls]