MAR. The nation will bless you for this act. (exeunt; Mariana hurriedly, Governor Claiborne slowly and much perturbed in spirit; enter from opposite direction, Pedro; enter Manuel.)
MAN. (starts.) You! Why, I thought—Does Mariana know you are alive?
PED. Probably not.
MAN. (with sudden change of thought; hurriedly, eagerly.) Would you like to earn the five hundred dollars reward for Lafitte’s head?
PED. I would.
MAN. Very well. (takes Mariana’s note out of his pocket.) Here’s an easy way.
PED. (reads.) “Dear Father:—I beg your pardon for my words and actions at Barataria. I shall be at l’hotel des Exiles at 4 o’clock on the 7th. May I see you then? Humbly and in sorrow, Mariana.”—(slaps Manuel on the back.) My boy, love is improving you.
MAN. Have you an eraser?
PED. (takes one out of his pocket.) Always prudent to carry one. (Manuel spreads Mariana’s note on a table; erases heading.) I think I can capture Emperor Lafitte at the time and place mentioned and make beside quite a handsome sum off the Spanish merchants for the capture.