1st G. (to 3d guard.) Pin him to the wall. (enter Lafitte; he knocks 1st guard’s sword up just in time to save Dominique; they fight, 3d guard engaging Dominique and 1st guard, Lafitte; Lafitte’s sword breaks.) Now, (to Lafitte.) Curse you, die! (as 1st guard lunges at him, Lafitte grapples with him and clinches; 1st guard calls to 2d and 3d guards.) Shall you let him escape, you two! Kill him! (2d guard resumes his sword; rushes at Dominique; 1st guard speaks while struggling to get at Lafitte.) Kill him! (Lafitte by a supreme effort, throws 1st guard from him, causing him to drop his sword. Lafitte picks it up; wounds 2d guard and knocks the sword out of the hand of the 3d guard.)
LAF. I command you in the name of Governor Claiborne to desist. (1st guard picks himself up from the floor; 2d and 3d guards stand irresolute.) Upon what charge do you seek to arrest this man?
1st G. As a British spy.
LAF. Search him. I pledge my word for him.
DOM. (waving them aside; to Lafitte.) The paper is for you. (Lafitte shakes his head.) I insist.
LAF. Let them have it. (1st guard searches Dominique; finds paper; motions to his men; they station themselves besides Dominique; 1st guard moves toward the door.) Friend! If you be honest you will read that paper before the prisoner. (1st guard hesitates; beckons to his men; they go to him; Lafitte speaks hurriedly to Dominique.) Back to back. There’s been treason.
3d G. It’s nothing but fair.
1st G. And may be safer, since we have been charged not to make a mistake.
2d G. We can say the seal got broken in the tussle. (they return and the 1st guard opens the paper.)
1st. G. (looks sheepishly at his comrades;) A love affair. (he returns the paper to Dominique; exeunt guards.)