1st SOL. Hold!
PED. Fire!
1st SOL. The first man who fires will be shot! (the eight men lower their guns.) Arrest these men. (pointing to Pedro and Manuel; the soldiers handcuff them.)
PED. Upon whose order and on what charge?
1st SOL. Governor Claiborne’s order, on charge of being a British spy. (to his men.) Search them. (Pedro and Manuel are searched; the paper from Captain Lockyer is found on Pedro and handed to 1st soldier.)
MAN. (he is assisted to his feet; speaks with the borrowed strength of rage.) Do you know that it is Lafitte whom you have saved?
1st SOL. (to his men.) Lead them away. (Pedro and Manuel are marched off; exeunt guards and soldiers; 1st soldier goes up to Lafitte.)
You had best use all dispatch in joining your command. Every moment’s delay now is dangerous. (bows; exit.)
LAF. Mariana.... (he gently takes her arm from his neck and raises her head; she is dazed almost insensible.) Sweetheart....
MAR. (violently.) No!—I cannot let you go! (Lafitte kisses her; smooths her hair; leads her to the door.)