BELLA. Brute! (she makes a dash for Dominique’s face; catches his whiskers; pulls off his disguise; screams; Duval is up again and on the point of resuming the attack.) Don’t! (to her father; throws her arms around Dominique’s neck.) It is Dominique. I love him. (enter Beluche.)
DUV. And who the devil may Dominique be? A pirate, I’ll bet. One of a band of sneaking robbers, too cowardly ever to fight squarely and above board. (enter men of Battery 4.)
BEL. (with cutting contempt.) But brave enough to fight, no matter what the circumstances, when the country needs them. (the pirates settle about; play cards and throw dice.)
DUV. None of your insinuations. I would be fighting now, if it were not for this girl.
BEL. (to Dominique, aside.) You’d better see to your men. They are becoming moody. Lafitte’s absence pre-occupies them.
DOM. You think?—
BEL. (gravely.) Keep a close watch. I am taking battery 3 to the re-enforcement of Coffee’s line. (exit; Dominique turns to exit.)
DUV. (to Dominique.) Stop! (Dominique stops; to Bella,) With whom did you come?
BELLA. Baptiste.
DUV. Then go home with him.