1st PIR. (to a comrade.) You, one. (they throw again.)

ALL. Two! (two of the men stand apart; balance throw again.) Three! (the three appointed by lot go to back of stage; Beluche measures off the distance; they place themselves on line.)

BEL. One, (they raise their guns.) two. (enter Father Cuthbert.)

FATH. C. Pedro!—Stop! (to the men.) Would you send a soul into eternity without preparation? Leave us. I will be responsible for the prisoner.

BEL. He may escape.

FATH. C. He is bound. I will call you when he shall have confessed.

BEL. (motions the men away; to Father Cuthbert, reluctantly.) Ten minutes. (the men stack their guns against a tree and exeunt.)

FATH. C. (turning to Pedro.) Quickly. What have you done?

PED. I was tempted and fell. I got command of a pirate ship and attacked and sank an American vessel.

FATH. C. (overwhelmed.) Miserable man!