Col. On the anxious seat, are you? (Giving hand to Bijah.) I can at least wish you success.
Bijah (salutes). Thank you, sir.
Col. Major, if you see a small darky about here, it is all right. He crossed the lines, and I will take care of him.
Potts. Very well, sir. He shall not be molested. (Potts and Bijah salute as Colonel exits past guard, who salutes; Major seats himself on end of log R.; Bijah walks up and down.)
Potts. But tell me more of this Newcomb, Bijah. What can be his motive in planning the colonel's death?
Bijah. Wal, before Mr. Roger's sister married Colonel Graham, Newcomb was all-fired gone on her. I know, for I was about Baltimore at the time and heard no end of gossip. You see, Mrs. Graham didn't take to him, and snubbed him on all occasions. By Jiminy, wasn't he mad! The whole truth of the matter is, he's bound to be revenged, and takes what's nearest and dearest. He was the means of the colonel's injury, and I'm scared blue for fear that he will try it again. Roger Carruth has his eye on him, for he has a double debt to pay. (Pete heard playing banjo inside tent.)
Potts. What's this? (Goes to tent and brings Pete, holding banjo, down stage; Bijah follows.) Who are you?
Pete. Please; massa, I's only Pete.
Potts. Where did you come from?
Pete. Ober dar, massa, and de colonel he's gwine to let me stay wid him.