Potts (looking over Bijah's shoulder). You're right. Let us hide and watch him. (Both hide in trees, L.; drum-call for lights out; stage darkens; Col. puts out candle and stands in doorway.)
Col. I wonder where that snowball of mine is? Pete! Pete!
Pete (runs across stage). Here I is (salutes), massa!
Col. What are you doing at this time of night?
Pete. I's watchin' somefin, massa. I heard a crackling in der bushes; 'specs it possum. Yer don't mind if I looks, massa?
Col. No; only don't stray away too far.
Pete. 'Deed I won't, Massa Colonel. (Salutes, and resumes watch.)
Bijah. You bet he scents the game.
Col. (crosses stage, goes up back; stands looking at river.) I wonder why it is my thoughts are all of Roger to-night. Poor Ruth! how heavy her heart is; and I spoke words which did not lighten the burden. Down deep in my heart I cannot think him guilty. Yet Newcomb is so sure,—and Newcomb knows. (To Sentinel.) Everything all right?
Gibbs (salutes). All right, sir.