New. He is too great a coward to defend himself. He dare not speak. (Music.)
Gibbs. Dare not? Be careful, Newcomb; the game is not yet yours. You call me traitor: coward. Yet beneath the stars in heaven there is not one who wears, beneath his coat, a blacker heart than yours.
New. What do you mean? Who are you that dares to accuse me?
Gibbs (right arm free). One who has suffered much at your hands; who has borne with patience your taunts and slurs; who, knowing of the colonel's danger, tried to save his life. One whom you thought “as good as dead” stands before you. A victim of your treachery. (Tears off whiskers and wig.) Roger Carruth.
(Tableau.—Kil., C., kneeling and holding Pete's head on knees; Col. staggers back and leans against soldiers, who support him; Potts and Bijah each holding one of Roger's hands, looking at him; Roger looking at New., who stares at him horror-stricken.)
CURTAIN.