DOR. Newcomb? Oh, yes. Pinky, what do you think? I overheard him talking to one of the colonel's men, and he's plotting (_whispers_) murder. POTTS. What! Murder? Who is the victim? DOR. The colonel. That shot in the back was a first attempt, and he is going to try it again. POTTS. Not by a large majority. DOR. You must help him in some way. POTTS. I'll do my best; and if Newcomb isn't “laid out” before we're done with him, my name isn't Pinkerton Potts. DOR. Find Roger; he will help you. He's too loyal to harbor the Colonel's words when his life is in danger. (_Sound of fife and drum. Troops pass window, as at opening._ POLLY _enters, goes to window_.) COL. Come, Ruth, my cloak and hat. RUTH (_helps him with cloak_). Must you leave me? (_Music._) COL. (_taking_ RUTH _in his arms_). Ruth, dearest, you are a soldier's wife, remember. Forgive my harsh words to Roger, but by the fireside or on the battle-field, our honor must be upheld. When the bugle calls me to active service, with heart and soul to lead my men in battle, it calls you to be brave and to conquer all fears, giving inspiration to those who march to meet the foe, and waiting with patient love and hope our safe return. (_Kisses_ RUTH: _embraces_ DOROTHY.) Good-by, Dorothy. Come, major. (_Exit_ COLONEL.) RUTH. Major, watch over him and bring him back to me. POTTS. I will do my best, Mrs. Graham. DOR. Good-by, major; don't forget the sacred trust imposed upon you. Care for them both. (_Exit_ MAJOR.) (RUTH _falls into_ DOROTHY'S _arms_.) DOR. Ruth, dear, be brave. Roger will be near Gordon, I know. He has suffered much, but he will forget his own wrongs. We have faith in him and know him to be steadfast and true. Some time the world will know it. Keep hope alive in your heart, and believe with me, that Roger will some day make that shot in the back rebound, and the traitor will meet his just deserts. (_Tableau._ RUTH _in_ DOROTHY'S _arms_. POLLY _at window waving handkerchief_.) CURTAIN. ACT II. AFTER TAPS. SCENE I.—_Encampment of Union troops at Harrison's Landing one week later; time, noon. View of James River at back._ COLONEL GRAHAM'S _tent_, L.C., _opening facing audience. Trees_ R. _and_ L.; _fallen log_ R. _Campstool outside tent; inside, table, stools, couch. In one corner, banjo; old army coat, hanging. Sentinel pacing at back. Soldiers grouped about; wooden table_ C., _at which are seated soldiers playing cards_. KILROY _on log_ R.; BIJAH BRIGHT _standing back of table. Soldiers laugh as curtain is raised._ BIJAH. Wal, that's a true story, and don't you forget it. KILROY. Faith, it's an injy rubber memory yees have any way. An' divil a bit does it trouble yees to stretch it. Be jabers! it makes me dhry to listen to yees. (_Drinks from canteen, then looks at watch._) Shure, it's toime I was on watch. (_Exits_ R.) (_Enter_ COLONEL GRAHAM _and_ MAJOR POTTS. _Soldiers rise, salute, and disperse._)