COL. Yes, occasionally one; but they never give us any trouble. One little fellow crossed the line to-day, and he was so bright and clever,—wanted to stay here with me; so I have set him to work, and I expect he will take excellent care of me. I admire the devotion of that race; treat them kindly, and you are always sure of plenty of friends. NEW. I prefer a higher type of humanity for associates. COL. What a pity, Newcomb, that two such warm friends as we should not have heart for the same cause! However, some day you will be of my opinion, I hope. (COL. _sits at table inside tent_; NEW. _on stool at opening_.) NEW. Hardly that, yet. Whatever the end may be, I trust we shall still be good comrades. COL. That sentiment I echo with my whole heart. But tell me, Newcomb, do you ever hear anything of Roger Carruth? (GIBBS _listens at side of tent_.) NEW. Never. He won't show himself in this part of the country again. COL. You are sure that you have evidence of his guilt? I would not misjudge the boy for all the world; I am too fond of him for that. NEW. Why should I, his friend and yours, seek to turn you against him? GIBBS (_aside_). Why, indeed! COL. I cannot understand it—so true and honorable, always. Some fearful temptation must have stood in his way. NEW. Evil will show itself. If the seed is there, time will surely make it grow. COL. No, no, Newcomb; don't say that. Why, man, would you have me think for a moment that it was more than a sudden pitfall? NEW. The evidence grows stronger and stronger against him. COL. Oh, Newcomb, this is so hard to bear! (_Covers face with hands_; GIBBS _returns to place and resumes march_.) NEW. (_rises_). Never mind, old fellow. (_Places hand on_ COL.'S _arm_.) You have some friends left who have not played the knave. COL. (_rising; holds out hand_). True, Newcomb; I have much to thank you for. This kindly interest in my welfare, I trust the time will come when I can repay it. NEW. Don't worry about that. (_Looks at watch._) It is almost time for taps. COL. Won't you stay and smoke with me? NEW. Not to-night. Early hours are prescribed for you. Good-night. COL. Good-night. (NEW. _goes up stage_; COL. _enters tent; enter_ PETE, R.; _sees_ NEW. _talking with_ GIBBS.) PETE. I wonder if he lubs de colonel. 'Specs I jes listen to der comversation. (_Creeps behind tree near_ GIBBS.) NEW. Well, are you ready for your work? GIBBS. Yes, sir. NEW. No chicken-hearted business about this. Is your aim a true one? GIBBS. Yes; true as steel. NEW. I can depend upon you? GIBBS. You can, sir. I feel a special interest in the work to-night. NEW. At what time? GIBBS. After taps. NEW. It will soon be here. (_Bugle-call for taps._) GIBBS. That is the call. Ten minutes more; before the lights are out. NEW. All right. Make your shot tell. GIBBS. I will do my best, sir. NEW. Good-night. (GIBBS _salutes_; NEW. _exit_.)