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. ACT III. HOME AGAIN. SCENE.—_Same as Act I.: three months later. Time—evening._ PETE, _as_ BUTTONS, _discovered lighting the lamps_; POLLY _arranging papers on table, and putting room in order, generally_. POLLY. Now, Pete, make everything bright and cheerful. Mr. Roger is expected home to-night; we must do our share towards a warm welcome. The poor colonel is so unhappy. Between the treachery of his friend, and Mr. Roger's brave deed, he is torn with conflicting emotions. PETE. I's powerful sorry for dear Massa Colonel. Wish I could do somefin for him. POLLY. You do your work well, that will satisfy him. (_Takes banjo from corner._) But I tell you what, Pete, you can do something for me. Play a dance tune on this banjo. I haven't heard one since I left Oldtown. I can tell you what, Pete, I knew how to dance once. PETE. Yer don't need to tell me dat, Polly; I kin see de dancin' peeking out ob yer shoes. What yer gwine ter have? POLLY. Give me a Virginia Reel. My gracious! I just adored that dance. PETE. All right, Polly. You do der dancin', an' I play de tune. (_Plays banjo._) (POLLY _keeps time with head and hands; growing interested, enters into the dance; advances with right hand extended, pretends to swing partner; then left hand; then both hands; marches, slapping hands; grows more interested; finally swings_ PETE _and banjo; then sinks into chair, laughing_; KIL., _in livery, appears at door_, C.) PETE (_overcome with surprise_). Golly, Polly, yer jest took my bref away. You must have been to a powerful heap of corn shuckings; an' de gennlemen dey must lub to dance wid you. Golly, 'specs dey don't all hab a 'sprise party like I did. POLLY. Pete, that was just glorious! I'm ever so much obliged to you for playing. PETE. I's right proud ob you, I is. If dis yer heart ob mine didn't belong to a nigger, 'specs I should frow it at yer feet. KIL. Faith, and it's an Irish heart she can have, anyway. POLLY (_turning_). Pity sakes alive! What are you doing here? KIL. It's a missage I have for the colonel.