NEW. Very well; I have no hesitancy. I thought possibly Mrs. Graham— ROGER. If you have anything worth saying, speak, and don't waste words. NEW. (_cool but angry; turns to_ ROGER). Your scheme was a bold one, young man, and perhaps you think that we are quits; but you have not yet been acquitted of the crime of forgery. I alone hold the key to that mystery (_enter_ BIJAH), and it will be well for you to listen to what I have to say. You accuse me as instigator of the crime of attempting the life of the colonel. Branded as a forger, who will take your word for that? COL. Newcomb, leave this house! ROGER. Wait, colonel. Let me deal with him. What compromise do you wish to make? NEW. Let all suspicion fall from me, and I will give you my word that your name shall be cleared. ROGER. You would buy my silence, sir, as you thought you did that of your accomplice. You, deeply scarred as you are by depravity and guilt, dare to make me such an offer? No; a thousand times, no. _You_ will meet your deserts. For myself, time will prove my innocence. NEW. Will it, indeed? You overrate your ability. I hold you in my power. BIJAH (_comes forward_). And I hold you in mine. ROGER. Bijah! NEW. Bright, the bank's private detective! BIJAH. Exactly so. Mr. Newcomb, I am afraid your nice little scheme will be “smashed to smithereens,” for it's my turn to play my hand. You forget that, as private detective, it was my duty to shadow every one (NEW. _starts_),—even your Royal Highness; and you can jest bet your life, I did my duty. ROGER. What is it? Have you any proofs? BIJAH. Proofs? Yes; that Roger Carruth is innocent of forgery, and that Mr. Randolph Newcomb has that honor. ROGER. Newcomb! NEW. Man, it is false. BIJAH. Don't blacken your soul with another lie. (_Holds up papers._) I hold the trump card. (_Enter_ POLLY.) POLLY. Two gentlemen are at the door. BIJAH. Yes; friends of Mr. Newcomb. Colonel, shall we not bid him good-evening? COL. Newcomb, leave my house; and may you never enter it again. BIJAH. No fear of that. He has two accounts to settle. (NEW. _glares at_ BIJAH; _bows to_ RUTH, _and exit_.) ROGER (_holding out hand to_ BIJAH). Bijah, how much I have to thank you for! COL. Mr. Bright, you have done your work well. I have seen your bravery on the battlefield, your honor and loyalty here. Your country may well be proud of you. BIJAH (_salutes_). Thank you, colonel. If I could only hear Polly say that. POLLY. Indeed I will, if you will give me the chance. BIJAH. That's well said, Polly. (_Puts arm about her._) We'll all be bright and gay When Polly names the day. (_Both laugh and walk up stage to window._) RUTH. Gordon, are you satisfied? COL. Roger, can you ever forgive me? ROGER (_taking his hand_). With my whole heart, sir. We have much to be grateful for, that fate led me into Newcomb's way. But where is Dorothy? (DOR. _laughs outside_.)