_Rob._ No: I will not stir. I know you have intercepted my letters; I know you have one in your bosom now; I saw you from my post secrete it; I saw the direction upon it; and by this (_showing letter_) I recognize the hand. 'Tis my property, and I claim it. Give it to me; or forgetting all distinctions, remembering only I am a man persecuted and wronged, I'll tear it from you. _Rowell_ (_taking pistol from his bosom_). Approach me but a step, and I'll have your life! I should be justified, for this is mutiny. _Rob._ No, this is justice. I claim my rights. Give me the letter. (_Approaches._) _Rowell._ Take that instead! (_Raises arm._) _Crimp_ (_running between, and throwing up his arm_). D-d-d-don't shoot! (_Pistol discharged._) W-w-what you 'bout? w-want to blow dis yer darky's head off? _Rowell_ (_runs to door_). Guard, guard! Quick, quick! (_Guard has passed out of sight_, L.) _Crimp_ (_running to_ ROB, _and falling on his knees at his side_, L.; _speaks quick_). Massa Rob, you's made a fo-fo ob yourself. Here's de letter right straight from Miss Gaylie. (_Passes letter into his hand._) _Rob._ Who are you? _Crimp._ Done ye know me? I'se Crimp ob de Home-Guard. (ROWELL _returns; guard enters door: should all be done quick_.) _Rowell_ (_to guard_). Arrest that man. To the guard-house with him! _Rob_ (_presses_ GAYLIE'S _letter to his lips_). At last, at last! (_To_ ROWELL.) Ay! to the guard-house let it be. She has outwitted you. Here's a letter from her own dear hand. _Rowell._ Ah! who has done this? Away with him! (_Guard places his hand on his shoulder._) To the guard-house. (_Enter_ GRANT _door in_ F., _writing on tablet in his hand_.) _Grant._ Right. To the guard-house: orders must be obeyed. (_To_ ROB.) If it comes to a trial, you may want a friend. (_Gives paper._) Count on me. _Rowell_ (R.). And who are you? _Grant_ (_takes off hat_). Your superior, sir. _Rowell_ (_confused_). Gen. Grant? (_Salutes._) _Crimp._ By golly! it's de ole smoke-jack. Hi! whose pipe's out now? _Tableau._ GEN. GRANT C. BOXER _at door_. ROWELL R., _saluting but confused_. ROB L. C., _saluting. Guard with his hand on his shoulder._ CRIMP _on his knees_ L., _squeezing himself, and laughing internally, with a show of white eyeballs and grinning teeth. Slow curtain._ ACT III.—(_Two years later._) _Parlor in_ GAYLIE GIFFORD'S _house. Door in flat_, C., _windows each side of it, with drapery curtains; shrubbery outside. Table_, R. C., _with books, &c.; a lighted astral lamp upon it. Lounge_, L. _Arm-chair_, R., _with small table beside it. Easy-chairs_, R. _and_ L. _Should be handsomely furnished; elegantly, if possible, by adding statuettes, screens, &c._ MRS. TRUEWORTH _discovered in arm-chair_, R., _knitting_. MATTIE _sitting at table_, L. C., _reading a newspaper_.