BRIGHTLY. It is this deference to treason that disheartens the army. The south swarms with men who opposed secession. The coast clear, and they will fight against us. To keep these traitors where they belong, the patriotic men of the army demand an example. Refuse, and the foot of the northern tyrant will be on our necks within the next year. As the commander of the finest army in the south, I do not believe you will disappoint them. HOOD. Let the prisoner be brought forth. BRIGHTLY. Sentinel, the Commander-in-Chief would speak with the prisoner at once. (_Sentinel unlocks the door, and kicks Halcom to wake him. He springs to his feet._) HALCOM. Well, what next? (_Sentinel points to the door, and Halcom passes out, &c._) HOOD. You are a native of Tennessee? HALCOM. Well? HOOD. What do you mean by well? HALCOM. Interpret to suit yourself. HOOD. It has been represented that you are a traitor to your native state. HALCOM. Undoubtedly. HOOD. Do you deny it? HALCOM. Who is my accuser? BRIGHTLY. I! HALCOM. An assassin and ravisher of defenceless women! BRIGHTLY. Liar! HALCOM. A coward, who covers his tracks with the knife and torch! BRIGHTLY. A traitor accuses me! HALCOM. A blatant ruffian, who fights only when no danger steps in his way. (_Brightly draws to attack him. Hood steps between._) HOOD. Enough of this. HALCOM. Leave him to his way. HOOD. You were captured yesterday— HALCOM. While insensible from wounds. HOOD. While fighting against your native state. HALCOM. To save her honor. HOOD. By virtue of treason. HALCOM. Who are you that speaks of treason? HOOD. A soldier who never forgets his obligations to the soil that gave him heritage. HALCOM. Whose sword is dishonored with blighted virtue and broken hearts, bartered for gold in the shambles of the auction yards. HOOD. Keep your foul tongue civil, or I may forget myself. HALCOM. It is honorable to be a traitor, when allegiance would strangle liberty—outrage virtue—rob the poor of the right to their miserable earnings, and trample on the most sacred affections of the heart. HOOD. The defence of a hypocrite. HALCOM. Only cowards defend dishonor. (_Brightly draws, and attempts to rush on him. D’A. dashes between._) D’A. The man is unarmed. BRIGHTLY. Which leaves him no right to convey an insult. HOOD. Call a court-martial at once. The military law shall settle this. (_Brightly hurries out, R._) D’Arneaux, search his person for arms. (_D’A. makes a fruitless search. Enter Brightly with a drum and camp-stool, followed by a rebel officer._) Col. Gilday, you will act as judge advocate. (_Gilday prepares for business._) Capt. Brightly, take the stand. (_Sworn._) State to the court what you know of this man.