g a paper under Swindon's nose). There's my
safe-conduct, sir.

SWINDON (taken aback). Safe-conduct! Are you--!

ANDERSON (emphatically). I am. (The two soldiers take him by the
elbows.) Tell these men to take their hands off me.

SWINDON (to the men). Let him go.

SERGEANT. Fall back.

The two men return to their places. The townsfolk raise a cheer; and
begin to exchange exultant looks, with a presentiment of triumph as
they see their Pastor speaking with their enemies in the gate.

ANDERSON (exhaling a deep breath of relief, and dabbing his perspiring
brow with his handkerchief). Thank God, I was in time!

BURGOYNE (calm as ever, and still watch in hand). Ample time, sir.
Plenty of time. I should never dream of hanging any gentleman by an
American clock. (He puts up his watch.)

ANDERSON. Yes: we are some minutes ahead of you already, General. Now
tell them to take the rope from the neck of that American citizen.

BURGOYNE (to the executioner in the cart--very politely). Kindly undo
Mr. Dudgeon.

The executioner takes the rope from Richard's neck, unties his hands,
and helps him on with his coat.

JUDITH (stealing timidly to Anderson). Tony.

ANDERSON (putting his arm round her shoulders and bantering her
affectionately). Well what do you think of you husband, NOW,
eh?--eh??--eh???

JUDITH. I am ashamed-- (She hides her face against his breast.)

BURGOYNE (to Swindon). You look disappointed, Major Swindon.

SWINDON. You look defeated, General Burgoyne.

BURGOYNE. I am, sir; and I am humane enough to be glad of it. (Richard
jumps down from the cart, Brudenell offering his hand to help him, and
runs to Anderson, whose left hand he shakes heartily, the right being
occupied by Judith.) By the way, Mr. Anderson, I do not quite
understand. The safe-conduct was for a commander of the militia. I
understand you are a-- (he looks as pointedly as his good manners
permit at the riding boots, the pistols, and Richard's coat, and adds)
a clergyman.

ANDERSON (between Judith and Richard). Sir: it is in the hour of trial
that a man finds his true profession. This foolish young man (placing
his hand on Richard's shoulder) boasted himself the Devil's Disciple;
but when the hour of trial came to him, he found that it was his
destiny to suffer and be faithful to the death. I thought myself a
decent minister of the gospel of peace; but when the hour of trial came
to me, I found that it was my destiny to be a man of a