. As they pass Gordon, the
soldier Carter gave the water to stops quickly, catching
his hand.

Third Soldier. I wish you could have gone too.

[Gordon presses his hand, then the soldier exits with the others.

Bill. What else, sir?

Hop. Nothing; you can go.

[Exit Bill.

Winth. (comes slowly up to Gordon). Tomorrow. Have you thought
about tomorrow?

Gordon (raising his head). Yes.

Winth. And the women who love you--Little Fair and Charlotte?

Gordon. They too!

Winth. (breaks out). Is there no hope for you: you will not
speak? Ah, in God's name, think what you do!

Gordon. I have thought, sir.

Winth. (speaking low and very intently). Tell the news that
Carter carried; tell me the way that he has gone, and why; tell me
things he has found out--and, man, your part shall go unheeded and he
released, if captured before he gives that news: tell me. Ah, God! man,
tell me, and tomorrow, instead of giving up your life, you shall go
free. You understand? You shall go free.

[For just a second Gordon hesitates. Winthrop starts forward
with a glad cry of "Yes." Then Gordon looks away off
towards the moon-lit window; his face is strangely bright;
he is almost smiling; he turns to Winthrop.

Gordon. If I had a thousand lives, I'd give each one of them in
turn for the Confederacy!

[As Gordon finishes speaking, the clock outside strikes one.

Winth. (starts as the clock strikes). You hear? Five hours more:
Then you must die! You hear it--you must die! No power on earth can save
you but yourself. Speak--for God's sake, speak! and let me take you home
to them a free man--

Gordon. And a coward?

Winth. No, not that. The chances on your side are even. You have
done all you could. Think of the old days when we lived down there, and
how we hunted and fished and played together. Think of the love that's
there for you. Think what your death would mean to them. Ah, speak out!
Think of their grief!

Gordon. Grief does not kill. They will not die. If they were
here, they'd say to me, each one of them: Be strong!

[Winthrop starts, then turns quickly away into the darkness
outside the square of moonlight, covering his face with
his hands. When he turns, his face is drawn and white.

Winth. (takes his hand, pressing it). I ca