on bars across it. At the back are two straw
mattresses, with old army blankets on them. To the right a pile of
straw which has evidently served as a bed. On each side of the stage
there is a rough wooden bench. It is 11 o'clock on the night of May
22nd. The moon shines brightly in at the window. The prison clock
slowly strikes the hour as the curtain rises. A soldier dressed in
a torn white shirt and trousers of Confederate gray, lies asleep on
the straw. Two soldiers lie stretched on the floor at front of stage
(Right), two others walking restlessly about, while another is reading
by the stump of a candle stuck in a bottle.

First Soldier. Has he been in for the last time to-night?

[He lifts a bit of candle on the floor and puts it near them.

Second Soldier. I reckon not. I haven't heard the big door close
outside.

First Soldier. I say, let's play a game of checkers. We can hide
it if he comes.

Second Soldier. How'll we play--what with?

First Soldier. Just you watch here. (Takes a bit of chalk out of
his pocket and marks off a checker board on the floor. How's that? He'll
never see it.

Second Soldier. We'll use bits of straw for men. Here--

[He breaks bits of straw and they begin to play.

Third Soldier (reading). I say, what time is it?

First Soldier (playing). Just struck eleven. (To Second
Soldier)--Here, I jump that man.

Third Soldier. Well, my light goes out. I've got to have some for
to-morrow.

[He comes over and begins to watch the game.

Second Soldier. Here, crown that man.

First Soldier (laughing). With what?

Third Soldier. Say, boys, want a treat? I got a midnight supper here.

First Soldier. Midnight hell!

Third Soldier. Look here!

[Goes to straw (Right), takes out a crust of bread and a small
parcel done up in paper.

Second Soldier. There, the game's mine!

First Soldier (looks up, laughing). Where's your midnight spread?

Third Soldier. Ever eat any rat? Best thing going.

First Soldier. Where'd you catch him?

Third Soldier. In my bed. Got him roasted, too. Here--

[Gives them pieces of rat and breaks the bread.

First Soldier (his mouth full). Bully! Wish I'd catch one. I'm
such a good mouser, there ain't many left around here.

Second Soldier. Say, where's that young fellow, Hillary?