So you did--how have you been? I am very glad to see you--you're
not killed, I take it?
CORPORAL. No, not exactly killed--but I was wounded--an honour which you
didn't seem to care much about.
JERRY. No, not much; I'm not very ambitious that way.
CORPORAL. What brings you to the camp, just when we are about having
another brush with the enemy--do you want to run away again? Zounds! you
deserve a round hundred at the halberts.
JERRY. Yes, I deserve many things that I don't get--but pray, corporal,
mout you have seen a young woman in this here camp lately?
CORPORAL. Oh, plenty, among the suttlers.
JERRY. No, a kind of a pretty girl, a little lady-like, parlyvoos, and
carries her head up straight.
CORPORAL. No--I've seen no such person.
JERRY. Well, Corporal Flash, I've a little cash, and what say you to a
jug of whiskey punch? Brave men, you know, like you and I, should drink
with one another.
CORPORAL. With all my heart; you're good for nothing else but to drink
with.
JERRY. Then come along, my boy; we'll drown care, raise our spirits, and
swallow the enemy in a bumper.
[_Exeunt._
SCENE IV. _A Prison._
_Enter two OFFICERS, GUARDS and CHRISTINE. OFFICERS seat themselves at a
table, with pens and ink._
1ST OFFICER. Young man, come forward. You have been charged with an act
of mutiny, and with an attempt, for some unknown cause, to force your
way, with arms in your hand, into the tent of the commanding general. We
are convened for your trial--we have examined the testimony; and as you
are a stranger in our ranks, no feelings of prejudice could have given a
false colouring to that testimony. What have you to say?
CHRISTINE. Nothing.
OFFICER. Nothing?
CHRISTINE. Nothing! [_With firmness._] I am guilty!
OFFICER. Have a care, pause before you make this avowal of your guilt.
CHRISTINE. [_With settled firmness._] I have considered it well, and am
ready to meet the consequences. I am guilty. [_With a burst of
anguish._] Oh, most guilty!
OFFICER. Unhappy young man, what could have tempted you to this act? Who
set you on?
CHRISTINE. Seek not to know the cause, 'tis buried here. Do your duty--I
am prepared for the result.
OFFICER. [_To the Board._] The charge is fully admitted, and the rules
of war prescribe the punishment. The object he had in view must yet be
discovered; 'tis plain, however, that he is a spy, and has no
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