COL. Yes, Newcomb, I must rejoin my regiment to-day. No more holidays for me. The wound is healing. Back again with my men, breathing the atmosphere of patriotism, strength will return to me. Ah, Newcomb, a glorious cause. I wish you were on our side.
COL. Glad to see you, major; our time is up, old fellow. Ah, been for a ride with madcap Dorothy? (_Putting his hand on_ DOROTHY'S _shoulder_.) I tell you, major, if every man in the regiment was fired with the enthusiasm which this brave-hearted girl possesses, we should have no deserters. (_Turns to_ NEWCOMB.) Major, allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Randolph Newcomb. (POTTS _bows frigidly and does not see_ NEWCOMB'S _hand which he has extended_. DOROTHY _bows slightly_.)
COL. (_seated in arm-chair_; RUTH _beside him_). Newcomb, since you are not on our side, I cannot say “Come and join us” in the fight. No doubt, you are doing your duty equally well, by remaining here.
NEWCOMB. There is other work besides fighting, Colonel, and mine lies close at hand.
COL. True. And that reminds me of mine. Come, major, escort me to my room. We will talk over the plans for our return. Dorothy, dear, I must lean upon you, too. Ruth, I leave Mr. Newcomb to your kind care. Good-morning, Newcomb.
RUTH (_coming forward, about to seat herself at table; coldly_). Won't you be seated, Mr. Newcomb?
NEW. (_sits in chair near mantel_). The colonel insists upon a return; do you think this wise, Mrs. Graham?
RUTH. His heart is so full of patriotism, every hour's delay irritates him. Since he cannot be persuaded, I think it wiser to let him go. Yet, I fear for his safety. That shot in the back was mysterious. Some foe, calling himself friend, lurks near him; why, I cannot imagine. He is everything that is true and noble; and whoever fired that shot had some motive, which one attempt upon the colonel's life will not satisfy.
NEW. My dear Mrs. Graham, you are morbid. A colonel's life is at hazard as well as that of a private. Why could not the shot from an enemy's rifle have done the work?
RUTH. Impossible! the enemy were in front. Only a coward would do so contemptible a deed.
NEW. True, there are some without honor, Mrs. Graham. Your brother, Roger Carruth, for instance.