done with you.

CHRISTY. And I may keep the china peacocks?

RICHARD (jumping up). Get out. Get out, you blithering baboon, you.
(Christy flies, panicstricken.)

SWINDON (rising--all rise). Since you have taken the minister's place,
Richard Dudgeon, you shall go through with it. The execution will take
place at 12 o'clock as arranged; and unless Anderson surrenders before
then you shall take his place on the gallows. Sergeant: take your man
out.

JUDITH (distracted). No, no--

SWINDON (fiercely, dreading a renewal of her entreaties). Take that
woman away.

RICHARD (springing across the table with a tiger-like bound, and
seizing Swindon by the throat). You infernal scoundrel.

The sergeant rushes to the rescue from one side, the soldiers from the
other. They seize Richard and drag him back to his place. Swindon, who
has been thrown supine on the table, rises, arranging his stock. He is
about to speak, when he is anticipated by Burgoyne, who has just
appeared at the door with two papers in his hand: a white letter and a
blue dispatch.

BURGOYNE (advancing to the table, elaborately cool). What is this?
What's happening? Mr. Anderson: I'm astonished at you.

RICHARD. I am sorry I disturbed you, General. I merely wanted to
strangle your understrapper there. (Breaking out violently at Swindon)
Why do you raise the devil in me by bullying the woman like that? You
oatmeal faced dog, I'd twist your cursed head off with the greatest
satisfaction. (He puts out his hands to the sergeant) Here: handcuff
me, will you; or I'll not undertake to keep my fingers off him.

The sergeant takes out a pair of handcuffs and looks to Burgoyne for
instructions.

BURGOYNE. Have you addressed profane language to the lady, Major
Swindon?

SWINDON (very angry). No, sir, certainly not. That question should not
have been put to me. I ordered the woman to be removed, as she was
disorderly; and the fellow sprang at me. Put away those handcuffs. I am
perfectly able to take care of myself.

RICHARD. Now you talk like a man, I have no quarrel with you.

BURGOYNE. Mr. Anderson--

SWINDON. His name is Dudgeon, sir, Richard Dudgeon. He is an impostor.

BURGOYNE (brusquely). Nonsense, sir; you hanged Dudgeon at Springtown.

RICHARD. It was my uncle, General.

BURGOYNE. Oh, your uncle. (To Swindon, handsomely) I beg your pardon,
Major Swindon. (Swindon acknowledges the apology stiffly. Burgoyne
turns to Richard) We are somewhat unfortuna