ir of
handcuffs hidden behind him, and says lightly) Did you ever arrest a
man of my cloth before, Sergeant?

THE SERGEANT (instinctively respectful, half to the black coat, half to
Richard's good breeding). Well, no sir. At least, only an army
chaplain. (Showing the handcuffs.) I'm sorry, air; but duty--

RICHARD. Just so, Sergeant. Well, I'm not ashamed of them: thank you
kindly for the apology. (He holds out his hands.)

SERGEANT (not availing himself of the offer). One gentleman to another,
sir. Wouldn't you like to say a word to your missis, sir, before you go?

RICHARD (smiling). Oh, we shall meet again before--eh? (Meaning "before
you hang me.")

SERGEANT (loudly, with ostentatious cheerfulness). Oh, of course, of
course. No call for the lady to distress herself. Still-- (in a lower
voice, intended for Richard alone) your last chance, sir.

They look at one another significantly for a moment. Than Richard
exhales a deep breath and turns towards Judith.

RICHARD (very distinctly). My love. (She looks at him, pitiably pale,
and tries to answer, but cannot--tries also to come to him, but cannot
trust herself to stand without the support of the table.) This gallant
gentleman is good enough to allow us a moment of leavetaking. (The
sergeant retires delicately and joins his men near the door.) He is
trying to spare you the truth; but you had better know it. Are you
listening to me? (She signifies assent.) Do you understand that I am
going to my death? (She signifies that she understands.) Remember, you
must find our friend who was with us just now. Do you understand? (She
signifies yes.) See that you get him safely out of harm's way. Don't
for your life let him know of my danger; but if he finds it out, tell
him that he cannot save me: they would hang him; and they would not
spare me. And tell him that I am steadfast in my religion as he is in
his, and that he may depend on me to the death. (He turns to go, and
meets the eye of the sergeant, who looks a little suspicious. He
considers a moment, and then, turning roguishly to Judith with
something of a smile breaking through his earnestness, says) And now,
my dear, I am afraid the sergeant will not believe that you love me
like a wife unless you give one kiss before I go.

He approaches her and holds out his arms. She quits the table and
almost falls into them.

JUDITH (the words choking her). I ought to--it's murder--

RICHARD. No: only a kiss (softly to he