our very obedient--

CLEVELAND. That will do, fellow. What was the cause of those shots
just now? [_To_ SOLDIERS.

METCALF. 'Pon my word, sir, it was the guns.

CLEVELAND. Pshaw!

SOLDIER. This fellow attempted to pass without the countersign.

METCALF. You see, sir, I was just about to enter to call on my friend,
Mr. Elsworth, to sip an afternoon glass with him, when a big-booted
fellow cried out, halt. Now, sir, the idea of asking a man well
in both legs to halt, is preposterous. So I said, and walked on
as straight as I could, when bang, bum, whiz, came one, two, three
bullets scattering after my hide--

CLEVELAND. Have done, sir. [_To_ WALTER.] I am desirous of giving
you, sir, every opportunity to disprove your identity with Captain
Armstrong. I chance to know that gentleman's handwriting. There is a
desk with pen and ink. Will you stand that test?

WALTER. [_Aside to_ ROSE.] That would never do. There isn't one of my
pot-hooks that wouldn't hang me.

ROSE. [_Quickly_.] Really, Major Cleveland, you might require a more
reasonable test. Don't you see the Captain has a rheumatic hand?

CLEVELAND. For a rheumatic hand, Miss Elsworth, he handled his sword
somewhat skilfully, just now. You see, sir, resistance is useless. You
will resign your sword, I trust.

[_The two_ SOLDIERS, _at a sign from_ CLEVELAND, _have come up behind_
WALTER. _He is seized_.

WALTER. Ha! I am your prisoner, sir.

_Enter_ MR. ELSWORTH _and_ HARRY.

ELSWORTH. What's this?

CLEVELAND. I regret to say, my dear Elsworth, that this gentleman
must, for a few hours, remain my prisoner. A mere form, sir. He will,
doubtless, be free in a few days. I shall have to make use of one of
your barns, sir. It is really a pity that the Captain must be deprived
of the dance to-night, but I will take care that his confinement shall
not be severe.

ROSE. This, sir, is a shameful breach of hospitality. Captain
Armstrong is my father's guest, no less than yourself. Every
consideration of delicacy and honour requires you to consider him so.

CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth, I could wish you not to consider me wrong or
cruel in this.

ROSE. I judge, sir, by what I see.

CLEVELAND. You are severe.

ROSE. I am glad you find me so.

CLEVELAND. Will you not say peace?

ROSE. War, Major Cleveland, to the last.

ELSWORTH. Daughter, more courtesy.

ROSE. Oh! father, they may chain and bind our poor country, but they
cannot find a way to chain a free