n take them no better
word than this: you died as you have lived.

[He turns to the door where Hopkins has awaited him. Quickly
they go out into the hall. Bill's voice is heard without.

Bill. You through for the night!

[He closes the door and locks it. At the sound of the key
Gordon sinks to his knees in the square of moonlight.

Gordon. Thank God! (He remains with head bowed for a second, then
looks about him). Five hours more!

[The heavy door of the prison is heard to close.

Gone! (He rises quickly to his feet). They have gone--and in the morning
I have got to die! To-morrow! And on the scaffold, as a thief! To-night
I have begun--to-morrow, then, sees how I end! Here, here, I must not
think of that. No, no; I will not. That is not for me. Five hours more!
The time is very short. Show me, dear God, how I shall spend it well and
like a man! For is not Morgan saved! Has not the news gone safely out to
him! And who has done all this! Thank God! thank God! he gave that place
to me! What matter if I am afraid, for now 'tis done--'tis done! I've
saved the greatest man that ever lived. I've saved him--saved him!
I--yes, I! What does it matter that I want to live--I want to live!

[He sinks down upon the mattress, covering his face with his
arms, as

THE CURTAIN FALLS.

ACT IV.

The banks of the Aspen River, six months later. A cold, cloud-hung
afternoon in late November. At the back the river may be seen through
the trees, now almost stripped of their summer foliage. On both sides
of the scene are heavy forest trees, mostly pine and cedar. Across the
stage there winds a narrow and very rough road. It is the scene of
Winthrop's camp, six months before. On the left a large fir tree, with
branches low to the ground; on the right, some scrub pine and oak.
Some traces of the camp are still to be seen; some broken boxes; the
charred remains of a fire at the right, near front. The sound of the
wind in the pines at rise. Enter Corporal Evans and Hopkins (Right) by
the road. They have on their leggings and heavy army overcoats, with
the collars up.

Evans (shivering). Uh! nasty weather. I have always been told
about the sunny South. Good example of it, this!

Hopkins. It won't last long, I fancy. The last time I was here
the fall was beautiful; never saw such splendid weather (he looks
around)