h
the house. When they come, you must get them all together here. Do not
be surprised at anything you see. Take this paper. It's simply a decoy.
The plans are false. Use it to get them in this room. If need be, say
you have taken it from Carter.

Char. (white with terror). I will.

[Takes paper.

Gordon. Remember, you and I have got to save the army. Now, when
the men are here, on some pretense or other, you must break that window.
It is a signal for the colonel to escape. You understand. You will not
fail?

Char. Decoy them with this paper, and when they are here, break
that window. I can do it, and I will.

Gordon (taking her hands and looking straight in her eyes). The
life of Morgan's army is in your two hands. You will not fail.

[Exit hurriedly into the hall.

Char. God help me through this evening's work.

[Enter Bev, Mrs. S., Fair, Marthy and Cupid hurriedly.

Bev. They're coming, a whole squad of soldiers, up the avenue. I
can hear them!

Char. The avenue, you say?

Bev. Yes, they're nearly here.

Char. You stay in here. You must obey me. Stay, and let me keep
them. (Exit into hall. The voices of many solders are heard, the noise
of their boots on the porch. (Without)--So you have come to search the
place?

[A wild sort of irony in her tone.

Winth. With your permission.

Char. (at the door). Oh, certainly. Come in, come in. Perhaps you
think you'll find other of your friends?

Winth. Madam, my quickest way is to make the best of a bad
business, for you must see my duty in this matter. My men, with your
permission, must search your house and then your grounds.

Mrs. S. I have told you, sir, that no one can deny the right of
conquest.

[Winthrop, white and silent, turns to the men.

Winth. Hopkins, will you conduct the search, as quickly and as
quietly as possible?

Hop. As you say.

[He and the soldiers start to the door, but are stopped by a cry
from Charlotte, who stands between curtains at door center.

Char. Wait there! Your search shall not be long. See, I have all
you wish. I have the paper here! (She tears it from the front of her
dress). See, all the plans! Your visit shall not be in vain. And if you
want a prisoner, and if you are not satisfied, why then take me. Ha!
I am not afraid of you! Co