[Looks around.

Third Soldier. In the parlor, talking to company. This is his at
home day.

[They all laugh.

First Soldier. He's pretty blue, I reckon. There's talk of hanging
him for a spy. They didn't find no papers--only reason they sent him here.

Third Soldier. Who's the fellow came in last night?

First Soldier. Caybel, Cabell, or some such name. Had a close
call, too. Don't know yet he's safe. He didn't let on, but I think he's
a friend of Hillary. Both captured at the same place. Been trying to
talk to him all day, but Old Hill watches pretty close when a new one
comes in (Bill's voice outside, singing a snatch of a song). Watch out!
Hide the scraps; here's Bill.

[They cover the remains of feast and checker board, and the sound
of a key is heard in the door. Enter Bill, the turnkey.
He is a gruff old fellow of about sixty, powerfully built,
with a cold, hard face. He carries an old fashioned lantern
and a bunch of keys.

Bill (holding up lantern, looking about). Here, you all, get up from
there: go to bed. What do you think this is--a pleasure resort? (the men
rise to their feet, facing him with sullen faces). Go in thar, you hear
(he pushes them roughly to the door (Right). Wars them others?

First Soldier. In there.

Bill. Who else?

First Soldier. Three others.

Bill (wakes up men sleeping, shaking them roughly; then goes to
door (Right), holds up lantern, looking in). Go on ter sleep. Don't you
set round here all night.

[He holds door open and the soldiers pass in. As the Third
Soldier passes, he stops.

Third Soldier. I wonder if you'll get me a drink of water. The
bucket's been dry since noon.

Bill. That's a lie! Always water there.

Third Soldier. You can see for yourself it's empty.

Bill. What do drink so damned much for, then?

Third Soldier. Will you get me the water, please?

Bill. No I aint going ter get yer no water. Go on ter sleep. What
do you think I am, a nigger paid to wait on you?

Third Soldier. If I told you what I thought, you'd put the
bracelets on me and throw me in the pit.

Bill. Well, watch you don't go there anyway.

Third Soldier. For God's sake!

Bill. Shut up!

[Exit into hall.

Third Soldier. Seven hours!

[Enter Ca