To songs: OUTCRY * REWARD OF JOY * AMBUSH

AKIN TO THE DIVIL?

SCENE 68 - Night outside the smoldering WHARTON home

(The stone walls of the home are all that is left of the building; and these, blackened by smoke, are but dreary memorials of the content and security that had so lately reigned within. The roof with the rest of the wood work has tumbled into the cellars, and a pale flitting light, ascending from their embers, shines faintly through the windows.)

(The early flight of the Skinners has left the dragoons at liberty to exert themselves in saving much of the furniture, which lay scattered on the lawn, giving the touch of desolation to the scene. Sgt. HOLLISTER and his men, ordered by Captain LAWTON to stand watchful guard over the scene are joined by BETTY, who has witnessed the events as they occurred, remaining with her cart and horse, now grazing at the side of the highway.)

((They observe LAWTON come around the corner of the building with SARAH and place her on a sofa, hurled from the building by two men, then he leaves the ladies to succeed him in his care. MISS PEYTON and her niece fly with rapture to her side, forgetting momentarily all but her preservation; but her vacant eye and flushed cheek instantly restore their recollection.)

AUNT JEANETTE: SARAH: my child, my beloved niece, you are saved, and may the blessing of God await him who has been the instrument.

SARAH: See (pointing to the glimmering ruins) the windows are illuminated in honor of my arrival. They always receive a bride thus - he told me they would do no less; listen, and you will hear the bells.

FRANCES: Here is no bride, no rejoicing, nothing but woe! Oh, may heaven restore you to us - to yourself!

SARAH: Peace, foolish young woman, all cannot be happy at the same moment; perhaps you have no brother, or husband, to console you; you look beautiful, and you will yet find one; but, (dropping to a whisper) see that he has no other wife - 'tis dreadful to think what might happen, should he be twice married.

AUNT JEANETTE: The shock has destroyed her mind, my child, my beautiful SARAH is a maniac.

FRANCES: No, no, no, it is fever; she is light headed - she must recover - she shall recover.

( The aunt dispatches KATY to request immediate aid and advice of Dr.. SITGREAVES. The surgeon is found inquiring among the men for professional employment and inquisitively examining every bruise and scratch that he could induce the sturdy warriors to acknowledge they had received. A summons of the sort conveyed by KATY, is instantly obeyed, and not a minute elapses before he is at the side of Miss PEYTON.)

Dr. SITGREAVES: This is a melancholy termination to so joyful a commencement of the night, madam, but war must bring it's attendant miseries; though doubtless it often supports the cause of liberty, and improves the knowledge of surgical science.

(Miss PEYTON can make no reply, but points to her niece in silence.)

FRANCES: 'Tis fever, see how glassy is her eye, and look at her cheek, how flushed.

(The surgeon stands for a moment, deeply studying the outward symptoms of his patient, and then he silently takes her hand in his own.)

(It is seldom that the hard and abstracted features of SITGREAVES discovers any violent emotion; all his passions seem schooled, and his countenance does not often betray what, indeed, his heart frequently feels. In the present instance, however, the eager gaze of the aunt and sister quickly detect his emotions.)

(After laying his fingers for a minute on the beautiful arm, which, bared to the elbow, and glittering with jewels, SARAH has suffered to retain, he drops it, and dashing a hand over her eyes, turns sorrowfully away.)

Dr.. SITGREAVES: Here is no fever to excite - 'tis a case, my dear madam, for time and care only; these, with the blessing of God, may effect a cure.

(Capt. SINGLETON rejects the support of his man and makes an effort to rise from his chair, to which he has been driven by debility.)

Capt. SINGLETON: And where is the wretch who has caused this ruin? It is in vain that we overcome our enemies, if, conquered, they can inflict such wounds as this.

Capt LAWTON (with bitter smile): Dost think, foolish boy, that hearts can feel in a colony? What is America but a satellite of England - to move as she moves, follow where she wists, and shine, that the mother country may become more splendid by her radiance? Surely you forget that it is honor enough for a colonist to receive ruin from the hand of a child of Britain.

Capt. SINGLETON: I forget not that I wear a sword, but was there no willing arm ready to avenge that lovely sufferer - to appease the wrongs of this hoary father?

LAWTON: Neither arms, nor hearts are wanting, sir, in such a cause; but chance oftentimes helps the wicked. By heavens I'd give Roanoke himself, for a clear field with the miscreant!

BETTY: Nay, Captain dear, no be parting with the horse, any way, it is no trifle that can be had by jist asking of the right person, if yee're in need of silver, and the baste is sure of foot, and jumps like a squirrel.

LAWTON: Woman, fifty horses, ay, the best that were ever reared on the banks of the Potomac, would be but a paltry price, for one blow at a villain.

Dr.. SITGREAVES: Come, the night air can do no service to George, or these ladies, and it is incumbent on us to remove them where they can find surgical attendance and refreshment. Here is nothing but smoking ruins and odor of the swamps.

(To this rational proposition no objection can be raised, and the necessary orders are issued by LAWTON to remove the whole party to Four Corners.)

(America furnished but few carriage-makers in this period, and every vehicle, that in the least aspired to that dignity, was the manufacture of a London mechanic. When Mr. WHARTON left New York City, he was one of the few who maintained the state of a carriage.)

(At the time Miss PEYTON and his daughters joined him in his retirement, they had been conveyed to the cottage in the heavy chariot that had once so imposingly rolled through the windings of Queen Street, or emerged, with somber dignity, intodrive of Broadway.)

(This vehicle had stood, undisturbed, where it had been placed on its arrival, and the age of the horses alone had protected the favorites of CAESAR from sequestration by the contending forces in their neighborhood. With a heavy heart, the black, assisted by a few of the dragoons, proceeds to prepare it for the reception of the ladies.)

(It was a cumbrous vehicle, whose faded linings and tarnished hammercloth, together with its panels of changing color, denoted the want of that art which had once given it luster and beauty. The "lion couchant" of the WHARTON arms was reposing on the reviving splendor of blazonry that told the armorial bearings of a prince of the church; and the mitre, that already begun to shine through its American mask, is a symbol of the rank of its original owner.)

(The chaise which conveys Miss PEYTON is also safe, for the stable and outbuildings had escaped the flames. It certainly had been no part of the plan of the marauders to leave so well-appointed a stud behind them, but the suddenness of the attack by LAWTON, not only disconcerted their arrangements on this point, but on many others also.)

(A guard is left on the ground, under the command of HOLLISTER, who, having discovered that his enemy is of mortal mold, takes his position with admirable coolness, and no little skill, to guard against surprise. He draws off his small party to such a distance from the ruins, that it is effectually concealed in the darkness, while at the same time the light continued sufficiently powerful to discover any one who might approach the lawn with an intent of plunder.)

(Satisfied with this arrangement, LAWTON makes his disposition for the march. Miss PEYTON, her two nieces, and ISABELLA, are placed in the chariot, while the cart of Mrs. FLANAGAN, amply supplied with blankets and a bed, is honored with the person of Capt. SINGLETON.)

(Dr.. SITGREAVES takes charge of the chaise and Mr. WHARTON. What becomes of the rest of the family, during that eventful night, is unknown, for CAESAR alone is to be found, if we except the housekeeper. Having disposed of the whole party , LAWTON gives the word to march.)

(He maintains himself for a few minutes, alone, on the lawn, secreting various pieces of plate and other valuables, that he is fearful might tempt the cupidity of his own men; when perceiving nothing more that he conceived might overcome their honesty, he throws himself into the saddle with the soldierly intention of bringing up the rear.

(LAWTON casts an eye in the direction of the voice, and perceived a female emerging from the ruins. loaded with a bundle, that vied in size with the renowned pack of the peddler.)

LAWTON: Who have we here, rising like a phoenix from the flames. Oh, by the sound of Hippocrates, but it is the identical she-doctor, of famous needle reputation. Well, good woman, what means this outcry?

KATY: Outcry? Is it not disparagement enough to lose a silver spoon, but I must be left alone in this lonesome place, HARVEY would not serve me so; when I lived with HARVEY and his father, I was always treated with respect, at least, even if he was a little close with his secrets, and wasteful of his money.

LAWTON: Then , madam, you once formed part of the household of HARVEY BIRCH?

KATY: you may say I was the whole of his household; there was nobody but I, and he and the old gentleman; you didn't know the old gentleman perhaps?

LAWTON: That happiness was denied me; how long did you live in the family of Mr. BIRCH?

KATY: I disremember the precise time, but it must have been hard upon nine years, and what better am I for it all?

LAWTON: Sure enough, I can see but little benefit that you have derived from the association, truly. But is there not something unusual in the movements and character of this Mr. BIRCH?

KATY: Unusual is an easy word for such unaccountables! (lowering her voice and looking around her) He was a wonderful disregardful man, and minded a guinea no more than I do a kernel of corn. But help me to some way of joining Miss PEYTON, and I will tell you prodigies of what HARVEY has done, first and last.

LAWTON: You will? Here give me your leave to feel your arm above the elbow...

(So saying, he gave the spinster a sudden whirl, that effectually confused all her faculties, until she found herself safely seated on the cropper of LAWTON's steed.)

LAWTON: Now, madam, you have the consolation of knowing that you are as well mounted as Washington. The nag is sure of foot, and will leap like a panther.

KATY: Let me get down! (KATY struggles to release herself from his iron grasp, and yet afraid of falling.) this is no way to put a woman on a horse; besides, I can't ride without a pillion.

LAWTON: Softly, good madam, for although Roanoke never falls before, he sometimes rises behind. He is far from being accustomed to a pair of heels beating upon his flanks like a drum major on a field day; a single touch of the spur will serve him for a fortnight, and it is by no means wise to be kicking in this manner, for his is a horse that but little likes to be outdone.

KATY: Let me down, I say, I shall fall and be killed. Besides, I have nothing to hold on with; my arms are full of valuables.

LAWTON: True, I perceive that you belong to the baggage-guard; by my sword-belt will encircle your little waist, as well as my own.

(KATY was too much pleased with this compliment to make any resistance, while he buckled her close to his own herculean frame.)

LAWTON: Now, you said you would tell me of this BIRCH.

LAWTON: So - you have a special feeling for him, that might influence your reports of his interests?

(Driving a spur in his charger, they fly from the lawn with a rapidity that defied further conversation.)

Scene 69 - On the road from the Locusts to Four Corners

(After proceeding at a rate that a good deal discomposes the spinster, they overtake the cart of the washerwoman driving slowly over the stones, with a proper consideration for the wounds of Capt SINGLETON. The occurrences of that eventful night had produced an excitement in the young soldier, that was followed by the ordinary lassitude of reaction, and he lay carefully enveloped in blankets, and supported by his man, but little able to converse, though deeply brooding over the past.)

(Settling down to a foot-pace, LAWTON commences anew.)

LAWTON: Then, you have been an inmate in the same house with HARVEY BIRCH?

KATY (rejoicing greatly that their speed was abated): For more than nine years.

(The deep tones of the trooper's voice are no sooner conveyed to the ears of the washerwoman, than, turning her head. where she sits directing the movements of the mare, she puts in - )

BETTY: He's an honest divil, anyway, as I was saying before - the guinea was pure.

KATY: He's a fool! HARVEY might be a man of substance, were he not do disregardful. How often have I told him, that if he did nothing but peddle, and would put his gains to use, and get married, so that things at home could be kept within doors, and leave off his dealings with the rig'lars, and all incumberments, that he would soon become an excellent liver. Sergeant HOLLISTER would be glad to hold a candle to him, indeed.

BETTY: Pooh, yee'r no thinking Mr. HOLLISTER is an officer? Now ye, Capt. LAWTON, I knew yee'r enough for the Skinners any time, but wid the divil on your side, I was sure of the day. I'm only wondering, there's so little plunder, in a business of Beekzebub's contriving.

LAWTON: I'm obliged to you for the rescue, and equally indebted to the motive.

BETTY: Is it the plunder? But little did I tink of it till I saw the moveables on the ground, some burnt, and some broke, and other some as good as new. It would be convanient to have one featherbed in the corps, anyway.

LAWTON: By heavens, 'twas timely succor! Had not Roanoke been swifter than their bullets, I might have fallen. The animal is worth his weight in gold.

BETTY: It's continental, you mane, darlin', Gould weights heavy, and is no plenty in the states. If the black hadn't been staying and frighting the Sargent with his looks, and a matter of blarney 'bout ghosts, we should have been in time to have killed all the dogs, and taken the rest prisoners.

LAWTON: It is very well as it is, BETTY. A day will yet come when these miscreants shall be rewarded, if not in judgments upon their persons, at least in the opinions of their fellow-citizens. The time must arrive when America will learn to distinguish between a patriot and a robber.

KATY: Speak low. There's some who think much of themselves, that have doings with the Skinners.

BETTY: It's more they are thinking of themselves, then, than other people thinks of them; a tief's a tief, anyway; whether he stales for King George or for Congress.

KATY: I knew that evil would soon happen; the sun set tonight behind a black cloud, and the house-dog whined, although I gave him supper with my own hands; besides, it's not a week since I dreamed the dream about the thousand lighted candles, and the cakes burnt in the oven.

BETTY: Well, it's but little I drame . Jist keep an asy conscience and a plenty of the stuff in yee, and ye'll sleep like an infant. The last drame I had was when the boys put the thistle-tops in the blankets.

KATY: I'm sure no man shall ever dare to lay hands on a bed of mine; it's indecent and despiseable conduct.

BETTY: Pooh, pooh! If you tag after a troop of horse, a small bit of a joke must be borne; and what would become of the States and liberty, if the boys had never a clane shirt, or a drop to comfort them; as Capt. JACK there, if they'd fight, Mrs. Beelzebub, and they no clane linen to keep the victory in.

KATY: I'm a single woman, and my name is HAYNES, and I'd thank you to use no disparaging terms when speaking to me.

LAWTON: You must tolerate a little license in the tongue of Mrs. FLANAGAN, madam, the drop she speaks of is often of an extraordinary size, and then she has acquired the freedom of a soldier's manner.

BETTY: Pooh, Capt. darlin', why do you bother the woman? talk like yeerself, dear, and it's no fool of a tongue that yee've got in yeer own head. But it's here away that the Sargent made a halt, thinking there might be more divils than one stirring, the night. The clouds are as black as Arnold's heart, and deuce the star is there twinkling among them. Well, the mare is used to a march after nightfall, and is smelling out the road like a pointer slut.

LAWTON: It wants but little to the rising moon.

(He called a dragoon, who was riding in advance, issued a few orders and cautions relative to the comfort and safety of SINGLETON, and speaking a consoling word to his friend himself, gave Roanoke the spur, and dashed by the cart, at a rate that again put to flight all the philosophy of KATY HAYNES.)

BETTY (shouting as they rode by) : Good luck to yee, for a free rider and a bold! If you meet Mr. Beelzebub, jist back the baste up to him, and show him his consort that yee've got on the crupper. I'm thinking it's no long he'd tarry to chat. Well, well, it's his life that we saved, he was saying so himself - though the plunder is nothing to signify.

(The cries of BETTY FLANAGAN are all too familiar to the ears of Capt. LAWTON to elicit a reply. Even with the unusual burden that Roanoke sustained, he got over the ground with great rapidity, and the distance between the cart of Mrs. FLANAGAN and the chariot of Miss PEYTON is passed in a manner, that it answered the intentions of the trooper, but in no degree contributes to the comfort of his companion.)