DUNN _falls back to the_ GUARD. KERCHIVAL _speaks apart to_ THORNTON,
_who has turned front_.] How did this portrait come into your
possession?

THORNTON. That is my affair, not yours!

BUCKTHORN. Anything else, Colonel?

KERCHIVAL. [_Placing the miniature in his pocket._] Nothing!

THORNTON. [_Apart, over_ KERCHIVAL'S _shoulder._] A time will come,
perhaps, when I can avenge the insult of this search, and also this
scar. [_Pointing to a scar on his face._] Your aim was better than
mine in Charleston, but we shall meet again; give me back that
picture.

KERCHIVAL. Corporal! Take your prisoner!

THORNTON. Ah! [_Viciously springing at_ KERCHIVAL; CORPORAL DUNN
_springs forward, seizes_ THORNTON, _throws him back to the_ GUARD
_and stands with his carbine levelled at_ THORNTON; _looks at_
KERCHIVAL, _who quietly motions him out._ CORPORAL DUNN _gives the
orders to the men and marches out with_ THORNTON.

BUCKTHORN. Ah! [_Still reading with matches._] Colonel! [_Rising._]
The enemy has a new movement on foot, and General Sheridan has left
the army! Listen! [_Reads from despatches with matches._] "Watch for a
signal from Three Top Mountain to-night."

KERCHIVAL. We hope to be able to read that signal ourselves.