Bev. The firing's stopped; 'twas only a skirmish. Our men ought
to be safe by now. Winthrop had only a few men with him, reconnoitering.
Fair. He--didn't have time to get into the fight, did he?
Bev. I suppose not. The men went first.
Fair. Ah--
[Re-enter Mrs. S. with Cupid and Marthy from the house.
Mrs. S. The fight could not have been more than a mile away.
We'll have some news before so very long.
Bev. Oh, let me, mother; I'll ride down and see.
Mrs. S. No, Bevie, no. You must stay here. We have you yet.
Bev (quietly). I'll stay, mother.
Char. (who has been straining her eyes through the dusk, turns
quickly). I hear a horse; it's running. Ah, God! let this be news.
[Horse's hoofs are heard rapidly approaching.
Fair. It cannot be so soon.
Bev. It is; it is. He's coming up the avenue. It's Winthrop. He's
riding for his life!
Fair. Steve! For his life--God!
[The horse's hoofs stop; enter Winthrop hurriedly.
Winth. (removing hat). I grieve to tell you, madam, that your son
George is badly wounded. You must go to him at once.
Char. George! Come, mother; come while there is time!
Winth. I met a man sent back to say it was only a skirmish.
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