The Southern Cross Part 17

Carter. And in that time you got into George's clothes for a disguise. (slowly) I don't believe you.

Gordon. What do you mean?

Carter. I mean that I'm a fool. And that you are the best and bravest friend a man ever had in the world. At first I did believe you, though I did not understand. And now I see too clearly why you lied to me. (slowly) you gave yourself up to the enemy so they would send you here with me. Your plan was made before--not afterwards. You gave your life into their hands to save me (he comes slowly forward) I am not worth it. Oh, I am not worth your life.

[He takes his hand.

Gordon. Pray G.o.d; its not in vain.

Carter. You did this thing for me and for the information to give Morgan?

Gordon (slowly). Yes.

Carter. And was there nothing else?

Gordon (slowly turning away). Perhaps.

Carter. Fair?

Gordon. Yes.

Carter. But--she does not--love--me.

Gordon (wearily). I know that.

Carter. Then, why? Oh, tell me, Gordon, for I do not understand.

Tell me. A life is such a precious thing to give.

Gordon (who has turned away, speaking slowly). You--know--that I love her.

Carter. I was afraid of it.

Gordon. And still you do not understand?

Carter. No, I don't believe I do.

Gordon (with deep emotion). It is because I love her, and I know the man she loves.

[Carter draws suddenly back.

But it can never be. I think she knows it, poor little girl. And if it must he, she will then give up her love, as she has many things almost as dear to her. And now when you are free, I want you to go back home--to her. And when at last, if you shall win the dearest thing in life--oh, boy, be worthy of her love--be strong and true! Make up to her for all that she has suffered. G.o.d grant that you may teach her to forget.

[He turns away to the window.

Carter (coming behind him, speaking in a low, strained voice).

But why all this for me? Are not your chances for escape as good as mine?

[Gordon does not move.

(Slowly Carter realizes the truth: he is deadly pale; then with a short intaking of the breath, he catches Gordon's arm). You mean--

Gordon (turns, facing him). Yes.

Carter. To hide the place where I escape. No! You hear me--No!

Gordon. Quiet! For G.o.d's sake! (He comes close to Carter, placing both hands on his shoulders, looking him squarely in the eyes). You are going straight to Morgan, and you are going to save him and his army.

Carter. And you--

Gordon. I will come later.

Carter. How much?

Gordon. Two hours.

Carter. They'd find you out before then. But why, why not you take the news to Morgan?

Gordon. There is not time for me to even hear it: and if there were--. Ha! what's that?

[Far down underneath the floor the sound of metal striking on the rock.

You hear!

[The sound again.

Listen!

[The sound a little louder.

What part of the floor?

[The clock begins to strike twelve.

Carter. Under the mattress--here!

Gordon. Go to the door and listen for him.

[Carter goes to door and bends down, listening. Gordon pushes aside the mattress and begins to claw the bricks with his fingers.

Carter. All's quiet. He does not always come. Here, your hands are bleeding.

[He begins to help with the bricks. They get one up, then some dirt, then another brick.

Gordon. Only a second now (he and Carter tear up more bricks) Look out! (he pushes Carter back. A man's hand and arm appear through the floor, then is quickly withdrawn). All right!

Voice Below. Are you safe?

Gordon. Yes.