George Bernard Shaw a penn State Electronic Classics Series Publication

ately) You shall not hang him: that man is not my husband.
The officers look at one another, and whisper: some of the Ger-
mans asking their neighbors to explain what the woman has
said. Burgoyne, who has been visibly shaken by Judith’s reproach,

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56
The Devil’s Disciple
recovers himself promptly at this new development. Richard
meanwhile raises his voice above the buzz.
RICHARD
. I appeal to you, gentlemen, to put an end to
this. She will not believe that she cannot save me. Break up
the court.
BURGOYNE 
(in a voice so quiet and firm that it restores si-
lence at once). One moment, Mr. Anderson. One moment,
gentlemen. (He resumes his seat. Swindon and the officers fol-
low his example.) Let me understand you clearly, madam.
Do you mean that this gentleman is not your husband, or
merely—I wish to put this with all delicacy—that you are
not his wife?
JUDITH
. I don’t know what you mean. I say that he is not
my husband—that my husband has escaped. This man took
his place to save him. Ask anyone in the town—send out
into the street for the first person you find there, and bring
him in as a witness. He will tell you that the prisoner is not
Anthony Anderson.
BURGOYNE 
(quietly, as before). Sergeant.
SERGEANT
. Yes sir.
BURGOYNE
. Go out into the street and bring in the first
townsman you see there.
SERGEANT 
(making for the door). Yes sir.
BURGOYNE 
(as the sergeant passes). The first clean, sober
townsman you see.
SERGEANT
. Yes Sir. (He goes out.)
BURGOYNE
. Sit down, Mr. Anderson—if I may call you
so for the present. (Richard sits down.) Sit down, madam,
whilst we wait. Give the lady a newspaper.
RICHARD 
(indignantly). Shame!
BURGOYNE 
(keenly, with a half smile). If you are not her
husband, sir, the case is not a serious one—for her. (Richard
bites his lip silenced.)
JUDITH 
(to Richard, as she returns to her seat). I couldn’t
help it. (He shakes his head. She sits down.)
BURGOYNE
. You will understand of course, Mr. Ander-
son, that you must not build on this little incident. We are
bound to make an example of somebody.
RICHARD
. I quite understand. I suppose there’s no use in

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57
GB Shaw
my explaining.
BURGOYNE
. I think we should prefer independent testi-
mony, if you don’t mind.
The sergeant, with a packet of papers in his hand, returns con-
ducting Christy, who is much scared.
SERGEANT 
(giving Burgoyne the packet). Dispatches, Sir.
Delivered by a corporal of the 53rd. Dead beat with hard
riding, sir.
Burgoyne opens the dispatches, and presently becomes absorbed
in them. They are so serious as to take his attention completely
from the court martial.
SERGEANT 
(to Christy). Now then. Attention; and take
your hat off. (He posts himself in charge of Christy, who stands
on Burgoyne’s side of the court.)
RICHARD 
(in his usual bullying tone to Christy). Don’t be
frightened, you fool: you’re only wanted as a witness. They’re
not going to hang you.
SWINDON
. What’s your name?
CHRISTY
. Christy.
RICHARD 
(impatiently). Christopher Dudgeon, you bla-
tant idiot. Give your full name.
SWINDON
. Be silent, prisoner. You must not prompt the
witness.
RICHARD
. Very well. But I warn you you’ll get nothing
out of him unless you shake it out of him. He has been too
well brought up by a pious mother to have any sense or man-
hood left in him.
BURGOYNE 
(springing up and speaking to the sergeant in a