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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/28527-h.zip b/28527-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5675580 --- /dev/null +++ b/28527-h.zip diff --git a/28527-h/28527-h.htm b/28527-h/28527-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5701c08 --- /dev/null +++ b/28527-h/28527-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2445 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Story of Nathan Hale, by Henry Fisk Carlton. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +h1 { text-align: center; line-height: 1.5; clear: both; } + +p.title { text-align: center; text-indent: 0; + font-weight: bold; + line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 3em; } + +h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { text-align: center; clear: both; } + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; +} /* page numbers */ + +.center {text-align: center;} +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Story of Nathan Hale, by Henry Fisk Carlton + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Story of Nathan Hale + +Author: Henry Fisk Carlton + +Editor: Claire T. Zyve + +Release Date: April 7, 2009 [EBook #28527] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF NATHAN HALE *** + + + + +Produced by Colin Bell, Joseph Cooper, Diane Monico, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + +<p class="title"><i>DRAMATIC HOURS IN REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY</i></p> +<hr style="width: 33%;" /> + +<h1> +The<br /> +Story of Nathan Hale<br /></h1> + +<p class="title"><small>BY</small><br /> +<br /> +<big>HENRY FISK CARLTON</big><br /> + +<br /><br /> +<i>Edited by</i> CLAIRE T. ZYVE, <span class="smcap">Ph.D.</span><br /> +Fox Meadow School, Scarsdale, New York<br /> +<br /></p> +<hr style="width: 33%;" /> +<p class="title"><small>BUREAU OF PUBLICATIONS<br /> +TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY<br /> +NEW YORK CITY<br /></small> +</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><i>HOW TO BE A GOOD RADIO ACTOR</i></h3> + + +<p>The play in this book has actually been produced on the radio. Possibly +you have listened to this one when you tuned in at home. The +persons whose voices you heard as you listened, looked just as they did +when they left their homes to go to the studio, although they were +taking the parts of men and women who lived long ago and who wore +costumes very different from the ones we wear today.</p> + +<p>The persons whose voices you heard stood close together around the +microphone, each one reading from a copy of the play in his hand. +Since they could not be seen, they did not act parts as in other plays, +but tried to make their voices show how they felt.</p> + +<p>When you give these plays you will not need costumes and you will +not need scenery, although you can easily arrange a broadcasting studio +if you wish. You will not need to memorize your parts; in fact, it +will not be like a real radio broadcast if you do so, and, furthermore, +you will not want to, since you each have a copy of the book in +your hands. All you will need to do is to remember that you are taking +the part of a radio actor, that you are to read your speeches very distinctly, +and that by your voice you will make your audience understand +how you feel. In this way you will have the fun of living +through some of the great moments of history.</p> + + +<h3><i>HOW TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS IN THE PLAY</i></h3> + + +<p>There are some directions in this play which may be new to you, but +these are necessary, for you are now in a radio broadcasting studio, +talking in front of a microphone. The word (<i>in</i>) means that the +character is standing close to the microphone, while (<i>off</i>) indicates that +he is farther away, so that his voice sounds faint. When the directions +(<i>off, coming in</i>) are given, the person speaking is away from the microphone +at first but gradually comes closer. The words (<i>mob</i>) or (<i>crowd +noise</i>) you will understand mean the sound of many people talking in +the distance.</p> + +<p>Both the English and the dialect used help make the characters live, +so the speeches have been written in the way in which these men and +women would talk. This means that sometimes the character may use +what seems to you unusual English. The punctuation helps, too, to +make the speeches sound like real conversation; for example, you will +find that a dash is often used to show that a character is talking very +excitedly.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="THE_STORY_OF_NATHAN_HALE" id="THE_STORY_OF_NATHAN_HALE"></a>THE STORY OF NATHAN HALE</h2> + +<h3><i>CAST</i></h3> + +<p class="center"> +CAPTAIN NATHAN HALE<br /> +CAPTAIN WILLIAM HULL<br /> +GENERAL WASHINGTON<br /> +BOS'N<br /> +LIEUTENANT POND<br /> +SIMON CARTER<br /> +LIEUTENANT DREW [BRITISH]<br /> +MRS. CHICHESTER<br /> +CAPTAIN MONTRESSOR<br /> +PROVOST MARSHAL CUNNINGHAM<br /> +</p> + + +<h3>ANNOUNCER</h3> + +<p>We present here the story of the famous Revolutionary +hero and martyr, Nathan Hale. For the first scene of our +sketch, let us go to General Washington's headquarters in +New York City. It is early September of the year 1776. +In the Orderly room, outside of General Washington's +private office, sits Captain William Hull, a member of the +General's staff. Another officer comes through the door, +Captain Hull glances toward the newcomer, jumps up, +and exclaims—</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Nathan Hale! As sure as I'm alive!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>William Hull! Well, well, this is a surprise!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>And you're a Captain! My congratulations, Nathan.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I might say the same to you, William!</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>What regiment are you in?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Knowlton's Rangers. And you?</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Well, as you see, I'm on the General's staff. I envy you! +Knowlton's Rangers, eh? Ah! There you have some +chance for adventure! Some chance to distinguish yourself, +while I—</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Why, what's wrong with a staff appointment? I'd be honored +if it were offered to me.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Yes, so was I. That's why I'm here. I was a lieutenant of +artillery when General Washington asked me to join his +staff. I jumped at the chance—</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Who wouldn't?</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>I wouldn't, again! Why, all I've done for two months is +write letters, sit at a desk, answer questions, and run errands! +It's no duty for a man who craves action!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, William, you have always been a fire eater.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Well, I eat no fire here, I can tell you. Now will you trade +jobs with me?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>If General Washington asks me to—I'll do it—though +you haven't made it sound like a very attractive job, William.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Perhaps I've overdone it, Nathan—</p> + +<p class="center">HALE [<i>laughing</i>]</p> + +<p>No use trying to crawl out of it now, William.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>But you—you're more used to this sort of thing than I +am. You're a schoolmaster—used to books and quills and +letter writing.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>That's true enough. You never had much love for books—as +I remember it you were rather a trial to the dominie +back home—by the way, what do you hear from South +Coventry?</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Not much—almost every man in the town enlisted.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, I keep running across South Coventry men everywhere +I go. It's a little town, but it has certainly done its duty +well in this war.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>If others had done as well, we wouldn't be in such dire +straits now!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Things do look pretty black for us.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Black! They couldn't be blacker!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Have you any idea what the General's next move will be?</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>No!—and what's more, I don't think he knows. It all +depends on General Howe's movements, and what those +will be nobody knows.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Is General Washington in his office now?</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Yes. Did you come to see him?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I was ordered to report to him.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>And here I've been keeping you out here—that shows +what a good staff officer I am! I'll announce you at once. +[<i>knock</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON [<i>off</i>]</p> + +<p>Yes, come in.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Sir, Captain Hale of Knowlton's Rangers awaits your +pleasure.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON [<i>off</i>]</p> + +<p>Ask him to come in at once, Captain.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Yes, sir. [<i>closer</i>] General Washington will see you now, +Captain Hale.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Thank you.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL [<i>low</i>]</p> + +<p>I'll wait out here for you. Come right in here! [<i>door +closes</i>]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Captain Hale reports as ordered, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Come in, Captain—come in!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Thank you, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Will you sit here?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Thank you, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Colonel Knowlton informs me that you and your company +have been assigned to cover the North Shore line of +Long Island Sound.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir!</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Well, Captain Hale, I am seriously in need of exact information +which you may be able to secure.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>What is that, sir?</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Lord Howe's plans!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir!</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Can you get them?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I can try, sir.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>You don't seem daunted by the magnitude of the undertaking.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>It is an order, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Well, my boy, no man knows better than I the impossibility +of some orders.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>But, sir—</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>I hope, though, that this is not impossible. I have to have +the information. The safety of my whole army depends +upon it. I must know particularly where General Howe +intends to strike next.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>If he comes across the East River, we can protect ourselves +and keep out of his way. But if he comes across Long +Island Sound—do you realize what that may mean to us?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir. He can cut off our retreat.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Exactly! So that's what I must know.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I'll find out for you, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Good! Now, Captain, you may go about your task in any +way you see fit. I suggest two or three alternatives. First, +you may tempt one of the enemy or a Tory who has access<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> +to the British lines, with a sum of money. You may +draw on me for whatever is necessary.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Or you might make a sally across the Sound, capture a +prisoner or two, and secure bits of information.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Or, though I hate to suggest it, you might go yourself in +disguise to the British lines, but that should be only in a +last desperate effort.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I understand, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Or if you could get in touch with certain persons on Long +Island who have been of service to us before—let's see—there +is a shoemaker in Jamaica—what is his name—oh, +here it is—Simon Carter.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Simon Carter. Yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>If you can find any way to get in touch with him—</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I'll find a way, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>The password is "Liberty" used twice in your first sentence +to him.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>I don't know what he can do for you, but he is trustworthy +and he may have some information.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I'll see him, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Now, Captain, I don't want you to go yourself unless it is +absolutely necessary. But I must have General Howe's +plans as soon as possible.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir. I understand. I'll see that you get them, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">WASHINGTON</p> + +<p>Good! I believe you will, Captain. Good day.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Good day, sir. [<i>door closes</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">HULL [<i>coming in</i>]</p> + +<p>Well, Nathan, what news?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I've got a job.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>On the staff?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>No. I'm afraid it's more hazardous than that.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>You're lucky! A hazardous job! Say, what I wouldn't +give to be in your shoes! What is it? Are you at liberty +to tell?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Of course I'll tell you, William. I'm to discover General +Howe's plan of action.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HULL [<i>whistles</i>]</p> + +<p>I should say you had drawn a hazardous assignment! I'd +call it a labor of Hercules!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Perhaps.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>How are you going about it?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>There's only one sure way of doing it.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Yes—and what's that?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I'll go myself into the enemy lines.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>In disguise?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Of course.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>That may involve serious consequences, Nathan.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I know it, but I think it's my duty.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Listen, Nathan. Let me go instead. It's more in my line.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>No, William. The General has assigned me to the duty.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>But he didn't order you to act the spy, did he?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>No.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>And he doesn't expect you to.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>He expects me to get Howe's plans.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Look here—if I get permission to leave here, won't you +let me go in your place?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I'm afraid not, William.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Listen to reason! You have a father and mother; you're +engaged to be married. If by chance you were captured—well, +I hate to think of it. But I'm alone in the world, +it wouldn't make any difference what happened to me. +Let me go!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>It's no use, William. I appreciate your sentiment; but +General Washington has given me a duty to perform, and +I'd be a poor kind of soldier if I turned it over to anyone +else simply because it involved danger.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Let me go with you, at least!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Well, if you can get permission, I'd be glad to have you go +part of the way with me—though I must go into the +enemy lines alone!</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>But—</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I insist on that! There is added risk in two of us trying to +work under disguise.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Oh, very well. Have it your way. When do we start?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Early tomorrow morning.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>I'll get permission to accompany you at once.</p> + + +<h3>ANNOUNCER</h3> + +<p>So early the next morning Hull and Hale started out together. +They went into Connecticut and began looking +for some means of crossing the Sound to the North Shore +of Long Island. When they arrived near Norwalk they +heard that an American gunboat was lying offshore. They +determined to row out to it as soon as night came.</p> + +<p>Our next scene is just after dark. Nathan Hale has put +on his disguise, while William Hull has found a rowboat, +and now draws up to the shore where Nathan is waiting +for him.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Hello, William, that you?</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>It's me, right enough. Come on, climb in.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>All right. Hold her there while I get aboard.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Easy, you'll have to jump for it! This is as close as I can +come with this old tub.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Steady now! Here I come—all right! I didn't even get +my feet wet!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Let me take a good look at your disguise. Hm—brown +homespun suit—yes—that's a poor enough fit even for +a penniless schoolmaster. And that hat! Yes, it'll disguise +you all right.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I hope so. Give me an oar, I'll help you pull to the gunboat.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Here you are. [<i>rattle of oar in oarlock</i>] All ready?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Pull away, [<i>noise of regular rattle of oars in the lock and +the swish of water continuing</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Where are you going first, Nathan?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I don't know. I'll have to let circumstances direct me.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Are you going directly to that shoemaker the General referred +you to?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>No, not directly. I'll see what I can do without any help +at first.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>You better change your mind and let me go with you.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>It's no use, William. I won't change my mind.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>You always were stubborn, Nathan.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Perhaps. There's the gunboat, William!</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Sure that's it?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>No doubt of it.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Shall I hail them?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Let's pull in a little closer.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>All right, pull away. There's no light aboard.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>No—there wouldn't be. These waters are alive with +British boats.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>There! That's close enough! Give 'em a call now!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Ahoy, there!</p> + +<p class="center">BOS'N [<i>distance</i>]</p> + +<p>Ahoy! Look sharp there! Don't come any closer! Who +are you, and what do you want?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I want to speak to your Captain.</p> + +<p class="center">BOS'N</p> + +<p>Who are you?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>An officer of the Continental army!</p> + +<p class="center">BOS'N</p> + +<p>Stand by—I'll report you.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HALE [<i>low</i>]</p> + +<p>All right, William, as soon as I go aboard, row back to +shore, and wait ten days for me. If I've not returned by +then, go back and report me as lost.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Now, listen, Nathan! I've come this far with you, let me +go—</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>We've settled all that, William, not once but several times.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Oh, all right.</p> + +<p class="center">POND [<i>distance</i>]</p> + +<p>Ahoy, there! What's wanted?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I wish to come aboard, sir, with your permission.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Hello, there, your voice sounds familiar. You don't by +any chance happen to be Captain Hale?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, indeed. I'm Captain Hale. But you have the advantage +of me, sir—</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Come aboard, come aboard, Captain. Don't you remember +Lieutenant Pond? I was in your regiment at the siege +of Boston.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Of course, I do, Pond. I'm glad to hear your voice.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Come aboard, Captain, I'll lower a ladder for you.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Thank you.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Bos'n!</p> + +<p class="center">BOS'N</p> + +<p>Aye, aye, sir!</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Lower the ladder for Captain Hale!</p> + +<p class="center">BOS'N</p> + +<p>Aye, aye, sir! [<i>gives orders for lowering ladder</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">HALE [<i>during the confusion</i>]</p> + +<p>Good-by, William. I'll try to be back in a week.</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Good luck to you, Nathan.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>If by any chance I fail to return, will you see that my uniform +and other effects are sent to my family?</p> + +<p class="center">HULL</p> + +<p>Of course I will, Nathan.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Come aboard, Captain Hale!</p> + +<p class="center">POND [<i>coming in</i>]</p> + +<p>Here you are, careful now! Give me your hand and watch +yourself—there!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Thank you.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>What kind of an outfit do you call that you've got on! +I'd never have known you if I hadn't heard your voice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>That's good, Pond!</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Good, why?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Because I'm bound for the enemy lines.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>What? Not on spy duty, I hope?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Exactly. Will you give me passage to Long Island, and +land me in some secluded spot?</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Why—yes—if you wish it.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>You can do it without endangering yourself or your boat?</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>There'll be no difficulty about landing you. There is, however, +a British man-of-war, the <i>Halifax</i>, in these waters. +We have to watch out for her. But it's dark enough tonight +to be perfectly safe.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Good! Can we go at once?</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Yes, sir. [<i>calling</i>] Bos'n!</p> + +<p class="center">BOS'N</p> + +<p>Aye, aye, sir!</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Get the ship under way for Long Island! Bring her into +that secluded cove near Huntington! You know the place.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">BOS'N</p> + +<p>Aye, aye, sir! [<i>calling</i>] All hands on deck! Man the +windlass! Weigh anchor! [<i>etc.</i>] [<i>mob, setting sails, etc.</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Well, Captain Hale. This is new business for you, isn't it?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, I've been transferred to Knowlton's Rangers. Our +business is to get information. And I am under orders to +secure some information that I can get in no other way.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Hm. It's not a sweet business.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>It's in my country's service! It seems that you, too, Lieutenant +Pond, are in a new business. How long have you +been in the navy?</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Two weeks.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I'm glad I found you here—I might have had some difficulty +in convincing a stranger that I was really an officer +in the Continental army.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>That's true enough. You look—well—more like a +country schoolmaster than anything else.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>That's what I hope to pass for.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>How long will you be on Long Island?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I shall try to be through my business in a week. I wonder +if you would meet me at the same place you are going to +leave me—say, a week from tonight?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>I'll send a small boat ashore for you, soon after dark a week +from tonight.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Good! I'll be there—unless—</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Yes?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Unless I am unexpectedly detained.</p> + +<p class="center">POND</p> + +<p>Oh, sir—we won't even think of that!</p> + + +<h3>ANNOUNCER</h3> + +<p>Our next scene is several days later, at the little shop of the +shoemaker, Simon Carter, in Jamaica. Simon is sitting on +his stool, hammering away at a half-finished boot, when +he hears a knock at his door. [<i>knock</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Come in, come in, the door ain't locked! Come on in!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Is this the shop of Simon Carter, the shoemaker?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>It is, no less!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Are you at liberty today—at liberty to do a little work +for me?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Close the door!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>There. [<i>door closes</i>]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">SIMON [<i>low</i>]</p> + +<p>Now—sir—I'll do what I can fer ye—in the cause of +liberty. What is it?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE [<i>low</i>]</p> + +<p>Have you any information for the General?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Aye—a plenty!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Can you give it to me?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>It's all written out—careful.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Good! Give it to me.</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Jest a minute. Don't them boots of yours need new soles?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Why, I don't know. I think they'll do.</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Never! Ye must have new soles!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Why?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>See here? This here sole?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Well, listen—come close—</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>The sole is split—the notes are inside it!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Good! That's an excellent idea!</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Slickest thing ye ever see. And it's my own idea!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I wonder if you could hide some notes I've gathered in the +same way?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>O' course I could. I'll resole both boots. Give me yer +notes.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Here they are. [<i>rattle of paper</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Pshaw, now—what kind o' writin' is this?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>It's Latin. I thought if they were discovered on me—</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>O' course—no soldier—that is, no redcoat could read +that furrin writin'. Well, I'll put it where they'll never +find it. Here—right in this sole. Now sit down there +and pull yer boots off an' I'll fix 'em up fer ye.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Good! It's an excellent hiding place. Here you are.</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Yer a schoolmaster, I take it from the looks o' ye?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>That's what I've been passing for.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Now, where's that awl? Oh, here it is. And what name +be ye usin' hereabouts?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Call me Master Nathan. [<i>knock</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Oh, someone at the door.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Had I better hide?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>No, no! 'tis better that ye sit right over there in the dark +corner. Ye look innocent enough. Come in!</p> + +<p class="center">DREW [<i>coming in</i>]</p> + +<p>Good morning, Simon.</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Good morrow to ye, Lieutenant Drew! I've got yer boots +all finished fer ye.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Right! You're hard at work, I see.</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Always hard at work, Lieutenant. Here are yer boots. +I'll wrap them up fer ye.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW [<i>low</i>]</p> + +<p>Who's that gentleman over there?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON [<i>low</i>]</p> + +<p>A customer—I'm fixin' his boots.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Know him?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Never set eyes on him before.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Unless I'm much mistaken, I've seen him before—but I +can't place him.</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Eh? Here's yer boots, Lieutenant. An' come around +again when ye have need of a good shoemaker.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Thank you. I'm going to speak to him. [<i>louder</i>] Good +morning, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Good morning, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Haven't we met somewhere?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I think you're mistaken, Mr.—</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Drew—Drew—Lieutenant on His Majesty's gunboat, +the <i>Halifax</i>. Are you a stranger hereabouts?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Do you live on the Island?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Why—ah—yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Where?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Ah—er—near—Huntington.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Ah yes—well, no doubt I've seen you over there. I'm +often at Huntington.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir, no doubt.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW [<i>jovially</i>]</p> + +<p>Perhaps you know that delightfully charming lady who +keeps the tavern—Mrs. Chichester?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Slightly—only slightly.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Hm! You should know her—a delightful soul. Well, +good day—good day, Simon.</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Good day, Lieutenant. [<i>door closes</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Now, where have I met that man?</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Then ye <i>have</i> met him? He wasn't mistaken?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I've seen him somewhere—but I can't place him.</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Well—as long as he can't place you, yer safe, but git out +o' this town as soon as ye can.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I will.</p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Are ye from Huntington?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Never there in my life, except late at night when I landed +on the Island.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">SIMON</p> + +<p>Well, I'll git the boots fixed for ye—then git out fast! +No use runnin' any risks.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>You're right, Simon. I shall take every care not to run +into that man again.</p> + + +<h3>ANNOUNCER</h3> + +<p>Our next scene is a few days later. It is evening. Darkness +is just falling. Mrs. Chichester, the keeper of the +Huntington Tavern, is bustling about her kitchen, when +Lieutenant Drew enters the back door.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Good evening, Mrs. Chichester.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Good evenin' to ye, Lieutenant Drew. And what are ye +doin' comin' into my kitchen, I'd like to know?</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Your tavern room's crowded, and I thought perhaps you'd +serve me here.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Indeed, I'll do nothing of the kind. There's room enough +in the tavern room.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>But I'll have no chance to talk to you out there. And I'd +as soon not eat as be deprived of your company.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Go along with ye! Come on out here into the tavern room +or ye'll not git a bite to eat.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Your word is law—I can only obey.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Through this door—here.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Oh, very well—wait—</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Now what's the matter?</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Close the door, Mrs. Chichester! Did you take particular +notice of the man sitting alone in the corner?</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>The nice-lookin' young feller in the brown suit?</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>That's the one. Do you know him?</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Never set eyes on him before.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Then he's not from Huntington.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>He is not! I know every young blood hereabouts. An' +he's not a native here, I kin warrant ye that.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>I have it!</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>What—don't scare a body to death! What have ye got?</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>I know where I've seen him! He's a rebel.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>A rebel! Indeed! In my tavern? I'll go throw him out!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>No! No! We must make certain first. But I think he's +an officer in the rebel army. Some months ago I was captured +near Boston. I escaped later. But while I was a +prisoner, I saw this fellow—unless I'm much mistaken. +I saw him again the other day in Jamaica, at the shoemaker's; +and now—look at him—here through the crack in +the door!</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>He's lookin' fer somethin'—out the winder.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>He's watching the shore of the cove!</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Lookin' fer a boat to fetch him away, I'll warrant ye!</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Exactly! Now, Mrs. Chichester, let's set a trap for him. +Will you help me?</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>I will that! A rebel—and like as not a spy—in my +tavern!</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Go in to him, engage him in conversation, then look out +the window and remark that you see a small boat landing.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Aye, I'll do it.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>If he starts up, I'll know he's my man.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>And then?</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Tell him you're mistaken. The darkness deluded you.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Yes?</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>A small boat from my ship, the <i>Halifax</i>, is waiting for me +round the point. I'll bring it around with my crew and +we'll apprehend him.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Good. Wait here—I'll go in now. [<i>door opens, laughter +and talk swell up</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>I hope, sir, ye found the roast beef to yer liking.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Yes, thank you, madam.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Can I help ye to anything else, sir?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I think not, thank you.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>I'm sorry we have such poor fare, sir, but the times are +hard, what with the comin' and goin' of the troops; and +the rebels cleaned out the place when they were here.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I've fared very well, Madam.</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>Oh look—there in the cove! D'ye see a small boat comin' +into shore? I wonder what it can be doin' here?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Oh, indeed! I'm afraid I'll have to go, Madam! Let me +pay my reckoning.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>There—I guess my eyes deceived me. It's not a boat at +all.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Ah!</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>What was that you said? Your reckoning? But sir, you've +had no sweetmeat. Come, sit down, I'll bring ye a bit o' +pastry.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>But—</p> + +<p class="center">MRS. CHICHESTER</p> + +<p>I'll take it much amiss if ye refuse me.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Thank you, Madam—I'll wait—bring your sweetmeat.</p> + + +<h3>ANNOUNCER</h3> + +<p>As soon as Hale finished his meal at the tavern, he went to +the shore of the cove to await the boat that he expected. +After some time he heard the splash of oars. So sure was +he that this was his boat that he stood up and called.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Hello, Pond, here I am! Right here!</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Stand fast, put your hands up!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>What—what's the meaning of this? Sir, I am a peaceable +schoolmaster, you have no cause to apprehend me!</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>We'll soon see. Strike a light! Search him!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Aye, aye, sir—here's your light.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Well, sir, I thought I'd seen you before. Now I know I +have! I've placed you at last! You are an officer in the +rebel army!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I tell you, sir, I am a poor schoolmaster!</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>We'll soon see. Find anything in his pockets?</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Not a thing, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Rip his jacket to pieces, look in the lining and the seams!</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Yes, sir. [<i>sound of tearing cloth</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Why am I suffering this indignity?</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Anything there?</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Not a thing, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Strip him—tear every piece of clothing to pieces!</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Aye, aye, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I trust this is giving you some pleasure.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>We're enjoying ourselves, aren't we, boys?</p> + +<p class="center">ALL</p> + +<p>Aye, aye, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Here, sir—a piece o' paper.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Let's see it—ha—receipt for lodgings. Is that the best +you can do?</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>That's all there is, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Perhaps, sir, now that you have ruined my clothes, you'll +let me go.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>I will not! I'll find where you've hidden your notes if I +have to rip your skin off!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I am helpless, sir. But you must be satisfied that I have +nothing on me. Can't you conclude your sport and let +me go?</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Look here, men—what about his boots?</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Nothing in them, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>He was having them resoled the other day! Ho, I'll wager +that's where they are! Give me your knife, Bos'n!</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Here you are, sir.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Hm! There—ah, ha! I thought so! Papers—papers—I +thought as much—bring the light nearer! Hm—what's +this? Some foreign tongue—Ah! Latin. Who +would have expected a rebel to know Latin?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I am a schoolmaster, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>Aye, and a spy as well—as these notes prove.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Can you read them?</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>My Latin is a little rusty, but I can make out the tenor of +them. Hm—disposition of troops—probable movements +of army—yes, that will do! What have you to say +to that, my fine rebel?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Nothing.</p> + +<p class="center">DREW</p> + +<p>You don't need to. We've evidence enough to hang you +as it is. Bring him along, men! [<i>mob noise</i>]</p> + + +<h3>ANNOUNCER</h3> + +<p>So Hale was taken aboard the <i>Halifax</i> and delivered late +the same night to General Howe, who, without the formality +of a trial, turned him over to the Provost Marshal, William +Cunningham, for execution the next day.</p> + +<p>Our next scene is in the apple orchard of the Beekman +estate on Manhattan. Hale has been marched out for his +execution. He is standing under guard, near the tent of +Captain John Montressor, who, as our scene opens, comes +out of his tent, sees Hale, and speaks to him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>Sir, I regret to see such a fine appearing young man in this +situation.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>You are kind to say so, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>May I ask your name and rank?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I am Captain Nathan Hale, of the Colonial army.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>May I introduce myself? I am Captain John Montressor. +Can I be of any assistance to you?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I should be deeply grateful, sir, if I could write a few lines +to friends and relatives before I meet my fate.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>Will you come into my tent?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>If my guard—</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>I'll tend to the guard.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Thank you.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>You'll find quills, ink, and paper on my field desk.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE [<i>going</i>]</p> + +<p>Thank you, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>I say, halt there—where are you going?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>Never mind, Corporal! I'll be responsible for the prisoner.</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Very good, Captain, but the Provost Marshal won't like +it! I can tell you that.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>I'll take all the blame. The Provost Marshal never likes +anything, so that's no matter. Here, put this crown in +your pocket.</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Right enough, sir. Thank you.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>Do you know anything about the prisoner?</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>No, sir. Ah, sir! Here comes the Provost Marshal!</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>Let me talk to him.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM [<i>coming up</i>]</p> + +<p>Where's the prisoner? Guard! Where's the prisoner?</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>Just at this moment, sir, he is writing a few notes in my +tent.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Bring him out here!</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>I'll get him, sir, if I may be allowed.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Go ahead, get him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR [<i>off</i>]</p> + +<p>I'm sorry, Captain Hale, but the Marshal is waiting for +you—have you finished your letters?</p> + +<p class="center">HALE [<i>off</i>]</p> + +<p>Not quite, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR [<i>calling</i>]</p> + +<p>He hasn't finished his letters, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Fetch him along—he's written enough.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>I'm sorry, Captain.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>Of course I'll come. May I ask you to deliver these letters +at your first opportunity?</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>Surely.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Guard, fall in around the prisoner.</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Guard, fall in—'ten—<i>shun</i>! Quick step—march! +[<i>marching</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Halt under the tree!</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Guard, halt!</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Put the prisoner on the ladder!</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>It isn't necessary, sir—I can climb the ladder.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>All right then, get up there. Put the halter around his +neck, and blindfold him.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I can do that, too, sir.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>All right, then, do it! And if you have any further statement +or confession to make, now is the time to do it.</p> + +<p class="center">HALE</p> + +<p>I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my +country.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Humph! Now, guard, when I give the word, kick the +ladder and let the rebel swing. Are you ready?</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Ready.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Steady—now! [<i>noise of ladder, gasp, etc.</i>] [<i>pause</i>] +So let all spies, rebels, and traitors swing! March the guard +off!</p> + +<p class="center">VOICE</p> + +<p>Guard—fall in! Quick step—[<i>etc.</i>]</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR [<i>to himself</i>]</p> + +<p>Poor fellow—and he's hardly more than a boy.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>And now, Captain Montressor, I'll trouble you for those +letters.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>Here they are, Marshal.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Ah—[<i>sound of tearing paper</i>]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>What are you doing, sir? Stop it! Don't tear those letters +up!</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>I've already done it, Captain.</p> + +<p class="center">MONTRESSOR</p> + +<p>What did you do that for? They were intrusted to me for +delivery.</p> + +<p class="center">CUNNINGHAM</p> + +<p>Well—they won't be delivered! The rebels shall never +know they had a man who could die with such firmness!</p> + + +<h3>ANNOUNCER</h3> + +<p>The next day, however, Captain Montressor carried the +news to the American lines under a white flag and repeated +to Hale's companions those words—which have come +down to us: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose +for my country!"</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>Transcriber's Note:</h3> + +<p>Page 28: Corrected both occurrences of CHICHERTER to CHICHESTER.</p> + + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Story of Nathan Hale, by Henry Fisk Carlton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF NATHAN HALE *** + +***** This file should be named 28527-h.htm or 28527-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/5/2/28527/ + +Produced by Colin Bell, Joseph Cooper, Diane Monico, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Story of Nathan Hale + +Author: Henry Fisk Carlton + +Editor: Claire T. Zyve + +Release Date: April 7, 2009 [EBook #28527] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF NATHAN HALE *** + + + + +Produced by Colin Bell, Joseph Cooper, Diane Monico, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + + +_DRAMATIC HOURS IN REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY_ + + +The +Story of Nathan Hale + +BY +HENRY FISK CARLTON + + +_Edited by_ CLAIRE T. ZYVE, Ph.D. +Fox Meadow School, Scarsdale, New York + + +BUREAU OF PUBLICATIONS +TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY +NEW YORK CITY + + + + +_HOW TO BE A GOOD RADIO ACTOR_ + +The play in this book has actually been produced on the radio. Possibly +you have listened to this one when you tuned in at home. The persons +whose voices you heard as you listened, looked just as they did when +they left their homes to go to the studio, although they were taking +the parts of men and women who lived long ago and who wore costumes +very different from the ones we wear today. + +The persons whose voices you heard stood close together around the +microphone, each one reading from a copy of the play in his hand. Since +they could not be seen, they did not act parts as in other plays, but +tried to make their voices show how they felt. + +When you give these plays you will not need costumes and you will not +need scenery, although you can easily arrange a broadcasting studio if +you wish. You will not need to memorize your parts; in fact, it will +not be like a real radio broadcast if you do so, and, furthermore, you +will not want to, since you each have a copy of the book in your hands. +All you will need to do is to remember that you are taking the part of +a radio actor, that you are to read your speeches very distinctly, and +that by your voice you will make your audience understand how you feel. +In this way you will have the fun of living through some of the great +moments of history. + + +_HOW TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS IN THE PLAY_ + +There are some directions in this play which may be new to you, but +these are necessary, for you are now in a radio broadcasting studio, +talking in front of a microphone. The word (_in_) means that the +character is standing close to the microphone, while (_off_) indicates +that he is farther away, so that his voice sounds faint. When the +directions (_off, coming in_) are given, the person speaking is away +from the microphone at first but gradually comes closer. The words +(_mob_) or (_crowd noise_) you will understand mean the sound of many +people talking in the distance. + +Both the English and the dialect used help make the characters live, so +the speeches have been written in the way in which these men and women +would talk. This means that sometimes the character may use what seems +to you unusual English. The punctuation helps, too, to make the +speeches sound like real conversation; for example, you will find that +a dash is often used to show that a character is talking very +excitedly. + + + + +THE STORY OF NATHAN HALE + +_CAST_ + +CAPTAIN NATHAN HALE +CAPTAIN WILLIAM HULL +GENERAL WASHINGTON +BOS'N +LIEUTENANT POND +SIMON CARTER +LIEUTENANT DREW [BRITISH] +MRS. CHICHESTER +CAPTAIN MONTRESSOR +PROVOST MARSHAL CUNNINGHAM + + +ANNOUNCER + +We present here the story of the famous Revolutionary hero and martyr, +Nathan Hale. For the first scene of our sketch, let us go to General +Washington's headquarters in New York City. It is early September of +the year 1776. In the Orderly room, outside of General Washington's +private office, sits Captain William Hull, a member of the General's +staff. Another officer comes through the door, Captain Hull glances +toward the newcomer, jumps up, and exclaims-- + +HULL + +Nathan Hale! As sure as I'm alive! + +HALE + +William Hull! Well, well, this is a surprise! + +HULL + +And you're a Captain! My congratulations, Nathan. + +HALE + +I might say the same to you, William! + +HULL + +What regiment are you in? + +HALE + +Knowlton's Rangers. And you? + +HULL + +Well, as you see, I'm on the General's staff. I envy you! Knowlton's +Rangers, eh? Ah! There you have some chance for adventure! Some chance +to distinguish yourself, while I-- + +HALE + +Why, what's wrong with a staff appointment? I'd be honored if it were +offered to me. + +HULL + +Yes, so was I. That's why I'm here. I was a lieutenant of artillery +when General Washington asked me to join his staff. I jumped at the +chance-- + +HALE + +Who wouldn't? + +HULL + +I wouldn't, again! Why, all I've done for two months is write letters, +sit at a desk, answer questions, and run errands! It's no duty for a +man who craves action! + +HALE + +Yes, William, you have always been a fire eater. + +HULL + +Well, I eat no fire here, I can tell you. Now will you trade jobs with +me? + +HALE + +If General Washington asks me to--I'll do it--though you haven't made +it sound like a very attractive job, William. + +HULL + +Perhaps I've overdone it, Nathan-- + +HALE [_laughing_] + +No use trying to crawl out of it now, William. + +HULL + +But you--you're more used to this sort of thing than I am. You're a +schoolmaster--used to books and quills and letter writing. + +HALE + +That's true enough. You never had much love for books--as I remember it +you were rather a trial to the dominie back home--by the way, what do +you hear from South Coventry? + +HULL + +Not much--almost every man in the town enlisted. + +HALE + +Yes, I keep running across South Coventry men everywhere I go. It's a +little town, but it has certainly done its duty well in this war. + +HULL + +If others had done as well, we wouldn't be in such dire straits now! + +HALE + +Things do look pretty black for us. + +HULL + +Black! They couldn't be blacker! + +HALE + +Have you any idea what the General's next move will be? + +HULL + +No!--and what's more, I don't think he knows. It all depends on General +Howe's movements, and what those will be nobody knows. + +HALE + +Is General Washington in his office now? + +HULL + +Yes. Did you come to see him? + +HALE + +I was ordered to report to him. + +HULL + +And here I've been keeping you out here--that shows what a good staff +officer I am! I'll announce you at once. [_knock_] + +WASHINGTON [_off_] + +Yes, come in. + +HULL + +Sir, Captain Hale of Knowlton's Rangers awaits your pleasure. + +WASHINGTON [_off_] + +Ask him to come in at once, Captain. + +HULL + +Yes, sir. [_closer_] General Washington will see you now, Captain Hale. + +HALE + +Thank you. + +HULL [_low_] + +I'll wait out here for you. Come right in here! [_door closes_] + +HALE + +Captain Hale reports as ordered, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Come in, Captain--come in! + +HALE + +Thank you, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Will you sit here? + +HALE + +Thank you, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Colonel Knowlton informs me that you and your company have been +assigned to cover the North Shore line of Long Island Sound. + +HALE + +Yes, sir! + +WASHINGTON + +Well, Captain Hale, I am seriously in need of exact information which +you may be able to secure. + +HALE + +What is that, sir? + +WASHINGTON + +Lord Howe's plans! + +HALE + +Yes, sir! + +WASHINGTON + +Can you get them? + +HALE + +I can try, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +You don't seem daunted by the magnitude of the undertaking. + +HALE + +It is an order, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Well, my boy, no man knows better than I the impossibility of some +orders. + +HALE + +But, sir-- + +WASHINGTON + +I hope, though, that this is not impossible. I have to have the +information. The safety of my whole army depends upon it. I must know +particularly where General Howe intends to strike next. + +HALE + +Yes, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +If he comes across the East River, we can protect ourselves and keep +out of his way. But if he comes across Long Island Sound--do you +realize what that may mean to us? + +HALE + +Yes, sir. He can cut off our retreat. + +WASHINGTON + +Exactly! So that's what I must know. + +HALE + +I'll find out for you, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Good! Now, Captain, you may go about your task in any way you see fit. +I suggest two or three alternatives. First, you may tempt one of the +enemy or a Tory who has access to the British lines, with a sum of +money. You may draw on me for whatever is necessary. + +HALE + +Yes, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Or you might make a sally across the Sound, capture a prisoner or two, +and secure bits of information. + +HALE + +Yes, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Or, though I hate to suggest it, you might go yourself in disguise to +the British lines, but that should be only in a last desperate effort. + +HALE + +I understand, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Or if you could get in touch with certain persons on Long Island who +have been of service to us before--let's see--there is a shoemaker in +Jamaica--what is his name--oh, here it is--Simon Carter. + +HALE + +Simon Carter. Yes, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +If you can find any way to get in touch with him-- + +HALE + +I'll find a way, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +The password is "Liberty" used twice in your first sentence to him. + +HALE + +Yes, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +I don't know what he can do for you, but he is trustworthy and he may +have some information. + +HALE + +I'll see him, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Now, Captain, I don't want you to go yourself unless it is absolutely +necessary. But I must have General Howe's plans as soon as possible. + +HALE + +Yes, sir. I understand. I'll see that you get them, sir. + +WASHINGTON + +Good! I believe you will, Captain. Good day. + +HALE + +Good day, sir. [_door closes_] + +HULL [_coming in_] + +Well, Nathan, what news? + +HALE + +I've got a job. + +HULL + +On the staff? + +HALE + +No. I'm afraid it's more hazardous than that. + +HULL + +You're lucky! A hazardous job! Say, what I wouldn't give to be in your +shoes! What is it? Are you at liberty to tell? + +HALE + +Of course I'll tell you, William. I'm to discover General Howe's plan +of action. + +HULL [_whistles_] + +I should say you had drawn a hazardous assignment! I'd call it a labor +of Hercules! + +HALE + +Perhaps. + +HULL + +How are you going about it? + +HALE + +There's only one sure way of doing it. + +HULL + +Yes--and what's that? + +HALE + +I'll go myself into the enemy lines. + +HULL + +In disguise? + +HALE + +Of course. + +HULL + +That may involve serious consequences, Nathan. + +HALE + +I know it, but I think it's my duty. + +HULL + +Listen, Nathan. Let me go instead. It's more in my line. + +HALE + +No, William. The General has assigned me to the duty. + +HULL + +But he didn't order you to act the spy, did he? + +HALE + +No. + +HULL + +And he doesn't expect you to. + +HALE + +He expects me to get Howe's plans. + +HULL + +Look here--if I get permission to leave here, won't you let me go in +your place? + +HALE + +I'm afraid not, William. + +HULL + +Listen to reason! You have a father and mother; you're engaged to be +married. If by chance you were captured--well, I hate to think of it. +But I'm alone in the world, it wouldn't make any difference what +happened to me. Let me go! + +HALE + +It's no use, William. I appreciate your sentiment; but General +Washington has given me a duty to perform, and I'd be a poor kind of +soldier if I turned it over to anyone else simply because it involved +danger. + +HULL + +Let me go with you, at least! + +HALE + +Well, if you can get permission, I'd be glad to have you go part of the +way with me--though I must go into the enemy lines alone! + +HULL + +But-- + +HALE + +I insist on that! There is added risk in two of us trying to work under +disguise. + +HULL + +Oh, very well. Have it your way. When do we start? + +HALE + +Early tomorrow morning. + +HULL + +I'll get permission to accompany you at once. + + +ANNOUNCER + +So early the next morning Hull and Hale started out together. They went +into Connecticut and began looking for some means of crossing the Sound +to the North Shore of Long Island. When they arrived near Norwalk they +heard that an American gunboat was lying offshore. They determined to +row out to it as soon as night came. + +Our next scene is just after dark. Nathan Hale has put on his disguise, +while William Hull has found a rowboat, and now draws up to the shore +where Nathan is waiting for him. + +HALE + +Hello, William, that you? + +HULL + +It's me, right enough. Come on, climb in. + +HALE + +All right. Hold her there while I get aboard. + +HULL + +Easy, you'll have to jump for it! This is as close as I can come with +this old tub. + +HALE + +Steady now! Here I come--all right! I didn't even get my feet wet! + +HULL + +Let me take a good look at your disguise. Hm--brown homespun +suit--yes--that's a poor enough fit even for a penniless schoolmaster. +And that hat! Yes, it'll disguise you all right. + +HALE + +I hope so. Give me an oar, I'll help you pull to the gunboat. + +HULL + +Here you are. [_rattle of oar in oarlock_] All ready? + +HALE + +Pull away, [_noise of regular rattle of oars in the lock and the swish +of water continuing_] + +HULL + +Where are you going first, Nathan? + +HALE + +I don't know. I'll have to let circumstances direct me. + +HULL + +Are you going directly to that shoemaker the General referred you to? + +HALE + +No, not directly. I'll see what I can do without any help at first. + +HULL + +You better change your mind and let me go with you. + +HALE + +It's no use, William. I won't change my mind. + +HULL + +You always were stubborn, Nathan. + +HALE + +Perhaps. There's the gunboat, William! + +HULL + +Sure that's it? + +HALE + +No doubt of it. + +HULL + +Shall I hail them? + +HALE + +Let's pull in a little closer. + +HULL + +All right, pull away. There's no light aboard. + +HALE + +No--there wouldn't be. These waters are alive with British boats. + +HULL + +There! That's close enough! Give 'em a call now! + +HALE + +Ahoy, there! + +BOS'N [_distance_] + +Ahoy! Look sharp there! Don't come any closer! Who are you, and what do +you want? + +HALE + +I want to speak to your Captain. + +BOS'N + +Who are you? + +HALE + +An officer of the Continental army! + +BOS'N + +Stand by--I'll report you. + +HALE [_low_] + +All right, William, as soon as I go aboard, row back to shore, and wait +ten days for me. If I've not returned by then, go back and report me as +lost. + +HULL + +Now, listen, Nathan! I've come this far with you, let me go-- + +HALE + +We've settled all that, William, not once but several times. + +HULL + +Oh, all right. + +POND [_distance_] + +Ahoy, there! What's wanted? + +HALE + +I wish to come aboard, sir, with your permission. + +POND + +Hello, there, your voice sounds familiar. You don't by any chance +happen to be Captain Hale? + +HALE + +Yes, indeed. I'm Captain Hale. But you have the advantage of me, sir-- + +POND + +Come aboard, come aboard, Captain. Don't you remember Lieutenant Pond? +I was in your regiment at the siege of Boston. + +HALE + +Of course, I do, Pond. I'm glad to hear your voice. + +POND + +Come aboard, Captain, I'll lower a ladder for you. + +HALE + +Thank you. + +POND + +Bos'n! + +BOS'N + +Aye, aye, sir! + +POND + +Lower the ladder for Captain Hale! + +BOS'N + +Aye, aye, sir! [_gives orders for lowering ladder_] + +HALE [_during the confusion_] + +Good-by, William. I'll try to be back in a week. + +HULL + +Good luck to you, Nathan. + +HALE + +If by any chance I fail to return, will you see that my uniform and +other effects are sent to my family? + +HULL + +Of course I will, Nathan. + +POND + +Come aboard, Captain Hale! + +POND [_coming in_] + +Here you are, careful now! Give me your hand and watch yourself--there! + +HALE + +Thank you. + +POND + +What kind of an outfit do you call that you've got on! I'd never have +known you if I hadn't heard your voice. + +HALE + +That's good, Pond! + +POND + +Good, why? + +HALE + +Because I'm bound for the enemy lines. + +POND + +What? Not on spy duty, I hope? + +HALE + +Exactly. Will you give me passage to Long Island, and land me in some +secluded spot? + +POND + +Why--yes--if you wish it. + +HALE + +You can do it without endangering yourself or your boat? + +POND + +There'll be no difficulty about landing you. There is, however, a +British man-of-war, the _Halifax_, in these waters. We have to watch +out for her. But it's dark enough tonight to be perfectly safe. + +HALE + +Good! Can we go at once? + +POND + +Yes, sir. [_calling_] Bos'n! + +BOS'N + +Aye, aye, sir! + +POND + +Get the ship under way for Long Island! Bring her into that secluded +cove near Huntington! You know the place. + +BOS'N + +Aye, aye, sir! [_calling_] All hands on deck! Man the windlass! Weigh +anchor! [_etc._] [_mob, setting sails, etc._] + +POND + +Well, Captain Hale. This is new business for you, isn't it? + +HALE + +Yes, I've been transferred to Knowlton's Rangers. Our business is to +get information. And I am under orders to secure some information that +I can get in no other way. + +POND + +Hm. It's not a sweet business. + +HALE + +It's in my country's service! It seems that you, too, Lieutenant Pond, +are in a new business. How long have you been in the navy? + +POND + +Two weeks. + +HALE + +I'm glad I found you here--I might have had some difficulty in +convincing a stranger that I was really an officer in the Continental +army. + +POND + +That's true enough. You look--well--more like a country schoolmaster +than anything else. + +HALE + +That's what I hope to pass for. + +POND + +How long will you be on Long Island? + +HALE + +I shall try to be through my business in a week. I wonder if you would +meet me at the same place you are going to leave me--say, a week from +tonight? + +POND + +I'll send a small boat ashore for you, soon after dark a week from +tonight. + +HALE + +Good! I'll be there--unless-- + +POND + +Yes? + +HALE + +Unless I am unexpectedly detained. + +POND + +Oh, sir--we won't even think of that! + + +ANNOUNCER + +Our next scene is several days later, at the little shop of the +shoemaker, Simon Carter, in Jamaica. Simon is sitting on his stool, +hammering away at a half-finished boot, when he hears a knock at his +door. [_knock_] + +SIMON + +Come in, come in, the door ain't locked! Come on in! + +HALE + +Is this the shop of Simon Carter, the shoemaker? + +SIMON + +It is, no less! + +HALE + +Are you at liberty today--at liberty to do a little work for me? + +SIMON + +Close the door! + +HALE + +There. [_door closes_] + +SIMON [_low_] + +Now--sir--I'll do what I can fer ye--in the cause of liberty. What is +it? + +HALE [_low_] + +Have you any information for the General? + +SIMON + +Aye--a plenty! + +HALE + +Can you give it to me? + +SIMON + +It's all written out--careful. + +HALE + +Good! Give it to me. + +SIMON + +Jest a minute. Don't them boots of yours need new soles? + +HALE + +Why, I don't know. I think they'll do. + +SIMON + +Never! Ye must have new soles! + +HALE + +Why? + +SIMON + +See here? This here sole? + +HALE + +Yes? + +SIMON + +Well, listen--come close-- + +HALE + +Yes? + +SIMON + +The sole is split--the notes are inside it! + +HALE + +Good! That's an excellent idea! + +SIMON + +Slickest thing ye ever see. And it's my own idea! + +HALE + +I wonder if you could hide some notes I've gathered in the same way? + +SIMON + +O' course I could. I'll resole both boots. Give me yer notes. + +HALE + +Here they are. [_rattle of paper_] + +SIMON + +Pshaw, now--what kind o' writin' is this? + +HALE + +It's Latin. I thought if they were discovered on me-- + +SIMON + +O' course--no soldier--that is, no redcoat could read that furrin +writin'. Well, I'll put it where they'll never find it. Here--right in +this sole. Now sit down there and pull yer boots off an' I'll fix 'em +up fer ye. + +HALE + +Good! It's an excellent hiding place. Here you are. + +SIMON + +Yer a schoolmaster, I take it from the looks o' ye? + +HALE + +That's what I've been passing for. + +SIMON + +Now, where's that awl? Oh, here it is. And what name be ye usin' +hereabouts? + +HALE + +Call me Master Nathan. [_knock_] + +SIMON + +Oh, someone at the door. + +HALE + +Had I better hide? + +SIMON + +No, no! 'tis better that ye sit right over there in the dark corner. Ye +look innocent enough. Come in! + +DREW [_coming in_] + +Good morning, Simon. + +SIMON + +Good morrow to ye, Lieutenant Drew! I've got yer boots all finished fer +ye. + +DREW + +Right! You're hard at work, I see. + +SIMON + +Always hard at work, Lieutenant. Here are yer boots. I'll wrap them up +fer ye. + +DREW [_low_] + +Who's that gentleman over there? + +SIMON [_low_] + +A customer--I'm fixin' his boots. + +DREW + +Know him? + +SIMON + +Never set eyes on him before. + +DREW + +Unless I'm much mistaken, I've seen him before--but I can't place him. + +SIMON + +Eh? Here's yer boots, Lieutenant. An' come around again when ye have +need of a good shoemaker. + +DREW + +Thank you. I'm going to speak to him. [_louder_] Good morning, sir. + +HALE + +Good morning, sir. + +DREW + +Haven't we met somewhere? + +HALE + +I think you're mistaken, Mr.-- + +DREW + +Drew--Drew--Lieutenant on His Majesty's gunboat, the _Halifax_. Are you +a stranger hereabouts? + +HALE + +Yes, sir. + +DREW + +Do you live on the Island? + +HALE + +Why--ah--yes, sir. + +DREW + +Where? + +HALE + +Ah--er--near--Huntington. + +DREW + +Ah yes--well, no doubt I've seen you over there. I'm often at +Huntington. + +HALE + +Yes, sir, no doubt. + +DREW [_jovially_] + +Perhaps you know that delightfully charming lady who keeps the +tavern--Mrs. Chichester? + +HALE + +Slightly--only slightly. + +DREW + +Hm! You should know her--a delightful soul. Well, good day--good day, +Simon. + +SIMON + +Good day, Lieutenant. [_door closes_] + +HALE + +Now, where have I met that man? + +SIMON + +Then ye _have_ met him? He wasn't mistaken? + +HALE + +I've seen him somewhere--but I can't place him. + +SIMON + +Well--as long as he can't place you, yer safe, but git out o' this town +as soon as ye can. + +HALE + +I will. + +SIMON + +Are ye from Huntington? + +HALE + +Never there in my life, except late at night when I landed on the +Island. + +SIMON + +Well, I'll git the boots fixed for ye--then git out fast! No use +runnin' any risks. + +HALE + +You're right, Simon. I shall take every care not to run into that man +again. + + +ANNOUNCER + +Our next scene is a few days later. It is evening. Darkness is just +falling. Mrs. Chichester, the keeper of the Huntington Tavern, is +bustling about her kitchen, when Lieutenant Drew enters the back door. + +DREW + +Good evening, Mrs. Chichester. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Good evenin' to ye, Lieutenant Drew. And what are ye doin' comin' into +my kitchen, I'd like to know? + +DREW + +Your tavern room's crowded, and I thought perhaps you'd serve me here. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Indeed, I'll do nothing of the kind. There's room enough in the tavern +room. + +DREW + +But I'll have no chance to talk to you out there. And I'd as soon not +eat as be deprived of your company. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Go along with ye! Come on out here into the tavern room or ye'll not +git a bite to eat. + +DREW + +Your word is law--I can only obey. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Through this door--here. + +DREW + +Oh, very well--wait-- + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Now what's the matter? + +DREW + +Close the door, Mrs. Chichester! Did you take particular notice of the +man sitting alone in the corner? + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +The nice-lookin' young feller in the brown suit? + +DREW + +That's the one. Do you know him? + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Never set eyes on him before. + +DREW + +Then he's not from Huntington. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +He is not! I know every young blood hereabouts. An' he's not a native +here, I kin warrant ye that. + +DREW + +I have it! + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +What--don't scare a body to death! What have ye got? + +DREW + +I know where I've seen him! He's a rebel. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +A rebel! Indeed! In my tavern? I'll go throw him out! + +DREW + +No! No! We must make certain first. But I think he's an officer in the +rebel army. Some months ago I was captured near Boston. I escaped +later. But while I was a prisoner, I saw this fellow--unless I'm much +mistaken. I saw him again the other day in Jamaica, at the shoemaker's; +and now--look at him--here through the crack in the door! + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +He's lookin' fer somethin'--out the winder. + +DREW + +He's watching the shore of the cove! + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Lookin' fer a boat to fetch him away, I'll warrant ye! + +DREW + +Exactly! Now, Mrs. Chichester, let's set a trap for him. Will you help +me? + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +I will that! A rebel--and like as not a spy--in my tavern! + +DREW + +Go in to him, engage him in conversation, then look out the window and +remark that you see a small boat landing. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Aye, I'll do it. + +DREW + +If he starts up, I'll know he's my man. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +And then? + +DREW + +Tell him you're mistaken. The darkness deluded you. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Yes? + +DREW + +A small boat from my ship, the _Halifax_, is waiting for me round the +point. I'll bring it around with my crew and we'll apprehend him. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Good. Wait here--I'll go in now. [_door opens, laughter and talk swell +up_] + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +I hope, sir, ye found the roast beef to yer liking. + +HALE + +Yes, thank you, madam. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Can I help ye to anything else, sir? + +HALE + +I think not, thank you. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +I'm sorry we have such poor fare, sir, but the times are hard, what +with the comin' and goin' of the troops; and the rebels cleaned out the +place when they were here. + +HALE + +I've fared very well, Madam. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +Oh look--there in the cove! D'ye see a small boat comin' into shore? I +wonder what it can be doin' here? + +HALE + +Oh, indeed! I'm afraid I'll have to go, Madam! Let me pay my +reckoning. + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +There--I guess my eyes deceived me. It's not a boat at all. + +HALE + +Ah! + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +What was that you said? Your reckoning? But sir, you've had no +sweetmeat. Come, sit down, I'll bring ye a bit o' pastry. + +HALE + +But-- + +MRS. CHICHESTER + +I'll take it much amiss if ye refuse me. + +HALE + +Thank you, Madam--I'll wait--bring your sweetmeat. + + +ANNOUNCER + +As soon as Hale finished his meal at the tavern, he went to the shore +of the cove to await the boat that he expected. After some time he +heard the splash of oars. So sure was he that this was his boat that he +stood up and called. + +HALE + +Hello, Pond, here I am! Right here! + +DREW + +Stand fast, put your hands up! + +HALE + +What--what's the meaning of this? Sir, I am a peaceable schoolmaster, +you have no cause to apprehend me! + +DREW + +We'll soon see. Strike a light! Search him! + +VOICE + +Aye, aye, sir--here's your light. + +DREW + +Well, sir, I thought I'd seen you before. Now I know I have! I've +placed you at last! You are an officer in the rebel army! + +HALE + +I tell you, sir, I am a poor schoolmaster! + +DREW + +We'll soon see. Find anything in his pockets? + +VOICE + +Not a thing, sir. + +DREW + +Rip his jacket to pieces, look in the lining and the seams! + +VOICE + +Yes, sir. [_sound of tearing cloth_] + +HALE + +Why am I suffering this indignity? + +DREW + +Anything there? + +VOICE + +Not a thing, sir. + +DREW + +Strip him--tear every piece of clothing to pieces! + +VOICE + +Aye, aye, sir. + +HALE + +I trust this is giving you some pleasure. + +DREW + +We're enjoying ourselves, aren't we, boys? + +ALL + +Aye, aye, sir. + +VOICE + +Here, sir--a piece o' paper. + +DREW + +Let's see it--ha--receipt for lodgings. Is that the best you can do? + +VOICE + +That's all there is, sir. + +HALE + +Perhaps, sir, now that you have ruined my clothes, you'll let me go. + +DREW + +I will not! I'll find where you've hidden your notes if I have to rip +your skin off! + +HALE + +I am helpless, sir. But you must be satisfied that I have nothing on +me. Can't you conclude your sport and let me go? + +DREW + +Look here, men--what about his boots? + +VOICE + +Nothing in them, sir. + +DREW + +He was having them resoled the other day! Ho, I'll wager that's where +they are! Give me your knife, Bos'n! + +VOICE + +Here you are, sir. + +DREW + +Hm! There--ah, ha! I thought so! Papers--papers--I thought as +much--bring the light nearer! Hm--what's this? Some foreign tongue--Ah! +Latin. Who would have expected a rebel to know Latin? + +HALE + +I am a schoolmaster, sir. + +DREW + +Aye, and a spy as well--as these notes prove. + +HALE + +Can you read them? + +DREW + +My Latin is a little rusty, but I can make out the tenor of them. +Hm--disposition of troops--probable movements of army--yes, that will +do! What have you to say to that, my fine rebel? + +HALE + +Nothing. + +DREW + +You don't need to. We've evidence enough to hang you as it is. Bring +him along, men! [_mob noise_] + + +ANNOUNCER + +So Hale was taken aboard the _Halifax_ and delivered late the same +night to General Howe, who, without the formality of a trial, turned +him over to the Provost Marshal, William Cunningham, for execution the +next day. + +Our next scene is in the apple orchard of the Beekman estate on +Manhattan. Hale has been marched out for his execution. He is standing +under guard, near the tent of Captain John Montressor, who, as our +scene opens, comes out of his tent, sees Hale, and speaks to him. + +MONTRESSOR + +Sir, I regret to see such a fine appearing young man in this situation. + +HALE + +You are kind to say so, sir. + +MONTRESSOR + +May I ask your name and rank? + +HALE + +I am Captain Nathan Hale, of the Colonial army. + +MONTRESSOR + +May I introduce myself? I am Captain John Montressor. Can I be of any +assistance to you? + +HALE + +I should be deeply grateful, sir, if I could write a few lines to +friends and relatives before I meet my fate. + +MONTRESSOR + +Will you come into my tent? + +HALE + +If my guard-- + +MONTRESSOR + +I'll tend to the guard. + +HALE + +Thank you. + +MONTRESSOR + +You'll find quills, ink, and paper on my field desk. + +HALE [_going_] + +Thank you, sir. + +VOICE + +I say, halt there--where are you going? + +MONTRESSOR + +Never mind, Corporal! I'll be responsible for the prisoner. + +VOICE + +Very good, Captain, but the Provost Marshal won't like it! I can tell +you that. + +MONTRESSOR + +I'll take all the blame. The Provost Marshal never likes anything, so +that's no matter. Here, put this crown in your pocket. + +VOICE + +Right enough, sir. Thank you. + +MONTRESSOR + +Do you know anything about the prisoner? + +VOICE + +No, sir. Ah, sir! Here comes the Provost Marshal! + +MONTRESSOR + +Let me talk to him. + +CUNNINGHAM [_coming up_] + +Where's the prisoner? Guard! Where's the prisoner? + +MONTRESSOR + +Just at this moment, sir, he is writing a few notes in my tent. + +CUNNINGHAM + +Bring him out here! + +MONTRESSOR + +I'll get him, sir, if I may be allowed. + +CUNNINGHAM + +Go ahead, get him. + +MONTRESSOR [_off_] + +I'm sorry, Captain Hale, but the Marshal is waiting for you--have you +finished your letters? + +HALE [_off_] + +Not quite, sir. + +MONTRESSOR [_calling_] + +He hasn't finished his letters, sir. + +CUNNINGHAM + +Fetch him along--he's written enough. + +MONTRESSOR + +I'm sorry, Captain. + +HALE + +Of course I'll come. May I ask you to deliver these letters at your +first opportunity? + +MONTRESSOR + +Surely. + +CUNNINGHAM + +Guard, fall in around the prisoner. + +VOICE + +Guard, fall in--'ten--_shun_! Quick step--march! [_marching_] + +CUNNINGHAM + +Halt under the tree! + +VOICE + +Guard, halt! + +CUNNINGHAM + +Put the prisoner on the ladder! + +HALE + +It isn't necessary, sir--I can climb the ladder. + +CUNNINGHAM + +All right then, get up there. Put the halter around his neck, and +blindfold him. + +HALE + +I can do that, too, sir. + +CUNNINGHAM + +All right, then, do it! And if you have any further statement or +confession to make, now is the time to do it. + +HALE + +I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. + +CUNNINGHAM + +Humph! Now, guard, when I give the word, kick the ladder and let the +rebel swing. Are you ready? + +VOICE + +Ready. + +CUNNINGHAM + +Steady--now! [_noise of ladder, gasp, etc._] [_pause_] So let all +spies, rebels, and traitors swing! March the guard off! + +VOICE + +Guard--fall in! Quick step--[_etc._] + +MONTRESSOR [_to himself_] + +Poor fellow--and he's hardly more than a boy. + +CUNNINGHAM + +And now, Captain Montressor, I'll trouble you for those letters. + +MONTRESSOR + +Here they are, Marshal. + +CUNNINGHAM + +Ah--[_sound of tearing paper_] + +MONTRESSOR + +What are you doing, sir? Stop it! Don't tear those letters up! + +CUNNINGHAM + +I've already done it, Captain. + +MONTRESSOR + +What did you do that for? They were intrusted to me for delivery. + +CUNNINGHAM + +Well--they won't be delivered! The rebels shall never know they had a +man who could die with such firmness! + + +ANNOUNCER + +The next day, however, Captain Montressor carried the news to the +American lines under a white flag and repeated to Hale's companions +those words--which have come down to us: "I only regret that I have but +one life to lose for my country!" + + + + + * * * * * + + +Transcriber's Note: + +Page 28: Corrected both occurrences of CHICHERTER to CHICHESTER. + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Story of Nathan Hale, by Henry Fisk Carlton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF NATHAN HALE *** + +***** This file should be named 28527.txt or 28527.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/5/2/28527/ + +Produced by Colin Bell, Joseph Cooper, Diane Monico, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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