The Story of Nathan Hale Part 14

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 a.s.sistance 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