The Story of Nathan Hale Part 4

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 a.s.signed 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 Was.h.i.+ngton 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 Sh.o.r.e of Long Island. When they arrived near Norwalk they heard that an American gunboat was lying offsh.o.r.e. 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 sh.o.r.e where Nathan is waiting for him.

HALE

h.e.l.lo, 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