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