Across the river in Trenton there ain't but a thousand Hessians. WASHINGTON Who's commanding? HONEYMAN Colonel Rall, and he ain't none too keerful--no patrols up er down the river--nobody at all north of him, and six miles to the nearest post on the south of him. WASHINGTON Excellent--excellent! We can do it! I'll order the attack tomorrow night! We'll trap them! We'll fight for once instead of retreat--we'll-- HONEYMAN Beggin' yer pardon, sir. WASHINGTON Well? HONEYMAN If yer figgerin' on attackin', the time is Christmas night! WASHINGTON Why? HONEYMAN On Christmas the Hessians are goin' to git a big issue o' heavy wine, an' wal'--General--ye know soldiers--I don't have to say no more! WASHINGTON Good! Christmas night! Yes that's it! Has Colonel Rall taken any precautions against surprise? HONEYMAN Nary a one that I could see. He ain't a mite o' use fer you er yer soldiers. Ragamuffins he called 'em. WASHINGTON Ragamuffins? Yes, they are, poor fellows, but Honeyman, we'll see--perhaps ragamuffins can fight when they're given the chance--and with this information, you have given us our chance! HONEYMAN Wal', sir, I thought ye'd like to know. WASHINGTON Now, shall I turn you lose, Honeyman? HONEYMAN No, General, I figger ye'd better treat me like a prisoner er I can't be any more use to ye. WASHINGTON True, very well then. I'll have you put in the guardhouse and contrive to have you escape. HONEYMAN Yes, sir. WASHINGTON (_calling_) Oh, Orderly! VOICE (_off_) Yes, sir. WASHINGTON Tell the Corporal who's waiting out there to come in and take his prisoner to the guardhouse. ORDERLY Yes, sir--Corporal, come take charge of your prisoner. CORPORAL (_off, coming in_) Come on, men! Fall in around the prisoner--and look sharp that he doesn't try anything--forward march! (_sound of feet receding_) WASHINGTON (_to himself_) Christmas night! Trenton--God be with us! ANNOUNCER That night, by some unexplained accident, John Honeyman escaped from the guardhouse and returned to the British lines, where he continued his valuable service for the American cause. Washington, with the information that Honeyman had brought him, was able to lay his plans intelligently and carefully. Just after dusk has fallen on Christmas night, Washington orders his troops to the shore of the river. Snow is falling and the wind is howling, as Washington and Knox stand together near the boat landing--(_wind and murmur of crowd with occasional sharp commands in background through this scene._) WASHINGTON This weather ought to help us, Knox. KNOX Brrr--it's cold enough to keep the Hessians indoors--if that's what you mean, General. WASHINGTON The snow will cover our movements. KNOX Yes--in more ways than one, General. VOICE (_off_) First brigade is formed, sir. WASHINGTON Very good. (_lower_) Order embarkation to begin, Knox. KNOX Artillery first, sir? WASHINGTON