The Story of Nathan Hale Part 6

BOS'N

Stand by--I'll report you.

HALE [_low_]

All right, William, as soon as I go aboard, row back to sh.o.r.e, 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

h.e.l.lo, 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.