FRANKLIN

Eh? What?

MCKEEN

Two horsemen coming up Market Street!

FRANKLIN

Is it by any chance--

MCKEEN

Yes, yes, it's Rodney--Rodney and the postrider--they're coming!

FRANKLIN

Good, good! This is a glorious day!

ALL

Here comes Rodney of Delaware!
Good! That swings Delaware into line!
It looks like unanimous action!
Rodney, Rodney--good work!
[_horses' hoofs close, and stop_]

URIAH [_calling_]

Wal', here we be, Mr. McKeen.

MCKEEN

Good! You're just in time!

RODNEY

They haven't voted yet?

MCKEEN

No, no, the session is just assembling. Come, dismount!

RODNEY

You'll have to give me a hand.

URIAH

Here--I'll help ye. [_sound of dismounting_]

RODNEY

I--I can hardly stand.

FRANKLIN

Here, Rodney, take my arm--I seldom have a chance to support young and
vigorous men now, but I insist on this!

RODNEY

Thank you, Doctor.

FRANKLIN

Come--let me lead you in a triumphant entry!

RODNEY

I'm glad I got here in time.

FRANKLIN

My congratulations, Rodney--you've ridden to a great victory! Before
another hour is passed a new nation will be born! [_members cheer_]

MCKEEN

Mr. Clarke, I want to thank you. I was almost afraid you wouldn't get
him here in time.

URIAH

Why, pshaw, Mr. McKeen, I give ye my word, didn't I? I had to git him
here!

ANNOUNCER

And so Rodney, with his mud-spattered clothes, booted and spurred as he
had ridden, went into the meeting of Congress and secured the adherence
of Delaware to the Lee Resolution. When Congress was called to order and
the vote taken, every Colony voted for independence, and, as New York
did not vote at all, there was not a dissenting voice in the victory!

End of Project Gutenberg's Caesar Rodney's Ride, by Henry Fisk Carlton

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