n, I regret to inform you that Congress has fled from
Philadelphia.

ALL

What? Fled? Left Philadelphia? Too bad! (_etc._)

WASHINGTON

I'm sorry! I asked them particularly to stay there, as I feared the
effect on the people of the country. But it seems that even Congress has
lost faith in the army.

KNOX

General Washington.

WASHINGTON

General Knox.

KNOX

We've got to do something to re-establish their faith! (_all agree_)

WASHINGTON

Yes! But what? Charles Lee is captured--his army gone--we can't look for
any help from that quarter.

KNOX

Sir, can't we go back across the river, suddenly--and strike a blow
before the enemy knows what we are up to?

WASHINGTON

We'll have to! It's our only hope. But how, when, and where? I had hoped
that we might get information that would guide us in our plans. Well, we
haven't got it! Now, much as I hate to make any move without full and
complete information, I don't see what else we can do. The river will be
frozen over in a week or ten days. That means that the enemy can cross
over and chase us whither they please! If we are to do anything, we've
got to do it now! I've called you here to lay this before you. Will you
follow me on a blind chance?

ALL

Yes! We will! You can count on us, sir. (_etc._)

WASHINGTON

I want you all to realize that this is a desperate chance. Failure
means--well, we might as well face it--it means the end of our cause;
but success--well, gentlemen, we can only hope and pray for success!
(_knock_) Will you see who's at the door, Colonel Reed?

REED

Yes, sir.

WASHINGTON

Tell whoever it is to come back later--I'm in council.

REED

Yes, sir. (_a mumble at the door_) I beg pardon, sir, they've just
brought in a prisoner.

WASHINGTON

Good, tell them to wait outside.

REED

They say, sir, it's Honeyman the Tory, and you left orders--

WASHINGTON

Honeyman? Excellent! Gentlemen, I must ask you to leave me.

ALL

Yes sir, General, of course. (_etc._)

WASHINGTON

You may hold yourselves in readiness for action. I'll issue the orders
shortly.

ALL (_going_)

Yes, sir. Very good, sir. (_etc._)

WASHINGTON

Bring the prisoner in, Colonel Reed.

REED (_off_)

Yes, sir. Bring him in, men.

VOICES (_coming in_)

Here you are--come along. (_etc._)

CORPORAL

Here he is, General, that Tory you wanted, sir.

WASHINGTON

Very good, men. You may go.

CORPORAL

Can you handle him safe, s