ots fixed for ye--then git out fast! No use
runnin' any risks.
HALE
You're right, Simon. I shall take every care not to run into that man
again.
ANNOUNCER
Our next scene is a few days later. It is evening. Darkness is just
falling. Mrs. Chichester, the keeper of the Huntington Tavern, is
bustling about her kitchen, when Lieutenant Drew enters the back door.
DREW
Good evening, Mrs. Chichester.
MRS. CHICHESTER
Good evenin' to ye, Lieutenant Drew. And what are ye doin' comin' into
my kitchen, I'd like to know?
DREW
Your tavern room's crowded, and I thought perhaps you'd serve me here.
MRS. CHICHESTER
Indeed, I'll do nothing of the kind. There's room enough in the tavern
room.
DREW
But I'll have no chance to talk to you out there. And I'd as soon not
eat as be deprived of your company.
MRS. CHICHESTER
Go along with ye! Come on out here into the tavern room or ye'll not
git a bite to eat.
DREW
Your word is law--I can only obey.
MRS. CHICHESTER
Through this door--here.
DREW
Oh, very well--wait--
MRS. CHICHESTER
Now what's the matter?
DREW
Close the door, Mrs. Chichester! Did you take particular notice of the
man sitting alone in the corner?
MRS. CHICHESTER
The nice-lookin' young feller in the brown suit?
DREW
That's the one. Do you know him?
MRS. CHICHESTER
Never set eyes on him before.
DREW
Then he's not from Huntington.
MRS. CHICHESTER
He is not! I know every young blood hereabouts. An' he's not a native
here, I kin warrant ye that.
DREW
I have it!
MRS. CHICHESTER
What--don't scare a body to death! What have ye got?
DREW
I know where I've seen him! He's a rebel.
MRS. CHICHESTER
A rebel! Indeed! In my tavern? I'll go throw him out!
DREW
No! No! We must make certain first. But I think he's an officer in the
rebel army. Some months ago I was captured near Boston. I escaped
later. But while I was a prisoner, I saw this fellow--unless I'm much
mistaken. I saw him again the other day in Jamaica, at the shoemaker's;
and now--look at him--here through the crack in the door!
MRS. CHICHESTER
He's lookin' fer somethin'--out the winder.
DREW
He's watching the shore of the cove!
MRS. CHICHESTER
Lookin' fer a boat to fetch him away, I'll warrant ye!
DREW
Exactly! Now, Mrs. Chichester, let's set a trap for him. Will you help
me?
MRS. CHICHESTER
I will that! A rebel--and like as not a spy--in m
|