y tavern!

DREW

Go in to him, engage him in conversation, then look out the window and
remark that you see a small boat landing.

MRS. CHICHESTER

Aye, I'll do it.

DREW

If he starts up, I'll know he's my man.

MRS. CHICHESTER

And then?

DREW

Tell him you're mistaken. The darkness deluded you.

MRS. CHICHESTER

Yes?

DREW

A small boat from my ship, the _Halifax_, is waiting for me round the
point. I'll bring it around with my crew and we'll apprehend him.

MRS. CHICHESTER

Good. Wait here--I'll go in now. [_door opens, laughter and talk swell
up_]

MRS. CHICHESTER

I hope, sir, ye found the roast beef to yer liking.

HALE

Yes, thank you, madam.

MRS. CHICHESTER

Can I help ye to anything else, sir?

HALE

I think not, thank you.

MRS. CHICHESTER

I'm sorry we have such poor fare, sir, but the times are hard, what
with the comin' and goin' of the troops; and the rebels cleaned out the
place when they were here.

HALE

I've fared very well, Madam.

MRS. CHICHESTER

Oh look--there in the cove! D'ye see a small boat comin' into shore? I
wonder what it can be doin' here?

HALE

Oh, indeed! I'm afraid I'll have to go, Madam! Let me pay my
reckoning.

MRS. CHICHESTER

There--I guess my eyes deceived me. It's not a boat at all.

HALE

Ah!

MRS. CHICHESTER

What was that you said? Your reckoning? But sir, you've had no
sweetmeat. Come, sit down, I'll bring ye a bit o' pastry.

HALE

But--

MRS. CHICHESTER

I'll take it much amiss if ye refuse me.

HALE

Thank you, Madam--I'll wait--bring your sweetmeat.

ANNOUNCER

As soon as Hale finished his meal at the tavern, he went to the shore
of the cove to await the boat that he expected. After some time he
heard the splash of oars. So sure was he that this was his boat that he
stood up and called.

HALE

Hello, Pond, here I am! Right here!

DREW

Stand fast, put your hands up!

HALE

What--what's the meaning of this? Sir, I am a peaceable schoolmaster,
you have no cause to apprehend me!

DREW

We'll soon see. Strike a light! Search him!

VOICE

Aye, aye, sir--here's your light.

DREW

Well, sir, I thought I'd seen you before. Now I know I have! I've
placed you at last! You are an officer in the rebel army!

HALE

I tell you, sir, I am a poor schoolmaster!

DREW

We'll soon see. Find anything in his pockets?

VOICE

Not a thing, sir.

DREW

Rip his jacket to pieces, look i