MONTRESSOR

May I introduce myself? I am Captain John Montressor. Can I be of any
assistance to you?

HALE

I should be deeply grateful, sir, if I could write a few lines to
friends and relatives before I meet my fate.

MONTRESSOR

Will you come into my tent?

HALE

If my guard--

MONTRESSOR

I'll tend to the guard.

HALE

Thank you.

MONTRESSOR

You'll find quills, ink, and paper on my field desk.

HALE [_going_]

Thank you, sir.

VOICE

I say, halt there--where are you going?

MONTRESSOR

Never mind, Corporal! I'll be responsible for the prisoner.

VOICE

Very good, Captain, but the Provost Marshal won't like it! I can tell
you that.

MONTRESSOR

I'll take all the blame. The Provost Marshal never likes anything, so
that's no matter. Here, put this crown in your pocket.

VOICE

Right enough, sir. Thank you.

MONTRESSOR

Do you know anything about the prisoner?

VOICE

No, sir. Ah, sir! Here comes the Provost Marshal!

MONTRESSOR

Let me talk to him.

CUNNINGHAM [_coming up_]

Where's the prisoner? Guard! Where's the prisoner?

MONTRESSOR

Just at this moment, sir, he is writing a few notes in my tent.

CUNNINGHAM

Bring him out here!

MONTRESSOR

I'll get him, sir, if I may be allowed.

CUNNINGHAM

Go ahead, get him.

MONTRESSOR [_off_]

I'm sorry, Captain Hale, but the Marshal is waiting for you--have you
finished your letters?

HALE [_off_]

Not quite, sir.

MONTRESSOR [_calling_]

He hasn't finished his letters, sir.

CUNNINGHAM

Fetch him along--he's written enough.

MONTRESSOR

I'm sorry, Captain.

HALE

Of course I'll come. May I ask you to deliver these letters at your
first opportunity?

MONTRESSOR

Surely.

CUNNINGHAM

Guard, fall in around the prisoner.

VOICE

Guard, fall in--'ten--_shun_! Quick step--march! [_marching_]

CUNNINGHAM

Halt under the tree!

VOICE

Guard, halt!

CUNNINGHAM

Put the prisoner on the ladder!

HALE

It isn't necessary, sir--I can climb the ladder.

CUNNINGHAM

All right then, get up there. Put the halter around his neck, and
blindfold him.

HALE

I can do that, too, sir.

CUNNINGHAM

All right, then, do it! And if you have any further statement or
confession to make, now is the time to do it.

HALE

I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

CUNNINGHAM

Humph! Now, guard, when I give the word, kick the ladder and let the
rebel swing.