necessary, for you are now in a radio broadcasting studio,
talking in front of a microphone. The word (_in_) means that the
character is standing close to the microphone, while (_off_) indicates
that he is farther away, so that his voice sounds faint. When the
directions (_off, coming in_) are given, the person speaking is away
from the microphone at first but gradually comes closer. The words
(_mob_) or (_crowd noise_) you will understand mean the sound of many
people talking in the distance.

Both the English and the dialect used help make the characters live, so
the speeches have been written in the way in which these men and women
would talk. This means that sometimes the character may use what seems
to you unusual English. The punctuation helps, too, to make the
speeches sound like real conversation; for example, you will find that
a dash is often used to show that a character is talking very
excitedly.

THE STORY OF NATHAN HALE

_CAST_

CAPTAIN NATHAN HALE
CAPTAIN WILLIAM HULL
GENERAL WASHINGTON
BOS'N
LIEUTENANT POND
SIMON CARTER
LIEUTENANT DREW [BRITISH]
MRS. CHICHESTER
CAPTAIN MONTRESSOR
PROVOST MARSHAL CUNNINGHAM

ANNOUNCER

We present here the story of the famous Revolutionary hero and martyr,
Nathan Hale. For the first scene of our sketch, let us go to General
Washington's headquarters in New York City. It is early September of
the year 1776. In the Orderly room, outside of General Washington's
private office, sits Captain William Hull, a member of the General's
staff. Another officer comes through the door, Captain Hull glances
toward the newcomer, jumps up, and exclaims--

HULL

Nathan Hale! As sure as I'm alive!

HALE

William Hull! Well, well, this is a surprise!

HULL

And you're a Captain! My congratulations, Nathan.

HALE

I might say the same to you, William!

HULL

What regiment are you in?

HALE

Knowlton's Rangers. And you?

HULL

Well, as you see, I'm on the General's staff. I envy you! Knowlton's
Rangers, eh? Ah! There you have some chance for adventure! Some chance
to distinguish yourself, while I--

HALE

Why, what's wrong with a staff appointment? I'd be honored if it were
offered to me.

HULL

Yes, so was I. That's why I'm here. I was a lieutenant of artillery
when General Washington asked me to join his staff. I jumped at the
chance--

HALE

Who wouldn't?

HULL

I wouldn't, again! Why, all I've done for two months is write letters,