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