POND

Yes?

HALE

Unless I am unexpectedly detained.

POND

Oh, sir--we won't even think of that!

ANNOUNCER

Our next scene is several days later, at the little shop of the shoemaker, Simon Carter, in Jamaica. Simon is sitting on his stool, hammering away at a half-finished boot, when he hears a knock at his door. [_knock_]

SIMON

Come in, come in, the door ain't locked! Come on in!

HALE

Is this the shop of Simon Carter, the shoemaker?

SIMON

It is, no less!

HALE

Are you at liberty today--at liberty to do a little work for me?

SIMON

Close the door!

HALE

There. [_door closes_]

SIMON [_low_]

Now--sir--I'll do what I can fer ye--in the cause of liberty. What is it?

HALE [_low_]

Have you any information for the General?

SIMON

Aye--a plenty!

HALE

Can you give it to me?

SIMON

It's all written out--careful.

HALE

Good! Give it to me.

SIMON

Jest a minute. Don't them boots of yours need new soles?

HALE

Why, I don't know. I think they'll do.

SIMON

Never! Ye must have new soles!

HALE

Why?

SIMON

See here? This here sole?

HALE

Yes?

SIMON

Well, listen--come close--

HALE

Yes?

SIMON