Caesar Rodney's Ride

RODNEY

A letter--where from?

URIAH

Philadelphia. I fetched et all the way since noon today.

RODNEY

Indeed! [sound of tearing paper]

PRUDENCE

Now, Caesar, do you think you ought to read that?

RODNEY

Why not?

PRUDENCE

It might be something exciting--something you oughtn't to read--it might upset you--let me read it first!

RODNEY

Oh, nonsense! [rattle of paper]

PRUDENCE

I do wish people could leave a sick man alone--always bothering you!

RODNEY

Quiet! What's this--what's this? They haven't voted on the Lee Resolution yet! They need me! Prudence, my riding boots!

PRUDENCE

Your riding boots! Have you gone crazy, Caesar?

RODNEY

Don't stand and argue! Please get my boots--there isn't a moment to lose! I've got to be in Philadelphia before nine o'clock tomorrow morning!

PRUDENCE

You can't go! It'll kill you!

RODNEY

Where's m