ANNOUNCER

And so out into the July night rode Caesar Rodney and the postrider, bound for Philadelphia eighty miles away—an hour—two hours—past the first remount station—it is nearing eleven o'clock. [sound of horses' hoofs and thunder]

RODNEY

Is that thunder?

URIAH

Cal'ate thet's what 'tis.

RODNEY

I hope it doesn't rain.

URIAH

'Twon't help us none ef et does.

RODNEY

I don't see how we can ever make it if it starts raining.

URIAH

We got to make et—rain or no rain. I give my word of honor to Mr. McKeen. Git along, boy—tch—tch.

RODNEY

It's sprinkling.

URIAH

I felt et. [another peal of thunder closer] [sound of rain and wind]

RODNEY

I guess it's on us.

URIAH

Here—draw up yer hoss!

RODNEY

What for?

URIAH

Never mind—do what I say! Whoa, boy, whoa! Here, put on my greatcoat!

RODNEY

Oh, no, no!

URIAH

Ye need et. Do as I say. Ye been ill, and I ain't a-goin' to hev ye catchin' yer death o' cold—here ye be—now put et on.

RODNEY [giving in]

But—but what will you do—Uriah?

URIAH

I'm rugged—I don't need et. [exchanging coat]

RODNEY

Really, you oughtn't to do this.

URIAH

I'm a-doin' et—thar ye be! [another clap of thunder and storm noises] She's a-comin' down now! Come on, follow me! Giddap, boy!

RODNEY

Giddap! [sound of horses' hoofs]