by John O'Neill
NED HICKEY
I tell you again. I'm with you. I could shoot you now and get a medal for it. But I won't. Here's your rifle, and my hand if you'll take it.
AMERICAN SCOUT
Well mebbe that'll make us square. I've had you in my sights ten times since you started out. We'll talk to the Captain and see what he makes of you but mind, I'm right behind. Now walk quietly, if you can. You make more noise in the bush than a bull-moose in the rut. Up the hill now.
The American picks up Ned's musket, looks at it disparagingly, steers Ned up the hill. They walk into denser cover. The American calls quietly with a bird-call. It is answered from close by. They enter a clearing and wait. After a moment, a man comes out of the forest, He is clothed similarly to the other but wears a peaked cap with the words "Liberty or Death" inscribed on it.
AMERICAN SCOUT
He is one of yours, Captain Reilly, or claims to be. Wants to join up with us, he says.
CAPTAIN REILLY
So, one of us, are ye? What part of the country are you from then?
NED HICKEY
I'm Ned Hickey, from the County Carlow, and with a name like yours, you'd be from Cavan or further north.
NARRATOR (VO)
I thought I had it all worked out. Contact made without getting killed. Nothing left but turn my coat and fight for the republic. But nothing in my life has been simple and this was no exception. Captain Tom, as they all called him, accepted me but took the greatest chance on his judgment by refusing to allow me to join up. He had a better idea. I was to return to the British, at least for a while.
CAPTAIN REILLY
Are ye scouting all the way to Fort Edward and the Hudson, then?
NED HICKEY
No. The General is in a tearing hurry. Maybe he's afraid of running out of supplies. At any rate, our orders are to be back with a report tomorrow morning and that will only allow us to go a few more miles.
CAPTAIN REILLY
That suits us very well, Ned. You go back now with the best report you can muster. The Indians will give no thought to the transport of cannon and such. You will be expected to cover that and you will find no problem whatever in advancing down this way. Get them out here, Ned, and we will deal with them. Keep your head down and stay away from the officers and maybe you'll survive to cross over to us later. Good luck now, Ned, and God keep you.
FADE OUT
EXT. - ADIRONDACK FOREST - DAY
Army on the march. Selective scenes of infantry soldiers, mounted officers, horse-drawn wagons and cannon, some women (wives and camp-followers). An orderly advance in confident mood. Relatively open and easy terrain.
(later) Ambush. Trees felled across the trail. Rifle shots pick off officers and horses. Confusion. Platoons ordered into the forest to search and destroy. Firing ceases and no sight of the enemy. Advance resumes but now more slowly with trees, rocks to be removed from the trail.
(repeat) Attacks from cover grow more frequent. Terrain degenerates to marsh. Heavy and persistent rain. Wagons and cannon have to be lifted over and around obstacles. Progress is slow and losses mount.
(days later) The army is in disarray. Morale is gone. The mud, obstructions, scarcity of horses, constant rain, quality of food, the constant danger from an unseen enemy all take their toll. The senior officers gather around General Burgoyne.
BURGOYNE
Gentlemen, we are in some difficulty here. I will make two observations to any of you who might have plans to the contrary. We will not retreat. We will reach Fort Edward and win this campaign. I have decided to release our Indian allies to do what they have most wanted to do all along. That is to burn out and destroy all settlers they may find in the area. This will punish those who have aided the rebels and divert their efforts to the protection of their families. There will be no further discussion of these matters, gentlemen. Go back to your troops and drive them them where you cannot lead them. That is all.
NARRATOR (VO)
Burgoyne's second mistake was setting his Indians upon the people. The memories of the French and Indian wars were still fresh and the repetition of the Indian methods of warfare raised hundreds of settlers from the entire area to come out as independent militia or join the regular American armies. Burgoyne advanced at less than a mile a day, losing officers, transport, wagons and supplies all along the way. He made it to Fort Edward but severely mauled, beyond all reach of new supplies and to find that the army from New York, with which he was to link, had never advanced to meet him as planned. But he was always a gambler and again over-ruled his advisers and started a pontoon-bridge across the Hudson from which he would attack Albany and re-establish his supplies and capacity. His obstinacy in the face of his circumstances cost him dearly. His army, now a dispirited rabble, never did get the rest and recuperation they needed. They were harassed all the way to Saratoga and there they were finally defeated and Burgoyne surrendered.
FADE OUT
INT. - SITTINGROOM, PHILADELPHIA, 1826 - DAY
Ned Hickey turns from the maps, walks to a cabinet, takes a bottle and glass, pours a drink in leisurely manner. Returns to his desk and sits.
NARRATOR (VO)
I was taken prisoner with the others but not for long. I wasted no time in contacting Captain Reilly again and very soon was learning the very different ways of the Virginian riflemen. (pauses) (takes a drink) Little did I think then that one day I would be instrumental in the construction of the canal which now takes goods and travelers in one or two days of ease and safety across that strip of land which buried Burgoyne and the British hopes of retaining their American empire. (pause) The war went on, ebbing and flowing across the thirteen colonies but now with a tide that ran against the British. The king of France was finally convinced of probable advantage and sent troops and fleets of ships to our aid. I was attached to Morgan's Rangers with many another Irishman and survived many actions. (pause) Yorktown was the final struggle and I had an involvement there which is probably that which led old Jefferson to send this letter. It was certainly the key to the salvation of many of my friends twenty years later.
FADE OUT
EXT. - MONTICELLO, EXTERIOR - DAY
Two horsemen ride up the avenue to the mansion at Monticello. They are travel-stained but cheerful.
DANIEL MORGAN
Well, here we are, Ned. Isn't that a fine sight? Do you think that in the new Republic, we'll all live like this?
NED HICKEY
I doubt it, colonel. But I must say it makes a change for me to ride up to the front door of such a place instead of round the back to the servant's entrance as I did so often back in Ireland.
DANIEL MORGAN
You just behave yourself, Sergeant-major Hickey. No slurping tea from the saucer here, Ned. This is a different campaign to any we have fought before.
NED HICKEY
Not a worry, Colonel Morgan, sir. I have seen more gentry than you have bottles of rum and that's saying a lot. Mind you, I had little time for any of them.
DANIEL MORGAN
This one you will find different, Ned. Mark my words.
They are met at the steps by two small black boys who take their reins and lead the horses away. A formally-dressed major-domo welcomes them at the entrance and escorts them to a waiting room.
CUT TO:
INT. - MONTICELLO, RECEPTION ROOM - DAY
The majordomo leaves Morgan and Ned
seated in the elegant reception room. He then goes away to announce them. A very beautiful black woman of middle years brings them drinks of cold lemonade. Morgan watches her every movement as she pours. He takes his glass without any acknowledgment and places his hand familiarly on her hip as she stands beside him. She turns to move away but he holds her skirt.
BETTY, A SLAVE WOMAN
We belong to Mr Jeffehson, suh. He does not share.
Morgan releases her slowly. She moves to pour for Ned Hickey
NED HICKEY
Thank you, ma'am.
&n
bsp; She looks at Ned quizzically, surprised by his courtesy, smiles quickly and leaves the room. Colonel Morgan shakes his head and laughs at Ned's reaction. The major-domo returns.
MAJORDOMO
Sergeant-major Hickey, Mr Jefferson asks your indulgence while he meets Colonel Morgan. He requests that you remain available. Colonel Morgan, Mr Jefferson will see you now.
He escorts Morgan up the stairs. Ned occupies his time examining the paintings, admiring the garden etc. (later) The majordomo returns, escorts Ned upstairs.
CUT TO:
INT. - MONTICELLO, STUDY - DAY
Thomas Jefferson, a mild and unimpressive gentleman in dressing-gown and slippers, is standing at a large table filled with maps, letters and documents. He shakes hands with Ned Hickey and then silently studies his reaction to the proposition which Morgan introduces.
DANIEL MORGAN
Ned, I have sent you into many ticklish situations. Sometimes I have even asked you first. This is another situation where you must exercise your own discretion whether you will accept the task which Mr Jefferson and I place upon you.
NED HICKEY
Colonel, Mr Jefferson, I have not refused you yet. What have you got for me this time?
THOMAS JEFFERSON
Sergeant Hickey, I place great faith in the judgment of Colonel Morgan. He has told me of your origins and background and I have already made some assessment of you. It is my hope, indeed, my belief, that you can achieve something for the Republic which will ensure its survival and end the war on our terms. It will be dangerous but this is not new to you. However, it may be also distasteful for it requires that you resume your military career in the British army. Would you accept such a commission?
NED HICKEY
I have been told you are an honorable man, sir. In that belief, I have no reason to refuse any of your undertakings.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
Well said, Hickey. In this case, however, we nibble at the edges of dishonor, at least as we might have defined it in theoretical discussions of kinder times. I have decided that I can live with the manner of the project because I cannot conceive of a better recourse. We will put it to you for your own conscience to rule on it.
NED HICKEY
Thank you, sir.
Jefferson nods to Colonel Morgan, who explains the project to Ned. Jefferson picks up a document and reads as if his every moment is valuable.
DANIEL MORGAN
We need Cornwallis and his army at Yorktown for a few weeks longer and we believe that he is preparing to disengage his forces and embark by sea for the northern campaign. If we can persuade him to hold, we will have him. In order to achieve this, we must find a way to deliver false dispatches to Cornwallis from General Clinton in New York, dispatches which countermand previous instructions to evacuate and which promise him reinforcements. You are to be the messenger, Ned. You can put on the British uniform again, present yourself at Yorktown as the survivor of a party sent down from New York and see that Cornwall receives the orders which we want him to act on.
NED HICKEY
This cannot work, colonel. Apart from the difficulties of getting through undetected, how are we to write a dispatch which can be mistaken for the genuine article? How are we to obtain signatures? And I may well be recognized if any of my old regiment are at Yorktown.
DANIEL MORGAN
We know the practical problems, Ned, and we will deal with them. But the first essential is your agreement to work with us. Without that, there is no point in prolonging this meeting.
NED HICKEY
I will do whatever is needed. The truth is that I must look after some personal affairs in Ireland and the sooner the war is ended the better.
Despite appearances, Jefferson has obviously been listening.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
The problem of getting you through the British lines as a credible dispatch carrier is difficult but, with luck, you can succeed. We have devised a plan which has sufficient probability. The preparation of the dispatches in a form which will rouse no suspicion is more difficult but there are means available to us in the form of a British prisoner, a Captain FitzHenry, who will be told that he has been selected for execution in reprisal for the similar hanging of one or our officers by the British some weeks ago.
NED HICKEY
We do not execute prisoners, Mr Jefferson. Surely we do not need to do this?
THOMAS JEFFERSON
I have every reason to believe that we will not. We think, and I am confident the prisoner shares the belief, that a live coward will be more valuable than a dead hero. Captain FitzHenry is not by nature a fighting man. He has spent his military campaign as secretary to General Clinton in New York and only fell into our hands by misadventure. If we apply sufficient pressure he will save himself by writing a credible set of orders. We have the services of an excellent copier who will make an acceptable Clinton signature. It will be made clear to FitzHenry that his release will be entirely contingent on Cornwallis' acceptance of the orders as genuine. You will be part of that pressure, Ned. We will send you to FitzHenry as his bodyservant. You will guide him, if he allows, in the direction of his survival and you will learn all you can from him of his connections and procedures in order to maintain your disguise in the Cornwallis camp.
NED HICKEY
I don't know how many officers there are in the British army with the name FitzHenry. It may be that this man is known to me from Ireland and, if he is the same, I have a lever with which to bend him. We may just be lucky in this enterprise.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
Fortune favors the brave, they say. In which case I doubt if she will be on the side of Captain FitzHenry.
FADE OUT
INT. - PRISONER'S ROOMS - DAY
Ned is ushered in to FitzHenry's simple but comfortable prisoner's rooms by the guard.
NED HICKEY
Why, it is Captain FitzHenry from County Carlow, after all. I wondered if you were the one and the same, sir.
FITZHENRY
Ned?- Ned Hickey! Are you a prisoner also in this awful place?
NED HICKEY
Indeed I am, sir, and trying to make the best of it. They said they needed someone to look after you and I thought it better than staring at four walls. Besides, don't we have a few things in common?
FITZHENRY
I suppose we do, Hickey. The army has served you well. I knew it would be the making of you. Now see to my shirts and stockings, would you? I need to put up a good appearance before those thugs in gentlemen's clothes who take pleasure in torturing me with false threats and accusations. They have the temerity to tell me that they are about to hang me - an officer and a gentleman. Never heard of such a thing. It will not be allowed.
NARRATOR (VO)
As I look back at my life now, the good times and bad, it is clear to me that the very worst were the next ten days which I spent in the company of that arrogant, self-centered excuse for a gentleman. His contempt for Americans was only exceeded by his hatred for all things Irish. I could not find for him any element of pity for the fate which awaited him and yet was forced to play the servile role of sympathizer and confidant. After the announcement of the sentence of death by hanging which had been passed upon him, he, at first, was incredulous. That this should happen to one of his noble race was unthinkable. He refused to believe that the Americans would do as they had threatened. I suggested a stratagem to Colonel Pearce, who was in charge of the project, which might assist the Captain to an appreciation of the realities. And so it happened.
Ned is occupied polishing FitzHenry's boots under that gentleman's critical eye. There are sounds of sawing and hammering outside. FitzHenry pays no attention at first but, as it persists, expresses annoyance and goes to the barred window to look out at the assembly area.
FITZHENRY
What are they doing? What on earth are they building out there?
Ned works away silently. FitzHenry paces back and forth, wa
ll to wall, restlessly, as the noise continues outside. He looks out again.
FITZHENRY
Good God. It is a gallows. They are building a gallows, Hickey. Come and see. Is that a gallows or am I mistaken?
NED HICKEY
(walks to the window) Indeed it is, sir. Not a very good one. We have many better back in Ireland. But it is certainly a gallows.
NARRATOR (VO)
I was his only apparently sympathetic contact and he began to voice his terror and use me as a sounding board in his search for an avenue of escape. I pretended shock at his predicament and horror that a person of his nobility should have his life and career so ended. I opened his mind to the futility of an early death and the promise of valuable services he might yet offer if he only survived.
FITZHENRY
This cannot be. It is not allowed. I am a gentleman. I thought they knew that. God help me, what am I to do? Is there any escape from here, Ned? Can you assist me? You will be well rewarded.
NED HICKEY
There has never been a good escape from here, Captain. Many a man has tried but there is only one road through a swamp full of alligators and that is heavily guarded. They have tracker dogs that follow a man like they would any animal. No, sir, that is not the way. I know you, sir. You can be a very persuasive man. Perhaps you can convince them as you did me to your way of thinking. You'll need to drive a hard bargain but maybe not impossible.
FITZHENRY
Yes, Hickey. You are not a stupid man after all. That is my only hope now.
FitzHenry sits at his table, deep in thought. Ned continues his work.
(later) Colonel Pearce enters the prisoner's room. FitzHenry is sitting at his desk with his head in his hands. Ned gives the colonel the nod that the time is right. He dismisses Ned and the guard and sits with Captain FitzHenry.
COLONEL PEARCE
Captain, this situation is new and abhorrent to me. I will, of course, comply with my orders when the time comes but I assure you that it is most distasteful.
FITZHENRY
You appear to be a gentleman, sir. Yet you involve yourself in this act. It is an outrage, sir. My family connections will prevail in this and secure not only my life but my freedom.
COLONEL PEARCE
I wish it were so simple, Captain. Unfortunately the approach has already been made and firmly denied. I'm afraid there is no recourse. Your death will serve as a warning to your people that hangings will not go unavenged. There is nothing personal here - only that you serve a purpose. (pause) The only possible solution would lie in finding a higher purpose, a greater benefit, if this were available. (pause) If you could offer any slight service which would mitigate against your execution, who knows?
FITZHENRY
Slight service, you say. Of what do you speak, sir? I will not be known as a traitor.
COLONEL PEARCE
Your honor is not in question here, Captain, I assure you, and treason is for matters of great moment. But there might be a small service which would be completely confidential and which would therefore never be allowed to affect the great future which we all expect for you in the service of the King. Surely such a proposal must be weighed carefully in the present unfortunate circumstances.
FITZHENRY
I really have a duty to return to my family. They would not live without me, Colonel Pearce.
COLONEL PEARCE
This has been a long war and will continue to drag on with minor confrontations favoring one side or the other. We both know that. We have an army in the north under General Washington which has been mauled many times by your troops and which we do not wish to see routed even if it has been rendered impotent to carry out any effective action. We believe that Lord Cornwallis is about to embark his southern army for New York with the intention of joining General Clinton to chase Washington out of the highlands. We would prefer to maintain the present situation for a time, let things consolidate, as it were.
FITZHENRY
How could I affect these plans - from here - even if I wished?
COLONEL PEARCE
You have been principal secretary to General Clinton since you arrived. You know procedures. You could cast your eye over a dispatch which we are writing to Lord Cornwallis ordering him not to come north at this time. We will see about its signature and delivery. All we might ask of you would be in the wording and presentation of a document which we are writing, with or without you. Should it be accepted as genuine and acted upon, I would undertake to ask my superiors for your freedom. You will not be responsible for the slight change of plan effected since the dispatch is already prepared and will be delivered, regardless of your assistance. All we ask is your attention to the details of how it is to be presented.
FitzHenry is silent. Colonel Pearce rises, as if to stretch his limbs, moves to the window. The hammering starts again.
FITZHENRY
I suppose - if it is as you say - no irreparable damage done. I would need a guarantee of freedom and confidentiality.
COLONEL PEARCE
I am empowered to give you those guarantees, Captain, as one gentleman to another, but effective only if Cornwallis is still in Yorktown one month from today. Shall we start immediately before events overtake us, either here or at Yorktown.
FITZHENRY
Very well, Colonel, if you will bring me the document.
(Later) Ned Hickey comes and goes in his role as Captain FitzHenry's servant while he and Colonel Pearce sit at a table, drafting and rewriting the dispatch. Once started, FitzHenry assists wholeheartedly in the preparation of the forgery.
FADE OUT
EXT. - SWAMPY FOREST - DAY
Montage of shots showing the difficulties and dangers of the travel, canoe on the water, portages overland, avoidance of all human contacts, parting with the guides and proceeding alone and on foot, now in British uniform for last lap of the journey.
NARRATOR (VO)
With the dispatches safely wrapped in oilcloth and strapped to my chest and armed with a directive to a fictitious Captain Esmonde to convey the dispatches into the hands of Lord Cornwall, I set out to approach Yorktown from the north as if I came from New York. In the early stages, I traveled with two experienced backwoodsmen posing as trappers, by Indian canoe and on foot, making our way north east through lands already ravaged and partially abandoned because of the various campaigns fought over them. I intended to cover the last hundred miles alone and, saying goodbye to my companions, I turned south towards the British lines. Three days later, I called out to a British patrol and embraced them as my saviors. They passed me rapidly on through the chain of command and to Lord Cornwallis' headquarters.
CUT TO:
INT. - CORNWALLIS' HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Ned Hickey is escorted by Lord Cornwallis' secretary to the drawing-room of the commandeered mansion which now serves as Lord Cornwallis' headquarters. Cornwallis and two officers stand at a table littered with maps and documents.
LORD CORNWALLIS
What is it, man. You know we are occupied with the embarkation.
CORNWALLIS SECRETARY
An urgent dispatch, my lord, from General Clinton.
The secretary lays Ned Hickey 's dispatches on the table. Cornwallis motions him to open them. He does. Cornwallis reads. His face lights up.
LORD CORNWALLIS
Great news, gentlemen. Read and be comforted. (to Ned Hickey) Well done, soldier. What has become of this Captain Esmonde?
NED HICKEY
Tis a long story, melord. But the fact is we were caught by some of the militiamen in an ambush and poor Captain Esmonde was badly hit. He charged me with the task of completing the mission and I hope that it's now done to your honour's satisfaction.
Ned is indeed in poor shape but puts on an act of fainting with exhaustion.
NED HICKEY
(continues) I will tell you the whole adventure from beginning to end, but, if it please your lordship, after I have some re
st and food.
LORD CORNWALLIS
We may not have time for the recital, soldier. (to the secretary) Look after this man for us. He has done a valuable service and with a few thousand more like him on the way, we will take back the colonies in short order.
Ned is escorted out. The officers draw in to make new plans.
NARRATOR (VO)
(montage of shots of war) Luck comes in waves, I've noticed. The trouble is we never know when it is about to turn. I would have taken my leave of the British immediately but there was a grave danger that Cornwallis or one of his officers might take the notion of hearing the details of our mission whether from idle curiosity or any suspicion. I had to remain visible and available if the plan was to work. So I was attached to an under-strength platoon of the infantry and went to work digging the trenches and emplacements which, under the new orders, were to defend Yorktown in case of attack. Spirits were high. There was no immediate threat from the American land forces. The British fleet controlled Chesapeake Bay. Cornwallis and his army were secure in their present circumstances and confident of a successful campaign to come. When rumors came of a French fleet on its way across the Atlantic there was some uncertainty as to the point at which they might try to land, New York or the south. But the British had controlled the seas in recent years and expected to blow the frogs out of the water quickly. Admiral Hood could not wait to engage with them and took his fleet out of the Chesapeake to meet the French on the high seas. Sadly, he did not sight them and, in his absence, they sailed into Chesapeake Bay with 24 ships of the line, including many transporters of infantry-men, cannon and munitions. When Hood returned after his fruitless search, the French fleet sent him packing with superior firepower and a lucky off-shore wind. Hood was forced to retire to New York to refit, leaving Cornwallis to his own devices. When the French slipped upstream above Yorktown in the night, Cornwallis was in real danger. His doom was sealed when General Washington left New York and came south by forced marches to encircle Yorktown with overwhelming numbers and armament. The British fought bravely under the greatest bombardment yet seen in the Americas but had no alternative but to surrender. We marched out of Yorktown into prison camps and the Revolution was won.
FADE OUT
EXT. - KILKENNY STREET - DAY
(One year later) Ned Hickey and many others are demobbed from the army after repatriation from America. Their uniform coats are taken from them at the gate of Kilkenny barracks and they rush into the streets, hurrooing and larking like children. An unruly mob, they knock on doors, peer into windows, surround the women, frighten the horses and cause pandemonium in the town.
INT. - KILKENNY PUB - DAY
Some of the soldiers are intent on getting drunk as completely as possible. Ned is anxious to get moving and go home.
NED HICKEY
Another jug each of this best Kilkenny beer and we'll make a start. If we walk through the cool of this moonlit night we'll all be home by daybreak.
DEMOBBED SOLDIER
Sure, what's your hurry, Ned? She's waited five years or she hasn't. A few more hours'll make no difference at all.
NED HICKEY
Have ye no home to go to? One more for the road and I'm off.
They lower their drinks, take their leave of all the others, promise to see each other again and go out into the street.
CUT TO:
EXT. - ROADWAY - DAY
They start to march, out of habit, then realize what they are doing and fall out of step as if embarrassed. At first they hoot and act like larrikins but gradually their numbers diminish as, one by one, they reach the roads and lanes leading to their old homes. Only two are left and they are getting tired. They stop for a drink under a bridge over a rocky stream.
DEMOBBED SOLDIER
Have you ever played at bowls, Ned. It's a great way to travel a long road.
NED HICKEY
Indeed I have and I'll take you on any time.
They pick out two rounded stones from the stream, check that they are similar in weight, climb back to the road and start lofting the stones down the road in competition.
NED HICKEY
(gaily) The man to reach Drea's tavern at Fenagh with the most throws will buy the drinks - and it won't be me.
They throw and walk, throw and run, out of the scene, arguing and laughing.
FADE OUT
EXT. - HICKEY'S COTTAGE - DAY
(dawn) Ned Hickey breaks into a run as he sights the cottage, then slows and hesitates as he enters the yard. It is early. There is no sign of life except a trickle and smell of smoke from the chimney. He braces himself, knocks, at first quietly and, failing a response, more and more desperately. A voice from inside.
ANDY HICKEY
For the love of God, who is it at this time of the morning? Can a man not sleep around here any more?
The cottage door opens. Andy appears, sleepy, disheveled, disoriented. He looks and looks again.
NED HICKEY
'Tis only me, Andy. I'm sorry if I frightened you.
ANDY HICKEY
Ned, Ned. I'm dreaming still. Is it you yourself?
Andy reaches out almost fearfully, touches Ned on the arm, leaps out to him and hugs him tight. They cry, embrace, kiss each other's cheeks, and dance about the yard, Andy still in his nightshirt. Doors open in neighbors cottages and all the community of Ballon Hill are soon assembled in Hickey's yard, marveling at the wanderer's safe return.
(later)
ANDY HICKEY
Will you let the man have some breakfast? Can't you see the cut of him. Sure there'll be time enough for the talking tonight and you're all welcome. (to Ned) Come inside, man and take your ease. I'll put on the kettle and we'll get you to bed. Come in, Ned. Come in.
NED HICKEY
There's a thing I must do before I rest. I'll go down to Proctor's and ask their forgiveness for disappearing on them.
ANDY HICKEY
Too late, Ned. Sure old Proctor died years ago and his wife moved back up north to her own people.
NED HICKEY
And Betsy Maher? What of her?
ANDY HICKEY
I don't know for sure. I think I heard she moved back to live with her brothers in Ardristan, to look after her mother, as I recall. Who knows where she might be now.
NED HICKEY
That's where I'll go then.
ANDY HICKEY
What's the hurry? Oh, yes, now I remember. Well, at least have some breakfast with me before you set off again.
They go into the cottage.
FADE OUT
EXT. - MAHER'S FARMYARD - DAY
Ned walks over the bogs to the Maher farm which is now more like a village, with three houses for the extended family. He meets the older brother, Tom.
NED HICKEY
Tom, I'm glad to see you, looking well .... It's Ned, Ned Hickey. (Tom is not responding) .... surely you remember me.
TOM MAHER
Ned Hickey, I remember you well. You've filled out and there are the marks of living on you. You've come back at last.
NED HICKEY
Yes, Tom. I'm back and a lot has happened over the years.
TOM MAHER
You left a lot of pain behind you when you disappeared so suddenly. Could you not have done it better? Are you expecting all that to be forgotten?
NED HICKEY
No, Tom. I'm not expecting or deserving anything but if there is any hope, I have to follow it. Any explanation I have will not be for you but for Betsy, if she will hear me.
Betsy hears the voices in the yard and appears in the door of one of the houses to see who is there. She starts to run, then stops, walks quietly to stand beside her brother.
BETSY MAHER
I thought I heard the voice. You're back, Ned.
NED HICKEY
I need to tell you how it all happened, Betsy. Will you hear me? Please.
Tom looks at Betsy for her signal, then walks slowly inside. Bet
sy and Ned talk in the yard for a long time. He sags, walks to the gate and turns back. Ned gesticulates, paces back and forth, sometimes looking at Betsy, other times staring away into the distance. Betsy stands still, arms folded, hearing him out. Tom comes out to look at them anxiously, sees them embrace and walk back towards the house. Betsy's mother, now a frail old woman, her other brothers and Tom's young wife and children gather round the pair, in a watchful, protective way.
BETSY MAHER
Ned has told me all there is to know about his going and his return. He has asked me to marry him and I have said yes. We will marry as soon as we can get a priest for we have wasted too much time already. And you will love him as I do or see me angry. Now, bring the man inside for he has walked many a long mile to be here today.
They go into the cottage shared by Betsy and her mother
FADE OUT
INT. - BETSY'S COTTAGE - DAY
Betsy sees Ned's exhaustion and takes him into the cottage where he sits on a settlebed. It is now late evening. She makes tea for him and gives him bread. Her mother sits by the open fire, tending the black kettle hanging from the crane and the Dutch oven on the ashes beside the fire. Ned stands up to get another cup of tea. Betsy notices him limping badly, brings him the tea.
BETSY MAHER
What ails you, Ned? You were not limping earlier.
NED HICKEY
'Tis nothing. Just a few blisters from the walking. I should've stopped along the way to wash my feet and rinse out the stockings. My old sergeant would have killed me for neglecting my feet but six weeks on the ship took all the marching out of me.
BETSY MAHER
Right then, get your boots off and we'll see how bad it is.
Ned is reluctant, is not accustomed to being fussed over. Betsy insists, kneels down in front of him, unlaces the boots and takes them off. Ned winces but protests no further. She then attempts to take off his stockings but they are stuck to his skin.
BETSY MAHER
We'll have to soak them off. Stay there, Ned Hickey
.NED HICKEY
(smiles wryly) Sure where could I go without me boots?
Betsy takes a basin and fills it with boiling water from the black kettle. She looks at her mother as she does so. The mother says nothing, throws her eyes to heaven as if acknowledging an inevitable outcome, then smiles an acceptance. Betsy tempers the hot water by ladling cold from a wooden bucket inside the door. She places the basin on the floor, takes one stockinged foot after the other and lowers them into the basin.
NED HICKEY
You don't have to do this, Betsy. I can look after myself.
BETSY MAHER
Don't I know that. I'm sure your sergeant didn't go around washing your feet, did he? But you're home now. Get used to being looked after.
Betsy sees the blood seeping into the water. She takes off the socks slowly but decisively, never looking up at Ned until they are off. Only then does he see that she is crying. She dashes away her tears, sniffs, puts a towel on the floor for him to rest his feet on, takes the basin outside and pours the bloodstained water deliberately on a rose outside the door. Betsy refills the basin, pours some salt into it and puts Ned's feet again in the water. She massages and washes them gently. When she looks up again, Ned has slumped in the corner of the settle and is fast asleep. She dries his feet and raises his legs on to the settle to make him comfortable. She empties the basin and refills it with cold water. She rinses his socks over and over until the water is clear, then hangs them to dry on the crane over the fire.
BETSY MAHER
Are you thinking I'm mad, mother, taking him back like that? You're sitting there shaking your head and sighing as if the world was coming to an end.
The mother takes Betsy's hand, pulls her down to her and kisses her gently on the cheek.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - BETSY'S COTTAGE - NIGHT
(Nightfall, same day) Ned is asleep, drugged with exhaustion. Betsy sits by the fire darning his socks. Her mother and she are silent, wrapped in their thoughts. Tom enters, joins them at the fire.