Now, you know that spying
is dangerous business, for if captured the man will be hanged; and none
but a brave man will undertake it.
Probably many of you boys and girls know the name of the hero whom
Washington selected for this delicate and dangerous task. It was Nathan
Hale.
Perhaps you ask why he was chosen, and why he was willing to go.
We can answer those questions best by finding out something about his
life.
Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, a little town in Connecticut, in 1755.
His parents, who were very religious people, had taught him to be always
honest, brave, and loyal.
Nathan was bright in school and fond of books. He was also fond of play.
Although he was not very strong as a small boy, he grew sturdy and healthy
by joining in the sports of the other boys. They liked him, because, like
George Washington, he always played fair.
Later he went to Yale College, where he studied hard but yet had time for
fun. He became a fine athlete, tall, and well-built. He sang well, and his
gentlemanly manner and thoughtfulness of others made him beloved by all
who knew him.
After he left college, he taught school with much success, being respected
and loved by his pupils.
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