Midnight Rider

Hannah walks Promise along the last stretch toward Salem, stopping for rests along the way. She arrives during church service, ties Promise to a post, and enters the church disguised as Hans Gibbs. She warns the congregation about the impending arrival of British troops who intend to seize their weapons.

When her authority is questioned, Parson Barnard asks “Hans” to remove his hat. Hannah privately reveals to the minister that she is actually Hannah Andrews, a messenger for the Sons of Liberty. Barnard vouches for Hannah and her message, sending her to his parlor while he urges the congregation to act. The town divides along political lines—Tories leave angrily, while Patriots plan defense measures. One citizen directs men to move the cannon and raise the drawbridge as part of these preparations. Meanwhile, Mr. Samson, Will’s father, examines Promise and finds him badly injured. Hannah begs him to save her horse even as she reports to him on Will’s surgery and recovery. Mr. Samson and the parson warn Hannah that Promise may be beyond all help.