There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad-free. Listen with Wondry Plus in the Wondry app. As a member of NoisorPlus at noisor.com or in Apple Podcasts, or you can get all of History Daily plus, 1776 on Long Island, New York.

21-year-old Nathan Hale trains his beer and slams the wooden tankered down on the table in front of him.

Nathan's hosts let out a congratulatory cheer and refills his drink.

Robert Rogers is twice Nathan's age, and over several drinks, he's been telling Nathan all his old war stories.

Nathan is hanging on every word.

Nathan is also a soldier, though he's far more than that as well.

He's also a spy for George Washington. Ordered to keep tabs on the movement of British troops

in New York, Nathan has found the job stressful and difficult, so he couldn't believe his luck

when he met Robert. At their very first meeting, he divulged to Nathan that he too was spying on

the British, and after weeks of living a lie, it's a relief for Nathan to finally be himself for a few

hours. As Robert begins, another one of his stories, Nathan rocks back in his chair.

Sheltered from the chilly air outside, in the home of his new friend, Nathan feels an

unfamiliar but welcome warm

glow. Then there's a sudden knock at the door. Nathan looks up alarm. But Robert pats him on the

shoulder and reassures Nathan that their new guests are friends. But as soon as Robert opens the

door, a half dozen British soldiers muscle inside their muskets drawn. Nathan stumbles to his feet,

knocking over his beer as he tries to back away, but there's nowhere for him to go. He's trapped.

And by the door, his new friend Robert just smiles. The blood drains from Nathan's face as he realizes

he's been set up.

Nathan Hale will be arrested for spying on the British.

He knows his crime is punishable by death and that only a miracle will save him from the gallows.

But he accepts his fate, understanding the risk he was taking when he agreed to spy for George Washington and become America's

...