Part 83 (1/2)

So have I.

JONATHAN

Did you ever run away?

NATHANIEL

Yes--when I was eighteen.

JONATHAN

Oh!

NATHANIEL (_taking up paper_)

The message ought to be short.

JONATHAN

Why did you run away?

NATHANIEL

I wanted to write.

JONATHAN

You did!

NATHANIEL

Didn't you know I ran away?

JONATHAN

No, sir; they never would tell me what became of you.

NATHANIEL

They didn't know.

JONATHAN

How could you keep it from them?

NATHANIEL

I changed my name--Mr. Alexander Jefferson, Sr! What shall I say?

JONATHAN