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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/18633-8.txt b/18633-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1676975 --- /dev/null +++ b/18633-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9334 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of My Lady of Doubt, by Randall Parrish + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: My Lady of Doubt + +Author: Randall Parrish + +Illustrator: Alonzo Kimball + +Release Date: June 20, 2006 [EBook #18633] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY LADY OF DOUBT *** + + + + +Produced by Roger Frank, Carol Wilbur and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + +MY LADY OF DOUBT + +BY RANDALL PARRISH + +AUTHOR OF "LOVE UNDER FIRE," "MY LADY OF THE NORTH," ETC., ETC. + +WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS IN FULL COLOR BY ALONZO KIMBALL + +CHICAGO +A. C. McCLURG & CO. +1911 + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +Copyright +A. C. McCLURG & CO. +1911 + +Published October, 1911 + +Entered at Stationers' Hall, London, England + +PRESS OF THE VAIL COMPANY +COSHOCTON, U. S. A. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +[Illustration: Claire] + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTER I A PERILOUS MISSION 9 +CHAPTER II WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES 18 +CHAPTER III THE FÊTE OF THE AFTERNOON 27 +CHAPTER IV THE MISCHIANZA 38 +CHAPTER V THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE 48 +CHAPTER VI THE THREAT OF SWORDS 59 +CHAPTER VII THE ONE HOPE 70 +CHAPTER VIII THE BLACKSMITH 80 +CHAPTER IX TANGLING THREADS 92 +CHAPTER X WITH MINUTE MEN 103 +CHAPTER XI THE CAPTURE OF THE WAGON TRAIN 113 +CHAPTER XII A CAPTURE 124 +CHAPTER XIII INTRODUCING PETER 134 +CHAPTER XIV I INTERVIEW PETER 144 +CHAPTER XV A NEW COMBINATION 154 +CHAPTER XVI AGAIN THE LADY 164 +CHAPTER XVII ENTOMBED 175 +CHAPTER XVIII THE REMAINS OF TRAGEDY 186 +CHAPTER XIX THE QUEEN'S RANGERS 196 +CHAPTER XX AT CROSS PURPOSES 207 +CHAPTER XXI AGAIN THE CELLAR-ROOM 219 +CHAPTER XXII THE LADY'S PLAN 230 +CHAPTER XXIII WORDS OF LOVE 241 +CHAPTER XXIV I UNCOVER CAPTAIN GRANT 250 +CHAPTER XXV BETWEEN LOVE AND DUTY 260 +CHAPTER XXVI FORCING CLINTON TO BATTLE 269 +CHAPTER XXVII THE FIGHT AT MONMOUTH 281 +CHAPTER XXVIII THE ROAD TO PHILADELPHIA 291 +CHAPTER XXIX THE ESCORT 301 +CHAPTER XXX BEFORE GENERAL ARNOLD 310 +CHAPTER XXXI I RUN ACROSS ERIC 320 +CHAPTER XXXII WE ATTAIN THE HOUSE 332 +CHAPTER XXXIII THEY SEND FOR CLAIRE 342 +CHAPTER XXXIV A THREATENED MARRIAGE 351 +CHAPTER XXXV THE FIGHT IN THE HALL 359 +CHAPTER XXXVI SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE 367 +CHAPTER XXXVII A CONFESSION OF LOVE 375 + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +ILLUSTRATIONS + +Claire Frontispiece + +"I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the 16 +nearest candle" + +"You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this 166 +was my home?" + +"Let me pass, sir! This is my father's house" 354 + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + + +MY LADY OF DOUBT + +CHAPTER I + +A PERILOUS MISSION + + +Several of us had remained rather late that evening about the cheerful +fire in front of my hut,--for the nights were still chilly, although it +was May, and the dreadful winter passed,--discussing the improved +condition of our troops, the rigid discipline of Baron de Steuben, and +speculating on what would probably be attempted now that Sir Henry +Clinton had succeeded to the command of the forces opposing us. I +remember Maxwell joined us, together with Knox of the artillery, each man +with a different theory of campaign, but alike agreeing that, in spite of +all we had endured during those months of suffering and privation at +Valley Forge, the time to strike once again was near at hand, although +our numbers were barely half that of the enemy. + +It must have been midnight when I crept into a bunk, and, even then, +found sleep absent, my eyes gazing out through the open door to where the +embers of the fire glowed red, and a sentinel paced back and forth in +regular monotony. Suddenly he halted, and challenged hoarsely, flinging +forward his gun. There was an indistinguishable answer, and, as I +straightened up, the figure of a man blotted out the doorway. + +"Major Lawrence?" + +"Yes. What is it?" I swung to the floor, unable to recognize the voice. +The man's hand rose to salute. + +"I am Colonel Gibbs' orderly. General Hamilton wishes you to report at +once at headquarters." + +"The Potts house?" + +"Yes, sir." + +I dressed hastily, my pulses throbbing with eagerness. Whatever the +message meant, there was certainly some purpose of vital importance in +sending for me at this unusual hour, and I was boy enough still to +welcome any form of active service. No duty of the war had so tried me as +the long winter of waiting. Yet, rapidly as I moved, the orderly had +disappeared before I got outside, and I picked my way as best I could +alone through the darkness, along the rear of McIntosh's huts, until I +reached the low fence surrounding the Potts house. Here a sentinel +challenged, calling the corporal of the guard, and in his company I +trudged up the path to the front door. There was a light showing through +a window to the left, although the shade was closely drawn, and a guard +stood within the hall. At the first sound of our approach, however, a +side door was flung open, letting forth a gleam of illumination, and I +perceived the short, slight figure of Hamilton, as he peered forward to +get a better glimpse of my face. + +"All right, Corporal," he said tersely, gripping my hand. "Come in, +Major; your promptness would seem to indicate a readiness to get into +service once more." + +"I had not yet fallen asleep," I explained, "but we are all eager enough +for action of any description." + +He smiled cheerily. + +"You will soon be busy, never fear." He closed the door behind us, and, +with a glance, I viewed the room and its occupants. It was a small, low +ceilinged apartment, containing a table, a dozen chairs, and a high +commode. A few coals glowed in the wide fireplace, and the walls were +dingy with smoke. Three candles, already burning low, gave fitful +illumination, revealing four occupants, all known to me. At an open door +to the right stood a sweet-faced woman, glancing back curiously at my +entrance, and I whipped off my hat bowing low. Once before I had seen +her, Mistress Washington, and welcomed the gracious recognition in her +eyes. Colonel Gibbs stood before the fireplace motionless, but my glance +swept past him to the calm, uplifted face above the pile of papers +littering the table. He was not looking at me, but his eyes were turned +toward his wife. + +"It is not necessary for you to retire," he said quietly. "We shall not +detain this gentleman except for a few moments." + +"It is not because of the Major's coming I withdraw," she replied +pleasantly, "but the hour is late, and I am very tired. Good-night, all." + +Washington's eyes were upon the door until it closed; then he turned +slightly, facing me. Before he spoke again, Hamilton broke in: + +"This is the officer, sir, recommended by General Maxwell--Major Lawrence +of the Maryland Line." + +I bowed silently, and the commander rose to his feet, extending his hand. + +"No doubt we have met before," he said slowly. "You have been with us for +some time?" + +"My first action was at Harlem, sir." + +"You could not have been at Valley Forge during the past winter, +however?" + +"I was with the Marquis de la Fayette at Albany." + +"Ah, yes," his face clouding at the recollection. "A young officer, +Hamilton, but capable, no doubt. You have used him before, you said?" + +"Yes, at Long Island, and he entered New York once at my request." + +Washington's gray eyes were still on my face. + +"Lawrence is a Massachusetts name." + +"Not exclusively," I returned, "as our branch are Virginians." + +The stern lines about the mouth relaxed into a smile. + +"Indeed; from the Eastern shore then. I recall now having once met a +Judge John Lawrence, whose wife was a Lee." + +"My father, sir." + +His hand rested firm on my shoulder, as his glance turned to Hamilton. + +"I require no further commendation, Colonel. You will find the papers in +the second drawer. Please explain all the details carefully to Major +Lawrence." + +He bowed toward me, and sank back once more into his chair, one hand +shading the eyes that still regarded us. Hamilton opened the drawer +designated, extracted an official document, and addressed me rapidly in +lowered voice. + +"This is a simple duty, Major, but may prove a dangerous one. You have +been selected because of previous successful efforts of a similar nature, +but the Commander-in-chief does not order your going; we seek a +volunteer." + +"Without asking the nature of the service," I answered sincerely, "I +rejoice at the privilege." + +"I knew that, Lawrence," heartily. "That answer accords with your well +earned reputation throughout the army. I will explain briefly the +situation. Early this evening our pickets--or rather some partisan scouts +near Newtown--captured a British officer, in field uniform, on his way +from New York to Sir William Howe in Philadelphia. The prisoner was +brought here, and on examination proved to be Lieutenant Edgar Fortesque +of the 42nd Regiment of Foot. These troops came over with the last +detachment, and arrived in New York less than a month ago. On searching +Fortesque's clothing we found this despatch," holding out the sealed +paper, "which we opened. It is not of any great military importance, +being merely an order for Howe to proceed at once to New York, taking +with him certain officers of his staff, and placing a naval vessel at his +disposal." + +He paused, turning the paper over in his hands. + +"However," he went on slowly, "it affords us the opportunity we have long +been seeking of getting a competent military observer into Philadelphia. +Now that Sir Henry Clinton is in command of the British forces directly +opposing us, it is necessary that we know accurately their number, state +of discipline, guns, and any point of weakness in the defences of the +city. We require also information regarding the division of troops under +Sir Henry's command--the proportion of British, Hessians, and Tories, +together with some inkling as to Clinton's immediate plans. There is a +rumor abroad that Philadelphia is to be evacuated, and that the British +forces contemplate a retreat overland to New York. Civilian fugitives +drift into our camp constantly, bearing all manner of wild reports, but +these accounts are so varied as to be practically valueless. We must +possess accurate details, and to gain these a man would need to be in the +city several days, free to move about, observe, and converse with the +officers of the garrison. Do I make myself clear?" + +"Yes, sir; you propose forwarding the despatch by an officer who shall +impersonate this captured Lieutenant." + +"Exactly. Fortesque is a young fellow about your age, and build. He has +been in the army only eight months, and in this country less than thirty +days. It is scarcely probable he is known personally to any of the +present Philadelphia garrison. There is a risk, of course, but in this +case it would seem to be small." He picked up a paper from off the table. +"Here is an officer's roster of the 42nd Regiment. It might be well for +you to familiarize yourself with a few of the names." + +I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the nearest candle, +while rapidly reviewing in my own mind the duty required. I had no +thought of refusal, yet appreciated to the full the possible danger of +the venture, and felt anxious to make no serious mistake. I had achieved +a reputation for reckless daring, yet this kind of service was hardly to +my liking. To wear British uniform meant my condemnation as a spy, if +discovered, and a death of disgrace. I had been within the lines of the +enemy often before, but always as a scout, wearing the homespun of the +Maryland Line, but this was to be a masquerade, a juggling with chance. I +was not greatly afraid of being unmasked by the officers of the garrison, +but there were those then in Philadelphia who knew me--loyalists, secret +sympathizers with our cause, and not a few deserters from the army--whom +I might encounter at any turn in the road. The prospect was not alluring, +yet a glance aside at the profile of Washington, now bending low over a +mass of papers, instantly stiffened my resolve. It was work I had no +excuse to shirk--indeed no inclination--so I returned Hamilton's glance +of inquiry frankly. + +"You wish me to go at once?" + +[Illustration: "I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the +nearest candle"] + +"The earlier the better. I will furnish passports through our lines, and +hard riding will put you across the neutral ground by daylight." + +"One moment, Major," interrupted Washington quietly. "You were doubtless +acquainted with our late Inspector-General?" + +"Yes," my face darkening. + +"He is now in Philadelphia, and it might be safer were you to avoid +meeting him." + +"General Washington," I said frankly, "I have been loyal to you through +all this controversy, but, nevertheless, have retained my friendship with +General Conway. I believe the misunderstanding between you is entirely +personal, and in no way affects his loyalty to the cause. Whatever his +present relations may be with the British commander, I have the utmost +faith that he would not betray me to either death, or imprisonment." + +"I am glad to hear your words," and the kindly face instantly brightened. +"This entire controversy has been most unfortunate, with wrong no doubt +upon both sides. Unquestionably you are right, yet I felt it my duty to +warn you of his presence at Clinton's headquarters. God bless you, my +boy, good-bye." + +I grasped the hand extended across the table, and followed Hamilton from +the room, Gibbs still standing motionless and silent before the +fireplace. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES + + +A long cavalry cape concealing the British uniform I wore, my horse and +myself were ferried across the Schuylkill, just below the mouth of Valley +Creek, and there, amid the silence and darkness of the eastern shore, I +parted with Hamilton, who had accompanied me thus far, whispering final +words of instruction. My horse was a fresh one, chosen from the stables +of the Life Guard, but the trappings were of the British service. Within +five minutes I was out of sight of the picket fire on the river bank, +riding steadily southeast through the night, every nerve alert. An hour's +riding found me well beyond our outermost pickets, yet, in fear that I +might encounter some body of irregulars, scouting the neutral ground, I +held on to my passport until I perceived the first flush of dawn in the +east. Then, convinced of close proximity to the British guard-lines, I +tore the paper into fragments. Avoiding all roads, and seeking every bit +of concealment possible, it was already sunrise before I plunged suddenly +into a Hessian picket-post, the distant smoke of the Philadelphia +chimneys darkening the sky ahead. Unable to speak German, my uniform won +sufficient courtesy, so that I was escorted back under guard to an +outpost of the Queen's Rangers, where I explained my presence and rank to +a red-faced Captain in Tory green, so insolent in manner as to be +insulting, until I exhibited the sealed despatch, and demanded to be +escorted at once to Sir William Howe. This brought results, and I entered +the city under escort of a dozen horsemen, their green coats faced with +dingy white, cocked hats flapping as they rode. + +It was thus we came to Callowhill, and the encampment of British +grenadiers, an officer of the 55th Regiment volunteering to guide me to +Howe's quarters in High Street. He was a genial fellow, and pointed out +various places of interest, as we rode more slowly through the streets +close along the river-side, questioning me often upon affairs in New +York, to which I returned such vague answers as pleased me, paying small +heed to the truth. I had never known Philadelphia well, but now it was so +strange as to be peculiarly interesting, many of the houses deserted, +with doors and windows boarded; several of the churches made over into +barracks, or riding-schools; the market closed; the State House filled +with lounging officers; and the streets thronged, even at this early +hour, by a varied uniformed soldiery, speaking Cockney English, the +jargon of the counties, Scottish Gaelic, or guttural German, as they +elbowed their passage, the many scarlet jackets interspersed with the +blue of artillery and cavalry, the Hessian red and yellow, the green of +the rifle-corps, or the kilts of the Highlanders. Lancers and Huzzars, +Grenadiers, Light Dragoons and Queen's Rangers mixed, and commingled, +apparently enjoying holiday. There was scarcely a woman to be seen; the +few who did appear being of the lower sort. All along the river were +redoubts, well garrisoned, with black gun muzzles pointing out across the +water. Many houses had been razed, and their _débris_, together with the +fire ruin of the past winter, gave to everything a look of desolation. +Much artillery was parked in the State House yard, and several vessels of +war were lying at anchor in the stream, while the entire shore line was +filled with barges, decorated as for a _fête_, a large force of men +laboring about them. My companion, observing my interest attracted in +that direction, reined up his horse to explain. + +"Those are the galleys being made ready for the Mischianza, Fortesque," +he said, waving his hand. "You came to us at a lucky hour." + +"The Mischianza?" I asked, puzzled by the strange term. "Some festival, +you mean?--some gala day?" + +"'Tis an Italian word, they tell me, signifying medley. The officers give +it in farewell to Sir William, who will sail to-morrow. A pretty penny it +costs. See, there is Major O'Hara now, one of the managers; there are +three others, Sir John Wrottlesly, Major Gardiner, and the chief +engineer, Montresor. Do you know them? No? Oh, I had forgotten you have +only just arrived. You will know them 'ere long, however, for they are +the leaders in such affairs. That is Captain André there with O'Hara." He +waved his hand, and the younger officer lifted his cocked hat in +acknowledgment. "Let us spur over there, Lieutenant, until I get you a +ticket of invitation." + +I followed, careless of the loss of time so I could both see and hear. + +"André, this is Lieutenant Fortesque just in from New York with +despatches for Howe. I have promised him a ticket for to-night." + +The young officer laughingly extended a hand. + +"The more the merrier, Craig. With the 42nd I see, sir; knew your Colonel +well. You'll find America isn't so bad, after you get used to it. We've +had a gay time here, eh, O'Hara? The best of liquor, and the prettiest of +girls, and now we'll show the town something it won't forget in a hurry." +He held out a card to me. "Rather ornate, considering the printers in +these colonies; designed it myself." + +It was certainly a handsome souvenir, perhaps six inches by four in size, +engraved as in a shield, yielding a view of the sea, with the setting +sun, and on a wreath the words, "_Lucco discendens, ancto splendore +resurgam_," while at the top was the General's crest, bearing the words, +"_Vive Vale_." I have it yet, but as I looked at it then, sitting my +horse on the river bank, and listening to the careless laughter of those +about me, I could think only of that other half-starved army in whose +camp I had been the evening before, and of those scenes of suffering +witnessed during the past winter at Valley Forge--the shoeless feet, the +shivering forms, the soldiers dying from cold and hunger, the snow +drifting over us as we slept. What a contrast between this foolish boy's +play, and the stern man's work yonder. Somehow the memory stiffened me to +the playing of my own part, helping me to crush back bitter words that I +might exhibit the same spirit of recklessness shown by those about me. + +"A fine conceit, indeed," I confessed, "and if the pageant be equal to +its promise 'twill be well worth the seeing. What is the purpose, +gentlemen?" + +"To give Sir William fit farewell," returned André, pleased at my +unstinted praise. "And now that the Lord has sent us a fine day, I can +promise a festival worthy the herald. But, Fortesque, if you would have +audience with Howe, I advise you to get on, for he will have few spare +moments between now and day-dawn to-morrow." + +We parted with much bowing, Craig and I guiding our horses through the +crowded streets, being kept too busy avoiding accidents to exchange +conversation. Howe's headquarters on High Street were not pretentious, +and, except for a single sentinel posted at the door, were unguarded. I +was admitted without delay, being ushered into a large room containing +merely tables and chairs, the latter littered with papers. An aide took +my name, and within a very few moments Sir William himself entered +through a rear door, attired in field uniform. He was of imposing figure, +fully six feet in height, well proportioned, and with a thoughtful, +kindly face. He greeted me with much affability, glancing hastily over +the papers handed him, and then into my face. + +"These do not greatly change my former plans," he said, "but I am glad to +know I can retain my present staff. There was no special news in New +York, Lieutenant?" + +"None of particular importance, I believe, sir. We landed only a short +time ago." + +"Yes. I understand. You were fortunate to get through here so easily--the +Jerseys are a hotbed of rebellion. Do you return with me by water?" + +"I believe that was left to my own discretion. I should be glad of a day +or two in Philadelphia." + +"Easily arranged. While I shall leave the city to-morrow so as to give +Clinton a fair field, I shall remain on Lord Howe's flag-ship for some +little time previous to final departure for New York. You had better mess +here with my staff. Mabry," turning to the aide, "see that Lieutenant +Fortesque has breakfast, and procure him a pass good indefinitely within +our lines. You will pardon my withdrawal, as the officers of the garrison +promise me an exceedingly busy day. We will meet again, no doubt." + +He clasped my hand warmly, and withdrew, leaving me alone with the aide, +half-ashamed, I confess, of having been compelled to deceive. Yet the +very ease of it all stimulated endeavor, and I conversed lightly with +Mabry over the mess table, and, when the orderly returned with the +necessary pass, I was keen to start upon my round of inspection, utterly +forgetful of having been up, and in saddle, all night. Mabry could not +leave his duties to accompany me, but courteously furnished a fresh +horse, and assigned a private of dragoons to guide me about the city. By +ten o'clock we were off, my only fear being the possible meeting with +some acquaintance. + +In this, however, I was happily disappointed, as there were few civilians +on the streets, the throngs of soldiers, off duty for a holiday, with all +discipline relaxed, being boisterous, and considerably under the +influence of liquor. Quarrels between them were frequent, the British +regulars and Loyalists seldom meeting without exchange of words and +blows. The uniform worn, together with my dragoon guard, saved me from +trouble, and I found the fellow sufficiently intelligent to be of value. +I dare not make notes, and yet recall clearly even now the stations of +the troops, together with a clear mental outline of the main defences of +the city. I made no attempt to pass beyond the limits, but, from +statements of the dragoon, and various officers with whom I conversed, +mapped in my mind the entire scheme of defence. Briefly stated, the line +of intrenchments from the Delaware to the Schuylkill extended from the +mouth of Conoquonaque Creek, just above Willow Street, to the Upper +Ferry, nearly on a line with Callowhill Street. These consisted of ten +redoubts, connected with strong palisades, all redoubts well garrisoned +by seasoned troops, the Queen's Rangers being at the extreme right. +Within the city proper were the reserves, so scattered in various +encampments as to be easily mobilized, and yet kept separated. To the +north were the Hessians, and next to these came three regiments of +British Grenadiers, with a body of Fusileers. Eight regiments of the line +occupied the slight eminence known as Bush's Hill, while close to the +Ferry was another encampment of Hessians. The Yagers, horse and foot, +were upon another hill near the river, and below them a large body of +infantry of the line. The Light Dragoons and three infantry regiments +were near a small pond. At the Middle Ferry was the 71st Regiment, and a +body of Yagers were at the Point House, opposite Gloucester. Many of +these locations were then outside the city, which extended at that time +from Christian Street on the south, to Callowhill on the north, being +widest between Arch and Walnut, where it expanded from Delaware to Ninth. +However, I visited a number of these encampments, finding in each merely +a small guard retained for the day, the majority of the troops being off +on liberty. Soon after noon these began to throng the water front, eager +to view the coming spectacle. I was, myself, in the Yager's camp, +finishing a late lunch, with a few officers, when the announcement came +that the water procession had started. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE FÊTE OF THE AFTERNOON + + +I confess that up to this time I had experienced little interest in the +affair. After Valley Forge it was hard for an American soldier to admire +such boy's play, or to enter into the spirit of British fun making. +Besides the danger of my position, the fear of some slip of tongue +betraying me, the knowledge that I was in the very heart of the enemy's +camp, with grim, stern duties to perform and a return journey to +accomplish, kept me nerved to a point where I thought of little else than +my task. But now I dared not remain indifferent, and, indeed, the +enthusiasm of my companions became contagious, and I joined with them +eagerly, as they hurried forth to the best point of view. Once there the +sight revealed aroused me to an enthusiasm scarcely less than that of +those crowding about. Few, indeed, have ever witnessed so gorgeous a +spectacle as that river presented, and I have found many since who have +questioned my description. Yet I write down here only what I saw with my +own eyes, little understanding at the time its importance to my future +life. + +Well out in the stream lay the vessels of war--the _Fanny_, _Roebuck_, +and _Vigilant_--together with a long line of transports, stretching as +far as the eye could see, flags flying, and decks crowded with +spectators. At the fore-mast head of the _Roebuck_ fluttered the +Admiral's flag, and the shoreline was jammed with soldiery, the varied +uniforms a maze of colors. The pageant came down with the tide, moving in +three divisions to the inspiring music of several bands, the oars of +galleys and barges keeping exact intervals. These were decked out with +all manner of colors and streamers, and above fluttered the division +flag. As they passed us, the officers beside me named the various +occupants, but I recall now only the first and last, because of my +interest in those aboard. In the leading galley were Sir William, Lord +Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, the officers of their suites, and some ladies. +Lord Howe was facing the other way, but I noticed that Clinton was short +and fat, with a full face and prominent nose. In the last of the boats +stood General Knyphausen, the Hessian commander, very much of a German in +appearance, not tall, but slender and straight. Between these were +flat-boats, covered with green cloth, loaded with ladies and gentlemen, +or else containing bands. Six barges, darting here and there, kept open +space amid the swarms of small boats. Everywhere the eye swept over a +riot of color, and the ear caught a babel of sound. As the last barge +glided by, the man next me growled in disgust: + +"Those are lucky dogs off duty to-day." His eye caught mine. "Why don't +you go after them, Fortesque? There will be plenty of fun afoot yonder +where they land." + +"Where is that?" + +"At the old fort; follow the crowd, and you'll not go astray. Have you a +ticket?" + +"Captain André honored me with one this morning." + +"Then you are good for the first row. Don't miss it, man," with +enthusiasm. "'T will be such a sight as has not been witnessed since the +Field of the Cloth of Gold." + +"A passage at arms, you mean?" + +"Ay! as gorgeous as those of the old-time knights; a fair conceit as I +read the programme. I'd be there now but for the damned orders that hold +me here. If you ride hard you can make the spot before they come ashore." + +There was no reason I should not go, and much in the glittering prospect +appealed to me. Five minutes later I was trotting out of the Yager camp, +pressing passage through the crowds, already headed southward, the +dragoon riding silently at my heels. Mounted men that day were few, and, +doubtless believing we were connected with the pageant, the jam sullenly +parted, and gave us opening, so we reached the site of the old fort as +the barges began discharging their occupants. A glance about, however, +convinced me as to where the lists were to be run, and I headed my horse +in that direction, anxious to gain some point of vantage, before the +throng poured in. Yet, Heaven knows, there were enough present even then, +the green sward overrun, and the few stands crowded. Quite a considerable +space, leading back from the river landing, had been roped off, and Light +Dragoons rode along the lines to keep out invaders; others guarded the +main platform until the more distinguished guests were seated. Few +Philadelphia residents were present, although I saw some black coats, the +crowd being mostly composed of soldiers bent upon frolic. In the occupied +stands, however, were loyalists in plenty, with a considerable sprinkling +of ladies, gaily attired. I saw all this while striving to spur my horse +forward toward where a band played "God save the King," but should have +failed to make it, had not Major O'Hara caught glimpse of my face above +the press. A moment he stared at me in perplexity, and then with a dab of +his spur forced the black horse he rode against the ropes. + +"Damn me if I knew you, Fortesque," he exclaimed cordially. "But come on +through; there's a gate yonder. Fall back now, lads, and let the officer +pass. That's it; ride 'em down if they won't make way. Here's a spot +where you can see the whole field from the saddle." + +I was somewhat to the right of the big stand, the restive heels of my +horse keeping the crowd away, and with a clear view as far as the river +bank. O'Hara was too busy to stop long, but I was not sorry, as there was +sufficient occurring to rivet attention. It was, maybe, four hundred +yards down a gentle slope to the water's edge, where the line was +forming. This passageway was lined with onlookers, held back by numerous +guards, while to my left extended a square lawn, perhaps one hundred and +fifty yards each way, surrounded by a double rank of grenadiers, the +bayonets gleaming on their guns. This open space was equipped with +everything needed for the coming tourney, and on three sides were tiers +of raised seats. I had barely observed all this when the guns of the +_Roebuck_, echoed by those of the _Vigilant_, began to boom a salute, and +the head of the column of marchers began slowly mounting the slope. All +the bands of the garrison were in front, followed by the managers, richly +attired, with badges of blue and white ribbon on their breasts. Behind +these appeared, in full dress uniform, gleaming with decorations and +medals, the three specially honored guests, the two generals and the +admiral, the others of the gay party following two by two in long, +interesting procession. The costumes worn were as varied as those of a +masquerade, representing all the changes since the days of chivalry. The +whole line glowed with color, and gleamed with steel. + +Like some great serpent, glittering in the sun, this procession passed +under the triumphal arches, and disappeared as its members took +prescribed positions on the stands, or in the pavilions bordering the +field of contest. As thus arranged the grouping of colors was most +brilliant. In the front of each pavilion were seven young ladies, attired +picturesquely in Turkish costume, wearing in their turbans those favors +with which they meant to reward the knights contending in their honor. +Behind these, and occupying all the upper seats, were the maidens +representing the two divisions of the day's sports--ladies of the Blended +Rose, and ladies of the Burning Mountain. The first wore a white silk, +called a polonaise, forming a flowing robe, open to the waist; the pink +sash was six inches wide, and filled with spangles; the shoes and +stockings were also spangled, and, above all, arose a towering +head-dress, filled with a profusion of pearls and jewels; the veil was +spangled, and edged with silver lace. The ladies of the Burning Mountain +were similarly dressed, except that they wore white sashes, edged with +black, and all their trimmings were of that color. As the veils were +thrown back, and I looked on the bright, animated faces, I thought I had +never before seen such an array of beauty. From the crowd surging around +I heard name after name mentioned, as famous Philadelphia belles were +pointed out, not a few familiar to me, through remembrance of our own +former occupancy of the city--Miss Craig, the Misses Chew, Miss Redmond, +Miss Bond, the Misses Shippen, and others, all of loyalist families, yet +content to play the game of hearts with both armies. Even as I gazed upon +that galaxy of beauty, half angry that Americans should take part in such +a spectacle of British triumph, the field was cleared for the lists, and +a sound of trumpets came to us from a distance. + +Out into the opening rode the contending knights, attended by esquires on +foot, dressed in ancient habits of white and red silk, and mounted on +gray horses. From the other direction appeared their opponents, in black +and orange, riding black steeds, while to the centre advanced the herald +loudly proclaiming the challenge. I knew not who they all were, but they +made a gallant show, and I overheard many a name spoken of soldiers met +in battle--Lord Cathcart, Captain André, Major Tarlton, Captain Scott. +Ay! and they fought well that day, those White and Black Knights on the +mimic field, first charging together, shivering their spears; the second +and third encounters discharging pistols; and in the fourth attacking +with swords in most gallant combat. At last the two chiefs--Lord Cathcart +for the Whites, and Captain Watson, of the Guards, for the Blacks--were +alone contending furiously, when the marshal of the field rushed in +between, and struck up their weapons, declaring the contest done, the +honor of each side proven. As the company broke up, flowing forward to +the great house beyond, the vast crowd of onlookers burst through the +guard-lines, and, like a mighty torrent, swept over the field. It was a +wild, jubilant, yelling mass, so dense as to be irresistible, even those +of us on horseback being pressed forward, helpless chips on the stream. + +I endeavored to press back, but my restive animal, startled by the dig of +the spur, the yells, the waving of arms, refused to face the tumult, and +whirled madly about. For a moment I all but lost control, yet, even as he +plunged rearing into the air, I saw before me the appealing face of a +woman. How she chanced to be there alone, in the path of that mob, I know +not; where her escort had disappeared, and how she had become separated +from her party, has never been made clear. But this I saw, even as I +struggled with the hard-mouthed brute under me--a slender, girlish figure +attired as a lady of the Blended Rose, a white, frightened face, arms +outstretched, and dark blue eyes beseeching help. Already the front of +the mob was upon her, unable to swerve aside because of the thousands +pushing behind. In another moment she would be underfoot, or hurled into +the air. Reckless of all else I dug in my spurs, yelling to the Light +Dragoon beside me, even as my horse leaped. I felt the crush of bodies, +hands gripped my legs; soldiers were hurled right and left, cursing as +they fell. I must have hurt some, but had no thought except to reach her +before it was too late. I was struck twice by missiles, yet burst +through, my horse, by this time, frenzied with fear. I scarcely know what +happened, or how it was accomplished--only I had the reins gripped in my +teeth, both my hands free. That instant I caught her; the next she was on +my arm, swung safely to the saddle, held to me with a grip of steel, the +animal dashing forward beneath his double burden into the open field. +Then the Dragoon, riding madly, gripped the bit, and the affair was over, +although we must have galloped a hundred yards before the trembling horse +was brought to a stand. Leaving him to the control of the soldier, I +sprang to the ground, bearing the lady with me. We were behind one of the +pavilions, facing the house, and she reeled as her feet touched the +earth, so that I held her from falling. Then her lashes lifted, and the +dark blue eyes looked into my face. + +"You must pardon my roughness," I apologized, "but there was no time for +ceremony." + +She smiled, a flood of color coming back into the clear cheeks, as she +drew slightly away. + +"I appreciate that, sir," frankly, shaking out her ruffled skirts, "and +you have made knighthood real." + +"Then," I ventured, "may I hope to receive the reward, fair lady?" + +She laughed, a little tremor of nervousness in the sound, but her eyes +full of challenge. + +"And what is that?" + +"Your name; the hope of better acquaintance." + +Her eyes swept my uniform questioningly. + +"You are not of the garrison?" + +"No; a courier just arrived from New York." + +"Yet an officer; surely then you will be present to-night?" + +"The privilege is mine; if sufficiently tempted I may attend." + +"Tempted! How, sir?" + +"By your pledging me a dance." + +She laughed again, one hand grasping the long silken skirt. + +"You ask much--my name, a better acquaintance, a dance--all this for +merely saving me from a mob. You are not a modest knight, I fear. Suppose +I refuse?" + +"Then am I soldier enough to come unasked, and win my welcome." + +"I thought as much," the long lashes opening up to me the depths of the +blue eyes. "I promise nothing then, nor forbid. But there is Captain +Grant seeking me. If I do not speak of gratitude, it is nevertheless in +my heart, sir," she swept me a curtsey, to which I bowed hat in hand, +"and now, _Au revoir_." + +I stood as she left me, staring while she crossed the lawn and joined a +dark-faced officer of Rangers. Once she glanced back over her shoulder, +and then disappeared in the crowd of revellers. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE MISCHIANZA + + +I had not intended to remain in Philadelphia through the night. Already I +had secured the information sought, and now must consider the safest and +quickest method of escape. It seemed to me this night, given up to +revelry, afforded the best possible opportunity for my safely passing the +British guard-lines. To-morrow discipline would be resumed, the soldiers +would return to their posts and the citizens of the city would again +appear on the streets. This would greatly intensify my danger, for, at +any moment, I might encounter some one who knew me, who might denounce me +to the authorities. + +That this was the exact truth of the situation could not be denied, yet, +now, every reckless impulse of my disposition urged me to remain; the +invitation of those laughing blue eyes, the challenge I read in the +lady's fair face, the unsolved mystery of her identity, all combined in a +temptation I found it impossible to resist. As I rode slowly northward, +out of the denser crowd into the almost deserted streets, the shades of +evening already closing about me, the memory of the girl I had +encountered so strangely, and parted with so suddenly, became more and +more alluring, more and more vivid. My thoughts dwelt upon the arch face, +the red lips, smiling to reveal the white teeth, the flushing cheeks, the +mass of soft brown hair revealed beneath the turban, the mocking laughter +in the depths of the blue eyes, and the straight, lithe figure, as she +moved swiftly away to rejoin her friends. Who was she, this lady of the +Blended Rose? this girl with the dignity of rank, and the carelessness of +youth? I must know the answer; it was not in young blood to run away. +Certain facts regarding her were at least clear already--she must be the +daughter of a loyalist, or else related to some of the English officers; +her very presence proved this, while her selection as one of the ladies +of honor, was evidence of high standing socially. And she had dared me, +challenged me with her eyes, to remain, and learn more. There was no +promise, no word spoken I could construe into a pledge, and yet there was +invitation, a suggestion, vague but comprehended, which youth could not +easily ignore. My veins throbbed with anticipation--already was my arm +about the slender waist, my eyes looking into her own. For a dance with +her, a possible understanding, I was willing to venture life itself. + +I turned about and glanced at the Dragoon riding behind, half tempted to +question him, but I refrained, not willing to make her the subject of +camp-fire gossip. It would be a more manly course to work this out +myself, and surely I should meet officers at the ball who would gladly +present me to the lady. I should be compelled to attend in field uniform, +yet circumstances would excuse that, and what little I had seen of her +convinced me she was no stickler for conventionality. The duty soldier +was more apt to interest such a personality than any dandy on dress +parade. With a word I dismissed my companion, and turned in to the camp +of the Yagers, sure of a welcome at their mess-table, and a chance to +brush up my soiled clothes. + +It must have been nearly nine o'clock when, in company with a young +cornet, I rode up to the house given up to festivities, and, turning over +our horses to the care of cavalry grooms, climbed the wide steps to the +door leading into the hall. Interested as I was in observing faces, +fearful of possible discovery by some one in the crowd, I failed to note +definitely the many decorations, yet I remember how the wide hall was +hung in green and white, each room opening from it possessing a distinct +color scheme, and how, under the gleaming clusters of lights, and +sparkling of glass chandeliers, the gay uniforms of the officers and the +brilliant gowns of the ladies appeared resplendent. The vista of those +great rooms, reflected by numerous mirrors, was a scene of confusing +beauty, with flowers everywhere, soft, glowing carpets underfoot, and the +surging crowds passing back and forth. There was scarcely a black coat +present, to yield touch of sombreness to the picture, but scarlet and +blue, green and white, glowing with profusion of gold lace, and +glittering with medals, together with gleaming shoulders, ruffles of +white lace, and shimmering skirts of silk. All was a riot of color, rich, +bewildering, with smiling faces, and laughing lips everywhere. In such a +spot, amid such surroundings, war seemed a dream, a far-off delirium. + +Drawn thither by the music, we climbed the broad stairs toward the +ball-room, passing as we did so, in the upper hall, four drawing-rooms +containing sideboards with refreshments. The ball-room itself was a +picture of Oriental magnificence--the walls were delightfully decorated, +the ground-work pale blue, panelled with a small, gold bead, the interior +filled with drooping festoons of flowers in their natural colors. Below +the surface the ground was of rose pink, the drapery festooned with blue. +The effect of these decorations was vastly increased by nearly a hundred +mirrors, decked out with rose-pink ribbons and artificial flowers, while +in the intermediate spaces were thirty-four branches with wax lights +similarly ornamented. No pen of memory can describe the scene, nor +picture in the gallant company, resplendent in coloring, now moving back +and forth in the evolutions of the minuet. + +My companion disappeared, and, to escape the pressure of those surging +back and forth through the wide doorway, I found passage close to the +wall, and half circled the room, finally discovering a halting place in +the recesses of a window, where, partially concealed myself by flowing +curtains, I could gaze out over the brilliant assemblage. Half ashamed of +the plainness of my own attire, and feeling a stranger and an alien, I +was yet consciously seeking the one face which had lured me there. I saw +fair ladies in plenty, and more than once my heart leaped, only to +discover its mistake. There were so many ladies of the Blended Rose on +the floor as to be confusing, and with their similarity of dress, and +powdered hair, I was never sure until they turned their faces toward me +that my patient search was still unrewarded. Yet if she was indeed upon +the floor I saw her not, and my heart grew heavy with delay. But in this +survey I discovered others--of both sexes--whose names had been mentioned +that afternoon, and recognized the faces of a few officers whom I had met +during my wanderings. Surely some of these would present me to the lady +of my dreams could I but see her, learn her name. Before the music ceased +I was convinced she was not among the dancers; I would search the side +rooms, and the apartments below, yet, even as the company sought seats, +soldiers crossed the floor, extinguishing the lights, and amid laughter, +and repartee, the throng surged toward me, hemming me in closely, as they +gathered in eager bunches about the open windows. + +Enough conversation reached me to disclose a promised display of +fireworks on the lawn, and almost immediately, a magnificent bouquet of +rockets shot up into the black sky, illuminating everything with a glare +of fire. This was followed by the lighting up of the triumphal arch, and +the bursting of balloons high overhead. Attracted by the spectacle, I was +staring out at the dazzling scene, when a voice spoke at my shoulder. + +"'Tis a relief to see even one soldier present ready for duty." + +I turned to look into a pair of steady blue eyes, with a bit of mocking +laughter in their depths, the face revealed clearly in the glare of the +rockets. + +"Necessity only," I managed to reply. "I can be as gorgeous as these +others, had I brought a bag with me." + +"No doubt; every British regiment tries to outdo the others in ribbons, +and gold lace. Really they become tiresome with such foppery in war +times. See how they play to-night, like children, the city practically +unguarded from attack," she waved an ungloved hand toward the dark +without. "I venture there are men out yonder, sir, who are not dancing +and laughing away these hours." + +My cheeks burned. + +"You mean Washington's troops?" + +"Aye! I saw them here in Philadelphia before Sir William came," her voice +lowered, yet earnest, "and they are not playing at war; grim, silent, +sober-faced men, dressed in odds and ends, not pretty to look at; some +tattered and hungry, but they fight hard. Mr. Conway was telling us +yesterday of how they suffered all winter long, while we danced and +feasted here, Washington himself sleeping with the snow drifting over +him. You do not know the Americans, for you are not long across the +water, but they are not the kind to be conquered by such child's play as +this." + +"You are an American then?" + +"By birth, yes," unhesitatingly. "We are of those loyal to the King, +but--I admire men." + +It was with an effort I restrained my words, eager to proclaim my +service, yet comprehending instantly that I dare not even trust this +plain-spoken girl with the truth. She respected the men, sympathized with +the sacrifices of Washington's little army, contrasted all they endured +with the profligacy of the English and Hessian troops, and yet remained +loyal to the King's cause. Even as I hesitated, she spoke again. + +"What is your regiment?" + +"The 42nd British Foot." + +"You have not yet been in action in America?" + +"No, but I have just crossed the Jerseys with despatches." + +She shook her head, her cheeks glowing. + +"My home was there when the war began," she explained simply. "Now it is +hate, pillage, and plunder everywhere. We fled to Philadelphia for our +lives, and have almost forgotten we ever had a home. We loyalists are +paying a price almost equal to those men with Washington. 'Tis this +memory which makes me so bitter toward those who play amid the ruins." + +"Yet you have seemed to enter into the gay spirit of the occasion," and +my eyes swept over her costume. + +"Oh, I am girl enough to enjoy the glitter, even while the woman in me +condemns it all. You are a soldier--a fighting soldier, I hope--and still +you are here also seeking pleasure." + +"True; I yielded to temptation, but for which I should never have come." + +"What?" + +"The dare in your eyes this afternoon," I said boldly. "But for what I +read there I should be out yonder riding through the night." + +She laughed, yet not wholly at ease, the long lashes drooping over her +eyes. + +"Always the woman; what would you do without my sex to bear your +mistakes?" + +"But was this a mistake? Did I read altogether wrong?" + +"Don't expect a confession from me, sir," demurely. "I have no memory of +any promise." + +"No, the barest suggestion was all your lips gave; it was the eyes that +challenged." + +"You must have dreamed; perhaps you recall the suggestion?" + +"I took it to mean that you would not be altogether averse to meeting me +again through the kindness of some mutual friend." + +"No doubt you have found such a friend?" + +"I have scarcely seen a face I know to-night," I pleaded. "I cannot even +guess from what place of mystery you appeared so suddenly. So now I throw +myself upon your mercy." + +"I wonder is it quite safe!" hesitatingly. "But, perhaps, the risk is +equally great on your part. Ah! the lights go on again." + +"And the band plays a Hungarian Waltz; how better could we cement +friendship than to that measure?" + +"You think so? I am not so sure, and there are many names already on my +card--" + +"Do not look," I interrupted swiftly, "for I claim first choice since +this afternoon." + +"You do?" and her eyes laughed into mine provokingly. "And I had +forgotten it all; did I, indeed promise you?" + +"Only with your eyes." + +"Oh, my eyes! always my eyes! Well, for once, at least, I will redeem +even that visionary pledge," and her glance swept the room hastily. "But +I advise that you accept my surrender quickly, sir--I am not sure but +this was Captain Grant's dance, and he is coming now." + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE + + +Her hand was in mine, my arm already around her waist, when the officer +bowed before us. He had been but a dim figure in the afternoon, but now I +saw him for a tall, slender man, somewhat swarthy of face, with black +hair and moustache, and a keen eye, attired in the green and white of the +Queen's Rangers. He smiled, but with a sarcastic curl to the upper lip +not altogether pleasant. + +"Your pardon, Mistress Claire," he said boldly, sweeping me with a +supercilious glance, "but am I mistaken in believing this waltz was +pledged to me?" + +"By mistake, Captain," her lips smiling, her eyes steady. "It seems I had +overlooked a promise made during the afternoon." + +"Oh, indeed," he turned toward me, staring insolently. "The hero of the +rescue, I presume." + +I felt the restraining pressure of her hand upon my sleeve, and her voice +replied calmly, before I succeeded in finding words. + +"This is the gentleman who protected me from the mob, if that be what you +mean. Permit me to present Captain Grant of the Queen's Rangers, +Lieutenant--pardon my having already forgotten your name." + +"Fortesque," I stammered, intensely hating the necessary deception. + +"Ah, yes--Lieutenant Fortesque, of the 42nd British Foot." + +We bowed coldly, neither extending a hand, the Captain twisting his +moustache as he continued staring at me. + +"Fortesque," he repeated slowly. "Fortesque; not of this garrison, I +believe." + +"No, from New York," coolly. "I regret having interfered with your +programme." + +"Don't mention it; there are other ladies present, and, no doubt, your +gallant act was worthy the reward; a pleasant evening, sir," and he drew +aside, stiffly military. Eager to lose as little as possible of the +measure I swung my partner forward, catching glimpse again of the man's +face as we circled. + +"Pleasant disposition," I ventured, without meaning to be uncivil. + +"Oh, very," and her eyes met mine frankly. "But you must not quarrel with +him; that is his one specialty, you know." + +"Is the warning on your account, or my own?" + +"Both, perhaps. Captain Grant's family and mine are neighbors--or were +before war intervened--and between our fathers exists a life-long +friendship. I could never consent to be the cause of his quarrelling with +any one, and I have reason to know how quick tempered he is." + +"I have little use for any man who swaggers about seeking trouble," I +returned, as she hesitated. "It has been my experience that there is +usually cowardice back of such a disposition." + +"Not in this case," earnestly. "Captain Grant's courage has been +sufficiently tested already. I warn you not to presume on your theory so +far as he is concerned. I advise the safer course." + +"What is that?" + +Her eyes met mine, smiling slightly, and yet grave enough in their +depths. + +"To let this one dance prove sufficient reward for your act of rescue." + +"You request this?" + +"Oh, you must not place the entire burden of decision on me, sir. I can +only suggest." + +"Has Captain Grant any authority to dictate who shall be your partner?" + +Her lashes lifted, and then fell before my gaze. + +"He at least assumes the power, and generally with fair success. I must +ask to be excused from discussing this matter further now, but--but," her +voice trembled to a whisper, "I--I am sure your safety depends upon your +leaving me." + +Astonished by these words, suddenly wondering if she suspected me, +scarcely comprehending what she meant, I stared into her face, as we +circled the room. Grant stood stiffly against the wall where we left him, +his eyes fastened moodily on the crowd; I realized his presence, yet my +whole thought was concentrated on the girl, the strands of her hair +brushing my lips, her steps lightly following the music, her eyes +downcast. Into the cheeks there came a flush of pink, and she glanced up +to read the surprise in my face. + +"Do I need to say more?" + +"Yes, you must," I insisted, "you can never believe I would leave you +because of personal fear." + +"I did not know--at first. Now I realize it will require a higher motive +to influence you; not love of life, but love of country." + +I felt the closer clasp of her fingers on my guiding hand, and knew I +took a deep breath of surprise. + +"Lean your head just a little closer," she whispered. "I--I know you, +Major Lawrence, and--and I wish you well." + +How I kept to the measure I cannot now imagine, for, in an instant, all +my house of cards crumbled into nothingness. She knew me, this blue-eyed +girl; knew me, and sought to aid my mission, this daughter of a loyalist, +this lady of the Blended Rose. It was inconceivable, and yet a fact--my +name had been whispered by her lips. + +Suddenly she looked up laughing, as though to make others feel that we +conversed lightly. We passed Grant, even as I held my breath, almost +afraid to venture with words. Yet they would not be restrained. + +"You certainly startled me; how do you know this? Surely we have never +met before?" + +"I refuse to be questioned, sir; it means nothing how I know--the fact +that I do should be sufficient." + +"But Mistress Claire--" + +"Rather Mistress Mortimer." + +"Yet the Captain called you Claire." + +"And we were children together--you can scarcely claim such familiarity." + +"I warrant you can name me." + +"Allen, is it not, sir?" + +What was it the witch did not know! This was no guess-work, surely, and +yet how could her strange knowledge be accounted for? Sweet as the face +was, greatly as it had attracted me, there was nothing to awaken a throb +of memory. Surely I could never have seen her before, and forgotten; that +would have been impossible. The music ceased, leaving us at the farther +extremity of the hall. + +"And now you will go?" she questioned eagerly. + +"Do you mean, leave here?" + +"Yes; you said once to-night, that but for me you would be riding yonder. +I realized all you meant, and you must not remain. The guard-lines are +slack to-night, and you can get through, but if you wait until to-morrow +it may be too late. Believe me, I am your friend, a friend of your +cause." + +"I do believe you; I could not connect you with deceit, but I am +bewildered at this sudden exposure. Does Captain Grant also suspect my +identity?" + +"I think not--not yet, at least, for if he did you would be under arrest. +But there are others here who would recognize you just as I have. There +is no mystery about it. I was in Philadelphia when the Continental troops +were here, and you were pointed out to me then. No, we have never met, +yet I was sure I recognized you this afternoon." + +"I was pointed out to you by whom?" + +"My brother--my twin brother on the staff of General Lee." + +"Did you not inform me your family were loyalists?" + +"Yes; it is true," earnestly, her foot tapping the floor, as though +annoyed at such persistent questioning. "I have a father and brother in +the King's service--but one is a renegade, and I--I--" + +"You are what?" + +"I am merely a woman, sir, unable to determine whether to finally become +loyalist or rebel." + +I looked gravely into her eyes until they fell, veiling their revelation +of truth behind long lashes. + +"Mistress Mortimer," I murmured, bending so close to her pink ear, I felt +the soft touch of her hair on my lips, "you dissemble so charmingly as to +even puzzle me. But if I leave you now, as you request, I must first have +promise of welcome again." + +"Then you mean to return--a prisoner? I am always merciful to the +suffering." + +"No; we are coming back to Philadelphia victors, and soon. I am not +afraid to tell you. I have learned much to-day, and go back to report to +Washington that the exchange of British commanders means the early +evacuation of this city. When we meet again you will not be a lady of the +Blended Rose, nor will I be wearing this uniform." + +Her eyes sparkled brightly into mine, then dropped demurely. + +"I--I rather like the colors you are wearing now, and am sure this dress +is most becoming. I--I have a passion for masquerade." + +"I recognize that, but have already discovered where I can read the truth +beyond the masque--what is occurring now?" + +She turned to look, attracted as I had been by the change and bustle +about us. A few feet from where we stood conversing, large folding doors, +previously concealed by draperies, were suddenly flung wide open, +revealing a magnificent dining-hall. Before the crowd could recover from +its first surprise, and surge that way, my eyes had taken in the full +effect of the disclosure. It was a vast saloon, as I have since been +informed, measuring two hundred and ten feet by forty, with a height of +twenty-two feet, having three large alcoves on each side. The ceiling was +the segment of a circle, the sides painted a light straw color, with vine +leaves and festoons of flowers, some in bright, others in dark green. +More than fifty large pier-glasses extended from floor to ceiling, +reflecting the glitter of the tables, while a hundred branches of three +lights each, and eighteen clusters of twenty-four, illumined the immense +apartment, aided by three hundred wax tapers upon the snowy tables. These +were already prepared for service, set with nearly five hundred covers, a +large company of black slaves, attired in Oriental fashion, awaiting the +coming of the guests. Sir William and his brother already led the way, +the others pouring in as rapidly as the wide doors would permit. Dazzled +by the magnificent spectacle I turned to my companion, unable to resist +temptation. She must have instantly read the purpose in my face, for she +grasped my sleeve. + +"No; you must not think of remaining a moment longer. There will be a +seat reserved for me, and Captain Grant is coming this way now. Something +is wrong, I am sure; I have no time to explain, but promise me you will +leave here at once--at once." + +Her eyes, her words, were so insistent I could not refuse, although as I +glanced about I felt convinced there was no danger in this assemblage, +not a familiar face meeting mine. At the instant Grant came up, elbowing +his way through the press, and staring insolently into my eyes, even as +he bowed politely to the lady beside me. + +"At least this is my privilege," he insisted, "unless there be another +previous engagement of which I am ignorant." + +"Oh, no," and she rested her hands on the green sleeve, smiling from his +face into mine. "We were waiting for you to come. Good-night, Lieutenant +Fortesque." + +They had taken a step or two, when Grant halted, holding her arm tightly +as he glanced back to where I stood. + +"Would Lieutenant Fortesque spare me a moment after I have found the lady +a seat?" he questioned politely. + +"Gladly, if you do not keep me waiting too long." + +"Then there will be no delay. Shall we say the parlor below?" + +I bowed, conscious of the mute appeal in the lady's face, yet with no +excuse for refusal. + +"As well there as anywhere, sir." + +Once again we bowed with all the punctilious ceremony of mutual dislike, +and he whispered something into her ear as they disappeared in the stream +of people. My cheeks burned with indignation at his cool insolence. What +could it mean? Was he merely seeking a quarrel? or was there something +else concealed behind this request? In either case I knew not how to act, +and yet felt no inclination to avoid the meeting. Studying over the +situation I pushed my way through the crowd across the floor of the +ball-room. There were a few people still lingering on the stairs, but, +except for the servants, the parlors below were deserted. I walked the +length of one of the great rooms, and halted in front of a fireplace to +await Grant's coming. I was eager to have this affair settled, and be +off. I comprehended now the risk I had assumed by remaining so long, and +began to feel the cords of entanglement drawing about me. There was a +door opposite where I stood, and, staring toward it, I saw it open +slightly, and, back in the darkness, the beckoning of a hand. Startled, +yet realizing that it must mean me, I stepped closer, gripping the hilt +of my sword, half suspecting treachery. + +"Quick," and I recognized the deep contralto of the voice. "Don't stop to +question; there is not a moment to lose." + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE THREAT OF SWORDS + + +Stepping from the glare of those gleaming parlor lights into the gloom of +that narrow passage, blinded me for the instant, yet a moment later, I +became aware of the distant glimmer of a candle, the faint reflection +revealing the girl's face. + +"Please do not talk; do not ask anything--yet," she urged hurriedly, +noiselessly closing the door at my back, and as instantly gripping my +sleeve. Her breath came quickly; her voice trembled from suppressed +excitement. "Come with me, beyond the light yonder." + +I followed her guidance, bewildered, yet having every confidence the +reason for this mysterious occurrence must be fully justified. The +passage curved slightly, terminating at a closed door. Scarce a +reflection of the candle reached us here, yet my eyes were by now +sufficiently accustomed to the gloom so that I could trace the outlines +of her face. A vague doubt took possession of me. + +"You are causing me to run away from Grant," I protested blindly. "You +are making me appear afraid to meet him." + +"No, it is not that," swiftly. "He was not coming to you personally at +all--you were to be arrested." + +"What! He knew me then?" + +"I am not sure--some one did, and mentioned his suspicions. Captain Grant +was glad enough of an excuse, no doubt, but he," the soft voice +faltering, "he made a mistake in twitting me for being friendly toward +you." + +"And you came to warn, to save me!" I exclaimed, pressing her hand. + +"That was nothing; I could do no less. I am only glad I knew the way." + +"You mean how you might reach me first?" + +"Yes; it came to me in a flash when he first left me alone, only I was +not certain in which parlor you would be waiting. I ran through the +kitchen and down the back stairs; I helped the officers plan their +decorations, and in that way learned of this private passage beneath the +stairs. It was easy, but--oh, listen! they are in there now!" + +We could hear voices through the intervening wall clearly enough to even +distinguish words, as the speakers exercised little restraint. I felt the +girl's slender figure press against me in the narrow space where we +stood, and I clung to her hand, both remaining motionless and silent. + +"The fellow has run, Grant," boomed some one hoarsely, "either afraid, or +else what you say he is. See here, boy, did you see any one in here +lately in scarlet jacket?" + +"I don' just 'member, sah," answered a negro, hesitatingly. "I was busy +over dar' cleanin' de side-boa'd." + +"Well, he's not here now, that's certain," broke in Grant impatiently, +"and we've been in all the parlors? What next, MacHugh?" + +"Try to head him off before he can get out of the city, of course. That's +his game, probably. Osborne, have Carter come here at once. Why didn't +you nab the fellow upstairs, Captain? Fool play that, sending him down +here." + +"I didn't wish to create a row in the ball-room; he was with Claire +Mortimer--" + +"Oh, I see," laughing coarsely. "Something besides military duty +involved, eh?" + +"I'll trouble you to be a trifle more careful, MacHugh," Grant said +stiffly. "The fellow did her a small service in the afternoon, and she +couldn't refuse dancing with him, as he was in uniform, and apparently +all right. I advise you to drop that part of the affair. Here's Carter +now." + +I could hear the click of the newcomer's spurs as he crossed the room. +MacHugh chuckled. + +"Touchy about it just the same, I see; however we'll pass up the lady. +Carter, there has been a spy in here to-night, calling himself Lieutenant +Fortesque, of the 42nd Regiment. He came through the lines this morning +with despatches for Howe, I understand. Did you meet him?" + +"No, sir, but one of my men was riding about with him all day--Watts; I +heard him telling about it an hour ago." + +"Is that so? Where'd they go?" + +"Covered everything, I judge, from Callowhill to the Lower Battery. Watts +said he asked questions of everybody they met, but he didn't take any +notes. He liked the fellow, but thought he was mighty inquisitive. Where +is he now, sir?" + +"The devil knows, I don't, and you'll have to find out. He'll head +northwest likely; he'll never try to cross the river here. How many men +have you?" + +"Twenty." + +"Scatter them to every north post. The fellow had no horse, and your +troopers can easily get ahead of him. Hurry up now." Carter departed with +click of steel, and MacHugh evidently turned to his companion. + +"We'll catch the lad all right, Grant. Some of those outposts will nab +him before daylight. No use our waiting around here; let's go back +upstairs." + +The girl's nervous grasp on my arm tightened, her lips pressed close to +my ear. + +"I--I must get back to my place at the table," she whispered. "Surely you +know what to do; this is a rear door; there are stables a hundred feet +away; you must get a horse, and ride fast--you--you will do this!" + +"Yes, of course--but how can I thank you?" + +"Don't try; don't ever even think of it again. I hardly know what mad +impulse sent me here. Now I have but one thought--to hurry you away, and +get safely back myself--you will go?" + +"Yes--but--" + +"Not now! there is no time for explanation, promises, anything. You heard +what they said; every avenue of escape will be blocked within an hour. If +you go at once you can outride them--please, please go!" + +She held out her hand, and I grasped it warmly, unable longer to war +against the pitiful appeal in her voice. + +"Yes, I'll go, at once. But I take away with me a memory which will never +permit me to be satisfied until we meet again. We have been together so +short a time--" + +"Had it been longer," she interrupted, "you would know me better, and +care less, perhaps. I am a sham; a cheat," a trifle of bitterness in the +tone. "You will learn all that some day, and laugh at yourself. Oh, I +know you will; so not another word, sir. I am going; then, perhaps, you +will." + +There was a slight pressure of her fingers, and she had vanished so +quickly I could only stare blindly along the deserted passage. Yet, an +instant later, the peril of my predicament flashed back upon my mind, and +I faced the immediate necessity for action. What her strange words might +mean could not be interpreted; I made no attempt to comprehend. Now I +must find means of escape, and learn the truth later. I opened the door +cautiously, and stepped without, every nerve taut, every muscle braced +for action. It was a star-lit night, and the numerous rear windows of the +mansion cast a glare of light for some distance. The dark shadow of a +high fence alone promised concealment, and, holding my sword tightly, I +crept in that direction, breathing again more freely as I reached its +protection unobserved. There was a guard stationed before the stable +door--a Grenadier, from the outline of his hat--and others, a little +group, were sitting on the grass a dozen feet away. If they had not been +already warned I might gain a horse by boldness, but the probability was +that here was where Carter had mounted his squad, and I would merely walk +forward into a trap. I had better chance the possibility that some +visitor had left a horse tied in front, or to one of the stands. With +this possibility in mind I turned, and skirted the house, making myself +as inconspicuous as possible. There were soldiers on the outside steps; I +heard their voices without seeing them, and was thus driven to run +swiftly across an open space, memory guiding me toward the opposite +pavilion. Breathless, with heart beating fast, I crouched low in the +shadow, endeavoring to make out my more immediate surroundings. There +were no horses there, but I could clearly distinguish the stomping of +restless hoofs somewhere to the right. As I straightened up, determined +upon discovering an empty saddle if possible, the figure of a man +suddenly loomed directly in front, advancing toward me. In startled +surprise I took one step backward, but was too late. Already the eyes of +the newcomer had perceived my presence, and he sprang forward, tugging at +his sword. + +"Hold on there! hold on!" he commanded shortly. "Who are you? What the +devil are you skulking about out here for?" + +It was Grant beyond a doubt; I would recognize the peculiar snarl of that +voice in a thousand. He had not gone upstairs then; had not rejoined the +lady in the dining-room. What would she think of his absence? What would +she do when she realized its probable meaning? Someway I was not +frightened, at thus meeting him, but glad--if those others would only +keep away, and let us settle the affair between us. Here was his test--a +coward would cry out an alarm, summon the guard to his assistance, but, +if the fellow's nerve only held, or if he hated me badly enough, he'd +fight it out alone. All this came to me in a flash, and the words of +challenge spoken before he even grasped the thought of who I was. + +"So I have discovered you, have I? Why did you fail to keep our +appointment within?" + +He drew up sharply, with an oath, peering at me through the dark, +bewildered by my speech. + +"The spy! Ye gods, what luck! Do you mean to insinuate I ran away, sir?" + +"How else could I interpret it?" I questioned coolly, determined to taunt +him to action. "I waited where you told me till I was tired. Perhaps you +will oblige me by explaining your purpose." + +He muttered something, but without comprehending its purport I went on +threateningly: + +"And I think you made use of the word _spy_ just now. Did you mistake me +for another?" + +"Mistake you? No; I'd know you in hell," he burst forth, anger making his +voice tremble. "I called you a spy, and you are one, you sneaking night +rat. You never waited for me in the parlor; if you had you'd now be under +arrest." + +"Oh, so that was the plan?" + +"Yes, that was it, Mister Lieutenant Fortesque." + +"Well, Grant," I said sternly, "I've got just one answer to make you. You +can call your guard, or you can fight it out with me here. Whichever you +choose will depend upon whether you are a man, or a cur." I took a step +nearer, watching him as best I could in the dark. "You are an unmitigated +liar, sir," and with sudden sweep of the arm I struck him with open hand. +"Probably you will realize what that means." + +For an instant he remained so still I doubted him, even held him cheap; +then the breath surged through his clinched teeth in a mad oath. He +surged toward me, but my sword was out, the steel blocking his advance. + +"You--you actually mean fight?" + +"Why not? Isn't that cause enough? If not I will furnish more." + +"I do not fight spies--" + +"Stop! That silly charge is merely an excuse. You do not believe it +yourself. You wanted a quarrel yonder in the ball-room. The expression of +your eyes was an insult. Don't evade now. I am here, wearing the uniform +of the British army. I have every right of a gentleman, and you will +cross swords, or I'll brand you coward wherever there is an English +garrison." + +The fellow was certainly not afraid, yet he hesitated, not quite clear in +his own mind what he had better do. I might be a spy, and I might not; he +possessed no doubt a moment before, yet the very boldness of my words had +already half convinced him there might be some mistake. Should he call to +the men on the steps yonder, denounce me, and turn me over to the guard? +That was the easiest way for him, the greater disgrace to me. Yet if, by +any chance, I proved later innocent of the charge, then he would become +the laughingstock of the army. I heard his teeth grate savagely as he +realized his dilemma, and laughed outright. + +"You do not seem altogether pleased, my friend; what are you, a toy +soldier?" + +"Hell's acre! I'll show you what I am." + +I saw the sudden flash of his drawn blade, and flung up my own in guard. + +"Wait; not here, Captain," I insisted quickly. "We're far too near your +watchful friends yonder; besides the light is poor. Let's try our +fortunes beyond the pavilion, where it can be simply man to man." + +He turned without a word, and I followed, eager enough to have done with +the business. The stars gleamed on the naked weapons held in our hands, +but we exchanged no words until we had rounded the corner, and come forth +into the open space beyond. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE ONE HOPE + + +As he stopped and faced about, I as instantly halted. + +"Perhaps this spot may satisfy your requirements," he said sarcastically. +"'Tis far enough away at least, and the light is not so bad." + +"It will do," I replied, and threw my scarlet jacket on the grass. "Strip +to the white, sir, and then we can see fairly well where to strike. +That's better. On guard!" + +Neither of us had mentioned the lady, preferring to base our quarrel on +other grounds, yet I fully comprehended that some unreasonable jealousy +on his part had led up to all this. Whatever the relations between them +might be, his desires were clear enough, as well as his methods for +keeping others away. This knowledge merely nerved me to steadiness; she +would hear of it all later and understand. The fellow's right to resent +the small attentions I had shown to Mistress Mortimer I questioned +greatly--she had plainly enough denied the existence of any relationship +between them other than family friendship,--and I meant to teach this +loyalist bully that I was not the sort to be driven away by loud words, +or the flash of a sword. + +He came at me fiercely enough, confident of his mastery of the weapon, +and, no doubt, expecting me to prove an easy victim of his skill. His +first onslaught, a trick thrust under my guard, caused me to give back a +step or two, and this small success yielded him the over-confidence I +always prefer that an opponent have. I was young, agile, cool-headed, +instructed since early boyhood by my father, a rather famous swordsman, +in the mysteries of the game, yet I preferred that Grant should deem me a +novice. With this in mind, and in order that I might better study the +man's style, I remained strictly on defence, giving way slightly before +the confident play of his steel, content with barely turning aside the +gleaming point before it pricked me. At first he mistook this for +weakness, sneering at my parries, as he bore in with increasing +recklessness. + +"A club would be more in your line, I take it, Mr. Lieutenant Fortesque," +he commented sarcastically, "but I'll play with you a while for +practice--ah! that was a lucky turn of the wrist! So you do know a trick +or two? Perhaps you have a parry for that thrust as well! Ah! an inch +more and I'd have pricked you--your defence is not bad for a boy! By all +the gods, I tasted blood then--now I'll give you a harder nut to crack!" + +I was fighting silently, with lips closed, husbanding my breath, scarcely +hearing his comments. Every stroke, every thrust, gave me insight of his +school, and instinctively my blade leaped forth to turn aside his point. +He was a swordsman, stronger than I, and of longer reach, yet his tricks +were old, and he relied more on strength than subtlety of fence. Our +swords gleamed against each other in the glitter of the stars, both +content with thrust and parry, as we circled, watchful for some opening. +Then, confident I had gauged my man, I began to drive in upon him, +returning thrust for thrust, and trying a trick or two of my own. He +countered with skill, laughing and taunting me, until his jeers made me +fight grimly, with fresh determination to end the affair. + +"By God! you have a right pretty thrust from the shoulder," he exclaimed. +"Been out before, I take it. But I'll show you something you never +learned. Odds, I'll call your boy's play!" + +"Better hold your breath, for you'll need it now," I replied shortly. +"The boy's play is over with." + +Step by step I began sternly to force the fighting, driving my point +against him so relentlessly as to hush his speech. Twice we circled, +striking, countering, fighting, our blades glittering ominously in the +starlight, our breathing labored with the fierceness of the fighting. +Both our swords tasted blood, he slicing my forearm, I piercing his +shoulder, yet neither wound sufficed to bring any cessation of effort. We +were mad now with the fever of it, and struggling to kill, panting +fiercely, our faces flushed, the perspiration dripping from our bodies, +our swords darting swiftly back and forth. He was my match, and more, +and, had we been permitted to go on to the end, would have worn me down +by sheer strength. Suddenly, above the clash of steel, came the sound of +voices; our blades were struck up, and the dark forms of men pressed in +between us. + +"Stop it, you hotheads!" some one commanded gruffly. "Hold your man, +Tolston, until I get at the reason for this fighting. Who are you? Oh, +Grant! What's the trouble now? The old thing, eh?" + +I had no desire to wait his answer, confident that Grant was sufficiently +angry to blurt out everything he knew. They were all facing his way, +actuated by the recognition. Breathless still, yet quick to seize the one +and only chance left, I grabbed up my jacket from the grass, and sprang +into the darkness. I had gained a hundred feet before those behind +grasped the meaning of my unexpected flight, and then the tumult of +voices only sent me flying faster, realizing the pursuit. The only open +passage led directly toward the river, and I raced through the black +night down the slope as though all the fiends of hell were after me. I +heard shouts, oaths, but there was no firing, and was far enough ahead to +be invisible by the time I attained the bank. An open barge lay there, a +mere black smudge, and I stumbled blindly across this, dropping silently +over its side into the water. It was not thought, but breathless +inability to attempt more, which kept me there, clinging to a slat on the +side of the barge, so completely submerged in the river, as to be +invisible from above. Swearing fiercely, my pursuers stormed over the +barge, swinging their swords along the edges to be sure I was not there. +One blade pricked me slightly, but I held on, sinking yet deeper into the +stream. I could see the dim outline of heads peering over, but was not +discovered. The same gruff voice which had interrupted the duel broke +through the noise: + +"I tell you he turned to the left; I saw him plainly enough. What did you +say the fellow's name was, Grant?" + +"How do I know? He called himself Fortesque." + +"Sure; the same one Carter was sent out hunting after. Well, he dodged +down there among those coal sheds. That is the only way he could have +disappeared so suddenly. Come on, all of you, except Moore and Cartaret, +and we'll beat the shore." + +I heard them scramble across to the bank, but there were sounds also +proving the guards left behind were still on the deck above me. Then one +of the fellows sat down on the edge of the barge, his feet dangling +within a few inches of my head. + +"Might as well take it easy, Bill," he said lazily. "They 're like to be +an hour layin' hands on the lad, an' all we got to do is see he don't fox +back this way. Got any tobacco, mate?" + +The other must have produced the necessary weed, for there was a scraping +of flint and steel, a gleam of fire glinting on the water, and then the +pungent odor wafted to me in puff of smoke. With one hand, I unbuckled my +sword belt, letting it, sword and all, sink silently into the river. I +must cross to the opposite bank somehow, and would have to dispense with +the weapon. Inch by inch, my fingers gripping the narrow slat to which I +clung, I worked slowly toward the stern of the barge, making not so much +as a ripple in the water, and keeping well hidden below the bulge of the +side. The voices above droned along in conversation, of which I caught a +few words. + +"Who was he? You mean the lad they're after down yonder? Oh, I mind now, +you came up late after we'd started the chase. Holy Mother, I don't know +much myself, now I come to think of it. He looked like a Britisher, what +I saw of him, an' he was fightin' with a Captain of Rangers--Grant was +the name; maybe you know the man?--behind one of the stands. Old Hollis +heard the clash of the steel; an' he called to us, an' the whole bunch +started on a run. It was too dark to see much, but we jumped in an' +pulled 'em apart, never once thinkin' it was more than two young hotheads +doin' a little blood-lettin'. Then this chap turned an' run for it, +trippin' up Sandy McPherson to get clear, and we after him. Somebody said +he was a spy, an' that's the whole I know about it." + +"They'll never get him," returned the other solemnly. + +"An' why do you think that, man? Sure, an' they're searchin' the shore +both ways, an' Carter has got his fellers ridin' the outposts. To my mind +he hasn't the chance of a rat in a trap, the poor devil." + +Bill blew a cloud of smoke into the air, which a puff of wind swept down +into my face. + +"Because it's my notion he swum for it. I was closest down the bank, an' +somethin' hit the water. I'm dead sure o' that, though I didn't see the +first thing. It's my guess the lad dived, an' never come up agin 'till he +was out there in them shadows." + +"But them's the Jerseys over yonder; if he was a spy he'd be headin' the +other way." + +"It's little he'd think of the way with the gang of us yelpin' at his +heels. Besides, there's plenty of his kind over in those Jerseys who'd +take good care of the likes of him. Was ye ever foragin' over there, +lad?" + +The other grunted, and the speaker went on steadily. + +"They take pot shots at ye from every bit o' woods, or stone wall. They're +sure devils for that kind o' skirmishin' work. God pity the men ordered +out into them parts." + +"But there's a guard, stationed across yonder." + +"Pish, a corporal's squad, just about opposite at the ferry landin', an' +a company of Yagers down at Gloucester. There's plenty room between for a +bold lad to find free passage." + +The two fell silent, staring out over the water. They had set me +thinking, however, and this knowledge of where the British pickets were +stationed was exactly the information I most required. I had no desire to +cross the Delaware, yet apparently in that direction lay the only +remaining avenue of escape. I could no longer hope to get away either to +north or west--every picket post along those lines would be instructed to +watch out for me 'ere this. My uniform would be no protection, and, +without a horse, my early apprehension was almost a certainty. My sole +apparent chance lay in the Jerseys, and I must reach the opposite shore, +and attain cover before daylight. To my mind there was no reason why this +could not be accomplished. The swimming of the river was not beyond my +power; I could float down under water for a hundred yards, and then, +concealed by the night, strike out for the eastern shore. The current +might sweep me down stream another hundred yards before my feet touched +bottom. That ought to bring me to a comparatively safe spot, where I +could crawl ashore unobserved. What was awaiting me there in the dark +could not be reckoned; but surely no graver danger than what already +menaced me here. I knew the Jerseys, and that now, with the main +contending armies withdrawn, all that country from the Delaware to the +sea was overrun by small parties of partisans, more intent upon plunder +than any loyalty to either side. To pass through between these bands was +likely to prove a desperate venture enough, yet it seemed the only choice +remaining. + +At the lower end of the float I managed to silently remove my boots, and +then waited, listening to the movements of the men above. I must have +clung there ten minutes, expecting every moment the party scouring the +shore would return, yet not daring to make the venture with those fellows +sitting there, and silently gazing out across the water. At last I heard +them get to their feet, and tramp about on the flat deck of the barge, +the low murmur of their voices reaching me, although words were +indistinguishable. I could hope for no better time. Filling my lungs with +air, I sank below the surface of the river, and then, rising, struck +boldly out into the full sweep of the current. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE BLACKSMITH + + +I had come up gasping for breath, well out in the stream, either shore a +mere darker shadow showing above the water. How far I had been swept +below the barge could not be guessed, as I could distinguish no outlines +clearly, excepting the bare spars of a vessel, tied up to the west shore. +As this ship had not been in sight previously I concluded the drift had +been greater than anticipated, and I struck out quickly toward the +opposite bank, fearful lest I be borne down as far as Gloucester before I +could finally make land. It was a hard swim across the swift current, and +I was nearly exhausted when I finally crept up the low bank, and lay +dripping and panting in the shelter of some low bushes. Except for the +bark of a distant dog there was no sound more disturbing than the rustle +of leaves, and the lapping of water. As my breath came back I sat up, +wrung out my clothes as best I could, and, with difficulty, drew on the +boots I had borne across, slung to my shoulder. + +I possessed but a dim conception of where I was, yet knew I must make a +wide detour to the east so as to escape British foraging parties. There +was nothing to guide me except the stars, no sign of any habitation, nor +cultivated field; not even a fence. I shivered in the night air, and went +stumbling forward over the rough ground, until I came upon a road running +north and south. I had no desire to proceed in either of these +directions, but the walking was so much better that I turned to the left, +hoping to find a trend eastward, as I knew the river swerved in that +direction. My reward was the discovery of a crossroad, a mere wagon +track, into which I gladly turned, and plodded along steadily. The stiff +exercise, combined with the heat of my body--for I was walking now as +rapidly as the darkness would permit--dried my clothes, yet with every +step onward, I became more apprehensive of danger. I was unarmed, my +sword sunk in the Delaware, my pistol useless from wet powder; unless I +found concealment before daybreak I would doubtless fall into the hands +of some roving band, and be summarily dealt with. If loyalists, I was +certain to be returned to Philadelphia a prisoner; if Colonial then I +would find it hard to explain the uniform I wore. In either case there +would be no gentleness in handling me. + +I must have thus plodded doggedly along through the darkness for fully +five miles, without perceiving the first sign of habitation, or even a +wood into which I could crawl for concealment, when I suddenly came upon +a long, one-story stone building standing at the left of the road, a +grim, silent, apparently deserted structure, one end of the roof caved +in, and several of the windows smashed. The appearance of desolation was +so complete as to make the flesh crawl, and in the distance an owl hooted +dismally. I tried the doors, but they appeared firmly fastened. Far in +the east there was a faint lightening of the sky promising the approach +of dawn, and thus aroused to a knowledge that I must immediately attain +shelter, I clambered through one of the broken windows, and dropped to +the earthen floor within. I could see nothing, not even a hand held +before my eyes, yet carefully felt my way forward through a tangle of +rubbish, wheels, scraps of iron, some casks, a number of plough handles, +and a riffraff of stuff I could not make out. The place had evidently +been used as a repair shop, but must have been closed for months, as I +could feel the grit of dust everywhere, and cobwebs brushed against my +face as I moved about. Finally I felt the outlines of a large box half +filled with paper, and, for want of something better, crept in and +snuggled down, intending to rest there until daylight should reveal my +surroundings. + +I was warm enough, now, my clothing practically dry, but thoroughly tired +from the long tramp over the dark road, and exhausted by the excitement +through which I had passed. Even my mind seemed dulled, and it appeared +useless to think or plan. All night long I had been the helpless victim +of circumstances, and I could only trust blindly to luck for the future. +I recall lying there, staring up into the darkness, listening to the +squeal of a rat in some distant corner, the memory of the past few hours +rioting through my brain in bewildered confusion. I had not intended to +sleep, yet drowsiness came, and I lost consciousness. + +I know not what aroused me, but it was already daylight, a gleam of sun +through the windows turning the festooned cobwebs into golden tapestry. +One side of the box in which I lay had been broken out, and I could see +the full length of the shop, which appeared littered from end to end with +all manner of implements of husbandry, and woodworking and blacksmith's +tools. It was a jumble of odds and ends, scraps of wood and iron, +discarded parts of machinery, an old forge, bits of harness, and a broken +saddletree. All this I perceived with my first glance, but it was the +distant sound of a voice which as instantly held my attention. At first I +could not locate the speaker, nor comprehend the peculiar singsong of the +utterance. But as I lifted my head, listening intently, I knew the man to +be beyond the wooden partition at my right, and that he was praying +fervently. Somehow heartened by this discovery I crept out from the bed +of papers, and stole silently forward to the narrow door which apparently +led into this second apartment. The voice never ceased in its monotonous +appeal, and I ventured to lift the latch, and take cautious glance +through the slight opening. + +It was a blacksmith shop of fair size, fully equipped with all the tools +of the trade, the walls blackened by smoke, the earthen floor littered +with _débris_, a leathern apron hanging over the anvil. A curtain drawn +aside formed a smaller, separate apartment, with puncheon floor, lighted +by a small window through which a gleam of sun fell. I caught therein +glimpse of a bunk full of disarranged blankets, a straight-back chair, +and a small table, with a few books lying upon it. Yet all this was but +the result of a glance, as my whole attention concentrated upon a +kneeling figure just beneath the loop of the curtain. The man was facing +me, but with eyes closed, and uplifted, as his lips poured forth the +fervent words of prayer. I was not a religious man in those days, yet the +faith of my mother was not forgotten, and there was something of +sincerity about that solitary kneeling figure I could not but respect. +The words uttered, the deep resonant voice, and above all, the expression +of that upturned face, held me silent, motionless. He was a man of short, +sturdy limb, but great bulk, massive chest, and immense shoulders +evidencing remarkable strength. His face was rugged, the jaws square, the +chin pronounced, the brow broad, rather than high, with nose like the +beak of a hawk. His thick hair, iron-gray, was a bushy mat. His only +clothing consisted of leathern breeches, well worn but clean, and a rough +shirt, open at the throat, and sleeveless. This revealed a brawny chest, +and arms knotted with muscle. + +But it was the man's voice, deep, resonant, vibrant with feeling, which +fascinated me, while the words spoken seemed to yield me a new conception +of prayer, so simple were they, so clearly a true utterance of the heart. +Believing himself alone with his Maker, there was a depth of sincerity in +the tone which hushed all shallow criticism. Rare Christian faith, +unreserved surrender, absolute confidence spoke through every syllable, +and I stood there, almost breathless, listening, feeling that this was +holy ground. What was this man, this praying blacksmith? A patriot +surely, from his words of petition; one who had suffered much, but was +willing to suffer more. The strength chiselled in that upturned face, +those deeply marked features, revealed no common mental equipment. Here +was a real man, with convictions, one who would die for an ideal; without +doubt a radical, ready to go to any extreme where conscience blazed the +way. + +I cannot attempt to reproduce from memory those words of petition which +came slowly from his lips, as though the man was himself awed by the +presence of the Infinite. There was no stumbling, no hesitancy, but the +solemnly devout language of the Bible seemed to flow naturally forth, as +though the man's mind was steeped with the imagery of that Oriental past, +the present struggle in which he was engaged but a reflection of old +Jewish wars in which Jehovah led the chosen hosts to victory. As he +finally paused, his head bowed low, I stepped forward into the light, +confident of welcome, utterly forgetful of the uniform I wore. At the +first faint sound of my approach on the floor he was upon his feet +fronting me, the shortness of his limbs yielding him a certain grotesque +appearance, his deep-set eyes regarding me suspiciously. Before I could +realize the man's intent he sprang between me and the outer door, his +hand gripping an iron bar. + +"A son of Baal!" came the roar from his lips. "How came you here in that +uniform? Are you alone?" + +"Alone, yes," and I hurled the scarlet jacket into the dirt with a +gesture of disgust. "I had even forgotten I wore it. Wait a moment. I +heard your prayer, and know you must be with us. I am Major Lawrence of +the Maryland Line." + +He stared at me motionless. + +"Then how come ye here?" + +"I was sent into Philadelphia by Washington himself, but my identity was +discovered, and there was no way of escape except across the Delaware. I +reached here during the night, and crept into your shop to hide. The +sound of your voice awoke me from sleep, and I knew from your words that +it was safe for me to come forth." + +"You may know it, young man, but I don't," he replied gruffly. "We're a +bit suspicious of strangers here in the Jerseys these days. The minions +of Satan encompass us about. What have ye to show to prove your story?" + +I shook my head, extending my hands. + +"Only my word of honor. I had a pass from Hamilton, but destroyed that +before entering the British lines. If I tell you the whole story, perhaps +you will understand its truth." + +The expression of his face did not change, yet I thought the deep-set +eyes were not altogether unkind. + +"You are hungry, no doubt?" + +"Being human, yes." + +"Then we'll eat and talk at the same time. You're only one man, an' I'm +not afraid of you, an' if ye are a Britisher I wouldn't starve you to +death. There's little enough, the good Lord knows, but you're welcome to +the half of it. Make yourself comfortable there on the bench." + +I did as he suggested, impressed by the rugged directness of the fellow, +convinced he already half believed my brief explanation. He stepped +outside into the sunlight searching the road that led away across the +flat distance; returning he indulged in a single glance into the deserted +shop where I had passed the night. Apparently satisfied that I was indeed +alone, he threw open a cupboard in one corner, and brought forth a +variety of food, placing this upon a wide shelf near at hand. +Occasionally our eyes met, and I knew he was slowly making up his mind +regarding me. This silent scrutiny could not have been altogether +unsatisfactory, for, when he finally drew up an empty box and sat down, +he was prepared to talk. + +"Help yourself," he began gravely. "It is rough camp fare, but doubtless +you are used to that. Do you know me?" + +I scanned his face again intently, surprised by the question, yet +recognized no familiar features. + +"No," I replied, with some hesitation. "Have we ever met before?" + +"Not to my remembrance," and the man's language and accent evidenced +education above his apparent station. "But I have won some repute in this +part of the Jerseys, an' thought my name might be known to you. You would +recognize the signature of George Washington?" + +"I have seen it often." + +He drew a flat leather case from a pocket inside his shirt, extracting +therefrom a folded paper, which he opened, and extended to me across the +table. With a glance I mastered the few lines written thereon, +recognizing its genuineness. + +"Hamilton penned that," I said in quick surprise, "and it is signed by +Washington's own hand." + +The deep-set eyes twinkled. + +"Right," he said shortly, "that bit of paper may save me from hangin' +some day. There are those who would like well to see me swing if they +only laid hands on me at the right time and place. You know what the +paper is?" + +"A commission as Captain," and I bent over it again, "issued to Daniel +Farrell, giving him independent command of scouts--by heavens! are you +'Bull' Farrell?" + +He was eating quietly, but found time to answer. + +"There are those who call me by that nickname; others give me even a +worse handle. 'Tis my nature to make enemies faster than friends. You +know me then?" + +"I was with Maxwell at Germantown," the remembrance of the scene coming +vividly to mind, "when you came up with your ragged fellows. You have +certainly taught them how to fight." + +"There was no teaching necessary; all the trouble I ever have is in +holding them back," his face darkening. "Every man who rides with me +knows what war means here in the Jerseys; they have seen their homes in +flames, their women and children driven out by Hessian hirelings. We +fight for life as well as liberty, and when we strike we strike hard. But +enough of that. We have sufficient confidence in each other by now to +talk freely. What did you discover in Philadelphia? No more than I could +tell you myself, I'll warrant." + +I told the story, while he listened silently, his eyes alone expressing +interest. As I ended, he slowly lit his pipe, and sat there smoking, +apparently thinking over what I had said. + +"Have I learned anything of importance?" I asked finally. + +"For Washington, yes; but very little unknown to me. So you met Mistress +Claire, eh? The little minx! 'Tis a month since I heard of her." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +TANGLING THREADS + + +My surprise at this unexpected reference to the Lady of the Blended Rose, +almost prevented utterance. What could this partisan ranger know of the +girl? How could he even have identified her from my vague reference? + +"Why do you say that?" I asked eagerly. "I did not mention the lady's +name." + +"There was no cause for you to do so," and the grim mouth smiled. "No one +else in Philadelphia would have turned the trick so neatly; besides the +fact that your opponent was Grant would have revealed the identity of the +girl." + +"You know them both then?" + +"Fairly well; he was a boy in these parts, an' I have shod his riding +horse many a time. A headstrong, domineering, spoiled lad he was, and +quarrelsome. Once I gave him a sound thrashing in this very shop, an' +when his father called me to task for it the next day he went home with a +broken collar-bone. That was ten years before the war, an' we have not +spoken pleasantly since. A hard man was Frederick Grant, an' none of his +blood ever forgave an injury. Once the boy's company of Queen's Rangers +raided this shop, but fortunately I was not here." + +"But Mistress Mortimer," I interrupted, "is her family also from this +neighborhood?" + +"To the northeast of here, near Locust Grove; the properties of the two +families adjoin each other, an' I have heard there is distant kinship +between them, although if that be true all that was good in the strain +must have descended to the one branch, an' all the evil to the other. Day +and night could be no different. Colonel Mortimer is a genial, pleasant +gentleman, an' a loyal friend, although we are in arms against each +other. To tell the truth I half believe his heart is with the Colonies, +although he cast his fortunes with the King. He even has a son in the +Continental Army." + +"On Lee's staff," I interrupted. "The daughter told me he was a twin +brother." + +"Yes, an' as great a rogue as the girl, with the same laughing blue +eyes." + +"And Mistress Claire," I questioned, "on which side is she?" + +"Can you ask that after having met her as a Lady of the Blended Rose? +Pshaw, man, I could almost give you a list of the loyalist dames who make +sport for the British garrison, an' Mistress Claire is not least in rank +or beauty among them. What else could you expect of a young girl when her +father wears the green an' white, while her lover has made a reputation +hereabout with his hireling raiders?" + +"You mean Grant?" + +"Certainly; they have been engaged from childhood, though God pity the +poor girl if they ever marry. His work in the Jerseys has been almost as +merciless as that of 'Red' Fagin, an' 't is even whispered about they +ride together at times. I doubt if she knows the whole truth about him, +though she can scarcely deem him an angel even at that. Surely you never +supposed her on our side?" + +"She helped me," I insisted, "knowing who I was, and even said she wished +my cause well." + +"The inconsistency of a woman; perhaps the two had had some +misunderstanding, an' she was glad enough to outwit the fellow." + +"No, 't was not that, I am sure; I could read truth in her eyes." + +"In Claire's eyes!" he laughed outright. "Oh, I know the innocent blue of +them, and warn you not to trust such blindly. Other men have thought the +same, an' found out they read wrongly when the end came--ay! many of +them. When she was but a slip of a lass I found out her eyes played merry +tricks, an' yet I love her as though she were my own daughter. An' she's +a good girl in spite of all the mischief in her." + +"And she is truly a loyalist?" + +"If not, I know no better. The rebel blood is all in the boy so far as I +can learn, yet I will not answer for what Mistress Claire might do." + +We fell silent, my memory with the girl, endeavoring to recall her exact +words, the expression of her face. It was not in my heart to believe she +had deceived me. There was no reason why she should, and it was easy to +conceive how she had naturally become part of the gay pageant, herself an +exile, and with both father and lover in the King's service. Her very +fun-loving disposition would lead her to take interest in the affair, +while beyond doubt her friendships would all influence her in that +direction. Yet down deep in her heart, I still believed, there was +loyalty to the Colonies, a desire to aid them in their struggle, and, I +sincerely hoped, a distrust and growing aversion to the man, Grant. +Certainly she could not love the fellow; that thought was inconceivable. +Whatever prearranged ties might still bind, she was already in almost +open rebellion against them. 'T was not in woman's nature to love one +man, and then aid another to outwit him. And she had done all this, and +of her own free will; done it with her eyes looking frankly into mine, +knowing who I was, and my real purpose in Philadelphia. No statement of +another could shake my confidence, or make me feel she had deliberately +deceived. Only through some action, or some direct word of her own, would +I permit my faith to be shattered. + +Plunged deeply in these thoughts, I had almost forgotten where I was, as +well as the presence of my companion, when he suddenly arose to his feet, +and, pushing aside the wooden window shutter, looked out. A glance of his +keen eyes was sufficient. + +"Get back into your box, Major," he exclaimed quickly. "Pull the papers +over you." + +I was upon my feet, conscious of the distant sound of horses' hoofs. + +"What is it? The enemy?" + +"Rangers; fifty of them, I judge, an' they'll never pass here without +rummaging around. Quick now, under cover." + +"But what about yourself?" + +"Don't worry about me; those fellows haven't any evidence against +me--yet. They're after you." + +I was through the intervening door with a bound, and an instant later had +burrowed under the crumpled papers. The shifting of the sun had left this +corner of the repair shop in shadow, but I was scarcely outstretched in +my hastily improvised hiding place, when I heard the blacksmith calmly +open his outer door, where he stood smoking, clad in leathern apron, +awaiting the approaching horsemen. They swept about the corner of the +smithy almost at the same moment, pulling up their tired horses at sight +of him. From amid the thud of hoofs, and the rattle of accoutrements, a +voice spoke sharply: + +"So you're here, Farrell, you old rebel hypocrite. Well, what are you +hiding now?" + +"I was not aware that I had anything to hide, Captain Grant," was the +dignified response. "This is my shop, an' where I should be." + +"Oh, hell! We all know you well enough, you old fox, and we'll catch you +red-handed yet, and hang you. But we're not hunting after your kind +to-day. Did you see anything of a fellow in scarlet jacket along here +last night, or this morning?" + +I failed to catch Farrell's answer, but the voice of the officer was +sufficiently loud to reach me. + +"A rebel spy; the sneaking rascal must have swam the Delaware. We'll look +about your shop just the same before we ride on. Mason, take a half-dozen +men with you, and rake the place over." + +I heard the sound of their boots on the floor, and burrowed lower in my +box. Two or three entered the old shop, and began to probe about among +the _débris_. One kicked the box in which I lay, and thrust a bayonet +down through the loose papers, barely missing my shoulder. With teeth +clinched I remained breathless, but the fellow seemed satisfied, and +moved on, after searching the dark corner beyond. At last I heard them +all go out, mumbling to each other, and ventured to sit up again, and +draw a fresh breath. They had left the door ajar, and I had a glimpse +through the crack. Farrell was leaning carelessly in the outer doorway, +smoking, his short legs wide apart, his expression one of total +indifference. A big fellow stepped past him, and saluted some one just +out of sight. + +"Nobody in there, sir," he reported. + +"All right, Mason," and Grant came into view on a rangy sorrel. "Get your +men back into saddle; we'll move on." + +"Think he went this way?" asked the blacksmith carelessly. + +"How the hell do I know!" savagely. "He must have started this way, but +likely he took the north road. We'll get the chap before night, unless he +runs into Delavan's fellows out yonder. See here, Farrell," holding in +his horse, "we'll be back here about dark, and will want something to +eat." + +"You will be welcome to all you find." + +"You impudent rebel, you see that you are here when we come. I know you, +you night raider, and will bring you to book yet. Forward men--trot! +Close up the rank there, sergeant; we'll take the road to the left." + +I watched them go past, the dust-covered green uniforms slipping by the +crack of the door, as the men urged their horses faster. Farrell never +moved, the blue tobacco smoke curling above his head, and I stole across +the littered storeroom to a cobwebbed window, from which I could watch +the little column of riders go down the hill. They finally disappeared in +the edge of a grove, and I turned around to find the blacksmith leaning +against his anvil waiting for me. + +"Genial young fellow, Grant," he said. "Always promising to hang me, but +never quite ready to tackle the job. Afraid I shall have to disappoint +him again, to-night." + +"You will not wait for him?" + +"Hardly. You heard what he said about Delavan? That was the very news I +wanted to learn. Now I think both those lads will meet me much sooner +than they expect." + +He stepped forward into the open doorway, and blew three shrill blasts on +a silver whistle. The echo had scarcely died away, when, out from a thick +clump of trees perhaps half a mile distant, a horse shot forth, racing +toward us. As the reckless rider drew up suddenly, I saw him to be a +barefooted, freckle-faced boy of perhaps sixteen, his eyes bright with +excitement. + +"So it's you on duty, Ben," said Farrell quietly, glancing from the boy +to his horse. "Well, you're in for a ride. Have the men at Lone Tree by +sundown; all of them. See Duval first, an' tell him for me this is a big +thing. Now off with you!" + +The boy, grinning happily, swung his horse around, and, jabbing his sides +with bare heels, rode madly away directly south across the vacant land. +Within five minutes he had vanished down a sharp incline. Farrell was +still staring after him, when I asked: + +"What is it?" + +"A little bit of private war," he said grimly. "If you'll go with me +to-night, Major, I'll show you some guerilla fighting. You heard what +Grant said about Delavan. We've been waiting five days for him to head +back toward Philadelphia. He has twenty wagons, an' a foraging party of +less than fifty men somewhere out Medford way," with sweep of hand to the +northeast. "If he an' Grant get together the two commands will outnumber +us, but we'll have the advantage of surprise, of a swift attack in the +dark. In my judgment that is what Grant was sent out for--to guard +Delavan's wagons. His spy hunting was a personal affair. My advice to +you, Lawrence, is to lie quiet here to-day, and go along with us +to-night. It will be in the same direction you'll have to travel, an' you +might have trouble by daylight. No objections to a fight, have you?" + +"None whatever." + +"I judged so from your face. Better get what rest you can; we shall have +twenty miles to ride before dark. I'll go over into the timber there an' +feed the horses." + +I watched him cross the open land, impressed by the man's immense +shoulders and short limbs. I could scarcely analyze the influence he +already exerted over me, but I felt him to be a natural leader of men, an +intellectual as well as physical giant. I picked up a book lying open on +the bench--it was an English translation of a famous French treatise on +Democracy; within its pages was Payne's pamphlet on the Rights of Man, +its paper margins covered with written comments. This blacksmith was not +only a man of action, but a man of thought also. I lay down on the bench, +pillowing my head on one arm, thinking of him as I first saw him kneeling +alone in prayer, and the simple words of his petition came back to me +with new power. Then my mind drifted to the strange commingling of human +elements in this adventure--to Mistress Claire, and her connection with +Grant, and the intimate knowledge Farrell apparently possessed of them +both. Somehow I was becoming more and more deeply involved in these +lives, and I began to wonder how it was all destined to end. Was the +coming night to add a new chapter? If so, would it be the last? Reviewing +it all, lulled by the silence, I fell asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +WITH MINUTE MEN + + +I must have slept very heavily, the sleep of utter exhaustion, for I +awoke with my mind clear and body rested. The door of the shop remained +wide open, and Farrell sat there, his eyes upon the road without, an open +book upon his knees. As I moved slightly he instantly turned his face +toward me. + +"I began to fear I should have to arouse you, Major," he said, coming +within. "You have slept soundly for six hours, an' we must be off +presently. First, however, we will have a bite to eat." + +He began to prepare the meal, while I bathed my face. + +"I was very tired," I explained, "but now am ready for any service. What +has occurred since I lay down?" + +"Very little; Duval stopped a moment to report, an' two of my couriers +rode past this way. We are going to have a goodly sized gathering +to-night, an' from all I hear will need every rifle. Grant's purpose is, +as I supposed, to guard the forage train into Philadelphia. He expects to +meet them somewhere between Fellowship and Mount Laurel, an' the chances +are we shall have to fight both detachments. But fall to, man, an' we can +discuss all this as we eat." + +He talked freely enough while we remained there, but conversation veered +to the book he had been reading, and I learned little of his plans, +except that he relied upon surprise, and swiftness of movement to +overcome the decided advantage of numbers. After we mounted and rode +away, scarcely a word was exchanged between us. I recall asking a +question or two, but his answers did not encourage any attempt at +probing, and I consequently fell silent, urging my horse in the effort to +keep pace with his heavier mount. We rode straight across the country, +avoiding the roads, and keeping under cover as much as possible, taking +advantage of every depression of the surface. Farrell knew every inch of +the way, and his watchful eyes scanned the summit of the ridges with +constant vigilance. Just before dusk we overtook a dozen horsemen in the +breaks of a creek bottom, roughly dressed fellows, heavily armed, riding +in the same direction as ourselves, and, after the exchange of a word or +two, the whole party of us jogged along together. Others straggled in, +singly, or by small groups, as darkness closed about, until we formed +quite a respectable company. It was rather a silent, weird procession, +scarcely a word being spoken, and no sound heard, other than the dull +reverberation of unshod hoofs on the soft turf. To me, glancing back from +where I held position beside Farrell, they seemed like spectral figures, +with no rattle of accoutrements, no glimmer of steel, no semblance of +uniform. Yet my heart warmed to the knowledge that these were no holiday +warriors, but grim fighting men. I had seen the faces, some boyish, +others graybeards, and had read in them all sternness of purpose. Each +hand gripped a brown rifle, and the fingers that met mine were rough and +hard from toil. No man among them had asked me a question; with Farrell's +simple statement there had come the hand-grip, the eyes looking straight +into my own; the silent acceptance of me as comrade. It all served to +drive into my consciousness the fact that these were men seeking nothing +for themselves, but ready to battle and die for the cause they had +espoused. They had left their ploughs in the furrow to strike a blow for +liberty. + +It was an hour or more after dark when our compact little body of +horsemen rode down a gully into a broad creek bottom, and then advanced +through a fringe of trees to the edge of the stream. There was a young +moon in the sky yielding a spectral light, barely making those faces +nearest me visible. At the summit of the clay bank, shadowed by the +forest growth encircling them, were the others who had gathered at this +war rendezvous, the majority dismounted, holding their horses in +readiness for action. As we rode in among them neighbors clasped hands +silently, but the words exchanged were few. Farrell forced his horse +through the press toward where a tall figure sat stiff in the saddle, and +my own horse followed unguided. + +"A goodly turn-out, Duval," he commented briefly. "What was the number +before we came?" + +"Forty-seven rifles," the Lieutenant's voice nasal, and high pitched. +"The men from Orchard and Springdale are not in yet. How many arrived +with you?" + +"Twenty; ample for our purpose, even if the others fail us. This is Major +Lawrence of the Maryland Line." + +I shook his long, thin hand, marking the iron grip of the fingers. + +"We'll introduce you to some typical Jersey fighting to-night, Major," he +said genially. "We have a style all our own." + +"I had supposed I had witnessed all styles." + +"We'll see; the difference is that every man among us has some outrage to +revenge. Our quarrel is a personal one against thieves and murderers. +What is the programme, Farrell?" + +"To intercept Delavan's raiders. They will be along the main road within +the hour from all reports. He has a wagon train loaded with stuff +gathered up between Medford an' Mount Holly, together with a considerable +drove of cattle and some horses." + +"And what force?" + +"About fifty men originally, but reinforced this afternoon with as many +more to help guard the train into Philadelphia." + +"Mounted?" + +"The reinforcements were, but the original foragers were afoot; they were +Hessians; the others Grant's company of Queen's Rangers." + +"Glory be to God!" exclaimed a voice near at hand. "Did ye hear that, +lads? It's Dutchmen and Tories we're against to-night. Be Gorry! I +wouldn't have missed the chance of this shindy fer the best farm in +Camden." + +There was a low growl from the cluster of men, and an ominous movement of +bodies pressing closer. Duval laughed mirthlessly. + +"The bloodhound takes the scent," he said grimly. "God help those poor +devils when we cut the leash, Farrell. Where do you propose meeting +them?" + +"Across there in the bluffs," pointing, "where the road turns in between +the high clay banks. We'll leave our horses here, an' cross on foot. Is +that the right plan, boys?" + +There was a murmur of acquiescence, a few questions, and then the silence +of approval. It was evident these minute men were under small discipline, +and their officers led only by force of character. Without orders the +horses were led away, tied securely in the black depths of the woods, and +the men came straggling back, rifles in hand, grouping themselves along +the edge of the stream. There was no attempt at military formation, but +Duval straightened them out so as to count the number present. + +"Sixty-nine, all told," he announced briefly. "All right, boys, come on, +and keep your powder out of the water." + +It was firm bottom, but the water rose above the waist, with sufficient +current so we had to brace against it in mid-stream. We trailed dripping +up the eastern bank, coming out upon a well-travelled road. A hundred +feet beyond was the cleft through the clay, and there Farrell halted us, +dividing the men into two parties. Under his orders they disappeared like +magic, the silent night engulfing them completely. The three of us, +Duval, Farrell, and myself, alone remained in the deserted road. + +"Duval," said the blacksmith quietly, "you an' the Major feel your way +along to the top, an' discover what is happening. I'll stay here, an' +take care of the boys." + +The road was a gradual rise, the clay packed hard under foot, but from +the summit we could look away for some distance over a level country, +dimly revealed under the new moon. There was nothing in sight, and no +sound disturbed the solitude. We sat down on a bunch of turf, rifles in +hand, to wait patiently, our eyes scanning the distance. + +"Who are those fellows back there?" I questioned at last, made nervous by +the silence. + +"The boys in the gulch? Jersey militiamen," he explained shortly. "You +see there's some of us that can't get away all the time, because of the +women and children, and the farm work. Besides, regular soldiering don't +just appeal to our sort. So we do our fighting round home in our own way. +However, the most of us manage to have a hand in the real thing once in a +while even at that. We were over at Germantown, and down at Brandywine. +Farrell's got a commission, but the rest of us are taking our chances. +It's neighbor against neighbor. Whatever we've got left has been held at +the point of the rifle. We're doing our share in this war, an' Washington +knows it. Over there to the east 'Red' Fagin, Old Man Kelly, an' their +gangs of Pine Robbers, are making the fields red; sometimes they get down +this far raiding the farms, but mostly, we're fighting foragers out of +Philadelphia, and they're not much better. Half the houses in this +country have been burned, and mercy isn't very common on either side. +Those lads yonder are not pretty soldiers to look at, but they're wolves +to fight, and hungry for it." + +"They are called on whenever Farrell wishes?" + +"Well, yes; those come who can. They're not always the same bunch. You +see Farrell covers quite a bit of country, with a lieutenant in each +section who is in touch with the neighbors there. I belong in Camden, and +don't go outside very often, but there is a sort of organization all the +way between here and New York. Whenever there is a big fight on, the most +of us get into it somehow. Washington counts on us in a pinch, but mostly +we're raiding or cutting off British supplies. Say, Major, isn't that +those fellows coming?" + +He pointed into the east, in which direction the road ran, barely +revealed by the faint light of the moon for perhaps a hundred yards. I +looked eagerly, and could dimly distinguish a vague shadow on the summit +of a distant rise of land. The shadow moved, however, and as we both +stared in uncertainty, there came to our ears the far-off crack of a +whip. We drew farther back against the bank, pausing to make sure there +was no deception. One by one we could perceive those vague shadows +topping the rise and disappearing. I counted ten, convinced they were +covered wagons, and then the night wind brought to us the creaking of +wheels, and the sound of a man's voice. Duval's hand gripped my arm, and +to the signal we crept back beyond the crest, and then hurried down to +where Farrell had concealed his men. He was waiting us in the middle of +the road, his short broad figure almost laughable in the moon shadow. + +"Well, are they coming?" + +"Just over the crest," replied Duval brusquely. "I counted fifteen +wagons." + +"Quite a convoy, an' worth fighting for. Take the left, Duval; Major, +come with me." + +We drew aside under the protection of a boulder, from where we could see +clearly to the top of the ridge. Only for a moment was there silence, the +men all about us lying low in their coverts, breathless and intent. There +was a faint ripple of water to our rear where the stream ran, and a +rustle of leaves overhead in the slight breeze. A rabbit, or some stray +animal of the field, darted through the underbrush. Then we heard horses' +hoofs and the murmur of approaching voices. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE CAPTURE OF THE WAGON TRAIN + + +We could see them quite clearly, as they topped the crest, the moonlight +revealing men and horses so distinctly I could even guess at their +uniform. Those in advance rode slowly, four abreast, down into the black +shadows, lolling in their saddles, voices murmuring, seemingly +unconscious of any danger. It was easy to comprehend their state of mind. +Delavan had been left alone for a week, permitted to sweep the +countryside unmolested. He and his command had naturally grown careless, +never suspecting their every move had been watched by keen-eyed scouts. +Now, guarded by Grant's troop, they believed themselves sufficiently +strong for any emergency; that no force the scattered enemy could gather +would venture upon attack. By daylight they would be within sight of the +Philadelphia outposts, and serenely confident in their numbers, the night +march had therefore become a mere routine. I heard Farrell chuckle grimly +to himself as he observed the careless approach of those advance riders. + +They were Queen's Rangers, the white facings of their coats conspicuous, +their guns swung at the shoulder in reckless confidence. A slim young +lieutenant appeared to be in command, and we counted twenty in the +advance body as they slowly passed and disappeared into the denser gloom +below. Following them appeared the wagons, huge Conestogas, heavily +laden, creaking dismally in the night silence, and lurching along the +rutty road. These were dragged by mules, horses, and oxen, the drivers +blocking the wheels as they struck the sharp descent, a thin guard of +Hessians, on foot, streaming along either side, but offering no +assistance. We could hear them growling to each other in German, +punctuated by an occasional English oath, as they stumbled forward in the +dark. Ten wagons passed thus, without a movement or sound from the men +lying concealed almost within arm's reach of the unconscious guards. +Farrell never stirred, and I scarcely ventured to breathe. Then there +came another squadron of Rangers, an officer riding alone in front, the +black shadow of another section of the wagon train looming over the ridge +behind them. The horsemen passed us, the officer turning in his saddle +with an order to close up their ranks. I recognized Grant's voice, and +then, sharp as a blow, rang out Farrell's whistle at my very ear. + +There was a leap of flame from both sides the road, lighting up that gash +in the clay bank as though it was an inferno, the red and yellow glow +cleaving the night asunder, with ear-splitting roar. I was on my feet, my +rifle spitting, yet hardly conscious of any act, stunned by the +suddenness of the reports, confused by those black figures leaping +forward through the weird glare. I saw and heard, and yet it was all a +confused medley, in which I bore active part while scarcely realizing its +significance. I saw men reel stumbling back, some falling heavily; I +heard shouts, oaths, cries of pain, the piercing shrieks of stricken +animals; there was the crunch of blows, a wild, inhuman cheer, a gruff +order yelled above the uproar, the rush of bodies hardly distinguishable. +The thin line of Hessians were flung aside as though they were paper men; +eager hands gripped the astounded Rangers, and dragged them from their +saddles. It was a fierce hand-to-hand _mêlée_ so swiftly fought as to be +over with almost in a minute, and yet so desperate the narrow roadway was +strewn with bodies. Frightened horses whirled and ran; wagons were +overturned; hemmed in against the high walls, Germans and British made +one mad effort to extricate themselves; the advance guard came spurring +back, pushing blindly into the ruck, the boyish voice of their young +lieutenant sounding above the uproar. But our men were between the two, a +compact body, each borderman fighting independently, but knowing the +game. I heard no word of command, no shout of direction from either +Farrell or Duval, yet we ripped them asunder with sweeping rifle butts, +and, almost before I could catch a second breath, the few who remained on +their feet were helplessly trapped. Farrell saw it was all over, and his +whistle sounded again, stilling the uproar. Up to that moment he was +beside me; with the echoing of the shrill blast he had disappeared. + +It was Duval who emerged from the wreck of the train, demanding +surrender. + +"Who commands here?" he shouted. "Speak up quick." + +There was hesitancy, and then out of the black mass huddled against the +bank I recognized Grant's voice. + +"I suppose I do; has any one seen Captain Delavan?" + +"He fell at the first fire, sir," answered some one huskily. + +Grant stepped forth into the moonlight, bareheaded, his sword in hand. + +"Then I am the senior officer," he announced, his voice shaking slightly. +"Who are you?" + +"Camden minute men. Do you surrender?" + +He took a long breath, glancing about at the dark shadows. Some one held +up a lighted torch, the red flame casting a sudden gleam over the +surrounding faces. It was clear that further resistance was useless, yet +Grant temporized. + +"Are you in command?" + +"No," said Duval; "but I represent the commander." + +"I deal with the one responsible in this affair and demand terms. Who is +your leader?" + +Duval smiled, turning his head inquiringly. + +"I don't think you have much choice," he commented dryly. "However, +perhaps you are not too proud to talk to a regular who outranks you--I +present Major Lawrence, of the Continental Line." + +Surprised as I was by being thus suddenly thrust forward into supreme +authority, I as instantly understood the purpose, and stepped to the +front. Grant stared at my face in the gleam of the smoking torch, almost +as though he looked upon a ghost. + +"You!" + +"Certainly, Captain. It is a pleasure to meet with you again, especially +under such happy circumstances. But my men are becoming impatient. Do you +surrender?" + +"Under what terms?" he parleyed. + +"None, but we are not savages. You will be treated as prisoners of war." + +His hatred of me made him obstinate, but the utter helplessness of their +position was too apparent to be ignored. A Hessian muttered something in +German, and Grant dropped the point of his sword with an oath. + +"Good," I said promptly. "Lieutenant, have your men disarm the +prisoners." + +There was no resistance, and the militiamen herded them against the bank, +encircled by a heavy guard. Duval singled out the officers from among the +others, and brought them forward to where I stood. There were but +three--Grant and two Hessians. I looked at them keenly, recalling the +slight figure of the young lieutenant with the boy's voice. Could the lad +have been shot, or what had become of him? + +"Are you three all that are left?" I questioned bluntly. "Who commanded +the vanguard?" + +The two Hessians looked at each other stupidly, and I asked the question +again before Grant saw fit to reply. His manner was excessively insolent. + +"That is more than I know. We joined after dark, and I did not meet +Delavan's officers." + +"He vas vat you call maype a volunteer leftentant," added one of the +Germans brokenly. "At Mount Holly we met, yah, and from there he joined." + +"Not one of Delavan's men then?" + +"I dink not; he vas Light Dragoon. I haf the vagon guard--the first +vagons--an' see him there. Mine Gott! he come pack vid his mens all +right--slash, shoot--his horse rear up; that vas the last I see already." + +"The lad got away, with three others, sir," broke in a new voice at my +back. "They wheeled and rode through us, across the water. We thought the +horse guard would get them over there, but I guess they didn't; anyhow +there was no firing. The fellows must have turned in under the bank, and +rode like hell." + +Satisfied as to this incident, and not altogether regretful that the boy +had thus escaped, I held a short consultation with Duval, seeking +explanation as to why the command had been so unceremoniously thrust upon +me. A few words only were required to make the situation clear. Farrell's +ability to injure and annoy the enemy largely depended on his leadership +not being known. While taking part in every engagement, he always +required his lieutenants to represent him in negotiations, so that up to +this time, whatever the British might suspect, they had no positive proof +that he was openly in arms against them. Duval, in turn, taking advantage +of my presence, had shifted the responsibility to my shoulders. + +"But what do you people do with your prisoners?" I asked. + +"Send 'em to the Continental lines when we can," he explained, "and if we +can't then turn 'em loose. No use paroling 'em, as they consider us +guerillas. If I was you I'd run 'em back to the farmhouse across the +creek, an' hold 'em there till we get rid of this stuff. Maybe it'll take +twenty-four hours to hide it all, and burn the wagons. Then the boys can +turn 'em loose, an' there's no harm done. I'd like to take that fellow +Grant into our lines--he's a mean pillaging devil--but it's too big a +risk; Bristol is about the nearest picket post, and the Red-coats have +got cavalry patrols all along in back of the river." + +"But I cannot wait here," I answered, impatiently. "Farrell understood +that. I have important information for Washington, and only came with you +to-night because you were following along my route. I've got to go on." + +"That's all right; just give your orders, and we'll attend to the rest. +What we want is for these lads to go back to Philadelphia saying they +were attacked by a force of militia under command of an officer of the +Continental line. That will give Clinton a scare, and turn suspicion away +from us. Grant knows you, I understand, so he'll report the affair that +way. You can be off within thirty minutes." + +It was easy to grasp the point of view, and I saw no reason for refusing +assistance. I gave the necessary orders, standing under the torchlight in +full view, and waited while a squad of partisans rounded up the disarmed +prisoners, and guarded them down the slope to the edge of the stream. +This was accomplished quietly and expeditiously, Duval whispering to me +as to whom to put in command of the guard. The others gathered about the +wagons, deciding on what was worth saving, and what had better be +destroyed. Teams were doubled up, and several of the heavy Conestogas +rumbled away into the darkness. Two, too badly injured to be repaired, +were fired where they lay, the bright flames lighting up the high banks +on either side the road. I watched this work impatiently, although it +required but a few moments, and finally turned aside in search of a good +mount. I found a big black, with British arms on the bridle, and a pair +of loaded pistols in the holsters, a fine-looking animal, and came back +into the fire glow, determined to lose no more time. Duval had +disappeared, but, as I stood there looking about for him to say good-bye, +a young country fellow came up hurriedly from out the darkness. + +"You're wanted down thar," he said, with the jerk of a thumb over his +shoulder. "The Tory officer wants to see ye." + +"What officer? Captain Grant?" + +"I reckon that's the one," indifferently; "anyhow I was told to fetch ye +down thar. Bannister sent me." + +I went as he directed down the rutty road, my newly appropriated horse +trailing along behind. The prisoners were in an open space near the bank +of the stream, where a fire had been built. They were mostly lying down, +the guard forming an outside circle. Grant was pacing back and forth +restlessly, but, as soon as I appeared within the fire radius, he came +toward me. + +"Can I see you alone?" he asked brusquely. + +"If there is any reason for privacy, certainly," I answered in surprise. +"What do you wish to say?" + +"This is a matter strictly between us," evasively. "I prefer not to +discuss it publicly here." + +I had a suspicion of treachery, yet was not willing to exhibit any +reluctance. The fellow was no better man than I when it came to a +struggle, and was unarmed. Besides he had succeeded in arousing my +curiosity. + +"Very good. Bannister," to the partisan in charge, "I want a word with +Captain Grant, and will be responsible for his safe return." + +The man looked after us doubtfully, yet permitted us to pass beyond the +guard-lines. There was a stump beside the ford, barely within the flicker +of the distant fire, and there I stopped, leaning against my horse, and +turned so as to look into the man's face. + +"Well, Grant," I said, rather sternly. "We are alone now; what is it?" + +He cleared his throat, evidently uncertain how best to express himself. + +"Why did you ask so many questions about Delavan's lieutenant?" he began +sullenly. "What were you trying to find out?" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A CAPTURE + + +What was the matter with the fellow? Could he have sent for me merely to +ask that question, insisting on privacy? There must surely be some hidden +purpose behind this. Yet if so, there was no betrayal in the man's face. +His eyes had an angry gleam in them, and his words were shot at me in +deadly earnest. + +"The lieutenant?" I repeated, not prepared for a direct reply. "Why, I +hardly know--curiosity largely." + +He stared at me in manifest unbelief. + +"What do you expect to gain by lying?" he exclaimed sullenly. "You saw +him, no doubt, or you would not have asked what you did." + +"Certainly I saw him," more deeply puzzled than before at his insistence. +"That was what aroused my interest. He seemed such a mere lad as he rode +past, and later I heard his voice, the voice of a boy." + +"Was that all?" + +"All! What else could you suppose? It was dark, only a little gleam of +moon revealed outlines. I couldn't distinguish the face, but when he +failed to appear after the fight I remembered him, and was afraid he had +been hurt. Now I want to know what you mean. Who was the lad?" + +He had seated himself on the stump, and was leaning forward, his face +hidden from the light of the fire. + +"Well, go on then," he returned finally. "If that's all you saw of him +it's all right." + +"No, it's not all right," I insisted, aroused by his peculiar actions. +"What is all this mystery about? You told me you didn't know the man." + +"I said I hadn't seen him; that we joined Delavan after dark," he +corrected sharply. "But you needn't try to interview me, Major Lawrence," +stiffening with anger, "for I haven't anything to say to a spy and leader +of guerillas." + +"You requested this interview; however, if you are satisfied I am, and +you can return to your men. Shall I call the guard?" + +He hesitated a moment, but whatever it was which had first inspired him +to question me, was too strong to be thrown aside. + +"Did--did Mistress Mortimer help you escape from Philadelphia?" he asked +bluntly. + +"That is entirely my affair. Why don't you ask the lady herself?" + +"See here, damn you!" he burst out. "I haven't seen the lady. When I got +back to the dining-room she was gone, and then I was ordered out here. +But you knew you were being sought after, and I cannot imagine who else +told you." + +"You do not exhibit very great faith in the lady--the daughter of a +loyalist." + +He drew a quick breath, suddenly aware that he had gone too far. + +"It is your sneaking spy methods, not the girl. She is innocent enough, +but I suspect you dragged the truth out of her. Now see here!" and his +voice took on the tone of a bully. "You are in power just now, but you +won't always be. You can't hold me prisoner; not with these ragamuffins. +They'll turn us loose as soon as they loot those wagons. I know how they +work in the Jerseys. But first I intend to tell you something it will be +worth your while to remember. Claire Mortimer is going to be my wife--my +wife. War is one thing, but if you interfere in my personal affairs +again, I am going to kill you." + +"Indeed," smilingly. "Is Mistress Mortimer aware of the honor you are +according her?" + +"She is aware of the engagement, if that is what you mean. It has been +understood since our childhood." + +"Oh, I see; a family arrangement. Well, Grant, this is all very +interesting, but I am unable to conceive what I have to do with it. I met +Mistress Mortimer by accident, and then was fortunate enough to dance +with her once. 'Tis scarcely likely we shall ever meet again. The +daughter of a colonel of Queen's Rangers is not apt to come again into +contact with an officer of the Maryland Line. I don't know why you should +single me out in this matter. I don't even know the lady's brother." + +"Her brother?" + +"Yes, the family renegade; the twin brother on Lee's staff." + +I could not perceive the expression of the man's face, but he was a long +while answering. + +"Oh, yes. She told you about him?" + +"It was mentioned. Would I know the boy from any resemblance to his +sister?" + +"Y--yes, at least I should suppose so. You must have become very intimate +for her to have told you that. You see it--it is a family secret." + +"Nothing for Tories to boast over, I should imagine. However, it came up +naturally enough while we spoke of the sufferings of the American army +during the winter. It is a sad thing the way this war has divided +families. Has Mistress Claire any Colonial sentiments?" + +"How the devil do I know! She would not be likely to air them before me. +I don't know what fool trick you played on her last night, but she's on +the right side just the same." + +"I think so, too." + +His manner was so disagreeable that I instantly determined to have an +end. I had more important work before me than quarrelling with this +fellow, and, somehow, his claimed intimacy with Mistress Mortimer grated +upon me strangely. + +"If that is all you requested an interview for, Captain Grant," I said +coldly, "I'll trouble you to return to your men." + +I followed him closely back toward the fire, and neither spoke until we +reached the guard-lines. Then he turned his face toward me. + +"Have you a party out after the lieutenant?" + +"No; probably he ran into our horse guard across the creek. If not, the +three who are reported to have got away can do us no harm. Why are you so +interested?" + +"That is my affair," he replied, insolently, and walked across the open +square, with shoulders squared. + +Irritated that I had even condescended to question him, I turned back up +the road to where the men were yet busy about the wagons, spoke a few +words to Duval, he explaining to me the best route toward the river +crossing at Burlington, and then swung into the saddle and sent the black +forward to the crest of the ridge. The animal was restive, and hard to +control; I cast a single glance backward to where the blaze of the fires +lit up the busy figures below, and then plunged forward into the black +night, unable to see the road, but trusting the instincts of the horse. + +I permitted the animal to go his own gait, and for a mile or more he kept +up a hot gallop, finally tiring to a trot. By this time my eyes had +accustomed themselves sufficiently to the gloom so as to dimly perceive +the outline of the highway, and the contour of the surrounding country. +It was not a thickly settled region, although we passed two houses, and +several cultivated fields, the latter unfenced. Duval had spoken of a +turn to the westward, but I perceived no branching of the road, and began +to wonder if we had not passed the spot during that first rush. So far as +I could judge from the few stars visible we were travelling almost due +north. However, I was certainly getting farther away from the British +lines, and could swing to the left at daylight. It made little difference +where I struck the Delaware; every mile north added to my safety. + +The silence of the night, the dull monotony of the landscape, caused my +mind to drift backward over the rapidly occurring events of the past two +days. They all seemed natural enough--merely such a series of adventure +as could occur to any one between the lines of two contending +armies,--and yet a trail of mystery seemed to run through it all, +becoming more and more perplexing. Why should Claire Mortimer have saved +me from capture? What could have caused her so suddenly to array herself +against those who were nearest her in life, to assist a mere stranger? +Who was the girl? Were those few words spoken to me the truth, or were +they intended to deceive? I could scarcely believe the last possible, for +she could have no object in leading me astray. The dividing of families +was nothing new; the very fact that she possessed a brother in arms with +the Colonies was evidence that the younger blood was arrayed against the +King. As to her engagement with Grant I scarcely gave that a second +thought, for I knew she despised him, and was of too determined a +character to surrender at the will of others. She might permit him to +suppose she was compliant, for some object of her own, but there would +surely be an hour of rebellion. + +The memory of her arose clearly before me--the smile in those frank blue +eyes, the proud poise of the head, the banter of the soft voice, and the +words spoken. While she had said nothing convincing--merely an expression +of womanly sympathy for the sufferings of the patriot army--yet I could +not drive away the impression left that she was desirous that final +victory perch upon our banners. Otherwise why should she have championed +me, aided my escape, realizing, as she did, my mission in Philadelphia? I +felt a sudden determination to learn the truth, to meet with her again +under pleasanter circumstances. There was but one way in which this might +be accomplished. I would seek out the brother on Lee's staff, the moment +duty would permit. The way of accomplishment appeared to be so clear, so +easy, that I ceased to dream, and began to plan. My horse had fallen into +a long, swinging lope, bearing us forward rapidly. The moon had +disappeared, but the sky was glittering with stars, and I could +distinguish the main features of the country traversed. I was on the +summit of a slight ridge, but the road swerved to the right, leading down +into a broad valley. There were no signs of habitations, until we rounded +the edge of a small grove, and came suddenly upon a little village of a +dozen houses on either side the highway. These were wrapped in darkness, +apparently deserted, shapeless appearing structures, although I thought +one had the appearance of a tavern, and another seemed a store. There was +a well in front of this last, and water sparkled in a log trough beside +it. My horse stopped, burying his nostrils in the water, and, suddenly +made aware of my own thirst, I swung, down from the saddle. My hands were +upon the well-rope when, without warning, I was gripped from behind, and +flung down into the dirt of the road. I made desperate effort to break +away, but two men held me, one with knee pressed into my chest, the other +uplifting the butt of a pistol over my head. There was not a word spoken, +but I could see they were in uniform, although the fellow kneeling on me +had the features and long black hair of an Indian. My horse started to +bolt, but his rein was gripped, and then a third figure, mounted, rode +into the range of my vision. + +"Search him for weapons, Tonepah," said a boyish voice briefly. "There +are pistols in the saddle holsters, but he may have others. Then tie him +up as quick as you can." + +There was no mistaking my captors--the young dragoon lieutenant, and the +three who had escaped with him. But why had they ridden in this +direction? What object could they have in thus attacking me? They +afforded me little opportunity for solving these problems. Had I been a +bale of tobacco I could not have been treated with less ceremony, the +white man unclasping my belt, while the Indian, with a grunt, flung me +over on my face, and began binding hands and feet. I kicked him once, +sending him tumbling backward, but he only came back silently, with more +cruel twist of the rope, while the boy laughed, bending over his horse's +neck. + +"Hoist him up on the black, lads," he said shortly, reining back out of +the way. "Delavan's horse, isn't it? Yes, tie his feet underneath, and +one of you keep a hand on the reins. Peter, you and Cass ride with him. I +want Tonepah with me. All ready? We'll take the east road." + +Some one struck the horse, and he plunged forward, swerving sharply to +the right in response to the strong hand on his bit. I swayed in the +saddle, but the bonds held, and we went loping forward into the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +INTRODUCING PETER + + +It was a new country to me that we traversed, a rolling country, but not +thickly settled, although the road appeared to be a well-beaten track. +The gloom, coupled with the rapidity of our movements, prevented me from +seeing anything other than those dim objects close at hand, yet we were +evidently travelling almost straight east. I endeavored to enter into +conversation with the two fellows riding on either side of me, but +neither one so much as turned his head in response to my voice, and I +soon tired of the attempt. The night told me little of who they might be, +although they were both in the uniform of the Queen's Rangers, the one +called Peter on my right a round, squat figure, and bald-headed, his bare +scalp shining oddly when once he removed his cocked hat; the other was an +older man, with gray chin beard, and glittering display of teeth. + +But I gave these small consideration, my thought centring rather on the +two riding in front, the Indian slouching carelessly in his saddle, his +real shape scarcely discernible, while the lieutenant sat stiff and +straight, with head erect, his slender figure plainly outlined against +the sky-line. He alone of the four spoke an occasional word, in the +contralto boyish voice, of which I made little, however, and the Indian +merely grunted an acknowledgment that he heard. The movements of my horse +caused the ropes to lacerate my wrists and ankles, the pain increasing so +that once or twice I cried out. The fellows guarding me did not even turn +their heads, but the lieutenant drew up his horse so as to block us. + +"What is the trouble? Are you hurt?" + +"These ropes are tearing into the flesh," I groaned. "I'd be just as safe +if they were loosened a bit." + +I saw him lean forward, shading his face with one hand, as he stared +toward me through the darkness. I thought he drew a quick breath as from +surprise, and there was a moment's hesitancy. + +"Let out the ropes a trifle, Peter," came the final order. + +The little bald-headed man went at it without a word, the lieutenant +reining back his horse slightly, and drawing his hat lower over his eyes. +In the silence one of the horses neighed, and the boy seemed to +straighten in his saddle, glancing suspiciously about. + +"Ride ahead slowly, Tonepah," he ordered. "I'll catch up with you." He +turned back toward me. "Who are you, anyway?" + +Surprised at the unexpected question, my first thought was to conceal my +identity. These were King's men, and I was in ordinary clothes--the rough +homespun furnished by Farrell. If, by any chance, I was not the party +they had expected to waylay, I might be released without search. + +"Who am I?" I echoed. "Do you mean you have gone to all this trouble +without knowing whom you hold prisoner?" + +"It seems so," coolly. "We know who we thought you were, but I am +beginning to doubt your being the right man. Peter, take his hat off." + +I straightened up bareheaded, the faint star-gleam on my face. The +lieutenant remained quiet, but Peter broke his sphinx-like silence. + +"Tain't him, is it?" + +"No; he must have taken the other road after all," with a slight laugh. +"We've been on a wild-goose chase. However, it's too late now to catch +the fellow on this trip." + +Peter rubbed his bald pate, his eyes on me. + +"An' what'll we do with this lad?" he answered drawlingly. "Turn him +loose?" + +"Bring him along. We'll find out to-morrow who he is, and what his +business may be. Men are not riding these roads at midnight without some +purpose." + +He wheeled his horse, and, with a touch of the spur, disappeared in the +darkness ahead. Peter clambered back into the saddle, and gripped my +rein. + +"Come on," he said disgustedly, kicking the black in the side. "It's a +ways yet afore yer lie down." + +We rode steadily, and at a good pace. Occasionally the older man swore +solemnly, but Peter never uttered a sound, not even turning his head at +my attempts to draw him into conversation. The situation mystified me, +but it became more and more evident that I should have to wait until +morning before learning the truth. Neither guard would open his lips, and +the lieutenant rode straight forward, merely a dim shadow, in advance. +There was no figuring the affair out. Why should these fellows, who, +earlier in the evening, had been part of Delavan's wagon guard, be in +ambush to waylay some rider on the Bristol road? Who was it they sought +to capture? Where were they taking me, and why was I not released as soon +as they discovered their mistake? These were the main questions, but +there were others also arising in mind. This did not seem to me like an +ordinary party of troopers; there was an offhand freedom from discipline +totally unlike the British service. Neither Peter nor the Indian seemed +to belong to the class with which the army was recruited. Peter appeared +more like a well-trained servant, and his riding was atrocious. And the +lieutenant! There came back to me the haunting memory that he had joined +Delavan as a volunteer--the Dragoon uniform sufficient proof that he was +neither of the original foraging party of Hessians, nor of Grant's +detachment of Rangers. Yet these others wore the green and white, and +must, therefore, have been in Grant's command. How did the four manage to +escape from our attack, evidently animated by one purpose? Why was Grant +so anxious to learn if I had seen the lieutenant, and whether we had a +party out seeking him? Not one of these questions could I answer; not one +could I even guess at with any degree of satisfaction. + +We were coming out of the low, swamp lands into a more thickly settled, +and cultivated region. Rail and stone fences could be seen on either side +the road, and we passed swiftly by a number of farmhouses, some simple +log structures, although one or two were more pretentious. In only one of +these did a light shine, or any semblance of occupancy appear. Through +the undraped window of a cottage I caught the glimpse of a woman bending +over a cradle. At the sound of our horses' hoofs she glanced up, a +frightened look in her face, but her eyes quickly returned to what must +have been a sick child. It was like a picture thrown on a screen, and the +next instant we were galloping on through the dark, with only the memory +of it. + +It may have been two miles further along, when the lieutenant, and his +Indian companion, wheeled suddenly to the right, and, without slackening +speed, rode through an open gate, and up a gravelled roadway, circling +through a grove of trees to the front door of a great square mansion. It +was dark and silent, a wide porch in front supported by huge pillars, a +broad flight of steps leading from the driveway. The Indian ran up these, +leaving the lieutenant holding his horse, while we drew up some yards to +the rear. I heard the boom of the iron knocker, followed by a gleam of +light through a lower window. Then a negro's voice spoke, and the front +door opened, disclosing two figures, one with sputtering candle in hand. +The two exchanged a dozen words before the lieutenant asked impatiently: + +"Is it all right, Tonepah?" + +The taciturn Indian made no attempt at speech, but gave an expressive +gesture, and the young officer turned in his saddle. + +"Take the prisoner to the lower room, Peter," he ordered curtly. "I'll +decide to-morrow if he can be of any use to us." + +The two fellows loosened the rope about my ankles, and Peter waddling +ahead, the graybeard gripping my arm, we climbed the steps, and entered +the hall. A tall, slim negro, evidently a house-servant from his sleek +appearance, eying me curiously, handed the little fellow a second lighted +candle, and the three of us went tramping along the wide hall, past the +circling stairs, until we came to a door at the rear. This the black +flung open, without a word, and I was led down into the basement. The +flickering candle yielded but glimpses of great rooms, beautifully +decorated, and, almost before I realized what was occurring, I had been +thrust into a square apartment, the door behind me closed and locked. The +two guards left the sputtering candle, perhaps a third burned, behind, +and I heard them stumbling back through the darkness to the foot of the +stairs. I glanced about curiously, shaking the loosened rope from my +wrists, my mind instantly reverting to the chance of escape. Whoever +these fellows might be, whatever their purpose, I had no intention of +remaining in their hands a moment longer than necessary. Somehow their +silence, their mysterious movements, had impressed me with a strange +feeling of fear which I could not analyze. I could not believe myself a +mere prisoner of war, but rather as being held for some private purpose +yet to be revealed. Yet the room offered little promise. It was nearly +square, the walls of stone solidly imbedded in mortar, the door of oak, +thickly studded with nails, and the two small windows protected by thick +iron bars. It was a cell so strong that a single glance about convinced +me of the hopelessness of any attempt at breaking out. The furniture +consisted of a small table, two very ordinary chairs, and an iron bunk +fastened securely to the floor. I sat down on one of the chairs, and +stared moodily about, endeavoring to think over the events of the night, +and to devise some method of action. I could hear the muffled sound of +steps above, and the opening and closing of doors. Once the rattle of +crockery reached me, and I believed my captors were at lunch. I tried the +bars at the windows, and endeavored to dig my knife-blade into the +mortar, but it was as hard as the stone. Discouraged, feeling utterly +helpless, I threw myself on the bunk in despair. + +I was not there to exceed ten minutes when, without warning, the lock +clicked, and Peter came in. I sat up quickly, but as instantly he had +closed the door, and actually stood there grinning cheerfully. I would +never have believed him capable of so pleasant an expression but for the +evidence of my own eyes. + +"Spring lock," he grumbled, a thumb over his shoulder, "opens outside." + +Whatever resemblance to a soldier he might have previously shown while in +uniform was now entirely banished. Bareheaded, his bald dome of thought +shining in the candle-light, his round, solemn face, with big innocent +gray eyes gazing at me, an apron about his fat waist, the fellow +presented an almost ludicrous appearance. Somehow my heart warmed to him, +especially as I perceived the tray, heavily laden, which he bore easily +on one arm, and the towel flung over his shoulder. And as I stared at him +his movements became professional. Silently, solemnly, his mind strictly +upon his duties, he wiped off the table top, and arranged the various +dishes thereon with the greatest care, polishing cups and glasses, and +finally placing one of the chairs in position. Stepping back, napkin +still upon arm, he bowed silently. I took the seat indicated, and glanced +up into his almost expressionless face. + +"Peter, you old fraud," I said swiftly, "have you eaten?" + +"Not as yet, sir," his voice showing just the proper tone of deference, +his eyes staring straight ahead. + +"Then take that chair and sit down." + +"Oh, no, sir; indeed, sir, I am not at all hungry, sir." + +I squared myself, fingering the knife at my plate. + +"Peter," I said, sternly, "I'm a better man than you are, and you'll +either sit down there and eat with me, or I'll lick you within an inch of +your life. There is food enough here for three men, and I want company." + +He rubbed his hand across his lips, and I caught a gleam of intelligence +in his eyes. + +"Well, sir, seeing you put it in that way, sir," he confessed, almost as +though in regret, "I hardly see how I can refuse. It is very flattering, +sir." He drew up the other chair and sat down opposite me. "Would you +care for a glass of wine first, sir?" he asked solicitously. "It has been +a rather dusty ride." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +I INTERVIEW PETER + + +I accepted the wine gratefully, and sat in silence while he served the +meat, wondering at the odd character of the man, and striving to +determine how best to win his confidence. I was hungry, and, not knowing +what to say, fell to work with some zest, insisting on his doing +likewise. Yet even as I disposed of the food that stolid face opposite +fascinated me, and held my gaze. The fellow was not so big a fool as he +looked, for while the features remained expressionless and vacant, there +was a sly glimmer to the eye, betraying an active, observant mind behind +the mask. I began to suspect some purpose in his play acting. + +"What is your name, my man?" I asked finally, made nervous by his +silence. + +"Peter Swanson, sir," humbly. + +"Oh, a Swede?" + +"By ancestry only, sir," he explained, wiping his mouth with a corner of +the napkin, but not lifting his eyes from the plate. "'Tis a hundred +years since we crossed the sea." + +"And you've been good King's men ever since?" + +He cocked one eye up at me. + +"It would seem so, sir." + +"The fellow with the gray chin beard was Irish, wasn't he?" + +"He might be, sir." + +"A Swede, an Irishman, and an Indian," I said musingly. "That makes a +nice combination for the Queen's Rangers. Come now, Peter, give me the +straight of all this." + +He stopped with his fork in a bit of meat, favoring me with another +stare. + +"I think I fail to comprehend, sir." + +"No, you don't, you rascal," a bit of anger in my voice. "Did you bring +this supper yourself, or were you sent here?" + +"Under orders, sir." + +"The lieutenant?" + +He bowed solemnly, and asked: + +"Would you object if I smoked, sir?" + +"Certainly not; only answer my questions. Good heavens, man! do you think +I am a log of wood? Act like a human being. Who is the lieutenant?" + +"A Dragoon, sir." + +"Peter," I broke out, irritated beyond patience, "I have some reason to +believe you a liar. But I am going to get the truth from you if I have to +choke it out." + +"Yes, sir; very good, indeed, sir. However, there would seem to be no +need of your resorting to such extreme measures, sir." + +"Then you will tell me what I wish to know?" + +"It will afford me pleasure, sir." + +Somehow I could not rid myself of the suspicion that the fellow was +secretly laughing at me, yet his round face was innocent and placid, his +eyes discreetly lowered. + +"Then kindly inform me, first of all, who this young lieutenant is." + +"I fear, sir," solemnly, "that I may have misinformed you when I said he +was a Dragoon." + +"Yes!" eagerly. + +"I would correct my statement somewhat--he is a Light Dragoon, sir." + +In spite of my effort at self-control, I swore, tempted to batter that +stolid face, yet realizing the utter uselessness of such violence. + +"Now, see here!" I broke forth fiercely. "Have done with your play. You +are no soldier; I doubt if you were ever on a horse's back until +to-night. And those fellows with you are not Queen's Rangers, I'll +swear." + +"How do you know, sir?" he interrupted gently. "Are you in the army, +sir?" + +"Of course I am," I cried, answering without consideration. + +"I thought so, sir; although your clothes do not proclaim the fact. May I +ask which army?" + +He had turned the tables most neatly, and I glanced down over my rough +garments, awakening suddenly to the knowledge that I was also in +masquerade. To be sure I had one advantage--I knew these men had been +part of Delavan's foragers, and hence at heart must be loyalists. + +"That is not a question I intend answering to every ruffian who stops me +on the highway," I returned shortly. "I wish to know what this outrage +means? I will know, you wooden-headed image! I was about my business when +the four of you attacked me. I wasn't the man you were after at all, and +yet I am held prisoner, shut up here behind iron bars. What is this +place, anyhow?" + +"It is called 'Elmhurst,' sir." + +"Elmhurst? A country estate?" + +"Yes, sir, one of the old plantations." + +"It's a name I never heard. Where is that precious lieutenant?" + +"I presume he is in bed, sir," and Peter rose quietly to his feet, and +began replacing the dishes on his tray. Apparently there was not a +nervous throb to his pulse, and he remained blissfully indifferent to my +presence. I stared helplessly at him, even words failing me. + +"You refuse to inform me as to the truth of this affair?" I faltered at +last, as he lifted his burden on one arm. He turned a stolid face my way. + +"It would seem so, sir. I have to thank you for a most delightful +evening, sir. Your conversation has been both instructive and +entertaining. However, sir, the hour is now late, and I should advise +your retiring." + +He bowed solemnly, backing toward the door, and I sprang to my feet, +overtaken by a sudden determination to make a break for freedom. There +was a slight glitter in Peter's gray eyes, as he rapped sharply with his +heel on the wood. + +"I hardly think that would be advisable, sir," he warned softly. "The man +outside is armed, and in the excitement might hurt you." + +There was a click of the lock, and the heavy door swung open. I stood +motionless, tempted to spring, yet not daring the venture. Peter backed +majestically out, and I caught a glimpse of the graybeard, and the black +outline of a pistol. Then the door closed, leaving me alone. The little +scrap of candle left sputtered feebly, and, after walking across the +floor a half-dozen times, striving to gain control of my temper, I blew +it out, and crawled into the bunk. There was nothing I could do, but wait +for morning; not a sound reached me from without, and, before I realized +the possibility, I was fast asleep. + +I must have slept long and soundly, for when I finally awoke a gleam of +sun lay the full length of the room, and food was upon the table. Some +one--Peter, no doubt--had entered and departed without arousing me. Well, +it was apparent there was no intention of ill-treating me beyond the +restraint of imprisonment, for the breakfast served was ample and well +cooked. Sleep had left me in a pleasanter frame of mind, and I ate +heartily, wondering vaguely what the day would disclose. I determined one +thing, that when Peter returned for the dishes, I would back him into a +corner and choke at least a portion of the truth out of his unwilling +throat. I had hardly reached this decision when the door opened, and he +stood there gazing at me with sphinx-like stupidity. I arose to my feet, +gripping the back of a chair, but the utter vacancy in that face seemed +to numb action. There was no positive expression, no dim glimmer of +interest in his features; the shining bald head alone gave him a +grotesque appearance, restraining me from violence. I could as easily +have warred with a baby. + +"I trust, sir, you slept well," he said soothingly, "and that the service +is satisfactory." + +I choked back my indignation, the quiet deference of his manner causing +me to feel like a brute. + +"Nothing could be added to my happiness," I answered, "unless it might be +a little information which you seem disinclined to furnish." + +He waved one hand, as though brushing calmly aside some imagined insect. + +"Disinclined? Oh, no, sir; there is nothing to conceal, sir, I assure +you." + +"Then, for God's sake, let it out of your system, man!" I burst forth +impatiently. "Whom am I a prisoner to? What am I held for? What sort of +treatment is this I am receiving?" + +Peter bowed, without the tremor of an eyelash. + +"Do not mention it, sir," he murmured smoothly; "we are only too proud to +have you as our guest at Elmhurst. It has been very quiet here now for +some weeks, sir, and your coming was welcome to us all." + +I could only stare at the fellow with open mouth, so dumbfounded as to be +speechless. Of all the idiots I had ever met he was the worst, or else +his acting was magnificent. To save me I was not certain which might be +the correct guess. He continued in stately solemnity. + +"I trust there remains nothing more you desire to learn, sir? If not, I +am requested to conduct you to the library. Ah, thank you, sir--this way, +please." + +He stood aside, statue-like, his eyes looking directly past me, and +pointed with dignity to the open door. I obeyed the calm movement of that +hand as though it had been a military order, but, as I stepped into the +twilight of the outer basement, I suddenly perceived the presence there +of the attendant graybeard. He moved in advance, and I followed, aware +that Peter was closely at my heels. Thus we proceeded up the stairs, and +into the upper passage. My eyes surveyed the wide hall, and caught +glimpses of the great rooms opening upon either side. Accustomed from my +childhood to those stately Colonial homes along the Eastern shore, I +could yet recall none more spacious, or more richly furnished. The +devastating touch of war had left no visible impress here, and on every +hand were evidences of wealth and taste. My feet sunk deeply into silken +carpets, and the breeze through opened windows blew aside gossamer +curtains. Involuntarily I lifted my head. + +"Whose home is this?" I asked, but neither of the men answered, or so +much as glanced at me. The graybeard threw open a door, standing aside as +though on guard, and I stepped across the threshold. A glance told me +here was a library, not only in name, but in fact, a large square room, +well lighted, the furniture mahogany, shining like glass, three of the +walls lined with books, mostly in sombre bindings. A green-topped table +occupied the centre of the apartment, a massive affair, flanked by a +leather upholstered reading chair, while before the front windows were +cushioned ledges. My rapid glimpse about ended in Peter standing in +dignified silence barely within the door, his hand upon the knob. + +"I am authorized, sir," he said impressively, gazing directly across my +shoulder, not a feature expressing emotion, "to permit you to remain here +on parole." + +"Parole! What do you mean?" + +"Parole was, I believe, the word used, sir," in calm explanation. "It is, +as I understand, sir, a military term signifying pledge." + +"Oh, I know that. Kindly concede that I possess some small intelligence, +Peter. But to whom is this parole given, and what does it imply?" + +"To myself, sir. This may seem slightly unconventional, sir, but I trust +you will repose sufficient confidence in me not to object. The sole +requirements are that you remain in this room until sent for." + +"That will not be long?" + +"I think not, sir." + +"And who will send for me?" + +Peter's eyes calmly surveyed me, but without expression. + +"I am quite unable to answer that, sir." + +He was enough to provoke a saint, but I had already butted my head +against that stone wall sufficiently to learn the uselessness of any +further attempt. Peter was Peter, and I crushed back my first impatient +exclamation to say humbly, + +"All right, my man, I'll wait here." + +I sank back into the upholstered chair, and for a moment after he had +closed the door I did not move. Then, scarcely knowing whether to laugh +or swear over the situation, I crossed the room, and gazed out through +the window. Far down the winding driveway, half concealed behind the +trees, a body of British troops was tramping toward the house. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A NEW COMBINATION + + +My first thought was that this must prove a trap, and I drew hastily back +behind the curtain, believing myself justified in an effort at escape. +Surely, under such conditions, my word of parole to Peter had no binding +force. Yet I waited long enough to glance forth again. The advancing body +was less than a hundred strong, Queen's Rangers and Hessians, from their +uniforms, straggling along on foot, limping, dusty, and without arms. +These must be the remnant of Delavan's command, released by their guard +of partisans, and now wearily seeking refuge. But why were they coming +here? Surely this was not the Philadelphia road? + +They turned in upon the open lawn in front of the door, and I could +plainly distinguish the faces. There could no longer be any doubt but +what these were the men we had fought and defeated the evening before. +Grant, with the two Hessian officers, was in advance, and the former +strode directly toward the house, while the majority of his following +flung themselves at full length on the ground, as though utterly +exhausted. Some strange fascination held me motionless, watching the man +climb the front steps. The iron knocker rang loudly twice before there +came any response from within. Then I could hear voices, but the words +reaching me were detached, and without definite meaning. Finally the door +closed, and the two men passed along the hall, beyond the room in which I +waited. Then Peter's voice said solemnly, as if announcing a +distinguished guest: + +"Captain Alfred Grant!" + +There was an exclamation of surprise, a quick exchange of sentences +indistinguishable, although I was sure of Grant's peculiar accent, and +the other voice was that of the young Light Dragoon lieutenant. Uncertain +what best to do I stole toward the door and gripped the knob. This was +the only known way out, for I dare not venture to use the window which +was in plain view of those soldiers resting on the lawn. Whether Peter +had retired or not, I possessed no means of knowing, yet I opened the +door silently a bare inch to make sure. At the same instant my ears +caught the lieutenant's dismissing order, even as my eyes had glimpse of +Swanson's broad back blocking the open doorway of a room nearly opposite. + +"That will do, Peter, for the present. Have the table prepared for three +guests at once." + +He backed out, casting a quick glance of caution in my direction, and +disappeared down the hall, rubbing his bald head industriously. I opened +the door wider, wondering if I dare venture upon slipping by unobserved. +Then Grant spoke, his voice loud enough to be easily heard: + +"How did we come here? Why, where else could we go? The damned rebels +stripped us clean; we had to have food. This was the nearest place where +we were certain of getting any. Of course I didn't know you were here, +but I did know our foragers had left Elmhurst alone, and that--for some +cause which mystifies Clinton--these Jersey outlaws have been equally +considerate. There was plenty to be had here, and I meant to have it in +spite of the servants." + +"You must have marched straight past your own place," the boyish voice +interrupted. + +"Well, what if we did. There was nothing there, as you know. The house +has been stripped to a mere shell. Not a nigger left, nor a horse. I'd +like to know what influence keeps this property untouched!" + +"That's easily answered. You forget we are a divided family, with +fighting men on either side." + +"Little these outlaws care for that." + +"At least they appear to, as we remain unmolested. There has not been a +raiding party halted here since the war began." + +"Well, if you hadn't been at home, there would have been one along now," +burst forth Grant rather roughly. "Those fellows out there are desperate +enough to sack the house if that was their only method of getting food. +And I promised they should have the chance." + +"Oh, you did, indeed! That would have proven a friendly act." + +"Necessity does not take much account of friendship. I was responsible +for a hundred starving men. Under such conditions force would be +justified. I doubt if I could control the fellows now if provisions +should be refused." + +"There is no necessity for indulging in threats, Captain Grant," said the +boy's voice coldly. "Elmhurst has never yet turned a soldier away in +hunger. Peter will instruct what few servants remain to attend to the +immediate needs of your men. May I ask how long you expect to remain?" + +I thought Grant was walking nervously back and forth across the room. + +"How long? Until night, probably. Then with a bite in our haversacks +we'll take the road again. That is, providing you condescend to act as +our host for so long a time. Odds life! but this reception is not over +warm to my thinking." + +"Elmhurst is not a tavern, sir." + +"No; but the home of a loyalist--the commander of half those men out +yonder. However I am not pleading for them, but myself personally. What +welcome have I had? By all the gods, I was almost compelled to fight that +bald-headed old fool to even gain admittance to the hall. Were those your +orders?" + +"Assuredly not. But you must consider circumstances, and forgive Peter +for being over zealous in my service. I received you as soon as I knew +who you were." + +"Yes," somewhat mollified, "I presume that is true, although you are +chilly enough, the Lord knows. But what brings you here?" + +"That must remain my secret, Captain Grant--for the present." + +"Oh, very well. I thought it might have some connection with Eric's +presence in this neighborhood." + +"With Eric! What do you mean? Have you seen him?" + +"Ah! so I've got below the surface at last! I thought I might with that +thrust. Yes, I saw him last night. I didn't know what the devil the +fellow was up to, but I thought I'd let him play out his game. It was a +right nervy trick, so far as it went, but unfortunately the rebels came +in before I discovered what it all led up to." + +"You do not make it very clear to me." + +"I told you it was not clear even to myself. This is all I know. When I +joined Delavan last night just after dark, he had a young officer of +Light Dragoons in charge of his advance guard. I merely got a glimpse of +the fellow as we rode in, and he looked so devilishly like Eric that I +asked Delavan who the lad was. He said he had joined at Mount Holly with +three men, was going through to Philadelphia with despatches from New +York, and was only too glad of escort the rest of the way. Being short of +officers Delavan gave him charge of the van." + +"Did he recognize you?" + +"I hardly think so; it was pretty dark, and I was put on guard over the +rear wagons. I supposed I would have ample opportunity to learn the truth +after it became daylight." + +"But you believed him to be Eric?" + +"Yes, and after the attack I was convinced. He and the three men with him +bolted and got away. Must have run at the first fire, for the fellows had +us completely hemmed in. It was Eric all right, and that is about half +the reason why I led my men back here--I wanted to find out if he was +hiding about the old place. Is it true you haven't seen him?" + +"Quite true; indeed I had no reason to suppose him in the Jerseys at this +time." + +Grant remained silent, probably not wholly convinced that he was being +told the truth, and yet not venturing to state openly his suspicions. +However the other said no more, and finally the Ranger felt compelled to +answer. + +"Of course," he explained rather lamely, "I couldn't altogether blame you +for concealing the boy if he had shown up here, but you will realize that +as a King's officer I have a serious duty to perform." + +"You would apprehend Eric? Would betray him into British hands? Is that +your meaning, Captain Grant?" + +"What else could I do? Don't be unreasonable! Boy as he is, no one in all +that crew of ragamuffins has done us greater harm. Again and again he has +learned our secrets and brought Washington information of our plans. How +he does it is the mystery of this department--Howe has personally offered +a thousand pounds for his arrest. Surely you know that. Last night I +thought we had him in our power, but the very devil seems to protect him +from capture, even when luck brings him fairly within our grip." + +"And so you came here to search for him?" I could feel the bitter scorn +in the voice. "In his father's home!" + +"I certainly did," angrily. "I shall search the house from cellar to +garret before I leave." + +"But you are on parole." + +"Damn the parole. What do I care for a pledge given to a band of +plundering outlaws? And what do I care for Eric? He chose for himself, +and has no right to expect any mercy from me, and by all the gods, he'll +receive none. I half believe that attack last night was his planning, and +that now you have him hidden away here. Now listen to me! I do not desire +to be harsh, but I'm a soldier. My men are not armed, but there are +enough out there to handle the servants barehanded. No one can get out of +this house without being seen; I've attended to that." + +"And you propose searching the rooms?" + +"I do. If you had been a little more genial I might have exhibited +greater courtesy. But I haven't any use for Eric, and never had. Now you +know the truth." + +"It merely illustrates more clearly your character." + +"You are always free enough with your comments. I shall do my duty to the +King." + +"Very well, sir," and the incensed lieutenant pushed back his chair. +"Then we clearly understand each other at last. I am sincerely glad of +it. From now on I shall never again be guilty of mistaking you for a +friend or a gentleman. No, I have no wish to listen to another word; you +have spoken frankly enough, and I understand the situation. Perhaps it is +only anger, but it gives me the excuse I have been seeking after a long +while in vain. Whatever claim you may have had upon my regard in the past +is over with, forever over with, Captain Grant." + +"But--but, surely--" + +"I mean precisely that. You can cover your despicable actions with the +gloss of military duty, but I know you now as a revengeful liar. Treat +this house as you please. I refuse to have any more dealings or words +with you. I'll provision you and your men, as I would any others +suffering from hunger, but that ends all. If you search this house do it +by force, and in any way you please, but expect no assistance from me. I +bid you good-day, sir, and will send Peter to call you when breakfast is +ready." + +I closed the crack of the door as he came forth into the hall, having no +desire to be caught listening. My own position was more unpleasant and +hazardous than ever. Whatever reason the lieutenant might have for +holding me prisoner I was convinced he possessed no knowledge as to my +real identity. The probability was that after an interview I would be +released. But Grant would recognize me instantly, and he proposed +searching the house, room by room, seeking this man Eric. I must make my +escape first. Yet how could this be accomplished? I heard Peter pass +along the hall, and solemnly announce the serving of breakfast. He and +Grant exchanged a few sentences, and then the latter strode to the front +door, where he gave orders to the men. I watched the German officers come +up the steps, while the majority of the others, forming into irregular +line, marched around the corner of the house. A small squad remained, +however, on guard, facing the front entrance. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +AGAIN THE LADY + + +I must think rapidly, and act as quickly. Yet, if what Grant had said was +true, that he had already posted guards on each side the house, then +escape by daylight was practically impossible. From all I could see there +was no concealment close at hand, and while the fellows were without +arms, yet their numbers were sufficient to make any attempt at running +their lines extra hazardous. And I had much at risk, for if taken it +would be as a spy, and not a mere prisoner of war. There was no place for +concealment in the library, but there might be upstairs, in the attic, or +on the roof. The chance was worth the trial, and there could be no better +time for such an experiment than while the three officers were at +breakfast. Whatever servants remained about the house would be busily +employed also, and probably I should have the entire upper portion to +myself. Deciding to make the venture I had my hand on the knob of the +door, when it was opened quietly from without, and I was startled by the +sudden appearance of Peter. Whatever excitement may have prevailed among +the other members of this peculiar household this model servitor remained +with dignity unruffled. He surveyed me calmly, rubbing his bald head with +one hand. + +"You will pardon the delay, sir," he said calmly. "But circumstances have +arisen changing the original plans. Will you kindly accompany me?" + +"But where, Peter? I don't wish to be seen by these new arrivals." + +"Have no fear, sir," condescendingly, and with an authoritative wave of +the hand. "The officers are at table, and will know nothing of our +movements." + +I followed meekly enough, and he led the way up the broad stairs to the +second story, turning to the left in the upper hall, and coming to a +pause before a partially opened door. A glimpse within made me deem it a +music room, although I could see merely along one wall. + +"You will enter, sir, while I return to the guests below." + +With one glance into his perfectly expressionless countenance, half +suspicious of some new trick, I stepped across the threshold. The +curtains were drawn, and the room seemed dark after the sun-glare of the +hall. I advanced a step or two, almost convinced the apartment was +unoccupied, when a voice addressed me. + +"Under more favorable conditions, Major Lawrence, it would give me +pleasure to welcome you to the hospitalities of Elmhurst." + +I swung about as on a pivot and saw her standing with one hand upon the +high back of a chair, her blue eyes smiling merrily. I felt the hot rush +of blood to my cheeks, the quick throb of pulse, with which I recognized +her. I was so surprised that, for the instant, the words I sought to +utter choked in my throat. + +[Illustration: "You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this +was my home?"] + +"Nothing was farther from my thoughts," I exclaimed hastily. "All I knew +of your home was that it was situated somewhere in the Jerseys. But wait, +perhaps I begin to understand--the lieutenant who brought me here; his +voice has been echoing in my ears all night in familiarity. He is some +near relative of yours--this Eric?" + +"Oh, you have overheard? You know the name through hearing Captain Grant +speak?" + +"Yes; I could not very well help doing so. Peter had stationed me in the +library, but there was nothing said between you two to make me suspect +your identity." + +"You supposed me to be the lieutenant?" + +"You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this was my home?" + +"Why should I not? The voice was the same; at least sufficiently similar +to deceive me, and he never addressed you in a way to arouse my +suspicions. Is your brother named Eric?" + +"Yes; I told you, did I not, that we are twins? The physical resemblance +between us is very strong; no doubt our voices sound alike also, or would +to a comparative stranger. Will you not be seated, Major? We shall not +have long to converse, and there is much to be said before those +downstairs complete their rather frugal meal--Peter has promised to delay +serving as much as possible, but, as our larder is not extensive, at best +it will not be long. You overheard Captain Grant's threat?" + +"To search the house for your brother--yes." + +"He will carry it out," quietly, her eyes, no longer smiling, on my face. +"There has never been friendship between those two, and of late my own +relations with Captain Grant have become very unpleasant. I think he is +almost glad of an opportunity to thus exercise some authority over me. He +is the kind of a man who must either rule or ruin. Convinced that Eric is +concealed here, he will search the house as much to spite me as for any +other reason. I should only laugh at him, but for your presence." + +"Then your brother is not here?" + +"Certainly not; Eric is in no danger--but, Major Lawrence, you are." + +The earnestness with which she spoke made my heart leap. Whatever the +girl's political sentiments might be, she was plainly desirous of serving +me, of once again exposing herself in my defence. Yet her words, the +frank expression of her eyes, gave no suggestion of sentiment--she was +but a friend, an ally, performing a woman's part in the war game. + +"But I fail to understand--" + +"You mean me? Oh, well, you are not the first; and no doubt it is best +so. The less you understand, the better we shall get along, Major; the +only question being, will you obey my orders?" + +"Had I inclination otherwise I fear I should find it impossible." + +"I hardly know whether that remark be complimentary or not. You might +mean that no other course was left you." + +"Which I suspect is true, although if it proved so I should willingly +trust myself to your guidance, because of my faith in you." + +"That is much better," her eyes laughing, yet as swiftly sobering again. +"But it is foolish of us to waste time in such silly speeches. There is +too much waiting attention. Fortunately this house is not without its +secrets, for when built by my grandfather this was the frontier." + +"But does not Grant know?" I asked soberly. "I understood he played here +as a boy, and there is not much a lad fails to learn." + +"He is not without knowledge, surely, but here is something he never +discovered. I would never have trusted him with the secret, and yet, as +short a time as I have known you, I have no hesitancy. Isn't that a frank +confession, sir?" + +"One I mean you shall never regret." + +"I am sure of that; yet I shall not betray everything even to you. Please +face about with eyes to the front window. Yes, so; now do not look around +until I tell you." + +I heard her cross the room, her skirts rustling slightly, and then the +faint clicking of some delicately adjusted mechanism. As this sound +ceased, her voice again spoke. + +"Now, Major, the way is opened for a safe retreat. Behold what has been +accomplished by the genii of the lamp." + +She was standing at one side of what had been the fireplace, but now the +entire lower portion of the great chimney had been swung aside, revealing +an opening amply large enough for the entrance of a man. I took one step +forward to where I could perceive the beginning of a narrow winding stair +leading down into intense blackness. Then I glanced aside into her eyes. + +"The concealment was perfect," I exclaimed in admiration. "Where does the +staircase lead?" + +"To a very comfortable room underground. It had not been used for a +generation until this war began. Eric and I learned of its existence by +accident, while rummaging over some of our grandfather's old papers. I +was about sixteen then, and shall never forget our first exploration. We +found nothing down there then but a rough bunk, an old lanthorn, and the +leathern scabbard of a sword. But since then Eric has been compelled to +hide there twice to escape capture, and we have made the room below more +comfortable. You will be obliged to grope your way down the stairs, but +at the bottom will discover flint and steel, and a lantern with ample +supply of candles. Peter will bring you food, if you need remain there +for long!" + +"Peter! Then he is in the secret?" + +"Peter is in all secrets," she confessed. "From him nothing is hid, at +least so far as may concern the Mortimer family. You have yet to learn +the deep subtlety of Peter, Major Lawrence. He sees all things, retains +all things, and reveals nothing." + +"A discovery already made." + +"No, barely glimpsed; no short acquaintance such as yours has been could +ever serve to reveal the character of Peter. Since babyhood he has been +my monitor and guide, and still he remains to me a silent mystery." + +"An old servant?" + +"Yes, born to the position, his father serving before him. There is no +doubt in my mind but what he knew of this secret passage before Eric and +I were born. Not that he has ever confessed as much, yet I am convinced +our discovery of it brought no surprise to Peter. What do you suppose his +age to be?" + +My mind reverted to that expressionless face without a wrinkle in it, to +that totally bald head, and my answer was the merest guess. + +"Oh, possibly fifty." + +"I told you you were far from knowing Peter," she laughed. "He is +seventy-two, and, would you believe it, until this war came, was never +ten miles from this spot." + +"And since?" recalling the events of the night before. + +"He has made it his duty to attend me; he has become my shadow. From the +humdrum experience of a respectable house servant he has become the very +spirit of reckless adventure--he has journeyed to New York, to Trenton, +to Philadelphia, to--" + +"Night riding with Hessian foragers," I broke in, "disguised in a +Ranger's uniform." + +"Well, yes," she dimpled quietly, "even that." + +I waited for something more, some explanation of what all this concealed. + +"You trust me with so much," I ventured, when she continued silent, "it +would seem as if you might tell me even more." + +"I cannot perceive whereby any further confession would serve you. Yet I +have not refused to answer any question, surely. It is hardly safe for us +to remain here so long, and yet if there be something you wish to ask--" + +"You could scarcely expect me to be entirely without curiosity. I have +been captured on the highway, brought here a prisoner, and held under +guard all night. I supposed myself in British hands, only to discover +that you have again intervened to save me. Surely there must be a key to +all this mystery. If, as I suspect, it was your brother, Eric, who led +the attack on me, having mistaken me for another, then what was his +purpose? And what has become of Eric?" + +She wrinkled her brows in perplexity, her hands nervously clasping the +back of a chair. + +"It is like being cross-examined by a lawyer. Perhaps if the secret was +all my own I might freely confide it to you. I do not promise I would, +but I might. As it is, I do not yet know you quite well enough. I believe +you to be Major Lawrence, that you are all you represent yourself, but I +am pledged to silence, and the lives of others depend upon my keeping +faith. You cannot urge me to do what I deem wrong?" + +"No; I shall always believe in you." + +"I thank you for that," and her hand was extended frankly. "I would +reveal one of the mysteries of last night if I was not fearful it might +cost me your respect." + +"How could that be possible?" + +"Because it might appear to you that I had been unwomanly. My own +conscience is clear, for my purpose exonerates me, but this you might +fail to understand unless I made fuller explanation than is now possible. +I have a duty which cannot be betrayed." + +I gazed into her eyes, her hand still in mine, conscious that her cheeks +were flushing. It was impossible for me to conceive of her performing an +unwomanly action. + +"I prefer to ask nothing," I said frankly, "although I should never +misconstrue anything you might care to say." + +"I think you suspect already, and I should far rather tell you the truth +myself than have you learn it in some other way. The lieutenant of Light +Dragoons who attacked you last night was not my brother." + +"Was not Eric? And yet you knew him?" + +"Very well, indeed," her eyes falling, "because it was myself." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +ENTOMBED + + +I had not suspected it; however obvious it may appear now to those who +read this tale, the possibility that she had been masquerading in an +officer's uniform, indulging in warlike deeds, had never once occurred to +me. She was so thoroughly feminine that her acknowledgment came as a +distinct shock. I had, it is true, seen sufficient of life to be of +charitable mind, and yet there was that within me which instantly +revolted. She read all this in my face, but fronted me without the quiver +of an eyelash, firmly withdrawing her hand. + +"It is easy to perceive your disapproval," she said more coldly, "but I +have no further explanation to make. I am sorry to have you think ill of +me, but I felt that perhaps you might realize my action was justified." + +"It is not that," I hastened to explain, ashamed of myself. "I have not +lost faith in you. But I was brought up in a strict school; my mother was +almost puritanical in her rules of conduct, and I have never entirely +outgrown her conception of feminine limitations. I am sure you have only +done what is right and womanly. Do not permit my first surprise to end +our friendship." + +"That is for you to determine, Major Lawrence. I have confessed, and thus +cleared my conscience of deceit. Some day you may also learn the cause of +my action, but in the meantime it must bear your disapproval. However, we +need discuss the matter no longer--" + +She sprang to the door, and glanced out into the hall, stepping back once +more as Peter appeared. His eyes swept the room in silent observation. + +"Captain Grant and the two officers with him have concluded their meal, +Mistress Claire," he announced calmly, "and one of them has gone for a +file of soldiers to begin the search of the house." + +"Very well, Peter; go back and assist them. I will see to the safe +concealment of Major Lawrence." + +He bowed graciously, and disappeared. + +"You have not given me your pardon," I implored as our eyes again met. + +"There is nothing to pardon, to my knowledge. I respect you because of +your sense of propriety, but we cannot talk longer now. You must enter +the passage at once." + +"You will give me your hand first?" + +"Gladly," and I felt its firm pressure, her face brightened by a smile. +"Now let us remember rather the danger, the necessity of concealment, and +not delay too long. Wait a moment, Major; is it true you absolutely trust +me?" + +"It certainly is." + +"I am going to put that to the test. You have papers you desire to give +at once into the hands of General Washington. You may be detained here +some time, but I have with me an Indian who could take them across the +Delaware to-night. It is not the first time he has made that journey. +Will you confide them to me?" + +Our eyes were looking directly into each other. I may have hesitated an +instant, confused by the unexpected request, yet there was something in +the expression of the girl's face which swept doubt swiftly aside. I +could not question her honesty, her faith. Strange as her actions seemed +I was compelled to trust her. Why should I not? She was saving my life, +and she had it in her power, by the mere speaking of a word, to betray me +to those who would take the papers from me by force. Without a word I +took them from an inner pocket, and gave them to her. The red lips +smiled, the blue eyes brightening. + +"Tonepah shall leave within the hour," she promised, thrusting the small +packet into the bosom of her dress. "Now step within, Major, and I will +close the door." + +I did as she requested, hearing the click of the lock behind me, and +being as instantly plunged into darkness. I waited a moment, my foot upon +the first narrow stair, listening. No sound reached me from without, and, +with her animated face still before me in memory, I began to slowly feel +my way down the circular staircase. There was nothing dangerous about the +passage, but with only the bare stone wall to touch with the hand I was +obliged to grope along blindly. The huge chimney had evidently been +erected merely for concealment, and I marvelled at the ingenuity of its +construction. I failed to count the steps, but I went around and around +so many times, pressed against the smooth wall, that I knew I must be +well below the basement of the house before I finally stood at the +bottom. I groped forward in the intense darkness, feeling with +outstretched hands. The first object encountered was a rough table, the +surface of which I explored, discovering thereon a candlestick with flint +and steel beside it. With relief I struck a spark, and a yellow flame +revealed my surroundings. + +What I saw was a low room some fifteen feet square, the walls and roof +apparently of stone securely mortared, the only exit the narrow circular +stairs. The floor was of earth. Opposite me was a bunk slightly elevated, +containing a blanket or two, and a fairly comfortable chair built from a +barrel. An old coat and hat hung from a nail at the head of the bunk. On +a shelf near by was an earthen crock, and two candles, and beneath this, +on the floor, was a sawed-off gun and two pistols, with a small supply of +powder and balls, the former wrapped in an oiled cloth. It was in truth a +gloomy, desolate hole, although dry enough. For want of something better +to do I went over and picked up the pistols; the lock of one was broken, +but the other seemed serviceable, and, after snapping the flint, I loaded +the weapon, and slipped it into my pocket. Somehow its possession yielded +me a new measure of courage, although I had no reason to suppose I would +be called upon to use the ancient relic. + +There was little to examine, but I tramped about nervously, tapping the +walls, and convincing myself of their solidity, and, finally, tired by +this useless exercise, seated myself in the chair. It was like being +buried in a tomb, not a sound reaching my strained ears, but at last the +spirit of depression vanished, and my mind began to grapple with the +problems confronting me. I felt no regret at having entrusted my papers +to Mistress Mortimer. There was no occasion for her attempting to trick +me, and the contents of the packet were not sufficiently important to +cause me any great worriment. Besides, I was beginning to believe that +the sympathies of the girl were altogether with us. If so, what was she +doing, or attempting to do? It could be no light undertaking which had +led her to assume male attire, and enter upon the adventure of the +evening before. She was evidently making use of the resemblance between +herself and her brother to accomplish concealment. Yet for what purpose? +to serve which cause? The best I could do was to guess blindly at the +answer. Let that be what it might, my own personal faith in her should +not waver. I had looked down into the depth of those blue eyes and read +truth there; I had felt the clasp of her warm hand and it held me firm. +My heart beat more rapidly as I reviewed all that had transpired between +us, and I began to realize how deep was the interest with which she had +already inspired me. I had met many women--daughters of the best +homes--but never before a Claire Mortimer. The very mystery with which +she was invested lured me to her, and yet beyond this there existed a +charm indefinable that held me captive. She was a gay, laughing spirit, +but with a steadiness of character in reserve ever provocative of +surprise. I could never be sure which mood was uppermost, or which best +represented the real womanhood. Nor could I decide in which guise she +appealed to me the most. Hers was a witchery yielding no opportunity for +escape. + +Heaven alone knows how long I remained there motionless, my mind +elsewhere, drifting idly backward to the old home, reviewing the years of +war that had transformed me from boy to man as though by some magic. The +varied incidents of march, camp, and battle were like dreams, so swiftly +did they pass across the retina of the brain, each stirring event leading +to another as I climbed from the ranks to command. Yet at the end of all +came again the vision of Claire Mortimer, and I was seeing in her blue +eyes the hope of the future. The candle sputtering fitfully aroused me to +the passing of time, and I lit another, and placed it in the candlestick. +Surely the search of the house would be completed by this time, but +perhaps the intention was to keep me concealed until Grant and his men +had finally departed. + +The silence and loneliness caused me to become restless. I could not +entirely throw off the sense of being buried alive in this dismal hole. I +wondered if there was any way of escape, if that secret door was not +locked and unlocked only from without. A desire to ascertain led me to +take candle in hand, and climb the circular staircase, examining the wall +as I passed upward. The interior of the chimney revealed nothing. While I +felt convinced there must also be a false fireplace on the first floor, +so as to carry out the deception, the dim candle light made no revealment +of its position. I could judge very nearly where it should appear, and I +sounded the wall thereabout carefully both above and below without +result. Nor did any noise reach me to disclose a thinness of partition. + +Convinced of the solidity of the wall at this spot I continued higher +until I came to the end of the passage. To my surprise the conditions +here were practically the same. Had I not entered at this point I could +never have been convinced that there was an opening. From within it +defied discovery, for nothing confronted my eyes but mortared stone. I +could trace no crack, no semblance of a hinge, no secret spring. I felt +along the surface, inch by inch, with my finger tips, pressing against +each slight irregularity, but without result. My ear held to the side +wall heard nothing--apparently I was sealed in helplessly, but for the +assistance of friends without; no effort on my part could ever bring +release. For a moment, as I realized all this, the cold perspiration +stood in drops upon my forehead, and I noted the trembling of the hand +holding the candlestick. There was a horror to the thought hard to +explain--perhaps I would be left immured until my small stock of candles +was exhausted, and this dismal hole plunged in cave-like darkness; only +two persons knew of my predicament, or were capable of releasing me. What +if something should occur making it impossible for either to act? What if +this was a trick, and I had been actually buried alive? I grew morbid, +suspicious, almost convinced that I was the victim of conspiracy. Then, +somehow, a flash of courage returned, and I caught at these fears, as +memory of those honest blue eyes came again. I would not permit such a +thought to dominate me; it was not possible--the very conception was +insanity. + +Yet I went over the rough surface again before retracing my steps down to +the room below. All this must have taken fully an hour of time, and the +strain of disappointment left me tired, as though I had done a day's +work. I sank back into the chair, watching the candle burn away, trying +in vain to think out some course of action if those above failed me. I +had no reason to believe they would, and yet the long time I had been +there--apparently much longer than it really was--the certainty that my +means of light were fast being exhausted, the awful silence and +loneliness, left upon me a horror against which I struggled in vain. I +can hardly conceive that I slept, and yet I certainly lost consciousness, +for, when I aroused myself, I was in pitch darkness. + +I felt dazed, bewildered, but as my hand felt the edge of the table I +comprehended where I was, and what had occurred. Groping about I found +flint and steel, and that last candle, which I forced into the +candlestick. The tiny yellow flame was like a message from the gods. How +I watched it, every nerve tingling, as it burned lower and lower. Would +it last until help came, or was I destined to remain pinned up in the +darkness of this ghastly grave? Why, I must have been there for +hours--hours. The burning out of the candles proved that. Surely I could +doubt no longer this was a trick, a cowardly, cruel trick! If help had +been coming it would have reached me before this. The day must have +passed, and much of the night. Grant and his party would have marched +away long before this on the road to Philadelphia. What could have +occurred, then, to prevent Peter or the girl from setting me free? Could +they have been forced into accompanying the soldiers? Could they have +forgotten? Could they deliberately leave me there to die? + +My brain whirled with incipient madness, as such questions haunted me +unceasingly. I lost faith in everything, even her, and cursed aloud, +hating the echoes of my own voice. It seemed as though those walls, that +low roof, were crushing me, as if the close, foul air was suffocating. I +recall tearing open the front of my shirt to gain easier breath. I walked +about beating with bare hands the rough stone, muttering to myself words +without meaning. The candle had burned down until barely an inch +remained. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE REMAINS OF TRAGEDY + + +It must have been the shock of thus realizing suddenly how short a time +remained in which I should have light which restored my senses. I know I +stared at the dim yellow flicker dully at first, and then with a swift +returning consciousness which spurred my brain into activity. In that +instant I hated, despised myself, rebelled at my weakness. Faith in +Claire Mortimer came back to me in a flood of regret. If she had failed, +it was through no fault of hers, and I was no coward to lie there and rot +without making a stern fight for life. When I was found, those who came +upon my body would know that I died struggling, died as a man should, +facing fate with a smile, with hands gripped in the contest. The +resolution served--it was a spur to my pride, instantly driving away +every haunting shadow of evil. Yet where should I turn? To what end +should I devote my energies? It was useless to climb those stairs again. +But there must be a way out. It was impossible to conceive that the +old-time Mortimer--the stern frontiersman who had built this refuge from +possible Indian attack--had made merely a hole in which to hide. That +would have been insanity, for, with the house above aflame, he would have +been cooked to a crisp. No! that was inconceivable; there must have +originally been an exit somewhere. But where? And if discovered would it +be found choked by the _débris_ of a century, a mere _cul de sac_? Surely +none of this present generation knew the existence of any such passage. +Yet it was the single desperate chance remaining, and I dare not let +doubt numb my faculties. + +I gripped the old musket as the only instrument at hand, and began +testing the walls. Three sides I rapped, receiving the same dead, dull +response. I was in the darkest corner now, beyond the stairs, still +hopelessly beating the gun barrel against the stone. The dim light +revealed no change in the wall formation, the same irregular expanse of +rubble set in solid mortar, hardened by a century of exposure to the dry +atmosphere. Then to an idle, listless blow there came a hollow, wooden +sound, that caused the heart to leap into the throat. I tried again, a +foot to the left, confident my ears had played me false, but this time +there could be no doubt--there was an opening here back of a wooden +barrier. + +Half crazed by this good fortune, I caught up the inch of candle, and +held it before the wall. The dim light scarcely served as an aid, so +ingeniously had the door been painted in resemblance to the mortared +stone. I was compelled to sound again, inch by inch, with the gun barrel +before I could determine the exact dimensions of the opening. Then I +could trace the slight crack where the wood was fitted, nor could I have +done this but for the warping of a board. Wild with apprehension lest my +light fail before the necessary work could be accomplished, I drew out +the single-bladed knife from my pocket, and began widening this crack. +Feverishly as I worked this was slow of accomplishment, yet sliver by +sliver the slight aperture grew, until I wedged in the gun barrel, and +pried out the plank. The rush of air extinguished the candle, yet I cared +nothing, for the air was fresh and pure, promising a clear passage. + +God, this was luck! With new courage throbbing through my veins I groped +my way back to the table after flint and steel, and relit the candle +fragment, shadowing the flame with both palms as I returned to where the +plank had been pressed aside. However, I found such precaution +unnecessary, as there was no perceptible draught through the passage now +the opening was clear for the circulation of air. There had been two +planks--thick and of hard wood--composing the entrance to the tunnel, but +I found it impossible to dislodge the second, and was compelled to +squeeze my way through the narrow twelve-inch opening. This was a +difficult task, as I was a man of some weight, but once accomplished I +found myself in a contracted passageway, not to exceed three feet in +width, and perhaps five from floor to roof. Here it was apparently as +well preserved as when first constructed, probably a hundred years or +more ago, the side walls faced with stone, the roof supported by roughly +hewn oak beams. I was convinced there was no great weight of earth +resting upon these, and the tunnel, which I followed without difficulty, +or the discovery of any serious obstruction, for fifty feet, inclined +steadily upward, until, in my judgment, it must have come within a very +few feet of the surface. Here there occurred a sharp turn to the right, +and the excavation advanced almost upon a level. + +Knowing nothing of the conformation above, or of the location of +buildings, I was obliged to press forward blindly, conserving the faint +light of the candle, and praying for a free passage. It was an experience +to test the nerves, the intense stillness, the bare, gray walls, cold to +the touch, the beams grazing my head, and upholding that mass of earth +above, the intense darkness before and behind, with only the flickering +radius of yellow light barely illuminating where I trod. Occasionally the +wood creaked ominously, and bits of earth, jarred by my passage, fell +upon me in clods. Altogether it was an experience I have no desire to +repeat, although I was in no actual danger for some distance. Old +Mortimer had built his tunnel well, and through all the years it had held +safely, except where water had soaked through, rotting the timbers. The +candle was sputtering with a final effort to remain alight when I came to +the first serious obstruction. I had barely time in which to mark the +nature of the obstacle before the flame died in the socket, leaving me in +a blackness so profound it was like a weight. For the moment I was +practically paralyzed by fear, my muscles limp, my limbs trembling. Yet +to endeavor to push forward was no more to be dreaded than to attempt +retracing my steps. In one way there was hope; in the other none. + +With groping fingers I verified the situation, as that brief glance ere +the candle failed had revealed it. A beam had fallen letting down a mass +of earth, but was wedged in such a way as to leave a small opening above +the floor, barely sufficient for a man to wiggle through. How far even +this slight passage extended, or what worse obstruction lay hidden beyond +was all conjecture. It was a mere chance in which I must risk life in +hope of saving it--I might become helplessly wedged beneath the timbers, +or any movement might precipitate upon me a mass of loosened earth. It +was a horrid thought, the death of a burrowing rat; and I dare not let my +mind dwell upon the dread possibility. Slowly, barely advancing an inch +at a time, I began the venture, my hands blindly groping for the passage, +the cold perspiration bathing my body. The farther I penetrated amid the +_débris_, the greater became the terror dominating me, yet to draw back +was next to impossible. The opening grew more contracted; I could +scarcely force myself forward, digging fingers and toes into the hard +earth floor, the obstructing timber scraping my body. It was an awful, +heartrending struggle, stretched out flat like a snake in the darkness, +the loose earth showering me with each movement. There was more than one +support down; I had to double about to find opening; again and again I +seemed to be against an unsurpassable barrier; twice I dug through a mass +of fallen dirt, once for three solid feet, throwing the loosened earth +either side of me, and pushing it back with my feet, thus utterly +blocking all chance of retreat. Scarcely was this accomplished when +another fall from above came, half burying head and shoulders, and +compelling me to do the work over. The air grew foul and sluggish, but I +was toiling for life, and dug at the _débris_ madly, reckless of what +might fall from above. Better to be crushed, than to die of suffocation, +and the very desperation with which I strove proved my salvation. For +what remained of the roof held, and I struggled through into the firmer +gallery beyond, faint from exhaustion, yet as quickly reviving in the +fresher air. I had reached the end of the passage before I comprehended +the truth. It opened in the side of a gulley, coming out between the +roots of a great tree, and could only have been discovered through +sheerest accident. Years of exposure had plastered the small opening with +clay, and I was compelled to break this away before I could creep through +out into the open air. + +I was a wreck in body and mind, my face streaked with earth, my hair +filled with dirt, my clothing torn and disreputable. Laboring for breath, +my fingers raw and bleeding, I lay there, with scarcely enough strength +remaining to keep from rolling to the bottom of the ravine. For some +moments I was incapable of either thought or action, every ounce of +energy having been expended in that last desperate struggle. I lay +panting, with eyes closed, hardly realizing that I was indeed alive. +Slowly, throb by throb, my heart came back into regularity of beat, and +my brain into command. My eyes opened, and I shuddered with horror, as I +recognized that dismal opening into the side of the hill. Clinging to the +tree trunk I attained my feet, still swaying from weakness, and was thus +able to glance about over the edge of the bank, and gain some conception +of my immediate surroundings. + +It was early dawn, the eastern sky that shade of pale gray which precedes +the sun, a few, white, fleecy clouds sailing high above, already tinged +with red reflection. I must have been in that earth prison since the +morning of the previous day; it seemed longer, yet even that expiration +of time proved that those who had imprisoned me there had left me to die. +God! I couldn't believe that--not of her! Clear as the evidence appeared, +I yet fought down the thought bitterly, creeping on hands and knees over +the edge of the bank, to where I could sit on the grass, and gaze about +in the growing light. The house was to the left, an apple orchard +between, and a low fence enclosing a garden. I could gain but glimpses of +the mansion through the intervening trees, but it was large, imposing, a +square, old-fashioned house, painted white, with green shutters. It +appeared deserted, and no spirals of smoke ascended from the kitchen +chimney. Apparently not even the servants were yet stirring. However, +there was smoke showing farther to the right, but I had to move before I +could see the cause clearly--the smouldering remains of what must have +been a large barn. I advanced in that direction, skirting the orchard, +and a row of negro cabins. These were deserted, the doors open, and two +of them exhibited evidences of fire. A storehouse had its door battered +in, a huge timber, evidently used as a ram, lying across the threshold, +and many of the boxes and barrels within had been smashed with axes. The +ground all about had been trampled by horses' hoofs, and only a +smouldering fragment of the stables remained. + +I stared about perplexed, unable to decipher the meaning of such +destruction. Surely Grant would never dare such a deed with his unarmed +force. Besides Elmhurst was the property of a loyalist, ay! the Colonel +of his regiment. Not even the madness of anger would justify so wanton an +act. The Hessians might be guilty for sake of plunder, but not while +under Grant's command, and knowing they must march under parole through +rebel territory to again attain their own lines. And this had occurred +during the night; indeed, it seemed to me, the raiders must have departed +within an hour, while Grant's column was to take up its march for +Philadelphia as soon as it became dark. Whatever the mystery I could +never hope to solve it loitering there; the house itself would doubtless +reveal the story, and I turned in that direction, skirting the fence, yet +exercising care, for there might still remain defenders within, behind +those green blinds, to mistake me for an enemy. I saw nothing, no sign of +life, as I circled through the trees of the orchard, and came out upon +the grassplot facing the front porch. The sun was up now, and I could +perceive each detail. There was a smashed window to the right, a green +shutter hanging dejectedly by one hinge; the great front door stood wide +open, and the body of a dead man lay across the threshold, a dark stain +of blood extending across the porch floor. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +THE QUEEN'S RANGERS + + +A bullet had struck the hand rail, shattering one of the supports, and +the broad steps were scarred and splintered. The man lay face upward, his +feet inside the hallway, one side of his head crushed in. He was roughly +dressed in woolen shirt and patched smallclothes, and wore gold hoops in +his ears, his complexion dark enough for a mulatto, with hands seared and +twisted. Surely the fellow was no soldier; he appeared more to me like +one who had followed the sea. I stepped over his body, and glanced the +length of the hall. The chandelier was shattered, the glass gleaming +underfoot; the stair rail broken into a jagged splinter, and a second +man, shot through the eye, rested half upright propped against the lower +step. He was a sandy-bearded fellow, no better dressed than the one +without, but with a belt about him, containing pistol and knife. His +yellow teeth protruding gave his ghastly features a fiendish look. Beyond +him a pair of legs stuck out from behind the staircase, clad in long +cavalry boots, and above these, barely showing, the green cloth of the +Queen's Rangers. Then Grant had not gone when this attack was made, or +else he had left some men behind? I dragged the body out into the light +so I might see the face--it was the Irishman who had helped in my +capture. + +I stood staring down at him, and about me into the dismantled room, +endeavoring to clear my brain and figure all this out. It was not so +difficult to conceive what had occurred, every bit of evidence pointing +to a single conclusion. Grant had searched the house for Eric, and +discovered no signs of his presence; whatever had subsequently happened +between the girl and himself, she had not felt justified in releasing me +while he and his men remained. They must have departed soon after dark, +well provisioned, upon their long march toward the Delaware, leaving +Elmhurst unoccupied except for its mistress and her servants. The fact +that neither the lady nor Peter had opened the entrance to the secret +staircase would seem to show that the attack on the house must have +followed swiftly. It had been a surprise, giving those within no chance +to seek refuge. There had been a struggle at the front door; some of the +assailants had achieved entrance through the window, and that had +practically ended the affair. + +But what had become of Peter? Of the girl? Who composed the attacking +party? The Indian had been despatched to Valley Forge with my memoranda; +probably Peter, the Irishman, and a negro or two were alone left to +defend the house. As to the identity of the marauders, I had small doubt; +their handiwork was too plainly revealed, and those two dead men remained +as evidence. Rough as were British and Hessian foragers, they were seldom +guilty of such wanton destruction as this. Besides this was the home of a +prominent loyalist, protected from despoliation by high authority. The +hellish work must have been accomplished by one or more bands of those +"Pine Robbers" who infested Monmouth County, infamous devils, hiding in +caves among sand hills, and coming forth to plunder and rob. Pretending +to be Tories their only purpose of organization was pillage. Even in the +army the names of their more prominent leaders were known, such as Red +Fagin, Debow, West, and Carter, and many a tale of horror regarding their +depredations had I heard told around the camp fire. These came back to +memory as I gazed about those lower rooms, dreading my next discovery, +half crazed to think that Claire Mortimer might be helpless in their +ruthless grasp. Better death a thousand times than such a fate. + +I pushed forward into the rooms of the lower floor, more than ever +impressed by their original magnificence. Now, however, they were all +confusion, furniture broken and flung aside, walls hacked, dishes smashed +into fragments. The scene was sickening in its evidence of wanton hate. +Yet I found no more bodies, or proof of further resistance. Apparently +the only serious fighting had occurred when the front door was burst +open. Had the other occupants of the house fled--up the stairs? Or even +out some back way? I climbed the steps only to discover similar scenes +above; every room had been ransacked, beds pulled apart, drawers opened, +and the contents scattered about promiscuously. In what must have been +Mistress Claire's private apartment I stood with beating heart staring +about at the ruin disclosed. The large closet had been swept clean, +garments slashed with knives, and left in rags; drawers turned upside +down in search after jewels; the very curtains torn from the windows. It +was a scene of vandalism of which vagabonds alone would be guilty. + +I stepped across the pile of things to the window, glancing out at the +still smouldering ruins of the stable. Whatever had occurred, neither the +lady nor Peter remained in or about the house. Of this I was satisfied, +yet with the realization there came a sudden comprehension of my own +helplessness to be of any aid. I was alone, unmounted, and with no weapon +but an old pistol. There might be other weapons on those dead men below, +but I could conceive of no effective way of making them useful. The +raiders were doubtless on horseback; they would have added to their +possessions such animals as might have remained on the place, and most +likely had departed not later than midnight with their booty and +prisoners. The hopelessness of the situation left me almost paralyzed. I +possessed no means of reaching Farrell, no knowledge of the nearest +minute man who could act as courier. From the window where I stood not a +house was visible. Just beyond the orchard the roads forked, a +well-travelled branch circling to the left, and disappearing over the +edge of a hill. As I traced it with my eyes a considerable body of +mounted men suddenly appeared on the summit. Without fear that they could +see me at that distance I watched eagerly as they trotted down the long +slope. They were plainly a squadron of British Dragoons, their arms and +cross-belts shining in the sun, in spite of the dust kicked up by their +horses' hoofs. + +I waited until convinced they were coming to the house, before drawing +back out of sight. It was difficult to decide what was best for me to do. +Should I wait, trusting to my rough clothing, and pass myself off as a +countryman, or take advantage of the brief time left in which to escape? +If I essayed the first choice I could explain the situation, and start +these troopers on the trail; if not they might fail to understand and +ride on thoughtlessly. What such a body of mounted men were doing in the +neighborhood I could merely guess at--either they were riding through to +New York on some matter of importance, or else had been sent out +hurriedly to discover what had become of Delavan's foragers. This +supposition was the more likely, and they had taken the wrong road, thus +missing Grant and his men in the darkness. + +They must have cut through the orchard, leaping the low fence, for I +heard the thud of hoofs even as I drew back into the upper hall. Then a +voice gave a sharp command. + +"Circle the men about the house, Simmons. There is something wrong here, +and I saw a fellow at that upper window as we came down the hill. Move +quick, now!" + +I must face them, and went forward to the head of the stairs, +anticipating an easy explanation of my presence within. Already quite a +squad was inside the front door bending over the bodies and staring about +curiously. + +"Pine Robbers, eh, Colonel?" said one contemptuously. "That fellow has +cutthroat written all over him. Don't see any signs of our men here." + +"Queen Ranger lying back of the stairs, sir," reported a soldier briefly; +"Irish lookin' mug." + +The man addressed as Colonel, a Ranger himself from his green uniform, +looked up quickly and saw me. He called out an order, and three or four +men sprang up the stairs, grasping and leading me down. I made no +resistance, not realizing I was in any danger. The Colonel, a tall man +with gray moustache and goatee, and dark, searching eyes, faced me +sternly. + +"What are you doing here, sir? Come, speak up! What does all this mean?" +and he swept his hand about in gesture. + +"I came along about thirty minutes ago," I explained, beginning to +appreciate my situation, from the suspicious glances cast at me, and +recalling how disreputable my appearance must be. "I found things just as +they are now, sir. There's been a fight and robbery." + +"That's plain to be seen; are these all the bodies?" + +"Yes, sir, but the house is upside down from end to end." + +"You saw no one? No British soldiers?" + +I shook my head, conscious of the fierce grip with which I was being +held. A couple of the men dragged out the body from behind the stairs, +and as the face came into the light, the Colonel's eyes saw it. I heard +the sharp breath expelled through his lips, as he stared down into those +ghastly features. + +"Good Lord! Mike! What in the name of heaven does this mean? He was +supposed to be with Claire!" + +"There must be some mistake, Colonel Mortimer," insisted the other +officer gravely. "Perhaps we can get the truth out of this bumpkin, if we +take the lash to him." + +I understood in a flash, and as swiftly chose a course of action. This +gray-headed Colonel was her father, and I would serve her in this +emergency without thought of my own danger. No threat of a whip would +open my lips, but memory would. + +"Come, you dog!" burst out the Colonel fiercely. "You know more than you +have told. Speak up, or we'll skin you alive." + +"I will, Colonel Mortimer," I said, looking him straight in the eyes. +"Not because of your threats, but because I wish to serve you. Now I know +who you are, and I will tell you all I know about this whole affair." + +"Was--was my daughter here?" he interrupted. + +"Yes, sir." + +"My God! and Eric?" + +"Not to my knowledge--there was a man called Peter, this fellow, and a +black slave or two. They were all I saw." + +"But why should Claire have been here," he asked, as though dazed, +"unless she came to meet her brother? I supposed her safe in the city." + +"I do not pretend to understand the cause of her presence. But if you +listen to my story you may know what to do." I paused an instant to get a +grip on my thoughts. I need not tell all, confess my identity, or mention +my personal relations with the daughter. "I am a soldier, Colonel +Mortimer, in Maxwell's Brigade, of Washington's army. What brought me +here has nothing to do with the present story. I was in the fight over +yonder near Mount Laurel night before last when we captured Delavan's +forage train--" + +"What!" burst in the dragoon officer. "Was Delavan defeated, then? Hadn't +Grant joined him?" + +"Yes to both questions, sir. Delavan was killed, and Grant surrendered. +He and his men were paroled, and started for Philadelphia last evening +from here." + +"From here!" incredulously. "That must be a lie, Colonel, for Mount +Laurel is between here and the city." + +"Nevertheless, it is no lie," I retorted promptly, looking the young fool +in the eyes. "I was hiding here for reasons of my own when they came +tramping in along that road about the middle of the forenoon yesterday. +There was near a hundred Hessians and Rangers, with two German officers, +and Grant. I heard them tell Mistress Mortimer this was the nearest place +where they were sure of finding provisions, and that they intended to +remain until night. I don't know what happened after that, except that +the officers went inside, and the men marched around to the back to eat +their breakfast." + +"What became of you?" + +"Oh, I had other business, and never got back along here until just at +daylight this morning. Then I found things this way." + +"You don't know what occurred, then?" + +"No more than you do. But I've got my opinion. It's this--Grant and his +fellows must have left as soon as it was dark, taking the west road, +which was the cause of your missing them. It is likely from this man +Mike's body, that your daughter and her party were still in the house. It +couldn't have been much later when these others got here and made the +attack. Mike must have fought them at the front door, but that was all +the fight made; there's no sign of any struggle inside." + +"Then they never got Claire," declared Mortimer positively. "That's a +certainty, Seldon." + +"She would have fought, sir?" + +"Like a tiger. I know my little girl. And, besides, Peter would have died +before the hand of one of those villains was ever laid upon her." + +"But," I protested, "I have searched the house, Colonel." + +"I imagine your acquaintance with the house is somewhat limited," he +replied coldly, turning away. "Seldon, place this fellow under guard in +the library here. We will learn later what his business might be in the +Jerseys." + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +AT CROSS PURPOSES + + +It could not be considered an unpleasant place of imprisonment, yet it +was useless for me to contrive any plans of immediate escape, for the +door was securely locked, and two heavily armed dragoons sat within eying +me rather malevolently. My attempt at approaching the window was +instantly checked by a threatening gesture, and I sat down in the reading +chair to await developments. They could not muffle my ears, however, and +I heard the swift hoof-beats of an approaching horse being ridden +furiously up the gravel driveway. At the door he was hastily checked, and +a voice spoke peremptorily: + +"Here you, take the rein!" + +The fellow came up the steps hurriedly, almost ignoring the sentry at the +door. + +"I haven't time to stand here, you fool," he exclaimed roughly. "My +uniform is pass enough. I wish to see Colonel Mortimer at once--at once." +There was a pause, and then the same voice, and I recognized it now as +Grant's beyond a doubt. "Ah, Colonel, what in God's name has happened +here? I heard that you were out hunting us at Farrell's blacksmith shop, +and came back as swiftly as I could ride. But I never suspected this. Who +were the miscreants?" + +"That is a question not yet answered, Captain Grant," replied Mortimer +slowly. "It looks like the work of Pine Robbers. Do you recognize this +fellow?" + +"Ay," and from the muffled tone he must have been bending over the body, +"that is 'Tough' Sims, a lieutenant of 'Red' Fagin; there's one more +devil gone to hell. But when did the attack occur? We left here after +dark, and all was quiet enough then. Claire--" + +"She was here then? I hardly believed it possible." + +"I talked with her--quarrelled with her, indeed. Perhaps that was why she +refused to accompany us to Philadelphia. But what did you mean, Colonel, +when you said you hardly believed it possible she was here? Did some one +tell you?" + +"Yes; we caught a fellow in the house when we arrived. He had no time for +escape--rough-looking miscreant, claiming to be a Continental. We have +him under guard in the library." + +"He confessed to the whole story?" + +"Not a word; claimed to know nothing except that Claire was here. Said he +saw you, and then went away, not getting back again until this morning." + +"The fellow is a liar, Colonel. Let me see him; I'll lash the truth out +of his lips. Where did you say he was--in the library?" + +I had barely time to rise to my feet when he entered. His eyes swept +across the guard, and then centred upon me. Instantly they blazed with +excitement, although I noticed he took a sudden step backward in the +first shock of surprise, his hand dropping to the butt of a pistol in his +belt. + +"By all the gods!" he exclaimed sharply. "If it isn't the spy! I miss the +red jacket, but I know the face, Mister Lieutenant Fortesque." + +"Major Lawrence, if you please," I returned quietly. + +"We'll not quarrel over the name. I've had occasion to know you under +both; bearing one you was a spy, beneath the other a leader of banditti. +I'll hang you with equal pleasure under either." Suddenly he seemed to +remember where we were, and his face flushed with newly aroused rage. +"But first you'll explain what you are doing here at Elmhurst. Do you +know whose home this is?" + +"Most assuredly," determined not to lose my temper, or to be moved by his +threats. "It is the property of Colonel Mortimer, of the Queen's +Rangers." + +"And--and you--you came here to again see--the daughter?" he questioned, +as though half regretting the indiscretion of such a suspicion. + +"Oh, no, Captain; you do the lady a grave injustice. I came here a +prisoner, very much against my will, not even aware whose plantation this +was. I had no suspicion that Mistress Mortimer was outside Philadelphia +until I overheard your conversation with her." + +"Overheard! You! In God's name, where were you--" + +"In this room; with both doors ajar it was impossible not to hear. You +spoke somewhat angrily, you may remember, not finding the lady as +gracious in her reception as expected." + +The sarcasm in my tone stung him, but the surprise was so great that he +could only rip out an oath. + +"I thought you would have also enjoyed swearing at that time," I +continued coolly, "only you scarcely dared venture so far. You had +previously boasted to me of your engagement to the lady, and it naturally +was a surprise to observe how lovingly she greeted you--" + +"Hell's acre!" he burst out. "Did the minx know you were there?" + +"If you refer to Mistress Mortimer, I presume she suspected it. At least +she came to me shortly thereafter." + +"Then I understand better what troubled the girl. But, in God's name! how +did you ever escape me? I was in every room of the house." + +I smiled pleasantly. There was nothing for me to gain, or lose, by +goading him, yet it was rather enjoyable. + +"That, of course, I must naturally refuse to answer, Captain. I might +need to resort to the same methods again." + +"There will be small chance of your having opportunity. Mortimer will +hang you fast enough when I tell my tale. Don't look for mercy at his +hands, for he's prouder than Lucifer of his family honor." + +He was out of the door, striding down the hall, bent on carrying out his +purpose. I heard his voice asking where the Colonel was to be found; then +the guard closed the barrier between us. Very well, of the two I would +rather leave my fate to Mortimer than to him, and felt profoundly +grateful that the Captain was not in command. Had he been I should +doubtless have been hung without the slightest formality of trial, but +Mortimer would at least hear my version first; indeed I could hardly +believe he would issue so stringent orders without listening also to his +daughter's story. I was an officer of rank; the consequences might prove +rather serious were I to be executed summarily, and without proper trial. +No matter how hot-headed Colonel Mortimer might be, on an occasion like +this he would certainly require more convincing evidence than Grant's +unsupported statement, before pronouncing such a sentence. In truth Grant +possessed no facts, merely suspicions. He had reasons to believe me a +spy, but there was not a paper on my body to confirm that suspicion, and +my having been in apparent command of the minute men in their attack on +Delavan's foragers was no license for hanging. That was an incident of +war, and might have occurred in the direct performance of a soldier's +duty. Altogether I was satisfied that Mortimer would merely hold me +prisoner, reporting the affair to Clinton. + +I had scarcely reasoned this out, however, when a corporal threw open the +door, ordering my guard to conduct me into the Colonel's presence. I was +taken to the parlor, where the furniture had been somewhat rearranged, +and found myself confronting Mortimer, the officer I had heard addressed +as Seldon, and Grant. The latter was speaking vehemently: + +"I tell you, Colonel, this has got to be done; he is a spy, and here for +some infamous purpose." + +"Well, I've sent for the fellow, Grant; what more do you want? I'll give +him five minutes in which to explain, and that is all. Seldon, have the +men go on ahead along the trail." + +"Yes, sir, they are off already." + +"Very well. Have our horses outside; we can catch up within a mile or +two." He wheeled sharply about, and looked at me sternly. "Well, sir, I +have very little time to waste on you at present, but I advise truthful +answers. What is your name?" + +"Allen Lawrence." + +"You claim to be in the Continental service--what rank?" + +"Major in the Maryland Line, Maxwell's Brigade." + +"Dressed hurriedly, probably, and forgot your uniform." + +"I have lately been serving with the Jersey militia, sir, as Captain +Grant can testify," I answered civilly. + +"And Captain Grant is only too anxious," broke in that officer +impatiently. "If you will listen to me, Colonel, I'll tell you what I +know in two minutes or less. It will settle this fellow's status." + +Mortimer glanced from my face to that of the speaker, evidently attracted +by the vindictiveness of the voice. + +"All right, Grant, go on," he said shortly, "only I shall pass judgment +as a soldier, and not because of any personal quarrel. What is it you +know?" + +"That this man came into Philadelphia three days ago dressed as an +officer of British Infantry. He claimed to be Lieutenant Fortesque, of +the 42nd Foot, with despatches from New York. Howe vouched for him, and +furnished him with a pass and orderly. He put in the whole day studying +the positions of our troops, and in the evening was a guest at the +Mischianza--André gave him a card, I heard--and danced there with your +daughter. I doubted the man from our first meeting, and later picked up +certain rumors which convinced me he was a spy. Some words passed between +us on the dancing floor, and as a consequence I asked the man to meet me +below. Some one either told him he was suspected, or else he had the +heart of a coward, for he failed to appear." + +"Did you intend to fight him?" + +"No; we planned an arrest. I reported to MacHugh what I had heard, and he +had Carter close at hand with a squad of the guard." + +"A very pretty trick on mere suspicion," commented the Colonel in some +disgust. "But go on with your story." + +Grant sucked in his breath quickly, evidently surprised at the remark. + +"Claire was waiting for me upstairs in the dining-room, but after Carter +had scattered his men to the outposts, I took a turn about the grounds in +hope of thus running across the fellow. Luck favored me, but, damn him, +he jumped into me like a fighting cock, struck me in the face, and +taunted me into meeting him there and then." + +"Good boy! the right stuff, eh, Seldon?" + +"I supposed it all a bluff," went on Grant, paying no heed to the +interruption, although his cheeks flushed, "but we went at it, behind the +pavilion, and I had pricked him twice, when the guard came up and +separated us. At that the fellow took to his heels, and, by Gad! got +away--swam the Delaware, while we were beating the west shore. The next I +saw of him he was in command of those ragamuffins who attacked us out +yonder. Now he shows up here looting this house on the trail of 'Red' +Fagin. I'd hang him offhand if it was me." + +Mortimer looked across at me earnestly, but with an expression of doubt +in his eyes. As for myself I hardly knew what to say, or do. Grant had no +corroborative proof for his assertions, unless I was returned to +Philadelphia. I could emphatically deny that I was the man, insist on my +right to a fair trial. But how could I account in any reasonable way for +my presence at Elmhurst, or even successfully sustain my claim to being a +Continental officer. I could not tell Colonel Mortimer that I had been +taken prisoner by his daughter, masquerading as a lieutenant of dragoons. +Apparently he knew nothing of this escapade, and she would scarcely +forgive me for exposure; besides, for all I knew to the contrary, the +girl might have thus been attempting to serve the Colonies, and a word of +betrayal might seriously injure our cause. Of course this was merely +conjecture, a wild guess, although there was one fact I could not ignore +in this connection--she had twice defended me from capture, and I dare +not bring any suspicion upon her. Then Grant had barely mentioned her +name, in no way involving her in my escape. Whatever the result my lips +were sealed. All this flashed over me before Mortimer spoke. + +"Have you any proofs, sir, that you are an officer of Maxwell's brigade?" + +"Not here," and I glanced down at my rough clothing, "yet with a little +delay that could be easily ascertained." + +"On what service are you in the Jerseys?" + +"I must decline to answer." + +"Were you in Philadelphia, wearing British uniform three days ago?" + +"If I should say no, it would be merely my word against Captain +Grant--you would doubtless prefer to believe him." + +Grant whispered in his ear, the Colonel listening quietly. + +"I am informed that you have already acknowledged being concealed in this +house yesterday." + +"I have, sir." + +"Did any one know of your presence here?" + +"I was brought here--a prisoner." + +"What!" in decided surprise. "Prisoner to whom?" + +"I was captured by three men, dressed as Queen's Rangers, on a road some +miles to the west. They made no explanation, although I have some reason +to believe I was mistaken for another. I was held in a strong room in the +basement overnight." + +"You were not there when I searched the house," broke in Grant hoarsely. + +"No," and I turned and smiled at him. "I had been brought upstairs before +you arrived." + +"Then you saw your captors by daylight?" + +"Two of them, yes--a man called Peter, and an Irish fellow, with chin +beard." + +"What!" and Mortimer started forward. "Peter and Mike in uniform! This is +beyond belief. Were they alone?" + +"They were apparently under the orders of a young lieutenant--the same +who had command of Delavan's advance guard. I was unable to distinguish +the lad's face." + +"Delavan's advance guard!" and the Colonel turned toward Grant. "What do +you know about this, sir? Who was he?" + +The Captain hesitated, shifting uneasily on his feet. + +"I--I do not know, sir," he explained finally, driven to answer. "I +merely had a glimpse of the boy when I first joined the column. I--I +thought I recognized him, but was not sure." + +"Who did you suppose him to be?" + +"Your son, Eric, sir." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +AGAIN THE CELLAR-ROOM + + +The father sank back in his chair, breathing heavily. + +"Eric here, making use of this house, and my servants," he muttered. "I +can scarcely believe it true. Was--was he here yesterday morning when you +came?" + +"I found no trace of his presence, sir." + +There was a moment of silence, broken unexpectedly by the rustle of a +dress. I turned in surprise, and saw Claire standing quietly in the +doorway. + +"Pardon me, gentlemen," she said softly, "but perhaps I can explain much +of this mystery, and establish the identity of Major Lawrence." + +Seldon sprang forward and offered her a chair, but she merely thanked him +with a bow, and remained standing, her eyes upon her father. Not once had +she even glanced toward either Grant or me, but I noticed the deep flush +of color on cheek evidencing her excitement. What was she going to +explain? How account for the strange actions of the past few days? How +came she to be here at all? Would she confess the truth openly before us +all, or would she feel justified in concealment? I could not, did not, +doubt the honesty of the girl's intent, and yet was it possible for her +to compel these men to accept her version of all which had occurred? +Would she venture a falsehood to protect me, or to save herself? + +"I--I have already explained much," I hastened to say, thinking she might +wish to know. + +"I overheard what has already been said," she returned quickly, but +without looking toward me, "and appreciate the care with which my name +has thus far been guarded. Now I am ready to make my own explanation." + +"But, first, Claire," said her father soberly, "how does it happen you +are here? We supposed you in the hands of 'Red' Fagin, and a squadron of +my men are out now tracking the fellows." + +"I was not in the house when they came, father; Peter and I were back of +the stables, fortunately mounted. We were obliged to ride hard as we were +chased several miles, and returned as soon as it appeared safe." + +"And Eric?" + +"He departed before Captain Grant arrived," she replied unhesitatingly, +"and must be already safe within his own lines." + +"It was Eric, then?" + +"Who else could it be? Surely Captain Grant told you as much." + +The Colonel's eyes wandered about the little group, and his doubt and +bewilderment were clearly evident. + +"Do you know Eric's purpose in coming here? in presuming to act as an +officer in Delavan's company?" + +"He did not inform me, sir." + +"You know this man?" + +She turned, and looked at me for the first time, a silent plea in her +blue eyes. + +"I do--he is Major Lawrence of General Washington's army," her voice low, +but distinct. "I have known him since the Continental troops were first +quartered in Philadelphia." + +I started slightly, yet as instantly recovered my outward composure, +realizing that this strange girl again purposed protecting me from +exposure, even at the expense of a falsehood. + +"Indeed; you were doubtless aware then that he was within Sir Henry +Clinton's lines as a spy?" + +"Far from it," she laughed easily, not glancing toward me, but permitting +her eyes to rest upon the bewildered face of Captain Grant. "Why, that +idea is perfectly absurd. Did you tell my father so ridiculous a story, +Captain?" + +"Did I! What else could I say?" he growled indignantly. "He was within +our lines in British uniform." + +Her long lashes veiled the blue depths modestly. + +"Yet there might be other reasons for such masquerade, gentlemen," she +confessed. "Would it be impossible, think you, that he should have taken +so great a risk to again meet with me?" + +There was a silence following the simple question, broken by Seldon's +laugh, as he slapped his knee in appreciation. + +"Good enough, by Gad!" he exclaimed heartily. "The lass has cleared the +mystery with a word. The fellow would be a poor soldier indeed to fail in +such a test--eh, Grant?" + +The Ranger scowled at him in sullen response, his face dark with passion. + +"Hell's acre! This sort of thing may touch your humor, but not mine. What +is the meaning of your words, Mistress Claire? Are you shameless, +forgetting the pledge between us?" + +She turned her face toward him as a queen might, her head held high, her +cheeks flaming. + +"You have had your answer once for all, Captain Grant. There is no pledge +between us." + +"But, daughter," broke in the Colonel, still bewildered by this sudden +explosion. "I can scarcely comprehend; surely it was understood that you +were affianced to this son of an old neighbor." + +"Understood, yes, by those who kindly arranged the affair, but the fact +that I might possess a heart of my own was entirely overlooked. As a +child I permitted you to plan my future without protest. I am a woman +now; I have been out in the world; the war has taken all girlhood from +me. If this were not true the way Captain Grant has watched my every +action in Philadelphia would have disgusted me with the thought of ever +intrusting my happiness to him. He has openly quarrelled with every man I +have spoken to, or danced with. He has made me the sport of all the city +gallants by jealous wrangling. Now it is done with. 'Tis in shame that I +am driven to say all this here in presence of these gentlemen, but I will +not stand in silence while Major Lawrence is being condemned as a spy. He +was at the dance to meet again with me, and for no other purpose." + +Colonel Mortimer's face had expressed many emotions, while she was +speaking, but now it hardened into military severity, his hand clinched +on the arm of the chair. + +"Do I understand then that this officer was there at your request?" + +"I think," hesitating slightly, "he knew he was not unwelcome." + +"And," his voice breaking slightly, "he came here also to meet you?" + +"Certainly not," her head lifting indignantly. "I am your daughter, and +am guilty of nothing unworthy our family name. I have no shame to +confess. Major Lawrence is an officer and a gentleman, the friend of +Washington, and my friend also. At any other time he would be a welcome +guest at our table. If he risked his life to meet with me in Philadelphia +it was done openly and honorably in the midst of acquaintances. There has +been nothing hidden or clandestine. He was brought to Elmhurst a +prisoner, bound to his horse, guarded by armed men. In the morning I +learned his identity, and at once had him released. That is all," and she +gave a gesture with her hands, "and I trust, gentlemen, my explanation +will be sufficient." + +"And you warned him of my suspicions in Philadelphia," exclaimed Grant, +"causing him to attack me, and then released him from arrest here." + +"That is partially true; you endeavored to provoke a quarrel the moment +you met. I had no desire he should fall into your hands as a prisoner. +When you appeared at this house I assisted his escape." + +"But, Claire, how came you here? Why did you leave Philadelphia?" + +"Because I have a brother, sir, whom I can only meet in secret," she +replied quietly. "I came without thought of danger, for war has not cost +us friends in this country; our home has remained until now untouched by +vandals, and I felt amply protected by those who accompanied me upon the +ride--our old house servants." She knelt at the side of his chair, her +head bowed upon its arm, and his hand stroked her hair. "I regret if I +have seemed unmaidenly, or done what you may deem wrong, father, for it +has all seemed right to me." + +The Colonel looked at us silently for what seemed a long while, his +fingers fondling the tresses of the girl's hair. + +"This situation leaves me in an embarrassing predicament," he admitted at +last slowly. "I hardly know what is my duty either as a father, or an +officer of the King. No matter what his purpose may have been this man +penetrated our lines in disguise; he admittedly exercised command of +those irregulars who attacked and routed Delavan's column, and has since +been prowling about disguised as a countryman. Merely because my daughter +confesses to a friendship between them can hardly justify me in setting +him at liberty." + +He paused, rising to his feet, his eyes on my face. The girl lifted her +head, looking up at him. + +"Major Lawrence, I shall hold you prisoner of war, referring your case to +Sir Henry Clinton. In the meanwhile you shall receive every consideration +possible in accordance with your rank. I am now going to join my men in +pursuit of Fagin. Captain Grant, you will accompany me, and, Mr. Seldon, +I shall leave you in charge of the prisoner until we return." + +He took a step toward the door; then turned to his daughter. + +"I shall expect you to be ready to ride with us on our return to +Philadelphia, Claire," he said kindly. "It is evidently not safe for you +to remain here alone." + +"Very well, father." + +"Come, Grant, we shall have to ride hard to overtake our men." + +The captain started reluctantly, scowling at me as he passed. + +"I should enjoy having the privilege of being left in charge here," he +said, for my benefit. + +"No doubt, sir," returned Mortimer coldly. "But I have already selected +Mr. Seldon for that duty." + +They left the house together, and I watched them ride past the window, +followed by a dozen soldiers. As they disappeared Seldon turned his eyes +to my face. He was rather a pleasant looking young man, but possessed an +aggressive chin. + +"While I have no orders to that effect, Major," he said quietly, "I would +take the responsibility of accepting your parole." + +"Are you not rather reckless?" + +"Oh, I think not," smilingly. "I would have you give it to Mistress +Mortimer--surely under those conditions you would never run away." + +She stole a swift glance at me, shaking her head. + +"That would be too strong an imprisonment," I responded instantly. "Under +all conditions I prefer not to give my parole." + +"Very well, sir," more stiffly, his geniality vanishing with my rather +curt refusal. "Then I shall take all necessary precautions to prevent +escape." He stepped aside to the hall door. "You may send two men in +here, Ferguson." + +They entered quietly, glancing about with some curiosity, but taking +position on either side of me at Seldon's command. Claire stood beside +the table in silence, her glance out the window. Only as we wheeled about +to leave the room did her eyes meet mine. That swift glimpse beneath the +dark lashes caused me to leave the room with swiftly beating heart. At +the door I stole another glance backward but she had sunk into a chair, +her face concealed in her hands. With Seldon ahead, and the two guards +behind, I tramped down the stairs into the basement, and was again locked +within the walls of the strong room. + +As the lock clicked I sat down upon the bunk far from being disheartened. +Fate had been playing strange pranks, but I was not left without hope, +for I felt assured I had read correctly the swift message of those +uplifted blue eyes. She had not wished me to accept parole; then there +must be some plan of escape already formulated in her mind. It was +clearly enough to her own interest for me to get safely away; otherwise +she would necessarily have to appear before Clinton, and her testimony +would scarcely pass unchallenged in presence of MacHugh and those others. +To be sure she had told no direct falsehood; it amused me to recall how +carefully she had chosen expression. I had attended the ball for no other +purpose than to once again meet her, a fact of which she had taken the +utmost advantage. Yet why? For what end was this daughter of a loyalist +continually exposing herself in thus protecting me? Why was she +sufficiently interested for so grave a sacrifice? I was not altogether +devoid of conceit, but I could not persuade myself that affection +prompted this action. We had met so briefly, always with me in the role +of hunted fugitive, that it was impossible to conceive that love was the +motive power of control. The thought even was almost preposterous; much +as I should have rejoiced to believe it true the very ridiculousness of +it caused me to smile bitterly. Perhaps her action had some connection +with her brother--her protection of me might also protect him. There was +a thread of mystery running through everything in which Eric's name +continually figured. I had not seen him, was not even convinced he was in +the Jerseys, yet this was the most natural explanation of these peculiar +events; surely it was either Eric's safety she was battling for so +heroically, or else she was at heart a pronounced patriot. + +However, these thoughts helped me little, nor did contemplation of the +surrounding stone walls inspire me to attempt escape. Already had I +tested each separate stone, the solid oaken door, and the iron-barred +windows. I could only wait quietly, striving to solve the meaning of +those suddenly uplifted blue eyes, and the promise they contained. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE LADY'S PLAN + + +I must have remained there an hour undisturbed, listening to faint sounds +in the rooms above, and peering out between the iron bars at a little +square of blue sky, and some waving tree branches. Once, with ear pressed +against the door, I could distinguish the regular steps of a sentinel +pacing back and forth, and out of the window I caught the silhouette of a +cocked hat and brown gun barrel. Seldon was evidently guarding me with +the utmost care. + +By the light I judged the time somewhat beyond noon, when the door opened +suddenly, and Peter appeared bearing a tray. He was as mysteriously +silent and professional as upon his first visit, not even favoring me +with a glance, his mind apparently intent upon his duties, moving about +noiselessly, wiping the table, and placing his load of dishes thereon +with great care that all should be arranged in perfect order. The door +remained ajar during these preparations, a Queen's Ranger standing there +motionless, leaning on his gun, and eying us steadily. At last Peter drew +up a chair, dusted it, and with wave of the hand invited me to be seated. +I ate as slowly as possible, while he stood over me, anticipating my +every want. I endeavored to converse on commonplace topics, hoping thus +to kill time, and possibly lead him to some word of guidance, but his +answers were monosyllables, most respectfully uttered, and meaningless. +As he passed back and forth about the table his face remained vacant of +expression, his eyes devoid of intelligence. He might have been a wax +figure, so mechanically did he operate, and the sentinel never for an +instant relaxed his scrutiny. + +I had picked up almost the last crumb, toying with it in desperation, +when a voice spoke apparently from the head of the stair. The Ranger +turned his head to answer, and at the instant a paper pellet was crushed +into my hand. Instinctively my fingers closed over it, and as the guard +turned back again, gruffly ordering us to hurry up, Peter was at the +opposite side of the table gathering up the dishes, his bald head shining +brilliantly, his eyes as dull as those of a fish. I leaned back watching +him, clutching the paper pellet in the palm of one hand, until he passed +out with his tray, and the door clicked behind him. Not once did he +glance toward me, or acknowledge my presence. Fearful lest I might be +spied upon, my heart beating wildly in anticipation, I lay down in the +bunk with face to the wall, and unrolled the pellet. It contained but a +few words, hastily scribbled, in a lady's delicate handwriting. "Don't +despair; if they are away until after dark I will arrange. Can do nothing +before." There was no signature, but I needed none to know whose fingers +had held the pencil. My lips pressed the paper ere I tore it into +fragments, and scattered them outside the bars. + +The hours of that afternoon dragged themselves along with exasperating +slowness, as I listened for hoof-beats, imagining every sound the +approach of returning horsemen. With no longer any doubt of her +intention, my apprehension riveted itself on the possibility of the +British getting back before darkness gave opportunity for putting her +plans into execution. As to what they might be I cared nothing, being +ready to assume any risk which would lead to escape. The room I occupied +must have been upon the west side of the house, as the afternoon sun +streamed in through the bars, and stretched golden across the floor. I +could almost count the minutes as those shafts of light crept up the +wall, and then slowly faded. The silence all about was intense, even the +branches of the trees without having no movement. As the gray of twilight +approached, my ears, strained to the slightest sound, distinguished the +changing of sentinels. But I waited vainly for any visitor; darkness +closed me in, but no one came with food. + +I pressed my face against the bars striving to look into the night, my +only reward the glimpse of a few distant stars. Suddenly, as I stood +there, voices sounded at a distance, the words indistinguishable, and +then footsteps crushed along the gravelled footpath, as though a number +of men were running toward the back of the house. They were below my +range of vision, but a moment later I heard the sounds of scattered +shots, and saw the sharp flash of firing. I was still clinging to the +bars, trying to determine what it all meant, when the door was opened. +The light of a lantern in his hand revealed a green and white uniform, +and the deeply seamed face of a man of fifty. + +"Quick now, yer damned rebel," he said hoarsely. "Be up an' lam me one, +an' here's the rope." + +"What!" + +"Didn't yer hear? or wasn't yer told the game? Sufferin' Moses, it's got +to be played swift, or ye'll lie here an' rot. That's what that +bald-headed skate is out thar leadin' 'em off for. I'm ter come in wid +yer supper; ye slug me first sight, bind me up wid the rope, and skip. +'Tis a dirty job, but the friends of ye pay well for it, so come on now." + +I comprehended the plan in a flash. She had discovered a sentry money +would buy; to lead the others away long enough to effect my escape, Peter +had taken to the woods with a gun. Whether he escaped or was captured, +the delay would be short. With the knowledge came action. I bore the +unresisting Ranger to the floor, hurling down the tray of food he bore in +a mass of broken crockery, and bound him hand and foot, leaving the +fellow lying across the open doorway. He was without arms, except his +heavy gun, which I left beside him. An instant I paused to ask a +question, holding aloft the lantern so as to see his face. + +"Now man, speak quick; you were given some word for me? Some instructions +how I was to get away?" + +"Sure; but ye drew those cords tight! You are to go up stairs, out the +front door, and turn to the right; there's a horse in the thicket beyond +the summer house. Damnation, loosen that ankle rope, will ye?" + +I gave it a twitch, but felt little compassion for the fellow, and ran up +the steps, leaving the lantern below. I knew the way even in the dark, +and experienced little trouble in feeling my passage. I met with no +interference, and heard no sound, the house seemingly deserted. Only as I +opened the front door could I hear distant, irregular firing to the +northwest. Assured that no guard remained I flung myself recklessly over +the porch rail onto the smooth turf of the lawn. The dim outlines of the +latticed summer house could be discerned not thirty feet distant, and I +started toward it unhesitatingly. I had made half the distance when a +horse neighed suddenly to my right, and, startled at the sound, I fell +flat, creeping cautiously forward into the shadow of a low bush. I had +risen to my knees, believing the animal must be the one left there for my +use, when I heard the growl of a voice, a man's voice, from out the +summer house. + +An instant I could not locate the sound nor distinguish it clearly; then +a sentence cut the air so distinctly that I recognized the speaker. +Grant! What was he doing here? Had we delayed too long? Had Fagin's +pursuers returned? If so, why was he there in the summer house, and with +whom was he conversing? I crouched back listening, afraid to move. + +"I saw the gleam of your white skirt as I rounded the house," he +exclaimed. "By Gad, I thought the horse was going to bolt with me. Fine +bit of luck this, finding you out here alone. What's going on out +yonder?" + +"There was an attack on the horse guard, and Mr. Seldon is in pursuit. +But how does it happen you have returned alone? Has anything occurred to +my father?" + +I judged from the sound that he seated himself before answering, and +there was a hesitancy sufficiently noticeable, so as to cause the girl to +ask anxiously: + +"He has not been injured?" + +"Who, the Colonel!" with a short laugh. "No fear of that while pursuing +those fellows; they ride too fast, and are scattered by now all the way +from here to the Atlantic. Probably a squad of the same gang out there +fighting Seldon. Trouble with the Colonel is he takes the affair too +seriously; imagines he is actually on the trail, and proposes to remain +out all night. I became tired of such foolishness and rode back." + +"You mean you left? Deserted?" + +"Oh, hardly that," lazily. "You see I was sent out with a detachment to +ride down the Lewiston road. I merely left my sergeant in command and +turned my horse's head this way. I can be back by morning, and I wanted +to see you." + +"To see me, Captain Grant! You disobeyed my father's orders to ride back +and see me? I hardly appreciate the honor." + +"Oh, I suppose not," his tone grown suddenly bitter. "But I am here just +the same, and propose carrying out my intention. What do you think I am +made of--wood? You treat me as though I possessed no feelings to be hurt. +See here, Claire, don't draw away from me like that. What has got into +you lately? You have led me a merry chase all winter in Philadelphia, but +now you have even dared to flaunt me to my face, and in the presence of +your father. Do you suppose I am the kind to stand for that? What is the +matter, girl? Who has come between us? Is it that rascally rebel? No; you +stay where you are, and answer me. That is what I came back alone for, to +find out." + +She was upon her feet, and I could even see her hand clasping a lattice +of the summer house. + +"Why do you ask this? What right have you? There was never a promise +between us." + +"The understanding has existed for ten years; never denied until now," he +protested hotly. "You knew I loved you; I've fought a dozen men on your +account--" + +"True enough," she broke in, "you have challenged every gentleman who has +dared address me. Did you think such swash-buckling was going to win my +heart? Any girl possessing self-respect would revolt at such methods. +Whatever affection I may have felt for you as a boy has been driven from +me by these actions. You wanted a slave, a servant, not a companion, and +it is not in Mortimer blood to yield to every whim, to every crack of the +whip. I never loved you, never confessed I did. I tried to be obedient, +endeavored to like you to please my father, but this past winter has so +thoroughly revealed your real character that I will pretend no longer." + +"My character! We have known each other from childhood. I know well +enough what has made the difference in you." + +"Indeed!" + +"Yes, indeed; it's that damned Continental spy." + +"It has been some one all along according to your theory--any gentleman +who has shown me ordinary kindness. You have called out Captain Kincade, +Lieutenant Mathieson, Major Lang, and others, just to prove your +ownership of me. You have made me the laughingstock of Philadelphia. Now +it pleases you to select Major Lawrence with which to associate my name. +Because he danced with me once you felt justified in quarrelling with him +in my presence, in goading him into fighting you. It was the act of a +cowardly bully. Whatever respect I may once have had for you, Captain +Grant, has been dissipated this past winter." + +"Can you tell me it is not Lawrence?" + +"I could tell you, and very plainly, but I refuse to be questioned." + +"Well, by Gad! I know without asking," and he sprang to his feet, +gripping her hand. "You've helped that fellow against me from the first. +I'll put up with it no longer. I came back here to-night desperate, +prepared to resort to any measures. I meant to give you a chance, and, by +heaven! I have. Do you think I am the sort of man you can play with? If I +can have you only by force then it is going to be that. Oh, don't try to +pull away! I've got you now just as I wanted you--alone! Your father is +not here, and that fool Seldon is busy enough out yonder. There is not +even a guard to interfere. Do you know what I mean to do?" + +She made no answer, but her very silence seemed to fan his anger. + +"Sulky, are you! Well, I'll tell you just the same. There's a preacher +living at the crossroads--you know him, that snivelling, long-faced +Jenks. He's a ranting rebel all right, but he'll do what I say, or I'll +cut his heart out. You are going there with me to-night to be married. +I'll put an end to these tantrums, and by to-morrow you'll have come to +your senses. Now will you go quietly, or shall I make you?" + +She wrenched away from him; there was a moment's struggle, and then her +white-robed figure sprang forth into the starlight. I saw him grasp her, +tearing the shoulder of her dress with the fierce grip of his fingers. I +was already upon my feet, crouching behind the bush, prepared to spring. +She drew back, her face white as marble. + +"You coward! You cur!" + +"Hold your temper, Mistress," with a snarling laugh. "I know how to +conquer you." + +That moment I reached him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +WORDS OF LOVE + + +In spite of the fact that he was armed the advantage was all with me. His +grip on the girl dragged her to the ground with him, but she rolled aside +as we grappled like two wild beasts, my fingers at his throat. I knew the +strength of the man, but my first blow had sent his brain reeling, while +the surprise of my unexpected assault gave me the grip sought. He +struggled to one knee, wrenching his arms free, but went down again as my +fist cracked against his jaw. Then it was arm to arm, muscle to muscle, +every sinew strained as we clung to each other, striving for mastery. He +fought like a fiend, gouging and snapping to make me break my hold, but I +only clung the closer, twisting one hand free, and driving my fist into +his face. At last I gripped his pistol, wrenched it forth, and struck +with the butt. He sank back, limp and breathless, and I rose to my knees +looking down into the upturned face. Almost at the moment her hand +touched my shoulder. + +"Is he dead? Have you killed him?" + +"Far from it," I answered gladly. "He is merely stunned, and will revive +presently, but with a sad headache. I would not have hit him, but he is a +stronger man than I." + +"Oh, you were justified. It was done to protect me. I knew you must be +somewhere near." + +"You were waiting for me?" + +"Yes--no; not exactly that. I was in the summer house; I did not mean you +should see me, but I wished to be sure of your escape; I--I--of course I +was anxious." + +"I can easily understand that, for you have assumed much risk--even +ventured the life of the devoted Peter." + +"Oh, no; you rate my devotion too high by far. Peter's life has not been +endangered." + +"But the guard told me he was the direct cause of all that firing beyond +the ravine." + +The starlight revealed the swift merriment in her eyes. + +"I--I--well, I believe he was originally responsible, but--well, you see +I know Peter, Major Lawrence, and really there is no danger that he will +get hurt. I cannot imagine what they could have found to fire at so long, +but it is certainly not Peter. 'Twould be my guess that he is even now in +the house, calmly eating supper, not even wasting a smile on the racket +without. You may have observed he is not of an emotional disposition." + +"My attention has, indeed, been called to that fact. Yet that does not +explain how he could be in two places at one and the same time." + +"Nothing that Peter pleases to do is explainable. His ways are not our +ways, nor his thoughts our thoughts. He is simply Peter. He started all +this, but was never in front of those guns long. They must be shooting at +shadows. But, Major, we forget where we are, the perils about us, and the +necessity of your immediate escape. We must not stand talking here." + +She was close beside me, looking up into my face, her eyes filled with +anxiety. Grant lay motionless upon the grass, a mere darker shadow. To +linger there, however strong the temptation, was to expose her to even +greater peril. Already Seldon's men must be returning toward the house. +There were words upon my lips I longed to speak, questions I desired to +ask, but I held these sternly back, restrained by the pleading in those +eyes. + +"No, for your sake I must go at once," I answered soberly. "Seldon must +not find you here, nor must Grant suspect your connection with my assault +upon him. I doubt if he recognized my face in this darkness, although he +will surely realize the truth when he learns of my escape. But how can I +leave you here unprotected? When this man returns to consciousness--and +that can mean but a few moments--he will be furious." + +"I shall be safe enough. He will have no opportunity to find me alone +again. To-night I had no conception that he was near, and was not even +armed. I--I have been afraid of him for months; he has acted like a +crazed man. But you must go!" She caught my arm, urging me toward the +thicket where the horse was concealed; then suddenly paused with a new +thought. "Take his hat and coat," she whispered swiftly. "There are +British patrols between here and the Delaware. Quick, and I will have +your horse untied." + +I did as directed, feeling the value of the suggestion, and, a moment +later, to all appearance an officer of Queen's Rangers, slipped through +the thicket of trees, and took the reins from her hands. + +"You will go straight back into the house?" + +"Yes," she said obediently; then extended her hand. "Good-bye, Major +Lawrence. I suppose this ends our acquaintance." + +"Not if I can avoid such a fate," I replied, holding her fingers closely. +"If I believed that I am not sure but I would return to the cell. It has +been a strange intimacy into which we have been thrown; three days have +made us old friends. Surely you cannot believe me so ungrateful as your +words would seem to imply." + +"But I deserve no gratitude," making no effort to draw away, yet looking +into my face frankly. "Perhaps you have misunderstood. Is it not possible +for the women of these Colonies to sacrifice as well as the men in the +cause of patriotism? You must not believe that I have done this merely +for your sake, Major Lawrence." + +"Yet I would like to believe so," I insisted warmly. "You are the +daughter of a loyalist." + +"And Eric is the son of a loyalist," laughingly, "and wears a Continental +uniform. I am not privileged to go so far, restrained by the limitations +of sex, yet I may be equally a rebel." + +"Which would seem to mean that all your kindness toward me would have +been similarly given to any patriot soldier." + +"Why--why, yes; I--I think so." + +"And I do not, Mistress Claire; I refuse to so believe." Her eyes flashed +up at me, and I lost all restraint in their swift challenge. "I am going +to speak--just a word, yet I must give it utterance before I ride out +into the dark, away from you. I love you. It makes no difference to me +where your sympathies may be in this struggle, you have won my heart. +Look up, dear, and listen. I am going back to the camp, back to the +campaign. I know not what the night, what the morrow may bring. But I +know forever I love you, and that if I live I shall surely come back. +Will you be glad? Will you promise me welcome?" + +I could feel her tremble, yet there was no shrinking in her face, no +alarm. + +"Oh, why were you compelled to say that! I tried so hard not to let you. +I--I cannot make the promise, it would not be right." + +"Not right!" + +"No, you do not know me. I told you before I was a sham, a fraud, not +what I appeared to be. I will not explain even to you, and you must not +ask me. Only it hurts me to hear you say what you have, and be compelled +to return this answer." + +"You care then--you do not disguise that?" + +She threw her head back proudly, making no attempt to withdraw her hands. + +"Yes, I care; any woman would. It is not true that I have served you +merely because you were a soldier of the Colonies. I think it was true, +perhaps, at first, but--but later it was different. Oh! why do I say +this! Why do I delay your departure by consenting to remain here in +conversation! Major Lawrence, cannot you realize that my only desire is +to have you get away safely?" + +"But that is not my only desire," I protested. "It must be weeks, months, +before I can hope to see you again. I am a servant of the Colonies, and +must go where I am sent; we are upon the verge of a campaign involving +exposure and battle. I may not even come forth alive. Must I go without a +word, without a hope? Claire, Claire, sweetheart, you have no right to +turn me away, because of some phantom of imagination--" + +"But it is not, it is terribly real." + +"I care not; I would still love you in spite of all; you may be a spy--a +British spy--but the fact would mean nothing to me. I would trust you, +Claire, your womanhood; I should know that whatever you did was in +accordance with your conscience, and be content--if you but love me. And, +thank God! I know you do." + +"I--I--no! You cannot mean that!" + +"Ay, but I do. Have you supposed I could not read the message of those +eyes? Oh, it may be dark, dear, but there is a star-gleam, and when the +lashes lift--they confess a thousand times more than your lips +acknowledge. Yet I insist on the lips! Now tell me," and I held her to +me, "tell me!" + +"What--oh, Major, please!" + +"There are but three words to speak; whisper them, dear, and I go." + +"Three words!" + +"Such easy words; they are trembling on your lips now--_I love you_." + +"But if I do not; if they are false. Hush! There is some one on the +veranda--Seldon must have returned." + +"All the more reason why you should speak quickly," I whispered, without +releasing her. + +"Will you go, then? At once?" + +"I pledge my word." + +She drew a deep breath, her eyes shadowed, but I could hear the swift +pulsing of her heart. + +"It--it will mean nothing--nothing." + +"Of course; only a memory to dream over." + +Her lashes lifted, her head tilted back upon my shoulder. For a bare +instant I gazed down into the depths. + +"Then--then I will--_I love you_!" + +With the words I kissed her, pressing my lips to hers; an instant they +clung, and I felt the pressure of her arm, the hot blood rioting through +my veins. + +"Sweetheart," I whispered, "sweetheart." + +"No, no!" and she thrust me from her. "You forget. I am not that. You +must not think it even. See, that man is coming down the steps. He will +discover Captain Grant, and it will be too late--Oh, go, Major, please +go!" + +I turned without another word, fully realizing the danger, the necessity +of action. Her hand touched mine as I grasped the rein. + +"We part friends," she said softly. "Some day you may understand and +forgive me." + +"I understand now more than you think," I returned swiftly, "and I am +coming back to learn all." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +I UNCOVER CAPTAIN GRANT + + +The thicket was sufficiently dense to conceal us from the man, who +remained standing at the foot of the steps. He was but a mere dark +shadow, and I could not even distinguish that he was a soldier, yet the +danger of his presence was sufficiently great, for should he advance to +the right he would come upon Grant's unconscious form, and in that +silence the slightest noise might arouse suspicion. Mistress Claire still +clung to my hand, but only to whisper a sentence of instruction. + +"Go straight north, Major, until you reach the hedge; follow the shadow +of that beyond the orchard, and then take the road running westward. +Don't mount until you reach there--good-bye." + +"Good-bye, you will not forget me?" + +"I--I am afraid not, but--but you must go!" + +I left her standing there, a faint gleam of white against the dark +shrubbery, motionless. Grasping the bit of the horse I picked my course +slowly across the lawn, watchful that the intervening thicket hid my +movements, the soft carpet of grass muffling every sound. We reached the +hedge,--a high, impassable barrier to further progress in that direction, +but here the shadows were sufficiently dense for us to proceed faster, +with little peril of discovery. There were no sounds of alarm from the +house, by this time barely visible, but we continued on a walk until the +orchard was skirted, and I felt beneath my feet the ruts of a road +running east and west. I waited long enough to adjust the stirrups, which +were too short, listening intently for any sounds of pursuit. The house +could no longer be seen, and the night was quiet as a grave. What had +become of Claire? Was she still hiding at the edge of the thicket, or had +she found means of attaining shelter within the house? It was useless to +speculate, and I could better serve her by going my way. I swung up into +the saddle, and the horse broke into a lope. + +There is no incident of that night's ride which I recall distinctly. I +merely pushed on steadily through the darkness, leaving my mount to +choose his own course, confident we were headed toward the river. I was +sufficiently acquainted with the valley of the Delaware, when daylight +came, to decide upon the nearest ford. As to the British patrols I must +run the risk of dodging these, but felt safe from such an encounter for +several hours. In truth I met no one, having no occasion to even draw +rein, although we passed through two small villages, and by a number of +farms. I could not even determine that these houses were occupied; they +were dark and silent, even the galloping hoofs of my horse failing to +awaken response. + +As the feeling of security took possession of me, my mind returned to her +whom I had just left. As I had kissed her, as I had heard her lips repeat +the words I had insisted upon her saying, it had all seemed real. But now +that I was no longer looking into her eyes, I began to doubt and +question. Had she assented merely to appease me, merely to compel me to +leave her? She had said as much, almost denied caring for me, openly +stated that there was between us an impassable barrier. At the time, in +the spell of her presence, all this had meant merely a girlish spirit of +coquetry; it had seemed to me her eyes denied her lips, and gave me +courage. But now, alone under the stars, and riding away from her, this +assurance deserted me, and I began to doubt. Why should I have hoped? We +had met in ways which made intimacy inevitable, and yet the girl had +spoken no word which I could presume to interpret into love. She had +trusted me with her friendship, and was in no way responsible for my more +serious thoughts. I could not recall one word, or act, on her part, that +would give me any right to think that she cared for me, except as an +acquaintance and friend. Through sympathy she might have served any +fugitive with the same loyalty shown me. Surely she could not have loved +me in Philadelphia, when we met for the first time, and yet, even then, +she had risked everything to aid my escape. She had done no more +since--all might have arisen from the same impersonal motive. But what +could that motive be? A mere love of adventure, the reckless audacity of +youthful spirits, a secret sympathy with the cause of the Colonies, or a +desire to outwit Grant? I could not believe her purpose unworthy, that +she would sink her womanhood into mere trickery. She disliked Grant, +despised him as she had just cause, yet it was not to anger him that she +had helped me. Somewhere there was a reason, and a valid one, for her +action. + +And, on the other hand, what could make it impossible for her to confess +the truth? A love for some one else? It was not Grant, at least, and no +other name had ever been mentioned. She insisted that she was a sham, a +fraud; that when I really knew her I might despise her. She had not +spoken this as a joke, but in sober earnestness. What could be the +meaning? I had suggested that she was a British spy, and she had made no +denial, and yet it was impossible to believe such a charge true. All I +had witnessed of her acts would seem rather to connect her with the +Colonies. Yet there were matters unexplained--the mysterious night +riding, the attack on me, and my first night's imprisonment at Elmhurst. +No attempt had been made to clear up these affairs, and I might construe +them as I pleased. Yet there was nothing convincing, as I knew not how +far Eric might be concerned. Perhaps all that appeared strange about the +conduct of the sister could be explained by a few moments' conversation +with the brother. I determined to search him out as soon as I was safely +within the lines, and hear his story. + +It was already daylight when I arrived at this conclusion, and, in the +gray desolation of dawn, drew up on the bluff summit to gaze down into +the river valley. It was a scene of quiet beauty, reflecting little of +the ravages of war. My vantage of height gave me a wide vista, embracing +the silvery stream, and a long stretch of meadow land, dotted with +farmhouses, and intersected by roads. In the middle distance small +villages faced each other across the stream, and toward these most of the +roads converged,--proof of the existence of a ford. I could not be +mistaken as to the town--Burlington on the Jersey shore, and opposite +Bristol. I should be safe enough in the latter, even if we had no outpost +stationed there. I knew homes along those shaded streets, where food +would be forthcoming, and where I could probably procure a fresh horse. +It was the nearer town, nestled on the Jersey bank, that I studied with +the greatest care, but, so far as I could see, the single street was +deserted. To the south, certainly two miles away, a squadron of horse +were riding slowly, surrounded by a cloud of dust. Without doubt this was +the British patrol that had left the village at daybreak. + +It was a hot, close morning, and the padded Ranger's coat heavy and +tight-fitting. I took it off, flinging it across the saddle pommel. As I +did so a folded paper came into view, and I drew it forth, curiously. My +eye caught the signature at the bottom of a brief note, and I stared at +it in surprise. Fagin! How came Fagin to be writing to Captain Grant? He +pretended to be a Tory to be sure, yet both armies knew him as a +murderous outlaw, plundering loyalists and patriots alike. There came to +me a memory of Farrell's chance remark that Grant had some connection +with this fellow's marauding. I had not seriously considered it then, but +now--why, possibly it was true. I read the lines almost at a glance, +scarcely comprehending at first, and then suddenly realized the base +villainy revealed: + +"Have the money and papers, but the girl got away. Will wait for you at +Lone Tree to-night. Don't fail, for the whole country will be after me as +soon as the news gets out about Elmhurst. _Fagin_." + +So that was the reason for this raid--Grant's personal affair. He had +returned to Elmhurst, leaving his men to trudge on into Philadelphia +under their Hessian officers so that he might communicate with Fagin. He +had contrived to get Colonel Mortimer to detail him, after the main +column had been started on a false trail, and then he had left his detail +to another, and rode alone to the rendezvous at Lone Tree. There, +doubtless, he had received Fagin's report, with the papers whatever they +were, and then returned to Elmhurst, determined to force his will with +the girl. What had happened then I knew well, for I had been part of it. +What a pity it was I had failed to kill the fellow, instead of leaving +him unconscious. + +The papers! Perhaps they were in the coat also. Surely Grant had no time +to change or destroy them, as he must have ridden directly to Elmhurst. I +searched the pockets of the garment hastily, finding a note or two, his +orders to escort Delavan, and a small packet tied securely by a cord. I +felt no hesitancy in opening this, and ascertaining its contents. The +lines I read hastily seemed to blur before my eyes; I could barely +comprehend their purport. Little by little I grasped the meaning of it +all, and then my mind leaped to recognition of Grant's purpose. They were +notes of instruction, brief orders, suggestions, memoranda, such as might +be issued to a secret agent greatly trusted. These were addressed simply +"Mortimer," many unsigned, others marked by initials, but I instantly +recognized the handwriting of Washington, Hamilton, and Lee. Without +question this packet was the property of Eric Mortimer, but why had the +boy preserved these private instructions, covering months of operations, +I should judge, although scarcely one was dated? And what caused them to +be of such value to Captain Grant? + +The answer came in a flash of suspicion--the Colonel. He could be +threatened with them, blackmailed, disgraced before Sir Henry Clinton, +driven from his command. They were addressed merely to "Mortimer," +discovered at Elmhurst, and were sufficient to convict of treason. It was +a fiendish plot, well conceived, and Grant was fully capable of carrying +it out to the end. I could realize what the possession of these papers +meant to him--military advancement, a distribution of the Mortimer estate +in which he would doubtless share, and a fresh hold on Claire whereby he +could terrify the girl into accepting him. + +I stood there in uncertainty, turning these papers over and over in my +hands, striving to determine my duty. Should I return to Elmhurst? To do +so would only bring me into renewed peril, and would apparently benefit +no one. Without this packet Grant was helpless to injure Colonel +Mortimer. As to Claire, Seldon would protect her for the present, and as +soon as the father returned, he would doubtless compel her to accompany +him back to Philadelphia. The best service I could render was to destroy +these notes, and then seek out Eric Mortimer, in Lee's camp, and tell him +the whole story. All that any one could do now was to warn the Mortimers +against Grant, to let them know his treachery, and this could be best +accomplished through Eric. Although in different armies, striving against +each other in the field, there must still exist some means of +communication between father and son, or, if not, then between brother +and sister. + +With flint and steel I built a small fire of leaves in a cleft beside the +road, and fed to the flames one by one the papers from the packet, +glancing over each one again to make sure of its contents; all were +addressed alike, simply "Mortimer," but upon two I found the word +"Elmhurst." It was easy to see how the discovery of such communications +would tempt an unscrupulous scoundrel like Grant to use them to injure +another, and win his own end, but why had that young Eric failed to +destroy them as soon as received? + +When the last paper had been reduced to ashes, I stamped out the embers +of fire under my boot heel, and, with lighter heart, rode down the hill +toward the ford. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +BETWEEN LOVE AND DUTY + + +It was already growing dusk when I rode into our lines at Valley Forge. A +brief interview with Colonel Hamilton revealed his appreciation of my +work, and that my hastily made notes of the Philadelphia defences had +been received twenty-four hours earlier. They had been delivered at +headquarters by an officer of Lee's staff; no, not a boyish-looking +fellow, but a black-bearded captain whose name had been forgotten. All +Hamilton could remember was that the notes had been originally brought in +by an Indian scout. Eager to discover Eric Mortimer I asked a week's +release from duty, but there was so much sickness in the camp, that this +request was refused, and I was ordered to my regiment. + +Busy days and nights of fatigue followed. Washington, watching like a +hawk every movement of Sir Henry Clinton in Philadelphia, convinced by +every report received that he was about to evacuate the city, bent all +his energies toward placing his little army in fit condition for battle. +Some recruits were received, the neighboring militia were drawn upon, and +men were taken from the hospitals, and put back into the ranks as soon as +strong enough to bear arms. Inspired by the indomitable spirit of our +commander the line officers worked incessantly in the welding together of +their commands. I scarcely knew what sleep was, yet the importance of the +coming movement of troops held me steadfast to duty. Word came to us +early in June that Count d'Estaing, with a powerful French fleet, was +approaching the coast. This surely meant that Clinton would be compelled +to retreat across the Jerseys, and a portion of our troops were advanced +so as to be within easy striking distance of the city the moment the +evacuation took place. The remaining commands pressed farther north, near +convenient crossings of the Delaware, prepared for a forced march across +the British line of retreat. Maxwell's brigade, with which I was +connected, even crossed the river in advance, coöperating with General +Dickinson and his New Jersey militia. All was excitement, commotion, +apparently disorder, yet, even amid that turmoil of approaching battle, +Hamilton recalled my request, and granted me two days' leave. His brief +note reached me at Coryell's Ferry, and, an hour later, I was riding +swiftly across the country to where Lee had headquarters. + +Not once during all those days and nights had the memory of Claire left +me. Over and over in my mind I had reviewed all that had ever occurred +between us, striving in vain to guess the riddle. Now I would see and +talk with her brother, and perhaps obtain the explanation needed. Yet I +have gone into battle with less trepidation than when I rode into Lee's +headquarters, and asked his chief-of-staff for Eric Mortimer. He looked +at me strangely, as I put the question. + +"I should be very glad to oblige you, Major Lawrence," he replied +gravely, "but unfortunately I have no present knowledge of the young +man." + +"But he was attached to General Lee's staff?" + +"Only in a way--he was useful to us as a scout because of his intimate +knowledge of the Jerseys. His home, I understand, was near Mount Holly." + +"What has become of him?" + +"All I know is, he was sent out on a special mission, by Washington's own +orders, nearly a month ago. We have not directly heard from him since. An +Indian brought us a partial report of his operations up to that time; +since then we have received nothing." + +"An Indian!" I exclaimed. "The same who brought in my notes?" + +"I believe so; yes, now that I recall the matter. I had no opportunity to +question the fellow; he simply left the papers with the orderly, and +disappeared." + +"And you have heard nothing from young Mortimer since?" + +"Not a word." + +"He must be dead, or a prisoner." + +The chief smiled rather grimly. + +"Or deserted," he added sharply. "I am more inclined toward that theory. +He was a reckless young devil, attracted to our service more, it seemed +to me, by a spirit of dare-deviltry than patriotism. Lee thought well of +him, but I was always suspicious. He belonged to a family of loyalists, +his father a Colonel of Queen's Rangers. Did you know him, Lawrence?" + +"The father, not the son. But I am not willing to believe evil of the +boy. I cannot conceive that treachery is in the Mortimer blood, sir, and +shall have to be convinced before I condemn the lad. When did he leave +here last?" + +"About the middle of May." + +"Would you mind telling me his mission? Where he was sent?" + +The officer glanced keenly into my face; then ran hastily over a package +of papers taken from an open trunk. + +"I can see no harm in doing so now, Major. He was sent to communicate +with a British officer--a prominent Tory--who has associations with 'Red' +Fagin, and others in Monmouth County. This officer has in the past, for a +consideration, furnished us with valuable information, generally through +young Mortimer who knew him. He had written us that he had more to sell." + +"Where were they to meet?" + +"At a rendezvous known as the Lone Tree, not far from Medford." + +"Was the Tory officer named Grant?" + +He stared at me in surprise. + +"I am not at liberty to answer." + +"Oh, very well; however, I understand the situation even better than you +do probably. Only I advise you one thing--don't condemn that boy until +you learn the truth. Grant is an unmitigated, cold-blooded scoundrel, and +the treachery is his. You'll learn that, if you wait long enough. +Mortimer is either dead, or in Fagin's hands. Good-night." + +I passed out, and was beyond the guard, before he could recall me, even +had he desired to do so. I had no wish to talk with him longer. I felt +disappointed, sick at heart, and realized this staff-officer was strongly +prejudiced against young Mortimer. It seemed to me I saw a little light, +although not much. Eric had been at Elmhurst, and Claire was not innocent +of his presence in that neighborhood. She was shielding him, and it was +through her help that his first report to Lee had been sent back by the +Indian. Then Eric must have been in the house while I was there. Indeed +it must have been Eric who made me prisoner. And to protect him she had +told me a deliberate falsehood. Well, I could not blame the girl--after +Grant's open treachery (and doubtless she must have known something of +his double-dealing) she would scarcely trust any one, especially a +comparative stranger. It hurt me a little to realize this lack of faith +on her part, and yet it was not strange after all. Her brother's life +could not be put to the hazard of betrayal; perhaps she overestimated his +peril, and the importance of his mission. + +As I rode back through the night, finding a path almost by instinct +through the maze of military encampments, I thought of all these things, +exonerating her from wrong, and yet wondering more and more at her real +connection with the various events. The chief had not stated what +information of value Grant had promised to reveal; nor what Eric's first +report had contained. In my sudden disappointment I had forgotten to +inquire. And where could the boy be? What could have happened to him? +Something serious surely to keep him thus hidden for nearly a month. +Claire would know, but she was probably long ago back in Philadelphia in +the heart of the British garrison. And I? Well, I was tied hand and foot +by discipline; helpless to turn aside from duty now in the face of this +new campaign. Every man was needed, and no personal consideration would +excuse my leaving the ranks even for a day. It was with heavy heart I +rode into the camp of my regiment, and lay down on the bare ground, with +head pillowed upon the saddle, knowing the drums would sound in a few +short hours. + +It was hard to work through the routine of the next few days, although +some excitement was given us of Maxwell's brigade by scouting details +sent across the valley to observe the movements of the British patrols. +On such duty I passed the greater portion of two days in the saddle, and, +by chance, met both Farrell and Duval, who were with the Jersey +militiamen, now rapidly coming in to aid us, as the rumors of an +impending battle spread across country. Farrell came at the head of fifty +men, rough looking, raggedly dressed fellows, but well armed, and I had a +word with him while pointing out where Dickinson's troops were camped. +Unfortunately he knew little of value to me. Mortimer's column of Queen's +Rangers had passed his place on their return to Philadelphia two days +after my escape. Grant was not with them, but Claire was, while Peter had +been left behind at Elmhurst. Fagin had not been overtaken, although the +Rangers had engaged in a skirmish with some of his followers, losing two +men. Colonel Mortimer had been wounded slightly. As to Eric he knew +nothing--no one had even mentioned the lad's name. + +It was thus clearly evident I could do nothing, although I now possessed +a well defined theory of just what had occurred. To my mind Eric was in +the hands of Fagin, either hidden securely away among the sand caves for +some purpose connected with Grant's treachery, or else with the intention +of claiming the reward for his capture offered by Howe. The former +probably seemed most likely in view of Grant's failure to return to +Philadelphia with Colonel Mortimer, yet there was no reason why the +conspirators should not wreak vengeance, and win the reward also. But did +Claire know, or suspect the predicament of her brother? If she did, then +she was seeking to conceal the truth from her father, but would never +remain long inactive in the city. I knew the girl's real spirit far too +well to believe she would fail for long in learning the boy's fate. And +when she did she would act quickly. Perhaps even now she was back at +Elmhurst, facing peril in the track of the contending armies, striving to +give the lad refuge. + +In an agony of apprehension I asked for a scouting detail in that +direction, but was sternly refused. Word had come that Clinton was +evacuating Philadelphia; that his advance was already across the +Delaware. Any moment might bring to our little army orders to press +forward to intercept him. I was a soldier, compelled to remain. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +FORCING CLINTON TO BATTLE + + +I was left behind at Coryell's Ferry, for the purpose of hastening +forward any supplementary orders from Washington, when Maxwell, and the +Jersey militiamen, pressed forward in an effort to retard the march of +the enemy. From the reports of scouts we began to understand what was +occurring. Before dawn on the eighteenth of June the British army began +leaving the city, crossing the Delaware at Gloucester Point, and by +evening the motley host, comprising Regulars, Hessians, Loyalists, and a +swarm of camp followers, were halted near Haddenfield, five miles +southeast of Camden. + +The moment this knowledge reached Washington, he acted. In spite of +opposition from some of his leading officers, his own purpose remained +steadfast, and every preparation had already been carefully made for +energetic pursuit. Our troops fit for service numbered less than five +thousand men, many of these hastily gathered militia, some of whom had +never been under fire, but the warmth and comfort of the summer time, +together with the good news from France, had inspired all with fresh +courage. Whatever of dissension existed was only among the coterie of +general officers, the men in the ranks being eager for battle, even +though the odds were strong against us. There was no delay, no hitch in +the promptness of advance. The department of the Quartermaster-General +had every plan worked out in detail, and, within two days, the entire +army had crossed the river, and pushed forward to within a few miles of +Trenton. Morgan, with six hundred men, was hurried forward to the +reinforcement of Maxwell, and, relieved from my duties at the ferry, I +was permitted to join his column. + +I know not when, during all my army life, I was more deeply impressed +with the awful solemnity of war, than as I watched these volunteer +soldiers land on the Jersey shore, and tramp away through the dust. In +those ranks were sick and wounded scarcely able to keep up; occasionally +one would crawl aside but the moment he was able would join some new +body, and resume the march. There were many still pale and emaciated from +the horrors of the past winter, some in rags, others practically +barefooted; only occasionally would troops appear in what might be termed +uniform, although each separate command was distinguishable by some +insignia. It was a rough, motley concourse, yet, thanks to Baron de +Steuben, drilled into military compactness, and well officered. In column +after column, I could perceive the evidence of his work, the men standing +erect and soldierly, obeying their orders with veteran precision. This, +however, was most noticeable among those of the Continental Line, the men +who had fought on other fields, marched in other campaigns, and braved +the suffering at Valley Forge. The militia was little more than an +organized mob, indifferently armed, and loosely commanded. To me the +mounted men, and the artillery, appeared most efficient, although I +appreciated to the full the sterling fighting qualities of the footmen. + +They were animated by a stern purpose which yielded power. Such as these +were not to be trifled with. Others might scoff at their raggedness of +line, their carelessness of discipline, their nondescript garments, and +variety of equipment, but to one who had seen such in battle--who had +been with them at Trenton, Brandywine, and Germantown--they were warriors +not to be despised, stern, grim fighters, able to hold their own against +England's best drilled battalions. I watched them file past--Wayne's, +Varnum's, Scott's brigades, and Jackson's and Grayson's +regiments--marking the brown, dust-caked faces, the eager eyes, the +sturdy, tireless tread, the well oiled muskets. Boys, men, graybeards, +all alike exhibited in their faces the same expression. They were +anticipating battle against a hated foe, and counted hardship as nothing +compared with the joy of conflict. Every step brought them closer to the +grapple of arms--to that supreme test of strength, courage, endurance, +for which they had left their homes. They might be poorly drilled, +ill-dressed, variously armed, yet these were fighting men. + +It was at midnight when Morgan led us up the steep bluff, and out upon +the sandy road. We advanced silently, and in straggling column through +the darkness, passing the embers of camp-fires for several miles, the +recumbent soldiery of other commands sleeping on the ground. At Hopewell, +Washington was holding another council with his officers. As we swung +past we could perceive his tall figure standing in the glow of a fire, +and there arose from the lips of our men a sudden, involuntary cheer, +breaking strangely upon the solemn silence of the night. The group about +him were startled and looked about, and he paused a moment shading his +eyes. + +"What troops are those?" he asked, his voice cutting across the distance. +A hundred answered him: + +"Morgan's riflemen!" + +"Good, my lads!" and even at that distance I could see his face brighten. +"There will be work for you at dawn." + +With a rolling cheer, echoing down our ranks from front to rear, we +answered, swinging the guns over our heads, as we swept forward into the +dark night. There might be discussion, dissension about that council +fire, but there was none in the hearts of those who were going out to +die. Already rumors were flying about regarding Lee's unwillingness to +engage in battle. I saw him as I trudged past, standing beside Wayne, the +firelight on his face, although his head was bowed. Even to our cheers he +never once glanced up, and, as we passed beyond the radius of light, I +laid my hand upon the mane of Morgan's horse. + +"Is it true that Charles Lee thinks we should let Clinton go without +fighting?" I asked soberly. "That was rumored at the ferry." + +"'T is true enough," he answered, his eyes upon the dark column of +plodding men. "And he seems to have others with him. I know not what has +put the coward into the fellows of late. Saint Andrew! the odds are no +greater than we have met before. But there'll be no fighting, lad, I +fear, unless Washington takes the bit in his teeth, and orders it. I'm +glad the boys cheered him; 'twill give the man new heart." + +"You favor the joining of issue?" + +"Why not? Were we ever in better fettle? A retreating army is always half +whipped, and we can choose our ground. Why, lad, 'tis reported Clinton's +line stretches out full twelve miles, with train of baggage-wagons and +battery horses, and camp-followers enough for a division. 'Twill be easy +work attending to them, and most of his troops are Dutch and Tories." + +My horse was in ill condition, limping sadly, although I could not +discover the cause, and I walked with the men, leading the animal, +through the smouldering clouds of dust. It was a hot, still night, and +Morgan marched us swiftly, with few pauses for rest. By daylight we came +up with the New Jersey militia, lying at rest along the bank of the +Millstone River, waiting their turn to ford that stream, and join Maxwell +on the opposite shore. From where I stood I could see the thin lines of +Continentals spreading out like a fan, as the skirmishers advanced up the +opposite bluffs. Down the trampled bank, men were struggling with a light +battery, and suddenly in the press of figures I came upon Farrell. He was +mud from head to foot, his face streaked with it, but he looked up with +beaming eyes as I spoke his name, and our hands clasped. + +"I thought you would be over there with Maxwell," he said, pointing +across at the black dots, now clearly distinguishable in the glow of +sunshine. + +"I was left behind, and came up just now with Morgan," I replied. "But I +am anxious enough to be with my own fellows. What means that skirmish +line, Farrell? Are we already in touch with Clinton?" + +He swept the hair out of his eyes with his great fist. + +"No one knows exactly, but the British are not far off, and are headed +this way. A scout came through with the news two hours ago--Clinton has +taken the road to Monmouth." He chuckled grimly, glancing at my face. +"And who think ye the lad was who told us?" + +"Who?" my throat tightening. + +"The same you was so anxious about a few days back." + +"Mortimer! Eric Mortimer?" + +"Aye, unless my eyes fail me already, it was the boy." + +"You are sure? You saw him?" + +"Well, I had a glimpse, as he came up the bank here from the ford, his +horse dripping. It was dark still, and he only stopped to ask the road. I +knew the voice, and the form--the lad is as slender as a girl--then he +went by me, digging his horse with the spurs, and lying close. He had a +Dragoon's cape flapping from his shoulders, but 'twas the boy all right. +Ah! there go the guns up the bank. Now, perhaps, they'll let me take my +fighting dogs across." + +The way was open for me, at least, and I swung up into the saddle, and +drove my horse down the slippery shore into the water. The stream was not +deep, although the current flowed swiftly, and a moment later I had found +Maxwell. + +"Yes," he said to my first question, "we are going to fight, although it +may not be anything more serious than skirmishing to-day. Washington has +decided in spite of Lee, thank God, and we'll have a go at the Red-coats. +Lafayette commands the advance, and Wayne will be up within a few hours. +We are to skirmish forward toward Monmouth Court House; Clinton has +turned that way." + +"You learned that from a scout?" + +"Yes; he just came through; one of Charles Lee's men, I understood--a +blue-eyed, rosy-cheeked boy, who said his name was Mortimer. He had +ridden from Cookstown, and was reeling in the saddle, but would go on. +Your men are over there, Major, beyond the clump of timber. In my +judgment we'll accomplish little to-day, for there is a heavy storm in +those clouds yonder." + +"How many men will we have when Wayne comes up?" + +"About four thousand, with the militia. We are ordered to hang close to +Clinton's left, while Morgan circles him to the right. 'Tis said the +British have transports, at Sandy Hook, and are trying to get there; that +was the word young Mortimer brought in." + +The bath in the water seemed to have helped my horse, but I rode slowly +up the valley toward the wood which served as my guide. Troops were +strung along the sandy expanse of valley, the men mostly lying down, +exhausted by their hard night's march. These were of my own brigade, men +of the Pennsylvania and Maryland Line, uniformed in well-worn blue and +buff. Already the sun beat down hot upon them, the air heavy and dead. No +breath of breeze stirred the leaves, or grass blades, and most of those +lying there had flung aside their coats. Over all the western and +southern sky extended a menacing bank of clouds, slowly advancing, huge +thunder-heads, already jagged with forked lightnings, pushing up into the +blue. Before I reached the skirmishers, great drops of rain fell, and +then a downpour, utterly blotting out the landscape. Lightning flashed, +the thunder unremitting, the rain a flood, water leaped down the side of +the hill in cascades, and, blinded, I drew my horse back into the slight +shelter of the wood, and waited, gripping him by the bit. Men ran back +down the hill, seeking shelter from the fury of it, and I bent my head, +soaked to the skin. For the first time I realized how tired I was, every +muscle aching with the strain of the long night's march, my head +throbbing from the awful heat of the early morning. I sat down in the mud +and water; my arm through the bridle rein, my head against the trunk of a +tree, which partially protected my face from the beating rain. But there +was no sleep possible. + +My mind pictured the field of action, reviewed the events leading up to +this hour, and, as surely, reverted to Claire Mortimer. She would have +been left behind in Philadelphia, which ere this was doubtless occupied +by our troops under Arnold. I had understood at the Ferry those were his +orders, to march in the moment Clinton evacuated. She would be safe +enough then, unless--unless she had again returned to Elmhurst. Yet if +Eric was well there would be no occasion for the girl assuming such a +risk, as the Mortimer plantation must have been in the very track of the +retreating army. Perhaps she was with them--but no; I recalled the rumor +about our camps that the officers' wives and the loyalist ladies were to +be transported to New York by water. Arnold would permit that, and no +doubt this daughter of a colonel would be among them. + +I had almost forgotten the sturdy downpour so intensely was I thinking, +when a courier came spurring forward, blinded by the storm, yet riding +recklessly. He must have seen the group of men huddled at the edge of the +grove, for he drew up his horse, calling my name. + +"Major Lawrence, I come from General Maxwell," he shouted between the +crashes of thunder. "You are given command of the right of the line, and +will press on regardless of the storm until the enemy is met in force. +Dragoons have been seen two miles east. You understand, sir?" + +"Yes," leading forth my horse. "Come on, lads, it's the top of the hill! +What about the artillery?" + +"We may not be able to move the guns," he answered, "but you are to keep +your powder as dry as possible and hold Clinton to the road. Dry powder +will be sent as soon as the storm breaks. That's all, sir." + +I could scarce see the fellow as his horse whirled, and went splashing +down the slope. Through the mist of rain the men gathered about were mere +blotches. + +"All right, you water-rats, come on!" I sang out cheerfully. "We'll give +the Red-coats the butts of our guns anyhow." + +There was a faint cheer as the drenched figures sprang forward racing +after me. Half of them had flung away their coats in the fierce heat, and +their shirts clung soaked and dripping. Swinging them into some semblance +of line, each man barely within sight of his neighbor, and picking up +others as we advanced, we made the crest of the hill, and entered the +open country beyond. Looking back, as the clouds broke, we could see the +long lines of infantry forming in the valley below, with black specks +here and there as staff officers rode with orders. Twice we ran up +against small parties of horsemen, exchanging shots, but these fell back, +leaving the road clear. By dark we were at Englishtown, hungry and +thoroughly worn out, and there were halted, sleeping upon our arms. All I +had in my haversack was a single hard biscuit, after munching which I lay +down upon the ground and fell instantly asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE FIGHT AT MONMOUTH + + +The next day--Sunday, the twenty-eighth of June, 1778--dawned with +cloudless sky, hot, sultry, the warmest day of the year. Not a breath of +air stirred the leaves, and in the tree branches above us birds sang +gleefully. Before daybreak we, who had been permitted to sleep for a few +hours, were aroused by the sentries, and, in the gray dawn, partook of a +meagre breakfast. A fresh supply of ammunition was brought up and +distributed among the men, and, before sunrise, we were in line, stripped +for a hot day's work, eagerly awaiting orders. + +I can make no pretence at describing in any detail, or sequence, the +memorable action at Monmouth Court House, but must content myself with +depicting what little I saw upon the firing line of Maxwell's brigade. We +advanced slowly eastward over a gently rolling country, diversified by +small groves. In advance was a thin line of skirmishers, and to left and +right were Dickinson's and Wayne's men, their muskets gleaming in the +sunlight. Early the rumor crept about among us that Lee had come up +during the night with fresh troops, and assumed command. + +Who led us was of but small consequence, however, as there was now no +doubt in any mind but what battle was inevitable. Already to the south +echoed a sound of firing where Morgan had uncovered a column of Dragoons. +Then a courier from Dickinson dashed along our rear seeking Lee, +scattering broadcast the welcome news that Knyphausen and his Hessians, +the van of the British movement, were approaching. With a cheer of +anticipation, the soldiers flung aside every article possible to discard, +and pressed recklessly forward. Before we moved a mile my horse became so +lame, I was obliged to dismount, and proceed on foot. Never have I +experienced a hotter sun, or more sultry air. It was as though we were +within a furnace; men struggled for breath, not a few dropped exhausted, +the others straggling grimly forward, their faces streaked with dust and +perspiration, their saturated clothing clinging to their bodies. Under +these conditions rapid marching was impossible, yet by nine o'clock we +had passed the Freehold Meeting House, and were halted in the protection +of a considerable wood, the men dropping to the ground in the grateful +shadow. Maxwell came along back of our line, his horse walking slowly, as +the general mopped his streaming red face. He failed to recognize me +among the others until I stepped out into the boiling sun, and spoke: + +"What is that firing to the right, General? Are the Jersey militia in +action?" + +He drew up his horse with a jerk. + +"That you, Lawrence? Can't tell anybody in this shirt-sleeved brigade. +What's become of your horse?" + +"Gave out yesterday, sir. Have been on foot ever since. Is it going to be +a fight?" + +The grip of his hand tightened on the saddle pommel, his eyes following +the irregular line of exhausted men. + +"Yes, when Washington gets up; you need never doubt that. We'd be at it +now, but for Charles Lee. I'd like well to know what has come over that +man of late--the old spirit seems to have left him. Aye! it's Dickinson +and Morgan out yonder, wasting good powder and ball on a handful of +Dragoons. Wayne has been ordered forward, and then back, until he is too +mad to swear, and I am but little better. By the Eternal! you should have +heard Lafayette, when he begged permission to send us in. 'Sir,' said +Lee, 'you do not know British soldiers; we cannot stand against them; we +shall certainly be driven back at first, and must be cautious.' Returned +the Frenchman: 'It may be so, General; but British soldiers have been +beaten, and may be again; at any rate I am disposed to make the trial.'" + +"'T is not like General Lee," I broke in. "He has ever been a reckless +fighter. Has the man lost his wits?" + +Maxwell leaned over, so his words should not carry beyond my ear. + +"'T is envy of Washington, to my mind," he said soberly. "He has opposed +every plan in council, imagining, no doubt, a failure of campaign may +make him the commander-in-chief. There comes a courier now." + +The fellow was so streaked with dust as to be scarcely recognizable, and +he wiped the perspiration from his eyes to stare into our faces. + +"General Maxwell?" + +"Yes; what is it?" + +"Compliments of General Lee, sir, and you will retire your troops toward +the Freehold Meeting House, forming connection there with General Scott." + +"Retreat! Good God, man! we haven't fired a shot." + +"Those were the orders, sir. Is that Scott, over yonder?" + +Maxwell nodded, too angered for words. Then, as the courier galloped +away, turned in his saddle. + +"By Heaven! I suppose we must do it, Lawrence. But what folly! What +asininity! We've got the Red-coats hemmed in, and did you ever see a +better field? Pray God, I may hear Washington when he comes up. I'd +rather be dead then, than Charles Lee." + +We gave the orders, and the men fell back sullenly, swearing fiercely as +they caught the rebellious spirit of their officers. Never have I +suffered more than from the heat that poured down on us from that blazing +sun; the gun barrels burned to the touch, and the tortures of thirst +became terrible. In places we sank ankle deep in the hot sand, and beyond +this came upon a broad morass almost impossible of passage. Men fell +exhausted, and were dragged out by their comrades. Scarcely able to +breathe in the hot, stagnant air, caked with foul mud to the waist, we +attained the higher ground, and dropped helpless. Even from here the +enemy were invisible, although we could see the smoke of their guns, and +hear distant crackle of musketry. I sat up, staring through the heat +waves toward the eminence on the left where Wayne's men remained, showing +dimly against the trees. A group of horsemen were riding down the slope, +heading toward our line. As they came into the sandy plain below, and +skirted the morass, I recognized Lee in advance, mounted on a black horse +flecked with foam. Twice he paused, gazing across the hills through +levelled field-glasses, and then rode up the steep ascent to our rear. +Maxwell met him not twenty feet from where I lay. + +"What does this mean, sir?" Lee thundered hoarsely. "Why are your men +lying strewn about in this unsoldierly manner, General Maxwell? Are you +unaware, sir, that we are in the presence of the enemy?" + +Maxwell's red face fairly blazed, as he straightened in the saddle, but +before his lips could form an answer, a sudden cheer burst out from the +crest of the hill, and I saw men leaping to their feet, and waving their +hats. The next instant across the summit came Washington, a dozen +officers clattering behind, his face stern-set and white, as he rode +straight toward Lee. + +"What is the meaning of this retreat, General Lee? My God, sir, how do +you account for such disorder and confusion?" he exclaimed, his voice +ringing above the uproar, his angry eyes blazing into Lee's face. "Answer +me." + +The other muttered some reply I failed to catch. + +"That is not true," returned Washington, every word stinging like a whip. +"It was merely a covering party which attacked you. Why did you accept +command, sir, unless you intended to fight?" + +"I did not deem it prudent, General Washington, to bring on a general +engagement." + +"You were to obey my orders, sir, and you know what they were. See! They +are coming now!" + +He wheeled his horse about, pointing with one hand across the valley. + +"Major Cain, have Oswald bring up his guns at once; Lieutenant McNeill, +ride to Ramsey and Stewart; have their troops on the ridge within ten +minutes--General Maxwell, these are your men?" + +"They are, sir." + +"Hold this line at any cost, the reserves will be up presently." + +As he drew his horse about he again came face to face with Lee, who sat +his saddle sullenly, his gaze on the ground. Washington looked at him a +moment, evidently not knowing what to say. Then he asked quietly: + +"Will you retain command on this height, or not, sir?" + +"It is equal to me where I command." + +"Then I expect you will take proper means for checking the enemy." + +"I shall not be the first to leave the ground; your orders shall be +obeyed." + +What followed was but a medley of sight and sound. I saw Washington ride +to the left; heard Lee give a hurried order, or two; then I was at the +rear of our own line strengthening it for assault. There was little +enough time left. + +Under the smoke of several batteries, whose shells were ripping open the +side of the hill, the British were advancing in double line, the sun +gleaming on their bayonets, and revealing the uniforms of different +corps. + +"Steady men! Steady!" voice after voice caught up the command. "Hold your +fire!" + +"Wait until they reach that fallen tree!" I added. + +Every man of us had a gun, officers, all. Coatless as though we came from +the haying field, the perspiration streaming down our faces, we waited. +The rifle barrels glowed brown in the sun, as the keen eyes took careful +sight. We were but a handful, a single thin line; if the reserves failed +we would be driven back by mere force of numbers, yet before we went that +slope should be strewn with dead. Crashing up from the rear came Oswald +with two guns, wheeling into position, the depressed muzzles spouting +destruction. Yet those red and blue lines came on; great openings were +ploughed through them, but the living mass closed up. They were at the +fallen tree, beyond, when we poured our volleys into their very faces. We +saw them waver as that storm of lead struck; the centre seemed to give +way, leaving behind a ridge of motionless bodies; then it surged forward +again, led by a waving flag, urged on by gesticulating officers. + +"The cavalry! The cavalry!" + +They were coming around the end of the morass, charging full tilt upon +the right of our line. I saw that end crumble up, and, a moment later, +scarcely realizing what had occurred, we were racing backward, firing as +we ran, and stumbling over dead bodies. + +Maxwell rallied us beyond the causeway, swearing manfully as he drove us +into position behind a low stone wall. Again and again they charged us, +the artillery fire shattering the wall into fragments. Twice we came to +bayonets and clubbed guns, battling hand to hand, and Wayne was forced so +far back upon the left, that we were driven into the edge of the wood for +protection. But there we held, our front a blaze of fire. It seemed to me +the horror of that struggle would never end. Such heat, such thirst, the +black powder smoke in our nostrils, the dead under foot, the cries of the +wounded, the incessant roar of the guns. Again and again it was hand to +hand; I could scarcely tell who faced us, so fierce the _mêlée_, so +suffocating the smoke; I caught glimpses of British Grenadiers, of +Hessians, of Queen's Rangers. Once I thought I heard Grant's nasal voice +amid the infernal uproar. Stewart and Ramsey came to our support; Oswald +got his guns upon an eminence, opening a deadly fire; Livingston's +regiment charged, and, with a cheer, we leaped forward also, mad with the +battle fever, and flung them back, back down that deadly slope. It was +not in flesh and blood to stand; we cut the centre like a wedge, and +drove them pell-mell to where Lee had been in the morning. Here they +rallied, flanked by thick woods and morasses. Too exhausted to follow, +our men sank breathless to the ground. + +It was already sunset, and our work done. The artillery still already, +and I could see long lines of troops--Poor's and the Carolina +brigade--moving to the right. Night came on, however, without more +fighting, and, as soon as we had recovered sufficiently, we devoted +ourselves to the care of the wounded. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +THE ROAD TO PHILADELPHIA + + +It must have been ten o'clock, and, if I had slept at all, I was scarcely +conscious of it. All about me the men lay outstretched upon the ground, +still in their shirt-sleeves, as they had fought, their guns beside them. +The night was clear and hot, scarcely a breath of air moving. Here and +there against the sky-line passed the dark silhouette of a sentinel. +There was no sound of firing, only an occasional footfall to break the +silence of the night. The wounded had been taken to the field hospitals +at the rear; down in our front lay the bodies of the dead, and among +these shone the dim lights of lanterns where the last searching parties +were yet busy at their grewsome task. I was weary enough to sleep, every +muscle of my body aching with fatigue, but the excitement of the day, the +possibility of the morrow, left me restless. I had received no wound, +other than a slight thrust with a bayonet, yet felt as though pummelled +from head to foot. The victory was ours--the army realized this truth +clearly enough; we had repulsed the Red-coats, driven them back with +terrible losses; we had seen their lines shrivel up under our fire, +officers and men falling, and the remnant fleeing in disorder. It meant +nothing now that a force outnumbering us yet remained intact, and in +strong position. Flushed with victory, knowing now we could meet the best +of them, we longed for the morrow to dawn so we might complete the task. + +I reviewed the vivid incidents of the day, looking up at the stars, and +wondered who among those I knew were yet living, who were dead. I thought +of others in those lines of the enemy, whom I had known, speculating on +their fate. Then along our rear came a horseman or two, riding slowly. A +sentry halted them, and I arose on one elbow to listen. + +"Lawrence? Yes, sir, Major Lawrence is lying over there by the scrub +oak." + +I got to my feet, as the first rider approached. + +"This you, Lawrence?" asked a voice I instantly recognized as Hamilton's. +"You fellows all look alike to-night. Where is your horse, Major?" + +"I have been on foot all day, sir," I answered saluting. + +"Ah, indeed; well, you will have need for a horse to-night. Wainwright," +turning to the man with him, "is your mount fresh?" + +"Appears to be, sir; belonged to a British Dragoon this morning." + +"Let Major Lawrence have him. Major, ride with me." + +We passed back slowly enough toward the rear of the troops, through the +field hospitals, and along the edge of a wood, where a battery of +artillery was encamped. We rode boot to boot, and Hamilton spoke +earnestly. + +"The battle is practically won, Lawrence, in spite of Charles Lee," he +said soberly. "Of course there will be fighting to-morrow, but we shall +have the Red-coats well penned in before daybreak, and have already +captured ammunition enough to make us easy on that score. Poor, and the +Carolina men, are over yonder, while Woodford is moving his command to +the left. At dawn we'll crush Clinton into fragments. Washington wants to +send a despatch through to Arnold in Philadelphia, and I recommended you, +as you know the road. He remembered your service before, and was kind +enough to say you were the very man. You'll go gladly?" + +"I should prefer to lead my own men to-morrow, sir." + +"Pshaw! I doubt if we have more than a skirmish. Sir Henry will see his +predicament fast enough. Then there will be nothing left to do, but guard +prisoners." + +"Very well, Colonel; I am ready to serve wherever needed." + +"Of course you are, man. There should not be much danger connected with +this trip, although there will be stragglers in plenty. I'm told that +Clinton lost more than three hundred deserters crossing Camden." + +Headquarters were in a single-roomed cabin at the edge of a ravine. A +squad of cavalrymen were in front, their horses tied to a rail fence, but +within Washington was alone, except for a single aide, writing at a rude +table in the light of a half-dozen candles. He glanced up, greeting us +with a slight inclination of the head. + +"A moment, gentlemen." + +He wrote slowly, as though framing his sentences with care, occasionally +questioning the aide. Once he paused, and glanced across at Hamilton. + +"Colonel, do you know a Dragoon named Mortimer?" + +"I have no recollection of ever having met the man, sir. I have written +him orders, however; he is a scout attached to General Lee's +headquarters." + +"Yes; I recall the name. He is the one who brought us our first definite +information this morning of Clinton's position. I remember now, you were +not with me when he rode up--young, slender lad, with the face of a girl. +I could but notice his eyes; they were as soft and blue as violets! Well, +an hour ago he came here for a favor; it seems the boy is a son of +Colonel Mortimer, of the Queen's Rangers." + +"Indeed; Wayne reported the Colonel killed in front of his lines." + +"Not killed, but seriously wounded. The son asked permission to take him +home to a place called Elmhurst near Laurel Hill." + +"I know the plantation, sir," I said, my interest causing me to +interrupt. "It is on the Medford road." + +"Ah, you have met the lad, possibly, Major," and he turned his face +toward me. "The boy interested me greatly." + +"No, sir; I endeavored to find him at Lee's headquarters, but failed. I +have met his father and sister." + +"A lovely girl, no doubt." + +"To my mind, yes, sir." + +His grave face lighted with a sudden smile. + +"I sometimes imagine, Colonel Hamilton," he said quietly, "that this +unhappy war might be very pleasantly concluded if we could only turn our +young officers over to the ladies of the enemy. Would such a plan meet +with your approval, Major?" + +"I should prefer it to the present method." + +"No doubt, and Mistress Mortimer?--But let that pass, until we hold +council of war upon the subject. Just now we shall have to be content +with the more ordinary plans of campaign. I gave the boy permission to +remove his father, and they are upon the road ere this. I would that all +the British wounded had homes close at hand. You have informed the Major +of his mission, I presume, Hamilton, and there is nothing I need add." + +"He understands clearly, sir." + +"Then I will complete the letter. Be seated, gentlemen." + +He wrote for several minutes steadily, once pausing to consult a map, +signed the paper, and enclosed it in another sheet, across which he +scratched a line of address. + +"You will deliver this to General Arnold in person, Major; do not spare +horse-flesh. You were in the action to-day?" + +"With Maxwell's Brigade." + +"That was a hard fight along the stone wall; you came out unhurt?" + +"A slight bayonet wound, sir; nothing to incapacitate me from duty." + +"Very well; take ten dragoons as escort. Hamilton will write you an +order. I have told Arnold our victory is practically complete. Clinton +may slip away in the night, for he is a wily old fox, but he has lost his +power to injure us in the Jerseys. I hope to bottle him up before +morning, so that any retreat will be impossible, but even if he succeeds +in getting his army to the transports at Sandy Hook, he has lost +prestige, and the victory is ours. Good-bye, Major, and the Lord guard +you on your journey." + +I felt the firm clasp of his hand, the calm, confident glance of his gray +eyes, and bowed low, as I left the room. I could scarcely realize that +this quiet, reserved man could be the raging tornado who that same +morning had ridden up to Lee, blazing with indignation. His very +presence, his evident trust in me, sent me forth upon my long ride +renewed in strength of body and purpose, the fatigue of the day +forgotten. Ten minutes later, mounted on a rangy sorrel, my dragoon +escort trotting behind, I rode south on the Plainsboro road, as swiftly +as its terrible condition would warrant. + +The evidences of war, the wreckage of battle, were everywhere. Several +times we were compelled to leap the stone walls to permit the passage of +marching troops being hurried to some new position; several batteries +passed us, rumbling grimly through the night, and a squadron of horse +galloped by, the troopers greeting us with shouts of inquiry. The road +was deeply rutted by heavy wheels, and littered with all manner of +_débris_, broken-down wagons, dead horses, accoutrements thrown away, and +occasionally the body of a man, overlooked by the burial squad. Our +horses plunged from side to side in fright at the dim objects, snorting +wildly, and we were obliged to ride with care, and a tight rein, under +the faint guidance of the stars. For two miles the varied, ceaseless +noises of a huge camp echoed from either side--the cries of men, the +hammering of iron, the neighing of horses. Over there to the east, beyond +that gloomy fringe of woods, were the masses of the enemy. Between where +he rode, skirting their rear, lay our own battle-line, waiting daybreak, +and out yonder, protected by the trees, extended the picket posts. From +these would occasionally come a red spit of fire, and the dull bark of a +musket. + +We passed all this at last, only to discover the narrow road congested by +long trains of commissary and ammunition wagons, every sort of vehicle +one could imagine pressed hastily into service--huge Conestogas, great +farm wagons, creaking horribly, light carts, even family carriages loaded +to their tops, drawn by straining horses, mules, or oxen, their drivers +swearing fiercely. We again took to the fields, but, as there seemed no +end to the procession, I turned my horse's head eastward, confident we +were already beyond the British rear-guard, and struck out across country +for another north and south road. We advanced now at a swift trot, the +sound of our horses' hoofs on the soft turf almost the only noise, and, +within an hour, came again to parallel fences, and a well travelled road. +It was a turnpike, the dust so thick that it rose about us in clouds, +and, as we proceeded, we discovered many evidences along the way of a +passing army. I reined back my horse to speak with the non-commissioned +officer in charge of the escort, not entirely certain as to my +whereabouts. + +"Do you know this country, sergeant?" + +"A little, sir; we scouted through here last summer, but I'm not a Jersey +man." + +"There have been troops marched along here by all the signs." + +"Yes, sir," respectfully. "The Red-coats, probably on their way to +Monmouth; this is the Mount Holly pike." + +As he spoke the map of the region unrolled before my memory. This was the +road running a mile, or so, to the west of Elmhurst. It led as straight +as any, toward Philadelphia, but whatever stragglers the British army had +left behind would be found along here. However, they would probably be +scattered fugitives, unwilling to interfere with as strong an armed party +as this of mine. If I was alone it would be safer to turn aside. Then, it +was a strong temptation to me to pass thus close to Elmhurst. It would be +after daylight when we reached there; I might even get a glimpse across +the apple orchard of the great white house. Would Claire be there? It +seemed to me quite probable, as Eric was taking the wounded Colonel home +for nursing. The girl's face rose before me against the black night, and +my heart beat fast. When I came back, I would ride to Elmhurst--surely +she would be there then. + +The sergeant touched my arm. + +"Pardon me, sir, but there are horsemen ahead." + +"Indeed? I was lost in thought, Conroy. Coming this way?" + +"No, sir, they seem to be travelling south slowly. I noticed them first +as we turned the corner back there; I could see outlines against the +sky." + +"How large a party? They form merely a lumping shadow to my eyes." + +"Not more than three or four, sir, with a covered rig of some kind. +They're halted, now; heard us coming, I reckon." + +I could perceive the little group, but merely as a black smudge. Then a +mounted figure seemed to detach itself from the darkness, and advance +toward us. + +"Halt your men, sergeant," I said quietly. "I'll ride forward and learn +what the fellow wants." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +THE ESCORT + + +The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he +appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes +caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up +cautiously, loosening my own weapon. + +"Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant. "Speak quick!" + +"An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to +Philadelphia--and you?" + +"We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding +forward. "Are you Continental?" + +"Yes. Major Lawrence, of Maxwell's Brigade." + +"Oh!" the exclamation was half smothered, the rider drawing up his horse +quickly. I could distinguish the outline of his form now, the straight, +slender figure of a boy, wearing the tight jacket of a Dragoon, the face +shadowed by a broad hat brim. + +"Unless I mistake," I ventured cordially, "you must be Eric Mortimer." + +"Why do you suppose that?" + +"Because while at General Washington's headquarters he mentioned that you +had asked permission to take your father--Colonel Mortimer, of the +Queen's Rangers--to his home at Elmhurst. You left, as I understood, an +hour or two ahead of us. Am I right?" + +"Yes, sir; this is Colonel Mortimer's party." + +"Then we will pass on without detaining you longer, as we ride in haste. +I met your father once; may I ask if his wound is serious?" + +"Serious, yes, but not mortal; he was shot in the right side when Monkton +fell. His horse was hit at the same time, and the animal's death struggle +nearly killed his rider. The surgeon says he may be lame for life." + +I reached out my hand, and, with just an instant's hesitation, he +returned the clasp warmly. + +"My father is suffering too much for me to ask that you speak to him, +Major Lawrence," he said a little stiffly. "Perhaps later, at Elmhurst--" + +"I understand perfectly," I interrupted. "I am very glad to have met you. +We shall ride within a short distance of Elmhurst. Shall I leave word +there that you are coming?" + +"Oh, no," quickly, his horse taking a step backward, as though to a +sudden tug of the rein. "That would be useless, as there is no one +there." + +"Indeed! I thought possibly your sister." + +The lad shook his head, glancing toward the carriage. The slight motion +made me think again of the wounded man we were detaining, and reminded me +as well of my own duty. + +"Then, good-night, sir. Sergeant, we will trot on." + +The lad touched my sleeve, even as I pricked my horse with the spur, and +I drew the rein taut in surprise. + +"What is it?" + +"Could you not send your men forward, and ride with me a moment? You +could catch up with them easily within a mile or two. I--I have a word I +wish to say to you--alone." + +The voice was low, tremulous; the request one I saw no reason to refuse. + +"Why, certainly. Sergeant, take your men down the road at an easy trot. I +will join you presently." + +They went by us like shadows, leaving a cloud of dust behind. The boy +spoke a brief word to those in charge of the carriage, and it also began +to move slowly forward. + +"We will go ahead," he said, suiting the action to the word. "What I wish +to say will not take long." + +Within a minute, riding side by side, our horses walking rapidly, we were +out of sight of the lumping shadow of the ambulance. I glanced aside +curiously at my companion, noting the outlines of his slender, erect +figure, wondering vaguely what his message could be. Had Claire spoken to +him of me? Was he going to tell me about his sister? We must have ridden +a quarter of a mile before he broke the silence. + +"Major Lawrence," he began, and I noticed the face was not turned toward +me. "I am sure you are not deceived, although you act the part well." + +"I hardly understand." + +"Oh, but I am sure you do. I--I could not permit you to go away despising +me." + +"But, my boy, this is all mystery--" + +"Do you mean to insist you do not know--have not recognized me?" + +"I--what can you mean?" + +"Merely that I am Claire Mortimer," and lifting the hat, the young +officer was revealed in the dim light as my lady. "Surely you knew?" + +"But I did not," I insisted earnestly, recovering from my surprise, and +leaning forward to look into her face. "Why should I? General Washington +told me it was Eric who came for his father. Why should I suspect in this +darkness?" + +"I--I represented myself as Eric," she stammered. + +"And was it you also who rode into our lines yesterday, telling of +Clinton's whereabouts?" + +"Yes," hesitatingly, her eyes lifting to my face. + +"But you must listen to me, Major Lawrence; you must learn why I did so +unwomanly an act." + +"First answer one question." + +"Gladly." + +"Is there an Eric Mortimer?" + +"There is," she answered frankly; "my brother. It was for his sake I did +all this." + +A moment I sat my saddle silently, our horses walking side by side +through the night, while I endeavored to grasp the meaning of her +confession. I knew that she was riding bareheaded, her face turned away. + +"Go on," I said at last, "tell me the whole story." + +"I will," firmly, her head uplifted. "I was tempted to do so at Elmhurst, +but something seemed to seal my lips. There is now no longer any excuse +for silence. I--I wish you to know, and then, perhaps, you may feel more +kindly disposed toward me." + +"Your father is aware--" + +"No, not even my father. He is scarcely conscious of what is going on +about him. Peter knows, and Tonepah," with a wave of her hand into the +dark shadows. + +"They are with you, then--keeping guard over him?" + +"Yes; they have known from the beginning; not everything, of course, for +that was not necessary. Peter is an old servant, silent and trustworthy. +He would never question any act of mine, while the Indian has reason to +be grateful and loyal to me. Whatever indiscretion, Major Lawrence, I may +have been guilty of, I have gone nowhere unaccompanied by these two. You +will believe that?" + +"Yes, and whatever else you tell me." + +"That now must necessarily be the entire story. As I proceed you will be +convinced, I think, that only a true confidence in you would enable me to +speak with such frankness. I--I know of no one else in whom I could +confide, and--and the time has come when I must have help--the help of a +friend. I should have explained to my father--indeed intended to do +so--but now he is helpless to aid me. There is no one else I feel able to +trust. I--I--you were in my thought to-night; I--I am not sure I did not +even pray for your coming, and--and then God sent you." + +My hand sought hers, and held it against my horse's mane. + +"Tell it in your own way, dear," I whispered. + +She flashed one glance into my face, leaving her hand in mine, while our +horses took a dozen strides. + +"It will not take long," she began, in so low a voice that I leaned +forward to listen, "and you already know many of the characters, and can +judge their motives. I have been strangely situated since the +commencement of this war, only, surely ours is not the only family +divided in its loyalty. My father was a King's officer, and felt it his +duty to serve the crown. While he has said little, yet I know that down +in his heart his sympathies have been with the Colonies. Those of my +brother were openly from the start, and my father has never attempted to +interfere with his actions. They talked it all over together, and Eric +chose his own course. Only Alfred Grant made trouble, presuming on what +he termed our engagement, and endeavored to force my brother to join the +King's troops. The two quarrelled bitterly, and Eric, a hot-headed boy, +struck him. Grant has never forgiven that blow, nor Eric's influence over +me. To the latter he attributes my dislike--yet this was not true; it was +because as I grew older I realized the ill character of the man." + +She paused a moment, gathering the threads of thought more closely. I did +not speak, preferring she should tell the story in her own way. + +"The two did not meet after that for many months. The Queen's Rangers, in +which regiment my father secured Grant a commission, were in New York, +while Eric was stationed up the river with Morgan's riflemen. When New +Jersey was invaded, both commands came south, and, because of Eric's +knowledge of this country, he was detailed as scout. This reckless life +was greatly to his liking; I saw him occasionally by appointment, usually +at Elmhurst, and became aware that his old quarrel with Captain Grant was +seemingly forgotten. There appeared to be some understanding, some +special connection between them. They met once, at least, and I delivered +one note between them." + +"Perhaps I can explain that later," I interrupted, "from something +mentioned at Lee's headquarters." + +"You! Oh, I wish you could, for their relationship has mystified me; has +made me afraid something might be wrong with--with Eric." + +"I think not, dear; say rather with Grant." + +"If that be so, then it may prove the key to all the mystery. What made +their intimacy so difficult to understand was that I knew the captain's +dislike of Eric had in no way diminished. He spoke of him as savagely as +ever." + +"Perhaps he played a part--his ultimate purpose revenge." + +"It might be that--yes, it might be that, and--and the consummation of +that revenge may account for all which has occurred. But I must go on +with what I had to tell." + +I had forgotten the passage of time, the men riding steadily in advance, +constantly increasing their distance, even the possible importance of the +despatch within my jacket pocket. The evident distress of the girl riding +beside me, whose tale, I felt sure, would fully justify her strange +masquerade in male garments, her risk of life and exposure to disgrace in +midst of fighting armies, held me neglectful of all else. I realized +that, whatever the cause, I had unconsciously become a part of its +development, and that I was destined now to be even more deeply involved. +Whatever the mystery I must solve it for her sake. My hand again sought +hers, holding it in firm clasp. There was a sound of hoofs on the dusty +road behind us. + +"It is Peter," she whispered. "What can have happened!" + +The rider barely paused, turning his horse's head even as he spoke +hastily. + +"Captain Grant is with the ambulance, Mistress Claire," he reported. "He +came up alone about five minutes ago." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +BEFORE GENERAL ARNOLD + + +I felt her hand withdrawn quickly, and the swift intake of her breath, +yet there was no sharpness in the voice. + +"Captain Grant, Peter? What can the man want here?" + +"He claimed to be hunting deserters," returned Swanson, as calmly +deliberate of speech as ever. "But that was false. He knew we were on the +road, and asked for you." + +"For me? And you told him--" + +"Merely that you rode ahead to see that the road was clear. Then I left +at once, fearing he might join you." + +She sat a moment in silence, her head bowed; then looked across into my +face. + +"This arrival must end our conference, Major," she said soberly. "Captain +Grant must not know that you are with me--that would mean fighting." + +"Surely you do not wish me to run away." + +"Yes, this time, for my sake as well as your own. If I could have +completed my confession you would realize the necessity. However, the +fact that you are the bearer of despatches should be sufficient; your +duty to the Colonies is more important than any private quarrel. You will +go?" + +"Yes--but you? Are you safe with him?" + +"Perfectly. I wish I might be clothed in my own proper dress, but with +Peter and Tonepah on guard, Captain Grant alone is not dangerous. Besides +I wish to learn his purpose in seeking to join us." She hesitated. "You +must not fear for me, but--but I wish to tell you all, and--and I am sure +I shall need your help." + +"You mean I am to join you again--at Elmhurst?" + +"Is that asking too much?" + +"Claire," I whispered, bending toward her, so Peter could not overhear, +"nothing shall keep me from coming, dear. I will ride back the moment my +despatches are in Arnold's hands. But tell me first, if you are not +afraid of Grant yourself, what is it you need me for?" + +"Eric," she answered swiftly. "He has disappeared, dead or deserted. Oh, +I cannot believe the last is true. It was to save his reputation that I +dressed in this uniform, performed the work assigned him. I feel sure +Grant knows where he is, what has become of him. I went to him in +Philadelphia, but he only sneered, and said the boy had doubtless run +away. I know better; that is not like a Mortimer. But I cannot search for +him; I must stay with my father. But if I can only be assured you will +come." + +"You can be assured." + +"Mistress Claire," broke in Peter, "some one is riding up the road." + +"Yes, Peter, yes. Major, wait here! Don't move. We will go back and meet +him." + +I held my horse steady, although he made an effort to follow. Voices came +back to me through the darkness,--Grant's loud enough to be clearly +heard. + +"What, is this you, Claire?" he laughed gruffly. "By all the gods, I +thought it must be Eric. I never expected to find you togged out in this +style. By Jove, I could wish it was daylight." + +Whatever she replied must have sobered the fellow. + +"Everything I say you take wrongly. Of course it's all right, for the +country is full of stragglers out of both armies. Lord, I don't care what +you wear, as long as it suits you. My business? Oh, I explained all that +to your putty-faced servant--Saint Anne! that fellow! But I'll review the +matter again. I'm drumming up Clinton's deserters, but now I've met you, +I'm tempted to go along with you as far as Elmhurst." + +"Become a deserter yourself?" + +"Oh, no, or at least only temporarily. There will be plenty of fighting +yet in the Jerseys. Clinton's whipped all right, and is going to have a +time getting away to the ships. In my judgment there will be richer +picking for a Jerseyman right here at home, than with the army in New +York." + +There was a moment's silence; then the girl asked, a shade of horror in +her voice: + +"Surely you cannot mean to ally yourself with guerillas, Captain Grant? +With--with Fagin?" + +The man laughed, but mirthlessly. + +"That would be horrible, wouldn't it? Well, personally I fail to see why +Fagin is any more of a scoundrel than some of these other fellows in gilt +epaulets. However, I've not come to that point yet. The fact is I have a +private affair to attend to before I leave this neighborhood. Can you +guess what it is?" + +"I? Certainly not." + +"Well, you will know shortly--the ambulance is coming." + +I rode my horse slowly forward, keeping at the edge of the road, until +assured a sufficient distance separated us. Then I gave the restive +animal a sharp touch of the spur, sending him swiftly forward. My escort +would have a mile or two the start, yet that was nothing. My thoughts +were not with them, or with my military duty, but reverted to the little +company around the wounded man. The bearing of the despatch to Arnold was +mere routine, involving only steady riding, but the relations existing +between Claire, Grant, and Eric Mortimer were full of mystery. There were +connecting links I could not understand; no doubt had the girl been +permitted to conclude her story I might fit it together, but as it was I +was left groping in the darkness. Yet my mind tenaciously held to its +original theory as to Eric's strange disappearance--he had been betrayed +by Grant, and was being held prisoner. But where? By whom? And for what +purpose? + +I pondered on this problem as my horse ploughed forward through the dust, +my eyes unconsciously scanning the dark road. Grant could not have known +that Colonel Mortimer was being taken home. His meeting with the +ambulance party was altogether an accident. Yet I had no faith the man +was out seeking British stragglers, for had he been despatched on such a +mission he would have had at least a squad of soldiers with him. Then +what? The probability was that he was either riding to Elmhurst, or to +some rendezvous with Fagin. Some plan had been interrupted by Clinton's +sudden march, by the British defeat at Monmouth, and Grant was risking +his commission, braving the charge of desertion, for some private +purpose. This might be love of Claire, revenge upon Eric, or possibly +both combined. The latter would seem most probable. He would use Eric in +some way to threaten the sister, to compel her to sacrifice herself. She +was of a nature to do this, as was already abundantly proved by her +assumption of male attire to save Eric's reputation. My own +responsibility loomed large as I reached this conclusion, and remembered +her appeal for help. She, also, must suspect the truth, and had turned to +me as the only one capable of unravelling the mystery. She trusted me, +loved me, I now believed--and, under God, I would prove worthy her faith. +With teeth clinched in sudden determination I caught up with my little +squad of plodding horsemen, and, with word of command, hurried them into +a sharp trot. + +Riding ahead, boot to boot with Conroy, I thought out a plan for action, +and finally, in the gray of the morning, told him enough of the story to +arouse his interest. Just before sunrise we passed Elmhurst, the great +white mansion appearing silent and deserted. There was no halting, +although we turned in the saddle to look, and my eyes swept over the +troopers trotting behind us. They were a sturdy lot, their faces bronzed +from exposure, their uniforms stained and dust-covered. + +"Regulars?" I asked, nodding back across my shoulder. + +"Not a man but has seen two-years' service," he replied proudly. +"Hamilton knows the troop, and he picked us out." + +"I may need them for a bit of desperate work." + +"They'll do it, sir, never fear." + +"Good, sergeant; we'll ride hard, and trust to getting fresh horses in +Philadelphia. I'll tell Arnold the story. When we arrive there have your +men get all the sleep they can. I'll attend to rations and ammunition. +You are simply to have the men rested and ready. Cannot we make better +time? The horses seem in good condition." + +We passed swiftly over the level country, meeting a few stragglers, but +paying them small attention. Farrell's shop was closed and locked, and we +halted there merely long enough to water our animals. The road was now +clear to the river, although we passed numerous footmen wearily trudging +westward. These were army riffraff, however, few being in uniform. By two +o'clock we were on the banks of the Delaware, and a half-hour later, I +swung down stiffly from the saddle in front of Arnold's headquarters on +High Street. + +He was an officer I never greatly liked, with his snapping eyes and +arrogant manner, but he was courteous enough on this occasion, +questioning me after reading the despatch, and offering me a glass of +wine. + +"You look tired, Major, and must rest before you start back. I shall have +my report ready by sundown." + +"General Arnold," I said, standing respectfully hat in hand, "I have a +favor to ask,--that you will send your report by some other messenger, +and give me a detail for special service." + +He looked up in surprise. + +"Special service, sir! But you are not assigned to my command." + +"That is true, General," I insisted, "but the conditions warrant the +unusual application." + +"What service is contemplated?" + +"An attempt to kill or capture Red Fagin, and release a scout whom I +believe he holds prisoner." + +"You hope to accomplish all this alone?" + +"With the assistance of the sergeant and ten dragoons who came here with +me. They are in camp now on the Jersey shore." + +He walked across the room, stared out of the window, and then again faced +me. + +"By Gad, sir, this is a most extraordinary request. Damme, I'd like to +get hold of Fagin all right, but I need to know more of your plan, and +the reason you have for asking such a detail. It looks foolhardy to my +mind." + +I went over the situation carefully, watching the effect of my words in +the man's face. He sat at the table now, leaning forward eagerly. Arnold +had the reputation of a gallant, and my first reference to a young lady +aroused him. + +"The name, please--you mentioned no name." + +"Claire Mortimer, sir." + +"Ah! Ah! I remember her well. Danced with her myself. Now go on, sir; I +can appreciate the tale better from my recollection of the fair heroine." + +I was not long at it, although he interrupted me occasionally by shrewd +questioning. As I concluded he kept silent a moment, looking at me from +under his heavy brows. + +"It looks like rather a blind trail to me, Major," he said kindly, "but +I'm no spoil-sport in such an affair. You might have the luck to stumble +onto your party, and I'd take the chance myself if I were in your shoes. +You wish to start at sunset?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You need horses, rations, and pistol ammunition for twelve men?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Very well, Major, the quartermaster will attend these details. Go and +lie down. Washington may not approve, but I'll take the responsibility." + +He extended his hand across the table, and I felt the firm clasp of his +fingers. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +I RUN ACROSS ERIC + + +I slept three hours, the dead sleep of sheer exhaustion, but felt +refreshed and strong when roughly aroused. Before sunset I was across the +river, where I found my little squad of Dragoons prepared for their +night's adventure. Arnold had kept his word, the fresh horses being fine +animals, the ammunition in excess of our needs. Conroy was enthusiastic, +and somewhat loquacious, but I cut his conversation off rather sharply, +and ordered the men into their saddles. With brain clarified by sleep I +realized the importance of the work before us, and how imperfect my plans +were. I could merely ride forth to Elmhurst, hoping to pick up some clew +to aid me. As we rode rapidly along the deserted road leading to Farrel's +I reviewed over and over again every remembered detail, only to conclude +that I must get hands on Grant, and by threats, or any other available +means, compel him to confess his part in the villainy. Dusk settled about +us, succeeded by night, as we pressed steadily forward, the men riding +silently, the only sound the thud of hoofs, and the slight jingle of +accoutrements. As we passed the black walls of Farrell's shop, I recalled +the papers found in Grant's coat, and the reference in Fagin's note to a +rendezvous at Lone Tree. Probably that was the spot where the two had +been accustomed to meeting. If true in the past, why not now as well? +Suddenly it occurred to me that it was at a place called Lone Tree that +the minute men had gathered for their attack on Delavan's wagon train. +Could this, by any possibility, be the same spot? I drew my horse back +beside Conroy. + +"Ever heard of a place called Lone Tree?" I asked quietly. + +He rubbed his head thoughtfully. + +"Not just about here, sir. We camped over east of there once, maybe a +year ago, down in a hollow where there was one big tree standin' all +alone, kind of an odd lookin' tree, sir, and seems to me, the guide said +the place was called something like that. Say, Tom," to the nearest +Dragoon, "do you remember that Lone Tree where we camped when we were out +huntin' Tarleton?" + +"Sure; in east of Medford. There was a farmhouse across on the side of a +hill. I got some buttermilk there." + +"Wasn't that what the guide called the place--Lone Tree?" + +"Derned if I know, Sergeant. Don't recollect hearin' the guide say +anythin' 'bout that, but the woman at the house told me her place was +called Lone Tree Cottage--so I reckon he might." + +This was a chance worth trying, and would require a detour of but a few +miles. My decision was made quickly. + +"We will take the first turn to the left, and have a look at the place," +I said. "Conroy, you and Tom ride ahead, and keep your eyes open." + +We reached the hollow where the big tree stood, about midnight, but found +little reward. The house on the hill had been burned to the ground. Near +the tree, however, we discovered evidence of recent camp-fires, one not +yet cold, and apparently there had been quite a body of men camped there +lately. Conroy manufactured a torch, and scouted about, finally +reporting: + +"I don't know how many were here, sir, altogether, but there was a lot o' +horses picketed over near the creek. I reckon the last of them didn't +leave until dark to-night, an' they rode north toward the main road. +There was maybe a dozen in that party." + +We followed the general direction the fellows seemed to have taken, +Conroy and I on foot, scanning the trail by aid of a pine knot. The dust +lay thick on the clay road through the cut, where we had charged the +foragers, and it was easy to see the band had turned east. There was but +one conclusion possible; if this was Fagin's gang of cutthroats, as I +suspected, then they were either returning to their sand caves in +Monmouth County after a raid, or else were starting forth on some new +project near at hand. Whichever was true, Elmhurst lay in the direction +taken. Determined to learn the truth, and wishing now I had more men at +my back, we pressed forward, riding rapidly, yet exercising the +precaution of keeping two scouts well in advance. It must have been +nearly three o'clock when we reached the summit of the low hill within a +few hundred yards of the house, and found the two scouts awaiting us. + +My first glance across the ravine revealed the outlines of the house +above the low trees of the orchard. All appeared peaceable enough, and I +felt a sudden relief. There were lights burning on the lower floor, +streaming through several windows, while up stairs one window was ablaze. +Late as it was, this illumination was not surprising, however, as the +care of the wounded man would necessitate night watchers, while, no +doubt, Claire would anticipate my reaching there before morning. All this +flashed over me, as my eyes hastily surveyed the familiar surroundings. +Then I became aware that the older scout was reporting. + +"There's quite a bunch of horses picketed down there in the ravine, sir," +he said, pointing toward the right. + +"How many?" + +"Oh, maybe twenty-five or thirty; Joe an' I couldn't get very close as +there's a couple of men on guard on top of the bank. A hundred feet down +you can see 'em plain against the sky." + +"Wasn't what you saw a cattle herd?" + +"No, sir," positively. "They're horses, picketed in line like a cavalry +troop, and they've got their saddles on." + +What this all meant could not be guessed at, but there must be some +scheme of deviltry under way. There were no regular troops hereabout +belonging to either army, yet the very condition of the country left an +open field for the operation of outlaws. Arnold had barely men enough to +garrison Philadelphia; Washington was facing Clinton; the militia had +been withdrawn, and all this section left entirely unguarded. It was the +very moment for Fagin and his kind to carry on their work of murder and +pillage. + +"Have either of you crossed the ravine?" I asked, endeavoring to reach +some conclusion. + +"Yes, sir, Joe did. He was up in the edge of the orchard." + +"See any men?" + +"Not a man, sir, outside," answered the other. "But I saw shadows against +the curtains on that lower floor. I couldn't tell how many; they just +come an' go, only they wasn't dressed alike." + +One thing was sufficiently certain--we could gain little information +remaining where we were. + +"Sergeant," I said, determining swiftly on a course of action, "take your +men, dismounted, across the ravine, and into the orchard. Keep under +cover, but get as close to the house as you can safely. Picket your +horses back there beside the road." + +"And you, sir?" + +"I'll take Tom with me, and we'll circle that horse herd, and come up to +the house from the rear. I want to discover where those fellows are, and +what they are up to. See this whistle, sergeant?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"It gives a sharp, shrill blast. If I blow it twice, get your men inside +the house instantly. I'll not sound it unless I need you at once. We'll +wait here until you get across." + +They disappeared into the black depths of the ravine, moving cautiously +and with little noise, Conroy leading, the others stringing along behind +in single file. Tom led back the horses while I watched, until convinced +they had attained the opposite bank, and the shelter of the orchard. +There was no sound of movement anywhere, yet it was not long until +daybreak, and any further delay was dangerous. As soon as the Dragoon +returned, I gave him a few words of instruction, and the two of us +plunged down the steep slope, feeling our way through the darkness, but +moving to the right, toward where the scouts had indicated the horses +were being herded. We skirted these, creeping along the opposite bank +behind a fringe of bushes, certain that the darkness concealed our +movements from the two men on guard. Fearful of frightening the animals +we dare not approach close enough to count them, but they stood head to +head to a picket rope nearly across the narrow ravine. We crossed fifty +feet above, gained the top of the bank, and crawled down, sheltered from +observation, until we were directly above the two guards. Peering +cautiously over we could easily distinguish the black outlines on the +hillside below. + +One man was standing up, leaning against the trunk of a small tree, while +the other was sitting on the ground, his head bent forward, and his hat +drawn low over his eyes. Neither uttered a sound, but as my eyes strained +through the darkness I began to perceive details which awakened a new +suspicion. The fellow standing up wore a cap and no coat, and his hands +were clasped about a short, sawed-off gun. He had none of the appearance +of a soldier, but the other man apparently was in uniform, although I +could not distinguish its character. What instantly attracted my +attention was the fact that his hands were evidently tied behind his +back. If this was true then he was a prisoner, and the other had been +stationed there to guard him, and not the horses. Tom perceived this as +soon as I, for I felt his fingers grip my arm, and, when I glanced around +at him, he pictured his suspicions in pantomime. I nodded agreement, +sinking down behind the ridge, until my lips were at his ear. + +"Creep around the edge of the rock there," I said, pointing. "That will +bring you at his back, and not more than five feet away. Can you do it?" + +He nodded grimly. + +"Leave your weapons here," I added, "and when you spring, get hold of his +gun so he cannot fire. I'll cover him the instant you strike. Go on." + +He unbuckled his belt, and crept along to the right, so noiselessly that +even I, watching his snake-like movement, could hear no sound. The guard +did not move his head, and the other remained motionless, his face bent +almost to his knees. Down below the horses stomped restlessly, and +switched their tails. Watching each motion like a hawk, I saw Tom dip +over the crest, and worm his way down behind the rock. Then he +disappeared, until, as he cautiously arose to his feet, his head and +shoulders emerged shadowy just beyond. Realizing he was ready, I got to +my knees, gripping a pistol butt. Without a warning sound the Dragoon +leaped, his arms gripping the astounded sentinel with the hug of a bear. +He gave utterance to one grunt, and then the barrel of my pistol was at +his head. + +"Not a word!" I said sternly. "Unclasp his belt, Tom. Yes, take his gun. +If he moves, or utters a sound, shoot him down." + +I wheeled to face the other, who had lifted his head, and was staring at +us through the darkness. He was no longer a mere shapeless shadow, but a +slender, straight figure, and my heart gave a sudden throb. + +"Who are you?" I asked sharply. "Eric Mortimer?" + +"Yes," he answered, in evident surprise. "Do I know you?" + +"No," and I cut the rope binding his ankles. "But I was searching for +you. I am an officer of Maxwell's brigade; my name is Lawrence. Tell me +first what has happened,--why you are being held prisoner." + +He stretched his cramped arms and legs, lifting his hat so that I saw his +face dimly. In the gloom his resemblance to Claire was so remarkable that +I involuntarily exclaimed: + +"Heavens! but you look like your sister!" + +"Like Claire! they all say so; you know her?" + +"It is at her request I am here; you need not fear to tell me your +story." + +"Oh, I do not. I can see your uniform. But damn it, I don't know any too +much about what is up myself. This is Red Fagin's outfit." + +"I thought so. Where did he get you? How long have you been a prisoner?" + +The boy laughed recklessly, his eyes upon the others. + +"Well, my story is a short one, Lawrence. I had a fellow in the British +service who occasionally gave me information. Word came to me to meet him +at a certain spot--" + +"You mean Captain Grant?" + +"Hell! How did you know that?" + +"Never mind; I do know--so you can go on." + +He hesitated, as though suspicious of me, yet finally resumed. + +"I had no intention of speaking names." + +"Oh, let that pass. You may think Grant all right, but the rest of us +know he is at the bottom of the whole matter." + +"You mean he betrayed me?" + +"There is no doubt of it. He is in with Fagin." + +The lad drew a long breath. + +"I half suspected it," he said slowly, "only it didn't seem possible. Now +listen, and perhaps together we can make something out of all this. I +went to the place where we were to meet, and had a talk with Grant--yes, +it was Grant all right. He told me some things, but needed a day or two +to get other information. While waiting I came over here to Elmhurst, and +found Claire. She's the kind of a girl you can tell things to, and I +wrote out what I had learned, and left some of my papers. Then I went +back to Lone Tree. It was dark when I got there, and I rode right into +Fagin and three of his men. They had me before I could lift a hand." + +"Just wait a minute, Mortimer," I broke in, becoming suddenly aware there +was a grayness in the eastern sky. "I want to creep in toward the house +while it remains dark. You can tell the rest as we go along. Tom, take +these ropes and tie your man up. Make him safe, and then come along after +us." + +"All right, sir. I'll fix the lad so he'll be safe enough for a while." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +WE ATTAIN THE HOUSE + + +"Come on, Mortimer, and we'll soon find out what is going on." I turned +to the prisoner. "Where are the rest of your gang?" + +"You'll find out fer yerself, Mister," he answered sullenly, "an' maybe +damn quick too." + +"They are in the grape arbor to the south of the house," broke in Eric. +"That was where Fagin told them to lie quiet and wait orders." + +"Then we will explore along the north side, keeping the fence between us. +I've got a handful of men over there in the orchard. If you are both +ready we'll go." + +I took a look myself at Tom's rope-tying, and found it satisfactory. +Indeed, in remembrance of my own suffering, I even loosened the strain a +little, confident the fellow could never free himself unaided. Then the +three of us, Mortimer armed with his late guard's gun, crawled up over +the edge of the bank, ran without stopping across the open space, and +crouched in the shadow of the fence. It was still dark, although a faint +gray tinged the eastern sky-line, barely perceptible through the +intervening trees. The great house, a hundred yards away, was but a +blurred outline, distinguishable by the lights shining out through open +windows. At that distance no sound reached us. However, if Mortimer was +right, the way would be clear for our passage along the front, under +shelter of the fence, even though a sentry was posted there, and we could +creep up to the walls on the opposite side unobserved. All we needed to +do was to advance with caution. Whispering directions into the ears of +the others, I moved forward slowly, Mortimer close to my shoulder. I +could see across the top rail of the fence, and the open space beyond +yielded no point of concealment. + +"Tell me the rest of your story," I said, speaking softly, "as we go +along. Where did Fagin take you?" + +"To a sand cave; we rode a night and a day to get there." + +"Treat you all right?" + +"Well as he could, I suppose. I had enough to eat, but was guarded +closely, and the fellows were a bit rough." + +"Did you gain no inkling of what they were up to?" + +"No; the men I saw knew nothing, or pretended not to. I only saw Fagin +twice. Once he came to assure himself that I was really myself. Somebody +told him I was with Delavan in a fight over near Lone Tree." + +"That was your sister." + +"What! You don't mean it was Claire?" + +"But I do. I chanced to be in that affair myself, and saw her. Later she, +with three others--Peter, an Indian, and an Irishman--captured me, +mistaking me for some one else, and took me to Elmhurst. As soon as she +learned my identity she acknowledged her error. But I have not learned +yet why she was with Delavan, or for whom she mistook me." + +The lad drew in his breath sharply, gripping me by the shoulder. + +"By the Lord Harry!" he exclaimed excitedly. "There isn't another girl in +the Colonies who would have done it. I'll bet I can explain, but even I +didn't think she would ever have the nerve to perform such a deed. I told +you I left my papers there. I forgot them when I changed my clothes. You +see I came out wearing the uniform of a British Dragoon Lieutenant, and +had it all planned out to join Delavan, and guide him toward Philadelphia +over the Lone Tree road. Just before I left our camp at Valley Forge on +this trip I received orders from Washington to keep my eyes open for a +courier riding from Philadelphia to New York with Clinton's plans of +evacuation. Hamilton seemed to know all about this, and sent me special +instructions. I talked of it with Claire, planned how I was going to +waylay him, and together we fixed up those servants as soldiers to help +me carry out the deception." + +He paused, chuckling, and I halted, eager to learn the rest. + +"And when you disappeared; when, perhaps, she heard of your capture, or +suspected it, she assumed the discarded uniform and went forth in your +stead." + +"That's it, Lawrence. She would, if she thought it was right; if she +believed such an act necessary to save my reputation. I'll bet she found +the papers in my pocket, and mistook you for Clinton's despatch bearer." + +"There is no doubt of it," I said soberly. "And that wasn't all she did +to protect you. It was the talk at Lee's headquarters that you had +deserted. She stamped that a lie, by riding into our lines day before +yesterday, bringing an exact report of where Clinton was marching. I +didn't see her, but I heard all about it, and you get the credit. +Washington told me with his own lips, and granted her permission to +remove your father, who was badly wounded, to Elmhurst." + +"Good God! Are they here now?" + +"They must have reached here early yesterday morning. I passed them on +the road at ten o'clock. Grant had just joined their party, claiming to +be hunting after deserters." + +He clung to the fence rail, staring out toward the house. + +"Grant! Do you know, I believe that fellow is at the bottom of this whole +affair. He's in love with Claire, and--and he's working some scheme to +gain power over her." + +"Several schemes, I think," I returned heartily. "I've nipped two of them +in the bud already. Someway, Mortimer, he got possession of those +instructions you received from Washington and Hamilton. I ran into him +over there on the lawn, back of the summer-house. He was threatening +Claire, trying to drive her into marrying him offhand. We had a bit of a +fight, and I got the best of it. When I left I wore his coat, and later +found your papers in his pocket. Do you remember how they were +addressed?" + +He shook his head. + +"Simply 'Mortimer.' It occurred to me he could turn them over to Clinton, +accuse the Colonel of treason, and share in the confiscation of this +estate, or else hold them as a threat over your sister. I burned them." + +He was silent for a long minute, breathing hard; then he thrust out his +hand and clasped mine. + +"The damned villain!" he ejaculated, his voice trembling. "Every move he +has made has been an attempt to ruin us. I can see it now. Do you suppose +Claire really cares for the fellow?" + +"I am very sure she does not." + +"Then what, in heaven's name, does she let him hang around for? I always +hated the sight of his black face and infernal grin, but somehow, I +thought she rather liked him. I wonder if he can be there now! If he is, +then he and Fagin are up to some devilment." + +"And what that may be we'll never discover by talking here," I put in +sternly, suddenly realizing we were wasting time. "Come, let's get around +to the north side." + +We came in back of the summer-house, and had just left the road, when +three horsemen galloped past, straight up toward the front door, which +stood wide open. The black shadow of a man appeared in the glow of light, +shading his eyes as he looked out into the darkness. + +"Is that you, Culver?" + +"Yes," sullenly, the speaker swinging down from the saddle. + +"Well, you've been a hell of a while getting here. Fagin will skin you +alive; it's nearly daylight already." + +"Did the best I could; the cantin' hypocrite wasn't at home; had to go +clear to Medford after him. Come on now, get out o' that!" + +He dragged the centre figure roughly from his horse, and hustled him up +the steps. + +"The ol' fool thinks we're goin' to kill him, I reckon; been prayin' for +an hour past. Bill got so mad he choked him twice, but it didn't do no +good. Here, take him along in, will yer, and let us hustle some grub." + +The man addressed grabbed the limp figure far from gently, and hustled +him through the door. As the others disappeared, leading the three +horses, Mortimer grasped my sleeve. + +"That's preacher Jenks," he whispered, "from down at the Cross Roads. +What can Fagin want of him?" + +"If Fagin is Grant's tool, and Grant is here," I answered soberly, "I am +ready to make a guess at what is up." The recollection of the Captain's +threat at the summer-house instantly recurred to memory. "Here, you lads, +skulk down into these bushes, while I try that balcony. That is the +library, isn't it, Eric? I thought so; I've been under guard there twice. +The window shows no light, but some one is in the room beyond. Give me a +leg up, Tom, and stand close so you can hear if I speak." + +It was not high from the ground, but I could not grip the top of the rail +without help. With Tom's assistance I went over lightly enough, and +without noise. The window was the one which had been broken during the +first assault on the house, and never repaired. I found ample room for +crawling through. The door into the hall stood partly ajar, a little +light streaming through the crack, so I experienced no difficulty in +moving about freely. A glance told me the apartment was unoccupied, +although I heard the murmur of distant voices earnestly conversing. +Occasionally an emphatic oath sounded clear and distinct. My first +thought was that the men with me would be better concealed here than in +the bushes below, and I leaned over the rail, and bade them join me. +Within another minute the three of us were in the room intently +listening. I stole across to the crack of the door. The hall was empty so +far as I could see looking toward the rear of the house, and the voices +we heard were evidently in the dining-room. Occasionally there was a +clatter of dishes, or the scraping of a chair on the polished floor. One +voice sang out an order to a servant, a nasal voice, slightly thickened +by wine, and I wheeled about, gazing inquiringly into Mortimer's face. + +"That's Grant," he said quickly, "and half drunk." + +"I thought so; that's when he is really dangerous. Stay close here; if +the hallway is clear I am going to get into the shadow there under the +stairs. Have your weapons ready." + +Where the fellow was who had been at the front door I could not +determine. He had disappeared somehow, and I slipped along the wall for +the necessary ten feet like a shadow, and crept in beneath the shelter of +the staircase. From here I could look into the room opposite, although +only a portion of the space was revealed. There was no cloth on the +table, and but a few dishes, but I counted a half-dozen bottles, mostly +empty, and numerous glasses. Grant was at one end, his uniform dusty and +stained, but his eyes alone betraying intoxication. Beside him was a +tall, stoop-shouldered man, with matted beard, wearing the coat of a +British Grenadier, but with all insignia of rank ripped from it. He had a +mean mouth, and yellow, fang-like teeth were displayed whenever he spoke. +Beyond this fellow, and only half seen from where I crouched, was a +heavy-set individual, his face almost purple, with a thatch of uncombed +red hair. He wore the cocked hat of a Dragoon, pushed to the back of his +head, his feet were encased in long cavalry boots, crossed on the table, +and he was pulling furiously at a pipe, the stem gripped firmly between +his teeth. Who the bearded man might be I had no means of knowing, but +this beauty was without doubt Fagin. I stared at him, fascinated, +recalling the stories of his fiendish cruelty, my heart thumping +violently, while my fingers gripped the butt of my pistol. Then, without +warning, a man stepped out of the darkened parlor, passed within three +feet of my hiding place, and stood within the dining-room door. The three +within looked at him, and Fagin roared out: + +"What is it now? Heard from Culver?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +THEY SEND FOR CLAIRE + + +I could only see the fellow's back, with hair hanging low over the +collar, but his voice was clear. + +"Got here five minutes ago. The preacher is locked in the parlor." + +"By God! Good! Now we can play out the game, eh, Captain? Or," turning +about suspiciously, and staring at the other, who sat with eyes shaded by +one hand, "are you weakening as the time draws near?" + +"Hell's fire! No! We gave her a choice, and she only laughed at it. I'll +go on now to spite the wench; only I think we should bring in the boy +first, and prove to her that we've actually got him." + +Fagin emptied the glass in his hand, giving utterance to an oath as he +replaced it on the table. + +"Yer as chicken-hearted drunk as sober, Grant," he said coarsely. "Did +yer hear the fool, Jones, an' after all I've told him?" + +The bearded man nodded silently, his eyes shifting from one face to the +other. Fagin grinned, and poured out another drink. + +"Now listen again," he went on, half angrily. "That boy's worth money ter +us--a thousand pounds,--but it wouldn't do yer any good ter be mixed up +in the affair, would it? What chance would yer have in this estate, or +fer yer commission either, if Howe or Clinton got an inklin' of yer game? +Good Lord, man! they'd hang yer instead of the other fellow. You'll have +ter lie some as it is, I reckon, ter explain why yer left Sir Henry, an' +came down here. Have yer got that fact inter yer brains?" + +Grant glared at him wickedly, but remained silent across the table. + +"Yer already in bad enough, without huntin' more trouble. Better leave +the boy alone. I thought, at first, we'd have ter use him, but I don't +now. Let the girl believe he's deserted, and that yer in a position ter +help him. That will serve yer purpose better than the other scheme. It +may awaken her gratitude, her sweet love!" + +"Damn her love!" + +"So it isn't love, eh, that makes yer so anxious. I thought as much. What +is it, then--revenge?" + +Grant held his breath a moment, his dull eyes on the faces of the two +men. + +"Well, I might as well tell you," he snarled at last. "I loved her once, +I guess; anyhow I wanted her badly enough. I want her now, but not in +just the same way. I want to show her I'm the master. I want to give her +a lesson, and that cub brother of hers. I'd have got them all, the +Colonel with them, if that damned Colonial spy hadn't stolen my coat. I +had them, dead to rights, Fagin, and the papers to prove it. Now I don't +care how it's done, so I get her. I thought she'd marry me to save the +boy, but if she won't, why then, you carry out your plan--what is it?" + +Fagin laughed, again emptying his glass. + +"Easy enough. She's alone, except fer her father, and he can't get out of +bed. We've got Jenks here, an' the damned old coward will do whatever I +tell him." + +"But she despises me--" + +"Oh, no! We'll make you a victim. That will leave things in proper shape +between yer two. We'll play it off as a drunken lark--eh, Jones? My God! +it won't be the first time we've done the trick either. Do you remember +that love-sick couple over at Tom's River, Ned? Never laughed so much in +my life. This is a better one. Lord! but won't old Mortimer rave, an' +mighty little good it will do him. Come, what do yer say, Grant? Are yer +game?" + +"Hell's fire--yes." He got to his feet, gripping the back of his chair. +"Bring--bring 'em in; this is a good place." + +Fagin struck the table with his fist. + +"Of course it is, drink ter the bride after the ceremony. Bill, bring in +the preacher." + +It was growing daylight. I could perceive the glow of the sky out through +the window, but the candles still sputtered on the table, casting grim +lights and shadows on the faces of the three men. As Bill disappeared +into the parlor, I stole silently back to the library door. What could be +done was not entirely clear, but I proposed to defend Claire in every way +possible. + +"Tom," I whispered briefly, "find the boys, and bring them in here, +through that broken window. They are in the orchard to the right, and +there are no guards in front. Move lively, but be quiet." + +"What is it, Major?" asked young Mortimer, eagerly. + +"I can't explain now. I must get back where I can see and hear. But there +is going to be a fight. Hold the men ready here until I call. See that +their weapons are in good order." + +I caught the glint of his eye, but could wait no longer. Indeed I was +scarcely back, snuggled under the stairs, when Bill came forth, gripping +the collar of his prisoner's coat, and urging him down the hall. I +crouched lower, the morning light threatening to reveal my hiding place, +yet with mind more at ease, now I knew the men were close at hand. Within +five minutes the entire squad would be crowded into that room, eager for +trouble to begin. Probably Fagin did not have a half-dozen fellows in the +house. If we could strike swiftly enough we might overpower them all, +without creating alarm outside, where the main body lay. Some +carelessness had brought us good luck in having the front of the house +left unguarded. These thoughts swept over me, and left me confident. The +time had come when I was to serve her, to prove my own worthiness. I felt +ready and eager for the trial. + +I caught a glimpse of Jenks's face, as Bill jerked him forward. The man +was gray with terror, his parchment-like skin seamed and contorted. He +was a tall, loose-jointed creature, wearing a long black coat flapping +about his knees. The guard fairly held him up in the doorway, and both +Fagin and Jones laughed at the pitiful sight, the former ending his roar +with an outburst of profanity. + +"Go on back ter the front door, Bill," he ordered roughly. "This +fellow'll never run away; his legs wouldn't carry him. Now, Mr. +Preacher," glowering savagely at the poor devil across the bottle-strewn +table, "do yer know who I am?" + +Jenks endeavored to answer, from the convulsive movement of his throat, +but made no sound. Fagin cursed again. + +"If it wasn't such a waste of good liquor I'd pour some of this down your +gullet," he exclaimed, shaking a half-filled bottle in his fist. "Then +maybe you could answer when I spoke to you. Now, see here, you canting +old hypocrite, I'm Red Fagin, an' I guess you know what that means. I'm +pisen, an' I don't like your style. Now you're goin' to do just what I +tell you, or the boys will have a hangin' bee down in the ravine. Speak +up, an' tell me what you propose to do." + +Jenks wet his dry lips with his tongue, clinging to the sides of the door +with both hands. + +"I--I am the Lord's servant," he managed to articulate, "and have taken +no part in this unholy war." + +"You're a cheerful liar, but don't try snivelling on me. You are too big +a coward to go out yourself, but you're hand in glove with Farrell. Oh, I +know you, sneaking saint; I've had my eyes on you a long while. Now it's +do as I say, or hang; that's all, Jenks, an' I'm cussed if I care very +much which you choose." + +"What--what is it you wish of me?" his uncertain gaze wandering over the +three faces, but coming back to Fagin. + +"You are to marry this officer here to a young lady." + +"What--what young lady?" + +"Mortimer's daughter--Claire is the name, isn't it, Grant? Yes, Claire; +you know her, I reckon." + +I could hear the unfortunate man breathe in the silence, but Fagin's eyes +threatened. + +"Is--is she here?" he faltered helplessly. "Does she desire the--the +ceremony?" + +"That doesn't happen to be any of your business," broke in Fagin bluntly. +"This is my affair, an' the fewer questions you ask the better. If we +want some fun, what the hell have you got to do with it, you snivelling +spoil-sport! I haven't asked either of them about it. I just decided it +was time they got married. Stand up, man, and let go that door," he drew +a derringer from his belt and flung it onto the table. "There's my +authority--that, an' fifty hell-hounds outside wondering why I don't loot +the house, an' be done. Do you want to be turned over to them? If you +don't, then speak up. Will you tie them, or not?" + +Jenk's eyes wandered toward Jones, who stared blankly back at him, yellow +fangs showing beneath his beard. + +"Why--of course--yes," he faltered weakly. "I--suppose I must." + +"Don't seem much chance to get out, does there, parson? Well, I reckon it +won't hurt your conscience particularly. Bill! Where's Bill?" + +"You sent him to guard the front door," explained Jones. + +"That's right, I did. You'll do just as well. Go up stairs, an' bring the +girl down. She's with the old man, an' Culberson is guarding the door. +Better not say what she's wanted for. Just tell her Captain Grant wishes +to speak to her a moment." + +Jones straightened up, and pushed past the preacher, the stairs creaking +under his weight as he went up over my head. Grant arose, and stood +looking out the window into the glow of the sunshine, and Jenks dropped +into the nearest chair, still staring across the table at Fagin. For the +first time I seemed to entirely grasp the situation. I got to my feet, +yet dare not move so much as a step, for Fagin was facing the hallway. It +apparently would be better to wait until after the girl came down stairs, +until those in the house were all together, before we struck. I wanted to +know what she would say, how she would act, when she understood what was +proposed. The time allowed me for decision was short, as it seemed +scarcely a minute before I heard their footsteps above. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +A THREATENED MARRIAGE + + +Fagin heard them coming and took his boots from the table, and sat up +straight in his chair; the preacher pushed his back until half concealed +behind the door; Grant never looked around. Jones came into view first, +and behind him walked Claire, her cheeks flushed, her head held high. At +the door she paused, refusing to enter, her eyes calmly surveying the +occupants. + +"You sent for me, sir," she said coldly. "May I ask for what purpose?" + +Even Fagin's cool insolence was unable to withstand unmoved her beauty +and her calmness of demeanor. Apparently he had never met her before, +for, with face redder than ever, he got to his feet, half bowing, and +stammering slightly. + +"My name is Fagin, Mistress," he said, striving to retain his accustomed +roughness. "I reckon you have heard of me." + +"I have," proudly, her eyes meeting his, "and, therefore, wonder what +your purpose may be in ordering me here. I wish to return to my father +who requires my services." + +The guerilla laughed, now angered by her manner. + +"Well, I thought I'd tell you who I was so you wouldn't try any high and +mighty business," he said coarsely, and eying her fiercely. "That ain't +the sort o' thing that goes with me, an' yer ain't the first one I've +taken down a peg or two. However, I don't mean you no harm, only you'd +better behave yourself. Yer know that man over there, don't yer?" + +He indicated with a nod of the head, and Claire glanced in that +direction, but without speaking. + +"Well, can't you answer?" + +"I recognize Captain Grant, if that is what you mean." + +"I was speaking English, wasn't I? Yer ought ter know him--yer engaged +ter him, ain't yer?" + +"Certainly not," indignantly. + +Grant turned about, his face twitching. + +"This is not my fault, Claire," he exclaimed swiftly. "Don't blame me for +it. I am also a prisoner, and helpless." + +She never looked at him, never answered, her entire attention +concentrated on Fagin, who was grinning with enjoyment. + +"That's sure right, young lady," he said grimly. "The Captain is only +obeyin' orders ter save his own neck. There's no love lost atween us, let +me tell yer. But we're not so blame merciless after all, an', I reckon, +we've got about all thar is in the house worth cartin' away. Now we're +goin' to have some fun, an' leave two happy hearts behind. Ain't that it, +Jones? Clinton's licked; Washington has his hands full up north; an' this +hull blame country is ours. Somewhere, Mistress, I've heard tell that you +an' this Captain was pretty thick--how is it?" + +Her eyes exhibited indignant surprise, but, after an instant's +hesitation, her lips answered. + +"I hardly know what you mean, sir. We were children together." + +"An' engaged ter be married--eh?" + +"There was an arrangement of that nature between our parents. But why +should this interest you?" + +He ignored the question, but his eyes hardened. + +"I heard it this way. You were engaged until a few weeks ago. Then you +met a damned Continental, a spy, an' imagined yer fell in love with him. +Now do yer know what interest I've got? I'm with the Red-coats, an' if I +can turn a trick fer that side I'm a-goin' ter do it. You'll be blessin' +me fer it some day. Now, see here, girl, I'm a-goin' ter marry yer off +before leavin' this house. I reckon yer ain't intendin' to make no fuss +about it, are yer?" + +She did not appear to comprehend, to realize the man was in earnest; she +even smiled slightly. + +"Is this some joke, sir, that I fail to grasp?" she asked. "Will you not +explain?" + +"Explain, hell!" and Fagin clapped his hat on his head, uttering a rough +oath. "I spoke plain enough. Yer a-goin' ter marry Grant, here an' now, +an' there's the parson, waitin' ter do the job." + +She partly turned, and as she recognized Jenks, the color deserted her +cheeks, and her hands grasped the side of the door for support. + +"Marry Captain Grant! I?" she exclaimed, horrified. "No, never!" + +"Oh, I guess yer will, my beauty. Good Lord, why not? He's not so bad; +there's many a girl would jump at the chance. Your plantations join, an' +he's a King's officer." + +"Listen to me, sir," she broke in, now cool and determined. "I'll give +you my answer. I have already given it to Captain Grant. I will not marry +him--not even to save this house from destruction; not even to release my +brother from your hands. We can suffer, if necessary, for we are of a +fighting race, but I shall never yield to threats." + +[Illustration: "Let me pass, sir! This is my father's house"] + +She swept past him, around the end of the table, and confronted Grant, +who drew back a step, scowling. + +"So this is your way, is it, to win a woman you cannot gain by fair +means? No, there is no need of your answering; I understand the whole +despicable scheme. You masquerading as a prisoner of this creature! You +are his puppet. I've known it for months. I learned the truth from Eric, +and from that moment I despised you. While I believed you an honorable +soldier I was able to treat you with outward respect, but no longer. You +threatened me with a forced marriage once before, and failed. Now you +endeavor to succeed with the help of this outlaw. But you never shall! +No, do not speak! do not hold out your hands to me! You are not a +prisoner. These men are here at your instigation; you are concerned in +their infamy. I would rather die than have you touch me!" + +She turned her back upon him, her face white, her eyes blazing, but Fagin +stood between her and the entrance, grinning savagely. + +"Let me pass, sir; this is my father's house." + +"Not while I am here, Mistress," he snarled, without moving. "The old man +isn't ridin' after me with a squadron of cavalry to-day. This happens to +be my turn to give orders, and yer to obey! Do yer hear--yer'll obey! +Those weren't pretty words yer spoke to Grant, but they don't hurt me +none. You damned little spitfire, I'd marry yer myself if I could, just +to break yer spirit. As it is, I'll show yer yer master fer once. So it's +the spy yer want, is it?" + +She stared at him without a word, a depth of hatred but no fear in her +level eyes. + +"Lost yer tongue, have yer? Well, we'll find it fer yer fast enough. +What's the fellow's name?" + +"To whom do you refer?" she asked, her passage blocked. + +"The Continental who's put Grant out of the running?" + +"I presume you mean Major Lawrence, although no one has authority to +couple my name with his." + +"Oh, indeed! I'll show yer authority in plenty, Mistress. Come, now, I'm +done discussing this matter. As long as yer father isn't able ter attend +ter this affair I am a-goin' ter act in his place. We'll have a loyalist +marriage, by God! an' have it now. Step out here, Jenks, an' get busy! +Come, move, you coyote--Jones, hustle him along. Now, Captain, there's a +good place ter stand, in between those windows. Mistress Claire--" + +I was all ready, pistol in hand, burning with a determination to shoot +Fagin down, yet her voice halted him. + +"Wait!" she cried, standing erect and scornful. "I will not consent to +this. I am going to leave this room." + +"Oh, I reckon not," and he leered into her eyes. "Don't rouse me, or +yer'll find out I'm a wolf ter bite. Yer get back there beside Grant, or +I'll make yer." + +"You will? You dare not!" + +"Don't I, Mistress?" he cried savagely, "I'll show yer." + +He reached forth one great hand, the fingers gripping her sleeve, but she +wrenched away, the cloth tearing as she sprang back. + +"Fagin, I know you, but I am not afraid of you. I know you for a cruel, +cold-blooded murderer, an outrager of women, a thief, and an outlaw. No, +you cannot stop me now. You are a low-down cowardly cur, making war on +women and children, sneaking around in the paths of armies, plundering +and looting the helpless. I despise you and every man associated with +you. Neither you, nor all your company, can make me marry Captain Grant. +I will die first. No, don't move, and don't think you are dealing with a +frightened girl. I am desperate enough, but I can act--" + +"Hell! Jones, take that hell-cat by the arms!" + +"Jones will do nothing of the kind--and you--stand back, Fagin; don't +dare to lay a hand on me again!" + +Her face was white, her lips set, her eyes blazing, but Fagin, assured of +her helplessness, laughed, and stepped forward. From what hidden +concealment it came I know not, but there was the flash of a polished +barrel, a sharp report, the whirl of smoke, and the brute went backward +over a chair, crashing to the floor, with hands flung high over his head. +I was aware of the swift rush of a body past me, of steps going up the +stairs, and then, with a yell, my men poured out from the library into +the hall. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV + +THE FIGHT IN THE HALL + + +Scarcely comprehending that Claire had escaped from the room, I was swept +forward by the onrush of bodies. The preacher was knocked headlong +beneath the table, but Fagin lay motionless underfoot. Jones and Grant +turned to a door at the right, and I leaped after them. One of the two +fired, and the ball struck my shoulder, the impact throwing me back +against one of my men. An instant I felt sick and dizzy, yet realized I +was not seriously hurt, and managed to stagger to my feet. The door was +closed and locked, and, although my head reeled, I began to think +clearly. + +"The other way, lads!" I cried. "Quick, into the hall!" + +We tumbled out through the narrow entrance, and I found myself next to +Eric. But we were too late to head off the fugitives, or prevent their +achieving their purpose. In through the rear door, confused as to what +had occurred, yet shouting fiercely, poured Fagin's wolves, seeking +trouble. They were a wild, rough-looking lot, ill-dressed, and dirty even +in that dim light. For an instant, congested within the limits of the +hallway, both sides paused, staring at each other in mutual surprise and +hesitation. Then I heard Jones's bellow of command, and Grant's nasal +voice profanely ordering them to come on. With us there remained no +choice; we must fight it out where we were, regardless of numbers. + +"Fire! you damned fools--fire!" roared Jones, and there was a crashing of +guns, the dense smoke swirling between us. A Dragoon at my right went +sprawling; another behind gave vent to a yell as he plunged head first +down the basement stairs. There was the sound of splintering wood, of +breaking glass. I felt the blood in my veins leap to the fever of it. + +We were upon the fellows with a rush, firing in their very faces, and +leaping madly at them. There was little room between the walls, barely +space for a half-dozen to fight in, shoulder to shoulder, but those +behind, eager to strike also, pressed us so recklessly that we hurled +them back. To me it was all confusion, uproar, deadly fighting. I could +think of nothing to right or left, only of the struggling devils in my +front. Faces, forms, came and vanished in the swirl of smoke, brown +gun-barrels whirled before me, flashes of fire burned my eyes, strange +features, bearded, malignant, glared at me. I leaped straight at them, +striking fiercely. Once I saw Grant, and aimed a blow at him. Then he was +gone, swallowed in the ruck. There were oaths, shouts, shrieks of pain, +groans, the heavy breathing of men, the crunch of feet, the dull +reverberation of blows, the continued firing of those behind. It was all +an infuriated babel, the smoke thickening until we gasped for breath, +barely able to see. + +Our mad onrush swept them back, helpless, demoralized. I stumbled over +bodies, slipped in pools of blood, yet kept my feet. Every muscle ached; +I was cut and pounded, yet drove into the mass, shouting to those behind, + +"Come on, lads! Come on! We're driving them!" + +A yard, two yards, three,--beyond the door where the men had escaped we +won our way. Then they could go no further. Blocked, unable to retreat, +wedged helplessly against the far end of the hall they turned like +cornered rats. I could see nothing of Jones, but I heard him, raging like +a fiend. + +"Now, you curs, now!" he stormed. "You cowardly scum--perhaps you'll +fight when you can't run! What are you afraid of? There's only a handful, +you can chew 'em up, if you will! Push 'em back, there! Push 'em back!" + +With a yell of rage, those crushed against the wall hurtled forward, +driving the others; men were lifted and hurled at us; others gripped at +our feet; by sheer force of numbers they swept us backward. It was hand +to hand, neither side having time to reload their weapons. The smoke +rose, permitting a view of the shambles. There was a tangle of arms, a +jumble of faces. They were maddened beasts, desperate, revengeful. Hands +clutched at us, gun butts were thrust into our faces, the crush too dense +to permit of their being swung overhead. My Dragoons had their sabres +out, and stood to it like men, the steel blades dripping as they tasted +blood. But killing one only brought a new man to the front. One does not +see so much as feel in such a jumble. Yet I knew we were worsted, +outnumbered. They came at us like a battering ram. I saw the sergeant +shot through the forehead; I saw Eric go down beneath a crushing stroke, +and roll under my feet. I stepped on bodies, fighting for my own life as +I never fought before. Somewhere I had gripped a gun out of dead fingers, +and swung it savagely, smashing the stock at the first blow, but +retaining the twisted iron. The intensity of excitement seemed to clear +my brain. I began to distinguish voices, to notice faces. I heard Grant +yell safely in the rear; I heard Jones's roar, "To hell with 'em! To hell +with 'em!" Out of the murk of struggling figures I made out his black +beard, the gleam of yellow fangs, and leaped toward him, striking men +down until I was able to swing at his head. He went over like a stricken +ox under a butcher's axe, knocking aside two men as he fell. It gave me +chance to spring back out of the _mêlée_. + +"To the stairs, men! The stairs!" I cried. "We can hold them there!" + +I cannot describe now how we made it, but we did. I only know Tom and I +held the rear, sweeping circles of death with our whirling gun-barrels, +falling back step by step as we fought. At last I felt the bottom stairs +with my foot, and heard a voice shout, + +"Come up, sir! We'll hold 'em now!" + +Then I was above the heads of the mob, gripping the rail, and sobbing for +breath. There followed a moment's wait, an instant of hesitancy. I began +to see and feel once more. Below us the hall was jammed with men, so +closely pressed together as to be almost helpless. Blood streamed from a +cut in my forehead, nearly blinding me, but I wiped it away, and took one +glance at their angry upturned faces, and gained a glimpse of my own men. +There were but six of us, and one of these lay helpless propped against +the wall. Tom and I stood alone, his face blackened by powder, his shirt +ripped into rags; the other three were above, pistols in hand. + +"Are they loaded?" I gasped. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Stand ready then, but look out for above; there was a guard up +there--Tom." + +He turned his face slightly. + +"Move back a step or two more; we've got to hold them." + +"All right, sir." + +I felt weak from loss of blood, my head reeling, and had to hold to the +rail. Below us, growling like wild beasts, but seemingly leaderless, the +mob crushed forward to the foot of the stairs. Suddenly I saw Grant, and +the sight of him gave me new life. + +"You black-faced hound," I called down angrily. "You've kept yourself +safe so far. Now come on." + +He snarled some answer, what, I know not. There was an empty pistol in my +belt, and I flung it at him with all the force of my arm. He dodged, the +weapon striking the man behind. With a howl of rage the fellows leaped +toward us, bearing Grant on the crest of the wave. The pistols of the +Dragoons cracked; three fell, blocking the stairs with their bodies. We +had room now in which to swing our iron bars, and we battered them like +demons. I lost sight of Grant, the red drip of blood over my eyes making +all before me a mist. I only knew enough to strike. Yet fight as we could +there was no holding them. We were forced to give way. Guns began to spit +fire. I saw the wounded Dragoon dragged down under the feet of the mob; +hands gripped my legs, and I kicked at the faces in my effort to tear +loose. Tom reeled against the wall, his arm shattered by a blow, and one +of the men above came tumbling over me, shot dead. The fall of him +cleared the stairs an instant; then the rail broke, and several toppled +over with it. I stumbled back almost to the top, sweeping the hair and +blood out of my eyes. What--what was the matter? They were running, those +fellows down there--struggling, fighting among themselves to get away. +Oaths, yells, cries of sudden fear, made a perfect babel. I could not +understand, could not grasp the meaning of the sudden panic. Who were +those men surging in through the front door, pouring out through the +library? Then a voice roared out: + +"Bedad, they're Fagin's hell-hounds, byes--ter hell wid 'em!" + +Where had I heard the voice before? I sank down, too weak to stand, my +head hanging over the edge of the stairs. Some hand drew me back, but I +had no strength left. Only I could think--and the truth came to me. +Camden militia! Camden militia! By all the gods, Farrell was there! It +was the voice of the Irish minute man heard the night we captured +Delavan's raiders. Then I closed my eyes, and forgot. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI + +SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE + + +I was unconscious, yet not for long. The first touch of water served to +revive me, and I became aware that an arm supported my head, although +everything was indistinct before my eyes. + +"More water, Mike," said a voice close at hand. "Yes, that will do. Where +is Farrell? Oh, Dan, this is Major Lawrence." + +"One of the Dragoons said he was in command. Hurt badly?" + +"No, I think not; but utterly exhausted, and weak from loss of blood. +They put up a game fight." + +"Only three on their feet when we got in. Hullo, Lawrence, getting back +to the world, lad?" + +"Yes," I managed to answer, feeling strength enough to lift myself, and +vaguely noticing his features. "Is that you, Farrell?" + +"It certainly is," cheerfully. "Duval has his arm about you, and the +Camden boys are herding those devils down below. You had some fracas from +the way things look. How many men had you?" + +I rubbed my head, endeavoring to recollect, staring down into the hall. +It was filled with dead and wounded men, and at the foot of the stairs +was a pile of bodies. + +"Twelve, altogether," I replied finally. "They--they were too many for +us." + +"Three to one, or more, I should judge. We got here just in time." + +I was up now, looking into their faces, slowly grasping the situation. + +"Yes," I said, feeling the necessity of knowing. "How did it happen? What +brought you? Washington--" + +"All natural enough. Clinton got away night before last with what was +left of his army. Left fires burning, and made a forced march to the +ships at Sandy Hook. Left everything to save his troops. Washington, +realizing the uselessness of holding them longer, sent most of his +militia home. About six miles out there on the pike road a half-crazy +preacher named Jenks came up with us. He was too badly frightened to tell +a straight story, but we got out of him that there was a fight on here, +and came over as fast as our horses would travel." His eyes swept the +hall. "Five minutes later would have been too late." + +The name of Jenks recalled everything to my mind instantly. In spite of +Duval I gripped the broken rail and gained my feet, swaying slightly but +able to stand. My hand still grasped the twisted rifle barrel, which I +used as a cane. + +"But Farrell, the girl! Do you know anything about the girl?" + +"What girl? Do you mean Claire Mortimer? Is she here?" + +"Yes, her father is lying helplessly wounded up stairs, and she must be +with him. Eric is somewhere in the hall, either dead or wounded. I saw +him fall just as we retreated to the stairs." + +Farrell leaned over and called to some one below. + +"Not yet, sir," was the answer. + +"Well, hunt for him. Now, we'll go up and find Claire. Major, can you +climb the rest of the stairs? Help him, Duval." + +I experienced no great difficulty, my strength coming back rapidly. There +was a wounded Dragoon leaning against the wall, and half-way down the +hall lay another body, face down. Without doubt this was the guard Fagin +had stationed there. Duval paused to help the wounded man, but Farrell +and I moved on across the dead guard to the open door beyond. Colonel +Mortimer, unable to move, was propped up on his pillow, one hand grasping +a pistol. With shaking arm he levelled it at us. + +"Who are you? Quick, now!" he quavered. "I've shot one, and I'm good for +more." + +"You know me, Colonel," and Farrell stepped inside. "I am 'Bull' Farrell; +this is Major Lawrence." He looked at us with dull eyes, his hand falling +weakly. + +"Farrell--Farrell--surely, the blacksmith. What Lawrence? The--the +officer Claire knows?" + +"Yes; he's a rough-looking object I admit, but there has been a fight +down below, sir, in which he had a share. We've just cleaned out Red +Fagin's gang. We came up here to tell the good news to you and your +daughter." + +The Colonel's head sank back upon the mussed pillow. + +"My daughter--Claire--she is not here." + +"Not here!" I cried, aroused by the admission. "Did she not return to +you?" + +"No; they came for her to go down stairs--a tall man with a black beard, +and two others. They took her away an hour ago, and I have seen nothing +of her since. I--heard the shots, the sound of fierce fighting, but could +not move from the bed. Tell me, Major, what has become of my little +girl?" + +"I do not know," I confessed, gazing about in bewilderment. "She came up +the stairs, I am sure. It was just as the fight began, and I had scarcely +a moment to observe anything before we were at it fiercely. She shot +Fagin down, and then ran." + +"Shot Fagin! Claire!" + +"Yes; she was justified. Had she not acted so quickly I would have done +so myself. He was forcing her into marriage." + +"Into marriage! With whom?" + +"Captain Grant," I answered passionately. "It was a deliberate plot, +although he pretended to be innocent, and a helpless prisoner. Later the +man fought with the outlaws against us; after Jones was killed he even +assumed command." + +"He has been hand and glove with those fellows from the first, Colonel," +chimed in Farrell hoarsely. "I've known it, and told Lawrence so a month +ago. I only hope he was killed down below. But what can have become of +Claire?" + +"She never passed along here," insisted Mortimer, "for I haven't taken my +eyes from that door." + +"Then she is hiding somewhere in those front rooms. Come on, Lawrence, +and we'll search them." + +We went out hurriedly, leaving the wounded man lying helplessly on the +bed, and stepped carelessly across the dead sentinel lying in the +hallway. The memory of Peter recurred to me. He was not the kind to +desert his mistress at such a time. Stopping Farrell, I stepped back to +inquire. The Colonel opened his eyes wearily at sound of my voice. + +"He is not here," he explained slowly. "Both Peter and Tonepah were sent +away to find a surgeon, and have not returned. We anticipated no danger +here with Captain Grant present." + +I ground my teeth savagely together, recalling the treachery of the +latter, his insults to Claire, his deceiving of Eric, his stealing of +papers, hoping thus to ruin his own Colonel, his alliance with Fagin, his +selling of British secrets. Here was a villain through and through and I +hoped he had already paid the penalty. If not, I vowed the man should +never escape. But the thought of the missing girl came back, driving all +else from my mind. She was in none of those rooms we searched, nor did we +discover the slightest evidence of her having been there. As I stood in +the door of the deserted music-room staring helplessly about, a sudden +possibility occurred to me. Ay! that must be the truth, the full +explanation of her vanishing. She had come flying up the stairs, +frightened, desperate,--so far as she knew, alone against Fagin's +unscrupulous band. She had not returned to her father, or escaped by way +of the hall. Where then could she have gone? The secret staircase, down +which she had hurried me, and which was known only to herself, Eric and +Peter. I gripped Farrell's arm eagerly. + +"You know this house well--did you ever hear of secret passages in it?" + +"I have heard it whispered in gossip," he answered, "that such were here +in the old Indian days. Why?" + +"Because it is true. The girl hid me here from Grant. And that is where +we will find her. The opening is there by the false chimney, but I have +no conception of how it works; she made me turn my back while she +operated the mechanism." + +He stooped down, and began search along the fireplace, and I joined him. +Together our hands felt over every inch of surface. There was no +response, not even a crack to guide us. At last he glanced aside, and our +eyes met. + +"Who knew of this beside Claire?" he asked. + +"Eric and the servant Swanson. She told me she and her brother discovered +it by accident through reading an old memoranda." + +"And the Colonel is not aware of its existence?" + +"I understood not. Do you know if the boy lives?" + +He left the room, and I heard his voice calling down the stairs, but did +not distinguish the words of reply. I was still on my knees when he +returned. + +"He is alive, but unconscious, Lawrence. Do you consider it impossible +for her to escape from here alone, providing she took refuge in this +place?" + +"I could find no opening, except underground, and that is blocked now." I +shuddered at the thought. "Besides, she must be in utter darkness, for I +used all the candles." + +"Then we must get axes, and cut our way in. Wait here, and I will bring +up some of the men." + +I straightened up as he left the room, and my eyes looked into a small +mirror above the open grate. Good Heavens! Could that be my reflection! +Bareheaded, my face streaked with blood and dirt, my coat rags, my shirt +ripped to the waist. I scarcely looked human. In sudden burst of anger I +reached out and gripped the mirror, jerking it savagely. Then I sprang +back. Slowly, with a faint click of the mechanism, the mantel-place was +swinging open. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII + +A CONFESSION OF LOVE + + +I could scarcely believe my eyes as the mantel swung slowly outward, +revealing the black hole beyond. I glanced about helplessly, and sprang +to the door of the room to call back Farrell. He was not in the upper +hall, but as my eyes swept its length I remembered a half-burned candle +in the chamber opposite. By the time I returned with it lighted, the +mantel had turned on its pivot, leaving the way clear. The narrow stair +was vacant, stretching down into the black depths. I listened, my heart +throbbing, but no sound came from below. Could she be there? Was there +any other secret passage by which she could have disappeared? I shuddered +at memory of what it meant to be shut up in that dismal hole, without the +companionship of light. Fearful of some accident I paused long enough to +wedge a heavy piece of furniture in the opening, and then, shading the +bit of candle, began groping my way down. I had reached the lower floor +before the flickering yellow rays revealed any evidence of her presence. +Then I saw a girl lying head down upon the table. My hand touched her arm +before she moved, but then she faced me, wild-eyed, the pistol gleaming +in the candle-light. + +"Claire! Claire!" I exclaimed, startled at her sudden movement. "Surely +you know me." + +For the instant she did not, her eyes full of terror. + +"No! no!" she cried hysterically. "Oh, it cannot be! It is a dream! +You--you--tell me who you are?" + +I caught her hand, the pistol falling to the floor, and placed the +candlestick upon the table. + +"It is no dream, dear. I am Allen Lawrence, and I have come for you. I +know I look disreputable enough, but there has been fighting--surely you +know me now." + +She caught her breath quickly, clinging to me with both hands--her eyes +softening as she studied my face. + +"Allen--Allen Lawrence!" she repeated softly. "Oh, I can scarcely believe +it true. Let me feel of you. I--I believe I was going insane--the dark, +the awful dark, and, and no way out--no way out." + +"Yes, yes, I understand," I whispered, drawing her to me. "I was hidden +here once, remember. But it is over with now." + +"But--how did you find a way to me? I--I never thought until it was all +over that I had shut myself in here to die. I was so frightened. I just +ran and hid. Oh, you cannot conceive what I had gone through." + +She drew away from me, and again hid her face on the table. + +"Oh, but I can, Claire," and I bent over her, my hand fondling her hair. +"I was there in the hall below, ready even then to act in your defence. I +heard all that was said, saw all that was done." + +"You--you were there?" sobbing out the words. "You saw me kill him?" + +"Yes, and had you delayed another instant I should have done it." + +"Then--then," she glanced up, tears dimming her eyes, "you do not blame +me? You do not think me a wicked wretch?" + +"I think you a brave, noble woman," I burst forth. "How could I feel +otherwise? Look up, little girl; I want to see your face. No, don't +shrink back from me. There is no cause. I know the whole story without +your speaking a word. You asked me to come back to help you, and I came." + +"Yes," she whispered, "I know. You have been so good." + +"Good! I loved you, dear. From the moment I lifted you out of the way of +that mob in Philadelphia, I have loved you. I did not understand much +that occurred, but I have never doubted you. Now I realize the cause of +your masquerade and know you were justified. I can bring you good +news--Eric is not a traitor, but was a prisoner, captured by Fagin, and +held at Grant's request. We found him bound and under guard out yonder, +as we approached the house." + +"And he is here now?" + +"Yes; he was hurt in the fight, and is still unconscious, but will live." + +"His reputation--" + +"Is safe. Washington believes he brought him the news of Clinton's route +of march, and will never know otherwise." + +She arose to her feet, standing straight and slender before me, the +flickering light of the candle on her face. + +"Major Lawrence," she began, "I wish to get out of here--it seems like a +grave to me,--but I must speak first. Oh, I am so glad I have +accomplished what I endeavored to do for my brother. Captain Grant tried +to make me believe him a deserter, but I would not. When he failed to +come back to me as he had promised, I could hardly determine what my duty +was. I knew his plans, his orders, and the thought came that I should +carry these out myself. We looked sufficiently alike so that this could +be done with little danger of discovery. He had uniforms concealed here, +and I felt driven to impersonate him. I do not insist that I did right; I +do not know--only it seemed right to me. Then--then," her voice faltered, +"I met you, again and again, and I--I began to doubt myself. I had no one +to confide in, no one to advise me. I was simply compelled to go ahead, +and keep my own secret. The only ones I knew I could absolutely trust +were our old house servants." + +"You doubted me even?" + +"Yes, at first, but you must not blame me. We met strangely; you were a +gentleman and an officer; I felt sure of this, and was tempted oftentimes +to tell you my story. But before I dared do so, you--you spoke of other +things and--and then I was afraid." + +"Afraid of what?" and I caught her hand in mine. "That a knowledge of +what you were attempting to accomplish would turn me against you?" + +Her eyes fell, shaded by the long lashes. + +"Yes; once, do you remember I almost began a confession, when you spoke +of your old-fashioned mother, and her conception of womanhood. How could +I tell you then that I had dressed as a man, and played the part of a +spy? I--I thought you might despise me, and--and I wished so to retain +your respect. It was an accident we were with Delavan that night. We were +endeavoring to waylay a courier, and rode suddenly into his party. I had +to invent a tale on the spur of the moment. Major Lawrence, now that you +know all, tell me the one thing I must know before we join the +others--would you wish your own sister to do as I have done?" + +"Not to pass through the dangers, surely," I returned eagerly, "but I +should rejoice at her loyalty, and be proud of her. Claire, Claire, there +has never been in my heart aught but love for you. As Lady of the Blended +Rose, as daughter of a Colonel of Queen's Rangers, even in the disguise +of a Dragoon, I have never questioned the depth of your womanhood. Once I +guessed you a British spy, yet ceased not to love you. Am I to have my +reward? You know little of me, as you say, but as an officer and a +gentleman, I ask you to repeat again what you whispered to me once out +yonder under the stars--do you remember, dear?" + +"It was only to compel you to leave me." + +"And now it is an invitation to remain." + +Her eyes were uplifted to mine. Slowly I drew her toward me, her arms +were upon my shoulders, and our lips met. + +"I love you," she said slowly. "Yes, dear, I love you." + +Above us, his head thrust through the opening, Farrell called: + +"Have you found her, Major? Shall I come down?" + +"It's not necessary." + +"The Colonel is half crazy, and the boy is getting back his senses." + +We went up together, I bearing the candle in one hand, and helping her +along the circular stairs with the other. In the upper hall I glanced +below, but the bodies of the dead had been removed. Farrell stood +bareheaded, a great figure on his short legs. + +"This has been a fine night's work," he said steadily, "the last of +Fagin's gang." + +"Dead?" + +"Ay, and Grant with him--begging your pardon, mistress." + +Her eyes glanced from his face into mine, and my hand-clasp tightened. It +was thus we went in together, and stood beside the Colonel's bed. + + THE END + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +By MR. PARRISH + +Love Under Fire: With Five Illustrations in Full Color and a Full-Color +Wrap, by Alonzo Kimball. _Net $1.35._ + +Keith of the Border: A Tale of the Plains. With Four Illustrations in +Full Color and a Full-Color Wrap, by W. Herbert Dunton. _Net $1.35._ + +---------------------------------- + +When Wilderness Was King: A Tale of the Illinois Country. +Illustrated by the Kinneys. + +My Lady of the North: The Love Story of a Gray-Jacket. +Illustrated by E. M. Ashe. + +A Sword of the Old Frontier: A Romance of the Time of Pontiac's Conspiracy. +Illustrated by F. C. Yohn. + +Bob Hampton of Placer: A Tale of Two Soldiers of the Seventh. +Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller. + +Beth Norvell: A Romance of the West. +Illustrated by N. C. Wyeth. + +Prisoners of Chance. +Illustrated by the Kinneys. + +The Last Voyage of the Donna Isabel: A Romance of the Sea. +Illustrated by Allen T. True. + +My Lady of the South: A Story of the Civil War. +Illustrated by Alonzo Kimball. + +_Each, Crown 8vo, $1.50._ + +---------------------------------- + +Don Mac Grath: A Tale of the River. +Illustrated by John W. Norton. _Crown 8vo, $1.50._ + +Historic Illinois: The Romance of the Earlier Days. +With Map and Fifty Illustrations. _$2.50 net._ + +The Great Plains: The Romance of Western American Exploration, +Warfare, and Settlement, 1527-1870. With Numerous Illustrations. +_$1.75 net._ + +---------------------------------- + +A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers, Chicago. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES + +1. Punctuation has been normalized to contemporary standards. + +2. List of books "By Mr. Parrish" moved to end of text. + +3. Frontispiece illustration moved to after title page. + +4. Typographic errors corrected from original: + p. 31 seen to see ("you can see") + p. 59 surpressed to suppressed ("suppressed excitement") + p. 202 addresed to addressed ("The man addressed as Colonel") + p. 367 SEACHING to SEARCHING ("SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE") + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of My Lady of Doubt, by Randall Parrish + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY LADY OF DOUBT *** + +***** This file should be named 18633-8.txt or 18633-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/6/3/18633/ + +Produced by Roger Frank, Carol Wilbur and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: My Lady of Doubt + +Author: Randall Parrish + +Illustrator: Alonzo Kimball + +Release Date: June 20, 2006 [EBook #18633] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY LADY OF DOUBT *** + + + + +Produced by Roger Frank, Carol Wilbur and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<table width="450" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="" border="1"> + <col style="width:80%;" /> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 220%;"><br/>MY</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 220%;">LADY OF DOUBT</span><br /> + <br /><br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%;">BY</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 140%;">RANDALL PARRISH</span><br /> + <br /><br /> + <span style="font-size: 80%;">AUTHOR OF "LOVE UNDER FIRE," "MY LADY OF</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 80%;">THE NORTH," ETC., ETC.</span><br /> + <br /><br /><br /> + <span style="font-size: 80%;">WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS IN</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 80%;">FULL COLOR BY ALONZO KIMBALL</span><br /> + <br /> + <div class='figcenter' style='width: 300px; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> + <img src='images/emblem.png' alt='' title='' /> + </div> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 100%;">CHICAGO</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 100%;">A. C. McCLURG & CO.</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 100%;">1911</span><br /> + <br /> + </td> + </tr> +</table> + +<hr class='major' /> + +<p class='center'> +<span class="smcap">Copyright</span><br /> +A. C. McCLURG & CO.<br /> +1911<br /> +<br /> +Published October, 1911<br /> +<br /> +Entered at Stationers' Hall, London, England<br /> +<br /> +PRESS OF THE VAIL COMPANY<br /> +COSHOCTON, U. S. A.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class='major' /> + +<div class='figcenter' style='width: 300px; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="illus-001" id="illus-001"></a> +<img src='images/frontispiece.jpg' width='300' alt='Claire' title='' /><br /> +<span class='caption'>Claire</span> +</div> + +<hr class='major' /> + +<h2>Contents</h2> +<div class="smcap"> +<table border="0" width="550" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<col style="width:30%;" /> +<col style="width:60%;" /> +<col style="width:10%;" /> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER I</td><td align="left">A PERILOUS MISSION</td><td align="right"><a href="#r8992">9</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER II</td><td align="left">WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES</td><td align="right"><a href="#r2227">18</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER III</td><td align="left">THE FÊTE OF THE AFTERNOON</td><td align="right"><a href="#r2198">27</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER IV</td><td align="left">THE MISCHIANZA</td><td align="right"><a href="#r8132">38</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER V</td><td align="left">THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r1240">48</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER VI</td><td align="left">THE THREAT OF SWORDS</td><td align="right"><a href="#r2890">59</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER VII</td><td align="left">THE ONE HOPE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r1530">70</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER VIII</td><td align="left">THE BLACKSMITH</td><td align="right"><a href="#r9899">80</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER IX</td><td align="left">TANGLING THREADS</td><td align="right"><a href="#r7817">92</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER X</td><td align="left">WITH MINUTE MEN</td><td align="right"><a href="#r1376">103</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XI</td><td align="left">THE CAPTURE OF THE WAGON TRAIN</td><td align="right"><a href="#r9291">113</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XII</td><td align="left">A CAPTURE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r5760">124</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XIII</td><td align="left">INTRODUCING PETER</td><td align="right"><a href="#r8865">134</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XIV</td><td align="left">I INTERVIEW PETER</td><td align="right"><a href="#r1087">144</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XV</td><td align="left">A NEW COMBINATION</td><td align="right"><a href="#r3273">154</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XVI</td><td align="left">AGAIN THE LADY</td><td align="right"><a href="#r7899">164</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XVII</td><td align="left">ENTOMBED</td><td align="right"><a href="#r4564">175</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XVIII</td><td align="left">THE REMAINS OF TRAGEDY</td><td align="right"><a href="#r6692">186</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XIX</td><td align="left">THE QUEEN'S RANGERS</td><td align="right"><a href="#r3484">196</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XX</td><td align="left">AT CROSS PURPOSES</td><td align="right"><a href="#r2387">207</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXI</td><td align="left">AGAIN THE CELLAR-ROOM</td><td align="right"><a href="#r3725">219</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXII</td><td align="left">THE LADY'S PLAN</td><td align="right"><a href="#r9394">230</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXIII</td><td align="left">WORDS OF LOVE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r7043">241</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXIV</td><td align="left">I UNCOVER CAPTAIN GRANT</td><td align="right"><a href="#r9565">250</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXV</td><td align="left">BETWEEN LOVE AND DUTY</td><td align="right"><a href="#r5738">260</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXVI</td><td align="left">FORCING CLINTON TO BATTLE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r4577">269</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXVII</td><td align="left">THE FIGHT AT MONMOUTH</td><td align="right"><a href="#r6581">281</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXVIII</td><td align="left">THE ROAD TO PHILADELPHIA</td><td align="right"><a href="#r1137">291</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXIX</td><td align="left">THE ESCORT</td><td align="right"><a href="#r4343">301</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXX</td><td align="left">BEFORE GENERAL ARNOLD</td><td align="right"><a href="#r9530">310</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXXI</td><td align="left">I RUN ACROSS ERIC</td><td align="right"><a href="#r5166">320</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXXII</td><td align="left">WE ATTAIN THE HOUSE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r1527">332</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXXIII</td><td align="left">THEY SEND FOR CLAIRE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r9211">342</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXXIV</td><td align="left">A THREATENED MARRIAGE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r5576">351</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXXV</td><td align="left">THE FIGHT IN THE HALL</td><td align="right"><a href="#r2023">359</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXXVI</td><td align="left">SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r8961">367</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER XXXVII</td><td align="left">A CONFESSION OF LOVE</td><td align="right"><a href="#r4998">375</a></td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<h2>Illustrations</h2> +<table border="0" width="550" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations"> +<col style="width:90%;" /> +<col style="width:10%;" /> +<tr><td align="left">Claire</td><td align="right"><a href="#illus-001">Frontispiece</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the nearest candle"</td><td align="right"><a href="#illus-002">16</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this was my home?"</td><td align="right"><a href="#illus-003">166</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"Let me pass, sir! This is my father's house"</td><td align="right"><a href="#illus-004">354</a></td></tr> +</table> + +<hr class='full' /> + +<h1>MY LADY OF DOUBT</h1> + +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r8992" id="r8992"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2><h3>A PERILOUS MISSION</h3> +</div> + + +<p>Several of us had remained rather late that evening about the cheerful +fire in front of my hut,—for the nights were still chilly, although it +was May, and the dreadful winter passed,—discussing the improved +condition of our troops, the rigid discipline of Baron de Steuben, and +speculating on what would probably be attempted now that Sir Henry +Clinton had succeeded to the command of the forces opposing us. I +remember Maxwell joined us, together with Knox of the artillery, each +man with a different theory of campaign, but alike agreeing that, in +spite of all we had endured during those months of suffering and +privation at Valley Forge, the time to strike once again was near at +hand, although our numbers were barely half that of the enemy.</p> + +<p>It must have been midnight when I crept into a bunk, and, even then, +found sleep absent, my eyes gazing out<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> through the open door to where +the embers of the fire glowed red, and a sentinel paced back and forth +in regular monotony. Suddenly he halted, and challenged hoarsely, +flinging forward his gun. There was an indistinguishable answer, and, as +I straightened up, the figure of a man blotted out the doorway.</p> + +<p>"Major Lawrence?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. What is it?" I swung to the floor, unable to recognize the voice. +The man's hand rose to salute.</p> + +<p>"I am Colonel Gibbs' orderly. General Hamilton wishes you to report at +once at headquarters."</p> + +<p>"The Potts house?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>I dressed hastily, my pulses throbbing with eagerness. Whatever the +message meant, there was certainly some purpose of vital importance in +sending for me at this unusual hour, and I was boy enough still to +welcome any form of active service. No duty of the war had so tried me +as the long winter of waiting. Yet, rapidly as I moved, the orderly had +disappeared before I got outside, and I picked my way as best I could +alone through the darkness, along the rear of McIntosh's huts, until I +reached the low fence surrounding the Potts house. Here a sentinel +challenged, calling the corporal of the guard, and in his company I +trudged up the path to the front door. There was a light showing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> +through a window to the left, although the shade was closely drawn, and +a guard stood within the hall. At the first sound of our approach, +however, a side door was flung open, letting forth a gleam of +illumination, and I perceived the short, slight figure of Hamilton, as +he peered forward to get a better glimpse of my face.</p> + +<p>"All right, Corporal," he said tersely, gripping my hand. "Come in, +Major; your promptness would seem to indicate a readiness to get into +service once more."</p> + +<p>"I had not yet fallen asleep," I explained, "but we are all eager enough +for action of any description."</p> + +<p>He smiled cheerily.</p> + +<p>"You will soon be busy, never fear." He closed the door behind us, and, +with a glance, I viewed the room and its occupants. It was a small, low +ceilinged apartment, containing a table, a dozen chairs, and a high +commode. A few coals glowed in the wide fireplace, and the walls were +dingy with smoke. Three candles, already burning low, gave fitful +illumination, revealing four occupants, all known to me. At an open door +to the right stood a sweet-faced woman, glancing back curiously at my +entrance, and I whipped off my hat bowing low. Once before I had seen +her, Mistress Washington, and welcomed the gracious recognition in her +eyes. Colonel Gibbs stood before the fireplace<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> motionless, but my +glance swept past him to the calm, uplifted face above the pile of +papers littering the table. He was not looking at me, but his eyes were +turned toward his wife.</p> + +<p>"It is not necessary for you to retire," he said quietly. "We shall not +detain this gentleman except for a few moments."</p> + +<p>"It is not because of the Major's coming I withdraw," she replied +pleasantly, "but the hour is late, and I am very tired. Good-night, +all."</p> + +<p>Washington's eyes were upon the door until it closed; then he turned +slightly, facing me. Before he spoke again, Hamilton broke in:</p> + +<p>"This is the officer, sir, recommended by General Maxwell—Major +Lawrence of the Maryland Line."</p> + +<p>I bowed silently, and the commander rose to his feet, extending his +hand.</p> + +<p>"No doubt we have met before," he said slowly. "You have been with us +for some time?"</p> + +<p>"My first action was at Harlem, sir."</p> + +<p>"You could not have been at Valley Forge during the past winter, +however?"</p> + +<p>"I was with the Marquis de la Fayette at Albany."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes," his face clouding at the recollection. "A young officer, +Hamilton, but capable, no doubt. You have used him before, you said?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, at Long Island, and he entered New York once at my request."</p> + +<p>Washington's gray eyes were still on my face.</p> + +<p>"Lawrence is a Massachusetts name."</p> + +<p>"Not exclusively," I returned, "as our branch are Virginians."</p> + +<p>The stern lines about the mouth relaxed into a smile.</p> + +<p>"Indeed; from the Eastern shore then. I recall now having once met a +Judge John Lawrence, whose wife was a Lee."</p> + +<p>"My father, sir."</p> + +<p>His hand rested firm on my shoulder, as his glance turned to Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"I require no further commendation, Colonel. You will find the papers in +the second drawer. Please explain all the details carefully to Major +Lawrence."</p> + +<p>He bowed toward me, and sank back once more into his chair, one hand +shading the eyes that still regarded us. Hamilton opened the drawer +designated, extracted an official document, and addressed me rapidly in +lowered voice.</p> + +<p>"This is a simple duty, Major, but may prove a dangerous one. You have +been selected because of previous successful efforts of a similar +nature, but the Commander-in-chief does not order your going; we seek a +volunteer."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Without asking the nature of the service," I answered sincerely, "I +rejoice at the privilege."</p> + +<p>"I knew that, Lawrence," heartily. "That answer accords with your well +earned reputation throughout the army. I will explain briefly the +situation. Early this evening our pickets—or rather some partisan +scouts near Newtown—captured a British officer, in field uniform, on +his way from New York to Sir William Howe in Philadelphia. The prisoner +was brought here, and on examination proved to be Lieutenant Edgar +Fortesque of the 42nd Regiment of Foot. These troops came over with the +last detachment, and arrived in New York less than a month ago. On +searching Fortesque's clothing we found this despatch," holding out the +sealed paper, "which we opened. It is not of any great military +importance, being merely an order for Howe to proceed at once to New +York, taking with him certain officers of his staff, and placing a naval +vessel at his disposal."</p> + +<p>He paused, turning the paper over in his hands.</p> + +<p>"However," he went on slowly, "it affords us the opportunity we have +long been seeking of getting a competent military observer into +Philadelphia. Now that Sir Henry Clinton is in command of the British +forces directly opposing us, it is necessary that we know accurately<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> +their number, state of discipline, guns, and any point of weakness in +the defences of the city. We require also information regarding the +division of troops under Sir Henry's command—the proportion of British, +Hessians, and Tories, together with some inkling as to Clinton's +immediate plans. There is a rumor abroad that Philadelphia is to be +evacuated, and that the British forces contemplate a retreat overland to +New York. Civilian fugitives drift into our camp constantly, bearing all +manner of wild reports, but these accounts are so varied as to be +practically valueless. We must possess accurate details, and to gain +these a man would need to be in the city several days, free to move +about, observe, and converse with the officers of the garrison. Do I +make myself clear?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; you propose forwarding the despatch by an officer who shall +impersonate this captured Lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"Exactly. Fortesque is a young fellow about your age, and build. He has +been in the army only eight months, and in this country less than thirty +days. It is scarcely probable he is known personally to any of the +present Philadelphia garrison. There is a risk, of course, but in this +case it would seem to be small." He picked up a paper from off the +table. "Here is an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> officer's roster of the 42nd Regiment. It might be +well for you to familiarize yourself with a few of the names."</p> + +<p>I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the nearest candle, +while rapidly reviewing in my own mind the duty required. I had no +thought of refusal, yet appreciated to the full the possible danger of +the venture, and felt anxious to make no serious mistake. I had achieved +a reputation for reckless daring, yet this kind of service was hardly to +my liking. To wear British uniform meant my condemnation as a spy, if +discovered, and a death of disgrace. I had been within the lines of the +enemy often before, but always as a scout, wearing the homespun of the +Maryland Line, but this was to be a masquerade, a juggling with chance. +I was not greatly afraid of being unmasked by the officers of the +garrison, but there were those then in Philadelphia who knew +me—loyalists, secret sympathizers with our cause, and not a few +deserters from the army—whom I might encounter at any turn in the road. +The prospect was not alluring, yet a glance aside at the profile of +Washington, now bending low over a mass of papers, instantly stiffened +my resolve. It was work I had no excuse to shirk—indeed no +inclination—so I returned Hamilton's glance of inquiry frankly.</p> + +<p>"You wish me to go at once?"</p> + + +<div class='figcenter' style='width: 300px; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="illus-002" id="illus-002"></a> +<img src='images/facing016.jpg' width='300' alt='"I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the nearest candle"' title='' /><br /> +<span class='caption'>"I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the nearest candle"</span> +</div> + + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>"The +earlier the better. I will furnish passports through our lines, and +hard riding will put you across the neutral ground by daylight."</p> + +<p>"One moment, Major," interrupted Washington quietly. "You were doubtless +acquainted with our late Inspector-General?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," my face darkening.</p> + +<p>"He is now in Philadelphia, and it might be safer were you to avoid +meeting him."</p> + +<p>"General Washington," I said frankly, "I have been loyal to you through +all this controversy, but, nevertheless, have retained my friendship +with General Conway. I believe the misunderstanding between you is +entirely personal, and in no way affects his loyalty to the cause. +Whatever his present relations may be with the British commander, I have +the utmost faith that he would not betray me to either death, or +imprisonment."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear your words," and the kindly face instantly +brightened. "This entire controversy has been most unfortunate, with +wrong no doubt upon both sides. Unquestionably you are right, yet I felt +it my duty to warn you of his presence at Clinton's headquarters. God +bless you, my boy, good-bye."</p> + +<p>I grasped the hand extended across the table, and followed Hamilton from +the room, Gibbs still standing motionless and silent before the +fireplace.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r2227" id="r2227"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2><h3>WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES</h3> +</div> + +<p>A long cavalry cape concealing the British uniform I wore, my horse and +myself were ferried across the Schuylkill, just below the mouth of +Valley Creek, and there, amid the silence and darkness of the eastern +shore, I parted with Hamilton, who had accompanied me thus far, +whispering final words of instruction. My horse was a fresh one, chosen +from the stables of the Life Guard, but the trappings were of the +British service. Within five minutes I was out of sight of the picket +fire on the river bank, riding steadily southeast through the night, +every nerve alert. An hour's riding found me well beyond our outermost +pickets, yet, in fear that I might encounter some body of irregulars, +scouting the neutral ground, I held on to my passport until I perceived +the first flush of dawn in the east. Then, convinced of close proximity +to the British guard-lines, I tore the paper into fragments. Avoiding +all roads, and seeking every bit of concealment possible, it was already +sunrise before I plunged suddenly into a Hessian picket-post, the +distant smoke of the Philadelphia<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> chimneys darkening the sky ahead. +Unable to speak German, my uniform won sufficient courtesy, so that I +was escorted back under guard to an outpost of the Queen's Rangers, +where I explained my presence and rank to a red-faced Captain in Tory +green, so insolent in manner as to be insulting, until I exhibited the +sealed despatch, and demanded to be escorted at once to Sir William +Howe. This brought results, and I entered the city under escort of a +dozen horsemen, their green coats faced with dingy white, cocked hats +flapping as they rode.</p> + +<p>It was thus we came to Callowhill, and the encampment of British +grenadiers, an officer of the 55th Regiment volunteering to guide me to +Howe's quarters in High Street. He was a genial fellow, and pointed out +various places of interest, as we rode more slowly through the streets +close along the river-side, questioning me often upon affairs in New +York, to which I returned such vague answers as pleased me, paying small +heed to the truth. I had never known Philadelphia well, but now it was +so strange as to be peculiarly interesting, many of the houses deserted, +with doors and windows boarded; several of the churches made over into +barracks, or riding-schools; the market closed; the State House filled +with lounging officers; and the streets thronged, even at this early +hour, by a varied uniformed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> soldiery, speaking Cockney English, the +jargon of the counties, Scottish Gaelic, or guttural German, as they +elbowed their passage, the many scarlet jackets interspersed with the +blue of artillery and cavalry, the Hessian red and yellow, the green of +the rifle-corps, or the kilts of the Highlanders. Lancers and Huzzars, +Grenadiers, Light Dragoons and Queen's Rangers mixed, and commingled, +apparently enjoying holiday. There was scarcely a woman to be seen; the +few who did appear being of the lower sort. All along the river were +redoubts, well garrisoned, with black gun muzzles pointing out across +the water. Many houses had been razed, and their <i>débris</i>, together with +the fire ruin of the past winter, gave to everything a look of +desolation. Much artillery was parked in the State House yard, and +several vessels of war were lying at anchor in the stream, while the +entire shore line was filled with barges, decorated as for a <i>fête</i>, a +large force of men laboring about them. My companion, observing my +interest attracted in that direction, reined up his horse to explain.</p> + +<p>"Those are the galleys being made ready for the Mischianza, Fortesque," +he said, waving his hand. "You came to us at a lucky hour."</p> + +<p>"The Mischianza?" I asked, puzzled by the strange term. "Some festival, +you mean?—some gala day?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<p>"'Tis an Italian word, they tell me, signifying medley. The officers +give it in farewell to Sir William, who will sail to-morrow. A pretty +penny it costs. See, there is Major O'Hara now, one of the managers; +there are three others, Sir John Wrottlesly, Major Gardiner, and the +chief engineer, Montresor. Do you know them? No? Oh, I had forgotten you +have only just arrived. You will know them 'ere long, however, for they +are the leaders in such affairs. That is Captain André there with +O'Hara." He waved his hand, and the younger officer lifted his cocked +hat in acknowledgment. "Let us spur over there, Lieutenant, until I get +you a ticket of invitation."</p> + +<p>I followed, careless of the loss of time so I could both see and hear.</p> + +<p>"André, this is Lieutenant Fortesque just in from New York with +despatches for Howe. I have promised him a ticket for to-night."</p> + +<p>The young officer laughingly extended a hand.</p> + +<p>"The more the merrier, Craig. With the 42nd I see, sir; knew your +Colonel well. You'll find America isn't so bad, after you get used to +it. We've had a gay time here, eh, O'Hara? The best of liquor, and the +prettiest of girls, and now we'll show the town something it won't +forget in a hurry." He held out a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> card to me. "Rather ornate, +considering the printers in these colonies; designed it myself."</p> + +<p>It was certainly a handsome souvenir, perhaps six inches by four in +size, engraved as in a shield, yielding a view of the sea, with the +setting sun, and on a wreath the words, "<i>Lucco discendens, ancto +splendore resurgam</i>," while at the top was the General's crest, bearing +the words, "<i>Vive Vale</i>." I have it yet, but as I looked at it then, +sitting my horse on the river bank, and listening to the careless +laughter of those about me, I could think only of that other +half-starved army in whose camp I had been the evening before, and of +those scenes of suffering witnessed during the past winter at Valley +Forge—the shoeless feet, the shivering forms, the soldiers dying from +cold and hunger, the snow drifting over us as we slept. What a contrast +between this foolish boy's play, and the stern man's work yonder. +Somehow the memory stiffened me to the playing of my own part, helping +me to crush back bitter words that I might exhibit the same spirit of +recklessness shown by those about me.</p> + +<p>"A fine conceit, indeed," I confessed, "and if the pageant be equal to +its promise 'twill be well worth the seeing. What is the purpose, +gentlemen?"</p> + +<p>"To give Sir William fit farewell," returned André,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> pleased at my +unstinted praise. "And now that the Lord has sent us a fine day, I can +promise a festival worthy the herald. But, Fortesque, if you would have +audience with Howe, I advise you to get on, for he will have few spare +moments between now and day-dawn to-morrow."</p> + +<p>We parted with much bowing, Craig and I guiding our horses through the +crowded streets, being kept too busy avoiding accidents to exchange +conversation. Howe's headquarters on High Street were not pretentious, +and, except for a single sentinel posted at the door, were unguarded. I +was admitted without delay, being ushered into a large room containing +merely tables and chairs, the latter littered with papers. An aide took +my name, and within a very few moments Sir William himself entered +through a rear door, attired in field uniform. He was of imposing +figure, fully six feet in height, well proportioned, and with a +thoughtful, kindly face. He greeted me with much affability, glancing +hastily over the papers handed him, and then into my face.</p> + +<p>"These do not greatly change my former plans," he said, "but I am glad +to know I can retain my present staff. There was no special news in New +York, Lieutenant?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"None of particular importance, I believe, sir. We landed only a short +time ago."</p> + +<p>"Yes. I understand. You were fortunate to get through here so +easily—the Jerseys are a hotbed of rebellion. Do you return with me by +water?"</p> + +<p>"I believe that was left to my own discretion. I should be glad of a day +or two in Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>"Easily arranged. While I shall leave the city to-morrow so as to give +Clinton a fair field, I shall remain on Lord Howe's flag-ship for some +little time previous to final departure for New York. You had better +mess here with my staff. Mabry," turning to the aide, "see that +Lieutenant Fortesque has breakfast, and procure him a pass good +indefinitely within our lines. You will pardon my withdrawal, as the +officers of the garrison promise me an exceedingly busy day. We will +meet again, no doubt."</p> + +<p>He clasped my hand warmly, and withdrew, leaving me alone with the aide, +half-ashamed, I confess, of having been compelled to deceive. Yet the +very ease of it all stimulated endeavor, and I conversed lightly with +Mabry over the mess table, and, when the orderly returned with the +necessary pass, I was keen to start upon my round of inspection, utterly +forgetful of having been up, and in saddle, all night. Mabry could not +leave his duties to accompany me, but courteously<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> furnished a fresh +horse, and assigned a private of dragoons to guide me about the city. By +ten o'clock we were off, my only fear being the possible meeting with +some acquaintance.</p> + +<p>In this, however, I was happily disappointed, as there were few +civilians on the streets, the throngs of soldiers, off duty for a +holiday, with all discipline relaxed, being boisterous, and considerably +under the influence of liquor. Quarrels between them were frequent, the +British regulars and Loyalists seldom meeting without exchange of words +and blows. The uniform worn, together with my dragoon guard, saved me +from trouble, and I found the fellow sufficiently intelligent to be of +value. I dare not make notes, and yet recall clearly even now the +stations of the troops, together with a clear mental outline of the main +defences of the city. I made no attempt to pass beyond the limits, but, +from statements of the dragoon, and various officers with whom I +conversed, mapped in my mind the entire scheme of defence. Briefly +stated, the line of intrenchments from the Delaware to the Schuylkill +extended from the mouth of Conoquonaque Creek, just above Willow Street, +to the Upper Ferry, nearly on a line with Callowhill Street. These +consisted of ten redoubts, connected with strong palisades, all redoubts +well garrisoned by seasoned troops, the Queen's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> Rangers being at the +extreme right. Within the city proper were the reserves, so scattered in +various encampments as to be easily mobilized, and yet kept separated. +To the north were the Hessians, and next to these came three regiments +of British Grenadiers, with a body of Fusileers. Eight regiments of the +line occupied the slight eminence known as Bush's Hill, while close to +the Ferry was another encampment of Hessians. The Yagers, horse and +foot, were upon another hill near the river, and below them a large body +of infantry of the line. The Light Dragoons and three infantry regiments +were near a small pond. At the Middle Ferry was the 71st Regiment, and a +body of Yagers were at the Point House, opposite Gloucester. Many of +these locations were then outside the city, which extended at that time +from Christian Street on the south, to Callowhill on the north, being +widest between Arch and Walnut, where it expanded from Delaware to +Ninth. However, I visited a number of these encampments, finding in each +merely a small guard retained for the day, the majority of the troops +being off on liberty. Soon after noon these began to throng the water +front, eager to view the coming spectacle. I was, myself, in the Yager's +camp, finishing a late lunch, with a few officers, when the announcement +came that the water procession had started.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r2198" id="r2198"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2><h3>THE FÊTE OF THE AFTERNOON</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I confess that up to this time I had experienced little interest in the +affair. After Valley Forge it was hard for an American soldier to admire +such boy's play, or to enter into the spirit of British fun making. +Besides the danger of my position, the fear of some slip of tongue +betraying me, the knowledge that I was in the very heart of the enemy's +camp, with grim, stern duties to perform and a return journey to +accomplish, kept me nerved to a point where I thought of little else +than my task. But now I dared not remain indifferent, and, indeed, the +enthusiasm of my companions became contagious, and I joined with them +eagerly, as they hurried forth to the best point of view. Once there the +sight revealed aroused me to an enthusiasm scarcely less than that of +those crowding about. Few, indeed, have ever witnessed so gorgeous a +spectacle as that river presented, and I have found many since who have +questioned my description. Yet I write down here only what I saw with my +own eyes,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> little understanding at the time its importance to my future +life.</p> + +<p>Well out in the stream lay the vessels of war—the <i>Fanny</i>, <i>Roebuck</i>, +and <i>Vigilant</i>—together with a long line of transports, stretching as +far as the eye could see, flags flying, and decks crowded with +spectators. At the fore-mast head of the <i>Roebuck</i> fluttered the +Admiral's flag, and the shoreline was jammed with soldiery, the varied +uniforms a maze of colors. The pageant came down with the tide, moving +in three divisions to the inspiring music of several bands, the oars of +galleys and barges keeping exact intervals. These were decked out with +all manner of colors and streamers, and above fluttered the division +flag. As they passed us, the officers beside me named the various +occupants, but I recall now only the first and last, because of my +interest in those aboard. In the leading galley were Sir William, Lord +Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, the officers of their suites, and some ladies. +Lord Howe was facing the other way, but I noticed that Clinton was short +and fat, with a full face and prominent nose. In the last of the boats +stood General Knyphausen, the Hessian commander, very much of a German +in appearance, not tall, but slender and straight. Between these were +flat-boats, covered with green cloth, loaded with ladies and gentlemen, +or else<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> containing bands. Six barges, darting here and there, kept open +space amid the swarms of small boats. Everywhere the eye swept over a +riot of color, and the ear caught a babel of sound. As the last barge +glided by, the man next me growled in disgust:</p> + +<p>"Those are lucky dogs off duty to-day." His eye caught mine. "Why don't +you go after them, Fortesque? There will be plenty of fun afoot yonder +where they land."</p> + +<p>"Where is that?"</p> + +<p>"At the old fort; follow the crowd, and you'll not go astray. Have you a +ticket?"</p> + +<p>"Captain André honored me with one this morning."</p> + +<p>"Then you are good for the first row. Don't miss it, man," with +enthusiasm. "'T will be such a sight as has not been witnessed since the +Field of the Cloth of Gold."</p> + +<p>"A passage at arms, you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Ay! as gorgeous as those of the old-time knights; a fair conceit as I +read the programme. I'd be there now but for the damned orders that hold +me here. If you ride hard you can make the spot before they come +ashore."</p> + +<p>There was no reason I should not go, and much in the glittering prospect +appealed to me. Five minutes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> later I was trotting out of the Yager +camp, pressing passage through the crowds, already headed southward, the +dragoon riding silently at my heels. Mounted men that day were few, and, +doubtless believing we were connected with the pageant, the jam sullenly +parted, and gave us opening, so we reached the site of the old fort as +the barges began discharging their occupants. A glance about, however, +convinced me as to where the lists were to be run, and I headed my horse +in that direction, anxious to gain some point of vantage, before the +throng poured in. Yet, Heaven knows, there were enough present even +then, the green sward overrun, and the few stands crowded. Quite a +considerable space, leading back from the river landing, had been roped +off, and Light Dragoons rode along the lines to keep out invaders; +others guarded the main platform until the more distinguished guests +were seated. Few Philadelphia residents were present, although I saw +some black coats, the crowd being mostly composed of soldiers bent upon +frolic. In the occupied stands, however, were loyalists in plenty, with +a considerable sprinkling of ladies, gaily attired. I saw all this while +striving to spur my horse forward toward where a band played "God save +the King," but should have failed to make it, had not Major O'Hara +caught glimpse of my face above the press. A moment he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> stared at me in +perplexity, and then with a dab of his spur forced the black horse he +rode against the ropes.</p> + +<p>"Damn me if I knew you, Fortesque," he exclaimed cordially. "But come on +through; there's a gate yonder. Fall back now, lads, and let the officer +pass. That's it; ride 'em down if they won't make way. Here's a spot +where you can seen the whole field from the saddle."</p> + +<p>I was somewhat to the right of the big stand, the restive heels of my +horse keeping the crowd away, and with a clear view as far as the river +bank. O'Hara was too busy to stop long, but I was not sorry, as there +was sufficient occurring to rivet attention. It was, maybe, four hundred +yards down a gentle slope to the water's edge, where the line was +forming. This passageway was lined with onlookers, held back by numerous +guards, while to my left extended a square lawn, perhaps one hundred and +fifty yards each way, surrounded by a double rank of grenadiers, the +bayonets gleaming on their guns. This open space was equipped with +everything needed for the coming tourney, and on three sides were tiers +of raised seats. I had barely observed all this when the guns of the +<i>Roebuck</i>, echoed by those of the <i>Vigilant</i>, began to boom a salute, +and the head of the column of marchers began slowly mounting the slope. +All the bands of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> the garrison were in front, followed by the managers, +richly attired, with badges of blue and white ribbon on their breasts. +Behind these appeared, in full dress uniform, gleaming with decorations +and medals, the three specially honored guests, the two generals and the +admiral, the others of the gay party following two by two in long, +interesting procession. The costumes worn were as varied as those of a +masquerade, representing all the changes since the days of chivalry. The +whole line glowed with color, and gleamed with steel.</p> + +<p>Like some great serpent, glittering in the sun, this procession passed +under the triumphal arches, and disappeared as its members took +prescribed positions on the stands, or in the pavilions bordering the +field of contest. As thus arranged the grouping of colors was most +brilliant. In the front of each pavilion were seven young ladies, +attired picturesquely in Turkish costume, wearing in their turbans those +favors with which they meant to reward the knights contending in their +honor. Behind these, and occupying all the upper seats, were the maidens +representing the two divisions of the day's sports—ladies of the +Blended Rose, and ladies of the Burning Mountain. The first wore a white +silk, called a polonaise, forming a flowing robe, open to the waist; the +pink sash was six inches wide, and filled with spangles; the shoes and +stockings<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> were also spangled, and, above all, arose a towering +head-dress, filled with a profusion of pearls and jewels; the veil was +spangled, and edged with silver lace. The ladies of the Burning Mountain +were similarly dressed, except that they wore white sashes, edged with +black, and all their trimmings were of that color. As the veils were +thrown back, and I looked on the bright, animated faces, I thought I had +never before seen such an array of beauty. From the crowd surging around +I heard name after name mentioned, as famous Philadelphia belles were +pointed out, not a few familiar to me, through remembrance of our own +former occupancy of the city—Miss Craig, the Misses Chew, Miss Redmond, +Miss Bond, the Misses Shippen, and others, all of loyalist families, yet +content to play the game of hearts with both armies. Even as I gazed +upon that galaxy of beauty, half angry that Americans should take part +in such a spectacle of British triumph, the field was cleared for the +lists, and a sound of trumpets came to us from a distance.</p> + +<p>Out into the opening rode the contending knights, attended by esquires +on foot, dressed in ancient habits of white and red silk, and mounted on +gray horses. From the other direction appeared their opponents, in black +and orange, riding black steeds, while to the centre advanced the herald +loudly proclaiming the challenge.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> I knew not who they all were, but +they made a gallant show, and I overheard many a name spoken of soldiers +met in battle—Lord Cathcart, Captain André, Major Tarlton, Captain +Scott. Ay! and they fought well that day, those White and Black Knights +on the mimic field, first charging together, shivering their spears; the +second and third encounters discharging pistols; and in the fourth +attacking with swords in most gallant combat. At last the two +chiefs—Lord Cathcart for the Whites, and Captain Watson, of the Guards, +for the Blacks—were alone contending furiously, when the marshal of the +field rushed in between, and struck up their weapons, declaring the +contest done, the honor of each side proven. As the company broke up, +flowing forward to the great house beyond, the vast crowd of onlookers +burst through the guard-lines, and, like a mighty torrent, swept over +the field. It was a wild, jubilant, yelling mass, so dense as to be +irresistible, even those of us on horseback being pressed forward, +helpless chips on the stream.</p> + +<p>I endeavored to press back, but my restive animal, startled by the dig +of the spur, the yells, the waving of arms, refused to face the tumult, +and whirled madly about. For a moment I all but lost control, yet, even +as he plunged rearing into the air, I saw before me the appealing face +of a woman. How she chanced to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> be there alone, in the path of that mob, +I know not; where her escort had disappeared, and how she had become +separated from her party, has never been made clear. But this I saw, +even as I struggled with the hard-mouthed brute under me—a slender, +girlish figure attired as a lady of the Blended Rose, a white, +frightened face, arms outstretched, and dark blue eyes beseeching help. +Already the front of the mob was upon her, unable to swerve aside +because of the thousands pushing behind. In another moment she would be +underfoot, or hurled into the air. Reckless of all else I dug in my +spurs, yelling to the Light Dragoon beside me, even as my horse leaped. +I felt the crush of bodies, hands gripped my legs; soldiers were hurled +right and left, cursing as they fell. I must have hurt some, but had no +thought except to reach her before it was too late. I was struck twice +by missiles, yet burst through, my horse, by this time, frenzied with +fear. I scarcely know what happened, or how it was accomplished—only I +had the reins gripped in my teeth, both my hands free. That instant I +caught her; the next she was on my arm, swung safely to the saddle, held +to me with a grip of steel, the animal dashing forward beneath his +double burden into the open field. Then the Dragoon, riding madly, +gripped the bit, and the affair was over, although we must have galloped +a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> hundred yards before the trembling horse was brought to a stand. +Leaving him to the control of the soldier, I sprang to the ground, +bearing the lady with me. We were behind one of the pavilions, facing +the house, and she reeled as her feet touched the earth, so that I held +her from falling. Then her lashes lifted, and the dark blue eyes looked +into my face.</p> + +<p>"You must pardon my roughness," I apologized, "but there was no time for +ceremony."</p> + +<p>She smiled, a flood of color coming back into the clear cheeks, as she +drew slightly away.</p> + +<p>"I appreciate that, sir," frankly, shaking out her ruffled skirts, "and +you have made knighthood real."</p> + +<p>"Then," I ventured, "may I hope to receive the reward, fair lady?"</p> + +<p>She laughed, a little tremor of nervousness in the sound, but her eyes +full of challenge.</p> + +<p>"And what is that?"</p> + +<p>"Your name; the hope of better acquaintance."</p> + +<p>Her eyes swept my uniform questioningly.</p> + +<p>"You are not of the garrison?"</p> + +<p>"No; a courier just arrived from New York."</p> + +<p>"Yet an officer; surely then you will be present to-night?"</p> + +<p>"The privilege is mine; if sufficiently tempted I may attend."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Tempted! How, sir?"</p> + +<p>"By your pledging me a dance."</p> + +<p>She laughed again, one hand grasping the long silken skirt.</p> + +<p>"You ask much—my name, a better acquaintance, a dance—all this for +merely saving me from a mob. You are not a modest knight, I fear. +Suppose I refuse?"</p> + +<p>"Then am I soldier enough to come unasked, and win my welcome."</p> + +<p>"I thought as much," the long lashes opening up to me the depths of the +blue eyes. "I promise nothing then, nor forbid. But there is Captain +Grant seeking me. If I do not speak of gratitude, it is nevertheless in +my heart, sir," she swept me a curtsey, to which I bowed hat in hand, +"and now, <i>Au revoir</i>."</p> + +<p>I stood as she left me, staring while she crossed the lawn and joined a +dark-faced officer of Rangers. Once she glanced back over her shoulder, +and then disappeared in the crowd of revellers.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r8132" id="r8132"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2><h3>THE MISCHIANZA</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I had not intended to remain in Philadelphia through the night. Already +I had secured the information sought, and now must consider the safest +and quickest method of escape. It seemed to me this night, given up to +revelry, afforded the best possible opportunity for my safely passing +the British guard-lines. To-morrow discipline would be resumed, the +soldiers would return to their posts and the citizens of the city would +again appear on the streets. This would greatly intensify my danger, +for, at any moment, I might encounter some one who knew me, who might +denounce me to the authorities.</p> + +<p>That this was the exact truth of the situation could not be denied, yet, +now, every reckless impulse of my disposition urged me to remain; the +invitation of those laughing blue eyes, the challenge I read in the +lady's fair face, the unsolved mystery of her identity, all combined in +a temptation I found it impossible to resist. As I rode slowly +northward, out of the denser crowd into the almost deserted streets, the +shades of evening<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> already closing about me, the memory of the girl I +had encountered so strangely, and parted with so suddenly, became more +and more alluring, more and more vivid. My thoughts dwelt upon the arch +face, the red lips, smiling to reveal the white teeth, the flushing +cheeks, the mass of soft brown hair revealed beneath the turban, the +mocking laughter in the depths of the blue eyes, and the straight, lithe +figure, as she moved swiftly away to rejoin her friends. Who was she, +this lady of the Blended Rose? this girl with the dignity of rank, and +the carelessness of youth? I must know the answer; it was not in young +blood to run away. Certain facts regarding her were at least clear +already—she must be the daughter of a loyalist, or else related to some +of the English officers; her very presence proved this, while her +selection as one of the ladies of honor, was evidence of high standing +socially. And she had dared me, challenged me with her eyes, to remain, +and learn more. There was no promise, no word spoken I could construe +into a pledge, and yet there was invitation, a suggestion, vague but +comprehended, which youth could not easily ignore. My veins throbbed +with anticipation—already was my arm about the slender waist, my eyes +looking into her own. For a dance with her, a possible understanding, I +was willing to venture life itself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<p>I turned about and glanced at the Dragoon riding behind, half tempted to +question him, but I refrained, not willing to make her the subject of +camp-fire gossip. It would be a more manly course to work this out +myself, and surely I should meet officers at the ball who would gladly +present me to the lady. I should be compelled to attend in field +uniform, yet circumstances would excuse that, and what little I had seen +of her convinced me she was no stickler for conventionality. The duty +soldier was more apt to interest such a personality than any dandy on +dress parade. With a word I dismissed my companion, and turned in to the +camp of the Yagers, sure of a welcome at their mess-table, and a chance +to brush up my soiled clothes.</p> + +<p>It must have been nearly nine o'clock when, in company with a young +cornet, I rode up to the house given up to festivities, and, turning +over our horses to the care of cavalry grooms, climbed the wide steps to +the door leading into the hall. Interested as I was in observing faces, +fearful of possible discovery by some one in the crowd, I failed to note +definitely the many decorations, yet I remember how the wide hall was +hung in green and white, each room opening from it possessing a distinct +color scheme, and how, under the gleaming clusters of lights, and +sparkling of glass chandeliers, the gay uniforms of the officers and +the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> brilliant gowns of the ladies appeared resplendent. The vista of +those great rooms, reflected by numerous mirrors, was a scene of +confusing beauty, with flowers everywhere, soft, glowing carpets +underfoot, and the surging crowds passing back and forth. There was +scarcely a black coat present, to yield touch of sombreness to the +picture, but scarlet and blue, green and white, glowing with profusion +of gold lace, and glittering with medals, together with gleaming +shoulders, ruffles of white lace, and shimmering skirts of silk. All was +a riot of color, rich, bewildering, with smiling faces, and laughing +lips everywhere. In such a spot, amid such surroundings, war seemed a +dream, a far-off delirium.</p> + +<p>Drawn thither by the music, we climbed the broad stairs toward the +ball-room, passing as we did so, in the upper hall, four drawing-rooms +containing sideboards with refreshments. The ball-room itself was a +picture of Oriental magnificence—the walls were delightfully decorated, +the ground-work pale blue, panelled with a small, gold bead, the +interior filled with drooping festoons of flowers in their natural +colors. Below the surface the ground was of rose pink, the drapery +festooned with blue. The effect of these decorations was vastly +increased by nearly a hundred mirrors, decked out with rose-pink ribbons +and artificial<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> flowers, while in the intermediate spaces were +thirty-four branches with wax lights similarly ornamented. No pen of +memory can describe the scene, nor picture in the gallant company, +resplendent in coloring, now moving back and forth in the evolutions of +the minuet.</p> + +<p>My companion disappeared, and, to escape the pressure of those surging +back and forth through the wide doorway, I found passage close to the +wall, and half circled the room, finally discovering a halting place in +the recesses of a window, where, partially concealed myself by flowing +curtains, I could gaze out over the brilliant assemblage. Half ashamed +of the plainness of my own attire, and feeling a stranger and an alien, +I was yet consciously seeking the one face which had lured me there. I +saw fair ladies in plenty, and more than once my heart leaped, only to +discover its mistake. There were so many ladies of the Blended Rose on +the floor as to be confusing, and with their similarity of dress, and +powdered hair, I was never sure until they turned their faces toward me +that my patient search was still unrewarded. Yet if she was indeed upon +the floor I saw her not, and my heart grew heavy with delay. But in this +survey I discovered others—of both sexes—whose names had been +mentioned that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> afternoon, and recognized the faces of a few officers +whom I had met during my wanderings. Surely some of these would present +me to the lady of my dreams could I but see her, learn her name. Before +the music ceased I was convinced she was not among the dancers; I would +search the side rooms, and the apartments below, yet, even as the +company sought seats, soldiers crossed the floor, extinguishing the +lights, and amid laughter, and repartee, the throng surged toward me, +hemming me in closely, as they gathered in eager bunches about the open +windows.</p> + +<p>Enough conversation reached me to disclose a promised display of +fireworks on the lawn, and almost immediately, a magnificent bouquet of +rockets shot up into the black sky, illuminating everything with a glare +of fire. This was followed by the lighting up of the triumphal arch, and +the bursting of balloons high overhead. Attracted by the spectacle, I +was staring out at the dazzling scene, when a voice spoke at my +shoulder.</p> + +<p>"'Tis a relief to see even one soldier present ready for duty."</p> + +<p>I turned to look into a pair of steady blue eyes, with a bit of mocking +laughter in their depths, the face revealed clearly in the glare of the +rockets.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Necessity only," I managed to reply. "I can be as gorgeous as these +others, had I brought a bag with me."</p> + +<p>"No doubt; every British regiment tries to outdo the others in ribbons, +and gold lace. Really they become tiresome with such foppery in war +times. See how they play to-night, like children, the city practically +unguarded from attack," she waved an ungloved hand toward the dark +without. "I venture there are men out yonder, sir, who are not dancing +and laughing away these hours."</p> + +<p>My cheeks burned.</p> + +<p>"You mean Washington's troops?"</p> + +<p>"Aye! I saw them here in Philadelphia before Sir William came," her +voice lowered, yet earnest, "and they are not playing at war; grim, +silent, sober-faced men, dressed in odds and ends, not pretty to look +at; some tattered and hungry, but they fight hard. Mr. Conway was +telling us yesterday of how they suffered all winter long, while we +danced and feasted here, Washington himself sleeping with the snow +drifting over him. You do not know the Americans, for you are not long +across the water, but they are not the kind to be conquered by such +child's play as this."</p> + +<p>"You are an American then?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<p>"By birth, yes," unhesitatingly. "We are of those loyal to the King, +but—I admire men."</p> + +<p>It was with an effort I restrained my words, eager to proclaim my +service, yet comprehending instantly that I dare not even trust this +plain-spoken girl with the truth. She respected the men, sympathized +with the sacrifices of Washington's little army, contrasted all they +endured with the profligacy of the English and Hessian troops, and yet +remained loyal to the King's cause. Even as I hesitated, she spoke +again.</p> + +<p>"What is your regiment?"</p> + +<p>"The 42nd British Foot."</p> + +<p>"You have not yet been in action in America?"</p> + +<p>"No, but I have just crossed the Jerseys with despatches."</p> + +<p>She shook her head, her cheeks glowing.</p> + +<p>"My home was there when the war began," she explained simply. "Now it is +hate, pillage, and plunder everywhere. We fled to Philadelphia for our +lives, and have almost forgotten we ever had a home. We loyalists are +paying a price almost equal to those men with Washington. 'Tis this +memory which makes me so bitter toward those who play amid the ruins."</p> + +<p>"Yet you have seemed to enter into the gay spirit of the occasion," and +my eyes swept over her costume.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, I am girl enough to enjoy the glitter, even while the woman in me +condemns it all. You are a soldier—a fighting soldier, I hope—and +still you are here also seeking pleasure."</p> + +<p>"True; I yielded to temptation, but for which I should never have come."</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"The dare in your eyes this afternoon," I said boldly. "But for what I +read there I should be out yonder riding through the night."</p> + +<p>She laughed, yet not wholly at ease, the long lashes drooping over her +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Always the woman; what would you do without my sex to bear your +mistakes?"</p> + +<p>"But was this a mistake? Did I read altogether wrong?"</p> + +<p>"Don't expect a confession from me, sir," demurely. "I have no memory of +any promise."</p> + +<p>"No, the barest suggestion was all your lips gave; it was the eyes that +challenged."</p> + +<p>"You must have dreamed; perhaps you recall the suggestion?"</p> + +<p>"I took it to mean that you would not be altogether averse to meeting me +again through the kindness of some mutual friend."</p> + +<p>"No doubt you have found such a friend?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have scarcely seen a face I know to-night," I pleaded. "I cannot even +guess from what place of mystery you appeared so suddenly. So now I +throw myself upon your mercy."</p> + +<p>"I wonder is it quite safe!" hesitatingly. "But, perhaps, the risk is +equally great on your part. Ah! the lights go on again."</p> + +<p>"And the band plays a Hungarian Waltz; how better could we cement +friendship than to that measure?"</p> + +<p>"You think so? I am not so sure, and there are many names already on my +card—"</p> + +<p>"Do not look," I interrupted swiftly, "for I claim first choice since +this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"You do?" and her eyes laughed into mine provokingly. "And I had +forgotten it all; did I, indeed promise you?"</p> + +<p>"Only with your eyes."</p> + +<p>"Oh, my eyes! always my eyes! Well, for once, at least, I will redeem +even that visionary pledge," and her glance swept the room hastily. "But +I advise that you accept my surrender quickly, sir—I am not sure but +this was Captain Grant's dance, and he is coming now."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r1240" id="r1240"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER V</h2><h3>THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>Her hand was in mine, my arm already around her waist, when the officer +bowed before us. He had been but a dim figure in the afternoon, but now +I saw him for a tall, slender man, somewhat swarthy of face, with black +hair and moustache, and a keen eye, attired in the green and white of +the Queen's Rangers. He smiled, but with a sarcastic curl to the upper +lip not altogether pleasant.</p> + +<p>"Your pardon, Mistress Claire," he said boldly, sweeping me with a +supercilious glance, "but am I mistaken in believing this waltz was +pledged to me?"</p> + +<p>"By mistake, Captain," her lips smiling, her eyes steady. "It seems I +had overlooked a promise made during the afternoon."</p> + +<p>"Oh, indeed," he turned toward me, staring insolently. "The hero of the +rescue, I presume."</p> + +<p>I felt the restraining pressure of her hand upon my sleeve, and her +voice replied calmly, before I succeeded in finding words.</p> + +<p>"This is the gentleman who protected me from the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> mob, if that be what +you mean. Permit me to present Captain Grant of the Queen's Rangers, +Lieutenant—pardon my having already forgotten your name."</p> + +<p>"Fortesque," I stammered, intensely hating the necessary deception.</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes—Lieutenant Fortesque, of the 42nd British Foot."</p> + +<p>We bowed coldly, neither extending a hand, the Captain twisting his +moustache as he continued staring at me.</p> + +<p>"Fortesque," he repeated slowly. "Fortesque; not of this garrison, I +believe."</p> + +<p>"No, from New York," coolly. "I regret having interfered with your +programme."</p> + +<p>"Don't mention it; there are other ladies present, and, no doubt, your +gallant act was worthy the reward; a pleasant evening, sir," and he drew +aside, stiffly military. Eager to lose as little as possible of the +measure I swung my partner forward, catching glimpse again of the man's +face as we circled.</p> + +<p>"Pleasant disposition," I ventured, without meaning to be uncivil.</p> + +<p>"Oh, very," and her eyes met mine frankly. "But you must not quarrel +with him; that is his one specialty, you know."</p> + +<p>"Is the warning on your account, or my own?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Both, perhaps. Captain Grant's family and mine are neighbors—or were +before war intervened—and between our fathers exists a life-long +friendship. I could never consent to be the cause of his quarrelling +with any one, and I have reason to know how quick tempered he is."</p> + +<p>"I have little use for any man who swaggers about seeking trouble," I +returned, as she hesitated. "It has been my experience that there is +usually cowardice back of such a disposition."</p> + +<p>"Not in this case," earnestly. "Captain Grant's courage has been +sufficiently tested already. I warn you not to presume on your theory so +far as he is concerned. I advise the safer course."</p> + +<p>"What is that?"</p> + +<p>Her eyes met mine, smiling slightly, and yet grave enough in their +depths.</p> + +<p>"To let this one dance prove sufficient reward for your act of rescue."</p> + +<p>"You request this?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you must not place the entire burden of decision on me, sir. I can +only suggest."</p> + +<p>"Has Captain Grant any authority to dictate who shall be your partner?"</p> + +<p>Her lashes lifted, and then fell before my gaze.</p> + +<p>"He at least assumes the power, and generally with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> fair success. I must +ask to be excused from discussing this matter further now, but—but," +her voice trembled to a whisper, "I—I am sure your safety depends upon +your leaving me."</p> + +<p>Astonished by these words, suddenly wondering if she suspected me, +scarcely comprehending what she meant, I stared into her face, as we +circled the room. Grant stood stiffly against the wall where we left +him, his eyes fastened moodily on the crowd; I realized his presence, +yet my whole thought was concentrated on the girl, the strands of her +hair brushing my lips, her steps lightly following the music, her eyes +downcast. Into the cheeks there came a flush of pink, and she glanced up +to read the surprise in my face.</p> + +<p>"Do I need to say more?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, you must," I insisted, "you can never believe I would leave you +because of personal fear."</p> + +<p>"I did not know—at first. Now I realize it will require a higher motive +to influence you; not love of life, but love of country."</p> + +<p>I felt the closer clasp of her fingers on my guiding hand, and knew I +took a deep breath of surprise.</p> + +<p>"Lean your head just a little closer," she whispered. "I—I know you, +Major Lawrence, and—and I wish you well."</p> + +<p>How I kept to the measure I cannot now imagine,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> for, in an instant, all +my house of cards crumbled into nothingness. She knew me, this blue-eyed +girl; knew me, and sought to aid my mission, this daughter of a +loyalist, this lady of the Blended Rose. It was inconceivable, and yet a +fact—my name had been whispered by her lips.</p> + +<p>Suddenly she looked up laughing, as though to make others feel that we +conversed lightly. We passed Grant, even as I held my breath, almost +afraid to venture with words. Yet they would not be restrained.</p> + +<p>"You certainly startled me; how do you know this? Surely we have never +met before?"</p> + +<p>"I refuse to be questioned, sir; it means nothing how I know—the fact +that I do should be sufficient."</p> + +<p>"But Mistress Claire—"</p> + +<p>"Rather Mistress Mortimer."</p> + +<p>"Yet the Captain called you Claire."</p> + +<p>"And we were children together—you can scarcely claim such +familiarity."</p> + +<p>"I warrant you can name me."</p> + +<p>"Allen, is it not, sir?"</p> + +<p>What was it the witch did not know! This was no guess-work, surely, and +yet how could her strange knowledge be accounted for? Sweet as the face +was, greatly as it had attracted me, there was nothing to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> awaken a +throb of memory. Surely I could never have seen her before, and +forgotten; that would have been impossible. The music ceased, leaving us +at the farther extremity of the hall.</p> + +<p>"And now you will go?" she questioned eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean, leave here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; you said once to-night, that but for me you would be riding +yonder. I realized all you meant, and you must not remain. The +guard-lines are slack to-night, and you can get through, but if you wait +until to-morrow it may be too late. Believe me, I am your friend, a +friend of your cause."</p> + +<p>"I do believe you; I could not connect you with deceit, but I am +bewildered at this sudden exposure. Does Captain Grant also suspect my +identity?"</p> + +<p>"I think not—not yet, at least, for if he did you would be under +arrest. But there are others here who would recognize you just as I +have. There is no mystery about it. I was in Philadelphia when the +Continental troops were here, and you were pointed out to me then. No, +we have never met, yet I was sure I recognized you this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"I was pointed out to you by whom?"</p> + +<p>"My brother—my twin brother on the staff of General Lee."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did you not inform me your family were loyalists?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; it is true," earnestly, her foot tapping the floor, as though +annoyed at such persistent questioning. "I have a father and brother in +the King's service—but one is a renegade, and I—I—"</p> + +<p>"You are what?"</p> + +<p>"I am merely a woman, sir, unable to determine whether to finally become +loyalist or rebel."</p> + +<p>I looked gravely into her eyes until they fell, veiling their revelation +of truth behind long lashes.</p> + +<p>"Mistress Mortimer," I murmured, bending so close to her pink ear, I +felt the soft touch of her hair on my lips, "you dissemble so charmingly +as to even puzzle me. But if I leave you now, as you request, I must +first have promise of welcome again."</p> + +<p>"Then you mean to return—a prisoner? I am always merciful to the +suffering."</p> + +<p>"No; we are coming back to Philadelphia victors, and soon. I am not +afraid to tell you. I have learned much to-day, and go back to report to +Washington that the exchange of British commanders means the early +evacuation of this city. When we meet again you will not be a lady of +the Blended Rose, nor will I be wearing this uniform."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + +<p>Her eyes sparkled brightly into mine, then dropped demurely.</p> + +<p>"I—I rather like the colors you are wearing now, and am sure this dress +is most becoming. I—I have a passion for masquerade."</p> + +<p>"I recognize that, but have already discovered where I can read the +truth beyond the masque—what is occurring now?"</p> + +<p>She turned to look, attracted as I had been by the change and bustle +about us. A few feet from where we stood conversing, large folding +doors, previously concealed by draperies, were suddenly flung wide open, +revealing a magnificent dining-hall. Before the crowd could recover from +its first surprise, and surge that way, my eyes had taken in the full +effect of the disclosure. It was a vast saloon, as I have since been +informed, measuring two hundred and ten feet by forty, with a height of +twenty-two feet, having three large alcoves on each side. The ceiling +was the segment of a circle, the sides painted a light straw color, with +vine leaves and festoons of flowers, some in bright, others in dark +green. More than fifty large pier-glasses extended from floor to +ceiling, reflecting the glitter of the tables, while a hundred branches +of three lights each, and eighteen clusters of twenty-four,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> illumined +the immense apartment, aided by three hundred wax tapers upon the snowy +tables. These were already prepared for service, set with nearly five +hundred covers, a large company of black slaves, attired in Oriental +fashion, awaiting the coming of the guests. Sir William and his brother +already led the way, the others pouring in as rapidly as the wide doors +would permit. Dazzled by the magnificent spectacle I turned to my +companion, unable to resist temptation. She must have instantly read the +purpose in my face, for she grasped my sleeve.</p> + +<p>"No; you must not think of remaining a moment longer. There will be a +seat reserved for me, and Captain Grant is coming this way now. +Something is wrong, I am sure; I have no time to explain, but promise me +you will leave here at once—at once."</p> + +<p>Her eyes, her words, were so insistent I could not refuse, although as I +glanced about I felt convinced there was no danger in this assemblage, +not a familiar face meeting mine. At the instant Grant came up, elbowing +his way through the press, and staring insolently into my eyes, even as +he bowed politely to the lady beside me.</p> + +<p>"At least this is my privilege," he insisted, "unless there be another +previous engagement of which I am ignorant."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, no," and she rested her hands on the green sleeve, smiling from his +face into mine. "We were waiting for you to come. Good-night, Lieutenant +Fortesque."</p> + +<p>They had taken a step or two, when Grant halted, holding her arm tightly +as he glanced back to where I stood.</p> + +<p>"Would Lieutenant Fortesque spare me a moment after I have found the +lady a seat?" he questioned politely.</p> + +<p>"Gladly, if you do not keep me waiting too long."</p> + +<p>"Then there will be no delay. Shall we say the parlor below?"</p> + +<p>I bowed, conscious of the mute appeal in the lady's face, yet with no +excuse for refusal.</p> + +<p>"As well there as anywhere, sir."</p> + +<p>Once again we bowed with all the punctilious ceremony of mutual dislike, +and he whispered something into her ear as they disappeared in the +stream of people. My cheeks burned with indignation at his cool +insolence. What could it mean? Was he merely seeking a quarrel? or was +there something else concealed behind this request? In either case I +knew not how to act, and yet felt no inclination to avoid the meeting. +Studying over the situation I pushed my way through the crowd across the +floor of the ball-room.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> There were a few people still lingering on the +stairs, but, except for the servants, the parlors below were deserted. I +walked the length of one of the great rooms, and halted in front of a +fireplace to await Grant's coming. I was eager to have this affair +settled, and be off. I comprehended now the risk I had assumed by +remaining so long, and began to feel the cords of entanglement drawing +about me. There was a door opposite where I stood, and, staring toward +it, I saw it open slightly, and, back in the darkness, the beckoning of +a hand. Startled, yet realizing that it must mean me, I stepped closer, +gripping the hilt of my sword, half suspecting treachery.</p> + +<p>"Quick," and I recognized the deep contralto of the voice. "Don't stop +to question; there is not a moment to lose."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r2890" id="r2890"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2><h3>THE THREAT OF SWORDS</h3> +</div> + + +<p>Stepping from the glare of those gleaming parlor lights into the gloom +of that narrow passage, blinded me for the instant, yet a moment later, +I became aware of the distant glimmer of a candle, the faint reflection +revealing the girl's face.</p> + +<p>"Please do not talk; do not ask anything—yet," she urged hurriedly, +noiselessly closing the door at my back, and as instantly gripping my +sleeve. Her breath came quickly; her voice trembled from suppressed +excitement. "Come with me, beyond the light yonder."</p> + +<p>I followed her guidance, bewildered, yet having every confidence the +reason for this mysterious occurrence must be fully justified. The +passage curved slightly, terminating at a closed door. Scarce a +reflection of the candle reached us here, yet my eyes were by now +sufficiently accustomed to the gloom so that I could trace the outlines +of her face. A vague doubt took possession of me.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You are causing me to run away from Grant," I protested blindly. "You +are making me appear afraid to meet him."</p> + +<p>"No, it is not that," swiftly. "He was not coming to you personally at +all—you were to be arrested."</p> + +<p>"What! He knew me then?"</p> + +<p>"I am not sure—some one did, and mentioned his suspicions. Captain +Grant was glad enough of an excuse, no doubt, but he," the soft voice +faltering, "he made a mistake in twitting me for being friendly toward +you."</p> + +<p>"And you came to warn, to save me!" I exclaimed, pressing her hand.</p> + +<p>"That was nothing; I could do no less. I am only glad I knew the way."</p> + +<p>"You mean how you might reach me first?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; it came to me in a flash when he first left me alone, only I was +not certain in which parlor you would be waiting. I ran through the +kitchen and down the back stairs; I helped the officers plan their +decorations, and in that way learned of this private passage beneath the +stairs. It was easy, but—oh, listen! they are in there now!"</p> + +<p>We could hear voices through the intervening wall clearly enough to even +distinguish words, as the speakers exercised little restraint. I felt +the girl's slender<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> figure press against me in the narrow space where we +stood, and I clung to her hand, both remaining motionless and silent.</p> + +<p>"The fellow has run, Grant," boomed some one hoarsely, "either afraid, +or else what you say he is. See here, boy, did you see any one in here +lately in scarlet jacket?"</p> + +<p>"I don' just 'member, sah," answered a negro, hesitatingly. "I was busy +over dar' cleanin' de side-boa'd."</p> + +<p>"Well, he's not here now, that's certain," broke in Grant impatiently, +"and we've been in all the parlors? What next, MacHugh?"</p> + +<p>"Try to head him off before he can get out of the city, of course. +That's his game, probably. Osborne, have Carter come here at once. Why +didn't you nab the fellow upstairs, Captain? Fool play that, sending him +down here."</p> + +<p>"I didn't wish to create a row in the ball-room; he was with Claire +Mortimer—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see," laughing coarsely. "Something besides military duty +involved, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I'll trouble you to be a trifle more careful, MacHugh," Grant said +stiffly. "The fellow did her a small service in the afternoon, and she +couldn't refuse dancing with him, as he was in uniform, and apparently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> +all right. I advise you to drop that part of the affair. Here's Carter +now."</p> + +<p>I could hear the click of the newcomer's spurs as he crossed the room. +MacHugh chuckled.</p> + +<p>"Touchy about it just the same, I see; however we'll pass up the lady. +Carter, there has been a spy in here to-night, calling himself +Lieutenant Fortesque, of the 42nd Regiment. He came through the lines +this morning with despatches for Howe, I understand. Did you meet him?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir, but one of my men was riding about with him all day—Watts; I +heard him telling about it an hour ago."</p> + +<p>"Is that so? Where'd they go?"</p> + +<p>"Covered everything, I judge, from Callowhill to the Lower Battery. +Watts said he asked questions of everybody they met, but he didn't take +any notes. He liked the fellow, but thought he was mighty inquisitive. +Where is he now, sir?"</p> + +<p>"The devil knows, I don't, and you'll have to find out. He'll head +northwest likely; he'll never try to cross the river here. How many men +have you?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty."</p> + +<p>"Scatter them to every north post. The fellow had no horse, and your +troopers can easily get ahead of him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> Hurry up now." Carter departed +with click of steel, and MacHugh evidently turned to his companion.</p> + +<p>"We'll catch the lad all right, Grant. Some of those outposts will nab +him before daylight. No use our waiting around here; let's go back +upstairs."</p> + +<p>The girl's nervous grasp on my arm tightened, her lips pressed close to +my ear.</p> + +<p>"I—I must get back to my place at the table," she whispered. "Surely +you know what to do; this is a rear door; there are stables a hundred +feet away; you must get a horse, and ride fast—you—you will do this!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course—but how can I thank you?"</p> + +<p>"Don't try; don't ever even think of it again. I hardly know what mad +impulse sent me here. Now I have but one thought—to hurry you away, and +get safely back myself—you will go?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—but—"</p> + +<p>"Not now! there is no time for explanation, promises, anything. You +heard what they said; every avenue of escape will be blocked within an +hour. If you go at once you can outride them—please, please go!"</p> + +<p>She held out her hand, and I grasped it warmly, unable longer to war +against the pitiful appeal in her voice.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I'll go, at once. But I take away with me a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> memory which will +never permit me to be satisfied until we meet again. We have been +together so short a time—"</p> + +<p>"Had it been longer," she interrupted, "you would know me better, and +care less, perhaps. I am a sham; a cheat," a trifle of bitterness in the +tone. "You will learn all that some day, and laugh at yourself. Oh, I +know you will; so not another word, sir. I am going; then, perhaps, you +will."</p> + +<p>There was a slight pressure of her fingers, and she had vanished so +quickly I could only stare blindly along the deserted passage. Yet, an +instant later, the peril of my predicament flashed back upon my mind, +and I faced the immediate necessity for action. What her strange words +might mean could not be interpreted; I made no attempt to comprehend. +Now I must find means of escape, and learn the truth later. I opened the +door cautiously, and stepped without, every nerve taut, every muscle +braced for action. It was a star-lit night, and the numerous rear +windows of the mansion cast a glare of light for some distance. The dark +shadow of a high fence alone promised concealment, and, holding my sword +tightly, I crept in that direction, breathing again more freely as I +reached its protection unobserved. There was a guard stationed before +the stable door—a Grenadier, from the outline of his hat—and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> +others, a little group, were sitting on the grass a dozen feet away. If +they had not been already warned I might gain a horse by boldness, but +the probability was that here was where Carter had mounted his squad, +and I would merely walk forward into a trap. I had better chance the +possibility that some visitor had left a horse tied in front, or to one +of the stands. With this possibility in mind I turned, and skirted the +house, making myself as inconspicuous as possible. There were soldiers +on the outside steps; I heard their voices without seeing them, and was +thus driven to run swiftly across an open space, memory guiding me +toward the opposite pavilion. Breathless, with heart beating fast, I +crouched low in the shadow, endeavoring to make out my more immediate +surroundings. There were no horses there, but I could clearly +distinguish the stomping of restless hoofs somewhere to the right. As I +straightened up, determined upon discovering an empty saddle if +possible, the figure of a man suddenly loomed directly in front, +advancing toward me. In startled surprise I took one step backward, but +was too late. Already the eyes of the newcomer had perceived my +presence, and he sprang forward, tugging at his sword.</p> + +<p>"Hold on there! hold on!" he commanded shortly. "Who are you? What the +devil are you skulking about out here for?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was Grant beyond a doubt; I would recognize the peculiar snarl of +that voice in a thousand. He had not gone upstairs then; had not +rejoined the lady in the dining-room. What would she think of his +absence? What would she do when she realized its probable meaning? +Someway I was not frightened, at thus meeting him, but glad—if those +others would only keep away, and let us settle the affair between us. +Here was his test—a coward would cry out an alarm, summon the guard to +his assistance, but, if the fellow's nerve only held, or if he hated me +badly enough, he'd fight it out alone. All this came to me in a flash, +and the words of challenge spoken before he even grasped the thought of +who I was.</p> + +<p>"So I have discovered you, have I? Why did you fail to keep our +appointment within?"</p> + +<p>He drew up sharply, with an oath, peering at me through the dark, +bewildered by my speech.</p> + +<p>"The spy! Ye gods, what luck! Do you mean to insinuate I ran away, sir?"</p> + +<p>"How else could I interpret it?" I questioned coolly, determined to +taunt him to action. "I waited where you told me till I was tired. +Perhaps you will oblige me by explaining your purpose."</p> + +<p>He muttered something, but without comprehending its purport I went on +threateningly:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And I think you made use of the word <i>spy</i> just now. Did you mistake me +for another?"</p> + +<p>"Mistake you? No; I'd know you in hell," he burst forth, anger making +his voice tremble. "I called you a spy, and you are one, you sneaking +night rat. You never waited for me in the parlor; if you had you'd now +be under arrest."</p> + +<p>"Oh, so that was the plan?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, that was it, Mister Lieutenant Fortesque."</p> + +<p>"Well, Grant," I said sternly, "I've got just one answer to make you. +You can call your guard, or you can fight it out with me here. Whichever +you choose will depend upon whether you are a man, or a cur." I took a +step nearer, watching him as best I could in the dark. "You are an +unmitigated liar, sir," and with sudden sweep of the arm I struck him +with open hand. "Probably you will realize what that means."</p> + +<p>For an instant he remained so still I doubted him, even held him cheap; +then the breath surged through his clinched teeth in a mad oath. He +surged toward me, but my sword was out, the steel blocking his advance.</p> + +<p>"You—you actually mean fight?"</p> + +<p>"Why not? Isn't that cause enough? If not I will furnish more."</p> + +<p>"I do not fight spies—"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Stop! That silly charge is merely an excuse. You do not believe it +yourself. You wanted a quarrel yonder in the ball-room. The expression +of your eyes was an insult. Don't evade now. I am here, wearing the +uniform of the British army. I have every right of a gentleman, and you +will cross swords, or I'll brand you coward wherever there is an English +garrison."</p> + +<p>The fellow was certainly not afraid, yet he hesitated, not quite clear +in his own mind what he had better do. I might be a spy, and I might +not; he possessed no doubt a moment before, yet the very boldness of my +words had already half convinced him there might be some mistake. Should +he call to the men on the steps yonder, denounce me, and turn me over to +the guard? That was the easiest way for him, the greater disgrace to me. +Yet if, by any chance, I proved later innocent of the charge, then he +would become the laughingstock of the army. I heard his teeth grate +savagely as he realized his dilemma, and laughed outright.</p> + +<p>"You do not seem altogether pleased, my friend; what are you, a toy +soldier?"</p> + +<p>"Hell's acre! I'll show you what I am."</p> + +<p>I saw the sudden flash of his drawn blade, and flung up my own in guard.</p> + +<p>"Wait; not here, Captain," I insisted quickly. "We're far too near your +watchful friends yonder;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> besides the light is poor. Let's try our +fortunes beyond the pavilion, where it can be simply man to man."</p> + +<p>He turned without a word, and I followed, eager enough to have done with +the business. The stars gleamed on the naked weapons held in our hands, +but we exchanged no words until we had rounded the corner, and come +forth into the open space beyond.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r1530" id="r1530"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2><h3>THE ONE HOPE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>As he stopped and faced about, I as instantly halted.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps this spot may satisfy your requirements," he said +sarcastically. "'Tis far enough away at least, and the light is not so +bad."</p> + +<p>"It will do," I replied, and threw my scarlet jacket on the grass. +"Strip to the white, sir, and then we can see fairly well where to +strike. That's better. On guard!"</p> + +<p>Neither of us had mentioned the lady, preferring to base our quarrel on +other grounds, yet I fully comprehended that some unreasonable jealousy +on his part had led up to all this. Whatever the relations between them +might be, his desires were clear enough, as well as his methods for +keeping others away. This knowledge merely nerved me to steadiness; she +would hear of it all later and understand. The fellow's right to resent +the small attentions I had shown to Mistress Mortimer I questioned +greatly—she had plainly enough denied the existence of any relationship +between them other than<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> family friendship,—and I meant to teach this +loyalist bully that I was not the sort to be driven away by loud words, +or the flash of a sword.</p> + +<p>He came at me fiercely enough, confident of his mastery of the weapon, +and, no doubt, expecting me to prove an easy victim of his skill. His +first onslaught, a trick thrust under my guard, caused me to give back a +step or two, and this small success yielded him the over-confidence I +always prefer that an opponent have. I was young, agile, cool-headed, +instructed since early boyhood by my father, a rather famous swordsman, +in the mysteries of the game, yet I preferred that Grant should deem me +a novice. With this in mind, and in order that I might better study the +man's style, I remained strictly on defence, giving way slightly before +the confident play of his steel, content with barely turning aside the +gleaming point before it pricked me. At first he mistook this for +weakness, sneering at my parries, as he bore in with increasing +recklessness.</p> + +<p>"A club would be more in your line, I take it, Mr. Lieutenant +Fortesque," he commented sarcastically, "but I'll play with you a while +for practice—ah! that was a lucky turn of the wrist! So you do know a +trick or two? Perhaps you have a parry for that thrust as well! Ah! an +inch more and I'd have pricked you—your defence is not bad for a boy! +By all the gods, I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> tasted blood then—now I'll give you a harder nut to +crack!"</p> + +<p>I was fighting silently, with lips closed, husbanding my breath, +scarcely hearing his comments. Every stroke, every thrust, gave me +insight of his school, and instinctively my blade leaped forth to turn +aside his point. He was a swordsman, stronger than I, and of longer +reach, yet his tricks were old, and he relied more on strength than +subtlety of fence. Our swords gleamed against each other in the glitter +of the stars, both content with thrust and parry, as we circled, +watchful for some opening. Then, confident I had gauged my man, I began +to drive in upon him, returning thrust for thrust, and trying a trick or +two of my own. He countered with skill, laughing and taunting me, until +his jeers made me fight grimly, with fresh determination to end the +affair.</p> + +<p>"By God! you have a right pretty thrust from the shoulder," he +exclaimed. "Been out before, I take it. But I'll show you something you +never learned. Odds, I'll call your boy's play!"</p> + +<p>"Better hold your breath, for you'll need it now," I replied shortly. +"The boy's play is over with."</p> + +<p>Step by step I began sternly to force the fighting, driving my point +against him so relentlessly as to hush his speech. Twice we circled, +striking, countering,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> fighting, our blades glittering ominously in the +starlight, our breathing labored with the fierceness of the fighting. +Both our swords tasted blood, he slicing my forearm, I piercing his +shoulder, yet neither wound sufficed to bring any cessation of effort. +We were mad now with the fever of it, and struggling to kill, panting +fiercely, our faces flushed, the perspiration dripping from our bodies, +our swords darting swiftly back and forth. He was my match, and more, +and, had we been permitted to go on to the end, would have worn me down +by sheer strength. Suddenly, above the clash of steel, came the sound of +voices; our blades were struck up, and the dark forms of men pressed in +between us.</p> + +<p>"Stop it, you hotheads!" some one commanded gruffly. "Hold your man, +Tolston, until I get at the reason for this fighting. Who are you? Oh, +Grant! What's the trouble now? The old thing, eh?"</p> + +<p>I had no desire to wait his answer, confident that Grant was +sufficiently angry to blurt out everything he knew. They were all facing +his way, actuated by the recognition. Breathless still, yet quick to +seize the one and only chance left, I grabbed up my jacket from the +grass, and sprang into the darkness. I had gained a hundred feet before +those behind grasped the meaning of my unexpected flight, and then the +tumult of voices<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> only sent me flying faster, realizing the pursuit. The +only open passage led directly toward the river, and I raced through the +black night down the slope as though all the fiends of hell were after +me. I heard shouts, oaths, but there was no firing, and was far enough +ahead to be invisible by the time I attained the bank. An open barge lay +there, a mere black smudge, and I stumbled blindly across this, dropping +silently over its side into the water. It was not thought, but +breathless inability to attempt more, which kept me there, clinging to a +slat on the side of the barge, so completely submerged in the river, as +to be invisible from above. Swearing fiercely, my pursuers stormed over +the barge, swinging their swords along the edges to be sure I was not +there. One blade pricked me slightly, but I held on, sinking yet deeper +into the stream. I could see the dim outline of heads peering over, but +was not discovered. The same gruff voice which had interrupted the duel +broke through the noise:</p> + +<p>"I tell you he turned to the left; I saw him plainly enough. What did +you say the fellow's name was, Grant?"</p> + +<p>"How do I know? He called himself Fortesque."</p> + +<p>"Sure; the same one Carter was sent out hunting after. Well, he dodged +down there among those coal sheds. That is the only way he could have +disappeared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> so suddenly. Come on, all of you, except Moore and +Cartaret, and we'll beat the shore."</p> + +<p>I heard them scramble across to the bank, but there were sounds also +proving the guards left behind were still on the deck above me. Then one +of the fellows sat down on the edge of the barge, his feet dangling +within a few inches of my head.</p> + +<p>"Might as well take it easy, Bill," he said lazily. "They 're like to be +an hour layin' hands on the lad, an' all we got to do is see he don't +fox back this way. Got any tobacco, mate?"</p> + +<p>The other must have produced the necessary weed, for there was a +scraping of flint and steel, a gleam of fire glinting on the water, and +then the pungent odor wafted to me in puff of smoke. With one hand, I +unbuckled my sword belt, letting it, sword and all, sink silently into +the river. I must cross to the opposite bank somehow, and would have to +dispense with the weapon. Inch by inch, my fingers gripping the narrow +slat to which I clung, I worked slowly toward the stern of the barge, +making not so much as a ripple in the water, and keeping well hidden +below the bulge of the side. The voices above droned along in +conversation, of which I caught a few words.</p> + +<p>"Who was he? You mean the lad they're after down yonder? Oh, I mind now, +you came up late after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> we'd started the chase. Holy Mother, I don't +know much myself, now I come to think of it. He looked like a Britisher, +what I saw of him, an' he was fightin' with a Captain of Rangers—Grant +was the name; maybe you know the man?—behind one of the stands. Old +Hollis heard the clash of the steel; an' he called to us, an' the whole +bunch started on a run. It was too dark to see much, but we jumped in +an' pulled 'em apart, never once thinkin' it was more than two young +hotheads doin' a little blood-lettin'. Then this chap turned an' run for +it, trippin' up Sandy McPherson to get clear, and we after him. Somebody +said he was a spy, an' that's the whole I know about it."</p> + +<p>"They'll never get him," returned the other solemnly.</p> + +<p>"An' why do you think that, man? Sure, an' they're searchin' the shore +both ways, an' Carter has got his fellers ridin' the outposts. To my +mind he hasn't the chance of a rat in a trap, the poor devil."</p> + +<p>Bill blew a cloud of smoke into the air, which a puff of wind swept down +into my face.</p> + +<p>"Because it's my notion he swum for it. I was closest down the bank, an' +somethin' hit the water. I'm dead sure o' that, though I didn't see the +first thing. It's my guess the lad dived, an' never come up agin 'till +he was out there in them shadows."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But them's the Jerseys over yonder; if he was a spy he'd be headin' the +other way."</p> + +<p>"It's little he'd think of the way with the gang of us yelpin' at his +heels. Besides, there's plenty of his kind over in those Jerseys who'd +take good care of the likes of him. Was ye ever foragin' over there, +lad?"</p> + +<p>The other grunted, and the speaker went on steadily.</p> + +<p>"They take pot shots at ye from every bit o' woods, or stone wall. They +'re sure devils for that kind o' skirmishin' work. God pity the men +ordered out into them parts."</p> + +<p>"But there's a guard, stationed across yonder."</p> + +<p>"Pish, a corporal's squad, just about opposite at the ferry landin', an' +a company of Yagers down at Gloucester. There's plenty room between for +a bold lad to find free passage."</p> + +<p>The two fell silent, staring out over the water. They had set me +thinking, however, and this knowledge of where the British pickets were +stationed was exactly the information I most required. I had no desire +to cross the Delaware, yet apparently in that direction lay the only +remaining avenue of escape. I could no longer hope to get away either to +north or west—every picket post along those lines would be instructed +to watch out for me 'ere this. My uniform would be no protection, and, +without a horse, my early apprehension was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> almost a certainty. My sole +apparent chance lay in the Jerseys, and I must reach the opposite shore, +and attain cover before daylight. To my mind there was no reason why +this could not be accomplished. The swimming of the river was not beyond +my power; I could float down under water for a hundred yards, and then, +concealed by the night, strike out for the eastern shore. The current +might sweep me down stream another hundred yards before my feet touched +bottom. That ought to bring me to a comparatively safe spot, where I +could crawl ashore unobserved. What was awaiting me there in the dark +could not be reckoned; but surely no graver danger than what already +menaced me here. I knew the Jerseys, and that now, with the main +contending armies withdrawn, all that country from the Delaware to the +sea was overrun by small parties of partisans, more intent upon plunder +than any loyalty to either side. To pass through between these bands was +likely to prove a desperate venture enough, yet it seemed the only +choice remaining.</p> + +<p>At the lower end of the float I managed to silently remove my boots, and +then waited, listening to the movements of the men above. I must have +clung there ten minutes, expecting every moment the party scouring the +shore would return, yet not daring to make the venture with those +fellows sitting there, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> silently gazing out across the water. At +last I heard them get to their feet, and tramp about on the flat deck of +the barge, the low murmur of their voices reaching me, although words +were indistinguishable. I could hope for no better time. Filling my +lungs with air, I sank below the surface of the river, and then, rising, +struck boldly out into the full sweep of the current.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r9899" id="r9899"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2><h3>THE BLACKSMITH</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I had come up gasping for breath, well out in the stream, either shore a +mere darker shadow showing above the water. How far I had been swept +below the barge could not be guessed, as I could distinguish no outlines +clearly, excepting the bare spars of a vessel, tied up to the west +shore. As this ship had not been in sight previously I concluded the +drift had been greater than anticipated, and I struck out quickly toward +the opposite bank, fearful lest I be borne down as far as Gloucester +before I could finally make land. It was a hard swim across the swift +current, and I was nearly exhausted when I finally crept up the low +bank, and lay dripping and panting in the shelter of some low bushes. +Except for the bark of a distant dog there was no sound more disturbing +than the rustle of leaves, and the lapping of water. As my breath came +back I sat up, wrung out my clothes as best I could, and, with +difficulty, drew on the boots I had borne across, slung to my shoulder.</p> + +<p>I possessed but a dim conception of where I was,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> yet knew I must make a +wide detour to the east so as to escape British foraging parties. There +was nothing to guide me except the stars, no sign of any habitation, nor +cultivated field; not even a fence. I shivered in the night air, and +went stumbling forward over the rough ground, until I came upon a road +running north and south. I had no desire to proceed in either of these +directions, but the walking was so much better that I turned to the +left, hoping to find a trend eastward, as I knew the river swerved in +that direction. My reward was the discovery of a crossroad, a mere wagon +track, into which I gladly turned, and plodded along steadily. The stiff +exercise, combined with the heat of my body—for I was walking now as +rapidly as the darkness would permit—dried my clothes, yet with every +step onward, I became more apprehensive of danger. I was unarmed, my +sword sunk in the Delaware, my pistol useless from wet powder; unless I +found concealment before daybreak I would doubtless fall into the hands +of some roving band, and be summarily dealt with. If loyalists, I was +certain to be returned to Philadelphia a prisoner; if Colonial then I +would find it hard to explain the uniform I wore. In either case there +would be no gentleness in handling me.</p> + +<p>I must have thus plodded doggedly along through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> the darkness for fully +five miles, without perceiving the first sign of habitation, or even a +wood into which I could crawl for concealment, when I suddenly came upon +a long, one-story stone building standing at the left of the road, a +grim, silent, apparently deserted structure, one end of the roof caved +in, and several of the windows smashed. The appearance of desolation was +so complete as to make the flesh crawl, and in the distance an owl +hooted dismally. I tried the doors, but they appeared firmly fastened. +Far in the east there was a faint lightening of the sky promising the +approach of dawn, and thus aroused to a knowledge that I must +immediately attain shelter, I clambered through one of the broken +windows, and dropped to the earthen floor within. I could see nothing, +not even a hand held before my eyes, yet carefully felt my way forward +through a tangle of rubbish, wheels, scraps of iron, some casks, a +number of plough handles, and a riffraff of stuff I could not make out. +The place had evidently been used as a repair shop, but must have been +closed for months, as I could feel the grit of dust everywhere, and +cobwebs brushed against my face as I moved about. Finally I felt the +outlines of a large box half filled with paper, and, for want of +something better, crept in and snuggled down, intending to rest there +until daylight should reveal my surroundings.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> + +<p>I was warm enough, now, my clothing practically dry, but thoroughly +tired from the long tramp over the dark road, and exhausted by the +excitement through which I had passed. Even my mind seemed dulled, and +it appeared useless to think or plan. All night long I had been the +helpless victim of circumstances, and I could only trust blindly to luck +for the future. I recall lying there, staring up into the darkness, +listening to the squeal of a rat in some distant corner, the memory of +the past few hours rioting through my brain in bewildered confusion. I +had not intended to sleep, yet drowsiness came, and I lost +consciousness.</p> + +<p>I know not what aroused me, but it was already daylight, a gleam of sun +through the windows turning the festooned cobwebs into golden tapestry. +One side of the box in which I lay had been broken out, and I could see +the full length of the shop, which appeared littered from end to end +with all manner of implements of husbandry, and woodworking and +blacksmith's tools. It was a jumble of odds and ends, scraps of wood and +iron, discarded parts of machinery, an old forge, bits of harness, and a +broken saddletree. All this I perceived with my first glance, but it was +the distant sound of a voice which as instantly held my attention. At +first I could not locate the speaker, nor comprehend the peculiar +singsong of the utterance. But as I lifted my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> head, listening intently, +I knew the man to be beyond the wooden partition at my right, and that +he was praying fervently. Somehow heartened by this discovery I crept +out from the bed of papers, and stole silently forward to the narrow +door which apparently led into this second apartment. The voice never +ceased in its monotonous appeal, and I ventured to lift the latch, and +take cautious glance through the slight opening.</p> + +<p>It was a blacksmith shop of fair size, fully equipped with all the tools +of the trade, the walls blackened by smoke, the earthen floor littered +with <i>débris</i>, a leathern apron hanging over the anvil. A curtain drawn +aside formed a smaller, separate apartment, with puncheon floor, lighted +by a small window through which a gleam of sun fell. I caught therein +glimpse of a bunk full of disarranged blankets, a straight-back chair, +and a small table, with a few books lying upon it. Yet all this was but +the result of a glance, as my whole attention concentrated upon a +kneeling figure just beneath the loop of the curtain. The man was facing +me, but with eyes closed, and uplifted, as his lips poured forth the +fervent words of prayer. I was not a religious man in those days, yet +the faith of my mother was not forgotten, and there was something of +sincerity about that solitary kneeling figure I could not but respect. +The words uttered, the deep resonant voice,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> and above all, the +expression of that upturned face, held me silent, motionless. He was a +man of short, sturdy limb, but great bulk, massive chest, and immense +shoulders evidencing remarkable strength. His face was rugged, the jaws +square, the chin pronounced, the brow broad, rather than high, with nose +like the beak of a hawk. His thick hair, iron-gray, was a bushy mat. His +only clothing consisted of leathern breeches, well worn but clean, and a +rough shirt, open at the throat, and sleeveless. This revealed a brawny +chest, and arms knotted with muscle.</p> + +<p>But it was the man's voice, deep, resonant, vibrant with feeling, which +fascinated me, while the words spoken seemed to yield me a new +conception of prayer, so simple were they, so clearly a true utterance +of the heart. Believing himself alone with his Maker, there was a depth +of sincerity in the tone which hushed all shallow criticism. Rare +Christian faith, unreserved surrender, absolute confidence spoke through +every syllable, and I stood there, almost breathless, listening, feeling +that this was holy ground. What was this man, this praying blacksmith? A +patriot surely, from his words of petition; one who had suffered much, +but was willing to suffer more. The strength chiselled in that upturned +face, those deeply marked features, revealed no common mental equipment. +Here was a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> real man, with convictions, one who would die for an ideal; +without doubt a radical, ready to go to any extreme where conscience +blazed the way.</p> + +<p>I cannot attempt to reproduce from memory those words of petition which +came slowly from his lips, as though the man was himself awed by the +presence of the Infinite. There was no stumbling, no hesitancy, but the +solemnly devout language of the Bible seemed to flow naturally forth, as +though the man's mind was steeped with the imagery of that Oriental +past, the present struggle in which he was engaged but a reflection of +old Jewish wars in which Jehovah led the chosen hosts to victory. As he +finally paused, his head bowed low, I stepped forward into the light, +confident of welcome, utterly forgetful of the uniform I wore. At the +first faint sound of my approach on the floor he was upon his feet +fronting me, the shortness of his limbs yielding him a certain grotesque +appearance, his deep-set eyes regarding me suspiciously. Before I could +realize the man's intent he sprang between me and the outer door, his +hand gripping an iron bar.</p> + +<p>"A son of Baal!" came the roar from his lips. "How came you here in that +uniform? Are you alone?"</p> + +<p>"Alone, yes," and I hurled the scarlet jacket into the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> dirt with a +gesture of disgust. "I had even forgotten I wore it. Wait a moment. I +heard your prayer, and know you must be with us. I am Major Lawrence of +the Maryland Line."</p> + +<p>He stared at me motionless.</p> + +<p>"Then how come ye here?"</p> + +<p>"I was sent into Philadelphia by Washington himself, but my identity was +discovered, and there was no way of escape except across the Delaware. I +reached here during the night, and crept into your shop to hide. The +sound of your voice awoke me from sleep, and I knew from your words that +it was safe for me to come forth."</p> + +<p>"You may know it, young man, but I don't," he replied gruffly. "We're a +bit suspicious of strangers here in the Jerseys these days. The minions +of Satan encompass us about. What have ye to show to prove your story?"</p> + +<p>I shook my head, extending my hands.</p> + +<p>"Only my word of honor. I had a pass from Hamilton, but destroyed that +before entering the British lines. If I tell you the whole story, +perhaps you will understand its truth."</p> + +<p>The expression of his face did not change, yet I thought the deep-set +eyes were not altogether unkind.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You are hungry, no doubt?"</p> + +<p>"Being human, yes."</p> + +<p>"Then we'll eat and talk at the same time. You're only one man, an' I'm +not afraid of you, an' if ye are a Britisher I wouldn't starve you to +death. There's little enough, the good Lord knows, but you're welcome to +the half of it. Make yourself comfortable there on the bench."</p> + +<p>I did as he suggested, impressed by the rugged directness of the fellow, +convinced he already half believed my brief explanation. He stepped +outside into the sunlight searching the road that led away across the +flat distance; returning he indulged in a single glance into the +deserted shop where I had passed the night. Apparently satisfied that I +was indeed alone, he threw open a cupboard in one corner, and brought +forth a variety of food, placing this upon a wide shelf near at hand. +Occasionally our eyes met, and I knew he was slowly making up his mind +regarding me. This silent scrutiny could not have been altogether +unsatisfactory, for, when he finally drew up an empty box and sat down, +he was prepared to talk.</p> + +<p>"Help yourself," he began gravely. "It is rough camp fare, but doubtless +you are used to that. Do you know me?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> + +<p>I scanned his face again intently, surprised by the question, yet +recognized no familiar features.</p> + +<p>"No," I replied, with some hesitation. "Have we ever met before?"</p> + +<p>"Not to my remembrance," and the man's language and accent evidenced +education above his apparent station. "But I have won some repute in +this part of the Jerseys, an' thought my name might be known to you. You +would recognize the signature of George Washington?"</p> + +<p>"I have seen it often."</p> + +<p>He drew a flat leather case from a pocket inside his shirt, extracting +therefrom a folded paper, which he opened, and extended to me across the +table. With a glance I mastered the few lines written thereon, +recognizing its genuineness.</p> + +<p>"Hamilton penned that," I said in quick surprise, "and it is signed by +Washington's own hand."</p> + +<p>The deep-set eyes twinkled.</p> + +<p>"Right," he said shortly, "that bit of paper may save me from hangin' +some day. There are those who would like well to see me swing if they +only laid hands on me at the right time and place. You know what the +paper is?"</p> + +<p>"A commission as Captain," and I bent over it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> again, "issued to Daniel +Farrell, giving him independent command of scouts—by heavens! are you +'Bull' Farrell?"</p> + +<p>He was eating quietly, but found time to answer.</p> + +<p>"There are those who call me by that nickname; others give me even a +worse handle. 'Tis my nature to make enemies faster than friends. You +know me then?"</p> + +<p>"I was with Maxwell at Germantown," the remembrance of the scene coming +vividly to mind, "when you came up with your ragged fellows. You have +certainly taught them how to fight."</p> + +<p>"There was no teaching necessary; all the trouble I ever have is in +holding them back," his face darkening. "Every man who rides with me +knows what war means here in the Jerseys; they have seen their homes in +flames, their women and children driven out by Hessian hirelings. We +fight for life as well as liberty, and when we strike we strike hard. +But enough of that. We have sufficient confidence in each other by now +to talk freely. What did you discover in Philadelphia? No more than I +could tell you myself, I'll warrant."</p> + +<p>I told the story, while he listened silently, his eyes alone expressing +interest. As I ended, he slowly lit<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> his pipe, and sat there smoking, +apparently thinking over what I had said.</p> + +<p>"Have I learned anything of importance?" I asked finally.</p> + +<p>"For Washington, yes; but very little unknown to me. So you met Mistress +Claire, eh? The little minx! 'Tis a month since I heard of her."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r7817" id="r7817"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2><h3>TANGLING THREADS</h3> +</div> + + +<p>My surprise at this unexpected reference to the Lady of the Blended +Rose, almost prevented utterance. What could this partisan ranger know +of the girl? How could he even have identified her from my vague +reference?</p> + +<p>"Why do you say that?" I asked eagerly. "I did not mention the lady's +name."</p> + +<p>"There was no cause for you to do so," and the grim mouth smiled. "No +one else in Philadelphia would have turned the trick so neatly; besides +the fact that your opponent was Grant would have revealed the identity +of the girl."</p> + +<p>"You know them both then?"</p> + +<p>"Fairly well; he was a boy in these parts, an' I have shod his riding +horse many a time. A headstrong, domineering, spoiled lad he was, and +quarrelsome. Once I gave him a sound thrashing in this very shop, an' +when his father called me to task for it the next day he went home with +a broken collar-bone. That was ten years before the war, an' we have not +spoken<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> pleasantly since. A hard man was Frederick Grant, an' none of +his blood ever forgave an injury. Once the boy's company of Queen's +Rangers raided this shop, but fortunately I was not here."</p> + +<p>"But Mistress Mortimer," I interrupted, "is her family also from this +neighborhood?"</p> + +<p>"To the northeast of here, near Locust Grove; the properties of the two +families adjoin each other, an' I have heard there is distant kinship +between them, although if that be true all that was good in the strain +must have descended to the one branch, an' all the evil to the other. +Day and night could be no different. Colonel Mortimer is a genial, +pleasant gentleman, an' a loyal friend, although we are in arms against +each other. To tell the truth I half believe his heart is with the +Colonies, although he cast his fortunes with the King. He even has a son +in the Continental Army."</p> + +<p>"On Lee's staff," I interrupted. "The daughter told me he was a twin +brother."</p> + +<p>"Yes, an' as great a rogue as the girl, with the same laughing blue +eyes."</p> + +<p>"And Mistress Claire," I questioned, "on which side is she?"</p> + +<p>"Can you ask that after having met her as a Lady of the Blended Rose? +Pshaw, man, I could almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> give you a list of the loyalist dames who +make sport for the British garrison, an' Mistress Claire is not least in +rank or beauty among them. What else could you expect of a young girl +when her father wears the green an' white, while her lover has made a +reputation hereabout with his hireling raiders?"</p> + +<p>"You mean Grant?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly; they have been engaged from childhood, though God pity the +poor girl if they ever marry. His work in the Jerseys has been almost as +merciless as that of 'Red' Fagin, an' 't is even whispered about they +ride together at times. I doubt if she knows the whole truth about him, +though she can scarcely deem him an angel even at that. Surely you never +supposed her on our side?"</p> + +<p>"She helped me," I insisted, "knowing who I was, and even said she +wished my cause well."</p> + +<p>"The inconsistency of a woman; perhaps the two had had some +misunderstanding, an' she was glad enough to outwit the fellow."</p> + +<p>"No, 't was not that, I am sure; I could read truth in her eyes."</p> + +<p>"In Claire's eyes!" he laughed outright. "Oh, I know the innocent blue +of them, and warn you not to trust such blindly. Other men have thought +the same, an' found out they read wrongly when the end<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> came—ay! many +of them. When she was but a slip of a lass I found out her eyes played +merry tricks, an' yet I love her as though she were my own daughter. An' +she's a good girl in spite of all the mischief in her."</p> + +<p>"And she is truly a loyalist?"</p> + +<p>"If not, I know no better. The rebel blood is all in the boy so far as I +can learn, yet I will not answer for what Mistress Claire might do."</p> + +<p>We fell silent, my memory with the girl, endeavoring to recall her exact +words, the expression of her face. It was not in my heart to believe she +had deceived me. There was no reason why she should, and it was easy to +conceive how she had naturally become part of the gay pageant, herself +an exile, and with both father and lover in the King's service. Her very +fun-loving disposition would lead her to take interest in the affair, +while beyond doubt her friendships would all influence her in that +direction. Yet down deep in her heart, I still believed, there was +loyalty to the Colonies, a desire to aid them in their struggle, and, I +sincerely hoped, a distrust and growing aversion to the man, Grant. +Certainly she could not love the fellow; that thought was inconceivable. +Whatever prearranged ties might still bind, she was already in almost +open rebellion against them. 'T was not in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> woman's nature to love one +man, and then aid another to outwit him. And she had done all this, and +of her own free will; done it with her eyes looking frankly into mine, +knowing who I was, and my real purpose in Philadelphia. No statement of +another could shake my confidence, or make me feel she had deliberately +deceived. Only through some action, or some direct word of her own, +would I permit my faith to be shattered.</p> + +<p>Plunged deeply in these thoughts, I had almost forgotten where I was, as +well as the presence of my companion, when he suddenly arose to his +feet, and, pushing aside the wooden window shutter, looked out. A glance +of his keen eyes was sufficient.</p> + +<p>"Get back into your box, Major," he exclaimed quickly. "Pull the papers +over you."</p> + +<p>I was upon my feet, conscious of the distant sound of horses' hoofs.</p> + +<p>"What is it? The enemy?"</p> + +<p>"Rangers; fifty of them, I judge, an' they'll never pass here without +rummaging around. Quick now, under cover."</p> + +<p>"But what about yourself?"</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about me; those fellows haven't any evidence against +me—yet. They're after you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> + +<p>I was through the intervening door with a bound, and an instant later +had burrowed under the crumpled papers. The shifting of the sun had left +this corner of the repair shop in shadow, but I was scarcely +outstretched in my hastily improvised hiding place, when I heard the +blacksmith calmly open his outer door, where he stood smoking, clad in +leathern apron, awaiting the approaching horsemen. They swept about the +corner of the smithy almost at the same moment, pulling up their tired +horses at sight of him. From amid the thud of hoofs, and the rattle of +accoutrements, a voice spoke sharply:</p> + +<p>"So you're here, Farrell, you old rebel hypocrite. Well, what are you +hiding now?"</p> + +<p>"I was not aware that I had anything to hide, Captain Grant," was the +dignified response. "This is my shop, an' where I should be."</p> + +<p>"Oh, hell! We all know you well enough, you old fox, and we'll catch you +red-handed yet, and hang you. But we're not hunting after your kind +to-day. Did you see anything of a fellow in scarlet jacket along here +last night, or this morning?"</p> + +<p>I failed to catch Farrell's answer, but the voice of the officer was +sufficiently loud to reach me.</p> + +<p>"A rebel spy; the sneaking rascal must have swam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> the Delaware. We'll +look about your shop just the same before we ride on. Mason, take a +half-dozen men with you, and rake the place over."</p> + +<p>I heard the sound of their boots on the floor, and burrowed lower in my +box. Two or three entered the old shop, and began to probe about among +the <i>débris</i>. One kicked the box in which I lay, and thrust a bayonet +down through the loose papers, barely missing my shoulder. With teeth +clinched I remained breathless, but the fellow seemed satisfied, and +moved on, after searching the dark corner beyond. At last I heard them +all go out, mumbling to each other, and ventured to sit up again, and +draw a fresh breath. They had left the door ajar, and I had a glimpse +through the crack. Farrell was leaning carelessly in the outer doorway, +smoking, his short legs wide apart, his expression one of total +indifference. A big fellow stepped past him, and saluted some one just +out of sight.</p> + +<p>"Nobody in there, sir," he reported.</p> + +<p>"All right, Mason," and Grant came into view on a rangy sorrel. "Get +your men back into saddle; we'll move on."</p> + +<p>"Think he went this way?" asked the blacksmith carelessly.</p> + +<p>"How the hell do I know!" savagely. "He must have started this way, but +likely he took the north road.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> We'll get the chap before night, unless +he runs into Delavan's fellows out yonder. See here, Farrell," holding +in his horse, "we'll be back here about dark, and will want something to +eat."</p> + +<p>"You will be welcome to all you find."</p> + +<p>"You impudent rebel, you see that you are here when we come. I know you, +you night raider, and will bring you to book yet. Forward men—trot! +Close up the rank there, sergeant; we'll take the road to the left."</p> + +<p>I watched them go past, the dust-covered green uniforms slipping by the +crack of the door, as the men urged their horses faster. Farrell never +moved, the blue tobacco smoke curling above his head, and I stole across +the littered storeroom to a cobwebbed window, from which I could watch +the little column of riders go down the hill. They finally disappeared +in the edge of a grove, and I turned around to find the blacksmith +leaning against his anvil waiting for me.</p> + +<p>"Genial young fellow, Grant," he said. "Always promising to hang me, but +never quite ready to tackle the job. Afraid I shall have to disappoint +him again, to-night."</p> + +<p>"You will not wait for him?"</p> + +<p>"Hardly. You heard what he said about Delavan? That was the very news I +wanted to learn. Now I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> think both those lads will meet me much sooner +than they expect."</p> + +<p>He stepped forward into the open doorway, and blew three shrill blasts +on a silver whistle. The echo had scarcely died away, when, out from a +thick clump of trees perhaps half a mile distant, a horse shot forth, +racing toward us. As the reckless rider drew up suddenly, I saw him to +be a barefooted, freckle-faced boy of perhaps sixteen, his eyes bright +with excitement.</p> + +<p>"So it's you on duty, Ben," said Farrell quietly, glancing from the boy +to his horse. "Well, you're in for a ride. Have the men at Lone Tree by +sundown; all of them. See Duval first, an' tell him for me this is a big +thing. Now off with you!"</p> + +<p>The boy, grinning happily, swung his horse around, and, jabbing his +sides with bare heels, rode madly away directly south across the vacant +land. Within five minutes he had vanished down a sharp incline. Farrell +was still staring after him, when I asked:</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"A little bit of private war," he said grimly. "If you'll go with me +to-night, Major, I'll show you some guerilla fighting. You heard what +Grant said about Delavan. We've been waiting five days for him to head +back toward Philadelphia. He has twenty wagons, an' a foraging party of +less than fifty men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> somewhere out Medford way," with sweep of hand to +the northeast. "If he an' Grant get together the two commands will +outnumber us, but we'll have the advantage of surprise, of a swift +attack in the dark. In my judgment that is what Grant was sent out +for—to guard Delavan's wagons. His spy hunting was a personal affair. +My advice to you, Lawrence, is to lie quiet here to-day, and go along +with us to-night. It will be in the same direction you'll have to +travel, an' you might have trouble by daylight. No objections to a +fight, have you?"</p> + +<p>"None whatever."</p> + +<p>"I judged so from your face. Better get what rest you can; we shall have +twenty miles to ride before dark. I'll go over into the timber there an' +feed the horses."</p> + +<p>I watched him cross the open land, impressed by the man's immense +shoulders and short limbs. I could scarcely analyze the influence he +already exerted over me, but I felt him to be a natural leader of men, +an intellectual as well as physical giant. I picked up a book lying open +on the bench—it was an English translation of a famous French treatise +on Democracy; within its pages was Payne's pamphlet on the Rights of +Man, its paper margins covered with written comments. This blacksmith +was not only a man of action,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> but a man of thought also. I lay down on +the bench, pillowing my head on one arm, thinking of him as I first saw +him kneeling alone in prayer, and the simple words of his petition came +back to me with new power. Then my mind drifted to the strange +commingling of human elements in this adventure—to Mistress Claire, and +her connection with Grant, and the intimate knowledge Farrell apparently +possessed of them both. Somehow I was becoming more and more deeply +involved in these lives, and I began to wonder how it was all destined +to end. Was the coming night to add a new chapter? If so, would it be +the last? Reviewing it all, lulled by the silence, I fell asleep.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r1376" id="r1376"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2><h3>WITH MINUTE MEN</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I must have slept very heavily, the sleep of utter exhaustion, for I +awoke with my mind clear and body rested. The door of the shop remained +wide open, and Farrell sat there, his eyes upon the road without, an +open book upon his knees. As I moved slightly he instantly turned his +face toward me.</p> + +<p>"I began to fear I should have to arouse you, Major," he said, coming +within. "You have slept soundly for six hours, an' we must be off +presently. First, however, we will have a bite to eat."</p> + +<p>He began to prepare the meal, while I bathed my face.</p> + +<p>"I was very tired," I explained, "but now am ready for any service. What +has occurred since I lay down?"</p> + +<p>"Very little; Duval stopped a moment to report, an' two of my couriers +rode past this way. We are going to have a goodly sized gathering +to-night, an' from all I hear will need every rifle. Grant's purpose is, +as I supposed, to guard the forage train into Philadelphia.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> He expects +to meet them somewhere between Fellowship and Mount Laurel, an' the +chances are we shall have to fight both detachments. But fall to, man, +an' we can discuss all this as we eat."</p> + +<p>He talked freely enough while we remained there, but conversation veered +to the book he had been reading, and I learned little of his plans, +except that he relied upon surprise, and swiftness of movement to +overcome the decided advantage of numbers. After we mounted and rode +away, scarcely a word was exchanged between us. I recall asking a +question or two, but his answers did not encourage any attempt at +probing, and I consequently fell silent, urging my horse in the effort +to keep pace with his heavier mount. We rode straight across the +country, avoiding the roads, and keeping under cover as much as +possible, taking advantage of every depression of the surface. Farrell +knew every inch of the way, and his watchful eyes scanned the summit of +the ridges with constant vigilance. Just before dusk we overtook a dozen +horsemen in the breaks of a creek bottom, roughly dressed fellows, +heavily armed, riding in the same direction as ourselves, and, after the +exchange of a word or two, the whole party of us jogged along together. +Others straggled in, singly, or by small groups, as darkness closed +about, until we formed quite a respectable company.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> It was rather a +silent, weird procession, scarcely a word being spoken, and no sound +heard, other than the dull reverberation of unshod hoofs on the soft +turf. To me, glancing back from where I held position beside Farrell, +they seemed like spectral figures, with no rattle of accoutrements, no +glimmer of steel, no semblance of uniform. Yet my heart warmed to the +knowledge that these were no holiday warriors, but grim fighting men. I +had seen the faces, some boyish, others graybeards, and had read in them +all sternness of purpose. Each hand gripped a brown rifle, and the +fingers that met mine were rough and hard from toil. No man among them +had asked me a question; with Farrell's simple statement there had come +the hand-grip, the eyes looking straight into my own; the silent +acceptance of me as comrade. It all served to drive into my +consciousness the fact that these were men seeking nothing for +themselves, but ready to battle and die for the cause they had espoused. +They had left their ploughs in the furrow to strike a blow for liberty.</p> + +<p>It was an hour or more after dark when our compact little body of +horsemen rode down a gully into a broad creek bottom, and then advanced +through a fringe of trees to the edge of the stream. There was a young +moon in the sky yielding a spectral light,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> barely making those faces +nearest me visible. At the summit of the clay bank, shadowed by the +forest growth encircling them, were the others who had gathered at this +war rendezvous, the majority dismounted, holding their horses in +readiness for action. As we rode in among them neighbors clasped hands +silently, but the words exchanged were few. Farrell forced his horse +through the press toward where a tall figure sat stiff in the saddle, +and my own horse followed unguided.</p> + +<p>"A goodly turn-out, Duval," he commented briefly. "What was the number +before we came?"</p> + +<p>"Forty-seven rifles," the Lieutenant's voice nasal, and high pitched. +"The men from Orchard and Springdale are not in yet. How many arrived +with you?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty; ample for our purpose, even if the others fail us. This is +Major Lawrence of the Maryland Line."</p> + +<p>I shook his long, thin hand, marking the iron grip of the fingers.</p> + +<p>"We'll introduce you to some typical Jersey fighting to-night, Major," +he said genially. "We have a style all our own."</p> + +<p>"I had supposed I had witnessed all styles."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We'll see; the difference is that every man among us has some outrage +to revenge. Our quarrel is a personal one against thieves and murderers. +What is the programme, Farrell?"</p> + +<p>"To intercept Delavan's raiders. They will be along the main road within +the hour from all reports. He has a wagon train loaded with stuff +gathered up between Medford an' Mount Holly, together with a +considerable drove of cattle and some horses."</p> + +<p>"And what force?"</p> + +<p>"About fifty men originally, but reinforced this afternoon with as many +more to help guard the train into Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>"Mounted?"</p> + +<p>"The reinforcements were, but the original foragers were afoot; they +were Hessians; the others Grant's company of Queen's Rangers."</p> + +<p>"Glory be to God!" exclaimed a voice near at hand. "Did ye hear that, +lads? It's Dutchmen and Tories we're against to-night. Be Gorry! I +wouldn't have missed the chance of this shindy fer the best farm in +Camden."</p> + +<p>There was a low growl from the cluster of men, and an ominous movement +of bodies pressing closer. Duval laughed mirthlessly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The bloodhound takes the scent," he said grimly. "God help those poor +devils when we cut the leash, Farrell. Where do you propose meeting +them?"</p> + +<p>"Across there in the bluffs," pointing, "where the road turns in between +the high clay banks. We'll leave our horses here, an' cross on foot. Is +that the right plan, boys?"</p> + +<p>There was a murmur of acquiescence, a few questions, and then the +silence of approval. It was evident these minute men were under small +discipline, and their officers led only by force of character. Without +orders the horses were led away, tied securely in the black depths of +the woods, and the men came straggling back, rifles in hand, grouping +themselves along the edge of the stream. There was no attempt at +military formation, but Duval straightened them out so as to count the +number present.</p> + +<p>"Sixty-nine, all told," he announced briefly. "All right, boys, come on, +and keep your powder out of the water."</p> + +<p>It was firm bottom, but the water rose above the waist, with sufficient +current so we had to brace against it in mid-stream. We trailed dripping +up the eastern bank, coming out upon a well-travelled road. A hundred +feet beyond was the cleft through the clay, and there Farrell halted us, +dividing the men into two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> parties. Under his orders they disappeared +like magic, the silent night engulfing them completely. The three of us, +Duval, Farrell, and myself, alone remained in the deserted road.</p> + +<p>"Duval," said the blacksmith quietly, "you an' the Major feel your way +along to the top, an' discover what is happening. I'll stay here, an' +take care of the boys."</p> + +<p>The road was a gradual rise, the clay packed hard under foot, but from +the summit we could look away for some distance over a level country, +dimly revealed under the new moon. There was nothing in sight, and no +sound disturbed the solitude. We sat down on a bunch of turf, rifles in +hand, to wait patiently, our eyes scanning the distance.</p> + +<p>"Who are those fellows back there?" I questioned at last, made nervous +by the silence.</p> + +<p>"The boys in the gulch? Jersey militiamen," he explained shortly. "You +see there's some of us that can't get away all the time, because of the +women and children, and the farm work. Besides, regular soldiering don't +just appeal to our sort. So we do our fighting round home in our own +way. However, the most of us manage to have a hand in the real thing +once in a while even at that. We were over at Germantown, and down at +Brandywine. Farrell's got a commission,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> but the rest of us are taking +our chances. It's neighbor against neighbor. Whatever we've got left has +been held at the point of the rifle. We're doing our share in this war, +an' Washington knows it. Over there to the east 'Red' Fagin, Old Man +Kelly, an' their gangs of Pine Robbers, are making the fields red; +sometimes they get down this far raiding the farms, but mostly, we're +fighting foragers out of Philadelphia, and they're not much better. Half +the houses in this country have been burned, and mercy isn't very common +on either side. Those lads yonder are not pretty soldiers to look at, +but they're wolves to fight, and hungry for it."</p> + +<p>"They are called on whenever Farrell wishes?"</p> + +<p>"Well, yes; those come who can. They're not always the same bunch. You +see Farrell covers quite a bit of country, with a lieutenant in each +section who is in touch with the neighbors there. I belong in Camden, +and don't go outside very often, but there is a sort of organization all +the way between here and New York. Whenever there is a big fight on, the +most of us get into it somehow. Washington counts on us in a pinch, but +mostly we're raiding or cutting off British supplies. Say, Major, isn't +that those fellows coming?"</p> + +<p>He pointed into the east, in which direction the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> road ran, barely +revealed by the faint light of the moon for perhaps a hundred yards. I +looked eagerly, and could dimly distinguish a vague shadow on the summit +of a distant rise of land. The shadow moved, however, and as we both +stared in uncertainty, there came to our ears the far-off crack of a +whip. We drew farther back against the bank, pausing to make sure there +was no deception. One by one we could perceive those vague shadows +topping the rise and disappearing. I counted ten, convinced they were +covered wagons, and then the night wind brought to us the creaking of +wheels, and the sound of a man's voice. Duval's hand gripped my arm, and +to the signal we crept back beyond the crest, and then hurried down to +where Farrell had concealed his men. He was waiting us in the middle of +the road, his short broad figure almost laughable in the moon shadow.</p> + +<p>"Well, are they coming?"</p> + +<p>"Just over the crest," replied Duval brusquely. "I counted fifteen +wagons."</p> + +<p>"Quite a convoy, an' worth fighting for. Take the left, Duval; Major, +come with me."</p> + +<p>We drew aside under the protection of a boulder, from where we could see +clearly to the top of the ridge. Only for a moment was there silence, +the men all about us lying low in their coverts, breathless and intent.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> +There was a faint ripple of water to our rear where the stream ran, and +a rustle of leaves overhead in the slight breeze. A rabbit, or some +stray animal of the field, darted through the underbrush. Then we heard +horses' hoofs and the murmur of approaching voices.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r9291" id="r9291"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2><h3>THE CAPTURE OF THE WAGON TRAIN</h3> +</div> + + +<p>We could see them quite clearly, as they topped the crest, the moonlight +revealing men and horses so distinctly I could even guess at their +uniform. Those in advance rode slowly, four abreast, down into the black +shadows, lolling in their saddles, voices murmuring, seemingly +unconscious of any danger. It was easy to comprehend their state of +mind. Delavan had been left alone for a week, permitted to sweep the +countryside unmolested. He and his command had naturally grown careless, +never suspecting their every move had been watched by keen-eyed scouts. +Now, guarded by Grant's troop, they believed themselves sufficiently +strong for any emergency; that no force the scattered enemy could gather +would venture upon attack. By daylight they would be within sight of the +Philadelphia outposts, and serenely confident in their numbers, the +night march had therefore become a mere routine. I heard Farrell chuckle +grimly to himself as he observed the careless approach of those advance +riders.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> + +<p>They were Queen's Rangers, the white facings of their coats conspicuous, +their guns swung at the shoulder in reckless confidence. A slim young +lieutenant appeared to be in command, and we counted twenty in the +advance body as they slowly passed and disappeared into the denser gloom +below. Following them appeared the wagons, huge Conestogas, heavily +laden, creaking dismally in the night silence, and lurching along the +rutty road. These were dragged by mules, horses, and oxen, the drivers +blocking the wheels as they struck the sharp descent, a thin guard of +Hessians, on foot, streaming along either side, but offering no +assistance. We could hear them growling to each other in German, +punctuated by an occasional English oath, as they stumbled forward in +the dark. Ten wagons passed thus, without a movement or sound from the +men lying concealed almost within arm's reach of the unconscious guards. +Farrell never stirred, and I scarcely ventured to breathe. Then there +came another squadron of Rangers, an officer riding alone in front, the +black shadow of another section of the wagon train looming over the +ridge behind them. The horsemen passed us, the officer turning in his +saddle with an order to close up their ranks. I recognized Grant's +voice, and then, sharp as a blow, rang out Farrell's whistle at my very +ear.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> + +<p>There was a leap of flame from both sides the road, lighting up that +gash in the clay bank as though it was an inferno, the red and yellow +glow cleaving the night asunder, with ear-splitting roar. I was on my +feet, my rifle spitting, yet hardly conscious of any act, stunned by the +suddenness of the reports, confused by those black figures leaping +forward through the weird glare. I saw and heard, and yet it was all a +confused medley, in which I bore active part while scarcely realizing +its significance. I saw men reel stumbling back, some falling heavily; I +heard shouts, oaths, cries of pain, the piercing shrieks of stricken +animals; there was the crunch of blows, a wild, inhuman cheer, a gruff +order yelled above the uproar, the rush of bodies hardly +distinguishable. The thin line of Hessians were flung aside as though +they were paper men; eager hands gripped the astounded Rangers, and +dragged them from their saddles. It was a fierce hand-to-hand <i>mêlée</i> so +swiftly fought as to be over with almost in a minute, and yet so +desperate the narrow roadway was strewn with bodies. Frightened horses +whirled and ran; wagons were overturned; hemmed in against the high +walls, Germans and British made one mad effort to extricate themselves; +the advance guard came spurring back, pushing blindly into the ruck, the +boyish voice of their young lieutenant sounding above the uproar.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> But +our men were between the two, a compact body, each borderman fighting +independently, but knowing the game. I heard no word of command, no +shout of direction from either Farrell or Duval, yet we ripped them +asunder with sweeping rifle butts, and, almost before I could catch a +second breath, the few who remained on their feet were helplessly +trapped. Farrell saw it was all over, and his whistle sounded again, +stilling the uproar. Up to that moment he was beside me; with the +echoing of the shrill blast he had disappeared.</p> + +<p>It was Duval who emerged from the wreck of the train, demanding +surrender.</p> + +<p>"Who commands here?" he shouted. "Speak up quick."</p> + +<p>There was hesitancy, and then out of the black mass huddled against the +bank I recognized Grant's voice.</p> + +<p>"I suppose I do; has any one seen Captain Delavan?"</p> + +<p>"He fell at the first fire, sir," answered some one huskily.</p> + +<p>Grant stepped forth into the moonlight, bareheaded, his sword in hand.</p> + +<p>"Then I am the senior officer," he announced, his voice shaking +slightly. "Who are you?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Camden minute men. Do you surrender?"</p> + +<p>He took a long breath, glancing about at the dark shadows. Some one held +up a lighted torch, the red flame casting a sudden gleam over the +surrounding faces. It was clear that further resistance was useless, yet +Grant temporized.</p> + +<p>"Are you in command?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Duval; "but I represent the commander."</p> + +<p>"I deal with the one responsible in this affair and demand terms. Who is +your leader?"</p> + +<p>Duval smiled, turning his head inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"I don't think you have much choice," he commented dryly. "However, +perhaps you are not too proud to talk to a regular who outranks you—I +present Major Lawrence, of the Continental Line."</p> + +<p>Surprised as I was by being thus suddenly thrust forward into supreme +authority, I as instantly understood the purpose, and stepped to the +front. Grant stared at my face in the gleam of the smoking torch, almost +as though he looked upon a ghost.</p> + +<p>"You!"</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Captain. It is a pleasure to meet with you again, +especially under such happy circumstances. But my men are becoming +impatient. Do you surrender?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Under what terms?" he parleyed.</p> + +<p>"None, but we are not savages. You will be treated as prisoners of war."</p> + +<p>His hatred of me made him obstinate, but the utter helplessness of their +position was too apparent to be ignored. A Hessian muttered something in +German, and Grant dropped the point of his sword with an oath.</p> + +<p>"Good," I said promptly. "Lieutenant, have your men disarm the +prisoners."</p> + +<p>There was no resistance, and the militiamen herded them against the +bank, encircled by a heavy guard. Duval singled out the officers from +among the others, and brought them forward to where I stood. There were +but three—Grant and two Hessians. I looked at them keenly, recalling +the slight figure of the young lieutenant with the boy's voice. Could +the lad have been shot, or what had become of him?</p> + +<p>"Are you three all that are left?" I questioned bluntly. "Who commanded +the vanguard?"</p> + +<p>The two Hessians looked at each other stupidly, and I asked the question +again before Grant saw fit to reply. His manner was excessively +insolent.</p> + +<p>"That is more than I know. We joined after dark, and I did not meet +Delavan's officers."</p> + +<p>"He vas vat you call maype a volunteer leftentant,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> added one of the +Germans brokenly. "At Mount Holly we met, yah, and from there he +joined."</p> + +<p>"Not one of Delavan's men then?"</p> + +<p>"I dink not; he vas Light Dragoon. I haf the vagon guard—the first +vagons—an' see him there. Mine Gott! he come pack vid his mens all +right—slash, shoot—his horse rear up; that vas the last I see +already."</p> + +<p>"The lad got away, with three others, sir," broke in a new voice at my +back. "They wheeled and rode through us, across the water. We thought +the horse guard would get them over there, but I guess they didn't; +anyhow there was no firing. The fellows must have turned in under the +bank, and rode like hell."</p> + +<p>Satisfied as to this incident, and not altogether regretful that the boy +had thus escaped, I held a short consultation with Duval, seeking +explanation as to why the command had been so unceremoniously thrust +upon me. A few words only were required to make the situation clear. +Farrell's ability to injure and annoy the enemy largely depended on his +leadership not being known. While taking part in every engagement, he +always required his lieutenants to represent him in negotiations, so +that up to this time, whatever the British might suspect, they had no +positive proof that he was openly in arms against them. Duval, in turn, +taking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> advantage of my presence, had shifted the responsibility to my +shoulders.</p> + +<p>"But what do you people do with your prisoners?" I asked.</p> + +<p>"Send 'em to the Continental lines when we can," he explained, "and if +we can't then turn 'em loose. No use paroling 'em, as they consider us +guerillas. If I was you I'd run 'em back to the farmhouse across the +creek, an' hold 'em there till we get rid of this stuff. Maybe it'll +take twenty-four hours to hide it all, and burn the wagons. Then the +boys can turn 'em loose, an' there's no harm done. I'd like to take that +fellow Grant into our lines—he's a mean pillaging devil—but it's too +big a risk; Bristol is about the nearest picket post, and the Red-coats +have got cavalry patrols all along in back of the river."</p> + +<p>"But I cannot wait here," I answered, impatiently. "Farrell understood +that. I have important information for Washington, and only came with +you to-night because you were following along my route. I've got to go +on."</p> + +<p>"That's all right; just give your orders, and we'll attend to the rest. +What we want is for these lads to go back to Philadelphia saying they +were attacked by a force of militia under command of an officer of the +Continental line. That will give Clinton a scare, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> turn suspicion +away from us. Grant knows you, I understand, so he'll report the affair +that way. You can be off within thirty minutes."</p> + +<p>It was easy to grasp the point of view, and I saw no reason for refusing +assistance. I gave the necessary orders, standing under the torchlight +in full view, and waited while a squad of partisans rounded up the +disarmed prisoners, and guarded them down the slope to the edge of the +stream. This was accomplished quietly and expeditiously, Duval +whispering to me as to whom to put in command of the guard. The others +gathered about the wagons, deciding on what was worth saving, and what +had better be destroyed. Teams were doubled up, and several of the heavy +Conestogas rumbled away into the darkness. Two, too badly injured to be +repaired, were fired where they lay, the bright flames lighting up the +high banks on either side the road. I watched this work impatiently, +although it required but a few moments, and finally turned aside in +search of a good mount. I found a big black, with British arms on the +bridle, and a pair of loaded pistols in the holsters, a fine-looking +animal, and came back into the fire glow, determined to lose no more +time. Duval had disappeared, but, as I stood there looking about for him +to say good-bye, a young country fellow came up hurriedly from out the +darkness.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You're wanted down thar," he said, with the jerk of a thumb over his +shoulder. "The Tory officer wants to see ye."</p> + +<p>"What officer? Captain Grant?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon that's the one," indifferently; "anyhow I was told to fetch ye +down thar. Bannister sent me."</p> + +<p>I went as he directed down the rutty road, my newly appropriated horse +trailing along behind. The prisoners were in an open space near the bank +of the stream, where a fire had been built. They were mostly lying down, +the guard forming an outside circle. Grant was pacing back and forth +restlessly, but, as soon as I appeared within the fire radius, he came +toward me.</p> + +<p>"Can I see you alone?" he asked brusquely.</p> + +<p>"If there is any reason for privacy, certainly," I answered in surprise. +"What do you wish to say?"</p> + +<p>"This is a matter strictly between us," evasively. "I prefer not to +discuss it publicly here."</p> + +<p>I had a suspicion of treachery, yet was not willing to exhibit any +reluctance. The fellow was no better man than I when it came to a +struggle, and was unarmed. Besides he had succeeded in arousing my +curiosity.</p> + +<p>"Very good. Bannister," to the partisan in charge, "I want a word with +Captain Grant, and will be responsible for his safe return."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> + +<p>The man looked after us doubtfully, yet permitted us to pass beyond the +guard-lines. There was a stump beside the ford, barely within the +flicker of the distant fire, and there I stopped, leaning against my +horse, and turned so as to look into the man's face.</p> + +<p>"Well, Grant," I said, rather sternly. "We are alone now; what is it?"</p> + +<p>He cleared his throat, evidently uncertain how best to express himself.</p> + +<p>"Why did you ask so many questions about Delavan's lieutenant?" he began +sullenly. "What were you trying to find out?"</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r5760" id="r5760"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2><h3>A CAPTURE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>What was the matter with the fellow? Could he have sent for me merely to +ask that question, insisting on privacy? There must surely be some +hidden purpose behind this. Yet if so, there was no betrayal in the +man's face. His eyes had an angry gleam in them, and his words were shot +at me in deadly earnest.</p> + +<p>"The lieutenant?" I repeated, not prepared for a direct reply. "Why, I +hardly know—curiosity largely."</p> + +<p>He stared at me in manifest unbelief.</p> + +<p>"What do you expect to gain by lying?" he exclaimed sullenly. "You saw +him, no doubt, or you would not have asked what you did."</p> + +<p>"Certainly I saw him," more deeply puzzled than before at his +insistence. "That was what aroused my interest. He seemed such a mere +lad as he rode past, and later I heard his voice, the voice of a boy."</p> + +<p>"Was that all?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<p>"All! What else could you suppose? It was dark, only a little gleam of +moon revealed outlines. I couldn't distinguish the face, but when he +failed to appear after the fight I remembered him, and was afraid he had +been hurt. Now I want to know what you mean. Who was the lad?"</p> + +<p>He had seated himself on the stump, and was leaning forward, his face +hidden from the light of the fire.</p> + +<p>"Well, go on then," he returned finally. "If that's all you saw of him +it's all right."</p> + +<p>"No, it's not all right," I insisted, aroused by his peculiar actions. +"What is all this mystery about? You told me you didn't know the man."</p> + +<p>"I said I hadn't seen him; that we joined Delavan after dark," he +corrected sharply. "But you needn't try to interview me, Major +Lawrence," stiffening with anger, "for I haven't anything to say to a +spy and leader of guerillas."</p> + +<p>"You requested this interview; however, if you are satisfied I am, and +you can return to your men. Shall I call the guard?"</p> + +<p>He hesitated a moment, but whatever it was which had first inspired him +to question me, was too strong to be thrown aside.</p> + +<p>"Did—did Mistress Mortimer help you escape from Philadelphia?" he asked +bluntly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That is entirely my affair. Why don't you ask the lady herself?"</p> + +<p>"See here, damn you!" he burst out. "I haven't seen the lady. When I got +back to the dining-room she was gone, and then I was ordered out here. +But you knew you were being sought after, and I cannot imagine who else +told you."</p> + +<p>"You do not exhibit very great faith in the lady—the daughter of a +loyalist."</p> + +<p>He drew a quick breath, suddenly aware that he had gone too far.</p> + +<p>"It is your sneaking spy methods, not the girl. She is innocent enough, +but I suspect you dragged the truth out of her. Now see here!" and his +voice took on the tone of a bully. "You are in power just now, but you +won't always be. You can't hold me prisoner; not with these ragamuffins. +They'll turn us loose as soon as they loot those wagons. I know how they +work in the Jerseys. But first I intend to tell you something it will be +worth your while to remember. Claire Mortimer is going to be my wife—my +wife. War is one thing, but if you interfere in my personal affairs +again, I am going to kill you."</p> + +<p>"Indeed," smilingly. "Is Mistress Mortimer aware of the honor you are +according her?"</p> + +<p>"She is aware of the engagement, if that is what<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> you mean. It has been +understood since our childhood."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see; a family arrangement. Well, Grant, this is all very +interesting, but I am unable to conceive what I have to do with it. I +met Mistress Mortimer by accident, and then was fortunate enough to +dance with her once. 'Tis scarcely likely we shall ever meet again. The +daughter of a colonel of Queen's Rangers is not apt to come again into +contact with an officer of the Maryland Line. I don't know why you +should single me out in this matter. I don't even know the lady's +brother."</p> + +<p>"Her brother?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, the family renegade; the twin brother on Lee's staff."</p> + +<p>I could not perceive the expression of the man's face, but he was a long +while answering.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes. She told you about him?"</p> + +<p>"It was mentioned. Would I know the boy from any resemblance to his +sister?"</p> + +<p>"Y—yes, at least I should suppose so. You must have become very +intimate for her to have told you that. You see it—it is a family +secret."</p> + +<p>"Nothing for Tories to boast over, I should imagine. However, it came up +naturally enough while we spoke of the sufferings of the American army +during the winter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> It is a sad thing the way this war has divided +families. Has Mistress Claire any Colonial sentiments?"</p> + +<p>"How the devil do I know! She would not be likely to air them before me. +I don't know what fool trick you played on her last night, but she's on +the right side just the same."</p> + +<p>"I think so, too."</p> + +<p>His manner was so disagreeable that I instantly determined to have an +end. I had more important work before me than quarrelling with this +fellow, and, somehow, his claimed intimacy with Mistress Mortimer grated +upon me strangely.</p> + +<p>"If that is all you requested an interview for, Captain Grant," I said +coldly, "I'll trouble you to return to your men."</p> + +<p>I followed him closely back toward the fire, and neither spoke until we +reached the guard-lines. Then he turned his face toward me.</p> + +<p>"Have you a party out after the lieutenant?"</p> + +<p>"No; probably he ran into our horse guard across the creek. If not, the +three who are reported to have got away can do us no harm. Why are you +so interested?"</p> + +<p>"That is my affair," he replied, insolently, and walked across the open +square, with shoulders squared.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> + +<p>Irritated that I had even condescended to question him, I turned back up +the road to where the men were yet busy about the wagons, spoke a few +words to Duval, he explaining to me the best route toward the river +crossing at Burlington, and then swung into the saddle and sent the +black forward to the crest of the ridge. The animal was restive, and +hard to control; I cast a single glance backward to where the blaze of +the fires lit up the busy figures below, and then plunged forward into +the black night, unable to see the road, but trusting the instincts of +the horse.</p> + +<p>I permitted the animal to go his own gait, and for a mile or more he +kept up a hot gallop, finally tiring to a trot. By this time my eyes had +accustomed themselves sufficiently to the gloom so as to dimly perceive +the outline of the highway, and the contour of the surrounding country. +It was not a thickly settled region, although we passed two houses, and +several cultivated fields, the latter unfenced. Duval had spoken of a +turn to the westward, but I perceived no branching of the road, and +began to wonder if we had not passed the spot during that first rush. So +far as I could judge from the few stars visible we were travelling +almost due north. However, I was certainly getting farther away from the +British lines, and could swing to the left at daylight. It made little +difference where I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> struck the Delaware; every mile north added to my +safety.</p> + +<p>The silence of the night, the dull monotony of the landscape, caused my +mind to drift backward over the rapidly occurring events of the past two +days. They all seemed natural enough—merely such a series of adventure +as could occur to any one between the lines of two contending +armies,—and yet a trail of mystery seemed to run through it all, +becoming more and more perplexing. Why should Claire Mortimer have saved +me from capture? What could have caused her so suddenly to array herself +against those who were nearest her in life, to assist a mere stranger? +Who was the girl? Were those few words spoken to me the truth, or were +they intended to deceive? I could scarcely believe the last possible, +for she could have no object in leading me astray. The dividing of +families was nothing new; the very fact that she possessed a brother in +arms with the Colonies was evidence that the younger blood was arrayed +against the King. As to her engagement with Grant I scarcely gave that a +second thought, for I knew she despised him, and was of too determined a +character to surrender at the will of others. She might permit him to +suppose she was compliant, for some object of her own, but there would +surely be an hour of rebellion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> + +<p>The memory of her arose clearly before me—the smile in those frank blue +eyes, the proud poise of the head, the banter of the soft voice, and the +words spoken. While she had said nothing convincing—merely an +expression of womanly sympathy for the sufferings of the patriot +army—yet I could not drive away the impression left that she was +desirous that final victory perch upon our banners. Otherwise why should +she have championed me, aided my escape, realizing, as she did, my +mission in Philadelphia? I felt a sudden determination to learn the +truth, to meet with her again under pleasanter circumstances. There was +but one way in which this might be accomplished. I would seek out the +brother on Lee's staff, the moment duty would permit. The way of +accomplishment appeared to be so clear, so easy, that I ceased to dream, +and began to plan. My horse had fallen into a long, swinging lope, +bearing us forward rapidly. The moon had disappeared, but the sky was +glittering with stars, and I could distinguish the main features of the +country traversed. I was on the summit of a slight ridge, but the road +swerved to the right, leading down into a broad valley. There were no +signs of habitations, until we rounded the edge of a small grove, and +came suddenly upon a little village of a dozen houses on either side the +highway. These were wrapped in darkness, apparently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> deserted, shapeless +appearing structures, although I thought one had the appearance of a +tavern, and another seemed a store. There was a well in front of this +last, and water sparkled in a log trough beside it. My horse stopped, +burying his nostrils in the water, and, suddenly made aware of my own +thirst, I swung, down from the saddle. My hands were upon the well-rope +when, without warning, I was gripped from behind, and flung down into +the dirt of the road. I made desperate effort to break away, but two men +held me, one with knee pressed into my chest, the other uplifting the +butt of a pistol over my head. There was not a word spoken, but I could +see they were in uniform, although the fellow kneeling on me had the +features and long black hair of an Indian. My horse started to bolt, but +his rein was gripped, and then a third figure, mounted, rode into the +range of my vision.</p> + +<p>"Search him for weapons, Tonepah," said a boyish voice briefly. "There +are pistols in the saddle holsters, but he may have others. Then tie him +up as quick as you can."</p> + +<p>There was no mistaking my captors—the young dragoon lieutenant, and the +three who had escaped with him. But why had they ridden in this +direction? What object could they have in thus attacking me? They +afforded me little opportunity for solving these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> problems. Had I been a +bale of tobacco I could not have been treated with less ceremony, the +white man unclasping my belt, while the Indian, with a grunt, flung me +over on my face, and began binding hands and feet. I kicked him once, +sending him tumbling backward, but he only came back silently, with more +cruel twist of the rope, while the boy laughed, bending over his horse's +neck.</p> + +<p>"Hoist him up on the black, lads," he said shortly, reining back out of +the way. "Delavan's horse, isn't it? Yes, tie his feet underneath, and +one of you keep a hand on the reins. Peter, you and Cass ride with him. +I want Tonepah with me. All ready? We'll take the east road."</p> + +<p>Some one struck the horse, and he plunged forward, swerving sharply to +the right in response to the strong hand on his bit. I swayed in the +saddle, but the bonds held, and we went loping forward into the night.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r8865" id="r8865"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2><h3>INTRODUCING PETER</h3> +</div> + + +<p>It was a new country to me that we traversed, a rolling country, but not +thickly settled, although the road appeared to be a well-beaten track. +The gloom, coupled with the rapidity of our movements, prevented me from +seeing anything other than those dim objects close at hand, yet we were +evidently travelling almost straight east. I endeavored to enter into +conversation with the two fellows riding on either side of me, but +neither one so much as turned his head in response to my voice, and I +soon tired of the attempt. The night told me little of who they might +be, although they were both in the uniform of the Queen's Rangers, the +one called Peter on my right a round, squat figure, and bald-headed, his +bare scalp shining oddly when once he removed his cocked hat; the other +was an older man, with gray chin beard, and glittering display of teeth.</p> + +<p>But I gave these small consideration, my thought centring rather on the +two riding in front, the Indian slouching carelessly in his saddle, his +real shape scarcely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> discernible, while the lieutenant sat stiff and +straight, with head erect, his slender figure plainly outlined against +the sky-line. He alone of the four spoke an occasional word, in the +contralto boyish voice, of which I made little, however, and the Indian +merely grunted an acknowledgment that he heard. The movements of my +horse caused the ropes to lacerate my wrists and ankles, the pain +increasing so that once or twice I cried out. The fellows guarding me +did not even turn their heads, but the lieutenant drew up his horse so +as to block us.</p> + +<p>"What is the trouble? Are you hurt?"</p> + +<p>"These ropes are tearing into the flesh," I groaned. "I'd be just as +safe if they were loosened a bit."</p> + +<p>I saw him lean forward, shading his face with one hand, as he stared +toward me through the darkness. I thought he drew a quick breath as from +surprise, and there was a moment's hesitancy.</p> + +<p>"Let out the ropes a trifle, Peter," came the final order.</p> + +<p>The little bald-headed man went at it without a word, the lieutenant +reining back his horse slightly, and drawing his hat lower over his +eyes. In the silence one of the horses neighed, and the boy seemed to +straighten in his saddle, glancing suspiciously about.</p> + +<p>"Ride ahead slowly, Tonepah," he ordered. "I'll<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> catch up with you." He +turned back toward me. "Who are you, anyway?"</p> + +<p>Surprised at the unexpected question, my first thought was to conceal my +identity. These were King's men, and I was in ordinary clothes—the +rough homespun furnished by Farrell. If, by any chance, I was not the +party they had expected to waylay, I might be released without search.</p> + +<p>"Who am I?" I echoed. "Do you mean you have gone to all this trouble +without knowing whom you hold prisoner?"</p> + +<p>"It seems so," coolly. "We know who we thought you were, but I am +beginning to doubt your being the right man. Peter, take his hat off."</p> + +<p>I straightened up bareheaded, the faint star-gleam on my face. The +lieutenant remained quiet, but Peter broke his sphinx-like silence.</p> + +<p>"Tain't him, is it?"</p> + +<p>"No; he must have taken the other road after all," with a slight laugh. +"We've been on a wild-goose chase. However, it's too late now to catch +the fellow on this trip."</p> + +<p>Peter rubbed his bald pate, his eyes on me.</p> + +<p>"An' what'll we do with this lad?" he answered drawlingly. "Turn him +loose?"</p> + +<p>"Bring him along. We'll find out to-morrow who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> he is, and what his +business may be. Men are not riding these roads at midnight without some +purpose."</p> + +<p>He wheeled his horse, and, with a touch of the spur, disappeared in the +darkness ahead. Peter clambered back into the saddle, and gripped my +rein.</p> + +<p>"Come on," he said disgustedly, kicking the black in the side. "It's a +ways yet afore yer lie down."</p> + +<p>We rode steadily, and at a good pace. Occasionally the older man swore +solemnly, but Peter never uttered a sound, not even turning his head at +my attempts to draw him into conversation. The situation mystified me, +but it became more and more evident that I should have to wait until +morning before learning the truth. Neither guard would open his lips, +and the lieutenant rode straight forward, merely a dim shadow, in +advance. There was no figuring the affair out. Why should these fellows, +who, earlier in the evening, had been part of Delavan's wagon guard, be +in ambush to waylay some rider on the Bristol road? Who was it they +sought to capture? Where were they taking me, and why was I not released +as soon as they discovered their mistake? These were the main questions, +but there were others also arising in mind. This did not seem to me like +an ordinary party of troopers; there was an offhand freedom from +discipline totally unlike the British service. Neither Peter nor the +Indian<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> seemed to belong to the class with which the army was recruited. +Peter appeared more like a well-trained servant, and his riding was +atrocious. And the lieutenant! There came back to me the haunting memory +that he had joined Delavan as a volunteer—the Dragoon uniform +sufficient proof that he was neither of the original foraging party of +Hessians, nor of Grant's detachment of Rangers. Yet these others wore +the green and white, and must, therefore, have been in Grant's command. +How did the four manage to escape from our attack, evidently animated by +one purpose? Why was Grant so anxious to learn if I had seen the +lieutenant, and whether we had a party out seeking him? Not one of these +questions could I answer; not one could I even guess at with any degree +of satisfaction.</p> + +<p>We were coming out of the low, swamp lands into a more thickly settled, +and cultivated region. Rail and stone fences could be seen on either +side the road, and we passed swiftly by a number of farmhouses, some +simple log structures, although one or two were more pretentious. In +only one of these did a light shine, or any semblance of occupancy +appear. Through the undraped window of a cottage I caught the glimpse of +a woman bending over a cradle. At the sound of our horses' hoofs she +glanced up, a frightened look in her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> face, but her eyes quickly +returned to what must have been a sick child. It was like a picture +thrown on a screen, and the next instant we were galloping on through +the dark, with only the memory of it.</p> + +<p>It may have been two miles further along, when the lieutenant, and his +Indian companion, wheeled suddenly to the right, and, without slackening +speed, rode through an open gate, and up a gravelled roadway, circling +through a grove of trees to the front door of a great square mansion. It +was dark and silent, a wide porch in front supported by huge pillars, a +broad flight of steps leading from the driveway. The Indian ran up +these, leaving the lieutenant holding his horse, while we drew up some +yards to the rear. I heard the boom of the iron knocker, followed by a +gleam of light through a lower window. Then a negro's voice spoke, and +the front door opened, disclosing two figures, one with sputtering +candle in hand. The two exchanged a dozen words before the lieutenant +asked impatiently:</p> + +<p>"Is it all right, Tonepah?"</p> + +<p>The taciturn Indian made no attempt at speech, but gave an expressive +gesture, and the young officer turned in his saddle.</p> + +<p>"Take the prisoner to the lower room, Peter," he ordered curtly. "I'll +decide to-morrow if he can be of any use to us."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> + +<p>The two fellows loosened the rope about my ankles, and Peter waddling +ahead, the graybeard gripping my arm, we climbed the steps, and entered +the hall. A tall, slim negro, evidently a house-servant from his sleek +appearance, eying me curiously, handed the little fellow a second +lighted candle, and the three of us went tramping along the wide hall, +past the circling stairs, until we came to a door at the rear. This the +black flung open, without a word, and I was led down into the basement. +The flickering candle yielded but glimpses of great rooms, beautifully +decorated, and, almost before I realized what was occurring, I had been +thrust into a square apartment, the door behind me closed and locked. +The two guards left the sputtering candle, perhaps a third burned, +behind, and I heard them stumbling back through the darkness to the foot +of the stairs. I glanced about curiously, shaking the loosened rope from +my wrists, my mind instantly reverting to the chance of escape. Whoever +these fellows might be, whatever their purpose, I had no intention of +remaining in their hands a moment longer than necessary. Somehow their +silence, their mysterious movements, had impressed me with a strange +feeling of fear which I could not analyze. I could not believe myself a +mere prisoner of war, but rather as being held for some private purpose +yet to be revealed. Yet the room offered little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> promise. It was nearly +square, the walls of stone solidly imbedded in mortar, the door of oak, +thickly studded with nails, and the two small windows protected by thick +iron bars. It was a cell so strong that a single glance about convinced +me of the hopelessness of any attempt at breaking out. The furniture +consisted of a small table, two very ordinary chairs, and an iron bunk +fastened securely to the floor. I sat down on one of the chairs, and +stared moodily about, endeavoring to think over the events of the night, +and to devise some method of action. I could hear the muffled sound of +steps above, and the opening and closing of doors. Once the rattle of +crockery reached me, and I believed my captors were at lunch. I tried +the bars at the windows, and endeavored to dig my knife-blade into the +mortar, but it was as hard as the stone. Discouraged, feeling utterly +helpless, I threw myself on the bunk in despair.</p> + +<p>I was not there to exceed ten minutes when, without warning, the lock +clicked, and Peter came in. I sat up quickly, but as instantly he had +closed the door, and actually stood there grinning cheerfully. I would +never have believed him capable of so pleasant an expression but for the +evidence of my own eyes.</p> + +<p>"Spring lock," he grumbled, a thumb over his shoulder, "opens outside."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> + +<p>Whatever resemblance to a soldier he might have previously shown while +in uniform was now entirely banished. Bareheaded, his bald dome of +thought shining in the candle-light, his round, solemn face, with big +innocent gray eyes gazing at me, an apron about his fat waist, the +fellow presented an almost ludicrous appearance. Somehow my heart warmed +to him, especially as I perceived the tray, heavily laden, which he bore +easily on one arm, and the towel flung over his shoulder. And as I +stared at him his movements became professional. Silently, solemnly, his +mind strictly upon his duties, he wiped off the table top, and arranged +the various dishes thereon with the greatest care, polishing cups and +glasses, and finally placing one of the chairs in position. Stepping +back, napkin still upon arm, he bowed silently. I took the seat +indicated, and glanced up into his almost expressionless face.</p> + +<p>"Peter, you old fraud," I said swiftly, "have you eaten?"</p> + +<p>"Not as yet, sir," his voice showing just the proper tone of deference, +his eyes staring straight ahead.</p> + +<p>"Then take that chair and sit down."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, sir; indeed, sir, I am not at all hungry, sir."</p> + +<p>I squared myself, fingering the knife at my plate.</p> + +<p>"Peter," I said, sternly, "I'm a better man than you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> are, and you'll +either sit down there and eat with me, or I'll lick you within an inch +of your life. There is food enough here for three men, and I want +company."</p> + +<p>He rubbed his hand across his lips, and I caught a gleam of intelligence +in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, seeing you put it in that way, sir," he confessed, almost as +though in regret, "I hardly see how I can refuse. It is very flattering, +sir." He drew up the other chair and sat down opposite me. "Would you +care for a glass of wine first, sir?" he asked solicitously. "It has +been a rather dusty ride."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r1087" id="r1087"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2><h3>I INTERVIEW PETER</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I accepted the wine gratefully, and sat in silence while he served the +meat, wondering at the odd character of the man, and striving to +determine how best to win his confidence. I was hungry, and, not knowing +what to say, fell to work with some zest, insisting on his doing +likewise. Yet even as I disposed of the food that stolid face opposite +fascinated me, and held my gaze. The fellow was not so big a fool as he +looked, for while the features remained expressionless and vacant, there +was a sly glimmer to the eye, betraying an active, observant mind behind +the mask. I began to suspect some purpose in his play acting.</p> + +<p>"What is your name, my man?" I asked finally, made nervous by his +silence.</p> + +<p>"Peter Swanson, sir," humbly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, a Swede?"</p> + +<p>"By ancestry only, sir," he explained, wiping his mouth with a corner of +the napkin, but not lifting his eyes from the plate. "'Tis a hundred +years since we crossed the sea."</p> + +<p>"And you've been good King's men ever since?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> + +<p>He cocked one eye up at me.</p> + +<p>"It would seem so, sir."</p> + +<p>"The fellow with the gray chin beard was Irish, wasn't he?"</p> + +<p>"He might be, sir."</p> + +<p>"A Swede, an Irishman, and an Indian," I said musingly. "That makes a +nice combination for the Queen's Rangers. Come now, Peter, give me the +straight of all this."</p> + +<p>He stopped with his fork in a bit of meat, favoring me with another +stare.</p> + +<p>"I think I fail to comprehend, sir."</p> + +<p>"No, you don't, you rascal," a bit of anger in my voice. "Did you bring +this supper yourself, or were you sent here?"</p> + +<p>"Under orders, sir."</p> + +<p>"The lieutenant?"</p> + +<p>He bowed solemnly, and asked:</p> + +<p>"Would you object if I smoked, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not; only answer my questions. Good heavens, man! do you +think I am a log of wood? Act like a human being. Who is the +lieutenant?"</p> + +<p>"A Dragoon, sir."</p> + +<p>"Peter," I broke out, irritated beyond patience, "I have some reason to +believe you a liar. But I am going to get the truth from you if I have +to choke it out."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; very good, indeed, sir. However, there would seem to be no +need of your resorting to such extreme measures, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then you will tell me what I wish to know?"</p> + +<p>"It will afford me pleasure, sir."</p> + +<p>Somehow I could not rid myself of the suspicion that the fellow was +secretly laughing at me, yet his round face was innocent and placid, his +eyes discreetly lowered.</p> + +<p>"Then kindly inform me, first of all, who this young lieutenant is."</p> + +<p>"I fear, sir," solemnly, "that I may have misinformed you when I said he +was a Dragoon."</p> + +<p>"Yes!" eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I would correct my statement somewhat—he is a Light Dragoon, sir."</p> + +<p>In spite of my effort at self-control, I swore, tempted to batter that +stolid face, yet realizing the utter uselessness of such violence.</p> + +<p>"Now, see here!" I broke forth fiercely. "Have done with your play. You +are no soldier; I doubt if you were ever on a horse's back until +to-night. And those fellows with you are not Queen's Rangers, I'll +swear."</p> + +<p>"How do you know, sir?" he interrupted gently. "Are you in the army, +sir?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course I am," I cried, answering without consideration.</p> + +<p>"I thought so, sir; although your clothes do not proclaim the fact. May +I ask which army?"</p> + +<p>He had turned the tables most neatly, and I glanced down over my rough +garments, awakening suddenly to the knowledge that I was also in +masquerade. To be sure I had one advantage—I knew these men had been +part of Delavan's foragers, and hence at heart must be loyalists.</p> + +<p>"That is not a question I intend answering to every ruffian who stops me +on the highway," I returned shortly. "I wish to know what this outrage +means? I will know, you wooden-headed image! I was about my business +when the four of you attacked me. I wasn't the man you were after at +all, and yet I am held prisoner, shut up here behind iron bars. What is +this place, anyhow?"</p> + +<p>"It is called 'Elmhurst,' sir."</p> + +<p>"Elmhurst? A country estate?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, one of the old plantations."</p> + +<p>"It's a name I never heard. Where is that precious lieutenant?"</p> + +<p>"I presume he is in bed, sir," and Peter rose quietly to his feet, and +began replacing the dishes on his tray. Apparently there was not a +nervous throb to his pulse,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> and he remained blissfully indifferent to +my presence. I stared helplessly at him, even words failing me.</p> + +<p>"You refuse to inform me as to the truth of this affair?" I faltered at +last, as he lifted his burden on one arm. He turned a stolid face my +way.</p> + +<p>"It would seem so, sir. I have to thank you for a most delightful +evening, sir. Your conversation has been both instructive and +entertaining. However, sir, the hour is now late, and I should advise +your retiring."</p> + +<p>He bowed solemnly, backing toward the door, and I sprang to my feet, +overtaken by a sudden determination to make a break for freedom. There +was a slight glitter in Peter's gray eyes, as he rapped sharply with his +heel on the wood.</p> + +<p>"I hardly think that would be advisable, sir," he warned softly. "The +man outside is armed, and in the excitement might hurt you."</p> + +<p>There was a click of the lock, and the heavy door swung open. I stood +motionless, tempted to spring, yet not daring the venture. Peter backed +majestically out, and I caught a glimpse of the graybeard, and the black +outline of a pistol. Then the door closed, leaving me alone. The little +scrap of candle left sputtered feebly, and, after walking across the +floor a half-dozen times, striving to gain control of my temper, I blew +it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> out, and crawled into the bunk. There was nothing I could do, but +wait for morning; not a sound reached me from without, and, before I +realized the possibility, I was fast asleep.</p> + +<p>I must have slept long and soundly, for when I finally awoke a gleam of +sun lay the full length of the room, and food was upon the table. Some +one—Peter, no doubt—had entered and departed without arousing me. +Well, it was apparent there was no intention of ill-treating me beyond +the restraint of imprisonment, for the breakfast served was ample and +well cooked. Sleep had left me in a pleasanter frame of mind, and I ate +heartily, wondering vaguely what the day would disclose. I determined +one thing, that when Peter returned for the dishes, I would back him +into a corner and choke at least a portion of the truth out of his +unwilling throat. I had hardly reached this decision when the door +opened, and he stood there gazing at me with sphinx-like stupidity. I +arose to my feet, gripping the back of a chair, but the utter vacancy in +that face seemed to numb action. There was no positive expression, no +dim glimmer of interest in his features; the shining bald head alone +gave him a grotesque appearance, restraining me from violence. I could +as easily have warred with a baby.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I trust, sir, you slept well," he said soothingly, "and that the +service is satisfactory."</p> + +<p>I choked back my indignation, the quiet deference of his manner causing +me to feel like a brute.</p> + +<p>"Nothing could be added to my happiness," I answered, "unless it might +be a little information which you seem disinclined to furnish."</p> + +<p>He waved one hand, as though brushing calmly aside some imagined insect.</p> + +<p>"Disinclined? Oh, no, sir; there is nothing to conceal, sir, I assure +you."</p> + +<p>"Then, for God's sake, let it out of your system, man!" I burst forth +impatiently. "Whom am I a prisoner to? What am I held for? What sort of +treatment is this I am receiving?"</p> + +<p>Peter bowed, without the tremor of an eyelash.</p> + +<p>"Do not mention it, sir," he murmured smoothly; "we are only too proud +to have you as our guest at Elmhurst. It has been very quiet here now +for some weeks, sir, and your coming was welcome to us all."</p> + +<p>I could only stare at the fellow with open mouth, so dumbfounded as to +be speechless. Of all the idiots I had ever met he was the worst, or +else his acting was magnificent. To save me I was not certain which +might be the correct guess. He continued in stately solemnity.</p> + +<p>"I trust there remains nothing more you desire to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> learn, sir? If not, I +am requested to conduct you to the library. Ah, thank you, sir—this +way, please."</p> + +<p>He stood aside, statue-like, his eyes looking directly past me, and +pointed with dignity to the open door. I obeyed the calm movement of +that hand as though it had been a military order, but, as I stepped into +the twilight of the outer basement, I suddenly perceived the presence +there of the attendant graybeard. He moved in advance, and I followed, +aware that Peter was closely at my heels. Thus we proceeded up the +stairs, and into the upper passage. My eyes surveyed the wide hall, and +caught glimpses of the great rooms opening upon either side. Accustomed +from my childhood to those stately Colonial homes along the Eastern +shore, I could yet recall none more spacious, or more richly furnished. +The devastating touch of war had left no visible impress here, and on +every hand were evidences of wealth and taste. My feet sunk deeply into +silken carpets, and the breeze through opened windows blew aside +gossamer curtains. Involuntarily I lifted my head.</p> + +<p>"Whose home is this?" I asked, but neither of the men answered, or so +much as glanced at me. The graybeard threw open a door, standing aside +as though on guard, and I stepped across the threshold. A glance told me +here was a library, not only in name, but in fact, a large square room, +well lighted, the furniture<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> mahogany, shining like glass, three of the +walls lined with books, mostly in sombre bindings. A green-topped table +occupied the centre of the apartment, a massive affair, flanked by a +leather upholstered reading chair, while before the front windows were +cushioned ledges. My rapid glimpse about ended in Peter standing in +dignified silence barely within the door, his hand upon the knob.</p> + +<p>"I am authorized, sir," he said impressively, gazing directly across my +shoulder, not a feature expressing emotion, "to permit you to remain +here on parole."</p> + +<p>"Parole! What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Parole was, I believe, the word used, sir," in calm explanation. "It +is, as I understand, sir, a military term signifying pledge."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know that. Kindly concede that I possess some small intelligence, +Peter. But to whom is this parole given, and what does it imply?"</p> + +<p>"To myself, sir. This may seem slightly unconventional, sir, but I trust +you will repose sufficient confidence in me not to object. The sole +requirements are that you remain in this room until sent for."</p> + +<p>"That will not be long?"</p> + +<p>"I think not, sir."</p> + +<p>"And who will send for me?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p>Peter's eyes calmly surveyed me, but without expression.</p> + +<p>"I am quite unable to answer that, sir."</p> + +<p>He was enough to provoke a saint, but I had already butted my head +against that stone wall sufficiently to learn the uselessness of any +further attempt. Peter was Peter, and I crushed back my first impatient +exclamation to say humbly,</p> + +<p>"All right, my man, I'll wait here."</p> + +<p>I sank back into the upholstered chair, and for a moment after he had +closed the door I did not move. Then, scarcely knowing whether to laugh +or swear over the situation, I crossed the room, and gazed out through +the window. Far down the winding driveway, half concealed behind the +trees, a body of British troops was tramping toward the house.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r3273" id="r3273"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2><h3>A NEW COMBINATION</h3> +</div> + + +<p>My first thought was that this must prove a trap, and I drew hastily +back behind the curtain, believing myself justified in an effort at +escape. Surely, under such conditions, my word of parole to Peter had no +binding force. Yet I waited long enough to glance forth again. The +advancing body was less than a hundred strong, Queen's Rangers and +Hessians, from their uniforms, straggling along on foot, limping, dusty, +and without arms. These must be the remnant of Delavan's command, +released by their guard of partisans, and now wearily seeking refuge. +But why were they coming here? Surely this was not the Philadelphia +road?</p> + +<p>They turned in upon the open lawn in front of the door, and I could +plainly distinguish the faces. There could no longer be any doubt but +what these were the men we had fought and defeated the evening before. +Grant, with the two Hessian officers, was in advance, and the former +strode directly toward the house, while<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> the majority of his following +flung themselves at full length on the ground, as though utterly +exhausted. Some strange fascination held me motionless, watching the man +climb the front steps. The iron knocker rang loudly twice before there +came any response from within. Then I could hear voices, but the words +reaching me were detached, and without definite meaning. Finally the +door closed, and the two men passed along the hall, beyond the room in +which I waited. Then Peter's voice said solemnly, as if announcing a +distinguished guest:</p> + +<p>"Captain Alfred Grant!"</p> + +<p>There was an exclamation of surprise, a quick exchange of sentences +indistinguishable, although I was sure of Grant's peculiar accent, and +the other voice was that of the young Light Dragoon lieutenant. +Uncertain what best to do I stole toward the door and gripped the knob. +This was the only known way out, for I dare not venture to use the +window which was in plain view of those soldiers resting on the lawn. +Whether Peter had retired or not, I possessed no means of knowing, yet I +opened the door silently a bare inch to make sure. At the same instant +my ears caught the lieutenant's dismissing order, even as my eyes had +glimpse of Swanson's broad back blocking the open doorway of a room +nearly opposite.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That will do, Peter, for the present. Have the table prepared for three +guests at once."</p> + +<p>He backed out, casting a quick glance of caution in my direction, and +disappeared down the hall, rubbing his bald head industriously. I opened +the door wider, wondering if I dare venture upon slipping by unobserved. +Then Grant spoke, his voice loud enough to be easily heard:</p> + +<p>"How did we come here? Why, where else could we go? The damned rebels +stripped us clean; we had to have food. This was the nearest place where +we were certain of getting any. Of course I didn't know you were here, +but I did know our foragers had left Elmhurst alone, and that—for some +cause which mystifies Clinton—these Jersey outlaws have been equally +considerate. There was plenty to be had here, and I meant to have it in +spite of the servants."</p> + +<p>"You must have marched straight past your own place," the boyish voice +interrupted.</p> + +<p>"Well, what if we did. There was nothing there, as you know. The house +has been stripped to a mere shell. Not a nigger left, nor a horse. I'd +like to know what influence keeps this property untouched!"</p> + +<p>"That's easily answered. You forget we are a divided family, with +fighting men on either side."</p> + +<p>"Little these outlaws care for that."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p> + +<p>"At least they appear to, as we remain unmolested. There has not been a +raiding party halted here since the war began."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you hadn't been at home, there would have been one along now," +burst forth Grant rather roughly. "Those fellows out there are desperate +enough to sack the house if that was their only method of getting food. +And I promised they should have the chance."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you did, indeed! That would have proven a friendly act."</p> + +<p>"Necessity does not take much account of friendship. I was responsible +for a hundred starving men. Under such conditions force would be +justified. I doubt if I could control the fellows now if provisions +should be refused."</p> + +<p>"There is no necessity for indulging in threats, Captain Grant," said +the boy's voice coldly. "Elmhurst has never yet turned a soldier away in +hunger. Peter will instruct what few servants remain to attend to the +immediate needs of your men. May I ask how long you expect to remain?"</p> + +<p>I thought Grant was walking nervously back and forth across the room.</p> + +<p>"How long? Until night, probably. Then with a bite in our haversacks +we'll take the road again.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> That is, providing you condescend to act as +our host for so long a time. Odds life! but this reception is not over +warm to my thinking."</p> + +<p>"Elmhurst is not a tavern, sir."</p> + +<p>"No; but the home of a loyalist—the commander of half those men out +yonder. However I am not pleading for them, but myself personally. What +welcome have I had? By all the gods, I was almost compelled to fight +that bald-headed old fool to even gain admittance to the hall. Were +those your orders?"</p> + +<p>"Assuredly not. But you must consider circumstances, and forgive Peter +for being over zealous in my service. I received you as soon as I knew +who you were."</p> + +<p>"Yes," somewhat mollified, "I presume that is true, although you are +chilly enough, the Lord knows. But what brings you here?"</p> + +<p>"That must remain my secret, Captain Grant—for the present."</p> + +<p>"Oh, very well. I thought it might have some connection with Eric's +presence in this neighborhood."</p> + +<p>"With Eric! What do you mean? Have you seen him?"</p> + +<p>"Ah! so I've got below the surface at last! I thought I might with that +thrust. Yes, I saw him last night. I didn't know what the devil the +fellow was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> up to, but I thought I'd let him play out his game. It was a +right nervy trick, so far as it went, but unfortunately the rebels came +in before I discovered what it all led up to."</p> + +<p>"You do not make it very clear to me."</p> + +<p>"I told you it was not clear even to myself. This is all I know. When I +joined Delavan last night just after dark, he had a young officer of +Light Dragoons in charge of his advance guard. I merely got a glimpse of +the fellow as we rode in, and he looked so devilishly like Eric that I +asked Delavan who the lad was. He said he had joined at Mount Holly with +three men, was going through to Philadelphia with despatches from New +York, and was only too glad of escort the rest of the way. Being short +of officers Delavan gave him charge of the van."</p> + +<p>"Did he recognize you?"</p> + +<p>"I hardly think so; it was pretty dark, and I was put on guard over the +rear wagons. I supposed I would have ample opportunity to learn the +truth after it became daylight."</p> + +<p>"But you believed him to be Eric?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and after the attack I was convinced. He and the three men with +him bolted and got away. Must have run at the first fire, for the +fellows had us completely hemmed in. It was Eric all right, and that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> is +about half the reason why I led my men back here—I wanted to find out +if he was hiding about the old place. Is it true you haven't seen him?"</p> + +<p>"Quite true; indeed I had no reason to suppose him in the Jerseys at +this time."</p> + +<p>Grant remained silent, probably not wholly convinced that he was being +told the truth, and yet not venturing to state openly his suspicions. +However the other said no more, and finally the Ranger felt compelled to +answer.</p> + +<p>"Of course," he explained rather lamely, "I couldn't altogether blame +you for concealing the boy if he had shown up here, but you will realize +that as a King's officer I have a serious duty to perform."</p> + +<p>"You would apprehend Eric? Would betray him into British hands? Is that +your meaning, Captain Grant?"</p> + +<p>"What else could I do? Don't be unreasonable! Boy as he is, no one in +all that crew of ragamuffins has done us greater harm. Again and again +he has learned our secrets and brought Washington information of our +plans. How he does it is the mystery of this department—Howe has +personally offered a thousand pounds for his arrest. Surely you know +that. Last night I thought we had him in our power, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> the very devil +seems to protect him from capture, even when luck brings him fairly +within our grip."</p> + +<p>"And so you came here to search for him?" I could feel the bitter scorn +in the voice. "In his father's home!"</p> + +<p>"I certainly did," angrily. "I shall search the house from cellar to +garret before I leave."</p> + +<p>"But you are on parole."</p> + +<p>"Damn the parole. What do I care for a pledge given to a band of +plundering outlaws? And what do I care for Eric? He chose for himself, +and has no right to expect any mercy from me, and by all the gods, he'll +receive none. I half believe that attack last night was his planning, +and that now you have him hidden away here. Now listen to me! I do not +desire to be harsh, but I'm a soldier. My men are not armed, but there +are enough out there to handle the servants barehanded. No one can get +out of this house without being seen; I've attended to that."</p> + +<p>"And you propose searching the rooms?"</p> + +<p>"I do. If you had been a little more genial I might have exhibited +greater courtesy. But I haven't any use for Eric, and never had. Now you +know the truth."</p> + +<p>"It merely illustrates more clearly your character."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You are always free enough with your comments. I shall do my duty to +the King."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir," and the incensed lieutenant pushed back his chair. +"Then we clearly understand each other at last. I am sincerely glad of +it. From now on I shall never again be guilty of mistaking you for a +friend or a gentleman. No, I have no wish to listen to another word; you +have spoken frankly enough, and I understand the situation. Perhaps it +is only anger, but it gives me the excuse I have been seeking after a +long while in vain. Whatever claim you may have had upon my regard in +the past is over with, forever over with, Captain Grant."</p> + +<p>"But—but, surely—"</p> + +<p>"I mean precisely that. You can cover your despicable actions with the +gloss of military duty, but I know you now as a revengeful liar. Treat +this house as you please. I refuse to have any more dealings or words +with you. I'll provision you and your men, as I would any others +suffering from hunger, but that ends all. If you search this house do it +by force, and in any way you please, but expect no assistance from me. I +bid you good-day, sir, and will send Peter to call you when breakfast is +ready."</p> + +<p>I closed the crack of the door as he came forth into the hall, having no +desire to be caught listening. My<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> own position was more unpleasant and +hazardous than ever. Whatever reason the lieutenant might have for +holding me prisoner I was convinced he possessed no knowledge as to my +real identity. The probability was that after an interview I would be +released. But Grant would recognize me instantly, and he proposed +searching the house, room by room, seeking this man Eric. I must make my +escape first. Yet how could this be accomplished? I heard Peter pass +along the hall, and solemnly announce the serving of breakfast. He and +Grant exchanged a few sentences, and then the latter strode to the front +door, where he gave orders to the men. I watched the German officers +come up the steps, while the majority of the others, forming into +irregular line, marched around the corner of the house. A small squad +remained, however, on guard, facing the front entrance.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r7899" id="r7899"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2><h3>AGAIN THE LADY</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I must think rapidly, and act as quickly. Yet, if what Grant had said +was true, that he had already posted guards on each side the house, then +escape by daylight was practically impossible. From all I could see +there was no concealment close at hand, and while the fellows were +without arms, yet their numbers were sufficient to make any attempt at +running their lines extra hazardous. And I had much at risk, for if +taken it would be as a spy, and not a mere prisoner of war. There was no +place for concealment in the library, but there might be upstairs, in +the attic, or on the roof. The chance was worth the trial, and there +could be no better time for such an experiment than while the three +officers were at breakfast. Whatever servants remained about the house +would be busily employed also, and probably I should have the entire +upper portion to myself. Deciding to make the venture I had my hand on +the knob of the door, when it was opened quietly from without, and I was +startled by the sudden appearance of Peter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> Whatever excitement may +have prevailed among the other members of this peculiar household this +model servitor remained with dignity unruffled. He surveyed me calmly, +rubbing his bald head with one hand.</p> + +<p>"You will pardon the delay, sir," he said calmly. "But circumstances +have arisen changing the original plans. Will you kindly accompany me?"</p> + +<p>"But where, Peter? I don't wish to be seen by these new arrivals."</p> + +<p>"Have no fear, sir," condescendingly, and with an authoritative wave of +the hand. "The officers are at table, and will know nothing of our +movements."</p> + +<p>I followed meekly enough, and he led the way up the broad stairs to the +second story, turning to the left in the upper hall, and coming to a +pause before a partially opened door. A glimpse within made me deem it a +music room, although I could see merely along one wall.</p> + +<p>"You will enter, sir, while I return to the guests below."</p> + +<p>With one glance into his perfectly expressionless countenance, half +suspicious of some new trick, I stepped across the threshold. The +curtains were drawn, and the room seemed dark after the sun-glare of the +hall. I advanced a step or two, almost convinced<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> the apartment was +unoccupied, when a voice addressed me.</p> + +<p>"Under more favorable conditions, Major Lawrence, it would give me +pleasure to welcome you to the hospitalities of Elmhurst."</p> + +<p>I swung about as on a pivot and saw her standing with one hand upon the +high back of a chair, her blue eyes smiling merrily. I felt the hot rush +of blood to my cheeks, the quick throb of pulse, with which I recognized +her. I was so surprised that, for the instant, the words I sought to +utter choked in my throat.</p> + +<p>"You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this was my +home?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing was farther from my thoughts," I exclaimed hastily. "All I knew +of your home was that it was situated somewhere in the Jerseys. But +wait, perhaps I begin to understand—the lieutenant who brought me here; +his voice has been echoing in my ears all night in familiarity. He is +some near relative of yours—this Eric?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you have overheard? You know the name through hearing Captain Grant +speak?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I could not very well help doing so. Peter had stationed me in the +library, but there was nothing said between you two to make me suspect +your identity."</p> + +<p>"You supposed me to be the lieutenant?"</p> + + +<div class='figcenter' style='width: 300px; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="illus-003" id="illus-003"></a> +<img src='images/facing166.jpg' width='300' alt='"You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this was my home?"' title='' /><br /> +<span class='caption'>"You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this was my home?"</span> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>"Why +should I not? The voice was the same; at least sufficiently similar +to deceive me, and he never addressed you in a way to arouse my +suspicions. Is your brother named Eric?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I told you, did I not, that we are twins? The physical resemblance +between us is very strong; no doubt our voices sound alike also, or +would to a comparative stranger. Will you not be seated, Major? We shall +not have long to converse, and there is much to be said before those +downstairs complete their rather frugal meal—Peter has promised to +delay serving as much as possible, but, as our larder is not extensive, +at best it will not be long. You overheard Captain Grant's threat?"</p> + +<p>"To search the house for your brother—yes."</p> + +<p>"He will carry it out," quietly, her eyes, no longer smiling, on my +face. "There has never been friendship between those two, and of late my +own relations with Captain Grant have become very unpleasant. I think he +is almost glad of an opportunity to thus exercise some authority over +me. He is the kind of a man who must either rule or ruin. Convinced that +Eric is concealed here, he will search the house as much to spite me as +for any other reason. I should only laugh at him, but for your +presence."</p> + +<p>"Then your brother is not here?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Certainly not; Eric is in no danger—but, Major Lawrence, you are."</p> + +<p>The earnestness with which she spoke made my heart leap. Whatever the +girl's political sentiments might be, she was plainly desirous of +serving me, of once again exposing herself in my defence. Yet her words, +the frank expression of her eyes, gave no suggestion of sentiment—she +was but a friend, an ally, performing a woman's part in the war game.</p> + +<p>"But I fail to understand—"</p> + +<p>"You mean me? Oh, well, you are not the first; and no doubt it is best +so. The less you understand, the better we shall get along, Major; the +only question being, will you obey my orders?"</p> + +<p>"Had I inclination otherwise I fear I should find it impossible."</p> + +<p>"I hardly know whether that remark be complimentary or not. You might +mean that no other course was left you."</p> + +<p>"Which I suspect is true, although if it proved so I should willingly +trust myself to your guidance, because of my faith in you."</p> + +<p>"That is much better," her eyes laughing, yet as swiftly sobering again. +"But it is foolish of us to waste time in such silly speeches. There is +too much waiting attention. Fortunately this house is not without<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> its +secrets, for when built by my grandfather this was the frontier."</p> + +<p>"But does not Grant know?" I asked soberly. "I understood he played here +as a boy, and there is not much a lad fails to learn."</p> + +<p>"He is not without knowledge, surely, but here is something he never +discovered. I would never have trusted him with the secret, and yet, as +short a time as I have known you, I have no hesitancy. Isn't that a +frank confession, sir?"</p> + +<p>"One I mean you shall never regret."</p> + +<p>"I am sure of that; yet I shall not betray everything even to you. +Please face about with eyes to the front window. Yes, so; now do not +look around until I tell you."</p> + +<p>I heard her cross the room, her skirts rustling slightly, and then the +faint clicking of some delicately adjusted mechanism. As this sound +ceased, her voice again spoke.</p> + +<p>"Now, Major, the way is opened for a safe retreat. Behold what has been +accomplished by the genii of the lamp."</p> + +<p>She was standing at one side of what had been the fireplace, but now the +entire lower portion of the great chimney had been swung aside, +revealing an opening amply large enough for the entrance of a man. I +took<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> one step forward to where I could perceive the beginning of a +narrow winding stair leading down into intense blackness. Then I glanced +aside into her eyes.</p> + +<p>"The concealment was perfect," I exclaimed in admiration. "Where does +the staircase lead?"</p> + +<p>"To a very comfortable room underground. It had not been used for a +generation until this war began. Eric and I learned of its existence by +accident, while rummaging over some of our grandfather's old papers. I +was about sixteen then, and shall never forget our first exploration. We +found nothing down there then but a rough bunk, an old lanthorn, and the +leathern scabbard of a sword. But since then Eric has been compelled to +hide there twice to escape capture, and we have made the room below more +comfortable. You will be obliged to grope your way down the stairs, but +at the bottom will discover flint and steel, and a lantern with ample +supply of candles. Peter will bring you food, if you need remain there +for long!"</p> + +<p>"Peter! Then he is in the secret?"</p> + +<p>"Peter is in all secrets," she confessed. "From him nothing is hid, at +least so far as may concern the Mortimer family. You have yet to learn +the deep subtlety of Peter, Major Lawrence. He sees all things, retains +all things, and reveals nothing."</p> + +<p>"A discovery already made."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, barely glimpsed; no short acquaintance such as yours has been could +ever serve to reveal the character of Peter. Since babyhood he has been +my monitor and guide, and still he remains to me a silent mystery."</p> + +<p>"An old servant?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, born to the position, his father serving before him. There is no +doubt in my mind but what he knew of this secret passage before Eric and +I were born. Not that he has ever confessed as much, yet I am convinced +our discovery of it brought no surprise to Peter. What do you suppose +his age to be?"</p> + +<p>My mind reverted to that expressionless face without a wrinkle in it, to +that totally bald head, and my answer was the merest guess.</p> + +<p>"Oh, possibly fifty."</p> + +<p>"I told you you were far from knowing Peter," she laughed. "He is +seventy-two, and, would you believe it, until this war came, was never +ten miles from this spot."</p> + +<p>"And since?" recalling the events of the night before.</p> + +<p>"He has made it his duty to attend me; he has become my shadow. From the +humdrum experience of a respectable house servant he has become the very +spirit of reckless adventure—he has journeyed to New York, to Trenton, +to Philadelphia, to—"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Night riding with Hessian foragers," I broke in, "disguised in a +Ranger's uniform."</p> + +<p>"Well, yes," she dimpled quietly, "even that."</p> + +<p>I waited for something more, some explanation of what all this +concealed.</p> + +<p>"You trust me with so much," I ventured, when she continued silent, "it +would seem as if you might tell me even more."</p> + +<p>"I cannot perceive whereby any further confession would serve you. Yet I +have not refused to answer any question, surely. It is hardly safe for +us to remain here so long, and yet if there be something you wish to +ask—"</p> + +<p>"You could scarcely expect me to be entirely without curiosity. I have +been captured on the highway, brought here a prisoner, and held under +guard all night. I supposed myself in British hands, only to discover +that you have again intervened to save me. Surely there must be a key to +all this mystery. If, as I suspect, it was your brother, Eric, who led +the attack on me, having mistaken me for another, then what was his +purpose? And what has become of Eric?"</p> + +<p>She wrinkled her brows in perplexity, her hands nervously clasping the +back of a chair.</p> + +<p>"It is like being cross-examined by a lawyer. Perhaps if the secret was +all my own I might freely confide<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> it to you. I do not promise I would, +but I might. As it is, I do not yet know you quite well enough. I +believe you to be Major Lawrence, that you are all you represent +yourself, but I am pledged to silence, and the lives of others depend +upon my keeping faith. You cannot urge me to do what I deem wrong?"</p> + +<p>"No; I shall always believe in you."</p> + +<p>"I thank you for that," and her hand was extended frankly. "I would +reveal one of the mysteries of last night if I was not fearful it might +cost me your respect."</p> + +<p>"How could that be possible?"</p> + +<p>"Because it might appear to you that I had been unwomanly. My own +conscience is clear, for my purpose exonerates me, but this you might +fail to understand unless I made fuller explanation than is now +possible. I have a duty which cannot be betrayed."</p> + +<p>I gazed into her eyes, her hand still in mine, conscious that her cheeks +were flushing. It was impossible for me to conceive of her performing an +unwomanly action.</p> + +<p>"I prefer to ask nothing," I said frankly, "although I should never +misconstrue anything you might care to say."</p> + +<p>"I think you suspect already, and I should far rather tell you the truth +myself than have you learn it in some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> other way. The lieutenant of +Light Dragoons who attacked you last night was not my brother."</p> + +<p>"Was not Eric? And yet you knew him?"</p> + +<p>"Very well, indeed," her eyes falling, "because it was myself."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r4564" id="r4564"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2><h3>ENTOMBED</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I had not suspected it; however obvious it may appear now to those who +read this tale, the possibility that she had been masquerading in an +officer's uniform, indulging in warlike deeds, had never once occurred +to me. She was so thoroughly feminine that her acknowledgment came as a +distinct shock. I had, it is true, seen sufficient of life to be of +charitable mind, and yet there was that within me which instantly +revolted. She read all this in my face, but fronted me without the +quiver of an eyelash, firmly withdrawing her hand.</p> + +<p>"It is easy to perceive your disapproval," she said more coldly, "but I +have no further explanation to make. I am sorry to have you think ill of +me, but I felt that perhaps you might realize my action was justified."</p> + +<p>"It is not that," I hastened to explain, ashamed of myself. "I have not +lost faith in you. But I was brought up in a strict school; my mother +was almost puritanical in her rules of conduct, and I have never<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> +entirely outgrown her conception of feminine limitations. I am sure you +have only done what is right and womanly. Do not permit my first +surprise to end our friendship."</p> + +<p>"That is for you to determine, Major Lawrence. I have confessed, and +thus cleared my conscience of deceit. Some day you may also learn the +cause of my action, but in the meantime it must bear your disapproval. +However, we need discuss the matter no longer—"</p> + +<p>She sprang to the door, and glanced out into the hall, stepping back +once more as Peter appeared. His eyes swept the room in silent +observation.</p> + +<p>"Captain Grant and the two officers with him have concluded their meal, +Mistress Claire," he announced calmly, "and one of them has gone for a +file of soldiers to begin the search of the house."</p> + +<p>"Very well, Peter; go back and assist them. I will see to the safe +concealment of Major Lawrence."</p> + +<p>He bowed graciously, and disappeared.</p> + +<p>"You have not given me your pardon," I implored as our eyes again met.</p> + +<p>"There is nothing to pardon, to my knowledge. I respect you because of +your sense of propriety, but we cannot talk longer now. You must enter +the passage at once."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You will give me your hand first?"</p> + +<p>"Gladly," and I felt its firm pressure, her face brightened by a smile. +"Now let us remember rather the danger, the necessity of concealment, +and not delay too long. Wait a moment, Major; is it true you absolutely +trust me?"</p> + +<p>"It certainly is."</p> + +<p>"I am going to put that to the test. You have papers you desire to give +at once into the hands of General Washington. You may be detained here +some time, but I have with me an Indian who could take them across the +Delaware to-night. It is not the first time he has made that journey. +Will you confide them to me?"</p> + +<p>Our eyes were looking directly into each other. I may have hesitated an +instant, confused by the unexpected request, yet there was something in +the expression of the girl's face which swept doubt swiftly aside. I +could not question her honesty, her faith. Strange as her actions seemed +I was compelled to trust her. Why should I not? She was saving my life, +and she had it in her power, by the mere speaking of a word, to betray +me to those who would take the papers from me by force. Without a word I +took them from an inner pocket, and gave them to her. The red lips +smiled, the blue eyes brightening.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Tonepah shall leave within the hour," she promised, thrusting the small +packet into the bosom of her dress. "Now step within, Major, and I will +close the door."</p> + +<p>I did as she requested, hearing the click of the lock behind me, and +being as instantly plunged into darkness. I waited a moment, my foot +upon the first narrow stair, listening. No sound reached me from +without, and, with her animated face still before me in memory, I began +to slowly feel my way down the circular staircase. There was nothing +dangerous about the passage, but with only the bare stone wall to touch +with the hand I was obliged to grope along blindly. The huge chimney had +evidently been erected merely for concealment, and I marvelled at the +ingenuity of its construction. I failed to count the steps, but I went +around and around so many times, pressed against the smooth wall, that I +knew I must be well below the basement of the house before I finally +stood at the bottom. I groped forward in the intense darkness, feeling +with outstretched hands. The first object encountered was a rough table, +the surface of which I explored, discovering thereon a candlestick with +flint and steel beside it. With relief I struck a spark, and a yellow +flame revealed my surroundings.</p> + +<p>What I saw was a low room some fifteen feet square,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> the walls and roof +apparently of stone securely mortared, the only exit the narrow circular +stairs. The floor was of earth. Opposite me was a bunk slightly +elevated, containing a blanket or two, and a fairly comfortable chair +built from a barrel. An old coat and hat hung from a nail at the head of +the bunk. On a shelf near by was an earthen crock, and two candles, and +beneath this, on the floor, was a sawed-off gun and two pistols, with a +small supply of powder and balls, the former wrapped in an oiled cloth. +It was in truth a gloomy, desolate hole, although dry enough. For want +of something better to do I went over and picked up the pistols; the +lock of one was broken, but the other seemed serviceable, and, after +snapping the flint, I loaded the weapon, and slipped it into my pocket. +Somehow its possession yielded me a new measure of courage, although I +had no reason to suppose I would be called upon to use the ancient +relic.</p> + +<p>There was little to examine, but I tramped about nervously, tapping the +walls, and convincing myself of their solidity, and, finally, tired by +this useless exercise, seated myself in the chair. It was like being +buried in a tomb, not a sound reaching my strained ears, but at last the +spirit of depression vanished, and my mind began to grapple with the +problems confronting me. I felt no regret at having entrusted my papers +to Mistress<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> Mortimer. There was no occasion for her attempting to trick +me, and the contents of the packet were not sufficiently important to +cause me any great worriment. Besides, I was beginning to believe that +the sympathies of the girl were altogether with us. If so, what was she +doing, or attempting to do? It could be no light undertaking which had +led her to assume male attire, and enter upon the adventure of the +evening before. She was evidently making use of the resemblance between +herself and her brother to accomplish concealment. Yet for what purpose? +to serve which cause? The best I could do was to guess blindly at the +answer. Let that be what it might, my own personal faith in her should +not waver. I had looked down into the depth of those blue eyes and read +truth there; I had felt the clasp of her warm hand and it held me firm. +My heart beat more rapidly as I reviewed all that had transpired between +us, and I began to realize how deep was the interest with which she had +already inspired me. I had met many women—daughters of the best +homes—but never before a Claire Mortimer. The very mystery with which +she was invested lured me to her, and yet beyond this there existed a +charm indefinable that held me captive. She was a gay, laughing spirit, +but with a steadiness of character in reserve ever provocative of +surprise. I could never be sure which mood<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> was uppermost, or which best +represented the real womanhood. Nor could I decide in which guise she +appealed to me the most. Hers was a witchery yielding no opportunity for +escape.</p> + +<p>Heaven alone knows how long I remained there motionless, my mind +elsewhere, drifting idly backward to the old home, reviewing the years +of war that had transformed me from boy to man as though by some magic. +The varied incidents of march, camp, and battle were like dreams, so +swiftly did they pass across the retina of the brain, each stirring +event leading to another as I climbed from the ranks to command. Yet at +the end of all came again the vision of Claire Mortimer, and I was +seeing in her blue eyes the hope of the future. The candle sputtering +fitfully aroused me to the passing of time, and I lit another, and +placed it in the candlestick. Surely the search of the house would be +completed by this time, but perhaps the intention was to keep me +concealed until Grant and his men had finally departed.</p> + +<p>The silence and loneliness caused me to become restless. I could not +entirely throw off the sense of being buried alive in this dismal hole. +I wondered if there was any way of escape, if that secret door was not +locked and unlocked only from without. A desire to ascertain led me to +take candle in hand, and climb the circular<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> staircase, examining the +wall as I passed upward. The interior of the chimney revealed nothing. +While I felt convinced there must also be a false fireplace on the first +floor, so as to carry out the deception, the dim candle light made no +revealment of its position. I could judge very nearly where it should +appear, and I sounded the wall thereabout carefully both above and below +without result. Nor did any noise reach me to disclose a thinness of +partition.</p> + +<p>Convinced of the solidity of the wall at this spot I continued higher +until I came to the end of the passage. To my surprise the conditions +here were practically the same. Had I not entered at this point I could +never have been convinced that there was an opening. From within it +defied discovery, for nothing confronted my eyes but mortared stone. I +could trace no crack, no semblance of a hinge, no secret spring. I felt +along the surface, inch by inch, with my finger tips, pressing against +each slight irregularity, but without result. My ear held to the side +wall heard nothing—apparently I was sealed in helplessly, but for the +assistance of friends without; no effort on my part could ever bring +release. For a moment, as I realized all this, the cold perspiration +stood in drops upon my forehead, and I noted the trembling of the hand +holding the candlestick. There was a horror to the thought hard to +explain—perhaps<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> I would be left immured until my small stock of +candles was exhausted, and this dismal hole plunged in cave-like +darkness; only two persons knew of my predicament, or were capable of +releasing me. What if something should occur making it impossible for +either to act? What if this was a trick, and I had been actually buried +alive? I grew morbid, suspicious, almost convinced that I was the victim +of conspiracy. Then, somehow, a flash of courage returned, and I caught +at these fears, as memory of those honest blue eyes came again. I would +not permit such a thought to dominate me; it was not possible—the very +conception was insanity.</p> + +<p>Yet I went over the rough surface again before retracing my steps down +to the room below. All this must have taken fully an hour of time, and +the strain of disappointment left me tired, as though I had done a day's +work. I sank back into the chair, watching the candle burn away, trying +in vain to think out some course of action if those above failed me. I +had no reason to believe they would, and yet the long time I had been +there—apparently much longer than it really was—the certainty that my +means of light were fast being exhausted, the awful silence and +loneliness, left upon me a horror against which I struggled in vain. I +can hardly conceive that I slept, and yet I certainly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> lost +consciousness, for, when I aroused myself, I was in pitch darkness.</p> + +<p>I felt dazed, bewildered, but as my hand felt the edge of the table I +comprehended where I was, and what had occurred. Groping about I found +flint and steel, and that last candle, which I forced into the +candlestick. The tiny yellow flame was like a message from the gods. How +I watched it, every nerve tingling, as it burned lower and lower. Would +it last until help came, or was I destined to remain pinned up in the +darkness of this ghastly grave? Why, I must have been there for +hours—hours. The burning out of the candles proved that. Surely I could +doubt no longer this was a trick, a cowardly, cruel trick! If help had +been coming it would have reached me before this. The day must have +passed, and much of the night. Grant and his party would have marched +away long before this on the road to Philadelphia. What could have +occurred, then, to prevent Peter or the girl from setting me free? Could +they have been forced into accompanying the soldiers? Could they have +forgotten? Could they deliberately leave me there to die?</p> + +<p>My brain whirled with incipient madness, as such questions haunted me +unceasingly. I lost faith in everything, even her, and cursed aloud, +hating the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> echoes of my own voice. It seemed as though those walls, +that low roof, were crushing me, as if the close, foul air was +suffocating. I recall tearing open the front of my shirt to gain easier +breath. I walked about beating with bare hands the rough stone, +muttering to myself words without meaning. The candle had burned down +until barely an inch remained.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r6692" id="r6692"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2><h3>THE REMAINS OF TRAGEDY</h3> +</div> + + +<p>It must have been the shock of thus realizing suddenly how short a time +remained in which I should have light which restored my senses. I know I +stared at the dim yellow flicker dully at first, and then with a swift +returning consciousness which spurred my brain into activity. In that +instant I hated, despised myself, rebelled at my weakness. Faith in +Claire Mortimer came back to me in a flood of regret. If she had failed, +it was through no fault of hers, and I was no coward to lie there and +rot without making a stern fight for life. When I was found, those who +came upon my body would know that I died struggling, died as a man +should, facing fate with a smile, with hands gripped in the contest. The +resolution served—it was a spur to my pride, instantly driving away +every haunting shadow of evil. Yet where should I turn? To what end +should I devote my energies? It was useless to climb those stairs again. +But there must be a way out. It was impossible to conceive that the +old-time Mortimer—the stern frontiersman who had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> built this refuge +from possible Indian attack—had made merely a hole in which to hide. +That would have been insanity, for, with the house above aflame, he +would have been cooked to a crisp. No! that was inconceivable; there +must have originally been an exit somewhere. But where? And if +discovered would it be found choked by the <i>débris</i> of a century, a mere +<i>cul de sac</i>? Surely none of this present generation knew the existence +of any such passage. Yet it was the single desperate chance remaining, +and I dare not let doubt numb my faculties.</p> + +<p>I gripped the old musket as the only instrument at hand, and began +testing the walls. Three sides I rapped, receiving the same dead, dull +response. I was in the darkest corner now, beyond the stairs, still +hopelessly beating the gun barrel against the stone. The dim light +revealed no change in the wall formation, the same irregular expanse of +rubble set in solid mortar, hardened by a century of exposure to the dry +atmosphere. Then to an idle, listless blow there came a hollow, wooden +sound, that caused the heart to leap into the throat. I tried again, a +foot to the left, confident my ears had played me false, but this time +there could be no doubt—there was an opening here back of a wooden +barrier.</p> + +<p>Half crazed by this good fortune, I caught up the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> inch of candle, and +held it before the wall. The dim light scarcely served as an aid, so +ingeniously had the door been painted in resemblance to the mortared +stone. I was compelled to sound again, inch by inch, with the gun barrel +before I could determine the exact dimensions of the opening. Then I +could trace the slight crack where the wood was fitted, nor could I have +done this but for the warping of a board. Wild with apprehension lest my +light fail before the necessary work could be accomplished, I drew out +the single-bladed knife from my pocket, and began widening this crack. +Feverishly as I worked this was slow of accomplishment, yet sliver by +sliver the slight aperture grew, until I wedged in the gun barrel, and +pried out the plank. The rush of air extinguished the candle, yet I +cared nothing, for the air was fresh and pure, promising a clear +passage.</p> + +<p>God, this was luck! With new courage throbbing through my veins I groped +my way back to the table after flint and steel, and relit the candle +fragment, shadowing the flame with both palms as I returned to where the +plank had been pressed aside. However, I found such precaution +unnecessary, as there was no perceptible draught through the passage now +the opening was clear for the circulation of air. There had been two +planks—thick and of hard wood—composing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> the entrance to the tunnel, +but I found it impossible to dislodge the second, and was compelled to +squeeze my way through the narrow twelve-inch opening. This was a +difficult task, as I was a man of some weight, but once accomplished I +found myself in a contracted passageway, not to exceed three feet in +width, and perhaps five from floor to roof. Here it was apparently as +well preserved as when first constructed, probably a hundred years or +more ago, the side walls faced with stone, the roof supported by roughly +hewn oak beams. I was convinced there was no great weight of earth +resting upon these, and the tunnel, which I followed without difficulty, +or the discovery of any serious obstruction, for fifty feet, inclined +steadily upward, until, in my judgment, it must have come within a very +few feet of the surface. Here there occurred a sharp turn to the right, +and the excavation advanced almost upon a level.</p> + +<p>Knowing nothing of the conformation above, or of the location of +buildings, I was obliged to press forward blindly, conserving the faint +light of the candle, and praying for a free passage. It was an +experience to test the nerves, the intense stillness, the bare, gray +walls, cold to the touch, the beams grazing my head, and upholding that +mass of earth above, the intense darkness before and behind, with only +the flickering<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> radius of yellow light barely illuminating where I trod. +Occasionally the wood creaked ominously, and bits of earth, jarred by my +passage, fell upon me in clods. Altogether it was an experience I have +no desire to repeat, although I was in no actual danger for some +distance. Old Mortimer had built his tunnel well, and through all the +years it had held safely, except where water had soaked through, rotting +the timbers. The candle was sputtering with a final effort to remain +alight when I came to the first serious obstruction. I had barely time +in which to mark the nature of the obstacle before the flame died in the +socket, leaving me in a blackness so profound it was like a weight. For +the moment I was practically paralyzed by fear, my muscles limp, my +limbs trembling. Yet to endeavor to push forward was no more to be +dreaded than to attempt retracing my steps. In one way there was hope; +in the other none.</p> + +<p>With groping fingers I verified the situation, as that brief glance ere +the candle failed had revealed it. A beam had fallen letting down a mass +of earth, but was wedged in such a way as to leave a small opening above +the floor, barely sufficient for a man to wiggle through. How far even +this slight passage extended, or what worse obstruction lay hidden +beyond was all conjecture. It was a mere chance in which I must risk +life in hope<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> of saving it—I might become helplessly wedged beneath the +timbers, or any movement might precipitate upon me a mass of loosened +earth. It was a horrid thought, the death of a burrowing rat; and I dare +not let my mind dwell upon the dread possibility. Slowly, barely +advancing an inch at a time, I began the venture, my hands blindly +groping for the passage, the cold perspiration bathing my body. The +farther I penetrated amid the <i>débris</i>, the greater became the terror +dominating me, yet to draw back was next to impossible. The opening grew +more contracted; I could scarcely force myself forward, digging fingers +and toes into the hard earth floor, the obstructing timber scraping my +body. It was an awful, heartrending struggle, stretched out flat like a +snake in the darkness, the loose earth showering me with each movement. +There was more than one support down; I had to double about to find +opening; again and again I seemed to be against an unsurpassable +barrier; twice I dug through a mass of fallen dirt, once for three solid +feet, throwing the loosened earth either side of me, and pushing it back +with my feet, thus utterly blocking all chance of retreat. Scarcely was +this accomplished when another fall from above came, half burying head +and shoulders, and compelling me to do the work over. The air grew foul +and sluggish, but I was toiling for life, and dug<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> at the <i>débris</i> +madly, reckless of what might fall from above. Better to be crushed, +than to die of suffocation, and the very desperation with which I strove +proved my salvation. For what remained of the roof held, and I struggled +through into the firmer gallery beyond, faint from exhaustion, yet as +quickly reviving in the fresher air. I had reached the end of the +passage before I comprehended the truth. It opened in the side of a +gulley, coming out between the roots of a great tree, and could only +have been discovered through sheerest accident. Years of exposure had +plastered the small opening with clay, and I was compelled to break this +away before I could creep through out into the open air.</p> + +<p>I was a wreck in body and mind, my face streaked with earth, my hair +filled with dirt, my clothing torn and disreputable. Laboring for +breath, my fingers raw and bleeding, I lay there, with scarcely enough +strength remaining to keep from rolling to the bottom of the ravine. For +some moments I was incapable of either thought or action, every ounce of +energy having been expended in that last desperate struggle. I lay +panting, with eyes closed, hardly realizing that I was indeed alive. +Slowly, throb by throb, my heart came back into regularity of beat, and +my brain into command. My eyes opened, and I shuddered with horror, as I +recognized<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> that dismal opening into the side of the hill. Clinging to +the tree trunk I attained my feet, still swaying from weakness, and was +thus able to glance about over the edge of the bank, and gain some +conception of my immediate surroundings.</p> + +<p>It was early dawn, the eastern sky that shade of pale gray which +precedes the sun, a few, white, fleecy clouds sailing high above, +already tinged with red reflection. I must have been in that earth +prison since the morning of the previous day; it seemed longer, yet even +that expiration of time proved that those who had imprisoned me there +had left me to die. God! I couldn't believe that—not of her! Clear as +the evidence appeared, I yet fought down the thought bitterly, creeping +on hands and knees over the edge of the bank, to where I could sit on +the grass, and gaze about in the growing light. The house was to the +left, an apple orchard between, and a low fence enclosing a garden. I +could gain but glimpses of the mansion through the intervening trees, +but it was large, imposing, a square, old-fashioned house, painted +white, with green shutters. It appeared deserted, and no spirals of +smoke ascended from the kitchen chimney. Apparently not even the +servants were yet stirring. However, there was smoke showing farther to +the right, but I had to move before I could see the cause clearly—the +smouldering remains<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> of what must have been a large barn. I advanced in +that direction, skirting the orchard, and a row of negro cabins. These +were deserted, the doors open, and two of them exhibited evidences of +fire. A storehouse had its door battered in, a huge timber, evidently +used as a ram, lying across the threshold, and many of the boxes and +barrels within had been smashed with axes. The ground all about had been +trampled by horses' hoofs, and only a smouldering fragment of the +stables remained.</p> + +<p>I stared about perplexed, unable to decipher the meaning of such +destruction. Surely Grant would never dare such a deed with his unarmed +force. Besides Elmhurst was the property of a loyalist, ay! the Colonel +of his regiment. Not even the madness of anger would justify so wanton +an act. The Hessians might be guilty for sake of plunder, but not while +under Grant's command, and knowing they must march under parole through +rebel territory to again attain their own lines. And this had occurred +during the night; indeed, it seemed to me, the raiders must have +departed within an hour, while Grant's column was to take up its march +for Philadelphia as soon as it became dark. Whatever the mystery I could +never hope to solve it loitering there; the house itself would doubtless +reveal the story, and I turned in that direction, skirting the fence, +yet exercising<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> care, for there might still remain defenders within, +behind those green blinds, to mistake me for an enemy. I saw nothing, no +sign of life, as I circled through the trees of the orchard, and came +out upon the grassplot facing the front porch. The sun was up now, and I +could perceive each detail. There was a smashed window to the right, a +green shutter hanging dejectedly by one hinge; the great front door +stood wide open, and the body of a dead man lay across the threshold, a +dark stain of blood extending across the porch floor.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r3484" id="r3484"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2><h3>THE QUEEN'S RANGERS</h3> +</div> + + +<p>A bullet had struck the hand rail, shattering one of the supports, and +the broad steps were scarred and splintered. The man lay face upward, +his feet inside the hallway, one side of his head crushed in. He was +roughly dressed in woolen shirt and patched smallclothes, and wore gold +hoops in his ears, his complexion dark enough for a mulatto, with hands +seared and twisted. Surely the fellow was no soldier; he appeared more +to me like one who had followed the sea. I stepped over his body, and +glanced the length of the hall. The chandelier was shattered, the glass +gleaming underfoot; the stair rail broken into a jagged splinter, and a +second man, shot through the eye, rested half upright propped against +the lower step. He was a sandy-bearded fellow, no better dressed than +the one without, but with a belt about him, containing pistol and knife. +His yellow teeth protruding gave his ghastly features a fiendish look. +Beyond him a pair of legs stuck out from behind the staircase, clad in +long cavalry boots, and above these, barely showing,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> the green cloth of +the Queen's Rangers. Then Grant had not gone when this attack was made, +or else he had left some men behind? I dragged the body out into the +light so I might see the face—it was the Irishman who had helped in my +capture.</p> + +<p>I stood staring down at him, and about me into the dismantled room, +endeavoring to clear my brain and figure all this out. It was not so +difficult to conceive what had occurred, every bit of evidence pointing +to a single conclusion. Grant had searched the house for Eric, and +discovered no signs of his presence; whatever had subsequently happened +between the girl and himself, she had not felt justified in releasing me +while he and his men remained. They must have departed soon after dark, +well provisioned, upon their long march toward the Delaware, leaving +Elmhurst unoccupied except for its mistress and her servants. The fact +that neither the lady nor Peter had opened the entrance to the secret +staircase would seem to show that the attack on the house must have +followed swiftly. It had been a surprise, giving those within no chance +to seek refuge. There had been a struggle at the front door; some of the +assailants had achieved entrance through the window, and that had +practically ended the affair.</p> + +<p>But what had become of Peter? Of the girl? Who composed the attacking +party? The Indian had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> despatched to Valley Forge with my +memoranda; probably Peter, the Irishman, and a negro or two were alone +left to defend the house. As to the identity of the marauders, I had +small doubt; their handiwork was too plainly revealed, and those two +dead men remained as evidence. Rough as were British and Hessian +foragers, they were seldom guilty of such wanton destruction as this. +Besides this was the home of a prominent loyalist, protected from +despoliation by high authority. The hellish work must have been +accomplished by one or more bands of those "Pine Robbers" who infested +Monmouth County, infamous devils, hiding in caves among sand hills, and +coming forth to plunder and rob. Pretending to be Tories their only +purpose of organization was pillage. Even in the army the names of their +more prominent leaders were known, such as Red Fagin, Debow, West, and +Carter, and many a tale of horror regarding their depredations had I +heard told around the camp fire. These came back to memory as I gazed +about those lower rooms, dreading my next discovery, half crazed to +think that Claire Mortimer might be helpless in their ruthless grasp. +Better death a thousand times than such a fate.</p> + +<p>I pushed forward into the rooms of the lower floor, more than ever +impressed by their original magnificence. Now, however, they were all +confusion, furniture<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> broken and flung aside, walls hacked, dishes +smashed into fragments. The scene was sickening in its evidence of +wanton hate. Yet I found no more bodies, or proof of further resistance. +Apparently the only serious fighting had occurred when the front door +was burst open. Had the other occupants of the house fled—up the +stairs? Or even out some back way? I climbed the steps only to discover +similar scenes above; every room had been ransacked, beds pulled apart, +drawers opened, and the contents scattered about promiscuously. In what +must have been Mistress Claire's private apartment I stood with beating +heart staring about at the ruin disclosed. The large closet had been +swept clean, garments slashed with knives, and left in rags; drawers +turned upside down in search after jewels; the very curtains torn from +the windows. It was a scene of vandalism of which vagabonds alone would +be guilty.</p> + +<p>I stepped across the pile of things to the window, glancing out at the +still smouldering ruins of the stable. Whatever had occurred, neither +the lady nor Peter remained in or about the house. Of this I was +satisfied, yet with the realization there came a sudden comprehension of +my own helplessness to be of any aid. I was alone, unmounted, and with +no weapon but an old pistol. There might be other weapons on those dead<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> +men below, but I could conceive of no effective way of making them +useful. The raiders were doubtless on horseback; they would have added +to their possessions such animals as might have remained on the place, +and most likely had departed not later than midnight with their booty +and prisoners. The hopelessness of the situation left me almost +paralyzed. I possessed no means of reaching Farrell, no knowledge of the +nearest minute man who could act as courier. From the window where I +stood not a house was visible. Just beyond the orchard the roads forked, +a well-travelled branch circling to the left, and disappearing over the +edge of a hill. As I traced it with my eyes a considerable body of +mounted men suddenly appeared on the summit. Without fear that they +could see me at that distance I watched eagerly as they trotted down the +long slope. They were plainly a squadron of British Dragoons, their arms +and cross-belts shining in the sun, in spite of the dust kicked up by +their horses' hoofs.</p> + +<p>I waited until convinced they were coming to the house, before drawing +back out of sight. It was difficult to decide what was best for me to +do. Should I wait, trusting to my rough clothing, and pass myself off as +a countryman, or take advantage of the brief time left in which to +escape? If I essayed the first choice I could explain the situation, and +start these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> troopers on the trail; if not they might fail to understand +and ride on thoughtlessly. What such a body of mounted men were doing in +the neighborhood I could merely guess at—either they were riding +through to New York on some matter of importance, or else had been sent +out hurriedly to discover what had become of Delavan's foragers. This +supposition was the more likely, and they had taken the wrong road, thus +missing Grant and his men in the darkness.</p> + +<p>They must have cut through the orchard, leaping the low fence, for I +heard the thud of hoofs even as I drew back into the upper hall. Then a +voice gave a sharp command.</p> + +<p>"Circle the men about the house, Simmons. There is something wrong here, +and I saw a fellow at that upper window as we came down the hill. Move +quick, now!"</p> + +<p>I must face them, and went forward to the head of the stairs, +anticipating an easy explanation of my presence within. Already quite a +squad was inside the front door bending over the bodies and staring +about curiously.</p> + +<p>"Pine Robbers, eh, Colonel?" said one contemptuously. "That fellow has +cutthroat written all over him. Don't see any signs of our men here."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Queen Ranger lying back of the stairs, sir," reported a soldier +briefly; "Irish lookin' mug."</p> + +<p>The man addressed as Colonel, a Ranger himself from his green uniform, +looked up quickly and saw me. He called out an order, and three or four +men sprang up the stairs, grasping and leading me down. I made no +resistance, not realizing I was in any danger. The Colonel, a tall man +with gray moustache and goatee, and dark, searching eyes, faced me +sternly.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing here, sir? Come, speak up! What does all this mean?" +and he swept his hand about in gesture.</p> + +<p>"I came along about thirty minutes ago," I explained, beginning to +appreciate my situation, from the suspicious glances cast at me, and +recalling how disreputable my appearance must be. "I found things just +as they are now, sir. There's been a fight and robbery."</p> + +<p>"That's plain to be seen; are these all the bodies?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, but the house is upside down from end to end."</p> + +<p>"You saw no one? No British soldiers?"</p> + +<p>I shook my head, conscious of the fierce grip with which I was being +held. A couple of the men dragged out the body from behind the stairs, +and as the face came into the light, the Colonel's eyes saw it. I heard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> +the sharp breath expelled through his lips, as he stared down into those +ghastly features.</p> + +<p>"Good Lord! Mike! What in the name of heaven does this mean? He was +supposed to be with Claire!"</p> + +<p>"There must be some mistake, Colonel Mortimer," insisted the other +officer gravely. "Perhaps we can get the truth out of this bumpkin, if +we take the lash to him."</p> + +<p>I understood in a flash, and as swiftly chose a course of action. This +gray-headed Colonel was her father, and I would serve her in this +emergency without thought of my own danger. No threat of a whip would +open my lips, but memory would.</p> + +<p>"Come, you dog!" burst out the Colonel fiercely. "You know more than you +have told. Speak up, or we'll skin you alive."</p> + +<p>"I will, Colonel Mortimer," I said, looking him straight in the eyes. +"Not because of your threats, but because I wish to serve you. Now I +know who you are, and I will tell you all I know about this whole +affair."</p> + +<p>"Was—was my daughter here?" he interrupted.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"My God! and Eric?"</p> + +<p>"Not to my knowledge—there was a man called<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> Peter, this fellow, and a +black slave or two. They were all I saw."</p> + +<p>"But why should Claire have been here," he asked, as though dazed, +"unless she came to meet her brother? I supposed her safe in the city."</p> + +<p>"I do not pretend to understand the cause of her presence. But if you +listen to my story you may know what to do." I paused an instant to get +a grip on my thoughts. I need not tell all, confess my identity, or +mention my personal relations with the daughter. "I am a soldier, +Colonel Mortimer, in Maxwell's Brigade, of Washington's army. What +brought me here has nothing to do with the present story. I was in the +fight over yonder near Mount Laurel night before last when we captured +Delavan's forage train—"</p> + +<p>"What!" burst in the dragoon officer. "Was Delavan defeated, then? +Hadn't Grant joined him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes to both questions, sir. Delavan was killed, and Grant surrendered. +He and his men were paroled, and started for Philadelphia last evening +from here."</p> + +<p>"From here!" incredulously. "That must be a lie, Colonel, for Mount +Laurel is between here and the city."</p> + +<p>"Nevertheless, it is no lie," I retorted promptly, looking the young +fool in the eyes. "I was hiding here for reasons of my own when they +came tramping<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> in along that road about the middle of the forenoon +yesterday. There was near a hundred Hessians and Rangers, with two +German officers, and Grant. I heard them tell Mistress Mortimer this was +the nearest place where they were sure of finding provisions, and that +they intended to remain until night. I don't know what happened after +that, except that the officers went inside, and the men marched around +to the back to eat their breakfast."</p> + +<p>"What became of you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I had other business, and never got back along here until just at +daylight this morning. Then I found things this way."</p> + +<p>"You don't know what occurred, then?"</p> + +<p>"No more than you do. But I've got my opinion. It's this—Grant and his +fellows must have left as soon as it was dark, taking the west road, +which was the cause of your missing them. It is likely from this man +Mike's body, that your daughter and her party were still in the house. +It couldn't have been much later when these others got here and made the +attack. Mike must have fought them at the front door, but that was all +the fight made; there's no sign of any struggle inside."</p> + +<p>"Then they never got Claire," declared Mortimer positively. "That's a +certainty, Seldon."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She would have fought, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Like a tiger. I know my little girl. And, besides, Peter would have +died before the hand of one of those villains was ever laid upon her."</p> + +<p>"But," I protested, "I have searched the house, Colonel."</p> + +<p>"I imagine your acquaintance with the house is somewhat limited," he +replied coldly, turning away. "Seldon, place this fellow under guard in +the library here. We will learn later what his business might be in the +Jerseys."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r2387" id="r2387"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2><h3>AT CROSS PURPOSES</h3> +</div> + + +<p>It could not be considered an unpleasant place of imprisonment, yet it +was useless for me to contrive any plans of immediate escape, for the +door was securely locked, and two heavily armed dragoons sat within +eying me rather malevolently. My attempt at approaching the window was +instantly checked by a threatening gesture, and I sat down in the +reading chair to await developments. They could not muffle my ears, +however, and I heard the swift hoof-beats of an approaching horse being +ridden furiously up the gravel driveway. At the door he was hastily +checked, and a voice spoke peremptorily:</p> + +<p>"Here you, take the rein!"</p> + +<p>The fellow came up the steps hurriedly, almost ignoring the sentry at +the door.</p> + +<p>"I haven't time to stand here, you fool," he exclaimed roughly. "My +uniform is pass enough. I wish to see Colonel Mortimer at once—at +once." There was a pause, and then the same voice, and I recognized it +now as Grant's beyond a doubt. "Ah,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> Colonel, what in God's name has +happened here? I heard that you were out hunting us at Farrell's +blacksmith shop, and came back as swiftly as I could ride. But I never +suspected this. Who were the miscreants?"</p> + +<p>"That is a question not yet answered, Captain Grant," replied Mortimer +slowly. "It looks like the work of Pine Robbers. Do you recognize this +fellow?"</p> + +<p>"Ay," and from the muffled tone he must have been bending over the body, +"that is 'Tough' Sims, a lieutenant of 'Red' Fagin; there's one more +devil gone to hell. But when did the attack occur? We left here after +dark, and all was quiet enough then. Claire—"</p> + +<p>"She was here then? I hardly believed it possible."</p> + +<p>"I talked with her—quarrelled with her, indeed. Perhaps that was why +she refused to accompany us to Philadelphia. But what did you mean, +Colonel, when you said you hardly believed it possible she was here? Did +some one tell you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; we caught a fellow in the house when we arrived. He had no time +for escape—rough-looking miscreant, claiming to be a Continental. We +have him under guard in the library."</p> + +<p>"He confessed to the whole story?"</p> + +<p>"Not a word; claimed to know nothing except that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> Claire was here. Said +he saw you, and then went away, not getting back again until this +morning."</p> + +<p>"The fellow is a liar, Colonel. Let me see him; I'll lash the truth out +of his lips. Where did you say he was—in the library?"</p> + +<p>I had barely time to rise to my feet when he entered. His eyes swept +across the guard, and then centred upon me. Instantly they blazed with +excitement, although I noticed he took a sudden step backward in the +first shock of surprise, his hand dropping to the butt of a pistol in +his belt.</p> + +<p>"By all the gods!" he exclaimed sharply. "If it isn't the spy! I miss +the red jacket, but I know the face, Mister Lieutenant Fortesque."</p> + +<p>"Major Lawrence, if you please," I returned quietly.</p> + +<p>"We'll not quarrel over the name. I've had occasion to know you under +both; bearing one you was a spy, beneath the other a leader of banditti. +I'll hang you with equal pleasure under either." Suddenly he seemed to +remember where we were, and his face flushed with newly aroused rage. +"But first you'll explain what you are doing here at Elmhurst. Do you +know whose home this is?"</p> + +<p>"Most assuredly," determined not to lose my temper, or to be moved by +his threats. "It is the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> property of Colonel Mortimer, of the Queen's +Rangers."</p> + +<p>"And—and you—you came here to again see—the daughter?" he questioned, +as though half regretting the indiscretion of such a suspicion.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Captain; you do the lady a grave injustice. I came here a +prisoner, very much against my will, not even aware whose plantation +this was. I had no suspicion that Mistress Mortimer was outside +Philadelphia until I overheard your conversation with her."</p> + +<p>"Overheard! You! In God's name, where were you—"</p> + +<p>"In this room; with both doors ajar it was impossible not to hear. You +spoke somewhat angrily, you may remember, not finding the lady as +gracious in her reception as expected."</p> + +<p>The sarcasm in my tone stung him, but the surprise was so great that he +could only rip out an oath.</p> + +<p>"I thought you would have also enjoyed swearing at that time," I +continued coolly, "only you scarcely dared venture so far. You had +previously boasted to me of your engagement to the lady, and it +naturally was a surprise to observe how lovingly she greeted you—"</p> + +<p>"Hell's acre!" he burst out. "Did the minx know you were there?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you refer to Mistress Mortimer, I presume she suspected it. At least +she came to me shortly thereafter."</p> + +<p>"Then I understand better what troubled the girl. But, in God's name! +how did you ever escape me? I was in every room of the house."</p> + +<p>I smiled pleasantly. There was nothing for me to gain, or lose, by +goading him, yet it was rather enjoyable.</p> + +<p>"That, of course, I must naturally refuse to answer, Captain. I might +need to resort to the same methods again."</p> + +<p>"There will be small chance of your having opportunity. Mortimer will +hang you fast enough when I tell my tale. Don't look for mercy at his +hands, for he's prouder than Lucifer of his family honor."</p> + +<p>He was out of the door, striding down the hall, bent on carrying out his +purpose. I heard his voice asking where the Colonel was to be found; +then the guard closed the barrier between us. Very well, of the two I +would rather leave my fate to Mortimer than to him, and felt profoundly +grateful that the Captain was not in command. Had he been I should +doubtless have been hung without the slightest formality of trial, but +Mortimer would at least hear my version first; indeed I could hardly +believe he would issue so stringent orders<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> without listening also to +his daughter's story. I was an officer of rank; the consequences might +prove rather serious were I to be executed summarily, and without proper +trial. No matter how hot-headed Colonel Mortimer might be, on an +occasion like this he would certainly require more convincing evidence +than Grant's unsupported statement, before pronouncing such a sentence. +In truth Grant possessed no facts, merely suspicions. He had reasons to +believe me a spy, but there was not a paper on my body to confirm that +suspicion, and my having been in apparent command of the minute men in +their attack on Delavan's foragers was no license for hanging. That was +an incident of war, and might have occurred in the direct performance of +a soldier's duty. Altogether I was satisfied that Mortimer would merely +hold me prisoner, reporting the affair to Clinton.</p> + +<p>I had scarcely reasoned this out, however, when a corporal threw open +the door, ordering my guard to conduct me into the Colonel's presence. I +was taken to the parlor, where the furniture had been somewhat +rearranged, and found myself confronting Mortimer, the officer I had +heard addressed as Seldon, and Grant. The latter was speaking +vehemently:</p> + +<p>"I tell you, Colonel, this has got to be done; he is a spy, and here for +some infamous purpose."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I've sent for the fellow, Grant; what more do you want? I'll give +him five minutes in which to explain, and that is all. Seldon, have the +men go on ahead along the trail."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, they are off already."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Have our horses outside; we can catch up within a mile or +two." He wheeled sharply about, and looked at me sternly. "Well, sir, I +have very little time to waste on you at present, but I advise truthful +answers. What is your name?"</p> + +<p>"Allen Lawrence."</p> + +<p>"You claim to be in the Continental service—what rank?"</p> + +<p>"Major in the Maryland Line, Maxwell's Brigade."</p> + +<p>"Dressed hurriedly, probably, and forgot your uniform."</p> + +<p>"I have lately been serving with the Jersey militia, sir, as Captain +Grant can testify," I answered civilly.</p> + +<p>"And Captain Grant is only too anxious," broke in that officer +impatiently. "If you will listen to me, Colonel, I'll tell you what I +know in two minutes or less. It will settle this fellow's status."</p> + +<p>Mortimer glanced from my face to that of the speaker, evidently +attracted by the vindictiveness of the voice.</p> + +<p>"All right, Grant, go on," he said shortly, "only I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> shall pass judgment +as a soldier, and not because of any personal quarrel. What is it you +know?"</p> + +<p>"That this man came into Philadelphia three days ago dressed as an +officer of British Infantry. He claimed to be Lieutenant Fortesque, of +the 42nd Foot, with despatches from New York. Howe vouched for him, and +furnished him with a pass and orderly. He put in the whole day studying +the positions of our troops, and in the evening was a guest at the +Mischianza—André gave him a card, I heard—and danced there with your +daughter. I doubted the man from our first meeting, and later picked up +certain rumors which convinced me he was a spy. Some words passed +between us on the dancing floor, and as a consequence I asked the man to +meet me below. Some one either told him he was suspected, or else he had +the heart of a coward, for he failed to appear."</p> + +<p>"Did you intend to fight him?"</p> + +<p>"No; we planned an arrest. I reported to MacHugh what I had heard, and +he had Carter close at hand with a squad of the guard."</p> + +<p>"A very pretty trick on mere suspicion," commented the Colonel in some +disgust. "But go on with your story."</p> + +<p>Grant sucked in his breath quickly, evidently surprised at the remark.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Claire was waiting for me upstairs in the dining-room, but after Carter +had scattered his men to the outposts, I took a turn about the grounds +in hope of thus running across the fellow. Luck favored me, but, damn +him, he jumped into me like a fighting cock, struck me in the face, and +taunted me into meeting him there and then."</p> + +<p>"Good boy! the right stuff, eh, Seldon?"</p> + +<p>"I supposed it all a bluff," went on Grant, paying no heed to the +interruption, although his cheeks flushed, "but we went at it, behind +the pavilion, and I had pricked him twice, when the guard came up and +separated us. At that the fellow took to his heels, and, by Gad! got +away—swam the Delaware, while we were beating the west shore. The next +I saw of him he was in command of those ragamuffins who attacked us out +yonder. Now he shows up here looting this house on the trail of 'Red' +Fagin. I'd hang him offhand if it was me."</p> + +<p>Mortimer looked across at me earnestly, but with an expression of doubt +in his eyes. As for myself I hardly knew what to say, or do. Grant had +no corroborative proof for his assertions, unless I was returned to +Philadelphia. I could emphatically deny that I was the man, insist on my +right to a fair trial. But how could I account in any reasonable way for +my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> presence at Elmhurst, or even successfully sustain my claim to being +a Continental officer. I could not tell Colonel Mortimer that I had been +taken prisoner by his daughter, masquerading as a lieutenant of +dragoons. Apparently he knew nothing of this escapade, and she would +scarcely forgive me for exposure; besides, for all I knew to the +contrary, the girl might have thus been attempting to serve the +Colonies, and a word of betrayal might seriously injure our cause. Of +course this was merely conjecture, a wild guess, although there was one +fact I could not ignore in this connection—she had twice defended me +from capture, and I dare not bring any suspicion upon her. Then Grant +had barely mentioned her name, in no way involving her in my escape. +Whatever the result my lips were sealed. All this flashed over me before +Mortimer spoke.</p> + +<p>"Have you any proofs, sir, that you are an officer of Maxwell's +brigade?"</p> + +<p>"Not here," and I glanced down at my rough clothing, "yet with a little +delay that could be easily ascertained."</p> + +<p>"On what service are you in the Jerseys?"</p> + +<p>"I must decline to answer."</p> + +<p>"Were you in Philadelphia, wearing British uniform three days ago?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If I should say no, it would be merely my word against Captain +Grant—you would doubtless prefer to believe him."</p> + +<p>Grant whispered in his ear, the Colonel listening quietly.</p> + +<p>"I am informed that you have already acknowledged being concealed in +this house yesterday."</p> + +<p>"I have, sir."</p> + +<p>"Did any one know of your presence here?"</p> + +<p>"I was brought here—a prisoner."</p> + +<p>"What!" in decided surprise. "Prisoner to whom?"</p> + +<p>"I was captured by three men, dressed as Queen's Rangers, on a road some +miles to the west. They made no explanation, although I have some reason +to believe I was mistaken for another. I was held in a strong room in +the basement overnight."</p> + +<p>"You were not there when I searched the house," broke in Grant hoarsely.</p> + +<p>"No," and I turned and smiled at him. "I had been brought upstairs +before you arrived."</p> + +<p>"Then you saw your captors by daylight?"</p> + +<p>"Two of them, yes—a man called Peter, and an Irish fellow, with chin +beard."</p> + +<p>"What!" and Mortimer started forward. "Peter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> and Mike in uniform! This +is beyond belief. Were they alone?"</p> + +<p>"They were apparently under the orders of a young lieutenant—the same +who had command of Delavan's advance guard. I was unable to distinguish +the lad's face."</p> + +<p>"Delavan's advance guard!" and the Colonel turned toward Grant. "What do +you know about this, sir? Who was he?"</p> + +<p>The Captain hesitated, shifting uneasily on his feet.</p> + +<p>"I—I do not know, sir," he explained finally, driven to answer. "I +merely had a glimpse of the boy when I first joined the column. I—I +thought I recognized him, but was not sure."</p> + +<p>"Who did you suppose him to be?"</p> + +<p>"Your son, Eric, sir."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r3725" id="r3725"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2><h3>AGAIN THE CELLAR-ROOM</h3> +</div> + + +<p>The father sank back in his chair, breathing heavily.</p> + +<p>"Eric here, making use of this house, and my servants," he muttered. "I +can scarcely believe it true. Was—was he here yesterday morning when +you came?"</p> + +<p>"I found no trace of his presence, sir."</p> + +<p>There was a moment of silence, broken unexpectedly by the rustle of a +dress. I turned in surprise, and saw Claire standing quietly in the +doorway.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, gentlemen," she said softly, "but perhaps I can explain much +of this mystery, and establish the identity of Major Lawrence."</p> + +<p>Seldon sprang forward and offered her a chair, but she merely thanked +him with a bow, and remained standing, her eyes upon her father. Not +once had she even glanced toward either Grant or me, but I noticed the +deep flush of color on cheek evidencing her excitement. What was she +going to explain? How account<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> for the strange actions of the past few +days? How came she to be here at all? Would she confess the truth openly +before us all, or would she feel justified in concealment? I could not, +did not, doubt the honesty of the girl's intent, and yet was it possible +for her to compel these men to accept her version of all which had +occurred? Would she venture a falsehood to protect me, or to save +herself?</p> + +<p>"I—I have already explained much," I hastened to say, thinking she +might wish to know.</p> + +<p>"I overheard what has already been said," she returned quickly, but +without looking toward me, "and appreciate the care with which my name +has thus far been guarded. Now I am ready to make my own explanation."</p> + +<p>"But, first, Claire," said her father soberly, "how does it happen you +are here? We supposed you in the hands of 'Red' Fagin, and a squadron of +my men are out now tracking the fellows."</p> + +<p>"I was not in the house when they came, father; Peter and I were back of +the stables, fortunately mounted. We were obliged to ride hard as we +were chased several miles, and returned as soon as it appeared safe."</p> + +<p>"And Eric?"</p> + +<p>"He departed before Captain Grant arrived," she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> replied unhesitatingly, +"and must be already safe within his own lines."</p> + +<p>"It was Eric, then?"</p> + +<p>"Who else could it be? Surely Captain Grant told you as much."</p> + +<p>The Colonel's eyes wandered about the little group, and his doubt and +bewilderment were clearly evident.</p> + +<p>"Do you know Eric's purpose in coming here? in presuming to act as an +officer in Delavan's company?"</p> + +<p>"He did not inform me, sir."</p> + +<p>"You know this man?"</p> + +<p>She turned, and looked at me for the first time, a silent plea in her +blue eyes.</p> + +<p>"I do—he is Major Lawrence of General Washington's army," her voice +low, but distinct. "I have known him since the Continental troops were +first quartered in Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>I started slightly, yet as instantly recovered my outward composure, +realizing that this strange girl again purposed protecting me from +exposure, even at the expense of a falsehood.</p> + +<p>"Indeed; you were doubtless aware then that he was within Sir Henry +Clinton's lines as a spy?"</p> + +<p>"Far from it," she laughed easily, not glancing toward me, but +permitting her eyes to rest upon the bewildered face of Captain Grant. +"Why, that idea is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> perfectly absurd. Did you tell my father so +ridiculous a story, Captain?"</p> + +<p>"Did I! What else could I say?" he growled indignantly. "He was within +our lines in British uniform."</p> + +<p>Her long lashes veiled the blue depths modestly.</p> + +<p>"Yet there might be other reasons for such masquerade, gentlemen," she +confessed. "Would it be impossible, think you, that he should have taken +so great a risk to again meet with me?"</p> + +<p>There was a silence following the simple question, broken by Seldon's +laugh, as he slapped his knee in appreciation.</p> + +<p>"Good enough, by Gad!" he exclaimed heartily. "The lass has cleared the +mystery with a word. The fellow would be a poor soldier indeed to fail +in such a test—eh, Grant?"</p> + +<p>The Ranger scowled at him in sullen response, his face dark with +passion.</p> + +<p>"Hell's acre! This sort of thing may touch your humor, but not mine. +What is the meaning of your words, Mistress Claire? Are you shameless, +forgetting the pledge between us?"</p> + +<p>She turned her face toward him as a queen might, her head held high, her +cheeks flaming.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You have had your answer once for all, Captain Grant. There is no +pledge between us."</p> + +<p>"But, daughter," broke in the Colonel, still bewildered by this sudden +explosion. "I can scarcely comprehend; surely it was understood that you +were affianced to this son of an old neighbor."</p> + +<p>"Understood, yes, by those who kindly arranged the affair, but the fact +that I might possess a heart of my own was entirely overlooked. As a +child I permitted you to plan my future without protest. I am a woman +now; I have been out in the world; the war has taken all girlhood from +me. If this were not true the way Captain Grant has watched my every +action in Philadelphia would have disgusted me with the thought of ever +intrusting my happiness to him. He has openly quarrelled with every man +I have spoken to, or danced with. He has made me the sport of all the +city gallants by jealous wrangling. Now it is done with. 'Tis in shame +that I am driven to say all this here in presence of these gentlemen, +but I will not stand in silence while Major Lawrence is being condemned +as a spy. He was at the dance to meet again with me, and for no other +purpose."</p> + +<p>Colonel Mortimer's face had expressed many emotions, while she was +speaking, but now it hardened into<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> military severity, his hand clinched +on the arm of the chair.</p> + +<p>"Do I understand then that this officer was there at your request?"</p> + +<p>"I think," hesitating slightly, "he knew he was not unwelcome."</p> + +<p>"And," his voice breaking slightly, "he came here also to meet you?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not," her head lifting indignantly. "I am your daughter, and +am guilty of nothing unworthy our family name. I have no shame to +confess. Major Lawrence is an officer and a gentleman, the friend of +Washington, and my friend also. At any other time he would be a welcome +guest at our table. If he risked his life to meet with me in +Philadelphia it was done openly and honorably in the midst of +acquaintances. There has been nothing hidden or clandestine. He was +brought to Elmhurst a prisoner, bound to his horse, guarded by armed +men. In the morning I learned his identity, and at once had him +released. That is all," and she gave a gesture with her hands, "and I +trust, gentlemen, my explanation will be sufficient."</p> + +<p>"And you warned him of my suspicions in Philadelphia," exclaimed Grant, +"causing him to attack me, and then released him from arrest here."</p> + +<p>"That is partially true; you endeavored to provoke<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> a quarrel the moment +you met. I had no desire he should fall into your hands as a prisoner. +When you appeared at this house I assisted his escape."</p> + +<p>"But, Claire, how came you here? Why did you leave Philadelphia?"</p> + +<p>"Because I have a brother, sir, whom I can only meet in secret," she +replied quietly. "I came without thought of danger, for war has not cost +us friends in this country; our home has remained until now untouched by +vandals, and I felt amply protected by those who accompanied me upon the +ride—our old house servants." She knelt at the side of his chair, her +head bowed upon its arm, and his hand stroked her hair. "I regret if I +have seemed unmaidenly, or done what you may deem wrong, father, for it +has all seemed right to me."</p> + +<p>The Colonel looked at us silently for what seemed a long while, his +fingers fondling the tresses of the girl's hair.</p> + +<p>"This situation leaves me in an embarrassing predicament," he admitted +at last slowly. "I hardly know what is my duty either as a father, or an +officer of the King. No matter what his purpose may have been this man +penetrated our lines in disguise; he admittedly exercised command of +those irregulars who attacked and routed Delavan's column, and has since +been prowling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> about disguised as a countryman. Merely because my +daughter confesses to a friendship between them can hardly justify me in +setting him at liberty."</p> + +<p>He paused, rising to his feet, his eyes on my face. The girl lifted her +head, looking up at him.</p> + +<p>"Major Lawrence, I shall hold you prisoner of war, referring your case +to Sir Henry Clinton. In the meanwhile you shall receive every +consideration possible in accordance with your rank. I am now going to +join my men in pursuit of Fagin. Captain Grant, you will accompany me, +and, Mr. Seldon, I shall leave you in charge of the prisoner until we +return."</p> + +<p>He took a step toward the door; then turned to his daughter.</p> + +<p>"I shall expect you to be ready to ride with us on our return to +Philadelphia, Claire," he said kindly. "It is evidently not safe for you +to remain here alone."</p> + +<p>"Very well, father."</p> + +<p>"Come, Grant, we shall have to ride hard to overtake our men."</p> + +<p>The captain started reluctantly, scowling at me as he passed.</p> + +<p>"I should enjoy having the privilege of being left in charge here," he +said, for my benefit.</p> + +<p>"No doubt, sir," returned Mortimer coldly. "But I have already selected +Mr. Seldon for that duty."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p> + +<p>They left the house together, and I watched them ride past the window, +followed by a dozen soldiers. As they disappeared Seldon turned his eyes +to my face. He was rather a pleasant looking young man, but possessed an +aggressive chin.</p> + +<p>"While I have no orders to that effect, Major," he said quietly, "I +would take the responsibility of accepting your parole."</p> + +<p>"Are you not rather reckless?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think not," smilingly. "I would have you give it to Mistress +Mortimer—surely under those conditions you would never run away."</p> + +<p>She stole a swift glance at me, shaking her head.</p> + +<p>"That would be too strong an imprisonment," I responded instantly. +"Under all conditions I prefer not to give my parole."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir," more stiffly, his geniality vanishing with my rather +curt refusal. "Then I shall take all necessary precautions to prevent +escape." He stepped aside to the hall door. "You may send two men in +here, Ferguson."</p> + +<p>They entered quietly, glancing about with some curiosity, but taking +position on either side of me at Seldon's command. Claire stood beside +the table in silence, her glance out the window. Only as we wheeled +about to leave the room did her eyes meet mine. That<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> swift glimpse +beneath the dark lashes caused me to leave the room with swiftly beating +heart. At the door I stole another glance backward but she had sunk into +a chair, her face concealed in her hands. With Seldon ahead, and the two +guards behind, I tramped down the stairs into the basement, and was +again locked within the walls of the strong room.</p> + +<p>As the lock clicked I sat down upon the bunk far from being +disheartened. Fate had been playing strange pranks, but I was not left +without hope, for I felt assured I had read correctly the swift message +of those uplifted blue eyes. She had not wished me to accept parole; +then there must be some plan of escape already formulated in her mind. +It was clearly enough to her own interest for me to get safely away; +otherwise she would necessarily have to appear before Clinton, and her +testimony would scarcely pass unchallenged in presence of MacHugh and +those others. To be sure she had told no direct falsehood; it amused me +to recall how carefully she had chosen expression. I had attended the +ball for no other purpose than to once again meet her, a fact of which +she had taken the utmost advantage. Yet why? For what end was this +daughter of a loyalist continually exposing herself in thus protecting +me? Why was she sufficiently interested for so grave a sacrifice? I was +not altogether devoid of conceit,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> but I could not persuade myself that +affection prompted this action. We had met so briefly, always with me in +the role of hunted fugitive, that it was impossible to conceive that +love was the motive power of control. The thought even was almost +preposterous; much as I should have rejoiced to believe it true the very +ridiculousness of it caused me to smile bitterly. Perhaps her action had +some connection with her brother—her protection of me might also +protect him. There was a thread of mystery running through everything in +which Eric's name continually figured. I had not seen him, was not even +convinced he was in the Jerseys, yet this was the most natural +explanation of these peculiar events; surely it was either Eric's safety +she was battling for so heroically, or else she was at heart a +pronounced patriot.</p> + +<p>However, these thoughts helped me little, nor did contemplation of the +surrounding stone walls inspire me to attempt escape. Already had I +tested each separate stone, the solid oaken door, and the iron-barred +windows. I could only wait quietly, striving to solve the meaning of +those suddenly uplifted blue eyes, and the promise they contained.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r9394" id="r9394"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2><h3>THE LADY'S PLAN</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I must have remained there an hour undisturbed, listening to faint +sounds in the rooms above, and peering out between the iron bars at a +little square of blue sky, and some waving tree branches. Once, with ear +pressed against the door, I could distinguish the regular steps of a +sentinel pacing back and forth, and out of the window I caught the +silhouette of a cocked hat and brown gun barrel. Seldon was evidently +guarding me with the utmost care.</p> + +<p>By the light I judged the time somewhat beyond noon, when the door +opened suddenly, and Peter appeared bearing a tray. He was as +mysteriously silent and professional as upon his first visit, not even +favoring me with a glance, his mind apparently intent upon his duties, +moving about noiselessly, wiping the table, and placing his load of +dishes thereon with great care that all should be arranged in perfect +order. The door remained ajar during these preparations, a Queen's +Ranger standing there motionless, leaning on his gun, and eying us +steadily. At last Peter drew up a chair,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> dusted it, and with wave of +the hand invited me to be seated. I ate as slowly as possible, while he +stood over me, anticipating my every want. I endeavored to converse on +commonplace topics, hoping thus to kill time, and possibly lead him to +some word of guidance, but his answers were monosyllables, most +respectfully uttered, and meaningless. As he passed back and forth about +the table his face remained vacant of expression, his eyes devoid of +intelligence. He might have been a wax figure, so mechanically did he +operate, and the sentinel never for an instant relaxed his scrutiny.</p> + +<p>I had picked up almost the last crumb, toying with it in desperation, +when a voice spoke apparently from the head of the stair. The Ranger +turned his head to answer, and at the instant a paper pellet was crushed +into my hand. Instinctively my fingers closed over it, and as the guard +turned back again, gruffly ordering us to hurry up, Peter was at the +opposite side of the table gathering up the dishes, his bald head +shining brilliantly, his eyes as dull as those of a fish. I leaned back +watching him, clutching the paper pellet in the palm of one hand, until +he passed out with his tray, and the door clicked behind him. Not once +did he glance toward me, or acknowledge my presence. Fearful lest I +might be spied upon, my heart beating wildly in anticipation,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> I lay +down in the bunk with face to the wall, and unrolled the pellet. It +contained but a few words, hastily scribbled, in a lady's delicate +handwriting. "Don't despair; if they are away until after dark I will +arrange. Can do nothing before." There was no signature, but I needed +none to know whose fingers had held the pencil. My lips pressed the +paper ere I tore it into fragments, and scattered them outside the bars.</p> + +<p>The hours of that afternoon dragged themselves along with exasperating +slowness, as I listened for hoof-beats, imagining every sound the +approach of returning horsemen. With no longer any doubt of her +intention, my apprehension riveted itself on the possibility of the +British getting back before darkness gave opportunity for putting her +plans into execution. As to what they might be I cared nothing, being +ready to assume any risk which would lead to escape. The room I occupied +must have been upon the west side of the house, as the afternoon sun +streamed in through the bars, and stretched golden across the floor. I +could almost count the minutes as those shafts of light crept up the +wall, and then slowly faded. The silence all about was intense, even the +branches of the trees without having no movement. As the gray of +twilight approached, my ears, strained to the slightest sound, +distinguished the changing of sentinels. But I waited vainly for any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> +visitor; darkness closed me in, but no one came with food.</p> + +<p>I pressed my face against the bars striving to look into the night, my +only reward the glimpse of a few distant stars. Suddenly, as I stood +there, voices sounded at a distance, the words indistinguishable, and +then footsteps crushed along the gravelled footpath, as though a number +of men were running toward the back of the house. They were below my +range of vision, but a moment later I heard the sounds of scattered +shots, and saw the sharp flash of firing. I was still clinging to the +bars, trying to determine what it all meant, when the door was opened. +The light of a lantern in his hand revealed a green and white uniform, +and the deeply seamed face of a man of fifty.</p> + +<p>"Quick now, yer damned rebel," he said hoarsely. "Be up an' lam me one, +an' here's the rope."</p> + +<p>"What!"</p> + +<p>"Didn't yer hear? or wasn't yer told the game? Sufferin' Moses, it's got +to be played swift, or ye'll lie here an' rot. That's what that +bald-headed skate is out thar leadin' 'em off for. I'm ter come in wid +yer supper; ye slug me first sight, bind me up wid the rope, and skip. +'Tis a dirty job, but the friends of ye pay well for it, so come on +now."</p> + +<p>I comprehended the plan in a flash. She had discovered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> a sentry money +would buy; to lead the others away long enough to effect my escape, +Peter had taken to the woods with a gun. Whether he escaped or was +captured, the delay would be short. With the knowledge came action. I +bore the unresisting Ranger to the floor, hurling down the tray of food +he bore in a mass of broken crockery, and bound him hand and foot, +leaving the fellow lying across the open doorway. He was without arms, +except his heavy gun, which I left beside him. An instant I paused to +ask a question, holding aloft the lantern so as to see his face.</p> + +<p>"Now man, speak quick; you were given some word for me? Some +instructions how I was to get away?"</p> + +<p>"Sure; but ye drew those cords tight! You are to go up stairs, out the +front door, and turn to the right; there's a horse in the thicket beyond +the summer house. Damnation, loosen that ankle rope, will ye?"</p> + +<p>I gave it a twitch, but felt little compassion for the fellow, and ran +up the steps, leaving the lantern below. I knew the way even in the +dark, and experienced little trouble in feeling my passage. I met with +no interference, and heard no sound, the house seemingly deserted. Only +as I opened the front door could I hear distant, irregular firing to the +northwest. Assured that no guard remained I flung myself recklessly over +the porch rail onto the smooth turf of the lawn. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> dim outlines of +the latticed summer house could be discerned not thirty feet distant, +and I started toward it unhesitatingly. I had made half the distance +when a horse neighed suddenly to my right, and, startled at the sound, I +fell flat, creeping cautiously forward into the shadow of a low bush. I +had risen to my knees, believing the animal must be the one left there +for my use, when I heard the growl of a voice, a man's voice, from out +the summer house.</p> + +<p>An instant I could not locate the sound nor distinguish it clearly; then +a sentence cut the air so distinctly that I recognized the speaker. +Grant! What was he doing here? Had we delayed too long? Had Fagin's +pursuers returned? If so, why was he there in the summer house, and with +whom was he conversing? I crouched back listening, afraid to move.</p> + +<p>"I saw the gleam of your white skirt as I rounded the house," he +exclaimed. "By Gad, I thought the horse was going to bolt with me. Fine +bit of luck this, finding you out here alone. What's going on out +yonder?"</p> + +<p>"There was an attack on the horse guard, and Mr. Seldon is in pursuit. +But how does it happen you have returned alone? Has anything occurred to +my father?"</p> + +<p>I judged from the sound that he seated himself before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> answering, and +there was a hesitancy sufficiently noticeable, so as to cause the girl +to ask anxiously:</p> + +<p>"He has not been injured?"</p> + +<p>"Who, the Colonel!" with a short laugh. "No fear of that while pursuing +those fellows; they ride too fast, and are scattered by now all the way +from here to the Atlantic. Probably a squad of the same gang out there +fighting Seldon. Trouble with the Colonel is he takes the affair too +seriously; imagines he is actually on the trail, and proposes to remain +out all night. I became tired of such foolishness and rode back."</p> + +<p>"You mean you left? Deserted?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, hardly that," lazily. "You see I was sent out with a detachment to +ride down the Lewiston road. I merely left my sergeant in command and +turned my horse's head this way. I can be back by morning, and I wanted +to see you."</p> + +<p>"To see me, Captain Grant! You disobeyed my father's orders to ride back +and see me? I hardly appreciate the honor."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I suppose not," his tone grown suddenly bitter. "But I am here just +the same, and propose carrying out my intention. What do you think I am +made of—wood? You treat me as though I possessed no feelings to be +hurt. See here, Claire, don't draw away from me like that. What has got +into you lately? You have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> led me a merry chase all winter in +Philadelphia, but now you have even dared to flaunt me to my face, and +in the presence of your father. Do you suppose I am the kind to stand +for that? What is the matter, girl? Who has come between us? Is it that +rascally rebel? No; you stay where you are, and answer me. That is what +I came back alone for, to find out."</p> + +<p>She was upon her feet, and I could even see her hand clasping a lattice +of the summer house.</p> + +<p>"Why do you ask this? What right have you? There was never a promise +between us."</p> + +<p>"The understanding has existed for ten years; never denied until now," +he protested hotly. "You knew I loved you; I've fought a dozen men on +your account—"</p> + +<p>"True enough," she broke in, "you have challenged every gentleman who +has dared address me. Did you think such swash-buckling was going to win +my heart? Any girl possessing self-respect would revolt at such methods. +Whatever affection I may have felt for you as a boy has been driven from +me by these actions. You wanted a slave, a servant, not a companion, and +it is not in Mortimer blood to yield to every whim, to every crack of +the whip. I never loved you, never confessed I did. I tried to be +obedient, endeavored to like you to please my father, but this past +winter has so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> thoroughly revealed your real character that I will +pretend no longer."</p> + +<p>"My character! We have known each other from childhood. I know well +enough what has made the difference in you."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed; it's that damned Continental spy."</p> + +<p>"It has been some one all along according to your theory—any gentleman +who has shown me ordinary kindness. You have called out Captain Kincade, +Lieutenant Mathieson, Major Lang, and others, just to prove your +ownership of me. You have made me the laughingstock of Philadelphia. Now +it pleases you to select Major Lawrence with which to associate my name. +Because he danced with me once you felt justified in quarrelling with +him in my presence, in goading him into fighting you. It was the act of +a cowardly bully. Whatever respect I may once have had for you, Captain +Grant, has been dissipated this past winter."</p> + +<p>"Can you tell me it is not Lawrence?"</p> + +<p>"I could tell you, and very plainly, but I refuse to be questioned."</p> + +<p>"Well, by Gad! I know without asking," and he sprang to his feet, +gripping her hand. "You've helped that fellow against me from the first. +I'll put up with it no longer. I came back here to-night desperate,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> +prepared to resort to any measures. I meant to give you a chance, and, +by heaven! I have. Do you think I am the sort of man you can play with? +If I can have you only by force then it is going to be that. Oh, don't +try to pull away! I've got you now just as I wanted you—alone! Your +father is not here, and that fool Seldon is busy enough out yonder. +There is not even a guard to interfere. Do you know what I mean to do?"</p> + +<p>She made no answer, but her very silence seemed to fan his anger.</p> + +<p>"Sulky, are you! Well, I'll tell you just the same. There's a preacher +living at the crossroads—you know him, that snivelling, long-faced +Jenks. He's a ranting rebel all right, but he'll do what I say, or I'll +cut his heart out. You are going there with me to-night to be married. +I'll put an end to these tantrums, and by to-morrow you'll have come to +your senses. Now will you go quietly, or shall I make you?"</p> + +<p>She wrenched away from him; there was a moment's struggle, and then her +white-robed figure sprang forth into the starlight. I saw him grasp her, +tearing the shoulder of her dress with the fierce grip of his fingers. I +was already upon my feet, crouching behind the bush, prepared to spring. +She drew back, her face white as marble.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You coward! You cur!"</p> + +<p>"Hold your temper, Mistress," with a snarling laugh. "I know how to +conquer you."</p> + +<p>That moment I reached him.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r7043" id="r7043"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2><h3>WORDS OF LOVE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>In spite of the fact that he was armed the advantage was all with me. +His grip on the girl dragged her to the ground with him, but she rolled +aside as we grappled like two wild beasts, my fingers at his throat. I +knew the strength of the man, but my first blow had sent his brain +reeling, while the surprise of my unexpected assault gave me the grip +sought. He struggled to one knee, wrenching his arms free, but went down +again as my fist cracked against his jaw. Then it was arm to arm, muscle +to muscle, every sinew strained as we clung to each other, striving for +mastery. He fought like a fiend, gouging and snapping to make me break +my hold, but I only clung the closer, twisting one hand free, and +driving my fist into his face. At last I gripped his pistol, wrenched it +forth, and struck with the butt. He sank back, limp and breathless, and +I rose to my knees looking down into the upturned face. Almost at the +moment her hand touched my shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Is he dead? Have you killed him?"</p> + +<p>"Far from it," I answered gladly. "He is merely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> stunned, and will +revive presently, but with a sad headache. I would not have hit him, but +he is a stronger man than I."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you were justified. It was done to protect me. I knew you must be +somewhere near."</p> + +<p>"You were waiting for me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—no; not exactly that. I was in the summer house; I did not mean +you should see me, but I wished to be sure of your escape; I—I—of +course I was anxious."</p> + +<p>"I can easily understand that, for you have assumed much risk—even +ventured the life of the devoted Peter."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; you rate my devotion too high by far. Peter's life has not been +endangered."</p> + +<p>"But the guard told me he was the direct cause of all that firing beyond +the ravine."</p> + +<p>The starlight revealed the swift merriment in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"I—I—well, I believe he was originally responsible, but—well, you see +I know Peter, Major Lawrence, and really there is no danger that he will +get hurt. I cannot imagine what they could have found to fire at so +long, but it is certainly not Peter. 'Twould be my guess that he is even +now in the house, calmly eating supper, not even wasting a smile on the +racket without.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> You may have observed he is not of an emotional +disposition."</p> + +<p>"My attention has, indeed, been called to that fact. Yet that does not +explain how he could be in two places at one and the same time."</p> + +<p>"Nothing that Peter pleases to do is explainable. His ways are not our +ways, nor his thoughts our thoughts. He is simply Peter. He started all +this, but was never in front of those guns long. They must be shooting +at shadows. But, Major, we forget where we are, the perils about us, and +the necessity of your immediate escape. We must not stand talking here."</p> + +<p>She was close beside me, looking up into my face, her eyes filled with +anxiety. Grant lay motionless upon the grass, a mere darker shadow. To +linger there, however strong the temptation, was to expose her to even +greater peril. Already Seldon's men must be returning toward the house. +There were words upon my lips I longed to speak, questions I desired to +ask, but I held these sternly back, restrained by the pleading in those +eyes.</p> + +<p>"No, for your sake I must go at once," I answered soberly. "Seldon must +not find you here, nor must Grant suspect your connection with my +assault upon him. I doubt if he recognized my face in this darkness, +although he will surely realize the truth when he learns<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> of my escape. +But how can I leave you here unprotected? When this man returns to +consciousness—and that can mean but a few moments—he will be furious."</p> + +<p>"I shall be safe enough. He will have no opportunity to find me alone +again. To-night I had no conception that he was near, and was not even +armed. I—I have been afraid of him for months; he has acted like a +crazed man. But you must go!" She caught my arm, urging me toward the +thicket where the horse was concealed; then suddenly paused with a new +thought. "Take his hat and coat," she whispered swiftly. "There are +British patrols between here and the Delaware. Quick, and I will have +your horse untied."</p> + +<p>I did as directed, feeling the value of the suggestion, and, a moment +later, to all appearance an officer of Queen's Rangers, slipped through +the thicket of trees, and took the reins from her hands.</p> + +<p>"You will go straight back into the house?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said obediently; then extended her hand. "Good-bye, Major +Lawrence. I suppose this ends our acquaintance."</p> + +<p>"Not if I can avoid such a fate," I replied, holding her fingers +closely. "If I believed that I am not sure but I would return to the +cell. It has been a strange<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> intimacy into which we have been thrown; +three days have made us old friends. Surely you cannot believe me so +ungrateful as your words would seem to imply."</p> + +<p>"But I deserve no gratitude," making no effort to draw away, yet looking +into my face frankly. "Perhaps you have misunderstood. Is it not +possible for the women of these Colonies to sacrifice as well as the men +in the cause of patriotism? You must not believe that I have done this +merely for your sake, Major Lawrence."</p> + +<p>"Yet I would like to believe so," I insisted warmly. "You are the +daughter of a loyalist."</p> + +<p>"And Eric is the son of a loyalist," laughingly, "and wears a +Continental uniform. I am not privileged to go so far, restrained by the +limitations of sex, yet I may be equally a rebel."</p> + +<p>"Which would seem to mean that all your kindness toward me would have +been similarly given to any patriot soldier."</p> + +<p>"Why—why, yes; I—I think so."</p> + +<p>"And I do not, Mistress Claire; I refuse to so believe." Her eyes +flashed up at me, and I lost all restraint in their swift challenge. "I +am going to speak—just a word, yet I must give it utterance before I +ride out into the dark, away from you. I love you. It makes no +difference to me where your sympathies may<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> be in this struggle, you +have won my heart. Look up, dear, and listen. I am going back to the +camp, back to the campaign. I know not what the night, what the morrow +may bring. But I know forever I love you, and that if I live I shall +surely come back. Will you be glad? Will you promise me welcome?"</p> + +<p>I could feel her tremble, yet there was no shrinking in her face, no +alarm.</p> + +<p>"Oh, why were you compelled to say that! I tried so hard not to let you. +I—I cannot make the promise, it would not be right."</p> + +<p>"Not right!"</p> + +<p>"No, you do not know me. I told you before I was a sham, a fraud, not +what I appeared to be. I will not explain even to you, and you must not +ask me. Only it hurts me to hear you say what you have, and be compelled +to return this answer."</p> + +<p>"You care then—you do not disguise that?"</p> + +<p>She threw her head back proudly, making no attempt to withdraw her +hands.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I care; any woman would. It is not true that I have served you +merely because you were a soldier of the Colonies. I think it was true, +perhaps, at first, but—but later it was different. Oh! why do I say +this! Why do I delay your departure by consenting to remain here in +conversation! Major Lawrence,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> cannot you realize that my only desire is +to have you get away safely?"</p> + +<p>"But that is not my only desire," I protested. "It must be weeks, +months, before I can hope to see you again. I am a servant of the +Colonies, and must go where I am sent; we are upon the verge of a +campaign involving exposure and battle. I may not even come forth alive. +Must I go without a word, without a hope? Claire, Claire, sweetheart, +you have no right to turn me away, because of some phantom of +imagination—"</p> + +<p>"But it is not, it is terribly real."</p> + +<p>"I care not; I would still love you in spite of all; you may be a spy—a +British spy—but the fact would mean nothing to me. I would trust you, +Claire, your womanhood; I should know that whatever you did was in +accordance with your conscience, and be content—if you but love me. +And, thank God! I know you do."</p> + +<p>"I—I—no! You cannot mean that!"</p> + +<p>"Ay, but I do. Have you supposed I could not read the message of those +eyes? Oh, it may be dark, dear, but there is a star-gleam, and when the +lashes lift—they confess a thousand times more than your lips +acknowledge. Yet I insist on the lips! Now tell me," and I held her to +me, "tell me!"</p> + +<p>"What—oh, Major, please!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p> + +<p>"There are but three words to speak; whisper them, dear, and I go."</p> + +<p>"Three words!"</p> + +<p>"Such easy words; they are trembling on your lips now—<i>I love you</i>."</p> + +<p>"But if I do not; if they are false. Hush! There is some one on the +veranda—Seldon must have returned."</p> + +<p>"All the more reason why you should speak quickly," I whispered, without +releasing her.</p> + +<p>"Will you go, then? At once?"</p> + +<p>"I pledge my word."</p> + +<p>She drew a deep breath, her eyes shadowed, but I could hear the swift +pulsing of her heart.</p> + +<p>"It—it will mean nothing—nothing."</p> + +<p>"Of course; only a memory to dream over."</p> + +<p>Her lashes lifted, her head tilted back upon my shoulder. For a bare +instant I gazed down into the depths.</p> + +<p>"Then—then I will—<i>I love you</i>!"</p> + +<p>With the words I kissed her, pressing my lips to hers; an instant they +clung, and I felt the pressure of her arm, the hot blood rioting through +my veins.</p> + +<p>"Sweetheart," I whispered, "sweetheart."</p> + +<p>"No, no!" and she thrust me from her. "You forget. I am not that. You +must not think it even.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> See, that man is coming down the steps. He will +discover Captain Grant, and it will be too late—Oh, go, Major, please +go!"</p> + +<p>I turned without another word, fully realizing the danger, the necessity +of action. Her hand touched mine as I grasped the rein.</p> + +<p>"We part friends," she said softly. "Some day you may understand and +forgive me."</p> + +<p>"I understand now more than you think," I returned swiftly, "and I am +coming back to learn all."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r9565" id="r9565"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2><h3>I UNCOVER CAPTAIN GRANT</h3> +</div> + + +<p>The thicket was sufficiently dense to conceal us from the man, who +remained standing at the foot of the steps. He was but a mere dark +shadow, and I could not even distinguish that he was a soldier, yet the +danger of his presence was sufficiently great, for should he advance to +the right he would come upon Grant's unconscious form, and in that +silence the slightest noise might arouse suspicion. Mistress Claire +still clung to my hand, but only to whisper a sentence of instruction.</p> + +<p>"Go straight north, Major, until you reach the hedge; follow the shadow +of that beyond the orchard, and then take the road running westward. +Don't mount until you reach there—good-bye."</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, you will not forget me?"</p> + +<p>"I—I am afraid not, but—but you must go!"</p> + +<p>I left her standing there, a faint gleam of white against the dark +shrubbery, motionless. Grasping the bit of the horse I picked my course +slowly across the lawn, watchful that the intervening thicket hid my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> +movements, the soft carpet of grass muffling every sound. We reached the +hedge,—a high, impassable barrier to further progress in that +direction, but here the shadows were sufficiently dense for us to +proceed faster, with little peril of discovery. There were no sounds of +alarm from the house, by this time barely visible, but we continued on a +walk until the orchard was skirted, and I felt beneath my feet the ruts +of a road running east and west. I waited long enough to adjust the +stirrups, which were too short, listening intently for any sounds of +pursuit. The house could no longer be seen, and the night was quiet as a +grave. What had become of Claire? Was she still hiding at the edge of +the thicket, or had she found means of attaining shelter within the +house? It was useless to speculate, and I could better serve her by +going my way. I swung up into the saddle, and the horse broke into a +lope.</p> + +<p>There is no incident of that night's ride which I recall distinctly. I +merely pushed on steadily through the darkness, leaving my mount to +choose his own course, confident we were headed toward the river. I was +sufficiently acquainted with the valley of the Delaware, when daylight +came, to decide upon the nearest ford. As to the British patrols I must +run the risk of dodging these, but felt safe from such an encounter for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> +several hours. In truth I met no one, having no occasion to even draw +rein, although we passed through two small villages, and by a number of +farms. I could not even determine that these houses were occupied; they +were dark and silent, even the galloping hoofs of my horse failing to +awaken response.</p> + +<p>As the feeling of security took possession of me, my mind returned to +her whom I had just left. As I had kissed her, as I had heard her lips +repeat the words I had insisted upon her saying, it had all seemed real. +But now that I was no longer looking into her eyes, I began to doubt and +question. Had she assented merely to appease me, merely to compel me to +leave her? She had said as much, almost denied caring for me, openly +stated that there was between us an impassable barrier. At the time, in +the spell of her presence, all this had meant merely a girlish spirit of +coquetry; it had seemed to me her eyes denied her lips, and gave me +courage. But now, alone under the stars, and riding away from her, this +assurance deserted me, and I began to doubt. Why should I have hoped? We +had met in ways which made intimacy inevitable, and yet the girl had +spoken no word which I could presume to interpret into love. She had +trusted me with her friendship, and was in no way responsible for my +more serious thoughts. I could not recall one word, or act,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> on her +part, that would give me any right to think that she cared for me, +except as an acquaintance and friend. Through sympathy she might have +served any fugitive with the same loyalty shown me. Surely she could not +have loved me in Philadelphia, when we met for the first time, and yet, +even then, she had risked everything to aid my escape. She had done no +more since—all might have arisen from the same impersonal motive. But +what could that motive be? A mere love of adventure, the reckless +audacity of youthful spirits, a secret sympathy with the cause of the +Colonies, or a desire to outwit Grant? I could not believe her purpose +unworthy, that she would sink her womanhood into mere trickery. She +disliked Grant, despised him as she had just cause, yet it was not to +anger him that she had helped me. Somewhere there was a reason, and a +valid one, for her action.</p> + +<p>And, on the other hand, what could make it impossible for her to confess +the truth? A love for some one else? It was not Grant, at least, and no +other name had ever been mentioned. She insisted that she was a sham, a +fraud; that when I really knew her I might despise her. She had not +spoken this as a joke, but in sober earnestness. What could be the +meaning? I had suggested that she was a British spy, and she had made no +denial, and yet it was impossible to believe<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> such a charge true. All I +had witnessed of her acts would seem rather to connect her with the +Colonies. Yet there were matters unexplained—the mysterious night +riding, the attack on me, and my first night's imprisonment at Elmhurst. +No attempt had been made to clear up these affairs, and I might construe +them as I pleased. Yet there was nothing convincing, as I knew not how +far Eric might be concerned. Perhaps all that appeared strange about the +conduct of the sister could be explained by a few moments' conversation +with the brother. I determined to search him out as soon as I was safely +within the lines, and hear his story.</p> + +<p>It was already daylight when I arrived at this conclusion, and, in the +gray desolation of dawn, drew up on the bluff summit to gaze down into +the river valley. It was a scene of quiet beauty, reflecting little of +the ravages of war. My vantage of height gave me a wide vista, embracing +the silvery stream, and a long stretch of meadow land, dotted with +farmhouses, and intersected by roads. In the middle distance small +villages faced each other across the stream, and toward these most of +the roads converged,—proof of the existence of a ford. I could not be +mistaken as to the town—Burlington on the Jersey shore, and opposite +Bristol. I should be safe enough in the latter, even if we had no +outpost stationed there. I knew homes along those<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> shaded streets, where +food would be forthcoming, and where I could probably procure a fresh +horse. It was the nearer town, nestled on the Jersey bank, that I +studied with the greatest care, but, so far as I could see, the single +street was deserted. To the south, certainly two miles away, a squadron +of horse were riding slowly, surrounded by a cloud of dust. Without +doubt this was the British patrol that had left the village at daybreak.</p> + +<p>It was a hot, close morning, and the padded Ranger's coat heavy and +tight-fitting. I took it off, flinging it across the saddle pommel. As I +did so a folded paper came into view, and I drew it forth, curiously. My +eye caught the signature at the bottom of a brief note, and I stared at +it in surprise. Fagin! How came Fagin to be writing to Captain Grant? He +pretended to be a Tory to be sure, yet both armies knew him as a +murderous outlaw, plundering loyalists and patriots alike. There came to +me a memory of Farrell's chance remark that Grant had some connection +with this fellow's marauding. I had not seriously considered it then, +but now—why, possibly it was true. I read the lines almost at a glance, +scarcely comprehending at first, and then suddenly realized the base +villainy revealed:</p> + +<p>"Have the money and papers, but the girl got away. Will wait for you at +Lone Tree to-night. Don't fail,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> for the whole country will be after me +as soon as the news gets out about Elmhurst. <i>Fagin</i>."</p> + +<p>So that was the reason for this raid—Grant's personal affair. He had +returned to Elmhurst, leaving his men to trudge on into Philadelphia +under their Hessian officers so that he might communicate with Fagin. He +had contrived to get Colonel Mortimer to detail him, after the main +column had been started on a false trail, and then he had left his +detail to another, and rode alone to the rendezvous at Lone Tree. There, +doubtless, he had received Fagin's report, with the papers whatever they +were, and then returned to Elmhurst, determined to force his will with +the girl. What had happened then I knew well, for I had been part of it. +What a pity it was I had failed to kill the fellow, instead of leaving +him unconscious.</p> + +<p>The papers! Perhaps they were in the coat also. Surely Grant had no time +to change or destroy them, as he must have ridden directly to Elmhurst. +I searched the pockets of the garment hastily, finding a note or two, +his orders to escort Delavan, and a small packet tied securely by a +cord. I felt no hesitancy in opening this, and ascertaining its +contents. The lines I read hastily seemed to blur before my eyes; I +could barely comprehend their purport. Little by little I grasped the +meaning<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> of it all, and then my mind leaped to recognition of Grant's +purpose. They were notes of instruction, brief orders, suggestions, +memoranda, such as might be issued to a secret agent greatly trusted. +These were addressed simply "Mortimer," many unsigned, others marked by +initials, but I instantly recognized the handwriting of Washington, +Hamilton, and Lee. Without question this packet was the property of Eric +Mortimer, but why had the boy preserved these private instructions, +covering months of operations, I should judge, although scarcely one was +dated? And what caused them to be of such value to Captain Grant?</p> + +<p>The answer came in a flash of suspicion—the Colonel. He could be +threatened with them, blackmailed, disgraced before Sir Henry Clinton, +driven from his command. They were addressed merely to "Mortimer," +discovered at Elmhurst, and were sufficient to convict of treason. It +was a fiendish plot, well conceived, and Grant was fully capable of +carrying it out to the end. I could realize what the possession of these +papers meant to him—military advancement, a distribution of the +Mortimer estate in which he would doubtless share, and a fresh hold on +Claire whereby he could terrify the girl into accepting him.</p> + +<p>I stood there in uncertainty, turning these papers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> over and over in my +hands, striving to determine my duty. Should I return to Elmhurst? To do +so would only bring me into renewed peril, and would apparently benefit +no one. Without this packet Grant was helpless to injure Colonel +Mortimer. As to Claire, Seldon would protect her for the present, and as +soon as the father returned, he would doubtless compel her to accompany +him back to Philadelphia. The best service I could render was to destroy +these notes, and then seek out Eric Mortimer, in Lee's camp, and tell +him the whole story. All that any one could do now was to warn the +Mortimers against Grant, to let them know his treachery, and this could +be best accomplished through Eric. Although in different armies, +striving against each other in the field, there must still exist some +means of communication between father and son, or, if not, then between +brother and sister.</p> + +<p>With flint and steel I built a small fire of leaves in a cleft beside +the road, and fed to the flames one by one the papers from the packet, +glancing over each one again to make sure of its contents; all were +addressed alike, simply "Mortimer," but upon two I found the word +"Elmhurst." It was easy to see how the discovery of such communications +would tempt an unscrupulous scoundrel like Grant to use them to injure +another,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> and win his own end, but why had that young Eric failed to +destroy them as soon as received?</p> + +<p>When the last paper had been reduced to ashes, I stamped out the embers +of fire under my boot heel, and, with lighter heart, rode down the hill +toward the ford.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r5738" id="r5738"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2><h3>BETWEEN LOVE AND DUTY</h3> +</div> + + +<p>It was already growing dusk when I rode into our lines at Valley Forge. +A brief interview with Colonel Hamilton revealed his appreciation of my +work, and that my hastily made notes of the Philadelphia defences had +been received twenty-four hours earlier. They had been delivered at +headquarters by an officer of Lee's staff; no, not a boyish-looking +fellow, but a black-bearded captain whose name had been forgotten. All +Hamilton could remember was that the notes had been originally brought +in by an Indian scout. Eager to discover Eric Mortimer I asked a week's +release from duty, but there was so much sickness in the camp, that this +request was refused, and I was ordered to my regiment.</p> + +<p>Busy days and nights of fatigue followed. Washington, watching like a +hawk every movement of Sir Henry Clinton in Philadelphia, convinced by +every report received that he was about to evacuate the city, bent all +his energies toward placing his little army in fit condition for battle. +Some recruits were received,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> the neighboring militia were drawn upon, +and men were taken from the hospitals, and put back into the ranks as +soon as strong enough to bear arms. Inspired by the indomitable spirit +of our commander the line officers worked incessantly in the welding +together of their commands. I scarcely knew what sleep was, yet the +importance of the coming movement of troops held me steadfast to duty. +Word came to us early in June that Count d'Estaing, with a powerful +French fleet, was approaching the coast. This surely meant that Clinton +would be compelled to retreat across the Jerseys, and a portion of our +troops were advanced so as to be within easy striking distance of the +city the moment the evacuation took place. The remaining commands +pressed farther north, near convenient crossings of the Delaware, +prepared for a forced march across the British line of retreat. +Maxwell's brigade, with which I was connected, even crossed the river in +advance, coöperating with General Dickinson and his New Jersey militia. +All was excitement, commotion, apparently disorder, yet, even amid that +turmoil of approaching battle, Hamilton recalled my request, and granted +me two days' leave. His brief note reached me at Coryell's Ferry, and, +an hour later, I was riding swiftly across the country to where Lee had +headquarters.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> + +<p>Not once during all those days and nights had the memory of Claire left +me. Over and over in my mind I had reviewed all that had ever occurred +between us, striving in vain to guess the riddle. Now I would see and +talk with her brother, and perhaps obtain the explanation needed. Yet I +have gone into battle with less trepidation than when I rode into Lee's +headquarters, and asked his chief-of-staff for Eric Mortimer. He looked +at me strangely, as I put the question.</p> + +<p>"I should be very glad to oblige you, Major Lawrence," he replied +gravely, "but unfortunately I have no present knowledge of the young +man."</p> + +<p>"But he was attached to General Lee's staff?"</p> + +<p>"Only in a way—he was useful to us as a scout because of his intimate +knowledge of the Jerseys. His home, I understand, was near Mount Holly."</p> + +<p>"What has become of him?"</p> + +<p>"All I know is, he was sent out on a special mission, by Washington's +own orders, nearly a month ago. We have not directly heard from him +since. An Indian brought us a partial report of his operations up to +that time; since then we have received nothing."</p> + +<p>"An Indian!" I exclaimed. "The same who brought in my notes?"</p> + +<p>"I believe so; yes, now that I recall the matter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> I had no opportunity +to question the fellow; he simply left the papers with the orderly, and +disappeared."</p> + +<p>"And you have heard nothing from young Mortimer since?"</p> + +<p>"Not a word."</p> + +<p>"He must be dead, or a prisoner."</p> + +<p>The chief smiled rather grimly.</p> + +<p>"Or deserted," he added sharply. "I am more inclined toward that theory. +He was a reckless young devil, attracted to our service more, it seemed +to me, by a spirit of dare-deviltry than patriotism. Lee thought well of +him, but I was always suspicious. He belonged to a family of loyalists, +his father a Colonel of Queen's Rangers. Did you know him, Lawrence?"</p> + +<p>"The father, not the son. But I am not willing to believe evil of the +boy. I cannot conceive that treachery is in the Mortimer blood, sir, and +shall have to be convinced before I condemn the lad. When did he leave +here last?"</p> + +<p>"About the middle of May."</p> + +<p>"Would you mind telling me his mission? Where he was sent?"</p> + +<p>The officer glanced keenly into my face; then ran hastily over a package +of papers taken from an open trunk.</p> + +<p>"I can see no harm in doing so now, Major. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> was sent to communicate +with a British officer—a prominent Tory—who has associations with +'Red' Fagin, and others in Monmouth County. This officer has in the +past, for a consideration, furnished us with valuable information, +generally through young Mortimer who knew him. He had written us that he +had more to sell."</p> + +<p>"Where were they to meet?"</p> + +<p>"At a rendezvous known as the Lone Tree, not far from Medford."</p> + +<p>"Was the Tory officer named Grant?"</p> + +<p>He stared at me in surprise.</p> + +<p>"I am not at liberty to answer."</p> + +<p>"Oh, very well; however, I understand the situation even better than you +do probably. Only I advise you one thing—don't condemn that boy until +you learn the truth. Grant is an unmitigated, cold-blooded scoundrel, +and the treachery is his. You'll learn that, if you wait long enough. +Mortimer is either dead, or in Fagin's hands. Good-night."</p> + +<p>I passed out, and was beyond the guard, before he could recall me, even +had he desired to do so. I had no wish to talk with him longer. I felt +disappointed, sick at heart, and realized this staff-officer was +strongly prejudiced against young Mortimer. It seemed to me I saw a +little light, although not much. Eric had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> at Elmhurst, and Claire +was not innocent of his presence in that neighborhood. She was shielding +him, and it was through her help that his first report to Lee had been +sent back by the Indian. Then Eric must have been in the house while I +was there. Indeed it must have been Eric who made me prisoner. And to +protect him she had told me a deliberate falsehood. Well, I could not +blame the girl—after Grant's open treachery (and doubtless she must +have known something of his double-dealing) she would scarcely trust any +one, especially a comparative stranger. It hurt me a little to realize +this lack of faith on her part, and yet it was not strange after all. +Her brother's life could not be put to the hazard of betrayal; perhaps +she overestimated his peril, and the importance of his mission.</p> + +<p>As I rode back through the night, finding a path almost by instinct +through the maze of military encampments, I thought of all these things, +exonerating her from wrong, and yet wondering more and more at her real +connection with the various events. The chief had not stated what +information of value Grant had promised to reveal; nor what Eric's first +report had contained. In my sudden disappointment I had forgotten to +inquire. And where could the boy be? What could have happened to him? +Something serious<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> surely to keep him thus hidden for nearly a month. +Claire would know, but she was probably long ago back in Philadelphia in +the heart of the British garrison. And I? Well, I was tied hand and foot +by discipline; helpless to turn aside from duty now in the face of this +new campaign. Every man was needed, and no personal consideration would +excuse my leaving the ranks even for a day. It was with heavy heart I +rode into the camp of my regiment, and lay down on the bare ground, with +head pillowed upon the saddle, knowing the drums would sound in a few +short hours.</p> + +<p>It was hard to work through the routine of the next few days, although +some excitement was given us of Maxwell's brigade by scouting details +sent across the valley to observe the movements of the British patrols. +On such duty I passed the greater portion of two days in the saddle, +and, by chance, met both Farrell and Duval, who were with the Jersey +militiamen, now rapidly coming in to aid us, as the rumors of an +impending battle spread across country. Farrell came at the head of +fifty men, rough looking, raggedly dressed fellows, but well armed, and +I had a word with him while pointing out where Dickinson's troops were +camped. Unfortunately he knew little of value to me. Mortimer's column +of Queen's Rangers had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> passed his place on their return to Philadelphia +two days after my escape. Grant was not with them, but Claire was, while +Peter had been left behind at Elmhurst. Fagin had not been overtaken, +although the Rangers had engaged in a skirmish with some of his +followers, losing two men. Colonel Mortimer had been wounded slightly. +As to Eric he knew nothing—no one had even mentioned the lad's name.</p> + +<p>It was thus clearly evident I could do nothing, although I now possessed +a well defined theory of just what had occurred. To my mind Eric was in +the hands of Fagin, either hidden securely away among the sand caves for +some purpose connected with Grant's treachery, or else with the +intention of claiming the reward for his capture offered by Howe. The +former probably seemed most likely in view of Grant's failure to return +to Philadelphia with Colonel Mortimer, yet there was no reason why the +conspirators should not wreak vengeance, and win the reward also. But +did Claire know, or suspect the predicament of her brother? If she did, +then she was seeking to conceal the truth from her father, but would +never remain long inactive in the city. I knew the girl's real spirit +far too well to believe she would fail for long in learning the boy's +fate. And when she did she would act quickly. Perhaps even now she was +back<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> at Elmhurst, facing peril in the track of the contending armies, +striving to give the lad refuge.</p> + +<p>In an agony of apprehension I asked for a scouting detail in that +direction, but was sternly refused. Word had come that Clinton was +evacuating Philadelphia; that his advance was already across the +Delaware. Any moment might bring to our little army orders to press +forward to intercept him. I was a soldier, compelled to remain.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r4577" id="r4577"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVI</h2><h3>FORCING CLINTON TO BATTLE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I was left behind at Coryell's Ferry, for the purpose of hastening +forward any supplementary orders from Washington, when Maxwell, and the +Jersey militiamen, pressed forward in an effort to retard the march of +the enemy. From the reports of scouts we began to understand what was +occurring. Before dawn on the eighteenth of June the British army began +leaving the city, crossing the Delaware at Gloucester Point, and by +evening the motley host, comprising Regulars, Hessians, Loyalists, and a +swarm of camp followers, were halted near Haddenfield, five miles +southeast of Camden.</p> + +<p>The moment this knowledge reached Washington, he acted. In spite of +opposition from some of his leading officers, his own purpose remained +steadfast, and every preparation had already been carefully made for +energetic pursuit. Our troops fit for service numbered less than five +thousand men, many of these hastily gathered militia, some of whom had +never been under fire, but the warmth and comfort of the summer time,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> +together with the good news from France, had inspired all with fresh +courage. Whatever of dissension existed was only among the coterie of +general officers, the men in the ranks being eager for battle, even +though the odds were strong against us. There was no delay, no hitch in +the promptness of advance. The department of the Quartermaster-General +had every plan worked out in detail, and, within two days, the entire +army had crossed the river, and pushed forward to within a few miles of +Trenton. Morgan, with six hundred men, was hurried forward to the +reinforcement of Maxwell, and, relieved from my duties at the ferry, I +was permitted to join his column.</p> + +<p>I know not when, during all my army life, I was more deeply impressed +with the awful solemnity of war, than as I watched these volunteer +soldiers land on the Jersey shore, and tramp away through the dust. In +those ranks were sick and wounded scarcely able to keep up; occasionally +one would crawl aside but the moment he was able would join some new +body, and resume the march. There were many still pale and emaciated +from the horrors of the past winter, some in rags, others practically +barefooted; only occasionally would troops appear in what might be +termed uniform, although each separate command was distinguishable by +some insignia. It was a rough, motley<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> concourse, yet, thanks to Baron +de Steuben, drilled into military compactness, and well officered. In +column after column, I could perceive the evidence of his work, the men +standing erect and soldierly, obeying their orders with veteran +precision. This, however, was most noticeable among those of the +Continental Line, the men who had fought on other fields, marched in +other campaigns, and braved the suffering at Valley Forge. The militia +was little more than an organized mob, indifferently armed, and loosely +commanded. To me the mounted men, and the artillery, appeared most +efficient, although I appreciated to the full the sterling fighting +qualities of the footmen.</p> + +<p>They were animated by a stern purpose which yielded power. Such as these +were not to be trifled with. Others might scoff at their raggedness of +line, their carelessness of discipline, their nondescript garments, and +variety of equipment, but to one who had seen such in battle—who had +been with them at Trenton, Brandywine, and Germantown—they were +warriors not to be despised, stern, grim fighters, able to hold their +own against England's best drilled battalions. I watched them file +past—Wayne's, Varnum's, Scott's brigades, and Jackson's and Grayson's +regiments—marking the brown, dust-caked faces, the eager eyes, the +sturdy, tireless tread, the well oiled muskets. Boys,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> men, graybeards, +all alike exhibited in their faces the same expression. They were +anticipating battle against a hated foe, and counted hardship as nothing +compared with the joy of conflict. Every step brought them closer to the +grapple of arms—to that supreme test of strength, courage, endurance, +for which they had left their homes. They might be poorly drilled, +ill-dressed, variously armed, yet these were fighting men.</p> + +<p>It was at midnight when Morgan led us up the steep bluff, and out upon +the sandy road. We advanced silently, and in straggling column through +the darkness, passing the embers of camp-fires for several miles, the +recumbent soldiery of other commands sleeping on the ground. At +Hopewell, Washington was holding another council with his officers. As +we swung past we could perceive his tall figure standing in the glow of +a fire, and there arose from the lips of our men a sudden, involuntary +cheer, breaking strangely upon the solemn silence of the night. The +group about him were startled and looked about, and he paused a moment +shading his eyes.</p> + +<p>"What troops are those?" he asked, his voice cutting across the +distance. A hundred answered him:</p> + +<p>"Morgan's riflemen!"</p> + +<p>"Good, my lads!" and even at that distance I could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> see his face +brighten. "There will be work for you at dawn."</p> + +<p>With a rolling cheer, echoing down our ranks from front to rear, we +answered, swinging the guns over our heads, as we swept forward into the +dark night. There might be discussion, dissension about that council +fire, but there was none in the hearts of those who were going out to +die. Already rumors were flying about regarding Lee's unwillingness to +engage in battle. I saw him as I trudged past, standing beside Wayne, +the firelight on his face, although his head was bowed. Even to our +cheers he never once glanced up, and, as we passed beyond the radius of +light, I laid my hand upon the mane of Morgan's horse.</p> + +<p>"Is it true that Charles Lee thinks we should let Clinton go without +fighting?" I asked soberly. "That was rumored at the ferry."</p> + +<p>"'T is true enough," he answered, his eyes upon the dark column of +plodding men. "And he seems to have others with him. I know not what has +put the coward into the fellows of late. Saint Andrew! the odds are no +greater than we have met before. But there'll be no fighting, lad, I +fear, unless Washington takes the bit in his teeth, and orders it. I'm +glad the boys cheered him; 'twill give the man new heart."</p> + +<p>"You favor the joining of issue?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why not? Were we ever in better fettle? A retreating army is always +half whipped, and we can choose our ground. Why, lad, 'tis reported +Clinton's line stretches out full twelve miles, with train of +baggage-wagons and battery horses, and camp-followers enough for a +division. 'Twill be easy work attending to them, and most of his troops +are Dutch and Tories."</p> + +<p>My horse was in ill condition, limping sadly, although I could not +discover the cause, and I walked with the men, leading the animal, +through the smouldering clouds of dust. It was a hot, still night, and +Morgan marched us swiftly, with few pauses for rest. By daylight we came +up with the New Jersey militia, lying at rest along the bank of the +Millstone River, waiting their turn to ford that stream, and join +Maxwell on the opposite shore. From where I stood I could see the thin +lines of Continentals spreading out like a fan, as the skirmishers +advanced up the opposite bluffs. Down the trampled bank, men were +struggling with a light battery, and suddenly in the press of figures I +came upon Farrell. He was mud from head to foot, his face streaked with +it, but he looked up with beaming eyes as I spoke his name, and our +hands clasped.</p> + +<p>"I thought you would be over there with Maxwell,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> he said, pointing +across at the black dots, now clearly distinguishable in the glow of +sunshine.</p> + +<p>"I was left behind, and came up just now with Morgan," I replied. "But I +am anxious enough to be with my own fellows. What means that skirmish +line, Farrell? Are we already in touch with Clinton?"</p> + +<p>He swept the hair out of his eyes with his great fist.</p> + +<p>"No one knows exactly, but the British are not far off, and are headed +this way. A scout came through with the news two hours ago—Clinton has +taken the road to Monmouth." He chuckled grimly, glancing at my face. +"And who think ye the lad was who told us?"</p> + +<p>"Who?" my throat tightening.</p> + +<p>"The same you was so anxious about a few days back."</p> + +<p>"Mortimer! Eric Mortimer?"</p> + +<p>"Aye, unless my eyes fail me already, it was the boy."</p> + +<p>"You are sure? You saw him?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I had a glimpse, as he came up the bank here from the ford, his +horse dripping. It was dark still, and he only stopped to ask the road. +I knew the voice, and the form—the lad is as slender as a girl—then he +went by me, digging his horse with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> the spurs, and lying close. He had a +Dragoon's cape flapping from his shoulders, but 'twas the boy all right. +Ah! there go the guns up the bank. Now, perhaps, they'll let me take my +fighting dogs across."</p> + +<p>The way was open for me, at least, and I swung up into the saddle, and +drove my horse down the slippery shore into the water. The stream was +not deep, although the current flowed swiftly, and a moment later I had +found Maxwell.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said to my first question, "we are going to fight, although it +may not be anything more serious than skirmishing to-day. Washington has +decided in spite of Lee, thank God, and we'll have a go at the +Red-coats. Lafayette commands the advance, and Wayne will be up within a +few hours. We are to skirmish forward toward Monmouth Court House; +Clinton has turned that way."</p> + +<p>"You learned that from a scout?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; he just came through; one of Charles Lee's men, I understood—a +blue-eyed, rosy-cheeked boy, who said his name was Mortimer. He had +ridden from Cookstown, and was reeling in the saddle, but would go on. +Your men are over there, Major, beyond the clump of timber. In my +judgment we'll accomplish little to-day, for there is a heavy storm in +those clouds yonder."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How many men will we have when Wayne comes up?"</p> + +<p>"About four thousand, with the militia. We are ordered to hang close to +Clinton's left, while Morgan circles him to the right. 'Tis said the +British have transports, at Sandy Hook, and are trying to get there; +that was the word young Mortimer brought in."</p> + +<p>The bath in the water seemed to have helped my horse, but I rode slowly +up the valley toward the wood which served as my guide. Troops were +strung along the sandy expanse of valley, the men mostly lying down, +exhausted by their hard night's march. These were of my own brigade, men +of the Pennsylvania and Maryland Line, uniformed in well-worn blue and +buff. Already the sun beat down hot upon them, the air heavy and dead. +No breath of breeze stirred the leaves, or grass blades, and most of +those lying there had flung aside their coats. Over all the western and +southern sky extended a menacing bank of clouds, slowly advancing, huge +thunder-heads, already jagged with forked lightnings, pushing up into +the blue. Before I reached the skirmishers, great drops of rain fell, +and then a downpour, utterly blotting out the landscape. Lightning +flashed, the thunder unremitting, the rain a flood, water leaped down +the side of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> the hill in cascades, and, blinded, I drew my horse back +into the slight shelter of the wood, and waited, gripping him by the +bit. Men ran back down the hill, seeking shelter from the fury of it, +and I bent my head, soaked to the skin. For the first time I realized +how tired I was, every muscle aching with the strain of the long night's +march, my head throbbing from the awful heat of the early morning. I sat +down in the mud and water; my arm through the bridle rein, my head +against the trunk of a tree, which partially protected my face from the +beating rain. But there was no sleep possible.</p> + +<p>My mind pictured the field of action, reviewed the events leading up to +this hour, and, as surely, reverted to Claire Mortimer. She would have +been left behind in Philadelphia, which ere this was doubtless occupied +by our troops under Arnold. I had understood at the Ferry those were his +orders, to march in the moment Clinton evacuated. She would be safe +enough then, unless—unless she had again returned to Elmhurst. Yet if +Eric was well there would be no occasion for the girl assuming such a +risk, as the Mortimer plantation must have been in the very track of the +retreating army. Perhaps she was with them—but no; I recalled the rumor +about our camps that the officers' wives and the loyalist ladies were to +be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> transported to New York by water. Arnold would permit that, and no +doubt this daughter of a colonel would be among them.</p> + +<p>I had almost forgotten the sturdy downpour so intensely was I thinking, +when a courier came spurring forward, blinded by the storm, yet riding +recklessly. He must have seen the group of men huddled at the edge of +the grove, for he drew up his horse, calling my name.</p> + +<p>"Major Lawrence, I come from General Maxwell," he shouted between the +crashes of thunder. "You are given command of the right of the line, and +will press on regardless of the storm until the enemy is met in force. +Dragoons have been seen two miles east. You understand, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," leading forth my horse. "Come on, lads, it's the top of the hill! +What about the artillery?"</p> + +<p>"We may not be able to move the guns," he answered, "but you are to keep +your powder as dry as possible and hold Clinton to the road. Dry powder +will be sent as soon as the storm breaks. That's all, sir."</p> + +<p>I could scarce see the fellow as his horse whirled, and went splashing +down the slope. Through the mist of rain the men gathered about were +mere blotches.</p> + +<p>"All right, you water-rats, come on!" I sang out<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> cheerfully. "We'll +give the Red-coats the butts of our guns anyhow."</p> + +<p>There was a faint cheer as the drenched figures sprang forward racing +after me. Half of them had flung away their coats in the fierce heat, +and their shirts clung soaked and dripping. Swinging them into some +semblance of line, each man barely within sight of his neighbor, and +picking up others as we advanced, we made the crest of the hill, and +entered the open country beyond. Looking back, as the clouds broke, we +could see the long lines of infantry forming in the valley below, with +black specks here and there as staff officers rode with orders. Twice we +ran up against small parties of horsemen, exchanging shots, but these +fell back, leaving the road clear. By dark we were at Englishtown, +hungry and thoroughly worn out, and there were halted, sleeping upon our +arms. All I had in my haversack was a single hard biscuit, after +munching which I lay down upon the ground and fell instantly asleep.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r6581" id="r6581"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVII</h2><h3>THE FIGHT AT MONMOUTH</h3> +</div> + + +<p>The next day—Sunday, the twenty-eighth of June, 1778—dawned with +cloudless sky, hot, sultry, the warmest day of the year. Not a breath of +air stirred the leaves, and in the tree branches above us birds sang +gleefully. Before daybreak we, who had been permitted to sleep for a few +hours, were aroused by the sentries, and, in the gray dawn, partook of a +meagre breakfast. A fresh supply of ammunition was brought up and +distributed among the men, and, before sunrise, we were in line, +stripped for a hot day's work, eagerly awaiting orders.</p> + +<p>I can make no pretence at describing in any detail, or sequence, the +memorable action at Monmouth Court House, but must content myself with +depicting what little I saw upon the firing line of Maxwell's brigade. +We advanced slowly eastward over a gently rolling country, diversified +by small groves. In advance was a thin line of skirmishers, and to left +and right were Dickinson's and Wayne's men, their muskets gleaming in +the sunlight. Early the rumor crept about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> among us that Lee had come up +during the night with fresh troops, and assumed command.</p> + +<p>Who led us was of but small consequence, however, as there was now no +doubt in any mind but what battle was inevitable. Already to the south +echoed a sound of firing where Morgan had uncovered a column of +Dragoons. Then a courier from Dickinson dashed along our rear seeking +Lee, scattering broadcast the welcome news that Knyphausen and his +Hessians, the van of the British movement, were approaching. With a +cheer of anticipation, the soldiers flung aside every article possible +to discard, and pressed recklessly forward. Before we moved a mile my +horse became so lame, I was obliged to dismount, and proceed on foot. +Never have I experienced a hotter sun, or more sultry air. It was as +though we were within a furnace; men struggled for breath, not a few +dropped exhausted, the others straggling grimly forward, their faces +streaked with dust and perspiration, their saturated clothing clinging +to their bodies. Under these conditions rapid marching was impossible, +yet by nine o'clock we had passed the Freehold Meeting House, and were +halted in the protection of a considerable wood, the men dropping to the +ground in the grateful shadow. Maxwell came along back of our line, his +horse walking slowly, as the general mopped<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> his streaming red face. He +failed to recognize me among the others until I stepped out into the +boiling sun, and spoke:</p> + +<p>"What is that firing to the right, General? Are the Jersey militia in +action?"</p> + +<p>He drew up his horse with a jerk.</p> + +<p>"That you, Lawrence? Can't tell anybody in this shirt-sleeved brigade. +What's become of your horse?"</p> + +<p>"Gave out yesterday, sir. Have been on foot ever since. Is it going to +be a fight?"</p> + +<p>The grip of his hand tightened on the saddle pommel, his eyes following +the irregular line of exhausted men.</p> + +<p>"Yes, when Washington gets up; you need never doubt that. We'd be at it +now, but for Charles Lee. I'd like well to know what has come over that +man of late—the old spirit seems to have left him. Aye! it's Dickinson +and Morgan out yonder, wasting good powder and ball on a handful of +Dragoons. Wayne has been ordered forward, and then back, until he is too +mad to swear, and I am but little better. By the Eternal! you should +have heard Lafayette, when he begged permission to send us in. 'Sir,' +said Lee, 'you do not know British soldiers; we cannot stand against +them; we shall certainly be driven back<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> at first, and must be +cautious.' Returned the Frenchman: 'It may be so, General; but British +soldiers have been beaten, and may be again; at any rate I am disposed +to make the trial.'"</p> + +<p>"'T is not like General Lee," I broke in. "He has ever been a reckless +fighter. Has the man lost his wits?"</p> + +<p>Maxwell leaned over, so his words should not carry beyond my ear.</p> + +<p>"'T is envy of Washington, to my mind," he said soberly. "He has opposed +every plan in council, imagining, no doubt, a failure of campaign may +make him the commander-in-chief. There comes a courier now."</p> + +<p>The fellow was so streaked with dust as to be scarcely recognizable, and +he wiped the perspiration from his eyes to stare into our faces.</p> + +<p>"General Maxwell?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; what is it?"</p> + +<p>"Compliments of General Lee, sir, and you will retire your troops toward +the Freehold Meeting House, forming connection there with General +Scott."</p> + +<p>"Retreat! Good God, man! we haven't fired a shot."</p> + +<p>"Those were the orders, sir. Is that Scott, over yonder?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p> + +<p>Maxwell nodded, too angered for words. Then, as the courier galloped +away, turned in his saddle.</p> + +<p>"By Heaven! I suppose we must do it, Lawrence. But what folly! What +asininity! We've got the Red-coats hemmed in, and did you ever see a +better field? Pray God, I may hear Washington when he comes up. I'd +rather be dead then, than Charles Lee."</p> + +<p>We gave the orders, and the men fell back sullenly, swearing fiercely as +they caught the rebellious spirit of their officers. Never have I +suffered more than from the heat that poured down on us from that +blazing sun; the gun barrels burned to the touch, and the tortures of +thirst became terrible. In places we sank ankle deep in the hot sand, +and beyond this came upon a broad morass almost impossible of passage. +Men fell exhausted, and were dragged out by their comrades. Scarcely +able to breathe in the hot, stagnant air, caked with foul mud to the +waist, we attained the higher ground, and dropped helpless. Even from +here the enemy were invisible, although we could see the smoke of their +guns, and hear distant crackle of musketry. I sat up, staring through +the heat waves toward the eminence on the left where Wayne's men +remained, showing dimly against the trees. A group of horsemen were +riding down the slope, heading toward our line. As they came into the +sandy plain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> below, and skirted the morass, I recognized Lee in advance, +mounted on a black horse flecked with foam. Twice he paused, gazing +across the hills through levelled field-glasses, and then rode up the +steep ascent to our rear. Maxwell met him not twenty feet from where I +lay.</p> + +<p>"What does this mean, sir?" Lee thundered hoarsely. "Why are your men +lying strewn about in this unsoldierly manner, General Maxwell? Are you +unaware, sir, that we are in the presence of the enemy?"</p> + +<p>Maxwell's red face fairly blazed, as he straightened in the saddle, but +before his lips could form an answer, a sudden cheer burst out from the +crest of the hill, and I saw men leaping to their feet, and waving their +hats. The next instant across the summit came Washington, a dozen +officers clattering behind, his face stern-set and white, as he rode +straight toward Lee.</p> + +<p>"What is the meaning of this retreat, General Lee? My God, sir, how do +you account for such disorder and confusion?" he exclaimed, his voice +ringing above the uproar, his angry eyes blazing into Lee's face. +"Answer me."</p> + +<p>The other muttered some reply I failed to catch.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That is not true," returned Washington, every word stinging like a +whip. "It was merely a covering party which attacked you. Why did you +accept command, sir, unless you intended to fight?"</p> + +<p>"I did not deem it prudent, General Washington, to bring on a general +engagement."</p> + +<p>"You were to obey my orders, sir, and you know what they were. See! They +are coming now!"</p> + +<p>He wheeled his horse about, pointing with one hand across the valley.</p> + +<p>"Major Cain, have Oswald bring up his guns at once; Lieutenant McNeill, +ride to Ramsey and Stewart; have their troops on the ridge within ten +minutes—General Maxwell, these are your men?"</p> + +<p>"They are, sir."</p> + +<p>"Hold this line at any cost, the reserves will be up presently."</p> + +<p>As he drew his horse about he again came face to face with Lee, who sat +his saddle sullenly, his gaze on the ground. Washington looked at him a +moment, evidently not knowing what to say. Then he asked quietly:</p> + +<p>"Will you retain command on this height, or not, sir?"</p> + +<p>"It is equal to me where I command."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then I expect you will take proper means for checking the enemy."</p> + +<p>"I shall not be the first to leave the ground; your orders shall be +obeyed."</p> + +<p>What followed was but a medley of sight and sound. I saw Washington ride +to the left; heard Lee give a hurried order, or two; then I was at the +rear of our own line strengthening it for assault. There was little +enough time left.</p> + +<p>Under the smoke of several batteries, whose shells were ripping open the +side of the hill, the British were advancing in double line, the sun +gleaming on their bayonets, and revealing the uniforms of different +corps.</p> + +<p>"Steady men! Steady!" voice after voice caught up the command. "Hold +your fire!"</p> + +<p>"Wait until they reach that fallen tree!" I added.</p> + +<p>Every man of us had a gun, officers, all. Coatless as though we came +from the haying field, the perspiration streaming down our faces, we +waited. The rifle barrels glowed brown in the sun, as the keen eyes took +careful sight. We were but a handful, a single thin line; if the +reserves failed we would be driven back by mere force of numbers, yet +before we went that slope should be strewn with dead. Crashing up from +the rear came Oswald with two guns, wheeling into<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> position, the +depressed muzzles spouting destruction. Yet those red and blue lines +came on; great openings were ploughed through them, but the living mass +closed up. They were at the fallen tree, beyond, when we poured our +volleys into their very faces. We saw them waver as that storm of lead +struck; the centre seemed to give way, leaving behind a ridge of +motionless bodies; then it surged forward again, led by a waving flag, +urged on by gesticulating officers.</p> + +<p>"The cavalry! The cavalry!"</p> + +<p>They were coming around the end of the morass, charging full tilt upon +the right of our line. I saw that end crumble up, and, a moment later, +scarcely realizing what had occurred, we were racing backward, firing as +we ran, and stumbling over dead bodies.</p> + +<p>Maxwell rallied us beyond the causeway, swearing manfully as he drove us +into position behind a low stone wall. Again and again they charged us, +the artillery fire shattering the wall into fragments. Twice we came to +bayonets and clubbed guns, battling hand to hand, and Wayne was forced +so far back upon the left, that we were driven into the edge of the wood +for protection. But there we held, our front a blaze of fire. It seemed +to me the horror of that struggle would never end. Such heat, such +thirst, the black<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> powder smoke in our nostrils, the dead under foot, +the cries of the wounded, the incessant roar of the guns. Again and +again it was hand to hand; I could scarcely tell who faced us, so fierce +the <i>mêlée</i>, so suffocating the smoke; I caught glimpses of British +Grenadiers, of Hessians, of Queen's Rangers. Once I thought I heard +Grant's nasal voice amid the infernal uproar. Stewart and Ramsey came to +our support; Oswald got his guns upon an eminence, opening a deadly +fire; Livingston's regiment charged, and, with a cheer, we leaped +forward also, mad with the battle fever, and flung them back, back down +that deadly slope. It was not in flesh and blood to stand; we cut the +centre like a wedge, and drove them pell-mell to where Lee had been in +the morning. Here they rallied, flanked by thick woods and morasses. Too +exhausted to follow, our men sank breathless to the ground.</p> + +<p>It was already sunset, and our work done. The artillery still already, +and I could see long lines of troops—Poor's and the Carolina +brigade—moving to the right. Night came on, however, without more +fighting, and, as soon as we had recovered sufficiently, we devoted +ourselves to the care of the wounded.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r1137" id="r1137"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2><h3>THE ROAD TO PHILADELPHIA</h3> +</div> + + +<p>It must have been ten o'clock, and, if I had slept at all, I was +scarcely conscious of it. All about me the men lay outstretched upon the +ground, still in their shirt-sleeves, as they had fought, their guns +beside them. The night was clear and hot, scarcely a breath of air +moving. Here and there against the sky-line passed the dark silhouette +of a sentinel. There was no sound of firing, only an occasional footfall +to break the silence of the night. The wounded had been taken to the +field hospitals at the rear; down in our front lay the bodies of the +dead, and among these shone the dim lights of lanterns where the last +searching parties were yet busy at their grewsome task. I was weary +enough to sleep, every muscle of my body aching with fatigue, but the +excitement of the day, the possibility of the morrow, left me restless. +I had received no wound, other than a slight thrust with a bayonet, yet +felt as though pummelled from head to foot. The victory was ours—the +army realized this truth clearly enough; we had repulsed the Red-coats,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> +driven them back with terrible losses; we had seen their lines shrivel +up under our fire, officers and men falling, and the remnant fleeing in +disorder. It meant nothing now that a force outnumbering us yet remained +intact, and in strong position. Flushed with victory, knowing now we +could meet the best of them, we longed for the morrow to dawn so we +might complete the task.</p> + +<p>I reviewed the vivid incidents of the day, looking up at the stars, and +wondered who among those I knew were yet living, who were dead. I +thought of others in those lines of the enemy, whom I had known, +speculating on their fate. Then along our rear came a horseman or two, +riding slowly. A sentry halted them, and I arose on one elbow to listen.</p> + +<p>"Lawrence? Yes, sir, Major Lawrence is lying over there by the scrub +oak."</p> + +<p>I got to my feet, as the first rider approached.</p> + +<p>"This you, Lawrence?" asked a voice I instantly recognized as +Hamilton's. "You fellows all look alike to-night. Where is your horse, +Major?"</p> + +<p>"I have been on foot all day, sir," I answered saluting.</p> + +<p>"Ah, indeed; well, you will have need for a horse to-night. Wainwright," +turning to the man with him, "is your mount fresh?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Appears to be, sir; belonged to a British Dragoon this morning."</p> + +<p>"Let Major Lawrence have him. Major, ride with me."</p> + +<p>We passed back slowly enough toward the rear of the troops, through the +field hospitals, and along the edge of a wood, where a battery of +artillery was encamped. We rode boot to boot, and Hamilton spoke +earnestly.</p> + +<p>"The battle is practically won, Lawrence, in spite of Charles Lee," he +said soberly. "Of course there will be fighting to-morrow, but we shall +have the Red-coats well penned in before daybreak, and have already +captured ammunition enough to make us easy on that score. Poor, and the +Carolina men, are over yonder, while Woodford is moving his command to +the left. At dawn we'll crush Clinton into fragments. Washington wants +to send a despatch through to Arnold in Philadelphia, and I recommended +you, as you know the road. He remembered your service before, and was +kind enough to say you were the very man. You'll go gladly?"</p> + +<p>"I should prefer to lead my own men to-morrow, sir."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! I doubt if we have more than a skirmish. Sir Henry will see his +predicament fast enough.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> Then there will be nothing left to do, but +guard prisoners."</p> + +<p>"Very well, Colonel; I am ready to serve wherever needed."</p> + +<p>"Of course you are, man. There should not be much danger connected with +this trip, although there will be stragglers in plenty. I'm told that +Clinton lost more than three hundred deserters crossing Camden."</p> + +<p>Headquarters were in a single-roomed cabin at the edge of a ravine. A +squad of cavalrymen were in front, their horses tied to a rail fence, +but within Washington was alone, except for a single aide, writing at a +rude table in the light of a half-dozen candles. He glanced up, greeting +us with a slight inclination of the head.</p> + +<p>"A moment, gentlemen."</p> + +<p>He wrote slowly, as though framing his sentences with care, occasionally +questioning the aide. Once he paused, and glanced across at Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"Colonel, do you know a Dragoon named Mortimer?"</p> + +<p>"I have no recollection of ever having met the man, sir. I have written +him orders, however; he is a scout attached to General Lee's +headquarters."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I recall the name. He is the one who brought us our first definite +information this morning of Clinton's position. I remember now, you were +not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> with me when he rode up—young, slender lad, with the face of a +girl. I could but notice his eyes; they were as soft and blue as +violets! Well, an hour ago he came here for a favor; it seems the boy is +a son of Colonel Mortimer, of the Queen's Rangers."</p> + +<p>"Indeed; Wayne reported the Colonel killed in front of his lines."</p> + +<p>"Not killed, but seriously wounded. The son asked permission to take him +home to a place called Elmhurst near Laurel Hill."</p> + +<p>"I know the plantation, sir," I said, my interest causing me to +interrupt. "It is on the Medford road."</p> + +<p>"Ah, you have met the lad, possibly, Major," and he turned his face +toward me. "The boy interested me greatly."</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I endeavored to find him at Lee's headquarters, but failed. I +have met his father and sister."</p> + +<p>"A lovely girl, no doubt."</p> + +<p>"To my mind, yes, sir."</p> + +<p>His grave face lighted with a sudden smile.</p> + +<p>"I sometimes imagine, Colonel Hamilton," he said quietly, "that this +unhappy war might be very pleasantly concluded if we could only turn our +young officers over to the ladies of the enemy. Would such a plan meet +with your approval, Major?"</p> + +<p>"I should prefer it to the present method."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No doubt, and Mistress Mortimer?—But let that pass, until we hold +council of war upon the subject. Just now we shall have to be content +with the more ordinary plans of campaign. I gave the boy permission to +remove his father, and they are upon the road ere this. I would that all +the British wounded had homes close at hand. You have informed the Major +of his mission, I presume, Hamilton, and there is nothing I need add."</p> + +<p>"He understands clearly, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then I will complete the letter. Be seated, gentlemen."</p> + +<p>He wrote for several minutes steadily, once pausing to consult a map, +signed the paper, and enclosed it in another sheet, across which he +scratched a line of address.</p> + +<p>"You will deliver this to General Arnold in person, Major; do not spare +horse-flesh. You were in the action to-day?"</p> + +<p>"With Maxwell's Brigade."</p> + +<p>"That was a hard fight along the stone wall; you came out unhurt?"</p> + +<p>"A slight bayonet wound, sir; nothing to incapacitate me from duty."</p> + +<p>"Very well; take ten dragoons as escort. Hamilton will write you an +order. I have told Arnold our victory is practically complete. Clinton +may slip away in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> night, for he is a wily old fox, but he has lost +his power to injure us in the Jerseys. I hope to bottle him up before +morning, so that any retreat will be impossible, but even if he succeeds +in getting his army to the transports at Sandy Hook, he has lost +prestige, and the victory is ours. Good-bye, Major, and the Lord guard +you on your journey."</p> + +<p>I felt the firm clasp of his hand, the calm, confident glance of his +gray eyes, and bowed low, as I left the room. I could scarcely realize +that this quiet, reserved man could be the raging tornado who that same +morning had ridden up to Lee, blazing with indignation. His very +presence, his evident trust in me, sent me forth upon my long ride +renewed in strength of body and purpose, the fatigue of the day +forgotten. Ten minutes later, mounted on a rangy sorrel, my dragoon +escort trotting behind, I rode south on the Plainsboro road, as swiftly +as its terrible condition would warrant.</p> + +<p>The evidences of war, the wreckage of battle, were everywhere. Several +times we were compelled to leap the stone walls to permit the passage of +marching troops being hurried to some new position; several batteries +passed us, rumbling grimly through the night, and a squadron of horse +galloped by, the troopers greeting us with shouts of inquiry. The road +was deeply rutted by heavy wheels, and littered with all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> manner of +<i>débris</i>, broken-down wagons, dead horses, accoutrements thrown away, +and occasionally the body of a man, overlooked by the burial squad. Our +horses plunged from side to side in fright at the dim objects, snorting +wildly, and we were obliged to ride with care, and a tight rein, under +the faint guidance of the stars. For two miles the varied, ceaseless +noises of a huge camp echoed from either side—the cries of men, the +hammering of iron, the neighing of horses. Over there to the east, +beyond that gloomy fringe of woods, were the masses of the enemy. +Between where he rode, skirting their rear, lay our own battle-line, +waiting daybreak, and out yonder, protected by the trees, extended the +picket posts. From these would occasionally come a red spit of fire, and +the dull bark of a musket.</p> + +<p>We passed all this at last, only to discover the narrow road congested +by long trains of commissary and ammunition wagons, every sort of +vehicle one could imagine pressed hastily into service—huge Conestogas, +great farm wagons, creaking horribly, light carts, even family carriages +loaded to their tops, drawn by straining horses, mules, or oxen, their +drivers swearing fiercely. We again took to the fields, but, as there +seemed no end to the procession, I turned my horse's head eastward, +confident we were already beyond the British rear-guard, and struck out +across country for another north and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> south road. We advanced now at a +swift trot, the sound of our horses' hoofs on the soft turf almost the +only noise, and, within an hour, came again to parallel fences, and a +well travelled road. It was a turnpike, the dust so thick that it rose +about us in clouds, and, as we proceeded, we discovered many evidences +along the way of a passing army. I reined back my horse to speak with +the non-commissioned officer in charge of the escort, not entirely +certain as to my whereabouts.</p> + +<p>"Do you know this country, sergeant?"</p> + +<p>"A little, sir; we scouted through here last summer, but I'm not a +Jersey man."</p> + +<p>"There have been troops marched along here by all the signs."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," respectfully. "The Red-coats, probably on their way to +Monmouth; this is the Mount Holly pike."</p> + +<p>As he spoke the map of the region unrolled before my memory. This was +the road running a mile, or so, to the west of Elmhurst. It led as +straight as any, toward Philadelphia, but whatever stragglers the +British army had left behind would be found along here. However, they +would probably be scattered fugitives, unwilling to interfere with as +strong an armed party as this of mine. If I was alone it would be safer +to turn aside. Then, it was a strong temptation to me to pass<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> thus +close to Elmhurst. It would be after daylight when we reached there; I +might even get a glimpse across the apple orchard of the great white +house. Would Claire be there? It seemed to me quite probable, as Eric +was taking the wounded Colonel home for nursing. The girl's face rose +before me against the black night, and my heart beat fast. When I came +back, I would ride to Elmhurst—surely she would be there then.</p> + +<p>The sergeant touched my arm.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, sir, but there are horsemen ahead."</p> + +<p>"Indeed? I was lost in thought, Conroy. Coming this way?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir, they seem to be travelling south slowly. I noticed them first +as we turned the corner back there; I could see outlines against the +sky."</p> + +<p>"How large a party? They form merely a lumping shadow to my eyes."</p> + +<p>"Not more than three or four, sir, with a covered rig of some kind. +They're halted, now; heard us coming, I reckon."</p> + +<p>I could perceive the little group, but merely as a black smudge. Then a +mounted figure seemed to detach itself from the darkness, and advance +toward us.</p> + +<p>"Halt your men, sergeant," I said quietly. "I'll ride forward and learn +what the fellow wants."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r4343" id="r4343"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIX</h2><h3>THE ESCORT</h3> +</div> + + +<p>The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he +appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes +caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up +cautiously, loosening my own weapon.</p> + +<p>"Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant. "Speak +quick!"</p> + +<p>"An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to +Philadelphia—and you?"</p> + +<p>"We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding +forward. "Are you Continental?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Major Lawrence, of Maxwell's Brigade."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" the exclamation was half smothered, the rider drawing up his horse +quickly. I could distinguish the outline of his form now, the straight, +slender figure of a boy, wearing the tight jacket of a Dragoon, the face +shadowed by a broad hat brim.</p> + +<p>"Unless I mistake," I ventured cordially, "you must be Eric Mortimer."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why do you suppose that?"</p> + +<p>"Because while at General Washington's headquarters he mentioned that +you had asked permission to take your father—Colonel Mortimer, of the +Queen's Rangers—to his home at Elmhurst. You left, as I understood, an +hour or two ahead of us. Am I right?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; this is Colonel Mortimer's party."</p> + +<p>"Then we will pass on without detaining you longer, as we ride in haste. +I met your father once; may I ask if his wound is serious?"</p> + +<p>"Serious, yes, but not mortal; he was shot in the right side when +Monkton fell. His horse was hit at the same time, and the animal's death +struggle nearly killed his rider. The surgeon says he may be lame for +life."</p> + +<p>I reached out my hand, and, with just an instant's hesitation, he +returned the clasp warmly.</p> + +<p>"My father is suffering too much for me to ask that you speak to him, +Major Lawrence," he said a little stiffly. "Perhaps later, at +Elmhurst—"</p> + +<p>"I understand perfectly," I interrupted. "I am very glad to have met +you. We shall ride within a short distance of Elmhurst. Shall I leave +word there that you are coming?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no," quickly, his horse taking a step backward,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span> as though to a +sudden tug of the rein. "That would be useless, as there is no one +there."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! I thought possibly your sister."</p> + +<p>The lad shook his head, glancing toward the carriage. The slight motion +made me think again of the wounded man we were detaining, and reminded +me as well of my own duty.</p> + +<p>"Then, good-night, sir. Sergeant, we will trot on."</p> + +<p>The lad touched my sleeve, even as I pricked my horse with the spur, and +I drew the rein taut in surprise.</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"Could you not send your men forward, and ride with me a moment? You +could catch up with them easily within a mile or two. I—I have a word I +wish to say to you—alone."</p> + +<p>The voice was low, tremulous; the request one I saw no reason to refuse.</p> + +<p>"Why, certainly. Sergeant, take your men down the road at an easy trot. +I will join you presently."</p> + +<p>They went by us like shadows, leaving a cloud of dust behind. The boy +spoke a brief word to those in charge of the carriage, and it also began +to move slowly forward.</p> + +<p>"We will go ahead," he said, suiting the action to the word. "What I +wish to say will not take long."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p> + +<p>Within a minute, riding side by side, our horses walking rapidly, we +were out of sight of the lumping shadow of the ambulance. I glanced +aside curiously at my companion, noting the outlines of his slender, +erect figure, wondering vaguely what his message could be. Had Claire +spoken to him of me? Was he going to tell me about his sister? We must +have ridden a quarter of a mile before he broke the silence.</p> + +<p>"Major Lawrence," he began, and I noticed the face was not turned toward +me. "I am sure you are not deceived, although you act the part well."</p> + +<p>"I hardly understand."</p> + +<p>"Oh, but I am sure you do. I—I could not permit you to go away +despising me."</p> + +<p>"But, my boy, this is all mystery—"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to insist you do not know—have not recognized me?"</p> + +<p>"I—what can you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Merely that I am Claire Mortimer," and lifting the hat, the young +officer was revealed in the dim light as my lady. "Surely you knew?"</p> + +<p>"But I did not," I insisted earnestly, recovering from my surprise, and +leaning forward to look into her face. "Why should I? General Washington +told me it was Eric who came for his father. Why should I suspect in +this darkness?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I—I represented myself as Eric," she stammered.</p> + +<p>"And was it you also who rode into our lines yesterday, telling of +Clinton's whereabouts?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," hesitatingly, her eyes lifting to my face.</p> + +<p>"But you must listen to me, Major Lawrence; you must learn why I did so +unwomanly an act."</p> + +<p>"First answer one question."</p> + +<p>"Gladly."</p> + +<p>"Is there an Eric Mortimer?"</p> + +<p>"There is," she answered frankly; "my brother. It was for his sake I did +all this."</p> + +<p>A moment I sat my saddle silently, our horses walking side by side +through the night, while I endeavored to grasp the meaning of her +confession. I knew that she was riding bareheaded, her face turned away.</p> + +<p>"Go on," I said at last, "tell me the whole story."</p> + +<p>"I will," firmly, her head uplifted. "I was tempted to do so at +Elmhurst, but something seemed to seal my lips. There is now no longer +any excuse for silence. I—I wish you to know, and then, perhaps, you +may feel more kindly disposed toward me."</p> + +<p>"Your father is aware—"</p> + +<p>"No, not even my father. He is scarcely conscious of what is going on +about him. Peter knows, and Tonepah," with a wave of her hand into the +dark shadows.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span></p> + +<p>"They are with you, then—keeping guard over him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; they have known from the beginning; not everything, of course, for +that was not necessary. Peter is an old servant, silent and trustworthy. +He would never question any act of mine, while the Indian has reason to +be grateful and loyal to me. Whatever indiscretion, Major Lawrence, I +may have been guilty of, I have gone nowhere unaccompanied by these two. +You will believe that?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and whatever else you tell me."</p> + +<p>"That now must necessarily be the entire story. As I proceed you will be +convinced, I think, that only a true confidence in you would enable me +to speak with such frankness. I—I know of no one else in whom I could +confide, and—and the time has come when I must have help—the help of a +friend. I should have explained to my father—indeed intended to do +so—but now he is helpless to aid me. There is no one else I feel able +to trust. I—I—you were in my thought to-night; I—I am not sure I did +not even pray for your coming, and—and then God sent you."</p> + +<p>My hand sought hers, and held it against my horse's mane.</p> + +<p>"Tell it in your own way, dear," I whispered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span></p> + +<p>She flashed one glance into my face, leaving her hand in mine, while our +horses took a dozen strides.</p> + +<p>"It will not take long," she began, in so low a voice that I leaned +forward to listen, "and you already know many of the characters, and can +judge their motives. I have been strangely situated since the +commencement of this war, only, surely ours is not the only family +divided in its loyalty. My father was a King's officer, and felt it his +duty to serve the crown. While he has said little, yet I know that down +in his heart his sympathies have been with the Colonies. Those of my +brother were openly from the start, and my father has never attempted to +interfere with his actions. They talked it all over together, and Eric +chose his own course. Only Alfred Grant made trouble, presuming on what +he termed our engagement, and endeavored to force my brother to join the +King's troops. The two quarrelled bitterly, and Eric, a hot-headed boy, +struck him. Grant has never forgiven that blow, nor Eric's influence +over me. To the latter he attributes my dislike—yet this was not true; +it was because as I grew older I realized the ill character of the man."</p> + +<p>She paused a moment, gathering the threads of thought more closely. I +did not speak, preferring she should tell the story in her own way.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The two did not meet after that for many months. The Queen's Rangers, +in which regiment my father secured Grant a commission, were in New +York, while Eric was stationed up the river with Morgan's riflemen. When +New Jersey was invaded, both commands came south, and, because of Eric's +knowledge of this country, he was detailed as scout. This reckless life +was greatly to his liking; I saw him occasionally by appointment, +usually at Elmhurst, and became aware that his old quarrel with Captain +Grant was seemingly forgotten. There appeared to be some understanding, +some special connection between them. They met once, at least, and I +delivered one note between them."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I can explain that later," I interrupted, "from something +mentioned at Lee's headquarters."</p> + +<p>"You! Oh, I wish you could, for their relationship has mystified me; has +made me afraid something might be wrong with—with Eric."</p> + +<p>"I think not, dear; say rather with Grant."</p> + +<p>"If that be so, then it may prove the key to all the mystery. What made +their intimacy so difficult to understand was that I knew the captain's +dislike of Eric had in no way diminished. He spoke of him as savagely as +ever."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he played a part—his ultimate purpose revenge."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It might be that—yes, it might be that, and—and the consummation of +that revenge may account for all which has occurred. But I must go on +with what I had to tell."</p> + +<p>I had forgotten the passage of time, the men riding steadily in advance, +constantly increasing their distance, even the possible importance of +the despatch within my jacket pocket. The evident distress of the girl +riding beside me, whose tale, I felt sure, would fully justify her +strange masquerade in male garments, her risk of life and exposure to +disgrace in midst of fighting armies, held me neglectful of all else. I +realized that, whatever the cause, I had unconsciously become a part of +its development, and that I was destined now to be even more deeply +involved. Whatever the mystery I must solve it for her sake. My hand +again sought hers, holding it in firm clasp. There was a sound of hoofs +on the dusty road behind us.</p> + +<p>"It is Peter," she whispered. "What can have happened!"</p> + +<p>The rider barely paused, turning his horse's head even as he spoke +hastily.</p> + +<p>"Captain Grant is with the ambulance, Mistress Claire," he reported. "He +came up alone about five minutes ago."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r9530" id="r9530"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXX</h2><h3>BEFORE GENERAL ARNOLD</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I felt her hand withdrawn quickly, and the swift intake of her breath, +yet there was no sharpness in the voice.</p> + +<p>"Captain Grant, Peter? What can the man want here?"</p> + +<p>"He claimed to be hunting deserters," returned Swanson, as calmly +deliberate of speech as ever. "But that was false. He knew we were on +the road, and asked for you."</p> + +<p>"For me? And you told him—"</p> + +<p>"Merely that you rode ahead to see that the road was clear. Then I left +at once, fearing he might join you."</p> + +<p>She sat a moment in silence, her head bowed; then looked across into my +face.</p> + +<p>"This arrival must end our conference, Major," she said soberly. +"Captain Grant must not know that you are with me—that would mean +fighting."</p> + +<p>"Surely you do not wish me to run away."</p> + +<p>"Yes, this time, for my sake as well as your own.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> If I could have +completed my confession you would realize the necessity. However, the +fact that you are the bearer of despatches should be sufficient; your +duty to the Colonies is more important than any private quarrel. You +will go?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—but you? Are you safe with him?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly. I wish I might be clothed in my own proper dress, but with +Peter and Tonepah on guard, Captain Grant alone is not dangerous. +Besides I wish to learn his purpose in seeking to join us." She +hesitated. "You must not fear for me, but—but I wish to tell you all, +and—and I am sure I shall need your help."</p> + +<p>"You mean I am to join you again—at Elmhurst?"</p> + +<p>"Is that asking too much?"</p> + +<p>"Claire," I whispered, bending toward her, so Peter could not overhear, +"nothing shall keep me from coming, dear. I will ride back the moment my +despatches are in Arnold's hands. But tell me first, if you are not +afraid of Grant yourself, what is it you need me for?"</p> + +<p>"Eric," she answered swiftly. "He has disappeared, dead or deserted. Oh, +I cannot believe the last is true. It was to save his reputation that I +dressed in this uniform, performed the work assigned<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> him. I feel sure +Grant knows where he is, what has become of him. I went to him in +Philadelphia, but he only sneered, and said the boy had doubtless run +away. I know better; that is not like a Mortimer. But I cannot search +for him; I must stay with my father. But if I can only be assured you +will come."</p> + +<p>"You can be assured."</p> + +<p>"Mistress Claire," broke in Peter, "some one is riding up the road."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Peter, yes. Major, wait here! Don't move. We will go back and meet +him."</p> + +<p>I held my horse steady, although he made an effort to follow. Voices +came back to me through the darkness,—Grant's loud enough to be clearly +heard.</p> + +<p>"What, is this you, Claire?" he laughed gruffly. "By all the gods, I +thought it must be Eric. I never expected to find you togged out in this +style. By Jove, I could wish it was daylight."</p> + +<p>Whatever she replied must have sobered the fellow.</p> + +<p>"Everything I say you take wrongly. Of course it's all right, for the +country is full of stragglers out of both armies. Lord, I don't care +what you wear, as long as it suits you. My business? Oh, I explained all +that to your putty-faced servant—Saint Anne! that fellow! But I'll +review the matter again. I'm drumming up Clinton's deserters, but now +I've met<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> you, I'm tempted to go along with you as far as Elmhurst."</p> + +<p>"Become a deserter yourself?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, or at least only temporarily. There will be plenty of fighting +yet in the Jerseys. Clinton's whipped all right, and is going to have a +time getting away to the ships. In my judgment there will be richer +picking for a Jerseyman right here at home, than with the army in New +York."</p> + +<p>There was a moment's silence; then the girl asked, a shade of horror in +her voice:</p> + +<p>"Surely you cannot mean to ally yourself with guerillas, Captain Grant? +With—with Fagin?"</p> + +<p>The man laughed, but mirthlessly.</p> + +<p>"That would be horrible, wouldn't it? Well, personally I fail to see why +Fagin is any more of a scoundrel than some of these other fellows in +gilt epaulets. However, I've not come to that point yet. The fact is I +have a private affair to attend to before I leave this neighborhood. Can +you guess what it is?"</p> + +<p>"I? Certainly not."</p> + +<p>"Well, you will know shortly—the ambulance is coming."</p> + +<p>I rode my horse slowly forward, keeping at the edge of the road, until +assured a sufficient distance separated us. Then I gave the restive +animal a sharp<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> touch of the spur, sending him swiftly forward. My +escort would have a mile or two the start, yet that was nothing. My +thoughts were not with them, or with my military duty, but reverted to +the little company around the wounded man. The bearing of the despatch +to Arnold was mere routine, involving only steady riding, but the +relations existing between Claire, Grant, and Eric Mortimer were full of +mystery. There were connecting links I could not understand; no doubt +had the girl been permitted to conclude her story I might fit it +together, but as it was I was left groping in the darkness. Yet my mind +tenaciously held to its original theory as to Eric's strange +disappearance—he had been betrayed by Grant, and was being held +prisoner. But where? By whom? And for what purpose?</p> + +<p>I pondered on this problem as my horse ploughed forward through the +dust, my eyes unconsciously scanning the dark road. Grant could not have +known that Colonel Mortimer was being taken home. His meeting with the +ambulance party was altogether an accident. Yet I had no faith the man +was out seeking British stragglers, for had he been despatched on such a +mission he would have had at least a squad of soldiers with him. Then +what? The probability was that he was either riding to Elmhurst, or to +some rendezvous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span> with Fagin. Some plan had been interrupted by Clinton's +sudden march, by the British defeat at Monmouth, and Grant was risking +his commission, braving the charge of desertion, for some private +purpose. This might be love of Claire, revenge upon Eric, or possibly +both combined. The latter would seem most probable. He would use Eric in +some way to threaten the sister, to compel her to sacrifice herself. She +was of a nature to do this, as was already abundantly proved by her +assumption of male attire to save Eric's reputation. My own +responsibility loomed large as I reached this conclusion, and remembered +her appeal for help. She, also, must suspect the truth, and had turned +to me as the only one capable of unravelling the mystery. She trusted +me, loved me, I now believed—and, under God, I would prove worthy her +faith. With teeth clinched in sudden determination I caught up with my +little squad of plodding horsemen, and, with word of command, hurried +them into a sharp trot.</p> + +<p>Riding ahead, boot to boot with Conroy, I thought out a plan for action, +and finally, in the gray of the morning, told him enough of the story to +arouse his interest. Just before sunrise we passed Elmhurst, the great +white mansion appearing silent and deserted. There was no halting, +although we turned in the saddle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> to look, and my eyes swept over the +troopers trotting behind us. They were a sturdy lot, their faces bronzed +from exposure, their uniforms stained and dust-covered.</p> + +<p>"Regulars?" I asked, nodding back across my shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Not a man but has seen two-years' service," he replied proudly. +"Hamilton knows the troop, and he picked us out."</p> + +<p>"I may need them for a bit of desperate work."</p> + +<p>"They'll do it, sir, never fear."</p> + +<p>"Good, sergeant; we'll ride hard, and trust to getting fresh horses in +Philadelphia. I'll tell Arnold the story. When we arrive there have your +men get all the sleep they can. I'll attend to rations and ammunition. +You are simply to have the men rested and ready. Cannot we make better +time? The horses seem in good condition."</p> + +<p>We passed swiftly over the level country, meeting a few stragglers, but +paying them small attention. Farrell's shop was closed and locked, and +we halted there merely long enough to water our animals. The road was +now clear to the river, although we passed numerous footmen wearily +trudging westward. These were army riffraff, however, few being in +uniform. By two o'clock we were on the banks of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> Delaware, and a +half-hour later, I swung down stiffly from the saddle in front of +Arnold's headquarters on High Street.</p> + +<p>He was an officer I never greatly liked, with his snapping eyes and +arrogant manner, but he was courteous enough on this occasion, +questioning me after reading the despatch, and offering me a glass of +wine.</p> + +<p>"You look tired, Major, and must rest before you start back. I shall +have my report ready by sundown."</p> + +<p>"General Arnold," I said, standing respectfully hat in hand, "I have a +favor to ask,—that you will send your report by some other messenger, +and give me a detail for special service."</p> + +<p>He looked up in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Special service, sir! But you are not assigned to my command."</p> + +<p>"That is true, General," I insisted, "but the conditions warrant the +unusual application."</p> + +<p>"What service is contemplated?"</p> + +<p>"An attempt to kill or capture Red Fagin, and release a scout whom I +believe he holds prisoner."</p> + +<p>"You hope to accomplish all this alone?"</p> + +<p>"With the assistance of the sergeant and ten dragoons who came here with +me. They are in camp now on the Jersey shore."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span></p> + +<p>He walked across the room, stared out of the window, and then again +faced me.</p> + +<p>"By Gad, sir, this is a most extraordinary request. Damme, I'd like to +get hold of Fagin all right, but I need to know more of your plan, and +the reason you have for asking such a detail. It looks foolhardy to my +mind."</p> + +<p>I went over the situation carefully, watching the effect of my words in +the man's face. He sat at the table now, leaning forward eagerly. Arnold +had the reputation of a gallant, and my first reference to a young lady +aroused him.</p> + +<p>"The name, please—you mentioned no name."</p> + +<p>"Claire Mortimer, sir."</p> + +<p>"Ah! Ah! I remember her well. Danced with her myself. Now go on, sir; I +can appreciate the tale better from my recollection of the fair +heroine."</p> + +<p>I was not long at it, although he interrupted me occasionally by shrewd +questioning. As I concluded he kept silent a moment, looking at me from +under his heavy brows.</p> + +<p>"It looks like rather a blind trail to me, Major," he said kindly, "but +I'm no spoil-sport in such an affair. You might have the luck to stumble +onto your party, and I'd take the chance myself if I were in your shoes. +You wish to start at sunset?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You need horses, rations, and pistol ammunition for twelve men?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Very well, Major, the quartermaster will attend these details. Go and +lie down. Washington may not approve, but I'll take the responsibility."</p> + +<p>He extended his hand across the table, and I felt the firm clasp of his +fingers.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r5166" id="r5166"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXI</h2><h3>I RUN ACROSS ERIC</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I slept three hours, the dead sleep of sheer exhaustion, but felt +refreshed and strong when roughly aroused. Before sunset I was across +the river, where I found my little squad of Dragoons prepared for their +night's adventure. Arnold had kept his word, the fresh horses being fine +animals, the ammunition in excess of our needs. Conroy was enthusiastic, +and somewhat loquacious, but I cut his conversation off rather sharply, +and ordered the men into their saddles. With brain clarified by sleep I +realized the importance of the work before us, and how imperfect my +plans were. I could merely ride forth to Elmhurst, hoping to pick up +some clew to aid me. As we rode rapidly along the deserted road leading +to Farrel's I reviewed over and over again every remembered detail, only +to conclude that I must get hands on Grant, and by threats, or any other +available means, compel him to confess his part in the villainy. Dusk +settled about us, succeeded by night, as we pressed steadily<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span> forward, +the men riding silently, the only sound the thud of hoofs, and the +slight jingle of accoutrements. As we passed the black walls of +Farrell's shop, I recalled the papers found in Grant's coat, and the +reference in Fagin's note to a rendezvous at Lone Tree. Probably that +was the spot where the two had been accustomed to meeting. If true in +the past, why not now as well? Suddenly it occurred to me that it was at +a place called Lone Tree that the minute men had gathered for their +attack on Delavan's wagon train. Could this, by any possibility, be the +same spot? I drew my horse back beside Conroy.</p> + +<p>"Ever heard of a place called Lone Tree?" I asked quietly.</p> + +<p>He rubbed his head thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Not just about here, sir. We camped over east of there once, maybe a +year ago, down in a hollow where there was one big tree standin' all +alone, kind of an odd lookin' tree, sir, and seems to me, the guide said +the place was called something like that. Say, Tom," to the nearest +Dragoon, "do you remember that Lone Tree where we camped when we were +out huntin' Tarleton?"</p> + +<p>"Sure; in east of Medford. There was a farmhouse across on the side of a +hill. I got some buttermilk there."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Wasn't that what the guide called the place—Lone Tree?"</p> + +<p>"Derned if I know, Sergeant. Don't recollect hearin' the guide say +anythin' 'bout that, but the woman at the house told me her place was +called Lone Tree Cottage—so I reckon he might."</p> + +<p>This was a chance worth trying, and would require a detour of but a few +miles. My decision was made quickly.</p> + +<p>"We will take the first turn to the left, and have a look at the place," +I said. "Conroy, you and Tom ride ahead, and keep your eyes open."</p> + +<p>We reached the hollow where the big tree stood, about midnight, but +found little reward. The house on the hill had been burned to the +ground. Near the tree, however, we discovered evidence of recent +camp-fires, one not yet cold, and apparently there had been quite a body +of men camped there lately. Conroy manufactured a torch, and scouted +about, finally reporting:</p> + +<p>"I don't know how many were here, sir, altogether, but there was a lot +o' horses picketed over near the creek. I reckon the last of them didn't +leave until dark to-night, an' they rode north toward the main road. +There was maybe a dozen in that party."</p> + +<p>We followed the general direction the fellows<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> seemed to have taken, +Conroy and I on foot, scanning the trail by aid of a pine knot. The dust +lay thick on the clay road through the cut, where we had charged the +foragers, and it was easy to see the band had turned east. There was but +one conclusion possible; if this was Fagin's gang of cutthroats, as I +suspected, then they were either returning to their sand caves in +Monmouth County after a raid, or else were starting forth on some new +project near at hand. Whichever was true, Elmhurst lay in the direction +taken. Determined to learn the truth, and wishing now I had more men at +my back, we pressed forward, riding rapidly, yet exercising the +precaution of keeping two scouts well in advance. It must have been +nearly three o'clock when we reached the summit of the low hill within a +few hundred yards of the house, and found the two scouts awaiting us.</p> + +<p>My first glance across the ravine revealed the outlines of the house +above the low trees of the orchard. All appeared peaceable enough, and I +felt a sudden relief. There were lights burning on the lower floor, +streaming through several windows, while up stairs one window was +ablaze. Late as it was, this illumination was not surprising, however, +as the care of the wounded man would necessitate night watchers, while, +no doubt, Claire would anticipate my reaching there<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> before morning. All +this flashed over me, as my eyes hastily surveyed the familiar +surroundings. Then I became aware that the older scout was reporting.</p> + +<p>"There's quite a bunch of horses picketed down there in the ravine, +sir," he said, pointing toward the right.</p> + +<p>"How many?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, maybe twenty-five or thirty; Joe an' I couldn't get very close as +there's a couple of men on guard on top of the bank. A hundred feet down +you can see 'em plain against the sky."</p> + +<p>"Wasn't what you saw a cattle herd?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir," positively. "They're horses, picketed in line like a cavalry +troop, and they've got their saddles on."</p> + +<p>What this all meant could not be guessed at, but there must be some +scheme of deviltry under way. There were no regular troops hereabout +belonging to either army, yet the very condition of the country left an +open field for the operation of outlaws. Arnold had barely men enough to +garrison Philadelphia; Washington was facing Clinton; the militia had +been withdrawn, and all this section left entirely unguarded. It was the +very moment for Fagin and his kind to carry on their work of murder and +pillage.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Have either of you crossed the ravine?" I asked, endeavoring to reach +some conclusion.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, Joe did. He was up in the edge of the orchard."</p> + +<p>"See any men?"</p> + +<p>"Not a man, sir, outside," answered the other. "But I saw shadows +against the curtains on that lower floor. I couldn't tell how many; they +just come an' go, only they wasn't dressed alike."</p> + +<p>One thing was sufficiently certain—we could gain little information +remaining where we were.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant," I said, determining swiftly on a course of action, "take +your men, dismounted, across the ravine, and into the orchard. Keep +under cover, but get as close to the house as you can safely. Picket +your horses back there beside the road."</p> + +<p>"And you, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I'll take Tom with me, and we'll circle that horse herd, and come up to +the house from the rear. I want to discover where those fellows are, and +what they are up to. See this whistle, sergeant?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"It gives a sharp, shrill blast. If I blow it twice, get your men inside +the house instantly. I'll not sound it unless I need you at once. We'll +wait here until you get across."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span></p> + +<p>They disappeared into the black depths of the ravine, moving cautiously +and with little noise, Conroy leading, the others stringing along behind +in single file. Tom led back the horses while I watched, until convinced +they had attained the opposite bank, and the shelter of the orchard. +There was no sound of movement anywhere, yet it was not long until +daybreak, and any further delay was dangerous. As soon as the Dragoon +returned, I gave him a few words of instruction, and the two of us +plunged down the steep slope, feeling our way through the darkness, but +moving to the right, toward where the scouts had indicated the horses +were being herded. We skirted these, creeping along the opposite bank +behind a fringe of bushes, certain that the darkness concealed our +movements from the two men on guard. Fearful of frightening the animals +we dare not approach close enough to count them, but they stood head to +head to a picket rope nearly across the narrow ravine. We crossed fifty +feet above, gained the top of the bank, and crawled down, sheltered from +observation, until we were directly above the two guards. Peering +cautiously over we could easily distinguish the black outlines on the +hillside below.</p> + +<p>One man was standing up, leaning against the trunk of a small tree, +while the other was sitting on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span> ground, his head bent forward, and +his hat drawn low over his eyes. Neither uttered a sound, but as my eyes +strained through the darkness I began to perceive details which awakened +a new suspicion. The fellow standing up wore a cap and no coat, and his +hands were clasped about a short, sawed-off gun. He had none of the +appearance of a soldier, but the other man apparently was in uniform, +although I could not distinguish its character. What instantly attracted +my attention was the fact that his hands were evidently tied behind his +back. If this was true then he was a prisoner, and the other had been +stationed there to guard him, and not the horses. Tom perceived this as +soon as I, for I felt his fingers grip my arm, and, when I glanced +around at him, he pictured his suspicions in pantomime. I nodded +agreement, sinking down behind the ridge, until my lips were at his ear.</p> + +<p>"Creep around the edge of the rock there," I said, pointing. "That will +bring you at his back, and not more than five feet away. Can you do it?"</p> + +<p>He nodded grimly.</p> + +<p>"Leave your weapons here," I added, "and when you spring, get hold of +his gun so he cannot fire. I'll cover him the instant you strike. Go +on."</p> + +<p>He unbuckled his belt, and crept along to the right, so noiselessly that +even I, watching his snake-like movement,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span> could hear no sound. The +guard did not move his head, and the other remained motionless, his face +bent almost to his knees. Down below the horses stomped restlessly, and +switched their tails. Watching each motion like a hawk, I saw Tom dip +over the crest, and worm his way down behind the rock. Then he +disappeared, until, as he cautiously arose to his feet, his head and +shoulders emerged shadowy just beyond. Realizing he was ready, I got to +my knees, gripping a pistol butt. Without a warning sound the Dragoon +leaped, his arms gripping the astounded sentinel with the hug of a bear. +He gave utterance to one grunt, and then the barrel of my pistol was at +his head.</p> + +<p>"Not a word!" I said sternly. "Unclasp his belt, Tom. Yes, take his gun. +If he moves, or utters a sound, shoot him down."</p> + +<p>I wheeled to face the other, who had lifted his head, and was staring at +us through the darkness. He was no longer a mere shapeless shadow, but a +slender, straight figure, and my heart gave a sudden throb.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" I asked sharply. "Eric Mortimer?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he answered, in evident surprise. "Do I know you?"</p> + +<p>"No," and I cut the rope binding his ankles. "But<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> I was searching for +you. I am an officer of Maxwell's brigade; my name is Lawrence. Tell me +first what has happened,—why you are being held prisoner."</p> + +<p>He stretched his cramped arms and legs, lifting his hat so that I saw +his face dimly. In the gloom his resemblance to Claire was so remarkable +that I involuntarily exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Heavens! but you look like your sister!"</p> + +<p>"Like Claire! they all say so; you know her?"</p> + +<p>"It is at her request I am here; you need not fear to tell me your +story."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I do not. I can see your uniform. But damn it, I don't know any too +much about what is up myself. This is Red Fagin's outfit."</p> + +<p>"I thought so. Where did he get you? How long have you been a prisoner?"</p> + +<p>The boy laughed recklessly, his eyes upon the others.</p> + +<p>"Well, my story is a short one, Lawrence. I had a fellow in the British +service who occasionally gave me information. Word came to me to meet +him at a certain spot—"</p> + +<p>"You mean Captain Grant?"</p> + +<p>"Hell! How did you know that?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind; I do know—so you can go on."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span></p> + +<p>He hesitated, as though suspicious of me, yet finally resumed.</p> + +<p>"I had no intention of speaking names."</p> + +<p>"Oh, let that pass. You may think Grant all right, but the rest of us +know he is at the bottom of the whole matter."</p> + +<p>"You mean he betrayed me?"</p> + +<p>"There is no doubt of it. He is in with Fagin."</p> + +<p>The lad drew a long breath.</p> + +<p>"I half suspected it," he said slowly, "only it didn't seem possible. +Now listen, and perhaps together we can make something out of all this. +I went to the place where we were to meet, and had a talk with +Grant—yes, it was Grant all right. He told me some things, but needed a +day or two to get other information. While waiting I came over here to +Elmhurst, and found Claire. She's the kind of a girl you can tell things +to, and I wrote out what I had learned, and left some of my papers. Then +I went back to Lone Tree. It was dark when I got there, and I rode right +into Fagin and three of his men. They had me before I could lift a +hand."</p> + +<p>"Just wait a minute, Mortimer," I broke in, becoming suddenly aware +there was a grayness in the eastern sky. "I want to creep in toward the +house while it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span> remains dark. You can tell the rest as we go along. Tom, +take these ropes and tie your man up. Make him safe, and then come along +after us."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir. I'll fix the lad so he'll be safe enough for a while."</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r1527" id="r1527"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXII</h2><h3>WE ATTAIN THE HOUSE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>"Come on, Mortimer, and we'll soon find out what is going on." I turned +to the prisoner. "Where are the rest of your gang?"</p> + +<p>"You'll find out fer yerself, Mister," he answered sullenly, "an' maybe +damn quick too."</p> + +<p>"They are in the grape arbor to the south of the house," broke in Eric. +"That was where Fagin told them to lie quiet and wait orders."</p> + +<p>"Then we will explore along the north side, keeping the fence between +us. I've got a handful of men over there in the orchard. If you are both +ready we'll go."</p> + +<p>I took a look myself at Tom's rope-tying, and found it satisfactory. +Indeed, in remembrance of my own suffering, I even loosened the strain a +little, confident the fellow could never free himself unaided. Then the +three of us, Mortimer armed with his late guard's gun, crawled up over +the edge of the bank, ran without stopping across the open space, and +crouched in the shadow of the fence. It was still dark, although<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span> a +faint gray tinged the eastern sky-line, barely perceptible through the +intervening trees. The great house, a hundred yards away, was but a +blurred outline, distinguishable by the lights shining out through open +windows. At that distance no sound reached us. However, if Mortimer was +right, the way would be clear for our passage along the front, under +shelter of the fence, even though a sentry was posted there, and we +could creep up to the walls on the opposite side unobserved. All we +needed to do was to advance with caution. Whispering directions into the +ears of the others, I moved forward slowly, Mortimer close to my +shoulder. I could see across the top rail of the fence, and the open +space beyond yielded no point of concealment.</p> + +<p>"Tell me the rest of your story," I said, speaking softly, "as we go +along. Where did Fagin take you?"</p> + +<p>"To a sand cave; we rode a night and a day to get there."</p> + +<p>"Treat you all right?"</p> + +<p>"Well as he could, I suppose. I had enough to eat, but was guarded +closely, and the fellows were a bit rough."</p> + +<p>"Did you gain no inkling of what they were up to?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No; the men I saw knew nothing, or pretended not to. I only saw Fagin +twice. Once he came to assure himself that I was really myself. Somebody +told him I was with Delavan in a fight over near Lone Tree."</p> + +<p>"That was your sister."</p> + +<p>"What! You don't mean it was Claire?"</p> + +<p>"But I do. I chanced to be in that affair myself, and saw her. Later +she, with three others—Peter, an Indian, and an Irishman—captured me, +mistaking me for some one else, and took me to Elmhurst. As soon as she +learned my identity she acknowledged her error. But I have not learned +yet why she was with Delavan, or for whom she mistook me."</p> + +<p>The lad drew in his breath sharply, gripping me by the shoulder.</p> + +<p>"By the Lord Harry!" he exclaimed excitedly. "There isn't another girl +in the Colonies who would have done it. I'll bet I can explain, but even +I didn't think she would ever have the nerve to perform such a deed. I +told you I left my papers there. I forgot them when I changed my +clothes. You see I came out wearing the uniform of a British Dragoon +Lieutenant, and had it all planned out to join Delavan, and guide him +toward Philadelphia over the Lone Tree road. Just before I left our camp +at Valley Forge on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span> this trip I received orders from Washington to keep +my eyes open for a courier riding from Philadelphia to New York with +Clinton's plans of evacuation. Hamilton seemed to know all about this, +and sent me special instructions. I talked of it with Claire, planned +how I was going to waylay him, and together we fixed up those servants +as soldiers to help me carry out the deception."</p> + +<p>He paused, chuckling, and I halted, eager to learn the rest.</p> + +<p>"And when you disappeared; when, perhaps, she heard of your capture, or +suspected it, she assumed the discarded uniform and went forth in your +stead."</p> + +<p>"That's it, Lawrence. She would, if she thought it was right; if she +believed such an act necessary to save my reputation. I'll bet she found +the papers in my pocket, and mistook you for Clinton's despatch bearer."</p> + +<p>"There is no doubt of it," I said soberly. "And that wasn't all she did +to protect you. It was the talk at Lee's headquarters that you had +deserted. She stamped that a lie, by riding into our lines day before +yesterday, bringing an exact report of where Clinton was marching. I +didn't see her, but I heard all about it, and you get the credit. +Washington told me with his own lips, and granted her permission to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> +remove your father, who was badly wounded, to Elmhurst."</p> + +<p>"Good God! Are they here now?"</p> + +<p>"They must have reached here early yesterday morning. I passed them on +the road at ten o'clock. Grant had just joined their party, claiming to +be hunting after deserters."</p> + +<p>He clung to the fence rail, staring out toward the house.</p> + +<p>"Grant! Do you know, I believe that fellow is at the bottom of this +whole affair. He's in love with Claire, and—and he's working some +scheme to gain power over her."</p> + +<p>"Several schemes, I think," I returned heartily. "I've nipped two of +them in the bud already. Someway, Mortimer, he got possession of those +instructions you received from Washington and Hamilton. I ran into him +over there on the lawn, back of the summer-house. He was threatening +Claire, trying to drive her into marrying him offhand. We had a bit of a +fight, and I got the best of it. When I left I wore his coat, and later +found your papers in his pocket. Do you remember how they were +addressed?"</p> + +<p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Simply 'Mortimer.' It occurred to me he could turn them over to +Clinton, accuse the Colonel of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span> treason, and share in the confiscation +of this estate, or else hold them as a threat over your sister. I burned +them."</p> + +<p>He was silent for a long minute, breathing hard; then he thrust out his +hand and clasped mine.</p> + +<p>"The damned villain!" he ejaculated, his voice trembling. "Every move he +has made has been an attempt to ruin us. I can see it now. Do you +suppose Claire really cares for the fellow?"</p> + +<p>"I am very sure she does not."</p> + +<p>"Then what, in heaven's name, does she let him hang around for? I always +hated the sight of his black face and infernal grin, but somehow, I +thought she rather liked him. I wonder if he can be there now! If he is, +then he and Fagin are up to some devilment."</p> + +<p>"And what that may be we'll never discover by talking here," I put in +sternly, suddenly realizing we were wasting time. "Come, let's get +around to the north side."</p> + +<p>We came in back of the summer-house, and had just left the road, when +three horsemen galloped past, straight up toward the front door, which +stood wide open. The black shadow of a man appeared in the glow of +light, shading his eyes as he looked out into the darkness.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is that you, Culver?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," sullenly, the speaker swinging down from the saddle.</p> + +<p>"Well, you've been a hell of a while getting here. Fagin will skin you +alive; it's nearly daylight already."</p> + +<p>"Did the best I could; the cantin' hypocrite wasn't at home; had to go +clear to Medford after him. Come on now, get out o' that!"</p> + +<p>He dragged the centre figure roughly from his horse, and hustled him up +the steps.</p> + +<p>"The ol' fool thinks we're goin' to kill him, I reckon; been prayin' for +an hour past. Bill got so mad he choked him twice, but it didn't do no +good. Here, take him along in, will yer, and let us hustle some grub."</p> + +<p>The man addressed grabbed the limp figure far from gently, and hustled +him through the door. As the others disappeared, leading the three +horses, Mortimer grasped my sleeve.</p> + +<p>"That's preacher Jenks," he whispered, "from down at the Cross Roads. +What can Fagin want of him?"</p> + +<p>"If Fagin is Grant's tool, and Grant is here," I answered soberly, "I am +ready to make a guess at what is up." The recollection of the Captain's +threat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> at the summer-house instantly recurred to memory. "Here, you +lads, skulk down into these bushes, while I try that balcony. That is +the library, isn't it, Eric? I thought so; I've been under guard there +twice. The window shows no light, but some one is in the room beyond. +Give me a leg up, Tom, and stand close so you can hear if I speak."</p> + +<p>It was not high from the ground, but I could not grip the top of the +rail without help. With Tom's assistance I went over lightly enough, and +without noise. The window was the one which had been broken during the +first assault on the house, and never repaired. I found ample room for +crawling through. The door into the hall stood partly ajar, a little +light streaming through the crack, so I experienced no difficulty in +moving about freely. A glance told me the apartment was unoccupied, +although I heard the murmur of distant voices earnestly conversing. +Occasionally an emphatic oath sounded clear and distinct. My first +thought was that the men with me would be better concealed here than in +the bushes below, and I leaned over the rail, and bade them join me. +Within another minute the three of us were in the room intently +listening. I stole across to the crack of the door. The hall was empty +so far as I could see looking toward the rear of the house, and the +voices we heard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span> were evidently in the dining-room. Occasionally there +was a clatter of dishes, or the scraping of a chair on the polished +floor. One voice sang out an order to a servant, a nasal voice, slightly +thickened by wine, and I wheeled about, gazing inquiringly into +Mortimer's face.</p> + +<p>"That's Grant," he said quickly, "and half drunk."</p> + +<p>"I thought so; that's when he is really dangerous. Stay close here; if +the hallway is clear I am going to get into the shadow there under the +stairs. Have your weapons ready."</p> + +<p>Where the fellow was who had been at the front door I could not +determine. He had disappeared somehow, and I slipped along the wall for +the necessary ten feet like a shadow, and crept in beneath the shelter +of the staircase. From here I could look into the room opposite, +although only a portion of the space was revealed. There was no cloth on +the table, and but a few dishes, but I counted a half-dozen bottles, +mostly empty, and numerous glasses. Grant was at one end, his uniform +dusty and stained, but his eyes alone betraying intoxication. Beside him +was a tall, stoop-shouldered man, with matted beard, wearing the coat of +a British Grenadier, but with all insignia of rank ripped from it. He +had a mean mouth, and yellow, fang-like teeth were displayed whenever he +spoke.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> Beyond this fellow, and only half seen from where I crouched, +was a heavy-set individual, his face almost purple, with a thatch of +uncombed red hair. He wore the cocked hat of a Dragoon, pushed to the +back of his head, his feet were encased in long cavalry boots, crossed +on the table, and he was pulling furiously at a pipe, the stem gripped +firmly between his teeth. Who the bearded man might be I had no means of +knowing, but this beauty was without doubt Fagin. I stared at him, +fascinated, recalling the stories of his fiendish cruelty, my heart +thumping violently, while my fingers gripped the butt of my pistol. +Then, without warning, a man stepped out of the darkened parlor, passed +within three feet of my hiding place, and stood within the dining-room +door. The three within looked at him, and Fagin roared out:</p> + +<p>"What is it now? Heard from Culver?"</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r9211" id="r9211"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXIII</h2><h3>THEY SEND FOR CLAIRE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I could only see the fellow's back, with hair hanging low over the +collar, but his voice was clear.</p> + +<p>"Got here five minutes ago. The preacher is locked in the parlor."</p> + +<p>"By God! Good! Now we can play out the game, eh, Captain? Or," turning +about suspiciously, and staring at the other, who sat with eyes shaded +by one hand, "are you weakening as the time draws near?"</p> + +<p>"Hell's fire! No! We gave her a choice, and she only laughed at it. I'll +go on now to spite the wench; only I think we should bring in the boy +first, and prove to her that we've actually got him."</p> + +<p>Fagin emptied the glass in his hand, giving utterance to an oath as he +replaced it on the table.</p> + +<p>"Yer as chicken-hearted drunk as sober, Grant," he said coarsely. "Did +yer hear the fool, Jones, an' after all I've told him?"</p> + +<p>The bearded man nodded silently, his eyes shifting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span> from one face to the +other. Fagin grinned, and poured out another drink.</p> + +<p>"Now listen again," he went on, half angrily. "That boy's worth money +ter us—a thousand pounds,—but it wouldn't do yer any good ter be mixed +up in the affair, would it? What chance would yer have in this estate, +or fer yer commission either, if Howe or Clinton got an inklin' of yer +game? Good Lord, man! they'd hang yer instead of the other fellow. +You'll have ter lie some as it is, I reckon, ter explain why yer left +Sir Henry, an' came down here. Have yer got that fact inter yer brains?"</p> + +<p>Grant glared at him wickedly, but remained silent across the table.</p> + +<p>"Yer already in bad enough, without huntin' more trouble. Better leave +the boy alone. I thought, at first, we'd have ter use him, but I don't +now. Let the girl believe he's deserted, and that yer in a position ter +help him. That will serve yer purpose better than the other scheme. It +may awaken her gratitude, her sweet love!"</p> + +<p>"Damn her love!"</p> + +<p>"So it isn't love, eh, that makes yer so anxious. I thought as much. +What is it, then—revenge?"</p> + +<p>Grant held his breath a moment, his dull eyes on the faces of the two +men.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I might as well tell you," he snarled at last. "I loved her once, +I guess; anyhow I wanted her badly enough. I want her now, but not in +just the same way. I want to show her I'm the master. I want to give her +a lesson, and that cub brother of hers. I'd have got them all, the +Colonel with them, if that damned Colonial spy hadn't stolen my coat. I +had them, dead to rights, Fagin, and the papers to prove it. Now I don't +care how it's done, so I get her. I thought she'd marry me to save the +boy, but if she won't, why then, you carry out your plan—what is it?"</p> + +<p>Fagin laughed, again emptying his glass.</p> + +<p>"Easy enough. She's alone, except fer her father, and he can't get out +of bed. We've got Jenks here, an' the damned old coward will do whatever +I tell him."</p> + +<p>"But she despises me—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! We'll make you a victim. That will leave things in proper shape +between yer two. We'll play it off as a drunken lark—eh, Jones? My God! +it won't be the first time we've done the trick either. Do you remember +that love-sick couple over at Tom's River, Ned? Never laughed so much in +my life. This is a better one. Lord! but won't old Mortimer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span> rave, an' +mighty little good it will do him. Come, what do yer say, Grant? Are yer +game?"</p> + +<p>"Hell's fire—yes." He got to his feet, gripping the back of his chair. +"Bring—bring 'em in; this is a good place."</p> + +<p>Fagin struck the table with his fist.</p> + +<p>"Of course it is, drink ter the bride after the ceremony. Bill, bring in +the preacher."</p> + +<p>It was growing daylight. I could perceive the glow of the sky out +through the window, but the candles still sputtered on the table, +casting grim lights and shadows on the faces of the three men. As Bill +disappeared into the parlor, I stole silently back to the library door. +What could be done was not entirely clear, but I proposed to defend +Claire in every way possible.</p> + +<p>"Tom," I whispered briefly, "find the boys, and bring them in here, +through that broken window. They are in the orchard to the right, and +there are no guards in front. Move lively, but be quiet."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Major?" asked young Mortimer, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I can't explain now. I must get back where I can see and hear. But +there is going to be a fight. Hold the men ready here until I call. See +that their weapons are in good order."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span></p> + +<p>I caught the glint of his eye, but could wait no longer. Indeed I was +scarcely back, snuggled under the stairs, when Bill came forth, gripping +the collar of his prisoner's coat, and urging him down the hall. I +crouched lower, the morning light threatening to reveal my hiding place, +yet with mind more at ease, now I knew the men were close at hand. +Within five minutes the entire squad would be crowded into that room, +eager for trouble to begin. Probably Fagin did not have a half-dozen +fellows in the house. If we could strike swiftly enough we might +overpower them all, without creating alarm outside, where the main body +lay. Some carelessness had brought us good luck in having the front of +the house left unguarded. These thoughts swept over me, and left me +confident. The time had come when I was to serve her, to prove my own +worthiness. I felt ready and eager for the trial.</p> + +<p>I caught a glimpse of Jenks's face, as Bill jerked him forward. The man +was gray with terror, his parchment-like skin seamed and contorted. He +was a tall, loose-jointed creature, wearing a long black coat flapping +about his knees. The guard fairly held him up in the doorway, and both +Fagin and Jones laughed at the pitiful sight, the former ending his roar +with an outburst of profanity.</p> + +<p>"Go on back ter the front door, Bill," he ordered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span> roughly. "This +fellow'll never run away; his legs wouldn't carry him. Now, Mr. +Preacher," glowering savagely at the poor devil across the bottle-strewn +table, "do yer know who I am?"</p> + +<p>Jenks endeavored to answer, from the convulsive movement of his throat, +but made no sound. Fagin cursed again.</p> + +<p>"If it wasn't such a waste of good liquor I'd pour some of this down +your gullet," he exclaimed, shaking a half-filled bottle in his fist. +"Then maybe you could answer when I spoke to you. Now, see here, you +canting old hypocrite, I'm Red Fagin, an' I guess you know what that +means. I'm pisen, an' I don't like your style. Now you're goin' to do +just what I tell you, or the boys will have a hangin' bee down in the +ravine. Speak up, an' tell me what you propose to do."</p> + +<p>Jenks wet his dry lips with his tongue, clinging to the sides of the +door with both hands.</p> + +<p>"I—I am the Lord's servant," he managed to articulate, "and have taken +no part in this unholy war."</p> + +<p>"You're a cheerful liar, but don't try snivelling on me. You are too big +a coward to go out yourself, but you're hand in glove with Farrell. Oh, +I know you, sneaking saint; I've had my eyes on you a long while. Now +it's do as I say, or hang; that's all,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span> Jenks, an' I'm cussed if I care +very much which you choose."</p> + +<p>"What—what is it you wish of me?" his uncertain gaze wandering over the +three faces, but coming back to Fagin.</p> + +<p>"You are to marry this officer here to a young lady."</p> + +<p>"What—what young lady?"</p> + +<p>"Mortimer's daughter—Claire is the name, isn't it, Grant? Yes, Claire; +you know her, I reckon."</p> + +<p>I could hear the unfortunate man breathe in the silence, but Fagin's +eyes threatened.</p> + +<p>"Is—is she here?" he faltered helplessly. "Does she desire the—the +ceremony?"</p> + +<p>"That doesn't happen to be any of your business," broke in Fagin +bluntly. "This is my affair, an' the fewer questions you ask the better. +If we want some fun, what the hell have you got to do with it, you +snivelling spoil-sport! I haven't asked either of them about it. I just +decided it was time they got married. Stand up, man, and let go that +door," he drew a derringer from his belt and flung it onto the table. +"There's my authority—that, an' fifty hell-hounds outside wondering why +I don't loot the house, an' be done. Do you want to be turned over to +them? If you don't, then speak up. Will you tie them, or not?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span></p> + +<p>Jenk's eyes wandered toward Jones, who stared blankly back at him, +yellow fangs showing beneath his beard.</p> + +<p>"Why—of course—yes," he faltered weakly. "I—suppose I must."</p> + +<p>"Don't seem much chance to get out, does there, parson? Well, I reckon +it won't hurt your conscience particularly. Bill! Where's Bill?"</p> + +<p>"You sent him to guard the front door," explained Jones.</p> + +<p>"That's right, I did. You'll do just as well. Go up stairs, an' bring +the girl down. She's with the old man, an' Culberson is guarding the +door. Better not say what she's wanted for. Just tell her Captain Grant +wishes to speak to her a moment."</p> + +<p>Jones straightened up, and pushed past the preacher, the stairs creaking +under his weight as he went up over my head. Grant arose, and stood +looking out the window into the glow of the sunshine, and Jenks dropped +into the nearest chair, still staring across the table at Fagin. For the +first time I seemed to entirely grasp the situation. I got to my feet, +yet dare not move so much as a step, for Fagin was facing the hallway. +It apparently would be better to wait until after the girl came down +stairs, until those in the house were all together, before we struck. I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span> +wanted to know what she would say, how she would act, when she +understood what was proposed. The time allowed me for decision was +short, as it seemed scarcely a minute before I heard their footsteps +above.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r5576" id="r5576"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXIV</h2><h3>A THREATENED MARRIAGE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>Fagin heard them coming and took his boots from the table, and sat up +straight in his chair; the preacher pushed his back until half concealed +behind the door; Grant never looked around. Jones came into view first, +and behind him walked Claire, her cheeks flushed, her head held high. At +the door she paused, refusing to enter, her eyes calmly surveying the +occupants.</p> + +<p>"You sent for me, sir," she said coldly. "May I ask for what purpose?"</p> + +<p>Even Fagin's cool insolence was unable to withstand unmoved her beauty +and her calmness of demeanor. Apparently he had never met her before, +for, with face redder than ever, he got to his feet, half bowing, and +stammering slightly.</p> + +<p>"My name is Fagin, Mistress," he said, striving to retain his accustomed +roughness. "I reckon you have heard of me."</p> + +<p>"I have," proudly, her eyes meeting his, "and, therefore, wonder what +your purpose may be in ordering<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span> me here. I wish to return to my father +who requires my services."</p> + +<p>The guerilla laughed, now angered by her manner.</p> + +<p>"Well, I thought I'd tell you who I was so you wouldn't try any high and +mighty business," he said coarsely, and eying her fiercely. "That ain't +the sort o' thing that goes with me, an' yer ain't the first one I've +taken down a peg or two. However, I don't mean you no harm, only you'd +better behave yourself. Yer know that man over there, don't yer?"</p> + +<p>He indicated with a nod of the head, and Claire glanced in that +direction, but without speaking.</p> + +<p>"Well, can't you answer?"</p> + +<p>"I recognize Captain Grant, if that is what you mean."</p> + +<p>"I was speaking English, wasn't I? Yer ought ter know him—yer engaged +ter him, ain't yer?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not," indignantly.</p> + +<p>Grant turned about, his face twitching.</p> + +<p>"This is not my fault, Claire," he exclaimed swiftly. "Don't blame me +for it. I am also a prisoner, and helpless."</p> + +<p>She never looked at him, never answered, her entire attention +concentrated on Fagin, who was grinning with enjoyment.</p> + +<p>"That's sure right, young lady," he said grimly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span> "The Captain is only +obeyin' orders ter save his own neck. There's no love lost atween us, +let me tell yer. But we're not so blame merciless after all, an', I +reckon, we've got about all thar is in the house worth cartin' away. Now +we're goin' to have some fun, an' leave two happy hearts behind. Ain't +that it, Jones? Clinton's licked; Washington has his hands full up +north; an' this hull blame country is ours. Somewhere, Mistress, I've +heard tell that you an' this Captain was pretty thick—how is it?"</p> + +<p>Her eyes exhibited indignant surprise, but, after an instant's +hesitation, her lips answered.</p> + +<p>"I hardly know what you mean, sir. We were children together."</p> + +<p>"An' engaged ter be married—eh?"</p> + +<p>"There was an arrangement of that nature between our parents. But why +should this interest you?"</p> + +<p>He ignored the question, but his eyes hardened.</p> + +<p>"I heard it this way. You were engaged until a few weeks ago. Then you +met a damned Continental, a spy, an' imagined yer fell in love with him. +Now do yer know what interest I've got? I'm with the Red-coats, an' if I +can turn a trick fer that side I'm a-goin' ter do it. You'll be blessin' +me fer it some day. Now, see here, girl, I'm a-goin' ter marry yer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span> off +before leavin' this house. I reckon yer ain't intendin' to make no fuss +about it, are yer?"</p> + +<p>She did not appear to comprehend, to realize the man was in earnest; she +even smiled slightly.</p> + +<p>"Is this some joke, sir, that I fail to grasp?" she asked. "Will you not +explain?"</p> + +<p>"Explain, hell!" and Fagin clapped his hat on his head, uttering a rough +oath. "I spoke plain enough. Yer a-goin' ter marry Grant, here an' now, +an' there's the parson, waitin' ter do the job."</p> + +<p>She partly turned, and as she recognized Jenks, the color deserted her +cheeks, and her hands grasped the side of the door for support.</p> + +<p>"Marry Captain Grant! I?" she exclaimed, horrified. "No, never!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess yer will, my beauty. Good Lord, why not? He's not so bad; +there's many a girl would jump at the chance. Your plantations join, an' +he's a King's officer."</p> + +<p>"Listen to me, sir," she broke in, now cool and determined. "I'll give +you my answer. I have already given it to Captain Grant. I will not +marry him—not even to save this house from destruction; not even to +release my brother from your hands. We can suffer, if necessary, for we +are of a fighting race, but I shall never yield to threats."</p> + + +<div class='figcenter' style='width: 400px; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="illus-004" id="illus-004"></a> +<img src='images/facing354.jpg' width='400' alt='"Let me pass, sir! This is my father's house"' title='' /><br /> +<span class='caption'>"Let me pass, sir! This is my father's house"</span> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span>She + swept past him, around the end of the table, and confronted Grant, +who drew back a step, scowling.</p> + +<p>"So this is your way, is it, to win a woman you cannot gain by fair +means? No, there is no need of your answering; I understand the whole +despicable scheme. You masquerading as a prisoner of this creature! You +are his puppet. I've known it for months. I learned the truth from Eric, +and from that moment I despised you. While I believed you an honorable +soldier I was able to treat you with outward respect, but no longer. You +threatened me with a forced marriage once before, and failed. Now you +endeavor to succeed with the help of this outlaw. But you never shall! +No, do not speak! do not hold out your hands to me! You are not a +prisoner. These men are here at your instigation; you are concerned in +their infamy. I would rather die than have you touch me!"</p> + +<p>She turned her back upon him, her face white, her eyes blazing, but +Fagin stood between her and the entrance, grinning savagely.</p> + +<p>"Let me pass, sir; this is my father's house."</p> + +<p>"Not while I am here, Mistress," he snarled, without moving. "The old +man isn't ridin' after me with a squadron of cavalry to-day. This +happens to be my turn to give orders, and yer to obey! Do yer +hear—yer'll obey! Those weren't pretty words yer spoke<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span> to Grant, but +they don't hurt me none. You damned little spitfire, I'd marry yer +myself if I could, just to break yer spirit. As it is, I'll show yer yer +master fer once. So it's the spy yer want, is it?"</p> + +<p>She stared at him without a word, a depth of hatred but no fear in her +level eyes.</p> + +<p>"Lost yer tongue, have yer? Well, we'll find it fer yer fast enough. +What's the fellow's name?"</p> + +<p>"To whom do you refer?" she asked, her passage blocked.</p> + +<p>"The Continental who's put Grant out of the running?"</p> + +<p>"I presume you mean Major Lawrence, although no one has authority to +couple my name with his."</p> + +<p>"Oh, indeed! I'll show yer authority in plenty, Mistress. Come, now, I'm +done discussing this matter. As long as yer father isn't able ter attend +ter this affair I am a-goin' ter act in his place. We'll have a loyalist +marriage, by God! an' have it now. Step out here, Jenks, an' get busy! +Come, move, you coyote—Jones, hustle him along. Now, Captain, there's a +good place ter stand, in between those windows. Mistress Claire—"</p> + +<p>I was all ready, pistol in hand, burning with a determination to shoot +Fagin down, yet her voice halted him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Wait!" she cried, standing erect and scornful. "I will not consent to +this. I am going to leave this room."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I reckon not," and he leered into her eyes. "Don't rouse me, or +yer'll find out I'm a wolf ter bite. Yer get back there beside Grant, or +I'll make yer."</p> + +<p>"You will? You dare not!"</p> + +<p>"Don't I, Mistress?" he cried savagely, "I'll show yer."</p> + +<p>He reached forth one great hand, the fingers gripping her sleeve, but +she wrenched away, the cloth tearing as she sprang back.</p> + +<p>"Fagin, I know you, but I am not afraid of you. I know you for a cruel, +cold-blooded murderer, an outrager of women, a thief, and an outlaw. No, +you cannot stop me now. You are a low-down cowardly cur, making war on +women and children, sneaking around in the paths of armies, plundering +and looting the helpless. I despise you and every man associated with +you. Neither you, nor all your company, can make me marry Captain Grant. +I will die first. No, don't move, and don't think you are dealing with a +frightened girl. I am desperate enough, but I can act—"</p> + +<p>"Hell! Jones, take that hell-cat by the arms!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Jones will do nothing of the kind—and you—stand back, Fagin; don't +dare to lay a hand on me again!"</p> + +<p>Her face was white, her lips set, her eyes blazing, but Fagin, assured +of her helplessness, laughed, and stepped forward. From what hidden +concealment it came I know not, but there was the flash of a polished +barrel, a sharp report, the whirl of smoke, and the brute went backward +over a chair, crashing to the floor, with hands flung high over his +head. I was aware of the swift rush of a body past me, of steps going up +the stairs, and then, with a yell, my men poured out from the library +into the hall.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r2023" id="r2023"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXV</h2><h3>THE FIGHT IN THE HALL</h3> +</div> + + +<p>Scarcely comprehending that Claire had escaped from the room, I was +swept forward by the onrush of bodies. The preacher was knocked headlong +beneath the table, but Fagin lay motionless underfoot. Jones and Grant +turned to a door at the right, and I leaped after them. One of the two +fired, and the ball struck my shoulder, the impact throwing me back +against one of my men. An instant I felt sick and dizzy, yet realized I +was not seriously hurt, and managed to stagger to my feet. The door was +closed and locked, and, although my head reeled, I began to think +clearly.</p> + +<p>"The other way, lads!" I cried. "Quick, into the hall!"</p> + +<p>We tumbled out through the narrow entrance, and I found myself next to +Eric. But we were too late to head off the fugitives, or prevent their +achieving their purpose. In through the rear door, confused as to what +had occurred, yet shouting fiercely, poured Fagin's wolves, seeking +trouble. They were a wild,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span> rough-looking lot, ill-dressed, and dirty +even in that dim light. For an instant, congested within the limits of +the hallway, both sides paused, staring at each other in mutual surprise +and hesitation. Then I heard Jones's bellow of command, and Grant's +nasal voice profanely ordering them to come on. With us there remained +no choice; we must fight it out where we were, regardless of numbers.</p> + +<p>"Fire! you damned fools—fire!" roared Jones, and there was a crashing +of guns, the dense smoke swirling between us. A Dragoon at my right went +sprawling; another behind gave vent to a yell as he plunged head first +down the basement stairs. There was the sound of splintering wood, of +breaking glass. I felt the blood in my veins leap to the fever of it.</p> + +<p>We were upon the fellows with a rush, firing in their very faces, and +leaping madly at them. There was little room between the walls, barely +space for a half-dozen to fight in, shoulder to shoulder, but those +behind, eager to strike also, pressed us so recklessly that we hurled +them back. To me it was all confusion, uproar, deadly fighting. I could +think of nothing to right or left, only of the struggling devils in my +front. Faces, forms, came and vanished in the swirl of smoke, brown +gun-barrels whirled before me,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span> flashes of fire burned my eyes, strange +features, bearded, malignant, glared at me. I leaped straight at them, +striking fiercely. Once I saw Grant, and aimed a blow at him. Then he +was gone, swallowed in the ruck. There were oaths, shouts, shrieks of +pain, groans, the heavy breathing of men, the crunch of feet, the dull +reverberation of blows, the continued firing of those behind. It was all +an infuriated babel, the smoke thickening until we gasped for breath, +barely able to see.</p> + +<p>Our mad onrush swept them back, helpless, demoralized. I stumbled over +bodies, slipped in pools of blood, yet kept my feet. Every muscle ached; +I was cut and pounded, yet drove into the mass, shouting to those +behind,</p> + +<p>"Come on, lads! Come on! We're driving them!"</p> + +<p>A yard, two yards, three,—beyond the door where the men had escaped we +won our way. Then they could go no further. Blocked, unable to retreat, +wedged helplessly against the far end of the hall they turned like +cornered rats. I could see nothing of Jones, but I heard him, raging +like a fiend.</p> + +<p>"Now, you curs, now!" he stormed. "You cowardly scum—perhaps you'll +fight when you can't run! What are you afraid of? There's only a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span> +handful, you can chew 'em up, if you will! Push 'em back, there! Push +'em back!"</p> + +<p>With a yell of rage, those crushed against the wall hurtled forward, +driving the others; men were lifted and hurled at us; others gripped at +our feet; by sheer force of numbers they swept us backward. It was hand +to hand, neither side having time to reload their weapons. The smoke +rose, permitting a view of the shambles. There was a tangle of arms, a +jumble of faces. They were maddened beasts, desperate, revengeful. Hands +clutched at us, gun butts were thrust into our faces, the crush too +dense to permit of their being swung overhead. My Dragoons had their +sabres out, and stood to it like men, the steel blades dripping as they +tasted blood. But killing one only brought a new man to the front. One +does not see so much as feel in such a jumble. Yet I knew we were +worsted, outnumbered. They came at us like a battering ram. I saw the +sergeant shot through the forehead; I saw Eric go down beneath a +crushing stroke, and roll under my feet. I stepped on bodies, fighting +for my own life as I never fought before. Somewhere I had gripped a gun +out of dead fingers, and swung it savagely, smashing the stock at the +first blow, but retaining the twisted iron. The intensity of excitement +seemed to clear my brain. I began to distinguish<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span> voices, to notice +faces. I heard Grant yell safely in the rear; I heard Jones's roar, "To +hell with 'em! To hell with 'em!" Out of the murk of struggling figures +I made out his black beard, the gleam of yellow fangs, and leaped toward +him, striking men down until I was able to swing at his head. He went +over like a stricken ox under a butcher's axe, knocking aside two men as +he fell. It gave me chance to spring back out of the <i>mêlée</i>.</p> + +<p>"To the stairs, men! The stairs!" I cried. "We can hold them there!"</p> + +<p>I cannot describe now how we made it, but we did. I only know Tom and I +held the rear, sweeping circles of death with our whirling gun-barrels, +falling back step by step as we fought. At last I felt the bottom stairs +with my foot, and heard a voice shout,</p> + +<p>"Come up, sir! We'll hold 'em now!"</p> + +<p>Then I was above the heads of the mob, gripping the rail, and sobbing +for breath. There followed a moment's wait, an instant of hesitancy. I +began to see and feel once more. Below us the hall was jammed with men, +so closely pressed together as to be almost helpless. Blood streamed +from a cut in my forehead, nearly blinding me, but I wiped it away, and +took one glance at their angry upturned faces, and gained a glimpse of +my own men. There were but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span> six of us, and one of these lay helpless +propped against the wall. Tom and I stood alone, his face blackened by +powder, his shirt ripped into rags; the other three were above, pistols +in hand.</p> + +<p>"Are they loaded?" I gasped.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Stand ready then, but look out for above; there was a guard up +there—Tom."</p> + +<p>He turned his face slightly.</p> + +<p>"Move back a step or two more; we've got to hold them."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir."</p> + +<p>I felt weak from loss of blood, my head reeling, and had to hold to the +rail. Below us, growling like wild beasts, but seemingly leaderless, the +mob crushed forward to the foot of the stairs. Suddenly I saw Grant, and +the sight of him gave me new life.</p> + +<p>"You black-faced hound," I called down angrily. "You've kept yourself +safe so far. Now come on."</p> + +<p>He snarled some answer, what, I know not. There was an empty pistol in +my belt, and I flung it at him with all the force of my arm. He dodged, +the weapon striking the man behind. With a howl of rage the fellows +leaped toward us, bearing Grant on the crest of the wave. The pistols of +the Dragoons cracked; three fell, blocking the stairs with their bodies. +We<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></span> had room now in which to swing our iron bars, and we battered them +like demons. I lost sight of Grant, the red drip of blood over my eyes +making all before me a mist. I only knew enough to strike. Yet fight as +we could there was no holding them. We were forced to give way. Guns +began to spit fire. I saw the wounded Dragoon dragged down under the +feet of the mob; hands gripped my legs, and I kicked at the faces in my +effort to tear loose. Tom reeled against the wall, his arm shattered by +a blow, and one of the men above came tumbling over me, shot dead. The +fall of him cleared the stairs an instant; then the rail broke, and +several toppled over with it. I stumbled back almost to the top, +sweeping the hair and blood out of my eyes. What—what was the matter? +They were running, those fellows down there—struggling, fighting among +themselves to get away. Oaths, yells, cries of sudden fear, made a +perfect babel. I could not understand, could not grasp the meaning of +the sudden panic. Who were those men surging in through the front door, +pouring out through the library? Then a voice roared out:</p> + +<p>"Bedad, they're Fagin's hell-hounds, byes—ter hell wid 'em!"</p> + +<p>Where had I heard the voice before? I sank down, too weak to stand, my +head hanging over the edge<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></span> of the stairs. Some hand drew me back, but I +had no strength left. Only I could think—and the truth came to me. +Camden militia! Camden militia! By all the gods, Farrell was there! It +was the voice of the Irish minute man heard the night we captured +Delavan's raiders. Then I closed my eyes, and forgot.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r8961" id="r8961"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXVI</h2><h3>SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I was unconscious, yet not for long. The first touch of water served to +revive me, and I became aware that an arm supported my head, although +everything was indistinct before my eyes.</p> + +<p>"More water, Mike," said a voice close at hand. "Yes, that will do. +Where is Farrell? Oh, Dan, this is Major Lawrence."</p> + +<p>"One of the Dragoons said he was in command. Hurt badly?"</p> + +<p>"No, I think not; but utterly exhausted, and weak from loss of blood. +They put up a game fight."</p> + +<p>"Only three on their feet when we got in. Hullo, Lawrence, getting back +to the world, lad?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," I managed to answer, feeling strength enough to lift myself, and +vaguely noticing his features. "Is that you, Farrell?"</p> + +<p>"It certainly is," cheerfully. "Duval has his arm about you, and the +Camden boys are herding those devils down below. You had some fracas +from the way things look. How many men had you?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span></p> + +<p>I rubbed my head, endeavoring to recollect, staring down into the hall. +It was filled with dead and wounded men, and at the foot of the stairs +was a pile of bodies.</p> + +<p>"Twelve, altogether," I replied finally. "They—they were too many for +us."</p> + +<p>"Three to one, or more, I should judge. We got here just in time."</p> + +<p>I was up now, looking into their faces, slowly grasping the situation.</p> + +<p>"Yes," I said, feeling the necessity of knowing. "How did it happen? +What brought you? Washington—"</p> + +<p>"All natural enough. Clinton got away night before last with what was +left of his army. Left fires burning, and made a forced march to the +ships at Sandy Hook. Left everything to save his troops. Washington, +realizing the uselessness of holding them longer, sent most of his +militia home. About six miles out there on the pike road a half-crazy +preacher named Jenks came up with us. He was too badly frightened to +tell a straight story, but we got out of him that there was a fight on +here, and came over as fast as our horses would travel." His eyes swept +the hall. "Five minutes later would have been too late."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span></p> + +<p>The name of Jenks recalled everything to my mind instantly. In spite of +Duval I gripped the broken rail and gained my feet, swaying slightly but +able to stand. My hand still grasped the twisted rifle barrel, which I +used as a cane.</p> + +<p>"But Farrell, the girl! Do you know anything about the girl?"</p> + +<p>"What girl? Do you mean Claire Mortimer? Is she here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, her father is lying helplessly wounded up stairs, and she must be +with him. Eric is somewhere in the hall, either dead or wounded. I saw +him fall just as we retreated to the stairs."</p> + +<p>Farrell leaned over and called to some one below.</p> + +<p>"Not yet, sir," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Well, hunt for him. Now, we'll go up and find Claire. Major, can you +climb the rest of the stairs? Help him, Duval."</p> + +<p>I experienced no great difficulty, my strength coming back rapidly. +There was a wounded Dragoon leaning against the wall, and half-way down +the hall lay another body, face down. Without doubt this was the guard +Fagin had stationed there. Duval paused to help the wounded man, but +Farrell and I moved on across the dead guard to the open door beyond. +Colonel Mortimer, unable to move, was propped up on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span> his pillow, one +hand grasping a pistol. With shaking arm he levelled it at us.</p> + +<p>"Who are you? Quick, now!" he quavered. "I've shot one, and I'm good for +more."</p> + +<p>"You know me, Colonel," and Farrell stepped inside. "I am 'Bull' +Farrell; this is Major Lawrence." He looked at us with dull eyes, his +hand falling weakly.</p> + +<p>"Farrell—Farrell—surely, the blacksmith. What Lawrence? The—the +officer Claire knows?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; he's a rough-looking object I admit, but there has been a fight +down below, sir, in which he had a share. We've just cleaned out Red +Fagin's gang. We came up here to tell the good news to you and your +daughter."</p> + +<p>The Colonel's head sank back upon the mussed pillow.</p> + +<p>"My daughter—Claire—she is not here."</p> + +<p>"Not here!" I cried, aroused by the admission. "Did she not return to +you?"</p> + +<p>"No; they came for her to go down stairs—a tall man with a black beard, +and two others. They took her away an hour ago, and I have seen nothing +of her since. I—heard the shots, the sound of fierce fighting, but +could not move from the bed. Tell me, Major, what has become of my +little girl?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I do not know," I confessed, gazing about in bewilderment. "She came up +the stairs, I am sure. It was just as the fight began, and I had +scarcely a moment to observe anything before we were at it fiercely. She +shot Fagin down, and then ran."</p> + +<p>"Shot Fagin! Claire!"</p> + +<p>"Yes; she was justified. Had she not acted so quickly I would have done +so myself. He was forcing her into marriage."</p> + +<p>"Into marriage! With whom?"</p> + +<p>"Captain Grant," I answered passionately. "It was a deliberate plot, +although he pretended to be innocent, and a helpless prisoner. Later the +man fought with the outlaws against us; after Jones was killed he even +assumed command."</p> + +<p>"He has been hand and glove with those fellows from the first, Colonel," +chimed in Farrell hoarsely. "I've known it, and told Lawrence so a month +ago. I only hope he was killed down below. But what can have become of +Claire?"</p> + +<p>"She never passed along here," insisted Mortimer, "for I haven't taken +my eyes from that door."</p> + +<p>"Then she is hiding somewhere in those front rooms. Come on, Lawrence, +and we'll search them."</p> + +<p>We went out hurriedly, leaving the wounded man lying helplessly on the +bed, and stepped carelessly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</a></span> across the dead sentinel lying in the +hallway. The memory of Peter recurred to me. He was not the kind to +desert his mistress at such a time. Stopping Farrell, I stepped back to +inquire. The Colonel opened his eyes wearily at sound of my voice.</p> + +<p>"He is not here," he explained slowly. "Both Peter and Tonepah were sent +away to find a surgeon, and have not returned. We anticipated no danger +here with Captain Grant present."</p> + +<p>I ground my teeth savagely together, recalling the treachery of the +latter, his insults to Claire, his deceiving of Eric, his stealing of +papers, hoping thus to ruin his own Colonel, his alliance with Fagin, +his selling of British secrets. Here was a villain through and through +and I hoped he had already paid the penalty. If not, I vowed the man +should never escape. But the thought of the missing girl came back, +driving all else from my mind. She was in none of those rooms we +searched, nor did we discover the slightest evidence of her having been +there. As I stood in the door of the deserted music-room staring +helplessly about, a sudden possibility occurred to me. Ay! that must be +the truth, the full explanation of her vanishing. She had come flying up +the stairs, frightened, desperate,—so far as she knew, alone against +Fagin's unscrupulous band. She had not returned to her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</a></span> father, or +escaped by way of the hall. Where then could she have gone? The secret +staircase, down which she had hurried me, and which was known only to +herself, Eric and Peter. I gripped Farrell's arm eagerly.</p> + +<p>"You know this house well—did you ever hear of secret passages in it?"</p> + +<p>"I have heard it whispered in gossip," he answered, "that such were here +in the old Indian days. Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because it is true. The girl hid me here from Grant. And that is where +we will find her. The opening is there by the false chimney, but I have +no conception of how it works; she made me turn my back while she +operated the mechanism."</p> + +<p>He stooped down, and began search along the fireplace, and I joined him. +Together our hands felt over every inch of surface. There was no +response, not even a crack to guide us. At last he glanced aside, and +our eyes met.</p> + +<p>"Who knew of this beside Claire?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Eric and the servant Swanson. She told me she and her brother +discovered it by accident through reading an old memoranda."</p> + +<p>"And the Colonel is not aware of its existence?"</p> + +<p>"I understood not. Do you know if the boy lives?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</a></span></p> + +<p>He left the room, and I heard his voice calling down the stairs, but did +not distinguish the words of reply. I was still on my knees when he +returned.</p> + +<p>"He is alive, but unconscious, Lawrence. Do you consider it impossible +for her to escape from here alone, providing she took refuge in this +place?"</p> + +<p>"I could find no opening, except underground, and that is blocked now." +I shuddered at the thought. "Besides, she must be in utter darkness, for +I used all the candles."</p> + +<p>"Then we must get axes, and cut our way in. Wait here, and I will bring +up some of the men."</p> + +<p>I straightened up as he left the room, and my eyes looked into a small +mirror above the open grate. Good Heavens! Could that be my reflection! +Bareheaded, my face streaked with blood and dirt, my coat rags, my shirt +ripped to the waist. I scarcely looked human. In sudden burst of anger I +reached out and gripped the mirror, jerking it savagely. Then I sprang +back. Slowly, with a faint click of the mechanism, the mantel-place was +swinging open.</p> + + + + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;'> +<a name="r4998" id="r4998"></a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</a></span> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXVII</h2><h3>A CONFESSION OF LOVE</h3> +</div> + + +<p>I could scarcely believe my eyes as the mantel swung slowly outward, +revealing the black hole beyond. I glanced about helplessly, and sprang +to the door of the room to call back Farrell. He was not in the upper +hall, but as my eyes swept its length I remembered a half-burned candle +in the chamber opposite. By the time I returned with it lighted, the +mantel had turned on its pivot, leaving the way clear. The narrow stair +was vacant, stretching down into the black depths. I listened, my heart +throbbing, but no sound came from below. Could she be there? Was there +any other secret passage by which she could have disappeared? I +shuddered at memory of what it meant to be shut up in that dismal hole, +without the companionship of light. Fearful of some accident I paused +long enough to wedge a heavy piece of furniture in the opening, and +then, shading the bit of candle, began groping my way down. I had +reached the lower floor before the flickering yellow rays revealed any +evidence of her presence. Then I saw a girl lying<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</a></span> head down upon the +table. My hand touched her arm before she moved, but then she faced me, +wild-eyed, the pistol gleaming in the candle-light.</p> + +<p>"Claire! Claire!" I exclaimed, startled at her sudden movement. "Surely +you know me."</p> + +<p>For the instant she did not, her eyes full of terror.</p> + +<p>"No! no!" she cried hysterically. "Oh, it cannot be! It is a dream! +You—you—tell me who you are?"</p> + +<p>I caught her hand, the pistol falling to the floor, and placed the +candlestick upon the table.</p> + +<p>"It is no dream, dear. I am Allen Lawrence, and I have come for you. I +know I look disreputable enough, but there has been fighting—surely you +know me now."</p> + +<p>She caught her breath quickly, clinging to me with both hands—her eyes +softening as she studied my face.</p> + +<p>"Allen—Allen Lawrence!" she repeated softly. "Oh, I can scarcely +believe it true. Let me feel of you. I—I believe I was going +insane—the dark, the awful dark, and, and no way out—no way out."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, I understand," I whispered, drawing her to me. "I was hidden +here once, remember. But it is over with now."</p> + +<p>"But—how did you find a way to me? I—I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</a></span> never thought until it was all +over that I had shut myself in here to die. I was so frightened. I just +ran and hid. Oh, you cannot conceive what I had gone through."</p> + +<p>She drew away from me, and again hid her face on the table.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but I can, Claire," and I bent over her, my hand fondling her hair. +"I was there in the hall below, ready even then to act in your defence. +I heard all that was said, saw all that was done."</p> + +<p>"You—you were there?" sobbing out the words. "You saw me kill him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and had you delayed another instant I should have done it."</p> + +<p>"Then—then," she glanced up, tears dimming her eyes, "you do not blame +me? You do not think me a wicked wretch?"</p> + +<p>"I think you a brave, noble woman," I burst forth. "How could I feel +otherwise? Look up, little girl; I want to see your face. No, don't +shrink back from me. There is no cause. I know the whole story without +your speaking a word. You asked me to come back to help you, and I +came."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she whispered, "I know. You have been so good."</p> + +<p>"Good! I loved you, dear. From the moment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</a></span> I lifted you out of the way +of that mob in Philadelphia, I have loved you. I did not understand much +that occurred, but I have never doubted you. Now I realize the cause of +your masquerade and know you were justified. I can bring you good +news—Eric is not a traitor, but was a prisoner, captured by Fagin, and +held at Grant's request. We found him bound and under guard out yonder, +as we approached the house."</p> + +<p>"And he is here now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; he was hurt in the fight, and is still unconscious, but will +live."</p> + +<p>"His reputation—"</p> + +<p>"Is safe. Washington believes he brought him the news of Clinton's route +of march, and will never know otherwise."</p> + +<p>She arose to her feet, standing straight and slender before me, the +flickering light of the candle on her face.</p> + +<p>"Major Lawrence," she began, "I wish to get out of here—it seems like a +grave to me,—but I must speak first. Oh, I am so glad I have +accomplished what I endeavored to do for my brother. Captain Grant tried +to make me believe him a deserter, but I would not. When he failed to +come back to me as he had promised, I could hardly determine what my +duty was. I knew his plans, his orders, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</a></span> thought came that I +should carry these out myself. We looked sufficiently alike so that this +could be done with little danger of discovery. He had uniforms concealed +here, and I felt driven to impersonate him. I do not insist that I did +right; I do not know—only it seemed right to me. Then—then," her voice +faltered, "I met you, again and again, and I—I began to doubt myself. I +had no one to confide in, no one to advise me. I was simply compelled to +go ahead, and keep my own secret. The only ones I knew I could +absolutely trust were our old house servants."</p> + +<p>"You doubted me even?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, at first, but you must not blame me. We met strangely; you were a +gentleman and an officer; I felt sure of this, and was tempted +oftentimes to tell you my story. But before I dared do so, you—you +spoke of other things and—and then I was afraid."</p> + +<p>"Afraid of what?" and I caught her hand in mine. "That a knowledge of +what you were attempting to accomplish would turn me against you?"</p> + +<p>Her eyes fell, shaded by the long lashes.</p> + +<p>"Yes; once, do you remember I almost began a confession, when you spoke +of your old-fashioned mother, and her conception of womanhood. How could +I tell you then that I had dressed as a man, and played the part of a +spy? I—I thought you might<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</a></span> despise me, and—and I wished so to retain +your respect. It was an accident we were with Delavan that night. We +were endeavoring to waylay a courier, and rode suddenly into his party. +I had to invent a tale on the spur of the moment. Major Lawrence, now +that you know all, tell me the one thing I must know before we join the +others—would you wish your own sister to do as I have done?"</p> + +<p>"Not to pass through the dangers, surely," I returned eagerly, "but I +should rejoice at her loyalty, and be proud of her. Claire, Claire, +there has never been in my heart aught but love for you. As Lady of the +Blended Rose, as daughter of a Colonel of Queen's Rangers, even in the +disguise of a Dragoon, I have never questioned the depth of your +womanhood. Once I guessed you a British spy, yet ceased not to love you. +Am I to have my reward? You know little of me, as you say, but as an +officer and a gentleman, I ask you to repeat again what you whispered to +me once out yonder under the stars—do you remember, dear?"</p> + +<p>"It was only to compel you to leave me."</p> + +<p>"And now it is an invitation to remain."</p> + +<p>Her eyes were uplifted to mine. Slowly I drew her toward me, her arms +were upon my shoulders, and our lips met.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I love you," she said slowly. "Yes, dear, I love you."</p> + +<p>Above us, his head thrust through the opening, Farrell called:</p> + +<p>"Have you found her, Major? Shall I come down?"</p> + +<p>"It's not necessary."</p> + +<p>"The Colonel is half crazy, and the boy is getting back his senses."</p> + +<p>We went up together, I bearing the candle in one hand, and helping her +along the circular stairs with the other. In the upper hall I glanced +below, but the bodies of the dead had been removed. Farrell stood +bareheaded, a great figure on his short legs.</p> + +<p>"This has been a fine night's work," he said steadily, "the last of +Fagin's gang."</p> + +<p>"Dead?"</p> + +<p>"Ay, and Grant with him—begging your pardon, mistress."</p> + +<p>Her eyes glanced from his face into mine, and my hand-clasp tightened. +It was thus we went in together, and stood beside the Colonel's bed.</p> + +<p class='center'><br/>THE END<br/><br/></p> + +<hr class='major' /> + +<table width="450" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="" border="1"> + <col style="width:80%;" /> + <tr> + <td> + <table width='400' cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="" border="0"> + <tr><td> + <p style='text-align:center; font-size:125%'><span class="smcap">By</span> MR. PARRISH<br/></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Love Under Fire</span>: With Five Illustrations in Full Color and a +Full-Color Wrap, by Alonzo Kimball. <i>Net $1.35.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Keith of the Border</span>: A Tale of the Plains. With Four Illustrations +in Full Color and a Full-Color Wrap, by W. Herbert Dunton. <i>Net +$1.35.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">When Wilderness Was King</span>: A Tale of the Illinois Country. +Illustrated by the Kinneys.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My Lady of the North</span>: The Love Story of a Gray-Jacket. Illustrated +by E. M. Ashe.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Sword of the Old Frontier</span>: A Romance of the Time of Pontiac's +Conspiracy. Illustrated by F. C. Yohn.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bob Hampton of Placer</span>: A Tale of Two Soldiers of the Seventh. +Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Beth Norvell</span>: A Romance of the West. Illustrated by N. C. Wyeth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Prisoners of Chance</span>. Illustrated by the Kinneys.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Last Voyage of the Donna Isabel</span>: A Romance of the Sea. +Illustrated by Allen T. True.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My Lady of the South</span>: A Story of the Civil War. Illustrated by +Alonzo Kimball.</p> + +<p class='center'><i>Each, Crown 8vo, $1.50.</i></p> +<hr class='minor' /> + +<p><span class="smcap">Don Mac Grath</span>: A Tale of the River. Illustrated by John W. Norton. +<i>Crown 8vo, $1.50.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Historic Illinois</span>: The Romance of the Earlier Days. With Map and +Fifty Illustrations. <i>$2.50 net.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Great Plains</span>: The Romance of Western American Exploration, +Warfare, and Settlement, 1527-1870. With Numerous Illustrations. +<i>$1.75 net.</i></p> +<hr class='minor' /> +<p class='center'><span class="smcap">A. C. McClurg & Co.</span>, Publishers, <span class="smcap">Chicago</span>.<br/><br/></p> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<hr class='full' /> + +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes</h3> +<p>1. Punctuation has been normalized to contemporary standards.</p> +<p>2. List of books "By Mr. Parrish" moved to end of text.</p> +<p>3. Frontispiece illustration moved to after title page.</p> +<p>4. Typographic errors corrected from original:<br/> + p. 31 seen to see ("you can see")<br/> + p. 59 surpressed to suppressed ("suppressed excitement")<br/> + p. 202 addresed to addressed ("The man addressed as Colonel")<br/> + p. 367 SEACHING to SEARCHING ("SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE")<br/> +</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of My Lady of Doubt, by Randall Parrish + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY LADY OF DOUBT *** + +***** This file should be named 18633-h.htm or 18633-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/6/3/18633/ + +Produced by Roger Frank, Carol Wilbur and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: My Lady of Doubt + +Author: Randall Parrish + +Illustrator: Alonzo Kimball + +Release Date: June 20, 2006 [EBook #18633] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY LADY OF DOUBT *** + + + + +Produced by Roger Frank, Carol Wilbur and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + +MY LADY OF DOUBT + +BY RANDALL PARRISH + +AUTHOR OF "LOVE UNDER FIRE," "MY LADY OF THE NORTH," ETC., ETC. + +WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS IN FULL COLOR BY ALONZO KIMBALL + +CHICAGO +A. C. McCLURG & CO. +1911 + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +Copyright +A. C. McCLURG & CO. +1911 + +Published October, 1911 + +Entered at Stationers' Hall, London, England + +PRESS OF THE VAIL COMPANY +COSHOCTON, U. S. A. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +[Illustration: Claire] + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTER I A PERILOUS MISSION 9 +CHAPTER II WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES 18 +CHAPTER III THE FETE OF THE AFTERNOON 27 +CHAPTER IV THE MISCHIANZA 38 +CHAPTER V THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE 48 +CHAPTER VI THE THREAT OF SWORDS 59 +CHAPTER VII THE ONE HOPE 70 +CHAPTER VIII THE BLACKSMITH 80 +CHAPTER IX TANGLING THREADS 92 +CHAPTER X WITH MINUTE MEN 103 +CHAPTER XI THE CAPTURE OF THE WAGON TRAIN 113 +CHAPTER XII A CAPTURE 124 +CHAPTER XIII INTRODUCING PETER 134 +CHAPTER XIV I INTERVIEW PETER 144 +CHAPTER XV A NEW COMBINATION 154 +CHAPTER XVI AGAIN THE LADY 164 +CHAPTER XVII ENTOMBED 175 +CHAPTER XVIII THE REMAINS OF TRAGEDY 186 +CHAPTER XIX THE QUEEN'S RANGERS 196 +CHAPTER XX AT CROSS PURPOSES 207 +CHAPTER XXI AGAIN THE CELLAR-ROOM 219 +CHAPTER XXII THE LADY'S PLAN 230 +CHAPTER XXIII WORDS OF LOVE 241 +CHAPTER XXIV I UNCOVER CAPTAIN GRANT 250 +CHAPTER XXV BETWEEN LOVE AND DUTY 260 +CHAPTER XXVI FORCING CLINTON TO BATTLE 269 +CHAPTER XXVII THE FIGHT AT MONMOUTH 281 +CHAPTER XXVIII THE ROAD TO PHILADELPHIA 291 +CHAPTER XXIX THE ESCORT 301 +CHAPTER XXX BEFORE GENERAL ARNOLD 310 +CHAPTER XXXI I RUN ACROSS ERIC 320 +CHAPTER XXXII WE ATTAIN THE HOUSE 332 +CHAPTER XXXIII THEY SEND FOR CLAIRE 342 +CHAPTER XXXIV A THREATENED MARRIAGE 351 +CHAPTER XXXV THE FIGHT IN THE HALL 359 +CHAPTER XXXVI SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE 367 +CHAPTER XXXVII A CONFESSION OF LOVE 375 + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +ILLUSTRATIONS + +Claire Frontispiece + +"I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the 16 +nearest candle" + +"You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this 166 +was my home?" + +"Let me pass, sir! This is my father's house" 354 + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + + +MY LADY OF DOUBT + +CHAPTER I + +A PERILOUS MISSION + + +Several of us had remained rather late that evening about the cheerful +fire in front of my hut,--for the nights were still chilly, although it +was May, and the dreadful winter passed,--discussing the improved +condition of our troops, the rigid discipline of Baron de Steuben, and +speculating on what would probably be attempted now that Sir Henry +Clinton had succeeded to the command of the forces opposing us. I +remember Maxwell joined us, together with Knox of the artillery, each man +with a different theory of campaign, but alike agreeing that, in spite of +all we had endured during those months of suffering and privation at +Valley Forge, the time to strike once again was near at hand, although +our numbers were barely half that of the enemy. + +It must have been midnight when I crept into a bunk, and, even then, +found sleep absent, my eyes gazing out through the open door to where the +embers of the fire glowed red, and a sentinel paced back and forth in +regular monotony. Suddenly he halted, and challenged hoarsely, flinging +forward his gun. There was an indistinguishable answer, and, as I +straightened up, the figure of a man blotted out the doorway. + +"Major Lawrence?" + +"Yes. What is it?" I swung to the floor, unable to recognize the voice. +The man's hand rose to salute. + +"I am Colonel Gibbs' orderly. General Hamilton wishes you to report at +once at headquarters." + +"The Potts house?" + +"Yes, sir." + +I dressed hastily, my pulses throbbing with eagerness. Whatever the +message meant, there was certainly some purpose of vital importance in +sending for me at this unusual hour, and I was boy enough still to +welcome any form of active service. No duty of the war had so tried me as +the long winter of waiting. Yet, rapidly as I moved, the orderly had +disappeared before I got outside, and I picked my way as best I could +alone through the darkness, along the rear of McIntosh's huts, until I +reached the low fence surrounding the Potts house. Here a sentinel +challenged, calling the corporal of the guard, and in his company I +trudged up the path to the front door. There was a light showing through +a window to the left, although the shade was closely drawn, and a guard +stood within the hall. At the first sound of our approach, however, a +side door was flung open, letting forth a gleam of illumination, and I +perceived the short, slight figure of Hamilton, as he peered forward to +get a better glimpse of my face. + +"All right, Corporal," he said tersely, gripping my hand. "Come in, +Major; your promptness would seem to indicate a readiness to get into +service once more." + +"I had not yet fallen asleep," I explained, "but we are all eager enough +for action of any description." + +He smiled cheerily. + +"You will soon be busy, never fear." He closed the door behind us, and, +with a glance, I viewed the room and its occupants. It was a small, low +ceilinged apartment, containing a table, a dozen chairs, and a high +commode. A few coals glowed in the wide fireplace, and the walls were +dingy with smoke. Three candles, already burning low, gave fitful +illumination, revealing four occupants, all known to me. At an open door +to the right stood a sweet-faced woman, glancing back curiously at my +entrance, and I whipped off my hat bowing low. Once before I had seen +her, Mistress Washington, and welcomed the gracious recognition in her +eyes. Colonel Gibbs stood before the fireplace motionless, but my glance +swept past him to the calm, uplifted face above the pile of papers +littering the table. He was not looking at me, but his eyes were turned +toward his wife. + +"It is not necessary for you to retire," he said quietly. "We shall not +detain this gentleman except for a few moments." + +"It is not because of the Major's coming I withdraw," she replied +pleasantly, "but the hour is late, and I am very tired. Good-night, all." + +Washington's eyes were upon the door until it closed; then he turned +slightly, facing me. Before he spoke again, Hamilton broke in: + +"This is the officer, sir, recommended by General Maxwell--Major Lawrence +of the Maryland Line." + +I bowed silently, and the commander rose to his feet, extending his hand. + +"No doubt we have met before," he said slowly. "You have been with us for +some time?" + +"My first action was at Harlem, sir." + +"You could not have been at Valley Forge during the past winter, +however?" + +"I was with the Marquis de la Fayette at Albany." + +"Ah, yes," his face clouding at the recollection. "A young officer, +Hamilton, but capable, no doubt. You have used him before, you said?" + +"Yes, at Long Island, and he entered New York once at my request." + +Washington's gray eyes were still on my face. + +"Lawrence is a Massachusetts name." + +"Not exclusively," I returned, "as our branch are Virginians." + +The stern lines about the mouth relaxed into a smile. + +"Indeed; from the Eastern shore then. I recall now having once met a +Judge John Lawrence, whose wife was a Lee." + +"My father, sir." + +His hand rested firm on my shoulder, as his glance turned to Hamilton. + +"I require no further commendation, Colonel. You will find the papers in +the second drawer. Please explain all the details carefully to Major +Lawrence." + +He bowed toward me, and sank back once more into his chair, one hand +shading the eyes that still regarded us. Hamilton opened the drawer +designated, extracted an official document, and addressed me rapidly in +lowered voice. + +"This is a simple duty, Major, but may prove a dangerous one. You have +been selected because of previous successful efforts of a similar nature, +but the Commander-in-chief does not order your going; we seek a +volunteer." + +"Without asking the nature of the service," I answered sincerely, "I +rejoice at the privilege." + +"I knew that, Lawrence," heartily. "That answer accords with your well +earned reputation throughout the army. I will explain briefly the +situation. Early this evening our pickets--or rather some partisan scouts +near Newtown--captured a British officer, in field uniform, on his way +from New York to Sir William Howe in Philadelphia. The prisoner was +brought here, and on examination proved to be Lieutenant Edgar Fortesque +of the 42nd Regiment of Foot. These troops came over with the last +detachment, and arrived in New York less than a month ago. On searching +Fortesque's clothing we found this despatch," holding out the sealed +paper, "which we opened. It is not of any great military importance, +being merely an order for Howe to proceed at once to New York, taking +with him certain officers of his staff, and placing a naval vessel at his +disposal." + +He paused, turning the paper over in his hands. + +"However," he went on slowly, "it affords us the opportunity we have long +been seeking of getting a competent military observer into Philadelphia. +Now that Sir Henry Clinton is in command of the British forces directly +opposing us, it is necessary that we know accurately their number, state +of discipline, guns, and any point of weakness in the defences of the +city. We require also information regarding the division of troops under +Sir Henry's command--the proportion of British, Hessians, and Tories, +together with some inkling as to Clinton's immediate plans. There is a +rumor abroad that Philadelphia is to be evacuated, and that the British +forces contemplate a retreat overland to New York. Civilian fugitives +drift into our camp constantly, bearing all manner of wild reports, but +these accounts are so varied as to be practically valueless. We must +possess accurate details, and to gain these a man would need to be in the +city several days, free to move about, observe, and converse with the +officers of the garrison. Do I make myself clear?" + +"Yes, sir; you propose forwarding the despatch by an officer who shall +impersonate this captured Lieutenant." + +"Exactly. Fortesque is a young fellow about your age, and build. He has +been in the army only eight months, and in this country less than thirty +days. It is scarcely probable he is known personally to any of the +present Philadelphia garrison. There is a risk, of course, but in this +case it would seem to be small." He picked up a paper from off the table. +"Here is an officer's roster of the 42nd Regiment. It might be well for +you to familiarize yourself with a few of the names." + +I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the nearest candle, +while rapidly reviewing in my own mind the duty required. I had no +thought of refusal, yet appreciated to the full the possible danger of +the venture, and felt anxious to make no serious mistake. I had achieved +a reputation for reckless daring, yet this kind of service was hardly to +my liking. To wear British uniform meant my condemnation as a spy, if +discovered, and a death of disgrace. I had been within the lines of the +enemy often before, but always as a scout, wearing the homespun of the +Maryland Line, but this was to be a masquerade, a juggling with chance. I +was not greatly afraid of being unmasked by the officers of the garrison, +but there were those then in Philadelphia who knew me--loyalists, secret +sympathizers with our cause, and not a few deserters from the army--whom +I might encounter at any turn in the road. The prospect was not alluring, +yet a glance aside at the profile of Washington, now bending low over a +mass of papers, instantly stiffened my resolve. It was work I had no +excuse to shirk--indeed no inclination--so I returned Hamilton's glance +of inquiry frankly. + +"You wish me to go at once?" + +[Illustration: "I studied the list a moment, bending down closer to the +nearest candle"] + +"The earlier the better. I will furnish passports through our lines, and +hard riding will put you across the neutral ground by daylight." + +"One moment, Major," interrupted Washington quietly. "You were doubtless +acquainted with our late Inspector-General?" + +"Yes," my face darkening. + +"He is now in Philadelphia, and it might be safer were you to avoid +meeting him." + +"General Washington," I said frankly, "I have been loyal to you through +all this controversy, but, nevertheless, have retained my friendship with +General Conway. I believe the misunderstanding between you is entirely +personal, and in no way affects his loyalty to the cause. Whatever his +present relations may be with the British commander, I have the utmost +faith that he would not betray me to either death, or imprisonment." + +"I am glad to hear your words," and the kindly face instantly brightened. +"This entire controversy has been most unfortunate, with wrong no doubt +upon both sides. Unquestionably you are right, yet I felt it my duty to +warn you of his presence at Clinton's headquarters. God bless you, my +boy, good-bye." + +I grasped the hand extended across the table, and followed Hamilton from +the room, Gibbs still standing motionless and silent before the +fireplace. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES + + +A long cavalry cape concealing the British uniform I wore, my horse and +myself were ferried across the Schuylkill, just below the mouth of Valley +Creek, and there, amid the silence and darkness of the eastern shore, I +parted with Hamilton, who had accompanied me thus far, whispering final +words of instruction. My horse was a fresh one, chosen from the stables +of the Life Guard, but the trappings were of the British service. Within +five minutes I was out of sight of the picket fire on the river bank, +riding steadily southeast through the night, every nerve alert. An hour's +riding found me well beyond our outermost pickets, yet, in fear that I +might encounter some body of irregulars, scouting the neutral ground, I +held on to my passport until I perceived the first flush of dawn in the +east. Then, convinced of close proximity to the British guard-lines, I +tore the paper into fragments. Avoiding all roads, and seeking every bit +of concealment possible, it was already sunrise before I plunged suddenly +into a Hessian picket-post, the distant smoke of the Philadelphia +chimneys darkening the sky ahead. Unable to speak German, my uniform won +sufficient courtesy, so that I was escorted back under guard to an +outpost of the Queen's Rangers, where I explained my presence and rank to +a red-faced Captain in Tory green, so insolent in manner as to be +insulting, until I exhibited the sealed despatch, and demanded to be +escorted at once to Sir William Howe. This brought results, and I entered +the city under escort of a dozen horsemen, their green coats faced with +dingy white, cocked hats flapping as they rode. + +It was thus we came to Callowhill, and the encampment of British +grenadiers, an officer of the 55th Regiment volunteering to guide me to +Howe's quarters in High Street. He was a genial fellow, and pointed out +various places of interest, as we rode more slowly through the streets +close along the river-side, questioning me often upon affairs in New +York, to which I returned such vague answers as pleased me, paying small +heed to the truth. I had never known Philadelphia well, but now it was so +strange as to be peculiarly interesting, many of the houses deserted, +with doors and windows boarded; several of the churches made over into +barracks, or riding-schools; the market closed; the State House filled +with lounging officers; and the streets thronged, even at this early +hour, by a varied uniformed soldiery, speaking Cockney English, the +jargon of the counties, Scottish Gaelic, or guttural German, as they +elbowed their passage, the many scarlet jackets interspersed with the +blue of artillery and cavalry, the Hessian red and yellow, the green of +the rifle-corps, or the kilts of the Highlanders. Lancers and Huzzars, +Grenadiers, Light Dragoons and Queen's Rangers mixed, and commingled, +apparently enjoying holiday. There was scarcely a woman to be seen; the +few who did appear being of the lower sort. All along the river were +redoubts, well garrisoned, with black gun muzzles pointing out across the +water. Many houses had been razed, and their _debris_, together with the +fire ruin of the past winter, gave to everything a look of desolation. +Much artillery was parked in the State House yard, and several vessels of +war were lying at anchor in the stream, while the entire shore line was +filled with barges, decorated as for a _fete_, a large force of men +laboring about them. My companion, observing my interest attracted in +that direction, reined up his horse to explain. + +"Those are the galleys being made ready for the Mischianza, Fortesque," +he said, waving his hand. "You came to us at a lucky hour." + +"The Mischianza?" I asked, puzzled by the strange term. "Some festival, +you mean?--some gala day?" + +"'Tis an Italian word, they tell me, signifying medley. The officers give +it in farewell to Sir William, who will sail to-morrow. A pretty penny it +costs. See, there is Major O'Hara now, one of the managers; there are +three others, Sir John Wrottlesly, Major Gardiner, and the chief +engineer, Montresor. Do you know them? No? Oh, I had forgotten you have +only just arrived. You will know them 'ere long, however, for they are +the leaders in such affairs. That is Captain Andre there with O'Hara." He +waved his hand, and the younger officer lifted his cocked hat in +acknowledgment. "Let us spur over there, Lieutenant, until I get you a +ticket of invitation." + +I followed, careless of the loss of time so I could both see and hear. + +"Andre, this is Lieutenant Fortesque just in from New York with +despatches for Howe. I have promised him a ticket for to-night." + +The young officer laughingly extended a hand. + +"The more the merrier, Craig. With the 42nd I see, sir; knew your Colonel +well. You'll find America isn't so bad, after you get used to it. We've +had a gay time here, eh, O'Hara? The best of liquor, and the prettiest of +girls, and now we'll show the town something it won't forget in a hurry." +He held out a card to me. "Rather ornate, considering the printers in +these colonies; designed it myself." + +It was certainly a handsome souvenir, perhaps six inches by four in size, +engraved as in a shield, yielding a view of the sea, with the setting +sun, and on a wreath the words, "_Lucco discendens, ancto splendore +resurgam_," while at the top was the General's crest, bearing the words, +"_Vive Vale_." I have it yet, but as I looked at it then, sitting my +horse on the river bank, and listening to the careless laughter of those +about me, I could think only of that other half-starved army in whose +camp I had been the evening before, and of those scenes of suffering +witnessed during the past winter at Valley Forge--the shoeless feet, the +shivering forms, the soldiers dying from cold and hunger, the snow +drifting over us as we slept. What a contrast between this foolish boy's +play, and the stern man's work yonder. Somehow the memory stiffened me to +the playing of my own part, helping me to crush back bitter words that I +might exhibit the same spirit of recklessness shown by those about me. + +"A fine conceit, indeed," I confessed, "and if the pageant be equal to +its promise 'twill be well worth the seeing. What is the purpose, +gentlemen?" + +"To give Sir William fit farewell," returned Andre, pleased at my +unstinted praise. "And now that the Lord has sent us a fine day, I can +promise a festival worthy the herald. But, Fortesque, if you would have +audience with Howe, I advise you to get on, for he will have few spare +moments between now and day-dawn to-morrow." + +We parted with much bowing, Craig and I guiding our horses through the +crowded streets, being kept too busy avoiding accidents to exchange +conversation. Howe's headquarters on High Street were not pretentious, +and, except for a single sentinel posted at the door, were unguarded. I +was admitted without delay, being ushered into a large room containing +merely tables and chairs, the latter littered with papers. An aide took +my name, and within a very few moments Sir William himself entered +through a rear door, attired in field uniform. He was of imposing figure, +fully six feet in height, well proportioned, and with a thoughtful, +kindly face. He greeted me with much affability, glancing hastily over +the papers handed him, and then into my face. + +"These do not greatly change my former plans," he said, "but I am glad to +know I can retain my present staff. There was no special news in New +York, Lieutenant?" + +"None of particular importance, I believe, sir. We landed only a short +time ago." + +"Yes. I understand. You were fortunate to get through here so easily--the +Jerseys are a hotbed of rebellion. Do you return with me by water?" + +"I believe that was left to my own discretion. I should be glad of a day +or two in Philadelphia." + +"Easily arranged. While I shall leave the city to-morrow so as to give +Clinton a fair field, I shall remain on Lord Howe's flag-ship for some +little time previous to final departure for New York. You had better mess +here with my staff. Mabry," turning to the aide, "see that Lieutenant +Fortesque has breakfast, and procure him a pass good indefinitely within +our lines. You will pardon my withdrawal, as the officers of the garrison +promise me an exceedingly busy day. We will meet again, no doubt." + +He clasped my hand warmly, and withdrew, leaving me alone with the aide, +half-ashamed, I confess, of having been compelled to deceive. Yet the +very ease of it all stimulated endeavor, and I conversed lightly with +Mabry over the mess table, and, when the orderly returned with the +necessary pass, I was keen to start upon my round of inspection, utterly +forgetful of having been up, and in saddle, all night. Mabry could not +leave his duties to accompany me, but courteously furnished a fresh +horse, and assigned a private of dragoons to guide me about the city. By +ten o'clock we were off, my only fear being the possible meeting with +some acquaintance. + +In this, however, I was happily disappointed, as there were few civilians +on the streets, the throngs of soldiers, off duty for a holiday, with all +discipline relaxed, being boisterous, and considerably under the +influence of liquor. Quarrels between them were frequent, the British +regulars and Loyalists seldom meeting without exchange of words and +blows. The uniform worn, together with my dragoon guard, saved me from +trouble, and I found the fellow sufficiently intelligent to be of value. +I dare not make notes, and yet recall clearly even now the stations of +the troops, together with a clear mental outline of the main defences of +the city. I made no attempt to pass beyond the limits, but, from +statements of the dragoon, and various officers with whom I conversed, +mapped in my mind the entire scheme of defence. Briefly stated, the line +of intrenchments from the Delaware to the Schuylkill extended from the +mouth of Conoquonaque Creek, just above Willow Street, to the Upper +Ferry, nearly on a line with Callowhill Street. These consisted of ten +redoubts, connected with strong palisades, all redoubts well garrisoned +by seasoned troops, the Queen's Rangers being at the extreme right. +Within the city proper were the reserves, so scattered in various +encampments as to be easily mobilized, and yet kept separated. To the +north were the Hessians, and next to these came three regiments of +British Grenadiers, with a body of Fusileers. Eight regiments of the line +occupied the slight eminence known as Bush's Hill, while close to the +Ferry was another encampment of Hessians. The Yagers, horse and foot, +were upon another hill near the river, and below them a large body of +infantry of the line. The Light Dragoons and three infantry regiments +were near a small pond. At the Middle Ferry was the 71st Regiment, and a +body of Yagers were at the Point House, opposite Gloucester. Many of +these locations were then outside the city, which extended at that time +from Christian Street on the south, to Callowhill on the north, being +widest between Arch and Walnut, where it expanded from Delaware to Ninth. +However, I visited a number of these encampments, finding in each merely +a small guard retained for the day, the majority of the troops being off +on liberty. Soon after noon these began to throng the water front, eager +to view the coming spectacle. I was, myself, in the Yager's camp, +finishing a late lunch, with a few officers, when the announcement came +that the water procession had started. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE FETE OF THE AFTERNOON + + +I confess that up to this time I had experienced little interest in the +affair. After Valley Forge it was hard for an American soldier to admire +such boy's play, or to enter into the spirit of British fun making. +Besides the danger of my position, the fear of some slip of tongue +betraying me, the knowledge that I was in the very heart of the enemy's +camp, with grim, stern duties to perform and a return journey to +accomplish, kept me nerved to a point where I thought of little else than +my task. But now I dared not remain indifferent, and, indeed, the +enthusiasm of my companions became contagious, and I joined with them +eagerly, as they hurried forth to the best point of view. Once there the +sight revealed aroused me to an enthusiasm scarcely less than that of +those crowding about. Few, indeed, have ever witnessed so gorgeous a +spectacle as that river presented, and I have found many since who have +questioned my description. Yet I write down here only what I saw with my +own eyes, little understanding at the time its importance to my future +life. + +Well out in the stream lay the vessels of war--the _Fanny_, _Roebuck_, +and _Vigilant_--together with a long line of transports, stretching as +far as the eye could see, flags flying, and decks crowded with +spectators. At the fore-mast head of the _Roebuck_ fluttered the +Admiral's flag, and the shoreline was jammed with soldiery, the varied +uniforms a maze of colors. The pageant came down with the tide, moving in +three divisions to the inspiring music of several bands, the oars of +galleys and barges keeping exact intervals. These were decked out with +all manner of colors and streamers, and above fluttered the division +flag. As they passed us, the officers beside me named the various +occupants, but I recall now only the first and last, because of my +interest in those aboard. In the leading galley were Sir William, Lord +Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, the officers of their suites, and some ladies. +Lord Howe was facing the other way, but I noticed that Clinton was short +and fat, with a full face and prominent nose. In the last of the boats +stood General Knyphausen, the Hessian commander, very much of a German in +appearance, not tall, but slender and straight. Between these were +flat-boats, covered with green cloth, loaded with ladies and gentlemen, +or else containing bands. Six barges, darting here and there, kept open +space amid the swarms of small boats. Everywhere the eye swept over a +riot of color, and the ear caught a babel of sound. As the last barge +glided by, the man next me growled in disgust: + +"Those are lucky dogs off duty to-day." His eye caught mine. "Why don't +you go after them, Fortesque? There will be plenty of fun afoot yonder +where they land." + +"Where is that?" + +"At the old fort; follow the crowd, and you'll not go astray. Have you a +ticket?" + +"Captain Andre honored me with one this morning." + +"Then you are good for the first row. Don't miss it, man," with +enthusiasm. "'T will be such a sight as has not been witnessed since the +Field of the Cloth of Gold." + +"A passage at arms, you mean?" + +"Ay! as gorgeous as those of the old-time knights; a fair conceit as I +read the programme. I'd be there now but for the damned orders that hold +me here. If you ride hard you can make the spot before they come ashore." + +There was no reason I should not go, and much in the glittering prospect +appealed to me. Five minutes later I was trotting out of the Yager camp, +pressing passage through the crowds, already headed southward, the +dragoon riding silently at my heels. Mounted men that day were few, and, +doubtless believing we were connected with the pageant, the jam sullenly +parted, and gave us opening, so we reached the site of the old fort as +the barges began discharging their occupants. A glance about, however, +convinced me as to where the lists were to be run, and I headed my horse +in that direction, anxious to gain some point of vantage, before the +throng poured in. Yet, Heaven knows, there were enough present even then, +the green sward overrun, and the few stands crowded. Quite a considerable +space, leading back from the river landing, had been roped off, and Light +Dragoons rode along the lines to keep out invaders; others guarded the +main platform until the more distinguished guests were seated. Few +Philadelphia residents were present, although I saw some black coats, the +crowd being mostly composed of soldiers bent upon frolic. In the occupied +stands, however, were loyalists in plenty, with a considerable sprinkling +of ladies, gaily attired. I saw all this while striving to spur my horse +forward toward where a band played "God save the King," but should have +failed to make it, had not Major O'Hara caught glimpse of my face above +the press. A moment he stared at me in perplexity, and then with a dab of +his spur forced the black horse he rode against the ropes. + +"Damn me if I knew you, Fortesque," he exclaimed cordially. "But come on +through; there's a gate yonder. Fall back now, lads, and let the officer +pass. That's it; ride 'em down if they won't make way. Here's a spot +where you can see the whole field from the saddle." + +I was somewhat to the right of the big stand, the restive heels of my +horse keeping the crowd away, and with a clear view as far as the river +bank. O'Hara was too busy to stop long, but I was not sorry, as there was +sufficient occurring to rivet attention. It was, maybe, four hundred +yards down a gentle slope to the water's edge, where the line was +forming. This passageway was lined with onlookers, held back by numerous +guards, while to my left extended a square lawn, perhaps one hundred and +fifty yards each way, surrounded by a double rank of grenadiers, the +bayonets gleaming on their guns. This open space was equipped with +everything needed for the coming tourney, and on three sides were tiers +of raised seats. I had barely observed all this when the guns of the +_Roebuck_, echoed by those of the _Vigilant_, began to boom a salute, and +the head of the column of marchers began slowly mounting the slope. All +the bands of the garrison were in front, followed by the managers, richly +attired, with badges of blue and white ribbon on their breasts. Behind +these appeared, in full dress uniform, gleaming with decorations and +medals, the three specially honored guests, the two generals and the +admiral, the others of the gay party following two by two in long, +interesting procession. The costumes worn were as varied as those of a +masquerade, representing all the changes since the days of chivalry. The +whole line glowed with color, and gleamed with steel. + +Like some great serpent, glittering in the sun, this procession passed +under the triumphal arches, and disappeared as its members took +prescribed positions on the stands, or in the pavilions bordering the +field of contest. As thus arranged the grouping of colors was most +brilliant. In the front of each pavilion were seven young ladies, attired +picturesquely in Turkish costume, wearing in their turbans those favors +with which they meant to reward the knights contending in their honor. +Behind these, and occupying all the upper seats, were the maidens +representing the two divisions of the day's sports--ladies of the Blended +Rose, and ladies of the Burning Mountain. The first wore a white silk, +called a polonaise, forming a flowing robe, open to the waist; the pink +sash was six inches wide, and filled with spangles; the shoes and +stockings were also spangled, and, above all, arose a towering +head-dress, filled with a profusion of pearls and jewels; the veil was +spangled, and edged with silver lace. The ladies of the Burning Mountain +were similarly dressed, except that they wore white sashes, edged with +black, and all their trimmings were of that color. As the veils were +thrown back, and I looked on the bright, animated faces, I thought I had +never before seen such an array of beauty. From the crowd surging around +I heard name after name mentioned, as famous Philadelphia belles were +pointed out, not a few familiar to me, through remembrance of our own +former occupancy of the city--Miss Craig, the Misses Chew, Miss Redmond, +Miss Bond, the Misses Shippen, and others, all of loyalist families, yet +content to play the game of hearts with both armies. Even as I gazed upon +that galaxy of beauty, half angry that Americans should take part in such +a spectacle of British triumph, the field was cleared for the lists, and +a sound of trumpets came to us from a distance. + +Out into the opening rode the contending knights, attended by esquires on +foot, dressed in ancient habits of white and red silk, and mounted on +gray horses. From the other direction appeared their opponents, in black +and orange, riding black steeds, while to the centre advanced the herald +loudly proclaiming the challenge. I knew not who they all were, but they +made a gallant show, and I overheard many a name spoken of soldiers met +in battle--Lord Cathcart, Captain Andre, Major Tarlton, Captain Scott. +Ay! and they fought well that day, those White and Black Knights on the +mimic field, first charging together, shivering their spears; the second +and third encounters discharging pistols; and in the fourth attacking +with swords in most gallant combat. At last the two chiefs--Lord Cathcart +for the Whites, and Captain Watson, of the Guards, for the Blacks--were +alone contending furiously, when the marshal of the field rushed in +between, and struck up their weapons, declaring the contest done, the +honor of each side proven. As the company broke up, flowing forward to +the great house beyond, the vast crowd of onlookers burst through the +guard-lines, and, like a mighty torrent, swept over the field. It was a +wild, jubilant, yelling mass, so dense as to be irresistible, even those +of us on horseback being pressed forward, helpless chips on the stream. + +I endeavored to press back, but my restive animal, startled by the dig of +the spur, the yells, the waving of arms, refused to face the tumult, and +whirled madly about. For a moment I all but lost control, yet, even as he +plunged rearing into the air, I saw before me the appealing face of a +woman. How she chanced to be there alone, in the path of that mob, I know +not; where her escort had disappeared, and how she had become separated +from her party, has never been made clear. But this I saw, even as I +struggled with the hard-mouthed brute under me--a slender, girlish figure +attired as a lady of the Blended Rose, a white, frightened face, arms +outstretched, and dark blue eyes beseeching help. Already the front of +the mob was upon her, unable to swerve aside because of the thousands +pushing behind. In another moment she would be underfoot, or hurled into +the air. Reckless of all else I dug in my spurs, yelling to the Light +Dragoon beside me, even as my horse leaped. I felt the crush of bodies, +hands gripped my legs; soldiers were hurled right and left, cursing as +they fell. I must have hurt some, but had no thought except to reach her +before it was too late. I was struck twice by missiles, yet burst +through, my horse, by this time, frenzied with fear. I scarcely know what +happened, or how it was accomplished--only I had the reins gripped in my +teeth, both my hands free. That instant I caught her; the next she was on +my arm, swung safely to the saddle, held to me with a grip of steel, the +animal dashing forward beneath his double burden into the open field. +Then the Dragoon, riding madly, gripped the bit, and the affair was over, +although we must have galloped a hundred yards before the trembling horse +was brought to a stand. Leaving him to the control of the soldier, I +sprang to the ground, bearing the lady with me. We were behind one of the +pavilions, facing the house, and she reeled as her feet touched the +earth, so that I held her from falling. Then her lashes lifted, and the +dark blue eyes looked into my face. + +"You must pardon my roughness," I apologized, "but there was no time for +ceremony." + +She smiled, a flood of color coming back into the clear cheeks, as she +drew slightly away. + +"I appreciate that, sir," frankly, shaking out her ruffled skirts, "and +you have made knighthood real." + +"Then," I ventured, "may I hope to receive the reward, fair lady?" + +She laughed, a little tremor of nervousness in the sound, but her eyes +full of challenge. + +"And what is that?" + +"Your name; the hope of better acquaintance." + +Her eyes swept my uniform questioningly. + +"You are not of the garrison?" + +"No; a courier just arrived from New York." + +"Yet an officer; surely then you will be present to-night?" + +"The privilege is mine; if sufficiently tempted I may attend." + +"Tempted! How, sir?" + +"By your pledging me a dance." + +She laughed again, one hand grasping the long silken skirt. + +"You ask much--my name, a better acquaintance, a dance--all this for +merely saving me from a mob. You are not a modest knight, I fear. Suppose +I refuse?" + +"Then am I soldier enough to come unasked, and win my welcome." + +"I thought as much," the long lashes opening up to me the depths of the +blue eyes. "I promise nothing then, nor forbid. But there is Captain +Grant seeking me. If I do not speak of gratitude, it is nevertheless in +my heart, sir," she swept me a curtsey, to which I bowed hat in hand, +"and now, _Au revoir_." + +I stood as she left me, staring while she crossed the lawn and joined a +dark-faced officer of Rangers. Once she glanced back over her shoulder, +and then disappeared in the crowd of revellers. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE MISCHIANZA + + +I had not intended to remain in Philadelphia through the night. Already I +had secured the information sought, and now must consider the safest and +quickest method of escape. It seemed to me this night, given up to +revelry, afforded the best possible opportunity for my safely passing the +British guard-lines. To-morrow discipline would be resumed, the soldiers +would return to their posts and the citizens of the city would again +appear on the streets. This would greatly intensify my danger, for, at +any moment, I might encounter some one who knew me, who might denounce me +to the authorities. + +That this was the exact truth of the situation could not be denied, yet, +now, every reckless impulse of my disposition urged me to remain; the +invitation of those laughing blue eyes, the challenge I read in the +lady's fair face, the unsolved mystery of her identity, all combined in a +temptation I found it impossible to resist. As I rode slowly northward, +out of the denser crowd into the almost deserted streets, the shades of +evening already closing about me, the memory of the girl I had +encountered so strangely, and parted with so suddenly, became more and +more alluring, more and more vivid. My thoughts dwelt upon the arch face, +the red lips, smiling to reveal the white teeth, the flushing cheeks, the +mass of soft brown hair revealed beneath the turban, the mocking laughter +in the depths of the blue eyes, and the straight, lithe figure, as she +moved swiftly away to rejoin her friends. Who was she, this lady of the +Blended Rose? this girl with the dignity of rank, and the carelessness of +youth? I must know the answer; it was not in young blood to run away. +Certain facts regarding her were at least clear already--she must be the +daughter of a loyalist, or else related to some of the English officers; +her very presence proved this, while her selection as one of the ladies +of honor, was evidence of high standing socially. And she had dared me, +challenged me with her eyes, to remain, and learn more. There was no +promise, no word spoken I could construe into a pledge, and yet there was +invitation, a suggestion, vague but comprehended, which youth could not +easily ignore. My veins throbbed with anticipation--already was my arm +about the slender waist, my eyes looking into her own. For a dance with +her, a possible understanding, I was willing to venture life itself. + +I turned about and glanced at the Dragoon riding behind, half tempted to +question him, but I refrained, not willing to make her the subject of +camp-fire gossip. It would be a more manly course to work this out +myself, and surely I should meet officers at the ball who would gladly +present me to the lady. I should be compelled to attend in field uniform, +yet circumstances would excuse that, and what little I had seen of her +convinced me she was no stickler for conventionality. The duty soldier +was more apt to interest such a personality than any dandy on dress +parade. With a word I dismissed my companion, and turned in to the camp +of the Yagers, sure of a welcome at their mess-table, and a chance to +brush up my soiled clothes. + +It must have been nearly nine o'clock when, in company with a young +cornet, I rode up to the house given up to festivities, and, turning over +our horses to the care of cavalry grooms, climbed the wide steps to the +door leading into the hall. Interested as I was in observing faces, +fearful of possible discovery by some one in the crowd, I failed to note +definitely the many decorations, yet I remember how the wide hall was +hung in green and white, each room opening from it possessing a distinct +color scheme, and how, under the gleaming clusters of lights, and +sparkling of glass chandeliers, the gay uniforms of the officers and the +brilliant gowns of the ladies appeared resplendent. The vista of those +great rooms, reflected by numerous mirrors, was a scene of confusing +beauty, with flowers everywhere, soft, glowing carpets underfoot, and the +surging crowds passing back and forth. There was scarcely a black coat +present, to yield touch of sombreness to the picture, but scarlet and +blue, green and white, glowing with profusion of gold lace, and +glittering with medals, together with gleaming shoulders, ruffles of +white lace, and shimmering skirts of silk. All was a riot of color, rich, +bewildering, with smiling faces, and laughing lips everywhere. In such a +spot, amid such surroundings, war seemed a dream, a far-off delirium. + +Drawn thither by the music, we climbed the broad stairs toward the +ball-room, passing as we did so, in the upper hall, four drawing-rooms +containing sideboards with refreshments. The ball-room itself was a +picture of Oriental magnificence--the walls were delightfully decorated, +the ground-work pale blue, panelled with a small, gold bead, the interior +filled with drooping festoons of flowers in their natural colors. Below +the surface the ground was of rose pink, the drapery festooned with blue. +The effect of these decorations was vastly increased by nearly a hundred +mirrors, decked out with rose-pink ribbons and artificial flowers, while +in the intermediate spaces were thirty-four branches with wax lights +similarly ornamented. No pen of memory can describe the scene, nor +picture in the gallant company, resplendent in coloring, now moving back +and forth in the evolutions of the minuet. + +My companion disappeared, and, to escape the pressure of those surging +back and forth through the wide doorway, I found passage close to the +wall, and half circled the room, finally discovering a halting place in +the recesses of a window, where, partially concealed myself by flowing +curtains, I could gaze out over the brilliant assemblage. Half ashamed of +the plainness of my own attire, and feeling a stranger and an alien, I +was yet consciously seeking the one face which had lured me there. I saw +fair ladies in plenty, and more than once my heart leaped, only to +discover its mistake. There were so many ladies of the Blended Rose on +the floor as to be confusing, and with their similarity of dress, and +powdered hair, I was never sure until they turned their faces toward me +that my patient search was still unrewarded. Yet if she was indeed upon +the floor I saw her not, and my heart grew heavy with delay. But in this +survey I discovered others--of both sexes--whose names had been mentioned +that afternoon, and recognized the faces of a few officers whom I had met +during my wanderings. Surely some of these would present me to the lady +of my dreams could I but see her, learn her name. Before the music ceased +I was convinced she was not among the dancers; I would search the side +rooms, and the apartments below, yet, even as the company sought seats, +soldiers crossed the floor, extinguishing the lights, and amid laughter, +and repartee, the throng surged toward me, hemming me in closely, as they +gathered in eager bunches about the open windows. + +Enough conversation reached me to disclose a promised display of +fireworks on the lawn, and almost immediately, a magnificent bouquet of +rockets shot up into the black sky, illuminating everything with a glare +of fire. This was followed by the lighting up of the triumphal arch, and +the bursting of balloons high overhead. Attracted by the spectacle, I was +staring out at the dazzling scene, when a voice spoke at my shoulder. + +"'Tis a relief to see even one soldier present ready for duty." + +I turned to look into a pair of steady blue eyes, with a bit of mocking +laughter in their depths, the face revealed clearly in the glare of the +rockets. + +"Necessity only," I managed to reply. "I can be as gorgeous as these +others, had I brought a bag with me." + +"No doubt; every British regiment tries to outdo the others in ribbons, +and gold lace. Really they become tiresome with such foppery in war +times. See how they play to-night, like children, the city practically +unguarded from attack," she waved an ungloved hand toward the dark +without. "I venture there are men out yonder, sir, who are not dancing +and laughing away these hours." + +My cheeks burned. + +"You mean Washington's troops?" + +"Aye! I saw them here in Philadelphia before Sir William came," her voice +lowered, yet earnest, "and they are not playing at war; grim, silent, +sober-faced men, dressed in odds and ends, not pretty to look at; some +tattered and hungry, but they fight hard. Mr. Conway was telling us +yesterday of how they suffered all winter long, while we danced and +feasted here, Washington himself sleeping with the snow drifting over +him. You do not know the Americans, for you are not long across the +water, but they are not the kind to be conquered by such child's play as +this." + +"You are an American then?" + +"By birth, yes," unhesitatingly. "We are of those loyal to the King, +but--I admire men." + +It was with an effort I restrained my words, eager to proclaim my +service, yet comprehending instantly that I dare not even trust this +plain-spoken girl with the truth. She respected the men, sympathized with +the sacrifices of Washington's little army, contrasted all they endured +with the profligacy of the English and Hessian troops, and yet remained +loyal to the King's cause. Even as I hesitated, she spoke again. + +"What is your regiment?" + +"The 42nd British Foot." + +"You have not yet been in action in America?" + +"No, but I have just crossed the Jerseys with despatches." + +She shook her head, her cheeks glowing. + +"My home was there when the war began," she explained simply. "Now it is +hate, pillage, and plunder everywhere. We fled to Philadelphia for our +lives, and have almost forgotten we ever had a home. We loyalists are +paying a price almost equal to those men with Washington. 'Tis this +memory which makes me so bitter toward those who play amid the ruins." + +"Yet you have seemed to enter into the gay spirit of the occasion," and +my eyes swept over her costume. + +"Oh, I am girl enough to enjoy the glitter, even while the woman in me +condemns it all. You are a soldier--a fighting soldier, I hope--and still +you are here also seeking pleasure." + +"True; I yielded to temptation, but for which I should never have come." + +"What?" + +"The dare in your eyes this afternoon," I said boldly. "But for what I +read there I should be out yonder riding through the night." + +She laughed, yet not wholly at ease, the long lashes drooping over her +eyes. + +"Always the woman; what would you do without my sex to bear your +mistakes?" + +"But was this a mistake? Did I read altogether wrong?" + +"Don't expect a confession from me, sir," demurely. "I have no memory of +any promise." + +"No, the barest suggestion was all your lips gave; it was the eyes that +challenged." + +"You must have dreamed; perhaps you recall the suggestion?" + +"I took it to mean that you would not be altogether averse to meeting me +again through the kindness of some mutual friend." + +"No doubt you have found such a friend?" + +"I have scarcely seen a face I know to-night," I pleaded. "I cannot even +guess from what place of mystery you appeared so suddenly. So now I throw +myself upon your mercy." + +"I wonder is it quite safe!" hesitatingly. "But, perhaps, the risk is +equally great on your part. Ah! the lights go on again." + +"And the band plays a Hungarian Waltz; how better could we cement +friendship than to that measure?" + +"You think so? I am not so sure, and there are many names already on my +card--" + +"Do not look," I interrupted swiftly, "for I claim first choice since +this afternoon." + +"You do?" and her eyes laughed into mine provokingly. "And I had +forgotten it all; did I, indeed promise you?" + +"Only with your eyes." + +"Oh, my eyes! always my eyes! Well, for once, at least, I will redeem +even that visionary pledge," and her glance swept the room hastily. "But +I advise that you accept my surrender quickly, sir--I am not sure but +this was Captain Grant's dance, and he is coming now." + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE + + +Her hand was in mine, my arm already around her waist, when the officer +bowed before us. He had been but a dim figure in the afternoon, but now I +saw him for a tall, slender man, somewhat swarthy of face, with black +hair and moustache, and a keen eye, attired in the green and white of the +Queen's Rangers. He smiled, but with a sarcastic curl to the upper lip +not altogether pleasant. + +"Your pardon, Mistress Claire," he said boldly, sweeping me with a +supercilious glance, "but am I mistaken in believing this waltz was +pledged to me?" + +"By mistake, Captain," her lips smiling, her eyes steady. "It seems I had +overlooked a promise made during the afternoon." + +"Oh, indeed," he turned toward me, staring insolently. "The hero of the +rescue, I presume." + +I felt the restraining pressure of her hand upon my sleeve, and her voice +replied calmly, before I succeeded in finding words. + +"This is the gentleman who protected me from the mob, if that be what you +mean. Permit me to present Captain Grant of the Queen's Rangers, +Lieutenant--pardon my having already forgotten your name." + +"Fortesque," I stammered, intensely hating the necessary deception. + +"Ah, yes--Lieutenant Fortesque, of the 42nd British Foot." + +We bowed coldly, neither extending a hand, the Captain twisting his +moustache as he continued staring at me. + +"Fortesque," he repeated slowly. "Fortesque; not of this garrison, I +believe." + +"No, from New York," coolly. "I regret having interfered with your +programme." + +"Don't mention it; there are other ladies present, and, no doubt, your +gallant act was worthy the reward; a pleasant evening, sir," and he drew +aside, stiffly military. Eager to lose as little as possible of the +measure I swung my partner forward, catching glimpse again of the man's +face as we circled. + +"Pleasant disposition," I ventured, without meaning to be uncivil. + +"Oh, very," and her eyes met mine frankly. "But you must not quarrel with +him; that is his one specialty, you know." + +"Is the warning on your account, or my own?" + +"Both, perhaps. Captain Grant's family and mine are neighbors--or were +before war intervened--and between our fathers exists a life-long +friendship. I could never consent to be the cause of his quarrelling with +any one, and I have reason to know how quick tempered he is." + +"I have little use for any man who swaggers about seeking trouble," I +returned, as she hesitated. "It has been my experience that there is +usually cowardice back of such a disposition." + +"Not in this case," earnestly. "Captain Grant's courage has been +sufficiently tested already. I warn you not to presume on your theory so +far as he is concerned. I advise the safer course." + +"What is that?" + +Her eyes met mine, smiling slightly, and yet grave enough in their +depths. + +"To let this one dance prove sufficient reward for your act of rescue." + +"You request this?" + +"Oh, you must not place the entire burden of decision on me, sir. I can +only suggest." + +"Has Captain Grant any authority to dictate who shall be your partner?" + +Her lashes lifted, and then fell before my gaze. + +"He at least assumes the power, and generally with fair success. I must +ask to be excused from discussing this matter further now, but--but," her +voice trembled to a whisper, "I--I am sure your safety depends upon your +leaving me." + +Astonished by these words, suddenly wondering if she suspected me, +scarcely comprehending what she meant, I stared into her face, as we +circled the room. Grant stood stiffly against the wall where we left him, +his eyes fastened moodily on the crowd; I realized his presence, yet my +whole thought was concentrated on the girl, the strands of her hair +brushing my lips, her steps lightly following the music, her eyes +downcast. Into the cheeks there came a flush of pink, and she glanced up +to read the surprise in my face. + +"Do I need to say more?" + +"Yes, you must," I insisted, "you can never believe I would leave you +because of personal fear." + +"I did not know--at first. Now I realize it will require a higher motive +to influence you; not love of life, but love of country." + +I felt the closer clasp of her fingers on my guiding hand, and knew I +took a deep breath of surprise. + +"Lean your head just a little closer," she whispered. "I--I know you, +Major Lawrence, and--and I wish you well." + +How I kept to the measure I cannot now imagine, for, in an instant, all +my house of cards crumbled into nothingness. She knew me, this blue-eyed +girl; knew me, and sought to aid my mission, this daughter of a loyalist, +this lady of the Blended Rose. It was inconceivable, and yet a fact--my +name had been whispered by her lips. + +Suddenly she looked up laughing, as though to make others feel that we +conversed lightly. We passed Grant, even as I held my breath, almost +afraid to venture with words. Yet they would not be restrained. + +"You certainly startled me; how do you know this? Surely we have never +met before?" + +"I refuse to be questioned, sir; it means nothing how I know--the fact +that I do should be sufficient." + +"But Mistress Claire--" + +"Rather Mistress Mortimer." + +"Yet the Captain called you Claire." + +"And we were children together--you can scarcely claim such familiarity." + +"I warrant you can name me." + +"Allen, is it not, sir?" + +What was it the witch did not know! This was no guess-work, surely, and +yet how could her strange knowledge be accounted for? Sweet as the face +was, greatly as it had attracted me, there was nothing to awaken a throb +of memory. Surely I could never have seen her before, and forgotten; that +would have been impossible. The music ceased, leaving us at the farther +extremity of the hall. + +"And now you will go?" she questioned eagerly. + +"Do you mean, leave here?" + +"Yes; you said once to-night, that but for me you would be riding yonder. +I realized all you meant, and you must not remain. The guard-lines are +slack to-night, and you can get through, but if you wait until to-morrow +it may be too late. Believe me, I am your friend, a friend of your +cause." + +"I do believe you; I could not connect you with deceit, but I am +bewildered at this sudden exposure. Does Captain Grant also suspect my +identity?" + +"I think not--not yet, at least, for if he did you would be under arrest. +But there are others here who would recognize you just as I have. There +is no mystery about it. I was in Philadelphia when the Continental troops +were here, and you were pointed out to me then. No, we have never met, +yet I was sure I recognized you this afternoon." + +"I was pointed out to you by whom?" + +"My brother--my twin brother on the staff of General Lee." + +"Did you not inform me your family were loyalists?" + +"Yes; it is true," earnestly, her foot tapping the floor, as though +annoyed at such persistent questioning. "I have a father and brother in +the King's service--but one is a renegade, and I--I--" + +"You are what?" + +"I am merely a woman, sir, unable to determine whether to finally become +loyalist or rebel." + +I looked gravely into her eyes until they fell, veiling their revelation +of truth behind long lashes. + +"Mistress Mortimer," I murmured, bending so close to her pink ear, I felt +the soft touch of her hair on my lips, "you dissemble so charmingly as to +even puzzle me. But if I leave you now, as you request, I must first have +promise of welcome again." + +"Then you mean to return--a prisoner? I am always merciful to the +suffering." + +"No; we are coming back to Philadelphia victors, and soon. I am not +afraid to tell you. I have learned much to-day, and go back to report to +Washington that the exchange of British commanders means the early +evacuation of this city. When we meet again you will not be a lady of the +Blended Rose, nor will I be wearing this uniform." + +Her eyes sparkled brightly into mine, then dropped demurely. + +"I--I rather like the colors you are wearing now, and am sure this dress +is most becoming. I--I have a passion for masquerade." + +"I recognize that, but have already discovered where I can read the truth +beyond the masque--what is occurring now?" + +She turned to look, attracted as I had been by the change and bustle +about us. A few feet from where we stood conversing, large folding doors, +previously concealed by draperies, were suddenly flung wide open, +revealing a magnificent dining-hall. Before the crowd could recover from +its first surprise, and surge that way, my eyes had taken in the full +effect of the disclosure. It was a vast saloon, as I have since been +informed, measuring two hundred and ten feet by forty, with a height of +twenty-two feet, having three large alcoves on each side. The ceiling was +the segment of a circle, the sides painted a light straw color, with vine +leaves and festoons of flowers, some in bright, others in dark green. +More than fifty large pier-glasses extended from floor to ceiling, +reflecting the glitter of the tables, while a hundred branches of three +lights each, and eighteen clusters of twenty-four, illumined the immense +apartment, aided by three hundred wax tapers upon the snowy tables. These +were already prepared for service, set with nearly five hundred covers, a +large company of black slaves, attired in Oriental fashion, awaiting the +coming of the guests. Sir William and his brother already led the way, +the others pouring in as rapidly as the wide doors would permit. Dazzled +by the magnificent spectacle I turned to my companion, unable to resist +temptation. She must have instantly read the purpose in my face, for she +grasped my sleeve. + +"No; you must not think of remaining a moment longer. There will be a +seat reserved for me, and Captain Grant is coming this way now. Something +is wrong, I am sure; I have no time to explain, but promise me you will +leave here at once--at once." + +Her eyes, her words, were so insistent I could not refuse, although as I +glanced about I felt convinced there was no danger in this assemblage, +not a familiar face meeting mine. At the instant Grant came up, elbowing +his way through the press, and staring insolently into my eyes, even as +he bowed politely to the lady beside me. + +"At least this is my privilege," he insisted, "unless there be another +previous engagement of which I am ignorant." + +"Oh, no," and she rested her hands on the green sleeve, smiling from his +face into mine. "We were waiting for you to come. Good-night, Lieutenant +Fortesque." + +They had taken a step or two, when Grant halted, holding her arm tightly +as he glanced back to where I stood. + +"Would Lieutenant Fortesque spare me a moment after I have found the lady +a seat?" he questioned politely. + +"Gladly, if you do not keep me waiting too long." + +"Then there will be no delay. Shall we say the parlor below?" + +I bowed, conscious of the mute appeal in the lady's face, yet with no +excuse for refusal. + +"As well there as anywhere, sir." + +Once again we bowed with all the punctilious ceremony of mutual dislike, +and he whispered something into her ear as they disappeared in the stream +of people. My cheeks burned with indignation at his cool insolence. What +could it mean? Was he merely seeking a quarrel? or was there something +else concealed behind this request? In either case I knew not how to act, +and yet felt no inclination to avoid the meeting. Studying over the +situation I pushed my way through the crowd across the floor of the +ball-room. There were a few people still lingering on the stairs, but, +except for the servants, the parlors below were deserted. I walked the +length of one of the great rooms, and halted in front of a fireplace to +await Grant's coming. I was eager to have this affair settled, and be +off. I comprehended now the risk I had assumed by remaining so long, and +began to feel the cords of entanglement drawing about me. There was a +door opposite where I stood, and, staring toward it, I saw it open +slightly, and, back in the darkness, the beckoning of a hand. Startled, +yet realizing that it must mean me, I stepped closer, gripping the hilt +of my sword, half suspecting treachery. + +"Quick," and I recognized the deep contralto of the voice. "Don't stop to +question; there is not a moment to lose." + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE THREAT OF SWORDS + + +Stepping from the glare of those gleaming parlor lights into the gloom of +that narrow passage, blinded me for the instant, yet a moment later, I +became aware of the distant glimmer of a candle, the faint reflection +revealing the girl's face. + +"Please do not talk; do not ask anything--yet," she urged hurriedly, +noiselessly closing the door at my back, and as instantly gripping my +sleeve. Her breath came quickly; her voice trembled from suppressed +excitement. "Come with me, beyond the light yonder." + +I followed her guidance, bewildered, yet having every confidence the +reason for this mysterious occurrence must be fully justified. The +passage curved slightly, terminating at a closed door. Scarce a +reflection of the candle reached us here, yet my eyes were by now +sufficiently accustomed to the gloom so that I could trace the outlines +of her face. A vague doubt took possession of me. + +"You are causing me to run away from Grant," I protested blindly. "You +are making me appear afraid to meet him." + +"No, it is not that," swiftly. "He was not coming to you personally at +all--you were to be arrested." + +"What! He knew me then?" + +"I am not sure--some one did, and mentioned his suspicions. Captain Grant +was glad enough of an excuse, no doubt, but he," the soft voice +faltering, "he made a mistake in twitting me for being friendly toward +you." + +"And you came to warn, to save me!" I exclaimed, pressing her hand. + +"That was nothing; I could do no less. I am only glad I knew the way." + +"You mean how you might reach me first?" + +"Yes; it came to me in a flash when he first left me alone, only I was +not certain in which parlor you would be waiting. I ran through the +kitchen and down the back stairs; I helped the officers plan their +decorations, and in that way learned of this private passage beneath the +stairs. It was easy, but--oh, listen! they are in there now!" + +We could hear voices through the intervening wall clearly enough to even +distinguish words, as the speakers exercised little restraint. I felt the +girl's slender figure press against me in the narrow space where we +stood, and I clung to her hand, both remaining motionless and silent. + +"The fellow has run, Grant," boomed some one hoarsely, "either afraid, or +else what you say he is. See here, boy, did you see any one in here +lately in scarlet jacket?" + +"I don' just 'member, sah," answered a negro, hesitatingly. "I was busy +over dar' cleanin' de side-boa'd." + +"Well, he's not here now, that's certain," broke in Grant impatiently, +"and we've been in all the parlors? What next, MacHugh?" + +"Try to head him off before he can get out of the city, of course. That's +his game, probably. Osborne, have Carter come here at once. Why didn't +you nab the fellow upstairs, Captain? Fool play that, sending him down +here." + +"I didn't wish to create a row in the ball-room; he was with Claire +Mortimer--" + +"Oh, I see," laughing coarsely. "Something besides military duty +involved, eh?" + +"I'll trouble you to be a trifle more careful, MacHugh," Grant said +stiffly. "The fellow did her a small service in the afternoon, and she +couldn't refuse dancing with him, as he was in uniform, and apparently +all right. I advise you to drop that part of the affair. Here's Carter +now." + +I could hear the click of the newcomer's spurs as he crossed the room. +MacHugh chuckled. + +"Touchy about it just the same, I see; however we'll pass up the lady. +Carter, there has been a spy in here to-night, calling himself Lieutenant +Fortesque, of the 42nd Regiment. He came through the lines this morning +with despatches for Howe, I understand. Did you meet him?" + +"No, sir, but one of my men was riding about with him all day--Watts; I +heard him telling about it an hour ago." + +"Is that so? Where'd they go?" + +"Covered everything, I judge, from Callowhill to the Lower Battery. Watts +said he asked questions of everybody they met, but he didn't take any +notes. He liked the fellow, but thought he was mighty inquisitive. Where +is he now, sir?" + +"The devil knows, I don't, and you'll have to find out. He'll head +northwest likely; he'll never try to cross the river here. How many men +have you?" + +"Twenty." + +"Scatter them to every north post. The fellow had no horse, and your +troopers can easily get ahead of him. Hurry up now." Carter departed with +click of steel, and MacHugh evidently turned to his companion. + +"We'll catch the lad all right, Grant. Some of those outposts will nab +him before daylight. No use our waiting around here; let's go back +upstairs." + +The girl's nervous grasp on my arm tightened, her lips pressed close to +my ear. + +"I--I must get back to my place at the table," she whispered. "Surely you +know what to do; this is a rear door; there are stables a hundred feet +away; you must get a horse, and ride fast--you--you will do this!" + +"Yes, of course--but how can I thank you?" + +"Don't try; don't ever even think of it again. I hardly know what mad +impulse sent me here. Now I have but one thought--to hurry you away, and +get safely back myself--you will go?" + +"Yes--but--" + +"Not now! there is no time for explanation, promises, anything. You heard +what they said; every avenue of escape will be blocked within an hour. If +you go at once you can outride them--please, please go!" + +She held out her hand, and I grasped it warmly, unable longer to war +against the pitiful appeal in her voice. + +"Yes, I'll go, at once. But I take away with me a memory which will never +permit me to be satisfied until we meet again. We have been together so +short a time--" + +"Had it been longer," she interrupted, "you would know me better, and +care less, perhaps. I am a sham; a cheat," a trifle of bitterness in the +tone. "You will learn all that some day, and laugh at yourself. Oh, I +know you will; so not another word, sir. I am going; then, perhaps, you +will." + +There was a slight pressure of her fingers, and she had vanished so +quickly I could only stare blindly along the deserted passage. Yet, an +instant later, the peril of my predicament flashed back upon my mind, and +I faced the immediate necessity for action. What her strange words might +mean could not be interpreted; I made no attempt to comprehend. Now I +must find means of escape, and learn the truth later. I opened the door +cautiously, and stepped without, every nerve taut, every muscle braced +for action. It was a star-lit night, and the numerous rear windows of the +mansion cast a glare of light for some distance. The dark shadow of a +high fence alone promised concealment, and, holding my sword tightly, I +crept in that direction, breathing again more freely as I reached its +protection unobserved. There was a guard stationed before the stable +door--a Grenadier, from the outline of his hat--and others, a little +group, were sitting on the grass a dozen feet away. If they had not been +already warned I might gain a horse by boldness, but the probability was +that here was where Carter had mounted his squad, and I would merely walk +forward into a trap. I had better chance the possibility that some +visitor had left a horse tied in front, or to one of the stands. With +this possibility in mind I turned, and skirted the house, making myself +as inconspicuous as possible. There were soldiers on the outside steps; I +heard their voices without seeing them, and was thus driven to run +swiftly across an open space, memory guiding me toward the opposite +pavilion. Breathless, with heart beating fast, I crouched low in the +shadow, endeavoring to make out my more immediate surroundings. There +were no horses there, but I could clearly distinguish the stomping of +restless hoofs somewhere to the right. As I straightened up, determined +upon discovering an empty saddle if possible, the figure of a man +suddenly loomed directly in front, advancing toward me. In startled +surprise I took one step backward, but was too late. Already the eyes of +the newcomer had perceived my presence, and he sprang forward, tugging at +his sword. + +"Hold on there! hold on!" he commanded shortly. "Who are you? What the +devil are you skulking about out here for?" + +It was Grant beyond a doubt; I would recognize the peculiar snarl of that +voice in a thousand. He had not gone upstairs then; had not rejoined the +lady in the dining-room. What would she think of his absence? What would +she do when she realized its probable meaning? Someway I was not +frightened, at thus meeting him, but glad--if those others would only +keep away, and let us settle the affair between us. Here was his test--a +coward would cry out an alarm, summon the guard to his assistance, but, +if the fellow's nerve only held, or if he hated me badly enough, he'd +fight it out alone. All this came to me in a flash, and the words of +challenge spoken before he even grasped the thought of who I was. + +"So I have discovered you, have I? Why did you fail to keep our +appointment within?" + +He drew up sharply, with an oath, peering at me through the dark, +bewildered by my speech. + +"The spy! Ye gods, what luck! Do you mean to insinuate I ran away, sir?" + +"How else could I interpret it?" I questioned coolly, determined to taunt +him to action. "I waited where you told me till I was tired. Perhaps you +will oblige me by explaining your purpose." + +He muttered something, but without comprehending its purport I went on +threateningly: + +"And I think you made use of the word _spy_ just now. Did you mistake me +for another?" + +"Mistake you? No; I'd know you in hell," he burst forth, anger making his +voice tremble. "I called you a spy, and you are one, you sneaking night +rat. You never waited for me in the parlor; if you had you'd now be under +arrest." + +"Oh, so that was the plan?" + +"Yes, that was it, Mister Lieutenant Fortesque." + +"Well, Grant," I said sternly, "I've got just one answer to make you. You +can call your guard, or you can fight it out with me here. Whichever you +choose will depend upon whether you are a man, or a cur." I took a step +nearer, watching him as best I could in the dark. "You are an unmitigated +liar, sir," and with sudden sweep of the arm I struck him with open hand. +"Probably you will realize what that means." + +For an instant he remained so still I doubted him, even held him cheap; +then the breath surged through his clinched teeth in a mad oath. He +surged toward me, but my sword was out, the steel blocking his advance. + +"You--you actually mean fight?" + +"Why not? Isn't that cause enough? If not I will furnish more." + +"I do not fight spies--" + +"Stop! That silly charge is merely an excuse. You do not believe it +yourself. You wanted a quarrel yonder in the ball-room. The expression of +your eyes was an insult. Don't evade now. I am here, wearing the uniform +of the British army. I have every right of a gentleman, and you will +cross swords, or I'll brand you coward wherever there is an English +garrison." + +The fellow was certainly not afraid, yet he hesitated, not quite clear in +his own mind what he had better do. I might be a spy, and I might not; he +possessed no doubt a moment before, yet the very boldness of my words had +already half convinced him there might be some mistake. Should he call to +the men on the steps yonder, denounce me, and turn me over to the guard? +That was the easiest way for him, the greater disgrace to me. Yet if, by +any chance, I proved later innocent of the charge, then he would become +the laughingstock of the army. I heard his teeth grate savagely as he +realized his dilemma, and laughed outright. + +"You do not seem altogether pleased, my friend; what are you, a toy +soldier?" + +"Hell's acre! I'll show you what I am." + +I saw the sudden flash of his drawn blade, and flung up my own in guard. + +"Wait; not here, Captain," I insisted quickly. "We're far too near your +watchful friends yonder; besides the light is poor. Let's try our +fortunes beyond the pavilion, where it can be simply man to man." + +He turned without a word, and I followed, eager enough to have done with +the business. The stars gleamed on the naked weapons held in our hands, +but we exchanged no words until we had rounded the corner, and come forth +into the open space beyond. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE ONE HOPE + + +As he stopped and faced about, I as instantly halted. + +"Perhaps this spot may satisfy your requirements," he said sarcastically. +"'Tis far enough away at least, and the light is not so bad." + +"It will do," I replied, and threw my scarlet jacket on the grass. "Strip +to the white, sir, and then we can see fairly well where to strike. +That's better. On guard!" + +Neither of us had mentioned the lady, preferring to base our quarrel on +other grounds, yet I fully comprehended that some unreasonable jealousy +on his part had led up to all this. Whatever the relations between them +might be, his desires were clear enough, as well as his methods for +keeping others away. This knowledge merely nerved me to steadiness; she +would hear of it all later and understand. The fellow's right to resent +the small attentions I had shown to Mistress Mortimer I questioned +greatly--she had plainly enough denied the existence of any relationship +between them other than family friendship,--and I meant to teach this +loyalist bully that I was not the sort to be driven away by loud words, +or the flash of a sword. + +He came at me fiercely enough, confident of his mastery of the weapon, +and, no doubt, expecting me to prove an easy victim of his skill. His +first onslaught, a trick thrust under my guard, caused me to give back a +step or two, and this small success yielded him the over-confidence I +always prefer that an opponent have. I was young, agile, cool-headed, +instructed since early boyhood by my father, a rather famous swordsman, +in the mysteries of the game, yet I preferred that Grant should deem me a +novice. With this in mind, and in order that I might better study the +man's style, I remained strictly on defence, giving way slightly before +the confident play of his steel, content with barely turning aside the +gleaming point before it pricked me. At first he mistook this for +weakness, sneering at my parries, as he bore in with increasing +recklessness. + +"A club would be more in your line, I take it, Mr. Lieutenant Fortesque," +he commented sarcastically, "but I'll play with you a while for +practice--ah! that was a lucky turn of the wrist! So you do know a trick +or two? Perhaps you have a parry for that thrust as well! Ah! an inch +more and I'd have pricked you--your defence is not bad for a boy! By all +the gods, I tasted blood then--now I'll give you a harder nut to crack!" + +I was fighting silently, with lips closed, husbanding my breath, scarcely +hearing his comments. Every stroke, every thrust, gave me insight of his +school, and instinctively my blade leaped forth to turn aside his point. +He was a swordsman, stronger than I, and of longer reach, yet his tricks +were old, and he relied more on strength than subtlety of fence. Our +swords gleamed against each other in the glitter of the stars, both +content with thrust and parry, as we circled, watchful for some opening. +Then, confident I had gauged my man, I began to drive in upon him, +returning thrust for thrust, and trying a trick or two of my own. He +countered with skill, laughing and taunting me, until his jeers made me +fight grimly, with fresh determination to end the affair. + +"By God! you have a right pretty thrust from the shoulder," he exclaimed. +"Been out before, I take it. But I'll show you something you never +learned. Odds, I'll call your boy's play!" + +"Better hold your breath, for you'll need it now," I replied shortly. +"The boy's play is over with." + +Step by step I began sternly to force the fighting, driving my point +against him so relentlessly as to hush his speech. Twice we circled, +striking, countering, fighting, our blades glittering ominously in the +starlight, our breathing labored with the fierceness of the fighting. +Both our swords tasted blood, he slicing my forearm, I piercing his +shoulder, yet neither wound sufficed to bring any cessation of effort. We +were mad now with the fever of it, and struggling to kill, panting +fiercely, our faces flushed, the perspiration dripping from our bodies, +our swords darting swiftly back and forth. He was my match, and more, +and, had we been permitted to go on to the end, would have worn me down +by sheer strength. Suddenly, above the clash of steel, came the sound of +voices; our blades were struck up, and the dark forms of men pressed in +between us. + +"Stop it, you hotheads!" some one commanded gruffly. "Hold your man, +Tolston, until I get at the reason for this fighting. Who are you? Oh, +Grant! What's the trouble now? The old thing, eh?" + +I had no desire to wait his answer, confident that Grant was sufficiently +angry to blurt out everything he knew. They were all facing his way, +actuated by the recognition. Breathless still, yet quick to seize the one +and only chance left, I grabbed up my jacket from the grass, and sprang +into the darkness. I had gained a hundred feet before those behind +grasped the meaning of my unexpected flight, and then the tumult of +voices only sent me flying faster, realizing the pursuit. The only open +passage led directly toward the river, and I raced through the black +night down the slope as though all the fiends of hell were after me. I +heard shouts, oaths, but there was no firing, and was far enough ahead to +be invisible by the time I attained the bank. An open barge lay there, a +mere black smudge, and I stumbled blindly across this, dropping silently +over its side into the water. It was not thought, but breathless +inability to attempt more, which kept me there, clinging to a slat on the +side of the barge, so completely submerged in the river, as to be +invisible from above. Swearing fiercely, my pursuers stormed over the +barge, swinging their swords along the edges to be sure I was not there. +One blade pricked me slightly, but I held on, sinking yet deeper into the +stream. I could see the dim outline of heads peering over, but was not +discovered. The same gruff voice which had interrupted the duel broke +through the noise: + +"I tell you he turned to the left; I saw him plainly enough. What did you +say the fellow's name was, Grant?" + +"How do I know? He called himself Fortesque." + +"Sure; the same one Carter was sent out hunting after. Well, he dodged +down there among those coal sheds. That is the only way he could have +disappeared so suddenly. Come on, all of you, except Moore and Cartaret, +and we'll beat the shore." + +I heard them scramble across to the bank, but there were sounds also +proving the guards left behind were still on the deck above me. Then one +of the fellows sat down on the edge of the barge, his feet dangling +within a few inches of my head. + +"Might as well take it easy, Bill," he said lazily. "They 're like to be +an hour layin' hands on the lad, an' all we got to do is see he don't fox +back this way. Got any tobacco, mate?" + +The other must have produced the necessary weed, for there was a scraping +of flint and steel, a gleam of fire glinting on the water, and then the +pungent odor wafted to me in puff of smoke. With one hand, I unbuckled my +sword belt, letting it, sword and all, sink silently into the river. I +must cross to the opposite bank somehow, and would have to dispense with +the weapon. Inch by inch, my fingers gripping the narrow slat to which I +clung, I worked slowly toward the stern of the barge, making not so much +as a ripple in the water, and keeping well hidden below the bulge of the +side. The voices above droned along in conversation, of which I caught a +few words. + +"Who was he? You mean the lad they're after down yonder? Oh, I mind now, +you came up late after we'd started the chase. Holy Mother, I don't know +much myself, now I come to think of it. He looked like a Britisher, what +I saw of him, an' he was fightin' with a Captain of Rangers--Grant was +the name; maybe you know the man?--behind one of the stands. Old Hollis +heard the clash of the steel; an' he called to us, an' the whole bunch +started on a run. It was too dark to see much, but we jumped in an' +pulled 'em apart, never once thinkin' it was more than two young hotheads +doin' a little blood-lettin'. Then this chap turned an' run for it, +trippin' up Sandy McPherson to get clear, and we after him. Somebody said +he was a spy, an' that's the whole I know about it." + +"They'll never get him," returned the other solemnly. + +"An' why do you think that, man? Sure, an' they're searchin' the shore +both ways, an' Carter has got his fellers ridin' the outposts. To my mind +he hasn't the chance of a rat in a trap, the poor devil." + +Bill blew a cloud of smoke into the air, which a puff of wind swept down +into my face. + +"Because it's my notion he swum for it. I was closest down the bank, an' +somethin' hit the water. I'm dead sure o' that, though I didn't see the +first thing. It's my guess the lad dived, an' never come up agin 'till he +was out there in them shadows." + +"But them's the Jerseys over yonder; if he was a spy he'd be headin' the +other way." + +"It's little he'd think of the way with the gang of us yelpin' at his +heels. Besides, there's plenty of his kind over in those Jerseys who'd +take good care of the likes of him. Was ye ever foragin' over there, +lad?" + +The other grunted, and the speaker went on steadily. + +"They take pot shots at ye from every bit o' woods, or stone wall. They're +sure devils for that kind o' skirmishin' work. God pity the men ordered +out into them parts." + +"But there's a guard, stationed across yonder." + +"Pish, a corporal's squad, just about opposite at the ferry landin', an' +a company of Yagers down at Gloucester. There's plenty room between for a +bold lad to find free passage." + +The two fell silent, staring out over the water. They had set me +thinking, however, and this knowledge of where the British pickets were +stationed was exactly the information I most required. I had no desire to +cross the Delaware, yet apparently in that direction lay the only +remaining avenue of escape. I could no longer hope to get away either to +north or west--every picket post along those lines would be instructed to +watch out for me 'ere this. My uniform would be no protection, and, +without a horse, my early apprehension was almost a certainty. My sole +apparent chance lay in the Jerseys, and I must reach the opposite shore, +and attain cover before daylight. To my mind there was no reason why this +could not be accomplished. The swimming of the river was not beyond my +power; I could float down under water for a hundred yards, and then, +concealed by the night, strike out for the eastern shore. The current +might sweep me down stream another hundred yards before my feet touched +bottom. That ought to bring me to a comparatively safe spot, where I +could crawl ashore unobserved. What was awaiting me there in the dark +could not be reckoned; but surely no graver danger than what already +menaced me here. I knew the Jerseys, and that now, with the main +contending armies withdrawn, all that country from the Delaware to the +sea was overrun by small parties of partisans, more intent upon plunder +than any loyalty to either side. To pass through between these bands was +likely to prove a desperate venture enough, yet it seemed the only choice +remaining. + +At the lower end of the float I managed to silently remove my boots, and +then waited, listening to the movements of the men above. I must have +clung there ten minutes, expecting every moment the party scouring the +shore would return, yet not daring to make the venture with those fellows +sitting there, and silently gazing out across the water. At last I heard +them get to their feet, and tramp about on the flat deck of the barge, +the low murmur of their voices reaching me, although words were +indistinguishable. I could hope for no better time. Filling my lungs with +air, I sank below the surface of the river, and then, rising, struck +boldly out into the full sweep of the current. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE BLACKSMITH + + +I had come up gasping for breath, well out in the stream, either shore a +mere darker shadow showing above the water. How far I had been swept +below the barge could not be guessed, as I could distinguish no outlines +clearly, excepting the bare spars of a vessel, tied up to the west shore. +As this ship had not been in sight previously I concluded the drift had +been greater than anticipated, and I struck out quickly toward the +opposite bank, fearful lest I be borne down as far as Gloucester before I +could finally make land. It was a hard swim across the swift current, and +I was nearly exhausted when I finally crept up the low bank, and lay +dripping and panting in the shelter of some low bushes. Except for the +bark of a distant dog there was no sound more disturbing than the rustle +of leaves, and the lapping of water. As my breath came back I sat up, +wrung out my clothes as best I could, and, with difficulty, drew on the +boots I had borne across, slung to my shoulder. + +I possessed but a dim conception of where I was, yet knew I must make a +wide detour to the east so as to escape British foraging parties. There +was nothing to guide me except the stars, no sign of any habitation, nor +cultivated field; not even a fence. I shivered in the night air, and went +stumbling forward over the rough ground, until I came upon a road running +north and south. I had no desire to proceed in either of these +directions, but the walking was so much better that I turned to the left, +hoping to find a trend eastward, as I knew the river swerved in that +direction. My reward was the discovery of a crossroad, a mere wagon +track, into which I gladly turned, and plodded along steadily. The stiff +exercise, combined with the heat of my body--for I was walking now as +rapidly as the darkness would permit--dried my clothes, yet with every +step onward, I became more apprehensive of danger. I was unarmed, my +sword sunk in the Delaware, my pistol useless from wet powder; unless I +found concealment before daybreak I would doubtless fall into the hands +of some roving band, and be summarily dealt with. If loyalists, I was +certain to be returned to Philadelphia a prisoner; if Colonial then I +would find it hard to explain the uniform I wore. In either case there +would be no gentleness in handling me. + +I must have thus plodded doggedly along through the darkness for fully +five miles, without perceiving the first sign of habitation, or even a +wood into which I could crawl for concealment, when I suddenly came upon +a long, one-story stone building standing at the left of the road, a +grim, silent, apparently deserted structure, one end of the roof caved +in, and several of the windows smashed. The appearance of desolation was +so complete as to make the flesh crawl, and in the distance an owl hooted +dismally. I tried the doors, but they appeared firmly fastened. Far in +the east there was a faint lightening of the sky promising the approach +of dawn, and thus aroused to a knowledge that I must immediately attain +shelter, I clambered through one of the broken windows, and dropped to +the earthen floor within. I could see nothing, not even a hand held +before my eyes, yet carefully felt my way forward through a tangle of +rubbish, wheels, scraps of iron, some casks, a number of plough handles, +and a riffraff of stuff I could not make out. The place had evidently +been used as a repair shop, but must have been closed for months, as I +could feel the grit of dust everywhere, and cobwebs brushed against my +face as I moved about. Finally I felt the outlines of a large box half +filled with paper, and, for want of something better, crept in and +snuggled down, intending to rest there until daylight should reveal my +surroundings. + +I was warm enough, now, my clothing practically dry, but thoroughly tired +from the long tramp over the dark road, and exhausted by the excitement +through which I had passed. Even my mind seemed dulled, and it appeared +useless to think or plan. All night long I had been the helpless victim +of circumstances, and I could only trust blindly to luck for the future. +I recall lying there, staring up into the darkness, listening to the +squeal of a rat in some distant corner, the memory of the past few hours +rioting through my brain in bewildered confusion. I had not intended to +sleep, yet drowsiness came, and I lost consciousness. + +I know not what aroused me, but it was already daylight, a gleam of sun +through the windows turning the festooned cobwebs into golden tapestry. +One side of the box in which I lay had been broken out, and I could see +the full length of the shop, which appeared littered from end to end with +all manner of implements of husbandry, and woodworking and blacksmith's +tools. It was a jumble of odds and ends, scraps of wood and iron, +discarded parts of machinery, an old forge, bits of harness, and a broken +saddletree. All this I perceived with my first glance, but it was the +distant sound of a voice which as instantly held my attention. At first I +could not locate the speaker, nor comprehend the peculiar singsong of the +utterance. But as I lifted my head, listening intently, I knew the man to +be beyond the wooden partition at my right, and that he was praying +fervently. Somehow heartened by this discovery I crept out from the bed +of papers, and stole silently forward to the narrow door which apparently +led into this second apartment. The voice never ceased in its monotonous +appeal, and I ventured to lift the latch, and take cautious glance +through the slight opening. + +It was a blacksmith shop of fair size, fully equipped with all the tools +of the trade, the walls blackened by smoke, the earthen floor littered +with _debris_, a leathern apron hanging over the anvil. A curtain drawn +aside formed a smaller, separate apartment, with puncheon floor, lighted +by a small window through which a gleam of sun fell. I caught therein +glimpse of a bunk full of disarranged blankets, a straight-back chair, +and a small table, with a few books lying upon it. Yet all this was but +the result of a glance, as my whole attention concentrated upon a +kneeling figure just beneath the loop of the curtain. The man was facing +me, but with eyes closed, and uplifted, as his lips poured forth the +fervent words of prayer. I was not a religious man in those days, yet the +faith of my mother was not forgotten, and there was something of +sincerity about that solitary kneeling figure I could not but respect. +The words uttered, the deep resonant voice, and above all, the expression +of that upturned face, held me silent, motionless. He was a man of short, +sturdy limb, but great bulk, massive chest, and immense shoulders +evidencing remarkable strength. His face was rugged, the jaws square, the +chin pronounced, the brow broad, rather than high, with nose like the +beak of a hawk. His thick hair, iron-gray, was a bushy mat. His only +clothing consisted of leathern breeches, well worn but clean, and a rough +shirt, open at the throat, and sleeveless. This revealed a brawny chest, +and arms knotted with muscle. + +But it was the man's voice, deep, resonant, vibrant with feeling, which +fascinated me, while the words spoken seemed to yield me a new conception +of prayer, so simple were they, so clearly a true utterance of the heart. +Believing himself alone with his Maker, there was a depth of sincerity in +the tone which hushed all shallow criticism. Rare Christian faith, +unreserved surrender, absolute confidence spoke through every syllable, +and I stood there, almost breathless, listening, feeling that this was +holy ground. What was this man, this praying blacksmith? A patriot +surely, from his words of petition; one who had suffered much, but was +willing to suffer more. The strength chiselled in that upturned face, +those deeply marked features, revealed no common mental equipment. Here +was a real man, with convictions, one who would die for an ideal; without +doubt a radical, ready to go to any extreme where conscience blazed the +way. + +I cannot attempt to reproduce from memory those words of petition which +came slowly from his lips, as though the man was himself awed by the +presence of the Infinite. There was no stumbling, no hesitancy, but the +solemnly devout language of the Bible seemed to flow naturally forth, as +though the man's mind was steeped with the imagery of that Oriental past, +the present struggle in which he was engaged but a reflection of old +Jewish wars in which Jehovah led the chosen hosts to victory. As he +finally paused, his head bowed low, I stepped forward into the light, +confident of welcome, utterly forgetful of the uniform I wore. At the +first faint sound of my approach on the floor he was upon his feet +fronting me, the shortness of his limbs yielding him a certain grotesque +appearance, his deep-set eyes regarding me suspiciously. Before I could +realize the man's intent he sprang between me and the outer door, his +hand gripping an iron bar. + +"A son of Baal!" came the roar from his lips. "How came you here in that +uniform? Are you alone?" + +"Alone, yes," and I hurled the scarlet jacket into the dirt with a +gesture of disgust. "I had even forgotten I wore it. Wait a moment. I +heard your prayer, and know you must be with us. I am Major Lawrence of +the Maryland Line." + +He stared at me motionless. + +"Then how come ye here?" + +"I was sent into Philadelphia by Washington himself, but my identity was +discovered, and there was no way of escape except across the Delaware. I +reached here during the night, and crept into your shop to hide. The +sound of your voice awoke me from sleep, and I knew from your words that +it was safe for me to come forth." + +"You may know it, young man, but I don't," he replied gruffly. "We're a +bit suspicious of strangers here in the Jerseys these days. The minions +of Satan encompass us about. What have ye to show to prove your story?" + +I shook my head, extending my hands. + +"Only my word of honor. I had a pass from Hamilton, but destroyed that +before entering the British lines. If I tell you the whole story, perhaps +you will understand its truth." + +The expression of his face did not change, yet I thought the deep-set +eyes were not altogether unkind. + +"You are hungry, no doubt?" + +"Being human, yes." + +"Then we'll eat and talk at the same time. You're only one man, an' I'm +not afraid of you, an' if ye are a Britisher I wouldn't starve you to +death. There's little enough, the good Lord knows, but you're welcome to +the half of it. Make yourself comfortable there on the bench." + +I did as he suggested, impressed by the rugged directness of the fellow, +convinced he already half believed my brief explanation. He stepped +outside into the sunlight searching the road that led away across the +flat distance; returning he indulged in a single glance into the deserted +shop where I had passed the night. Apparently satisfied that I was indeed +alone, he threw open a cupboard in one corner, and brought forth a +variety of food, placing this upon a wide shelf near at hand. +Occasionally our eyes met, and I knew he was slowly making up his mind +regarding me. This silent scrutiny could not have been altogether +unsatisfactory, for, when he finally drew up an empty box and sat down, +he was prepared to talk. + +"Help yourself," he began gravely. "It is rough camp fare, but doubtless +you are used to that. Do you know me?" + +I scanned his face again intently, surprised by the question, yet +recognized no familiar features. + +"No," I replied, with some hesitation. "Have we ever met before?" + +"Not to my remembrance," and the man's language and accent evidenced +education above his apparent station. "But I have won some repute in this +part of the Jerseys, an' thought my name might be known to you. You would +recognize the signature of George Washington?" + +"I have seen it often." + +He drew a flat leather case from a pocket inside his shirt, extracting +therefrom a folded paper, which he opened, and extended to me across the +table. With a glance I mastered the few lines written thereon, +recognizing its genuineness. + +"Hamilton penned that," I said in quick surprise, "and it is signed by +Washington's own hand." + +The deep-set eyes twinkled. + +"Right," he said shortly, "that bit of paper may save me from hangin' +some day. There are those who would like well to see me swing if they +only laid hands on me at the right time and place. You know what the +paper is?" + +"A commission as Captain," and I bent over it again, "issued to Daniel +Farrell, giving him independent command of scouts--by heavens! are you +'Bull' Farrell?" + +He was eating quietly, but found time to answer. + +"There are those who call me by that nickname; others give me even a +worse handle. 'Tis my nature to make enemies faster than friends. You +know me then?" + +"I was with Maxwell at Germantown," the remembrance of the scene coming +vividly to mind, "when you came up with your ragged fellows. You have +certainly taught them how to fight." + +"There was no teaching necessary; all the trouble I ever have is in +holding them back," his face darkening. "Every man who rides with me +knows what war means here in the Jerseys; they have seen their homes in +flames, their women and children driven out by Hessian hirelings. We +fight for life as well as liberty, and when we strike we strike hard. But +enough of that. We have sufficient confidence in each other by now to +talk freely. What did you discover in Philadelphia? No more than I could +tell you myself, I'll warrant." + +I told the story, while he listened silently, his eyes alone expressing +interest. As I ended, he slowly lit his pipe, and sat there smoking, +apparently thinking over what I had said. + +"Have I learned anything of importance?" I asked finally. + +"For Washington, yes; but very little unknown to me. So you met Mistress +Claire, eh? The little minx! 'Tis a month since I heard of her." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +TANGLING THREADS + + +My surprise at this unexpected reference to the Lady of the Blended Rose, +almost prevented utterance. What could this partisan ranger know of the +girl? How could he even have identified her from my vague reference? + +"Why do you say that?" I asked eagerly. "I did not mention the lady's +name." + +"There was no cause for you to do so," and the grim mouth smiled. "No one +else in Philadelphia would have turned the trick so neatly; besides the +fact that your opponent was Grant would have revealed the identity of the +girl." + +"You know them both then?" + +"Fairly well; he was a boy in these parts, an' I have shod his riding +horse many a time. A headstrong, domineering, spoiled lad he was, and +quarrelsome. Once I gave him a sound thrashing in this very shop, an' +when his father called me to task for it the next day he went home with a +broken collar-bone. That was ten years before the war, an' we have not +spoken pleasantly since. A hard man was Frederick Grant, an' none of his +blood ever forgave an injury. Once the boy's company of Queen's Rangers +raided this shop, but fortunately I was not here." + +"But Mistress Mortimer," I interrupted, "is her family also from this +neighborhood?" + +"To the northeast of here, near Locust Grove; the properties of the two +families adjoin each other, an' I have heard there is distant kinship +between them, although if that be true all that was good in the strain +must have descended to the one branch, an' all the evil to the other. Day +and night could be no different. Colonel Mortimer is a genial, pleasant +gentleman, an' a loyal friend, although we are in arms against each +other. To tell the truth I half believe his heart is with the Colonies, +although he cast his fortunes with the King. He even has a son in the +Continental Army." + +"On Lee's staff," I interrupted. "The daughter told me he was a twin +brother." + +"Yes, an' as great a rogue as the girl, with the same laughing blue +eyes." + +"And Mistress Claire," I questioned, "on which side is she?" + +"Can you ask that after having met her as a Lady of the Blended Rose? +Pshaw, man, I could almost give you a list of the loyalist dames who make +sport for the British garrison, an' Mistress Claire is not least in rank +or beauty among them. What else could you expect of a young girl when her +father wears the green an' white, while her lover has made a reputation +hereabout with his hireling raiders?" + +"You mean Grant?" + +"Certainly; they have been engaged from childhood, though God pity the +poor girl if they ever marry. His work in the Jerseys has been almost as +merciless as that of 'Red' Fagin, an' 't is even whispered about they +ride together at times. I doubt if she knows the whole truth about him, +though she can scarcely deem him an angel even at that. Surely you never +supposed her on our side?" + +"She helped me," I insisted, "knowing who I was, and even said she wished +my cause well." + +"The inconsistency of a woman; perhaps the two had had some +misunderstanding, an' she was glad enough to outwit the fellow." + +"No, 't was not that, I am sure; I could read truth in her eyes." + +"In Claire's eyes!" he laughed outright. "Oh, I know the innocent blue of +them, and warn you not to trust such blindly. Other men have thought the +same, an' found out they read wrongly when the end came--ay! many of +them. When she was but a slip of a lass I found out her eyes played merry +tricks, an' yet I love her as though she were my own daughter. An' she's +a good girl in spite of all the mischief in her." + +"And she is truly a loyalist?" + +"If not, I know no better. The rebel blood is all in the boy so far as I +can learn, yet I will not answer for what Mistress Claire might do." + +We fell silent, my memory with the girl, endeavoring to recall her exact +words, the expression of her face. It was not in my heart to believe she +had deceived me. There was no reason why she should, and it was easy to +conceive how she had naturally become part of the gay pageant, herself an +exile, and with both father and lover in the King's service. Her very +fun-loving disposition would lead her to take interest in the affair, +while beyond doubt her friendships would all influence her in that +direction. Yet down deep in her heart, I still believed, there was +loyalty to the Colonies, a desire to aid them in their struggle, and, I +sincerely hoped, a distrust and growing aversion to the man, Grant. +Certainly she could not love the fellow; that thought was inconceivable. +Whatever prearranged ties might still bind, she was already in almost +open rebellion against them. 'T was not in woman's nature to love one +man, and then aid another to outwit him. And she had done all this, and +of her own free will; done it with her eyes looking frankly into mine, +knowing who I was, and my real purpose in Philadelphia. No statement of +another could shake my confidence, or make me feel she had deliberately +deceived. Only through some action, or some direct word of her own, would +I permit my faith to be shattered. + +Plunged deeply in these thoughts, I had almost forgotten where I was, as +well as the presence of my companion, when he suddenly arose to his feet, +and, pushing aside the wooden window shutter, looked out. A glance of his +keen eyes was sufficient. + +"Get back into your box, Major," he exclaimed quickly. "Pull the papers +over you." + +I was upon my feet, conscious of the distant sound of horses' hoofs. + +"What is it? The enemy?" + +"Rangers; fifty of them, I judge, an' they'll never pass here without +rummaging around. Quick now, under cover." + +"But what about yourself?" + +"Don't worry about me; those fellows haven't any evidence against +me--yet. They're after you." + +I was through the intervening door with a bound, and an instant later had +burrowed under the crumpled papers. The shifting of the sun had left this +corner of the repair shop in shadow, but I was scarcely outstretched in +my hastily improvised hiding place, when I heard the blacksmith calmly +open his outer door, where he stood smoking, clad in leathern apron, +awaiting the approaching horsemen. They swept about the corner of the +smithy almost at the same moment, pulling up their tired horses at sight +of him. From amid the thud of hoofs, and the rattle of accoutrements, a +voice spoke sharply: + +"So you're here, Farrell, you old rebel hypocrite. Well, what are you +hiding now?" + +"I was not aware that I had anything to hide, Captain Grant," was the +dignified response. "This is my shop, an' where I should be." + +"Oh, hell! We all know you well enough, you old fox, and we'll catch you +red-handed yet, and hang you. But we're not hunting after your kind +to-day. Did you see anything of a fellow in scarlet jacket along here +last night, or this morning?" + +I failed to catch Farrell's answer, but the voice of the officer was +sufficiently loud to reach me. + +"A rebel spy; the sneaking rascal must have swam the Delaware. We'll look +about your shop just the same before we ride on. Mason, take a half-dozen +men with you, and rake the place over." + +I heard the sound of their boots on the floor, and burrowed lower in my +box. Two or three entered the old shop, and began to probe about among +the _debris_. One kicked the box in which I lay, and thrust a bayonet +down through the loose papers, barely missing my shoulder. With teeth +clinched I remained breathless, but the fellow seemed satisfied, and +moved on, after searching the dark corner beyond. At last I heard them +all go out, mumbling to each other, and ventured to sit up again, and +draw a fresh breath. They had left the door ajar, and I had a glimpse +through the crack. Farrell was leaning carelessly in the outer doorway, +smoking, his short legs wide apart, his expression one of total +indifference. A big fellow stepped past him, and saluted some one just +out of sight. + +"Nobody in there, sir," he reported. + +"All right, Mason," and Grant came into view on a rangy sorrel. "Get your +men back into saddle; we'll move on." + +"Think he went this way?" asked the blacksmith carelessly. + +"How the hell do I know!" savagely. "He must have started this way, but +likely he took the north road. We'll get the chap before night, unless he +runs into Delavan's fellows out yonder. See here, Farrell," holding in +his horse, "we'll be back here about dark, and will want something to +eat." + +"You will be welcome to all you find." + +"You impudent rebel, you see that you are here when we come. I know you, +you night raider, and will bring you to book yet. Forward men--trot! +Close up the rank there, sergeant; we'll take the road to the left." + +I watched them go past, the dust-covered green uniforms slipping by the +crack of the door, as the men urged their horses faster. Farrell never +moved, the blue tobacco smoke curling above his head, and I stole across +the littered storeroom to a cobwebbed window, from which I could watch +the little column of riders go down the hill. They finally disappeared in +the edge of a grove, and I turned around to find the blacksmith leaning +against his anvil waiting for me. + +"Genial young fellow, Grant," he said. "Always promising to hang me, but +never quite ready to tackle the job. Afraid I shall have to disappoint +him again, to-night." + +"You will not wait for him?" + +"Hardly. You heard what he said about Delavan? That was the very news I +wanted to learn. Now I think both those lads will meet me much sooner +than they expect." + +He stepped forward into the open doorway, and blew three shrill blasts on +a silver whistle. The echo had scarcely died away, when, out from a thick +clump of trees perhaps half a mile distant, a horse shot forth, racing +toward us. As the reckless rider drew up suddenly, I saw him to be a +barefooted, freckle-faced boy of perhaps sixteen, his eyes bright with +excitement. + +"So it's you on duty, Ben," said Farrell quietly, glancing from the boy +to his horse. "Well, you're in for a ride. Have the men at Lone Tree by +sundown; all of them. See Duval first, an' tell him for me this is a big +thing. Now off with you!" + +The boy, grinning happily, swung his horse around, and, jabbing his sides +with bare heels, rode madly away directly south across the vacant land. +Within five minutes he had vanished down a sharp incline. Farrell was +still staring after him, when I asked: + +"What is it?" + +"A little bit of private war," he said grimly. "If you'll go with me +to-night, Major, I'll show you some guerilla fighting. You heard what +Grant said about Delavan. We've been waiting five days for him to head +back toward Philadelphia. He has twenty wagons, an' a foraging party of +less than fifty men somewhere out Medford way," with sweep of hand to the +northeast. "If he an' Grant get together the two commands will outnumber +us, but we'll have the advantage of surprise, of a swift attack in the +dark. In my judgment that is what Grant was sent out for--to guard +Delavan's wagons. His spy hunting was a personal affair. My advice to +you, Lawrence, is to lie quiet here to-day, and go along with us +to-night. It will be in the same direction you'll have to travel, an' you +might have trouble by daylight. No objections to a fight, have you?" + +"None whatever." + +"I judged so from your face. Better get what rest you can; we shall have +twenty miles to ride before dark. I'll go over into the timber there an' +feed the horses." + +I watched him cross the open land, impressed by the man's immense +shoulders and short limbs. I could scarcely analyze the influence he +already exerted over me, but I felt him to be a natural leader of men, an +intellectual as well as physical giant. I picked up a book lying open on +the bench--it was an English translation of a famous French treatise on +Democracy; within its pages was Payne's pamphlet on the Rights of Man, +its paper margins covered with written comments. This blacksmith was not +only a man of action, but a man of thought also. I lay down on the bench, +pillowing my head on one arm, thinking of him as I first saw him kneeling +alone in prayer, and the simple words of his petition came back to me +with new power. Then my mind drifted to the strange commingling of human +elements in this adventure--to Mistress Claire, and her connection with +Grant, and the intimate knowledge Farrell apparently possessed of them +both. Somehow I was becoming more and more deeply involved in these +lives, and I began to wonder how it was all destined to end. Was the +coming night to add a new chapter? If so, would it be the last? Reviewing +it all, lulled by the silence, I fell asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +WITH MINUTE MEN + + +I must have slept very heavily, the sleep of utter exhaustion, for I +awoke with my mind clear and body rested. The door of the shop remained +wide open, and Farrell sat there, his eyes upon the road without, an open +book upon his knees. As I moved slightly he instantly turned his face +toward me. + +"I began to fear I should have to arouse you, Major," he said, coming +within. "You have slept soundly for six hours, an' we must be off +presently. First, however, we will have a bite to eat." + +He began to prepare the meal, while I bathed my face. + +"I was very tired," I explained, "but now am ready for any service. What +has occurred since I lay down?" + +"Very little; Duval stopped a moment to report, an' two of my couriers +rode past this way. We are going to have a goodly sized gathering +to-night, an' from all I hear will need every rifle. Grant's purpose is, +as I supposed, to guard the forage train into Philadelphia. He expects to +meet them somewhere between Fellowship and Mount Laurel, an' the chances +are we shall have to fight both detachments. But fall to, man, an' we can +discuss all this as we eat." + +He talked freely enough while we remained there, but conversation veered +to the book he had been reading, and I learned little of his plans, +except that he relied upon surprise, and swiftness of movement to +overcome the decided advantage of numbers. After we mounted and rode +away, scarcely a word was exchanged between us. I recall asking a +question or two, but his answers did not encourage any attempt at +probing, and I consequently fell silent, urging my horse in the effort to +keep pace with his heavier mount. We rode straight across the country, +avoiding the roads, and keeping under cover as much as possible, taking +advantage of every depression of the surface. Farrell knew every inch of +the way, and his watchful eyes scanned the summit of the ridges with +constant vigilance. Just before dusk we overtook a dozen horsemen in the +breaks of a creek bottom, roughly dressed fellows, heavily armed, riding +in the same direction as ourselves, and, after the exchange of a word or +two, the whole party of us jogged along together. Others straggled in, +singly, or by small groups, as darkness closed about, until we formed +quite a respectable company. It was rather a silent, weird procession, +scarcely a word being spoken, and no sound heard, other than the dull +reverberation of unshod hoofs on the soft turf. To me, glancing back from +where I held position beside Farrell, they seemed like spectral figures, +with no rattle of accoutrements, no glimmer of steel, no semblance of +uniform. Yet my heart warmed to the knowledge that these were no holiday +warriors, but grim fighting men. I had seen the faces, some boyish, +others graybeards, and had read in them all sternness of purpose. Each +hand gripped a brown rifle, and the fingers that met mine were rough and +hard from toil. No man among them had asked me a question; with Farrell's +simple statement there had come the hand-grip, the eyes looking straight +into my own; the silent acceptance of me as comrade. It all served to +drive into my consciousness the fact that these were men seeking nothing +for themselves, but ready to battle and die for the cause they had +espoused. They had left their ploughs in the furrow to strike a blow for +liberty. + +It was an hour or more after dark when our compact little body of +horsemen rode down a gully into a broad creek bottom, and then advanced +through a fringe of trees to the edge of the stream. There was a young +moon in the sky yielding a spectral light, barely making those faces +nearest me visible. At the summit of the clay bank, shadowed by the +forest growth encircling them, were the others who had gathered at this +war rendezvous, the majority dismounted, holding their horses in +readiness for action. As we rode in among them neighbors clasped hands +silently, but the words exchanged were few. Farrell forced his horse +through the press toward where a tall figure sat stiff in the saddle, and +my own horse followed unguided. + +"A goodly turn-out, Duval," he commented briefly. "What was the number +before we came?" + +"Forty-seven rifles," the Lieutenant's voice nasal, and high pitched. +"The men from Orchard and Springdale are not in yet. How many arrived +with you?" + +"Twenty; ample for our purpose, even if the others fail us. This is Major +Lawrence of the Maryland Line." + +I shook his long, thin hand, marking the iron grip of the fingers. + +"We'll introduce you to some typical Jersey fighting to-night, Major," he +said genially. "We have a style all our own." + +"I had supposed I had witnessed all styles." + +"We'll see; the difference is that every man among us has some outrage to +revenge. Our quarrel is a personal one against thieves and murderers. +What is the programme, Farrell?" + +"To intercept Delavan's raiders. They will be along the main road within +the hour from all reports. He has a wagon train loaded with stuff +gathered up between Medford an' Mount Holly, together with a considerable +drove of cattle and some horses." + +"And what force?" + +"About fifty men originally, but reinforced this afternoon with as many +more to help guard the train into Philadelphia." + +"Mounted?" + +"The reinforcements were, but the original foragers were afoot; they were +Hessians; the others Grant's company of Queen's Rangers." + +"Glory be to God!" exclaimed a voice near at hand. "Did ye hear that, +lads? It's Dutchmen and Tories we're against to-night. Be Gorry! I +wouldn't have missed the chance of this shindy fer the best farm in +Camden." + +There was a low growl from the cluster of men, and an ominous movement of +bodies pressing closer. Duval laughed mirthlessly. + +"The bloodhound takes the scent," he said grimly. "God help those poor +devils when we cut the leash, Farrell. Where do you propose meeting +them?" + +"Across there in the bluffs," pointing, "where the road turns in between +the high clay banks. We'll leave our horses here, an' cross on foot. Is +that the right plan, boys?" + +There was a murmur of acquiescence, a few questions, and then the silence +of approval. It was evident these minute men were under small discipline, +and their officers led only by force of character. Without orders the +horses were led away, tied securely in the black depths of the woods, and +the men came straggling back, rifles in hand, grouping themselves along +the edge of the stream. There was no attempt at military formation, but +Duval straightened them out so as to count the number present. + +"Sixty-nine, all told," he announced briefly. "All right, boys, come on, +and keep your powder out of the water." + +It was firm bottom, but the water rose above the waist, with sufficient +current so we had to brace against it in mid-stream. We trailed dripping +up the eastern bank, coming out upon a well-travelled road. A hundred +feet beyond was the cleft through the clay, and there Farrell halted us, +dividing the men into two parties. Under his orders they disappeared like +magic, the silent night engulfing them completely. The three of us, +Duval, Farrell, and myself, alone remained in the deserted road. + +"Duval," said the blacksmith quietly, "you an' the Major feel your way +along to the top, an' discover what is happening. I'll stay here, an' +take care of the boys." + +The road was a gradual rise, the clay packed hard under foot, but from +the summit we could look away for some distance over a level country, +dimly revealed under the new moon. There was nothing in sight, and no +sound disturbed the solitude. We sat down on a bunch of turf, rifles in +hand, to wait patiently, our eyes scanning the distance. + +"Who are those fellows back there?" I questioned at last, made nervous by +the silence. + +"The boys in the gulch? Jersey militiamen," he explained shortly. "You +see there's some of us that can't get away all the time, because of the +women and children, and the farm work. Besides, regular soldiering don't +just appeal to our sort. So we do our fighting round home in our own way. +However, the most of us manage to have a hand in the real thing once in a +while even at that. We were over at Germantown, and down at Brandywine. +Farrell's got a commission, but the rest of us are taking our chances. +It's neighbor against neighbor. Whatever we've got left has been held at +the point of the rifle. We're doing our share in this war, an' Washington +knows it. Over there to the east 'Red' Fagin, Old Man Kelly, an' their +gangs of Pine Robbers, are making the fields red; sometimes they get down +this far raiding the farms, but mostly, we're fighting foragers out of +Philadelphia, and they're not much better. Half the houses in this +country have been burned, and mercy isn't very common on either side. +Those lads yonder are not pretty soldiers to look at, but they're wolves +to fight, and hungry for it." + +"They are called on whenever Farrell wishes?" + +"Well, yes; those come who can. They're not always the same bunch. You +see Farrell covers quite a bit of country, with a lieutenant in each +section who is in touch with the neighbors there. I belong in Camden, and +don't go outside very often, but there is a sort of organization all the +way between here and New York. Whenever there is a big fight on, the most +of us get into it somehow. Washington counts on us in a pinch, but mostly +we're raiding or cutting off British supplies. Say, Major, isn't that +those fellows coming?" + +He pointed into the east, in which direction the road ran, barely +revealed by the faint light of the moon for perhaps a hundred yards. I +looked eagerly, and could dimly distinguish a vague shadow on the summit +of a distant rise of land. The shadow moved, however, and as we both +stared in uncertainty, there came to our ears the far-off crack of a +whip. We drew farther back against the bank, pausing to make sure there +was no deception. One by one we could perceive those vague shadows +topping the rise and disappearing. I counted ten, convinced they were +covered wagons, and then the night wind brought to us the creaking of +wheels, and the sound of a man's voice. Duval's hand gripped my arm, and +to the signal we crept back beyond the crest, and then hurried down to +where Farrell had concealed his men. He was waiting us in the middle of +the road, his short broad figure almost laughable in the moon shadow. + +"Well, are they coming?" + +"Just over the crest," replied Duval brusquely. "I counted fifteen +wagons." + +"Quite a convoy, an' worth fighting for. Take the left, Duval; Major, +come with me." + +We drew aside under the protection of a boulder, from where we could see +clearly to the top of the ridge. Only for a moment was there silence, the +men all about us lying low in their coverts, breathless and intent. There +was a faint ripple of water to our rear where the stream ran, and a +rustle of leaves overhead in the slight breeze. A rabbit, or some stray +animal of the field, darted through the underbrush. Then we heard horses' +hoofs and the murmur of approaching voices. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE CAPTURE OF THE WAGON TRAIN + + +We could see them quite clearly, as they topped the crest, the moonlight +revealing men and horses so distinctly I could even guess at their +uniform. Those in advance rode slowly, four abreast, down into the black +shadows, lolling in their saddles, voices murmuring, seemingly +unconscious of any danger. It was easy to comprehend their state of mind. +Delavan had been left alone for a week, permitted to sweep the +countryside unmolested. He and his command had naturally grown careless, +never suspecting their every move had been watched by keen-eyed scouts. +Now, guarded by Grant's troop, they believed themselves sufficiently +strong for any emergency; that no force the scattered enemy could gather +would venture upon attack. By daylight they would be within sight of the +Philadelphia outposts, and serenely confident in their numbers, the night +march had therefore become a mere routine. I heard Farrell chuckle grimly +to himself as he observed the careless approach of those advance riders. + +They were Queen's Rangers, the white facings of their coats conspicuous, +their guns swung at the shoulder in reckless confidence. A slim young +lieutenant appeared to be in command, and we counted twenty in the +advance body as they slowly passed and disappeared into the denser gloom +below. Following them appeared the wagons, huge Conestogas, heavily +laden, creaking dismally in the night silence, and lurching along the +rutty road. These were dragged by mules, horses, and oxen, the drivers +blocking the wheels as they struck the sharp descent, a thin guard of +Hessians, on foot, streaming along either side, but offering no +assistance. We could hear them growling to each other in German, +punctuated by an occasional English oath, as they stumbled forward in the +dark. Ten wagons passed thus, without a movement or sound from the men +lying concealed almost within arm's reach of the unconscious guards. +Farrell never stirred, and I scarcely ventured to breathe. Then there +came another squadron of Rangers, an officer riding alone in front, the +black shadow of another section of the wagon train looming over the ridge +behind them. The horsemen passed us, the officer turning in his saddle +with an order to close up their ranks. I recognized Grant's voice, and +then, sharp as a blow, rang out Farrell's whistle at my very ear. + +There was a leap of flame from both sides the road, lighting up that gash +in the clay bank as though it was an inferno, the red and yellow glow +cleaving the night asunder, with ear-splitting roar. I was on my feet, my +rifle spitting, yet hardly conscious of any act, stunned by the +suddenness of the reports, confused by those black figures leaping +forward through the weird glare. I saw and heard, and yet it was all a +confused medley, in which I bore active part while scarcely realizing its +significance. I saw men reel stumbling back, some falling heavily; I +heard shouts, oaths, cries of pain, the piercing shrieks of stricken +animals; there was the crunch of blows, a wild, inhuman cheer, a gruff +order yelled above the uproar, the rush of bodies hardly distinguishable. +The thin line of Hessians were flung aside as though they were paper men; +eager hands gripped the astounded Rangers, and dragged them from their +saddles. It was a fierce hand-to-hand _melee_ so swiftly fought as to be +over with almost in a minute, and yet so desperate the narrow roadway was +strewn with bodies. Frightened horses whirled and ran; wagons were +overturned; hemmed in against the high walls, Germans and British made +one mad effort to extricate themselves; the advance guard came spurring +back, pushing blindly into the ruck, the boyish voice of their young +lieutenant sounding above the uproar. But our men were between the two, a +compact body, each borderman fighting independently, but knowing the +game. I heard no word of command, no shout of direction from either +Farrell or Duval, yet we ripped them asunder with sweeping rifle butts, +and, almost before I could catch a second breath, the few who remained on +their feet were helplessly trapped. Farrell saw it was all over, and his +whistle sounded again, stilling the uproar. Up to that moment he was +beside me; with the echoing of the shrill blast he had disappeared. + +It was Duval who emerged from the wreck of the train, demanding +surrender. + +"Who commands here?" he shouted. "Speak up quick." + +There was hesitancy, and then out of the black mass huddled against the +bank I recognized Grant's voice. + +"I suppose I do; has any one seen Captain Delavan?" + +"He fell at the first fire, sir," answered some one huskily. + +Grant stepped forth into the moonlight, bareheaded, his sword in hand. + +"Then I am the senior officer," he announced, his voice shaking slightly. +"Who are you?" + +"Camden minute men. Do you surrender?" + +He took a long breath, glancing about at the dark shadows. Some one held +up a lighted torch, the red flame casting a sudden gleam over the +surrounding faces. It was clear that further resistance was useless, yet +Grant temporized. + +"Are you in command?" + +"No," said Duval; "but I represent the commander." + +"I deal with the one responsible in this affair and demand terms. Who is +your leader?" + +Duval smiled, turning his head inquiringly. + +"I don't think you have much choice," he commented dryly. "However, +perhaps you are not too proud to talk to a regular who outranks you--I +present Major Lawrence, of the Continental Line." + +Surprised as I was by being thus suddenly thrust forward into supreme +authority, I as instantly understood the purpose, and stepped to the +front. Grant stared at my face in the gleam of the smoking torch, almost +as though he looked upon a ghost. + +"You!" + +"Certainly, Captain. It is a pleasure to meet with you again, especially +under such happy circumstances. But my men are becoming impatient. Do you +surrender?" + +"Under what terms?" he parleyed. + +"None, but we are not savages. You will be treated as prisoners of war." + +His hatred of me made him obstinate, but the utter helplessness of their +position was too apparent to be ignored. A Hessian muttered something in +German, and Grant dropped the point of his sword with an oath. + +"Good," I said promptly. "Lieutenant, have your men disarm the +prisoners." + +There was no resistance, and the militiamen herded them against the bank, +encircled by a heavy guard. Duval singled out the officers from among the +others, and brought them forward to where I stood. There were but +three--Grant and two Hessians. I looked at them keenly, recalling the +slight figure of the young lieutenant with the boy's voice. Could the lad +have been shot, or what had become of him? + +"Are you three all that are left?" I questioned bluntly. "Who commanded +the vanguard?" + +The two Hessians looked at each other stupidly, and I asked the question +again before Grant saw fit to reply. His manner was excessively insolent. + +"That is more than I know. We joined after dark, and I did not meet +Delavan's officers." + +"He vas vat you call maype a volunteer leftentant," added one of the +Germans brokenly. "At Mount Holly we met, yah, and from there he joined." + +"Not one of Delavan's men then?" + +"I dink not; he vas Light Dragoon. I haf the vagon guard--the first +vagons--an' see him there. Mine Gott! he come pack vid his mens all +right--slash, shoot--his horse rear up; that vas the last I see already." + +"The lad got away, with three others, sir," broke in a new voice at my +back. "They wheeled and rode through us, across the water. We thought the +horse guard would get them over there, but I guess they didn't; anyhow +there was no firing. The fellows must have turned in under the bank, and +rode like hell." + +Satisfied as to this incident, and not altogether regretful that the boy +had thus escaped, I held a short consultation with Duval, seeking +explanation as to why the command had been so unceremoniously thrust upon +me. A few words only were required to make the situation clear. Farrell's +ability to injure and annoy the enemy largely depended on his leadership +not being known. While taking part in every engagement, he always +required his lieutenants to represent him in negotiations, so that up to +this time, whatever the British might suspect, they had no positive proof +that he was openly in arms against them. Duval, in turn, taking advantage +of my presence, had shifted the responsibility to my shoulders. + +"But what do you people do with your prisoners?" I asked. + +"Send 'em to the Continental lines when we can," he explained, "and if we +can't then turn 'em loose. No use paroling 'em, as they consider us +guerillas. If I was you I'd run 'em back to the farmhouse across the +creek, an' hold 'em there till we get rid of this stuff. Maybe it'll take +twenty-four hours to hide it all, and burn the wagons. Then the boys can +turn 'em loose, an' there's no harm done. I'd like to take that fellow +Grant into our lines--he's a mean pillaging devil--but it's too big a +risk; Bristol is about the nearest picket post, and the Red-coats have +got cavalry patrols all along in back of the river." + +"But I cannot wait here," I answered, impatiently. "Farrell understood +that. I have important information for Washington, and only came with you +to-night because you were following along my route. I've got to go on." + +"That's all right; just give your orders, and we'll attend to the rest. +What we want is for these lads to go back to Philadelphia saying they +were attacked by a force of militia under command of an officer of the +Continental line. That will give Clinton a scare, and turn suspicion away +from us. Grant knows you, I understand, so he'll report the affair that +way. You can be off within thirty minutes." + +It was easy to grasp the point of view, and I saw no reason for refusing +assistance. I gave the necessary orders, standing under the torchlight in +full view, and waited while a squad of partisans rounded up the disarmed +prisoners, and guarded them down the slope to the edge of the stream. +This was accomplished quietly and expeditiously, Duval whispering to me +as to whom to put in command of the guard. The others gathered about the +wagons, deciding on what was worth saving, and what had better be +destroyed. Teams were doubled up, and several of the heavy Conestogas +rumbled away into the darkness. Two, too badly injured to be repaired, +were fired where they lay, the bright flames lighting up the high banks +on either side the road. I watched this work impatiently, although it +required but a few moments, and finally turned aside in search of a good +mount. I found a big black, with British arms on the bridle, and a pair +of loaded pistols in the holsters, a fine-looking animal, and came back +into the fire glow, determined to lose no more time. Duval had +disappeared, but, as I stood there looking about for him to say good-bye, +a young country fellow came up hurriedly from out the darkness. + +"You're wanted down thar," he said, with the jerk of a thumb over his +shoulder. "The Tory officer wants to see ye." + +"What officer? Captain Grant?" + +"I reckon that's the one," indifferently; "anyhow I was told to fetch ye +down thar. Bannister sent me." + +I went as he directed down the rutty road, my newly appropriated horse +trailing along behind. The prisoners were in an open space near the bank +of the stream, where a fire had been built. They were mostly lying down, +the guard forming an outside circle. Grant was pacing back and forth +restlessly, but, as soon as I appeared within the fire radius, he came +toward me. + +"Can I see you alone?" he asked brusquely. + +"If there is any reason for privacy, certainly," I answered in surprise. +"What do you wish to say?" + +"This is a matter strictly between us," evasively. "I prefer not to +discuss it publicly here." + +I had a suspicion of treachery, yet was not willing to exhibit any +reluctance. The fellow was no better man than I when it came to a +struggle, and was unarmed. Besides he had succeeded in arousing my +curiosity. + +"Very good. Bannister," to the partisan in charge, "I want a word with +Captain Grant, and will be responsible for his safe return." + +The man looked after us doubtfully, yet permitted us to pass beyond the +guard-lines. There was a stump beside the ford, barely within the flicker +of the distant fire, and there I stopped, leaning against my horse, and +turned so as to look into the man's face. + +"Well, Grant," I said, rather sternly. "We are alone now; what is it?" + +He cleared his throat, evidently uncertain how best to express himself. + +"Why did you ask so many questions about Delavan's lieutenant?" he began +sullenly. "What were you trying to find out?" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A CAPTURE + + +What was the matter with the fellow? Could he have sent for me merely to +ask that question, insisting on privacy? There must surely be some hidden +purpose behind this. Yet if so, there was no betrayal in the man's face. +His eyes had an angry gleam in them, and his words were shot at me in +deadly earnest. + +"The lieutenant?" I repeated, not prepared for a direct reply. "Why, I +hardly know--curiosity largely." + +He stared at me in manifest unbelief. + +"What do you expect to gain by lying?" he exclaimed sullenly. "You saw +him, no doubt, or you would not have asked what you did." + +"Certainly I saw him," more deeply puzzled than before at his insistence. +"That was what aroused my interest. He seemed such a mere lad as he rode +past, and later I heard his voice, the voice of a boy." + +"Was that all?" + +"All! What else could you suppose? It was dark, only a little gleam of +moon revealed outlines. I couldn't distinguish the face, but when he +failed to appear after the fight I remembered him, and was afraid he had +been hurt. Now I want to know what you mean. Who was the lad?" + +He had seated himself on the stump, and was leaning forward, his face +hidden from the light of the fire. + +"Well, go on then," he returned finally. "If that's all you saw of him +it's all right." + +"No, it's not all right," I insisted, aroused by his peculiar actions. +"What is all this mystery about? You told me you didn't know the man." + +"I said I hadn't seen him; that we joined Delavan after dark," he +corrected sharply. "But you needn't try to interview me, Major Lawrence," +stiffening with anger, "for I haven't anything to say to a spy and leader +of guerillas." + +"You requested this interview; however, if you are satisfied I am, and +you can return to your men. Shall I call the guard?" + +He hesitated a moment, but whatever it was which had first inspired him +to question me, was too strong to be thrown aside. + +"Did--did Mistress Mortimer help you escape from Philadelphia?" he asked +bluntly. + +"That is entirely my affair. Why don't you ask the lady herself?" + +"See here, damn you!" he burst out. "I haven't seen the lady. When I got +back to the dining-room she was gone, and then I was ordered out here. +But you knew you were being sought after, and I cannot imagine who else +told you." + +"You do not exhibit very great faith in the lady--the daughter of a +loyalist." + +He drew a quick breath, suddenly aware that he had gone too far. + +"It is your sneaking spy methods, not the girl. She is innocent enough, +but I suspect you dragged the truth out of her. Now see here!" and his +voice took on the tone of a bully. "You are in power just now, but you +won't always be. You can't hold me prisoner; not with these ragamuffins. +They'll turn us loose as soon as they loot those wagons. I know how they +work in the Jerseys. But first I intend to tell you something it will be +worth your while to remember. Claire Mortimer is going to be my wife--my +wife. War is one thing, but if you interfere in my personal affairs +again, I am going to kill you." + +"Indeed," smilingly. "Is Mistress Mortimer aware of the honor you are +according her?" + +"She is aware of the engagement, if that is what you mean. It has been +understood since our childhood." + +"Oh, I see; a family arrangement. Well, Grant, this is all very +interesting, but I am unable to conceive what I have to do with it. I met +Mistress Mortimer by accident, and then was fortunate enough to dance +with her once. 'Tis scarcely likely we shall ever meet again. The +daughter of a colonel of Queen's Rangers is not apt to come again into +contact with an officer of the Maryland Line. I don't know why you should +single me out in this matter. I don't even know the lady's brother." + +"Her brother?" + +"Yes, the family renegade; the twin brother on Lee's staff." + +I could not perceive the expression of the man's face, but he was a long +while answering. + +"Oh, yes. She told you about him?" + +"It was mentioned. Would I know the boy from any resemblance to his +sister?" + +"Y--yes, at least I should suppose so. You must have become very intimate +for her to have told you that. You see it--it is a family secret." + +"Nothing for Tories to boast over, I should imagine. However, it came up +naturally enough while we spoke of the sufferings of the American army +during the winter. It is a sad thing the way this war has divided +families. Has Mistress Claire any Colonial sentiments?" + +"How the devil do I know! She would not be likely to air them before me. +I don't know what fool trick you played on her last night, but she's on +the right side just the same." + +"I think so, too." + +His manner was so disagreeable that I instantly determined to have an +end. I had more important work before me than quarrelling with this +fellow, and, somehow, his claimed intimacy with Mistress Mortimer grated +upon me strangely. + +"If that is all you requested an interview for, Captain Grant," I said +coldly, "I'll trouble you to return to your men." + +I followed him closely back toward the fire, and neither spoke until we +reached the guard-lines. Then he turned his face toward me. + +"Have you a party out after the lieutenant?" + +"No; probably he ran into our horse guard across the creek. If not, the +three who are reported to have got away can do us no harm. Why are you so +interested?" + +"That is my affair," he replied, insolently, and walked across the open +square, with shoulders squared. + +Irritated that I had even condescended to question him, I turned back up +the road to where the men were yet busy about the wagons, spoke a few +words to Duval, he explaining to me the best route toward the river +crossing at Burlington, and then swung into the saddle and sent the black +forward to the crest of the ridge. The animal was restive, and hard to +control; I cast a single glance backward to where the blaze of the fires +lit up the busy figures below, and then plunged forward into the black +night, unable to see the road, but trusting the instincts of the horse. + +I permitted the animal to go his own gait, and for a mile or more he kept +up a hot gallop, finally tiring to a trot. By this time my eyes had +accustomed themselves sufficiently to the gloom so as to dimly perceive +the outline of the highway, and the contour of the surrounding country. +It was not a thickly settled region, although we passed two houses, and +several cultivated fields, the latter unfenced. Duval had spoken of a +turn to the westward, but I perceived no branching of the road, and began +to wonder if we had not passed the spot during that first rush. So far as +I could judge from the few stars visible we were travelling almost due +north. However, I was certainly getting farther away from the British +lines, and could swing to the left at daylight. It made little difference +where I struck the Delaware; every mile north added to my safety. + +The silence of the night, the dull monotony of the landscape, caused my +mind to drift backward over the rapidly occurring events of the past two +days. They all seemed natural enough--merely such a series of adventure +as could occur to any one between the lines of two contending +armies,--and yet a trail of mystery seemed to run through it all, +becoming more and more perplexing. Why should Claire Mortimer have saved +me from capture? What could have caused her so suddenly to array herself +against those who were nearest her in life, to assist a mere stranger? +Who was the girl? Were those few words spoken to me the truth, or were +they intended to deceive? I could scarcely believe the last possible, for +she could have no object in leading me astray. The dividing of families +was nothing new; the very fact that she possessed a brother in arms with +the Colonies was evidence that the younger blood was arrayed against the +King. As to her engagement with Grant I scarcely gave that a second +thought, for I knew she despised him, and was of too determined a +character to surrender at the will of others. She might permit him to +suppose she was compliant, for some object of her own, but there would +surely be an hour of rebellion. + +The memory of her arose clearly before me--the smile in those frank blue +eyes, the proud poise of the head, the banter of the soft voice, and the +words spoken. While she had said nothing convincing--merely an expression +of womanly sympathy for the sufferings of the patriot army--yet I could +not drive away the impression left that she was desirous that final +victory perch upon our banners. Otherwise why should she have championed +me, aided my escape, realizing, as she did, my mission in Philadelphia? I +felt a sudden determination to learn the truth, to meet with her again +under pleasanter circumstances. There was but one way in which this might +be accomplished. I would seek out the brother on Lee's staff, the moment +duty would permit. The way of accomplishment appeared to be so clear, so +easy, that I ceased to dream, and began to plan. My horse had fallen into +a long, swinging lope, bearing us forward rapidly. The moon had +disappeared, but the sky was glittering with stars, and I could +distinguish the main features of the country traversed. I was on the +summit of a slight ridge, but the road swerved to the right, leading down +into a broad valley. There were no signs of habitations, until we rounded +the edge of a small grove, and came suddenly upon a little village of a +dozen houses on either side the highway. These were wrapped in darkness, +apparently deserted, shapeless appearing structures, although I thought +one had the appearance of a tavern, and another seemed a store. There was +a well in front of this last, and water sparkled in a log trough beside +it. My horse stopped, burying his nostrils in the water, and, suddenly +made aware of my own thirst, I swung, down from the saddle. My hands were +upon the well-rope when, without warning, I was gripped from behind, and +flung down into the dirt of the road. I made desperate effort to break +away, but two men held me, one with knee pressed into my chest, the other +uplifting the butt of a pistol over my head. There was not a word spoken, +but I could see they were in uniform, although the fellow kneeling on me +had the features and long black hair of an Indian. My horse started to +bolt, but his rein was gripped, and then a third figure, mounted, rode +into the range of my vision. + +"Search him for weapons, Tonepah," said a boyish voice briefly. "There +are pistols in the saddle holsters, but he may have others. Then tie him +up as quick as you can." + +There was no mistaking my captors--the young dragoon lieutenant, and the +three who had escaped with him. But why had they ridden in this +direction? What object could they have in thus attacking me? They +afforded me little opportunity for solving these problems. Had I been a +bale of tobacco I could not have been treated with less ceremony, the +white man unclasping my belt, while the Indian, with a grunt, flung me +over on my face, and began binding hands and feet. I kicked him once, +sending him tumbling backward, but he only came back silently, with more +cruel twist of the rope, while the boy laughed, bending over his horse's +neck. + +"Hoist him up on the black, lads," he said shortly, reining back out of +the way. "Delavan's horse, isn't it? Yes, tie his feet underneath, and +one of you keep a hand on the reins. Peter, you and Cass ride with him. I +want Tonepah with me. All ready? We'll take the east road." + +Some one struck the horse, and he plunged forward, swerving sharply to +the right in response to the strong hand on his bit. I swayed in the +saddle, but the bonds held, and we went loping forward into the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +INTRODUCING PETER + + +It was a new country to me that we traversed, a rolling country, but not +thickly settled, although the road appeared to be a well-beaten track. +The gloom, coupled with the rapidity of our movements, prevented me from +seeing anything other than those dim objects close at hand, yet we were +evidently travelling almost straight east. I endeavored to enter into +conversation with the two fellows riding on either side of me, but +neither one so much as turned his head in response to my voice, and I +soon tired of the attempt. The night told me little of who they might be, +although they were both in the uniform of the Queen's Rangers, the one +called Peter on my right a round, squat figure, and bald-headed, his bare +scalp shining oddly when once he removed his cocked hat; the other was an +older man, with gray chin beard, and glittering display of teeth. + +But I gave these small consideration, my thought centring rather on the +two riding in front, the Indian slouching carelessly in his saddle, his +real shape scarcely discernible, while the lieutenant sat stiff and +straight, with head erect, his slender figure plainly outlined against +the sky-line. He alone of the four spoke an occasional word, in the +contralto boyish voice, of which I made little, however, and the Indian +merely grunted an acknowledgment that he heard. The movements of my horse +caused the ropes to lacerate my wrists and ankles, the pain increasing so +that once or twice I cried out. The fellows guarding me did not even turn +their heads, but the lieutenant drew up his horse so as to block us. + +"What is the trouble? Are you hurt?" + +"These ropes are tearing into the flesh," I groaned. "I'd be just as safe +if they were loosened a bit." + +I saw him lean forward, shading his face with one hand, as he stared +toward me through the darkness. I thought he drew a quick breath as from +surprise, and there was a moment's hesitancy. + +"Let out the ropes a trifle, Peter," came the final order. + +The little bald-headed man went at it without a word, the lieutenant +reining back his horse slightly, and drawing his hat lower over his eyes. +In the silence one of the horses neighed, and the boy seemed to +straighten in his saddle, glancing suspiciously about. + +"Ride ahead slowly, Tonepah," he ordered. "I'll catch up with you." He +turned back toward me. "Who are you, anyway?" + +Surprised at the unexpected question, my first thought was to conceal my +identity. These were King's men, and I was in ordinary clothes--the rough +homespun furnished by Farrell. If, by any chance, I was not the party +they had expected to waylay, I might be released without search. + +"Who am I?" I echoed. "Do you mean you have gone to all this trouble +without knowing whom you hold prisoner?" + +"It seems so," coolly. "We know who we thought you were, but I am +beginning to doubt your being the right man. Peter, take his hat off." + +I straightened up bareheaded, the faint star-gleam on my face. The +lieutenant remained quiet, but Peter broke his sphinx-like silence. + +"Tain't him, is it?" + +"No; he must have taken the other road after all," with a slight laugh. +"We've been on a wild-goose chase. However, it's too late now to catch +the fellow on this trip." + +Peter rubbed his bald pate, his eyes on me. + +"An' what'll we do with this lad?" he answered drawlingly. "Turn him +loose?" + +"Bring him along. We'll find out to-morrow who he is, and what his +business may be. Men are not riding these roads at midnight without some +purpose." + +He wheeled his horse, and, with a touch of the spur, disappeared in the +darkness ahead. Peter clambered back into the saddle, and gripped my +rein. + +"Come on," he said disgustedly, kicking the black in the side. "It's a +ways yet afore yer lie down." + +We rode steadily, and at a good pace. Occasionally the older man swore +solemnly, but Peter never uttered a sound, not even turning his head at +my attempts to draw him into conversation. The situation mystified me, +but it became more and more evident that I should have to wait until +morning before learning the truth. Neither guard would open his lips, and +the lieutenant rode straight forward, merely a dim shadow, in advance. +There was no figuring the affair out. Why should these fellows, who, +earlier in the evening, had been part of Delavan's wagon guard, be in +ambush to waylay some rider on the Bristol road? Who was it they sought +to capture? Where were they taking me, and why was I not released as soon +as they discovered their mistake? These were the main questions, but +there were others also arising in mind. This did not seem to me like an +ordinary party of troopers; there was an offhand freedom from discipline +totally unlike the British service. Neither Peter nor the Indian seemed +to belong to the class with which the army was recruited. Peter appeared +more like a well-trained servant, and his riding was atrocious. And the +lieutenant! There came back to me the haunting memory that he had joined +Delavan as a volunteer--the Dragoon uniform sufficient proof that he was +neither of the original foraging party of Hessians, nor of Grant's +detachment of Rangers. Yet these others wore the green and white, and +must, therefore, have been in Grant's command. How did the four manage to +escape from our attack, evidently animated by one purpose? Why was Grant +so anxious to learn if I had seen the lieutenant, and whether we had a +party out seeking him? Not one of these questions could I answer; not one +could I even guess at with any degree of satisfaction. + +We were coming out of the low, swamp lands into a more thickly settled, +and cultivated region. Rail and stone fences could be seen on either side +the road, and we passed swiftly by a number of farmhouses, some simple +log structures, although one or two were more pretentious. In only one of +these did a light shine, or any semblance of occupancy appear. Through +the undraped window of a cottage I caught the glimpse of a woman bending +over a cradle. At the sound of our horses' hoofs she glanced up, a +frightened look in her face, but her eyes quickly returned to what must +have been a sick child. It was like a picture thrown on a screen, and the +next instant we were galloping on through the dark, with only the memory +of it. + +It may have been two miles further along, when the lieutenant, and his +Indian companion, wheeled suddenly to the right, and, without slackening +speed, rode through an open gate, and up a gravelled roadway, circling +through a grove of trees to the front door of a great square mansion. It +was dark and silent, a wide porch in front supported by huge pillars, a +broad flight of steps leading from the driveway. The Indian ran up these, +leaving the lieutenant holding his horse, while we drew up some yards to +the rear. I heard the boom of the iron knocker, followed by a gleam of +light through a lower window. Then a negro's voice spoke, and the front +door opened, disclosing two figures, one with sputtering candle in hand. +The two exchanged a dozen words before the lieutenant asked impatiently: + +"Is it all right, Tonepah?" + +The taciturn Indian made no attempt at speech, but gave an expressive +gesture, and the young officer turned in his saddle. + +"Take the prisoner to the lower room, Peter," he ordered curtly. "I'll +decide to-morrow if he can be of any use to us." + +The two fellows loosened the rope about my ankles, and Peter waddling +ahead, the graybeard gripping my arm, we climbed the steps, and entered +the hall. A tall, slim negro, evidently a house-servant from his sleek +appearance, eying me curiously, handed the little fellow a second lighted +candle, and the three of us went tramping along the wide hall, past the +circling stairs, until we came to a door at the rear. This the black +flung open, without a word, and I was led down into the basement. The +flickering candle yielded but glimpses of great rooms, beautifully +decorated, and, almost before I realized what was occurring, I had been +thrust into a square apartment, the door behind me closed and locked. The +two guards left the sputtering candle, perhaps a third burned, behind, +and I heard them stumbling back through the darkness to the foot of the +stairs. I glanced about curiously, shaking the loosened rope from my +wrists, my mind instantly reverting to the chance of escape. Whoever +these fellows might be, whatever their purpose, I had no intention of +remaining in their hands a moment longer than necessary. Somehow their +silence, their mysterious movements, had impressed me with a strange +feeling of fear which I could not analyze. I could not believe myself a +mere prisoner of war, but rather as being held for some private purpose +yet to be revealed. Yet the room offered little promise. It was nearly +square, the walls of stone solidly imbedded in mortar, the door of oak, +thickly studded with nails, and the two small windows protected by thick +iron bars. It was a cell so strong that a single glance about convinced +me of the hopelessness of any attempt at breaking out. The furniture +consisted of a small table, two very ordinary chairs, and an iron bunk +fastened securely to the floor. I sat down on one of the chairs, and +stared moodily about, endeavoring to think over the events of the night, +and to devise some method of action. I could hear the muffled sound of +steps above, and the opening and closing of doors. Once the rattle of +crockery reached me, and I believed my captors were at lunch. I tried the +bars at the windows, and endeavored to dig my knife-blade into the +mortar, but it was as hard as the stone. Discouraged, feeling utterly +helpless, I threw myself on the bunk in despair. + +I was not there to exceed ten minutes when, without warning, the lock +clicked, and Peter came in. I sat up quickly, but as instantly he had +closed the door, and actually stood there grinning cheerfully. I would +never have believed him capable of so pleasant an expression but for the +evidence of my own eyes. + +"Spring lock," he grumbled, a thumb over his shoulder, "opens outside." + +Whatever resemblance to a soldier he might have previously shown while in +uniform was now entirely banished. Bareheaded, his bald dome of thought +shining in the candle-light, his round, solemn face, with big innocent +gray eyes gazing at me, an apron about his fat waist, the fellow +presented an almost ludicrous appearance. Somehow my heart warmed to him, +especially as I perceived the tray, heavily laden, which he bore easily +on one arm, and the towel flung over his shoulder. And as I stared at him +his movements became professional. Silently, solemnly, his mind strictly +upon his duties, he wiped off the table top, and arranged the various +dishes thereon with the greatest care, polishing cups and glasses, and +finally placing one of the chairs in position. Stepping back, napkin +still upon arm, he bowed silently. I took the seat indicated, and glanced +up into his almost expressionless face. + +"Peter, you old fraud," I said swiftly, "have you eaten?" + +"Not as yet, sir," his voice showing just the proper tone of deference, +his eyes staring straight ahead. + +"Then take that chair and sit down." + +"Oh, no, sir; indeed, sir, I am not at all hungry, sir." + +I squared myself, fingering the knife at my plate. + +"Peter," I said, sternly, "I'm a better man than you are, and you'll +either sit down there and eat with me, or I'll lick you within an inch of +your life. There is food enough here for three men, and I want company." + +He rubbed his hand across his lips, and I caught a gleam of intelligence +in his eyes. + +"Well, sir, seeing you put it in that way, sir," he confessed, almost as +though in regret, "I hardly see how I can refuse. It is very flattering, +sir." He drew up the other chair and sat down opposite me. "Would you +care for a glass of wine first, sir?" he asked solicitously. "It has been +a rather dusty ride." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +I INTERVIEW PETER + + +I accepted the wine gratefully, and sat in silence while he served the +meat, wondering at the odd character of the man, and striving to +determine how best to win his confidence. I was hungry, and, not knowing +what to say, fell to work with some zest, insisting on his doing +likewise. Yet even as I disposed of the food that stolid face opposite +fascinated me, and held my gaze. The fellow was not so big a fool as he +looked, for while the features remained expressionless and vacant, there +was a sly glimmer to the eye, betraying an active, observant mind behind +the mask. I began to suspect some purpose in his play acting. + +"What is your name, my man?" I asked finally, made nervous by his +silence. + +"Peter Swanson, sir," humbly. + +"Oh, a Swede?" + +"By ancestry only, sir," he explained, wiping his mouth with a corner of +the napkin, but not lifting his eyes from the plate. "'Tis a hundred +years since we crossed the sea." + +"And you've been good King's men ever since?" + +He cocked one eye up at me. + +"It would seem so, sir." + +"The fellow with the gray chin beard was Irish, wasn't he?" + +"He might be, sir." + +"A Swede, an Irishman, and an Indian," I said musingly. "That makes a +nice combination for the Queen's Rangers. Come now, Peter, give me the +straight of all this." + +He stopped with his fork in a bit of meat, favoring me with another +stare. + +"I think I fail to comprehend, sir." + +"No, you don't, you rascal," a bit of anger in my voice. "Did you bring +this supper yourself, or were you sent here?" + +"Under orders, sir." + +"The lieutenant?" + +He bowed solemnly, and asked: + +"Would you object if I smoked, sir?" + +"Certainly not; only answer my questions. Good heavens, man! do you think +I am a log of wood? Act like a human being. Who is the lieutenant?" + +"A Dragoon, sir." + +"Peter," I broke out, irritated beyond patience, "I have some reason to +believe you a liar. But I am going to get the truth from you if I have to +choke it out." + +"Yes, sir; very good, indeed, sir. However, there would seem to be no +need of your resorting to such extreme measures, sir." + +"Then you will tell me what I wish to know?" + +"It will afford me pleasure, sir." + +Somehow I could not rid myself of the suspicion that the fellow was +secretly laughing at me, yet his round face was innocent and placid, his +eyes discreetly lowered. + +"Then kindly inform me, first of all, who this young lieutenant is." + +"I fear, sir," solemnly, "that I may have misinformed you when I said he +was a Dragoon." + +"Yes!" eagerly. + +"I would correct my statement somewhat--he is a Light Dragoon, sir." + +In spite of my effort at self-control, I swore, tempted to batter that +stolid face, yet realizing the utter uselessness of such violence. + +"Now, see here!" I broke forth fiercely. "Have done with your play. You +are no soldier; I doubt if you were ever on a horse's back until +to-night. And those fellows with you are not Queen's Rangers, I'll +swear." + +"How do you know, sir?" he interrupted gently. "Are you in the army, +sir?" + +"Of course I am," I cried, answering without consideration. + +"I thought so, sir; although your clothes do not proclaim the fact. May I +ask which army?" + +He had turned the tables most neatly, and I glanced down over my rough +garments, awakening suddenly to the knowledge that I was also in +masquerade. To be sure I had one advantage--I knew these men had been +part of Delavan's foragers, and hence at heart must be loyalists. + +"That is not a question I intend answering to every ruffian who stops me +on the highway," I returned shortly. "I wish to know what this outrage +means? I will know, you wooden-headed image! I was about my business when +the four of you attacked me. I wasn't the man you were after at all, and +yet I am held prisoner, shut up here behind iron bars. What is this +place, anyhow?" + +"It is called 'Elmhurst,' sir." + +"Elmhurst? A country estate?" + +"Yes, sir, one of the old plantations." + +"It's a name I never heard. Where is that precious lieutenant?" + +"I presume he is in bed, sir," and Peter rose quietly to his feet, and +began replacing the dishes on his tray. Apparently there was not a +nervous throb to his pulse, and he remained blissfully indifferent to my +presence. I stared helplessly at him, even words failing me. + +"You refuse to inform me as to the truth of this affair?" I faltered at +last, as he lifted his burden on one arm. He turned a stolid face my way. + +"It would seem so, sir. I have to thank you for a most delightful +evening, sir. Your conversation has been both instructive and +entertaining. However, sir, the hour is now late, and I should advise +your retiring." + +He bowed solemnly, backing toward the door, and I sprang to my feet, +overtaken by a sudden determination to make a break for freedom. There +was a slight glitter in Peter's gray eyes, as he rapped sharply with his +heel on the wood. + +"I hardly think that would be advisable, sir," he warned softly. "The man +outside is armed, and in the excitement might hurt you." + +There was a click of the lock, and the heavy door swung open. I stood +motionless, tempted to spring, yet not daring the venture. Peter backed +majestically out, and I caught a glimpse of the graybeard, and the black +outline of a pistol. Then the door closed, leaving me alone. The little +scrap of candle left sputtered feebly, and, after walking across the +floor a half-dozen times, striving to gain control of my temper, I blew +it out, and crawled into the bunk. There was nothing I could do, but wait +for morning; not a sound reached me from without, and, before I realized +the possibility, I was fast asleep. + +I must have slept long and soundly, for when I finally awoke a gleam of +sun lay the full length of the room, and food was upon the table. Some +one--Peter, no doubt--had entered and departed without arousing me. Well, +it was apparent there was no intention of ill-treating me beyond the +restraint of imprisonment, for the breakfast served was ample and well +cooked. Sleep had left me in a pleasanter frame of mind, and I ate +heartily, wondering vaguely what the day would disclose. I determined one +thing, that when Peter returned for the dishes, I would back him into a +corner and choke at least a portion of the truth out of his unwilling +throat. I had hardly reached this decision when the door opened, and he +stood there gazing at me with sphinx-like stupidity. I arose to my feet, +gripping the back of a chair, but the utter vacancy in that face seemed +to numb action. There was no positive expression, no dim glimmer of +interest in his features; the shining bald head alone gave him a +grotesque appearance, restraining me from violence. I could as easily +have warred with a baby. + +"I trust, sir, you slept well," he said soothingly, "and that the service +is satisfactory." + +I choked back my indignation, the quiet deference of his manner causing +me to feel like a brute. + +"Nothing could be added to my happiness," I answered, "unless it might be +a little information which you seem disinclined to furnish." + +He waved one hand, as though brushing calmly aside some imagined insect. + +"Disinclined? Oh, no, sir; there is nothing to conceal, sir, I assure +you." + +"Then, for God's sake, let it out of your system, man!" I burst forth +impatiently. "Whom am I a prisoner to? What am I held for? What sort of +treatment is this I am receiving?" + +Peter bowed, without the tremor of an eyelash. + +"Do not mention it, sir," he murmured smoothly; "we are only too proud to +have you as our guest at Elmhurst. It has been very quiet here now for +some weeks, sir, and your coming was welcome to us all." + +I could only stare at the fellow with open mouth, so dumbfounded as to be +speechless. Of all the idiots I had ever met he was the worst, or else +his acting was magnificent. To save me I was not certain which might be +the correct guess. He continued in stately solemnity. + +"I trust there remains nothing more you desire to learn, sir? If not, I +am requested to conduct you to the library. Ah, thank you, sir--this way, +please." + +He stood aside, statue-like, his eyes looking directly past me, and +pointed with dignity to the open door. I obeyed the calm movement of that +hand as though it had been a military order, but, as I stepped into the +twilight of the outer basement, I suddenly perceived the presence there +of the attendant graybeard. He moved in advance, and I followed, aware +that Peter was closely at my heels. Thus we proceeded up the stairs, and +into the upper passage. My eyes surveyed the wide hall, and caught +glimpses of the great rooms opening upon either side. Accustomed from my +childhood to those stately Colonial homes along the Eastern shore, I +could yet recall none more spacious, or more richly furnished. The +devastating touch of war had left no visible impress here, and on every +hand were evidences of wealth and taste. My feet sunk deeply into silken +carpets, and the breeze through opened windows blew aside gossamer +curtains. Involuntarily I lifted my head. + +"Whose home is this?" I asked, but neither of the men answered, or so +much as glanced at me. The graybeard threw open a door, standing aside as +though on guard, and I stepped across the threshold. A glance told me +here was a library, not only in name, but in fact, a large square room, +well lighted, the furniture mahogany, shining like glass, three of the +walls lined with books, mostly in sombre bindings. A green-topped table +occupied the centre of the apartment, a massive affair, flanked by a +leather upholstered reading chair, while before the front windows were +cushioned ledges. My rapid glimpse about ended in Peter standing in +dignified silence barely within the door, his hand upon the knob. + +"I am authorized, sir," he said impressively, gazing directly across my +shoulder, not a feature expressing emotion, "to permit you to remain here +on parole." + +"Parole! What do you mean?" + +"Parole was, I believe, the word used, sir," in calm explanation. "It is, +as I understand, sir, a military term signifying pledge." + +"Oh, I know that. Kindly concede that I possess some small intelligence, +Peter. But to whom is this parole given, and what does it imply?" + +"To myself, sir. This may seem slightly unconventional, sir, but I trust +you will repose sufficient confidence in me not to object. The sole +requirements are that you remain in this room until sent for." + +"That will not be long?" + +"I think not, sir." + +"And who will send for me?" + +Peter's eyes calmly surveyed me, but without expression. + +"I am quite unable to answer that, sir." + +He was enough to provoke a saint, but I had already butted my head +against that stone wall sufficiently to learn the uselessness of any +further attempt. Peter was Peter, and I crushed back my first impatient +exclamation to say humbly, + +"All right, my man, I'll wait here." + +I sank back into the upholstered chair, and for a moment after he had +closed the door I did not move. Then, scarcely knowing whether to laugh +or swear over the situation, I crossed the room, and gazed out through +the window. Far down the winding driveway, half concealed behind the +trees, a body of British troops was tramping toward the house. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A NEW COMBINATION + + +My first thought was that this must prove a trap, and I drew hastily back +behind the curtain, believing myself justified in an effort at escape. +Surely, under such conditions, my word of parole to Peter had no binding +force. Yet I waited long enough to glance forth again. The advancing body +was less than a hundred strong, Queen's Rangers and Hessians, from their +uniforms, straggling along on foot, limping, dusty, and without arms. +These must be the remnant of Delavan's command, released by their guard +of partisans, and now wearily seeking refuge. But why were they coming +here? Surely this was not the Philadelphia road? + +They turned in upon the open lawn in front of the door, and I could +plainly distinguish the faces. There could no longer be any doubt but +what these were the men we had fought and defeated the evening before. +Grant, with the two Hessian officers, was in advance, and the former +strode directly toward the house, while the majority of his following +flung themselves at full length on the ground, as though utterly +exhausted. Some strange fascination held me motionless, watching the man +climb the front steps. The iron knocker rang loudly twice before there +came any response from within. Then I could hear voices, but the words +reaching me were detached, and without definite meaning. Finally the door +closed, and the two men passed along the hall, beyond the room in which I +waited. Then Peter's voice said solemnly, as if announcing a +distinguished guest: + +"Captain Alfred Grant!" + +There was an exclamation of surprise, a quick exchange of sentences +indistinguishable, although I was sure of Grant's peculiar accent, and +the other voice was that of the young Light Dragoon lieutenant. Uncertain +what best to do I stole toward the door and gripped the knob. This was +the only known way out, for I dare not venture to use the window which +was in plain view of those soldiers resting on the lawn. Whether Peter +had retired or not, I possessed no means of knowing, yet I opened the +door silently a bare inch to make sure. At the same instant my ears +caught the lieutenant's dismissing order, even as my eyes had glimpse of +Swanson's broad back blocking the open doorway of a room nearly opposite. + +"That will do, Peter, for the present. Have the table prepared for three +guests at once." + +He backed out, casting a quick glance of caution in my direction, and +disappeared down the hall, rubbing his bald head industriously. I opened +the door wider, wondering if I dare venture upon slipping by unobserved. +Then Grant spoke, his voice loud enough to be easily heard: + +"How did we come here? Why, where else could we go? The damned rebels +stripped us clean; we had to have food. This was the nearest place where +we were certain of getting any. Of course I didn't know you were here, +but I did know our foragers had left Elmhurst alone, and that--for some +cause which mystifies Clinton--these Jersey outlaws have been equally +considerate. There was plenty to be had here, and I meant to have it in +spite of the servants." + +"You must have marched straight past your own place," the boyish voice +interrupted. + +"Well, what if we did. There was nothing there, as you know. The house +has been stripped to a mere shell. Not a nigger left, nor a horse. I'd +like to know what influence keeps this property untouched!" + +"That's easily answered. You forget we are a divided family, with +fighting men on either side." + +"Little these outlaws care for that." + +"At least they appear to, as we remain unmolested. There has not been a +raiding party halted here since the war began." + +"Well, if you hadn't been at home, there would have been one along now," +burst forth Grant rather roughly. "Those fellows out there are desperate +enough to sack the house if that was their only method of getting food. +And I promised they should have the chance." + +"Oh, you did, indeed! That would have proven a friendly act." + +"Necessity does not take much account of friendship. I was responsible +for a hundred starving men. Under such conditions force would be +justified. I doubt if I could control the fellows now if provisions +should be refused." + +"There is no necessity for indulging in threats, Captain Grant," said the +boy's voice coldly. "Elmhurst has never yet turned a soldier away in +hunger. Peter will instruct what few servants remain to attend to the +immediate needs of your men. May I ask how long you expect to remain?" + +I thought Grant was walking nervously back and forth across the room. + +"How long? Until night, probably. Then with a bite in our haversacks +we'll take the road again. That is, providing you condescend to act as +our host for so long a time. Odds life! but this reception is not over +warm to my thinking." + +"Elmhurst is not a tavern, sir." + +"No; but the home of a loyalist--the commander of half those men out +yonder. However I am not pleading for them, but myself personally. What +welcome have I had? By all the gods, I was almost compelled to fight that +bald-headed old fool to even gain admittance to the hall. Were those your +orders?" + +"Assuredly not. But you must consider circumstances, and forgive Peter +for being over zealous in my service. I received you as soon as I knew +who you were." + +"Yes," somewhat mollified, "I presume that is true, although you are +chilly enough, the Lord knows. But what brings you here?" + +"That must remain my secret, Captain Grant--for the present." + +"Oh, very well. I thought it might have some connection with Eric's +presence in this neighborhood." + +"With Eric! What do you mean? Have you seen him?" + +"Ah! so I've got below the surface at last! I thought I might with that +thrust. Yes, I saw him last night. I didn't know what the devil the +fellow was up to, but I thought I'd let him play out his game. It was a +right nervy trick, so far as it went, but unfortunately the rebels came +in before I discovered what it all led up to." + +"You do not make it very clear to me." + +"I told you it was not clear even to myself. This is all I know. When I +joined Delavan last night just after dark, he had a young officer of +Light Dragoons in charge of his advance guard. I merely got a glimpse of +the fellow as we rode in, and he looked so devilishly like Eric that I +asked Delavan who the lad was. He said he had joined at Mount Holly with +three men, was going through to Philadelphia with despatches from New +York, and was only too glad of escort the rest of the way. Being short of +officers Delavan gave him charge of the van." + +"Did he recognize you?" + +"I hardly think so; it was pretty dark, and I was put on guard over the +rear wagons. I supposed I would have ample opportunity to learn the truth +after it became daylight." + +"But you believed him to be Eric?" + +"Yes, and after the attack I was convinced. He and the three men with him +bolted and got away. Must have run at the first fire, for the fellows had +us completely hemmed in. It was Eric all right, and that is about half +the reason why I led my men back here--I wanted to find out if he was +hiding about the old place. Is it true you haven't seen him?" + +"Quite true; indeed I had no reason to suppose him in the Jerseys at this +time." + +Grant remained silent, probably not wholly convinced that he was being +told the truth, and yet not venturing to state openly his suspicions. +However the other said no more, and finally the Ranger felt compelled to +answer. + +"Of course," he explained rather lamely, "I couldn't altogether blame you +for concealing the boy if he had shown up here, but you will realize that +as a King's officer I have a serious duty to perform." + +"You would apprehend Eric? Would betray him into British hands? Is that +your meaning, Captain Grant?" + +"What else could I do? Don't be unreasonable! Boy as he is, no one in all +that crew of ragamuffins has done us greater harm. Again and again he has +learned our secrets and brought Washington information of our plans. How +he does it is the mystery of this department--Howe has personally offered +a thousand pounds for his arrest. Surely you know that. Last night I +thought we had him in our power, but the very devil seems to protect him +from capture, even when luck brings him fairly within our grip." + +"And so you came here to search for him?" I could feel the bitter scorn +in the voice. "In his father's home!" + +"I certainly did," angrily. "I shall search the house from cellar to +garret before I leave." + +"But you are on parole." + +"Damn the parole. What do I care for a pledge given to a band of +plundering outlaws? And what do I care for Eric? He chose for himself, +and has no right to expect any mercy from me, and by all the gods, he'll +receive none. I half believe that attack last night was his planning, and +that now you have him hidden away here. Now listen to me! I do not desire +to be harsh, but I'm a soldier. My men are not armed, but there are +enough out there to handle the servants barehanded. No one can get out of +this house without being seen; I've attended to that." + +"And you propose searching the rooms?" + +"I do. If you had been a little more genial I might have exhibited +greater courtesy. But I haven't any use for Eric, and never had. Now you +know the truth." + +"It merely illustrates more clearly your character." + +"You are always free enough with your comments. I shall do my duty to the +King." + +"Very well, sir," and the incensed lieutenant pushed back his chair. +"Then we clearly understand each other at last. I am sincerely glad of +it. From now on I shall never again be guilty of mistaking you for a +friend or a gentleman. No, I have no wish to listen to another word; you +have spoken frankly enough, and I understand the situation. Perhaps it is +only anger, but it gives me the excuse I have been seeking after a long +while in vain. Whatever claim you may have had upon my regard in the past +is over with, forever over with, Captain Grant." + +"But--but, surely--" + +"I mean precisely that. You can cover your despicable actions with the +gloss of military duty, but I know you now as a revengeful liar. Treat +this house as you please. I refuse to have any more dealings or words +with you. I'll provision you and your men, as I would any others +suffering from hunger, but that ends all. If you search this house do it +by force, and in any way you please, but expect no assistance from me. I +bid you good-day, sir, and will send Peter to call you when breakfast is +ready." + +I closed the crack of the door as he came forth into the hall, having no +desire to be caught listening. My own position was more unpleasant and +hazardous than ever. Whatever reason the lieutenant might have for +holding me prisoner I was convinced he possessed no knowledge as to my +real identity. The probability was that after an interview I would be +released. But Grant would recognize me instantly, and he proposed +searching the house, room by room, seeking this man Eric. I must make my +escape first. Yet how could this be accomplished? I heard Peter pass +along the hall, and solemnly announce the serving of breakfast. He and +Grant exchanged a few sentences, and then the latter strode to the front +door, where he gave orders to the men. I watched the German officers come +up the steps, while the majority of the others, forming into irregular +line, marched around the corner of the house. A small squad remained, +however, on guard, facing the front entrance. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +AGAIN THE LADY + + +I must think rapidly, and act as quickly. Yet, if what Grant had said was +true, that he had already posted guards on each side the house, then +escape by daylight was practically impossible. From all I could see there +was no concealment close at hand, and while the fellows were without +arms, yet their numbers were sufficient to make any attempt at running +their lines extra hazardous. And I had much at risk, for if taken it +would be as a spy, and not a mere prisoner of war. There was no place for +concealment in the library, but there might be upstairs, in the attic, or +on the roof. The chance was worth the trial, and there could be no better +time for such an experiment than while the three officers were at +breakfast. Whatever servants remained about the house would be busily +employed also, and probably I should have the entire upper portion to +myself. Deciding to make the venture I had my hand on the knob of the +door, when it was opened quietly from without, and I was startled by the +sudden appearance of Peter. Whatever excitement may have prevailed among +the other members of this peculiar household this model servitor remained +with dignity unruffled. He surveyed me calmly, rubbing his bald head with +one hand. + +"You will pardon the delay, sir," he said calmly. "But circumstances have +arisen changing the original plans. Will you kindly accompany me?" + +"But where, Peter? I don't wish to be seen by these new arrivals." + +"Have no fear, sir," condescendingly, and with an authoritative wave of +the hand. "The officers are at table, and will know nothing of our +movements." + +I followed meekly enough, and he led the way up the broad stairs to the +second story, turning to the left in the upper hall, and coming to a +pause before a partially opened door. A glimpse within made me deem it a +music room, although I could see merely along one wall. + +"You will enter, sir, while I return to the guests below." + +With one glance into his perfectly expressionless countenance, half +suspicious of some new trick, I stepped across the threshold. The +curtains were drawn, and the room seemed dark after the sun-glare of the +hall. I advanced a step or two, almost convinced the apartment was +unoccupied, when a voice addressed me. + +"Under more favorable conditions, Major Lawrence, it would give me +pleasure to welcome you to the hospitalities of Elmhurst." + +I swung about as on a pivot and saw her standing with one hand upon the +high back of a chair, her blue eyes smiling merrily. I felt the hot rush +of blood to my cheeks, the quick throb of pulse, with which I recognized +her. I was so surprised that, for the instant, the words I sought to +utter choked in my throat. + +[Illustration: "You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this +was my home?"] + +"Nothing was farther from my thoughts," I exclaimed hastily. "All I knew +of your home was that it was situated somewhere in the Jerseys. But wait, +perhaps I begin to understand--the lieutenant who brought me here; his +voice has been echoing in my ears all night in familiarity. He is some +near relative of yours--this Eric?" + +"Oh, you have overheard? You know the name through hearing Captain Grant +speak?" + +"Yes; I could not very well help doing so. Peter had stationed me in the +library, but there was nothing said between you two to make me suspect +your identity." + +"You supposed me to be the lieutenant?" + +"You have not suspected?" she asked. "You did not know this was my home?" + +"Why should I not? The voice was the same; at least sufficiently similar +to deceive me, and he never addressed you in a way to arouse my +suspicions. Is your brother named Eric?" + +"Yes; I told you, did I not, that we are twins? The physical resemblance +between us is very strong; no doubt our voices sound alike also, or would +to a comparative stranger. Will you not be seated, Major? We shall not +have long to converse, and there is much to be said before those +downstairs complete their rather frugal meal--Peter has promised to delay +serving as much as possible, but, as our larder is not extensive, at best +it will not be long. You overheard Captain Grant's threat?" + +"To search the house for your brother--yes." + +"He will carry it out," quietly, her eyes, no longer smiling, on my face. +"There has never been friendship between those two, and of late my own +relations with Captain Grant have become very unpleasant. I think he is +almost glad of an opportunity to thus exercise some authority over me. He +is the kind of a man who must either rule or ruin. Convinced that Eric is +concealed here, he will search the house as much to spite me as for any +other reason. I should only laugh at him, but for your presence." + +"Then your brother is not here?" + +"Certainly not; Eric is in no danger--but, Major Lawrence, you are." + +The earnestness with which she spoke made my heart leap. Whatever the +girl's political sentiments might be, she was plainly desirous of serving +me, of once again exposing herself in my defence. Yet her words, the +frank expression of her eyes, gave no suggestion of sentiment--she was +but a friend, an ally, performing a woman's part in the war game. + +"But I fail to understand--" + +"You mean me? Oh, well, you are not the first; and no doubt it is best +so. The less you understand, the better we shall get along, Major; the +only question being, will you obey my orders?" + +"Had I inclination otherwise I fear I should find it impossible." + +"I hardly know whether that remark be complimentary or not. You might +mean that no other course was left you." + +"Which I suspect is true, although if it proved so I should willingly +trust myself to your guidance, because of my faith in you." + +"That is much better," her eyes laughing, yet as swiftly sobering again. +"But it is foolish of us to waste time in such silly speeches. There is +too much waiting attention. Fortunately this house is not without its +secrets, for when built by my grandfather this was the frontier." + +"But does not Grant know?" I asked soberly. "I understood he played here +as a boy, and there is not much a lad fails to learn." + +"He is not without knowledge, surely, but here is something he never +discovered. I would never have trusted him with the secret, and yet, as +short a time as I have known you, I have no hesitancy. Isn't that a frank +confession, sir?" + +"One I mean you shall never regret." + +"I am sure of that; yet I shall not betray everything even to you. Please +face about with eyes to the front window. Yes, so; now do not look around +until I tell you." + +I heard her cross the room, her skirts rustling slightly, and then the +faint clicking of some delicately adjusted mechanism. As this sound +ceased, her voice again spoke. + +"Now, Major, the way is opened for a safe retreat. Behold what has been +accomplished by the genii of the lamp." + +She was standing at one side of what had been the fireplace, but now the +entire lower portion of the great chimney had been swung aside, revealing +an opening amply large enough for the entrance of a man. I took one step +forward to where I could perceive the beginning of a narrow winding stair +leading down into intense blackness. Then I glanced aside into her eyes. + +"The concealment was perfect," I exclaimed in admiration. "Where does the +staircase lead?" + +"To a very comfortable room underground. It had not been used for a +generation until this war began. Eric and I learned of its existence by +accident, while rummaging over some of our grandfather's old papers. I +was about sixteen then, and shall never forget our first exploration. We +found nothing down there then but a rough bunk, an old lanthorn, and the +leathern scabbard of a sword. But since then Eric has been compelled to +hide there twice to escape capture, and we have made the room below more +comfortable. You will be obliged to grope your way down the stairs, but +at the bottom will discover flint and steel, and a lantern with ample +supply of candles. Peter will bring you food, if you need remain there +for long!" + +"Peter! Then he is in the secret?" + +"Peter is in all secrets," she confessed. "From him nothing is hid, at +least so far as may concern the Mortimer family. You have yet to learn +the deep subtlety of Peter, Major Lawrence. He sees all things, retains +all things, and reveals nothing." + +"A discovery already made." + +"No, barely glimpsed; no short acquaintance such as yours has been could +ever serve to reveal the character of Peter. Since babyhood he has been +my monitor and guide, and still he remains to me a silent mystery." + +"An old servant?" + +"Yes, born to the position, his father serving before him. There is no +doubt in my mind but what he knew of this secret passage before Eric and +I were born. Not that he has ever confessed as much, yet I am convinced +our discovery of it brought no surprise to Peter. What do you suppose his +age to be?" + +My mind reverted to that expressionless face without a wrinkle in it, to +that totally bald head, and my answer was the merest guess. + +"Oh, possibly fifty." + +"I told you you were far from knowing Peter," she laughed. "He is +seventy-two, and, would you believe it, until this war came, was never +ten miles from this spot." + +"And since?" recalling the events of the night before. + +"He has made it his duty to attend me; he has become my shadow. From the +humdrum experience of a respectable house servant he has become the very +spirit of reckless adventure--he has journeyed to New York, to Trenton, +to Philadelphia, to--" + +"Night riding with Hessian foragers," I broke in, "disguised in a +Ranger's uniform." + +"Well, yes," she dimpled quietly, "even that." + +I waited for something more, some explanation of what all this concealed. + +"You trust me with so much," I ventured, when she continued silent, "it +would seem as if you might tell me even more." + +"I cannot perceive whereby any further confession would serve you. Yet I +have not refused to answer any question, surely. It is hardly safe for us +to remain here so long, and yet if there be something you wish to ask--" + +"You could scarcely expect me to be entirely without curiosity. I have +been captured on the highway, brought here a prisoner, and held under +guard all night. I supposed myself in British hands, only to discover +that you have again intervened to save me. Surely there must be a key to +all this mystery. If, as I suspect, it was your brother, Eric, who led +the attack on me, having mistaken me for another, then what was his +purpose? And what has become of Eric?" + +She wrinkled her brows in perplexity, her hands nervously clasping the +back of a chair. + +"It is like being cross-examined by a lawyer. Perhaps if the secret was +all my own I might freely confide it to you. I do not promise I would, +but I might. As it is, I do not yet know you quite well enough. I believe +you to be Major Lawrence, that you are all you represent yourself, but I +am pledged to silence, and the lives of others depend upon my keeping +faith. You cannot urge me to do what I deem wrong?" + +"No; I shall always believe in you." + +"I thank you for that," and her hand was extended frankly. "I would +reveal one of the mysteries of last night if I was not fearful it might +cost me your respect." + +"How could that be possible?" + +"Because it might appear to you that I had been unwomanly. My own +conscience is clear, for my purpose exonerates me, but this you might +fail to understand unless I made fuller explanation than is now possible. +I have a duty which cannot be betrayed." + +I gazed into her eyes, her hand still in mine, conscious that her cheeks +were flushing. It was impossible for me to conceive of her performing an +unwomanly action. + +"I prefer to ask nothing," I said frankly, "although I should never +misconstrue anything you might care to say." + +"I think you suspect already, and I should far rather tell you the truth +myself than have you learn it in some other way. The lieutenant of Light +Dragoons who attacked you last night was not my brother." + +"Was not Eric? And yet you knew him?" + +"Very well, indeed," her eyes falling, "because it was myself." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +ENTOMBED + + +I had not suspected it; however obvious it may appear now to those who +read this tale, the possibility that she had been masquerading in an +officer's uniform, indulging in warlike deeds, had never once occurred to +me. She was so thoroughly feminine that her acknowledgment came as a +distinct shock. I had, it is true, seen sufficient of life to be of +charitable mind, and yet there was that within me which instantly +revolted. She read all this in my face, but fronted me without the quiver +of an eyelash, firmly withdrawing her hand. + +"It is easy to perceive your disapproval," she said more coldly, "but I +have no further explanation to make. I am sorry to have you think ill of +me, but I felt that perhaps you might realize my action was justified." + +"It is not that," I hastened to explain, ashamed of myself. "I have not +lost faith in you. But I was brought up in a strict school; my mother was +almost puritanical in her rules of conduct, and I have never entirely +outgrown her conception of feminine limitations. I am sure you have only +done what is right and womanly. Do not permit my first surprise to end +our friendship." + +"That is for you to determine, Major Lawrence. I have confessed, and thus +cleared my conscience of deceit. Some day you may also learn the cause of +my action, but in the meantime it must bear your disapproval. However, we +need discuss the matter no longer--" + +She sprang to the door, and glanced out into the hall, stepping back once +more as Peter appeared. His eyes swept the room in silent observation. + +"Captain Grant and the two officers with him have concluded their meal, +Mistress Claire," he announced calmly, "and one of them has gone for a +file of soldiers to begin the search of the house." + +"Very well, Peter; go back and assist them. I will see to the safe +concealment of Major Lawrence." + +He bowed graciously, and disappeared. + +"You have not given me your pardon," I implored as our eyes again met. + +"There is nothing to pardon, to my knowledge. I respect you because of +your sense of propriety, but we cannot talk longer now. You must enter +the passage at once." + +"You will give me your hand first?" + +"Gladly," and I felt its firm pressure, her face brightened by a smile. +"Now let us remember rather the danger, the necessity of concealment, and +not delay too long. Wait a moment, Major; is it true you absolutely trust +me?" + +"It certainly is." + +"I am going to put that to the test. You have papers you desire to give +at once into the hands of General Washington. You may be detained here +some time, but I have with me an Indian who could take them across the +Delaware to-night. It is not the first time he has made that journey. +Will you confide them to me?" + +Our eyes were looking directly into each other. I may have hesitated an +instant, confused by the unexpected request, yet there was something in +the expression of the girl's face which swept doubt swiftly aside. I +could not question her honesty, her faith. Strange as her actions seemed +I was compelled to trust her. Why should I not? She was saving my life, +and she had it in her power, by the mere speaking of a word, to betray me +to those who would take the papers from me by force. Without a word I +took them from an inner pocket, and gave them to her. The red lips +smiled, the blue eyes brightening. + +"Tonepah shall leave within the hour," she promised, thrusting the small +packet into the bosom of her dress. "Now step within, Major, and I will +close the door." + +I did as she requested, hearing the click of the lock behind me, and +being as instantly plunged into darkness. I waited a moment, my foot upon +the first narrow stair, listening. No sound reached me from without, and, +with her animated face still before me in memory, I began to slowly feel +my way down the circular staircase. There was nothing dangerous about the +passage, but with only the bare stone wall to touch with the hand I was +obliged to grope along blindly. The huge chimney had evidently been +erected merely for concealment, and I marvelled at the ingenuity of its +construction. I failed to count the steps, but I went around and around +so many times, pressed against the smooth wall, that I knew I must be +well below the basement of the house before I finally stood at the +bottom. I groped forward in the intense darkness, feeling with +outstretched hands. The first object encountered was a rough table, the +surface of which I explored, discovering thereon a candlestick with flint +and steel beside it. With relief I struck a spark, and a yellow flame +revealed my surroundings. + +What I saw was a low room some fifteen feet square, the walls and roof +apparently of stone securely mortared, the only exit the narrow circular +stairs. The floor was of earth. Opposite me was a bunk slightly elevated, +containing a blanket or two, and a fairly comfortable chair built from a +barrel. An old coat and hat hung from a nail at the head of the bunk. On +a shelf near by was an earthen crock, and two candles, and beneath this, +on the floor, was a sawed-off gun and two pistols, with a small supply of +powder and balls, the former wrapped in an oiled cloth. It was in truth a +gloomy, desolate hole, although dry enough. For want of something better +to do I went over and picked up the pistols; the lock of one was broken, +but the other seemed serviceable, and, after snapping the flint, I loaded +the weapon, and slipped it into my pocket. Somehow its possession yielded +me a new measure of courage, although I had no reason to suppose I would +be called upon to use the ancient relic. + +There was little to examine, but I tramped about nervously, tapping the +walls, and convincing myself of their solidity, and, finally, tired by +this useless exercise, seated myself in the chair. It was like being +buried in a tomb, not a sound reaching my strained ears, but at last the +spirit of depression vanished, and my mind began to grapple with the +problems confronting me. I felt no regret at having entrusted my papers +to Mistress Mortimer. There was no occasion for her attempting to trick +me, and the contents of the packet were not sufficiently important to +cause me any great worriment. Besides, I was beginning to believe that +the sympathies of the girl were altogether with us. If so, what was she +doing, or attempting to do? It could be no light undertaking which had +led her to assume male attire, and enter upon the adventure of the +evening before. She was evidently making use of the resemblance between +herself and her brother to accomplish concealment. Yet for what purpose? +to serve which cause? The best I could do was to guess blindly at the +answer. Let that be what it might, my own personal faith in her should +not waver. I had looked down into the depth of those blue eyes and read +truth there; I had felt the clasp of her warm hand and it held me firm. +My heart beat more rapidly as I reviewed all that had transpired between +us, and I began to realize how deep was the interest with which she had +already inspired me. I had met many women--daughters of the best +homes--but never before a Claire Mortimer. The very mystery with which +she was invested lured me to her, and yet beyond this there existed a +charm indefinable that held me captive. She was a gay, laughing spirit, +but with a steadiness of character in reserve ever provocative of +surprise. I could never be sure which mood was uppermost, or which best +represented the real womanhood. Nor could I decide in which guise she +appealed to me the most. Hers was a witchery yielding no opportunity for +escape. + +Heaven alone knows how long I remained there motionless, my mind +elsewhere, drifting idly backward to the old home, reviewing the years of +war that had transformed me from boy to man as though by some magic. The +varied incidents of march, camp, and battle were like dreams, so swiftly +did they pass across the retina of the brain, each stirring event leading +to another as I climbed from the ranks to command. Yet at the end of all +came again the vision of Claire Mortimer, and I was seeing in her blue +eyes the hope of the future. The candle sputtering fitfully aroused me to +the passing of time, and I lit another, and placed it in the candlestick. +Surely the search of the house would be completed by this time, but +perhaps the intention was to keep me concealed until Grant and his men +had finally departed. + +The silence and loneliness caused me to become restless. I could not +entirely throw off the sense of being buried alive in this dismal hole. I +wondered if there was any way of escape, if that secret door was not +locked and unlocked only from without. A desire to ascertain led me to +take candle in hand, and climb the circular staircase, examining the wall +as I passed upward. The interior of the chimney revealed nothing. While I +felt convinced there must also be a false fireplace on the first floor, +so as to carry out the deception, the dim candle light made no revealment +of its position. I could judge very nearly where it should appear, and I +sounded the wall thereabout carefully both above and below without +result. Nor did any noise reach me to disclose a thinness of partition. + +Convinced of the solidity of the wall at this spot I continued higher +until I came to the end of the passage. To my surprise the conditions +here were practically the same. Had I not entered at this point I could +never have been convinced that there was an opening. From within it +defied discovery, for nothing confronted my eyes but mortared stone. I +could trace no crack, no semblance of a hinge, no secret spring. I felt +along the surface, inch by inch, with my finger tips, pressing against +each slight irregularity, but without result. My ear held to the side +wall heard nothing--apparently I was sealed in helplessly, but for the +assistance of friends without; no effort on my part could ever bring +release. For a moment, as I realized all this, the cold perspiration +stood in drops upon my forehead, and I noted the trembling of the hand +holding the candlestick. There was a horror to the thought hard to +explain--perhaps I would be left immured until my small stock of candles +was exhausted, and this dismal hole plunged in cave-like darkness; only +two persons knew of my predicament, or were capable of releasing me. What +if something should occur making it impossible for either to act? What if +this was a trick, and I had been actually buried alive? I grew morbid, +suspicious, almost convinced that I was the victim of conspiracy. Then, +somehow, a flash of courage returned, and I caught at these fears, as +memory of those honest blue eyes came again. I would not permit such a +thought to dominate me; it was not possible--the very conception was +insanity. + +Yet I went over the rough surface again before retracing my steps down to +the room below. All this must have taken fully an hour of time, and the +strain of disappointment left me tired, as though I had done a day's +work. I sank back into the chair, watching the candle burn away, trying +in vain to think out some course of action if those above failed me. I +had no reason to believe they would, and yet the long time I had been +there--apparently much longer than it really was--the certainty that my +means of light were fast being exhausted, the awful silence and +loneliness, left upon me a horror against which I struggled in vain. I +can hardly conceive that I slept, and yet I certainly lost consciousness, +for, when I aroused myself, I was in pitch darkness. + +I felt dazed, bewildered, but as my hand felt the edge of the table I +comprehended where I was, and what had occurred. Groping about I found +flint and steel, and that last candle, which I forced into the +candlestick. The tiny yellow flame was like a message from the gods. How +I watched it, every nerve tingling, as it burned lower and lower. Would +it last until help came, or was I destined to remain pinned up in the +darkness of this ghastly grave? Why, I must have been there for +hours--hours. The burning out of the candles proved that. Surely I could +doubt no longer this was a trick, a cowardly, cruel trick! If help had +been coming it would have reached me before this. The day must have +passed, and much of the night. Grant and his party would have marched +away long before this on the road to Philadelphia. What could have +occurred, then, to prevent Peter or the girl from setting me free? Could +they have been forced into accompanying the soldiers? Could they have +forgotten? Could they deliberately leave me there to die? + +My brain whirled with incipient madness, as such questions haunted me +unceasingly. I lost faith in everything, even her, and cursed aloud, +hating the echoes of my own voice. It seemed as though those walls, that +low roof, were crushing me, as if the close, foul air was suffocating. I +recall tearing open the front of my shirt to gain easier breath. I walked +about beating with bare hands the rough stone, muttering to myself words +without meaning. The candle had burned down until barely an inch +remained. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE REMAINS OF TRAGEDY + + +It must have been the shock of thus realizing suddenly how short a time +remained in which I should have light which restored my senses. I know I +stared at the dim yellow flicker dully at first, and then with a swift +returning consciousness which spurred my brain into activity. In that +instant I hated, despised myself, rebelled at my weakness. Faith in +Claire Mortimer came back to me in a flood of regret. If she had failed, +it was through no fault of hers, and I was no coward to lie there and rot +without making a stern fight for life. When I was found, those who came +upon my body would know that I died struggling, died as a man should, +facing fate with a smile, with hands gripped in the contest. The +resolution served--it was a spur to my pride, instantly driving away +every haunting shadow of evil. Yet where should I turn? To what end +should I devote my energies? It was useless to climb those stairs again. +But there must be a way out. It was impossible to conceive that the +old-time Mortimer--the stern frontiersman who had built this refuge from +possible Indian attack--had made merely a hole in which to hide. That +would have been insanity, for, with the house above aflame, he would have +been cooked to a crisp. No! that was inconceivable; there must have +originally been an exit somewhere. But where? And if discovered would it +be found choked by the _debris_ of a century, a mere _cul de sac_? Surely +none of this present generation knew the existence of any such passage. +Yet it was the single desperate chance remaining, and I dare not let +doubt numb my faculties. + +I gripped the old musket as the only instrument at hand, and began +testing the walls. Three sides I rapped, receiving the same dead, dull +response. I was in the darkest corner now, beyond the stairs, still +hopelessly beating the gun barrel against the stone. The dim light +revealed no change in the wall formation, the same irregular expanse of +rubble set in solid mortar, hardened by a century of exposure to the dry +atmosphere. Then to an idle, listless blow there came a hollow, wooden +sound, that caused the heart to leap into the throat. I tried again, a +foot to the left, confident my ears had played me false, but this time +there could be no doubt--there was an opening here back of a wooden +barrier. + +Half crazed by this good fortune, I caught up the inch of candle, and +held it before the wall. The dim light scarcely served as an aid, so +ingeniously had the door been painted in resemblance to the mortared +stone. I was compelled to sound again, inch by inch, with the gun barrel +before I could determine the exact dimensions of the opening. Then I +could trace the slight crack where the wood was fitted, nor could I have +done this but for the warping of a board. Wild with apprehension lest my +light fail before the necessary work could be accomplished, I drew out +the single-bladed knife from my pocket, and began widening this crack. +Feverishly as I worked this was slow of accomplishment, yet sliver by +sliver the slight aperture grew, until I wedged in the gun barrel, and +pried out the plank. The rush of air extinguished the candle, yet I cared +nothing, for the air was fresh and pure, promising a clear passage. + +God, this was luck! With new courage throbbing through my veins I groped +my way back to the table after flint and steel, and relit the candle +fragment, shadowing the flame with both palms as I returned to where the +plank had been pressed aside. However, I found such precaution +unnecessary, as there was no perceptible draught through the passage now +the opening was clear for the circulation of air. There had been two +planks--thick and of hard wood--composing the entrance to the tunnel, but +I found it impossible to dislodge the second, and was compelled to +squeeze my way through the narrow twelve-inch opening. This was a +difficult task, as I was a man of some weight, but once accomplished I +found myself in a contracted passageway, not to exceed three feet in +width, and perhaps five from floor to roof. Here it was apparently as +well preserved as when first constructed, probably a hundred years or +more ago, the side walls faced with stone, the roof supported by roughly +hewn oak beams. I was convinced there was no great weight of earth +resting upon these, and the tunnel, which I followed without difficulty, +or the discovery of any serious obstruction, for fifty feet, inclined +steadily upward, until, in my judgment, it must have come within a very +few feet of the surface. Here there occurred a sharp turn to the right, +and the excavation advanced almost upon a level. + +Knowing nothing of the conformation above, or of the location of +buildings, I was obliged to press forward blindly, conserving the faint +light of the candle, and praying for a free passage. It was an experience +to test the nerves, the intense stillness, the bare, gray walls, cold to +the touch, the beams grazing my head, and upholding that mass of earth +above, the intense darkness before and behind, with only the flickering +radius of yellow light barely illuminating where I trod. Occasionally the +wood creaked ominously, and bits of earth, jarred by my passage, fell +upon me in clods. Altogether it was an experience I have no desire to +repeat, although I was in no actual danger for some distance. Old +Mortimer had built his tunnel well, and through all the years it had held +safely, except where water had soaked through, rotting the timbers. The +candle was sputtering with a final effort to remain alight when I came to +the first serious obstruction. I had barely time in which to mark the +nature of the obstacle before the flame died in the socket, leaving me in +a blackness so profound it was like a weight. For the moment I was +practically paralyzed by fear, my muscles limp, my limbs trembling. Yet +to endeavor to push forward was no more to be dreaded than to attempt +retracing my steps. In one way there was hope; in the other none. + +With groping fingers I verified the situation, as that brief glance ere +the candle failed had revealed it. A beam had fallen letting down a mass +of earth, but was wedged in such a way as to leave a small opening above +the floor, barely sufficient for a man to wiggle through. How far even +this slight passage extended, or what worse obstruction lay hidden beyond +was all conjecture. It was a mere chance in which I must risk life in +hope of saving it--I might become helplessly wedged beneath the timbers, +or any movement might precipitate upon me a mass of loosened earth. It +was a horrid thought, the death of a burrowing rat; and I dare not let my +mind dwell upon the dread possibility. Slowly, barely advancing an inch +at a time, I began the venture, my hands blindly groping for the passage, +the cold perspiration bathing my body. The farther I penetrated amid the +_debris_, the greater became the terror dominating me, yet to draw back +was next to impossible. The opening grew more contracted; I could +scarcely force myself forward, digging fingers and toes into the hard +earth floor, the obstructing timber scraping my body. It was an awful, +heartrending struggle, stretched out flat like a snake in the darkness, +the loose earth showering me with each movement. There was more than one +support down; I had to double about to find opening; again and again I +seemed to be against an unsurpassable barrier; twice I dug through a mass +of fallen dirt, once for three solid feet, throwing the loosened earth +either side of me, and pushing it back with my feet, thus utterly +blocking all chance of retreat. Scarcely was this accomplished when +another fall from above came, half burying head and shoulders, and +compelling me to do the work over. The air grew foul and sluggish, but I +was toiling for life, and dug at the _debris_ madly, reckless of what +might fall from above. Better to be crushed, than to die of suffocation, +and the very desperation with which I strove proved my salvation. For +what remained of the roof held, and I struggled through into the firmer +gallery beyond, faint from exhaustion, yet as quickly reviving in the +fresher air. I had reached the end of the passage before I comprehended +the truth. It opened in the side of a gulley, coming out between the +roots of a great tree, and could only have been discovered through +sheerest accident. Years of exposure had plastered the small opening with +clay, and I was compelled to break this away before I could creep through +out into the open air. + +I was a wreck in body and mind, my face streaked with earth, my hair +filled with dirt, my clothing torn and disreputable. Laboring for breath, +my fingers raw and bleeding, I lay there, with scarcely enough strength +remaining to keep from rolling to the bottom of the ravine. For some +moments I was incapable of either thought or action, every ounce of +energy having been expended in that last desperate struggle. I lay +panting, with eyes closed, hardly realizing that I was indeed alive. +Slowly, throb by throb, my heart came back into regularity of beat, and +my brain into command. My eyes opened, and I shuddered with horror, as I +recognized that dismal opening into the side of the hill. Clinging to the +tree trunk I attained my feet, still swaying from weakness, and was thus +able to glance about over the edge of the bank, and gain some conception +of my immediate surroundings. + +It was early dawn, the eastern sky that shade of pale gray which precedes +the sun, a few, white, fleecy clouds sailing high above, already tinged +with red reflection. I must have been in that earth prison since the +morning of the previous day; it seemed longer, yet even that expiration +of time proved that those who had imprisoned me there had left me to die. +God! I couldn't believe that--not of her! Clear as the evidence appeared, +I yet fought down the thought bitterly, creeping on hands and knees over +the edge of the bank, to where I could sit on the grass, and gaze about +in the growing light. The house was to the left, an apple orchard +between, and a low fence enclosing a garden. I could gain but glimpses of +the mansion through the intervening trees, but it was large, imposing, a +square, old-fashioned house, painted white, with green shutters. It +appeared deserted, and no spirals of smoke ascended from the kitchen +chimney. Apparently not even the servants were yet stirring. However, +there was smoke showing farther to the right, but I had to move before I +could see the cause clearly--the smouldering remains of what must have +been a large barn. I advanced in that direction, skirting the orchard, +and a row of negro cabins. These were deserted, the doors open, and two +of them exhibited evidences of fire. A storehouse had its door battered +in, a huge timber, evidently used as a ram, lying across the threshold, +and many of the boxes and barrels within had been smashed with axes. The +ground all about had been trampled by horses' hoofs, and only a +smouldering fragment of the stables remained. + +I stared about perplexed, unable to decipher the meaning of such +destruction. Surely Grant would never dare such a deed with his unarmed +force. Besides Elmhurst was the property of a loyalist, ay! the Colonel +of his regiment. Not even the madness of anger would justify so wanton an +act. The Hessians might be guilty for sake of plunder, but not while +under Grant's command, and knowing they must march under parole through +rebel territory to again attain their own lines. And this had occurred +during the night; indeed, it seemed to me, the raiders must have departed +within an hour, while Grant's column was to take up its march for +Philadelphia as soon as it became dark. Whatever the mystery I could +never hope to solve it loitering there; the house itself would doubtless +reveal the story, and I turned in that direction, skirting the fence, yet +exercising care, for there might still remain defenders within, behind +those green blinds, to mistake me for an enemy. I saw nothing, no sign of +life, as I circled through the trees of the orchard, and came out upon +the grassplot facing the front porch. The sun was up now, and I could +perceive each detail. There was a smashed window to the right, a green +shutter hanging dejectedly by one hinge; the great front door stood wide +open, and the body of a dead man lay across the threshold, a dark stain +of blood extending across the porch floor. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +THE QUEEN'S RANGERS + + +A bullet had struck the hand rail, shattering one of the supports, and +the broad steps were scarred and splintered. The man lay face upward, his +feet inside the hallway, one side of his head crushed in. He was roughly +dressed in woolen shirt and patched smallclothes, and wore gold hoops in +his ears, his complexion dark enough for a mulatto, with hands seared and +twisted. Surely the fellow was no soldier; he appeared more to me like +one who had followed the sea. I stepped over his body, and glanced the +length of the hall. The chandelier was shattered, the glass gleaming +underfoot; the stair rail broken into a jagged splinter, and a second +man, shot through the eye, rested half upright propped against the lower +step. He was a sandy-bearded fellow, no better dressed than the one +without, but with a belt about him, containing pistol and knife. His +yellow teeth protruding gave his ghastly features a fiendish look. Beyond +him a pair of legs stuck out from behind the staircase, clad in long +cavalry boots, and above these, barely showing, the green cloth of the +Queen's Rangers. Then Grant had not gone when this attack was made, or +else he had left some men behind? I dragged the body out into the light +so I might see the face--it was the Irishman who had helped in my +capture. + +I stood staring down at him, and about me into the dismantled room, +endeavoring to clear my brain and figure all this out. It was not so +difficult to conceive what had occurred, every bit of evidence pointing +to a single conclusion. Grant had searched the house for Eric, and +discovered no signs of his presence; whatever had subsequently happened +between the girl and himself, she had not felt justified in releasing me +while he and his men remained. They must have departed soon after dark, +well provisioned, upon their long march toward the Delaware, leaving +Elmhurst unoccupied except for its mistress and her servants. The fact +that neither the lady nor Peter had opened the entrance to the secret +staircase would seem to show that the attack on the house must have +followed swiftly. It had been a surprise, giving those within no chance +to seek refuge. There had been a struggle at the front door; some of the +assailants had achieved entrance through the window, and that had +practically ended the affair. + +But what had become of Peter? Of the girl? Who composed the attacking +party? The Indian had been despatched to Valley Forge with my memoranda; +probably Peter, the Irishman, and a negro or two were alone left to +defend the house. As to the identity of the marauders, I had small doubt; +their handiwork was too plainly revealed, and those two dead men remained +as evidence. Rough as were British and Hessian foragers, they were seldom +guilty of such wanton destruction as this. Besides this was the home of a +prominent loyalist, protected from despoliation by high authority. The +hellish work must have been accomplished by one or more bands of those +"Pine Robbers" who infested Monmouth County, infamous devils, hiding in +caves among sand hills, and coming forth to plunder and rob. Pretending +to be Tories their only purpose of organization was pillage. Even in the +army the names of their more prominent leaders were known, such as Red +Fagin, Debow, West, and Carter, and many a tale of horror regarding their +depredations had I heard told around the camp fire. These came back to +memory as I gazed about those lower rooms, dreading my next discovery, +half crazed to think that Claire Mortimer might be helpless in their +ruthless grasp. Better death a thousand times than such a fate. + +I pushed forward into the rooms of the lower floor, more than ever +impressed by their original magnificence. Now, however, they were all +confusion, furniture broken and flung aside, walls hacked, dishes smashed +into fragments. The scene was sickening in its evidence of wanton hate. +Yet I found no more bodies, or proof of further resistance. Apparently +the only serious fighting had occurred when the front door was burst +open. Had the other occupants of the house fled--up the stairs? Or even +out some back way? I climbed the steps only to discover similar scenes +above; every room had been ransacked, beds pulled apart, drawers opened, +and the contents scattered about promiscuously. In what must have been +Mistress Claire's private apartment I stood with beating heart staring +about at the ruin disclosed. The large closet had been swept clean, +garments slashed with knives, and left in rags; drawers turned upside +down in search after jewels; the very curtains torn from the windows. It +was a scene of vandalism of which vagabonds alone would be guilty. + +I stepped across the pile of things to the window, glancing out at the +still smouldering ruins of the stable. Whatever had occurred, neither the +lady nor Peter remained in or about the house. Of this I was satisfied, +yet with the realization there came a sudden comprehension of my own +helplessness to be of any aid. I was alone, unmounted, and with no weapon +but an old pistol. There might be other weapons on those dead men below, +but I could conceive of no effective way of making them useful. The +raiders were doubtless on horseback; they would have added to their +possessions such animals as might have remained on the place, and most +likely had departed not later than midnight with their booty and +prisoners. The hopelessness of the situation left me almost paralyzed. I +possessed no means of reaching Farrell, no knowledge of the nearest +minute man who could act as courier. From the window where I stood not a +house was visible. Just beyond the orchard the roads forked, a +well-travelled branch circling to the left, and disappearing over the +edge of a hill. As I traced it with my eyes a considerable body of +mounted men suddenly appeared on the summit. Without fear that they could +see me at that distance I watched eagerly as they trotted down the long +slope. They were plainly a squadron of British Dragoons, their arms and +cross-belts shining in the sun, in spite of the dust kicked up by their +horses' hoofs. + +I waited until convinced they were coming to the house, before drawing +back out of sight. It was difficult to decide what was best for me to do. +Should I wait, trusting to my rough clothing, and pass myself off as a +countryman, or take advantage of the brief time left in which to escape? +If I essayed the first choice I could explain the situation, and start +these troopers on the trail; if not they might fail to understand and +ride on thoughtlessly. What such a body of mounted men were doing in the +neighborhood I could merely guess at--either they were riding through to +New York on some matter of importance, or else had been sent out +hurriedly to discover what had become of Delavan's foragers. This +supposition was the more likely, and they had taken the wrong road, thus +missing Grant and his men in the darkness. + +They must have cut through the orchard, leaping the low fence, for I +heard the thud of hoofs even as I drew back into the upper hall. Then a +voice gave a sharp command. + +"Circle the men about the house, Simmons. There is something wrong here, +and I saw a fellow at that upper window as we came down the hill. Move +quick, now!" + +I must face them, and went forward to the head of the stairs, +anticipating an easy explanation of my presence within. Already quite a +squad was inside the front door bending over the bodies and staring about +curiously. + +"Pine Robbers, eh, Colonel?" said one contemptuously. "That fellow has +cutthroat written all over him. Don't see any signs of our men here." + +"Queen Ranger lying back of the stairs, sir," reported a soldier briefly; +"Irish lookin' mug." + +The man addressed as Colonel, a Ranger himself from his green uniform, +looked up quickly and saw me. He called out an order, and three or four +men sprang up the stairs, grasping and leading me down. I made no +resistance, not realizing I was in any danger. The Colonel, a tall man +with gray moustache and goatee, and dark, searching eyes, faced me +sternly. + +"What are you doing here, sir? Come, speak up! What does all this mean?" +and he swept his hand about in gesture. + +"I came along about thirty minutes ago," I explained, beginning to +appreciate my situation, from the suspicious glances cast at me, and +recalling how disreputable my appearance must be. "I found things just as +they are now, sir. There's been a fight and robbery." + +"That's plain to be seen; are these all the bodies?" + +"Yes, sir, but the house is upside down from end to end." + +"You saw no one? No British soldiers?" + +I shook my head, conscious of the fierce grip with which I was being +held. A couple of the men dragged out the body from behind the stairs, +and as the face came into the light, the Colonel's eyes saw it. I heard +the sharp breath expelled through his lips, as he stared down into those +ghastly features. + +"Good Lord! Mike! What in the name of heaven does this mean? He was +supposed to be with Claire!" + +"There must be some mistake, Colonel Mortimer," insisted the other +officer gravely. "Perhaps we can get the truth out of this bumpkin, if we +take the lash to him." + +I understood in a flash, and as swiftly chose a course of action. This +gray-headed Colonel was her father, and I would serve her in this +emergency without thought of my own danger. No threat of a whip would +open my lips, but memory would. + +"Come, you dog!" burst out the Colonel fiercely. "You know more than you +have told. Speak up, or we'll skin you alive." + +"I will, Colonel Mortimer," I said, looking him straight in the eyes. +"Not because of your threats, but because I wish to serve you. Now I know +who you are, and I will tell you all I know about this whole affair." + +"Was--was my daughter here?" he interrupted. + +"Yes, sir." + +"My God! and Eric?" + +"Not to my knowledge--there was a man called Peter, this fellow, and a +black slave or two. They were all I saw." + +"But why should Claire have been here," he asked, as though dazed, +"unless she came to meet her brother? I supposed her safe in the city." + +"I do not pretend to understand the cause of her presence. But if you +listen to my story you may know what to do." I paused an instant to get a +grip on my thoughts. I need not tell all, confess my identity, or mention +my personal relations with the daughter. "I am a soldier, Colonel +Mortimer, in Maxwell's Brigade, of Washington's army. What brought me +here has nothing to do with the present story. I was in the fight over +yonder near Mount Laurel night before last when we captured Delavan's +forage train--" + +"What!" burst in the dragoon officer. "Was Delavan defeated, then? Hadn't +Grant joined him?" + +"Yes to both questions, sir. Delavan was killed, and Grant surrendered. +He and his men were paroled, and started for Philadelphia last evening +from here." + +"From here!" incredulously. "That must be a lie, Colonel, for Mount +Laurel is between here and the city." + +"Nevertheless, it is no lie," I retorted promptly, looking the young fool +in the eyes. "I was hiding here for reasons of my own when they came +tramping in along that road about the middle of the forenoon yesterday. +There was near a hundred Hessians and Rangers, with two German officers, +and Grant. I heard them tell Mistress Mortimer this was the nearest place +where they were sure of finding provisions, and that they intended to +remain until night. I don't know what happened after that, except that +the officers went inside, and the men marched around to the back to eat +their breakfast." + +"What became of you?" + +"Oh, I had other business, and never got back along here until just at +daylight this morning. Then I found things this way." + +"You don't know what occurred, then?" + +"No more than you do. But I've got my opinion. It's this--Grant and his +fellows must have left as soon as it was dark, taking the west road, +which was the cause of your missing them. It is likely from this man +Mike's body, that your daughter and her party were still in the house. It +couldn't have been much later when these others got here and made the +attack. Mike must have fought them at the front door, but that was all +the fight made; there's no sign of any struggle inside." + +"Then they never got Claire," declared Mortimer positively. "That's a +certainty, Seldon." + +"She would have fought, sir?" + +"Like a tiger. I know my little girl. And, besides, Peter would have died +before the hand of one of those villains was ever laid upon her." + +"But," I protested, "I have searched the house, Colonel." + +"I imagine your acquaintance with the house is somewhat limited," he +replied coldly, turning away. "Seldon, place this fellow under guard in +the library here. We will learn later what his business might be in the +Jerseys." + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +AT CROSS PURPOSES + + +It could not be considered an unpleasant place of imprisonment, yet it +was useless for me to contrive any plans of immediate escape, for the +door was securely locked, and two heavily armed dragoons sat within eying +me rather malevolently. My attempt at approaching the window was +instantly checked by a threatening gesture, and I sat down in the reading +chair to await developments. They could not muffle my ears, however, and +I heard the swift hoof-beats of an approaching horse being ridden +furiously up the gravel driveway. At the door he was hastily checked, and +a voice spoke peremptorily: + +"Here you, take the rein!" + +The fellow came up the steps hurriedly, almost ignoring the sentry at the +door. + +"I haven't time to stand here, you fool," he exclaimed roughly. "My +uniform is pass enough. I wish to see Colonel Mortimer at once--at once." +There was a pause, and then the same voice, and I recognized it now as +Grant's beyond a doubt. "Ah, Colonel, what in God's name has happened +here? I heard that you were out hunting us at Farrell's blacksmith shop, +and came back as swiftly as I could ride. But I never suspected this. Who +were the miscreants?" + +"That is a question not yet answered, Captain Grant," replied Mortimer +slowly. "It looks like the work of Pine Robbers. Do you recognize this +fellow?" + +"Ay," and from the muffled tone he must have been bending over the body, +"that is 'Tough' Sims, a lieutenant of 'Red' Fagin; there's one more +devil gone to hell. But when did the attack occur? We left here after +dark, and all was quiet enough then. Claire--" + +"She was here then? I hardly believed it possible." + +"I talked with her--quarrelled with her, indeed. Perhaps that was why she +refused to accompany us to Philadelphia. But what did you mean, Colonel, +when you said you hardly believed it possible she was here? Did some one +tell you?" + +"Yes; we caught a fellow in the house when we arrived. He had no time for +escape--rough-looking miscreant, claiming to be a Continental. We have +him under guard in the library." + +"He confessed to the whole story?" + +"Not a word; claimed to know nothing except that Claire was here. Said he +saw you, and then went away, not getting back again until this morning." + +"The fellow is a liar, Colonel. Let me see him; I'll lash the truth out +of his lips. Where did you say he was--in the library?" + +I had barely time to rise to my feet when he entered. His eyes swept +across the guard, and then centred upon me. Instantly they blazed with +excitement, although I noticed he took a sudden step backward in the +first shock of surprise, his hand dropping to the butt of a pistol in his +belt. + +"By all the gods!" he exclaimed sharply. "If it isn't the spy! I miss the +red jacket, but I know the face, Mister Lieutenant Fortesque." + +"Major Lawrence, if you please," I returned quietly. + +"We'll not quarrel over the name. I've had occasion to know you under +both; bearing one you was a spy, beneath the other a leader of banditti. +I'll hang you with equal pleasure under either." Suddenly he seemed to +remember where we were, and his face flushed with newly aroused rage. +"But first you'll explain what you are doing here at Elmhurst. Do you +know whose home this is?" + +"Most assuredly," determined not to lose my temper, or to be moved by his +threats. "It is the property of Colonel Mortimer, of the Queen's +Rangers." + +"And--and you--you came here to again see--the daughter?" he questioned, +as though half regretting the indiscretion of such a suspicion. + +"Oh, no, Captain; you do the lady a grave injustice. I came here a +prisoner, very much against my will, not even aware whose plantation this +was. I had no suspicion that Mistress Mortimer was outside Philadelphia +until I overheard your conversation with her." + +"Overheard! You! In God's name, where were you--" + +"In this room; with both doors ajar it was impossible not to hear. You +spoke somewhat angrily, you may remember, not finding the lady as +gracious in her reception as expected." + +The sarcasm in my tone stung him, but the surprise was so great that he +could only rip out an oath. + +"I thought you would have also enjoyed swearing at that time," I +continued coolly, "only you scarcely dared venture so far. You had +previously boasted to me of your engagement to the lady, and it naturally +was a surprise to observe how lovingly she greeted you--" + +"Hell's acre!" he burst out. "Did the minx know you were there?" + +"If you refer to Mistress Mortimer, I presume she suspected it. At least +she came to me shortly thereafter." + +"Then I understand better what troubled the girl. But, in God's name! how +did you ever escape me? I was in every room of the house." + +I smiled pleasantly. There was nothing for me to gain, or lose, by +goading him, yet it was rather enjoyable. + +"That, of course, I must naturally refuse to answer, Captain. I might +need to resort to the same methods again." + +"There will be small chance of your having opportunity. Mortimer will +hang you fast enough when I tell my tale. Don't look for mercy at his +hands, for he's prouder than Lucifer of his family honor." + +He was out of the door, striding down the hall, bent on carrying out his +purpose. I heard his voice asking where the Colonel was to be found; then +the guard closed the barrier between us. Very well, of the two I would +rather leave my fate to Mortimer than to him, and felt profoundly +grateful that the Captain was not in command. Had he been I should +doubtless have been hung without the slightest formality of trial, but +Mortimer would at least hear my version first; indeed I could hardly +believe he would issue so stringent orders without listening also to his +daughter's story. I was an officer of rank; the consequences might prove +rather serious were I to be executed summarily, and without proper trial. +No matter how hot-headed Colonel Mortimer might be, on an occasion like +this he would certainly require more convincing evidence than Grant's +unsupported statement, before pronouncing such a sentence. In truth Grant +possessed no facts, merely suspicions. He had reasons to believe me a +spy, but there was not a paper on my body to confirm that suspicion, and +my having been in apparent command of the minute men in their attack on +Delavan's foragers was no license for hanging. That was an incident of +war, and might have occurred in the direct performance of a soldier's +duty. Altogether I was satisfied that Mortimer would merely hold me +prisoner, reporting the affair to Clinton. + +I had scarcely reasoned this out, however, when a corporal threw open the +door, ordering my guard to conduct me into the Colonel's presence. I was +taken to the parlor, where the furniture had been somewhat rearranged, +and found myself confronting Mortimer, the officer I had heard addressed +as Seldon, and Grant. The latter was speaking vehemently: + +"I tell you, Colonel, this has got to be done; he is a spy, and here for +some infamous purpose." + +"Well, I've sent for the fellow, Grant; what more do you want? I'll give +him five minutes in which to explain, and that is all. Seldon, have the +men go on ahead along the trail." + +"Yes, sir, they are off already." + +"Very well. Have our horses outside; we can catch up within a mile or +two." He wheeled sharply about, and looked at me sternly. "Well, sir, I +have very little time to waste on you at present, but I advise truthful +answers. What is your name?" + +"Allen Lawrence." + +"You claim to be in the Continental service--what rank?" + +"Major in the Maryland Line, Maxwell's Brigade." + +"Dressed hurriedly, probably, and forgot your uniform." + +"I have lately been serving with the Jersey militia, sir, as Captain +Grant can testify," I answered civilly. + +"And Captain Grant is only too anxious," broke in that officer +impatiently. "If you will listen to me, Colonel, I'll tell you what I +know in two minutes or less. It will settle this fellow's status." + +Mortimer glanced from my face to that of the speaker, evidently attracted +by the vindictiveness of the voice. + +"All right, Grant, go on," he said shortly, "only I shall pass judgment +as a soldier, and not because of any personal quarrel. What is it you +know?" + +"That this man came into Philadelphia three days ago dressed as an +officer of British Infantry. He claimed to be Lieutenant Fortesque, of +the 42nd Foot, with despatches from New York. Howe vouched for him, and +furnished him with a pass and orderly. He put in the whole day studying +the positions of our troops, and in the evening was a guest at the +Mischianza--Andre gave him a card, I heard--and danced there with your +daughter. I doubted the man from our first meeting, and later picked up +certain rumors which convinced me he was a spy. Some words passed between +us on the dancing floor, and as a consequence I asked the man to meet me +below. Some one either told him he was suspected, or else he had the +heart of a coward, for he failed to appear." + +"Did you intend to fight him?" + +"No; we planned an arrest. I reported to MacHugh what I had heard, and he +had Carter close at hand with a squad of the guard." + +"A very pretty trick on mere suspicion," commented the Colonel in some +disgust. "But go on with your story." + +Grant sucked in his breath quickly, evidently surprised at the remark. + +"Claire was waiting for me upstairs in the dining-room, but after Carter +had scattered his men to the outposts, I took a turn about the grounds in +hope of thus running across the fellow. Luck favored me, but, damn him, +he jumped into me like a fighting cock, struck me in the face, and +taunted me into meeting him there and then." + +"Good boy! the right stuff, eh, Seldon?" + +"I supposed it all a bluff," went on Grant, paying no heed to the +interruption, although his cheeks flushed, "but we went at it, behind the +pavilion, and I had pricked him twice, when the guard came up and +separated us. At that the fellow took to his heels, and, by Gad! got +away--swam the Delaware, while we were beating the west shore. The next I +saw of him he was in command of those ragamuffins who attacked us out +yonder. Now he shows up here looting this house on the trail of 'Red' +Fagin. I'd hang him offhand if it was me." + +Mortimer looked across at me earnestly, but with an expression of doubt +in his eyes. As for myself I hardly knew what to say, or do. Grant had no +corroborative proof for his assertions, unless I was returned to +Philadelphia. I could emphatically deny that I was the man, insist on my +right to a fair trial. But how could I account in any reasonable way for +my presence at Elmhurst, or even successfully sustain my claim to being a +Continental officer. I could not tell Colonel Mortimer that I had been +taken prisoner by his daughter, masquerading as a lieutenant of dragoons. +Apparently he knew nothing of this escapade, and she would scarcely +forgive me for exposure; besides, for all I knew to the contrary, the +girl might have thus been attempting to serve the Colonies, and a word of +betrayal might seriously injure our cause. Of course this was merely +conjecture, a wild guess, although there was one fact I could not ignore +in this connection--she had twice defended me from capture, and I dare +not bring any suspicion upon her. Then Grant had barely mentioned her +name, in no way involving her in my escape. Whatever the result my lips +were sealed. All this flashed over me before Mortimer spoke. + +"Have you any proofs, sir, that you are an officer of Maxwell's brigade?" + +"Not here," and I glanced down at my rough clothing, "yet with a little +delay that could be easily ascertained." + +"On what service are you in the Jerseys?" + +"I must decline to answer." + +"Were you in Philadelphia, wearing British uniform three days ago?" + +"If I should say no, it would be merely my word against Captain +Grant--you would doubtless prefer to believe him." + +Grant whispered in his ear, the Colonel listening quietly. + +"I am informed that you have already acknowledged being concealed in this +house yesterday." + +"I have, sir." + +"Did any one know of your presence here?" + +"I was brought here--a prisoner." + +"What!" in decided surprise. "Prisoner to whom?" + +"I was captured by three men, dressed as Queen's Rangers, on a road some +miles to the west. They made no explanation, although I have some reason +to believe I was mistaken for another. I was held in a strong room in the +basement overnight." + +"You were not there when I searched the house," broke in Grant hoarsely. + +"No," and I turned and smiled at him. "I had been brought upstairs before +you arrived." + +"Then you saw your captors by daylight?" + +"Two of them, yes--a man called Peter, and an Irish fellow, with chin +beard." + +"What!" and Mortimer started forward. "Peter and Mike in uniform! This is +beyond belief. Were they alone?" + +"They were apparently under the orders of a young lieutenant--the same +who had command of Delavan's advance guard. I was unable to distinguish +the lad's face." + +"Delavan's advance guard!" and the Colonel turned toward Grant. "What do +you know about this, sir? Who was he?" + +The Captain hesitated, shifting uneasily on his feet. + +"I--I do not know, sir," he explained finally, driven to answer. "I +merely had a glimpse of the boy when I first joined the column. I--I +thought I recognized him, but was not sure." + +"Who did you suppose him to be?" + +"Your son, Eric, sir." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +AGAIN THE CELLAR-ROOM + + +The father sank back in his chair, breathing heavily. + +"Eric here, making use of this house, and my servants," he muttered. "I +can scarcely believe it true. Was--was he here yesterday morning when you +came?" + +"I found no trace of his presence, sir." + +There was a moment of silence, broken unexpectedly by the rustle of a +dress. I turned in surprise, and saw Claire standing quietly in the +doorway. + +"Pardon me, gentlemen," she said softly, "but perhaps I can explain much +of this mystery, and establish the identity of Major Lawrence." + +Seldon sprang forward and offered her a chair, but she merely thanked him +with a bow, and remained standing, her eyes upon her father. Not once had +she even glanced toward either Grant or me, but I noticed the deep flush +of color on cheek evidencing her excitement. What was she going to +explain? How account for the strange actions of the past few days? How +came she to be here at all? Would she confess the truth openly before us +all, or would she feel justified in concealment? I could not, did not, +doubt the honesty of the girl's intent, and yet was it possible for her +to compel these men to accept her version of all which had occurred? +Would she venture a falsehood to protect me, or to save herself? + +"I--I have already explained much," I hastened to say, thinking she might +wish to know. + +"I overheard what has already been said," she returned quickly, but +without looking toward me, "and appreciate the care with which my name +has thus far been guarded. Now I am ready to make my own explanation." + +"But, first, Claire," said her father soberly, "how does it happen you +are here? We supposed you in the hands of 'Red' Fagin, and a squadron of +my men are out now tracking the fellows." + +"I was not in the house when they came, father; Peter and I were back of +the stables, fortunately mounted. We were obliged to ride hard as we were +chased several miles, and returned as soon as it appeared safe." + +"And Eric?" + +"He departed before Captain Grant arrived," she replied unhesitatingly, +"and must be already safe within his own lines." + +"It was Eric, then?" + +"Who else could it be? Surely Captain Grant told you as much." + +The Colonel's eyes wandered about the little group, and his doubt and +bewilderment were clearly evident. + +"Do you know Eric's purpose in coming here? in presuming to act as an +officer in Delavan's company?" + +"He did not inform me, sir." + +"You know this man?" + +She turned, and looked at me for the first time, a silent plea in her +blue eyes. + +"I do--he is Major Lawrence of General Washington's army," her voice low, +but distinct. "I have known him since the Continental troops were first +quartered in Philadelphia." + +I started slightly, yet as instantly recovered my outward composure, +realizing that this strange girl again purposed protecting me from +exposure, even at the expense of a falsehood. + +"Indeed; you were doubtless aware then that he was within Sir Henry +Clinton's lines as a spy?" + +"Far from it," she laughed easily, not glancing toward me, but permitting +her eyes to rest upon the bewildered face of Captain Grant. "Why, that +idea is perfectly absurd. Did you tell my father so ridiculous a story, +Captain?" + +"Did I! What else could I say?" he growled indignantly. "He was within +our lines in British uniform." + +Her long lashes veiled the blue depths modestly. + +"Yet there might be other reasons for such masquerade, gentlemen," she +confessed. "Would it be impossible, think you, that he should have taken +so great a risk to again meet with me?" + +There was a silence following the simple question, broken by Seldon's +laugh, as he slapped his knee in appreciation. + +"Good enough, by Gad!" he exclaimed heartily. "The lass has cleared the +mystery with a word. The fellow would be a poor soldier indeed to fail in +such a test--eh, Grant?" + +The Ranger scowled at him in sullen response, his face dark with passion. + +"Hell's acre! This sort of thing may touch your humor, but not mine. What +is the meaning of your words, Mistress Claire? Are you shameless, +forgetting the pledge between us?" + +She turned her face toward him as a queen might, her head held high, her +cheeks flaming. + +"You have had your answer once for all, Captain Grant. There is no pledge +between us." + +"But, daughter," broke in the Colonel, still bewildered by this sudden +explosion. "I can scarcely comprehend; surely it was understood that you +were affianced to this son of an old neighbor." + +"Understood, yes, by those who kindly arranged the affair, but the fact +that I might possess a heart of my own was entirely overlooked. As a +child I permitted you to plan my future without protest. I am a woman +now; I have been out in the world; the war has taken all girlhood from +me. If this were not true the way Captain Grant has watched my every +action in Philadelphia would have disgusted me with the thought of ever +intrusting my happiness to him. He has openly quarrelled with every man I +have spoken to, or danced with. He has made me the sport of all the city +gallants by jealous wrangling. Now it is done with. 'Tis in shame that I +am driven to say all this here in presence of these gentlemen, but I will +not stand in silence while Major Lawrence is being condemned as a spy. He +was at the dance to meet again with me, and for no other purpose." + +Colonel Mortimer's face had expressed many emotions, while she was +speaking, but now it hardened into military severity, his hand clinched +on the arm of the chair. + +"Do I understand then that this officer was there at your request?" + +"I think," hesitating slightly, "he knew he was not unwelcome." + +"And," his voice breaking slightly, "he came here also to meet you?" + +"Certainly not," her head lifting indignantly. "I am your daughter, and +am guilty of nothing unworthy our family name. I have no shame to +confess. Major Lawrence is an officer and a gentleman, the friend of +Washington, and my friend also. At any other time he would be a welcome +guest at our table. If he risked his life to meet with me in Philadelphia +it was done openly and honorably in the midst of acquaintances. There has +been nothing hidden or clandestine. He was brought to Elmhurst a +prisoner, bound to his horse, guarded by armed men. In the morning I +learned his identity, and at once had him released. That is all," and she +gave a gesture with her hands, "and I trust, gentlemen, my explanation +will be sufficient." + +"And you warned him of my suspicions in Philadelphia," exclaimed Grant, +"causing him to attack me, and then released him from arrest here." + +"That is partially true; you endeavored to provoke a quarrel the moment +you met. I had no desire he should fall into your hands as a prisoner. +When you appeared at this house I assisted his escape." + +"But, Claire, how came you here? Why did you leave Philadelphia?" + +"Because I have a brother, sir, whom I can only meet in secret," she +replied quietly. "I came without thought of danger, for war has not cost +us friends in this country; our home has remained until now untouched by +vandals, and I felt amply protected by those who accompanied me upon the +ride--our old house servants." She knelt at the side of his chair, her +head bowed upon its arm, and his hand stroked her hair. "I regret if I +have seemed unmaidenly, or done what you may deem wrong, father, for it +has all seemed right to me." + +The Colonel looked at us silently for what seemed a long while, his +fingers fondling the tresses of the girl's hair. + +"This situation leaves me in an embarrassing predicament," he admitted at +last slowly. "I hardly know what is my duty either as a father, or an +officer of the King. No matter what his purpose may have been this man +penetrated our lines in disguise; he admittedly exercised command of +those irregulars who attacked and routed Delavan's column, and has since +been prowling about disguised as a countryman. Merely because my daughter +confesses to a friendship between them can hardly justify me in setting +him at liberty." + +He paused, rising to his feet, his eyes on my face. The girl lifted her +head, looking up at him. + +"Major Lawrence, I shall hold you prisoner of war, referring your case to +Sir Henry Clinton. In the meanwhile you shall receive every consideration +possible in accordance with your rank. I am now going to join my men in +pursuit of Fagin. Captain Grant, you will accompany me, and, Mr. Seldon, +I shall leave you in charge of the prisoner until we return." + +He took a step toward the door; then turned to his daughter. + +"I shall expect you to be ready to ride with us on our return to +Philadelphia, Claire," he said kindly. "It is evidently not safe for you +to remain here alone." + +"Very well, father." + +"Come, Grant, we shall have to ride hard to overtake our men." + +The captain started reluctantly, scowling at me as he passed. + +"I should enjoy having the privilege of being left in charge here," he +said, for my benefit. + +"No doubt, sir," returned Mortimer coldly. "But I have already selected +Mr. Seldon for that duty." + +They left the house together, and I watched them ride past the window, +followed by a dozen soldiers. As they disappeared Seldon turned his eyes +to my face. He was rather a pleasant looking young man, but possessed an +aggressive chin. + +"While I have no orders to that effect, Major," he said quietly, "I would +take the responsibility of accepting your parole." + +"Are you not rather reckless?" + +"Oh, I think not," smilingly. "I would have you give it to Mistress +Mortimer--surely under those conditions you would never run away." + +She stole a swift glance at me, shaking her head. + +"That would be too strong an imprisonment," I responded instantly. "Under +all conditions I prefer not to give my parole." + +"Very well, sir," more stiffly, his geniality vanishing with my rather +curt refusal. "Then I shall take all necessary precautions to prevent +escape." He stepped aside to the hall door. "You may send two men in +here, Ferguson." + +They entered quietly, glancing about with some curiosity, but taking +position on either side of me at Seldon's command. Claire stood beside +the table in silence, her glance out the window. Only as we wheeled about +to leave the room did her eyes meet mine. That swift glimpse beneath the +dark lashes caused me to leave the room with swiftly beating heart. At +the door I stole another glance backward but she had sunk into a chair, +her face concealed in her hands. With Seldon ahead, and the two guards +behind, I tramped down the stairs into the basement, and was again locked +within the walls of the strong room. + +As the lock clicked I sat down upon the bunk far from being disheartened. +Fate had been playing strange pranks, but I was not left without hope, +for I felt assured I had read correctly the swift message of those +uplifted blue eyes. She had not wished me to accept parole; then there +must be some plan of escape already formulated in her mind. It was +clearly enough to her own interest for me to get safely away; otherwise +she would necessarily have to appear before Clinton, and her testimony +would scarcely pass unchallenged in presence of MacHugh and those others. +To be sure she had told no direct falsehood; it amused me to recall how +carefully she had chosen expression. I had attended the ball for no other +purpose than to once again meet her, a fact of which she had taken the +utmost advantage. Yet why? For what end was this daughter of a loyalist +continually exposing herself in thus protecting me? Why was she +sufficiently interested for so grave a sacrifice? I was not altogether +devoid of conceit, but I could not persuade myself that affection +prompted this action. We had met so briefly, always with me in the role +of hunted fugitive, that it was impossible to conceive that love was the +motive power of control. The thought even was almost preposterous; much +as I should have rejoiced to believe it true the very ridiculousness of +it caused me to smile bitterly. Perhaps her action had some connection +with her brother--her protection of me might also protect him. There was +a thread of mystery running through everything in which Eric's name +continually figured. I had not seen him, was not even convinced he was in +the Jerseys, yet this was the most natural explanation of these peculiar +events; surely it was either Eric's safety she was battling for so +heroically, or else she was at heart a pronounced patriot. + +However, these thoughts helped me little, nor did contemplation of the +surrounding stone walls inspire me to attempt escape. Already had I +tested each separate stone, the solid oaken door, and the iron-barred +windows. I could only wait quietly, striving to solve the meaning of +those suddenly uplifted blue eyes, and the promise they contained. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE LADY'S PLAN + + +I must have remained there an hour undisturbed, listening to faint sounds +in the rooms above, and peering out between the iron bars at a little +square of blue sky, and some waving tree branches. Once, with ear pressed +against the door, I could distinguish the regular steps of a sentinel +pacing back and forth, and out of the window I caught the silhouette of a +cocked hat and brown gun barrel. Seldon was evidently guarding me with +the utmost care. + +By the light I judged the time somewhat beyond noon, when the door opened +suddenly, and Peter appeared bearing a tray. He was as mysteriously +silent and professional as upon his first visit, not even favoring me +with a glance, his mind apparently intent upon his duties, moving about +noiselessly, wiping the table, and placing his load of dishes thereon +with great care that all should be arranged in perfect order. The door +remained ajar during these preparations, a Queen's Ranger standing there +motionless, leaning on his gun, and eying us steadily. At last Peter drew +up a chair, dusted it, and with wave of the hand invited me to be seated. +I ate as slowly as possible, while he stood over me, anticipating my +every want. I endeavored to converse on commonplace topics, hoping thus +to kill time, and possibly lead him to some word of guidance, but his +answers were monosyllables, most respectfully uttered, and meaningless. +As he passed back and forth about the table his face remained vacant of +expression, his eyes devoid of intelligence. He might have been a wax +figure, so mechanically did he operate, and the sentinel never for an +instant relaxed his scrutiny. + +I had picked up almost the last crumb, toying with it in desperation, +when a voice spoke apparently from the head of the stair. The Ranger +turned his head to answer, and at the instant a paper pellet was crushed +into my hand. Instinctively my fingers closed over it, and as the guard +turned back again, gruffly ordering us to hurry up, Peter was at the +opposite side of the table gathering up the dishes, his bald head shining +brilliantly, his eyes as dull as those of a fish. I leaned back watching +him, clutching the paper pellet in the palm of one hand, until he passed +out with his tray, and the door clicked behind him. Not once did he +glance toward me, or acknowledge my presence. Fearful lest I might be +spied upon, my heart beating wildly in anticipation, I lay down in the +bunk with face to the wall, and unrolled the pellet. It contained but a +few words, hastily scribbled, in a lady's delicate handwriting. "Don't +despair; if they are away until after dark I will arrange. Can do nothing +before." There was no signature, but I needed none to know whose fingers +had held the pencil. My lips pressed the paper ere I tore it into +fragments, and scattered them outside the bars. + +The hours of that afternoon dragged themselves along with exasperating +slowness, as I listened for hoof-beats, imagining every sound the +approach of returning horsemen. With no longer any doubt of her +intention, my apprehension riveted itself on the possibility of the +British getting back before darkness gave opportunity for putting her +plans into execution. As to what they might be I cared nothing, being +ready to assume any risk which would lead to escape. The room I occupied +must have been upon the west side of the house, as the afternoon sun +streamed in through the bars, and stretched golden across the floor. I +could almost count the minutes as those shafts of light crept up the +wall, and then slowly faded. The silence all about was intense, even the +branches of the trees without having no movement. As the gray of twilight +approached, my ears, strained to the slightest sound, distinguished the +changing of sentinels. But I waited vainly for any visitor; darkness +closed me in, but no one came with food. + +I pressed my face against the bars striving to look into the night, my +only reward the glimpse of a few distant stars. Suddenly, as I stood +there, voices sounded at a distance, the words indistinguishable, and +then footsteps crushed along the gravelled footpath, as though a number +of men were running toward the back of the house. They were below my +range of vision, but a moment later I heard the sounds of scattered +shots, and saw the sharp flash of firing. I was still clinging to the +bars, trying to determine what it all meant, when the door was opened. +The light of a lantern in his hand revealed a green and white uniform, +and the deeply seamed face of a man of fifty. + +"Quick now, yer damned rebel," he said hoarsely. "Be up an' lam me one, +an' here's the rope." + +"What!" + +"Didn't yer hear? or wasn't yer told the game? Sufferin' Moses, it's got +to be played swift, or ye'll lie here an' rot. That's what that +bald-headed skate is out thar leadin' 'em off for. I'm ter come in wid +yer supper; ye slug me first sight, bind me up wid the rope, and skip. +'Tis a dirty job, but the friends of ye pay well for it, so come on now." + +I comprehended the plan in a flash. She had discovered a sentry money +would buy; to lead the others away long enough to effect my escape, Peter +had taken to the woods with a gun. Whether he escaped or was captured, +the delay would be short. With the knowledge came action. I bore the +unresisting Ranger to the floor, hurling down the tray of food he bore in +a mass of broken crockery, and bound him hand and foot, leaving the +fellow lying across the open doorway. He was without arms, except his +heavy gun, which I left beside him. An instant I paused to ask a +question, holding aloft the lantern so as to see his face. + +"Now man, speak quick; you were given some word for me? Some instructions +how I was to get away?" + +"Sure; but ye drew those cords tight! You are to go up stairs, out the +front door, and turn to the right; there's a horse in the thicket beyond +the summer house. Damnation, loosen that ankle rope, will ye?" + +I gave it a twitch, but felt little compassion for the fellow, and ran up +the steps, leaving the lantern below. I knew the way even in the dark, +and experienced little trouble in feeling my passage. I met with no +interference, and heard no sound, the house seemingly deserted. Only as I +opened the front door could I hear distant, irregular firing to the +northwest. Assured that no guard remained I flung myself recklessly over +the porch rail onto the smooth turf of the lawn. The dim outlines of the +latticed summer house could be discerned not thirty feet distant, and I +started toward it unhesitatingly. I had made half the distance when a +horse neighed suddenly to my right, and, startled at the sound, I fell +flat, creeping cautiously forward into the shadow of a low bush. I had +risen to my knees, believing the animal must be the one left there for my +use, when I heard the growl of a voice, a man's voice, from out the +summer house. + +An instant I could not locate the sound nor distinguish it clearly; then +a sentence cut the air so distinctly that I recognized the speaker. +Grant! What was he doing here? Had we delayed too long? Had Fagin's +pursuers returned? If so, why was he there in the summer house, and with +whom was he conversing? I crouched back listening, afraid to move. + +"I saw the gleam of your white skirt as I rounded the house," he +exclaimed. "By Gad, I thought the horse was going to bolt with me. Fine +bit of luck this, finding you out here alone. What's going on out +yonder?" + +"There was an attack on the horse guard, and Mr. Seldon is in pursuit. +But how does it happen you have returned alone? Has anything occurred to +my father?" + +I judged from the sound that he seated himself before answering, and +there was a hesitancy sufficiently noticeable, so as to cause the girl to +ask anxiously: + +"He has not been injured?" + +"Who, the Colonel!" with a short laugh. "No fear of that while pursuing +those fellows; they ride too fast, and are scattered by now all the way +from here to the Atlantic. Probably a squad of the same gang out there +fighting Seldon. Trouble with the Colonel is he takes the affair too +seriously; imagines he is actually on the trail, and proposes to remain +out all night. I became tired of such foolishness and rode back." + +"You mean you left? Deserted?" + +"Oh, hardly that," lazily. "You see I was sent out with a detachment to +ride down the Lewiston road. I merely left my sergeant in command and +turned my horse's head this way. I can be back by morning, and I wanted +to see you." + +"To see me, Captain Grant! You disobeyed my father's orders to ride back +and see me? I hardly appreciate the honor." + +"Oh, I suppose not," his tone grown suddenly bitter. "But I am here just +the same, and propose carrying out my intention. What do you think I am +made of--wood? You treat me as though I possessed no feelings to be hurt. +See here, Claire, don't draw away from me like that. What has got into +you lately? You have led me a merry chase all winter in Philadelphia, but +now you have even dared to flaunt me to my face, and in the presence of +your father. Do you suppose I am the kind to stand for that? What is the +matter, girl? Who has come between us? Is it that rascally rebel? No; you +stay where you are, and answer me. That is what I came back alone for, to +find out." + +She was upon her feet, and I could even see her hand clasping a lattice +of the summer house. + +"Why do you ask this? What right have you? There was never a promise +between us." + +"The understanding has existed for ten years; never denied until now," he +protested hotly. "You knew I loved you; I've fought a dozen men on your +account--" + +"True enough," she broke in, "you have challenged every gentleman who has +dared address me. Did you think such swash-buckling was going to win my +heart? Any girl possessing self-respect would revolt at such methods. +Whatever affection I may have felt for you as a boy has been driven from +me by these actions. You wanted a slave, a servant, not a companion, and +it is not in Mortimer blood to yield to every whim, to every crack of the +whip. I never loved you, never confessed I did. I tried to be obedient, +endeavored to like you to please my father, but this past winter has so +thoroughly revealed your real character that I will pretend no longer." + +"My character! We have known each other from childhood. I know well +enough what has made the difference in you." + +"Indeed!" + +"Yes, indeed; it's that damned Continental spy." + +"It has been some one all along according to your theory--any gentleman +who has shown me ordinary kindness. You have called out Captain Kincade, +Lieutenant Mathieson, Major Lang, and others, just to prove your +ownership of me. You have made me the laughingstock of Philadelphia. Now +it pleases you to select Major Lawrence with which to associate my name. +Because he danced with me once you felt justified in quarrelling with him +in my presence, in goading him into fighting you. It was the act of a +cowardly bully. Whatever respect I may once have had for you, Captain +Grant, has been dissipated this past winter." + +"Can you tell me it is not Lawrence?" + +"I could tell you, and very plainly, but I refuse to be questioned." + +"Well, by Gad! I know without asking," and he sprang to his feet, +gripping her hand. "You've helped that fellow against me from the first. +I'll put up with it no longer. I came back here to-night desperate, +prepared to resort to any measures. I meant to give you a chance, and, by +heaven! I have. Do you think I am the sort of man you can play with? If I +can have you only by force then it is going to be that. Oh, don't try to +pull away! I've got you now just as I wanted you--alone! Your father is +not here, and that fool Seldon is busy enough out yonder. There is not +even a guard to interfere. Do you know what I mean to do?" + +She made no answer, but her very silence seemed to fan his anger. + +"Sulky, are you! Well, I'll tell you just the same. There's a preacher +living at the crossroads--you know him, that snivelling, long-faced +Jenks. He's a ranting rebel all right, but he'll do what I say, or I'll +cut his heart out. You are going there with me to-night to be married. +I'll put an end to these tantrums, and by to-morrow you'll have come to +your senses. Now will you go quietly, or shall I make you?" + +She wrenched away from him; there was a moment's struggle, and then her +white-robed figure sprang forth into the starlight. I saw him grasp her, +tearing the shoulder of her dress with the fierce grip of his fingers. I +was already upon my feet, crouching behind the bush, prepared to spring. +She drew back, her face white as marble. + +"You coward! You cur!" + +"Hold your temper, Mistress," with a snarling laugh. "I know how to +conquer you." + +That moment I reached him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +WORDS OF LOVE + + +In spite of the fact that he was armed the advantage was all with me. His +grip on the girl dragged her to the ground with him, but she rolled aside +as we grappled like two wild beasts, my fingers at his throat. I knew the +strength of the man, but my first blow had sent his brain reeling, while +the surprise of my unexpected assault gave me the grip sought. He +struggled to one knee, wrenching his arms free, but went down again as my +fist cracked against his jaw. Then it was arm to arm, muscle to muscle, +every sinew strained as we clung to each other, striving for mastery. He +fought like a fiend, gouging and snapping to make me break my hold, but I +only clung the closer, twisting one hand free, and driving my fist into +his face. At last I gripped his pistol, wrenched it forth, and struck +with the butt. He sank back, limp and breathless, and I rose to my knees +looking down into the upturned face. Almost at the moment her hand +touched my shoulder. + +"Is he dead? Have you killed him?" + +"Far from it," I answered gladly. "He is merely stunned, and will revive +presently, but with a sad headache. I would not have hit him, but he is a +stronger man than I." + +"Oh, you were justified. It was done to protect me. I knew you must be +somewhere near." + +"You were waiting for me?" + +"Yes--no; not exactly that. I was in the summer house; I did not mean you +should see me, but I wished to be sure of your escape; I--I--of course I +was anxious." + +"I can easily understand that, for you have assumed much risk--even +ventured the life of the devoted Peter." + +"Oh, no; you rate my devotion too high by far. Peter's life has not been +endangered." + +"But the guard told me he was the direct cause of all that firing beyond +the ravine." + +The starlight revealed the swift merriment in her eyes. + +"I--I--well, I believe he was originally responsible, but--well, you see +I know Peter, Major Lawrence, and really there is no danger that he will +get hurt. I cannot imagine what they could have found to fire at so long, +but it is certainly not Peter. 'Twould be my guess that he is even now in +the house, calmly eating supper, not even wasting a smile on the racket +without. You may have observed he is not of an emotional disposition." + +"My attention has, indeed, been called to that fact. Yet that does not +explain how he could be in two places at one and the same time." + +"Nothing that Peter pleases to do is explainable. His ways are not our +ways, nor his thoughts our thoughts. He is simply Peter. He started all +this, but was never in front of those guns long. They must be shooting at +shadows. But, Major, we forget where we are, the perils about us, and the +necessity of your immediate escape. We must not stand talking here." + +She was close beside me, looking up into my face, her eyes filled with +anxiety. Grant lay motionless upon the grass, a mere darker shadow. To +linger there, however strong the temptation, was to expose her to even +greater peril. Already Seldon's men must be returning toward the house. +There were words upon my lips I longed to speak, questions I desired to +ask, but I held these sternly back, restrained by the pleading in those +eyes. + +"No, for your sake I must go at once," I answered soberly. "Seldon must +not find you here, nor must Grant suspect your connection with my assault +upon him. I doubt if he recognized my face in this darkness, although he +will surely realize the truth when he learns of my escape. But how can I +leave you here unprotected? When this man returns to consciousness--and +that can mean but a few moments--he will be furious." + +"I shall be safe enough. He will have no opportunity to find me alone +again. To-night I had no conception that he was near, and was not even +armed. I--I have been afraid of him for months; he has acted like a +crazed man. But you must go!" She caught my arm, urging me toward the +thicket where the horse was concealed; then suddenly paused with a new +thought. "Take his hat and coat," she whispered swiftly. "There are +British patrols between here and the Delaware. Quick, and I will have +your horse untied." + +I did as directed, feeling the value of the suggestion, and, a moment +later, to all appearance an officer of Queen's Rangers, slipped through +the thicket of trees, and took the reins from her hands. + +"You will go straight back into the house?" + +"Yes," she said obediently; then extended her hand. "Good-bye, Major +Lawrence. I suppose this ends our acquaintance." + +"Not if I can avoid such a fate," I replied, holding her fingers closely. +"If I believed that I am not sure but I would return to the cell. It has +been a strange intimacy into which we have been thrown; three days have +made us old friends. Surely you cannot believe me so ungrateful as your +words would seem to imply." + +"But I deserve no gratitude," making no effort to draw away, yet looking +into my face frankly. "Perhaps you have misunderstood. Is it not possible +for the women of these Colonies to sacrifice as well as the men in the +cause of patriotism? You must not believe that I have done this merely +for your sake, Major Lawrence." + +"Yet I would like to believe so," I insisted warmly. "You are the +daughter of a loyalist." + +"And Eric is the son of a loyalist," laughingly, "and wears a Continental +uniform. I am not privileged to go so far, restrained by the limitations +of sex, yet I may be equally a rebel." + +"Which would seem to mean that all your kindness toward me would have +been similarly given to any patriot soldier." + +"Why--why, yes; I--I think so." + +"And I do not, Mistress Claire; I refuse to so believe." Her eyes flashed +up at me, and I lost all restraint in their swift challenge. "I am going +to speak--just a word, yet I must give it utterance before I ride out +into the dark, away from you. I love you. It makes no difference to me +where your sympathies may be in this struggle, you have won my heart. +Look up, dear, and listen. I am going back to the camp, back to the +campaign. I know not what the night, what the morrow may bring. But I +know forever I love you, and that if I live I shall surely come back. +Will you be glad? Will you promise me welcome?" + +I could feel her tremble, yet there was no shrinking in her face, no +alarm. + +"Oh, why were you compelled to say that! I tried so hard not to let you. +I--I cannot make the promise, it would not be right." + +"Not right!" + +"No, you do not know me. I told you before I was a sham, a fraud, not +what I appeared to be. I will not explain even to you, and you must not +ask me. Only it hurts me to hear you say what you have, and be compelled +to return this answer." + +"You care then--you do not disguise that?" + +She threw her head back proudly, making no attempt to withdraw her hands. + +"Yes, I care; any woman would. It is not true that I have served you +merely because you were a soldier of the Colonies. I think it was true, +perhaps, at first, but--but later it was different. Oh! why do I say +this! Why do I delay your departure by consenting to remain here in +conversation! Major Lawrence, cannot you realize that my only desire is +to have you get away safely?" + +"But that is not my only desire," I protested. "It must be weeks, months, +before I can hope to see you again. I am a servant of the Colonies, and +must go where I am sent; we are upon the verge of a campaign involving +exposure and battle. I may not even come forth alive. Must I go without a +word, without a hope? Claire, Claire, sweetheart, you have no right to +turn me away, because of some phantom of imagination--" + +"But it is not, it is terribly real." + +"I care not; I would still love you in spite of all; you may be a spy--a +British spy--but the fact would mean nothing to me. I would trust you, +Claire, your womanhood; I should know that whatever you did was in +accordance with your conscience, and be content--if you but love me. And, +thank God! I know you do." + +"I--I--no! You cannot mean that!" + +"Ay, but I do. Have you supposed I could not read the message of those +eyes? Oh, it may be dark, dear, but there is a star-gleam, and when the +lashes lift--they confess a thousand times more than your lips +acknowledge. Yet I insist on the lips! Now tell me," and I held her to +me, "tell me!" + +"What--oh, Major, please!" + +"There are but three words to speak; whisper them, dear, and I go." + +"Three words!" + +"Such easy words; they are trembling on your lips now--_I love you_." + +"But if I do not; if they are false. Hush! There is some one on the +veranda--Seldon must have returned." + +"All the more reason why you should speak quickly," I whispered, without +releasing her. + +"Will you go, then? At once?" + +"I pledge my word." + +She drew a deep breath, her eyes shadowed, but I could hear the swift +pulsing of her heart. + +"It--it will mean nothing--nothing." + +"Of course; only a memory to dream over." + +Her lashes lifted, her head tilted back upon my shoulder. For a bare +instant I gazed down into the depths. + +"Then--then I will--_I love you_!" + +With the words I kissed her, pressing my lips to hers; an instant they +clung, and I felt the pressure of her arm, the hot blood rioting through +my veins. + +"Sweetheart," I whispered, "sweetheart." + +"No, no!" and she thrust me from her. "You forget. I am not that. You +must not think it even. See, that man is coming down the steps. He will +discover Captain Grant, and it will be too late--Oh, go, Major, please +go!" + +I turned without another word, fully realizing the danger, the necessity +of action. Her hand touched mine as I grasped the rein. + +"We part friends," she said softly. "Some day you may understand and +forgive me." + +"I understand now more than you think," I returned swiftly, "and I am +coming back to learn all." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +I UNCOVER CAPTAIN GRANT + + +The thicket was sufficiently dense to conceal us from the man, who +remained standing at the foot of the steps. He was but a mere dark +shadow, and I could not even distinguish that he was a soldier, yet the +danger of his presence was sufficiently great, for should he advance to +the right he would come upon Grant's unconscious form, and in that +silence the slightest noise might arouse suspicion. Mistress Claire still +clung to my hand, but only to whisper a sentence of instruction. + +"Go straight north, Major, until you reach the hedge; follow the shadow +of that beyond the orchard, and then take the road running westward. +Don't mount until you reach there--good-bye." + +"Good-bye, you will not forget me?" + +"I--I am afraid not, but--but you must go!" + +I left her standing there, a faint gleam of white against the dark +shrubbery, motionless. Grasping the bit of the horse I picked my course +slowly across the lawn, watchful that the intervening thicket hid my +movements, the soft carpet of grass muffling every sound. We reached the +hedge,--a high, impassable barrier to further progress in that direction, +but here the shadows were sufficiently dense for us to proceed faster, +with little peril of discovery. There were no sounds of alarm from the +house, by this time barely visible, but we continued on a walk until the +orchard was skirted, and I felt beneath my feet the ruts of a road +running east and west. I waited long enough to adjust the stirrups, which +were too short, listening intently for any sounds of pursuit. The house +could no longer be seen, and the night was quiet as a grave. What had +become of Claire? Was she still hiding at the edge of the thicket, or had +she found means of attaining shelter within the house? It was useless to +speculate, and I could better serve her by going my way. I swung up into +the saddle, and the horse broke into a lope. + +There is no incident of that night's ride which I recall distinctly. I +merely pushed on steadily through the darkness, leaving my mount to +choose his own course, confident we were headed toward the river. I was +sufficiently acquainted with the valley of the Delaware, when daylight +came, to decide upon the nearest ford. As to the British patrols I must +run the risk of dodging these, but felt safe from such an encounter for +several hours. In truth I met no one, having no occasion to even draw +rein, although we passed through two small villages, and by a number of +farms. I could not even determine that these houses were occupied; they +were dark and silent, even the galloping hoofs of my horse failing to +awaken response. + +As the feeling of security took possession of me, my mind returned to her +whom I had just left. As I had kissed her, as I had heard her lips repeat +the words I had insisted upon her saying, it had all seemed real. But now +that I was no longer looking into her eyes, I began to doubt and +question. Had she assented merely to appease me, merely to compel me to +leave her? She had said as much, almost denied caring for me, openly +stated that there was between us an impassable barrier. At the time, in +the spell of her presence, all this had meant merely a girlish spirit of +coquetry; it had seemed to me her eyes denied her lips, and gave me +courage. But now, alone under the stars, and riding away from her, this +assurance deserted me, and I began to doubt. Why should I have hoped? We +had met in ways which made intimacy inevitable, and yet the girl had +spoken no word which I could presume to interpret into love. She had +trusted me with her friendship, and was in no way responsible for my more +serious thoughts. I could not recall one word, or act, on her part, that +would give me any right to think that she cared for me, except as an +acquaintance and friend. Through sympathy she might have served any +fugitive with the same loyalty shown me. Surely she could not have loved +me in Philadelphia, when we met for the first time, and yet, even then, +she had risked everything to aid my escape. She had done no more +since--all might have arisen from the same impersonal motive. But what +could that motive be? A mere love of adventure, the reckless audacity of +youthful spirits, a secret sympathy with the cause of the Colonies, or a +desire to outwit Grant? I could not believe her purpose unworthy, that +she would sink her womanhood into mere trickery. She disliked Grant, +despised him as she had just cause, yet it was not to anger him that she +had helped me. Somewhere there was a reason, and a valid one, for her +action. + +And, on the other hand, what could make it impossible for her to confess +the truth? A love for some one else? It was not Grant, at least, and no +other name had ever been mentioned. She insisted that she was a sham, a +fraud; that when I really knew her I might despise her. She had not +spoken this as a joke, but in sober earnestness. What could be the +meaning? I had suggested that she was a British spy, and she had made no +denial, and yet it was impossible to believe such a charge true. All I +had witnessed of her acts would seem rather to connect her with the +Colonies. Yet there were matters unexplained--the mysterious night +riding, the attack on me, and my first night's imprisonment at Elmhurst. +No attempt had been made to clear up these affairs, and I might construe +them as I pleased. Yet there was nothing convincing, as I knew not how +far Eric might be concerned. Perhaps all that appeared strange about the +conduct of the sister could be explained by a few moments' conversation +with the brother. I determined to search him out as soon as I was safely +within the lines, and hear his story. + +It was already daylight when I arrived at this conclusion, and, in the +gray desolation of dawn, drew up on the bluff summit to gaze down into +the river valley. It was a scene of quiet beauty, reflecting little of +the ravages of war. My vantage of height gave me a wide vista, embracing +the silvery stream, and a long stretch of meadow land, dotted with +farmhouses, and intersected by roads. In the middle distance small +villages faced each other across the stream, and toward these most of the +roads converged,--proof of the existence of a ford. I could not be +mistaken as to the town--Burlington on the Jersey shore, and opposite +Bristol. I should be safe enough in the latter, even if we had no outpost +stationed there. I knew homes along those shaded streets, where food +would be forthcoming, and where I could probably procure a fresh horse. +It was the nearer town, nestled on the Jersey bank, that I studied with +the greatest care, but, so far as I could see, the single street was +deserted. To the south, certainly two miles away, a squadron of horse +were riding slowly, surrounded by a cloud of dust. Without doubt this was +the British patrol that had left the village at daybreak. + +It was a hot, close morning, and the padded Ranger's coat heavy and +tight-fitting. I took it off, flinging it across the saddle pommel. As I +did so a folded paper came into view, and I drew it forth, curiously. My +eye caught the signature at the bottom of a brief note, and I stared at +it in surprise. Fagin! How came Fagin to be writing to Captain Grant? He +pretended to be a Tory to be sure, yet both armies knew him as a +murderous outlaw, plundering loyalists and patriots alike. There came to +me a memory of Farrell's chance remark that Grant had some connection +with this fellow's marauding. I had not seriously considered it then, but +now--why, possibly it was true. I read the lines almost at a glance, +scarcely comprehending at first, and then suddenly realized the base +villainy revealed: + +"Have the money and papers, but the girl got away. Will wait for you at +Lone Tree to-night. Don't fail, for the whole country will be after me as +soon as the news gets out about Elmhurst. _Fagin_." + +So that was the reason for this raid--Grant's personal affair. He had +returned to Elmhurst, leaving his men to trudge on into Philadelphia +under their Hessian officers so that he might communicate with Fagin. He +had contrived to get Colonel Mortimer to detail him, after the main +column had been started on a false trail, and then he had left his detail +to another, and rode alone to the rendezvous at Lone Tree. There, +doubtless, he had received Fagin's report, with the papers whatever they +were, and then returned to Elmhurst, determined to force his will with +the girl. What had happened then I knew well, for I had been part of it. +What a pity it was I had failed to kill the fellow, instead of leaving +him unconscious. + +The papers! Perhaps they were in the coat also. Surely Grant had no time +to change or destroy them, as he must have ridden directly to Elmhurst. I +searched the pockets of the garment hastily, finding a note or two, his +orders to escort Delavan, and a small packet tied securely by a cord. I +felt no hesitancy in opening this, and ascertaining its contents. The +lines I read hastily seemed to blur before my eyes; I could barely +comprehend their purport. Little by little I grasped the meaning of it +all, and then my mind leaped to recognition of Grant's purpose. They were +notes of instruction, brief orders, suggestions, memoranda, such as might +be issued to a secret agent greatly trusted. These were addressed simply +"Mortimer," many unsigned, others marked by initials, but I instantly +recognized the handwriting of Washington, Hamilton, and Lee. Without +question this packet was the property of Eric Mortimer, but why had the +boy preserved these private instructions, covering months of operations, +I should judge, although scarcely one was dated? And what caused them to +be of such value to Captain Grant? + +The answer came in a flash of suspicion--the Colonel. He could be +threatened with them, blackmailed, disgraced before Sir Henry Clinton, +driven from his command. They were addressed merely to "Mortimer," +discovered at Elmhurst, and were sufficient to convict of treason. It was +a fiendish plot, well conceived, and Grant was fully capable of carrying +it out to the end. I could realize what the possession of these papers +meant to him--military advancement, a distribution of the Mortimer estate +in which he would doubtless share, and a fresh hold on Claire whereby he +could terrify the girl into accepting him. + +I stood there in uncertainty, turning these papers over and over in my +hands, striving to determine my duty. Should I return to Elmhurst? To do +so would only bring me into renewed peril, and would apparently benefit +no one. Without this packet Grant was helpless to injure Colonel +Mortimer. As to Claire, Seldon would protect her for the present, and as +soon as the father returned, he would doubtless compel her to accompany +him back to Philadelphia. The best service I could render was to destroy +these notes, and then seek out Eric Mortimer, in Lee's camp, and tell him +the whole story. All that any one could do now was to warn the Mortimers +against Grant, to let them know his treachery, and this could be best +accomplished through Eric. Although in different armies, striving against +each other in the field, there must still exist some means of +communication between father and son, or, if not, then between brother +and sister. + +With flint and steel I built a small fire of leaves in a cleft beside the +road, and fed to the flames one by one the papers from the packet, +glancing over each one again to make sure of its contents; all were +addressed alike, simply "Mortimer," but upon two I found the word +"Elmhurst." It was easy to see how the discovery of such communications +would tempt an unscrupulous scoundrel like Grant to use them to injure +another, and win his own end, but why had that young Eric failed to +destroy them as soon as received? + +When the last paper had been reduced to ashes, I stamped out the embers +of fire under my boot heel, and, with lighter heart, rode down the hill +toward the ford. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +BETWEEN LOVE AND DUTY + + +It was already growing dusk when I rode into our lines at Valley Forge. A +brief interview with Colonel Hamilton revealed his appreciation of my +work, and that my hastily made notes of the Philadelphia defences had +been received twenty-four hours earlier. They had been delivered at +headquarters by an officer of Lee's staff; no, not a boyish-looking +fellow, but a black-bearded captain whose name had been forgotten. All +Hamilton could remember was that the notes had been originally brought in +by an Indian scout. Eager to discover Eric Mortimer I asked a week's +release from duty, but there was so much sickness in the camp, that this +request was refused, and I was ordered to my regiment. + +Busy days and nights of fatigue followed. Washington, watching like a +hawk every movement of Sir Henry Clinton in Philadelphia, convinced by +every report received that he was about to evacuate the city, bent all +his energies toward placing his little army in fit condition for battle. +Some recruits were received, the neighboring militia were drawn upon, and +men were taken from the hospitals, and put back into the ranks as soon as +strong enough to bear arms. Inspired by the indomitable spirit of our +commander the line officers worked incessantly in the welding together of +their commands. I scarcely knew what sleep was, yet the importance of the +coming movement of troops held me steadfast to duty. Word came to us +early in June that Count d'Estaing, with a powerful French fleet, was +approaching the coast. This surely meant that Clinton would be compelled +to retreat across the Jerseys, and a portion of our troops were advanced +so as to be within easy striking distance of the city the moment the +evacuation took place. The remaining commands pressed farther north, near +convenient crossings of the Delaware, prepared for a forced march across +the British line of retreat. Maxwell's brigade, with which I was +connected, even crossed the river in advance, cooeperating with General +Dickinson and his New Jersey militia. All was excitement, commotion, +apparently disorder, yet, even amid that turmoil of approaching battle, +Hamilton recalled my request, and granted me two days' leave. His brief +note reached me at Coryell's Ferry, and, an hour later, I was riding +swiftly across the country to where Lee had headquarters. + +Not once during all those days and nights had the memory of Claire left +me. Over and over in my mind I had reviewed all that had ever occurred +between us, striving in vain to guess the riddle. Now I would see and +talk with her brother, and perhaps obtain the explanation needed. Yet I +have gone into battle with less trepidation than when I rode into Lee's +headquarters, and asked his chief-of-staff for Eric Mortimer. He looked +at me strangely, as I put the question. + +"I should be very glad to oblige you, Major Lawrence," he replied +gravely, "but unfortunately I have no present knowledge of the young +man." + +"But he was attached to General Lee's staff?" + +"Only in a way--he was useful to us as a scout because of his intimate +knowledge of the Jerseys. His home, I understand, was near Mount Holly." + +"What has become of him?" + +"All I know is, he was sent out on a special mission, by Washington's own +orders, nearly a month ago. We have not directly heard from him since. An +Indian brought us a partial report of his operations up to that time; +since then we have received nothing." + +"An Indian!" I exclaimed. "The same who brought in my notes?" + +"I believe so; yes, now that I recall the matter. I had no opportunity to +question the fellow; he simply left the papers with the orderly, and +disappeared." + +"And you have heard nothing from young Mortimer since?" + +"Not a word." + +"He must be dead, or a prisoner." + +The chief smiled rather grimly. + +"Or deserted," he added sharply. "I am more inclined toward that theory. +He was a reckless young devil, attracted to our service more, it seemed +to me, by a spirit of dare-deviltry than patriotism. Lee thought well of +him, but I was always suspicious. He belonged to a family of loyalists, +his father a Colonel of Queen's Rangers. Did you know him, Lawrence?" + +"The father, not the son. But I am not willing to believe evil of the +boy. I cannot conceive that treachery is in the Mortimer blood, sir, and +shall have to be convinced before I condemn the lad. When did he leave +here last?" + +"About the middle of May." + +"Would you mind telling me his mission? Where he was sent?" + +The officer glanced keenly into my face; then ran hastily over a package +of papers taken from an open trunk. + +"I can see no harm in doing so now, Major. He was sent to communicate +with a British officer--a prominent Tory--who has associations with 'Red' +Fagin, and others in Monmouth County. This officer has in the past, for a +consideration, furnished us with valuable information, generally through +young Mortimer who knew him. He had written us that he had more to sell." + +"Where were they to meet?" + +"At a rendezvous known as the Lone Tree, not far from Medford." + +"Was the Tory officer named Grant?" + +He stared at me in surprise. + +"I am not at liberty to answer." + +"Oh, very well; however, I understand the situation even better than you +do probably. Only I advise you one thing--don't condemn that boy until +you learn the truth. Grant is an unmitigated, cold-blooded scoundrel, and +the treachery is his. You'll learn that, if you wait long enough. +Mortimer is either dead, or in Fagin's hands. Good-night." + +I passed out, and was beyond the guard, before he could recall me, even +had he desired to do so. I had no wish to talk with him longer. I felt +disappointed, sick at heart, and realized this staff-officer was strongly +prejudiced against young Mortimer. It seemed to me I saw a little light, +although not much. Eric had been at Elmhurst, and Claire was not innocent +of his presence in that neighborhood. She was shielding him, and it was +through her help that his first report to Lee had been sent back by the +Indian. Then Eric must have been in the house while I was there. Indeed +it must have been Eric who made me prisoner. And to protect him she had +told me a deliberate falsehood. Well, I could not blame the girl--after +Grant's open treachery (and doubtless she must have known something of +his double-dealing) she would scarcely trust any one, especially a +comparative stranger. It hurt me a little to realize this lack of faith +on her part, and yet it was not strange after all. Her brother's life +could not be put to the hazard of betrayal; perhaps she overestimated his +peril, and the importance of his mission. + +As I rode back through the night, finding a path almost by instinct +through the maze of military encampments, I thought of all these things, +exonerating her from wrong, and yet wondering more and more at her real +connection with the various events. The chief had not stated what +information of value Grant had promised to reveal; nor what Eric's first +report had contained. In my sudden disappointment I had forgotten to +inquire. And where could the boy be? What could have happened to him? +Something serious surely to keep him thus hidden for nearly a month. +Claire would know, but she was probably long ago back in Philadelphia in +the heart of the British garrison. And I? Well, I was tied hand and foot +by discipline; helpless to turn aside from duty now in the face of this +new campaign. Every man was needed, and no personal consideration would +excuse my leaving the ranks even for a day. It was with heavy heart I +rode into the camp of my regiment, and lay down on the bare ground, with +head pillowed upon the saddle, knowing the drums would sound in a few +short hours. + +It was hard to work through the routine of the next few days, although +some excitement was given us of Maxwell's brigade by scouting details +sent across the valley to observe the movements of the British patrols. +On such duty I passed the greater portion of two days in the saddle, and, +by chance, met both Farrell and Duval, who were with the Jersey +militiamen, now rapidly coming in to aid us, as the rumors of an +impending battle spread across country. Farrell came at the head of fifty +men, rough looking, raggedly dressed fellows, but well armed, and I had a +word with him while pointing out where Dickinson's troops were camped. +Unfortunately he knew little of value to me. Mortimer's column of Queen's +Rangers had passed his place on their return to Philadelphia two days +after my escape. Grant was not with them, but Claire was, while Peter had +been left behind at Elmhurst. Fagin had not been overtaken, although the +Rangers had engaged in a skirmish with some of his followers, losing two +men. Colonel Mortimer had been wounded slightly. As to Eric he knew +nothing--no one had even mentioned the lad's name. + +It was thus clearly evident I could do nothing, although I now possessed +a well defined theory of just what had occurred. To my mind Eric was in +the hands of Fagin, either hidden securely away among the sand caves for +some purpose connected with Grant's treachery, or else with the intention +of claiming the reward for his capture offered by Howe. The former +probably seemed most likely in view of Grant's failure to return to +Philadelphia with Colonel Mortimer, yet there was no reason why the +conspirators should not wreak vengeance, and win the reward also. But did +Claire know, or suspect the predicament of her brother? If she did, then +she was seeking to conceal the truth from her father, but would never +remain long inactive in the city. I knew the girl's real spirit far too +well to believe she would fail for long in learning the boy's fate. And +when she did she would act quickly. Perhaps even now she was back at +Elmhurst, facing peril in the track of the contending armies, striving to +give the lad refuge. + +In an agony of apprehension I asked for a scouting detail in that +direction, but was sternly refused. Word had come that Clinton was +evacuating Philadelphia; that his advance was already across the +Delaware. Any moment might bring to our little army orders to press +forward to intercept him. I was a soldier, compelled to remain. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +FORCING CLINTON TO BATTLE + + +I was left behind at Coryell's Ferry, for the purpose of hastening +forward any supplementary orders from Washington, when Maxwell, and the +Jersey militiamen, pressed forward in an effort to retard the march of +the enemy. From the reports of scouts we began to understand what was +occurring. Before dawn on the eighteenth of June the British army began +leaving the city, crossing the Delaware at Gloucester Point, and by +evening the motley host, comprising Regulars, Hessians, Loyalists, and a +swarm of camp followers, were halted near Haddenfield, five miles +southeast of Camden. + +The moment this knowledge reached Washington, he acted. In spite of +opposition from some of his leading officers, his own purpose remained +steadfast, and every preparation had already been carefully made for +energetic pursuit. Our troops fit for service numbered less than five +thousand men, many of these hastily gathered militia, some of whom had +never been under fire, but the warmth and comfort of the summer time, +together with the good news from France, had inspired all with fresh +courage. Whatever of dissension existed was only among the coterie of +general officers, the men in the ranks being eager for battle, even +though the odds were strong against us. There was no delay, no hitch in +the promptness of advance. The department of the Quartermaster-General +had every plan worked out in detail, and, within two days, the entire +army had crossed the river, and pushed forward to within a few miles of +Trenton. Morgan, with six hundred men, was hurried forward to the +reinforcement of Maxwell, and, relieved from my duties at the ferry, I +was permitted to join his column. + +I know not when, during all my army life, I was more deeply impressed +with the awful solemnity of war, than as I watched these volunteer +soldiers land on the Jersey shore, and tramp away through the dust. In +those ranks were sick and wounded scarcely able to keep up; occasionally +one would crawl aside but the moment he was able would join some new +body, and resume the march. There were many still pale and emaciated from +the horrors of the past winter, some in rags, others practically +barefooted; only occasionally would troops appear in what might be termed +uniform, although each separate command was distinguishable by some +insignia. It was a rough, motley concourse, yet, thanks to Baron de +Steuben, drilled into military compactness, and well officered. In column +after column, I could perceive the evidence of his work, the men standing +erect and soldierly, obeying their orders with veteran precision. This, +however, was most noticeable among those of the Continental Line, the men +who had fought on other fields, marched in other campaigns, and braved +the suffering at Valley Forge. The militia was little more than an +organized mob, indifferently armed, and loosely commanded. To me the +mounted men, and the artillery, appeared most efficient, although I +appreciated to the full the sterling fighting qualities of the footmen. + +They were animated by a stern purpose which yielded power. Such as these +were not to be trifled with. Others might scoff at their raggedness of +line, their carelessness of discipline, their nondescript garments, and +variety of equipment, but to one who had seen such in battle--who had +been with them at Trenton, Brandywine, and Germantown--they were warriors +not to be despised, stern, grim fighters, able to hold their own against +England's best drilled battalions. I watched them file past--Wayne's, +Varnum's, Scott's brigades, and Jackson's and Grayson's +regiments--marking the brown, dust-caked faces, the eager eyes, the +sturdy, tireless tread, the well oiled muskets. Boys, men, graybeards, +all alike exhibited in their faces the same expression. They were +anticipating battle against a hated foe, and counted hardship as nothing +compared with the joy of conflict. Every step brought them closer to the +grapple of arms--to that supreme test of strength, courage, endurance, +for which they had left their homes. They might be poorly drilled, +ill-dressed, variously armed, yet these were fighting men. + +It was at midnight when Morgan led us up the steep bluff, and out upon +the sandy road. We advanced silently, and in straggling column through +the darkness, passing the embers of camp-fires for several miles, the +recumbent soldiery of other commands sleeping on the ground. At Hopewell, +Washington was holding another council with his officers. As we swung +past we could perceive his tall figure standing in the glow of a fire, +and there arose from the lips of our men a sudden, involuntary cheer, +breaking strangely upon the solemn silence of the night. The group about +him were startled and looked about, and he paused a moment shading his +eyes. + +"What troops are those?" he asked, his voice cutting across the distance. +A hundred answered him: + +"Morgan's riflemen!" + +"Good, my lads!" and even at that distance I could see his face brighten. +"There will be work for you at dawn." + +With a rolling cheer, echoing down our ranks from front to rear, we +answered, swinging the guns over our heads, as we swept forward into the +dark night. There might be discussion, dissension about that council +fire, but there was none in the hearts of those who were going out to +die. Already rumors were flying about regarding Lee's unwillingness to +engage in battle. I saw him as I trudged past, standing beside Wayne, the +firelight on his face, although his head was bowed. Even to our cheers he +never once glanced up, and, as we passed beyond the radius of light, I +laid my hand upon the mane of Morgan's horse. + +"Is it true that Charles Lee thinks we should let Clinton go without +fighting?" I asked soberly. "That was rumored at the ferry." + +"'T is true enough," he answered, his eyes upon the dark column of +plodding men. "And he seems to have others with him. I know not what has +put the coward into the fellows of late. Saint Andrew! the odds are no +greater than we have met before. But there'll be no fighting, lad, I +fear, unless Washington takes the bit in his teeth, and orders it. I'm +glad the boys cheered him; 'twill give the man new heart." + +"You favor the joining of issue?" + +"Why not? Were we ever in better fettle? A retreating army is always half +whipped, and we can choose our ground. Why, lad, 'tis reported Clinton's +line stretches out full twelve miles, with train of baggage-wagons and +battery horses, and camp-followers enough for a division. 'Twill be easy +work attending to them, and most of his troops are Dutch and Tories." + +My horse was in ill condition, limping sadly, although I could not +discover the cause, and I walked with the men, leading the animal, +through the smouldering clouds of dust. It was a hot, still night, and +Morgan marched us swiftly, with few pauses for rest. By daylight we came +up with the New Jersey militia, lying at rest along the bank of the +Millstone River, waiting their turn to ford that stream, and join Maxwell +on the opposite shore. From where I stood I could see the thin lines of +Continentals spreading out like a fan, as the skirmishers advanced up the +opposite bluffs. Down the trampled bank, men were struggling with a light +battery, and suddenly in the press of figures I came upon Farrell. He was +mud from head to foot, his face streaked with it, but he looked up with +beaming eyes as I spoke his name, and our hands clasped. + +"I thought you would be over there with Maxwell," he said, pointing +across at the black dots, now clearly distinguishable in the glow of +sunshine. + +"I was left behind, and came up just now with Morgan," I replied. "But I +am anxious enough to be with my own fellows. What means that skirmish +line, Farrell? Are we already in touch with Clinton?" + +He swept the hair out of his eyes with his great fist. + +"No one knows exactly, but the British are not far off, and are headed +this way. A scout came through with the news two hours ago--Clinton has +taken the road to Monmouth." He chuckled grimly, glancing at my face. +"And who think ye the lad was who told us?" + +"Who?" my throat tightening. + +"The same you was so anxious about a few days back." + +"Mortimer! Eric Mortimer?" + +"Aye, unless my eyes fail me already, it was the boy." + +"You are sure? You saw him?" + +"Well, I had a glimpse, as he came up the bank here from the ford, his +horse dripping. It was dark still, and he only stopped to ask the road. I +knew the voice, and the form--the lad is as slender as a girl--then he +went by me, digging his horse with the spurs, and lying close. He had a +Dragoon's cape flapping from his shoulders, but 'twas the boy all right. +Ah! there go the guns up the bank. Now, perhaps, they'll let me take my +fighting dogs across." + +The way was open for me, at least, and I swung up into the saddle, and +drove my horse down the slippery shore into the water. The stream was not +deep, although the current flowed swiftly, and a moment later I had found +Maxwell. + +"Yes," he said to my first question, "we are going to fight, although it +may not be anything more serious than skirmishing to-day. Washington has +decided in spite of Lee, thank God, and we'll have a go at the Red-coats. +Lafayette commands the advance, and Wayne will be up within a few hours. +We are to skirmish forward toward Monmouth Court House; Clinton has +turned that way." + +"You learned that from a scout?" + +"Yes; he just came through; one of Charles Lee's men, I understood--a +blue-eyed, rosy-cheeked boy, who said his name was Mortimer. He had +ridden from Cookstown, and was reeling in the saddle, but would go on. +Your men are over there, Major, beyond the clump of timber. In my +judgment we'll accomplish little to-day, for there is a heavy storm in +those clouds yonder." + +"How many men will we have when Wayne comes up?" + +"About four thousand, with the militia. We are ordered to hang close to +Clinton's left, while Morgan circles him to the right. 'Tis said the +British have transports, at Sandy Hook, and are trying to get there; that +was the word young Mortimer brought in." + +The bath in the water seemed to have helped my horse, but I rode slowly +up the valley toward the wood which served as my guide. Troops were +strung along the sandy expanse of valley, the men mostly lying down, +exhausted by their hard night's march. These were of my own brigade, men +of the Pennsylvania and Maryland Line, uniformed in well-worn blue and +buff. Already the sun beat down hot upon them, the air heavy and dead. No +breath of breeze stirred the leaves, or grass blades, and most of those +lying there had flung aside their coats. Over all the western and +southern sky extended a menacing bank of clouds, slowly advancing, huge +thunder-heads, already jagged with forked lightnings, pushing up into the +blue. Before I reached the skirmishers, great drops of rain fell, and +then a downpour, utterly blotting out the landscape. Lightning flashed, +the thunder unremitting, the rain a flood, water leaped down the side of +the hill in cascades, and, blinded, I drew my horse back into the slight +shelter of the wood, and waited, gripping him by the bit. Men ran back +down the hill, seeking shelter from the fury of it, and I bent my head, +soaked to the skin. For the first time I realized how tired I was, every +muscle aching with the strain of the long night's march, my head +throbbing from the awful heat of the early morning. I sat down in the mud +and water; my arm through the bridle rein, my head against the trunk of a +tree, which partially protected my face from the beating rain. But there +was no sleep possible. + +My mind pictured the field of action, reviewed the events leading up to +this hour, and, as surely, reverted to Claire Mortimer. She would have +been left behind in Philadelphia, which ere this was doubtless occupied +by our troops under Arnold. I had understood at the Ferry those were his +orders, to march in the moment Clinton evacuated. She would be safe +enough then, unless--unless she had again returned to Elmhurst. Yet if +Eric was well there would be no occasion for the girl assuming such a +risk, as the Mortimer plantation must have been in the very track of the +retreating army. Perhaps she was with them--but no; I recalled the rumor +about our camps that the officers' wives and the loyalist ladies were to +be transported to New York by water. Arnold would permit that, and no +doubt this daughter of a colonel would be among them. + +I had almost forgotten the sturdy downpour so intensely was I thinking, +when a courier came spurring forward, blinded by the storm, yet riding +recklessly. He must have seen the group of men huddled at the edge of the +grove, for he drew up his horse, calling my name. + +"Major Lawrence, I come from General Maxwell," he shouted between the +crashes of thunder. "You are given command of the right of the line, and +will press on regardless of the storm until the enemy is met in force. +Dragoons have been seen two miles east. You understand, sir?" + +"Yes," leading forth my horse. "Come on, lads, it's the top of the hill! +What about the artillery?" + +"We may not be able to move the guns," he answered, "but you are to keep +your powder as dry as possible and hold Clinton to the road. Dry powder +will be sent as soon as the storm breaks. That's all, sir." + +I could scarce see the fellow as his horse whirled, and went splashing +down the slope. Through the mist of rain the men gathered about were mere +blotches. + +"All right, you water-rats, come on!" I sang out cheerfully. "We'll give +the Red-coats the butts of our guns anyhow." + +There was a faint cheer as the drenched figures sprang forward racing +after me. Half of them had flung away their coats in the fierce heat, and +their shirts clung soaked and dripping. Swinging them into some semblance +of line, each man barely within sight of his neighbor, and picking up +others as we advanced, we made the crest of the hill, and entered the +open country beyond. Looking back, as the clouds broke, we could see the +long lines of infantry forming in the valley below, with black specks +here and there as staff officers rode with orders. Twice we ran up +against small parties of horsemen, exchanging shots, but these fell back, +leaving the road clear. By dark we were at Englishtown, hungry and +thoroughly worn out, and there were halted, sleeping upon our arms. All I +had in my haversack was a single hard biscuit, after munching which I lay +down upon the ground and fell instantly asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE FIGHT AT MONMOUTH + + +The next day--Sunday, the twenty-eighth of June, 1778--dawned with +cloudless sky, hot, sultry, the warmest day of the year. Not a breath of +air stirred the leaves, and in the tree branches above us birds sang +gleefully. Before daybreak we, who had been permitted to sleep for a few +hours, were aroused by the sentries, and, in the gray dawn, partook of a +meagre breakfast. A fresh supply of ammunition was brought up and +distributed among the men, and, before sunrise, we were in line, stripped +for a hot day's work, eagerly awaiting orders. + +I can make no pretence at describing in any detail, or sequence, the +memorable action at Monmouth Court House, but must content myself with +depicting what little I saw upon the firing line of Maxwell's brigade. We +advanced slowly eastward over a gently rolling country, diversified by +small groves. In advance was a thin line of skirmishers, and to left and +right were Dickinson's and Wayne's men, their muskets gleaming in the +sunlight. Early the rumor crept about among us that Lee had come up +during the night with fresh troops, and assumed command. + +Who led us was of but small consequence, however, as there was now no +doubt in any mind but what battle was inevitable. Already to the south +echoed a sound of firing where Morgan had uncovered a column of Dragoons. +Then a courier from Dickinson dashed along our rear seeking Lee, +scattering broadcast the welcome news that Knyphausen and his Hessians, +the van of the British movement, were approaching. With a cheer of +anticipation, the soldiers flung aside every article possible to discard, +and pressed recklessly forward. Before we moved a mile my horse became so +lame, I was obliged to dismount, and proceed on foot. Never have I +experienced a hotter sun, or more sultry air. It was as though we were +within a furnace; men struggled for breath, not a few dropped exhausted, +the others straggling grimly forward, their faces streaked with dust and +perspiration, their saturated clothing clinging to their bodies. Under +these conditions rapid marching was impossible, yet by nine o'clock we +had passed the Freehold Meeting House, and were halted in the protection +of a considerable wood, the men dropping to the ground in the grateful +shadow. Maxwell came along back of our line, his horse walking slowly, as +the general mopped his streaming red face. He failed to recognize me +among the others until I stepped out into the boiling sun, and spoke: + +"What is that firing to the right, General? Are the Jersey militia in +action?" + +He drew up his horse with a jerk. + +"That you, Lawrence? Can't tell anybody in this shirt-sleeved brigade. +What's become of your horse?" + +"Gave out yesterday, sir. Have been on foot ever since. Is it going to be +a fight?" + +The grip of his hand tightened on the saddle pommel, his eyes following +the irregular line of exhausted men. + +"Yes, when Washington gets up; you need never doubt that. We'd be at it +now, but for Charles Lee. I'd like well to know what has come over that +man of late--the old spirit seems to have left him. Aye! it's Dickinson +and Morgan out yonder, wasting good powder and ball on a handful of +Dragoons. Wayne has been ordered forward, and then back, until he is too +mad to swear, and I am but little better. By the Eternal! you should have +heard Lafayette, when he begged permission to send us in. 'Sir,' said +Lee, 'you do not know British soldiers; we cannot stand against them; we +shall certainly be driven back at first, and must be cautious.' Returned +the Frenchman: 'It may be so, General; but British soldiers have been +beaten, and may be again; at any rate I am disposed to make the trial.'" + +"'T is not like General Lee," I broke in. "He has ever been a reckless +fighter. Has the man lost his wits?" + +Maxwell leaned over, so his words should not carry beyond my ear. + +"'T is envy of Washington, to my mind," he said soberly. "He has opposed +every plan in council, imagining, no doubt, a failure of campaign may +make him the commander-in-chief. There comes a courier now." + +The fellow was so streaked with dust as to be scarcely recognizable, and +he wiped the perspiration from his eyes to stare into our faces. + +"General Maxwell?" + +"Yes; what is it?" + +"Compliments of General Lee, sir, and you will retire your troops toward +the Freehold Meeting House, forming connection there with General Scott." + +"Retreat! Good God, man! we haven't fired a shot." + +"Those were the orders, sir. Is that Scott, over yonder?" + +Maxwell nodded, too angered for words. Then, as the courier galloped +away, turned in his saddle. + +"By Heaven! I suppose we must do it, Lawrence. But what folly! What +asininity! We've got the Red-coats hemmed in, and did you ever see a +better field? Pray God, I may hear Washington when he comes up. I'd +rather be dead then, than Charles Lee." + +We gave the orders, and the men fell back sullenly, swearing fiercely as +they caught the rebellious spirit of their officers. Never have I +suffered more than from the heat that poured down on us from that blazing +sun; the gun barrels burned to the touch, and the tortures of thirst +became terrible. In places we sank ankle deep in the hot sand, and beyond +this came upon a broad morass almost impossible of passage. Men fell +exhausted, and were dragged out by their comrades. Scarcely able to +breathe in the hot, stagnant air, caked with foul mud to the waist, we +attained the higher ground, and dropped helpless. Even from here the +enemy were invisible, although we could see the smoke of their guns, and +hear distant crackle of musketry. I sat up, staring through the heat +waves toward the eminence on the left where Wayne's men remained, showing +dimly against the trees. A group of horsemen were riding down the slope, +heading toward our line. As they came into the sandy plain below, and +skirted the morass, I recognized Lee in advance, mounted on a black horse +flecked with foam. Twice he paused, gazing across the hills through +levelled field-glasses, and then rode up the steep ascent to our rear. +Maxwell met him not twenty feet from where I lay. + +"What does this mean, sir?" Lee thundered hoarsely. "Why are your men +lying strewn about in this unsoldierly manner, General Maxwell? Are you +unaware, sir, that we are in the presence of the enemy?" + +Maxwell's red face fairly blazed, as he straightened in the saddle, but +before his lips could form an answer, a sudden cheer burst out from the +crest of the hill, and I saw men leaping to their feet, and waving their +hats. The next instant across the summit came Washington, a dozen +officers clattering behind, his face stern-set and white, as he rode +straight toward Lee. + +"What is the meaning of this retreat, General Lee? My God, sir, how do +you account for such disorder and confusion?" he exclaimed, his voice +ringing above the uproar, his angry eyes blazing into Lee's face. "Answer +me." + +The other muttered some reply I failed to catch. + +"That is not true," returned Washington, every word stinging like a whip. +"It was merely a covering party which attacked you. Why did you accept +command, sir, unless you intended to fight?" + +"I did not deem it prudent, General Washington, to bring on a general +engagement." + +"You were to obey my orders, sir, and you know what they were. See! They +are coming now!" + +He wheeled his horse about, pointing with one hand across the valley. + +"Major Cain, have Oswald bring up his guns at once; Lieutenant McNeill, +ride to Ramsey and Stewart; have their troops on the ridge within ten +minutes--General Maxwell, these are your men?" + +"They are, sir." + +"Hold this line at any cost, the reserves will be up presently." + +As he drew his horse about he again came face to face with Lee, who sat +his saddle sullenly, his gaze on the ground. Washington looked at him a +moment, evidently not knowing what to say. Then he asked quietly: + +"Will you retain command on this height, or not, sir?" + +"It is equal to me where I command." + +"Then I expect you will take proper means for checking the enemy." + +"I shall not be the first to leave the ground; your orders shall be +obeyed." + +What followed was but a medley of sight and sound. I saw Washington ride +to the left; heard Lee give a hurried order, or two; then I was at the +rear of our own line strengthening it for assault. There was little +enough time left. + +Under the smoke of several batteries, whose shells were ripping open the +side of the hill, the British were advancing in double line, the sun +gleaming on their bayonets, and revealing the uniforms of different +corps. + +"Steady men! Steady!" voice after voice caught up the command. "Hold your +fire!" + +"Wait until they reach that fallen tree!" I added. + +Every man of us had a gun, officers, all. Coatless as though we came from +the haying field, the perspiration streaming down our faces, we waited. +The rifle barrels glowed brown in the sun, as the keen eyes took careful +sight. We were but a handful, a single thin line; if the reserves failed +we would be driven back by mere force of numbers, yet before we went that +slope should be strewn with dead. Crashing up from the rear came Oswald +with two guns, wheeling into position, the depressed muzzles spouting +destruction. Yet those red and blue lines came on; great openings were +ploughed through them, but the living mass closed up. They were at the +fallen tree, beyond, when we poured our volleys into their very faces. We +saw them waver as that storm of lead struck; the centre seemed to give +way, leaving behind a ridge of motionless bodies; then it surged forward +again, led by a waving flag, urged on by gesticulating officers. + +"The cavalry! The cavalry!" + +They were coming around the end of the morass, charging full tilt upon +the right of our line. I saw that end crumble up, and, a moment later, +scarcely realizing what had occurred, we were racing backward, firing as +we ran, and stumbling over dead bodies. + +Maxwell rallied us beyond the causeway, swearing manfully as he drove us +into position behind a low stone wall. Again and again they charged us, +the artillery fire shattering the wall into fragments. Twice we came to +bayonets and clubbed guns, battling hand to hand, and Wayne was forced so +far back upon the left, that we were driven into the edge of the wood for +protection. But there we held, our front a blaze of fire. It seemed to me +the horror of that struggle would never end. Such heat, such thirst, the +black powder smoke in our nostrils, the dead under foot, the cries of the +wounded, the incessant roar of the guns. Again and again it was hand to +hand; I could scarcely tell who faced us, so fierce the _melee_, so +suffocating the smoke; I caught glimpses of British Grenadiers, of +Hessians, of Queen's Rangers. Once I thought I heard Grant's nasal voice +amid the infernal uproar. Stewart and Ramsey came to our support; Oswald +got his guns upon an eminence, opening a deadly fire; Livingston's +regiment charged, and, with a cheer, we leaped forward also, mad with the +battle fever, and flung them back, back down that deadly slope. It was +not in flesh and blood to stand; we cut the centre like a wedge, and +drove them pell-mell to where Lee had been in the morning. Here they +rallied, flanked by thick woods and morasses. Too exhausted to follow, +our men sank breathless to the ground. + +It was already sunset, and our work done. The artillery still already, +and I could see long lines of troops--Poor's and the Carolina +brigade--moving to the right. Night came on, however, without more +fighting, and, as soon as we had recovered sufficiently, we devoted +ourselves to the care of the wounded. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +THE ROAD TO PHILADELPHIA + + +It must have been ten o'clock, and, if I had slept at all, I was scarcely +conscious of it. All about me the men lay outstretched upon the ground, +still in their shirt-sleeves, as they had fought, their guns beside them. +The night was clear and hot, scarcely a breath of air moving. Here and +there against the sky-line passed the dark silhouette of a sentinel. +There was no sound of firing, only an occasional footfall to break the +silence of the night. The wounded had been taken to the field hospitals +at the rear; down in our front lay the bodies of the dead, and among +these shone the dim lights of lanterns where the last searching parties +were yet busy at their grewsome task. I was weary enough to sleep, every +muscle of my body aching with fatigue, but the excitement of the day, the +possibility of the morrow, left me restless. I had received no wound, +other than a slight thrust with a bayonet, yet felt as though pummelled +from head to foot. The victory was ours--the army realized this truth +clearly enough; we had repulsed the Red-coats, driven them back with +terrible losses; we had seen their lines shrivel up under our fire, +officers and men falling, and the remnant fleeing in disorder. It meant +nothing now that a force outnumbering us yet remained intact, and in +strong position. Flushed with victory, knowing now we could meet the best +of them, we longed for the morrow to dawn so we might complete the task. + +I reviewed the vivid incidents of the day, looking up at the stars, and +wondered who among those I knew were yet living, who were dead. I thought +of others in those lines of the enemy, whom I had known, speculating on +their fate. Then along our rear came a horseman or two, riding slowly. A +sentry halted them, and I arose on one elbow to listen. + +"Lawrence? Yes, sir, Major Lawrence is lying over there by the scrub +oak." + +I got to my feet, as the first rider approached. + +"This you, Lawrence?" asked a voice I instantly recognized as Hamilton's. +"You fellows all look alike to-night. Where is your horse, Major?" + +"I have been on foot all day, sir," I answered saluting. + +"Ah, indeed; well, you will have need for a horse to-night. Wainwright," +turning to the man with him, "is your mount fresh?" + +"Appears to be, sir; belonged to a British Dragoon this morning." + +"Let Major Lawrence have him. Major, ride with me." + +We passed back slowly enough toward the rear of the troops, through the +field hospitals, and along the edge of a wood, where a battery of +artillery was encamped. We rode boot to boot, and Hamilton spoke +earnestly. + +"The battle is practically won, Lawrence, in spite of Charles Lee," he +said soberly. "Of course there will be fighting to-morrow, but we shall +have the Red-coats well penned in before daybreak, and have already +captured ammunition enough to make us easy on that score. Poor, and the +Carolina men, are over yonder, while Woodford is moving his command to +the left. At dawn we'll crush Clinton into fragments. Washington wants to +send a despatch through to Arnold in Philadelphia, and I recommended you, +as you know the road. He remembered your service before, and was kind +enough to say you were the very man. You'll go gladly?" + +"I should prefer to lead my own men to-morrow, sir." + +"Pshaw! I doubt if we have more than a skirmish. Sir Henry will see his +predicament fast enough. Then there will be nothing left to do, but guard +prisoners." + +"Very well, Colonel; I am ready to serve wherever needed." + +"Of course you are, man. There should not be much danger connected with +this trip, although there will be stragglers in plenty. I'm told that +Clinton lost more than three hundred deserters crossing Camden." + +Headquarters were in a single-roomed cabin at the edge of a ravine. A +squad of cavalrymen were in front, their horses tied to a rail fence, but +within Washington was alone, except for a single aide, writing at a rude +table in the light of a half-dozen candles. He glanced up, greeting us +with a slight inclination of the head. + +"A moment, gentlemen." + +He wrote slowly, as though framing his sentences with care, occasionally +questioning the aide. Once he paused, and glanced across at Hamilton. + +"Colonel, do you know a Dragoon named Mortimer?" + +"I have no recollection of ever having met the man, sir. I have written +him orders, however; he is a scout attached to General Lee's +headquarters." + +"Yes; I recall the name. He is the one who brought us our first definite +information this morning of Clinton's position. I remember now, you were +not with me when he rode up--young, slender lad, with the face of a girl. +I could but notice his eyes; they were as soft and blue as violets! Well, +an hour ago he came here for a favor; it seems the boy is a son of +Colonel Mortimer, of the Queen's Rangers." + +"Indeed; Wayne reported the Colonel killed in front of his lines." + +"Not killed, but seriously wounded. The son asked permission to take him +home to a place called Elmhurst near Laurel Hill." + +"I know the plantation, sir," I said, my interest causing me to +interrupt. "It is on the Medford road." + +"Ah, you have met the lad, possibly, Major," and he turned his face +toward me. "The boy interested me greatly." + +"No, sir; I endeavored to find him at Lee's headquarters, but failed. I +have met his father and sister." + +"A lovely girl, no doubt." + +"To my mind, yes, sir." + +His grave face lighted with a sudden smile. + +"I sometimes imagine, Colonel Hamilton," he said quietly, "that this +unhappy war might be very pleasantly concluded if we could only turn our +young officers over to the ladies of the enemy. Would such a plan meet +with your approval, Major?" + +"I should prefer it to the present method." + +"No doubt, and Mistress Mortimer?--But let that pass, until we hold +council of war upon the subject. Just now we shall have to be content +with the more ordinary plans of campaign. I gave the boy permission to +remove his father, and they are upon the road ere this. I would that all +the British wounded had homes close at hand. You have informed the Major +of his mission, I presume, Hamilton, and there is nothing I need add." + +"He understands clearly, sir." + +"Then I will complete the letter. Be seated, gentlemen." + +He wrote for several minutes steadily, once pausing to consult a map, +signed the paper, and enclosed it in another sheet, across which he +scratched a line of address. + +"You will deliver this to General Arnold in person, Major; do not spare +horse-flesh. You were in the action to-day?" + +"With Maxwell's Brigade." + +"That was a hard fight along the stone wall; you came out unhurt?" + +"A slight bayonet wound, sir; nothing to incapacitate me from duty." + +"Very well; take ten dragoons as escort. Hamilton will write you an +order. I have told Arnold our victory is practically complete. Clinton +may slip away in the night, for he is a wily old fox, but he has lost his +power to injure us in the Jerseys. I hope to bottle him up before +morning, so that any retreat will be impossible, but even if he succeeds +in getting his army to the transports at Sandy Hook, he has lost +prestige, and the victory is ours. Good-bye, Major, and the Lord guard +you on your journey." + +I felt the firm clasp of his hand, the calm, confident glance of his gray +eyes, and bowed low, as I left the room. I could scarcely realize that +this quiet, reserved man could be the raging tornado who that same +morning had ridden up to Lee, blazing with indignation. His very +presence, his evident trust in me, sent me forth upon my long ride +renewed in strength of body and purpose, the fatigue of the day +forgotten. Ten minutes later, mounted on a rangy sorrel, my dragoon +escort trotting behind, I rode south on the Plainsboro road, as swiftly +as its terrible condition would warrant. + +The evidences of war, the wreckage of battle, were everywhere. Several +times we were compelled to leap the stone walls to permit the passage of +marching troops being hurried to some new position; several batteries +passed us, rumbling grimly through the night, and a squadron of horse +galloped by, the troopers greeting us with shouts of inquiry. The road +was deeply rutted by heavy wheels, and littered with all manner of +_debris_, broken-down wagons, dead horses, accoutrements thrown away, and +occasionally the body of a man, overlooked by the burial squad. Our +horses plunged from side to side in fright at the dim objects, snorting +wildly, and we were obliged to ride with care, and a tight rein, under +the faint guidance of the stars. For two miles the varied, ceaseless +noises of a huge camp echoed from either side--the cries of men, the +hammering of iron, the neighing of horses. Over there to the east, beyond +that gloomy fringe of woods, were the masses of the enemy. Between where +he rode, skirting their rear, lay our own battle-line, waiting daybreak, +and out yonder, protected by the trees, extended the picket posts. From +these would occasionally come a red spit of fire, and the dull bark of a +musket. + +We passed all this at last, only to discover the narrow road congested by +long trains of commissary and ammunition wagons, every sort of vehicle +one could imagine pressed hastily into service--huge Conestogas, great +farm wagons, creaking horribly, light carts, even family carriages loaded +to their tops, drawn by straining horses, mules, or oxen, their drivers +swearing fiercely. We again took to the fields, but, as there seemed no +end to the procession, I turned my horse's head eastward, confident we +were already beyond the British rear-guard, and struck out across country +for another north and south road. We advanced now at a swift trot, the +sound of our horses' hoofs on the soft turf almost the only noise, and, +within an hour, came again to parallel fences, and a well travelled road. +It was a turnpike, the dust so thick that it rose about us in clouds, +and, as we proceeded, we discovered many evidences along the way of a +passing army. I reined back my horse to speak with the non-commissioned +officer in charge of the escort, not entirely certain as to my +whereabouts. + +"Do you know this country, sergeant?" + +"A little, sir; we scouted through here last summer, but I'm not a Jersey +man." + +"There have been troops marched along here by all the signs." + +"Yes, sir," respectfully. "The Red-coats, probably on their way to +Monmouth; this is the Mount Holly pike." + +As he spoke the map of the region unrolled before my memory. This was the +road running a mile, or so, to the west of Elmhurst. It led as straight +as any, toward Philadelphia, but whatever stragglers the British army had +left behind would be found along here. However, they would probably be +scattered fugitives, unwilling to interfere with as strong an armed party +as this of mine. If I was alone it would be safer to turn aside. Then, it +was a strong temptation to me to pass thus close to Elmhurst. It would be +after daylight when we reached there; I might even get a glimpse across +the apple orchard of the great white house. Would Claire be there? It +seemed to me quite probable, as Eric was taking the wounded Colonel home +for nursing. The girl's face rose before me against the black night, and +my heart beat fast. When I came back, I would ride to Elmhurst--surely +she would be there then. + +The sergeant touched my arm. + +"Pardon me, sir, but there are horsemen ahead." + +"Indeed? I was lost in thought, Conroy. Coming this way?" + +"No, sir, they seem to be travelling south slowly. I noticed them first +as we turned the corner back there; I could see outlines against the +sky." + +"How large a party? They form merely a lumping shadow to my eyes." + +"Not more than three or four, sir, with a covered rig of some kind. +They're halted, now; heard us coming, I reckon." + +I could perceive the little group, but merely as a black smudge. Then a +mounted figure seemed to detach itself from the darkness, and advance +toward us. + +"Halt your men, sergeant," I said quietly. "I'll ride forward and learn +what the fellow wants." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +THE ESCORT + + +The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he +appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes +caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up +cautiously, loosening my own weapon. + +"Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant. "Speak quick!" + +"An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to +Philadelphia--and you?" + +"We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding +forward. "Are you Continental?" + +"Yes. Major Lawrence, of Maxwell's Brigade." + +"Oh!" the exclamation was half smothered, the rider drawing up his horse +quickly. I could distinguish the outline of his form now, the straight, +slender figure of a boy, wearing the tight jacket of a Dragoon, the face +shadowed by a broad hat brim. + +"Unless I mistake," I ventured cordially, "you must be Eric Mortimer." + +"Why do you suppose that?" + +"Because while at General Washington's headquarters he mentioned that you +had asked permission to take your father--Colonel Mortimer, of the +Queen's Rangers--to his home at Elmhurst. You left, as I understood, an +hour or two ahead of us. Am I right?" + +"Yes, sir; this is Colonel Mortimer's party." + +"Then we will pass on without detaining you longer, as we ride in haste. +I met your father once; may I ask if his wound is serious?" + +"Serious, yes, but not mortal; he was shot in the right side when Monkton +fell. His horse was hit at the same time, and the animal's death struggle +nearly killed his rider. The surgeon says he may be lame for life." + +I reached out my hand, and, with just an instant's hesitation, he +returned the clasp warmly. + +"My father is suffering too much for me to ask that you speak to him, +Major Lawrence," he said a little stiffly. "Perhaps later, at Elmhurst--" + +"I understand perfectly," I interrupted. "I am very glad to have met you. +We shall ride within a short distance of Elmhurst. Shall I leave word +there that you are coming?" + +"Oh, no," quickly, his horse taking a step backward, as though to a +sudden tug of the rein. "That would be useless, as there is no one +there." + +"Indeed! I thought possibly your sister." + +The lad shook his head, glancing toward the carriage. The slight motion +made me think again of the wounded man we were detaining, and reminded me +as well of my own duty. + +"Then, good-night, sir. Sergeant, we will trot on." + +The lad touched my sleeve, even as I pricked my horse with the spur, and +I drew the rein taut in surprise. + +"What is it?" + +"Could you not send your men forward, and ride with me a moment? You +could catch up with them easily within a mile or two. I--I have a word I +wish to say to you--alone." + +The voice was low, tremulous; the request one I saw no reason to refuse. + +"Why, certainly. Sergeant, take your men down the road at an easy trot. I +will join you presently." + +They went by us like shadows, leaving a cloud of dust behind. The boy +spoke a brief word to those in charge of the carriage, and it also began +to move slowly forward. + +"We will go ahead," he said, suiting the action to the word. "What I wish +to say will not take long." + +Within a minute, riding side by side, our horses walking rapidly, we were +out of sight of the lumping shadow of the ambulance. I glanced aside +curiously at my companion, noting the outlines of his slender, erect +figure, wondering vaguely what his message could be. Had Claire spoken to +him of me? Was he going to tell me about his sister? We must have ridden +a quarter of a mile before he broke the silence. + +"Major Lawrence," he began, and I noticed the face was not turned toward +me. "I am sure you are not deceived, although you act the part well." + +"I hardly understand." + +"Oh, but I am sure you do. I--I could not permit you to go away despising +me." + +"But, my boy, this is all mystery--" + +"Do you mean to insist you do not know--have not recognized me?" + +"I--what can you mean?" + +"Merely that I am Claire Mortimer," and lifting the hat, the young +officer was revealed in the dim light as my lady. "Surely you knew?" + +"But I did not," I insisted earnestly, recovering from my surprise, and +leaning forward to look into her face. "Why should I? General Washington +told me it was Eric who came for his father. Why should I suspect in this +darkness?" + +"I--I represented myself as Eric," she stammered. + +"And was it you also who rode into our lines yesterday, telling of +Clinton's whereabouts?" + +"Yes," hesitatingly, her eyes lifting to my face. + +"But you must listen to me, Major Lawrence; you must learn why I did so +unwomanly an act." + +"First answer one question." + +"Gladly." + +"Is there an Eric Mortimer?" + +"There is," she answered frankly; "my brother. It was for his sake I did +all this." + +A moment I sat my saddle silently, our horses walking side by side +through the night, while I endeavored to grasp the meaning of her +confession. I knew that she was riding bareheaded, her face turned away. + +"Go on," I said at last, "tell me the whole story." + +"I will," firmly, her head uplifted. "I was tempted to do so at Elmhurst, +but something seemed to seal my lips. There is now no longer any excuse +for silence. I--I wish you to know, and then, perhaps, you may feel more +kindly disposed toward me." + +"Your father is aware--" + +"No, not even my father. He is scarcely conscious of what is going on +about him. Peter knows, and Tonepah," with a wave of her hand into the +dark shadows. + +"They are with you, then--keeping guard over him?" + +"Yes; they have known from the beginning; not everything, of course, for +that was not necessary. Peter is an old servant, silent and trustworthy. +He would never question any act of mine, while the Indian has reason to +be grateful and loyal to me. Whatever indiscretion, Major Lawrence, I may +have been guilty of, I have gone nowhere unaccompanied by these two. You +will believe that?" + +"Yes, and whatever else you tell me." + +"That now must necessarily be the entire story. As I proceed you will be +convinced, I think, that only a true confidence in you would enable me to +speak with such frankness. I--I know of no one else in whom I could +confide, and--and the time has come when I must have help--the help of a +friend. I should have explained to my father--indeed intended to do +so--but now he is helpless to aid me. There is no one else I feel able to +trust. I--I--you were in my thought to-night; I--I am not sure I did not +even pray for your coming, and--and then God sent you." + +My hand sought hers, and held it against my horse's mane. + +"Tell it in your own way, dear," I whispered. + +She flashed one glance into my face, leaving her hand in mine, while our +horses took a dozen strides. + +"It will not take long," she began, in so low a voice that I leaned +forward to listen, "and you already know many of the characters, and can +judge their motives. I have been strangely situated since the +commencement of this war, only, surely ours is not the only family +divided in its loyalty. My father was a King's officer, and felt it his +duty to serve the crown. While he has said little, yet I know that down +in his heart his sympathies have been with the Colonies. Those of my +brother were openly from the start, and my father has never attempted to +interfere with his actions. They talked it all over together, and Eric +chose his own course. Only Alfred Grant made trouble, presuming on what +he termed our engagement, and endeavored to force my brother to join the +King's troops. The two quarrelled bitterly, and Eric, a hot-headed boy, +struck him. Grant has never forgiven that blow, nor Eric's influence over +me. To the latter he attributes my dislike--yet this was not true; it was +because as I grew older I realized the ill character of the man." + +She paused a moment, gathering the threads of thought more closely. I did +not speak, preferring she should tell the story in her own way. + +"The two did not meet after that for many months. The Queen's Rangers, in +which regiment my father secured Grant a commission, were in New York, +while Eric was stationed up the river with Morgan's riflemen. When New +Jersey was invaded, both commands came south, and, because of Eric's +knowledge of this country, he was detailed as scout. This reckless life +was greatly to his liking; I saw him occasionally by appointment, usually +at Elmhurst, and became aware that his old quarrel with Captain Grant was +seemingly forgotten. There appeared to be some understanding, some +special connection between them. They met once, at least, and I delivered +one note between them." + +"Perhaps I can explain that later," I interrupted, "from something +mentioned at Lee's headquarters." + +"You! Oh, I wish you could, for their relationship has mystified me; has +made me afraid something might be wrong with--with Eric." + +"I think not, dear; say rather with Grant." + +"If that be so, then it may prove the key to all the mystery. What made +their intimacy so difficult to understand was that I knew the captain's +dislike of Eric had in no way diminished. He spoke of him as savagely as +ever." + +"Perhaps he played a part--his ultimate purpose revenge." + +"It might be that--yes, it might be that, and--and the consummation of +that revenge may account for all which has occurred. But I must go on +with what I had to tell." + +I had forgotten the passage of time, the men riding steadily in advance, +constantly increasing their distance, even the possible importance of the +despatch within my jacket pocket. The evident distress of the girl riding +beside me, whose tale, I felt sure, would fully justify her strange +masquerade in male garments, her risk of life and exposure to disgrace in +midst of fighting armies, held me neglectful of all else. I realized +that, whatever the cause, I had unconsciously become a part of its +development, and that I was destined now to be even more deeply involved. +Whatever the mystery I must solve it for her sake. My hand again sought +hers, holding it in firm clasp. There was a sound of hoofs on the dusty +road behind us. + +"It is Peter," she whispered. "What can have happened!" + +The rider barely paused, turning his horse's head even as he spoke +hastily. + +"Captain Grant is with the ambulance, Mistress Claire," he reported. "He +came up alone about five minutes ago." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +BEFORE GENERAL ARNOLD + + +I felt her hand withdrawn quickly, and the swift intake of her breath, +yet there was no sharpness in the voice. + +"Captain Grant, Peter? What can the man want here?" + +"He claimed to be hunting deserters," returned Swanson, as calmly +deliberate of speech as ever. "But that was false. He knew we were on the +road, and asked for you." + +"For me? And you told him--" + +"Merely that you rode ahead to see that the road was clear. Then I left +at once, fearing he might join you." + +She sat a moment in silence, her head bowed; then looked across into my +face. + +"This arrival must end our conference, Major," she said soberly. "Captain +Grant must not know that you are with me--that would mean fighting." + +"Surely you do not wish me to run away." + +"Yes, this time, for my sake as well as your own. If I could have +completed my confession you would realize the necessity. However, the +fact that you are the bearer of despatches should be sufficient; your +duty to the Colonies is more important than any private quarrel. You will +go?" + +"Yes--but you? Are you safe with him?" + +"Perfectly. I wish I might be clothed in my own proper dress, but with +Peter and Tonepah on guard, Captain Grant alone is not dangerous. Besides +I wish to learn his purpose in seeking to join us." She hesitated. "You +must not fear for me, but--but I wish to tell you all, and--and I am sure +I shall need your help." + +"You mean I am to join you again--at Elmhurst?" + +"Is that asking too much?" + +"Claire," I whispered, bending toward her, so Peter could not overhear, +"nothing shall keep me from coming, dear. I will ride back the moment my +despatches are in Arnold's hands. But tell me first, if you are not +afraid of Grant yourself, what is it you need me for?" + +"Eric," she answered swiftly. "He has disappeared, dead or deserted. Oh, +I cannot believe the last is true. It was to save his reputation that I +dressed in this uniform, performed the work assigned him. I feel sure +Grant knows where he is, what has become of him. I went to him in +Philadelphia, but he only sneered, and said the boy had doubtless run +away. I know better; that is not like a Mortimer. But I cannot search for +him; I must stay with my father. But if I can only be assured you will +come." + +"You can be assured." + +"Mistress Claire," broke in Peter, "some one is riding up the road." + +"Yes, Peter, yes. Major, wait here! Don't move. We will go back and meet +him." + +I held my horse steady, although he made an effort to follow. Voices came +back to me through the darkness,--Grant's loud enough to be clearly +heard. + +"What, is this you, Claire?" he laughed gruffly. "By all the gods, I +thought it must be Eric. I never expected to find you togged out in this +style. By Jove, I could wish it was daylight." + +Whatever she replied must have sobered the fellow. + +"Everything I say you take wrongly. Of course it's all right, for the +country is full of stragglers out of both armies. Lord, I don't care what +you wear, as long as it suits you. My business? Oh, I explained all that +to your putty-faced servant--Saint Anne! that fellow! But I'll review the +matter again. I'm drumming up Clinton's deserters, but now I've met you, +I'm tempted to go along with you as far as Elmhurst." + +"Become a deserter yourself?" + +"Oh, no, or at least only temporarily. There will be plenty of fighting +yet in the Jerseys. Clinton's whipped all right, and is going to have a +time getting away to the ships. In my judgment there will be richer +picking for a Jerseyman right here at home, than with the army in New +York." + +There was a moment's silence; then the girl asked, a shade of horror in +her voice: + +"Surely you cannot mean to ally yourself with guerillas, Captain Grant? +With--with Fagin?" + +The man laughed, but mirthlessly. + +"That would be horrible, wouldn't it? Well, personally I fail to see why +Fagin is any more of a scoundrel than some of these other fellows in gilt +epaulets. However, I've not come to that point yet. The fact is I have a +private affair to attend to before I leave this neighborhood. Can you +guess what it is?" + +"I? Certainly not." + +"Well, you will know shortly--the ambulance is coming." + +I rode my horse slowly forward, keeping at the edge of the road, until +assured a sufficient distance separated us. Then I gave the restive +animal a sharp touch of the spur, sending him swiftly forward. My escort +would have a mile or two the start, yet that was nothing. My thoughts +were not with them, or with my military duty, but reverted to the little +company around the wounded man. The bearing of the despatch to Arnold was +mere routine, involving only steady riding, but the relations existing +between Claire, Grant, and Eric Mortimer were full of mystery. There were +connecting links I could not understand; no doubt had the girl been +permitted to conclude her story I might fit it together, but as it was I +was left groping in the darkness. Yet my mind tenaciously held to its +original theory as to Eric's strange disappearance--he had been betrayed +by Grant, and was being held prisoner. But where? By whom? And for what +purpose? + +I pondered on this problem as my horse ploughed forward through the dust, +my eyes unconsciously scanning the dark road. Grant could not have known +that Colonel Mortimer was being taken home. His meeting with the +ambulance party was altogether an accident. Yet I had no faith the man +was out seeking British stragglers, for had he been despatched on such a +mission he would have had at least a squad of soldiers with him. Then +what? The probability was that he was either riding to Elmhurst, or to +some rendezvous with Fagin. Some plan had been interrupted by Clinton's +sudden march, by the British defeat at Monmouth, and Grant was risking +his commission, braving the charge of desertion, for some private +purpose. This might be love of Claire, revenge upon Eric, or possibly +both combined. The latter would seem most probable. He would use Eric in +some way to threaten the sister, to compel her to sacrifice herself. She +was of a nature to do this, as was already abundantly proved by her +assumption of male attire to save Eric's reputation. My own +responsibility loomed large as I reached this conclusion, and remembered +her appeal for help. She, also, must suspect the truth, and had turned to +me as the only one capable of unravelling the mystery. She trusted me, +loved me, I now believed--and, under God, I would prove worthy her faith. +With teeth clinched in sudden determination I caught up with my little +squad of plodding horsemen, and, with word of command, hurried them into +a sharp trot. + +Riding ahead, boot to boot with Conroy, I thought out a plan for action, +and finally, in the gray of the morning, told him enough of the story to +arouse his interest. Just before sunrise we passed Elmhurst, the great +white mansion appearing silent and deserted. There was no halting, +although we turned in the saddle to look, and my eyes swept over the +troopers trotting behind us. They were a sturdy lot, their faces bronzed +from exposure, their uniforms stained and dust-covered. + +"Regulars?" I asked, nodding back across my shoulder. + +"Not a man but has seen two-years' service," he replied proudly. +"Hamilton knows the troop, and he picked us out." + +"I may need them for a bit of desperate work." + +"They'll do it, sir, never fear." + +"Good, sergeant; we'll ride hard, and trust to getting fresh horses in +Philadelphia. I'll tell Arnold the story. When we arrive there have your +men get all the sleep they can. I'll attend to rations and ammunition. +You are simply to have the men rested and ready. Cannot we make better +time? The horses seem in good condition." + +We passed swiftly over the level country, meeting a few stragglers, but +paying them small attention. Farrell's shop was closed and locked, and we +halted there merely long enough to water our animals. The road was now +clear to the river, although we passed numerous footmen wearily trudging +westward. These were army riffraff, however, few being in uniform. By two +o'clock we were on the banks of the Delaware, and a half-hour later, I +swung down stiffly from the saddle in front of Arnold's headquarters on +High Street. + +He was an officer I never greatly liked, with his snapping eyes and +arrogant manner, but he was courteous enough on this occasion, +questioning me after reading the despatch, and offering me a glass of +wine. + +"You look tired, Major, and must rest before you start back. I shall have +my report ready by sundown." + +"General Arnold," I said, standing respectfully hat in hand, "I have a +favor to ask,--that you will send your report by some other messenger, +and give me a detail for special service." + +He looked up in surprise. + +"Special service, sir! But you are not assigned to my command." + +"That is true, General," I insisted, "but the conditions warrant the +unusual application." + +"What service is contemplated?" + +"An attempt to kill or capture Red Fagin, and release a scout whom I +believe he holds prisoner." + +"You hope to accomplish all this alone?" + +"With the assistance of the sergeant and ten dragoons who came here with +me. They are in camp now on the Jersey shore." + +He walked across the room, stared out of the window, and then again faced +me. + +"By Gad, sir, this is a most extraordinary request. Damme, I'd like to +get hold of Fagin all right, but I need to know more of your plan, and +the reason you have for asking such a detail. It looks foolhardy to my +mind." + +I went over the situation carefully, watching the effect of my words in +the man's face. He sat at the table now, leaning forward eagerly. Arnold +had the reputation of a gallant, and my first reference to a young lady +aroused him. + +"The name, please--you mentioned no name." + +"Claire Mortimer, sir." + +"Ah! Ah! I remember her well. Danced with her myself. Now go on, sir; I +can appreciate the tale better from my recollection of the fair heroine." + +I was not long at it, although he interrupted me occasionally by shrewd +questioning. As I concluded he kept silent a moment, looking at me from +under his heavy brows. + +"It looks like rather a blind trail to me, Major," he said kindly, "but +I'm no spoil-sport in such an affair. You might have the luck to stumble +onto your party, and I'd take the chance myself if I were in your shoes. +You wish to start at sunset?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You need horses, rations, and pistol ammunition for twelve men?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Very well, Major, the quartermaster will attend these details. Go and +lie down. Washington may not approve, but I'll take the responsibility." + +He extended his hand across the table, and I felt the firm clasp of his +fingers. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +I RUN ACROSS ERIC + + +I slept three hours, the dead sleep of sheer exhaustion, but felt +refreshed and strong when roughly aroused. Before sunset I was across the +river, where I found my little squad of Dragoons prepared for their +night's adventure. Arnold had kept his word, the fresh horses being fine +animals, the ammunition in excess of our needs. Conroy was enthusiastic, +and somewhat loquacious, but I cut his conversation off rather sharply, +and ordered the men into their saddles. With brain clarified by sleep I +realized the importance of the work before us, and how imperfect my plans +were. I could merely ride forth to Elmhurst, hoping to pick up some clew +to aid me. As we rode rapidly along the deserted road leading to Farrel's +I reviewed over and over again every remembered detail, only to conclude +that I must get hands on Grant, and by threats, or any other available +means, compel him to confess his part in the villainy. Dusk settled about +us, succeeded by night, as we pressed steadily forward, the men riding +silently, the only sound the thud of hoofs, and the slight jingle of +accoutrements. As we passed the black walls of Farrell's shop, I recalled +the papers found in Grant's coat, and the reference in Fagin's note to a +rendezvous at Lone Tree. Probably that was the spot where the two had +been accustomed to meeting. If true in the past, why not now as well? +Suddenly it occurred to me that it was at a place called Lone Tree that +the minute men had gathered for their attack on Delavan's wagon train. +Could this, by any possibility, be the same spot? I drew my horse back +beside Conroy. + +"Ever heard of a place called Lone Tree?" I asked quietly. + +He rubbed his head thoughtfully. + +"Not just about here, sir. We camped over east of there once, maybe a +year ago, down in a hollow where there was one big tree standin' all +alone, kind of an odd lookin' tree, sir, and seems to me, the guide said +the place was called something like that. Say, Tom," to the nearest +Dragoon, "do you remember that Lone Tree where we camped when we were out +huntin' Tarleton?" + +"Sure; in east of Medford. There was a farmhouse across on the side of a +hill. I got some buttermilk there." + +"Wasn't that what the guide called the place--Lone Tree?" + +"Derned if I know, Sergeant. Don't recollect hearin' the guide say +anythin' 'bout that, but the woman at the house told me her place was +called Lone Tree Cottage--so I reckon he might." + +This was a chance worth trying, and would require a detour of but a few +miles. My decision was made quickly. + +"We will take the first turn to the left, and have a look at the place," +I said. "Conroy, you and Tom ride ahead, and keep your eyes open." + +We reached the hollow where the big tree stood, about midnight, but found +little reward. The house on the hill had been burned to the ground. Near +the tree, however, we discovered evidence of recent camp-fires, one not +yet cold, and apparently there had been quite a body of men camped there +lately. Conroy manufactured a torch, and scouted about, finally +reporting: + +"I don't know how many were here, sir, altogether, but there was a lot o' +horses picketed over near the creek. I reckon the last of them didn't +leave until dark to-night, an' they rode north toward the main road. +There was maybe a dozen in that party." + +We followed the general direction the fellows seemed to have taken, +Conroy and I on foot, scanning the trail by aid of a pine knot. The dust +lay thick on the clay road through the cut, where we had charged the +foragers, and it was easy to see the band had turned east. There was but +one conclusion possible; if this was Fagin's gang of cutthroats, as I +suspected, then they were either returning to their sand caves in +Monmouth County after a raid, or else were starting forth on some new +project near at hand. Whichever was true, Elmhurst lay in the direction +taken. Determined to learn the truth, and wishing now I had more men at +my back, we pressed forward, riding rapidly, yet exercising the +precaution of keeping two scouts well in advance. It must have been +nearly three o'clock when we reached the summit of the low hill within a +few hundred yards of the house, and found the two scouts awaiting us. + +My first glance across the ravine revealed the outlines of the house +above the low trees of the orchard. All appeared peaceable enough, and I +felt a sudden relief. There were lights burning on the lower floor, +streaming through several windows, while up stairs one window was ablaze. +Late as it was, this illumination was not surprising, however, as the +care of the wounded man would necessitate night watchers, while, no +doubt, Claire would anticipate my reaching there before morning. All this +flashed over me, as my eyes hastily surveyed the familiar surroundings. +Then I became aware that the older scout was reporting. + +"There's quite a bunch of horses picketed down there in the ravine, sir," +he said, pointing toward the right. + +"How many?" + +"Oh, maybe twenty-five or thirty; Joe an' I couldn't get very close as +there's a couple of men on guard on top of the bank. A hundred feet down +you can see 'em plain against the sky." + +"Wasn't what you saw a cattle herd?" + +"No, sir," positively. "They're horses, picketed in line like a cavalry +troop, and they've got their saddles on." + +What this all meant could not be guessed at, but there must be some +scheme of deviltry under way. There were no regular troops hereabout +belonging to either army, yet the very condition of the country left an +open field for the operation of outlaws. Arnold had barely men enough to +garrison Philadelphia; Washington was facing Clinton; the militia had +been withdrawn, and all this section left entirely unguarded. It was the +very moment for Fagin and his kind to carry on their work of murder and +pillage. + +"Have either of you crossed the ravine?" I asked, endeavoring to reach +some conclusion. + +"Yes, sir, Joe did. He was up in the edge of the orchard." + +"See any men?" + +"Not a man, sir, outside," answered the other. "But I saw shadows against +the curtains on that lower floor. I couldn't tell how many; they just +come an' go, only they wasn't dressed alike." + +One thing was sufficiently certain--we could gain little information +remaining where we were. + +"Sergeant," I said, determining swiftly on a course of action, "take your +men, dismounted, across the ravine, and into the orchard. Keep under +cover, but get as close to the house as you can safely. Picket your +horses back there beside the road." + +"And you, sir?" + +"I'll take Tom with me, and we'll circle that horse herd, and come up to +the house from the rear. I want to discover where those fellows are, and +what they are up to. See this whistle, sergeant?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"It gives a sharp, shrill blast. If I blow it twice, get your men inside +the house instantly. I'll not sound it unless I need you at once. We'll +wait here until you get across." + +They disappeared into the black depths of the ravine, moving cautiously +and with little noise, Conroy leading, the others stringing along behind +in single file. Tom led back the horses while I watched, until convinced +they had attained the opposite bank, and the shelter of the orchard. +There was no sound of movement anywhere, yet it was not long until +daybreak, and any further delay was dangerous. As soon as the Dragoon +returned, I gave him a few words of instruction, and the two of us +plunged down the steep slope, feeling our way through the darkness, but +moving to the right, toward where the scouts had indicated the horses +were being herded. We skirted these, creeping along the opposite bank +behind a fringe of bushes, certain that the darkness concealed our +movements from the two men on guard. Fearful of frightening the animals +we dare not approach close enough to count them, but they stood head to +head to a picket rope nearly across the narrow ravine. We crossed fifty +feet above, gained the top of the bank, and crawled down, sheltered from +observation, until we were directly above the two guards. Peering +cautiously over we could easily distinguish the black outlines on the +hillside below. + +One man was standing up, leaning against the trunk of a small tree, while +the other was sitting on the ground, his head bent forward, and his hat +drawn low over his eyes. Neither uttered a sound, but as my eyes strained +through the darkness I began to perceive details which awakened a new +suspicion. The fellow standing up wore a cap and no coat, and his hands +were clasped about a short, sawed-off gun. He had none of the appearance +of a soldier, but the other man apparently was in uniform, although I +could not distinguish its character. What instantly attracted my +attention was the fact that his hands were evidently tied behind his +back. If this was true then he was a prisoner, and the other had been +stationed there to guard him, and not the horses. Tom perceived this as +soon as I, for I felt his fingers grip my arm, and, when I glanced around +at him, he pictured his suspicions in pantomime. I nodded agreement, +sinking down behind the ridge, until my lips were at his ear. + +"Creep around the edge of the rock there," I said, pointing. "That will +bring you at his back, and not more than five feet away. Can you do it?" + +He nodded grimly. + +"Leave your weapons here," I added, "and when you spring, get hold of his +gun so he cannot fire. I'll cover him the instant you strike. Go on." + +He unbuckled his belt, and crept along to the right, so noiselessly that +even I, watching his snake-like movement, could hear no sound. The guard +did not move his head, and the other remained motionless, his face bent +almost to his knees. Down below the horses stomped restlessly, and +switched their tails. Watching each motion like a hawk, I saw Tom dip +over the crest, and worm his way down behind the rock. Then he +disappeared, until, as he cautiously arose to his feet, his head and +shoulders emerged shadowy just beyond. Realizing he was ready, I got to +my knees, gripping a pistol butt. Without a warning sound the Dragoon +leaped, his arms gripping the astounded sentinel with the hug of a bear. +He gave utterance to one grunt, and then the barrel of my pistol was at +his head. + +"Not a word!" I said sternly. "Unclasp his belt, Tom. Yes, take his gun. +If he moves, or utters a sound, shoot him down." + +I wheeled to face the other, who had lifted his head, and was staring at +us through the darkness. He was no longer a mere shapeless shadow, but a +slender, straight figure, and my heart gave a sudden throb. + +"Who are you?" I asked sharply. "Eric Mortimer?" + +"Yes," he answered, in evident surprise. "Do I know you?" + +"No," and I cut the rope binding his ankles. "But I was searching for +you. I am an officer of Maxwell's brigade; my name is Lawrence. Tell me +first what has happened,--why you are being held prisoner." + +He stretched his cramped arms and legs, lifting his hat so that I saw his +face dimly. In the gloom his resemblance to Claire was so remarkable that +I involuntarily exclaimed: + +"Heavens! but you look like your sister!" + +"Like Claire! they all say so; you know her?" + +"It is at her request I am here; you need not fear to tell me your +story." + +"Oh, I do not. I can see your uniform. But damn it, I don't know any too +much about what is up myself. This is Red Fagin's outfit." + +"I thought so. Where did he get you? How long have you been a prisoner?" + +The boy laughed recklessly, his eyes upon the others. + +"Well, my story is a short one, Lawrence. I had a fellow in the British +service who occasionally gave me information. Word came to me to meet him +at a certain spot--" + +"You mean Captain Grant?" + +"Hell! How did you know that?" + +"Never mind; I do know--so you can go on." + +He hesitated, as though suspicious of me, yet finally resumed. + +"I had no intention of speaking names." + +"Oh, let that pass. You may think Grant all right, but the rest of us +know he is at the bottom of the whole matter." + +"You mean he betrayed me?" + +"There is no doubt of it. He is in with Fagin." + +The lad drew a long breath. + +"I half suspected it," he said slowly, "only it didn't seem possible. Now +listen, and perhaps together we can make something out of all this. I +went to the place where we were to meet, and had a talk with Grant--yes, +it was Grant all right. He told me some things, but needed a day or two +to get other information. While waiting I came over here to Elmhurst, and +found Claire. She's the kind of a girl you can tell things to, and I +wrote out what I had learned, and left some of my papers. Then I went +back to Lone Tree. It was dark when I got there, and I rode right into +Fagin and three of his men. They had me before I could lift a hand." + +"Just wait a minute, Mortimer," I broke in, becoming suddenly aware there +was a grayness in the eastern sky. "I want to creep in toward the house +while it remains dark. You can tell the rest as we go along. Tom, take +these ropes and tie your man up. Make him safe, and then come along after +us." + +"All right, sir. I'll fix the lad so he'll be safe enough for a while." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +WE ATTAIN THE HOUSE + + +"Come on, Mortimer, and we'll soon find out what is going on." I turned +to the prisoner. "Where are the rest of your gang?" + +"You'll find out fer yerself, Mister," he answered sullenly, "an' maybe +damn quick too." + +"They are in the grape arbor to the south of the house," broke in Eric. +"That was where Fagin told them to lie quiet and wait orders." + +"Then we will explore along the north side, keeping the fence between us. +I've got a handful of men over there in the orchard. If you are both +ready we'll go." + +I took a look myself at Tom's rope-tying, and found it satisfactory. +Indeed, in remembrance of my own suffering, I even loosened the strain a +little, confident the fellow could never free himself unaided. Then the +three of us, Mortimer armed with his late guard's gun, crawled up over +the edge of the bank, ran without stopping across the open space, and +crouched in the shadow of the fence. It was still dark, although a faint +gray tinged the eastern sky-line, barely perceptible through the +intervening trees. The great house, a hundred yards away, was but a +blurred outline, distinguishable by the lights shining out through open +windows. At that distance no sound reached us. However, if Mortimer was +right, the way would be clear for our passage along the front, under +shelter of the fence, even though a sentry was posted there, and we could +creep up to the walls on the opposite side unobserved. All we needed to +do was to advance with caution. Whispering directions into the ears of +the others, I moved forward slowly, Mortimer close to my shoulder. I +could see across the top rail of the fence, and the open space beyond +yielded no point of concealment. + +"Tell me the rest of your story," I said, speaking softly, "as we go +along. Where did Fagin take you?" + +"To a sand cave; we rode a night and a day to get there." + +"Treat you all right?" + +"Well as he could, I suppose. I had enough to eat, but was guarded +closely, and the fellows were a bit rough." + +"Did you gain no inkling of what they were up to?" + +"No; the men I saw knew nothing, or pretended not to. I only saw Fagin +twice. Once he came to assure himself that I was really myself. Somebody +told him I was with Delavan in a fight over near Lone Tree." + +"That was your sister." + +"What! You don't mean it was Claire?" + +"But I do. I chanced to be in that affair myself, and saw her. Later she, +with three others--Peter, an Indian, and an Irishman--captured me, +mistaking me for some one else, and took me to Elmhurst. As soon as she +learned my identity she acknowledged her error. But I have not learned +yet why she was with Delavan, or for whom she mistook me." + +The lad drew in his breath sharply, gripping me by the shoulder. + +"By the Lord Harry!" he exclaimed excitedly. "There isn't another girl in +the Colonies who would have done it. I'll bet I can explain, but even I +didn't think she would ever have the nerve to perform such a deed. I told +you I left my papers there. I forgot them when I changed my clothes. You +see I came out wearing the uniform of a British Dragoon Lieutenant, and +had it all planned out to join Delavan, and guide him toward Philadelphia +over the Lone Tree road. Just before I left our camp at Valley Forge on +this trip I received orders from Washington to keep my eyes open for a +courier riding from Philadelphia to New York with Clinton's plans of +evacuation. Hamilton seemed to know all about this, and sent me special +instructions. I talked of it with Claire, planned how I was going to +waylay him, and together we fixed up those servants as soldiers to help +me carry out the deception." + +He paused, chuckling, and I halted, eager to learn the rest. + +"And when you disappeared; when, perhaps, she heard of your capture, or +suspected it, she assumed the discarded uniform and went forth in your +stead." + +"That's it, Lawrence. She would, if she thought it was right; if she +believed such an act necessary to save my reputation. I'll bet she found +the papers in my pocket, and mistook you for Clinton's despatch bearer." + +"There is no doubt of it," I said soberly. "And that wasn't all she did +to protect you. It was the talk at Lee's headquarters that you had +deserted. She stamped that a lie, by riding into our lines day before +yesterday, bringing an exact report of where Clinton was marching. I +didn't see her, but I heard all about it, and you get the credit. +Washington told me with his own lips, and granted her permission to +remove your father, who was badly wounded, to Elmhurst." + +"Good God! Are they here now?" + +"They must have reached here early yesterday morning. I passed them on +the road at ten o'clock. Grant had just joined their party, claiming to +be hunting after deserters." + +He clung to the fence rail, staring out toward the house. + +"Grant! Do you know, I believe that fellow is at the bottom of this whole +affair. He's in love with Claire, and--and he's working some scheme to +gain power over her." + +"Several schemes, I think," I returned heartily. "I've nipped two of them +in the bud already. Someway, Mortimer, he got possession of those +instructions you received from Washington and Hamilton. I ran into him +over there on the lawn, back of the summer-house. He was threatening +Claire, trying to drive her into marrying him offhand. We had a bit of a +fight, and I got the best of it. When I left I wore his coat, and later +found your papers in his pocket. Do you remember how they were +addressed?" + +He shook his head. + +"Simply 'Mortimer.' It occurred to me he could turn them over to Clinton, +accuse the Colonel of treason, and share in the confiscation of this +estate, or else hold them as a threat over your sister. I burned them." + +He was silent for a long minute, breathing hard; then he thrust out his +hand and clasped mine. + +"The damned villain!" he ejaculated, his voice trembling. "Every move he +has made has been an attempt to ruin us. I can see it now. Do you suppose +Claire really cares for the fellow?" + +"I am very sure she does not." + +"Then what, in heaven's name, does she let him hang around for? I always +hated the sight of his black face and infernal grin, but somehow, I +thought she rather liked him. I wonder if he can be there now! If he is, +then he and Fagin are up to some devilment." + +"And what that may be we'll never discover by talking here," I put in +sternly, suddenly realizing we were wasting time. "Come, let's get around +to the north side." + +We came in back of the summer-house, and had just left the road, when +three horsemen galloped past, straight up toward the front door, which +stood wide open. The black shadow of a man appeared in the glow of light, +shading his eyes as he looked out into the darkness. + +"Is that you, Culver?" + +"Yes," sullenly, the speaker swinging down from the saddle. + +"Well, you've been a hell of a while getting here. Fagin will skin you +alive; it's nearly daylight already." + +"Did the best I could; the cantin' hypocrite wasn't at home; had to go +clear to Medford after him. Come on now, get out o' that!" + +He dragged the centre figure roughly from his horse, and hustled him up +the steps. + +"The ol' fool thinks we're goin' to kill him, I reckon; been prayin' for +an hour past. Bill got so mad he choked him twice, but it didn't do no +good. Here, take him along in, will yer, and let us hustle some grub." + +The man addressed grabbed the limp figure far from gently, and hustled +him through the door. As the others disappeared, leading the three +horses, Mortimer grasped my sleeve. + +"That's preacher Jenks," he whispered, "from down at the Cross Roads. +What can Fagin want of him?" + +"If Fagin is Grant's tool, and Grant is here," I answered soberly, "I am +ready to make a guess at what is up." The recollection of the Captain's +threat at the summer-house instantly recurred to memory. "Here, you lads, +skulk down into these bushes, while I try that balcony. That is the +library, isn't it, Eric? I thought so; I've been under guard there twice. +The window shows no light, but some one is in the room beyond. Give me a +leg up, Tom, and stand close so you can hear if I speak." + +It was not high from the ground, but I could not grip the top of the rail +without help. With Tom's assistance I went over lightly enough, and +without noise. The window was the one which had been broken during the +first assault on the house, and never repaired. I found ample room for +crawling through. The door into the hall stood partly ajar, a little +light streaming through the crack, so I experienced no difficulty in +moving about freely. A glance told me the apartment was unoccupied, +although I heard the murmur of distant voices earnestly conversing. +Occasionally an emphatic oath sounded clear and distinct. My first +thought was that the men with me would be better concealed here than in +the bushes below, and I leaned over the rail, and bade them join me. +Within another minute the three of us were in the room intently +listening. I stole across to the crack of the door. The hall was empty so +far as I could see looking toward the rear of the house, and the voices +we heard were evidently in the dining-room. Occasionally there was a +clatter of dishes, or the scraping of a chair on the polished floor. One +voice sang out an order to a servant, a nasal voice, slightly thickened +by wine, and I wheeled about, gazing inquiringly into Mortimer's face. + +"That's Grant," he said quickly, "and half drunk." + +"I thought so; that's when he is really dangerous. Stay close here; if +the hallway is clear I am going to get into the shadow there under the +stairs. Have your weapons ready." + +Where the fellow was who had been at the front door I could not +determine. He had disappeared somehow, and I slipped along the wall for +the necessary ten feet like a shadow, and crept in beneath the shelter of +the staircase. From here I could look into the room opposite, although +only a portion of the space was revealed. There was no cloth on the +table, and but a few dishes, but I counted a half-dozen bottles, mostly +empty, and numerous glasses. Grant was at one end, his uniform dusty and +stained, but his eyes alone betraying intoxication. Beside him was a +tall, stoop-shouldered man, with matted beard, wearing the coat of a +British Grenadier, but with all insignia of rank ripped from it. He had a +mean mouth, and yellow, fang-like teeth were displayed whenever he spoke. +Beyond this fellow, and only half seen from where I crouched, was a +heavy-set individual, his face almost purple, with a thatch of uncombed +red hair. He wore the cocked hat of a Dragoon, pushed to the back of his +head, his feet were encased in long cavalry boots, crossed on the table, +and he was pulling furiously at a pipe, the stem gripped firmly between +his teeth. Who the bearded man might be I had no means of knowing, but +this beauty was without doubt Fagin. I stared at him, fascinated, +recalling the stories of his fiendish cruelty, my heart thumping +violently, while my fingers gripped the butt of my pistol. Then, without +warning, a man stepped out of the darkened parlor, passed within three +feet of my hiding place, and stood within the dining-room door. The three +within looked at him, and Fagin roared out: + +"What is it now? Heard from Culver?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +THEY SEND FOR CLAIRE + + +I could only see the fellow's back, with hair hanging low over the +collar, but his voice was clear. + +"Got here five minutes ago. The preacher is locked in the parlor." + +"By God! Good! Now we can play out the game, eh, Captain? Or," turning +about suspiciously, and staring at the other, who sat with eyes shaded by +one hand, "are you weakening as the time draws near?" + +"Hell's fire! No! We gave her a choice, and she only laughed at it. I'll +go on now to spite the wench; only I think we should bring in the boy +first, and prove to her that we've actually got him." + +Fagin emptied the glass in his hand, giving utterance to an oath as he +replaced it on the table. + +"Yer as chicken-hearted drunk as sober, Grant," he said coarsely. "Did +yer hear the fool, Jones, an' after all I've told him?" + +The bearded man nodded silently, his eyes shifting from one face to the +other. Fagin grinned, and poured out another drink. + +"Now listen again," he went on, half angrily. "That boy's worth money ter +us--a thousand pounds,--but it wouldn't do yer any good ter be mixed up +in the affair, would it? What chance would yer have in this estate, or +fer yer commission either, if Howe or Clinton got an inklin' of yer game? +Good Lord, man! they'd hang yer instead of the other fellow. You'll have +ter lie some as it is, I reckon, ter explain why yer left Sir Henry, an' +came down here. Have yer got that fact inter yer brains?" + +Grant glared at him wickedly, but remained silent across the table. + +"Yer already in bad enough, without huntin' more trouble. Better leave +the boy alone. I thought, at first, we'd have ter use him, but I don't +now. Let the girl believe he's deserted, and that yer in a position ter +help him. That will serve yer purpose better than the other scheme. It +may awaken her gratitude, her sweet love!" + +"Damn her love!" + +"So it isn't love, eh, that makes yer so anxious. I thought as much. What +is it, then--revenge?" + +Grant held his breath a moment, his dull eyes on the faces of the two +men. + +"Well, I might as well tell you," he snarled at last. "I loved her once, +I guess; anyhow I wanted her badly enough. I want her now, but not in +just the same way. I want to show her I'm the master. I want to give her +a lesson, and that cub brother of hers. I'd have got them all, the +Colonel with them, if that damned Colonial spy hadn't stolen my coat. I +had them, dead to rights, Fagin, and the papers to prove it. Now I don't +care how it's done, so I get her. I thought she'd marry me to save the +boy, but if she won't, why then, you carry out your plan--what is it?" + +Fagin laughed, again emptying his glass. + +"Easy enough. She's alone, except fer her father, and he can't get out of +bed. We've got Jenks here, an' the damned old coward will do whatever I +tell him." + +"But she despises me--" + +"Oh, no! We'll make you a victim. That will leave things in proper shape +between yer two. We'll play it off as a drunken lark--eh, Jones? My God! +it won't be the first time we've done the trick either. Do you remember +that love-sick couple over at Tom's River, Ned? Never laughed so much in +my life. This is a better one. Lord! but won't old Mortimer rave, an' +mighty little good it will do him. Come, what do yer say, Grant? Are yer +game?" + +"Hell's fire--yes." He got to his feet, gripping the back of his chair. +"Bring--bring 'em in; this is a good place." + +Fagin struck the table with his fist. + +"Of course it is, drink ter the bride after the ceremony. Bill, bring in +the preacher." + +It was growing daylight. I could perceive the glow of the sky out through +the window, but the candles still sputtered on the table, casting grim +lights and shadows on the faces of the three men. As Bill disappeared +into the parlor, I stole silently back to the library door. What could be +done was not entirely clear, but I proposed to defend Claire in every way +possible. + +"Tom," I whispered briefly, "find the boys, and bring them in here, +through that broken window. They are in the orchard to the right, and +there are no guards in front. Move lively, but be quiet." + +"What is it, Major?" asked young Mortimer, eagerly. + +"I can't explain now. I must get back where I can see and hear. But there +is going to be a fight. Hold the men ready here until I call. See that +their weapons are in good order." + +I caught the glint of his eye, but could wait no longer. Indeed I was +scarcely back, snuggled under the stairs, when Bill came forth, gripping +the collar of his prisoner's coat, and urging him down the hall. I +crouched lower, the morning light threatening to reveal my hiding place, +yet with mind more at ease, now I knew the men were close at hand. Within +five minutes the entire squad would be crowded into that room, eager for +trouble to begin. Probably Fagin did not have a half-dozen fellows in the +house. If we could strike swiftly enough we might overpower them all, +without creating alarm outside, where the main body lay. Some +carelessness had brought us good luck in having the front of the house +left unguarded. These thoughts swept over me, and left me confident. The +time had come when I was to serve her, to prove my own worthiness. I felt +ready and eager for the trial. + +I caught a glimpse of Jenks's face, as Bill jerked him forward. The man +was gray with terror, his parchment-like skin seamed and contorted. He +was a tall, loose-jointed creature, wearing a long black coat flapping +about his knees. The guard fairly held him up in the doorway, and both +Fagin and Jones laughed at the pitiful sight, the former ending his roar +with an outburst of profanity. + +"Go on back ter the front door, Bill," he ordered roughly. "This +fellow'll never run away; his legs wouldn't carry him. Now, Mr. +Preacher," glowering savagely at the poor devil across the bottle-strewn +table, "do yer know who I am?" + +Jenks endeavored to answer, from the convulsive movement of his throat, +but made no sound. Fagin cursed again. + +"If it wasn't such a waste of good liquor I'd pour some of this down your +gullet," he exclaimed, shaking a half-filled bottle in his fist. "Then +maybe you could answer when I spoke to you. Now, see here, you canting +old hypocrite, I'm Red Fagin, an' I guess you know what that means. I'm +pisen, an' I don't like your style. Now you're goin' to do just what I +tell you, or the boys will have a hangin' bee down in the ravine. Speak +up, an' tell me what you propose to do." + +Jenks wet his dry lips with his tongue, clinging to the sides of the door +with both hands. + +"I--I am the Lord's servant," he managed to articulate, "and have taken +no part in this unholy war." + +"You're a cheerful liar, but don't try snivelling on me. You are too big +a coward to go out yourself, but you're hand in glove with Farrell. Oh, I +know you, sneaking saint; I've had my eyes on you a long while. Now it's +do as I say, or hang; that's all, Jenks, an' I'm cussed if I care very +much which you choose." + +"What--what is it you wish of me?" his uncertain gaze wandering over the +three faces, but coming back to Fagin. + +"You are to marry this officer here to a young lady." + +"What--what young lady?" + +"Mortimer's daughter--Claire is the name, isn't it, Grant? Yes, Claire; +you know her, I reckon." + +I could hear the unfortunate man breathe in the silence, but Fagin's eyes +threatened. + +"Is--is she here?" he faltered helplessly. "Does she desire the--the +ceremony?" + +"That doesn't happen to be any of your business," broke in Fagin bluntly. +"This is my affair, an' the fewer questions you ask the better. If we +want some fun, what the hell have you got to do with it, you snivelling +spoil-sport! I haven't asked either of them about it. I just decided it +was time they got married. Stand up, man, and let go that door," he drew +a derringer from his belt and flung it onto the table. "There's my +authority--that, an' fifty hell-hounds outside wondering why I don't loot +the house, an' be done. Do you want to be turned over to them? If you +don't, then speak up. Will you tie them, or not?" + +Jenk's eyes wandered toward Jones, who stared blankly back at him, yellow +fangs showing beneath his beard. + +"Why--of course--yes," he faltered weakly. "I--suppose I must." + +"Don't seem much chance to get out, does there, parson? Well, I reckon it +won't hurt your conscience particularly. Bill! Where's Bill?" + +"You sent him to guard the front door," explained Jones. + +"That's right, I did. You'll do just as well. Go up stairs, an' bring the +girl down. She's with the old man, an' Culberson is guarding the door. +Better not say what she's wanted for. Just tell her Captain Grant wishes +to speak to her a moment." + +Jones straightened up, and pushed past the preacher, the stairs creaking +under his weight as he went up over my head. Grant arose, and stood +looking out the window into the glow of the sunshine, and Jenks dropped +into the nearest chair, still staring across the table at Fagin. For the +first time I seemed to entirely grasp the situation. I got to my feet, +yet dare not move so much as a step, for Fagin was facing the hallway. It +apparently would be better to wait until after the girl came down stairs, +until those in the house were all together, before we struck. I wanted to +know what she would say, how she would act, when she understood what was +proposed. The time allowed me for decision was short, as it seemed +scarcely a minute before I heard their footsteps above. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +A THREATENED MARRIAGE + + +Fagin heard them coming and took his boots from the table, and sat up +straight in his chair; the preacher pushed his back until half concealed +behind the door; Grant never looked around. Jones came into view first, +and behind him walked Claire, her cheeks flushed, her head held high. At +the door she paused, refusing to enter, her eyes calmly surveying the +occupants. + +"You sent for me, sir," she said coldly. "May I ask for what purpose?" + +Even Fagin's cool insolence was unable to withstand unmoved her beauty +and her calmness of demeanor. Apparently he had never met her before, +for, with face redder than ever, he got to his feet, half bowing, and +stammering slightly. + +"My name is Fagin, Mistress," he said, striving to retain his accustomed +roughness. "I reckon you have heard of me." + +"I have," proudly, her eyes meeting his, "and, therefore, wonder what +your purpose may be in ordering me here. I wish to return to my father +who requires my services." + +The guerilla laughed, now angered by her manner. + +"Well, I thought I'd tell you who I was so you wouldn't try any high and +mighty business," he said coarsely, and eying her fiercely. "That ain't +the sort o' thing that goes with me, an' yer ain't the first one I've +taken down a peg or two. However, I don't mean you no harm, only you'd +better behave yourself. Yer know that man over there, don't yer?" + +He indicated with a nod of the head, and Claire glanced in that +direction, but without speaking. + +"Well, can't you answer?" + +"I recognize Captain Grant, if that is what you mean." + +"I was speaking English, wasn't I? Yer ought ter know him--yer engaged +ter him, ain't yer?" + +"Certainly not," indignantly. + +Grant turned about, his face twitching. + +"This is not my fault, Claire," he exclaimed swiftly. "Don't blame me for +it. I am also a prisoner, and helpless." + +She never looked at him, never answered, her entire attention +concentrated on Fagin, who was grinning with enjoyment. + +"That's sure right, young lady," he said grimly. "The Captain is only +obeyin' orders ter save his own neck. There's no love lost atween us, let +me tell yer. But we're not so blame merciless after all, an', I reckon, +we've got about all thar is in the house worth cartin' away. Now we're +goin' to have some fun, an' leave two happy hearts behind. Ain't that it, +Jones? Clinton's licked; Washington has his hands full up north; an' this +hull blame country is ours. Somewhere, Mistress, I've heard tell that you +an' this Captain was pretty thick--how is it?" + +Her eyes exhibited indignant surprise, but, after an instant's +hesitation, her lips answered. + +"I hardly know what you mean, sir. We were children together." + +"An' engaged ter be married--eh?" + +"There was an arrangement of that nature between our parents. But why +should this interest you?" + +He ignored the question, but his eyes hardened. + +"I heard it this way. You were engaged until a few weeks ago. Then you +met a damned Continental, a spy, an' imagined yer fell in love with him. +Now do yer know what interest I've got? I'm with the Red-coats, an' if I +can turn a trick fer that side I'm a-goin' ter do it. You'll be blessin' +me fer it some day. Now, see here, girl, I'm a-goin' ter marry yer off +before leavin' this house. I reckon yer ain't intendin' to make no fuss +about it, are yer?" + +She did not appear to comprehend, to realize the man was in earnest; she +even smiled slightly. + +"Is this some joke, sir, that I fail to grasp?" she asked. "Will you not +explain?" + +"Explain, hell!" and Fagin clapped his hat on his head, uttering a rough +oath. "I spoke plain enough. Yer a-goin' ter marry Grant, here an' now, +an' there's the parson, waitin' ter do the job." + +She partly turned, and as she recognized Jenks, the color deserted her +cheeks, and her hands grasped the side of the door for support. + +"Marry Captain Grant! I?" she exclaimed, horrified. "No, never!" + +"Oh, I guess yer will, my beauty. Good Lord, why not? He's not so bad; +there's many a girl would jump at the chance. Your plantations join, an' +he's a King's officer." + +"Listen to me, sir," she broke in, now cool and determined. "I'll give +you my answer. I have already given it to Captain Grant. I will not marry +him--not even to save this house from destruction; not even to release my +brother from your hands. We can suffer, if necessary, for we are of a +fighting race, but I shall never yield to threats." + +[Illustration: "Let me pass, sir! This is my father's house"] + +She swept past him, around the end of the table, and confronted Grant, +who drew back a step, scowling. + +"So this is your way, is it, to win a woman you cannot gain by fair +means? No, there is no need of your answering; I understand the whole +despicable scheme. You masquerading as a prisoner of this creature! You +are his puppet. I've known it for months. I learned the truth from Eric, +and from that moment I despised you. While I believed you an honorable +soldier I was able to treat you with outward respect, but no longer. You +threatened me with a forced marriage once before, and failed. Now you +endeavor to succeed with the help of this outlaw. But you never shall! +No, do not speak! do not hold out your hands to me! You are not a +prisoner. These men are here at your instigation; you are concerned in +their infamy. I would rather die than have you touch me!" + +She turned her back upon him, her face white, her eyes blazing, but Fagin +stood between her and the entrance, grinning savagely. + +"Let me pass, sir; this is my father's house." + +"Not while I am here, Mistress," he snarled, without moving. "The old man +isn't ridin' after me with a squadron of cavalry to-day. This happens to +be my turn to give orders, and yer to obey! Do yer hear--yer'll obey! +Those weren't pretty words yer spoke to Grant, but they don't hurt me +none. You damned little spitfire, I'd marry yer myself if I could, just +to break yer spirit. As it is, I'll show yer yer master fer once. So it's +the spy yer want, is it?" + +She stared at him without a word, a depth of hatred but no fear in her +level eyes. + +"Lost yer tongue, have yer? Well, we'll find it fer yer fast enough. +What's the fellow's name?" + +"To whom do you refer?" she asked, her passage blocked. + +"The Continental who's put Grant out of the running?" + +"I presume you mean Major Lawrence, although no one has authority to +couple my name with his." + +"Oh, indeed! I'll show yer authority in plenty, Mistress. Come, now, I'm +done discussing this matter. As long as yer father isn't able ter attend +ter this affair I am a-goin' ter act in his place. We'll have a loyalist +marriage, by God! an' have it now. Step out here, Jenks, an' get busy! +Come, move, you coyote--Jones, hustle him along. Now, Captain, there's a +good place ter stand, in between those windows. Mistress Claire--" + +I was all ready, pistol in hand, burning with a determination to shoot +Fagin down, yet her voice halted him. + +"Wait!" she cried, standing erect and scornful. "I will not consent to +this. I am going to leave this room." + +"Oh, I reckon not," and he leered into her eyes. "Don't rouse me, or +yer'll find out I'm a wolf ter bite. Yer get back there beside Grant, or +I'll make yer." + +"You will? You dare not!" + +"Don't I, Mistress?" he cried savagely, "I'll show yer." + +He reached forth one great hand, the fingers gripping her sleeve, but she +wrenched away, the cloth tearing as she sprang back. + +"Fagin, I know you, but I am not afraid of you. I know you for a cruel, +cold-blooded murderer, an outrager of women, a thief, and an outlaw. No, +you cannot stop me now. You are a low-down cowardly cur, making war on +women and children, sneaking around in the paths of armies, plundering +and looting the helpless. I despise you and every man associated with +you. Neither you, nor all your company, can make me marry Captain Grant. +I will die first. No, don't move, and don't think you are dealing with a +frightened girl. I am desperate enough, but I can act--" + +"Hell! Jones, take that hell-cat by the arms!" + +"Jones will do nothing of the kind--and you--stand back, Fagin; don't +dare to lay a hand on me again!" + +Her face was white, her lips set, her eyes blazing, but Fagin, assured of +her helplessness, laughed, and stepped forward. From what hidden +concealment it came I know not, but there was the flash of a polished +barrel, a sharp report, the whirl of smoke, and the brute went backward +over a chair, crashing to the floor, with hands flung high over his head. +I was aware of the swift rush of a body past me, of steps going up the +stairs, and then, with a yell, my men poured out from the library into +the hall. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV + +THE FIGHT IN THE HALL + + +Scarcely comprehending that Claire had escaped from the room, I was swept +forward by the onrush of bodies. The preacher was knocked headlong +beneath the table, but Fagin lay motionless underfoot. Jones and Grant +turned to a door at the right, and I leaped after them. One of the two +fired, and the ball struck my shoulder, the impact throwing me back +against one of my men. An instant I felt sick and dizzy, yet realized I +was not seriously hurt, and managed to stagger to my feet. The door was +closed and locked, and, although my head reeled, I began to think +clearly. + +"The other way, lads!" I cried. "Quick, into the hall!" + +We tumbled out through the narrow entrance, and I found myself next to +Eric. But we were too late to head off the fugitives, or prevent their +achieving their purpose. In through the rear door, confused as to what +had occurred, yet shouting fiercely, poured Fagin's wolves, seeking +trouble. They were a wild, rough-looking lot, ill-dressed, and dirty even +in that dim light. For an instant, congested within the limits of the +hallway, both sides paused, staring at each other in mutual surprise and +hesitation. Then I heard Jones's bellow of command, and Grant's nasal +voice profanely ordering them to come on. With us there remained no +choice; we must fight it out where we were, regardless of numbers. + +"Fire! you damned fools--fire!" roared Jones, and there was a crashing of +guns, the dense smoke swirling between us. A Dragoon at my right went +sprawling; another behind gave vent to a yell as he plunged head first +down the basement stairs. There was the sound of splintering wood, of +breaking glass. I felt the blood in my veins leap to the fever of it. + +We were upon the fellows with a rush, firing in their very faces, and +leaping madly at them. There was little room between the walls, barely +space for a half-dozen to fight in, shoulder to shoulder, but those +behind, eager to strike also, pressed us so recklessly that we hurled +them back. To me it was all confusion, uproar, deadly fighting. I could +think of nothing to right or left, only of the struggling devils in my +front. Faces, forms, came and vanished in the swirl of smoke, brown +gun-barrels whirled before me, flashes of fire burned my eyes, strange +features, bearded, malignant, glared at me. I leaped straight at them, +striking fiercely. Once I saw Grant, and aimed a blow at him. Then he was +gone, swallowed in the ruck. There were oaths, shouts, shrieks of pain, +groans, the heavy breathing of men, the crunch of feet, the dull +reverberation of blows, the continued firing of those behind. It was all +an infuriated babel, the smoke thickening until we gasped for breath, +barely able to see. + +Our mad onrush swept them back, helpless, demoralized. I stumbled over +bodies, slipped in pools of blood, yet kept my feet. Every muscle ached; +I was cut and pounded, yet drove into the mass, shouting to those behind, + +"Come on, lads! Come on! We're driving them!" + +A yard, two yards, three,--beyond the door where the men had escaped we +won our way. Then they could go no further. Blocked, unable to retreat, +wedged helplessly against the far end of the hall they turned like +cornered rats. I could see nothing of Jones, but I heard him, raging like +a fiend. + +"Now, you curs, now!" he stormed. "You cowardly scum--perhaps you'll +fight when you can't run! What are you afraid of? There's only a handful, +you can chew 'em up, if you will! Push 'em back, there! Push 'em back!" + +With a yell of rage, those crushed against the wall hurtled forward, +driving the others; men were lifted and hurled at us; others gripped at +our feet; by sheer force of numbers they swept us backward. It was hand +to hand, neither side having time to reload their weapons. The smoke +rose, permitting a view of the shambles. There was a tangle of arms, a +jumble of faces. They were maddened beasts, desperate, revengeful. Hands +clutched at us, gun butts were thrust into our faces, the crush too dense +to permit of their being swung overhead. My Dragoons had their sabres +out, and stood to it like men, the steel blades dripping as they tasted +blood. But killing one only brought a new man to the front. One does not +see so much as feel in such a jumble. Yet I knew we were worsted, +outnumbered. They came at us like a battering ram. I saw the sergeant +shot through the forehead; I saw Eric go down beneath a crushing stroke, +and roll under my feet. I stepped on bodies, fighting for my own life as +I never fought before. Somewhere I had gripped a gun out of dead fingers, +and swung it savagely, smashing the stock at the first blow, but +retaining the twisted iron. The intensity of excitement seemed to clear +my brain. I began to distinguish voices, to notice faces. I heard Grant +yell safely in the rear; I heard Jones's roar, "To hell with 'em! To hell +with 'em!" Out of the murk of struggling figures I made out his black +beard, the gleam of yellow fangs, and leaped toward him, striking men +down until I was able to swing at his head. He went over like a stricken +ox under a butcher's axe, knocking aside two men as he fell. It gave me +chance to spring back out of the _melee_. + +"To the stairs, men! The stairs!" I cried. "We can hold them there!" + +I cannot describe now how we made it, but we did. I only know Tom and I +held the rear, sweeping circles of death with our whirling gun-barrels, +falling back step by step as we fought. At last I felt the bottom stairs +with my foot, and heard a voice shout, + +"Come up, sir! We'll hold 'em now!" + +Then I was above the heads of the mob, gripping the rail, and sobbing for +breath. There followed a moment's wait, an instant of hesitancy. I began +to see and feel once more. Below us the hall was jammed with men, so +closely pressed together as to be almost helpless. Blood streamed from a +cut in my forehead, nearly blinding me, but I wiped it away, and took one +glance at their angry upturned faces, and gained a glimpse of my own men. +There were but six of us, and one of these lay helpless propped against +the wall. Tom and I stood alone, his face blackened by powder, his shirt +ripped into rags; the other three were above, pistols in hand. + +"Are they loaded?" I gasped. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Stand ready then, but look out for above; there was a guard up +there--Tom." + +He turned his face slightly. + +"Move back a step or two more; we've got to hold them." + +"All right, sir." + +I felt weak from loss of blood, my head reeling, and had to hold to the +rail. Below us, growling like wild beasts, but seemingly leaderless, the +mob crushed forward to the foot of the stairs. Suddenly I saw Grant, and +the sight of him gave me new life. + +"You black-faced hound," I called down angrily. "You've kept yourself +safe so far. Now come on." + +He snarled some answer, what, I know not. There was an empty pistol in my +belt, and I flung it at him with all the force of my arm. He dodged, the +weapon striking the man behind. With a howl of rage the fellows leaped +toward us, bearing Grant on the crest of the wave. The pistols of the +Dragoons cracked; three fell, blocking the stairs with their bodies. We +had room now in which to swing our iron bars, and we battered them like +demons. I lost sight of Grant, the red drip of blood over my eyes making +all before me a mist. I only knew enough to strike. Yet fight as we could +there was no holding them. We were forced to give way. Guns began to spit +fire. I saw the wounded Dragoon dragged down under the feet of the mob; +hands gripped my legs, and I kicked at the faces in my effort to tear +loose. Tom reeled against the wall, his arm shattered by a blow, and one +of the men above came tumbling over me, shot dead. The fall of him +cleared the stairs an instant; then the rail broke, and several toppled +over with it. I stumbled back almost to the top, sweeping the hair and +blood out of my eyes. What--what was the matter? They were running, those +fellows down there--struggling, fighting among themselves to get away. +Oaths, yells, cries of sudden fear, made a perfect babel. I could not +understand, could not grasp the meaning of the sudden panic. Who were +those men surging in through the front door, pouring out through the +library? Then a voice roared out: + +"Bedad, they're Fagin's hell-hounds, byes--ter hell wid 'em!" + +Where had I heard the voice before? I sank down, too weak to stand, my +head hanging over the edge of the stairs. Some hand drew me back, but I +had no strength left. Only I could think--and the truth came to me. +Camden militia! Camden militia! By all the gods, Farrell was there! It +was the voice of the Irish minute man heard the night we captured +Delavan's raiders. Then I closed my eyes, and forgot. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI + +SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE + + +I was unconscious, yet not for long. The first touch of water served to +revive me, and I became aware that an arm supported my head, although +everything was indistinct before my eyes. + +"More water, Mike," said a voice close at hand. "Yes, that will do. Where +is Farrell? Oh, Dan, this is Major Lawrence." + +"One of the Dragoons said he was in command. Hurt badly?" + +"No, I think not; but utterly exhausted, and weak from loss of blood. +They put up a game fight." + +"Only three on their feet when we got in. Hullo, Lawrence, getting back +to the world, lad?" + +"Yes," I managed to answer, feeling strength enough to lift myself, and +vaguely noticing his features. "Is that you, Farrell?" + +"It certainly is," cheerfully. "Duval has his arm about you, and the +Camden boys are herding those devils down below. You had some fracas from +the way things look. How many men had you?" + +I rubbed my head, endeavoring to recollect, staring down into the hall. +It was filled with dead and wounded men, and at the foot of the stairs +was a pile of bodies. + +"Twelve, altogether," I replied finally. "They--they were too many for +us." + +"Three to one, or more, I should judge. We got here just in time." + +I was up now, looking into their faces, slowly grasping the situation. + +"Yes," I said, feeling the necessity of knowing. "How did it happen? What +brought you? Washington--" + +"All natural enough. Clinton got away night before last with what was +left of his army. Left fires burning, and made a forced march to the +ships at Sandy Hook. Left everything to save his troops. Washington, +realizing the uselessness of holding them longer, sent most of his +militia home. About six miles out there on the pike road a half-crazy +preacher named Jenks came up with us. He was too badly frightened to tell +a straight story, but we got out of him that there was a fight on here, +and came over as fast as our horses would travel." His eyes swept the +hall. "Five minutes later would have been too late." + +The name of Jenks recalled everything to my mind instantly. In spite of +Duval I gripped the broken rail and gained my feet, swaying slightly but +able to stand. My hand still grasped the twisted rifle barrel, which I +used as a cane. + +"But Farrell, the girl! Do you know anything about the girl?" + +"What girl? Do you mean Claire Mortimer? Is she here?" + +"Yes, her father is lying helplessly wounded up stairs, and she must be +with him. Eric is somewhere in the hall, either dead or wounded. I saw +him fall just as we retreated to the stairs." + +Farrell leaned over and called to some one below. + +"Not yet, sir," was the answer. + +"Well, hunt for him. Now, we'll go up and find Claire. Major, can you +climb the rest of the stairs? Help him, Duval." + +I experienced no great difficulty, my strength coming back rapidly. There +was a wounded Dragoon leaning against the wall, and half-way down the +hall lay another body, face down. Without doubt this was the guard Fagin +had stationed there. Duval paused to help the wounded man, but Farrell +and I moved on across the dead guard to the open door beyond. Colonel +Mortimer, unable to move, was propped up on his pillow, one hand grasping +a pistol. With shaking arm he levelled it at us. + +"Who are you? Quick, now!" he quavered. "I've shot one, and I'm good for +more." + +"You know me, Colonel," and Farrell stepped inside. "I am 'Bull' Farrell; +this is Major Lawrence." He looked at us with dull eyes, his hand falling +weakly. + +"Farrell--Farrell--surely, the blacksmith. What Lawrence? The--the +officer Claire knows?" + +"Yes; he's a rough-looking object I admit, but there has been a fight +down below, sir, in which he had a share. We've just cleaned out Red +Fagin's gang. We came up here to tell the good news to you and your +daughter." + +The Colonel's head sank back upon the mussed pillow. + +"My daughter--Claire--she is not here." + +"Not here!" I cried, aroused by the admission. "Did she not return to +you?" + +"No; they came for her to go down stairs--a tall man with a black beard, +and two others. They took her away an hour ago, and I have seen nothing +of her since. I--heard the shots, the sound of fierce fighting, but could +not move from the bed. Tell me, Major, what has become of my little +girl?" + +"I do not know," I confessed, gazing about in bewilderment. "She came up +the stairs, I am sure. It was just as the fight began, and I had scarcely +a moment to observe anything before we were at it fiercely. She shot +Fagin down, and then ran." + +"Shot Fagin! Claire!" + +"Yes; she was justified. Had she not acted so quickly I would have done +so myself. He was forcing her into marriage." + +"Into marriage! With whom?" + +"Captain Grant," I answered passionately. "It was a deliberate plot, +although he pretended to be innocent, and a helpless prisoner. Later the +man fought with the outlaws against us; after Jones was killed he even +assumed command." + +"He has been hand and glove with those fellows from the first, Colonel," +chimed in Farrell hoarsely. "I've known it, and told Lawrence so a month +ago. I only hope he was killed down below. But what can have become of +Claire?" + +"She never passed along here," insisted Mortimer, "for I haven't taken my +eyes from that door." + +"Then she is hiding somewhere in those front rooms. Come on, Lawrence, +and we'll search them." + +We went out hurriedly, leaving the wounded man lying helplessly on the +bed, and stepped carelessly across the dead sentinel lying in the +hallway. The memory of Peter recurred to me. He was not the kind to +desert his mistress at such a time. Stopping Farrell, I stepped back to +inquire. The Colonel opened his eyes wearily at sound of my voice. + +"He is not here," he explained slowly. "Both Peter and Tonepah were sent +away to find a surgeon, and have not returned. We anticipated no danger +here with Captain Grant present." + +I ground my teeth savagely together, recalling the treachery of the +latter, his insults to Claire, his deceiving of Eric, his stealing of +papers, hoping thus to ruin his own Colonel, his alliance with Fagin, his +selling of British secrets. Here was a villain through and through and I +hoped he had already paid the penalty. If not, I vowed the man should +never escape. But the thought of the missing girl came back, driving all +else from my mind. She was in none of those rooms we searched, nor did we +discover the slightest evidence of her having been there. As I stood in +the door of the deserted music-room staring helplessly about, a sudden +possibility occurred to me. Ay! that must be the truth, the full +explanation of her vanishing. She had come flying up the stairs, +frightened, desperate,--so far as she knew, alone against Fagin's +unscrupulous band. She had not returned to her father, or escaped by way +of the hall. Where then could she have gone? The secret staircase, down +which she had hurried me, and which was known only to herself, Eric and +Peter. I gripped Farrell's arm eagerly. + +"You know this house well--did you ever hear of secret passages in it?" + +"I have heard it whispered in gossip," he answered, "that such were here +in the old Indian days. Why?" + +"Because it is true. The girl hid me here from Grant. And that is where +we will find her. The opening is there by the false chimney, but I have +no conception of how it works; she made me turn my back while she +operated the mechanism." + +He stooped down, and began search along the fireplace, and I joined him. +Together our hands felt over every inch of surface. There was no +response, not even a crack to guide us. At last he glanced aside, and our +eyes met. + +"Who knew of this beside Claire?" he asked. + +"Eric and the servant Swanson. She told me she and her brother discovered +it by accident through reading an old memoranda." + +"And the Colonel is not aware of its existence?" + +"I understood not. Do you know if the boy lives?" + +He left the room, and I heard his voice calling down the stairs, but did +not distinguish the words of reply. I was still on my knees when he +returned. + +"He is alive, but unconscious, Lawrence. Do you consider it impossible +for her to escape from here alone, providing she took refuge in this +place?" + +"I could find no opening, except underground, and that is blocked now." I +shuddered at the thought. "Besides, she must be in utter darkness, for I +used all the candles." + +"Then we must get axes, and cut our way in. Wait here, and I will bring +up some of the men." + +I straightened up as he left the room, and my eyes looked into a small +mirror above the open grate. Good Heavens! Could that be my reflection! +Bareheaded, my face streaked with blood and dirt, my coat rags, my shirt +ripped to the waist. I scarcely looked human. In sudden burst of anger I +reached out and gripped the mirror, jerking it savagely. Then I sprang +back. Slowly, with a faint click of the mechanism, the mantel-place was +swinging open. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII + +A CONFESSION OF LOVE + + +I could scarcely believe my eyes as the mantel swung slowly outward, +revealing the black hole beyond. I glanced about helplessly, and sprang +to the door of the room to call back Farrell. He was not in the upper +hall, but as my eyes swept its length I remembered a half-burned candle +in the chamber opposite. By the time I returned with it lighted, the +mantel had turned on its pivot, leaving the way clear. The narrow stair +was vacant, stretching down into the black depths. I listened, my heart +throbbing, but no sound came from below. Could she be there? Was there +any other secret passage by which she could have disappeared? I shuddered +at memory of what it meant to be shut up in that dismal hole, without the +companionship of light. Fearful of some accident I paused long enough to +wedge a heavy piece of furniture in the opening, and then, shading the +bit of candle, began groping my way down. I had reached the lower floor +before the flickering yellow rays revealed any evidence of her presence. +Then I saw a girl lying head down upon the table. My hand touched her arm +before she moved, but then she faced me, wild-eyed, the pistol gleaming +in the candle-light. + +"Claire! Claire!" I exclaimed, startled at her sudden movement. "Surely +you know me." + +For the instant she did not, her eyes full of terror. + +"No! no!" she cried hysterically. "Oh, it cannot be! It is a dream! +You--you--tell me who you are?" + +I caught her hand, the pistol falling to the floor, and placed the +candlestick upon the table. + +"It is no dream, dear. I am Allen Lawrence, and I have come for you. I +know I look disreputable enough, but there has been fighting--surely you +know me now." + +She caught her breath quickly, clinging to me with both hands--her eyes +softening as she studied my face. + +"Allen--Allen Lawrence!" she repeated softly. "Oh, I can scarcely believe +it true. Let me feel of you. I--I believe I was going insane--the dark, +the awful dark, and, and no way out--no way out." + +"Yes, yes, I understand," I whispered, drawing her to me. "I was hidden +here once, remember. But it is over with now." + +"But--how did you find a way to me? I--I never thought until it was all +over that I had shut myself in here to die. I was so frightened. I just +ran and hid. Oh, you cannot conceive what I had gone through." + +She drew away from me, and again hid her face on the table. + +"Oh, but I can, Claire," and I bent over her, my hand fondling her hair. +"I was there in the hall below, ready even then to act in your defence. I +heard all that was said, saw all that was done." + +"You--you were there?" sobbing out the words. "You saw me kill him?" + +"Yes, and had you delayed another instant I should have done it." + +"Then--then," she glanced up, tears dimming her eyes, "you do not blame +me? You do not think me a wicked wretch?" + +"I think you a brave, noble woman," I burst forth. "How could I feel +otherwise? Look up, little girl; I want to see your face. No, don't +shrink back from me. There is no cause. I know the whole story without +your speaking a word. You asked me to come back to help you, and I came." + +"Yes," she whispered, "I know. You have been so good." + +"Good! I loved you, dear. From the moment I lifted you out of the way of +that mob in Philadelphia, I have loved you. I did not understand much +that occurred, but I have never doubted you. Now I realize the cause of +your masquerade and know you were justified. I can bring you good +news--Eric is not a traitor, but was a prisoner, captured by Fagin, and +held at Grant's request. We found him bound and under guard out yonder, +as we approached the house." + +"And he is here now?" + +"Yes; he was hurt in the fight, and is still unconscious, but will live." + +"His reputation--" + +"Is safe. Washington believes he brought him the news of Clinton's route +of march, and will never know otherwise." + +She arose to her feet, standing straight and slender before me, the +flickering light of the candle on her face. + +"Major Lawrence," she began, "I wish to get out of here--it seems like a +grave to me,--but I must speak first. Oh, I am so glad I have +accomplished what I endeavored to do for my brother. Captain Grant tried +to make me believe him a deserter, but I would not. When he failed to +come back to me as he had promised, I could hardly determine what my duty +was. I knew his plans, his orders, and the thought came that I should +carry these out myself. We looked sufficiently alike so that this could +be done with little danger of discovery. He had uniforms concealed here, +and I felt driven to impersonate him. I do not insist that I did right; I +do not know--only it seemed right to me. Then--then," her voice faltered, +"I met you, again and again, and I--I began to doubt myself. I had no one +to confide in, no one to advise me. I was simply compelled to go ahead, +and keep my own secret. The only ones I knew I could absolutely trust +were our old house servants." + +"You doubted me even?" + +"Yes, at first, but you must not blame me. We met strangely; you were a +gentleman and an officer; I felt sure of this, and was tempted oftentimes +to tell you my story. But before I dared do so, you--you spoke of other +things and--and then I was afraid." + +"Afraid of what?" and I caught her hand in mine. "That a knowledge of +what you were attempting to accomplish would turn me against you?" + +Her eyes fell, shaded by the long lashes. + +"Yes; once, do you remember I almost began a confession, when you spoke +of your old-fashioned mother, and her conception of womanhood. How could +I tell you then that I had dressed as a man, and played the part of a +spy? I--I thought you might despise me, and--and I wished so to retain +your respect. It was an accident we were with Delavan that night. We were +endeavoring to waylay a courier, and rode suddenly into his party. I had +to invent a tale on the spur of the moment. Major Lawrence, now that you +know all, tell me the one thing I must know before we join the +others--would you wish your own sister to do as I have done?" + +"Not to pass through the dangers, surely," I returned eagerly, "but I +should rejoice at her loyalty, and be proud of her. Claire, Claire, there +has never been in my heart aught but love for you. As Lady of the Blended +Rose, as daughter of a Colonel of Queen's Rangers, even in the disguise +of a Dragoon, I have never questioned the depth of your womanhood. Once I +guessed you a British spy, yet ceased not to love you. Am I to have my +reward? You know little of me, as you say, but as an officer and a +gentleman, I ask you to repeat again what you whispered to me once out +yonder under the stars--do you remember, dear?" + +"It was only to compel you to leave me." + +"And now it is an invitation to remain." + +Her eyes were uplifted to mine. Slowly I drew her toward me, her arms +were upon my shoulders, and our lips met. + +"I love you," she said slowly. "Yes, dear, I love you." + +Above us, his head thrust through the opening, Farrell called: + +"Have you found her, Major? Shall I come down?" + +"It's not necessary." + +"The Colonel is half crazy, and the boy is getting back his senses." + +We went up together, I bearing the candle in one hand, and helping her +along the circular stairs with the other. In the upper hall I glanced +below, but the bodies of the dead had been removed. Farrell stood +bareheaded, a great figure on his short legs. + +"This has been a fine night's work," he said steadily, "the last of +Fagin's gang." + +"Dead?" + +"Ay, and Grant with him--begging your pardon, mistress." + +Her eyes glanced from his face into mine, and my hand-clasp tightened. It +was thus we went in together, and stood beside the Colonel's bed. + + THE END + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +By MR. PARRISH + +Love Under Fire: With Five Illustrations in Full Color and a Full-Color +Wrap, by Alonzo Kimball. _Net $1.35._ + +Keith of the Border: A Tale of the Plains. With Four Illustrations in +Full Color and a Full-Color Wrap, by W. Herbert Dunton. _Net $1.35._ + +---------------------------------- + +When Wilderness Was King: A Tale of the Illinois Country. +Illustrated by the Kinneys. + +My Lady of the North: The Love Story of a Gray-Jacket. +Illustrated by E. M. Ashe. + +A Sword of the Old Frontier: A Romance of the Time of Pontiac's Conspiracy. +Illustrated by F. C. Yohn. + +Bob Hampton of Placer: A Tale of Two Soldiers of the Seventh. +Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller. + +Beth Norvell: A Romance of the West. +Illustrated by N. C. Wyeth. + +Prisoners of Chance. +Illustrated by the Kinneys. + +The Last Voyage of the Donna Isabel: A Romance of the Sea. +Illustrated by Allen T. True. + +My Lady of the South: A Story of the Civil War. +Illustrated by Alonzo Kimball. + +_Each, Crown 8vo, $1.50._ + +---------------------------------- + +Don Mac Grath: A Tale of the River. +Illustrated by John W. Norton. _Crown 8vo, $1.50._ + +Historic Illinois: The Romance of the Earlier Days. +With Map and Fifty Illustrations. _$2.50 net._ + +The Great Plains: The Romance of Western American Exploration, +Warfare, and Settlement, 1527-1870. With Numerous Illustrations. +_$1.75 net._ + +---------------------------------- + +A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers, Chicago. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES + +1. Punctuation has been normalized to contemporary standards. + +2. List of books "By Mr. Parrish" moved to end of text. + +3. Frontispiece illustration moved to after title page. + +4. Typographic errors corrected from original: + p. 31 seen to see ("you can see") + p. 59 surpressed to suppressed ("suppressed excitement") + p. 202 addresed to addressed ("The man addressed as Colonel") + p. 367 SEACHING to SEARCHING ("SEARCHING FOR CLAIRE") + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of My Lady of Doubt, by Randall Parrish + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY LADY OF DOUBT *** + +***** This file should be named 18633.txt or 18633.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/6/3/18633/ + +Produced by Roger Frank, Carol Wilbur and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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