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diff --git a/old/44724.txt b/old/44724.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5425377 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/44724.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10457 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Boy Spies of Philadelphia, by James Otis + + +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: The Boy Spies of Philadelphia + The Story of How the Young Spies Helped the Continental Army at Valley Forge + + +Author: James Otis + + + +Release Date: January 21, 2014 [eBook #44724] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY SPIES OF PHILADELPHIA*** + + +E-text prepared by Melissa McDaniel and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made +available by Internet Archive (https://archive.org) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 44724-h.htm or 44724-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44724/44724-h/44724-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44724/44724-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + https://archive.org/details/boyspiesofphilad00otis + + +Transcriber's note: + + Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). + + Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold face (=bold=). + + + + + + [Illustration: "YOU SEEM TO BE AFRAID A FELLOW WILL GET AWAY," SETH + SAID BITTERLY.] + + +THE BOY SPIES OF PHILADELPHIA + +The Story of how the Young Spies helped the Continental Army +at Valley Forge + +by + +JAMES OTIS + + + + + + + +A. L. Burt Company Publishers New York + +Copyright 1897 by A. L. Burt +Under the Title of With Washington at Monmouth + +The Boy Spies of Philadelphia + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE + CHAPTER I. + A "Market-Stopper." 1 + + CHAPTER II. + Under Arrest 17 + + CHAPTER III. + In Sore Distress 33 + + CHAPTER IV. + A Bold Scheme 49 + + CHAPTER V. + The Patrol 65 + + CHAPTER VI. + Released 81 + + CHAPTER VII. + On the Alert 98 + + CHAPTER VIII. + Barren Hill 113 + + CHAPTER IX. + Robert Greene 129 + + CHAPTER X. + Conciliatory Bills 144 + + CHAPTER XI. + A Recognition 160 + + CHAPTER XII. + Important Information 176 + + CHAPTER XIII. + The Evacuation 192 + + CHAPTER XIV. + Lord Gordon 208 + + CHAPTER XV. + On Special Duty 223 + + CHAPTER XVI. + Tory Hospitality 240 + + CHAPTER XVII. + In Self-Defense 256 + + CHAPTER XVIII. + Preparing for Action 272 + + CHAPTER XIX. + A Friendly Warning 287 + + CHAPTER XX. + The Victors 305 + + + + +The Boy Spies Of Philadelphia + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +A "MARKET-STOPPER." + + +On the morning of April 2, 1778, three boys, the eldest of whom was +not more than sixteen years of age and the youngest hardly a year +his junior, were standing on that side of the town-house nearest the +pillory, in the city of Philadelphia. + +They were not engaged in sportive conversation, nor occupied with +schemes for pleasure, as is usually the case with boys of such age; +but wore a graver look than seemed suitable to youth under ordinary +circumstances. + +These boys were witnessing and taking part in events decidedly +startling--events well calculated to impress themselves upon the minds +even of children. + +It is hardly necessary, because such fact is familiar to all Americans, +to say that on the 26th of September, 1777, General Howe took +possession of the city of Philadelphia, and it was yet occupied by the +British forces on this 2d day of April, 1778. + +The past winter had been one of gayety for the wealthy Tory inhabitants +of the city, since the English officers were pleased to spend their +time in every form of revelry, and ever ready to accept the more than +generous hospitality which was extended by such of the citizens as were +desirous of remaining under British rule. + +The officers of the army indulged to the utmost their love for luxury +and ease while serving in the command of the indolent Howe, and +the privates had so far followed the example set by their superiors +that the king's troops had become more demoralized by this winter +of idleness than could have been possible under almost any other +circumstances. + +So great was this demoralization that Benjamin Franklin was able to say +with truth, when taunted with the fact that the enemy had captured the +city: + +"General Howe has not taken Philadelphia; Philadelphia has taken +General Howe." + +It was at about the time of which this story treats that the British +government decided to give command of the forces under General Howe to +Sir Henry Clinton, and those of the population loyal to the cause of +freedom were considerably exercised in mind as to how this change of +officers might effect them. + +The three boys, who have as yet hardly been introduced, were by no +means prominent in the cause of freedom; in fact they had but just +arrived at an age when they began to realize their responsibilities, +and as yet had been powerless to perform any great deed in behalf of +the cause. + +The eldest was Jacob Ludwick, son of that Christopher Ludwick, baker +of Germantown, who, having amassed considerable property before the +beginning of the struggle for freedom, gave one entire half of it for +the cause, and swore at the same time never to shave until the United +States were free and independent. + +As is known, Washington made him baker-general of the army; but as yet +young Jacob had never been able to gain his father's consent to his +enlisting. + +The second of the trio in point of age was Seth Graydon, son of that +Widow Graydon who kept a boarding-house in Drinker's Alley, which +had been largely patronized during the winter by officers of the +Forty-second Highland and the Royal Irish regiments. + +The third was Enoch Ball, also the son of a widow, and his mother it +was who had for several years taught French and dancing in her home on +Letitia Street. + +These three boys had grown old beyond their years during the past +winter. + +They had witnessed, and more particularly in the case of Seth Graydon, +the revelry of the officers who had come to whip into submission the +struggling patriots, and well knew to what desperate straits, even for +the common necessities of life, were driven the families of those men +who had enlisted in the American army. + +They saw the invading foe and their sympathizers enjoying every luxury +of the table, while hundreds of the poorer classes were literally +starving. + +Those loyal to the American cause had suffered severely from lack of +food and fuel, and were now questioning as to whether, under this newly +appointed commander, they would not be called upon to bear yet greater +troubles. + +Neither of these three lads had ever been hungrier than boys of their +age usually are at all times; yet they realized what suffering might +come, if, as had been rumored, Sir Henry Clinton was an officer who +believed harsh measures necessary when dealing with "rebels." + +"There's no doubt about the order having been given," Seth said in +reply to a question from one of his companions. "The officers were +discussing it last evening, and seemed to think, as they always do, +that I can work them no harm through learning their secrets. The time +shall come, however, if they stay here much longer, when I will prove +that even a boy can be of service to his country." + +"But what is the order?" Enoch Ball asked impatiently. + +"The entire army is to be in readiness, with three days' rations, to +start at a moment's warning on some maneuver which will be executed +between now and the fifth of this month." + +"Do you suppose General Howe intends to march to Valley Forge?" Jacob +asked, with no slight show of anxiety as he thought that his father +might be in danger. + +"That cannot be. Since the British took possession of Philadelphia +there have been many better opportunities for them to fall upon General +Washington and his command than now, and it is not likely the enemy +would have remained idle all winter waiting to strike a blow after our +friends were prepared for it." + +"But _are_ they prepared for it?" Jacob asked. + +"So I heard Lord Gordon say last night. He declared that, thanks to the +instructions of the Baron de Steuben, the American troops were never in +better condition, so far as discipline is concerned, than they are at +present, and now that the sufferings caused by the severe winter have +come to an end, they are in good spirits." + +"But if the command is to be taken from General Howe, why is he getting +ready for any movement?" + +"If I could answer that question, Enoch, I might be able to give even +General Washington information for which he would thank me." + +"Do you know why General Howe is to be removed from his command?" + +"I have heard the British officers say he was severely censured by +Parliament for his blunder in causing the disaster to Burgoyne's +army by going to the Chesapeake as he did. It seems that he has asked +permission to go home, and that is why Sir Henry Clinton has been given +the command." + +"This maneuver to be executed before the fifth may be one which has +been ordered in advance by Clinton," Jacob suggested. + +"If such had been the case, the officers who were discussing the matter +would have said so." + +"Whether it be the one or the other, I do not understand how we can be +benefited by having the information. Why did you say that at last we +had work to do?" + +"For this reason, Enoch Ball: We are now old enough to be of some +service to the cause. Jacob's father refuses to allow him to enlist. +Mother insists I must remain at home while the British are in +possession of the city, and that is also the reason why you are not +already a soldier. Now even though we are not in the army, it may be +possible for us to aid our friends, and surely nothing at this time can +be more important than making them acquainted with the fact that the +Britishers are getting ready for some important movement." + +"But how can we let them know?" Enoch asked with considerable show +of trepidation, for it was not yet two weeks since he had seen a man +flogged with an hundred lashes because of its being suspected that his +intention was to enter the American lines. + +"It is not impossible for one of us to find an officer within a few +miles of the town who would forward the information. I believe I know +where General Reed and General Cadwalader are, or, at least, how to +reach them." + +"Would you attempt to leave the city on such an errand?" + +"I would, and will." + +"And you expect us to go with you?" Enoch continued, showing yet +greater signs of fear. + +"Not unless you choose." + +"Two can do the work as well as three," Jacob interrupted. "If you and +I go, Seth, there is no reason why Enoch need be afraid, for we shan't +need him." + +"But do you think I would let you make an attempt to aid the cause, and +not be with you?" + +"You are frightened now at the very thought of it," Jacob replied +scornfully. + +"Yes; and if I am, what then? I may be afraid, for it was terrible to +see that poor man's back cut with the lash; but yet I should go if you +went." + +"Now you are showing yourself to be brave, Enoch," Seth said +approvingly, but before he could finish the sentence a shouting, +yelling mob turned from High Street[A] into Second, and the boys darted +forward to learn the cause of the commotion. + +"They have captured another market-stopper," Jacob said a moment later +as they neared the noisy throng. + +The term he used was one given by the British to those Americans +stationed near the city to prevent such farmers as had no scruples +against selling provisions to the enemy from disposing of their wares +save to those who favored the cause. + +During the winter just passed General Howe had attempted to do little +more than keep the roads open in order that the country people might +come in with their marketing, and severe was the punishment he caused +to be meted out to those who would thus attempt to shut off the +supplies. + +"It is the farmers themselves who should be whipped!" Jacob cried +indignantly. "They care not how much aid is given to the enemy so that +money comes into their pockets, and the freedom of their country is as +nothing compared with the price at which eggs, butter or potatoes can +be sold." + +"It is better to keep a quiet tongue, Jacob Ludwick," Seth whispered. +"There are too many redcoats for us in the crowd, and if one of +them should hear your words, that soldier would not be the only one +pilloried this day." + +"I do not care to fall into their clutches, and therefore I remain +silent while good patriots like this light-horseman are being abused; +but if it ever happens that the odds are more nearly even I shall say +for once to a redcoat what is in my mind." + +"And get a flogging for your pains, without having done any one good?" + +"As to whether I am whipped depends upon how well the Britisher can +fight, while I'm certain great good will be done me by the opportunity +to use my tongue as I please." + +"Don't talk so loud," Enoch whispered impatiently. "We shall all find +ourselves in the jail or on the pillory unless you are careful." + +It was quite time Jacob put a bridle on his tongue; the throng +of idlers and soldiers who were amusing themselves by pelting the +light-horseman with stale eggs, decaying vegetables, or other filth, +had now approached so near the boys that words even less loudly spoken +could have been overheard. + +The prisoner made no effort to protect himself from the unsavory +shower; he probably realized that any attempt to do so would only +result in his being used more roughly, and did his best to appear +unconcerned. + +"Do not stay here while he is being whipped," Seth whispered. "What we +saw this day a week ago was more than enough for me, and I hope I'll +never witness another flogging." + +"Wait awhile," and Jacob went nearer the prisoner. "I do not think this +one is to be served in that way. See! they are going to put him on the +pillory, and by stopping here until the beasts are weary of abusing a +helpless man we may be able to render him some assistance." + +Seth no longer insisted on leaving the place; the thought had come +into his mind that this soldier could tell him where the information +he believed the Americans should have would be the most valuable, and +it was not improbable they might have an opportunity to talk with him +privately. + +During half an hour after the prisoner had been placed in the +pillory the mob jeered, hooted and pelted him with missiles of every +description, and then, one by one, tiring of the inhuman sport, +they left the yard for fresh amusement, until the three boys and the +horseman were alone, save for the curious ones who, passing by on the +street, stopped a moment to look at the soldier. + +"It will not always be allowed that the men who are fighting for our +liberties can be treated like this in Philadelphia," Seth said in +a cautious tone as he stepped so near the pillory that those at the +entrance of the yard could not overhear the words. + +"Are you a friend?" the prisoner asked with some show of surprise. "I +had begun to think there were none left in this town since Howe has +made so brave a show, while we at Valley Forge have been starving." + +"There are as many friends to the cause in the city as before the +Britishers came; but it can do no good for that fact to be known while +we are powerless to act." + +"You are old enough to serve in the ranks, and should be there, if you +would aid the cause." + +"So we shall be in good time, friend; but it is not all who are the +most willing that can do as they choose. This boy," and Seth pulled +Jacob forward, "is the son of Ludwick the baker, of whom you must have +heard." + +"Heard, lad? Why I know Chris Ludwick as well as I know myself! Do you +tell me that he won't allow his son to enlist?" + +"He has promised to give his consent this spring, and when Jacob signs +the rolls Enoch and I will go with him." + +"Then you will have done only that which is your duty. If General +Washington could have as many men as he needs, this war would soon be +ended, with the United States free and independent." + +"We shall do our share," Seth replied, speaking more hurriedly lest +those who had captured the prisoner should put an end to the interview +before he had accomplished his purpose. "If you believe us to be +friends, tell me where we can find an officer of the American army?" + +"I have heard you say you were friends; but even if I was able to +answer your question I should hesitate about giving any information +until I had better surety of your purpose than words which might be +spoken by any one." + +"Then you shall know why I asked, and after that say if we may be +trusted. My mother keeps a boarding-house, and among her guests are +several British officers; last night I heard them talking about an +order which has just been issued, to the effect that a large portion of +the army is to be ready to move at a moment's warning. From what they +said, it seems certain some important move is to be made before the +fifth of the month." + +"Why are you so certain as to the date?" the man asked after a brief +pause, during which he appeared to be settling some question in his own +mind. + +"It was so said by the officers." + +"And you have no idea of what may be on foot?" + +"I know nothing, except as I have told you. Those who were talking +appeared to be ignorant of what it meant." + +The prisoner remained silent several moments, and then said in a +whisper: + +"I shall trust you, lads, for it seems necessary the information should +be known at headquarters. If you are deceiving me, you must always +remember it as a scurvy trick, and one not worthy even a Tory." + +"But we are not deceiving you, nor are we Tories. You know what would +be the penalty if we were discovered trying to send information to +the Continental army, and yet we are willing to take all the risks, if +thereby we can aid our friends." + +"That you can, lad, if it so be what you have heard is true. Will you +be able to leave town at once?" + +"Within an hour." + +"Very well, you cannot go too soon. If you travel six miles on the +Delaware Road I'll answer for it that you meet some of our friends who +will conduct you to those whom you wish to see. Don't tell your story +to any officer lower in rank than a colonel, and do not be surprised if +those whom you meet give rough usage at first. Hold both your tongue +and your temper until the purpose has been accomplished, and then I +warrant you will be well thanked for the service." + +"We will go at once," Jacob said decidedly. "Is there anything we can +do for you, friend?" + +"What I most want is to get my neck and wrists out of this contrivance, +and that is exactly what you can't help me in the doing. I suppose I +should be thankful for being let off so lightly." + +"Indeed you should!" Enoch replied quickly. "The Britishers have been +flogging the market-stoppers, and that punishment is truly terrible." + +"I have seen those who had a taste of it," the prisoner said grimly, +"and have no desire to take a dose. But do not stand here talking with +me when you have valuable information to give our friends. When you +meet with soldiers of our army, say that Ezra Grimshaw sent you to +speak with Colonel Powers." + +"Is your name Grimshaw?" Enoch asked. + +"Yes, lad. If you can get speech with Colonel Powers you need have no +fear of rough treatment. Now set out, for time may be precious. Which +of you is to do the work?" + +"All," Enoch replied quickly, as if fearing that, because of the +timidity he had displayed, his friends might deprive him of the +opportunity to do his share. + +"There is no need of but one," Grimshaw said decidedly, "and many +reasons why three should not make the venture, chiefest of which is, +that so many might attract the attention of the enemy's patrol, while +a single boy on the road would pass unchallenged." + +"It is not right one should have all the honor, while the others are +deprived of their share," Enoch replied decidedly. + +"Lad, is it honor for yourself or the good of the country you have most +at heart?" Grimshaw asked sternly. + +"I want to be known as one who did not remain idle when he was needed." + +"If you really desire to do good to the cause, decide among yourselves +as to who shall go, and then let the other two aid him all they can. +Do not spend the time in squabbling, but set about the business without +delay." + +There was no opportunity for him to say more; at that moment a party of +British officers entered the yard, evidently bent on amusing themselves +by making sport of the prisoner, and the boys were forced to step +aside. + +Seth beckoned for his comrades to follow him, and not until he was on +High Street did he speak. Then it was to say: + +"Grimshaw was right; we must not quarrel as to who shall go, but settle +the matter at once. Of course each one wants----" + +"I should have the chance," Jacob said decidedly. "Either of you may +have some trouble to get away; but it is not so with me. My aunt will +not worry if I am absent a week; she knows I----" + +"Either Enoch or I would have permission to leave home if we explained +the reason for going, and, therefore, are as much entitled to the +position of messenger as you," Seth interrupted. + +"Then how shall it be decided?" + +"We will draw lots. Here is a straw; will you hold it, Jacob?" + +"Not I, for I want the chance to make my choice." + +"Then I will do it," and Seth turned his back to his companions an +instant, saying, as he faced them once more, "I have broken the straw +into one long and two short pieces. He who draws the longest shall +start at once." + +Jacob insisted on making his choice first, arguing that such advantage +should be his because he was the eldest, and, after considerable study, +drew one of the fragments from Seth's hand. + +It was so short that he knew the position of messenger was not for him, +and stepped back with an expression of bitter disappointment on his +face. + +Enoch was no more successful, and Seth said triumphantly, as he held up +the piece remaining in in his hand: + +"It is for me! If you two will tell mother where I've gone I'll start +at once." + +"That part of the work shall be done properly," Jacob replied, all +traces of ill-humor vanishing from his face. "If she allows it, I'll +take your place till you get back." + +"Mother will be glad to have you there. Try to hear all the officers +talk about; but do not let it appear that you are listening." + +"Don't fear for me. Shall we walk a mile or so with you?" + +"It would do no good, and might not be safe. Tell mother I shall be +back to-night, or early to-morrow morning, for I don't intend to let +the grass grow under my feet." + +"Keep out of the Britishers' way, or we may have to go down to the +town-house in order to see you again," Enoch said with a furtive +hand-clasp as the three separated, two to go to Drinker's Alley, and +the third to render to the cause what service was in his power. + +Footnote: + +[A] Now Market Street. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +UNDER ARREST. + + +There was no doubt in Seth's mind but that it would be comparatively +easy to perform the mission which he had taken upon himself. + +He believed the only difficulty to overcome would be that of finding +Colonel Powers, or an officer equal or superior to him in rank. + +So far as making an excursion on the Delaware Road was concerned, it +seemed an exceedingly simple matter, and Seth thought, as he set off at +his best pace, that it was possible a fellow could aid the cause very +materially without being called upon to endure much suffering, or to +perform any severe work. + +He met several of the country people coming into the city with poultry, +eggs or butter, they being quick to take advantage of the fact that +the road had been lately cleared of market-stoppers by the raid which +resulted in making of Ezra Grimshaw a prisoner. + +During the first half-hour of his journey he fancied that every person +he met looked at him scrutinizingly, as if suspicious because he had +left the city; but this sensation soon wore away as the time passed +and no one molested him, after which he really began to enjoy this +impromptu excursion. + +When an hour had passed, during which time Seth walked at his best +pace, he decided he was at least four miles from the town, and the +likelihood of being stopped by the British patrol no longer seemed +probable. + +Grimshaw had told him if he traveled six miles in this direction he +would meet with detachments of Americans, and he believed he was now +in that portion of the country where his mission should be successfully +ended. + +There had not come into his mind the possibility that he could by any +chance be considered a suspicious character by those whom he would aid, +and he thought that it had been an excess of precaution to send word +regarding the journey to his mother. + +"I shall be back by the time Jacob and Enoch have had a chance to tell +the story," he muttered, "and it would have been as well if I hadn't +allowed mother an opportunity to worry about me. General Howe must have +little fear of those whom he calls rebels if he allows people to leave +the city as readily as I have done." + +Twenty minutes later he was made glad by the sight of half a dozen +horsemen on the road in advance of him, for he felt positive they were +none other than those whom he wished to meet. + +Now it was no longer necessary he should press forward rapidly in order +to accomplish his purpose, for the mounted party came toward him at +full speed. + +"Where are you from, lad?" the leader asked as he drew rein directly in +front of Seth. + +"From the town," the young patriot replied readily, positive of +receiving a friendly greeting as soon as his errand was made known. +"I want to see Colonel Powers. Ezra Grimshaw told me I would find him +hereabouts." + +"Where did you see Grimshaw?" the horseman asked more sternly than Seth +thought necessary. + +"On the pillory. He was captured by the Britishers somewhere out----" + +"Yes, we know all about that," the man interrupted, "but Grimshaw would +never have told anybody where we might be found." + +"But he did," Seth replied stoutly, "and it was under his advice that +I came out here to see Colonel Powers." + +It seemed strange that this statement should be questioned, yet the +young messenger was quite certain from the expression on the faces of +the horsemen that such was the case, and as they glanced at each other +suspiciously and incredulously, he hastened to add: + +"I have information which should be made known to the leaders of the +Continental army, and Grimshaw told me to come here and repeat it to +Colonel Powers." + +"You have information?" the leader asked sharply. "And who may you be, +sir?" + +"Seth Graydon." + +"Are you the son of that widow Graydon who keeps the boarding-house for +English officers?" + +"Yes," Seth replied without hesitation. "I heard----" + +"How did you get speech with Grimshaw if he was on the pillory?" one of +the men asked abruptly. + +"I, with two friends, was near the town-house when those who made the +capture brought him in, and by waiting until the curious ones had gone +away it was not difficult to speak with him privately." + +"Was he flogged?" the leader asked. + +"No, sir." + +"Nor treated more severely than being put on the pillory?" + +"No, sir." + +"And yet he told where we could be found?" + +"Yes, because he was eager one of us should have speech with Colonel +Powers." + +"If the British officers who board with your mother have sent you on +this errand they will be disappointed at the result of their scheme. +The Tories of Philadelphia are not giving out valuable information to +those who are faithful to the cause." + +The leader spoke so sternly that for the first time since he parted +with his comrades Seth began to feel uncomfortable in mind. + +"But I am not a Tory!" he cried stoutly. + +"Then you have not taken due advantage of your surroundings," the +officer said with a laugh. "A great hulking lad like you would be +in the Continental army if he had any love for the cause, instead of +playing the spy for the sake of British gold." + +"But I am not playing the spy," and now Seth began to grow angry. "I +came out here to render you a service, at the risk of being flogged if +it is known that I left the city for such a purpose. I intend to enlist +as soon as the Britishers have left Philadelphia." + +"Indeed? Is that true, my lad? You will enlist when we are on the +winning side, and not before, eh?" + +"Can I see Colonel Powers?" Seth asked hotly. "Or will you take me to +some one equal in rank with him?" + +"You shall have an opportunity of seeing an officer in the Continental +army, don't fear as to that; but if you count on going back to +Philadelphia in time to give valuable information to the Britishers, +you are mistaken. They will look for their spy quite a spell before +seeing him." + +"I tell you I am not a spy!" Seth interrupted. + +"That you shall have an opportunity to prove. Have you any weapons?" + +"Indeed I haven't." + +"Look him over, Hubbard, and make certain he isn't telling more lies," +the leader said to one of his followers, and the man dismounted at +once, searching Seth's person so roughly that the boy forgot Grimshaw's +warning to control his temper. + +"You shall be made sorry for this!" he cried hotly. "You shall +learn----" + +A blow on the side of the head caused him to reel, and he would have +fallen but that he staggered against one of the horses. + +"Howe's Tory brood grow bold, thinking their master as powerful as +he would make it seem," the leader said with a laugh, and added in a +threatening tone to Seth, "March ahead of us, young man! Don't make +the mistake of thinking you can give us the slip! Your desire to see an +officer in the Continental army shall speedily be gratified." + +"If this is the way you treat those who would do you a service, it is +little wonder you fail to receive much valuable information!" the boy +cried angrily. + +"Keep your tongue between your teeth, and march on! Any further +insolence, and you shall be made to understand that Howe is not the +only person who can order floggings administered. Forward, men, and +shoot the Tory spawn if he makes any attempt to escape." + +Seth recognized the fact that it would be worse than useless to resist, +and obeyed sullenly. + +At that moment he was very nearly a Tory at heart, for such treatment +seemed brutal in the extreme after he had ventured so much in the hope +of being of service to his country. + +"If this is the way those who would aid the cause are received I don't +wonder General Washington finds it difficult to raise recruits," Seth +said to himself. "When I have told Jacob and Enoch of my reception by +those whom we called friends there will be three who won't enlist as +was intended." + +It seemed to the boy as if there was no excuse for his thus being +made a prisoner, and he felt only bitterness toward those who, an hour +previous, he would have been proud to assist. + +The troopers kept him moving at his best pace, urging him in front +of the horses with their naked swords, hesitating not to prick him +roughly now and then when he lagged, until two miles or more had been +traversed, when they arrived at what was little more than a trail +through the woods, leading from the main road, and here he was ordered +to wheel to the right. + +Just for an instant he was tempted to make one effort at escaping; but, +fortunately, he realized the futility of such a move, and went swiftly +up the path as he had been commanded. + +Twenty minutes later, when he was nearly breathless owing to the rapid +march, the party had arrived at what was evidently a rendezvous for the +American patrols. + +It was an open space in the midst of dense woods, and here a dozen or +more horses were tethered to the trees, while as many men were lounging +about in a most indolent fashion. + +"What have you got there, Jordan?" one of the idlers cried, and the +leader replied with a coarse laugh: + +"A young Tory who is trying to win his spurs in a most bungling +fashion." + +"From the town?" + +"He is the son of the woman who runs a boarding-house for British +officers, and claims to have been sent by Grimshaw." + +"Where is Grimshaw?" + +"On the pillory, so the boy says. He was captured this morning by some +of the Queen's Rangers." + +"He is like to have a sore back when he shows up here again." + +"We will send them one in return," Captain Jordan replied, pointing to +Seth. "It won't be a bad idea to show Howe that we can swing the whip +as well as his redcoats, and if ever a cub deserved a flogging it is +this one." + +"We've got nothing else to do, so let's try our hand on him," some one +cried, and Seth looked around terrified. + +If these men decided to treat him as a Tory he would be powerless +against them, and there seemed little chance he could convince the +troopers of the truth of his statement. + +Two of the soldiers began cutting birchen switches, as if believing the +suggestion would be carried into effect immediately, and Seth's face +grew very white. + +"We'll dress him down to your liking captain, if you give the word," +one of the men who had begun the preparations for the punishment cried, +as if eager to be at the work. "It's time we commenced to show the +Britishers that the floggings are not to be all on one side." + +Captain Jordan, although the first to make such a suggestion, was +not prepared to give the order, knowing full well that he would be +exceeding his authority should he do so, and replied with a laugh: + +"We shan't lose anything by waiting, so there's no need of being in a +hurry. Look out for the prisoner, Hubbard, and see to it that he don't +escape you." + +The trooper thus commanded seized Seth roughly by the shoulder, and +half-dragging, half-leading him to a tree on one side of the clearing, +proceeded to fetter the boy by tying him securely. + +"You seem to be afraid a fellow will get away," Seth said bitterly. +"Fifteen or twenty men should be enough to guard one boy." + +"Very likely they are, lad; but we don't intend to give ourselves any +more trouble than is necessary. You will stay here, I reckon, and we +shan't be put to the bother of watching you." + +There was something in the man's tone which caused Seth to believe he +might be made a friend. + +By this time he realized it was worse than useless for him to display +temper, and that it might yet be possible to escape the threatened +punishment. Therefore he said in a conciliatory tone: + +"Does it seem so strange to you, my wish to be of benefit to the cause, +that you cannot believe my story sufficiently to allow me an interview +with Colonel Powers?" + +"I don't see where the harm would be in that, lad; but it isn't for me +to say. Captain Jordan is in command of this squad." + +"But hark you, Mr. Hubbard. I have told only the truth. If my mother, a +poor widow woman, is forced to take English officers as boarders, does +that make of me a Tory?" + +"Well, lad, I can't rightly say it does, though after the junketin's +you people have had in Philadelphia this winter, I allow all hands are +more or less afflicted with that disease." + +"But I am not. The story I told about meeting Grimshaw is true. One of +my companions is the son of Chris Ludwick, whom likely you know; we +drew lots to see who should come here, and I was pleased because the +choice fell on me. Do you think it right that I should be flogged and +sent back before your officers have had time to find out whether I am +telling the truth or a lie?" + +"No, lad, I don't, for I allow you have had plenty of chances to hear +that which would be valuable to our side; but whether you would tell it +or not is another matter." + +"Why shouldn't I want to tell it? Are the soldiers of the Continental +army the only men in the country who love the cause?" + +"Those who love the cause should be in the army when men are needed as +now." + +"Before General Howe took possession of Philadelphia I was too young to +be received as a soldier--am too young now; but shall make the attempt +to enter as soon as possible." + +"Would you be willing to enlist to-day?" + +"Not until I have talked with my mother. She depends upon me for +assistance, and it isn't right I should leave home without her +permission. But that has nothing to do with the story I came to tell. I +swear to you I have heard that which should be known to your officers. +I told it to Grimshaw, and he insisted I should not repeat it to any +one of lower rank than a colonel." + +"Then it must be mighty important information." + +"So it is; yet without giving me an opportunity to tell it I am to be +kept here and flogged." + +"That is Captain Jordan's affair," Hubbard replied; but Seth understood +that his words had had some effect upon the man, and he continued yet +more earnestly: + +"There can be no harm in taking me to Colonel Powers, for after +that has been done you will still have the opportunity to give me a +flogging. When I have repeated that which I came to say I shall yet be +a prisoner." + +Hubbard made no reply to this, but walked quickly away to where +Jordan was talking with a group of the men, and Seth began to hope +he could yet accomplish his purpose, although he was far from feeling +comfortable in mind as to what might be the final result of his attempt +to aid the cause. + +During the next half-hour no one came sufficiently near the prisoner to +admit of his entering into another conversation. + +The men were discussing some matter very earnestly, and Seth believed +he himself was the subject. + +Then the scene was changed. + +Ten or twelve horsemen rode into the open, and by their uniforms Seth +understood that officers of a higher rank than Captain Jordan had +arrived. + +The newcomers did not dismount, but received the captain's report while +in the saddle, and then, to the prisoner's great delight, rode directly +toward him. + +"What is your name?" the eldest member of the party asked. + +"Seth Graydon." + +"Is it true that your mother has as boarders many officers of the +British army?" + +"Yes, sir. There are seven from the Forty-second Highlanders, five of +the Royal Irish regiment, and Lord Cosmo Gordon." + +"And you overheard a conversation at your mother's house which you +believed would be of value to us?" + +"Yes, sir," and Seth told in detail of his conversation with Ezra +Grimshaw, concluding by asking, "Are you Colonel Powers?" + +"I am, my lad, and see no reason for doubting your good intentions. You +have been roughly treated, it is true; but it has not been serious, and +you must realize that the soldiers are suspicious because of the many +attempts at treachery this spring. You say you told Grimshaw what you +had heard? Did he insist you should repeat it to me in private?" + +"No, sir. I was simply to tell no one of lower rank." + +"Then what have you to say?" + +Seth detailed the conversation he had heard in his mother's house, and +Colonel Powers questioned him closely regarding the comments which had +been made by the British officers at the time the subject was under +discussion. + +When he had answered these questions to the best of his ability, the +colonel beckoned for Captain Jordan, and said harshly: + +"I wonder, captain, that you and your troops should be so afraid of +one boy as to bind him in such a manner. He has brought most valuable +information, and should be richly rewarded for his services, instead of +being trussed up in this fashion." + +The captain looked confused as he released Seth, and while doing so +whispered in the boy's ear: + +"I am sorry, lad, for what has happened, and that is all any man can +say." + +However much ill-will Seth may have felt toward his captor just at that +moment, he had no desire to show it. + +The words of commendation spoken by Colonel Powers were sufficient +reward for all he had undergone during his time of arrest, and he felt +almost friendly-disposed, even toward those of the troopers who had so +eagerly begun to prepare the switches for his back. + +"You shall have an escort as far toward the town as is consistent with +your safety and ours," the colonel said when Seth was freed from the +ropes. "I thank you for your service, and shall, perhaps, at some time +be able to reward you better. When you decide to enlist, come to me." + +Then the colonel, beckoning to his staff, rode away with the air of one +who has an important duty to execute, and Captain Jordan held out his +hand to his late prisoner. + +"Forgive me, lad, and say you bear me no ill-will." + +"That I can readily do, now my message has been delivered," Seth +replied promptly, and the troopers gathered around, each as eager to +show his friendliness as he previously had been to inflict punishment. + +A horse was brought up, and the captain, now the most friendly of +soldiers, said to Seth: + +"We'll escort you as far as the creek; further than that is hardly +safe. You can easily reach home before dark, for the ride will not be +a long one." + +"I can walk as well as not, if you have other work to do," Seth replied. + +"We are stationed on the road here to stop the country people from +carrying in produce, and by giving you a lift shall only be continuing +our duties." + +Seth mounted; the captain rode by his side; half a dozen men came into +line in the rear, and the little party started at a sharp trot, which, +owing to his lack of skill as a horseman, effectually prevented Seth +from joining in the conversation the captain endeavored to carry on. + +In half an hour or less the squad had arrived at the bank of the creek, +and Seth dismounted. + +"The next time you come this way I'll try to treat you in a better +fashion, lad," Captain Jordan said, and Seth replied as the party rode +away: + +"I don't doubt that; but the next time I come it will be with more +caution, fearing lest I meet with those who will be quicker to give me +the Tory's portion than were you." + +Then he set out at a rapid pace, congratulating himself his troubles +were over, and that he would be at home before any of the inmates of +his mother's house should question his prolonged absence. + +He believed his mission had been accomplished; that he had rendered no +slight service to the cause, and that there was no longer any danger to +be apprehended. + +He whistled as he walked, giving but little heed to what might be +before or behind him, until, within less than five minutes from the +time he had parted with the American horsemen, he was confronted by a +squad of the Queen's Rangers, commanded by a lieutenant. + +"Take him up in front of you," the officer said to the trooper nearest +him. "We can't be delayed by forcing him to march on foot." + +"What are you to do with me?" Seth cried in surprise, for this command +was the first word which had been spoken by either party. + +"That remains to be seen," the officer replied curtly. + +"But there is no reason for arresting me," Seth continued. "I am the +son of Mrs. Graydon, who keeps the boarding-house in Drinker's Alley." + +"Ah! Indeed?" + +"Certainly I am, and any of the officers who live there can vouch for +me." + +"Those who vouch for you would be indiscreet," the lieutenant said +sharply. "You are under arrest, and it is possible may persuade the +commander that Mrs. Graydon's son does not hold communication with the +rebels; but any protestations on your part would be useless, so far as +we are concerned, for we saw you escorted by a squad of rebel horsemen. +Mount in front of the trooper and make no parley. General Howe has a +short shrift for spies, and we shall not spend our time here convincing +you that your treason has been discovered." + +Seth was almost helpless through fear. + +Since the Rangers had seen him riding in company with Continental +troopers there was little question but that he would be considered a +spy, and he knew what would probably be the punishment. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +IN SORE DISTRESS. + + +Seth was literally overwhelmed by the misfortune which had come upon +him. + +After Colonel Powers interposed to prevent the threatened whipping by +the American soldiers, he believed his troubles were over, and that +he might be made prisoner by the British was a possibility he never +contemplated. + +It was not necessary any one should explain to him how dangerous was +his situation. + +The lieutenant and his men had seen him escorted by a body of "rebel" +troops in such a manner as to show they were friends, and then he +had come directly toward the city, all of which would be sufficient +to prove him a spy in these times, when an accusation was almost +equivalent to a verdict of guilty. + +And poor Seth was well aware what punishment was dealt out to spies. +He had seen one man hanged for such an offense, and remained in the +house on two other occasions lest he should inadvertently witness some +portion of other horrible spectacles. + +He knew the evidence against him was sufficient for conviction, and +understood that, once sentence had been passed, there was little or no +hope for mercy. + +It is not strange, nor was it any proof of cowardice, that he was so +overcome by the knowledge of his position as to be thoroughly unnerved; +and when, on arriving at the outskirts of the town, the lieutenant +ordered him to dismount and walk, he was able to do so only after being +assisted by a soldier on either side. + +Like one in a dream he understood, as they went toward the prison, that +all the idlers on the streets followed, hooting and yelling, and once +he fancied some person called him by name, but it was as if he could +not raise his head to look around. + +The only facts he fully realized were that he stood face to face with +a shameful death, and that by the rules of war he fully deserved it. + +He had been so proud when it was decided by lot that he should carry +the information to the Continental army, and believed himself so brave! +Now, however, he understood that he was acting as a coward would act, +and tried again and again to appear more courageous. + +"If my death was to be of great benefit to the cause, it would not seem +so hard," he repeated to himself more than once during that disgraceful +journey through the streets, while he was being jeered at, as many +American soldiers had been, when he was among the rabble, although not +of them. + +If he was wearing a uniform of buff and blue, he knew that among those +who saw him would be many sympathizers; but in civilian's garb he could +not be distinguished from some vile criminal, and there would be no +glory in what he was called upon to suffer. + +The Rangers led him past the town-house, and in the yard, still +standing on the pillory, he saw Ezra Grimshaw. + +The soldier must have recognized the boy as he passed, but yet he +gave no token of recognition, and so sore was Seth's distress that he +failed to understand how much more desperate would be his strait if the +"market-stopper" had greeted him as a friend. + +When the jail-door closed behind him with a sullen clang it sounded +in the boy's ears like a knell of doom, and he firmly believed that +when he next passed through the portal it would be on his way to the +scaffold. + +After being heavily ironed he was thrust into a cell so small that he +could hardly have stood upright even though the fetters were removed, +and there left to the misery of his own thoughts. + +During the march through the city he had not raised his head, save +while passing the pillory, therefore was ignorant of the fact that +Jacob and Enoch had followed him as closely as the soldiers would +permit, hoping an opportunity to whisper a cheering word in his ear +might present itself. + +Even though Seth had not been so bowed down by grief, it is hardly +probable his friends would have been allowed to communicate with him; +but he might have been cheered by their glances, knowing he was not +alone among enemies. + +Yet even this poor consolation was denied him, and when the door of +the jail finally hid him from view, Enoch and Jacob stood silent and +motionless in front of the sinister-looking building, gazing with grief +and dismay at each other. + +"How _do_ you suppose they caught him?" Enoch asked after a long time +of silence, during which Jacob had led him out on to High Street lest +their sorrow should be observed by some of the enemy, and they arrested +on the charge of having aided the alleged spy. + +"We shall most likely hear the story the Rangers tell, for it will soon +be known around town, although we shan't be able to say whether it's +the truth." + +"Do you suppose he found any officer of our army?" + +"I think he must have done so. It isn't reasonable to suppose they made +him a prisoner simply because he walked out into the country. Besides, +I heard one of the Rangers tell a friend that Seth was a spy. Perhaps +they captured him just as he was leaving the Continental camp." + +"Do you think they will hang him?" and Enoch's voice trembled as he +asked the question. + +"Yes, if it is proven he's a spy, and the Britishers who made the +capture will take good care their stories are strong enough to do +that." + +"But, Jacob, must we remain quiet while they are killing poor Seth?" +and now the big tears were rolling down Enoch's cheeks. + +"We shall be forced to, if the matter goes as far as that. We must do +what we can before he is put on trial." + +"But, what _can_ we do? We have no friends among the Britishers, and +even though we had it isn't likely we could prevent General Howe from +doing as he pleases!" + +"Then you believe we can do nothing?" Jacob said almost despairingly. + +"It doesn't seem possible, although I would suffer anything, except +death itself, to help him. Oh, Jacob!" Enoch cried as a sudden thought +came into his mind. "We must tell his mother where he is, and that will +be terrible!" + +Jacob made no reply. He believed it unmanly to cry, and the tears were +so near his eyelids that he dared not speak lest they should flow as +copiously as Enoch's. + +The two were walking up High Street, unconscious of the direction +in which they were going, when Jacob gave vent to an exclamation of +mingled surprise and joy as he cried: + +"What a stupid I have been not to think of him! He would be a very +pleasant gentleman if he wasn't a Britisher!" + +"Whom do you mean?" and Enoch looked around in perplexity. + +"There! On the other side of the street, coming this way!" + +"I don't see any one except Lord Cosmo Gordon, who lives at Seth's +home." + +"And that is the very man who will help us if it is possible for him to +do anything." + +"Do you mean that a Britisher would speak a good word for Seth after it +is known he has been carrying information to the Continental army?" + +"I'm not so certain about that; but I feel positive if any of the enemy +would do a good turn, that one is Lord Gordon. Have you ever seen a +more pleasant gentleman?" + +"He has always been very kind; but then he did not know we were willing +to work against his king." + +"Of course he knew it! How many times has he called us young rebels, +and declared that when we were ripe for the army he would take good +care we did not get the chance to enlist?" + +"He was only in sport, and would talk differently if he knew what we +have done." + +"It can do no harm to try. Seth is likely to be hanged as a spy, and no +worse punishment can be given him. I am going to tell Lord Gordon the +story. Will you come?" + +Enoch hesitated just an instant as the thought came to his mind that by +acknowledging their share in what had been done they might be making +great trouble for themselves, and then, his better nature asserting +itself, he replied: + +"I will follow you to do anything that might by chance help poor Seth." + +Jacob had hardly waited for him to speak. Lord Gordon was already +opposite, walking rapidly past, and unless they overtook him at once he +must soon be so far away that an undignified chase would be necessary. + +Master Ludwick crossed the street at a run, Enoch following closely +behind, and a few seconds later, to his great surprise, Lord Gordon was +brought to a standstill as Jacob halted directly in front of him. + +"Ah! here are two of my young rebels! Where is the third? I thought you +were an inseparable trio." + +"I don't know what you mean by that, sir; but we're in most terrible +trouble, and you have always been so kind, even though you are a--I +mean, you've been so kind that I thought--I mean, I was in hopes you +could--you would be willing to----" + +"I can well understand that you are now having trouble to talk +plainly," Lord Gordon said with a smile. "I gather from the beginning +of your incoherent remarks that you have come to me for assistance. The +rebels have at last turned to the British for relief!" + +"But this is something terrible!" Jacob exclaimed vehemently, and then, +after trying unsuccessfully to think of the proper words, he cried, +"Seth is going to be hanged!" + +"Hanged! You rebels don't go to the gallows so young; in fact evince a +decided aversion to anything of the kind. Now take plenty of time, and +try to tell me what disturbs you so seriously," Lord Gordon said with +a hearty laugh. "I had an engagement at the tavern; but am willing to +break it if I can do anything to make good subjects for his majesty of +you three boys." + +"But this is no laughing matter, sir," Jacob cried, despairing of being +able to make the Englishman understand how desperate was the situation. +"Seth Graydon has been arrested as a spy, and is in prison at this +instant!" + +"What?" and now the smile faded from Lord Gordon's face. "Do you mean +our Seth--your comrade?" + +"Indeed I do, sir!" + +"But it is incredible! He hasn't been out of the city, and although I +suppose he has hopes of some day entering the American army, as all you +young rebels have, he is not in a position where he could play the spy, +however much he may be willing to do so." + +Jacob looked confused; he was not certain but that he might be injuring +his friend's cause by confessing the truth, and yet at the some time it +was not reasonable to suppose Lord Gordon could render any assistance +unless he understood the entire affair. + +"Tell his lordship the whole story," Enoch said in a low tone. "I am +certain he would not use it against any of us." + +"Yes, my lad, it will be better to tell me the truth. I do not promise +to aid you; but I will treat as confidential anything you may say." + +The officer's tone was so kindly that Jacob hesitated no longer. He +told all he knew regarding the matter, making no attempt to conceal the +fact that Seth had listened to the conversation of the guests in his +mother's house, and when he concluded Lord Gordon stood silent, like +one who is trying to settle some vexed question. + +Then he said, as if to himself: + +"This will be sad news for his mother, and she is a worthy woman!" + +"It will just about kill her!" Enoch cried. + +"Did she know he was going to meet the rebels?" and now the officer +spoke sternly. + +"Indeed she didn't, sir. Enoch and I told her he had gone out on the +Delaware Road; but made it appear that we were ignorant as to why he +went." + +"Why should you not have told the truth?" + +"We were afraid she might think it her duty to tell you, because what +he learned had been gained--well, perhaps it wouldn't have been just +right to take such an advantage except in a case like this, where no +fellow could sit still knowing his friends might be running into a +trap." + +"Don't you think Mrs. Graydon ever carried any information to the +American camp?" + +"I am sure she never did--not since General Howe has been in this +city," Enoch replied promptly. + +"Why are you so positive?" + +"I've heard her say that if we are willing to take your money, we +should at least be true to you for the time being." + +"It is quite evident you boys are not of the same opinion." + +"We expect to go into the army very soon, and it is our duty to do all +we can to aid the cause," Jacob said stoutly. + +"And you know, while you are trying to aid the cause, what is to be +expected if you are captured?" + +Jacob understood that he was not aiding his friend by speaking boldly, +and Lord Gordon had so clearly the best of him in the matter that he +was wholly at loss for a reply. + +"We never believed that by going to where Seth would meet the +Continentals anything more could come of it than a flogging, and that +seemed terrible enough," Enoch cried. "Seth had no idea he might be +arrested as a spy!" + +"We won't quibble about the fine points of the case, my lad. It is +a fact that he has voluntarily placed himself in a position where +he certainly appears as if he had been acting the spy, and there is, +perhaps, not an officer in his majesty's army, except myself, who would +believe that this is his first wrongdoing." + +Jacob was on the point of saying that there could be nothing wrong in +aiding one's country, but, fortunately for Seth, he realized in time +that Lord Gordon considered the Americans rebels, rather than patriots, +and to him anything of the kind would not seem praiseworthy. + +"Can't you help him, sir?" Enoch asked imploringly, understanding that +nothing could be gained by discussing the matter. + +"I am afraid my influence is not sufficient to effect anything while +the charge is so serious. There is but one punishment for spies, and it +is seldom crimes of that kind are pardoned." + +"Then must poor Seth be hanged?" + +"I shall do what I can to help him, my lad, of that you may be certain. +Possibly we may be able to have a lighter charge brought against him, +and to that end I will work. His mother must know he is in prison, but +need not be told he is there as a spy. Disagreeable though the task +will be, I take it upon myself to acquaint her with some of the reasons +for his absence, and also promise to do all in my power to save his +life." + +"If General Howe will let him off with a flogging, Jacob and I are +willing to come up for our share of the punishment as the price of +setting Seth free." + +"That is a generous offer, Enoch, whether it be a fair one or not. Meet +me at the City Tavern to-morrow forenoon at ten o'clock, and I will +then let you know what can be done." + +Both the boys would have thanked the kindly Englishman for the interest +he displayed in their comrade, but that he checked their grateful words +by saying hurriedly: + +"It is exceedingly bad taste to have a scene on the street, boys, +therefore we will say no more about it to-day. Perhaps when I see you +to-morrow there will be no occasion to thank me, for I really have but +little influence with General Howe. Don't show yourself to Mrs. Graydon +to-night, for she would soon learn the sad news from the expression on +your faces, and, unless it is absolutely necessary, I do not propose +that the worthy lady shall know in what sore distress her son is, +through his own recklessness." + +Then Lord Gordon walked rapidly away, allowing the boys no time to make +a reply, and although he had not given them very much encouragement, +both felt decidedly relieved because of the interview. + +"If he can't help Seth there isn't a Britisher in this city who can," +Jacob said with emphasis. "He's the only one I know of who'd even take +the trouble to talk with a couple of boys." + +"But what are we to do now? I don't feel as if I could go home while +poor Seth is in prison, and most likely thinking every minute of the +scaffold." + +"We can't do him any good by walking around the streets, and I don't +want to go out to Germantown, because I might not be able to get back +in time to meet Lord Gordon. Suppose I sleep at your mother's house +to-night?" + +"I'll be glad to have you, and she will make no question. Are we to +tell her?" + +"I think we shall be obliged to. It may be we can do something to help +Seth, and she must know why you are absent from the house, in case it +so happens we want to be away." + +If Enoch had feared his mother would reproach him for having taken even +a passive part in what might lead to Seth's death, he was mistaken. +She spoke only of her sympathy for Mrs. Graydon, and the hope that Lord +Gordon would aid the unfortunate boy in some way. + +"If I was in Seth's place, mother, should you blame me for having tried +to aid the cause?" + +"No, my son. You are old enough to know your own mind, and should be at +liberty to do that which you think right." + +"Then you would make no question if I wanted to enlist?" + +"That is for you to decide, my boy. Your mother's heart would be very +near breaking if you were killed; but her sorrow could be no greater +than is borne uncomplainingly by many mothers in this country where +brave men are struggling for freedom." + +Never had Enoch appreciated his mother's love as he did at this moment, +and when he and Jacob bade her good-night both boys kissed her with +unusual tenderness. + +Fully an hour before the time appointed Jacob and Enoch were at the +rendezvous waiting for Lord Gordon. + +Many times that morning had they heard comments made upon Seth's +arrest, and the opinion of all was to the effect that he would suffer +the fate of a spy, whether he was really guilty or not. + +"The appearances are against him," a gentleman friend of Enoch's mother +said when the story had been told him in the hope he might aid the +prisoner in some way. "Those who made the capture say they saw him +escorted to the bank of the creek by a squad of Continental troopers, +and that he appeared to be on the most friendly terms with them. That +is sufficient to prove him a spy, and I question if there is in this +city a single person, with the exception of General Howe himself, who +could serve him." + +Both the boys heard this remark, and were no longer hopeful regarding +Lord Gordon's ability to save their comrade, however much he might +desire to do so. + +The officer was punctual to the appointment he had made, and at once +invited them into the coffee-room of the tavern, saying as he did so: + +"It is not well we should stand on the street where all may see us, for +it may be important that I should not appear to be on friendly terms +with you." + +When they were where a conversation could be conducted with some +degree of privacy the boys waited for their companion to speak, but he +remained silent, as if in deep thought, until Enoch asked timidly: + +"Will it be possible for your lordship to help poor Seth?" + +"I am not certain, my lad, although I hope so. The case is far more +serious than I deemed possible yesterday. I believe the story you told; +but you could not persuade others it is true, and I have no doubt but +that he will be found guilty." + +"Does his mother know?" Enoch whispered. + +"I thought it best to tell her at least a portion of the story, for +she would have heard it from the gossips before this time. I have not +concealed from her the fact that he is in a most serious position; but +at the same time have allowed the good woman to believe I could effect +his release." + +"And now you do not think that will be possible?" + +Instead of replying to this question Lord Gordon asked suddenly: + +"How far would you two boys go in trying to release your comrade?" + +"We are ready to take any chances," Jacob replied firmly. + +"Does that mean you would imperil your lives in the effort to save his?" + +The boys looked at each other in something very like alarm, for Lord +Gordon's tone was exceedingly grave, and then Enoch replied in a voice +which trembled despite all his efforts to render it steady: + +"I am willing and ready to do anything, no matter what, to help Seth." + +"So am I," Jacob added emphatically. + +While one might have counted twenty Lord Gordon remained silent, +looking like a man who is uncertain as to what he ought to do, and then +he said quietly: + +"Then meet me opposite the town-house at half an hour before midnight. +It is only by desperate measures that his life can be saved, and I am +ready to aid you in so far as I can without dishonor. It will not be +well for us to be seen together, neither are you to visit Mrs. Graydon. +Be at the rendezvous promptly, and Seth shall be free by sunrise, or +there will no longer remain any hope of aiding him." + +Without giving them an opportunity to question him, Lord Gordon walked +out of the building, leaving them gazing questioningly into each +other's eyes. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +A BOLD SCHEME. + + +The boys were so thoroughly surprised by Lord Gordon's making an +appointment with them as hardly to be conscious of what they did +immediately after he left the room. + +They sat motionless as if in bewilderment, each fancying he had an +inkling of his lordship's intentions, and not daring to believe that +which was in his mind. + +Both must have remained in this condition of stupefaction many +moments, for finally one of the attendants came up, tapped Jacob more +energetically than politely on the shoulder, and intimated that if he +did not wish to be served with anything he could spend his time quite +as profitably, so far as the management of the tavern was concerned, in +some other place. + +Master Ludwick, understanding that he had the right to be in the +hostelry, because of having been introduced by one of the landlord's +best patrons, and angry at being treated as if he was not a desirable +guest, said sharply: + +"We are here because Lord Gordon invited us to enter with him, and we +shall stay until it seems best to go." + +The servant muttered something which was probably intended as an +apology, and made no further attempt to drive the boys from the +coffee-room; but Enoch did not feel altogether at ease after this +incident. + +"Let us go, Jacob," he whispered. "As the servant said, this is no +place for us, and, besides, we cannot be as private here as I would +like while speaking of Lord Gordon's intentions." + +"I should have gone before but for that impudent fellow, and now we +have stayed so long that it cannot be said we ran away because of his +words, I am ready. Where shall we go?" + +"Anywhere, so we can be alone." + +"To your house?" + +"No. If I do not mistake Lord Gordon, there is serious work before us +this night, and I would rather not be where mother could question me." + +"Why?" + +"Because I should betray that which is in my mind when she first began +to talk, and if I am correct in putting a meaning on his lordship's +words, it is better that no one save ourselves knows what is to be +done, lest by the knowing they could be considered as in some way +guilty of our acts." + +By this time the boys were on the sidewalk in the midst of a group of +idle officers and civilians who were commenting upon the news of the +day, and the major of the Forty-second Highlanders, who was well known +to both Jacob and Enoch because of the fact that he boarded at Seth's +home, was speaking sufficiently loud for them to hear his remark as +they passed. + +"According to the report of the lieutenant of the Rangers, there can be +no question but that the little rascal has been in communication with +the American forces for a long while, and it is not difficult now to +understand how information of our movements reached the rebel officers. +Among ourselves at the boarding-house we have talked freely, little +thinking a boy, hardly more than fifteen years of age, was playing the +spy; but his career will shortly be ended." + +"When will he be court-martialed?" the major's companion asked. + +"To-morrow afternoon, and probably hanged on the following morning." + +"Then you have no doubt as to the result?" + +"There can be no doubt, my dear sir. The evidence is so conclusive +against him that I see no loophole of escape. All I regret is +that he has been allowed to ply his trade as spy so long and so +advantageously." + +"Come away, Jacob," Enoch whispered, clutching his comrade nervously by +the coat-sleeve. "It is fortunate for poor Seth that all the Britishers +are not as hard-hearted as the major." + +"We should stay long enough to convince him he is telling that which is +not true," Master Ludwick replied stoutly; but at the same time obeying +the pressure of his friend's hand by moving away from the group. + +"It would be difficult to persuade him he was speaking that which is +false. You remember Lord Gordon told us he was probably the only person +in the British army who would believe our statement in face of the +proof against poor Seth." + +"Lord Gordon is a man, even though he is a Britisher." + +"And I hope the time will come when I can do him as great a service as +he is willing to do Seth." + +Enoch gave words to this desire simply as a mode of expressing his +admiration for the kindly-hearted officer who would forget a quarrel +of nations to aid a widow and the fatherless. He little dreamed that +before many weeks had passed he would be in a position to do Lord +Gordon quite as great a service as that gentleman was evidently about +to do for Seth. + +The two boys continued on up High Street to Sixth, and then through +Walnut to the long shed adjoining the State-house yard, where the +Indians who came into town on business were accustomed to take shelter, +and there they halted for a consultation, or, rather, to settle in +their own minds what his lordship meant when he appointed an interview +at midnight near the pillory. + +"He despairs of trying to aid Seth through General Howe," Enoch said as +if thinking aloud. + +"And intends that we shall help him break jail," Jacob added. + +"In that case the poor fellow will still be in danger of being hanged, +in case the British ever catch him again." + +"Very true; but he will be much better off, according to my way of +thinking, with a price set upon his head by General Howe, providing +he is with the American army, than if he remains here until day after +to-morrow, when, as the major says, he will most likely be hanged." + +"Of course that is true. I was only thinking that if we succeeded in +effecting his release we should not remove the danger from him, so far +as the British are concerned." + +"I am well satisfied if so much can be done. I wish Lord Gordon had +thought it best to give us more of an idea regarding his plans, so we +might make our preparations." + +"But what could you do if we knew positively that he intends to help +Seth escape from jail?" + +"Nothing, although it seems as if we would be better able to perform +the work if we made some preparations." + +"Do you think it will be necessary for us to run away with him?" + +"That must be as Lord Gordon says. Your mother knows exactly the +condition of affairs, and will understand that we are working in +Seth's behalf, in case you should not come home to-night. If you and +I accompany him in his flight, I will trust to it that his lordship +finds a way to send word to our people without making any trouble for +himself. And in case we go we shall be no worse off than a great many +others in this country. Remember Judge McKean, who last year was hunted +like a fox through the State, forced to move his family five times, and +hide them at last in a little log hut in the woods. Knowing what he and +his suffered for the cause, we should not complain however hard our lot +may be." + +"I am not complaining, Jacob. I stand ready to bear anything which +falls to my share, if by so doing I can be of service to the cause; but +it isn't possible we could ever do as much as Judge McKean, who signed +the Declaration of Independence." + +"We can at least do our share toward making good the statement which +he signed, and as to the future, so that we get Seth out of the +Britishers' clutches we won't trouble our heads. It seems to me the +most important question now is, what we are to do between this and +midnight. We ought not to be seen loitering around the streets." + +"Suppose you go down to my home and ask mother to give us as much +food as will last us twenty-four hours. We will then go out near the +Carpenter mansion, where we can remain hidden in the grove until night. +Such of the provisions as we do not eat during the day will suffice for +Seth to take with him in his flight." + +"That is a good idea, Enoch, and it will be doing something toward +preparing for the night's work. Now, where think you will Seth easiest +find the American forces? Where he saw them yesterday? Or in the +direction of Valley Forge?" + +"I think that is a question Lord Gordon himself can best decide, for he +will most probably know in which direction it would be safest for Seth +to travel. Shall I wait here, or walk part of the way home with you?" + +"Stay where you are. I will be back in half an hour." + +Mrs. Ball must have suspected that the boys were engaged in some +important work, for, like the wise woman she was, she complied with +her son's request, asking not so much as a single question, and scanty +though her store of provisions was, collected such an amount as would +have sufficed to feed two hungry boys at least three days. + +Wrapping the collection neatly in a cloth, she placed it in a small +bag, saying as she did so: + +"It will be easier to carry in this, with not so much chance of wasting +it. Tell Enoch that his mother's prayers will follow him until he comes +back to her, and say that he is to remember how eagerly she watches for +his return." + +"I think he'll be back before to-morrow, Mrs. Ball; but if he isn't, +don't you worry. There's a certain Britisher in this city who's got +a heart under his red coat, and if it happens Enoch is to remain away +very long, that same Britisher will send you word." + +"God bless you, boys! God bless all of you, and prosper you in your +undertaking!" + +There was a suspicious moisture in Jacob's eyes as he hurried through +Letitia Street to where his comrade was awaiting him; but by the aid +of one corner of the bag he succeeded so far in effacing the telltale +sign of weakness that no one would have suspected how very near he was +to breaking down entirely, simply because of the kindly words spoken by +the mistress of the dancing school. + +The hours passed slowly and wearily to the two boys who had nothing +more to do than spend the time in waiting; but finally the moment +came when, in order to keep the appointment, they must leave their +retreat in the grove, and it was with a sense of decided relief that +they hurried forward, although knowing that they were hastening on a +perilous venture. + +On arriving at that side of the town-house where stood the pillory, not +a person was to be seen. + +Fortunately they had met with no one, not even the patrol, during their +walk down from Sixth Street, and as they stood behind the instrument of +torture whereon Grimshaw had passed so many painful hours it was safe +to assume that no person unfriendly to their design was aware of their +whereabouts. + +Five, ten minutes passed, and yet no sign of life upon the deserted +street. + +"Something has happened; he cannot come," Enoch whispered nervously. + +"I will answer for him," Jacob replied confidently. "He isn't the kind +of a man who would back out after promising, and he knows we will wait +for him even though he is two hours late." + +"If any of the Britishers should see us, we would be put under arrest." + +"But there is no danger of that, not while we stay here, and the +night is so dark that the redcoats would be obliged to hunt around +a good while before finding us. I don't think it is safe to talk, +because--here comes some one! Now the question is whether it's the man +we are waiting for." + +In the gloom the boys could faintly see a dark form coming up the +street, and with loudly beating hearts they waited until the figure was +nearly opposite, when a low whistle broke the silence, and Enoch said +with a long-drawn sigh of relief: + +"It is him. No one else would make a signal here." + +Then, without waiting for an opinion from his comrade, he stepped out +in view, and the newcomer directed his steps toward the pillory. + +It was Lord Gordon, and he said, as he approached: + +"You have a good hiding-place here, and we'll take advantage of it, +because I have a few words to say before we proceed to business." Then, +stepping back behind the scaffold, he continued in a low, grave tone: +"Unless I was firmly convinced that the story you told me regarding +Seth's movements was true, and unless I believed you when you say this +is the first time he has ever carried information to the Americans, +I should not attempt to aid you. That which I am doing may seem +dishonorable to those who do not know all the facts in the case. My own +conscience approves, however, and I shall do what, as an officer in the +British army, I ought not to do, in order to save from a disgraceful +death a boy who has been indiscreet--not guilty as a spy. But although +I can thus satisfy my conscience, I could not have my actions known to +the commander of the forces without laying myself open--and justly--to +a charge of treason. Therefore I ask that from this moment you boys +forget that I ever gave advice or assistance in the matter." + +"No one shall ever hear your name from us," Jacob said when Lord Gordon +paused as if for a reply. + +"I shall trust you, my boy, for although I am doing no dishonorable +act, as we view the matter, my honor would be at stake if you should +incautiously betray my share in this affair. I think now you understand +the position which I occupy, and we will say no more about it. This +is the only way by which we can aid your friend. If he is here, he +will be brought before the court to-morrow; conviction is absolutely +certain to follow, and then comes the execution. To plead with General +Howe would be not only a waste of words, but cause suspicion in case +the boy should escape later. I have here an old pass, signed by the +general to visit the prison, issued in blank so that it may be used +by any one. I have filled in your names. You will present it boldly +at the door. There will be no question raised. You will be conducted +to the prisoner's cell, and there you are to remain until a soldier +opens the door, and repeats these three words: 'It is time!' Then walk +out unconcernedly, all of you. If the plan which I have arranged is +successful, you will see no one save the man who gives the signal. It +can only fail through some officer or soldier going advertently into +the corridor, in which case the prisoner will be in no worse position +than before; but you will share his cell because of having attempted to +effect his escape. Should this last unfortunately occur, both of you +will probably be severely punished--flogged, I should say--and that +is the risk which you must take if you would aid Seth. Barring the +inopportune coming of some person, the scheme will go through without +trouble, for the man on duty is an old follower of mine, upon whom I +can depend to the death." + +"Will he not be punished for allowing Seth to escape?" Enoch asked. + +"That part of it I can manage. All which concerns you is to get +yourself and your comrade out of prison once you have entered." + +"Where shall we go in case we succeed?" Jacob asked. + +"That you must decide for yourselves. My advice would be for Seth to +push on toward the headquarters of the American army at full speed, and +you boys return to your homes." + +"But it will be known that we visited Seth, because you say our names +are on this paper." + +"That pass will not be seen by any one, unless it chances you are +discovered, and then the soldier on duty will use it as his warrant for +admitting you at such an hour." + +"Why shouldn't we go with Seth?" Jacob asked, detaining Lord Gordon as +he would have moved away. + +"Because one boy has better chance of making his way across the country +unobserved than three would have. And again, perhaps I am not willing +to assist in increasing the number of the rebel forces to such an +extent. However, you are at liberty to do as you choose about it. I +have simply advised that he go while you remain here. Now my portion +of the work is done; it remains for you to execute the plan; and I +hope most sincerely you will succeed. No, we won't have any thanks, or +formalities of that kind, my lad," the officer added when Enoch took +him by the hand as if he would have kissed it. "I have done only that +which seems right; but which to the world will seem wrong. Perhaps some +time in the future, when we are no longer supposed to be enemies, you +can give free words to your gratitude. Be stout-hearted; move as if you +had a right to go and come as you please, and do not lose your courage +in event of failure." + +Lord Gordon disappeared from view immediately after he ceased speaking, +and during fully a moment the two boys stood facing each other, silent +and motionless. + +"This won't do," Jacob said with an effort. "If the plan proves a +success, the earlier Seth is on his way the more chances he will have +of reaching our forces. If it is to be a failure, why, the quicker we +know it the sooner we'll be out of our suspense. Are you ready?" + +"Yes," Enoch whispered; "but I am terribly frightened, Jacob." + +"So long as you don't show it there's no harm done; but I am beginning +to believe that you are braver when you are frightened. Will you take +the pass, or shall I?" + +"You keep it. I will follow; but do not think I could conduct the +affair as well as you." + +"Then come. Try to think of nothing but the fact that unless we succeed +Seth will be hanged, and I allow that's enough to keep us well up to +our work." + +Swiftly, and in silence, the boys walked to the prison where their +comrade was confined, and there Jacob knocked vigorously on the iron +door, as if about to demand what was his right, rather than to ask for +a favor. + +A soldier answered the summons, and as he looked at the pass which +Master Ludwick held out Enoch fancied a peculiar expression came over +his face, as if he had been expecting to see that particular piece of +paper. + +Jacob stepped over the threshold without waiting for an invitation, and +his comrade followed. + +The soldier, who had not spoken, led the way in silence down the +corridor, unlocked a heavily barred door cautiously, as if it was his +desire to avoid making a noise, and motioned for the boys to enter. + +It was so dark in the small cell that the visitors could not +distinguish any object. + +"Seth!" Jacob whispered. "Where are you, Seth?" + +A glad cry of surprise came from out the darkness; a clanking of chains +was heard, and the despairing prisoner cried hysterically: + +"Oh, Jacob! Jacob! Is it you?" + +"It is indeed, Seth, and Enoch is with me," Master Ludwick said in a +whisper. "You had best not talk loud, for there is no reason why any +one save the soldier on duty should know we are here." + +"But how did you get in?" + +"Never mind that part of it, Seth. At least not until we are outside." + +"Outside! What do you mean?" + +"Through a friend, whose name must not be spoken, there is a chance +you may escape, and it is necessary we are ready to act instantly the +signal is given." + +"But I don't understand----" + +"Don't try. Simply know that perhaps you will walk out of here this +night free, and keep your mind steadily on the fact that if we succeed +you must be precious near the American forces by daylight." + +"But how is he to walk with those chains on him?" Enoch whispered. +"That is something we never thought of, and it will be impossible for +him to go on to the street fettered as he is." + +"Now I begin to understand!" Seth exclaimed. "A soldier came in here +half an hour ago, and after looking over these irons as if to make sure +they were fastened, left the key in the lock of the fetters which are +around my wrists. Do you suppose he intended to do so?" + +"That is exactly the idea, and we can thank--our friend for having +thought of it. Let me see if we can get them off in the darkness." + +Aided by Seth's directions Jacob had little difficulty in removing the +fetters, and he whispered as he handed the leg-irons to Enoch: + +"Put these under your coat." + +"Why?" + +"It may be of service to him who has assisted us, in case the fetters +disappear as if Seth wore them out of the prison. We will throw them +away once we are free, if indeed we ever are." + +At this instant the cell-door was opened softly, and the boys heard a +hoarse whisper: + +"It is time!" + +"That is the signal!" Jacob said nervously. "Now, Seth, follow close at +my heels. Don't speak to any one, nor show signs of fear. This is the +moment when we shall succeed, or find ourselves in a worse plight than +before. Are you ready, Enoch?" + +"Go on! I'll keep close behind Seth." + +The three boys, trembling with suppressed excitement, hardly daring to +breathe, stepped out into the corridor with as much boldness as it was +possible to assume. + +No one could be seen save the sentry at the outer door, and he stood, +musket in hand, more like a statue than a living being. + +The thought came to Jacob that this guard could not have been the one +who gave them the signal, otherwise he would have made some gesture for +their guidance, and as they walked straight toward him the boy believed +the bold scheme was already a failure. + +The soldier remained motionless until Jacob was so near that he could +touch him, and then he swung open the heavy door. + +Jacob stepped out on the sidewalk almost fearing to turn lest he should +see that Seth had been detained. + +The prisoner followed without molestation, and as Enoch emerged the +door closed, the creaking of the heavy bolt as it was shot into its +socket telling that the prison was barred once more; but the prisoner +was on the outside. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +THE PATROL. + + +Seth appeared like one in a daze as Jacob and Enoch, ranging themselves +on either side, hurried him up the street. + +Knowing what apparently convincing proof there was against him, the +prisoner had given up all hope from the moment he was locked in a cell, +and his escape, having been effected so readily and so quickly, seemed +more like a dream than a happy reality. + +Until they arrived at Sixth Street, which was as far as the town +extended in that direction, not a word was spoken, and then Jacob, +unloosening the bag of provisions which he had carried over his +shoulder, said as he handed it to Seth: + +"Here is sufficient food for two days. You are to make your way toward +Valley Forge without thinking of fatigue, for should you be captured +again no one can save you from a disgraceful death." + +"But tell me why I was allowed to come out of jail?" + +"A friend of yours, whose name must never be mentioned, arranged +everything. We had only to go in and walk away with you." + +"What friend have I got who is so powerful?" Seth asked in amazement. + +"We are bound never to speak his name in connection with your escape, +for what he has done this night would seem like treason to those who +did not believe our story. You will guess in time, and it is enough now +that you are free." + +"But am I not to see mother?" + +"You must go without delay. We will tell her what has happened, if +she doesn't hear from other sources that a prisoner has escaped, and +she would be the first to insist that you hurry away from this town, +rather than linger where those who might capture you would be certain +to kill." + +"Where are you going?" + +"We have been advised to return home; but depend upon it, Seth, we +shall see you in the Continental army before many days have passed, +for now it is our firm intention to enlist at the first opportunity. +Remember that you will not be safe until you are with our friends, +and that it is likely you can continue the flight uninterruptedly +during the hours of darkness. When the morning comes you must be more +cautious. Now don't linger. Good-by, Seth dear, and remember that we +will see you again as soon as possible." + +The escaped prisoner clasped his friends by the hands for a single +instant, and then turned as if reluctant to leave them. + +Jacob pressed Enoch's arm in token that the parting must not be +prolonged, and the two hurried away, leaving Seth to complete the work +which had been so well begun. + +"It seems as if we were running away from him," Enoch said five minutes +later when they were hurrying down the street. + +"And that is exactly what we are doing. So long as we stayed he would +have lingered, and time is too precious to him to admit of its being +spent in idle conversation." + +"Even now it hardly seems possible we have really gotten him out of +prison." + +"That is because matters moved so swiftly after we began. Thank God +there is no question about his freedom, and, with so many hours the +start, I don't believe he is in much danger of being overtaken." + +"Not unless his escape is discovered very soon." + +"That is not likely to happen, for at this hour none of the Britishers +would visit him, and we may count on the whole affair remaining a +secret until some time after sunrise to-morrow. Of course I shan't +think of going to Germantown to-night, and shall sleep with you once +more." + +"Mother will be glad to see us back. The fact of your asking for +provisions most likely caused her to believe we were going on a +journey, and I know how worried she will be until we are with her once +more." + +The boys were walking at a rapid pace. + +The streets were deserted, and there appeared little likelihood of +their meeting any one before arriving at Enoch's home. + +It seemed as if everything was working in their favor on this night, +and Jacob was on the point of giving words to his happiness because of +the successful issue of their scheme, when the measured tramp, tramp, +tramp of men told that an armed force was abroad. + +"It is the patrol!" Enoch whispered. "Now unless we can keep out of +sight there is a chance for trouble!" + +"Don't run!" his companion said sharply as he was quickening his pace, +evidently with the intention of darting into the nearest doorway. +"Flight would arouse suspicion, and most likely we have been heard +talking. Our only course is to walk boldly on, as if we had good +reasons for being abroad at this hour." + +That they had been observed even in the darkness was apparent as the +officer commanding the patrol stepped quickly toward them, and the boys +involuntarily halted. + +"Who are you, and what are you doing abroad at midnight?" + +"I live in Germantown," Jacob replied, not thinking it wise to mention +his own name, for Ludwick the baker was well known to the enemy, "and +am visiting my friend, Enoch Ball, who lives on Letitia Street. We have +been out in the country, and were delayed longer than was anticipated." + +"I have heard it mentioned that young Ball and Chris Ludwick's son were +friends of the spy who will soon be hanged," one of the soldiers said. + +"Is the baker your father?" the officer asked sharply. + +"He is." + +"And you and the spy are cronies?" + +"Yes." + +"Fall in then! It will be as well that we have a full explanation as to +why you are out at this time of night." + +"Do you mean that we are prisoners?" Enoch asked in dismay. + +"Exactly, and as I do not propose to give further explanation, you may +as well move on at once. Don't attempt to play any tricks, or it will +be exceedingly unpleasant." + +Not until this moment did Jacob remember that he and Enoch were +carrying the fetters which had been removed from Seth's legs and arms, +and now he deplored most bitterly his excess of precaution in taking +them away from the jail. + +He had thought that by removing the irons Seth's escape would appear +more of a mystery; instead of which they had simply kept evidences +which might convict them of complicity in a deed that would be most +severely punished. + +He had made a mistake in thus being so cautious, and instantly this +fact came into his mind he made a second and yet graver one, by +attempting to dispose of the telltale fetters. + +As he flung the irons from him by a quick movement, which he hoped +might fail to attract attention, they struck with an ominous clang upon +a rock in the street, and at the same instant the officer seized him by +the collar. + +"One of you see what that was he threw away! These boys who have had an +excursion into the country may not be as innocent of wrongdoing as at +first appeared." + +It was not difficult for the soldiers to find the heavy fetters, and +the officer appeared perplexed when they were brought to him; turning +he asked sternly: + +"Where did you get these?" + +Jacob made no reply. + +"Search him!" was the sharp command. "Search them both!" + +As a matter of course the second pair of irons was found in Enoch's +possession, and now the boys were no longer ordered to "fall in," but +were marched to the prison closely guarded by a soldier on either side. + +They had succeeded in effecting the release of their friend, and by +so doing had placed themselves in a decidedly disagreeable, if not +dangerous, position. + +The same soldier who had allowed them to march out of the jail with +the prisoner received them when they were brought in, and as he opened +the door in response to the summons of the patrol an expression of +surprise, almost dismay, passed over his face. It was gone instantly, +however, and once more he was the same automaton it is believed a +soldier should be. + +"You will lock these prisoners in securely, and take care that +no one has access to them until the officer of the day sends his +instructions." + +Once more the boys walked through the dimly lighted corridor, passed +the cell from which Seth had so lately escaped, and were thrust into +the one adjoining. + +Then the door was locked upon them, and they were left in the darkness +to their gloomy reflections. + +"I don't reckon we shall find much of a bed in this place," Jacob +said grimly, as he felt his way around what seemed little more than a +cage. "But we ought to get along for one night in such a hole without +grumbling, considering what we have accomplished." + +"They will understand because of the fetters that we helped Seth away," +Enoch said in a tremulous tone. + +"We knew we were taking chances when the work was begun; but I don't +think even General Howe will go so far as to declare us guilty unless +he has some proof that we did such a thing." + +"The fetters should be enough." + +"I don't think so. They must be like plenty of others belonging to the +Britishers, and who shall say they were the ones Seth wore? Look here, +Enoch, the situation is this: We must hold our tongues, absolutely +refusing to answer a single question, no matter if they flog us, for +once we confess, or admit anything, we shall be in a bad plight." + +"Do they hang people for helping spies escape?" + +"No, Enoch, you must not get any such ideas into your mind. If you +begin to think we are in danger of death you will lose courage, and +unless I'm mistaken we shall need plenty of it before we are through +with this work. Let's make ourselves as comfortable as possible, and +keep our thoughts from disagreeable subjects." + +Bravely as Jacob tried to combat his and his friend's gloomy +forebodings, both the boys were wretched in mind as well as body. + +To sleep even under the most favorable circumstances, so far as bodily +comfort was concerned, would have been well-nigh impossible while they +were in such a condition of mental depression, and even though there +had been nothing to cause alarm, wooing slumber on the stone floor was +a most difficult task. + +Jacob positively refused to speculate as to the dangers which might +threaten, and Enoch was absolutely unable to talk of anything else, +consequently little or no conversation was indulged in, and when +the morning came both listened intently for those sounds which would +betoken that the prisoner's escape was discovered. + +They heard voices in the corridor concerning some movement which had +been made during the night, and, going close to the door, Jacob learned +that a body of troops had left the city the evening previous. For what +purpose he could not learn, but judged that it was the movement which +Seth had learned of from the officers in his mother's home. + +There came into the boy's mind the thought that some important maneuver +was being executed, and he fancied they must be benefited thereby, +since the attention of the commanding general would thus be diverted +from them. + +It was not until many days after that he learned this movement, +supposed to have been so important, was nothing more than the advance +of fourteen hundred soldiers to the relief of some refugees who were +being besieged by the Americans at Billingsport. + +An hour after sunrise the boys heard the creaking of bolts as +the cell adjoining theirs was opened. Then came an exclamation of +surprise, hurried footsteps, and they knew Seth's escape had just been +discovered. + +"He has had at least eight hours, and should be well on his way to +Valley Forge by this time," Jacob whispered triumphantly, and Enoch +replied: + +"If we had only gone with him the scheme would have been a great +success." + +Two hours later the cell-door was opened, and the prisoners ordered out +in charge of a squad of soldiers, Jacob whispering as they crossed the +threshold: + +"Remember, Enoch, don't give any information, no matter what they may +do!" + +The boys looked in vain for a friendly face as they were marched out of +the prison between two files of soldiers, but none met their gaze. + +If there were any sympathetic ones among the crowd of curious people +who gathered around the prisoners and their escort, none dared betray +the true state of their feelings lest they be accused of treason, and +the two had a very good idea of the sense of loneliness amid a throng +which must have come to Seth while he was being conducted through the +city. + +At the town-house the prisoners were halted for a few moments on the +sidewalk, and then taken inside, where were several officers seated +around a table on which were many papers. + +Here their names were asked and given, and then came the question which +both knew must not be answered: + +"Why were you on the street last night at an hour past midnight?" + +"If we make any explanation, except that which you have decided we must +make, it will not be believed," Jacob replied stoutly, although he was +far from feeling brave just at that moment. + +"Do not fall into the mistake of being impertinent, you young rebel. +Anything of that kind will only aggravate the offense." + +"We have committed no offense, sir. Since you British have been in +possession of the city we have kept the peace, molesting no man." + +"Is it not true that you have been carrying information to the rebels?" + +"No, sir; we have done nothing of the kind." + +"The spy who was arrested while returning from the American lines was +a particular friend of yours?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"And you knew why he left the city on the day he was arrested?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Did you aid him in any way?" + +"There was nothing we could have done." + +"Do you know that he has escaped?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then you must have helped him." + +"It was not necessary we should do that in order to learn he had given +you the slip. We were put into the same prison he occupied, and could +readily hear the soldiers talking when it was discovered he had gone." + +"It is evident these young rebels have been well schooled, colonel, and +you will never arrive at the truth save by harsh measures," one of the +officers said petulantly to him who was conducting the examination. +"A dozen lashes would soon put them in the proper frame of mind for +telling the truth." + +"Such means must be employed if milder measures fail; but I do not care +to go into the business of flogging children if it can be avoided." + +"But these rebels are far from being children. They are active enemies +against the king, and should be given the same treatment accorded their +elders." + +"My lad," the colonel said, turning once more to Jacob, "there is no +necessity for spending time at cross-purposes. Seth Graydon, the spy, +has escaped; you are known to have been very friendly with him--have +acknowledged you were aware in advance of his visit to the rebel +camp. You were found loitering on the street after midnight, and when +apprehended had about your persons fetters similar to those which he +wore. Your best plan is to make a free confession of how you aided +him in escaping, for by so doing you may avoid exceedingly harsh +treatment." + +"We thank you for the advice, sir, because it seems as if you really +meant it for our good; but we have nothing to confess. Of course, +you can flog us as often as you see fit; but that will not effect +anything." + +"You mean that you are determined to hold your tongues as long as +possible?" one of the party said. + +"We shall say no more than we have said already. It is true we were +out last night; we had been spending the afternoon in the grove back of +the Carpenter house, and were walking peaceably toward Letitia Street +when taken into custody. That is all we can tell, and flogging will not +bring more." + +The officers conversed together several moments in a tone so low that +the prisoners could not distinguish the words, and then the colonel, +who had acted as spokesman, said sharply: + +"Hark you, lads. You are not to be punished now for your refusal to +speak, because I wish to report the case to the commanding general +before resorting to harsh measures; you shall have time to consider the +matter thoroughly, and when questioned again will be forced to make +answer. Sergeant, remove the prisoners, and see to it that no one is +allowed to communicate with them." + +The boys were decidedly surprised at such leniency; both expected +a severe flogging, and failed to understand why it had not been +administered. + +During the march back to the jail the sergeant in command of the squad +said in a friendly tone to his prisoners: + +"You boys must not make the mistake of thinking you can better your +position by refusing to answer the questions asked. I do not understand +why Colonel Monckton let you off so easily this time, for he is not +given to being tender with the whip; but this I can assure you, that +at the next refusal to speak the punishment will be inflicted, and none +the easier because it has been delayed." + +"We have nothing to tell," Jacob replied quietly. "If a friend of +ours is your prisoner are we responsible for his safe-keeping? If he +escapes, is it certain we are guilty of having aided him in avoiding a +disgraceful death under a false charge?" + +"The fetters found in your possession are sufficient proof that you +were concerned in the matter." + +"I do not understand how that can be, sergeant. If we had been able to +get him away from your men, and out of jail, do you think we would be +foolish enough to carry his fetters in our pockets?" + +"If you did not do so, how came you by the irons?" + +"That is a question we can't answer. Why not demand to know who paid +for our coats, or where we procured our hats?" + +"Your sharpness won't avail you, lad, when next you are brought before +Colonel Monckton. I would like to have you escape the whip, for I'm +not friendly disposed to such things, especially when a boy is to be +flogged; but if you won't take advice you must suffer, and there's the +end of it." + +"We thank you for your kindness, sergeant," Enoch said, speaking for +the first time since they left the prison; "but there is nothing for +us to tell. We can explain about the fetters; but shall insist that +Colonel Monckton has no right to flog us until he has some proof to +connect us with Seth's escape." + +"He thinks he has proof enough already, and so do I, for the matter of +that. It's none of my broth, though, and I hope I'll be off duty when +you're brought out for punishment." + +"When is it likely to happen?" Jacob asked. + +"That is what I can't say. It may be to-morrow, or a week from then; +but it's bound to come some day if you continue as stiff-necked as you +are this morning." + +The conversation with this particular member of the British army was +ended, and the remainder of the journey made in silence. + +On arriving at the prison they were handed over to the same soldier who +had been on duty when they entered the gloomy place twice before, and +he conducted them to the cell in a stolid manner, apparently paying no +heed to either, save to assure himself they did not give him the slip. + +When he had thrust them into the cage-like apartment, however, and +while he was standing at the door gazing around as if to satisfy +himself everything was as it should be, he whispered cautiously: + +"You have done well, lads. Some one we know says that you are to keep +up your courage and hold your tongues." + +Then the door was closed with a resounding crash, as if the jailer +feared one of the prisoners might reply, and was desirous of drowning +the sound of his voice. + +"He must have received that message since we left Colonel Monckton, +otherwise it would not be known that we had refused to speak," Jacob +whispered, and there was a hopeful ring in his tone. "The 'one we know' +was where he heard all we said." + +"But it isn't likely he could help us without bringing down suspicion +on himself." + +"It should be enough that he knows what is being done. We have one +friend among the Britishers, and that is more than Seth could have said +when he was in jail. I wonder if they count on giving us anything to +eat?" + +"I don't feel as if I should ever be hungry again," Enoch replied +mournfully. + +"But you will, and you must! If we lose courage now it can only make +matters worse, without bettering them any. I reckon on getting out of +this in time, and of escaping even a whipping." + +"How?" + +"That's what I don't know; but it is better to think that way than +to sit here fancying each moment we feel the lash of wire across our +backs. Hello, we're going to have a visitor!" + +The door was opened; but no one entered. + +A soldier shoved carelessly into the cell a jar of water and two loaves +of bread, after which the door was closed again. + +"It doesn't look as if we should hurt ourselves by eating too much," +Jacob said with an effort to appear light-hearted; "but it is a good +deal more than many friends of the cause in this very city will have +set before them to-day. Come, Enoch, let's dispose of our rations in +order to be ready for the next supply when it is brought." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +RELEASED. + + +During five long, weary weeks did Jacob and Enoch remain prisoners, and +although they lived in momentary expectation of a public flogging, the +punishment was not inflicted. + +Twice more were the boys taken before Colonel Monckton, and on each +occasion he gave them to understand that unless satisfactory answers +were returned to his questions they would be whipped severely. + +Jacob, who acted as spokesman, refused to obey the command, as he +did on the first occasion, alleging that he could not explain how the +fetters came in their possession without rendering a third party liable +to suspicion, and claimed he had rather "be flogged until he was nigh +dead" than cause suffering to an innocent person. + +The British soldier who had allowed Seth to leave the jail unchallenged +was on duty fully half the time the boys were held as prisoners, and +now and then spoke words of cheer, giving them to understand that they +were indebted to Lord Gordon for their escape from a public flogging. + +During the first four or five days of captivity they questioned the +soldier eagerly, and at every opportunity, regarding the possible +recapture of Seth; but he had no information to give them, and this +fact was decidedly more satisfactory than if he had been able to tell +them of his whereabouts, since it showed that their comrade was yet +free. + +After a week passed there was no longer any doubt but that Seth had +succeeded in gaining the American lines, and being thus assured +they had saved his life, the boys could have borne even a public +flogging with a certain degree of equanimity, because of what had been +accomplished. + +As a matter of course Enoch could have no communication with his +mother, for orders had been given that the prisoners should be allowed +no visitors. + +He believed, however, she knew all concerning him that could have been +told, through Lord Gordon. + +It was possible for the boys to have a general idea of what was going +on outside, owing to the conversations which they could overhear +between the soldiers, and it seemed as if the one whom they looked +upon as a friend made it an especial point to converse with his fellows +where they might overhear all that was said. + +Thus it was they were aware that, on the 24th and 26th of the month, +detachments of British troops went out successfully against the +Continentals; that on the 30th Abercrombie led his men against Lacey +near the Crooked Billet, forcing that officer to flight, killing +nearly a hundred soldiers, capturing fifty prisoners, and destroying or +bringing away all his baggage and stores. + +It was on the second day after Sir Henry Clinton arrived in +Philadelphia that Jacob and Enoch were released from prison. + +No formalities accompanied this, to them, very desirable change of +condition. + +Ten days previous they had been assured by Colonel Monckton that there +was sufficient proof to connect them with Seth's escape, and that their +punishment, unless they confessed, would be exceptionally severe. + +Therefore it was that they were quite as much surprised as delighted +when, on this particular morning, the cell-doors were opened and the +officer in charge of the prison announced that they were at liberty to +depart. + +"You will be closely watched," he said warningly, "and rest assured +that at the first suspicious action on the part of either, both will +be brought here again. A second arrest will be more serious than the +first." + +"If I have my way about it there won't be any second arrest," Jacob +said emphatically, and when the outer door of the jail was opened +he and Enoch darted swiftly through, as if fearing the permission to +depart might be reconsidered if they should linger in leaving. + +When the boys arrived at Enoch's home Mrs. Ball was not particularly +surprised to see them nor was it necessary they should make any +explanations as to the cause of their long absence. + +She had received, at least three times each week, an unsigned letter +containing full particulars as to their condition, and had known +several days previous that they were about to be discharged. + +"Well, Lord--I mean our British friend, is what you might call a +right up and down good fellow, even if he is fighting on the wrong +side!" Jacob exclaimed when Mrs. Ball explained why she had not been +particularly anxious regarding her son during his long imprisonment. +"If all the king's soldiers were like him, I allow there wouldn't be +very much fighting in this country." + +"He has taken a great deal of trouble to do a favor to three boys who +had no claim upon him," Enoch added reflectively. + +"But he believed Seth was innocent, and began the good work by trying +to prevent his brother officers from killing one who was no spy," Mrs. +Ball suggested. + +"Yet Seth was not what you might really call innocent, nor, for +that matter, were any of us, because he did carry information to our +friends, and we stood ready to help him." + +"But you were not spies." + +"No, mother, not exactly; but much as I hate the British, I am bound to +admit they had good cause for punishing us. I think the time has come +when Jacob and I should join Seth at the first opportunity." + +"You mean that you will enlist?" his mother asked anxiously. + +"It is our duty; but if you should say that you were not willing +yet----" + +"I shall say nothing of the kind, my son. You are old enough to decide +for yourselves, and if you think duty calls you it isn't for me to set +up my own desires against it. You must remember, however, that you +are now looked upon with suspicion by the enemy, and it will not be +as simple a matter to gain the Continental camp as it would have been +before Seth was arrested." + +"We shall succeed in doing it, never you fear," Enoch replied in a tone +of assurance, and thus it was settled that at the earliest possible +moment he and Jacob would enlist in the American army. + +As the days passed, however, the would-be recruits learned that it was +not as easy to leave the city unobserved as it previously had been. + +It was well known General Washington was ready for the summer campaign, +with his troops better disciplined and better equipped than formerly, +and the British officers, understanding that Sir Henry Clinton was +making an estimate of their abilities before assuming command of the +army, were particularly vigilant. + +Neither Jacob nor Enoch had ventured to ask for an interview with Lord +Gordon. They understood it might place him in an awkward position if +they did so, and that their gratitude could best be shown by treating +him as an enemy. + +Neither had they seen Seth's mother since their release. It was only +reasonable to suppose that Lord Gordon, being an inmate of her house, +had kept her as well informed as he had Mrs. Ball. Therefore the boys +would be serving her interests as well as their own if they refrained +from paying her a visit. + +It was arranged that they should take advantage of the first +opportunity to leave the city, without feeling obliged to give Enoch's +mother notice of the fact, and from the hour when they had been allowed +to leave the jail they spent their time roaming around the town, hoping +to meet some one who might be able to aid them. + +More than once did they discuss the advisability of setting out alone +in the direction of Valley Forge, with the hope that they might, +before traveling many miles, come upon a detachment of Americans; but +each time the subject was introduced they decided that the chances of +success were against them, owing to the vigilance of the British. + +Twice had they been halted by the patrol, when, without any intention +of setting forth on a journey, they had wandered heedlessly near the +outskirts of the city, and warned each time as to what would be the +result if they were discovered in trying to gain the "rebel" lines. + +During such enforced idleness they heard much of the carnival, or +"mischianza," as the officers termed it, which was to be given as a +testimonial in honor of General Howe on the eve of his retiring from +the command of the forces, but had not believed they would be in the +city to see the grand display. + +The boys knew that General Burgoyne, assisted by Major John Andre, had +charge of the preparations; that a mock tournament was to be a portion +of the entertainment, and that it would be held at the country-seat of +Mr. Wharton on the Delaware River. They heard that a supper-room was +being built for the occasion; that mirrors, pictures, and ornaments +designed to hold candles, were being borrowed from the wealthy +citizens; but yet so great was the desire of both to enroll themselves +as soldiers in the patriot army that neither gave much attention to the +proposed entertainment, until the morning of the 18th of May, when they +were still vainly searching for means of escape. + +During that day at least they forgot their desires in the wonderful +scene which was presented. + +As a matter of course Jacob and Enoch saw only such portion of the +entertainment as was given in public; but Major Andre himself wrote an +entertaining account to his friends in England which is given here as +interesting, inasmuch as it was the first display of the kind ever made +in North America. + +"A grand regatta began the entertainment. It consisted of three +divisions. In the first was the Ferret galley, having on board several +general officers and a number of ladies. In the center was the Hussar +galley with Sir William and Lord Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, the officers +of their suite, and some ladies. The Cornwallis galley brought up the +rear, having on board General Knyphausen and his suite, three British +generals and a party of ladies. On each quarter of these galleys, and +forming their division, were five flatboats, lined with green cloth, +and filled with ladies and gentlemen. In front of the whole were three +flat-boats, with a band of music in each. Six barges rowed about each +flank, to keep off the swarm of boats that covered the river from +side to side. The galleys were decked out with a variety of colors +and streamers, and in each flat-boat was displayed the flag of its own +division. + +"In the stream opposite the center of the city the Fanny, armed ship, +magnificently decorated, was placed at anchor, and at some distance +ahead lay his majesty's ship Roebuck, with the admiral's flag hoisted +at the foretop masthead. The transport ships, extending in a line the +whole length of the town, appeared with colors flying and crowded with +spectators, as were also the openings of several wharves on shore, +exhibiting the most picturesque and enlivening scene the eye could +desire. The rendezvous was at Knight's wharf, at the northern extremity +of the city. By half-past four the whole company were embarked, and the +signal being made by the Vigilant's manning ship, the three divisions +rowed slowly down, preserving their proper intervals, and keeping time +to the music that led the fleet. + +"Arrived between the Fanny and the Market wharf, a signal was made +from one of the boats ahead, and the whole lay upon their oars, while +the music played 'God Save the King,' and three cheers given from +the vessels were returned from the multitude on shore. By this time +the flood tide became too rapid for the galleys to advance; they +were therefore quitted, and the company disposed of in different +barges. This alteration broke in upon the order of procession, but was +necessary to give sufficient time for displaying the entertainments +that were prepared on shore. + +"The landing place was at the Old Fort, a little to the southward +of the town, fronting the building prepared for the reception of the +company, about four hundred yards from the water by a gentle ascent. As +soon as the general's barge was seen to push from the shore a salute of +seventeen guns was fired from the Roebuck, and, after some interval, by +the same number from the Vigilant. The company, as they disembarked, +arranged themselves into a line of procession, and advanced through +an avenue formed by two files of grenadiers, and a line of light-horse +supporting each file. This avenue led to a square lawn of two hundred +and fifty yards on each side, lined with troops, and properly prepared +for the exhibition of a tilt and tournament, according to the customs +and ordinances of ancient chivalry. We proceeded through the center of +the square. + +"The music, consisting of all the bands of the army, moved in front. +The managers, with favors of white and blue ribbon in their breasts, +followed next in order. The general, admiral, and the rest of the +company, succeeded promiscuously. + +"In front appeared the building, bounding the view through a vista +formed by two triumphal arches erected at proper intervals in a line +with the landing-place. Two pavilions, with rows of benches rising +one above the other, and serving as the wings of the first triumphal +arch, received the ladies, while the gentlemen arranged themselves in +convenient order on each side. On the front seat of each pavilion were +placed seven of the principal young ladies of the country, dressed in +Turkish habits and wearing in their turbans the favors with which they +meant to reward the several knights who were to contend in their honor. +These arrangements were scarce made when the sound of trumpets were +heard in the distance, and a band of knights, dressed in ancient habits +of white and red silk, and mounted on gray horses richly caparisoned +in trappings of the same colors, entered the lists, attended by their +esquires on foot, in suitable apparel." + +Major Andre continues his letter with a long and detailed account of +the tournament which followed, and thus concludes: + +"The company were regaled with tea, lemonade, and other cooling liquors +when they entered the house. On the same floor with the ballroom were +four drawing-rooms with sideboards of refreshment. Dancing continued +until ten o'clock, when the windows were thrown open, and the display +of fireworks began. At twelve o'clock supper was announced, and large +folding-doors, hitherto artfully concealed, being suddenly thrown +open, discovered a magnificent saloon with three alcoves on each side +which served as sideboards. Fifty-six large pier glasses, ornamented +with green silk artificial flowers and ribbons; one hundred branches +with three lights in each, trimmed in the same manner as the mirrors; +eighteen lusters, each with twenty-four lights, suspended from the +ceiling, and ornamented as the branches; three hundred wax tapers +disposed along the supper-table; four hundred and thirty covers, twelve +hundred dishes, twenty-four black slaves in oriental dresses, with +silver collars and bracelets, ranged in two lines, and bending to the +ground as the general and admiral approached the saloon. Then came the +drinking of healths and the toasts, and after supper the dancing was +continued until four o'clock." + +It was while the citizens as well as the soldiery were gathered on +the riverside, watching the imposing spectacle, that Jacob and Enoch, +instead of following the example of those around them and crowding +as near to the water's edge as possible, were standing on a slight +elevation some distance from the Penny-Pot House landing, when they +were accosted by a rough-looking fellow, who, to judge from his dress, +was a farm laborer. + +"I allow you two lads have allers lived here in Philadelphia, eh?" he +began, as if more for the purpose of making an acquaintance than to +gain information. + +"You surely can't take us for Britishers?" Jacob said laughingly. + +"That is not your misfortune," the man replied. "You can be as loyal to +the king in the colonies as if you had been born in London." + +"And if we _had_ been born there we might consider it our duty to be +loyal to him; but inasmuch as we are Philadelphia boys the case is +different," Jacob replied boldly, despite Enoch's warning glance. + +"It is safer to keep the matter a secret if you count on being +disloyal," the man said with a grin. + +"That is impossible in our case, for two who have been in prison five +weeks would be distrusted if they suddenly conceived a love for the +king." + +"So General Howe believes you are dangerous characters, eh? It seems +as if he was afraid of the boys quite a considerable, for I have heard +tell how he had old Chris Ludwick's son locked up." + +"So he did, and I happen to be that son." + +"You?" the man exclaimed with a pretense of surprise. "And who is this +with you?" + +"It is Enoch Ball. But hark you, friend, I don't understand that you +have got any right to ask questions, and perhaps I have given you all +the information necessary." + +Jacob spoke sharply, for there came into his mind the thought that this +stranger was displaying altogether too much interest in what did not +concern him personally. + +"I don't allow you have," the man replied, glancing furtively around, +as if to make certain there were no eavesdroppers near. "If you are +Chris Ludwick's son, you was jailed by the Britishers for helping one +Seth Graydon, said to be a spy, escape from prison." + +The man spoke in such a meaning tone there was no longer any doubt but +that his questions meant something more than idle curiosity, and both +Jacob and Enoch turned upon him suddenly. + +"What do you know about Seth Graydon?" the latter asked sharply. + +"You will learn fully as much if you don't make such a noise," the +stranger replied in a low tone. "I can't say that I know anything +particular about Seth, except that he wanted me, in case I happened +to run across Jacob Ludwick and Enoch Ball, to give them his best +compliments." + +"Where is he?" Jacob asked eagerly. + +"I allow you can make a pretty good guess, so there's no need of my +going into particulars, especially round here, where the chances are it +might lead a fellow into trouble." + +"Where did you come from?" + +"It is best not to ask too many questions, Jacob Ludwick. The least +that is said in this 'ere city is the soonest mended. If it should +happen, though, that you knew anything which might be important for +your friends to know, now is the time to repeat it, and I'll take care +it reaches the proper quarter." + +"Then you are----" + +"I work on a farm up the Schuylkill with a Quaker by the name of +Parker, and am down here to see the brave doings of the king's +officers." + +"Do you know where we can join any portion of the American army?" + +"For what purpose?" + +"We count on enlisting as soon as we are able to leave the city; but +the Britishers have kept a close watch on us since we were let out of +jail, and thus far it has been impossible to get away." + +"Take my advice, and stay where you are a spell longer. It won't be +many days before there'll be a change around here, and after that +perhaps you won't be so closely watched. If you should happen to hear +anything that would benefit your friends, and want to sent them word, +you might find me somewhere near about the Blue Anchor, almost any +forenoon, when I have disposed of my produce." + +There was no necessity for the man to make further explanations; the +boys understood that in his assumed character of a farm laborer he +was acting the spy, and by bringing in produce to sell would have no +trouble in entering or leaving the city. + +It was just such an acquaintance as Jacob had been particularly anxious +to make; but he was disappointed and perplexed because the proposition +that he and Enoch enlist was not received with favor. + +"It isn't likely we could learn very much that would interest you," +Master Ludwick said after a brief pause, "for since our arrest we have +but little chance of hearing any British secrets." + +"You are not hindered from roaming around the town as you wish?" + +"Oh, no; we are prevented, however, from going very far into the +country, and have been stopped several times by the patrol." + +"Then spend your time observing the movements of the troops, and take +particular notice if any activity prevails among the soldiers to-morrow +night. You can be of more service here during the next two weeks than +you could in the ranks." + +"But you are in town every day, and can see quite as much as we." + +"I only remain here long enough to sell my wares and to drink a pint of +beer at the Blue Anchor. It would seem strange if a farmer was overfond +of watching the soldiers. There are several in town who, during such +time as we are haggling over the price of vegetables, manage to let +me know what they have seen, and when it was made known that we wanted +to increase the number of our friends here, Seth Graydon told General +Dickinson you would be willing to do all in your power." + +"Seth was right. We are more than willing; but hardly know how to set +about it." + +"There's but little more to do than loiter around the city listening to +the general gossip, and observing the movements of the troops. You boys +certainly are bright enough to know by general appearances if any great +force is making preparations to leave, and even though you have been +under arrest for aiding a boy whom the Britishers called a spy, I don't +think you would be interfered with if you exercised proper caution. It +is especially necessary that our friends are all on the alert during +the next forty-eight hours, and I shall come into town very early +to-morrow morning, and again in the afternoon, so that you will have +two chances to report anything you may have learned." + +"Is there reason to believe the British will make a move within that +time?" + +"They certainly will, if, as is probable, the Tories between here and +Valley Forge bring in information of what is being done." + +"Is General Washington to make an attack?" Jacob asked eagerly. + +"Hardly that; but some of his forces will move toward this city +very shortly, and it becomes highly important he should have early +information of what the enemy may do when they learn of it. We have +talked here as long as is safe, for, although people seem intent upon +the brave show General Howe's officers are making, there may be some +whose business it is to pay attention to their neighbors." + +The stranger lounged away as if following with his eyes the spectacle +upon the water, and when he was gone Jacob said in an exultant tone: + +"It seems that we can be of some service to the cause even if we do not +enlist." + +"Yes, and Seth did us a good turn when he said we were ready to perform +our share in the work." + +"Yet since we met this stranger, Enoch, we have agreed to become +spies--there is no other name for it--and if we should now be put under +arrest by the Britishers, there would be good cause for dealing out to +us that punishment which Seth escaped." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +ON THE ALERT. + + +Although fully aware of the fact that by following the suggestions of +the stranger they were jeopardizing their lives, Jacob and Enoch felt +very proud because of the confidence in them thus apparently displayed +by the leaders of the cause. + +They had no idea as to the identity of the man with whom they had +talked, but it seemed positive he was one in whom the Continental +officers trusted implicitly, otherwise he would not have been selected +for so dangerous and responsible a position as that of gathering +information in the very heart of the British camp. + +It was evident, at least to the boys, that he had sufficient authority +to thus attach them to the American army, and both were well content to +delay signing their names on the enlistment rolls, because of the fact +that they were occupying much more responsible and dangerous posts by +remaining in the city. + +It was not probable the enemy would be contemplating any important +movement while the festivities were in progress, yet Jacob and Enoch +walked to and fro through the streets of the now almost deserted city, +believing their new duties demanded such diligence; but seeing nothing +more formidable than an unusually surly patrol who were out of temper +because forced to be on duty while their comrades were participating in +the merry-making. + +Not until nearly midnight did they return to Enoch's home, and by +daylight next morning both were on the alert once more. + +During the forenoon they saw in the market-place, haggling over the +price of a cabbage as if his only thought was to sell his wares to the +best advantage, their acquaintance of the previous day. + +Jacob would have entered into conversation with the man but for the +fact that Enoch restrained him by saying: + +"It is not well to be seen talking with him when it is unnecessary, +lest we rouse the suspicions of the Britishers. We have nothing to +report, and he will so understand it when we pass by without speaking." + +"But he may have something to say to us." + +"If he has we shall soon know it; but unless he makes a sign we had +better keep on our way." + +The seeming farmer paid no attention to the boys; that he saw them +was evident, but he did not so much as raise his eyes after one quick +glance, and Jacob understood that Enoch was wiser than he in such +matters. + +During this day it was as if the enemy was resting from the fatigue of +merry-making; but few officers were to be seen on the streets until +late in the afternoon, and at the different barracks there was even +less than the ordinary amount of noise. + +It was five o'clock when the boys turned from High into Second Street +believing their day's work nearly done. + +The sidewalk in front of the City Tavern was thronged with officers and +civilians, and Jacob whispered: + +"I wonder what is going on there? Some of the crowd appear to be +excited." + +"Suppose we pass the place singly, for by so doing we shall have a +better chance to linger. You go ahead, and I'll follow when you are +halfway through the crowd," Enoch suggested, and Jacob acted upon the +idea at once. + +Before he was well among the throng he heard that which caused him the +liveliest surprise. + +"So Lafayette's tattered retinue have abandoned their mud-holes, have +they?" a gentleman who had just come up said to a group of officers, +and one of the latter replied: + +"There appears to be no doubt about it. A Quaker on whom the Frenchman +quartered himself has sent word that he is at Barren Hill, with +twenty-five hundred picked men and five cannon." + +"What does it mean? Can it be possible Washington believes for a single +instant that his rag-tag and bob-tail can stand against General Howe's +forces?" + +"It is difficult to say just what the rebel commander believes," one of +the officers replied with a laugh. "There are times when he behaves as +if he thought he could annihilate us, and then suddenly he turns tail +as if afraid of his life." + +"But if he contemplates any audacious movement, why does he send +Lafayette?" the citizen continued. "He is hardly more than a boy, and +surely Washington must have more experienced officers." + +"He has no abler soldier than Lafayette, boy though he is. He has had +the advantage of a thorough military education, and will make better +play for us than many of the elder men." + +"Do you apprehend any difficulty in disposing of him if he continues +his march? I should say he might be advancing on Germantown, if he +makes his first halt at Barren Hill." + +The officers were greatly pleased at this question, and the spokesman +continued, as soon as his mirth had subsided sufficiently to admit of +his speaking: + +"We shall make short work of him if we are allowed to take the field; +but I question if General Howe will pay any attention to the movement +until it has developed further." + +Jacob was forced to pass this particular group lest the fact that +he was listening to the conversation should become known; but before +getting out of the throng he heard all the particulars that could be +given relative to the advance of the "rebels." + +Some of the gossipers believed Washington intended to make an attack +on Philadelphia; others had the idea that he was preparing to retreat, +fearing lest Sir Henry Clinton, after taking command of the army, +would press him too warmly, and that this movement of Lafayette's but +cloaked the design. Not a few thought that the rebels had decided upon +a vigorous campaign, of which this unaccountable advance was proof, and +before many moments such belief was shared by the majority. + +Once Jacob had passed beyond the excited throng he waited with the +utmost impatience for Enoch to join him, and when, after what seemed +an exceedingly long time, his comrade came up looking surprised and +alarmed, Master Ludwick motioned for him to follow toward the bank of +the river. + +Not until the boys stood where there was no possibility the +conversation could be overheard did Jacob speak, and then it was to +say: + +"Now we understand why the man who talked with us was so anxious to +learn what might be done by the Britishers. He knew General Lafayette +was about to move, and expected troops would be sent out from here at +once." + +"If that is done we shall be of but little service, for the soldiers +will march as fast as we can." + +"That remains to be seen. The time has come when we can do work that +will be of importance, and we must not lose the opportunity." + +"Then we had best get around by the barracks; we can be of no service +while we stand here talking idly." + +"It is not idle talk, as you shall see. The thought has come to me that +if the enemy makes any move to-night it is our duty to take the news to +General Washington, or General Lafayette, before the Britishers can get +very far on the road." + +"I don't understand how it is to be done." + +"Are you willing to run a big risk?" + +"I am ready to do anything in aid of the cause." + +"Then listen. I know where Wharton, the Tory, has two horses stabled, +and it will not be hard work to get them out after the groom has +gone away for the night. If anything is done by the Britishers which +our friends should know, we can take them, follow the Schuylkill up +till we come to the bridge, and be at General Lafayette's camp before +daylight." + +"But that would be stealing!" Enoch cried. + +"I don't think so, under the circumstances. It will be only an honest +act, for we do it to save the lives of our friends." + +"That would prevent our coming back to Philadelphia while the +Britishers are here, and the stranger said we might be of more service +in this city than we could in the army." + +"So we shall if we carry such important news, and it is better for us +to leave here on an errand like that than remain idle when the cause +may suffer." + +"I will do whatever you say is right, Jacob, but do not want to serve +our country by becoming a thief." + +"That you will not become, I tell you!" Jacob cried impatiently. + +"It shall be as you say." + +"Very well. Now I will go in one direction and you in another. We'll +meet on High Street near Fourth. If nothing has been seen we must +continue to walk around until certain the Britishers do not intend to +leave the city." + +Having thus mapped out his plan Jacob started up Walnut Street at his +best pace, and Enoch went in the opposite direction, feeling rather +doubtful of such honesty as displayed itself by the theft of two +horses. + +Not until eight o'clock in the evening did either of the boys see +anything to denote that the enemy's troops would be moved that night, +and then it was as if all the preparations had been made in an instant. + +It was Enoch who was standing in front of General Grant's quarters when +that gentleman came out attended by two of his staff, and the boy heard +him say petulantly: + +"We are forced to go on a wild-goose chase, while the more fortunate +fellows are enjoying themselves at the play. I expected to see at least +two acts of Douglas, and had invited some ladies to accompany me." + +"Are we likely to go far?" one of his companions asked. + +"To Barren Hill; and on arriving there we shall find our French bird +has flown, although General Howe is so certain of capturing him that +he has invited a large party to take supper with the proposed captive +to-morrow night, while Admiral Howe has given orders to have a frigate +made ready for sailing with Lafayette on board. It would create a +sensation if we should send the marquis to England as a prisoner!" + +"Indeed it would, and I only hope he will give us half a chance to +catch him. How large a force shall we have?" + +"Five thousand in my column and two thousand under Grey." + +"That will be plenty to do the work, and it isn't impossible we +may succeed in surprising him. Our preparations have been made very +quietly." + +"Only those engaged in the service have any idea of what it is proposed +to do, and all of us have been sworn to secrecy. I shall----" + +The speakers moved on, and Enoch could not distinguish the remainder +of the conversation; but he had heard enough to change his mind as to +the honesty of stealing horses, and now thought only of the possibility +that they might not succeed in such purpose. + +Hastening to the rendezvous at full speed, he found Jacob awaiting him +and displaying every evidence of agitation and impatience. + +"I thought you would never come," he whispered eagerly. "We have no +time to lose, for I have seen more than a thousand soldiers in the +ranks ready for a march." + +"And I have heard exactly how many are to go; but we must hurry to +the Tory's stable, for there is no time to lose!" and Enoch urged his +comrade forward, telling him while they walked so swiftly as to be +almost running that which he had learned. + +"No two boys ever had such an opportunity as we've got now!" Jacob +said triumphantly. "If we can be the first to carry the news to General +Lafayette, it will be a work that even General Washington would thank +us for! We shall find no difficulty in enlisting in any regiment we +choose, and who knows but we'll be made officers?" + +"I don't understand how that could be, when we are not even soldiers; +a man must have had experience before he can command others." + +"Couldn't we soon gain that?" + +"We'd better give all our attention to getting the horses. If we +succeed in finding General Lafayette I shall have reward enough, and a +commission as colonel wouldn't make me any happier." + +"I'd rather be an officer than a private," Jacob replied decidedly, +"and we're now in a fair way to wear swords." + +The pace at which they were traveling was not well suited for a +prolonged conversation, and the boys were panting so heavily that +it was absolutely necessary to remain silent until they were in the +vicinity of the Tory's stable. + +The building was situated a hundred yards or more from the dwelling, +and no one could be seen in the vicinity. + +Jacob forced his companion to halt where a clump of bushes hid them +from view of any one who might pass that way, until they had regained +their breath, and then said hurriedly: + +"I know the man who takes care of the horses. He boards at the third +house from here, and doesn't often come back in the evening after his +day's work is done. The stable door opens toward Wharton's house, and +our greatest danger will be in getting the animals out. I'll go ahead; +if you fail to hear anything for five minutes, follow me." + +"Go on; don't waste any more time, for if the soldiers set out ahead of +us we shall find it difficult to pass them." + +Master Ludwick made his way toward the building as if stealing horses +was a work with which he was thoroughly conversant, and when the +specified time had elapsed Enoch followed. + +The fact that a play was being performed at the theater, and also +that nearly all the male population of the city were congregated in +the business portion of the town discussing this unexpected move on +Lafayette's part, was of material aid to the boys in their undertaking. + +Not a light could be seen in the Tory's home, and it was situated so +far out of the city there was little fear pedestrians would pass at +that hour in the evening. + +When Enoch entered the barn he understood by the subdued noise that +Master Ludwick was bridling a horse, and he whispered: + +"Are there two here?" + +"Yes; I've got a bridle on one, and if you'll hold him I'll take out +the other. We can't stop to find saddles." + +"There's no need of anything of that kind, but I think we should have +something in the shape of whips, in case we're pursued." + +"We can find a stick once we are clear of the city. Have you got hold +of the bridle?" + +"Yes; I'll take care of this fellow. Get the other quickly, for if any +one should come now we'd be in a bad plight. I had rather be in prison +as a spy than a horse thief." + +That Jacob was familiar with the interior of the stable was proved by +the celerity of his movements. + +Although Enoch was in that frame of mind when the seconds drag like +minutes, it seemed to him as if he had but just taken charge of the +first animal before his comrade had the other in the floor. + +There was hardly time for one to have counted twenty when Master +Ludwick opened the stable door cautiously as he whispered: + +"Mount, Enoch, and ride at a walk until we are so far away that the +hoof-beats won't be heard in case any of the family should chance to be +at home. Remember, we must keep together as long as possible; but if it +happens that we are separated, each must do his best at finding General +Lafayette's camp!" + +"Don't stop to give orders now, but come on!" Enoch replied nervously +as he mounted, and in another moment the young patriots were riding +slowly up the street. + +Neither dared to speak, and the noise of the animals' feet on the hard +road sounded so loud in their ears that it seemed as if any one half a +mile away must hear it. + +Both the boys understood, however, that considerably more noise would +be made if they allowed their horses to trot, and, dangerous though +the position was, they reined their steeds down to a walk until fully +a quarter of a mile had been traversed, when Jacob said grimly: + +"It's time to let them out now, and if we are caught it won't be +because we haven't been cautious enough!" + +The horses, impatient at having been restrained, darted forward swiftly +when the reins were loosened, and Enoch cried in delight: + +"They are in the proper trim for rapid traveling, and we should be able +to keep ahead of foot soldiers, for, of course, we are in advance of +them." + +"I don't believe the Britishers have started yet, and it's almost +certain there is no enemy between us and the American force. We've just +the same as won our swords already!" + +"Never mind the swords if we----" + +Enoch ceased speaking very suddenly as a voice, coming apparently from +the thicket that bordered the road, cried sternly: + +"Halt! Halt or I fire!" + +Instead of making any reply Jacob struck his horse with both heels, +darting ahead of Enoch for the time being, and in another instant the +command rang out: + +"Fire! Then see that they do not escape!" + +"They're mounted men!" Enoch cried in fear as he bent over the neck of +the horse, involuntarily glancing back just as a broad sheet of flame +lighted up the trees a short distance in the rear, and he heard the +whistling of bullets over his head almost at the same instant that the +reports of the weapons rang out. + +"Are you hurt, Jake?" he cried anxiously. + +"Not so much as a scratch; but this isn't the time to talk. Those +fellows have horses, and it's a question how long these can hold out. +Wharton never was known to keep very good stock, so father says." + +Enoch was not exactly in that frame of mind where he could best +speculate upon the faults or merits of the Tory's horses; but he was +thoroughly aware that he and his comrade would soon have a very good +idea of the abilities of these two animals as compared with those in +the rear. + +Glancing back hurriedly the boy saw a group of horsemen in sharp +pursuit, and he decided there could not be less than half a dozen, all +of whom were in uniform. + +The thought came into his mind that this party had been posted on the +road to prevent any one from carrying information to the enemy, and +now, when it was too late, he remembered that he and Jacob had twice +before been turned back by a patrol at this very point. + +"We should have remembered it," he said to himself. "It would not have +been much out of our way if we had ridden across the field, and then we +shouldn't be pressing our horses at their best speed when the journey +has but just begun." + +It was too late now to indulge in regrets. The pursuers were making +every effort to end the chase quickly, and there was good reason to +believe the weapons would again be used, when a chance shot might end +the chase by crippling one of the animals even if it failed to hit a +human target. + +Enoch was not urging the steed he rode to its best pace, but contented +himself with holding the advantage he had over the enemy; while Jacob +had used his heels as spurs to such effect that his horse was far in +advance. + +During half an hour the race was continued, and then the animals showed +signs of fatigue. Now it was necessary for Enoch to urge his on, while +Jacob's, less fresh because of the first great burst of speed, was +slowly falling to the rear. + +"I won't run away from you," Enoch said encouragingly. "Their horses +must be as tired as ours; but if they've got better wind, I'll be by +your side when we're overtaken." + +"No, no, you mustn't do that!" Jacob cried sharply. "If only one can +get through the work will be done, and I deserve to be overhauled +because I sent this beast ahead at such a furious rate when we first +started. Do your best to give them the slip, and pay no attention to +me; but when you see Seth again tell him I tried to do as much for the +cause as he did." + +"I shall stay by you," Enoch said decidedly as he reined in his horse. +"They are getting no nearer, and--Look out!" + +The warning cry had hardly been uttered when the reports of muskets or +pistols rang out once more; but this time the whistling of the bullets +could not be heard. + +"They have lost ground!" Enoch cried joyfully. "Don't punish your horse +so much, but slacken the pace a bit till he gets his wind. We'll best +them yet." + +Again and again the weapons were discharged, but the boys no longer +bent their heads, for they were out of range, and the race was +well-nigh won. + +Five minutes later the pursuers were lost to view in the distance, and +Jacob cried in a tone of relief: + +"We've outridden them at last; but if they had held on five minutes +longer, it would have been all over, so far as I'm concerned, for I +don't believe this beast could have held a trot half a mile more." + +"Let him walk awhile, and we'll keep a good lookout in case they should +make another try for us. Do you know the roads hereabouts?" + +"Yes; all of them. If it was daylight you could see my home from the +next hill. There is no short cut hereabouts that they can take to get +ahead of us, and we're certain to go through all right!" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +BARREN HILL. + + +The boys now had good reason to believe that the most difficult portion +of their work was accomplished. + +It was not probable they would meet any of the enemy while riding +in this direction, and all that now remained was to find General +Lafayette's command. + +This last both the boys fancied might be easily done, for Jacob was +familiar with the roads in that section of the country, and should be +able to lead the way to the camping-place. + +The horses would be recovering from the effects of their long race if +allowed to continue on at a walk, and such gentle exercise, heated as +they were, was better than to bring them to a halt. + +"I reckon we've earned our swords," Jacob said, after he was satisfied +the enemy had abandoned the pursuit and there was no longer any danger +to be apprehended. "It's mighty lucky for us we met that spy on the day +of the carnival!" + +"I think we'd better finish the work before crowing very loud," +Enoch replied with a laugh. "As to whether we are given swords or +not troubles me very little, for I had rather be a private than an +officer." + +"That's because you don't know how much easier it is to command than be +commanded." + +"But how is it when a fellow doesn't know how to command?" + +"He can soon learn." + +"Well, it doesn't seem to me there is any good reason why we should +discuss the matter, for the swords haven't been offered us, and perhaps +never will be." + +"If we don't receive them it'll be because our services are not +appreciated. Hark! Do you hear anything?" and Jacob reined his steed to +a standstill as he listened intently. + +Far up the road, in the direction where the boys supposed the advance +of the Continental army was encamped, could be heard the hoof-beats of +horses, sounding nearer and nearer each instant. + +"They are coming this way!" Master Ludwick said at length. "Do you +suppose it is possible our friends have any idea of making an attack on +General Howe's forces?" + +"They must do that, or be prepared to resist one. Now if ever is the +time when our news will be of value." + +The boys rode forward confident the approaching travelers were friends, +and a few moments later two mounted men could be seen dimly in the +gloom, approaching at a quick, but not hurried, pace. + +"Hello, friends!" Jacob shouted, guiding his horse to the middle of the +road as if to bar the passage. + +The newcomers halted suddenly, and one of them asked in a low tone, +speaking to his companion: + +"Who have we here? Surely it cannot be that any of the enemy are so far +from the city." + +"We are friends if you are members of the Continental army," Jacob +cried. + +"And that is what we are; but why do you take the middle of the road as +if to dispute our right to pass?" + +"I am the son of Christopher Ludwick, and this fellow with me is Enoch +Ball. We have ridden at risk of our lives, having been chased and fired +at by a squad of Britishers, to give General Lafayette news of the +enemy's movements." + +Jacob spoke in an important tone, much as though the sword he dreamed +of was already hanging by his side, and had even now assumed a swagger +such as he thought essential in an officer of the army. + +"We have just come from the general's headquarters, bound for New +Jersey; but if your information is of importance it may be to our +advantage to turn back. Are the enemy informed of General Lafayette's +movements?" + +"General Howe knows all about it; the Quaker at whose house the marquis +quartered himself sent in the full particulars. From all we could +learn, two forces, one of five thousand and the other of two thousand +men, have been sent against you." + +"Have been sent?" one of the officers repeated. "Do you mean they have +already started?" + +"I saw more than a thousand in the ranks ready for marching before we +came away, and they must have left town about the same time we did." + +"But how are you so certain as to the exact number?" + +"Enoch heard General Grant talking with one of his staff, and the +Britisher said General Howe was so sure of capturing the marquis that +he had invited his friends to meet the prisoner at supper to-morrow +night." + +The two men spoke together in whispers a few seconds, and then he who +had acted the part of spokesman asked: + +"Are you the boys who were imprisoned on the charge of having aided +young Graydon to escape?" + +"We are." + +"Then there seems to be no question as to the truth of your +statement----" + +"The truth of it?" Jacob interrupted. "Why, we saw the soldiers ready +for the march." + +"Will you come with us to General Lafayette?" + +"Of course we will! It was to find him that we set out." + +The two officers wheeled their steeds, and began to retrace their steps +at a rapid pace, the boys following close behind. + +After a few moments one of them, half-turning in his saddle, asked how +the young messengers had procured horses, and Jacob readily told him +the story of despoiling the Tory. + +"You boys have begun well in the service of the cause, and if you +continue with the same zeal, should be able to give a good account of +yourselves before the struggle is ended." + +"That is what we hope to do," Enoch replied, and Jacob whispered to his +comrade: + +"He didn't say anything about our being given commissions for this +night's work." + +"And it isn't likely any one else will," Enoch replied with a laugh. +"It should be enough for us that we have rendered an important service, +and it seems selfish to be talking of a reward even before the work has +been done." + +"We'll see what General Lafayette thinks about it," and Jacob spoke +in a tone of irritation, after which he relapsed into silence, not +venturing to speak again until the little party had arrived at an +encampment completely surrounding a small farmhouse, before which the +officers drew rein. + +Sentries were pacing to and fro in front of the building, and the boys +understood that they were at General Lafayette's quarters, the owner of +which was the person who had sent information to the British commander. + +Not until after considerable parley were they admitted to a room strewn +with military accouterments, in the center of which stood a table +bearing the remnants of a meal. + +Here they were forced to wait several moments, after which a young, not +particularly prepossessing-looking man entered, only partially dressed. + +The two officers saluted him with evident respect, while Jacob and +Enoch showed signs of dissatisfaction. + +It did not seem possible to them that this boyish-appearing officer +could be the famous Frenchman of whom they had heard so much, and both +were sadly disappointed, because, as they believed, an interview with +the commander himself was to be denied them. + +"This is General Lafayette," one of the officers said to Jacob, "and +you can tell him your story." + +"This the general?" Master Ludwick cried in amazement. + +"You expected to see an old man?" Lafayette asked with a smile. + +"Well, I didn't think you was--I mean, it didn't seem--I thought you +might----" + +"Never mind what you thought, my friend. If you have important +information to give it will be well if I hear that at once, and your +opinion regarding myself can be told at a more convenient season." + +Jacob was so thoroughly confused as not to be able to tell a connected +story, and it became necessary for Enoch to act as spokesman, a post he +filled with great satisfaction to all, except, perhaps, his comrade, +who was angry with himself because he had foolishly allowed his +surprise to so far overcome him as to tie his tongue. + +"So I am to take supper with General and Lord Howe and their friends, +am I?" Lafayette said as if to himself when Enoch's story was ended. +"With seven thousand men against us the situation may be desperate, but +I do not think I shall go to Philadelphia this night." + +Then he gave hurried commands to his officers, and when the two left +the room he turned to the young messengers with a smile which changed +the entire expression of his face, and caused Enoch to believe he had +never seen a more kindly gentleman. + +"You have done nobly to bring this news, which is most important not +only to me personally, but to the cause we all serve. As to the theft +of the horses, you need give yourselves no uneasiness. I will send +word to Mr. Wharton at the earliest convenient moment, stating that I +impressed them into the service of the United States, and forward him +an order for the payment of the animals. It will be better you should +remain with this command awhile, since it may be dangerous for you to +go in either direction alone. Procure from the quartermaster food for +yourselves and the beasts, and take such rest as is possible until we +make a move." + +Enoch understood that the bow with which they were favored was an +intimation that the interview had come to an end, and at once went +toward the door; but Jacob remained facing the general as if his +business was not yet concluded. + +"Have you anything more to tell me?" Lafayette asked. + +"I thought perhaps you counted on saying something else," Master +Ludwick stammered. + +"I think we have finished our business. Perhaps at some future time we +may have a better opportunity for conversation." + +After this Jacob could do no less than follow his companion, and when +they were outside the building he said, in a tone of dissatisfaction: + +"It don't seem to me that we got much thanks for what we've done." + +"What could you want more? We know that perhaps we have been the means +of saving this whole command from capture." + +"That's exactly what we have done, and yet he didn't say a word about +giving us a sword, or even a corporal's commission." + +"You expected too much. If General Lafayette is willing to give his +services to a people who were strangers to him, he has a right to +believe that a couple of boys like us are willing to serve our country +without reward." + +Jacob was about to make what might have been an angry reply, when he +was suddenly seized from behind in what was no unfriendly embrace, as +a familiar voice cried: + +"I counted on seeing you fellows as soon as you were let out of jail; +but didn't think you'd steal up on us in the night. Have you been +trying to get an interview with General Lafayette at this hour?" + +It was Seth who spoke, and several minutes elapsed before the three +boys had so far concluded their greetings as to be able to carry on a +coherent conversation. + +Then, in obedience to his friends' urging, Seth explained how he had +succeeded in reaching the American lines on the night they parted with +him on the outskirts of Philadelphia. + +It was not such a story as would cause much excitement, owing to the +lack of adventure. From the moment he left them until he was at Valley +Forge he saw nothing of the enemy. The food provided by Mrs. Ball was +ample for all his wants, and the journey which he had believed would be +bristling with danger was hardly more than a pleasing excursion. + +He had been received with a hearty welcome by the Americans, who, +through their spies in Philadelphia, had heard of his dangerous +situation, and was allowed to enlist in whatever branch of the service +he desired. He enrolled himself in the New Jersey militia, commanded by +General Dickinson, because among them were several acquaintances, and +had done a soldier's duty from that day. + +Jacob expressed considerable surprise that he had not been rewarded in +some way because of all he had suffered, and Seth's reply occasioned +Master Ludwick no slight amount of astonishment. + +"That would have been strange indeed, to reward me for simply trying to +do something in aid of the cause." + +"But you gave information which must have been valuable to the +Americans." + +"It was, so I have since been told, and surely such knowledge is +sufficient reward." + +"I ain't so certain about that," Master Ludwick replied doubtfully. +"Now I had an idea that Enoch and I would be made officers at the very +least, because of bringing news which may prevent General Lafayette +from being made prisoner; but if you haven't got so much as a uniform +for all you've been through with, perhaps we shan't fare any better." + +Seth laughed long and loud at the idea that Jacob had expected to be +made an officer in the Continental army before he had even so much as +handled a musket, and said, when his mirth had subsided sufficiently to +admit of his speaking: + +"After you are in the ranks you'll learn that such rewards as you +expected could not well be given, unless the army was to be used as +an ornament, instead of for fighting. I suppose of course you will +enlist?" + +"It looks as if that was all we could do," Enoch replied. "It wouldn't +be safe for us to go back to the city, for some one of the squad that +pursued us might remember our faces. Yes, the time has come when we +should become soldiers, and it seems to be more than ever our duty +since we are within the American lines by accident." + +"And you will enlist in the regiment to which I belong?" + +"It seems as if we should be with the Pennsylvania troops." + +"I don't understand that it can make any particular difference, for you +will do your duty in one place as well as another." + +"Of course we want to be with you," Jacob added thoughtfully, "and +if you really believe there's no chance of our being made officers, I +suppose we can't do better than join your company." + +"Then you may as well sign the rolls at once, for I question if General +Lafayette will recommend you for promotion until you know what a +private's duty is. Did you see one of our friends in Philadelphia, whom +I sent to you?" + +"Do you mean a man who was dressed as a farm-hand, and came into the +market to sell vegetables?" + +"Yes." + +"We met him on the day the Britishers had their celebration, or +whatever it may be called. Who is he?" + +"A member of the company to which I belong; a true patriot, and one +who is willing to risk his life over and over again if by so doing he +can aid the cause. His name is Robert Greene, and when I heard that +he wanted to be directed to several people in the city who might be +able to give him information, I told him about you. The fact that the +Britishers kept you in jail so long was sufficient evidence you were to +be depended upon." + +Then Seth insisted that his comrades tell him the story of their +troubles after he escaped, but before his curiosity could be fully +satisfied the entire camp was aroused. + +It was nearly time for the sun to rise, and General Lafayette had +begun making preparations to escape from the trap into which he had +voluntarily walked. + +Three messengers from different points had come into camp to give +notice of the British advance, and the commander knew by this time that +Grant's troops were halted at the forks of the roads leading, one to +Barren Hill, and the other to Matson's Ford. It was also learned that a +considerable number of men had been sent to Chestnut Hill, while Grey +with his force of two thousand was at the ford, less than three miles +in front of Lafayette's right flank. + +Thus it was that the Americans were almost completely surrounded, +the only avenue of escape left open being by way of Matson's Ford, +the approach to which was very near where Grant had halted his five +thousand men. + +The older soldiers whom the boys heard discussing the situation were of +the opinion that General Lafayette was in a trap from which he could +not escape, and, in fact, the majority of the Americans believed they +must soon be made prisoners of war, which would be a small disaster as +compared to the blow given the American arms before the summer campaign +was fairly opened. + +"It begins to look as if we had jumped out of the frying-pan into +the fire," Jacob said as he stood with his comrades listening to the +comments of those around him. "We're likely to go back to Philadelphia +sooner than we counted on, and Mr. Wharton will be after us as horse +thieves." + +"Come with me," Seth suggested. "I do not believe General Lafayette +is in as bad a fix as some try to make out; but if he is, it will be +better for you to be captured with muskets in your hands, rather than +as fellows who came here solely to bring information of the enemy's +movements." + +"How can we do that while we have the horses? I don't propose to give +them up unless we're forced to, and that is what would happen if we +followed you." + +There was no longer time for Seth to discuss the matter with his +friends. The drums were beating the call for the men to "fall in," and +he was forced to take his proper station in the line. + +While Jacob hesitated, and Enoch was doing his best to persuade him +that it would be wisest to leave the horses to their fate, the booming +of heavy guns close at hand startled the boys, and Master Ludwick was +looking anxiously around for some convenient way of escape, believing +the British close upon them, when one of the officers they had stopped +on the road came up. + +"You look frightened," he said laughingly. + +"That's just what I am," Jacob replied grimly. "I don't want to be +taken back to the city as a horse thief, and it now seems as if that +was what is about to be done." + +"There is no cause for fear yet awhile. Those cannon are being served +by our men, and I allow they will deceive the Britishers, even though +no great execution follows." + +"But it sounds like a regular battle." + +"I admit that, my boy; but unless I am mistaken we shan't see anything +in the way of an engagement this morning." + +"Do you think General Lafayette will----" + +"Have patience and you shall see what is to be done. The troops will +soon begin to move toward Matson's Ford, and you two had better make +your way in that direction at once." + +"But some of the soldiers said the Britishers were very near there." + +"So they are; but I fancy we can prevent them from knowing what is +being done until our troops are in a place of safety, for, as a matter +of course, there can be no question of pitting twenty-five hundred men +against more than seven thousand. Take my advice, and get to the ford +as soon as possible." + +Enoch insisted that their wisest course was to act upon the officer's +suggestion, and although Jacob appeared to think he should receive +personal orders from General Lafayette regarding himself, he finally +did as his comrade desired, and, mounted on Mr. Wharton's horses, they +followed the main body of the troops. + +Not until after the movement had been successfully executed, and +all the men and baggage withdrawn to a place of safety, did the boys +understand how it was done. Then the maneuver was explained to them by +a soldier whose acquaintance they made during that day. + +"Lafayette proved himself adequate to the occasion. In a moment, as +it were, his dangers were revealed, and the one possible means of +extrication resorted to. Dispositions were made in the churchyard +as though to receive Grey; his artillery, by a well-directed fire, +encouraged the idea that he purposed to engage. His real aim was, of +course, flight, and by the ford; but to attain it he must pass within a +short distance of Grant, who was nearer to it than himself. He feigned +movements as though for an attack, and by an occasional display of +the heads of columns he for a time persuaded the Englishman that an +action was imminent. Meantime the troops, as fast as they could come +up, were hurrying across the ford, until at last the artillery and +a body of Oneida savages only remained on this side of the stream. +These were also now brought over, and on the high ground beyond our +men were secure. Grant at last came up, and ordered the advance to +move on, but too late. They saw but a party of our troops dotting the +surface of the water like the floats of a seine. The prey had escaped. +Grant was hopelessly in the rear; and when Grey's column closed in +there was nothing between the British lines. The only skirmishing even +that seems to have occurred was between a body of light-horse and the +Oneidas. Neither had ever encountered a like foe; and when the cavalry +unexpectedly rode among the savages, the whooping and scampering of +the one, and the flashing swords and curveting steeds of the other +party, excited such a common terror that both fled with the utmost +precipitation. Irritated and empty-handed Howe marched back to town, +with no one but his own officers to blame for his ill-success."[B] + +Footnote: + +[B] Winthrop Sargent's "Life of John Andre." + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +ROBERT GREENE. + + +During the retreat to Valley Forge Jacob and Enoch did not see Seth, +who, as a matter of course, remained with his regiment. + +The two boys who had brought the earliest information regarding General +Howe's movements rode the horses taken from the Tory, and, therefore, +were not inconvenienced by the forced march; but they had good +opportunity of learning something concerning a private soldier's duties +and labors which they had never realized before. + +"Now you can see that I wasn't such a very big fool because I wanted +to be an officer," Jacob said as they neared the encampment at Valley +Forge. "Look at the privates staggering under a load big enough for a +horse, while those who have commissions ride or walk at their leisure, +with nothing to carry but a sword." + +"I didn't laugh at you for _wanting_ to be an officer, but because you +seemed to think it would be easy to perform the duties of one." + +"I'm not certain that I shall enlist unless General Lafayette gives us +a better show than the rest have got." + +Enoch looked at him in astonishment. + +"Do you mean that you hesitate to become a soldier now we are where it +is possible to enlist?" + +"That's it exactly. If nothing turns up in our favor, I shall +think twice before signing the rolls," Jacob replied with an air of +complacency, much as if he believed his enlisting would be of the most +vital importance to the cause. + +"What will your father say when he learns that you do not care to be a +soldier? He must be here at Valley Forge, and most likely we shall soon +see him." + +"When father knows that we are given the cold shoulder after doing the +work we did last night he will think as I do." + +"I shall join the company of which Seth is a member, and you had better +do the same thing. Of course we can't stay here in the encampment +unless we enlist." + +"Don't be in too much of a hurry to tie yourself down; but wait until +I have seen father." + +Enoch would have much preferred to enroll himself as a private in the +Continental army without delay; but Jacob urged him so strongly to +wait at least twenty-four hours that he could not refuse without giving +offense to his comrade. + +"What are we to do?" he asked as they rode into the encampment in +advance of the retreating force, being allowed to enter the lines after +explaining who they were, and why they had come. + +"You stay near here, while I look for father. He will find us a place +in which to sleep to-night, and supply us with food." + +"Shall you be gone long?" + +"It doesn't seem likely; but you must stay near here, for I should +never find you if you strayed away. I had no idea there were so many +men in the Continental camp." + +"Did you think the army would be composed of Seth, you, and I, and all +three of us holding commissions because by chance we did our duty?" + +"Perhaps you won't make sport of me to-morrow at this time, and it may +be you'll learn that I wasn't very far wrong when I said we should be +rewarded for our services." + +"We won't discuss that matter again," Enoch replied laughingly, +"otherwise you may not find your father to-day. Don't be gone any +longer than necessary, for it won't be particularly jolly standing +around here holding a horse that ought to have his breakfast." + +"I'll be back as soon as I can," Jacob cried as he rode away, and Enoch +turned his attention to the returning troops, finding much to interest +him as the different regiments marched into the encampment, filing to +the right or the left to occupy their old quarters. + +He saw Seth as the latter's company came up among the last, and, but +for his promise to Jacob, would have followed in order to learn where +his friend might be found later. + +Finally the last of the soldiers arrived; the camp resumed its wonted +air, much as though twenty-five hundred men had not marched out full of +hope, and come back again dispirited, if not disheartened. + +One, two, three hours passed, and Jacob was yet absent. + +Enoch had about decided to leave his unprofitable station, regardless +of the trouble it might cause Master Ludwick to find him, and seek out +Seth, when he was accosted by a soldier whose face looked familiar, but +whose identity he could not recall. + +"So you got into the Continental camp sooner than you expected, eh? It +was a good bit of work you did, but, save for the urgency of the case, +I could wish you had never left town." + +"It seems to me I have met you before; but I can't remember where," and +Enoch looked at the man scrutinizingly. + +"It isn't strange you should fail to know me in this garb; I was +dressed as a farmer when you saw me last." + +"You are the one who talked with us on the day of the carnival!" + +"Exactly, and now perhaps you can understand why I am sorry because it +became necessary for you to leave town." + +"Yet we couldn't do very much toward helping you in your work." + +"What you have done since last evening shows of how much assistance +you might be. Two boys can loiter here or there without exciting the +suspicion which would naturally be aroused if a man was observed doing +the same thing." + +"I can't say I'm sorry we came away. It seemed necessary we should do +so----" + +"And so it was, my boy. You did just right in getting to Barren Hill at +the earliest possible moment." + +"It was Jacob's idea. I do not believe I should have thought of getting +the horses but for him, and he planned the whole affair." + +"Yet he is dissatisfied because General Lafayette did not embrace +and kiss him on both cheeks, at the same time making him at least a +colonel, isn't he?" + +Enoch laughed heartily, and finally asked curiously: + +"How did you know anything about that?" + +"It comes natural for me to pry into every one's business, and it may +be I heard you two talking, or read it in Master Ludwick's face. But +why is it you do not expect a rich reward?" + +"Because we have simply performed our duty, and when that is done in +behalf of the cause one is rewarded by the knowledge that he has been +of some service." + +"It would be better for the cause if more were of your way of +thinking," Greene said in a low tone, and added quickly, "What do you +propose to do now?" + +"Enlist." + +"In what branch of the service?" + +"I would like to be with Seth Graydon, and, if possible, shall join his +company." + +"What does Master Ludwick say to that plan?" + +"He has gone to consult with his father, and I am waiting here for his +return." + +"If he finds old Chris, and complains because he has not been +rewarded, I predict that he will come back with a sore body, for our +baker-general is a true-blooded American even though he was born in +Germany, and will not have any patience with such ideas as his son +entertains. Tell me, Enoch Ball, would you be willing to serve your +country in another way than by becoming a soldier?" + +"I would do anything in my power." + +"Now more than ever is it necessary we should know all that is being +done in Philadelphia. Clinton is soon to take command of the British +army, and no one can guess what his policy will be. It would not +be safe for Seth Graydon to volunteer for such work, because the +Britishers would hang him off-hand if he ever fell into their clutches; +I'm not certain I could trust Master Ludwick implicitly, but I would +like you for a comrade." + +"But I am known in town." + +"Not to so many that it would interfere with your doing all that might +be required. If you should return home at once--this very day--it would +not be difficult to persuade suspicious ones that you had never left +the city." + +Enoch was almost frightened by the proposition. He understood how +much danger would be attached to such work, and fancied the enemy +knew perfectly well who had carried the first information to General +Lafayette; but yet he replied in as firm a tone as he could assume: + +"I am ready to do anything, or go anywhere that is best for the cause." + +"It is bravely spoken, my boy. Do not fear that the enemy are looking +for you; I question very much if General Howe or his officers have the +slightest idea that any information was carried to General Lafayette, +save by the country people who saw the forces on the march. Will you be +ready to go back with me this evening?" + +"Yes; I only want to see Seth and Jacob a moment, and it is not really +necessary I should do even that, for I could leave word I would soon +come back." + +"There is no reason why you shouldn't wait till Master Ludwick returns, +and then I will show you where Seth's regiment is encamped." + +Greene seated himself on the ground as if perfectly willing to remain +there any length of time, and after tying the horse's bridle to the +wheel of a cannon Enoch sat down beside the spy. + +"How long have you been doing this kind of work?" he asked. + +"Playing the spy, do you mean? I began last fall, when our army went +into winter-quarters. There was some fear then that General Howe +might take a notion to stir our folks up at a time when they were +having about all they could do to keep body and soul together, without +thinking of fighting, and I volunteered for the work. It seemed +dangerous at first, as it now does to you; but I soon got over that +idea, and grew to like the task." + +"You would be hanged if captured?" + +"True, and it is not a pleasant way of going out of the world; but I am +in no more danger of death than if I went into a battle, and some one +must do the work." + +"Yet Seth was captured the very first time he tried to give our friends +information." + +"That may be accounted for by the fact that he was not a spy; if he had +been he would never have allowed the Continentals to escort him where +he might be seen by the enemy. A man engaged in such business does not +take any unnecessary chances, and is always on the alert lest his true +character be discovered. That which I propose you shall do, however, +is not as dangerous as it now appears, and I am positive you will not +dislike it. Tell me, have you seen nothing since you met the army to +dispel the supposed charm of a soldier's life?" + +"I never thought there could be any sport in being a soldier, and what +I have seen is only such as I have believed was the fact. Why is it +that I have not met more officers?" + +"Perhaps because Lafayette's advance was not considered an important +movement, and, therefore, he had only his own staff with him. You would +see plenty of generals by staying here a few days, and some of them as +useless as they are gaudy in dress." + +"It seems that you are not friendly with all of them," Enoch said with +a smile. + +"I am only a private, therefore could not be on intimate terms with the +most humble of them; but I have seen very much, and heard more, since +I began to play the spy, that shakes my faith in some of the officers +under General Washington, and the one I most distrust is he who is next +in rank to the commander-in-chief." + +"What do you mean?" and now Enoch's curiosity was excited. + +"Hark ye, lad, it is not for me to speak against my superior officer, +whether he be a captain or a general, but if you and I are to work +together you should know it, for I want you to keep your ears open +very wide whenever his name is mentioned, particularly by those who +are enemies to the cause. He it is that I fear more than I do Howe or +Clinton." + +"What is his name?" + +Greene bent forward that he might whisper in his comrade's ear: + +"Charles Lee, senior major-general under our Washington." + +"I have heard of him." + +"Where?" the spy asked eagerly, as if believing he might hear something +to still further confirm his suspicions. + +"I can't say; but perhaps it was no more than the mention of his name +as one of General Washington's officers. Tell me about him." + +"As I said before, it does not become a soldier to speak ill of his +superior officer; but you shall hear what the world knows about General +Lee. He was formerly in the British army, and served under Burgoyne in +Portugal, where he was made lieutenant-colonel. He was with Braddock +when that officer was defeated on the banks of the Monongahela, and +with Abercrombie at Ticonderoga. After that he lived for some time +with the Mohawk Indians, and was such a restless, jealous, quarrelsome +man that they gave him the name 'Boiling Water.' He left the king's +service, and came over here in '73, claiming to be in sympathy with +the colonists, and succeeding so well in his pretensions, or his +faith, whichever you choose to call it, that when the Continental army +was organized he received a commission as major-general. That didn't +satisfy him, patriot though he claimed to be, and he demanded that +Congress make good to him any loss he might sustain by reason of having +given up his commission with the British army. In '76 Congress loaned +him thirty thousand dollars, without any security other than his own +name on a bond." + +"He got a good price for his services. Why, even General Washington +himself hasn't been given that much!" + +"No, nor any part of it, outside of his pay. Now what has Lee done for +the cause? When General Washington was pursued across New Jersey in +'76 by Cornwallis, Lee followed with a heavy force; but although called +upon again and again by the commander-in-chief to strike a blow at the +pursuers, he refused to obey--or neglected to do so, which amounts to +the same thing." + +"Why?" + +"Perhaps because he hoped some disaster would befall General +Washington, and he be given command of the army. Then, long after +Cornwallis gave up the chase, Lee hung around New Jersey until he found +a chance--that's the way I put it--found a chance to be captured by +a small British scouting party, and was taken prisoner to New York. +He was soon hand in glove with General Howe and his officers, and +there are many of our people who say he told all he knew regarding our +condition and plans. Then came the farce of exchanging him for some +officer we had captured, and only two weeks or less ago he showed his +cloven foot again, according to my way of thinking." + +"In what way?" + +"The Congress ordered that the oath of allegiance be administered to +the officers here at Valley Forge before the beginning of the campaign, +and Lee was forced to come up with the others. When he and two or +three more had their hands on the Bible, he took his off when General +Washington began to read the oath. The commander waited for him to put +his hand back, and he withdrew it again before the words could be read. +Then General Washington asked what he meant, and he said--these are +the very words as they were told me by one who was there--'As to King +George I am ready enough to absolve myself from all allegiance to him, +but I have some scruples about the Prince of Wales.'" + +"What did he mean by that?" + +"According to my idea it was only an excuse to get out of taking the +oath, but those present seemed to think it only one of his odd traits, +and passed it over as something not to be remembered. I bear it in +mind, though, and want you to do the same if you are ever where it is +possible to learn anything regarding him." + +"But it isn't the duty of a private to watch his superior officers," +Enoch ventured to suggest. + +"It is in this case, for I look on General Charles Lee as a man who +can, and will, if he gets the chance, do more against the cause than +even Howe himself." + +Enoch was impressed by what Greene had told him; but he did not believe +it could ever be possible for him to detect an officer, second in rank +only to the commander-in-chief, in treasonable practices. Besides, it +appeared to him a very disgraceful duty to impose upon a boy who was +not yet a soldier, and, perhaps, would have remonstrated, but that +Jacob appeared just at that moment. + +Master Ludwick was not looking particularly cheerful, and Greene +whispered as he approached: + +"I'll venture to say that old Chris the baker has been giving his son +a lesson on the patriotic idea of expecting a rich reward whenever he +chances to be of service to the cause. Old Chris isn't that sort of a +man." + +It seemed very much as if the spy was correct in his guess, for Jacob +had nothing more to say against enlisting, but appeared anxious to know +when Enoch proposed to sign the rolls. + +"Have you decided to do so?" + +"Yes," was the curt reply. + +"To-night?" + +"If I don't there won't be much chance of getting rations." + +"But I thought you counted on staying with your father?" + +"I have changed my mind," Jacob replied as if the subject was not a +pleasant one. + +"What have you done with your horse?" + +"Father thought he ought to be turned over to the army, and then I +couldn't be accused of stealing him for my own benefit." + +"I reckon I'd better do the same thing," Enoch said, trying not to +smile when Greene indulged in an expressive wink. "Where can it be +done?" + +"I'll show you the ropes, or, what is better, do the business for you," +the spy replied. "I reckon you want to see Seth Graydon a spell before +we leave?" + +"That is what I would like to do." + +"Go in that direction," and Greene pointed to the right, "until you +have passed a lot of cannon; then turn to the left, and you'll be in +the midst of the Jersey boys. I shall find you there, and we'll call on +General Dickinson before starting." + +"What did he mean?" Jacob asked as the spy walked away with Mr. +Wharton's steed. "Are you counting on going anywhere?" + +Enoch explained to his comrade what it was Greene had proposed, and +concluded by saying: + +"We'll have a talk with Seth. If he thinks I can really be of as much +service in the city as here, I shall go." + +"And I'll be with you! This enlisting ain't what I've always thought it +was, and if I can get out of camp without father's knowing it, I'll be +all right." + +"Without his knowing it? Do you think he would object to your going +back?" + +"I don't _think_ anything about it, 'cause I know. There's no need of +telling any one else, Enoch, but he raised an awful row when I talked +about being an officer, and when I said I guessed I wouldn't enlist he +flew into a terrible rage. He acted as if it would just suit him for me +to be marched out somewhere and shot at." + +It was with difficulty Enoch could refrain from laughing at the +disconsolate expression on Jacob's face; but he succeeded in checking +his mirth sufficiently to say in a sympathetic tone: + +"Of course he doesn't want you shot, Jacob; but you must remember how +much your father has done for the cause, and I suppose it made him +angry when you spoke of being paid for the little we did last night." + +"Made him angry? Why, he flew way off, an' I thought one spell that +he was going to flog me. If I can get away when you do, it'll be all +right." + +"I have been told that it isn't possible to walk out of a military camp +whenever you choose. You must have a pass, or something of that kind." + +"We didn't have any trouble to get in here." + +"Not after we told who we were and that we intended to enlist." + +"You said that; I didn't." + +"Yes; but you came in, and I don't think it will be very easy to get +out again unless your father knows you are going." + +"Then I shall stay here as long as I live, except that fellow Greene +would be willing to say I could do a deal of good in the city. Will you +ask him?" + +Enoch promised to do as his friend wished, but at the same time he did +not believe the spy would be very eager for this addition to the party. + +The boys had been walking during the conversation, and by the time +it was concluded they had passed the artillery park, arriving at that +portion of the encampment where the New Jersey troops were quartered. + +Seth was on the lookout for them, and the warmth of his greeting was +particularly pleasing to Master Ludwick, who felt decidedly sore in +mind. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +CONCILIATORY BILLS. + + +That Seth was proud of being an officer in the Continental army both +Jacob and Enoch understood during the first hour spent in his company. +The fact was clearly apparent in his manner of showing them around +the encampment, explaining the location of the different troops, the +routine of a soldier's life, and displaying his proficiency in the +manual of arms. + +"I never had an idea that there was so much to be learned before a +fellow could make any show as a soldier," he said when, the exhibition +drill being ended, he led the two boys to his quarters. "It seemed to +me only necessary to stand in line, or be able to load a musket; but +that is a very small portion of the work." + +"I suppose you know it all by this time," Jacob said in an envious tone. + +"Indeed I don't. I have only just begun to learn; but if I'm not a good +soldier within a year, it will be because peace is declared too soon, +or I have been wounded or killed. The members of our company are well +trained, and seem willing to help me along." + +"If I couldn't find out all there was for a private to know in a week, +I'd give up trying," Master Ludwick declared emphatically. + +"Then you may as well never try." + +"I'm not certain that I shall." + +"What?" and Seth looked thoroughly astonished. "I thought your greatest +desire was to enlist?" + +"I've changed my mind about that since last night." + +"Since last night? Why, after what you two have done it seems as +if the only thing left was to enlist. You surely can't go back to +Philadelphia----" + +"That isn't so certain. Enoch is going with Greene, the spy, and if I +can give father the slip I shall travel in his company." + +As a matter of course Seth was eager to understand what Master Ludwick +meant, and in the fewest possible words Enoch explained the proposition +that had been made to him. + +"I suppose of course it's your duty to go if you can be of any +service," Seth said slowly; "but I have counted so much on having you +and Jacob for comrades that it will be a big disappointment. It is too +bad for you not to be members of the army now when it seems as if the +end of the struggle was close at hand." + +"What has happened to make you think anything of that kind is near?" +Enoch asked in surprise. "Philadelphia is still in the possession +of the British; General Washington has not moved from these his +winter-quarters, and at the very beginning of the campaign General +Lafayette has been forced to retreat." + +"But the alliance will make a great difference. Now that we are to have +the assistance of the French troops----" + +"What do you mean?" and both Enoch and Jacob looked bewildered. + +"Haven't you heard that the French king has acknowledged the +independence of the United States, and declares that he will befriend +us?" + +"I knew last winter it was hoped such might be the case, but don't +understand that anything has been effected toward that end as yet." + +"Then General Howe has succeeded in keeping the news from our people +better than I supposed possible. You should have been in camp here +from the third to the seventh of this month, and then you would have +understood what hopes every one is building upon the alliance. It was +announced to the army on the third, and on the seventh the soldiers +celebrated the good news." + +"I wish our friends in Philadelphia could know of it," Enoch said, half +to himself. + +"They will know before a great while, that you may depend upon. It is +rumored here that war is to be declared between France and England, +and that what are called 'conciliatory bills' have been offered in +Parliament." + +"What do you mean by conciliatory bills?" Enoch asked in perplexity. + +"As it has been explained to me, the British government will make peace +with the colonies----" + +"That is what the king will try to do," a voice cried, and, looking +up, the boys saw Greene, the spy, who had approached near enough +to overhear a portion of the conversation without having been seen. +"Nothing short of our independence will, I hope, please our leaders. +The bills you speak of are merely deceptionary measures, so General +Washington says. The king will give us a little more liberty than +we have had; but doesn't propose to allow us to become a nation by +ourselves. You don't seem to be aware of how well we are progressing, +Enoch, my boy. The French king has declared himself our friend; there +is no question but that war will soon be proclaimed between France and +England, and what more particularly concerns you is, that the British +are making preparations to evacuate Philadelphia." + +Enoch and Jacob looked at the speaker in surprise which bordered on +bewilderment. + +"Do you mean that General Howe will march out of the city when there is +no necessity of his doing so?" + +"He will unquestionably march out very shortly; but there is good +reason for the move. He has accomplished nothing by remaining there, +and fears he may find himself in trouble. Four days before the carnival +Howe issued an order for the heavy baggage of the army to be prepared +for embarkation at the shortest notice, and for the soldiers to lighten +their personal luggage. If that doesn't mean that the Britishers are +getting ready for some kind of a move I'm very much mistaken. There +is yet more news for you, boys. It is evidently a fact that peace +commissioners have been appointed by the king, and are now on their way +to this country." + +"Can that be possible?" Enoch asked, and Seth nodded his head +triumphantly as he replied: + +"You should have been here at Valley Forge to learn the news, not in +the city where the Britishers suppress everything that isn't pleasing. +There can be no question about the commissioners, as Mr. Greene says, +for it is reported in the army that Washington wrote to Congress +regarding the conciliatory bills and the fact that the commissioners +are coming to this country, saying in the letter: 'Nothing short of +independence, it appears to me, will do. A peace on any other terms +would, if I may be allowed the expression, be a peace of war.' You can +see we are progressing famously, and that the time is come when the +king realizes how nearly we have gained our independence." + +"Then if I go to the city with Mr. Greene I may be fortunate enough to +see the Britishers marching out?" + +"Who can say but that you will be the first to bring the news to this +army that the capital of our country is no longer in possession of the +enemy?" the spy added in a triumphant tone. "Now, I fancy, Master Ball, +you will have no hesitation about doing as I wish?" + +"I am ready to go whenever you say the word." + +"Then it is time we were making a move. General Dickinson wants to have +a word with you before we go, and I propose to set out as soon as your +interview is ended." + +"What about my going too?" Jacob asked eagerly. "Surely I have been +able to do as much as Enoch--perhaps more, for he is willing to confess +that but for me he would never have known where to get horses for last +night's ride." + +"That matter is already settled, Master Ludwick," Greene replied with +just a suspicion of a smile. "I committed to your father's care the +horse Enoch rode, for it would have cost me too much time to have +turned him over to the quartermaster in due form, and then promised +that I would not countenance your leaving camp." + +"So my father had an idea I would want to go?" + +"Yes, when he learned I was to take Enoch." + +"He may think he can keep me here; but I doubt it," Master Ludwick +said sharply. "It will be necessary for him to watch me very closely, +because it doesn't appear to be such a hard matter to give him the +slip." + +"You may think differently after making the attempt. Do you fancy the +men here are allowed to roam about at will?" + +"I reckon I shouldn't have much trouble in getting away if I tried +hard." + +"You will soon learn to the contrary, if you make the attempt. At all +events I am bound by my promise not to allow you to accompany Enoch +and I. Seth, if you want to send any word to your mother we may have an +opportunity of speaking with her before many days." + +"If Enoch sees her he knows what I would say. I am more than contented, +for I am happy at being a soldier at last, and hope before this +campaign ends I shall have done that which will prove I am true to the +cause." + +Greene was not disposed to make any further delay. + +His instructions were to be in Philadelphia before the following +morning, and since at least half of the journey must be made on foot, +there was no more than sufficient time remaining to accomplish his +purpose. + +Seth and Jacob accompanied Enoch to General Dickinson's quarters, and +waited outside until his interview with the commander of the New Jersey +militia was at an end. + +"What did he say to you?" Master Ludwick asked when Enoch finally +emerged from the building. + +"Nothing of much importance that I am at liberty to repeat," Enoch +replied guardedly. "He thanked you and I for what we did last +night----" + +"I should think it was about time somebody thanked us," Jacob grumbled. + +"Surely General Lafayette spoke very kindly." + +"Yes; but that is all he did do." + +"Well, General Dickinson didn't say very much more, and surely our +night's work wasn't so dangerous after all." + +"Weren't we chased and fired at?" + +"Yes; but not hit." + +"Then I suppose if we had been killed they would have thought we had +done something wonderful," Jacob grumbled. + +Enoch did not care to enter into any argument with his friend +concerning a matter which, in his opinion, had already been fully +discussed, and put an end to the conversation by extending his hands to +his comrades as he said: + +"Good-by, fellows! If nothing happens to me, and the Britishers do +leave Philadelphia, you'll see me precious soon after they have gone." + +"Try mighty hard to be the first to bring us the news," Seth said in a +cheery tone as he pressed Enoch's hand warmly, and Jacob added: + +"You two fellows seem to be having all the luck, even though I am the +one who does most of the work." + +"You get just as much luck as any of us," Enoch replied, "and perhaps +more than Seth did, for he had to walk all the way to Valley Forge, and +you rode. Now you have a good opportunity to enlist, and I hope you +will do so instead of moping because matters are not exactly to your +liking." + +Then Master Ball, motioning to Greene that he was ready for the journey, +set off down the path which led to the main road. + +"That boy of Ludwick's has got something in him if he would only give +it a fair chance to come out," the spy said when they were a short +distance away. "The trouble with him is that he made up his mind he had +done a wonderful thing in bringing information of the enemy's movements +last night, and counted so surely on being given a commission as a +reward that it has unfitted him for ordinary duties." + +"Jacob means well at heart." + +"I believe you, lad--that is to say, he did up to last night, but that +little affair seems to have spoiled him entirely." + +"He will soon get over it, and by the time we come back, if we ever do, +he will be in a fair way to become as good a soldier as Seth appears to +be." + +"Don't make the mistake, lad, of questioning whether we are ever coming +back. I grant you the work we're on is dangerous; but the chances of +our being captured are not as great as the possibility of our being +killed if we were going into battle. To anticipate danger is, to my +mind, a good bit like inviting it, and the man who expects to be shot +has given himself a deal of unnecessary worriment, if it so chances he +comes out of the engagement unscratched. If, when we get to work, you +are constantly thinking your arrest as a spy is certain to happen, you +won't be so keen on the scent of news as you would if the venture was, +to your mind nothing more than a pleasant excursion." + +"I suppose you think I am frightened. Well, I am: but that won't +interfere with my doing all you require." + +"I don't believe it will, lad. You have got the right kind of pluck, +and I am counting on your distinguishing yourself between now and the +time the Britishers leave Philadelphia. Here are our horses, and this +time you are riding a nag belonging to the Colonies; not one you have +been obliged to impress." + +"I thought we would be forced to walk!" + +"We shall ride as far as it is safe to do so, and stop at the farm +where I am supposed to be working. The man who owns it is a true +friend to the cause, and through him I am enabled to do very much more +than would otherwise be possible, for he supplies me with all the +vegetables I can sell. It isn't such a bad idea for him either, for +he gets the money at the same time he is serving his country, and the +market-stoppers never trouble me." + +"What do you intend I shall do in town?" + +"First of all, simply go home, providing we arrive there so early in +the morning that you can get in without being seen. If your mother +reports that the Britishers have been looking for you, leave town +immediately, and make your way back to the farm without giving any heed +to me. In such case I shall be deprived of your services, for we cannot +keep you here if you are under suspicion. Should it chance, however, as +I anticipate, that you are not known to have done more than aid Seth +Graydon's escape, you will simply loiter around the city as you have +been doing, meeting me in the market-place when you have anything to +report, and, in case of important news, such as you learned last night, +make your way to the farm at the earliest possible moment." + +"You spoke to Seth of the chance that I might see his mother?" + +"Yes, there is no reason why you should not go there, if matters are as +I suppose. In fact, Enoch, you will do exactly as you have been doing, +and with the assurance that I shall be on the alert in case any danger +threatens." + +Greene spoke of the duties to be performed in such a matter-of-fact +tone, treating the business as if it was nothing out of the ordinary, +that long before they arrived at the place where the horses were to be +left all sense of peril which had hung over Enoch was dispelled, and he +felt confident of being able to successfully perform the work required +of him. + +Not until nightfall was the first stage of the journey ended, when +the two partook of an appetizing meal, rested an hour, and then set +their faces cityward, each carrying on his back a small assortment of +vegetables. + +"We shall be there a good while before morning," Enoch suggested when +the long tramp was begun. + +"I count on arriving shortly after midnight." + +"But you can't go to the market-place until sunrise." + +"Neither do I want to do so, my boy. I shall have an excuse for +loitering around town, and you may rest assured I don't waste my time +during the hours of apparent idleness." + +"I should think the Britishers would be suspicious of your getting into +town at midnight." + +"Bless you, lad, I've done the same thing for the past three months, +and been stopped by the patrol so many times that now they all know me. +It no longer excites surprise because I am so particularly attentive +to my business. My explanation is that I get a better price for the +marketing if I am first upon the ground." + +As the journey progressed the miles seemed to Enoch to have doubled in +length, and the burden on his back increased tenfold in weight; but he +toiled manfully forward, repressing, so far as possible, every evidence +of fatigue lest the spy should think him one easily discouraged. + +As they neared their destination there was less inclination for +conversation, and when half an hour had passed in silence Greene said +in a cheery tone: + +"Your friend Seth, with all his marching and counter-marching, +shouldering and carrying arms, isn't forced to work as hard as you have +been doing this night, lad." + +"But I am not grumbling." + +"I am well aware of that, my boy, and proud of the fact, for it shows +I wasn't mistaken in my estimate of you. I know you are tired, though, +for I am, and I have been over this road in the same fashion nigh on to +a hundred times. It is the hardest kind of hard work; but there's a big +satisfaction in doing it, for we know that it insures our safety when +we are among the Britishers." + +"Suppose you should meet any of the enemy who had seen me when I was in +jail with Jacob? Wouldn't it cast suspicion on you?" + +"Not a bit of it, lad, for I am ready in case that happens, and it +wouldn't be strange if something of the kind should occur. Here is the +story: You found it necessary to go to work in order to help support +your mother, because in these days I don't fancy she has as many +scholars, either in French or dancing, as a month ago, when times even +with the enemy were more prosperous. I have hired you to help me bring +in my goods." + +"But doesn't it seem strange that you shouldn't come in with a wagon?" + +"Not a bit of it, and for this reason: The Americans might seize my +horse, and pay for it with an order on Congress, or the British might +do the same thing and give me English gold. In either case I should be +the loser, if I was really what I represent myself, for horses can't +be purchased readily even though one is willing to pay a big price, +and that fact is well known. Only those farmers living near the town, +and who are assured of General Howe's protection because of their +Tory sentiments, venture with their beasts where it is so easy to lose +them." + +It was half an hour past midnight when they had arrived opposite the +Carpenter mansion, and there, to Enoch's alarm, they were halted by a +patrol. + +"It's only me, cap'n," Greene said when the command to halt was given. + +"You still believe in the luck of being first at the market-place, +Daniel," the sergeant in command of the squad said with a laugh. + +"And it is luck, cap'n. I haven't missed of sellin' all I've brought a +single day since you Britishers come here." + +"And you think that wouldn't be the case if some one got in ahead of +you?" + +"It mightn't be." + +"But there are plenty who don't arrive until daylight, and yet sell all +their wares." + +"I allow that's a fact, cap'n dear; but who gets the best price? The +early bird like me what can afford to haggle for an extra sixpence, or +them as have only time enough to sell out and get home before dark?" + +"There may be some truth in that, my man; you appear to be a rare one +for driving bargains. But who is this with you?" + +"A city-bred lad what has found out at last that he's got a livin' to +earn. He's the son of the Widow Ball on Letitia Street--she's an old +customer of mine. I sold her enough potatoes for winter early in the +fall, and got the money before I brought 'em in." + +"You are not wise in your choice of an assistant, Daniel," the sergeant +said in an admonitory tone. "Young Ball isn't looked upon as an honest +lad." + +"What do you mean by that?" and the alleged farmer gave evidence of +the liveliest alarm. "His mother told me he wouldn't take a pin's worth +that didn't belong to him." + +"All of which may be true; but certain it is that he has been suspected +of having an affection for the rebels, and it isn't many days since he +came out of jail, where he was held on suspicion of having aided a spy +to escape." + +"Oh, is that all you've got agin him? I allowed from the way you began +it was something serious." + +"And don't you call acting the rebel a serious matter?" + +"Not in a boy like him, cap'n. It's a way all young chaps have. They +think it's a sign of smartness to side with the under dog in the fight; +but after a few hard knocks that is thumped out of 'em, an' this one is +as loyal to the king as I am." + +"It won't do any harm to keep your eye on him, at all events, Daniel, +for if he should indulge in more disagreeable practices he might get +not only himself, but you, into trouble." + +"I reckon hard work will take all that out of him, and after he's +tramped in here a dozen times he'll be glad to stay at home instead of +cavorting 'round with the rebels, though I should be the last to say +anything agin 'em." + +"What do you mean by that?" the sergeant asked sternly. + +"Why, ain't they doing me a mighty good turn, cap'n? If it wasn't for +them all you Britishers wouldn't be here, and I should have to take +less than half-price for my truck, and trust the biggest part out at +that." + +"Oh, I see," the sergeant replied laughingly as he ordered his men +to move on. "It's the pounds, shillings and pence that touch you more +deeply than anything else. Good-night to you, Daniel. Don't charge more +than three prices for your truck, and see to it that your assistant +behaves himself." + +"It is evident there has been no very great hue and cry over you and +Jacob since yesterday afternoon," Greene said in a whisper as the +patrol passed on in advance, "otherwise the sergeant would have known +it. There's nothing now to prevent our carrying out the plan as I had +allowed. Keep your eyes open, lad, and don't stay in the house a single +minute after daylight." + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +A RECOGNITION. + + +Enoch soon learned that the most difficult task which confronted him in +his new line of work was to persuade his mother he was not exposed to +any more danger than he would be on the battlefield. + +She, remembering Seth's capture and narrow escape from the scaffold, +insisted her son should refuse to assist Greene the spy in any way. She +was willing for Enoch to enlist; but objected most strenuously to his +doing that which, if discovered, would doom him to a disgraceful death. + +During the first two hours spent at home the boy used every argument +to convince her he would not be in any greater danger than he had been +since his release from jail, and not until he had begged she would +consent to his carrying on the work "because he had promised, and would +be ashamed to go back to camp with the excuse that his mother would +not allow him to do anything of the kind," did she give an unwilling +consent to the proposition. + +"I shall live in constant terror of hearing that you have been arrested +and sentenced to be hanged," she said finally; "but will try to hide +such fears because you have given your word to cease playing the spy as +soon as you can honorably leave the work and enter the army." + +Enoch was more than willing to agree to this; he preferred to serve his +country in any other way than that which he had just begun, and would +welcome the time when he could stand boldly before his friends and +acquaintances as a Continental soldier. + +Agreeably to the promise made Greene, he was on the street as soon as +daylight, and during the entire day lounged around the city, listening +eagerly for scraps of important conversation whenever he passed a group +of men; but hearing nothing which might benefit his friends. + +Late in the afternoon he succeeded in gaining an interview with Seth's +mother, and, by approaching the house from the rear, had been able to +gain access to the premises without being seen by any one save her. + +As a matter of course she was greatly rejoiced at learning that her son +was safe and happy, but during the past few weeks she was not unduly +anxious concerning him, for Lord Gordon assured her that since the boy +had not been brought back to Philadelphia he was unquestionably with +the Continental army. + +"It hardly seems as if Lord Gordon was an enemy of ours," the good +woman said when she had finished telling Enoch of that gentleman's +kindness. "He has acted the part of a true friend, and although he +refuses to admit that he had any share in Seth's escape, I am positive +you and Jacob could not have succeeded but for him." + +"He's a gentleman all the way through, that's what he is!" Enoch +replied emphatically, "and I only wish we might have a chance to pay +him for what he has done." + +It was not safe to prolong the interview lest some of Mrs. Graydon's +boarders should see the visitor and suspect he had just come from +Valley Forge, therefore the boy left the house immediately his budget +of news had been unfolded. + +During the week which followed this visit Enoch worked industriously +and conscientiously, spending his entire time on the streets, but +without learning anything of importance. + +Just before daybreak each morning he went to the market-place, where +he was certain of meeting Greene, but not once had he anything to +communicate. + +"It seems as if I was wasting my time here," he said despondently +on the morning of the eighth day when he and the spy were sheltered +alike from the rain that was falling steadily and the observation of +the enemy's patrols, through having sought shelter in a shed near the +market-place. "I walk around all the time; but hear nothing except +what it is possible the peace commissioners may accomplish when they +arrive." + +"It isn't to be expected you can bring in valuable news when everything +is as quiet as appears now." + +"Yet I might be of service in the army." + +"No more than you are here. Except for the fact that they are drilled +each day, Seth and Jacob are as idle as you." + +"Has Jacob enlisted?" + +"Yes; he could not hold out longer against his father's commands. +Old Chris was ashamed because his son did not appear eager to enter +the army, and declared that the boy should not leave the encampment, +save as a soldier. Jacob tried twice to run away, but was stopped by +the guard, and when the last failure was reported to the old baker he +declared the boy must earn his livelihood in some way, so set him to +work in the bakery. That was not at all to Master Ludwick's liking, +and twenty-four hours later he was in the same company with Seth. I +now make it a point never to visit camp without reporting to them as to +your safety." + +"Of course they know I am doing nothing." + +"They know, as do all your friends and acquaintances, that you are here +in a post of danger, on the alert for whatever may chance to occur." + +"But there doesn't seem to be a likelihood anything of importance will +happen. Since Sir Henry Clinton has taken Howe's place as commander +of the army, it appears as if his plan was to remain idle, contenting +himself with depriving us of our capital." + +"His inaction is but the lull before the storm. General Washington +feels so positive some decided movement is planned for the near future +that all the troops at Valley Forge are ready to act at a moment's +notice, and it is from you and I, as well as other friends of the cause +here, that he expects to receive information which will enable him +to checkmate the enemy. Don't grow despondent because you accomplish +nothing great at once; but remember that the longer matters thus remain +apparently stationary the nearer we are to a crisis." + +This conversation served to cheer Enoch wonderfully, and as the days +went by his mother was more reconciled to the part he was playing, +although she reminded him daily of the promise to give up his task as +a spy at the first good opportunity. + +On the fourth of June, the king's birthday, Enoch saw the peace +commissioners enter the city, received with courtesy by Sir Henry +Clinton and his army, but neither the boy nor any true-minded American +believed they would accomplish anything after General Washington had +pronounced so decidedly against treating with the king on other terms +than that of independence for the colonies. + +So far as Enoch could learn, the commissioners did nothing save +allow themselves to be entertained by the officers and Tory families. +Congress refused to receive them until after the "hostile fleets and +armies had been withdrawn, or the independence of the United States +acknowledged," and, so far as advancing the king's cause was concerned, +they might as well have remained at home. + +Another week passed in what to Enoch seemed like idleness, and then +Greene electrified him by announcing: + +"Within a few days we shall see stirring times, and you will have no +further cause to complain that you are doing nothing." + +"What have you heard?" + +"Nothing; but I have noticed that preparations are being quietly made +for a general move----" + +"I can't see that there has been any change." + +"Nothing to particularly attract attention, I'll admit; yet it is a +fact that the troops are nearly ready to evacuate the city, or make a +forced march to Valley Forge for the purpose of attacking our camp." + +"Is it possible General Clinton would do that?" + +"It is possible, but not probable. My idea is that the Britishers will +leave this city bag and baggage before we're many days older." + +"I don't understand why they should." + +"It is feared by the enemy that General Washington may strike a blow at +New York, and Clinton's troops are needed there to prevent a possible +disaster. Then again they are accomplishing nothing here, and the +British government don't relish the idea of paying twelve or fifteen +thousand men for holding a town which is of no real benefit, save as a +loafing-place for the officers." + +"If they evacuate this city will they be allowed to go away without +being molested?" + +"I think we can trust General Washington to take care of them, and when +you see the redcoats start you can be mighty certain a battle ain't far +off." + +"And I won't be in it!" Enoch exclaimed mournfully. "Seth and Jacob +will play the part of soldiers, while I hang around here as if I was +afraid." + +"I promise faithfully that you shall be in the thick of any scrimmage +that comes, so don't let such thoughts worry you. Have patience a few +days longer, and keep your eyes open wider than usual." + +"Is there anything in particular to be done?" + +"Loiter around the City Tavern as much as possible. The officers may +give their friends an idea of what is going to happen, and you stand +a good chance of overhearing the gossip. The lightest hint now from a +prominent Tory will have a big meaning." + +From this moment it appeared to Enoch as if he could perceive a change +of demeanor in those whom he met. The British officers no longer +sauntered to and fro as if time hung heavily on their hands, but went +from point to point rapidly, much as though they had business which +would permit of no delay. + +The Tories, who during the winter had assumed a lordly bearing, now +looked anxious, and well they might, for their lot would not be an +enviable one when the Continental army stood in the place of the +redcoats, and those who had been oppressed because of loyalty to the +cause would be in a position to demand reprisals. + +It seemed to the boy as if nearly all whom he saw were aware of the +impending change, and he went about his business of listening with more +confidence than ever before. + +On the night after his last conversation with Greene he saw an +unusually large throng in front of the City Tavern, and, as a matter of +course, pretended to be on the point of entering the building in order +that he might mingle with the bystanders. + +Ordinarily he would have moved slowly onward to prevent any one from +suspecting he really wished to listen, but on this night, excited +beyond the bounds of prudence, he deliberately halted in front of a +group composed of two officers, a citizen, and a Quaker who had the +appearance of having just come from the country. + +"The fact is known to but few, and we depend upon our friends in whom +we have confided to keep it a secret," one of the officers was saying +as Enoch approached. + +"There is little doubt but that thy plans are known to the rebel +Washington, for his men are ready to execute a quick movement," the +Quaker replied. "It is to be regretted that any of the citizens were +trusted with thy secret, for all are not loyal to the king." + +"Very true, friend Williams; there are more of King George's enemies in +Philadelphia to-day than there were two weeks ago. The belief that his +majesty's troops are about to leave has made those who had a leaning +toward the rebels brave, and they now hope to find favor in the eyes of +the new rulers of the city." + +"Has the day been fixed upon?" the man in citizen's garb asked, and +Enoch pressed yet nearer to hear the reply. + +So eager was the boy to learn this most important bit of information +that he gave no heed to the fact he was pressing against the Quaker +more rudely than would have been proper even if they had been crowded +for space, and before the officer could speak Enoch was seized suddenly +by the ear. + +Looking up quickly and in alarm, he saw that his captor was the Quaker, +and now for the first time realized that the man's face was one he had +seen before, although where he could not remember. + +"Thou art an eavesdropper, lad, and one who makes it his calling, if +I do not mistake," the Quaker said sternly. "What business hast thou +here?" + +"I was going into the tavern, sir," Enoch replied, his cheeks +crimsoning with shame, and then he tried to wrench himself free +regardless of the pain, for he recognized in his captor that Quaker +at whose house General Lafayette had established his headquarters on +Barren Hill. + +"Thou wast not thinking of going into the tavern--at least, not until +thou hadst learned the purport of our conversation. Have I not seen +thee before?" + +"I have always lived in this city, and it may have been that you and +I have passed each other on the street," Enoch replied, with much +stammering and show of confusion. + +"I have seen thee elsewhere, lad. Unless I much mistake thou wast one +who brought to the rebel Lafayette, when he was in my house, word that +General Howe had started in pursuit of him." + +"What is that?" one of the officers asked quickly, stepping in front +of Enoch to peer into his face. "Are you certain this boy carried that +information, Friend Williams?" + +"It may be I am mistaken; but it does not seem possible. The lad much +resembled this one; I saw him only for a moment, yet then I had a full +view of his face." + +By this time several of the gentlemen nearest had gathered around to +learn the cause of the disturbance, for all, even including the Quaker, +were displaying considerable excitement, and Enoch was so hemmed in +that escape seemed impossible. + +"It should be a simple matter to ascertain if he is in the rebel +service," the second officer suggested. "A squad of our men chased two +boys on that night, and, so it was reported, wounded or killed one of +them. We will send this fellow to the guard-house until he has been +seen by all. I would like to get hold of a few spies before we leave +the city." + +Enoch knew that even if those who had chased Jacob and himself failed +to identify him, there were very many British soldiers, as well as +officers, who knew him as one suspected of aiding Seth to escape, and +that his doom was sealed once he was in custody. + +It was absolutely necessary, if he would save his life, to make +a supreme effort to get free before a squad of soldiers could be +summoned, and even though he should fail, his position would be no more +desperate than it already was. + +The Quaker still retained his hold of the boy's ear, and one of the +officers was grasping him by the collar, while on every side the throng +was so dense that there appeared little hope he could force his way +through, even though no one tried to detain him. + +It was, perhaps, because of this fact that the officer's hold was by no +means firm; but the Quaker was clutching his ear as if anticipating an +attempt at escape. + +The gentleman in the broad-brimmed hat was, therefore, the greatest +obstacle in Enoch's road to freedom, and he it was who must be +vanquished before further move could be made. + +One of the officers had gone in search of the guard, and Enoch resolved +on making a desperate effort. + +Hanging back as far as possible in order to give greater effect to the +blow, he suddenly lowered his head and darted forward at full speed. + +The Quaker was taken by surprise, and could make no effort to protect +himself. Enoch launched against him with all his strength, bringing +forth a shrill cry of pain as the man of peace was doubled up like a +pocket-knife, giving the boy an opportunity to leap directly over him. + +Two other men were thrown down, and those who had been on the outskirts +of the throng rushed quickly toward the immediate scene of action, +thereby preventing the officer and his companion from giving chase. + +Enoch ran as he had never run before, knowing full well that his life +depended upon fleetness of foot, and before the excited men were fully +aware of what had happened he was out of sight around the corner. + +A pile of logs an hundred yards distant seemed to offer a temporary +hiding-place, the whole being stacked up so loosely that he could +readily make his way among them, and here he crouched, understanding +that if he threw the pursuers off the scent now there was a fair +possibility of escaping. + +Nothing could have been done better on Enoch's part. + +Such of the throng as were first around the corner shouted that the +boy had taken refuge in the rear of the house, as seemed to be the case +since he was no longer in sight, and the building was instantly invaded +by a mob eager to hunt down a spy. + +The shadows of evening were gathering, and Enoch knew if he could +remain hidden half an hour longer his chances of escape would be good; +but yet it was not safe to stay amid the logs. + +As soon as it was learned that he had not taken refuge in the tavern, +it would be suspected that he must have hidden in the immediate +vicinity, and every nook and corner would be searched. + +He began to have some idea of how a fox must feel when the dogs are on +his scent, and the knowledge that he was battling for life removed, for +the time being, all sensation of fear. + +Creeping out to the very end of the logs he looked ahead. + +In that direction was no place where he could be hidden. + +In the rear two or three men at the corner of the building stood as if +expecting he would appear at one of the windows. + +"My only show is at the river," he said to himself. "If there's a boat +afloat I may get away, and must take the chances." + +Waiting only long enough to make certain no one was looking toward the +log-pile, he darted out, stooping low that he might be the less likely +to attract attention, and bending all his energies toward maintaining +a swift pace. + +Once he heard a loud shout, and he leaped forward yet more quickly, +believing the pursuers were on his trail; but as he ran the noise +died away in the distance, and he understood that he was safe for the +moment. + +There was no question in his mind but that every effort would be made +to capture him. + +He was suspected of aiding in Seth's escape; the Quaker declared he had +brought to General Lafayette the first news of General Howe's advance, +and he had been caught while trying to overhear a conversation which +was intended to be private. + +"They've got proof enough that I'm a spy," he said to himself as he +ran, "and the hanging would come mighty quick after I was caught. I +shall be in a bad fix if I don't find a boat." + +On arriving at the water's edge his courage failed him, and he looked +wildly around, seeing no hope. + +The only boat in either direction was hauled high up on the shore, and +was so large that the united strength of two men would be no more than +sufficient to move her. A short distance away, to the right, was a +small sloop heeled over on the sand as she had been left by the workmen +engaged in caulking her bottom. + +Unless he made the desperate and dangerous attempt to swim across the +river, this sloop was the only available hiding-place, and he was so +nearly out of breath that it was absolutely necessary he should halt a +few moments before continuing the flight, if indeed that would be safe +now so many were undoubtedly searching for him. + +There was no one to be seen on the land, and the ships of war lying at +anchor in the river were so far away that he knew those on board could +not distinguish him in the gloom. + +He clambered up the almost perpendicular deck of the sloop, and from +thence through the open hatchway into the hold. + +Now he could rest, but it must only be until night had fully come, and +then the flight was to be continued, unless before that time the enemy +had captured him. + +Crouching in the darkness of the tiny hold, panting so loudly from his +severe exertions that it seemed as if the pursuers must hear him, Enoch +tried to decide what his next move should be; but without arriving at +any satisfactory conclusion. + +Unless some one came to the shore in a small boat, leaving the craft +afloat, he could not escape to the Jersey side of the river, and even +if he gained the opposite bank there was no guarantee of his safety. + +He was not acquainted with any one there, and would be forced to take +refuge in the woods. + +It did not seem possible he could make his way to the house where +Greene professed to be working, for every patrol and sentry would be on +the alert to prevent his escape in that direction. + +"I shall have to go down the river, and take the chances of hiding +in the woods," he said to himself. "It's a mighty slim show, but is +considerably ahead of a Britisher's prison. I'll start in ten minutes, +for by that time the night will have fully shut down, and trust to the +chance of making my way along the shore." + +He had hardly thus decided upon his course of action when the sound of +footsteps on the sand caused his heart to beat yet more furiously, and +it surely seemed as if fate was against him when he heard voices near +at hand, as if the speakers had halted close beside the sloop. + +While one might have counted twenty Enoch was in such a tremor of fear +as not to understand what was being said, and then he was aroused to a +sense of duty by hearing the words: + +"I have a copy of the order which will be issued on the sixteenth, +and until then it must remain a profound secret, for Sir Henry is +determined the rebels shall have no information of this move." + +"Already it is common talk that we are to evacuate the town, and the +boy who was detected listening in front of the tavern had probably been +sent to learn the date of the movement." + +"Did they capture him?" + +"No; but it is only a question of time, for men are out in every +direction, and it's certain he can't make his way toward the American +lines unless all our patrols are asleep." + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +IMPORTANT INFORMATION. + + +The suggestion of the unknown speaker that it would be impossible for +him to make his way toward the American lines without detection was by +no means comforting to Enoch. + +It was a situation, however, which he had anticipated, for he +understood that the English would make every exertion to capture +the messenger who had carried information to General Lafayette, and +thereby, perhaps, saved him from capture. + +In addition Enoch knew that the Tories would be most eager in their +present mood to make him prisoner, for now that it seemed certain +the city was to be evacuated, those who had been living a life of +ease and comparative plenty because of their loyalty to the king felt +particularly irritated against the Americans, who it was believed would +so soon change very decidedly this satisfactory condition of affairs. + +Enoch wondered not a little who the speakers were, and why they had +chanced to halt directly outside his hiding-place. + +From what he had heard he believed they were members of the army, +and it seemed strange they should have strayed down to the river +bank, until the apparent mystery was solved when one of them said +impatiently: + +"At what hour did you understand that Lord Howe would send the boat for +us?" + +"Eight o'clock." + +"And this was the landing-place he appointed, was it not?" + +"The messenger said the boat would be put in near-by a sloop which was +hauled up on the shore, and unless I am mistaken this is the only craft +of the kind in the vicinity." + +"I wish we might have been able to take to Lord Howe the information +that the young rebel was apprehended, for I really believe he has not +recovered from the chagrin of having ordered the frigate to be made +ready with all dispatch to carry the Marquis de Lafayette a prisoner to +England when he had captured him." + +"He will have the pleasure of hearing such news before midnight, as to +that there can be no doubt. You said you had a copy of the order which +is to be issued on the sixteenth?" + +"Yes, I saw the rough draft on Sir Henry's desk, and asked permission +to make a copy for personal use. It may be the last order issued in the +rebel capital, and I thought might at some time prove a curiosity." + +"Can you give me the substance of it without violating any confidence?" + +"I think so. I was only enjoined to keep it a profound secret from the +civilians. It may be that it is yet sufficiently light for me to read +it." + +Then ensued a brief silence, during which Enoch's heart beat a +triumphant tattoo, for he realized that now, when a moment previous +it had seemed as if all his opportunities for gaining information were +lost, he was about to learn that which General Washington was so eager +to know. + +The fugitive crouched yet nearer the deck-planking as Lord Howe's +intended guest read slowly: + + HEADQUARTERS, PHILADELPHIA, June 16, 1778. + + "Lieutenant-General Knyphausen and Major-General Grant will + cross the river to-morrow at four o'clock in the morning with + the following regiments: Yagers, mounted and dismounted, + Queen's Rangers, Hessian Grenadiers, Second Battalion New + Jersey Volunteers,[C] Maryland Loyalists, Volunteers of + Ireland, and the Caledonian Volunteers. All wagons and carts, + with the wagons and bathorses[D] belonging to the general + and staff officers, are to be embarked this afternoon at + half-past three, at the upper coal wharf, and to-morrow at + six all the saddle horses belonging to the general and staff + officers are to be embarked at the same place, except two + for the commander-in-chief, and one for each of the general + officers. All the sick that are absolutely unable to march + are to be at Primrose's Wharf to-morrow morning at five + o'clock, where they will be received on board the Active." + +"I fancied we would go around by water," Enoch heard one of the men say +after the order had been read; "but according to that it is evident we +shall march across New Jersey." + +"I believe that was Sir Henry's first intention; but fearing head winds +might lengthen the passage, and that the rebel Washington would have an +opportunity to capture New York, he has decided no such risks should be +taken. For my part I am not unwilling to exchange this life of idleness +for one of action, and hope we may see plenty of it." + +"It appears quite evident your wish will be granted, for it is reported +the rebels are in good condition for the summer campaign, and from the +fact that they have so insolently rejected his majesty's proffers of +peace I argue they are much stronger in numbers than ever before." + +"However that may be, I care not; we shall soon whip out the +overweening confidence in their own abilities, and before this campaign +is ended I predict Congress will be suing for that which it has so +promptly refused. Here comes a boat, and, if I mistake not, we shall +learn considerably more of Sir Henry's intentions this evening than we +already know." + +The sound of footsteps on the sand told that the officers were moving +toward the water's edge, and, shortly after, Enoch could distinguish +the click of oars in the rowlocks. + +Then came the short, quick orders of the coxswain in charge of the +craft, and five minutes later a profound silence reigned. + +The one thought now in Enoch's mind was, that he had learned that which +it was of the utmost importance General Washington should know. + +For the moment he forgot that armed men were searching for him in +every direction, and that his capture was almost certain to be followed +immediately by an ignominious death. + +He had accomplished the mission with which he and Greene were +intrusted, and it only remained to carry the information to +headquarters. + +With this thought came once more the realization of his utter +helplessness and desperate situation. + +It was possible he might remain undiscovered in his hiding-place until +sunrise; but no longer, for then the laborers would resume work upon +the sloop, and must unquestionably soon discover there was more in the +hold than they had left there the night previous. + +"It is more than my own life now that I am working for," the boy said +to himself. "By repeating what I have heard General Washington will +have a chance to strike a blow at the Britishers, and I shall indeed +have been of service to the cause. That order is to be issued on the +sixteenth, and the enemy will begin to leave on the seventeenth. There +is plenty of time in which to carry the news, if I can succeed in +finding Greene." + +Fully alive to the importance of what he had learned, Enoch was now +prepared to take greater risks than when it was only a question of +saving his own life. + +The personal danger appeared to have been lessened, and the one idea in +his mind was to make known without unnecessary delay that which he had +learned. + +No sound broke the stillness of the night as the boy clambered up from +his damp hiding-place until he could peer out through the hatchway. + +The darkness shrouded everything, and as if the elements were in +sympathy with his purpose, heavy clouds obscured even the light of the +stars. + +"I couldn't have a better chance, and if I don't get past the guards +which have been set it will be because I am stupid," Enoch thought +as he drew himself up to the combing of the hatchway and dropped +noiselessly down on the sand beneath. + +Here he stood motionless an instant to listen. + +In the distance could be heard the noises of the city, but close at +hand appeared to be no living thing save himself. + +Following up the bank of the river to the creek, and then into Third +Street, he went cautiously, ready at any moment to break into a run, or +retreat as should be necessary. + +To venture upon the street did not seem prudent, therefore he swam the +upper end of the creek, and made his way by a zigzag course, avoiding +the thoroughfares to traverse gardens and lawns, but all the while +continuing on in as nearly a direct course as was consistent with +safety toward the farmhouse where he believed Greene would be found. + +More than once he heard the tramp of the patrol, and at such times +he doubled here and there, moving cautiously as an Indian, and on the +alert for the first sounds which should proclaim he was discovered. + +An hour previous it had seemed impossible to him he could escape +even the ordinary number of guards; but now when he knew they had +been doubled, perhaps trebled, he instinctively--almost as if by +chance--avoided them, until he was beyond the city and on the road over +which Greene traveled when he brought his produce into the market. + +Even now he knew he was far from safe, for squads of soldiers often +patrolled the country roads at a distance of four or five miles from +the town at a late hour in the night, and he fully believed that on +this occasion scouting parties would be sent in every direction. + +Had he heard the orders given, however, he would have known that the +only precaution taken to prevent his escape was to double the number +of guards around the town, and that those who were searching for him +believed he was yet hidden in some building near the City Tavern. +Consequently a rigorous search was being instituted in that quarter, +while he was lessening each moment the distance between himself and the +American camp. + +Even when he was so far out in the country that the lights of the city +could no longer be seen, he was afraid to travel at his utmost speed +lest he should inadvertently come upon the patrol; but stopped at short +intervals to listen. + +Two hours passed, and during all this time he had continued steadily +onward, without having heard anything to arouse his fears. + +"Who would have believed I could have given them the slip so readily," +he said to himself. "I thought when I jumped on board the sloop that I +should only leave there as a prisoner, and perhaps if that order hadn't +been read where I could hear it, I'd still be crouching in the hold +waiting for the redcoats to pounce upon me. What a fool I was to so far +forget myself as to brush up against that Quaker! Even if they hadn't +suspected me of being a spy, I stood a chance of getting a flogging for +my impudence. Yet suppose I hadn't been discovered? Then I shouldn't +know the exact date set down for the evacuation of the city. Everything +has happened in my favor, and----" + +He ceased speaking very suddenly, for in the distance he could hear +the sound of footsteps, and waiting only long enough to assure himself +there had been no mistake, Enoch darted into the bushes that lined the +road on either side at this point. + +Then came the thought that it was nearly time for Greene to go into +town, and pressing as closely to the edge of the road as was possible +without showing himself, the boy waited until the pedestrian should +appear. + +After a short time he saw a single figure approaching with a burden +upon his back; but the night was so dark that Enoch was unable to +determine whether this was the man whom he hoped to meet or some enemy. + +He hesitated to make himself known until he realized that if the spy +should pass him he might have difficulty in carrying his news to Valley +Forge, and, regardless of possible danger, cried softly: + +"Robert Greene!" + +The figure halted, looked around for a moment, and then was apparently +about to resume the journey when Enoch asked in a low tone: + +"Is that you, Mr. Greene?" + +"I know no one of that name, and if it was mine wouldn't be willing to +own it to one who is afraid to show himself." + +Enoch recognized the voice, and springing forward with an exclamation +of joy literally hugged the vegetable-laden spy. + +"Is it you, Enoch?" Greene asked in surprise. "What has happened? Have +you been in danger?" + +"I was discovered by a Quaker at whose house General Lafayette lodged +at Barren Hill, and seized by him and a British officer in front of the +City Tavern." + +"But how did you escape?" + +"Come with me into the bushes, for I am afraid men will be sent out on +this road, since you told the patrol I was in your employ." + +When the two were screened from view of any who might chance to pass, +Enoch told his story in all its details, interrupted only by low +chuckles of satisfaction now and then, and exclamations of pleasurable +surprise when the more important portions of his adventures were +related. + +"You have done a good work this night, lad! A brave work, and your +seeming misfortunes were the luckiest that ever befell man or boy. I +was not mistaken in you, lad." + +"But I haven't done anything, Mr. Greene. It was all an accident, and +one that came very near costing my life." + +"Never mind how it came about. The work has been done, and we can carry +to Valley Forge such news as has long been waited for--news that will +change the condition of affairs there very decidedly." + +As he spoke Greene sprang to his feet, and seizing Enoch by the arm +went hurriedly into the road. + +"Are you going to leave your market-truck?" Enoch asked. + +"I would willingly leave everything on Rogers' farm to the mercy of +the Britishers after such word had been brought, my boy. Now step out +at your liveliest pace until we can get the horses, and then it is a +question of a quick ride to headquarters to announce the fact that our +work has been finished in the completest manner." + +"But isn't it dangerous to go ahead too boldly? There may be soldiers +between here and the farm." + +"I will answer for it there are none, lad, for haven't I just traveled +over this road? It is seldom they come out so far unless in goodly +force." + +"I thought perhaps scouts might be sent in every direction, for the two +men whom I heard talking while I was in the sloop seemed very certain +I'd be captured." + +"They are most likely looking for you in the city yet, and a rare +time they'll have of it. I would have been willing to give a good +many shillings if I could have seen the old Quaker's face when you +bowled him over. So he must have been the one who warned Howe of +General Lafayette's advance? We'll settle matters with him after +the evacuation, and there are one or two other Quakers who should be +attended to, particularly he who would have made prisoners of Generals +Reed and Cadwalader." + +"I have never heard of him." + +"Then I will tell you the story, and it isn't a bad one, seeing +that it didn't turn out to our disadvantage. The two generals were +reconnoitering the country, and stopped at the house of a Quaker with +whom they were acquainted. I don't remember his name. After leaving +him, and it may be certain he protested that he dearly loved the +cause, it began to rain, and Cadwalader and Reed, fearing lest their +blue cloaks should be injured by the water, turned them inside out. +Now it so chanced that these same cloaks were lined with red, and as +they returned past the house they had just visited, in the gloom of +the evening it was not unnatural that they should have been mistaken +for English officers. That is exactly the mistake the Quaker made, +and he rushed out quickly, shouting: 'Gentlemen, gentlemen, if you +will only turn back, you will certainly catch General Reed and General +Cadwalader, who have just gone down this road.' I'll lay guineas +to pence that he could have bitten his tongue when the two officers +made themselves known. And what a wigging they gave him! General Reed +promised that when the proper time came he would square accounts with +that man of peace, and I reckon he won't forget his word. Neither shall +I neglect the Quaker you tumbled over in front of the City Tavern. That +was a narrow escape for you, my boy." + +"I don't care to try anything of the kind again," Enoch replied grimly. + +"Not unless it could result as happily as this adventure has. You made +a mistake in being too eager to overhear the conversation, and by that +very mistake accomplished all we wanted to know." + +Greene did not cease commenting upon the events of the evening and +congratulating Enoch, until they had arrived at the farmhouse where he +pretended to be employed. + +There horses were procured with the least possible delay, and the +two set out toward Valley Forge at full speed, Enoch's heart beating +rapidly with joy and exultation, as he thought that at last he would +have an opportunity of speaking with General Washington, and would be +a welcome visitor. + +Only at such times as it was absolutely necessary did the travelers +slacken their pace, and the sun had not yet risen when they were halted +by the pickets of the encampment. + +Greene was provided with a password which would admit him without +delay, whatever the parole or the countersign might be, and after a +brief pause the two spies galloped at full speed up to the rude hut +where General Washington had lived during the severe winter. + +"Robert Greene to see the commander-in-chief on urgent business," was +the reply to the challenge of the sentries who guarded the building, +and so well was the spy's name known that no hesitation was made in +awakening the general. + +The two were ushered into the sleeping apartment, and there, as he lay +in bed, his face lighted up in anticipation of welcome news, Enoch saw +the commander whom he revered. + +After Greene had hurriedly given the information they had brought, the +boy was made more than happy when Washington took him by the hand and +said: + +"You are a brave lad, Enoch Ball. You have rendered good service, and +I thank you." + +To be thanked by General Washington was a greater reward, in Enoch's +eyes, than a commission would have been in Jacob's, and he felt that +whatever the future might have in store for him he had been fully +repaid for everything by these three words from such a man. + +"Will it be advisable, do you think, sir, for the boy to return to +Philadelphia?" Greene asked. + +"Not to the town itself, while the British are in possession; but he +might remain at your rendezvous to act as messenger between there and +the camp, although I question if you will have any further important +information to bring us, unless it should chance that the order was not +issued." + +"It is my desire, sir, to enlist as a soldier," Enoch said timidly. + +"It would seem as if you already were one, save for the ceremony of +signing your name. Remain with Greene until some decided move is made, +and then it shall be my care to see that your desire is granted. In +the meantime you may consider yourself as attached to my staff in order +that there shall be no question about rations. Mr. Greene, you will see +that the boy messes with my aids while he is in camp." + +Enoch was so overwhelmed by the honor thus conferred upon him as to be +hardly aware of what he did during the next few moments. + +When Greene touched him on the arm to signify that the interview was at +an end and they should depart, he followed like one in a dream wherever +the spy led him, until the latter said, laying his hand heavily upon +the boy's shoulder: + +"Haven't you a word of comment, lad, upon the honor you have received? +Let me tell you there are few men in the Continental army who wouldn't +be bristling with pride in your place." + +"It doesn't seem possible! I cannot realize that the general really +meant it! _I_ mess with his aids!" + +"But it is not only messing, lad; you are attached to his +staff--perhaps not in a very important position; but when it is +known that because of personal services you have rendered, the +commander-in-chief allows you to consider yourself one of the 'members +of his family,' as the staff is termed, you will be treated with +greater respect than if Congress had given you a colonel's commission." + +"I know the honor is great," Enoch said slowly; "but I am almost +afraid----" + +"Of what?" + +"That in such a position I shall do something wrong--make a fool of +myself, or so behave that the general will be sorry he praised me." + +"Never you fear for that, lad. A boy who can have such fears won't +go far astray. Attached to the staff of General Washington, the +commander-in-chief of the Continental army! Well, if that isn't an +honor for a boy hardly more than sixteen years old I don't know what +is! And it all came through a Tory Quaker, and the bungling of a spy in +his work! Talk about chance!" + +"That's just it," Enoch added hurriedly. "It was all a chance, +therefore I don't deserve it." + +"But I allow you do, my boy, so we won't discuss the matter. We're +heading straight now for my regiment, and I intend that your friends +shall hear this wonderful piece of news, even if I am forced to awaken +them for the purpose of telling it." + +"Why not wait until daylight?" + +"Because I particularly want to see the expression on Master Ludwick's +face when he learns that you have earned more than a commission." + +"I am afraid Jacob will feel sore." + +"Afraid? I know he will, and that's why I propose telling the news at +once." + +"But he is a good friend, and was never as disagreeable as since +the night we carried the news to General Lafayette. Then he allowed +himself to believe we were to be made officers at once, and it was +disappointment that prevented him from acting as he would have done the +day before." + +"He could never really have had the good of the cause at heart, +otherwise his father's threats would not have been necessary in order +to force him to enlist. However, I will take your word for it that +he is a good comrade; but at the same time I am bound he and all the +members of my regiment shall know what General Washington has said to +you this evening." + +Footnotes: + +[C] This was a portion of the Tory force which had been +recruited in New Jersey. + +[D]A horse used for carrying the cooking utensils and similar +camp equipage. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +THE EVACUATION. + + +Enoch finally succeeded in persuading Greene that it was not necessary +to arouse all the New Jersey militia in order to inform them of what +had occurred, since in two hours the encampment would be astir, and +then the news could be told with less inconvenience to those who might +desire a full night's sleep. + +"I hate to wait even five minutes, Enoch; but reckon I am bound to, if +you say the word. We'll tumble into the first vacant place we find, and +get a nap 'twixt now and sunrise." + +This was a proposition which pleased Enoch. The journey from +Philadelphia, hurried as it was, had fatigued him greatly, and he felt +decidedly in need of rest. + +He had hardly stretched himself out on the bed just vacated by one of +the men whose turn it was to do guard duty when his eyes were closed +in slumber, and it seemed to him that hardly more than a dozen minutes +had elapsed before he was awakened by the hum of conversation and the +trampling of many feet. + +It could readily be understood that he must have been asleep several +hours, and it was evident Greene had taken advantage of the opportunity +to relate at least a portion of the previous night's incidents, for +Enoch heard a man standing near by say in a tone of envy: + +"When a boy like him is thanked by General Washington and allowed to +consider himself a member of the staff, so to speak, it seems as if he +shouldn't want much of anything more in this world. I have faced death +many a time, and never received so much as a look." + +"And so have thousands of others," Greene said sharply. "You, a man, +have simply done a soldier's duty; the boy, not even a member of the +army, has taken his life in his hands since he left this camp, with the +chance of a felon's doom if he was captured, and I tell you what it is, +Jim Downing, you never stood any nearer death on the field of battle +than that lad did last night when he was recognized by the Quaker. If +I had known of it at the time I wouldn't have given sixpence for his +show." + +"I ain't whinin', Bob Greene, 'cause of lack of luck. I'm willin' to +admit that the boy has done great service, and hasn't been rewarded any +too richly. I was just considerin' what I'd be glad to go through an' +to suffer for the sake of what he's received." + +"You're getting your reward, as a good many of us are, in the knowledge +that you're doing all you can for the cause, and that ought to be +enough, Jim." + +"I allow there's some satisfaction in it; but it seems hard at times +that a man has got only one life to give for such as we're fightin' to +gain. If he had a dozen, an' laid 'em all down, it wouldn't be too big +a price to pay for the independence of these 'ere colonies." + +"Right you are, Downing, right you are! The pity is that more are +not in the same way of thinking. Hello, Enoch! This chatter kind of +disturbed you, I reckon." + +"I have slept as long as was necessary," the boy said as he rose to his +feet, looking almost ashamed because of the praise he had heard. "Where +are Seth and Jacob?" + +"Out on duty. If you stay where you are ten minutes more they'll be +here, and in the meantime it mightn't be a bad idea for you to mosey +over to headquarters for breakfast." + +"I had rather not go," and now Enoch looked really disturbed. "Can't I +get some rations here?" + +"Of course you can, lad," Jim Downing said quickly as he laid his hand +on Enoch's shoulder. "There won't be any trouble about that, and even +if there was I'd gladly share mine with you. But why don't you want to +go over to headquarters?" + +"It would look as if I was trying to force my way in where I didn't +belong." + +"Not a bit of it. According to what Greene says you've not only got the +right to go there, but it's the proper place." + +"I can get along without any breakfast as well as not," Enoch said +carelessly, as if to dismiss the subject; but Mr. Downing was not of +the same mind. + +"It does me good to see a modest youngster once in awhile, we have +so few of 'em 'round about. I am told Jacob Ludwick was one of your +cronies. Now I can't understand how you two boys hitched up together. +He never will be hanged for modesty." + +"But he is brave." + +"And he means everybody shall know it. Why, since he come into this +'ere company he hasn't done much of anything he wasn't obliged to +except tell about the ride you and he had from town up to Barren Hill. +I don't throw any discredit on what you two did that night; but at the +same time I ain't willin' to allow it was such a terrible bold thing. +Bob Greene tells me you knocked down Williams, the Tory Quaker?" + +"He tipped over when I ran against him, that was all." + +"And I hope he struck the sidewalk hard enough to shake some little +sense into his thick head. I always misdoubted that precious Quaker, +though I can't say that he professed to think very highly of the cause. +Leastways he didn't give out as doing so; but yet allowed us to believe +he was on our side, and so had a chance to do a good bit of mischief. +Now I'll look after your breakfast, and you shall have the best the +camp affords." + +"Can't I go with you? There is no reason why you should bring the food +to me." + +"It'll be just about as easy, and you may as well stay here so as to be +on hand when your friends come." + +"Jim" Downing was not the only man in the encampment who appeared eager +to show some special attention to the boy whom General Washington had +honored. + +Every soldier Enoch met displayed particular regard for him, and but +for Master Ball's innate modesty he might have been decidedly distorted +by pride during this day at Valley Forge. + +Seth and Jacob were not relieved from duty as soon as Greene had +anticipated. Enoch's breakfast had been brought and disposed of before +they entered the hut, and the warmth of their greetings told of the +pleasure they felt in seeing him. + +"If it hadn't been for father's keeping me here I'd have got just +as fat a berth as has come to you, because we should have been +together," Jacob said enviously. "It always seems to be my luck to +have something like that happen while anything big is going on. When +we drew lots it was Seth who won the chance to carry information to the +Continentals----" + +"That didn't seem like such very good luck when poor Seth was in prison +as a spy, and with a chance of being hanged." + +"It didn't just at that time, for a fact; but we got him out of the +scrape easy enough." + +"Easier, perhaps, than I should have been able to do if you had been +in my place," Seth replied heartily, and it could readily be seen that +this praise was gratifying to Master Ludwick. + +"But luck wasn't against you when you planned and carried out so +successfully the seizing of Mr. Wharton's horses," Enoch added. "All +the credit of that piece of work is certainly due to you." + +"Yes, and see what I got out of it! General Lafayette was much obliged, +and that's all. I wasn't even allowed to do as I wanted to, but had to +enlist when I could have gone with you and earned for myself a share in +the commission you are likely to receive." + +"But he ain't likely to receive a commission," Greene interrupted. "Nor +he wouldn't take one if the commander-in-chief should be so foolish as +to offer it. Enoch is a boy that has a pretty good idea of what he can +do, and you'll never find him trying to get above himself." + +"Meaning to say I do, eh?" + +"I was only speaking for Enoch. Hark you, Jacob, you have enough of +what you call 'luck,' only you don't appreciate it. What has come +to Seth more than you have got? Nothing. What has come to Enoch? The +honor of being fed in the commander-in-chief's mess; but when things +are straightened out you'll find him drop into place as a private, +with never a bit of grumbling because he ain't given a chance to take +command of the army. This business of luck isn't much more nor less +than the way you look at a thing. Try your best to do whatever comes to +hand, and you'll find that the average share of luck will follow." + +After the first surprise was over Jacob behaved in a more manly fashion +than Greene had anticipated, and nothing occurred to mar the pleasure +of one of the most satisfactory days Enoch had ever spent. + +He was forced many times to repeat the story of his adventure in +the city, after having been recognized by the Quaker, for officers +as well as men were eager to learn the details, and even this was +not displeasing to Master Ludwick, since it naturally led up to the +recounting of the previous events in which all three of the boys, in +turn, played a prominent part. + +Then came the hour for departure. + +Greene, who was closeted for some time with General Dickinson, had +received orders for certain work to be done prior to the day set for +the evacuation, and this required that Enoch should continue his duties +as a spy. + +Shortly after nightfall the two set out, accompanied as far as the +outposts by Seth and Jacob, and when they were finally free from the +camp, riding at a leisurely pace, Enoch asked: + +"What am I to do now, Mr. Greene?" + +"Hang around the farm, ready to bring any news which I may gather. From +now out the command is that I spend a good portion of my time in town, +for you see, lad, it isn't certain but that the order you heard read +may be changed, and the evacuation will take place earlier or later. +But seein's how we've had information ahead of even Clinton's own +officers, we're bound to hold the advantage by making certain we keep +posted in all that's being done." + +"Am I to go to the city?" + +"Not before the morning of the seventeenth, if it so be Clinton sticks +to the plan according to the programme you heard. Then you shall have +a chance to see the Britishers march out, for once they begin to move +our work will be done in this section of the country." + +When the two arrived at the farmhouse Enoch was given a bed in the +attic, with orders to remain closely under cover during the daytime, +and to be ready for a trip to Valley Forge at a moment's notice. + +Then the spy left him, and although he watched hourly for Greene's +return, anticipating with no slight degree of pleasure a visit to +Valley Forge, he was disappointed. + +The days passed slowly, and as each went by Enoch grew more and more +distressed in mind, for it seemed certain Greene must have been +captured, otherwise he would have returned even though he he had +learned nothing new. + +Shortly before midnight of the sixteenth the spy made his appearance +once more, and looking none the worse for his long absence. + +"No, I wasn't caught, nor in any danger whatever," he said in reply +to Enoch's eager questions. "As a matter of fact I have been living in +clover since I saw you last, for I took up my quarters in your mother's +house, and she feasted me on the fat of the land. Your mother is a +great cook, Enoch!" + +"But what made you stay away so long? I thought I was to carry to +Valley Forge what you learned?" + +"And so you would if I had learned anything, lad. But bless you, +there's nothing new going on." + +"What? Have the Britishers given up the idea of evacuating the city?" + +"No, indeed. I meant there was nothing more happening in town than +we knew when last at Valley Forge. All I could gather was to the same +effect as that which you discovered so oddly, and there surely was no +necessity of repeating that to General Washington, therefore I remained +quiet, as safe in the city as if I had been a Tory of the rankest +kind. The order you heard read was issued this morning, and, as nearly +as I could learn, not changed in any respect. It is evident Clinton +anticipates some trouble from camp followers, seeing so many of his men +have taken wives since they came to Philadelphia, and there's a host of +women in that town tonight ready to scratch out the Britisher's eyes, +for he has issued orders regarding them which are not at all pleasing. +The first appeared this morning, and I reckon wasn't intended for the +public; it read something like this: 'If any regiment has more women +than is allowed, the commanding officer is desired to send them down +to the ships, if he can possibly get an opportunity; if not, they are +to march with the army, and, by way of punishment, will be allowed no +provisions.' Trust to a woman for finding out what it ain't intended +she should know! Some of these Tory girls, thinking they had a rich +prize when they married redcoats, heard of it, and in certain quarters +of the city there was a deal of harsh language. Then came the second +order, which was posted in the barracks where every one could see +it: 'All women of each regiment will march at the head of it under an +escort of the non-commissioned officers and six men, who will take care +they do not go out of the road on any account, and the provost marshal +has received positive orders to drum out any woman who shall disobey +this order.'" + +"Then the city is to be really evacuated?" + +"Yes, lad; the word is for the last of the Britishers to cross +the river at Gloucester Point at daylight on the morning of the +seventeenth. I allow it's time for you to come into town, if you want +to see what's going on, for they will pay no attention to you from this +out. Your mother is expecting us there 'twixt now and sunrise." + +"Did you tell her what General Washington said to me?" + +"I did, lad, and if there's a prouder woman in Pennsylvania than she +I don't know where to find her. Unless you've got some reason for not +going at once we'll leave now, because I'm not counting on missing any +part of the show, and allow you're quite as eager to see it as I am." + +Enoch would have been pleased to leave the farmhouse even though he +had had no anticipation of such a spectacle as must of necessity be +presented when the English troops filed out of the city they had so +long occupied, and no delay was made by Greene in retracing his steps. + +Although it was not expected the enemy would take any very great +precautions to prevent undesirable visitors on this the eve of the +evacuation, Greene did not think it quite prudent to attempt to ride +into town, therefore set out on foot. + +"It will be the last time we shall have to sneak into Philadelphia, +lad," the spy said exultantly when they were on the road. "I don't +allow that from this out the enemy will ever again have possession of +the town, for what we've got now we'll hold." + +Enoch was too greatly excited to carry on any conversation just at this +moment. + +It seemed to him as if he had been absent from home an exceedingly long +time, and he was not only eager to see his mother, but to tell her of +the praise he had won from the "only man in all the country" to him. + +Greene, however, was inclined to be garrulous. He told stories of +his army life; related incidents regarding this officer or that, and, +finding he was not attracting his companion's attention, changed the +subject abruptly by saying: + +"And now, lad, it can't be many days before we'll have a pitched +battle, and I hope to see you in it on General Washington's staff, +rather than as a private." + +"But that would be ridiculous, Mr. Greene. What could I do in such a +position?" + +"Very little, lad, I'll admit; but still I'm hoping to see you there +for the honor of it, and I shall be claiming my share since you are my +subordinate." + +Although Enoch did not believe such an event probable, he could +not prevent himself from speculating upon the possibility, and very +pleasant to him were these speculations. + +The journey from the farmhouse to the city was not accomplished in +as short a time as usual; perhaps because Greene was weary with much +walking, and not until nearly an hour after sunrise did they arrive +within sight of Philadelphia. + +Then Greene threw his hat high in the air, dancing and capering like a +crazy man, for, dotting the surface of the Delaware thickly, could be +seen boats carrying the troops named in the first general order, and +the evacuation had begun. + +"I want to do my crowing now," the spy said in explanation of his +conduct, "for we shall be forced to wear long faces when we come into +town. There are Britishers enough left behind to put us in the pillory +and seam our backs with their whips of wire as a pleasant diversion +in case we make ourselves too conspicuous. I don't allow there's +any danger of being overhauled by the patrol if we exercise ordinary +caution, and I surely shan't take any risks. We'll skirt around to the +right, and slip in to Letitia Street as quietly and modestly as the +Tories will behave from this time out." + +"Wait a few moments. Let us enjoy this sight while we can, Mr. Greene," +and Enoch gazed intently at the retreating forces. + +"To-morrow there will be a brave spectacle, lad, when the last boatload +of redcoats has pushed off, and we can stand on the bank and cheer +and hoot to our heart's content without fear of being clapped into a +guardhouse. It's when every mother's son of 'em leaves Pennsylvania +soil that the city will be a comfortable abiding place." + +Enoch was not willing to forego the pleasure of seeing that which was +already spread out before him, although there was promise of a much +finer spectacle, and he remained silent and motionless ten minutes or +more, until his companion said impatiently: + +"I am sorry to interrupt you, lad, especially when you are looking on +such a scene; but it must be done. We should not lose any more time." + +"But surely you don't expect there will be work to do now the +Britishers have really begun to go?" + +"I don't expect it, lad; but yet at the same time something of +importance might happen, and I must be where I can hear all the news." + +Enoch could not well linger after this, and turning irresolutely, as if +it cost him some effort to shut out such a view, he followed the spy. + +By making a wide detour they entered the town from the rear, and walked +through the almost deserted streets without molestation. + +Every person able to be abroad on that morning, whether patriot or +Tory, was assembled on the river bank to witness the departure of the +troops, and even General Washington himself might have walked through +a goodly portion of the city at that time without attracting attention. + +The meeting between Enoch and his mother was, as may be fancied, +particularly affectionate, and while each was clasped in the other's +embrace Greene left the house. + +During an hour or more Enoch told in detail all his adventures, and +then, when that subject was exhausted, began to wonder why Greene did +not return. + +Not until night had come did the spy enter the house, and then it was +to greet his young comrade with a hearty hand-clasp, as he said: + +"There will be no hitch in the programme, lad. At daybreak to-morrow +the last redcoat will go. This evening such of the troops as remain +were drawn up into line, and without warning marched down the river a +mile or more, where they are bivouacked on the shore." + +"Why was that done?" Enoch asked quickly. + +"It is what we must thank Clinton for, and I allow it's the only thing +we have to be grateful about, so far as he is concerned. The soldiers, +knowing they were to leave in the morning, might, as has been done +in other cases, run wild over the city and do much damage. Anything +of that kind has been prevented. Then again, the British commander +isn't so certain he'll be followed by all his men, for it's said that +desertions have been great since morning; but taking them unawares as +he did, he has been able to partially check the defection." + +"You haven't learned anything new?" + +"No, lad, nothing of importance. When the last boatload has left the +shore I shall make for Valley Forge at full speed, although there's +little need of doing so, since General Washington understands that the +order you heard read is being carried out, unless one of us should +report to the contrary in the meanwhile. What do you say for a walk +about town?" + +"Is it safe?" + +"Safe, lad? Why, there are no soldiers in the city, although a good +many of the officers have not left their quarters yet, and I guarantee +that the Tories will keep their heads under cover mighty snug from this +out." + +Enoch would have accepted the invitation but that he saw his mother was +disturbed at the idea of his doing what seemed venturesome. + +"I will wait until morning, Mr. Greene, and then we'll post ourselves +somewhere near the Middle Ferry, where we shall see the ending of it +all." + +"Very well, lad, as you please. Perhaps it _is_ foolish for you to +venture too much, seeing that the Britishers have still got the upper +hand of us here, and might pay off an old score or two on your back. +If I am not at the house sooner, I'll call before daylight, and then +we'll enjoy ourselves as hasn't been possible since General Howe took +possession of this town." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +LORD GORDON. + + +This night in Philadelphia, when the British, after having long held +possession of the city, had so far progressed in the evacuation that +only the officers were yet in town, was both a happy and an anxious one +to the inhabitants. + +Those people who had remained true to the American cause rejoiced that +their friends would soon be in possession of the chosen capital of +the country, and were looking forward eagerly to the morrow when the +Continental forces should enter to take possession of their own once +more. + +Hundreds of patriots confined in the prisons for no other crime than +that of loyalty to their country were waiting eagerly for the morning +when their cell-doors would be unlocked by friends, and they free at +last to render aid to that cause so near their hearts. + +In the homes of the Tories all wore an anxious look; they had spent a +winter of gayety, while the representatives of the king held the city, +and probably fancied the spirit of freedom would be so thoroughly +crushed that Philadelphia would always be loyal to the English +government. + +Now they knew that everything was to be changed, and, as in many +instances, having oppressed their neighbors who favored the struggle +for independence, feared that reprisals would be demanded. Hundreds of +Tories--delicately nurtured women, men accustomed to every luxury, and +children whose every desire had been gratified--were about to follow +the army on its march across New Jersey, or, as their means and the +possibility would permit, intended to travel by various conveyance to +New York. + +These last were particularly sad because of the severing of all home +ties for an indefinite period--perhaps forever--and to those who were +anxious, as well as to those who were happy, slumber did not come on +this night. + +The happiness and the grief were too great to permit of the +unconsciousness of sleep. + +In Mrs. Ball's home, mother and son, reviewing again and again the +events with which the boy had been intimately connected, put off the +time for retiring yet a little longer at each stroke of the clock, +until Enoch finally said: + +"It's no use, mother, I can't go to bed. I shouldn't sleep if I tried, +and on this night of all others it seems as if we might keep watch." + +"For what purpose, my son?" + +"I don't know. It appears to be a fact that the city will be entirely +evacuated by the enemy in the morning, and yet I can't prevent fears +that something may happen to change General Clinton's plans. At all +events, Greene will be here at least an hour before daylight, and it +is now nearly midnight, therefore why should we make any attempt at +sleeping?" + +A knock at the door, loud, quick, and, if such could be, one might +almost say joyous, and Enoch answered it without hesitation, for he +fancied he knew who would demand admittance in such a fashion. + +"Not in bed yet, good people?" and Greene seated himself near the +window. + +"Enoch was just saying he could not sleep, and proposed that we sit up +until morning." + +"I venture to say there will be no slumber in nineteen houses out of +every twenty in the city this night, and yet we who love the cause +should be able to sleep now, if ever." + +"You do not appear to be doing much in that line," Enoch suggested with +a smile. + +"Well, no, I am feeling too good just now to want to surrender +consciousness, even for the sake of a rest. Such an experience as this +doesn't come more than once in a person's lifetime, and he shouldn't +lose any of the pleasurable sensations. I'll join your vigil as if it +was New Year's eve, and we'll watch the British out and the Americans +in." + +Until the time the spy had set to go to the river bank, the three +talked of the disappointments in the past and the hopes for the future, +and then Greene and Enoch left the house. + +There were more signs of life on the street, even at this early hour, +than when they had entered the city the day previous. + +The citizens who had been faithful to the cause during this long +occupation by the enemy were now coming out in full force to witness +his departure, and a happy, joyous throng it was. + +"Will General Washington come to-day?" Enoch asked of his companion. + +"No; General Arnold will take possession of the city with a small +force. We shan't see the commander-in-chief in town until something +decisive has been done, according to my way of thinking," answered +Greene. + +"How long are we to stay here?" + +"I shall start for Valley Forge when the last boatload of soldiers +puts out from the shore. You will stay until word comes from General +Dickinson." + +"Do you intend to walk to the farm?" + +"No; I shall have no trouble in borrowing a horse now that our friends +are not afraid of getting into trouble by doing such a service. Here is +a good place for us to witness the scene, and on this rising ground the +view cannot be shut off from us, however many may be around." + +Greene had halted on the slight elevation of ground a short distance +from the Middle Ferry, and already could be seen in the stream +boatloads of soldiers putting out from the Philadelphia side of the +river, while from each of the landing-places the refugees--men, women +and children--were embarking such portable effects as they would be +permitted to carry on board the vessels lying at anchor. + +The sun had not yet risen; but the adherents of King George were +hastening to depart from the soil of Pennsylvania, greatly to the +delight of those who had been so long oppressed. + +Enoch had no desire to talk, and hardly heard what Greene said as he +made several attempts to enter into conversation. The boy's eyes were +fixed upon the panorama before him, and he thought of nothing save the +fact that the city was being freed from the enemy. + +Until half-past nine he remained thus absorbed in the view, and then +a mighty shout went up from the assembled throng--a shout which was +echoed and re-echoed from one end of the city to the other. + +The last boatload, among which was General Knyphausen, had pushed off +from the shore. + +"It is done at last!" Enoch cried, seizing Greene by both hands. + +"It is indeed, my boy, and we have been permitted to see it all! It +is such a sight as we'll hope never will be repeated on the Delaware +River. Now I must be off. You will either see me or receive some word +within the next twenty-four hours. Be ready to leave home without delay +when the summons comes, for I should be sadly disappointed if we had a +brush with Clinton's men and you were not in it." + +"So should I. Don't forget me when you are with the army." + +"Never fear anything like that. It wouldn't be possible while I was +where Seth and Jacob could see me. But come, I'm going very near +Drinker's Alley. Walk so far with me; step in for a moment and see if +Mrs. Graydon has any message to send her son, for you will meet him +shortly, and then, after General Arnold and his men arrive, go home and +wait for me or my message." + +Enoch had not broken his fast, but was hardly aware that he needed +food, so great was his joy. + +He acted upon Greene's suggestion, and ten minutes later saw the spy +ride out of the city at full speed, bound first for the farmhouse, +where he would exchange his horse for a fresh one, and then to Valley +Forge with the glad tidings. + +On this occasion Enoch did not skulk around to the rear of the house +when visiting Mrs. Graydon; but walked boldly to the front door, +where he knocked with an air of one who is free to do as he chooses, +startling Seth's mother not a little, when, his summons being answered +by her servant, he rushed in upon her with the cry: + +"The city is evacuated! The British are gone, and we shall never see +them here again unless they come as prisoners!" + +"Has the army left the city?" Mrs. Graydon asked as if in surprise. + +"Why, yes; didn't you know they were going?" + +"Certainly, I knew the evacuation was for to-day; but it can't be they +have really gone?" + +"Indeed they have! Greene and I watched the last boatload put off +from this side. There isn't a single redcoat in town, and before noon +General Arnold will be here with a portion of the Continental army. Our +own flag is floating over the city once more!" + +Mrs. Graydon looked so thoroughly perplexed that just for a moment +Enoch asked himself if it could be possible she was in sympathy with +the enemy, and she, noting the look of perplexity on his face, said +with a smile: + +"You are wondering why I don't rejoice in the good news you have +brought, Enoch; but the truth is that I fear there must be some mistake +about it, for Lord Gordon hasn't yet come downstairs." + +"Lord Gordon still here!" Enoch cried, now in turn becoming perplexed. + +"Certainly. He very seldom rises early, and last night gave no +orders to be called. I supposed that the army wouldn't go away before +afternoon." + +"But they have gone, and it isn't likely they are to remain at +Gloucester Point any longer than is necessary. Why, Mrs. Graydon, +if Lord Gordon is here an hour from now he will be made prisoner by +our troops, and after all he has done for us that would seem like a +terrible misfortune." + +"Indeed it would, Enoch." + +"I am going to waken him regardless of whether he left any orders +or not; but what bothers me is, how we can get him over to the +Jersey side, for the English took possession of all the boats on the +river-front, and I don't think there's a single craft to be found." + +"Even though you waken him before our people come I fear for his +safety, Enoch. The British have so oppressed those who were faithful +to the cause that if it is known a member of their army is left behind +something serious may be done." + +"It is no use to stand here talking. He must get out of town, and that +mighty quick! Where's his room?" + +"The one directly over this." + +Enoch did not hesitate; darting upstairs at full speed he burst into +the chamber without ceremony, and Lord Cosmo Gordon, springing up in +bed, his eyes heavy with slumber, demanded sharply: + +"Who are you, sir? What do you want here?" + +"I am only Enoch Ball, Lord Gordon. You remember me? You remember when +Jacob Ludwick and I talked with you about Seth?" + +"Oh, it is you, is it?" the officer said as he sank back upon the +pillows. "You appear to be an energetic lad; but I can't say I have any +great admiration for your manners." + +"But, Lord Gordon, do you know that the Britishers have left the city, +and that in a very short time our forces will be here?" + +"The army gone?" and Lord Gordon sprang out of bed very suddenly. "Why, +what time is it?" + +"Past ten o'clock." + +"And I have been allowed to sleep while my command has gone over! This +promises to be serious, my boy!" + +"Serious, sir? I should say it was! After all that has happened I would +rather a good bit of ill-fortune came to me than that you should be +taken prisoner." + +"I should die of mortification if it was known that I, a British +officer, lay in bed while my troops marched out of town and left me to +be captured. Lad, you believe I did you a service once?" + +"Indeed you did, sir, and one I can never repay." + +"You can repay it now, and with interest," Lord Gordon said as he began +hurriedly to dress. "I must cross the river at once, and depend upon +you to get me a boat." + +"That is more easily said than done, sir. Your army has taken +possession of every craft on this side; but I'll get one if I have to +swim for it. What troubles me is that I may not succeed in time." + +"The American forces are near the city?" + +"Greene said General Arnold would arrive before noon." + +"I'll go with you. We'll both search for a boat. Where is my servant?" + +"I don't know, sir, unless he's with the army." + +"That can't be, my boy. He wouldn't have left me, for--Oh, here you +are, Richard," the officer added as a sleepy-looking man entered +the chamber. "You neglected to awaken me, and I am in a most serious +predicament." + +"You gave no orders, my lord." + +"You should have had wit enough to know that I intended to march with +the army." + +"But I have just wakened, my lord." + +"And you don't have the appearance of one who has fully accomplished +that yet. Get my things together as quickly as possible, and go down to +the river. We shall start from the Middle Ferry." + +"But, Lord Gordon, if you set out alone it must be from some place less +public than that," Enoch said decidedly. "Remember that our people +are freed from restraint now, and the temptation of having a British +officer in their power might be so great that, if they didn't do real +harm, they would at least prevent your leaving." + +"You are right, my lad. I'll grant that you have a better head than I +in this matter, and follow your directions." + +"Then will you please stay here till I come back?" + +"Yes, unless you are gone too long." + +"But you must stay, no matter how long I am gone. I promise faithfully +you shall be set across the river some time to-day, or night, if you +will remain out of sight; but once you are seen I am afraid the work +cannot be done." + +"Do as you will, my lad. I agree to follow your instructions. If you +succeed in your purpose you will repay me tenfold for the slight favor +I did your friend." + +"I only hope I shall come somewhere near squaring matters; but in +one case a life was saved, and in this it is only a question of your +avoiding imprisonment." + +"To be made a prisoner under these circumstances would be worse than +death. Go, my lad, go quickly!" + +Enoch ran downstairs, and stopped with his hand on the latch of the +door to say to Mrs. Graydon: + +"Won't you please keep the house locked, and make some excuse for not +letting anybody in? The time has come when we can repay Lord Gordon for +the assistance he rendered Seth, and you must do your share by keeping +him out of sight." + +"No person shall enter without first battering down the door," Mrs. +Graydon replied with an air of determination, and Enoch darted out of +the house, running up the alley at full speed. + +Half an hour later he returned, breathless, but triumphant. + +Lord Gordon, looking desperately anxious, met him at the door. + +"I've got a skiff," he said as soon as it was possible for him to +speak. "She's in the creek below Third Street. I can take you there +without the chance of meeting many people; but we shall be obliged to +walk fast, and you must pay no attention to whatever may be said." + +"Don't fear I'll do anything to prevent the success of your efforts, +my boy. My rejoining the army at the earliest possible moment is such +a vital matter that nothing short of force would delay me." + +The servant was summoned, and came down the staircase as if still +partially under the influence of sleep, laden with baggage. + +"Look alive, man, can't you?" Enoch cried angrily as he took a portion +of the burden from the fellow. "If nothing else will waken you, +remember that your life is absolutely in danger from the time we leave +this house until we are well out in the river." + +These words had the desired effect, and the three, each carrying a +portion of the luggage, left the house. + +Enoch chose a most circuitous route, and although his lordship was +jeered at many times during the short journey, nothing occurred to +cause delay. + +"She isn't a very fine craft," Enoch said when they reached the bank +of the creek and he pulled out from the landing-stage a flat-bottomed +boat; "but she'll take you over to the Jersey side, and I reckon that's +all you want." + +"Those who will show themselves to be such idiots as I have should be +forced to swim for it," Lord Gordon said grimly, "and the situation +now, compared with what it was half an hour ago, seems so bright that +I wouldn't exchange your punt for one of the swiftest galleys of the +fleet, except that I might arrive at the opposite shore more quickly." + +There was only one pair of oars, and seating himself amidships, with +Richard in the bow and Lord Gordon in the stern, Enoch plied these +vigorously, as indeed was necessary in order to stem the flood-tide, +which was now setting in strongly. + +Nearly an hour was required in which to make the passage, and more than +once did the officer insist he should be allowed to do a portion of the +work; but Enoch would accept of no assistance. + +"I should be only too glad to row you twenty miles, and all that +distance against the tide, Lord Gordon, for then when I saw Seth I +could say to him that we had been able to be of some service." + +"You do not fully realize, my boy, how much assistance you have +rendered me. I am under the deepest obligations, and that which I did +in your service seems as nothing compared with this, for you have saved +my honor. It is not my intention to offend you by offering payment; but +I should be under yet greater obligations if you will allow me to give +you some souvenir of this morning's work." + +"You mean you want to make me a present?" + +"Yes, Enoch, I want to leave with you something that you will remember +me by--something which when you look at it you can say 'This was given +me by a man to whom I rendered a greater service than if I had saved +his life.'" + +"I will take it, sir, and when I look at it will say to myself that it +was given me by a gentleman who saved the life of my friend." + +"Very neatly turned, my lad. You have a power of flattery which would +win your way in a court." + +"I wish I had the power that would win me my way in the Continental +army." + +"Are you intending to enlist?" + +"Yes, sir. I do not want to say it boastingly; but yet I am proud +because the little which I did last week caused General Washington +himself to thank me, and to say that I should attach myself to his +staff until I was really made a soldier." + +"Indeed, my lad? You must have rendered some signal service. Since you +no longer fear me as an enemy, for I am not formidable now that I am +the only member of the English army this side of New Jersey, perhaps +you will tell me what you did which won for you so great an honor." + +Enoch, passing lightly over the incidents in which he figured +prominently, told the story of his having been recognized by the Quaker +and of subsequently hearing Clinton's order read. + +Lord Gordon laughed heartily at the boy's account of his freeing +himself from the Quaker's grasp; but grew grave as the story was +finished. + +"With such boys as you, Enoch, to recruit the American army, it is +little wonder that we fail to whip you into submission. I am glad to +know you, my lad, and would say the same even if you had not rendered +me so great a service. I venture to predict you will win your way in +the army, for surely no boy ever made a better beginning. I hope we +shan't meet on the battlefield; but if we do of course each must strive +for the mastery, and I am confident you will do your best to overcome +me. Here is what I want you to accept," and Lord Gordon unfastened from +his watch a heavy chain. + +"That is far too valuable, sir. I had rather have something more +trifling." + +"And I prefer to give this. Don't refuse to take it, Enoch, for you +will be doing me another favor by wearing it." + +It was necessary Enoch should cease rowing sufficiently long to put +the costly gift in his pocket, and then he bent himself sturdily to the +oars once more, remaining silent several moments before he said: + +"I thank you, Lord Gordon, for the chain; but I thank you more for your +kind words. If all the Britishers had been like you I don't think this +war would have lasted so long." + +"And if all the Americans had been as generous-hearted and brave as +you, Enoch Ball, your independence would have been gained immediately +after it was declared." + +Then the boat's bow grated on the sand of the Jersey shore. + +His lordship's servant gathered up the belongings and proceeded with +all haste toward the moving column which could be seen in the distance, +and Lord Gordon, pressing Enoch's hand, said solemnly: + +"May God love and guard you, my boy!"[E] + +Footnote: +[E] This escape of Lord Cosmo Gordon occurred actually as +described, and the gift of the chain was made to the boy who assisted +him. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +ON SPECIAL DUTY. + + +When Enoch had repaid the debt of gratitude by aiding Lord Gordon to +rejoin his troops, and had landed once more on the Philadelphia side of +the river, he felt particularly well pleased with the morning's work. + +It was, to his mind, a fitting conclusion to the evacuation, and gave +him a sense of great satisfaction that he had been enabled to be of +service to the generous officer. + +"I allow Seth will be pleased twice when he hears of this day's +happenings, and I'm not certain but that what we have done for Lord +Gordon will afford him nearly as much pleasure as to know that the +British have finally left town. I wish he had given me something of +less value than this chain," he added as he examined the ornament more +closely. "It seems as if this was in some sense payment for the work, +although he insisted it was simply to remember him by. However, I could +not have refused it." + +Then he returned to Drinker's Alley; informed Mrs. Graydon her late +guest was in a place of safety, and, that having been done, went +directly home to acquaint his mother with the events of the evacuation. + +As a matter of course he was on the street when General Arnold, still +suffering from the wound received at Saratoga, entered the city with a +force of men sufficient to hold it against any ordinary attack, and as +soon as the town was formally invested by its rightful rulers he went +back to Letitia Street, there to remain until word should be received +regarding his future movements. + +Enoch's one desire now was to join the army at the earliest possible +moment, and he hoped most fervently that he would be allowed to enlist, +for there seemed every reason to believe General Washington would +attack the British forces during their march across New Jersey. + +Late on this same afternoon it was told in the city that Clinton was +encamped with his army and camp-followers at Haddonfield, and so +lengthy was the train with its appendages that the first division +of the force had bivouacked before the last left Gloucester Point, +although the line had moved in close order. + +It was reported that when the soldiers, the bathorses, baggage and +ammunition wagons, the camp-followers and refugees were stretched out +on a single road in marching order, they extended a length of twelve +miles, and there seemed to be no question but that the American forces +would sadly harass the cumbersome column before it could arrive at its +destination. + +There was great rejoicing in Philadelphia on this first night of the +re-occupation by the Continental army. + +Those who had been imprisoned because of their devotion to the cause +were set free, and for the first time since September was there +feasting and joy in the homes of the citizens who ardently desired the +independence of the colonies. + +It was noon of the 19th when Enoch received the expected summons, and +then, to his surprise and delight, Greene entered the house. + +"I came with an order from General Arnold," he said in reply to Enoch's +eager question, "and you are to carry a message from him to General +Dickinson, while I return to the main army." + +"Has Washington moved from Valley Forge?" + +"Certainly. He started for Coryell's Ferry[F] last night. Day before +yesterday Generals Maxwell and Dickinson left camp in order to be +ready to harass the enemy during his march, and are now somewhere +near the river; but it is impossible to say just at what point they +may be found. You are to report to General Arnold at once, and will +be furnished by him with a horse and equipment in order to enable +you to reach the New Jersey troops. Clinton, so it is reported, left +Haddonfield this morning, moving in the direction of Mount Holly, +and the general impression is that he intends to pass through New +Brunswick. Keep that fact well in mind, for it is somewhere on the west +side of his line that you will find General Dickinson, and you must not +approach sufficiently near to run the risk of being captured." + +"What am I to do after the message has been delivered?" Enoch asked. + +"That I cannot say." + +"Am I to be allowed to enlist?" + +"The order which General Washington gave at Valley Forge is still in +force, and you will most likely be considered an aid so long as your +services are required--very likely until the army is united. Now I +propose to ask your mother for a dinner, although there is no lack of +rations in the Continental camp; but it is the last opportunity I shall +have for some time of enjoying her extraordinarily good cooking. You +must tuck a generous meal under your vest this day, because you won't +get another like it for many days to come." + +As a matter of course Enoch told his friend of the previous morning's +adventures, when he had aided Lord Gordon, and after the story was +finished Greene said emphatically: + +"It was a good day's work you did, lad, and that is a precious deal +more than I would say if you'd helped any other British officer out of +town. Gordon, even though he is a lord and an enemy, is an honest kind +of a man, and after the spirit he has shown I'd be sorry to see him a +prisoner." + +Then Greene, observing the expression of sadness on Mrs. Ball's face as +she realized that her son was about to leave her once more, and would +probably be exposed to all the dangers of battle, began to talk on +indifferent subjects in order to prevent the thoughts of mother and son +from dwelling upon the possibilities of disaster, succeeding so well in +his purpose that when the moment for departure arrived both were in a +reasonably calm frame of mind. + +The spy did not allow any prolonged leave-taking, but hurried Enoch +away immediately, saying as he left the house: + +"You may depend upon it, Mrs. Ball, that you will receive the earliest +possible information of our movements, and I have no doubt but that +Enoch will return to the city several times before any engagement +can ensue. At all events, remember that nothing serious is likely to +occur, so far as the army is concerned, for several days. Clinton, +owing to his unwieldy train, must of necessity move slowly, and General +Washington will not attack until everything is in our favor." + +Then he literally forced Enoch from the house, hurrying him so rapidly +toward General Arnold's headquarters that the boy was listening to that +officer's instructions almost before he fairly realized he had left +home to take part in a campaign. + +The duty which was now required of him seemed very slight. He was +simply to carry a written communication to General Dickinson, and +consider himself under that officer's orders after the task had been +performed. + +Directions were given that he be furnished with a proper equipment, +and in the selection of this Greene took an active part, insisting on +several articles which Enoch thought needless; critically examining +all that was turned over to the boy, and discarding this or that until +satisfied in every respect with the complete outfit. + +"I'm rigged out like a nabob!" Enoch said proudly when Greene announced +that, everything having been provided, there was no necessity for +further delay. "If all the soldiers in the army have as much, I can +only wonder where Congress finds the money with which to pay for the +goods." + +"You are rather more generously equipped than the privates," Greene +said with a laugh as he assisted the boy to mount. "This horse with his +trappings, the two pistols in your belt, and the purse of money, come +to you by right of your being on General Washington's staff." + +"But you know I don't really hold that position, Mr. Greene, and +oughtn't have any more than belongs to me as a private." + +"You have received only what is absolutely necessary to permit of +your doing the duty required. You may be several days finding General +Dickinson, in which case you must lodge at inns, and will need the +wherewithal to pay your reckoning. Remember, Enoch, my boy, that +although the British have left Philadelphia, they are not very far +away from the town, and if you should chance to be made prisoner the +situation would be quite as grave as if the old Quaker had succeeded in +retaining his hold of your ear. Be careful of yourself; don't trust any +one too far, unless you know beyond a question that he is a true friend +to the cause, and keep your eyes wide open for treachery wherever you +may be." + +"How long are you going to stay here?" + +"I intend to leave very shortly, and it is not impossible we shall +soon meet again. You've got a good horse, lad, one that will serve you +if endurance is required, or I'm no judge. Be careful of him at the +outset, for the time may come when his speed and bottom will be needed +for your own safety. We won't say good-by, for now that you're in the +service it seems best to dispense with anything of that kind. Be off +with you, and don't show yourself too suddenly to Jacob, or he'll die +of envy at seeing you in this rig." + +The spy struck the horse on the flank with his open hand, causing the +animal to leap forward so suddenly that the young courier was nearly +unseated. + +General Arnold had instructed Enoch to follow up the highway to +Badger's Point, where he would find facilities for crossing, and to +act with confidence upon such advice regarding the whereabouts of the +New Jersey troops as might be given him by the ferryman, who was a true +friend to the cause. + +Enoch rode leisurely as Greene had suggested; but before arriving at +his destination it became necessary to urge his horse at a faster pace, +for it was difficult to pass by the country people living on the road +and not stop sufficiently long, in response to their urgent entreaties, +to tell them the news. + +Although these halts were no longer than absolutely necessary in order +to give the desired information, they occupied considerable time, and +it was nearly dark when the boy had finished the first stage of the +journey. + +"Yes, I allow I can ferry you across; but you'll have to swim the +horse," the man to whom he had been directed said when Enoch made known +his desire. "Have all the Britishers left the city?" + +"The last one went before eleven o'clock," Enoch replied, able to speak +with certainty as to the time since he had assisted very materially in +the departure. + +"I allow it'll be many a long day before they're back--leastways that's +what I hope. Better take the saddle off, otherwise it'll be soaked. Now +lead the horse into the water alongside the boat, and I reckon we can +make him swim without any great trouble." + +When the skiff was pushed off from the shore, the horse following as +if accustomed to acting as his own ferryman, the owner of the craft +plied Enoch with questions as vigorously as he worked at the oars, +and not until they had landed on the opposite side did the boy have +an opportunity of asking regarding the whereabouts of the New Jersey +troops. + +"You're within three miles of where they allowed to halt to-night. +General Dickinson is making for Mount Holly, so I'm told, reckoning the +Britishers will strike that place in their march across the State. Keep +straight on the road ahead, and you'll hit them before dark, or I'm a +Dutchman." + +The young courier gave rein to his horse now that the journey appeared +so nearly at an end, for he was not only eager to deliver the message, +but to be with friends. + +The idea of riding around the country at night, knowing that he might +at any moment come across detachments of the enemy, was anything rather +than pleasing, and he had not been in the service sufficiently long to +look upon such matters as ordinary incidents in a soldier's life. + +At the end of ten minutes he saw ample signs betokening the passage of +a large body of men, and at the end of half an hour drew rein in the +midst of the New Jersey forces, who had bivouacked in a pine grove near +the main road. + +It was not as simple a matter as he had supposed to gain an audience +with General Dickinson. + +When he was halted by the pickets he fancied that immediately he +announced himself as a messenger from General Arnold he would be +allowed to proceed at will, instead of which he was detained by the +vigilant outpost until the officer of the day could be communicated +with, and during fully an hour Enoch sat on his horse, fretting because +of the delay, and believing he would have received different treatment +if he had been in the garb of a soldier. + +The night had come before he was conducted to where General Dickinson +was partaking of a supper consisting of cold corn-bread and smoked +fish, in company with several of his staff. + +Enoch saluted awkwardly, and as he held the bridle of his horse with +one hand, extended General Arnold's letter in the other, without +speaking. + +"Where are you from, my lad?" the general asked as he took the missive, +but without looking at it. + +"Philadelphia, sir." + +"Haven't I met you before?" + +"Yes, sir; I am the boy who went into town with Greene before the +British left." + +"And because of a stroke of rare good fortune at a time when beset by +enemies were enabled to bring important information?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"As a member of General Washington's staff," and there was a curious +smile on Dickinson's face as he spoke, "it is proper I invite you to +mess with my aids. My orderly will care for your horse." + +"If you please, sir, I had rather look out for him myself, and as for +rations, I can get them anywhere. I don't fancy the commander-in-chief +really meant that I was an aid. It seemed to be only a question of my +getting rations at the time." + +"And that is all it is just now, lad. Help yourself, if you are hungry. +Take care of your own horse if you choose; in fact do whatever pleases +you during the night. I shall send you on to the main army in the +morning." + +Enoch bowed, wheeled his horse around and started off irresolutely, +not knowing exactly in which direction to proceed, until the general's +orderly overtook him and said in a kindly tone: + +"If you will follow me, my boy, I will show you where to get provender +for your horse and rations for yourself." + +"I have two friends somewhere among this force, and would like to find +them." + +"They are in the same company with Greene, the spy, are they not?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You will find them over here to the right. Suppose you let me take the +beast? The general's servants will care for him as well as you could. +You need have no fear, so far as he is concerned, for he will fare +better than you will, I am afraid." + +Enoch hesitated just an instant before doing as the orderly suggested, +and had but just released the bridle-rein when Seth and Jacob came +running up. + +Turning toward his friends with a cry of joy, Enoch clasped their hands +as if he had never expected to see them again, and Master Ludwick asked +in a suspicious tone: + +"Where did you get that horse?" + +"At General Arnold's headquarters." + +"Did you swap him for the beast we took from Wharton's stable?" + +"Certainly not; that one was turned over to the army at the same time +yours was." + +"But how does it happen you are riding, and what are you doing here?" + +"I came with a message from General Arnold to General Dickinson." + +"Then you _are_ an aid?" and Jacob spoke in a tone of envy. + +"Indeed I am not! I'm going to enlist at the very first chance; but +of course I had to bring this message, and must go to the main army +to-morrow. When that has been done, however, I shall sign the rolls in +order to be with you fellows." + +"If you ride around on horseback, carrying messages from one general to +the other, of course you are an aid," Jacob began petulantly, and then, +as if ashamed of himself for showing his ill-temper because his comrade +had been favored, he added: "Who knows what Seth and I will be after +the battle is over, for we are bound to have one mighty soon, and then +there will be plenty of chances where a fellow can earn a commission." + +'"You allow that to fret you not a little, Jacob," Seth said +reprovingly. "It is the good of the cause you should consider--nothing +else." + +"I can do all that is in my power for the cause, and still keep my eyes +open for a commission," Master Ludwick replied stoutly. "If I had been +allowed to go to Philadelphia with Enoch and Greene, things would have +been different." + +"But isn't being a soldier in the Continental army enough for you?" +Enoch asked. + +"No, it isn't, and you will find that it ain't enough for you when you +get here. I want to do what I can for the cause, and am as anxious as +any fellow could be; but after you've stayed around the encampment a +spell you'll see that a private don't count for very much, except----" + +Master Ludwick was interrupted by the coming of one of General +Dickinson's staff, who halted in front of the boys as he asked: + +"Are either of you acquainted in this section of the country?" + +"Seth and I were over it a good bit last fall," Jacob said. + +"Are you boys willing to perform a little extra service?" + +Jacob replied very promptly in the affirmative. If he could always be +detailed for "extra service" he would be quite content with his lot. + +"General Dickinson wants to send some one toward Mount Holly, and he +would prefer that whoever goes should volunteer." + +"We are ready," Seth said as the officer paused. "What is to be done?" + +"The proposition simply is to lounge along the road in an apparently +aimless fashion, and, if the enemy are not too near to render it +dangerous, enter Mount Holly. The purpose is to learn in which +direction Clinton proposes to march from that town, and whether the +scout be successful or not, it is necessary you should return to the +command within forty-eight hours." + +"When are we to start?" Jacob asked. + +"At once. You are to go on foot, and wear nothing which might indicate +that you belong to the army." + +"Then we are to act as spies," Enoch said in a tone of disappointment. + +"No, lad, nothing of the kind, for it is not your purpose to enter the +enemy's lines. You will simply be an independent scouting party. If you +are willing to perform this work I will wait until your preparations +have been made in order to pass you out." + +"That won't take many minutes," Master Ludwick replied, and now all +traces of his ill-humor had vanished. If he was to be engaged in active +service, rather than confined to the dull routine of the camp, it was +to him a most desirable change. + +"I suppose we are not to carry weapons?" + +"Certainly not. Discard everything which might give those whom you meet +the impression that you are soldiers." + +In less than ten minutes the boys were being escorted out past the +pickets, and Enoch said to the officer in an apologetic tone: + +"I am sorry to give so much trouble, sir, but would you see to it that +some one looks after my horse and the equipment I have left?" + +"All your belongings shall be cared for, my boy. Now one last word: +It is not impossible that we may be on the march to-morrow; but you +will have no trouble in finding the command. Be prudent; don't take +unnecessary risks for the purpose of gaining information, and remember +that your errand will have been well performed when you know in which +direction General Clinton intends to march after leaving Mount Holly." + +Then the boys, saluting, walked rapidly down the road in the darkness, +and Jacob said in a tone of satisfaction: + +"Now this is what I call the proper kind of a job! I am more than +willing to do a thing of this sort; but hanging around the camp, +carrying a musket first in one fashion and then another, is what I +don't like." + +"Yet it is necessary you should know how to do such things before you +can call yourself a soldier," Seth suggested. "I suppose you had supper +with General Dickinson, Enoch?" + +"Indeed I didn't," Master Ball replied, "and I feel as if I could eat +almost anything." + +"Do you mean to say you haven't had food since you left Philadelphia?" + +"Yes." + +"But why didn't you say something about it before we left camp?" + +"Because it seemed necessary we should start without delay, and I +didn't want to appear so girlish as to declare I must have something to +eat when there was work to be done." + +"I don't call that girlish. A fellow must have a full stomach or he +can't do much work." + +"We'll get something after awhile. You see we've money between us, now, +for General Arnold gave me two pounds before I left, and since it was +to be used in the service, I shall be able to get what supplies are +needed." + +"Let's stop at the first respectable-looking house we see," Seth +suggested. "It is getting so late that anything of the kind must be +done before the people go to bed, for I don't fancy our reception would +be very pleasant if we awakened any one with the proposition to sell us +food." + +"We won't do that yet awhile. I reckon I can do without my supper two +or three hours." + +"But you see," and Jacob halted suddenly, "General Dickinson couldn't +have intended that we should travel all night, for there is nothing to +be learned while everybody is in bed." + +"I should suppose if we walked until midnight we would be somewhere +near Mount Holly, and then the proper course will be to ask for +lodgings at a farmhouse, unless we come across an inn." + +With this understanding the boys continued on at a reasonably rapid +pace, discussing as they walked the probability of a battle in the near +future. + +Before they had traveled the length of time agreed upon, lights, +apparently of a town, could be seen in the distance ahead, and Seth +said in surprise: + +"I thought Mount Holly was very much further away; but I must have been +mistaken, for there's no question about that's being the town. Do you +think it is safe for us to go there before daylight?" + +"Why not?" Jacob asked. + +"Because if the Britishers intend to strike that place, we may find +ourselves in trouble." + +"We'd better stay where we are until morning," Enoch suggested. +"Suppose we try to get lodgings in that house?" and he pointed a short +distance ahead on the right, where could be seen dimly in the darkness +a collection of buildings. + +With never a thought in their minds that they might meet with enemies +quite as dangerous as could be found in the British army, the boys +turned into the lane leading from the main road, and went rapidly +toward the house. + +Footnote: + +[F] Now Lambertville. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +TORY HOSPITALITY. + + +Although there were no lights to be seen from the outside, the boys +soon learned that the inmates of the dwelling were not asleep, for in +response to Jacob's vigorous knocking the door was opened after a delay +of only a few seconds, and a voice asked: + +"What do you want?" + +The speaker had brought no light with him, and, shrouded in the dense +darkness of the hallway, it was impossible for the boys to distinguish +even the form of their host. As a matter of fact, it was only owing to +the tone of his voice that they understood a man was before them. + +"We want shelter till morning; some food if you can give it to us +without too much trouble, and are willing to pay for all we receive," +Jacob replied promptly. + +"Who are you? Where did you come from?" + +"I am Jacob Ludwick----" + +"Chris, the baker's son, eh?" + +"Yes, sir," and Master Ludwick was proud, rather than displeased, that +his identity should be known. + +"What are you doing here?" + +"We're on our way to Mount Holly." + +"Why don't you keep on to the town?" + +"We thought it would be safer to wait until morning, because the +Britishers may be near there by this time." + +Both Seth and Enoch pressed nearer their comrade to warn him against +being too free with details regarding himself; but he did not +understand the movement. + +It was as if he believed all the people in the country round about +Philadelphia were friends to the cause, and he was perfectly willing to +give any information desired. + +"How near are your troops?" + +"They must be at least ten miles back," Jacob replied, and again his +comrades pressed closer to him, while this time Seth whispered: + +"Be careful what you say!" + +"You can come in," the man said after a brief pause, "and I'll see if +it is possible to give you lodgings. Wait here until I get a candle," +he added as the boys entered the hall, and the outer door was closed +and barred. + +The sound of footsteps told that their host had gone in search of a +light, and Seth took advantage of the opportunity to say in a low tone: + +"You had no right to answer his questions, Jacob. How do you know but +that he may be a Tory?" + +"It isn't likely." + +"Why not? There are as many in Jersey as in Pennsylvania, and you have +told him where our troops are." + +Jacob made no reply. He now understood how reckless he had been, and +was chagrined at the idea of making a grievous mistake almost before +they had begun their work. + +"There is no reason why you should feel badly about it now," Enoch +said, understanding the cause of his friend's silence. "We can look +out for ourselves, I reckon, and there has been no real harm done even +though he carried the information you gave him directly to General +Clinton, for it isn't likely General Dickinson fancies he can keep his +whereabouts a secret." + +"Still I ought to have been more careful," Jacob replied penitently. "I +should----" + +The door at the extreme end of the hall was opened, and the man +entered, holding a candle in his hand. + +"I will show you to a room where you can remain until morning, and +afterward bring you some food. Follow me," and he ascended the stairs +which led out of the hall. "These are troublesome times, and one should +be cautious about letting strangers into his house; but I don't fancy +you three boys are disposed to do mischief." + +"Indeed we're not," Seth replied. "We simply want a place in which to +sleep, and shall go away very early in the morning. Perhaps it is too +much to ask that you bring the food to our room?" + +"Oh, no; I would have invited you into the kitchen, but we have +sickness in the house, and it isn't well there should be any noise. Are +the Continentals coming this way?" + +"I don't know." + +"But you have just left them." + +"We have come from where the troops were," Seth replied cautiously. + +"And don't belong to the army?" + +Seth hesitated sufficiently long for the most obtuse to have understood +that he was about to equivocate, and then said: + +"If we were soldiers we should be in uniform, and wouldn't ask for +lodgings." + +"Exactly; I see," the man replied with a curious smile, and continued +on up the second flight of stairs into what was evidently the attic of +the house. + +On this floor was a long, narrow passage with doors opening from either +side; but the host did not pause until arriving at the extreme end, +when he ushered them into a small apartment, saying as he did so: + +"This is the only room we have empty to-night; but so long as the bed +is rest-inviting I suppose it will answer your purpose. I'll bring the +food at once." + +Placing the candle on the rude table, the host left the room, and the +boys listened until from the sound of his footsteps they knew he had +traversed the passage, and was descending the stairs. + +"He has taken precious good care we shall be well out of the way," Seth +said thoughtfully as he looked around the apartment, in which was a low +trundle-bed covered with the coarsest of clothing, a small, rude table +on which the candle had been placed, and one stool. + +There were no windows in the room, and the door was formed of heavy +planks, bolted rather than nailed together. + +"He said some one in the house was sick, and most likely we have been +brought up here for fear we might make a noise," Enoch suggested. + +Seth opened the door cautiously, and holding the candle high above his +head, looked out. + +A heavy iron socket on either side and a third upon the door itself, +with a stout oaken bar lying on the floor of the hallway near by, told +that this particular apartment could be fastened very securely. + +"What is the meaning of all this?" Jacob asked in dismay. + +"It looks as if some one had been here who wasn't allowed to come +out except at the pleasure of the master of the house," Enoch replied +doubtfully, and an expression of fear came over Jacob's face. + +"I don't think we had better stop in this place," Master Ludwick said +decidedly. "I was such an idiot as to tell him who we are, and in case +this happens to be a Tory dwelling, we may have trouble." + +"It doesn't seem just right to walk out simply because we have seen +that the door can be barred from the outside," Seth replied slowly. + +"But you noticed how anxious the man was to learn about our troops?" + +"So would anybody be, whether Whig or Tory, knowing that there is +probably an army on either side of him." + +"I think we had better leave while we've got the chance," Jacob said in +something very like fear. "There is no need of taking any risks, and I +am certain there must be other vacant rooms in the house besides this +one. Let us go downstairs softly, and, if possible, get out of doors +without making a noise." + +At that instant, as if to show the boys it was too late for them to +retreat, the sound of footsteps was heard once more, and a moment later +the master of the house, or he who acted in that capacity, entered the +room bearing a generous supply of provisions and a jug of water. + +"Here is the best I can do for you, lads," he said in a kindly tone, +placing his burden on the table. "If you are hungry this won't come +amiss, and in case your appetites are not keen, there will be no harm +in allowing the food to remain untouched. Shall I call you in the +morning?" + +"We would like to leave here by daylight, sir, and will thank you for +awakening us in case we oversleep." + +Then the host left the room with a cheery "good-night," and the boys +gazed at each other until a smile overspread the faces of all. + +"I allow we were more scared than hurt," Jacob said in a tone of +relief. "He has done what we asked, and in a very friendly fashion. +If it hadn't been for the bar that can be fitted on the door, I never +should have thought anything might be wrong." + +Seth held up his hand to demand silence, and the three could hear the +footsteps of their host as he went through the passage. + +Enoch, who had not tasted of food since noon, and whose appetite was +keen owing to the long ride and yet longer walk, began an attack upon +the vegetables, in which he was soon joined by his comrades. + +A very satisfactory meal did the three make, and as hunger was appeased +their suspicions sank at rest, until, when the repast was ended, there +remained no thought in the mind of either that harm could be intended. + +"It is time we went to bed if we count on getting any sleep to-night," +Seth said as he began to make his preparations for retiring. "Judging +from the looks of the lights, we are within half a mile of Mount Holly, +and should be able to get there before many people are stirring. Say, +push open that door, will you, Enoch? We must have fresh air in some +way and that seems to be the only chance, since there is no window." + +Enoch took hold of the latch carelessly, and then with more +determination, as the door failed to open. + +"What is the matter?" Jacob asked, noting the look of fear on his +comrade's face, and advancing until his hand also was on the latch. +"Why, it's locked!" + +"That was the way it seemed to me," Enoch replied, displaying +considerably less agitation than did Jacob, and Seth turned sharply +around to look into the faces of the two at the door. + +"Yes, it is locked," Enoch continued quietly as if in reply to Seth's +question. "We had good reason to be suspicious when we saw that bar on +the outside, and knew there were no windows." + +"But what is the meaning of it?" Jacob cried sharply. + +"It means that we are in the house of a Tory, who, knowing we have +come from General Dickinson's force, and making a very good guess as to +our business, proposes to keep us here until our report will be of but +little value." + +"He wouldn't dare do such a thing," Jacob cried angrily. "When it +is known that he has made prisoners of messengers sent from General +Dickinson the soldiers will tear his house down about his ears." + +"It may be he intends to join the Britishers as they come along, in +which case he wouldn't be the first Tory to leave home rather than +submit to American rule." + +Seth, having ascertained beyond a doubt that they were locked into the +room, was at once plunged in deep thought, and, observing this, Jacob +asked quickly, almost angrily: + +"What do you think about it? Are you going to stay here without making +any fight to get out?" + +"I don't believe we should accomplish very much, however hard we might +fight, unless we can devise some better plan of operations than that of +attempting to batter the door down," Seth replied quietly. "And as to +what I think about it, I have already said. Of course the man who owns +the house is a Tory who counts on helping the Britishers by preventing +us to return with the report to General Dickinson." + +"And you are willing to stay here quietly?" + +"I can't say I am willing." + +"But you don't seem likely to do anything toward helping yourself and +us," and now Master Ludwick displayed unmistakable signs of temper. +"I'll show that old Tory what it means to play such a trick on members +of the army!" + +He was so enraged that he failed to realize how useless would be his +efforts; but seizing the stool, began to batter upon the heavy door +with all his strength, continuing at this vain work until he was +absolutely exhausted. + +Then he threw himself upon the bed, still literally beside himself with +rage, and Enoch said soothingly: + +"There's no use flying into a passion, Jacob, for that won't help us in +any way." + +"I have let that miserable Tory know we understand how he has tricked +us." + +"Yes, and put him on his guard. Until you did that he might have +supposed we were ignorant that the door was locked, and would have +rested contentedly. Now he understands exactly how we are feeling, and +will be on the alert to prevent an escape." + +"It is not necessary for him to watch out very sharp, for we can't +accomplish anything more than I have done already." + +"And that is simply to dent the door, and splinter the stool." + +"Well, what better can _you_ do?" and Jacob leaped to his feet as if +ready for a pitched battle. + +"That's what I can't say. Very likely I shall do no more--I certainly +can't do any less." + +"Now look here, fellows, what's the sense of quarreling?" Seth asked. +"We're prisoners; came into this trap of our own free will, and one is +no more to blame than another. It strikes me our best plan is to be at +least friendly among ourselves, for ill-temper won't weaken the door, +or show us the way out." + +"I am not angry, nor haven't been," Enoch replied. "When Jacob was so +foolish I simply answered his questions, that is all." + +Master Ludwick made no reply. He realized that, although his companions +were careful not to accuse him, there was more reason why he should be +blamed than either of his comrades, since he it was who had supplied +the master of the house with such information as was desired. + +Jacob was not willing to confess he had been careless, and seemed +angry because his comrades refrained from mentioning the fact. He +threw himself once more upon the bed in a sulky fashion, while Seth +and Enoch, the latter holding the candle, walked slowly around the +apartment, examining every portion of the walls. + +"It doesn't seem as if we could work our way out of here," Seth said +when the examination was concluded, and nothing had met their gaze but +the unbroken partitions of heavy boards. + +"This room must be directly at the end of the house," Enoch said half +to himself. + +"I reckon there can be no question about that." + +"Do you suppose it would be possible to cut our way through with +knives? I have a stout one in my pocket." + +"We might, in time, if no one molested us, but it is terrible to think +we might be forced to remain here so long." + +"It is evident we shan't get out very soon," Enoch said after a pause. +"I propose that we try to get some sleep. I was awake nearly all +last night, and have had a hard day's work. We won't gain anything by +tearing around just now, and a night's rest may put us in better shape +for thinking." + +"It doesn't seem as if there was anything else to do," Seth replied, +and immediately laid down on the bed by the side of Jacob, Enoch +following his example. + +Despite the gravity of their situation, all three of the boys were +soon wrapped in the unconsciousness of slumber, nor did they awaken +until the closing of the door brought them to a sitting posture very +suddenly. + +"Some one has been in here!" Jacob exclaimed as he leaped to his feet, +and seized the latch. + +The door was fastened as securely as before. + +The darkness was profound, and for some moments the boys were at a loss +to understand it until Enoch said with a mirthless laugh: + +"The candle has burned up, that's all. We should have blown it out +before we went to sleep." + +"How much good would that have done us?" Seth asked grimly. "We have +got neither flint nor steel with which to light it again." + +"I thought last night that we were about as bad off as possible; but +this being forced to remain in darkness seems to make matters worse." + +Groping around to learn the reason for the visit, Enoch ascertained +that a supply of food and water had been left on the table, and he +said, as he mentioned this fact to his comrades: + +"Here is evidence that we are to be kept prisoners until it is no +longer possible to gain any information concerning the movements of +the Britishers. It must be morning, even though it's dark, for I don't +think the Tory would have paid us a second visit during the night." + +Jacob appeared to have recovered from the fit of ill-temper which had +assailed him, and now said as he examined the supply of provisions: + +"If it is morning we may as well have breakfast. I wish one of us had +a watch so we could have some idea of time, for we shan't see daylight +while we are cooped up here." + +Seth was in as despondent a mood as a boy well can be, when he arose +from the bed to act upon his companion's suggestion; but each was +careful not to let the others understand how hopeless seemed the +situation in this first moment of awakening. + +Neither of the prisoners ate with much relish, and the meal was quickly +finished. + +Then each gave himself up to his own gloomy reflections, and after +remaining silent nearly half an hour, Enoch said sharply: + +"Look here, boys, it doesn't seem possible that we can get out of this +place unaided; but at the same time we shall all feel better if we are +doing something, instead of mooning like this. Now let's decide upon a +plan and go to work." + +"I am willing to begin any job, however hopeless it seems, rather than +remain idle," Seth replied promptly. "Do you still think there is a +chance of cutting our way through the end of the house?" + +"No; that now seems to me less likely than a good many other plans. Why +not try to raise some of the flooring?" + +"But suppose you succeed?" Jacob asked. "You wouldn't be out of the +house." + +"True, and we should still be inside if we were in the hallway; yet +I had a good deal rather be there than locked up here. I'm willing to +attempt anything. There is little hope of our succeeding; but at the +same time it is better to make some effort." + +"One plan is as good as another," Seth said after a brief pause. "Tell +us what you want to do, Enoch, and Jacob and I will assist to the best +of our ability." + +"We all have knives, and plenty of time. Now, suppose we cut through +one of the boards of the floor, at a sufficient distance from the end +to avoid striking the joist, and we should be able to pull it up once +it has been separated." + +"But that is a job on which only one can work." + +"We will make two divisions. I'll work near the wall, while one of you +begin three feet away from me," Enoch said as he went toward the side +of the room. "I can feel the nails here, and will allow that the joist +extends two or three inches beyond them. Hunt for the second row of +nails, and set about cutting. It is lucky we've all got knives." + +Five minutes later Enoch and Seth were busily engaged in the task, +while Jacob stood ready to "spell" the first who should grow weary. + +The boards were planed, and, as nearly as could be judged, were of +ordinary thickness. + +"It is pine wood, that's one satisfaction," Enoch said cheerily, "and +it shouldn't take long to lift one piece. Then we shall have something +to serve as a lever, if we want to rip out more of the flooring." + +"That part of it is true enough; but even when we have taken up as much +as necessary, we are about the same distance from the open air," Jacob +added. "What is your plan if we succeed in this work?" + +"I am willing, if you fellows will back me, to break through the +plastering, for of course we shall come upon the ceiling of the room +below, and then jump down, ready to fight our way out." + +"We shan't be able to do a great deal of fighting without weapons." + +"By pulling the bed apart we can get what will answer as clubs, and +unless there are a number of men in the house we ought to accomplish +something." + +"It is a bold scheme," Seth replied; "but I am not certain there isn't +a fair chance for success in it." + +"Unless the man of the house is well supplied with weapons, in which +case our clubs would amount to very little." + +"We'll do the best we can, and not discuss as to how we may be stopped. +It was agreed when we began that this was to be done only for the +purpose of helping pass the time." + +Enoch's cheerfulness had a beneficial effect upon his companions, and +during the next hour Jacob refrained from suggesting difficulties which +might be encountered. + +Then came the time when one end of the board was severed, it having +been literally whittled apart. + +It was Enoch who first accomplished his portion of the task, and Seth +had so nearly finished that by bending this particular piece downward +it was readily broken off. + +Reaching through into the aperture, and exploring by sense of touch, +Enoch announced that there was probably nothing between them and the +apartment below save narrow strips of inch-thick lumber and plaster. + +"By taking up one more board we shall have space enough, and I think it +will be best to use this piece to pry the other out." + +Owing to the woodwork at the side of the room this plan was found to be +impracticable, and once more Enoch went to work with his knife. + +Not until another hour had passed was the task finished, and then, +regardless of the noise, the boys pried the board from its place. + +When this had been done they waited in silence several moments, to +ascertain if an alarm had been given, and, hearing nothing, Enoch set +about dismantling the bed in order to get possession of the posts as +weapons. + +This was neither a difficult nor a lengthy task, and when he had given +each of his comrades a stout oaken timber, from three to four feet in +length, he exclaimed: + +"Now we are ready, boys! Once we begin there must be no delay. Punch a +hole through the ceiling, and then we'll drop down regardless of what +may happen, fighting our best when we are once where anything of that +kind is possible." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +IN SELF-DEFENSE. + + +Although the youngest of the party, Enoch was looked upon as leader, +probably because the idea was his and because he appeared so certain it +could be carried through to a successful issue. + +"We'll keep right at your back, no matter how foolhardy you may be," +Seth whispered as Enoch hesitated. + +"I know I can count on you fellows; but the thought has just come +into my mind that perhaps one or more may be lamed by jumping through +the hole after it has been made. What is to be done then? It seems +to me important General Dickinson should know we cannot carry out his +orders." + +"So it is, and if one is disabled he who is in the best condition must +push on to the camp. Two shall stay together here, and the third go +back if possible." + +"Are you ready?" Enoch asked nervously as he raised his weapon. + +"As nearly now as we ever shall be," Seth replied, and in another +instant there came a resounding crash as tiny particles of plaster rose +in the air. + +Enoch had struck the first blow, and his club opened a hole +sufficiently large to admit daylight, thus rendering it possible for +the boys to see each other. + +Jacob and Seth followed his example, and only three blows were needed, +for the barrier had been torn away to such an extent that there was +ample space for all three of them to leap down at the same time. + +"It isn't more than fifteen feet," Enoch said as he looked into the +apartment below. "Of course there are chances we may come to grief; but +we mustn't stop to think of them. There has been so much noise that the +owner of the house cannot fail to know what is being done." + +"We'll follow you," Seth replied. + +Throwing his club down, Enoch followed, striking the floor with a thud +that must have been heard throughout the building. + +"Come on! It's all right!" he shouted. + +Seth followed his example. + +Jacob dropped his weapon, but hesitated before making the leap. The +distance looked very great as viewed from above, and the landing-place +particularly hard. + +"Come on!" Seth cried excitedly. "We can't afford to waste time now, +for the Tory is bound to know what is being done, and we must be out of +this room before he gets here!" + +Jacob was unquestionably afraid; but the sound of hurried footsteps +on the stairs told that it must be done quickly, or not at all, and he +let himself down by the hands, dropping to his feet from that lessened +height. + +Enoch did not wait to learn if his comrade made the descent in safety; +each instant the noise of the footsteps sounded louder, and, holding +his club ready for immediate use, he threw open the door. + +The same man whom they had seen the evening previous was in the +hallway, running toward them. + +He raised his hand, leveling a pistol full at Enoch's head. + +"Get back there, you rebel spawn!" he cried in a rage. "Get back, or +I'll fire!" + +"Come on, Seth!" Enoch shouted, and he flung his club at the Tory, +dropping to the floor instantly he did so. + +The weapon was discharged at the same interval of time that its owner's +arm was thrown upward by the club, and the odds were more even. + +"Close in on him now!" Enoch cried as he leaped to his feet and darted +forward. + +It was as if the boy no longer gave heed to possible danger; the one +idea in his mind was that General Dickinson must be told why his order +was not obeyed, and he paid no attention to himself, but prayed that at +least one of the party might succeed in leaving the house uninjured. + +The infuriated Tory struck out with his fist, hitting the boy such a +blow as sent him staggering against the wall; but Seth's prompt action +turned the tide of battle. + +As Enoch was forced back he rushed forward with upraised club, bringing +it down on the Tory's arm before he could defend himself, while Jacob +closed in with a vain attempt to deal a second blow. + +The man retreated, but at the same time succeeded in gaining possession +of the club Enoch had thrown, and appeared a most dangerous antagonist +as he stood with his back to the wall near the head of the stairs, +awaiting an opportunity to deal a murderous blow. + +Enoch was out of the battle only a few seconds. The partition on that +side of the hallway opposite where the Tory was standing had saved +him from a fall, and he at once looked around for something that would +serve as a weapon. + +The pistol which had fallen from the man's grasp was on the floor, +and although it would not be effective against a club, might do good +service at close quarters. + +"Jump in on him!" Enoch cried as he rushed toward the man. "It is only +necessary one of us shall get clear----" + +He ceased speaking as he was forced to halt. + +The Tory brandished his weapon vigorously, holding open a space +directly around him, and it was certain that the first who came within +reach would be permanently disabled. + +"Stay where you are!" the man shouted, furious with rage. "I will kill +every one, and swear to those who come in search of you that I did +so while defending myself against a murderous assault made without +provocation!" + +"Stand back from that staircase, and there will be no need of defending +yourself! We only ask for an opportunity to leave this house." + +"That is what can't be done while I'm alive! Do you suppose I don't +know why you came? You have been sent ahead to spy out the condition +of his majesty's troops, and shall never go back to make a report. Keep +your distance, I say!" + +Jacob had endeavored to creep closer, thinking the Tory was not looking +at him, and barely escaped a murderous blow from the club. + +Although Master Ludwick did not accomplish anything himself, he opened +the way for another to do so, and the battle was soon ended. + +When the Tory struck at Jacob he put all his strength in the blow, +and the impetus, as the weapon swung in the air meeting with no +obstruction, caused him to reel and turn partially around. + +At that instant, while he was not in a position to defend himself, +Enoch flung the pistol as if it had been a rock, and, fortunately, hit +the man full on the head. + +He fell like one suddenly stricken dead, and Enoch shouted as he leaped +over the prostrate body: + +"Come on, boys! Keep your clubs, for there's no telling whom we may +meet downstairs!" + +At the same instant he seized his former weapon, and in two or three +bounds was in the hall below. + +Seth and Jacob followed closely at his heels, and the latter at once +set about unfastening the front door, which was not only locked, but +bolted and barred. + +The noise of the conflict had alarmed the other inmates of the house, +and they came running into the hall with loud screams. + +There was no man among them, and the boys breathed more freely. + +"Keep back!" Enoch cried sternly as Seth and Jacob worked at the +well-fastened door. "We have fought only for our freedom, of which +that man would have deprived us, and shall strike even a woman if she +attempts to prevent our leaving!" + +"You have killed him!" some one shrieked, and the remainder of the +group set up a series of the shrillest cries for help. + +"He isn't dead!" Enoch shouted at the full strength of his lungs, +forced thus to exert himself in order that his words might be heard. +"He will recover his senses presently; but you are not to go to him +yet," he added as two of the women attempted to pass him. "We don't +intend to have another fight if it can be avoided, and it's better he +lays where he is for awhile. Can't you open the door, boys?" + +"There are more locks and bolts here than I ever saw before," Seth +replied nervously. "This house must be a regular castle when it is +closed and properly defended." + +A second later, just when Enoch was beginning to fear he would really +be forced to carry out his threat and strike some of the females to +prevent them from going up the stairs, Jacob flung open the barrier. + +"Come on!" he cried, leaping into the open air, and his comrades did +not delay following his example. + +As they emerged the boys could see, far away to the right, a moving +column of redcoats, and understood that the enemy was even then passing +in force between this house and the town of Mount Holly. + +"It stands us in hand to hark back on our trail at the best pace +possible, otherwise we may fall into the Britishers' hands!" Jacob +cried, running at full speed in the direction from which they had come +on the night previous. + +They surely had good reason to leave that neighborhood far in the +rear without loss of time, for there was cause to fear that scouting +parties of the enemy might make prisoners of them, and also that the +Tory, recovering from his wounds, would come in pursuit with a force +sufficiently large to overpower them. + +"We should at least have brought pistols," Jacob said ten minutes +later, when they halted at the brow of a hill to regain breath. "The +idea of scouting around where there are plenty of enemies, with nothing +but a bedpost as a weapon." + +"We didn't have as much as that when we left camp," Seth replied with +a laugh. + +"I won't be caught in such a mess again, even if I am obliged to go +against positive orders," and Master Ludwick was once more allowing his +rage to become the master. + +"We are bound to obey orders, no matter what the command may be," Enoch +said earnestly. "But it is foolish to spend time in getting angry, when +we've such a long road ahead of us. Come on, boys, and now that we have +so much of a start we can afford to walk instead of run; but must not +halt again until we are in camp." + +It was destined, however, that the discomfited scouts should not be +forced to make a long journey. + +After an hour's rapid traveling they were met by a squad of Continental +scouts, and told that General Dickinson's force was bearing down on +Mount Holly. + +"Where is the general now?" Seth asked anxiously. + +"Not more than two miles in the rear. Have you seen the enemy?" + +"The Britishers are between here and the town." + +"Did you see the whole force?" + +"We didn't stop for such a critical examination," Seth replied grimly. +"Just at that time we were doing our best to escape from the house of +a Tory, where we'd been kept prisoners over night, and----" + +"Was it a big building on the right-hand side of the road, with four +poplar trees in front?" one of the men asked. + +"Yes, and the door is painted green." + +"I know the house well. A rank Tory by the name of Plummer lives there, +and I only hope we may be given orders to pay him a visit. I've had +some dealings with that fellow myself." + +Seth would have questioned the soldier as to what "dealings" he had +had, but for the fact that Enoch whispered: + +"We mustn't wait here to talk; the general will expect us to come to +him as soon as possible." + +Then, asking for and receiving more explicit directions as to where +General Dickinson would be found, the boys hurried forward, and, half +an hour later, were detailing their experiences to the commander. + +"Not very successful on your first scout, eh?" he said with a smile +when the story was finished. + +"We have at least learned where the Britishers are," Seth replied +grimly, "and, what is more, know that the man Plummer is not a friend +of the cause." + +"I think it will be a good idea to call on him when we have time. We +shall bivouac here tonight, for the sun will set in less than an hour, +and you boys are excused from further duty to-day. Early to-morrow +morning Master Ball will report to me personally." + +"I suppose that means I am to be sent back to the main army," Enoch +said just a trifle petulantly when they were so far away from General +Dickinson that he could not overhear the remark. "I had begun to hope +I might be allowed to stay with you fellows." + +"It is better to be an aid on the commander-in-chief's staff than +running around the country with the risk of being caught again as +we were last night," Jacob replied, and once more he was showing +unmistakable signs of envy. + +"I had rather be with you, and have a chance to earn the sword you are +always talking about. Just think how I shall feel if I am sent riding +back and forth over the country when a battle is going on." + +Seth put an end to the conversation by insisting that they find a +comfortable place in which to spend the night, and after he had seen to +it that his horse was not suffering from lack of care, Enoch was ready +and willing to take advantage of the opportunity to sleep. + +The troops were awakened an hour before daylight next morning, and +as the boys obeyed the summons to "turn out," they heard the more +experienced soldiers talking about the fight which was imminent. + +"Is there to be a battle?" Enoch asked of a veteran. + +"Hardly that yet awhile, lad; but we've been sent down here to harass +the enemy, an' this 'ere early call looks as if we was about to begin +our work. I reckon we can count mighty sartin on swappin' shots with +the Britishers before nightfall." + +"And I am to go back just when it is possible I might do something!" +Enoch exclaimed to his comrades, "You will have a chance to distinguish +yourselves, while all I can do is to ride where there is no danger." + +"Wait till you've seen as much service as I have, lad, an' then you'll +bless your lucky stars that you're to be out of the scrimmage. It's +well enough to talk 'bout the glory to be won on a battlefield while +there's no enemy near; but when you see fifteen thousand or more agin +your five or six hundred, the glory don't seem so great." + +Master Ludwick looked as if he agreed perfectly with this remark of the +veteran's. + +Enoch knew he was not warranted in standing there pouring forth +his complaints when he had been ordered to report at headquarters, +and after such a toilet as it was possible to make, he went to the +general's camp. + +It seemed to his comrades that he had but just left them when he +returned looking unusually glum. + +"What's the matter?" Jacob asked. "Ain't you going?" + +"That's just the trouble; I _am_ going, and with no time to spare. It's +simply a case of carrying this letter, a job that could be done as well +by any girl who can ride." + +"Don't make so certain of that, my son," the veteran said with an +admonitory shake of the head. "There's plenty of danger in scurryin' +'round the country now, when the redcoats are scouting in every +direction, and if you are overhauled there's none to help you out. +Every man's duty is important in times like these, even though he may +never so much as smell burning powder." + +Enoch was silenced by this remark, and, after a hurried good-by to his +comrades, set off in search of his horse. + +General Dickinson ordered him to ride to Valley Forge, and knowing +the general direction after crossing the river, he hastened on without +remembering Greene had told him the army had moved. + +The result of this carelessness was that he found the winter camp +deserted, and was forced to ride further in search of information. + +After some difficulty he learned that General Washington's force had +been put in motion immediately after Generals Maxwell and Dickinson +left with orders to harass the enemy, and had intended to cross at +Coryell's Ferry. + +It was not until the morning of the 23d that he entered the American +camp at Hopewell, and delivered the written message to the commander. + +General Washington, who was riding away from the encampment, received +the document without remark, and after reading it turned to one of his +staff as if such a person as Enoch had never existed. + +There was no opportunity for the boy to explain why he had been +delayed, and he fell back to the rear of the officers, regretting more +than ever that he was not a regularly enlisted private, serving in the +same company with Seth and Jacob. + +"I ain't fit to do such work as this, and never should have tried," he +muttered to himself. "Here I am of about as much service as a second +tail would be to a dog, and shall only bungle the next thing I am +called upon to do, if indeed General Washington is willing to trust me +with anything else." + +"Hello, lad! You're looking uncommonly glum this morning, even though +you _are_ riding when the rest of us are obliged to foot it, and carry +our own trunks in the bargain." + +A cry of glad surprise burst from Enoch's lips as he saw, on turning, +Greene the spy. + +"What are you doing here?" he asked, reining in his horse and leaping +to the ground. + +"Trying to do my duty, though it ain't no ways pleasant while the +weather is so scorching hot." + +"I didn't know you were in the ranks with the others." + +"Why not? I'm only a private, even though I did work 'round +Philadelphia during the winter, and haven't succeeded in being given a +place on the staff of the commander-in-chief." + +"That's exactly what was troubling me when you spoke," Enoch cried. "I +am not fit for such a place, and it's lucky I'm not really an aid. I +can't even ride from one town to another without making a mistake." + +Then Enoch, glad of an opportunity to free his mind, told Greene of all +that had happened to him, and the latter said cheerily when the story +was finished: + +"I don't understand you've got any good cause to complain. That you +went to Valley Forge was Dickinson's mistake, even though I did tell +you the army had moved." + +"But General Washington didn't even ask me why I was so long getting +here, and most likely thinks I'm a regular fool." + +"I'll guarantee it hasn't so much as come into his mind, or you may +be positive he'd said something. I allow you'll hear from it before +night." + +"Is the army to remain in camp?" + +"It seems that way; but it don't stand to reason we shall be idle very +long. Colonel Daniel Morgan and six hundred of his command were sent +yesterday to reinforce Maxwell, which looks like business, and I allow +we shall all be headed for the Britishers before we're many hours +older. You say Dickinson was getting ready for business when you left?" + +"That is what I heard. We were called an hour before daylight, and the +men were not in line when I came away." + +"There's no question but that Maxwell and Dickinson will pepper Clinton +in good shape before his force gets very far on their way, and when +everything is to General Washington's liking we shall fall upon them." + +"But what am I to do in the meanwhile, Mr. Greene?" + +"Stay where you are, and mess with me, if it so happens that you're not +sent for to come to headquarters." + +"But I want to be in the ranks where I'll have a chance to help in the +fighting." + +"My boy," and now Greene was very grave, "don't fret; you'll have all +of such work you could wish for, whether acting as aid or making a poor +show as a private. It is your duty to take things as they come, without +finding fault. Let's get back to camp and see that your horse is fed, +for there's no knowing how soon you may call on him for a spell of hard +work." + +General Washington and his staff had disappeared in the distance, and +Enoch acted upon the spy's advice at once. + +The horse was given a generous breakfast, and while he was eating it +the boy sat down by the side of the spy to hear what the latter had +been doing since the two parted at General Arnold's headquarters. + +"It isn't much of a story, lad. My work in Philadelphia being finished, +I came back here to rejoin my company, but found they had left camp, +therefore am forced to hang on with the others until we overtake +General Dickinson, which I'm hoping we shall do before the battle----" + +"Is this the boy who brought a message from Dickinson?" an officer +asked as he came toward the two rapidly. + +"It is," Greene replied. + +"He is wanted at headquarters immediately." + +The officer turned on his heel, having discharged his duty, and the spy +said triumphantly to Enoch: + +"What did I tell you, lad? It seems you haven't been forgotten yet. Go +on, and I'll wait here in order to see you before you leave us again, +for I allow your work as aid isn't finished." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +PREPARING FOR ACTION. + + +When Enoch presented himself at headquarters the sentry saluted and +stood aside for him to pass into the tent, and perhaps for the first +time since he had been attached to General Washington's staff, however +informally, he felt a certain sense of pride at being thus received. + +When Enoch entered he found General Washington and several of his +officers discussing the probable intentions of the enemy. + +"There can be no question, gentlemen, but that he intended to pass +through New Brunswick, as was indicated by the fact that on the +morning of the evacuation the parole was 'Jersey,' and the countersign +'Brunswick.' It is, in my opinion, evident that our movements have +caused him to change his intended route, or it may be that the +necessarily slow advance of such an immense train, where bridges and +causeways must be built over streams and marshes, induces General +Clinton to believe it would be dangerous to make further effort toward +carrying out his intentions. I regret that you have decided against the +hazard of a general engagement." + +"If your excellency pleases, I would like to state why I am opposed to +any interference at present with the enemy," an officer who was seated +near Washington said courteously. + +"I think, General Lee, you have already defined your position plainly," +the commander-in-chief replied. "You believe the enemy is still too +strong for us; that his troops are so far superior to ours that even +though we outnumber him, we have no right to engage." + +"I believe, sir, that continued annoyance of the enemy by detachments +is our proper course, and my belief is shared by at least six general +officers." + +"Very true, sir. And in favor of a battle there are only Generals +Greene, Wayne, Lafayette and myself. It is known that General Morgan +has gained the rear of the British right flank, and Maxwell is willing +to put in on their left. I propose, therefore, to add to that force +fifteen hundred picked men under General Charles Scott, and one +thousand under Wayne; the combined force to be in the command of +General Lafayette." + +It was as if Washington had not observed Enoch's entrance until this +moment. + +Turning to the boy, he said: + +"You will ride with all speed to such point as it will be possible +to communicate with Generals Maxwell and Dickinson. Show them this +memoranda, and say I expect they will make most active interference +with the enemy. You will have seen both these generals by morning, +and are to return at once to Kingston on the Millstone River, where we +shall bivouac. Commit to memory the lines here written, and should you +be in the least danger of capture, destroy this paper immediately. Were +you detained by the enemy after leaving General Dickinson?" + +"The general sent my two friends with me on a scout near Mount Holly, +and we were made prisoners by a Tory whose name I understand is +Plummer. We succeeded in escaping within twenty-four hours, but when +I left General Dickinson I understood I was to go directly to Valley +Forge, therefore was delayed." + +General Lee questioned Enoch sharply as to his adventures in the house +of the Tory, and the boy, remembering what had been told him regarding +that officer, fancied he was better acquainted with Plummer than he +would have it appear. + +On leaving headquarters Enoch went directly to where he last saw +Greene, and since nothing had been said relative to keeping his +proposed movements a secret, told the spy what he had been ordered +to do, mentioning also General Lee's evident interest in the Tory who +would have made prisoners of the scouts. + +"There is no question in my mind but that Lee is better acquainted +and more in sympathy with people of Plummer's class than with those +who are friends to the cause, and I predict General Washington will be +convinced, before many days have passed, that the officer next in rank +to him is not as good an American as he should be." + +Enoch waited only long enough to inquire regarding the most direct +roads, and then, with such rations in his pocket as Greene thought +necessary, he began the journey. + +Acting under the spy's advice he rode directly to Trenton, and +from there, after making inquiries, continued on toward Allentown, +overtaking General Dickinson's command at nightfall. + +On this occasion he had no opportunity for an interview with either +Jacob or Seth. + +He saw the latter as he rode up; but there was no time to speak with +him, since his first duty was to deliver the message, and when that had +been done he learned it was necessary to continue on four miles further +in order to find General Maxwell. + +It was nightfall when he gained an interview with this last-named +officer, and half an hour later was dismissed with orders to remain in +camp until morning. + +Had he followed his own inclinations he would have returned to spend +the night with his comrades; but the instructions were positive, and he +understood that personal desires were not to be considered under such +circumstances. + +During the short evening spent in this camp he learned that General +Clinton had turned to the right on the road leading to Monmouth Court +House,[G] and it was believed among the men that his intentions were +to march to Sandy Hook, from which point he could embark his troops for +New York. + +"The Britishers will find themselves in a hornets' nest when they get +into Monmouth County," one of the elder soldiers said to Enoch, after +telling him of the evident change of route. "Devil David, as they +call General Forman, is in that section of the country, and Sir Henry +Clinton will learn that he well deserves his name." + +"Do you think we shall have a battle there?" + +"I hope it'll come somewhere near, although I can't say that section +of the country is the best in the world for our purpose. If General +Washington strikes a blow now, we shall give the Britishers a lesson, +don't you fear. But he never will do it if Lee can persuade him to the +contrary, for I hold that man to be a Britisher at heart, who does all +he can to avoid inflicting punishment on the king's men." + +Then the soldier told Enoch how the New Jersey troops had been employed +during the past three days, harassing the enemy on their march, and +when his recital was finished the young aid sought such rest as could +be obtained on the bare ground under the shelter of the pine trees. + +On the following morning General Maxwell gave Enoch a written message +to be delivered to the commander-in-chief, as he said: + +"You had better read it, lad, in order to be able to repeat the +substance in case it is taken from you. You will proceed at once to +General Dickinson; show him what I have written, and ask if he has +anything to add. Then go without delay to the main army. I understand +they will be at Kingston to-morrow, therefore you will have ample time +to reach them." + +As Enoch rode slowly toward where he had last seen General Dickinson's +forces he had good opportunity to read the message he was to carry, +and thus learned that it was simply a detailed account of what had been +done by the New Jersey troops since Clinton left Mount Holly. + +The soldier with whom he talked on the previous night had told him the +same thing in substance, and he had no question but that he should be +able to repeat the more important portions of it in case the document +was lost. + +General Dickinson's force was on the march when he rode up, and his +interview with that officer was brief. + +"There is nothing I wish to add to General Maxwell's report, and you +may turn back at once." + +Enoch obeyed, riding directly past Jacob and Seth, but not daring to +draw rein. + +"Where are you bound for?" Jacob shouted, and he replied with a single +word: + +"Kingston." + +"Is General Washington there?" some one in the ranks cried, and Enoch +replied: + +"He will be to-morrow." + +Then a hearty cheer went up from the men, for they now knew the +commander-in-chief was moving nearer the enemy, and all understood this +as indicating that a general engagement would follow. + +There was little need for such a precaution as reading General +Maxwell's message. + +The young aid was not molested on his journey, and on the night of the +24th applied for lodgings at a dwelling in Kingston, believing it would +be wiser to remain there until General Washington should come up, than +push on with the chances of missing the command on the road. + +It was at the house of an ardent patriot, who was serving in the +Continental army, that Enoch slept, and after the sun rose next morning +he had not long to wait before delivering the message. + +"You will accompany us on the march, my boy," General Washington said +as he glanced hurriedly over the report, and Enoch, thus dismissed, +fell back to the rear until he found Greene. + +"It begins to look as if we shouldn't miss a general engagement, lad," +the spy said gleefully, "though I don't doubt Lee will do all he can to +prevent it. Are you at liberty to tell me anything?" + +"I know very little myself, except that the Britishers are said to be +on the road to Sandy Hook." + +"Then we shall come up with them for certain. Devil David won't allow +Clinton to march through Monmouth County unmolested." + +"But how can General Lee prevent an engagement, if the +commander-in-chief desires one?" Enoch asked. + +"In the first place he's second in command, and his opinion should have +more weight than that of the others. Last night a thousand men under +General Wayne were detailed to join the advance corps now in command +of Lafayette, which gives him four thousand picked soldiers. It seems +that Lee, who by right should have command of that division, being +opposed to a general engagement, allowed the Marquis de Lafayette to +take his place, and, as we all know, the Frenchman believes in tackling +the enemy without delay. Now it seems, as I have heard, that Lee has +changed his mind suddenly, and asks to be reinstated, which of course +can't be done with justice to the marquis; but, to keep things moving +smoothly, General Washington has given Lee command of two brigades, +with orders to join Lafayette, and there, as you can imagine, his rank +will entitle him to supreme command. I doubt not but that you will see +the marquis soon." + +"Why?" + +"In my opinion the commander-in-chief must give Lafayette some reason +for allowing Lee to join him, after all that has been said and done, +and I reckon you are the aid who can best be spared just now. What have +the New Jersey troops been doing?" + +While Enoch was detailing to his friend that which he had learned from +the soldier during the night he spent with General Maxwell's forces, +an orderly rode back, inquiring for the boy who had just come from the +front, and when the young aid presented himself, announced that the +commander-in-chief wished to see him. + +"Is your horse fresh?" General Washington asked when Enoch rode up. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then you will take this letter to the Marquis de Lafayette, who is, +or will be by the time you arrive, at Cranberry. This is purely a +personal matter, and you will present the letter without ostentation. +Be discreet during the journey, for although I do not anticipate your +meeting the enemy between here and that point, it is not impossible +there may be scouting parties out." + +There was apparently no reason why Enoch should return to where he had +left his friend Greene, and he set off without delay, riding during the +remainder of the day, and at nightfall was standing in front of General +Lafayette's quarters--a dilapidated house on the easterly side of the +small settlement of Cranberry. + +Asking for an interview on the plea of important business, and taking +good care not to mention the fact that he was a messenger from the +commander-in-chief, Enoch was admitted at a time when the marquis +was alone, and, therefore, had no difficulty in giving him the letter +privately. + +The marquis read it carefully, appeared alternately surprised and +disappointed, and finally asked: + +"Are you on General Washington's staff, my boy?" + +"His excellency was so kind as to say that I should consider myself in +that position; but it was only done, when I brought the news of the +evacuation, in order that I might have no trouble in getting rations +for myself and horse." + +"It seems that you still occupy that position?" + +"Yes, sir, and the reason, I suppose, is that my services are required; +but I am not really an aid." + +"You come very nearly being so, it would seem. What were you ordered to +do after delivering this letter." + +"There were no orders given, sir." + +"Then you will remain here in case I should have occasion to +communicate with his excellency. You will mess with my staff." + +"Would you have any objections, sir, to my finding a place among the +soldiers?" + +"For what reason?" + +"I shall feel more at home there, sir, for it is really where I belong; +but the horse I have ridden should be----" + +"He shall be cared for by my servants. Turn him over to them, and do as +you choose, so far as your personal comforts are concerned." + +As one who had just come from the main army Enoch was welcomed by the +men, and had no difficulty in finding quarters for the night. + +On the following morning the heat was most intense. + +The scouts, who brought in the report that the British had halted +at Monmouth Court House, complained bitterly of the sufferings to be +endured on the sandy roads under the sun's fervent rays, and but little +was done by the advance division of the Continental army. + +On this evening the clouds gathered, but the intense heat was not +abated, and it seemed absolutely impossible the men could move from +their posts. + +Enoch remained in camp during the day and night, suffering severely +from the sultriness of the air, and wondering whether it would be +possible for men to fight under that glaring sun, even though the enemy +should give them every opportunity. + +On the morning of the 27th the welcome rain began to fall, but the camp +was astir early, Enoch remaining near General Lafayette, expecting each +moment to receive orders to return to the main army. Instead of that, +however, the troops moved forward, he following as a matter of course, +and no halt was made until they bivouacked at Englishtown, a small +settlement about five miles west of Monmouth Court House. + +At noon word was brought in that Clinton had changed the disposition of +his line, placing the baggage train in front, under command of General +Knyphausen, and the grenadiers, light infantry, and chasseurs of the +line (his best troops) in the rear. + +He was encamped in a strong position, secured on nearly every side by +marshy grounds and heavy woods. His line extended on the right about +half a mile beyond the courthouse to the parting of the road leading to +Shrewsbury and Middleton, and on the left along the road from Monmouth +and Allenton, about three miles. + +Hardly had this information been brought when General Lee with two +brigades joined Lafayette, and the word was passed around the camp that +the officer whom all believed to be a traitor to the cause had assumed +command of the entire division, now amounting to about five thousand +men. + +Almost immediately after this arrival Enoch received his long-expected +orders. + +He was summoned by Lafayette and charged to ride back on the road +at full speed to acquaint General Washington with the facts of the +situation, which were plainly detailed to him by the marquis himself. + +The journey was destined to be a short one, for when he had ridden +three miles Enoch found the main army encamping, and made his report to +the commander-in-chief while that officer sat upon his horse, observing +with interest the movements of his men. + +"You will report to me at sunset," the general said curtly when Enoch +ceased speaking, and the latter rode away to find Greene. + +"We're close up to them, lad," the spy cried joyfully as the young aid +dismounted and began to care for his horse. "We're close up to them, +and it won't be many hours before we shall have a fair chance to show +what Continental soldiers can do when the odds are somewhere near even. +This rain is a Godsend, for if it hadn't come I doubt whether it would +be possible for men to march in such heat." + +"But could a battle be fought while it is so hot?" + +"You'll find, lad, that nothing short of a heavy rain will stop +anything of that kind. When men set out to kill each other, the weather +makes little difference, unless it is such as spoils the powder. Where +are the Britishers by this time?" + +"At Monmouth Court House, so the report is, and prepared for battle." + +"I allow, then, they're in about the same condition we are, and the +general officers who argued against engagements must now hold their +tongues or set themselves down as cowards. The only thing that's giving +me worry is the fact that Lee is in advance." + +"And has assumed command of the division," Enoch added. + +"That was to be expected, and if he has his way the Britishers will +keep on to the coast unmolested; but I'll allow he won't dare be very +bold in trying to hold us back. What orders have you for the rest of +the day?" + +"I am to report at headquarters at sunset." + +"Good, lad, good!" Greene exclaimed, clapping him vigorously on the +shoulder. "Do you know what that means?" + +"I suppose it is because I am needed." + +"Yes, lad, you're right; but you're to be needed because the +commander-in-chief believes the time for the battle is near at hand. +When you are ordered off again, it'll be to carry word for some +division to make a decided advance. That I predict, and you'll find I'm +not far out of the way. Leave me to take care of your horse, and I'll +see he's ready for service whenever you need him." + +"If you are right, then I'm not to go into battle as a soldier." + +"But you're to be there just the same, lad, and what's more, have a +better chance of seeing and knowing all that's going on than the rest +of us. Don't fret because you won't have a musket in your hands. The +man in the ranks knows precious little of what's being done, except +directly in front of him. I'd give a full year of my life if I could be +in your place during the next forty-eight hours." + +"I wish you might be there, and I could join Seth and Enoch." + +"Never you mind them; they'll give a good account of themselves, I'll +warrant. Now that Master Ludwick has got over his disappointment at not +receiving a commission when he wasn't fit even to be a private, he'll +fight as gallantly as an older man. The rest of us must lay still till +the time for action comes; but you have the advantage of knowing all +that's being done, and if you can pass me a word at any time, lad, when +some decisive movement is to be made, I wish you would." + +It seemed as if Greene never could tire of discussing the situation, +and the probable outcome of a general engagement. + +While Enoch would have been pleased to converse on some other subject, +the spy continued his predictions for the future until the day was +spent, and the setting sun warned the young aid that it was time to +report for duty. + +"I must go now," he said, interrupting Greene in his explanation of how +the engagement would begin and how end. + +"So you must, lad, and I've been babbling here like an old man, on a +matter regarding which I knew very little, when it comes to facts. Take +care of yourself--I'm not afraid but that you'll be brave enough; the +only danger is you'll be foolhardy--and remember to keep me posted if +it so be you can without betraying confidence." + +Then Enoch, assuring himself his horse was well cared for, went toward +General Washington's quarters. + +Footnote: + +[G] Now Freehold. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +A FRIENDLY WARNING. + + +Arriving at headquarters, Enoch attracted but little attention. + +The staff officers were discussing the information which had been +brought in from different sources, and speculating upon the probable +events of the coming day; but no one gave any heed to the young aid. + +Thus it was that the boy learned, without the necessity of asking +questions, the different opinions of the Continental officers regarding +the advisability of attacking General Clinton and his well-organized, +well-disciplined, and thoroughly-seasoned troops. + +Now and then Washington joined in the conversation; but as a rule +he remained apart from the others, as if in deep study, oftentimes +neglecting to answer a question, and Enoch noticed that his apparent +preoccupation occurred more often when his opinion was asked concerning +some point upon which his officers were divided in opinion. + +Twice during the evening the commander-in-chief dispatched an aid to +some division, but gave no heed whatever to Enoch, and the boy began to +fancy that the general had forgotten the order relative to reporting at +sunset. + +It was nearly nine o'clock in the evening when the commander-in-chief, +turning to the officer nearest him, said: + +"Major, will you oblige me by riding to General Lee's quarters, and +saying to him it is my desire he shall have his troops ready to move at +a moment's notice?" + +The officer bowed and left the tent, and then it was as if the +commander but had just seen Enoch. + +"You were ordered to report at sunset, my lad." + +"So I did, sir, and have been here ever since." + +"It may be necessary to keep you on duty all night. Roll yourself in +one of those blankets, and lie down." + +Enoch had no desire to sleep; but this was neither more nor less than +a command, and he obeyed. + +Lying on the ground at the edge of the tent, behind the camp-table, he +would easily escape observation. But the novelty of his surroundings, +the fact that officers were entering and leaving the tent almost +constantly, and the belief that a battle was imminent--would, perhaps, +be fought on the morrow--drove from his eyelids the desire for slumber, +and he was an interested observer of all that occurred around him. + +Couriers were coming in from the different divisions, bearing messages +which required immediate answers, and Washington was sending out aids +in every direction to gather information concerning his own troops and +the movements of the enemy. + +Not until nearly midnight was the tent free from visitors, and then +the commander-in-chief began to write, using certain memoranda Enoch +had observed him making during the day, in the preparation of what were +evidently official documents. + +It was while General Washington was thus employed, apparently to the +exclusion of everything else, and the silence which ensued was profound +as compared with the confusion of an hour previous, that sleep was +beginning to weigh upon the young aid's eyelids, when he heard a gruff +"Who goes there?" from the sentinel on duty, and then the reply: + +"I am Dr. Griffith, chaplain and surgeon of the Virginia line, on +business highly important to the commander-in-chief." + +There was a brief delay, after which Enoch heard a call for the officer +of the guard. + +When that soldier arrived the boy heard the visitor repeat his words, +receiving as answer: + +"It is impossible, sir, absolutely impossible. My orders are positive; +the general cannot be seen on any account." + +"Present, sir, my humble duty to his excellency, and tell him that +Dr. Griffith waits on him with secret and important intelligence, and +craves an audience of only five minutes' duration." + +This conversation could be plainly distinguished by those within the +tent, but so engrossed was the commander with his writing that he +apparently heard no word of it. He looked up in surprise, not unmingled +with disapprobation, when the officer of the guard entered. + +The visitor's message was repeated, and the commander-in-chief said +almost impatiently: + +"Admit him, major; admit him." + +Enoch believed that he ought not to remain if the business to be +transacted was "secret;" but General Washington's orders had been for +him to lie in that place, and he did not dare suggest that he should +retire. + +The visitor entered hurriedly, and with no slight confusion. + +He was dressed in civilian's garb, but gave a soldierly salute, and +introduced himself by repeating that which he had told the sentinel: + +"I am, your excellency, Dr. Griffith, chaplain and surgeon of +the Virginia line, and apologize for my intrusion, which would be +unwarranted but for information which has come to me in strictest +confidence. My informants are men of the highest character as citizens +and patriots, and they have stated positively that, of their own +knowledge, General Lee has made such arrangements with Clinton that he +will avoid any serious engagement to-morrow, if it be possible. I am +convinced of the correctness of this statement, your excellency, and +beg you will give it your closest attention." + +Then saluting, and without waiting for a reply, Dr. Griffith left the +tent. + +General Washington remained motionless as if in deep thought, until +Enoch began to fancy he had fallen asleep, and was startled when the +commander said sharply: + +"Are you awake, my boy?" + +"I am, sir," and Enoch rose to his feet. + +"You have shown yourself to be a lad of keen perception, quick to +understand what others might fail to believe of importance. The +communication which you heard made was of a confidential nature. It is +never to be repeated!" + +Enoch bowed; but did not reply. + +"You are to ride at once to General Lee's quarters, and tell him that +it is my desire he shall have a small body of troops stationed very +near the British line to observe their movements, and give immediate +notice if there is any indication on their part of resuming the march. +Should this last occur they are to skirmish with the enemy in order +that our army may move into position, and General Lee will report to +me instantly he learns of any movement. You will also tell him that +you are directed by me to give the same order to Generals Maxwell and +Dickinson. Let me know if you thoroughly understand my meaning." + +Enoch repeated almost verbatim the words of the commander. + +"That is correct. Carry out the instructions with all possible haste, +and report to me how the orders have been received. In other words, you +will observe carefully the apparent effect which the command has upon +the several gentlemen. Call the officer of the guard." + +Enoch obeyed by going just outside the tent and speaking to the +sentinel. + +Then he returned, and a moment later the officer entered. + +"Major," General Washington said, "this boy will be passed into my tent +to-night at whatever hour he may appear." + +The officer saluted and withdrew. + +"Now go, my boy, and do not spare your horse." + +In half an hour from the time he left headquarters, Enoch was halted by +the sentinel in front of General Lee's tent. + +"A messenger from the commander-in-chief," he announced, "with orders +to speak with General Lee at once." + +Five minutes later he was repeating General Washington's words to the +officer who was suspected by many of not only being lukewarm toward +the cause, but absolutely an enemy to it, and he fancied the command he +brought was received with anything rather than satisfaction. + +Twice during that brief time did Lee interrupt him to inquire if he was +repeating the commander-in-chief's exact words, and when he said that +his orders were to deliver the same message to Generals Maxwell and +Dickinson, the general asked sharply: + +"Does his excellency think I have no aids in camp?" + +"I don't know as to that, sir. I am only explaining to you my orders, +as I was told to do." + +"You may say to General Washington that his commands will be obeyed +at once," Lee replied after a short pause, and intimated that the +interview was at an end by turning his back upon Enoch. + +It was necessary the boy should linger in camp several moments in +order to learn the exact whereabouts of the other detachments; but once +this had been done, he set off at full speed, and twenty minutes later +reined in his horse as a familiar voice cried: + +"Halt! Who goes there?" + +"A messenger from the commander-in-chief to General Dickinson. Why, is +that you, Seth?" + +"I ought to be pretty certain of the fact after tramping up and down +here for the last two hours," Master Graydon replied grimly as Enoch +leaped from his horse. "I shall be off duty in ten minutes, though, +which is more than you can say, I reckon, even if you _are_ an aid to +the commander-in-chief." + +"Now, Seth, don't keep ringing the changes on that. You know I want +to be with you and Jacob; but there doesn't seem much chance of +accomplishing my purpose before the battle." + +"Then you believe we are really to have one?" + +"I think it is bound to come to-morrow." + +"But to-morrow is Sunday," Seth exclaimed, as if doubting whether +armies would meet in conflict on the Sabbath. + +"I don't believe they keep run of the days of the week in a time of +war. Where are General Maxwell's quarters?" + +"He hasn't had any to speak of for quite a spell. If you want to see +him, though, he was lying under the same tree with General Dickinson +when I saw him last." + +"Will you call the officer of the guard?" + +"What for?" + +"I want to speak with the generals." + +"Well, why don't you go ahead and do it? I know you are on General +Washington's staff, and so it will be all right." + +"It might for me, but not for you, Seth. I don't think a private +soldier is allowed to decide even in such a case as this. To save +yourself trouble you had better call the officer of the guard." + +Master Graydon thought this a needless formality; but he followed his +friend's advice, and during the short time which elapsed before that +official made his appearance, Enoch asked: + +"Where can I see you and Seth a few minutes before I leave?" + +"Are you going right away again?" + +"Just as soon as I deliver my message, and that may take ten or fifteen +minutes." + +"If I am relieved before then, Jacob and I will find you. Say, do you +know General Dickinson sent a squad down to the house where we were +made prisoners, and I reckon they didn't use the Tory very softly. He's +here in camp under guard, and I heard he was likely to get it pretty +rough after what he did to us." + +"Then the blow from the pistol didn't do him any serious damage?" + +"I reckon he knew he got it, for his head is tied up, and he tried to +make the soldiers think he was so near dead he couldn't be moved." + +The arrival of the officer of the guard put an end to the conversation, +and after stating the purpose of his visit, Enoch was escorted to where +the two generals lay on the ground as Seth had described. + +By them his message was received far differently than it had been by +Lee. + +"You may assure his excellency that we will be on the alert," Maxwell +replied promptly, and Dickinson said, in a tone of approbation: + +"This begins to look like business. We can now have some idea of +General Washington's intentions." + +Then both arose to their feet to carry out the order given, and Enoch +was left to his own devices. + +Not only Jacob and Seth, but Greene the spy, met the young aid just as +he had mounted his horse preparatory to returning, and Enoch was plied +with questions as to the whereabouts and disposition of the main army. + +General Dickinson, who was standing near by, gave orders for a certain +number of men to move nearer the British lines, and Greene said in a +matter-of-fact tone as he heard it: + +"I reckon that's owing to the word you brought, lad. It means business, +and no mistake. Lee will have to show his cloven foot if he succeeds in +preventing an engagement during the next twenty-four hours." + +"It doesn't seem possible he could, or would dare to try anything of +the kind," Enoch replied in a whisper. + +"He will dare, I have no question; but whether he can or not, while +every officer and man in the army is eager to try conclusions with +the Britishers, is another matter. I allow we shall have hot work +to-morrow, boys, and if it so be, Enoch, that you pass anywhere near +us, pull up to give the latest news, for you are likely to see a good +bit of the engagement. Now, move on, my boy, for you have no right to +loiter here when your orders were to return at once." + +Seth and Jacob reached up to clasp their comrade's hands, for all knew +they might never meet again in this world, but Greene cried sharply: + +"None of that, lads; no bidding good-by to each other because we're on +the eve of a battle. Say 'Godspeed,' and let Enoch go." + +Thus was avoided that which might have unnerved all three for the time +being, and Master Ball rode away through the darkness, feeling that he +was of service to the cause even though he might not stand before the +enemy with a musket in his hand. + +It was nearly three o'clock when Enoch again entered the headquarters +tent, and found General Washington still busily engaged with his +writing. + +Without waiting for questions he reported how, to the best of +his observation, the order was received by the generals, but the +commander-in-chief made no comment. + +"Lie down again, boy, and sleep if you can. Wait! Has your horse been +cared for?" + +"No, sir, I left him just outside the tent." + +"Then see that he is fed. You may not have another opportunity for some +hours." + +Enoch spent no little time in grooming the animal that had carried +him so swiftly and steadily, and was still engaged in the work when a +soldier came up hurriedly: + +"The general wants to see you at once." + +Hastening back to headquarters Enoch found the tent filled with +officers, and from their conversation understood that General Dickinson +had sent a courier to report to the commander-in-chief that the enemy +had commenced their march. + +The boy waited several moments before Washington ceased giving commands +to those around him, and then turning to Enoch he said abruptly: + +"Ride with all speed to General Lee, and order him to move forward and +attack the enemy unless powerful reasons should prevail. Tell him the +entire army have thrown their packs aside, and are advancing to his +support. Ride, lad, ride hard, and return to me when your work has been +accomplished." + +Enoch obeyed, and once more was dashing across the country, this +time in such excitement as to be hardly aware of what he did, for he +understood that the battle was about to begin. + +He found General Lee asleep, and the officer of the guard at first +refused to awaken him; but Enoch understood how important it was +the order should be delivered without loss of time, and insisted as +peremptorily as an experienced soldier might have done, upon being +allowed to repeat his message at once. + +The order was received quietly--Enoch fancied with disapprobation--and +the only reply given was: + +"Say to the commander-in-chief that his instructions shall be followed +to the letter." + +Then without delay the boy rode back at full speed, passing on his +way several brigades which were being hurried forward, and finding +General Washington where he had left him, still in consultation with +his officers. + +During several hours was the young aid forced to remain inactive, +and regarding this time, and the movements which were being made, the +details can best be described by quoting from an article in _Harper's +Magazine_, 1878: + +"June 28th was the Sabbath.... The day was the hottest of the year. +At dawn General Knyphausen began to march with the first division of +the British army, which included the German troops, the 'Hessians,' +and the Pennsylvania and Maryland Loyalists. Clinton with the other +division--the flower of the army--did not move until eight o'clock, for +General Lee was so tardy in obeying the order of Washington that the +enemy had ample time to prepare for battle. + +"When Dickinson gave notice of Knyphausen's movement the main body of +the Americans began to move immediately. Colonel Grayson, with his +own regiment leading the brigades of Scott and Varnum, had passed +the Freehold meeting-house, nearly three miles from Monmouth Court +House, before he received orders from Lee to push forward and attack +the enemy. The aid who brought the order advised Grayson to halt, for +he had heard on the way that the main body of the British army were +moving to attack the Americans. General Dickinson had received the +same information, which he communicated to Lee, when the latter pushed +forward with his staff across a narrow causeway near the parsonage, and +joined Dickinson upon the height close by. While he was endeavoring to +unravel the conflicting intelligence, Lafayette arrived at the head of +the advanced troops. + +"Lee's whole command, exclusive of Morgan's sharpshooters and the +New Jersey militia, now numbered about four thousand men. The broken +country was heavily wooded up to the elevated plain of Monmouth. Lee, +satisfied that no important force of the enemy was on either flank, +pressed forward under cover of the forest, and formed a portion of his +line for action near some open fields. Then, with Wayne and others, he +reconnoitered the enemy. They saw what they supposed to be a covering +party of the British about two thousand strong. Wayne was detached with +seven hundred men and two field-pieces to attack their rear. Meanwhile +Lee, with a stronger force, endeavored, by a short road leading to +the left, to gain the front of the party, while small detachments, +concealed in the woods, annoyed their flanks. + +"It was now nine o'clock in the morning. Just as Wayne was preparing to +make the attack, a party of American light-horsemen, advancing, were +directed to make a feigned assault upon some British dragoons seen +upon an eminence, and, by retreating, draw them into a position to be +received by Wayne. The maneuver was partially successful. The dragoons +followed until fired upon by a party under Colonel Butler, ambushed on +the edge of a wood, when they wheeled and fled toward the main army. +Wayne ordered Colonel Oswald, who was in command of his field-pieces, +to cross a morass, plant them on an eminence, and open fire on the +retreating dragoons, while he should press forward and attack them +with the bayonet. Wayne was prosecuting the maneuver with vigor at a +point about three-fourths of a mile eastward of the courthouse, with a +prospect of full success, when he received an order from Lee to make +only a feigned attack, and not to press on too precipitately, as it +might frustrate his plan for cutting off the covering party. Wayne was +exasperated; but he obeyed, only to be disappointed, for Lee really did +nothing. + +"At that moment Clinton was informed that the Americans were marching +on both his flanks to capture his baggage-train. To avert the danger +he changed the front of his army, and prepared to attack Wayne with so +much vigor that the armies on the British flanks would be compelled +to fly to the succor of that officer. A large body of royal troops +approached Lee's right, when Lafayette, perceiving that a good +opportunity was offered to gain the rear of the enemy, rode quickly up +to Lee, and asked his permission to attempt the maneuver. Lee replied: + +"'Sir, you do not know British soldiers; we cannot stand against them. +We shall certainly be driven back at first, and we must be cautious.' + +"The marquis replied: + +"'That may be, general; but British soldiers have been beaten, and they +may be beaten again; I am disposed to make the trial.' + +"Lee so far yielded as to order Lafayette to wheel his column +and attack the enemy's left. At the same time he weakened Wayne's +detachment on the left by ordering the regiments of Wesson, Stewart, +and Livingston to support the right. Then he rode to Oswald's battery +to reconnoiter, when he saw a large portion of the British army +marching back on the Middletown road toward the courthouse. Apparently +disconcerted, he ordered his right to fall back. The brigades of Scott +and Maxwell on the left were already moving forward toward the right of +the royal forces, who were pushing steadily on in solid phalanx toward +the position occupied by Lee, with the apparent design of gaining +Wayne's rear and attacking the American right at the same time. + +"General Scott now left the wood, crossed the morass, and was forming +for action on the plain, and Maxwell was preparing to do the same, +when Lee ordered the former to re-enter the wood and await further +orders. When Scott perceived the retrograde movement on the right, +mistaking the spirit of Lee's orders, he recrossed the morass and +retreated toward Freehold meeting-house, followed by Maxwell. When +Lee was informed of this movement he ordered Lafayette to fall back +to Monmouth Court House. The marquis did so with reluctance, and was +mortified to find that a general retreat had begun on the right under +the immediate command of Lee, and he was obliged to follow. The British +pursued as far as the courthouse, and halted, while the Americans +pressed on across the morass near the house of Mr. Carr, to the heights +of Freehold, and halted. The heat was intense, and in many places the +soldiers sank ankle-deep in the burning sand. The royal troops soon +followed, and Lee, instead of making a bold stand in his advantageous +position on the eminence, renewed his retreat toward Freehold +meeting-house. This produced a panic among the American troops, and +they fled in great confusion in the wooded and broken country, many of +them perishing as they pressed over the narrow causeway to cross the +broad morass. Others, struck down by the heat, were trampled to death +in the sand. At first both parties kept up a rambling cannonade; soon +nothing was heard but a few musket-shots and the loud shouts of the +pursuers. + +"Lafayette, who knew Lee's ambition to supersede Washington in command +of his army, had watched his movements all the morning with anxiety, +for he was satisfied that Lee was either cowardly or treacherous." + +During all this time Enoch had remained inactive, standing with the +bridle of his horse in his hand, ready to ride off at a moment's +warning, and with the sounds of the conflict ringing in his ears. It +seemed to him cruel that he should be deprived of the opportunity of +striking a blow for the cause at a time when he knew men were needed; +but General Washington, calm and collected, had given no heed to the +excited boy who remained almost at his elbow. + +Suddenly the commander-in-chief turned, and said sharply: + +"Ride forward, lad, and ask General Lafayette if he can send me any +information." + +Gladly Enoch obeyed this command, and regardless of possible danger +urged his horse steadily ahead, stopping from time to time to ask of +the different troops where the marquis could be found. + +It seemed to him as if he had been an hour performing the journey, +although in reality it was hardly more than ten minutes, when he drew +rein in front of Lafayette, and, saluting, said: + +"General Washington wishes information as to the movements of the +enemy." + +The marquis, looking anxious and troubled, glanced around him for an +instant as if trying to decide what words had best be used, and said +hurriedly: + +"Tell General Washington that his presence here is of the utmost +importance, for in my opinion it is absolutely necessary he himself +direct the movements. Ride hard, boy; there is not a moment to be +lost." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +THE VICTORS. + + +Enoch obeyed General Lafayette's order at the best speed of his horse, +and, arriving at that point where the commander-in-chief was directing +the movements of his men, the young aid, breathless and excited, +repeated that which the marquis had said. + +The words were hardly spoken, and Washington had had no opportunity +for comment, when a horseman, riding hard, his steed covered with foam, +spurred up to the group of officers, and saluting the commander, said +hurriedly: + +"I am sent by General Lee to say that all is well with the advance +corps; success is certain." + +Then, saluting, this second messenger rode away, leaving Washington +and his staff gazing at each other in something very nearly approaching +bewilderment. + +Either Lee or Lafayette was mistaken in his estimate of the condition +of affairs. + +The opinion of one of these gentlemen must be correct, and the fate +of the battle depended upon the decision which the commander-in-chief +should arrive at concerning the reliability of the two officers. + +It seemed to Enoch as if this second message deliberately gave him +the lie. He felt positive General Lafayette had only the good of the +American cause at heart, and because of that told him by Greene, in +addition to what he had heard Dr. Griffith say, he believed Lee simply +awaited an opportunity to show himself a traitor. + +Washington remained silent while one might have counted twenty, and +then turning to the aid nearest, said calmly: + +"Tell General Greene[H] to press forward to the church, and prevent the +turning of that flank of the army." + +As the aid rode hurriedly away the commander directed that the left +wing of the army march toward Lee's rear, in order to support the +latter, and Enoch noted that as soon as the different divisions +received such instructions, the men, understanding quite as well as +their leaders what it meant, went forward in the best of spirits, +regardless of the terrific heat which thus far had been nearly as fatal +as the bullets. + +Before these last orders could be fully carried out, a horseman in +civilian's dress was seen making his way among the troops from the +direction of the front, and did not slacken pace until he was within a +dozen yards of General Washington. Then he cried excitedly: + +"The advance corps is retreating in a most cowardly manner!" + +"What did you say, sir?" Washington demanded, spurring his horse +forward. + +"I said, your excellency, that the advance corps of the army is +retreating in most shameful disorder, and without cause. The formation +is lost, and it is simply a rabble that is bearing down on the main +army, frightened almost beyond control by their own officers rather +than because of any advantage gained by the enemy!" + +"Who are you, sir?" + +"Dr. Thomas Henderson, of this village." + +General Washington struck the spurs deep into his horse as he dashed +forward, his staff following closely behind, and with them, as a matter +of course, was Enoch. + +The boy, who had believed when he spoke with Lafayette that the +Continentals were at least holding their own, was now plunged into the +deepest grief, for he fancied that the retreat once begun, meant defeat +for the entire army. + +The young aid was within a dozen yards of the commander-in-chief, when, +on arriving at a point about halfway between the meeting-house and the +morass, the head of the first retreating column was met. + +"Halt your men on that eminence!" General Washington cried to the +commanding officer, not slackening his pace. "Halt, I say, sir, and get +them into order!" + +Across the causeway to the rear of the flying column the commander +dashed, and there, at the head of the second division of retreating +forces, was seen General Lee. + +By this time Enoch was forty or fifty yards in the rear of the staff; +but he heard Washington cry in a loud, angry voice to the man who was +responsible for this disgraceful flight: + +"Sir, I desire to know what is the reason, and whence came this +disorder and confusion?" + +Enoch could not distinguish General Lee's reply; he saw from the +face of the man, and understood by his gestures, that he retorted +harshly, and it was evident to the boy that the commander-in-chief +and the officer next him in rank indulged in angry words, after which +Washington wheeled his horse into the midst of the retreating troops +until he had rallied a portion of them. + +Enoch pressed forward as if aware of the fact that his services were +soon to be needed, and, observing him, Washington cried: + +"Ride with all speed to Colonel Oswald, and order him to plant his +cannon on the brow of that hill. Tell him to use his pieces with energy +upon the enemy." + +In an incredibly short space of time the battery was pouring forth its +iron hail, and the pursuing foe was checked. + +An eye-witness of the battle writes regarding the incidents immediately +following the arrival of General Washington at the scene of the +disorder: + +"The presence of the commander-in-chief inspired the troops with such +confidence and courage that within ten minutes after he appeared the +retreat was suspended, and order brought out of confusion. Stewart and +Ramsey formed their regiments under cover of the wood, and with Oswald, +kept the enemy at bay. + +"Washington rode fearlessly in the storm of missiles hurled by the +British Grenadiers and artillerists; and when his army was arranged in +battle order before the foe, he rode back to Lee, and, pointing to the +rallied troops, said: + +"'Will you, sir, command in that place?' + +"'I will,' eagerly exclaimed Lee, for his treachery had utterly failed. + +"'Then,' said Washington, 'I expect you to check the enemy immediately.' + +"'Your command shall be obeyed,' said Lee, 'and I will not be the first +to leave the field.' + +"He fulfilled his promise. + +"With wondrous expedition Washington now put the confused ranks of +his main army in battle order. Lord Stirling commanded the left wing, +posted on an eminence on the western side of the morass, while General +Greene took an advantageous position on the left of Stirling. A warm +cannonade had commenced between the American and British artillery on +the right of Stewart and Ramsey, while the Royal Light-horse charged +furiously upon the right of Lee's division. The enemy pressed so +closely with an overwhelming force that the Americans were compelled to +give way at that point. Then the British attacked Ramsey's regiment and +Varnum's brigade, which lined the hedgerow over the morass, and there +the battle raged furiously for awhile, American cannon placed in the +rear of the fence doing great execution." + +Enoch sat on his horse directly behind General Washington as the +furious charge of the British cavalry and infantry was made, and when +the Continental troops were forced to retreat across the morass, he +believed once more that defeat was certain. + +His courage revived, however, as he saw the men forming in line later, +and noted with satisfaction that Washington's face was calm and serene +when General Lee rode up to him, saying in a respectful tone: + +"Sir, here are my troops. How is it your pleasure that I shall dispose +of them?" + +"They have borne the brunt of battle and defeat all the morning, sir, +and are now entitled to a rest. Form them in order directly in the rear +of Englishtown, and there await further commands." + +It seemed to Enoch as if these instructions had but just been given +when the battle began to rage more furiously than ever, and now it +appeared as if the troops in every direction were engaged. + +"The left wing of the American army was commanded by Lord Stirling, the +right by General Greene, and the center by Washington. Wayne, with the +advance corps, took possession of the eminence in the orchard, a few +rods south of the parsonage. A park of artillery was placed in battery +on Comb's Hill, beyond the marsh on his right, and commanding the +height on which the British were stationed. Finding themselves opposed +in front, the enemy attempted to turn the American left flank, but were +repulsed. They also moved toward the American right, where they were +enfiladed by a severe cannonade from the battery commanded by General +Knox and planted on high ground, where General Greene was posted. Thus +assailed, the enemy fell back." + +During this time Enoch had been sent from one portion of the field to +the other with orders, being constantly under a heavy fire, and was so +deeply occupied in finding this commander or that as not to thoroughly +comprehend what was going on around him. + +It was as if he rode over a vast tract of country, dotted here by +redcoats, and there by patriots in buff and blue, or in homespun +garments, each man seemingly bent only on loading and discharging his +weapon, and all the while acting in what, to a novice, was an aimless +manner. + +During two hours he hardly remained idle five minutes at a time, and +the screaming of the leaden and iron missiles, which at the beginning +of the engagement had sounded so ominously in his ears, was now almost +unheeded. + +During the morning the one thought ever in his mind was the possibility +of treachery by General Lee; but now that officer was in the rear, +having in a measure redeemed himself, Enoch felt confident, so +unbounded was his belief in the commander-in-chief, that the time must +come, and soon, when the tide of battle would turn in their favor. + +It was terrible in the extreme to ride amid the wounded men, who +implored him to give them aid, when his duty demanded that he keep on +regardless of their agony. It was as if he suffered from some horrible +nightmare, when his horse leaped over dead bodies who lay with upturned +faces and open eyes that stared at the pitiless sun which was sending +down shafts of fire upon the combatants, the dying, and the dead. + +It was while the Royal Grenadiers were pressing General Wayne behind +the hedgerow most hotly that Enoch was sent to that officer to ask +if he needed assistance, and found him partially sheltered by a barn +near the parsonage, where he was urging his men, every one of whom had +proved himself a hero, to yet greater exertions. + +More than once had the Grenadiers crossed the hedgerow, hoping to +dislodge the force that was playing such havoc among their ranks, and +the general, watching closely the movements of the British, did not so +much as turn his head when Enoch made known his message. + +"Tell General Washington that I shall hold my position here. Unless he +has men who are not needed elsewhere, there is no necessity for him to +pay any attention to what is going on at this point. I fancy we're a +match for the Grenadiers!" + +The young aid was so hemmed in by officers and men that for some +moments he could not retrace his steps, and as if fascinated he watched +that terrific struggle, which just at this time was more fierce than +ever before. + +While he was gazing at the apparently resistless tide of red-coated men +who were pressing forward, he heard General Wayne say in a low, quick +tone: + +"Reserve your fire, men, until you can pick out their officers! Make +every bullet count!" + +These words caused Enoch to observe more particularly than he had +previously done the leaders of the brave force who were advancing in +the face of almost certain death, and to his surprise he recognized +that officer who had subjected his comrades and himself to such +searching inquiry when they were suspected of having aided Seth in +escaping from prison. + +It was Colonel Monckton, and at the moment when Enoch understood this +fact the officer waved his sword above his head, shouting: + +"To the charge, my brave troops! To the charge!" + +On came the line of red. + +Nearer and nearer, and neither shout nor report of musket from the +Continentals. + +It seemed to Enoch as if the enemy was hardly thirty yards away when he +heard General Wayne cry sharply: + +"Aim well and fire, boys!" + +A deafening report followed this command, and as the smoke cleared away +the Grenadiers could be seen falling back, almost entirely without an +officer. + +At that point nearest the American line the young aid saw, lying upon +his face, the body of Colonel Monckton motionless in death, and heard +as if in a dream the command from some officer near him for the men to +rush forward and secure the corpse. + +As if the British soldiers also heard this order, they halted, turned +suddenly, and came back with a rush, making no effort to preserve their +formation, but intent only on rescuing the body of their commander. + +Sick at heart, for this killing of a man with whom he had been in +some measure connected, however disagreeably, seemed worse than +the fall of a stranger, Enoch turned his horse to ride back to the +commander-in-chief; but before he was out of the press he heard loud +cheers which told that the Americans had gained the ghastly prize, and, +glancing over his shoulder, he saw the Grenadiers once more retreating. + +Twice during the half hour that followed did Enoch see Lord Cosmo +Gordon acting his part most heroically, and each time did the boy put +up a fervent prayer that the gallant Englishman might escape unharmed. + +Fiercely the contest continued to rage at the center of the British +line, and at other points, until Wayne repulsed the Grenadiers. Then +the entire line gave way, and fell back to the heights occupied by +General Lee in the morning. It was a strong position, flanked by thick +woods and morasses, with only a narrow way of approach in front. + +This portion of the battle was won; but the Continentals were unable to +pursue their advantage. + +Night had now come, and in the darkness it was well-nigh impossible the +American troops could continue the work so bravely pursued after the +disgraceful rout, for which they were not really responsible. + +The excessive heat of the day had wearied them equally with the fatigue +of battle, and the commander-in-chief, to whose personal exertions the +victory was due, said to Enoch: + +"Ride to the right and give the word to all the commanders you find, +that their troops may be allowed to sleep on their arms. It is the last +duty I shall charge you with this day, lad, and you are at liberty to +find repose wherever is most pleasing." + +The young aid set out, picking his way here and there among the dead +and the dying, repeating the welcome command to the leaders of the +different divisions, and when he had reached that body of troops +furthest to the right, he found himself among the gallant Jerseymen. + +"It is time that order came," General Dickinson said with an air of +relief. "But, lad, if we had had one more hour of daylight, the enemy +would have now been fleeing before us like a flock of frightened +sheep." + +"Is yours the last division on this side?" + +"It is." + +"I have permission to bivouac wherever I choose. May I remain with your +troops, sir?" + +"There is no need to ask that, lad, and I understand why you wish to +do so. Your friends, raw recruits though they are, have this day done +men's duty, and I congratulate you three Philadelphia boys upon your +initiatory work as soldiers." + +It was not an easy task to find his friends upon that blood-stained +field; but Enoch succeeded after half an hour's search, and was +received with shouts of joy by Jacob and Seth as he rode up. + +"I began to fear something had happened to you," the latter cried, as +Enoch dismounted and clasped him by the hands. "The last either of us +saw of our friend, the aid, was when the Royal Grenadiers charged on +General Wayne's forces." + +"I was where I could see it all," Enoch replied, "and although we have +no reason to think of Colonel Monckton kindly, it made me sad to see so +gallant an officer fall." + +"Did our men get possession of his body?" Jacob asked. + +"Yes, and carried it to the rear. Have either of you fellows been +wounded?" + +"We haven't received so much as a scratch," Seth replied promptly, "and +that seems strangest of all this day's work to me. When we were first +under fire I expected each moment to be killed; but as the time wore on +I actually forgot the danger. Say, Enoch, you must have had it hotter +than we did, if you kept with General Washington, and I saw you ride +across the field half a dozen times when it seemed as if the bullets +were flying around you as thickly as hail." + +"My experience was about the same as yours in that respect. The first +time I was sent with a message I felt terribly frightened; but after +that thought only of the chances for success or failure. Where's +Greene?" + +"Somewhere hereabouts. He got a bullet through the arm; but declares +that the wound is not serious, and refuses to go under the surgeon's +care." + +"I suppose now you have had so much experience, you will continue to be +an aid," Jacob said, and there was no shade of envy in his tone this +time. He realized as never before that if any one really desires to +serve his country it makes little difference what position he occupies. + +"Indeed I shan't," Enoch said emphatically. "When the time comes that +I can speak with General Washington, I shall ask permission to enlist +in the same company with you, and have no doubt but that it will be +granted. Now, boys, I have come to mess with you. The order I brought +General Dickinson was that the troops were to sleep on their arms, and +I suppose we are at liberty to remain anywhere within these lines." + +"There doesn't seem to be much choice. Suppose we stay where we are," +Seth suggested. "Greene left us here, and most likely will come back, +when----" + +"He is back now, lad," a voice cried, and a moment later the spy +appeared from out the darkness. "I have got rations such as are being +dealt out--Hello, here's our friend, the aid, and now he'll want grain +for his horse. I'll look for some." + +"Let me do that," Enoch cried as Greene, dropping on the ground the +food he was carrying, was on the point of turning away again. "I am +told that you are wounded, and you should have attention before playing +waiter for us three who are in good bodily condition." + +"The wound wasn't much more than a scratch, and the surgeon has already +tied it up. You may look for provender for the horse if you have a mind +to. The best place would be nearabout where General Dickinson is." + +Enoch's horse did not receive a particularly hearty meal on this +evening, owing to the lack of grain; but he was well groomed, and not +until that work had been done to his own satisfaction did Enoch rejoin +his comrades. + +Then, lying at full length on the ground, they discussed the stirring +events of the day, and it was during this conversation that Greene +asked: + +"Did you see that Irish woman when her husband was killed during +the artillery duel--at the time the Royal Light-horse charged so +furiously?" + +"I didn't know there was a woman on the field!" Enoch exclaimed. + +"There was, and her husband was one of our gunners. She assisted him +during the hot cannonade by bringing water from the spring near by, and +when he was killed at his post, there being no one to take his place, +the piece was ordered to be removed; but she insisted on working it, +and twice within an hour I saw her using the rammer as energetically +as any man among them. The soldiers were cheering for 'Mary'--that is +her name, I suppose--and she deserves more than thanks for this day's +work." + +Then each in turn related some incident which he had seen or +participated in, until, despite the groans of the wounded, who were +being tended by the surgeons at a temporary hospital near by, the three +Philadelphia boys fell asleep, and when morning came were aroused +by the tidings that Clinton had put his weary troops in motion at +midnight, and stolen away. + +The British soldiers whom General Lee declared the Americans could not +stand against had been fairly beaten by men decidedly their inferiors +in discipline and soldierly training. + + * * * * * + +It was simply the purpose of this story to relate the adventures of the +three Philadelphia boys during the events which led up to the battle of +Monmouth, and with the triumphant ending of that engagement the purpose +of this imperfectly told tale has been accomplished. + +Every reader knows that the Americans lost in this battle two hundred +and twenty-eight; the British two hundred and fifty, sixty of these +having been stricken dead by the heat. + +It is believed that there were about fourteen thousand men in the +American forces, and not more than ten thousand under Clinton. + +The order which General Washington issued, congratulating his army upon +the victory they had won, is also well known; but because those in whom +we are particularly interested served in the New Jersey militia, the +following extract may well be repeated: + +"General Dickinson and the militia of his State are also thanked +for their noble spirit in opposing the enemy on the march from +Philadelphia, and for the aid given by harassing and impeding their +march so as to allow the Continental troops to come up with them." + +On the following morning, after making of the widow Mary a sergeant in +the Continental army, Washington marched toward New Brunswick, thence +to the Hudson River, which he crossed at King's Ferry, and encamped at +White Plains in Westchester County. + +It may, perhaps, not be necessary to add that some time after the +battle Lee wrote an insulting letter to General Washington, demanding +an apology for words spoken on the field. He also demanded a court of +inquiry, and was gratified. Washington caused his arrest on charges +of disobedience, misbehavior, and disrespect. He was found guilty and +sentenced to suspension of command for one year. He never resumed his +station, and died October 22, 1782. "Had Lee been obedient and faithful +in the morning, the whole British army might have been prisoners of war +before the close of that memorable Sabbath day in June." + +That Enoch succeeded in enlisting with his comrades is positive, +for the names of the three boys are to be found on the muster rolls +prepared in July, 1778, side by side, and that they afterward served +their country gallantly may some time be told in detail, for their +active service was not ended with the battle of Monmouth. + +Footnote: + +[H] General Greene was commanding the right wing of the army +at the time. + + +THE END. + + + + +The Boy Spies Series + + +These stories are based on important historical events, scenes wherein +boys are prominent characters being selected. They are the romance +of history, vigorously told, with careful fidelity to picturing the +home life and accurate in every particular wherein mention is made of +movement of troops, or the doings of noted persons. + +=THE BOY SPIES WITH LAFAYETTE.= The story of how two boys joined the +Continental Army. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE BOY SPIES ON CHESAPEAKE BAY.= The story of two young spies under +Commodore Barney. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE BOY SPIES WITH THE REGULATORS.= The story of how the boys assisted +the Carolina Patriots to drive the British from that State. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE BOY SPIES WITH THE SWAMP FOX.= The story of General Marion and his +young spies. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE BOY SPIES AT YORKTOWN.= The story of how the spies helped General +Lafayette in the Siege of Yorktown. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE BOY SPIES OF PHILADELPHIA.= The story of how the young spies +helped the Continental Army at Valley Forge. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE BOY SPIES AT FORT GRISWOLD.= The story of the part they took in +its brave defense. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE BOY SPIES OF OLD NEW YORK.= The story of how the young spies +prevented the capture of General Washington. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + + * * * * * + +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by +the publishers, + +A. L. BURT COMPANY, 52-58 Duane St., New York. + + + + +The Navy Boys Series + + +These stories are based on important historical naval events, scenes +wherein boys are prominent characters being selected. They are the +romance of history, vigorously told, with careful fidelity to picturing +the life on ship-board, and accurate in every particular wherein +mention is made of movement of vessels or the doings of noted persons. + +=THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE WITH PAUL JONES.= A boys' story of a cruise with +the Great Commodore in 1776. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE NAVY BOYS ON LAKE ONTARIO.= The story of two boys and their +adventures in the war of 1812. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE ON THE PICKERING.= A boy's story of privateering +in 1780. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE NAVY BOYS IN NEW YORK BAY.= A story of three boys who took command +of the schooner "The Laughing Mary," the first vessel of the American +Navy. + + By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE NAVY BOYS IN THE TRACK OF THE ENEMY.= The story of a remarkable +cruise with the Sloop of War "Providence" and the Frigate "Alfred." + + By William P. Chipman. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE NAVY BOYS' DARING CAPTURE.= The story of how the navy boys helped +to capture the British Cutter "Margaretta," in 1775. + + By William P. Chipman. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS.= The adventures of two Yankee +Middies with the first cruise of an American Squadron in 1775. + + By William P. Chipman. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + +=THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE WITH COLUMBUS.= The adventures of two boys who +sailed with the great Admiral in his discovery of America. + + By Frederick A. Ober. Cloth. Price 60 cents. + + * * * * * + +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by +the publishers, + +A. L. BURT COMPANY, 52-58 Duane St., New York. + + + + +The Boy Chums Series + +By WILMER M. ELY + +Handsome Cloth Binding. Price, 60 Cents Per Volume. + + +In this series of remarkable stories by Wilmer M. Ely are described +the adventures of two boy chums--Charley West and Walter Hazard--in +the great swamps of interior Florida and among the cays off the Florida +Coast, and through the Bahama Islands. These are real, live boys, and +their experiences are well worth following. If you read one book you +will surely be anxious for those that are to follow. + + +THE BOY CHUMS ON INDIAN RIVER, or The Boy Partners of the Schooner +"Orphan." + +In this story Charley West and Walter Hazard meet deadly rattlesnakes; +have a battle with a wild panther; are attacked by outlaws; their boat +is towed by a swordfish; they are shipwrecked by a monster manatee +fish, and pass safely through many exciting scenes of danger. + + +THE BOY CHUMS ON HAUNTED ISLAND, or Hunting for Pearls in the Bahama +Islands. + +This book tells the story of the boy chums, Charley West and Walter +Hazard, whose adventures on the schooner "Eager Quest," hunting for +pearls among the Bahama Islands, are fully recorded. Their hairbreadth +escapes from the treacherous quicksands and dangerous water spouts; how +they lost their vessel and were cast away on a lonely island, and their +escape therefrom are fully told. + + +THE BOY CHUMS IN THE FOREST, or Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida +Everglades. + +The story of the boy chums hunting the blue herons and the pink and +white egrets for their plumes in the forests of Florida is full of +danger and excitement. How the chums encountered the Indians; their +battles with the escaped convicts; their fight with the wild boars and +alligators are fully told. + + +THE BOY CHUMS' PERILOUS CRUISE, or Searching for Wreckage on the +Florida Coast. + +This story of the boy chums' adventures on and off the Florida Coast +describes many scenes of daring and adventure, in hunting for ships +stranded and cargoes washed ashore. The boy chums passed through many +exciting scenes, on shore and island; and the loss of their vessel, the +"Eager Quest," they will long remember. + + +THE BOY CHUMS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO, or a Dangerous Cruise with the +Greek Spongers. + +This story of the boy chums, Charley West and Walter Hazard, hunting +for sponges, is filled with many adventures. The dangers of gathering +sponges are fully described; the chums meet with sharks and alligators; +and they are cast away on a desert island. Their rescue and arrival +home make a most interesting story. + + * * * * * + +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by +the publishers, + +A. L. BURT COMPANY, 52-58 Duane St., New York. + + + + +The Boy Scout Series + +By HERBERT CARTER + + +New stories of Camp Life, telling the wonderful and thrilling +adventures of the Boys of the Silver Fox Patrol. HANDSOME CLOTH +BINDINGS. + +PRICE, 60 CENTS PER VOLUME + + +THE BOY SCOUTS FIRST CAMP FIRE; or, Scouting with the Silver Fox Patrol. + +This book, every up-to-date Boy Scout will want to read. It is +brimming over with thrilling adventure, woods lore and the story of the +wonderful experiences that befell the Cranford troop of Boy Scouts when +spending a part of their vacation in the wilderness. The story is clean +and wholesome in tone, yet with not a dull line from cover to cover. + + +THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE BLUE RIDGE; or, Marooned Among the Moonshiners. + +Those lads who have read The Boy Scouts First Camp Fire and followed +the fortunes of Thad Brewster, the Young Patrol leader, will be +delighted to read this story. It tells of the strange and mysterious +adventures that happened to the Patrol in their trip through the +"mountains of the sky" in the Moonshiners' Paradise of the old Tar Heel +State, North Carolina. When you start to read you will not lay the book +down until the last word has been reached. + + +THE BOY SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL; or, Scouting through the Big Game Country. + +In this story the Boy Scouts once more find themselves in camp and +following the trail. The story recites the many adventures that befell +the members of the Silver Fox Patrol with wild animals of the forest +trails, as well as the desperate men who had sought a refuge in this +lonely country, making most delightful reading for every lad who has +red blood in his veins. This is a story which every boy will be glad to +read and recommend to his chums. + + +THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The New Test for the Silver Fox +Patrol. + +In the rough field of experience the tenderfoots and greenhorns of the +Silver Fox Patrol are fast learning to take care of themselves when +abroad. Many of the secrets of the woods, usually known only to old +hunters and trappers, are laid bare to the eyes of the reader. Thad +and his chums have a wonderful experience when they are employed by +the State of Maine to act as Fire Wardens, since every year terrible +conflagrations sweep through the pine forests, doing great damage. + + +THE BOY SCOUTS THROUGH THE BIG TIMBER; or, The Search for the Lost +Tenderfoot. + +A serious calamity threatens the Silver Fox Patrol when on one of their +vacation trips to the wonderland of the great Northwest. How apparent +disaster is bravely met and overcome by Thad and his friends, forms the +main theme of the story, which abounds in plenty of humor, rollicking +situations, hairbreadth escapes and thrilling adventures, such as all +boys like to read about. If you ever dream of camping out in the woods, +here you may learn how to do it. + + +THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES; or, The Secret of The Hidden Silver Mine. + +By this time the boys of the Silver Fox Patrol have learned through +experience how to rough it upon a long hike. Their last tour takes +them into the wildest region of the great Rocky Mountains, and here +they meet with many strange adventures that severely test their grit, +as well as their ability to grapple with emergencies. This is one +of the most interesting of the stories in the Boy Scout Series,--the +experiences of Thad Brewster and his Cranford troop abounds in plenty +of humor, and hairbreadth escapes. + + * * * * * + +For sale by all booksellers, or sent post-paid on receipt of price by +the publishers, A. L. BURT COMPANY, 52-58 Duane Street, New York. + + + + +The Flying Machine Boys Series + +By FRANK WALTON + + +New Flying Machine Boy Stories + +HANDSOME CLOTH BINDINGS + +PRICE, 60 CENTS PER VOLUME + + +THE FLYING MACHINE BOYS IN MEXICO; or, the Secret of the Crater. + +This is a story of juvenile adventure which will be sure to please +the boys, and adults, too, for that matter. It is a clean, vivid +description of a flying machine trip to Mexico, four lads of about +sixteen being the principal characters. The boys meet with many +adventures, under the mountains as well as in the air above them. The +Secret of the Crater, the Burning Mountain, the strange habits of the +Devil's Pool, hold the reader to the end, while the humorous sayings +and doings of "Jimmie" supply a pleasing variety. + + +THE FLYING MACHINE BOYS IN THE WILDS; or, the Mystery of the Andes. + +The story deals principally with old Peru. Pressed in the Secret +Service after their return from Mexico, Jimmy, Carl, Ben and Glenn +visit "the roof of the world" in quest of a man who wrecked, as far as +he was able to do so, a great New York Trust Company. The tale carries +the flavor of the mountains, the mystery of strange temples thousands +of years old, and treats the reader, as well, to some delightful +juvenile adventures. "Jimmie" comes out strong in this book. + + +THE FLYING MACHINE BOYS ON DUTY; or, the Clue Above the Clouds. + +If you have ever read in the daily newspapers sensational accounts of +the pursuit and capture of men who smuggle Chinamen and opium into +the country, you don't have to wonder whether the events recorded +in this story are true to life. The Flying Machine Boys find false +beacons on headlands washed by the Pacific, and they also find the man +who murdered a watchman and robbed a bank, living above the clouds. +"Jimmie" is particularly funny in this story. + + +THE FLYING MACHINE BOYS ON SECRET SERVICE; or, the Capture in the Air. + +This is a tale of adventure in the wilds of British Columbia. It is not +exactly a detective story, although it deals with the work of the boys +in capturing a man who abducted a postoffice inspector from his private +room in the postoffice building at Washington. "Jimmie" reads from his +"dreambook" in this tale. For variety of interesting adventures this +story equals any other in this series. + + * * * * * + +For sale by all booksellers, or sent post-paid on receipt of price by +the publishers, + +A. L. BURT COMPANY, 52-58 Duane Street, New York. + + + + +THE SIX-RIVER MOTOR BOYS SERIES + +By HARRY GORDON + +Handsome Cloth Binding + +PRICE, 60 CENTS PER VOLUME. + + +SIX-RIVER MOTOR BOYS ON THE AMAZON; or, the Secret of Cloud Island. + +This is a thoroughly interesting story of adventure on the longest +river in the world. It is superior to most adventure stories in that +it has a well-defined plot which holds the attention to the end. There +are encounters with savage animals and savage tribes at the headwaters +of the mighty river. Woven in with the plot is a bit of mystery which +cannot fail to interest. + + +SIX-RIVER MOTOR BOYS ON THE COLUMBIA; or, the Confession of a +Photograph. + +This volume, the second of the famous Six-River series, is a record +of adventure in the wilds of British Columbia. The motor-boat is taken +beyond the great divide on a platform car of large size, and is placed +in the Columbia River almost at its very source. It is a healthy story, +dealing with the out-of-doors life of the motor-boat boys. Alex's pet +bear will be certain to please. + + +SIX-RIVER MOTOR BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; or, the Trail to the Gulf. + +A thoroughly entertaining and instructive story of a wonderful river. +As in all the volumes of this popular series, the boys meet with +startling adventures, getting mixed up with river thieves and coming +upon a mystery which trails along to the Gulf of Mexico with them. +"Captain Joe," the white bulldog pet of the crew of the motor-boat, +will be sure to make a hit. + + +SIX-RIVER MOTOR BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE; or, the Lost Channel. + +This is a thoroughly interesting and instructive story of a romantic +voyage from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Chicago, by way of the quaint +old City of Quebec, the Thousand Islands, and the Great Lakes. It deals +with historical characters to some extent, all of whom are woven into +a strong plot which reaches from old Indian days to the present time. +It is safe to say that the book will become the most popular of the +series. + + +SIX-RIVER MOTOR BOYS ON THE OHIO; or, the Three Blue Lights. + +This book deals with the strange and vagrant life on the Ohio +River--the life lived by those who dwell in houseboats, storeboats, and +shantyboats. The motor-boat boys become involved with Night Riders and +Moonshiners, and the mystery of the Three Blue Lights supplies plenty +of holding power. In this volume "Teddy," the pet bear, comes out +strong at critical times. + + +SIX-RIVER MOTOR BOYS ON THE COLORADO; or, the Clue in the Rocks. + +The story deals with a little-known stretch of river, from the Gulf +of California to the Grand Canyon. The plot is a strong one, and +the incidents grow naturally out of it. The clue sought is at last +discovered by two venturesome lads who start out to have a "little fun +of their own on the side." As in all other volumes of this series, +the author--perhaps the best-known writer of boys' books in the +country--tells something of the history of the country the boys pass +through. + + * * * * * + +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by +the publishers, + +A. L. BURT COMPANY, 52-58 Duane Street, New York. + + + + + * * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's note: + + Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original document have + been preserved. + + Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. + + On page 294, "Where can I see you and Seth" should probably be + "Where can I see you and Jacob." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY SPIES OF PHILADELPHIA*** + + +******* This file should be named 44724.txt or 44724.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/4/7/2/44724 + + + +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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