NEWS OF SAUL
Pierre Laurens and I might have stood on the river bank and argued as to
the future until the crack of doom without its affecting matters in any
way, or without our being the wiser, save that we watched what was
happening around us, for, luckily, no person may look into the future.
We were so excited by the distant sounds of the battle which was raging
between our friends in the French fleet and those whom his majesty had
sent to whip us into submission, that for the time being all thoughts of
Saul had completely gone out of my mind. It was as if the lad did not
exist, until mayhap two hours had passed, when Pierre bethought himself
that it was our duty to go back to old Mary's cabin in order to acquaint
Uncle 'Rasmus with what was going on, and then I spoke my cousin's name,
reproaching myself because I had thus seemingly neglected him.
"You need not be so bitter against yourself, Fitz Hamilton," little
Frenchie said with a shrug of the shoulders. "It seems certain that we
of ourselves can gain no information whatsoever concerning Saul Ogden,
else would we have come upon him ere this. We must content ourselves in
patience so far as may be, believing that the Jerseyman will sooner or
later come upon the truth."
"And what then?" I interrupted fiercely.
"Then we shall do all within our power to aid the lad, if he be alive,
and keep ever in mind, in case he has gone into the other world, that he
went because of striving to do whatsoever he might for the Cause."
I believe we could have walked through the village of York again and
again talking loudly on the most disloyal topics, and yet no one would
have given heed to us, so intent were all upon that distant booming
which told of a struggle that must decide the fate of those who held the
town of York while they themselves were much the same as prisoners.
It was some such thought which caused me to say with a smile, and as if
there was more of courage in my heart than really existed, that Lord
Cornwallis was much like Pierre and me. He had taken this village of
ours and set himself down to keep it, after which General Lafayette had
come up, closing him in, and holding him fast. We on our side had taken
Horry Sims a prisoner, and were striving to hold him, while the king's
soldiers were much the same as depriving us of our liberty now that they
no longer allowed us to make our way through the lines.
"I'll agree that the two situations are alike up to a certain point,"
Pierre said grimly; "but the end is to be much different. My Lord
Cornwallis will be beaten, while I'm counting that we shall come off
victors, through the aid of those who are battling for the Cause, and
therefore will we laugh best because we laugh last."
A dearer, truer, more cheery comrade than Pierre Laurens never lived!
Surely I had good proof of it that day when he heartened me with his
light words and his promises concerning the future until I was almost
come to believe we were on the high road to success, even though there
remained in the cupboard of old Mary's cabin no more than food enough to
serve for another meal, and we were unable to make our way to the
Hamilton plantation where we might have revelled in plenty.
When we saw Uncle 'Rasmus once more it was as if we had not stirred hand
or foot since we left him as Horry Sims's guardian.
The black, wrinkled face could be seen through the window as we
approached, and so far as being able to read an expression of either
hope or despair upon his countenance, one might as well have gazed at a
graven image.
Pierre lost no time in explaining to Uncle 'Rasmus the moaning of those
dull yet heavy reports which could be heard from the distance, and when
he was done with the story as we had heard it from the Britishers, the
old negro said placidly, as if the matter did not affect him in the
slightest:
"I'se 'lowin', chillun, dat dere's boun' to be a heap ob fightin' 'roun'
dis yere town 'fore de Britishers get what am comin' to 'em."
"And we are like to have as much in the way of danger as if we were
serving in the trenches," I added, curious to learn how the possibility
of being under the fire of our friends might affect the old man.
"I'se 'lowin' dat you'se right, honey," was the quiet reply. "Gin'al
Washington ain't gwine fo' to set down up Norf while he knows we'se
needin' him here, kase he's a gen'man ob Virginia, an' dey allers 'tends
to dere duty. Course we'se boun' to stand our end ob it when de shot
does begin to fly; but bress you, honey, how many dat you know, an' I
know, am gwine to do de same, an' what's good enuf for dem ain' any
worse for us."
Surely with such companions as Pierre and Uncle 'Rasmus a decent fellow
could not long indulge in gloomy possibilities of the future, and for at
least the twentieth time since we left my home did I resolve that I
would strive to imitate them in their calm faith as to what the coming
days might bring, and their general disregard to bodily discomfort or
injury so that they might be able to do something, however slight, to
aid the Cause.
Then, of course, we discussed this possible battle which was going on at
sea, speculating as to what the outcome might be if the French beat off
the enemy, and also what might occur if the English were victorious, for
you must remember that while waiting further news from the Jerseyman we
had nothing better with which to occupy our time.
Although we talked long and earnestly, going over all the possibilities,
Horry Sims did not venture to raise his voice, and this surprised me
somewhat, causing suspicions to arise lest the Tory cur had in mind some
plan for escape, or that he knew more than did we, although that seemed
impossible, regarding Saul's whereabouts.
On that day, because of lack of provisions, we decided that there was
really no need of dinner, and deferred the meal until night, the
prisoner, as a matter of course, sharing our fast, although I doubt not
that Pierre would have insisted on his feasting while we went hungry had
there been more than provisions enough to provide a single fair
allowance for the four of us.
It was dull work sitting in old Mary's cabin waiting for the coming of
the Jerseyman, although we knew full well that he might not be able to
pay us a visit within eight and forty hours; but it was in Pierre's mind
that we had best remain there, where he could come upon us at a moment's
notice, rather than walk around the village now it seemed certain we
could get no information regarding Saul.
I hardly remember how that long day did pass. I know full well, however,
that it seemed as if more than a week elapsed between sunrise and
sunset. I can even at this moment recall the fierce joy which was mine
when, just as the shadows of night were beginning to fall, the door of
the cabin was opened softly, and that man whom we had been waiting for
so eagerly came in.
I could hardly wait until he had closed the door behind him, before I
asked impatiently, with mingled hope and despair in my tones:
"Have you heard aught concerning Saul?"
When the reply came I leaped to my feet excitedly, rushing toward the
man as if to clasp him in my arms, for I had not dared to hope he would
bring positive news.
"Saul Ogden is confined in that guard-house where, so I am told, the
Widow Marshall formerly lived. Do you remember a small, one-storied log
building that stands perhaps two hundred paces in the rear of the
church?"
"Yes, yes, I know it well," I cried eagerly, although not being really
certain as to which of the houses the Widow Marshall had formerly lived
in. "What is the charge against him?"
"That I haven't been able to determine; but feel quite positive it is
nothing very serious, else would he be under stricter guard. Most like
he and some of the Tory villagers got into a brawl--"
"How is he guarded?" Pierre asked, and I understood that even then the
dear lad was casting about in his mind for some plan which might promise
success in our efforts to release him.
"There is but a single sentinel in front of the building. If Saul was
charged with being a spy, he would be confined in the basement of that
stone house overlooking the water--I know not who owned it before the
British occupation. Spies are more closely guarded, while your cousin
shares the quarters of such soldiers as are punished for slight
misdemeanors."
"Then it may be possible that we can aid him to escape?" I cried
breathlessly, and to my surprise Master Morgan said emphatically:
"It would be unwise to make any move in such a direction lest suspicion
be aroused regarding you and me. The lad is in no danger, and I dare
venture to say more comfortably situated than are you. Leave him alone;
do not even loiter around the building in the hope of getting a glimpse
of him, and you may be certain nothing of harm will come through the
Britishers just at this time. It is well to let sleeping dogs lie."
I cried out against what thus seemed to be an abandonment of our
comrade, and stupidly insisted that it was our duty to do all we could
to release him from his prison, regardless of what might come to
ourselves, whereupon little Frenchie reminded me in that silken voice of
his, that we had no right, even though the peril was greater, to run the
risk of bringing suspicion upon Morgan, whose life would most like pay
the penalty if it was known that he had any connection, however slight,
with those who favored the Cause.
We argued the matter back and forth half an hour or more, Pierre and
Morgan against me, until finally I was brought to a sense of my duty;
was made to understand that in this supreme effort of the colonists to
throw off the yoke of the king, the liberty or even the life of one or a
dozen such lads as us should count as nothing; that if by going down to
his death, Saul might avert suspicion from Morgan, thereby leaving him
where there was a possibility he could aid the Cause, then should a boy
be proud to die.
"Very well, I yield; you have shown me why I should desert my cousin,
and I am ready to do it. Now, perhaps you can say how we may replenish
our store of provisions, for we are about to eat the last morsel of
food."
I was angered because of having been beaten in the argument, and because
even Pierre sided against Saul, as it seemed to me, therefore spoke
hotly and in what I counted should be a scornful tone; but to my deep
surprise Morgan said in a tone of satisfaction:
"Like to be hungry, are you? Well, matters couldn't have turned out
better for me. I didn't dare dream you would be driven by necessity to
do that which I have in mind?"
"So it seems fortunate to you that we shall not be able to break our
fast to-morrow morning?" I cried hotly, and the Jerseyman replied with a
laugh:
"Ay, lad, so it does. I am not claiming that it will be impossible for
you to do as I desire; but by really being hungry you can the better act
that part which I had come up here to persuade you was your duty."
"What is it you would have us do, sir?" Pierre interrupted, as if it
irritated him because we spent so many words before coming to the meat
of the matter.
"If two boys and an old slave are the same as starving, surely there
isn't an officer under Cornwallis who would not grant them permission to
go fishing. In two or three hours they might be able to get enough to
fill their stomachs many times over. I believe you have only to present
yourselves to the officer of the day to-morrow, explaining the
situation, and asking permission to go out in a boat."
All these words simply formed a riddle; I did not have the sense to
understand just at the time, owing to my impatience, that the Jerseyman
had something back of this--that it would serve his purpose for us to be
on the river to-morrow morning; but dear little Pierre was not needing
many explanations before he could come to the root of the matter, and he
asked quietly:
"If it should be that we got permission to go fishing, where think you
we could make the biggest catch?"
"Two miles or more below Gloucester Point," Morgan replied.
"Having gone so far as that what would you advise?"
"That you keep reasonably near the shore, and if a man wearing a bit of
green in his hat came near to the water's edge, put in where you might
have speech with him."
"What speech?"
"Remember, lads, these words: 'Despite all the work Cornwallis is doing
in the way of fortifying the town, there are indications that he is
preparing to retreat by way of Gloucester if the English fleet fails to
bring succor.' Now let me hear you say that twice, for the wording is
most important."
Pierre did as he was commanded, never missing a word or tone, and when
he had finished to the Jerseyman's satisfaction, I asked how it was
known that a man would approach the boat.
"I saw him on the shore this afternoon. His being there is much the same
as an intimation that he is waiting for some word. I doubt not that
seeing two boys in a boat he will come near the water, to give you an
opportunity of proving if you have been sent by me. There is a
possibility he may be prevented from coming, or that he will not
understand you might be serving me. Of all that we must take our
chances, and since you are in such sore need of food, the attempt to
deliver my message will cause you little or no additional labor."
"It is not the labor that would stop us," Pierre said hotly. "It is
needed only that you point out how we can be of service, and nothing
else is of importance."
"I know that, lad, right well do I know it, from what little I have seen
of you since we met. Go to the officer of the day early in the morning,
or to whomsoever wearing a sword you can come at most handily. Tell the
truth so far as may be safe, and humbly beg permission to go fishing.
For the time being put from your minds all thoughts of Saul Ogden,
difficult though that may be, for I assure you he is in no danger, and
enjoying more of comfort than it is possible for you to enjoy here in
this cabin while you stand guard over a Tory prisoner."
I would have forced Morgan to explain more regarding this man whom he
thought we might possibly meet on the Gloucester shore, for I was eager
to understand how the fellow had come there, and what cause he had for
believing he might be seen by the Jerseyman; but our visitor cut me
short by saying that now his business had been transacted there was no
reason why he should remain longer, and great need for him to hasten
away.
Immediately we were alone Pierre set out the last of our store of
provisions, dividing the food equally between us four, counting the
prisoner as a member of the company, and when we had eaten the frugal
meal, which was in quantity no more than enough to make plain the fact
that we were hungry, little Frenchie led me into the open air, making no
explanation to Uncle 'Rasmus regarding his movements.
"Where would you go?" I asked when the door was closed upon us, so that
those inside the cabin might not hear what was said, and the dear little
French lad whispered in my ear, while caressing the sleeve of my coat:
"I would not have you believe, Fitz Hamilton, that I am so cold blooded
as it appeared when I agreed with the Jerseyman that we would make no
attempt at getting word to Saul. I am burning to let the lad know we
stand ready at the first opportunity to give him aid, and to that end
would walk down past the house where we are told he is imprisoned."
"But what about the danger we may be bringing upon Morgan by thus
interfering, when he has advised that we remain quietly with Uncle
Rasmus?" I cried, and Pierre replied softly:
"Can you not see how lame his argument was that he himself might be
drawn into trouble if we were suspected? He has visited us twice in the
cabin, and both times secretly; it is to be supposed he took good care
no one should see him, therefore how may it be said, if we run our noses
into danger, that he has had any part in it?"
"Would you set out with me now to do whatsoever we might toward
releasing Saul, for verily, Pierre Laurens, he may be released if simply
held prisoner in that house belonging to the Widow Marshall, because it
is as crazy a building as the one we have just left."
"I am not saying I would do aught toward releasing him this very night,
for that could not be other than dangerous. No matter for what slight
misdemeanor he may have been arrested, once he has made his escape the
hue-and-cry will be raised. What I have in mind is simply to let the lad
know we are watching over him, and stand ready to do all within our
power when the proper time comes."
Verily Pierre was wise beyond his years. It had not occurred to me that
Morgan had some particular reason for keeping us closely housed; but now
it was as if I understood all his purpose. He counted on our being where
he could lay his hand on us at any moment when it might be necessary we
should act in his behalf, therefore advised that we leave Saul out of
the question for the time being.
Pierre had apparently agreed with the Jerseyman, while at the same time
it was in his mind to do that which we were setting out to accomplish,
and I had no scruples about following him, for ponder over the matter as
I might, I failed to see how anything suspicious on our part could bring
trouble or danger to the spy, or in any way menace the Cause.
It was more than possible we might run our own noses into danger, and
suffer thereby; but we alone would be called on to pay the penalty.
I led the way through the village to the Widow Marshall's, meeting here
and there a single soldier, or the red-coated gentry in squads, none of
whom gave any particular heed to us, because there were other lads then
ourselves in this village of York, whose parents had not seen fit to run
away when the Britishers took possession.
As we made a detour around the building I said to Pierre, taking good
care not to point lest I attract attention:
"Yonder is the house, where the soldier stands in front of the door. Do
you see that the only bars to the windows are puncheon planks? If a lad
was so minded, and no one approached the rear of the building during a
certain length of time, he could dig his way through that chimney of
sticks and mud until he was come into the fireplace."
All this, as a matter of course, Pierre had noticed, and he also must
have seen, as did I, that our hope of showing ourselves to Saul had been
vain, for, as I have said, the windows were closed with planks.
Whosoever was held prisoner inside could not get a glimpse of the outer
world; but must remain in darkness all the while.
We walked by this apology for a guard-house slowly, not daring to halt
lest some red-coat take heed that we were noting the place more
carefully than lads of the village would be likely to do. When we were
come nearly to the river front we wheeled about, retracing our steps so
far as to be able to pass the building on the other side; but at no
point could we see an opportunity for warning my cousin that we were
near at hand.
"We might as well have staid inside the cabin," I said in a tone of
despondency as we turned our faces toward where we knew Uncle 'Rasmus
awaited us. "This is the first time, Pierre, that one of your plans has
come to naught, and both you and I should have had wit enough to realize
that if the building had been turned into a guard-house, the windows
would be barricaded in some way to prevent the escape of prisoners."
"The plan has not come to naught. Before we left the cabin I had no idea
where the house was located; but now you have pointed it out I would be
able, if the time was ripe and you not with me, to find the place. I am
counting--"
Pierre did not finish the sentence, for at that moment we came face to
face with Abel Hunt, a dissolute fellow seventeen or eighteen years old,
who lived in a mean hovel with his meaner parents near to Horry Sims's
home, and one who would follow in the footsteps of Horry Sims's father
so far as having a Tory leaning was concerned.
It was so dark that I did not see the fellow until we were close upon
him, otherwise would I have made every effort to avoid a meeting, for I
had no doubt that he, seeing us in York, would immediately ask himself
why we who favored the Cause were there. Then might he straightway set
about striving to learn what was our business in the village.
Again, and this came into my mind like a flash of light, he might be
there searching for Horry. When the lad failed to return home his
parents would, as a matter of course, send here, there and everywhere in
search of him, and this fellow Abel Hunt would have been one of the
first whom Master Sims would have called on, because, having much the
same as supplied the Hunt family with food, he could demand their
service whenever they were required.
Looking over what I have here set down, it would seem as if I was making
it appear that Pierre and I stood motionless several seconds in front of
Abel Hunt, whereas all these thoughts had come into my mind in a
twinkling, even as I crowded little Frenchie into the roadway with the
faint hope that we might pass Hunt and not be recognized.
In this I was unsuccessful, for even as I would have moved out of his
path the fellow seized me by the arm, as if he was my equal, and said
with a coarse laugh:
"Well, how comes it that one of the Hamiltons, who claim to be red-hot
rebels, is loitering around the British encampment? Have you changed
coats lately, Master Fitz?"
"I am wearing the same coat of buff and blue that I stood ready to put
on when we heard the news from Boston. I suppose if there be any color
to yours, it is red, unless peradventure you could find more money in
the pockets of a garment of different hue."
This last I said because it was well known two years before that both
Abel and his father were willing to sell their services to Whig or
Tory; but could find none foolish enough to buy them, therefore,
dependent upon Master Sims as they were for their daily bread, fell into
line as lovers of the king.
Hunt gave no heed to me when I thus reminded him that he was willing to
sell his opinions; but abruptly demanded why I was in York, and where I
counted on going.
It is true that I might have told the fellow it was none of his
business, and refused to hold converse with him, as I surely would have
done had the danger not been so great. If I passed him with an angry
word it was absolutely certain he would follow to learn where I went,
and, failing in discovering that, might give information that the son of
Captain Hamilton of the American army was loitering around York,
whereupon I would find myself in that same guard-house where Saul was
confined.
The only course, as it seemed to me, and I was forced to decide on the
instant, was to speak to the fellow fairly, and, much though I disliked
to do so, strive to throw him off the scent.
Therefore it was I said, forcing myself to speak in a fairly friendly
tone:
"Pierre and I came into York yesterday to see the soldiers, for never
before have I been in a military encampment. We had no difficulty in
entering the lines; but it was quite another matter when we would go
out. It seems as if there must have been some sudden change in the
situation, that Lord Cornwallis should decide not only to prevent
visitors from arriving; but also from departing when they desired to go
home."
"And what have you lads been doing since the time when you found it
impossible to pass the sentinels?" Abel Hunt asked suspiciously, still
holding me by the arm, while the fact that I continued to answer him in
a friendly manner must have been proof that I was afraid of him, and he
so understood it, as I fancied from the tone in which he spoke.
Never before had he dared to accost me other than in the most civil
manner, with his hat in his hand. Now he demanded an answer as if he was
my superior.
"We have done the best we might," Pierre answered, most like fearing I
would make an intemperate reply. "It is not easy to find food among
strangers, and as for a shelter, we long since gave up all hope of that,
therefore are spending the night on our feet, as you see."
"Do you count on walking around till morning?" Hunt demanded.
"What else can we do?" I asked laughingly.
"Have you no friends here in the village?"
"None who can give us shelter," I replied, whereupon the fellow fell
silent for an instant, and then suddenly wheeling me about with a force
that caused me to wince with pain, asked abruptly:
"When last did you see Horry Sims?"
I know full well that a gentleman should never tell a lie, and have ever
contended that under ordinary circumstances it is not only wicked, but
vile to do so. In this case, however, I knew it would cost Pierre and me
our liberty, perhaps our lives, if we held only to the truth, therefore
I replied as if striving to awaken memories:
"I believe it was on the morning the Britishers seized the horses of the
Hamilton plantation. I saw him on the road at that time."
"And you can make no guess as to where he may be now?"
"Why should we waste our time making such foolish guesses as that?"
Pierre demanded as if suddenly grown angry. "Horry Sims, as you well
know, is no friend either to Fitz Hamilton or me, although so far as I
am concerned he has no reason to be an enemy; but because he and Fitz
are at swords' points over politics, do I believe I should side with him
whom I call my friend."
"Meaning that you deny knowing about where Horry may be now?" Abel Hunt
cried in a threatening tone, and Pierre, straightening himself up to
show that he was not afraid of the bully, replied in that silky tone of
his:
"Meaning to say that that is what I would have you understand, Master
Abel Hunt."
Surely in making such answer Pierre escaped telling a downright lie, for
he spoke only the truth.
Then, striving to show myself somewhat at ease in the company of this
fellow with whom I had never previously associated, I asked him in turn
what he was doing, and where he counted on spending the night.
He gave no heed to my first question, but replied to the second by
saying:
"I allow I'll stay with you lads till sunrise. It's a bit lonesome
loafing around here alone, and, like you, I know of no place where I can
find a bed. We'll hang together as neighbors should."
"We'll do nothing of the kind, Abel Hunt," I cried hotly. "I claim the
right to choose my own friends."
"Oh, you do, eh?" the fellow cried with a coarse laugh. "Well perhaps in
this case you haven't got any rights. At least, before allowing it I
want to know why you are here, and how you happen to be wandering around
the camp of an enemy, for surely you rebels count the king's soldiers as
enemies."
I understood on the instant that I had made a mistake in thus speaking
angrily; but it was too late to make amends, as I thought, and would
have moved on but that Pierre said just as Abel Hunt barred my way by
stepping in front of me:
"I see no reason, Fitz, why even though you may not be friendly with
this lad, he should not remain with us, at least until morning. I can
well fancy that if he, like you and me, has no place in which to lay his
head this night, companionship of any kind would be very sweet. At
least, I know it is with me, and, with your permission, shall welcome
him."
"You will because you don't dare do different," Hunt cried triumphantly,
and Pierre said with a note of sharpness in his tones:
"Since that is your belief, Master Hunt, we will prove to you the
contrary," and Pierre, ruffling like a pigeon, strode off with a great
assumption of dignity, I as a matter of course following.
When we came upon Abel Hunt we were going directly toward old Mary's
cabin; but now Pierre turned at the next corner, walking slowly as if
simply eager to pass the time, and headed in the direction of the river,
while I kept close by his side mentally bewailing the little lad's
unlucky desire to learn the location of the guard-house in which Saul
was confined.
It was possible to see out of the tail of my eye, even though I had not
heard his footsteps, that Abel Hunt was following less than half a dozen
paces behind us, and a great fear came into my heart, for now I knew he
was convinced we had had some hand in the disappearance of Horry Sims,
and would act as our shadow in the hope of coming at the secret of the
Tory's whereabouts.
There was little chance he would give us an opportunity of slipping into
old Mary's cabin unobserved, and I pictured to myself the alarm and
distress of Uncle 'Rasmus as the hours went by and we failed to put in
an appearance.
I had come to understand that we must walk the streets of York during
all the hours of darkness, and, what was of far more importance, must
hold back from performing that task which the Jerseyman had set us.
There was little hope we would be able to set off in a boat alone, and
it was quite positive we would not dare do so while Hunt was holding us
under his eye, therefore had we missed an opportunity of serving the
Cause, as well as paved the way, perhaps, for our own arrest as spies.
I turned the matter over and over in my mind as I walked by Pierre's
side in silence, asking myself whether this dissolute fellow could gain
speech with any of the king's officers, and as I asked the question I
could answer it full well, for he had only to whisper the fact that he
could give information as to spies, and even my Lord Cornwallis himself
would listen to him.
We had come to grief, as it seemed to me, and what presented itself to
my mind as the most painful of all the sorry business, was that we had
been brought to such a pass by a worthless, ignorant lout whom I would
not have allowed to linger even in the Hamilton stables.