THE TRAITOR.
The days passed, and nothing came of Captain Perry’s second appeal for
the forces which were needed if the United States would hold possession
of the territory bordering on Lake Erie.
Alec and I, together with many other lads, worked industriously upon
the fortification which had been named Fort Wayne even before anything
was done toward building it, and I venture to say that if all the
people in the United States had labored as earnestly on the defensive
and offensive as did we of Presque Isle, the war would have been
brought to an end before the close of the year 1813.
When we had put up the blockhouse on the bluff east of Cascade Creek,
and finished the fort after a rude fashion, Major-General David Mead
arrived at the head of a full regiment of militia, and then it seemed
as if the government had at last remembered our feeble condition.
It was a day full of excitement when these troops entered the town, and
not the least among the ceremonies was the saluting of the general
with thirty-two guns as he went on board the _Lawrence_ to pay his
respects to Captain Perry, who, immediately after our late victory, had
been brought low by a return of the fever.
My father was present at the interview; but what passed between the
commanders we of the rank and file had no means of knowing, save as
certain events transpired which we came to believe were the result of
their deliberations.
It was only reasonable that, after having served under him, Alec and I
should find it in our way to cultivate the acquaintance of Silas Boyd,
and through him we got an insight into what otherwise would have been
difficult for us to understand.
As for instance: The third day after General Mead’s arrival men were
set at work in the shipyard on four huge scows, or box-like boats with
flush decks, and my comrade and I puzzled our brains in vain to come at
some reasonable conclusion regarding their purpose. It was evident they
could never be intended for sailing crafts and equally certain that
they were not being built for cargo-carrying, because there were no
spars, and the upper portion was made without a hatchway, unless small
square holes cut fore and aft might be called by such a name.
“They are boxes, rather than vessels,” Alec said, after we had
speculated long and vainly regarding their purpose, and then he added,
as if the thought had but just come to him, “Let us learn if old Silas
knows anything about them.”
The gunner was not far off. He had just come ashore from the
_Lawrence_, where he had been looking after some of the pieces which
were not mounted according to his notions, and we summoned him without
delay.
“Don’t know the meanin’ of ’em, eh?” he asked, with a laugh, after a
brief survey of the odd-looking craft. “Well, lads, I’m allowin’ that
you’ll be pleased because they’ve been begun.”
“I can’t understand why anything of that sort would give us pleasure,”
I said stupidly; but Alec, quicker witted, cried excitedly:--
“Do you mean that they have anything to do with our fleet leaving the
bay?”
“Ay, lad, that’s just the size of it, or I’m way off my reckonin’. I’ve
seen such things before. They’re called ‘camels,’ an’ I’ve heard say it
was the Dutch who invented them in order to carry vessels over shallow
places.”
Even now I failed to understand their purpose, and, seeing the
questions in my eyes, the old man continued:
“Either of our brigs draws too much water to be taken out over the bar
while the lake is as low as it is now--that much you’ll allow. Later
on, when these ere craft are built, an’ Captain Perry is ready to put
to sea, the brigs will be taken out as far as they’ll float, an’ these
camels made fast alongside, fore an’ aft. The water will be let into
’em through the port-holes in the sides an’ deck, till they’re sunk,
after which beams will be passed from one to the other under the ship’s
keel. Then the hatches are put on again, an’ battened down till the
hulks are water-tight, after which the pumps are set to work. Now you
lads know full well that once air takes the place of water, these scows
will have considerable liftin’ power, an’ up goes the brig as a matter
of course.”
The old man paused as if thinking he had told all that was necessary;
but I was so thick-headed that he was forced to explain every detail
of the proposed crossing, although Alec probably did not need so much
information because of understanding it thoroughly from the first
description.
Until now I had failed to realize that the brigs could not leave the
bay unaided until the water was higher, else I might have had even more
fear regarding what it would be possible for the British to do; but
after such fact had been made apparent I saw great cause for alarm.
“Suppose the enemy’s squadron should come at the very moment one of
our vessels was trussed up on those box-like camels?” I asked; and old
Silas shrugged his shoulders as he replied:--
“There is the chief danger, my lad; an’ I’ll answer for it that your
father an’ Captain Perry have discussed such a disaster again an’ again
since the lack of men forced them to linger here until the water fell
low. If the Britishers should come, there would be the end of whatever
craft might be on the bar at the time.”
“Do you suppose others beside us know of what is to be done?” I asked,
anxiously.
“It stands to reason all do, lad, unless they are blind. When such
craft as these are bein’ built, curious ones are likely to ask the
reason why.”
As he spoke, there came upon me like a flash of light what we had heard
on the North Foreland that winter’s afternoon when Alec and I were held
prisoners in the narrow pen which was like to have been our grave. Then
we learned, because of the information in possession of the enemy, that
among the people of Presque Isle was at least one who stood ready to
betray us--one who was willing to sacrifice his neighbors in order to
curry favor with the Britishers.
I made mention of the fact to old Silas, telling him the whole story,
and suggesting that the same person who had played the spy might yet be
among us, but he laughed at my fears.
“Do you think the Britishers themselves could not play the spy? I’ll
answer for it that more than one of their soldiers have been in this
town since the keels of the vessels were laid, an’ it is by such means
that they were kept posted of our doings, not through treachery. I’ll
answer for it we haven’t so mean a man among us.”
The old man spoke so positively, and laughed so long at my fears,
that I could not do otherwise than call myself a fool for having such
suspicions, and straightway made every effort to put the matter from my
mind.
Silas Boyd told us of many large ships which he had seen floated
over bars by use of “camels,” and otherwise gave so much interesting
information concerning like engineering methods, that Alec and I
listened to him eagerly until the day was spent, when we hastened to my
home with all speed, lest mother should chide us for loitering when it
was more seemly lads like us were snugly housed.
But even while most deeply entertained by the old gunner’s stories, and
when listening to my mother’s loving words, the idea was ever present
in my mind that among us was a traitor, who would speedily carry to
the British information of the “camels” which were being made ready to
take our vessels over the bar.
I said very little regarding this to Alec, lest he should make sport of
me for being foolishly suspicious.
Perhaps because of my silence on the subject the thought grew stronger
until it became the same as a fact in my mind, and I cast about trying
to decide who among us was so lost to all honesty as to betray his own
countrymen to their ruin.
When my father came home on this evening he reported that Captain Perry
was more comfortable, as regarded the fever, and had given orders that
Alec remain ashore until such time as commands were received for the
fleet to leave port.
“And that is to be within a few days, if one may judge from the
indications,” the lad said, with a smile, when my father had reported
his brother’s words.
“Why do you think so?”
“Because of the camels which are being built at the shipyard.”
“How knew you for what purpose those hulks were intended?” my father
asked sharply, and, as I thought, with no little disquietude of mind.
As a matter of course it was necessary we should tell him all that had
occurred during the day, and, having come to an end of our story, he
said, half to himself:--
“I had hoped the people might not be quite so well informed.”
“Why, sir?” I made bold to ask. “Think you any in this town would carry
information to the enemy?”
“That I am not prepared to say, but with some people gold is a
weighty argument, and has been known to buy the conscience of many an
apparently honest man.”
Then it was that I spoke of the suspicion which had been troubling me,
and having come to an end, my father said reflectively:--
“Many have left Presque Isle since last winter, and it may be that
among them was the one who then supplied the enemy with information.
I do not recall to mind any who would play the spy, but yet there are
several here whom I do not know sufficiently well to answer for their
honesty.”
“Is there no way by which such a possibility could be guarded against?”
Alec asked, and my father replied:--
“We have taken due precautions. The guard-boats at the entrance of the
bay will stop any craft attempting to put out into the lake without
written authority signed by those in command, while the sentinels from
here to Fort Wayne have orders to stop citizens trying to leave without
a pass. Yet all these might be avoided by him who had it in his heart
to work us mischief.”
Such words as these were not calculated to set my fears at rest,
and when Alec and I went to bed we discussed the matter in all its
bearings, for since my father had spoken in such a tone I was not
ashamed to give words to my fears.
However, we could do nothing more than talk, and in due course of time
slumber put an end to all forebodings.
When morning dawned bright and clear I quite forgot the troubles of the
previous night, and went with Alec to visit his brother on board the
_Lawrence_.
Captain Perry was yet so ill that Dr. Parsons had forbidden his going
on deck; but many officers were in his cabin when we arrived, and one
could guess from the expression of gravity on the faces of all that
some important subject was under discussion.
The captain greeted us in friendly fashion, inquiring solicitously
after Alec’s health; but after the first words of greeting had been
spoken it might readily be seen that he was not anxious we should
linger, therefore we took our leave after having been on board less
than ten minutes.
Going on deck, we found old Silas bustling around as if charged with
the most weighty missions, and I asked him laughingly if there was any
chance the _Lawrence_ would go over the bar that day.
Instead of replying in sportive fashion to my bantering, he suddenly
became grave as any owl, and hurried away as if afraid he might be
tempted to reveal a secret in case he remained with us.
“You may depend upon it that some movement is near at hand, and we are
not to be trusted with even so much as an intimation of it,” Alec said
laughingly, as we went over the rail into our boat, which had been
made fast alongside. “I am not disposed to grumble at being kept in
ignorance, so long as we are soon to go out against the enemy, but I
would enjoy knowing whether we are likely to miss anything by loitering
on shore.”
“It isn’t probable the _Lawrence_ will put to sea without us, after
all the promises that have been made,” I said, almost indignant with
Alec because he should seem to question my father’s good faith. “I am
certain some hint would be given to us if anything of the kind were
contemplated. Besides, it isn’t possible the brig could be gotten over
the bar in one day.”
This last argument had more weight with my comrade than any other I
could have advanced, and at once he lost all care as to what might be
going on, bantering me to take a stroll with him along the shore to the
eastward, where could be had a good view of the lake without a very
lengthy journey.
“Who knows but that we may sight the bold Britishers before those in
the guard-boats can do so, and thus gain considerable credit for being
sharp-sighted!” he said sportively, and I took the words in good faith.
“We’ll try it!” I replied so earnestly that he was provoked to mirth,
and the boat’s head was turned in the direction of Fort Wayne, in
front of which fortification we landed when challenged by the watchful
sentinel.
Once we were recognized there was no hesitation about allowing us
to proceed whithersoever we pleased, and, as Alec had proposed, we
directed our course along the shore of the lake.
Now it must be set down here that there was no thought in my mind that
we could do more than possibly sight the enemy’s fleet in the distance.
I had ceased to think there was a traitor among us, and, therefore,
that which occurred came as much in the nature of a surprise as if
there had never been any conversation between my comrade and myself
regarding the chance that information concerning our movements might be
carried to the Britishers.
We strolled aimlessly along the shore, talking of the time when our
fleet should be out on the lake fully manned, and giving no heed to
anything save what might be seen seaward, until Alec stopped suddenly,
clutching me by the arm as he whispered:--
“Look just beyond that clump of bushes! Unless I am much mistaken there
is a boat drawn up to prevent her from being seen!”
Many seconds passed before I could make out clearly that which had
attracted his attention, and then I not only saw the craft, but
distinguished amid the foliage the form of a man, who was peering
through the branches at us.
“It is either a British spy, or the traitor who carried news to the
enemy last winter!” I said excitedly, turning this way and that in the
hope of seeing some one upon whom we could call for assistance.
Even as I spoke the fellow in hiding drew back until it was impossible
to see so much as the outlines of his form; but Alec, rendered
suspicious by a glimpse of the half-hidden boat, was ready to believe
that I had made no mistake.
“It isn’t likely a Britisher would venture here at this time, for there
has been nothing of importance to attract one. It is some person from
Presque Isle, who awaits an opportunity to set out across the lake, or
has just returned,” he said, now quite as excited as was I. “It is our
duty, Dicky Dobbins, to make of that fellow a prisoner, in order that
he may give reasonable excuse for behaving in such a fashion.”
“There is little chance of our doing that without weapons, for be he
spy or traitor, we can count on his making a good fight.”
“No better than is within our power, if we are so disposed,” Alec
replied stoutly. “I have no idea of losing such an opportunity as is
before us!”
Now I was quite as eager as he to learn who this man might be that he
should thus take so many precautions against being seen; but yet I
believed we had good reason to be cautious in our movements lest we
come to grief.
It was well that Alec Perry carried a stouter heart than mine,
otherwise much of disaster might have come upon our little fleet before
there had been an opportunity for Oliver Perry to show of what he was
capable.
“Will you follow me?” the dear lad whispered, and I replied, although
decidedly against my better judgment:--
“Ay, that I will, Alec, although I believe you are running into danger
needlessly. Why not wait until we can call others to help us, or at
least get weapons with which to defend our lives, for if that fellow
is either spy or traitor he will not yield without a fight.”
“It is two against one, and even cowards could ask for no better odds
than that!” Alec said sharply, and in another instant he was running at
full speed toward the clump of bushes in which was hidden the man we
would make prisoner.
There was no other course left me but to follow him, unless I was
willing to have it said I deserted a friend, and even while reproaching
myself for making such a foolhardy venture, I ran at my best pace close
at his heels.
As a matter of course the stranger saw us coming, and whether guilty or
innocent must have divined our purpose.
Perhaps the speed at which we advanced convinced him he could not
outstrip us in a chase, for instead of taking flight, he made every
effort to launch his boat before we should come up with him.
Had he succeeded in getting half a dozen yards from the shore we would
have been baffled, weaponless as we were, and the fellow probably
counted on this, but he had drawn the craft too high up on the sand.
She was less than ten feet from the water’s edge when Alec came within
striking distance, and now, instead of trying further to launch the
boat, he turned to defend himself.
With a stout oaken paddle uplifted he awaited my comrade’s approach,
and I cried aloud in surprise when I recognized in him one of our
neighbors who claimed to be violently loyal to the Government of the
United States.
“It’s Nathaniel Hubbard!” burst involuntarily from my lips, and as I
spoke his name he turned upon me in a fury.
Until that instant I do not think there was in his mind any thought
to do other than beat us off until he could set the boat afloat; but,
finding himself recognized, it seemed necessary for his own safety that
our mouths should be closed forever.
Stooping suddenly, he seized something from the bottom of the craft,
and when he stood erect once more I saw in each of his hands a pistol.
“Look out for yourself!” I cried, fearing lest Alec had not observed
the weapons, and even as I shouted there was a blinding flash; I could
feel the heat of the burning powder, and wondered that no pain followed
it.
Hubbard had fired point blank at me, within less than ten feet
distance, and yet missed the target.
With a cry of rage he turned upon Alec, but before he could press the
trigger of his pistol I leaped upon his back.
The weapon was discharged; but the bullet buried itself in the sand,
and the traitor was at our mercy, although not yet conquered.
He fought like a wild man, and I could not wonder at his fury, for more
than his life was at stake. Even though his neighbors did not kill him
outright, as indeed they had good cause, he was disgraced forever; and
there would be nothing left for him save to take refuge among those to
whom he had sold himself, which might not be a pleasant thing, because
he who buys a traitor can have no great respect or love for him.
During five minutes or more it was a serious question as to who would
come off victorious, and then suddenly his strength seemed to desert
him; he collapsed, so to speak, even while putting forth his greatest
strength, and from that instant it was as if we had no more than a
child in our grasp.
“We’ll tie his hands and feet, and bundle him into his own boat,” Alec
said, whipping out his pocket-knife and cutting the small hempen cable,
or painter. “It will be too much of a job to carry the scoundrel from
here to the village!”
It was pitiful to see how weak the traitor had become in mind as well
as body. Instead of making any protest, or challenging us to prove that
he did not have as good a right as we to stroll on the shore of the
lake, he burst into tears, imploring us to “be merciful.”
“It can do you no good to take me back, and I will reward you richly
for my liberty,” he whined, in so cowardly a fashion that I turned my
back, unwilling to look upon the despicable wretch.
“You will pay us with British gold, eh?” Alec said angrily, raising his
hand, whereupon I seized his arm, fearing lest in his righteous wrath
he might strike one who was bound, for we had lost no time in tying the
fellow.
“Don’t fear that I shall do him any great harm,” the lad said quickly.
“For a moment the temptation to punish him for thinking we might be
bought was great, but I should have remembered in time that it would be
a disgrace even to strike a cur who has sold his country.”
From that instant Nathaniel Hubbard seemed to understand that it would
be useless to plead with us.
He apparently gathered courage from despair, or else grief and remorse
overpowered him, for he remained silent and motionless, seeming to give
no heed whatsoever to us.
As if he had been no more than a bundle of merchandise, and not very
valuable at that, we packed him into the boat and rowed back toward the
brig whereon we knew was Captain Perry, feeling quite certain we had
done a good forenoon’s work in our country’s behalf.