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.