IN THE LION’S MOUTH
During all this time of excitement, which began with the seeming attack
upon the British lines, I had entirely forgotten that information which
I gathered at the carnival.
Now, however, when we were about to venture into the lion’s mouth, as
you might say, it came upon me like a flash, and with it the belief
that I should immediately tell the Weaver of Germantown what I had
heard; but yet, while the words were trembling on my lips, I held my
peace.
At the same instant there came to me the thought that if peradventure
this man believed the information of such great moment that our people
at Valley Forge should hear of it without delay, he might, instead of
going on with this attempt to aid our imprisoned comrades, consider it
his duty to turn about and lose no time in reaching the American lines.
Therefore it was I showed myself very nearly a traitor to the Cause,
for the imprisonment, or even the life, of my two comrades might be
as nothing compared with the possible advantage to the colonies which
would come with the repeating of those words I had overhead.
When it was all over, and I had time to think calmly of my course,
I gave to myself no little blame for not having told the Weaver of
Germantown, when we first met him, all that I heard. However, I did
not, and, fortunately, as it turned out, no particular harm was done.
You can well fancy that I did not loiter in the yard speculating upon
these things, for the Weaver of Germantown had given us no opportunity
for idling. That which I have set down concerning what I ought to have
done came into my mind like a flash, and as a flash dies out, so did
that go from me until, even though it might be called much the same as
treason, I gave no further heed to the matter.
And now that which I have to tell sounds at this day, even in my own
ears, much like a fanciful tale rather than a statement of fact; but
yet there was good reason why our adventure proved to be a simple one.
The Britishers were frightened well-nigh out of their wits, and instead
of thinking that they must care for the prisoners, seemingly gave no
heed to anything save the safety of their own precious bodies.
We left Timothy Bowers on guard at the rope with orders to keep his
ears wide open for the sound of approaching footsteps. Then, when
we were come to the main entrance of the building, the Weaver of
Germantown turned to young Chris, taking him firmly by the shoulders as
if to make the lad understand that the command which he was giving must
be obeyed without a question, and whispered sharply:
“You are to stand here, lad, until either we return, or you have good
proof of our having been taken prisoners. Keep your wits well about
you. At the first token that any approaches, either from the prison
side or the street, open this door and cry out at the full strength
of your lungs, after which it shall be your purpose to save yourself
by going over the wall with the aid of the rope, or in whatsoever way
seems best at the moment.”
Then he opened the door, which strangely enough had been left
unfastened, and walked inside as if simply visiting a friend, I
following him as can well be fancied, keeping so close to his heels
that he could not have taken a step backward without treading on my
toes.
The passageways were lighted by candles, and I saw on every side
doors which were closed, but evidently led into those rooms serving
as guard-houses for the lobster-backs who had infringed some of his
majesty’s rules regarding the conduct of soldiers who wore red coats.
There was little time, however, for me to give heed to the immediate
surroundings. The Weaver of Germantown continued straight on up the
stairs as if he knew exactly where it was needed he should go, and,
having gained the second story without hearing or seeing any sign of
life, began trying those doors which led to the rooms at the rear
of the building, at the same time speaking through the keyholes
sufficiently loud for the inmates to hear:
“If the lads who are Minute Boys be confined here, let them give some
token.”
Three times was this repeated at these several doors, and each instant
I stood trembling in my shoes, expecting that from below, or out of one
of the many rooms, would appear the lobster-back whom one might suppose
had remained on guard; and then came from the inside of the third
apartment a voice which I knew to be Jeremy’s:
“Have our people taken the city?”
Instead of making reply to this question, the Weaver of Germantown set
his shoulder against the door, motioning for me to do the same, and
then it was that I saw the man exert an amount of strength which seems
almost incredible.
At the second attempt he shattered the barrier, carrying away lock
and bolt, as a matter of course, and making so much of a tumult, that
if there had been any lobster-back inside the building he must have
understood what was going on.
No one appeared to oppose us; no word was heard from the lower story,
or from any of the other rooms, when I, following the Weaver of
Germantown, after the door was broken in, seized Jeremy around the
neck, kissing him much as I might have kissed my mother; Sam meanwhile
pressing closely, asking, as I dimly understood, a multitude of
questions as to how we had come there and what was the meaning of the
tumult abroad.
The man who had served us such a good turn in thus coming at the
prisoners, was not inclined to allow us to linger in the work-house,
nor did I have any desire so to do.
He literally shoved Jeremy and Sam, together with me, out into the
passage, and then made his way down the stairs at a swift pace, while
we followed, for to have loitered a single instant there would have
been worse than folly.
At each step we took toward freedom I believed we must of necessity
come upon some of the enemy, for it did not seem possible, and even now
appears most improbable, that we could have done all which we did.
We came down the stairs into the main passage, out of the door at which
young Chris was standing guard, and then, if you will believe me, the
Weaver of Germantown went directly to the main gate, where he found
free exit, for whosoever had been on guard and ran out when the alarm
that the Americans were come had been given, did not take the trouble
to fasten the barrier behind him.
Instead of climbing over the wall by the rope, and thereby spending
many precious moments, we might have marched directly in as if we were
welcome visitors, gone about our business, and come out even as we did
without a scratch and without hurrying.
There was little need to summon Timothy, for, seeing us open the gate,
he came quickly forward, and we six went out into the street free, even
though we were in the midst of all that British army.
We had released two of General Howe’s prisoners without turning a hair,
and now it only remained that we should find some hiding place.
As may be supposed, the Weaver of Germantown led us by the nearest
course to the Jolly Tar inn, save when one of us lads suggested that
we go through this alley or across that yard in order to avoid the
possibility of coming upon some of the lobster-backs; and yet we need
not have been afraid that they would be met, for every blessed one of
those who had come from overseas to flog us into loving the king, was
gathered nearby where it was supposed our American army was drawn up in
line of battle.
Even while we ran the rattle of musketry began, and if anything had
been needed to strengthen my belief that a battle was near at hand,
that would have been sufficient.
I quickened my pace sufficiently to overtake the Weaver of Germantown,
who was a short distance in advance of me, and, clutching him by the
arm, asked if it were not better we should go where our people were
doubtless making a brave effort to whip the enemy.
But he said curtly, and as if he no longer had very much care regarding
what was being done:
“Even though we should approach directly to the line of battle which
the Britishers have doubtless formed, it would be impossible to come
at our people. The one duty just now is to ourselves, and we can only
perform it by getting under cover.”
Not until we were come to the Jolly Tar, and had reconnoitred by going
to the rear of the building and looking through the windows to make
certain there were no patrons inside, did we hear the fusillade from
where the flames were shooting up.
Then Master Targe opened the door to give us admittance, and his house
looked just at that time as if it was barricaded, he having piled the
furniture against the doors on the inside as if expecting an attack.
The sounds of the battle continued; but before we were again in that
room where I had first seen the Weaver of Germantown, the commotion
died away, the flames subsided, and it was as if whatsoever had been
begun was at an end.
“Have our people been whipped?” Timothy asked in a tone of fear, as
the door was closed behind us and Master Targe went down the stairs
to put his tavern in a state of defence once more, and the Weaver of
Germantown replied laughingly:
“I am of the opinion they were not there to be beaten, lad. Our people
knew full well of this carnival which was being held, and it is in
my mind that some of the younger blood have taken advantage of the
opportunity to give the Britishers a scare, in which verily they have
succeeded.”
It may be as well here for me to explain at once, and without waiting
for that day when we learned the particulars, all that had occurred
which was so greatly to the advantage of Jeremy and Sam.
It appears that Colonel Allen McLane, who was of General Lafayette’s
force that had come to Barren Hill, decided to break up the
entertainment without very much of danger to himself or to his men,
and, as has been seen, he succeeded most gloriously.
With one hundred and fifty soldiers in four divisions, and supported by
Clow’s dragoons, those brave fellows came, each carrying a camp-kettle
filled with light wood on which pitch and tar had been smeared, down to
the first line of British defences.
There was set on fire the fuel which had been brought, and the men
remained sufficiently long to make reply to the first volley which the
frightened red-coats fired at random.
It was only a prank, and verily our men, after their long time of
suffering at Valley Forge, had earned the right to indulge in a little
sport, more particularly when they could have the intense satisfaction
of seeing all General Howe’s supposedly brave troops show the white
feather as it had been displayed that night.
It was all a bit of sport, as I have said, and yet nothing save a
general attack of our people upon the enemy could have served Jeremy
and Sam such a good turn. But even that opportunity would have been
lost except for the Weaver of Germantown, who understood on the instant
what might be done, and who was enabled, under Providence, to come upon
us when he had little or no definite idea as to where we might be found.
Whenever I am low-spirited, or inclined to believe that Fortune
has dealt hardly with me, I look back upon that night, remembering
what grew out of the prank which Colonel McLane played upon the
lobster-backs, and then realize full well that howsoever far we are
from deserving favors, there is above us all a loving care which,
finally, if we give it the chance, leads us into the right way and to
our own safety.
As a matter of course, we had made no attempt at conversing one with
another while making our way from the work-house to the inn; but once
inside the building our tongues were unloosened, as Jeremy and Sam
insisted upon our giving a detailed account of what had happened since
they were taken prisoners.
“It is you rather than we who should play the part of story-tellers,”
I said, feeling so overjoyed at our wondrous success that it was with
difficulty I could restrain from embracing each of the dear lads in
turn, and thereby showing myself a veritable simple. “What we are
burning to know is how you chanced to have fallen into the clutches of
the lobster-backs, and allowed Skinny Baker to go free?”
“It wasn’t with our permission that he went free,” Jeremy replied
laughingly, and young Chris asked sharply, as if minded at this time of
great joy to find serious fault with those whom we had rescued:
“How then did it chance that the lobster-backs came upon you? Surely it
must have been through some carelessness of your own.”
“If anyone is to be blamed in the matter, it is you, Chris Ludwig!” Sam
cried sharply. “We might have stayed there holding Skinny a prisoner
until this time, save for that unruly tongue of yours.”
“Me?” Chris cried in surprise and anger. “What did I have to do with
it? I was at Valley Forge when you allowed yourselves to be taken.”
“Ay, that you were; but before going you told Mark Duren that we were
counting on raising a company of Minute Boys, and in your eagerness
to get recruits, even went so far as to tell him of our rendezvous,
explaining how he might make his way through the timbers to come at us.”
“And why shouldn’t I tell him?” young Chris cried, growing yet more
angry. “He is one who favors the Cause, and showed himself most willing
to join us.”
“When has he ever favored the Cause? You knew, or should have known,
that he was a close comrade of Skinny Baker’s, and when that young
Tory was missing, Mark went directly to Master Baker, reporting to him
that which you had said. There is no need of further explanations,
for even though Skinny’s father be a Tory, he is not a fool, and
straightway, after hearing what Mark had to tell, he asked for a squad
of lobster-backs to aid him. The first information we had that you were
so incautious as to reveal our hiding place, was when Master Baker
himself appeared, followed by two red-coats.”
“Didn’t you hear them coming?” Timothy asked, and Jeremy replied sadly:
“Ay, lad, we did, and believed it was Richard Salter and young Chris,
therefore stood ready to welcome them, rather than taking heed to our
defence. Even then, but for Skinny himself, we might have escaped,
perhaps by leaping into the river; but the currish Tory threw himself
in our way, and betwixt him and his father we were speedily made
helpless.”
On hearing this story I blamed myself even more than young Chris, for,
knowing the lad as I did, it should have been my one aim to prevent
him from going out while he was so excited over the matter of raising
recruits for the Minute Boys. I ought to have known he would have done
just the same foolish thing which he did, thus bringing Jeremy and Sam
to grief.
At almost any other time I would have read young Chris a lesson which
he would not speedily have forgotten, because of what he had done; but
at this moment, when our comrades were with us once more after having
been literally plucked from out the lion’s mouth, my joy and relief was
so great that I could not have found fault or spoken a harsh word to my
bitterest enemy.
I believed the others felt much as I did, and young Chris, who now
understood what a serious injury he had done his friends, took refuge
in what was very like a fit of sulks, throwing himself on the floor in
one corner of the room as if he no longer desired to hold converse with
us.
During a full minute the silence was most painful, for we realized how
greatly one of our Minute Boys had sinned against the Cause, and yet no
lad felt inclined to say aught concerning his crime.
It was during this time of silence that again I remembered what had
been overheard during my service as servant at the carnival, and
straightway I repeated, so far as was possible, exactly the words which
I heard from the lobster-backs, the Weaver of Germantown showing by the
expression on his face that he considered my information of greatest
value.
“Verily much has been accomplished within the last four and twenty
hours,” the man said in the tone of one who is deeply impressed, when I
had come to the end of my story, and I ventured to ask:
“Then you think that which I heard is of importance?”
“Ay, lad, of such vital importance that this night the six of us shall
set out, each going by a different route, in an attempt to gain Barren
Hill before daylight, in order to let General Lafayette know what he
may expect.”
“But why should each go by a different way?” Sam asked curiously, and
the Weaver of Germantown replied gravely:
“Because, lad, after such a scare as the Britishers have had this
night, I am of the opinion that we shall be more closely shut in than
ever before. Even though they had not been nearly frightened out of
their wits, General Howe or General Clinton is good soldier enough to
understand that this is the time when they must guard closely against
such people as we are striving to be, lest word be carried to the
rebels. It is more than likely some of us will be taken prisoners in
the effort to leave the town, and therefore would I have it that each
goes in his own way, without taking counsel of the others, to the end
that one, if not more, may succeed in carrying the message. Now then,
Richard Salter, repeat again that which you heard, and each of you
lads, including you, Master Ludwig, listen intently, so that you may
impress it upon your memory, for we may not safely set down in writing
the information we carry.”
Then it was that I told again, and in the fewest possible words, what I
had heard while serving the lobster-backs during the carnival, and each
of my comrades, including young Chris, listened with such eagerness
that one might know by the expression on their faces how hard everyone
was striving to remember all I said.
Having come to an end of the story, I, without giving due heed to the
words, asked Jeremy Hapgood how he counted on gaining Barren Hill,
whereupon the Weaver of Germantown interrupted us quickly, as he said:
“Nay, nay, lads, none of that! I would have each of you go
independently, not knowing what the others may do, to the end that we
shall have the more chance of succeeding in our mission, for I give you
my solemn word that at no time in your lives, however long you may stay
on this earth, will you be charged with so much of vital importance to
those who love the colonies.”
Then, when we would have lingered, the spy forced us out of the room,
saying as he did so:
“Waste not one single second; but from this moment until you can have
had speech with General Lafayette’s force, bend every effort to
getting within our lines.”
He himself set the example by going to the lower floor, where during
two or three minutes he held a whispered consultation with Master
Targe, we lads standing back meanwhile, for it was evident he had no
mind we should hear that which he said.
The innkeeper himself opened the door for us, and as I passed through,
following directly behind the Weaver of Germantown, this surly-visaged
landlord clapped me on the shoulder in a most friendly fashion.
I can conceive of nothing which would have given me a more vivid idea
of the danger attending this attempt, than that act of his, for it
was so little in accord with his general manner that at the moment it
seemed almost as if he was bidding me good-bye forever.
Perhaps it was well I should have had this reminder of what lay before
me, for if I had previously been inclined to carelessness, of a verity
now were my wits quickened. Waiting not to learn what my comrades might
do, I set off, counting to go by the way of Southwark in the belief
that through that section of the town I could pass with less of danger.
Understanding that it would be impossible for me to travel at a rapid
pace all night, I strove to husband my strength, walking at a fairly
good gait; but without striving to make too much speed at the outset.
That I was wise in thus planning to go from Philadelphia by a
roundabout way was speedily shown. Those revellers who had been at
the carnival were yet at the place where Colonel McLane had made his
feint, less than half a dozen having returned to quiet the alarm of the
ladies, and I made my way directly past Master Wharton’s mansion, or
counted on so doing, when I came upon two horses fastened to the fence
of the back yard nearabout where Chris, Timothy and I had made our
entrance.
By their accoutrements I knew they were animals belonging to some of
the British officers, and while one might have counted ten I stood
gazing at them enviously. Then came into my mind what seemed little
less than an inspiration, although it was no more than that old adage:
“As well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb.”
If I was caught striving to gain the American lines just at that time,
then was death certain. They could do no more than hang me if, while
trying to perform this duty, I stole a horse, although under all the
circumstances I did not give to it the name of stealing, for this was
indeed war, and to gain the better of an enemy by getting from him
the means of transportation to carry an important message is anything
rather than theft.
You may well fancy that I did not stand many seconds within a stone’s
throw of Master Wharton’s house, which was yet reasonably well thronged
with ladies, turning all this matter over in my mind.
Immediately I saw the steeds, and the idea came to me of what great
advantage it would be if I were mounted, not only in enabling me to
gain Barren Hill at an earlier hour, but also in event of pursuit to
make my escape, I quickly unfastened the bridle of that beast which
seemingly was the better fitted for a long journey.
Then I slowly led him out through the thicket into a path of which I
had long known, that ran straight away into the road I would take.
Having gone an hundred yards or more thus cautiously, I vaulted into
the saddle, and once there urged the animal into a gallop.
There was in my mind such a sense of triumph because of having thus
succeeded in making it possible to gain the American forces while it
was yet time, that I had real difficulty in preventing myself from
crying aloud with joy.
I said over and over again in my mind that now was it positive I would
outstrip all those who were bent on the same mission, even including
the Weaver of Germantown, who, because of his longer experience, should
have been able to go to and fro between Philadelphia and the American
lines more quickly than one who had only done so a single time.
In fact, I was so puffed up with pride over what was no more than an
accident, and looked upon it as if this gaining a steed for my purpose
was something due to my own wondrous abilities, that I failed to
take any heed whatsoever to what should have ever been in mind--the
fact that I was in the enemy’s country, and more closely surrounded
by lobster-backs on this night, because of the alarm which had been
raised, than at almost any other time since the Britishers occupied the
city.
However, I was brought to a realization of the situation and of my own
foolishness in striving to take credit to myself, before I had gone
half a mile from Master Wharton’s country house.
I gained the main road, and the beast which I bestrode had settled
himself down into a long, swinging gallop as if understanding that
considerable of a journey lay before him, when suddenly there came from
a cross road, or lane, the sound of horses’ feet coming rapidly toward
me. Before I had time to fully realize the situation, a voice shouted
out that I should halt or he would fire.
I was not so thick-headed as to fail of realizing on the instant that
I would be in no greater danger by continuing on regardless of the
summons, than if I stopped and gave the enemy an opportunity of finding
out who I was.
If they fired, and with true aim, then might I come to my death. But
if I was taken by them at that time, astride a horse belonging to a
British officer and headed straight away for the American lines, then
there could be no question as to how I would go out of the world, and
but little doubt as to its being a speedy exit.
Therefore it was that, bending low in the saddle, I urged the horse on
to yet greater speed, and had the beast loved the colonies as did I,
and hated the king with equal fervor, he could not have responded more
quickly or more gamely.
At almost the same instant when the horse increased his pace, I
involuntarily glanced over my shoulder just as half a dozen flashes
of light illumined the foliage nearby, and I heard the whistling of
bullets over my head as the reports of the weapons rang out.
I fail even now to understand why it chanced I was really so brave at
that time. There was not in my mind any thought of injury to myself, or
fear that I might be hurt; but all my anxiety was lest they cripple the
gallant beast that was bearing me onward so swiftly, and I literally
held my breath while striving to discover from his stride or movements
whether he had been wounded.
Fortunately, however, I could see no difference after this volley which
had been fired at comparatively short range, for the beast was running
swiftly, and with every evidence of strength, as if this night-race
pleased him hugely.
Now it was I turned my head to gain some idea of the pursuers, and
could see even amid the gloom that there were not less than six or
seven horsemen in the rear who were seemingly mounted as well as I.
There was in my mind the fancy it was possible for me to make out that
they all wore uniforms. At least, I heard the clank of swords in the
scabbards, and knew that none of our people would be so accoutred while
in the city of Philadelphia, therefore even though the volley which
had been fired at me was not sufficient indication of their character,
I had an exceedingly good idea it was General Howe’s men who were
pursuing.
That it would be a long race I made no question, for we all seemingly
rode good horses. In fact, it made little difference to me how long
they kept up the pursuit, so that I was enabled to remain in the lead
until having come within hail of General Lafayette’s outposts.
There was no speculation in my mind as to why these horsemen were
in that vicinity just then. I was not so thick-headed as to fail of
understanding that on the night before an important move was to be
made, and particularly within a few hours after the lobster-backs had
good proof the Americans were not all dead, an unusually strict watch
would be kept to prevent any from leaving the city, therefore was it
reasonable to suppose those whom I had thus unfortunately come upon
were patrolling this side of the town.
“Even though they do me harm, I shall be the means of luring them away
from their post of duty,” I said to myself with grim satisfaction. “And
if perchance one of the other lads attempts to make his way out of the
city over this same route, then, although I fail, have I been of some
service.”
I believe we had been going at racing speed no less than ten minutes
when a single shot rang out clear and distinct on the night air; but I
failed to hear the whistling of the missile, nor did I feel any token
from the horse that he had been injured.
Therefore it was I could almost have laughed aloud in joy because they
were endeavoring to shoot me, since it showed, to my mind at least,
that they had grave doubts whether it would be possible to overtake me,
and were come to understand that their only hope was in crippling the
steed.
Twice within the next five minutes did the report of firearms come
to my ears, after which I fancied that I had gained a considerable
distance on my pursuers, although as to that I could not be certain,
for their horses were yet running fresh and strong, as was mine, and
one may not safely judge of distances in the gloom.
By this time the fellows chasing me knew beyond peradventure that I
was striving to gain the American lines, and realizing this, they
understood, unless indeed they had been veritable simples, that I was
carrying important information to that rag-tag and bobtail of an army
of which they had so lately shown themselves afraid.
Therefore it was that they would spare no effort to overtake me; but
while the pace was so hot there was little chance they could shoot with
any accuracy of aim. The greatest danger, as it appeared to me just
then, was that by some unfortunate accident their bullets might go in
the direction they desired, and the chase come to an end because of the
wounding or killing of the horse I rode.