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diff --git a/old/66806-0.txt b/old/66806-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 0d09471..0000000 --- a/old/66806-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7746 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Young Continentals at Trenton, by -John T. McIntyre - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Young Continentals at Trenton - -Author: John T. McIntyre - -Illustrator: Ralph L. Boyer - -Release Date: November 23, 2021 [eBook #66806] - -Language: English - -Produced by: D A Alexander, David E. Brown, with thanks to Bowling Green - State University for providing the image of original book - cover. and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at - https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images - made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT -TRENTON *** - - - -[Illustration: “_GET OUT OF THE WAY, MY HEARTY_”] - - - - - The Young - Continentals - at Trenton - - _by_ - John T. McIntyre - - _Author of_ - - “The Young Continentals at Lexington” - “The Young Continentals at Bunker Hill” - - [Illustration] - - Illustrated by Ralph L. Boyer. - - _The Penn Publishing - Company Philadelphia - MCMXI_ - - - - - COPYRIGHT - 1911 BY - THE PENN - PUBLISHING - COMPANY - - [Illustration] - - - - -Introduction - - -“The Young Continentals” series deals with the experiences of four -boys in the American Revolution. One of them, Nat Brewster, is from -the hills about Wyoming, Ben Cooper is from Philadelphia, while the -Prentiss twin brothers come from Boston. - -In the first book of the series, “The Young Continentals at Lexington,” -Nat Brewster played the leading part--a part full of daring and -enterprise. In the second book, “The Young Continentals at Bunker -Hill,” Ezra Prentiss replaced Nat as the principal figure, while in the -present volume, George Prentiss steps into the foreground. - -The first book dealt with the revolution from the stirring of the wrath -of the colonies to the first blows struck at Lexington and Concord -Bridge. The second began where the first ended, and related the events -that took place during the siege of Boston, including the fight on -Breed’s Hill and ended with the evacuation of the city by the British. - -The present, or third, takes up the thread of the great struggle where -the second laid it down; it deals with the preparation for defending -New York City, describes the battle of Long Island, the crossing of the -Delaware and the capture of the Hessians at Trenton. - -The fourth book, “The Young Continentals at Monmouth,” takes in the -encounters around Philadelphia, including the battle of Germantown, and -ends with Washington’s brilliant success at Monmouth. Ben Cooper fills -the eye in this volume; and during the course of the story appears the -celebrated Molly Pitcher, the girl who served a gun at Monmouth and -whom Washington afterward made a sergeant on the field of battle. This -volume is now in preparation. - - - - -Contents - - - I. SHOWS HOW MERCHANT DANA BOARDED THE “NANCY BREEN” AND - WHAT CAME OF IT 9 - - II. SHOWS THE RECEPTION GEORGE PRENTISS MET WITH IN NEW YORK - TOWN 34 - - III. TELLS HOW A BULLY ENTERED THE “KING’S ARMS” 52 - - IV. TELLS HOW THE BULLY CHANGED HIS MIND, AND HOW GEORGE WAS - SENT FOR IN HASTE 64 - - V. IN WHICH GENERAL PUTNAM HAS HIS SAY 75 - - VI. EXPLAINS HOW GEORGE PRENTISS BECOMES A GUEST AT THE - “WHEAT SHEAF” 82 - - VII. TELLS HOW THREE PEOPLE MADE A DASH FOR FREEDOM 111 - - VIII. TELLS HOW PEGGY GAVE A WARNING 122 - - IX. IN WHICH GEORGE PRENTISS RECEIVES AN INVITATION 129 - - X. SHOWS HOW WASHINGTON CAME TO NEW YORK 138 - - XI. IN WHICH GEORGE PRENTISS MAKES A SUDDEN RESOLUTION 152 - - XII. TELLS HOW TWO PEOPLE PEERED THROUGH THE WINDOW OF THE - OLD MILL 163 - - XIII. IN WHICH PEGGY CAMP SHOWS HER COURAGE 171 - - XIV. SHOWS HOW THE BRITISH SHIPS CAME INTO THE BAY 181 - - XV. TELLS HOW GEORGE VISITED THE HOUSE IN CROWN STREET 190 - - XVI. PEGGY SPEAKS HER MIND 204 - - XVII. SHOWS WHAT HAPPENED IN THE TAPESTRIED CHAMBER 217 - - XVIII. IN WHICH IS FOUGHT THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND 229 - - XIX. DESCRIBES HOW GEORGE AND HIS FRIEND START UPON A - DANGEROUS MISSION 255 - - XX. TELLS OF TWO PATRIOTS IN TRENTON 274 - - XXI. HOW COLONEL RAHL PROPOSED GIVING A CHRISTMAS CONCERT 283 - - XXII. TELLS HOW A FIRE WAS KINDLED ON A HILLSIDE 301 - - XXIII. SHOWS HOW THE CONCERT WAS INTERRUPTED 317 - - - - -Illustrations - - - PAGE - - “GET OUT OF THE WAY, MY HEARTY” _Frontispiece_ - - GENERAL PUTNAM GLANCED UP 47 - - “I WALKED INTO A NEST OF KING’S MEN” 89 - - LORD STERLING BROKE THE SEAL 156 - - “ALEXANDER HAMILTON,” HE REPLIED 184 - - THE HAND PAUSED 221 - - “IT’S THE ARMY OF WASHINGTON” 315 - - - - -The Young Continentals at Trenton - - - - -CHAPTER I - -SHOWS HOW MERCHANT DANA BOARDED THE “NANCY BREEN” AND WHAT CAME OF IT - - -A dry, weazened little man with a halt in his step passed “The -Brigantine” inn which faced the East River at the foot of Broad Street; -and as he did so, he peered in at the windows and doors, for it was a -fine spring morning and they stood wide. “The Brigantine” was a place -for captains and mates and merchants to congregate; and all about it -were warehouses, shipping offices and places for the sale of maritime -stores. - -Apparently what the weazened little man sought was not visible in or -about the tavern, for he went halting across the roadway and out upon -the wharf, peering inquisitively here and there through a pair of -huge, horn-rimmed glasses. - -A good-sized shallop was moored to the wharf. She had come down the -Sound during the night; a lean looking lad with a vacant grin upon his -face was furling her clumsy lugs, and in the waist the skipper was -coiling a line with expert neatness. - -The dry little man limped to the string-piece; readjusting his glasses, -he inquired in a high thin voice which squeaked when he sought to raise -it: - -“Just in to-day, captain?” - -“An hour ago,” replied the skipper. - -The little man stepped upon the rail and then with great care reached -the deck. Approaching the skipper, he proceeded with marked anxiety and -some craft: - -“I suppose you hail from Newport?” - -“New London,” replied the shallop’s master. - -The anxiety of the little man now became tinged with eagerness. - -“You did not bring a passenger, I know,” said he. - -“Wrong, master,” returned the sailor. “I did, and there he sits, as -natural as you please.” - -A bronzed, well-made youth was leaning over the craft’s stern, gazing -out over the waters of the bay to where several black hulled frigates -swung frowningly at anchor; his eyes seemed to soberly measure the -flaunt of their colors, and the bravado of their staring ports. - -At once the weazened little man was at his side. - -“Good-morning, young gentleman,” said he, with a squeak. “It is a -beautiful day, is it not?” - -The young man turned and surveyed the newcomer. - -“Yes,” he returned, “it is a fine day enough.” - -“You came down from New London, I understand,” questioned the dry -little man. The youth nodded rather absently. However, the other -rubbed his hands with quite a degree of briskness and seemed -greatly pleased. “And,” said he, positively, “you were required to -deliver--ah--something to--ah--some one?” - -The youth was alert enough now; he examined the little man with -inquiring eyes. - -“Quite so,” he replied. - -The hand rubbing now indicated vast relief; but in a moment it ceased, -and an expression of disquiet came into the wrinkled, high-featured -face. - -“Of course,” spoke the little man, eagerly, “this vessel is the ‘Nancy -Breen’?” - -“It is,” answered the other. - -The disquiet instantly departed; the squeak in the voice was full and -content as the newcomer said: - -“I had really forgotten to inquire; and it was a rather important -question, too. But no matter.” Here the voice lowered itself into a -pitch of confidence. “I was sent to give you a few instructions.” - -“From headquarters?” - -“Yes. You are not to make yourself known. I was to impress that upon -you fully. Neither are you to call at any one’s lodgings.” - -The young man seemed puzzled. - -“That has rather an odd sound,” said he. “Where am I to transact my -business?” - -“There are many places where it may be done without attracting -attention. But the best of these perhaps is the ‘Wheat Sheaf,’ an inn -just above the city.” - -“I don’t quite understand it,” said the other. “Will you be kind enough -to explain why all this secrecy is necessary?” - -“Secrecy,” and the weazened little man made a wide gesture, “is never -a bad thing. And while some of the reasons for this exercise of it are -most obvious, others are as unknown to myself as to you. I am not a -person of sufficient consequence to warrant my being told any but the -outside facts. If you desire to learn more, you’d do well to inquire of -those who are better informed.” He seemed about to take his departure -at this, but paused. “Shall we say the ‘Wheat Sheaf,’ then, to-morrow -night at nine?” - -“If it is necessary,” said the young man. - -“Believe me, it is necessary, or I should not have been sent to you.” - -The little man walked haltingly to the rail, climbed upon it and then -upon the wharf. - -However, he had not gone a dozen yards when he was halted. A stout, -choleric old gentleman came stamping along; he had an oaken staff in -his hand, and its tip rang angrily upon the stones. - -“Ah, Mr. Dana,” cried he, “well met.” He paused before the dry little -man and seemed to bristle with indignation. “I have been given to -understand, sir, that the ‘Sea Gull’ is not permitted to sail.” - -“I am sorry to say, Mr. Camp,” replied the other earnestly, “that your -information is quite correct.” - -At the mention of the name of Camp, the youth on board the “Nancy -Breen” became more attentive; indeed, the expression upon his face -seemed one of recognition. - -“Do they mean to ruin us between them?” demanded the stout old -gentleman. “Do they insist upon making beggars of us?” - -He flourished the oaken staff and his face grew redder still. - -“I will face these miscreants,” declared he. “I will have an -understanding. Four of our ships have been held up in a month. Four in -one month, do you understand? But still you do nothing!” - -“If you will but listen to reason,” Mr. Dana said, but the angry old -gentleman took him up in an instant. - -“Reason!” cried he. “Reason! Was there ever a time, Mr. Dana, that I -refused to harken to it? Answer me, sir! Specify an instance when I -turned away from even common sense. I defy you to do it, sir; I defy -you!” - -“Now, now, Mr. Camp, don’t be vexed. I did not mean to insinuate that -you were not open to reason. Nothing of the sort, dear sir, believe me. -I merely desired that you listen to my remarks on the situation.” - -The other planted the point of his staff firmly upon the stones. - -“I have great respect for your capabilities, Mr. Dana,” said he. “No -man more so. But the thing is beyond explanation. The vocabulary of -Dr. Johnson himself would throw no light upon it.” He lifted the staff -and pointed across the peaks of the buildings to where the British -flag flew from a pole in the fort. “Do you see that? It should be an -emblem of authority--the symbol of law. But it’s not! It should mark -the power of the English nation--of English civilization. But it does -not. Authority, law, the British nation, and its civilization as well, -are a jest, Mr. Dana. Singly and together they are a jest for every low -fellow in the town.” - -“But,” expostulated the other, “can you not see that it will not last? -It is only a momentary turbulence. It will pass. The good folks will -come to their senses by and by.” - -“That may be true enough,” said the old gentleman. “Indeed, I have no -doubt but that it is, for the sight of bare bayonets in the hands of -resolute fellows will make them run fast enough, I warrant you. But, -nevertheless, that does not alter the present condition. It does not -remove the fact that an English governor is penned up in Fort George, -that English troops with muskets, cannon and other equipment sit idly -by and permit His Majesty’s town to be overrun by rebels.” - -“When Tryon returns he will make an end of it. He is even now on the -sea, so I have heard. The situation needs only a resolved man,” and the -little gentleman waved a hand assuringly. - -But the other was not in the least quieted by this view. - -“The people of New York,” said he, bitterly, “would, from what I have -seen of them, dare do anything against the peace, if it be agreed with -their rebellious fancies. The king’s desires are not enough for them. -They must have representatives in Parliament, forsooth! They must not -be taxed without their own consent! Nothing must be done in the matter -of the colonies that they don’t, in their pride, consider fit and -proper.” Mr. Camp laughed scornfully. “Oh, no, no, Mr. Dana, you are a -good man of business and far-sighted enough in trade; but you are blind -to what is going on around you.” - -This conversation was plainly heard by those on board the “Nancy -Breen.” The skipper winked at the bronzed young man. - -“The old gentleman seems to fancy a spell of bad weather,” said he. - -“And he doesn’t seem the sort to strip and run before a gale,” returned -the young passenger. “Do you know him?” - -“By reputation only, Master Prentiss. He’s a merchant in the West India -trade, now retired from active service. He’s said to be as rich as the -king himself; anyway, he lives somewhere in the Jerseys in a fine -manor house and comes to New York but seldom.” - -“For a retired merchant,” commented George Prentiss, “he takes an -uncommon interest in shipping.” - -“Oh, as for that, he’s retired only from the active work of it. He -still has his moneys in the trade, I’m told. The gentleman who just -now boarded us is his partner. But,” and the skipper looked at George -inquiringly, “of course you knew that.” - -But George shook his head. - -“Merchant Camp I know something of,” said he, “but Mr. Dana I never -laid eyes upon before.” - -Lexington had been fought and the sneering British column driven back -upon Boston. Then that city had been besieged by an army of farmers -and mechanics; and Breed’s Hill had witnessed its desperate defeat, -though we commonly now speak of the fight as the battle of Bunker Hill. -And, finally, the British had run from Boston to their ships under the -pitiless cannonading of Washington’s batteries. - -New York was trembling and expectant. Any day might witness the -arrival of a British fleet; and in the meantime the colonists were -preparing its defenses. George Prentiss was thinking of these things, -his eyes once more fixed upon the frigates afar off. The skipper having -coiled the line to his satisfaction came toward him. - -“When you first came aboard me at New London,” he said, “I judged by -the trim of your yards that you were from the army up Boston way.” - -George nodded, and the skipper, twisting a strand of rope between his -tarry fingers, proceeded: - -“I’ve seen a good many of them of late, and have come to know them at -sight.” He bent nearer to his passenger. “Maybe you’ve come to New York -on special business.” - -“Perhaps,” said George. - -“And maybe,” suggested the shallop’s master, “you have particular -documents stowed away under hatches.” George did not reply to this, -and the sailor proceeded: “Don’t think me prying, Master Prentiss, for -I’m not. I don’t poke about meddling in other people’s affairs. But I -couldn’t help hearing most of what old Merchant Dana said to you a few -moments ago; and if you’ll take my word for it, you’ll have nothing to -do with his instructions.” - -George looked into the candid face of the speaker inquiringly. - -“He’s not of the sort I take you to be,” explained the sailor. “Old -Camp there,” pointing to the stout old gentleman with the oaken staff, -“is said to be the most rabid Tory in all New York. But I’ve heard that -questioned. Merchant Dana is a milder mannered man, to be sure; but -those that know claim he’s more to be feared than his partner.” - -George looked toward the two merchants, who were now pacing the wharf. -There was no abatement in old Camp’s anger; and Mr. Dana, halting along -beside him, still strove to calm him. - -“My dear sir,” stated the latter with confidence, “we shall have but a -short time to wait. It can’t be otherwise. When the ships of the line -and the troopers, bearing His Majesty’s army, left Boston, where do you -suppose they were headed?” - -Mr. Camp sniffed and snorted in great disdain. - -“What does it matter,” asked he, “where they were headed? Apparently -they are of no great consequence, or they would have been able to hold -Boston. And more than that, sir. If they had been worth the rations fed -them by King George, they would have gone out and soundly beaten the -rabble that opposed them as well.” - -But Mr. Dana patiently evaded this. - -“Without a doubt they are coming to New York,” declared he, hopefully. -“Without a doubt, Mr. Camp. We shall then see what we shall see.” - -“Ay,” said the indignant gentleman, “so we shall. But I expect little. -Lord Howe may be a very excellent officer, but he has yet to prove -it upon this side of the world. It seems that he is much of Colden’s -kidney. He’d rather parley than act. To show these fellows who’s master -needs a strong hand--not a long tongue.” - -“But, my dear sir----” began Mr. Dana, but the other waved his words -away with a sweep of the heavy staff. - -“There is that rascally renegade whom Washington sent here,” he -exclaimed. “I refer to Charles Lee. Though a greater villain never -lived, still he had a grasp of matters that our own leaders might -pattern by. Did he parley and hesitate when he arrived? He did not, -I warrant you! He set to work in spite of all opposition. The king’s -men threatened him; the soldiery made shift to show their teeth and -the shipping in the bay cleared their decks. But without stopping to -ask their leave, he seized upon the persons of his most outspoken -opponents; then he stared the troops out of countenance and defied the -frigates. Finally he stripped the British batteries of their guns, -began to recruit an army, and build forts and redoubts to guard all the -approaches to the city. While this man, Mr. Dana,” and the staff rang -upon the stones, “has my unqualified disapproval, I cannot refuse him -my admiration. He understands his duty and he does it.” - -“Well, thank goodness, he’s been ordered from the city by his chiefs,” -ejaculated Mr. Dana, fervently. “One could scarcely count upon one’s -liberty while he was here.” - -“This hectoring fellow, Putnam, who is now in command, as he calls it, -is little milder in his arrestings and confiscatings,” complained Camp. -“And I understand that the arch-rebel himself is even now upon his way -here. When he arrives, I suppose there’ll be scarce a tree or pole in -the town that’ll not have the body of some poor Loyalist gentleman -dangling from it.” - -“Do you actually believe that Washington will have the effrontery to -show himself here, with the king’s fleet and an army due at any time?” - -His companion snapped his fingers. “Mr. Washington,” declared he, “is -to all appearances a man of enterprise. To be sure he’ll come here, and -he’ll bring his rabble of raw countrymen with him to overawe us.” - -During the period in which he had engaged his friend and business -partner as above, the angry manner of Mr. Camp and his excited gestures -had not failed to attract attention. Workmen, carters and merchants’ -clerks had gathered into little groups; seamen upon the decks of -vessels near by grinned and pointed him out to their mates. Few could -hear his words; but his anger was so demonstrative, his gestures so -eloquent that none missed his meaning. A lot of rough-looking fellows -were lounging at the end of the wharf upon an upturned yawl; they had -the appearance of deep-water sailors, wore knives in their belts and -possessed an altogether ugly look. - -The words of the old gentleman were perfectly audible to these men, -as they were no great distance from him, and their frowning brows -and muttered remarks showed that they did not take the matter as -good-humoredly as those upon the shallop. - -Mr. Dana grasped at his companion’s disparaging reference to -Washington’s army. - -“Raw countrymen,” said he, “describes them exactly. And do you suppose -that such an array can hope to stand before the trained regiments of -England?” - -“Not if the trained regiments of England are properly directed. But I -have little expectation that they will be. And in the meantime, our -business--everybody’s business--is at a standstill. It is an outrage--a -scandal! The leaders of this shameful revolt should be whipped at the -cart’s tail!” - -As he spoke these words, the pair in their pacing had arrived at -a point very near to the group of seamen before mentioned. One of -these, a hulking fellow, with a bare, bull throat and a particularly -unprepossessing face, lifted himself from his lounging posture against -the yawl. - -“Don’t speak so sharp, Master Camp,” said he. “There are those here by -whom your words are not favored overmuch.” - -The old gentleman turned upon him wrathfully. - -“None of your impudence, sailor!” cried he. “Speak when you are spoken -to.” - -The seaman sneered. “You are very high and mighty, Master Camp, I -know,” said he. “But you and your like will change your manners before -long.” - -The short temper of the stout old Tory flared forth. “Before matters -are done with,” exclaimed he, “I’ll see such as you soundly cudgeled. -I knew what would come of flying in the face of the king and resisting -his just tax. One meets with impudence at every turn; an upholder of -law and decency is insulted by every low fellow who chooses to turn -his tongue upon him.” - -Here the cautious Mr. Dana took his friend by the arm and tried to draw -him away. But the wrathful old Loyalist shook him off, and swept into -a bitter tirade in which he reproached and abused all who opposed the -king’s government. His furious manner and high-pitched voice drew a -highly entertained crowd; and through this came a young girl. - -“Oh, my dear Miss Peggy,” squeaked Mr. Dana, greatly relieved. “I am -delighted that you have come.” - -“What is it?” asked she, quietly. - -“He has gotten upon politics again, and I can’t control him.” - -Peggy listened for a moment to the highly colored language of the old -Tory. Mr. Dana, with a nervous glance about, proceeded in a lowered -tone: - -“Such sentiments as his are not altogether popular in this part of the -town. Indeed, I don’t know but what they are actually dangerous.” - -George Prentiss was watching the girl. There was a proud, perhaps even -a scornful lift to her chin; and now, when she, with much composure, -approached the furious old king’s man, his interest increased. - -“Uncle,” she said. Instantly the torrent of heated words stopped and he -turned to her. “Please come away. You will make yourself ill.” - -“In a moment, my dear,” returned Merchant Camp, “in just a moment. -First,” facing the throng, “I must try and bring these people back to -a sense of their duty. I must endeavor, as an honest man, to make them -see the scandal of their attempts to undermine the power of a kind -sovereign.” - -“Kind,” cried a voice. “Kind, did you say, Master Camp?--and he hiring -Hessians and Brunswickers to cross the seas and murder us?” - -“And why should he not?” the old Tory demanded. “Why should he not? -Is it not given to him to chastise his rebellious rascals in whatever -manner he will? Who are you--what are you that you should oppose the -king’s desires, whatever they may be? A pack of scurvy villains, most -of you. A parcel of rogues that should be ironed in the hold of one of -yonder frigates. If I had the will of you, I’d----” - -But here he was interrupted by the bull throated seaman, who had by -this time risen to his feet. - -“Belay, master,” said he. “The time has gone by when such as you can -hector us as you please. It would be better for you if you kept your -tongue between your teeth, old gentleman,” added the sailor. “As the -matter rests, if you were a younger man, I’d try something else on you -beside words.” - -“What, you rascal!” sputtered the king’s man, wrathfully, “would you -threaten me?” - -He lifted his staff and made a quavering blow at the other; the girl -cried out sharply, as the seaman tore the weapon from the old man’s -hands. - -“You would, would you, you old walrus,” cried the brawny tar. And with -that he lifted his brawny fist. Once more the girl cried out. She -sprang between the two. - -“For shame!” she cried. - -But the brute in the seaman was aroused; with a rough push he forced -her aside; then he took a menacing step toward the old man, his hand -lifted once more. - -This time he found himself face to face with George Prentiss, who had -leaped from the deck of the shallop at the girl’s first cry. - -“What, sailor,” cried the young man, placing one hand against the tar’s -broad chest, “a fair and fit lad like yourself is surely not going to -grapple with an old man.” - -“That he’s an old un is not my fault,” growled the other; “so get out -of the way, my hearty, before I hurt you.” - -But young Prentiss laughed. - -“As for that,” he said, “you may be able. But then again, you may -not.” Then over his shoulder he spoke swiftly to Mr. Dana, “Take him -away--and the young lady, too.” - -The seaman’s hard face had darkened. “So, my young ship-jack,” said -he, “you’ve got your doubts, have you? You don’t think, then,” with a -sneer, “that you’re as much too young as the other is too old?” - -“Not in the least,” said George, still good humoredly. “But -nevertheless, sailor, we’ll try to pass it all by. No harm has been -done any one; so we’ll say no more about it.” - -“He’s trying to get the weather gauge of you, Ben,” called one of the -seamen. “Belay the jaw-tackle and give him your starboard gun.” - -“Ay, ay,” chorused the others, while the assemblage voiced their -approval. “Rake him, mate.” - -But the tar did not require encouragement; he shoved his face within an -inch or two of the youth’s and said: - -“King’s men are not liked, my hearty, in New York port, no matter if -they be old or young.” And with that he made a short, wicked chop at -the young fellow’s head. But George evaded it like a flash, and both -his fists began to drub at the tar’s stomach and ribs. Then as the man -swung once more for his head, the youth leaped out of distance; but -like a flash he closed in with a driving hit to the body, followed by -a perfect fusillade of shorter punches. Again he drew back; the tar, -breathless and gasping, stood still and gazed at him. - -“You’re well braced and bolted, sailor,” said George, still smilingly. -“I’ve seen them strike under less than that.” - -“Well, it’ll not be me, my lad,” gasped Ben Buntline. “You’re a good -hand, but look to yourself.” - -And with that he rushed in, his thick arms swinging like flails. But -George stepped briskly to and fro; none of the blows seemed to come -within a foot of him; and so ludicrous did the seaman’s attempts to -strike him become that the gathering began to hoot and cheer. This not -only angered the man himself, but also his mates. They arose at once; -several drew their knives, while one exclaimed: - -“What, you land sharks, will you make game of us!” - -One or two rushed to the assistance of their friends; and seeing this, -the smile vanished from George’s face; he began striking with a speed -and power that soon brought his antagonist to his knees. But just then -there came the tramp of hoofs upon the stones of the wharf, and the -voice of Mr. Dana cried thinly: - -“It’s Herbert! This way, lieutenant, this way!” - -The crowd scattered; the seamen quickly grasped the situation, for -they picked up their dazed comrade and bustled him away just as a troop -of mounted militia rode up. - -The officer at the head of the party was a heavy-browed, sullen looking -young man in a lieutenant’s dress. As none now remained of the throng -save George, this person rode up to him and said curtly: - -“Well, sir, and is General Putnam’s plain order against rioting not -enough for you? Do you require to be personally warned?” - -George Prentiss looked quietly into the frowning face. - -“Perhaps,” said he, “it would be as well for you to inform yourself as -to what has taken place.” - -The lieutenant was about to make an ugly rejoinder, but just then the -girl came forward. - -“Brother,” she said, and it seemed to George that the proud lift of her -chin was more accentuated than it had been before, “this gentleman is -in no way to blame. If it had not been for his kindness, we might have -fared rather badly.” - -Here Merchant Camp also came forward. “Nephew,” said he to the colonial -lieutenant, and his voice was not without a trace of humor, “I had not -thought to ever welcome any one who wore that uniform. But I was well -enough pleased to see you just now. As for the youth, it’s just as your -sister says. He’s a fine up-standing fellow, whoever he is, and I shall -be delighted to see more of him.” - -Here he shook George warmly by the hand, and proceeded: - -“Very like you know the business place of Mr. Dana. If you have nothing -better to do some day, pray come and see me there. I shall think it a -kindness.” - -The merchant remained in conversation with George, while the -lieutenant, dismounting, dismissed his troop in charge of a sergeant; -then leading his horse, he walked up the wharf at the side of his -sister. When old Camp had said good-bye and also gone stumping up the -wharf, Mr. Dana brought his wrinkled, high-featured face close to the -young man’s. - -“Don’t forget,” said he, “it’s the ‘Wheat Sheaf,’ and the time is nine -to-morrow night.” - -And so he limped after his partner with many a backward glance and nod. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -SHOWS THE RECEPTION GEORGE MET WITH IN NEW YORK TOWN - - -When George Prentiss stepped aboard the shallop once more he found the -master and crew of one awaiting him in high admiration. - -“Well, lad,” cried the former, in a tone of satisfaction, “you can -manage yourself as trimly as any craft of your tonnage that I ever -clapped an eye on. Give me your fist! - -“I was surprised,” he added, “to see you go over the side to the rescue -of that scolding old fellow. A lad that’s exchanged shots with the -British at Boston, as I have no doubt you have done, could hardly be -expected to take up the quarrel of a Tory in New York.” - -“As it happens,” said young Prentiss, gravely, “Mr. Camp is a sort of -connection of mine. The girl you saw just now and the young militia -officer are my cousins, though, indeed, I never saw them before. In -a time like this families are divided--some members of it are upon -one side, and some upon the others. This teaches me to be a trifle -tolerant.” - -“Ah, yes,” said the master of the vessel, “I understand. Well,” with a -lifting of the brows, “if you have Tories in your own household, I’m -sorry for you. It must be lowering to a man’s pride to know that his -own kin would stoop to such ideas, and when they are once set that way -there is little hope of ever making them alter their views. Once a -Tory, always a Tory.” - -“Not always,” and George shook his head. “I was, in the beginning, a -king’s man myself. My friends convinced me that the king’s way was -the best--that the colonists should submit--that they were rushing to -destruction in making an armed resistance. They assured me that Gage’s -force would deal gently with my countrymen--that not a shot would be -fired in anger upon them. But Lexington showed me the falseness of -this. I knew then that the Americans had taken the only hopeful way to -secure justice; and from that time on I was one of them.” - -But the seaman shook his head. - -“When you tell me this is so, lad, I believe it,” said he. “But it’s -only an odd case. The Tory, take him all standing, is a narrow bigot -who cannot see beyond the tip of his nose. He was brought up to believe -that King George and his government were ordained by Providence; and -the stiffest gale that ever blew would not sweep him from his moorings.” - -George Prentiss did not reply to this; he had no keen reason for -converting the shallop’s master to an opposite way of thinking; and -even if he had, he knew it would be of no use to try. - -“I think I’ll be setting about my affairs,” he said. “It’s coming on -midday.” - -The skipper hitched up his trousers. “Of course,” stated he, “I don’t -know what your affairs are; but, as I said before, I have suspicion -of them. And look you, my hearty, give no heed to old Dana’s talk. Go -about your business in your own way.” - -“Thank you,” said young Prentiss. “I had made up my mind to do that. -Mr. Dana,” he added to himself, “has been mistaken; he expected one -passenger, evidently, and found another.” - -Directly up Broad Street he made his way until he came to Beaver; here -he turned in toward the Parade at the foot of Broadway. The red-coated -sentries were mounting guard upon the walls of the fort; the British -ensign floated from its tall pole; but the streets were filled with -the blue and buff of the young American army, and the numerous and -strangely devised flags of the revolution. - -Apparently the Parade was a favorite place for the showing of oneself -in the middle of the day. Ladies in carriages and upon horseback drove -and cantered up and down the paved ways; groups of citizens and scores -of militia officers stood here and there; companies of raw troops were -being put sternly through the manual by hard-faced sergeants. - -As George walked across the Parade he gained not a little attention, -for the dispatch bag which hung across his arm, the broad shoulder belt -supporting a steel hilted hanger, the pistol butt which showed beneath -his coat, gave him a particularly businesslike appearance. And then his -bronzed looks, the breadth of his shoulders, and the cock of his hat, -spoke of a youth to be reckoned with in any company. - -Pausing before one of the numerous groups, he inquired politely: - -“Will you have the goodness to direct me to headquarters?” - -A foppish young dragoon officer with a mincing manner, who had been -entertaining the occupants of a carriage beside which he stood, turned -upon the speaker. - -“Hah!” said he, “you have news for old Put, have you?” - -There was something in the cheap familiarity of this that aroused the -anger of young Prentiss. He had seen the bluff, straightforward Putnam -face a thousand dangers that night upon Breed’s Hill, he had seen him -storming in the midst of the rout, striving to rally his men, pleading -with them to make one more desperate stand. And now to hear him so -referred to by this mincing fop filled him with resentment. - -“My business is with General Putnam,” said he, stiffly. - -The dragoon marked his manner and laughed, while at the same time his -glances bade the ladies in the carriage mark his wit. - -“What?” cried he. “Here’s a right proper New Englander, indeed.” -He smoothed the sleeves of his well fitting coat and flecked some -invisible specks from his epauletted shoulders. “They hold their -officers as something more than human at Massachusetts Bay,” he -proceeded, addressing the group of militiamen. “And one must not style -them with anything less than their full dignity.” - -The militiamen smiled broadly, while the citizens guffawed; the ladies -in the carriage tittered, and cast mirthful looks at the youth from the -northern colony. But one among them did not smile; and George noticed -this at the moment in which he recognized her. It was Peggy Camp. - -“A man wearing a uniform for the first time,” said George tartly, and -with a sweep of the eyes that took in the other’s immaculate costume, -“should show a little respect for a soldier of the general’s known -service. At least that is the belief generally held in Boston.” - -The fop choked, stuttered and grew red at this biting answer. The -mirthful looks of the ladies were now turned upon him; and while he -was mentally casting about for some witty rejoinder, a soggy looking -man in the dress of a merchant and a countenance like a point of -interrogation, took young Prentiss eagerly by the sleeve. - -“There is fresh news, then, from Boston way? Of what nature is it, -young man?” - -“Any news that I personally have,” said the youth, “is very commonplace -and of no value.” - -“That you personally have? Ah, yes, perhaps,” and here the man’s face -grew more interrogative than ever. “But your dispatches?” - -“They are for the eye of the commandant of New York,” replied young -Prentiss, annoyed. - -“But surely,” and the merchant smiled in a very knowing way, “you had a -little glance at them on the way--the briefest, of course, but still a -glance.” - -The youth’s face flushed beneath the bronze. “Do you speak in ignorance -of a soldier’s duty, sir?” demanded he; “or is this meant for an -insult?” - -The inquisitive face of the merchant paled. “No, no!” cried he in -much haste. “An insult! Goodness bless you, young man--no! Why, I -thought the thing would be the most natural in the world. Just a slight -glimpse, you see. What hurt would it do? I’ll leave it to any gentleman -here.” - -But none of the party saw fit to support him; and much abashed he fell -to the rear, not relishing George’s looks. The foppish dragoon had by -this time recovered, and now put himself forward. - -“I presume by your tone,” said he, acidly, “that you hold the -commission of Congress.” - -But George shrugged his shoulders. - -“What!” and the presumption of the dragoon immediately began to mount. -“A common soldier, and have you the effrontery to use this manner to -officers and gentlemen?” - -There was a stiffening among the militiamen at this; they had -re-collected themselves and were beginning to feel their superiority. -But George, his temper returned to its level, only smiled. - -“Sirs,” said he, “I stopped to ask a civil question in a civil manner. -If this gentleman has received what he considers a sharp answer, he -has himself to blame for it only. And as to the commissions,” here -George squared his shoulders and drew himself up proudly, “don’t -forget that they are harder to come by in the face of the enemy than -here in New York, where influence will get one, apparently, for any -jack-a-dandy.” - -“Take care, sir,” cried an officer. - -George smiled, flipped his hand to his hat in a most cavalier manner -and stepped briskly away across the Parade. But through the tail of his -eye he saw a grave officer, who had just come up, halt at the carriage -before referred to; and he also saw Peggy Camp lean forward and whisper -something to him swiftly. Then the officer motioned a young ensign -forward, said something in turn, and the ensign made after George with -all speed. Overtaking him, he said, politely: - -“Pardon me, but I understand you are looking for headquarters. It is -just above here. Lord Sterling requested me to show you the way.” - -“Lord Sterling!” echoed George, and he could not help a backward -glance at the officer who still remained beside the carriage speaking -with Peggy Camp and her friends. Of late he had heard much of the -distinguished man who, born in New York, had made such a great fight in -the English courts for the earldom of Sterling. He had failed in this; -but all America believed him the rightful heir, and so called him. His -service to the colonial cause had already marked him; and he had been -created general of brigade. - -“You are a friend to Miss Camp, I take it,” said the ensign. But George -shook his head. - -“What, no! I thought from the interest she took in your welfare,” with -a laugh, “that you were. And, too, she appeared quite delighted at your -brisk handling of young Henderson. You seem to be quite fortunate.” - -There was considerable stir about the doorway of the building which the -ensign pointed out as headquarters; a sentry passed them at a word from -this same obliging young officer. - -“If you desire to see General Putnam in person,” said the ensign, -“you’ll first have to see Major Hyde. And as he happens to be our -cousin to Peggy Camp, you’ll no doubt get along famously with him.” - -The laugh that followed this sally was still ringing in George’s ears -as he crossed the room to speak to Major Hyde, who was seated at a -big table engaged in writing. The major was a young man of sallow -complexion and with a cold, supercilious manner. - -“Well,” demanded he, his lip drawing back from his fine teeth in a -sneer that seemed one of his characteristics, “what now?” - -George resentfully slapped his dispatch bag upon the table, being -careful, however, to keep a grip upon it. - -“Dispatches,” said he, bluntly, with a salute. “From General Washington -to General Putnam.” - -“Ah, yes.” Major Hyde’s hand went forward toward the packet. “I will -take charge of them.” - -But as the hand advanced, the packet retreated. “My orders,” said young -Prentiss, drily, “are that these dispatches be delivered into General -Putnam’s hands only.” - -There were several other officers seated about the room transacting -headquarters business; at the young man’s words they looked up, -surprised. Major Hyde sprang to his feet, his eyes snapping with anger. - -“What do you mean?” cried he. “You’ll do as I bid you. Don’t forget -that! I am your superior officer.” - -“I am aware that you are,” replied the young man, “but my orders from -General Washington are unmistakable, sir. And he is your superior -officer.” - -For a moment Hyde remained standing with rage; then he sat down -abruptly and rapped upon the table for an orderly. - -“Dispatches from Boston for General Putnam,” said he shortly. “Tell him -so.” - -George stood back and awaited the soldier’s return; and as he waited he -could not help wondering at his odd experience in New York. - -“I have been on shore but a bare hour--scarcely that long--and I have -met with nothing but affronts and rebuffs,” he said to the young ensign -who sat in a window overlooking Broadway. “I can’t understand the -attitude of the colonists here. At Boston, one has but to be a patriot -to meet with consideration. But in New York, apparently, it makes -little difference what your sympathies; you have but to be a stranger -to be marked for insolence.” - -“New York,” said the ensign, who seemed a person of some intelligence, -“is very different from Boston--from my own city, Philadelphia, or from -any other place in the colonies, for the matter of that. It was settled -by mixed races--Dutch, Huguenots, English and Scotch. Their interests, -desires and ideals have been different from the beginning. They have -become so accustomed to facing each other down and sneering at each -other’s social peculiarities that it has, so it seems, grown to be a -part of their deportment.” - -Here the speaker was about to plunge into an elaborate discourse upon -this subject, but George was saved from listening by the orderly -reappearing from an inner room and beckoning him forward. - -“The general will see you,” said he. - -In another moment the young man found himself in the presence of the -stout, red-faced Putnam who sat puzzling over some intricate maps at -a great table. Beside him sat another officer whom George at once -recognized as General Sullivan, and standing near by was General Heath, -who had done so much to train the raw levies for the fight at Breed’s -Hill. - -[Illustration: _GENERAL PUTNAM GLANCED UP_] - -General Putnam glanced up as George entered; his good-humored face took -on a smile, and he at once threw aside the map, which, to speak the -plain truth, did not greatly interest him. - -“Ah, Prentiss,” said he. “So it’s you, is it?” - -George saluted; drawing the packet of sealed dispatches from his -saddle-bag, he laid them before the bluff commander. The latter tore it -open eagerly; one by one he mastered the contents of the papers, and as -he did so, passed them on to Sullivan, who in turn read and handed them -to General Heath. - -“And so General Washington will be with us within a few weeks,” said -the latter, upon finishing the last of the dispatches. “Excellent!” - -“It is all we require to make the place safe,” said Putnam. “The -batteries are planted, the redoubts completed and the passes all made -good. With the main body of the army here we can welcome the enemy at -any time he chooses to show himself.” - -“The general is bringing the forces on by way of Providence, Norwich -and New London,” spoke Sullivan, referring to one of the papers, “and -says that he will remain with them until they are safely embarked at -the latter place.” - -Here Heath and Sullivan fell into a debate as to the probabilities -of the main body’s securing sufficient suitable craft to carry it -expeditiously from the Connecticut port to New York; and while they -were so engaged, Putnam arose and crossed the room to where George -Prentiss was standing. In his hand he held a slip of paper which he had -not passed on to his brother officers; and he folded and refolded it -carefully with his strong, thick fingers, as he said: - -“And so the general has made you a bearer of his dispatches.” - -A flush of color came into the young man’s face, and he replied -earnestly: - -“I was proud indeed to be called upon for such service. I had had no -thought that I might be so trusted.” - -“Tut, tut,” said the kindly Putnam, “if you made a mistake at the -beginning, you but showed that you were human. We are all likely to do -the same. All of us were at one time or another king’s men; and if you -were somewhat late in renouncing your allegiance, so to speak, what -great matter? You are as determined upon liberty now as the best of -us. You proved that a score of times about Boston and Cambridge last -winter.” - -“I am pleased that you hold so good an opinion of me, general,” said -young Prentiss, “and, believe me, I shall try to be worthy of it.” - -“I understand your feelings,” and Putnam laid a big hand upon his -shoulder. “So we’ll say no more about it. And now, good-bye; I have -some matters to attend to. But leave word with Major Hyde where you can -be found. I may want your service upon business of importance.” - -George saluted; and as the sturdy old soldier turned back to the table, -the young man left the room. He inquired of the ensign, whom he found -still at the window, as to the inns and lodging places. - -“The ‘King’s Arms’ is the place for you. It is but a step or two above; -look,” pointing from the window, “you can see its sign-board from here.” - -Thanking the affable young man, George turned to Major Hyde and gave -the “King’s Arms” as his address, after which he left the building and -took steps to install himself at the inn. - -It was something past high noon by this; and as he sat at a table -in the “King’s Arms” discussing a beefsteak pie and a brown loaf, -he chanced to glance from the window near which his table stood. -Upon the opposite side of the way stood Major Hyde and Henderson, -the foppish officer of dragoons; in earnest conference with them -was a burly personage in a long skirted coat and having the manner -of an ill-trained mastiff. Every now and then Hyde would punctuate -his remarks by pointing at the inn, and each time the little, -fierce, deep-set eyes of the burly man would follow the gesture with -satisfaction. After some moments, during which George observed all -three closely, they appeared to come to some sort of understanding. The -burly personage, after assuring them of something, at once crossed the -street toward the “King’s Arms.” - - - - -CHAPTER III - -TELLS HOW A BULLY ENTERED THE “KING’S ARMS” - - -There were sundry other patrons of the “King’s Arms” gathered in the -public room at the time, dining on the wholesome food for which the -inn was noted. There were officers of the colonial army; there were, -also, citizens of the town, who, judging from their discourse, were -of various political complexions; and, also, there were many smartly -attired ladies of apparent consequence. - -The peppery Lee and his successor in command of New York had shown a -marvelously short temper in their dealings with the more vigorous of -the Tories; but for all that there were many of them left in the town, -and, too, they were not of the sort that keep a still tongue to gain -favor. - -Indeed, as he listened to the conversation going on upon all sides, -young Prentiss was greatly astonished. Round about Boston, the king’s -men had not dared to express themselves since Boston fight; but here -they not only proclaimed their views, but the patriots listened -patiently. - -“It is because the matter has not progressed so rapidly here as in -Boston,” he reasoned with himself. “The king’s army is not strong -enough to take the initiative--and the friends of liberty have not yet -abandoned hope of patching up matters with the ministers at London.” - -Very near to George, one of these discussions was fast gathering -volume, but, as his breakfast on board the “Nancy Breen” had been of -the slimmest, he gave more attention to his dinner than to the dispute. -But gradually, as the voices grew in sternness, the young fellow -noticed something familiar in them; so turning his head he recognized -Merchant Camp, his partner Dana, and the heavy-faced young militiaman, -Camp’s nephew. - -The old Tory merchant, a napkin tucked about his neck, was flourishing -his fork and airing his opinions with much relish. He sat directly -facing his nephew, and seemed to be scorching him with sarcasm and his -private version of the facts. - -“Keep to your opinions, if you style them as such,” he was saying. “You -are only a lad and I will not quarrel with you because of them. But, as -sure as the sun shines at this moment, there will be wreck and ruin for -many because of the loose thinking of you and the like of you.” - -He put down the fork carefully upon his plate and now shook his finger -beneath the sullen young man’s nose, while he went on: - -“Because your party has forced a handful of king’s troops to keep -behind the walls of the fort--because you have taken the government’s -cannon with none to prevent you, you must needs fancy yourselves great -fellows, indeed. And because the king’s frigates do not open upon you, -you think it is because they fear you. Bah, sir, bah! I never credited -reasoning creatures with so little sense. The reason why the garrison -remains quiet--the reason why Lee and Putnam were permitted to seize -the guns--the reason why the frigates below there have withheld their -broadsides, is because they are biding their time. The answer will yet -come, never fear; and when it does, trust His Majesty’s officers to -make it full and complete.” - -The heavy-browed young man shook his head, stubbornly, and looked more -sullen than ever. - -“They are awaiting reinforcements,” said he. “We all know that. But -what difference does it make? Let them come. By the time they get here, -General Washington will also have arrived with the American army. He -drove the British out of Boston, and he’ll drive them out of New York.” - -“He drove them out of Boston--I grant you that. But it was because -vigorous measures had not been taken in the first place. Gage was too -lenient--too easily gulled. He did not dream that British subjects -would ever take up arms against their sovereign. But here it is -different. Howe knows the full measure of this treason, and he should -come prepared to cope with it. He’ll be provided with fleets and -armies and equipment; and no doubt he’ll have his instructions as -to how to act. It’ll not be the case of Gage over again. Trust the -king’s ministers for that. And another thing,” here the old man’s -voice was pitched a key lower, “in the colony of New York, your brave -Washington and his fellows will have a different people to deal with. -The countryside will not be with him as in Massachusetts. There will be -thousands of loyal gentlemen; and besides, there will be the Johnson -family.” - -In spite of the lowered voice, the words were caught by those seated -close by; and George Prentiss noticed that every one near paused and -looked up. - -“Hah! Those Johnsons!” grumbled a gentleman of undoubted Dutch -extraction at the table at George’s right. “A dangerous set of rascals, -indeed!” - -“If I may make bold, sir,” asked the young man, “to whom does he refer?” - -The pursy gentleman looked astonished at this. - -“Is it possible,” said he thickly, “that there is any one who does not -know of Sir William Johnson, once His Majesty’s Indian agent?” - -“But is he not now dead?” - -“Yes, but his descendants still live,” complained the other, his broad -Dutch face full of indignation. “Sir William made vast wealth in his -office; he was almost actual sovereign of the Six Nations. His family -have all his riches and all his power over the Indians, and they -threaten to bring the tomahawks upon us if we persist in our demands -for justice.” - -George could not help a shudder at this; that the British might resort -to the Indians to help their cause had never occurred to him. - -“And, uncle,” demanded the heavy-browed young man, “do you approve of -so barbarous a method of putting down the popular will as Guy Johnson -or Colonel Claus could supply?” - -Here Mr. Camp was seized with a fit of coughing; that he did not -approve of it was plain enough; but he was not the man to give an -opponent in debate the slightest advantage. It was Mr. Dana who next -spoke. - -“Far be it from any of us to desire bloodshed of whatsoever kind,” -said he. “For my part, I fervently hope that the misguided people of -these provinces will shortly see their error, and abide by what the law -plainly requires them to do.” - -Here the sullen young man laughed scornfully. - -“There will be blood letting and plenty of it, never fear,” exclaimed -he. “The Sons of Liberty will never give a step in their demands; and -England’s present ministers are not of the sort to let a rich prize -slip from them without a struggle.” - -“And why should they?” demanded Mr. Camp in a high voice. “Why should -they, nephew? These colonies cost men’s lives and much treasure to -acquire, and why should the government not defend them?” - -Here he plunged into an angry defense of any action that the ministry -might take; his voice was so unguarded and his manner so violent that -the waiters went scurrying here and there; and finally the landlord -himself approached hastily. - -“I must beg of you, Mr. Camp,” suggested he in a smooth voice, “that -you moderate your language. You are giving offense to my guests, sir.” - -For a moment it seemed as though the short-tempered old king’s man was -about to flare forth as he had upon the wharf earlier in the day. But -a remembrance of what had followed that outburst, perhaps, deterred -him. He waved his hand, and said: - -“Ah, yes; I had forgotten. I ask your pardon.” - -Highly gratified at quelling a possible disturbance so easily, the -landlord was about to turn away when a voice bellowed: - -“Come now, a place--a place! Must I be kept waiting as though my money -were not as good as another’s? Get me a place, blockhead, or I’ll see -what cudgeling will do for you.” - -A frightened little man in a huge apron fluttered about somewhat -helplessly. - -“Here is a place,” said he, drawing back his chair at a table in a -shadowy corner. “And a very good place, too, sir. Much to be desired, -indeed.” - -“You’ll tempt me to lay my stick over your back yet,” bellowed the -impatient guest. “What sort of a situation is that for a man of my -quality? A fitting place for a dog to curl up, but not for a gentleman -to eat his dinner in.” - -“This way, sir,” interposed the host, much in haste, for complaint was -distasteful to him. “This way. Here is a place well lighted and well -aired,” and he drew out a chair at George’s table. “The young gentleman -will not object, I’m sure,” and he bowed to George. - -“Not in the least,” said George, and as he spoke he glanced up. At once -he recognized in the noisy, ill-tempered guest the burly personage whom -he had seen a few minutes before in conference with Major Hyde and the -dragoon officer, across the way. - -“Object!” said the big man in a harsh voice. “Object! Why should he, -I’d like to know? This is a public inn, and I think I know my rights in -such a place.” - -So saying, he slapped his dusty beaver hat upon the table and sat down -facing George with noisy ostentation. There was something deliberately -offensive in the man’s manner, and George darted a sharp look at him, -though he said nothing. The newcomer noted the look, and thrusting his -head forward inquired, bluntly: - -“You have nothing to say, I trust, young sir?” - -“In my turn,” replied young Prentiss, quietly, “I trust that I shall -have no occasion to say anything.” - -The burly man did not seem to know how to take this; but evidently he -suspected some hidden meaning in the saying, for his little eyes began -to snap. - -“I make it a point to pay as I go, and ask favors of no one,” declared -he. “What have you to say to that?” - -“It’s a good resolution, as such things run,” returned the youth. “But, -believe me, sir, I can do very well without the particulars as to your -private affairs.” - -The burly personage was taken somewhat aback at this, and his surprise -was so evident that several persons who had been listening laughed -outright. Among these was Herbert Camp, and instantly the big man -selected him from the others and whirled round in his chair. - -“I hope, sir,” said he, with much directness, “that you are not -laughing at my expense.” - -The sullen-faced lieutenant flushed as he saw the eyes of all within -hearing turn upon him. But he answered readily enough: - -“I would be very sorry, indeed, to do anything at your expense.” - -“Ah, would you so?” and the man eyed him with singular intentness. -“Well,” with a nod of the head, “I’ll bear you in mind, my lad. It is -possible that I’ll make some small effort in your direction before a -very great while.” - -From the time that he had seen his neighbor in conference with Major -Hyde and the officer of dragoons and had caught their gestures, George -had had no doubt but the man’s intentions in entering the “King’s Arms” -was in some way connected with himself. He had given both officers -offense during the morning, and he had felt that the burly one’s errand -was some scheme of retaliation. - -The offensive manner of the man toward him seemed to clinch this -belief; but now, as George went sedately on with his dinner, all -the time observing his neighbor, his suspicions gradually changed. -The newcomer paid no further attention to him; indeed, for all the -knowledge he betrayed of his presence, young Prentiss might as well not -have existed. - -This seemed odd to George and piqued his interest; he was still -speculating upon its meaning, when he made a peculiar discovery. The -man before him sat, as stated, with his arms folded across his chest; -his eyes had also closed, and a casual observer would have pronounced -him fallen into a doze. But several little things pointed out the real -facts to George. The big man was intently listening to the conversation -which had been resumed at Mr. Camp’s table. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -TELLS HOW THE BULLY CHANGED HIS MIND AND HOW GEORGE WAS SENT FOR IN -HASTE - - -This discovery, as may well be imagined, increased the interest -which George Prentiss felt in his surroundings; the aspect of his -ill-mannered, loud-mouthed table companion immediately underwent a -change. From a hired bully, the fellow was at once transformed into -something more subtle--a spy--a creature whose employment was as -underhand as his appearance was blunt. But what made the occasion more -surprising than anything else was that the spy was, apparently, in the -pay of Major Hyde--and the object of his surveillance was perhaps the -major’s uncle. - -And so as the burly man listened to the conversation at Mr. Camp’s -table, George listened also, proceeding leisurely with his dinner, and -always keeping his eyes upon the face opposite him. - -Mr. Camp still clung to the political situation as a subject for remark. - -“Brother will be arrayed against brother,” said he, “and father against -son. The separations and heart burnings will be dreadful to think -about, for it is really civil war that these rogues seek to bring upon -us.” - -“But,” said Mr. Dana, earnestly, “would it not be well to wait until -matters are further developed before prophesying evil?” - -Mr. Camp grew irate at this. “Hah!” cried he. “Let me assure you, -sir, that it requires no prophet here. The things that I speak of -have already come to pass. My nephew Robert Hyde has gone over to the -enemies of the king, as you know. And I ask you to look at Harry here. -What uniform does he wear? They have poisoned him also with their -doctrines; nothing will do him but that the king’s officers be taken by -the scruff of the neck and bundled on board ship, never to return.” - -“A gentleman must always follow the dictates of his conscience,” -returned Harry. “Yours leads you to support the king--mine impels me in -other directions.” - -“Impel is a very good word,” commented Merchant Camp, addressing Dana. -“I could not pick one that described it better if I tried. But,” and he -turned to Herbert, “look you, young man. You are not the only one that -feels the impulse of change. It has occurred to me many times of late -that my will also needs a bit of altering.” - -For a brief moment George, who had turned his head, saw Herbert Camp’s -face go blank. - -“Why, as to--as to a mere matter of money,” stammered Herbert, -obviously endeavoring to make his voice ring angrily, “that can have no -effect upon a person of honor.” - -“Not a trifle like sixty thousand pounds, mark you,” said the old Tory -to Dana. “They hold themselves high, these patriots.” And once more -addressing himself to Herbert, he continued: “Do you recall that some -days ago I asked you to change the color of your coat?” - -“I do,” replied the young lieutenant. - -“It was a week, I think, that I gave you.” - -“It was.” - -“Very good. There are a couple of days yet to go. So consider the -matter well. Change your coat, or I change my will.” - -George felt the table shake; the big man had twitched spasmodically, -and his knees had knocked against its legs. Young Prentiss flashed him -a searching look; but in no other way did the bully manifest interest. - -“Your money is your own to do what you please with,” said Herbert Camp -to his uncle, but for all his effort, there was a certain waver in his -voice and tones. “And you would not have me sink my principle to get -it, I know.” - -“To be sure not, nephew,” said the old gentleman. “But be assured of -this: My money will never go to any one who upholds the rebel cause. I -would not buy your allegiance, nor that of any other person; but the -facts are as I have stated them.” - -The nephew drummed upon the edge of the table with his finger-tips. -Things were at this stage when a waiter approached, bearing the burly -man’s dinner; this he placed before him with care, then shook him -gently. - -“Your dinner, sir,” suggested the waiter, not without some caution. -The burly man opened his little eyes. - -“Ay, ay,” said he, “I see it. And I’ll warrant it has no more seasoning -than a brindle cow’s milk.” - -But the waiter hastened to reassure him upon this point; and so the man -began to eat with an appetite but with much muttering and complaining. -The conversation continued at the Camp table, the youth Herbert rather -weakly maintaining his position, and his uncle proclaiming his fixity -of purpose. But the spy took no more notice of them or their sayings. -Strangely enough, as George Prentiss thought, he had lost all interest -in them. - -Indeed, even when they had finished their meal and their discussion and -arisen to their feet, he did not lift his head. But old Camp’s nephew, -apparently in an ill-humor, did not forget him. The youth in turning -stumbled across one of the man’s legs, which were needlessly sprawled -out. - -“Perhaps,” said the young man, tartly, after recovering himself, “this -is the recognition which you just now promised me--trying to dash out -my brains among the inn furniture.” - -The man looked up at him insolently. - -“Did I promise you anything?” asked he. - -“You did, sir,” replied the lieutenant, paying no heed to Mr. Dana’s -plucking at his sleeve. - -“Ah, well,” said the man, “sometimes little things happen which prevent -our keeping promises hurriedly made.” There was something like a laugh -in his voice as he added, “Perhaps some such little thing has happened -since I spoke to you last, sir.” - -The young militiaman grew very indignant at this and seemed about to -make a heated rejoinder; however, the two merchants pushed him on ahead -of them. - -They had paid the reckoning and left the inn; and George was examining -his own score, when the burly man suddenly lifted a hand and called out: - -“Ah, this way, sir, this way!” - -Major Hyde, his dark face full of eagerness, approached; and at his -heels was the foppish dragoon, Henderson. - -“I just now saw them leave,” said the major. “Did you find an -opportunity, Slade?” - -The burly man shrugged his lumpy shoulders carelessly. - -“Oh, yes,” answered he. “It wasn’t difficult. But I let it pass.” - -“What’s that?” and there was a note of menace in Hyde’s voice. - -“Do you call that living up to a contract?” asked Henderson. “Seems -like downright neglect to me.” - -“There was no occasion to follow out your plan,” said Slade. “I have -lived by quarrels these many years,” with a laugh, “but for all that, I -don’t believe in them much unless they are necessary. I had your young -blade fast enough and could have had it out with him very nicely. But -as it turned out----” - -Here Major Hyde noted George for the first time and instantly his -gesture stopped Slade’s mouth. Affecting a careless laugh, although all -the time there was an evil look upon his face, he said: - -“Ah, well, it makes no great difference, either way. It was but a -stupid sort of jest to say the best of it. At another time, we’ll -have our laugh out to the full. But come, let us be going. I have some -business to see to.” - -“I have but begun my dinner,” said Slade in protest. - -“Dinners,” spoke the major, “can be had at any time; but these affairs -of mine must not be kept waiting.” - -With much complaint Slade left the table, casting longing looks at the -smoking dishes thereon. They had reached the door of the public room -as George arose and began readjusting his shoulder belt, of which he -had freed himself when he sat down. He saw Hyde lean toward Slade and -say something in a low tone; then he noted the latter’s quick, furtive, -over-the-shoulder look in his direction; after this they passed out, -and he could see them through the window, walking arm in arm down -Broadway, their heads very close together. - -When George in his turn left the “King’s Arms” he was busily revolving -what he had seen and heard. - -“It has an odd look,” mused he. “And I don’t just get the meaning of it -all. There can be no doubt that Major Hyde sent this man into the inn -for a purpose. But what was this purpose? Hyde’s words might lead one -to believe that it was the carrying out of some sort of idle jest. But -I doubt that. He gave that turn to the matter only when he recognized -me, and felt that I had overheard what he had said.” - -Slowly he walked along Broadway past Wall Street and the English -Church, still going over the situation. - -“The first words that Hyde said to Slade upon entering were: ‘Did you -find your opportunity?’ And Slade answered that he had, but had let it -pass. Then he said he’d found there was no occasion to follow Hyde’s -plans, and that he had heard something----Now the only thing which he -heard that seemed to greatly interest him was that----” - -Here the young man’s muttering stopped; his thoughts took a wild leap; -for a moment or two they were a jumble of extravagances; then order -began to reappear. - -“Mr. Camp, it seems, is enormously rich,” was the new train of -thought. “Major Hyde is his nephew, as is also this young man called -Herbert. And Herbert, apparently, was to be the heir; a thing which -was distasteful to Major Hyde. So the major sent this bully who sat at -table with me to pick a quarrel with the lucky nephew. A duel would -perhaps have been the result; and the course of the old man’s money -shifted. - -“But the bully proved a man of cunning as well as ferocity. When -he heard that Herbert would likely be disinherited because of his -political leanings, he saw that the fight would be unnecessary.” - -Here, however, the chain of reasoning showed a missing link. - -“If Herbert is to be disinherited for holding to the cause of the -colonies,” George asked himself “how can Major Hyde, who also advocates -that cause, hope to replace him?” - -This seemed to unsettle the foundation of all that had gone before, and -he shook his head more puzzled than ever. But in a moment or two he put -the entire matter aside. - -“I don’t know why I am bothering about the interests of strangers,” -said he, impatiently. He had about dismissed the matter from his mind -and was looking curiously at some of the quaint old Dutch houses still -standing when there came a beat of hoofs upon the stones of the road; -and the horseman drew up beside him. - -“Ah, well caught, Mr. Prentiss,” laughed the horseman, jovially. “I -asked for you at the ‘King’s Arms,’ and they told me that you had just -gone. So I took the liberty of guessing which direction you had taken.” - -It was the ensign with whom George had previously spoken; he rode a -strong-looking gray horse which chafed at the bit and pawed nervously -at the ground. The ensign had struck young Prentiss from the first -as being a likable sort of fellow, and so he greeted him in friendly -fashion. - -“You had not been gone from headquarters above an hour when General -Putnam asked for you,” said the rider. “Major Hyde had left some time -before, and none would have known where you were to be found had I not -happened to be still lounging about. And so,” with a laugh, “here I am -to take you back with me in all haste.” - - - - -CHAPTER V - -IN WHICH GENERAL PUTNAM HAS HIS SAY - - -“It is a matter of importance, then?” said George, as he walked along -at the horse’s side, his face now pointed in the direction of the fort. - -“I should hazard that it is of unusual importance,” returned the -ensign; “though I have not the faintest knowledge of its nature.” - -A few minutes’ brisk traveling and they reached the headquarters; -George was at once admitted to the room where he had previously spoken -to General Putnam. - -The latter was still there, as was General Sullivan, and with them was -an artillery captain who was talking volubly and with much excitement. -But as George entered he ceased, at a sign from General Putnam. - -“Prentiss,” said Putnam, after a moment’s pause, during which he -studied the young New Englander carefully, “I have several times had -occasion to benefit by your service in somewhat venturesome matters. -And now,” here he bent forward a trifle, his hands upon the table in -front of him, “that an occasion has arisen, I can offer you another -service, which while it may not prove dangerous, seems sufficiently -interesting to occupy a youth of your inches for some little time. -Would you care to undertake it?” - -“That you think it necessary that the thing be done is enough for me,” -replied George. - -“That is an excellent answer,” said Putnam, his big, round face -beaming. “There are, no doubt,” he proceeded, and he glanced at General -Sullivan as though in explanation, “numbers of young men in every -branch of the service here in New York who could bring this matter -to a highly successful issue. But as I am not acquainted with their -individual merits, I might make a sad mistake in trying to select the -proper one. Here,” and he nodded toward George, “is one of whom I have -personal knowledge. That is why I have preferred him.” - -The others signified that the reason appealed to them as being a -perfectly just one. - -There was a short pause. General Putnam seemed to be marshaling his -thoughts together; then he said, addressing George: - -“New York has been most difficult to control in the present crisis; -there were many Tories about Boston, but here they number fully half -the population. And their numbers make them dangerous. We have seized -upon the persons of the most aggressive of them; but in spite of this -a steady opposition continues to be made to everything we do. If this -were openly done, it would be a simple matter. But it is carried on -secretly. Information of some of our most intimate designs, so we have -discovered, is regularly had by our enemies. Our troops are being -corrupted; our stores and magazines are in real danger of destruction. - -“Of late this Tory system seems to have selected our posts upon the -Highlands for especial attention,” proceeded Putnam, and the artillery -officer pursed his lips and wrinkled his brow as though in agreement. -“Nothing, mind you, is definitely known, but there is a feeling -among us all that our work is in some way being steadily undermined. -Recruiting has been brought almost to a standstill because we have -become convinced that many of those offering themselves have other -motives than the preservation of our liberties. - -“To-day Captain Hall unearthed some traces of what might possibly -be a plot. But I am sorry to say that what he has discovered is not -of sufficient directness to warrant our arresting any one. However, -it affords us a most excellent beginning for a counter system of -espionage; and that is what we have concluded to organize. It is well -at first, though, to make no ornate attempts upon them; a modest -beginning may bring much better results.” - -“The fact that you are unknown in these parts is of some value,” spoke -General Sullivan. - -Putnam nodded. - -“What we have learned shows that stranger recruits are more apt to be -approached by the secret agents of the Tories than those known in New -York and of settled local convictions,” said he. “And that, as General -Sullivan wisely remarks, has value. What we propose is that you make -your way to Harlem Heights, say to-morrow, spend a day or two in -idling about in a desultory, unattached sort of way. Then go through -the form of enlistment with Captain Hall, here, and after that follow -up any track that circumstance leads you upon.” - -“If you have any facts for me,” said George, “I will take them now; and -to-morrow I will do as you suggest.” - -“These papers,” said General Putnam, taking up a slim packet, “contain -all the information that we have upon the subject. Take them into that -room,” pointing to a small inner apartment, “and study them. But commit -nothing to writing that might betray you, if found.” - -George took the packet and entered the room indicated; seating himself -at a window he began to examine the writings, document by document. - -However, they yielded no great amount of data, being largely the names -of suspected persons and their places of resort. Carefully he read -down the list, thinking to come upon something that would give him a -handhold. - -“The sloop ‘Shark,’ Nathan Parks, master, suspected of carrying -information to the British frigates,” met his eye without much meaning. - -“Corporal Bacon of the artillery, thought to be in the pay of the -Loyalists. - -“Thomas Friend, a peddler, and said to be a spy in the pay of Governor -Colden. - -“Ann Jane Trout, landlady of the ‘Wheat Sheaf,’ an inn long suspected -of being the gathering place of the enemies of popular rights. - -“The ‘Wheat Sheaf,’” said George, his mind at once focusing upon this -name. “That is the place that Merchant Dana directed me to.” He gazed -reflectively at the paper for a moment and gradually a smile came into -his face. “At nine to-morrow night he specified, I think. I had not -thought to go there; but now,” and here the smile grew broader and -a sparkle began to dance in his eyes, “well, now it promises to be -different, for something may be gained by it.” - -Earnestly he scanned the documents. Traces of suspected plots were -recorded, especially the one which Captain Hall had come upon the -day before. For the most part they seemed the stories of imaginative -persons, lacking all the vital points of convincing evidence. - -“And yet,” mused George, “where there is much smoke, there may be some -fire.” He retied the papers and arising, went into the other room where -he laid them upon the table before General Putnam, who was now alone. - -“I am ready,” announced he, in reply to the officer’s mute inquiry. - -“Good lad,” said the general, heartily; “to-morrow, then, you make -a beginning. I’ll have a sum of money sent you to-morrow at your -lodgings, for you’ll have some small expenses, no doubt. And now, good -luck. Do your best.” - -George saluted. - -“You may trust me for that, sir,” said he. And then he went out. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -EXPLAINS HOW GEORGE PRENTISS BECAME A GUEST AT THE “WHEAT SHEAF” - - -True to his word, General Putnam sent George Prentiss a handful of -gold coins next morning and George, toward noon, engaged a horse -of the landlord which he promised to send back by a wagoner on the -day following. Mounting, he set out up Broadway, turned into the -Bloomingdale Road, and then along the Hudson until he came to the sharp -turn to the right which brought him into the Kingsbridge Road not far -from Burdett’s Ferry. Directly ahead, Harlem Heights bulked densely; -to the east could be seen the wooded sides of Mt. Morris, while from -the high shoulder of the road, an occasional glint was to be had of the -Harlem River as it slipped along toward the Sound. - -The young man drew up his horse at this point and looked about him. - -“The reports placed the ‘Wheat Sheaf’ at no great distance from here,” -said he to himself. “And as it’s wearing toward evening I may as well -take my dinner there.” - -As he sat his horse he heard the ring of a hammer striking hearty blows -upon an anvil; then a sledge joined in and a clangor of sound swept -upward. George shook the rein, and about fifty yards further on, in a -sheltered spot a little back from the road, he came upon a small smithy. - -George dismounted and stood watching the smith and his assistant for a -space; then the iron was apparently beaten into its true shape, for it -was laid aside and the two stood mopping their faces with damp towels. - -“Good-day,” greeted George. - -“The top of it to yourself, sure,” returned the smith, who was a -freckled Irishman with fiery red hair and a droll look. - -“That seemed like a hard task,” commented the young man, coming nearer. - -“Why, then,” returned the smith, “it’s little else we’re getting -nowadays. Since they’ve took to fighting all about the place, sorra -the bit of work do we get but bayonets, swords as long as your arm -and bits like this,” with a jerk of his thumb toward the still glowing -forging, “for the big guns.” - -The apprentice, a huge limbed youth with a small, sloping head, was -observing young Prentiss’s shoulder belt with its heavy hanger, and the -pistol butt that protruded from a holster. - -“Are you in General Putnam’s army?” asked he, all agape. - -“No,” replied George, truthfully. “I am not.” - -“Small blame to him for asking you that,” said the Irish smith, “for -it’s few that go by now but Putnam’s sogers--or the other sort.” - -“The other sort!” echoed George, catching at this instantly. “What do -you mean?” - -“Are you for the king or for Congress?” asked the smith. - -“For Congress,” returned George, promptly. - -The other came forward and extended a brawny fist. - -“Good luck to you, for you’re the right stripe,” said he smiling -broadly. “It’s meself that knows but little about the Congress beyant -there and what they do be about; but I’m hand and foot with them -against the Sassenach, no matter what it is.” - -George laughed at this frank declaration of purpose; but instantly came -back to the matter of interest. - -“The ‘other sort’ I suppose are Tories?” said he. - -The smith nodded. “Faith,” spoke he, “they’re fair pisonous with the -venom that’s in them; and hereabouts they do be as thick as the gnats -in the swamps.” - -“But the army being in possession prevents them being at all -dangerous,” said George. - -The other shook his head. “The army can do nothing against such as -these,” said he. “You might as well put that horse of yours, there, to -catching a mole. Sorra the sound do they make, and never a sight of -themselves do they give any one.” - -“But,” and George smiled a little, “it would seem that you have both -heard and seen them at some time or other.” - -The Irishman laughed loudly at this remark. “Why, then,” said he, -“you’re the shrewd felly entirely. But you’re right,” and here he -lowered his voice. “You’re right. I see more than some; and be the same -token, I hear more than most.” - -He nodded mysteriously. As there appeared to be something gained by -it, George slipped from his mount, tied it by the door and entered the -smithy. Leaning against a broken gun carriage, he began slowly drawing -off his gauntlets. - -“I have heard a great deal, in one way and another, of the plots of the -Loyalists,” said he with an air of doubt, “but to be entirely candid, I -have seen scarcely anything in the way of proof.” - -“Proof!” said the smith, with energy; “it’s proof ye want, is it, me -lad? Oh, well! them that have it could supply plenty of it.” - -“Why don’t they come forward with it, then?” demanded young Prentiss, -bluntly. “Why hide it?” - -“Perhaps,” said the other, “they have small bits of childer and are not -wantin’ the houses burnt over their heads.” - -“It’s fear, then, that stops their mouths,” stated George. “They are -afraid of the king’s men!” - -He had calculated well; the Celtic ire of the smith began to rise; his -big fists doubled up; his freckled face began to flame. - -“Afraid, is it!” cried he. “Afraid! If you knew them you wouldn’t say -that. When you live in a lonely place, my lad, and have desperate -enemies with revenge in their hearts again’ you, you must take care. -And when wife and childer are depending upon the man for the bite and -the sup, he thinks twice before he puts himself in danger.” - -“But how is one to know that there is real danger?” said George. “It -may be that it has no existence save in the mind of the person who -dreads it.” - -This exasperated the blacksmith. He had been holding himself in check -with great effort, but now he burst out: - -“Bad luck to ye, is it imagining it all that you think I’ve been doing? -Is it imagination, me son, when a man sees them with his two eyes----” -Here he caught sight of the apprentice, standing with his head thrust -forward and his mouth agape. “And have you nothing at all to do, -Peter?” he demanded, sharply. “Away with you to Van Tile’s and fetch -the horse that he wants shod. Stir yourself, now, or it’ll be dark -again’ you get back.” - -Vastly disappointed, the apprentice took off his leather apron and -departed on his errand. Then the smith gave his attention to George -once more. - -“He’s a good, hard-working lad,” said he, “but he’s not over bright in -some things, and lets his tongue run too free when he shouldn’t.” - -He poked his fire and threw on more fuel; then seating himself upon the -anvil, he went on: - -“People do imagine a good many things,” nodding wisely. “I’ve listened -to them myself many a time. But is it imagination when a man comes in -the night, calls you to the door, and you wide awake, pokes a lantern -in your face with one hand and a pistol with the other and bids you -hold your peace?” - -“Did that happen to you?” - -“To no one else. And why? Because I knew more than it was thought -fitting I should know. Because I had seen things. Because I had heard -things. Because if I told the half of it, I’d be putting ropes about -the necks of a dozen or more.” - -[Illustration: “_I WALKED INTO A NEST OF KING’S MEN_”] - -George laughed. “More than likely it was some sort of a rough joke that -your visitor was enjoying at your expense,” said he. - -Again the ire of the smith began to mount. - -“Joke?” cried he. “Joke, is it? You know nothing of me, me lad, or -you’d be sure no man would play the merry Andrew in that style with me. -And maybe you think,” here he pointed one challenging finger at George, -“that it was a joke that I see carried on that same night, only a bit -earlier, at the ‘Wheat Sheaf’?” - -“What was that?” asked George, allowing quite a tone of scepticism to -creep into his voice. - -The Celt recognized the doubtful tone, and the warmth of his manner -increased. - -“I made a bit of a mistake that night,” spoke he, trying to keep from -flying into a rage. “I opened the door to one of the private rooms and -walked into a nest of king’s men, up to their eyes in plotting. And -that was not all--in the midst of them was some one that’s supposed to -wear an entirely different kind of a coat.” - -“You mean,” said George, eagerly, “that you saw engaged with the Tories -one who is known as a patriot?” - -The interest in his voice was too plain to escape the smith; instantly -the man’s heat vanished; all his excited desire to show that he had -real cause to fear the anger of the conspirators disappeared. - -“What I mean,” said he, in a greatly altered voice, and as he spoke his -eyes were full of suspicion, “is no matter. I saw what I saw; and if -anybody wants to know the meaning of it or the particulars of it, let -him search them out for himself.” - -“But,” demanded young Prentiss, “do you really mean to keep important -facts from the authorities?” - -“I mean to try and keep a roof over my head, and life in my body,” said -the smith, thrusting a bar of iron into the fire and beginning to blow -the coals into a higher red. “It’s all very well for those in the town -to speak out boldly; but this is a lonely place; and as I said before, -a man with a wife and childer can’t run himself into danger.” - -The return of the apprentice, leading a plow horse by the bridle, put -an end to the talk. So George mounted and, gathering up his reins, said: - -“The ‘Wheat Sheaf’ is not very far away, I believe?” - -“A matter of a half mile,” answered the mechanic. - -“I’ll dine there, like as not,” said George. And then he added, with a -laugh: “Perhaps it will be as well for me to keep my eyes open also; I -may see something upon my own account.” - -Then he waved his hand in a good-bye and set off along the road once -more. The patriot batteries mounted upon the Heights were in view -through the dusk when he sighted the “Wheat Sheaf,” which was a large -rambling structure with a veranda upon two sides of it and a great -number of small-paned windows through which the lights were already -beginning to glint. - -No one was visible, and George called loudly as he pulled up at the -door: - -“Ho, the house! Landlord!” - -From somewhere in the rear, a sharp-faced woman made her appearance. -She was very tall and angular, her movements were awkward, and when she -spoke her voice was high. - -“Hoighty toity!” she cried, “and must we make all this noise at a -decent inn? What is your wish, young man?” - -“I’ll have some one take my horse, mistress,” replied George, “and I -desire him rubbed and given a good feed of clean grain.” - -The woman turned toward the barn and called shrilly: - -“Job!” - -She had repeated the cry several times before there was any response; -then a man came out of the barn, rubbing his eyes and shuffling his -feet. - -“You’ve been asleep again,” charged the woman. “You are the most idle, -good-for-nothing rascal in Harlem, I really believe.” - -The man blinked ill-humoredly. “Fair words, Mistress Trout,” spoke he. -“They go farther than the other sort.” - -“Don’t answer me back, you wretch,” cried Mistress Trout. “Don’t do -it. And you’d better mend your ways, sir, or I’ll turn you off; and -you’ll have a time of it getting another situation, I promise you.” - -George dismounted and gave his horse to the hostler. - -“I hope,” said he politely to the woman, “that I am not putting you -about; but I’d like a snack of something, if I’m not too late.” - -“Oh, indeed,” said Mistress Trout, “traffic hereabouts is not so great -that we have all the victuals bespoke.” Then turning to the hostler, -who was yawning behind his hand, she cried sharply: “Well, and are you -going to see to the gentleman’s horse, blockhead? Or do you mean to -fall asleep as you stand?” - -“A man must have sleep some time,” growled Job, as he took the nag by -the bridle. “If I’m kept up at night, mistress, by people that go and -come at all hours, it’s little to be wondered at if I try to catch a -wink or two by daylight.” - -The landlady of the “Wheat Sheaf” gave him a look full of anger. - -“That will do,” said she. “You have said quite enough. Now, be off and -attend to your work.” - -Grumbling, the man led the horse toward the barn; and George followed -Mistress Trout into the inn. The public room into which he was shown -was huge and square and furnished with heavy tables, settles and -high-backed chairs. There was a brick fireplace at one side; the -evening was a crisp one with a breeze that rattled the many window -frames, and in consequence a heap of billets crackled on the fire-dogs. - -“You have it snug enough here,” observed George with satisfaction, as -he hung his hat upon a peg and began to remove his gloves. “Facing the -spring wind makes a small fire seem a most comfortable thing, indeed.” - -“And a pretty penny it runs into for cut wood,” objected the landlady. -“But what is a tavern-keeper to do when people come in and hector and -bully?” - -There came an impatient creaking of a settle near the fire; a head -lifted up from a leather cushion, and a voice demanded: - -“Am I not paying for all I get, madam? Is the fire-wood not included? -No, don’t say anything,” and the speaker gestured impatiently; “put it -in the bill, and don’t worry me with your conversation.” - -Mistress Trout tossed her head at this, and after receiving George’s -order, left the apartment with a wrathful countenance. - -Curiously, George approached the fire; holding his hands out to the -blaze, he looked into the upturned face, and to his surprise recognized -the heavy brows and sullen expression of Lieutenant Camp. As he was -still surprisedly gazing into the young man’s face, the eyes opened; -seeing himself closely observed, the latter sat up instantly. - -“Hello,” said he, rather roughly. “What brings you here?” - -“The fire, latterly,” smiled George, still holding his hands extended -over the blaze. “But the prospect of a hot supper, mainly.” - -The heavy brows of the young man upon the settle gathered in a frown; -his eyes searched George’s face with a peculiar look. - -“It seems to me that I’ve seen you before,” said he. - -George nodded, but just as he was about to point out where they had met -on the day before, he caught the odd look in the other’s eyes, and -with a quick impulse checked himself. So he merely said: - -“It is very likely.” - -There was a moment’s silence; the young man upon the settle clasped one -knee with his hands and studied George intently. - -“You are a stranger hereabouts, I take it,” said he. - -George nodded. “Yes,” was his brief reply. - -Again there was a silence. Young Prentiss, without seeming to do so, -examined the other as intently as he was himself being examined. And, -gradually, the impression grew more and more upon him that Merchant -Camp’s nephew was keying himself to say something which he considered -of much importance. Several times the lieutenant bent forward and -seemed upon the point of speaking; but each time he sank back, his lips -still closed and an expression of indecision upon his face. At length, -however, he seemed resolved to make the plunge. With voice so lowered -as to be almost a whisper, he said: - -“It is rumored that Washington will soon be here.” - -George stared at him; so ludicrously tame did the saying seem after all -the cautious hesitation that had preceded it that he almost laughed. -But the expression upon Herbert Camp’s face prevented this; it was one -of eager expectation--of almost painful interest. A suspicion flashed -upon George; a suspicion and a fear. - -“It’s a great deal like a test--a signal by which one person makes -himself sure of another,” he told himself. - -Instantly he was all attention. Bending his head courteously, he -replied: - -“I have heard the rumor myself, and think that it is true.” - -This answer did not repel the other; but at the same time it did not -satisfy him, either. He arose and leaning against the brick mantle -began slapping at his boot leg with a riding whip. - -“Which way are you traveling?” he asked. - -“North,” returned George. - -The face of the other grew brighter. He endeavored to assume a light -manner, and laughed a little as he said: - -“Perhaps you think that there will be more to interest you in that -direction than in another.” - -“One usually travels in the direction in which one’s interest lies,” -replied young Prentiss in the same tone. “And I am like most in that.” - -Herbert Camp nodded and pondered. For a few moments he stood -alternately glancing at George and then toward the window; the lash of -the whip continued to cut at his boot leg and to lay long welts upon -the sanded floor. - -“You came alone?” asked he, finally. - -“Yes,” answered George. - -“Isn’t it somewhat dangerous to take the north road unaccompanied?” - -Young Prentiss smiled. “You did not seem to think so,” said he. - -“With me it is different,” spoke the lieutenant with a meaning in -his voice that George did not grasp. “But for strangers the way is -unprotected. Did you meet no one upon the road?” - -“No one.” - -“That is strange. Though, as I said, it’s a lonely way, still one is -apt to meet a peddler now and then.” - -George noted a peculiar stress upon the last part of the sentence, -and his mind began to cast about for its meaning. Almost instantly he -caught it, and self-control alone prevented his exclaiming aloud. The -papers given him to examine by General Putnam had named one Thomas -Friend, a peddler, as a suspected person. Was Lieutenant Camp, in his -guarded utterance, referring to this man? Like lightning George’s mind -was made up; and with a calm voice and a careless manner he said: - -“I came upon no peddlers to-day; but,” and he fixed his eyes steadily -upon the other’s face, “peddlers are merchants of small degree, -perhaps, and I had a visit yesterday from a merchant aboard ship.” - -Recollection instantly swept into the lieutenant’s face; dropping his -whip he brought his palms together with a smack. - -“Now I remember where I saw you. It was on the wharf near ‘The -Brigantine’ inn. I am glad indeed to meet you!” He seized George’s hand -and shook it energetically; then he added, eagerly: “It was Dana who -told you to come here?” - -George nodded; he was afraid to do more, not yet being sure of his -ground. Young Camp sat down upon the settle and roared with laughter. - -“No wonder,” he gasped, “you didn’t grasp my meaning readily. I thought -it was Tom Friend, the peddler, who was to bring you here. By Jove, how -you stared and winked.” - -“The owl,” said George, “does a lot of staring and blinking. And it’s -reckoned a wise bird for no other reason.” - -“Right!” said Lieutenant Camp. “Right! What you did, you did well. -I have no fault to find with you; the only hitch has been in my -misinformation. I wonder,” said he, “just how that came about?” - -“Sometimes,” replied George, slowly, “it chances that old men are -erratic.” - -Young Camp slapped his knee. - -“There!” he cried. “I never gave a thought to that; and now you mention -it, I have no doubt that is what’s to blame in this case.” - -Here a waiter, under the personal direction of Mistress Trout, entered -bearing George’s supper, smoking hot and very savory and tempting. -It was placed upon a table near the fire, which had been laid with a -clean cloth, much white napery, and shining table ware. With great -satisfaction, George sat down to it. - -“I hope,” said he to the lieutenant, “that you’ll join me. Dining alone -is sometimes a tiresome business.” - -But the other gestured in the negative. - -“I had just finished when you rode up,” he said. “Pray go on, and pay -no attention to me in that respect.” - -George did as he was bidden; and he had already made considerable -inroad upon the hot dishes from Mistress Trout’s kitchen when Herbert -Camp spoke again. - -“I should have thought,” said the latter, “that you would have come -here as soon as you got ashore.” - -“As it is,” returned George, “I am hours before my time.” - -“Then a time was named?” - -“To-night,” said George. - -The other leaned back upon the settle and shielded his face from the -fire; George’s efforts upon the logs had not been without effect, for -the blaze was now brisk and high; the sparks shot up the wide chimney -in showers. - -“At half after nine, I think,” said Lieutenant Camp. - -“At nine exactly,” returned George. - -The lieutenant here fell back into a long silence. He shielded his face -from the heat with his hat and sat looking at the darting sparks as -they leaped upward. George, as he proceeded with his dinner, watched -him; the face was deeply shadowed by the upheld hat, but the young -soldier’s attitude was full of meaning, the changing lights in his eyes -spoke of a mind not at rest. - -As he watched him George recalled old Merchant Camp’s words of the day -before. - -“But look you, young man,” he had said, “you are not the only one that -feels the impulse of change. It has occurred to me many times of late -that my will needs a bit of altering, too.” - -Distinctly young Prentiss recalled the blank look that crossed Herbert -Camp’s face at this saying. True, he had stammered something about a -mere matter of money having no effect upon a person of honor. - -“But,” was the thought that crossed George’s mind, “the protest was -rather weak. ‘Change your coat, or I change my will’ was old Camp’s -next saying, and the young man’s answer to this was more wavering -still.” - -The old Tory had also said that there still remained a few days more to -effect the change he desired. - -“And it would seem,” thought the young New Englander, indignantly, -“that he’ll get his wish. This young man spoke of principle yesterday; -it seems that he’s thought better of it to-day. Sixty thousand pounds -has been too great a lure to resist; his greed was greater than his -patriotism.” - -However, despite his indignation, he went calmly on with his meal; and -while he ate, Herbert Camp continued in the same attitude, apparently -thinking deeply. Both were engaged in this way when there came a bustle -from the road before the inn; glancing through the window, which was on -line with his table, he saw in the light of several lanterns a queer -looking man mounted upon a tall, bony horse and carrying before him a -huge pack. Both Mistress Trout and the hostler, Job, had gone out to -receive the newcomer, who slid awkwardly from his pad-saddle, dragging -his pack along with him. - -From his gestures, George saw that the man was making quite a speech -regarding the caretaking of his bony nag; Job listened with great -patience, and led the animal carefully to the barn when its owner had -done. Then the man, staggering under the pack, followed the landlady to -the inn. - -Into the public room he shambled; depositing his burden in a corner he -stood erect, his breath coming in deep gasps. - -“Time was,” said he, “when I could have borne that load and not made -half the ado.” - -He was a square-built, stocky man, with thick, bowed legs and a -partially bald head. He had prominent outstanding ears and tremendous -hands, corded and knotted like those of a giant. - -“You do very well as it is, sir,” spoke the landlady. “There’s scarce a -man in Harlem that could carry so much.” - -The man mopped his bald head with a yellow handkerchief and laughed. -“Ah, good lady,” said he, “you’ll be seeking to get the better of me in -a trade before I’m gone. Sweet words mean only one thing to a man of my -business--they seek to take the place of halfpence.” - -“Indeed, then,” cried Mistress Trout, “I’ll have no trading with you. I -have no time to haggle, and no use for your goods.” - -And with that she whisked angularly from the room, leaving the newcomer -in a broad grin. - -“Now,” declared he with great gusto, “is not that like a woman in every -way? ‘I have no use for your goods,’ says she--and never a sight has -she of what I have to offer.” - -This speech he directed at George, who nodded good-naturedly; the -man then put his great thumbs in the armholes of his waistcoat and -proceeded: - -“But women folk are ever hard to trade with, sir; thirty years have -I ridden these roads with a pack before me, and that is one of the -things which I have learned. They have no judgment; caprice rules them; -they’ll bargain for hours over a staple article of known value, and -then squander their shilling without a word on trash.” - -“You are harsh, I think, sir,” said George. - -“Sir,” returned the peddler, “that I am not. I know them. Thirty years -on the road has taught me something.” Here he approached the fire. “By -your leave, sir,” said he to the lieutenant, and sat down upon an end -of the settle. The lieutenant nodded curtly and gave him little direct -attention. But out of the tail of his eye he observed the peddler -narrowly, as George did not fail to observe. - -The stranger crossed his thick, bowed legs and held his hands out to -the fire with much satisfaction. - -“There is still a tang in the air,” said he. “Winter is not quite gone, -even yet.” - -“No,” returned George, “and further north, it is colder still.” - -The saying was entirely unpremeditated; but instantly he realized that -it bore an apparent significance, for the peddler shot him a glance -of surprise, and then coughed in a warning way behind his hand. Then, -as though to cover an awkward happening, the man thrust a thumb and -forefinger into his waistcoat pocket and produced a massive watch. -Holding it up that George might have a good view of it, he said: - -“There is a rare sight for you; I dare venture to say you don’t often -see its like. The king puts no finer gold in his guineas, and the cogs -and springs and balances are miracles of art.” - -“It looks very fine, indeed,” praised George. - -“I offer such rarities only to certain gentlemen of quality,” said the -peddler; “but,” and he made a wide gesture, “things are not what they -were, and I am scantily furnished with money just now.” He bent toward -George. “If you fancy such a thing you shall have it at a small price.” - -But George shook his head. - -“Have you examined it well?” The peddler got up and stood with his -broad back to the lieutenant, his head lowered toward George and his -face away from the firelight. “It is a surprising watch in more ways -than one. Look; could anything be finer?” So saying he snapped open the -heavy case and bent still nearer to the young New Englander. Then his -voice sank lower and he whispered: - -“What ship?” - -“The ‘Nancy Breen,’” in the same tone. - -“Does the other,” and a twitch of a mouth corner indicated the -lieutenant, “bear you company?” - -“No.” - -“Oh, very well,” said the peddler, his voice lifting plainly, and his -manner that of a man rebuffed. “If you have no need of it, why, then, -all’s said and done.” - -So saying he stuffed the watch into his pocket, rebuttoned the flap, -sat down upon his end of the settle once more and began staring fixedly -into the fire. - -“I suppose,” spoke Lieutenant Camp, after a few moments of silence, -“that you pick up many quaint and curious things in your journeyings -here and there.” - -The peddler gave him no very tolerant look and replied, shortly: - -“Ay, that I do, sir.” Then with a bending of his brows and a shake of -his bald head, he continued: “But I always make shift to mind my own -business, young sir.” - -The lieutenant sat up stiff upon the settle. “Do you mean to infer that -I do not, my man?” demanded he. - -The peddler turned squarely upon him and looked him in the face. - -“I was not aware that I called you by name, sir,” said he pointedly. - -“Not having a name to call me by,” said the lieutenant, “it would be a -difficult thing to do. But, perhaps, if I gave you one, you’d be more -civil.” - -He stooped and spoke a word or two in the ear of the peddler; and -instantly the latter’s dogged look vanished. - -“Well, well!” exclaimed he in friendly fashion, “who’d have dreamed -it! Who’d have dreamed it!” He struck the oaken settle a resounding -blow with the heel of his hand. “We’re coming on, sir; we’re coming on -mightily!” - -He beamed genially upon the young men, and seemed quite delighted; and -just as he seemed upon the point of launching upon matters that George -thought might prove most interesting, there came a clatter of hoofs -from the road and the jingle of chains and military equipment. The -face lost its cheerful look as a voice gave an unintelligible, grumbled -order; heavy feet tramped up the path and upon the porch; then the door -was flung open and a party of armed men in the colonial buff and blue -thronged into the room. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -TELLS HOW THREE PEOPLE MADE A DASH FOR FREEDOM - - -The leader of the colonials was a tall man with wide, sloping shoulders -and a harsh face. He had quick, eager eyes that snapped inquiringly and -questioned everything upon which they rested. - -Halting his men in the center of the public room, he surveyed its three -occupants. - -“Your position and consequence, gentlemen?” said he. “And how is it -that you are here to-night and not at your homes?” - -The peddler chuckled and cracked the great fingers of each hand. - -“A person of my station, sir,” he made answer, “is at home wherever -night overtakes him. I am by occupation a peddler, selling honest -stuffs and asking ready silver in exchange.” - -“Your name?” demanded the officer, and his eager eyes snapped more than -ever. - -“Thomas Friend.” - -Watching the officer’s face, George saw it change grimly at this -answer; he made no remark, but turning to Herbert Camp, inquired: - -“And how is it with you, my lad?” - -“My name is Bardwell,” returned the young man, composedly. “I suppose, -sir,” with a glance at the party of soldiers, “that you have a right to -make these inquiries?” - -“Ay,” replied the officer, “that I have; and I’m not called upon to -show any credentials, either. This uniform will do all that,” and he -slapped himself upon the chest, “and so out with the rest of it. What -are you, and what is your errand here?” - -“I am clerk to a mercer in the city,” replied young Camp--“Mr. Nathan -in Maiden Lane, to be exact. And I’m on my way beyond the Harlem upon -some matters of business.” - -“You could have gotten beyond the Harlem if you had had the mind,” -spoke the leader of the party, positively. “There was no reason for -your stopping here.” - -“I dislike traveling at night,” said the other. - -“Then you should have started earlier in the day.” And with this the -officer turned upon George. “And you, sir?” he demanded, peremptorily. -“What have you to say?” - -“I am from Cambridge,” replied George. “I arrived in New York only -recently and am traveling about.” - -“You selected a most indifferent time and place to do it in,” the other -made answer. Then with a gesture that took in all three he added: “You -are under arrest.” - -Herbert Camp was upon his feet instantly. George fancied he saw his -face paling. - -“But why?” asked young Camp. “You have no right to interfere with -inoffensive people.” - -“Not if I know them to be such,” replied the officer, and he laughed -harshly. “But my orders are to take all suspicious characters in -charge. This man,” and he pointed to the peddler, “I have orders to -take wherever and whenever found. You two,” and his snapping eyes -shot glances at the two young men, “I’ll take charge of for further -examination. I have no desire to inflict hardship upon you,” with -something like an apologetic note in his voice, “but these are -troublesome times, and we have suffered a great deal through secret -agencies. If you are what you claim to be, you will be put to as little -disadvantage as possible.” - -With that he made a sign to his men; they immediately approached the -three guests of the “Wheat Sheaf” and laid hands upon them. But if -they expected unresisting submission, they reckoned without the spirit -of the strong-limbed peddler. With a sweep of his arms he dashed the -troopers aside; then with remarkable agility he bounded to a window; -there was a smashing of glass, a rending of wood, and he was gone. -Several muskets flashed after him, their reports sounding like thunder -in the low ceilinged room. - -A soldier had apparently been left to guard the horses. - -“Halt!” he cried as his charges began to stamp with fear of the musket -shots. - -Then there came a racing of hoofs and the sound of a discharging -pistol. At the command of their officer, some of the soldiers rushed -out after him; the remainder seized upon George and Herbert Camp -roughly; their arms were pinioned in an instant with a couple of stout -leather belts. - -There was a roar of firearms, and hoarse, excited shouts sounded from -the darkness; then nags were evidently mounted in haste; the rattle -of hoofs sounded as the riders plunged away in pursuit. But that all -had not started in the chase was soon made plain. Voices, loud and -interrogatory, came from without. Apparently some one made answer; -but the answer was not of the sort to satisfy, for again the voices -chorused their inquiries. The reply to this was also unsatisfactory and -still inaudible to those in the public room. Then came the sound of -heavy steps upon the porch; in the hall there was a slight scuffle and -then the slope-shouldered officer entered. And after him two of his men -led between them--Peggy Camp! - -A cry of astonishment broke from the lips of her brother, while George -Prentiss gave a gasp. - -“Peggy!” exclaimed young Camp. - -The girl’s eyes mutely commanded him to be still; but the eager-eyed -officer caught the look. - -“Too late,” laughed he. “The young man is evidently not accustomed -to surprises.” His gaze went from Herbert to the girl with great -enjoyment. “And so,” said he to the young man, “you are acquainted with -this lady?” - -Young Camp made no reply; Peggy stood stiffly upright with her chin -tilted proudly, an expression of scorn in her eyes; and she also was -silent when the man turned his glance upon her once more. - -But for all her pride of bearing, for all her scorn of her captor, -George noted a small tremble of the lower lip; it were as though her -restraint would goat any moment and the tears begin to flow. And as he -watched he saw the resentment in her eyes now and then give place to -something else. It was fear; the shivering fear of one who is helpless. - -The officer addressed her. “It may be,” said he, “that you can explain -your presence outside.” - -“Perhaps I could,” she returned, and if there was fear in her eyes, -there was no trace of it in her voice. - -“It would be somewhat interesting to hear your reasons for lurking -about.” - -“It would be equally interesting to hear your reasons for treating me -as you have done,” answered Peggy, quietly. - -“As to that, I have my orders,” and the man laughed, not without good -nature. “And in the face of what has just now occurred, I am bound to -be even more strict than ever in carrying them out.” - -While the officer questioned and the girl answered, her glances went -here and there about the room like those of a hunted thing seeking a -way of escape. The eyes of George Prentiss closely followed after; but -they saw things that her startled glances passed over. - -He noted four muskets stacked near a window. These belonged to the men -who had pinioned Herbert Camp and himself. The men who had brought -Peggy into the room each held one. - -“But they,” reflected George, “were fired after the peddler, and have -not been reloaded. The same is true of the pistol in the belt of the -officer.” - -Also he noted something which Peggy could not see. This was that the -belt which held his arms behind him had begun to slip; he felt that at -any moment he desired he could free himself from it. - -He found himself thrilling at the thought. His entrance into the “Wheat -Sheaf” had put him upon the track of a promising Tory plot, the coming -of the soldiers had all but ruined his chances of getting to the bottom -of it; but now hope sprang up once more. If he could help Herbert Camp -to escape from the colonials, he felt that he’d have even more chance -than before to sound the plot, whatever its nature, to the bottom. - -Mistress Trout, the man Job, and all the other inn servants had been -greatly put about by the events of the last half hour. As the worst -seemed over, they had ventured into the public room and stood listening -with much attention to what was being said. The landlady at length took -courage; at first this found expression in low-voiced but acid comments -upon the proceedings; but when the officer turned to his men and gave -orders that the prisoners be removed, she broke out: - -“It is a disgrace and a shame, sir, that an inn that has been -respected for forty years must be invaded this way, and its guests -carried off like common thieves.” - -The officer favored her with no very friendly look. - -“Perhaps if your inn had not been respected for so long, mistress,” -said he, “things would be in a better way for us all. As for these,” -and he pointed to George and Herbert Camp, “perhaps common thieves -would be far less dangerous to the public good.” - -“How dare you hint that I would harbor such!” stormed Mistress Trout. -“How dare you, sir! Oh, things have come to a pretty pass, indeed, when -honest people must submit to insult from a parcel of upstarts!” - -“Hard words, landlady!” said the officer sternly. “You had better put -them in your pocket, for you are not so trusted as to be greatly in -favor. You are known to have given house-room to plotting king’s men -these many weeks back; indeed, there’s not been such another nest of -rascals in all the country round about--and that’s saying a great deal.” - -The angular Mistress Trout was about to reply, and Herbert Camp and -Peggy were being led from the room, when George Prentiss suddenly -slipped the belt from his arms. Like a flash he whipped up the four -loaded muskets and hurled them through a window at the back; and with -a bound he reached the door leading to the hall, flung aside the two -soldiers who had charge of Peggy and her brother, slapped the door in -their faces, slipped a bolt into place and went racing down the hall. -He drew the girl along with him, and young Camp was hard at his heels. - -In the light of the inn’s outside lamp he drew his hanger, of which -they had not deprived him, and slashed Herbert’s bonds away. - -“The horses!” he breathed; “it’s our only chance.” - -He had counted upon the horses of the remaining troopers being still -outside, and probably unguarded. And in this he was right; there stood -the troop in a line, the bridles cast loosely over the hitching-posts. -Lightly, George tossed Peggy upon the back of one of these, while -Herbert leaped upon another. The young New Englander was in the saddle -instantly, and casting loose the other horses, with shouts and blows, -sent them scattering down the road. - -All this only occupied a few moments; and those few moments the -soldiers wasted in endeavoring to force the door which George had -bolted in their faces. Their officer was the first to recover his wits, -and with excited shouts he drove them to the windows. Out they came, -leaping like so many jacks-in-the-box; but the escaping three were -already mounted, had given their nags rein and were speeding along the -dark road. In a fury the officer drew his pistol and snapped it; the -two soldiers followed his example with their muskets. But they were -empty, as George had guessed. - -And when they had rammed fresh charges home, the flying trio were -beyond range. Indeed the sound of the horses’ hoofs had almost died -away. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -TELLS HOW PEGGY GAVE A WARNING - - -The three horses proved to be hardy and fleet; and they seemed to see -almost perfectly in the dark. For almost a half hour they were kept at -a free gallop, then their riders, feeling them beginning to blow, drew -them down to a walk. - -Turning in his saddle, George listened, but there were no sounds of -pursuit, and he laughed. - -“I think our little plan carried very well,” said he. - -“Our plan!” It was Lieutenant Camp that spoke, and his voice contained -a note of protest. “Yours, you mean; and believe me, sir, the very -cleverest that I ever saw executed.” - -George laughed again. - -“You are giving me credit for a great deal that was purely chance,” -said he, lightly. “The bolt upon the door, for instance, and the fact -that the horses were not tied fast.” He turned to Peggy, who rode upon -the other side of him, and added: “The element of chance is the great -factor in most enterprises; don’t you think so?” - -She made some reply, but in a voice so low that he did not catch the -words. - -“We plan as carefully as we can, we weigh and calculate every -possibility that presents itself; and then when the time for action -arrives, some utterly unlooked-for thing happens that brings us victory -or defeat.” - -He paused, expecting her to make some reply to his philosophizing; -but she did not do so; steadily she sat her horse, and from the vague -outline that he had of her, he fancied that she was looking straight -ahead. Plainly, she desired no part in the conversation. They had kept -to the Kingsbridge Road, and now pressed south as soon as their horses -had recovered from their long gallop. Little was now said except upon -the part of the lieutenant; he talked eagerly and largely upon the -topics of interest to Loyalists. At another time George would have been -vastly interested in his remarks, but now he gave them small attention. - -Somehow the silence of the girl at his side piqued him; her manner was -a subtle irritation. He took exception to her attitude toward him; he -felt that a more friendly aspect was but his due. - -Mile after mile fell behind them; they passed the long bends in the -road that lay just opposite Hell Gate, and then into the straight -length near Horen’s Hook. However, they had reached the junction of the -Bloomingdale Road below Kip’s Bay before Peggy Camp spoke again. - -“Perhaps, Herbert,” she said to her brother, “we are presuming too much -upon this young gentleman’s good nature.” - -“What’s that?” and the lieutenant was plainly surprised. - -“He may have his own affairs to attend to,” she said. “And we should -not keep him from them.” - -“Oh, I say now,” protested Herbert, “that is just a trifle unfriendly, -Peggy. He is going to ride with us into town.” - -“It is just as Mistress Camp desires,” returned George, distantly, and -sitting very stiffly in his saddle. - -“It was a mere suggestion upon my part,” she said, and her voice was as -cold as his own. “I have no great interest either way.” - -Her brother brought his horse around until he gained her other side; -and from the way the animal reared, it was plain that its rider was -angry. - -“What in the world ails you to-night, Peg?” he demanded heatedly. “One -would think that you had been affronted. We all ride together to town. -There is some business to transact.” - -To this Peggy made no answer; but George, though he could make her -out but dimly, knew that she was riding on with head held high, and -he also felt sure that her eyes--if one could but have had a glimpse -of them--bore the proud look that he had seen in them more than once -before. - -When they reached the line of defenses that ran westward from Corlear’s -Hook, a voice challenged them out of the darkness. Lieutenant Camp -rode forward to answer; and no sooner had he vanished than George felt -Peggy’s horse press closer to his side. - -“Sir,” she said hurriedly, in a low voice, “I must beg of you not to -ride into town with us.” - -“I don’t understand,” said the young man. - -“It is plain that you do not,” she returned, “or you would not be so -willing to go.” - -He considered for a moment, his eyes trying to search her face. - -“Perhaps,” said he, “you could make it clear if you had the mind.” - -“It may be so,” she answered. “But I cannot do so. Even in warning you -so far I fear I am doing wrong. Nevertheless you have twice been of -service to me, and it’s only a poor return to tell you that you are in -danger.” - -“Danger!” He laughed a little. “In times like these, one is constantly -in danger.” - -“But not such danger as this.” He felt her hand touch his arm and noted -that it was trembling. “There are some dangers that a person of courage -can face and overcome. But this----” and her voice trailed away into an -unintelligible quaver. - -George was about to make answer when they heard the clup-clup of -horses’ hoofs and the voice of Lieutenant Camp calling: - -“All’s well. You may come forward.” - -The girl bent toward George imploringly. - -“For the last time! Will you be warned by me?” - -“I don’t understand,” he said. “And I would much prefer to go on. But -to do so would apparently worry you; and I have no desire to do that.” - -“Go now,” she said, eagerly. “Don’t stay. I will ride forward and -explain your disappearance as best I can.” - -He wheeled his horse and rode back along the road; pausing at a little -distance he heard the voice of Lieutenant Camp as he loudly gave the -countersign; and again as the lieutenant made an angry exclamation. For -a time George expected that the young officer would ride back in search -of him; but this did not happen, and in a short space he heard brother -and sister pass the sentries, and then all was silent. - -The girl’s meaning was shadowy and mysterious; he could not conceive, -even in part, what danger could threaten him in the city that did not -also threaten them. - -“Why, not so much, by far,” he told himself. But then in a moment came -another thought. “It is possible,” he reflected, “that she fancies her -brother’s known rank in the American army will serve to save him; and -that I, being a stranger, would fall under suspicion.” - -However, still another thought upset the preceding one. - -“She heard me, only yesterday, declaring that I bore dispatches from -Boston to General Putnam. That must have convinced her that I, too, am -fairly well known.” - -For some time he sat in the saddle pondering this puzzle but at last he -gave it up. - -“No matter what her meaning,” he told himself, cheerfully, “there has -been no harm in doing what she requested. It is not as though the -brother were unknown to me. I can pick him up at any time--to-morrow -perhaps--and resume the matter just where it was broken off to-night at -the inn.” - -Riding back some little distance he found a road that led westward and -brought him to Broadway; and then, after passing the guard, he made his -way to the “King’s Arms” and went quietly to bed. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -IN WHICH GEORGE PRENTISS RECEIVES AN INVITATION - - -Next morning George Prentiss made his way to General Putnam’s -headquarters at the foot of Broadway; and, as he went, there was at -first some doubt in his mind as to the kind of a report he should make. - -He had undertaken readily enough the enterprise upon which he had -ridden the day before. The conspiring Tories were enemies to the cause -of liberty, and he felt no qualms in matching them in their own style -of work. But he had not reckoned on what had taken place. He had not -expected to find his cousin concerned in it. True, a soldier of the -colonies, who was so base as to betray the cause in order that he might -profit thereby, was infinitely worse than any Tory. - -“He should receive no mercy,” George told himself with indignation. -“And any one having the cause at heart should be only too glad to hunt -him out and see him punished.” - -But for all his realization of this, he felt no desire to pursue and -expose Herbert Camp. - -However, he knew which way his duty lay; and so he determinedly tramped -into headquarters and asked to see General Putnam. - -“Why,” cried the hearty old officer, “what now! I had no idea that I’d -see you for days.” Then noting an expression in the young man’s face -that was not easily read, he added: “Something has happened.” - -“Quite a deal has happened,” returned George, “and I thought it best -that I make a report to you at once.” - -“Out with it,” invited Putnam. “I can see that it is a matter of -interest; so lose no time.” - -Thereupon George related his adventures of the night before; not a -detail escaped the telling, and the general listened with the greatest -interest. - -“Why,” cried Putnam, when George had finally finished, “here’s a -surprising circumstance, indeed. And it would seem that the situation -is made to fit you as the coat upon your back. There is nothing for you -to do but to take up the scent that is plain before you; and within a -week, I warrant you, the solution of it all will be in your hands.” - -But George shook his head. - -“I’m afraid,” said he, slowly, “that I have no keenness for the work. I -felt bound in duty to report what I had seen and heard; but now I ask -to be relieved of the matter.” - -The general stared at him for a moment in wide amazement. Then the -habitually jolly look upon his face died out, and one of coldness -replaced it. - -“When once a soldier volunteers, it is considered that he is willing to -go on until he is directed to halt,” said he. - -George lifted his head proudly. - -“I, too, am perfectly willing to do that, general, if commanded. But -I felt that you were not only my officer but my friend; and that -if I told you there was something which made the duty personally -distasteful, you would release me from it.” - -General Putnam regarded him earnestly for a moment; his face gradually -softened. - -“You are right, my lad,” spoke he, “I am your friend. This duty, which -you have so far carried out smoothly and well, shows itself to be of -great importance; and it would be well for us if you could continue it. -To be sure, we could arrest young Camp and the merchant Dana at once -if need be; but there is still little or no convincing evidence, and -a thousand loopholes by which they might escape. The proof necessary -could be best secured by you; but if you feel a real repulsion to the -work--one that you cannot readily overcome--you may have your wish.” - -“Thank you,” said George. “Anything else, general, and you may command -me to any length; but not in this.” - -Again the general studied him; and then a light crossed his face. - -“I think I see,” he said. “This young officer Camp--and his sister--are -somehow responsible for your change of front.” - -“Yes,” replied George. “They are my cousins--son and daughter of my -mother’s sister.” - -“I see, I see. And your desire to have no further hand in the thing -is perfectly natural. Ah, well, well--the world is a queer place, -indeed--a jumble of causes and desires--of hopes and dreads. But,” with -a wave of the hand, “that will be all now. I will replace you in this; -however, keep in touch with me--there may be something else in which -you may prove more ready.” - -Again George saluted; and as he left headquarters he encountered Major -Hyde upon the sidewalk. Henderson bore him company; and from the -attitude of the two they were awaiting him. - -“Well met, sir,” spoke Henderson with a friendly wave of the hand. - -“This is my crony, Captain Henderson of Lowney’s City troops,” said -Major Hyde, indicating the fop. - -“I have met the gentleman before,” answered George, coldly. - -Hyde laughed, and exhibited more geniality of manner than George would -have given him credit for. - -“Oh, come now,” said he. “Don’t bear any hard feelings. Give us both a -hand, and let us make a fresh beginning.” - -“’Pon my soul!” ejaculated the dragoon. “I no more took you the other -day for what you are, than I’d have taken you for the man in the moon.” -He grasped the young New Englander’s reluctant hand and shook it -effusively. “I’m delighted to meet you.” - -Hyde also shook his hand, but with more moderation. - -“General Putnam gave us some hint of your service,” said he, “and I beg -your pardon for any shortness of manner that I may have used toward -you. You see, every day there are persons introducing themselves at -headquarters who have nothing but presumption to back them up.” - -“And,” said George, nettled, “you took me for one of those, then. Why, -thank you,” with a bow; “it was extremely good of you.” - -Hyde laughed and clapped him upon the back. - -George resented the slap upon the back; he was not the sort who took -kindly to any form of familiarity upon short acquaintance. But these -men were enlisted in the same cause; and he felt it his place to be on -a good footing with them. So the only way his anger manifested itself -was in his stepping out of reach of both, and drawing himself stiffly -erect. - -But Hyde did not appear to notice his manner. “You are quartered at the -‘King’s Arms’ still, I think,” said he. - -George nodded. - -“It’s a very good place, as such places go,” said Hyde. “But it is apt -to stale after a little time spent in it.” He regarded the young New -Englander in a most kindly fashion. “Do you intend making any stay in -New York?” - -“My orders were to put myself under the directions of General Putnam -until such time as the commander-in-chief arrived.” - -Hyde seemed quite delighted at this. As for Henderson, he slapped his -thigh. - -“Now, there is luck!” cried he. “I told you, major, that something of -the kind must be so. And he’ll be just the fellow for us.” - -But Major Hyde motioned for him to be quiet. - -“Don’t be quite so ready,” said he. “Perhaps Mr. Prentiss has plans of -his own.” - -He then turned to George once more. - -“You see,” said he, “some of us have grown tired of tavern fare and -tavern company; and we have engaged a house in Wall Street, ready -furnished and with a black fellow as cook----” - -“And such talent!” interrupted the young dragoon, who evidently loved -fine food almost as well as he did fine clothes. “Never was there such -a cook before. In his hands even so common an article as a joint of -beef becomes a thing almost ethereal.” - -“I will not go quite so far as that,” laughed the major, “but I will -say that we are circumstanced most comfortably. There are four of us, -and there is room for one more. Henderson and I have discussed the -matter and made up our minds that we owe you something to make amends -for a rather boorish greeting the other day. We’d be pleased to have -you join us in this venture, and can assure you of greater convenience -than you’ll get at an inn.” - -But George shook his head. - -“It will be but a few days, now,” said he, “before the main body of the -army arrives; and my employment will then be such that I’ll not know -from one day to another where I shall be. Another thing, I have some -close friends with the Massachusetts troops; and shall quarter with -them at such times as I shall be disengaged.” - -“Oh, see here now,” said the foppish dragoon, “this is most unforgiving -of you, ’pon my soul it is.” - -“I’m very sorry,” said Hyde, whose disappointment was better tempered, -but equally keen. “We had all but counted upon you.” He studied George -for a moment, and then added: “But you can come and dine with us now -and then, can you not? We shall be pleased to see you at any time.” - -At any other time George might have consented to accept their -hospitality out of sheer good nature. But now he somehow instinctively -drew back. It may have been that his first impression of the two men -was still strong upon him; or it may have been something else. He did -not, however, pause to work it out; but with a bow and a polite wave of -the hand, he said: - -“You are very kind. Some other time, perhaps; but not to-night.” - -And with that he swung along up Broadway, leaving them standing gazing -after him. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -SHOWS HOW WASHINGTON CAME TO NEW YORK - - -When George Prentiss told Major Hyde and Captain Henderson that he -would remain in New York until Washington arrived with the army from -Boston, he had not reckoned with the uncertainties of the service. - -That very evening he was called upon to board a swift-sailing ship to -New London, there to deliver certain important writings to the officer -in command of that division of the army which was expected to have -already reached that point. This duty the young New Englander performed -with the promptness native to him; and, under orders of the authorities -at New London, he rode with other dispatches to Washington at Norwich. - -As he dismounted from his horse before the commander-in-chief’s -headquarters, he was greeted with a hearty: - -“What! do we see you again, old chap? We thought we’d lost you for a -week or more.” - -The speaker was a stalwart young man in a continental uniform; and -beside him stood another, sleek and pippin-faced and with a friendly -smile. - -“The leaders of this army,” laughed the latter, “seem to know an -accomplished dispatch bearer when they see one. It speaks well for -their discernment.” - -George shook them both heartily by the hand. - -“I had not expected to see you, either. I had heard,” to the stalwart -one, “that you’d been sent off on a recruiting expedition through the -Massachusetts towns.” - -Nat Brewster nodded gravely. - -“I returned only yesterday. And we had but little success. Now that -their own homes are not threatened, the people seem to be losing -interest in the struggle.” - -The round-faced youth smiled widely at this. - -“If they don’t come forward,” said he, “they’ll find themselves worse -off than before. The British are swarming over seas, I’ve heard. The -stories of the mess-rooms have the Atlantic black with frigates and -three-deckers of the line.” - -“It’s very likely not as bad as Ben paints it,” said young Brewster, -“but at the same time there is good cause for alarm. Nothing is known -of the expedition that sailed from Boston under Sir Henry Clinton -before the evacuation. It’s a formidable force, capable of striking a -crippling blow; and then the army under Howe must be hovering somewhere -within easy sailing distance. To meet this and the forces which the -ministers at London must now be fitting out against us, General -Washington must greatly increase his force.” - -“Night and day he’s at it,” said Ben Cooper, in high admiration; “you -never saw such a man to work. But the recruits come in like snails. -They somehow seem to dread to leave their own states. Just as though,” -in disgust, “there were any more danger upon one side of a boundary -line than there is on another.” - -After George had delivered his dispatches and dined, his brother Ezra, -more astonishingly his counterpart than ever before, broke in upon him -tumultuously. And after they had exchanged experiences, George related -his queer encounters with Herbert Camp and his sister in New York. - -“A traitor,” said Ezra, aghast. - -“There can be no doubt about it,” said George. “A traitor, bought by -the prospects of the old man’s fortune.” - -They sat for a long time in silence; then Ezra laid his hand upon his -brother’s arm. - -“I am glad,” said he, “that you asked General Putnam’s permission to -withdraw. Herbert Camp will be taken in the end, but neither you nor I -must have a hand in it.” - -George was next day assigned, together with his brother and two -friends, to service under General Knox in transporting the artillery, -and in this work he labored for some days until the heavy guns of -Washington’s force were safely stowed in the vessels that were to carry -them to New York. - -It was on April 13th that Washington finally reached New York City. The -populace were thick in the streets and received him with thunderous -cheers. Guns were fired, though the ammunition could be ill spared, and -a medley of colonial flags fluttered in the breeze. - -As it happened, Tryon, the British governor, had just arrived in the -“Asia,” a huge ship of the line, to replace Colden once more. Mounting -the ramparts of the fort he noted the tumult of color and the seething -sea of citizens. - -“What,” cried he, to those of his staff who bore him company, “I did -not know that I had grown so popular with the townsfolk.” - -“The rebel leader, Mr. Washington, has just reached the city, Your -Excellency,” said some one; “and I fear that it is he whom they are -welcoming.” - -Tryon’s face darkened. “Ah,” sneered he, “is it so? Well, we will -shortly see how they will welcome the cannon shots that I’ll send about -their ears. I doubt if they will then be so overjoyed.” - -George Prentiss heard this from the lips of the young ensign who had -shown him the way to General Putnam’s headquarters a few weeks before. -This young man’s name was Noel, and George, in his few meetings with -him, had found him to be a student of the times and of the conspicuous -figures therein. - -“Quite a setback for old Tryon,” laughed young Noel. “Must have jarred -him quite a bit, I’ll warrant you. But the conceit of the wretch, to -think that any community would take a step out of its way to cheer him. -What else but an uprising could Lord North and the rest of the king’s -ministers expect, when they appoint such as he to rule the province?” - -“I have heard very little of him,” said George, “except that he is a -tyrant.” - -“Some ten years ago,” said the ensign Noel, “he was made governor of -North Carolina, vice Dobbs deceased. He built a palace at Newberne and -gave entertainments that were the talk of the province. And to pay for -all this the taxes went up by leaps and bounds; his administration was -one black history of crime and extortion; and at last the ‘Regulator’ -movement began that ended in his being withdrawn.” - -“And not being good enough for North Carolina, they saddled him upon -New York,” smiled young Prentiss. - -“Precisely. But he’s not for long.” - -A number of young militiamen were gathered upon the Parade at the time, -and one in the group remarked to George: - -“I met your friends Brewster and Cooper to-day. And afterward, some of -the Massachusetts men fell to talking of them. Very remarkable young -men, I should say.” - -“They have seen their share of service,” replied George. “Brewster is -from the Wyoming region, and Cooper is his cousin, a Philadelphian. -They both got into Boston before the Lexington fight, and there has -been little of consequence since that time that they have not had a -hand in.” - -“I hope,” said Ensign Noel, “that we have as much chance in New York as -you fellows about Boston have had. So far there has been little or no -opportunity for anything but hard work. Of course the fortifications -and the planting of batteries are necessary things; but there is little -credit in the work save for engineer officers.” - -“You’ll get your fill of fighting, Noel, before you are many months -older, or I’m greatly mistaken,” spoke another of the party. “And -you’ll not be sorry, either, that some effort was made in the way -of fortifications. We may need every scrap of strength that we can -muster.” - -The defenses planned by Lee had been for the most part completed, -some by himself, others by Lord Sterling and General Putnam; and the -remainder began to rise like magic under the hand of Washington. - -These were the days of great perplexities for the commander-in-chief. -New York had now become the grand magazine of the colonies. He had few -men to defend it against the weighty force that England was expected -to send. Terms of enlistment were about expiring for a great part of -the troops that had been brought from Boston; day by day the army was -growing less, and yet call after call came to him for reinforcements -for the desperately circumstanced force in Canada. - -Some weeks after his assuming command of New York, Washington set out -for Philadelphia to consult with Congress with regard to the passage of -an act that would increase the army in a more permanent way; for he now -realized that the transient enlistment of militia would never supply -sufficient power to effect real progress against a disciplined enemy. - -Meanwhile George Prentiss, who was attached to headquarters, had rather -an idle time of it so far as regular service went. He did not waste -his days, however; each afternoon he rode out and inspected the roads -and outlying defenses; also he made pencil sketches of points which he -fancied would be of value, and topographical maps of both Manhattan and -Long Island for miles around. This sort of work came naturally to him; -more than once his officers had complimented him upon his facility, and -found its product of considerable value. - -One evening toward the end of May he rode into the city with a bundle -of sketches in his saddle-bag; he had been in the district about -Kingsbridge, but had made his way back by the roads along the East -River. Riding along Queen Street he had all but reached the junction -of Crown when he espied a little party that crossed just ahead of him. -There was something familiar about them, so touching his horse with the -spur he turned into Crown Street after them. - -There was a corpulent old gentleman upon a broad-backed Flemish mare; -there was a spare old gentleman upon a rangy looking cob; and there -was a girl upon a chestnut which champed its bit and seemed to disdain -the ground. He had not gone more than a dozen yards into Crown Street -before he recognized those ahead of him. They were Merchant Camp, his -partner, Mr. Dana--and Peggy. - -Before a wide fronted brick house, not more than a dozen yards east of -William Street, the party halted. It was undoubtedly old Camp’s city -residence, for at his call, a couple of stout serving men hastened out -and assisted the three to dismount. The stout old merchant gallantly -led Peggy up the steps, while Dana halted along behind them. - -Somehow, after this, George found much to interest him in that part -of the city. The flower gardens, just beginning to bloom, were full -of attraction; the quaint old Dutch houses were rich in lore of times -past; he found odd, loitering fellows who could and would talk of their -neighbors; also craftsmen who were not in the least averse to an honest -gossip while they plied their trades. - -An old basket weaver, who sat in the sun which slanted in at his -doorway while he contrived articles of reed and cane, had lived and -worked there for forty years. - -“Things were different when I first came,” said he to George, and -he shook his white head in recollection of times past. “I was young -then--not yet thirty--work was plenty and times were quieter. Good, -God-fearing folk there was then--folk that had need of more baskets and -less powder and ball. Then people were glad to be able to do each other -a favor; now nothing will do them but that they’ll cut one another’s -throats.” - -“Times and people are always changing,” said George, agreeably. “But -riches change folk more than anything else, perhaps,” he philosophized. -“There’s your neighbor Camp, the merchant. He’s altered greatly in -forty years, I’ll warrant you.” - -“Why, not so much as you’d think,” said the basket maker. “Except for -the fact that he prefers to live far away in the country and gives but -little of his time to his trade or his ships, he’s much the same as -he’s always been.” - -George laughed. - -“His hard and fast manner did not come with age, then?” remarked he. -“As a young man he must have been a most forcible character.” - -The old basket weaver nodded. “Always just the same in temper,” said -he. “Just as you see him to-day. If a thing didn’t please him, he’d -storm like a fury. But he was always good-hearted and honest; I’ll say -that for him, Tory as he is.” - -“It’s an odd thing--or so I’ve thought sometimes--that a man’s kin are -so seldom like him.” - -“That’s a true saying,” agreed the basket weaver, as he worked away -industriously in the sunshine. “A very true saying, young sir. And -perhaps it is even oftener the case than you’d think. In the matter of -Merchant Camp, there are few that belong to him that have any but a -trace of his quality. Miss Peggy is more like him than any one else. -She has his pride in full and a rare bit of his peppery temper. But her -brother is a surly young dog. He’s a patriot, of course,” and the old -man grimaced, “but his deeds in that way will never break him down.” - -“What do you mean?” asked George. - -“Why, he went into the army when General Lee came, and strutted with -the best of them. But now that there is a chance of employment against -the enemy, he’s given up his commission--resigned, they tell me.” - -This was news to George. True, he had seen nothing of Herbert Camp -since his return to New York; and he had made no inquiries, thinking -it best, for one reason and another, to put the whole episode of the -“Wheat Sheaf” behind him. - -“Of course, a man has a proper right to do as he will,” observed the -basket maker, wagging his head. “He had his reasons, they say. However, -the matter stands as I have put it. And since his giving up the army, -little is seen of him; once or twice I’ve noted him pass my door, and -his head was hanging like a dog’s that had been caught harrying a -rabbit out of season.” - -When George left the basket maker, he rode along Crown Street and -passed the Camp mansion at a canter. By chance he lifted his eyes to -one of the windows; there stood his cousin Peggy, an arm upraised, -holding back the curtains; and as their glances met, she quickly let -the curtain fall. - -But that one look told him more eloquently than words could have done -that Peggy’s mind was not at rest; there was a look of fear in her -eyes; her expression was intent and anxious. - -And so, day by day, as his affairs took him through Crown Street, he -never failed to look up at the window; but not once again did he catch -sight of her. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -IN WHICH GEORGE PRENTISS MAKES A SUDDEN RESOLUTION - - -In the meantime Washington had returned to New York. Knowing that if -the British ventured against the town, they would at once attempt -to seize the navigation of the Hudson, he redoubled his efforts to -strengthen the defenses of that important river. Upon his ability to -hold this depended the possible safety of the entire province. - -Fort Montgomery was planted at the lower part of the Highlands on a -tall bluff north of Dunderberg. Here the river was a mile wide, and -just opposite was the promontory called Anthony’s Nose, hundreds of -feet high and accessible only to goats and men expert in climbing. From -this a body of riflemen might sweep a vessel’s decks. - -Fort Constitution was some miles higher up and built upon an island. -The former fort was garrisoned by about two hundred and fifty of -Clinton’s regiment and Wisner’s minutemen; the latter had about half -as many drawn from the same source, and all were about half armed and -badly equipped. Colonel James Clinton was in command of both posts. - -Breastworks were thrown up for the defense of Kingsbridge and another -work commanded Spuyten Duyvil Creek. A strong work to crown a rocky -height some few miles below the bridge was also planned; this was to -be called Fort Washington, and it would command the channels of the -Hudson; also, redoubts were to be built on the banks at Jeffreys Point. - -While these efforts were being made along the Hudson, Brooklyn was not -neglected. Here the talent of General Greene was manifested; and in -many other places works were thrown up, batteries planted and redoubts -built. - -And it would seem they were none too soon; for the rumors as to the -coming of a heavy British armament were growing thicker and thicker; -some had it that the bay would be full of war-ships before a fortnight -had passed. - -Governor Tryon had long before given up the attempt to rule the -province from the point of Manhattan Island; so he undertook the much -more difficult task of transacting its affairs from the after cabin -of the “Asia,” which was anchored in the bay. He was in constant -communication with the king’s men of Long Island; plot upon plot was -hatched upon the ship of the line; some of them carried, some were -thwarted, but only one made a great noise and scurrying. - -One afternoon George was riding from Washington’s headquarters at -Richmond Hill; along a winding path which led through Lispenard’s -meadows raced his friends Brewster and Cooper upon horses white with -foam. - -He hurriedly drew his mount aside, for they never slowed their pace, -and as they flashed by he saw Nat Brewster wave his hand for him to -follow. At once he wheeled and plunged along after them. At Richmond -Hill the two dismounted, and had already been admitted when George rode -up; their panting mounts were being led to and fro by an attendant; -little groups of officers stood about, conversing in low tones. - -George slipped out of his saddle and waited; it was perhaps a quarter -of an hour later that young Cooper, his round face running beads of -perspiration and his eyes lit with excitement, threw open the door and -came hastily out. He carried a paper sealed with a great splash of red -wax; and his glance went quickly about until it rested upon George. -Instantly he approached him. - -“Nat said he saw you,” stated the chubby-faced youth, excitedly, “and -that you followed us. And it’s lucky you did, for there’s plenty for -you to do, old fellow.” He held up the dispatch. “This is for General -Sterling.” He passed the sealed paper to George. “Make all speed. Nat -and I and some others are going to carry the alarm to Harlem and the -posts on the way.” - -“Alarm!” repeated young Prentiss in surprise. Ben took a step nearer. - -“A conspiracy! Brewster was put upon it as soon as he reached New York, -and he just got to the bottom of it this afternoon.” Here a voice -called his name from one of the windows of the mansion. “I must go,” -said he, hurriedly. “Ride hard, for moments are precious.” - -As Ben darted away into the house, George threw himself into the -saddle; giving his horse rein, he galloped off toward the city. General -Lord Sterling was not to be found in his quarters in Broadway; but at -the “King’s Arms” George discovered him engaged with a dish of mutton -chops. - -“How now?” said the grave-faced soldier, looking up in surprise. “You -seem quite breathless.” - -“Important news, general,” said the young man, handing him the -dispatches. - -Neglectful of the smoking chops, Lord Sterling broke the seal and ran -his eyes over the lines of writing. His hand struck the table and the -dishes leaped under the impact. - -“Done!” exclaimed he. “Done at last! Now, my fine fellows,” folding up -the paper and stowing it in the breast of his uniform coat, “let me see -you escape the net we’ll spread for you.” - -[Illustration: _LORD STERLING BROKE THE SEAL_] - -Vigorously he began cutting at his meat, but in a moment he dropped -both knife and fork, and said to George: - -“Putnam has hinted to me that you have had a chance to hunt out this -very matter some time ago, but that for private reasons you gave it up.” - -George bowed, but said nothing. - -“Well, it seems to have made no difference. Young Brewster has handled -the thing most cleverly. And nothing but the severest blows would -do the rascals,” continued Sterling. “They aspire to blowing up our -important magazines, and not content with that, they must needs have -the life of the commander-in-chief.” - -“May I ask, general, what names have been mentioned?” - -The thought which George had been trying to stifle all the way into the -city had finally found expression. - -“A sergeant named Hickey is deep in it. You have seen him, perhaps.” - -“Frequently. He was a deserter from the British, I think, and was used -to drill our men.” - -“That is the very fellow. More than likely his desertion was a blind; -he was probably sent to take service with us so that he could try his -hand at corrupting our soldiers, as he has been doing.” - -“Are there any others?” - -“David Matthews, Tory mayor of the city, has been distributing money -to enlist men and purchase arms. A number of General Washington’s -body-guard is mentioned and will be seized as soon as the word is -given.” - -Lord Sterling paused for a moment, and then continued: - -“There is still another person suspected. However, he has been very -careful and little has been found against him. And he is, perhaps, more -to be feared than any of the others.” - -“Has his name ever been upon our list of officers?” asked George, and -his voice sounded strangely in his own ears. - -The general looked at him in surprise. - -“I had not thought you had gone so far into the matter,” said he. “And -while I can mention no names, it is very likely the person you have in -mind.” - -That night, at the place where they had quartered, George had a brief -talk with Nat Brewster, who had just ridden in from the Highlands, and -was eating a hasty supper. - -“I will give you the details later,” said Nat, “but the main facts are -these: I intercepted some letters passing between Mayor Matthews at his -place in Flatbush, and Governor Tryon on board the ‘Asia’; and in this -way secured the vital facts.” - -“I see.” - -“I never saw any documents richer in facts. They were full of allusions -which proved most valuable to me. I recall one in particular which put -me on a surprising scent. It said: ‘Don’t hesitate to trust the young -man I spoke of to the full. He is a nephew of Camp’s, and as he has -proven trustworthy in the past, will no doubt continue to be so in the -future.’” - -“Is it known when they will be arrested?” - -“The present home of Mayor Matthews is no great distance from General -Greene’s camp on Long Island. His house is to be surrounded to-night, -and he is to be taken. We expect to arrest the other actors in the -conspiracy, also, to-night. They are to meet at Corbie’s tavern, which -lies just to the west of Bayard’s woods; perhaps we’ll have the good -fortune to capture them in a body.” - -Nat had time to tell but little more; for instantly upon finishing his -meal, he ran out and mounted a fresh horse, which had been saddled for -him, and rode off toward Richmond Hill. - -For some time after he had gone, George sat upon a bench at an open -window and stared out at the June night. The boy’s mind was full of -vague trouble; there was something that stirred him strangely. Dully, -he realized that it all concerned the prospective arrest of young Camp. - -“But he is a traitor,” he told himself. “He deliberately broke his -solemn oath to the colonies that he might be enriched with his uncle’s -money. He is my cousin, but that he is to be shamed and made to suffer -is just and right.” - -But then there was Peggy. She had loved her brother and she no doubt -continued to love him; she would also suffer, keenly, bitterly, -pitifully. George realized that to the full. - -“Girls always grieve and break their hearts over a weakling who has -done evil and is made to pay,” he muttered, as he clasped his knees and -stared out into the darkness. “And the nearer and dearer the criminal -is to them, the greater the grief.” - -That Herbert Camp was near and dear to his sister had been made evident. - -“Did she not ride after him on that night at the ‘Wheat Sheaf,’” he -said, “fearing that he would come to harm? And since then what has she -not suffered, perhaps, because of him--in forebodings, in fear that -he would be found out? For all I know, she has ridden after him more -than once since, in the hope of safeguarding him. It may be that even -to-night----” - -Like a flash he was upon his feet. - -“Peter!” he called, sharply. “Peter.” - -A thick-set fellow, showing his Dutch descent plainly, lumbered into -the room. - -“Did you call?” he inquired, stolidly. - -“My horse--put the saddle on him as quickly as you can and bring him -around to the door.” - -Grumbling to himself, Peter quitted the apartment. George adjusted his -shoulder belt with its steel hilted hanger; also, he looked sharply to -the priming of a pistol which he stuck into his belt; then he paced the -floor, waiting for his mount. - -The horse’s iron shoes rang upon the stones; and in a few moments -George was in the saddle once more and headed away toward Bayard’s -woods. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -TELLS HOW TWO PEOPLE PEERED THROUGH THE WINDOW OF THE OLD MILL - - -The night was without moon or stars, but the low, coppery sky made -things distinguishable, and the horse ridden by George Prentiss had no -difficulty in maintaining a steady lope. - -Once outside the city proper, the rider struck across the meadows, -knowing that Bayard’s woods were no great distance from Washington’s -headquarters. Entering a path that skirted the wood, he pushed along -until he saw the glow of lights through a growth of heavy trees. - -“That will be the tavern,” said George. “For none but a public house -would have so many candles burning.” - -Quietly he rode forward; suddenly his horse snorted and reared; only a -good seat and a firm hand saved the young New Englander from a fall. -His keen eyes, by this time well accustomed to the semi-darkness, saw -a dark shadow flit across his path. - -“Hello,” he called, and his right hand clutched the pistol butt, “take -care, there.” - -The unknown made no answer; and the rustling of the thick, spring -growth showed that no pause was made. George held in his nervous horse, -his eyes searching his surroundings as best they could. But the shadow -had disappeared into the thicker ones beyond, and all was silence. - -The lad did not waste any time in search, but speaking to his mount, -headed toward the lights of the tavern. Upon the side by which he -approached, the land lay low; then the path ascended a knoll, and upon -the top of this was a building. - -When he had gained the summit of the rise, George recognized that the -building was a mill; its solid outline and broken wings showed it to -be, perhaps, still another reminder of the Dutch who had held the land -in years gone by. - -Here the young New Englander dismounted and tied his horse. - -He had taken to the path once more and had gone but half a dozen -yards, when he suddenly came to a stand. Listening intently, he caught -the scuff-scuff of advancing footsteps. Straining his eyes, he dimly -made out two figures, arm in arm, and approaching with great caution. - -Instinctively young Prentiss shrank back into the shadow of the mill -wall; then he waited until the two came up. They were almost abreast of -him when they paused. - -“This is the place,” spoke one, in a voice strange to the listener. “We -can talk inside here without danger of being observed or overheard. -Many’s the time I’ve transacted risky business here.” - -Once more they advanced, apparently directly toward the lurking figure -against the wall; a hand was outstretched, so it seemed to George, to -grasp him; but in reality it was to open a door close beside him. The -rusty hinges creaked and complained querulously; then the two passed -into the mill and the door closed after them. - -George waited for a few moments, then he stole to the door. With his -ear close against it, he detected the clink of a steel against flint, -then through the long seams that now showed between the warped boards -of the door he caught the gleam of the spark. - -“They’ve lighted a candle,” he murmured to himself. - -There was a window some dozen feet above the ground; and he was gazing -up at it speculatively when he noticed the shoots of a sturdy vine -playing back and forth in the square of light. - -Carefully he took hold of this and began to draw himself upward; inch -by inch he ascended until finally his head rose above the level of the -window. Securing a good foot-hold in a tough fork of the stem, George -settled himself to observe what was before him. The room was a fairly -large one, having once upon a time been used for a storeroom by the -miller for his grist. A candle end sputtered fitfully upon the head -of an upturned cask; and beside it sat two figures engaged in earnest -conversation. - -Looking down at them as he was, George had no very plain view of their -faces; but their words came distinctly enough to his ears. - -“I wish,” spoke the voice which he had heard a few minutes before, “I -had known of your willingness some time ago. You would have been very -useful.” - -“I may still be so,” replied the second person, and young Prentiss -started and barely managed to choke back the exclamation that arose to -his lips. The speaker was Herbert Camp! - -“No,” said the first man. “Our plans are now complete. Nothing remains -but to await the moment when the signal is given.” - -“And when will that be?” inquired Camp. - -“How am I to answer that?” said the other man. “I know very little of -anything except the danger.” - -“They don’t tell you the important things, then?” - -“Only those that they must. There are men among them that are not -half--no, not a tenth as much concerned as I am; and yet they have the -details at their fingers’ ends.” - -“It would seem to me that you are not well treated, Hickey,” said -Herbert Camp. - -In the uncertain candle-light George now recognized the uniform of -Washington’s guard which the second man was wearing; he had seen the -British deserter only a few times, but, now that he was called to mind, -the watching youth had no doubt that this was he. - -“Did you, or anybody else, ever hear of Tryon treating those that serve -him decently?” demanded Hickey. “He’s one of the sort that squeeze you -dry--and then drop you. But,” he went on, “when he’s made up his mind -to drop me, my pockets will be well lined, for if he does not give me -his confidence, he does give me his money.” Once more the deserter -laughed. - -What answer Herbert made, young Prentiss did not hear; but in a moment -the other began speaking again. - -“When old Dana recommended you to me, I naturally had my doubts. ‘Is -he to be trusted?’ asks I. ‘As you’d trust yourself,’ says he. ‘Are -you sure of that?’ says I. ‘As sure as I am of anything,’ says he. ‘It -means sixty thousand pounds to him in ready money, real property and -some of the finest ships that sail the sea. Oh, yes, you can trust him -to any length; he’ll not miss a fortune like that,’ says he.” - -“No more would any man,” answered Herbert Camp. - -The remainder of the reply was lost to George; for at the moment Camp -began speaking, a sound outside the mill came to the ears of the young -New Englander. He drew his head down out of the lighted square of the -window and listened. But nothing followed. - -“It must have been the horse stamping,” was George’s thought, after a -few moments. He was about to resume his former position when he caught -the soft fall of feet almost directly below him; and while he crouched -low, listening, he felt the vine shaking as though under an inquiring -hand. - -“Some one is coming up,” he breathed. And, sure enough, the stout vine -shook and strained under an additional weight; slowly and with much -more difficulty than he had had, George felt the unknown ascend. For a -moment he fancied that he had been discovered and that the newcomer was -swarming up the vine to seize upon him. His hand went to the pistol in -the belt, and he awaited the first hostile word or touch to draw it for -use. - -The window was rather a large one, and the point that George had -gained, through pure chance, was to the extreme left of it. And now it -also chanced that the newcomer scaled to the right; in the darkness a -head came even with the young man, and, indeed, passed him. - -With his feet, knees and left hand holding to the thick stem of the -vine, George hung, clutching the pistol butt and awaiting the moment to -act. But, so it seemed, the stranger had more interest within the mill -than without, for the head went cautiously above the window’s edge, -the dim yellow rays fell upon the face, and with a sharp gasp, George -recognized Peggy Camp! - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -IN WHICH PEGGY CAMP SHOWS HER COURAGE - - -For a moment, George Prentiss was so startled that he almost slipped -his hold on the vine. But apparently Peggy took no notice, her interest -in the two in the room below was so great; the dim rays of the candle -were reflected in her eager eyes. - -Though George, owing to his position, could not see the deserter and -his companion, their voices were so pitched that he had no difficulty -in hearing their conversation. - -“The cause of the colonies attracted me,” he caught from young Camp. -“It was the romance of it, no doubt; and partly it was the spirit of -rebellion that every young man feels against the powers that be. But -when my uncle made it so plain to me that it was against my interest to -continue as a colonial officer, why, I did not hesitate an instant.” - -A fist struck the cask head and the flickering candle leaped and almost -went out. - -“Now that is what I call reason, well spoken,” declared Hickey. - -“Mr. Dana must have told you my opinions of these things,” said young -Camp, “so there is no need of my repeating them. My object in coming -here to-night was to offer my services in any way that you might be -able to use me.” - -“As to that,” replied the other, “I don’t know. There are others -to be considered beside myself, you see. But,” here his voice fell -into a much lower key and finally trailed off into a soft whispering -which continued for some time. Then Herbert Camp was heard to say, -emphatically: - -“If you will do that it is all that I can ask in reason. Come,” and the -pushing back of stools told that the two had risen, “let us go at once. -I believe in making haste in things of this sort, for the opportunity -does not always last.” - -There was a low-voiced reply from the deserter; then the light went -out and the dimly illumined square of the window vanished. Once more -the neglected hinges creaked, then the door closed, and footsteps went -stumbling away toward the tavern. - -And now Peggy Camp began to descend the vine; in reaching out to take a -fresh hold, she slipped and would probably have fallen had not a firm -hand caught and held her. A frightened little cry came to her lips; but -a voice, almost in her ear, said: - -“Don’t be alarmed; I am a friend.” - -But the words were unheeded; the terror of a presence so near to -her and so unsuspected overcame all else; she swung herself down to -the ground with the celerity of fear, and George, when he had also -descended, found her gone. For a moment he stood trying to pierce the -gloom in all directions; then a now familiar sound came to him--the -rasping, complaining squeak of neglected hinges. A few steps brought -him to the door through which he had first seen the candle-light; -slipping within, he closed it behind him. - -“Once more,” said he, calmly, “I ask you not to be alarmed. You have no -occasion for it.” With the deftness that comes of experience he kindled -a blaze; the candle end was still in its place upon the upturned cask, -and lighting this, he looked about him. - -Peggy stood a dozen feet away, her eyes fixed steadily upon him; the -tilt of her chin and the proud pose of her young body told as plainly -as words could have done that though she might be well-nigh sick with -terror, still she would not show it. George regarded her for a moment -or two in silence; then he said: - -“I fancied that I would find you here.” - -“And I,” flashed she, “was sure that you would be at no great distance.” - -There was something in her manner and voice that affected him -unpleasantly; he felt his face flush hotly. - -“Oh, indeed!” was all that he could find to say in return. “And may I -ask why?” - -“Because,” said Peggy, coldly, “there are underhand things being -planned.” - -“It so happens, now and then,” said he at last, and rather lamely, -“that one is forced to contend with such conditions.” - -“Forced!” Her eyes flashed scornfully as she caught the word up. “It -seems, sir, that you are a trifle disingenuous. Your choice is free in -the matter, I should think.” - -He snuffed the long wick of the candle with his fingers; in the -heightened light he looked at her with attention. And as he looked, his -wits slowly returned. He resented the scorn so plain in her dark eyes; -his anger grew at the contempt written so straightforwardly in her face. - -“Here I am,” was his thought, “and for no other purpose in the world -but that she may be kept from danger; and she goes out of her way to -treat me as though I were some scurvy rascal.” - -Then, aloud, he said: - -“That I chose to be abroad upon another night, as you will perhaps -recall, served certain people well. Who knows but that another such -occasion might now arise; for, unless I am mistaken, the conditions are -much alike.” - -He heard her breath intaken sharply at this; and when she answered, her -voice shook a little. - -“I don’t think I quite understand,” she said. - -“Do you mean that you don’t understand what happened at that other -time, or what may happen to-night?” - -“As to that other night,” she said, “I was puzzled at first. But later, -I came to understand. I saw that the matter had not gone far enough -to serve your purpose, and you desired to learn more than you knew. -Then,” and she flashed him a look of contempt, “they might seize upon -my brother and welcome.” - -He made no reply, though she paused for one. After a moment she -proceeded, but in an altered tone. - -“But you spoke of to-night. What did you mean?” - -“I said that the conditions are not unlike. Your brother is here, in -secret; and you have followed him--also in secret.” - -“And the rest----?” eagerly. - -He shrugged his shoulders, and his gigantic shadow mimicked him much as -Hickey’s had done a little while before. - -“As to that,” said he, “I would not venture to prophesy.” - -“I do not require you to do that,” she said. “I merely ask you to -tell what you know.” She came a step nearer to him and her head bent -forward, as she continued: “That night at the ‘Wheat Sheaf’ a party of -colonial soldiers showed themselves. Will it be the same to-night?” - -He hesitated; like lightning she seized upon this as an answer. - -“It will,” she cried. “You have seen to that. Such as you are always to -be depended upon to arrange their traps cleverly.” - -Her eyes now fairly burned with scorn; her gesture, as she shrank back -from him, was one of repulsion. And it was this gesture that goaded him -beyond endurance. - -“I have laid no trap!” he answered; “and I have not been a party to -the laying of one. I do not expect you to believe me, for I see that -you have made up your mind to think the worst of me. But even if I -were seeking to snare your brother, would I be anything like as false -as he?” She seemed about to make answer, but he waved it back. “I, at -least, would be working for truth and the cause I’d sworn to uphold, -while he----” - -Her laughter interrupted him. “You!” she cried. “You working for truth! -You upholding a cause because you had sworn to do so!” - -It was with great difficulty that he kept back the bitter words that -came to his lips; but he felt that his resentment had already caused -him to go too far. So he remained silent. - -She stood looking at him as though expecting him to reply; but as he -did not do so, she went on: - -“Because you have overheard my brother just now, you think there is -nothing to be said in his defense. But you are wrong. There is this. No -matter what his words may have been,” and again she bent toward him, -“he is as free of wrong as you are.” - -George was about to make a reply, when suddenly there came a smothered -crash of shots from some little distance away, mingled with excited -shouts and cries of pain. Instantly he threw the door open, and as he -ran out he was aware that Peggy had extinguished the candle. The tavern -was a bedlam of sound; rapid shots were being exchanged within. - -Through the open windows and doors of the building men were springing, -followed by others who were grappling with them and bearing them to -the ground. But one, an active and speedy runner, gained the outside -without mishap and raced away from the inn, a half dozen pursuers at -his heels. With a leap of the heart George knew him as Herbert Camp, -and though he wanted to have nothing to do with his taking, duty was -plain before him. - -“He’s a self-confessed traitor,” muttered the youth, “and I am bound to -bring him down if I can.” - -With the tavern lights behind him, young Camp could be made out with -more or less plainness; and he was headed directly toward the abandoned -mill. As he drew near, George Prentiss gathered himself for an effort; -the scattering slugs from the heavy pistols of those in pursuit -sputtered and hummed about him, but he did not flinch. The fugitive had -reached a point a dozen yards away when the young New Englander made -his contemplated rush. However, he had not gone more than a few steps -when he felt his foot grasped strongly; and down he went at full length -upon the ground. - -What followed was rather confused; a half dozen or more colonials ran -by and over him. A few paused to drag him to his feet and disarm him. -Then he heard Nat Brewster’s voice call out: - -“He’s gone inside here; the door’s barred. Get something to force it.” - -Lights sprang up and danced upon the stone walls of the mill; a heavy -log thundered upon the door. - -“It was she that tripped me,” thought George. “And she’s hurried her -brother inside, thinking to escape notice. But they are trapped.” - -The door fell in with a crash, and Nat leaped over the threshold. - -“Empty!” he cried. “See, there is another door!” - -Sure enough, there was--one that had escaped George’s notice, but which -Peggy had evidently observed. And while they stood staring at it, the -sudden rattle of hoofs told the patriots that their man had made good -his escape. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -SHOWS HOW THE BRITISH SHIPS CAME INTO THE BAY - - -At a few words from his friends, George Prentiss was released; but -Hickey and some others who had been taken were marched to a place of -security and put under guard. - -Next day all was in a turmoil; the Tories in and about the city feared -for their lives. As Nat Brewster had predicted, Matthews, the mayor of -New York, was arrested by a detachment of Greene’s brigade; his house -and person were searched, but no incriminating papers were found. Those -of the Tories who had prepared for an outbreak fled, upon learning that -their leaders had been taken. - -Washington struck swiftly and strongly; those of the plotters who -belonged to the army were at once brought before a courtmartial; the -others were handed over to the civic power. Of the members of the -general’s guard taken, only Hickey was convicted; he was promptly -hanged on June 28th. - -On the day following this execution, a lookout on Staten Island -reported a fleet of forty sail in sight. The news quickly spread and -the city, not yet recovered from the shock of the Tory conspiracy, was -wild with excitement once more. - -The fleet proved to be from Halifax, and carried some ten thousand of -the troops which Washington had only recently driven out of Boston; -also there were six transports, having on board some regiments of -Highlanders which had joined the fleet at sea. - -At sight of this formidable armament heading up the bay, Washington’s -couriers were sent dashing here and there with the news, warning all -the commanders along the Hudson to hold themselves in readiness in -case the British should attempt to push their war-ships up the river. -But there was no such attempt. Day after day, however, the fleet -was increased; not long afterward there were one hundred and thirty -men-of-war and transports in the bay; the troops were disembarked and -the hillsides of Staten Island were whitened with their tents. - -This force was under the command of Howe, and Washington watched it -anxiously, knowing that the British general awaited only the coming of -the admiral, his brother, to begin operations. Young Cooper carried -a message to the President of Congress, urging the Massachusetts -authorities to send its quota of continental troops to New York; the -formation of a flying camp of ten thousand men in the Jerseys, to be -used wherever required, was also advised. Recruits began to pour into -the city; upon every open space they could be seen going through the -manual of arms. - -One afternoon, George, who had carried a dispatch summoning General -Greene to headquarters, was riding with that officer across a stretch -of fields beyond Broadway. A company of provincial artillery were -drilling; and the deftness of their work, the smooth, capable manners -of their commander, a small-sized youth of about twenty, attracted the -general’s attention. Quick to recognize ability, the general pulled -up and sat his horse, watching the proceedings, and during a pause he -inquired the officer’s name. - -The youth saluted. - -“Alexander Hamilton,” he replied. “A student at King’s College.” - -And it was that same evening, just at twilight, that George was pacing -along Maiden Lane near to William Street, his hands behind him and his -head bent. He still frequently rode and walked in that neighborhood; -always did he grow thoughtful when there, and always upon the same -subject. That Herbert Camp had been recognized by no one but himself -that night at Corbie’s tavern was evident, as no search had been made -for him; but George was puzzled to know if he and his sister had come -off unhurt in the rain of pistol shots that followed the dash from the -tavern. - -“Neither of them could have been grievously injured,” he mused. “If -they had been, they would have more than likely not have made off so -quickly.” - -But it was Peggy’s attitude that occupied him more than anything else. - -[Illustration: _“ALEXANDER HAMILTON,” HE REPLIED_] - -“Now, why,” the young man mutely demanded, “should she so set herself -to insult me? How have I deserved it? Is there one thing which I have -done since I came to New York and which touched her in any way, that -has not been in the nature of a service? On the wharf where the ‘Nancy -Breen’ tied up, I lent a helping hand to her uncle. And she recognized -it as such, for a few hours later when those popinjays on the Parade -sought to make me a butt for their wit, she was kind. I helped her -brother out of a tight place at the ‘Wheat Sheaf’; and even then she -seemed to show appreciation, for she warned me against a mysterious -danger. Once more at Corbie’s I try to serve her; and she turns upon me -like a fury.” - -He was still fuming along with bent head when he felt a hand laid upon -his shoulder. - -“Your pardon, young sir, if I am mistaken,” spoke a voice; “but it -seems to me that I should know you.” - -It was Merchant Camp, and the young New Englander, freeing himself from -his exasperating thoughts, smiled as he answered: - -“I had the pleasure of meeting you one morning, sir, on the river -front, when a certain sailorman differed with your political beliefs.” - -The stout old Tory burst into a laugh; red-faced and gasping a little, -he patted George on the shoulder. - -“Right!” cried he. “Right, lad! So it was. I knew, the moment I put -eyes on you, that you were one that I should not pass as a stranger. I -suppose,” inquiringly, “that I thanked you at the time? Yes? Well and -good. But I will also thank you now.” He shook George warmly by the -hand. “It was no light thing to do, sir, to lend a hand to a king’s man -in New York at this time. It was indeed a matter of some risk. And the -deeper the chance you ran, the greater is my obligation.” - -“The political side of the incident did not occur to me, Mr. Camp,” -said the youth. “I only saw that you’d be outmatched in a game of -buffets, that was all.” - -“He was a sturdy rascal, to be sure,” replied the old merchant. “But -take ten years off my age and I’d ask no odds of him.” He looked at -George for a moment, and his big red face wrinkled with smiles. “That -was a rare drubbing you gave him,” chuckled he. “But come,” after a -moment. “I have yet to hear your name.” - -“George Prentiss,” replied the young man. “I am from Boston.” - -“Prentiss--Boston!” The merchant looked at him with fresh interest. -“Can it be possible that you are kin to Seth Prentiss of that city?” - -“I am his grandson,” answered George. - -“Grandson!” The old man grasped his hand firmly and his broad face -beamed with good will. “His grandson, do you say! Well, well, here’s a -circumstance, indeed! Why, then, you are own cousin to my niece Peggy -and my nephew Herbert. Their mother was your mother’s younger sister. -Surely you’ve heard her mention us.” - -“Frequently, sir.” - -“And still you never made yourself known,” inquiringly. - -“There were reasons, sir. You see, in times like these----” - -The old gentleman did not allow him to proceed further. - -“I understand,” said he. “Nothing can be done straightforwardly these -days, with safety. Perhaps, when all is said, you have acted well. -But,” in another tone, “how is your grandfather?” - -“Very well, sir.” - -“There is no one in all the colonies for whom I have a greater regard -than I have for your grandfather,” spoke Merchant Camp, heartily. -“There is no more successful merchant than he, no more honest man and -no one more devoted to the cause of the king.” - -It was upon the tip of George’s tongue to correct this last, but -he restrained himself. There had been no more ardent king’s man in -all Boston town than old Seth Prentiss, that was true. But he had -experienced a change of heart, and now stood as stoutly for the -colonies as he had heretofore stood for their foes. - -“I cannot tell you,” went on Merchant Camp, “how pleased I am to meet -with you, and all the more so, the conditions being what they are. I -trust,” eagerly, “that you are in no way engaged for the evening, lad.” - -“No, sir,” replied George. - -“Excellent! I am on my way home just now; I live but a step from here, -and I want----” Here he paused as though something had occurred to -him; he looked searchingly at the young man for a moment, then went on -with less enthusiasm: “If you have nothing better to do with your time, -I should like to have you dine with me.” George bowed his willingness. -“My nephew dines with me to-night, and he will be pleased,” said Mr. -Camp. “And Peggy will no doubt be delighted to greet her cousin.” - -Then something in the lad’s expression seemed to strike him; and after -a moment he added: - -“But, perhaps, on the whole, I had better not mention your relationship -just yet.” - -“Perhaps,” answered George, “it would be as well if you did not.” - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -TELLS HOW GEORGE VISITED THE HOUSE IN CROWN STREET - - -The broad-fronted brick mansion in Crown Street was much like its -master. It spoke eloquently of the days gone by; its furnishing and -appointments clung as tenaciously to things past as did the political -beliefs of their owner. - -A serving man in livery of blue and white admitted them; and the -merchant at once led George into a room where they found Major Hyde and -the dragoon, Henderson, lounging. - -“Gentlemen,” said the old Tory, most ceremoniously, “I desire to -present you to a young gentleman who did me a service some time since. -Mr. Prentiss--Major Hyde--Captain Henderson.” - -Both officers greeted the young man cordially. - -“We had the good luck to meet with him when he first came to New -York,” said Hyde. Then with a laugh, he added: “Though we did not -consider it good luck at the time, judging by our greetings.” - -“’Pon my word,” said the dragoon, earnestly, “I was never so completely -pinked over anything in my life. Would you believe it,” to the -merchant, “I selected him as one to try my wit upon. And he flayed me, -sir. He flayed me.” - -The old Tory laughed. - -“I can well believe it. He’s a good up-standing lad in more ways than -one, I promise you.” Then after some further conversation, he said: -“But I’ll leave him here with you for a few moments. I have some small -matters to see to.” - -When George met the merchant in the street, the sky was rapidly -becoming overcast, and the wind raising eddies of dust; and as they -entered the house, large scattering drops began to fall. Now, as the -old gentleman left the room, the storm broke, and torrents of driving -rain dashed against the windows. - -“Hello, hello!” cried Henderson, “here’s a state of things, ’pon my -soul! There’s rain enough for you, major, in all conscience.” - -“Ring for lights, there’s a good fellow,” said Major Hyde. - -Languidly the fop arose and did as requested; in a few moments the fine -old apartment was yellowed with candle-light. Major Hyde sat back in -the corner of a sofa and studied young Prentiss with speculative eyes. -Noting this, Henderson turned to the young New Englander and said: - -“These days keep some of you fellows on the jump, eh?” - -“I’ve used up three horses in the last fortnight,” said George, “and I -did what I could to save them, too. And others have been kept moving -more briskly than I, by all accounts.” - -“It seems the very deuce to get things settled for a fight,” complained -the fop. “I always fancied it was a very simple arrangement--one side -here and the other side there, and then go at it like all possessed. -But it’s really like the plot of a play; everything must be settled and -accounted for before a blow is struck.” - -A rattling volley of thunder rolled along the sky; then a dash of -lightning lit up all outdoors and showed them Crown Street running -torrents of water. - -“Of late,” said young Prentiss, “I have seen but little of either of -you.” - -“We’ve been with Greene,” answered Major Hyde. “Indeed, within the -week that we invited you to share our quarters in Wall Street, we were -forced to give it up and transfer to a barn of a place beyond Brooklyn.” - -“Not fit for beasts to live in, let alone gentlemen,” said the dragoon -officer. “I assure you,” earnestly, “I’ve never been asked to put up -with such accommodations before.” - -George Prentiss had no great tolerance for complaints of this -character; popinjay soldiers who required to lie soft and live at their -ease were scarcely the sort to win battles. But he answered smilingly: - -“We had rough quarters enough before Boston. Sod huts and ramshackle -affairs built of planks were considered luxurious; and many a winter -night some of us slept on the ground beside a camp-fire.” - -“At Boston, Mr. Prentiss, you were employed in a variety of ways, were -you not?” - -“Like many others,” replied the young New Englander, “I was willing to -give what service I could.” - -“Ah, yes, to be sure. But I have heard it hinted that your service took -many uncommon forms. Your specialty was, in the main, the flanking of -the enemy, not the facing of him.” - -“I have done my share of the secret work that our necessities -required,” said George, “though I never had any partiality or even -liking for that form of the service. But some one had to do it, and why -not I as well as another?” - -“True enough.” Major Hyde settled himself farther back in the corner of -the sofa; his hands were clasped about one knee; his eyes were peering -and slit-like. “Of course,” he resumed, easily, “when a person acquires -a reputation for a certain thing--especially when he has proven very -satisfactory in it, indeed--he naturally is given the preference when -work of that sort is needed.” - -George nodded. - -“Yes,” said he, quietly, “I suppose that is so.” - -“General Putnam,” and Major Hyde laughed, “is a direct and rather -simple-minded man. He was aware of the quality of your service, I know; -and I suppose he did not hesitate to use you when occasion demanded.” - -“I have undertaken some small enterprises for General Putnam,” answered -George. - -“Since you came to New York?” - -“Yes; and before.” - -There was a moment’s silence. The foppish dragoon had sat twiddling his -thumbs; apparently he now fancied that the time had arrived for him to -venture into the conversation once more; so he leaned toward George. - -“Perhaps,” said he, “you’d not mind----” but here a sharp gesture from -his friend cut him short. George sat facing a window; and, engaged in -watching the play of the lightning and the dash of the rain upon the -glass, he gave no sign of having noted the interruption. - -“When a man of parts is employed in special service,” said Major Hyde, -“it is naturally expected that he use his own discretion in many ways.” - -Again George nodded. But this time he said nothing. - -“But,” proceeded the other, and the slits between his eyes grew -narrower and narrower, “there is, I think, a point at which a line -should be drawn. He should not be privileged to exercise his discretion -in all things. Limitations should be set.” - -“I agree with you,” said the youth. - -“In the securing of information,” said the major, “he must, of course, -be at liberty to do as he sees fit. But after it is secured--it is -there that the line should be drawn.” - -“I don’t think I quite follow your meaning,” said George, vaguely. - -At another time his naturally keen perception would have given him -some indication as to the officer’s direction; but truth to tell, -George had, for the last few moments, ceased following the speaker very -closely. - -The window through which he was gazing out upon the storm was bowed, -and very large. It was hung with heavy curtains that were only partly -drawn; and during the latter portion of Major Hyde’s remarks, George -detected something like a movement behind these which had taken his -attention. - -“There is some one there,” flashed through the young man’s mind. “Some -one who is listening.” However, now that he was sure of the state of -affairs, his self-possession returned; he gave his attention to the -speaker, all the time watching the curtain with the tail of his eye. - -Major Hyde was frowning a little, but at the same time he kept a smile -playing about his lips. - -“I will make my meaning clear,” said he. “Some time ago I had a man -servant who pleased me very much. He had a rare judgment in the matters -that came within his province, and a close tongue. But--now, mark -this--I found after some time that the close tongue did not always -operate in my favor. He had a habit of receiving messages and then -retailing to me those parts of them that he considered I should hear.” - -“He was not lacking in presumption, along with his other qualities,” -said George. - -“I am inclined to agree with you,” remarked Major Hyde, drily. “He -should have given me a choice at least, as to what parts I considered -of no consequence.” - -“Very impudent, ’pon my word,” observed Henderson. - -“I am of the same opinion,” spoke George Prentiss. “But,” and he looked -at Major Hyde composedly, “I am still rather at loss. Just what is your -meaning? Somehow all this seems to apply to me. If I am wrong in this I -beg of you to say so.” - -“You are not wrong,” said Major Hyde. - -“No,” put in the dragoon, “you are right.” - -“General Putnam,” said Major Hyde, “employed you upon a certain -occasion. I suppose you recall this, and also the nature of the -employment. Being very intimate with headquarters affairs at the time, -I was well informed in the matter. But I know that it resulted in -nothing.” - -“Go on,” said George. - -“I mean that through motives of your own, you withheld certain -information. You knew that a certain person--who for the moment shall -be nameless--was concerned in machinations against the new government, -and yet you did not denounce him.” - -Footsteps could be heard coming along the corridor. George regarded the -speaker fixedly. - -“How do you know that I did not?” he asked. - -“By the barrenness of the result; if you had done your duty, arrests -would have been made.” - -Here Mr. Camp reëntered the room; he carried a paper, apparently a -letter, in his hand; and his face was beaming. - -“Gentlemen,” said he, “will you do me the pleasure of walking this way?” - -Major Hyde and Henderson at once arose and George did likewise. They -passed into a room where a table was laid with much silver and delicate -ware. - -“Being short-handed,” apologized the old merchant, “I must do duty -myself.” Then to George: “I sent most of my servants away yesterday.” - -When he had again left them, George turned upon the officers. - -“What other reason did you have?” - -“What other was needed? Could anything have spoken more eloquently?” -demanded Major Hyde. - -“Oh, yes. General Putnam might have done so.” - -At this the young New Englander saw the two men dart looks of covert -meaning at each other. But he did not wait for either of them to reply. - -“Another question,” said he, evenly. “May I ask how you came to be so -familiar with what we might call the real results of my work?” - -There was scarcely perceptible hesitation, then Major Hyde answered: - -“Is it not possible that there are others beside yourself who have -means of gaining secret information?” - -“Let us grant that.” George spoke very coolly. “And then let us come -to a more important thing. If you know of this person whom I have, as -you say, failed to report, why have you waited for me? Why have you not -reported him yourself?” - -At this, to the astonishment of George, Major Hyde burst into a laugh; -and his friend joined him heartily. - -“Very shrewdly spoken,” said the major. “Eh, Henderson?” - -“’Pon my soul,” said the dragoon, “I’ve never listened to a neater -stroke of the tongue.” - -“A little wager with Henderson, that is all,” explained Hyde, putting -his hands upon George’s shoulders and swaying him backward and forward. -“I ventured a good dinner that upon the very next time we met, I could -worm something out of you regarding your private transactions for the -various commanders. Henderson had a better notion of your shrewdness -than I, so it seems, and----” - -“And I expect the dinner to be paid with the utmost promptness,” -declared the foppish dragoon, delightedly. “But, ’pon my soul, Hyde,” -with a shout of laughter, “what a farrago of nonsense you used to gain -your point! And how you scowled and shook your head! You should have -turned your mind to play-acting instead of soldiering.” - -“How am I to know, though,” and Major Hyde joined in the laugh, “that I -did not come somewhere near the real facts as they stand? Come now, was -there such a person as I imagined?” - -“I can only say,” returned George, good-humoredly, “that I have done -my plain duty upon all occasions. If I say more I may lose Captain -Henderson his dinner.” - -The dragoon slapped his thigh at this, and vowed that as a witticism he -had never heard its equal. - -“He’s a rare fellow, this lad from Boston,” declared he. - -“He’s gotten the better of me this time, at any rate,” answered the -major, good-naturedly enough. - -The two were still laughing and discussing the matter when the old -merchant reëntered. Then Major Hyde begged leave to retire for a moment. - -“I have this matter noted down in a little book which I usually carry,” -said he to George. “But it is in the pocket of another coat which I -sent on here with some other traps a week ago. I’ll hunt it up and get -all straight.” - -“Not a moment do you get out of my sight,” declared the dragoon. “If -you go, I’ll go with you.” - -“Come along then,” laughed the other. “I’ll play fair. You shall have -a peep with me.” - -And so out they went; and George heard them go stamping up the stairs, -wrangling and protesting and laughing; and as he listened, the young -man somehow felt a doubt creep into his mind. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -PEGGY SPEAKS HER MIND - - -“Was it really as they said?” George Prentiss asked himself. “Was the -thing a jest, after all? Or was it----” - -Here his thoughts were interrupted by the old Tory. - -“Huh!” grunted that worthy gentleman. “It would seem that my nephew, -the major, is in wonderful spirits to-night. Something must have -pleased him vastly, for I never saw him so before, that I can recall.” - -There was a swish of silken skirts as a door opened. - -“My niece, Peggy,” added the merchant. “My dear, this is young Mr. -Prentiss, who was of such use to me some few weeks ago when my -villainous temper got me into trouble.” - -Peggy swept the young New Englander so elaborate a courtsey that it -hinted of mockery. The smile that wreathed her lips was honeyed, but -the old look of scorn was deep in her eyes. - -“I remember Mr. Prentiss perfectly,” she said, and there was an -undercurrent of meaning in her tones. - -“You shall sit opposite him at supper,” promised the stout old fellow. -“And mind you entertain him well. We owe him something.” - -“Mr. Prentiss,” said Peggy, “should not be difficult to amuse. He is so -interesting himself. I feel sure that wherever he is, something will -happen; one is not likely to be dull.” - -“Ha, ha! do you hear that, lad?” Merchant Camp chuckled delightedly. -“That’s saying something of you, surely.” - -“I don’t deserve it, though,” answered George, and his eyes met the -girl’s straightforward look unsmilingly. - -“Never say that,” cried the honest old uncle. “Leave others to speak -ill of you, my boy.” - -“Apparently,” said George, his eyes still meeting those of Peggy, “they -are only too ready to do that.” - -“Why,” said the old gentleman, “you are over young to have observed -such things.” - -“Sometimes it is made so plain,” replied George, “that it requires no -great experience to know it.” - -The merchant laughed good-humoredly. - -“We have a philosopher of gloom in you, I see.” Then turning to his -niece: “What do you say to this, my dear?” - -“If you please, sir--nothing,” said she. - -She walked to one of the windows, her silken skirts swishing; and the -old merchant, puzzled, turned to George and shook his head. - -“She’s an odd one at times,” he said, lowly. “Very much like her mother -was--and there was no keeping the run of her for five minutes together.” - -George made no reply to this; he stood with his back to the fireless -hearth and watched the tall young figure at the window with its -proudly-posed head. After a moment, the merchant, as though something -had just occurred to him, took a letter from his pocket. - -“I meant to speak of this when I first came down,” said he. “But those -gentlemen of Mr. Washington’s were in ear-shot.” - -He unfolded the sheet while George looked at him surprisedly. The -expression “gentlemen of Mr. Washington’s” seemed odd. - -“It will amuse you,” continued the stout old Tory in a low tone, “but -when I was about to ask you here to-night a thought struck me, and I -hesitated. Not that the outcome would have made any real difference, -you see, for I should have asked you anyhow. But I hastened to refer to -this,” holding out the letter, “as soon as I got here. And the result -has pleased me. I am delighted that you are one of us.” - -“It looks like my grandfather’s writing,” George said, lowly. - -“It is,” replied Merchant Camp. “It is a letter of his written me when -Warren and Hancock and the Adamses first began to take such a high -hand in Boston. In it he speaks of how families were divided upon -the question before the public eye. His own, like mine, was in this -deplorable condition.” Here he held the letter to the light so that -he could read it. “Listen to this: ‘One of my grandsons, Ezra, is -in favor of the Whiggish demands; the other, George, is a king’s man -through and through.’” Merchant Camp looked up from the screen and -smiled at the young man. “That is what I wanted to make sure of. I knew -that one or the other of you was on the right side; and I am delighted -that it’s you.” - -Here he grasped the hand of George with great warmth. The youth, -disliking that any one should have a false impression of him, was about -to put the matter before the merchant in its proper light, but at that -moment Major Hyde and his friend, Henderson, reëntered the room. - -“I find that the terms of the wager were----” Here Hyde observed Peggy -and paused. Holding a small note-book toward George, its pages open -that he might read, he continued in a lower voice, “The terms, as -you see, are merely that I manage to get you talking on the subject -mentioned.” - -The young man noted that this was so; but there was something in the -proceeding and in the eager intentness of the two men that caught his -attention. - -“But,” continued Hyde, “Henderson interprets it that I extract -information from you.” - -“Oh, well,” said the dragoon, and in the same low tone as his friend, -“I dare say we can arrange the matter. We must not delay the supper,” -in a louder voice. - -“A good, sensible saying,” spoke the host. “And as sense is not to be -expected of scatterbrains who take sword against rightful authority, -all the more credit is due you, Master Henderson.” - -The dragoon laughed, as did Hyde. - -“Do you hear that, Prentiss?” cried he, as they all seated themselves -at the table. “Do you notice how you are referred to? A ‘scatterbrain,’ -says he.” - -The old Tory favored George with an elaborate wink, which not only -expressed delight, but spoke of what he considered the secret -understanding between them. - -“I dare say,” remarked he, “that we of the king’s side have as bad said -of us--or worse.” - -As the meal progressed, the wind and rain did not abate; the thunder -rattled and rolled; the lightning glared against the sky. The merchant -had placed Peggy just opposite George, and the lad made the best of the -opportunity. But the girl was silent. The best he could draw from her -was a “Yes” or a “No”; and all the time her face was cold; her eyes, -when he caught them, were judging him cruelly. - -“What has become of Herbert?” asked Captain Henderson, after a time. “I -haven’t seen him for weeks.” - -The old merchant scowled down at his plate. - -“It is difficult to keep track of that young man,” said he. - -“A great pity that he left the army,” observed the dragoon. “Especially -at this time.” - -“It altogether depends upon the point of view,” replied the Tory host. -“But, that aside, hide nor hair of him I have not seen for some time. I -don’t,” with displeasure, “even attempt to understand him.” - -“To understand people is one of the most difficult tasks a person can -set himself,” said George. As he spoke, his eyes met those of Peggy. -“But for all that,” he went on, “there are those whose judgments of -others are made offhand.” - -“No doubt, no doubt,” answered Mr. Camp. - -But it was not until after supper that George had his first opportunity -to speak to her alone. The old merchant had mentioned an ingenious -method that he had hit upon for packing breakable articles, and had -carried the two officers into another room to demonstrate it to them. -The spring storm was still raging; the flare of the lightning every now -and then dimmed the drawing-room candles; the wind continued to beat up -from the bay with fury. - -The girl was in a deep window-seat, looking out upon the storm; the -night was inky, but the flare of the lightning was so incessant as to -afford an almost continuous view. George leaned back against a carved -table, and as he trifled with the stems of some roses which he had -found thereon, he watched her reflectively. - -“I’ve been thinking,” said he, at last, “that perhaps I may have been -wrong.” - -She did not even turn her head, but went on gazing steadily into the -rain-drenched Crown Street. - -“Perhaps,” proceeded George, “the judgments which one is led to believe -are quickly made are really arrived at after some thought. It is even -possible that your estimate of me came after due deliberation.” - -At this she turned, as he felt sure she would. The lightning glared in -at the window behind her; but the flash of her eyes was the quickest to -reach him. - -“It is strange,” she said, “that you go on holding this attitude when -you must know that I am not to be deceived. I did not require to -deliberate; your acts were all that were necessary to make up my mind -concerning you.” - -A gleam of satisfaction came into his eyes. - -“Ah!” He threw the roses back upon the table and studied her closely. -“That is it, then?--my acts? Thank you. At last we have come to -something specific. - -“If you will point out anything that I have done since I came to New -York, which I cannot successfully defend,” continued he, “I shall be -willing to have you think what you choose of me.” - -But she gave a gesture of utter disbelief. - -“I am not interested,” she said. “It does not matter to me.” - -“But it does to me. You seem to forget that.” His voice was hot with -anger. “Do you expect me to hold my tongue, accused as I am of some -rascally act! Not once, not twice, but a half dozen times you have -hinted at something discreditable that I have done. Speak plainly. Give -it a name, so that I may meet it squarely!” - -His resentment was low-voiced and sharp; his face was flushed and -determined; his hands were clinched until the knuckles seemed ready -to split the skin that covered them. As she looked at him a hesitancy -seemed to temper her scornful attitude; for the first time since she -had assumed it, a doubt crept in and mingled with her disdain. But for -all that she retained her former tone. - -“Of what use would it be to give it a name?” she said. “You know it -already.” - -“You will pardon me if I insist,” he answered. “I differ with you in -opinion--I oppose the faction that you hold to, and upon this you have -reared a fanciful structure of evil. I demand that you be plain.” - -“You demand!” Her voice rang as she said this and her eyes flashed -her defiance. But almost instantly her manner changed. “A fanciful -structure, indeed! Do I not know--haven’t I seen? Haven’t I heard? -And my treatment of you is not because you oppose the faction that I -hold to. There are others in this house,” bitterly, “who do the like, -yet I believe them honest men. It is,” and her voice fell a trifle, -but lost none of its directness, “because you hold faith with no -faction--because you are a traitor to all.” - -The flush died out of his face; he took a step toward her, astonishment -replacing the rage of a moment before. But before he could speak -another word, the two officers and the host reëntered. - -“I defy any one,” declared the old gentleman, “to destroy valuables so -arranged. They’ll go safely enough, though the roads across Jersey are -somewhat rough,” with a laugh. “Indeed, I wish we were assured of as -comfortable a journey.” - -“When do you start?” asked Major Hyde. - -“At high noon to-morrow. We have a coach with good springs and can -secure relays of horses. Two days should see us at home, if nothing -unforeseen turns up.” - -“I think,” spoke the dragoon, “that you do well to leave New York so -soon. There is no telling, now, when all the roads will be closed and -Lord Howe’s guns roaring havoc across the city.” - -“That would not drive me out,” stated the Tory merchant, “if it were -not for Peggy. Indeed, gentlemen, it would please me greatly to stay -and see the end of this uprising.” - -“You think, then, that it will end here?” - -“I never was more convinced of anything in my life. The governmental -officers are determined to efface the stain put upon them at Boston, -and that they will do it is a certainty.” - -Here the talk drifted away into the field of politics; the merchant did -most of it, and he did it heatedly and most eloquently. The time went -by and the storm seemed to increase. By ten o’clock Peggy begged leave -to retire, as she had some tasks to perform against the journey on the -morrow. George lingered on and on in the hope that she would return to -the drawing-room; but she did not. - -It was close to midnight when he at last arose to take his leave. - -“What!” cried Mr. Camp. “In such a drenching downfall as this? Never, -sir. You’ll be wet through. I have a room for each of you, and you -shall all three remain and take breakfast with me--my last in New York -under rebel rule, at least.” - -George Prentiss did not protest against this with any great vehemence; -the wind and rain, and the thunder and lightning, though, had little to -do with his agreeing to remain the merchant’s guest. It was very late -when he, at the heels of Hyde and Henderson, and each bearing a lighted -candle, mounted the wide staircase to their chambers. The flickering -yellow light fell before and about them, but there were dark corners -which remained heavy with shadow; and from one of these a pair of -terror-filled eyes followed them; two trembling hands were upraised to -hide a frightened girlish face. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -SHOWS WHAT HAPPENED IN THE TAPESTRIED CHAMBER - - -The room that fell to the lot of George Prentiss was a huge one, -square, high ceilinged and hung with rich but faded tapestries. The -furniture was dark and massive; a great four poster bed of mahogany, -with a spreading canopy over it, stood near the door. - -There was a wide fireplace, the clean-swept hearth of which showed no -indication of a fire having been lighted in it for some time. - -When George had bidden the others good-night he closed the door and -placed his candle upon the table. The light danced grotesquely upon the -walls, dimly illuminating the quaint figures upon the tapestry and the -old paintings that hung here and there. The young man drew the curtains -at the windows so that the flare of the lightning would not disturb -him; there were other candles upon the mantel and having a curiosity to -better view his apartment, he kindled a pair of these and placed them -where they would do the most good. - -The tapestry proved to be an ancient French one, and depicted the deeds -of Charles Martel; the portraits were partly of New Amsterdam Dutchmen -and with a good sprinkling of English. - -“Ancestors,” mused George as he gazed at these. “I can see the features -of my host in most of them.” His eyes paused upon a large painting at -the far end of the apartment; it was so somber, the shadows played so -upon it, that he took up a candle and went nearer. Holding the light -so that he could view the picture to better advantage, he saw the name -“Dirk Van Camp” upon the heavy frame. - -“A burgomaster of the old Dutch days,” said George to himself. “And a -stern, dogged sort of a fellow he must have been, judging by his face.” - -The furnishings of the tapestried room were mostly of European make; -Dutch tables and chairs; English sofas and stands; and near to the -fireplace stood a tall French mirror that swung in its frame. George -sat down in a heavy chair before this and began removing his cravat; -his back was turned to that end of the apartment where hung the -portrait of Burgomaster Van Camp, and the light of the candle which -George had left upon a stand near the picture threw the determined, -joyless face into good relief. - -“Good shelter and a four poster bed are not to be treated lightly on -a night like this,” the young New Englander told himself, as he threw -the cravat upon a table. Then he removed his short sword and the pistol -which he had kept buttoned under his coat while in the drawing-room; -after this he began tugging at one of his riding boots. - -It was while he was so engaged, for the boot was stubborn, that he -caught the reflection of the burgomaster’s portrait in the mirror. The -chair in which George sat hid the greater part of the picture; but the -face was plain, and it was as though it was peering over his shoulder. - -“Now, there is a grim old curmudgeon for you,” smiled the youth. “I’ll -venture to say he never laughed in his life save when he had driven a -hard bargain, or gotten the better of some one in another fashion.” - -He threw the boot down on the hearth and before he drew off the other, -sat gazing into the mirror at the portrait. Suddenly the smile left -his face and he started a little. The eyes of old Dirk Van Camp were -small and black and deeply-set under heavy brows; George had noticed -them especially a few minutes before, while examining the picture; and -now as he looked into the glass, he saw them glint in a marvelously -lifelike manner. - -For an instant it was in his mind to turn and stare at the portrait; -but like a flash he regained control of himself, and sat motionless, -gazing into the mirror. Some few minutes passed in this way; but he -could now detect nothing out of the ordinary. True, the eyes had an -unusually lifelike appearance; but that may have been due to the skill -of the artist, or, perhaps, it was the unsteady light of the candles. -He lay back in the chair in the lounging posture of one entirely at -ease; but never for an instant did his apparently careless glance leave -the pictured eyes. At length he muttered: - -“It’s the lights; their flickering gave the appearance of movement; -and the varnish upon the canvas is the cause of the really lifelike -sparkle.” - -[Illustration: _THE HAND PAUSED_] - -He was about to give the matter up and proceed with his preparations -for retiring when a thought struck him. With the utmost naturalness he -stretched out his hand toward the table, and while so doing, his eyes -remained fixed upon the pictured ones in the mirror. With a thrill -he saw these latter follow the hand; beyond the shadow of a doubt -they turned slowly and keenly; and when the hand paused and clutched -the pistol butt, there was a change in their expression--and their -steadiness wavered. - -Calmly George drew the pistol toward him and made a pretense of -examining the lock; all the time his heart was bumping in a tumult; -strange thoughts filled his brain. - -“The eyes of the portrait are removable,” he told himself. “There is a -door or a panel behind it, and some one is stationed there watching me.” - -He sat for a short space nonplussed; and all the time he saw the eyes -fixed upon him. The situation was an odd one; he did not know how to -meet it. - -“It’s a Tory house,” were George’s thoughts, “and there may be those -hidden within its walls of whom I know nothing.” An idea flashed upon -him that made him start. “And yet I might know considerable of them,” -he added; “and I might be suspected of knowing even more than I do.” - -This latter idea rapidly took definite form in his mind. As likely as -not Herbert Camp was hidden in the house--perhaps without his uncle’s -knowledge. - -“But his sister is aware of it,” was the young man’s further thought, -“and who knows,” bitterly, “but that she still fancies me in pursuit of -him.” - -With this his mind was made up; he put the pistol down upon the table, -and then pulled off the other boot. After this he stood up, and -divested himself of coat and waistcoat; he put out two of the candles, -permitting that near the picture of the burgomaster to remain burning. -Drawing a tall leather screen up to the four poster he spread it out -and then with a wide yawn went behind it as though to complete his -disrobing. - -Now, as before said, the bed stood near the door, and when George -spread the screen, he hid the door from the view of the peering eyes -behind the portrait. So instead of going on with his preparations for -bed, the young man softly opened the door, and all unarmed as he was, -stepped out into the hall. - -This latter was dark and still, and step by step he made his way along, -being careful not to knock against anything that might be in his way. -He had not gone many feet when he saw that the door of the apartment -next his own stood partly open; it was only a trifle and but a trickle -of light showed itself. He approached the door softly. It was in this -apartment that the spy would be hidden, for the portrait was backed -against the wall that divided it from his own. He had all but gained -the door when there came a sharp exclamation and the stir of feet -upon the other side of it; for a moment he feared that he had been -discovered and halting, braced himself for whatever was to come. But -there was nothing save a continued and low-pitched sound of voices. - -“There’s more than one,” he murmured softly. This knowledge, however, -did not stay him; once more he made for the door along the edges of -which the light was seeping. The opening was too small to admit of his -gaining a view of even a part of the room; but he could hear the almost -whispered words distinctly. - -“It is very annoying to be spied upon,” said a voice which George at -once knew as Major Hyde’s. “And I am surprised that you should stoop -to it. Or, perhaps,” and there was something like a sneer in the tone, -“you will deny that you were spying.” - -“No,” came the voice of Peggy Camp, “I do not deny it. I saw you steal -along the hall and followed you.” - -“You are quite sure,” and there was a keen note of inquiry in the man’s -voice, “that you were not already in the room when I entered?” - -“I am not in the habit of misrepresenting my actions,” returned Peggy, -and the listener fancied her head rearing proudly as she said it. - -“Of course not. But at a moment like this! Who knows?” - -“I think you do,” returned the girl. - -There was a moment’s silence; then Major Hyde spoke. - -“What made you think that my actions had anything to do with him?” he -asked. - -“I knew from the first that you were laying a trap for him.” - -“Ah!” There was a note of surprise in his voice. “You are even keener -than I thought you.” - -“You knew that he would be here,” she said. “And you proposed carrying -it through here, of all places.” - -“It is not given to us to choose our opportunities,” said the major. -“So I’ll strike when I can.” - -“You will not.” - -“Of course your feelings in the matter are perfectly natural,” spoke -the man coolly. “I understand them very well. They are to be expected -of you. But is he worthy of all you’d do for him?” - -There was no answer. - -“He is not. He is a worming, designing villain; there is no truth nor -honor in him. To serve his own ends, he’d sell his friends to their -enemies--he’d sell his cause to----” - -“Oh, I know, I know,” cried Peggy, and there was pain in her voice. “I -know it all better than you can tell it. I know it and hate him for -it; and yet I cannot see him harmed.” - -“Herbert is concealed in the house, as I suspected,” thought the young -man at the door. “Major Hyde has in some way learned of it, and being -aware of his treachery, is trying to locate his hiding-place.” - -The voices within the room now sank even lower than before; George -listened intently, but could not make out what was being said. Some -minutes passed in this way and the voice of Peggy was raised in -gladness. - -“You promise me that?” - -“I do.” - -“Then Herbert is safe,” she whispered thankfully. “I know, I know,” as -though preventing his interrupting her; “he does not deserve it, but I -am happier than I can tell.” - -“He is safe from me,” spoke Major Hyde, slowly, “but I am not the only -one. Don’t forget that----” - -He said no more, but George Prentiss was as sure that his hand lifted -and his finger pointed to the tapestried chamber as he would have been -had he seen him do it. - -There was a gasping cry, smothered and full of fear. Then the girl -replied: - -“I know that, too. It is horrible. But,” and her voice suddenly became -clear and sure, “he shall not harm my brother. That he is here seeking -information, I know. But he shall learn nothing--he shall do nothing.” - -“Who will prevent him?” - -“I will!” she answered and her voice was filled with resolve. - -Again their voices sank; then George heard footsteps advancing toward -the door. A tall Dutch clock stood near by, as the inquiring hands of -the young New Englander had learned, and quickly he shrank close to its -side as the room door swung open. - -“I’ll bid you good-night, cousin,” said the voice of Major Hyde, “and -advise you to go to your chamber.” - -What Peggy’s answer was George did not hear. Then the major shut the -door and passed down the corridor; the soft closing of another door -told the watcher that he entered his own room at the far end. - -George waited for some little time, fearing that Peggy would emerge and -discover him. But as she did not do so, he quietly tiptoed to his own -room. Drawing aside the screen he stepped out into the center of the -apartment, yawning and putting back the hair from his eyes, as though -he’d been asleep. - -At once his gaze went with studied carelessness to the portrait; there -were the eyes, eager, alert, inquiring, fixed upon him. - -“Hello,” said he, with ready art, as he yawned again. “I must have -fallen into a doze.” - -Negligently he threw himself once more into the chair before the mirror -and sat looking at the reflected eyes. - -“It is she,” he told himself. “There is no one else there. And it’s -been she all along. Hyde was right. She was already in the room when he -entered, as he suspected.” - -Then suddenly he became aware that the eye sockets of Burgomaster Van -Camp were empty. Vacantly the portrait stared down from the wall. But -only for a moment. Suddenly a long, black cylinder was thrust through -one of the apertures--there was a puff of smoke, a loud report, and a -pistol bullet whizzed past his head. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -IN WHICH IS FOUGHT THE BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND - - -The smoke of the pistol was drifting toward the ceiling as George -wheeled toward the portrait. But the blank spaces were now filled by -the painted eyes; there was no trace of anything being amiss. For a -space after the crash of the shot died away there was complete silence. -Then a hum grew through the mansion; doors began to open and shut, -voices were lifted in anxious and frightened inquiry. - -But George Prentiss paid little heed. He stood in the center of the -room gazing into the heavy face of the old burgomaster, incredulity, -fear, astonishment mingled into one expression. Peggy had tried to take -his life, was the horrid thought that filled his mind; to save her -brother she had attempted to shoot his fancied pursuer in the back. - -Up and down outside his door hurried unshod feet; the voice of the -stout old merchant could be heard demanding, threatening, raging. But -what his words were, George did not gather; indeed, his brain seemed -numbed by what had happened; he felt as though it were moving in a sort -of haze and could grasp no fact save the one. - -Then a knock sounded upon his door; dully he turned and opened it; Mr. -Camp stood there, and at his back were a couple of frightened servants -bearing lighted candles. - -“Master Prentiss,” said the merchant, “we were startled a few moments -ago by what sounded much like a musket or pistol shot, in or near this -room.” - -“Indeed, sir.” - -“You will pardon me, but I am going over the house to make sure that -all is well.” - -George smiled faintly. - -“There has been no harm done me, as you can see.” - -“I am delighted to hear it. But it’s most strange. It sounded much as -though it were within the house, and yet it scarcely could be. Pardon -me again for disturbing you.” - -All night long George sat in the empty chair by the hearth; the rain -ceased, the clouds drifted away and both moon and stars looked serenely -down upon the drenched earth. And when morning came he descended to -find the servants already loading the household valuables into covered -wagons. He ate breakfast with his host. - -“I’ve always kept this place intact against my infrequent visits,” said -he to George. “But nothing will be safe, now that a war is upon us, and -I’m taking away all I may.” - -“Have Major Hyde and Captain Henderson not yet arisen?” asked the young -man. - -“An hour ago,” was the answer. “They could not await you, and begged me -to mention their regrets. And my niece is discommoded with a headache, -a thing uncommon with her. So I will be forced to say good-bye for -her,” added the honest old gentleman a few moments later when George -arose to take his leave. “But believe me, we were all pleased to see -you and will be again when it is possible. Should you ever cross the -Jerseys, lad, don’t fail to hunt us out. The Elms, we call the place, -and it’s less than a dozen miles out of the town of Trenton.” - -“I shall be glad to do so, sir,” said the youth. - -The old gentleman lowered his voice so that none of the bustling -servants might hear. - -“I understand that you are now engaged with the undertakings of this -man Washington. And to one of your opinions this can only mean one -thing. You are spying on them.” The distaste in the merchant’s voice -was plain, and he added: “If you will be advised by me, you will give -it up. It is not to my liking, and should not be to yours. Take service -with Lord Howe. Fight the rebels for all that’s in you--but fight them -fairly.” - -And so George left the mansion in Crown Street to take up his -duties; and the next time he rode that way the place was closed and -deserted. What his thoughts were, he kept to himself; but that they -were unpleasant was clearly evident. But it was no time for wandering -thoughts. There was scarcely a day that history of a more or less -important degree was not in the making. - -While New York was slowly being encompassed by foes, great things were -being done some little distance south. At Philadelphia, Congress was -discussing a question which John Adams referred to as “great as ever -was or will be debated among men.” On the second of July a resolution -passed the body declaring the colonies free and independent; on the -fourth, the Declaration of Independence, as drafted by Mr. Jefferson, -was adopted. - -Riders were sent scurrying in all directions with fair copies of this; -and on the evening of July 9th, Washington caused it to be read at the -head of each brigade of the army. - -“I hope,” he said in his orders, “that this important event will serve -as a fresh incentive to every officer and soldier to act with fidelity -and courage, as knowing that now the peace and safety of his country -depend, under God, solely on the success of our arms; and that he is -now in the service of a state, possessed of sufficient power to reward -his merit and advance him to the highest honors of a free country.” - -Bells were rung, guns sounded, bonfires gleamed at every street corner. -An excited throng gathered in the yard of the “King’s Arms” and -planned an escapade which they felt would fittingly crown the moment. - -A man well known as an enthusiastic member of the Sons of Liberty -sprang up and addressed those present. - -“Friends,” he cried, “a word with you.” By the expression of his -face they knew he had something of interest to propose; and so all -conversation was hushed. “We are done with kingly government and with -kings,” proceeded the speaker. “And this being the case, we have left -something undone. On Bowling Green, near the fort, is a statue of King -George----” - -An instant roar went up. - -“Shall it remain longer than it takes us to make our way there?” -demanded the man. - -“No,” answered the throng, as one man. - -“Then let us start at once. But remember one thing. This statue is made -of lead. And lead is the metal that bullets are made of. What more -fitting than that the presentiment of a king be run into bullets to be -used against his hirelings!” - -Delighted with this, they streamed into Broadway and toward the fort; -amid the shouts of hundreds who gathered to see the sport, the statue -was pulled down and broken up. And legend has it that it was indeed run -into bullets for use against Lord Howe and his army. - -A few days after this the city was struck with panic. Two ships of war -got under way and headed up toward the battery. One was found to be the -“Phœnix,” forty guns; the other was the “Rose,” a vessel of twenty, -and commanded by Captain Wallace. Alarms were sounded; the Americans -flocked to their posts. With wind and tide behind them the British -ships swept up the bay with three tenders following, all shaping their -course for the Hudson. The batteries from both the city and Paulus -Hook opened upon them. The war-ships answered with broadsides, but -kept on their way. The fleet made no attempt to ascend, holding to -their anchors; and seeing this and drawing from it that there were no -prospects of an immediate general attack, the townspeople breathed -freely. - -The troops at the Highlands were made ready; river sloops and all boats -of any size for miles along the Hudson were requisitioned; the forts -and batteries were manned; as far as might be, all was prepared for -anything that might come. - -On the evening of the day that the “Rose” and the “Phœnix” made their -dash there was a great booming of cannon from the enemy’s shipping off -Staten Island. A ship of the line had just come in from sea; at her -foretop streamed the British ensign, and her sister ships thundered a -smoking welcome. And an increased feeling of dread ran through the city -when it was learned that Admiral Lord Howe had arrived. - -The crisis was now at hand, and all disaffected persons were removed -from the city. General Lord Howe immediately opened negotiations. While -military diplomats wrangled over forms, the militia along the Hudson -kept up a constant bickering with the two ships that had forced their -way up the river and were now within six miles of Fort Montgomery. -Brushwood was piled at intervals, so that beacons could be lighted to -give warning in time of danger; fire ships were made ready to float -down against the war vessels, and General Putnam was proceeding with -a plan for the obstruction of the channel, his notion being to prevent -the passage of hostile vessels up or down the river. - -Watchful eyes then made out another incoming fleet. It was of a hundred -sail, and carried huge reinforcements to the British land force; one -thousand of the already detested Hessians were among them. These -disembarked on Staten Island and threw up earthworks. Scotch, English -and German mercenary troops continued to arrive; then came the army -under Sir Henry Clinton, which had only lately been rather soundly -beaten at Charleston. - -The British land force now numbered some thirty thousand experienced -men; that under Washington was less than twenty thousand. And these -latter were raw, undisciplined troops for the most part; they were -badly armed, and most of all they were torn with sectional animosities. -Bilious and other fevers were rampant among them; one-quarter of their -number were on the hospital list; and the remainder were compelled to -cover a defense fifteen miles in length. - -The watchful Washington missed few of his opponent’s movements. Through -spies and deserters he learned that many of the British regiments -had reëmbarked, three days’ provisions had been cooked, and every -indication pointed to some large movement being at hand. Then General -Putnam brought word that one-quarter of the ships had sailed, probably -around Long Island. - -The American general stood ready with his force to meet the movement of -Howe as soon as it should develop sufficiently to be intelligible. The -movement, so he reasoned, would be to land a force to attempt Brooklyn -Heights, which commanded the city of New York. - -General Greene and his army held Brooklyn, a strong line of works -stretched across the peninsula, upon which the town stood, running from -Wallabout Bay on the north to Gowanus Cove on the south. A battery -was mounted on Red Hook to protect the rear from the shipping of the -British; a fort occupied the lower point of Governor’s Island. - -A range of hills stretched away before Greene’s intrenchments; it was -densely wooded and cut by three passes. One of these led to Bedford in -the east, the second opened to the southeast toward Flatbush, while a -road ran through the third that led directly south by Gowanus Cove and -Gravesend Bay. It was undoubtedly General Greene’s purpose to man the -hills and defend these passes; but as fate would have it, he was taken -down with a violent fever, and General Sullivan was placed in temporary -command. - -From the American camp of Livingston on the Jersey side, much British -preparation was discerned. Word was sent to New York that thirty -thousand troops had been crowded into the transports riding at anchor -off Staten Island; these were to attack Long Island, and the remaining -regiments were to be launched against other points at the same time. - -The day after this news was received, the dull roar of cannon was heard -from the south of Brooklyn; Washington instantly sent a reinforcement -of six battalions across the river; more would have gone, but it was -not yet known where the attack would really center. - -With these battalions went George Prentiss, his friends Brewster and -Cooper and his brother Ezra. Next day the latter, who had been riding -for Sullivan to the south of the town, made known to his friends what -had occurred. - -“Colonel Hand was stationed with his Pennsylvania riflemen to guard -the landing-places; a force of artillery and light horse crossed and -drove him back. Sir Henry Clinton commanded this landing in person; -but under cover of a smart rifle fire, Hand took possession of the -hills commanding the Flatbush pass. Some light infantry, and Donop’s -Hessians, came on to seize this; but seeing that the riflemen were -capable of making a stubborn and bloody resistance, they halted and -rested for the night at Flatbush. - -“The remainder of Clinton’s force is laid out from the Narrows, where -they landed, to Flatbush, which is almost a straight line to the east.” - -On August 24th, Washington crossed the river and carefully inspected -the scene of the coming struggle; Greene’s plans were at hand, but -the gallant Rhode Islander was too desperately ill to explain them. As -yet, nothing but skirmishing was indulged in, and it was fortunate for -the Americans that this was so. If the British had plunged forward, the -rout of the patriot army would have been complete; for, because of the -absence of Greene from the lines, things were in a bad way. - -“The conditions are even worse here than they were before Boston at the -beginning of the siege,” Ezra Prentiss said to his friends, as they -stood awaiting orders in front of Sullivan’s headquarters. “Confusion -and disorder are everywhere.” - -“Each man is his own law,” agreed young Cooper. “They don’t wait for -instructions if they feel inclined to take action against the enemy; -and if they are not so inclined, they refuse to move, no matter what -the orders are.” - -But when Putnam took command, this condition was to a large extent -altered, for that doughty warrior called the officers together and in -plain terms told them what was expected of them; stern measures after -this effected something of a change. - -British preparations continued. At length, two more brigades of -Hessians under De Heister crossed the Narrows; and when Washington -noted this he was convinced that now indeed the blow was to be struck; -accordingly what troops he could spare were sent to join Putnam’s force -on the east side of the river. - -On the evening of August 26th, Clinton began a movement with a body of -picked troops toward Flatbush Flatlands; after him, trailing through -the darkness, came Percy with the artillery, grenadiers and dragoons; -and close to Percy’s heels marched Cornwallis with the heavy ordnance. -Like ghosts the silent columns changed their course at Flatlands and -flitted across the New Lots. A Tory who knew every inch of the ground -was at their head, and he brought them safely through the marsh to -the Jamaica Road. To Clinton’s astonishment, the Bedford pass was -undefended, and through it he went, followed by Percy and Cornwallis; -at daylight they breakfasted within three miles of Bedford; and the -Americans never dreamed of their being anywhere at hand. - -Three hours after Clinton began his movement, the British general, -Grant, according to plan, started with the left wing of the enemy’s -force from Gravesend Bay. Some New York and Pennsylvania militia -retired before him, keeping up a brisk rifle fire. A party of scouts -brought the news of this advance to Putnam; and at once General -Sterling was rushed forward to hold Grant in check. - -The scouts rode ahead, testing every doubtful point. - -“Daylight will soon be upon us,” said George Prentiss, “and that will -give us some idea of what force we will have to contend with.” - -“These fellows behind us are the pick of Putnam’s force,” said Ezra. -“Indeed, they are the only well-trained regiments I’ve seen here, and -should be able to give a good account of themselves.” - -When Sterling reached the Gowanus pass he found his scouts mingling -with the militia in the graying dawn. - -“The report is, sir,” said George, saluting the general, “that the -enemy is close at hand.” - -Through the indifferent light, Lord Sterling selected the points of -vantage. To the commander of the militia he said: - -“Draw your men up in that orchard on the left of the road; we may -manage to have them walk into an ambush.” - -While this was being done, Sterling formed his own men along a ridge -that ran from the road to a hilltop. Under a steady fire the British -came along; but they avoided the ambush by throwing forward some light -troops; and at broad day these, from behind hedges and trees, were -facing the Americans at a distance of some hundred and fifty yards. - -But the blow was to be dealt on the Flatbush Road. While darkness -hung over all, the Hessian, De Heister, opened with his guns on -Hand’s riflemen, who defended the pass under the direction of General -Sullivan. Some ships of the line attempted to get into action; but -heavy head winds drove them back. The “Roebuck,” a rather small vessel, -managed to beat up against the wind, however, and she opened upon the -fort at Red Hook. - -During all this, Washington was in Manhattan; the people of the city -were wild with terror, for it was still believed that the real attack -would be leveled at them. But in a little time the commander-in-chief -saw that this was not to be the case, so he had his barge manned and -crossed to Brooklyn. And he arrived in time to see the first blows -struck. - -Clinton, having comfortably breakfasted, now brought forward his -artillery; the guns thundered the awaited signal. At once De Heister -knew that the American left had been turned; and he hurled his Hessians -under Count Donop upon the Flatbush pass. Sullivan also caught the -sound of Clinton’s guns; they were in his rear, and the truth struck -home instantly. - -“Fall back!” he cried. - -As the German troops pressed forward, no one remained to resist them; -down the opposite side of the hill rushed the Americans, hoping to -escape being surrounded. But when they reached the plain, Sullivan saw -that he was too late. Clinton’s light infantry and dragoons were upon -them like cats. Back the patriots rushed into the pass, only to be -greeted with a stream of lead from the mercenaries’ muskets. - -“We have them!” shouted Count Donop in his hoarse German. “At them, my -children!” - -The Americans recoiled from the sleet of bullets, but only to fall -upon the sabers of the British dragoons. Backward and forward like -shuttlecocks they were driven; first the British would send them -reeling toward the Hessians, then the latter would, in turn, hurl them -back upon the British. But not for a moment did the patriots cease -fighting; their rifles belched in the faces of the foe, their bayonets -ran red with blood. The pass roared with conflict; mercy was not asked -nor given; above the barking of muskets, horses neighed and trumpets -shrilled their high-voiced commands. - -At length Sullivan was taken prisoner, and with him a large body of -his men; another section of the command broke through the mass of the -British and gained their own lines, but by far the greater number of -the brave fellows lay dead among the stones of the pass. - -Before this dreadful blow was dealt the colonial hopes, Lord Sterling -was exchanging shots with the British under Grant at the Gowanus pass. -When the heavy guns of Clinton announced his presence at Bedford, Grant -began a determined advance; with one rush he crushed and took the raw -militia. - -It was here that George Prentiss’ knowledge of the country, gained in -his long rides and his sketching, was brought into play. Sterling, -with his officers grouped about him, was endeavoring to hit upon a way -out of a desperate situation. For desperate it was. Cornwallis, while -Sterling was facing Grant, had rapidly brought the British reserve from -Bedford by a narrow road; and he was now directly in Sterling’s rear. -As Sullivan had been between the fires of Clinton and De Heister, so -Sterling was between those of Cornwallis and Grant. - -As George pressed toward the group about Sterling, an officer whispered -something in the general’s ear. Instantly the latter’s glance went to -the young New Englander. - -“Prentiss,” said he, “I’m told that you’re familiar with this section.” - -George lifted his hand in a salute. - -“Yes, general.” - -“Our only hope seems to be to the west and north of us. What is the -ground like in that direction?” - -“There is a creek, sir, which flows into Gowanus Cove; it is fordable -at low water.” - -“Do you know the state of the tide now?” - -“It happens that I do. It’s coming in at this hour, but should still be -low enough to pass.” - -At once Sterling’s orders were given; part of his force was left to -face Grant; the remainder marched at a double quick for the creek. -They had sighted it when a cry from Ezra drew the attention of his -superiors. His finger was pointing to a growth of bush between them and -the coveted stream. Above this could be seen the head-pieces of the -British grenadiers and the cold gleam of their bayonets. - -Only one commander in a thousand would have thought of resistance -now. But Sterling was that one man. Calmly he gave his orders. With a -part of one battalion of Maryland men, he boldly threw himself upon -the grenadiers; and while he so engaged them the rest of the command -crossed the creek. - -With these latter were George Prentiss and the party of scouts; it -would have pleased them more to have stayed; but their orders were -imperative; a swamp stretched from the creek almost to the American -lines, and some one must guide the Delaware men, or they would be -caught like rats. - -No more desperate fighters than the five companies which Sterling -retained were in the American army; they flew at the stalwart -grenadiers like game-cocks; repeatedly they were broken, but each time -they rallied and renewed the fight. Once, indeed, they crushed the -solid formation of Cornwallis, and started the grenadiers on the run; -but as fate would have it, bodies of British reinforcements came up, -and the brave fellows were forced to retreat. Even then, Sterling, with -a part of what was left, held his ground long enough to permit another -detachment of his force to cross the creek to safety. - -Broken and desperate, they made their last stand in a clump of trees. -Washington, who was watching the fight through his glass from a high -hill within the American lines, grew sick at heart as he witnessed the -gallantry of this little band and saw the fate that must overtake them. - -“Alas!” he exclaimed to some of his staff who stood near. “What brave -fellows I must lose this day.” - -And lose them he did. They were borne down and bayoneted in a -corn-field, or shot as they endeavored to escape across a marsh. To the -very last, Lord Sterling encouraged them by presence and word and deed; -and when all was lost he gave up his sword to the Hessian general De -Heister. - -Then came the moments that meant much to the colonies; mad with -victory, the British massed before the American redoubts; within musket -shot they poised for the charge that would end the fight. Washington -prepared for a desperate defense of Brooklyn; his cannon played upon -the massed columns fiercely, and seeing that he was resolved to hold -his position at all hazards, Clinton gave orders that his eager troops -be held in check. To storm the American works would have been the -quicker and more spectacular way; but hundreds, perhaps thousands of -lives must pay for it; and this crafty tactician was not given to -wasting his force. So he drew off his men and they encamped out of -musket shot for the night. - -But it was no night of rest for George Prentiss and his fellow riders. -Through the darkness they tore, never heeding life nor limb; the length -and breadth of Manhattan was crossed, and the dispatches they bore set -troops in motion all over the island. - -Day broke dismal and lowering after a fearful night behind the colonial -works. Twenty thousand of the enemy were encamped in plain sight. Then -through a drenching rain, the American reinforcements arrived. Among -these were Glover’s hardy New England seamen, Shee’s crack Philadelphia -regiment, and Magan’s Pennsylvanians; also Mifflin’s troops from -Kingsbridge and Fort Washington. - -The downpour seemed to dampen the spirits of the British; they ceased -their artillery fire and took to their tents; only some desultory -rifle shooting between the advanced posts was indulged in. Late in the -afternoon, when the rain slackened, they began to intrench, their idea -being to advance by regular approaches, each protected by an earthwork. - -Next day there was a heavy fog. George Prentiss, scouting in the -neighborhood of Red Hook, saw an unusual activity among the British -shipping off Staten Island, during a moment when a trifling breeze had -lifted the mist from the waters. - -“Look there!” he cried to his friends. They had but a glimpse of the -war-ships before the fog settled once more. - -“There seems to be something going on,” said Ezra. - -“I think I caught a glimpse of small boats plying between the ships and -this side,” added Brewster. - -“No doubt you did,” said George. “Twice the other day the British -caught us between two fires. And not satisfied with that,” -confidentially, “they are going to try again.” - -“What! Do you mean that----” - -“That they are coming up with the next wind and tide. This battery,” -pointing to the Red Hook defense, “can’t hope to keep them back, and -the Governor’s Island and city batteries are not much better. Let -them once anchor in the East River and Washington’s army is lost. His -retreat will be cut off.” - -They put their tired horses at a gallop back to the lines. To some -staff officers they imparted their news, and the commander-in-chief at -once called a council of war. Other hostile craft were known to have -rounded Long Island and gained Flushing Bay; should these land troops -east of the Harlem they might take Kingsbridge, which all knew to be -the key to Manhattan. - -A retreat was decided upon that very night! - -Again the fleet horsemen were in the saddle. This time they bore orders -for the requisition of all craft between Spuyten Duyvil on the Hudson -and Hell Gate on the Sound; and by evening a huge fleet of all sizes -and trims were gathered at the Brooklyn side of the river. - -The enemy was so close that the sound of their sentries’ voices could -be heard, and to move an army of nine thousand men from under their -very noses was an appalling military task. And yet it was done. Company -by company, regiment by regiment they embarked and under cover of the -fog which still prevailed, they slipped across to New York. Horses, -wagons, ammunition, provisions and artillery were also transported. -By daybreak General Mifflin’s covering party also entered the boats; -and in the last of these could be seen the tall figure of Washington, -gazing back through the gray light of the morning toward the heights. - -“It is what he feared from the first,” whispered George Prentiss to -his brother. “They will mount the guns there that will drive him from -Manhattan.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -DESCRIBES HOW GEORGE AND HIS FRIEND START UPON A DANGEROUS MISSION - - -The next two weeks were filled with memorable events; they saw the -execution of the daring young schoolmaster, Nathan Hale; they witnessed -the thronging of the British war-ships into the Hudson, and the landing -of Clinton’s heavy force on Manhattan Island at Kip’s Bay; and, also, -they saw the massing of Washington’s battered army upon Harlem Heights. - -Then began a series of desperate ventures with fire ships, sallying -parties and raids in which the brutal Hessians had a chance to show -their quality; Fort Washington was taken by Howe; and then began the -terrible retreat across the Jerseys. Cornwallis, relentless as a -bloodhound, hung upon the trail of the American army. At Newark, his -advance guard entered the town as the American rear was leaving it; at -Trenton the British reached the banks of the Delaware only to see the -camp-fires of the patriots burning on the opposite side. - -New Jersey now fell into a state of terror; the Hessians overran -everything. Following the example of their leaders, they plundered left -and right. None escaped them; Tories suffered as well as patriots; -houses “protected” by the sign manual of Cornwallis himself were -sacked; women and children were turned out into the winter cold with -scarce enough to cover them. In a spirit of retaliation, the American -troops on the west of the Delaware also entered into the game of -pillage; for miles and miles they looted the homes of all suspected -of being in sympathy with the British. This grew in extent until -Washington posted most severe penalties for all engaged in plunder. - -The knowledge of what was going on in New Jersey excited the most -bitter hatred against the Hessians. But through it all, Washington, and -those nearest him, remained calm; they watched and waited, and all the -time they strove to get their forces into shape to strike a blow that -would be at once quick and deadly. - -The deeds of the Hessians brought horror to all who heard of them, -but to none did the measure seem so full as to George Prentiss. When -some fresh enormity reached his ears, there always flashed upon him a -picture of a stately manor house in the possession of these lawless -ruffians; he saw, also, a white-faced girl and a helpless old man, and -none to lift a hand in their defense. - -“Should you ever cross the Jerseys, lad,” old Camp had said, “don’t -fail to hunt us out. The Elms, we call the place, and it’s less than a -dozen miles out of the town of Trenton.” - -A dozen miles! It must, then, be in the very heart of the section where -all was pillaging and burning and hanging. - -George had kept his brother Ezra acquainted with all the happenings -that bore upon the Camps; and in many things Ezra had advised wisely. -But just now he was detailed upon service at Philadelphia under Putnam, -and his absence was badly felt. - -Nat Brewster and Ben Cooper began to notice the eagerness with which -George sought news from across the river. - -“It is something more than common,” said young Cooper. “Every chance he -gets, he’s riding along the shore; at night nothing seems so attractive -to him as the firelights on the Jersey side. He watches them by the -hour.” - -“He says nothing, though,” replied Nat Brewster, “and I have the -impression that whatever it is that’s on his mind it’s something he -wants to keep to himself. So I’ve never asked him any questions.” - -One afternoon, only a few days after the above words were spoken, -Brewster, grave-faced and quiet, opened the door of the hut which the -three had erected for shelter. - -“There’s work to do,” he stated, as he sat down before the fire. - -George, watching his friend’s face closely, saw that something -important was under way. - -“What is it?” he asked. - -“Volunteers are demanded to cross the river and learn the enemy’s -strength.” - -“You are one,” and George sprang up, knocking over the stool upon -which he had been sitting and causing the crazy little hut to vibrate -with his eagerness. - -Nat nodded. George dashed open the door and was away. The winter blast -swept in and the blaze roared up the rude chimney. Ben closed the door, -his lips puckered in a whistle. - -“There, now,” said he. “What did I tell you? Something’s over there,” -and he jerked his head in the direction of the river, “that’s on his -mind. The only wonder to me is that he hasn’t crossed before now, -orders or no orders.” - -In about half an hour George reappeared. - -“I go with you,” he said, his eyes alight and with more spring in his -step than they had seen for some time. Their arms hung upon the wall, -and instantly he took down his pistol and began putting it in order. - -“There is no need to hurry matters,” answered Nat, quietly. “Great -speed at a time like this is as like to bring disaster as anything -else. Take time; more than bustle will be required to land us within -the British lines--in safety.” - -George had great respect for Brewster’s shrewdness and resourcefulness; -so holding his eagerness in check, he sat down and began recharging the -pistol. - -“You’ve been thinking the matter over,” said he to Nat. - -The latter nodded. - -“We have no password,” said he slowly; “and even if we had I doubt if -it would be of much service with the Hessians. They seen to disregard -everything but their own desires. Like as not we’d each have a musket -ball or bayonet planted in our bodies if we encountered them in any -other way than one which pleased them.” - -George looked up from the pistol. - -“Do you know of anything that would be pleasant to them?” - -“I think so,” said Nat. “You see, the countryside all about Trenton is -being drawn upon for provisions for the troops.” - -A set look came into young Prentiss’ mouth; his eyes grew hard in the -firelight. - -“Go on,” he said. - -“If we can cross the river to-night and make our way some distance into -the interior, perhaps we can meet with the teams that bring in the -forage. Every American to be found is impressed to help in this work. -All we need do is to show ourselves; and as the bringers of food, we’ll -pass muster.” - -“That is a good plan enough,” said George. “I accept it as it stands.” - -“You would accept any plan that promised to land you across the -Delaware,” was Ben Cooper’s thought as he listened and watched. “And -you’d not question any of them.” - -And so it happened that as the early December evening fell, two loutish -looking fellows made their way toward the Delaware at a point some -distance beyond the American lines. The wind that swept up from the -deep dark river was icy and damp; for all their greatcoats and muffling -neckerchiefs they shivered and swung their arms for warmth. - -Once upon the bank they paused. Frozen fast in a little runlet they -found an old ferry-boat that George had noticed before. - -It required more than an hour’s hard work to free it from the ice; then -with the heavy sweep they smashed the formation that extended out from -the bank, and were afloat. The point was some miles above Trenton, and -the ice-floes were thick and running freely with the tide. For over an -hour they strained and tugged, and at length the heavy bow of the ferry -crushed through the thin ice on the Jersey side, and they scrambled -ashore. - -The tide had carried them well down toward the Hessian outposts; and -turning their backs upon these they trudged their way along a snowy -road that ran northeast. As the night went on it grew colder and -colder; more snow began to fall; they could feel its wet softness upon -their faces. - -Far off in the distance, a bell struck the hour mournfully. - -“Midnight,” said Nat. - -“And getting colder every moment,” answered George. - -The white of the snow pressed in upon them from the further darkness, -and the way grew more and more difficult. Suddenly Brewster felt his -friend clutch his arm. - -“Nat,” said George. “Look there.” - -A faint point of light appeared off to the right. - -“It’s moving,” spoke Nat. - -“More than likely a lanthorn,” said young Prentiss. - -They paused and watched the glimmer of light; little by little it drew -nearer. The bearer of the lanthorn apparently had great trouble in -making his way along, for his pace was very slow. - -“He’s plowing through the drifts,” said George. “There must be open -fields in the direction from which he’s coming.” - -But at last the stranger struck the road, and his pace increased; in a -very little time they could hear his feet crunching the snow, then they -caught the growling undertone of angry words. - -“So there are two of them,” whispered Nat. - -“No; he’s talking to himself.” - -Nearer came the light bearer; and they could now distinguish what he -said. - -“That I should live to see the day,” he mumbled. “That I should live to -see an English king send such a horde of rascally dogs down upon his -people. Dogs, did I say? They’d shame the name of dogs; a decent cur -would not own them.” - -Grumbling and stamping in the snow he passed them unnoticed, a stout -figure in a heavy cloak and with a broad woolen scarf bound over his -hat, adown his ears and knotted under his chin. A little distance away -they saw the light halt, then came the rattling of a lock and chain and -the door of a low barn-like structure creaked open. The man set his -lamp down within, stamped the snow from his feet and then closed the -door. At once George began making his way toward the building; but Nat -took him by the arm. - -“What are you going to do?” - -“I want to make sure of something.” - -Carefully they crept toward the building; but before they reached it -there came a low knocking. - -“Who’s there?” came the voice of the man who had borne the lanthorn. -“Who comes knocking at this hour?” - -“Open the door. It is I!” - -At once the door reopened; a second and slighter form flitted in, and -again it closed. - -“Stay here,” whispered George to his friend. “I shall be gone only a -short time. Keep a lookout.” - -“Very well,” replied Brewster. - -George stole away toward the building; it proved to be a log structure, -chinked with clay; its one window had been broken, apparently, for some -boards were roughly nailed across the opening, and the seams between -stuffed with rags. It required but a moment for him to work an opening -in one of the seams large enough to enable him to obtain a view of the -interior. - -There was a low, rudely raftered ceiling through which protruded wisps -of rye straw; the room was filled with smoke; there was no chimney to -carry it off. The first thing that George heard was a prolonged fit of -coughing; he could dimly make out two forms through the blue haze, but -not enough to be sure. However, in a manner, his suspicions proved to -be correct. - -“To think,” said the voice of the man with the lanthorn, “that I should -ever be brought to this. Strangled in a hovel not fit for beasts. But -I’ll be even with them, or my name is not Camp.” - -“It was he, then,” breathed the watcher softly. - -There came the flapping of a broad hat within and the smoke began to -thin. - -“Is this the only building left on the place?” asked a second voice. - -“The only one. Every other is burned to the ground.” - -“The rascals!” said the second voice. - -“Rascals! They are the most murderous villains unhanged! They stop -at nothing. I held the ‘protection’ of Lord Cornwallis before their -eyes--there was his signature and seal as plain as day--but I might as -well have shown it to a drove of mad bulls.” - -“Is there no way of punishing them?” - -“None. Their own commanders alone have authority over them; and they -are as bad as the rank and file.” - -“It’s fortunate,” exclaimed Merchant Camp, amidst another fit of -coughing, “that you got your sister Peggy away, at least.” - -“Herbert again!” breathed the one outside, for the first time realizing -to whom the second voice belonged. - -“It wouldn’t have done to have left her hereabouts.” - -“You placed her with the Hawksworths?” - -“Yes. And she is perfectly safe there, for Hawksworth has some British -army friends quartered with them--a colonel and a lieutenant-general.” - -“Good,” said Mr. Camp, as though greatly relieved. “She’s safe enough, -then.” - -“It would have been best if you both had remained in New York.” - -“I fancied that I left there to escape persecution,” said the old Tory, -bitterly. “But I must say that the rebels were as mild as children when -compared with these who should be my friends.” - -“They tried to be just, at all events,” said Herbert Camp. - -“Yes, yes, I see that now, though I didn’t then. But I see many things -now, as a matter of fact, that I didn’t see then. I once thought Mr. -Washington a great villain; but now I consider him a brave and honest -and able gentleman--one who has clung to his beliefs in the face of -defeat; and one who will continue to so cling until the last.” - -“I have often heard you express admiration for tenacity of purpose and -for the man who had the courage of his convictions,” said Herbert. “And -yet you were willing enough to have me change my coat.” - -“My boy,” and there was a curious little break in the old man’s voice, -“the day that you threw down the sword you had taken up for the -colonies was one of the bitterest in my life.” - -There came an exclamation from Herbert; but he spoke no words. - -“When I threatened to strike you from my will,” continued the old Tory, -“I did it through motives of pride. I wanted to show my friends how -strong the family character was; I desired to convince them as to its -ruggedness and firmness and truth. I said to you in the presence of -all: ‘Give up your principles or give up my money.’ I expected to see -you throw the insult back into my teeth--uncle and all as I was. But -you shamed me, you caused my pride to fall in ruins about me. You took -me at my word. You traded your honor for money.” - -“Uncle!” George heard a scraping of feet which told him that Herbert -Camp had sprung up; and there was a ring in his voice that thrilled. -“Do you mean to say that you’d have been better pleased had I held to -the American cause?” - -“I do. Strange as it may seem, I do say it. You would have shown that -you were honest and steadfast, even though I thought you wrong. As it -is----” - -He did not complete the sentence and for a space nothing more was said. -Then Herbert spoke once more. - -“Suppose,” said he, “suppose that I should tell you that I had not been -false to my principles?” - -“Do you mean this?” And the old man’s voice rang sharply. - -“I do.” - -“So then,” and there was bitter anger in the tones, “you pretended. You -tried to humbug me. You were willing to stoop to a mean deception in -order that you might retain my good will?” - -“Uncle!” - -“That,” sternly, “is perhaps worse than the other thing of which I -thought you guilty. Out of your own mouth you have proved yourself a -designing----” - -But here the young man stopped him. - -“Wait,” said he; “uncle, wait! Before you say anything more, listen to -me for a moment. It is true that I have deceived you.” - -“Hah!” - -“But not for the mean reason that you suspect.” - -“What other reason could you have?” - -“Give me a moment and I will try to make all plain to you. It had come -to my ears that a plot was on foot--the same that eventually resulted -in the hanging of Hickey, one of General Washington’s guard. When you -made your proposal it instantly occurred to me that if I seemed to fall -in with your views, I might be able to learn what was going forward.” - -“Ah!” - -“A renegade, you know, is always the most eager to proceed against his -former friends; and I hoped that this fact would gain me credit among -my country’s foes. Believe me, uncle, it hurt me to deceive you. I -longed to tell you plainly that I was only acting a part. But I dared -not. - -“And then, there was Peggy!” There was a moan in the young man’s voice; -and George Prentiss recalling his sullen face and heavy, brooding -brows, was surprised. “You know, uncle, what we always thought of each -other. You know that we were inseparable from childhood. And you also -know what an ardent friend to colonial liberty she is.” - -Here George just smothered an astonished outcry. Peggy Camp a patriot! -A patriot! And he had thought her a Tory! Why, if that were the -case----! - -But he had no time for thought. Herbert was still speaking, and he -could not lose a word. - -“And when she heard of my supposed change of front, she did not say a -word, but the way she looked at me, I shall never forget. Contempt was -the weakest thing in it--scorn was there, and pity also. For a moment I -felt that I could not stand it. I felt that I must tell her the truth. -But I did not. An unguarded word from her to my enemies, a look, even, -might ruin my chances for success.” - -“Success?” There was a note of interrogation in Merchant Camp’s voice. -“And were you successful?” - -“No.” The regret in the young man’s voice was undoubted. “Misfortune -dogged me constantly. At first I was reported as a traitor to General -Putnam and was quietly arrested. But I convinced him of my innocence, -explained to him my plan and was liberated that I might carry it out.” - -“And what was this plan?” - -“It was to gain the good will of Governor Tryon in the first place; but -this I could never do--the way to him was blocked by the very persons -whom I suspected.” - -“And who were they?” - -At this moment George felt a hand laid upon his arm; he turned, the -heavy pistol leaping from his belt; but Nat Brewster’s voice whispered -in his ear: - -“Some one’s coming this way.” - -Cautiously they drew back from the hut; and when they had reached a -safe distance, they paused, knee-deep in the snow, and listened. - -Whips were snapping, horses were floundering through the drifts, men’s -voices were crying out sharply. - -“A provision train,” said Nat. “A provision train, bound for Trenton, -as sure as you live!” - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -TELLS OF TWO PATRIOTS IN TRENTON - - -Nat was right. A half dozen clumsy-looking sleighs, drawn by farm -horses, came lumbering slowly along the road; in the light of the -lanthorns that swung upon the side of each, the two young men saw that -the vehicles were piled high with sacks of flour, barrels of salted -meat, bacon, hams, and slaughtered hogs and sheep. - -The drivers clump-clumped along doggedly by the side of their horses; -at the front and rear of the train rode a party of horsemen. - -“There is the opportunity you spoke of, just as though it had been -made to your order,” whispered George. “But how are we going to take -advantage of it?” - -“Let us follow on behind. They may stop somewhere, and we can happen -along--two honest and rather thick-witted fellows that we are--and who -knows but that something might turn up.” - -Allowing the sleighs and the horsemen to proceed a certain distance, -they fell in behind and trudged in their tracks. George’s mind was full -of what he had just heard; but try as he might, he could not reconcile -them with the facts as he knew them. - -“One thing alone convicts him and shows me conclusively that his tale -was merely an invention,” reasoned the young New Englander. “And that -is the letter of the British governor Tryon to the Tory mayor of New -York. In that, Tryon recommended this very young man to the mayor as -one to be trusted--one who had served him before and would again. And -yet he has just told his uncle that he attributes the non-success of -his ‘plan’ to the fact that he could never gain Tryon’s confidence.” - -Here he was aware that Nat had halted, and so drew up beside him. - -“They have stopped,” said Brewster. “Now is our chance. Remember, now, -you are a thick-headed lout, willing to work and willing to take kicks -and cuffs for your pay.” - -Adopting a gait in character, they shambled on and into the light of -the sleigh lanterns. The train had arrived before a roadside inn of a -low type. The drivers were struggling to draw their sleighs up to the -side of this, but the drifts were deep and the horses sullenly refused -to exert themselves. - -The officer in command of the guard flew into a rage and brandishing -his riding whip, shouted: - -“Pigs! Have you no brains! You must first a way make. Come, now! Shall -I stand for you here in the cold!” - -The drivers, who were apparently farmers of consequence, impressed by -the Hessians, muttered among themselves rebelliously. And it was here -that the two rough figures came up from the rear, seized shovels from -the sleighs and fell to on the drifts. - -“Ach! das is gut!” approved the German officer. “Here men are who can -work.” - -In a very short time the sleighs were through the drifts, and the -soldiers were thronging the inn. In about an hour they were ready to -start once more upon the cold road to Trenton. But as they filed out -and mounted, the two supposed country bumpkins bent low over the blaze -upon the hearth and seemed content to remain where they were. The -leader of the Hessians espied them, however, and his heavy lash snapped -about their ears. - -“Out with you,” he cried. “Shall we Hesse men into the cold go, and you -two pigs stay by the fire!” - -“But,” protested Nat, in a dull sort of way, “we are going to stop here -for the night.” - -“Donner und blitz!” exclaimed the officer, “shall I tell you again! Out -with you! And be quick! Such as you may needed be before we are far -gone on our journey.” - -So out the two darted, dodging the lash, and took up places beside the -sleighs, still making a pretense of protesting; and then away they went -toward Trenton. The snow fell thickly and steadily; the road grew more -and more difficult; at length, at daybreak, they sighted the town; and -an hour later they were unloading the stores. - -This once finished, the two young men had little difficulty in slipping -away; and then began their work of observing the enemy’s position, -numbers and general frame of mind. Some days passed--days of hardship -and hard usage. With their rough dress, their unkempt heads of hair and -grimy faces and hands, they were the butts of the brutal mercenaries -that filled the town. They were forced to do all sorts of menial and -laborious work; but as this permitted them to gain entrance at points -where information was to be had, they fell in with the demands of the -Hessians readily enough. - -To the British and the Hessians, the American army was a dispirited -and broken crew of ragamuffins. They knew how to run and dodge, that -was all. At Trenton, all across the Jerseys and at New York, careless -confidence was supreme. Howe was quartered at Manhattan for the winter; -his troops were negligently stretched from Brunswick to the Delaware. -Three regiments of Hessians under Colonel Rahl occupied Trenton and the -towns near by; and the general conduct of these filled the two spies -with satisfaction. - -That iron discipline that has ever marked the German army, and which -had been the particular characteristic of the Hessians since landing -in America, had now relaxed. They held Washington in contempt. When one -of the veteran officers suggested the erection of earthworks, Colonel -Rahl laughed uproariously. - -“Earthworks for those rats across the river! Ach! you are joking!” was -what he said. “In a little time there will be ice where there now is -water; then we will cross over and at them with the bayonet.” - -This attitude of their commander had been taken up by the men; they -gave little thought to the enemy; being comfortable and having more -than enough food was of vastly greater interest. - -Cornwallis had secured leave and was at New York about to take ship for -England; Grant, who was in charge of the noble earl’s division, thought -almost as meanly of the colonists as did Rahl. - -All these things became known to the two eager-eyed young men, and -more. They had been in the town perhaps a week, when one afternoon -Brewster said: - -“There is nothing more of value to be learned. Suppose we try to get -across the river to-night.” - -They stood at a point just above Trenton where they had the stream in -view, but were well out of sight of the guards. - -“There are no boats to be had,” said young Prentiss. - -“I tested the ice last night, almost opposite this point,” said Nat. -“It was strong enough to bear a man’s weight then; and it’s been -freezing hard ever since.” - -“Perhaps it would not bear two even now,” suggested George. - -“I had thought of that. We had better go one at a time. Then should an -accident happen to one, the other would still have a chance to get the -information to camp in safety.” - -For a moment George was silent; then with a hand upon his friend’s -shoulder, he said: - -“Do you mind venturing first? I have excellent reasons for asking this -of you.” - -“As well first as last.” - -“If you get across without harm, as I hope you will, I mean to remain -here for a little longer,” spoke George. - -“Remain!” there was astonishment in the other’s voice. “But why? We -have learned all we can hope to learn.” - -“The matter is a private one,” returned George. “Some time I will -explain all, but not now.” - -Nat said no more. That night they again sought the same spot; the sky -was high and starry, but there was no moon; the river looked like a -great snow covered field of ice. - -“Just light enough for me to see and not enough for them to see me,” -said Nat. - -“I don’t think you are going to have much trouble in making the -passage,” said his friend. “The ice looks firm enough to support a -troop of dragoons.” - -“Well, here’s for it; and I trust that you are right.” They clasped -hands tightly. - -“Don’t forget the signal that’s to tell me that you are safely -across--a fire upon the hilltop just above there.” - -“I’ll light it as soon as I arrive.” - -“And I’ll watch here for it until midnight. If I don’t see it by that -time, I’ll be sure that something has happened to you and will make the -attempt myself.” - -“Good-bye,” said Nat. - -“Good-bye.” - -A dark form flitted down to the river’s edge and stepped fearlessly -upon the ice; then it headed for the Pennsylvania shore and was soon -lost to view. The night was cold and still; George could hear the -crunching of his friend’s shoes in the frozen snow for some time after -he had lost sight of him. But after a little, even that ceased; he -heard a clock strike nine and then ten from a tower in the town; then -followed what seemed ages of waiting. The watcher trembled with the -cold; his feet were numbed; his hands were useless. Just as eleven -boomed out, mournfully and far off, there was a faint flare from a -knoll across the river; then it mounted to a ruddy blaze and George -gave a sigh of relief. - -“He’s safe,” said he. “Safe! And now I can turn my hand to my own -work.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -HOW COLONEL RAHL PROPOSED GIVING A CHRISTMAS CONCERT - - -George learned that the Hawksworths, with whom Peggy was staying, were -an English family who owned vast acreages in the Jerseys; the head -of the house was the younger son of a duke, his wife the daughter -of a viscount; and their connections were extremely fashionable. -They resided in a fine brick mansion in the best section; and -because of their high estate and the fact that they quartered a -lieutenant-general, they had a brace of pigtailed Hessians constantly -on guard at their front door. - -Once or twice, George’s affairs had taken him by the house, and he -found it quite as compelling as the one in Crown Street, New York. But -he never saw Peggy. As a matter of fact, he made no especial effort to -see her; he felt that he was upon urgent business for headquarters, -and that it was his place not to attract any more attention than was -necessary. - -But now that Nat had safely carried their harvest of news across the -river, the boy considered himself more of a free agent than before; and -his own affairs came uppermost in his mind. - -“Peggy Camp has held me up to contempt, insulted me to my face and even -tried to take my life,” he told himself. “And yet I want to see her. -I want to see her just once. I want to tell her how I regard her, and -then I want to see no more of her.” - -But for a person dressed as he was to gain admittance to one under the -care of the aristocratic Hawksworths was clearly impossible; and so -he sought a tailor, a hair-dresser and a haberdasher; emerging from -their hands, he was spick and span and eligible for any company. And, -also, which came as an afterthought, he was open to detection. No doubt -there were numerous New York king’s men in Trenton upon various errands -connected with the service; and some of these who had seen him there -would know him for what he was. - -“But I’ll take the chance,” he muttered; “nothing is gained except by -venturing. A bold manner will win me a way, perhaps, even if any one -should recall me.” - -So he sought out an inn which was patronized by persons of quality, and -calmly installed himself therein; there were many officers of Rahl’s -brigade quartered there, but that made little difference; the nearer to -the danger mark at times, the safer one may feel. - -The inn was directly across the way from Rahl’s headquarters; from his -windows the young New Englander could see the sentries pacing up and -down; the half circle of cannon grinned grimly down each street that -led thereto. - -George had not been a guest at the inn more than a day or two when he -noticed that the sound of music was almost constant at headquarters. -The landlord, a Tory, made a wry face when George mentioned the matter. - -“Rahl is a madman for melody,” said he. “No matter what else is toward, -his concerts must not be interfered with; he’ll sit for hours before -the fire, beating time with his fingers. The best fed men in his army -are the musicians. As for me, I wish they’d choke themselves with their -own bugles and fifes; one can’t get a wink of sleep at times for their -blowing and braying.” - -It wanted only a little time now until Christmas. This has always been -a festival greatly in favor with the Germans. The plundered countryside -suffered more than ever; the mercenaries made a clean sweep of what was -left; nothing escaped them; sleigh train after sleigh train entered -Trenton from all directions; herd after herd of sheep, swine and beef -were driven over the snowy roads. - -And the more deeply engaged the Hessians became in these preparations -for the festival, the less attention they gave to duty. Neglect of even -the simplest military precautions became common; one unacquainted with -the real conditions would have said, upon observing their indifference, -that there was not an enemy within five hundred miles. - -“If it were not for the river,” said George to himself time and again, -“Washington would need only make a swift dash and the town would be -his.” - -But that even the ice-choked river had no terrors for the American -commander was soon made plain to the boy. He had just finished his -noonday meal and arisen to his feet when he heard a guarded voice say -in his ear: - -“Guess you ain’t no friend to Mistah Brewstah?” - -It was a black boy, woolly-headed and with solemn eyes. - -“I am,” replied George, in the same low tone. - -“Would you ’blige me wif you name, suh?” The black boy was caution -itself. George told him his name, and the solemn eyes gleamed with -satisfaction. - -“Das it, sho’ ’nuff,” he said. Then lower still, “I got a lil’ bit o’ -writin’ fo’ yo’, suh.” - -A strip of paper was slipped into the young man’s hand. It read: - -“Crossing Christmas night. Fire on hill back of where I left. Put out -at once--don’t cross. Allow to burn--all is well.” - -A thrill ran through George’s body. At a glance its meaning was plain -to him. - -“The army crosses the river on Christmas night,” he thought. “I am -to light a signal fire on the hill back of the spot where Nat left -me last. If I put the blaze out at once it will mean that I find it -dangerous for them to make the attempt. If I keep it burning, it will -mean that the time is ripe for the blow to be struck--that the Hessians -suspect nothing.” - -For a moment he continued gazing at the paper, fascinated; then he -turned to the messenger. - -“Who gave you this?” - -“Mistah Brewstah, suh.” - -“Where is he?” - -“Was jes below de town, suh, a few hours ago. Reckon he’s gone now, -’cross de river.” - -“Do you know what’s written on this paper?” keenly. - -“’Deed no, suh. I can’t read writin’ no-how. It’s sumfin ’bout Gen’ul -Washington, though. Mistah Brewstah done told me that when he said I -was to be ca’ful and not let the British see it.” - -“How did he come to give it to you?” - -“I wu’ks for Mistah Spen’sah, outside town; Mistah Spen’sah is a -friend to Gen’ul Washington’s gen’l’men, an’ he done tol’ Mistah -Brewstah that he could done trust me. I’se pow’ful sot ’gainst dese -heah Hushians, I is.” - -For some time after the lad had gone George stood immovable reading -the paper so that there could be no mistake as to its meaning. Then he -touched one end of it to the flames upon the broad hearth and watched -it blacken and curl. A door opened and the draught carried the charred -fragments up the wide chimney; George was still bending toward the fire -meditatively, when a harsh, high-pitched voice demanded: - -“Where are my friends, sir? Come now, don’t keep me kicking my heels -and waiting.” - -There was something familiar in the tones, and George lifted his head -and gazed at the speaker. The man was burly, red-faced and had small, -deeply-set eyes; and his manner, as he stood waiting for the landlord -to reply, was oddly like that of an ill-trained mastiff. It flashed -into the youth’s mind that he had seen this man somewhere before and -under conditions which had possessed interest. As George was measuring -him closely, the glance of the newcomer happened to rest upon him; -and into the small, deeply-set eyes there came a look as puzzled as -his own. For a moment they stood thus, gazing at each other; then the -landlord spoke: - -“Your friends, sir,” he said, “are in the back parlor. They required -that you be shown in when you arrived.” - -Several times after this George encountered the same person and each -time he fell to wondering who he was; and always did he see speculation -in the glances which the big man leveled at him. - -On Christmas day the inn was all a-bustle with preparation. Colonel -Rahl had suddenly announced that he would hold a concert and -entertainment there; his own quarters were not large enough to house -the throng expected; and as the inn parlors were big and comfortable, -the landlord had been given notice to decorate them with greens and -candle-lights against the coming of the commander’s guests. The regular -lodgers at the tavern were greatly inconvenienced by the affair. The -kitchens were mainly given up to the cooking of Rahl’s dinner; and when -the patrons of the place did succeed in having a meal prepared, they -were forced to eat it in all sorts of out-of-the-way places in order -not to be in the way of those hanging the decorations. - -So George found himself dining alone in a screened corner near to the -fire early that evening. A small dining party was placed, after a -little, upon the opposite side of the screen; George paid no attention -to them, being busy with his own thoughts. - -In a little time the waiters had finished their hammering and hanging; -and the first voice that George caught from the party beyond the screen -was that of the burly man whom he thought he knew. - -“And so,” this person was saying, with a great laugh, “she is coming -here to-night, is she?” - -A smoother voice replied: - -“Yes; she’s stopping with the Hawksworths, I understand. And they’ll be -sure to be here. They are great friends of Rahl’s, you see.” - -When this last person began to speak, George started in astonishment. -It could not be! But as it went on he was convinced and dumbfounded. -The voice was that of Major Hyde. And, as though to assure the young -New Englander that he was not mistaken, Henderson, the dragoon officer, -now spoke. - -“’Pon my word,” he laughed. “Rahl is a great fellow. He pulls the -string and they all dance like puppets.” - -“Your uncle, Mr. Camp, will also be present, I suppose,” said the burly -man, apparently to Hyde. - -“I think not,” answered the major. “He’s still brooding over the ashes -of his manor house, I believe; they can’t induce him to leave.” - -“He would be a trifle astonished to see us here,” said the dragoon with -another laugh, in which the big man joined. - -“And scarcely pleased, I fancy,” said Hyde. - -“Not pleased!” There was incredulity in the other’s voice. “Not pleased -to know that you’ve really been a king’s man all along, and not a -rebel. Oh, come now.” - -Hyde a king’s man! George’s knife fell with a clatter to the floor, so -great was his amazement. - -“What I say is more likely than not to be a fact,” answered Hyde. -“Herbert, it seems, made no real interest with the old gentleman in -shifting his colors. I saw that long since. You see,” with a sneer in -his voice, “my worthy uncle is one of those who prefer what they call -principle to the gaining of victory.” - -“Absurd!” growled the burly man. There was a pause, then he continued -in another tone: “But it seems to me that you have made your real -sympathies known too soon. The rebellion is not yet put down. If you -had remained with Washington’s army, you would have----” - -“He would have graced the end of a rope,” said Henderson. “And I should -have borne him company.” - -“Ah! They suspected you, then?” - -“They were only waiting to make sure,” said Hyde. “I got wind of a -letter written by Tryon to Matthews in which I was referred to--not by -name, to be sure, but near enough to be dangerous. That told me that my -stay in the American lines was limited.” - -“Tryon is an idiot,” commented the dragoon. “How a man can so trust -intimate matters to pen and ink is more than I can understand.” - -“So!” was the thought of the listener. “Herbert Camp spoke the truth -then. Hyde was the nephew of whom Tryon wrote.” - -“It was high time for us to go,” said Henderson. “I felt it in my -bones, days before the Long Island fight. That fellow Prentiss seemed -growing too keen to be comfortable.” - -“Prentiss?” the big man repeated the name inquiringly. - -“Yes; the messenger sent us from Boston.” - -“Ah! that was his name, was it? Now, there was a confounded knave for -you. He was willing to sell us all out to Putnam, I’m told.” - -“Yes. And he’d just as willingly sold out Putnam to us. It made little -difference to him.” - -“It’s fortunate that we received word as to his true character when we -did,” said Henderson. “Otherwise he would have come to know every man -of us for what we really were.” - -“You should have got rid of the scoundrel,” growled the burly man. -“There are more ways than one.” - -“We tried several,” said Hyde. “Once we invited him to dinner to our -place in Wall Street. But he refused.” - -A shudder ran through the listener. He had indeed been near to death on -that spring evening. - -“Then Henderson had a shot at him later--in my uncle’s house on Crown -Street.” - -“Henderson!” George almost cried this aloud, so great was his -astonishment. - -“But I missed,” complained the dragoon. “You see, I couldn’t get a -proper bead on him. I was in a sort of closet behind one of Hyde’s -ancestor’s portraits, and was forced to shoot through a hole in one of -the eyes. And even though I missed, I almost lost my life for the shot.” - -“How was that?” - -“Who stood in the middle of the room when I tore out of the closet, but -Mistress Peggy Camp. Poof! What a tiger cat!” The burly man exclaimed -wonderingly. - -“Peggy,” said Hyde, “has always been an eager little rebel. And -because I was such an ardent patriot,” laughingly, “I’ve always had her -respect.” - -“You once counted upon having more than that, if I remember aright. You -wanted her as your wife when you thought she’d be made heiress to the -old man--vice Herbert, dismissed.” - -“Well, Herbert’s sudden shift to the British side of the house spoiled -all that. So we’ll not discuss it.” Hyde’s voice was cold. - -“And so Peggy flew at you for taking a shot at Prentiss, did she?” said -the burly man. “He’d fooled her into thinking him a staunch Whig, I -suppose.” - -“On the contrary,” answered Henderson, “she was convinced that he was a -traitor to the American cause.” - -“She fancied that I, the patriot officer, sought his life for that very -reason,” said Major Hyde. “That night in Crown Street, she saw me enter -the room where Henderson was already concealed behind the picture. At -first I thought she had been in the room when I entered, and was afraid -she knew Henderson’s purpose. But later, I was convinced that this was -not so. - -“The rascal in the next room had been of service to her in some way. -She said she knew he was a traitor to her countrymen--she realized that -he was all that was bad. But, for all that, I must not harm him.” - -“It was I, and not Herbert, for whom she pleaded,” was the listener’s -thought. “But, then, I heard Herbert’s name mentioned; I heard----” - -“All the time,” laughed Hyde, “I knew that her brother was hiding in -the house. There were many arrests just then, and I suppose he feared -being taken. I promised Peggy that I’d say nothing of his presence; but -I warned her to beware of Prentiss.” - -For the first time, George understood the conversation which had taken -place in the room next the tapestried chamber. They had spoken of him -at first; but later the talk had shifted to Herbert. - -“Prentiss,” went on Major Hyde, “had filled her with fear, for all her -determination to save him. I told her that he was in the house for no -other purpose than the tracking of her brother. This I thought might -induce her to leave the fellow in our hands to do with as we pleased.” - -“But she didn’t?” - -“No; she was frightened, but apparently had full faith in herself to -deal with the situation. I went away, thinking she too would go to her -room. But she must have suspected something, and was still where I left -her when the shot was fired.” - -“What have you succeeded in fastening upon Prentiss beside the charge -from Boston that he was carrying water upon both shoulders?” inquired -the big man. - -“Nothing.” - -“We made a try, that same night in Crown Street,” said the dragoon. -“But he’s such a sharp villain that we were hard put to it to avoid -suspicion.” - -“I tried to make him admit that he’d betrayed Dana or young Camp to -Putnam,” said Hyde. “But he avoided us; and we were forced to pass the -thing off as a sort of wager.” - -But at length there was a pushing back of chairs upon the other side -of the screen; the score was settled, after some argument with the -waiter; George heard the sound of feet crossing the floor, mingled -voices in talk that was both loud and light; then a door closed upon -them. - -The youth looked at his watch. It was after eight o’clock. Hastily he -settled for his dinner, and rising, was helped on with his greatcoat. -Feeling in his pocket to make sure that he had his tinder box, he came -from behind the screen and made for the street door with quick steps. - -Not once did he glance about him. If he had done so he would have -noted that all of the Major Hyde party had not gone. The burly man -still remained, and as George hurried by him, he glanced up. The same -speculation filled his eyes that always entered them at the sight of -George; but this time recognition quickly followed. His heavy jaws -snapped together, mastiff-like, and as the door closed behind the lad, -he arose to his feet and called for his hat and coat. And as George had -felt carefully for his tinder box, so did this man feel for his pistol; -and being satisfied that it was in its place he opened the door and -set doggedly after the other through the Christmas lighted streets of -Trenton. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -TELLS HOW A FIRE WAS KINDLED ON A HILLSIDE - - -Upon all sides were lighted windows; and through each of them could be -seen groups of Hessians feasting or dancing; the sounds of singing and -laughter came from every quarter. Through the day, George Prentiss’ -quick eye had noted the increasing lack of military deportment among -the mercenaries; and now that night had come, things had grown worse. - -“The fire, when I light it, will be allowed to burn,” thought the -young fellow, grimly, as he pushed his way through the snow. “And when -Washington’s rifles are banging about their ears, perhaps they’ll -regret their feastings and frolickings.” - -In a little while he was in the select quarter of the town. Here the -festival was being observed with less grotesquery; and every now and -then a sleigh flitted by, crowded with merrymakers on their way to -Colonel Rahl’s concert. At the door of the Hawksworth mansion stood -a number of gracefully modeled cutters, each with a spirited team and -a great number of jingling bells. Apparently quite a party were going -from here to the concert; they were trooping down the steps laughing -and chattering; several footmen held lanthorns aloft; the ice upon the -stone steps and pavement glittered like glass. - -Suddenly there was an exclamation; a girl slipped and would have fallen -had not young Prentiss deftly caught her. She murmured a “Thank you,” -and looked into his face. - -But, so filled was he with the importance of his errand, that he -had not even noted that the house was Hawksworth’s; so he failed to -recognize the face behind the heavy veil. All unknowing, he touched his -hat and hurried on. She recognized him, however, for the light from -a lanthorn had fallen directly upon his face; and she gasped to see -him here, of all places in the world. Her friends were laughing and -chattering still, and calling to each other from the different sleighs; -but she never heeded them. Standing at one side she gazed after the -dimming figure pushing its way so doggedly through the snow. - -And as she stood there, she became aware of something else. There was -another figure--a burly, towering figure that possessed an atmosphere -at once cautious and threatening. The huge shoulders were bent, the -head was drawn down, the step was careful, the whole manner one of -secrecy and observation. That this person was following the boy seemed -beyond doubt; and the girl choked back a little cry as she realized it. - -Apparently under the impression that the entire party was wrapped in -the robes and tucked away in the sleighs, the horses were given rein -and started away amid a great jingling of bells. But still Peggy Camp -paid no heed. For a moment she stood, her eyes following the burly, -secretive pursuer; then with sudden resolution she gathered her cloak -about her and stole away in the broad track which he left in the snow. - -When George reached the point above the town where his friend had -crossed, he stopped for a moment and gazed out over the river. Not even -a twinkle of light could be seen from the Pennsylvania shore; the -snow was falling thickly; the bitter wind had broken the ice into huge -cakes, and these were grinding together ominously. - -But his pause was only of a moment’s duration. Upon the hillock of -which Nat had spoken, a heap of brush, carefully covered from the -snow, was collected. George had taken this precaution the day before. -Shielding his operations with his hat, he struck a spark and fired the -brush; the flame began to lick at the dry twigs hungrily; the dark -red tongues leaped from point to point at the bottom of the heap. As -the wind struck it, the mounting fire bur-r-r-red complainingly; and -satisfied that it had safely caught, George stepped back. As he did so -he heard a step at his side; upon the point of whirling about he heard -a low voice say: - -“Hah! You would, would you!” - -Then came a tremendous blow upon the side of his head and he fell -stunned upon the hillside. The cold touch of the snow, however, -instantly revived him; with his muscles lax and powerless he lay there, -his eyes rolling about until they became fixed upon a form at the fire. - -“A signal, eh?” The big man laughed, and the leaping flame lighted up -his face. And, as it did so, George, strangely enough, knew him. It was -the bully, Slade, whom he had seen at the “King’s Arms” on his first -day in New York. “A signal, was it, my hearty? Well, we’ll soon put an -end to that.” - -With a massive walking stick, apparently the weapon with which he had -felled young Prentiss, he began scattering the brush. - -Unsteadily, George got upon his feet; waveringly he advanced. For the -fire to be instantly quenched meant that the American army must not -venture across the river. - -“How do I know but what this would bring the entire swarm of rebels -down upon us?” growled Slade. He lifted his cudgel for another blow at -the burning brush, when he felt himself shouldered aside; and when he -turned he found himself staring into a wide mouthed pistol. - -“You will kindly not disturb this fire,” said the young New Englander. -“It cost me some little effort to build it, and I’d prefer having it -burn.” - -Bristling and snarling more like a bad mannered mastiff than ever, -Slade regarded the young man. - -“All such things as fire are forbidden on the river bank,” said he, -rather lamely. - -George laughed. “They will have to do something more than forbid, to -make me put this one out,” he said. - -“I was right, then,” said Slade. “It’s a signal!” - -“It is your privilege to guess. And it is also mine to refuse an -answer,” smiled the young man. - -Though he kept the pistol upon Slade, George noticed that the fire was -waning. He began kicking the brush together that it might burn better; -particles of snow flew among the light flames and hissed and sputtered. - -“How much of the conversation did you overhear at the inn about an hour -ago?” asked Slade. - -“All of it.” - -“That’s what I thought.” The small eyes snapped viciously beneath the -heavy brows. “Then you know that you’ve never deceived us. We knew that -you were playing fast and loose from the first.” - -“Your messenger from Boston was suspected of being a traitor, was he?” - -“Suspected?” Slade laughed at this. - -“What was his name?” asked George, quietly. - -Slade hesitated; then a curious look came into his face. - -“We never heard,” said he finally. - -It was George who laughed this time. - -“Mr. Dana is a curious old fellow,” said he. “I wonder if he always -jumps so at conclusions.” - -“Do you mean to say----” Slade stopped. - -“That I am not the messenger? Exactly. Your man must have missed the -‘Nancy Breen.’ I bore dispatches, but they were to General Putnam.” - -Slade eyed him narrowly. - -“That,” said he, “will astonish Major Hyde.” - -“No more than my learning that that same gentleman is a British spy -astonished me,” replied George. - -The fire was not burning as he desired it. Smiling quietly at the -amazed look of Slade, George incautiously lowered the pistol and -proceeded to arrange the dryest of the brush. This lapse was like to -have been his last act on earth, for Slade bounded upon him like a wild -beast. The pistol was knocked from his grasp, and he was crushed to -the ground under the man’s bulk. But the few minutes that had passed -since the first blow had seen the youth’s strength come back in a great -degree. He twisted about, grappled with Slade, and they went writhing -and rolling about in the snow. - -The Tory had little idea of the work in which he was now engaged; with -his tremendous power he should have beaten his lighter opponent into -submission in short order. But, save in clumsy wrestling, he did not -know how to use his strength. George, on the other hand, never missed a -point; he clutched the other by the neck-cloth and twisted it until he -had him gasping; and now and then, when he had a chance, he let go with -one hand and dashed it into the contorted face. - -With the blood streaming from mouth and nose, Slade continued the -struggle; slowly the boy was strangling him; the breath labored in his -huge chest; in the mounting firelight his small eyes seemed ready to -start from his head. - -During the entire fight, George’s great dread was that the fire -might die out through want of attention. He did not fear Slade, or -the outcome of the struggle; but that the waiting Americans upon the -west bank might misread his signal gave him much anxiety. Even in the -midst of the battling, he managed to keep his attention on the fire. -Instead of dying out it grew stronger and stronger; indeed, it roared -and sparkled bravely in the wind; its light made the hillside as plain -as day. Amazed at this, George finally managed to twist about so in -Slade’s clutch that he got a good view of the fire. Still more amazed -was he to see a slight form hovering beside it and heaping brush upon -it with a generous hand. And as he looked, a clear voice said: - -“Never mind this; it is my work. Take care of that man, and leave the -fire to me.” - -With a sort of fierce joy in his heart, George proceeded to do as he -was bidden. But Slade had heard the voice and now saw what was going -forward. The fear of what might be the outcome of the beacon light -caused him to lose his head. With a wild jerk he freed himself from -the young man and leaped to his feet. As he rushed toward the blaze, -George was after him like a cat, snatching his heavy pistol from the -snow as he went. Slade’s arms were outstretched to seize the girl when -the steel barrel fell upon his head; and like an ox he went down in his -tracks. - -“Now,” spoke the young man quietly, as he looked at Peggy Camp, “if -you’ll be so good as to go on as you were, I’ll see to trussing this -fellow up.” - -Without a word the girl fed the brush to the hungry flames; with the -man’s own belt and his woolen neckerchief, George pinioned his arms and -legs. - -“He’s very awkward to handle,” said the youth when this was -accomplished, “and it’s just as well to have him safe.” Then he -turned and helped her with a tangled mass of brush which she found it -difficult to move. “How did you happen here?” he asked. - -“I saw you coming this way,” she answered simply. “And I saw him,” with -a nod toward Slade, “following you. He looked as if he meant harm, so -I followed him.” - -“You did!” He gazed at her steadily. - -“You have served me more than once,” she said. “And then, you are my -cousin.” - -George started with surprise. - -“You know that!” - -“I have known it all along--from the first, almost. And that is why I -have been so--so----” - -She hesitated, and he added a word. - -“Contemptuous,” he said. - -“I felt sure that you knew who Herbert was,” she said, very low, “and -that you should be the one to hunt him down seemed unnatural.” - -He did not reply; and side by side they stood by the fire watching it -curl and roar in the wind. Then she said: “A few moments ago I heard -you say that Major Hyde was a British spy. Was that true?” - -“It was. I had it from his own lips this very night.” Again he looked -at her in the same steady way; then he added: “Some curious things have -happened and some equally curious misunderstandings have sprung up -since that morning on the wharf near the ‘Brigantine.’” - -“I have begun to fear so,” she said. - -“Even at the first,” he said, “I could have explained some of them. But -you would not allow me. Now, however, I can explain all.” - -“I ask your pardon for anything which I have done or said amiss.” She -spoke gently. “If you are ready to tell me these things, I am more than -ready to listen.” - -And so there, on the bleak hillside, with the snow falling and the -bitter wind shrieking about them, he began his tale. Dana’s mistake; -his own selection by Putnam to trace out the conspirators; Hyde’s plot -to have his life because he thought him a false agent to the Tory -cause. And here the girl interrupted him for the first time. - -“That, then, is what Major Hyde meant when he spoke one night with -Captain Henderson at my uncle’s house in Crown Street. He was plotting -your destruction. He said you were as false to them. I thought he spoke -as an American officer. That is why I warned you against coming into -the city upon the night that you rescued my brother and myself at the -‘Wheat Sheaf.’ I felt sure that you had betrayed the American cause.” - -Then George proceeded with his narrative. He told how he had given up -the mission because of his relationship to them, and how he had plainly -told General Putnam why. Then he watched the joy in her face as he -related what he had heard Herbert tell his uncle. - -“Then my brother is not a renegade!” she cried, with shining eyes. - -“It would seem not,” replied George. “And it would seem that General -Putnam was in touch with all the facts and all his movements.” - -After this they spoke of the eventful night at Corbie’s tavern. The -girl listened, and when he had finished, he saw doubt once more in her -eyes. - -“As you suspect,” she said, “I knew my brother intended going there -that night, as I did on the night at the ‘Wheat Sheaf.’ And I followed -to do what I could to save him from danger. But if he was innocent,” -and her eyes fixed themselves gravely upon George, “why did he see fit -to hide afterward?” - -“In the light of what I now know,” answered George, “it is clear -enough. He feared that he had been recognized and would be arrested. -In that event it would be necessary to call upon General Putnam; of -course, he would then be released; but at the same time, this release -might cause a suspicion of the real state of affairs to get abroad, and -so ruin his chances to eventually worm himself into the secrets of the -enemy.” - -He then recounted how he had been met and been invited by her uncle to -their New York home; he was about to tell his conversation with Major -Hyde and the dragoon when she interrupted him. - -“I heard it all,” she said. “By accident I was seated at the window -behind the curtain; and that conversation convinced me more and more -that you were what I had come to think you--a person in the pay of -both sides--one willing to betray either, according to which way your -interest pointed.” Her hand touched his arm lightly, imploringly. -“Forgive me,” she said. - -After this came the story of the tapestried chamber from his point of -view; then he told what Hyde had said about it. She hung her head. - -[Illustration: “_IT’S THE ARMY OF WASHINGTON_”] - -“I could not see you harmed, no matter what you had done,” she said, -simply. “In spite of all that I then believed against you, I could not -forget who you were and that you had behaved bravely more than once in -my behalf.” - -And so they talked and talked and the time sped by. For more than an -hour the brush fire crackled on the hillside; and then, when no more -fuel was to be had, it was permitted to die away. But still the youth -and the girl waited, their garments wrapped about them snugly, for the -wind grew more bitter with each passing moment. Then from across the -ice-choked river long lines of light began to dimly flicker. - -“It’s the army of Washington,” said George, and there was exultation in -his voice. “They are about to embark.” - -“Then that,” said Peggy Camp, awed, “is really the answer to the -signal.” - -“It is,” answered he. “And in a few hours, there will, perhaps, be a -new master in the town of Trenton.” - -And so they stole away through the darkness and snow toward the town. - -And when they had disappeared, the burly figure on the ground began to -writhe and tug at the bonds that held him. After a long struggle, the -neck-cloth began to stretch and slip; a half minute later it had fallen -from his arms. Then the belt was off and Slade got painfully upon his -feet. - -“So we are to have a crossing of the river and a surprise, are we?” -said he, as he hobbled toward the town. “Well, we shall see about that, -my lad.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -SHOWS HOW THE CONCERT WAS INTERRUPTED - - -When George Prentiss and Peggy Camp reached the inn, they found it -brilliant with lights, festoons of green branches and laurels hung all -about; holly berries gleamed redly against their backgrounds of somber -leaves. The public rooms were alive with merrymakers; the gleaming -costumes of the ladies mingled with the rich European uniforms of the -German and English officers. Bright looks and happy laughter were -everywhere; the beloved band of Colonel Rahl throbbed through a German -waltz. - -Peggy instantly sought out Mrs. Hawksworth; what explanation she made -of her absence, George did not know; but he noted that both Mrs. -Hawksworth and her cold-faced husband looked at him searchingly. - -It was then past midnight; George was on fire to be off that he might -watch for Washington’s coming; but he knew that this would be both -dangerous and useless, and so he remained where he was. - -The clock struck two, and then pointed to the half hour before Peggy -came to him again. - -“They forbade me speaking to you until they had heard and understood -everything concerning my escapade, as they call it,” she laughed. “And -so I had to steal away.” Then, eagerly: “What have you heard? Are they -really coming?” - -“I have heard nothing,” said George. “We can’t hope to get news before -the last moment. The rifles will then tell us what we are to expect.” - -“I can’t get the picture of those great blocks of ice out of my mind,” -she said, with a shudder. “And then the river looked so dark and so -deep. And it was so cold and pitiless.” - -They stood by one of the windows at the front of the inn; the room, -save for a few other couples, was deserted. Through an open doorway at -one side they could see the dancers whirl by; also there came the gleam -of the brass instruments and the high-colored uniforms of the bandsmen. -Another open door showed the numerous parties grouped about the tables -engrossed in their game. Colonel Rahl was among those nearest the door; -opposite him sat Mr. Hawksworth, and grouped about the table were -numerous officers and Tory residents of quality. - -“The colonel is ill prepared, should things go as we wish,” whispered -George. - -“The worse prepared, the better for our friends,” said Peggy, sagely. - -The snow all about the inn was packed hard by the steady tramping of -the Hessian guard. Under a beefy sergeant they kept all intruders at -a distance; the squeaking of their boots and the clanking of their -equipment were constant. - -Three o’clock struck, and it was some time afterward that George -became aware of an altercation going on outside the window where they -sat. Since seeing Hyde and Henderson he had kept himself much in the -background, but all matters in any way unusual were quick to draw his -attention. So he turned at once to see what was going forward. - -The beefy sergeant and a number of his men were grouped outside; -in their midst was a burly figure with a face blood-clotted, a -shirt-frill crimson and with the bearing of one about to sink down from -exhaustion. His legs seemed to sag beneath him; his big head weakly -swayed from side to side; his hands pawed at the Hessians in an effort -to hold himself erect. - -“Slade!” exclaimed George, under his breath. And as he said it, he -stepped back from the window, drawing Peggy away also. “He’s slipped -out of the things I tied him up with.” - -“Does he suspect anything, do you think?” whispered the girl. “Did he -hear what we said as we talked by the fire?” - -“Perhaps.” - -“And he’s here to give warning.” She drew in her breath in a great -frightened gasp, and her eyes were fixed upon the blood-smeared man -swaying so weakly in the snow. - -“Colonel Rahl!” they heard him say. “Colonel Rahl!” - -“Well, what about him?” demanded the fat sergeant, waving away the -pawing hands. - -“I must see him--at once.” - -The sergeant laughed. His men, who understood almost no English, -looked at Slade with stolid indifference. - -“You must see him,” said the sergeant “Plenty peoples think the same as -yourself to-night.” He waved a hand. “Poof! Get away!” - -“I tell you I must see him,” said Slade. - -“Make me no troubles,” advised the Hessian sergeant. “Get away, or -you’ll feel der ramroad your back across.” - -“I have business with him--important business.” - -“Der colonel no business listens to, to-night yet,” stated the beefy -sergeant. - -“He’ll listen to this,” cried Slade, desperately, almost sinking down -in the snow from very weakness. “Ask him to give me a moment.” - -But the sergeant, bored, gestured him away. Two of the men seized him -by the shoulder. - -“Wait!” cried Slade. “Just a moment.” - -From his pockets he took a number of broad gold pieces; and at sight of -them the sergeant’s eyes shone. - -“These are yours,” said Slade, “if you carry a note to your colonel.” - -The sergeant nodded. - -“Business so important as dot,” grinned he, “must be attended to, a -little.” - -At a command of the sergeant, one of the soldiers brought an ink pot -and a quill from the headquarters across the way; with weak, numbed -fingers, Slade scrawled a few lines upon a sheet of paper. - -“Take that to him,” he said. “That will answer, I think.” - -The sergeant accepted the note and the gold pieces. - -“Inside,” said he, pointing to headquarters, “a fire is by der hall. Go -there and wait. When I der time get, I’ll give this to der colonel.” - -“You will be sure?” - -“You will wait der fire beside,” stated the fat sergeant. “To my own -affairs I will attend myself.” - -As there was nothing to be gained by insistence, Slade turned and -limped slowly across the street; then the door opened and closed behind -him. - -“If he gives that note to Colonel Rahl,” breathed Peggy, “it may -destroy everything.” - -“It’s half-past three,” replied George, quietly, looking at his watch. -“The army has more than likely now reached this side of the river.” - -“Oh, do you think so!” - -“I do. But,” and there was an anxious note in his voice, “for all that, -if the message did not come under the eyes of Rahl, it would be much -better.” - -Here came a loud shout of laughter from Rahl. He had won. His face was -flushed and exultant. - -“Ach!” he shouted. “I have not yet forgotten the game.” Then noting -that his band had ceased playing he added, with a frown: “What is the -matter with the music? Eh? Tell them to play. What do I pay the swine -for?” Then to his companions, “Come, deal, deal----” - -Muddled, excited, engrossed in his game, the leader of the Hessians had -no thought of his trust; had any one spoken of an American attack at -that moment, he would have been treated as one beneath contempt. On and -on went the game, the dance and the throbbing of the band; the minutes -passed and grew in number; the long hand of young Prentiss’ watch -climbed slowly upward. - -“Four o’clock,” he said at last to Peggy, who sat huddled in her cloak -in the outer room. “It would seem that the sergeant has forgotten -Slade’s note entirely.” - -That Slade had arrived at this conclusion also was at that moment -made evident; he came out of the headquarters across the way, his -face cleansed of the blood stains and seeming much stronger. At once -he accosted the fat sergeant. That worthy gazed at him stupidly for a -moment; his naturally sluggish brain had been rendered more so than -ever by the cold of the early morning; then he remembered. - -“Ach! Donner und blitz!” he cried. “I have not der colonel spoken to -yet. But I will. Stand here der door by.” - -So saying, he entered the outer room where George and Peggy stood alone -by the fire. The sergeant saluted awkwardly; he was a plain man, and -the lights and beautiful women in the rooms beyond rather bewildered -him. - -Instantly Peggy was at his side, smiling and bewitching. - -“Did you want anything, sergeant?” - -Again the fat man’s hand went to his hat. - -“A message for der colonel, Fräulein,” he said. “But,” with a glance -toward the card room, “he don’t like to be disturbed when he blays. So -I will wait.” - -He had turned to go when Peggy stopped him. - -“A message,” she said, insinuatingly. “It might be important. Give it -to me.” - -“You will hand it to him, Fräulein?” eagerly. - -“To be sure--and before very long.” - -“Danke schön.” The man went out, leaving Slade’s note in her hand. - -George looked at her; there was admiration in his face. - -“That was very clever,” he said. - -“It was necessary,” answered Peggy, and she laughed. - -“But you promised to give it to Rahl,” said George, his eyes now on the -message. - -“I know. And I will--but not until it is too late to do harm.” - -Again they stood together before the hearth, watching the curling -flames and the darting sparks. Then suddenly he reared his head, as he -became aware of a jarring, far-off sound. His eyes went to the window; -a Hessian guard had paused in his monotonous tramping and stood as -though listening. Again it came, a sullen jarring, far off, yet somehow -plain. - -“What was that?” Peggy’s hand was on his arm. - -“I don’t know. And yet it sounds like----” he paused as the sound came -again. “Yes, it is! It is volley firing!” - -“They are here!” She bent her head to catch the sound. “But it seems so -far off.” - -“That is because of the snow. They are firing on the outposts, and none -of these are stationed more than a half mile outside the town.” - -At once she left his side and started toward the room where Rahl sat. -And as she did so, the tired musicians began to play once more. - -“Where are you going?” George was at her side. - -But she did not answer in words; between her fingers he saw the -crumpled scrawl of the Tory, Slade; and as she held it up, it replied -eloquently. - -He followed her. The men and women about the table were eagerly -absorbed in the game; the room was hot, and crowded with onlookers. As -the girl paused beside Colonel Rahl, several players lifted their heads -surprisedly; the idlers as though they felt that something was about to -occur came a step nearer to the Hessian leader’s table. - -“Colonel Rahl,” said the girl. - -The man turned his flushed face toward her. She held out the paper. - -“A message,” she said. “Your sergeant brought it.” - -“Ah, yes; I will see to it.” - -He took the note and stuffed it feverishly into his breast pocket, -never once looking at it; then he gave his attention once more to the -game. - -George noted that the candles were beginning to grow dim; and this -told him that dawn was at hand. Above the blare of the brass throated -instruments he fancied more than once that he caught the scattering -discharge of small arms. At length, unable to stand the suspense, he -turned to leave the room; and as he did so, came face to face with -Major Hyde. A sarcastic smile lit the man’s cold eyes. - -“It is something of a surprise,” said he. “But, nevertheless, I am very -glad to see you.” Then in a loud tone he added: “Colonel Rahl, if you -will summon the guard, I’ll give this spy in charge.” - -“Spy!” Men and women sprang to their feet; swords were drawn, chairs -were overturned. With a swift look over his shoulder George saw Peggy’s -face whiten; then like a panther he sprang upon Hyde. Down went the man -as though stricken by a thunderbolt; over his body leaped the young -New Englander. As he did so the outer door was flung open and the fat -sergeant bounced into the inn. - -“Der feind!” he roared. A volley of musketry rolled through the -streets. “Der feind!” - -George flashed by him and gained the street; out of the inn poured Rahl -and his officers, excited, confused, buttoning up their greatcoats and -feeling for their swords. - -“Heraus!” shouted Rahl, flashing his blade from its sheath. “Heraus!” - -The cry was taken up by the officers; the Hessians, heavy eyed, gorged -with feasting and totally unfit for battle, thronged out of the warm -houses into the bitter night. Drums were beating; the town was roaring -with fright. - -A group of artillerymen formed behind the half circle of guns before -Rahl’s headquarters; their matches were lighted and they waited for the -word that would scatter death into the onrushing Americans. But there -was no officer collected enough to give it; and in another instant the -gunners were bayoneted at their posts. - -George Prentiss saw two forces of Americans, coming from different -directions, form a junction; at their heads he recognized Sullivan and -the commander-in-chief himself. Seizing the musket of a fallen Hessian, -he joined the massed column. A battery of six guns under Forest was -drawn up and opened upon Rahl and his frantic brigade at a few hundred -paces. - -“Hot work,” said a voice at George’s side. And turning he saw the forms -of Ezra and Nat Brewster. Ben Cooper, his chubby cheek pressed against -a rifle-barrel, was drawing a bead upon an enemy. - -“Glad to see you’re all right,” he nodded to George. “But I’ll tell you -more about it later on.” - -Under the galling fire of Forest’s artillery, Rahl drew his men off to -the east side of the town. Hand’s riflemen took up a place in his rear -while he was forming his command. Desperate fighters that they were, -the mercenaries still had a chance to escape. But they so despised the -Americans, and their quarters in the town were so stowed with plunder, -that they determined to stand their ground. Rahl gave the word to -charge. The Americans braced to meet them, their rifles held ready. - -“Steady! Steady!” ran through the columns. “Hold your fire.” - -In spite of this a scattering of bullets met the Hessians as they -began their charge. Even in the dawn, the face of Washington shone -with exultation. Ezra, who stood near him, heard him say to one of his -officers: - -“They are gorged like animals and cannot fight long. After the first -volley, we’ll give them the bayonet.” - -A moment later he lifted his hand; the order to fire was given, and the -onrushing Hessians began to fall. Through the dimness and smoke George -saw Rahl press a hand to his side and sway in his saddle. - -“He’s hit!” cried the lad. - -And no sooner had the words left his mouth than the Hessian leader -pitched forward under his horse’s feet. Dismayed at his fall, the -mercenaries faltered; then the hardy colonials broke upon them with -sword, bayonet and pistol; but the sluggish, overfed foreigners had -no stomach for hard fighting and in a few moments the cry went up for -quarter; and then to a man they threw down their arms. - - * * * * * - -It was high noon before the last batch of prisoners had been banded -together to be sent across the river; and half the American force was -busy in making ready the Hessian stores and plunder for transportation. -Now and then a shot rang out which told of a detected looter, or an -unearthed enemy; but for the most part the streets were quiet. - -Private property, by Washington’s strict order, was in every way -protected. Before the Hawksworth mansion paced a guard of stalwart -continentals; within was gathered a party which laughed and talked -joyously. Stout old Merchant Camp shook Ezra Prentiss by the hand for -perhaps the tenth time. - -“And so you are Seth’s other grandson, eh? Well, well! And both of you -hold to Washington and the Congress, you say! Were there ever such -times in the world before!” - -“And grandfather, too, don’t forget that,” laughed Ezra. - -But the staunch old Tory did not laugh. - -“So Seth has gone over, too! Well, every man to his own beliefs. I am -alone among you, but,” and his stubborn old head lifted high, “I’m a -king’s man still, and will be to the end.” - -Peggy and her brother, Herbert, together with young Brewster, Ben -Cooper and George, were grouped at the fireside. First Peggy would look -at George and then at Ezra. - -“I am almost frightened, Cousin George,” she said in an awed sort of -way, “when I look at you both. You look so much alike that it’s really -uncanny.” - -The heavy-browed Herbert, who proved a most companionable fellow, said -to Ben, aside: - -“They look alike, but it is not possible that Ezra is as great a fellow -as George. It would be expecting too much.” - -But Ben waved the notion aside at once. - -“There is no greater chap than Ezra Prentiss in the army,” said he. -“And after you’ve come to know him, you’ll say so yourself.” - -“No, no,” said old Mr. Camp to something which Ezra had just remarked. -“Howe is at New York; I’ll go back there; that is the place for me.” - -“You’ll probably meet with Cousin Hyde and his friend Henderson there,” -said Peggy. “Mr. Brewster has just been telling me that they escaped.” - -“A pair of rascals, my dear,” said the old gentleman. “I want nothing -to do with them.” - -“You will go back to New York also, I suppose,” said George to Peggy. - -“No,” she said, proudly. “I have lived my last under British rule. -Herbert will take me to Philadelphia.” - -“Then,” spoke Ezra, “we’ll see you often, more than likely, for, if the -indications are to be trusted, the army will be thereabouts for some -time to come.” - - -Other Stories in this Series are: - - THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT LEXINGTON - THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT BUNKER HILL - THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT MONMOUTH - (In Press) - - - - -TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES: - - - Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_. - - Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. - - Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized. - - Archaic or alternate spelling has been retained from the original. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT -TRENTON *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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