Peggy Owen and Liberty

by Lucy Foster Madison

  CHAPTER XIV

  MARCHING ORDERS

  "Our bugles sound gayly. To horse and away! And over the mountains breaks the day; Then ho! brothers, ho! for the ride or the fight, There are deeds to be done ere we slumber to-night! And whether we fight or whether we fall By saber-stroke or rifle ball, The hearts of the free will remember us yet, And our Country, our Country will never forget."

  --_Rossiter Worthington Raymond._

  It was not until morning that the farmer and his nephew succeeded ingetting control of the fire. When at length it was extinguished only afew charred timbers remained of the lean-to, and the dwelling itselfwas badly damaged. A heap of ashes marked the spot where the barn hadstood, and the scene was one of desolation. The day had come, butthere was no glory in the sunshine. The dank smell of early morningrose from the dew-drenched earth, but its freshness and fragrance weremarred by the overpowering odor of smoke, and wet, charred wood. Inthe countless trees of the forest the birds were singing, but theirsongs fell upon unheeding ears. To the inmates of the farmhouseinstead of melody the pines whispered a message of menace and despair.

  "And now," spoke Fairfax Johnson, as Thomas Ashley declared that therewas no further danger of fire, "now I am going to see what hath becomeof my mother."

  "And I'll go with you, nevvy. You must not think me hard andunfeeling, boy, but just now, when men are so scarce, we cannot affordto lose one unnecessarily. To have gone out to those men would havebeen certain death for you, and your mother did the best thing thatcould have been done. To be a patriot demands a great deal of us. Todie is a small matter, but how we die is much. Your work is notfinished. Until it is, nevvy, your life is not yours to loseneedlessly. It belongs to the country. Even though Hannah be captured,it would not follow that aught of harm would come to her. She is awoman. But come!"

  "Peggy," whispered Sally, "Friend Ashley reminds me of Brutus."

  "Yes," answered Peggy gazing after Fairfax with misty eyes. "Duty tocountry is first, of course; but sometimes when the heart is torn withanguish over the sacrifice of a loved one it doth seem that duty askstoo much of us. Oh, Sally! Sally! will peace ever come? Will thecountry ever be aught but torn and disrupted by warfare? I cannot bearit."

  "Don't, Peggy," came from Sally sharply.

  Mrs. Ashley, who was moving about the fire preparing breakfast, cameto them quickly. She gave each girl a gentle kiss, and a soft pat,saying:

  "Now, now, 'twill not do. After being such brave, helpful girls allnight, are ye going to give way now? 'Twill never do, sweetings. Forthe boy's sake, ye must be brave. See! I have nice, hot coffee allready. Run after them, and tell them that I want them to take a cupbefore going far."

  "And we were going to be so brave," reminded Sally wiping her eyes.

  "'Tis all my fault," said Peggy, "but 'twas the thought of----"

  "Now be quick, or they will be gone too far," interrupted MistressAshley.

  The two men were entering the confines of the forest when Peggy calledto them:

  "Mistress Ashley wishes that ye would take a cup of coffee beforegoing, friends. She hath it already prepared."

  Fairfax shook his head.

  "Mother first," he said. "I could not take anything."

  The tears came again to Peggy's eyes.

  "Yes, yes," she said chokingly. "Make sure of Friend Nurse'swhereabouts first. How brave she was! How----"

  "Did I hear something said anent coffee, Peggy?" came Nurse Johnson'svoice, and from among the trees she came toward them. She was smiling,but her appearance was anything but cheerful. Her face was very pale,her hair was unbound and hung upon her shoulders in a tangled mass;her garments were dew drenched, and she limped painfully. With a boundher son reached her side.

  "Mother! mother!" was all he could say.

  "I thought ye'd get through, Hannah," cried Thomas Ashley. "I was justtelling the boy so. Mary, Mary! Hannah's come."

  With cries and exclamations of wonder and joy they gathered about her,heaping caresses upon her until the good woman begged for mercy,declaring that she was hungry, and would have no breath left wherewithto partake of food. Then they bore her into the house, and while Sallyand Peggy dressed the sprained ankle, Mrs. Ashley brought coffee, andMr. Ashley cut great slices of ham, insisting that the occasionwarranted a feast. But the son remained by her side as though hefeared to leave her. They grew calm finally, and then Nurse Johnsontold of her escape.

  "'Tis naught to make such a pother about," she said settling backcomfortably in her chair, a cup of coffee in hand. "I knew that Tomwouldn't be able to hold Fairfax much longer, and I wasn't going tohave those rascals get him if I could help it. Providence was on myside, for I seemed to have wings given me. I didn't know that I couldrun so fast, but fear, aided by a few bullets, would develop speed inthe most of us, I reckon.

  "I had a little start of the Tories, though I knew that I could notkeep it, when my foot caught in a vine, or root, and I fell. I triedto get up, but my ankle was sprained so I could not rise. Instead, inmy efforts, I began to roll down the declivity, for the ground wasslightly rolling where I had fallen, and over and over I went untilpresently the bottom was reached, and I came to a stop in a littlehollow. Something stirred as I rolled into the thicket, and an animal,'twas too dark to see what it was, though it seemed like a doe, or afawn, leaped up and bounded away through the forest. I heard the mengo crashing after it, and it came to me that if I did not move theymight pass on, thinking that the deer was their prey. That is allthere is to it. So you see I did naught after all. Save for the mishapof a sprained ankle, and a little chill, I am no worse off than yeare."

  "Oh! but the risk, Friend Nurse," cried Peggy.

  "Was no greater than to stay here. We did not know of a certainty thatthe men would leave the house in pursuit. It was just a chance, but ithappened to work all right. Now, Tom, what shall be done? Do you thinkthe raiders will return?"

  "'Tis hard telling, Hannah. Sooner or later they will try to get theboy again. If Edwards is hanged they will stop at nothing to effecthis capture. But, Hannah, every man in the company runs the same risk.The thing to do is to have the men make headquarters here. 'Twill beof mutual benefit, for 'twill throw a safeguard about each member ofthe company."

  "Yes," she agreed thoughtfully.

  "And the girls?" uttered Fairfax. "What of them?"

  "Until we have horses we can do naught, nevvy."

  "Then horses we are going to have," he said with determination. "Ishall start for Freehold now to see what can be done. There may beother news of the raiders, too."

  "Go with him, Tom," cried his mother quickly. "There may be skulkersin the woods."

  But Fairfax would not hear of this.

  "Nay, mother," he said. "Uncle Tom's place is here. You are in moredanger than I am, for the raiders may come back. You had your way lastnight; this morning 'tis my turn."

  With this he was gone. Some hours later when he returned, astride abay mare of great beauty, he headed quite a cavalcade. Behind him rodethe little company of twelvemonth men and militia of which he wascaptain; back of these came two large wagons.

  "What think you?" he cried waving a folded document excitedly ingreeting. "The Council of Safety hath confirmed my commission ascaptain, and hath ordered me to take the company to Tom's River togarrison the fort there. The salt works are threatened, and there issome contraband trade to be checked. We came to take you with us."

  "To do what, nevvy?" gasped the farmer, bewildered by the suddennessof the matter.

  "To take all of you with us," repeated the youth, dismounting. "Thinkyou that I could go, and leave you here unprotected? You will be safethere. At least," he corrected himself, "as safe as 'tis possible tobe in Monmouth County. The garrison will afford more security than youwould have here. I brought these wagons for the very purpose of takingyou. There must be haste, Uncle Tom. We must be off in an hour."

  "But----" began Thomas Ashley protestingly, when his wife
interruptedhim.

  "Why, father! that's where Charley is. 'Tis the very thing."

  So the youth had his way, and there ensued a busy hour. The wagonswere shore wagons, owned by oystermen of Tom's River who werereturning to that village after bringing fish and oysters to theinterior, he told them in explanation of the odor that clung to thevehicles. It was great good fortune that they could be had just atthis time. Presently, here they were, with Nurse Johnson, comfortablyinstalled upon a feather-bed, Mrs. Ashley and the two girls in onewagon, while the farmer rode in the other to look after such householdeffects as they were taking.

  Both because of Nurse Johnson and the sandy nature of the soil theywere obliged to proceed in a leisurely manner, but the family,rejoicing in the sense of security afforded by the presence of anarmed escort, minded neither the manner nor the mode of travel. Withthe buoyancy of youth, Peggy and Sally soon regained their accustomedspirits, and chatted gaily.

  Above was the blue and white woof of the spring sky. The plaint of themeadow-lark and the note of the robin sounded sweetly against thestillness of the air. A trio of crows sailed athwart the blue, theirgreat wings beating the air to slow, solemn measure. The pine woodlandadded shelter and picturesqueness to the road, and to the light breezeits sweet resinous odor. And Fairfax was here, there, everywhere,looking after things with all the zeal of a young officer.

  "You are merry," he said after a time, accommodating the speed of hishorse to that of the wagon in which the girls rode. His manner hadbrightened perceptibly since the beginning of the journey, and hespoke lightly. "Yet I feared that you might be annoyed by the smell offish. They are oyster wagons, you know."

  "Is it fish that we smell?" cried Sally, laughing for very joyousness,and forgetting to wonder at the unusualness of his addressing them."Methought it was the pines."

  "Nay; 'tis fish," he declared. "At what are you looking, MistressPeggy?"

  "I am admiring thy horse," she replied. "'Tis a beauty. Almost aspretty as my own little mare."

  "Nay," he protested. "Few animals are that. Star hath not manyequals."

  Peggy flushed with pleasure. Praise of her little mare alwaysdelighted her.

  "Thee can afford to be unstinted in thy praise when thine own mounthath so much of beauty," she remarked.

  "And what has thee named her?" questioned Sally. "It should besomething charming."

  "A name hath just occurred to me that is both charming and uncommon,"he responded, meeting her glance without blushing. It was the firsttime that she had seen him so much at ease in ordinary intercourse,Peggy reflected marveling. "I think," continued the youth, "that noother horse ever bore it."

  "Then it must be unusual," declared Sally. "Thee makes me verycurious, Friend Fairfax. What is it?"

  "Marsal," he answered. A twinkle came into his eyes as he added:"After Margaret and Sally: Marsal!" Saluting, he passed on to the headof the column.

  There was a gasp of surprise from the maidens, then a peal of laughterfollowed, so mirthful that Nurse Johnson and her sister joined it.

  "He hath the best of us, Peggy," cried Sally. "But who would havedreamed that he had it in him?"

  "Of a truth he hath improved markedly," agreed Peggy. "I fear me thatwe shall have to change our tactics, Sally."

  "'Tis not that he hath lost his diffidence, girls, but the reactionfrom fear of danger to us hath rendered him light-hearted," declaredthe lad's mother. "He is so relieved that 'tis easy to jest."

  And this was the case with them all. So merrily the journey proceeded.The incubus of fear was lifted from them for the time, and a certainjoyousness of expression was the natural result. It was twenty-fivemiles from Monmouth Court House to Tom's River, and so slowly did theytravel that it was not until the next evening that they emerged fromthe forest into a long stretch of cleared road at the end of which laythe thriving little town.

  About a hundred yards to the east of the road, on a slight eminencein the center of cleared ground, stood the blockhouse. It was a rudestructure, unfinished, about six or seven feet high, built of logswith loopholes between them, and a number of brass swivels on the top,which was entirely open. Indeed there was no way of entering save byclimbing. A short distance beyond the fort a bridge spanned the river,for the village was situated on both banks of the stream. Four milesaway the tides of Barnegat Bay swelled and ebbed through CranberryInlet into the ocean. It was the nearness of this inlet that gave thelittle place its importance. It was at this time perhaps the bestinlet on the coast except Little Egg Harbor, and was a favorite baseof operations for American privateers on the outlook for Britishvessels carrying supplies to New York.

  In the near vicinity of the village a gristmill, a sawmill, and saltworks gave evidence of the occupations of the inhabitants; while onthe river, which at this point broadened into a bay, floated thebarges and boats of the fishermen, and the rafts and scows from thesawmills. The town proper consisted of about a dozen houses beside aninn, around which the dark forest seemed to crowd and press. The placehad been subjected to attack several times by the British, owingchiefly to the desirability of the inlet, and the possession of thesalt works. An unusual characteristic of the town was the fact thatnot a Tory, nor Tory sympathizer was allowed to dwell in it; which wasan exceedingly uncommon feature of any place in Monmouth County.

  As the company drew near the blockhouse there came a sharp commandfrom within, and over its walls scrambled a few men who drew up atattention, while drum and fife sounded a welcome to the new captain. Adazzling light of pleased surprise came into the young man's eyes, andhe squared his shoulders with an involuntary movement. From thevillage came the people to give welcome also; for the intrepidity withwhich the young man fulfilled his duties, his recent exploit incapturing the noted Edwards had given him a reputation, and the townrejoiced that he had been sent to take command of the post.

  With blushing modesty the lad made a stammering response to thewelcome, while Thomas Ashley beamed with gratification, and hismother could scarce conceal her pride. The ceremony was endedpresently, and the company took formal possession of the blockhouse.The family passed on into the village.

  "'Tis so interesting to be with the military," sighed Sallyecstatically as she and Peggy were preparing for bed. They had foundquarters with the family of Justice Green, old friends of Mrs. Ashley."Just think, Peggy Owen! Thee had a whole winter of it at Middlebrook.And with the main army at that. I should think thee could never findcontentment in our quiet city again."

  "Were we there, Sally, I'd never wish to leave it," spoke Peggy soearnestly that her friend looked up in surprise.

  "What is it?" she asked quickly. "Has thee the migraine, Peggy?"

  "No, Sally." Peggy was thoughtful for a moment before she explained:"These people are so grateful because the company hath come.Were there not great cause for fear they would not have so muchappreciation. It looks as though they lived in dread of attack."

  "And I have been feeling so secure because the blockhouse was here,"exclaimed Sally. "Hasn't thee?"

  "I did for a time, but I am not so sure that I do now," was Peggy'sresponse.

  "Is not Fairfax a fine fellow?" queried Sally after a moment'ssilence.

  "I wonder if thee knows how often thee says that, Sally?" Peggyturned, and gazed searchingly into Sally's face.

  "I don't say it any oftener than he deserves it, miss," retortedSally, brushing her hair composedly. "He is all that valor and modestycan make him. I heard Friend Pendleton say once that humility was thesweetest flower that grew in the human breast. Fairfax thinks solittle of himself; yet he is so brave, and modest, and kind; and hisuncle declares that he fights like a tiger."

  "Yes?" gasped Peggy, regarding her friend with amazement. "He is allthat. And what then, Sally?"

  Sally laughed.

  "I was just thinking, Peggy mine, that some time--oh, years and yearsfrom now, after the war is over, thee knows--we girls might want tomake some additions to the Social Select Circle in the form of----Wel
l, partners for life," she ended, blushing adorably.

  "And was thee thinking of annexing Fairfax?" cried Peggy in a paroxysmof merriment. "Oh, Sally, Sally! that I should live to hear thee saysuch things!"

  "I? Oh, no! I was thinking of Betty. Thee knows that he would requiresome management, he is so bashful, and Betty----"

  "I am not so sure, Sally." Peggy was laughing so that she couldscarcely talk, but she continued mirthfully: "Has thee not noticedthat he is always equal to an emergency, and that he is cool andcollected in danger? Sally, Sally! thee'd best give o'er suchmatch-making plans."

  "Well, I do think 'twould be monstrously nice," said Sally. "Sothere!"

  "For Sally?" teased Peggy.

  "Nonsense!" ejaculated Sally, reddening.

  Many things contributed to dispel whatever of misgiving Peggy mighthave had. The people resumed their daily vocations, and while on everyhand could be heard encomiums upon the ardor with which the youngcaptain discharged his duties, the presence of the company seemed nolonger to be regarded as a strict essential to safety. So the maiden'sfears were lulled to rest, and she gave herself up to the enjoyment ofthe seaside life.

  The bay daily beheld the arrival and departure of privateers, whichsometimes brought prizes with them. There were boats from thedifferent mills, and teams always loading at the wharves with lumber,salt, oysters and fish for the interior. Whenever there were prizeswith the privateers, the town became a busy and lively place from theinflux of visitors who were mostly business men from various parts ofthe state come to purchase captured vessels, or their cargoes.

  Sometimes Fairfax joined them in their walks along the bay, for thiswas the favorite with the girls, and they could not but comment uponhis increased manliness of bearing. He had found his position nosinecure. There were many farmers along the river who, whileundeniably patriotic, saw no reason why they should not take the hardmoney of the British in New York in exchange for supplies, and thiscontraband trade had to be kept in check. An unceasing watch was inconsequence kept on the river and coasts to prevent such persons fromrunning the blockade; the salt works had to be guarded, and a strictpatrol maintained to report any advance of English or refugees.

  "Thee is getting thin, Friend Fairfax," commented Peggy one evening asthe two maidens and the youth stood watching the boats on the bay."Thee takes thy duties too seriously. Does he not, Sally?"

  "Indeed he does," agreed Sally, her blue eyes scanning the young man'scountenance with solicitude. "What hath gone amiss, friend? Somethingis troubling thee."

  "There is activity on Sandy Hook that denotes action of some sort bythe enemy," he answered gravely. "It hath been impossible so far tofind just what the movement portends, but I fear that an attack ofsome kind is intended. Would that ye were at home, though I know nothow to get you there."

  "And does thee fear that this is the place to be attacked?" queriedSally. "Is it the salt works?"

  "Yes," he replied. "That is one of the things that would inviteassault. The works have always been a bone of contention between thetwo armies, and the British need of the article is pressing just atthis time. Were it not that the highway from Freehold to Trenton isinfested by those miscreants of the pines, I should say go with one ofthe shore wagons to Trenton. As it is there is naught for you to dobut to stay here."

  "Where there is a garrison for protection," spoke Peggy with morelightness than she felt.

  "It is small," he said with hesitation. "Small, and the fortunfinished. I fear me that 'twill not withstand attack, even though itshould be defended with stubbornness. But I must not make you uneasy.There may be no ground for apprehension after all."

  So he spoke, and knew not that at that very moment some British andloyalists from Sandy Hook were landing at Coates' Point, a few milesto the north of Tom's River. Here their number was augmented by theaddition of a band of refugees under the Tory, Davenport. A videttedashed into the village with the news at midnight. Almost instantlycame the order:

  "Every man to the blockhouse! The British and refugees areapproaching!"