Peggy Owen and Liberty

by Lucy Foster Madison

  CHAPTER XXX

  AND THEN THE END

  "Here the free spirit of mankind, at length, Throws its last fetters off; and who shall place A limit to the giant's unchained strength, Or curb his swiftness in the forest race."

  --_Bryant._

  A mighty shout went up from the people as they heard the words. It wasfollowed by another, and still another until the Jersey hills echoedwith the sound. Men flung their hats in the air and were not ashamedthat tears, all unchecked, lay on their cheeks. The extreme youth, thebeauty of the unfortunate young man had gone straight to their hearts.He was one of the enemy, but his manly bearing in the face of anignominious death commanded respect and admiration, and had producedthe stern joy that is felt by warriors toward a foeman worthy of theirsteel.

  In compliment to the occasion, the band struck up a lively Englishair, and in the general enthusiasm which followed there was a rushfor the cart. Clifford was lifted bodily to their shoulders and borne,amid boisterous acclamations, to his relatives.

  A true Briton has an abhorrence of any display of emotion; so now,although more moved than he had been of the menace of death, the youthstruggled to retain his composure. His features worked convulsively,and his lips quivered. He could not trust himself to speak, but stood,white and trembling, endeavoring to maintain an appearance of calm.Colonel Dayton saw his agitation, and made his way at once to hisside.

  "Friends," he said lifting his hand for silence, "we all rejoice atthis most fortunate outcome of a most unfortunate matter. But it hathbeen very trying to those deeply concerned, so I would suggest that wegive three cheers for Captain Williams, who hath shown us howgallantly a brave man may face death, and then leave him with hisfriends."

  At that the tumultuous concourse stretched their throats and cheeredwith all their might. Then followed three cheers for Congress, andthree for the commander-in-chief, General Washington. By this timeClifford had mastered himself sufficiently to speak, and he saidsomething in a low tone to Colonel Dayton. Again the officer raisedhis hand.

  "Captain Williams proposes three cheers for Captain Drayton, whobrought the reprieve," he said.

  Then pandemonium broke loose. Cheer after cheer rent the very air.Hoarse shouts of "Drayton!" "Drayton!" sounded, but no Draytonappeared. Under the confusion incident to the delivering of thereprieve he had slipped away to give his well-nigh spent horse theattention of which the noble animal stood in need. Then, being in wantof rest himself, he had thrown himself prone on the grass under atree, and was at that very moment fast asleep. So, finding their callsfor him vain, the crowd finally dispersed in high good humor.

  Yet these were Jersey people. People who but a few short months beforehad cried to Congress for retaliation for the cruel murder of FairfaxJohnson. Had Lippencott, the murderer, stood before them to pay thepenalty of his dastardly deed, the situation would have beendifferent. They were a kindly people as well as a just one; so nowcompassion, respect and admiration led them to rejoice that this fairyoung life was not to be offered as a sacrifice in a blood reprisal.

  At length Clifford was left alone with his relatives. For a timetheir hearts were too full to do more than utter ejaculations ofthankfulness, or lavish terms of endearment upon him. When calmfinally prevailed both he and Peggy were eager to know all thathad occurred.

  "As ye know, I expected to return in a short time when I left here,"began David Owen. "When I reached Lancaster, however, I found that theenemy had been unusually active in the matter of contraband goods, sothat my department was almost overwhelmed with goods to be examined,seized, or distributed. A soldier's duty comes before everything, andeven though one who is dear should be in peril, he must perform it. Icould have put Drayton in charge had he been there, but it seems thathe felt that he must exert himself in Clifford's behalf, and so hadobtained leave of absence a few days after our departure. Major Dalehad assumed Drayton's duty in addition to his own, but despite thatfact he gave me what assistance he could, so that at last I was ableto leave. I found Harriet at Philadelphia----"

  "Found Harriet where?" exclaimed Peggy amazed.

  "She must tell how she came to be there," smiled her father. "Wepassed through Morristown yesterday, by the west road, on our way toPompton, where we expected to see the Marquis de Chastellux; thereason for this will come in Harriet's narrative. We missed him by aday, so bode there for the night, expecting to come here to-day. Justas we were ready to start for this camp this morning Captain Draytondashed into the yard, calling for a change of horses. You may imagineour feelings when he told us that the execution was set for thismorning. Had it not been that he also told us that he held a reprieveI do not know what Harriet would have done. There was no time to belost, if we would reach here in time, so, as soon as his horse wasready, we were off with what result ye know. Drayton hath workedtirelessly in the matter. He hath come from headquarters with butlittle rest either for himself, or his horses, and was in the saddleall night after riding all of yesterday."

  "But why, why?" asked Clifford bewildered. "Why should Drayton soconcern himself about me?"

  "And now 'tis my turn to explain," broke in Harriet. She did not tellhim that Drayton had been actuated by gratitude toward her because shehad assisted him in escaping from a similar plight at Yorktown. Shedid not wish her brother to know the part she had taken in thataffair, so now she ignored his question, and began her explanation. "Igave up hope that day you and Peggy left me at the inn, my brother. Iknew of nothing more that could be done, so resolved to go back tofather. Judge of my surprise when, a few miles beyond Morristown,Captain Drayton overtook me. He was on his way to headquarters then. Itold him all that had occurred, and the exact state of affairs. Headvised me to go back to Philadelphia to try to enlist Count deRochambeau's aid. The Congress and General Washington held theirFrench allies in high esteem, he said. If their sympathies could beenlisted it would have great weight. He had been in Philadelphiahimself seeing gentlemen whose standing was such as might be expectedto exert influence. He was urging that memorials and petitions shouldbe sent Congress in such numbers that their appeal could not beoverlooked. At the Highlands he intended seeing the principal men ofthe army, and last of all General Washington, to relate how I had----"She checked herself quickly, and bit her lip. After a moment shecontinued:

  "Of course I went to Philadelphia. There was no one at the house butthe servants, so I asked Sally Evans to stay with me. Peggy," turningtoward her cousin suddenly, "I never can tell you what a help she was.That I had been a spy at Middlebrook was against me. That I had beenbanished the city just the year before militated against anything thatI undertook. I realized keenly the difference in being there with mykindred, and then without them. I almost despaired of doing anything,but Sally would not let me give up. She was full of suggestions. Thegentlemen of Congress would not see me, so Sally cornered Mr. JacobDeering, and coaxed, and pleaded until, for very peace, the poor mantold her that he would do what he could for us. Through him I got aletter before the Congress.

  "Then Sally went to see Betty Williams. Betty's Frenchman, it seems,is an attache to the French Minister. This gave us access to both theMinister and Count de Rochambeau. Meantime, Captain Drayton's workbegan to take effect, and letters poured in upon the Congress urgingclemency. The French gentlemen advised seeing the Marquis deChastellux, who is a great favorite with your general; so, as CousinDavid had come by this time we set out for Pompton, where we expectedto find him. 'Twas there that we met Captain Drayton, of which CousinDavid hath told you. Clifford," speaking with impressiveness, "'tisthought that you will be sent to Philadelphia to be under the eye ofthe Congress while the matter receives due deliberation. If you are, Iwant you to go to Sally Evans, and thank her for what she hath done."

  "It will give me great pleasure, my sister," he answered. A smile,winsome in its radiance, parted his lips, and he gazed across thevalley at the distant hills. At the hills? Or did he see instead apair of blue eyes swimming in tears through whic
h divinest pity shone?Did he see a saucy, piquant face framed in ringlets that escaped inbewitching wilfulness from under the dainty cap of a Quakeress? Didhe see---- Harriet's voice, tremulous from a mist of tears in itslaughter, broke in upon his musings.

  "And oh, John Drayton's hat," she was saying. "You should have seenit, Peggy. When we started this morning 'twas nearly straight. Oh, notentirely! That would be impossible. Somehow I could not take my eyesfrom it. The harder he rode the further on the side it got. Iremembered that Cousin David had said that all through the battle ofHobkirk's Hill he had fought with it on his ear, and had been made acaptain for valor. Peggy, it came to me that with him it meantconfidence, and a determination to succeed. I knew that he would reachhere in time so long as that hat was at a perilous angle. If he hadput it straight I should have died."

  "Harriet," said Clifford in determined tones, "I want to know whyCaptain Drayton was so interested? Why should he exert himself toavert an untoward fate from me?"

  "Because," answered Harriet. "Oh, because, Clifford. He did it for me.Now don't ask questions, there's a good fellow!"

  Clifford's face became thoughtful.

  "I see, my sister," he said gently. Harriet flashed a glance at Peggy,then laughed. Her brother's inference was plain.

  "I wonder where John is?" cried Peggy.

  "He hath been asleep under a tree, my dear," spoke the colonel's wife."And 'tis time for dinner. Will you ask him to come in?"

  "Let me go, Peggy," said Clifford hastily. "I would like to speak withhim." And knowing that her cousin would prefer to see Drayton alone,Peggy assented.

  Drayton lay on the grass, lazily stretching himself, as Cliffordapproached. He rose and began to brush off his dusty uniform.

  "I'd be sent to the guard-house if this uniform were to make itsappearance on parade, wouldn't I, captain?" he asked easily.

  "Captain Drayton," said Clifford huskily, "you have given me no chanceto thank you for the service you rendered me. I want to do so now----"

  "Don't," said Drayton. "It gave me great pleasure to be of service.Why need we speak of it further?"

  "But I owe you my life, sir," cried Clifford.

  "Nay," smiled Drayton. "You owe it to your sister. I did it forHarriet."

  Clifford winced perceptibly as John Drayton used his sister's namewithout the usual prefix. It had been unconsciously done, but this ofcourse he could not know. He started to speak, but before he could doso, Drayton was speaking:

  "You need not fear a repetition of to-day, Captain Williams. Anxietyand suspense are not pleasant companions, and I'd like to tell youjust how things are. The temper of the people all over the nation hathchanged regarding this affair. 'Tis beginning to be openly talked thatmercy should supersede the necessity for retaliation. Then too aletter hath come to General Washington from your own general in whichhe deplores the action of Lippencott. He asks for further time forinvestigation, and promises that no more such atrocities shall beperpetrated upon American prisoners, which was our chief motive forreprisal. And your father, Colonel Owen, hath protested stronglyagainst thus using a prisoner of the Capitulation of Yorktown,claiming that such an one cannot be used as hostage in any manner. Ourchief, sir, is exceedingly jealous of his honor. He would do naughtthat would savor of a breach of faith with the enemy. For this reason,and others, he hath consented that more time shall be taken by allparties for deliberation. In fact, Captain Williams, everything pointsto a pleasant termination of the matter; although you may find thewaiting necessary for deliberation long and irksome."

  "Sir," spoke Clifford with emotion, "you have made me twice yourdebtor: First, in bringing the reprieve; and now, by relieving me ofanxiety. A man may meet death with fortitude; no man can bear anindefinite suspense which may have the gallows for its termination. Icannot thank you as I would wish. Words cannot express my gratitude.But, sir, I believe that I can contribute toward promoting yourhappiness. You have said that you did this for my sister; Harrietacknowledges that it was for her. I have always been persuaded that adeeper feeling existed between you than either would confess. Ourfirst altercation was, I believe, regarding this very fact. That Ihave been prejudiced, I'll admit frankly. But now, sir, I want to tellyou that any objection that I may have had against your suit to mysister is withdrawn. More, I will use whatever of influence I may havewith my father to advance your happiness."

  "Eh! What?" stammered Drayton in confusion. His face had been a studywith its varying expressions as Clifford talked. "Er--a---- Well, yousee----"

  "Do you mean that your feelings have changed, sir?" demanded Cliffordhis brow darkening.

  "On the contrary," exclaimed Drayton settling his neck ruffleshastily, "my esteem for Miss Harriet hath increased. But, captain, inAmerica 'tis customary to consult the lady before such matters arearranged. I shouldn't like anything done until her wishes areexpressed."

  "Your delicacy does you great credit, sir," spoke Clifford holding outhis hand. "I have been wrong in my estimation of you."

  "And I appreciate your offer of assistance, Captain Williams." Draytonshook his hand warmly, sincere admiration in his eyes. "'Twashandsomely done."

  "And now," exclaimed Clifford almost gaily, "as our little affairs aresettled, I must bring you in to dinner. The colonel's wife hathcommissioned me to do so."

  "I am not up to it yet, captain. I shall find a bed somewhere, andsleep a while longer. Odds life! how seedy lack of sleep doth make aman! Present my compliments to the ladies, will you?" Drayton sankback on the grass as he spoke.

  "With pleasure, sir," answered the other.

  Punctiliously they saluted, and Clifford strode back to the house.John Drayton laughed softly.

  "Now that," he said, apostrophizing the tree, "that is what might becalled an amende honorable. Whew! wouldn't I like to see Harriet'sface when he tells her!"

  Some hours later, having slept off fatigue, washed, and freshenedhimself from top to toe, Drayton approached the colonel's quarters. Onthe piazza sat David Owen, with Peggy on one side of him, and Cliffordon the other. His arm was about his daughter; his other hand rested onthe younger man's knee. It was a pretty picture; full of affection andquiet happiness. John Drayton stopped short at sight of it. His facewhitened, and a look of consternation flashed into his eyes. Crushinghis beaver over his eyes he wheeled, then strode away. The three hadbeen so absorbed that they had not seen him, but Harriet came upon thepiazza in time to catch his expression.

  "Peggy," she called.

  "Yes?" Peggy went to her quickly alarmed by the insistence of hertone.

  "Go to that captain of yours at once. He is troubled."

  "John troubled, Harriet? Why----"

  "'Tis naught but what you can remedy, you little goose," cried Harrietshaking her. "Don't you dare come back into the house until you havecorrected his misapprehension. I won't have John Drayton made unhappyto-day!"

  "But----"

  "Oh, go!" She caught Peggy suddenly and kissed her. "Go!"

  And wondering much Peggy sped down the path after Drayton. He heardher light footsteps, and waited for her.

  "Why, how tired thee looks, John," she exclaimed startled by hisappearance. "I thought thee had a good sleep. Thee has worn thyselfout by thy exertions. And all for us. Yet thee hath given us no chanceto thank thee."

  "I was glad to do it, Peggy. Clifford is--Yes; he's a fine fellow," hesaid as though he were obliged to acknowledge the fact. "He is wellworth saving. I was glad to do it. Yet--yet I am thankful that I didnot know----"

  "Know what?" she asked as he came to a pause.

  He did not answer, and the girl looked at him in perplexity. Presentlyshe spoke:

  "I think I never saw thee with thy hat on straight before, John. Ilike it not."

  "I did not know." He touched it indifferently. "I always find it sowhen I am discouraged, or hopeless."

  "But why should thee be discouraged or hopeless now?" she queriedamazed.

  "How shall I bear it when you are in England,
Peggy?" he criedsuddenly, and turned from her.

  Peggy saw a great light. When she spoke it was with sweet authority:

  "Put thy hat as thee always wears it, John. Then let me tell theeabout Clifford and Sally."

  "About whom?" Drayton swung about with precipitation.

  "About Sally and my cousin, Clifford. I want to tell thee how amessage from her cheered his dark hours; I want to tell thee how shehelped Harriet; and I want to tell thee, most of all, John, what I amhoping will happen if Clifford is sent to Philadelphia. Dear Sally!"

  "Dear Sally!" he echoed fervently, settling his hat in its accustomedplace with the jaunty gesture that she loved. "Dear, dear Sally," headded with growing enthusiasm as he met her laughing eyes. "I shalllike to hear about Sally. Tell me, Peggy."

  * * * * *

  It was three months later. Congress had recognized the alteredsentiments of the country regarding the case of retaliation, andClifford was set unconditionally at liberty. England had advised thathostilities be suspended, so that--while the two armies retained theirrespective positions, one in New York, the other in the Highlands--itwas only as a precautionary measure. The prospects for peace were atlast assuming reality. There were yet many months to come before theterms would be agreed upon, and the treaty signed; but AmericanIndependence was not only achieved, but recognized at last by England.

  It was a bright October day. Peggy sat with her mother in thesitting-room of the dwelling in Chestnut Street. The air was justchill enough to warrant a fire, and the two were deep in conversationbefore its pleasant warmth. The door opened hastily, and Harriet,looking marvelously beautiful in a new riding habit, stood on thethreshold.

  "I am going for a ride with Robert, madam my cousin," she said, andthe rich color flooded her cheeks as she pronounced the young man'sname. "We may be a little late. You will not mind?"

  "Nay, Harriet." Mrs. Owen smiled at her fondly. "I hope that thy ridewill be a pleasant one."

  "Mother," spoke Peggy as Harriet closed the door, "how this terriblecontagion of domesticity, as General Washington puts it, hath seizedeverybody! Here Betty hath married her Frenchman and gone to France;Clifford is to come for Sally before he sails for England; and nowthere is Robert and Harriet. What does thee think of them?"

  "I am much pleased," answered the lady. "It will be the making ofHarriet. Robert is of a strong, true nature which will command herrespect. He hath invested her with every noble quality, believing herto be as lovely in character as she is beautiful in person. Harrietlikes to be so considered. Peggy, rather than fall below his ideal shewill become all that his fancy paints her."

  "I am so glad that we are not to lose her, mother. Harriet hathbecome very dear to me."

  "And mother is glad that thou art not to go across the seas, Peggy. Atone time I feared that perchance Clifford----"

  "And so did John," laughed Peggy.

  * * * * *

  Other Stories in this Series are:

  PEGGY OWEN PEGGY OWEN, PATRIOT PEGGY OWEN AT YORKTOWN

  TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:

  Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters' errors;otherwise, every effort has been made to remain true to the author'swords and intent.