The Minute Boys of York Town

by James Otis

  CHAPTER X

  NEWS OF SAUL

  Pierre Laurens and I might have stood on the river bank and argued as tothe future until the crack of doom without its affecting matters in anyway, or without our being the wiser, save that we watched what washappening around us, for, luckily, no person may look into the future.

  We were so excited by the distant sounds of the battle which was ragingbetween our friends in the French fleet and those whom his majesty hadsent to whip us into submission, that for the time being all thoughts ofSaul had completely gone out of my mind. It was as if the lad did notexist, until mayhap two hours had passed, when Pierre bethought himselfthat it was our duty to go back to old Mary's cabin in order to acquaintUncle 'Rasmus with what was going on, and then I spoke my cousin's name,reproaching myself because I had thus seemingly neglected him.

  "You need not be so bitter against yourself, Fitz Hamilton," littleFrenchie said with a shrug of the shoulders. "It seems certain that weof ourselves can gain no information whatsoever concerning Saul Ogden,else would we have come upon him ere this. We must content ourselves inpatience so far as may be, believing that the Jerseyman will sooner orlater come upon the truth."

  "And what then?" I interrupted fiercely.

  "Then we shall do all within our power to aid the lad, if he be alive,and keep ever in mind, in case he has gone into the other world, that hewent because of striving to do whatsoever he might for the Cause."

  I believe we could have walked through the village of York again andagain talking loudly on the most disloyal topics, and yet no one wouldhave given heed to us, so intent were all upon that distant boomingwhich told of a struggle that must decide the fate of those who held thetown of York while they themselves were much the same as prisoners.

  It was some such thought which caused me to say with a smile, and as ifthere was more of courage in my heart than really existed, that LordCornwallis was much like Pierre and me. He had taken this village ofours and set himself down to keep it, after which General Lafayette hadcome up, closing him in, and holding him fast. We on our side had takenHorry Sims a prisoner, and were striving to hold him, while the king'ssoldiers were much the same as depriving us of our liberty now that theyno longer allowed us to make our way through the lines.

  "I'll agree that the two situations are alike up to a certain point,"Pierre said grimly; "but the end is to be much different. My LordCornwallis will be beaten, while I'm counting that we shall come offvictors, through the aid of those who are battling for the Cause, andtherefore will we laugh best because we laugh last."

  A dearer, truer, more cheery comrade than Pierre Laurens never lived!Surely I had good proof of it that day when he heartened me with hislight words and his promises concerning the future until I was almostcome to believe we were on the high road to success, even though thereremained in the cupboard of old Mary's cabin no more than food enough toserve for another meal, and we were unable to make our way to theHamilton plantation where we might have revelled in plenty.

  When we saw Uncle 'Rasmus once more it was as if we had not stirred handor foot since we left him as Horry Sims's guardian.

  The black, wrinkled face could be seen through the window as weapproached, and so far as being able to read an expression of eitherhope or despair upon his countenance, one might as well have gazed at agraven image.

  Pierre lost no time in explaining to Uncle 'Rasmus the moaning of thosedull yet heavy reports which could be heard from the distance, and whenhe was done with the story as we had heard it from the Britishers, theold negro said placidly, as if the matter did not affect him in theslightest:

  "I'se 'lowin', chillun, dat dere's boun' to be a heap ob fightin' 'roun'dis yere town 'fore de Britishers get what am comin' to 'em."

  "And we are like to have as much in the way of danger as if we wereserving in the trenches," I added, curious to learn how the possibilityof being under the fire of our friends might affect the old man.

  "I'se 'lowin' dat you'se right, honey," was the quiet reply. "Gin'alWashington ain't gwine fo' to set down up Norf while he knows we'seneedin' him here, kase he's a gen'man ob Virginia, an' dey allers 'tendsto dere duty. Course we'se boun' to stand our end ob it when de shotdoes begin to fly; but bress you, honey, how many dat you know, an' Iknow, am gwine to do de same, an' what's good enuf for dem ain' anyworse for us."

  Surely with such companions as Pierre and Uncle 'Rasmus a decent fellowcould not long indulge in gloomy possibilities of the future, and for atleast the twentieth time since we left my home did I resolve that Iwould strive to imitate them in their calm faith as to what the comingdays might bring, and their general disregard to bodily discomfort orinjury so that they might be able to do something, however slight, toaid the Cause.

  Then, of course, we discussed this possible battle which was going on atsea, speculating as to what the outcome might be if the French beat offthe enemy, and also what might occur if the English were victorious, foryou must remember that while waiting further news from the Jerseyman wehad nothing better with which to occupy our time.

  Although we talked long and earnestly, going over all the possibilities,Horry Sims did not venture to raise his voice, and this surprised mesomewhat, causing suspicions to arise lest the Tory cur had in mind someplan for escape, or that he knew more than did we, although that seemedimpossible, regarding Saul's whereabouts.

  On that day, because of lack of provisions, we decided that there wasreally no need of dinner, and deferred the meal until night, theprisoner, as a matter of course, sharing our fast, although I doubt notthat Pierre would have insisted on his feasting while we went hungry hadthere been more than provisions enough to provide a single fairallowance for the four of us.

  It was dull work sitting in old Mary's cabin waiting for the coming ofthe Jerseyman, although we knew full well that he might not be able topay us a visit within eight and forty hours; but it was in Pierre's mindthat we had best remain there, where he could come upon us at a moment'snotice, rather than walk around the village now it seemed certain wecould get no information regarding Saul.

  I hardly remember how that long day did pass. I know full well, however,that it seemed as if more than a week elapsed between sunrise andsunset. I can even at this moment recall the fierce joy which was minewhen, just as the shadows of night were beginning to fall, the door ofthe cabin was opened softly, and that man whom we had been waiting forso eagerly came in.

  I could hardly wait until he had closed the door behind him, before Iasked impatiently, with mingled hope and despair in my tones:

  "Have you heard aught concerning Saul?"

  When the reply came I leaped to my feet excitedly, rushing toward theman as if to clasp him in my arms, for I had not dared to hope he wouldbring positive news.

  "Saul Ogden is confined in that guard-house where, so I am told, theWidow Marshall formerly lived. Do you remember a small, one-storied logbuilding that stands perhaps two hundred paces in the rear of thechurch?"

  "Yes, yes, I know it well," I cried eagerly, although not being reallycertain as to which of the houses the Widow Marshall had formerly livedin. "What is the charge against him?"

  "That I haven't been able to determine; but feel quite positive it isnothing very serious, else would he be under stricter guard. Most likehe and some of the Tory villagers got into a brawl--"

  "How is he guarded?" Pierre asked, and I understood that even then thedear lad was casting about in his mind for some plan which might promisesuccess in our efforts to release him.

  "There is but a single sentinel in front of the building. If Saul wascharged with being a spy, he would be confined in the basement of thatstone house overlooking the water--I know not who owned it before theBritish occupation. Spies are more closely guarded, while your cousinshares the quarters of such soldiers as are punished for slightmisdemeanors."

  "Then it may be possible that we can aid him to escape?" I criedbreathlessly, and to my surprise Master Morgan said emphatically:

&n
bsp; "It would be unwise to make any move in such a direction lest suspicionbe aroused regarding you and me. The lad is in no danger, and I dareventure to say more comfortably situated than are you. Leave him alone;do not even loiter around the building in the hope of getting a glimpseof him, and you may be certain nothing of harm will come through theBritishers just at this time. It is well to let sleeping dogs lie."

  I cried out against what thus seemed to be an abandonment of ourcomrade, and stupidly insisted that it was our duty to do all we couldto release him from his prison, regardless of what might come toourselves, whereupon little Frenchie reminded me in that silken voice ofhis, that we had no right, even though the peril was greater, to run therisk of bringing suspicion upon Morgan, whose life would most like paythe penalty if it was known that he had any connection, however slight,with those who favored the Cause.

  We argued the matter back and forth half an hour or more, Pierre andMorgan against me, until finally I was brought to a sense of my duty;was made to understand that in this supreme effort of the colonists tothrow off the yoke of the king, the liberty or even the life of one or adozen such lads as us should count as nothing; that if by going down tohis death, Saul might avert suspicion from Morgan, thereby leaving himwhere there was a possibility he could aid the Cause, then should a boybe proud to die.

  "Very well, I yield; you have shown me why I should desert my cousin,and I am ready to do it. Now, perhaps you can say how we may replenishour store of provisions, for we are about to eat the last morsel offood."

  I was angered because of having been beaten in the argument, and becauseeven Pierre sided against Saul, as it seemed to me, therefore spokehotly and in what I counted should be a scornful tone; but to my deepsurprise Morgan said in a tone of satisfaction:

  "Like to be hungry, are you? Well, matters couldn't have turned outbetter for me. I didn't dare dream you would be driven by necessity todo that which I have in mind?"

  "So it seems fortunate to you that we shall not be able to break ourfast to-morrow morning?" I cried hotly, and the Jerseyman replied with alaugh:

  "Ay, lad, so it does. I am not claiming that it will be impossible foryou to do as I desire; but by really being hungry you can the better actthat part which I had come up here to persuade you was your duty."

  "What is it you would have us do, sir?" Pierre interrupted, as if itirritated him because we spent so many words before coming to the meatof the matter.

  "If two boys and an old slave are the same as starving, surely thereisn't an officer under Cornwallis who would not grant them permission togo fishing. In two or three hours they might be able to get enough tofill their stomachs many times over. I believe you have only to presentyourselves to the officer of the day to-morrow, explaining thesituation, and asking permission to go out in a boat."

  All these words simply formed a riddle; I did not have the sense tounderstand just at the time, owing to my impatience, that the Jerseymanhad something back of this--that it would serve his purpose for us to beon the river to-morrow morning; but dear little Pierre was not needingmany explanations before he could come to the root of the matter, and heasked quietly:

  "If it should be that we got permission to go fishing, where think youwe could make the biggest catch?"

  "Two miles or more below Gloucester Point," Morgan replied.

  "Having gone so far as that what would you advise?"

  "That you keep reasonably near the shore, and if a man wearing a bit ofgreen in his hat came near to the water's edge, put in where you mighthave speech with him."

  "What speech?"

  "Remember, lads, these words: 'Despite all the work Cornwallis is doingin the way of fortifying the town, there are indications that he ispreparing to retreat by way of Gloucester if the English fleet fails tobring succor.' Now let me hear you say that twice, for the wording ismost important."

  Pierre did as he was commanded, never missing a word or tone, and whenhe had finished to the Jerseyman's satisfaction, I asked how it wasknown that a man would approach the boat.

  "I saw him on the shore this afternoon. His being there is much the sameas an intimation that he is waiting for some word. I doubt not thatseeing two boys in a boat he will come near the water, to give you anopportunity of proving if you have been sent by me. There is apossibility he may be prevented from coming, or that he will notunderstand you might be serving me. Of all that we must take ourchances, and since you are in such sore need of food, the attempt todeliver my message will cause you little or no additional labor."

  "It is not the labor that would stop us," Pierre said hotly. "It isneeded only that you point out how we can be of service, and nothingelse is of importance."

  "I know that, lad, right well do I know it, from what little I have seenof you since we met. Go to the officer of the day early in the morning,or to whomsoever wearing a sword you can come at most handily. Tell thetruth so far as may be safe, and humbly beg permission to go fishing.For the time being put from your minds all thoughts of Saul Ogden,difficult though that may be, for I assure you he is in no danger, andenjoying more of comfort than it is possible for you to enjoy here inthis cabin while you stand guard over a Tory prisoner."

  I would have forced Morgan to explain more regarding this man whom hethought we might possibly meet on the Gloucester shore, for I was eagerto understand how the fellow had come there, and what cause he had forbelieving he might be seen by the Jerseyman; but our visitor cut meshort by saying that now his business had been transacted there was noreason why he should remain longer, and great need for him to hastenaway.

  Immediately we were alone Pierre set out the last of our store ofprovisions, dividing the food equally between us four, counting theprisoner as a member of the company, and when we had eaten the frugalmeal, which was in quantity no more than enough to make plain the factthat we were hungry, little Frenchie led me into the open air, making noexplanation to Uncle 'Rasmus regarding his movements.

  "Where would you go?" I asked when the door was closed upon us, so thatthose inside the cabin might not hear what was said, and the dear littleFrench lad whispered in my ear, while caressing the sleeve of my coat:

  "I would not have you believe, Fitz Hamilton, that I am so cold bloodedas it appeared when I agreed with the Jerseyman that we would make noattempt at getting word to Saul. I am burning to let the lad know westand ready at the first opportunity to give him aid, and to that endwould walk down past the house where we are told he is imprisoned."

  "But what about the danger we may be bringing upon Morgan by thusinterfering, when he has advised that we remain quietly with UncleRasmus?" I cried, and Pierre replied softly:

  "Can you not see how lame his argument was that he himself might bedrawn into trouble if we were suspected? He has visited us twice in thecabin, and both times secretly; it is to be supposed he took good careno one should see him, therefore how may it be said, if we run our nosesinto danger, that he has had any part in it?"

  "Would you set out with me now to do whatsoever we might towardreleasing Saul, for verily, Pierre Laurens, he may be released if simplyheld prisoner in that house belonging to the Widow Marshall, because itis as crazy a building as the one we have just left."

  "I am not saying I would do aught toward releasing him this very night,for that could not be other than dangerous. No matter for what slightmisdemeanor he may have been arrested, once he has made his escape thehue-and-cry will be raised. What I have in mind is simply to let the ladknow we are watching over him, and stand ready to do all within ourpower when the proper time comes."

  Verily Pierre was wise beyond his years. It had not occurred to me thatMorgan had some particular reason for keeping us closely housed; but nowit was as if I understood all his purpose. He counted on our being wherehe could lay his hand on us at any moment when it might be necessary weshould act in his behalf, therefore advised that we leave Saul out ofthe question for the time being.

  Pierre had apparently agreed with the Jerseyman, while at
the same timeit was in his mind to do that which we were setting out to accomplish,and I had no scruples about following him, for ponder over the matter asI might, I failed to see how anything suspicious on our part could bringtrouble or danger to the spy, or in any way menace the Cause.

  It was more than possible we might run our own noses into danger, andsuffer thereby; but we alone would be called on to pay the penalty.

  I led the way through the village to the Widow Marshall's, meeting hereand there a single soldier, or the red-coated gentry in squads, none ofwhom gave any particular heed to us, because there were other lads thenourselves in this village of York, whose parents had not seen fit to runaway when the Britishers took possession.

  As we made a detour around the building I said to Pierre, taking goodcare not to point lest I attract attention:

  "Yonder is the house, where the soldier stands in front of the door. Doyou see that the only bars to the windows are puncheon planks? If a ladwas so minded, and no one approached the rear of the building during acertain length of time, he could dig his way through that chimney ofsticks and mud until he was come into the fireplace."

  All this, as a matter of course, Pierre had noticed, and he also musthave seen, as did I, that our hope of showing ourselves to Saul had beenvain, for, as I have said, the windows were closed with planks.Whosoever was held prisoner inside could not get a glimpse of the outerworld; but must remain in darkness all the while.

  We walked by this apology for a guard-house slowly, not daring to haltlest some red-coat take heed that we were noting the place morecarefully than lads of the village would be likely to do. When we werecome nearly to the river front we wheeled about, retracing our steps sofar as to be able to pass the building on the other side; but at nopoint could we see an opportunity for warning my cousin that we werenear at hand.

  "We might as well have staid inside the cabin," I said in a tone ofdespondency as we turned our faces toward where we knew Uncle 'Rasmusawaited us. "This is the first time, Pierre, that one of your plans hascome to naught, and both you and I should have had wit enough to realizethat if the building had been turned into a guard-house, the windowswould be barricaded in some way to prevent the escape of prisoners."

  "The plan has not come to naught. Before we left the cabin I had no ideawhere the house was located; but now you have pointed it out I would beable, if the time was ripe and you not with me, to find the place. I amcounting--"

  Pierre did not finish the sentence, for at that moment we came face toface with Abel Hunt, a dissolute fellow seventeen or eighteen years old,who lived in a mean hovel with his meaner parents near to Horry Sims'shome, and one who would follow in the footsteps of Horry Sims's fatherso far as having a Tory leaning was concerned.

  It was so dark that I did not see the fellow until we were close uponhim, otherwise would I have made every effort to avoid a meeting, for Ihad no doubt that he, seeing us in York, would immediately ask himselfwhy we who favored the Cause were there. Then might he straightway setabout striving to learn what was our business in the village.

  Again, and this came into my mind like a flash of light, he might bethere searching for Horry. When the lad failed to return home hisparents would, as a matter of course, send here, there and everywhere insearch of him, and this fellow Abel Hunt would have been one of thefirst whom Master Sims would have called on, because, having much thesame as supplied the Hunt family with food, he could demand theirservice whenever they were required.

  Looking over what I have here set down, it would seem as if I was makingit appear that Pierre and I stood motionless several seconds in front ofAbel Hunt, whereas all these thoughts had come into my mind in atwinkling, even as I crowded little Frenchie into the roadway with thefaint hope that we might pass Hunt and not be recognized.

  In this I was unsuccessful, for even as I would have moved out of hispath the fellow seized me by the arm, as if he was my equal, and saidwith a coarse laugh:

  "Well, how comes it that one of the Hamiltons, who claim to be red-hotrebels, is loitering around the British encampment? Have you changedcoats lately, Master Fitz?"

  "I am wearing the same coat of buff and blue that I stood ready to puton when we heard the news from Boston. I suppose if there be any colorto yours, it is red, unless peradventure you could find more money inthe pockets of a garment of different hue."

  This last I said because it was well known two years before that bothAbel and his father were willing to sell their services to Whig orTory; but could find none foolish enough to buy them, therefore,dependent upon Master Sims as they were for their daily bread, fell intoline as lovers of the king.

  Hunt gave no heed to me when I thus reminded him that he was willing tosell his opinions; but abruptly demanded why I was in York, and where Icounted on going.

  It is true that I might have told the fellow it was none of hisbusiness, and refused to hold converse with him, as I surely would havedone had the danger not been so great. If I passed him with an angryword it was absolutely certain he would follow to learn where I went,and, failing in discovering that, might give information that the son ofCaptain Hamilton of the American army was loitering around York,whereupon I would find myself in that same guard-house where Saul wasconfined.

  The only course, as it seemed to me, and I was forced to decide on theinstant, was to speak to the fellow fairly, and, much though I dislikedto do so, strive to throw him off the scent.

  Therefore it was I said, forcing myself to speak in a fairly friendlytone:

  "Pierre and I came into York yesterday to see the soldiers, for neverbefore have I been in a military encampment. We had no difficulty inentering the lines; but it was quite another matter when we would goout. It seems as if there must have been some sudden change in thesituation, that Lord Cornwallis should decide not only to preventvisitors from arriving; but also from departing when they desired to gohome."

  "And what have you lads been doing since the time when you found itimpossible to pass the sentinels?" Abel Hunt asked suspiciously, stillholding me by the arm, while the fact that I continued to answer him ina friendly manner must have been proof that I was afraid of him, and heso understood it, as I fancied from the tone in which he spoke.

  Never before had he dared to accost me other than in the most civilmanner, with his hat in his hand. Now he demanded an answer as if he wasmy superior.

  "We have done the best we might," Pierre answered, most like fearing Iwould make an intemperate reply. "It is not easy to find food amongstrangers, and as for a shelter, we long since gave up all hope of that,therefore are spending the night on our feet, as you see."

  "Do you count on walking around till morning?" Hunt demanded.

  "What else can we do?" I asked laughingly.

  "Have you no friends here in the village?"

  "None who can give us shelter," I replied, whereupon the fellow fellsilent for an instant, and then suddenly wheeling me about with a forcethat caused me to wince with pain, asked abruptly:

  "When last did you see Horry Sims?"

  I know full well that a gentleman should never tell a lie, and have evercontended that under ordinary circumstances it is not only wicked, butvile to do so. In this case, however, I knew it would cost Pierre and meour liberty, perhaps our lives, if we held only to the truth, thereforeI replied as if striving to awaken memories:

  "I believe it was on the morning the Britishers seized the horses of theHamilton plantation. I saw him on the road at that time."

  "And you can make no guess as to where he may be now?"

  "Why should we waste our time making such foolish guesses as that?"Pierre demanded as if suddenly grown angry. "Horry Sims, as you wellknow, is no friend either to Fitz Hamilton or me, although so far as Iam concerned he has no reason to be an enemy; but because he and Fitzare at swords' points over politics, do I believe I should side with himwhom I call my friend."

  "Meaning that you deny knowing about where Horry may be now?" Abel Huntcried in a threatening
tone, and Pierre, straightening himself up toshow that he was not afraid of the bully, replied in that silky tone ofhis:

  "Meaning to say that that is what I would have you understand, MasterAbel Hunt."

  Surely in making such answer Pierre escaped telling a downright lie, forhe spoke only the truth.

  Then, striving to show myself somewhat at ease in the company of thisfellow with whom I had never previously associated, I asked him in turnwhat he was doing, and where he counted on spending the night.

  He gave no heed to my first question, but replied to the second bysaying:

  "I allow I'll stay with you lads till sunrise. It's a bit lonesomeloafing around here alone, and, like you, I know of no place where I canfind a bed. We'll hang together as neighbors should."

  "We'll do nothing of the kind, Abel Hunt," I cried hotly. "I claim theright to choose my own friends."

  "Oh, you do, eh?" the fellow cried with a coarse laugh. "Well perhaps inthis case you haven't got any rights. At least, before allowing it Iwant to know why you are here, and how you happen to be wandering aroundthe camp of an enemy, for surely you rebels count the king's soldiers asenemies."

  I understood on the instant that I had made a mistake in thus speakingangrily; but it was too late to make amends, as I thought, and wouldhave moved on but that Pierre said just as Abel Hunt barred my way bystepping in front of me:

  "I see no reason, Fitz, why even though you may not be friendly withthis lad, he should not remain with us, at least until morning. I canwell fancy that if he, like you and me, has no place in which to lay hishead this night, companionship of any kind would be very sweet. Atleast, I know it is with me, and, with your permission, shall welcomehim."

  "You will because you don't dare do different," Hunt cried triumphantly,and Pierre said with a note of sharpness in his tones:

  "Since that is your belief, Master Hunt, we will prove to you thecontrary," and Pierre, ruffling like a pigeon, strode off with a greatassumption of dignity, I as a matter of course following.

  When we came upon Abel Hunt we were going directly toward old Mary'scabin; but now Pierre turned at the next corner, walking slowly as ifsimply eager to pass the time, and headed in the direction of the river,while I kept close by his side mentally bewailing the little lad'sunlucky desire to learn the location of the guard-house in which Saulwas confined.

  It was possible to see out of the tail of my eye, even though I had notheard his footsteps, that Abel Hunt was following less than half a dozenpaces behind us, and a great fear came into my heart, for now I knew hewas convinced we had had some hand in the disappearance of Horry Sims,and would act as our shadow in the hope of coming at the secret of theTory's whereabouts.

  There was little chance he would give us an opportunity of slipping intoold Mary's cabin unobserved, and I pictured to myself the alarm anddistress of Uncle 'Rasmus as the hours went by and we failed to put inan appearance.

  I had come to understand that we must walk the streets of York duringall the hours of darkness, and, what was of far more importance, musthold back from performing that task which the Jerseyman had set us.

  There was little hope we would be able to set off in a boat alone, andit was quite positive we would not dare do so while Hunt was holding usunder his eye, therefore had we missed an opportunity of serving theCause, as well as paved the way, perhaps, for our own arrest as spies.

  I turned the matter over and over in my mind as I walked by Pierre'sside in silence, asking myself whether this dissolute fellow could gainspeech with any of the king's officers, and as I asked the question Icould answer it full well, for he had only to whisper the fact that hecould give information as to spies, and even my Lord Cornwallis himselfwould listen to him.

  We had come to grief, as it seemed to me, and what presented itself tomy mind as the most painful of all the sorry business, was that we hadbeen brought to such a pass by a worthless, ignorant lout whom I wouldnot have allowed to linger even in the Hamilton stables.