CHAPTER XIII
THE MEETING
When Robert revived the wind was still blowing hard, although therehad been some decrease in its violence, and it was yet night. He waswet and very cold, and, as he arose, he shivered in a chill. Thegreatcoat was still wrapped about his body, and although it was soakedhe always believed, nevertheless, that in some measure it hadprotected him while he slept. The pistols, the ammunition and thesword were in his belt, and he believed that the ammunition, fastenedsecurely in a pouch, was dry, though he would look into that later.
He was quite sure that he had not been unconscious long, as theappearance of the sky was unchanged. The bushes among which he hadlain were short but tough, and had run their roots down deeply intothe sand. They were friendly bushes. He remembered how glad he hadbeen to grasp them when he made that run from the surf, and to someextent they had protected him from the cold wind when he lay amongthem like one dead.
The big rollers, white at the top, were still thundering on the beach,and directly in front of him he saw a lowering hulk, that of theschooner. The slaver's wicked days were done, as every wave drove itdeeper into the sand, and before long it must break up. Robert feltthat it had been overtaken by retributive justice, and, despite thechill that was shaking him, he was shaken also by a great thrill ofjoy. Wet and cold and on a desolate shore, he was, nevertheless, free.
He began to run back and forth with great vigor, until he felt theblood flowing in a warm, strong current through his veins again, andhe believed that in time his clothes would dry upon him. He took offthe greatcoat, and hung it upon the bushes where the wind would have afair chance at it, and he believed that in the morning it would bedry, too. Then, finding his powder untouched by the water, he withdrewthe wet charges from the pistols and reloaded them.
If he had not been seasoned by a life in the wilderness and countlesshardships he probably would have perished from exhaustion and cold,but his strong, enduring frame threw off the chill, and he did notpause for three full hours until he had made a successful fight forhis life. Then very tired but fairly warm he stopped for a while, andbecame conscious that the wind had died to a great extent. The rollerswere not half so high and the hulk of the ship showed larger andclearer than ever. He believed that when the storm ceased he couldboard her and find food, if he did not find it elsewhere. Meanwhile hewould explore.
Buckling on his pistols and sword, but leaving the greatcoat tocontinue its process of drying, he walked inland, finding only adesolate region of sand, bushes and salt marshes, without any sign ofhuman habitation. He believed it was the Jersey coast, and that hecould not be any vast distance from New York. But it seemed hopelessto continue in that direction and being worn to the bone he returnedto his greatcoat, which had become almost dry in the wind.
Now he felt that he must address himself to the need of the moment,which was sleep, and he hunted a long time for a suitable lair. A highbank of sand was covered with bushes larger and thicker than theothers, and at the back of the bank grew a tree of considerable sizewith two spreading roots partly above ground. The sand was quite dry,and he heaped it much higher along the roots. Then he lay down betweenthem, being amply protected on three sides, while the bushes wavedover his head. He was not only sheltered, he was hidden also, andfeeling safe, with the greatcoat, now wholly dry, wrapped around him,and the pistols and sword beside him, he closed his eyes and fellasleep.
The kindly fortune that had taken the lad out of such desperatecircumstances remained benevolent. The wind ceased entirely and theair turned much warmer. Day soon came, and with it a bright cheerfulsun, that gilded the great expanse of low and desolate shore. The boyslept peacefully while the morning passed and the high sun marked thecoming of the afternoon.
He had been asleep about ten hours when he awoke, turned once or twicein his lair and then stood up. It was a beautiful day, in strikingcontrast with the black night of storm, and he knew by the position ofthe sun that it was within about three hours of its setting. Hetested his body, but there was no soreness. He was not conscious ofanything but a ravening hunger, and he believed that he knew where hecould satisfy it.
There was no wind and the sea was calm, save for a slight swell. Theschooner, its prow out of the water, was in plain view. It was sodeeply imbedded in the sand that Robert considered it a firm house ofshelter, until it should be broken to pieces by successive storms. Butat present he looked upon it as a storehouse of provisions, and hehurried down the beach.
His foot struck against something, and he stopped, shuddering. It wasthe body of one of the slavers and presently he passed another. Thesea was giving up its dead. He reached the schooner, glad to leavethese ghastly objects behind him, and, with some difficulty, climbedaboard. The vessel had shipped much water, but she was not as great awreck as he had expected, and he instantly descended to the cook'sgalley, where he had given his brief service. In the lockers he foundan abundance of food of all kinds, as the ship had been equipped for along voyage, and he ate hungrily, though sparingly at first. Then hewent into the captain's cabin, lay down on a couch, and took a longand luxurious rest.
Robert was happy. He felt that he had won, or rather that Providencehad won for him, a most wonderful victory over adverse fate. Hisbrilliant imagination at once leaped up and painted all things invivid colors. Tayoga, Willet and the others must be terribly alarmedabout him as they had full right to be, but he would soon be back inNew York, telling them of his marvelous risk and adventure.
Then he deliberated about taking a supply of provisions to his den inthe bushes, but when he went on deck the sun was already setting, andit was becoming so cold again that he decided to remain on theschooner. Why not? It seemed strange to him that he had not thought ofit at first. The skies were perfectly clear, and he did not thinkthere was any danger of a storm.
He rummaged about, discovered plenty of blankets and made a bed forhimself in the captain's cabin, finding a grim humor in the fact thathe should take that sinister man's place. But as it was only three orfour hours since he had awakened he was not at all sleepy and hereturned to the deck, where he wrapped his treasure, the hugegreatcoat, about his body and sat and watched. He saw the big red sunset and the darkness come down again, the air still and very cold.
But he was snug and warm, and bethought himself of what he mustundertake on the morrow. If he continued inland long enough he wouldsurely come to somebody, and at dawn, taking an ample supply ofprovisions, he would start. That purpose settled, he let his mindrest, and remained in a luxurious position on the deck. The reboundfrom the hopeless case in which he had seemed to be was so great thathe was not lonely. He had instead a wholly pervading sense of ease andsecurity. His imagination was able to find beauty in the sand and thebushes and the salt marshes, and he did not need imagination at all todiscover it in the great, mysterious ocean, which the moon was nowtinting with silver. It was a fine full moon, shedding its largestsupply of beams, and swarms of bright stars sparkled in the cold, blueskies. A fine night, thought Robert, suited to his fine future.
It was very late, when he went down to the captain's cabin, ate alittle more food and turned in. He soon slept, but not needing sleepmuch now, he awoke at dawn. His awakening may have been hastened bythe footsteps and voices he heard, but in any event he rose softly andbuckled on his sword and pistols. One of the voices, high and sharp,he recognized, and he believed that once more he was the child of goodfortune, because he had been awakened in time.
He sat on the couch, facing the door, put the sword by his side andheld one of the pistols, cocked and resting on his knee. The footstepsand voices came nearer, and then the keen, cruel face appeared at thedoor.
"Good morning, captain," said Robert, equably. "You left me incommand of the ship and I did my best with her. I couldn't keep herafloat, and so I ran her up here on the beach, where, as you see, sheis still habitable."
"You're a good seaman, Peter," said the captain, hiding any surprisethat he may have felt, "but you haven
't obeyed my orders in full. Iexpected you to keep the ship afloat, and you haven't done so."
"That was too much to expect. I see that you have two men withyou. Tell them to step forward where I can cover them as well as youwith the muzzle of this pistol. That's right. Now, I'm going toconfide in you."
"Go ahead, Peter."
"I haven't liked your manner for a long time, captain. I'm only PeterSmith, a humble seaman, but since you left me in command of the shiplast night I mean to keep the place, with all the responsibilities,duties and honors appertaining to it. Take your hands away from yourbelt. This is a lone coast, and I'm the law, the judge and theexecutioner. Now, you and the two men back away from the door, and assure as there's a God in Heaven, if any one of you tries to draw aweapon I'll shoot him. You'll observe that I've two pistols and also asword. A sailor engaged in a hazardous trade like ours, catching andselling slaves, usually learns how to use firearms, but I'm prettygood with the sword, too, captain, though I've hid the knowledge fromyou before. Now, just kindly back into the cook's galley there, andyou and your comrades make up a good big bag of food for me. I'll tellyou what to choose. I warn you a second time to keep your hands awayfrom your belt. I'll really have to shoot off a finger or two as awarning, if you don't restrain your murderous instincts. Murder isalways a bad trade, captain. Put in some of those hard biscuits, andsome of the cured meats. No, none of the liquors, I have no use forthem. By the way, what became of Miguel, with whom I worked so often?"
"He's drowned," replied the captain.
"I'm sorry," said Robert, and he meant it. Miguel was the only one onboard the slaver who had shown a ray of human sympathy.
"What do you mean to do?" asked the captain, his face contorted withrage and chagrin.
"First, I'll see that you finish filling that bag as I direct. Put inthe packages yourself. I like to watch you work, captain, it's goodfor you, and after you fill the bag and pass it to me I'm going tohand the ship back to you. I've never really liked her, and I mean toresign the command. I think Peter Smith is fit for better things."
"So, you intend to leave the schooner?"
"Yes, but you won't see me do it. Pass me the bag now. Be careful withyour hands. In truth, I think you'd better raise them above your head,and your comrades can do the same. Quick, up with them, or I shoot!That's right. Now, I'll back away. I'm going up the ladder backward,and when I go out I intend to shove in place the grating that coversthe entrance to the deck there. You can escape in five minutes, ofcourse, but by that time I'll be off the ship and among the bushes outof your reach. Oh, I know it's humiliating, captain, but you've hadyour way a long time, and the slaver's trade is not a nice one. Theghosts of the blacks whom you have caused to die must haunt you sometime, captain, and since your schooner is lost you'll now have achance to turn to a better business. For the last time I tell you tobe careful with your hands. A sailor man would miss his fingers."
He backed cautiously until his heels touched the ladder, meanwhilewatching the eyes of the man. He knew that the captain was consumedwith rage, but angry and reckless as he was he would not dare to reachfor a weapon of his own, while the pistol confronting him was heldwith such a steady hand. He also listened for sounds made by other menon the ship, but heard none. Then he began to back slowly up thestairway, continuing his running address.
"I know that your arms must be growing weary, captain," he said, andhe enjoyed it as he said it, "but you won't have to keep 'em up muchlonger. Two more steps will take me out upon the deck, and then you'llbe free to do as you please."
It was the last two steps that troubled him most. In order to keepthe men covered with the pistol he had to bend far down, and he knewthat when he could no longer bend far enough the danger would come.But he solved it by straightening up suddenly and taking two steps ata leap. He heard shouts and oaths, and the report of a pistol, but thebullet was as futile as the cries. He slammed down the grating,fastened it in an instant, ran to the low rail and swiftly loweredhimself and his pack over it and into the sand. Then he ran for thebushes.
Robert did not waste his breath. Having managed the affair of thegrating, he knew that he was safe for the present. So, when he reachedthe higher bushes, he stopped, well hidden by them, and lookedback. In two or three minutes the captain and the two men appeared onthe deck, and he laughed quietly to himself. He could see that theirfaces were contorted by rage. They could follow his trail somedistance at least in the sand, but he knew that they would becautious. He had shown them his quality and they would fear anambush.
He was justified in his opinion, as they remained on the deck,evidently searching for a glimpse of him among the bushes, and, afterwatching them a little while, he set out inland, bearing his burden ofweapons and food, and laughing to himself at the manner in which hehad made the captain serve him. He felt now that the score betweenthem was even, and he was willing to part company forever.
Youth and success had an enormous effect upon him. When one triumphwas achieved his vivid temperament always foresaw others. Willet hadoften called him the child of hope, and hope is a powerful factor invictory. Now it seemed to him for a little while that his own rescue,achieved by himself, was complete. He had nothing to do but to returnto New York and his friends, and that was just detail.
He swung along through the bushes, forgetting the burden of hisweapons and his pack of food. In truth, he swaggered a bit, but it wasa gay and gallant swagger, and it became him. He walked for somedistance, feeling that he had been changed from a seaman into awarrior, and then from a warrior into an explorer, which was hispresent character. But he did not see at present the variety andmajesty that all explorers wish to find. The country continued low,the same alternation of sand and salt marsh, although the bushes wereincreasing in size, and they were interspersed here and there withtrees of some height.
Reaching the crest of a low hill he took his last look backward, andwas barely able to see the upper works of the stranded schooner. Thenhe thought of the captain and his exuberant spirits compelled him tolaugh aloud. With the chances a hundred to one against him he hadevened the score. While he had been compelled to serve the captain,the captain in turn had been forced to serve him. It was enough tomake a sick man well, and to turn despair into confidence. He was invery truth and essence the child of hope.
Another low hill and from its summit he saw nothing but the bushywilderness, with a strip of forest appearing on the sunken horizon. Hesearched the sky for a wisp of smoke that might tell of a humanhabitation, below, but saw none. Yet people might live beyond thestrip of forest, where the land would be less sandy and more fertile,and, after a brief rest, he pushed on with the same vigor of the bodyand elation of the spirit, coming soon to firmer ground, of which hewas glad, as he now left no trail, at least none that an ordinarywhite man could follow.
He trudged bravely on for hours through a wilderness that seemed to becomplete so far as man was concerned, although its character steadilychanged, merging into a region of forest and good soil. When he cameinto a real wood, of trees large and many, it was about noon, andfinding a comfortable place with his back to a tree he ate from theprecious pack.
The day was still brilliant but cold and he wisely kept himselfthoroughly wrapped in the greatcoat. As he ate he saw a large blackbear walk leisurely through the forest, look at him a moment or two,and then waddle on in the same grave, unalarmed manner. The incidenttroubled Robert, and his high spirits came down a notch or two.
If a black bear cared so little for the presence of an armed humanbeing then he could not be as near to New York as he hadthought. Perhaps he had been unconscious on the schooner a longtime. He felt of the lump which was not yet wholly gone from his head,and tried his best to tell how old it was, but he could not do it.
The little cloud in his golden sky disappeared when he rose andstarted again through a fine forest. His spirits became as high asever. Looking westward he saw the dim blue line of distant hills, andhe turned northward, inferring that New Y
ork must lie in thatdirection. In two hours his progress was barred by a river runningswiftly between high banks, and with ice at the edges. He could havewaded it as the water would not rise past his waist, but he did notlike the look of the chill current, and he did not want anotherwetting on a winter day.
He followed the stream a long distance, until he came to shallows,where he was able to cross it on stones. His search for a dry ford hadcaused much delay, but he drew comfort from his observation that thestones making his pathway through the water were large and almostround. He had seen many such about New York, and he had often marveledat their smoothness and roundness, although he did not yet know thegeological reason. But the stones in the river seemed to him to beclose kin to the stones about New York, and he inferred, or at leasthe hoped, that it indicated the proximity of the city.
But he believed that he would have to spend another night in thewilderness. Search the sky as he would, and he often did, there was notrace of smoke, and, as the sun went down the zenith and the coldbegan to increase, his spirits fell a little. But he reasoned withhimself. Why should one inured as he was to the forest and winter,armed, provisioned and equipped with the greatcoat, be troubled? Theanswer to his question was a return of confidence in full tide, andresolving to be leisurely he looked about in the woods for his newcamp. What he wanted was an abundance of dead leaves out of which tomake a nest. Dead leaves were cold to the touch, but they would serveas a couch and a wall, shutting out further cold from the earth andfrom the outside air, and with the greatcoat between, he would be warmenough. He would have nothing to fear except snow, and the skies gaveno promise of that danger.
He found the leaves in a suitable hollow, and disposed them accordingto his plan, the whole making a comfortable place for a seasonedforester, and, while he ate his supper, he watched the sun set overthe wilderness. Long after it was gone he saw the stars come out andthen he looked at the particular one on which Tododaho, Tayoga'spatron saint, had been living more than four hundred years. It wasglittering in uncommon splendor, save for a slight mist across itsface, which must be the snakes in the hair of the great Onondagachieftain who he felt was watching over him, because he was the friendof Tayoga.
Then he fell asleep, sleeping soundly, all through the night, andalthough he was a little stiff in the morning a few minutes ofexercise relieved him of it and he ate his breakfast. His journeytoward the north was resumed, and in an hour he emerged into a littlevalley, to come almost face to face with the captain and the twosailors. They were sitting on a log, apparently weary and at a loss,but they rose quickly at his coming and the captain's hand slid downto his pistol. Robert's slid to his, making about the samespeed. Although his heart pounded a moment or two at first he wassurprised to find how soon he became calm. It was perhaps because hehad been through so many dangers that one more did not count for much.
"You see, captain," he said, "that neither has the advantage of theother. I did not expect to meet you here, or in truth, anywhereelse. I left you in command of the schooner, and you have desertedyour post. When I held that position I remained true to my duty."
The captain, who was heavily armed, carrying a cutlass as well aspistols, smiled sourly.
"You're a lad of spirit, Peter," he said. "I've always given youcredit for that. In my way I like you, and I think I'll have you to goalong with us again."
"I couldn't think of it. We must part company forever. We did it once,but perhaps the second time will count."
"No, my crew is now reduced to two--the ocean has all the others--andI need your help. It would be better anyway for you to come along withus. This Acadia is a desolate coast."
There was a log opposite the one upon which they had been sitting andRobert took his place upon it easily, not to say confidently. He feltsure that they would not fire upon him now, having perhaps nothing togain by it, but he kept a calculating eye upon them nevertheless.
"And so this is Acadia," he said. "I've been wondering what land itmight be. I did not know that we had come so far. Acadia is a long wayfrom New York."
"A long, long way, Peter."
"But you know the coast well, of course, captain?"
"Of course. I've made several voyages in the neighboringwaters. There's only one settlement within fifty miles of us, andyou'd never find it, it's so small and the wilderness is such a maze."
"The country does look like much of a puzzle, but I've concluded,captain, that I won't go with you."
"Why not?"
"I'm persuaded that you're the very prince of liars, and in yourcompany my morals might be contaminated."
The man's face was too tanned to flush, but his eyes sparkled.
"You're over loose with words, lad," he said, "and it's an expensivehabit."
"I can afford it. I know as surely as we're sitting here facing eachother that this is not the coast of Acadia."
"Then what coast is it?"
"That I know not, but taking the time, I mean to have, I shall findout. Then I'll tell you if you wish to know. Where shall I deliver mymessage?"
"I think you're insolent. I say again that it's the coast of Acadia,and you're going with us. We're three to your one, and you'll have todo as I say."
Robert turned his gaze from the captain to his two men. While theirfaces were far from good they showed no decision of character. He knewat once that they belonged to the large class of men who are alwaysled. Both carried pistols, but he did not think it likely that theywould attempt to use them, unless the captain did so first. His gazecame back to the tall man, and, observing again the heavy cutlass hecarried, a thought leaped up in his mind.
"You wish me to go with you," he said, "and I don't wish to go, whichleaves it an open question. It's best to decide it in clean anddecisive fashion, and I suggest that we leave it to your cutlass andmy sword."
The close-set eyes of the captain gleamed.
"I don't want to kill you, but to take you back alive," he said. "Youwere always a strong and handy lad, Peter, and I need your help."
"You won't kill me. That I promise you."
"You haven't a chance on earth."
"You pledge your word that your men will not interfere while thecombat is in progress, nor will they do so afterward, if I win."
"They will not stir. Remain where you are, lads."
The two sailors settled themselves back comfortably, clasping theirknees with their hands, and Robert knew that he had nothing to fearfrom them. Their confidence in the captain's prowess and easy victorywas sufficient assurance. They were not to be blamed for the belief,as their leader's cutlass was heavy and his opponent was only ayouth. The captain was of the same opinion and his mood became lightand gay.
"I don't intend to kill you, Peter," he said, "but a goodly cut or twowill let out some of your impertinent blood."
"Thanks, captain, for so much saving grace, because I like to live. Imake you the same promise. I don't want your death on my hands, butthere is poison in the veins of a man who is willing to be a slaver. Iwill let it out, in order that its place may be taken by pure andwholesome blood."
The captain frowned, and made a few swings with his cutlass. Then heran a finger along its keen edge, and he felt satisfied withhimself. A vast amount of rage and mortification was confined in hissystem, and not charging any of it to the storm, the full volume ofhis anger was directed against his cook's former assistant, PeterSmith, who was entirely too jaunty and independent in his manner. Hecould not understand Robert's presumption in challenging him to acombat with swords, but he would punish him cruelly, while the twosailors looked on and saw it well done.
Robert put his pack, his greatcoat, his coat, and his belt with thepistols and ammunition in a heap, and looked carefully to the swordthat he had taken from the captain's cabin. It was a fine weapon,though much lighter than the cutlass. He bent the blade a little, andthen made it whistle in curves about his head. He had a purpose indoing so, and it was attained at once. The captain looked at him withrising curiosity.<
br />
"Peter," he said, "you don't seem to be wholly unfamiliar with thesword, and you nothing but a cook's helper."
"It's true, captain. The hilt fits lovingly into my hand. In my sparemoments and when nobody was looking I've often stolen this sword ofyours from the cabin and practiced with it. I mean now to make youfeel the result of that practice."
The captain gazed at him doubtfully, but in a moment or two theconfident smile returned to his eyes. It was not possible that a merestripling could stand before him and his cutlass. But he took off hisown coat which he had believed hitherto was a useless precaution.
There was a level space about thirty feet across, and Robert, sword inhand, advanced toward the center of it. He had already chosen hiscourse, which would be psychological as well as physical. He intendedthat the battle should play upon the slaver's mind as well as upon hisbody.
"I'm ready, captain," he said. "Don't keep us waiting. It's winter asyou well know, and we'll both grow cold standing here. In weather likethis we need work quick and warm."
The angry blood surged into the captain's face, although it did notshow through his tan. But he made an impatient movement, and steppedforward hastily.
"It can't be told of me that I kept a lad waiting," he said. "I'llwarrant you you'll soon be warm enough."
"Then we're both well suited, captain, and it should be a fine passageat arms."
The two sailors, sitting on the log, looked at each other andchuckled. It was evident to Robert that they had supreme confidence inthe captain and expected to see Peter Smith receive a lesson thatwould put him permanently in his place. The mutual look and the mutualchuckle aroused some anger in Robert, but did not impair his certaintyof victory. Nevertheless he neglected no precaution.
The captain advanced, holding the heavy cutlass with ease andlightness. He was a tall and very strong man, and Robert noted thelook of cruelty in the close-set eyes. He knew what he must expect incase of defeat, and again telling himself to be careful he recalledall the cunning that Willet had taught him.
"Are you ready?" he asked quietly.
"Aye, Peter, and your bad quarter of an hour is upon you."
Again the two sailors on the log looked at each other and chuckled.
"I don't think so, captain," said Robert. "Perhaps the bad quarter ofan hour is yours."
He stared straight into the close-set cruel eyes so fixedly and solong that the captain lowered his gaze, proving that the superiorstrength of will lay with his younger opponent. Then he shook himselfangrily, his temper stirred, because his eyes had given way.
"Begin!" said Robert.
The captain slashed with the heavy cutlass, and Robert easily turnedaside the blow with his lighter weapon. He saw then that the captainwas no swordsman in the true sense, and he believed he had nothing tofear. He waited until the man attacked again, and again he deftlyturned aside the blow.
The two sailors sitting on the log looked at each other once more, butthey did not chuckle.
Robert, still watching the close-set cruel eyes, saw a look of doubtappear there.
"My bad quarter of an hour seems to be delayed, captain," he said withirony.
The man, stung beyond endurance, attacked with fury, the heavy cutlasssinging and whistling as he slashed and thrust. Robert contentedhimself with the defense, giving ground slowly and moving about in acircle. The captain's eye at first glittered with a triumphant lightas he saw his foe retreat, and the two sailors sitting on the log andexchanging looks found cause to chuckle once more.
But the light sank as they completed the circle, leaving Robertuntouched, and breathing as easily as ever, while the captain waspanting. Now he decided that his own time had come and knowing thatthe combat was mental as well as physical he taunted his opponent.
"In truth, captain," he said, "my bad quarter of an hour did notarrive, but yours, I think, is coming. Look! Look! See the red spoton your waistcoat!"
Despite himself the captain looked down. The sword flickered in likelightning, and then flashed away again, but when it was gone the redspot on the waistcoat was there. His flesh stung with a slight wound,but the wound to his spirit was deeper. He rushed in and slashedrecklessly.
"Have a care, captain!" cried Robert. "You are fencing very wildly! Itell you again that your play with the cutlass is bad. You can't seeit, but there is now a red spot on your cheek to match the one on yourwaistcoat."
His sword darted by the other's guard, and when it came away it'spoint was red with blood. A deep and dripping gash in the captain'sleft cheek showed where it had passed. The two sailors sitting on thelog exchanged looks once more, but there was no sign of a chuckle.
"That's for being a slaver, captain," said Robert. "It's a badoccupation, and you ought to quit it. But your wound will leave ascar, and you will not like to say that it was made by one whom youkidnapped, and undertook to carry away to his death."
The captain in a long career of crime and cruelty had met with but fewchecks, and to experience one now from the hands of a lad was bitterbeyond endurance. The sting was all the greater because of hisknowledge that the two sailors who still exchanged looks but nochuckles, were witnesses of it. The blood falling from his left cheekstained his left shoulder and he was a gruesome sight. He rushed inagain, mad with anger.
"Worse and worse, captain," said his young opponent. "You're notshowing a single quality of a swordsman. You've nothing butstrength. I bade you have a care! Now your right cheek is a match foryour left!"
The captain uttered a cry, drawn as much by anger as by pain. The deeppoint of his opponent's sword had passed across his right cheek andthe red drops fell on both shoulders. The two sailors looked at eachother in dismay. The man paused for breath and he was a ghastly sight.
"I told you more than once to beware, captain," said Robert, "but youwould not heed me. Your temper has been spoiled by success, but intime nearly every slaver meets his punishment. I'm grateful that it'sbeen permitted to me to inflict upon you a little of all that's owingto you. Wounds in the face are very painful and they leave scars, asyou'll learn."
He had already decided upon his finishing stroke, and his taunts weremeant to push the captain into further reckless action. They werewholly successful as the man sprang forward, and slashed almost atrandom. Now, Robert, light of foot and agile, danced before him likea fencing master. The captain cut and thrust at the flitting form butalways it danced away, and the heavy slashes of his cutlass cut theempty air, his dripping wounds and his vain anger making him weakerand weaker. But he would not stop. Losing all control of his temper herushed continually at his opponent.
The two sailors looked once more at each other, half rose to theirfeet, but sat down again, and were silent.
Now the captain saw a flash of light before him, and he felt a dartingpain across his brow, as the keen point of the sword passed there. Theblood ran down into his eyes, blinding him for the time. He could notsee the figure before him, but he knew that it was tense andwaiting. He groped with his cutlass, but touching only thin air hethrew it away, and clapped his hands to his eyes to keep away thetrickling blood.
"You'll have three scars, captain," came the maddening voice, "one oneach cheek and one on the forehead. It's not enough punishment for aslaver, but, in truth, it's something. And now I'm going. You can'tsee to follow me, or even to take care of yourself but I leave you inthe hands of your two sailors."
Robert put on his coat and greatcoat, resumed all his weapons and hispack and turned away. The sailors were still sitting on the log,gazing at each other in amazement and awe. Neither had spokenthroughout the duel, nor did they speak now. The victor did not lookback, but walked swiftly toward the north, glad that he had been theinstrument in the hands of fate to give to the slaver at least a partof the punishment due him.
He kept steadily on several hours, until he saw a smoke on the westernsky, when he changed his course and came in another half hour to asmall log house, from which the smoke arose. A man standing on thewoo
den step looked at him with all the curiosity to which he had aright.
"Friend," said Robert, "how far is it to New York?"
"About ten miles."
"And this is not the coast of Acadia."
"Acadia! What country is that? I never heard of it."
"It exists, but never mind. And New York is so near? Tell me thatdistance again. I like to hear it."
"Ten miles, stranger. When you reach the top of the hill there you cansee the houses of Paulus Hook."
Robert felt a great sense of elation, and then of thankfulness. Whilefortune had been cruel in putting him into the hands of the slaver, ithad relented and had taken him out of them, when the chance of escapeseemed none.
"Stranger," said the man, "you look grateful about something."
"I am. I have cause to be grateful. I'm grateful that I have my life,I'm grateful that I have no wounds and I'm grateful that from the topof the hill there I shall be able to see the houses of PaulusHook. And I say also that yours is the kindliest and most welcome faceI've looked upon in many a day. Farewell."
"Farewell," said the man, staring after him.
Two hours later Robert was being rowed across the Hudson by a stalwartwaterman. As he passed by the spot where his boat had been cut down bythe schooner he took off his hat.
"Why do you do that?" asked the waterman.
"Because at this spot my life was in great peril a few days ago, orrather, here started the peril from which I have been delivered mostmercifully."
An hour later he stood on the solid stone doorstep of Master BenjaminHardy, important ship owner, merchant and financier. The whimsicalfancy that so often turned his troubles and hardships into littlethings seized Robert again. He adjusted carefully his somewhatbedraggled clothing, set the sword and pistols in his belt at a rakishslant, put the pack on the step beside him, and, lifting the heavybrass knocker, struck loudly. He heard presently the sound offootsteps inside, and Master Jonathan Pillsbury, looking thinner andsadder than ever, threw open the door. When he saw who was standingbefore him he stared and stared.
"Body o' me!" he cried at last, throwing up his hands. "Is itMr. Lennox or his ghost?"
"It's Mr. Lennox and no ghost," said Robert briskly. "Let me in,Mr. Pillsbury. I've grown cold standing here on the steps."
"Are you sure you're no ghost?"
"Quite sure. Here pinch me on the arm and see that I'm substantialflesh. Not quite so hard! You needn't take out a piece. Are yousatisfied now?"
"More than satisfied, Mr. Lennox! I'm delighted, Overjoyed! We fearedthat you were dead! Where have you been?"
"I've been serving on board a slaver on the Guinea coast. That's along distance from here, and it was an exciting life, but I'm backagain safe and sound, Master Jonathan."
"I don't understand you. You jest, Mr. Lennox."
"And so I do, but I tell you, Master Jonathan, I'm glad to be backagain, you don't know how glad. Do you hear me, Master Jonathan? Thesight of you is as welcome as that of an angel!"
The air grew black before him, and he reeled and would have fallen,but the strong arm of Jonathan Pillsbury caught him. In a moment ortwo his eyes cleared and he became steady.
"It was not altogether a pleasure voyage of yours," said MasterJonathan, dryly.
"No, Mr. Pillsbury, it wasn't. But I came near fainting then, becauseI was so glad to see you. Is Mr. Hardy here?"
"No, he has gone to the Royal Exchange. He has been nigh prostratedwith grief, but I persuaded him that business might lighten it alittle, and he went out today for the first time. Oh, young sir, hewill be truly delighted to find that you have come back safely,because, although you may know it not, he has a strong affection foryou!"
"And I have a high regard for him, Master Jonathan. He has been mostkind to me."
"Come in, Mr. Lennox. Sit down in the drawingroom and rest yourself,while I hurry forth with the welcome news."
Robert saw that his prim and elderly heart was in truth rejoiced, andhis own heart warmed in turn. Obscure and of unknown origin though hemight be, friends were continually appearing for him everywhere. Aservant took his weapons and what was left of his pack, MasterJonathan insisted upon his drinking a small glass of wine to refreshhimself, and then he was left alone in the imposing drawing-room ofMr. Hardy.
He sank back in a deep chair of Spanish leather, and shutting his eyestook several long breaths of relief. He had come back safely and hisescape seemed marvelous even to himself. As he opened his eyes a mildvoice said:
"And so Dagaeoga who went, no one knows where, has returned no oneknows how."
Tayoga, smiling but grave, and looking taller and more majestic thanever, stood before him.
"Aye, I'm back, and right glad I am to be here!" exclaimed Robert,springing to his feet and seizing Tayoga's hand. "Oh, I've been on along voyage, Tayoga! I've been to the coast of Africa on a slaver,though we caught no slaves, and I was wrecked on the coast of Acadia,and I fought and walked my way back to New York! But it's a long tale,and I'll not tell it till all of you are together. I hope you were nottoo much alarmed about me, Tayoga."
"I know that Dagaeoga is in the keeping of Manitou. I have seen toomany proofs of it to doubt. I was sure that at the right time he wouldreturn."
Mr. Hardy came presently and then Willet. They made no display ofemotion, but their joy was deep. Then Robert told his story to themall.
"Did you see any name on the wrecked schooner?" asked Mr. Hardy.
"None at all," replied Robert. "If she had borne a name at any timeI'm sure it was painted out."
"Nor did you hear the captain called by name, either?"
"No, sir. It was always just 'captain' when the men addressed him."
"That complicates our problem. There's no doubt in my mind that youwere the intended victim of a conspiracy, from which you were saved bythe storm. I can send a trusty man down the North Jersey coast toexamine the wreck of the schooner, but I doubt whether he could learnanything from it."
He drew Willet aside and the two talked together a while in a lowvoice, but with great earnestness.
"We have our beliefs," said Willet at length, "but we shall not beable to prove anything, no, not a thing, and, having nothing uponwhich to base an accusation against anybody, we shall accuse nobody."
"'Tis the prudent way," Hardy concurred, "though there is no doubt inmy mind about the identity of the man who set this most wicked pot tobrewing."
Robert had his own beliefs, too, but he remained silent.
"We'll keep the story of your absence to ourselves," saidMr. Hardy. "We did not raise any alarm, believing that you wouldreturn, a belief due in large measure to the faith of Tayoga, andwe'll explain that you were called away suddenly on a mission of asomewhat secret nature to the numerous friends who have been askingabout you."
Willet concurred, and he also said it was desirable that they shoulddepart at once for Virginia, where the provincial governors were tomeet in council, and from which province Braddock's force, or aconsiderable portion of it, would march. Then Robert, after asubstantial supper, went to his room and slept. The next morning, bothCharteris and Grosvenor came to see him and expressed their delight athis return. A few days later they were at sea with Grosvenor and otheryoung English officers, bound for the mouth of the James and the greatexpedition against Fort Duquesne.
The Shadow of the North: A Story of Old New York and a Lost Campaign Page 14
