Kitabı oku: «The Boy Spies with the Regulators», sayfa 3

CHAPTER IV
THE RESCUE

When Sidney had thus announced his purpose I asked myself what might be the chances of success, and after due reflection it appeared to me as if the possibilities were rather in his favor, because it did not seem probable the royalists would anticipate any attempt at a rescue.

They must have overheard the command given us to ride back with all speed, and could hardly suppose two lads like ourselves would take the chances of making an attack, therefore we were likely to find them off their guard.

Yes, so I decided, the scheme might be worked if we proceed cautiously, and even in case we found it impossible to do anything, the delay would be trifling, provided Sidney was willing to give over the effort if a rescue could not be brought about that same night, therefore I asked:

"Will you agree to set your horse's head toward Maddock's Mill by sunrise, in case you fail in the purpose during this night?"

"Yes, that much I promise, for I'm of the opinion that unless the work can be done before to-morrow morning there is no chance for us to carry it through without assistance."

"Then I shall do what I may toward aiding you."

He clasped me by the hand, saying as he did so:

"I knew full well you would not ride away and leave me to make the venture alone."

"I am taking no part in it save as your assistant. You are the leader, and I shall simply obey orders, because I have no head for such work, while you are a born soldier."

Sidney laughed loud and long at my words, and said when it was possible for him to speak:

"Now you are talking nonsense. If we free Masters Howell and Hunter from the governor's friends, it will simply be a case of good fortune, rather than anything deserved because of the intellect brought to bear on the matter. Let us make camp here for a time; the horses need rest and food."

"Are you not afraid that our enemies will get too much the start on us?"

"I am reckoning that we were near their camping-place when the two showed themselves. If they count on carrying our friends back to Hillsborough to give them quarters with Masters Husband and William Hunter, this road is the one they must take, and we shall see the party ride by. In case they have a comfortable halting place, I am counting that the return journey will not be begun until to-morrow morning."

I understood from this remark that Sidney had already settled all the details in his mind, and, therefore, since I refused to take any part in making his plans, there was nothing for me to do save patiently hold my tongue.

We unsaddled the horses, led them into the forest where was a small clearing covered with rich grass, and made a hearty dinner for ourselves from the contents of our haversacks.

When this was done we had nothing with which to occupy our attention, save the task of keeping watch over the highway to make certain the enemy did not pass without our knowledge.

Although I had so readily agreed to aid my comrade, I was far from feeling comfortable in mind regarding the outcome. I knew full well that even in event of success we must run many chances of losing our lives, for now that the royalists had begun to make prisoners of citizens of the Carolinas without legal warrant, they would not hesitate to take the lives of two lads who might interfere with their plans.

To risk our lives in a battle where glory might be won, was one thing; but to be killed like thieves in the night, when none of our friends would be able to say whether we died like heroes or cowards was quite another matter.

Do not let it be understood that I was regretting having agreed to the venture; on the contrary, I would have acted in the same manner had the question been put at that late moment, yet I weighed the possibilities once more, and found them less promising than when first considering the proposition.

We did not indulge in conversation to any extent during that afternoon. Now and then Sidney spoke of the treachery displayed by Master Edwards, and the possible fate of the deputies in case we failed to rescue them; but for the greater portion of the time we remained silent, each giving way, perhaps, to gloomy forebodings.

The sun was no more than an hour high when my comrade said as he rose to his feet and set off toward the clearing where the horses had been left:

"I reckon the time has come for us to make a start. We'll ride to the place where the villains met us, and then you shall take to the woods with the horses, while I follow the trail on foot."

"Why should we not boldly ride down the road until we find ourselves somewhere near their camping-place?" I asked, even after having promised myself to take no part in the plan of rescue.

"Because I'm of the opinion that we shall find the villains within half a mile or less of where we were halted, and it would be a most serious mistake to let them see us."

As he had proposed so we did, and I soon had good reason for congratulating myself that my advice was not taken.

The hoof-prints of the horses told us plainly when we were come to the scene of the encounter, and then, leading both animals, I struck into the woods, advancing slowly because of the underbrush, while my comrade pushed rapidly ahead.

The night had not yet come when Sidney returned, and as I involuntarily came to a halt he whispered:

"They are camped half a mile further on. There are six horses picketed near by, in addition to those ridden by the deputies, therefore I reckon that the odds are not heavily against us."

"Did you see our friends?"

"Yes; they are in a lean-to, tied, and guarded by the negro. We can take the horses within two hundred yards of the place, where is a good bit of grass which will keep them quiet; but it is well to wait here a couple of hours."

Once more we came to a halt, and while waiting until the time for action should come I asked Sidney to tell me how he proposed to set about the rescue.

"I shall find no fault with your plans, for you are the leader; but it is necessary I know fully your purpose, in order to play my part properly."

"We'll leave our horses hobbled, so that we may unfasten them quickly. Then, say in two hours, you and I are to creep around to where their animals are tethered. We must procure two, with saddles and bridles, and bring them to where ours are. Not till then are we to give the deputies any idea of our having disobeyed orders. We should be able to get them away safely, and a start of five minutes will be enough. The rising of the moon is to be our signal for work."

"What about the negro who is on guard?"

"Unless he is different from every other black I ever saw, he will be asleep. If not, or if one of the white men has taken his place, we must fall upon him in such a way that he can make no noise, after which a gag will do the rest."

"Where are the others?"

"In a lean-to nearer the road, and a good fifty yards from where our friends are lying."

The two hours which followed were the longest I have ever known, although since that time I have been engaged in many and more dangerous ventures. Each second seemed like a minute, and I began to think that we had been mistaken in the belief that the moon rose at ten minutes past nine o'clock. The soughing of the wind through the trees sounded in my ears like a prophecy of evil, and the cry of a night-bird came to me like the shout of an enemy.

Had we been forced to remain there inactive an hour longer, I believe of a verity that the courage would have oozed out of my finger-ends entirely; but, fortunately, before I was overcome by timorousness the time for action had arrived.

Sidney led the way through the underbrush, gliding noiselessly along as if we were stalking a deer, and I copied his every movement.

In order to get at the horses we were forced to make a detour through the forest to the rear of the place where the deputies were held prisoners, and this required a good half hour of most laborious work.

Once we were there, however, it became evident that the royalists counted on beginning a journey very shortly, for the animals were not only saddled, but bridled, and we understood that the remainder of our task must be performed quickly, or it might chance that our enemies took to the road before we could warn Masters Howell and Hunter of the help which was near at hand.

Now we did not dare carry our plan to the extent of taking the animals over to where our steeds were hobbled; but fastened them by the bridles in the rear of the lean-to, and then crept cautiously forward.

It was so dark in this place, owing to the foliage, that although the moon was half an inch high, we could not distinguish objects five paces distant, and Sidney let the way by the sense of touch, rather than because of any aid from his eyes.

When we were close at the rear of the lean-to I could hear the sound of heavy breathing; but nothing more, and Sidney whispered in my ear:

"I will make my way through the brush, and you are to wait here. If I should be captured, do your best to carry the information to Maddock's Mill. Don't try to aid me."

I made up my mind on the instant that I would do my full share in a fight before leaving the brave lad to his fate, and as the thought formed itself in my mind he disappeared through the branches which went to make up the shelter.

I listened with painful intentness; but could hear no more than a faint rustling of the brush, and then a man crept slowly out into my arms.

It was Master Howell, and when I would have conducted him to where the horses were tethered, he motioned for me to remain quiet.

Another moment of most painful suspense, during which my heart beat so loudly that it seemed certain our enemies would be aroused by the noise, and then Master Hunter appeared, followed closely by Sidney.

We four crept softly to where the two horses were standing, and my comrade explained to the deputies that we must keep within the thicket until having come to where our steeds had been left.

"We had best turn in the other direction, keeping under cover until you ride by, when we can dash out," Master Howell said, and I was mystified by his words.

"But we shall not ride past here," Sidney replied in a cautious tone. "To do so would be going directly away from Maddock's Mill!"

"Our destination is Brunswick," Master Howell said, as if that was sufficient explanation.

"Brunswick!" I repeated in astonishment. "Surely you are not counting on trying to continue the journey after all that has happened?"

"Of a verity we are," Master Hunter said emphatically. "It is not in our minds to ride back with the story that we allowed ourselves to be frightened by six men after two lads have shown themselves so brave and so quick-witted. Go for your horses, and, having mounted them, ride directly out on the main road, moving cautiously until arriving opposite where these scoundrels are encamped. Then use your spurs; we will join you some distance on."

"But think of the danger which you incur!" I pleaded, although it would have been more seemly for a lad like myself to keep a silent tongue and obey orders.

"We count on presenting this petition to the governor if it be possible to arrive at Brunswick," Master Howell said sharply, and then, by way of putting an end to the conversation, the gentlemen began leading the animals back past the lean-to from which we had so lately rescued them.

There was nothing left for Sidney and I but to perform the parts assigned us, although I am certain there was much the same thought in his mind that filled mine, which was that the latter portion of this venture would be needlessly dangerous and ill-advised.

We did not speak one with another, however, until we had found our horses and made them ready for the journey, when Sidney said solemnly:

"If I had fancied the deputies would have continued on toward Brunswick, of a verity we would be well toward Maddock's Mill by this time. Even if we two get past the camp in safety, we're likely to fall into the hands of others who are ready and willing to deprive honest men of their liberty."

But for the fact that the deputies awaited our coming as the signal for them to come out of the forest into the road, I would have urged my comrade to leave them then and there that we might save our own skins by joining the members of the Regulation, wherever they might be by this time.

Then, feeling in our hearts that there was no good reason for exposing ourselves to this additional danger, we led the steeds down the road to a point, as nearly as Sidney could determine, opposite the encampment of the enemies.

We mounted in silence, and loosened our weapons that they might be ready to hand, after which Sidney started with a rush.

It can well be fancied that I clapped the spurs to my horse, for the hindermost in this race was likely to be the one who would suffer severely, and we clattered past the camp at the best possible speed.

When a mile or more had been traversed we heard the hoof-beats of horses both before and behind, telling that the deputies had taken to the road, and also that the royalists were in full pursuit.

Masters Howell and Hunter must have checked the speed of their steeds somewhat in order to allow us to come up, after which all four settled down to such a race as I never rode before, for liberty, perhaps like itself, was the stake.

Not until our horses were so nearly blown that it became absolutely necessary, did we draw rein, and then it was no longer possible to hear the sounds of pursuit.

"We have out-ridden them, that is all," Master Howell said in a quiet tone, as if he was not greatly interested in the final result. "We will give the nags time to breathe, and then push on again. For a time our traveling must be done by night."

"If you count so surely that there are others on the road who will try to prevent us from gaining Brunswick, why is it not reasonable to suppose Governor Tryon may play us false?" I asked timidly, for I feared the gentlemen might think me a coward, and yet was I determined they should discuss the possible dangers which awaited us at the journey's end.

"I think it very likely he will treat us as rebels rather than deputies," Master Howell replied quietly.

"And yet you make every effort to give him the opportunity?" I cried in dismay.

"Aye, lad. We accepted the mission, and having done so it became our bounden duty to perform it whatever might be the result. Before the people of the Carolinas can force the representatives of the king to treat us fairly and honestly, many a good gentleman must come to grief, and it is not for us to hold back."

There was no reply to be made to such a remark as this, and I would have held my peace but that the gentlemen insisted on being told why we had worked to rescue them, instead of pushing on toward Maddock's Mill.

"All the credit belongs to Sidney," I replied, determined that my comrade should have the praise. He argued that we would be wasting but little time by trying to effect a rescue, and in case of failure we could have carried out your orders within six hours from the moment they were given.

Sidney claimed that he could not have made the attempt unless I had been willing to remain with him, and regarding this we fell into quite a discussion, which lasted until we heard once more the trampling of horses in the distance.

It was high time we continued the race, and, the horses having had quite a breathing spell, we sent them ahead once more at their best pace.

After this we stopped twice to give the animals water, and once to breathe them, before the gray light told that a new day was upon us.

Then it was that Master Howell proposed we take to the thicket, and after we were screened by the trees we led the horses a mile or more parallel with the road. Then we crossed over to the other side, taking good care to cover such hoof-prints as had been left on the highway.

After these precautions it seemed as if we might consider ourselves reasonably well hidden from those who came in pursuit, and surely I was not sorry of an opportunity for rest.

We had been in the saddle not less than eighteen hours, and during six or seven hours more were so strung up by excitement that it was as if we had been two days without repose.

Fortunately the deputies had not been despoiled of their haversacks when taken prisoners, therefore we had food sufficient to provide us with one hearty meal, and this we ate immediately after the horses were picketed where was grass in abundance.

Not until we were eating did Sidney ask Masters Howell and Hunter anything concerning their adventure, and soon we were in possession of all the facts.

The deputies, finding themselves opposed by six horsemen, surrendered immediately after Sidney and I rode away. They were asked no questions, nor was there an attempt to search them. The royalist led the prisoners to the lean-to, tied their hands and feet, and left them in charge of the negro, giving orders for him to shoot with intent to kill if either made any effort to cry out for help in case travelers passed that way.

Neither Master Howell nor Master Hunter had any definite idea as to what the scoundrels intended to do with them; but both believed that but for the rescue they would have been taken to Hillsborough and there lodged in jail on a charge of sedition or treason.

"Yes, I recognized one of them," Master Howell said in reply to my question. "He who appeared to be the leader I have seen in Fanning's office, therefore there was no question in my mind but that the party set out from Hillsborough in advance of us. Some one at Maddock's Mill played the traitor."

"Why did they wish to prevent you from presenting the petition to Governor Tryon?" I asked in amazement.

"I do not believe that was their purpose. It could make but little difference if Tryon heard of our wrongs; but it might create a sentiment in our favor among the honest people of Brunswick if we told there what has occurred at Hillsborough. The scheme unquestionably was to prevent information of the outrages being carried into the lower Carolina."

"Do you think we are in danger from others?" I asked.

"Probably not, yet we will travel by night from this out in order to guard against a possible attack. If those fellows sent word ahead that we were on the road and must be stopped, then will there be men ready to detain us; but I am disposed to think that they believed it was in their power to bring our journey to a close, and we shall meet with no serious impediment between here and Brunswick."

"The governor may close our mouths by sending us to prison as traitors to the king," Sidney suggested.

"We shall take good care, my lad, to talk with many citizens of Brunswick before presenting ourselves before him. If it is known generally that we are in town as deputies from the Regulation, who have come in consequence of certain promises made by the governor's secretary, I do not believe even William Tryon will dare cause our arrest without first showing some proof that we are plotting against the king. He will commit deeds in Hillsborough which he would be afraid to commit in Brunswick or Newbern."

"In other words," Master Hunter added with a laugh, "we are thrusting our heads in the lion's mouth because we believe he dare not make a meal of us until after we have gone back into upper Carolina."

With this the conversation came to a close. Master Howell insisted that we must get all the sleep possible before nightfall, and to such end he proposed that we draw lots to decide who should first go on guard, after which the others were to lie down.

No one questioned the necessity of standing watch. In the first place the horses were to be prevented from straying, and then again it was of the highest importance we should know if a party of horsemen rode past our camping place toward Brunswick, otherwise we might find ourselves following the enemy, instead of being followed.

It was decided by lot that I take the first watch, and at the end of two hours Master Howell was to be aroused.

Those who had the privilege of sleeping soon stretched themselves out in the most comfortable positions that were possible, and ten minutes later I was the only member of the party awake.