Altsheler, Joseph - [Novel 09] Read online

  In Hostile Red

  I was willing, and ten minutes later we were around a table in our room, talking over the situation. Mar- cel had ordered wine from the commissariat, and the glasses were filled by the orderly, Waters, who was silent, and, as usual, apparently respectful.

  " It is obvious that our friend Melville must meet Schwarzfelder," said Marcel, at length. " This Hes- sian is a drunkard and a bravo ; but he is an officer of rank, even of much higher rank than Melville. Our man, therefore, must teach him a lesson. Do you say so, gentlemen ? "

  " We do say so," replied Catron, Moore, and Vivian together.

  I saw that they were right, according to the code of the day, and I began, in spite of myself, to feel a will- ingness for the combat. Catron said that they were persecuting me, and that word " Persecute " began to inflame my anger. I would show them that perse- cuting had its risks.

  " I am not much of a swordsman," I said ; " but I am a good shot, and so I choose pistols at twenty paces."

  " Then pistols it is," said Catron ; " and now for a letter to Belfort, who is to be Schwarzfelder' s second, which will show that we know how to manage such an affair as this in the most courteous manner."

  Then we set ourselves to the task of writing the letter, a labor that was by no means small, and while we were hard-set at it, Waters came into the room again and saluted.

  "Well?" said Catron, impatiently.

  " Your honor," said Waters, apologetically, " there 162*

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  is some news of interest in the city, and I thought that you would pardon me for telling it to you."

  " Wait ! Do you not see that we are busy ? You should not interrupt ! " replied Marcel.

  " But this is a most extraordinary affair, and the whole town is ringing with it," rejoined the man.

  I saw now that his eyes were sparkling after the manner of one who has a budget of good gossip to tell and is anxious to tell it. The others noticed it too, and our own curiosity began to rise.

  "What is it, Waters?" I asked.

  He opened his hands, showing a piece of white paper about a foot long and perhaps half as wide.

  '* There is writing upon it ; I ask your honor to read it," he said.

  I took it and read :

  To SIR WILLIAM HOWE, Commander-in-chief of Hit

  Britannic Majestt/s forces in Philadelphia : I beg to present to you my compliments, and to notify you that I shall pay a visit to the City of Philadelphia one night this week, in order that you may prepare a reception worthy of yourself and me.

  Yours faithfully,

  WILLIAM WILDFOOT, Captain in the Continental Army.

  " It is said that over twenty of these have been found in the city to-day," said Waters, " all exactly alike, and written in the same hand."

  The penmanship was large, rough, and angular, evidently that of a man more accustomed to grasping the sword than the goose quill 163

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  Catron swore a tremendous oath.

  " Well, of all unmitigated impertinences this is the greatest ! " he exclaimed.

  " It 's mere bravado," said Vivian. " Of course the man will not think of venturing into Philadelphia."

  " They say that he surely will come," said Waters ; '' it is the gossip of the city."

  " If he does," added Vivian, scornfully, " he will come only to be hanged."

  I was not so sure, but I said nothing. I remem- bered our former encounter with Wildfoot, and the singular words that he shouted to me as he dashed past. The others discussed the insolent placards with some degree of heat.

  " Have you heard what Sir William says about this piece of presumption ? " asked Vivian of Waters, letting his curiosity overcome his dignity.

  " I have heard only, sir, that he was extremely angry," replied Waters.

  "An entirely natural emotion under the circum- stances," added Marcel.

  Then we returned to the discussion of my own affair, and shortly after the important letter was fin- ished, notifying Belfort that I accepted Schwar/felder's challenge, naming pistols as the weapons, and stating that Captain Montague would call upon him as soon as possible to make arrangements as to time and place.

  " There " said Marcel, his face flushing with satis- faction, as he looked at the completed letter, "I think that 's as pretty a piece of work as any one of us has done in many a day. I don't want you 164

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  to kill that Hessian fellow, Melville ; but if you could let a lot of blood from him with a bullet, say in his shoulder, it would improve both his appearance and his manners."

  Waters was deputed to bear the letter to Belfort, and then we went out to enjoy the small portion of the day and the sunshine that was left to us. This was Tuesday, and Marcel and Moore began to cal- culate when they could have the duel, the two undertaking to manage it, just as they had managed my abortive affair with Belfort. Marcel was of the opinion that the meeting could be held within two or three days, the time to be just at dawn, and the place to be a spot in the Northern suburbs, barely within the line of the British pickets, but where they could not see us.

  We were not permitted to think long of the pro- posed duel. Wildfoot's placard was making a great buzz in the city, and many of tlie British officers who believed that he would keep his promise thought that the time to catch him had come.

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  CHAPTER FOURTEEN According to Promise

  I WAS at mess when an orderly arrived from Sir William, bidding my immediate presence at his quarters, a command that I could not think of disobeying, however reluctant I might be to go. It was in truth somewhat unpleasant to leave the brilliantly lighted room with its glittering china and silver» its abundant wines, and the talk and laughter of the good comrades who were there, for the loneliness and work of the commander- in-chiefs house. I like to be popular with my supe- rior officers, but now and then popularity is burden- some, and I leave it to anybody if Sir William's favor was not extremely embarrassing to one in my position. So I rose and apologized with reluctance for my departure, which I said I must take at once, and at the same time naming the cause.

  "Farewell, Melville," they shouted with mock solemnity. " He goes to sure promotion, and this is another good man lost to those who love him." I found Sir William at the table in his workroom, and the heap of papers that lay before him was larger than the one which had been there the first night that I had helped him. These were the clos- ing days of his command, and much remained to be 166

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  done. He was, as I have said before, and as all the world knows, an easy, sluggish, good-natured man, fond of pleasure, and his work always came last. Vivian was there helping him, and not looking over- happy. I was sure that he, like myself, was thinking longingly of the mess and its lights and the good company. But his face brightened a bit when he saw me, knowing now that he would have a com- panion in misery.

  Sir William turned to me a face upon which an- noyance was plainly written, and I saw in his hand a placard like that which Waters had shown to us.

  " Melville, have you heard of this ? " he asked, holding up the placard.

  " Yes, sir, I have heard of it"

  " This placard, or paper, or whatever it may be, is the most unexampled impertinence," he said, the red flushing into his swarthy face. " I think that it is intended as a personal insult to me. This out- law Wildfoot must know of my forthcoming depart- ure for England, and he is seeking to taunt me. But he shall not do it! I tell you, he shall not do it!"

  He struck his fist upon the table to give empha- sis to his statement that he would not allow a rebel partisan to upset his dignity, but it was entirely obvious that it was very much upset.

  " If the man is so foolish and reckless as to enter Philadelphia," continued Sir William, " he will never get out again. I shall at least have the satisfaction of disposing of this troublesome fellow before I go to England."

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  The thought gave him consolation, and he begun to dictate to us orders about the watch for Wildfoot, doubling the sentries, cautioning them to increase their vigilance, and making new dispositions of the pickets which he thought would guard the city bet- ter. Many of these movements could not be exe- cuted before the next morning ; but Sir William did not look for Wildfoot for two or three nights, pro- vided he came at all, and his countenance and voice began, by and by, to express satisfaction.

  " We shall have our trap set," he said, " and the outlaw will walk into it just as we wish."

  The time passed slowly, and we were reinforced presently by another secretary, who proved to be young Graves, a man who was the friend of Belfort and Schwarzfelder, and more or less hostile to me. But he was in a good humor, thinking of the pro- spective duel, in which he was to have a part as one of the managers, a circumstance which flattered his pride, and he was very courteous to me. He ex- changed a word occasionally with me about it in a whisper, and informed me, by and by, that he was not sure Schwarzfelder would win.

  In a short while, Graves was sent to the ante- room to copy some documents there. He sat at a table near the wall, and once, when I went to take him some papers, I saw the sentinel, loaded gun on shoulder, walking back and forth in front of the door. I heard the sound of footsteps outside and, looking through the window, beheld a company of troops marching past. It was evident that Sir William's anger over Wlldfoot's impertinence was 168

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  producing activity. Then I went back to the com- luaiulcr-iii-chief s table and resumed my work there.

  I think it was about 10 o'clock when Sir William told me to go and help Graves, who seemed to be falling behind in his task. I drew up a chair and sat down at the table facing Graves, and with my back to the door. He, feeling his importance, wanted to exchange with me more whispered com- ments on the duel ; but I wished to avoid the sub- ject, and worked so industriously that he gave up the attempt.

  We heard nothing during the next quarter of an hour but the scratching of our goose quills and the occasional words of Sir William in the next room as he gave an order. Then, chancing to look up, I be- held a most extraordinary expression on the face of Graves. His eyes were distended to a great width, and the white in them was shot with little specks of red, the muscles of his face were drawn, and his whole look was that of a man suffering from the most alarmed surprise.

  "Why, what under the sun is the matter, Graves ? " I exclaimed.

  He did not say a word, but pointed behind me. I wheeled around to see ; but powerful hands grasped me by the throat, while other hands thrust the muz- zle of a pistol into my face. It was not necessary for anybody to say to me : " Move a foot, or say a word, and you shall be a dead man ! " I knew it perfectly well without the telling, and I neither moved nor spoke. Graves, who at the same instant had been served as I was, showed a similar wisdom.

  In Hostile Red

  Something soft, but very filling, was thrust into my mouth, and, with an expedition as unpleasant as it was astonishing, I was bound tightly to the table. Then the strong hands slipped off me, and I was at liberty to gaze as much as I wished into the eyes of Graves, who sat opposite me just as he had sat when we were at work, and who was as securely bound and gagged as I. I always fancy that we made a pretty pair, trussed up there like two tur- keys ready for the spit. I would have given much for a few words to express my feelings, but my mouth was too full. I merely read the various looks in the eyes of Graves, all of which expressed anger.

  The men, four in number, who had performed this impolite deed, brushed past me, and I saw only their backs, which were large and powerful. The door between our room and Sir William's was shut ; but they opened it, leaving it so, and entered. I faced the apartment, and I saw distinctly all that passed. Thus it was my fortune, while listening to the most amazing conversation that I ever heard, to see also those who talked, though only the back of one of the most important.

  Sir William and Vivian were writing busily at the large table in the centre of the room, when the in- truders entered. Sir William sat at the side of the table facing us, and Vivian was at the end. I saw the faces of both clearly by the light of wax candles. Sir William had begun to wear his usual placid look. I inferred that he was pleased at what he was writing just then, and I think that it was 170

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  instructions which he felt soon would cause the capture of Wildfoot. The largest man of the four put his hand on a chair, and drawing it up to the table sat down opposite to Sir William and with his back to me. Neither Sir William nor Vivian no- ticed their entrance until then, as they had walked with extreme lightness. But when Sir William looked up and beheld the stranger sitting uninvited and so calmly before him, his face flamed into anger. I could see the rush of blood to his head.

  " Who are you, and how dare you come here ? " he cried, springing to his feet.

  " Be seated, Sir William, be seated," replied the man, in a strong, clear, and soothing voice. " There is no occasion for surprise or wrath. I am not an intruder. I sent you word in writing that I would call."

  I saw Sir William's face turn quite black, and he began to choke.

  " You are you are " he gasped.

  " You have divined it, Sir William," replied the man. " I am Captain William Wildfoot, captain of rangers in the Continental service. Your jru i st, if you please, and I must warn you and your assistant not to shout for help, or my men will shoot you instantly. The young lieutenants in the front room, as you can see for yourself, will keep very quiet."

  What I wished most of all at that moment was to see the man's face. His effrontery, his astonish- ing recklessness, inspired me with the deepest curi- oity. I thought that Marcel and I had shown 171

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  considerable presumption, but we were children, raw beginners, compared with this man.

  " What do you want ? " asked Sir William, at last.

  " First, that you and your assistant put your hands upon the table, or else I shall have to bind you," replied Wildfoot.

  Sir William frowned and choked again ; but there was no recourse, and he and Vivian both laid their empty hands upon the table.

  " That is better," said Wildfoot, in a pleased tone ; " I know that it is undignified in you, but the good of our service demands it. And now for serious talk. I came to show you, Sir William, the insecur- ity of your position, and the great resources of the patriots."

  " I must say," replied Sir William, " that I never before saw a man so anxious to give his side of the argument."

  " Yes," replied Wildfoot, " I have been at some trouble and risk to do so."

  I saw a faint gleam of humor appear in the eyes of Sir William, and I inferred that the quality of genial- ity or good fellowship in him, which perhaps mad e him such a poor soldier, was rising to the surface. He seemed to appreciate, to a slight degree at least, the humor of the situation. His eye suddenly sought mine, and then I distinctly saw a trace of amusement mingling with his perplexed and annoyed expression.

  " You seem to have made sure of the attention of Lieutenant Melville and Lieutenant Graves," he said.

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  " I have no doubt that they can maintain their interest," replied Wildfoot, " and their present posi- tion is only temporary."

  " You say that you came to show me the strength and resources of the colonists. Will you tell me how this is so ? " asked Sir William.

  " That I am here is the proof of it."

  " It is true that you are here, but I have an idea ( 'aptain Wildfoot, that you will not go away again."

  "Why not?"

  " I am hospitable. We need you. Philadelphia needs you."

  " I know it, and so I shall come back again."

  "No, we wish you to stay with us now."

  I should have laughed at this point had not the gag been in my month, not at the conversation of Sir William and Wildfoot, but at the
funny look on the face of Graves. He had a great sense of dignity and aristocratic importance, and it was hurt by the sudden intrusion of Wildfoot. I said : " Never mind, Graves, it will soon be over," but the words stopped short against that gag, and he did not hear them. I did not even hear them myself. Vivian, on the contrary, was bearing himself like a gentle- man. He sat perfectly still, with his eyes either on Sir William or Wildfoot, and so far as I could see, his face was without expression. The three men who accompanied Wildfoot remained standing, but mo- tionless, each with a cocked pistol in his hand. One stood with his face turned towards me, but every feature was hidden by a thick, bushy, black beard.

  " So I take it, that you have done this thing 173

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  merely in a spirit of bravado," said Sir William, "and I wish you to understand, Captain Wildfoot, that I thoroughly appreciate your daring. I could wish that you were one of us ; in the king's ser- vice you would be a colonel at least, and not a mere rebel captain ; moreover, your neck would be in no danger."

  "But I would be colonel in a losing cause," replied Wildfoot, " and to tell the truth, Sir William, I enjoy my captaincy among the rebels, as you call them, much more than any man enjoys his colonelcy among the king's men. No, Sir William, I am happy where I am ; then why seek unhappiness elsewhere'? "

  "Are you quite sure that you are happy where you are ? "

  "Quite sure."

  "Then it is not worth while to attempt persua- sion ; but to return to another point, Captain Wild- foot, we value men of your spirit and daring too much to give them up when they come once among us. We must even detain you by other means than persuasion."