CHAPTER XV
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A RASH VENTURE.
When Seth crept away on the poor chance that Barney Nelson might happen to wander where it would be possible to get speech with him secretly, I began to realize more thoroughly than ever before the risks which we who hoped to aid Abel Grant were taking, and it was by no means a pleasing subject for reflection.
If misfortune came upon us, its lightest form would be imprisonment on board one of the ships, and it did not require any severe tax on the imagination to picture the horrors of such punishment. In case we were discovered and attempted to resist arrest, there would be little compunction in taking our lives, for as a rule the soldiers of his majesty believed a dead colonist was of more value than a live one.
Not until Seth Hartley crept through the foliage bent on taking the chances of being able to attract the attention of Barney Nelson without exposing himself to the view of the others, did I fully understand how great was his hazard in this game of life and death which we were playing.
Even though all the facts could be made known, his commander would adjudge him a deserter, for there was no question but that he had remained with us willingly after once having been made prisoner, instead of insisting upon being treated as a captive, and this in itself would insure a most shameful death for him in event of our rash venture going awry.
With this knowledge come upon me thus suddenly, I found it difficult to prevent myself from calling upon him to return without further effort to aid Abel Grant, for now it was to me as if he could not escape detection--as if even the friend in whom he was about to put every trust, would betray him to death.
If at that moment Luther Stedman had been in my power, I verily believe I would have murdered him in cold blood, because the miserable Tory cur was personally responsible for our danger. We had attacked him only when he came in our way, bent on doing the Cause an injury at our expense, and to avenge himself for that which he had brought upon himself, the cowardly whelp had given all his time to the sneaking work of betraying us to the British.
“If he ever crosses my path again I will deal with him as I would a vicious cur, giving no heed to my own safety,” I said to myself, finding some little satisfaction in thus registering an oath of vengeance, never dreaming how near at hand was the moment when it could be carried into effect.
It must not be supposed that I gave myself wholly up to such dismal and vengeful thoughts to the exclusion of everything else. We three lads were watching with painful intentness everything within our range of vision, fearing to hear an outcry which would tell that Seth Hartley had been discovered, and on the alert to give him timely warning of danger, if indeed that should be possible.
We had spread out before us a most animated picture. As the day grew older the activity everywhere around us increased. Officers came ashore from the Good Hope bent on communicating with the commanders of the land forces, and the boats’ crews awaited their return on the beach, ready to carry them back to the ship. Squads of ten or a dozen men were landing at frequent intervals to enjoy a short time of shore leave, and in our hiding place we were absolutely surrounded by armed men wearing the uniform of the king.
It only needed that one a trifle more curious than the others should take it into his head to explore the swamp, and our capture was inevitable. Therefore it can well be understood that our hearts were in our throats as we watched keenly every movement of the enemy, and that the mosquitoes sucked their fill of our blood, for so tensely were our nerves strung that the stings of the insects passed unheeded.
I will not undertake to say how much of the day was spent before we lads were startled and angered by seeing Luther Stedman strutting to and fro amid the idle marines and soldiers. We had given no heed to anything save the possibility of Seth Hartley’s capture, and it might have been noon, or no more than nine o’clock in the morning, when Abraham gripped my arm with a force that almost caused a cry of pain, as he pointed up shore a short distance, where were two waiting boats and their crews of sailors.
During a dozen seconds or more I gazed stupidly in the direction indicated, seeing nothing more than had been passing before my eyes since the moment Seth disappeared amid the foliage, and then it was as if the blood in my veins suddenly began to boil, for there stood Luther Stedman, the Tory cur who had not dared to seek revenge in a manly fashion, but had cajoled the enemy into acting as his cat’s-paw.
The miserable whelp was swaggering to and fro as if in command of all the forces, and I knew he was trying to persuade those who were willing to spend the time listening to him, that he was the most important thing on the island.
[Illustration: “THE MISERABLE WHELP WAS SWAGGERING TO AND FRO.”]
“He has come here to crow over Abel!” Sam whispered, while Abraham’s clutch on my arm was tightened, and I pictured to myself our comrade ironed and helpless in the hold of the Good Hope, forced to listen to the gibes and taunts of that cowardly Tory.
Now it was that for the moment we forgot Seth Hartley--no longer strained our ears fearing to hear that which would tell us he had been taken prisoner by his old shipmates. All our thoughts as well as our eyes, were centered on that cur whom I hoped some day to have by the throat where we two were secure from interference.
“I’ll kill that whelp soon!” Abraham whispered hoarsely, and I could not restrain myself from replying:
“He belongs to me, an’ you’re not to lay hands on him until I have worked my will!”
It was Sam who saw a gleam of the comical in our thus wrangling as to who should pay the score we owed Luther, and he whispered as a smile overspread his face:
“I’m of opinion that you fellows had better get your necks out of the halter which is well nigh around them, before you squabble over the question of servin’ Luther out. It strikes me that he has the upper hands just now, an’ is in a position to say whether he or you may be allowed to make reprisals.”
My face crimsoned as I realized that Abraham and I had shown ourselves simples by thus speaking as if it was within our power to do as we pleased. The odds were strongly in favor of Luther’s laying us by the heels before we were able to raise a hand against him, for by a single word he could send a thousand men scurrying after us, whereas we did not dare even to show our faces.
I tried to look in another direction, for the sight of him caused my stomach to revolt; but despite my will I was forced to watch his every movement, and surely never was punishment greater than mine at this moment. My brain was in a whirl, and it would not have been surprising if, forgetting all else, I had rushed out to throttle him. If at that moment my hands had been around his throat, not all the soldiers in the British army could have torn them away until the breath had been choked from his worthless carcass.
It seemed to me as if we had been gazing at that Tory a full hour before there came into my mind the thought of Seth Hartley, and the danger in which he stood.
During all this while no sound, other than might have been made by the sailors or marines as they went here and there like children at play, had come to our ears, and most like it was this absence of danger signals which allowed us to forget momentarily the man who was staking his life to aid our comrade.
However, even then I did not bestow much thought upon the friendly Britisher who might within a short time be dangling from the yard-arm of the Good Hope, so intent was I, despite my wish, upon watching Luther Stedman.
From his movements I fancied he was striving to persuade some of the sailors to take him off to the ship, and I knew full well that his desire to be there was only that he might jibe Abel Grant when the poor fellow was unable to make reply or reprisals.
Now and then one of the Britishers would shake his head decidedly, as if in answer to an entreaty from Luther. Once when an officer came down to be taken on board, the Tory cur appealed to him, and I could have hugged the red-coated, gilt-laced servant of the king, when I saw him shake off impatiently the miserable leech that would have fawned upon him.
It is impossible for me to say how long Luther Stedman thus strove to gain a passage to the ship; it seemed as if more than an hour had passed before he apparently gave up all hope of succeeding, and then, to my mingled surprise and dismay, he lounged along the beach in our direction as if having decided to consort no longer with those whom he was so eager to call friends.
I know not into whose mind the idea first came; but it was to me as if I had turned it over and over an hundred times, when Abraham clutched me by the arm, his face crimsoned with passion, as he whispered:
“If that whelp comes this way, an’ gives me but half a chance, I’ll stake my life on serving him out!”
“An’ it would be stakin’ your life, lad,” Sam said nervously. “Surely you would not be simple enough to have any dealin’s with him here, when you know a single cry from the scoundrel would bring all those men upon us, an’ thus put an end to any effort of ours in Abel Grant’s behalf.”
Just for an instant it was as if Abraham repented of the threat, and then he shut his teeth tightly, literally hissing the words:
“If he tempts me I shall take the chances!”
So far had anger against the lad who had worked us so much harm gained ascendency over me, that I was unable to consider calmly the situation. I forgot, strange as it may seem, that we were surrounded by an enemy who would discover us at the lightest sound; that the least false move on our part would insure imprisonment on board the Good Hope, and thus would be fatal to the chances, if indeed we had any, of lending Abel Grant a hand. I thought only of the desire for revenge, and held my peace when I should have insisted that Abraham give over any such wild thoughts.
Sam did not make further protest, most like because he believed Abraham’s threat was simply a safety-valve to his temper, and that he would not be wild enough to do other than remain silent and motionless within this poor refuge of ours.
As to myself, I gave no heed to either Sam or Abe; but kept my eyes fixed upon that miserable specimen of a lad who was walking slowly and carelessly, but yet surely, toward where we lay in hiding.
It seemed to me then, even as it does now, that the judgment of the Lord was heavy upon Luther Stedman at that moment, causing him to advance directly to his undoing--as if he had, because of his many sins against his country, been delivered into our power, and without allowing the thought to shape itself definitely in my mind, I was firmly convinced that within a certain short time he would be our prisoner.
If one of us had held that cur by the hand he could not have moved more in accord with our feverish desires, for, leaving the sailors and marines an hundred yards or more up the beach, he came directly along to where the little creek, which drained the marsh in which we lay, ran into the sea, and then aimlessly, as if against his own will, he advanced along the edge of the stream, picking his way daintily over the soft ground.
Involuntarily I glanced toward Abraham who, on one knee, was leaning forward like some beast of prey ready to make a spring, and the knowledge that he was minded to leap upon Luther Stedman, if peradventure that miserable whelp gave him the opportunity, caused everything to vanish from my mind save the possibility of revenge.
Even to this day I dare swear Luther Stedman did not come up that tiny creek of his own free will; but was moved by some stronger power to deliver himself into our keeping, for verily there was no reason why any person should strive to pick his way amid that slime, except bent on duty or revenge, and he had neither in his heart; but came on carelessly, seemingly ignorant of what he did until within a scant ten paces of where we lay upon the bed of reeds.
Now it was that even Sam forgot his prudence--forgot that which seemed positive would follow if we made ever so slight a move, and was standing to the best of his ability upon the frail platform of brush ready to join in whatsoever we did.
Even now I fail to understand why it was that the Tory cur did not so much as raise his eyes; but came on blindly as if with the single purpose of delivering himself up to us, and we accepted what was neither more nor less than an invitation from him.
It was Abraham who set the pace, although no more than the twinkling of an eye could have elapsed from the time he sprang out, as a panther springs upon his prey, when I was by his side, with Sam so close upon my heels that he was like to have tripped me.
The first intimation Luther Stedman had of the danger that awaited him was the splashing of water as we three leaped into the swamp regardless as to whether we gave an alarm to the Britishers or not, and even then the miserable whelp did not raise his eyes until we had him firmly by the throat, both Abraham and I, with a grip which could not be shaken off, in such fashion that to have uttered the lightest whisper would have been impossible.
Down, down into the slime we forced him until nothing save his face was above the surface, and I, literally crazed by anger and the knowledge that I had the whelp in my power, would have drowned him as one does a kitten, most like to have repented sorely at some later day, but that Abraham, having more command over himself, said in a whisper:
“For three to kill one, however much death is deserved, would be cowardly murder, and, besides, I’m not minded that he shall escape from this world so easily.”
Then it was that Sam, suspecting what was in my heart, placed both his hands under that Tory’s head to raise it from the mud, and as he did so thrust a bunch of leaves, hastily stripped from the bushes nearby, into the cur’s mouth, for already was he gasping for breath.
It was this movement that restored Abraham and me to our senses, so to speak, and straightway in the stead of revenge, there came to us the knowledge that unless we would sacrifice Seth Hartley, must we take every precaution, for if we were discovered it was certain he would speedily hang from the yard-arm of the Good Hope.
And now, cautious as an instant before we had been reckless, we set about trussing him up in such fashion as would prevent his moving hand or foot, and even while this was being done, there came to me the question of what would be the next move. We had come there to aid Abel Grant, but now were we hampered with a prisoner whom, whatever peril should arise, we dared not set free, and at the same time would not murder in cold blood even though he so richly deserved such a fate.
It was a venture born of passion, although I afterward strove to excuse myself by saying that we were literally forced into acting as we did otherwise he would have discovered us, and now must we pay the penalty of failing to rule our spirits.
If through this mad act of ours Seth Hartley was captured and hanged, or if it should be learned that a movement was on foot to release Abel Grant, then was the blood of both these men on our heads, and in my heart I cursed the miserable cur who had so far tempted me that I forgot everything save desire for revenge.
It is not to be supposed that I stood idly by, knee-deep in the mud, turning all these things over in my mind, for there was much to be done if we would rectify the mistake, which is a mild term for our act.
As I have said, Sam had on the spur of the moment thrust a double handful of leaves into Luther’s mouth, which was forced open by our hold on his throat, and it only remained for us to so fetter his limbs that he would be powerless to flounder about in the hope of attracting the attention of his friends.
It goes without saying that we had nothing with us in the shape of a rope, but I, to make atonement for what just then seemed little less than a crime, pulled off my shirt, baring my body to the mosquitoes, and tore the garment into strips. With these we bound the lad whom we had taken prisoner for a third time, so securely that I question if he could have moved hand or foot even the fraction of an inch in either direction.
The sleeves of Abraham’s shirt served for a more secure gag then that of leaves, and when all this had been done we lifted the Tory from out his muddy bed on to the frail platform of bushes, where he lay with the slime forming as it were a shroud about him.
When he was thus secured and in position, a single glance at the cur’s face was sufficient to tell how severe had been the punishment we inflicted, for if ever I saw abject terror in the eyes of any human being, it was reflected from his. I have no question but that the miserable whelp believed we would kill him off hand, as indeed we had the right to do if one thinks of the provocation, and the benefit which his death would be to the Cause.
He watched us mutely, perforce, and with an intentness which told that he was suffering the agony of death in anticipation, and I, minded that he should be kept in suspense, motioned Sam and Abe to follow me yet a little further into the swamp, where we might speak without his overhearing the words, for I desired he should believe we had murder in our hearts.
Standing waist-deep in the mud and water where we could keep the Tory well in view, and were not in danger of being seen by the Britishers nearabout, we discussed the situation in whispers, realizing now that the danger was increased tenfold because we had yielded to our desire for revenge.
“I’m willin’ to agree that we’ve made idiots of ourselves, an’ risked over an’ over again the life of Seth Hartley by capturin’ that miserable Tory,” Abraham began before I could speak, and much as if he knew what was in my mind; “but since we have again made him prisoner, I promise you that unless I myself am killed he shall not escape, for from this out he is my especial charge.”
“But surely we cannot keep him here,” Sam said nervously. “It will be a little short of a miracle if we ourselves can remain without detection, an’ if peradventure the opportunity should come for us to aid Abel Grant, how may we be of any service if our movements are hampered by him?”
“But yet I am not minded to kill him in cold blood,” I said, believing for the moment that it was in Sam’s mind we should put an end to his miserable existence.
“God forbid!” the lad whispered fervently. “Yet how may we set him free, for when it comes to a question of his life or Abel’s, we must not hesitate, even though by letting him go we have condemned ourselves?”
“I will take charge of that part of the business,” Abraham said decidedly, and by his tone I understood that already he had some plan in mind. “If by any happy chance there comes an opportunity for us to strike a blow in behalf of Abel Grant, you lads and Seth Hartley can do as much without, as with me, an’ the success of the undertakin’ will not be in jeopardy by my absence.”
“By your absence?” I repeated, mystified by the words.
“Ay, that was what I said, an’ when the night comes, if so be I am still at liberty, it is my intent to take yonder whelp an’ run the risk of gainin’ Peter Snyder’s hut. Once there, with the old man to lend a hand as jailor, an’ I dare venture to swear under such guardianship Luther Stedman will never be able to escape, I may return, unless the conditions have so been changed that it is unnecessary.”
“The chances are as an hundred to one against your reachin’ Peter Snyder’s hut, even though you traveled alone, therefore what hope could you have of makin’ the journey in safety, hampered by a prisoner?” I cried, absolutely frightened by Abraham’s proposition.
“An’ yet nevertheless shall I make the attempt,” the lad said stoutly and in a tone which showed that it was useless to combat the decision. “It seems to me that ever since we set out to do whatsoever we might for the Cause, all our time has been spent in capturin’ that Tory cur, only to have him give us the slip later. Now he is in our power, an’ instead of turnin’ him over to some one else, I will make certain that he works no further mischief.”
I did not continue the argument, and for two reasons. The first because I was convinced it would be useless to make any attempt at dissuading Abraham from that upon which he had resolved, and again, I realized that instead of standing there where the surrounding enemy was cut off from our view, we were neglecting in some degree, I could not say exactly how, Seth Hartley’s interests. Therefore it was I said with more of irritation in my tone than was warranted:
“We must go back where we can keep watch, lest somethin’ should suddenly demand our goin’ to Seth’s assistance. Once there, however, let us be guarded in speech, for Luther Stedman believes we have it in mind to murder him, an’ I would not so far relieve his anxiety as to let him understand that we only count on holdin’ him prisoner. Because he has escaped scot free twice before, ordinary captivity will not cause him any great uneasiness.”
Abraham started back toward the platform of twigs as if eager to put an end to the conversation lest we insist that he abandon the plan in his mind, and once gaining that slight refuge from the water and mud, we looked out again upon the scene presented by the enemy.
So far as could be judged, the slight noise we made in capturing Luther had not aroused any suspicion. The marines were loitering here and there; the sailors were waiting by their boats, or lying at full length on the sand, and one might say with every assurance that we had thus far done no harm in having given way to our passionate desires.
It was while we remained there silently gazing upon the enemy, that I saw the marine who had been pointed out to us as Barney Nelson coming down the incline of the land, as if from the rear of the swamp where we were in hiding, and instantly a great hope sprang up in my heart, which I voiced by whispering to Abraham:
“I believe of a verity Seth Hartley has had speech with his friend. Look you! There goes the marine alone, as if havin’ come from the direction where Seth was last seen, an’--”
I did not finish the sentence, for at that instant a light splashing of the water could be heard a short distance away, and as we three gazed the form of our British friend appeared among the foliage, with an expression of most intense satisfaction on his face.
Forgetting for an instant Luther Stedman, I half-turned to hear his story, and was astonished because of the look of amazement which overspread his face. Immediately I realized that he was bewildered at seeing the prisoner, and said hurriedly, speaking with the utmost caution:
“That Tory came our way, an’ it was a case of capturin’ him or bein’ discovered.”
“How did you do it?” he asked as if mystified. “I have not been above an hundred feet away at any time, an’ yet heard no noise.”
“The slime of the swamp served our friend,” I said, and smiling even while my anxiety was so great. “We can speak of him later; tell us what you have done?”
“I have had speech with Barney Nelson, an’ that at a time when I had well nigh given up all hope of comin’ face to face with him alone.”
“And he?” I asked, fearing to put the question into words.
“He will do whatsoever he may so that it be not against the oath he has taken to serve the king; but lad, it needs not I should tell you that even though Barney were willin’ to do everythin’ a man could, the chances of releasin’ Abel Grant are mighty slim.”
“Is he aboard yonder ship?”
“Yes, as are nigh to two hundred others who were taken prisoners in the battle. The Good Hope is to be moved up nearer the town when it shall have been taken, an’ meanwhile all Barney can do is to tell our friend that we are waiting for an opportunity to lend a hand.”
“Surely you have been successful even beyond my hopes,” I replied fervently, thankful because this little had been accomplished. “Now what are we to do?”
“Before seein’ yonder prisoner I should have said there was nothin’ which could be done, save wait in the poor hope that some turn or chance might show us a way to help him; but now I am all at sea, for suppose this moment we should find a way open to get at him, how can we make a move while that Tory is held by you?”
Then it was that Abe explained what was his purpose, and much to my surprise Seth Hartley seemed to agree with him. Afterward I came to understand that he was accepting cheerfully the only possible solution of the difficulty, for we must get rid of Luther, and yet could not afford to set him at liberty.
“There is no possibility that we shall see Barney Nelson again until mornin’,” Seth said after a brief time of silence. “His shore leave is about expired, an’ mayhap he will not have another within eight and forty hours; but yet must we wait, for in him is our only hope.”
“Will you come back, having left the Tory with Peter Snyder?” I asked of Abraham, shielding my mouth in such fashion that the prisoner could not hear the question, and the lad replied:
“That is for Seth Hartley to say. If so be I can serve the plan, then will I leave the Tory with old Peter, believing he’ll be more faithful to the charge than any other we could select; but I much prefer to have the scoundrel in my own keeping, an’ then if the enemy should suddenly appear, showin’ that he could not fail of bein’ released, I would take his life with my own hands rather than let him go free again.”
To this blood-thirsty remark Seth Hartley gave no heed; but at once began outlining a plan for Abraham to get away with the Tory, in the course of which he said:
“Since it is certain that we shall not be able to do anythin’ in behalf of Abel Grant within the next four an’ twenty hours at the least, why not take Ephraim and Sam with you in case you should come upon such a small force as could be overcome?”
“I will have no one run the risk but myself. If either of the lads went with me, then would the danger be doubled, since he who thus lent a hand would be forced to return, an’ one portion of the journey is as dangerous as another,” Abraham said decidedly. “If it is agreed there is no real reason for me to come back, then all the risk must be mine.”
“Ay, an’ you are right, lad,” Seth Hartley said quietly, and to one who was ignorant of the situation there would have been no suspicion that these two talking so quietly, were discussing a matter which meant the life or death of all concerned. “We will carry our prisoner out through the swamp when midnight shall have come, since to trust him to walk would be dangerous. Then you must be guided by whatsoever occurs, for no one can say what should or should not be done.”
“Ay, that I know full well, an’ you may trust me to get him there, or else both of us will die on the way,” Abe said emphatically, and that ended the conversation regarding the keeping in our custody of Luther Stedman.
But for the fact that we had a prisoner, our hearts would have been very light now since communication had been opened up with Barney Nelson and he had agreed to carry word of our whereabouts to Abel; but as it was, every nerve was strained to its utmost tension, and when after a long while Seth Hartley proposed that we try to gain some sleep, leaving one on watch, I could have laughed at the idea, for slumber at that moment was as far from my eyelids as was the sense of security from my heart.
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