CHAPTER X

IN THE LION’S MOUTH

During all this time of excitement, which began with the seeming attack upon the British lines, I had entirely forgotten that information which I gathered at the carnival.

Now, however, when we were about to venture into the lion’s mouth, as you might say, it came upon me like a flash, and with it the belief that I should immediately tell the Weaver of Germantown what I had heard; but yet, while the words were trembling on my lips, I held my peace.

At the same instant there came to me the thought that if peradventure this man believed the information of such great moment that our people at Valley Forge should hear of it without delay, he might, instead of going on with this attempt to aid our imprisoned comrades, consider it his duty to turn about and lose no time in reaching the American lines.

Therefore it was I showed myself very nearly a traitor to the Cause, for the imprisonment, or even the life, of my two comrades might be as nothing compared with the possible advantage to the colonies which would come with the repeating of those words I had overhead.

When it was all over, and I had time to think calmly of my course, I gave to myself no little blame for not having told the Weaver of Germantown, when we first met him, all that I heard. However, I did not, and, fortunately, as it turned out, no particular harm was done.

You can well fancy that I did not loiter in the yard speculating upon these things, for the Weaver of Germantown had given us no opportunity for idling. That which I have set down concerning what I ought to have done came into my mind like a flash, and as a flash dies out, so did that go from me until, even though it might be called much the same as treason, I gave no further heed to the matter.

And now that which I have to tell sounds at this day, even in my own ears, much like a fanciful tale rather than a statement of fact; but yet there was good reason why our adventure proved to be a simple one.

The Britishers were frightened well-nigh out of their wits, and instead of thinking that they must care for the prisoners, seemingly gave no heed to anything save the safety of their own precious bodies.

We left Timothy Bowers on guard at the rope with orders to keep his ears wide open for the sound of approaching footsteps. Then, when we were come to the main entrance of the building, the Weaver of Germantown turned to young Chris, taking him firmly by the shoulders as if to make the lad understand that the command which he was giving must be obeyed without a question, and whispered sharply:

“You are to stand here, lad, until either we return, or you have good proof of our having been taken prisoners. Keep your wits well about you. At the first token that any approaches, either from the prison side or the street, open this door and cry out at the full strength of your lungs, after which it shall be your purpose to save yourself by going over the wall with the aid of the rope, or in whatsoever way seems best at the moment.”

Then he opened the door, which strangely enough had been left unfastened, and walked inside as if simply visiting a friend, I following him as can well be fancied, keeping so close to his heels that he could not have taken a step backward without treading on my toes.

The passageways were lighted by candles, and I saw on every side doors which were closed, but evidently led into those rooms serving as guard-houses for the lobster-backs who had infringed some of his majesty’s rules regarding the conduct of soldiers who wore red coats.

There was little time, however, for me to give heed to the immediate surroundings. The Weaver of Germantown continued straight on up the stairs as if he knew exactly where it was needed he should go, and, having gained the second story without hearing or seeing any sign of life, began trying those doors which led to the rooms at the rear of the building, at the same time speaking through the keyholes sufficiently loud for the inmates to hear:

“If the lads who are Minute Boys be confined here, let them give some token.”

Three times was this repeated at these several doors, and each instant I stood trembling in my shoes, expecting that from below, or out of one of the many rooms, would appear the lobster-back whom one might suppose had remained on guard; and then came from the inside of the third apartment a voice which I knew to be Jeremy’s:

“Have our people taken the city?”

Instead of making reply to this question, the Weaver of Germantown set his shoulder against the door, motioning for me to do the same, and then it was that I saw the man exert an amount of strength which seems almost incredible.

At the second attempt he shattered the barrier, carrying away lock and bolt, as a matter of course, and making so much of a tumult, that if there had been any lobster-back inside the building he must have understood what was going on.

No one appeared to oppose us; no word was heard from the lower story, or from any of the other rooms, when I, following the Weaver of Germantown, after the door was broken in, seized Jeremy around the neck, kissing him much as I might have kissed my mother; Sam meanwhile pressing closely, asking, as I dimly understood, a multitude of questions as to how we had come there and what was the meaning of the tumult abroad.

The man who had served us such a good turn in thus coming at the prisoners, was not inclined to allow us to linger in the work-house, nor did I have any desire so to do.

He literally shoved Jeremy and Sam, together with me, out into the passage, and then made his way down the stairs at a swift pace, while we followed, for to have loitered a single instant there would have been worse than folly.

At each step we took toward freedom I believed we must of necessity come upon some of the enemy, for it did not seem possible, and even now appears most improbable, that we could have done all which we did.

We came down the stairs into the main passage, out of the door at which young Chris was standing guard, and then, if you will believe me, the Weaver of Germantown went directly to the main gate, where he found free exit, for whosoever had been on guard and ran out when the alarm that the Americans were come had been given, did not take the trouble to fasten the barrier behind him.

Instead of climbing over the wall by the rope, and thereby spending many precious moments, we might have marched directly in as if we were welcome visitors, gone about our business, and come out even as we did without a scratch and without hurrying.

There was little need to summon Timothy, for, seeing us open the gate, he came quickly forward, and we six went out into the street free, even though we were in the midst of all that British army.

We had released two of General Howe’s prisoners without turning a hair, and now it only remained that we should find some hiding place.

As may be supposed, the Weaver of Germantown led us by the nearest course to the Jolly Tar inn, save when one of us lads suggested that we go through this alley or across that yard in order to avoid the possibility of coming upon some of the lobster-backs; and yet we need not have been afraid that they would be met, for every blessed one of those who had come from overseas to flog us into loving the king, was gathered nearby where it was supposed our American army was drawn up in line of battle.

Even while we ran the rattle of musketry began, and if anything had been needed to strengthen my belief that a battle was near at hand, that would have been sufficient.

I quickened my pace sufficiently to overtake the Weaver of Germantown, who was a short distance in advance of me, and, clutching him by the arm, asked if it were not better we should go where our people were doubtless making a brave effort to whip the enemy.

But he said curtly, and as if he no longer had very much care regarding what was being done:

“Even though we should approach directly to the line of battle which the Britishers have doubtless formed, it would be impossible to come at our people. The one duty just now is to ourselves, and we can only perform it by getting under cover.”

Not until we were come to the Jolly Tar, and had reconnoitred by going to the rear of the building and looking through the windows to make certain there were no patrons inside, did we hear the fusillade from where the flames were shooting up.

Then Master Targe opened the door to give us admittance, and his house looked just at that time as if it was barricaded, he having piled the furniture against the doors on the inside as if expecting an attack.

The sounds of the battle continued; but before we were again in that room where I had first seen the Weaver of Germantown, the commotion died away, the flames subsided, and it was as if whatsoever had been begun was at an end.

“Have our people been whipped?” Timothy asked in a tone of fear, as the door was closed behind us and Master Targe went down the stairs to put his tavern in a state of defence once more, and the Weaver of Germantown replied laughingly:

“I am of the opinion they were not there to be beaten, lad. Our people knew full well of this carnival which was being held, and it is in my mind that some of the younger blood have taken advantage of the opportunity to give the Britishers a scare, in which verily they have succeeded.”

It may be as well here for me to explain at once, and without waiting for that day when we learned the particulars, all that had occurred which was so greatly to the advantage of Jeremy and Sam.

It appears that Colonel Allen McLane, who was of General Lafayette’s force that had come to Barren Hill, decided to break up the entertainment without very much of danger to himself or to his men, and, as has been seen, he succeeded most gloriously.

With one hundred and fifty soldiers in four divisions, and supported by Clow’s dragoons, those brave fellows came, each carrying a camp-kettle filled with light wood on which pitch and tar had been smeared, down to the first line of British defences.

There was set on fire the fuel which had been brought, and the men remained sufficiently long to make reply to the first volley which the frightened red-coats fired at random.

It was only a prank, and verily our men, after their long time of suffering at Valley Forge, had earned the right to indulge in a little sport, more particularly when they could have the intense satisfaction of seeing all General Howe’s supposedly brave troops show the white feather as it had been displayed that night.

It was all a bit of sport, as I have said, and yet nothing save a general attack of our people upon the enemy could have served Jeremy and Sam such a good turn. But even that opportunity would have been lost except for the Weaver of Germantown, who understood on the instant what might be done, and who was enabled, under Providence, to come upon us when he had little or no definite idea as to where we might be found.

Whenever I am low-spirited, or inclined to believe that Fortune has dealt hardly with me, I look back upon that night, remembering what grew out of the prank which Colonel McLane played upon the lobster-backs, and then realize full well that howsoever far we are from deserving favors, there is above us all a loving care which, finally, if we give it the chance, leads us into the right way and to our own safety.

As a matter of course, we had made no attempt at conversing one with another while making our way from the work-house to the inn; but once inside the building our tongues were unloosened, as Jeremy and Sam insisted upon our giving a detailed account of what had happened since they were taken prisoners.

“It is you rather than we who should play the part of story-tellers,” I said, feeling so overjoyed at our wondrous success that it was with difficulty I could restrain from embracing each of the dear lads in turn, and thereby showing myself a veritable simple. “What we are burning to know is how you chanced to have fallen into the clutches of the lobster-backs, and allowed Skinny Baker to go free?”

“It wasn’t with our permission that he went free,” Jeremy replied laughingly, and young Chris asked sharply, as if minded at this time of great joy to find serious fault with those whom we had rescued:

“How then did it chance that the lobster-backs came upon you? Surely it must have been through some carelessness of your own.”

“If anyone is to be blamed in the matter, it is you, Chris Ludwig!” Sam cried sharply. “We might have stayed there holding Skinny a prisoner until this time, save for that unruly tongue of yours.”

“Me?” Chris cried in surprise and anger. “What did I have to do with it? I was at Valley Forge when you allowed yourselves to be taken.”

“Ay, that you were; but before going you told Mark Duren that we were counting on raising a company of Minute Boys, and in your eagerness to get recruits, even went so far as to tell him of our rendezvous, explaining how he might make his way through the timbers to come at us.”

“And why shouldn’t I tell him?” young Chris cried, growing yet more angry. “He is one who favors the Cause, and showed himself most willing to join us.”

“When has he ever favored the Cause? You knew, or should have known, that he was a close comrade of Skinny Baker’s, and when that young Tory was missing, Mark went directly to Master Baker, reporting to him that which you had said. There is no need of further explanations, for even though Skinny’s father be a Tory, he is not a fool, and straightway, after hearing what Mark had to tell, he asked for a squad of lobster-backs to aid him. The first information we had that you were so incautious as to reveal our hiding place, was when Master Baker himself appeared, followed by two red-coats.”

“Didn’t you hear them coming?” Timothy asked, and Jeremy replied sadly:

“Ay, lad, we did, and believed it was Richard Salter and young Chris, therefore stood ready to welcome them, rather than taking heed to our defence. Even then, but for Skinny himself, we might have escaped, perhaps by leaping into the river; but the currish Tory threw himself in our way, and betwixt him and his father we were speedily made helpless.”

On hearing this story I blamed myself even more than young Chris, for, knowing the lad as I did, it should have been my one aim to prevent him from going out while he was so excited over the matter of raising recruits for the Minute Boys. I ought to have known he would have done just the same foolish thing which he did, thus bringing Jeremy and Sam to grief.

At almost any other time I would have read young Chris a lesson which he would not speedily have forgotten, because of what he had done; but at this moment, when our comrades were with us once more after having been literally plucked from out the lion’s mouth, my joy and relief was so great that I could not have found fault or spoken a harsh word to my bitterest enemy.

I believed the others felt much as I did, and young Chris, who now understood what a serious injury he had done his friends, took refuge in what was very like a fit of sulks, throwing himself on the floor in one corner of the room as if he no longer desired to hold converse with us.

During a full minute the silence was most painful, for we realized how greatly one of our Minute Boys had sinned against the Cause, and yet no lad felt inclined to say aught concerning his crime.

It was during this time of silence that again I remembered what had been overheard during my service as servant at the carnival, and straightway I repeated, so far as was possible, exactly the words which I heard from the lobster-backs, the Weaver of Germantown showing by the expression on his face that he considered my information of greatest value.

“Verily much has been accomplished within the last four and twenty hours,” the man said in the tone of one who is deeply impressed, when I had come to the end of my story, and I ventured to ask:

“Then you think that which I heard is of importance?”

“Ay, lad, of such vital importance that this night the six of us shall set out, each going by a different route, in an attempt to gain Barren Hill before daylight, in order to let General Lafayette know what he may expect.”

“But why should each go by a different way?” Sam asked curiously, and the Weaver of Germantown replied gravely:

“Because, lad, after such a scare as the Britishers have had this night, I am of the opinion that we shall be more closely shut in than ever before. Even though they had not been nearly frightened out of their wits, General Howe or General Clinton is good soldier enough to understand that this is the time when they must guard closely against such people as we are striving to be, lest word be carried to the rebels. It is more than likely some of us will be taken prisoners in the effort to leave the town, and therefore would I have it that each goes in his own way, without taking counsel of the others, to the end that one, if not more, may succeed in carrying the message. Now then, Richard Salter, repeat again that which you heard, and each of you lads, including you, Master Ludwig, listen intently, so that you may impress it upon your memory, for we may not safely set down in writing the information we carry.”

Then it was that I told again, and in the fewest possible words, what I had heard while serving the lobster-backs during the carnival, and each of my comrades, including young Chris, listened with such eagerness that one might know by the expression on their faces how hard everyone was striving to remember all I said.

Having come to an end of the story, I, without giving due heed to the words, asked Jeremy Hapgood how he counted on gaining Barren Hill, whereupon the Weaver of Germantown interrupted us quickly, as he said:

“Nay, nay, lads, none of that! I would have each of you go independently, not knowing what the others may do, to the end that we shall have the more chance of succeeding in our mission, for I give you my solemn word that at no time in your lives, however long you may stay on this earth, will you be charged with so much of vital importance to those who love the colonies.”

Then, when we would have lingered, the spy forced us out of the room, saying as he did so:

“Waste not one single second; but from this moment until you can have had speech with General Lafayette’s force, bend every effort to getting within our lines.”

He himself set the example by going to the lower floor, where during two or three minutes he held a whispered consultation with Master Targe, we lads standing back meanwhile, for it was evident he had no mind we should hear that which he said.

The innkeeper himself opened the door for us, and as I passed through, following directly behind the Weaver of Germantown, this surly-visaged landlord clapped me on the shoulder in a most friendly fashion.

I can conceive of nothing which would have given me a more vivid idea of the danger attending this attempt, than that act of his, for it was so little in accord with his general manner that at the moment it seemed almost as if he was bidding me good-bye forever.

Perhaps it was well I should have had this reminder of what lay before me, for if I had previously been inclined to carelessness, of a verity now were my wits quickened. Waiting not to learn what my comrades might do, I set off, counting to go by the way of Southwark in the belief that through that section of the town I could pass with less of danger.

Understanding that it would be impossible for me to travel at a rapid pace all night, I strove to husband my strength, walking at a fairly good gait; but without striving to make too much speed at the outset.

That I was wise in thus planning to go from Philadelphia by a roundabout way was speedily shown. Those revellers who had been at the carnival were yet at the place where Colonel McLane had made his feint, less than half a dozen having returned to quiet the alarm of the ladies, and I made my way directly past Master Wharton’s mansion, or counted on so doing, when I came upon two horses fastened to the fence of the back yard nearabout where Chris, Timothy and I had made our entrance.

By their accoutrements I knew they were animals belonging to some of the British officers, and while one might have counted ten I stood gazing at them enviously. Then came into my mind what seemed little less than an inspiration, although it was no more than that old adage:

“As well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb.”

If I was caught striving to gain the American lines just at that time, then was death certain. They could do no more than hang me if, while trying to perform this duty, I stole a horse, although under all the circumstances I did not give to it the name of stealing, for this was indeed war, and to gain the better of an enemy by getting from him the means of transportation to carry an important message is anything rather than theft.

You may well fancy that I did not stand many seconds within a stone’s throw of Master Wharton’s house, which was yet reasonably well thronged with ladies, turning all this matter over in my mind.

Immediately I saw the steeds, and the idea came to me of what great advantage it would be if I were mounted, not only in enabling me to gain Barren Hill at an earlier hour, but also in event of pursuit to make my escape, I quickly unfastened the bridle of that beast which seemingly was the better fitted for a long journey.

Then I slowly led him out through the thicket into a path of which I had long known, that ran straight away into the road I would take.

Having gone an hundred yards or more thus cautiously, I vaulted into the saddle, and once there urged the animal into a gallop.

There was in my mind such a sense of triumph because of having thus succeeded in making it possible to gain the American forces while it was yet time, that I had real difficulty in preventing myself from crying aloud with joy.

I said over and over again in my mind that now was it positive I would outstrip all those who were bent on the same mission, even including the Weaver of Germantown, who, because of his longer experience, should have been able to go to and fro between Philadelphia and the American lines more quickly than one who had only done so a single time.

In fact, I was so puffed up with pride over what was no more than an accident, and looked upon it as if this gaining a steed for my purpose was something due to my own wondrous abilities, that I failed to take any heed whatsoever to what should have ever been in mind--the fact that I was in the enemy’s country, and more closely surrounded by lobster-backs on this night, because of the alarm which had been raised, than at almost any other time since the Britishers occupied the city.

However, I was brought to a realization of the situation and of my own foolishness in striving to take credit to myself, before I had gone half a mile from Master Wharton’s country house.

I gained the main road, and the beast which I bestrode had settled himself down into a long, swinging gallop as if understanding that considerable of a journey lay before him, when suddenly there came from a cross road, or lane, the sound of horses’ feet coming rapidly toward me. Before I had time to fully realize the situation, a voice shouted out that I should halt or he would fire.

I was not so thick-headed as to fail of realizing on the instant that I would be in no greater danger by continuing on regardless of the summons, than if I stopped and gave the enemy an opportunity of finding out who I was.

If they fired, and with true aim, then might I come to my death. But if I was taken by them at that time, astride a horse belonging to a British officer and headed straight away for the American lines, then there could be no question as to how I would go out of the world, and but little doubt as to its being a speedy exit.

Therefore it was that, bending low in the saddle, I urged the horse on to yet greater speed, and had the beast loved the colonies as did I, and hated the king with equal fervor, he could not have responded more quickly or more gamely.

At almost the same instant when the horse increased his pace, I involuntarily glanced over my shoulder just as half a dozen flashes of light illumined the foliage nearby, and I heard the whistling of bullets over my head as the reports of the weapons rang out.

I fail even now to understand why it chanced I was really so brave at that time. There was not in my mind any thought of injury to myself, or fear that I might be hurt; but all my anxiety was lest they cripple the gallant beast that was bearing me onward so swiftly, and I literally held my breath while striving to discover from his stride or movements whether he had been wounded.

Fortunately, however, I could see no difference after this volley which had been fired at comparatively short range, for the beast was running swiftly, and with every evidence of strength, as if this night-race pleased him hugely.

Now it was I turned my head to gain some idea of the pursuers, and could see even amid the gloom that there were not less than six or seven horsemen in the rear who were seemingly mounted as well as I. There was in my mind the fancy it was possible for me to make out that they all wore uniforms. At least, I heard the clank of swords in the scabbards, and knew that none of our people would be so accoutred while in the city of Philadelphia, therefore even though the volley which had been fired at me was not sufficient indication of their character, I had an exceedingly good idea it was General Howe’s men who were pursuing.

That it would be a long race I made no question, for we all seemingly rode good horses. In fact, it made little difference to me how long they kept up the pursuit, so that I was enabled to remain in the lead until having come within hail of General Lafayette’s outposts.

There was no speculation in my mind as to why these horsemen were in that vicinity just then. I was not so thick-headed as to fail of understanding that on the night before an important move was to be made, and particularly within a few hours after the lobster-backs had good proof the Americans were not all dead, an unusually strict watch would be kept to prevent any from leaving the city, therefore was it reasonable to suppose those whom I had thus unfortunately come upon were patrolling this side of the town.

“Even though they do me harm, I shall be the means of luring them away from their post of duty,” I said to myself with grim satisfaction. “And if perchance one of the other lads attempts to make his way out of the city over this same route, then, although I fail, have I been of some service.”

I believe we had been going at racing speed no less than ten minutes when a single shot rang out clear and distinct on the night air; but I failed to hear the whistling of the missile, nor did I feel any token from the horse that he had been injured.

Therefore it was I could almost have laughed aloud in joy because they were endeavoring to shoot me, since it showed, to my mind at least, that they had grave doubts whether it would be possible to overtake me, and were come to understand that their only hope was in crippling the steed.

Twice within the next five minutes did the report of firearms come to my ears, after which I fancied that I had gained a considerable distance on my pursuers, although as to that I could not be certain, for their horses were yet running fresh and strong, as was mine, and one may not safely judge of distances in the gloom.

By this time the fellows chasing me knew beyond peradventure that I was striving to gain the American lines, and realizing this, they understood, unless indeed they had been veritable simples, that I was carrying important information to that rag-tag and bobtail of an army of which they had so lately shown themselves afraid.

Therefore it was that they would spare no effort to overtake me; but while the pace was so hot there was little chance they could shoot with any accuracy of aim. The greatest danger, as it appeared to me just then, was that by some unfortunate accident their bullets might go in the direction they desired, and the chase come to an end because of the wounding or killing of the horse I rode.