CHAPTER VI. THE BEND OF THE WALLOOMSAC.
Not a little startled by the words of the stranger, Ira glanced atGeneral Burgoyne to see what impression they had made upon him. Seeing alook of amusement, rather than suspicion, on the officer's face, he grewbolder; but was still at loss what reply to make, when he saw a piece ofpaper lying upon a table in front of the general, on which a name waswritten in an irregular, scrawling hand.
Instantly the lad recognized it as that of a zealous Tory in anadjoining state, of whom he had heard much. In a twinkling he understoodthat it was the name of the man before him, who had sent it in to theBritish commander when he sought an interview.
The glance, the reading, the conclusion, were as a flash, and the nextminute he was gazing smilingly at the visitor, as he said:
"I am surprised that you don't know me, Uncle Horace; but then, it is along time since we met."
"Do you know me?" the stranger exclaimed, every line of doubt on hisface changing to an expression of delight.
"Of course I do," the young scout replied confidently. "You are HoraceLyman of Bennington, who----"
"Who married your ma's sister," the Tory interrupted. "It's queer youlook so different than you did when over at my house, but, as you say,that is some time ago."
"It must have been before father and I went to Europe," Ira went onboldly.
"So it was, and a year over there must have changed your looks, though Ibegin to see the old face now. How is your pa and ma, and the youngerchildren?"
"All well when I last heard from them," was the reply. "How is Aunt andCousin Fred?"
"Your aunt is poorly, very poorly," Master Lyman answered. "Sometimes Ithink she is a little bit out here," and he touched his forehead, "forshe persists that the rebels will in the end gain their independence.But Fred, he's all right, physically and mentally. He has done some goodwork in the last week or two, about which I have been telling thegeneral, and now he wants to enlist in the king's service. That is onereason why I am over here to-day."
"And I have promised to give the matter my consideration," GeneralBurgoyne remarked, as though growing impatient with his visitors' familyaffairs. "If you will take a turn about the fort for an hour or two,Master Lyman, I will then tell you what I can do in regard to bothmatters you have spoken about," and he bowed him from the room.
Turning to Ira, he said:
"Before I give your relative a definite reply, I must talk with youabout the revelation he has made, and the favor he desires. You havebeen in Bennington, Master Le Geyt?"
"Yes, sir, two or three years ago."
"Do you know where is located the inn known as the 'State's Arms' house?I mean its position in the village, and its relation to the other publicbuildings?"
"Yes, sir. It stands on the summit of the hill, near the church," andthe young scout rapidly described the town, its surroundings, and itsapproaches, wondering all the while what could be his commander's reasonfor this information.
"I learn through your uncle," the general said, "that the rebels aregathering large quantities of ammunition and stores there. He believes Ican make an easy capture of them. Your cousin Fred, as you call him, hasbeen keeping watch over the doings in the town and the neighborhood. Nowin your judgment, how large a force of men would be necessary to makethe raid on Bennington?"
"Would it not be better for me to go back with Uncle Horace, and lookaround?" Ira suggested, hoping to gain time in which to warn the peopleof the danger that threatened them.
"I was going to ask that of you," the general replied. "According toyour relative, the stores are still being brought in, and it will bewell for us to defer our raid until they have finished the work. Butthere is another part of Master Lyman's tale which greatly interests me.He declares that there is an opportunity for me to secure from theneighboring farms, horses in sufficient numbers to equip a regiment ofcavalry. If this can be done, it would give me a great advantage overthe rebels. I would, therefore, like to have you spend a few days inthat locality looking carefully into the matter. In such task you mayfind occasion to employ your cousin, and thus learn whether he can be offurther value to us as guide, courier, or staff officer. It is thelatter position your uncle desires for him."
"When does Uncle Horace intend to return home?" questioned the scout,still thinking how he could serve his friends and save the stores.
"To-morrow. I believe."
"I will be ready to go with him," Ira said, rising to take his leave.
"May fortune favor you," were the parting words of the general.
Though the lad saw Master Lyman upon the walls of the fort, he did notthink it wise to seek another interview with him. Something might arisein their conversation to awaken the suspicions of the Tory as to hisidentity. When in Bennington, some months previous, he had, by themerest chance, learned of the royalist, and that he had a son Fred, whowas as ardent a supporter of the king as the father. This informationhad served him a good turn; but while he really meant to accompany theman to Bennington, he had no intention of putting himself in a positionwhere either husband, wife, or son would be likely to discover he wasnot the real Ira.
Leaving it, therefore, for General Burgoyne to explain to the visitorthe plans which had been decided upon, the young scout went into his owntent to devise, if possible, some way by which the purpose of theBritish commander could be thwarted.
When night came he slipped out of the fort, and went over to the placewhere he had arranged to meet Dan Cushing. He found the boy in waiting,and after a brief conversation with him, did what he had not expected todo when he left the British camp. At the risk of being seen by somesharp-eyed picket, or more alert Indian, he, in company with Dan,crossed the river and entered the Continental lines.
For an hour he and his comrade were closeted with General Schuyler, andthen the two lads came forth, Ira to make his way back to his quartersin the fort, and Dan to mount a horse when, after a long detour to thesouth of Fort Edward, he was to ride toward Bennington.
Not far from nine o'clock the following day Master Lyman and Ira Le Geytleft the fort, and, taking the nearest route for Bennington, rodeleisurely along.
"I am sure you will find Fred of great help to you in this work," MasterLyman said, "and a good word from you will surely give him the place hewants on the general's staff."
"He prefers that to the position of scout or courier?" the latterquestioned, more to keep up appearances than for any other reason.
"Yes," the Tory replied emphatically. "If he is only a scout or courierhe must wear his ordinary dress, but if put on the general's staff, withthe rank of a lieutenant or captain, he would have the regular uniform,and that is what Fred wants. Ever since he was in Quebec last fall hehas just been about crazy to get on some regimentals."
"And yet he might be of more service in ordinary clothes," Ira saidgrimly.
"Yes, and run a bigger risk. The reason Fred sticks for a place on thestaff of the general is, that there won't be as much danger, as in theregular service. There'll be more honor and less fighting."
"I've known others to choose the humbler place because it called formore dangerous work," the young scout said in the same grim tone.
The Tory looked at him sharply. "Do you question Fred's courage?" hedemanded.
"How can I, until I see it put to the test?" was the demure response. "Iwas merely thinking of the difference between Fred's view and mine. I ama scout because it gives me an opportunity to render a greater service."
The Tory scowled, but made no reply, and soon the conversation turned toother matters. At noon they ate dinner with a friend of Master Lyman's,of whom the latter declared: "He is as true a servant of the king's as Iam," a fact of which Ira made mental note for future use.
At nightfall they were within a few miles of their destination, and bypushing on could have reached it before a very late hour; but MasterLyman evidently had another plan in mind. As they arrived at a roadleadi
ng northward, he said:
"A mile or so beyond is the home of James Earle. I promised to stop onmy way back from the fort and tell him what I had seen and heard. We'llgo there for the night."
"It is for you to say," his comrade replied, turning his horse to followhis leader.
A tract of woodland could be seen just ahead, and as if to pass throughit as rapidly as possible, the Tory spurred his horse to a canter. As hedisappeared beneath the shadow of the trees, Ira suddenly reined in hisown steed, and, turning toward the road they had left, uttered the cryof a night hawk. Almost immediately it was repeated at no great distancein the rear, and, apparently satisfied, the lad dashed away after hiscompanion.
In a few minutes the two had arrived at Master Earle's house, where theywere warmly received, and provided with a hearty supper. When the mealhad been eaten, the travelers and their host went into the front room ofthe house, leaving the women to clear away the table. Soon the twoTories were busily engaged discussing the situation and condition of theBritish army, and its prospects of success. Both were confident that ina few days they would hear of the overwhelming defeat of theContinentals.
Ira, left to himself, sauntered across the room to an open window, andlooked out. The night, although there was no moon, was not very dark,and his sharp eyes detected a party of horsemen, just leaving the forestbelow the house, and coming rapidly up. He did not seem to be alarmed,however, at his discovery, and waited for the sound of the horses' hoofsto reach the ears of the men behind him. But they were so engrossed inconversation as to hear nothing until the approaching riders were almostopposite the dwelling. Then, springing to their feet in alarm, bothcried:
"What is that?"
As if arousing from a revery, Ira exclaimed:
"I declare, Master Earle, you have more visitors!"
The farmer was at his side in an instant, and, with a glance at thecoming troopers, turned and ran toward the kitchen, crying:
"Quick, Master Lyman! They are rebels, and we must hide!"
But he and his friend gained the back door too late to escape. The ladfollowed in time to see both fall into the hands of four stalwart men,who were lying in wait. Two others seized the young scout as heappeared, and then the commander of the company, a long, lank,grizzly-bearded man, not far from the age of the Tories, came forward.
"What does this mean, Sam Adams?" Master Earle demanded. "It is anoutrage to treat men this way in a free country."
"We ain't free yet," the lieutenant retorted, "that is, we ain't free ofred-coats or Tories, though we are likely to be before a great while.Howsomever, if you want to know by whose authority I have arrested youand Squire Lyman, I'll say the Committee of Safety sent me for thatpurpose, and they'll tell you what's wanted. But who's that young chap?"
"He's my nephew, Ira Le Geyt," Master Lyman replied quickly. "He wasgoing home with me for a visit."
"Ira Le Geyt," repeated the officer slowly. "Seems to me I've heard thatname before, though I can't tell where. But I've no orders to take him.Let the lad go, men, and we'll hope the next time we see him he will bein better company."
Then he gave orders to bring horses from the barn for his prisoners, andshortly the entire party rode away.
Ira, left alone with the women, tried to soothe them by saying:
"General Burgoyne will send an army down here as soon as he hears ofthis, and tired as I am, I will be off at once if I can have a freshhorse."
A small boy went to the barn with the scout, showing him which animal totake, and within fifteen minutes after the horsemen had departed, Irawas following them toward the main road. Arriving there, he found DanCushing in waiting, and, after heartily greeting each other, bothstarted for the village, Dan saying as they rode along:
"When I left you last night, Ira, I pushed straight on to Bennington,arriving at Captain Park's house before he was up; but he wasn't slowafter readin' General Schuyler's letter. First he gave me a finebreakfast, after which he said I was to go to bed an' get some sleep.Then he hurried off to consult with the town committee. They must havehustled, for when I awakened a little after noon, the captain told methere were already four companies of militia in the village, guardingthe stores, an' that a messenger had been sent off to Derryfield, NewHampshire, after Colonel John Stark to take command of the troops, whichare expected to number two thousand by to-morrow night."
"They mean business, don't they?" his comrade interrupted; "but go on,Dan, with your story."
"The rest is soon told. Captain Park sent me down the road to be on thelookout for you an' the Tory. He thought the old feller would stop atMaster Earle's, because the two are great cronies. I got to thecross-roads an hour 'fore you did, put a red rag on the bush so you'dknow I was 'round, an' then hid in the woods. I heerd an' answered yoursignal, then went back to town for the troopers. There's only one thingmore to tell you. The Safety Committee want to see you when we get intotown. They've got something to talk over with you."
"I expected it," Ira replied. "Where am I to find them?"
"At the captain's, where we're to stop. They thought you would be tired,an' so agreed to be right there when you arrived."
In less than an hour the two lads were at their destination, and when aservant had taken their horses, both entered the huge kitchen of themansion to find themselves face to face with twelve men, whose resolutecountenances said more plainly than words that they were not to betrifled with when the enterprise they were engaged in was a righteousone. The men were seated around a long table, and Dan, stepping inadvance of his comrade, announced:
"Governor Wentworth, this is the feller 'bout whom General Schuylerwrote, an' who is now known as Ira Le Geyt."
The twelve committeemen turned their eyes upon the newcomer, and he onhis part gazed earnestly at them. Several he knew by sight, though hehad no personal acquaintance with them; the others were strangers, savehim at the foot of the table. As Ira's glance fell on this man herecognized him as a citizen whom he had met when on a former visit tothe town, and he understood by the look given him, that the recognitionwas mutual. A slight shake of the head, however, gave this patriot tounderstand that the lad did not wish to be known, and then Ira listenedto the governor, who now said:
"Though unknown to us, young man, we cannot doubt your faithfulness tothe Cause we represent. The endorsement of General Schuyler alone issufficient for us, and when to that is added the service you havealready rendered, I, speaking for the others, may say that besides ourwelcome, you have our gratitude."
"He is not unknown to me," broke in the committeeman at the other end ofthe table. "Although not at liberty to declare his name, I can vouch forhis patriotism. No one of us loves the Cause more than he."
"No one ever yet doubted your word, Master Whipple," the chairmanreplied, "and we shall not do so now. Still, does not the work thisyoung man has voluntarily taken upon himself tell, as no other wordscan, of love for country?" and he looked around upon his companions in away which told he believed the matter of the young scout's standing wassettled.
As no one contradicted him, he turned again to Ira, asking:
"What can you do for us, my young sir?"
"In the matter of the coming raid?" the lad questioned. "I cannotprevent it, sir."
"We would not have you do that," was the quick reply.
"I am glad," the boy went on; "but I think I can control the time ofthat raid, and the size of the raiding force. At least, I am to reportto General Burgoyne on those two points, and have reason to believe mywords will have weight with him."
"How long can you wait before making that report?"
"Two or three days."
"Forty-eight hours will answer our purpose," the governor declared."Within that time we expect Colonel Stark will be here, and prefer tohave him look over the field to decide on a plan of defense before yourreport is carried to the British commander."
"I know the colonel personally, and would say you cannot have a morebrave leader," Ira replied. "I shall
be glad to take to the general anyreport the colonel may suggest."
"We congratulate ourselves that we have the outcome of this raid withinour own hands," the chairman added, "and we promise that you shall carryback an accurate list of the stores held by us, as well as of the cattleand horses we have collected. General Burgoyne will have no reason tosuppose that you have been otherwise than busy during the time you havebeen away from him."
"It will be good bait," one of the company remarked laughingly as themeeting broke up.
The young scout went over to Master Whipple. "May I ask a favor of you?"he inquired.
"Certainly," was the hearty reply.
"Will you, then, see Colonel Stark before I meet him, and ask that heknow me now only as Ira Le Geyt? Should my own name reach the ear of anyTory, no matter who he may be, my usefulness in the British camp wouldbe over."
"And your life would be in danger," suggested his hearer.
"That is a small matter," was the calm reply; "but we cannot just nowafford to lose the advantage which comes by having a friend amid theenemy."
"I rather think not," Master Whipple said emphatically, "and if you arewilling to stay there, we should use every precaution to keep yoursecret. I will see the colonel as you desire."
The next morning Ira was on the street with Captain Park, when hisattention was called to a lad not far from his own age, who wasloitering around the building in which the arms and ammunition of theContinentals were stored. There was something in his appearance thatseemed familiar, and after looking at the fellow a few seconds, itsuddenly flashed upon the young scout that he was Fred Lyman. It was theresemblance to his father that had made the lad's face seem familiar. Tomake sure that his surmise was correct, he asked the officer by hisside, the name of the youth.
"Fred Lyman," was the prompt answer. "His father and Master Earle areconfined in one of the rooms of the store-house, and doubtless he ishanging around there hoping to get into communication with them."
"I am not sure but it would be wise to put him into the room with them,"said the young scout as he eyed the fellow again.
"He has never shown any qualities that has made us consider himdangerous," was the laughing reply of the officer, and they passed on.
That night, to the surprise of every one, Colonel Stark arrived in town.His early arrival was explained by his own words:
"Five minutes after your message was brought to me, I was on my wayhere. Call your committee together. The sooner we come to anunderstanding about matters the better."
The result of that secret session was to give the experienced officerabsolute control of the defense of the town. The next day he looked overthe village and its immediate surroundings, and then sent for Ira.
"How are you, Ira Le Geyt?" was his greeting, with special emphasis onthe name. "How is--well, my friend General Schuyler?"
"There is nothing the matter with him, or me, colonel," was the lad'slaughing reply.
"I wish he was as sure of whipping Burgoyne, as I am of the force theBritisher may send down here. But now to business. Come with me!"
He led the way to the Heights, where was a bend in the Walloomsac river,and into which, on the left, a smaller stream entered. Calling theattention of his companion to these features, the officer asked:
"Do you suppose you can induce the red-coats to make an encampmenthere?"
"Let me understand you perfectly, colonel, and I will make every effortto put the British forces where you want them."
"Advise General Burgoyne to send a thousand men," the officer explained."Before they get here I'll have my skirmishers hanging around them, and,finding he is going to meet with opposition, the commander willnaturally look for some place in which to entrench himself. Show himthis spot, and let him make his stand here. That is your part; I'll takecare of the rest."
"It shall be done, if it lies within my power," the young scoutpromised.
Half an hour later, with a complete list of the Continental stores, anda rough outline of the village and the surrounding hills in his pocket,Ira, accompanied by Dan Cushing, rode toward Fort Edward.