CHAPTER VII
"Sempronius, speak." _Cato._
The arrangements for the consultation were brief and simple. The veterancommander of the frigate received his officers with punctilious respect;and pointing to the chairs that were placed around the table, which wasa fixture in the centre of his cabin, he silently seated himself, andhis example was followed by all without further ceremony. In takingtheir stations, however, a quiet but rigid observance was paid to therights of seniority and rank. On the right of the captain was placedGriffith, as next in authority; and opposite to him was seated thecommander of the schooner. The officer of marines, who was included inthe number, held the next situation in point of precedence, the sameorder being observed to the bottom of the table, which was occupied bya hard-featured, square-built, athletic man, who held the office ofsailing-master. When order was restored, after the short interruptionof taking their places, the officer who had required the advice of hisinferiors opened the business on which he demanded their opinions.
"My instructions direct me, gentlemen," he said, "after making the coastof England, to run the land down----"
The hand of Griffith was elevated respectfully for silence, andthe veteran paused, with a look that inquired the reason of hisinterruption.
"We are not alone," said the lieutenant, glancing his eye toward thepart of the cabin where the pilot stood, leaning on one of the guns, inan attitude of easy indulgence.
The stranger moved not at this direct hint; neither did his eye changefrom its close survey of a chart that lay near him on the deck. Thecaptain dropped his voice to tones of cautious respect, as he replied:
"'Tis only Mr. Gray. His services will be necessary on the occasion, andtherefore nothing need be concealed from him."
Glances of surprise were exchanged among the young men; but Griffithbowing his silent acquiescence in the decision of his superior, thelatter proceeded:
"I was ordered to watch for certain signals from the headlands that wemade, and was furnished with the best of charts, and such directionsas enabled us to stand into the bay we entered last night. We have nowobtained a pilot, and one who has proved himself a skilful man; sucha one, gentlemen, as no officer need hesitate to rely on, in anyemergency, either on account of his integrity or his knowledge."
The veteran paused, and turned his looks on the countenances of thelisteners, as if to collect their sentiments on this importantpoint. Receiving no other reply than the one conveyed by the silentinclinations of the heads of his hearers, the commander resumed hisexplanations, referring to an open paper in his hand:
"It is known to you all, gentlemen, that the unfortunate question ofretaliation has been much agitated between the two governments, ourown and that of the enemy. For this reason, and for certain politicalpurposes, it has become an object of solicitude with our commissionersin Paris to obtain a few individuals of character from the enemy, whomay be held as a check on their proceedings, while at the same time itbrings the evils of war, from our own shores, home to those who havecaused it. An opportunity now offers to put this plan in execution, andI have collected you, in order to consult on the means."
A profound silence succeeded this unexpected communication of the objectof their cruise. After a short pause, their captain added, addressinghimself to the sailing-master:
"What course would you advise me to pursue, Mr. Boltrope?"
The weather beaten seaman who was thus called on to break through thedifficulties of a knotty point with his opinion, laid one of his short,bony hands on the table, and began to twirl an inkstand with greatindustry, while with the other he conveyed a pen to his mouth, which wasapparently masticated with all the relish that he could possibly havefelt had it been a leaf from the famous Virginian weed. But perceivingthat he was expected to answer, after looking first to his right handand then to his left, he spoke as follows, in a hoarse, thick voice,in which the fogs of the ocean seemed to have united with sea-damps andcolds to destroy everything like melody:
"If this matter is ordered, it is to be done, I suppose," he said; "forthe old rule runs, 'obey orders, if you break owners'; though the maximwhich says, 'one hand for the owner, and t'other for yourself,' is quiteas good, and has saved many a hearty fellow from a fall that would havebalanced the purser's books. Not that I mean a purser's books are not asgood as any other man's; but that when a man is dead, his account mustbe closed, or there will be a false muster. Well, if the thing is to bedone, the next question is, how is it to be done? There is many a manthat knows there is too much canvas on a ship, who can't tell how toshorten sail. Well, then, if the thing is really to be done, we musteither land a gang to seize them, or we must show false lights and shamcolors, to lead them off to the ship. As for landing, Captain Munson, Ican only speak for one man, and that is myself; which is to say, thatif you run the ship with her jib-boom into the king of England'sparlor-windows, why, I'm consenting, nor do I care how much of hiscrockery is cracked in so doing; but as to putting the print of my footon one of his sandy beaches, if I do, that is always speaking for onlyone man, and saving your presence, may I hope to be d--d."
The young men smiled as the tough old seaman uttered his sentiments sofrankly, rising with his subject, to that which with him was the climaxof all discussion; but his commander, who was but a more improvedscholar from the same rough school, appeared to understand his argumentsentirely, and without altering a muscle of his rigid countenance, herequired the opinion of the junior lieutenant.
The young man spoke firmly, but modestly, though the amount of what hesaid was not much more distinct than that uttered by the master, and wasvery much to the same purpose, with the exception that he appeared toentertain no personal reluctance to trusting himself on dry ground.
The opinions of the others grew gradually more explicit and clear, asthey ascended in the scale of rank, until it came to the turn ofthe captain of marines to speak. There was a trifling exhibition ofprofessional pride about the soldier, in delivering his sentiments on asubject that embraced a good deal more of his peculiar sort of duty thanordinarily occurred in the usual operations of the frigate.
"It appears to me, sir, that the success of this expedition dependsaltogether upon the manner in which it is conducted." After this lucidopening, the soldier hesitated a moment, as if to collect his ideasfor a charge that should look down all opposition, and proceeded. "Thelanding, of course, will be effected on a fair beach, under cover of thefrigate's guns, and could it be possibly done, the schooner should beanchored in such a manner as to throw in a flanking fire on the pointof debarkation. The arrangements for the order of march must a gooddeal depend on the distance to go over; though I should think, sir, anadvanced party of seamen, to act as pioneers for the column of marines,should be pushed a short distance in front, while the baggage andbaggage-guard might rest upon the frigate, until the enemy was driveninto the interior, when it could advance without danger. There shouldbe flank-guards, under the orders of two of the oldest midshipmen; anda light corps might be formed of the topmen to co-operate with themarines. Of course, sir, Mr. Griffith will lead, in person, themusket-men and boarders, armed with their long pikes, whom I presumehe will hold in reserve, as I trust my military claims and experienceentitle me to the command of the main body."
"Well done, field-marshal!" cried Barnstable, with a glee that seldomregarded time or place; "you should never let salt-water mould yourbuttons; but in Washington's camp, ay! and in Washington's tent, youshould swing your hammock in future. Why, sir, do you think we are aboutto invade England?"
"I know that every military movement should be executed with precision,Captain Barnstable," returned the marine. "I am too much accustomed tohear the sneers of the sea-officers, to regard what I know proceeds fromignorance. If Captain Munson is disposed to employ me and my commandin this expedition, I trust he will discover that marines are goodfor something more than to mount guard and pay salutes." Then, turninghaughtily from his antagonist, he continued to address himself to
theircommon superior, as if disdaining further intercourse with one who, fromthe nature of the case, must be unable to comprehend the force of whathe said. "It will be prudent, Captain Munson, to send out a party toreconnoitre, before we march; and as it may be necessary to defendourselves in case of a repulse, I would beg leave to recommend that acorps be provided with entrenching tools, to accompany the expedition.They would be extremely useful, sir, in assisting to throw upfield-works; though, I doubt not, tools might be found in abundance inthis country, and laborers impressed for the service, on an emergency."
This was too much for the risibility of Barnstable, who broke forth ina fit of scornful laughter, which no one saw proper to interrupt; thoughGriffith, on turning his head to conceal the smile that was gathering onhis own face, perceived the fierce glance which the pilot threw at themerry seaman, and wondered at its significance and impatience. WhenCaptain Munson thought that the mirth of the lieutenant was concluded,he mildly desired his reasons for amusing himself so exceedingly withthe plans of the marine.
"'Tis a chart for a campaign!" cried Barnstable, "and should be sent offexpress to Congress, before the Frenchmen are brought into the field!"
"Have you any better plan to propose, Mr. Barnstable?" inquired thepatient commander.
"Better! ay, one that will take no time, and cause no trouble, toexecute it," cried the other; "'tis a seaman's job, sir, and must bedone with a seaman's means."
"Pardon me, Captain Barnstable," interrupted the marine, whose jocularvein was entirely absorbed in his military pride; "if there be serviceto be done on shore, I claim it as my right to be employed."
"Claim what you will, soldier; but how will you carry on the war witha parcel of fellows who don't know one end of a boat from the other?"returned the reckless sailor. "Do you think that a barge or a cutteris to be beached in the same manner you ground firelock, by word ofcommand? No, no, Captain Manual--I honor your courage, for I have seenit tried, but d--e if----"
"You forget, we wait for your project, Mr. Barnstable," said theveteran.
"I crave your patience, sir; but no project is necessary. Point outthe bearings and distance of the place where the men you want are tobe found, and I will take the heel of the gale, and run into theland, always speaking for good water and no rocks. Mr. Pilot, you willaccompany me, for you carry as true a map of the bottom of these seasin your head as ever was made of dry ground. I will look out for goodanchorage; or if the wind should blow off shore, let the schooner standoff and on, till we should be ready to take the broad sea again. I wouldland, out of my whaleboat, with long Tom and a boat's crew, and findingout the place you will describe, we shall go up, and take the men youwant, and bring them aboard. It's all plain sailing; though, as it isa well-peopled country, it may be necessary to do our shore work in thedark."
"Mr. Griffith, we only wait for your sentiments," proceeded the captain,"when, by comparing opinions, we may decide on the most prudent course."
The first lieutenant had been much absorbed in thought during thediscussion of the subject, and might have been, on that account, betterprepared to give his opinion with effect. Pointing to the man who yetstood behind him, leaning on a gun, he commenced by asking:
"Is it your intention that man shall accompany the party?"
"It is."
"And from him you expect the necessary information, sir, to guide ourmovements?"
"You are altogether right."
"If, sir, he has but a moiety of the skill on the land that he possesseson the water, I will answer for his success," returned the lieutenant,bowing slightly to the stranger, who received the compliment by a coldinclination of his head. "I must desire the indulgence of both Mr.Barnstable and Captain Manual," he continued, "and claim the command asof right belonging to my rank."
"It belongs naturally to the schooner," exclaimed the impatientBarnstable.
"There may be enough for us all to do," said Griffith, elevating afinger to the other, in a manner and with an impressive look that wasinstantly comprehended. "I neither agree wholly with the one nor theother of these gentlemen. 'Tis said that, since our appearance onthe coast, the dwellings of many of the gentry are guarded by smalldetachments of soldiers from the neighboring towns."
"Who says it?" asked the pilot, advancing among them with a suddennessthat caused a general silence.
"I say it, sir," returned the lieutenant, when the momentary surprisehad passed away.
"Can you vouch for it?"
"I can."
"Name a house, or an individual, that is thus protected?"
Griffith gazed at the man who thus forgot himself in the midst ofa consultation like the present, and yielding to his native pride,hesitated to reply. But mindful of the declarations of his captainand the recent services of the pilot, he at length said, with a littleembarrassment of manner:
"I know it to be the fact, in the dwelling of a Colonel Howard, whoresides but a few leagues to the north of us."
The stranger started at the name, and then raising his eye keenly tothe face of the young man, appeared to study his thoughts in his varyingcountenance. But the action, and the pause that followed, were ofshort continuance. His lip slightly curled, whether in scorn or witha concealed smile, would have been difficult to say, so closely did itresemble both, and as he dropped quietly back to his place at the gun,he said:
"'Tis more than probable you are right, sir; and if I might presume toadvise Captain Munson, it would be to lay great weight on your opinion."
Griffith turned, to see if he could comprehend more meaning in themanner of the stranger than his words expressed, but his face was againshaded by his hand, and his eyes were once more fixed on the chart withthe same vacant abstraction as before.
"I have said, sir, that I agree wholly neither with Mr. Barnstable norCaptain Manual," continued the lieutenant, after a short pause. "Thecommand of this party is mine, as the senior officer, and I must begleave to claim it. I certainly do not think the preparation that CaptainManual advises necessary; neither would I undertake the duty with aslittle caution as Mr. Barnstable proposes. If there are soldiers to beencountered, we should have soldiers to oppose them; but as it must besudden boat-work, and regular evolutions must give place to a seaman'sbustle, a sea-officer should command. Is my request granted, CaptainMunson?"
The veteran replied, without hesitation:
"It is, sir; it was my intention to offer you the service, and I rejoiceto see you accept it so cheerfully."
Griffith with difficulty concealed the satisfaction with which helistened to his commander, and a radiant smile illumined his palefeatures, when he observed:
"With me then, sir, let the responsibility rest. I request that CaptainManual, with twenty men, may be put under my orders, if that gentlemandoes not dislike the duty." The marine bowed, and cast a glance oftriumph at Barnstable. "I will take my own cutter, with her tried crew,go on board the schooner, and when the wind lulls, we will run in to theland, and then be governed by circumstances."
The commander of the schooner threw back the triumphant look of themarine, and exclaimed, in his joyous manner:
'"Tis a good plan, and done like a seaman, Mr. Griffith. Ay, ay, let theschooner be employed; and if it be necessary, you shall see heranchored in one of their duck-ponds, with her broadside to bear on theparlor-windows of the best house in the island! But twenty marines! theywill cause a jam in my little craft."
"Not a man less than twenty would be prudent," returned Griffith. "Moreservice may offer than that we seek."
Barnstable well understood his allusion, but still he replied:
"Make it all seamen, and I will give you room for thirty. But thesesoldiers never know how to stow away their arms and legs, unless at adrill. One will take the room of two sailors; they swing their hammocksathwart-ships, heads to leeward, and then turn out wrong end uppermostat the call. Why, damn it, sir, the chalk and rottenstone of twentysoldiers will choke my hatches!"
"Give me the launch, Captai
n Munson!" exclaimed the indignant marine,"and we will follow Mr. Griffith in an open boat, rather than putCaptain Barnstable to so much inconvenience."
"No, no, Manual," cried the other, extending his muscular arm across thetable, with an open palm, to the soldier; "you would all become somany Jonahs in uniform, and I doubt whether the fish could digest yourcartridge-boxes and bayonet-belts. You shall go with me, and learn, withyour own eyes, whether we keep the cat's watch aboard the Ariel that youjoke about."
The laugh was general, at the expense of the soldier, if we except thepilot and the commander of the frigate. The former was a silent, andapparently an abstracted, but in reality a deeply interested listenerto the discourse; and there were moments when he bent his looks on thespeakers, as if he sought more in their characters than was exhibited bythe gay trifling of the moment. Captain Munson seldom allowed a muscleof his wrinkled features to disturb their repose; and if he had not thereal dignity to repress the untimely mirth of his officers, he hadtoo much good nature to wish to disturb their harmless enjoyments. Heexpressed himself satisfied with the proposed arrangements, and beckonedto his steward to place before them the usual beverage, with which alltheir consultations concluded.
The sailing-master appeared to think that the same order was to beobserved in their potations as in council, and helping himself to anallowance which retained its hue even in its diluted state, he firstraised it to the light, and then observed:
"This ship's water is nearly the color of rum itself; if it only had itsflavor, what a set of hearty dogs we should be! Mr. Griffith, I find youare willing to haul your land-tacks aboard. Well, it's natural for youthto love the earth; but there is one man, and he is sailing-master ofthis ship, who saw land enough last night, to last him a twelvemonth.But if you will go, here's a good land-fall, and a better offing to you.Captain Munson, my respects to you. I say, sir, if we should keep theship more to the south'ard, it's my opinion, and that's but one man's,we should fall in with some of the enemy's homeward bound West-Indiamen,and find wherewithal to keep the life in us when we see fit to go ashoreourselves."
As the tough old sailor made frequent application of the glass to hismouth with one hand, and kept a firm hold of the decanter with theother, during this speech, his companions were compelled to listento his eloquence, or depart with their thirst unassuaged. Barnstable,however, quite coolly dispossessed the tar of the bottle, and mixing forhimself a more equal potation, observed, in the act:
"That is the most remarkable glass of grog you have, Boltrope, that Iever sailed with; it draws as little water as the Ariel, and is as hardto find the bottom. If your spirit-room enjoys the same sort of engineto replenish it, as you pump out your rum, Congress will sail thisfrigate cheaply."
The other officers helped themselves with still greater moderation,Griffith barely moistening his lips, and the pilot rejecting the offeredglass altogether. Captain Munson continued standing, and his officers,perceiving that their presence was no longer necessary, bowed, and tooktheir leave. As Griffith was retiring last, he felt a hand laid lightlyon his shoulder, and turning, perceived that he was detained by thepilot.
"Mr. Griffith," he said, when they were quite alone with the commanderof the frigate, "the occurrences of the last night should teach usconfidence in each other; without it, we go on a dangerous and fruitlesserrand."
"Is the hazard equal?" returned the youth. "I am known to all to be theman I seem--am in the service of my country--belong to a family,and enjoy a name, that is a pledge for my loyalty to the cause ofAmerica--and yet I trust myself on hostile ground, in the midst ofenemies, with a weak arm, and under circumstances where treachery wouldprove my ruin. Who and what is the man who thus enjoys your confidence,Captain Munson? I ask the question less for myself than for the gallantmen who will fearlessly follow wherever I lead."
A shade of dark displeasure crossed the features of the stranger, atone part of this speech, and at its close he sank into deep thought. Thecommander, however, replied:
"There is a show of reason in your question, Mr. Griffith--and yet youare not the man to be told that implicit obedience is what I havea right to expect. I have not your pretensions, sir, by birth oreducation, and yet Congress have not seen proper to overlook my yearsand services. I command this frigate----"
"Say no more," interrupted the pilot "There is reason in his doubts, andthey shall be appeased. I like the proud and fearless eye of the youngman, and while he dreads a gibbet from my hands, I will show him how torepose a noble confidence. Read this, sir, and tell me if you distrustme now?"
While the stranger spoke, he thrust his hand into the bosom of hisdress, and drew forth a parchment, decorated with ribands, and bearinga massive seal, which he opened, and laid on the table before the youth.As he pointed with his finger impressively to different parts of thewriting, his eye kindled with a look of unusual fire, and there was afaint tinge discernible on his pallid features when he spoke.
"See!" he said, "royalty itself does not hesitate to bear witness in myfavor, and that is not a name to occasion dread to an American."
Griffith gazed with wonder at the fair signature of the unfortunateLouis, which graced the bottom of the parchment; but when his eye obeyedthe signal of the stranger, and rested on the body of the instrument, hestarted back from the table, and fixing his animated eyes on the pilot,he cried, while a glow of fiery courage flitted across his countenance:
"Lead on! I'll follow you to death!"
A smile of gratified exultation struggled around the lips of thestranger, who took the arm of the young man and led him into astateroom, leaving the commander of the frigate standing, in his unmovedand quiet manner, a spectator of, but hardly an actor in, the scene.