CHAPTER XI
TELLS HOW EZRA AND SCARLETT THRIVED IN BOSTON, AND HOW THEY LEFT ITIN THE NIGHT
Ezra Prentiss and Gilbert Scarlett left the house of the former'sgrandfather in the dark of that April morning. And as they crossed thethreshold, Gage's voice sounded in their ears.
"Mind you what I say, and be careful to follow it out. Make yourquarters at the 'Jolly Rover' Inn, in Ship Street; and report to MajorBuckstone at headquarters between ten o'clock and noon each day."
"And never let me hear of you or see you again," said old Seth Prentissto Ezra, "until you have cleared yourself of all suspicion in thismatter. As you stand now, George Prentiss, you are labeled in my mind asa traitor, as your brother Ezra is."
Ezra said nothing; he merely bent his head in a mute good-bye; and withScarlett set off through the dark court. A sergeant of grenadiers borethem company; it was his duty to see that they went to the "Jolly Rover"as directed, and also that they were not molested by the guards thatpatrolled the streets.
They passed from Sun Court into Fleet Street, and from thence into ShipStreet. This was on the harbor front and was badly kept and worselighted. At one end was what was known as the North Battery; the wharvesof merchants and dockyards of shipbuilders lined the water side of it;while upon the other were gloomy-fronted warehouses and the offices ofshipmen of various degrees.
Midway, at White Bread Alley, they came to the "Jolly Rover." It wastightly closed; not a light was to be seen.
"We are all hard put to it because of the closing of the inns," said thesergeant of grenadiers. "There is no place to spend a comfortable hourwhen off duty of a night."
He beat loudly upon the door. For a long time there was no result savethe sharp summons of a guard who rounded the corner of Foster Lane.
"What's this?" demanded the guard. "Have you no homes to go to that youare abroad at such an hour? And will nothing do but that you must makenoise enough to wake the dead?"
"Use your eyes and your lanthorn, soldier," spoke the sergeant gruffly."If we are abroad it is because we must be. And as for the noise, it ismade but to carry out the governor's orders."
The guard held up his light. Then, recognizing the sergeant, he saluted.
"Our orders call for the apprehension of all found abroad after hours,"apologized he.
A nightcapped head, lighted up by a sputtering candle, appeared at oneof the upper windows of the inn.
"What now?" demanded a rough voice. "Plague take you, neighbors, to gobattering at an honorable man's door."
"Come down and draw your bolts," said the sergeant of grenadiers.
"Not I, indeed," answered the man in the nightcap, and with a promptnessthat caused both Ezra and Scarlett to laugh. "I obey the law, gentlemen;no man in the town of Boston minds it better. And the law says that allplaces of public entertainment must out with their lights and up withtheir shutters at sundown."
"If you don't want your door in splinters, you'll come down and openit," said the sergeant. "I bring you two persons whom you are to harbor,at command of General Gage."
"That," replied the nightcapped one, in an altered tone, "sets adifferent face upon the matter. Why did you not say so at once? I willbe down instantly."
The candle vanished; a little later, after a great deal of clatter andclinking of bars and chains, the door opened; the man in the nightcapwas shown to be a squat, broad-shouldered personage with gold rings inhis ears and the aspect of a seafarer.
"Now, open your ears," spoke the British sergeant, briefly. "And giveheed to what I'm going to tell you."
"Ay, ay," replied the host of the "Jolly Rover."
"These two are to lodge here and pay for their own entertainment. Youare to report at headquarters at once if they are absent for more than ahalf day at a time."
The landlord regarded the newcomers with no great favor.
"I'll see to it," he growled.
"Mind that you do. And, when I am gone, out with the lights and on withthe bolts at once."
So saying the British sergeant turned and stepped out into Ship Streetonce more. The door closed behind him; the bars and chains went up, andagain the man with the rings in his ears looked at his guests.
"I will not say that I am pleased to have you," he told them with greatfrankness, "for the custom of such as you brings little but trouble toan inn. I'll have soldiers about the place constantly; and, if you aregentlemen of any consequence, spies will be as thick as flies inAugust."
"We are sorry to give you any trouble," said Ezra. "But we were directedto come here and could not well refuse."
The man grinned.
"I suppose not," said he. "Well, if it be any comfort for you to knowit, you are not the only gentlemen in Boston who are in the black booksof the King's officers. The town is full of suspected men. General Gageis a governor who acts mighty quickly in such matters, even if hewon't," here the grin grew broader, "do the same in weightier things."
The flickering candle lit up the place but dimly; the ceiling was low,the walls were paneled; in furnishing and equipment the room resembledthe cabin of a ship.
Scarlett, who had been observing the landlord, here remarked:
"You are a man who has followed the sea in your day."
The other nodded.
"For a full forty year," he said. "Man and boy I've spliced, knotted,hauled and reefed in every kind of craft that's sailed from here to theHorn, and from there to the China Seas."
"A tarry, healthy profession," commented Scarlett. "I have known manyshipmen in my day, and they have been mostly sound fellows and honest."
The man took off his nightcap and scratched his head.
"As to health," said he, "I agree with you. But there have been as bigrascals walked the decks of ships as any they've ever bred ashore. Iremember when I sailed my last voyage in the 'Champion,' we had askipper that was as great a villain as ever robbed his employers."
At the mention of the vessel's name, Ezra became more attentive.
"The 'Champion'?" said he. "What owners?"
"Prentiss & Son, Boston."
Scarlett gave Ezra a quick look. The boy regarded the innkeeper withinterest.
"I recall the old 'Champion' very well. Her timbers are now rotting on areef in the South Pacific," said he.
"Hello," said the man with the rings in his ears. He peered at the boythrough the candle-light. "And who might you be?"
"My name is Prentiss," answered the lad. "I am the son of JamesPrentiss, one of the 'Champion's' owners."
The man thrust out a great broad hand.
"Young gentleman," said he, "if you'll do me the honor, I'd like toshake your hand."
Ezra smiled and gripped the big paw.
"Your father," continued the other, "was the finest man in this colony.I've sailed for many owners, but he was the best of them all. Yourgrandfather now," and the ex-sailor's expression of admiration greatlychanged, "was a most excellent merchant. But he expected much and gavebut little. That little was, to be sure, regularly and promptly paid;but that is the best I can say.
"But James Prentiss was different. He had a heart in his body for asailorman. And if one went out of his way to serve him, he'd see to itthat he was properly rewarded."
"A good quality," commented Scarlett, approvingly. "It is a proof ofappreciation and also encourages effort."
"Quite so, comrade," replied the host. "It does that very thing; and Ican prove it to you. On the last voyage of the 'Champion,' she had forher master a Hingham man named Pickering. I was her first mate and shecarried a mixed cargo for trading among the islands. Pickering was a manwho believed in handspikes and belaying pins in his treatment of thecrew, and he was not long out before they were all but in a state ofmutiny.
"This proved a fortunate thing for Prentiss & Son," continued thelandlord. "We ran on the reef one moonlight night with a light windblowing and Pickering at the wheel. So when he proposed to abandon shipand cargo without an effort to save either, I objected."
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"He must have been a coward as well as a bully," spoke Ezra.
"No, he was a knave. I'd never suspected the true reason of it all if ithadn't been for the bos'n. He'd noticed the same sail hanging in ourwake for three days, and he spoke to me of it. Then I saw the realtruth. Pickering had laid the 'Champion' on the rocks deliberately. Thenhis plan was for all hands to make away; the stranger was to approach,quietly take in our cargo, and Prentiss & Son would be the poorer for afortune."
"A very complete rascal, indeed," said Scarlett. "What did you do?"
"Clapped him in irons and warned the strange vessel off with a show ofsix-pounders. Afterward I got a brig at Valparaiso, put the cargo intoher, and disposed of it to good advantage in the regular way. For thatservice old Seth Prentiss paid me a first mate's wages; but his son,"turning to Ezra, "your father, was more open-handed. It was through himthat I could at last afford to give up the sea and buy out the 'JollyRover.'"
They talked in the same strain for a while longer. But a patrol,knocking loudly at the door and bidding them extinguish the light, atlast put an end to it.
The seaman innkeeper led his guests to their rooms.
"I can give you no light," said he, "and I'm main sorry for it. But youcan manage to sleep without it, I'm sure."
He had said good-night to both, when he knocked at Ezra's door andreopened it.
"Lad," said he in a low tone, "your father was a friend to me. And if I,William Stacey, can do anything for you or your friend at any time, allyou have to do is to give it a name."
"Thank you, Mr. Stacey," replied Ezra, gratefully. "I'll remember that."
The meeting with William Stacey was a most fortunate thing for Ezra. Heand Scarlett, before many days had passed, found that they could nottake a step without a spy being at their heels. Their every action, soit seemed, was noted by a sharp-eyed stranger. They at length mentionedthis to Stacey; he grinned and observed:
"I didn't expect anything else, gentlemen. People like you are left atliberty so that you'll in the end lead Gage's spies to something worthpaying attention to. But I think I can help you at times when youespecially want to escape their notice."
And this he did very successfully. Changes of clothing and large wigs,which were then generally worn, combed in various ways, served to throwthe spies off the scent at such times as they were worn. And the twomade the rounds of the city in all the guises that Stacey's supply of"slops" could provide them with. As sailors, mechanics and commonloafers, they sought information as to the British distribution offorce; each battery was carefully marked in their minds, for they daredput nothing upon paper; and each item of whispered news that was pickedup was remembered.
They soon learned that Gage feared an uprising of the townspeople incase the city should be attacked. He knew that the citizens had riflesin plenty; and to prevent any possible use of them, he caused it to bemade public that in case the town arose against his troops, he'd give itover to the torch and take to his ships.
Then it was proposed that all those who would lodge their weapons atFaneuil Hall might depart from the city with their families and effects.Thousands immediately complied with this; for a time it seemed that allBoston was on the move. The Provincial Congress made an equally liberalmove. All Tories who desired to enter the city were permitted to do so.But finally the outgoing townspeople received a check.
"The Tories under Ruggles," William Stacey told Ezra, "think it a badpolicy to let them go. They claim that the Whig inhabitants arenecessary to save the town from assault and conflagration. They alsothreaten to lay down their arms and give the King's cause no further aidif the people are not kept within the lines."
The late days of April had passed and May was well advanced. Fromwithout the news came of the progress of the American cause. Recruitswere reported to be coming strongly into their camp. Their works weregrowing in extent and strength day by day. A Continental Congress hadmet at Philadelphia and were considering the matter of acommander-in-chief for the colonial army and assuming the generaldirection of the war.
One day in May, Ezra saw General Putnam march about twenty-five hundredAmericans from Cambridge to Charlestown, which was deserted by itspopulation. This little army crossed Bunker and Breed's Hills, came outby Captain Henly's house, and passed into the main street near the oldferry. This was to inspire the army with confidence; they had gottenwithin gunshot of the enemy when they were ordered back, and so returnedto Cambridge.
A spirited fight took place on the 17th near Wheeler's Point. On the21st, two sloops and an armed schooner sailed out of Boston, being soordered by General Gage. They carried a detachment of troops to GrapeIsland, their purpose being to seize upon a quantity of hay which wasstored there. Scarlett got the facts of this expedition and related themto Ezra with great gusto.
"The vessels landed the troops on the island and the hay was beingplaced on board. But they were not long undisturbed. The bells began toring at Weymouth; the people assembled on a point of land near theisland and fired at the troops. But their rifles could not carry so far.Then General Thomas, whom I understand is an officer of experience, cameup with three companies of your farmer soldiers. Though under fire ofthe vessels, these launched a lighter and a sloop and so reached theisland. The British, like churls, never waited them, but took to theircraft and sailed back to Boston.
"Your friends, so I have heard, burned some eighty tons of hay whichthey could not take off; and also a barn was destroyed. The cattle onthe island were then taken to Weymouth."
Some time later there were like encounters at Hog and Noddles Islandsnear Chelsea. General Putnam and Dr. Warren both took part in theseaffairs. The British lost about twenty killed and fifty wounded, besidessome swivels and light guns.
The fights on the islands became so frequent that the Americans began toventure out with small armed craft and some successes were had, whichexcited the ire of the British sea-dogs in command of the heavy ships inthe bay.
About this time the army of Gage was largely reinforced; a number oftroop ships arrived, also large quantities of stores, and a fleet ofvessels of war. Thus encouraged, the British governor on June 12thissued his famous proclamation in which he threatened all "rebels andtraitors" and offered pardon to those who should lay down their arms. Inthis latter Samuel Adams and John Hancock were excepted. It was Gage'sintention to punish them, so he said, as their actions deserved.
"It will serve one good purpose," said Ezra in speaking of theproclamation to his companion, Scarlett. "It will rouse the people to agreater anger than before."
"Gage is a very dull-witted gentleman," replied Scarlett. "He once had achance to add a person of experience," here he twirled his moustaches,"to his command, but, by his insults and insinuations, lost him forgood."
"He has those now, who will perhaps prove to be of quicker thought,"said Ezra. "Generals Clinton, Howe and Burgoyne arrived in the frigate'Cerberus' some little time since. Their hands will be felt, I fear,when the time comes to strike a blow at the colonial army."
"General Gage is going to send forces to occupy Dorchester Heights andthe two hills near Charlestown," said William Stacey, upon the day afterthe proclamation. "He now has ten thousand men and is beginning to takepride in his strength."
Reports ran riot through the city. The British troops, privates andofficers both, took on a different aspect. Their appearance grewsmarter; they stepped with a jauntier tread, their spirits were higher.They paraded more frequently; their drums seemed to beat more briskly;their fifes to squeal more shrilly. More artillery was put ashore; thegunboats and armed craft of lighter draught became much moreenterprising.
From these indications Ezra Prentiss drew that there was something ofmoment about to happen. But the exact nature of it all, for he couldplace no dependence upon the gossip that reached him, was not made knownto him until the morning of the fifteenth of June when he and Scarlettwent to make their daily report to Major Buckstone.
That bluff, honest old soldier was seated
frowning over some papers.
"Hah!" said he to Ezra, as the sentry led them in, "here is acommunication just come to me regarding you, young sir. It will requireyour attention at once."
Ezra took the paper from the major's hand and scanned it. It ran asfollows:
"Major Buckstone:
"Sir:--When George Prentiss, my grandson, next reports to you, inform him that his presence is required at my house in Sun Court at once.
"Your obliged and humble servant, "Seth Prentiss."
"I will go immediately," said the boy. "Thank you, Major Buckstone."
They left the headquarters and proceeded along the street in thedirection of the old merchant's mansion.
"Something," said Gilbert Scarlett, "is in the air. Within an hour youwill be much wiser than you are now at this moment."
"It must be of more than ordinary importance," said Ezra. "For he saidon that last night at his house, you remember, that he never wanted tosee me or hear of me again."
"Until you had cleared yourself of mishandling Major Buckstone'sdispatch," the other reminded him. "Perhaps the chance has now come foryou to do that."
The two parted at the point where Fish Street opened into Prince's;Scarlett went his way toward the "Jolly Rover," while Ezra continuedalong Prince's until he reached Sun Court.
The boy's knock brought an immediate answer. The grave-faced man servantshowed his pleasure at sight of the youth.
"Your grandfather has been expecting you, Master George," said he. "Iwill tell him that you have arrived."
To be constantly forced to move under false colors was a bitter thingfor Ezra. He was a lad who was frankness itself and one who detestedmethods that smacked of trickery. But to have all in Boston continue tobelieve him to be his brother George he felt was necessary if he was toaid the colonial cause. There was not a moment of his stay in Boston,during this period, or a time that he answered to his brother's name,that his honesty and shame did not urge him to proclaim himself. But hestubbornly held this impulse in check.
"If it were a matter of my own," he frequently told himself, "I couldact as I saw fit. But this matter is not my own."
His grandfather greeted him in his library, a stately room filled withmorning sunshine, and furnished after the stiff fashion of that day.Seated at a window with a tall volume upon his knees, was astriking-looking officer, attired in the brilliant uniform of a Britishgeneral.
"I would not have thought you interested in such things as this, Mr.Prentiss," this gentleman was saying, not noticing the boy's entrance."It denotes rare judgment and taste in the binding. And the book itselfis very rare," with much admiration. "I know of only one other inexistence."
"The gathering of such was a folly of my son's," said the old mansternly.
"Folly!" The soldier laughed amusedly. "Well, that's all to one's taste,I suppose. But for my part, the more follies of this sort," noddingtoward a great heap of other books which he apparently had alreadyinspected, "a man possesses, the more apt I would be to like him."
"And he was not alone in his folly," said the old merchant. "He left twosons, both of whom have inherited more or less of his manner ofthought." He gestured grimly toward Ezra as he added: "This is one ofthem."
The general looked over his shoulder at the boy; then he arose, brushingtraces of dust, left by the books, from his immaculate uniform. He was apolished man of the world, plainly a scholar and unquestionably agentleman.
"Ah, yes," said he. He took a step toward Ezra and held out his hand. "Iask your pardon," he continued, "and am greatly pleased to see you."
"This is General Burgoyne," said old Mr. Prentiss to Ezra. "He happensto be here, having heard of the library, and will no doubt join with mein what I am about to say to you."
The officer smiled pleasantly at Ezra.
"I have heard of your case from Major Buckstone," said he. He was aboutto proceed, but the merchant interrupted him.
"And no doubt," said Seth Prentiss, "you think the transaction arascally and traitorous one."
"I never make up my mind to things," answered Burgoyne, "until I havesounded them for myself."
He reseated himself and took up the book which had before engaged hisattention. There was the same pleasant smile upon his face; hedelicately turned the leaves and continued:
"I give your grandson far too much credit for clear understanding thanto believe him in any way connected with this absurd condition which,"with a laugh, "the colonists call a siege. That ten thousand peasantscan coop up an equal number of the King's trained troops is toomonstrous for any sane mind to believe. But Gage is a good-naturedgentleman who believes in mild measures. Since Clinton and Howe havearrived, things will be vastly different. Let us get among the rebelsand we'll soon find elbow-room."
With that he gave his attention to the precious volume which he held onhis knee. The merchant turned to his grandson.
"I told you when I last saw you, that I was done with you until you hadredeemed yourself. I had not thought to help you in any way, but itappears that blood is thicker than water, and I want to give you achance of proving to me and His Majesty's governor and officers that youare not what you have appeared to be."
Ezra inclined his head, but was silent.
"Within a few days there will be a happening that----"
The handsome head of General Burgoyne was lifted from the book like aflash. There was a ring of reproof in his voice, as he cut the old manshort.
"It would be well to specify nothing," said he.
"And I desire to hear nothing of the King's business from you, sir,"said Ezra, hastily.
Much as the young patriot desired to serve the cause of liberty, hecould not bear to do so at the expense of his grandfather. He felt thatit would be shameful to take advantage of the old man's unguardedeagerness.
A flush stained the old merchant's hard face. He bowed to Burgoyne.
"I ask your pardon," said he. "In my anxiety to give my grandson thischance to reestablish himself, I had forgotten more important things."
"I understand perfectly," said the general, once more smiling. "Thething was natural enough." He turned toward Ezra, his well-kept handscaressing the book. "It will be sufficient for you to know that therewill soon be an opportunity for all loyal subjects of King George toshow that they are such." He paused a moment, then went on: "It would bewell for you to take advantage of this at once. There has been talk ofcurtailing your liberty to some extent."
A thrill of dismay ran through the boy.
"That means imprisonment," he thought. "If I don't join with theBritish, I'll be clapped in irons."
But he concealed his feelings. His face was unruffled as he made reply.
"I thank you, General Burgoyne, for the hint. You may rely upon me toact for the best."
The officer shot Ezra a penetrating glance. But he said nothing, andwith a little shrug, he turned to his book.
"And now," said the merchant, "that is all. I feel that I have done myduty toward you. It remains for you to do the rest. Harrison," as theservant answered his pull at the bell-cord, "show this young gentlemanout."
Once in the street, Ezra made all haste to the "Jolly Rover."
"Something must be done at once," he muttered. "I'll have to contrive toleave Boston within twenty-four hours, or I'm done for."
The first persons he saw at the inn were Scarlett and the landlord inclose converse in a far corner of the long room. Scarlett beckoned himat once, and the boy approached them.
"Sit down," said the soldier of fortune, "and as there are two of ourshadows keeping us under observation, I would suggest that you do notallow anything that we might say to make you change countenance."
"You have news then?" questioned Ezra.
"Most urgent news for you at least," said Gilbert Scarlett.
He pulled up his soft leather boots and twirled one point of hismoustache.
"At first," said he, "like the others here I was not at all sure as towhich side you favored in this struggle. But since becoming moreintimate with you, I have discovered at least enough," laughing, "tomake up my mind."
"A son of James Prentiss could not be for anything else than liberty,"said the ex-first mate of the "Champion," stoutly.
"Thank you, Mr. Stacey," said Ezra, quietly.
"Well," said the adventurer, "let's to our news. It has transpired," heproceeded to Ezra, "that General Gage will at last make a move. A largebody of troops will cross the river with entrenching tools within thenext three nights."
"But you don't know exactly when or where?"
"No," replied the innkeeper as the other hesitated. "I had the news froma source that can't be wrong; but it went no farther than to say thatthe movement would be carried out within three nights."
Ezra sat for a moment regarding his friends.
"There are two reasons, then," he said at length, "why I should leaveBoston at once."
The others said nothing, but waited for what was to come.
"I must warn General Ward," continued the boy. "That is the first andmost important. The second is that I must keep myself out of a dungeon."
"Your visit to your grandfather, then, has not been without result,"hazarded the soldier of fortune shrewdly.
"No," said Ezra. "On the contrary, what I heard there was sharp anddefinite enough." Then he turned to the innkeeper. "Mr. Stacey, I willtrouble you to-night for one of your suits of slops and any other thingthat may be useful in hiding my identity. If you can also direct me to aplace where a boat is to be had, I shall be much in your debt."
"No son of your father's can speak of being in my debt," said the oldsailor. He pondered a moment while the others watched him. Then heproceeded: "A disguise is simple enough. But a boat is a differentmatter. However, I think I can do it." Then he laid a hand upon Ezra'sarm. "You are running a great risk in making such a venture."
"I would be running one equally great if I did not take it," replied theboy.
"The waters all about the city are fairly choked with armed craft," saidScarlett. "How can we pass them and get fairly away?"
"We?" said Ezra.
"Why, to be sure, we." The speaker gestured his entire acceptance of thesituation. "Do you forget that I promised to stand your friend if youneeded one?"
"I would shake your hand, comrade," spoke Ezra, much touched, "if itwere not for our being watched."
"Don't give me too much credit," laughed Scarlett, his moustachespointing upward. "You forget that if you stand a chance of going to adungeon, I would not be far behind you; for I am not much beyond theirsuspicions."
"You are right," said Ezra, "and that makes it easier for me to acceptyour offer." He bent his head toward them and his voice lowered. "Itwill be a desperate risk, no doubt. But, somehow, I feel that if thereis a chance to make the crossing, we will do it."
"Spoken like a lad of mettle," commented the landlord of the "JollyRover." "That is the sort of spirit that carries a man well on his wayin anything he undertakes."
The remainder of the day they spent together in one of the upperchambers, where they would be well out of the way of all prying eyes andlistening ears.
"There is a brig tied up at Burrough's wharf, just opposite BatteryAlley," said the innkeeper. "Her skipper is still aboard of her and heis an old shipmate of mine. I can get a dory from him if the case bemade plain to his understanding. Then we can put into it somefishing-tackle, floats, trawls and such like as was used by thefishermen who once drew their living from the harbor."
"An excellent idea," applauded Scarlett. "It reminds me of a littleexperience I had once in the Bosphorus while I was in the service of theMoslem. And if this ends as fortunately as that, we shall do very well,indeed."
As it was found necessary to get some idea of the anchorage of the heavyvessels and the patrolling guard of the smaller, the ex-seaman got out along glass and they ascended to the garret, where from one of the dustywindows they could sweep the bay.
Ships of the line and frigates were there in plenty. Heavy troop ships,and others which had lately arrived with cargoes of supplies, laysluggishly tugging at their chains.
"There is nothing to be feared from the seaward," said Stacey. "So thereis little or no activity. The smaller vessels are further up in therivers. So your best plan, as I see it, is to take a small lug-sail inthe bottom of your boat, pull straight out into the harbor, and when youthink you are beyond the danger line, up with your sail and head for thenearest safe point that you can make."
This seemed a most excellent piece of advice, and after some discussionit was adopted. As night drew on the two ate a hearty supper.
"It will help both our strength and our courage," said Scarlett. "Myexperience has taught me that a well cared for stomach is a mostnecessary thing in an adventure."
It was eleven o'clock when they donned some worn fisherman's clothingand each a tarpaulin hat. Both wore their hair clubbed in seafaringfashion; and with them they carried the trawl-lines and other equipmentthat Stacey provided.
The latter had preceded them; so they stole along, keeping in thedeepest shadows, toward Burrough's wharf. They narrowly escaped severalguards; but at last came safely to the place where the brig was tied up.The dory was ready; and Stacey and his friend the skipper were awaitingthem.
"There are two strong sweeps, a mast and sail in the bottom of her," theinnkeeper told them. "Keep your minds clear as to the position of thewar-ships and guard vessels; pull straight out of the harbor betweenthem, if you can. It is a moonless night, and so far the luck is withyou."
The speaker shook their hands as did the brig's master.
"I'm taking a risk in doing this," said the latter. "But, then, everyman must do what he can for the cause, and this is my share for thetime."
There were low-voiced good-byes spoken, then Ezra and Scarlett steppedinto the dory, slipped the sweeps into place, headed out into the darkharbor and gave way.
More and more distant grew the few military lights on shore. Nearer andnearer drew the belt of ship lights; and the vessels themselves began tolift their dark bulks out of the water like huge monsters of the deep,watchful, waiting, full of silent terrors.