The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, August 17, 1902, Page 2

THE SUNDAY CAL “ACOLD SHIVERRANUP MY SPINE A3 WE DRANK TO 3 THEIR (creACIOVS MAJESTIES THE KiNG AaND QUEEN. il Then, looking at me with a a sad face, “‘Be good night, for she is in a Deborah.” o & hat could be the trouble, I s 1 passed over to her and gave some difficulty in getting the line, for each otficer must k dictated, and so, led by and the Baroness, we he banquet room with gowns and tinkle of g of a grace, all were table at once, and the kept me from hearing those on either next to me. hes that load- d were each moment ve or six men servants unknown to me. Beef of but y ices except imediately chicken, came from som=a u—two things nce and 1 ccret agent whom must be kept g with their co whoever he the man, mistress,” said I, captain fears the ick, natural smile. nen, was it? Tell cat on your right & d 1, and 1 took to of the glass of burgundy, for the nerves here were five *twill from your sor- 1l that I had seen fians in the foul e as there. the look in her eyes she crumbled a bit of bread g at it, and then: g uch of a story, and what it is but an old and common et I would hear it, if I may,” I an- re was once a young girl—a foolish n by her parent to tale. And answered, would none of this the man w a ¥ wretch—and—and—" > me a little, her hand bread, one white arm the other hand in her er silken dress, and her se and fell quickly as her bodice. but finding g would pe above it; forced to do_this th back to it she a long look that stirred n me, “was brought back se the good man of the good the fortunes of her father his hand— a beautif I but an open _Deborah,” said I, inter- there be those here that So! That closes the for she had straightened little pitiful smile strug- corners of her mouth. God f ve taken her in my arms all had I dared and her loneliness and_trou- ave no fear. But I only s good man to her?” d her always, and tried T » and held up the ruin y—he h indeed, time and coward!” said I softly. d no one to help her— e—until she saw some he is found,” gaid I er and let her—* beyond the Vauxhall rods by a clump of four be there! And stay—let the inces the fairy tale have the good n meet her there, too! Aye, do as I girl!” 1 added, as a frightened look e into her eves. “You are a good friend, Mer- Mr. Merton,” said she softly, as head bent for a moment, And there under the table, my foot W e \‘o'r\/;‘ touching hers, I put mine upon it and gave the only pressure of sympathy vouchsafed to me. Up over her face to her white forehead and on into her hair a sweet flush that seemed to draw a after it, playing about her lips and into her beautiful eyes. Strange that just then I caught a warn- ing look in the Earoness’ face as she talked on to the Prince. But I did see it, and, not knowing what to do, drank off again at a gulp another glass of wine. The little ehoe fluttered under my boot, but did not withdraw, and for a moment we sat there quiet in the midst of that bustling, laughing, goss ping room full, with glasses clinking and toasts tripping up and down the board. And as the host- ess rose and all followed her example I caught a strange look in young Atherton’ eves—where the fiend had I seen that face before?—that at this moment was enough to set me on fire as I stepped back to band my supper partner to the door of the drawing-room. There I gave her to the fair young Baroness, and saw them lock arms affectionately and walk on into the other room close together, but saying not a word. “Draw up to this end of the table, gen- tiemen,” cried the host, cheerfully. ‘Let us give the health of 'His Royal High- ness!” And so we stood and drank again, and in good truth, what with my strange conversation and the two great.pieces of news I had heard within an hour, I found I had enough for one man, more than enough for one who had not been blessed with a hard head that paid little heed to the fumes of wine. 'Twas evident that some of the others had fared worse and drunk more. Tryon, who took the chair next the Prince as we sat down on either side of him, let out the buttons of his waistcoat, and sat back puffing out his cheeks between his words, as if the purple veins had more than they could well carry, “Baron,” puffed he in a gruff voice, where got ye this fine old burgundy? 'Tis a rare bottle, as I'm damned! Have ye not found it to your Highness' taste?’ turning to the young Prince. “Indeed 1 have” sald the Ilatter. “There’s none better in London, I'll be sworn.” ** 'Tis but just come in the last packet,” replied the Baron. “And Sir Henry wouid not hear but I should take some of it.” _ " 'Tis helped by the voyage, indeed it is,” puffed the governor again. “What's this ‘we hear of the rebel Washington's silly trick with Rochambeau?” “Mr. Merton could tell would,” answered Major Purdy. I was in the act of lighting my clay pipe when this startling answer froze me as I sat with the taper in my band; and then I took a long breath as he went on, “He's just come from Newport. Is it not so, sir?” us much if he' “‘Oh, aye!" cried the governor. “You are }lhe' I}l;msseng:r that saw Sir Henry iast t, eh?”’ ' Frénch are safe and sound in said I “And like to stay et 'em be safe in hell, as svva as they will,” said the general, ‘‘and all the rest of the frog-eating traifors.” . A heaith to tne Governor,” cried Ma- jor Sproat, getting heavily to his feet. “‘And damnation and confusion to the whole lot rot in went more wine, twas the drink in me or the thought of to-morrow night, I was near up at him for his cursed British toast. I mcved my chair to join some of the younger men and found myseif close to Atherton, who was droning a song through his tipsy lips. ““Aye!” said he, ‘‘good! ‘Tis a proper sentiment. To hell with them all! But I'll sive ye another. TI'il bid ye drink to the brightest pair of eyes in the town that vere but gus: now not a hundred yards riend here.” Good!” cried ‘Prince Henry, and they drank what I and all knew la be a toast to Mistress Philipse. “They say her cousin Pendleton’s case goes by hard roads,” said g young fei- low in a big red coat, “and that she'll none of him in spite of her father.” “I would I had his chance,”. mumbled Atherton. “I'd win by fair or foul means and that soon, too! For there’s no finer bit of female flesh in the colonies.” I cursed the drunken beast under my breath, and held to my chair to keep my- self from driving his words down his throat. ““He'll win her yet,” said Sproat. “They tell me Sir Henry is none too sure of the father’s loyalty, and some of the family, 80 ’tis whispered, are starving with the rebels at this moment.” At this I pricked up my ears, and the strange fleeting re- semblance she bore to Rob Curtis came to my mind. “I heard to-day, too,” laughed a young svbaltern, “that a reconnoissance was foiled at the Judge's coungry house up above Gowan's Ferry but a week ago, and some good fellows lost. 'Tis rumored the old man knew somewhat of how ‘twas done.” The sweat came out in beads on my forehead. Had 1 perhaps made her lot the harder by my work? Curse these scandal-mongers for fools! ‘“Tut! tut!” laughed Atherton, leaning forward and leering at the company. “There’'s more behind that little episode than Sir Henry knows.” “What is it, man?’ cried one or two drawing toward him. “The little girls will. have their fling, eh, your Highness? And she is no saint, they say, and a reconnoissance may not always be to study the enemy.” The crew laughed out, and cried to kno 4 - the s A “Nay, boye, you ghowtd not hear it tak oughts from %the use,” u.la Ithlrtoo“ g? leaning back and over the company with a patron- og & it for 1 d, with oo ine aiok and ahort, T leaned slowly drank othy glass and about, him. Ao owering his ’finun ;- in neutral country, and fla the lady has been on.a little o visit, you understand—some- and & well known coach was found broken down. I saw it myself, for :élen on special duty. And my wengh would spend & day or two in and quiet with her cavaller— foul lie!” I cried, striking the ¢ with my.fist tii] the glasses jumped ut, and rising, I stood over him. realizing what I had done. For ew him now well. 'Twas the “Jolly 800d fellow” of Gowan's Tavern! They wers:all-on their feet in an in- stant, except Atherton, who looked at me th.a .cool smile on his face. “And what pup are you, my colonial squire, that trot about telling gentlemen they lie?” *Do_not burden your dull brain to learn who I am. b man, as you call yourself,” who would g}lchn the fair name of a woman over s cups. Therefore I tell ye, ye lie! The girl 18 as pure as snow!” Blowly he got upon his feet as the whole company steod dumfounded for a moment, and with a savege look in his e made a step toward me and lightly slapped me on the cheek before I could move. I had him by the throat in an in- stant, and would have choked the win , out of him had not the whole compan: ed between us and pulled us apart. ’u'x"ipet me alone!”’ cried he, with a white face, as half a dozen held him by the “nd, "‘%umeet" roared the Governor. ‘“What in hell's name do ye mean here in_the presence of .your superior officers! Pat- terson,” cried he turning to the com- mandant, “you’d better commit ’em both, ‘'Twas a foul lie against a fair name,” sald I, looking him in the eve. “Why, God—a—mercy!” yelled the old fellow, fairly jumping up and down. “The man tells me I le, too!” But General Patterson and the Baron stepped forward, the one coming up to me, the other taking the Governor by the arm. *Mr. Merton,” said the com- mandant, slowly but coolly to me, “and you, Captain, shake hands!” We both_hésitated. “Shake hands this moment and sit down, or you will be In irons in ten minutes!—Well, will ve, or not?" he con- tinued, his volce rising and a dark look coming into his face. And then Atherton broke from his friends, laughing a forced laugh, and held out his hand. I couid do naught but accept it, though my heart was bitter at the action. “Now, offer your apologles to Baron Riedescl!” commanded the general. And we did so, and sat down, glum as dor- micé. But Prince Henry saved the dav, and I thanked him inwardly for his high senseé of honor as well as his .tact, for hfienluod up and sald, as the others were silent: “‘Governor. Tryon, I ask you and the others to drink the heaith of Mistress Deborah Philipse.” “Well said, your Highness!” cried old Tryon, and we drank. But the party was killed for that night, and as we rose to £o into the drawjng-room Atherton came by me and said slowly: “Do you carry a little steel tool, my young merchant?” I nodded. And can ye play with it at times? oI can try.” CapitaN'’ said he, laughing. “When shall we play together?" .The sooner the better,” sald I. waTut! tut! 8o hot?” sald he jocosely. Tis after midnight now. Shall we say at six in the morning and waive formal- ities?” “Where?” “Up in the flelds by Corlear's Hook. Have ve a friend in the town?”’ I have, and we will be ready at six.” e laughed again and walked jauntily o ving: So, man, you carry it well for a clvilian. Go now and say your prayers}” CHAPTER XVIIL HOW ONE MAY MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE ENEMY. When I got back to Mrs. Hodges' & found our room empty. It was then near upon 3 o'elock in the morning, and what might have taken Acton forth I did not 'Tis but & cowardly gentle- q!!. And so I sat me down to wait lgy thoughts were not of the brightest, erious, And yet the thought of that touch of a 1 slipper was more than enough to o alance the danger of our situation and-the.chance of the wreckin; of “emhlng in"the perhaps-foolish ‘du I had brought on my own shoulders. Bo they had set a marriage. for her— her father, and, I'd be sworn, the old aristocratic witch, too, if truth were known! The thought of it made me get up and wallk around the room. Indeed, I had not known it till then, tfil I heard of this danfer to her, but 'twas true! could not live my life. without her; I could not see a future without that face by me, belonging to me to protect and comfort'and serve as I would my own life —aye, far more! Would she have told me of her trouble, would she have trust- ed me with it and asked my help, if she had not’ cared? Could she, I tried to think, could she ask a man to save her it she did not think more of him than of others? It could not be! In spite of her knowl- edge of my duty, to my country, in spite of the fact that she beionged to the other side, in spite of all the impossible difficul- ties, she itrusted me, belleved in ma. Could she love me? Aye, was it not fair to suppose so? I got up again and shock the chair as if it had been the hand of a friend. She could not! God would not deceive & man so! And if that were true, then let come what would! I was young and strong, and I would win her ‘to myself. I would! I would! A man cannot be asked to write down the dark thoughts that will crop up into his brain—I could think of none but her! Let the cause be what it would, she should be mine though the soulless rocks and hills of the land were ruled by kin or president! Could I not live in joy an happiness all the days of my life even in the depths of hell, if she were by my side? And what could it be to me whether the edicts came from this side of the water or She could not! "IN MY TURN | BOWED AND APOLOGIZED” SHE TURNED HER BACK O the other? Nothing! Nothing! She was my love, and I cared little of what might become of aught else! What. did I care for Arnold? He was a wretched traitor to his country. Let him live or die, [ cared not a whit! What was the fiend Hazeltine? Nothing to me. Let him do his worst. live or die! I had not known 1t—I had not guessed it in myseif till this night. I loved her! I loved her becausa she was beautiful, because of her high and fearless look that.toid of a fearless heart. She would do what she would; let N0 man_guess otherwise. I loved her be- cause of her own dear self as she sat in tbat little gown with her arms and throat shaming the ‘whiteness of the cloth be- neath the glasses, and with God's good hely she would know it soon! To what desperate straits these intoxi- cating thoughts would have led me had -know. The news-he it ma. “He announced ooolly enough that the British guard would be upon us in two Ecurs, “Let us walt for them,” he sald. *1i cannot.” «vhy 7 he asked In am zement. ‘ ecaus!d"hll mlwe":ére ‘at that hour I ghall be ting elsew 3 ' And theni told him of haw I had given Atkerton the lie and of the duel to come. He was wildly h:ix‘mtllnt for the fray before 1 had finish And so it came to 5 in the morning, a suliry autumn morning, still dark when we went down Beaver street and through Pringess to Queen street and thence down Cherry street to the shipyards by the breastworks at Rutgers and to the hill and felds at Corlears Hook. We had not auged the distance well and were a bit ate in arriving, so that it was striking & in the barracks hard by when Weo came into .the fields above the tide that flows between Long Island and Manhattan. The place was rolling country dotted with trees and undergrowth, and I had begun to think we should not find the others when I heard a hail and saw the party in a small hollow below us and nearer the river. There was a soft mist hanging in the bottom like that of an August morn- ing, and we could make out half a dozen figures loomipg up as we came down to them. “Here they are at last,” sald a volce that made me start, for I recognized it as that of Dr. Low, the chirurgeon, who bad laid out with me not twenty-four hours before the plan of abducting Ar- rold. Then stepped up ' Prince FHenry, anJor Sproat and Lieutenant Purdy, an ast ) to in ‘sufficlent force to prevent 'any inter- ruption from the authorities, should such You know all here but Dr. Low, I sir,” sald the young-Prince, n ‘What name was it?”’ asked the doctor, shaking hands in a business-ltke way, as if he saw me for the first time “Mr. Merton and Mr. Roberts,” sald Ma- Jor Sproat, presenting us. “Well, gentlemen, if you insist on this, 'tis time ‘twas over,” sald Low, and the major and Acton then measured my sword and ‘Atherton’s. Finding them practically the same length, they led u§ to the bottom of a hollow and into an open bit sur- rounded by trees, and just as the light was fairly full grown for another day we were ready. \ Acton was in his element." He talked in en ofthand way with the others, hoped Atherton was a good hand, as his friend there was no fool, and asked: ““What's the rules?” ““The first serious draw of blood settles the affair, Dr. Low deciding,” sald the Prince, “if you will agree.” “My friend is quite at your disposal, gentlemen,” said Acton, -bowing, while I walked up and down by myself. I had had so little time to think of the affair that the serious nature of it had not oc- curred to me, and now for the first time I began to think what might happen to my- self. If a stroke found me home and did for me, I did not much care. But I had a horror of a serious wound so that I should live on here and fail in my work. My death was nothing to ady one but General Washington, and he alone would inow of my falling away from his com- mnands. ‘“Well, gentlemen, is all ready?” sald the doctor. We stepped out and drew. The two blades ‘crossed, holding there for a mo- ment as each of us took a good look at the other. I was to do as I had done manv times before in open fights upon a skirmish—wait to feel the strength of his wrist. He tried to ‘do the same, but, be- coming firritated, he made three quick passes at me, and, though his blade did not leave mine once, I knew had a strong hand that had been in a long and a good school. Just as the third thrust came and I par- rled, I swung my point down, turned it under hig blade and swayed his point out to the left of ‘me. It would have been my first thrust en quatre, had not a voice cried out: “Stop where you are, gentlemen, in the King's name!” We both stopped, turned and saw thres men coming down the slope above us. They were in our midst in a moment. “Gentlemen, I come with the warrant for the arrest of that man,” and I took a sudden breath as I saw .Hazeltine stand- ing there pointing at-me, “and this man here.” pointing te Acton. -Acton laughed in his face. “What is this, sir?” cried Price Henry, walking over to Hazeltine. “Do you not see you interrupt an important matter?" “Your Highness, I am obliged to follow the orders of Sir Henry. These men are being searched for all oyer this town. It is a matter of great military im- portance.” § “And can you not cheose a better time, hen?”’ asked the youhg man in the first tone of voice I had heard him use that showed me he was dccustomed to issue rather than to receive orders. cannot do it, your Highness,”™ Hazeltine, doggedly, and none politely. “Frank,” cried Atherton at this, 't is an_ fll-selected moment. What matters half an hour?” “It matters much,” said the other hot- said too y.. “They must come now! “Must?’ said Sproat, in a questioning ‘one. “Certainly, major.” “Then, my ftiend,” said the Prince, uletly, “listen to me. The military de- nands have nothing to do with this. We vill go on with our affair. Therefore eave us alone and arrest your men later as you can.”” And he started to turn on his heel. “I shall be obliged to use force,” cried Hazeltine. The young Prince turned about as If the speaker had touched a spring in his_mechanism. But before he could speak Dr. Low said softly: f you attempt anything of the sort you will simply become our prisoners! These two gentlemen have come here re- Iying on our honor. They no sooner ar- rive than they are arrested. May It not appewr to them that thisgis an ambush?” “In fact, some such thing might stray into_cur brains,”” said Acton blandly. “Therefore,” sald the Prinee, “our own honor 18 here at stake, and we will with short but serious affair was . Sproat pl‘ltt bis hand antgaz- oulder as to say something, ;illgxlllutho.glhar threw it off flercely, and the dark hatred the man bore me showed in bis face as he turned to me and criea; “Have another half hour, you fool! I'll see you hanged before night, mark me therel™ and hie started to move off. “Stay, man!’ said the doctor. “You must remain until:this is over. And you two men,” continued he, “stand there be- fore Major Sproat and Lieutenant Purdy, and de you, sir, remain by me. Now, gen- tlemen, I think we can begin again. I had less taste for it than ever, after the quick aetion of Atherton when he thought I was to _be attacked. But we ‘were seen at it, and as I got nto the work and my head cooled down, the thought of her against whom this man's jest had been directed stiffened my wrist and set me hard at him. He played his rapler well after the or- thodex fashion of dueling., and twice touched me, but not through the skin. Then, seeing tiat I stood on the defensive still, he began to grow red in the face and his eyes lit up with anger. Not a sound came from the others as we circled around one another, nor did I say a word until ha began to press me hard, forward and back, forward and back, each time a dif- ferent stroke. Then I exclaimed in sur- prise uncensciously, for he seemed to be a new man. My breath came hard and fast, and 1 began to take the offensive. Twice, thrice, four times he parried, and then on a sudden on he came and I felt a sting in my left arm just at the biceps. Dr. Low called a halt, and ripped up my sleeve in spite of my cries that 'twas noth- 1 ng. “Leave me alone,” cried I. “Do you not see 'tis but a scrape? Come, sir, do not waste your time!” And I broke away and made at him with my temper haif gone. We went it hot after that, nor do 1 re- member anywhere such quick work. Once 1 was down on my knees. Twice he saved his life by a prodigious side jump. And then—then I saw him come at me from be- low, his point up and falling as he rose himseilf, 'Twas a stroke, a gasp, for I could do naught but strike his point down and then ut all my strength of arm, wrist and Pody to turn my biade under his. I did 80, God knows how, but in an instant I felt my point at his hilt and with ‘a wrench his rapier’ jumped twenty feet away. By the force of the twist he was swung half round sideways to me, an tripping over his own feet, he fell towar me—'twas all so quick I could not tell how ’t happened—but I suddenly felt my sword touch his left side under the arm, and In- stinctively I jumped back and drew my blade away. Down he went, flat on his side, with one foot twirling around the other, and I stood walting as he got up. The others jumped forward to him. But he pushed them hastily aside and strode up to me, as I stood there dazed and pant- ing, and grasped my hand. Not a word did he say for an instant. Then, turning to the others: “My frien 'tis a new thing for Ather- ton to do. But you saw him! He could have run me through by standing still, and I say, by God, I'll fight no more with such a man!” Then, turning to me, he went on: “Mr. Merton, I was drunk last night, and what I sald—" #Not another word, captain,” sald L Tis over, and, thank God, no harm done. Let the thing die here and now. They crowded about me and shook my hand, and said I know not what I had done, and quite naturally the Prince said: “And now to Fraunce’s Tavern for breakfast.” And, moving off, we left Hazeltine and his two men on the field without a word. But after passing the shipyards they went on into Rutgers street, and just before we came to Cow Foot Hill the whole party, Acton and I went with them, turned suddenly into a garden and entered what I found later was the famous Walton Mansion of the Rutgers family, where the Prince for the time lived. ‘Twas a magnificent mansion with great pleces of furniture; the banquet hall alone as large as two ordinary dwellings. We passed into the hall and through it into a library, where sat a table covered with bottles and cold food enough for-a hundred, it seemed I could not but express my sur this plenty and magnificence in the midst of so much poverty and scarcity else- where in the city. ‘“Ah, you do not know how we live,” cried Sproat. ‘“For whole weeks we eat nothing but salt beef, and then in comes a foraging par and the whole town gorges for a week. The young Prince took the head of the table and all set to work in the hot, murky air, opening bottles and dishing out the food. No one waited on us, and we were indeed a jovial party, all thers but the doctor, who said he must go, and A looked at me meaningly as he added: “Come to my office, young man, when you've eatén, and lét me _dress your arm.” Indeed, what could be a simpler way of completing my plan with him than by this_ ordinary appointment. Strange that I should be sitting with these enemies of my country and yet growing to_like them! Strange that I should be decelving men that, whatever else they might be, were men of honor through and through! Strangest, of ail, that Atherton could not do enough for me since my unconsclous saving of his life. No one referred to my near arrest nor stioned as to its cause. And Acton soon had them roaring with laughter with his quaint remarks and his jovial songs. The only thing I noticed was a man at the rear door and another at the front in the hall, both standing motionless . and evidently watching to guard that we should not be surprised. fr. Merton,” cried the Prince, rising, you are a g00d sword and a betfer gen- tieman, and I give ye long life and the girl most to your heart.” “Nay, nay, sir,” cried I, for the wine went to the proper spot, and I felt at least one load off my back since the early morning; “’'tis the wrong order. A toast to_his Royal Highness first.”” There was a cry of applause, But he would not have it so. And, I still insist- ing, we stood there, glasses in hand, laughing and protesting and all talking.y at once, till Acton in his big voice marefi that ‘twas a shame to lose the chance to érink the wine, and Atherton cried out: N ME AND WALKED SLOWLY AW Ay » your permission, or in fact without it, continue our affair and deliver these gentlemen where they came from in safety, or my name is not Guelph.” Hazeltine glared —around him for a moment and put his hand on his pistol, but the movement started the others. and before he could draw, six men sur- rounded his three and stood ready for anything. “'Tis a piece of treachery to your au- gust Highness, august father,” cried the man. “T'll look out for that,” sald the Prince haughtily. “You know not what you do! cost you your commissions, and, by God, I'll do my duty! turned to his men and pointed at me. Atherton stepped in front of me, as did the doctor, and for an instant we all Tt will Then I give you them both. The first gentleman of Europe and the first gentleman of the last hour. “So it is! Out must come another roar of ap- plause, and so went the toast. And as tha major dipped out the newly-made punch from a huge bowl, Acton set the key for “Landlord, fill the flowing bowl,"” and wa roared out the song into one another’s ears, standing, and with the glasses In our hands, turning now to one, now to another, with the glasses clinking, some beating time with the left hand, till Ath- erton began a marching movement around the table, and we all must needs fall into line, tramping round and round, and yell- ing out the brave old song over and over again. Finaliy. we flopped down into . and up jumped Sproat and cried: n’ now, gent'm'n,” and he held up his glass, “now, confus’'n t' our enemies!