My Lady of Doubt

by Randall Parrish

  CHAPTER XV

  A NEW COMBINATION

  My first thought was that this must prove a trap, and I drew hastily backbehind the curtain, believing myself justified in an effort at escape.Surely, under such conditions, my word of parole to Peter had no bindingforce. Yet I waited long enough to glance forth again. The advancing bodywas less than a hundred strong, Queen's Rangers and Hessians, from theiruniforms, straggling along on foot, limping, dusty, and without arms.These must be the remnant of Delavan's command, released by their guardof partisans, and now wearily seeking refuge. But why were they cominghere? Surely this was not the Philadelphia road?

  They turned in upon the open lawn in front of the door, and I couldplainly distinguish the faces. There could no longer be any doubt butwhat these were the men we had fought and defeated the evening before.Grant, with the two Hessian officers, was in advance, and the formerstrode directly toward the house, while the majority of his followingflung themselves at full length on the ground, as though utterlyexhausted. Some strange fascination held me motionless, watching the manclimb the front steps. The iron knocker rang loudly twice before therecame any response from within. Then I could hear voices, but the wordsreaching me were detached, and without definite meaning. Finally the doorclosed, and the two men passed along the hall, beyond the room in which Iwaited. Then Peter's voice said solemnly, as if announcing adistinguished guest:

  "Captain Alfred Grant!"

  There was an exclamation of surprise, a quick exchange of sentencesindistinguishable, although I was sure of Grant's peculiar accent, andthe other voice was that of the young Light Dragoon lieutenant. Uncertainwhat best to do I stole toward the door and gripped the knob. This wasthe only known way out, for I dare not venture to use the window whichwas in plain view of those soldiers resting on the lawn. Whether Peterhad retired or not, I possessed no means of knowing, yet I opened thedoor silently a bare inch to make sure. At the same instant my earscaught the lieutenant's dismissing order, even as my eyes had glimpse ofSwanson's broad back blocking the open doorway of a room nearly opposite.

  "That will do, Peter, for the present. Have the table prepared for threeguests at once."

  He backed out, casting a quick glance of caution in my direction, anddisappeared down the hall, rubbing his bald head industriously. I openedthe door wider, wondering if I dare venture upon slipping by unobserved.Then Grant spoke, his voice loud enough to be easily heard:

  "How did we come here? Why, where else could we go? The damned rebelsstripped us clean; we had to have food. This was the nearest place wherewe were certain of getting any. Of course I didn't know you were here,but I did know our foragers had left Elmhurst alone, and that--for somecause which mystifies Clinton--these Jersey outlaws have been equallyconsiderate. There was plenty to be had here, and I meant to have it inspite of the servants."

  "You must have marched straight past your own place," the boyish voiceinterrupted.

  "Well, what if we did. There was nothing there, as you know. The househas been stripped to a mere shell. Not a nigger left, nor a horse. I'dlike to know what influence keeps this property untouched!"

  "That's easily answered. You forget we are a divided family, withfighting men on either side."

  "Little these outlaws care for that."

  "At least they appear to, as we remain unmolested. There has not been araiding party halted here since the war began."

  "Well, if you hadn't been at home, there would have been one along now,"burst forth Grant rather roughly. "Those fellows out there are desperateenough to sack the house if that was their only method of getting food.And I promised they should have the chance."

  "Oh, you did, indeed! That would have proven a friendly act."

  "Necessity does not take much account of friendship. I was responsiblefor a hundred starving men. Under such conditions force would bejustified. I doubt if I could control the fellows now if provisionsshould be refused."

  "There is no necessity for indulging in threats, Captain Grant," said theboy's voice coldly. "Elmhurst has never yet turned a soldier away inhunger. Peter will instruct what few servants remain to attend to theimmediate needs of your men. May I ask how long you expect to remain?"

  I thought Grant was walking nervously back and forth across the room.

  "How long? Until night, probably. Then with a bite in our haversackswe'll take the road again. That is, providing you condescend to act asour host for so long a time. Odds life! but this reception is not overwarm to my thinking."

  "Elmhurst is not a tavern, sir."

  "No; but the home of a loyalist--the commander of half those men outyonder. However I am not pleading for them, but myself personally. Whatwelcome have I had? By all the gods, I was almost compelled to fight thatbald-headed old fool to even gain admittance to the hall. Were those yourorders?"

  "Assuredly not. But you must consider circumstances, and forgive Peterfor being over zealous in my service. I received you as soon as I knewwho you were."

  "Yes," somewhat mollified, "I presume that is true, although you arechilly enough, the Lord knows. But what brings you here?"

  "That must remain my secret, Captain Grant--for the present."

  "Oh, very well. I thought it might have some connection with Eric'spresence in this neighborhood."

  "With Eric! What do you mean? Have you seen him?"

  "Ah! so I've got below the surface at last! I thought I might with thatthrust. Yes, I saw him last night. I didn't know what the devil thefellow was up to, but I thought I'd let him play out his game. It was aright nervy trick, so far as it went, but unfortunately the rebels camein before I discovered what it all led up to."

  "You do not make it very clear to me."

  "I told you it was not clear even to myself. This is all I know. When Ijoined Delavan last night just after dark, he had a young officer ofLight Dragoons in charge of his advance guard. I merely got a glimpse ofthe fellow as we rode in, and he looked so devilishly like Eric that Iasked Delavan who the lad was. He said he had joined at Mount Holly withthree men, was going through to Philadelphia with despatches from NewYork, and was only too glad of escort the rest of the way. Being short ofofficers Delavan gave him charge of the van."

  "Did he recognize you?"

  "I hardly think so; it was pretty dark, and I was put on guard over therear wagons. I supposed I would have ample opportunity to learn the truthafter it became daylight."

  "But you believed him to be Eric?"

  "Yes, and after the attack I was convinced. He and the three men with himbolted and got away. Must have run at the first fire, for the fellows hadus completely hemmed in. It was Eric all right, and that is about halfthe reason why I led my men back here--I wanted to find out if he washiding about the old place. Is it true you haven't seen him?"

  "Quite true; indeed I had no reason to suppose him in the Jerseys at thistime."

  Grant remained silent, probably not wholly convinced that he was beingtold the truth, and yet not venturing to state openly his suspicions.However the other said no more, and finally the Ranger felt compelled toanswer.

  "Of course," he explained rather lamely, "I couldn't altogether blame youfor concealing the boy if he had shown up here, but you will realize thatas a King's officer I have a serious duty to perform."

  "You would apprehend Eric? Would betray him into British hands? Is thatyour meaning, Captain Grant?"

  "What else could I do? Don't be unreasonable! Boy as he is, no one in allthat crew of ragamuffins has done us greater harm. Again and again he haslearned our secrets and brought Washington information of our plans. Howhe does it is the mystery of this department--Howe has personally offereda thousand pounds for his arrest. Surely you know that. Last night Ithought we had him in our power, but the very devil seems to protect himfrom capture, even when luck brings him fairly within our grip."

  "And so you came here to search for him?" I could feel the bitter scornin the voice. "In his father's home!"

  "I certainly did," angri
ly. "I shall search the house from cellar togarret before I leave."

  "But you are on parole."

  "Damn the parole. What do I care for a pledge given to a band ofplundering outlaws? And what do I care for Eric? He chose for himself,and has no right to expect any mercy from me, and by all the gods, he'llreceive none. I half believe that attack last night was his planning, andthat now you have him hidden away here. Now listen to me! I do not desireto be harsh, but I'm a soldier. My men are not armed, but there areenough out there to handle the servants barehanded. No one can get out ofthis house without being seen; I've attended to that."

  "And you propose searching the rooms?"

  "I do. If you had been a little more genial I might have exhibitedgreater courtesy. But I haven't any use for Eric, and never had. Now youknow the truth."

  "It merely illustrates more clearly your character."

  "You are always free enough with your comments. I shall do my duty to theKing."

  "Very well, sir," and the incensed lieutenant pushed back his chair."Then we clearly understand each other at last. I am sincerely glad ofit. From now on I shall never again be guilty of mistaking you for afriend or a gentleman. No, I have no wish to listen to another word; youhave spoken frankly enough, and I understand the situation. Perhaps it isonly anger, but it gives me the excuse I have been seeking after a longwhile in vain. Whatever claim you may have had upon my regard in the pastis over with, forever over with, Captain Grant."

  "But--but, surely--"

  "I mean precisely that. You can cover your despicable actions with thegloss of military duty, but I know you now as a revengeful liar. Treatthis house as you please. I refuse to have any more dealings or wordswith you. I'll provision you and your men, as I would any otherssuffering from hunger, but that ends all. If you search this house do itby force, and in any way you please, but expect no assistance from me. Ibid you good-day, sir, and will send Peter to call you when breakfast isready."

  I closed the crack of the door as he came forth into the hall, having nodesire to be caught listening. My own position was more unpleasant andhazardous than ever. Whatever reason the lieutenant might have forholding me prisoner I was convinced he possessed no knowledge as to myreal identity. The probability was that after an interview I would bereleased. But Grant would recognize me instantly, and he proposedsearching the house, room by room, seeking this man Eric. I must make myescape first. Yet how could this be accomplished? I heard Peter passalong the hall, and solemnly announce the serving of breakfast. He andGrant exchanged a few sentences, and then the latter strode to the frontdoor, where he gave orders to the men. I watched the German officers comeup the steps, while the majority of the others, forming into irregularline, marched around the corner of the house. A small squad remained,however, on guard, facing the front entrance.