The Rescue

by Perry Comer

  Porter reached down beside the log and brought up a small jar. Honest took it and drank.

  “Found a pool up by the road and stole the jug,” Porter explained.

  Honest lowered the jug. “What news have you?”

  “Hornet reported no ships sighted, that was about an hour ago. She tacks about every four hours, have you a message?”

  “No, we've other matters. Have you wood for the night signal?”

  “Aye, mor'n enough.”

  “Then let us be about it, we've to rescue the captain and the others once it is dark.”

  Honest and Porter assembled three large piles of firewood.

  “These should burn a good two hours, if Hornet holds to her tacks she'll see them before they go out. Mister Ashcroft will know to lie-to and await the rocket,” Honest said.

  “Look there!” Porter said and pointed.

  Honest turned to see a boat from the ship that had arrived that afternoon heading for the shore. Even in the faint light, he could tell it was heavy laden. “Your glass! Honest said.

  Porter dug into his bag and pulled out a small telescope.

  Honest found the boat and adjusted the focus. “Damnation and a pox on them! Eight men!” he said. “More we will have to be cautious of if we are to succeed this night. Let us hurry, Mister Allen is waiting.”

  Honest walked at almost a run. Porter struggled to keep pace as he carried a bag with weapons, three rockets, the water jug and biscuits. “We will go through the village, I'll not chance meeting up with the Johnny-come-lately.”

  Porter said nothing but kept step with Honest as they crossed the beach and hurried between fishing boats laid on shore. The sun was well down on the horizon.

  Allen and the two younger midshipmen were still in the small stable. They were relieved to see Honest and Porter.

  “Lead on Mister Welles, we've not a moment to waste,” Honest said.

  “This way,” Welles said and went out the back out the stable and into another alley. They crossed two other alleys, squeezed between two huts and into another ally. “Just there!” Welles said and pointed. He led them around a large spreading tree and to the hog wallow. The sun had set but there was still light enough to make out the stone building.

  Honest considered the situation. “Simon, round the building and run across to the water trough, cross over to the next ally then circle around. Mind you; don't linger to look at the guards but make note of how many you see and any others that are about.

  “Aye,” Simon said and darted through the pig wallow and out down beside the building.

  “What weapons have you in the bag?” Honest asked Porter.

  “Two pistols, powder, balls, and two dirks,” Porter answered.

  “Pistols loaded?”

  “Aye!”

  “Then let us have them for once we dispatch those outside we shall need to arm those inside as best we can. This can't be done without some commotion, which will draw others. Let us have a biscuit and water while we wait for Simon.”

  They each ate; none mentioned weevils in the bread, as they had become accustomed to them, especially in the dark. Each man downed a shallow and soon emptied the jug.

  Simon scrambled through the fence and back through the hog wallow as they finished their food. “Two men at the doors and two more walking past. All were armed with swords and pistols,” he reported.

  “Good lad,” Honest said with pleasure.

  Honest had considered his plan while waiting for Simon. “Mister Allen, you and I will go to the corner at the front. I shall take the first man and you the second. Porter, you mind the other two if they are still there. Shoot both if necessary.”

  “What of us?” Welles asked.

  “Unbar the door and open at least one, don't bother with both,” Honest instructed.

  “Aye,” David answered.

  “Let us set to it,” Honest said and climbed over into the pig wallow.

  Honest approached the corner watching for the two men across the way that Simon had seen. They were not there. He sighed with relief and motioned for Allen to come closer. “Only the two!” He whispered. “Hand on my shoulder, when I go you go!”

  Allen obeyed and placed his hand on Honest's shoulder. Honest took a deep breath, settled himself and shot around the corner. The first guard saw him almost instantly and tugged at his pistol. Honest knife found the man's neck before the pistol was from his belt. Allen shot past and slashed the second man across the face and then stabbed the man in the chest, he cried with pain and went down. Porter raced past with a pistol in each hand, came to a stop and waited for a target to appear. Before either guard slid to the ground the boys had raised the heavy bar from the doors. Welles then flung it open,

  “Drag him in,” Honest, said to Allen as he reached down and grabbed the man he had knifed by the arm and began dragging him. An unseen man reached past Honest and took the other arm and helped pull him in. The man in the darkness said, “That was swiftly done!”

  “Aye,” Honest said and asked, “How many?”

  “Twenty-one, all sound,” Donland answered. “Let us be away from here!”

  To the men behind him, he called, “Get their weapons.”

  “Follow me, Captain,” Honest said and peered out the door Porter was still in the ally with both pistols drawn, “Porter!” he called then darted for the corner. He paused halfway along the building for the others. Once he was certain all the prisoners were out, he started for the hog wallow. He halted before entering the ally. “Captain we'll draw attention if we go through the village together,” he said to Donland.

  “Nothing for it,” Donland said then asked, “What news?”

  “A boat of eight from the brig that just anchored is about in the village. We've set the signal for Hornet, Porter has the rocket,” Honest said.

  “Very well, we must deal with the battery without delay before the village is roused. We will go at the run, can you find your way in the dark?”

  “Aye Captain, but Mister Welles and Simon may know the way better than I,” Honest explained.

  “Mister Welles, can you lead us?” Donland asked.

  “Aye, Captain. This ally zigs and zags but ends at the jungle near where we waited on the road. I got lost earlier, that's how I know,” David explained.

  “At the run, pass the word!” Donland said and entered the ally.

  There were people about, as were dogs and other animals. Donland ran past all, dodging and weaving as he ran. There were shouts but he did not stop and could tell by the sounds behind him that the others were following. By what he estimated to be halfway, he was certain the alarm had sounded. He ran on, nearing out of breath he reached the jungle. He halted to allow the others to reach him. “Lead the way Mister Welles,” he said into the darkness.

  “Aye Captain,” David answered and brushed by Donland.

  The way was between buildings and over rough fences, there was cursing from behind as men tripped and fell. Dogs barked furiously. In just a few minutes they were on the road.

  Donland halted and called the men to him. The Major Wainwright was the last to join the group; he was well past his prime. All were panting.

  Donland drew a deep breath, his ribs hurt from the beating he had endured in the stone house. He said haltingly between gulps of air, “we must take the battery, our success depends on it. I'm told there are twenty or so men camped there. We can expect as many more to come after us, so we must take the battery without delay. Those men on the cay must be liberated and that means we need boats. I know that there is one boat near the battery and it must be secured and launched once we have the battery. How many pistols have we?”

  “Seven!” Honest said.

  “Then seven men will lead the way, the rest will follow. If you have no knife, find a club. Is this understood?”

  There were several who answered, “Aye!” or “Yes Sir”.

  Donland blew a long breath and said, “Honest, go ahead of us and find
the trail to the battery, there must be one. They'll have a fire and that should guide you once you get close. Take Simon and send him back when you've found the battery.”

  “Aye Captain,” Honest replied and called, “Simon!”

  Donland's mind raced as he considered what was to be done. “Mister Allen take two men down the road toward the village and watch for pursuers. They will know by now that we are on the road. They may not guess my intention to take the battery.”

  “Porter!” Donland called. “Have you the rocket and flint?”

  “Aye Captain, rockets and pistol,” Porter answered.

  “As soon as we have the battery in hand fire off the rocket. Do not wait for my command.”

  “Aye, Captain,” Porter said.

  A sudden burst of pistol fire caused Donland and those with him to rouse up. The shots were coming from the direction Honest had set off. Several more shots rang out and there was loud shouting.

  “Mister Jackson has not waited! He is taking the battery.” Donland said aloud.

  “Mister Welles fetch Honest and Simon! We'll take the easier route of the beach.”

  “Aye!” David answered and ran into the darkness.

  “Lieutenant Watson recall those I sent to guard the road and come after us.”

  “Yes Sir, the army lieutenant replied.

  “Follow me!” Donland said to those about him as he dashed down a path leading to the beach. Three pistols shots rang out behind him. The guards were fired upon and would no doubt welcome being recalled.

  He gained the beach and ran toward the battery. The shooting and yelling had stopped by the time he had gone a hundred yards. He slowed. Faintly he heard voices and then the splash of oars. A boat had set off toward the cay. Beyond the horizon was a faint glow, the moon was rising, a waning moon but it would be more than amble for what lay ahead.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Huzza!” A shout went up from the cay and was quickly joined by a host of others as the men realized they were being liberated.

  Donland ran along the water-packed sand splashing in puddles left by the receding waves. He was followed closely by others.

  “Bang! A musket flashed. The ball struck flesh; a man beside Donland went down with a cry of pain.

  “Hornet!” Donland shouted.

  “Hold fire!” Donland heard Buschard command. “Captain?” he called in the next breath.

  “Aye!” Donland shouted and slowed. “Have you control of the battery?”

  “Aye Captain!” Buschard called loudly.

  Donland turned and called, “Porter! The rocket!”

  “Aye, Captain!” Porter called back.

  “Once it is away, remain here and aid Mister Buschard!”

  Donland noticed that the moon was just edging over the horizon. He said to Buschard, “We've pursuers, call out before you fire, Honest, my cox'n may running ahead of them.”

  “Aye Captain,” Buschard answered as Donland hurried past.

  Donland took no more than ten steps and was startled by the flash of the rocket. He glanced up at it and smiled. If luck held, Hornet or Stinger would begin tacking for the anchorage. And if what Allen reported about there being only watch-keeps aboard the anchored ships, he'd have them all.

  “Captain Donland!” Monroe called.

  “Aye, Mister Monroe,” Donland answered.

  “We've the battery and I've sent the boat across to those on the cay. It'll take some time to get them all across, maybe till morning with only the one boat.”

  Donland asked, “How many men have you?”

  “Sixteen, Mister Jackson and two men stayed aboard the Folly,” Monroe said.

  “I've near two dozen men. Do you have wounded?”

  “Aye, four,” Monroe answered.

  “Then we are about thirty-six, not enough to hold on till daylight. How many does the boat carry?

  Monroe did not hesitate, “ten and four at the oars,”

  “Ten will increase out odds greatly,” Donland said “Our greatest need will be a rear guard, I expect an attack will come from that quarter. What weapons have you captured Mister Monroe?”

  Monroe was quick with the answer, “Three swivels, fourteen pistols, and eleven muskets. I've not counted knives nor swords.”

  Lieutenant Watson!” Donland called for the army lieutenant.

  “Sir!” Watson said as he pushed his way through the men.

  Donland could vaguely see the man in the dim light, “We've men coming across by boat, You will take charge of them and set a rear guard. We've only a few pistols, find whatever you can to arm them.”

  “Yes Sir,” Watson replied.

  To Monroe, he said, “As soon as the next boat-full of men arrive, send them, the swivels and four muskets to Mister Buschard. “It is likely that the pirates will attack on two fronts.

  “What of the pistols?” Monroe asked.

  “Those will be needed for our rear-guard. The men at the guns can turn theirs over to Lieutenant Watson. Now, what of the guns?”

  “Undamaged sir, there's shot and power aplenty.”

  “Have a gun loaded and fire a round toward that brig, hit her if you can. There's not much light but I think enough to aim by. Reload and fire again if she appears to be getting underway. Either Stinger or Hornet will cut off any escape but I'd rather they not encounter fire from her.”

  “Aye, Sir,” Monroe said.

  “Captain Donland, may I be of service?” Major Wainwriter asked.

  Donland wanted to say, “it's a young man's fight” but did not. The major of the Ninety-fifth rifles was in ill health and well past the age of leading a charge. “We've men being brought by boat, those blighters may try sending boats across from the anchored ships to hinder us. Lieutenant Monroe has some muskets, collect some men and arm them. Fire on any boats coning toward either the cay or the beach.”

  “Consider it done,” Major Wainwright said.

  Donland called, “Mister Allen!”

  “Here Captain,” Allen answered.

  “Take charge of the civilians and the wounded and lead them to the other side of the battery. See to their needs as best you can but keep them out of harm's way.”

  “Aye, Captain,” Allen answered.

  “Captain!” Honest called.

  Donland was pleased to see him and Simon. “What of the pursuit?” he asked.

  Honest blew a deep breath and answered, “They are gathering back on the road. I guess there are mor'n twenty. Me and Simon waited and watched in the bushes a bit and then run for here.”

  “We'll soon have enough men and weapons to hold them. The men on the cay are being brought across and we have the battery. Leave Simon with me and go back to advise Mister Buschard. I will be sending men with three swivel guns, anchor them deep in the sand.”

  “Aye Captain,” Honest said.

  Donland looked around and saw David, “You've done well this day as has Simon, the two of you go report to Major Wainwright on the beach, tell him I sent you to assist him.”

  “Aye Captain,” David replied and took Simon by the arm.

  “Captain, may we be of service?” Lieutenant Hanson asked.

  “Aye, take Lieutenant Burroughs down to the beach where the lads are being brought ashore. We are in need of gunners and gunners mates, once you have enough, then take charge of the battery. Give my compliments to Lieutenant Monroe, he and his men are to return to Folly as soon as you've enough men to man the guns.”

  “Aye, Captain,” the two said in unison.

  Donland realized he did not have a weapon. He strode up the beach and took the path leading to the battery. The gun boomed, he turned but could not determine the fall of shot. He continued on and heard Monroe shouting orders. He was startled as a gun boomed.

  “Huzzah!” the gun crew shouted.

  “Load!” Donland heard Monroe shout.

  “Mister Monroe!” he called.

  “Here Captain,” Monroe answered.

  Donlan
d stumbled over a body and almost fell as he sought Monroe. Seeing him he asked, “Have you a sword or a dirk?”

  “Aye, have you need?”

  “I do, I feel naked,”

  Monroe laughed. “Here, it's not much of a blade but it'll clothe you. I've a pistol.”

  Boom! One of the battery guns fired again and again the cry of Huzza rose from the gun crew.

  “I believe they are competing,” Monroe said of the two gun crews.

  “She's cut her cables!” Someone shouted.

  The moon had climbed high into the sky and its glow shone across the water. He easily discerned the brig and that her bow was turning toward the open sea.

  “Are you go across to the Folly?” Monroe asked.

  Donland faced Monroe, “No, I will remain here a little longer. I will organize the freed men into crews and send them to take the vessels still at anchor. Give my compliments to Mister Jackson, and he is to send the boats back.”

  “There is but the one boat Captain, the one the pirates had,” Monroe said.

  Donland was taken aback. He asked, “Did you swim?”

  “No Sir, we had two spars aboard and when it became dark we subdued the pirates onboard and put the spars over the side. The men straddled the spars and hand-paddled to shore. The pirates were caught unaware.”

  “So you have no way back to the ship,” Donland said.

  “Not at present,” Monroe agreed.

  Donland was not amused. “We need boats Mister Monroe, there are boats at the village but between us, those boats are at least two dozen pirates. We have the men but not the arms to overcome them. Have you any practical suggestions?”

  Monroe said reluctantly, “I've not.”

  The sudden crack of several pistols caused Donland to turn.

  “They decided to test us,” Monroe said as he pulled the pistol from his belt and ran toward the sound of steel on steel.

  Donland did not answer; he hefted the sword and ran after Monroe.

  Lieutenant Watson stumbled backward into Donland, he was being beaten back by a pirate hammering at his pistol with a cutlass. Donland blocked the pirate's next blow with his sword and kicked the man's knee. He then punched the man in the face with his left fist to stun him. In a flash, he slashed down with his sword taking the man's sword arm off near the elbow. The spout of blood showered Watson. The pirate fell back and Donland hacked down to end the suffering. Watson managed to scramble to his feet.