CHAPTER VIII
I
But she did not return the paper. For with the commotion of the guestsin the several orders of their going, a serious business of felicitationand devoir was demanded alongside of which all other matters only servedas distractions. Consequently, the note once placed within her bodice,all thought of it vanished for the remainder of the evening.
Only when she had returned home that night, fatigued and almostdisgusted with the perfunctory performances of the evening, did shediscover it, and then not until she was about to remove the garmentwithin whose folds it lay concealed. It fell to the ground; she stoopedto pick it up.
"Oh, dear! I quite forgot it. I must attend to it the first thing in themorning."
And she placed it on the dresser where it could not escape her eye. Thenshe retired.
But she did not sleep. There she lay wide awake tossing nervously to andfro. She tried to close her eyes only to find them wandering about theroom in the obscure dimness, focusing themselves now on the old mahoganydresser, now on the little prie-Dieu against the inner wall with thesmall ivory crucifix outlined faintly above it, now on the chintzhangings that covered the window. She could hear her heart, pounding itsgreat weight of bitterness against the pillow; and as she listened shethought of Stephen's arrest and of its thousand and one horribleconsequences. She tried to congratulate herself on her sweet serenityand the serenity only mocked her and anticipation loomed as fiercely asbefore.
The next she knew was a quiet awakening, as if her mother's hand hadbeen put gently on her arm. Outside ten thousand light leaves shiveredgently and the birds were calling to one another in melodious tones.This was her first glimpse of the day and it sent her suddenly to herknees.
Stephen came late that afternoon. He had not been expected; yet she washappy because he came. She had done little that day; had not left thehouse, nor dressed for the occasion. The note was where she had left it,and all reference to it buried with her thoughts of the evening.
"I cannot yet tell how it has been decided. They went into executivesession at once."
"But,... Surely,... They could not find you guilty?"
"Oh, well."
"Please.... Won't you tell me?"
"There is little to tell. It was very brief."
He could not become enthusiastic.
"Then you were put to trial?" she asked with an apprehension uncertainin quality.
"Yes."
"Go on. Tell me."
He was silent. He desired to withhold nothing from her, yet he could notfind the words he wanted.
"What happened?" She was persistent.
"Well.... I don't know.... I soured on the whole proceeding. Thecourt-martial met, the Regimental Court Martial, with three members.This was permissible. They began, reading the charge as preferred byColonel Forrest, which was to the effect that I had been guilty ofstriking my superior officer, Colonel Forrest, by attempting to chokehim. To this was added the accusation of abusive, threatening languageas well as a threat of murder. I, of course, pleaded not guilty; nor didI prepare any defense. The affair was so trivial that I was surprisedthat it ever had been brought to trial."
"How long did the proceedings last?"
"They were very brief. Several witnesses were examined, the chief onebeing Mr. Anderson."
"I know him," remarked Marjorie.
"You know him?"
"I met him last evening at Shippens'."
"Did he say aught about me?"
"Not a word."
"Well, he appeared against me. After a few more preliminary questions Iwas put on the stand in my own defense. I told briefly the circumstanceswhich led to the incident (I would not call it an assault, for Icontinually maintained it to be of a trivial nature and worthy only ofan explanation). I told how the Colonel had used certain derogatoryremarks against the faith that I believed and practiced, whichoccasioned a violent argument. This, I think, was the great mistake Imade, for it appeared to make an unfavorable impression upon the Court.In this respect they were unquestionably on the side of Forrest. Then Irelated the remark incident to my action, and announced that I wouldrepeat the deed under similar circumstances were the same disrespectfullanguage directed against the Commander-in-chief. This, I fear, madelittle impression either since I was already attached to the staff ofGeneral Washington. And a jealous rival general was about to decide myguilt. That ended it. I was excused and the Court adjourned."
He paused.
"For these reasons I have serious misgivings as to my fate."
"What can happen to you?"
"I do not know. It may result in a suspension, and it may result in averdict of 'not guilty.'"
"Will you know very soon?"
"I shall be summoned before them."
Neither spoke for a time.
"Do you know," observed Marjorie, "I greatly mistrust General Arnold andI fear that he already has decided against you."
"What causes you to say that?"
"Well ... I don't know ... I just think it. While listening to him lastevening I drew that impression."
"Did he say anything against us?"
"He is enraged at Congress and he has long felt persecuted and insultedby the people. He desires a command in the navy and has already writtenWashington to that effect; and again he would petition Congress for agrant of land in New York where he would retire to private life, for hevows he never will again draw sword on the American side."
"Did he say this?" asked Stephen.
"He did."
"Do you think that he was sincere?"
"I really do. He talked with all the earnestness of a man ofconviction. Somehow or other I greatly mistrust him. And he is extremelybigoted."
"I rather suspect this, although I have had no proofs of it. If he is,it will out very soon."
"And you may be assured, too, that he will have an able adjutant inPeggy. She is his counterpart in every particular."
He looked at her as she spoke, and was amazed by the excitement in herface. She talked excitedly; her eyes, those large vivacious brown eyesthat looked out of her pretty oval face, were alight, and her face hadgone pale.
"I was interested in them last evening and with the apparent zealdisplayed by Peggy's mother in favor of the match. I would not besurprised to hear of an announcement from that source at any time."
"Has it reached that stage?"
"Most assuredly! I decided that they already are on terms of intimacywhere secrets now obtain a common value."
"You think that?"
"Well.... I do.... Yes. I know, for instance that he had a letter in hispossession which was addressed to her, which letter had its origin inNew York."
"How came he by it?"
"She must have given it to him. I have it now."
"You have it?"
He sat up very much surprised.
"Where did you get it?"
"I found it."
"Did you read it?"
"No."
She smiled at him, and at his great perplexity over the apparentmystery.
And then she told him of the little party; of herself and Mr. Anderson,and their intrusion upon General Arnold and Peggy; of their conversationand the falling of the note; of her subsequent return for it togetherwith the placing of it within her bodice and the state of temporaryoblivion into which the incident finally had lapsed.
"You have that letter now?" he asked with no attempt to conceal hisanxiety.
"Yes. Upstairs."
"May I see it? Really I would not ask this did I not think it quiteimportant."
"Very well."
She left to fetch it.
"Who is this man, Anderson?" Stephen asked upon her return. "Do you knowhim?"
"No. But he is very engaging. He was my partner during the evening."
She did not deem it wise to tell him everything, at least not at thistime.
"How long have you known him?" he inquired impatiently.
She smiled sweetly at h
im.
"Since last night," was the brief response.
"Where did he come from?"
"I scarce know. You yourself mentioned his name for the first time tome. I was greatly surprised when presented to him last night."
"Did he come with General Arnold's party, or is he a friend of Peggy's?"
"I don't think Peggy knew him before, although she may have met himwith some of the officers before last evening. I should imagine fromwhat you already know that he is acquainted with the Governor's partyand through them received an invitation to be present.
"Did he say aught of himself?"
"Scarcely a thing. He has not been a resident of the city for any lengthof time, but where he originated, or what he purposes, I did not learn.I rather like him. He is well-mannered, refined and richly talented."
"I sensed immediately that he was endowed with engaging personalqualities, and gifted with more than ordinary abilities," Stephencommented. "I have yet to learn his history, which is one of my duties,notwithstanding the unfortunate state of affairs which has lately cometo pass."
He stopped and took the letter which she held out to him. He opened itand read it carefully. Then he deliberately read it again.
"You say no one knows of this?"
"I am quite sure. Certainly no one saw me find it, although I am notcertain that I alone saw it fall."
"You are sure that it was in the Governor's possession?"
"Quite. I saw it distinctly in his belt. I saw it fall to the groundwhen he caught hold of the sword knots."
He leaned forward and reflected for a moment with his eyes intent on thenote which he held opened before him. Suddenly he sat back in his chairand looked straight at her.
"Marjorie," he said, "you promised to be of whatever assistance youcould. Do you recall that promise?"
"Very well."
"Will you lend your assistance to me now?"
She hesitated, wondering to what extent the demand might be made.
"Are you unwilling?" he asked, for he perceived her timid misgiving.
"No. What is it you want me to do?"
"Simply this. Let me have this note."
She deliberated.
"Would not that be unfair to Peggy?"
She feared that her sense of justice was being violated.
"She does not know that you have it."
"But I mean to tell her."
"Please!... Well!... Well!... Need you do that immediately? Could younot let me have it for a few days? I shall return it to you. You canthen take it to her."
"You will let no one see it?"
"Absolutely!"
"Very well. And you will return it to me?"
"I promise."
And so it was agreed that Stephen should take the letter with him, whichhe promised to return together with the earliest news of the result ofhis court-martial.
He stood up.
II
Stephen came out the little white gate closing it very deliberatelybehind him and immediately set off at a brisk pace down the street.Every fiber within him thrilled with energy. The road was dusty and hot,and his pace grew very strenuous and fervent. There was no breeze;there was no sound of wheels; all was quiet as the bells tolled out thehour of six. Nevertheless he trudged along with great haste without oncestopping until he had reached the door of his lodgings.
He turned the key and entered, closing the door behind him and takingthe greatest of care to see that it was properly bolted. Flinging hishat into a chair as he passed, he went immediately to the table whichserved as his desk. While he pulled himself close to it, he reached intohis pocket for the letter. He opened it before him and read it. Then hesat back and read it again; this time aloud:
Co. 13
Headquarters, New York. 15 July, 1778.
Madame:--I am happy to have this opportunity to once again express myhumble respects to you and to assure you that yourself together withyour generous and hospitable friends are causing us much concernseparated as we are by the duress of a merciless war. We lead amonotonous life, for outside of the regularities of army life, there islittle to entertain us. Our hearts are torn with pangs of regret as werecall the golden days of the Mischienza.
I would I could be of some service to you here, that you may understandthat my protestations of zeal made on former occasions were not withoutsome degree of sincerity. Let me add, too, that your many friends herepresent unite with me in these same sentiments of unaffected and genuinedevotion.
I beg you to present my best respects to your sisters, to the MissesChew, and to Mrs. Shippen and Mrs. Chew.
I have the honor to be with the greatest regard, Madame, your mostobedient and most humble servant.
W. CATHCART.
Miss Peggy Shippen,Philadelphia.
His face was working oddly, as if with mingled perplexity and pleasure;and he caught his lip in his teeth, as his manner was. What was thisinnocent note? Could it be so simple as it appeared? Vague possibilitiespassed through his mind.
The longer he gazed at it the more simple it became, so that he was onthe point of folding it and replacing it in his pocket, sadlydisconcerted at its insignificance. He had hoped that he might havestumbled across something of real value, not only some secretinformation concerning the designs of the enemy, but also some evidenceof an incriminating nature against his own acquaintances in the city.
Suddenly he thought he saw certain letters dotted over, not entirelyperceptible, yet quite discernible. He turned the paper over. Thereverse was perfectly clear. He held it to the light but nothingappeared through.
"By Jove!" he exclaimed softly.
He looked closely again. Sure enough there were faint markings onseveral of the letters. The "H" was marked. So with the "V" in "have,"and the "A" and the "L." Snatching a pencil and a sheet of paper he madea list of the letters so marked.
HVANLADERIIGAERODIRCUTN
This meant nothing. That was apparent; nor could he make sense out ofany combination of letters. He knew that there were certain codeswhereby the two progressions, arithmetical and geometric were employedin their composition, but this seemingly answered to none of them. Hewent over the list again, comparing them with the marked letters asfound in the note. Yes, they were identical. He had copied themfaithfully.
He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
"So this was sent to Peggy from New York," he muttered to himself. "Istrongly suspected that she was in communication with her Britishfriends, although I never came in contact with the slightest evidence.This certainly proves it."
He held the letter at a distance from him, attentively surveying it.
"And General Arnold has been interested, too. Very likely, Marjorie'shypothesis is the true one. They had been reading the note when thenewcomers arrived on the scene and the General stuck it in his beltuntil their greetings had been ended. Neither of them now know of itswhereabouts; that much is certain."
He stood up suddenly and strode about the room, his hands clasped behindhim. Going to the window, he peered out through the small panes of glassof the uncurtained upper half. There burned the light across the dusk--apatch of jeweled color in the far off western sky. Yet it awakened noemotion at all.
His mind was engaged in the most intricate process of thought. Hededuced a hundred conclusions and rejected them with equal promptitude.He greatly admired General Arnold as the bravest leader in the line,whose courage, whose heroism, whose fearlessness had brought him signalsuccesses. There was no more popular soldier in the army, nor one morecapable of more effective service. To have his career clogged or goadedby a woman, who when she either loves or hates will dare anything, wouldbe a dreadful calamity. Yet it seemed as if he had surrendered hisbetter self.
This man Anderson puzzled him. Personally he was disposed to dislikehim, that being the logic
al effect of his relations with him. At theCoffee House, where he had met him, and where he had suffered his betterjudgment to become dormant, it was this man who had brought him to thepitch of irritation by means of a religious argument, while at the trialit was the same Anderson who appeared as an excellent witness and who byhis clever, deliberate and self-possessed manner, made a strong pointfor the Colonel in the minds of the court.
What was his origin? That he might never know, for of all subjects, thiswas the most artfully avoided. In the capacity of a civilian he wasengaged in no fixed occupation so far as could be learned, and it wascommonly known that he was a frequent visitor at the Governor's mansion.That he did not belong to the service, he knew very well, unless the manwas affecting a disguise; this, however, he thought highly improbable.The French Alliance had been further confirmed by the arrival of thefleet, which brought many strangers to the city. Now as he thought ofit, he had a certain manner about him somewhat characteristic of theFrench people, and it was entirely possible that he might havedisembarked with the French visitors. He was a mystery anyhow.
"Strange I should stumble across this chap," he mumbled to himself.
III
He awoke with a start.
Just what the hour was, he could not know, for it was intensely dark. Hereckoned that it could not be long after midnight, for it seemed as ifhe had scarcely fallen asleep. But there was a wonderful burst of lightto his mind, a complete clarity of thought into which often those doawake who have fallen asleep in a state of great mental conflict. Heopened his eyes and, as it were, beheld all that he was about to do;there was also a very vivid memory of his experience of the evening.
He arose hurriedly and struck a light. He seized the letter in search ofthe momentous something that had dawned upon him with wonderfulintensity.
"Company Thirteen," he remarked with deliberate emphasis. "That must bethe key."
And seizing a paper he wrote the order of letters which he had copiedfrom the note a few hours before.
HVANLADERIIG
He stopped at the thirteenth, and began a second line immediately underthe line he had just written.
AERODIRCUTN
It inserted perfectly when read up and down beginning with the letter"H". He completed the sentence.
HAVE ARNOLD AID RECRUITING
He could not believe his eyes. What did it all mean? What regiment wasthis? Why should this be sent from a British officer to Peggy Shippen?There were mixed considerations here.
There was a satisfaction, a very great satisfaction, in the knowledgethat he was not entirely mistaken in his suspicions concerning Peggy.She was in communication with the British and perhaps had been for sometime. This fact in itself was perfectly plain. The proof of it lay inhis hand. Whether or not His Excellency was involved in the nefariouswork was another question quite. The mere fact of the note being in hispossession signified nothing, or if anything, no more than acoincidence. He might have read the note and, at the same time, havebeen entirely ignorant of the cipher, or he might have received thishidden information from the lips of Peggy herself, who undoubtedly haddeciphered it at once.
Yet what was the meaning of it all? There was no new call forvolunteers, although, Heaven knows, there was an urgent need for them,the more especially after the severe winter at Valley Forge. Recruitshad become exceedingly scarce, many of whom were already deserting tothe British army at the rate of over a hundred a month while those whoremained were without food or clothing. And when they were paid, theycould buy, only with the greatest difficulty, a single bushel of wheatfrom the fruits of their four month's labor. And did it prove to be truethat a new army was about to be recruited, why should the enemy manifestso much interest? The new set of difficulties into which he was nowinvolved were more intricate than ever before.
He extinguished the light and went to bed.
The next day a number of copies of the New York _Gazette_ and _WeeklyMercury_ of the issue of July 13, 1778, found their way into the city.They were found to contain the following advertisement:
For the encouragement of all Gentlemen Volunteers, Who are willing to serve in his Majesty's Regt. of Roman Catholic Volunteers,
Commanded by
Lieut.--Col. Commandant,
ALFRED CLIFTON
During the present wanton and unnatural Rebellion, AND NO LONGER, The sum of FOUR POUNDS, will be given above the usual Bounty, A suit of NEW CLOTHES, And every other necessary to complete a Gentleman soldier.
Those who are willing to show their attachment to their King andcountry by engaging in the above regiment, will call at CaptainM'Kennon, at No. 51, in Cherry-street, near the Ship Yards, NEWYORK, or at Major John Lynch, encamped at Yellow-Hook, wherethey will receive present pay and good quarters.
N. B.--Any person bringing a well-bodied loyal subject to eitherof the above places, shall receive ONE GUINEA for his trouble.
God Save the King.
The Loyalist Page 8