by Perry Comer
He decided to say what was in his mind, “John, I owe you a great debt and your friendship has seen me through difficult times. I fear our feet will be set upon paths that will lead to our demise so before that know that I count you as my dearest friend.”
Williams smiled and said without hesitation, “It is odd, you I’ve come to regard more highly than many. Scoundrel that you are, you are more honest than most. I am fortunate to have you as a friend and know this, there is no debt for I have only aided my country by ensnaring you into its service.”
Hardy laughed.
The girl brought a platter of roasted lamb and set it on the table. She looked from Hardy to Williams. It was on her face that she thought Hardy was a madman.
“Lieutenant Brooks form up the men,” Hardy ordered.
“Aye, sir!” Brooks answered.
Hardy scanned the camp then asked, “Where is Sergeant Coffin?”
“He asked permission to secure some fresh meat,” Brooks answered.
Hardy nodded but said nothing. He knew Coffin well enough to know the man had gone off to visit a woman. His lust had caused problems in the past. “Who went with him?” Hardy asked.
“Corporal Jones, Sir,” Brooks replied sensing Hardy’s anger.
“Ellis!” Hardy called.
“Here, sir!” Ellis answered and rose from a log.
“I’ve no doubt you know where to find Sergeant Coffin and Corporal Jones. Fetch them and if they are not here in five minutes, I’ll have their stripes and they will have the stockade!”
“Aye, sir!” Ellis answered while shoving the stovetop hat down on his bushy head.
Hardy pursed his lips and frowned. He’d not wait. “Vargas, pack that ass and be quick about it!” Hardy snapped.
“Mister Brooks we will be returning to Saint Marys, lead the men off!”
“Aye, sir!” Brooks answered sharply.
Nichols was having difficulty putting a boot on. Brooks snapped at him, “Mister Nichols, don’t dawdle, keep up!”
“Aye, sir!” the second lieutenant managed while hopping.
“Belay Mister Nichols, report to Captain Williams and assist him!” Hardy ordered
“Aye, sir!” Nichols answered with relief.
Hardy watched the men marching along the street back the way they had come. He turned around to check on Vargas; he was tying down the canvas covering the supplies. “Catch up to them,” he ordered.
Vargas tied the last knot and took up the rope to lead the ass. It followed obediently.
“Sir!” a voice called. Hardy turned.
“You found them?” Hardy asked Ellis.
Sheepishly Ellis answered, “Aye, sir, they be getting their britches up.”
“As I thought, fetch up your kit and catch up to Vargas,” Hardy ordered.
Coffin and Jones arrived less than a minute later.
“Pick up your kits!” Hardy shouted.
Jones answered, “Aye, sir.”
Coffin said nothing but obeyed the order. His clothes were somewhat eschew.
“Quick march!” Hardy shouted.
Hardy followed after them. Brooks and the men were waiting at the dock.
“We will rest in place Mister Brooks,” Hardy said and turned to the men behind him, “Rest in place, secure your kits!” he ordered knowing Jones, Ellis and Coffin had yet to set themselves to rights.
“A word Mister Brooks,” Hardy said and began to walk along the dock. Brooks fell into step. Once they were out of earshot Hardy informed Brooks, “We are ordered to intercept a shipment of arms. The man we met in the night, Jackson, is to receive them and arm those seeking to create an independent nation. I believe the exchange will take place at the river crossing where we encountered him.”
“What if we are too late?” Brooks asked.
Hardy pointed down at the fresh wagon tracks. “If these are their tracks we should not be far behind the arms. I hope to catch up with them and capture the weapons.”
Brooks asked, “Are we to transport them to Saint Marys?”
“No, I’d not chance a fight with Jackson and his confederates, we will return here and turn the weapons over to Captain Williams.”
“Do you know when the wagon left?” Brooks asked.
Hardy half-smiled and said, “No, but I will after I’ve spoken to the master of the barge, he will know.”
Brooks asked, “Do you think he will tell if he is in league with them?”
Hardy held his smile, “He will, I have no doubts for I can be persuasive if need be.”
Brooks had no more questions.
Hardy stepped across onto the barge and entered into conversation with the master. The man was not cooperative. Hardy pulled one of the pistols from his belt and pointed it at one of the man’s knees. More words were exchanged, excited words. Hardy pushed the pistol back into his belt; the man mopped his face with a handkerchief.
Hardy stepped from the barge to the dock.
“I take it you gained the information,” Brooks said while grinning.
“Aye,” Hardy answered and walked to the assembled men, he then inspected each man. When he came to Coffin he asked, “Have you anything to report Sergeant?”
“No, sir!” Coffin answered.
“Since you have had opportunity to rest, once we are across and on the road, take Jones with you and quick march until you come upon a wagon, once you spot it, return on the run. If you haven’t spotted it by the time you reach the ferry crossing, wait there.”
“Aye, sir!” Coffin said and glanced over at Jones.
Chapter Three
Four hours had passed since leaving the barge. Neither Coffin nor Jones returned. Hardy could tell from the landmarks he had set to memory that they were nearing the ferry crossing. Coffin and Jones would be waiting. If the wagon ahead of them was the one with the arms and it had crossed before Coffin reached the ferry, there would be danger. Jackson and those with him would be well armed.
A man suddenly appeared coming at a run toward the column. Hardy recognized the man as Jones without his hat or his kit.
Jones slowed only when he was within a few paces of Hardy. Breathlessly he managed, “The wagon was on the barge going across when we caught up to it. Ferry is on the other side. Sergeant Coffin is watching.”
“Fall in at the rear Jones. Regain your breath,” Hardy ordered.
“Aye, sir,” Jones said and mopped sweat with his hand.
Hardy had hoped to catch the wagon before it crossed the river but now that it was on the other side the odds were against him taking the wagon. He considered his options, he could return to Amelia Island and admit failure or he could continue the pursuit. If he continued he would have to cross the river and capture the wagon before the next river crossing.
Were he the one with the wagon, he would be concerned about pursuit and put obstacles in the path of his pursuers. Destroying the ferry or at least setting it loose to float down the river would be his first obstruction. It would be enough.
Jackson and his band would be waiting at the second river crossing. The weapons would be disturbed and they would be waiting in ambush. He had little doubt in the abilities of his men but a fight against an overwhelming number would leave him only one option and that to withdraw. He had known officers who doggedly followed orders and lost their entire commands. Those fools deserved what they received but the men under them died unjustly.
There appeared little chance of success. Only bad luck on the part of those with the wagon or good luck for him could bring success. And then there was the other aspect, the confidence of those with the wagon. With the ferry unavailable, they need not hurry. This, Hardy decided, would be his advantage, providing he could cross the river without delay.
Coffin waited under the shade of a tree. The barge was tied to the opposite bank, there were no people about nor were there any wagons.
“The ferryman?” Hardy asked.
“Not hide nor hair of the man since he put the wago
n ashore,” Coffin answered.
“Have you considered how we’ll cross?”
“Aye,” Coffin answered and half-turned. He pointed and said, “See that tree and the big limb sticking out over the water? It goes halfway across and bumps into a big limb on the other side. I figure a man could make like a squirrel cross without being seen. Send two others, along here to swim. If there be any bastards waiting, they’ll fire at the swimmers and not know about the one in the trees. The fellow in the trees can cross and sneak around behind them.”
Hardy considered the tactic. He asked, “Have you gone down there to see if the limbs are close enough?”
Coffin replied, “No, I thought it best I keep watch on that barge.”
“Sensible,” Hardy agreed and asked. “Did you see the wagon?”
“Aye, just the one and watched it be unloaded off the barge. They didn’t leave straight away, must have lingered some fifteen minutes.”
“So, we know that if we cross, we can catch up to it. But first we have to cross.”
Hardy studied the tree and the bank where the barge was tied up. The house of stilts was his concern. Four men with rifles could decimate his small command if they tried to cross. Even if they did cross, it would take time to subdue those in the house. He made his decision.
“Lieutenant Brooks, we will return to the town! Column of two’s quick march!”
“Sir?” Coffin questioned.
“Fall in Sergeant Coffin!” Hardy ordered.
As soon as they rounded the bend in the road that put them out of sight of the house Hardy called, “company halt!” and immediately ordered, “disperse!” They understood the second command having been taught the tactic while in Boston. Hardy had learned while in Spain that when being ambushed it was imperative that the men seek cover as quickly as possible. He chose the command, disperse, because it was sharp and to the point.
The men either dived into the roadside brush or jumped into it.
The second part of the command to disperse was to await orders and keep silent.
Hardy stayed on the road for a moment and then crossed to where Brooks crouched behind a thick pine trunk. Brooks’ face reflected his curiosity.
“What are we to be about?” Brooks whispered.
“Crossing the river Mister Brooks, crossing unobserved. I thought it best that if there were watching in the house that they assume we were returning the way we had come.”
“How are we to cross with the barge on the other side?” Brooks asked.
Hardy crouched and whispered, “The ferryman told me that the barge was new and that there is an old barge. If so, it is reasonable that the barge is downstream, held in reserve should it be needed. I intend that we pass through this wood to the river, locate the barge and cross. It should take less time than fighting our way across the river. Pass the word to follow me.”
“Aye, sir,” Brooks answered.
Hardy rose and motioned for Coffin to join him. When he did, Hardy explained what he intended. They set off and soon came to the river.
“There!” Coffin said and pointed to the barge tied to a stump.
“How much rope have we?” Hardy asked.
“Enough,” Coffin answered.
“Strip off then and prepare to swim across. I’ll have Jones fetch the rope,” Hardy said.
Once the rope was brought, Coffin tied one end around his waist. He stepped into the black water, steadied himself and took the next step and went under. With a rush of water, he shot head and shoulders above the surface. “Damn! Cold!” he said and shook.
“Off with you!” Hardy ordered.
Coffin reached the barge and scrambled up. He untied the rope from his waist and tied it to the barge. Once the rope was secured, he untied the rope holding the barge to the stump. The barge floated free of the bank and Coffin called, “Haul away!”
The men began pulling the barge across the river. It took only couple of minutes to reach the bank where Hardy waited.
“Well done Sergeant,” Hardy said as Coffin jumped from the barge to the shore. His teeth were chattering and his body appeared to be turning blue. “Damn cold water!” he muttered.
The barge looked as if it would come apart. Hardy was not dismayed even though the ropes binding the logs together were rotted and frayed. “Horne and Ellis,” he called, “reinforce this with new rope once the barge is fast against the bank!”
Hardy turned to the men who grinned at their sergeant’s discomfort. “Danner you and Ellis secure the barge.”
He then ordered, “Murphy you and Vargas cut two long poles. Four of you others lift the ass and set her on the barge!”
It took only minutes for Hardy’s orders to be complied with.
Satisfied, Hardy ordered, “The rest of you climb aboard! Loose the lines!”
The barge held together but was wet as most of the waterlogged logs were covered with water. The barge bumped against the bank, Hardy ordered, “Four men off and four of you hand the ass across!”
“That was neatly done sir,” Brooks complimented Hardy.
“Aye, now we must hurry. I believe that if we continue straight on we will intersect the road well past the house. Sergeant Coffin and I will lead, no dawdling and no strays, Mister Brooks.
“Aye, sir!” Brooks answered.
The sun was only hours from setting when they caught sight of the wagon. There were four men walking and two riding.
Hardy turned to Coffin, “This must be quickly done before dark comes on us. Do you think we can get ahead of them?”
“Maybe two swift runners, no kits or muskets; pistols only,” Coffin suggested.
“Aye, now is the time to get the pistols from the ass. Make sure every man has two.” You and I will take the right side of the road, Danner and Vargas the left side. Which ever reaches the wagon will fire at those on the wagon seat. The others will have to get ahead of the wagon and stop it.”
“They’ll hear us coming,” Coffin observed.
“Aye, they will but that’s why four and not two. They’ll not know how many there are of us and will fire blindly. Fetch Vargas and Danner!”
Hardy turned to Brooks, “Have the men drop their kits and come on the run when you hear the first shot.”
“Aye, sir,” Brooks answered.
Hardy took off his hat and his blouse; Coffin also made ready removing anything that would encumber running.
“Let us be at it!” Hardy said and took to the wood on the run. He leaped and dodged with his legs pumping. Coffin was just behind him but choosing his own path. They ran like madmen and soon caught sight of the wagon. Hardy did not slow put took extra care to make as little noise as possible.
“In the woods!” a man beside the wagon shouted.
Bang! He fired either a pistol or a musket.
Hardy did not know if the shot was aimed at him, Coffin or the pair on the other side of the road. It mattered not.
Bang! Bang! Two shots rang in quick succession followed by two more.
Hardy understood, Vargas and Danner had arrived first. He saw the wagon; he was even with it and altered his course to come in front of it.
“Hey Ya! Hey Ya!” the wagon driver yelled to the oxen as he whacked them with his whip.
Coffin leaped over a fallen log first, aimed his pistol and fired striking the passenger.
Hardy broke through the brush unaware of the thorns that racked his arms and face. He aimed and fired at the driver, the shot caught the man in the chest. Hardy caught the oxen yoke and hauled on it and Coffin joined him.
A blow to Hardy’s back almost brought him down but he clung to the yoke and the oxen came to a stop. The second blow took Hardy to his knees. There was a shot close by but no third blow. Several more shots rang out followed by screams of pain. Hardy sank to the ground beside an ox and Coffin fell on top of him.
Hardy rolled from under Coffin; his head pounded with pain and his vision was blurry. He focused staring up at the ox. Brooks’ face came
into view. “The wagon is secured, Sir. Are you wounded?” Brooks asked as he reached for Hardy’s arm to assist him.
“I think not,” Hardy managed and got his feet under him. He heard Coffin say, “Damn! Bloody bastard stabbed me!”
Wobbling, Hardy stood with Brooks’ help. Coffin had rolled onto his side and was clutching his ribs.
“How bad Billy?” Hardy asked.
Coffin pulled his hand away from the wound and examined it. “Bad enough, ain’t going to die though.”
“Rest there,” Hardy said and asked Brooks, “Others?”
“No sir, all fit,” Brooks answered.
“Send the men to fetch their kits, we’ve not much light left to us. We’ll camp here and start out in the morning,” Hardy said.
“Aye, sir” Brooks answered.
Coffin’s wound was on the right side and between his bottom two ribs. He did not cough up blood and Hardy took that as a good sign. Still Coffin needed the attention of a surgeon. They found bottles of rum and blankets in the wagon and made Coffin a bed of sorts near the fire. The wound was washed with rum and bandaged, Hardy gave him the remainder of the bottle.
“I’ll be right as rain in the morning,” Coffin bragged before he drifted off to sleep.
Hardy knew better, he had seen such wounds and buried more than one man. He could only hope they were not hindered from returning to Amelia Island.
Rain fell during the night, thunder rolled and lightening flashed. Coffin neither heard nor felt any of it. Water still dripped from trees and bushes when the sun began to break over the horizon. The sand soaked up the rain as fast as it had fallen.
The men ate and saw to their personal needs. The ass was loaded with the remnants of their rations, power and shot. All six of the smugglers were buried and the wagon re-loaded after Hardy had inspected it. Room had been made in the wagon for Coffin to lie in blissful sleep. In all respects they were ready to begin the march back to Amelia Island.
“Mister Brooks I will lead. I’ll have six men by twos with me, the wagon and the ass come next, you and the other men will follow by twos.”