These Tangled Threads

by Tracie Peterson

The two men glanced at each other. “We’re not supposed to give details,” one of them replied.

  “Why not? Surely a bit of clarification isn’t out of line. Who instructed you to withhold details?” Bella persisted.

  “Our—our—the one who gives orders,” the man stammered. “The investigator,” the other interjected while nudging his companion in the side.

  “I see. And what reason did he give for this admonition?” Bella inquired.

  “He’s not required to give a reason. We follow orders, and we were told to arrest John Farnsworth.”

  “Well, here I am,” John said as he walked down the steps. “What’s this all about?”

  “You’re under arrest for treason,” one of the officers replied, thrusting several legal documents into John’s hand. Without warning, the officer pulled John toward the door.

  John swung around, the rapid motion releasing his arm from the hold. “I’m willing to go peacefully, but I want a moment to speak to my wife and nephew before departing. If you’ll permit me this small concession, we can then leave.”

  One of the policemen nodded agreement as Addie came scurrying down the steps. “You’re not going with them, John. You’ve done nothing to deserve this shoddy treatment. Tell these men to go away. Surely there are some dishonest scoundrels they should be arresting instead of harassing a decent law-abiding citizen.”

  “Now, now, my dear. We’ll get this matter straightened out in due time,” John reassured her as he pulled her into his arms. Reaching out, he drew Bella and Taylor near and lowered his voice to a whisper. “I want you to listen carefully. I want all of you on that ship tomorrow morning whether I’m able to join you or not. Taylor, I want you to take charge of the women should I be delayed.”

  “I’ll not leave without you, John,” Addie replied, tears beginning to trickle down her cheeks. “Please don’t force me to go,” she begged, taking his hand and pressing it to her lips.

  “Don’t cry, Addie dear. I’m hopeful this can be resolved in short order. If not, I need you to trust that I know what is best. I want you to promise me that you’ll abide by my request.”

  “I feel totally helpless,” Addie replied, her shoulders sagging as Bella pulled her into an embrace.

  “We’re never defenseless, Aunt Addie. We have the Lord, and we have the power of prayer.”

  John nodded his agreement. “Taylor, I’m not certain the paper work these men have shown me is authentic, but it’s imperative you sail with the women as scheduled. Promise me you’ll do as I’ve asked—no matter what happens.”

  “I promise, although if you haven’t been released, I would prefer to remain in England and send the women on without me.”

  “No. I don’t want them traveling across the ocean unaccompanied.”

  “If you’re absolutely certain that’s what you want, I’ll conform to your wishes.”

  John patted Taylor on the shoulder. “Thank you, my boy. It appears my escorts are growing anxious to depart. I’d best accommodate them before things become ugly. Bella, take care of Addie for me.”

  John leaned forward and kissed Addie. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back before you’ve time to know I’m gone.”

  The two lawmen followed John out the front door. He glanced over his shoulder at one of the men. “Which way?”

  “To the right and down the alley.”

  The reply confirmed John’s impression of these men. They weren’t the police; the police wouldn’t be escorting him down a dark alleyway; instead, they would lead him off to the nearest jail, most likely in a police wagon. He didn’t know where these men were taking him, but he did know he must flee. If they managed to get him confined somewhere, he’d likely never free himself.

  Slowing his gait, John turned toward the men, who were following close behind. “Why don’t you take the lead? I’m having difficulty seeing in this shadowy alley.”

  One of the men grunted, and as he moved forward, John grasped his arm, propelling him into his companion with such force that they both plummeted to the ground. The moment the men were down, John ran off in the opposite direction as his mind scrambled with thoughts of where he might hide. He couldn’t possibly return to the house; that would be the first place the men would expect him to hide. Although the homes of several acquaintances were nearby, he knew he dared not place his friends in jeopardy.

  He continued running in a chaotic pattern until he finally neared the docks of the Thames. Hesitating only a moment, he surveyed the area and rushed onward. Lowering himself behind a mass of stacked cargo, he placed one hand over his pounding heart and waited until the rhythm slowed. When his breathing had finally returned to normal, John raised himself upward and peered around one of the stacks, his glance focused upon the ship docked nearest to where he stood. It was the Liberty Queen—the ship on which he had booked their return passage. Seeing no one in sight, John moved across the open expanse, careful to stay in the shadows. Certain he’d gone undetected, he stole on board the ship, waited momentarily, and then made his way below deck.

  Morning came much too soon to suit Taylor. He hurried Bella and Elinor into their clothes, periodically stopping at the window to gaze into the streets below.

  “Aunt Addie?” he called as he tapped on her door.

  Addie appeared, her eyes red from crying. “Must we leave now? It’s not even light.”

  “We have to go now or we’ll never make it on time. The ship won’t wait for us.”

  “But we could change the sailing to another ship—one leaving later,” she challenged. But Taylor ignored the woman’s pleas that he book passage on a later voyage, holding fast to the promise he’d made.

  “We have to go, Addie. I’ve already arranged for the cab. The luggage is being loaded even now.”

  She nodded, tears threatening to spill again. “Very well.”

  It was difficult to convince his grandfather and grandmother that John had been called away unexpectedly and wouldn’t be able to return to bid them good-bye. He assured them both, however, that John would be in touch soon and was profoundly sorry for such rude manners. Grandmother Cordelia eyed him suspiciously, making Taylor certain she knew something underhanded was afoot, but she said nothing.

  “May God hide you all in the palm of His hand,” his grandmother whispered. Taylor pulled away to meet her gaze, seeing by her resolve that she would also save Jarrow Farnsworth from any undue misery. “You will write?” she questioned.

  He nodded. “Yes. As soon as I can.”

  Shafts of sunlight were just starting to glisten through the heavy fog as the party made their way to the awaiting carriage. Two men, who were stationed across the street, turned their backs when Taylor glanced in their direction, but he said nothing to the ladies about their surreptitious presence. He had noticed the men late last night while wandering about the house, unable to sleep. He’d seen that they were still there this morning every time he’d gone to check from the bedroom window. There was actually nothing to be done about it, but it did give Taylor cause to wonder. If the Crown was intent on arresting John, why were they having the house watched? They’d taken John to jail last night.

  A thought came to mind that John might have escaped.

  “They must be concerned he’ll return to the house,” Taylor muttered as he climbed the carriage steps.

  “Did you say something?” Bella asked.

  Taylor took the seat beside her. He momentarily considered explaining the situation, then decided against it. Calling attention to the fact that they were being watched would only serve to alarm Bella or Addie. And saying anything in front of Elinor would likely cause the girl to prattle on incessantly.

  Keeping the surveillance issue to himself was judicious, yet he longed for someone to confide in. If John hadn’t escaped, why was the family being watched? Since John was already in custody, was it possible the police had decided to arrest him for treason, also? Why else would these men continue observing them? He glanced over his shoulder
as the carriage neared the docks. The men were nowhere in sight. Perhaps he had overreacted.

  “Come along, ladies,” he said, leading the three women on board and then, after receiving directions, escorting them to the first of the reserved cabins.

  “This is the room Uncle John reserved for the two of you,” he told Addie as he opened the door.

  Addie glanced about and nodded her approval. “As soon as my trunk is available, I’ll begin unpacking.”

  As Addie entered the room, a shuffling sound was followed by a deep groan. They watched, awestruck, as John unfolded his body from a small cloth-covered nook at one end of the bed, the disheveled piece of cloth hanging from his shoulders like an ill-fitting mantle.

  “John!” Addie cried, hurrying forward to embrace her husband. “How did you get here?”

  “No time to explain right now,” he said while returning her embrace. “I’m guessing my captors are already on board ship searching for me.”

  “So that’s why those men were outside watching the house all night,” Taylor exclaimed. “I feel certain they followed us to the wharf, although I didn’t catch sight of them.”

  “Men were watching the house and you said nothing?” Bella questioned in anger.

  “We’ll discuss it later,” Taylor insisted. “Right now other matters are more pressing.”

  John nodded. “There’s no time to waste, my boy. Why don’t you see if you can search out a hiding place and perhaps find something to help me disguise myself? Then get back here as soon as possible.”

  “I’ll see what I can locate. If you’re forced to answer the door, be certain Uncle John is well hidden,” Taylor told Addie before motioning toward his sister. “Elinor, you stand in front of that nook with your skirt spread wide to help camouflage the area, should the need arise, and remain calm,” he instructed before striding out of the cabin.

  Avoiding several deckhands, Taylor made his way through the narrow passages below decks, noting several places where John might safely hide. He paused and glanced about before stealing into a large area that was obviously used by the sailors for sleeping. Stacked beneath the hammocks, he discovered items of worn clothing that likely belonged to the sailors who were now hoisting sails above deck. Choosing a frayed shirt, knitted Monmouth cap, checkered neck square, and a pair of canvas trousers, Taylor slipped the items beneath his arm and hurried back toward the cabin.

  He knocked on the door several times. “It’s me,” he finally announced through the closed door.

  Bella opened the door only a crack before peering into the hallway, a questioning look etched upon her face.

  “I’m alone,” Taylor said.

  Opening the door only wide enough to permit her husband entry, Bella took the clothing and handed it to John.

  “Why don’t you ladies take a stroll down the passageway while I change into these clothes?” John suggested. “Taylor can remain with me in the event someone should appear at the door.”

  John quickly changed into the garments. “I’ll wait until the women return before I depart. Addie will be unhappy if I hurry off without a word. These breeches obviously belong to someone shorter than I,” he said while tugging at the waist.

  “I’m sorry. It’s the best I could do with so little time to choose.”

  “No need to apologize, my boy. This is excellent,” John replied. He was pulling the knitted woolen cap down over his thatch of graying hair when the women returned.

  Addie gave her husband an appraising look. “You make a convincing sailor, my dear.”

  A loud knock sounded, and John nodded for Taylor to open the door. The captain stood centered between two broad-shouldered men dressed as police officers. Taylor immediately recognized them as the men who had been watching the house. “Gentlemen, what can I do for you?” he inquired with a false sense of bravado. Taylor noticed that his uncle had turned his back to the door and busied himself with something.

  “We’d like to search this cabin. The police tell me they’re looking for John Farnsworth. My manifest shows he and his wife are assigned to this cabin. They’d like to satisfy themselves that he’s not here.”

  Addie stepped forward. “I’m Mrs. Farnsworth. Surely you know that two of your fellow policemen were at the home of my father-in-law last night and took my husband into custody.”

  One of the officers pushed the captain aside, his gaze darting from person to person as he pressed through the doorway. “Who might you be?” the officer inquired, his gaze resting upon Taylor.

  “Taylor Manning, the nephew of John Farnsworth,” he replied with a note of pride.

  The captain moved forward, the room now filled to capacity. “And what are you doing in here?” the captain inquired of John while the two men in police uniform searched under the bed and in the tiny closet. “I haven’t seen you before. Are you Cookie’s new helper?”

  “We have some special problems with my aunt’s diet and asked to speak to the cook,” Taylor replied before John could answer. “This man was sent to pass along the information to your cook.”

  “I’m surprised Cookie is willing to consider a special request. Gauging from past experience, don’t be surprised if he immediately dismisses your demands,” the captain said, his gaze directed toward Addie. “Of course, a few coins might change his mind.”

  “I’ll find a way to manage if he’s unable to accommodate my needs,” Addie responded sweetly.

  “Well, then, have you finished with him?”

  Taylor nodded. “I believe so.”

  “Then you best get back to the galley. Cookie will be needing your help,” the captain ordered John.

  “Aye,” John replied, edging through the group and making a hasty exit.

  Taylor turned his attention to the captain. “If there’s nothing further, I’d like to leave my aunt to rest, and I imagine these police officers would like to disembark before we set sail.”

  The captain glanced toward the two men.

  “We’ll be going ashore; however, I would ask that you keep a watch out for Farnsworth, Captain. Should he appear, I’d request that you place him in chains and keep him on board until you return to England,” one of the men replied.

  The captain’s forehead creased with his eyebrows knitting into a tight woolly row. “I’ll do my best, but I’m not making any promises. I’ve a ship and passengers that need my attention while we’re at sea. If you still believe Mr. Farnsworth is aboard, I’d suggest you purchase passage and seek him out. Then you’ll have ample time to search every nook and cranny of the ship,” he said with a loud guffaw.

  “Since we can’t leave our posts, I fear we must rely on you and your men for assistance. Perhaps you’d be willing to inform your men that there will be a tidy bounty offered to the man who brings Farnsworth back to us?”

  “And what about the ship’s captain? Will there be a reward for him, also?”

  “Of course, my good man. We wouldn’t expect you to haul a criminal across the ocean without recompense.”

  “In that case, I’ll be certain my men are aware of the possibility that Farnsworth is a stowaway,” the captain replied as they turned and walked down the passageway.

  All color drained from Taylor’s face. He closed the door and waited a moment before turning toward the women. “I’ll be back shortly. With the promise of a reward, every man on this ship will be on the lookout for Uncle John. I must get word to him.”

  CHAPTER 24

  William Thurston stood beside a stack of crates along the wharf, watching as two of his hirelings, known to him only as Hobbs and Jones, disembarked the Liberty Queen. They were alone. He felt the blood rise in his cheeks. Incompetent fools!

  The men skulked toward him like two disobedient schoolchildren. “Where’s Farnsworth?” he seethed.

  “He’s nowhere to be found on that ship. We searched it high and low—even had the captain helping us in our attempt to locate him.”

  “I know he’s on that ship,” Thurst
on fumed.

  “You can go and look for yourself, Mr. Thurston, but you’ll not find him, either. The man’s vanished into thin air. My guess is that some friend of the family has hidden him, or he may be hiding in his father’s house,” Hobbs said.

  “I’m not interested in what you think. His father’s home has been thoroughly searched. Besides, Farnsworth wants to get out of England, and I know he’s on that ship!” Thurston insisted.

  Jones shrugged his shoulders and began to turn away. “Maybe you should go on board and see if you have any better luck finding him. We told the captain you’d pay a reward if anyone was able to find and capture Farnsworth.”

  William’s irritation increased as he watched the two men walk off without another word. “Slackers! I should have saved my money and done the job myself,” he muttered as he neared the ship.

  “Where d’ya think you’re going?” a raggedy-appearing sailor shouted at William when he reached the top of the gangplank and attempted to board the ship.

  “Step aside,” William commanded.

  “Can’t let anyone except passengers on board. We’ll soon be casting off. Captain’s orders.”

  “I must come on board,” William insisted.

  “Not unless you’re a passenger,” the sailor repeated.

  Making a hasty retreat down the gangplank, William rushed into one of the many shipping offices that lined the wharf. “I need to purchase passage on the Liberty Queen,” he called out to a clerk sitting at his ledgers.

  “Hasn’t she sailed yet?” the young man inquired, slipping off his stool and moving toward a window.

  William pushed the clerk back to the desk. “No, and I need to purchase passage immediately—before she sails. Hurry!”

  The clerk peered across the desk with a look of irritation as he took Thurston’s payment. “There’ll be no refunds if she sails without you,” he called as Thurston hurried out of the office.

  William didn’t answer. He was certain there would be sufficient time to search the ship, find John Farnsworth, and return to dry land before the ship sailed. He’d worry about recouping his fare when Farnsworth was in his grasp. The same raggedy sailor met him as he attempted once again to board the ship. With a smug grin, he waved his passage papers in the air and pushed past the man.