CHAPTER XVII
IN WHICH MR. WAXPENNY ASSERTS THE MAJESTY OF THE LAW, AND THE CURTAINFALLS
"Coming, are they?" said Captain Stanbury. "Well, I am ready." Hebuttoned his coat across his breast, and picked up a hat that lay on thetable. "Can you furnish a couple of extra mounts, Welfare?" he added.
"Yes, I can fix you," said the farmer. "I have three horses in thebarn."
"Father, where are you going?" exclaimed Nathan.
"I am about to leave this noble gentleman's house for a safer refuge,"Captain Stanbury answered. "To be brief, my boy, I fear I am in somedanger. Last night the farmer's hireling, a surly fellow, whom I havelong suspected, vanished mysteriously. I concluded that he had gone toNew York to denounce me, and Welfare shared my opinion. He spent the dayin beating up a score of loyal yeomen, and they are now here to take meto New Brunswick. You and Godfrey will go along, of course. The factthat the enemy have been raiding almost nightly between here and SandyHook, made a large escort necessary for my safety."
Meanwhile the muffled sounds of hoofs and a jangle of equipments hadbeen heard in the yard, and, now, just as the Captain finished hisexplanation, there was a sharp rap on the front door.
"Is that you, Ruggles?" the farmer called loudly, as he led hiscompanions into the hall.
"Yes," was the almost inaudible response. "Open quickly!"
"It's a strange voice!" gasped Welfare. "We are betrayed--the enemy arehere!"
"Already," murmured the Captain. "It can't be possible!" Godfrey andNathan turned pale.
There was a brief wait, and then the rap was repeated. "Open in theKing's name, Jonas Welfare," demanded an angry voice.
"Who are you? What do you want?" cried the farmer.
"We want the rebel officer whom you are sheltering," came the reply. "Ifyou value your life you will let us in at once. The house is surrounded,and it is useless to resist."
Welfare snatched two loaded muskets from a rack on the wall, and gaveone to the Captain. "The first red-coat that tries to break into thishouse, dies," he shouted loudly.
"My good sir, this won't do," Captain Stanbury said firmly. "You shallnot risk your life for mine. Open the door and let them take me."
"Never," declared the farmer. "I'll protect you as long as I can. Man,do you want to end your days on one of those rotten prison ships?"
"I am likely to die more speedily," muttered the Captain, half aloud,and a terrible expression crossed his face. "You had better open thedoor, Welfare," he added, "but first find a hiding-place for these lads.Their presence can hardly be known, and this one will probably behanged if he is found here."
"I know that, sir," interrupted Godfrey, "but I will stand by the restof you."
"And so will I, father," Nathan cried, hoarsely. "Do you think I woulddesert you at such a time? Mr. Welfare, can't you give me a gun or a--"
Crash! A musket butt thundered against the panels of the door. Crash!crash! The blows rained hard and fast, and the timbers began to split.The farmer cocked his weapon, and held it ready.
"I'll keep my word," he muttered. "If we can hold out a bit the yeomenmay arrive--"
"By that time the house will be taken," cried Captain Stanbury. "Thereis only one course, Welfare." He stepped toward the door, but before hecould reach it the report of a musket rang loudly, and a clatter ofhoofs was heard on the road. Then came yells and cheers, the poundingceased, and there was a rush of heavy feet off the porch. Crack! crack!crack! Firearms were blazing noisily, and the night rang to the din ofangry voices and frightened and plunging steeds.
"Our fellows have arrived," cried the farmer, "and are engaging theenemy."
"God grant they conquer!" said Captain Stanbury, throwing an arm aroundNathan's shoulder.
For two or three minutes the fusillade and din lasted. Then a bugle noterang clear, followed by triumphant shouts and furious clatter of hoofs.
"The enemy are off!" cried Welfare. "We are saved!"
As he spoke the porch echoed to the tread of many feet, and heartyvoices demanded admission.
The farmer flung open the shattered door, and half a dozen sturdy yeomenpushed into the hall, bearing in their arms a motionless form clad in ared coat.
"We just got here in time, Jonas," cried the leader of the party. "Theenemy are kitin' for Sandy Hook, with two-thirds of our boys at theirheels. We shot three of 'em, but we lost poor Lige Garret. And here's aBritish officer with a bullet in his breast."
"Put him on the couch in the room yonder, Ruggles," said the farmer.
The wounded man was borne in and laid down, and a pillow was pressedunder his head. Nathan and Godfrey, who had drawn near out of curiosity,were startled to recognize Major Langdon.
"It's all up with him," said Ruggles. "I know the signs. A little brandymight make him last longer, though it's a doubtful mercy."
"I'll get some," replied Welfare, hurrying to a closet and producing anearthen jug. A drink of the potent liquor had a speedy and revivingeffect on the Major. He lifted his head a little, and opened his glassyeyes. There was blood on the breast of his coat, and a few drops oozedfrom his lips.
Just then Captain Stanbury came forward, and at sight of the woundedofficer he uttered a low cry.
"My good fellows, I wish to speak to this man alone," he said, hoarsely."Be assured that I have a sound reason. Pray leave us together for a fewminutes. Nathan, you remain. And you, too, Godfrey."
All the rest left the room, wondering at the Captain's agitation andrequest. Welfare, who went last, softly closed the door after him.
For a moment Major Langdon stared silently at Captain Stanbury and thelads, and it was evident that he knew all three. His face was white withpain, but it showed no trace of anger or hatred. In his eyes was a lookof unutterable self-reproach and contrition.
"Dick," he whispered faintly, "this is the end."
"Yes, I fear it is," said Captain Stanbury. "God have mercy on you!Nathan," he added, "this man is my younger brother Gerald--my brotherand your uncle!"
"Your brother!" gasped Nathan, and Godfrey uttered a cry ofastonishment.
"It is a strange story," resumed the Captain. "Let me tell it in a fewwords. My father was the Earl of Ravenswood, and at Ravenswood Court,near Nottingham, in England, the three brothers of us were brought up.Anthony, the eldest, died in 1760, and that same year I married thedaughter of a retired sea-captain of Bristol. Mary Harding was the equalof any woman in the world, but my father chose to think that I haddisgraced him and the family. We had a bitter quarrel, and he disownedme and cast me out. Being the oldest living son, I was then LordLangdon, but I cared nothing for the title. I came to Philadelphia underan assumed name, Nathan, and there you were born and my beloved wifedied. Since then I have lived only for you, my boy, and that you mightsome day come into your inheritance, I preserved the papers relating tomy marriage and your birth. They were in the packet you found under thefloor of my cabin. And from the day I left England I neither saw norheard of my brother Gerald until we met after the battle of Monmouth."
Captain Stanbury sank into a chair, covering his face with his hands,and for a moment there was deep silence. Nathan neither moved nor spoke.It was a strange story he had just heard. So Major Langdon was hisfather's brother--his own uncle! The mystery was growing clear, and heshrank from what he suspected was to come.
Godfrey seemed also to understand, for there was a look of fixed horroron his face.
"Dick," said Major Langdon, "it's my turn now. I can't last long, and Iwant to confess--"
"No, no," interrupted Captain Stanbury. "Let that rest, Gerald. It cando no good to tell it."
"But I must," persisted the dying man, in a shrill voice. "Do you thinkI can go to my grave with such a burden on my soul? I came here to-nightto kill you, Dick, and I have been justly punished. God knows I amrepentant--"
"I believe you are, Gerald."
"Thank you, Dick. Now let me speak while I can--let me tell it all. Irecognized my nephew in Philadelphia,
and you I discovered on the fieldof Monmouth. I heard you speak of the papers, and it was then I firstconceived this awful crime. I wanted the title and estates--I wanted tobe Earl of Ravenswood, Dick, and you and your son stood in the way. ButI hated you both because you were rebels, else I could hardly have goneso far. I had you carried off the field, and I told the Hessians to killyou--"
"I suspected that, Gerald. I saw and recognized you when you rode by meto the rear. But I was too weak to speak."
"And do you know what I did next, Dick? Do you know that I sent a bandof ruffians to steal the papers--that I paid Simon Glass to kill yourboy--my own nephew?"
"Yes, I know that, too. I heard it from Nathan, who was mercifully savedfrom death."
"And can you forgive me, Dick? I have no right to ask it, but I amtruly repentant. You won't refuse a dying man?"
Captain Stanbury leaned over and took his brother's hand.
"Gerald, I do forgive you," he said. "I have no right to be a judge, andyou are paying the last penalty of your sins."
A look that was almost peaceful came into Major Langdon's eyes. Hegasped for breath, and feebly raised his head higher.
"I shall die happier now," he said, "as happy as any man in mycircumstances can. But what are you doing here, Spencer? I can'tunderstand it."
In a few words Godfrey explained, and the Major smiled faintly. "You didright, my lad," he whispered. "I am glad that Glass is dead, and that hefailed in his purpose. What a wretch I have been! I sent you along,Spencer, so that Glass would know my nephew from his resemblance to you.It is a strange likeness, and I have often wondered at it."
He was silent for a moment, struggling with pain and weakness. WhenGodfrey poured some brandy between his teeth his face flushed and hegained fresh strength.
"Dick," he whispered, turning to his brother, "you will go home now,won't you? I received a brief letter a month ago informing me offather's death. So you are the Earl of Ravenswood, and your son is LordLangdon."
"I want neither the title nor the estates," exclaimed Captain Stanbury,almost fiercely. "I am a true American, Gerald, and after what I haveseen of this bitter war I wish no more to do with England. And yet, formy son's sake--"
"I, too, am a true American, father," interrupted Nathan, his eyesflashing with excitement. "Do you think I would go and live inEngland?--that I would take title or fortune from King George, ourbitterest foe? Never, father, never! My blood boils when I think ofWyoming! Let us stay here and fight for our rights, like true patriots.I am glad those papers are lost, and I hope they will never be found."
"Nobly said, my boy!" cried Captain Stanbury, in a voice that shook withemotion. "I would not have had you choose otherwise--"
At that instant a commotion arose outside--loud voices mingled with theneighing and clatter of horses. The front door opened, and a strangelyfamiliar sound brought the hot blood to Nathan's cheeks. Then footstepscrossed the hall, and into the room strode Barnabas Otter.
The scene that followed can be better imagined than told. With a grin ofpleasure Barnabas shook hands with his friends, thereby convincing themthat he was not a ghost. Nathan was half-laughing, half-crying, as heembraced the old man, and looked almost incredulously into his ruggedface. Major Langdon watched the scene curiously; his glazing eyes andleaden hue told that the end was very near.
"It's me, sure enough," cried Barnabas, when the first greetings wereover. "Here's your papers, Captain," producing the packet from his boot.Captain Stanbury shrugged his shoulders as he took them, and Nathan didnot try to hide his disappointment.
"So they aren't any account after all, lad," said Barnabas, in asympathetic tone. "It's hard luck! You see I've been made acquaintedwith the whole story."
"What do you mean?" asked Nathan.
"You'll know soon," Barnabas replied. "Wait till I tell you how Iescaped death--it's not a long yarn. You may remember that the CarsonHouse stands on the Susquehanna half a mile below the KittochtinnyFalls. It seems that after Braddock's defeat the family dug a secretpassage from the cellar of the house to the river, so's they mightescape by water in case of an Indian attack. Well, Glass an' I weresucked under the bushes into the secret mouth of that passage. We wereboth unconscious at the time, an' when I come to after a bit I didn'tknow where I was. I hollered three or four times, an' down come Carsonan' his son with lanterns. Simon Glass was stone dead, an' I reckon theyburied him the next day. I pushed right up to Fort Hunter, learned fromCorporal Dubbs where you lads were gone, an' then struck for Harris'sFerry. There I run across Noah Waxpenny--"
"So the sergeant didn't catch him?" interrupted Nathan.
"No, lad. We came on together to Philadelphia, and then across theJersies here. Waxpenny is out yonder now, washin' off the dust oftravel. He's a queer chap, but--"
Just then Mr. Waxpenny himself entered the room, looking as fresh andclean as though he had just stepped off ship.
"I am informed that Major Gerald Langdon is here," he said, rubbing hislean fingers. "Also Captain Richard Stanbury and his son. I have thehonor to represent the firm of Sharswood & Feeman, solicitors, Lincoln'sInn, London. They sent me to this country in the interests of their lateestimable client, the Earl of Ravenswood--"
"Your errand is already known," the Major interrupted, faintly. "Myminutes are numbered, and what you have to tell no longer concerns me.But there stands the new Earl of Ravenswood, and his son, Lord Langdon."
"Sir, these gentlemen have no claim to the titles," said Mr. Waxpenny.
"No claim?" demanded the Major. Nathan and his father looked surprised,and Barnabas nodded at them meaningly.
"I said no claim," repeated Mr. Waxpenny. "The Earl had--a third andelder son, Anthony--"
"He died years ago," gasped Major Langdon.
"Exactly, sir; but he left a wife and son behind him."
Having made this announcement Mr. Waxpenny paused a moment to enjoy itsthrilling effect. "Anthony Langdon was a wild and dissipated young man,"he continued. "Under an assumed name he was married in London in theyear 1759. In the following year, after a son had been born to him, hetired of his family, deserted them, and came home. A week later he wasstabbed in a drunken brawl in Nottingham. Before he died he confessedhis marriage to his father, who chose, for reasons that may beunderstood, to keep the secret locked in his own bosom."
Mr. Waxpenny stopped to stroke his chin. "The deserted wife," heresumed, "was a proud and high-spirited woman. Feeling satisfied thather husband had tired of her, she emigrated to America with her fatherand her son, where the Earl kept track of them for a time. They wereworthy and upright people, and the knowledge of this fact doubtlessprompted him to make confession and restitution on his deathbed. By theterms of his will, which was entrusted to my employers, one-half of theestate is divided equally between his sons Gerald and Richard. The otherhalf goes to Anthony's son, who is the rightful Earl of Ravenswood."
"Have you found him?" asked the major.
"I regret to say that I have made no progress as yet," replied Mr.Waxpenny. "The lad would now be eighteen years of age. The name of hismaternal grandfather was Matthew Marsham, and he himself was called bythe assumed name of his father, Godfrey Spencer--"
Godfrey sprang forward, his face as pale as ashes. "Sir, my grandfatherwas Matthew Marsham," he cried. "I am Godfrey Spencer, and my mother isstill living."
Mr. Waxpenny tried hard to preserve his legal dignity, but the effortwas vain. "You are Godfrey Spencer?" he exclaimed excitedly. "Yes, youhave the family likeness. And can you prove your claim?"
"My mother has the papers, sir--the certificate of her marriage and mybirth."
"Then you are the Earl of Ravenswood," declared Mr. Waxpenny, rubbinghis hands with delight. "My Lord, I congratulate you." He made the lad asweeping and impressive bow.
Godfrey blushed with confusion, and looked around him in a dazed manner."It seems like a dream," he said. "I can hardly realize it. MajorLangdon is my uncle, and so are you, Captain Stanbury--"
"A
nd you and I are cousins, Godfrey," cried Nathan. "I am glad to hearof your good fortune, and I don't envy you one bit. I wish you allhappiness and prosperity."
"Thank you, Nathan," Godfrey replied huskily, and the ladsaffectionately clasped hands.
* * * * *
It is now time to drop the curtain. After several hours ofunconsciousness, Major Langdon died peacefully at daybreak, and wasburied a few hours later in a grove of oaks near the farmer's house. Assoon as the sad ceremony was over the whole party started for NewBrunswick, under the escort of the yeomen.
From there Godfrey and Noah Waxpenny pushed on to New York. The lad wassick of the war, and a week later he sailed, with his mother and thelaw-clerk, for England, where he speedily proved his claim to the titleand estate of the deceased Earl of Ravenswood.
Captain Stanbury, Nathan, and Barnabas rejoined Washington's army, andfought bravely until the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown endedthe long struggle, and gave the United Colonies their freedom.
A few months later Godfrey persuaded his uncle to accept half of thelate earl's estate, and with a portion of the money, Captain RichardLangdon--to give him his rightful name--bought a handsome property inthe suburbs of Philadelphia. There he and Nathan lived happily together,keeping up their old friendship with Cornelius De Vries, andoccasionally visited by Barnabas Otter, who had gone back to his belovedWyoming Valley at the close of the war.
In after years, when his father was at rest on the banks of theDelaware, Nathan made more than one visit to his ancestral home inEngland, where he and Godfrey lived over again in the past, and the tiesof kinship that connected the cousins were not more strong than thememory of the distant days when they had suffered and fought togetherfor the sake of Captain Stanbury's mysterious papers.
THE END
* * * * *
Transcriber's Note:
Punctuation and spelling standardized when a predominantpreference was found in this book; otherwise unchanged. Simpletypographical errors remedied; most retained.
In the Days of Washington: A Story of the American Revolution Page 17