Horse-Shoe Robinson: A Tale of the Tory Ascendency

by John Pendleton Kennedy

  CHAPTER XXXVII.

  A DOMESTIC SCENE AT THE DOVE COTE.

  On the third morning following Lindsay's and Tyrrel's departure, theseason being now about the commencement of September, Henry was seen,after an unusually early breakfast, to come forth upon the grass-plot,in front of the house, bearing in his hand a short rifle,--his customaryaccompaniment of the bugle being slung across his shoulders. For somemoments he was occupied in examining his weapon; then leaning it againsta tree that stood upon the lawn, he put the bugle to his mouth andsounded a long and clear signal-note. The first effects of this spellwere to bring up Bell, Blanche, and Hylas, the three flap-eared hounds,who came frisking over the grass with many antics that might be said toresemble the bows and curtsies of the human species, and which wereaccompanied by the houndish salutation of deep-mouthed howls that thehorn never fails to wake up in these animals.

  Soon after these, came striding up the hill the long gaunt form ofStephen Foster, who, mounting the stone wall on the lower side, with onebound sprang over the thickset-hedge that begirt the terrace. He was nowarrayed in a yellow hunting shirt that reached to the middle of histhigh, and which was decorated with an abundance of red fringe thatbound the cape, elbows, wrists, and extremity of the skirt, and a woolhat encircled with a broad red band, in one side of which was set thenational ornament of the buck-tail. Around his waist was buckled a broadbuckskin belt; he was armed besides with a rifle a little short of sixfeet in length.

  Stephen Foster was one of that idle craft, who, having no particularoccupation, was from this circumstance, by a contradiction in terms,usually called a man of all work. He belonged to that class of beingswho are only to be found in a society where the ordinary menialemployments are discharged by slaves; and was the tenant of a few acresof land, appertaining to the domain of the Dove Cote, where he professedto make his living by husbandry. But by far the greater proportion ofhis revenues was derived from divers miscellaneous services,--such asdriving a team of four lean horses, of which he was proprietor; haulingwood for fuel; assisting in the harvest fields; somtimes working in thegarden; and, when required, riding errands--which he preferred to allother business. But labor was not Stephen's forte: it wasconstitutionally a part of his system to postpone matters of work forpleasure; and, if there was anything for which he was particularlyfamous, it was in avoiding all appearances of punctuality to irksomeengagements. If he can be said to have had a calling at all, it was thatof a hunter, a species of employment that possessed a wonderful charmfor his fancy, and which was excellently adapted both to his physicaland moral qualities. He, therefore, gave much of his time to theconcerns of vert and venison; and his skill with the rifle was such thathe could make sure of putting a ball through the brain of a wild pigeonas far as he was able to draw a sight. He was skilled in the habits ofall the forest animals common to this part of Virginia, and accuratelydrew the line of distinction between vermin and game. He hunted wolves,bears, panthers (painters, in his own pronunciation), racoons, foxes,opossums, and squirrels; and trapped otter, beaver, and muskrats;moreover, he was an expert jigger and bobber of eels, and well knew thetrouting streams. For these pursuits he was endowed with a patientnature that could endure a whole day and night in the woods withouteating or sleeping; my authority says nothing of his forbearance in thethird primary want of humanity. He was a man of fine thews and sinews,stout and brave; and withal of a generous, frank, and invariable goodnature. The war had furnished occasion for such talents as be possessed;and Stephen was now meditating a bold severance from his wife andchildren, who had heretofore exerted such a dominion over hisaffections, that he had not the heart to leave them. But the presentdifficulties of the nation had made such a cogent appeal to hispatriotism, that he had resolved to take one campaign in the field, andthus give scope to his natural love of adventure. It was now hispeculiar glory, and one that wrought with a potent influence upon hisself-love, that he held the post of lieutenant to the company of AmherstRangers, a volunteer corps that had lately been organized with a view tothe state of affairs in the south.

  This worthy, when he had no expedition in hand, was generally to befound lounging about the mansion of the Dove Cote, in expectation ofsome call from Henry, between whom and himself there existed a mutualand somewhat exorbitant affection.

  On his present appearance there was a broad, complacent grin onStephen's features as he accosted the young bugleman with theinterrogatory--

  "What's in the wind now, Mister Henry? Arter another buck, I reckon? Andan elegant morning it is for a drive! May be, the wind's just a littletoo fresh, 'cepting you was able to steal on the lower side of the game,and then the scent would come down like a rose. Thar's a great advantagein being down the wind, because the animal can't hear you breakingthrough the bushes, for the wind makes naturally such a twittering ofthe leaves that it deceives him, you see."

  "I fancy I know a good hunting day, Lieutenant Foster," said Henry,putting his arms akimbo, "as well as you. Who told you I was going aftera buck? Why, man, if that had been my drift I should have started youtwo hours ago. But we have other business in hand, Stephen. There issuch dreadful news in the country! We shall march soon, take my word forit. I am resolved to go, Stephen, as soon as ever the Rangers set out,let my father say what he will. It is time men should take theirsides--that's my opinion."

  "Mister Henry, I wouldn't advise you," said Stephen, with a wise shakeof the head. "Your father would grieve himself to death if you were toleave him."

  "Don't believe the half of that, lieutenant. There would be a flurry fora little while, and, after that, father would see that the thingcouldn't be helped, and so he would have to be satisfied. I'll stealaway--that's flat."

  "Well, take notice, Mister Henry," said Stephen, chuckling, "I give youmy warning against it. But if you do go along with me I'll take as muchcare of you as if you were my own son."

  "I know sister Mildred thinks," replied Henry, "it wouldn't be verywrong in me to go; and so I'll leave her to make my peace at home.Besides, I am going on her account, just to try and hear something ofMajor Butler."

  "If that's her opinion," returned Stephen, "thar isn't much wrong aboutit. She is the head contriver and main privy-councillor," added Stephen,laughing, as he used these slang words, with which he was in the habitof garnishing his conversation, "of all matters that are done here inthis house."

  "These are your new regimentals, Stephen," said Henry, looking atFoster's dress; "you shine like a flecker on a sunny day. It will pleasesister to the life to see you so spruce; she's a prodigiousdisciplinarian, and doesn't like to see us rebels (here he put his handto his mouth and pronounced this word with a mock circumspection), worsedressed than the rascally red-coats. When do the Rangers march,Stephen?"

  "We are waiting for orders every day. We parade, you know, Mister Henry,this morning."

  "You must plead off to-day," said Henry; "I called you up to tell youthat sister and I were going to ride, and I wanted you to go with us. Atany rate, if you must go to the troop, you can leave us on the road. Youdon't meet till twelve, and both sister and I want to talk to you. Shecommanded me to tell you this. I believe she wishes you to take a letterfor her. Poor Mildred doesn't know that I am going with you; so, as tothat, you needn't let on. Go, Stephen, have our horses ready as soon asyou can get them. Quick, good Stephen; sister and I will wait for you onthe lawn."

  The lieutenant of the Rangers, having received his orders, hurried awayto attend to their execution.

  Mildred was already apparelled for her ride, and came at this momentfrom the house along the gravel walk. Her cheek, lately pale, had nowbegun to show the ruddy hue of health. Her full, dark-blue eye, althoughhabitually expressive of a thoughtful temperament, frequently sparkledwith the sudden flashes of a playful spirit, and oftener with the fireof an ardent resolution. Her features, marked by a well-defined outline,bore a strong resemblance to her brother's, and, when animated by thequick-speeding emotions of her mind, presented a countenance unusual
lygifted with the graces of external beauty. The impression which herphysiognomy conveyed, was that of an impassioned and enthusiasticnature, and of a feminine courage that was sufficient for any emergency.A clear skin gave brilliancy to her complexion; and, although habits ofexposure to the air had slightly impaired its lustre, the few traceswhich this exposure left, rather communicated the agreeable idea of awholesome and vigorous constitution. The tones of her voice were softand gentle, and full of harmony; and, when stimulated by her feelings,rich, deep, and commanding. Her figure, of what might be deemed a mediumheight in females, was neat and agile, well proportioned, and combiningthe flexible ease proper to her sex, with a degree of steadiness andstrength that might be denominated masculine. Her movement was graceful,distinguished by a ready hand and free step; and it was impossible tolook upon her most familiar bearing, without being struck by theindication which it gave of a self-possessed, fearless, and careeringtemper, allied to a mind raised above the multitude by a consciousnessof intellectual force.

  As Mildred advanced along the shaded walk, she was followed by afantastical little attendant, whom, in the toyish freak of a solitaryand luxurious life, she had trained to fill the station of a lady'spage. This was a diminutive negro boy, not above ten years of age, of adelicate figure, and now gaudily bedecked in a vest of scarlet cloth, apair of loose white linen trowsers drawn at the ancle, and red slippers.A ruffle fell over his neck, and full white sleeves were fastened withsilken cords at his wrists. A scarlet velvet cap gave a finish to theapparel of this gorgeous little elf; and the dress, grotesque as it was,was not badly set off by the saucy, familiar port of the conceitedmenial. Whether he had been destined from his birth to this pamperedstation,--or, accidentally, like many of the eastern monarchs, raised tothe purple,--he bore the romantic name of Endymion, and was fully asmuch at the call of his patroness, and as fond of sleep, as him of MountLatmos. His business seemed to be at the present moment to acquithimself of the responsible duty of holding an ivory-mounted riding-whipin readiness for the service of his mistress.

  When Mildred had crossed the lawn and arrived at the spot where Henrynow stood, she was saluted by her brother, with--

  "Stand, my gentle sister, you and your monkey! Ah, Mildred, you are notwhat you used to be; you have grown much too grave of late. Bear up,dear sister: for, after all, what is it! Why we have been beaten, and wemust fight it over again, that's all. And as to the major, yourpartiality magnifies his dangers. Hasn't he an arm?--yes; and hasn't hea leg?--which, in war, I hold to be just as useful sometimes."

  "There is a dreadful uncertainty, brother," replied Mildred. "I dream ofthe worst."

  "A fig for your dreams, sister Mildred! They have been all sorts ofways, and that you know. Now, I have a waking dream, and that is, thatbefore you are twenty-four hours older you will hear of Major Butler."

  "Would to heaven your dream may prove true!" replied Mildred. "But,Henry, you love me, and affection is an arrant cheat in its prophecies."

  "Tush then, sister! don't talk of it. For when we know nothing, it doesno good to get to fancying. These are the times to act; and perhaps I'llsurprise you yet."

  "With what, good brother?"

  "Order arms," replied Henry, evading his sister's inquiry, and at thesame time assuming a military erectness, and bringing his rifle brisklyto the ground--"with the beauty of my drill, sister. It even surprisesmyself. You shall see me march." And here he sportively shouldered hisrifle and stepped with a measured pace across the green, and then backagain; whilst the saucy Endymion, presuming on his privilege, with mimicgestures, followed immediately in Henry's rear, taking large strides tokeep his ground. When Henry perceived the apish minion thus upon histrack he burst out into a laugh.

  "You huge giant-killer, do you mock me?" he exclaimed. "Sister, I willsmother your body-guard in the crown of my cap, if he isn't taughtbetter manners."

  "Henry, I cannot share your light heart with you," said Mildredsorrowfully, "mine is heavy."

  "And mine is yours, sister, light or heavy; in sunshine or in storm,summer and winter, dear Mildred, it is always yours. It was a trick ofmine to amuse you. And if I do not seem to feel, sister, as you do, itis because I mean to act. We men have no time for low spirits."

  "Stephen Foster is here at the door with our horses, brother. Boy, giveme the whip--now, away. The gay feathers of this bird," said Mildred, asthe little black retired, "do not become a follower of mine."

  The new aspect of affairs, since the defeat of Camden, had pressedgrievously upon Mildred's spirits. The country was full of dishearteningrumors, and every day added particulars that were of a nature toincrease the distress. The bloody fate of the brave De Kalb, and thesoldiers that fell by his side; the triumph with which Cornwallis hadbegun his preparations for further conquests; the destitution anddisarray of the American army, now flying before its enemy; the tales ofunsparing sequestration with which, in Carolina, the lands of those whostill bore arms in the cause of independence, were visited; the militaryexecutions of prisoners charged with the violation of a constructiveallegiance, in the conquered districts; the harsh measures which wereadopted to break the heart of the rebellion, that still lingered behindthe march of the victorious army; and, above all, the boastfulconfidence with which Cornwallis, by his proclamations, sought to openthe way for his invasion of North Carolina and Virginia, by attemptingto rally the liege subjects of the king under his standard: all theseevents came on the wings of rumor, and had lighted up a flame throughthe whole country. To Mildred, they all imported an ill omen as regardedthe fate of Arthur Butler. Now and then, a straggling soldier of Gates'sbroken force arrived at the Dove Cote, where he was received with aneager hospitality, and closely questioned as to the events in which hehad participated. But of Butler, not even the remotest tidings wereobtained. For the present, the uncertainty of his fortune filledMildred's thoughts with the most anxious and unhappy misgivings; andthis frame of mind over-mastered all other feelings. The late visit ofTyrrel to the Dove Cote, and the abrupt departure of her father withthis individual, on an unavowed expedition, were not calculated to allayher fears; and she felt herself pressed on all sides with the presagesof coming misfortune. In these difficulties she did not lose herfortitude; but, like a mariner benighted in a dangerous strait, shecounted over the anxious moments of her voyage, expecting, at eachsucceeding instant, to hear the dreadful stranding of her bark upon theunseen rock, though bravely prepared for the worst.