53. CHAPTER LIII.
HEAD-QUARTERS AT HAVRE DE GRACE.
As the shades of evening fell upon the earth, Randolph
re-entered the village of Havre de Grace, and was met with
joyful smiles by his daughter at the mansion occupied as
his head-quarters.
“The Scouts did good service,” said he, in reply to Alice's
inquiry, “they certainly defeated Ruffleton's design to interpose
between me and Blount, which, if it had been accomplished,
would have prevented us from resting here one
more night.”
“One more night!” said Alice.
“This one night is all that is vouchsafed us, Alice. To-morrow
we must resume the journey, and where our travels
will end, who knows? I know they will end—but not
where, or when. Some one said Wiry Willy had arrived.
Where is he?”
“He awaits permission to enter. I will send him in.
None of our officers were killed or wounded, father?”
“None, I believe. Blount had a horse killed under him.
The animal's head was carried completely away by a round
shot. And it may be as well to apprise you that the General
is as bloody as a butcher.”
“Well, Willy,” said the President, presenting his hand
in a familiar manner, but without rising, for he was fatigued
after the exercises of the day. “You find me retreating
before the enemy; but you have not abandoned what is
deemed by many a sinking cause.”
“Oh—no, sir! It cannot last. And when Ruffleton
falls, it will be like the fall of Lucifer! Virus will be sent
to you.”
“For what purpose?”
“I think it will be in regard to Baltimore. A number
of Northern men, doing business in that city, have arrived
in the Protector's camp, no doubt to negotiate.”
“No doubt, Willy. Well—perhaps it is the best thing
they can do. Ruffleton, then, has no misgivings as to the
result of the campaign?”
“None, sir. He is certain of capturing Washington, and
is already importuned by the fanatics to destroy it. He
has given them no answer yet, I think, from their grumbling.”
“Grumbling? Do they grumble already?”
“Not much yet, sir—but they will. Not only Washington,
but Richmond, Raleigh, and Charleston are to be taken,
before vengeance can be satisfied.”
“It will be satisfied then, Willy!”
“They are in earnest, sir, and speak of the capture of
those cities as altogether practicable and probable.”
“Three-quarters of a million of armed men may penetrate
to Charleston, with the co-operation of the British
fleets in the Chesapeake, in Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds,
and on the ocean coast. They may penetrate that far before
the impetus is expended. Then—but, Willy, I will not
anticipate events.”
“It was in relation to the very fleets you mention, chiefly,
that I desired to speak. Lord Slysir ran over the whole
programme in my hearing, when forgetful of my presence.
I was waiting for a letter he was preparing to be delivered
to Miss Edith Langdon. Ruffleton came in, and his Lordship
thrust me behind a screen—and—sir—”
“What?”
“He had previously thrust a person there as I entered the
room.”
“And that person, Willy, was probably no man.”
“You are right, sir.”
“And, at the same time, he was writing to Edith! You
must tell her everything, Willy. Has his Lordship recovered?”
“He is quite well, sir; and I am inclined to believe he
was entirely recovered before you left New Castle.”
“Dr. Durnell intimated as much. How long do you
propose staying with us, Willy?”
“As long as I can do anything to serve the cause. Such
was my compact with Mary; and my grandame is patriotic,
and insists upon the fulfilment of my duty. I need not
add, I hope, that it is both my will and my pleasure to discharge
every obligation of a loyal citizen. Is there anything
you would have me do now, sir?”
“I think you ought to go to Yorktown, and remove the
effects of the late Mr. Penford to a place of security. And,
Willy, by whispering into the ear of Mr. A—, the words,
`Randolph and the Union,' he will conduct you to a place
of safety where you may deposit them. I have authorized
Mr. A— to have the exclusive custody of the Archives,
and none besides himself, you, and me, will have any knowledge
of the place of their deposit.”
Willy bowed with reverence, and lost not a moment in
departing on his important mission.
“Don't be alarmed! It's horse-blood! He has not received
a scratch!” said General Crook, without, upon seeing
Alice staring at the soiled vest of Blount, as they entered
the hall. A moment after the Generals were ushered in by
Alice.
“Mr. President,” said Crook, “I am as hungry as a shark.
I have eaten nothing since dawn. But now I can distinguish
a savory odor proceeding from your kitchen.”
“Father, why don't you invite the General to dine with
you?” said Alice.
“I will, as soon as I can find an opportunity.”
“Oh, don't take the trouble,” said Crook. “Just consider
it done! I shall have my fill, I hope, once more—and
it may be the last time. But we shall all have leisure to
eat to-night.”
“That is very true,” said Blount; “for Ruffleton's forces
have encamped. The heavens are illuminated with their
fires, and no doubt many of them are as hungry as Crook.
They burn the fences; but have not, I believe, destroyed
any of the farm-houses.”
“They have reserved them for their own accommodations,”
said Crook, “when they return in the winter, a pack
of fugitives in need of shelter.”
A moment after, dinner was announced.
