69. CHAPTER LXIX.
FEDERAL HEAD-QUARTERS.
As the skiff containing the fugitives glided past the British
fleet, and when Alice and Willy began to breathe
freer under the conviction that every obstacle had been surmounted,
they were startled by a flash on the right, followed
by the report of a cannon, and a terrible splash from
the ball but a few fathoms ahead. Of course the rowers
ceased their labor abruptly; and a few moments after they
were confronted by a boat from the Styx, which lay below
the Buzzard.
“Who have we here? And where are you going?” demanded
the officer in command.
“Be bold, Willy,” said Alice.
“Friends,” said Willy, “on the service of the Lord Protector.”
“If that be so,” said the officer, in a lower tone, as he
approached the stern of the skiff, “you shall pass.”
“Come here,” said Willy, “and you shall see.” Then
striking a light with a match, he exhibited the signature of
Ruffleton to his passport and protection.
“That will do!” said the officer, satisfied with a very brief
examination of the papers, for before he could inspect them
closely the light had gone out. Besides, while it lasted, he
had caught a glimpse of the beautiful features of Alice, and
could not avoid lifting his cap to her.
“Then work away, oarsmen!” said Willy, “for we have
no time to lose.”
“Can I render any assistance?” asked the young officer,
addressing himself to Alice.
“No, sir,” said she: “but I thank you.”
The fugitives had now passed the last of the British cruisers,
and the tide being with them, they rapidly approached
the place of destination, as indicated by the guide.
An hour more, and the boat was near the spot where Bim
and Fink had embarked. And there they were met by Major
Milnor, and a number of the Blue Caps, who awaited
intelligence from Washington, and hoped to be the first to
announce to the President tidings of his daughter.
“What news have you?” demanded the Major. “What
chance is there of a rescue?”
“None at all, Major,” said Alice, “for the bird had flown.”
“That voice!”
“Yes; it is my voice,” said Alice. “And by your leave,
Major, I would be the first to announce my escape to my
father.”
Upon hearing these words, the Major plunged into the
water, some six or eight inches in depth, where the boat had
grounded, and gallantly bore the maiden to land.
“Thank you, Major!” said she. “And now to horse. I
hope the President's head-quarters are not far off.”
“Not more than a mile, and we have your favorite Sir
Archy yonder, awaiting you. I never saw him so restless;
he really seems distressed at your absence, like all who have
heard of your capture.”
“I am sure I am obliged to them all. I see you are looking
for the other boats with Captains Bim and Fink. We met
them. But as I had escaped before their arrival, and as
they had resolved upon a successful expedition, I gave them
permission to bring off some prisoner of note, by way of
retaliation. I think they will be successful; but they will
not return immediately; even if they should succeed in eluding
the vigilance of the British cruisers.” Alice was soon
mounted on her favorite charger, and accompanied by Major
Milnor, galloped towards the ancient country-seat occupied
as the head-quarters of the President.
But they were defeated in the purpose to present themselves
unannounced before the weary watchers, who prayed
for the enfranchisement of Alice. She was recognised by
the Blue Caps surrounding the house, and it was impossible
for them to repress the joyful feelings her return inspired.
Deafening cheers announced the deliverance of the captive;
and the enthusiasm, spreading with rapidity among the
divisions of the army, the silence of midnight was startled
by the thunders of their applause.
“My dear child!” said the President, upon rushing out
on the lawn and folding his daughter to his heart, while a
tear moistened his cheek.
“My father!” said she, “all is repaired. I have escaped
unharmed; but henceforth I am the President's daughter,
and not Marble!” She was next folded in the arms of
Edith—then embraced by General Crook, who had wept
like a child on hearing of her capture—by General Blount,
pale and decked in the habiliments of mourning—by Senator
Langdon—by the aged Doctors of divinity and medicine,
Love and Durnell; and, indeed, hundreds of others
would have shown their joy in the same manner. And as
Alice, in reply to their congratulations, gave a large share
of the merit to Wiry Willy, every one present grasped the
young man's hand in token of their approbation.
“I cannot sleep, father,” said Edith, who had been quite
ill. “But I am well, now! Oh, Alice! I feared we should
never meet again! How did you escape?”
“Answer me first!” said Randolph. “Where are Bim
and Fink?”
“They resolved to make a prisoner of importance,” said
Alice, archly, “by way of retaliation.”
“Now proceed with Edith,” said Randolph, when they
re-entered the house; “I am answered. I will say nothing
about the egotism of camps or the vaulting ambition of
heroines. Proceed.”
“How did I escape?” continued Alice. “But how shall I
escape the sarcasms of the Commander-in-Chief if I tell you?”
“Easily,” said Randolph. “It shall be attributed exclusively
to your address—your merit.”
“It was not that—not that,” she said.
“Not that!” iterated Edith.
“No; it was the jealousy of another.”
“Jealousy?”
“Or fear—which, you know, is the same thing.”
“I know nothing about it.”
“How they do beat about the bush, General!” said
Crook to Blount, whose sad expression of countenance had
been momentarily relaxed.
“Don't interfere, Crook,” said Randolph, “or the mystery
will be prolonged indefinitely.”
“It was the jealousy or fear—as she confessed herself—
of Flora Summers.”
“Flora Summers!” exclaimed Edith. “That fearful woman!
The wonder is, that she did not assassinate you.”
“She might have done so, if I had not escaped, and, indeed,
she threatened it if I did not escape. She is the mistress,
now, of his Highness's Palace; and wields immense
power. She it was who furnished me the means of escaping.
Let no one denounce Flora again. She is not vile by nature,
but only loves the tyrant too well.”
“No wonder, then,” said Randolph, “that she could not
be won by the President. However, since she served my
daughter, I will serve her, if it be in my power.”
“But who is the one of importance Jack Bim is to capture
by way of retaliation?” demanded General Crook.
“Lord Slysir, I think,” said Alice.
“Good! I do hope his Lordship will fall into our hands
again,” said Crook; “because I intimated that I had a presentiment
we should capture him once more. But then the
fellow said it would be no mortification—”
“I trust,” said Edith, quickly, while a melancholy smile
illumined the pale face of Blount, “that Bim will not bruise
him again!”
At a late hour the company sought the repose of which
they stood in great need after the fatigues and excitements
of the day.
