CHAPTER X.THE TRAITOR.
The days passed, and nothing came of Captain Perry’s second appeal for the forces which were needed if the United States would hold possession of the territory bordering on Lake Erie.
Alec and I, together with many other lads, worked industriously upon the fortification which had been named Fort Wayne even before anything was done toward building it, and I venture to say that if all the people in the United States had labored as earnestly on the defensive and offensive as did we of Presque Isle, the war would have been brought to an end before the close of the year 1813.
When we had put up the blockhouse on the bluff east of Cascade Creek, and finished the fort after a rude fashion, Major-General David Mead arrived at the head of a full regiment of militia, and then it seemed as if the government had at last remembered our feeble condition.
It was a day full of excitement when these troops entered the town, and not the least among the ceremonieswas the saluting of the general with thirty-two guns as he went on board theLawrenceto pay his respects to Captain Perry, who, immediately after our late victory, had been brought low by a return of the fever.
My father was present at the interview; but what passed between the commanders we of the rank and file had no means of knowing, save as certain events transpired which we came to believe were the result of their deliberations.
It was only reasonable that, after having served under him, Alec and I should find it in our way to cultivate the acquaintance of Silas Boyd, and through him we got an insight into what otherwise would have been difficult for us to understand.
As for instance: The third day after General Mead’s arrival men were set at work in the shipyard on four huge scows, or box-like boats with flush decks, and my comrade and I puzzled our brains in vain to come at some reasonable conclusion regarding their purpose. It was evident they could never be intended for sailing crafts and equally certain that they were not being built for cargo-carrying, because there were no spars, and the upper portion was made without a hatchway, unless small square holes cut fore and aft might be called by such a name.
“They are boxes, rather than vessels,” Alec said, after we had speculated long and vainly regarding their purpose, and then he added, as if the thought had but just come to him, “Let us learn if old Silas knows anything about them.”
The gunner was not far off. He had just come ashore from theLawrence, where he had been looking after some of the pieces which were not mounted according to his notions, and we summoned him without delay.
“Don’t know the meanin’ of ’em, eh?” he asked, with a laugh, after a brief survey of the odd-looking craft. “Well, lads, I’m allowin’ that you’ll be pleased because they’ve been begun.”
“I can’t understand why anything of that sort would give us pleasure,” I said stupidly; but Alec, quicker witted, cried excitedly:—
“Do you mean that they have anything to do with our fleet leaving the bay?”
“Ay, lad, that’s just the size of it, or I’m way off my reckonin’. I’ve seen such things before. They’re called ‘camels,’ an’ I’ve heard say it was the Dutch who invented them in order to carry vessels over shallow places.”
Even now I failed to understand their purpose, and, seeing the questions in my eyes, the old man continued:
“Either of our brigs draws too much water to be taken out over the bar while the lake is as low as it is now—that much you’ll allow. Later on, when these ere craft are built, an’ Captain Perry is ready to put to sea, the brigs will be taken out as far as they’ll float, an’ these camels made fast alongside, fore an’ aft. The water will be let into ’em through the port-holes in the sides an’ deck, till they’re sunk, after which beams will be passed from one to the other under the ship’s keel. Then the hatches are put on again, an’ battened down till the hulks are water-tight, after which the pumps are set to work. Now you lads know full well that once air takes the place of water, these scows will have considerable liftin’ power, an’ up goes the brig as a matter of course.”
The old man paused as if thinking he had told all that was necessary; but I was so thick-headed that he was forced to explain every detail of the proposed crossing, although Alec probably did not need so much information because of understanding it thoroughly from the first description.
Until now I had failed to realize that the brigs could not leave the bay unaided until the water was higher, else I might have had even more fear regarding what it would be possible for the British to do; but aftersuch fact had been made apparent I saw great cause for alarm.
“Suppose the enemy’s squadron should come at the very moment one of our vessels was trussed up on those box-like camels?” I asked; and old Silas shrugged his shoulders as he replied:—
“There is the chief danger, my lad; an’ I’ll answer for it that your father an’ Captain Perry have discussed such a disaster again an’ again since the lack of men forced them to linger here until the water fell low. If the Britishers should come, there would be the end of whatever craft might be on the bar at the time.”
“Do you suppose others beside us know of what is to be done?” I asked, anxiously.
“It stands to reason all do, lad, unless they are blind. When such craft as these are bein’ built, curious ones are likely to ask the reason why.”
As he spoke, there came upon me like a flash of light what we had heard on the North Foreland that winter’s afternoon when Alec and I were held prisoners in the narrow pen which was like to have been our grave. Then we learned, because of the information in possession of the enemy, that among the people of Presque Isle was at least one who stood ready to betray us—one who was willing to sacrifice his neighbors in order to curry favor with the Britishers.
I made mention of the fact to old Silas, telling him the whole story, and suggesting that the same person who had played the spy might yet be among us, but he laughed at my fears.
“Do you think the Britishers themselves could not play the spy? I’ll answer for it that more than one of their soldiers have been in this town since the keels of the vessels were laid, an’ it is by such means that they were kept posted of our doings, not through treachery. I’ll answer for it we haven’t so mean a man among us.”
The old man spoke so positively, and laughed so long at my fears, that I could not do otherwise than call myself a fool for having such suspicions, and straightway made every effort to put the matter from my mind.
Silas Boyd told us of many large ships which he had seen floated over bars by use of “camels,” and otherwise gave so much interesting information concerning like engineering methods, that Alec and I listened to him eagerly until the day was spent, when we hastened to my home with all speed, lest mother should chide us for loitering when it was more seemly lads like us were snugly housed.
But even while most deeply entertained by the old gunner’s stories, and when listening to my mother’s loving words, the idea was ever present in my mind thatamong us was a traitor, who would speedily carry to the British information of the “camels” which were being made ready to take our vessels over the bar.
I said very little regarding this to Alec, lest he should make sport of me for being foolishly suspicious.
Perhaps because of my silence on the subject the thought grew stronger until it became the same as a fact in my mind, and I cast about trying to decide who among us was so lost to all honesty as to betray his own countrymen to their ruin.
When my father came home on this evening he reported that Captain Perry was more comfortable, as regarded the fever, and had given orders that Alec remain ashore until such time as commands were received for the fleet to leave port.
“And that is to be within a few days, if one may judge from the indications,” the lad said, with a smile, when my father had reported his brother’s words.
“Why do you think so?”
“Because of the camels which are being built at the shipyard.”
“How knew you for what purpose those hulks were intended?” my father asked sharply, and, as I thought, with no little disquietude of mind.
As a matter of course it was necessary we should tell him all that had occurred during the day, and,having come to an end of our story, he said, half to himself:—
“I had hoped the people might not be quite so well informed.”
“Why, sir?” I made bold to ask. “Think you any in this town would carry information to the enemy?”
“That I am not prepared to say, but with some people gold is a weighty argument, and has been known to buy the conscience of many an apparently honest man.”
Then it was that I spoke of the suspicion which had been troubling me, and having come to an end, my father said reflectively:—
“Many have left Presque Isle since last winter, and it may be that among them was the one who then supplied the enemy with information. I do not recall to mind any who would play the spy, but yet there are several here whom I do not know sufficiently well to answer for their honesty.”
“Is there no way by which such a possibility could be guarded against?” Alec asked, and my father replied:—
“We have taken due precautions. The guard-boats at the entrance of the bay will stop any craft attempting to put out into the lake without written authoritysigned by those in command, while the sentinels from here to Fort Wayne have orders to stop citizens trying to leave without a pass. Yet all these might be avoided by him who had it in his heart to work us mischief.”
Such words as these were not calculated to set my fears at rest, and when Alec and I went to bed we discussed the matter in all its bearings, for since my father had spoken in such a tone I was not ashamed to give words to my fears.
However, we could do nothing more than talk, and in due course of time slumber put an end to all forebodings.
When morning dawned bright and clear I quite forgot the troubles of the previous night, and went with Alec to visit his brother on board theLawrence.
Captain Perry was yet so ill that Dr. Parsons had forbidden his going on deck; but many officers were in his cabin when we arrived, and one could guess from the expression of gravity on the faces of all that some important subject was under discussion.
The captain greeted us in friendly fashion, inquiring solicitously after Alec’s health; but after the first words of greeting had been spoken it might readily be seen that he was not anxious we should linger, therefore we took our leave after having been on board less than ten minutes.
Going on deck, we found old Silas bustling around as if charged with the most weighty missions, and I asked him laughingly if there was any chance theLawrencewould go over the bar that day.
Instead of replying in sportive fashion to my bantering, he suddenly became grave as any owl, and hurried away as if afraid he might be tempted to reveal a secret in case he remained with us.
“You may depend upon it that some movement is near at hand, and we are not to be trusted with even so much as an intimation of it,” Alec said laughingly, as we went over the rail into our boat, which had been made fast alongside. “I am not disposed to grumble at being kept in ignorance, so long as we are soon to go out against the enemy, but I would enjoy knowing whether we are likely to miss anything by loitering on shore.”
“It isn’t probable theLawrencewill put to sea without us, after all the promises that have been made,” I said, almost indignant with Alec because he should seem to question my father’s good faith. “I am certain some hint would be given to us if anything of the kind were contemplated. Besides, it isn’t possible the brig could be gotten over the bar in one day.”
This last argument had more weight with my comradethan any other I could have advanced, and at once he lost all care as to what might be going on, bantering me to take a stroll with him along the shore to the eastward, where could be had a good view of the lake without a very lengthy journey.
“Who knows but that we may sight the bold Britishers before those in the guard-boats can do so, and thus gain considerable credit for being sharp-sighted!” he said sportively, and I took the words in good faith.
“We’ll try it!” I replied so earnestly that he was provoked to mirth, and the boat’s head was turned in the direction of Fort Wayne, in front of which fortification we landed when challenged by the watchful sentinel.
Once we were recognized there was no hesitation about allowing us to proceed whithersoever we pleased, and, as Alec had proposed, we directed our course along the shore of the lake.
Now it must be set down here that there was no thought in my mind that we could do more than possibly sight the enemy’s fleet in the distance.
I had ceased to think there was a traitor among us, and, therefore, that which occurred came as much in the nature of a surprise as if there had never been any conversation between my comrade and myself regarding the chance that information concerning our movements might be carried to the Britishers.
We strolled aimlessly along the shore, talking of the time when our fleet should be out on the lake fully manned, and giving no heed to anything save what might be seen seaward, until Alec stopped suddenly, clutching me by the arm as he whispered:—
“Look just beyond that clump of bushes! Unless I am much mistaken there is a boat drawn up to prevent her from being seen!”
Many seconds passed before I could make out clearly that which had attracted his attention, and then I not only saw the craft, but distinguished amid the foliage the form of a man, who was peering through the branches at us.
“It is either a British spy, or the traitor who carried news to the enemy last winter!” I said excitedly, turning this way and that in the hope of seeing some one upon whom we could call for assistance.
Even as I spoke the fellow in hiding drew back until it was impossible to see so much as the outlines of his form; but Alec, rendered suspicious by a glimpse of the half-hidden boat, was ready to believe that I had made no mistake.
“It isn’t likely a Britisher would venture here at this time, for there has been nothing of importance to attract one. It is some person from Presque Isle, who awaits an opportunity to set out across the lake,or has just returned,” he said, now quite as excited as was I. “It is our duty, Dicky Dobbins, to make of that fellow a prisoner, in order that he may give reasonable excuse for behaving in such a fashion.”
“There is little chance of our doing that without weapons, for be he spy or traitor, we can count on his making a good fight.”
“No better than is within our power, if we are so disposed,” Alec replied stoutly. “I have no idea of losing such an opportunity as is before us!”
Now I was quite as eager as he to learn who this man might be that he should thus take so many precautions against being seen; but yet I believed we had good reason to be cautious in our movements lest we come to grief.
It was well that Alec Perry carried a stouter heart than mine, otherwise much of disaster might have come upon our little fleet before there had been an opportunity for Oliver Perry to show of what he was capable.
“Will you follow me?” the dear lad whispered, and I replied, although decidedly against my better judgment:—
“Ay, that I will, Alec, although I believe you are running into danger needlessly. Why not wait until we can call others to help us, or at least get weaponswith which to defend our lives, for if that fellow is either spy or traitor he will not yield without a fight.”
“It is two against one, and even cowards could ask for no better odds than that!” Alec said sharply, and in another instant he was running at full speed toward the clump of bushes in which was hidden the man we would make prisoner.
There was no other course left me but to follow him, unless I was willing to have it said I deserted a friend, and even while reproaching myself for making such a foolhardy venture, I ran at my best pace close at his heels.
As a matter of course the stranger saw us coming, and whether guilty or innocent must have divined our purpose.
Perhaps the speed at which we advanced convinced him he could not outstrip us in a chase, for instead of taking flight, he made every effort to launch his boat before we should come up with him.
Had he succeeded in getting half a dozen yards from the shore we would have been baffled, weaponless as we were, and the fellow probably counted on this, but he had drawn the craft too high up on the sand.
She was less than ten feet from the water’s edge when Alec came within striking distance, and now,instead of trying further to launch the boat, he turned to defend himself.
With a stout oaken paddle uplifted he awaited my comrade’s approach, and I cried aloud in surprise when I recognized in him one of our neighbors who claimed to be violently loyal to the Government of the United States.
“It’s Nathaniel Hubbard!” burst involuntarily from my lips, and as I spoke his name he turned upon me in a fury.
Until that instant I do not think there was in his mind any thought to do other than beat us off until he could set the boat afloat; but, finding himself recognized, it seemed necessary for his own safety that our mouths should be closed forever.
Stooping suddenly, he seized something from the bottom of the craft, and when he stood erect once more I saw in each of his hands a pistol.
“Look out for yourself!” I cried, fearing lest Alec had not observed the weapons, and even as I shouted there was a blinding flash; I could feel the heat of the burning powder, and wondered that no pain followed it.
Hubbard had fired point blank at me, within less than ten feet distance, and yet missed the target.
With a cry of rage he turned upon Alec, but beforehe could press the trigger of his pistol I leaped upon his back.
The weapon was discharged; but the bullet buried itself in the sand, and the traitor was at our mercy, although not yet conquered.
He fought like a wild man, and I could not wonder at his fury, for more than his life was at stake. Even though his neighbors did not kill him outright, as indeed they had good cause, he was disgraced forever; and there would be nothing left for him save to take refuge among those to whom he had sold himself, which might not be a pleasant thing, because he who buys a traitor can have no great respect or love for him.
During five minutes or more it was a serious question as to who would come off victorious, and then suddenly his strength seemed to desert him; he collapsed, so to speak, even while putting forth his greatest strength, and from that instant it was as if we had no more than a child in our grasp.
“We’ll tie his hands and feet, and bundle him into his own boat,” Alec said, whipping out his pocket-knife and cutting the small hempen cable, or painter. “It will be too much of a job to carry the scoundrel from here to the village!”
It was pitiful to see how weak the traitor had becomein mind as well as body. Instead of making any protest, or challenging us to prove that he did not have as good a right as we to stroll on the shore of the lake, he burst into tears, imploring us to “be merciful.”
“It can do you no good to take me back, and I will reward you richly for my liberty,” he whined, in so cowardly a fashion that I turned my back, unwilling to look upon the despicable wretch.
“You will pay us with British gold, eh?” Alec said angrily, raising his hand, whereupon I seized his arm, fearing lest in his righteous wrath he might strike one who was bound, for we had lost no time in tying the fellow.
“Don’t fear that I shall do him any great harm,” the lad said quickly. “For a moment the temptation to punish him for thinking we might be bought was great, but I should have remembered in time that it would be a disgrace even to strike a cur who has sold his country.”
From that instant Nathaniel Hubbard seemed to understand that it would be useless to plead with us.
He apparently gathered courage from despair, or else grief and remorse overpowered him, for he remained silent and motionless, seeming to give no heed whatsoever to us.
As if he had been no more than a bundle of merchandise, and not very valuable at that, we packed him into the boat and rowed back toward the brig whereon we knew was Captain Perry, feeling quite certain we had done a good forenoon’s work in our country’s behalf.