A daughter of freedom; a story of the latter period of the war for independence
Blanchard, Amy Ella, 1856-1926
■^iK{<' •a^o^ ^■:^ Jf ■ ■Qi 1^ ffifli Boston Fttblie Ubfwy Boston. MA 02116 •7Z7 V y A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM HISTORICAL BOOKS BY AMY E. BLANCHARD. A GIRL OF '76. A Story of the Early Period OF THE War for Independence. Illustrated. 331 pages. Cloth. $1.50. A REVOLUTIONARY MAID. A Story of THE Middle Period of the War for Independence. Illustrated. 321 pages. Cloth. $1.50. A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. A Story of the Latter Period of the War for Independence. Illustrated. 312 pages. Cloth. ^1.50. A HEROINE OF 181 2. A Maryland Romance. Illustrated. 335 pages. Cloth. $1.50. A LOYAL LASS. A Story of the Niagara Cam- paign of 1814. Illustrated. 319 pages. Cloth. $1.50. IN THE « PIONEER SERIES." A GENTLE PIONEER. BEING THE Story OF THE Early Days in the New West. Illustrated. 336 pages. Cloth. $1.50. BONNY LESLEY OF THE BORDER. A Story. Illustrated. 331 pages. Cloth. $i.S^. A FRONTIER KNIGHT. A Story of Early Texan Border-Life. Illustrated. 339 pages. Cloth. J^i.50. SHE RODE QUIETLY ALONG BY HER BROTHER'S SIDE DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM A Story of the Latter Period of the War for Independence BY AMY E. BLANCHARD AUTHOR OF " A GIRL OF '76," AND ' A REVOLUTIONARY MAID." ETC. ILLUSTRATED BY IDA WAUGH BOSTON AND CHICAGO W. A. WILOE COMrANY J^^ ( l^x^ d^' Copyright, 1900, Bv W. A. Wilde Companti; All rights reserved. A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM Oct 27 1911 to Ps ii-ittk iFrientJ LOUISE SAUNDERS WITH LOVING RECOLLECTIONS OF MANY HAPPY HOURS SPENT WITH HER THIS STORY IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED A. E. a CONTENTS. CHAPTEK PAGB I. In Old Charlotte ii II. A Night Attack 26 III. The Borough Church 43 IV. A Green Slipper 59 V. A Raid 74 VI. Beverly's Friend 88 VII. Battles at Home 103 VIII. In the Hands of the Enemy . . . .118 IX. Rescued 132 X. A Secret Foe 145 XI. A Gentle Jailor 161 XII. A Second Meeting 177 XIII. A Race and its Ending 191 XIV. Amid Familiar Scenes 207 XV. Another Flight 220 XVI. A Visit from Champe 235 XVII. A Returned Prisoner 252 XVIII. Rivals 266 XIX. The Tower Room 283 XX. YoRKTOWN 298 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE " She rode quietly along by her brother's side ". Frontispiece 19 " She tiptoed through the hall to her brother's room " . 39 " In one of the empty chests, they found Indigo " . . 84 " The fresh, sweet morning air greeted her " . . . 174 ** ' Tell Miss Mercy, Indigo, what you want '" • » 238 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. ^:^o* CHAPTER I. IN OLD CHARLOTTE. THERE was great excitement in an old house near the village of Charlotte, North Carolina, one day in the spring of 1775. Byrd Graham, coming from the garden, stayed her dancing steps at the sound of voices raised within an inner room. " Now, what can give my mother that tone ? " she exclaimed. ** And Beverly, surely he is more vehement than necessary. I can restrain my curiosity no longer." And she threw open the door impetuously, but paused on the threshold, for her brother stood leaning an arm upon the mantel, his face flushed and his lips com- pressed, while his mother, with head bowed upon her hands, was sobbing convulsively. "What — why — " began Byrd — "what has hap- pened } " She ran to her mother and knelt by her side, resting one cheek against the bowed head, then she II 12 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. turned an indignant glance toward her brother. " What have you been saying to make mother weep .•* " she asked. " Tell her, Beverly, tell her," Mrs. Graham murmured. *' I am sure my daughter will join her voice with mine in protest." The young man lashed his riding-whip against his boot as he looked down gravely at his little sister. " It is but this, Byrd : I have joined our father's friends, and may have to fight against the enemies of our land." Byrd turned pale, but as she arose to her feet her eyes shone. " Don't let us talk of it before mother," she answered gently. *' Come, brother, we will go out, and you can tell me of your plans. It is such a little while — " her lips quivered and she glanced toward her mother — ** such a little while since father fell, can you wonder at her distress ? " she whispered, as she slipped her hand in her brother's arm. The young man nodded, and at a word from Byrd, went over and kissed his mother. "We will not say any more about it now, mother," he said, " and I know you will bid me God-speed when the time comes." The two passed out. When they reached the veranda, Beverly looked over the stretch of fresh new green before them, and stood for a moment without speaking. He was a tall, well-developed young fellow of eighteen IN OLD CHARLOTTE. 1 3 or nineteen, with the gray eyes and sandy hair of his Scotch father, while his sister, like her Virginia mother, was dark-haired and dark-eyed, a rich brunette color tinting her skin. "We do not forget Alamance, Byrd? " Beverly said, finally. " No, we do not forget," was the reply, given in the same grave tone. " And there is cause for remembrance, since our father fell there, a martyr to his principles ; a victim to that wretch, Tryon. Listen, Byrd. You heard the turmoil in the village this morning. Have you guessed what it was about .? " " No ; I heard you say that a convention was called, and the clamor, I suppose, arose from that. You are so grave. Is it so serious, then ? I am not much of a politician, being only a little girl who loves a frolic more than anything else." ** Yes, I know, but you are a brave little maid, Byrd, and it is serious. There came a gallant horseman galloping into the midst of the throng this morning. He had ridden express, and brought news of blood- shed in the New England colonies. That is serious enough." "Tell me more." *"Twas at Lexington, in the Massachusetts colony. 14 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. When the countrymen were defending their stores of amunition, they were fired upon by the king's troops." "But was it worse than our trouble with Tryon at Alamance, when father was killed.^" ** No, not worse, maybe ; but it means that a more general feeling, north and south, exists for resistance. We of North Carolina, who saw the first blood shed for the defence of our rights, have declared ourselves inde- pendent of British rule. The time for battle has come. If I am needed, I shall go. Dr. Brevard has prepared resolutions of independence. They were read to the crowd assembled, and Captain James Jack is even now bearing a copy of the resolutions to Congress at Phila- delphia. Ah, Byrd, when such men as Dr. Brevard and Mr. Kennon are impressed by the importance of defending our rights, shall I stand idle ? The cause of one colony is the cause of all." Byrd was quite awe-stricken by her brother's solemn manner. She adored him. His word was law ; for since her father's death, four years before, Beverly had taken the lead in family matters, and his sister con- sidered him an oracle of wisdom, although he was but five years older than she. She was quiet for a moment, and then she drew a long sigh. Of course war might come, but it was a long distance to Massachusetts, and she didn't see any IN OLD CHARLOTTE. 1 5 immediate danger. It would be time enough when trouble came, to worry. So she looked up brightly, saying : " Come, Bev, I want to show you the poor little lambkin I am coddling. Never mind the king and his army to-day. There will be time enough to be sober when we have to. See, there is Aunt Dilly. I think she has been baking a cake for us. Let's go and see." And running ahead, the girl entered one of the quar- ters, before which stood an old colored woman chuck- ling over her nursling's eagerness. " Mars Bev gwine come too } " she asked. " Hue- come yuh know I done got sumpin fo' yuh, honey ^ " "I know; I always know; a little bird tells me," laughed Byrd. " Yuh a little buhd yo'se'f," returned the old woman. " Yuh wuss 'an one o' dese yer ole peckerwoods, a-tap- pin' on a holler bark tree ; al'ays a-peckin' an' a-peckin' roun' fo' sumpin nurr." Byrd laughed. She was used to Aunt Billy's gibes, and knew they were meant only to cover up her extreme affection for her nursling. " I certainly smell something good," Byrd said, sniff- ing the air. "'Taint no use ef yuh does," returned Aunt Dilly. "Yuh knows I ain't gwine ter cut no fresh cake right outen the oven." l6 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. ** It was cake you were baking, then. I thought so when I saw the oven before the fire, when I came by here an hour ago." " Mebbe hit was, an' mebbe hit wasn't. Yuh doesn't need to be so plum sho about hit," returned Aunt Dilly, folding her hands across her bosom, a bland smile spreading over her broad features. " Here, Bev," Byrd cried, " come and make Aunt Dilly behave herself. She won't give me any cake, and I am half starved," *• Sho ! " exclaimed Aunt Dilly, making her way with great alacrity toward the kitchen. ** Why, yuh ain't say yuh so hongry .-* Law, chile, I bake dis cake speshul fo' yuh," and she uncovered a brown loaf, which lay on the table, breaking from it a goodly piece which she offered Byrd. Beverly, coming in scarcely less eager, received a like portion, and the two went off munching their dainty, and laughing at Aunt Dilly as she declared that they were "wuss 'an ole bluejays." After disposing of the cake, the brother and sister made their way to the spinning room, where, rolled up in wool, lay the weakling lamb, which Byrd took in her lap and crooned over, singing a weird little song, while her brother stood by and laughed to see the ungainly movements of this new pet. "'Tis no worse than your big-footed puppies, nor IN OLD CHARLOTTE. 1 7 your clumsy colt," said Byrd. "And that reminds me, Beverly, mother will need our help indoors to-night, since she is in so doncy a state of mind ; so be sure you do not go forth to the village." " Ah, but that is what I must do. The times are too stern for me to stay at home, Byrd, and Aleck McCor- mick has my promise to join him at the end of the road." " Then I suppose I must put my best foot forward, and try to be my silliest, that I may show mother that there is no need of tears as yet. She told you, did she not, of a letter from our grandfather, received to-day .? " " No, and it's strange, too. Did you hear the con- tents ? " " Not I. Yet I fancy that they were one reason of her grief over you." Beverly looked thoughtful. " Grandfather Page is a sad Tory," he remarked. Byrd nodded. " And he says we are all sad Whigs, no doubt. Poor grandfather! he's a born aristocrat, and no wonder, for he has mixed with the nobility all his life. He is always stanch for the king and old England, no matter what." " And yet," Beverly replied thoughtfully, ** Mr. Pat- rick Henry is of Virginia, and who could be a fiercer advocate than he is of liberty ? Ah, Byrd, you should hear the boys discuss our politics, and tell of Mr. 1 8 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. Henry's magnificent speeches. If I were not proud of being the son of a North Carolinian, I should be proud of being the grandson of a Virginian." "Why prouder of one than the other } " " Because to North Carolina came the first English colony ; because she has been the first to wage battle and shed blood for liberty's cause, and is the first to declare herself free." " Oh ! " Byrd was much impressed. " Is our whole colony free.^" ** Well, no ; but we of Mecklenburg have said that we would be so." ** Then we have a right to be proud," Byrd returned. " But, Bev, I do not like so much talk of war. Will it come .^ " " I think so. I was going to say, I hope so ; because I do not think we can get our rights in any way except by fighting for them. Now I must be off." " Are you going to the fields, and may I not go with you .? " "Yes, come along. Tell Esek to get your horse." " I can saddle her myself while you are doing the same to Lightning. Then we'll be off." Beverly was quite used to this, for his sister could ride any horse on the place, and had even been caught on the back of an old cow, which kicked out furiously IN OLD CHARLOTTE. 1 9 while her rider held on to her horns and laughed in high glee. She was a merry, daring maid, the life of the place, and adored by every one on it. But on this occasion she rode quietly along by her brother's side, her thoughts intent upon what they had been talking about. "If you go away, Bev, who will look after the place } " she asked. " John Mcllvaine will do his best, and you and mother will have to do the rest. I believe you could almost look after the place yourself, Byrd, for you know every inch of it." " To be sure I do ; but I'm such a flibberty-gibbet, I fear I'd manage the men and women indifferently well." " But you will try to let mother believe that all will go smoothly," Beverly returned. Byrd nodded. This weight of responsibility, which seemed coming her way, was not a pleasant anticipa- tion, but she threw off such things easily ; and when Beverly had made his rounds, she proposed a gallop, and the two clattered up to the house in fine style. As Byrd jumped from her horse and threw her bridle to her brother, Mrs. Graham, who stood upon the porch, said reprovingly : ** When will you learn to be a gentle- woman, Byrd.? Without your riding-habit, and bare- 20 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. headed, to be riding about the place like a mad thing, is not right. Where is your mask ? You are as black as an Indian." " A fig for riding-masks ! " cried Byrd. " We live in the backwoods, mother dear, and I'm not a fashion- able miss, as you were when you lived in Virginia." '' It behooves you to be," was the reply. " Come in, Byrd, I want to talk to you. Where is your brother going.?" " Gone to the village with Aleck McCormick. There are affairs to be settled." Mrs. Graham's face took on a sadder look. " The poor lads ! the poor lads ! What is right .-* What is wrong ? Who can tell .'' Methinks they are too urgent in this talk of liberty." " But, mother, my father. You cannot forget that he fell at the hands of the king's men." " I do not forget. No, no. But must I sacrifice my son, too .? Listen, Byrd. Your grandfather is much con- cerned for us, and long has been. Since your father's death he has been urging me to come to him with my children ; for since my brother Carter's marriage he is all alone." " He has Aunt Tryphena. She is his own sister, and I'm sure my brother would not think himself alone if he had me." IN OLD CHARLOTTE. 21 "To be sure, but that is not as if your brother had children of his own. If he were an old man he, too, would yearn for young life about him. Now that your brother threatens to leave us, what are we to do, here by ourselves ? " "Why — Law, mother, I will take my brother's place ! " *' 'Tis easier said than done, so flippant you are, Byrd. It seems to me this last letter from Mr. Page comes on the nick of time. If there comes a war, we cannot count upon safety even here ; and at your grand- father's there will be protection for my daughter, at least." " Ah, but mother, he is a Tory." ** And what if he be ? Many good men are so ; further than that, so much the more will there be safety if there is trouble. Let us not think of going away as yet." 22 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. " There are evil times nearer home. My Lord Dun- more has not an easy time of it in Virginia, and fighting is near to our own borders ; but your grandfather is a friend of Lord Dunmore's, and so we have no need to fear him.'* " Yes, I remember how grandfather did praise Lady Dunmore, and did want us to come to Williamsburg to the ball, and you would not let me go." " No, a lass of thirteen is far too young for such frolics." "But not for other frolics." Byrd's face dimpled. *' You should have seen old Esek to-day. I scared him nearly out of his wits, for I climbed the tree above his chimney, and let down a flaring ball of tar. He thought it was a devil's trick, as it popped up and down at the end of a chain. And I shrieked from above, through a hollow bit of willow, * Esek, Esek, are you ready .? ' He well-nigh had a fit." " Now, Byrd, what behavior ! I am ashamed." " But, mother, you are not. You are laughing in your sleeve, I know. Scold me no scoldings, mother mine, for I disclosed myself at last ; and I but paid him back for beating poor little Indigo the other day. I will not have the little blacks ill-treated, that will not L" *' Yet Dilly comes to me with a tale of how you ducked this same Indigo in the pond." IN OLD CHARLOTTE. 23 "Because he chased Brindle so that she was not ready to let down her milk. I've told him, over and over, not to chase the cows at such a rate, when he is driving them home." "Yet who was it nearly scared Brindle to death by making a steed of her.?" " Ah, but that was a mere frolic ; and it was early in the day, and not near milking time. I didn't hurt the cow in the least, nor did I hurt Indigo. I but made him splutter, and he knows I stand up for him when Esek vents his wrath upon him. Fear not, mother, they know I don't mean ill. Did I not save my most savory bits for Unc' Esek when he was laid up with the rheumatism ? And who loves me bet- ter than he.?" "You are incorrigible, daughter. I fear you will shock your grandfather and Aunt Tryphena." "Then don't take me where I will shame you, sweet mother," returned Byrd, slyly. " Have done with your blandishments," said her mother, laughing. "We'll not settle the matter yet awhile. At any rate, not till fall ; I think I could not gather myself up in such haste, for there is much spinning and weaving to be done. I would not leave our blacks unprovided for when winter comes on." "And by fall there may not be any war or any 24 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. trouble at all," said Byrd, taking one or two sideway steps. "Come, mother, I see Vashti coming from the kitchen with a dish of hot cakes, and that means supper. Beverly will not be here. Let us not wait." It was quite a plain and substantial house, less fine than some of those in the other colonies, but thoroughly comfortable, as were the quarters. The county of Mecklenburg, settled chiefly by a Scotch- Irish immigration, was, from the first, conspicuous for the decision, determination, and bravery of its people. Brought up in an atmosphere of freedom, with the principles of liberty and independence impressed upon every child in every family, it is not to be wondered at that Beverly and Byrd Graham had inherited the opinions of their father, and had imbibed those of their associates, and that both were built in such mould as that of which heroes are made. Byrd lay wide awake that night till the sound of Lightning's hoofs announced her brother's return ; then she stole quietly out of her room and met Bev- erly in the hall. " Is all safe with you, brother ? " she asked. "All safe, little sister," her brother replied, as he put his arm around her, "but there are unsafe times coming, I fear." She clung to him for a moment, then stood off. IN OLD CHARLOTTE. 2$ "Fm not afraid," she said. "I'll be a daughter of liberty to the bitter end, Beverly, for I do not forget what my father said when he went with the Regula- tors to fight at Alamance. He said," — she lifted her hand solemnly, — "' Whatever comes, my daughter, be always on the side of the oppressed. Fear not to suffer in a just cause. Be brave and true, and stand up for Carolina.' They were the last words I ever heard him speak," she continued, with tears in her voice. "Yes, yes, I know," said Beverly in a whisper. " Go now and rest, little sister. We are safe to-night, and ' Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.' " " Safe ! yes, I know, while you are here. Good night, brother." She took up her candle, went two or three steps toward her room, then came back quickly, set down her candle, and threw herself into her brother's arms, holding him so closely and linger- ingly, that he could only do the same. When she lifted her face it was wet with tears, but she said not another word ; and Beverly, with his own eyes moist, stood watching her candle as it disappeared into the dimness. CHAPTER II. A NIGHT ATTACK. ALTHOUGH matters were becoming day by day more serious, and the assembling of the provincial Congress at Hillsborough proved how thoroughly the people were aroused, Mrs. Graham from week to week put off the journey to Virginia. This was mainly due to Byrd's entreaties ; and since Beverly was still at home, there seemed no need for going. But when it was stated that an expedition under Colonel Howe was to be sent to Norfolk to defend that place and lower Vir- ginia, Mrs. Graham would consent no longer to remain, and Byrd sorrowfully made ready for the journey, although, even then, she lingered so over her prepara- tions as to be able to gain some time, and it was December before they set forth. " I must take Indigo," said Byrd. " Mother, you will allow me to do that." " Why in the world do you select him, Byrd ? " asked her mother. " Of all our blacks he is certainly the least to be desired. Why not one of the women .-* Al- 26 A NIGHT ATTACK. 2/ though your grandfather has servants enough to supply us. There is old Prissy's daughter ; he will be glad to give her to you, I am sure." " It isn't that I want any one to fetch and carry for me," Byrd replied, "but I know how Unc' Esek will treat Indigo as soon as my back is turned ; and besides, he is set upon by them all because he is such a mis- chievous little scamp." "And you wish to be burdened with a little scamp, or is it fellow-feeling that makes you so wondrous kind.?" " Now, mother, you are unkind to your daughter. He is never scampish to me ; in truth, he is not. He is a brave little rat, and I want him. Please, mother. You told me I might carry away whatever I desired to make me feel content and keep me from being home- sick, and I but want Indigo." " So be it, then. If your brother agrees, I'll not with- hold my consent ; but don't come to me with tales if you have chosen a bad bargain. I'll not help you out if you fail of managing your satellite." Byrd went off well content, and Indigo's eyes were made to roll around in astonishment when it was announced that he was to go to Virginia. " Me, Miss Buhd ? Huccome yuh tek me } " " Because I want to," returned Byrd, with dignity. 28 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. " Law, honey, dat is de mos' onaccountables sort o' doin's," interposed Aunt Dilly, who heard the order given to Indigo to " Go 'long and tell Sappho to tell Maria, in the weaving room, that Indigo was to have a good strong suit of homespun made at once." ** It's no one's business but my own," said Byrd, in reply to Aunt Dilly's grumbling. " Yuh jes' pomperin' dat boy. Huccome yuh ain't tek somebody e's?" continued Aunt Dilly, in an injured tone. *' You mean why don't I take my old mammy," said Byrd, throwing her arms around Dilly's fat figure. " 'Cause I can't. In the first place, you and grand- father's people would come to blows, and wage a worse war than my Lord Dunmore is doing ; and I fear you would come off much as he did at Hampton, the other day. Ah, mammy dear, I would fain take you, every one, but I may not. Let us hope it is but a Christmas visit that we are to make, and that ere many days you will see us all back again. Now, like a good mammy, make me one of your hoe cakes, and roast me a potato in the ashes. I have clipped it so over the plantation that I am well-nigh to drop." And having thus diverted Dilly's mind, Byrd established herself on the stone step of the old woman's cabin, and, with chin in hands, surveyed the scene before her. Log cabins A NIGHT ATTACK. 29 dotted the clearing ; on one side were harvested fields, on the other a broad prairie gave pasture for a herd of cattle. The prairie ended at the Catawba River, and beyond this a magnificent forest stretched off toward the west, climbing higher and higher till its tall trees topped the Blue Ridge. How soon would all these vanish from Byrd's actual vision, but they were stamped upon her memory and she would see them in dreams. She was aroused from her revery by Aunt Dilly's soft drawl announcing that " De hoe cake done bake, an' de taters ready to bus' dey skins." Then with a pewter plate in her lap, Byrd proceeded to dispose of these delectable viands, but had not finished when her brother came galloping up. " I'm off, Byrd. We go marching to-night. You will go by way of Norfolk, and I hope to see you there, for Mr. Page's barge will meet you to bear you to Williamsburg. God bless you, little sister." He leaned down from his horse and lifted her up in front of him, then galloped toward the house. Byrd leaned her head against his broad shoulder, and looked up into his eyes ; there was a subdued fire in their deep blue depths. " You will be brave, little sister, brave now," he said. ** And always, I hope," she returned, although there was a tightening at her throat-. 30 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. "Comfort mother as well as you can. I am glad she is going to her own people, though I think but for your safety, dear heart, she would rather not. It seems almost a reflection upon father's memory to go from her home here to those who were opposed to his principles." " Alas ! I wish it were otherwise than that we must go. I wish I were not so much considered in the matter," Byrd replied. "I am breaking my heart over the leaving." " I know, but we cannot leave our women without fear for them ; and I would feel a craven on the field of battle if the thought came to me that I had left my little sister in danger." "Ah, but you would never be a coward, — never; I know you better. Do not go away with any fear for me, Beverly." " But I must, if you stay here." " Fear more if I go," she returned sadly. " 'Tis to Lord Dunmore's friends, remember." " Ah, but I think there will soon be few to befriend so base a betrayer of his trust. You heard of the gun- powder explosion in the magazine ; that proclaims what manner of man he is." " Alas! " Byrd sighed, "I fear that I shall be ill at ease among his friends." A NIGHT ATTACK. 3 1 " I fancy they will soon see the right of resistance. Even Mr. Page, our grandfather, must be too just a man to encourage such acts. But now I must beg you to give me countenance in this farewell to our mother," and setting her down, he followed her into the house. But strange to say, Mrs. Graham had no tears to shed ; they had all been wept in secret after his deter- mination to join the army had been declared to her. And now she braced herself to bid him God-speed with- out flinching, although when the rattle of his clanging sabre was heard no more, she turned with wide, dry eyes toward Byrd and held to the back of a chair, swaying heavily. Byrd thought she would have fallen, yet she did not, but sank into the chair and beckoned the girl to come to her ; and there they sat, cheek to cheek, till the twilight deepened to dark. It was a long journey across country to Virginia, for, even in a bee-line, the James was something like three hundred miles away. With the rancorous feeling fast developing between Whig and Tory, there were more dangers ahead than the travellers were aware of ; for the country was in- fested not only with companies of Tories and marching soldiers, but with here and there desperate characters who took this occasion to plunder for their own ends. 32 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. Yet all had gone well when the Virginia line was reached, and Mrs. Graham had a feeling of relief, since they were scarce more than a two days' journey from Williamsburg. "Once we reach your grandfather's house, I shall breathe freely," she said. " I think we must proceed cautiously," Byrd re- marked, a little pucker between her brows. "Tuff tells me there are not quiet times in Virginia." Mrs. Graham did not answer for a moment. " Then before we go on to Williamsburg, we will stop at Cousin Becky Tucker's, and see what is best to do about pro- ceeding. Cousin Becky is not one who keeps herself ignorant of what is going on about her." Therefore, directing Tuff to turn aside from the main road, the big, clumsy vehicle in which they were travel- ling jolted through the mud till they reached the first gate of the plantation owned by the Tuckers. As they drew up before the door, a stately woman in plain brown homespun met them. " Lucy Page ! " she exclaimed. " Who would have thought of seeing you ? And is this little Byrd ? It has been years since I saw the child. Come right in. Here! Caesar, go tell Ria to tell Mansy to come here. Law, coz, but I am glad to see you ! Jupiter, look to our having a bowl of negus at once." And giving her A NIGHT ATTACK. 33 orders right and left, Mrs. Tucker passed into the house, her arm around her cousin. ** And now tell me. Cousin Lucy, what possessed you to come up to this part of the country } " Mrs. Tucker said when they were fairly in-doors. " It is all astir with my Lord Dunmore's fantastic tricks. We are not safe a moment. What with the enticing away of our negroes and the foraging parties galloping up and down the roads, we are truly in the midst of alarms." " We heard there were some disturbances," returned Mrs. Graham, " but you know, Becky, I didn't feel that I ought to keep Byrd on our plantation alone, and I'm on my way to my father's." " What's become of Beverly } He surely is big enough to act the protector, if he grows like his father." *' He's big enough, in truth ; but so big is my boy that he has outgrown me, and is gone a-soldiering." " Bless us, Lucy, that is news ! but all my boys and my husband are up in arms, too. It's in the blood." " It is truly. Yes, Beverly received marching orders, and must, by now, be nearly, if not quite, arrived at Norfolk. We stopped here to be sure of our safety in proceeding, before we ventured farther." 34 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. " And welcome you are. You'd best stay till we see how matters turn out, and the longer the better. I had not counted on such a treat as this visit from you. Dear me, though, it is too bad that there are such rumors of disquiet. The land seems rife with sounds of war. Since September the troops have been going and coming at Williamsburg. Mr. Henry is com- mander, as you know. That queer, plain, gawky man we wouldn't have turned an eyelash for, Lucy, in our young days, and see him, the greatest man in Virginia, this day ; a perfect marvel. I shouldn't be surprised if they made him governor. Well, as I was saying, the encampment has been made back of the college, — you know the spot, — and we've had all sorts of a time, and the girls have been weeping over the boys who would go marching from them, and are now setting their caps for those who have come marching in from other dis- tricts, till it looks mighty lively. Just now our greatest talk is of a fight at the Great Bridge, a day or two ago. Our brave fellows sent Lord Dunmore flying back to his ships in the harbor, and we are waiting to see what will be done next." " Our royal governor was forced to do the same, six months ago, at Wilmington," Byrd put in. Mrs. Tucker laughed. " Ah, I warrant you she is as big a rebel as her father, Lucy. You'd better not let A NIGHT ATTACK. 35 your grandfather know it ; he will pull your ears well, Miss Byrd." " Let him. So long as he leaves me enough to hear them shout for freedom, I'll stand it." ** Hear the child ! I agree with you, Miss Byrd, but I do not say so too loudly; yet we're all sons and daughters of liberty here, though I've not discarded my silks and satins altogether, as some of our northern sisters have done." " And some of your southern ones, too," Byrd chimed in. " I know several in Charlotte who would not wear a foreign-made gown, for anything." " Yes, we have heard of Mecklenburg's sturdy decla- ration, and are proud of her." "Is there any way of sending a message to the town, or is the country too unsafe ? " Mrs. Graham asked. " Not a bit of it. Any of my men here can go for you. We send in nearly every day, and go to Williamsburg as often as we want. What had you in your mind, Lucy } " "I thought if Beverly were arrived, that we could let him know of our being here, and — no, I'll notify my father a little later. Thank you, cousin, I'll avail myself of the messenger." "You'll not need to stir from here yet awhile, after 36 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. that long journey. Once I have you, I'll not let you go easily. We can send you across at any time, so give yourself no further thought of it." ** Then we will content ourselves here, most gladly, till this ferment is settled." This they did, and Byrd was glad enough to be comfortably established, for she rather dreaded the combating of her grandfather's opinions, and, too, was tired from her long journey. Besides all this, they were not so far from Norfolk but that Beverly could reach them easily, and she longed to see him. It was but a few days before her desire was grati- fied, for one evening her brother came clattering in, full of life and eagerness. ** We're safe in Norfolk, mother," he cried, "and you are safe here. Is this not a fortunate meeting.^ I left you full of qualms for my safety, and I confess I felt many for you. I knew not what might befall you on your journey, but I dared not do otherwise than I did. Our country first. Well met, Cousin Becky; you look as eager for news as my mother." "And so I am. Those lads of mine, I suppose, are carousing in Norfolk, from what I hear." "So they are. If you call a moderate game at night, with a glass or so of punch, carousing, we are all sinners. Colonel Howe has chief command, A NIGHT ATTACK. 37 mother. We're not specially well equipped, but we've sent the governor back to his ship, and we can't tell what will happen next." " I wish we could be in Norfolk with you, brother," Byrd whispered. " I've come to bid you to a Christmas feast," he answered. *' Now, Beverly, you are too unkind," spoke up Cousin Becky. ''Will you steal my guests from me ? I had counted on your all spending Christmas here." " And my father counts on our spending Christmas with him," Mrs. Graham said. "Then, lest there be ill-will between you and my grandfather. Cousin Becky, we'd best settle it by giving no cause for a quarrel. Will you come to Norfolk, mother ? Uncle William would have us with him, if you will consent." " My brother William is it who invites us } What say you, Byrd ? " "Oh, let us go. Grant us your pardon. Cousin Becky; we don't want to leave you, but we do want to be near to my brother while we can." She shook her head. " I'll warrant you'll be safer here." "Think you so.?" said Beverly. "I think we're 38 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. safe enough, cousin, and we've never been parted at Christmas." "Then, why can you not come here to us.?" "Because I am required to be at my post. Can you start back with me to-morrow, mother.? I prom- ised to fetch you if I could." " And so you will stay here to-night. Good ! " cried Byrd. "We'll be ready to go with you. A fine escort we will have : one of the military and Indigo." " Indigo ? Have you him with you ? " "Yes, Byrd would bring him," replied Mrs. Graham, in an aggrieved voice. Beverly laughed. "A queer attendant to choose, surely." Byrd pouted. " Never you mind. Master Beverly, you all may laugh at Indigo, but I know he's worth more than half the others." And, indeed, that very night proved that Byrd's confidence was not misplaced. About midnight Byrd was awakened by a soft tapping on her window-pane. "Who's there.?" she cried. " Open de window, please, ma'am. Miss Buhd," came a voice. " Indigo ! " she exclaimed, as she peered out into the darkness, and caught sight of a dark face peep- SHE TIPTOED THROUGH THE HALL TO HER BROTHER'S ROOM." A NIGHT ATTACK. 39 ing through the little panes of glass. She threw open the sash. " For pity's sake, Indigo, why are you clinging to my window in that desperate way ? " she said indignantly. " Please, ma'am, oh. Miss Buhd, dey is some mans a-prowlin' roun' arter Mars Bev. I couldn't git to his room, ma'am, an' de onlies' place I could git was to yo' win'er. I dumb up hyar, and poun'ed wif mah haid, an' tippy-tap wif mah finger, cause I skeered dey cotch Mars Bev ef we-alls doan look out." " Can you climb in .? " said Byrd, abruptly. " Yass, m' ; thanky, m'. I reckons I kin." " I don't see how you managed to get up, anyhow," Byrd remarked, as he squirmed his body over the sill. " Come with me. That's right, go softly." And lighting her candle, she tiptoed through the hall to her brother's room. " Bev, Bev," she called, "get up!" He appeared almost immediately, and she bade In- digo tell his tale. " Dey been a-tryin' to git us all to go to de boat," he said, *'an' dey watchin' an' watchin' roun' fur to git a chance to ca'y off Mars Bev." "Where are they.?" " Down todes de quarters, in de smoke-house." "Can you, without their seeing you, reach the big bell that rings the hands up.?" 40 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. "Yass, suh." "You're not afraid?" "No, suh." " Suppose they shoot at you." Indigo rolled the whites of his eyes toward Byrd in alarm. "Yass, suh." "What then.?" Indigo was silent. " Sneak down to where the bell is, get down on the ground and lie low; give the bell-rope two or three good pulls, and then crawl off somewhere and hide. Can you do that.?" " Yass, suh ; I bleeged to. I do dat easy." "All right. You're a soldier. Indigo. Now, run on and I'll follow." "Oh, Bev, don't," cried Byrd, clinging to him. " Do you suppose I'd send that poor little nigger into any danger I could not share .? " he replied, snatching up his pistols and sword. " Let me go, Byrd," for she tried to detain him by clasping him closely. "There is no danger, for I'm going to make fast the smoke-house the first thing." He strode downstairs, following the soft thud of Indigo's bare feet. "Tell mother and Cousin Becky to keep in their rooms, and stay with them," he said as he turned out of the great front door. A NIGHT ATTACK. 4 1 Byrd roused her mother and cousin, and in the midst of their exclamations and questionings, was heard the clanging of the great bell. Then, in a few minutes, the negroes came swarming up to the house. " Stay in my room .? That will I not," Cousin Becky exclaimed. " I can order my own servants, I should suppose." And downstairs she tramped in her night-cap, a flowered dressing-gown over her night-dress, Byrd and her mother following, with blankets thrown around them. Beverly's clear voice was heard giving command. *' Stand up for your mistress, and her home, boys. Are you going to sneak off when your master is away.^ We've got those fellows safe. Where's that rascal, Indigo } Here, run in. Indigo, and tell the ladies to keep indoors." ** And why, pray > " asked Mrs. Tucker, from the porch, where she stood, although shivering in the nipping air of a December night. At this moment a shot came whizzing from the smoke-house, and in Cousin Becky went, but it was to fling open the windows on that side of the house. " Come out and surrender or we'll make it hot for you," said Beverly, as he unfastened the smoke-house. " Day's armed. Mars Bev," said one and another 42 A DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM. of the shrinking blacks, retiring from the place, "an' dey'U riddle us with bullets." " Let 'em riddle," responded Beverly, calmly. " How many are there. Some of you should know, if they've been trying to coax you off to their boats." " Dey's about harf a dozen," spoke up one of the men. " Have any of the people gone away from here ? Any run off to the British ships.'*" " Big Josh done go las' week, an' Torm's Phil." "Ah, that accounts for it. They've set these men on the track. Who'll join me in a rush to overpower them ? " and Beverly looked around him. 