“Give me the keys. I’ve seen the one the guard uses that fits these locks. I can reach through the bars and unlock the cell door. When I do, you must come in and hide beneath the cot.”
“All right,” Elizabeth answered with a quiver in her voice.
“Good. You’re a very brave young woman.” The major fumbled in the dark for the right key.
Elizabeth only had time to wonder about Caleb and Seth when Major Hunt jammed the key into the lock. The door creaked open, and he pulled her into the cell. Pushing her to the floor he urged her to crawl under the bed. When she rolled as far as the wall allowed, he shoved the basket in behind her.
Elizabeth barely dared to breathe as she heard the men enter the room where the guard slept. The noise of flint striking and the flare of lantern light penetrated the thin bedding that hung from the cot.
“Wake up, Simpson. Do you earn your pay like this?”
Their only answer was the steady snoring from the sleeping guard.
“Let him sleep,” the second voice joined in. “All seems quiet in the cells.”
“Let’s check. If they’re all bedded down, we can leave. No need for three of us here. Simpson will wake soon.”
Their heavy boots shook the floor as they came down the hallway. Elizabeth lay as still as possible. Surely the pounding of her heart would give her away. The major had stretched out and pretended to snore. His men in the adjoining cells did the same.
“Well, I think we know why the colonists will lose the war.” The two laughed. “They sleep so soundly, we can creep up on them and they never know it. This wasn’t worth the trip. Let’s go. Maybe one more stop at the tavern before we call it a night, eh?” The other readily agreed and soon the outer door closed behind them.
Major Hunt leapt up. “All clear, Mistress Larkin.” Offering his hand, he helped Elizabeth to her feet. “Quite a close call. I dare say another young lady might have resorted to tears.”
Elizabeth straightened up, brushed her skirt free of dust and regained her composure.
“I will cry when time allows, Major. Now, shall we check and see if my brother and Private Fields can get us home?”
The group tiptoed past the still sleeping guard and peeked out the door. Caleb appeared from his hiding place and greeted them. “Good to see you, Major. I worried when our visitors arrived, but things seemed to have gone smoothly.”
“They did and we have Mistress Larkin to thank for our freedom, as well as you and Corporal Larkin. I understand that you all planned this little sortie and you’ve carried it out admirably. You have my gratitude and that of my men.”
“Follow me, sir. Corporal Larkin waits down the way. We’ll take you to the horses. We must double up, but I don’t think anyone will mind.”
“You’re correct, Private, I’ve had enough of Red Coats and prisons. I find it amusing that for all their steel bars, they fell to the wiles of a female patriot.”
Reaching Seth, still on the lookout, the major held out his hand. “Good to see you, corporal. Your actions tonight should earn a commendation.”
The group led the horses away from the waterfront. Walking their steeds until they cleared the harbor area, they mounted and broke into a furious gallop, racing away from the beleaguered city. Seth directed them to a back road where he guaranteed they would not meet the British.
When they were well underway, one of the young soldiers broke into a rollicking song. The army had stolen the tune and changed the words from those of the Red Coat’s version that made fun of the ill-equipped and poorly-dressed colonists’ army. The rest took it up and Elizabeth’s soprano, clear and true, blended with the deeper voices of the soldiers.
Yankee Doodle went to town,
A-riding on a pony.
Stuck a feather in his hat
And called it macaroni.
Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy.
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy.
“We did it! We put one over on the Red Coats,” Seth shouted as their laughter echoed through the countryside.
It is said there are more than 190 verses of “Yankee Doodle.” Tradition has it that the song was written by a British army doctor. The words made fun of the ill-equipped and poorly-dressed colonists. However, the colonists adopted the tune and substituted their own words, turning the song to their advantage. When General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown, the air was filled with the sound of “Yankee Doodle,” probably much to the chagrin of the British forces.
THIRTEEN
Dawn broke as the party neared the Larkin plantation. Seth made a confession to the major, “My mother and father do not know of this excursion yet. If you and your men don’t mind bedding down in the barn tonight, I promise better quarters tomorrow. I’ve left blankets for you.”
“Please don’t worry, Corporal. We’ll find the barn quite comfortable, probably a sight better than the Charleston prison. And, our thanks again to all of you for the brave deed you performed tonight.”
The early light reflected the blush on the faces of the trio. “Thank you, sir,” Seth replied. “I hope you sleep well although most of the night has gone.”
“We will, Corporal. Goodnight.”
Reaching the house, the three parted, too tired to go another step. In his room, Caleb’s eyes stayed open only long enough to give thanks for a successful mission.
Full daylight came soon and with it a great hue and cry from downstairs. Sitting up in bed, Caleb tried to make sense of the words he heard.
“Mistress Larkin, come quick! There are men sleeping all over the barn. I went to get fresh eggs for breakfast and there they lay. I think they’re soldiers. Oh, ma’am, do hurry, please.”
Caleb rubbed the sleep from his eyes and jumped into the clothes he had dropped in a heap on the floor last night. He met Mrs. Larkin on the stairs.
Rushing downstairs, they found Charity, armed with a broom, peering toward the barn.
“Caleb, what do you suppose has happened?” Mrs. Larkin stood twisting her braids into some sort of order. “My husband’s fever has broken and he’s sleeping peacefully. I don’t want to disturb him. What can we do?”
Caleb knew he must calm the woman’s fears. “Don’t worry, ma’am. That’s Major Hunt and some of his men. They’re just sleeping. It’s all right.”
“Major Hunt? I understood he is in jail in Charleston. Maybe you’d better tell me what’s going on, Caleb.”
“Yes, ma’am. Well, you see—”
“Good morning, Mother.” A new voice interrupted. “You’re all up early.”
Everyone spoke at once. Seth laughed and held up his hands. “Whoa! I think you discovered Major Hunt’s group. Is that correct, Charity?” The cook nodded vigorously as she twisted her apron strings between her fingers.
“I certainly did, and had the wits scared out of me. I only needed some eggs, not a barn full of soldiers so early in the day,” she grumbled.
“Mother, we rescued the major and his men last night. I gave them permission to stay and rest before moving on. I also promised the major more comfortable accommodations tonight.”
A long silence followed while the two women stared at Seth.
“What do you mean? Will you please explain?”
Drawing a deep breath, Seth answered his mother. “Last night, Caleb, Elizabeth and I went to Charleston and freed Major Hunt and his men. You should have seen Bess. She’s the true heroine.”
His mother’s face paled. “Seth Larkin, do you mean you took your sister to Charleston and exposed her to heaven knows what dangers?”
Seth’s face fell. “I’m sorry, Mother. Since Father couldn’t go, we decided we must rescue the men. Elizabeth played an important part in the plan.”
“What a foolish thing to do, son. I’m sure your father will applaud your escapade, but it will take me some time to forgive such a stunt.”
Seth stood rooted to the spot, his face crimson. His mother touched his cheek. “Go get the men, son. They’re likely hungry. Charity and I will see they have a hearty breakfast.”
Caleb saw that Seth wanted any excuse to flee the room. When he left, Mrs. Larkin turned to him. “Did my daughter truly acquit herself well, Private Fields?” A smile hovered around her mouth.
“Yes, ma’am. The bravest girl I’ve ever seen.” As the words left his lips, another face claimed his memory. It belonged to a different girl, one who stood up to the enemy and saved his life. How long ago it all seemed.
By the time Charity had fixed a breakfast of eggs, wild quail and johnnycakes with churned butter, the men could hardly wait to dig in. The Larkin plantation had escaped the ravages of the Red Coats. They were too busy sacking Charleston that lay an hour away.
When the meal was finished, Major Hunt complimented Charity on her cooking and turned to Mrs. Larkin to inquire about her husband.
“Has Mr. Larkin’s health improved today?”
“I’m happy to report, Major, he’s doing much better this morning, but the doctor left orders for him to remain quiet for a while longer.”
“It’s good to know he’s on the mend, ma’am, and I’m sure he’s receiving the best of care. May I offer the services of myself and my men? We want to help in any way we can.”
“Thank you, Major, but I believe we have everything in order. My husband will want to speak with you, I’m sure. Why don’t I see if he can receive company?”
Nathaniel Hunt took the opportunity to look around the Larkin home. Caleb watched the major gaze at the lovely furnishings and saw his eyes light up at a painting that hung over the fireplace.
Neither noticed the return of Seth’s mother. “I see you admire the Correggio, Major. Lovely, isn’t it?”
“It’s breathtaking, Mistress Larkin, I am most interested in the classical era. The symmetry and clarity of the period are amazing. I congratulate you on your choice.”
“Thank you. But, I mustn’t keep you. My husband will speak with you now. Just go to the top of the stairs and it’s the first room on the right.”
“I’ll look forward to conversing with you again, madam. On behalf of myself and my men, I thank you again for your hospitality.”
“You’re welcome, Major. Please feel free to ask for anything you need.”
Bowing, the major left the room and climbed the stairs.
Caleb hoped that someday he could feel at ease in such surroundings.
“Caleb, why don’t you see where Seth and Elizabeth have gotten to. I must talk to cook.”
“I will, Mistress Larkin. Thank you for breakfast.” He tried a bow, mimicking the major.
“Oh, before you go, may I ask a question?”
“Certainly, ma’am.”
Twisting her handkerchief, Mary Larkin looked into Caleb’s clear brown eyes. “Will you and Seth be going with Major Hunt when he leaves?”
“Yes, ma’am. Seth and I have discussed it.” Looking directly at the worried mother, he continued. “Seth’s shoulder has mended, and we must get back to defending the country.”
“I see. Will you excuse me now?”
As he watched her walk from the room, her back straight, Caleb thought of his own mother. Both women possessed the same admirable traits of bravery and resilience.
Caleb found Seth and Elizabeth outside. “Seth, your mother asked about our plans to rejoin Major Hunt, so I felt obliged to answer. I’m sorry. I know you wanted to tell her.”
“Don’t worry, Caleb. I’ll speak with her later.”
Eyes sparkling and mouth curved in a grin, despite the lack of sleep, Elizabeth seemed unable to contain herself. “We have a surprise for you, Caleb.”
“Good. I love surprises. Tell me!”
“Oh, it’s something you must wait for until later.”
“All right, I can wait.” Caleb pretended indifference, hoping to tease her.
“Then maybe we won’t show you after all.” Elizabeth’s eyes darkened.
“He’s just having fun at your expense, Bess. I can tell he’s anxious to see our surprise.”
Satisfied, the girl beamed again. “Be ready after supper,” she called and hurried off to attend to her chores.
“I’ll go in and talk with Mother now. Caleb, since father’s health is improving rapidly, and my shoulder troubles me less, I feel safe in leaving. He’ll understand. He’s a retired soldier himself. I know too, that Major Hunt has asked that you stay with us. I’d like to add my name to that request. I know you’ll find your regiment someday, but until then, I’d like to count on you for a comrade and a friend.”
“Thank you, Seth. That means a lot. I’m happy to serve in the major’s unit until I find Captain Johnson.”
“You will, Caleb. Now, I’m off to talk with Mother.”
Caleb stood for a moment thinking about the events of the day, then picked up a pitchfork to pile hay in a wagon for the horses. A longing for his own farm came over him. He promised himself that when the war ended, he’d work to make his farm the best in that part of South Carolina.
* * * *
Elizabeth fidgeted all through the evening meal while the adults discussed the war. Her father had felt well enough to come downstairs for supper. Having Major Hunt and his men around seemed to revive his spirits.
“Major,” Mr. Larkin said, “we can do little here at home to help the effort, but it would make me very happy if you and your men would choose some horses to replace those of yours the Red Coats took.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your generous offer, sir. You and your family have treated us royally. We won’t forget it. May I have your permission to call on you when I’m back in these parts?”
“Indeed. Please visit anytime. Now, you must excuse me. I don’t want the good doctor to find me disobeying him. He would have made a good general the way he issues orders.”
“You young people run along,” Seth’s mother said. “Charity and I will tidy up. Major Hunt, I will be free shortly. Can I persuade you to continue our conversation of this morning?”
“Most certainly, Mistress Larkin. A discussion of the arts takes the mind away from this terrible war. As I mentioned, I am especially fond of the classical period and its masters.”
Seth, Caleb and Elizabeth escaped to the outdoors where the major’s men sat under the trees enjoying the short respite from battle. Charity had obliged their request to have their meal outside and earned a place in the heart of each of them.