Part 55 (2/2)
He observed the skill and care with which the rivets had been set.
”An ugly piece of iron,” he said at last.
”I'll bet they've thousands of them somewhere back in these hills,”
Stuart added.
”And not a negro has lifted his hand against his master?”
”Not one.”
Lee ran his fingers along the edges of the blade and a dreamy look came into his thoughtful eyes.
”My boy, such people deserve their freedom. But not this way--not this way! G.o.d save us from the horrors of the mob and the fanatic who leads them! Slavery is surely and swiftly dying. It cannot survive the economic pressure of the century. If only we can be saved from such madness.”
His voice died away as in a troubled dream. He looked up suddenly and turned to his aide.
”I must summon their leader to surrender. You have not yet learned his name?”
”He calls himself John Smith, sir. They've been here all summer in an old farmhouse on the Maryland side.”
”Strange that their purpose should not have been discovered. Their work has been carefully and secretly planned.”
”Beyond a doubt.”
”They could not have done it without big backing somewhere.”
”They've had it. They've had plenty of money. They have rifles of the finest make. And they're not the type made in this a.r.s.enal.”
”They expected to use the rifles in the Armory, of course. And they expect reinforcements. Any sign of their reserves?”
”Not yet, sir. We have the roads guarded for ten miles.”
”We'll settle it before they can get help,” Lee said sharply.
He hastily wrote a summons to surrender and handed it to Stuart.
”Approach the Engine House under a flag of truce. Ask for a parley with their leader and give him this.”
Stuart saluted.
”At once, sir.”
He attached his handkerchief to his sword and entered the gate. A loud murmur rose from the crowd of excited people who had pressed close to see the famous commander of the Marines.
Lee turned to the sentinel.
”Push that crowd back.”
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