Part 27 (2/2)
Scarlett's searching eyes watched the three about the table; every movement, every lineament, so it seemed, came under his observation.
”And so these are more of your leaders,” said he to Nat. ”Tell me now, which of them is General Ward?”
”The one directly facing us,” replied Nat, pointing to the general in command. ”He is a safe leader, and that's saying the least of him. The only fault that could be charged against him is that his health is bad, which might affect his enterprise. He was once a justice of the peace; also he served with the British commander, Abercrombie, against the French and Indians. He was a lieutenant.”
Scarlett plainly had no exalted opinion of General Ward as an officer; but he made no comment.
”This other, now,” he said, ”this thick-set man with the full red face and the whitening hair. Which is he?”
”That,” said Nat, ”is General Putnam. He is considered to be, and I think justly, one of the most remarkable military characters of this time. For years he led the quiet life of a country gentleman on a beautiful farm at Brooklyn in Connecticut. He was noted but for one exploit; and that was the killing of a she-wolf which had become the terror of the countryside. As no one had been able to destroy the beast, Putnam had himself lowered into its den, and shot it to death as it sprang at his throat.
”When the French invaded northern New York, he took up arms and, with the provincial army, marched to repulse them. Ten years of his life were spent in that and Indian warfare. Once he was taken at Wood Creek by the Indians, who determined to burn him, and were about applying the torch at his feet when a French captain of the name of Molang arrived and saved his life. He won the rank of colonel in the provincial army and was with General Lyman in the West Indies, serving at the fall of Havana. After that he went back to his estate, where he remained until the alarm went out to the Sons of Liberty some two months ago.”
”A right experienced officer,” said Scarlett, ”and like the man from New Hamps.h.i.+re, he has the look of one that would not be easily beaten.”
At this juncture they saw Ezra admitted to the house; a moment later they saw him enter the room where the three officers sat.
”Your Colonel Prescott is the other one, of course,” said the adventurer, as he regarded the stalwart, soldier-like figure of that gallant gentleman. ”For what is he remarkable?”
”He, too, has seen honorable service in the provincial army. He was a captain under General Winslow. At the first call for defenders he left his estates at Pepperell and gave his service and influence to the general good. I have the opinion,” continued Nat, ”that this officer will conduct himself with distinction in whatever place his lot be cast.”
”If we are to go by appearances, yes. However,” and the soldier of fortune twirled his moustache points, ”the future will raise up leaders for your country if the war continues.”
While they were speaking, they had been closely watching the scene within the headquarters of the colonial commander. George, Ben and the Porcupine were also likewise engrossed.
They saw Ezra greeted with rather surprised reserve. This was to be expected, as the three officers were apparently deep in some problem that required their undivided attention. Ezra saluted, and then the watchers saw Colonel Prescott speak to him. What he said must have been kindly and encouraging, for a look of grat.i.tude came into the boy's face.
He stood at the foot of the table. General Ward was at its head, while the other officers sat upon either side. Then the lad began to speak, and from the first sentence those outside noted a look of antic.i.p.ation settle upon the listeners' faces.
[Ill.u.s.tration: PUTNAM STRUCK THE TABLE]
This grew deeper and deeper; now and then General Putnam struck the table a smart blow with his right hand, his red face growing still redder. But toward the end of Ezra's story, he grew as grave as the others; and when the finish came, all arose quickly. General Ward was seen to speak, the others gestured their accord with him. Then all shook Ezra's hand warmly, after which Putnam and Prescott, followed by the lad, strode out of the room.
The horses belonging to the general and colonel were at hand when they emerged. A sentry brought them forward, and as this was being done, Ezra beckoned Gilbert Scarlett to the door of headquarters.
”This,” said the boy, ”is Mr. Scarlett, who was of such great a.s.sistance to me.”
Both soldiers greeted the adventurer warmly.
”Sir,” said General Putnam, in his bluff, honest way, ”I am glad to see you in Cambridge at such a time. For a man so ready of hand and brain as you have proved yourself, there are deeds to be done.”
”If you will accept a commission with our forces,” said Colonel Prescott, after examining the young man steadily, ”I feel sure that Dr.
Warren and his fellow committeemen will see to it with pleasure.”
”Gentlemen,” responded Scarlett with a flourish, ”you are kind. I will not forget you. And if it should come about that I should at last take a side in this bickering that is now begun, I will give what you say serious consideration.”
As Putnam and Prescott mounted, both Scarlett and Ezra stood at salute; the officers replied to this and rode hastily off, after the manner of men who had urgent matters that required their attention.
”Well?” inquired Nat Brewster, as Ezra and the adventurer approached once more.
<script>