IV.—­Justice by Evasion

The Wharton family, by order of Washington, now removed to the Highlands, out of the region of warlike operations, and Captain Wharton was brought to trial.  The court condemned him to execution as a spy before nine o’clock on the morning following the trial, the president, however, expressing his intention of riding to Washington’s headquarters and urging a remission of the punishment.  But the sentence of the court was returned—­approved.  All seemed lost.

“Why not apply to Mr. Harper?” said Frances, recollecting for the first time the parting words of their guest.

“Harper!” echoed Dunwoodie, who had joined the family consultation.  “What of him?  Do you know him?”

“He stayed with us two days.  He seemed to take an interest in Henry, and promised him his friendship.”

“What!” exclaimed the youth, in astonishment, “did he know your brother?”

“Certainly; it was at his request that Henry threw aside his disguise.”

“But,” said Dunwoodie, “he knew him not as an officer of the royal army?”

“Indeed he did, and cautioned him against this very danger, bidding him apply to him when in danger and promising to requite the son for the hospitality of the father.”

“Then,” cried the youth, “will I save him.  Harper will never forget his word.”

“But has he power,” said Frances, “to move Washington’s stubborn purpose?”

“If he cannot,” shouted Dunwoodie, “who can?  Rest easy, for Henry is safe.”

* * * * *

It was while these consultations were proceeding that a divine of fanatical aspect, preceded by Caesar, sought admission to the prisoner to offer him the last consolations of religion, and so persistent were his demands that at last he was allowed a private interview.  Then he instantly revealed himself as Harvey Birch, and proceeded to disguise Captain Wharton as Caesar, the black servant, who had entered the room with him.  So complete was the make-up that the minister and Wharton passed unsuspected through the guard, and it was only when the officer on duty entered the room to cheer up the prisoner after his interview with the “psalm-singer” that the real Caesar was discovered, and in fright hurriedly revealed that the consoling visitor had been the pedlar spy.

The pursuit was headlong and close, but when once the rocky fastnesses were reached the heavy-booted dragoons were, for the moment, out of the chase, and Harvey Birch conducted Captain Wharton at leisure towards one of his hiding-places, while the mountain was encircled by the watchful troopers.

V.—­Unexpected Meetings