“No, Mrs. Clifton, but he has been ordered for execution at eight o’clock to-morrow.”
“It is not too late!” exclaimed Catherine, starting up, with electric energy. “Give me—oh! give me the pardon!—I will take it there in time!”
“Lady, the distance is over forty miles—and the necessary delays, and the dangers that threaten a young female, traveling alone by night, through a country infested—”
“Oh! give me the pardon! give it me, I implore you! I will take it there safely, and in time! Heaven has protected me through dangers as great, and Heaven will protect me through these! Oh, for the love of Heaven, do not hesitate! Every moment is inestimable when a ‘too late’ threatens us! Give me the pardon!”
“Nay, lady, I can send a courier with the pardon, rather than that you should go, for many reasons.”
“Oh, no, no, your courier would want to stop, to eat and drink—or he might fall in with some of our people, and be killed or taken,—or if he escaped, through his explanation of his errand—why, that very errand would be rendered futile, by the time lost in investigation. I shall pause for nothing. Heaven will protect and speed me. Oh! give me the pardon. Do not delay! All depends upon promptitude. Alas! excuse my importunity! but give me the pardon!”
General Ross attempted to dissuade her; but neither arguments nor persuasions had the least effect upon her resolution. At last, overruled by her earnestness, vehemence and faith, he yielded—handed her the pardon, and went out to see if he could procure her a fresh horse.
When he entered again, after a successful search, he found her equipped for her second night’s journey, and standing in the midst of her astonished hosts. He informed her that her horse was ready, and also that he had provided her a guard, to escort her beyond Bladensburg. Then she took a hasty and grateful leave of her amiable entertainers, and accepting the arm of the Major-General, left the house.
As General Ross placed her in the saddle, and handed her the reins, he said—
“Heaven protect and speed you, lady. Farewell—and sometimes remember me.”