Tom read the letter eagerly. The Benbow was the vessel whose boats they had attacked that night in Charleston harbor. Before proceeding north she sailed, with several hundred slaves taken from the plantations of patriots in the Carolinas, for the West Indies, to help replenish the coffers of the king by their sale. This occupied some months, and on her way from there to New York with her white prisoners she was met by the Defence and three French ships of war. A running fight lasting several days was the result, and it ended at length by the Englishman running into the Chesapeake and up the York River where she, together with the other British ships, was prevented from coming out by the fleet of Admiral de Grasse.
“The Benbow is blockaded in the York River!” Tom almost shouted the words. “And my father is on board! I now have two reasons to reach Yorktown in time; to see Washington thrash Cornwallis, and set my father free.”
No time was lost; and he at once set out upon the return journey with Cole. Both Sultan and Dando seemed to feel the impatience of their masters, and the journey was made at a remarkable pace; they scarcely stopped to sleep at all, and were it not for their faithful horses would not have once dismounted on the way.
Tom’s wish was granted; they arrived before any decisive steps were taken. On August 23d, De Grasse had landed two thousand French troops under St. Simon to reinforce Lafayette. On September 30th, Washington had reached Yorktown, after a long series of rapid marches, and was at once joined by Lafayette and St. Simon. A British fleet made an attempt to ascend the York and relieve Cornwallis, but was driven off by Admiral de Grasse.
Tom found that Washington had posted the French in front, and on the right of the besieged town, extending from the river above to the morass in the centre, where they were met by the Americans, who extended to the river below. The young swamp-rider had arrived on October 6th; and for two days and nights he and Cole slept almost without a break. It was on the evening of the 8th that they first reported for duty to Lafayette.
“The general is engaged,” said the sentry at the door of the marquis’s quarters. “General Washington is with him.”
General Washington! Tom had not, as yet, laid eyes upon the great Virginian, so he waited near by. As it happened, Lafayette heard his voice at the door, and sent an officer out to bid him enter. Tom obeyed with a beating heart; the French officer stood by the table in the centre of the room, and in the background were grouped a number of distinguished Americans and Frenchmen. But it was the figure at the table that took the young scout’s attention; it was that of a large man with a calm, noble face, and the air of one who commanded by natural right. His hands rested upon the table before him, and his eyes were fixed upon a youth who stood opposite him, under guard. Tom could not restrain a cry of surprise at sight of him. The youth was Mark Harwood!
At the cry Washington looked toward Tom, inquiry in his quiet eyes. Lafayette stepped forward.
“Pardon me, general, but this is the youth of whom I have already spoken to you.”
“Ah, yes.” Washington’s face lit up with one of his rare smiles. “I am pleased to meet so brave a soldier,” said he, addressing Tom. “I have heard of your service with Generals Marion and Greene; and also of what you have done since you joined General de Lafayette. Believe me, your country is proud of such sons; and while she has such she is unconquerable.”