The walk took them through rows and rows of tents where the soldiers were busily engaged in preparing breakfast, and on to a high point of land far to the east of the village facing Chesapeake Bay.
The shadows still lay darkly under trees and shrubs. The distant woods were veiled and still, but already in the east a faint rose bloom was creeping. Below them was the river and on its broad bosom floated the British ships. The soft murmur of the waves as they caressed the shore came ripplingly with musical rhythm. The color of the sky deepened and grew to deepest crimson, and water, tents, woods and fields bloomed and blushed under the roseate effulgence. Great shafts of golden light flamed suddenly athwart the rosy clouds. The green of the woods, and the purple mists of the horizon became gradually discernible. The waters were tinged with rainbow hues. As the crimson, and purple, and gold of the river mingled with the gold, and purple, and crimson of the bay the sun rose majestically from a sea of amber cloud. A wonderful blaze of glory streamed over river and bay. Suddenly from around a bend to the southward, as though they were part of the picture, three ships sailed into the midst of the enchanting spectacle. Three ships, full rigged, towering pyramids of sails, which moved with graceful dignity across the broad expanse of glorified water, and came to rest like snowy sea-gulls near the Gloucester shore.
“The French fleet,” burst from Peggy’s lips involuntarily.
“The French fleet! Nonsense! Girl, why do you say that?” exclaimed her cousin. “What reason have you for thinking them so? No, they are the ships that Sir Henry was to send as convoy to the transports. We have expected them.” He regarded the vessels keenly for a time, and all at once an uneasy expression crossed his face.
“Why do they not answer the signals of the ‘Charon’?” he muttered. “See! They do not respond, yet our ship signals. Odds life, my cousin! I believe that you are right.”
Peggy began to tremble as Drayton’s words came to her.
“If the French fleet comes, the end of the war comes with it.” Could it be? Was it in very truth the beginning of the end?
That for which the people prayed had come at last; for it was indeed the French fleet, and with its coming came the dawn of victory. The sun of Liberty was brightening into the full day of Freedom when, her last fetter thrown aside, America should take her place among the nations.
“There is a fourth vessel coming,” remarked Colonel Owen presently. “A frigate this time. The others were ships of the line. We must go back, Peggy. My Lord Cornwallis should know of this arrival.”
With a great hope filling her heart Peggy followed him silently back to the dwelling. He left her at the door, and hastened to the house of Secretary Nelson, where the earl had his headquarters. Harriet was already at the breakfast table.