“Where have you been, Peggy?” she asked. “Here I have searched all through the house but could find no one. I was beginning to regard myself as a deserted damsel. Were you seeking further adventures?”
“No, Harriet,” Peggy laughed lightly. “I went with thy father to see the sun rise over the river. ’Twas a beautiful sight. Thee must see it. Four ships came while we were there and Cousin William hath gone to inform Lord Cornwallis of the fact.”
“The English fleet, I make no doubt,” remarked Harriet carelessly. “I think it hath been expected. Did’st see anything of Clifford?”
“No.” A perplexed look shadowed Peggy’s face. “Nor did I hear a word anent the escape, Harriet. The hut was closed, and there was no sentry about it. ’Tis strange that we have heard naught regarding the matter. Would that Clifford would come.”
As though in answer to her wish Clifford himself at this moment appeared at the door. He was haggard and pale, and he sank into a chair as though utterly weary.
“You are worn out, Clifford,” exclaimed Harriet with some anxiety. “Have a cup of tea. You take your military duties far too seriously, I fear me.”
“Yes, I will take the tea, Harriet,” said the youth drearily. “Make it strong, my sister. Everything hath gone awry. That Yankee captain escaped.”
“Escaped?” Harriet brought him the tea, which he quaffed eagerly. “Tell us about it, Clifford. How did it happen?”
“I can’t understand it,” he said dejectedly. “’Tis more like magic than aught else. When I got to the hut last night the sentries were there on duty, but there was no guard. I asked where Samuels was, and was astonished when they declared that I myself had sent him away an hour before. Suspecting something wrong at this I went at once inside the hut, and found it empty. The door was locked, the key in my possession all the time, but Drayton was gone. As near as I can get at it some one impersonated me, and released him. But how came any one by a key? There was a plot on foot yesterday for his rescue. His parting remark to you, Peggy, seemed to indicate that he expected something to happen, but I thought that I had taken every precaution.”
“Then he did escape, Clifford?” questioned Peggy eagerly.