[7] Parallel—a line of entrenchments parallel to those of the British.
CHAPTER XXXII—“LIGHTS OUT”
| “Oh! these were hours when thrilling joy repaid A long, long course of darkness, doubts, and fears— The heartsick faintness of the hope delay’d, The waste, the woe, the bloodshed, and the tears, That tracked with terror six long rolling years.” —“Lord of the Isles,” Scott. |
As the youth spoke the cannonading which for ten long days of thunderous bombardment had raged incessantly suddenly ceased, giving place to a stillness painful in its intensity.
“What doth that mean?” exclaimed Harriet.
“It means a cessation of hostilities,” explained Clifford huskily. “It means that old Britain is beaten. Oh! if I were Cornwallis, I’d fight until there was not a man left. I’d never yield.”
“Blame him not, Clifford,” said Harriet. “He hath made a brave defense. For my part, I am thankful that ’tis over. Have you seen father?”
“No,” answered the youth. “Not since yesterday.”
“Then let us find him,” suggested she. “’Twill be a relief to get out of this cave. Come, Peggy!”
And nothing loth Peggy followed her. The village was utterly wrecked. On every side were mute tokens of the fury of the siege. The houses were completely dismantled; in many instances literally riddled by shot. The streets had been torn into great holes and ploughed into deep furrows by the burrowing of shells. There were sights of horror everywhere, and the girls grew faint and sick as they hastened with averted eyes to their former dwelling, which was found to be less dilapidated than many of the others. Clifford went in search of his father, and soon returned with him. Colonel Owen was as gloomy as his son over the prospect of surrender. He frowned at sight of Peggy.