Meantime the cruiser drew up alongside the wharf. As soon as the vessel was made fast the captain stepped ashore and approached the spot where Mr. Lund Washington stood.
“What plantation is this?” he demanded brusquely.
“It is Mount Vernon,” replied the overseer.
“Mount Vernon, eh? The seat of the rebel leader?”
“It is General Washington’s home, sir,” was the reply.
“So I thought, so I thought,” returned the officer with a chuckle. “Are you in charge here?”
“Yes; I am Lund Washington, General George Washington’s relative, and represent him during his absence,” Mr. Washington informed him with dignity.
“And I am Captain Graves of the English navy,” responded that officer pompously. “In command of the ‘Acteon’ there. Now, sir, I want breakfast for my crew, and that quickly. And then supplies: flour, corn, bacon, hams, poultry and whatever else there may be on the estate that will feed hungry soldiers. Now be quick about getting them.”
“And if I refuse?” said Mr. Washington.
“Refuse!” roared the officer. “If you refuse, by St. George I’ll burn every building on the place and run off all your negroes. Now do as you please about it.”