“Only given me the outline of it,” he answered. “Now that the need for action is past, let’s hear the story.”
“Why, we were riding along when all at once I took a dash ahead of Peggy, just for sport. When I returned she had the letter, which she had found while I was gone,” Harriet told him. “I was miles away then, was I not, Peggy?” Without waiting for an answer she continued hastily: “At first we hardly understood what it meant, and then suddenly it flashed over us that to-day was the twenty-fourth, and if there was an attack to be made ’twould be to-night. Of course when we realized that, there was but one thing to do, which was to let you know about it as quickly as possible, and to warn the brigade at Elizabethtown. Really,” she ended, laughing softly, “there is naught to make such a fuss about. Twas a simple thing to do.”
“Mother,” spoke Peggy, rising abruptly, “if thee does not mind I think I’ll go to my room. I—I am tired.”
Her voice quivered as she finished speaking and a wild inclination to sob came suddenly over her. Mrs. Owen glanced at her daughter’s pale face anxiously as she gave her permission to withdraw. Something was amiss, she saw. The two girls had not spoken, and had avoided each other’s glances. Wondering much, she turned again to the guests while Peggy, safe at last in her own little chamber, gave vent to a flood of tears.
CHAPTER XIX—A PROMISE AND AN ACCUSATION
| Under each flower of radiant hue A serpent lies unbidden; And chance ofttimes doth bring to view That which hath been hidden. —The Valley of Tayef. |
The camp was thrown into a turmoil of excitement the next day when it was learned that two regiments of British had indeed endeavored to take General Maxwell’s brigade by surprise. A detachment in search of the governor had reached Liberty Hall shortly after three o’clock that morning, but not finding him at home a quest was made for his private papers, which were saved by the quick wit of his daughter, Susannah. Baffled in this attempt they rejoined their comrades who had surrounded Elizabethtown, expecting to capture the brigade at least.
General Maxwell, however, by reason of Harriet’s warning had marched out before their arrival, and surprised the enemy by falling upon them at daybreak.
The lively skirmish that ensued, resulted in the loss of several men on each side, while the academy, where were kept stores of various kinds, the Presbyterian Hospital, and a few other buildings were burned by the British in their retreat.
When this news was received Harriet and Peggy became the heroines of the hour. A constant stream of visitors besieged the Owens’ quarters until Mr. Owen laughingly declared that he should have to entreat protection from General Washington.