“From eight o’clock to nine,” he said, “the signal was ‘Help,’ repeated at frequent intervals; shortly after nine there was an attempt at a connected message. Allowing for corrections and for the fact that the light was growing dim, as though from an overused battery, the message runs: ‘Help. Bring a ladder. They have cut the——’ I am sorry that the light gave out just there, and the message was uncompleted.”
How terrible were my emotions at that time, to think that our dear Tish had cut off Aggie’s only hope of escape.
The general got up.
“I am afraid you young gentlemen are indulging in a sense of humor at my expense. Unfortunately I have no sense of humor, but you may find it funny. Captain Sands to continue under arrest for last night’s escapade. As Mr. Burton is a member of a welfare organization I do not find him under my direct jurisdiction, but——”
“Then I shall go to V—— myself!” Mr. Burton said angrily. “I’ll capture the whole damned town single-handed, and——”
I then entered the cellar and said: “Miss Carberry has captured V——, general. She asks me to tell you that you may come over at any time and plant the flag. The signaling is being done by Miss Pilkington, who is at present holding the tower. I am acting as runner.”
I regret to say that I cannot publish the general’s reply.
As the remainder of the incident is a matter of historical record I shall not describe the advance of a portion of our Army into V——.
They found the garrison either surrendered, fled or under Tish’s fire in the beer cellar, and were, I believe, at first seriously menaced by that indomitable figure. It was also extremely difficult to rescue Aggie, as at first she persisted in firing through the floor of the platform the moment she heard any one ascending. In due time, however, she was brought down, but as any mention of the tower for some time gave her a nervous chill it was several weeks before we heard her story.