|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 17
At first, Israel was disposed to surmise that either the farmer was
playing him false, or else his honest credulity had been imposed upon by
evil-minded persons. At any rate, he regarded the message as a decoy,
and for half an hour refused to credit its sincerity. But at length he
was induced to think a little better of it. The gentleman giving the
invitation was one Squire Woodcock, of Brentford, whose loyalty to the
king had been under suspicion; so at least the farmer averred. This
latter information was not without its effect.
At nightfall on the following day, being disguised in strange clothes by
the farmer, Israel stole from his retreat, and after a few hours' walk,
arrived before the ancient brick house of the Squire; who opening the
door in person, and learning who it was that stood there, at once
assured Israel in the most solemn manner, that no foul play was
intended. So the wanderer suffered himself to enter, and be conducted
to a private chamber in the rear of the mansion, where were seated two
other gentlemen, attired, in the manner of that age, in long laced
coats, with small-clothes, and shoes with silver buckles.
"I am John Woodcock," said the host, "and these gentlemen are Horne
Tooke and James Bridges. All three of us are friends to America. We have
heard of you for some weeks past, and inferring from your conduct, that
you must be a Yankee of the true blue stamp, we have resolved to employ
you in a way which you cannot but gladly approve; for surely, though an
exile, you are still willing to serve your country; if not as a sailor
or soldier, yet as a traveller?"
"Tell me how I may do it?" demanded Israel, not completely at ease.
"At that in good time," smiled the Squire. "The point is now--do you
repose confidence in my statements?"
Israel glanced inquiringly upon the Squire; then upon his companions;
and meeting the expressive, enthusiastic, candid countenance of Horne
Tooke--then in the first honest ardor of his political career--turned
to the Squire, and said, "Sir, I believe what you have said. Tell me now
what I am to do."
"Oh, there is just nothing to be done to-night," said the Squire; "nor
for some days to come perhaps, but we wanted to have you prepared."
And hereupon he hinted to his guest rather vaguely of his general
intention; and that over, begged him to entertain them with some account
of his adventures since he first took up arms for his country. To this
Israel had no objections in the world, since all men love to tell the
tale of hardships endured in a righteous cause. But ere beginning his
story, the Squire refreshed him with some cold beef, laid in a snowy
napkin, and a glass of Perry, and thrice during the narration of the
adventures, pressed him with additional draughts.
But after his second glass, Israel declined to drink more, mild as the
beverage was. For he noticed, that not only did the three gentlemen
listen with the utmost interest to his story, but likewise
interrupted him with questions and cross-questions in the most
pertinacious manner. So this led him to be on his guard, not being
absolutely certain yet, as to who they might really be, or what was
their real design. But as it turned out, Squire Woodcock and his friends
only sought to satisfy themselves thoroughly, before making their final
disclosures, that the exile was one in whom implicit confidence might be
placed.
And to this desirable conclusion they eventually came, for upon the
ending of Israel's story, after expressing their sympathies for his
hardships, and applauding his generous patriotism in so patiently
enduring adversity, as well as singing the praises of his gallant
fellow-soldiers of Bunker Hill, they openly revealed their scheme. They
wished to know whether Israel would undertake a trip to Paris, to carry
an important message--shortly to be received for transmission through
them--to Doctor Franklin, then in that capital.
"All your expenses shall be paid, not to speak of a compensation
besides," said the Squire; "will you go?"
"I must think of it," said Israel, not yet wholly confirmed in his mind.
But once more he cast his glance on Horne Tooke, and his irresolution
was gone.
The Squire now informed Israel that, to avoid suspicions, it would be
necessary for him to remove to another place until the hour at which he
should start for Paris. They enjoined upon him the profoundest secresy,
gave him a guinea, with a letter for a gentleman in White Waltham, a
town some miles from Brentford, which point they begged him to reach
as soon as possible, there to tarry for further instructions.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|