My Lady of Doubt

sed, as I could distinguish no outlines clearly, excepting the bare spars of a vessel, tied up to the west shore. As this ship had not been in sight previously I concluded the

ter of some low bushes. Except for the bark of a distant dog there was no sound more disturbing than the rustle of leaves, and the lapping of water. A

s, but the walking was so much better that I turned to the left, hoping to find a trend eastward, as I knew the river swerved in that direction. My reward was the discovery of a crossroad, a mere wagon track, into which I gladly turned, and plodded along steadily. The stiff exercise, combined with the heat of my body-for I was walking now as rapidly as the darkness would permit-dried my clothes, yet with every step onward, I became m

e distance an owl hooted dismally. I tried the doors, but they appeared firmly fastened. Far in the east there was a faint lightening of the sky promising the approach of dawn, and thus aroused to a knowledge that I must immediately attain shelter, I clambered through one of the broken windows, and dropped to the earthen floor within. I could see nothing, not even a hand held before my eyes, yet carefully felt my way forward through a tangle of rubbish, wheels, scraps of i

ppeared useless to think or plan. All night long I had been the helpless victim of circumstances, and I could only trust blindly to luck for the future. I recall lying there, staring up into the darkness, liste

s and ends, scraps of wood and iron, discarded parts of machinery, an old forge, bits of harness, and a broken saddletree. All this I perceived with my first glance, but it was the distant sound of a voice which as instantly held my attention. At first I could not locate the speaker, nor comprehend the peculiar singsong of the utterance. But as I lifted my head, listening intently, I knew

ult of a glance, as my whole attention concentrated upon a kneeling figure just beneath the loop of the curtain. The man was facing me, but with eyes closed, and uplifted, as his lips poured forth the fervent words of prayer. I was not a religious man in those days, yet the faith of my mother was not forgotten, and there was something of sincerity about that solitary kneeling figure I could not but respect. The words uttered, the deep resonant voice, and above all, the expression of that upturned face,

shed all shallow criticism. Rare Christian faith, unreserved surrender, absolute confidence spoke through every syllable, and I stood there, almost breathless, listening, feeling that this was holy ground. What was this man, this praying blacksmith? A patriot surely, from his words of petition; one who had suf

eped with the imagery of that Oriental past, the present struggle in which he was engaged but a reflection of old Jewish wars in which Jehovah led the chosen hosts to victory. As he finally paused, his head bowed low, I stepped forward into the light, confident of welcome, utterly forgetful of the uniform I wore.

rom his lips. "How came you here

f disgust. "I had even forgotten I wore it. Wait a moment. I heard your pray

at me mo

w come y

f escape except across the Delaware. I reached here during the night, and crept into your shop to hide. The

bit suspicious of strangers here in the Jerseys these days. The minion

ead, extendi

stroyed that before entering the British lines. If I tell

change, yet I thought the deep-se

hungry, n

human

n' if ye are a Britisher I wouldn't starve you to death. There's little enough, the good Lor

ndulged in a single glance into the deserted shop where I had passed the night. Apparently satisfied that I was indeed alone, he threw open a cupboard in one corner, and brought forth a variety of food, placing this upon a wide shelf near a

t is rough camp fare, but doubtless y

y, surprised by the question, ye

some hesitation. "Ha

s apparent station. "But I have won some repute in this part of the Jerseys, an' though

seen i

om a folded paper, which he opened, and extended to me across the table. With

in quick surprise, "and it is s

set eyes

e day. There are those who would like well to see me swing if they only l

"issued to Daniel Farrell, giving him independent c

ietly, but found

rs give me even a worse handle. 'Tis my nature to m

scene coming vividly to mind, "when you came up with your r

ys; they have seen their homes in flames, their women and children driven out by Hessian hirelings. We fight for life as well as liberty, and when we strike we strike hard. Bu

expressing interest. As I ended, he slowly lit his pipe, an

thing of importance

to me. So you met Mistress Claire, eh? The l