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Chester's reply was to produce his black pea, which he exhibited to the man. "Good!" said the stranger. "Follow me." "Follow you where?" Chester wanted to know. "Yes; what's all this funny business, anyhow?" demanded Hal. The man smiled enigmatically. "Best to be careful," he said. "Come on." Chester looked at Hal and the latter nodded. "Might as well see what it's all about," said the latter.
They would fain have sallied to give more active assistance in the work of destruction; but the communication being now open with the Constable of Chester's forces, Wilkin Flammock considered himself and the garrison to be under the orders of that renowned chief, and refused to listen to the eager admonitions of Father Aldrovand, who would, notwithstanding his sacerdotal character, have willingly himself taken charge of the sally which he proposed.
"I'll get it for you." Chester moved back in the tent. Five minutes later the German soldier stuck his head inside. "Here's your water," he said, holding forth a tin cup. Chester's right hand rested on his belt as he extended his left to take the cup. The German had lowered his gun at that moment; and he paid dearly for his carelessness.
He dropped his rifle with a clatter and struck at Chester with his right fist. "Well, if you must have it," Chester muttered to himself. He, too, dropped his gun and his right fist shot forth. The German staggered back with a grunt; but Chester's blow had not reached a vital spot and the guard leaped forward again. This time Chester timed his blow a little more carefully. "Smack!"
"It seems to me that you are wrong," said, the colonel grimly. "There are five guards outside, each armed to the teeth. What chance would we have?" "Well, I don't know," confessed Chester. "I was just thinking." "Think while you have a chance," said the colonel with a slight grin. "Looks like our thinking days were about over." Chester's eyes roamed about the tent. His eyes sparkled.
I shouldn't mind helping them out, of course, if I thought we could manage it. Better than nothing? Well possibly. Better consult Mrs. Agnew before we do anything rash." Just ran up the rear staircase and down the front one. He found Chester and whispered his plan. Interrupting Chester's eager gratitude, he asked for somebody who could tell him what music would be needed.
It was Rollins, the junior second lieutenant of the regiment, and Chester's own and only pet, so said the envious others. He was barely a year out of leading-strings at the Point, and as full of hope and pluck and mischief as a colt. Moreover, he was frank and teachable, said Chester, and didn't come to him with the idea that he had nothing to learn and less to do.
He struck out straight from the shoulder, and the officer toppled to the ground. "Second fall for him to-day," muttered Hal between his teeth. He felt Chester's arm press his elbow. "Come on," he said. Side by side the lads stepped forward in the very faces of the mob that barred their path, and for a moment the crowd gave back.
I for one cannot tell where you raised the money for all this?" "Oh, yes, we have been among the fairies, haven't we, little Mary," cried Mrs. Chester, delighted with her husband's spirits, "the Jew fairies that give out collars to stitch, and cloth caps to make." Nothing but a tear breaking through the happy flash of John Chester's eyes, could have rendered them so full of joyous tenderness.
Chester once more wondered why such things should affect him. The man's arm clung to Chester firmly as if he wished support; and Chester's heart warmed to him. Was he not Lucy's father? Should he not know all he desired to know about the man who had expressed deep regard for his daughter? "I think you are tired," said Chester. "Let's sit here and rest." "Yes; all right."
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