In the Days of Poor Richard

  2

  Solomon Binkus was indeed a shrewd man. In the faded packet of lettersis one which recites the history of the confinement of the two scoutsin the Boston jail. It tells of the coming of Margaret that veryevening with an order from the Adjutant General directing Mr. Pinhornto allow her to talk with the "rebel prisoner Solomon Binkus."

  The official conducted her to the iron grated door in front ofSolomon's cell.

  "I will talk with him in the corridor, if you please," she said, as shegave the jailer a guinea, whereupon he became most obliging. The celldoor was opened and chairs were brought for them to sit upon. Cannonswere roaring again and the sound was nearer than it had been before.

  "Have you heard from Jack?" she asked when they were seated in front ofthe cell of the latter.

  "Yes, ma'am. He is well, but like a man shot with rock salt."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Sufferin'," Solomon answered. "Kind o' riddled with thoughts o' youan' I wouldn't wonder."

  "Did you get a letter?" she asked.

  "No. A young officer who was ketched an' brought here t'other day hastold me all 'bout him."

  "Is the officer here?"

  "Yes, ma'am," Solomon answered.

  "I want to see him--I want to talk with him. I must meet the man whohas come from the presence of my Jack."

  Solomon was visibly embarrassed. He was in trouble for a moment andthen he answered: "I'm 'fraid 'twouldn't do no good."

  "Why?"

  "'Cause he's deef an' dumb."

  "But do you not understand? It would be a comfort to look at him."

  "He's in this cell, but I wouldn't know how to call him," Solomonassured her.

  She went to Jack's door and peered at him through the grating. He waslying on his straw bed. The light which came from candles set inbrackets on the stone wall of the corridor was dim.

  "Poor, poor fellow!" she exclaimed. "I suppose he is thinking of hissweetheart or of some one very dear to him. His eyes are covered withhis handkerchief. So you have lately seen the boy I love! How I wishyou could tell me about him!"

  The voice of the young lady had had a curious effect upon thatnerve-racked, homesick company of soldier lads in prison. Doubtless ithad reminded some of dear and familiar voices which they had lost hopeof hearing again.

  One began to groan and sob, then another and another.

  "Ain't that like the bawlin' o' the damned?" Solomon asked. "Some on'em is sick; some is wore out. They're all half starved!"

  "It is dreadful!" said she, as she covered her eyes with herhandkerchief. "I can not help thinking that any day _he_ may have tocome here. I shall go to see General Howe to-night."

  "To-morrer I'll git this 'ere boy to write out all he knows 'bout Jack,but if ye see it, ye'll have to come 'ere an' let me put it straightinto yer hands," Solomon assured her.

  "I'll be here at ten o'clock," she said, and went away.

  Pinhorn stepped into the corridor as Solomon called to Jack:

  "Things be goin' to improve, ol' man. Hang on to yer hosses. TheEnglish people is to have a talk with General Howe to-night an' suthin''ll be said, now you hear to me. That damn German King ain't a-goin'to have his way much longer here in Boston jail."

  Early next morning shells began to fall in the city. Suddenly thefiring ceased. At nine o'clock all prisoners in the jail were sentfor, to be exchanged. Preston came with the order from General Howeand news of a truce.

  "This means yer army is lightin' out," Solomon said to him.

  "The city will be evacuated," was Preston's answer.

  "Could I send a message to Gin'ral Hare's house?"

  "The General and his brigade and family sailed for another port ateight. If you wish, I'll take your message."

  Solomon delivered to Preston a letter written by Jack to Margaret. Ittold of his capture and imprisonment.

  "Better than I, you will know if there is good ground for these darksuspicions which have come to us," he wrote. "As well as I, you willknow what a trial I underwent last evening. That I had the strength tohold my peace, I am glad, knowing that you are the happier to-daybecause of it."

  The third of March had come. The sun was shining. The wind was in thesouth. They were not strong enough to walk, so Preston had broughthorses for them to ride. There were long patches of snow on theDorchester Heights. A little beyond they met the brigade of Putnam.It was moving toward the city and had stopped for its noon mess. Theodor of fresh beef and onions was in the air.

  "Cat's blood an' gunpowder!" said Solomon. "Tie me to a tree."

  "What for?" Preston asked.

  "I'll kill myself eatin'," the scout declared. "I'm so got durn hungryI kin't be trusted."

  "I guess we'll have to put the brakes on each other," Jack remarked.

  "An' it'll be steep goin'," said Solomon.

  Washington rode up to the camp with a squad of cavalry while they wereeating. He had a kind word for every liberated man. To Jack he said:

  "I am glad to address you as Colonel Irons. You have suffered much,but it will be a comfort for you to know that the information youbrought enabled me to hasten the departure of the British."

  Turning to Solomon, he added:

  "Colonel Binkus, I am indebted to you for faithful, effective andvaliant service. You shall have a medal."

  "Gin'ral Washington, we're a-goin' to lick 'em," said Solomon. "We'rea-goin' to break their necks."

  "Colonel, you are very confident," the General answered with a smile.

  "You'll see," Solomon continued. "God A'mighty is sick o' tyrants.They're doomed."

  "Let us hope so," said the Commander-in-Chief. "But let us not forgetthe words of Poor Richard: 'God helps those who help themselves.'"