CHAPTER XXV--HER NEAREST RELATIVE
"In all trade of war no feat Is nobler than a brave retreat; For those that run away and fly Take place at least of the enemy."
--Samuel Butler.
Fearful of what might result from the encounter Peggy hid her face inher hands as the two youths crossed swords. But at the first meeting ofthe blades, impelled by that strange fascination which such combats holdfor the best of mortals, she uncovered her eyes and watched the duelbreathlessly.
Clifford, white and wrathful, fuming over Drayton's last quip, at oncetook the initiative, and advanced upon his adversary with a vehemencethat evidenced his emotion plainly. Drayton, on the contrary, was cooland even merry, and parried his opponent's thrusts with adroitness. Bothlads evinced no small skill with the weapons, and had Peggy been otherthan a very much distressed damsel she might have enjoyed some prettysword play.
The wrist of each youth was strong and supple. Each sword seemed like aflexible reed from the point to the middle of the blade, and inflexiblesteel from thence to the guard. They were well matched, and some momentspassed before either of them secured the advantage.
It was quiet in the grove. No sound could be heard save the clash ofsteel and the deep breathing of the contestants. No bird note came fromtree or bush. Not a leaf stirred. A hush had fallen upon the summerafternoon. To the maiden it seemed as though Nature, affrighted by thewild passions of men which must seek expression in private fray despitethe fact that their countries were embroiled in war, had sunk intoterrified silence.
Presently, even to Peggy's inexperienced eye, it became apparent thatClifford was tiring. Drayton, who from the beginning of the encounterhad fought purely on the defensive, was quick to perceive the other'sfatigue. Suddenly with a vigorous side-thrust he twisted the sword fromhis antagonist's grasp, and sent it glittering in the air. Findinghimself disarmed Clifford quickly stepped backward two or three steps.In so doing his foot slipped, and he fell. Instantly Drayton stood overhis prostrate form.
"Forbear, John," shrieked Peggy in horrified tones. "Thee must not. Ishe not helpless?"
"Have no fear, Peggy," answered the young man lightly. "He shall meetwith no hurt, though in truth he merits it. Sir," to Clifford who layregarding him with a look of profound humiliation, "you hear, do younot? I spare you because of her. And also because I am much to blamethat matters have come to this pass betwixt us. Rise, sir!"
"I want no mercy at your hands," retorted the other, his flushed face,his whole manner testifying to his deep mortification. "You have won theadvantage, sir. Use it. I wish no favor from you."
"'Tis not the habit of Americans to slay a disarmed foe, sir. If you arenot satisfied, rise; and have to again."
"No, no!" cried Peggy, possessing herself of the fallen sword. "Is therenot already fighting enough in the land without contending against eachother? Ye have fought once. Let that suffice."
"My sword, Peggy," exclaimed Clifford, rising, and stepping toward her.
"Thee shall not have it, unless thee takes it by force," returned thegirl, placing the weapon behind her, and clasping it with both hands."And that," she added, "I do not believe thee would be so unmannerly asto use. Therefore, the matter is ended."
Drayton sheathed his sword on the moment.
"I am satisfied to let it be so," he said. "And now, Peggy, as toourselves: what will be the best time for you to start home?"
"If that subject be renewed our broil is anything but settled,"interposed Clifford Owen sullenly. "I believe I informed you that, asthe lady's nearest relative, I am amply able to look after her."
"As to our quarrel," replied Drayton, regarding him fixedly, "perchancethe whirligig of time will bring a more suitable occasion for reopeningit. When that occurs I shall be at your command. Until then it seems tome to be the part of wisdom to drop the matter, and to consider Peggy'swelfare only. As you are aware, no doubt, the British are in thisimmediate vicinity. Any moment may see them at this very place. Let uscry a truce, sir, for the time being, and determine what shall be doneto promote her safety."
"How know you that the British are near here?" demanded Cliffordsuspiciously. "Your knowledge of their movements will bear looking into.It savors strongly of that of a spy, sir."
For a second the glances of the young fellows met. Their eyes flashedfire, and Peggy's heart began to throb painfully. Oh, would they fightagain! How could she make peace between them? She must; and so thinkingstarted forward eagerly.
"Listen to my plan," she said. "Ye both----"
The sentence was never finished. Upon the air there sounded the shrillmusic of fifes, the riffle of drums, the hollow tramp of marching men,the rumbling of artillery, the cantering of horses; all sounds denotingthe passing of a large force of armed men.
With a sharp cry of exultation Clifford Owen sprang toward John Drayton.
"'Tis the king's troops," he cried, clutching him tightly. "The king'stroops! Now, my fine fellow, you shall explain to his lordship how youcame by your information. Ho!" he shouted. "What ho! a spy!"
"It is not thus that I would meet his lordship," answered Draytonwrenching himself free of the other's hold. "Until then, adieu, myfriend."
Without further word he leaped down the embankment, and disappearedamong the underbrush in the ravine, just as two British infantrymen,attracted by Clifford's cry, came running through the grove.
"Did you call, sir?" called one, saluting as he saw the uniform of theyoung man.
"I fell," answered Clifford, stooping to pick up the sword that Peggyhad let fall. "Perchance I cried out as I did so. The embankment wouldbe a steep one to fall down. Does the army stop here? I sent word to thegeneral there was no forage to be had, and to pass on to Hanover CourtHouse. I found no place where he would fare so well as at Tilghman'sOrdinary."
"'Tis for that place he is bound, sir," replied the soldier, salutingagain. "But a few of us delayed here to--to----" he paused, then added:"Shall we go through that enclosure there, captain?"
"My own little mare is there, Clifford," spoke Peggy indignantly.
"Which we will bring ourselves, men," he said dismissing them with acurt nod. "You will wish to ride her, of course, my cousin."
"If I go with you," she answered.
"There is no 'if' about it," he said grimly. "You are going."
"'As my nearest male relative in this part of the country' I supposethee commands it," she observed with biting sarcasm. "Clifford, doesthee forget that I am an Owen as well as thou?"
"I do not," he made answer.
"I think thee does," she cried. "An Owen, my cousin, with the Owentemper. 'Tis being tried severely by thee. I know not how much longer Ican control it."
"I see not why you should be displeased with me," he remarked, plainlysurprised that such should be the case. "I am doing all I can for you.At least, I will try to do as much as that--that----"
"Yes?" she questioned coldly. "Does thee mean Captain Drayton? He is myfriend. Mother and I esteem him highly. Pleasure me by remembering thatin future."
"If he is your friend 'tis no reason why he should address you sofamiliarly. I like it not."
"I tire of thy manner, Clifford. I am not thy slave, nor yet under bondsof indenture to thee that thou shouldst assume such airs of possessionas thee does. I tire of it, I say."
"If I have offended you I am sorry," he said sulkily. "I have a hottemper and a quick one. I have held resentment against that--captain eversince last February, when he flouted me with that shirt of my sister'smaking. It did seem to me then, as it hath to-day, that he took too muchupon himself. Now it appears that I am guilty of the same fault. Atleast, being your near relative should serve as some excuse for me."
"I think thee has made that remark upon divers occasions, my cousin. Isnot thy father with Lord Cornwallis?"
"Yes, of course. Why?"
"Then kindly remember t
hat being cousin-german to my father, he standsin nearer relationship to me than thee does. Should I have need ofguidance I will ask it of him. Does thee understand, my cousin?"
"Only too well," he burst forth. "And all this for the sake of a Yankeecaptain. Oh, I noticed how solicitous you were lest he should be hurt."
"And was solicitude not shown for thee also? Thou art unjust, Clifford."
With crestfallen air the youth led Star from the rude stable, andwithout further conversation they started for the house.