Stuart had established Colonel Lee's headquarters behind the brick wallof the Arsenal3 enclosure. Not more than fifty yards from the gate stoodthe Engine House in which Brown had barricaded4 himself with his twosons, Oliver and Watson, and four of his men. He held forty whitehostages.
A sentinel of marines covered the entrance to the enclosure. The militiahad yielded command to the United States troops.
As Stuart stood awaiting Colonel Lee's arrival, Lieutenant6 Green, incommand of the marines, stepped briskly to the aide's side to report thepreliminary work.
As yet no one in the excited town knew the identity of the mysteriouscommander "John Smith" who led the invasion. No one could guess thenumber of men he had in his army nor how many he held in reserve on theMaryland hills.
Stuart's blue eyes flashed with excitement.
"The marines have the Arsenal completely surrounded?" he asked.
"A rat couldn't get through, Lieutenant Stuart.""The bridges leading into Harper's Ferry guarded?""Three picked men at each end, sir.""Any signs of the Abolitionists on the hills at dawn?""A shot from a sniper on the Maryland side nipped one of the guards--""Then their headquarters and the reserves are back in those hills.""I'm sure of it. I've sent a squad8 to get the sniper.""All right, it's daylight. Keep your marines away from the Arsenal gate.
It's barely fifty yards to the Engine House. We've got the Abolitionistspenned inside. But they're good shots.""I've warned them, sir.""No fighting now until Colonel Lee takes command. His train has justpulled in.""Why the devil didn't he come with us?" Green asked suddenly.
"Called to the White House for a conference with President Buchanan, insuch haste that he couldn't stop to put on his uniform. The Capital'sagog over this affair. The wildest rumors9 are afloat.""Nothing to the rumors afloat here among these militiamen and dazedcitizens.""Colonel Lee will straighten them out in short order--"Stuart suddenly stiffened10 to attention as he saw the soldierly figure ofthe Colonel approaching from the station with quick, firm step. Over hiscivilian suit he had hastily thrown an army overcoat and looked what hewas, the bronzed veteran commander of the Texas plains.
He saluted11 the two young officers and quickly turned to his aide.
"No sign of a slave uprising, of course?""The invaders12 did their best to bring it on. They've taken about fiftynegroes from their masters.""Armed them?""With pikes and rifles.""The invaders have robbed houses as reported?""Taken everything they could get their hands on. They forced their wayinto Colonel Washington's home, dragged him from bed, stole his watch,silver, wagons15, horses, saddles and harness. They hold him a prisonerwith four of his slaves.""Colonel Washington is now their prisoner?""With others they are holding as hostages.""Hostages?""They swear to murder them all at the first sign of an attack.""They won't!" he answered sharply.
"I think they will, sir. They shot an unarmed negro porter at the depotand murdered the Mayor to-day as he was passing through the streets.
They are expecting reinforcements at any minute.""The militia2 are ready for duty?""Some are. Some are drinking."Lee turned to Lieutenant Green.
"Close every barroom in town."Green saluted.
"At once, sir."Green turned to execute the order. The only problem that gave Leeconcern was the use the invaders might make of the prisoners they held.
That they would not hesitate to expose them to death as a protectionto their own lives he couldn't doubt. Men who would dare the crime ofraising a slave insurrection would not hesitate to violate the code ofmilitary honor.
He saw Stuart was restless. There was something on his mind. He halfguessed the trouble and paused.
"Well, Lieutenant?"Stuart laughed.
"I suppose, Colonel, you couldn't possibly let me lead the assault onthe Engine House, could you?"Lee's eyes twinkled at the eager look. The Colonel was a man as well asa soldier. And he was a father. He loved the shouts of children morethan he loved the shouts of armies. In the pause he saw a vision. Alittle blue-eyed mother crooning over a baby which she had named for hersweetheart. The great heart forgot the daring soldier before him eagerfor a fight. He saw only the handsome husband and a wife at home prayingGod for his safe return. He could see her pressing the pink bundle offlesh to her heart, singing a lullaby that was a prayer. There would beno glory in such an assault. There was only the possibility of a bloodytragedy before a handful of desperadoes could be overcome. He faced hisaide with a frown.
"Lieutenant Green is in command of the marines, sir. You are only myvoluntary aide. You will act strictly17 within the rules of war."Stuart saluted. He knew that his commander was a stern disciplinarian.
Argument was out of the question. He made up his mind, however, to watchfor a chance to join in the attack, once it was begun.
Green returned from his errand leading an old negro who held one ofBrown's iron pikes.
The lieutenant thrust the trembling figure before the Colonel.
Lee studied him, and suppressed the smile that began to play about hislips.
"Well, uncle, this looks bad for you," he said finally.
"Lordee, Master, don't you blame me!" the old negro protested.
"They found him hiding in the bushes," Green explained.
"Yassah," the old man broke in. "I wuz kivered up in de leaves!""That's right, sir," Green agreed. "The pike was standing18 beside a tree.
They raked the leaves and found him in a hole.""An' I tried ter git under de hole, too.""The raiders took you by force?" Lee asked.
"Yassah! Dey pulls me outen bed, make me put on my close, gimme dis herehan' spike19, an' tells me I kin16 kill my ole marster an' missis when Ifeels like it--""Did you try to kill them?" Lee asked seriously.
"Who? Me?""Yes.""Man! I drawed dat han' spike on dem Abolishioners an' I says: 'You lowdoun stinkin' po' white trash. Des try ter lay de weight er yo' han' onmy marster er missis,--an' I'll lan' yo' in de middle of er spell ersickness'--""And they took you prisoner.""Yassah.""I see.""Dey starts ter shoot me fust! But den7 dey say I wuzn't wuf de powderan' lead hit'ud take ter kill me.""And you escaped?""Na sah, not den. Dey make me go wid 'em, wher er no. But I git loosebyme bye an' crawl inter20 dat patch er trees doun dar by de ribber--""We found him there," Green nodded.
"Yassah, I mak' up my min' dat dey's have ter burn de woods an' sif deashes for' dey ebber see me ergin."Stuart's boyish laughter rang without restraint.
"All right, uncle," Lee responded cordially. "You can leave that pikewith me.""Yassah, you kin sho have it. God knows I ain't got no use fur it."He threw the pike down and brushed his hands as if to get rid of thecontagion of its touch.
"You're safe," Lee added. "The United States Marines are in command ofHarper's Ferry now.""Yassah. De Lawd knows I doan wanter 'sociate wid no slu-footed,knock-kneed po' whites. I'se er ristercrat, I is. Yassah, dat's me!""I'm glad to help you, uncle.""Thankee, sah.""Hurry back to your home now and help your people in their troubles.""Yassah, right away, sah--right away!"The old man hurried home, bowing right and left to his white friends andmuttering curses on the heads of the Abolitionists, who had dragged himfrom his bed and caused him to lose four square meals.
Lee examined the pike carefully. He measured its long stiletto-likeblade, projecting nine inches from its fastenings in the hickory handle.
He observed the skill and care with which the rivets21 had been set.
"An ugly piece of iron," he said at last.
"I'll bet they've thousands of them somewhere back in these hills,"Stuart added.
"And not a negro has lifted his hand against his master?""Not one."Lee ran his fingers along the edges of the blade and a dreamy look cameinto his thoughtful eyes.
"My boy, such people deserve their freedom. But not this way--not thisway! God save us from the horrors of the mob and the fanatic22 who leadsthem! Slavery is surely and swiftly dying. It cannot survive theeconomic pressure of the century. If only we can be saved from suchmadness."His voice died away as in a troubled dream. He looked up suddenly andturned to his aide.
"I must summon their leader to surrender. You have not yet learned hisname?""He calls himself John Smith, sir. They've been here all summer in anold farmhouse23 on the Maryland side.""Strange that their purpose should not have been discovered. Their workhas been carefully and secretly planned.""Beyond a doubt.""They could not have done it without big backing somewhere.""They've had it. They've had plenty of money. They have rifles of thefinest make. And they're not the type made in this Arsenal.""They expected to use the rifles in the Armory24, of course. And theyexpect reinforcements. Any sign of their reserves?""Not yet, sir. We have the roads guarded for ten miles.""We'll settle it before they can get help," Lee said sharply.
He hastily wrote a summons to surrender and handed it to Stuart.
"Approach the Engine House under a flag of truce25. Ask for a parley26 withtheir leader and give him this."Stuart saluted.
"At once, sir."He attached his handkerchief to his sword and entered the gate. A loudmurmur rose from the crowd of excited people who had pressed close tosee the famous commander of the Marines.
Lee turned to the sentinel.
"Push that crowd back."The crowd had pressed closer, watching Stuart with increasingexcitement.
The sentinel clubbed his musket27 and pressed against the front mensavagely.
"Stand back!"The people slowly retreated. Lee turned to Lieutenant Green.
"Your men are ready for action?""They await your orders, sir.""I suppose you wish the honor of leading the troops in taking these menout of the Engine House?"Green smiled and bowed.
"Thank you, Colonel!""Pick a detail of only twelve men, with a reserve of twelve more. WhenLieutenant Stuart gives you the signal, assault the Engine House andbatter down the doors with sledge29 hammers--"Green saluted.
"Yes, sir."Lee spoke30 his next command in sharp emphasis.
"The citizens inside whom the raiders are holding must not be harmed.
See to this when you gain an entrance. Once inside, pick your enemies.
You understand?""Perfectly31, sir.""Hold your men in check until the signal to attack. I hope it will notbe necessary to give it. I shall do my best to avoid further bloodshed.""All right, sir."Green saluted and stood at attention awaiting the arrival of Stuart.
Lee's aide had approached the Engine House, watched in breathlesssuspense by a crowd of more than two thousand people. In spite of theefforts of the sentinels they had jammed every inch of space commandinga view of the enclosure.
When Stuart reached the bullet-marked door he called:
"For Mr. Smith, the commander of the invaders, I have a communicationfrom Colonel Lee!"Brown opened the door about four inches and placed his body against thecrack. Stuart could see through the opening his hand gripping a rifle.
He refused to open it further and the parley was held with the doorajar.
He at last allowed Stuart to enter.
His first look at the man's face startled him. The full gray beard couldnot mask the terrible mouth which he had studied one day in Kansas. Andnothing could dim the flame that burned in his blue-gray eyes.
He recognized him instantly.
"Why, aren't you old Osawatomie Brown of Kansas, whom I once held thereas my prisoner?""Yes, but you didn't keep me.""I have a written communication from Colonel Lee.""Read it."Stuart drew the sheet of paper from his pocket and read in his clear,ringing voice:
"Headquarters Harper's Ferry,October 18, 1859.
Colonel Lee, United States Army, commanding the troops sent by thePresident of the United States to suppress the insurrection at thisplace, demands the surrender of the people in the Armory buildings.""If they will peaceably surrender themselves and return the pillagedproperty, they shall be kept in safety to await the orders of thePresident. Colonel Lee reports to them, in all frankness, that it isimpossible for them to escape, that the Armory is surrounded by troops,and that if he is compelled to take them by force he cannot answer fortheir safety.
R. E. LEE, _Colonel Commanding U. S. Troops_."Stuart waited and Brown made no reply.
"You will surrender?""I will not," was the prompt answer.
In vain the young officer tried to persuade the stubborn old man tosubmit without further loss of life.
"I advise you to trust to the clemency32 of the Government," Stuart urged.
"I know what that means, sir. A rope for my men and myself. I prefer todie just here.""I'll give you a short time to think it over and return for your finalanswer."Brown at once began to barricade5 the doors and windows. And Stuartreported to his commander.
Lee met him at the gate.
"Well?""A little surprise for us, Colonel--""He refuses to surrender?""Absolutely. Captain 'John Smith' turns out to be Old John Brown ofOsawatomie, Kansas, sir.""You're sure?""I couldn't be mistaken. I had him a prisoner on the plains once whenour troops were ordered out to quell33 the disturbances34.""That man's been here all summer planning this attack?""And not a soul knew him."Lee was silent a moment and spoke slowly:
"It can only mean a conspiracy35 of wide scope to drench36 the South inblood--""Of course.""He refuses to yield without a fight?"Stuart laughed.
"He don't know how to surrender. I left him with two pistols and a bowieknife in his belt and a rifle in each hand.""How many men were with him?""I saw but six besides the prisoners he holds as hostages. The prisonersbegged for an interview with you, sir. I told them to be quiet--that youknew what you were doing.""It's incredible!" Lee exclaimed.
He paused in deep thought and went on as if talking to himself.
"Strange old man--I must see him.""I wouldn't, Colonel. He's a tough customer.""I hate to order an assault on six men. He must be insane.""No more than you are, unless the pursuit of a fixed37 idea for a lifetimemakes a man insane."Lee turned suddenly to his aide.
"Press that crowd back into the next street and ask him to come hereunder a flag of truce.""I warn you, Colonel," Stuart protested. "He violated a flag of truce inKansas. He won't hesitate to shoot you on sight if he takes a notion."Lee smiled.
"He didn't try to shoot you on sight, did he?""No--""Go back and bring him here. I must find out some things from him if Ican. He may not survive the assault."Stuart again fixed his flag of truce and returned to the Engine House.
This time the Colonel called a cordon38 of marines and pressed the crowdinto the next street.
He beckoned39 to a sentinel.
"Ask Lieutenant Green to step here."The sentinel called a marine1 to take his place and went in search of thecommander of the company.
Lee lifted his eyes to the hills of Maryland. But a few miles beyond thefirst range lay the town of Sharpsburg, where Destiny was setting thestage for the bloodiest40 battle in the history of the republic. A littlefarther on lay the town of Gettysburg, over whose ragged14 hills Death washovering in search of camping ground.
Did his prophetic soul pierce the future? Never had he been moreprofoundly depressed41. The event he was witnessing was but the prelude42 toa tragedy he felt to be from this hour inevitable43.
Green saluted in answer to his summons.
"I want you to witness an interview which I will have with John Brown,and receive my final orders!""The leader is old John Brown?""Lieutenant Stuart has identified him."A shout from a crowd of boys who had climbed the trees of the nextstreet caused Lee to turn toward the gate as the invader13 and Stuartpassed through.
As Lee confronted Brown no more startling contrast could be presented bytwo men born under the same flag. John Brown with his bristling44, unkemptbeard, his two revolvers and sword hanging and dangling45 on his gauntframe, his eyes glittering and red from the loss of two nights' sleep,the incarnation of Lawlessness; Lee, the trained soldier, the inheritorof centuries of constructive47 genius, the aristocrat48 in taste, thehumblest and gentlest Christian49 in spirit, the lover of Peace, of Order.
The commander of the forces of Law spoke in friendly tones.
"You are John Brown of Osawatomie, Kansas?""Yes!""You are in command of the invaders who have killed four citizens ofHarper's Ferry and seized the United States Arsenal?""I am in command.""Would you mind telling me why you have invaded Virginia?""To free your slaves.""How many men were under your command when you entered?""Seventeen white men and five colored freedmen.""With an armed force of twenty-two you have invaded the South to freethree million slaves?""I expected help--" He paused and his burning eyes flashed toward thehills. "And I still expect it!""From whom could you expect it?""From here and elsewhere.""From blacks as well as whites?""From both.""You have been disappointed in not getting it from either?""Thus far--yes."Lee studied him with increasing wonder. There was a quiet daring in hisattitude, an utter disregard of the tragic50 forces that had closed in onhis ill-fated venture that was astounding51. What could be its secret?
It was something more than the coolness and poise52 of a brave Ulan. Hismanner was not cool. His mind was not poised53.
There was a vibrant54 ring to his metallic55 voice which betrayed theprofoundest emotion. His daring came from some mysterious source within.
It was a daring that was the contradiction of reason and experience. Itwas uncanny.
Lee asked his questions in measured tones.
"You were disappointed, I take it, particularly in the conduct of theblacks?""Yes.""Exactly. If negro Slavery in the South were to-day the beastly thingwhich you and Garrison56 have so long proclaimed, you could not have beendisappointed. Had your illusion of abuse and cruelty been true thenegroes _would_ have risen to a man, put their masters to death, andburned their homes. Yet, not a black man has lifted his hand. There mustbe something wrong in your facts--"Brown lifted his head solemnly.
"There can be nothing wrong in my faith, Colonel Lee. It comes fromGod.""I didn't say your faith, my friend. I said your facts--" He paused andpicked up the pike.
"These unused pikes bear witness to your error. This is an ugly weapon,Mr. Brown!""It was meant to kill.""We found it in the hands of a negro.""I wish to conceal57 nothing, sir--" The old man paused, lifted hisstooped shoulders and drew a deep breath. "I armed fifty blacks withthem and I had many more which I hoped to use."Lee touched the point of the two-edged blade,"This piece of iron, then, placed in the hands of a negro was meant forthe breasts of Southern white men, women and children?""I came to proclaim your slaves free and give them the weapons to makegood my orders.""Who gave you the authority to issue orders of life and death?" Leeasked with slow, steady emphasis.
Brown's eyes flashed.
"I gave it to myself, sir. By the authority of my conscience and what Ibelieve to be right.""Suppose all took the same orders? Every man who differs with hisneighbor, gets his gun, proclaims himself the mouthpiece of God andkills those who disagree with him. Civilization is built on an agreementnot to do this thing. We have placed in the hands of the officer of thelaw the task of executing justice. The moment we dare as individuals totake this into our own hands, the world becomes a den of wild beasts--""The world's already a den of wild beasts," Brown interrupted sharply.
"They have snarled58 and snapped long enough. It's time to clinch59 andfight it out."There could be no doubt of the savage28 earnestness of the man who spoke.
There was the ring of steel in every word. Lee looked at him curiously60.
"May I ask how many people you know in the North who feel that waytoward the South?""Millions, sir.""And they back you in this attack?""A few chosen prophets--yes--thank God.""And these prophets of the coming mob of millions have furnished you themoney to arm and equip this expedition?""They have.""It's amazing--""The millions are yet asleep," Brown admitted. He shook his gray locksas his terrible mouth closed with a deep intake61 of breath. "But I'llawake them! The thunderbolt which I have launched over Harper's Ferrywill call them. And they will follow me. I hope to hear the throb62 oftheir drums over the hills before you have finished with me to-day!"Lee was silent again, looking at the face with flaming eyes in a newwonder.
"And you invade to rob and murder at will?""I have not robbed!""No?""I have confiscated63 the property of slaveholders for use in a divinecause.""Who gave you the right to confiscate64 the property of others in anycause?""Again I answer, my conscience.""So a common thief can say.""I am no common thief.""Yet when you forced your way into Colonel Washington's home at nightyou committed a felony, known as burglary.""I did it in a holy crusade, sir.""The highwayman on the plains might plead the same necessity.""You know, Colonel Lee, that I am neither felon65, nor highwayman. I am anAbolitionist. My sole aim in the invasion of the South is to free theslave--""At any cost?""At any cost. I see, feel, know but one thing-that you are guilty of agreat wrong against God and humanity. I have the right to interfere66 withyou. To free those whom you hold in bondage67.""Even though you deluge68 the world in blood?""Yes. That is why I am here. I have no personal hate. No spirit ofrevenge. I have killed only when I thought I had to. I have protectedyour citizens whom hold as prisoners.""You had no right to take those men prisoners."Brown ignored the interruption.
"I ordered my men to fire only on those who were trying to stop ourwork.""And yet you placed these pikes in the hands of negroes and gave themoil-soaked torches?"Brown threw his hand high over his head as if to waive69 an irrelevantremark.
"I am here, sir, to aid those suffering a great wrong.""And you begin by doing a greater wrong!"The old man pursued his one idea without a break in thought. Lee's wordsmade not the slightest impression.
"This question of the negro, Colonel Lee, you must face. You may disposeof me now easily. But this question is still to be settled. The end ofthat is not yet!""I, too, believe that Slavery is wrong, my friend. Yet surely this isnot the way to bring to the slave his freedom. On pikes to be driveninto the breasts of unoffending men and women! Two wrongs have never yetmade a right."The old man lifted his head towards the hills and a look of religiousrapture overspread his furrowed70 face. His soul's deepest faith breathedin his words:
"Moral suasion is a vain thing, sir. This issue can be settled in bloodalone."The Colonel watched him with a growing feeling of futility71.
"I have taken pains in this interview, Mr. Brown, to clear the way foryour surrender without bloodshed. I cannot persuade you?""Upon what terms?""Terms?""I said so, sir."The Colonel marveled at his audacity72. Yet he was in dead earnest. Hissuggestion was not bravado73.
"The only possible terms I can offer I suggested in my first message. Iwill protect you and your men from this infuriated crowd and guaranteeyou a fair trial by the civil authorities.""I can't accept," Brown answered curtly74. "You must allow me to leavethis place with my men and the prisoners I hold as hostages until Ireach the canal locks on the Maryland side. There I will release yourcitizens, and as soon as this is done your troops may fire on us, andpursue us.""Such an offer is a waste of words. You must see that further resistanceis useless.""You have the numbers on us, sir," Brown answered defiantly75. "But we arenot afraid of death. I'd as lief die by a bullet as on the gallows76. Ican do more now by dying than by living. I came here to destroy theinstitution of Slavery by the sword--"Lee's answer came with clean-cut emphasis.
"The law which protects Slavery is going to be repealed77 in God's owntime. I am, myself, working toward that end as well as you, sir, and theend is sure. But at this moment the Constitution of the United Statesto which we owe liberty, justice, order, progress, wealth and power,guarantees this institution. Until its repeal78 it is my duty and it isyour duty to obey the law. Will you submit?"Brown's answer came like the crack of a rifle.
"The laws of the United States I have burned in a public square, sir.
The Constitution is a covenant79 with Death, an agreement with Hell. Iloathe it. I despise it. I spit upon it--"Lee lifted his hand in gesture of command.
"That will do, sir!"He faced Stuart with quick decision.
"Take him back to his men and give the signal of assault.""Good!"Stuart turned to Green.
"I'll wave my cap."Stuart led Brown through the gate to the Engine House.
Lee summoned Green.
"Your troops are raw men, I understand.""They have never been under fire, sir. But they're soldiers--neverfear.""All right. We'll put them to the test. Assault and take the EngineHouse without firing a shot. No matter how severe the fire on you, wemust protect our citizens held inside. Use the bayonet only. Give eachof your twelve men careful instructions. When fired on, they must notreturn that fire!"Green saluted and passed to the head of his detail of twelve men. Ashout from the boys in the tree tops was the signal of Stuart's return.
"Watch that crowd," Lee ordered the sentinel. "Use the reserves to holdthem out of range."Stuart returned with his eyes flashing.
"Ready, sir!""Give your signal."Stuart stepped into the open, and waved his cap.
Green's detail of twelve men, the commander at their head, rushed to theEngine House with a shout. The crowd of two thousand people answeredwith a roar.
A volley rang from the besieged80 and a moment's silence followed. Theirfirst shots had gone wild and not a marine had fallen. They had reachedthe door and their sledge hammers were raining blows on its solidtimbers. An incessant81 fire poured from the portholes which Brown had cutthrough the walls. The men were so close to the door his shots were noteffective.
Brown ordered one of his prisoners, Captain Dangerfield, a clerk of theArmory Staff, to secure the fastenings. Dangerfield slipped the bolts totheir limit and stood watching his chance to throw them and admit themarines.
Brown ordered him back. He retreated a few feet and watched the bolts,as the blows rained on the door.
Stuart had slipped into the fight. He called to Green.
"The hammers are too light. There's a big ladder outside. Get it and useit as a battering82 ram46."With a shout the marines seized the ladder, five men on a side, anddrove it with tremendous force against the door. The first blow shivereda panel.
Brown ordered the fire engine rolled against the door. Dangerfieldsprang to assist. He slipped the bolt out instead of in! The next rushof the ladder drove the door against the engine, rolled it back a footand made a small opening through which Lieutenant Green forced his way.
The marines crowded in behind him. Green sprang on the engine with drawnsword and looked for Brown. A shower of bullets greeted him. Yet themiracle happened. Not one touched him. He recognized Colonel Washington,leaped from the engine and rushed to his side.
On one knee, a few feet to his left, knelt a man with a carbine in hishand pulling the lever to reload.
Colonel Washington waved his arm.
"That's Osawatomie."The Lieutenant sprang twelve feet at him. He gave a quick underthrustof his sword, struck him midway of the body and raised the old mancompletely from the ground. He fell forward with his head between hisknees. Green clubbed his sword and rained blow after blow on his head.
The men who watched the scene supposed that he had split the skull83. Yethe survived. Green's first sword thrust had struck the heavy leatherbelt and did not enter the body. The sword was bent84 double. The clubbedblade was too light. It had made only superficial wounds.
As the marines pressed through the opening the first man was shot dead.
The second was wounded in the face. The men who followed made shortwork of the fight. They bayoneted a raider under the engine and pinnedanother to the wall.
The fight had lasted but three minutes.
Brown lay on the ground wounded. His son, Oliver, was dead. His son,Watson, was mortally wounded. All the rest were dead or prisoners, saveseven who made good their escape with Cook and Owen Brown into the hillsof Pennsylvania.
Colonel Lee entered the Engine House and greeted Washington.
"You are all right, sir?""Sound as a dollar, Colonel Lee. The damned old fool's had me pennedup here for two days. I'm dry as a powder horn and hungry as awolf. Nothing to eat, and nothing to drink, but _water out of ahorse-bucket_!"Green faced his Colonel and saluted. He glanced at the prostrateprisoners.
"See that their wounds are dressed immediately. Give them good food, andtake them as quickly as possible to the jail at Charlestown under heavyguard. See that they are not harmed or insulted by the people."Lee turned sadly to his friend.
"Colonel Washington, the thing we have dreaded85 has come. The first blowhas been struck. The Blood Feud86 has been raised."
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
marine
|
|
| adj.海的；海生的；航海的；海事的；n.水兵 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
militia
|
|
| n.民兵，民兵组织 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
arsenal
|
|
| n.兵工厂，军械库 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
barricaded
|
|
| 设路障于，以障碍物阻塞( barricade的过去式和过去分词 )； 设路障[防御工事]保卫或固守 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
barricade
|
|
| n.路障，栅栏，障碍；vt.设路障挡住 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
lieutenant
|
|
| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
den
|
|
| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
squad
|
|
| n.班，小队，小团体；vt.把…编成班或小组 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
rumors
|
|
| n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
stiffened
|
|
| 加强的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
saluted
|
|
| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
invaders
|
|
| 入侵者，侵略者，侵入物( invader的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
invader
|
|
| n.侵略者，侵犯者，入侵者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
ragged
|
|
| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
wagons
|
|
| n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 )；铁路货车；小手推车 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
kin
|
|
| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
strictly
|
|
| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
spike
|
|
| n.长钉，钉鞋；v.以大钉钉牢，使...失效 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
inter
|
|
| v.埋葬 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
rivets
|
|
| 铆钉( rivet的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
fanatic
|
|
| n.狂热者，入迷者；adj.狂热入迷的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
farmhouse
|
|
| n.农场住宅（尤指主要住房） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
armory
|
|
| n.纹章，兵工厂，军械库 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
truce
|
|
| n.休战，(争执，烦恼等的)缓和；v.以停战结束 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
parley
|
|
| n.谈判 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
musket
|
|
| n.滑膛枪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
savage
|
|
| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
sledge
|
|
| n.雪橇，大锤；v.用雪橇搬运，坐雪橇往 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
spoke
|
|
| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
clemency
|
|
| n.温和，仁慈，宽厚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
quell
|
|
| v.压制，平息，减轻 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
disturbances
|
|
| n.骚乱( disturbance的名词复数 )；打扰；困扰；障碍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
conspiracy
|
|
| n.阴谋，密谋，共谋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
drench
|
|
| v.使淋透，使湿透 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
cordon
|
|
| n.警戒线，哨兵线 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
beckoned
|
|
| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
bloodiest
|
|
| adj.血污的( bloody的最高级 )；流血的；屠杀的；残忍的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
depressed
|
|
| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
prelude
|
|
| n.序言，前兆，序曲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
inevitable
|
|
| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
bristling
|
|
| a.竖立的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
dangling
|
|
| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
ram
|
|
| (random access memory)随机存取存储器 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
constructive
|
|
| adj.建设的，建设性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
aristocrat
|
|
| n.贵族，有贵族气派的人，上层人物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
Christian
|
|
| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
tragic
|
|
| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
astounding
|
|
| adj.使人震惊的vt.使震惊，使大吃一惊astound的现在分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
poise
|
|
| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
poised
|
|
| a.摆好姿势不动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
vibrant
|
|
| adj.震颤的，响亮的，充满活力的，精力充沛的，(色彩)鲜明的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
metallic
|
|
| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
garrison
|
|
| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
conceal
|
|
| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
snarled
|
|
| v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的过去式和过去分词 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
clinch
|
|
| v.敲弯，钉牢；确定；扭住对方 [参]clench | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
curiously
|
|
| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
intake
|
|
| n.吸入，纳入；进气口，入口 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
throb
|
|
| v.震颤，颤动；(急速强烈地)跳动，搏动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
confiscated
|
|
| 没收，充公( confiscate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
confiscate
|
|
| v.没收(私人财产)，把…充公 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
felon
|
|
| n.重罪犯；adj.残忍的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
interfere
|
|
| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
bondage
|
|
| n.奴役，束缚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
deluge
|
|
| n./vt.洪水，暴雨，使泛滥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
waive
|
|
| vt.放弃，不坚持(规定、要求、权力等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
furrowed
|
|
| v.犁田，开沟( furrow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
futility
|
|
| n.无用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
audacity
|
|
| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
bravado
|
|
| n.虚张声势，故作勇敢，逞能 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
curtly
|
|
| adv.简短地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
defiantly
|
|
| adv.挑战地，大胆对抗地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
gallows
|
|
| n.绞刑架，绞台 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
repealed
|
|
| 撤销，废除( repeal的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
repeal
|
|
| n.废止，撤消；v.废止，撤消 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
covenant
|
|
| n.盟约，契约；v.订盟约 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
besieged
|
|
| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
incessant
|
|
| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
battering
|
|
| n.用坏，损坏v.连续猛击( batter的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
skull
|
|
| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
bent
|
|
| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
dreaded
|
|
| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
feud
|
|
| n.长期不和；世仇；v.长期争斗；世代结仇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |