"Since Mr. Halliburtt is not free in the town, his escape will be more difficult; but I will finish my task, and I promise you, Miss Jenny, that the Dolphin shall not leave Charleston without having your father on board."
"Thank you, Mr. James; I thank you with my whole heart."
At these words James Playfair felt a thrill of joy through his whole being.
He approached the young girl with moist eyes and quivering lips; perhaps he was going to make an avowal3 of the sentiments he could no longer repress, when Crockston interfered4:
"This is no time for grieving," said he; "we must go to work, and consider what to do."
"Have you any plan, Crockston?" asked the young girl.
"I always have a plan," replied the American: "it is my peculiarity5."
"But a good one?" said James Playfair.
"Excellent! and all the ministers in Washington could not devise a better; it is almost as good as if Mr. Halliburtt was already on board."
Crockston spoke6 with such perfect assurance, at the same time with such simplicity7, that it must have been the most incredulous person who could doubt his words.
"We are listening, Crockston," said James Playfair.
"Good! You, Captain, will go to General Beauregard, and ask a favour of him which he will not refuse you."
"And what is that?"
"You will tell him that you have on board a tiresome8 subject, a scamp who has been very troublesome during the voyage, and excited the crew to revolt. You will ask of him permission to shut him up in the citadel9; at the same time, on the condition that he shall return to the ship on her departure, in order to be taken back to England, to be delivered over to the justice of his country."
"Good!" said James Playfair, half smiling, "I will do all that, and Beauregard will grant my request very willingly."
"But," resumed Playfair, "one thing is wanting."
"What is that?"
"The scamp."
"He is before you, Captain."
"What, the rebellious11 subject?"
"Is myself; don't trouble yourself about that."
"Oh! you brave, generous heart," cried Jenny, pressing the American's rough hands between her small white palms.
"Go, Crockston," said James Playfair; "I understand you, my friend; and I only regret one thing-that is, that I cannot take your place."
"Everyone his part," replied Crockston; "if you put yourself in my place you would be very much embarrassed, which I shall not be; you will have enough to do later on to get out of the harbour under the fire of the Feds and Rebs, which, for my part, I should manage very badly."
"Well, Crockston, go on."
"Once in the citadel-I know it-I shall see what to do, and rest assured I shall do my best; in the meanwhile, you will be getting your cargo12 on board."
"Oh, business is now a very unimportant detail," said the Captain.
"Not at all! And what would your Uncle Vincent say to that? We must join sentiment with work; it will prevent suspicion; but do it quickly. Can you be ready in six days?"
"Yes."
"Well, let the Dolphin be ready to start on the 22nd."
"She shall be ready."
"On the evening of the 22nd of January, you understand, send a gig with your best men to White Point, at the end of the town; wait there till nine o'clock, and then you will see Mr. Halliburtt and your servant."
"But how will you manage to effect Mr. Halliburtt's deliverance, and also escape yourself?"
"That's my look-out."
"Dear Crockston, you are going to risk your life then, to save my father!"
"Don't be uneasy, Miss Jenny, I shall risk absolutely nothing, you may believe me."
"Well," asked James Playfair, "when must I have you locked up?"
"To-day-you understand-I demoralise your crew; there is no time to be lost."
"Would you like any money? It may be of use to you in the citadel."
"Money to buy the gaoler! Oh, no, it would be a poor bargain; when one goes there the gaoler keeps the money and the prisoner! No, I have surer means than that; however, a few dollars may be useful; one must be able to drink, if needs be."
"And intoxicate13 the gaoler."
"No, an intoxicated14 gaoler would spoil everything. No, I tell you I have an idea; let me work it out."
"Here, my good fellow, are ten dollars."
"It is too much, but I will return what is over."
"Well, then, are you ready?"
"Let us go to work, then."
"I know it," replied the American, laughing good-humouredly. "By the by, Captain, an important item."
"What is that?"
"If the General proposes to hang your rebel-you know that military men like sharp work-"
"Well, Crockston?"
"Well, you will say that you must think about it."
"I promise you I will."
The same day, to the great astonishment17 of the crew, who were not in the secret, Crockston, with his feet and hands in irons, was taken on shore by a dozen sailors, and half an hour after, by Captain James Playfair's request, he was led through the streets of the town, and, in spite of his resistance, was imprisoned18 in the citadel.
During this and the following days the unloading of the Dolphin was rapidly accomplished19; the steam cranes lifted out the European cargo to make room for the native goods. The people of Charleston, who were present at this interesting work, helped the sailors, whom they held in great respect, but the Captain did not leave the brave fellows much time for receiving compliments; he was constantly behind them, and urged them on with a feverish20 activity, the reason of which the sailors could not suspect.
Three days later, on the 18th of January, the first bales of cotton began to be packed in the hold: although James Playfair troubled himself no more about it, the firm of Playfair and Co. were making an excellent bargain, having obtained the cotton which encumbered21 the Charleston wharves22 at very far less than its value.
In the meantime no news had been heard of Crockston. Jenny, without saying anything about it, was a prey23 to incessant24 fears; her pale face spoke for her, and James Playfair endeavoured his utmost to ease her mind.
"I have all confidence in Crockston," said he; "he is a devoted25 servant, as you must know better than I do, Miss Jenny. You must make yourself quite at ease; believe me, in three days you will be folded in your father's arms."
"Ah! Mr. James," cried the young girl, "how can I ever repay you for such devotion? How shall we ever be able to thank you?"
"I will tell you when we are in English seas," replied the young Captain.
Jenny raised her tearful face to him for a moment, then her eyelids26 drooped27, and she went back to her cabin.
James Playfair hoped that the young girl would know nothing of her father's terrible situation until he was in safety, but she was apprised28 of the truth by the involuntary indiscretion of a sailor.
The reply from the Richmond cabinet had arrived by a courier who had been able to pass the line of outposts; the reply contained Jonathan Halliburtt's death-warrant. The news of the approaching execution was not long in spreading through the town, and it was brought on board by one of the sailors of the Dolphin; the man told the Captain, without thinking that Miss Halliburtt was within hearing; the young girl uttered a piercing cry, and fell unconscious on the deck. James Playfair carried her to her cabin, but the most assiduous care was necessary to restore her to life.
When she opened her eyes again, she saw the young Captain, who, with a finger on his lips, enjoined29 absolute silence. With difficulty she repressed the outburst of her grief, and James Playfair, leaning towards her, said gently:
"Jenny, in two hours your father will be in safety near you, or I shall have perished in endeavouring to save him!"
Then he left the cabin, saying to himself, "And now he must be carried off at any price, since I must pay for his liberty with my own life and those of my crew."
The hour for action had arrived, the loading of the cotton cargo had been finished since morning; in two hours the ship would be ready to start.
James Playfair had left the North Commercial Wharf31 and gone into the roadstead, so that he was ready to make use of the tide, which would be high at nine o'clock in the evening.
It was seven o'clock when James left the young girl, and began to make preparations for departure. Until the present time the secret had been strictly32 kept between himself, Crockston, and Jenny; but now he thought it wise to inform Mr. Mathew of the situation of affairs, and he did so immediately.
"Very well, sir," replied Mr. Mathew, without making the least remark, "and nine o'clock is the time?"
"Nine o'clock, and have the fires lit immediately, and the steam got up."
"It shall be done, Captain."
"The Dolphin may remain at anchor; we will cut our moorings and sheer off, without losing a moment."
"Just so."
"Have a lantern placed at the mainmast-head; the night is dark, and will be foggy; we must not risk losing our way in returning. You had better have the bell for starting rung at nine o'clock."
"Your orders shall be punctually attended to, Captain."
"And now, Mr. Mathew, have a shore-boat manned with six of our best men. I am going to set out directly for White Point. I leave Miss Jenny in your charge, and may God protect us!"
"May God protect us!" repeated the first officer.
Then he immediately gave the necessary orders for the fires to be lighted, and the shore-boat provided with men. In a few minutes the boat was ready, and James Playfair, after bidding Jenny good-bye, stepped into it, whilst at the same time he saw volumes of black smoke issuing from the chimneys of the ship, and losing itself in the fog.
The darkness was profound; the wind had fallen, and in the perfect silence the waters seemed to slumber33 in the immense harbour, whilst a few uncertain lights glimmered34 through the mist. James Playfair had taken his place at the rudder, and with a steady hand he guided his boat towards White Point. It was a distance of about two miles; during the day James had taken his bearings perfectly, so that he was able to make direct for Charleston Point.
Eight o'clock struck from the church of St. Philip when the shore-boat ran aground at White Point.
There was an hour to wait before the exact time fixed35 by Crockston; the quay36 was deserted37, with the exception of the sentinel pacing to and fro on the south and east batteries. James Playfair grew impatient, and the minutes seemed hours to him.
At half-past eight he heard the sound of approaching steps; he left his men with their oars38 clear and ready to start, and went himself to see who it was; but he had not gone ten feet when he met a band of coastguards, in all about twenty men. James drew his revolver from his waist, deciding to make use of it, if needs be; but what could he do against these soldiers, who were coming on to the quay?
The leader came up to him, and, seeing the boat, asked:
"Whose craft is that?"
"It is a gig belonging to the Dolphin," replied the young man.
"And who are you?"
"Captain James Playfair."
"I thought you had already started, and were now in the Charleston channels."
"I am ready to start. I ought even now to be on my way but-"
"But-" persisted the coastguard.
A bright idea shot through James's mind, and he answered:
"One of my sailors is locked up in the citadel, and, to tell the truth, I had almost forgotten him; fortunately I thought of him in time, and I have sent my men to bring him."
"Ah! that troublesome fellow; you wish to take him back to England?"
"Yes.
"He might as well be hung here as there," said the coast-guard, laughing at his joke.
"So I think," said James Playfair, "but it is better to have the thing done in the regular way."
"Not much chance of that, Captain, when you have to face the Morris Island batteries."
"Don't alarm yourself. I got in and I'll get out again."
"Prosperous voyage to you!"
"Thank you."
With this the men went off, and the shore was left silent.
At this moment nine o'clock struck; it was the appointed moment. James felt his heart beat violently; a whistle was heard; he replied to it, then he waited, listening, with his hand up to enjoin30 perfect silence on the sailors. A man appeared enveloped39 in a large cloak, and looking from one side to another. James ran up to him.
"Mr. Halliburtt?"
"I am he," replied the man with the cloak.
"Crockston!" exclaimed Mr. Halliburtt, amazed. "What do you mean?"
"The man who has saved you and brought you here was your servant Crockston."
"The man who came with me was the gaoler from the citadel," replied Mr. Halliburtt.
"The gaoler!" cried James Playfair.
Evidently he knew nothing about it, and a thousand fears crowded in his mind.
"Quite right, the gaoler," cried a well-known voice. "The gaoler is sleeping like a top in my cell."
"Crockston! you! Can it be you?" exclaimed Mr. Halliburtt.
"No time to talk now, master; we will explain everything to you afterwards. It is a question of life or death. Get in quick!"
The three men took their places in the boat.
"Push off!" cried the captain.
Immediately the six oars dipped into the water; the boat darted41 like a fish through the waters of Charleston Harbour.
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1
imprisonment
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| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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broached
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| v.谈起( broach的过去式和过去分词 )；打开并开始用；用凿子扩大（或修光）；（在桶上）钻孔取液体 | |
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avowal
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| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
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interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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peculiarity
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| n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖 | |
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6
spoke
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| 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 | |
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7
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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8
tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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9
citadel
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| n.城堡；堡垒；避难所 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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rebellious
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| adj.造反的，反抗的，难控制的 | |
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cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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13
intoxicate
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| vt.使喝醉，使陶醉，使欣喜若狂 | |
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intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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faltering
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| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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encumbered
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| v.妨碍，阻碍，拖累( encumber的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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wharves
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| n.码头，停泊处( wharf的名词复数 ) | |
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prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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26
eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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27
drooped
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| 弯曲或下垂，发蔫( droop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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apprised
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| v.告知，通知( apprise的过去式和过去分词 )；评价 | |
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enjoined
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| v.命令( enjoin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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enjoin
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| v.命令；吩咐；禁止 | |
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wharf
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| n.码头，停泊处 | |
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strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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glimmered
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| v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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quay
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| n.码头，靠岸处 | |
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deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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38
oars
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| n.桨，橹( oar的名词复数 )；划手v.划（行）( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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39
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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40
embark
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| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
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darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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