The Crossing by Winston Churchill
page 210 of 783 (26%)
page 210 of 783 (26%)
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"Name o' Skene, from Pennsylvanya," said the man, "and by the Lord God ye
shall have the fort." "You looked for us?" said Clark. "Faith, never less," said the Pennsylvanian. "The one sentry is at the main gate." "And the governor?" "Rocheblave?" said the Pennsylvanian. "He sleeps yonder in the old Jesuit house in the middle." Clark turned to Tom McChesney, who was at his elbow. "Corporal!" said he, swiftly, "secure the sentry at the main gate! You," he added, turning to the Pennsylvanian, "lead us to the governor. But mind, if you betray me, I'll be the first to blow out your brains." The man seized a lantern and made swiftly over the level ground until the rubble-work of the old Jesuit house showed in the light, nor Clark nor any of them stopped to think of the danger our little handful ran at the mercy of a stranger. The house was silent. We halted, and Clark threw himself against the rude panels of the door, which gave to inward blackness. Our men filled the little passage, and suddenly we found ourselves in a low-ceiled room in front of a great four-poster bed. And in it, upright, blinking at the light, were two odd Frenchified figures in tasselled nightcaps. Astonishment and anger and fear struggled in the faces of Monsieur de Rocheblave and his lady. A regard for truth compels me to admit that it was madame who first found her voice, and no |
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