Free Son of the Revolution by June Venable Page B

left standing. The Royal George had sailed and the dock area looked deserted. At this late hour, only the glow of lanterns came from the tavern. The Red Coats had also left the blacksmith’s shop and the gunsmith undamaged. The owners would be of use to them, even under duress.
    As they took stock, light spilled from the tavern doors when several of the king’s soldiers emerged. The men headed for the tents they had erected for the duration.
    The young trio melted into the shadows.
    When the men settled down, the three crept to the smith’s shop and looked toward the jail. A burst of laugher from the tavern told them that still more Red Coats were about.
    As Caleb and Elizabeth stood watch, Seth leaned against a rail fence and took the elderberry wine from the basket. Removing the cork, he poured the rest of the sleeping potion into the bottle and corked it again.
    With that done, it became Elizabeth’s turn. She pulled the hood even closer around her face. Handing her the basket, Seth squeezed her hand. “Be careful, won’t you, Bess? You too, Caleb.”
    As he watched them walk away, Seth called softly. “I’ll whistle if I see anything suspicious.”
    While Caleb and Elizabeth walked toward the prison, Seth stood sentry. When they reached their destination, Caleb stepped to the side of the dark building. Elizabeth, holding the basket in one hand, knocked. Moments later, the heavy jail door swung open and Seth saw his sister vanish inside.
     
     
    TWELVE
     
           Elizabeth stepped into a small room, bare with the exception of a chair and table. A lighted candle, anchored in its own wax drippings, cast eerie shadows on the wall. A musty odor pervaded the area. It seemed to come from everywhere. Perhaps for many years the walls had soaked up the scent of suffering from those locked in the cells beyond this room.
    “Well, miss, what do you want this time of night?” The burly figure, dressed in the uniform of the enemy, confronted her.
    “I am here at my mother’s request. I have food for the prisoners.” Elizabeth held up her basket for the man to see.
    “Am I to understand from this gesture that your mother’s sympathies lie with those who take up arms against the king?”
    “No, sir. On my oath, rest assured we pay homage to good King George. My mother, however, also believes in the brotherhood of man. Friend or foe, she says all are God’s children and need not starve while awaiting their fate. She provides what she can, happy to share with all.”
    “So, she feels sorry for the enemy too? That does not win wars, miss, nor does it sound agreeable with the loyalist’s creed.”
    “Surely you know my father? Doctor Parrish?”
    “Oh…oh, yes.” The guard’s manner changed with her imperious tone and upon hearing a familiar name. “He tends our men, but why did your family send you out alone at this hour?”
    “I’m not alone. Our houseboy waits outside. As you most likely know, my father just left. He was summoned to care for a group caught in a skirmish nearby and my mother fell ill. I am taking her place so she will not have to leave her sick bed. Even though the hour is late, she pressed me to come, saying she knew the guards would act as gentlemen and see that I stayed safe.”
    Elizabeth saw the conflict in the man’s eyes. “However, Sergeant, if we stand here talking, morning will come and she will worry. That certainly will not help her condition. If I am not allowed to do her bidding, it will cause my father displeasure. He encourages her charity. Oh, by the way, before he left he asked that you give his regards to your commanding officer. I’m sure you know they are close friends.”
    “To be sure, miss.” The guard looked anxious now. “Please, let me assist you with your basket.”
    “Thank you. That’s not necessary. Just point the way. Oh, I almost forgot. Father asked that I bring a gift, a token of his appreciation for those who have the task of guarding our