George Brydges Rodney

“ When everything had been done that might be, and Allison and McGregor were walking away, the latter said: “I’ve found a feller as is lookin’ fer a good horse. He saw Nat when you rode in this mornin’ an’ he asked no end o’ questions, whar ye lived, how ter git thar an’ said he was thinkin’ o’ buyin’. I ’lowed as how ’twould take a tote o’ money ter buy. Thar goes the identical minion o’ King George, now.”
Rodney looked in the direction indicated. “That knave!” he exclaimed. “I’d never sell Nat to him if I needed the money to buy bread.” ”

“ Rodney Gray and his father, as well as the roan colt and a goodly supply of hay and grain that had been provided for him, were on the levee waiting for the Mollie Able when she turned in for the landing, and Rodney did not fail to notice that in the crowd of lookers-on there was one young fellow who made it a point to keep pretty close to him, although he did not appear to do so intentionally. ”

“ Shortly after he returned to England in bad health. From 1777 to 1779 he commanded the Romney, as flag-captain to his father at Newfoundland. On his return he was appointed to the 32-gun frigate Pearl, in which, cruising near the Azores, he captured the Spanish frigate Santa Monica, of equal force, on 14 Sept. 1779. In December the Pearl sailed with the fleet under Sir George Rodney [q. v.] ”

“ Such a sight, under a splendid sunshine, when the summer sea was only rippled by a gentle breeze, to catch which every inch of canvas was spread to the yard-heads, might make the coldest heart quicken; and it certainly made me think of my mother's wishes, and of old Rodney in his bob-wig and ruffles, scrambling at the head of his boarders, sword in hand, up the carved and gilded side of the Spanish galleon—of Boscawen and Benbow, Captain Cook, and Robinson Crusoe ”

“ He laughed when they told him of their interview with the provost marshal, and, when Rodney declared that he'd like to see anybody treated with so much civility by an officer holding that position in Bragg's army, cautioned them to be careful how they trespassed upon the captain's good nature. The latter was cordial and friendly with everyone who had business with him, but he had a reputation as a fighter, had won all his promotions by his bravery on the field of battle, and had no mercy on civilians or soldiers who were caught disobeying his orders. ”

“ Sir George Rodney remained, from ill health, for some time in England, and the British squadrons on the West India and American stations were engaged chiefly during that time in guarding the Island of Jamaica from the contemplated attacks of the French. Captain Penrose soon taught his new ship’s company to love and trust him as much as the old one had done. The Fame was constantly and actively engaged, and he took good care, as usual, that the weeds should not grow under her bottom.
Billy True Blue was all this time rapidly growing in size and strength, and in knowledge of affairs in general. ”

“ You will remain with me one week longer, but the last week Arthur will need for preparations."
Two weeks later Rodney stood on the pier and watched the stately Etruria steam out into the river. Arthur and his father were on deck, and the little boy waved his handkerchief to his tutor as long as he could see him.
Rodney turned away sadly.
"I have lost a good situation," he soliloquized. "When shall I get another?" ”

“ Jasper Redwood and a friend--it was Philip Carton, his confederate--were walking along Broadway, and their glances fell on Rodney.
"I say, Jasper," said the elder of the two, "isn't that the boy who was in the same store with you?"
Jasper looked, and his eyes lighted up with malicious satisfaction.
"Oho!" he said. "Well, this is rich!"
"Give me a paper, boy," he said, pretending not to recognize Rodney at first. "Why, it's Ropes."
"Yes," answered Rodney, his cheek flushing. "You see what I am reduced to. What paper will you buy?" ”

“ I never thought of such a thing."
"Because if you do, I want to tell you that you can't get it," continued Randolph. "Your father hasn't done half as much for the company as he might have done, and the boy's don't like the way he talks."
"Then let's see the boys help themselves," answered Rodney, as he placed his foot in the stirrup and swung himself into the saddle. "Time will show who is willing to do the most for the success of the Confederacy, your father or mine." ”

“ I like your appearance better than that of the boy I have selected.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“This boy may not prove satisfactory. Call in six days, just before his week expires, and if there is likely to be a vacancy I will let you know.”
“Thank you, sir. You are very kind.”
“I always sympathize with boys. I have two boys of my own.”
This conversation quite encouraged Rodney. It seemed to promise success in the future. If he had probably impressed one man, he might be equally fortunate with another. ”

“ Woods,” said Rodney gratefully.
“You can buy a lot of me when you get rich enough.”
“I will certainly do so, though I am afraid it will be a long time first.”
“You don’t know what good fortune may be in store for you. Did you notice, madam, in which direction the thief went?”
“Yes, I was looking out of the window. He went over the road to the left.”
“That leads to the village. You will see, Mr. Ropes, that I was right about his plans.”
“Don’t call me Mr. Ropes. Call me Rodney.”
“I will. It don’t seem natural to dub a boy Mr. Now, Rodney, follow me.” ”

“ Gray went on, throwing open the door of a box stall and holding out an ear of corn to a glossy, well-conditioned steed which came up to take a bite at it. "While she is strong for secession and very patriotic where other folks are concerned, she don't want any of the members of her own family to go to war. She thinks they are sure to be killed."
"That isn't at all like the women and girls around Barrington," replied Rodney, stepping into the stall and beginning a critical inspection of his new horse. ”

“ Here, for four long days and nights, Rodney was confined. There was nothing by which he could relieve the dreadful wearisome time. He heard no voice save that of the surly jailer, once a day, bringing him a rough jug of water and half a loaf of black bread. He had no books with which to while away the long, tedious hours, nor was there light enough to read, had there been a whole library in the cell.
The first emotions of the boy, when the door was locked upon him, were those of indignation and anger. "Why," said he to himself, "am I treated in this way? They are brutes! ”

“ He is a man of ability, and as he is still in the prime of life, it may be that he will be able to redeem his promises and pay his debts in full, if sufficient time is given him.
“I can get no help or advice from Mr. Fielding,” thought Rodney. “I am thrown upon my own resources, and must fight the battle of life as well as I can alone.”
He got out in front of the Astor House. As he left the car he soiled his shoes with the mud so characteristic of New York streets.
“Shine your boots?” asked a young Arab, glancing with a business eye at Rodney’s spattered shoes. ”

“ The case of the negro-man was immediately called up, but Rodney heard nothing of it. He hid his face in his hands, and wept. A sense of his terrible position flashed upon him, and he could not keep back his tears, or stifle [Pg 121] his sobs. He wept aloud, and felt, though he might not see, that all eyes were turned upon him. His whole frame shook with the anguish of his soul.
Presently a hand was laid upon his, and a head was bent over the bar near him, and a voice addressed him kindly: "Be calm, my boy; there is no good in crying; who is your counsel?" ”

“ But Bill told him that it was time to start and look up a ship, for he had only money enough to last another day. After breakfast they started, and inquired at every place which Bill knew, but without success; no men or boys were wanted.
In the afternoon, Rodney was terribly frightened at seeing his brother-in-law walking along the wharves. He knew in a moment that he had come to New York to search for him; and he darted [Pg 38] round a corner into an alley, and hid himself behind some barrels, till he had passed by. ”

“ Standing by the chaise longue where she lay, he told her so, his auburn head shining among the flowers he carried, like a particularly large chrysanthemum. Then, selecting some empty vases, he sat down on the floor beside her and began to arrange his flowers, while she watched him, at first with surprise, then with growing admiration.
Rodney had no social airs and graces, no parlor tricks. If he had been formally sitting on a chair, holding his hat, he would have been a self-conscious and unhappy young man. ”

“ I must either find Tom and ride the rest of the way with him, or else I must get ahead of him. If I don't do one or the other he will put me into a scrape that I can't work out of."
"Now you stay here and I will go out and snoop around a bit," said
Merrick, when the sound of the hoof-beats could be no longer heard.
"What I am afraid of is that they will leave some of their men to watch
the house."
"Do your neighbors know that you are a Union man?" asked Rodney, as he stepped up and took the horse by the bits. ”

“ Rodney sprang up, his face aflame with eagerness. “Do you mean it, mother?”
“Some one must fight our battles if we are to win. Your father is not here to go to the front, as he would have done had he lived, and––and I feel sure he would like to have the house of Allison represented in a cause he had so much at heart, and I’m afraid I should make a poor soldier, Rodney.” ”

“ He crossed the street and accosted the boy he had tried to injure.
"Good morning, Ropes," he said, examining Rodney's face curiously to see whether it indicated trouble of any kind.
"Good morning!" responded Rodney coolly.
"How are you getting along in your place?"
"Very well, thank you."
"Shall I find you at your pupil's house if I call there some afternoon?"
"Yes, unless I am out walking with Arthur."
"I wonder whether he's bluffing," thought Jasper. "I daresay he wouldn't tell me if he had been discharged. He takes it pretty coolly."
"How long do you think your engagement will last?" ”

“ Rodney was received by Jefferson Pettigrew with open arms.
"Welcome home, boy!" he said. "I was very much worried about you."
"I was rather uneasy about myself," returned Rodney.
"Well, it's all over, and all's well that ends well. You are free and there has been no money paid out. Fred and Otto have done a good thing in ridding the world of the notorious Dixon brothers. They will be well paid, for I understand there is a standing reward of one thousand dollars for each of them dead or alive. ”

“ A long ride like that with hours daily in the open air, will do you good. What do you say to it?”
“I should like nothing better,” replied Rodney, with his eyes sparkling. “Only, how will you get along without me?”
“I have a man in my employ at the mines who will do part of your work, and I will have a general oversight of things. So you need not borrow any trouble on that account. Do you think you can find your way?”
“Give me the general direction, and I will guarantee to do so. When shall I start?”
“Day after tomorrow. That will give me one day for making arrangements.” ”

“ Gray. "What will
our brave people be doing while the hated Yankees are sweeping over us?
Don't you remember our President said the fighting must all be done on
Northern soil?"
"It takes two to make a bargain," said Mr. Gray, quietly.
"That's just what Marcy said," exclaimed Rodney. "That boy is going to get himself into business before he gets through talking. He's Union to the back-bone, and while I was at the academy he didn't hesitate to speak his sentiments as often as he felt like it. If he keeps that up when he gets home his neighbors may take him in hand." ”

“ You do not know the iniquities of business men. I do.”
“I prefer to hope for the best.”
“Just as you please.”
“Have you anything more to say to me?”
“Only that I will figure up your account and see how much money is to come to you out of the check your guardian has sent. You can stay here till Monday; then you will find it best to make new arrangements.”
“Very well, sir.”
Rodney left the room, realizing that Dr. Sampson’s feelings had been changed by his pupil’s reverse of fortune.
It was the way of the world, but it was not a pleasant way, and Rodney felt depressed. ”

“ Nat, do you want to go home?”
Nat pawed the ground twice and whinnied vigorously.
“That’s his way of saying yes, isn’t it, Nat, boy?”
The colt’s answer was to thrust his velvety muzzle caressingly against the lad’s cheek, blinking his large purplish eyes the while.
He was truly a fine animal with breeding in every line, dark bay in colour, with a black stripe running from mane to tail.
Seeing an opportunity, Rodney said: “Mr. Jefferson, may I ask your advice?”
“Certainly you may.”
“I––I’m afraid father made a mistake when he bought our place of old––er Mr. Denham. ”

“ I have no money."
"Well, I will try what I can do for [Pg 122] you," said the young lawyer. "Come out here, and sit by me, and tell me what you are here for."
He led him out of the disgraceful dock, gave him a seat directly in front of the jury, sat down beside him, and asked him to tell him the truth about all the circumstances that led to his imprisonment and trial. Rodney told him truly all that happened from the time of his running away to his arrest. He told him, too, who he was, and who were his relatives in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. He had never spoken of these before. ”