A Young Hero | Page 2

The English troops are advancing against the city yonder, and I am very anxious. I am hoping every day to obtain some news from your father--a letter or a message, to tell me what to do. It is unfortunate that we should be staying here among my people and war to begin."
"Then there is going to be fighting?" cried the boy.
"I fear so, my boy."
"Then I know."
"You know what, Phil?"
"My father will come and fetch me." The old man shook his head.
"He is with his regiment, my child, and could not come away."
The old man stopped short, for the door was suddenly thrown open, and a big, heavy-looking boy of seventeen or eighteen came hurriedly in.
"Some one wants you, Uncle Martin," he cried.
"Yes, quite right," came in a sharp, short, military tone. "That will do, my young friend. Thanks."
The speaker, a tall bronzed personage in plain clothes, strode into the room, held the door open, and signed to the big lad to pass out, which he did slowly and unwillingly, but not before he had heard Phil utter the one word, "Father!" as he sprang forward to fling his arms round the visitor's waist.
"My boy!" was the response. Then to the Doctor, "That's unlucky! But that boy does not understand English?"
The Doctor shook his head.
"I am afraid he does, quite well enough to grasp who you are."
"Tut! tut! tut!" ejaculated the visitor. "But tell me; are there any troops near here?"
"Many, a few miles away," said the Doctor.
"But he is not likely to go and tell them that there is an Englishman here?"
"I hope not. Oh, no; I will see that he does not. Then there is risk in your coming here, my friend?"
"I'm afraid so; but I was obliged to come, Martin."
"But, father, why have you not come in your uniform?"
"Quiet, boy," was the reply; "I have no time to explain. Look here, Martin, old friend; when I agreed that Phil here should come on this long visit with you I had no idea that matters would turn out like this. But there is no time to waste. You must get out of the country as fast as you can."
"With your son?"
"Of course. Get south, beyond the English lines. You understand?"
"Yes. Quite."
"Then now get me something; bread and meat or bread and water--I am nearly starved."
"You'll have dinner with us, father?" cried Phil.
"No, my boy; I must be off at once."
"Oh, father, take me with you," cried Phil, piteously.
"I cannot, my boy. I must get back to my regiment, and at once."
"So soon?" said the old Doctor, sadly.
"Yes, so soon. If it got about that I was here I should be seized and shot for a spy."
"Father!" cried Phil, clinging to him.
"But I am not going to be caught, nor shot neither, my boy," cried the Captain, raising him on a chair so that they stood face to face.
"And you'll take me with you, father?"
"Impossible, boy. Come, be a man. You shall join me soon, but I cannot take you with me. Dr Martin will bring you."
"But, father--"
"Phil, what have I always taught you?" cried the Captain.
"To--to--be obedient."
"That's right. Now, do you want to help me?"
"Yes, father. So much."
"Then listen to all I say. Now, Doctor," continued the Captain, "I have ventured into the enemy's camp--not as a spy, but to see you and my boy. I dare not stay ten minutes before I hurry back to join our people."
"Then the English forces are near?" said the old Doctor, excitedly.
"That is not for you to know or question me upon. It is enough if I tell you that this is no place for my son, and if things go against us you will take him back to England. You promise that?"
"I have promised it, Carleton. I have all your old instructions, and come what may I will deliver him safely into the hands of your relatives and friends."
"I am satisfied, Doctor," said the Captain, huskily, "and I shall go back to my regiment in peace. Now then, the bread and meat I asked for--quick! And you will see that the lad who showed me in does not leave the place till I have been an hour upon my road? I must have that start, for my poor horse is pretty well done up."
The Doctor made no reply, but hurried out of the room, leaving father and son together, when the Captain laid his hands upon his son's shoulders.
"That was all very brave and well done, my boy," he said. "Now I am going away quite at rest about you, for I know that you will do as you have promised."
"Yes, father. But--"
"But what, Phil?"
"Oh, do, pray--pray, take me with you!"
Captain Carleton winced, and his hands tightened upon the boy's shoulders, while his voice sounded husky as he spoke.
"Phil," he