Blockade Runner Read Online Free PDF Page B

instead of one.”
    “An excellent idea! That would certainly answer.” Mr. Pollard was beaming then, and relief came into his face. “Would that be all right with you, Miss Leah?”
    “Oh, yes. I’d be happy to do what I can, Mr. Pollard.”
    They spent some time talking about the arrangements. In the end, Leah and Uncle Silas picked up some clothes, Mr. Pollard got into his buggy, and they followed him to his house. It was a big frame dwelling with four bedrooms. The Pollards’ two children were away at school, so there was no problem having a place to stay.
    Mrs. Pollard, who was in bed, looked very feeble.
    “Now, my dear, you’re going to be all right,” her husband said. “I brought you a fine nurse. You remember Miss Leah Carter from the ball at the Driscolls’.”
    Mrs. Pollard managed a faint smile. “Oh, I couldn’t put you to all that trouble.”
    “Why, it’s no trouble at all,” Leah said quickly. “I’ll be glad to stay with you, Mrs. Pollard.”
    “Yes, and she knows how to feed an invalid too.” Silas smiled. “All kinds of soups and salads and—why, we’ll have you out of that bed by the time your husband gets back, Helen!”
    Mr. Pollard got them settled quickly, and Leah got acquainted with the kitchen.
    At noon Mr. Pollard came to say good-bye. “You saved my life, Leah,” he said gratefully. “I’ll have to make this up to you somehow.”
    He said nothing of his trip, but Leah thought she knew what was on his mind. “You just go ahead and don’t worry a bit about Mrs. Pollard,” Leah said, smiling. “I’ll see that she’s well taken care of.”
    Leah was sleeping soundly when she heard the sound of a horse running at full speed. Sometimes there was traffic on the roads leading into Richmond as soldiers moved by. At times even caissons and guns rumbled past, but this time the galloping horse stopped just outside the house. Instantly she heard footsteps on the front porch and a hard banging on the front door.
    “Who could that be?” she muttered. Throwing on a robe, she went to the door. “Who is it?”
    “I’ve got a message for Mrs. Pollard.”
    Leah hesitated for a moment, then opened the door slightly. “Mr. Pollard’s not here.”
    “I know that!” The man was wearing dusty clothes and had a hat pulled down over his eyes. Reaching into his pocket, he drew out an envelope and thrust it at Leah. “There! I had to ride hard to get here. Will you see that Mrs. Pollard gets it at once?”
    “Yes, I’ll do that.”
    “Thank you, Miss.” The man turned abruptly, jumped off the porch, then leaped on his horse and rode off into the darkness.
    Leah stood holding the envelope, wondering what to do. She closed and bolted the door, then walked down the hall thinking,
She really—if she’ssleeping, I hate to disturb her
. But as she quietly opened Mrs. Pollard’s door, Leah saw that she was awake.
    Stepping inside the bedroom, she said, “Did the rider wake you?”
    “Yes. What is it, Leah?”
    “It’s a message. The man didn’t say his name.” Moving over to the bed she handed the envelope to Mrs. Pollard, who struggled to sit up.
    “Would you hand me my glasses, please, Leah?” Mrs. Pollard placed the glasses on her nose and opened the envelope. She read the message silently, then Leah saw her hand begin to tremble.
    “What is it, Mrs. Pollard? Is something wrong with your husband?”
    “No, but there could be if something isn’t done.” She was very nervous and said, “I’ve got to get out of bed.”
    “Why, you’re too sick to do that! Just tell me. What is it you want done?”
    Mrs. Pollard hesitated. “I don’t know if I should tell you. I’m not supposed to—”
    Instantly Leah understood that the problem had to do with Mr. Pollard’s trip on the blockade runner. “I know about Mr. Pollard’s trip. I haven’t said anything.”
    “Oh, you do!” There was relief in Mrs. Pollard’s face. “Then you’ve got to help me, Leah. Read