Son of the Revolution Read Online Free PDF

to the ground. He had guessed correctly. These were hooligans who had set upon the company in a surprise attack.
    The major scrambled back onto his horse and began shouting orders. The men rallied and soon the ragged group of evildoers scattered, riding toward the west.
    Taking stock of the situation, the major assigned the able-bodied to take care of the wounded. “We’re only a short distance from Charleston, men. We’ll find food and medical attention there. We must go on. Our troops fighting along the coast need our help.”
    “I owe you my life, Private Fields,” the major said as he approached Caleb. “I do know a good man when I see one. Now, what’s happened to Corporal Larkin?”
    “He’s hit, major. It’s his shoulder and it’s bleeding pretty bad. He’s hidden near those bushes yonder. Will you take a look?”
    When they reached the wounded boy, the major examined Seth’s shoulder. “Corporal Larkin, that shoulder doesn’t look good. I’ll send Brown to see what he can do, but if I’m correct you live near Charleston, don’t you?”
    “Yes, sir,” Seth nodded, wincing in pain. “We live about an hour outside the city.”
    Thinking for a moment, the major spoke. “Larkin, I’m proposing Private Fields here ride home with you. He’ll see you get there. After that, he’ll rejoin us. You’ll have to let that shoulder heal, but when you’re ready, you’ll have a place with us.” He patted Seth’s good shoulder.
    “You’re in charge, Fields.” The major saluted the two young men. “Take care and God bless you both.”
    When Corporal Brown appeared, he set his cloth carryall down and examined Seth’s shoulder. “You’re lucky, lad. The bullet went through clean, front to back.” Brown cleaned the wound and sprinkled it with root powder before wrapping it in the muslin cloths he carried. Rising from the ground where he knelt beside Seth, Brown dusted the grime from his uniform and bid the two farewell as he helped set Seth upon his horse.
    “You boys will make out fine. Ride easy and beware of those ragamuffins. They’re likely to hide along the way. If not them, look sharp for Red Coats.” Lowering his voice, Brown whispered to Caleb. “Better get him to a doctor as soon as possible.” With a snappy salute, the soldier rode out to catch up with his regiment.
    Caleb watched until the corporal disappeared from sight. He looked at Seth. “it’s just us now, my friend. If you’ll kindly direct me, I will see that you reach home and family shortly.”
    “And none too soon,” Seth replied weakly. “A side road will get us there in a few hours.”
    * * * *
     
    The journey lasted more than a few hours. Seth’s face shone paper white beneath the freckles and his wound began to bleed again. Caleb hoped they could make it, and that could happen only if Seth remained conscious to give him directions.
    At last, the countryside gave way to dwellings. Caleb knew the Larkin home must be near. He gently shook the drowsing boy. “Seth, we’re close. Can you tell me how to find your home?”
    With great effort, Seth lifted his head. “Go to the blacksmith’s shop, then turn left. The house sits a distance from the road. You’ll know the entrance by a large magnolia tree. A drive leads up to the house.”
    Caleb tightened his grip on Polly’s reins and followed Seth’s direction. Shortly after seeing the smithy’s place he turned left and spotted the huge tree. He turned down the long drive, and cast a quick glance at Seth, who looked as though he could not stay in the saddle much longer. Just as Caleb prayed to see the house, the plantation loomed up before them in the lowering dusk.
    Caleb jumped from Victory’s back, ran up the tall steps and lifted the heavy knocker. The oak door swung open and a woman stood in the candlelight. “Ma’am, I’m Private Caleb Fields and I have—”
    The woman’s hands flew to her mouth as she looked beyond Caleb, her eyes wide. Caleb turned and