Valley Forge Read Online Free PDF Page A

men—they have enough to worry about as it is." He took a deep breath. "General Burgoyne fears that we won't be released at all."
    "But it was in the terms of the convention."
    "So were many other things and they haven't been honored either. Gentleman Johnny is very annoyed. He wrote to General Gates about it. There's been no reply."
    "Why not?"
    Skoyles shrugged. "The feeling is that Gates has been overruled by General Washington and by Congress. They won't let us sail away from here because they fear that we'll divert the convoy to New York and join our army there. It's certainly what General Howe would want. My guess is that he's written to General Burgoyne to that effect."
    "Did Gentleman Johnny confirm that?"
    "He gave us a vague hint—nothing more. But it's obvious that General Howe needs reinforcements in New York now that he's moved the bulk of the army to Philadelphia."
    Caffrey was upset. "So there's
no
chance of us going home?"
    "Only a very slim one, Tom."
    "They can't keep us here forever."
    "No," said Skoyles. "Including those that live here, there's seven thousand of us in a town that can barely support a third of that number. I reckon that they'll move us out before long."
    "Where to?"
    "Another prison camp."
    "Is that what the other officers believe?"
    "They talked of nothing else over dinner."
    "I can see why you didn't enjoy your meal," said Caffrey.
    "It stuck in my throat."
    "So what are you going to do about it, Jamie?"
    "The only thing I can do—escape."
    "You tried that once before."
    "We'll be more careful this time, Tom."
    "We?"
    "Elizabeth is eager to come with me."
    "Is she still sharing a room with old Red Hazel's wife?"
    "Baroness von Riedesel has been very kind to her," said Skoyles, "but their hosts begrudge every morsel of food they give them. It's a daily ordeal. Elizabeth is dying to leave."
    "I daresay she wants to put distance between herself and Major Featherstone as well. Her betrothal to him turned sour."
    "That was his doing, Tom."
    "Serves him right for setting those two men on you."
    As his dislike of Skoyles had grown, Harry Featherstone had paid two Canadian axmen to assault the captain. Fortunately, Skoyles was forewarned and was therefore able—with the help of Tom Caffrey—to turn the tables on his attackers and give them a good hiding. The incident was one more reason why Skoyles was glad to take Elizabeth Rainham away from his superior officer.
    "Has he given you any more trouble?" asked Caffrey.
    "The major has had the sense to keep out of my way."
    "I don't blame him." He scratched his chin pensively. "This new plan of yours—Is there any hope that it could include me?"
    "You insisted on staying here, Tom."
    "That was before I realized what lying rogues these Yankees were. I want to sail home, not get marched off to some other camp. This war could go on for
years
, Jamie."
    "I think it will," Skoyles agreed. "And I also think that General Washington will do his best to keep us all out of it. That's why I've set my heart on escape. I'm going to join General Clinton in New York."
    "Take me with you."
    "Are you sure that you want to come?"
    "Yes," said Caffrey firmly. "Especially after what I saw today. The men are red raw with anger. They're chafing at the bit. There'll be other riots just like the one at Morland's Tavern. I don't want to spend my time bandaging the casualties."
    "What about Polly?"
    "Where I go, Polly goes as well."
    "Then we'll be glad to have you along, Tom."
    They shook hands on it. Duncan Rennie opened an eye, groaned in pain, then went off into a deep sleep again. Caffrey was sorry for him.
    "There was no call to use a bayonet on him."
    "General Burgoyne will make that point very strongly."
    "The man responsible should face a court-martial."
    "He may well have to do that."
    "Then I'll be called as a witness."
    "I doubt it," said Skoyles. "You won't even be here."
    "Are you saying that we'll have left by then?"
    "I'm certain of it."
    "When do we