As I was feeling vainly for the bolt of the postern, rays of
light suddenly shot my shadow against the door. And next, as I got my
hand on the bolt-head, I felt the weight of another on my shoulder, and a
voice behind me said in English:--
"In the devil's name!"
I gave the one frantic pull, the bolt slipped, and caught again. Then
Colonel Clark's voice rang out in the night:--
"Open the gate! Open the gate in the name of Virginia and the
Continental Congress!"
Before I could cry out the man gave a grunt, leaned his gun against the
gate, and tore my fingers from the bolt-handle. Astonishment robbed me
of breath as he threw open the postern.
"In the name of the Continental Congress," he cried, and seized his gun.
Clark and Kenton stepped in instantly, no doubt as astounded as I, and
had the man in their grasp.
"Who are you?" said Clark.
"Name o' Skene, from Pennsylvanya," said the man, "and by the Lord God ye
shall have the fort."
"You looked for us?" said Clark.
"Faith, never less," said the Pennsylvanian. "The one sentry is at the
main gate."
"And the governor?"
"Rocheblave?" said the Pennsylvanian. "He sleeps yonder in the old
Jesuit house in the middle."
Clark turned to Tom McChesney, who was at his elbow.
"Corporal!" said he, swiftly, "secure the sentry at the main gate! You,"
he added, turning to the Pennsylvanian, "lead us to the governor.
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