178
THE TRIUMPH AT PLATTSBURG
currant wine, miss; it is the right stuff, I'll war'nt it, and a glass or two will make you feel all over quite a different person.
Elinor. You are very kind, but I had rather not.
Landlord. Then here's your health. Help yourself sir, there's not a headache in a hogshead, as the saying is,—Bless me the young women is rather faintish. Lead her into that room and Mrs. Peabody will comfort the poor critur.—
(Exeunt Major and Elinor.)
(Enter Captain Stanley.)
Capt. Stanley. Soldiers, really it is time for you to be upon duty, if you wish to partake of the brilliant achievement that is about to crown his majesty's arms.
Landlord. Now I calculate they had better be off of duty, lest the brilliant achievement turn out like that affair of General Proctor's. You've heard tell on 't, I reckon? If you ha' n't, I'll give you the whole story from first to last.
Capt. Stanley. Pon honor, landlord, you should confine your conversation to gin slings and apple toddy, and such professional topics as you understand, and not hazard an opinion on military matters.
Landlord. Now that beats all nature that Captain Peabody's opinion on military affairs should go for nothing. I reckon, captain, that you are yet to learn that I was a major in the Vermont militia for ten years, and never missed a training day, that my father served under old Ethan Allen and was at the taking of Ticonderoga, and that my son Nathan is a corporal in the sarvice at this present speaking. Rat it, we are a military family, root and branch, and you will find that I can look upon a field of battle with the eye of a soldier though I do not carry a laced coat upon my back.
Capt. Stanley. I will not dispute the judgment of so experienced an officer, but I will lay my honor to a brass farthing that I sup in Plattsburg tonight.
Landlord. An even bet I reckon, and no doubt you will win it, for you will certainly sup there if you have any appetite for supper.
(Cannon.)
Capt. Stanley. Hark! the British fleet is already under weigh. The attack soon begins.—A fine sight that, Landlord.
(Looking out.)
Landlord. Why they do sail trim enough for sartin, but I calculate they'll follow the example set by the squadron on Lake Erie.
(Enter Major McCrea.)
Major. Captain Peabody, my daughter has recovered sufficient strength to walk. Can you direct us the shortest route to the village.
Landlord. That I can for sartin,—but wait a few moments and I'll be your guide, for I guess I may have a little business in that quarter myself.
Capt. Stanley. Ha! what do I see? The fellow who escaped from the mill this morning. This time, however, your Yankee ingenuity shall not avail. Ho, there guards.
Landlord. Why, captain, for sartin you dont want a platoon of red coats to take an unarmed man.
(Stanley approaches [the] Major.)
Major. Stand back, come not within the reach of my arm or you will receive a token that you will remember the longest day you live.
Capt. Stanley. Why, what a ruffian it is. Ho, guards—(Enter soldiers.) seize upon that spy.—
Landlord. No, I reckon you don't. Young man, you forget that I'm the landlord of this inn, that I keep an orderly house, and I'll just inform you that if you are for kicking up a dust here, by zounds I'll be for turning you out neck and heels.
Capt. Stanley. Obey my orders.
Major. Let them come on, Major,[1] I fear not now all that he can do; he has done his worst already.
(Enter Elinor.)
Elinor. My father's voice.—soldiers here —Ah! Stanley.
(Sinks in her father's arms.)
Capt. Stanley. Elinor!—Her father.
Major. Look on me, villain, you know me now, and look here upon the victim of your treachery,—I received you beneath my humble roof in full confidence, my hospitality was extended towards you, and like the serpent that had been warmed into life you spread dismay into my little family.—You stung me to the heart, but the hour of retribution has come.
Capt. Stanley. Confusion!
- ↑ Evidently an error for "Captain."
