Fighting Marines- Hardy's Challenge Read online

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  Williams did not comment on Hardy’s appetite, he spoke not at all even when he laid down his spoon and rose. The bowl was empty.

  Hardy looked into Williams’ face; it gave nothing away. “Sir?” he asked.

  Williams lifted his hat from the table. “I shall come across at ten in the morning. Have Lieutenant Brooks, Lieutenant Nichols and Sergeant Coffin attend us.” With that he turned and started for the stairs. Laurel followed.

  Hardy waited while the oarsmen pulled the boat from the surf onto the packed sand. Williams rose from the stern and stepped from the boat onto the sand. The man’s face betrayed his lingering illness. He returned Hardy’s salute and said, “Let’s be about it.”

  “Aye Sir,” Hardy replied and fell into step beside Williams. Neither spoke until they entered the camp. Coffin, Nichols and Brooks were waiting beside the table that Hardy ordered set up for the meeting. A canvas awning was rigged to cover the table.

  “May I offer you some refreshments before we begin?” Hardy asked.

  “Later perhaps,” Williams answered.

  “Gentlemen,” Williams began as he pulled a map from the satchel he carried. “We have several tasks before us, the one of constructing a permanent camp here on the island and others that I will brief you on.” He unrolled the map on the table. Coffin and Brooks immediately secured the corners near them.

  “As you can see this is a map of East Florida, West Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. “This,” he said and pointed, “is Amelia Island which has become a haven for smugglers. An illegal trade of British goods has arisen and has our superiors in Washington concerned. The navy has dispatched several gunboats to break up the trade. All of Florida is still technically under Spanish rule. However, there is a growing desire among the farmers and tradesmen in the area to break away from the Don’s rule. Many are also open to rule by Britain. We, are therefore, tasked with assisting the navy and with ascertaining the feasibility of annexing all or parts of the disputed territories. To do this we will be assisting those friendly to the United States who desire annexation. For the foreseeable future, we will patrol a large portion of East Florida. Washington has also tasked us with ridding the area of bandits and the like.” Williams stood erect but kept a hand on the table as if to steady himself.

  “Sir, will you be remaining to direct the patrols?” Brooks asked

  “Yes, I am in overall command of operations. Our complement of marines is to be increased and should be sufficient to carry out all tasks assigned to us. I am promised sufficient funds and material to construct a permanent camp.”

  Hardy asked, “When will the patrols begin?”

  Williams bent over the map, “Tomorrow, you and your men will cross into town and make your way to Amelia Island, shouldn’t take more than two days. I will be leaving on Enterprise this afternoon and will meet you there. I’ve another map marked with the route you will take so you will not need a guide. Lieutenant Nichols will accompany you because you may encounter Spanish patrols. He speaks fluent Spanish and I prefer not to anger the Dons. You will be in uniform and armed with muskets. By now, the news will have circulated of a band of Americans armed with rifles. Best if your patrol is not identified as that band of ruffians. And, I know you purchased pistols for your men, those weapons are not regulation and you will leave them behind with the rifles.”

  “Aye, sir,” Hardy said then asked, “And if the Dons want a fight?”

  Williams answer was sharp, “Avoid it!”

  “Aye, Sir,” Hardy answered.

  Hardy was in a foul mood. He had risen before dawn with an ache in his belly. The following three uses of the chamber pot left him raw. His breakfast burned on his stomach and no amount of water quenched the fire. The gaggle of men waiting inspection soured his mood further. The tall hats were askew; some red plumes were flat. The white britches and cross belts were more red than white. Most of the men’s boots were muddy.

  “Damn your eyes Coffin, can you not turn them out proper?” He said louder and more harshly than he intended.

  Coffin did not reply to Hardy but shouted to the men, “Stand to!”

  The men straightened themselves and jostled into line. Neither Brooks nor Nichols were present.

  Hardy belched; sour acid filled his mouth. He turned his back to the men and said over his shoulder, “Sergeant Coffin have them sorted by the time I return!”

  “Aye, sir!” Coffin answered and grinned to himself. He knew what ailed Hardy.

  Hardy did return, he felt little better. Brooks was in the process of inspecting the men and Nichols stood by his side. Hardy waited for the inspection to be completed.

  Brooks completed the inspection and said sternly, “Sergeant Coffin correct the deficiencies, you have one hour!”

  “Aye, sir,” Coffin replied.

  “A word Lieutenant Brooks,” Hardy said.

  Brooks followed Hardy into the inn and sat when Hardy sat.

  “Have you secured the necessary provisions and the ass?” Hardy asked.

  “Aye, sir and I saw to the packing of the ass myself, pistols and one rifle are under the canvas. I placed the new man Watts to watch over them.”

  “What of the inspection?”

  “All equipment accounted for, weapons cleaned. Rust on three bayonets. Some brass to be shined as well as belts needing whited and boots polished. Decent order for this climate.”

  “I shall leave it to you and Sergeant Coffin. What of Nichols?”

  “I’ve sorted him, should be up to snuff for the patrol. He’s almost no experience leading men and has never been on a patrol. It shows and the men haven’t taken to him as yet.”

  Hardy shifted himself in the chair and burped, “He’ll not be with us long so it matters not.”

  Brooks asked, “Are you well sir?”

  “Bad pork I believe, it’ll past. I shall have some white wine to cleanse and settle my bowels.”

  “Aye,” Brooks answered and asked, “Is there another matter?”

  “No, that’s all. Have you a question?”

  Brooks was hesitant. “Nichols asked about horses?”

  Hardy half-smiled. “What did you tell him?”

  “That you preferred to walk.”

  Hardy laughed.

  “Aye, especially today.” Hardy said and added, “He might be surprised to learn that we were not authorized mounts. Seems in the United States the army rides and the marines walk.”

  The sun disappeared into the canopy of trees more than an hour earlier and the road ahead was becoming murky in the dim light. Hardy had chosen to continue on toward the river despite the lateness of the day. The map had thus far proven to be correct and according to it, the river should be near.

  “How much further Tom?” Coffin asked in a whisper.

  “Not far, perhaps quarter of an hour may be as much as a half,” Hardy answered.

  “Dark in a few more,” Coffin stated.

  “Aye,” Hardy replied.

  The faint flare of a match caught not only Hardy’s attention but also Coffin’s.

  “Pass the word to ready weapons,” Hardy said to Coffin and added, “quietly!”

  “Aye,” Coffin answered and turned to Lieutenant Nichols. “Pass the word, ready weapons!”

  The match went out almost as soon as it had been struck. It was a signal to warn those approaching and to acknowledge their presence.

  Hardy reasoned that there was no trap, an enemy would not betray his location in such a manner. Still, he was wary of the encounter. It would not be the first time such an action had caused him to lower his guard, but he was determined never to let it happen again.

  “Mister Brooks,” Hardy called.

  “Aye, Sir,” Brooks answered from beside Nichols.

  “Hold the men here, Sergeant Coffin and I will approach,” Hardy ordered.

  The light was fading fast and the glow of a cheroot or cigar showed plainly as Hardy neared the man smoking.

  “That’s near enough
!” a voice called from the far side of the road.

  Hardy and Coffin halted.

  “Lieutenant Hardy, United States Marines!” Hardy announced.

  “You be in East Florida, you best go back up the road,” the voice said.

  “Who is making the suggestion?” Hardy asked.

  “Captain Lewis Jackson, East Florida militia,” the man answered.

  “Captain Jackson, may I approach?” Hardy asked.

  “You can, by yourself. Leave that man where he stands. I’ll have him dropped if he moves.”

  Hardy started forward. He did not need to say anything to Coffin; Coffin would have his musket cocked.

  “We mean to camp on this side of the river, if that is agreeable to you,” Hardy stated as he neared Jackson.

  “Why should I allow that?” Jackson asked from the darkness.

  Hardy noted the man with the cigar had also moved behind cover.

  “No need for alarm, we’ve no quarrel with your militia or with the patriots of East Florida. Nor, do we have a quarrel with Spain. Our purpose is only to see that the road is clear of bandits.”

  “Then you may as well return to where you came from, ain’t no bandits here about. We hang em’ as fast as we catch em’,” Jackson said with a laugh in his voice.

  Hardy knew the man was toying with him but he was not going to be the fool. “As you say, there is no need to go further, we will camp and return to Saint Marys at first light.”

  Jackson’s reply came as no surprise. “You’ll not camp here so you best turn yourself about or we will cut you down.”

  “As you wish,” Hardy said and turned on his heel. He whispered to Coffin, “wait till I pass!”

  One step past Coffin, Hardy dove to the sandy road. Coffin fired in the direction Jackson’s voice had come. There was an immediate answering shot, then a second shot. Hardy smiled to himself and rose from the sand.

  “Lieutenant Brooks! Skirmish line!” Hardy shouted.

  “Aye Sir!” Brooks answered.

  The men advanced with muskets at the ready and with the usual jingle and jangle of running men. From ahead came the sound of men splashing through water as they waded the river

  “That done for the two of em,” Coffin said.

  “Aye, as I suspected Captain Jackson was no captain,” Hardy said. “But for safety’s sake we will advance with caution to the river.”

  “Slow advance Mister Brooks,” Hardy ordered.

  “They will be warned,” Coffin said.

  “Aye, we can expect the remainder of our patrol to be without incident, the bandits and smugglers will give us a wide berth.”

  “Mor’s the pity, the lads could do with a tussle. Keep em’ sharp.”

  “Aye, it would but I’d not put them in harm’s way for no good purpose.”

  Hardy put Brooks in charge of setting the watches for the night. The usual bickering began but every man was dogged tired from the day’s march and it soon tailed off. Weeks of inactivity had softened them; the beds in the camp were little more than straw ticks but far more comfortable than sleeping night after night on the ground. More than one man in the camp grumbled and complained of sore feet. The grumbling and complaints were short-lived for as soon as all had eaten they were snoring loudly. Hardy was no exception.

  The night passed without incident. The fires were smoldering coals by first light and only the sentries were awake. Coffin, having been awakened first, shook Hardy. “Dawn soon,” Coffin said.

  “Aye,” Hardy answered and sat up. He yawned and stretched.

  The men busied themselves with getting their breakfast and preparing for the day’s march. Hardy left them to it and walked to the edge of the river.

  “Will we push on?” Coffin asked Hardy while they stood at the river’s edge.

  “I think not, this spot is well used and I see at least three other trails leading away from here. It would serve us to investigate those trails. I fear we shall pass this way on other occasions and I would know as much as possible of what surrounds this spot. We will divide up, Lieutenant Brooks and two men will take the south trail and you will take two men and explore the north. I will take Lieutenant Nichols and two men along the east trail. The remainder of the men will keep watch here and be prepared to lend assistance if called.”

  “How far should we travel?” Coffin asked.

  “Half-hour should be far enough,” Hardy answered.

  “Aye,” Coffin acknowledged.

  “Let us be about it, I shall instruct Mister Brooks,” Hardy said and turned from the river.

  The east trail followed along the river and was for the most part covered by large spreading live oaks. Hardy led the way followed by Nichols. They moved without noise and there was no conversation. The quiet was unsettling.

  They came upon a small clearing with a game trail leading in from the north. Hardy called a halt and checked his watch. It was time to turn back. “We will return, lead the way Lieutenant Nichols,” Hardy ordered.

  The young man looked surprised by answered, “Aye, sir.”

  Hardy fell in behind Corporal Jones who trailed the others.

  After a few minutes, Hardy stopped, Jones looked back and Hardy motioned for him to proceed. The quiet persisted with only the occasional far off squawk of a bird. The others were soon out of sight and Hardy stepped off the trail into the bush. No more than a minute passed until he glimpsed movement. The lad was naked except for a band of cloth around his hips. He carried no weapon and appeared to be a native Indian. Hardy guessed his age as being no more than ten. He let the boy pass.

  Once the boy was out of sight, Hardy stepped back onto the trail and followed after the boy with a quickened pace. He rounded a sharp bend in the trail and was not surprised to see Jones’ back and not the boy. He smiled to himself.

  The others were at the camp by the time Hardy gained the clearing. Coffin came to him straightaway. “Nothing Sir, tracks but nothing more.”

  “Aye, but we were watched,” Hardy said.

  “Aye, I felt their eyes,” Coffin confirmed and asked, “You saw one?”

  “A boy, probably sent to watch and report, crafty little bugger.”

  Coffin grinned, “Native then?”

  “Aye, so we best move with caution from now on. Remember how it was in Egypt that time we hacked through the jungle for a day and a half and thought we alone?”

  “Aye, the buggers came at us with bows, lances and knives. Hadn’t time to raise a musket. Near bout died that day.”

  Hardy did not grin at the memory. “Those people knew every tree and they came at us at their pleasure. We must maintain our guard.”

  “Aye,” Coffin agreed.

  “Rocky bottom covered with sand,” Ellis said as he waded back toward the camp.

  “As I suspected”, Hardy said to Coffin. He turned to Brooks, “We’ll cross in twos.”

  “Column of twos!” Brooks shouted.

  The men began pairing up. Nichols seemed lost and stood over to one side.

  “Vargas bring the ass!” Coffin yelled.

  “You will cross with me Mister Nichols,” Hardy said as he approached the young man.

  “Aye Sir,” Nichols answered.

  “You’ve not much experience away from camps?” Hardy asked.

  “No sir, we had no occasion while I was in school,” Nichols replied.

  “And what sort of school did you attend?”

  “Sandhurst, sir.”

  Stunned momentarily Hardy asked, “England?”

  “Aye sir,” Nichols answered then shyly added, “Only the one term.”

  Hardy faced the young man, “Explain if will you Mister Nichols.”

  Nichols face displayed his discomfort of having to answer. He looked away from Hardy’s eyes for a moment then became ramrod straight and looked into Hardy’s eyes.

  “My grandfather is Brigadier General Nichols and my father is Colonel Nichols both of the Seventy Third Foot. It was their choice that I en
ter the new school and that I follow the family line. It was not my choice,” Nichols said and halted.

  Hardy knew there was more so he said, “And here you are a newly commissioned second lieutenant in the United States Marines. That sir, is no small accomplishment! I dare say you’ve not achieved your status without favors. I would have the whole account Mister Nichols!”

  Anger showed in Nichols face and he blurted, “It is not your affair!”

  “Damn me if it isn’t!” Hardy shouted. Heads turned to listen.

  Hardy snapped at those nearby by waiting to cross the river, “To your front!”

  “There!” Hardy pointed toward the north side trail, “Move your arse!” he commanded Nichols and gave him a push.

  Nichols did not refuse and turned toward the trail.

  Hardy waited until they were well out of earshot before stopping. “Now!” he said.

  “They dismissed me! They threw me out!” Nichols said forcibly with anger.

  “Sodomy?” Hardy demanded.

  Nichols face broke into a grin, he said plainly, “No!”

  The young man’s demeanor changed and he continued. “I was accused of striking an officer, but what I did was restrain his arm. He was beating one of the lads with a cane and I caught his arm mid-strike. His action was that of a bully and I’d not allow him to continue.”

  “And what was the cause of the beating?” Hardy asked.

  “The lad stuttered, just that.”

  “Had the officer struck the boy forcibly before?” Hardy asked.

  “Aye, on several occasions, he was the son of a clergyman, one not fit to wear the King’s uniform so the officer stated.”

  “And instead of hanging, which is the penalty for striking an officer, they packed you off to the colonies?”

  “Aye, it was all hush, hush. The family name and all, they had to do something with me.”

  Hardy nodded. He well understood the dilemma and what was at stake. The master of the school could not bring formal military charges and he could not allow Nichols to remain. Before he could ask the question Nichols answered it.