removed from his leg by Keen several years before in London. 'The man's body was discovered today in the ruins of the rebel powder house that blew up last evening. If this van Clynne was a rebel, then he alerted the rabble and had the man killed.'
'But if he is truly a member of the Secret Department, you would expect him to have killed the man, and blown up the powder stores in the process. It would be his duty if the fellow stood in his way.'
'There is something in my soul that weighs the first possibility as much greater than the second,' said Bacon. 'Or I would not have called you. I have learned to trust my suspicions, and act on them.'
'A difficult problem, indeed.' Keen's hand reached involuntarily for the flask of wine on the table next to him. He caught himself but took up the bottle anyway, ignoring Bacon's ironic smile — the general would be congratulating himself on knowing the limits of his underling's willpower. 'Where was this Dutchman going?'
'He said back to Burgoyne, though of course that might be merely a cover story. He couldn't divulge his mission, even to me.'
'Assuming he's authentic.'
Bacon shifted in his chair, then looked back out the window of his study into the blackness of the night. Unlike Keen, he longed to return to England; he longed to be truly recognized and acknowledged. But he had even less chance than the doctor of seeing his native shores again.
'I want you to locate him and settle this for me,' Bacon said without changing his gaze. 'Find his assistant as well, Gibbs.' 'And if they are rebels?' 'I would think they have much information that would be useful. Your methods of extraction would be called for.' 'Naturally.'
'After that, Gibbs should be killed outright, as long as it can be done in a painful manner. But this Dutchman — to impersonate a member of the Secret Department is not something that can be punished by simple death.'
'There is a venom of a snake found at the tip of South America I have long wished to experiment with,' said Dr. Keen. 'It can be used to paralyze portions of the body quite selectively. I know of no antidote.'
'Your first target should be the man's tongue. He talks enough for a shire's worth of parsons.'
'Perhaps we should experiment on him, regardless of his allegiance.'
Bacon's expression did not change. 'I would not want a member of our department harmed. But if he met with an unavoidable accident, well, even that would be understandable, depending on the circumstance.'
Keen nodded.
'If they are what they say, I would not like anything to happen to our Dr. Gibbs. I would consider recruiting him myself — he has a sharp mind.'
Bacon gave Keen a brief but precise description of both men, their weapons, and their clothes, then turned back to his desk. He reached into a bottom desk drawer, where he retrieved a small wooden case. Using a key that hung from around his neck, he opened the box and removed a thin, ruby-hilted knife, his fingers caressing the gem gently before laying it on the desk.
'You are to leave immediately,' said the general.
'I would be comfortable doing nothing less.'
Chapter Five
From the instant on the porch when Busch pocketed his pipe, there was little doubt in Jake's mind that he would forgo his chance at a full night's sleep and keep his appointment with the Tory. While Busch's questions regarding the chain may not have been related to any specific plot against it, the importance of the waterborne defense meant no chance could be taken. Besides, an opportunity at smashing a traitors' nest was not presented on such an attractive platter every day. Jake recognized in the man's smooth manner a particular ability that could do the Americans great harm if not quickly checked.
He realized, however, there was a chance this small detour could delay his moving on to Albany and General Schuyler, who was awaiting word on Howe's intentions. Not to mention the fact that there is always a possibility in secret operations for misfortune, and even if Jake were to consider this night's mission but the light amusement of a few sleepless hours, precautions must be taken.
And so he pressed upon van Clynne the importance of his continuing on to Albany in the morning, with or without him.
'On what grounds am I being abandoned? Have I not done good service?' demanded the Dutchman, standing in the middle of the upstairs bedroom where Jake and he had been led. 'Who helped you escape New York City?'
'As I recall, it was the Sons of Liberty. You spent the passage sleeping.'
'I had been knocked unconscious, sir, having taken a blow in the line of duty. My head, as it were, was put to an important use by the Cause, diverting a villain's attention. Undoubtedly my intervention saved you, and this is the thanks I get — to be cast aside like an unwanted scrap.'
Van Clynne had taken off his breeches and hose, and stood before Jake in his shirt and a pair of brilliant red drawers. These last were a rather remarkable item, as they included not merely a portion to cover the legs, but extended to the chest as well; a hibernating bear was not so warmly covered. But we will leave the fashion discussion to others more versed in the science.
'I'm not abandoning you, Claus. Someone has to go on and deliver the message to Schuyler that we have accomplished our mission.'
'While you stay here and take all the glory. Surely, sir, I deserve better treatment. My competence is beyond question.'
'Who questioned it?' Jake turned to the small stand where he had set the candle, and blew it out. It was not quite midnight, and he intended a brief nap for refreshment. 'When you leave in the morning, take the Post Road north. Don't delay. I should catch up with you by Fishkill, or perhaps Rhinebeck.'
'We're an inseparable team,' protested van Clynne. 'I thought you intended on seeing your good friend General Putnam on the way.'
'I'll see the general soon enough,' said Jake, lying back on the bed. Except for his boots and outer coat, he was fully dressed, and had his loaded pistol in his right hand — he hated to be surprised while sleeping.
'I was hoping you would introduce us.'
'So you can arrange a sale of supplies?'
'And what would be wrong with that?' asked the Dutchman indignantly. 'The Cause is suffering — the condition of the soldiers in this neighborhood is shameful. Surely we must all do our part. Those of us blessed with special gifts for the acquisition of needed supplies would be doing a tremendous disservice to — ' 'Quiet now, I want to catch a few winks of sleep. And try not to snore tonight, will you?' 'I don't snore, sir,' blustered van Clynne, removing his shirt. 'I am a Dutchman and a fervent patriot.' 'Who never let profit come between him and his country.' 'Just so, sir, just so, though you meant the words in jest. Enterprise is critical to the survival of our freedom.'
'I'll catch you on the Post Road,' said Jake, 'and if I miss you I'll just ask after the best beer in the country.'
'You will easily be led astray. And then our arrangement will be forgotten,' said van Clynne.
For perhaps the only time since they had met — many days' worth of severe difficulties and harrowing dangers, to be sure — Jake detected true fear in the Dutchman's voice. Besides his patriotism, van Clynne's strenuous efforts on behalf of the American Cause were motivated by the hope that they might win him the return of his family estate, which had been stolen years before by an English usurper. 'Don't worry about your property, Claus. I'll make a full report to General Washington on your behalf.' 'The matter is urgent,' said van Clynne. 'Especially as I intend on marrying.' 'Congratulations,' said Jake, closing his eyes firmly. 'Now get into bed and be quiet.'
'There is no need, sir, to play the enthusiastic reveler,' said van Clynne. 'I know you are only trying to find my good side. Besides, we have made no formal announcement of our intentions. Your congratulations are
