Booth by David M. Robertson

Author:David M. Robertson [Robertson, David M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-307-77386-9
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Published: 2010-12-29T00:00:00+00:00

Booth and I walked together down Pennsylvania Avenue without speaking. Lewis Powell followed behind us. Booth lit another cigar, his second in the past hour, a sign, I thought, of his nervousness. “John, that was very indiscreet,” he said finally. “Weichman is in a position to learn a great deal about our affairs.”

I was still angry about Weichman imposing his company upon us tonight, and, to write honestly, at Booth’s casual announcement to me three weeks ago of his plans to go abroad. “Well, you don’t have to live with him,” I said. “Sleep in the same room with him, and breathe the same air.”

“That’s true,” he said after a brief pause. We continued for several minutes along a dark section of the avenue. I was aware of Booth only by the presence of the glowing embers of his cigar.

He looked behind us to make certain that only Powell followed nearby. Booth then turned to me with a look of gravity about his face that sent shivers down my spine.

“Now, tell me about your travels in Virginia, John, on my behalf. This may be the last adventure we share together, as you can see now why I must escape to Europe immediately after our escapade. I want you to tell me everything.”

I felt perversely pleased that Booth had resumed talking to me, confiding in me on our familiar terms. “Dr. Mudd is willing to help you in any way he can,” I said. “The others along my old courier route are a little less willing. They say they want to know more of your enterprise.”

“They shall know more,” Booth said. “All in due time.” We had reached the commercial section of Pennsylvania Avenue. Despite the late hour, the hotels and saloons around us were brilliantly lit. “And how are the roads leading toward Richmond?” Booth asked in a low voice. “Could you safely escort Miss Ravenel there, and can you provide a way so that I and my party could escape there?”

I think that I then realized for the first time that Booth was literally putting his life and Miss Ravenel’s into my hands. “The back roads from Surrattsville to Richmond are very lightly patrolled,” I said. “I am certain I can get Miss Ravenel across the Rappahannock and safely to your friends at Richmond. And after a few more rides I can tell you in exact detail the route you and your party should take.”

“John, I haven’t been as forthcoming about my plans as I feel I need to be with you. Up to this time, I’ve restrained from involving you too deeply in the historic role I intend to play on the world’s stage. But I can keep you in the shadows no longer.” He glanced at me apprisingly, as if monitoring my every reaction. “You see, I am not planning on escaping to the South alone. In addition to several comrades, I plan to take one other person southward with me.”

“Who is that?” I asked, half hoping and half dreading that Booth would speak my own name.

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