Little Spy of Vincennes (Patriot Kids of the American Revolution Book 3) by Geoff Baggett

Author:Geoff Baggett [Baggett, Geoff]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2017-04-04T04:00:00+00:00

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The gates of Fort Sackville stood open. Four French-Canadian militiamen stood vigilant guard nearby. Father Gibault shuffled toward the entrance to the fort. The hem of his brown robe hovered just above the muddy ground. His very large belly jiggled with each step. He carried with him a basket containing a small bottle of wine, a round loaf of communion bread, and a gold drinking cup. Pierre walked one step behind him. The boy carried a rather large basket of food covered with a pale brown linen cloth.

They were a mere ten steps from the fort when one of the Frenchmen confronted them. “Stop! I am sorry, Father, but you may proceed no further.”

“Surely, my child, you will not inhibit the work of a servant of the Lord,” pleaded Father Gibault. “What is your name, boy?”

The young soldier seemed somewhat ashamed. “Alain Dupuis, Father. I apologize, sincerely, but citizens of the village are not allowed inside the fort under any circumstances. Major Hay’s orders.”

“My son, I have come to administer the Sacrament of Holy Communion to the men of this fort. Today is the Sabbath day, after all. It is my responsibility to minister to the men here, no matter their nationality or political allegiances.”

The soldier’s eyes lit up. “We have not received communion for over three months, Father.”

Father Gibault shook his head in an exaggerated gesture of shock and shame. “Just as I suspected. Your commanders departed Detroit without tending to the spiritual needs of their men. I did not even see a humble Brother or Friar among your troops.”

The soldier nodded. “It is true, Father. And a shame it is, too. There are many Frenchmen here who would be most grateful for communion.”

“So, we have ourselves something of a dilemma, do we not? I come to provide the ministry, but your commander will not allow me inside the fort. Do you think, perhaps, that we could make a small exception and beg for special permission for me to enter?”

“What is the boy’s purpose in being here?” inquired the soldier.

“He is merely here to assist me. I have received word that there is a man from Vincennes being held inside the fort under sentence of death. I have brought that condemned man a hot, satisfying meal.”

“Yes, there is a man sentenced to hang on Christmas Day, but I am not sure that the major will allow any special treatment on his behalf.”

“Might you summon an officer, perhaps even Major Hay, himself, so that I can appeal my case directly to his authority?” pleaded Father Gibault.

“Of course, Father. I will fetch someone immediately.”

The militiaman turned and gave brief instructions to his men and then walked quickly into the fort. He followed a path toward the commander’s office. Several minutes later he returned with a British officer.

“I am Major Jehu Hay, commander of the military forces of Vincennes and Fort Sackville. The sergeant has explained to me that you have come to administer Holy Communion to the men.”

“That is, indeed, the truth, Major.

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