The Angel of 1776 - A Novella by Jeffry Hepple

Author:Jeffry Hepple
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 1776, christmas, washington crossing
Publisher: Jeffry Hepple

~ 12 ~

The Americans continued forward in platoon relays on line; one platoon firing and then reloading as the platoon behind marched through their ranks to take new firing positions. Although the Hessians were falling fast, Rall was able to rally a few to form a firing line. Minutes later, when Rall was shot from his horse by an American sharp-shooter, the German soldiers dropped their weapons and surrendered.

It was growing dark when General Mercer tied his horse in front of the Presbyterian Church. Weary to the bone he limped to the doors and pulled them open. The pews were full and everyone turned to stare at him wide-eyed. “I am looking for a boy that I left here. He is about twelve with reddish-blond hair.”

The congregation all pointed to a small door behind the altar.

With a growing feeling of trepidation, Mercer hurried to the door and opened it. At first, he recoiled at the sight and odor of blood, but then he saw Billy kneeling on the floor over a little girl. “What has happened?”

“She was shot,” Billy said. He held up a bullet for Mercer to see. “It must have been a spent round. I was able to remove it easily. I have applied a bandage to the wound. The bleeding has stopped. She is resting comfortably.”

“Is all this blood hers?” Mercer asked in amazement.

“Yes.” Billy bit his lip. “But it looks worse than it is. I think the floor was wet and the blood spread in the water.”

“That must be it. No one could possibly live after losing this much blood.” Mercer squatted and felt the child’s pulse. “Strong and regular.” He looked toward a terrified young couple who were backed into a corner, clinging to each other. “Is this your daughter?”

The man nodded and the woman sobbed.

“From what my young colleague says, and from what I have just observed, I should think she will be fine,” Mercer said. “But someone should get her some clean clothes and blankets. And, she needs to be moved off the floor.”

Neither reacted.

“I am a doctor,” Mercer said. “I promise you that your daughter will recover. But she needs your help now.”

The man and woman looked at him, then at Billy and finally at their child.

Mercer stood up. “Forgive me if my question is rude, but are you mute?”

“No,” the man said.

“Michael told us not to speak,” the woman whispered.

“Who is Michael?” Mercer asked.

“He was terrible and beautiful,” the woman said. She looked at Billy. “May we speak?”

“Of course you may.” Billy stood up. “Forgive us please but we must go. This is General Mercer, and I am quite sure that General Washington has need of him. Please do what he has told you to do and your daughter will recover completely.” He took Mercer’s hand and led him through the church into the cold, night air.

“What was that about someone named Michael?” Mercer asked.

“The goodwife may have had a little too much Christmas pudding and thought that my name was Michael,” Billy said.

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