The Mine by Lars D. H. Hedbor

Author:Lars D. H. Hedbor [Hedbor, Lars D. H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: connecticut, american revolution, prisoners of war, old new-gate prison, copper mine, nail making, pows
ISBN: 9781942319368
Publisher: Brief Candle Press
Published: 2020-03-27T07:00:00+00:00

Alec watched from his station at the forge, waiting for the bellows to drive the first heat of the morning as Thomas spoke with Jonas, his head held low, deferential. Jonas looked up at Thomas, his expression at first skeptical, and then suspicious. He asked Thomas something, and the prisoner answered quietly.

Jonas gestured toward the guardhouse, shaking his head. Thomas appeared to answer him, his hands rising in a pleading motion, but Jonas shook his head again and directed Thomas back to his own workstation by the forge.

Thomas caught Alec’s eye and shook his head minutely. There would be no cover story for men’s hands getting dirtied and bruised by labor under the earth.

Alec sighed and checked the heat on the forge. He didn’t know what form Charles’ response would take, but he was certain that the brusque, ruthless man would not hesitate to take matters into his own hands.

Just before midday, the work at the forges was disrupted by a visitor, welcomed through the main gate by Jonas. Alec’s father entered the walled compound, and Alec was overcome with joy to see the man again so soon.

Ignoring Gad’s scowl, Alec nodded at Jonas with a grin as the guard waved him to the gate to greet his father.

This time opting for a more dignified handshake, Alec said, “Thank you for coming so quickly upon receiving my letter, sir.”

“I could do no other thing,” his father said, drawing Alec into an embrace.

So much for remaining dignified.

When his father stood back, holding Alec by the shoulders and examining him, Alec said, uncomfortably, “I am not much changed since last you saw me.”

“That may be,” his father replied, “but I should like to reassure myself of that. The labor of working at the forge is broadening your shoulders from those of a boy into your proper adult stature. There is something new in the way you regard the world, too, that I’ve not seen before.”

He released his son, and the two of them walked toward the guardhouse together, mindful of the glances of guards and prisoners alike. Alec’s father said, “I hope that my presence here does not cause you difficulty once I depart.”

“Nay, it gives them something to speculate upon, and me something to think on, without fail.”

His father nodded. “Well, let me give you something to think on, then, since you said that you wished to discuss the matter of Miss Landry in person.”

“Aye, I did.”

It occurred to Alec, though he did not give voice to his thought, that he had hoped thereby to forestall any such discussion until a time when it would be but academic, with Miss Landry safely married off to a more likely suitor.

“I have spoken with Miss Landry’s father, and he has acquainted me with certain facts that I feel obligated to pass along to you, that you may include them in your considerations.” Alec’s eyebrow went up, but he said nothing, and his father continued.

“First, there is the question of Miss Landry herself. If

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