Chapter 12

It was now nearly noon. The sun was high and warm, and the plantation was quiet. There were very few workers on the grounds or in the house. Miguelito had deliberately cut the number of people on the plantation to the fewest needed by emancipating most of the slaves. He didn't announce that to any of his visitors. Johnson had been complicit in Tipton's refusal to spread word about the proclamation.

Miguelito didn't need the high staffing anymore. He sent most away with some coins in their pockets and a kind speech.

The poor wretches were so grateful. The few who remained are happy to take a little more coin to help us pack. This place will be a ghost mansion tomorrow.

Now, to get rid of Johnson, or get him to escort me as far as he can. Got to shore up his courage, too. The last thing I needed was a government agent showing up today, two government agents; what in the world are the English doing here?

The minute Agent West identified himself, things crumbled.

"Agent Fogg of England and I are investigating the League of Darkness," Agent West said. "It is an anarchist movement from Europe. It's trying to gain a foothold here in America now that the European's are chasing them out. If you value your career, Captain, I suggest you reconsider your alliance."

Captain Johnson looked shaken. "Commander Tipton told me this was a militia group from the northeast. They had come here to watch the southern plantation owners while the doctor conducted crop research. Tipton just asked that I help protect them from the local plantation owners."

I saw him wavering, the coward. I had to step in.

"What might or might not be happening to the League chapters in Europe means nothing here, Agent West," I said, breaking into his speech. "Captain, Commander Tipton told you what we are here for. My part is crop research and the retraining of former slaves, nothing more. His militia is, well was, a union outfit, not some anarchist group. All that is beside the point now, ruined by the yellow fever outbreak. I had to take over everything when Tipton died. Without the funding he had, it's all ended. All the slaves have been given their last wages except the ones helping me pack. I was about to tell you about that and end your services when we were interrupted. You have done nothing wrong in protecting a peaceful business enterprise."

"These men," I said, moving to the prisoners with open hostility, "are trying to confuse you."

I then turned to the Englishmen, seeing an easy target to pin accusations on.

"I think this man is trying to pull America into his own country's problems. I spent several years in Europe before and during the war. England wanted America broken up. Did you know England has been after Texas? They planned to add Texas to the British Empire before Texas accepted annexation?"

"That's preposterous," Fogg had said.

"No, it is not!" I shouted. "It is part of why President Johnson has sued England for supplying the Confederacy, and for trying to take over this state. I think this is just a ploy to wiggle out of that suit. They are trying to make my work here into some conspiracy to save America from. Well, I'm not going to be made a pawn of by England or anyone else. I say you question him about what England's real motives are."

I knew Captain Johnson had heard the rumors about England's wanting Texas before annexation. Everyone knew England was supplying the blockade-runners with weapons. The sot is just biased enough against foreigners to believe me. And the way the dandified Englishman had just stood there looking as arrogant as all hell helped.

"Corporal Hennessey!" Johnson said. "Take this man to the kitchens and question him about this. I'll expect a report in an hour."

As the Englishman was forcibly led away, the captain turned to me for help to deal with the other prisoner. "Take this one away, too," I ordered. "Upstairs to the first room on the left; tie him good. The bedstead in there is heavy route iron. That will hold him until I can question him. Until then, I must finish the packing. I want to be on the road by tomorrow morning."

Captain Johnson nodded to his men to do my bidding. When Agent West was gone, the coward turned to me and actually thanked me for not telling about his part in keeping the slaves here.

"What do we do about him?" Johnson said, wringing his hands like an old maid.

"Leave that to me," I told him. "The Englishman may have him duped. I think questioning him and trying to reason with him will be better than using physical force. The Englishman deserves it, though. Coming here, getting a government agent confused enough to threaten an army officer. It's uncalled for. Leave it all to me."

I went to the whisky canister and refilled the officer's glass. "I'm so sorry this has upset you. Leave it to me. You have a pleasant drink. Have your men bunk down for the night around the barn. I'll give you the last of your pay after dinner. My apologies, but I can't offer the usual hospitality. I don't have the kitchen staff for a banquet. Supper will be a simple affair, just us and Helen. I bet she would love to play some sonatas for you."

"Miss Helen has always been kind," Johnson said, tossing down half his glass.

I moved the decanter within his reach. "I will see you again at supper."

On the other side of the door, Miguelito's goodbye smile turned to a grimace.

He'll be sloshed by supper. Might have to have him carried to his tent.