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.He had but one alternative; to attempt to dodge the horses’ hooves and carriage wheels.Accordingly, he dropped to the ground, rolling himself into a tight ball, and when the horses passed over him, successfully maneuvered his body between their driving legs, sustaining a fair number of bruises for his efforts.But the worst was yet to come.The carriage was upon him before he was able to roll completely clear and the right wheel grazed his head, reopening the wound suffered during the storm.In minutes it was all over.People on the streets were crowding around him and several soldiers hurried across the street from the Cabildo to help him to his feet.“Are you hurt, sir?” asked one of them, brushing the dirt from his coat.“Looks like a nasty gash on your forehead.Best you see a doctor right away.”“Merci, thank you,” Philippe repeated in English, moving his hand automatically to his pocket.“I am not seriously injured, just shaken.Did you see where that carriage came from?”“No, sir,” replied the soldier.“One minute the street was empty and the next that carriage was headed straight for you.We managed to stop it but no one was inside nor did anyone show up yet to claim it.A mystery, it seems,” he said shaking his head.“Oui, a mystery,” agreed Philippe cryptically as he dabbed his handkerchief at the bloodied gash on his head, which by now had begun throbbing painfully.After he asked directions to General Jackson’s headquarters, Philippe’s mind was fertile with speculation.For the third time since undertaking this mission he had nearly lost his life.Already two people were dead he winced when he thought of Gabby one more death would mean nothing to the person or persons who would kill to prevent the document he carried from reaching General Jackson.Philippe paced Jackson’s outer office for several minutes before the door burst open and a gaunt, white-haired man with tired eyes hurried forward to greet him.“St.Cyr, we have been anxiously awaiting your arrival.” Then he spied the blood on Philippe’s head and noticed the condition of his clothing.“My God, St.Cyr, what happened to you? Come into my office.Sit down, sit down, man.I will call our doctor to see to your injury.”“It is nothing, General,” protested Philippe who nevertheless took the chair Jackson offered.“An accident outside; a runaway carriage nearly succeeded in ending my life.”Jackson stared at him fixedly and raised one shaggy eyebrow while Philippe described the accident.“The entire voyage was plagued by senseless accidents.Even the weather was against us.Captain Giscard was killed and… and… my wife was lost overboard during the hurricane that struck several days ago.” The bleakness of Philippe’s voice distressed Jackson greatly but he said nothing, waiting for Philippe to continue.“I’m convinced that the accidents that led to those deaths and the attempts on my own life were the work of a spy bent on keeping the document I have in my possession from reaching you.” Then he reached into his inner pocket and extracted the packet that he had protected at great personal sacrifice.Deep furrows etched their way across General Jackson’s already lined face as he sought the words to express his gratitude, knowing that nothing he could do or say would bring back Philippe’s wife or Captain Giscard.“What can I say, St.Cyr,” said the general in genuine sympathy, “except that you have the undying gratitude of the American people and the French government.With the information in this document we will know for a certainty if the British plan on attacking the city of New Orleans or have some other target in mind.”Then he tore open the packet and quickly scanned the several pages, his taut face lightening considerably.“By sea,” he announced, eyes glowing.“And soon.It also says that the British plan to enlist the aid of Jean Lafitte.The Baratarian gulf is an important approach to New Orleans and they need the cooperation of Lafitte to gain access.”“I am aware of the contents,” said Philippe.“Both Captain Giscard and myself read the document as a precaution.But isn’t Lafitte a pirate?”“He goes under many names and pirate is one of them.But if he agrees to help the British we are as good as defeated.”“Do you think he will?”“I wouldn’t blame him if he did,” grunted Jackson.“Governor Clairborne recently ordered American Navy ships to Barataria, Lafitte’s Stronghold, where they shelled the island, sank several of Lafitte’s ships and captured some of his men.What is amazing is that Lafitte did not fire back.He later sent a message to the governor saying that he considered himself an American and would not fire upon his own country’s ships.Then he offered to help fight the British when the time came.”“And did the governor accept Lafitte’s offer?”“The stupid man still does not trust Lafitte, but I intend to deal with him myself to judge if he is sincere in his wish to aid us.One of his lieutenants has agreed to guide two of my men to Barataria to learn where Lafitte’s loyalties lie
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