Mystery at Lyndley's Fort

Written by Moe Zilla, Published on 7/3/2009, Re-published on 7/5/2010

"Abigail," he might say, "It's America's first day."

Before fireworks could burst, one fourth of July came first.

Newly-free men gave a cheer and we celebrate each year.

See its history in this rhyme. telling of a special time.

Though a crook appears here, too. Match the man to what he'd do.

What year did he play his tricks? 1776.

It's July 3. Was it slow? Philadelphia would know.

On a cooling summer night, They'd soon claim a brand new right.

On the eve of history, young John Adams felt he'd see

Chains of tyrants to be torn, and a nation's future born.

Adams, Franklin, Hancock too Knew tomorrow what to do.

With these great men in attendance, they'd declare our independence.

Soon in town squares through the land, citizens would understand.

There's a new rule for our people: "All men are created equal."

Kings' taxes would be ignored. Liberty was their reward.

Newspapers would tell the nation That they'd passed their declaration.

Then to spread it even more, they'd print copies -- 24.

"Spread the word, to old and young!" Soon a mighty bell was rung,

In a tower, standing tall they'd called "Independence Hall."

There would follow years of war struggling for rights - and more.

"Treason," the king's men would say. "We will try to make you pay."

"No more kings," the soldiers said. "Melt his statue down for lead."

But the first fight, by a river made South Carolina quiver,

Though it showed determination growing in this new-born nation.

After only two weeks passed, rivalries were growing fast.

Though America was new To the British, some stayed true.

Settlers who favored freeing found these "Tories" disagreeing!

For the views the settlers backed they soon found they'd be attacked!

So for shelter, they'd resort to the walls of Lyndley's Fort.

Birds fell silent in the wood as these angry Tories stood,

Some on foot and some on horse. British claims they would enforce.

One brave man -- let's call him Nate Told the settlers to wait.

"If we stay here and survive, a militia will arrive.

"It's exciting that we see, That we are now living free

But those Tories wish to end it. We'll stand tall now, and defend it.

Reinforced by all their men, we'll be standing tall again."

As the Tories rushed again, Nate assured his loyal men,

binding up the gates with rope, shouting "while I breathe, I hope."

As each gate rocked on its tether, They'd all huddle here together.

Tories shot the fort's wood wall. Still its gates were strong and tall.

"They'll have allies," Nate describes, "living in the nearby tribes."

Indians who long resented challenges Nate's friends presented

fought the former colonies to stop them from being free.

Rifle shots and arrows too Hit the gates but couldn't get through.

Past the walls, the forest sounds, fell silent to bullet pounds.

"Still this fort's walls will protect us from the Tories who'd eject us."

Nate knew everyone inside would have no place else to hide.

It was dusk now. Still alone, hearing Tory rifles moan,

Nate's eyes scanned their wooden shell. As outside the gunshots fell.

To his horror, on one wall -- something could destroy them all.

Where the wooden walls were stocked, one strong gate had been unlocked!

His strong knot had been undone. Who has done this? Who's the one?

Quickly Nate retied its knot. Still outside, more guns were shot.

He'd investigate this breach, seeking what its clues would teach.

"I tied rope there," he'd decide. "Someone left this gate untied.

If attackers found that gate Our defense would be too late.

Round the men up -- there were four who'd stood guard beside this door."

One of them had told a lie. Inside was a Tory spy!

"Is it you?" Nate asked the first. "Leaving us to face the worst?"

It's a frontiersman named John, who'd watched till daylight was gone

After Nate's first knots were tied late that afternoon inside.

John came forward, thin but proud, speaking in a voice quite loud,

Answering, his voice excited, "I know we will stand united."

John said he'd seen knots that day, and they hadn't gone away.

"Though my wife -- as it grew late -- stood my last hour at the gate."

John's wife nodded. "This is true. I saw several knots there too."

"It was just an hour, though. After that, I'd had to go.

I could see the new moon climb. It was just past supper time."

Nate confronted suspect three, a young man from Tennessee.

It's a teenager named Bo. "That's untied? I didn't know.

As I started, it grew late. Soon I couldn't see that gate!

I'd assumed the gates were closed." Nate searched in the eyes of Bo's.

"Was it always in your sight? Did you watch it through the night?"

"No," said Bo. "No, just, till two. That was all that I could do."

"Please," said Bo, "I'm just a peasant Sleepiness was so unpleasant.

Usually I work by daylight on my farm, and sleep by midnight!

I've worked hard to till the land. See these fingers on my hand?"

Bo's left hand was badly crippled. Through its skin, sore bumps were rippled.

Though he'd work his farm till night he'd hoe dirt with just his right.

The fourth guard was Nathan Drew. To this village he was new.

But he'd sought the company of those men who would be free.

Men who glowed with freedom's light, standing by them in their fight.

He'd been the relief for John, and had guarded them through dawn.

All the night, as hours passed and they heard each Tory blast,

He'd stood sentry by the wall, trusted to protect them all.

"For us all, I'd risk my neck. Untied knots? I didn't check."

But now Nate surveyed the four, checking what he'd thought before.

"England will no longer rule us. But one liar tried to fool us."

Summoning a final clue, he revealed what he knew.

"My knots are tied very tight. It could take you through the night

To untangle what I'd done While you hid from everyone.

Now I can unmask the spy who stood here and told a lie!"

Where the Tories' fight was blocked who had left their gate unlocked?

Which suspect had told a lie? Which suspect's a British spy?