 CHAPTER X It must not be supposed that the whole of the time was spent in scouting and fighting. Between the armies lay a band of no man's land. Here, as elsewhere, the people of the country were divided in their opinions, but generally made very little display of these, whatever they might be. It is true that, as a rule, noncombatants were about little interfered with. Still, a warm and open display of sympathy with one side or the other was likely to be attended by the loss of cattle and damage to crops when the other party got the upper hand. In some other states feeling ran much higher. In the Carolinas, the royalists were most cruelly persecuted. Their property was destroyed and they were, in many cases, shut down without mercy. But generally, throughout the colonies, a considerable latitude of opinion was loud. This was especially so in the zone between the armies in the jerseys. No one could tell what the positions of the armies a week hence might be, and any persecution inflicted by the one party might lead to retaliation upon a shift of positions a few weeks later. A general toleration therefore reigned. Next to Peter Lampton, Harold's greatest friend in the corps was a young man named Harvey. He was of good family and belonged to New York. Being a strong loyalist, he had, like many other gentlemen, enlisted for service under the old flag. He had, naturally, many acquaintances among the country families, and Harold often accompanied him in his visits to one or other of them. During the winter, when things were quiet, the duties of the scouts were light, and it was the habit among them that one third should be on outpost duty at a time, the rest being free to move about as they liked. The scouts had no fixed order of position. They went out alone, or in twos or threes, as it pleased them, their duties simply being to watch everything that was going on along the enemy's line of outposts, to bring the earliest news of any intended movements, and to prevent dashing parties of the enemy's horsemen from making raids into or behind the British lines. They were not, of course, expected to check bodies of Calvary starting on a raid, but simply to obtain information of their having left their lines and the direction taken, and then to hurry back to the British posts whence a force of Calvary would be sent out to intercept or check the invaders. Many dashing exploits were performed by the Calvary on both sides in the way of getting behind their opponent's quarters, cutting off provision trains, attacking small posts, and carrying off straggling parties. One of the houses to which Harold used most frequently to accompany his friend Harvey was situated nearly halfway between the rival armies, and was about eight miles from either. The owner, Mr. Jackson, was a man of considerable wealth, and the house was large and well appointed. He had, before the troubles began, a fine business as a lawyer in New York, but as the outbreak of hostilities put a stop to all business of a legal kind in that city, he had retired to his country house. Although himself born in England, he professed to be entirely neutral, but his family were undisguisably loyal. It consisted of his wife and two daughters, girls of seventeen and eighteen years old. When the English army advanced to the neighborhood of his property, Mr. Jackson was always ready to offer his hospitality to the officers of the corps, which might be stationed near him, and he similarly opened his house to the Americans when they, in turn, advanced as the British turned back. Being, as he always made a point of saying, perfectly neutral in the struggle, he was glad to meet gentlemen, irrespective of the opinions they held. The line taken by Mr. Jackson was the one which was very largely pursued among the inhabitants of the country houses and farms, scattered over what was, throughout the war, a debatable land. So frequent were the changes of position of the armies, that none could say who might be in possession in a week's time, and it was, therefore, an absolute necessity for those who wished to live unmolested, to abstain from any stronger show of partisanship. As is always the case in struggles of this kind, the female population were more enthusiastic in their partisanship and were pronounced in their opinions than the men. And although, upon the arrival of a troop of cavalry or a detachment of foot belonging to the other side, the master of the house would impartially offer what hospitality he was capable of, it was not difficult to perceive, by the warmth or coldness of the female welcome, what were the private sentiments of the family. Harold was not long in discovering, from the frequency with which Harvey proposed an excursion to the Jacksons and from his conduct there, that Isabel, the eldest daughter, was the object which mainly attracted him. The families had long been friends and Harvey, although now serving as a simple scout, was of a position equal to her own. Their friends were always cordially received by Mr. Jackson, and Harold was soon as intimate there as his comrade. They usually left their quarters a little before dusk and started back late at night. Often as Mr. Jackson pressed them to stay, they never accepted his invitation. The scouts, from their activities and ubiquitousness, were the baignois of the Americans, whose most secret plans were constantly detected and foiled by the sagacity and watchfulness of these men, whose unerring rifles made frequent gaps in the ranks of the officers. They therefore spared no pains whenever there was a chance of killing or capturing any of these most troublesome foes, and Harvey and Harold knew that a report of their presence at the Jacksons would suffice to bring a party of horsemen from the American lines. Their visits, therefore, were always made after dark and at irregular intervals, and in spite of their inclination to the contrary, they made a point of returning at night to their quarters. Other visitors were often present at the Jacksons, the sons and daughters of neighbors, and there was generally music and singing, and sometimes the young people stood up for a dance. The scouts wore no regular uniform, although there was a general similarity in their attire, which was that of an ordinary backwards hunter. When off duty they were allowed to dress as they pleased, and at Mr. Jacksons the two friends were tired in the ordinary dress of colonists of physician. At these little gatherings political subjects were never discussed, and a stranger spending an evening there would not have dreamed that the house stood between two hostile armies, that at any moment a party of horsemen belonging to one side or the other might dash into the courtyard, and that even those laughing and talking pleasantly together might be of opinions diametrically opposed. Harvey and Harold were introduced to visitors simply as friends from New York, and although the suspicions as to their character and position might be strong, no one thought of asking questions. I do not like that fellow Chirmside, Harvey said one night, as he and his friend were returning to their quarters. They were mounted, for, although when on duty the scouts worked on foot, many of them, who were men of property, kept horses which they used when not engaged. Harvey had two horses, and one of these was always at Harold's service. I am not surprised you don't like him, Harold replied with a laugh, and I imagine the dislike is mutual. When two gentlemen are paying attentions to one young lady they seldom appreciate each other's merits very cordially. I don't think it's entirely that, Harvey laughed. Isabella and I understand each other, and I have no fear of his rivalry, but I do not like him. I do not think I like him myself, Harold said more seriously, and yet I do not know why I should not. When he has been there alone with us and the family he has frequently used expression showing his strong leaning toward the loyalist side. I don't put much faith in that, Harvey said. He knows how strongly Mr. Jackson and the girls lean toward the crown and would say anything that he thought would please Isabella. I have spoken to her and she thinks that he is sincere. In fact she has rather a good opinion of him. However, we shall see. It was rather curious that that party of Morgan's Calvary should have ridden up the other night and searched the house two hours after we left. You see, we had agreed to sleep there that night and only changed our minds after the others had all left, when we remembered that we were both for duty early next morning. It might have been a coincidence, of course, but it had an ugly look. I think Mr. Jackson thought so, too, for he did not ask us to stop tonight. Anyhow, I wish Termside's plantation was not so near this and that he did not drop in so often. A week later they paid another visit. When dinner was over, Harold was chatting with Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. Harvey was sitting at the piano where the eldest girl was playing and the younger was looking out of window. We are going to have another fall of snow, she said. There's not a star to be seen. Oh, she exclaimed suddenly. What is it my dear? Mr. Jackson asked. There's a rocket gone up from the woods. A rocket, Mr. Jackson repeated. Yes, Papa, there are the stars falling now. That is a curious thing, Mr. Jackson said while the others went to the window. They stood watching for some minutes, but nothing was to be seen. I do not like that rocket, Mr. Jackson said as they left the window. It means something. It can only be a signal. People don't let off rockets for amusement nowadays. Did you meet anyone on the road? No, sir, Harvey said, not a soul. I do not like it, their host repeated. It means mischief of some sort or other. I do not wish to seem inhospitable, but my advice to you is get on your horses and ride at once to your quarters. You are on duty tomorrow and you told me you would pass near here on your way to the enemy's lines. You might look in as you go past and hear whether anything came of it. If I mistake not, we shall have another visit from Morgan's horse this evening. Much against their inclination, the young men followed Mr. Jackson's advice. The next day they, with Peter and Jake, stopped at the house as they passed. I was right, their host said, as the two young men entered. An hour after you left, 20 of Morgan's horse rode up. They would not take my word that we were alone, but search the house from top to bottom and were evidently greatly disappointed at finding no one. I have been making inquiries this morning and find that all the servants were in the house at the time my daughter saw the rocket, so I hope that I have no traitor here. Still, it is clear that someone must be keeping watch over your movements. Have you asked, sir, Harvey said, after a pause, whether anyone came after we arrived? I don't see how anyone could come, but I will ask. He rang the bell and a negro servant appeared. Did anyone come to the house yesterday, Caesar, after these gentlemen came? Any beggar or peddler, or any one of that sort? No, sir. No one came except Massa Chirmside. He got off his horse and asked if you have any visitors. I said that Massa Harvey and Massa Wilson were here. He say he called again another night when the family alone and rode off. Just what I expected, sir, Harvey said, when the servant left the room. I have always doubted that fellow's honesty. Oh, nonsense, Mr. Jackson replied. You must be mad, Harvey. Chirmside's father was an old friend of mine, and I have known the young fellow since he was a child. I should as soon suspect one of my own daughters of being capable of such an act of gross treachery, as laying a plot to bring the American Calvary down upon guests of mine. The idea is preposterous. Bless me, how amused the girls will be at your suspecting their old play fellow. I hope I may be mistaken, sir, Harvey said. But Harold's opinion of him agrees with mine. And in talking it over last night, we both put our finger on him as the man who fired the rocket. Well, now, we must be pushing on. We are bound for the ford where Morgan's horse must have come over, and shall hear from our fellows there whether they rode straight here after crossing, as, if so, there can be no doubt whether that rocket was a signal. Upon arriving at the ford, they found that Morgan's horse had only crossed an hour before the time at which they arrived at Mr. Jackson's. One of the scouts had instantly taken word to the nearest Calvary outpost, but the enemy had recrossed the river before these had arrived on the spot. After three days on duty at the front, the party returned to their lines, and the next time that the young men rode out to their friends, they took with them Jake and Peter, to whom they related the circumstances. The scouts proceeded on foot and separated from the others a mile before reaching the house, having arranged that Peter should scout round it, while Jake should proceed to the plantation of Mr. Chermside and keep a sharp look out there. They had arranged with Mr. Jackson that no mention of the rocket should be made to anyone, however intimate with the family. I'm glad to see you again, the host said, as they entered the room where the family were assembled. Although I own that these two raids of Morgan's horse have made me uneasy, the girls have been immensely amused at your suspicions of young Chermside. How could you think such a thing? Isabel said. He was here on the following evening and was as indignant as we were at the thought of treachery being at work. He quite agreed with us that the coming of the Yankees could hardly have been accidental. You said nothing about the rocket, I hope, Harvey asked. No, we kept quite silent about that, as you made such a point of it. But it seemed ridiculous with him, but I shall be in a fright now every time you come. We have brought two of our men with us, Harvey said, and they are scouting round, so we shall hear if another rocket goes up, and even if the person who led it up suspects that the last was seen, as he might do from our having left so suddenly, and try some other plan to warn the enemy, we can trust our men to fire a shot, and so give us warning in time. We have told the groom not to take the saddles off the horses, as we may stop but a short time. At eight o'clock a disturbance was heard outside, and Jake entered the room, dragging with him by main force the young planter. What is the meaning of this, Mr. Jackson asked, as they rose from their seats in surprise. Me tell you, saw, Jake answered. Me had orders from Massa Hale to watch outside of the house of this fella, and see what going on, dear. About half an hour after me got, dear, a nigger come along running from this direction. That no business of Jake's, so he stood into trees and let him pass. He go into the house. Five minutes after this fella he come out, and he walk away. Jake follow him bare quiet to see what he am after. He walk more than a mile, than he get on the other side of that big hill. Then me see him stop, and Jake think it time to interfere, so he ran up and catch him. He had put this thing against the stump of a tree, and had him pistol on him hand, and was on the point of firing it close to this thing, so as to light him. As Jake spoke he held out a rocket. Several times while Jake had been speaking the planter had tried to interrupt him, but each time Jake, who had not released his hold of him, gave him so violent a shake that he was feigned to be silent. This is scandalous indignity, he exclaimed furiously when Jake finished. What do you mean, sir? he demanded of Harvey, by setting this nigger to watch my abode. I will have satisfaction for this treatment. It seems, sir, Mr. Jackson said, signing to Harvey to be silent, that you have been detected in a gross act of treachery. My friends have suspected you of it, but I indignantly denied it. Could we believe, I and my family, that you, whom we have known as a child, would betray our guests to the Americans? Loyalists and Republicans are alike welcome here. I do not ask my friends their opinions. My house is neutral ground, and I did not think that anyone who used it would have the treachery to turn it into a trap. Still less did I imagine you would do so. These gentlemen would be perfectly within their right did they take you out and hang you from the nearest tree. But for my sake I trust that they will not do so. But should the American Calvary ever visit this house under circumstances which may lead it to be supposed that they have been brought here to capture my guests, I shall let them punish you as you deserve. No word of mine will be raised in your favor. Now, sir, go, and never again enter this house where the loathing and contempt that I feel for you will, I know, be shared by the ladies of my family. At a nod from Harold, Jake released his hold of the captive, who, without a word, turned and left the room. Not a word was spoken for a minute or two after he had left. The youngest girl was the first to speak. The wretch, she exclaimed, to think that Herbert Chermside should turn out such a mean traitor. Papa, I would have let them hang him at once. It would have served him right. Now he may do us harm. I do not know that you are not right, Ada, Mr. Jackson replied gravely. I am far from saying that I acted wisely. Young Chermside has many friends among the Americans, and it is possible that he may work us harm. However, my position as a neutral is well established. Officers on both sides have at times been welcomed here, and his report, therefore, that our friends here often with us can do us no harm. Henceforth he must be regarded as an enemy, and there will always be danger in these visits. So long as the American outposts are within an hour's ride, he can have the road watched, and although he is not likely to venture upon signaling with rockets, he may send or take word on horseback. A bonfire, too, might be lit at the other side of the hill to call them over. All together you will never be safe from home, except when you have a strong body of your own troops between this and the river. I am glad to say, Harvey said, that in consequence of the news of Morgan's raids on this side, a body of two hundred infantry and a troop of cavalry are to move tomorrow and take up their position by the forward, so we shall be safe from any surprise from that direction. I am very glad to hear it, Mr. Jackson said. It will relieve me of a great anxiety, but pray be watchful when you are in this neighborhood. You have made a bitter enemy, and after what he has proved himself capable of, we cannot doubt that he would hesitate at nothing. I understand, he went on with a smile, told his eldest daughter, what is at the bottom of his conduct, and, as I have long suspected his hopes in that quarter, I am not surprised that he is somewhat hostile to you. Still, I never for a moment deemed him capable of this. The next day Mr. Jackson learned that his neighbor had left his plantation, and had told his servants that he was not likely to return for some time. Shortly after this, a series of bad luck attended the doings of the British scouts. Several parties were killed or captured by the enemy, and they were constantly baffled by false reports, while the Americans appeared to forestall all their movements. It was only when enterprises were set on foot and carried out by small bodies that they were ever successful. Anything like combined action by the orders of the officers constantly turning out ill. There must be a traitor somewhere, Peter said, upon return of a party from an attempt, which, although it promised well, had been frustrated, to carry off a number of cattle from one of the American depots. It ain't possible that this can be all sheer bad luck. It ain't no one in our company all be bound. We ain't had any new recruits lately, and there ain't a man among us whom I could not answer for. There must be a black sheep in Gregory's or Vincent's corps. The enemies seem up to every move, and between us we've lost more than 30 men in the last few weeks. There ain't no doubt about it. There's a traitor somewhere, and he must be a clever one, and he must have pals with him, or he couldn't send news of what we are doing so quickly. It beats me altogether, and all the men are furious. I've been talking with some of our men, Peter said, a few days afterwards, and we agreed that we are bound to get to the bottom of this matter. We're starting sure that the traitor don't belong to us. What we propose is this, that the hull of us shall go up together without saying a word to a soul, and scatter ourselves along the river at all points where a chap going with a message to the enemy would be likely to cross. The night we go out, we'll get the three captains all to give orders to their men for an expedition, so that whoever it is that sends messages from here would be sure to send over word to the Yankees, and it'll be hard if we don't catch him. What do you say? I think the plan is a very good one, Harold answered. If you like, I will go with my father and ask Gregory and Vincent to send their men. Captain Wilson at once went to these officers. They were as much irritated and puzzled as were their men by the failures which had taken place, and agreed that, next evening, an order should be issued for the men of the three corps to act in combination, and to allow it to leak out that they intended to surprise an American post situated near the river, twenty-one miles distant. Captain Wilson's scouts, instead of going with the others, were to act on their own account. On the day arranged, as soon as it became dark, the forty scouts quietly left their quarters in small parties and made their way toward the river, striking it at the point where a messenger would be likely to cross upon his way to give warning to the American post of the attack intended to be made upon it. They took post along the river, at a distance of fifty or sixty yards apart, and silently awaited the result. Several hours passed and no sound broke the stillness of the woods. An hour before dawn, Peter Lampton heard a slight crack, as that of a breaking twig. It was some distance back in the woods, but it seemed to him, by the direction, that the man who caused it would strike the river between himself and Jake, who was stationed next to him. He noiselessly stole along toward the point. Another slight sound afforded him a sure indication of the direction in which the man, whoever he might be, was approaching. He hastened his steps and a minute later a negro issued from the wood close to him. He stood for an instant on the river bank and was about to plunge in when Peter threw his arms around him. Although taken by surprise the negro struggled desperately and would have freed himself from the grip of the old scout, had not Jake run up instantly to his comrades' assistance. In a minute the negro was bound and two shots were then fired, the concerted signal by which it would be known along the line that a capture had been affected. In a few minutes the whole body was assembled. The negro, who refused to answer any questions, was carried far back into the woods and a fire was lighted. Now, nigger, Peter said, taking as captor the lead in the matter, just tell us right away where you was going and who sent you. The negro was silent. Now, look here, Darkie. You're in the hands of men who are no jokers. If you tell us at once who put you on to this trick no harm will happen to you, but if you don't, we'll just burn the skin off your body, bit by bit. Still the negro was silent. Half a dozen of yeas, Peter said, as I've got iron ramrods shoved them into the fire. We'll soon find this nigger's tongue. Not a word was spoken until the ramrods were heated red-hot. Now, Peter said, two of yeas clap your ramrods against this Darkie's flanks. The negro struggled as the men approached him and gave a terrific yell as the hot iron was applied to his sides. I will tell ye, Sars, oh, have mercy upon me and I will tell ye everything. I thought, Peter said grimly, that you'd find a tongue soon enough. Now, then, who sent you? My Massa, the negro answered. And who is your master? The negro was again silent, but as, at a nod from Peter, the men again raised the ramrods he blurted out, Massa trimsad. The name was known to many of the scouts and a cry of anger broke from them. I thought as much, Harvey said. I suspected that scoundrel was at the bottom of it all along. Where is he? he asked the negro. Me not know, Sars. You mean you won't say, Peter said. Try the varchu of them ramrods again. No, no, the negro screamed. Me swear. Me do not know where him be. You may burn me to death, if you will, but I could not tell you. I think he is speaking the truth, Harvey said. Wait a minute. Have you done this before, he asked the negro. Yes, Sars. Eight or ten times me swim to river at night, with messages to the Americans. Yes, Sars. Messages to American officers. Have you any written message, any letter? No, Sars. Me never take no letter. Me only carry dice. And he took out from his hair a tiny ball of paper smaller than a pea. It was smoothed out, and upon it were the words, General Washington. Where I go, Sars, I show them dice. And they know, then, that the message can be believed. But how do you get the message? How do you see your master? Master's orders were that me and two odors were to meet him every night, after it got dark, at a tree, a mile from the place where the soldiers are. Sometimes he no come. When he comes, he gives each of us a piece of money, and tells us to carry a message across the river. We start by different ways. Swim across the water in different places. Take the message and come back to the plantation. A pretty business, Peter said. Now you must come back with us to the post and tell your story to the commanding officer. Then we must see if we can't lay hands on this rascally master of yours. Upon the news being told, the general in command sent a party out, too, after searching the house and outbuildings of the plantation in vain, set fire to them and burned them to the ground. The Negroes were all carried away and employed to labor for the army. The town and all the surrounding villages were searched, but no trace could be obtained of the missing man. One of the men in Gregory's corps of scouts disappeared. He had recently joined, but his appearance as a man with beard and whiskers in no way agreed with that of the planter. He might, however, have been disguised, and his disappearance was, in itself, no proof against him, for the scouts were under no great discipline, and when tired of the service often left without giving notice of their intention of doing so. It was, moreover, possible that he might have fallen by an enemy's bullet. The strongest proof in favor of the deserter being Chermside was that, henceforth, the scouts were again as successful as before, often surprising the enemies successfully. Now that the Ford nearest Mr. Jackson's was strongly guarded, the young men had no apprehension of any surprise, although such an event was just possible, as the Calvary on both sides often made great circuits in their raids upon each other's country. The Chermside was somewhere in the neighborhood they believed, having indeed a strong reason for doing so, as a rifle was one evening fired at them from the wood as they rode over, the ball passing between their heads. Pursuit at the time was impossible, but the next day a number of scouts searched the woods without success. Soon after they heard that Chermside had joined the Americans and obtained a commission in a body of their irregular horse. Harvey was now formally engaged to Isabel Jackson, and was settled that the wedding should take place in the early spring at New York. When not on duty he naturally spent a good deal of his time there, and Harold was frequently with him. Since he had been fired at in the woods, Isabel had been in the highest state of nervous anxiety lest her lover's enemy should again try to assassinate him, and she begged Harold always to come over with him, if possible, as the thought of his riding alone through the wood filled her with anxiety. Although he had no order to do so, Jake, whenever he saw Harold and his friend canter off toward the Jacksons, shouldered his rifle and went out after them to the house, where, so long as they stayed, he scouted round and round with the utmost vigilance. Very often Harold was ignorant of his presence there, but when, after his return, he found by questioning him how he had been employed, he remonstrated with him on such excessive precaution. Can't be too cautious, Massa, Jake said. You see that fellow come one of these days. This per sentiment turned out correct. One evening, when, with several friends, the young men worked Mr. Jacksons, the sound of the report of a rifle was heard at a short distance. That must be Jake's rifle, Harold exclaimed. Quick, Harvey, to your horse. It was too late. As they reached the door, a strong party of American Calvary dashed up to it. Surround the house, an officer shouted. Do not let a soul escape. The young men ran upstairs. We are caught, Harvey said. Escape is cut off. The Yankee Calvary are all around the house. Goodbye, Isabel. We shall meet one of these days again, dear. The girl threw herself into his arms. Be calm, love, he said. Do not let this scoundrel have the satisfaction of triumphing over you. A moment later, churnside, accompanied by several soldiers, entered the room. I am sorry to disturb so pleasant a party, he said, in a sneering voice. But if Americans choose to entertain the enemies of their country, they must expect these little disagreeables. Mr. Jackson abruptly turned his back upon him, and no one else spoke, although he was personally well known to all. These are the two men, he said to the soldiers. Two of the most notorious scouts and spies on the frontier. We will take them to headquarters, where a short shrift and two strong ropes will be their lot. The less the word spy is in the mouth of such a pitiful traitor as yourself, the better, I should say, Harvey said quietly. And, walking forward with Harold, he placed himself in the hands of the soldiers. No one else spoke. Isabelle had fainted when she heard the threat of execution against her lover. Addis stood before her with the look of such anger and contempt on her young face, the churnside fairly winced under it. To horse, he said sullenly, and, turning, followed his men in prisoners downstairs. The troop, Harold saw, numbered some 200 sabers. They had with them a number of riderless horses, whose accretionment showed that they belonged to an English regiment. Most of the men, too, had sacks of plunder upon their horses. They had evidently made a successful raid and had probably attacked a post and surprised and driven off the horses of a squadron of Calvary, and were now on their return toward their lines. This is an awkward business, Harold, Harvey said as, in the middle of their captors they galloped off from the Jacksons. Of course it's all nonsense about our being hung. Still I have no wish to see the inside of a prison, where we may pass years before we are exchanged. Once handed over to the authorities we shall be safe, but I shall not feel that we are out of danger so long as we are in this scoundrel's hands. Fortunately there are officers of superior rank to himself with the squadron, otherwise I have no doubt at all that he would hang us at once. Such was indeed the case, and Chermside was, at that moment, fuming intensely at the chance which had thrown his rival into his hands, at a time when he was powerless to carry out his vengeance. He had, indeed, ventured to suggest that it would be less trouble to hang the prisoners at once, but the Major-in-Command had so strongly rebuked him for the suggestion that he had at once been silenced. I blush that I should have to hear such words from the mouth of an American officer. It is by such deeds, sir, that our cause is too often disgraced. We are soldiers fighting for the independence of our country, not lawless marauders. Had these men been taken in their civilian dress over on our side of the river they would have been tried and hung as spies, but they were on neutral ground and, in fact, in the rear of their own posts. There is no shadow of defense for such an accusation. Should I ever hear a similar suggestion I shall at once report your conduct to General Washington, who will know how to deal with you. I wonder what has become of Jake, Harold said to his comrade. I trust he was not shot down. Not he, Harvey said. He made off after firing his rival, you may be sure, when he saw that there was nothing to be done. The fellow can run like a hare, and I have no doubt that, by this time, he's either got back to the village and given the alarm there, or has made for the ford. There are 100 calvary there now, as well as the infantry. Jake will be there in an hour from the time he started. The dragoons will be in their saddle five minutes later, and it is just possible they may cut off our retreat before we have crossed the river. Peter is on duty there, and if he happens to be at the post when Jake arrives, he will hurry up with all the scouts he can collect. Jake had taken flight, as Harvey supposed. He had, after firing his rifle, taken to the wood and had remained near the house long enough to see which way the calvary rode when they started. Then he made for the post at the ford at the top of his speed. It was less than an hour from starting when he arrived there, and three minutes later the calvary trumpets were blowing to horse. After giving his message to the officer in command, Jake went into the village, where the sound of the trumpet brought all the soldiers into the street. Hello, Jake. Is that you, a familiar voice asked? What the tarnell is up now? Jake hastily related what had taken place. Tar nation, Peter exclaimed. This is a bad job. They're making no doubt for Finchley's ford, 15 mile down the river, with an hour's start there sure to be there before us. What are you going to do, Peter? Are you thinking of running with the calvary? Thinking of running to the moon, the scout said contemptuously, you can run well, I don't deny Jake, but you couldn't run 15 mile with the dragoons, and if you could, you get there too late. Your bellars are going pretty fast already. Now don't stand still in there, but hurry through the camp and get all our boys together. Tell them to meet by the waterside. Get Gregory and Vince's men as well as our own. There's 20 or 30 altogether in the place. Without asking a question, Jake ran off to carry out the orders, and in a few minutes, 24 men were collected together on the bank. Now, you fellas, Peter said, we've got to rescue these two chaps out of the hands of the Yankees. Them who don't want to jine, and mind you, the venture is a risky one, have better say so at once and stop behind. No one moved. What I propose is this. We'll take the ferry boat, which ain't no good to no one, seen as how the Yankees are on one side of the river and we the other, and we'll drop down the stream about 10 miles. Then we'll land on their side of the river and strike inland, hiding the boat under the bushes somewhere. They'll halt for the night when they're safe across the river. There's five or 600 of their infantry camped on the ford. There's 200 on our side, but the Yankees will ride through the dark and get across before the red coats are awake. Now, I propose that after we've landed, we make a sweep round until we get near the Yankees' camp. Then the rest will wait, and two or three of us will go in and see if we can't get the young fellas out of wherever they've put them. Then we'll jine you and make a run in fight of it back to the boat. The others assented. The boat was amply large enough for all, and, pulling her out into the stream, they dropped down, keeping under shelter of the trees on the British side. Half an hour after they started, they heard the faint sound of distant musketry. There, Peter said, the Yankees are riding through the British camp, close to the ford. A few more shots were heard, and then all was silent. The stream was swift, for it was swollen by recent rains, and at three in the morning the boat touched the bank about a mile above the ford. The party disembarked noiselessly, and, fastening the boat to a tree, moved along toward the camp. When they were within four or five hundred yards of the village, Peter chose Jake and two others of his band, and, telling the rest to remain where they were, ready for action, he struck inland. He made a detour, and came in at the back of the camp. Here there were no sentries, as the only danger to be apprehended was upon the side of the river. Peter, therefore, entered boldly. In front of the principal house, a sentry was walking up and down, and he, in the free and easy manner usual in the American army, gladly entered into conversation with the newcomers. Ah, pretty quiet about here, Peter asked. We're from the west, and have just come down to do a little fighting with the Britishers. I reckon they ain't far off now. They're just across the river, the sentry said. Have you come far? We've made something like 200 miles this week, and mean to have a day or two's rest before we begin. We've done some engine fighting, my mates and me, in our time, and we says to ourselves, it was about time we burned a little powder against the redcoats. Things seemed quiet enough about here, nothing doing it. Not much, the sentry said, just skirmishes. Some of our cavalry came across through the redcoats late tonight. I hear they have got a quantity of plunder and some fine horses, and they have brought in a couple of the British scouts. And what have they done with them, Peter asked, strung them up, I suppose. No, no, we ain't fighting Indians now. We don't hang our prisoners. No, they are safe under guard over there in the cavalry camp, and we'll be taken to headquarters tomorrow. While, Peter said, stretching himself, I feel mighty tired, and shall just look for a soft place for an hour's sleep before morning. So saying, he sauntered away, and the sentry resumed his walk. Peter and his three companions now moved off toward the spot where, as the sentry had indicated, the cavalry were encamped. They were not in tents, but were sleeping wrapped up in their blankets. Two tents had been erected, lent probably by the infantry on the spot. One was much larger than the other, and the sentries were placed before each. They had some difficulty in making their way, for the night was dark, and the cavalry had picketed their horses without order or regularity. In their search they had to use great caution to avoid stumbling over the sleeping men. But at last they saw the tents faintly against the sky. They crawled cautiously up. There were two sentries on the smaller tent. Now, Jake, Peter whispered, you're the blackest, and so have better do the trick. Don't cut a hole in the tent, for they'd be safe to hear the canvas tear. Crawl under. It's been put up in haste and ain't likely to be pinned down very tight. They're safe to be bound, and when you've cut the cords and given them time to get the use of their feet, then crawl along and join us. Jake did as he was instructed. One of the sentries was pacing up and down before the entrance, the other making a circuit round the tent. The circle was a somewhat large one to avoid stumbling over the tent ropes. Jake, watching his opportunity, had no difficulty in crawling up and squeezing himself under the canvas before the sentry returned. Hush, he whispered as he let the canvas fall behind him. It's Jake. Both the captives were fast asleep. Jake, feeling about in the darkness, found them, one after the other, and putting his hands on their mouths to prevent them making an exclamation, he woke them and soon cut the cords with which they were bound, head and foot. Then in whispers he told them what had happened. They chafed their limbs to produce circulation, for they had been tightly tied, and then one by one they crawled out of the tent. Harvey went first and was safely across before the sentry returned. Harold followed, but as he went in his hurry he struck a tent rope. What's that, the sentry in front as sharply? Bill, was that you? No, his comrade replied. Something's up, look into the tent. And so saying he ran round behind, while the sentry in front rushed into the tent and kicking about with his feet soon found that it was empty. Jake, on hearing the exclamation, at once crawled from the tent, but as he did so the sentry, running round, saw him and leveled his rifle. Before he could fire a shot was heard and the man fell dead. Jake started to his feet and joined his friends. The other sentry also discharged his rifle, and the whole camp awoke and sprang to their feet. The horses, alarmed at the sudden tumult, plunged and kicked. Men shouted and swore, everyone asking what was the matter. Then loud cries were heard that the sentry was shot and the prisoners had escaped. Running closely together and knocking down all who stood in their way, the fugitives hurried in the darkness until at the edge of the camp, and then started at full speed. The trumpets were now sounding to horse and several shots were fired after them. Many of the horses had not been unsettled and mounted men at once dashed off. Several had seen the little party rush away and the horsemen were speedily on their track. The six men ran at the top of their speed and were soon close to their hidden friends. This way, this way, I see them, shouted a voice, which Harold and Harvey recognized as that of their enemy, who, a minute later, galloped up with half a dozen troopers. It was not until he was within a few yards that his figure was clearly discernible. Then Peter Lampton's rifle flashed out and the planter fell from his horse with a bullet in his brain. Jake and the other two men also fired and the horsemen, astonished at their number, reigned in their horses to await the coming up of more of their comrades. In another minute, the fugitives were with their friends and, at a rapid trot, the whole ran up the river bank toward the spot where they had hidden their boat. The country was covered with brushwood and forest and, as the Calvary, now swollen to a considerable force, advanced, they were greeted by so heavy a fire that, astonished at this strong force of foes upon their side of the river and not knowing how numerous they might be, they halted and waited for the infantry to come up. Long before the enemy were prepared to advance against the unknown foe, the scouts reached their boat and crossed safely to the other side. Shortly after this adventure, Mr. Jackson and his family moved up for the winter to New York, where, soon after their arrival, the wedding between Harvey and Isabella took place, the former retiring from the Corps of Scouts. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11 of True to the Old Flag. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, recording by Chris Caron. True to the Old Flag by G. A. Henty. Chapter 11. The Capture of Philadelphia. During the course of the spring of 1777, a large number of lower colonists had volunteered their services. They had been embodied into battle-ions and when the army prepared to take the field, they were placed in garrisons in New York and other places. Thus permitting the employment of the whole of the British force in the field, the Americans had occupied themselves in strongly fortifying the more defensible positions. Especially those in a mountain tract of country called the Menor of Corland. This was converted into a sort of citadel where large quantities of provisions, forage, and stores of all kinds were collected. About 50 miles from New York, up the river, was a place called Peekskill, which served as a port to the Manor of Corland. The country was so difficult and mountainous that General Howe shrank from engaging his army in it. He determined, however, to attack and destroy Peekskill and a party of 500 men under the command of Colonial Byrd of the 15th Regime were sent up the river in two transports to destroy it. The garrison, consisting of 800 men, set fire to the place and withdrew without firing a shot. The British completed the destruction of the stores and returned to New York. A little later, 2,000 men were sent on a similar expedition against the town of Danbury, another place on the confines of Corland, Manor, where great stores had also been collected. They proceeded up the East River and landed at Camp's Point. They stared on the foot at ten o'clock at night, and after a ten-hour march arrived at eight o'clock at Danbury, the enemy evacuated the place on their approach, and the English set fire to the great magazines filled with stores of all kinds. The news of the march of the English had spread rapidly, and the enemy assembled from all quarters and posted themselves under the command of General Arnold out of town called Ridgefield, through which the English would have to pass on their return. Here they threw up entrenchments. It was late in the afternoon when the English fatigued with the long march. Arrived at his spot, they did not hesitate, but when the Americans opened fire, they boldly assailed the entrenchments and carried them with the bay net. They were unable to march further and lying down so as to form an oblong square slept till morning. All night the Americans continued to come up in great force, and then the morning as the troops advanced, a terrible fire was opened upon them from the houses and stone walls in which the country abounded. The British had to fight every foot of their way. General Wooster had brought up some field artillery on the side of the Americans. Gradually the column fought its way forward until it arrived within half a mile of Camp's Point. Here two strong bodies of the enemy barred their way. The column was by this time greatly exhausted. The men had had no real rest for three days and two nights, and several dropped on the road with fatigue. Brigadier General Erskine picked out 400 of those who were in the best condition and attacked the two bodies of the enemy with such a figure that he put them utterly to flight and the column again advancing reached their destination without further molestation. Nearly 200 men, including 10 officers were killed and wounded on the part of the British. The loss of the Americans was still greater and General Wooster and some field officers were among the slain. Many other skirmishes took place with varied success. The Americans at Bondwick, seven miles from Brunswick, 1200 in number were surprised and rooted by Cornwallis. While on the other hand, the American colonial meags carried out a most dashing expedition by crossing to Long Island and destroying a quantity of stores at a place called Sag Harbor, burning a dozen brig and sloops which lay there, taking 90 prisoners and returning safely across the sound. In June, Washington with 8,000 men was encamped in a strong position at Middlebrook. General Howe, although he had 30,000 men hesitated to attack him here. By a 400 treat, he succeeded in drawing General Washington from his stronghold and inflicted a decisive defeat on 3,000 of his men. Washington fell back to his position in the mountains and General Howe retired altogether from Jersey and withdrew his troops to Staten Island. A dashing feat was executed at this time by Colonial Barton of the American Army. Learning that General Prescott who commanded at Rhode Island had his headquarters at a distance of a mile from his troops, he crossed from the mainland in two boats, seized the general in his bed and carried him off through the British fleet. The object of this dashing enterprise was to obtain a general to exchange for the American General Lee who had been captured by the British. General Howe in June again marched against Washington and again fell back without doing anything had he instead of thus frittering away his strength marched to the Delaware, crossed that river and advanced against Philadelphia. Washington would have been forced to leave his stronghold and either fight in the open or allow that important city to fall into the hands of the English. General Howe now embarked his army in transports. He had sailed up to the North River to Albany. He would have affected a junction with General Borough Goyne's army which was advancing from Canada and with the United Force could have marched through America from end to end as he chose instead of doing so he sailed down to Chesapeake Bay and there disembarked the whole army which had been pent up in transports from July 3rd to August 24th. Not till September 11th did they advance in earnest toward Philadelphia. The Americans thus had ample time to take up a strong position and fortify it. Thus they did on the other side of Brandywine Creek. Under cover of a candidate the British advanced mastered the fort and carried the entrenchments. General Sullivan with a considerable force had now arrived accompanied by General Washington himself. He took up his position a short distance from the Brandywine his artillery well placed and his flanks covered with woods. The following afternoon the British attacked the Americans fought well but the British were not to be denied and rushing forward drove the enemy from their position into the woods in their rear. Here they made a stand and were only dislodged after a desperate resistance. The greater portion of them fled in all directions. Washington himself with the guns and a small force retreated eight miles from Chester and then marched by Derby to Philadelphia. Here he waited three days rallying his troops and then having recruited his stores from the magazines marched away. All this time the British remained inactive on the ground they had won. In the battle the Americans lost 300 killed, 600 wounded and 400 prisoners. Several guns were also taken. The British lost 100 killed and 400 wounded. On September 20th they advanced toward Philadelphia. The American general Wayne had concealed himself in the woods with 1500 men with the intention of harassing the rear of the British army. News of this having been obtained Major General Gray was dispatched at once to surprise him. He ordered his men not to load but to rely wholly on the bayonet. The success of the expedition was complete. General Wayne's outpost was surprised and the British troops rushed into his acampment. 300 of the Americans were killed or wounded and 100 taken prisoners. The rest escaped through the woods. On the English side one officer was killed and seven privates killed and wounded. The capture of Philadelphia was an important advantage to the British but it would not be thoroughly utilized until the fleet would come up the river to the town. The American Congress which had sat at Philadelphia until General Howe approached the town had taken extensive measures for rendering the passage intractable. Three rows of chivalre de frie composed of immense beams of timber bolted and fasted together and struck with iron spikes where sunk across the channel and these lines were protected by batteries. At these forts were 14 large rowboards each carrying a heavy cannon, two floating batteries carrying nine guns each and a number of fire ships and rafts. The forts commanding the chivalre de frie were remanded on the approach of the British and Captain Hammond of the robuck succeeded in spite of the opposition of the enemy's boats and batteries in making an opening through the chivalre de frie sufficiently wide for the fleet to pass. Large numbers of troops having been sent away from Germantown a place seven miles from Philadelphia where the main body of the British army were posted General Washington determined to attempt the surprise of that position. For this purpose he reinforces army by drawing 1500 troops from peak scale and 1000 from Virginia and at daybreak on October 4th undercover of a thick fog he made an attack on the troops posted at the head of the village. Half of the British force lay on one side of the village and half on the other and had the attack upon the place exceeded the British army would have been cut in two. The village was held by the 40th regiment who fighting obstinately were driven back among the houses. The Americans were pushing forward in five heavy columns when Lieutenant Colonial Musgrave who commanded the 40th threw himself into a large stone house here he offered a desperate resistance and so impeded the advance of the enemy that time was given for the rest of the British troops to get under arms. General Washington ordered a whole brigade of infantry to attack the house and turn four guns against it. Colonial Musgrave and his men resisted desperately and held the post until Major General Gray with the third brigade and Brigadier General Agnew with the fourth brigade came up and attacked the enemy with great spirit. The engagement was for some time very hot. At length a part of the right wing fell upon the enemy's flank and the Americans retired with great precipitation. The fog was so dense that no pursuit could be attempted. On the part of the English 600 were killed and wounded. The loss of the Americans amounted to between 200 and 300 killed 600 wounded and 400 taken prisoners. General Howe had on the previous night been acquainted with the intention of General Washington to attack the place and had he taken the proper measures to have received them in the American army would have been destroyed. He took no measures whatever gave no warning to the army and suffered the camp to be taken by surprise. After this battle the fleet and army united cleared away the Cheval de Fri across the Delaware and took the forts commanding them after some hard fighting. The passage of the Delaware being thus opened and the water communication secured. The army went on their winter quarters at Philadelphia. Captain Wilson and his son had taken no part of any of these operations as a short time after the capture of Harold and Harvey by the American Calvary the company had been disbanded. The men when they entered the service had volunteered for a year this time already had been greatly exceeded. Twenty months had passed since the battle of Bunker's Hill and although the men were willing to continue to give their services no long as it appeared to them that there was a prospect of a favorable termination of the war. No such hope any longer remained in their minds. The great army which England had sent over had done nothing toward restoring the king's authority in the colonies. And if after years fighting its outposts were still within a few miles of New York how could it be expected or even hoped that it could ever subdue a country containing hundreds of thousands of square miles. The retreat from the Delaware and the virtual handing over of New Jersey again to Washington was the finishing stroke which decided the volunteers to demand their discharge. According to the terms of their engagement except during the Canadian campaign they had but little fighting nor in such a warfare as that which General Howe was carrying on was their much scope for their services. Many of the gentlemen who formed the majority of the company and who were the most part had friends and connections in England sailed for that country. Some had left wives and families on their estates when they took up arms and most of them despairing of the final success of the war had instructed their agents to sell these estates for any sum that they would fetch. Others among them, Captain Wilson now followed their example. It was but a mere tithe of the value of the property that was obtained for money was scarce in the colonies and so many had sold out and gone to England rather than take part on one side or the other of the freightous tidal strife. That land and houses fetched by nominal prices. Mrs. Wilson had long since gone to England and her husband having made arrangements for the disposal of his property now determined to join her. Fortunately, he possessed means irrespective of his estate in America. This had come to him through his wife and his own fortune and the money obtained by the sale of his commission had remained invested in English securities. While determined on this course for himself he left it to his son to choose his own career. Harold was now nearly 18 and his life of adventure had responsibility had made a man of him. His father would have preferred that he should have returned with him to England but Harold finally decided upon remaining. In war men's passions become hatred. The original cause of quarrel sinks into comparative insignificance and the desire for victory, the determination to resist and the feeling of something like individual hatred for the enemy become predominant motives of the strife. This was especially the case in the American war. On both sides there were many circumstances which heightened the passions of the compendants. The loyalists and the English ranks had been ruined by the action of their opponents. Many had been reduced from wealth to poverty and each man felt a deep passion of resentment at what he regarded as personal grievance. Then, too, the persistent misrepresentations. Both the facts and motives on the part of the American writers and speakers added to the irritation. The loyalists felt that there were vast members throughout the colonies who agreed with them and regarded Congress as a tyrannical faction rather than the expression of the general will. In this, no doubt, they were to some extent mistaken. For by this time the vast majority of the people had joined heart and soul in the conflict. Men's passion had become so stirred up that it was difficult for any to remain neutral and although there were still large numbers of loyalists throughout the states, the vast bulk of the people had resolved that the only issue of the contest was complete and entire separation from the mother country. Harold had now entered passionately into the struggle. He was in constant contact with men who had been ruined by the war. He heard only one side of the question and he was determined, so long as England continued to struggle to fight on for a cause which he considered sacred. He was unable to regard the prospects of success as hopeless. He saw the fine army which England had collected. He had been a witness of the defeat of the Americans whenever they ventured to stand the shock of the British Bad Alliance and in spite of the unsatisfactory nature of the first campaign, he could not bring himself to believe that such an army could fail. When the company was disbanded, he decided to continue to serve as a scout but sharing in the general disgust in the army at the incapacity of General Howe, he determined to take ship again for Canada and take service under General Burgoyne, who was preparing with a well-appointed army to invade the states from that side. When he communicated his determination to Peter Lampton, the latter at once agreed to accompany him, I've gone into this business, the hunter said and I mean to see it through, settling down, don't suit me. I ain't got any friends at New York and I'd be miserable, just loafing about all day doing nothing. No, I'll see this business out to the end and I'd much rather go with you than anyone else. Jake was of the same opinion, accustomed all his life to obey orders and to the life on his master's plantation, he would not have known what to do if left to his own devices. Captain Wilson pointed out to him that he could easily obtain work on the wharves of New York or as a laborer on a farm but Jake would not listen to the proposal and was hurt at the thought that he could leave his young master's side as long as Harold continued in the war. Accordingly, the day after Captain Wilson sailed for England, the three comrades embarked in a ship for Halifax. Once another vessel took them into Quebec, they then sailed up the river to Montreal and took service as scouts in General Burgoyne's army. For political reasons, General Burgoyne had been appointed to the command of the expedition which had been prepared and General Carlton naturally offended at being passed over at once resigned the governorship. His long residence in Canada, his knowledge of the country, of the manners of its inhabitants and the extent of its resources and his acquaintance with the character of the Indians rendered him far more fit for command than his General Burgoyne. In military knowledge and experience, too he was his superior and had he retained a command, the fate of the expedition would probably have been very different. The army under General Burgoyne consisted of 7,173 men, exclusive of artillery men. Of these, about half were Germans. The Canadians were called upon to furnish men sufficient to occupy the woods on the frontier and to provide men for the completion of the fortification at Sorrel. St. John's, Chambley and Isle-Arch-Noy to furnish horses and carts for carriage and to make roads when necessary. A naval force was to go forward with him on the lake. The Indian question had again to be decided. Several tribes volunteered to join the British, General Burgoyne hesitated, as General Carlton had done before to accept their services and only did so finally on the certainty that if he refused their offers, they would join the Americans. He resolved to use them as little as possible. He knew that their object in all wars was murder and destruction and although he wished to conquer the Americans, he did not desire to exterminate them. On June 16th, 1777, General Burgoyne advanced from St. John's and the naval force had preceded the army and opened away for its advance. The troops were carried in a flotilla of boats and under the protection of the fleet past Lake Champlain and landed at Crown Point. Harold and his companions had joined the army of Fortnight previously and as they crossed the lake with the fleet they could not but remember their last expedition there. At Crown Point they were joined by a thousand Indians who marched around the lake and at this place General Burgoyne gave them a great feast and afterward made a speech to them exhorting them to abstain from all cruelty to avoid any ill treatment of unarmed combatants and to take as prisoners all combatants who fell into their hands. But while thus exhorting the Indians to behave with humanity and moderation, the general took a most ill-judged step which not only did the English cause great harm but was used by the Americans with much effect as a proof of the cruel way in which England warred against the colonists. He issued a proclamation threatening to punish with the utmost severity all who refused to attach themselves to the British cause and at the same time he magnified the ferocity of the Indians pointing out with great emphasis their eagerness to butcher those who continued hostile to the mother country whose interests they had espoused. This proclamation was naturally construed by the Americans as a threat to deliver over the tender mercies of the Indians to slay, scalp and destroy all who ventured to resist the authority of the king. The Americans had fallen back on the approach of the British and upon landing, being affected, the Scouts were instantly sent forward. Among the Indians who had joined at Crown Point were the Seneca's, among them their old friend, Deertail. The Scouts received no particular orders and were free to regulate their own movements. Their duty was to reconnoiter the country and to bring in any information they might gather as to numbers and positions of the enemy. Finding that Peter and his companions were about to start, Deertail said that instead of waiting for the feast, he would take five of his warriors and accompany them. It was at Tinkundaroga that the Americans had prepared to make their first stand. The place lies on the western shore of the lake, a few miles to the northward of the narrow inlet, uniting Lake Champlain to Lake George. It was to reconnoiter the fort that the party now set out. News had been brought that the Americans had been executing great additional works and the British general was anxious to learn the nature of these before he advanced. It was certain that the enemy would on their side have sent out Scouts to assert in the movements of the Royal Army and the party proceeded with the greatest care. They marched in the usual fashion. In Indian file, the Seneca chief led the way, followed by one of his braves. Then came Peter, Harold, and Jake, the other Seneca's marched in the rear. When they came within a few miles of the fort, their progress was marked with profound caution. Not a word was spoken, their tread was noiseless, and the greatest pains were taken to avoid stepping on a twig or dried stick. The three Scouts, when they left St. John's, had abandoned their boots and had taken to Indian moccasins. Several times slight murmurs were heard in the forest and once a party of four American frontiersmen were seen in the wood. The party halted and crushed in the bushes. The Seneca's turned toward Peter as if asking if an attack should be made. But the latter shook his head. A single shot would have been heard far away in the woods and their further progress would have been arrested. Their object was now not to fight but to penetrate close to their American entrenchments. When the enemy had passed on, the party continued its way. As they neared the fort, the caution observed increased. Several times they halted, while the Seneca, with one of his braves, crawled forward to see that all was clear. At last they stood on the edge of a gray clearing. Before them, just within gunshot range, stood the fort of the Tinconderoga. Peter Lampton was well acquainted with it. And beyond the fact that the space around had been cleared of all trees and the stockades and earthworks repaired, little charge could be seen. As he was gazing the Indian, touched his shoulder and pointed to a high hill on the opposite side of the narrow straits, this had been cleared of trees and on the top a strong fort had been erected. Many cannon were to be seen along its crest. The roofs of huts and a large number of men, halfway up the hill was another battery and a third still lower down to sweep the landing. They've been working hard, the hunter said, and the army will have a mighty tough job before it. What do you think of that, Harold? It is a very strong position, Harold said, and will cause us a tremendous number of men to take it. The fort cannot be attacked till that hill has been carried, for its guns completely command all this clearing. For some time they stood gazing at the works, standing well back among the trees, so as to be screened from all observation. At last Harold said, look at all that other hill behind. It is a good bit higher than that which they have fortified and must be within easy range, both of it and the fort. I don't see any works there, do you? Peter and the Seneca chief both gazed long and earnestly at the hill and agreed that they could see no fortification there. It won't do to have any doubt about it, Peter said. We must go round and have a look at it. We shall have to cross the river, Harold remarked. I cross it, we must, Peter said. That hill's got to be inspected. They withdrew into the wood again and made a circuitous deviation till they came down upon the river two miles above Ticonderoga. They could not reach the water itself as the road ran along the parallel with it and the forest was cleared away for some distance. A number of men could be seen going backward and forward on the road. Having made their observations, the scouts retired again into the thick part of the forest and waited till nightfall. How are we to get across, Harold asked Peter. It's a good long swim and we could not carry our muskets and ammunition across. Easy enough, the scout said. Didn't you notice down by the road a pile of planks? I suppose a wagon has blu-roaked down there and the planks have been turned out and nobody has thought anything more about them. We'll each take a plank, fasten our rifle and ammunition on it and swim across. There won't be any difficulty about that. Then when we've seen what's on the top of that air hill, we'll tramp round to the other end of the lake. I heard that the army was to advance half on each side so we'll meet them coming. When it was perfectly dark, they left their hiding place and crossed the clearing to the spot where Peter had seen the planks. Each took one of them and proceeded to the riverside. Peter, Harold and Jake dived dead themselves of some of the clothes and fastened these with their rifles and ammunition to the planks. To the Indians, the question of getting wet was one of entire indifference and they did not even take off their hunting shirts. Entering the water, the party swam noiselessly across to the other side, pushing their planks before them. On getting out, they carried the planks for some distance as their appearance by the water's edge might excite a suspicion on the part of the Americans that the works had been reconnoited. After hiding the planks in the bushes, they made their way to Sugar Hill as the eminence was called. The assent was made with great circumspection. The Indians going on first, no signs of the enemy were met with and at last the party stood on the summit of the hill. It was entirely unoccupied by the Americans. Well, my fine fellows, left the scout. I reckon you've been drew in a grist of work and you might just as well have been sitting down quietly smoking your pipes. One on earth possessed you to leave this hill unguarded. In point of fact, General St. Clair who commanded the Americans had perceived that his position was commanded from the spot. He had only 3,000 men under him and he considered this number too small to hold Tink on Deroga, Mount Independence and Sugar Hill. The two former posts could afford no assistance to the garrison of a fort placed on Sugar Hill and that place must therefore fall if attacked by the British. On the other hand, he hoped that should the intention of the English would not be called to the importance of the position by the erection of works upon it. It might be overlooked and that General Burgoyne on his arrival might at once attack the position which he had prepared with no such care. Having ascertained that the hill was unoccupied, Peter proposed that once to continue the march, Harold suggested to him that it would be better to wait until morning. As from their lofty position, they would be able to overlook the whole of the enemy's lines of defense and might obtain information of vital importance to the general. Peter saw the advantage of the suggestion. Two of the Indians were placed on watch and the rest of the party laid down to sleep. At daybreak, they saw that the delay had been fully justified for now they had view of the water which separated Tink on Deroga from Mount Independence and perceived that the Americans had made a strong bridge of communication between these posts. 22 piers had sunk at equal distances and between them boats were placed, fastened with chains to the piers. A strong bridge of planks connected the whole. On the Lake Champlain side of the bridge, a boom composed of great trees, fastened together with double chains had been placed. Thus not only had communication been established across the stream, but an effectual barrier erected to the passage of the fleet, fully satisfied with the result of their investigations, the party set out on their return. End of Chapter 11, Recording by Chris Caron, Hamlake, Minnesota. Chapter 12 of True to the Old Flag. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. True to the Old Flag by G.A. Henty. Chapter 12, The Settler's Hut. Before starting, they stood for a minute or two, looking over the forest which they were to traverse. To Harold's eyes, all appeared quiet and still. Here and there were clearings where settlers had established themselves. But with these exceptions, the forest stretched away like a green sea. Tarnation, Peter exclaimed. We'll have all our work to get through safely, eh chief? The Seneca nodded. What makes you say so? Harold asked in surprise. I see nothing. Peter looked at him reproachfully. I'm downright ashamed of ye lad. You should have been long enough in the woods by this time to know smoke when you see it. Why there it is curling up from the trees in a dozen, I in a score of places. There must be hundreds of men out scouting or camping in them woods. Harold looked fixedly again at the forests, but even now he could not detect the signs which were so plain to the scout. You may call me as blind as a bat, Peter, he said with a laugh, but I can see nothing. Looking hard, I imagine I see a light mist here and there, but I believe it is nothing but fancy. It's clear enough to me, lad, and to the redskins. What do you say, chief? Too much men, the Seneca replied sententiously. For another minute or two he and Peter stood watching the forest, and then in a few words consulted together as to the best line to follow to avoid meeting the foe who, to their eyes, swarmed in the forest. It's mighty lucky, the hunters said, as they turned to descend the hill which was covered with trees to its very summit, that there are white men and not redskins out in the woods there. I don't say that there's not many frontiersmen who know the way of the woods as well as the redskins. I do myself, and when it comes to fighting, we can lick them on their own ground, but in scouting we ain't nowhere, not the best of us. The redskins seems to have an instinct more like that of an animal than a man. I don't say as he can smell a man a mile off as a dog can do, but he seems to know when the enemy's about. His ears can hear noises, which we can't. His eyes see marks on the ground when the keenest sighted white man sees nothing. If that wood was as full of redskins as it is of whites today, our sculpts wouldn't be worth a charge of powder. You are not going to follow the shores of the lake, I suppose, Harold asked. No, Peter said. They'll be as thick as peas down there watching for the first sight of our fleet. No, we must just keep through the woods and be as still and as silent as if the trees had ears. You'd best look to the priming of your piece before we go farther, for it's likely enough you'll have to use it before the day's done and a misfire might cost you your life. Tell that nigger of yarn that he's not to open his mouth again till I gives him leave. With a long, stealthy tread, the party descended the mountain and took their way through the woods. Every hundred yards or so, they stopped and listened intently. When any noise, even of the slightest kind was heard, all dropped to the ground until the chief had scouted round and discovered the way was clear. Once or twice they heard the sound of men's voices and a distant laugh, but they passed on without seeing those who uttered them. Presently they again heard voices, this time raised as if in angry dispute. The Seneca wood as before have made a long detour to avoid them, but Peter said, let's have a squint at what's going on, chief. With redoubled caution, they again advanced until they stood at the edge of the clearing. It was a patch of land some hundred yards wide and extending from the shore of the lake, nearly a quarter of a mile inland. In the center stood a log hut, neatly and carefully built. A few flowers grew around the house and the whole bore signs of greater neatness and comfort than was usual in the cabins of the backwood settlers. The point where the party had reached the edge of the wood was immediately opposite the house. Near it stood a group of some 20 men, one of whom apparently their leader was gesticulating angrily as he addressed a man who faced him. I tell you, you're a dirned loyalist, you're a traitor to the country and I've a mind to hang ye and all belonging to ye to the nearest fowl. I tell you, the man answered calmly, but in the still air every word he said could be heard by those at the edge of the forest. I hate nothing to do with the trouble, ain't way or the either. I'm a quiet settler whose business only is to make a hame from my wife and barn. But if ye ask me to drink success to the Congress and confusion to the king's troops, I tell you I will not do it, not even if you are brutal enough, but this I cannot believe possible to carry your threats into execution. I haste served my time in the king's regiment. With the bounty I received instead of pension on my discharge, I settled here with my wife and barn and no one shall say that Duncan Cameron was a traitor to his king. We do no harm to anyone. We take no part for or against you. We only ask to be allowed to live in peace. That ye shall not, the man said. The king's troops have got engines with them and they're going to burn and kill all those who won't take part with them. It's time we should show them as we can play at that game too. Now ye've either got to swear to be faithful to the states of America or up you go. I cannot swear, the settler said firmly. You may kill me if you will, but if you are men, you will not harm my wife and girl. We'll just do to you as the Redskins will do to our people, the man said. We'll make a sweep of the whole lot of you. Here you, fellows, fetch the woman and the girl out of the house and then set a light to it. Four or five men entered the house. A minute later screams were heard and a woman and child were dragged out. The settler sprang toward them, but three or four men seized him. Now, the man said, stepping toward the house, we'll show him a bonfire. As he neared the door, a crack of a rifle was heard and the Ruffian fell dead in his tracks. A yell of astonishment and rage broke from his followers. Jerusalem youngster, you've got us into a fine fix. How some ever, since you've begun it, here goes. And the rifle of the hunter brought down another of the Americans. These, following the first impulse of a frontiersman when attacked, fled for shelter to the house, leaving the settler with his wife and daughter standing alone. You'd best get out of the way, Peter shouted, or you may get a bit of lead that wasn't intended for you. Catching up his child, Cameron ran toward the forest, making for the side on which his unknown friends were placed, but keeping down toward the lake, so as to be out of their line of fire. Make down to them, Harold, Peter said. Tell them they'd best go to some neighbors and stop there for a day or two. The army'll be here tomorrow or next day. Be quick about it and come back as fast as you can. I tell you, we're in a hornet's nest and it'll be as much as we can do to get out of it. A scattering fire was now being exchanged between the redskins behind the shelter of the trees and the Americans firing from the windows of the log house. Harold was but two or three minutes absent. All right, Peter, he exclaimed as he rejoined them. Come along then, the hunter said. Now chief, let's make up round the top of this clearing and then foot it. The chief at once put himself at the lead of the party and the nine men strode away again into the forest. It was no longer silent. Behind them, the occupants of the hut were still keeping up a brisk fire toward the trees. While from several quarters, shouts could be heard and more than once the Indian war whoop rose in the forest. That's just what I was afeard of, Peter muttered. There's some of those darned barment with them. We might have found our way through the whites but the redskins will pick up our trail as certain as if we were driving a wagon through the woods. Going along at a swinging, noiseless trot, the party made their way through the forest. Presently, a prolonged Indian whoop was heard in the direction from which they had come. Then there were loud shouts and the firing ceased. One of the red reptiles has found our trail, Peter said. He's with a party of whites and they've shouted the news to the gang in the clearing. Well, we may calculate we've got 30 on our trail and as we can hear them all round, it'll be a circumstance if we get out with our sculpts. As they ran, they heard shouts from those behind answered by others on both flanks. Shots too were fired as signals to call the attention of other parties. Several times the Seneca chief stopped and listened attentively and then changed his course as he heard suspicious noises ahead. Those behind him were coming up although still at some distance in the rear. They could hear the sound of breaking trees and bushes as their pursuers followed them in a body. If it was only the fellows behind, Peter said, we could leave them easy enough but the wood seems alive with the varmint. It was evident the alarm had spread through the forest and that the band scattered here and there were aware that an enemy was in their midst. The dropping fire which the pursuers kept up afforded an indication as to the direction in which they were making and the ringing war whoop of the hostile Indians conveyed the intelligence still more surely. Presently there was a shout a short distance ahead followed by the sound of a rifle ball as it whizzed close to Harold's head and buried itself in a tree that he was passing. In a moment each of the party had sheltered behind a tree. It's of no use chief, Peter said, we'll have the whole pack from behind upon us in five minutes. We must run for it and take our chances of being hit. Swerving somewhat from their former line, they again ran on. Bullets whisked around them but they did not pause to fire a shot in return. Tarn nation, Peter exclaimed as the trees in front of them opened and they found themselves on the edge of another clearing. It was considerably larger than that which they had lately left being 300 yards across and extending back from the lake fully half a mile. As in the previous case, a log hut stood in the center some 200 yards back from the lake. There's nothing for it chief, Peter said, we must take to the house and fight it out there. There's a whole gang of fellows in the forest ahead and they'll shoot us down if we cross the clearing. Without a moment's hesitation the party rushed across the clearing to the hut. Several shots were fired as they dashed across the open but they gained the place of refuge and safety. The hut was deserted. It had probably belonged to royalists. For its rough furniture lay broken on the ground. Boxes and cupboards had been forced open and the floor was strewn with broken crockery and portions of wearing apparel. Herald looked round. Several of the party were bleeding from slight wounds. Now to the windows, Peter said as he barred the door. Pile up bedding and anything else the E can find against the shutters and keep yourselves well under cover. Don't throw away a shot. We want all our powder I can tell you. Quickly now there ain't no time to be lost. While some began carrying out his instructions below others bounded upstairs and scattered themselves through the upper rooms. There were two windows on each side of the house, one at each end. Disregarding the latter, Peter and Harold took post at the windows looking toward the forest from which they had just come. The chief and another Indian posted themselves to watch the other side. At first no one was to be seen. The party who had fired at them as they ran across the open had waited for the coming up of the strong band who were following before venturing to show themselves. The arrival of the pursuers was heralded by the opening of a heavy fire toward the house. As the assailants kept themselves behind trees no reply was made and the defenders occupied themselves by piling the bedding against the shutters which they had hastily closed. Loopholes had been left in the walls when the hut was first built. The moss with which they were filled up was torn out and each man took his post at one of these. As no answering shot came from the house the assailants became bolder and one or two ventured to show themselves from behind shelter. In a moment Harold and Peter whose rifles could carry more truly and much further than those of the Indians fired. To wiped out Peter said as the men fell and shouts of anger arose from the woods. That'll make them careful. This proof of the accuracy of the aim of the besieged checked their assailants and for some time they were very careful not to expose themselves. From both sides of the forest a steady fire was maintained. Occasionally an answering shot flashed out from the house when one of the enemy unconsciously showed an arm or a part of his body from behind the trees and it was seldom the rifles were fired in vain. Four or five of the Americans were shot through the head as they leaned forward to fire and after an hour's exchange of bullets the attack ceased. What are they going to do now? Harold asked. I expect they're going to wait until nightfall. Peter said. There's no moon and they'll be able to work up all around the house. Then they'll make a rush at the door and lower windows. We'll shoot down a good many on them and then they'll burst their way in or set fire to the hut and there'll be an end of it. That's what'll happen. And you think there is no way of making our way out? Harold asked. It's a mighty poor chance if there's one at all. The hunter replied. I should say by the fire there must be nigh a hundred of them now and it's likely that by nightfall there'll be three times as many. As soon as it gets dusk they'll creep out from the woods and form a circle around the house and gradually work up to it. Now let's cook some vitals. We've had nothing to eat this morning yet and it must be nigh eleven o'clock. I don't see why we should be starved even if we've got to be killed tonight. One of the party was left on watch on each side of the house and the others gathered in the room below where a fire was lit and the strips of dried deer flesh which they carried were soon frying over it. Harold admired the air of indifference with which his companions set about preparing the meat. Everyone was aware of the desperate nature of the position but no illusion was made to it. The negro had caught the spirit of his companions but his natural locacity prevented his imitating their habitual silence. "'Dist bad affair, Massey Harold,' he said. "'We just like so many coons up in tree "'with a whole pack of dogs round us "'and to hunters in the distance coming up with the guns. "'Dist child reckoned that some of them hunters "'will get hit hard before they get us. "'Jake don't care one bit for himself, Massey, "'but he very sorry to see you in such a fix.' "'It can't be helped, Jake,' Harold said as cheerfully "'as he could. "'It was my firing that shot which got us into it "'and yet I cannot blame myself. "'We could not stand by and see those ruffians "'murder a woman and child.' "'Dat so, Massey Harold, "'there was no possibility of seeing dat. "'I reckoned that windows rascals come to climb to stairs. "'They'll find it our very hard work.' "'I don't think they will try, Jake. "'They are more likely to heap brushwood "'against the door and windows and set it alight "'and then shoot us down as we rush out. "'This hut is not like the one I had to defend "'against the Iroquois. "'That was built to repel Indians' attacks. "'This is a mere squatter's hut.' "'After the meal was over, "'Peter and the Seneca chief went upstairs, "'looked through the loopholes "'and talked long and earnestly together. "'Then they rejoined the party below. "'The chief and I are of opinion,' "'Peter said to Harold, "'that it are of no manner of use "'are waiting to be attacked here. "'They'd burn us out to a certainty. "'We should have no show of a fight at all. "'Anything's better than that.' "'Now what we propose is that, "'directly it gets fairly dark, "'will all creep out and make for the lake. "'Even if they have formed their circle around us, "'they ain't likely to be as thick there "'as they are on the other side. "'What they'll try to do in course "'is to prevent our taking to the forest. "'And there'll be such a grist of them "'that I don't believe one of us "'should get through alive if we tried it. "'Now they'll not be so strong toward the lake, "'and we might break through to the water. "'I don't say as there's much chance of our getting away, "'for I tell you fairly that I don't believe "'there's any chance at all. "'But the chief here and his braves "'don't want their sculpts "'to hang in the wigwams of the Chippewas. "'And I myself, if I had a choice, "'would rather be grounded than shot down. "'It don't make much difference, "'but of the two I had rather. "'If we can reach the lake, "'we can swim out of gunshot range. "'I know you can swim like a fish, "'and so can Jake, "'and the Indians swim as a matter of course. "'If we dive at first, we may get off. "'It'll be so dark, "'they won't see us with any certainty beyond 50 yards. "'When we're once fairly out in the lake, "'we can take our chance.' "'And is there a chance, Peter? "'Although if there is none, "'I quite agree with you "'that I would rather be drowned than shot down. "'If we were sure of being killed by the first shot, "'that would be the easiest death. "'But if we were only wounded, "'they would probably hang us in the morning.' "'That's so,' the hunter said. "'Well, I can hardly say there's a chance, "'and yet I can't say as how there ain't. "'In the first place, "'they may have some canoes and come out after us. "'There's pretty safe to be some along the shore here. "'The settlers would have had them for fishing.' "'But what chance will that give us?' Harald asked. "'Well,' the hunter replied. "'I reckon in that case, as our chance is a fair one, "'if we dive and come up close alongside, "'we may manage to upset one of them, "'and in that case, we might get off. "'That's one chance. "'Then if they don't come out in canoes, "'we might swim three or four miles down the lake "'and take to land. "'They couldn't tell which way to go "'and would have to scatter over a long line. "'It's just possible we might land without being seen, "'once in the woods, and we'd be safe. "'So you see, we have two chances. "'In course, we must throw away our rifles and ammunition "'before we come to the water.' "'At any rate,' Harald said, "'the plan is a hopeful one, "'and I agree with you that it is a thousand times better "'to try it than it is to stop here "'with the certainty of being shot down before morning.' "'The afternoon passed quietly. "'A few shots were fired occasionally from the wood, "'and taunting shouts were heard of the fate "'which awaited them when night approached. "'A vigilant watch was kept from the upper windows, "'but Peter thought that it was certain "'the enemy would make no move "'until it became perfectly dark, "'although they would establish a strong cordon "'all round the clearing in case the besieged "'should try and break out.' "'Harald trembled with impatience to be off "'as the night grew darker and darker. "'It seemed to him that at any moment "'the assailants might be narrowing the circle "'round the house, and had he been a leader, "'he would have given the word "'long before the scout made a move.' "'At last Peter signaled that the time had come. "'It was perfectly dark when the bars "'were noiselessly removed from the door, "'and the party stole out. "'Everything seemed silent, but the very stillness "'made the danger appear more terrible. "'Peter had impressed upon Harold and Jake "'the necessity for moving without making "'the slightest noise. "'As soon as they left the house, "'the whole party dropped on their hands and knees. "'Peter and the Seneca chief led the way. "'Two of the braves came next. "'Harold and Jake followed. "'The remaining Indians crawled in the rear. "'Peter had told his comrades to keep as close "'as possible to the Indians in front of them, "'and grasping their rifles, they crept along the ground. "'As they led the way, Peter and the Seneca "'carefully removed from before them "'every dried twig and threw it on one side. "'The distance to be traversed from the hut to the water "'was about two hundred yards, "'and half of this was passed over "'before they encountered any obstacle. "'Then suddenly there was an exclamation, "'and Peter and the Seneca sprang to their feet "'as they came in contact with two men "'crawling in the opposite direction. "'They were too close to use their rifles, "'but a crushing blow from the Seneca's tomahawk "'cleft down the man in front of him "'while Peter drew his long knife from its sheath "'and buried it in the body of his opponent. "'The others had also leapt to their feet "'and each as he did so fired at the dark figures "'which rose around them. "'They had the advantage of the surprise. "'Several scattered shots answered their folly. "'Then with their rifles clubbed, they rushed forward. "'For a moment there was a hand-to-hand fight. "'Harold had just struck down a man opposite to him "'when another sprang upon him. "'So sudden was the attack that he fell from the shock. "'But in an instant Jake buried his knife "'between his opponent's shoulders "'and dragged Harold to his feet. "'Run for your life, Massa, Harold, to whole Gings upon us. "'And indeed the instant the first shot "'broke the silence of the woods, "'a babble of sounds arose from the whole circuit "'of the clearing. "'Shouts and yells burst out from hundreds of throats. "'There was no further use for concealment "'and from all sides the men who had been advancing "'to the attack rushed in the direction "'where the conflict was taking place. "'This lasted but a few seconds. "'As Peter had expected, the line was thinner "'toward the lake than upon the other sides, "'and the rush of nine men had broken through it. "'Shouts were heard from the woods on either side "'extending down to the water, "'showing that the precaution had been taken "'by the assailants of leaving a portion of their force "'to guard the line of forest "'should the defenders break through the circle. "'At headlong speed, the little band rushed down "'to the water's side, "'dropped their ammunition pouches by its edge, "'through their rifles a few yards into the water "'to be recovered perhaps on some future occasion, "'and then dived in. "'The nearest of the pursuers were some 30 yards "'behind them when they reached the water's edge. "'Swimming as far underwater as they could hold their breath, "'each came to the surface for an instant "'and then again dived. "'Momentarily, as they showed themselves, "'they heard the rattle of musketry behind "'and the bullets splashed thickly on the water. "'The night, however, was so dark "'that the fire could only be a random one. "'Until far out from the shore, "'they continued diving and then gathered together. "'We're pretty well out of range now,' Peter said, "'and quite out of sight of the varmints. "'Now we can wait a bit and see what they do next. "'The enemy were still keeping up a heavy fire from the shore, "'hallowing and shouting to each other "'as they fancied they caught a glimpse of their enemies. "'There must be two or three hundred of them,' Peter said. "'We fooled them nicely so far.' "'By the crashing of the bushes, "'the fugitives could hear strong parties "'making their way along the shore in either direction. "'An hour passed, "'during which the fugitives floated "'nearly opposite the clearing. "'Hello,' Peter exclaimed presently. "'There's a canoe coming along the lake. "'I expect they got it from Camerons.' "'As he spoke, a canoe appeared round the point. "'Two men were standing up holding blazing torches, "'two others paddled, "'while two rifle in hand sat by them. "'Almost at the same moment, another canoe, "'similarly manned, pushed out from the shore "'immediately opposite.' "'I wish we had known of that canoe,' Peter said. "'It would have saved us a lot of trouble, "'but we had no time for looking about. "'I suspected them settlers must have had one laid up "'somewhere's.' "'Now,' he went on, "'let's make our plans. "'The canoes are sure to keep pretty nine near each other. "'They'll most likely think as we've gone down the lake "'and they'll not be looking very sharply after us at present. "'It'll never do to let them pass us. "'Now Jake and I and two of the engines will take one canoe "'and the chief and three of his braves, the other. "'We must move round so as to get between them in the shore "'and then dive and come up close to them. "'Now, Harold, do you swim out a bit further "'and then make a splash so as to call their attention? "'Do it once or twice till you see "'that they've got their eyes turned that way. "'Then be very quiet so as to keep them watching "'for another sound. "'That'll be our moment for attacking them.' "'They waited till the two canoes joined each other "'and paddled slowly out from the shore. "'Then the eight swimmers started off to make their detour "'while Harold swam quietly further out into the lake. "'The canoes were about 300 yards from shore "'and were paddling very slowly. "'The occupants keeping a fixed look along the lake. "'There was perfect quiet on the shore now "'and when Harold made a slight splash "'with his hand upon the water, he saw that it was heard. "'Both canoes stopped rowing, the steers in each case "'giving them a steer so that they lay broadside "'to the land, giving each man a view over the lake. "'They sat as quiet as if carved in stone. "'Again Harold made a splash "'but this time a very slight one, "'so slight that it could hardly reach the ears "'of the listeners. "'A few words were exchanged by the occupants of the boats. "'They are further out on the lake, Bill,' one said. "'I'm not sure,' the other answered. "'I rather think the sound was further down. "'Listen again.' "'Again they sat motionless. "'Herald swam with his eyes fixed upon them. "'Every face was turned his way "'and none was looking shoreward. "'Then, almost at the same instant, "'there was a shout from both boats. "'The men with torches seemed to lose their balance. "'The lights described a half-circle through the air "'and were extinguished. "'A shout of astonishment broke from the occupants, "'mingled with the wild Seneca war yell, "'and he knew that both canoes were upset. "'There was a sound of a desperate struggle going on. "'Oaths and wild cries rose from the water. "'Heavy blows were struck, "'while from the shore arose loud shouts of dismay and rage. "'In two minutes all was quiet in the water. "'Then came Peter's shout. "'This way, Harold, we'll have the canoes "'rided and bailed in a minute. "'The varmins all wiped out.' "'With a lightened heart, "'Herald swam toward the spot. "'The surprise had been a complete success. "'The occupants of the canoes intent only upon the pursuit "'and having no fear of attack, "'for they knew that the fugitives "'must have thrown away their rifles, "'were all gazing intently out on the lake, "'when, close to each canoe on the shore side, "'four heads rose from out of the water. "'In an instant eight hands had seized the gunwales, "'and before the occupants were aware of their danger, "'the canoes were upset.' "'Taken wholly by surprise, "'the Americans were no match for their assailants. "'The knives of the latter did their work "'before the frontiersmen had thoroughly grasped "'what had happened. "'Two or three indeed had made a desperate fight, "'but they were no match for their opponents, "'and the struggle was quickly over.' "'On Harold reaching the canoes, "'he found them already rided and half emptied of water. "'The paddles were picked up, "'and in a few minutes, "'with a derisive shout of adieu "'to their furious enemy on the shore, "'the two canoes paddled out into the lake. "'When they had attained a distance "'of about half a mile from the shore, "'they turned the boat's heads and paddled north. "'In three hours they saw lights in the wood.' "'Here's the troops,' Peter said. "'Soldiers are never content unless they're making fires "'big enough to warn every redskin "'within fifty miles that they're coming.' "'As they approached the shore, "'the challenge from the English Sentinel came over the water. "'Who comes there?' "'Friends,' Peter replied. "'Give the password.' "'How on earth am I to give the password?' "'Peter shouted back, "'when we've been three days away from the camp. "'If you approach without the password, I fire,' the Sentinel said. "'I tell ye,' Peter shouted, "'were scouts with news for the general. "'I can't help who you are,' the Sentinel said. "'I have got my orders.' "'Pass the word along for an officer,' Harold shouted. "'We have important news.' "'The sentry called to the one next to him, "'and so the word was passed along the line. "'In a few minutes an officer appeared on the shore, "'and after a short parley, "'the party were allowed to land, "'and Peter and Harold were at once conducted "'to the quarters of General Burgoyne.' End of chapter 12, recording by Tricia G.