 CHAPTER IV. The Indians had made several attacks upon settlements at other points in the frontier, but they had not repeated their incursion in the neighborhood of the lake. The farming operations had gone on regularly, but the men always worked with their rifles ready to their hand. Pearson had predicted the Indians were not likely to return to that neighborhood. Mr. Welch's farm was the only one along the lake that had escaped, and the loss the Indians had sustained in attacking it had been so heavy that they were not likely to make an expedition in that quarter, where the chances of booty were so small and the certainty of a desperate resistance so great. Other matters occurred which rendered the renewal of the attack improbable. The news was brought by a wandering hunter that a quarrel had arisen between the Shawnees and the Iroquois, and that the latter had recalled their braves from the frontier to defend their own villages in case of hostilities breaking out between them and the rival tribe. There was no occasion for Harold to wait for news from home, for his father had before starting definitely fixed the day for his return, and when that time approached Harold started on his eastward journey in order to be at home at about the date of their arrival. Pearson took him in his canoe to the end of the lake and accompanied him to the settlement, whence he was able to obtain a conveyance to Detroit. Here he took a passage in a trading boat and made his way by water to Montreal. Thence down through Lake Champlain and the Hudson River to New York, and thence to Boston. The journey had occupied him longer than he expected, and Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were already in their home at Concord when he arrived. The meeting was a joyful one. His parents had upon their return home found letters from Mr. Welch and his wife describing the events which happened at the farm, and speaking in the highest terms of the courage and coldness in danger which Harold had displayed, and giving him full credit for the saving of their daughter's life. Upon the day after Harold's return, two gentlemen called upon Captain Wilson and asked him to sign the agreement which a number of colonists had entered into to resist the mother country to the last. This Captain Wilson positively refused to do. I am an Englishman, he said, and my sympathies are wholly with my country. I do not say that the whole of the demands of England are justifiable. I think the Parliament has been deceived as to the spirit existing here, but I could consider that it has done nothing whatever to justify the attitude of the colonists. The soldiers of England have fought for you against French and Indians and are still stationed here to protect you. The colonists pay nothing for their land. They pay nothing towards the expenses of the government of the mother country, and it appears to me to be perfectly just that people here, free as they are from all the burdens that bear so heavily on those at home, should at least bear the expense of the army stationed here. I grant that it would have been far better had the colonists tax themselves to pay the extra amount instead of the mother country taxing them, but this they would not do. Some of the colonists paid their quota, others refused to do so, and this being the case, it appears to me that England is perfectly justified in laying on a tax. Nothing could have been fairer than the tax she proposed. The stamp tax would in no way have affected the poor classes in the colonies. It would have been borne only by the rich and by those engaged in such business transactions as required stamp documents. I regard the present rebellion as the work of a click of ambitious men who have stirred up the people by incendiary addresses and writings. There are of course among them a large number of men, among them gentlemen I place you, who conscientiously believe that they are justified in doing nothing whatever for the land which gave them or their ancestors birth, who would enjoy all the great natural wealth of this vast country without contributing toward the expense of the troops to whom it is due that they enjoy peace and tranquility. Such gentlemen are not my sentiments. You consider a gross hardship that the colonists are compelled to trade only with the mother country. I grant that it would be more profitable and better for us had we an open trade with the whole world, but in this England only acts as do all the other countries toward their colonies. France, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands all monopolize the trade of their colonies. All, far more than does England, regard their colonies as sources of revenue. I repeat, I do not think that the course that England has pursued toward us has always been wise, but I am sure that nothing that she has done justifies the spirit of disaffection and rebellion which is ripe throughout these colonies. The time will come, sir, one of the gentlemen said, when you will have reason to regret the line which you have now taken. No, sir, Captain Wilson said haughtily. The time may come when the line that I have taken may cost me my fortune and even my life, but it will never cause me one moment's regret that I have chosen the part of a loyal English gentleman. When the deputation had departed, Harold, who had been a wondering listener to the conversation, asked his father to explain to him the exact position in which matters stood. It was indeed a serious one. The success of England in her struggle with France for the supremacy of North America had cost her a great deal of money. At home the burdens of the people were extremely heavy. The expense of the army and navy was great, and the ministry in striving to lighten the burdens of the people turned their eyes to the colonies. They saw in America a population of over two million people, subjects of the king like themselves, living free from rent and taxes on their own land, and paying nothing whatever to the expenses of the country. They were, it is true, forced to trade with England, but this obligation was set wholly at naught. A gigantic system of smuggling was carried on. The Custom House officials had no force at their disposal which would have enabled them to check these operations, and the law enforcing trade with England was virtually a dead letter. Their first step was to strengthen the naval force on the American coast and by additional vigilance to put some sort of check on the wholesale smuggling which prevailed. This step caused extreme discontent among the trading classes of America, and these set to work vigorously to stir up a strong feeling of disaffection against England. The revenue officers were prevented sometimes by force from carrying out their duty. After great consideration, the English government came to the conclusion that a revenue sufficient to pay considerable portion of the cost of the army in America might be raised by means of a stamp tax imposed on all legal documents, receipts, agreements and licenses, a tax in fact resembling that on stamps now in use in England. The colonists were furious at the imposition of this tax. A Congress composed of deputies from each state met and was unanimously resolved that the stamp tax should not be paid. Meetings were everywhere held at which the strongest and most reasonable language was uttered, and such violent threats were used against the persons employed as stamp collectors that these in fear of their lives resigned their posts. The stamp tax remained uncollected and was treated by the colonists as if it were not in existence. The whole of the states now began to prepare for war. The Congress made permanent the militia drilled and prepared for fighting and everywhere the position grew more and more strained. Massachusetts was the headquarters of the disaffection where a total break with the mother country was openly spoken of. At times a more moderate spirits attempted to break about a reconciliation between the two parties. Petitions were sent to the houses of Parliament and even at this time had any spirit of wisdom presale. Petitions were sent to the houses of Parliament and even at this time had any spirit of wisdom prevailed in England, the final consequences might have been prevented. Unfortunately, the majority in Parliament were unable to recognize that unfortunately, the majority in Parliament were unable to recognize that the colonists had any rights upon their side. Taxation was so heavy at home that men felt indignant that they should be called upon to pay for keeping up of the army in America, to which the untaxed colonists with their free farms and houses should contribute nothing. The plea of the colonists that they were taxed by a chamber in which they were unrepresented was answered by the statement that such was also the case in Manchester, Leeds and many other large towns, which were unrepresented in Parliament. In England, neither the spirit nor the strength of the colonists was understood. Men could not bring themselves to believe that these would fight rather than submit, still less that if they did fight it would be successfully. They ignored the fact that the population of the states was one fourth as large as that of England, that by far the greater proportion of that population were men trained either in border warfare or in the chase to use the use of rifle, that the enormous extent of country offered almost insuppable obstacles to the most able army composed of regular troops and that the vast forest and thinly populated country were all in favor of a population fighting as guerrillas against trained troops. Had they perceived these things, the English people would have hesitated before embarking upon such a struggle, even if convinced, as assuredly the vast majority were convinced of the fairness of their demands. It is true that even had England at this point abandon altogether her determination to raise taxes in America, the result would probably have been the same. The spirit of disaffection in the colony had gone so far that a retreat would have been considered as a confession of weakness, and separation of the colonists from the mother country would have happened there many years had elapsed. As it was, parliament agreed to let the stamp tax drop and in its place established some import duties on goods entering the American ports. The colonists however were determined that they would submit to no taxation whatever. The English government in its desire for peace abandoned all the duties with the exception of that on T, but even this concession was not sufficient to satisfy the colonists. These entered into a bond to use no English goods. A riot took place in Boston and the revenue officers were forced to withdraw from their posts. Troops were dispatched from England and the House of Commons declared Massachusetts to be in the state of rebellion. It must not be supposed that the colonists were by any means unanimous in their resistance to England. There were throughout the country a large number of gentlemen like Captain Wilson wholly opposed to the general feeling. New York refused to send members to the Congress and in many other provinces, the adhesion given to the disaffected movement was but lukewarm. It was in New England provinces that the spirit of rebellion was the hottest. These states have been people for the most part by Puritans. Men who had left England voluntarily exiling themselves rather than submit to the laws and religion of the country and among them as among a portion of the Irish population of America at the present time, the feeling of hatred against the government of England was in a way hereditary. So far but few acts of violence had taken place. Nothing could be more virulent than the language of the newspapers of both parties against their opponents. But beyond a few isolated tumults, the peace had not been broken. It was the lull before the storm. The great majority of the New England colonists were upon obtaining nothing short of absolute independence. The loyalists and the English were as determined to put down any revolt. The Congress drilled, armed and organized. The English brought over fresh troops and prepared for the struggle. It was December when Harold returned home to his parents and for the next three months the lull before the storm continued. The disaffected of Massachusetts had collected a large quantity of military stores at Concord. These General Gage who commanded the troops at Boston determined to seize and destroy seeing that they could be collected only for use against the government. And on the night of April 19th the Grenadier and light inventory companies of the various regiments, 800 strong under command of Lieutenant Colonel Smith of the 10th Regiment and Major Pitcairn of the Marines embarked on boats and were conveyed up Charles River as far as a place called Phipps Farm. There they landed at midnight having a day's provision in their haversacks and started on their march to Concord 20 miles distant from Boston. The design had been discovered by some of the Revolutionary Party in the town and two of their number were dispatched on horseback to rouse the whole country on the way to Concord where the news arrived two o'clock in the morning. Captain Wilson and his household were startled from sleep by the sudden ringing of the alarm bells and a Negro servant Pompey who had been for many years in their service was sent down into the town which lay a quarter of a mile from the house to find out what was the news. He returned in half an hour. We think all the people have gone mad myself. These swarming out of their houses and filling the streets all with the guns on their shoulders all the wild shouting and hallowing down with the English down with the Redcoats. They shan't have our guns. They shan't take our cannon and the powder. There were old Massa Bill Emerson the preacher with his gun in his hand shouting to the people to stand firm and to fight till the last. They all shout we will desperate. Me fear great fight come on. What are you going to do father Harold asked. Nothing my boy if as it is only too likely this is the beginning I have determined to offer my services to the government. Great numbers of loyalists have sent in their names offering to serve necessary and from my knowledge of drill I shall of course be useful. Today I can take no active part in the fight but I should ride forward to meet the troops and warn the commanding officer that resistance will be attempted here. May I go with you father. Yes if you like my boy Pompeii saddle two horses at once. You're not afraid of being left alone Mary. He said turning to his wife. There is no chance of any disturbance here. Our house lies beyond the town and whatever takes place will be in concord. When the troops have captured the guns and stores they will return. Mrs. Wilson said she was not frightened and had no fear of being left alone. Mrs. Wilson said she was not frightened and had no fear whatever of being left alone. The horses were soon brought round and Captain Wilson and his son mounted and rode off at full speed. They made a detour to avoid the town and then gaining the high road when at full speed. The alarm had evidently been given all along the line. At every village the bells were ringing. The people were assembling in the streets all carrying arms while numbers were flocking in from the farm houses around. Once or twice Captain Wilson was stopped and asked where he was going. I am going to tell the commander the British force now marching hither that if he advances there will be bloodshed that it will be the beginning of civil war. If he has orders to come at all hazards my words will not stop him. If it is left to his discretion possibly he may pause before he brings on so dire a calamity. It was just dawn when Captain Wilson and Harold rode into Lexington where the militia 130 strong had assembled. Their guns were loaded and they were ready to defend the place which numbered about 700 inhabitants. Just as Captain Wilson rode in a messenger ran up with the news that the head of the British column was close at hand. Some of the militia had dispersed to lie down until the English arrived. John Parker who commanded them ordered the drums to beat and the alarm guns to be fired and his men drew up in two ranks across the road. It is too late now Harold Captain Wilson said let us get out of the line of fire. The British hearing the drums and the alarm guns loaded and the advance company came on at the double. Major Pitcairn was at their head and shouted to the militia to lay down their arms. It is a matter of dispute and will always remain one as to who fired the first shot. The Americans assert that it was the English. The English say that as they advanced several shots were fired at them from behind a stone wall and from some of the adjoining houses which wounded one man and hit Major Pitcairn's horse in two places. The militia disregarded Major Pitcairn's orders to lay down their arms. The English fired. Several of the militia were killed, nine wounded and the rest dispersed. There was no further fighting and the English marched on unopposed to concord. As they approached the town the militia retreated from it. The English took possession of a bridge behind the place and held this while the troops were engaged in destroying the ammunition and gun carriages. Most of the guns had been removed and only two 24 pounders were taken. In destroying the stores by fire the courthouse took flames. At the side of this fire the militia and armed countrymen advanced down the hill toward the bridge. The English tried to pull up the planks but the Americans ran forward rapidly. The English guard fired. The colonists returned fire. Some of the English were killed and wounded and the party fell back into the town. Half an hour later Colonel Smith having performed the duty that he was sent to do resumed the homeward march with a whole of his troops. Then the militia men of the concord with those from many villages around and every man in the district capable of bearing arms fell upon the retiring English. The road led through several defiles and every tree, every rock, every depression of ground was taken advantage of by the Americans. Scarcely a man was to be seen but their deadly fire rained thick upon the chired troops. This they vaguely attempted to return but they could do nothing against an invisible foe. Every man of whom possessed a skill with his rifle far beyond that of the British soldier. Very many fell and the retreat was fast becoming a route when near Lexington the column met a strong reinforcement which had been sent out from Boston. This was commanded by Lord Percy who formed his detachment into a square in which Colonel Smith's party now so utterly exhausted that they were obliged to lie down for some time took refuge. When they were rested the whole force moved again towards Boston harassed the whole way by the Americans who from behind stone walls and other places of shelter kept up an incessant fire upon both flanks as well as in the front and rear against which the troops could do nothing. At last a retreating column arrived safely in Boston spent and worn out with fatigue. Their loss was 65 men killed 136 wounded 49 missing. Such was the beginning of the war of independence. Many American writers have declared that previous to that battle there was no desire for independence on the part of the colonists but this is emphatically contradicted by the language used at the meetings and in the newspapers which have come down to us. The leaders may not have wished to go so far. May not have intended to gain more than an entire immunity from taxation and an absolute power for the colonists to manage their own affairs. But experience has shown that when the spark of revolution is once lighted, when resistance to the law has once commenced, things are carried to a point far beyond that dreamed of by the first leaders. Those who commenced the French revolution were moderate men who desired only that some slight checks should be placed on the arbitrary power of the king. That the people should be relieved in some slight degree from the horrible tyranny of the nobles from the misery and wretchedness in which they lived. These just demands increased step by step until they culminated in the reign of terror and the most horrible scenes of bloodshed and massacre of modern time. Men like Washington, Franklin, and Adams may have desired only that the colonists should be free from imperial taxation. But the popular voice went far beyond this. Three years earlier, wise cancels in the British parliament might have averted a catastrophe and delayed for many years the separation of the colonies from their mother country. At the time the march began from Boston to Concord, the American colonists stood virtually in armed rebellion. The militia throughout New England were ready to fight. Arms, ammunition, and military stores were collected in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. The cannon and military stores belonging to the crown had been carried off by the people, 40 cannon being seized in Rhode Island alone. Such being the case, it is nonsense to speak of the fray at Lexington as a cause of the Revolutionary War. It was but the spark in the powder. The magazine was ready and primed. The explosion was inevitable and the fight at Lexington was the accidental incident which set fire to it. The efforts of American writers to conceal the real facts of the case, to minimize the rebellious language, the violent acts of the colonists, and to make England responsible for the war because a body of troops were sent to seize cannon and military stores intended to be used against them, are so absurd as well as so untrue that it is astonishing how wide a credence such statements have received. From an eminence at some distance from the line of retreat, Captain Wilson and his son watched sorrowfully the attack upon the British troops. When at last the combatants disappeared from sight through one of the defiles, Captain Wilson turned his horse's head homeward. The dying's cast, he said to his wife as she met him at the door, the war has begun and I fear it can have but one termination. The colonists can place forces in the field 20 times as numerous as any army that England can spare. They are inferior in drill and in discipline, but these things which are such vast consequences in a European battlefield, matter but little in such a country as this. Skill with the rifle and knowledge of forest warfare are far more important. In these points, the colonists are superior to the English soldier as they are in point of numbers. Nevertheless, my dear, my duty is plain. I am an Englishman and have borne his Majesty's commission. I must fight for the king. Harold has spoken to me as we rode home together and he wishes to fight by my side. I have pointed out to him that as he was born here he can without dishonor remain neutral in the struggle. He, however, insists that as a royal subject of the king he is entitled to fight for him. He saw today many lads not older than himself in the rebel ranks and he has pleaded strongly for permission to go with me. To this I have agreed. Which would you prefer, Mary, to stay quietly here where I imagine you would not be molested on account of the part I take or will you move into Boston and stop with your relations there until the struggle has ended one way or the other. Mrs. Wilson had frequently talked over with her husband the course that he would take in the act of civil war actually breaking out. The news that he would at once offer his services to the British authorities did not come as a shock upon her. Even the question of Harold accompanying his father had been talked over and although her heart bled at the thought of her husband and son both being engaged in such a struggle she agreed to acquiescence in any decision that Harold might arrive at. He was now nearly 16 and in the colonies a lad of this age is in point of independence and self-reliance older than an English boy. Harold too had already shown that he possessed discretion and coolness as well as courage and although now that the moment had come, Mrs. Wilson went passionately at the thought of their leaving her. She abstained from saying any word to dissuade them from the course that they had determined upon. When she recovered from her fit of crying she said that she would accompany them at once to Boston as in the first place their duties might for some time lie in that city and that in any case she would have came far more speedy news there of what was going on throughout the country than she would at Concord. She would too be living among her friends and would meet with many of the same convictions and opinion as her husbands whereas in Concord the whole population would be hostile. Captain Wilson said that there was no time to be lost as the whole town was in a tumult. He therefore advised her to pack up such necessary articles as could be carried in the polices on the horse's back. Pompey and the other servants were to pack up the most valuable effects and forward them to a relation of Mrs. Wilson's who lived about three miles from Boston. There they would be in safety and could be brought into town if necessary. Pompey and two other old servants were to remain in charge of the house and its contents. Jake an active young Negro some 23 or 24 years old who was much attached to Harold who's a personal attendant and companion he had always been was to accompany them on horseback as was Judy Mrs. Wilson's Negro made. As evening fell the five horses were brought round and the party started by a long and circuitous route by which after riding for nearly 40 miles they reached Boston at two o'clock the next morning. End of chapter four. Chapter five 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 Miss Jody 777. True to the old flag by G. A. Henty. Chapter five. Bunkers Hill. The excitement caused by the news of the fight at Concord was intense and as it spread through the colony the men everywhere rushed to arms. The fray at Lexington was represented as a wanton outrage and the fact wholly ignored that the colonists concerned in it were drawn up in arms to oppose the passage of the king's troops who were marching on their legitimate duty of seizing arms and ammunition collected for the purpose of warring against the king. The colonial orators and newspaper writers affirmed then as they have affirmed since that up to the day of Lexington no one had a thought of firing a shot against the government. A more bare-faced misstatement was never made. Men do not carry off canon by scores and accumulate everywhere great stores of war-like ammunition without a thought of fighting. The colonists commenced the war by assembling in arms to oppose the progress of British troops obeying the orders of the government. It matters not a whit on which side the first shot was fired. American troops have many times since that event fired upon rioters in the streets under circumstances no stronger than those which brought on the fight at Lexington. From all parts of New England the militia volunteers poured in and in three days after the fight 20,000 armed men were in camp between the rivers Mystic and Roxburgh thus besieging Boston. They at once set to work throwing up formidable earthworks the English troops remaining within their entrenchments across the neck of land joining Boston with the mainland. The streets of Boston were crowded with an excited populace when Captain Wilson and his party rode into it at two in the morning. No one thought of going to bed and all were excited to the last degree at the news of the battle. All sorts of reports prevailed. On the colonial side it was affirmed that the British in their retreat had shot down women and children while the soldiers affirmed that the colonists had scalped many of their number who fell in the fight. The latter statement was officially made by Lord Percy in his report of the engagement. Captain Wilson rode directly to the house of his wife's friends. They were still up and were delighted to see Mary Wilson for such exaggerated reports had been received at the fight that they were alarmed for her safety. They belonged to the moderate party who saw that there were faults on both sides and regretted bitterly both the obstinacy of the English parliament in attempting to coerce the colonists and the determination of the latter to oppose by force of arms the legitimate rights of the mother country. Until the morning the events of the preceding day were talked over. A few hours repose was then taken after which Captain Wilson went to the headquarters of General Gage and offered his services. Although Boston was the headquarters of the disaffected party no less than 200 men came forward as volunteers in the king's service and Captain Wilson was at once appointed to the command of a company of 50 men. Before leaving the army he had taken part in several expeditions against the Indians and his knowledge of forest warfare rendered him a valuable acquisition. Boston was but poorly provisioned and as upon the day when the news of Lexington reached New York two vessels laden with flour for the use of the troops at Boston were seized by the colonists and many other supplies cut off. The danger of the place being starved out was considerable. General Gage therefore offered no opposition to the exit from the city of those who wished to avoid the horror of a siege and a considerable portion of the population made their way through to the rebel line. Every day brought news of fresh rising throughout the country. The governors of the various provinces were powerless. Small garrisons of English troops were disarmed and made prisoners and the fortress of Ticonderoga held only by 50 men was captured by the Americans without resistance. In one month after the first shot was fired the whole of the American colonies were in rebellion. The news was received in England with astonishment and sorrow. Great concessions had been made by Parliament but the news reached America too late to avoid hostilities. Public opinion was divided. Many were in favor of granting at once all that the colonists demanded and many officers of rank and position resigned their commissions rather than fight against the Americans. The division indeed was almost as general and complete as it had been in the time of our own civil war. In London the feeling in favor of the colonists was strong. But in the country generally the determination to repress the rising was in the ascendant. The colonists had with great shrewdness dispatched a fast sailing ship to Europe upon the day following the battle of Lexington giving their account of the affair and representing it as a massacre of defenseless colonists by British troops and the story thus told excited a sympathy which would not perhaps have been extended to them had the real facts of the case been known. Representatives from all the colonies met at Philadelphia to organize and resistant but as yet although many of the bolder spirits spoke of altogether throwing off allegiance to England no resolution was proposed to that effect. For the first six weeks after his arrival at Boston Captain Wilson was engaged in drilling his company. Harold was of course attached to it and entered with ardor upon his duties. Captain Wilson did not attempt to form his men into a band of regular soldiers. Accuracy of movement and regularity of drill would be of little avail in the warfare in which they were likely to be engaged. Accuracy in shooting, quickness in taking cover, and steadiness in carrying out any general orders were the principal objects to be attained. Most of the men had already taken part in frontier warfare. The majority of them were gentlemen. Englishmen who like their captain had come out from home and purchased small estates in the country. The discipline therefore was not strict and off duty all were on terms of the quality. Toward the end of May and the beginning of June considerable enforcements arrived from England and as a step precautionary to offensive measures General Gage on June the 12th issued a proclamation offering in his majesty's name a free pardon to all who should fork with lay down their arms. John Hancock and General Adams only accepted and threatening with punishment all who should delay to avail themselves of the offer. This proclamation had no effect whatever. Near the peninsula of Boston on the north and separated from it by the Charles river which is navigable and about the breadth of the Thames at London bridge is another neck of land called the peninsula of Charlestown. On the north bank opposite Boston lies the town of Charlestown behind which in the center of the peninsula rises an eminence called Bunker's Hill. Bunker's Hill is sufficiently high to overlook part of Boston and near enough to be within cannon shot. This hill was unoccupied by either party and about this time the Americans hearing the General Gage had come to a determination to fortify it resolved to defeat his resolution by being the first to occupy it. About nine in the evening of June 16th a detachment from the colonial army 1,000 strong under the command of Colonel Prescott moved along the Charlestown road and took up a position on a shoulder of Bunker's Hill which was known as Breed's Hill just above the town of Charlestown. They reached this position at midnight. Each man carried a pick and shovel and all night they worked vigorously in entrenching the position. Not a word was spoken and the watch on board the man of war in the harbors were ignorant of what was going on so near at hand. At daybreak the alarm was given and the lively opened a cannonade upon the redoubt. A battery of gun was placed on Cops Hill behind Boston a distant 1200 yards from the works and this also opened fire. The Americans continued their work throwing up fresh entrenchments and singularly only one man was killed by the fire from the ships and redoubt. A breastwork was carried down the hill to the flat ground which intersected by fences stretched away to the mystic. By nine o'clock they had completed their entrenchment. Prescott set off for reinforcements but there was little harmony among the colonial troops. Disputes between the contingents of the various provinces were common. There was no head of sufficient authority to enforce his orders upon the whole and a long delay took place before the reinforcements were sent forward. In the meantime the English had been preparing to attack the position. The 5th, 38th, 43rd and 52nd regiments with 10 companies of the grenadiers and 10 of the light infantry with a proportion of field artillery embarked in boats and crossing the harbour landed on the outward side of the peninsula near the mystic with a view of outflanking the American position and surrounding them. The force was under the command of Major General Howe under whom was Brigadier General Piggott. Upon seeing the strength of the American position General Howe halted and sent back for further reinforcements. The Americans improved the time thus given them by forming a breastwork in front of an old ditch. Here there was a post and rail fence. They ran up another by the side of this and filled the space between the two with the new moon hay which cut only the day before laid thickly over the meadows. Two battalions were sent across to reinforce Howe while large reinforcements with six guns arrived to the assistance of Prescott. The English had now a force consisting according to different authorities of between 2,000 and 2,500 men. The colonial force is also variously estimated and had the advantage both in position and in the protection of their entrenchments while the British had to march across open ground. As individual shots the colonists were immensely superior but the British had the advantages given by drill and discipline. The English lines advanced in good order steadily and slowly the artillery covering them by their fire. Presently the troops opened fire but the distance was too great and they did but little execution. Encumbered with their knapsacks they ascended the steep hill toward the redoubt with difficulty covered as it was by grass reaching to the knees. The colonists did not fire a shot until the English line had reached a point about 150 yards from the entrenchment. Then Prescott gave the order and from the route and the long line of entrenchments flanking it flashed a line of fire. Each man had taken a steady aim with his rifle resting on the earthwork before him and so deadly was the fire that nearly the whole front line of the British fell. For 10 minutes the rest stood with dog-encouraged firing at the hidden foe but these sheltered while they loaded and only exposing themselves momentarily while they raised their heads above the parapets to fire did such deadly execution that the remnant of the British fell back to the foot of the hill. While this force which was under the command of General Pigott had been engaged another division under how himself moved against a rail fence. The combat was a repetition of that which had taken place on the hill. Here the Americans reserved their fire until the enemy were close. Then with their muskets resting on the rails they poured in deadly fire and after in vain trying to stand their ground the troops fell back to the shore. Captain Wilson was standing with Harold on Cops Hill watching the engagement. What beautiful order they go in, Harold said, looking admiringly at the long lines of red-coated soldiers. It is very pretty, Captain Wilson said sadly, and may do in regular warfare but I tell you Harold that sort of thing won't do here. There is scarce a man carrying a gun behind those entrenchments who cannot with certainty hit a bullseye at 150 yards. It is simply murder taking the men up in regular order against such a foe sheltered by earthworks. At this moment the long line of fire darted out from the American entrenchments. Look there, Captain Wilson cried in a pain voice. The front line is nearly swept away. Do you see them lying almost in an unbroken line on the hillside? I tell you Harold, it is hopeless to look for success if we fight in this way. The bravest men in the world could not stand such a fire as that. What will be done now, Harold asked, as the men stood huddled upon the shore. They will try again, Captain Wilson said. Look at the officers running about among them and getting them into order. In a quarter of an hour the British again advanced both toward the redoubt and the grass fence. As before the Americans withheld their fire and this time until the troops were far closer than before and the result was even more disastrous. Some of the grenadier and light infantry companies who led lost three force, others nine tenths of the men. Again the British troops recoiled from that terrible fire. General Howe and his officers exerted themselves to the utmost to restore order when the troops again reached the shore and the men gallantly replied to their exhortations. Almost impossible as the task appeared they prepared to undertake it for the third time. This time a small force only was directed to move against the grass fence while the main body under Howe were to attack the redoubt on the hill. Napsacks were taken off and thrown down and each man nerved himself to conquer or die. The ships in the harbor prepared the way by opening a heavy cannonade. General Clinton who was watching the battle from Cops Hill ran down to the shore, rode across the harbor and put himself at the head of two battalions. Then with loud cheers the troops again sprang up the ascent. The American ammunition was running short many of the men not having more than three or four rounds left and this time they held their fire until the British troops were within twenty yards. These had not fired a shot the order being that there was to be no pause but that the redoubt was to be carried with the bayonet for a moment they wavered when the deadly folly was poured upon them. Then with a cheer they rushed at the entrenchments. All those who first mounted were shot down by the defenders but the troops were not to be denied and pouring over the earthworks leaked down upon the enemy. For a few minutes there was a hand to hand fight. The Americans using the butt ends of their muskets the English their bayonets. The soldiers were exhausted with the climb of the hill and their exertions under a blazing sun and the great majority of the defenders of the redoubt were therefore unable to retreat unharmed. As fresh and active they were able to outrun their tired opponents and as the ball served out to the English field pieces were too large the artillery were unable to come into the action. The colonists at the rail fence maintained their position against a small force sent against them till the main body at the redoubt had made their escape. The British were unable to continue the pursuit beyond the isthmus. In the whole history of the British army there is no record of a more gallant feat than the capture of Bunkers Hill and few troops in the world would after two bloody repulses have moved up the third time to assail such a position defended by men so trained to the use of the rifle. Ten hundred and fifty four men or nearly half their number were killed and wounded among whom were eighty three officers. In few battles ever fought was a proportion of casually to the number engaged so great. The Americans fought bravely but the extraordinary praise bestowed upon them for their valor appears misplaced. Their position was one of great strength and the absence of drill was of no consequence whatever in such an engagement. They were perfectly sheltered from the enemy's fire while engaged in calmly shooting him down and their loss up to the moment when the British rushed among them was altogether insignificant. Their casualties took place after the position was stormed and on their retreat along the peninsula and amounted it all to one hundred and forty five killed and captured and three hundred and four wounded. It may be said that both sides fought well but from the circumstances under which they fought the highest credit is due to the victor. The battle however though won by the English was a moral triumph for the Americans and the British Parliament should at once have given up the contest. It was from the first absolutely certain that the Americans with their immense superiority in numbers could if they were only willing to fight hold their vast country against the British troops fighting with a base thousands of miles away. The battle of Bunkers Hill showed that they were so willing that they could fight sternly and bravely and this point once established it was little short of madness for the English government to continue the contest. They had not even the excuse of desiring to wipe out the dishonor of defeat. Their soldiers had won a brilliant victory and had fought with a determination and valor never exceeded and England could have afforded to say we will fight no more. If you the inhabitants of a vast continent are determined to go alone are ready to give your lives rather than remain in connection with us go and prosper. We acknowledge we cannot subdue a nation in awe. From the height of Cops Hill it could be seen that the British had suffered terribly. Captain Wilson was full of enthusiasm when he saw the success of the last gallant charge of the English soldiers but he said to Harold it is a disastrous victory. A few such battles as these in the English army in America would cease to exist but although they were aware that the losses were heavy they were not prepared for the truth. The long grass had hidden from view many of those who fell and when it was known that nearly half of those engaged were killed or wounded. The feeling among the English was akin to consternation. The general ship of the British was wholly unworthy of the valor of the truth. There would have been no difficulty in placing some of the vessels of light drafts so far up the mystic as to outflank the entrenchments held by the colonists. Indeed the British troops might have landed farther up the mystic in which case the Americans must have retreated instantly to avoid capture. Lastly the truth although fighting within a mile of their quarters were encumbered with three days provisions and their napsacks consisting with their muskets and ammunition a load of 125 pounds. This was indeed heavily handicapping men who had under a blazing sun to climb a steep hill with grass reaching to their knees and intersected by walls and fences. American writers describe the defenders of the position as inferior in numbers to the assailant but it is due to the English to say that their estimate of the number of the defenders of the entrenchments but it is due to the English to say that their estimate of the numbers of the defenders of the entrenchments differs very widely from this. General Gage estimated them as being fully three times as numerous as the British troops. It is probable that the truth lies between the two account. Captain Wilson returned with Harold greatly dispirited to his house. The look out is dreadfully bad he said to his wife after describing the events of the day. So far as I can see there are but two alternatives either peace or a long and destructive war with failure at its end. It is even more hopeless trying to conquer a vast country like this defended by irregulars than if we had a trained and disciplined army to deal with. In that case two or three signal victories might bring the war to a conclusion. But fighting with irregulars a victory means nothing beyond so many of the enemy killed. There are scarcely any cannon to take no stores or magazines to capture. When the enemy is beaten he disperses moves off and in a couple of days gathers again in a fresh position. The work has no end. There are no fortresses to take no strategic positions to occupy no great roads to cut. The enemy can march anywhere attack and disperse as he chooses scatter and reform when you have passed by. It is like fighting the wind. Well John since it seems so hopeless can you not give it up is it too late? Altogether too late Mary and if I were free tomorrow I would volunteer my services again next day. It is not any less my duty to fight in my country's cause because I believe the cause to be a losing one. You must see that yourself dear if England had been sure to win without my aid I might have stood aloof. It is because everyone's help is needed that such services as I can render are due to her. A country would be in a bad way whose sons were only ready to fight when their success was a certainty. The Congress determined now to detach Canada from the English side and prepare a force for the invasion of that colony where the British had but few regular troops. Captain Wilson was one morning summoned to headquarters. On his return he called together four or five of the men best acquainted with the country. These had been in their early days hunters or border scouts and knew every foot of the forest and lakes. I've just seen the general captain Wilson said a royalist brought in news last night that the rebels were raising a force intended to act against Montreal. They reckon upon being joined by a considerable portion of the Canadians among whom there is unfortunately a good deal of discontent. We have but two regiments in the whole colony. One of these is a Quebec. The rebels therefore will get the advantage of surprise and may raise the colony before we are in a condition to resist. General Howe asked me to take my company through the woods straight to Montreal. We should be landed a few miles up the coast at night. I suppose some of you know the country well enough to be able to guide us. Several of the men expressed their ability to act as guides. I thought the engines drew them woods over and over again, said one of them, a sinually weather-beaten man of some sixty years old, who was known as Peter Lampton. He had for many years been a scout attached to the army and was one of the most experienced hunters in the frontier. He was a tall, angular man except that he stooped slightly, the result of a habit of walking with the head bent forward in the attitude of listening. The years which had passed over him had had no effect upon his figure. He walked with a long, noiseless tread like that of an Indian and was one of the men attached to his country in whom wisely Captain Wilson had made no attempt to instill the very rudiments of drill. It was, as the captain thought, well that the younger men should have such a knowledge of drill as would enable them to perform simple maneuvers, but the old hunters would fight in their own way, a way infinitely better adapted for forest warfare than any that he could teach them. Peter and some of his companions were in receipt of small pensions which had been bestowed upon them for their services with the troops. Men of his kind were not likely to take any lively interest in the squabbles as to questions of taxation, but when they found that it was coming to a fighting they again offered their services to the government as a matter of course. Some were attached to the regular troops as scouts, while others were divided among the newly raised companies of loyalists. Peter Lambton had for the last four years been settled at Concord. During the war with the French he had served as a scout with the regiment to which Captain Wilson belonged and had saved that officer's life when with a portion of his company he was surrounded and cut off by hostile Indians. A strong feeling of friendship had sprung up between them and when four years before there had been a lull in the English fighting on the frontier Peter had retired on his pension and the savings which he had made during his many years work as a hunter and had located himself in a cottage on Captain Wilson's estate. It was the many tales told him by the hunter of his experiences in Indian warfare that had fired Harold with a desire for the life of a frontier hunter and had given him such a knowledge of forest life as had enabled him to throw off the Indians from his trail. On Harold's return the old hunter had listened with extreme interest to the story of his adventures and had taken great pride in the manner in which he had utilized his teachings. Peter made his appearance in the city three days after the arrival of Captain Wilson there. I look upon this here affair is a fable occurrence for Harold he said to Captain Wilson. The boy has lots of spirit but if it had not been for this he might have grown up a regular town Greenhorn fit for nothing but to walk about in a long coat and to talk pleasant with women but this will just be the making of him. With your permission Cap I'll take him under my charge and teach him to use eyes and his ears and I reckon he'll turn out as good an engine fighter as you'll see on the frontier. But it is not Indians that we're going to fight Peter Captain Wilson said. I heartily wish it was. It'll be the same thing Peter said. Not here in course there'll be battles between the regulars and the colonists. Regular battles like that at Quebec where both parties was full enough to march about in the open and get shot down by hundreds. I don't call that fighting. That's just killing and there ain't no more sense in it than an in two hurt a buffalo charging each other on the prairie. But there'll be plenty of real fighting. Expeditions in the woods and engine skirmishes for y'all be sure that the engines will join in some on one side and some on the other and it ain't in their nature to sit still in their village while powders being burned. A few months of this work will make a man of them and he might have a worse teacher than Peter Lampton. You just hand him over to my care cap and I'll teach him all I know of the ways of the woods and I tell you there ain't no better kind of dedication for a young fella. He learns to use the senses God has given to keep his head when another man would lose his presence of mind, to have the eye of a hawk and the ear of a hound, to get so that he scarcely knows what it is to be tired or hungry, to be able to live while other men would starve to read the signs of the woods like a printed book and to be in every way a man and not a tailor's figure. There is a great deal in what you say old friend Captain Wilson answered and such a training cannot but do a man good. I wish with all my heart that it had been entirely with red faces that the fighting was to be done however that cannot be helped and as he is to fight he could not be in better hands than yours so long as we remain here I shall teach him what drill I can with the rest of the company but when we leave this town and the work really begins I shall put him in your charge to learn the duties of the young Negro Jake had also enlisted for throughout the war the Negroes fought on both sides according to the politics of their masters. There were only two other Negroes in the company and Captain Wilson had some hesitation in enlisting them but they made good soldiers. In the case of Jake, Captain Wilson knew that he was influenced in his wish to join solely by his affection for Harold and the lad's father felt that in the moment of danger the Negro would be ready to lay down his life for him. There was great satisfaction in the band when they received news that they were at last about to take the field. The longing action had been most worrisome to them and they knew that any fighting that would take place around Boston would be done by the regular forces. Food too was very scarce in town and they were heartily weary of the regular drill and discipline. They were then in high spirits as they embarked on board the Thetis, sleep of war, and sailed from Boston Harbor. It was a pitiful parting between Mrs. Wilson and her husband and son. It had been arranged that she would sail for England in a ship that was leaving the following week and should there stay with her husband's family from whom she had had a warm invitation to make their home her own until the war was over. The Thetis ran out to sea as soon as night fell. Her bow was turned to land again and about midnight the anchor was let fall near the shore some 20 miles north of Boston. The landling was quickly affected and with three days provisions in their knapsacks the little parties started on their march. One of the scouts who had come from that neighborhood led them by paths which avoided all villages and farms. At daybreak they bivouacked in a wood and at nightfall resumed the march. By the next morning they had left the settlements behind and entered a belt of swamp and forest extending west to the St. Lawrence. End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 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 6 Scouting A party of six men were seated around a fire in the forest which covered the slopes of the northern shore of Lake Champlain. The spot had been chosen because a great tree had fallen bringing down several others in its course and opening a vista through which a view could be obtained of the surface of the lake. The party consisted of Peter Lampton, Harold, Jake, Ephraim Potter, another Old Frontiersmen, and two Indians. The company under Captain Wilson had made its way safely to the St. Lawrence after undergoing considerable hardships in the forest. They had been obliged to depend entirely on what game they could shoot and such fish as they could catch in the rivers whose course they followed. They had, however, reached Montreal without loss and there they found that General Carlton had in all about 500 regulars and about 200 volunteers who had recently been engaged. It was clear that if the people of Canada were as hostile to the connection with England as were those of the other colonies, the little force at the disposal of the English General could do nothing to defend the colony against the strong force which the Americans were collecting for its invasion. Fortunately, this was not the case. Although the Canadians were of French descent and the province had been rested by arms from France, they for the most part preferred being under English rule to joining the insurgent colonies. They had been in no way oppressed by England, their property had been respected, and above all things no attempt had ever been made to interfere with their religion. In the New England provinces the hard Puritan spirit of the early fathers had never ceased to prevail. Those who had fled from England to obtain freedom of worship had been intolerant persecutors of all religion different from their own. The consequence was that the priests of Canada were wholly opposed to any idea of union with the insurgent colonists. Their influence over the people was great, and although these still objected to the English rule and would have readily taken up arms against it under other circumstances, they had too little sympathy with the New Englanders to join in their movement, which if successful would have placed Canada under the rule of the United States instead of that of England. The upper classes of Canadians were almost to a man loyal to the English connection. They had been well treated and enjoyed a greater state of independence than had been the case under French rule. Moreover, they were for the most part descended from old French families, and their sympathies were entirely opposed to popular insurrection. Thus, when Captain Wilson and his party reached Montreal, they found that, in spite of the paucity of English troops under the command of General Carlton, the position was not so bad as had been feared by General Gage. It was possible, and indeed probable, that Upper Canada might fall into the hands of the Americans, and that even Quebec itself might be captured. But unless the people joined the Americans, the success of the latter would be but temporary. With the spring, the navigation of the river would be open, and reinforcements would arrive from England. The invaders would then be at a disadvantage. Separated from home by a wide tract of forest-covered country, they would have the greatest difficulty in transporting artillery, ammunition, and stores, and fighting as an army in invasion, they would be placed in a very different position to that occupied by the colonists fighting on their own ground. It was probable that for a time the tide of invasion would succeed. The Indians of the Five Nations, as those dwelling near the British frontier at this point were called, had volunteered their services to the General to cross the frontier to recapture Ticonder, Roga, and Crown Point, which had been seized by the Americans, and to carry the war into the colonies. But General Carleton, an exceedingly humane and kind-hearted man, shrank from the horrors that such warfare would entail upon the colonists. He accepted the services of the Indians as far as the absolute defense of Canada from invasion, but refused to allow them to cross the frontier. On the arrival of Captain Wilson with his little force, he was ordered to march at once to the Fort of St. John's, which was held by a party of regular troops. On arriving at that place, the two scouts had been sent down toward Lake Champlain to watch the proceedings of the enemy. Harold had obtained leave from his father to accompany the scouts, and Jake had been permitted to form one of the party. Peter Lampton had grumbled a little at this last addition to the number. He knew Jake's affection for his young master, and the great strength of the Negro would have rendered him useful in a hand-to-hand fight. But he was altogether unaccustomed to forest work, and his habit of bursting into fits of laughter on the smallest provocation, as is the manner of his race, enraged the scout to the last degree. Indeed, he had not left the Fort above an hour when he turned savagely on the Negro. Looky here, he said. If that's the way you're going on, the sooner he turns your face and tramps back to the Fort the better. When you were at Concord it done no harm to make as much noise as a jackass braying whenever you opened that mouth of yours, but it won't do in the forests. It would cost us our har in your wool if you were to make that noise with the enemy anywhere within fifteen miles of your. I ain't a-going if I knows it to risk my scalp on such a venture as this. Still less I ain't going to see this young chap's life thrown away. His father has put him in my charge, and I ain't going to see him sacrificed in no such way. So you've got to make up your mind, you've got to keep that mouth of yours shut tight, or you've got to tramp back to the Fort. Jake gave many promises of silence, and although at first he often raised his voice to a point far exceeding that considered by the hunters safe in the woods, he was each time checked by such a savage growl on the part of Peter, or by a punch in the ribs from Harold that he quickly fell into the ways of the others and never spoke above a loud whisper. At a short distance from the Fort they were joined by the two Indians who were also out on a scouting expedition on their own account. They had previously been well known both to Peter and Ephraim. They were warriors of the Seneca tribe, one of the five nations. They had now been for two days on the North Shore of Lake Champlain. They were sitting round a fire eating a portion of a deer which had been shot by Harold that morning. So far they had seen nothing of the enemy. They knew that three thousand men under Skyler and Montgomery had marched to the other end of the lake. The colonists had been sending proclamations across the frontier to the inhabitants, saying that they were coming as friends to free them from the yoke of England, and calling upon them to arise and strike for freedom. They were also in negotiation with some of the chiefs of the five nations and with other Indian tribes to induce them to join with them. I propose, Peter said, when the meal was finished and he had lighted his pipe, to go down the lake and see what they're doing. Deertail here tells me that he knows where there's a canoe. He, Harold, and me will go and reconnoitre a bit. The other three had best wait here till we comes back with news. In course, chief, he continued to the other Indian after explaining to him in his own language what he intended to do, you'll be guided by circumstances. You can see a long way down the lake, and if anything should lead you to think that we're in trouble, you can take such steps as may seem best to you. It's mighty little, I should think, of the crowd of colonists. But, F, as you say, a number of the warriors of the five nations indignant at the rejection of their offers by the English general have gone down and joined the colonists, it'll be a different affair altogether. The elk, as the second Seneca chief was called, nodded his assent. In a few words, Peter told Harold what had been arranged. Jake looked downcast when he heard that he was not to accompany his master, but as he saw the latter had, since leaving the fort, obeyed without questioning every suggestion of the scout, he offered no remonstrance. A quarter of an hour later Peter rose, Deertail followed his example, and Harold at once took up his rifle and fell in in their steps. There was but little talk in the woods, and the matter having been settled it did not enter the mind either of Peter or of the Indian to say a word of adieu to their comrades. Harold imitated their example, but gave a nod and a smile to Jake as he started. Half an hour's tramp took them to the shore of the lake. Here they halted for a minute while the Indian closely examined the locality. With the wonderful power of making their way straight through the forest to the required spot, which seems to be almost an instinct among Indians, Deertail had struck the lake within two hundred yards of the point which he aimed at. He led the way along the shore till he came to a spot where a great maple had fallen into the lake. Here he turned into the forest again and in fifty yards came to a clump of bushes. These he pushed aside and pointed to a canoe which was lying hidden among them. Peter joined him, the two lifted the boat out, placed it on their shoulders, and carried it to the lake. There were three paddles in it. Peter motioned Harold to take his place in the stern and steer, while he and the Indian knelt forward and put their paddles in the water. Keep her along on the right shore of the lake about fifty yards from the trees. There's no fear of anyone lurking about near this end. The canoe was light and well made and darted quickly over the water under the strokes of the two paddlers. It was late in the afternoon when they started and before they had gone many miles darkness had fallen. The canoe was run in close to shore where she lay in the shadow of the trees until morning. Just as the sun rose, the red skin and Peter simultaneously dipped their paddles in the water and sent the canoe under the arches of the trees. They had at the same instant caught sight of four canoes making their way along the lake. Them's engines, Peter whispered, they're scouting to see if the lake's free. If the general could have got a couple of gun boats up the sorrel, the enemy could never have crossed the lake and it would have given them a month's work to take their guns round it. It's lucky we were well under the trees or we should have been seen. What had we best do, dear tale? For two or three minutes the scouts converse together in the Indian tongue. The Seneca agrees with me, Peter said. It's like enough there are engines scouting along both shores. We must lay up here till nightfall. If we're seen they'd signal by smoke and we should have them canoes back again in no time. By their coming I expect the expedition is starting but it won't do to go back without being sure of it. The canoe was paddled to a spot where the bushes grew thickly by the bank. It was pushed among these and the three after eating some cooked deer's flesh which they had brought with them prepared to pass the day. The Seneca and I'll keep watch by turns, the scout said. We'll wake you if we want ye. Harold was by this time sufficiently accustomed to the ways of the woods to obey orders at once without offering to take his turn at watching as his inclination led him to do and he was soon sound asleep. It was late in the afternoon when he was awoke by the scout touching him. There are some critters coming along the bank, he said in a whisper. They ain't likely to see us but it's best to be ready. Harold sat up in the canoe, rifle in hand, and listening intently, heard a slight sound such as would be produced by the snapping of a twig. Presently he heard upon the other side of the bushes, a few yards distant, a few low words in the Indian tongue. He looked at his companions. They were sitting immovable, each with his rifle directed toward the sound, and Harold thought it would fare badly with any of the passers if they happened to take a fancy to peer through the bushes. The Indians had, however, no reason for supposing that there were any enemies upon the lake, and they consequently passed on without examining more closely the thicket by the shore. Not until it was perfectly dark did Peter give the sign for the continuance of the journey. This time instead of skirting the lake, the canoe was steered out toward its center. For some time they paddled and then several lights were seen from ahead. I thought so, the scout said. They've crossed to the Isle Lamotte, and they're making as many fires as if they were having a sort of picnic at home. We must wait till they burns out, for we dare and go near the place with the water lit up for two or three hundred yards round. It won't be long, for I reckon it must be past eleven o'clock now. The fires were soon seen to burn down. The paddles were dipped in the water and the canoe approached the island. I'd give something, Peter said, to know whether there's any redskins there. If there are, our chance of landing without being seen ain't worth talking of. If there ain't, we might land a whole fleet. At any rate, we must risk it. Now, Harold, the chief and me'll land and find out how many men there are here, and if we can, how long they're likely to stop. You keep the canoe about ten yards from shore, in the shadow of the trees, and be ready to move close the instant you hear my call. I'll just give a croak of a fraud. The instant we get in, you paddle off without a word. F.E. hears any shouts and judges as how we've been seen, you must just act upon the best of your judgment. The boat glided noiselessly up to the shore. All was still there, the encampment being at the other side of the island. The two scouts red and white stepped noiselessly on to the land. Harold backed the canoe a few paces with a quick stroke upon the paddle, and seeing close to him a spot where a long branch of a tree dipped into the water, he guided the canoe among the foliage and there sat without movement, listening almost breathlessly. There many minutes had elapsed, he heard footsteps coming along the shore. They stopped when near him. Three or four minutes passed without the slightest sound, and then a voice said in tones which the speaker had evidently tried to lower, but which were distinctly audible in the canoe. I tell your red skin, it seems to me as how you've brought us here on a fool's errand. I don't see no signs of a canoe, and it ain't likely that the British would be along the lake here, seeing as how there's a score of canoes with your people in them scouting ahead. I heard canoe, another voice said. First at other end of the island, and then coming along here. And if you did, the first speaker said, likely enough it was one of the canoes of your people. No, the Indian answered, if canoe come back with news, would have come straight to fires. Well, it ain't here anyway, the first speaker said, and I don't believe you ever heard a canoe at all. It's enough to make a man swear to be called up just as we were making ourselves comfortable for the night on account of an Indian's fancies. I wonder at the generals listening to them. However, we've got our orders to go around the island and see if there's any canoe on either shore. So we'd better be moving, else we shall not get to sleep before morning. Harold held his breath as the group passed opposite to him. Fortunately, the trunk of the tree grew from the very edge of the water, and there were several bushes growing around it, so that at this point, the men had to make a slight detour inland. Harold felt thankful, indeed, that he had taken the precaution of laying his canoe among the thick foliage. For although the night was dark, it would have been instantly seen had it been lying on the surface of the lake. Even as it was, a close inspection might have detected it, but the eyes of the party were fixed on the shore, as it was there, if at all, that they expected to find an empty canoe lying. Harold was uneasy at the discovery that there were still some Redskins on the island. It was possible, of course, that the one he had heard might be alone as a scout, but it was more likely that others of the tribe were also there. After landing, Peter and the Seneca made their way across the island to the side facing the American shore. Creeping cautiously along, they found a large number of flat-bottomed boats, in which the Americans had crossed from the mainland, and which were Peter thought capable of carrying two thousand men. They now made their way toward the spot where the forces were encamped. The fires had burned low, but around a few of them men were still sitting and talking. Motioning to the Seneca to remain quiet, Peter centered cautiously out onto the clearing where the camp was formed. He had little fear of detection, for he wore no uniform, and his hunter's dress afforded no index to the party to which he was attached. A great portion of the Americans were still in their ordinary attire, it having been impossible to furnish uniforms for so great a number of men as had been suddenly called to arms throughout the colonies. From the arbors of vows which had been erected in all directions, he judged that the force had been already some days upon the island. But large numbers of men were sleeping in the open air and picking his way cautiously among them, he threw himself down at a short distance from one of the fires by which three or four men were sitting. For some time they talked of camp matters, the shortness of food, and the want of provisions. It is bad here, one said presently. It will be worse when we move forward. Skyler will be here tomorrow with the rest of the army, and we are to move down to Isle-en-Noir at the end of the lake, and I suppose we shall land at once in March against St. John's. There are only a couple of hundred Britishers there, and we shall make short work of them. The sooner the better, I say, another speaker remarked, I am ready enough to fight, but I hate all this waiting about. I want to get back to my farm again. You are in a hurry, you are, the other said. You don't suppose we are going to take Canada in a week's time, do you? Even if the Canadians join us, and by what I hear that ain't so certain after all, we shall have to march down to Quebec, and that's no child's play. I know the country there. It is now September 4, another month, and the winter will be upon us, and a Canadian winter is no joke, I can tell you. The more reason for not wasting any more time, the other one grumbled. If Montgomery had his way, we should go with them quickly enough, but Skyler is always delaying. He has kept us waiting now since the 17th of last month. We might have been halfway to Quebec by this time. Yes, the other said, if the Britishers had run away as we came, but we have got St. John's and Fort Chambley to deal with, and they may hold out some time. However, the sooner we begin the job, the sooner it will be over, and I am heartily glad that we move tomorrow. Peter had now obtained the information he required, and rising to his feet again, with a grumbling remark as to the hardness of the ground, he sauntered away toward the spot where he had left the Indian. Just as he did so, a tall figure came out from an arbor close by. A fire was burning just in front, and Peter saw that he was a tall, and handsome man of about 40 years of age. He guessed at once that he was in the presence of the colonial leader. You are, like myself, the newcomer said, unable to sleep, I suppose. Yes, General, Peter answered. I found I could not get off, and so I thought I'd stretch my legs in the wood a bit. They're lying so turnal, thick down there by the fires, one can't move without treading on them. Which regiment do you belong to? The Connecticut, Peter replied, for he knew by report that a regiment from this province formed part of the Indian. As good men as any I have, the general said cordially, their only fault is that they are in too great a hurry to attack the enemy. I agree with the rest, General, Peter said. It's dull work wasting our time here when we're wanted at home. I enlisted for six months, and the sooner the time's up, the better, say I. You have heard nothing moving, the general asked. One of the Chippewa men the general asked. One of the Chippewas told me that he heard a canoe out in the lake. Ah, here he is. At that moment five or six men headed by an Indian issued from the wood close by. It was too late for Peter to try to withdraw, but he stepped aside a pace or two as the party approached. Well, have you found anything? The general asked. No find, the Chippewa said shortly. I don't believe as there ever was a canoe there. The man who followed him said, it was just a fancy of the engines. No fancy, the Indian asserted angrily. Canoe there, no find. It might have been one of our own canoes, Montgomery said in a conciliatory tone. The Indians are seldom mistaken. Still, if no one has landed, it matters not either way. Only as we have had a tramp for nothing, the colonists said. However, there's time for a sleep yet. Hello, he exclaimed as his eye fell upon Peter Lampton. What, Peter? Why, how did you get here? Why, I thought as how— General, he exclaimed sharply turning to Montgomery. This man lives close to me at Concord. He's a royalist, he is, and went into Boston and joined the corps they got up there. Seize him, Montgomery shouted, but it was too late. As the man had turned to speak to the general, Peter darted into the wood. The Chippewa, without waiting to hear the statement of the colonist, at once devined the state of things, and uttering his war-woop dashed after the fugitive. Two or three of the colonists instantly followed, and a moment later, three or four Indians who had been lying on the ground leaped up and darted like phantoms into the wood. The general no sooner grasped the facts than he shouted in order for pursuit, and a number of the men most accustomed to frontier work had once followed the party of pursuers. Others would have done the same, but Montgomery shouted that no more should go, as they would only be in the other's way, and there could not be more than two or three spies on the island. After the Chippewa's first war cry, there was silence for the space of a minute in the forest. Then came a wild scream mingled with another Indian yell. A moment later, the leading pursuers came upon the body of the Chippewa. His skull had been cleft with a tomahawk, and the scalp was gone. As they were clustered round the body, two or three of the Indians ran up. They raised the Indian whale as they saw their comrade, and with the rest took up the pursuit. Peter and the Seneca were now far among the trees, and as their pursuers had nothing to guide them, they reached the spot where they had left the canoe unmolested. On the signal being given, Harold instantly paddled to the shore. Not a word was spoken until the canoe was well out in the lake. Occasional shots were heard on shore, as the pursuers fired at objects which they thought were men. Presently allowed Indian cry rose from the shore. They see us, Peter said. We're out of shot, and can take it easy. The Redskins said a few words. You're right, Chief. The Chief says, he explained to Harold, that as there are Redskins on the island, they have probably some canoes. The moon's just getting up beyond that hill, and it'll be light enough to see us half across the lake. It would not matter if the water was free, but what with Indians prowling along the shores and out in the lake, we shall have to use our wits to save our har. Look, he exclaimed two or three minutes later, as two columns of bright flame at a short distance from them shot up at the end of the island. Their engine signals, as far as they can be seen, engines will know that there are enemies on the lake. Now peddle your hardest, Harold, and do you, Chief, keep your eyes and your ears open for sights and sounds. Under the steady strokes of the three paddles, the bark canoes sped rapidly over the water. When the moon was fairly above the edge of the hill, they halted for a moment and looked back. The two columns of fire still blazed brightly on the island, which was now three miles astern, and two dark spots could be seen on the water about half way between them and it. You can paddle, my lads, Peter Lampton said to the distant foes, but you'll never catch us. I wouldn't heed you if it weren't for the other varmint ahead. He stood up in the canoe and looked anxiously over the lake. It's all clear as far as I can see at present, he said. Can't we land, Peter, and make our way back on foot? Bless you, Peter said. There ain't a native along the shore there, but has got his eye on this canoe. We might as well take her straight back to the island as try to land. Better, for we should get a few hours before they tried and shot us there while the engines would not give us a minute. No, we must just keep to the water, and now paddle on again, but take it quietly. It's no odds to let the varmints behind gain on us a little. You needn't think about them. When the danger comes, we shall want every ounce of our strength. For half an hour they paddled steadily on. The pursuing canoes were now less than a mile behind them. I'd give a good deal, muttered the scout, for a few black clouds over the moon. We'd make for sure, then, and risk it. It will be getting daylight before long. Ah, he exclaimed, causing suddenly as the chief stopped rowing. A canoe on each side is rowing out to cut us off. Harold was now paddling forward while the scout had the place at the stern. The former was surprised to feel the canoe shooting off from its former course at right angles toward the shore. Then, curving still more round, they began to paddle back along the lake. The canoes which had been pursuing them were nearly abreast of each other. They had embarked from opposite sides of the island, but they had been gradually drawing together, although still some distance apart, when Peter turned his canoe. Seeing his maneuver, both turned to head him off. But by so doing, they occupied an entirely different position in relation to each other, one canoe being nearly half a mile nearer to them than the other. Take it easy, Peter said. These varmints will cut us off and we've got to fight, but we can cripple the one nearest to us before the other comes up. The boats were now darting over the water in a line which promised to bring the leading canoe almost in collision with that of Peter. When within two hundred yards of each other, Peter ceased rowing. Now, he said, Harold, see if you can pick one of them fellows off. It's no easy matter traveling at the pace they are. You fire first. Harold took a steady aim and fired. A yell of derision told that he had missed. The Indians stopped paddling. There was a flash and a ball struck the canoe. At the same moment, Peter fired. There's one down, he exclaimed. The Seneca fired but without result, and the three unwounded Indians in the canoe, for it had contained four men, replied with a volley. Harold felt a burning sensation as if a hot iron passed across his arm. Hit boy, Peter asked anxiously as he gave a short exclamation. Nothing to speak of, Harold replied. The varmints are lying by, waiting for the other canoe, paddle straight at them. The Indians at once turned the boat and paddled to meet their companions who were now fast approaching. Now, Peter exclaimed, we've got them in a line, a steady aim this time. The three rifles spoke out. One of the Indians fell into the boat and the paddle of another was struck from his grasp. Now, the shout scouted, paddle away, we've got them all fairly behind us. Day broke just as they were again abreast of the island. One canoe was following closely, two others were a mile and a half behind, while the one with which they had been engaged had made for the shore. What do you mean to do, Harold asked Peter? I mean to run as close as I can round the end of the island and then make for the place where they must have embarked on the mainland. They may have seen the signal fires there, but will not know what has been going on. So now row your best, we must leave the others as far behind as possible. For the first time since they started, the three paddlers exerted themselves to the utmost. They had little fear that there were any more canoes on the island, for had there been, they would have joined in the chase. It was only necessary to keep so far from the end of the island, as would take them out of reach of the fire. Several shots were discharged as they passed, but these fell short as the canoe shot along at its highest rate of speed, every stroke taking it further from the nearest pursuer. At the end of an hour's paddling, this canoe was a mile and a half behind. Its rowers had apparently somewhat abated their speed in order to allow the other two boats to draw up to them, for the results of the encounter between their comrades in the fugitives had not been of a nature to encourage them to undertake a single-handed contest with them.